The taxonomic status of the genus <i>Stylactaria</i> Stechow, 1921 (Hydroidomedusae, Anthomedusae, Hydractiniidae), with the description of a new species

The status of all the species ascribed in the literature to Stylactaria is discussed, that nominal genus is considered a congener of Hydractinia and a new species (Hydractinia calderi n. sp.) is described. The medusae of the medusa-based genera Hansiella and Tregoubovia, formerly ascribed to the Hydractiniidae, are shown to be more like the medusae of Thecocodium, a genus having ptilocodiid hydroids. Both Hansiella and Tregoubovia are thus transferred to the Ptilocodiidae.With their removal from the Hydractiniidae, a redefinition of both families is provided. The genus Fiordlandia is considered as synonym of Clavactinia

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Two new Antarctic species of <i>Schizotricha</i> (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Leptothecata) from US Antarctic expeditions

Two species of the genus Schizotricha new to science (Schizotricha crassa sp. nov. and S. southgeorgiae sp. nov.) have been studied. Both species are described and figured and their systematic position amongst the remaining species of the genus is discussed. The material was collected during the United States Antarctic Research Programme (USARP) with RV ‘Eltanin’ and RV ‘Islas Orcadas’. A comparative table listing the main features and distribution of the known species of Schizotricha, together with an identification key, are presented

On several species of Oswaldella Stechow, 1919 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa), including the description of a new species

Cantero, A.L. Peña, Molinero, A. González (2018): On several species of Oswaldella Stechow, 1919 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa), including the description of a new species. Zootaxa 4457 (3): 397-414, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4457.3.