A Study on Generative Models for Visual Recognition of Unknown Scenes Using a Textual Description.

In this study, we investigate the application of generative models to assist artificial agents, such as delivery drones or service robots, in visualising unfamiliar destinations solely based on textual descriptions. We explore the use of generative models, such as Stable Diffusion, and embedding representations, such as CLIP and VisualBERT, to compare generated images obtained from textual descriptions of target scenes with images of those scenes. Our research encompasses three key strategies: image generation, text generation, and text enhancement, the latter involving tools such as ChatGPT to create concise textual descriptions for evaluation. The findings of this study contribute to an understanding of the impact of combining generative tools with multi-modal embedding representations to enhance the artificial agent's ability to recognise unknown scenes. Consequently, we assert that this research holds broad applications, particularly in drone parcel delivery, where an aerial robot can employ text descriptions to identify a destination. Furthermore, this concept can also be applied to other service robots tasked with delivering to unfamiliar locations, relying exclusively on user-provided textual descriptions.

Taxonomic revision of Physalis in Mexico.

Physalis (Solanaceae, Solanoideae) is an American genus of ca. 90 species, with its diversity centered on Mexico. We recognize 61 species within the country, for which we provide a generic morphological description, an artificial key to determine species, and brief descriptions. We include distributions, habitats, diagnostic characters, phenology, and uses. Distribution maps and field photographs are also provided. We include conservation status as evaluated by the IUCN.

Systematic revision of the Roseinae clade of Russula, with a focus on eastern North American taxa.

The Roseinae clade is a lineage of the genus Russula primarily composed of species of Russula subsect. Roseinae. Species in this morphologically distinct clade possess a white to pale cream spore print, mild taste, positive reaction to sulfovanillin, and primordial hyphae with acid-resistant crystals in the pileipellis. Here, we present a morphological and phylogenetic assessment that distinguishes seven eastern North American species of the core Roseinae lineage and a new subsection, Russula subsection Albidinae, to accommodate members of the Albida clade. We assign the previously described species R. peckii, R. rubellipes, and R. pseudopeckii to three species-level clades, and three other species, R. cardinalis, R. cordata, and R. rheubarbarina, are described as new. Comparative morphological analyses reveal differences in the conformation of terminal elements in the pileipellis, spore size, hymenial cystidia contents, and pigmentation on the stipe surface as key features to recognize species in the group. Based on the analysis of publicly available data, we recognize a potential total of nine temperate North American species within R. subsect. Roseinae, in addition to four from Central America, two from Europe, and 14 from Asia.

A comparative assessment of the morphology of Profilicollis altmani (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae) from crustaceans and shore birds in Peru, with special notes on hook elemental analysis (EDXA), SEM imaging, histopathology, and molecular profile.

The morphology of cystacanths and adults of Profilicollis altmani (Perry, 1942) Van Cleave, 1947 (Polymorphidae) were studied from the Pacific mole crab Emerita analoga (Stimpson) (Crustacea, Hippidae) and Belcher's gull Larus belcheri (Vigors) (Aves, Laridae), respectively, in Peru. Comparative morphometrics with accounts of other populations of P. altmani from elsewhere off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North and South America revealed marked intraspecific population variations. We report scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of new features, not before noted or captured in line drawings by earlier observers. We further present microscope images that reveal internal details not previously reported or possible to see with SEM. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) revealed unusual patterns in the chemistry of proboscis hooks especially the high sulfur and diminished phosphorous and calcium in hook tips and low sulfur and high levels of phosphorous and calcium at mid hooks. The size and shape of all hooks of the cystacanths are reported for the first time. Histopathological studies in L. belcheri from Peru are also included. Cystacanths of P. altmani from California were also analyzed for molecular patterns and compared with other sequences reported from other locations. The molecular data and the analysis of our new sequences of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) showed that haplotypes of P. altmani had low genetic variation; the species is not geographically structured, and within its clade no monophyletic group is formed.

TITLE: Évaluation comparative de la morphologie de Profilicollis altmani (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae) de crustacés et d'oiseaux de rivage au Pérou, en particulier l'analyse élémentaire des crochet (EDXA), l'imagerie SEM, l'histopathologie et le profil moléculaire. ABSTRACT: La morphologie des cystacanthes et des adultes de Profilicollis altmani (Perry, 1942) Van Cleave, 1947 (Polymorphidae) a été étudiée, respectivement, à partir du crustacé Emerita analoga (Stimpson) (Crustacea, Hippidae) et du Goéland Siméon Larus belcheri (Vigors) (Aves, Laridae), au Pérou. La morphométrie comparative avec des données d'autres populations de P. altmani d'autres localités au large des côtes du Pacifique et de l'Atlantique de l'Amérique du Nord et du Sud a révélé des variations intraspécifiques marquées des populations. Nous rapportons des nouvelles observations de microscopie électronique à balayage, non notées auparavant ou non capturées dans des dessins au trait par des observateurs antérieurs. Nous présentons en outre des images au microscope qui révèlent des détails internes qui n'ont pas été signalés auparavant ni possibles à voir avec MET. L'analyse aux rayons X à dispersion d'énergie (EDXA) a révélé des modèles inhabituels dans la chimie des crochets de la trompe, en particulier la teneur élevée en soufre et une diminution du phosphore et du calcium dans les pointes des crochets et des niveaux faibles en soufre et en phosphore et en calcium au milieu des crochets. La taille et la forme de tous les crochets des cystacanthes sont décrites pour la première fois. Des études histopathologiques sur L. belcheri du Pérou sont également incluses. Les cystacanthes de P. altmani de Californie ont également été analysés pour les modèles moléculaires et comparés à d'autres séquences rapportées d'autres endroits. Les données moléculaires et l'analyse de nos nouvelles séquences de cytochrome oxydase I (COI) ont montré que les haplotypes de P. altmani avaient une faible variation génétique. L'espèce n'est pas structurée géographiquement, et au sein de son clade aucun groupe monophylétique n'est formé.

Classical-Quantum Transition as a Disorder-Order Process.

We associate here the relationship between de-coherence to the statistical notion of disequilibrium with regards to the dynamics of a system that reflects the interaction between matter and a given field. The process is described via information geometry. Some of its tools are shown here to appropriately explain the process' mechanism. In particular we gain some insight into what is the role of the uncertainty principle (UP) in the pertinent proceedings.

Decoherence, Anti-Decoherence, and Fisher Information.

In this work, we study quantum decoherence as reflected by the dynamics of a system that accounts for the interaction between matter and a given field. The process is described by an important information geometry tool: Fisher's information measure (FIM). We find that it appropriately describes this concept, detecting salient details of the quantum-classical changeover (qcc). A good description of the qcc report can thus be obtained; in particular, a clear insight into the role that the uncertainty principle (UP) plays in the pertinent proceedings is presented. Plotting FIM versus a system's motion invariant related to the UP, one can also visualize how anti-decoherence takes place, as opposed to the decoherence process studied in dozens of papers. In Fisher terms, the qcc can be seen as an order (quantum)-disorder (classical, including chaos) transition.

Critical Transitions in Ecosystems and Society. The Contribution of Sociological Systems Theory to the Analysis of Socio-Environmental Transformations.

The theory of critical transitions and the theory of self-referential social systems are two well-established theories in the ecosystem and sociological research respectively. A dialogue between them may offer new insights on the complex articulation of the nature and society nexus in socio-environmental transformations. By means of the conceptual reconstruction of both theories and drawing on relevant literature of social-ecological research, in this article, I argue that systems theory can contribute to the theory of critical transitions with a robust concept of communication that accounts for the relevance of semantics and social structures, the production of communicative locks, and the identification of early warning signals of social-ecological transitions in communication. On the other hand, the theory of critical transitions provides systems theory with both a refined concept of crisis as critical transition and the technical tools for empirical research. The article concludes that the dialogue between the science of ecosystems and the science of society is not an intellectual exercise but a form of increasing the correspondence between social-ecological transitions and our explanations and interventions in this domain.

Ixodidae (Acari: Ixodoidea): descriptions and redescriptions of all known species from 1758 to December 31, 2019.

References to the descriptions and redescriptions of the 742 species of Ixodidae published from 1758 to December 31, 2019 are compiled, with the goal of enabling tick taxonomists to readily access this diffuse and often confusing literature. Additionally, data resulting from this effort are critically analyzed to demonstrate the problems attending correct identification of several tick species that are of medical, veterinary and/or evolutionary importance, and to highlight the need for new or enhanced diagnostic techniques. Recent morphological and molecular studies indicate that some ixodid species names represent more than one taxon; therefore, it is expected that new species will be described in the near future, based partly on material already deposited in museums around the world.

Type specimens of Coenosiini (Diptera, Muscidae) deposited in the Museum für Naturkunde, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Berlin, Germany).

The Museum für Naturkunde of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin houses one of the most important and extensive collections of Muscidae (Diptera) in Europe as it includes more than 700 species described by Paul Stein and many others described by two other European dipterists, F. H. Loew and T. Becker. The relevance of the collection is even greater due to the excellent geographic coverage of this material. In this paper, we give a morphological and taxonomic revision of the 114 types of Coenosiini deposited in this collection. Differential diagnoses, notes on the types and photographs of some of them (habitus and labels) are provided.

La construcción de producciones orales en la infancia a partir de imágenes realistas y no realistas / The construction of oral productions in childhood from realistic and unrealistic images

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue examinar la construcción de narrativas de ficción por parte de niños/as de 5 y 6 años de edad a partir de imágenes con distinto nivel de realismo. Analizamos 49 relatos, 24 realizados a partir de imágenes realistas y 25 a partir de imágenes no realistas. Primero clasificamos las producciones en narraciones, descripciones y otras producciones, y analizamos el ordenamiento de las imágenes. La mayoría de los niños/ as que participaron en la condición no-realista construyeron narraciones e identificaron una imagen para el comienzo y otra para el cierre; mientras que los que observaron imágenes realistas construyeron mayormente descripciones y no las organizaron en secuencias. Luego realizamos un análisis de datos textuales consignando: recuento de palabras y segmentos, y recuento de tipos de palabras y segmentos; glosario de palabras y segmentos ordenados según su frecuencia; y respuesta característica (la más significativa de cada grupo). No se encontraron diferencias en el número de palabras y la cantidad de tipos de palabras utilizadas en cada producción, pero sí en las palabras características y en las respuestas que caracterizaron a cada grupo. En las descripciones se utilizaron más sustantivos, mientras que en las narraciones se utilizaron verbos y conectores causales. La respuesta característica de la descripción consistió en una exposición acerca de cada una de las imágenes por separado. La narración presentó un conflicto o estado emocional, una resolución y un cierre. Los resultados muestran que los niños/ as construyeron distintas producciones (narraciones o descripciones) según el tipo de imágenes presentadas.

Abstract The aim of this paper was to examine the creation of fictional narratives by 5 and 6 year-old children from images with different levels of realism. We analyzed 49 stories, 24 from realistic images and 25 from unrealistic images. First, the productions were classified into narratives, descriptions and other productions, and analyzed the arrangement of the images. Most of the children who participated in the unrealistic condition created narratives and identified one image for the beginning and another for the ending; while those who observed realistic images mostly made descriptions and did not arrange them into sequences. It was analyzed: number of words and segments and number of kinds of words; glossaries and segments of words sorted by frequency; characteristic responses (the most significant of each group). No differences were found neither in the number of words nor in the number of different word types used in each production. However, differences were found in the characteristic words and in the complete responses that characterized each group. More nouns were used in the descriptions, while verbs and causal connectors were used in the narratives. The characteristic response of the description consisted in a presentation of the images separately. The narrative introduced a conflict or emotional state, a resolution and a closure. The results showed that the children developed different productions (narrations or descriptions) according to the type of images they were exposed.

Studies on Neotropical Phasmatodea XXIV: Andeocalynda n. gen., a new genus of Andean stick insects, with the descriptions of nine new species from Colombia and Ecuador (Phasmatodea: "Anareolatae": Diapheromeridae: Diapheromerinae).

The new genus Andeocalynda n. gen. is described and the supposed relationships are discussed. The genus is restricted to the mountainous Andean regions of Ecuador and Colombia. Nine new species are described and illustrated: A. aspericollis n. sp., A. banosense n. sp., A. brevicercata n. sp. and A. lojaense n. sp. from Ecuador based on the males only, A. decorata n. sp., A. mutica n. sp., A. densegranuloa n. sp. and A. tuberculata n. sp. from Ecuador as well as A. putumayoense n. sp. from Colombia based on the male and female. The eggs of the two new Ecuadorian species A. decorata n. sp. and A. tenuis n. sp. are described and illustrated. Two species, previously attributed to other genera are transferred to Andeocalynda n. gen., this is: A. carrikeri (Hebard, 1919) from the genus Bacteria Berthold, 1827 (n. comb.) and A. comis (Bates, 1865) from the genus Clonistria Stål, 1875 (n. comb.). As a result, Andeocalynda n. gen. currently includes eleven known species.

Tipo de entrenamiento y momento de elaboración de descripciones poscontacto contingencial en tareas de igualación de la muestra / Tipo de treinamento e momento de elaboração de descrições pós-contato contingencial em tarefas de igualação da amostra / Training type and moment of elaboration of post-contact descriptions in a matching-to-sample task

Resumen En el presente trabajo se evaluó el efecto de distintos tipos de entrenamiento sobre (a) la ejecución en pruebas de aprendizaje y transferencia, y (b) la elaboración de descripciones poscontacto en una tarea de discriminación condicional de segundo orden. Con este fin, se asignaron 16 participantes a cuatro grupos; la fase de entrenamiento para los grupos 1 y 3 consistió en la observación de una tarea de discriminación condicional de segundo orden en la que las respuestas de igualación fueron resaltadas con un marco rojo y se indicó, para cada ensayo, si eran acertadas o erróneas (entrenamiento observacional), mientras que para los participantes de los grupos 2 y 4 la tarea consistió en emitir una respuesta explícita de igualación ensayo por ensayo (entrenamiento instrumental). Adicionalmente, se le pidió a los participantes de los grupos 3 y 4 que realizaran una descripción de las contingencias enfrentadas cada doce ensayos, y al finalizar la tarea completa se le pidió a todos los participantes que elaboraran una descripción similar. Como resultado, los participantes de los grupos que estuvieron bajo entrenamiento observacional presentaron el mayor porcentaje de aciertos en las pruebas de aprendizaje y transferencia, además de que elaboraron descripciones poscontacto más específicas y pertinentes que los individuos de los grupos restantes. Estos resultados sugieren que el aprendizaje mediante la observación puede darse incluso si el observador no es expuesto directamente a la ejecución de la respuesta de otro individuo, es decir, aun cuando las respuestas reforzadas se presenten solo de manera gráfica.

Resumo Neste trabalho, foi avaliado o efeito de diferentes tipos de treinamento sobre a execução em testes de aprendizagem e transferência e a elaboração de descrições pós-contato numa tarefa de discriminação condicional de segunda ordem. Com esse objetivo, foram designados 16 participantes a quatro grupos. A fase de treinamento para os participantes dos grupos 1 e 3 consistiu na observação de uma tarefa de discriminação condicional de segunda ordem na qual as respostas de igualação foram ressaltadas com um sinal vermelho e foi indicado, para cada ensaio, se eram acertadas ou errôneas (treinamento observacional). Nessa mesma fase, para os participantes dos grupos 2 e 4, a tarefa consistiu em emitir uma resposta explícita de igualação ensaio por ensaio (treinamento instrumental). Além disso, foi pedido aos participantes dos grupos 3 e 4 que realizassem uma descrição das contingências enfrentadas a cada doze ensaios. Ao finalizar a tarefa, foi solicitado a todos os participantes que elaborassem uma descrição semelhante. Como resultado, os participantes dos grupos que estiveram sob o treinamento observacional apresentaram maior porcentagem de acertos nos testes de aprendizagem e transferência, e elaboraram descrições pós-contato mais específicas e pertinentes do que os indivíduos dos demais grupos. Esses resultados sugerem que a aprendizagem mediante a observação pode acontecer inclusive se o observador não for exposto diretamente à execução da resposta de outro indivíduo, isto é, ainda quando as respostas reforçadas forem apresentadas somente de maneira gráfica.

Abstract The effects of different types of training over a) performance on learning and transfer tasks, and b) generation of post-contact descriptions in a second order matching-to-sample task were assessed. 16 participants were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups. During the training phase, the requirement for participants in groups 1 and 3 consisted of the observation of a conditional discrimination task in which matching responses were highlighted with a red frame and indicated, for each trial, whether they were right or wrong (observational training). During this same phase, the task for participants in groups 2 and 4 was to produce, trial by trial, an explicit matching response (instrumental training). Additionally, participants in groups 3 and 4 were required to write a description of the contingencies every twelve trials. After the task, all participants were requested to develop a similar description. Participants of groups that were under observational training had the highest percentage of correct answers on learning and transfer tests. Similarly, they produced more specific rules than individuals from other groups. These results suggest that learning by observation can occur even if the viewer is not directly exposed to responses of another individual, that is, even when reinforced responses are simply presented graphically.

New species, identification keys and notes on Lamiinae (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) from the Neotropical region.

Three new species of Neotropical Lamiinae are described and illustrated: Cleodoxus antonkozlovi, Hyperplatys pacangensis, and Drycothaea indivisa. The first identification key to species of Cleodoxus Thomson, 1864, and notes on all three genera are provided.

Excavating sponges from the Pacific of Central America, descriptions and a faunistic record.

Excavating sponges are one of the main groups of bioeroders in coral reefs. Their diversity has been thoroughly studied in some regions: in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Indo-Pacific, including the Mexican Pacific. However, there is a lack of information from the Pacific of Central America, with only a few records from Panama and Costa Rica. This study provides additional distributional records and taxonomic descriptions of species collected between 2011 and 2016 at nine localities along the Pacific coast of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. A total of fourteen species of excavating sponges from three orders, three families, and five genera are considered valid in this area. Nine are new records for Central America, six are new records for El Salvador, three are new records for Nicaragua and eleven are new records for Costa Rica. The species collected from Panama were already recorded before. The species here described are Cliona amplicavata, Cliona californiana, Cliona euryphylle, Cliona microstrongylata, Cliona aff. mucronata, Cliona pocillopora, Cliona tropicalis, Cliona vermifera, Cliothosa tylostrongylata, Pione cf. carpenteri, Pione mazatlanensis, Thoosa calpulli, Thoosa mismalolli and Siphonodictyon crypticum. We also reviewed the literature related to excavating sponges from Central America, and the taxonomic status of respective species was updated. We provide a faunistic record of 14 excavating sponge species for Central America. Our data are expected to be useful for management and conservation purposes.

The effect of correspondence between descriptions of contingencies and contingencies on the conduct of election under the self-control paradigm / Efeito da correspondência entre descrições de contingências e contingências sobre o comportamento de escolha sob o paradigma de autocontrole / Efecto de la correspondencia entre descripciones de contingencias y contingencias sobre la conducta de elección bajo paradigma de autocontrol

Abstract In this paper, the effect of correspondence history between contingency and contingency descriptions on the behavior of choice under the self-control paradigm is analyzed in 85 participants between the ages of 10 and 11, through two intrasubject experiments, one carried out in a laboratory context and another in a simulated natural situation. The results indicate that it is possible to affect the behavior of choice between an immediate reinforcer of lesser magnitude and a delayed one of greater magnitude in favor of the second alternative, from an experimental history of correspondence between descriptions of contingencies and contingencies. In both experiments, most of participants chose the delayed reinforcer after undergoing correspondence tests between descriptions and contingencies, and the immediate reinforcer after facing the correspondence absent trials, even though the training situations were formally and functionally different in relation with the task established to evaluate the conduct of choice. The results are analyzed in light of the "Relational Frame Theory", specifically, in relation with the alteration of the functions of the language.

Resumo Neste trabalho, analisa-se o efeito da história de correspondência entre as descrições de contingências e contingências sobre o comportamento de escolha sob o paradigma de autocontrole com 85 participantes entre 10 e 11 anos de idade, por meio de duas experiências intrassujeito, uma realizada em contexto de laboratório, e outra, numa situação natural simulada. Os resultados indicam que é possível afetar o comportamento de escolha entre um reforçador imediato -de menor magnitude- e outro demorado -de maior proporção- em favor da segunda alternativa a partir de uma história experimental de correspondência entre as descrições de contingências e contingências. Em ambas as experiências, a maioria de participantes escolheu o reforçador demorado depois de experimentar os ensaios de correspondência entre descrições e contingências, e o reforçador imediato depois de enfrentar os ensaios de correspondência ausente, embora as situações de treinamento tenham sido formal e funcionalmente diferentes com relação à tarefa estabelecida para avaliar o comportamento de escolha. Os resultados foram analisados à luz da Teoria das Molduras Relacionais, especificamente quanto à alteração das funções da linguagem.

Resumen En este trabajo se analiza el efecto de la historia de correspondencia entre las descripciones de contingencias y las contingencias sobre la conducta de elección bajo paradigma de autocontrol en 85 participantes de entre 10 y 11 años de edad, por medio de dos experimentos intrasujeto, uno realizado en contexto de laboratorio y otro en una situación natural simulada. Los resultados indican que es posible afectar la conducta de elección entre un reforzador inmediato -de menor magnitud- y otro demorado -de mayor proporción- en favor de la segunda alternativa a partir de una historia experimental de correspondencia entre las descripciones de contingencias y las contingencias. En ambos experimentos, la mayoría de participantes eligió el reforzador demorado después de experimentar los ensayos de correspondencia entre descripciones y contingencias, y el reforzador inmediato después de enfrentar los ensayos de correspondencia ausente pese a que las situaciones de entrenamiento fueron formal y funcionalmente diferentes en relación con la tarea establecida para evaluar la conducta de elección. Los resultados se analizan a la luz de la Teoría de los Marcos Relaciónales, específicamente en relación con la alteración de las funciones del lenguaje.

Reduced Nicotine Content Expectancies Affect Initial Responses to Smoking.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine if negative responses to reduced nicotine content (RNC) cigarettes during open-label trials result from smokers' (negative) expectancies. We examined the effects of nicotine content description - independent of actual nicotine content - on subjective responses (craving reduction, withdrawal suppression, mood changes, and sensory ratings) and smoking behaviors (topography measures and carbon monoxide [CO] boost). METHODS: Thirty-six 12-hour-abstinent daily smokers completed a 3-session crossover trial. During each session, participants smoked their preferred brand cigarette - blinded and described as containing "usual," "low," and "very low" nicotine content - through a topography device and completed CO and subjective response assessments. RESULTS: Although nicotine content was identical, compared to the "usual" content cigarette, participants experienced less craving reduction after smoking the "very low" nicotine cigarette, and rated its smoke as weaker (p < .05). Participants took shallower puffs of the "low" nicotine cigarette (p < .05), and rated the "low" and "very low" nicotine cigarettes as weaker and too mild (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Negative responses to RNC cigarettes may be due, in part, to negative expectancies about using cigarettes containing less nicotine. In this context, RNC cigarette marketing and labeling are likely important considerations if a federal nicotine reduction policy is initiated.

Identifying pelagic fish eggs in the southeast Yucatan Peninsula using DNA barcodes.

In the waters surrounding Banco Chinchorro in the Mexican Caribbean are spawning and nursery areas for many types of fish. In this natural environment, as opposed to under controlled laboratory conditions, it is almost impossible to link an individual egg to the adult that laid it. This makes identifying the species of the eggs difficult. However, DNA barcodes have made this easier. In the present study, 300 eggs were processed for molecular analysis, from which 139 sequences were obtained. We identified 42 taxa (33 species with their binomial names), 35 genera, and 24 families. The identified eggs included those from Ariomma melanum, which is the first recording of this species in the Mexican Caribbean. Eggs from economically important fish species were also identified, including frigate tuna (Auxis thazard), crevalle jack (Caranx hippos), common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), white marlin (Kajikia albida), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus), and swordfish (Xiphias gladius). We have also described new morphological characteristics and captured photographs for 21 species, as well as obtained new information about spawning locality and time for 16 species. This valuable information will provide the basis to develop more effective conservation measures for sustainable fisheries and protection of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

Notes on taxonomy and distribution of Myrsidea serini (Séguy, 1944) (phthiraptera: amblycera: menoponidae) on southern South American passerine birds (aves: passeriformes)

Myrsidea serini (Séguy, 1944) is recorded from three different passerine hosts from Argentina and Chile: Carduelis barbata (Molina, 1782) (Fringillidae), Chrysomus thilius petersi (Laubmann, 1934) and Agelaioides badius badius (Vieillot, 1819) (Icteridae). Somatic features and body measurements from available specimens belonging to these host-populations are compared with those recorded from Old World hosts, finding only some slight differences in certain body measurements (here interpreted as correlated to differences in host sizes), but none in chaetotaxy. This species was synoxenic with Myrsidea psittaci Carriker, 1955 on C. t. petersi in at least two localities in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Comparative studies of external chorionic architecture of the eggs, preferential sites of oviposition, prevalence has been carried out for both species, along with some remarks concerning the still problematic species, Myrsidea argentina (Kellogg, 1906), originally recorded off Carduelis magellanica (Vieillot, 1805).

Myrsidea serini (Séguy, 1944) é registrada de três passarinhos distintos como hospedeiros na Argentina e Chile: Carduelis barbata (Molina, 1782) (Fringillidae), Chrysomus thilius petersi (Laubmann, 1934) e Agelaioides badius badius (Vieillot, 1819) (Icteridae). Características somáticas e medidas corporais de exemplares disponíveis dessas populações de hospedeiros são comparados com os registrados a partir de hospedeiros do Velho Mundo, com apenas pequenas diferenças em algumas medidas no corpo (aqui interpretadas como relacionado a diferença entre o tamanho dos hospedeiros), mas similares com relação a sua quetotaxia. Esta espécie foi encontrada em sinoxenia com Myrsidea psittaci Carriker, 1955 parasitando C. t. petersi em pelo menos duas localidades na Província de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Estudos comparativos da superfície coriônica dos ovos, sítios preferenciais de oviposição, e prevalência foram realizados para ambas as espécies, além de algumas observações sobre uma espécie ainda problemática, Myrsidea argentina (Kellogg, 1906), originalmente registrada em Carduelis magellanica (Vieillot, 1805).

Notes on taxonomy and distribution of Myrsidea serini (Séguy, 1944) (phthiraptera: amblycera: menoponidae) on southern South American passerine birds (aves: passeriformes)

Myrsidea serini (Séguy, 1944) is recorded from three different passerine hosts from Argentina and Chile: Carduelis barbata (Molina, 1782) (Fringillidae), Chrysomus thilius petersi (Laubmann, 1934) and Agelaioides badius badius (Vieillot, 1819) (Icteridae). Somatic features and body measurements from available specimens belonging to these host-populations are compared with those recorded from Old World hosts, finding only some slight differences in certain body measurements (here interpreted as correlated to differences in host sizes), but none in chaetotaxy. This species was synoxenic with Myrsidea psittaci Carriker, 1955 on C. t. petersi in at least two localities in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Comparative studies of external chorionic architecture of the eggs, preferential sites of oviposition, prevalence has been carried out for both species, along with some remarks concerning the still problematic species, Myrsidea argentina (Kellogg, 1906), originally recorded off Carduelis magellanica (Vieillot, 1805).(AU)

Myrsidea serini (Séguy, 1944) é registrada de três passarinhos distintos como hospedeiros na Argentina e Chile: Carduelis barbata (Molina, 1782) (Fringillidae), Chrysomus thilius petersi (Laubmann, 1934) e Agelaioides badius badius (Vieillot, 1819) (Icteridae). Características somáticas e medidas corporais de exemplares disponíveis dessas populações de hospedeiros são comparados com os registrados a partir de hospedeiros do Velho Mundo, com apenas pequenas diferenças em algumas medidas no corpo (aqui interpretadas como relacionado a diferença entre o tamanho dos hospedeiros), mas similares com relação a sua quetotaxia. Esta espécie foi encontrada em sinoxenia com Myrsidea psittaci Carriker, 1955 parasitando C. t. petersi em pelo menos duas localidades na Província de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Estudos comparativos da superfície coriônica dos ovos, sítios preferenciais de oviposição, e prevalência foram realizados para ambas as espécies, além de algumas observações sobre uma espécie ainda problemática, Myrsidea argentina (Kellogg, 1906), originalmente registrada em Carduelis magellanica (Vieillot, 1805).(AU)