Towards a Canary Islands barcode database for soil biodiversity: revealing cryptic and unrecorded mite species diversity within insular soils.

Soil arthropod diversity contributes to a high proportion of the total biodiversity on Earth. However, most soil arthropods are still undescribed, hindering our understanding of soil functioning and global biodiversity estimations. Inventorying soil arthropods using conventional taxonomical approaches is particularly difficult and costly due to the great species richness, abundance and local-scale heterogeneity of mesofauna communities and the poor taxonomic background knowledge of most lineages. To alleviate this situation, we have designed and implemented a molecular barcoding framework adapted to soil fauna. This pipeline includes different steps, starting with a morphology-based selection of specimens which are imaged. Then, DNA is extracted non-destructively. Both images and voucher specimens are used to assign a taxonomic identification, based on morphology that is further checked for consistency with molecular information. Using this procedure, we studied 239 specimens of mites from the Canary Islands including representatives of Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes and Trombidiformes, of which we recovered barcode sequences for 168 specimens that were morphologically identified to 49 species, with nine specimens that could only be identified at the genus or family levels. Multiple species delimitation analyses were run to compare molecular delimitations with morphological identifications, including ASAP, mlPTP, BINs and 3% and 8% genetic distance thresholds. Additionally, a species-level search was carried out at the Biodiversity Databank of the Canary Islands (BIOTA) to evaluate the number of species in our dataset that were not previously recorded in the archipelago. In parallel, a sequence-level search of our sequences was performed against BOLD Systems. Our results reveal that multiple morphologically identified species correspond to different molecular lineages, which points to significant levels of unknown cryptic diversity within the archipelago. In addition, we evidenced that multiple species in our dataset constituted new records for the Canary Islands fauna and that the information for these lineages within online genetic repositories is very incomplete. Our study represents the first systematic effort to catalogue the soil arthropod mesofauna of the Canary Islands and establishes the basis for the Canary Islands Soil Biodiversity barcode database. This resource will constitute a step forward in the knowledge of these arthropods in a region of special interest.

Multi-scale datasets for monitoring Mediterranean oak forests from optical remote sensing during the SENTHYMED/MEDOAK experiment in the north of Montpellier (France).

Mediterranean forests represent critical areas that are increasingly affected by the frequency of droughts and fires, anthropic activities and land use changes. Optical remote sensing data give access to several essential biodiversity variables, such as species traits (related to vegetation biophysical and biochemical composition), which can help to better understand the structure and functioning of these forests. However, their reliability highly depends on the scale of observation and the spectral configuration of the sensor. Thus, the objective of the SENTHYMED/MEDOAK experiment is to provide datasets from leaf to canopy scale in synchronization with remote sensing acquisitions obtained from multi-platform sensors having different spectral characteristics and spatial resolutions. Seven monthly data collections were performed between April and October 2021 (with a complementary one in June 2023) over two forests in the north of Montpellier, France, comprised of two oak endemic species with different phenological dynamics (evergreen: Quercus ilex and deciduous: Quercus pubescens) and a variability of canopy cover fractions (from dense to open canopy). These collections were coincident with satellite multispectral Sentinel-2 data and one with airborne hyperspectral AVIRIS-Next Generation data. In addition, satellite hyperspectral PRISMA and DESIS were also available for some dates. All these airborne and satellite data are provided from free online download websites. Eight datasets are presented in this paper from thirteen studied forest plots: (1) overstory and understory inventory, (2) 687 canopy plant area index from Li-COR plant canopy analyzers, (3) 1475 in situ spectral reflectances (oak canopy, trunk, grass, limestone, etc.) from ASD spectroradiometers, (4) 92 soil moistures and temperatures from IMKO and Campbell probes, (5) 747 leaf-clip optical data from SPAD and DUALEX sensors, (6) 2594 in-lab leaf directional-hemispherical reflectances and transmittances from ASD spectroradiometer coupled with an integrating sphere, (7) 747 in-lab measured leaf water and dry matter content, and additional leaf traits by inversion of the PROSPECT model and (8) UAV-borne LiDAR 3-D point clouds. These datasets can be useful for multi-scale and multi-temporal calibration/validation of high level satellite vegetation products such as species traits, for current and future imaging spectroscopic missions, and by fusing or comparing both multispectral and hyperspectral data. Other targeted applications can be forest 3-D modelling, biodiversity assessment, fire risk prevention and globally vegetation monitoring.

Amphibians and reptiles of the Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista - Itaipu Dam, state of Paraná, southern Brazil / Anfíbios e répteis do Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista - hidrelétrica Itaipu, estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil

Abstract Information regarding species occurrence is fundamental to understanding biodiversity distribution. However, the biodiversity from the west of the state of Paraná has been historically less studied, especially amphibians and reptiles. For this reason, we present the first reptile list of species from the west of the state of Paraná and extend the current list of anurans for the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu. The species list was based on a systematic field study conducted at Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista (RBV) a conservation area within the Hydroelectric Power Itaipu Binacional. We integrated the species list with previous species observations available in the literature for the same place where our sampling was conducted. A total of 41 species of amphibians and reptiles are presented. All amphibians species found were recorded in the field; however, from the 22 species of reptiles recorded, three were historical records obtained before this study. Species were all classified as Least Concern and/or had stable populational status according to the IUCN. Sampling sufficiency was achieved for anurans but not for reptiles, probably due to low abundance of several snake species. The most abundant species of anuran was Dendropsophus nanus, from the Hylidae family, whereas Leptodactylus plaumanni and Scinax squalirostris were represented by only one individual each. The lizard Salvator merianae was the most abundant reptile, and seven species were represented by only one individual each. The most successful sampling method for adult anurans was active search in water bodies whereas most of reptile species were observed by accidental encounters and not through a systematic sampling method. We found that herpetofauna composition from RBV was similar to other communities from Paraná state that also occur within the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. Finally, as additional information to the species list, we offer species identification keys and discuss the importance of Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista to harbor the anuran and reptile diversity of the region.

Resumo Informações sobre a ocorrência de espécies são fundamentais para a compreensão da distribuição da biodiversidade. Porém, a biodiversidade do oeste do Estado do Paraná tem sido historicamente menos estudada, especialmente a de anfíbios e répteis. Por esse motivo, apresentamos a primeira lista de espécies de répteis do oeste do Estado do Paraná e ampliamos a lista atual de anuros para o município de Foz do Iguaçu. A lista de espécies foi baseada em um estudo sistemático de campo realizado em uma área de conservação dentro da Usina Hidrelétrica Itaipu Binacional. Integramos a lista de espécies com observações de espécies anteriores disponíveis na literatura para o mesmo local onde nossa amostragem foi realizada. Um total de 41 espécies são apresentadas. Todas as espécies de anuros encontradas foram registradas em campo; entretanto, das 22 espécies de répteis registradas, três foram registros obtidos antes deste estudo. Todas as espécies foram classificadas como "Pouco Preocupante" e/ou tinham status de "População Estável" de acordo com a IUCN. A suficiência amostral foi alcançada para anuros, mas não para répteis, provavelmente devido à baixa abundância de diversas espécies de serpentes. A espécie de anuro mais abundante foi Dendropsophus nanus, da família Hylidae, enquanto Leptodactylus plaumanni e Scinax squalirostris foram representados por apenas um indivíduo cada. O lagarto Salvator merianae foi o réptil mais abundante, e sete espécies foram representadas por um indivíduo cada. O método de amostragem mais bem sucedido para anuros adultos foi a busca ativa em corpos d'água, enquanto a maioria das espécies de répteis foi observada por encontros acidentais e não através de um método de amostragem sistematizado. Descobrimos que a composição da herpetofauna do Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista foi semelhante à de outras comunidades do estado do Paraná que também ocorrem dentro da Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. Por fim, como informações adicionais à lista de espécies, oferecemos chaves de identificação das espécies e discutimos sobre a importância da área de Itaipu para abrigar a diversidade de anuros e répteis da região.

More than a Bit of Fun: The Multiple Outcomes of a Bioblitz.

Bioblitzes are a popular approach to engage people and collect biodiversity data. Despite this, few studies have actually evaluated the multiple outcomes of bioblitz activities. We used a systematic review, an analysis of data from more than 1000 bioblitzes, and a detailed analysis of one specific bioblitz to inform our inquiry. We evaluated five possible bioblitz outcomes, which were creating a species inventory, engaging people in biological recording, enhancing learning about nature, discovering a species new to an area, and promoting an organization. We conclude that bioblitzes are diverse but overall effective at their aims and have advantages over unstructured biodiversity recording. We demonstrate for the first time that bioblitzes increase the recording activity of the participants for several months after the event. In addition, we provide evidence that bioblitzes are effective at bringing people and organizations together to build communities of professionals and amateurs, critical for conserving and protecting biodiversity.

Contributions to the biodiversity of Vietnam - Results of VIETBIO inventory work and field training in Cuc Phuong National Park.

VIETBIO [Innovative approaches to biodiversity discovery and characterisation in Vietnam] is a bilateral German-Vietnamese research and capacity building project focusing on the development and transfer of new methods and technology towards an integrated biodiversity discovery and monitoring system for Vietnam. Dedicated field training and testing of innovative methodologies were undertaken in Cuc Phuong National Park as part and with support of the project, which led to the new biodiversity data and records made available in this article collection. VIETBIO is a collaboration between the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science (MfN), the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum, Freie Universität Berlin (BGBM) and the Vietnam National Museum of Nature (VNMN), the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR), the Southern Institute of Ecology (SIE), as well as the Institute of Tropical Biology (ITB); all Vietnamese institutions belong to the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST). The article collection "VIETBIO" (https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.coll.63) reports original results of recent biodiversity recording and survey work undertaken in Cuc Phuong National Park, northern Vietnam, under the framework of the VIETBIO project. The collection consist of this "main" cover paper - characterising the study area, the general project approaches and activities, while also giving an extensive overview on previous studies from this area - followed by individual papers for higher taxa as studied during the project. The main purpose is to make primary biodiversity records openly available, including several new and interesting findings for this biodiversity-rich conservation area. All individual data papers with their respective primary records are expected to provide useful baselines for further taxonomic, phylogenetic, ecological and conservation-related studies on the respective taxa and, thus, will be maintained as separate datasets, including separate GUIDs also for further updating.

First records of Aedes pulcritarsis (Rondani, 1872) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Austria.

Aedes pulcritarsis is a tree-hole breeding species with its main distribution in the Mediterranean area. Within the scope of two independent monitoring programmes, this mosquito species was detected for the first time in Austria, in the province of Lower Austria (2018, districts Mistelbach and Gaenserndorf; 2020, district Bruck an der Leitha). As the climatic and habitat situation in Central Europe seems to be generally suitable for this species, the most likely explanation for the species not being recorded previously is that it might have been overlooked in the past due to its specialized breeding habitat. However, further research on the distribution of Ae. pulcritarsis in Austria would be needed to support this hypothesis. The results from this study will contribute to the investigation of the northern distribution limit of Ae. pulcritarsis in Europe and possible changes thereof.

Two new species of Anacaena Thomson, 1859 (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae) from Northern Luzon, Philippines.

Two species of Anacaena Thomson, 1859, A.angatbuhay sp. nov. and A.auxilium sp. nov., are described from Northern Luzon, Philippines. The new species can be distinguished through colour, body shape, surface puncturation and characteristic aedeagi. Descriptions are provided and complemented with habitus photographs and drawings of the aedeagi. Data on genus distribution in the Philippines are reviewed and an updated Philippine checklist is provided.

New record of Hymenophyllumcaudatum Bosch (Polypodiopsida, Hymenophyllaceae) extends the mainland distribution in the coastal Mediterranean Forest of South America.

During a botanical exploration in the Los Ruiles National Reserve (Chile), a population of Hymenophyllumcaudatum Bosch was identified. Fronds were found at the base of a rock, under a hygrophilous vegetation cover, in a ravine (35°49'56.49"S -72°30'42.44"W). The finding in this wilderness area extends the distribution by 120 km northwards on the mainland, which until now was limited to the coastal area of the city of Concepción (36°47'07.86"). This contribution presents an observed specimen, the site of the find and the accompanying species.

Checklist of freshwater fishes from Loreto, Peru / Lista de especies de peces de agua dulce de Loreto, Perú

Abstract This study presents an extensive review of published and unpublished occurrence records of fish species in the Loreto department. Located in the northeast of the country, Loreto is the most geographically extensive region in the Peruvian territory. Despite the increase in fish collections in Loreto in recent years, the ichthyofauna of this department needs to be more documented. Based on a database of scientific collections and bibliographic information, an updated checklist of the freshwater fishes from Loreto is presented. The results reveal a rich and diversified ichthyofauna, with 873 species distributed in 331 genera, 50 families and 15 orders. The main groups are Characiformes (42.6%), Siluriformes (34.8%), Gymnotiformes (8.6%) and Cichliformes (7.4%). Part of the ichthyofauna has restricted distribution for Loreto (4.7%). In addition, 9.0% of species from Loreto are used in fisheries. Meanwhile, 219 species (25%) were categorized according to the IUCN criteria where only six species (0.7%) are currently considered threatened species (CR, EN or VU). The results presented in this work indicate that this department needs more studies to know the biodiversity of fish, likewise, the information presented constitutes a contribution to the knowledge of fish diversity that would support environmental management actions and decision-making aimed at conserving one of the most diverse departments of Peru.

Resumen Este trabajo presenta una revisión de los registros de especies de peces, publicados y no publicados, del departamento de Loreto. Localizado al noreste del país, Loreto es el departamento más extenso del territorio peruano. A pesar del incremento en el número de las colectas de peces en Loreto en años recientes, la ictiofauna de este departamento necesita ser más documentada. Sustentado en los registros en bases de datos de colecciones científicas e información bibliográfica, se presenta una actualización de la lista de peces de agua dulce de Loreto. Los resultados revelaron una ictiofauna rica y diversificada, con 873 especies, distribuidas en 331 géneros, 50 familias y 15 órdenes. Los principales taxones fueron Characiformes (42.6%), Siluriformes (34.8%), Gymnotiformes (8.6%) y Cichliformes (7.4%). Parte de la ictiofauna tiene distribución restricta para Loreto (4.7%). Además, 9.0% de las especies son usadas en pesquerías de Loreto. Mientras tanto, 219 (25%) especies fueron categorizadas de acuerdo con los criterios de la IUCN, donde sólo seis especies (0.7%) son consideradas actualmente especies amenazadas (CR, EN o VU). Los resultados presentados en este trabajo señalan que este departamento necesita más estudios para conocer la biodiversidad de peces, así mismo, la información presentada constituye un aporte al conocimiento de la biodiversidad íctica que respaldarían las acciones de gestión ambiental y toma de decisiones destinados a conservar uno de los departamentos más diversos del Perú.

Ants of the Palouse Prairie: diversity and species composition in an endangered grassland.

Grasslands are globally imperilled ecosystems due to widespread conversion to agriculture and there is a concerted effort to catalogue arthropod diversity in grasslands to guide conservation decisions. The Palouse Prairie is one such endangered grassland; a mid-elevation habitat found in Washington and Idaho, United States. Ants (Formicidae) are useful indicators of biodiversity and historical ecological disturbance, but there has been no structured sampling of ants in the Palouse Prairie. To fill this gap, we employed a rapid inventory sampling approach using pitfall traps to capture peak ant activity in five habitat fragments. We complemented our survey with a systemic review of field studies for the ant species found in Palouse Prairie. Our field inventory yielded 17 ant species across 10 genera and our models estimate the total ant species pool to be 27. The highest ant diversity was found in an actively-managed ecological trust in Latah County, Idaho, suggesting that restoration efforts may increase biodiversity. We also report two rarely-collected ants in the Pacific Northwest and a microgyne that may represent an undescribed species related to Brachymyrmex depilis. Our score-counting review revealed that grassland ants in Palouse Prairie have rarely been studied previously and that more ant surveys in temperate grasslands have lagged behind sampling efforts of other global biomes.

[Multidimensional Verification of Anthropogenic VOCs Emissions Inventory Through Satellite Retrievals and Ground Observations].

In this paper, a regional emissions inventory of anthropogenic VOCs was established based on the traditional emissions factor method for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, followed by a multidimensional calibration study based on regional satellite remote sensing information for formaldehyde and typical urban ground VOCs. Inventory calculations showed that the VOCs emissions in BTH in 2013, 2015, and 2017 were 2026700, 2073400, and 1934200 tons, respectively, comprising alkanes (29.83% to 30.72%), unsaturated hydrocarbons (16.54% to 17.68%), aromatic hydrocarbons (27.14% to 27.51%), aldehydes (8.75% to 9.52%), ketones (8.13% to 9.04%), and aldehydes and ketones lipids (5.13% to 6.60%). During 2013-2017, the emission of VOCs in Zhangjiakou, Qinhuangdao, and Hengshui increased slightly (1.10% to 1.66% per year); emissions in Xingtai and Handan decreased slightly (-1.46% to -1.12% per year); and emissions in Chengde, Tangshan, Baoding, and Cangzhou were stable. There trends were consistent with the inter-annual trend of satellite-derived HCHO column concentrations. However, in Beijing, Tianjin, Langfang, and Shijiazhuang, annual variations in VOCs emissions (-6.51%, -3.30%, 2.16%, and 0.11% per year) and HCHO column concentrations (-1.17%, 7.19%, -0.24%, and 6.68% per year) were observed, respectively. In the regional VOCs inventory, a good linear correlation (R>0.5) was achieved between the grid emissions of VOCs and HCHO column concentrations in urban areas, while the correlation was only 0.33 in suburban areas. This is mainly due to the important influence of secondary conversion of VOCs originating from natural sources to HCHO in suburban areas. In addition, ground-level VOCs concentrations were observed in the urban areas of Beijing and Handan, where the emission ratios (ERs) of VOCs and CO were regressed. The ERs of most hydrocarbons were in good agreement with the regressed ERs, but the ERs of ethane were significantly lower (-156% to -73%) and the ERs of aromatic hydrocarbons above C8 were relatively high (54% to 74%). In general, the regional anthropogenic VOCs emissions inventory established in this paper offers high accuracy and reliability.

Trees, shrubs and herbs of the coastal Myrtaceae swamp forest (Región de La Araucanía, Chile): a dataset.

BACKGROUND: Species lists are fundamental for knowledge of species diversity in regions subject to intense anthropogenic pressure, especially in poorly-studied ecosystems. The dataset comes from an inventory conducted in 30 fragments of Myrtaceae swamp forest, located in an agroforestry matrix landscape of the coastal La Araucanía Region in Chile. The data collection was carried out using line transect sampling, which was traced through the core of each fragment orientated towards its longest axis. The dataset provides a record of 55 species (24 trees, 1 vine [as a host], 16 herbs and 15 shrubs) including accidental epiphytes (n = 7), hemiparasites (n = 4), host (n = 10) and additionally woody debris (n = 36). The most frequent trees in the landscape were Myrceugenia exsucca (n = 36 records) and Blepharocalyx cruckshanksii (n = 33 records), species that were also the most common hosts. Drimys winteri was a companion species, other trees and shrubs generally being rarely observed, as was the case of the introduced species (Prunus avium, Rubus constrictus and Ulex europaeus). Branches were the most common microhabitat for hemiparasites. Within this group, Lepidoceras chilense was the most frequent species. For accidental epiphytes, Drimys winteri, which commonly grows on the ground (soil), were the most common species found in the main trunk crotch. Some unusual observations were the climber Cissus striata as host of Tristerix corymbosus (hemiparasite) and Tristerix corymbosus as host of Lepidoceras chilense (hemiparasite). NEW INFORMATION: This study represents a landscape-scale sample of the swamp forest, which is distributed in a dispersed pattern over a large stretch of Chile. The data were collected from 30 forest patches (from 0.05 to 936 ha), located on the coast of the Araucanía. The database includes the presence of 55 species of vascular plants in 356 records. The main novelty of this contribution is the systematic classification of species under six traits, never before reported in the same database: (i) condition (coarse woody debris, fallen log, live, snag), (ii) habit (herb, shrub, tree), (iii) growth microhabitat (e.g. tree trunk, branch, main trunk crotch), (iv) growth form (accidental epiphyte, hemiparasite, terricolous, vegetative), (v) host species (as appropriate) and (vi) relative location of the species in the sampled patch and surrounding areas (core, border, matrix). Species not previously observed in these forests were: Gavilea spp., Hieracium spp., Lophosoria quadripinnata, Berberis actinacantha, Gaultheria phillyreifolia, Ovidia pillo-pillo, Amomyrtus meli and Caldcluvia paniculata. In addition, two introduced species are novelties for the catalogue of vascular plants of Chile (Cupressus macrocarpa and Prunus avium). Several of these ecosystem traits are indeed new reports for these types of forests (e.g. accidental epiphytes, fallen logs, species-host relationship); at the same time, more frequent data (i.e. species composition, habit) are found in different contributions, making the comprehensive process of analysis difficult. Accordingly, the database is made available in this manuscript.

First records raise questions: DNA barcoding of Odonata in the middle of the Mediterranean.

We present the results of the first-ever DNA barcoding study of odonates from the Maltese Islands. In total, 10 morphologically identified species were collected during a two-week long expedition in 2018. Eighty cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcodes were obtained from the collected specimens. Intra- and interspecific distances ranged from 0.00% to 2.24% and 0.48% to 17.62%, respectively. Successful species identification based on ascribing a single morphological species to a single Barcode Index Number (BIN) was achieved for eight species (80%). In the case of two species, Ischnura genei and Anax parthenope, BINs were shared with other closely related species. The taxonomic status of I. genei is questionable and the phylogenetic relationship between A. imperator/parthenope is not clear. Further studies involving a series of adult specimens collected in a wide spatial range and nuclear markers are necessary to resolve these cases. Therefore, this dataset serves as an initial DNA barcode reference library for Maltese odonates, within a larger project: Aquatic Macroinvertebrates DNA Barcode Library of Malta.

Composition and diversity of phytophilous cladocerans of oxbow lakes of Southwest Amazonian, Acre state, Brazil / Composição e diversidade de cladóceros fitófilos de lagos de meandro do sudoeste da Amazônia, estado do Acre, Brasil

Abstract: The objective of this study was to inventory the community of cladocerans associated with macrophytes in oxbow lakes of the Chandless River, located within the Chandless State Park, during the local dry season. In three lakes covered with macrophytes, 90 sample units were collected, arranged over nine transects. Twenty species of cladocerans were found, which 16 are new records for the state of Acre. Mascote Lake had the largest abundance and richness, while São João Lake had the lowest indexes. The Shannon-Wiener index points to an average diversity within the work area, probably due to the difference in richness and abundance between the lakes.

Resumo: O objetivo desse estudo foi inventariar a comunidade de cladóceros associados às macrófitas aquáticas em três lagos de meandro do rio Chandless, dentro do Parque Estadual Chandless, no período da estação seca local. Em três lagos com cobertura de macrófitas foram amostradas noventa unidades amostrais, dispostas ao longo de nove transectos. Foram encontradas vinte espécies de cladóceros, sendo que dessas dezesseis são novos registros para o estado do Acre. O lago Mascote foi o que apresentou maior abundância e riqueza, enquanto o lago São João foi o que apresentou as menores. O índice de Shannon-Wiener aponta para uma diversidade dentro de valores locais conhecidos, provavelmente por conta da diferença da riqueza e da abundância entre os lagos.

Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) from Puerto Rico: a checklist with notes on distribution and habitat.

BACKGROUND: Conservation of tropical freshwater fauna requires a solid understanding of species biodiversity patterns. We provide an up to date annotated list of Odonata of Puerto Rico, which is based on current reports. The list is complemented with notes on the geographic and altitudinal distribution of this order on the island. We also compare current composition relative to early reports conducted when Puerto Rico was mostly an agricultural region. METHODS: We surveyed adult Odonata all over Puerto Rico with the aid of undergraduate students. Students were trained on capturing, preserving, and data basing specimens. All material was centralized, identified by the lead author, and deposited in the Zoology Museum at the University of Puerto Rico (MZUPR), Río Piedras campus. Surveys were complemented with focal collections by the authors and a literature review of published records for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. We requested records from specialists to obtain the most complete list of species for the island. RESULTS: An annotated list of Odonata from Puerto Rico is presented, reporting 49 species distributed in two suborders and four families. We provide information on species distribution among municipalities and elevations around Puerto Rico. A historic list of species was developed for the 1930s-1940s, when agriculture covered most of Puerto Rico, based on literature and museum specimens. Both current and historic records are similar and suggest that the Odonata fauna is dominated by generalist species and has changed little since the agricultural period. Our list provides a point of reference to understand biodiversity patterns in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean and for assessing the effects of land use change on aquatic insect diversity.

Two new genera and eight new species of jumping spiders (Araneae, Salticidae) from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China.

Two new genera and eight new species of jumping spiders from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) are diagnosed, described, and illustrated. The new genera are Dendroicius gen. nov. (type species D. hotaruae sp. nov. (♂♀)) and Megaeupoa gen. nov. (type species M. yanfengi sp. nov. (♂♀)). The new species are Colyttus yiwui sp. nov. (♂♀), Euophrys xuyei sp. nov. (♂♀), Foliabitus weihangi sp. nov. (♂♀), Nigorella mengla sp. nov. (♂♀), Onomastus chenae sp. nov. (♂♀), and Synagelides platnicki sp. nov. (♂♀). A new combination is proposed: Megaeupoa gravelyi (Caleb, 2018), comb. nov., ex Brettus Thorell, 1895. Two new synonyms have been proposed: Irura prima (Zabka, 1985), syn. nov. with Irura mandarina Simon, 1903; Evarcha digitata Peng & Li, 2002, syn. nov. with Ptocasius montiformis Song, 1991.

Checklist of the fresh and brackish water snails (Mollusca, Gastropoda) of Bénin and adjacent West African ecoregions.

Currently no comprehensive checklist of fresh and brackish water gastropods from Bénin exists, and those for adjacent West African areas are outdated. Yet, such checklists provide essential biodiversity information and a consistent taxonomic and nomenclatural framework for that biodiversity. Here a first checklist of the fresh and brackish water gastropods from Bénin and adjacent West African ecoregions is presented, based on an extensive literature review and field surveys between September 2014 and June 2019 in six major fresh and brackish water ecosystems in Bénin. This inventory includes information on synonymy, species distribution in West Africa, habitats, and conservation status. The fresh and brackish water gastropod fauna includes 60 species, belonging to 28 genera and 16 families. Pachychilidae, Ampullariidae, Neritidae, and Bulinidae were the most diverse families with 9, 8, 7, and 7 species, respectively. However, literature and field data indicated that 23 species observed in West African basins that extend to Bénin do not occur in the territory of Bénin. These species were not detected in our field surveys, most likely because they are rare at collecting sites. Of the 60 species included, five are classified as "Data Deficient", 43 as "Least Concern", two as "Nearly Threatened", one as "Vulnerable", and six as "Endangered" by the IUCN, whereas the remaining three species were not evaluated. Because the taxonomy of fresh and brackish water gastropods in West Africa is still largely based on morphology, comparative molecular and taxonomic studies may result in substantial revisions of this checklist over the coming years.

Utilization of species checklist data in revealing the spatial distribution of fish diversity.

Marine fish species checklists from six Chinese coastal waters were combined for the analysis of taxonomic diversity. The Genus-Family index (G-F index) ranged between 0.39 and 0.84, which generally indicated a decreasing trend with increasing latitude, with the exception of the southernmost area. Average taxonomic distinctness showed a slight increasing trend from northern to central study areas, but whether the taxonomic distinctness indices represent a latitudinal gradient of biodiversity requires further study. The multivariate analysis revealed a distinct latitudinal variation in fish assemblages. These results indicate that species checklist data are helpful in understanding the diversity distribution of fish species in the coastal zone. The potential of a species inventory should be exploited to fully understand biodiversity.

Fish fauna from the Paranapanema River basin, Brazil / Fauna de peixes da bacia do rio Paranapanema, Brasil

Abstract: The Paranapanema River is an important, extensively explored tributary of the Upper Paraná River basin. The fish fauna of the Paranapanema River has been investigated since the 1990s; however, no study has characterized the richness of fish species throughout the basin, including the main channel of the river, marginal lagoons, its tributaries, and sub-tributaries. Thus, we performed a review with 90 independent studies conducted at the upper, middle, and lower sections of the basin. We recorded 225 species, of which 165 were native, and 60 were non-native. We found that 77% of the species within the basin are composed by Siluriformes and Characiformes. Cichliformes had a significant number of non-native species established in impoundment sections of the basin. Incidence-Based Estimators (Bootstrap and Chao 2) demonstrated that the richness of native species is still underestimated. Some native (e.g., Hypostomus ancistroides) and non-native species (e.g., Plagioscion squamosissimus) are widely distributed in the basin, while others had a more restricted distribution. Among the registered species, the family Bryconidae had the highest number of representatives with threatened conservation status. In addition, we observed that the Capivara Reservoir and its tributaries were the most sampled regions, with the majority of studies performed in the Lower Paranapanema basin. The species richness recorded in large tributaries, such as Tibagi, Cinzas, Congonhas, and Pirapó rivers is critical for maintaining the fish fauna in the Paranapanema River. Our contribution may be used to support management actions and conservation strategies, as well as to indicate regions in the basin that need to be better inventoried.

Resumo: O rio Paranapanema é um importante tributário, amplamente explorado da bacia do Alto rio Paraná. A fauna de peixes do rio Paranapanema vem sendo investigada desde a década de 1990; no entanto, nenhum estudo caracterizou a riqueza de espécies de peixes em toda a bacia, incluindo o canal principal do rio, lagoas marginais, seus tributários e sub-tributários. Assim, realizamos uma revisão com 90 estudos independentes conduzidos nas regiões superior, média e inferior da bacia. Foram registradas 225 espécies, das quais 165 eram nativas e 60 eram não nativas. Verificamos que 77% das espécies dentro da bacia são compostas por Siluriformes e Characiformes. Cichliformes apresentou um número significativo de espécies não nativas estabelecidas em áreas de represamento da bacia. Estimadores de riqueza baseados em incidência (Bootstrap e Chao 2) demonstraram que a riqueza de espécies nativas ainda é subestimada. Algumas espécies nativas (e.g., Hypostomus ancistroides) e não nativas (e.g., Plagioscion squamosissimus) estão amplamente distribuídas na bacia, enquanto outras tem sua distribuição mais restrita. Entre as espécies registradas, a família Bryconidae obteve o maior número de representantes com status de conservação ameaçado. Além disso, observamos que o reservatório de Capivara e seus afluentes foram as regiões mais amostradas, sendo a maioria dos estudos realizados na bacia do baixo Paranapanema. A riqueza de espécies registrada em grandes afluentes, como os rios Tibagi, Cinzas, Congonhas e Pirapó, é fundamental para a manutenção da ictiofauna no rio Paranapanema. Nossa contribuição pode ser usada para apoiar ações de manejo e estratégias de conservação, bem como para indicar regiões na bacia que precisam ser melhor inventariadas.

Annotated checklist of fishes from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with notes on extralimital species.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a federal, marine protected area located off the central coast of California, USA. Understanding biodiversity, and how it is changing, is necessary to effectively manage the sanctuary. The large size of this sanctuary, which contains a variety of habitats and is influenced by several water masses, provides for a diverse fish fauna. The central California coast has a rich history of ichthyological research and surveys, contributing to a unique repository of information on fish diversity. Herein, we provide a checklist of fishes that occur within the sanctuary, including justification for each species. Ancillary record information including name-bearing type specimens, historic species, cold- or warm-water event species, introduced species, and occurrence at Davidson Seamount or Elkhorn Slough are also provided. This represents the first comprehensive annotated checklist of 507 fishes known to occur within the sanctuary. In addition, 18 species are considered to be extralimital. This annotated checklist of fishes can be used by those interested in zoogeography, marine protected areas, ichthyology, regional natural history, and sanctuary management.