The pygmy marmoset,the smallest of the anthropoid primates,has a broad distribution in Western Amazonia.Recent studies using molecular and morphological data have identified two distinct species separated by the Napo ...The pygmy marmoset,the smallest of the anthropoid primates,has a broad distribution in Western Amazonia.Recent studies using molecular and morphological data have identified two distinct species separated by the Napo and Solimoes-Amazonas rivers.However,reconciling this new biological evidence with current taxonomy,i.e.,two subspecies,Cebuella pygmaea pygmaea(Spix,1823)and Cebuella pygmaea niveiventris(Lönnberg,1940),was problematic given the uncertainty as to whether Spix’s pygmy marmoset(Cebuella pygmaea pygmaea)was collected north or south of the Napo and Solimoes-Amazonas rivers,making it unclear to which of the two newly revealed species the name pygmaea would apply.Here,we present the first molecular data from Spix’s type specimen of Cebuella pygmaea,as well as novel mitochondrial genomes from modern pygmy marmosets sampled near the type locality(Tabatinga)on both sides of the river.With these data,we can confirm the correct names of the two species identified,i.e.,C.pygmaea for animals north of the Napo and Solimoes-Amazonas rivers and C.niveiventris for animals south of these two rivers.Phylogenetic analyses of the novel genetic data placed into the context of cytochrome b gene sequences from across the range of pygmy marmosets further led us to reevaluate the geographical distribution for the two Cebuella species.We dated the split of these two species to 2.54 million years ago.We discuss additional,more recent,subdivisions within each lineage,as well as potential contact zones between the two species in the headwaters of these rivers.展开更多
Dear Editor,The Eocene(ca.56–34 million years ago)has become an important time to study due to the global warming at the time(e.g.,Inglis et al.,2020;Agterhuis et al.,2022;Tierney et al.,2022;Setty et al.,2023),hence...Dear Editor,The Eocene(ca.56–34 million years ago)has become an important time to study due to the global warming at the time(e.g.,Inglis et al.,2020;Agterhuis et al.,2022;Tierney et al.,2022;Setty et al.,2023),hence providing a comparison to modern climate change.The Eocene is also well known for spectacular fossils of the group Insecta,with flies,beetles,moths,and all their kin,not least due to exceptional preservation in differ-ent types of ambers,most well known the Baltic am-ber(Janzen,2002;Weitschat&Wichard,2002;Gröhn,2015).展开更多
Mantodea(praying mantises)is a group of exclusively predatory insects,which,together with nonraptorial blattodeans(cockroaches and termites)and groups exclusively found in the fossil record,form the group Dictyoptera....Mantodea(praying mantises)is a group of exclusively predatory insects,which,together with nonraptorial blattodeans(cockroaches and termites)and groups exclusively found in the fossil record,form the group Dictyoptera.A central characteristic of Mantodea is the specialization of their first pair of legs as raptorial grasping appendages,but the evolution from walking to raptorial legs is not yet fully understood.Here,we trace the evolution of the raptorial appendages in Dictyoptera through time using a morphometric(morphospaces)approach.We also describe two new mantodean nymphs preserved in amber from the Cretaceous and Eocene,which expand the scarce mantodean fossil record.Blattodean and mantodean appendages appear distinct in morphospace,but several appendages of fossil non-mantodeans can be considered raptorial,providing a potential transitional link between walking and raptorial morphotypes.Therefore,we discuss potential mantodean affinities for other predatory fossil dictyopterans.We examine changes across extant mantodeans,characterized by a straightening of the tibia especially associated with the rise of the diversification of the Mantidea and discuss whether a thickening of the femur could reflect an early adaptation to cursorial hunting.展开更多
Amblypygi are tropical and subtropical ambush predators that use elongated,raptorial pedipalps for different activities.Although pedipalp use in predation and courtship has been explored in videography in vivo analyse...Amblypygi are tropical and subtropical ambush predators that use elongated,raptorial pedipalps for different activities.Although pedipalp use in predation and courtship has been explored in videography in vivo analyses,kinematic ex vivo examination of these appendages has not been conducted.Here,we rectify this lack of data by using microCT scans to 3D-kinematically model the appendage morphology and the range of motion(ROM)of the joints for Damon medius and Heterophrynus elaphus.We illustrate the successful application of this technique to terrestrial euarthropods in determining the maximum ROM values for each pedipalp joint.We also note that,in life,these values would be lower due to motion restricting structures like tendons,arthrodial membranes,and muscles.We further compare our maximum values obtained here with data from video-based motion analyses.The ROM of each joint shows the greatest flexibility in the femur-tibia joint(140–150°),the lowest in the basitarsus-claw joint(35–40°).ROM in the tibia-basitarsus joint is markedly distinct(D.medius:44°;H.elaphus:105°).This disparity reflects how H.elaphus uses the joint in the capture basket,while D.medius uses the femur-tibia joint to form the capture basket.We further illustrate notable vertical motion of the H.elaphus pedipalp compared to D.medius.This difference reflects the retro-ventral trochanter apophysis of H.elaphus.Our study opens the possibility to further whip spider kinematic understanding.Examination of other taxa using this approach will result in a more comprehensive understanding of the ecological significance and ethological implications of this unique arachnid group.展开更多
Dear Editor,Hatching is a crucial moment in the life of an animal.The animal stops being an embryo protected by the egg and becomes a post-embryonic immature(see Haug,2020 for difficulties in naming these stages).This...Dear Editor,Hatching is a crucial moment in the life of an animal.The animal stops being an embryo protected by the egg and becomes a post-embryonic immature(see Haug,2020 for difficulties in naming these stages).This must have been the case in the past as well,but the fossil record is rather sparse in the preservation of this very moment.The fossil preservation of such a case needs to facilitate not only preservation of the animal,but also of the egg.As these are often of rather different material,making the preservation of both together in many cases unlikely.Yet,there are preservation types that seem to favor such incidents.Amber has become famous for preserving cases of“frozen behaviour",preserving a specific moment in the life of an animal in an almost life-like manner(Arillo,2007),including:copulations,parasite-host interactions,aggregations,group defense,brood care,egg-laying(although likely stress-induced).展开更多
Objective:To determine the infection of Aphanius dispar(A.dispar)by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis(I.multifiliis)in Iran.Methods:A total of 97(22 males and 75 females)individuals were collected using dip net from Mehran...Objective:To determine the infection of Aphanius dispar(A.dispar)by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis(I.multifiliis)in Iran.Methods:A total of 97(22 males and 75 females)individuals were collected using dip net from Mehran River,Hormuzgan Province,South of Iran in January 2008.Total length,standard length and weight of the collected specimens were measured to using vernier caliper.Whole body of fish was examined macroscopically for the presence of any blister.For the detection of Ichthyophthirius,the mucus was scraped gently from skin onto a micro slide and stained by Azo-carmine.Prevalence,intensity and abundance of parasite were analyzed.Results:In this study 50(51.55%)specimens including 12 males and 38 females were found infected with I.multifiliis which is an obligate protozoan parasite of freshwater fishes with a direct life cycle and it causes weight loss and mortality in fishes.The infection is known as ichthyophthiriasis or white spot disease,one of the most serious diseases in freshwater fishes.Prevalence,intensity and abundance of parasite in female and male fishes were 50.67%,29.26,14.83 and 54.55%,18 and 9.82,respectively.No sex preference and predilection of body site as microhabitats for this parasite in A.dispar,as well as in three length groups of fish standard length ranging 18-23 mm,23-28 mm and 28-34 mm.However,prevalence and abundance are significantly increased in larger fish than smaller one.Conclusions:This is the first report of I.multifiliis(Fouquet,1876)from A.dispar in Iran and this fish is considered as a new host for the parasite.展开更多
Objective:To determine the infesation of Aphanius sophiae(A.sophiae)with ectoparasite for the first time from Iran as a little attention has been paid to parasitic infection of A.sophiae which is an native species fou...Objective:To determine the infesation of Aphanius sophiae(A.sophiae)with ectoparasite for the first time from Iran as a little attention has been paid to parasitic infection of A.sophiae which is an native species found in the endorheic Kor River Basin,Fars Province,Southern Iran.Methods:A total of 70 A.sophiae(35 males and 35 females)were collected using dip net in May 2010 from Ghadamgah Spring-stream,Southern Iran.After fixation,the external surface of each fish was examined for ectoparasite through stereomicroscope.Results:Out of 70 fish specimens,two females(2.86%)were infected with three Lernaea spp.copepod or anchor worm.The ectoparasite prevalence rate,intensity and abundance were estimated 2.860,1.500 and 0.043 respectively.Conclusion:This study reports infestation of A.sophiae by Lernaea spp.for the first time in Iran.Further parasitological investigations are required to determine ectoparasites of A.sophiae in different parts of Iran due to its importance and numerous epizootics occurring among the most important farmed fish in various parts of the world.展开更多
Heterochely denotes the presence of dissimilarly sized chelipeds on opposite sides of the body,a prevalent occurrence in diverse crustaceans.Conversely,heterometry pertains to the quantifiable disparities in size betw...Heterochely denotes the presence of dissimilarly sized chelipeds on opposite sides of the body,a prevalent occurrence in diverse crustaceans.Conversely,heterometry pertains to the quantifiable disparities in size between these chelipeds.Both chelipeds hold pivotal roles in activities such as foraging,mating,and defense.Consequently,individuals of both genders in heterochelic species exhibit this morphological pattern.Previous studies have identified sexual dimorphism in cheliped size,with males displaying larger major chelipeds compared to females,albeit solely relying on propodus length as a size proxy and focusing solely on the major cheliped.In our study,we meticulously examined 190 specimens of the common European hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus from two collections.We sought to elucidate allometric relationships and assess whether heterometry exhibited sex-based differences when adjusting for body size by using ratios.Our findings revealed that male chelipeds displayed hyperallometric growth relative to females,and all three calculated heterometry indices exhibited significant disparities between the sexes.Consequently,male specimens exhibited larger major and minor chelipeds,even when theoretically matched for body size with females.This phenomenon may be attributed,among other factors,to male-male contests.Should indirect mate selection favor males with larger chelipeds in proportion to their body size,this dynamic could potentiate sexual selection in their favor.展开更多
基金This study was supported by the Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa,Brazil(563348/2010)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior(3261/2013)+2 种基金NSF(1241066)FAPESP(12/50260-6)NERC(NE/T000341/1)。
文摘The pygmy marmoset,the smallest of the anthropoid primates,has a broad distribution in Western Amazonia.Recent studies using molecular and morphological data have identified two distinct species separated by the Napo and Solimoes-Amazonas rivers.However,reconciling this new biological evidence with current taxonomy,i.e.,two subspecies,Cebuella pygmaea pygmaea(Spix,1823)and Cebuella pygmaea niveiventris(Lönnberg,1940),was problematic given the uncertainty as to whether Spix’s pygmy marmoset(Cebuella pygmaea pygmaea)was collected north or south of the Napo and Solimoes-Amazonas rivers,making it unclear to which of the two newly revealed species the name pygmaea would apply.Here,we present the first molecular data from Spix’s type specimen of Cebuella pygmaea,as well as novel mitochondrial genomes from modern pygmy marmosets sampled near the type locality(Tabatinga)on both sides of the river.With these data,we can confirm the correct names of the two species identified,i.e.,C.pygmaea for animals north of the Napo and Solimoes-Amazonas rivers and C.niveiventris for animals south of these two rivers.Phylogenetic analyses of the novel genetic data placed into the context of cytochrome b gene sequences from across the range of pygmy marmosets further led us to reevaluate the geographical distribution for the two Cebuella species.We dated the split of these two species to 2.54 million years ago.We discuss additional,more recent,subdivisions within each lineage,as well as potential contact zones between the two species in the headwaters of these rivers.
基金supported by the German Research Foundation(DFG Ha 6300/6-1)and by the Volkswagen Foundation with a Lichtenberg Professorship to JTHVB is supported by the Ministry of Science,Innovation and Universities,Spain,within the Ramon y Cajal Program(RYC2021-032144-I).
文摘Dear Editor,The Eocene(ca.56–34 million years ago)has become an important time to study due to the global warming at the time(e.g.,Inglis et al.,2020;Agterhuis et al.,2022;Tierney et al.,2022;Setty et al.,2023),hence providing a comparison to modern climate change.The Eocene is also well known for spectacular fossils of the group Insecta,with flies,beetles,moths,and all their kin,not least due to exceptional preservation in differ-ent types of ambers,most well known the Baltic am-ber(Janzen,2002;Weitschat&Wichard,2002;Gröhn,2015).
基金support in the frame of a Lichtenberg professorship and the German Research Foundation(DFG HA 6300/6-1)performed at the Imaging Center of the Department of Biology,University of Greifswald(DFG INST 292/119-1 FUGGDFG INST 292/120-1 FUGG).
文摘Mantodea(praying mantises)is a group of exclusively predatory insects,which,together with nonraptorial blattodeans(cockroaches and termites)and groups exclusively found in the fossil record,form the group Dictyoptera.A central characteristic of Mantodea is the specialization of their first pair of legs as raptorial grasping appendages,but the evolution from walking to raptorial legs is not yet fully understood.Here,we trace the evolution of the raptorial appendages in Dictyoptera through time using a morphometric(morphospaces)approach.We also describe two new mantodean nymphs preserved in amber from the Cretaceous and Eocene,which expand the scarce mantodean fossil record.Blattodean and mantodean appendages appear distinct in morphospace,but several appendages of fossil non-mantodeans can be considered raptorial,providing a potential transitional link between walking and raptorial morphotypes.Therefore,we discuss potential mantodean affinities for other predatory fossil dictyopterans.We examine changes across extant mantodeans,characterized by a straightening of the tibia especially associated with the rise of the diversification of the Mantidea and discuss whether a thickening of the femur could reflect an early adaptation to cursorial hunting.
基金supported by funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Award Number:Me 2683/10-1(to MS)an Australian Research Council Discovery grant(DP200102005)a UNE Postdoctoral Research Fellowship(to RDCB).
文摘Amblypygi are tropical and subtropical ambush predators that use elongated,raptorial pedipalps for different activities.Although pedipalp use in predation and courtship has been explored in videography in vivo analyses,kinematic ex vivo examination of these appendages has not been conducted.Here,we rectify this lack of data by using microCT scans to 3D-kinematically model the appendage morphology and the range of motion(ROM)of the joints for Damon medius and Heterophrynus elaphus.We illustrate the successful application of this technique to terrestrial euarthropods in determining the maximum ROM values for each pedipalp joint.We also note that,in life,these values would be lower due to motion restricting structures like tendons,arthrodial membranes,and muscles.We further compare our maximum values obtained here with data from video-based motion analyses.The ROM of each joint shows the greatest flexibility in the femur-tibia joint(140–150°),the lowest in the basitarsus-claw joint(35–40°).ROM in the tibia-basitarsus joint is markedly distinct(D.medius:44°;H.elaphus:105°).This disparity reflects how H.elaphus uses the joint in the capture basket,while D.medius uses the femur-tibia joint to form the capture basket.We further illustrate notable vertical motion of the H.elaphus pedipalp compared to D.medius.This difference reflects the retro-ventral trochanter apophysis of H.elaphus.Our study opens the possibility to further whip spider kinematic understanding.Examination of other taxa using this approach will result in a more comprehensive understanding of the ecological significance and ethological implications of this unique arachnid group.
基金Part of the project was supported by the German Research Foundation under DFG Ha 6300/6-1.
文摘Dear Editor,Hatching is a crucial moment in the life of an animal.The animal stops being an embryo protected by the egg and becomes a post-embryonic immature(see Haug,2020 for difficulties in naming these stages).This must have been the case in the past as well,but the fossil record is rather sparse in the preservation of this very moment.The fossil preservation of such a case needs to facilitate not only preservation of the animal,but also of the egg.As these are often of rather different material,making the preservation of both together in many cases unlikely.Yet,there are preservation types that seem to favor such incidents.Amber has become famous for preserving cases of“frozen behaviour",preserving a specific moment in the life of an animal in an almost life-like manner(Arillo,2007),including:copulations,parasite-host interactions,aggregations,group defense,brood care,egg-laying(although likely stress-induced).
基金Supported by the Young Researchers Club,Islamic Azad University,Babol Branch.,(Grant NO.:BPJ1388).
文摘Objective:To determine the infection of Aphanius dispar(A.dispar)by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis(I.multifiliis)in Iran.Methods:A total of 97(22 males and 75 females)individuals were collected using dip net from Mehran River,Hormuzgan Province,South of Iran in January 2008.Total length,standard length and weight of the collected specimens were measured to using vernier caliper.Whole body of fish was examined macroscopically for the presence of any blister.For the detection of Ichthyophthirius,the mucus was scraped gently from skin onto a micro slide and stained by Azo-carmine.Prevalence,intensity and abundance of parasite were analyzed.Results:In this study 50(51.55%)specimens including 12 males and 38 females were found infected with I.multifiliis which is an obligate protozoan parasite of freshwater fishes with a direct life cycle and it causes weight loss and mortality in fishes.The infection is known as ichthyophthiriasis or white spot disease,one of the most serious diseases in freshwater fishes.Prevalence,intensity and abundance of parasite in female and male fishes were 50.67%,29.26,14.83 and 54.55%,18 and 9.82,respectively.No sex preference and predilection of body site as microhabitats for this parasite in A.dispar,as well as in three length groups of fish standard length ranging 18-23 mm,23-28 mm and 28-34 mm.However,prevalence and abundance are significantly increased in larger fish than smaller one.Conclusions:This is the first report of I.multifiliis(Fouquet,1876)from A.dispar in Iran and this fish is considered as a new host for the parasite.
基金Supported by the DAAD(Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst).
文摘Objective:To determine the infesation of Aphanius sophiae(A.sophiae)with ectoparasite for the first time from Iran as a little attention has been paid to parasitic infection of A.sophiae which is an native species found in the endorheic Kor River Basin,Fars Province,Southern Iran.Methods:A total of 70 A.sophiae(35 males and 35 females)were collected using dip net in May 2010 from Ghadamgah Spring-stream,Southern Iran.After fixation,the external surface of each fish was examined for ectoparasite through stereomicroscope.Results:Out of 70 fish specimens,two females(2.86%)were infected with three Lernaea spp.copepod or anchor worm.The ectoparasite prevalence rate,intensity and abundance were estimated 2.860,1.500 and 0.043 respectively.Conclusion:This study reports infestation of A.sophiae by Lernaea spp.for the first time in Iran.Further parasitological investigations are required to determine ectoparasites of A.sophiae in different parts of Iran due to its importance and numerous epizootics occurring among the most important farmed fish in various parts of the world.
基金financial support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Award Number Me-2683/10-1(to M.S.).
文摘Heterochely denotes the presence of dissimilarly sized chelipeds on opposite sides of the body,a prevalent occurrence in diverse crustaceans.Conversely,heterometry pertains to the quantifiable disparities in size between these chelipeds.Both chelipeds hold pivotal roles in activities such as foraging,mating,and defense.Consequently,individuals of both genders in heterochelic species exhibit this morphological pattern.Previous studies have identified sexual dimorphism in cheliped size,with males displaying larger major chelipeds compared to females,albeit solely relying on propodus length as a size proxy and focusing solely on the major cheliped.In our study,we meticulously examined 190 specimens of the common European hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus from two collections.We sought to elucidate allometric relationships and assess whether heterometry exhibited sex-based differences when adjusting for body size by using ratios.Our findings revealed that male chelipeds displayed hyperallometric growth relative to females,and all three calculated heterometry indices exhibited significant disparities between the sexes.Consequently,male specimens exhibited larger major and minor chelipeds,even when theoretically matched for body size with females.This phenomenon may be attributed,among other factors,to male-male contests.Should indirect mate selection favor males with larger chelipeds in proportion to their body size,this dynamic could potentiate sexual selection in their favor.
