A checklist of the water mites of France (Acari: Hydrachnidia)

A review is given of all species reported from France. In total, 420 species and seven subspecies have been found in France. The following synonyms are established: Atractides vandeli Angelier, Decamps and Rey as a synonym of A. phreaticus Motas and Tanasachi, Atractides fonticolus gallicus Angelier, Decamps and Rey as a synonym of A. spinipes Koch and Barbaxonella pilosa Angelier, Decamps and Rey as a synonym of B. angulata (K. Viets). The following species are reported for the first time: Atractides orghidani Motas and Tanasachi, Hydrachna goldfeldi Thor, Hydrodroma pilosa Besseling, Limnesia curvipalpis Tuzovskij, Limnesia undulatoides Davids, Piona ambigua (Piersig), Forelia curvipalpis K. Viets, Mideopsis roztoczensis Biesiadka and Kowalik, Arrenurus octagonus Halbert and Arrenurus tubulator (Muller). Moreover, Arrenurus affinis Koenike is reported for the first time with certainty. For each species, all references are given which contain geographical information about their occurrence in France. Numerous new records are given, especially of species from standing waters

Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera in springs in Trentino (south-eastern Alps)

Within the CRENODAT project (Biodiversity assessment and integrity evaluation of springs of Trentino - Italian Alps - and longterm ecological research, 2004-2008) we studied a total of 90 springs in Trentino (south-eastern Alps, Italy), 75 of which were used for statistical analysis. The springs were grouped into seven different types and represented all the available lithologies in the study area. Macrozoobenthos (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera; EPT) was collected from stones, bryophytes and sediments. We investigated which physical, chemical or environmental features were important in determining EPT assemblage metrics at sites, by calculating the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, and applying a one-way ANOVA test, ANOSIM and SIMPER analyses. Statistical results highlighted the island character of the springs, each spring having its specific history and abiotic characteristics, which select for unique community patterns. For the faunistic analyses, we considered all springs where EPT taxa were recorded; a total of 88 taxa. Highest species richness was recorded among the Trichoptera, followed by the Plecoptera and Ephemeroptera, with 52, 30 and 6 taxa respectively. Fifteen Trichoptera and three Plecoptera species were recorded as new for the Autonomous Province of Trento. Our results confirm that, in the harsh environment of the Alps, the mild and stable ecological conditions that characterize spring-fed brooks contribute to maintaining and enhancing the regional biodiversity. Springs act as refuge areas for stream biota, providing more favourable conditions during spates or droughts (common in Alpine headwaters), or for particular stages of the insect life cycles. Springs also provide specific habitats for strictly crenobiontic species

From spring sources to springbrook : changes in environmental characteristics and benthic fauna

Spatial patterns in macroinvertebrate communities and some abiotic factors were examined in three rheocrene springs and their springbrooks (Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, southern Poland). The mean discharge of particular springs ranged from 5 to 11 L s-1, and its annual fluctuations were small. Water temperature was very stable at all sampling sites. In the eucrenon the number of benthic taxa was the smallest (9-14 determined to the family level), but the densities were the highest (approx. 14000 ind. m-2). The biggest changes in macroinvertebrate composition were observed in the modified hypocrenon, which is an artificial pond. The lowest number of taxa were found in a natural, short springbrook with a nondiversified bottom substrate. The density of crenophilic taxa (Drusus trifidus, Dugesia gonocephala, Elmidae) diminished along the springbrooks, while the opposite trend was observed for ubiquitous taxa (some Oligochaeta, Asellus aquaticus and Chironomidae). Even in a very short natural springbrook (30 m), Drusus trifidus, the only species of Trichoptera found in the springs discussed here, goes through the entire development cycle. The strongest influence of a big river was observed at the outflow of one of the natural springbrooks, where the highest number of riverine oligochaete species were found. The benthic fauna of the springs studied here differed from that found in other springs in this area - the absence of the typical crenophilic species Bithynella austriaca (Gastropoda) and the presence of Gianus aquedulcis (Oligochaeta) may indicate the autonomy of the spring fauna in the Mstów area, possibly resulting from the postglacial geomorphological formation of this region or differences in habitat conditions

Diversity and community structure of the snail fauna (Mollusca,_Gastropoda) in the source area of the Cetina River

Glavni cilj ovog rada bio je odrediti sastav i strukturu zajednice slatkovodnih puževa izvorišnog područja rijeke Cetine. Odabrane su dvije postaje: Preočki most i Crveni most. Prva istraživana postaja nalazi se 1,5 km, a druga 2,5 km nizvodno od izvora Glavaš. Sakupljanje uzoraka makrozoobentosa obavljano je svaki drugi mjesec od listopada 2004. do kolovoza 2005. godine. Na svakoj postaji odabrane su tri različite podloge (mikrostaništa): valutice, makrovegetacija i sitni sediment. Nakon izdvajanja iz bentosa puževi su u laboratoriju determinirani do razine vrste. Iz dobivenih podataka o brojnosti jedinki za svaku vrstu utvrđena je abundancija, a na osnovu morfometrijskih mjerenja kućice prikazana je uzrasna struktura. Tijekom istraživanja ukupno su pronađene 3 vrsta puževa. Dominantna vrsta na obje postaje je Radomaniola curta germari, druga vrsta po zastupljenosti je Horatia klecakiana. Vrsta Ancylus fluviatilis pojavljuje se u malom broju primjeraka na postaji Preočki most, dok na postaji Crveni most nije zabilježena. Provedena analiza funkcionalnih hranidbenih grupa pokazala je da na istraživanim postajama podjednak udio strugača i detritivora. Najviše vrijednosti Shannonovog i Simpsonovog indeksa raznolikosti zabilježene su na makrovegetaciji postaje Preočki most, dok su najniže vrijednosti ovog indeksa utvrđene na sitnom sedimentu iste postaje. Klaster analiza sličnosti, koja je provedena prema tipu mikrostaništa, pokazala je najveću sličnost između mikrostaništa sa valuticama obaju postaja, dok je najmanja sličnost utvrđena između mikrostaništa karakteriziranih sitnim sedimentom. Dobiveni podaci značajan su doprinos boljem poznavanju faune slatkovodnih puževa rijeke Cetine.The main objective of this study was to determine the composition and structure of recommunities of freshwater snails in the source area of the Cetina River. Two locations were chosen: Preočki most and Crveni most. The first research location is located 1,5 km and the second one 2,5 km downstream from the source Glavas. Collection of macroinvertebrates samples took place every other month from October 2004 to August 2005. At each location three various substrates (microhabitats) were selected: pebbles, macrovegetation and sediment. Snails were separated from the benthos in the laboratory and were determined to the species level. Abundance of each species was determined based on the number of individuals, and age structure was based on morphometric measurements of their shells. During this study, a total of three snail species was found. The dominant species at both locations is Radomaniola curta germari. Horatia klecakiana is the second dominant species. Species Ancylus fluviatilis occurs in a small number of samples at the location Preočki most while at the location Crveni most was not recorded. The analysis of functional feeding guilds at researched sites showed equal share of the grazers and detritivora. Highest values of the Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were recorded at macrovegetation of Preočki most, while the lowest values of the indices were determined on the sediment of the same stations. Cluster analysis of similarity, which was carried out according to the type of habitat, showed the greatest similarity between microhabitats with pebbles of both stations, while the lowest similarity was found between microhabitats characterized by sediment. The obtained data are significant contribution to better understanding of the freshwater snail’s fauna of the Cetina River

Diversity and distribution of freshwater amphipod species in Switzerland (Crustacea: Amphipoda).

Amphipods are key organisms in many freshwater systems and contribute substantially to the diversity and functioning of macroinvertebrate communities. Furthermore, they are commonly used as bioindicators and for ecotoxicological tests. For many areas, however, diversity and distribution of amphipods is inadequately known, which limits their use in ecological and ecotoxicological studies and handicaps conservation initiatives. We studied the diversity and distribution of amphipods in Switzerland (Central Europe), covering four major drainage basins, an altitudinal gradient of>2,500 m, and various habitats (rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater). We provide the first provisional checklist and detailed information on the distribution and diversity of all amphipod species from Switzerland. In total, we found 29 amphipod species. This includes 16 native and 13 non-native species, one of the latter (Orchestia cavimana) reported here for the first time for Switzerland. The diversity is compared to neighboring countries. We specifically discuss species of the genus Niphargus, which are often receiving less attention. We also found evidence of an even higher level of hidden diversity, and the potential occurrence of further cryptic species. This diversity reflects the biogeographic past of Switzerland, and suggests that amphipods are ideally suited to address questions on endemism and adaptive radiations, post-glaciation re-colonization and invasion dynamics as well as biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships in aquatic systems

Biodiversity of Mites

The world of mites, being exceptionally diverse and rich, may be analysed both in historical and geographical terms. It is commonly known that these tiny, ubiquitous invertebrates are found both in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; additionally, they are relatively abundant in aeroplankton. The species composition and character of their assemblages vary, and they are different in the polar, temperate and tropical regions. All the above-mentioned factors force scientists to apply a unique approach to research problems and specifically define the aims of their investigations. The Diversity Special Issue on "Biodiversity of Mites" contains complex acarological issues including zoogeographic, ecological and parasitological research conducted in several regions of the world. The results of the presented research concern various taxonomic groups of mites occurring in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Therefore, they can be an inspiration to search for new research directions and solve contemporary scientific problems

Pastoral Care for National Guard and Reserve: Using Bible Study to Equip National Guard and Reserve to Navigate through the Blessings and Burdens of Civilian-Military Vocations

Schleusener, David, S. Pastoral Care for National Guard and Reserve: Using Bible Study to Equip National Guard and Reserve to Navigate through the Blessings and Burdens of Civilian Military Vocations Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2022. 267 pp. The researcher is a U.S. Navy Reserves chaplain and student at Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri, in the Doctor of Ministry program. The researcher focused on the unique challenges, burdens, and significant stress our nation\u27s reserve components face due to dual responsibilities in civilian and military sectors. National Guard and Reserve (NGR) is the term adopted for those serving in one of seven reserve components in the U.S. military. Routine hardships that NGR experience, if not removed, mitigated, or given purpose can cause significant suffering, that may lead to destructive results for NGR. This Major Applied Project (MAP) reviewed research evidence to demonstrate NGR face unique challenges due to NGR responsibilities and to learn how NGR approach these unique challenges. The researcher used this review to develop a Bible study to equip NGR to better understand vocational duties and challenges and identify areas where growth in spiritual stamina and endurance is needed, so they can faithfully develop character needed to overcome or endure vocational challenges. The researcher applied the Bible study as a pastoral care tool to help NGR handle vocational burdens and blessings through a better understanding of vocations. The researcher used a pre-study knowledge check (PKC) before the study, and a post-study survey response (PSR) after the study to gauge the effectiveness of the Bible study. The data analysis of the PKC and PSR suggests three things at minimum. First participants found the Bible study practical to the problems encountered as NGR. Second, it improved their cognitive understanding of vocation. Third, it fostered a sense of hope for facing vocational challenges. The data analysis further suggests a strong connection between the Bible study and hope. As the study improved the understanding of vocation, this theological understanding provided NGR the ability to address vocational sufferings with hope. The MAP suggested future research that could better determine the direct impact the Bible study had

Systematics of Testudacarine Torrent Mites (Parasitengona: Torrenticolidae)

Thirteen new species of Testudacarus (Torrenticolidae: Testudacarinae) are described, four species are redescribed, and the status of previously problematic species are addressed. For Testudacarinae this represents the first published: 1) descriptions from multiple specimens (therefore providing ranges); 2) colored photographs; 3) explicit illustrations and discussion of sexual dimorphism within the subfamily; 4) genetic data. A comprehensive literature review is also included

Deeper knowledge of shallow waters: reviewing the invertebrate fauna of southern African temporary wetlands

Temporary lentic wetlands are becoming increasingly recognised for their collective role in contributing to biodiversity at the landscape scale. In southern Africa, a region with a high density of such wetlands, information characterising the fauna of these systems is disparate and often obscurely published. Here we provide a collation and synthesis of published research on the aquatic invertebrate fauna inhabiting temporary lentic wetlands of the region. We expose the poor taxonomic knowledge of most groups, which makes it difficult to comment on patterns of richness and endemism