Latest Articles from Subterranean Biology Latest 6 Articles from Subterranean Biology https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 04:40:09 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Subterranean Biology https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/ The surprising discovery of two new subterranean Leptodirini of the genus Spelaeobates Müller, 1901 (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae) from Croatia after more than a century https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/104548/ Subterranean Biology 46: 21-46

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.46.104548

Authors: Srećko Ćurčić, Nikola Vesović, Maja Vrbica, Slađana Popović, Željko Radovanović, Nina B. Ćurčić, Anatoliy A. Yamashkin, Dejan Radović, Stanislav A. Yamashkin, Sofija Vranić, Tonći Rađa

Abstract: Two new subterranean leiodid taxa of the genus Spelaeobates Müller, 1901 from three pits in northern Dalmatia (Croatia), S. coriniensis sp. nov. and S. coriniensis nonveilleri ssp. nov., are described. The morphological traits of the new taxa are enumerated and illustrated. These two taxa are placed in the subgenus Spelaeobates Müller, 1901. The relationships of these two taxa and their close relatives are clarified. Data on the sexual dimorphism of the two new taxa and on the intrasubspecific variability of S. coriniensis nonveilleri ssp. nov. are presented. We also redescribed S. novaki, the type species of both the genus Spelaeobates and the subgenus Spelaeobates and the closest relative of the newly described species. A key for identification of the taxa of the genus Spelaeobates is included. The new taxa are endemic to the Dinaric Alps of Croatia. Spelaeobates (Pretneriella) kraussi Müller, 1903 and S. (P.) pharensis langhofferi Müller, 1931 were found for the first time outside their type locality.

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Research Article Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:33:46 +0300
First data on testate amoebae associated with the endemic cave bivalve Congeria jalzici Morton & Bilandžija, 2013 with a description of Psammonobiotus dinarica sp. nov. https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/97105/ Subterranean Biology 45: 53-74

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.45.97105

Authors: Najla Baković, Ferry Siemensma, Sanja Puljas, Robert Baković, Roman Ozimec, Ana Ostojić, Zrinka Mesić

Abstract: Testate amoebae are phylogenetically a very diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms. They can be found in marine and freshwater habitats and in soil. Some of these single-celled organisms inhabit both surface and cave habitats, but their diversity in caves has barely been explored. Recent studies in the Dinaric region imply that testate amoebae in caves show a high diversity. The aim of this study was to identify the alpha diversity of testate amoebae in the Lika region (Dinaric karst, Croatia) and to compare the habitats of different caves based on testate amoebae assemblages. In eight caves we found more than 40 testate amoebae taxa, including a new testate amoeba species, Psammonobiotus dinarica sp. nov. The greatest diversity of testate amoebae was found in Markov ponor (27 taxa). The Bray-Curtis Similarity Index showed that testate amoebae assemblages in caves inhabited by the endemic and endangered cave bivalve Congeria jalzici (Markov ponor, Dankov ponor and Dražice ponor) differ from caves not inhabited by this species. This differentiation is attributed to the impact of the sinking Lika river, which occasionally completely submerges these caves, creating specific habitats for eukaryotic microorganisms. This study contributes to our understanding of the diversity, biogeography and ecology of testate amoebae in caves, as well as providing further insight into the conditions that sustain populations of C. jalzici.

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Research Article Tue, 21 Feb 2023 17:36:32 +0200
Postembryonic development of the troglobitic planthopper species Valenciolenda fadaforesta Hoch & Sendra, 2021 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Kinnaridae), with a key to nymphal instars https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/85604/ Subterranean Biology 44: 51-68

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.44.85604

Authors: Alejandro Ortega-Gómez, Jesús Selfa, Alberto Sendra, Hannelore Hoch

Abstract: All nymphal instars of the recently discovered troglobitic planthopper species Valenciolenda fadaforesta Hoch & Sendra, 2021 are described. This represents the first documentation of the complete postembryonic development of any species in the family Kinnaridae. Characters of the external morphology are described and illustrated, and a key to the instars are provided to facilitate discrimination among the different nymphal stages. While V. fadaforesta nymphs share certain synapomorphies with other Fulgoromorpha (except the Tettigometridae), e.g., the cog-wheel structures of the metatrochanters, other characters may be correlated with the subterranean way of life of the species, and thus be autapomorphic, such as the absence of compound eyes in all instars.

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Research Article Thu, 1 Sep 2022 21:31:59 +0300
Distribution of Stenasellidae in Africa and description of a new species of Metastenasellus from Cameroonian groundwaters https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/76301/ Subterranean Biology 40: 175-194

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.40.76301

Authors: Pountougnigni Oumarou Farikou, Piscart Christophe, Sob Nangou Paul Bertrand, Zebaze Togouet Serge Hubert

Abstract: During recent investigations of the groundwater fauna of Cameroon, specimens of a new species of the stygobitic genus Metastenasellus, M. boutini sp. nov. were collected in wells of the city of Douala. The new species can be easily distinguished from the other species of the genus by its relatively large size (up to 11 mm), pleonite 1 and 2 half the length of pereonite 7, the shape of pleopod 2 in males (presence of an external lobe on the protopodite, distal part of the spermatic duct slightly protruding out of the second article, lack of a distal seta on the exopodite), and uropod half the length of the pleotelson. Ecological data and a key to Metastenasellus species are provided. We also performed an exhaustive analysis of the literature on Stenasellidae in Africa to study the geographical distribution of the family in this continent and discuss some hypotheses about the origin of African species.

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Research Article Fri, 3 Dec 2021 13:57:21 +0200
Corrigenda: Stygobromus bakeri, a new species of groundwater amphipod (Amphipoda, Crangonyctidae) associated with the Trinity and Edwards aquifers of central Texas, USA. Subterranean Biology 38: 19–45. https://doi: 10.3897/subtbiol.38.61787 https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/68597/ Subterranean Biology 38: 113-115

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.38.68597

Authors: Randy Gibson, Benjamin T. Hutchins, Jean K. Krejca, Peter H. Diaz, Peter S. Sprouse

Abstract: N/A

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Corrigenda Fri, 21 May 2021 16:48:32 +0300
Four new representatives of the genus Allocyclops Kiefer, 1932 from semi-consolidated subsoil aquifers in Benin (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Cyclopidae) https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/4467/ Subterranean Biology 16: 1-36

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.16.4467

Authors: Frank Fiers, Moïssou Lagnika

Abstract: Several species of cyclopoid copepods were collected from improved and unimproved hang-dug-wells in the Republic of Bénin over the years 2009–2014. Fifty five wells located in seven different districts were sampled: 15 wells in the district of Pobè (Department Plateau) and 1 well in Kétou (Department Plateau), 4 wells in Porto-Novo District (Department Ouémé) and, 15 wells in Lokossa District (Department Mono),18 wells in Parakou District (Department Borgou), 1 well in Abomey-Calavi District (Department Atlantique) and 1 in Zogbodomè District (Department Zou). Among them, 4 new species of the genus Allocyclops Kiefer, 1932 were found and are described herein: Allocyclops spinifer sp. n., A. nudus sp. n., A. pilosus sp. n. and A. sakitii sp. n. They are compared with the three African species previously described. Allocyclops appears to be a sub-Saharan taxon specialized to thrive in the variable environment of subsoil aquifers in laterite deck beds. An identification key to the 7 different African Allocyclops species is provided.

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Research Article Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:11:09 +0300