Haptolana ytm ca n. sp. is the 6' 11 described species of an entirely hypogean-adapted genus. Cir... more Haptolana ytm ca n. sp. is the 6' 11 described species of an entirely hypogean-adapted genus. Cirolana (An opsilana) yucatana n. sp. is the 9' 11 described stygobitic and troglomorphic species in thi s subgenus. Both were discovered by diving in deep waters of cenotes in the Yucatan peninsul a, a region from whi ch five stygobitic cirolanid species were known. Jalllaicalana BOTOS ANEANU & ILIFFE, 1997, is sy nonymized with Ciro/ana (A nopsilana).
A new species, the 6 111 known, is described in Bahalana, a genus of stygobitic and troglomorphic... more A new species, the 6 111 known, is described in Bahalana, a genus of stygobitic and troglomorphic cirolanid isopods strictly endemic to anchialine habitats of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.
From caves and springs in northern Mexico (Tamaulipas and Coahuila), mostly explored by diving, s... more From caves and springs in northern Mexico (Tamaulipas and Coahuila), mostly explored by diving, seven species of stygobitic and troglomorphic cirolanids were sampled: four species of Speocirolana BOLIVAR (one of them , interesting in several respects, described as new) , the two known species of Sphaerolana COLE & MI NCKLEY , and Cirolanides texensis BENEDICT. For all six already known species, • the localities are new, and additional information is provided on their morphology, variability, and relationships. With 15 described spec ies, Mexico has a quite remarkable and varied assemblage of subterranean Cirolanidae, pointing to quite diverse marine ancestors.
Extinction models generally predict that coastal and neritic fauna benefit during sea-level rise ... more Extinction models generally predict that coastal and neritic fauna benefit during sea-level rise (transgression), whereas sea-level retreat (regression) diminishes their suitable habitat area and promotes evolutionary bottlenecks. Sea-level change also impacts terrestrial island biogeography, but it remains a challenge to evidence how sea-level rise impacts aquatic island biogeography, especially in the subterranean realm. Karst subterranean estuaries (KSes) occur globally on carbonate islands and platforms, and they are populated by globally-dispersed, ancient ecosystems (termed anchialine). Anchialine fauna currently exhibit a disjunct biogeography that cannot be completely explained by plate tectonic-imposed vicariance. Here we provide evidence that anchialine ecosystems can experience evolutionary bottlenecks caused by habitat reduction during transgression events. Marine-adapted anchialine fauna benefit from habitat expansion during transgressions, but fresh-and brackish-adapted fauna must emigrate, evolve to accommodate local habitat changes, or are regionally eliminated. Phanerozoic transgressions relative to long-term changes in subsidence and relief of regional lithology must be considered for explaining biogeography, evolution, local extirpation or complete extinction of anchialine fauna. Despite the omission of this entire category of environments and animals in climate change risk assessments, the results indicate that anchialine fauna on low-lying islands and platforms that depend upon meteoric groundwater are vulnerable to habitat changes caused by 21 st century sealevel rise. Sea-level oscillations during the last 500 million years (Phanerozic Eon) have impacted marine and terrestrial island biogeography and evolution by modifying habitat availability and opportunities for organismal gene flow 1-3. It is generally thought that sea-level regressions can reduce the areal extent of coastal and neritic habitats and can cause bottlenecks in the marine realm 4-6 , whereas terrestrial island fauna and flora benefit from habitat expansion during regressions 7-10. There is an elevated risk of coastal zone defaunation during the Anthropocene from several human-caused factors like habitat degradation and urbanization 11 , but disentangling how modest rates of current sea-level rise threatens aquatic island fauna remains difficult to assess 12,13. Worldwide on carbonate islands and platforms, subsurface mixing of rain and marine water creates karst subterranean estuaries (KSEs, Fig. 1). Hydrographically, subterranean estuaries are analogous to other coastal estuaries by having an upper meteoric water mass of varying salinity buoyed on a saline groundwater mass below 14,15. These two groundwater bodies often destabilize in the subsurface to create mixing zones 16-19 , and their oceanic discharge impacts global biogeochemical cycles 15,20. Only in the late 20 th century did technical scuba diving procedures allow human exploration of KSEs through flooded caves, which lead to the discovery of their unique ecosystems, fauna, and habitats that are now prefaced with the adjective 'anchialine' 21. The fossil record 22-24 and molecular phylogenetics 25-27 suggests that anchialine fauna and ecosystems persisted through the Phanerozoic and predate angiosperms, and their evolutionary history and biogeochemical functioning can inform early Paleozoic marine ecosystems and invertebrate evolution 28,29. Steep environmental gradients create diverse benthic and pelagic sub-habitats in the subsurface from the ocean transecting inland (Fig. 1), such that aquatic coastal caves are often categorized as freshwater caves (meteoric water mass), anchialine caves (both water masses), or marine caves (saline water mass). Despite this segregation, some fauna have a modern distribution
Background: Remipedia were initially seen as a primitive taxon within Pancrustacea based on chara... more Background: Remipedia were initially seen as a primitive taxon within Pancrustacea based on characters considered ancestral, such as the homonomously segmented trunk. Meanwhile, several morphological and molecular studies proposed a more derived position of Remipedia within Pancrustacea, including a sister group relationship to Hexapoda. Because of these conflicting hypotheses, fresh data are crucial to contribute new insights into euarthropod phylogeny. The architecture of individually identifiable serotonin-immunoreactive neurons has successfully been used for phylogenetic considerations in Euarthropoda. Here, we identified neurons in three species of Remipedia with an antiserum against serotonin and compared our findings to reconstructed ground patterns in other euarthropod taxa. Additionally, we traced neurite connectivity and neuropil outlines using antisera against acetylated α-tubulin and synapsin. Results: The ventral nerve cord of Remipedia displays a typical rope-ladder-like arrangement of separate metameric ganglia linked by paired longitudinally projecting connectives. The peripheral projections comprise an intersegmental nerve, consisting of two branches that fuse shortly after exiting the connectives, and the segmental anterior and posterior nerve. The distribution and morphology of serotonin-immunoreactive interneurons in the trunk segments is highly conserved within the remipede species we analyzed, which allows for the reconstruction of a ground pattern: two posterior and one anterior pair of serotonin-immunoreactive neurons that possess a single contralateral projection. Additionally, three pairs of immunoreactive neurons are found in the medial part of each hemiganglion. In one species (Cryptocorynetes haptodiscus), the anterior pair of immunoreactive neurons is missing. Conclusions: The anatomy of the remipede ventral nerve cord with its separate metameric ganglia mirrors the external morphology of the animal's trunk. The rope-ladder-like structure and principal architecture of the segmental ganglia in Remipedia corresponds closely to that of other Euarthropoda. A comparison of the serotoninimmunoreactive cell arrangement of Remipedia to reconstructed ground patterns of major euarthropod taxa supports a homology of the anterior and posterior neurons in Pancrustacea. These neurons in Remipedia possess unbranched projections across the midline, pointing towards similarities to the hexapod pattern. Our findings are in line with a growing number of phylogenetic investigations proposing Remipedia to be a rather derived crustacean lineage that perhaps has close affinities to Hexapoda.
Only few genes are known from insects that encode multiple neuropeptides, i.e., peptides that act... more Only few genes are known from insects that encode multiple neuropeptides, i.e., peptides that activate different receptors. Among those are the capa and pk genes, which differentiated within Hexapoda following gene duplication. In our study, we focus on the early stages of differentiation of these genes. Specifically: (1) What was the expression pattern of the ancestral capa/pk gene, i.e., prior to gene duplication? (2) What is the expression pattern of capa and pk in silverfish, whose ancestors diverged from Pterygota more than 400 mya? Our results suggest the location and projection of CAPA immunoreactive Va cells in abdominal ganglia (trunk ganglia in Remipedia) are a plesiomorphic trait that was already present in the ancestor of Remipedia and Hexapoda. General features of serial homology such as location of cells bodies, contralateral projection of primary neurites, and presumed peripheral peptide release from segmentally arranged neurohemal release sites could be observed in Remipedia and silverfish, but also in all Pterygota studied so far. Differences are mainly in the specific location of these peripheral release sites. This hypothetical basic pattern of capa/pk neurons underwent modifications in the anterior ganglia of the ventral nerve cord already in Remipedia. In silverfish, as in all Pterygota studied so far, pk expression in the CNS is apparently restricted to the gnathal ganglion, whereas capa expression is typical of abdominal Va cells. Thus, differentiation in the expression pattern of capa and pk genes occurred early in the evolution of Hexapoda; likely soon after the appearance of two separate genes.
SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY • NUMBER 530 SERIES PUBLICATIONS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUT... more SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY • NUMBER 530 SERIES PUBLICATIONS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION Emphasis upon publication as a means of "diffusing knowledge" was expressed by the first Secretary of the Smithsonian. In his formal plan for the Institution, Joseph Henry outlined a program that included the following statement: "It is proposed to publish a series of reports, giving an account of the new discoveries in science, and of the changes made from year to year in all branches of knowledge." This theme of basic research has been adhered to through the years by thousands of titles issued in series publications under the Smithsonian imprint, commencing with Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge in 1848 and continuing with the following active series:
Descriptions of Liagoceradocus unciferus, sp. nov. (from Vatulele, Fiji Islands) and L, lobiferus... more Descriptions of Liagoceradocus unciferus, sp. nov. (from Vatulele, Fiji Islands) and L, lobiferus, sp. nov. (from Malaita, Solomon Islands and Savai'i, Western Samoa) are provided. A key to all known species of Liagoceradocus is presented, and type specimens of L. pusillus Barnard, 1965, and L. lonomaka Barnard, 1977, have been reexamined .
SARSIA Stargatia palmeri gen. et sp. nov. was obtained in great numbers in plankton from very low... more SARSIA Stargatia palmeri gen. et sp. nov. was obtained in great numbers in plankton from very low dissolved oxygen waters of Stargate Blue Hole, South Andros at 44 m depth. The species shows similarities to Exumellina bucculenta Fosshagen in the modifications of the endopod of both mandible and maxillule, and by the presence of only two outer spines on the third exopod segment of legs 3 and 4. The rostrum comprises two rounded lobes without filaments. The right antennule of the male is modified in proximal part with extra geniculations. It differs from other ridgewayiids by not having the typical offset third exopod segment in the female leg 5. Robpalmeria asymmetrica gen. et sp. nov. was also recorded from Stargate Blue Hole. In the female the last somite of the prosome is asymmetrical. The rostrum is narrow with two filaments at the tip. The maxilliped is strongly developed, reflexed and with a condensed endopod bearing several modified setae; suggesting raptorial feeding. Leg 5 in the male has complex exopods and rudimentary endopods. Normancavia minuta gen. et sp. nov. was obtained from Norman's Pond Cave, Exumas. It is reminiscent of R. asymmetrica but differs much in leg 5 of both sexes. It is the only ridgewayiid lacking an endopod of leg 5 in the female. Leg 5 in the male bears elongated endopods with distal setal elements. All three genera, most conspicuous in Stargatia, have a proximal geniculation in the right antennule of the male.
We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the crustacean class Remipedia. For this purpose, we gene... more We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the crustacean class Remipedia. For this purpose, we generated sequences of three different molecular markers, 16S rRNA (16S), histone 3 (H3), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). The analyses included sequences from 20 of the 27 recent species of Remipedia, plus four still-undescribed species. The data matrix was complemented with sequences from online databases (The European Molecular Biology Laboratory and GenBank ®). Campodea tillyardi (Diplura), Hutchinsoniella macracantha (Cephalocarida), Penaeus monodon (Malacostraca) and Branchinella occidentalis (Branchiopoda) served as out-groups. In addition to the classic computer-based alignment methods used for protein-coding markers (H3 and COI), an alternative approach combining structural alignment and manual optimization was used for 16S. The results of our analyses uncovered several inconsistencies with the current taxonomic classification of Remipedia. Godzilliidae and the genera Speleonectes and Lasionectes are polyphyletic, while Speleonectidae emerges as a paraphyletic group. We discuss current taxonomic diagnoses based on morphologic characters, and suggest a taxonomic revision that accords with the topologies of the phylogenetic analyses. Three new families (Kumongidae, Pleomothridae, and Cryptocorynetidae) as well as three new genera (Kumonga, Angirasu, and Xibalbanus) are erected. The family Morlockiidae and the genus Morlockia are removed from synonymy and returned to separate status.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Aug 31, 2007
Eleven stygobitic myodocopid ostracodes (two new-Danielopolina palmeri and Spelaeoecia hox) in th... more Eleven stygobitic myodocopid ostracodes (two new-Danielopolina palmeri and Spelaeoecia hox) in the Order Halocyprida are reported from anchialine waters in 11 inland blue holes in Bahamas. One stygobitic halocyprid ostracode is reported from two localities in Bermuda, and one from a cave in Mexico. A new subfamily, Spelaeoeciinae, is proposed to contain the genus Spelaeoecia, and the subfamily Deeveyinae is elevated to family status. Two new species of cladocopid ostracode (Pseudopolycope helix and Pontopolycope storthynx), are described from a cave in Mexico and an oceanic blue hole in the Bahamas. Nine species of myodocopid ostracodes (four new-Rutiderma flex, Eusarsiella syrinx, Eusarsiella fax, and Synasterope matrix) in the Suborder Myodocopina and one species in the Suborder Halocypridina are reported from ocean blue holes in the Bahamas. This is the first report of a halocyprid living in both an inland and ocean blue hole in the Bahamas. The sarsiellid genus Dantya Kornicker & Cohen 1978 is reported for the first time in the Bahamas, but the single juvenile specimen is left in open nomenclature as Dantya sp. A. The development of Deeveya bransoni and Eusarsiella syrinx is described in detail. With the exception of one species of Danielopolina from deep waters of the South Atlantic, all other species of Danielopolina, Spelaeoecia and Deeveya have been previously found only in inland, anchialine caves. The discovery of Deeveya inhabiting deeper, hydrologically-isolated waters in ocean blue holes, which are otherwise comparable to classical anchialine environments, has raised questions concerning the geographic limits to the anchialine habitat and its supposed reliance on terrestrial inputs.
Haptolana ytm ca n. sp. is the 6' 11 described species of an entirely hypogean-adapted genus. Cir... more Haptolana ytm ca n. sp. is the 6' 11 described species of an entirely hypogean-adapted genus. Cirolana (An opsilana) yucatana n. sp. is the 9' 11 described stygobitic and troglomorphic species in thi s subgenus. Both were discovered by diving in deep waters of cenotes in the Yucatan peninsul a, a region from whi ch five stygobitic cirolanid species were known. Jalllaicalana BOTOS ANEANU & ILIFFE, 1997, is sy nonymized with Ciro/ana (A nopsilana).
A new species, the 6 111 known, is described in Bahalana, a genus of stygobitic and troglomorphic... more A new species, the 6 111 known, is described in Bahalana, a genus of stygobitic and troglomorphic cirolanid isopods strictly endemic to anchialine habitats of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.
From caves and springs in northern Mexico (Tamaulipas and Coahuila), mostly explored by diving, s... more From caves and springs in northern Mexico (Tamaulipas and Coahuila), mostly explored by diving, seven species of stygobitic and troglomorphic cirolanids were sampled: four species of Speocirolana BOLIVAR (one of them , interesting in several respects, described as new) , the two known species of Sphaerolana COLE & MI NCKLEY , and Cirolanides texensis BENEDICT. For all six already known species, • the localities are new, and additional information is provided on their morphology, variability, and relationships. With 15 described spec ies, Mexico has a quite remarkable and varied assemblage of subterranean Cirolanidae, pointing to quite diverse marine ancestors.
Extinction models generally predict that coastal and neritic fauna benefit during sea-level rise ... more Extinction models generally predict that coastal and neritic fauna benefit during sea-level rise (transgression), whereas sea-level retreat (regression) diminishes their suitable habitat area and promotes evolutionary bottlenecks. Sea-level change also impacts terrestrial island biogeography, but it remains a challenge to evidence how sea-level rise impacts aquatic island biogeography, especially in the subterranean realm. Karst subterranean estuaries (KSes) occur globally on carbonate islands and platforms, and they are populated by globally-dispersed, ancient ecosystems (termed anchialine). Anchialine fauna currently exhibit a disjunct biogeography that cannot be completely explained by plate tectonic-imposed vicariance. Here we provide evidence that anchialine ecosystems can experience evolutionary bottlenecks caused by habitat reduction during transgression events. Marine-adapted anchialine fauna benefit from habitat expansion during transgressions, but fresh-and brackish-adapted fauna must emigrate, evolve to accommodate local habitat changes, or are regionally eliminated. Phanerozoic transgressions relative to long-term changes in subsidence and relief of regional lithology must be considered for explaining biogeography, evolution, local extirpation or complete extinction of anchialine fauna. Despite the omission of this entire category of environments and animals in climate change risk assessments, the results indicate that anchialine fauna on low-lying islands and platforms that depend upon meteoric groundwater are vulnerable to habitat changes caused by 21 st century sealevel rise. Sea-level oscillations during the last 500 million years (Phanerozic Eon) have impacted marine and terrestrial island biogeography and evolution by modifying habitat availability and opportunities for organismal gene flow 1-3. It is generally thought that sea-level regressions can reduce the areal extent of coastal and neritic habitats and can cause bottlenecks in the marine realm 4-6 , whereas terrestrial island fauna and flora benefit from habitat expansion during regressions 7-10. There is an elevated risk of coastal zone defaunation during the Anthropocene from several human-caused factors like habitat degradation and urbanization 11 , but disentangling how modest rates of current sea-level rise threatens aquatic island fauna remains difficult to assess 12,13. Worldwide on carbonate islands and platforms, subsurface mixing of rain and marine water creates karst subterranean estuaries (KSEs, Fig. 1). Hydrographically, subterranean estuaries are analogous to other coastal estuaries by having an upper meteoric water mass of varying salinity buoyed on a saline groundwater mass below 14,15. These two groundwater bodies often destabilize in the subsurface to create mixing zones 16-19 , and their oceanic discharge impacts global biogeochemical cycles 15,20. Only in the late 20 th century did technical scuba diving procedures allow human exploration of KSEs through flooded caves, which lead to the discovery of their unique ecosystems, fauna, and habitats that are now prefaced with the adjective 'anchialine' 21. The fossil record 22-24 and molecular phylogenetics 25-27 suggests that anchialine fauna and ecosystems persisted through the Phanerozoic and predate angiosperms, and their evolutionary history and biogeochemical functioning can inform early Paleozoic marine ecosystems and invertebrate evolution 28,29. Steep environmental gradients create diverse benthic and pelagic sub-habitats in the subsurface from the ocean transecting inland (Fig. 1), such that aquatic coastal caves are often categorized as freshwater caves (meteoric water mass), anchialine caves (both water masses), or marine caves (saline water mass). Despite this segregation, some fauna have a modern distribution
Background: Remipedia were initially seen as a primitive taxon within Pancrustacea based on chara... more Background: Remipedia were initially seen as a primitive taxon within Pancrustacea based on characters considered ancestral, such as the homonomously segmented trunk. Meanwhile, several morphological and molecular studies proposed a more derived position of Remipedia within Pancrustacea, including a sister group relationship to Hexapoda. Because of these conflicting hypotheses, fresh data are crucial to contribute new insights into euarthropod phylogeny. The architecture of individually identifiable serotonin-immunoreactive neurons has successfully been used for phylogenetic considerations in Euarthropoda. Here, we identified neurons in three species of Remipedia with an antiserum against serotonin and compared our findings to reconstructed ground patterns in other euarthropod taxa. Additionally, we traced neurite connectivity and neuropil outlines using antisera against acetylated α-tubulin and synapsin. Results: The ventral nerve cord of Remipedia displays a typical rope-ladder-like arrangement of separate metameric ganglia linked by paired longitudinally projecting connectives. The peripheral projections comprise an intersegmental nerve, consisting of two branches that fuse shortly after exiting the connectives, and the segmental anterior and posterior nerve. The distribution and morphology of serotonin-immunoreactive interneurons in the trunk segments is highly conserved within the remipede species we analyzed, which allows for the reconstruction of a ground pattern: two posterior and one anterior pair of serotonin-immunoreactive neurons that possess a single contralateral projection. Additionally, three pairs of immunoreactive neurons are found in the medial part of each hemiganglion. In one species (Cryptocorynetes haptodiscus), the anterior pair of immunoreactive neurons is missing. Conclusions: The anatomy of the remipede ventral nerve cord with its separate metameric ganglia mirrors the external morphology of the animal's trunk. The rope-ladder-like structure and principal architecture of the segmental ganglia in Remipedia corresponds closely to that of other Euarthropoda. A comparison of the serotoninimmunoreactive cell arrangement of Remipedia to reconstructed ground patterns of major euarthropod taxa supports a homology of the anterior and posterior neurons in Pancrustacea. These neurons in Remipedia possess unbranched projections across the midline, pointing towards similarities to the hexapod pattern. Our findings are in line with a growing number of phylogenetic investigations proposing Remipedia to be a rather derived crustacean lineage that perhaps has close affinities to Hexapoda.
Only few genes are known from insects that encode multiple neuropeptides, i.e., peptides that act... more Only few genes are known from insects that encode multiple neuropeptides, i.e., peptides that activate different receptors. Among those are the capa and pk genes, which differentiated within Hexapoda following gene duplication. In our study, we focus on the early stages of differentiation of these genes. Specifically: (1) What was the expression pattern of the ancestral capa/pk gene, i.e., prior to gene duplication? (2) What is the expression pattern of capa and pk in silverfish, whose ancestors diverged from Pterygota more than 400 mya? Our results suggest the location and projection of CAPA immunoreactive Va cells in abdominal ganglia (trunk ganglia in Remipedia) are a plesiomorphic trait that was already present in the ancestor of Remipedia and Hexapoda. General features of serial homology such as location of cells bodies, contralateral projection of primary neurites, and presumed peripheral peptide release from segmentally arranged neurohemal release sites could be observed in Remipedia and silverfish, but also in all Pterygota studied so far. Differences are mainly in the specific location of these peripheral release sites. This hypothetical basic pattern of capa/pk neurons underwent modifications in the anterior ganglia of the ventral nerve cord already in Remipedia. In silverfish, as in all Pterygota studied so far, pk expression in the CNS is apparently restricted to the gnathal ganglion, whereas capa expression is typical of abdominal Va cells. Thus, differentiation in the expression pattern of capa and pk genes occurred early in the evolution of Hexapoda; likely soon after the appearance of two separate genes.
SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY • NUMBER 530 SERIES PUBLICATIONS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUT... more SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY • NUMBER 530 SERIES PUBLICATIONS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION Emphasis upon publication as a means of "diffusing knowledge" was expressed by the first Secretary of the Smithsonian. In his formal plan for the Institution, Joseph Henry outlined a program that included the following statement: "It is proposed to publish a series of reports, giving an account of the new discoveries in science, and of the changes made from year to year in all branches of knowledge." This theme of basic research has been adhered to through the years by thousands of titles issued in series publications under the Smithsonian imprint, commencing with Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge in 1848 and continuing with the following active series:
Descriptions of Liagoceradocus unciferus, sp. nov. (from Vatulele, Fiji Islands) and L, lobiferus... more Descriptions of Liagoceradocus unciferus, sp. nov. (from Vatulele, Fiji Islands) and L, lobiferus, sp. nov. (from Malaita, Solomon Islands and Savai'i, Western Samoa) are provided. A key to all known species of Liagoceradocus is presented, and type specimens of L. pusillus Barnard, 1965, and L. lonomaka Barnard, 1977, have been reexamined .
SARSIA Stargatia palmeri gen. et sp. nov. was obtained in great numbers in plankton from very low... more SARSIA Stargatia palmeri gen. et sp. nov. was obtained in great numbers in plankton from very low dissolved oxygen waters of Stargate Blue Hole, South Andros at 44 m depth. The species shows similarities to Exumellina bucculenta Fosshagen in the modifications of the endopod of both mandible and maxillule, and by the presence of only two outer spines on the third exopod segment of legs 3 and 4. The rostrum comprises two rounded lobes without filaments. The right antennule of the male is modified in proximal part with extra geniculations. It differs from other ridgewayiids by not having the typical offset third exopod segment in the female leg 5. Robpalmeria asymmetrica gen. et sp. nov. was also recorded from Stargate Blue Hole. In the female the last somite of the prosome is asymmetrical. The rostrum is narrow with two filaments at the tip. The maxilliped is strongly developed, reflexed and with a condensed endopod bearing several modified setae; suggesting raptorial feeding. Leg 5 in the male has complex exopods and rudimentary endopods. Normancavia minuta gen. et sp. nov. was obtained from Norman's Pond Cave, Exumas. It is reminiscent of R. asymmetrica but differs much in leg 5 of both sexes. It is the only ridgewayiid lacking an endopod of leg 5 in the female. Leg 5 in the male bears elongated endopods with distal setal elements. All three genera, most conspicuous in Stargatia, have a proximal geniculation in the right antennule of the male.
We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the crustacean class Remipedia. For this purpose, we gene... more We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the crustacean class Remipedia. For this purpose, we generated sequences of three different molecular markers, 16S rRNA (16S), histone 3 (H3), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). The analyses included sequences from 20 of the 27 recent species of Remipedia, plus four still-undescribed species. The data matrix was complemented with sequences from online databases (The European Molecular Biology Laboratory and GenBank ®). Campodea tillyardi (Diplura), Hutchinsoniella macracantha (Cephalocarida), Penaeus monodon (Malacostraca) and Branchinella occidentalis (Branchiopoda) served as out-groups. In addition to the classic computer-based alignment methods used for protein-coding markers (H3 and COI), an alternative approach combining structural alignment and manual optimization was used for 16S. The results of our analyses uncovered several inconsistencies with the current taxonomic classification of Remipedia. Godzilliidae and the genera Speleonectes and Lasionectes are polyphyletic, while Speleonectidae emerges as a paraphyletic group. We discuss current taxonomic diagnoses based on morphologic characters, and suggest a taxonomic revision that accords with the topologies of the phylogenetic analyses. Three new families (Kumongidae, Pleomothridae, and Cryptocorynetidae) as well as three new genera (Kumonga, Angirasu, and Xibalbanus) are erected. The family Morlockiidae and the genus Morlockia are removed from synonymy and returned to separate status.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Aug 31, 2007
Eleven stygobitic myodocopid ostracodes (two new-Danielopolina palmeri and Spelaeoecia hox) in th... more Eleven stygobitic myodocopid ostracodes (two new-Danielopolina palmeri and Spelaeoecia hox) in the Order Halocyprida are reported from anchialine waters in 11 inland blue holes in Bahamas. One stygobitic halocyprid ostracode is reported from two localities in Bermuda, and one from a cave in Mexico. A new subfamily, Spelaeoeciinae, is proposed to contain the genus Spelaeoecia, and the subfamily Deeveyinae is elevated to family status. Two new species of cladocopid ostracode (Pseudopolycope helix and Pontopolycope storthynx), are described from a cave in Mexico and an oceanic blue hole in the Bahamas. Nine species of myodocopid ostracodes (four new-Rutiderma flex, Eusarsiella syrinx, Eusarsiella fax, and Synasterope matrix) in the Suborder Myodocopina and one species in the Suborder Halocypridina are reported from ocean blue holes in the Bahamas. This is the first report of a halocyprid living in both an inland and ocean blue hole in the Bahamas. The sarsiellid genus Dantya Kornicker & Cohen 1978 is reported for the first time in the Bahamas, but the single juvenile specimen is left in open nomenclature as Dantya sp. A. The development of Deeveya bransoni and Eusarsiella syrinx is described in detail. With the exception of one species of Danielopolina from deep waters of the South Atlantic, all other species of Danielopolina, Spelaeoecia and Deeveya have been previously found only in inland, anchialine caves. The discovery of Deeveya inhabiting deeper, hydrologically-isolated waters in ocean blue holes, which are otherwise comparable to classical anchialine environments, has raised questions concerning the geographic limits to the anchialine habitat and its supposed reliance on terrestrial inputs.
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Papers by Tom Iliffe