Latest Articles from ZooKeys Latest 100 Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:51:26 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zookeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Two new species and new host and distribution records of Gnathia Leach, 1814 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Gnathiidae) from Western Australia and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/116538/ ZooKeys 1193: 125-144

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1193.116538

Authors: Yuzo Ota, Anja Erasmus, Alexandra S. Grutter, Nico J. Smit

Abstract: Gnathia antennacrassa sp. nov. from seagrass beds off Rottnest Island, Western Australia is the first record of any gnathiid from the entirety of Western Australia; the male can be distinguished from congeners by the stout peduncular articles of the antenna. Gnathia taurus sp. nov. is described from two adult specimens reared from praniza larvae found infecting elasmobranch fishes at Heron Island, southern Great Barrier Reef; the males can be distinguished from all congeners by the dorsally strongly elongate mandibles and smoothly rounded mediofrontal process on the anterior part of cephalosome. Gnathia aff. maculosa Ota & Hirose, 2009 is recorded from Australia, together with further records of G. trimaculata Coetzee, Smit, Grutter & Davies, 2009 and G. grandilaris Coetzee, Smit, Grutter & Davies, 2008, all from elasmobranch fishes.

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Research Article Tue, 5 Mar 2024 15:58:37 +0200
First amphibious Crinocheta (Isopoda, Oniscidea) from the Neotropics with a troglobitic status: a relictual distribution https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/114230/ ZooKeys 1192: 9-27

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1192.114230

Authors: Carlos Mario López-Orozco, Ivanklin Soares Campos-Filho, Livia Medeiros Cordeiro, Jonas Eduardo Gallão, Yesenia M. Carpio-Díaz, Ricardo Borja-Arrieta, Maria Elina Bichuette

Abstract: The first freshwater amphibian representative of Crinocheta (Oniscidea) from the Neotropics is described from caves within the Brazilian Cerrado biome, state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Kadiweuoniscus rebellis gen. et sp. nov. is placed in the family Philosciidae. The present work represents a significant contribution to future studies seeking to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes of Crinocheta within the Neotropical region. Moreover, it highlights the importance of biodiversity surveys in subterranean environments toward effective conservation efforts of these unique habitats and their surroundings.

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Research Article Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:32:21 +0200
Review and guide to the isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda) of littoral and sublittoral marine habitats in the Southern California Bight https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/100390/ ZooKeys 1162: 1-167

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1162.100390

Authors: Timothy D. Stebbins, Regina Wetzer

Abstract: The isopod crustaceans reported from or expected to occur in littoral and sublittoral marine habitats of the Southern California Bight (SCB) in the northeastern Pacific Ocean are reviewed. A total of 190 species, representing 105 genera in 42 families and six suborders are covered. Approximately 84% of these isopods represent described species with the remaining 16% comprising well-documented “provisional” but undescribed species. Cymothoida and Asellota are the most diverse of the six suborders, accounting for ca. 36% and 29% of the species, respectively. Valvifera and Sphaeromatidea are the next most speciose suborders with between 13–15% of the species each, while the suborder Limnorioidea represents fewer than 2% of the SCB isopod fauna. Finally, the mostly terrestrial suborder Oniscidea accounts for ca. 5% of the species treated herein, each which occurs at or above the high tide mark in intertidal habitats. A key to the suborders and superfamilies is presented followed by nine keys to the SCB species within each of the resultant groups. Figures are provided for most species. Bathymetric range, geographic distribution, type locality, habitat, body size, and a comprehensive list of references are included for most species.

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Review Article Tue, 16 May 2023 17:58:35 +0300
 Gnathia pipinde sp. nov. (Crustacea, Isopoda, Gnathiidae), a temporary parasite of the pufferfish, Amblyrhynchotes honckenii, from temperate southern Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/90986/ ZooKeys 1129: 1-19

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1129.90986

Authors: Nico J. Smit, Kerry A. Hadfield

Abstract: A new species, Gnathia pipinde sp. nov., is described from specimens taken from pufferfish, Amblyrhynchotes honckenii, at Chintsa and De Hoop Nature Reserve on the southern Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. Gnathia pipinde sp. nov. is characterised by the straight frontal margin, presence of conical superior frontolateral process, a strong and bifid mediofrontal processes, pronounced and pointed supraocular lobes, mandible strongly curved with a dentate blade, and the claviform penes produced more than a third the length of the pereon. A summary and key to the males of all known species of the Gnathiidae from the Temperate Southern African marine realm is provided.

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Research Article Thu, 10 Nov 2022 09:53:21 +0200
In memoriam Jonathan C. Wright (1961–2019) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/81113/ ZooKeys 1101: 5-11

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.81113

Authors: Katalin Szlavecz, Thomas Carefoot

Abstract: The 11th International Symposium on Terrestrial Isopod Biology and this special issue of ZooKeys is dedicated to the memory of our colleague, Dr. Jonathan C. Wright, who passed away on December 16, 2019. Jonathan was a scientist, educator, musician, public servant, husband and father.

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In Memoriam Wed, 18 May 2022 23:17:40 +0300
Expanding the knowledge on the diversity of the cavernicolous Styloniscidae Vandel, 1952 (Oniscidea, Synocheta) from Brazil, with descriptions of two new species from the semiarid karst regions https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/79043/ ZooKeys 1101: 35-55

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.79043

Authors: Ivanklin Soares Campos-Filho, Jéssica S. Gallo, Jonas E. Gallão, Dayana F. Torres, Yesenia M. Carpio-Díaz, Carlos Mario López-Orozco, Ricardo Borja-Arrieta, Stefano Taiti, Maria Elina Bichuette

Abstract: Two new species of Pectenoniscus from two caves in karst areas of the Brazilian semiarid region are described. Pectenoniscus pankaru Campos-Filho, Torres & Bichuette, sp. nov. from Gruna do Govi cave, Serra do Ramalho karst area, state of Bahia, and Pectenoniscus fervens Campos-Filho, Taiti & Bichuette, sp. nov. from Toca Coroa do Frade cave, Barra Bonita karst area, state of Piauí. In addition, specimens of Cylindroniscus flaviae from Gruta da Tapagem (= Caverna do Diabo), Açungui karst area were also recorded. An updated diagnosis of Pectenoniscus and a distribution map of the species examined herein are given.

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Research Article Wed, 18 May 2022 19:46:28 +0300
Antipredatory strategies of terrestrial isopods https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/76266/ ZooKeys 1101: 109-129

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.76266

Authors: Ivan Hadrián Tuf, Barbora Ďurajková

Abstract: Terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea) represent a widespread group of land Crustacea that have been able to successfully adapt to the terrestrial environment and occupy newly formed ecological niches. During the colonisation of land, they faced numerous challenges, including finding an effective way to avoid their new terrestrial predators. In response to predation pressure, they have developed various behavioural and morphological adaptations. These include tonic immobility, conglobation, clinging to the ground, releasing strongly acidic secretions, jumping, and efficient running away. Furthermore, terrestrial isopods can aggregate with other individuals, use stridulation, or change their typical activity time. Some of them also developed spiny tergites and aposematic colouration or posture. The majority of these strategies have not yet been studied.

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Review Article Wed, 18 May 2022 18:34:08 +0300
A bibliometric analysis of research on terrestrial isopods https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/81016/ ZooKeys 1101: 13-34

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.81016

Authors: Miloš Vittori, Miha Dominko

Abstract: Terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea) are crustaceans that thrive in terrestrial environments. This study provides an overview of the major topics in terrestrial isopod research during the last 70 years in order to provide an example of publication practices in invertebrate zoology and to examine how basic research in this area is transferred to its applications. Co-citation analysis and bibliographic coupling based on citation data from the Web of Science Core Collection was used. Findings show that while research on terrestrial isopods expanded in applicative research prioritised by research policies, basic research continues to flourish. The most productive countries in the field include the major developed economies and several smaller nations. In the smaller countries, as well as in France and Italy, the bulk of woodlouse research is performed at a few institutions with traditions in this field. Some of the most influential works have been published in periodicals or monographs that are not indexed in Web of Science or Scopus and lack impact factors. Conference proceedings represent some of the most influential publications in the field. Our findings indicate that smaller and developing economies make significant contributions in invertebrate zoology if their research organisations can achieve continuity of research on a topic. Another conclusion is that journal metrics may be a misleading descriptor of the impact of studies and researchers in this field. Ultimately, these results identify several examples of how basic research in invertebrate zoology leads to applications with considerable socio-economic impact.

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Research Article Wed, 18 May 2022 17:07:06 +0300
Immune priming in Armadillidium vulgare against Salmonella enterica: direct or indirect costs on life history traits? https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/77216/ ZooKeys 1101: 131-158

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.77216

Authors: Cybèle Prigot-Maurice, Charlotte Depeux, Hélène Paulhac, Christine Braquart-Varnier, Sophie Beltran-Bech

Abstract: Invertebrate immune priming is defined as an enhanced protection against secondary pathogenic infections when individuals have been previously exposed to the same or a different pathogen. Immune priming can be energetically costly for individuals, thus impacting trade-offs between life-history traits, like reproduction, growth, and lifetime. Here, the reproductive cost(s) and senescence patterns of immune priming against S. enterica in the common woodlouse A. vulgare (Crustacea, Isopoda) were investigated. Four different groups of females were used that either (1) have never been injected (control), (2) were injected twice with S. enterica (7 days between infections), (3) were firstly injected with LB-broth, then with S. enterica, and (4) females injected only once with S. enterica. All females were allowed to breed with one non-infected male and were observed for eight months. Then, the number of clutches produced, the time taken to produce the clutch(es), the number of offspring in each clutch, the senescence biomarkers of females, and parameters of their haemocytes were compared. The result was that immune priming did not significantly impact reproductive abilities, senescence patterns, and haemocyte parameters of female A. vulgare, but had an indirect effect through body weight. The lighter immune primed females took less time to produce the first clutch, which contained less offspring, but they were more likely to produce a second clutch. The opposite effects were observed in the heavier immune primed females. By highlighting that immune priming was not as costly as expected in A. vulgare, these results provide new insights into the adaptive nature of this immune process.

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Research Article Wed, 18 May 2022 16:24:45 +0300
Preface – 11th ISTIB: Facets of terrestrial isopod biology https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/86064/ ZooKeys 1101: 1-4

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.86064

Authors: Pallieter De Smedt, Stefano Taiti, Spyros Sfenthourakis, Ivanklin Soares Campos Filho

Abstract: /

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Editorial Wed, 18 May 2022 16:23:35 +0300
Formation and remodelling of septate junctions in the epidermis of isopod Porcellio scaber during development https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/78711/ ZooKeys 1101: 159-181

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.78711

Authors: Katja Kunčič, Polona Mrak, Nada Žnidaršič

Abstract: Septate junctions (SJs) perform an occluding function in invertebrate epithelia and consist of parallel septa extending across the intercellular space between neighbouring cells. In addition, they are required for several morphogenetic processes in arthropods. The biogenesis of SJs during development is inadequately studied and it was characterised in detail only for various epithelia of Drosophila melanogaster. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the ultrastructural differentiation of SJs in the epidermis of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber during embryonic and postembryonic development. In this study, mid-stage embryo S13 was the earliest stage in which single septa were observed basally to the adherens junction (AJ). Differentiation of SJs during further development includes gradual elongation of septa arrays and formation of continuous arrays of septa. The enlargement of SJs in the epidermis is most pronounced at the transition from embryonic to postembryonic development and after the release of mancae from the marsupium. SJs of postmarsupial mancae are similar to those of adults, but are not yet as extensive. Comparison of the differentiation of SJs in the epidermis and hindgut of P. scaber, reveals a similar sequence of events. In addition, remodelling of SJs was observed in the epidermis of late marsupial mancae, the stage of cuticle renewal. Common features of SJs’ biogenesis in P. scaber and D. melanogaster ectodermal epithelia are indicated.

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Research Article Wed, 18 May 2022 14:14:15 +0300
Intersexuality in a natural population of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/77212/ ZooKeys 1101: 183-190

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.77212

Authors: Jens Zarka, Thomas Parmentier, Nicky Wybouw

Abstract: Intersex phenotypes are rarely observed in natural isopod populations and their expression is typically associated with infection of Wolbachia, a reproductive parasite that manipulates arthropod reproduction. During an intensive sampling effort of a natural population of the isopod Porcellio scaber, an adult individual was isolated that expressed both male and female traits. The intersex individual exhibited clearly developed external male genitalia and carried multiple eggs in its brood pouch. No Wolbachia infection could be identified in this individual, a result that needs to be approached with caution due to suboptimal DNA preservation for diagnostic PCR assays. Wolbachia were, however, detected in two adult females of the same population, and appear closely related to isolates that infect other terrestrial isopod species. This is the first demonstration that intersex phenotypes can arise under natural conditions in P. scaber.

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Short Communication Wed, 18 May 2022 14:05:25 +0300
Bug cemetery: a case study of terrestrial isopod distribution on a brick wall in the Czech Republic https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/76132/ ZooKeys 1101: 191-201

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.76132

Authors: Ivan Hadrián Tuf, Nelly Weissová

Abstract: Although terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea) are primarily soil- and surface-dwelling invertebrates, they can also be found on tree trunks and walls. This study evaluated distribution patterns of terrestrial isopods on a brick wall during the first hours of night in autumn. Four species of terrestrial isopods were recorded with Armadillidium versicolor being the dominant one. Terrestrial isopods were distributed from ground level up to a height of 2 m, but preferred a 70–80 cm height band. The highest number of active individuals was observed 3 h after astronomical dusk. Potential predators of terrestrial isopods were abundant during the same time and at the same height.

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Short Communication Wed, 18 May 2022 13:09:23 +0300
Daily and seasonal time partitioning in surface activity of Porcellio albinus (Isopoda, Oniscidea) in the arid region of Zarat (Gabes, Tunisia) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/73834/ ZooKeys 1101: 203-212

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.73834

Authors: Lamia Medini-Bouaziz, Sonia Hamaied, Ahmed Ouni, Mohamed El Gtari

Abstract: The terrestrial isopod Porcellio albinus is a burrowing species, dwelling in the desert of south Tunisia. Field studies were carried out in the coastal area of Zarat, Tunisia, to examine the surface activity rhythm of P. albinus in relation to daily and seasonal variations in environmental conditions. The activity of P. albinus was followed once a month, from November 2012 through October 2013. Hourly capture frequency was compared across the different seasons of the year. Porcellio albinus is a strictly nocturnal species showing a nycthemeral rhythm regulated by the rhythmic and natural variations of the duration of the dark period. A positive correlation is observed between the circadian rhythm of the locomotor activity of the species and the duration of the dark period outside its burrow, P. albinus has a single daily activity peak. Individuals concentrated their activity in the first part of the night in winter and in the second part in summer. This peak is more spread out in spring and autumn. The differences in the activity rhythm of P. albinus between different seasons may be determined by two important factors, namely temperature and the length of the dark period.

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Research Article Wed, 18 May 2022 11:56:22 +0300
Higher temperature and substrate vibrations as stress factors for terrestrial isopods – model species matter https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/77549/ ZooKeys 1101: 71-85

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.77549

Authors: Barbora Ďurajková, Richard Hladký, Ivan Hadrián Tuf

Abstract: This study was focused on behaviour of the Common Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) and the Plum Woodlouse (Porcellionides pruinosus) under the influence of stressors in the form of increased temperature, the vibrating surface, or their combination. Two types of experiments were performed. First, woodlice placed in a labyrinth were observed, to determine the degree of turn alternation, the speed of passing through the labyrinth, and the corrections of turn alternation, when exposed to stressors. In the second experiment how woodlice aggregate in the aforementioned potential stressors was recorded and whether the change in aggregation behaviour can be an indicator of the degree of stress. Increased temperature and the combination of increased temperature and vibrations were stressors only for P. scaber. The results show that vibrations are not a stress factor for P. scaber or P. pruinosus. Porcellio scaber passed through the labyrinth more slowly at increased temperatures, and although they made more turn-corrections, they alternated turns less intensely. Its aggregation behaviour was mainly influenced by temperature, which confirms that the aggregation behaviour of P. scaber actually indicates a degree of stress.

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Research Article Wed, 18 May 2022 11:55:11 +0300
Inventory of the terrestrial isopods in Belgium (2011–2020) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/65810/ ZooKeys 1101: 57-69

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.65810

Authors: Pepijn Boeraeve, Gert Arijs, Stijn Segers, Dimitri Brosens, Peter Desmet, Kristijn Swinnen, Jorg Lambrechts, Pallieter De Smedt

Abstract: This data paper describes a recent and spatially complete inventory of the terrestrial isopods of Belgium between 2011 and 2020. During these 10 years every 10 × 10 km² cell of the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid in Belgium (373 grid cells) was visited in search for terrestrial isopods. Inventories covered different habitat types in every grid cell such as forest, wetlands or stream sides, and urban areas. Most of the dataset records were obtained by hand-collection methods such as turning stones and dead wood, or by sieving litter and through casual observations. These inventories were carried out by specialists from Spinicornis, the Belgian Terrestrial Isopod Group. Their data is complemented with pitfall trap data from scientific projects and verified citizen science data collected via waarnemingen.be and observations.be from the same time period. This resulted in 19,406 dataset records of 35 terrestrial isopod species. All dataset records are georeferenced using the centroid of their respective 5 × 5 km² UTM grid cell. The dataset is published as open data and available through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Direct link to the dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/mw9c66.

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Data Paper Wed, 18 May 2022 10:54:08 +0300
Avoidance behaviour toxicity tests should account for animal gregariousness: a case study on the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/76711/ ZooKeys 1101: 87-108

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.76711

Authors: Primož Zidar, Žiga Fišer

Abstract: Avoidance behaviour enables woodlice to escape suboptimal environmental conditions and to mitigate harmful effects of pollutants. However, several studies have shown that at least in some woodlice species the tendency to aggregate can lead to suboptimal responses as the between-conspecific attraction can outweigh the aversive stimuli. The present study evaluated the influence of gregariousness on the behaviour of Porcellio scaber in a heterogeneously polluted environment. The hypothesis was that the tendency for aggregation outweighs the tendency for exploratory activity, therefore animals in groups will be less active. Consequently, this will affect their avoidance of polluted environmental patches. To test this hypothesis, isolated individuals or pairs of individuals were monitored in free-choice arenas where animals could select between uncontaminated and pyrethrin-contaminated soils. Animals were video recorded for 3 h in darkness using infrared light and analysed for avoidance behaviour and locomotor activity. In general, isolated animals were more locomotory active and avoided the contaminated soil more than paired animals. It can be concluded that aggregation behaviour suppresses exploratory behaviour and consequently also the avoidance of polluted environments. This should be accounted for when interpreting results of avoidance tests with groups of gregarious animals, which may underestimate the effect of pollutants.

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Research Article Wed, 18 May 2022 09:50:14 +0300
Two new species of the genus Joeropsis Koehler, 1885 (Isopoda, Asellota, Joeropsididae) from Korean waters https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/80149/ ZooKeys 1090: 85-102

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1090.80149

Authors: Sung Hoon Kim, Jong Guk Kim, Seong Myeong Yoon

Abstract: Two new species, Joeropsis denticulatus sp. nov. and Joeropsis semicircularis sp. nov. are reported from South Korea. Joeropsis denticulatus sp. nov. can be identified by the following character states: whole body has dark brown chromatophores dorsally, lateral margins of the cephalon are smooth and narrowing anteriorly, and basis of pereopods has serrated cuticular scales superiorly. Joeropsis semicircularis sp. nov. can be identified by the following character states: the cephalon, pereonite 4, and pleotelson have dark brown chromatophores dorsally, lateral margins of the cephalon are smooth and parallel each other, and flagellar article 1 of the antenna is swollen and semi-circular in shape.

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Research Article Thu, 24 Mar 2022 18:00:01 +0200
Redescription of Tylos maindroni Giordani Soika, 1954 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) based on SEM and molecular data https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/76668/ ZooKeys 1087: 123-139

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1087.76668

Authors: Valiallah Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Hamzeh Oraie, Carlos A. Santamaria, Johann Wolfgang Wägele

Abstract: The woodlouse species Tylos maindroni Giordani Soika, 1954 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) is redescribed from the Persian Gulf based on light and scanning electron microscopy. This species differs from the closely related T. exiguus Stebbing, 1910, from the Red Sea (coasts of Sudan and Eritrea), and Socotra Island, by pereopod 1 superior margin without a prominent projection and pleopod 2 endopod 2.3 times as long as exopod, vs. 3.6 in T. exiguus. A distribution map for T. maindroni is provided. In addition, we studied the molecular differentiation of five populations of T. maindroni from the Persian Gulf, based on partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. The results revealed low levels of population structuring between the analyzed populations.

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Research Article Wed, 23 Feb 2022 10:18:33 +0200
Surprisingly high genetic divergence of the mitochondrial DNA barcode fragment (COI) within Central European woodlice species (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/69851/ ZooKeys 1082: 103-125

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1082.69851

Authors: Michael J. Raupach, Björn Rulik, Jörg Spelda

Abstract: DNA barcoding has become the most popular approach for species identification in recent years. As part of the German Barcode of Life project, the first DNA barcode library for terrestrial and freshwater isopods from Germany is presented. The analyzed barcode library included 38 terrestrial (78% of the documented species of Germany) and five freshwater (63%) species. A total of 513 new barcodes was generated and 518 DNA barcodes were analyzed. This analysis revealed surprisingly high intraspecific genetic distances for numerous species, with a maximum of 29.4% for Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii Brandt, 1833. The number of BINs per species ranged from one (32 species, 68%) to a maximum of six for Trachelipus rathkii (Brandt, 1833). In spite of such high intraspecific variability, interspecific distances with values between 12.6% and 29.8% allowed a valid species assignment of all analyzed isopods. The observed high intraspecific distances presumably result from phylogeographic events, Wolbachia infections, atypical mitochondrial DNAs, heteroplasmy, or various combinations of these factors. Our study represents the first step in generating an extensive reference library of DNA barcodes for terrestrial and freshwater isopods for future molecular biodiversity assessment studies.

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Research Article Thu, 20 Jan 2022 17:27:10 +0200
Diversity and distribution of the Isopoda (Crustacea, Peracarida) of Kuwait, with an updated checklist https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/71370/ ZooKeys 1080: 107-133

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1080.71370

Authors: Manal Abdulrahman Al-Kandari, Valiallah Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Hadeel Abdulkhaliq, Weizhong Chen

Abstract: Thirty-eight species of Isopoda, belonging to 13 families and 29 genera, are listed from Kuwait based on previous literature records (of 17 species) and collections carried out along Kuwait’s coastal and subtidal zones during the present study. The majority of species belongs to the suborder Cymothoida (23), followed by Sphaeromatidea (9), Oniscidea (3), Valvifera (2), and Asellota (1). In total, 25 species were collected and identified from 12 families and 22 genera from Kuwaiti coastal and subtidal areas. These include eight families, 15 genera, and 21 species recorded for the first time from Kuwait. Isopod diversity was highest in the sandy rock areas, including southern Kuwait, particularly in Al-Khiran and Al-Nuwaiseeb, and in mixed habitat (muddy, rocky, and sandy) intertidal transects such as in Failaka Island. The species number increased from the subtidal and lowest zones into the high tidal zone. Isopods were found in sandy substrata, among shells, cobbles, rocks, dead corals, and algae.

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Checklist Wed, 5 Jan 2022 11:09:49 +0200
An overview of Estonian woodlice (Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/68105/ ZooKeys 1067: 1-17

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1067.68105

Authors: Kaarel Sammet, Getriin Orgusaar, Mari Ivask, Olavi Kurina

Abstract: An overview of the Estonian terrestrial isopod fauna is given, based on literature data and material collected from 1984 to 2021. The identified material consisted of 10915 specimens belonging to 14 species and collected from 172 localities throughout Estonia. In combination with previous data from the literature data, there are now reliable records of 16 species of woodlice from Estonia. Two species, viz. Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii Brandt, 1833 and Hyloniscus riparius (C. Koch, 1838), are new for the fauna. The latter has probably colonised Estonia recently and range expansions have been reported elsewhere. The data on Philoscia muscorum (Scopoli, 1763) are dubious, and this species is currently excluded from the Estonian list.

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Checklist Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:11:15 +0300
Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of the genus Burmoniscus (Isopoda, Philosciidae) from the Xuefeng Mountains, China https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/66879/ ZooKeys 1055: 123-134

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1055.66879

Authors: Xue-Gang Zeng, Jin Wang, Jingbo Yang, Wei-Chun Li

Abstract: Three species of the genus Burmoniscus are identified from the Xuefeng Mountains, central China, by integrating morphological and molecular approaches. Burmoniscus chuanyanensis Li, sp. nov. is described. Morphological photographs of the new species are provided.

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Research Article Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:52:18 +0300
Redescription of Gnorimosphaeroma oregonense (Dana, 1853) (Crustacea, Isopoda, Sphaeromatidae), designation of neotype, and 16S-rDNA molecular phylogeny of the north-eastern Pacific species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/63017/ ZooKeys 1037: 23-56

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1037.63017

Authors: Regina Wetzer, Adam Wall, Niel L. Bruce

Abstract: Gnorimosphaeroma oregonense (Dana, 1852) is revised, a male neotype is designated, photographed, and illustrated; the species occurs from Vancouver British Columbia to the central California coast. 16S-rDNA sequences (~650 bp) for all available ethanol preserved species of Gnorimosphaeroma were used to hypothesize their relationships. Our analyses revealed a sister taxon relationship between the fully marine G. oregonense and the brackish to freshwater species, G. noblei. The oyster associated and introduced G. rayi is sister to a previously not recognized or identified, but genetically distinct, Gnorimosphaeroma sp. collected at two sites in San Francisco Bay. Gnorimosphaeroma sp. is probably also a western Pacific species based on its genetic relationship to G. rayi. Photographic comparisons are offered for G. oregonense (marine), G. noblei (freshwater), G. rayi (introduced), G. sp. (presumably introduced), and G. insulare (San Nicolas Island). Records of the holdings at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History are summarized. Without material available north of Vancouver through Alaska, the range of G. oregonense could not be genetically verified. This review includes a diagnosis and description of the genus Gnorimosphaeroma Menzies, 1954.

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Research Article Thu, 13 May 2021 17:31:07 +0300
Four new species of isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda) from South Korea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/59101/ ZooKeys 1010: 133-164

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1010.59101

Authors: Sung Hoon Kim, Seong Myeong Yoon

Abstract: Four new isopods, Amakusanthura intermedia sp. nov., Apanthura laevipedata sp. nov., Idarcturus trispinosus sp. nov., and Neastacilla paralongipectus sp. nov., are reported from the sublittoral zones in Korean waters. Amakusanthura intermedia sp. nov. differs from its congeners by the following features: the uropodal exopod is sinuous distally and with pointed apex; the maxillipedal endite is present and reaching to the distal end of fused palp articles I and II; and the propodal palm of pereopod I is stepped. Apanthura laevipedata sp. nov. can be distinguishable from its related species by the following characteristics: the eye is lacking; the propodal palm of pereopod I is not stepped; and the uropodal exopod is not sinuous. Idarcturus trispinosus sp. nov. is diagnosed by the following features: the cephalon has three dorsal spines and a pair of lateral spines; pereonite IV has two pairs of small dorsolateral spines, four pairs of dorsal spines, and one posterior spine; and the pleotelson has three pairs of wings laterally. Neastacilla paralongipectus sp. nov. can be distinguished by the following characteristics: the body is smooth and lacking dorsal spines or tubercles; pereonite IV is approximately 5.4× longer than pereonites II and III together; and the pleotelson has two pairs of lateral wings. In this paper, detailed descriptions and illustrations of the four species are presented. A key to the genera of the family Arcturidae and keys to the species of the four genera are also provided.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Jan 2021 22:47:27 +0200
Description of the supergiant isopod Bathynomus raksasa sp. nov. (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cirolanidae) from southern Java, the first record of the genus from Indonesia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/53906/ ZooKeys 947: 39-52

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.947.53906

Authors: Conni M. Sidabalok, Helen P.-S. Wong, Peter K. L. Ng

Abstract: The giant isopod genus Bathynomus A. Milne-Edwards, 1879, is recorded for the first time in Indonesian waters, from deep waters off southern Java in the Indian Ocean. Bathynomus raksasa sp. nov. is described and notes on juvenile specimens of an unidentified species found in the same locality are also provided. Bathynomus raksasa sp. nov. is characterized by the large size (averaging at 330 mm), narrowly rounded clypeus apex, prominent longitudinal carina on the clypeus, convex lateral margins of the uropodal exopod and endopod, produced distolateral corners of the uropodal exopod and endopod which have acute ends, an uropodal exopod with a setal fringe of medium length (69%), a pleotelson 1.6 times wider than long with the posterior margin medially concave, and the large number (11–13) of spines on the pleotelson.

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Research Article Wed, 8 Jul 2020 12:52:17 +0300
Sphaerillo boninensis Nunomura, 1990 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) is a junior synonym of a pantropical species, Venezillo parvus (Budde-Lund, 1885) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/26018/ ZooKeys 923: 1-14

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.923.26018

Authors: Shigenori Karasawa

Abstract: Re-examination of the holotype and paratype of Sphaerillo boninensis Nunomura, 1990 from Chichijima Island of the Ogasawara archipelago, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, indicates that this species is a junior synonym of a pantropical species, Venezillo parvus (Budde-Lund, 1885).

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Research Article Wed, 1 Apr 2020 21:33:56 +0300
Gnathia bermudensis (Crustacea, Isopoda, Gnathiidae), a new species from the mesophotic reefs of Bermuda, with a key to Gnathia from the Greater Caribbean biogeographic region https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/39564/ ZooKeys 891: 1-16

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.891.39564

Authors: Kerry A. Hadfield, Nikolaos V. Schizas, Tapas Chatterjee, Nico J. Smit

Abstract: Gnathia bermudensis sp. nov. is described from mesophotic coral ecosystems in Bermuda; it is distinguished by pronounced and pointed supraocular lobes, two superior frontolateral processes and a weak bifid mediofrontal process, pereonite 1 not fused dorsally with the cephalosome, and large eyes. This is the first record of a species of Gnathia from Bermuda. A synopsis and key to the other Gnathia species from the Greater Caribbean biogeographic region is provided.

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Research Article Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:09:52 +0200
A new genus and species of fish parasitic cymothoid (Crustacea, Isopoda) from the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa, with a key to the externally attaching genera of Cymothoidae https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/38638/ ZooKeys 889: 1-15

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.889.38638

Authors: Niel L. Bruce, Rachel L. Welicky, Kerry A. Hadfield, Nico J. Smit

Abstract: Bambalocra intwala gen. et sp. nov. is described from Sodwana Bay, north-eastern South Africa. The monotypic genus is characterised by the broadly truncate anterior margin of the head with a ventral rostrum, coxae 2–5 being ventral in position not forming part of the body outline and not or barely visible in dorsal view, and the posterolateral margins of pereonites 6 and 7 are posteriorly produced and broadly rounded. The antennulae bases are widely separated, with both antennula and antenna slender. The species is known only from the type locality and the known hosts are species of Pomacanthidae (Angelfish). A revised key to the externally attaching genera of Cymothoidae is provided.

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Research Article Thu, 14 Nov 2019 19:06:14 +0200
Review of the fish parasitic genus Elthusa Schioedte & Meinert, 1884 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cymothoidae) from South Africa, including the description of three new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/32364/ ZooKeys 841: 1-37

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.841.32364

Authors: Serita van der Wal, Nico J. Smit, Kerry A. Hadfield

Abstract: The branchial-attaching cymothoid genus, Elthusa Schioedte & Meinert, 1884 is a genus with a worldwide distribution of 36 species, including the three species described here. Elthusa raynaudii (Milne Edwards, 1840) is the only species that has been described from southern Africa. All South African material held at the National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France (MNHN) and the Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town (SAMC) identified as, or appearing to belong to, Elthusa was examined. Four species were identified, Elthusa raynaudii and three species that proved to be undescribed. Elthusa xena sp. n. can be distinguished by an evenly rounded pereonite 1 anterior margin, a roughly rectangular pleotelson, and narrowly rounded uropod apices that extend to more than half the length of the pleotelson. Elthusa acutinasa sp. n. is identified by the produced and narrowly rounded cephalon anterior margin, acute uropods that are shorter than half the length of the pleotelson, and pereonite 1 anterior margin with medial projection. Elthusa rotunda sp. n. is characterised by the round body shape, broadly rounded uropod apices, and protrusions on the proximal and lateral margins of the merus and carpus of pereopod 7. A key to the South African Elthusa species is provided, together with a table summarising the hosts and localities of the 33 previously known species of Elthusa.

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Research Article Tue, 23 Apr 2019 16:26:56 +0300
A new interstitial species of the genus Caecianiropsis Menzies & Pettit, 1956 (Isopoda, Asellota) from Korea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/30241/ ZooKeys 832: 35-56

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.832.30241

Authors: Jeongho Kim, Wonchoel Lee, Ivana Karanovic

Abstract: A new interstitial species, Caecianiropsis goseongensis sp. n. is described from littoral off the east coast of Korea (Sea of Japan). The species can be distinguished from its congeners by the number of antennular articles, shape of the male appendix masculina, setation of pereopods, and length ratio of the uropodal rami. To aid species identification a taxonomic key to all species of Caecianiropsis Menzies & Pettit, 1956 is also provided as well as a partial 16S mitochondrial ribosome RNA of the new species, which is the first genetic information for the genus.

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Research Article Tue, 19 Mar 2019 17:43:40 +0200
Woodlice and their parasitoid flies: revision of Isopoda (Crustacea, Oniscidea) – Rhinophoridae (Insecta, Diptera) interaction and first record of a parasitized Neotropical woodlouse species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/26052/ ZooKeys 801: 401-414

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.26052

Authors: Camila T. Wood, Silvio S. Nihei, Paula B. Araujo

Abstract: Terrestrial isopods are soil macroarthropods that have few known parasites and parasitoids. All known parasitoids are from the family Rhinophoridae (Insecta: Diptera). The present article reviews the known biology of Rhinophoridae flies and presents the first record of Rhinophoridae larvae on a Neotropical woodlouse species. We also compile and update all published interaction records. The Neotropical woodlouse Balloniscus glaber was parasitized by two different larval morphotypes of Rhinophoridae. Including this new record, there are 18 Isopoda species known to be parasitized and 13 Rhinophoridae species with known hosts, resulting in 35 interactions. There are a total of 53 interaction records from Holarctic and Neotropical countries. Of the 18 known isopod hosts, only five species have more than one parasitoid, including the new Neotropical host record presented in this work.

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Review Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 22:30:37 +0200
Terrestrial isopods in urban environments: an overview https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/29580/ ZooKeys 801: 97-126

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.29580

Authors: Katalin Szlavecz, Ferenc Vilisics, Zsolt Tóth, Elisabeth Hornung

Abstract: In an increasingly urbanized world scientific research has shifted towards the understanding of cities as unique ecosystems. Urban land use change results in rapid and drastic changes in physical and biological properties, including that of biodiversity and community composition. Soil biodiversity research often lags behind the more charismatic groups such as vertebrates and plants. This paper attempts to fill this gap and provides an overview on urban isopod research. First, a brief overview on urban land use change is given, specifically on the major alterations on surface soils. Historical studies on urban isopods is summarized, followed by the status of current knowledge on diversity, distribution, and function of urban isopod species and communities. A review of more than 100 publications revealed that worldwide 50 cities and towns have some record of terrestrial isopod species, but only a few of those are city-scale explorations of urban fauna. A total of 110 isopod species has been recorded although the majority of them only once. The ten most frequently occurring isopods are widely distributed synanthropic species. Knowledge gaps and future research needs call for a better global dataset, long term monitoring of urban populations, multi-scale analyses of landscape properties as potential drivers of isopod diversity, and molecular studies to detect evolutionary changes.

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Review Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 20:25:33 +0200
Effect of neem-derived plant protection products on the isopod species Porcellionides pruinosus (Brandt, 1833) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/25510/ ZooKeys 801: 415-425

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.25510

Authors: Pratik Doshi, Anett Mészárosné Póss, Ferenc Tóth, Márk Szalai, György Turóczi

Abstract: Neem-based products have gained major attention over the last few years due to their wide range of applications in pest management, and have been in the focus of biological plant protection research in the past decade. Yet, there is limited information available to understand the side effects of these neem-derived pesticides on non-target species in soil. Therefore, Porcellionides pruinosus, a terrestrial isopod, was chosen as a non-target species to investigate such possible effects. Two different experiments were conducted to study two different neem-derived plant protection products, i.e., NeemAzal T/S (1% azadirachtin) which is a commercial product registered in the EU, and neem leaf extract from dried neem leaves (1%).The latter simulates the plant protection product, is domestically produced, and widely used by farmers in India and other tropical and subtropical countries. Findings are consistent with previous results obtained with other non-target organisms, i.e., neither of the tested neem products have adverse effects on the mortality of P. pruinosus. However, further research on a wider range of soil organisms is needed to prove the safety of neem-based products as biological control agents and to be part of integrated pest management.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 19:31:01 +0200
Water vapor absorption allows for volume expansion during molting in Armadillidium vulgare and Porcellio dilatatus (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/23344/ ZooKeys 801: 459-479

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23344

Authors: John-David Nako, Nicole S. Lee, Jonathan C. Wright

Abstract: Arthropods require periodic molting in order to grow which presents a number of challenges to terrestrial taxa. Following ecdysis, the pliant new cuticle is susceptible to buckling under gravity and requires elevated hydrostatic pressure for support. Terrestrial species also require a mechanism of volume expansion and stretching of the integument prior to sclerotization, a need that is readily met in aquatic arthropods by drinking. Options for land arthropods include drinking of dew, swallowing of air, or using muscular contractions to inflate air sacs in tracheate taxa. In this study we tested the hypothesis that crinochete terrestrial isopods (Isopoda: Oniscidea: Crinocheta) exploit their capacity for active water vapor absorption (WVA) to increase volume during molting. Two crinochete species, Armadillidium vulgare and Porcellio dilatatus, were studied and compared with the non-absorbing species Ligidium lapetum (Oniscidea: Ligiamorpha). Pre-molting animals were identified by sternal CaCO3 deposits and exposed to 100% or 97% relative humidity (RH). Mass-changes were monitored by daily weighing and the timing of the posterior and anterior ecdyses was used to categorize time (days premolt and days post-molt) over the molt cycle. In each treatment RH, A. vulgare and P. dilatatus showed a progressive mass increase from 5 days premolt until the posterior or anterior ecdysis, followed abruptly by period of mass-loss lasting 3–4 days post-molt. The fact that the initial mass-gain is seen in 97 % RH, a humidity below the water activity of the hemolymph, confirms the role of WVA. Similarly, since the post-molt mass-loss is seen in 100 % RH, this must be due to active expulsion of water, possibly via maxillary urine. Concurrent changes in hemolymph osmolality were monitored in a separate batch of A. vulgare and show sustained osmolality during premolt and an abrupt decrease between the anterior and posterior ecdysis. These patterns indicate a mobilization of sequestered electrolytes during premolt, and a loss of electrolytes during the post-molt mass-loss, amounting to approximately 8.6 % of total hemolymph solutes. WVA, in conjunction with pulses of elevated hemolymph pressure, provides an efficient mechanism of pre-molt volume expansion prior to and during the biphasic molt in these species. Premolt Ligidium lapetum exposed to same treatments failed to molt successfully and no premolt animals survived to day 3 (72 h) even in 100 % RH. The apparent dependence of this species on liquid water for successful molting could explain its obligatory association with riparian fringe habitats.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 18:46:55 +0200
A guide to the identification of the terrestrial Isopoda of Maryland, U.S.A. (Crustacea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/24146/ ZooKeys 801: 207-228

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.24146

Authors: Jeffrey W. Shultz

Abstract: The terrestrial isopod fauna of Maryland is inferred using the taxonomic literature, internet-based citizen science projects, and original collecting. Twenty-two species are either known or are likely to occur in the state. This includes 17 mostly-European adventive species that comprise the vast majority of records. Of the five expected native species, three occur in or near marine or estuarine littoral habitats and each has yet to be recorded or recorded from only a single locality. This situation likely reflects the long history of systematic work on the European fauna and the availability of keys for the identification of these taxa, which contrasts with the limited taxonomic work on native species. A taxonomic key, illustrations, and brief descriptions of species known or expected to occur in Maryland are provided.

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Review Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 18:26:13 +0200
Isopod distribution and climate change https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/23533/ ZooKeys 801: 25-61

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23533

Authors: Spyros Sfenthourakis, Elisabeth Hornung

Abstract: The unique properties of terrestrial isopods regarding responses to limiting factors such as drought and temperature have led to interesting distributional patterns along climatic and other environmental gradients at both species and community level. This paper will focus on the exploration of isopod distributions in evaluating climate change effects on biodiversity at different scales, geographical regions, and environments, in view of isopods’ tolerances to environmental factors, mostly humidity and temperature. Isopod distribution is tightly connected to available habitats and habitat features at a fine spatial scale, even though different species may exhibit a variety of responses to environmental heterogeneity, reflecting the large interspecific variation within the group. Furthermore, isopod distributions show some notable deviations from common global patterns, mainly as a result of their ecological features and evolutionary origins. Responses to human disturbance are not always traceable, but a trend towards community homogenisation is often found under strong global urbanisation processes. In general, even though it is still not clear how predicted climate change will affect isopod distribution, there is evidence that mixed effects are to be expected, depending on the region under study. We still lack robust and extensive analyses of isopod distributions at different scales and at different biomes, as well as applications of distribution models that might help evaluate future trends.

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Review Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 18:13:14 +0200
Interspecific variation in responses to microclimate by terrestrial isopods: implications in relation to climate change https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/24934/ ZooKeys 801: 5-24

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.24934

Authors: Mark Hassall, Anna Moss, Bernice Dixie, James J. Gilroy

Abstract: The importance of considering species-specific biotic interactions when predicting feedbacks between the effects of climate change and ecosystem functions is becoming widely recognised. The responses of soil animals to predicted changes in global climate could potentially have far-reaching consequences for fluxes of soil carbon, including climatic feedbacks resulting from increased emissions of carbon dioxide from soils. The responses of soil animals to different microclimates can be summarised as norms of reaction, in order to compare phenotypic differences in traits along environmental gradients. Thermal and moisture reaction norms for physiological, behavioural and life history traits of species of terrestrial isopods differing in their morphological adaptations for reducing water loss are presented. Gradients of moisture reaction norms for respiratory rates and thermal reaction norms for water loss, for a species from the littoral zone were steeper than those for species from mesic environments. Those for mesic species were steeper than for those from xeric habitats. Within mesic species, gradients of thermal reaction norms for aggregation were steeper for Oniscus asellus than for Porcellio scaber or Armadillium vulgare, and moisture reaction norms for sheltering and feeding behaviours were steeper for Philoscia muscorum than for either P. scaber or A. vulgare. These differences reflect differences in body shape, permeability of the cuticle, and development of pleopodal lungs. The implications of differences between different species of soil animals in response to microclimate on the possible influence of the soil fauna on soil carbon dynamics under future climates are discussed. In conclusion a modelling approach to bridging the inter-disciplinary gap between carbon cycling and the biology of soil animals is recommended.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 16:46:17 +0200
Size dependence of offspring production in isopods: a synthesis https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/23677/ ZooKeys 801: 337-357

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23677

Authors: Andrzej Antoł, Marcin Czarnoleski

Abstract: In isopods, parental care takes the form of offspring brooding in marsupial pouches. Marsupial brooding was an important step towards the origin of terrestrial lifestyles among isopods, but its potential role in shaping isopod life histories remains unknown. It is here considered that marsupial brooding imposes costs and creates a temporary association between the survival of mothers and that of their offspring. Integrating findings from different life history models, we predicted that the effects of marsupial brooding set selective conditions for the continuation of growth after maturation, which leads to indeterminate growth, and the production of larger offspring by larger females. Based on this perspective, a study on the size dependence of offspring production in the woodlouse Porcellio scaber was performed and the generality of the results was tested by reviewing the literature on offspring production in other isopods. In P. scaber and almost all the other studied isopods, clutch size is positively related to female size. Such dependence is a necessary pre-condition for the evolution of indeterminate growth. The body mass of P. scaber differed six-fold between the largest and smallest brooding females, indicating a high potential for post-maturation growth. Our review showed that offspring size is a rarely studied trait in isopods and that it correlates negatively with offspring number but positively with female size in nearly half of the studied species. Our study of P. scaber revealed similar patterns, but the positive effect of female size on offspring size occurred only in smaller broods, and the negative relation between clutch size and offspring size occurred only in larger females. We conclude that the intraspecific patterns of offspring production in isopods agree with theoretical predictions regarding the role of offspring brooding in shaping the adaptive patterns of female investment in growth, reproduction, and the parental care provided to individual offspring.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 15:41:18 +0200
Description of a new species of the genus Protracheoniscus Verhoeff, 1917 and redescription of Protracheoniscus kryszanovskii Borutzky, 1957 from the southeast of European Russia (Isopoda, Oniscidea, Agnaridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/23167/ ZooKeys 801: 189-205

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23167

Authors: Konstantin B. Gongalsky, Ilya S. Turbanov, Dmitry A. Medvedev, Julia S. Volkova

Abstract: A new species of woodlice, Protracheoniscus pokarzhevskii Gongalsky & Turbanov, sp. n. is described from Kalmykia, NE Pre-Caspian region, Russia. Protracheoniscus kryszanovskii Borutzky, 1957 from the same area is also redescribed. Diagnostic features of these species as well as affinities within the genus are provided and discussed.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 15:18:44 +0200
Terrestrial isopods of the family Eubelidae Budde-Lund, 1899 from Iran, with description of a new species (Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/23340/ ZooKeys 801: 177-187

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23340

Authors: Ghasem M. Kashani, Ahdiyeh Abedini, Giuseppe Montesanto

Abstract: In the present work, terrestrial isopods of the family Eubelidae are investigated in Iran. The genera Periscyphis and Somalodillo are reported for the first time. More localities are presented for Koweitoniscus tamei (Omer-Cooper, 1923) while K. shafieii Kashani, sp. n. is described and figured. A map indicating the sampling localities for the species is presented.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 14:27:49 +0200
A molecular phylogeny of Porcellionidae (Isopoda, Oniscidea) reveals inconsistencies with present taxonomy https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/23566/ ZooKeys 801: 163-176

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23566

Authors: Andreas C. Dimitriou, Stefano Taiti, Helmut Schmalfuss, Spyros Sfenthourakis

Abstract: Porcellionidae is one of the richest families of Oniscidea globally distributed but we still lack a comprehensive and robust phylogeny of the taxa that are assigned to it. Employing five genetic markers (two mitochondrial and three nuclear) we inferred phylogenetic relationships among the majority of Porcellionidae genera. Phylogenetic analyses conducted via Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference resulted in similar tree topologies. The mtDNA genes cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and 16s rRNA (16s) were used for clade dating using previously published mutation rates. Our results provide evidence against the monophyly of both Porcellionidae and the largest genus of the family Porcellio. These results are compared to previous published work based on morphological evidence. The genera Leptotrichus and Brevurus are not grouped with the rest of Porcellionidae whereas Agnaridae are grouped with part of Porcellionidae. Armadillidium and Schizidium (Armadillidiidae) occupy a basal position on the phylogenetic tree. Even though the African genera Tura and Uramba (distributed in East Africa) are grouped together there is no general geographical pattern in other sub-clades. Additional taxonomic issues that arise in this work such as the assignment of the recently described genus Levantoniscus, arealso discussed. The status of Porcellionidae should be further revised and morphological characters traditionally used in Oniscidea taxonomy should be reconsidered in view of molecular evidence. The origin of the monophyletic clade within Porcellionidae as indicated in the present work is dated back to the Oligocene (~32 mya).

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 14:25:05 +0200
The genus Alpioniscus Racovitza, 1908 in Sardinia: taxonomy and natural history (Isopoda, Oniscidea, Trichoniscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/24102/ ZooKeys 801: 229-263

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.24102

Authors: Stefano Taiti, Roberto Argano, Paolo Marcia, Fabio Scarpa, Daria Sanna, Marco Casu

Abstract: The genus Alpioniscus Racovitza, 1908 (Trichoniscidae) from Sardinia is revised. Three new cave-dwelling species are described: A. onnisi Taiti & Argano, sp. n., A. stochi Taiti & Argano, sp. n., and A. sideralis Taiti & Argano, sp. n.. The genus Utopioniscus Schmalfuss, 2005 is considered to be a junior synonym of Alpioniscus, after morphological and molecular analyses. Alpioniscus fragilis (Budde-Lund, 1909) and A. kuehni from Grotta del Bue Marino are illustrated. With the new species, the genus Alpioniscus in Sardinia comprises six species: two troglobionts (A. fragilis and A. onnisi), one endogean and troglobiont (A. thanit Taiti & Argano, 2009), and three stygobionts (A. kuehni, A. stochi, and A. sideralis). All the species occur in karstic areas in the central-eastern and south-eastern part of the island. A key to all the Sardinian species of Alpioniscus is provided.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 14:16:27 +0200
Preface – 10 th ISTIB https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/31568/ ZooKeys 801: 1-3

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.31568

Authors: Elisabeth Hornung, Stefano Taiti, Katalin Szlavecz

Abstract: n/a

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Editorial Mon, 3 Dec 2018 14:08:43 +0200
Species compositions of terrestrial isopods in public parks of a commuter town in Japan https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/21875/ ZooKeys 801: 389-399

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.21875

Authors: Takahiro Nasu, Kana Kitagawa, Shigenori Karasawa

Abstract: The species compositions of terrestrial isopod assemblages in 150 public parks in a commuter town in Japan were investigated. Eleven species of terrestrial isopods were present, of which seven were considered native or oriental species, and four were exotic species originally distributed in the Mediterranean and European regions. An exotic species Armadillidium vulgare Latreille, 1804 was found in all parks. Logistic model analysis indicated that the surrounding land use affected the distributions of three native species, Burmoniscus kathmandius (Schmalfuss, 1983), Ligidium koreanum Flasarova, 1972, and Mongoloniscus koreanus Verhoeff, 1930, indicating that landscape properties are important factors that limit the distributions of terrestrial isopods. The present study also showed that the public parks surrounded by forests or semi-natural environments in a commuter town provide habitats for native terrestrial isopods.

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Forum Paper Mon, 3 Dec 2018 13:53:50 +0200
Terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea) of the White Carpathians (Czech Republic and Slovakia) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/24133/ ZooKeys 801: 305-321

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.24133

Authors: Karel Tajovský, Jana Štrichelová, Ivan H. Tuf

Abstract: This paper summarizes data regarding the terrestrial isopods of the White Carpathians range in the Western Outer Carpathians based on field research undertaken during the past several decades in natural meadow pasture and forest localities. Using a combination of four collection methods 19 species belonging to nine families were recorded. The most common representatives were Protracheoniscus politusTrachelipus rathkii and Ligidium hypnorum. In general the biodiversity of isopod communities in the studied area was considerable with half of the localities explored inhabited by six to ten species. The composition of the isopod assemblages was determined by the character of the biotope and its geographical location. Forest habitats were considerably richer in species than the meadow and pasture ecosystems. Some xerotermic localities in the Slovak part of the area were inhabited by Trachelipus nodulosus and Orthometopon planum thermophilic species typically associated with warmer parts of Europe. Two relic species (Hyloniscus mariae and Ligidium germanicum) were confirmed for this area. Except for only one finding of Porcellio scaber no other evidently introduced or synanthropic species were recorded. Based on the data analyzed the high nature conservancy value of the given area is emphasised.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 12:38:16 +0200
Comparative ultrastructure of cells and cuticle in the anterior chamber and papillate region of Porcellio scaber (Crustacea, Isopoda) hindgut https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/22395/ ZooKeys 801: 427-458

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.22395

Authors: Urban Bogataj, Monika Praznik, Polona Mrak, Jasna Štrus, Magda Tušek-Žnidarič, Nada Žnidaršič

Abstract: Isopod hindgut consists of two anatomical and functional parts, the anterior chamber, and the papillate region. This study provides a detailed ultrastructural comparison of epithelial cells in the anterior chamber and the papillate region with focus on cuticle ultrastructure, apical and basal plasma membrane labyrinths, and cell junctions. Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the hindgut epithelial cells was demonstrated by cytochemical localisation. The main difference in cuticle ultrastructure is in the thickness of epicuticle which is almost as thick as the procuticle in the papillate region and only about one sixth of the thickness of procuticle in the anterior chamber. The apical plasma membrane in both hindgut regions forms an apical plasma membrane labyrinth of cytoplasmic strands and extracellular spaces. In the papillate region the membranous infoldings are deeper and the extracellular spaces are wider. The basal plasma membrane is extensively infolded and associated with numerous mitochondria in the papillate region, while it forms relatively scarce basal infoldings in the anterior chamber. The junctional complex in both hindgut regions consists of adherens and septate junctions. Septate junctions are more extensive in the papillate region. Na+/K+-ATPase was located mostly in the apical plasma membranes in both hindgut regions. The ultrastructural features of hindgut cuticle are discussed in comparison to exoskeletal cuticle and to cuticles of other arthropod transporting epithelia from the perspective of their mechanical properties and permeability. The morphology of apical and basal plasma membranes and localisation of Na+/K+-ATPase are compared with other arthropod-transporting epithelia according to different functions of the anterior chamber and the papillate region.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 12:24:51 +0200
The role of urban forest patches in maintaining isopod diversity (Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/22829/ ZooKeys 801: 371-388

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.22829

Authors: Elisabeth Hornung, Andrea Kásler, Zsolt Tóth

Abstract: Compositional changes in natural communities associated with anthropogenic influence often lead to localised extinctions and biodiversity loss. Soil invertebrates are also threatened by urbanisation due to habitat fragmentation, vegetation changes and management, soil alteration, degradation, and disappearing shelter sites. The aim was to assess terrestrial isopod (Oniscidea) assemblages in differently degraded urban forest patches of a metropolitan area (Budapest, Hungary). Study sites were compared by their species richness, composition and the relevant background factors (soil properties, dead wood, litter characteristics, and canopy closure). The degree of urban disturbance was expressed using an urbanisation index (UI) based on built-up density and vegetation cover. The isopods were identified to species level, and were qualified by their habitat preference and naturalness index (TINI). Average Rarity Index (ARI), derived from TINIs provided information on the degree of naturalness/disturbance of each habitat. Altogether 14 isopod species were collected from 23 sample sites. Urbanisation indirectly affected on the composition of isopod assemblages through the quantity of dead wood and soil plasticity. ARIs and UIs of sample sites were negatively correlated. Urban patches harboured habitat generalist, synanthropic and established introduced species with low naturalness value of assemblages. Areas with no or low anthropogenic disturbance maintained stable native, autochthonous assemblages that were characteristic of rural sites in the region. Transitional zones between rural and urban habitats usually maintained a mixed isopod fauna consisting of both urban and rural elements.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 11:36:48 +0200
Effect of agricultural practices on terrestrial isopods: a review https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/24680/ ZooKeys 801: 63-96

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.24680

Authors: Catherine Souty-Grosset, Ariel Faberi

Abstract: Terrestrial isopods (approximately 3700 known species in the world) are encountered in temperate and tropical regions, from the seashore to high altitudes and from floodplain forests to deserts. They are known to contribute to soil biodiversity. Environmental factors and anthropogenic actions, particularly land use changes such as primarily agricultural practices, and urbanization affect soil biodiversity and their functions. Human practices, such as soil tillage, pesticide application, chemical pollution, along with soil acidification adversely affect isopod abundance and diversity. It is thus important to recognise the vital contributions of soil biodiversity in support of environmental quality protection through maintaining soil functions and their significance to sustainable land use. This review will also deal with recent studies attempting to evaluate the impact of returning to an environmentally friendly agriculture by restoring refuge habitats such as grass strips, hedges, and woodlands for terrestrial isopods.

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Review Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 11:30:03 +0200
Life history characteristics of a cave isopod (Mesoniscus graniger Friv.) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/23391/ ZooKeys 801: 359-370

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23391

Authors: Dávid Derbák, László Dányi, Elisabeth Hornung

Abstract: The special environmental conditions of caves provide habitat for several endemic and relict species, among them terrestrial isopods. The Baradla Cave system (north-eastern Hungary) hosts Mesoniscus graniger (Frivaldszky, 1865) (Oniscidea, Microcheta, Mesoniscidae), a pygmy, blind, fragile troglophile woodlice species. Its stable environment can be characterised by the lack of light, high relative humidity (96%), low and constant temperature (about 10 °C). We explored the population characteristics (sex ratio, size distribution) and life history traits of the species (e.g. longevity, reproductive strategy, offspring number, and size). Sex ratio and size distribution of the individuals (head-width measurements) were estimated based on a yearly pooled pitfall-trap data set (N = 677). We studied the species’ reproductive strategy under natural conditions (Baradla Cave, Aggtelek National Park). Model populations were set up in the cave and checked monthly between March and October, 2016 (15 replicates, each with 12 randomly chosen adult individuals; ΣN = 180). Digital photos were taken of the live animals and their length was estimated based on the photos by using ImageJ software (average body length: 6.56 ± 0.79 mm). The results showed female dominance in the population [(male:female = 0.43:0.57); p < 0.001 (GLM)]. Female head width (0.87 ± 0.18 mm) was significantly greater than that of males [0.79 ± 0.08 mm; p < 0.001 (t-test)]. Based on our present data we assume that the offspring number per single female is low (3–5), and new-borns have a relatively large size (body length: 4.22 ± 0.53 mm) compared to the adults. The probability of reproduction was continuous by monthly intervals (binomial test) and longevity exceeds one year. Our results suggest that the species follows a stenodynamic life history.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 10:35:59 +0200
Presence of a stridulatory apparatus in the manca stages of isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/23018/ ZooKeys 801: 501-518

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23018

Authors: Giuseppe Montesanto

Abstract: Armadillo officinalis Duméril, 1816 (Armadillidae) is a widespread terrestrial isopod species in the Mediterranean basin and on the western coasts of the Black Sea. The species is adapted to live in xeric environments and has mainly nocturnal habits. This species is capable of producing stridulations, which is nowadays recognized as a synapomorphy of the genus. In both sexes, these vibrations are produced by a line of scales on the propodus of pereopod 4 and 5. The main goals of this study are: to describe the manca stages of Armadillo officinalis; to detect the presence of the stridulatory apparatus in the manca stages; to evaluate the differences of such apparatus in the various manca stages. The manca stages (I, II, III) of Armadillo officinalis are described for the first time showing: i, the shortest duration (known in literature) of the manca stage I (approximately 30 minutes); ii, the presence of a rudimental stridulatory organ that may be of great importance in terms of evolutionary aspects and adaptation to terrestrial life. Notes on the reproductive biology are also reported. Furthermore, some considerations on future perspectives for A. officinalis as a model species in biotremology are also discussed.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 10:13:49 +0200
Woodlice of Belgium: an annotated checklist and bibliography (Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/21894/ ZooKeys 801: 265-304

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.21894

Authors: Pallieter De Smedt, Pepijn Boeraeve, Gert Arijs, Stijn Segers

Abstract: Woodlice are key organisms for nutrient cycling in many terrestrial ecosystems; however, knowledge on this invertebrate group is limited as for other soil fauna taxa. Here, we present an annotated checklist of the woodlice of Belgium, a small but densely populated country in Western Europe. We reviewed all 142 publications on Belgian woodlice, the oldest dating back to 1831 and re-identified all doubtful specimens from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) collection. These data is complemented with observations from extensive field surveys dating from March 2014 until December 2017. We report 36 species of woodlice with free-living populations for Belgium. Nine species can be added compared to the latest checklist published in 2000 being Hyloniscus riparius (C. Koch, 1838), Miktoniscus patiencei Vandel, 1946, Trichoniscoides sarsi Patience, 1908, Haplophthalmus montivagus Verhoeff, 1941, Porcellio monticola Lereboullet, 1853, Metatrichoniscoides leydigii (Weber, 1880), Trichoniscus alemannicus Verhoeff, 1917, Eluma caelata (Miers, 1877) and Philoscia affinis Verhoeff, 1908. Two species are deleted from the checklist (Ligidium germanicum Verhoeff, 1901 and Armadillidium depressum Brandt, 1833) because records are doubtful and no material has been preserved. Additionally the data of the field surveys is used to determine a species status of occurrence in Belgium. For each species, a short overview of their first records is provided and their confirmation as part of the Belgian fauna, their current status, as well as a complete bibliography of the species in Belgium.

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Checklist Mon, 3 Dec 2018 09:36:52 +0200
Morphological traits – desiccation resistance – habitat characteristics: a possible key for distribution in woodlice (Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/23088/ ZooKeys 801: 481-499

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.801.23088

Authors: Diána Csonka, Katalin Halasy, Krisztina Buczkó, Elisabeth Hornung

Abstract: Terrestrial isopods, as successful colonizers of land habitats, show a great variety in species distribution patterns on a global, continental, or regional scale. On a local, within-habitat level these patterns reflect the species’ tolerance limits and the presence of suitable hiding places (shelter sites, refugia). Humidity preference reflects a species’ capability for water retention which, in turn, depends on the integumental barrier. Desiccation resistance is a key feature in isopod survival under different environmental conditions. The present study shows a correlation between cuticle thickness and desiccation resistance under three relative humidity (RH) ranges (about 30, 75 and 100% RH) in nine species, relating these to the species’ differences in meso- and microhabitat choices. Habitat preferences are also associated with differences in cuticle surface morphology. The results support our hypothesis that species distribution and desiccation resistance are associated with particular cuticular morphological traits. Phylogenetic relations seem to be less important in desiccation resistance than cuticle thickness and external morphology.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Dec 2018 02:11:33 +0200
New records of Tylokepon with the description of a new species (Epicaridea, Bopyridae, Keponinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/28134/ ZooKeys 790: 77-85

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.790.28134

Authors: Jianmei An, Miao Zhang, Gustav Paulay

Abstract: The parasitic isopod genus Tylokepon is recorded for the first time from the Mariana Islands and Australia. Tylokepon marianensis sp. n. is described from the Mariana Islands, infesting Thusaenys irami (Laurie, 1906). The holotype female differs from other known Tylokepon females by the tri-lobed projection on pereomere 6, almost smooth lateral plates and pleopods, shape of oostegite 1, and widely opened brood pouch. The host is first recorded for bearing bopyrids. The new record of T. bonnieri Stebbing, 1904 from Australia on the type host extends the range of this species from China and India. A table of localities and hosts and a key to all species of Tylokepon are provided.

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Research Article Mon, 15 Oct 2018 18:02:07 +0300
First records of Gnathia Leach, 1814 and Tachaea Schioedte & Meinert, 1879 from South Korea, with descriptions of two new species (Isopoda, Cymothoida, Cymothooidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/26291/ ZooKeys 787: 17-35

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.787.26291

Authors: Ji-Hun Song, Gi-Sik Min

Abstract: Two new species of cymothoid isopods, Gnathia koreana sp. n. and Tachaea koreaensis sp. n., are described from South Korea. The genera Gnathia Leach, 1814 and Tachaea Schioedte & Meinert, 1879 are recorded for the first time in South Korea. Gnathia koreana sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners by having the smooth dorsal surface of the pereon, the strongly ridged unornamented paraocular ornamentation, the strong bifid mediofrontal process, and the serrated superior frontolateral process. Tachaea koreaensis sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners by having the expanded propodus with serrated inferior margins in pereopods 1–3, the propodus with serrated inferodistal margins in pereopods 4–7, one seta on the apical lobe of the maxilla, and ten robust setae on the posterior margin of the pleotelson.

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Research Article Tue, 2 Oct 2018 17:02:23 +0300
A new species of Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897 from Iran, with a key to the western Asian species (Crustacea, Isopoda, Stenasellidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/23239/ ZooKeys 766: 39-50

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.766.23239

Authors: Valiallah Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Yaser Fatemi, Mohammad Javad Malek-Hosseini, Matjaž Kuntner

Abstract: A new stenasellid isopod is described from Tashan Cave, Khuzestan Province, south-west Iran, belonging to the genus Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897. The first recorded species of Stenasellidae from Iran, Stenasellus tashanicus sp. n., is diagnosed by the presence of antennae with a minute squama bearing paired, long, robust setae; a maxilliped endite with six coupling hooks; and slender appendix masculina with an acute apex. A revised generic diagnosis is provided with a key to the six known western Asian Stenasellus species.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Jun 2018 20:28:11 +0300
The first records of Stenobermuda Schultz, 1982 and Tenupedunculus Schultz, 1979 from Australia, with description of two new species from the Great Barrier Reef (Isopoda, Asellota, Stenetriidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/20474/ ZooKeys 733: 1-24

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.733.20474

Authors: Ji-Hun Song, Niel L. Bruce, Gi-Sik Min

Abstract: The genera Tenupedunculus Schultz, 1982 and Stenobermuda Schultz, 1979 are recorded for the first time from beyond the Southern Ocean, at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Tenupedunculus serrulatus sp. n. and Stenobermuda warooga sp. n. are described from Heron Island and Lizard Island respectively, both in the Great Barrier Reef. The genus Tenupedunculus is revised and a new diagnosis presented, with Tenupedunculus virginale Schultz, 1982, T. pulchrum (Schultz, 1982), and T. serrulatus sp. n. being retained within the genus, and the remaining species here regarded as Stenetriidaeincertae sedis (eight species).

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2018 08:22:35 +0200
Cirolana phuketensis, a new species of marine isopod (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cirolanidae) from the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/13771/ ZooKeys 695: 1-17

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.695.13771

Authors: Eknarin Rodcharoen, Niel L. Bruce, Pornsilp Pholpunthin

Abstract: Cirolana phuketensis sp. n. was collected from coral rubble from the Andaman sea coast of Thailand. C. phuketensis sp. n. is described and fully illustrated; C. phuketensis sp. n. can be recognized by the presence of transverse sutures on pereonites 2–4, pereonite 7 having three transverse sutures forming a nodulose ridge, antennula peduncle with articles 1 and 2 fully fused; pleotelson dorsal surface with 2 sub-median longitudinal carinae, each of which has one prominent tubercle, lateral margins weakly convex, and posterior margin narrow and rounded; 6 molariform robust setae pereopod 1 on inferior margin of merus and the penial openings are two low tubercles. A dichotomous key to species of Cirolana in Thailand is given.

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Research Article Mon, 4 Sep 2017 15:27:02 +0300
Corrigenda: Kim J, Lee W, Karanovic I (2017) A new species of Microcharon from marine interstitial waters, Shizuoka, Japan (Isopoda, Lepidocharontidae). ZooKeys 680: 13–31. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.680.12048 https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/14669/ ZooKeys 683: 151-151

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.683.14669

Authors: Jeongho Kim, Wonchoel Lee, Ivana Karanovic

Abstract:

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Corrigendum Mon, 10 Jul 2017 23:44:42 +0300
A new species of Microcharon from marine interstitial waters, Shizuoka, Japan (Isopoda, Lepidocharontidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/12048/ ZooKeys 680: 13-31

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.680.12048

Authors: Jeongho Kim, Wonchoel Lee, Ivana Karanovic

Abstract: A new species of Microcharon Karaman, 1934 (Asellota: Lepidocharontidae) is described from Miho-Uchihama beach, Shizuoka, Japan. Microcharon tanakai sp. n. differs from its congeners by having nine simple, five penicillate setae on antennal article 6; one simple distal seta on article 1 of the mandibular palp and having the apical lobe of male pleopod 1 convex, rounded, armed with seven setae. A key to Asian species of the genus and 16S rRNA of the new species are provided.

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Research Article Wed, 14 Jun 2017 23:35:11 +0300
Revision of the fish parasitic genus Pleopodias Richardson, 1910 (Isopoda, Cymothoidae), with the description of a new species and key to the genus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/11414/ ZooKeys 667: 21-37

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.667.11414

Authors: Kerry A. Hadfield, Nico J. Smit

Abstract: The cymothoid genus, Pleopodias Richardson, 1910, is revised and a new species from South Africa is recorded. Pleopodias nielbrucei sp. n. can be distinguished by large eyes covering majority of the cephalon (almost in contact), antennula bases wide apart, antenna extending to middle of pereonite 2, subtruncate pleotelson, pereopod 7 with numerous acute robust setae on the propodus as well as the carpus, and the uropod exopod longer than the endopod. The three known species, Pleopodias diaphus Avdeev, 1975; P. elongatus Richardson, 1910; and P. vigilans Richardson, 1911 are also redescribed. Pleopodias nielbrucei sp. n. differs from these known species in both morphological characters as well as geographical distribution. A key to the Pleopodias species is provided.

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Research Article Mon, 10 Apr 2017 23:16:48 +0300
A new species of Aspidophryxus (Isopoda, Dajidae), ectoparasitic on Mysidella hoshinoi (Mysidae) in Japan https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10701/ ZooKeys 646: 109-118

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.646.10701

Authors: Michitaka Shimomura

Abstract: A new dajid, Aspidophryxus izuensis sp. n., is described from seven females and six males found infesting the dorsal carapaces of specimens of Mysidella hoshinoi Shimomura, 2016 (Mysidae: Mysidellinae) associated with an unidentified species of sea anemone (Haloclavidae) from Izu-Oshima Island, Sagami Sea, central Japan. Aspidophryxus izuensis sp. n. differs from its congeners in having a body length about as long as wide, widest at the anterior part in females; an elongate frontal part of the cephalon, half as long as wide in females; the frontal margin of the cephalon exceeding the anterior margins of lateral lamellae in females; an unsegmented, vermiform, elongate pleon in females; and a uropod composed of a protopod and an inner and outer ramus in males. A key to worldwide species in the genus is provided.

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Research Article Thu, 19 Jan 2017 02:27:05 +0200
Redescription of Dynoides elegans (Boone, 1923) (Crustacea, Isopoda, Sphaeromatidae) from the north-eastern Pacific https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10626/ ZooKeys 646: 1-16

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.646.10626

Authors: Regina Wetzer, Gracie Mowery

Abstract: Dynoides elegans (Boone, 1923) from southern California is reviewed, redescribed, and figured. The original species description did not include figures, making it difficult to attribute individuals to the species. Dynoides saldanai Carvacho and Haasmann, 1984 and D. crenulatus Carvacho & Haasman, 1984 from the Pacific Coast of Mexico and D. brevicornis Kussakin & Malyutina, 1987, from Furugelm Island, Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan, appear morphologically more similar to each other than to western Pacific species. A large pleonal process is present in about half of the Dynoides species, but is absent in this north-eastern Pacific clade and the north-western Pacific D. brevicornis and D. brevispina. Dynoides dentisinus Shen, 1929 possess a large pleonal spine. It is known from China, Japan, and Korea and is introduced in San Francisco Bay; it can be easily distinguished from D. elegans by the presence of a pleonal process in the former. A key to the Pacific West Coast Dynoides is provided.

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Research Article Tue, 17 Jan 2017 04:16:02 +0200
Distribution and species identification in the crustacean isopod genus Dynamene Leach, 1814 along the North East Atlantic-Black Sea axis https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10240/ ZooKeys 635: 1-29

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.635.10240

Authors: Pedro E. Vieira, Henrique Queiroga, Filipe O. Costa, David M. Holdich

Abstract: Sphaeromatid isopods, such as Dynamene, are common and abundant members of the invertebrate fauna of littoral and shallow sublittoral substrates. Six species of Dynamene occur in the northern hemisphere. Only two species exist outside this range, in Australia. The distribution of the various species in the NE Atlantic-Black Sea axis has been controversial due to the difficulty in the identification of the different species. This has led to inaccurate records of their distribution, ultimately generating uncertain or faulty assessments on the biodiversity of these habitats. An update and a clarification about the distribution of this genus is therefore in order. In this study, we describe the distribution of Dynamene species in the light of new records from the NE Atlantic Ocean and its associated islands, and the Mediterranean, Black and Red Seas, and from re-examination of museum and several authors’ personal collections. Based on these observations, we extend the northern and southern limits of D. bidentata (Adams); the western and southern limits of D. magnitorata Holdich; the northern, eastern and western limits of D. edwardsi (Lucas); and the eastern and western limits of D. bifida Torelli. The range of Dynamene tubicauda Holdich is extended, but is still only known from the eastern Mediterranean. We also clarify the synonymy of D. torelliae Holdich with D. bicolor (Rathke), and the occurrence of D. bicolor in the Black Sea. New distribution maps of the six Dynamene species are presented. Illustrated keys to the adult males and females of the northern hemisphere species are provided.

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Research Article Wed, 23 Nov 2016 13:48:34 +0200
Elthusa nierstraszi nom. n., the replacement name for Elthusa parva (Nierstrasz, 1915), a junior secondary homonym of Elthusa parva (Richardson, 1910) (Isopoda, Cymothoidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10143/ ZooKeys 619: 167-170

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.619.10143

Authors: Kerry A. Hadfield, Niel L. Bruce, Nico J. Smit

Abstract: The recent transfer of Elthusa parva (Richardson, 1910) from Ceratothoa created a homonymy with Elthusa parva (Nierstrasz, 1915). Elthusa parva (Richardson, 1910) has priority and Elthusa nierstraszi nom. n. is proposed as the new replacement name for the junior secondary homonym Elthusa parva (Nierstrasz, 1915).

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Short Communication Tue, 27 Sep 2016 02:25:45 +0300
Eleven nominal species of Burmoniscus are junior synonyms of B. kathmandius (Schmalfuss, 1983) (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/8253/ ZooKeys 607: 1-24

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.607.8253

Authors: Shigenori Karasawa

Abstract: Holotypes, paratypes, and specimens newly collected from the type localities (i.e., topotypes) of Burmoniscus aokii (Nunomura, 1986), B. boninensis (Nunomura, 1986), B. daitoensis (Nunomura, 1986), B. hachijoensis Nunomura, 2007, B. japonicus (Nunomura, 1986), B. kagoshimaensis Nunomura, 2003, B. murotoensis (Nunomura, 1986), B. okinawaensis (Nunomura, 1986), B. shibatai (Nunomura, 1986), B. tanabensis Nunomura, 2003, and B. watanabei (Nunomura, 1986) were examined in order to clarify their taxonomic status. Observation of 13 morphological characters that were purposed to show species-level diagnostic variations in the original descriptions suggests that all eleven nominal species are identical, and molecular analysis based on three gene fragments supports this suggestion. Additionally, the morphology of the carpus of pereopod 1 and of the endo- and exopodites of pleopod 1 of these species are consistent with those of B. kathmandius (Schmalfuss, 1983). The eleven above-mentioned species of Burmoniscus described from Japan are therefore relegated to junior synonyms of B. kathmandius, originally reported from Nepal.

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Research Article Mon, 25 Jul 2016 21:36:14 +0300
A new family Lepidocharontidae with description of Lepidocharon gen. n., from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, and redefinition of the Microparasellidae (Isopoda, Asellota) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7539/ ZooKeys 594: 11-50

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.594.7539

Authors: Diana M.P. Galassi, Niel L. Bruce, Barbara Fiasca, Marie-José Dole-Olivier

Abstract: Lepidocharontidae Galassi & Bruce, fam. n. is erected, containing Lepidocharon Galassi & Bruce, gen. n. and two genera transferred from the family Microparasellidae Karaman, 1934: Microcharon Karaman, 1934 and Janinella Albuquerque, Boulanouar & Coineau, 2014. The genus Angeliera Chappuis & Delamare Deboutteville, 1952 is placed as genus incertae sedis in this family. The Lepidocharontidae is characterised by having rectangular or trapezoidal somites in dorsal view, a single free pleonite, a tendency to reduction of the coxal plates, and the unique uropodal morphology of a large and long uropodal protopod on which the slender uropodal exopod articulates separately and anteriorly to the endopod. Lepidocharon Galassi & Bruce, gen. n. has a 6-segmented antennula, a well-developed antennal scale (rudimentary exopod), long and slender pereiopods 1–7 directed outwards, coxal plates rudimentary, incorporated to the lateral side of the sternites, not discernible in dorsal view, the single pleonite narrower than pereionite 7, scale-like elements bordering the proximal part of male pleopod 1 on posterior side, and stylet-guiding grooves of male pleopod 1 which run parallel to the outer lateral margins of the same pleopod. Lepidocharon priapus Galassi & Bruce, sp. n., type species for the genus, and Lepidocharon lizardensis Galassi & Bruce, sp. n. are described from Lizard Island, northern Great Barrier Reef. The most similar genus is Microcharon, both genera sharing the same general organization of the male pleopods 1 and 2, topology and architecture of the stylet-guiding groove of male pleopod 1, morphology of female operculum, presence of 2 robust claws of different lengths on pereiopodal dactylus 1–7, not sexually dimorphic. Lepidocharon gen. n. differs from Microcharon in the shape of the pereionites, very reduced coxal plates, the presence of imbricate scale-like elements bordering the proximal postero-lateral margins of the male pleopod 1, and the topology of the pereiopods, which are ventro-laterally inserted and directed outwards in Lepidocharon gen. n. and dorso-laterally inserted and directed ventrally in Microcharon. Lepidocharon shares with the genus Janinella the morphology of the tergites and the reduced lacinia mobilis of the left mandible, but differs significantly from Janinella in having a well-developed antennal scale, very reduced coxal plates also in females bearing oostegites, the general morphology and spatial arrangement of the stylet-guiding groove of male pleopod 1 and the possession of a 6-segmented antennula. The family Microparasellidae is redefined as monotypic, the only genus being Microparasellus Karaman, 1933.

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Research Article Mon, 30 May 2016 17:38:46 +0300
Redescription of poorly known species of Ceratothoa Dana, 1852 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cymothoidae), based on original type material https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/8098/ ZooKeys 592: 39-91

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.592.8098

Authors: Kerry A. Hadfield, Niel L. Bruce, Nico J. Smit

Abstract: Due to the difficulty in accurately identifying cymothoids, these parasitic isopods are often incorrectly named or confused with other species. Within the genus Ceratothoa, a number of recent studies have aimed at clarifying some of the problematic species; however, several of the less studied species still require revision. This paper redescribes, from type material, several poorly known Ceratothoa species including C. angulata, C. capri, C. carinata, C. collaris, C. gilberti, C. gobii, C. guttata, C. italica, C. oestroides, and C. verrucosa, further resolving taxonomic uncertainties within the genus.

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Review Article Wed, 25 May 2016 02:37:57 +0300
Iranian terrestrial isopods of the family Cylisticidae Verhoeff, 1949 with a description of a new species (Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7199/ ZooKeys 582: 157-165

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.582.7199

Authors: Ghasem M. Kashani

Abstract: In the present study, the terrestrial isopods of the family Cylisticidae in Iran are investigated. Geographical distributions of two formerly reported species from Iran, namely Cylisticoides angulatus Schmalfuss, 2003 and C. rotundifrons (Schmalfuss, 1986), are expanded. Cylisticus masalicus sp. n. is described and its diagnostic characters are figured.

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Research Article Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:29:30 +0300
Biofilm feeding: Microbial colonization of food promotes the growth of a detritivorous arthropod https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6149/ ZooKeys 577: 25-41

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.577.6149

Authors: Terezia Horvathova, Wieslaw Babik, Ulf Bauchinger

Abstract: Feeding on plant material is common among animals, but how different animals overcome the dietary deficiencies imposed by this feeding strategy is not well understood. Microorganisms are generally considered to play a vital role in the nutritional ecology of plant feeding animals. Commonly microbes living inside animal bodies are considered more important, but recent studies suggest external microbes significantly shape plant-feeding strategies in invertebrates. Here we investigate how external microbes that typically form biofilm on primary plant material affect growth rates in a terrestrial isopod species Porcellio scaber. We experimentally manipulated the amount of biofilm on three different primary diet sources and quantified growth and survival of individuals that fed on food with either a small or large amount of biofilm. In addition, we tested how dietary manipulation shapes the composition of bacterial communities in the gut. The presence of visible biofilm significantly affected the growth of isopods: individuals that fed on the primary diet source with a large amount of biofilm gained more mass than individuals feeding on a diet with marginal biofilm. Diet also significantly affected the bacterial gut community. The primary diet source mainly determined the taxonomic composition of the bacterial community in the isopod gut, whereas the amount of biofilm affected the relative abundance of bacterial taxa. Our study suggests that terrestrial isopods may cope with low-quality plant matter by feeding on biofilm, with decomposition of plant material by organisms outside of the feeding organism (here a terrestrial isopod) probably playing a major role. Future investigations may be directed towards the primary diet source, plant matter, and the secondary diet source, biofilm, and should assess if both components are indeed uptaken in detritivorous species.

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Research Article Tue, 5 Apr 2016 19:42:28 +0300
Paguristione uniuropodus, a new genus and a new species of Pseudioninae infesting hermit crabs from China (Crustacea, Isopoda, Bopyridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6295/ ZooKeys 577: 43-53

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.577.6295

Authors: Jianmei An, Qiuping Zhao, John C. Markham

Abstract: Paguristione uniuropodus gen. n., sp. n. infests Paguristes sp. in the East China Sea. Paguristione gen. n. differs from the closely related genera Pseudione and Pagurion by its females having indistinct lateral plates on the last two pleomeres and its male with a long tapering pleon of six pleomeres, lacking both pleopoda and uropoda.

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Research Article Tue, 5 Apr 2016 00:46:49 +0300
Atarbolana makranensis, a new species of Cirolanidae (Crustacea, Isopoda) from Makran, Iranian coast of the Gulf of Oman https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6056/ ZooKeys 522: 129-140

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.522.6056

Authors: Valiallah Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Reza Naderloo, Alireza Keikhosravi

Abstract: Atarbolana makranensis sp. n. is described from the intertidal zone of Makran along the Iranian coast of the Gulf of Oman. Atarbolana makranensis sp. n. can be recognized by the presence of a tuft of long setae on the antennal flagellum of males, elongate pleotelson with 12 robust marginal setae, pleotelson with narrowly rounded apex extending well beyond the uropodal endopod, uropodal endopod half as long as exopod with 14 robust marginal setae, and appendix masculina with an acute apex and extending beyond endopod distal margin. A key is provided for the four known species of Atarbolana Bruce & Javed, 1987.

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Research Article Wed, 23 Sep 2015 02:50:09 +0300
Two new species of Asellota (Crustacea, Isopoda) from coral reefs on Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5943/ ZooKeys 520: 27-40

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.520.5943

Authors: Michitaka Shimomura, Tohru Naruse

Abstract: Pleurocope iriomotensis sp. n. and Prethura tuberculata sp. n. are described from Iriomote Island, Ryukyu Archipelago, southern Japan. These are the first records of Pleurocope from the Pacific and of Prethura from the Asian Pacific coast. Pleurocope iriomotensis differs from its congeners in having lateral spine-like processes on pereonite 4 and coxal plates of pereonite 7. Prethura tuberculata can be distinguished from its single congener in having a lateral short projection of protopod of pleopod 2.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Sep 2015 20:53:07 +0300
A fast GNU method to draw accurate scientific illustrations for taxonomy https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5780/ ZooKeys 515: 191-206

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9459

Authors: Giuseppe Montesanto

Abstract: Nowadays only digital figures are accepted by the most important journals of taxonomy. These may be produced by scanning conventional drawings, made with high precision technical ink-pens, which normally use capillary cartridge and various line widths. Digital drawing techniques that use vector graphics, have already been described in literature to support scientists in drawing figures and plates for scientific illustrations; these techniques use many different software and hardware devices. The present work gives step-by-step instructions on how to make accurate line drawings with a new procedure that uses bitmap graphics with the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP). This method is noteworthy: it is very accurate, producing detailed lines at the highest resolution; the raster lines appear as realistic ink-made drawings; it is faster than the traditional way of making illustrations; everyone can use this simple technique; this method is completely free as it does not use expensive and licensed software and it can be used with different operating systems. The method has been developed drawing figures of terrestrial isopods and some examples are here given.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Personality affects defensive behaviour of Porcellio scaber (Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5778/ ZooKeys 515: 159-171

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9429

Authors: Ivan Hadrián Tuf, Lucie Drábková, Jan Šipoš

Abstract: We evaluated individual behavioural patterns of isopods expressed as tonic immobility following some intrusive treatments. Common rough woodlice, Porcellio scaber, were kept individually in plastic boxes and tested for tonic immobility repeatedly. Reactivity, sensitivity (number of stimuli needed to respond), and endurance of tonic immobility (TI) according three types of treatments (touch, squeeze, drop) were evaluated. Touch was the weakest treatment and it was necessary to repeat it a number of times to obtain a response; while squeeze and drop induced TI more frequently. Nevertheless, duration of the response persisted for a longer time with the touch treatment. Within each set of the three treatment, the strongest response was the third one, regardless of treatment type. Duration of reaction was affected by the size of the woodlouse, the smallest individuals feigning death for the shortest time. Despite body size, we found a significant individual pattern of endurance of TI among tested woodlice, which was stable across treatments as well as across time (5 repetitions during a 3 week period). Porcellio scaber is one of the first species of terrestrial isopods with documented personality traits.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Effects of microclimate on behavioural and life history traits of terrestrial isopods: implications for responses to climate change https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5777/ ZooKeys 515: 145-157

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9399

Authors: Bernice Dixie, Hollie White, mark Hassall

Abstract: The sensitivity of terrestrial isopods to changes in both temperature and moisture make them suitable models for examining possible responses of arthropod macro-decomposers to predicted climate change. Effects of changes in both temperature and relative humidity on aggregation, growth and survivorship of species of isopods contrasting in their morphological and physiological adaptations to moisture stress have been investigated in laboratory microcosms. All three traits were more sensitive to a reduction in relative humidity of 20–25% than they were to an increase in temperature of 5–6 °C. These results suggest that predicted changes in climate in south east England may reduce the extent to which soil animals stimulate microbial activity and hence carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from soils in the future. This may help to mitigate the potential for a positive feedback between increased CO2 emissions from soils, and increased greenhouse effects causing an increase in soil temperatures.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Demography of some non-native isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) in a Mid-Atlantic forest, USA https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5775/ ZooKeys 515: 127-143

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9403

Authors: Elisabeth Hornung, Katalin Szlavecz, Miklós Dombos

Abstract: Introduced species dominate the terrestrial isopod fauna in most inland habitats of North America, including urban landscapes. These non-native species are often very abundant and thus potentially play a significant role in detritus processing. We monitored isopod assemblages in an urban forest for a year to examine the relationship between surface activity and abiotic environmental factors, and to analyze reproductive characteristics that might contribute to their successful establishment. Using pitfall trap samples we recorded five species, two of which, Trachelipus rathkii and Cylisticus convexus, were highly abundant. We determined size, sex and reproductive state of each individual. Surface activity of both species reflected variability in abiotic stress factors for isopods, such as soil moisture and soil temperature. Early spring the main trigger was soil temperature while later in the season increasing temperature and decreasing soil moisture jointly affected population dynamics. Activity significantly correlated with soil moisture. The temporal pattern of sex ratios supported the secondary sex ratio hypothesis. Males dominated the samples on the onset of the mating season in search of females. The pattern was reversed as females searched for suitable microsites for their offspring. Size independent fecundity decreased as conditions became more stressful late in the season.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Spectroscopic parameters of the cuticle and ethanol extracts of the fluorescent cave isopod Mesoniscus graniger (Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5771/ ZooKeys 515: 111-125

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9395

Authors: Andrei Giurginca, Vladimír Šustr, Karel Tajovsky, Maria Giurginca, Iulia Matei

Abstract: The body surface of the terrestrial isopod Mesoniscus graniger (Frivaldsky, 1863) showed blue autofluorescence under UV light (330–385 nm), using epifluorescence microscopy and also in living individuals under a UV lamp with excitation light of 365 nm. Some morphological cuticular structures expressed a more intense autofluorescence than other body parts. For this reason, only the cuticle was analyzed. The parameters of autofluorescence were investigated using spectroscopic methods (molecular spectroscopy in infrared, ultraviolet-visible, fluorescence, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy) in samples of two subspecies of M. graniger preserved in ethanol. Samples excited by UV light (from 350 to 380 nm) emitted blue light of wavelengths 419, 420, 441, 470 and 505 nm (solid phase) and 420, 435 and 463 (ethanol extract). The results showed that the autofluorescence observed from living individuals may be due to some β-carboline or coumarin derivatives, some crosslinking structures, dityrosine, or due to other compounds showing similar excitation-emission characteristics.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Formation of the hindgut cuticular lining during embryonic development of Porcellio scaber (Crustacea, Isopoda) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5770/ ZooKeys 515: 93-109

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9468

Authors: Polona Mrak, Urban Bogataj, Jasna Štrus, Nada Žnidaršič

Abstract: The hindgut and foregut in terrestrial isopod crustaceans are ectodermal parts of the digestive system and are lined by cuticle, an apical extracellular matrix secreted by epithelial cells. Morphogenesis of the digestive system was reported in previous studies, but differentiation of the gut cuticle was not followed in detail. This study is focused on ultrastructural analyses of hindgut apical matrices and cuticle in selected intramarsupial developmental stages of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber in comparison to adult animals to obtain data on the hindgut cuticular lining differentiation. Our results show that in late embryos of stages 16 and 18 the apical matrix in the hindgut consists of loose material overlaid by a thin intensely ruffled electron dense lamina facing the lumen. The ultrastructural resemblance to the embryonic epidermal matrices described in several arthropods suggests a common principle in chitinous matrix differentiation. The hindgut matrix in the prehatching embryo of stage 19 shows characteristics of the hindgut cuticle, specifically alignment to the apical epithelial surface and a prominent electron dense layer of epicuticle. In the preceding embryonic stage – stage 18 – an electron dense lamina, closely apposed to the apical cell membrane, is evident and is considered as the first epicuticle formation. In marsupial mancae the advanced features of the hindgut cuticle and epithelium are evident: a more prominent epicuticular layer, formation of cuticular spines and an extensive apical labyrinth. In comparison to the hindgut cuticle of adults, the hindgut cuticle of marsupial manca and in particular the electron dense epicuticular layer are much thinner and the difference between cuticle architecture in the anterior chamber and in the papillate region is not yet distinguishable. Differences from the hindgut cuticle in adults imply not fully developed structure and function of the hindgut cuticle in marsupial manca, possibly related also to different environments, as mancae develop in marsupial fluid. Bacteria, evenly distributed within the homogenous electron dense material in the hindgut lumen, were observed only in one specimen of early marsupial manca. The morphological features of gut cuticle renewal are evident in the late marsupial mancae, and are similar to those observed in the exoskeleton.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Histological studies on the marsupium of two terrestrial isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5769/ ZooKeys 515: 81-92

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9401

Authors: Diána Csonka, Katalin Halasy, Elisabeth Hornung

Abstract: The marsupium, a brood pouch in peracarid crustaceans (Crustacea, Malacostraca) has evolved in terrestrial environment for providing nutrition and optimal conditions for embryogenesis. In the present study we give details on the histology and ultrastructure of its constituting elements such as oostegites and cotyledons. Marsupia of two different eco-morphological types of woodlice, namely the non-conglobating species Trachelipus rathkii Brandt, 1833 and the conglobating species Cylisticus convexus De Geer, 1778 were investigated. Light microscopic (LM) studies showed some differences in the main structure of the two species’ brood pouch: in T. rathkii, a ‘clinger’ type woodlice, the oostegites bend outwards during brood incubation as growing offspring require more space, while in C. convexus, a ‘roller’ type isopod, the sternites arch into the body cavity to ensure space for developing offspring and still allowing conglobation of the gravid females. The quantitative analysis of the oostegites’ cuticle proved that the outer part is about 2.5 - 3 times thicker compared to the inner part in both species. Electron microscopic (TEM) examinations show only small histological differences in the oostegites and cotyledon structure of the two species. Cellular elements and moderately electron dense fleecy precipitate are found in the hemolymph space between the two cuticles of oostegites. The cells contain PAS positive polysaccharide areas. TEM studies revealed some differences in the cotyledon ultrastructure of the two species. Cotyledons of T. rathkii consist of cells with cristate mitochondria and granular endoplasmic reticulum with cisterns. Cotyledons of C. convexus consist of cells with densely cristate mitochondria and ribosomes attached to vesicular membrane structures. In both species cells with electron dense bodies were observed. We conclude that - besides the differences in marsupial shapes - the fine structure of the oostegites and cotyledons is hardly affected by the eco-morphological type, specifically the conglobating or non-conglobating character of the studied species.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Does temperature and oxygen affect duration of intramarsupial development and juvenile growth in the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber (Crustacea, Malacostraca)? https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5768/ ZooKeys 515: 67-79

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9353

Authors: Terézia Horváthová, Andrzej Antol, Marcin Czarnoleski, Paulina Kramarz, Ulf Bauchinger, Anna Labecka, Jan Kozłowski

Abstract: According to the temperature-size rule (TSR), ectotherms developing under cold conditions experience slower growth as juveniles but reach a larger size at maturity. Whether temperature alone causes this phenomenon is unknown, but oxygen limitation can play a role in the temperature-size relationship. Oxygen may become limited under warm conditions when the resulting higher metabolism creates a greater demand for oxygen, especially in larger individuals. We examined the independent effects of oxygen concentration (10% and 22% O2) and temperature (15 °C and 22 °C) on duration of ontogenic development, which takes place within the maternal brood pouch (marsupium), and juvenile growth in the terrestrial isopod common rough woodlouse (Porcellio scaber). Individuals inside the marsupium undergo the change from the aqueous to the gaseous environment. Under hypoxia, woodlice hatched from the marsupium sooner, but their subsequent growth was not affected by the level of oxygen. Marsupial development and juvenile growth were almost three times slower at low temperature, and marsupial development was longer in larger females but only in the cold treatment. These results show that temperature and oxygen are important ecological factors affecting developmental time and that the strength of the effect likely depends on the availability of oxygen in the environment.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
The agnarid terrestrial isopods (Isopoda, Oniscidea, Agnaridae) of the province of Qazvin, Iran, with a description of a new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5767/ ZooKeys 515: 59-66

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9125

Authors: Behjat Eshaghi, Bahram H. Kiabi, Ghasem Mohammadi Kashani

Abstract: Six species of terrestrial isopods from the province of Qazvin, central Iran, are recorded. Three species, Hemilepistus klugii (Brandt, 1833), Protracheoniscus ehsani Kashani, 2014 and Mongoloniscus persicus Kashani, 2014, were previously reported from the province. Hemilepistus elongatus Budde-Lund, 1885 and Protracheoniscus major (Dollfus, 1903) are recorded for the first time, and one species, Protracheoniscus sarii sp. n., is described as new. The diagnostic characters of the new species are figured.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
First record and redescription of the terrestrial isopod Hemilepistoides messerianus Borutzky, 1945 (Isopoda, Oniscidea) from Iran https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5766/ ZooKeys 515: 51-57

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9179

Authors: Ghasem Mohammadi Kashani

Abstract: In the present study, Hemilepistoides messerianus Borutzky, 1945 is reported from Iran for the first time. This species is redescribed and diagnostic characters of both males and females are illustrated. This species is characterized by the tuberculation of all parts of the dorsal surface of the body and the male pleopod endopodite I with a triangular lobe at apex. A map with the distribution of species is presented.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
The terrestrial Isopoda (Crustacea, Oniscidea) of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), with descriptions of two new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5765/ ZooKeys 515: 27-49

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9477

Authors: Stefano Taiti, J. Judson Wynne

Abstract: Nine species of terrestrial isopods are reported for the Polynesian island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) based upon museum materials and recent collections from field sampling. Most of these animals are non-native species, but two are new to science: Styloniscus manuvaka sp. n. and Hawaiioscia rapui sp. n. Of these, the former is believed to be a Polynesian endemic as it has been recorded from Rapa Iti, Austral Islands, while the latter is identified as a Rapa Nui island endemic. Both of these new species are considered ‘disturbance relicts’ and appear restricted to the cave environment on Rapa Nui. A short key to all the oniscidean species presently recorded from Rapa Nui is provided. We also offered conservation and management recommendations for the two new isopod species.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Patterns of taxonomic diversity among terrestrial isopods https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5764/ ZooKeys 515: 13-25

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9332

Authors: Spyros Sfendourakis, Stefano Taiti

Abstract: The publication of the world catalog of terrestrial isopods some ten years ago by Schmalfuss has facilitated research on isopod diversity patterns at a global scale. Furthermore, even though we still lack a comprehensive and robust phylogeny of Oniscidea, we do have some useful approaches to phylogenetic relationships among major clades which can offer additional insights into isopod evolutionary dynamics. Taxonomic diversity is one of many approaches to biodiversity and, despite its sensitiveness to biases in taxonomic practice, has proved useful in exploring diversification dynamics of various taxa. In the present work, we attempt an analysis of taxonomic diversity patterns among Oniscidea based on an updated world list of species containing 3,710 species belonging to 527 genera and 37 families (data till April 2014). The analysis explores species diversity at the genus and family level, as well as the relationships between species per genera, species per families, and genera per families. In addition, we consider the structure of isopod taxonomic system under the fractal perspective that has been proposed as a measure of a taxon’s diversification. Finally, we check whether there is any phylogenetic signal behind taxonomic diversity patterns. The results can be useful in a more detailed elaboration of Oniscidea systematics.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
In commemoration of Prof. M.R. Warburg and of his contribution to terrestrial Isopod biology (31 May 1931, Berlin–9 February 2014, Haifa) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5761/ ZooKeys 515: 1-11

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.515.9909

Authors: Elisabeth Hornung

Abstract: Our scientific community has lost one of its prominent members: Prof. Michael R. Warburg (MRW) who passed away on the 9th of February, 2014 in Haifa. The organisers of the 9th Symposium on the Biology of Terrestrial Isopods, held in Poitiers, France, decided to dedicate the meeting and this special issue to his memory. Prof. Warburg was a highly regarded member of our community, a ‘spiritual sponsor’ of isopod research, a passionate isopodologist himself, and a mentor to many students and young researchers.

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In Memoriam Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Interaction of the tracheal tubules of Scutigera coleoptrata (Chilopoda, Notostigmophora) with glandular structures of the pericardial septum https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5540/ ZooKeys 510: 233-242

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.510.8644

Authors: Gero Hilken, Gregory D. Edgecombe, Carsten H.G. Mueller, Andy Sombke, Christian S. Wirkner, Jörg Rosenberg

Abstract: Notostigmophora (Scutigeromorpha) exhibit a special tracheal system compared to other Chilopoda. The unpaired spiracles are localized medially on the long tergites and open into a wide atrium from which hundreds of tracheal tubules originate and extend into the pericardial sinus. Previous investigators reported that the tracheal tubules float freely in the hemolymph. However, here we show for the first time that the tracheal tubules are anchored to a part of the pericardial septum. Another novel finding is this part of the pericardial septum is structured as an aggregated gland on the basis of its specialized epithelium being formed by hundreds of oligocellular glands. It remains unclear whether the pericardial septum has a differently structure in areas that lack a connection with tracheal tubules. The tracheal tubules come into direct contact with the canal cells of the glands that presumably secrete mucous substances covering the entire luminal cuticle of the tracheal tubules. Connections between tracheae and glands have not been observed in any other arthropods.

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Research Article Tue, 30 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Species limits and phylogeography of Newportia (Scolopendromorpha) and implications for widespread morphospecies https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5525/ ZooKeys 510: 65-77

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.510.8573

Authors: Gregory Edgecombe, Varpu Vahtera, Gonzalo Giribet, Pipsa Kaunisto

Abstract: The genus Newportia Gervais, 1847, includes some 60 nominal species distributed in the Caribbean islands and from Mexico to central South America. Modern keys to species and subspecies are available, greatly facilitating identification, but some species are based on few specimens and have incomplete documentation of taxonomically-informative characters. In order to explore genetic variability and evolutionary relationships within geographically-widespread morphospecies, specimens of N. (N.) stolli (Pocock, 1896) and N. (N.) divergens Chamberlin, 1922, two nominal species distinguished principally by differences in suture patterns on T1, were sequenced for mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes from populations in southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Brazil. N. (N.) stolli is paraphyletic with respect to N. (N.) divergens within a clade from Guatemala, Honduras, and Chiapas (Mexico), most trees being consistent with a single loss of a connection between the anterior transverse suture on T1, whereas specimens of “N. (N.) stolli” from Brazil are not closely allied to those from the Mesomerican type area. The widespread morphospecies N. (N.) monticola Pocock, 1890, was sequenced for the same loci from populations in Costa Rica, Colombia and Brazil, finding that specimens from these areas do not unite as a monophyletic group. Samples of N. (N.) oreina Chamberlin, 1915, from different regions of Mexico form geographic clusters that resolve as each other’s closest relatives. These results suggest that some widespread species of Newportia may be taxa of convenience more so than natural groupings. In several cases geographic proximity fits the phylogeny better than taxonomy, suggesting that non-monophyletic species do not result from use of inappropriate molecular markers. Molecular identification is possible for specimens missing taxonomically informative morphological characters, notably damaged specimens that lack the ultimate leg pair, a protocol that may also apply to other taxonomically difficult genera that are prone to damage (such as Cryptops).

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Research Article Tue, 30 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Status of Exosphaeroma amplicauda (Stimpson, 1857), E. aphrodita (Boone, 1923) and description of three new species (Crustacea, Isopoda, Sphaeromatidae) from the north-eastern Pacific https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5300/ ZooKeys 504: 11-58

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.504.8049

Authors: Adam R. Wall, Niel L. Bruce, Regina Wetzer

Abstract: Exosphaeroma amplicauda (Stimpson, 1857) from the west coast of North America is reviewed and redescribed and revealed to be a group of closely related species. A neotype is designated and the species redescribed based on the neotype and topotypic specimens. Exosphaeroma amplicauda is known only from the coast of California, at Marin, Sonoma and San Mateo Counties. E. aphrodita (Boone, 1923), type locality La Jolla, California and previously considered nomen dubium is taken out of synonymy and re-validated. A further three species: E. paydenae sp. n., E. russellhansoni sp. n., and E. pentcheffi sp. n. are described herein. Sphaeroma octonctum Richardson, 1899 is placed into junior synonymy with Exosphaeroma amplicauda. A key to the Pacific West Coast Exosphaeroma is provided.

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Research Article Mon, 18 May 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Joeropsididae Nordenstam, 1933 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Asellota) from the Lizard Island region of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4963/ ZooKeys 491: 1-62

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.491.4932

Authors: Niel L. Bruce

Abstract: The marine isopod family Joeropsididae (Asellota) is documented for the Lizard Island region of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Fifteen species of Joeropsis are recorded, including ten new species; descriptive notes are provided for five species that lacked adequate material for description. A revised family and genus diagnosis is presented together with comments on the most useful characters for species identification and a key to Joeropsis of the Lizard Island region.

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Research Article Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0200
Description of two new species and redescription of one species of agnarid terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea, Agnaridae) from western Iran https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4074/ ZooKeys 440: 45-56

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.440.7407

Authors: Ghasem Mohammadi Kashani

Abstract: The present study reports on three species of terrestrial isopods from western Iran. The genus Mongoloniscus Verhoeff, 1930 is recorded for the first time from Iran, with description of a new species: M. persicus sp. n. Protracheoniscus ehsani sp. n. is described and P. darevskii Borutzky, 1975 is redescribed based on Iranian specimens. The diagnostic characters of these species are figured and their geographical distribution is presented on a map.

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Research Article Mon, 15 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0300
New records of fish parasitic isopods of the gill-attaching genus Mothocya Costa, in Hope, 1851 from the Virgin Islands, Caribbean, with description of a new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4080/ ZooKeys 439: 109-125

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.439.8093

Authors: Kerry Hadfield, Paul Sikkel, Nico Smit

Abstract: Two species of Mothocya Costa, in Hope, 1851 are reported from the Virgin Islands. Mothocya xenobranchia Bruce, 1986 was collected from St. John Island from the gills of the Atlantic needlefish, Strongylura marina, which is a new locality record and also confirms a previously uncertain host identity. Mothocya bertlucy sp. n. is described from St. Thomas, St John and Guana Islands, from the gills of the redlip blenny, Ophioblennius macclurei, the first record of a blenny as host for any Mothocya. The distinguishing characters of Mothocya bertlucy sp. n. include its small size (< 9 mm) and eyes, the slender pleotelson with a narrowly rounded caudomedial point, extended uropod peduncle and uropods which do not extend past the pleotelson posterior margin, and the narrow pleon which is only slightly overlapped by pereonite 7.

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Research Article Wed, 10 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Review of the fish parasitic genus Ceratothoa Dana, 1852 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cymothoidae) from South Africa, including the description of two new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3712/ ZooKeys 400: 1-42

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.400.6878

Authors: Kerry Hadfield, Niel Bruce, Nico Smit

Abstract: The genus Ceratothoa Dana, 1852 is revised for South African waters and re-diagnosed. Ceratothoa retusa (Schioedte & Meinert, 1883) is recorded from the eastern coast, and Ceratothoa africanae sp. n. and C. famosa sp. n. are described; C. imbricata (Fabricius, 1775) and C. trigonocephala (Leach, 1818), are redescribed, revised and excluded from the South African fauna. Ceratothoa africanae sp. n. can be distinguished by the stout body shape of the female; triangular cephalon with a pointed rostrum; short uropods which do not extend past the pleotelson; large carinae on the pereopod basis; a broad pleon; and large medial lobes on female pleopods. Ceratothoa famosa sp. n. is characterised by the long rectangular body shape; pereonite 1 with a raised medial protrusion; narrow antenna with antennule article 1 expanded; uropods which reach the posterior margin of the pleotelson; narrow rami on uropods; and no appendix masculina on pleopod 2 of the male specimens.

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Review Article Thu, 10 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Burmoniscus kitadaitoensis Nunomura, 2009 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) from southern Japan, a junior synonym of B. meeusei (Holthuis, 1947) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3483/ ZooKeys 386: 21-28

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.386.6727

Authors: Shigenori Karasawa, Kenshi Goto

Abstract: Re-examination of the holotype of Burmoniscus kitadaitoensis Nunomura, 2009 from Kitadaitojima Island, southern Japan reveals that this species is a junior synonym of B. meeusei (Holthuis, 1947). Partial regions of mitochondrial COI, 12S and 16S rRNA genes, and nuclear 18S and 28S rRNA genes were detected for species identification in the future.

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Research Article Thu, 6 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0200
Cirolana songkhla, a new species of brackish-water cirolanid isopod (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cirolanidae) from the lower Gulf of Thailand https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3250/ ZooKeys 375: 1-14

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.375.6573

Authors: Eknarin Rodcharoen, Niel Bruce, Pornsilp Pholpanthin

Abstract: Cirolana songkhla sp. n. was collected from brackish-water habitats including lagoons and estuaries in the coastal zone of the lower Gulf of Thailand. C. songkhla sp. n. is described and fully illustrated; C. songkhla sp. n. can be recognized by the presence of abundant chromatophores dorsally, lack of ornamentation on the posterior pereonites, pleonites and pleotelson, the number of robust setae on the uropodal and pleotelson margins (uropod exopod lateral margin with 12–14 RS, mesial margin with 5–8 RS; endopod lateral margin with 8–10 RS, mesial margin with 11–13 RS; pleotelson with 12–15 RS) and lack of setae on the endopods of pleopods 3–5. A dichotomous key of brackish Cirolana species in Thailand is given.

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Research Article Thu, 30 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0200
Soil ecotoxicology: state of the art and future directions https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2505/ ZooKeys 176: 275-296

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.176.2275

Authors: Cornelis A.M. van Gestel

Abstract: Developments in soil ecotoxicology started with observations on pesticide effects on soil invertebrates in the 1960s. To support the risk assessment of chemicals, in the 1980s and 1990s development of toxicity tests was the main issue, including single species tests and also more realistic test systems like model ecosystems and field tests focusing on structural and functional endpoints. In the mean time, awareness grew about issues like bioavailability and routes of exposure, while biochemical endpoints (biomarkers) were proposed as sensitive and potential early-warning tools. In recent years, interactions between different chemicals (mixture toxicity) and between chemical and other stressors attracted scientific interest. With the development of molecular biology, omics tools are gaining increasing interest, while the ecological relevance of exposure and effects is translating into concepts like (chemical) stress ecology, ecological vulnerability and trait-based approaches. This contribution addresses historical developments and focuses on current issues in soil ecotoxicology. It is concluded that soil ecotoxicological risk assessment would benefit from extending the available battery of toxicity tests by including e.g. isopods, by paying more attention to exposure, bioavailability and toxicokinetics, and by developing more insight into the ecology of soil organisms to support better understanding of exposure and long-term consequences of chemical exposure at the individual, population and community level. Ecotoxicogenomics tools may also be helpful in this, but will require considerable further research before they can be applied in the practice of soil ecotoxicological risk assessment.

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Review Article Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200
Size dependent differences in litter consumption of isopods: preliminary results https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2507/ ZooKeys 176: 247-259

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.176.2470

Authors: Ferenc Vilisics, Sándor Szekeres, Elizabeth Hornung

Abstract: A series of experiments were applied to test how leaf orientation within microcosms affect consumption rates (Experiment 1), and to discover intra-specific differences in leaf litter consumption (Experiment 2) of the common isopod species Porcellio scaber and Porcellionides pruinosus. A standardised microcosm setup was developed for feeding experiments to maintain standard conditions. A constant amount of freshly fallen black poplar litter was provided to three distinct size class (small, medium, large) of woodlice. We measured litter consumption after a fortnight. We maintained appr. constant isopod biomass for all treatments, and equal densities within each size class. We hypothesized that different size classes differ in their litter consumption, therefore such differences should occur even within populations of the species. We also hypothesized a marked difference in consumption rates for different leaf orientation within microcosms. Our results showed size-specific consumption patterns for P. scaber: small adults showed the highest consumption rates (i.e. litter mass loss / isopod biomass) in high density microcosms, while medium-sized adults of lower densities ate the most litter in containers. Leaf orientation posed no significant effect on litter consumption.

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Research Article Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200
Feeding rates of Balloniscus sellowii (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea): the effect of leaf litter decomposition and its relation to the phenolic and flavonoid content https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2509/ ZooKeys 176: 231-245

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.176.1940

Authors: Camila Wood, Carolina Casco Duarte Schlindwein, Geraldo Luiz Gonçalves Soares, Paula Beatriz Araujo

Abstract: The goal of this study was to compare the feeding rates of Balloniscus sellowii on leaves of different decomposition stages according to their phenolic and flavonoid content. Leaves from the visually most abundant plants were offered to isopods collected from the same source site. Schinus terebinthifolius, the plant species consumed at the highest rate, was used to verify feeding rates at different decomposition stages. Green leaves were left to decompose for one, two, or three months, and then were offered to isopods. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined for all decomposition stages. Consumption and egestion rates increased throughout decomposition, were highest for two-month-old leaves, and decreased again in the third month. The assimilation rate was highest for green leaves. The mode time of passage through the gut was two hours for all treatments. Ingestion of leaves occurred after two or three days for green leaves, and on the same day for one-, two- and three-month-old leaves. The speed of passage of leaves with different decomposition stages through the gut does not differ significantly when animals are fed continuously. However, it is possible that the amount retained in the gut during starvation differs depending on food quality. The digestibility value was corrected using a second food source to empty the gut of previously ingested food, so that all of the food from the experiment was egested. The digestibility value was highest for green leaves, whereas it was approximately 20% for all other stages. This was expected given that digestibility declines during decomposition as the metabolite content of the leaves decreases. The phenolic content was highest in the green leaves and lowest in three-month-old leaves. The flavonoid content was highest in green leaves and lowest after two months of decomposition. Animals ingested more phenolics when consumption was highest. The estimated amount of ingested flavonoids followed the same trend as assimilation rate. Flavonoids accounted for a large portion of total phenolics, and the estimated amount of flavonoids consumed was similar for one-, two- and three-month-old leaves. Our results suggest that the high phenolic and flavonoid concentrations in green leaves are feeding deterrents. Isopods may discriminate among concentrations of flavonoids and modify their consumption rates to maintain their intake of flavonoids when ingesting leaves with lower flavonoid content.

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Research Article Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200
The diversity of terrestrial isopods in the natural reserve “Saline di Trapani e Paceco” (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) in northwestern Sicily https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2510/ ZooKeys 176: 215-230

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.176.2367

Authors: Giuseppina Messina, Elisa Pezzino, Giuseppe Montesanto, Domenico Caruso, Bianca Maria Lombardo

Abstract: Ecosystems comprising coastal lakes and ponds are important areas for preserving biodiversity. The natural reserve “Saline di Trapani e Paceco” is an interesting natural area in Sicily, formed by the remaining strips of land among salt pans near the coastline. From January 2008 to January 2010, pitfall trapping was conducted in five sampling sites inside the study area. The community of terrestrial isopods was assessed using the main diversity indices. Twenty-four species were collected, only one of them endemic to western Sicily: Porcellio siculoccidentalis Viglianisi, Lombardo & Caruso, 1992. Two species are new to Sicily: Armadilloniscus candidus Budde-Lund, 1885 and Armadilloniscus ellipticus (Harger, 1878). This is high species richness for a single reserve in Sicily. The extended sampling period also allowed us to study species phenology. Most of the species exhibited higher activity in spring than in autumn while some species also exhibited lower activity in the summer. The species richness revealed that the study area is in an acceptable conservation status; Shannon and Pielou indices also confirmed a more or less even distribution of individuals belonging to different species.

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Research Article Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200
Occurrence and assemblage composition of millipedes (Myriapoda, Diplopoda) and terrestrial isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) in urban areas of Switzerland https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2514/ ZooKeys 176: 199-214

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.176.2153

Authors: Ferenc Vilisics, Dávid Bogyó, Thomas Sattler, Marco Moretti

Abstract: Terrestrial isopods and millipedes, members of the invertebrate macro-decomposer guild, were collected through pitfall traps in three Swiss cities (Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano). A total of 7,198 individuals of 17 isopod species (7093 ind.), and 10 millipede species (105 ind.) were captured. Besides the Alpine endemic isopod (Trichoniscus alemannicus) and millipede (Cylindroiulus verhoeffi), urban assemblages were mainly composed of widespread, native European and even cosmopolitan species, which are frequent in anthropogenic areas. Overall species richness (isopods and millipedes combined) was similar in Zurich (17 species) and Lucerne (16), while only 13 species were sampled in Lugano. According to the Sørensen index of similarity, species composition of Zurich and Lucerne were more alike, while the one of Lugano was more distinct from the other two cities.This result can be explained by the spatial proximity of Zurich and Lucerne in the north of the Alps compared to Lugano, which is located more distantly and in the south of the Alps. Dominant isopods and millipedes in Zurich and Lucerne were found to be widespread synanthropic species in temperate Europe (Porcellio scaber, Trachelipus rathkii and Ophyiulus pilosus) while the dominant isopod in Lugano (Trachelipus razzautii) is a species with a north-eastern Mediterranean distribution. Our study reveals that the urban millipede and isopod fauna in Swiss cities mainly consists of widespread species, but species of narrower distribution (e.g. T. alemannicus, C. verhoeffi ) may also find suitable habitats in cities. Despite some signs of biotic homogenization, our study also found compositional differences of millipede and isopod assemblages between northern and southern cities that suggest geographical effects of the regional species pool.

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Research Article Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200