Cryptic diversity in Zoraptera: Latinozoros barberi (Gurney, 1938) is a complex of at least three species (Zoraptera: Spiralizoridae).

The order Zoraptera contains relatively few species, but current molecular phylogenetic studies suggest an unexpectedly high level of cryptic diversity in the order with many overlooked species based on morphology alone. Latinozoros Kukalova-Peck & Peck, 1993 represents the only genus of monotypic Latinozorinae (Zoraptera: Spiralizoridae) with only one species described, L. barberi (Gurney, 1938), until now. Although this species has been repeatedly reported from a number of locations in South and Central America, it is likely a complex of unrecognized species. Here, we present a molecular phylogenetic reconstruction revealing three genetically distinct lineages in Latinozoros, and we also present detailed morphological comparisons that prove the species status of Latinozoros cacaoensis sp. nov. from French Guiana and L. gimmeli sp. nov. from the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Panama. The results indicate that the species previously referred to L. barberi is actually a species complex that includes L. barberi, the new species described here, and perhaps other species.

Molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography of marine palaemonid shrimps (Palaemonidae: Palaemonella-Cuapetes group).

Palaemonidae is the most speciose shrimp family within the infraorder Caridea, composed predominately of freshwater species and marine symbiotic species. The subject of this study is a clade of mainly free-living marine taxa representing a basally separated lineage from most of the symbiotic marine palaemonid genera. Phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships were explored by analysing sequence data from two mitochondrial and four nuclear markers. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses, based on sequences from 52 species of 11 genera, provided similar tree topologies revealing the genera Palaemonella, Cuapetes and Eupontonia as non-monophyletic groups. Divergence time and S-DIVA analyses reveals that the focal clade originated during the Late Cretaceous in the Paleotethys region respective to the present Indo-West Pacific area, a minor part of which spread out to the eastern Pacific during the Paleocene, followed by further migration into the Atlantic (before the closure of the Panama Isthmus). The ancestral state reconstruction of host associations revealed eight independent symbiotic lineages originating from free-living ancestors, entering primary symbioses. The first associations with Cnidaria are estimated to have evolved in the Eocene. This study points to the need of taxonomic revisions of the non-monophyletic genera concerned.

Comparative morphology of crayfish mandibles, with insight into their evolution.

Mandibles of representatives of the Holarctic crayfish families Astacidae, Cambaridae, and Cambaroididae were examined using SEM, and the results were analyzed in a phylogenetic framework. The intraspecific variability of the incisor process was found to be higher than its interspecific variability, mainly due to extensive abrasion of its ridge during intermolt periods. The plesiomorphic state of the crayfish mandibles highlights the dentate-crenate type of the incisor process and the extensive ribbed molar field with a multicuspidate caudal part, typical of the two parastacid crayfish examined for comparison. For Holarctic crayfish, the initial evolutionary type of the incisor is also the dentate-crenate one, but the molar field has a bowl-shaped caudal part and reduced cephalic part, both of which have been shown, for example, for Cambaroides. Similar mandibles are also widely present in American cambarids, which further evolved a blade-like incisor process (some Faxonius spp.) or a tricuspidate or double-bladed caudal molar field (some Procambarus spp.). The molar field in Astacidae crayfish is subdivided and rugose. The results of the present study indicate that little phylogenetic information is conveyed by the mandible shape at the species or genus level. Evolutionary changes are indicated mainly on the level of the main crayfish families. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Mandible shape can be an additional characteristic to distinguish crayfish families and selected genera. Obvious differences exist in the molar process rather than in the incisor ridge.

Molecular Phylogeny and Infraordinal Classification of Zoraptera (Insecta).

Zoraptera is a small and predominantly tropical insect order with an unresolved higher classification due to the extremely uniform external body morphology. We, therefore, conducted a multigene molecular phylogeny of extant Zoraptera and critically re-evaluated their morphological characters in order to propose a natural infraordinal classification. We recovered a highly-resolved phylogeny with two main clades representing major evolutionary lineages in Zoraptera, for which we propose family ranks. The two families exhibit striking differences in male genitalia and reproductive strategies. Each family contains two subclades (subfamilies) supported by several morphological synapomorphies including the relative lengths of the basal antennomeres, the number and position of metatibial spurs, and the structure of male genitalia. The newly proposed higher classification of Zoraptera includes the family Zorotypidae stat. revid. with Zorotypinae Silvestri, 1913 (Zorotypus stat. revid., Usazoros Kukalova-Peck and Peck, 1993 stat. restit.) and Spermozorinae subfam. nov. (Spermozoros gen. nov.), and Spriralizoridae fam. nov. with Spiralizorinae subfam. nov. (Spiralizoros gen. nov., Scapulizoros gen. nov., Cordezoros gen. nov., Centrozoros Kukalova-Peck and Peck, 1993, stat. restit., Brazilozoros Kukalova-Peck and Peck, 1993, stat. restit.), and Latinozorinae subfam. nov. (Latinozoros Kukalova-Peck and Peck, 1993, stat. restit.). An identification key and morphological diagnoses for all supraspecific taxa are provided.

Multiple origins and strong phenotypic convergence in fish-cleaning palaemonid shrimp lineages.

Several species of palaemonid shrimps are known to act as fish-cleaning symbionts, with cleaning interactions ranging from dedicated (obligate) to facultative. We confirmed five evolutionarily independent origins of fish cleaning symbioses within the family Palaemonidae based on a phylogenetic analysis and the ancestral state reconstruction of 68 species, including 13 fish-cleaners from the genera Ancylomenes, Brachycarpus, Palaemon, Periclimenes, and Urocaridella. We focus in particular on two distantly related lineages of fish cleaning shrimps with allopatric distributions, the Indo-West Pacific Ancylomenes and the western Atlantic monophyletic Ancylomenes/Periclimenes group, which exhibit striking similarities in morphology, colouration and complex behaviour. Specifically, representatives of both lineages are similar in: (1) the general body shape and colour pattern; (2) the utilization of sea anemones as conspicuous cleaning stations; and (3) the use of sideways body swaying to visually promote their bright colour spots in order to attract fish clients. Such morphological, ecological and ethological convergences are apparently due to adaptations to fish cleaning linked to the establishment of similar modes of communication with fish clients in these species.

Towards a revision of the genus Periclimenes: resurrection of Ancylocaris Schenkel, 1902, and designation of three new genera (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae).

Based on recently published molecular phylogenies of Indo-West Pacific palaemonid shrimps and further morphological evidence, the systematic position of several species of the polyphyletic genus Periclimenes is revised. The generic name Ancylocaris Schenkel, 1902 is re-established for the anemone-associated Periclimenes brevicarpalis. Actinimenesgen. n., is proposed for the anemone-associated Periclimenes inornatus, Periclimenes ornatellus and Periclimenes ornatus, all of which have a subspatulate first pereiopod. Cristimenesgen. n., is designated for the echinoderm-associated species, Periclimenes commensalis, Periclimenes cristimanus, and Periclimenes zanzibaricus, all with a unique carpo-propodal articulation of the second pereiopods. Rapimenesgen. n. is established for the hydroid and antipatharian-associated Periclimenes brucei, Periclimenes granulimanus, and Periclimenes laevimanus, for which the long, slender and unequal second pereiopods and prehensile ambulatory propodi are the main synapomorphic characters.

Multiple host switching events shape the evolution of symbiotic palaemonid shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda).

The majority of the almost 1,000 species of Palaemonidae, the most speciose family of caridean shrimp, largely live in symbioses with marine invertebrates of different phyla. These associations range from weak epibiosis to obligatory endosymbiosis and from restricted commensalism to semi-parasitism, with the specialisation to particular hosts likely playing a role in the diversification of this shrimp group. Our study elucidates the evolutionary history of symbiotic palaemonids based on a phylogenetic analysis of 87 species belonging to 43 genera from the Indo-West Pacific and the Atlantic using two nuclear and two mitochondrial markers. A complementary three-marker analysis including taxa from GenBank raises this number to 107 species from 48 genera. Seven larger clades were recovered in the molecular phylogeny; the basal-most one includes mostly free-living shrimp, albeit with a few symbiotic species. Ancestral state reconstruction revealed that free-living forms likely colonised cnidarian hosts initially, and switching between different host phyla occurred multiple times in palaemonid evolutionary history. In some cases this was likely facilitated by the availability of analogous microhabitats in unrelated but morphologically similar host groups. Host switching and adaptations to newly colonised host groups must have played an important role in the evolution of this diverse shrimp group.

A new species of shrimp of the genus Anachlorocurtis Hayashi, 1975 from the Red Sea, with range extension of A. commensalis Hayashi, 1975 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Pandalidae).

A new species of pandalid shrimp Anachlorocurtis occidentalis sp. n., associated with antipatharian corals, is described and illustrated from the north-eastern Red Sea. This new species is closely related to Anachlorocurtis commensalis Hayashi, 1975, the only other species in the genus, and can be distinguished by the more slender body and appendages; the carapace with 3 large, and one small, subtriangular lobes in the middorsal line; a flattened dorsal outline of the third abdominal segment; the sixth abdominal segment twice as long as fifth one; propodi of the ambulatory pereiopods bearing only a single posterior spinule; and harbouring 3-5 pairs of dorsolateral spines on the telson. A revised generic diagnosis is provided here to accommodate the present new species. The genetic divergence of mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) between Anachlorocurtis occidentalis sp. n., and A. commensalis is 15.2-15.4%. Molecular analysis also confirmed a sister position of the genus Anachlorocurtis to Miropandalus. The present records of A. commensalis from Taiwan constitute an extension of the known range of the species.

Accumulation of heavy metals in crayfish and fish from selected Czech reservoirs.

To evaluate the accumulation of aluminium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc in crayfish and fish organ tissues, specimens from three drinking water reservoirs (Boskovice, Landstejn, and Nová Ríse) and one contaminated site (Darkovské more) in the Czech Republic were examined. Crayfish hepatopancreas was confirmed to be the primary accumulating site for the majority of metals (Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd > Cr), while Hg and Cr were concentrated in abdominal muscle, and Al and Pb were concentrated in gill. Metals found in Nová Ríse specimens included Cu > Zn > Ni and those found in Boskovice included Zn > Hg > Cr. Cd concentrations were observed only in Landstejn specimens, while contaminated Darkovské more specimens showed the highest levels of accumulation (Cu > Al > Zn > Pb). The majority of evaluated metals were found in higher concentrations in crayfish: Cu > Al > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb, with Hg being the only metal accumulating higher in fish. Due to accumulation similarities of Al in crayfish and fish gill, differences of Hg in muscle, and features noted for the remaining metals in examined tissues, biomonitoring should incorporate both crayfish and fish to produce more relevant water quality surveys.

These squatters are not innocent: the evidence of parasitism in sponge-inhabiting shrimps.

Marine sponges are frequently inhabited by a wide range of associated invertebrates, including caridean shrimps. Symbiotic shrimps are often considered to be commensals; however, in most cases, the relationship with sponge hosts remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that sponge-inhabiting shrimps are often parasites adapted to consumption of sponge tissues. First, we provide detailed examination of morphology and stomach contents of Typton carneus (Decapoda: Palaemonidae: Pontoniinae), a West Atlantic tropical shrimp living in fire sponges of the genus Tedania. Remarkable shear-like claws of T. carneus show evidence of intensive shearing, likely the result of crushing siliceous sponge spicules. Examination of stomach contents revealed that the host sponge tissue is a major source of food for T. carneus. A parasitic mode of life is also reflected in adaptations of mouth appendages, in the reproduction strategy, and in apparent sequestration of host pigments by shrimp. Consistent results were obtained also for congeneric species T. distinctus (Western Atlantic) and T. spongicola (Mediterranean). The distribution of shrimps among sponge hosts (mostly solitary individuals or heterosexual pairs) suggests that Typton shrimps actively prevent colonisation of their sponge by additional conspecifics, thus protecting their resource and reducing the damage to the hosts. We also demonstrate feeding on host tissues by sponge-associated shrimps of the genera Onycocaris, Periclimenaeus, and Thaumastocaris (Pontoniinae) and Synalpheus (Alpheidae). The parasitic mode of life appears to be widely distributed among sponge-inhabiting shrimps. However, it is possible that under some circumstances, the shrimps provide a service to the host sponge by preventing a penetration by potentially more damaging associated animals. The overall nature of interspecific shrimp-sponge relationships thus warrants further investigation.

Alteration of steroidogenesis in H295R cells by organic sediment contaminants and relationships to other endocrine disrupting effects.

A novel bioassay with the human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line H295R can be used to screen for endocrine disrupting chemicals that affect the expression of genes important in steroidogenesis. This assay was employed to study the effects of organic contaminants associated with the freshwater pond sediments collected in the Ostrava-Karvina region, Czech Republic. The modulation of ten major genes involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones (CYP11A, CYP11B2, CYP17, CYP19, 17betaHSD1, 17betaHSD4, CYP21, 3betaHSD2, HMGR, StAR) after exposure of H295R cells to sediment extracts was investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Crude sediment extracts, containing high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and moderate amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) significantly stimulated expression of the CYP11B2 gene (up to 10-fold induction), and suppressed expression of 3betaHSD2 and CYP21 genes. A similar pattern was observed with the extracts after treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid to remove labile chemicals (including PAHs) leaving only persistent PCBs, OCPs and potentially PCDD/Fs. Comparison of the results with other mechanistically based bioassays (arylhydrocarbon receptor, AhR, mediated responses in H4IIE-luc cells, and estrogen receptor mediated effects in MVLN cells) revealed significant endocrine disrupting potencies of organic contaminants present in the sediments (most likely antiestrogenicity). Pronounced effects were observed particularly in sediment extracts from the Pilnok Pond which harbors an unusual intersexual population of the narrow-cawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus (Decapoda, Crustacea). This pilot study provided the first experimental evidence of the wider application of the H295R bioassay for screening complex environmental samples, and the results support the hypothesis of chemical-induced endocrine disruption in intersexual crayfish.