Biotope and biocenosis of cryoconite hole ecosystems on Ecology Glacier in the maritime Antarctic

Abstract: Despite recent great interest in glacier ecosystems in the continental Antarctic, little is known about their maritime counterparts. Our study presents descriptive data on cryoconite sediments and cryoconite holes on Ecology Glacier (King George Island) to accomplish three main objectives: (a) to identify main eukaryotic (algae, invertebrates) and prokaryotic (cyanobacteria) components of microbial communities; (b) to provide a “baseline” of community composition, organic matter and artificial contamination; and (c) identify key abiotic factors that might be important in community assembly. Cryoconite holes were sampled along an altitudinal gradient of Ecology Glacier in January, mid Austral Summer 2017. Cryoconite holes located in lower altitude were deeper than those located in the middle and the highest altitude. Seventeen species of algae and cyanobacteria with biomass of 0.79 to 5.37 µg/cm3 have been found in sediments. Dominant species were cyanobacterial Pseudanabaena frigida and Bacillariophyceae Microcostaus sp. Biomass of Bacillariophyceae was significantly higher than that of Chlorophyta and Cyanobacteria. We found three species of rotifers (two potentially new to science) and for the first time a glacier dwelling Acari (suspension feeder, Nanorchestes nivalis). Organic matter content ranged from 5.4% to 7.6%. Investigated artificial radionuclides included 137Cs, 238Pu, 239+240Pu and 241Am. 210Pb seems to be related to organic matter content. Overall, cryoconite holes on Ecology Glacier present unique habitats that serve as biodiversity hotspots of psychrophiles, source of organic matter, matrices for radioactivity tracking and model for observing changes in supraglacial ecosystems in Maritime Antarctic

On the spelling of Trochulus Lubomirskii vs. Lubomirski (Slosarski, 1881) (Gastropoda: pulmonata: hygromiidae) - the opposite point of view

The paper discusses arguments for the preservation of the original spelling of the species-level name for Trochulus lubomirski (Ślósarski, 1881) versus arguments for the preservation of the amended spelling lubomirskii. The authors argue that the obvious "prevailing usage" of the spelling lubomirskii should be taken as the decisive argument to preserve this form of spelling under Art. 33.3.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature

Re-description of Dendroptus flexus (Livshitz, Mitrofanov & Sharonov, 1979) (Acari: Heterostigmatina: Tarsonemidae) with notes on the newly found males and larvae of this species and its proposed generic affiliation

Tarsonemus flexus Livshitz, Mitrofanov & Sharonov, 1979 is re-described based on females and newly discovered males and larvae from Hungary; its systematic position is also discussed. As a result, the species is transferred to the genus Dendroptus Kramer, 1876. It is speculated that the genus may contain at least two parallel phylogenetic lines

New Data to the Knowledge of the Mite Fauna of Hungary (Acari: Mesostigmata, Prostigmata and Astigmata)

The authors give a report on the results of the regular mite collectings made between 1990 and 2003 on ornamental trees and shrubs, on streets, in parks, in green spaces of housing estates, in botanical gardens and private gardens, in various localities of Hungary. This survey also covers material collected in soft fruit orchards and vineyard, on a winter barley and winter wheat field by Malaise-trap, a nature conservation area (xerothermic grassland) by D-Vac (vacuum insect sampler) and in stored plants. Representatives of 31 families were identified. Out of 113 mite species 52 species (e.g. Neoseiulus setulus (Fox, 1947), Typhlodromus cryptus Athias-Henriot, 1960, Typhlodromus georgicus Wainstein, 1958, Typhlodromus kazachstanicus Wainstein, 1958, Lorryia atyeoi Baker, 1968, Tydeus praeditus Livshitz et Zapletina, 1972, Neophyllobius bialagorensis Bolland, 1991, Rhyncaphytoptus platani Keifer, 1939, Tarsonemus piliger von Schlechtendal, 1898) are new for the Hungarian fauna

A new microinvertebrate with features of mites and tardigrades in Dominican amber

From time to time, small, fragile, previously unknown fossil invertebrates are found in specialized habitats. Occasionally, as in the present case, a fragment of the original habitat that existed millions of years ago is also preserved. The present article describes a previously unknown microinvertebrate in Dominican amber that cannot be placed in any group of extant invertebrates. Placed in a new family, genus, and species, the fossil shares characters with both tardigrades and mites, but clearly belongs to neither group. The several hundred fossil individuals preserved in the amber shared their moist, warm habitat with pseudoscorpions, nematodes, fungi, and protozoa. The large number of fossils provided additional evidence of their biology, including their reproductive behavior, developmental stages, and food. While there is no extant group that can accommodate these fossils, and we have no knowledge of any extant descendants, this discovery shows that unique lineages of minute invertebrates were surviving in the mid-Tertiary