Beyond the water column: aquatic hyphomycetes outside their preferred habitat

Aquatic hyphomycetes have adapted to running waters by their uncommon conidial shape, which facilitates dispersal as well as adherence to plant substrata. However, they have been early and regularly reported to occur in a variety of environments other than their preferred habitat (e.g., in lentic freshwaters, brackish and marine environments, in terrestrial niches such as stream banks, dew, canopy waters and tree holes). In addition, several aquatic hyphomycetes have adapted to a mutualistic lifestyle which may involve plant defence, as endophytes in leaves, gymnosperm needles, orchids and terrestrial roots. There are several lines of evidence suggesting that aquatic hyphomycetes survive under terrestrial conditions due to their sexual states. Although exhibiting higher diversity in pristine streams, aquatic hyphomycetes can survive environmental stress, e.g., pollution or river intermittency. They also inhabit ground and hyporheic waters, where they appear to be subjected to both physical and physiological selection. Appropriate methods including molecular ones should provide a more comprehensive view of the occurrence and ecological roles of aquatic hyphomycetes outside their preferred habitat

The external micro-anatomy of the cephalon of the asellotan isopod Craseriella anops

The micro-anatomy of the cephalon is described in the troglobic asellotan isopod Craseriella anops from the Nohoch Nah Chich anchialine cave system in southeast Mexico. The cephalon is entirely covered by cuticular scales bordered by marginal spines. The anterior end of the cephalon is bordered by a carina that is wider medially. The isopod is eyeless. The distal seventh portion of the cephalon is characterized by the presence of two sutures and six setae. A suture is found on each side of the distal margin of the cephalon. Each suture is bordered by microtrichs. Two simple setae with a sensory hair, articulated on the base by a socket, are found one on each side of each of the sutures. Two additional setae, similar in shape and size, occur medially on the cephalon. A terminal pore is absent on the sensory hairs of all setae. These setae are suggested to be mechanoreceptors that provide directional sensitivity and enhance the sensibility of turbulent motion, viscosity and changes of hydrostatic pressure