Longlure frogfish

The longlure frogfish ("Antennarius multiocellatus") is a species of frogfish in the genus Antennarius found in the western Atlantic from Bermuda and the Bahamas, south along the coasts of Central and South America, to Brazil around warm shallow reefs with abundant sponge populations at depths less than 215 feet (66 m).
Characteristics.
A bottom dweller, it mimics surrounding sponges by varying its background hue to match that of the dominant sponge in the area. It also has multiple ocellii (eye-like markings) that look like the openings in a sponge. The frogfish uses its stalked pectoral fins and its pelvic fins to slowly "walk" across the bottom. Frogfishes have been observed inflating themselves by filling their stomachs with air or water. This is a solitary species found in small populations. It is the most common frogfish species in the West Indies and harmless to humans.
Distinctive features.
A short, fat, globular species, it generally does not exceed 8 in (20 cm), though 5 in (13 cm) is seldom exceeded. Its skin is thick and covered in highly modified scales called dermal spicules. These spicules are prickly in appearance and resemble the warts of a toad. The frogfish has small eyes, a very large mouth that is directed upwards, and pectoral fins situated on stalks. The gill openings are very small and located behind the pectoral fins. The basic color of the longlure frogfish is highly variable, ranging from pale yellow to bright red or dark green to reddish brown. Black spots are scattered across the body no matter what the base color. "Multiocellatus" means "many eye-like spots" in Latin. It also has a phase where the body is completely black, except for the ends of the paired fins which are white, and for a pale area that resembles a saddle on the back. The second and third dorsal spines are separate from the others and covered in thick skin.
Reproduction.
A unique feature of the frogfish family is that the eggs are spawned encapsulated in a buoyant mass of mucus, referred to as an "egg raft". This structure may serve as a transport of moving a large number of eggs over a large geographical distances. Spawning can be dangerous for the frogfish due to the cannibalistic nature of the species. The male and female march across the bottom before spawning, with the female leading and the male close behind. His snout usually is in immediate contact with her vent. The female is bloated with eggs during this time, often swelling to twice her normal size. The pair will then make a dash to the surface and the egg mass bursts from the female. The frogfish may spawn several times over a few weeks.
Diet.
A voracious ambush predator, it feeds mainly on fishes, but also on crabs and mantis shrimp. The name "longlure" is refers to the elongated illicium which acts as a fishing lure. The illicium is the first spine of the dorsal fin, highly modified into a long rod with a lure (esca) at the end. In most species, the esca looks like potential prey, such as a worm, crustacean, or even a fish. The frogfish will lie in a sponge and wait for a fish to swim by. It will then wiggle the lure around to attract the prey. It is capable of swallowing a fish that is larger in size than itself. Like a recreational human angler, the frogfish will move to a different location if no fish are biting. The frogfish is reported to be the fastest animal alive. It can move and suck in prey at speeds as quickly as 0.006 seconds, so only high-speed film can catch the action.


Opilio lepidus

Opilio lepidus is a species of harvestman in the Phalangiidae family. In 1937, members of the species were found in Lankaran, Azerbaijan.


Soto la Marina shiner

Notropis aguirrepequenoi is a species of fish in the family Cyprinidae, the carps and minnows. Its common name is the Soto la Marina shiner. It is endemic to Mexico, where it occurs in the lower Rio Grande.


Limnonectes tweediei

Limnonectes tweediei (common name: Tweedie's wart frog) is a species of frogs in the family Dicroglossidae. It is found in Sumatra (Indonesia) and the Malay Peninsula (Malaysia).
Natural habitat of "Limnonectes tweediei" are muddy pools in rainforests near small streams and seepages. It makes holes for breeding. It is becoming rare due to pollution and habitat degradation.


Dendrotriton sanctibarbarus

Dendrotriton sanctibarbarus is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae.
It is endemic to Honduras and was first described in 1996.
Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
It is threatened by habitat loss.


Acanthosaura titiwangsaensis

Acanthosaura titiwangsaensis, the Malayan Mountain horned agamid or Titiwangsa horned tree lizard, is a species of agama found in Malaysia.


Hypsiglena

Hypsiglena is a genus of small, rear-fanged, colubrid snakes commonly referred to as night snakes. The genus consists of nine species, and subspecies have been maintained pending further investigation.
Species and subspecies.
The following species and subspecies are recognized as being valid.
"Nota bene": A binomial authority or trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species or subspecies was originally described in a genus other than "Hypsiglena".
Geographic range.
"Hypsiglena" are found throughout the southwestern and western United States, from Texas and Kansas, west to California, north to Washington, and south into Mexico, as well as on islands off the coasts of Mexico.
Habitat.
The preferred habitat of night snakes is semiarid desert regions with rocky and sandy soils.
Description.
Night snakes typically do not exceed a total length (including tail) of . They are slender-bodied with a flattened head, and have small eyes with vertical pupils. Their color varies depending on their locality, often matching the soil color of their native habitat. They occur in various shades of gray, and brown, with dark brown, gray or black blotches on the back and the sides. Many also have distinctive black markings on the neck region.
Behavior.
"Hypsiglena" are nocturnal and terrestrial.
Diet.
The diet of night snakes consists primarily of lizards, but they will also consume smaller snakes, and amphibians.
Venom.
The venom of "Hypsiglena" is not considered to be dangerous to humans.


Wood mouse

The wood mouse ("Apodemus sylvaticus") is a murid rodent native to Europe and northwestern Africa. It is closely related to the yellow-necked mouse ("Apodemus flavicollis") but differs in that it has no band of yellow fur around the neck, has slightly smaller ears, and is usually slightly smaller overall: around 90 mm (3.54 in) in length and 23 g in weight. It is found across most of Europe and is a very common and widespread species, is commensal with people and is sometimes considered a pest. Other common names are long-tailed field mouse, field mouse, common field mouse, and European wood mouse.
Habitat and distribution.
Wood mice inhabit forests, grasslands, and cultivated fields, tending to seek out more wooded areas in winter. Almost entirely nocturnal and terrestrial, wood mice burrow extensively, build nests of plants and live in buildings during harsh seasons. It is one of the most intensively studied species in the genus. In Europe it ranges north to Scandinavia and east to Ukraine. The wood mouse is also found in northwestern Africa and on many Mediterranean islands.
Diet.
Wood mice are primarily seed eaters, particularly seeds of trees such as oak, beech, ash, lime, hawthorn, and sycamore. If seeds are plentiful on the ground, they carry them back to their nests/burrows for storage. They may eat small invertebrates such as snails and insects, particularly in late spring and early summer when seeds are least available. Later in the season they will eat berries, fruits, fungi and roots. In winter, they may prey on hibernating bats.
Behaviour.
Wood mice are mainly active during the dark, probably having evolved so to avoid predation, employing several anti-predatory strategies, though breeding females may be more active in daylight in order to collect sufficient food. While foraging, wood mice pick up and distribute visually conspicuous objects, such as leaves and twigs, which they then use as landmarks during exploration. If a wood mouse is caught by its tail, it can quickly shed the end of it, which may never regrow. Despite its name, it prefers hedgerows to woodland. During the colder months, wood mice do not hibernate; however, during severe winter seasons they can fall into a torpid state, a decrease in physiological activity.
Predation.
Predators of wood mice include foxes, snakes, weasels, hawks, owls, domestic dogs and domestic cats. To avoid predation, wood mice tend to forage in covered microsites.
Reproduction.
The wood mouse has a breeding season from February to October in which multiple matings occur between males and females, resulting in scramble competition. Such behavioral characteristics result in sperm competition and multiple paternity litters. The society is polygynous with copulation resulting from scramble competition during reproductive periods. Males possess a sac known as the cauda epididymis, which stores sperm and lies underneath the scrotal protrusion. Temperature regulation ensures maximum sperm output.
One interesting observation about the species, in particular the males, is the morphology of the spermatozoa. They develop falciform (sickle-shaped) heads after meiosis and before spermiation (release during ejaculation). The hook located at the tip of the head adheres to the surface of the head prior to deployment. Propidium iodide staining revealed that only the basal surface of the hook is of nuclear origin. These apical hooks are deployed in female reproductive tract (mechanism responsible involved the remodeling of actin filaments in the hook). Deployed apical hooks combine with apical hooks and flagella of other spermatozoa. The aggregates of spermatozoa that result form "mobile trains", which have experimentally been determined to possess better motility in the female reproductive tract. The mobility of these mobile trains was also found to be influenced by premature acrosome reactions, altruistic acts performed by some spermatozoa for the benefit of other genetically similar gametocytes. This altruism follows a "green beard" mechanism in which spermatozoa discern the genetic similarity of surrounding gametocytes (such mechanisms are rare because they must code for a recognizable phenotype, as well as response mechanisms). Once spermatozoa of similar genotypes are identified, altruism genes are turned on to elicit a response that seeks to conserve the genes present in the other cell, even if it results in the destruction of the cell performing the action.
The gestation period of wood mice is of 25–26 days and each female produces on average five young. The offspring become independent after about three weeks and become sexually active after two months.
Further reading.
Fairley, J.S. 1975. "An Irish Beast Book". Blackstaff Press Limited. SBN 85640-090-4


Micrurus nigrocinctus babaspul

Micrurus nigrocinctus babaspul, or the babaspul (Creole for "barber's pole"), is a subspecies of "Micrurus nigrocinctus", commonly known as the Central American coral snake. "M. n. babaspul" is a venomous elapid from Big Corn Island ("Isla Grande del Maíz"), Nicaragua. According to O'Shea (2008) this is an endangered subspecies, and the subspecies may even be extinct.
Description.
"M. n. babaspul" is a tricoloured monadal coral snake. Its color pattern consists of rings in the order red/yellow/black/yellow/red. Being a monadal coral snake, it only has one black ring between each pair of red rings. It has a round small head with a long slender body. Adults may attain a total length (including tail) of .
Geographic Range.
The "babaspul" is endemic to Big Corn Island, Nicaragua.
Habitat.
"M. n. babaspul" inhabits tropical moist forests.
Diet.
The "babaspul" will actively hunt small lizards and small snakes, and if available will take some rodents small enough for it to consume.
Reproduction.
There is not much known about the reproduction of the "babaspul", but it is believed to be an oviparous species.


Gastromyzon ingeri

Gastromyzon ingeri is a species of river loach (family Balitoridae or Gastromyzontidae, depending on the source). It is named for Robert F. Inger. It is endemic to Sabah, Borneo, where it occurs in rivers draining into Wallace Bay. It inhabits fast flowing rocky streams and grows to standard length.


Pleurodema marmoratum

Pleurodema marmoratum is a species of frog in the family Leptodactylidae.
It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, rivers, swamps, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, arable land, pastureland, and irrigated land.


Ceromitia laninensis

Ceromitia laninensis is a moth of the Adelidae family or "fairy longhorn moths". It was described by Pastrana in 1961. It is found in Argentina.


White Cloud Mountain minnow

The White Cloud Mountain minnow ("Tanichthys albonubes") is a hardy species of freshwater fish and coldwater fish often kept in an aquarium. The species is a member of the carp family (family Cyprinidae) of the order Cypriniformes, native to China. The White Cloud Mountain minnow is practically extinct in its native habitat, due to pollution and tourism. It was believed to be extinct for over 20 years in 1980, but an apparently native population of this fish was discovered on Hainan Island, well away from the White Cloud Mountain. They are bred in farms and are easily available through the aquarium trade. However, inbreeding in farms has led to genetically weak stock that is vulnerable to disease and prone to physical deformities.
The species was discovered at White Cloud Mountain (白雲山; Pinyin Bái Yún Shān) in the city of Guǎngzhōu at the province of Guǎngdōng around the 1930s by a Boy Scout leader called Tan, hence the generic name "Tanichthys" ("Tan's fish"). The specific name "albonubes" is from the Latin "alba nubes" (white cloud).
The fish are sold in the aquarium trade under a variety of names, including White Cloud, White Cloud Mountain fish, White Cloud minnow, etc. The names Canton or China danio (although it is not a member of the genus "Danio" or a danionin) and cardinal fish are also encountered. In Chinese the fish is known as 唐魚 (táng yu), 廣東細鯽 (Guǎngdōng xìjì), or 潘氏細鯽 (pānshì xìjì). "Aphyocypris pooni" is an obsolete synonym for this species; it was coined to designate a color variety which is now known to be the same species as the White Cloud Mountain minnow.
Description.
This species grows to approximately 4 cm (roughly 1.5 in) in overall length, and is silver-green in color with a bright red caudal and dorsal fin. Several varieties have been developed through the fish's domestication, one with bright light edges to the dorsal and anal fins and one with red edges to those fins. The species can also be found in a golden cultivar and a rosy pink variety that displays red on all of the fins, and all color morphs can have long finnage. Sexual dimorphism is slight but noticeable. The male generally has brighter colors and a slimmer body, and the male's dorsal and anal fins are wide and fan-shaped, whereas those of the female are triangular and wedge-shaped. Females also present a whiter, distended abdomen.
Diet and feeding.
The White Cloud Mountain minnow is an opportunistic omnivore. It will commonly feed on a variety of sea grasses and insect larvae. They particularly relish mosquito and shrimp. In times of extreme ecological pressure, such as drought or sunlight infiltration, the minnow often overlooks the simple vegetation for more nutritious food sources including fruits, nuts, and in extreme cases mountain minnows have been observed scavenging off carcasses of fellow pond dwelling organisms.
In captivity.
In the aquarium.
White Cloud Mountain minnows are considered good fish for beginners, as they are extremely forgiving with regard to aquarium temperature and water quality. Standard flake or pellet food is accepted readily. They are often sold as ideal "starter fish" for cycling a new aquarium, however, this process can be stressful or even fatal, and it is advisable to introduce the fish to an already cycled tank. They are shoaling fish, and feel most comfortable in a group of at least five. An individual of these minnows kept alone may become timid and lose its bright color. White Clouds are generally peaceful and happy to coexist with other fish, as long as they are not put in a tank with larger fish that may eat them. The minnows are usually top or middle-level swimmers and rarely swim close to the bottom of a tank. A typical lifespan can last for five years or longer.
Although the nominal temperature range for the species in the wild is 18–22 °C (64–72 °F), it can survive water temperatures down to 5 °C (41 °F). This makes it an ideal fish for keeping in an unheated aquarium in cold climates. In fact, White Clouds are more active and healthier when kept at temperatures lower than those at which most tropical tanks are kept. Water hardness (dH) should be from 5 to 19, and pH levels should range between 6.0 and 8.0. Also, the aquarium should have a top. White Clouds have been known to jump out on rare occasions.
During the 1940s and 1950s, White Cloud Mountain minnows acquired the nickname, the "Poor Man's Neon Tetra," because they were much more affordable in price than the colorful and then expensive neon tetras.
Two variants are commonly available: the "Golden Cloud" and the longer-finned "Meteor Minnow", which can be gold as well. The Golden Cloud is a relatively new variety as compared to the Meteor Minnow. The Meteor Minnow first made its appearance in the 1950s in Perth, Western Australia, and the Golden Cloud in the 1990s. Inbreeding of Golden Clouds have resulted in "Blonde" Clouds, light yellow specimens similar in colour to blonde guppies and "Pink Clouds", flesh colour specimens which lacks further pigmentation still, except for the red on the fins.
In the pond.
Although it is a small fish, the White Cloud Mountain minnow is sometimes used as a pond fish, especially in ponds intended for frogs to breed. Adult White Cloud Mountain minnows will sometimes eat frog eggs as the tadpoles begin to move about or wait for them to hatch. Once tadpoles are a couple of days old they are out of danger. White Cloud Mountain minnows will effectively control the breeding of mosquitoes. They will breed readily in ponds as long as there are no other fish. While they can endure temperatures as low as 5 °C (41 °F), they should have good heating systems in the pond to prevent the water from freezing over in climates where this occurs regularly, making them more ideal for Subtropical climates (similar to their native habitat).
Breeding.
White Clouds are easy to breed and are recommended for novice breeders. They may be conditioned for breeding with live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. The most colorful minnows should be placed in a small tank with a spawning mop or some java moss. Males will attempt to attract females by displaying their fins, often alongside one another. White Clouds are egg-scatterers, dropping their eggs freely amongst the vegetation. Because they do not generally cannibalize their offspring, the parents can be left in the tank.
White cloud eggs hatch within 48 to 60 hours. The tiny fry may be visible on the sides of the glass or among plants. After they are free swimming, they can be fed a finely powdered fish food or infusoria.
Spawning activity could include: flaring of the fins on males, a gravid spot on females, or males reluctantly chasing females.


Rhinella amboroensis

Rhinella amboroensis is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae that is endemic to the region of its type locality in the Carrasco Province (Cochabamba Department) of Bolivia and the adjacent Santa Cruz Department. Its common name is Cochabamba toad. It may exist in the Carrasco National Park and/or Amboró National Park, depending on its exact range.
Its natural habitats are cloud forests where it occurs in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. It is threatened by habitat loss.


Chalcides lanzai

Chalcides lanzai, or Lanza's skink, is a species of skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to Morocco.
Taxonomy.
"Chalcides lanzai" has been considered a subspecies of "Chalcides montanus" and of "Chalcides ocellatus".
Etymology.
The specific name, "lanzai", is in honor of Italian herpetologist .
Habitat.
"C. lanzai" is usually found in forest and grassland areas, and is common in the areas where it can be found.
Conservation status.
"C. lanzai" is unlikely to be under serious threat, though it has been affected from habitat degradation due to overgrazing.
Reproduction.
Adult females of the species "C. lanzai" give birth to live young.


List of non-marine molluscs of Iran

The non-marine molluscs of Iran are a part of the molluscan fauna of Iran, which is part of the (wildlife of Iran).
Freshwater gastropods.
27 freshwater gastropod species (37% of freshwater gastropod species in Iran) are endemic to Iran.
Species of freshwater gastropods of Iran include:
Neritidae
Viviparidae
Melanopsidae
Potamididae
Thiaridae
Bithyniidae
Cochliopidae
Hydrobiidae
Moitessieridae
Stenothyridae
Valvatidae
Acroloxidae
Lymnaeidae
Doubtful Lymnaeidae:
Planorbidae
Physidae
Freshwater species excluded from the list:
Land gastropods.
Species of land gastropods of Iran include:
Aciculidae
Cyclophoridae
Pomatiidae
Carychiidae
Succineidae
Cochlicopidae
Enidae
Chondrinidae
Gastrocoptidae
Lauriidae
Orculidae
Pupillidae
Truncatellinidae
Valloniidae
Vertiginidae
Clausiliidae
Achatinidae
Punctidae
Gastrodontidae
Oxychilidae
Pristilomatidae
Parmacellidae
Trigonochlamydidae
Agriolimacidae
Limacidae
Vitrinidae
Geomitridae
Helicidae
Hygromiidae
Freshwater bivalves.
Species of freshwater bivalves of Iran include:
See also.
Lists of molluscs of surrounding countries:
References.
This article incorporates CC-BY-3.0 text from the reference


Acanthodactylus maculatus

Acanthodactylus maculatus, known commonly as the spotted fringe-fingered lizard and the spotted fringe-toed lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is endemic to northwestern Africa.
Geographic range.
"A. maculatus" is found in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Habitat.
The natural habitats of "A. maculatus" are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, hot deserts, and sandy shores.
Reproduction.
"A. maculatus" is oviparous.
Conservation status.
The species "A. maculatus" is threatened by habitat loss.


Xenocompsa semipolita

Xenocompsa semipolita is a species of longhorn beetle in the Cerambycinae subfamily. It was described by Fairmaire and Germain in 1859. It is known from Chile.


Craugastor matudai

Craugastor matudai (common names: Matuda's robber frog, Matuda's stream frog) is a species of frog in the family Craugastoridae. It is found in the lower montane zone at elevations of above sea level on the Pacific versant of Mexico and Guatemala, from Cerro Ovando in southwestern Chiapas (Mexico) to Fraternidad, a village in Esquipulas Palo Gordo, central Guatemala. It is named after Eizi Matuda, Japanese–Mexican botanist who hosted Hobart Muir Smith and his wife Rozella B. Smith, the collectors of the type series from Cerro Ovando.
Description.
Males measure and females in snout–vent length. The body is heavily rugose with tiny pearly-topped tubercles. The canthus rostralis is sharp with slightly raised edges. The diameter of the tympanum relative to the eye is much larger in males (>4/5) than in females (little more than 1/2). Males lack vocal sac.
Habitat and conservation.
Its natural habitat is pine-oak forest where it lives terrestrially. This rare species is potentially threatened by habitat loss. Mexican law protects it under the "Special Protection" category (Pr).


Elachista ozeini

Elachista ozeini is a moth of the family Elachistidae that is endemic to Italy.


Norfolk robin

The Norfolk robin ("Petroica multicolor"), also known as the Norfolk Island scarlet robin or Norfolk Island robin, is a small bird in the Australasian robin family Petroicidae. It is endemic to Norfolk Island, an Australian territory in the Tasman Sea, between Australia and New Zealand.
Taxonomy.
The robin was considered conspecific with the scarlet robin ("Petroica boodang") of Australia, but it was separated in 1999, with the Norfolk Island form as part of the Pacific robin assemblage. It was determined to be a distinct species in 2015.
Description.
The Norfolk robin is similar to the Pacific robin, as well as to the scarlet robin. The adult male is distinctive, having upperparts that are mainly black with a large white spot on the forehead, white bars on the wings, and vestigial white tips to the tail. Its breast and upper belly are bright red with the lower belly white. The female is much duller, mainly brown with a pinkish breast. Immature individuals are similar to females. It is the largest of the Pacific robin group, though slightly smaller than the scarlet robin.
Distribution and habitat.
The robin is restricted to Norfolk Island, where it is largely confined to the Mt Pitt section of the Norfolk Island National Park and remnant patches of forest nearby. It mainly inhabits the native subtropical rainforest, with lower densities in other wooded habitats. It prefers areas with a dense understorey and an open ground layer with deep, moist litter for foraging in.
Biology.
The robin feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates.
Status and conservation.
After a period of decline to the 1980s, when the birds disappeared from many parts of the island, the population of the Norfolk robin apparently stabilised and was estimated at 400-500 pairs in 1988 with little change in 1997. Ongoing threats include habitat degradation, and predation by black rats and feral cats. It is considered Endangered on the IUCN Red List because of the restricted size of the population and the small area of its distribution. Ongoing conservation management actions include control of rats and feral cats to minimise predation, as well as control of invasive weeds to minimise habitat degradation. It is proposed to reintroduce the Norfolk robin to nearby Phillip Island, when the regenerating habitat there is suitable.


Dendropsophus nanus

Dendropsophus nanus (common name: dwarf treefrog) is a species of frog in the family Hylidae.
It is found in northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, eastern Bolivia, Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname. It is very common frog occurring in many habitat types and adapting well to anthropogenic disturbance. It inhabits herbaceous vegetation at the edge of standing water. Breeding takes place in temporary waterbodies.
The diet of Argentinean "Dendropsophus nanus" was found to consist mostly of dipterans and spiders. During the cold periods, these frogs partly rely on their fat reserves, more so than sympatric "Hypsiboas pulchellus".


Alta Floresta titi

The Alta Floresta titi ("Plecturocebus grovesi") is a species of titi, a type of New World monkey, endemic to Brazil. It was described from the municipality of Alta Floresta in the state of Mato Grosso.
It is a member of the Eastern Amazonian clade of the red-bellied titi ("P. moloch") group, and is the sister taxon to the clade containing the red-bellied titi and Vieira's titi ("P. vieirai"). It can be distinguished from other species in the "P. moloch" group by the combination of its agouti dorsal parts, the bright red-brown venter, the entirely black tail with a white tip, and the light yellow fur on the cheeks.
This species is projected to lose up to 86% of its forest habitat under a typical deforestation rate, and thus likely qualifies to be classified as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List.


Striped woodpecker

The striped woodpecker ("Veniliornis lignarius") is a woodpecker found in southwestern South America. It occurs northwest- and southwestwards of the range of its sister taxon, the checkered woodpecker, in the Cordillera Patagonica and its foothills, and in another population in the Andes of Bolivia and the adjacent foothills. As the latter is isolated and differs in numerous respects, it is being considered to separate it as "V. (lignarius) puncticeps".
This species was long placed in the genus "Picoides" where it was, together with its sister species, considered something of an oddball. In 2006, Moore "et al." published research on mtDNA COI and Cyt "b" sequences which suggests that the striped and checkered Woodpeckers are actually most closely related to the white-spotted woodpecker, "Veniliornis spilogaster", a peculiar "Picoides"-like species which also was previously unique in its genus.


Hemidactylus sankariensis

Hemidactylus sankariensis, the Sankari brookiish gecko is a species of gecko. It is endemic to India.


Hypopachus barberi

Hypopachus barberi (common names: Barber's sheep frog, montane sheep frog) is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae.
It is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. This species is found in humid pine-oak forests at the elevations of asl.
It is threatened by habitat loss due to logging.


Fawn leaf-nosed bat

The fawn leaf-nosed bat – Hipposideros cervinus – is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae found in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vanuatu.
Taxonomy.
The species was first described by John Gould in his Mammals of Australia (1854), the author assigning it to the genus "Rhinolophus" with some hesitation. The specimens referred to by Gould and subsequent authors were obtained at Cape York peninsula and Albany Island (Pabaju) at the northeast of Australia. A taxonomic treatment in a new generic combination, as a subspecies of "Hipposideros galeritus", was published in a revision of the genus a century later by J. E. Hill, part of his extensive work on the systematics of the order Chiroptera. The species-complex of "H. galeritus" and other Australopapuan taxa of "Hipposideros" was again reviewed by Hill and
Paulina D. Jenkins in 1981, attempting to resolve what emerged as polyphyletic descriptions.
These authors published a new diagnosis of the population and re-elevated the name to species status as "Hipposideros cervinus". Geographic variation within this hipposiderid species has been noticed but not surveyed. and it is suggested that a revision of unrecognised diversity within the species may alter the taxonomic status of the population.
A common name in Australia is fawn leaf-nosed bat, it is also referred to as the fawn roundleaf bat, fawn-colored leaf-nosed bat, fawn horseshoe-bat, fawn leaf-nosed bat and Gould's leaf-nosed bat.
A subspecific arrangement citing the works of Hill and Jenkins, and later treatments published the New Guinea authority Tim Flannery and others, is recognised as four subspecies by ITIS. The nominate subspecies describes the specimens obtained in Australia by Gould, the other described subspecies may be summarised as,
Description.
"Hipposideros cervinus" is a medium-sized hipposiderid with two lateral leaflets on its nose leaf. The nose-leaf is greyish pink, ears triangular. Pups are dark gray in coloration, maturing to a dark brown in adults which often becomes bleached over time, turning a bright orange colour due to the ammonia from droppings in communal roosts.
The form of the nose-leaf distinguishes the species by its squarish outline, which is broader at the lower part, below the nostrils, where small leaflets extend from either side of this structure. The funnel shaped ear becomes pointed at its tip. The colour of the pelage is variable, appearing as a uniform grey to russet highlights over a more greyish brown shade and sometimes presenting as a bright orange colour.
The range of measurements describing "Hipposideros cervinus" for the forearm are 45–48 millimetres, the combined head and body length 41–51 mm, ear length from the tip to the notch at base 13–15 mm. The average mass, derived from a range of 5.6 to 8.5 grams, is 7.0 grams.
Distribution.
"Hipposideros cervinus" is widespread in a region extending from the Malay Peninsula and on larger and smaller islands in the territories of Indonesia and New Guinea. The species occurs at altitudes from sea level up to 1400 metres asl.
The distribution range includes the Torres Strait island to the northeast of Australia and extends to a few records on the mainland, east of Cape York and near the town of Coen, Queensland.
Ecology and behaviour.
A communal rooster, they are commonly found residing in caves and trees. In 1958 Medway estimated the Niah population to be 250,000.
"Hipposideros cervinus" is recorded roosting at caves and abandoned mines in groups of individuals that suspend themselves separately, rather than huddling together, and are found cohabiting with other species of hipposiderid bats.
They forage in a variety of habitat, from dense rainforest to open woodland in savannah landscapes.
Their prey are mid-sized insects caught in flight close to low vegetation, over water and near to the ground. They fly at slow speed and with a high degree of manoeuvrability while foraging for invertebrates such as beetles and moths, allowing them to hunt at low altitudes and make sudden changes in direction to catch its prey. "H. cervinus" are recorded as hunting in small groups,
Reproduction is a single birth during November to December.
Juveniles attach themselves to their mother by clasping her ventral side with their head facing away, maintaining this position whether she is at the roost or in flight, but turn in the other direction to receive food from their mother.
Conservation.
The IUCN "Red List" assessed the conservation status as least concern in 2008, noting a presumably large and widespread population that is tolerant of some ecological alterations to its environment. "Hipposideros cervinus" is assumed to be vulnerable to the large scale clearing of forest in the region, although the population trend is unknown.
A regional assessment of "H. cervinus" in the Australian state of Queensland listed the species as vulnerable to extinction.
It was previously found in Singapore, but may have become extinct there.


Laos warty newt

The Laos warty newt, Laotriton laoensis, is a species of salamander in the family Salamandridae. It is found only in the Saysomboun Special Zone and Phou Kout District in Xiangkhouang Province, Laos. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and rivers. In 2014, it is classed as Endangered.
Sometimes this newt is classified as "Paramesotriton laoensis".
Since 1999, the population of this newt in the wild has been decimated by wildlife trading networks.


Gelotia lanka

Gelotia lanka is a species of jumping spider of the genus "Gelotia". It is endemic to Sri Lanka.
Behavior.
"G. lanka" normally moves by steadily stepping forward, pausing and then continuing again, accompanied by palp and leg waving. They can leap over obstacles, but normally choose to walk around them instead. This spider has no trouble walking on any kind of web or silk, not adhering either to cribellate or ecribellate types of spider silk.
Their hunting mechanism is, like most spartaeines, somewhat different from most salticids, where "G. lanka" tends to lunge at prey from close range rather than leap from far range. They will also invade the webs of other spiders to feed on them. By plucking upon the webs of other spiders(usually using their palps but occasionally their front legs as well) and making specialized vibratory signals, "Gelotia lanka" tries out different manners of plucking. When a method which works is found, the spider reuses it and lures the host spider over to the "Gelotia." Finally, the resident spider is killed and consumed. They do not spin webs, though they do hang up dead leaves in the webs of other spiders on which to rest and oviposit.
This spider will also hunt cursorial spiders and insects, attacking them via close-range lunging.
Ecology.
"Gelotia lanka" was found by researchers in rainforest at Kaneliya, Sri Lanka. They seem to be very rare, as the scientists conducted jumping spider-related research in that region but only managed to find two adult female individuals of "Gelotia lanka". Information on their ecological interactions apart from their predation on other spiders is still lacking.
This species is very similar in hunting strategy and some characteristics to other spartaeine genera of "Brettus, Cyrba" and to some extent "Portia."


Cheiracanthium incertum

Cheiracanthium incertum is a species of spider of the family Cheiracanthiidae. It is endemic to Sri Lanka.


Atelopus mittermeieri

Atelopus mittermeieri is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to Colombia.


Micropterix abchasiae

Micropterix abchasiae is a species of moth belonging to the family Micropterigidae that was described by Aleksei Zagulyaev in 1983. It is only found in Abkhazia in Georgia.


Collared mongoose

The collared mongoose ("Herpestes semitorquatus") is a mongoose species native to Borneo and Sumatra; its presence in the Philippines is uncertain. It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Taxonomy.
"Herpestes semitorquatus" was the scientific name proposed by John Edward Gray in 1846 for a dark brown mongoose specimen collected in Borneo.
"Mungos semitorquatus uniformis" proposed by Herbert C. Robinson and Cecil Boden Kloss in 1919 were two collared mongooses collected in Ophir District, West Sumatra.
Bornean and Sumatran collared mongooses exhibit little genetic divergence.


Liolaemus constanzae

Liolaemus constanzae, commonly known as Constanza's tree iguana, is a species of lizard in the family Liolaemidae. The species is endemic to South America.
Etymology.
The specific name, "constanzae", is in honor of Constanza Donoso-Barros, eldest daughter of Roberto Donoso-Barros.
The synonym, "Liolaemus donosoi", was named in honor of Roberto Donoso-Barros.
Geographic range.
"L. constanzae" is found in Chile, possibly Argentina (no confirmed records seem to exist), and is expected to be present in Bolivia.
Reproduction.
"L. constanzae" is oviparous.


Ptyas carinata

Commonly known as the "keeled rat snake", Ptyas carinata is a species of colubrid snake. It is found in Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore. This little known species is probably the largest extant species in the diverse colubrid family that comprised just over half of living snake species. Known adult lengths of snakes of this species in Taiwan measured anywhere from . However, the maximum reportedly size was about . Males reportedly average slightly larger than females. They are probably opportunistic predators on a variety of prey, such as rodents, though adult lizards are thought to be significant prey in Indonesia.


List of non-marine molluscs of Cuba

The non-marine molluscs of Cuba are a part of the molluscan wildlife of Cuba. Numerous species of non-marine molluscs are found in the wild in Cuba, which is in fact one of the richest places for the malacological fauna in the world, especially in land snails, hosting a high degree of endemism. Cuba has some highly charismatic species of land snails, such as those of the genus "Polymita" and "Liguus".
A total of 42 species of freshwater molluscs occur in Cuba. Introduced species such as "Tarebia granifera" and "Melanoides tuberculata" are spread throughout the country and might be a threat for endemics and other native snails.
History.
There are many works regarding taxonomic and systematic studies in marine and land molluscs with a fewer number on ecology and distribution. Freshwater molluscs, however, are scarcer and have received less attention.
Freshwater molluscs overview.
A total of 10 (23.8%) out of 42 described freshwater snails and mussels are endemic in Cuba. The percentage of endemism shown in Cuban freshwater molluscs (23.8%) is characteristic of the fauna of islands. Only one endemic species exhibits a wide distribution range throughout the country while the others have small populations in a few or only one locality. Of the 42 freshwater molluscs of Cuba, 24 species occur within the limits of protected areas. Of these, "Tarebia granifera" and "Physa acuta" seem to be the most common snails while the endemics of the genus "Hemisinus", "Nephronaias", and "Viviparus" are quite rare in the protected areas, and have scarce populations in Cuba. Of the 253 protected areas in Cuba, only 35 have populations of freshwater molluscs (endemic and non-endemic species). A remarkable point is that 54% of protected areas host introduced species.
Five species of introduced freshwater molluscs occur in Cuba. The main species are the thiarids "Tarebia granifera" and "Melanoides tuberculata" (family Thiaridae). Other species are "Pomacea diffusa" and "Marisa cornuarietis" (family Ampullariidae), and "Corbicula fluminea" (family Corbiculidae).
The most of the freshwater mollusc endemic species in Cuba might be endangered or vulnerable. Shrinkage in distribution range of populations, introduction of exotic species, and habitat loss due to human activity are probably the main drivers of population declines. The continuous growth of the Cuban population has forced many populations of endemic molluscs to withdraw from many localities. This has been the result of, first, the construction of buildings near these species populations, which generate an associated pollution of the freshwater environment, and, second, a direct transformation to the ecosystems where the molluscs occur due to water consumption. The Cauto River, the largest river in Cuba, is an example of this transformation with the rerouting of some segments to build dams in order to provide water for the nearby cities. Many recreational infrastructures for tourism have been built in Cuba in the vicinity of areas where endemic freshwater molluscs are found. This is a common problem in places like Viñales, Soroa, Zapata Swamp, and Baracoa, which are among the most important tourist destinations in Cuba.
Freshwater gastropods.
Ampullariidae
Viviparidae
Pachychilidae
Thiaridae
Hydrobiidae
Lymnaeidae
Physidae
Planorbidae
freshwater snails or freshwater bivalve family ?
Land gastropods.
There are about 1300 or 1387 species of land gastropods in Cuba.
Land snails have a large degree of endemism and represent almost 94% of the species.
There is enormous number of species in the family Urocoptidae in Cuba, over 580 species.
Helicinidae
Proserpinidae
Megalomastomatidae
Neocyclotidae
Pomatiidae
Truncatellidae
Veronicellidae
Succineidae
Pupillidae
Strobilopsidae
Vertiginidae
Orthalicidae
Cerionidae
Urocoptidae
Ferussaciidae
Subulinidae
Oleacinidae
Spiraxidae
Streptaxidae
Haplotrematidae
Helicodiscidae
Sagdidae
Gastrodontidae
Euconulidae
Zonitidae
Agriolimacidae
Vitrinidae
Bradybaenidae
Camaenidae
Cepolidae
Polygyridae
Thysanophoridae
Cepolidae or Helminthoglyptidae or Xanthonychidae or
Bivalvia.
Unionidae
Corbiculidae
See also.
Lists of molluscs of surrounding countries:
References.
This article incorporates CC-BY-3.0 text from the reference


Pacific degu

The Pacific degu ("Octodon pacificus"), also known as the Mocha Island degu, is a species of rodent in the family Octodontidae. It is endemic to Mocha Island in Chile. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. It was classified in 1994 by Dr. Rainer Hutterer.
Like its close relative the common degu, the Mocha Island degu is diurnal (active during the day). This species is said to have relatively primitive octodontid features, including long fur and a tail lacking a substantial tuft, a feature common amongst other octodons.


Adelophryne pachydactyla

Adelophryne pachydactyla is a species of frog in the family Eleutherodactylidae. It is endemic to the coastal area of south-central Bahia state, Brazil. Some specimens first identified as "A. pachydactyla" have later been found to represent a new species, "Adelophryne mucronatus"; the two species can occur in sympatry. The specific name "pachydactyla" is derived from Greek "pachys" (=thick) and "daktylos" (=finger), referring to the thick, short, swollen fingers of this frog.
Description.
"Adelophryne pachydactyla" was described based on a single specimen, the holotype. It is an adult male measuring in snout–vent length, and with a subgular vocal sac. The head is slightly longer than it is wide. The snout is rounded. The tympanic annulus is incomplete, obscured by skin in its upper parts. There is no supra-tympanic fold and the canthus rostralis is indistinct. The limbs are relatively short. The fingers are short and have swollen, subdigital pads but no discs. The toes have small discs and no webbing. The body is blackish brown with grey spots dorsally and black under. The iris is reddish.
Habitat and conservation.
Little is known of this species; the holotype was collected at night on a cacao farm under cacao trees, bananas, and some larger shade trees, found on the ground in the leaf-litter near a small creek. At another site they were collected in terrestrial bromeliads in a forest. The records are from below .
The probable threat to this species is habitat loss caused by agriculture, wood plantations, collection of bromeliads, and logging. It occurs in the Serra do Jequitibá Natural Heritage Reserve.


Oxyepoecus daguerrei

Oxyepoecus daguerrei is a species of ant in the genus "Oxyepoecus". It is native to Argentina.


Acicula norrisi

Acicula norrisi is a species of land snail in the family Aciculidae. It is native to Gibraltar. Some shells were recently found on the nearby Spanish mainland, indicating that there may be several populations there, as well.
Live specimens are not known; the species is known only from shell specimens. These have been found at four sites on Gibraltar and the new site in Spain. The animal probably lives under the soil and leaf litter.
The Spanish populations are critically endangered and one such might disappear.


Morpho richardus

Morpho richardus, or Richard's morpho, is a Neotropical butterfly found only in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Description.
Male indefinite greenish, female of yellowish bronze green. Both above and beneath like a small "M. hercules". Forewing with three rows of submarginal yellow dots. The patch before the apex of the cell broadly dull gold yellow, with scattered black scales. Discal area of the forewing yellowish. Distal margin rather narrow, brown black, base of both wings light green. Under surface: forewing with four small, elongate ocelli of about uniform size, with narrow black irises. Proximally to the ocelli there are three very large, triangular grey-yellow median spots. Underside of the hindwing predominantly red brown with violet sheen. Median band grey violet. Length of the forewing 58 mm.
Biology.
The larva feeds on "Abuta selloana".


Chalcides mionecton

Chalcides mionecton, the mionecton skink or Morocco cylindrical skink, is a species of skink in the family Scincidae. It is found only in Morocco.
There are two subspecies:
Genetic data suggest that these should be considered separate species, but they are not separable using external morphological characteristics.
Its natural habitats are sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss.


Erbiopsidella

Erbiopsidella is an extinct genus from a well-known class of fossil marine arthropods, the trilobites. It lived during the Botomian stage, which lasted from approximately 524 to 518.5 million years ago. This faunal stage was part of the Cambrian Period.


Xylotoles costatus

Xylotoles costatus, the Pitt Island longhorn beetle, is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is endemic to the Chatham Islands. Once thought to be extinct, it is now known to survive on South East Island/Rangatira; being therefore an example of a so-called "Lazarus taxon".
Discovery and history of collection.
"Xylotoles costatus" was first described and named by Francis Polkinghorne Pascoe in 1875, based on male and female specimens collected by Henry H. Travers on Pitt Island. A type specimen is held at the Natural History Museum, London. The last known collection of this beetle, prior to its rediscovery, was by Thomas Hall who extensively sampled Pitt Island for beetles between 1906 and 1908. He collected three specimens which are now held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.
Description and identification.
Identification of "Xylotoles costatus" is difficult as it is very similar in appearance to another longhorn beetle found in the Chatham Islands, "Xylotoles traversii". Both species are coloured black with a green bronze sheen, however it is likely that "X. costatus" has more of a bronze sheen than "X. traversii". Of the two species "X. costatus" also has the more pronounced ridges on its wing cases. Generally "X. traversii" is the smaller beetle of the two, but the size of the two species can overlap. However, if a longhorn beetle specimen is found in the Chatham Islands that is greater than 16 mm in length it is likely to be "X. costatus".
Habitat.
This species of longhorn beetle is usually found on the trunks of "Coprosma chathamica at" night. Recently dead or dying branches also attract adult beetles.
Conservation and threats.
As "X. costatus" is flightless and will spend time moving on the ground between trees, it is vulnerable to rodent predation. Knowing its exact habitat requirements as an adult and at the larval stage is thought to be a conservation priority. This species has not been seen at its type locality of Pitt Island since 1907 despite extensive surveys for it since 1990. After 1910, it was not seen again until 1987; the latter and all subsequent specimens have been collected on Rangatira, an island that lies off the south-east coast of Pitt Island. This species is the only longhorn beetle that is legally protected under schedule 7 of the 1953 Wildlife Act, making it an offense to kill, possess, buy or sell a specimen.


Neotermes greeni

Neotermes greeni, is a species of drywood termite of the genus "Neotermes". It is native to India and Sri Lanka. It closely resembles "Postelectrotermes militaris". It is a minor pest of tea in Sri Lanka, and major pest of mango in India.
It is confined to upper elevations of the low country and sometimes in mid country.


Luciobarbus setivimensis

Luciobarbus setivimensis is a ray-finned fish species in the family Cyprinidae.
It is found only in Algeria. Its natural habitat are rivers, water storage areas, and canals and ditches. It is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN.
The taxonomy and systematics of the Maghreb barbs are subject to considerable dispute. Some authors consider "L. setivimensis" a distinct species, while others include it in the Algerian barb ("L. callensis").


Depressaria venustella

Depressaria venustella is a moth of the family Depressariidae. It is found on Sicily.


Ochridaspongia rotunda

Ochridaspongia rotunda is freshwater sponge endemic to Lake Ohrid. This sponge is found mostly at depths of 30–50 m and water temperatures of 6–8 °C. Its circular shape indicates the animal lives under conditions of relatively calm water.
Possible medicinal uses.
Following comparative tests with positive controls of its extracts against 8 bacterial and 8 fungal strains, "Ohridaspongia rotunda" has been described as a potential "gold mine of new antimicrobial substances with significant and broad-range activity". Current research is investigating its acetone extracts for application in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, for which it has demonstrated promising inhibitory activity. These may originate with symbiotic bacteria hosted by the sponge and further research is required.


Novisuccinea ovalis

Novisuccinea ovalis, common name the oval ambersnail, is a species of air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Succineidae, the ambersnails.
Distribution.
This species occurs in North America.
Parasites.
Parasites of "Novisuccinea ovalis" include:


Hebius deschauenseei

Hebius deschauenseei, commonly known as the northern keelback or Deschauensee's keelback, is a species of nonvenomous natricine snake endemic to Asia.
Etymology.
The specific name, "deschauenseei", is in honor of American ornithologist Rodolphe Meyer de Schauensee, who collected the type specimen.
Geographic range.
It is found in Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China (Yunnan and Guizhou).
Its type locality is in Chiang Mai province of Thailand.


Odontesthes bonariensis

Odontesthes bonariensis is a species of Neotropical silverside, an euryhaline fish native to fresh, brackish and salt water in south-central and southeastern South America, but also introduced elsewhere. It is often known by the common name Argentinian silverside or pejerrey (the latter is of Spanish origin), but it is not the only species of silverside in Argentina and pejerrey is also used for many other silversides. It is a commercially important species and the target of major fisheries.
"O. bonariensis" resembles the other species in the genus "Odontesthes", but it is larger, generally reaching up to in total length, and exceptionally as much as long and in weight (reports of even larger are unconfirmed and questionable).
Range, habitat and status.
"Odontesthes bonariensis" is native to subtropical and temperate South America east of the Andes where it ranges from around the Río Negro basin in Argentina, north throughout most of the northern half of that country, to the Río de la Plata Basin in south Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. In coastal Atlantic parts of South America it ranges at least from the southernmost Buenos Aires Province in Argentina to Rio Grande do Sul State (Lagoa dos Patos) in Brazil. It has been introduced to many places outside its native range, including Argentina (in parts of the country where not native), Bolivia, Brazil (in parts of the country where not native), Chile, Peru, Morocco (where probably not established), Italy (only Lake Nemi), Israel (failed to become established) and Japan.
"O. bonariensis" is highly adaptable and can live in a wide range of habitats. This includes both stagnant and flowing waters, such as rivers, streams, channels, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries and coastal lagoons. In much of its range it is particularly common in Pampas lakes that generally are less than deep. The species is able to live in fresh, brackish and salt water (salinity up to 3.5%), but not in hypersaline conditions. The water temperature can range at least from ; in short periods they can even survive in waters where the surface has frozen. Temperatures of are lethal to most individuals, and when above they often perish due to increases of the parasitic "Lernaea" copepods (also a primary reason for failed introduction attempts of "O. bonariensis" in some countries), the bacteria "Aeromonas hydrophila" and algal blooms.
Overall the species is widespread and common, but global warming can increase the temperature and salinity in some placed inhabited by "O. bonariensis", representing a threat to these local populations.
Behavior.
Breeding.
The growth rate of "O. bonariensis" is quite fast: They are typically around long when one year old, when two, when three, when four and when five years. They first reach maturity when 1–2 years old. Males are mature from a length of about and females from about . Most females spawn in March and April, but a smaller number also spawn from August to November (occasionally December) when the water temperatures typically is between . Even short periods where the water is more than during the spawning season can prevent the adults from breeding. Some females that spawn in August–September may spawn a second time in the same season in October–December. In theory, a female has the potential to spawn at least five times during her life. In each spawning a female can typically lay more than 10,000 eggs, but the full range reported in the species is from 1,170 to 30,300 eggs, with large and old females producing more than smaller and younger. The eggs are laid in shallow water in clusters attached to submerged macrophytes. The eggs hatch into fish larvae after around 13–14 days. The growth of the larvae is negligible at temperatures of or less, and they die at . As known from some other Neotropical silversides, the temperature determines the sex in "O. bonariensis". When the larvae and juveniles grow up in water that is or colder, all become females. At higher temperatures the percentage of males gradually increases, and at or warmer most become males. The larvae are unable to survive salinities of 3% (they thrive from 2% to pure fresh water), but they can already live at this relatively high range once they reach the juvenile stage.
Hybridization with other species in the genus "Odontesthes" has occurred both in captivity and the wild.
Feeding.
In the first part of their life "O. bonariensis" mostly feed on zooplankton. When reaching around long they start to mainly feed on insects; both aquatic insect larvae and land insects that fall into the water. From an age of around 4 years they become more piscivorous, even cannibalising young of their own species. Other food items recorded in lower quantities are shrimp, snails and plants (algae and seeds). In captivity they will eat commercially available dry pellets developed for feeding trout.
Fishing and as an invasive species.
This species is considered an excellent food fish, and it is of major economic importance in both its native range and where introduced. Many thousand tonnes are caught each year. It is also considered a good game fish. It is sometimes kept in aquaculture due to its ability to live in a wide range of environments, the ease of breeding it in captivity and its fast growth. In Lake Titicaca where introduced they are typically caught when around long and in weight, but those caught in its native Argentina typically are around long and weigh . However, some populations, notably the one in Lake Titicaca, contain levels of metals from pollution that exceed the internationally recommended safety thresholds for human consumption.
Although it has significantly aided the local economy in many places where introduced, it has become invasive in some places, causing serious problems to the native species. It is one of the causes of the major declines in "Orestias" pupfish and "Trichomycterus" catfish in Bolivia, Peru (notably Lake Titicaca where "O. cuvieri" has become extinct and relatives declined) and Chile. Another vulnerable habitat where it has been introduced is the Iguazu River at the Argentina–Brazil border. "Odontesthes hatcheri" replaces "O. bonariensis" in the southern half of Argentina (roughly equalling Patagonia), but the latter has been translocated to certain southern regions where the two hybridize. This offspring is viable and some native populations of "O. hatcheri" have become "diluted".


Anisolophia glauca

Anisolophia glauca is a species of longhorn beetles of the subfamily Lamiinae. It was described by Melzer in 1934, and is known from Brazil.


Pseudochaenichthys georgianus

Pseudochaenichthys georgianus, the South Georgia icefish, is a species of crocodile icefish only known the northern Antarctic Peninsula and the Scotia Sea. This demersal species occurs from surface waters to a depth of .
The South Georgia icefish is a dark greyish-green species with blackish first dorsal and pelvic fins. The pelvic fins have white outer borders. This species grows to a length of TL; a more common length is 50 centimetres. It is thought to mature at 42.5 cm. The maximum published weight of this species is 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs). Adults of this species feed mainly on krill (mostly Antarctic krill) and fish (mainly channichthyids and nototheniids) . This species is a synchronous spawner and spawning takes place in autumn, with the eggs hatching from August to October.
This species is of minor importance to commercial fisheries, being a regular bycatch species in trawls.
This species is the only known member of its genus.


White-lipped mud turtle

The white-lipped mud turtle ("Kinosternon leucostomum") is a species of mud turtle in the family Kinosternidae. The species is endemic to Central America and northwestern South America.
Geographic range.
"Kinosternon leucostomum" is found in Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Subspecies.
"Nota bene": A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than "Kinosternon".
Etymology.
The synonym, "Cinosternon spurrelli" , which is a synonym of "Kinosternon leucostomum postinguinale", was named in honor of British zoologist Herbert George Flaxman Spurrell.


Folinella moolenbeeki

Folinella moolenbeeki is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Pyramidellidae, the pyrams and their allies.
Description.
The shell size varies between 2 mm and 2.5 mm.
Distribution.
This species occurs in the Atlantic Ocean off Mauritania.


Asaphocrita arcis

Asaphocrita arcis is a moth in the family Blastobasidae that is endemic to Costa Rica.


Elachista slivenica

Elachista slivenica is a moth of the family Elachistidae. It is found in Bulgaria.
The length of the forewings is 4–4.3 mm. The forewing costa is narrowly dark grey basally and broadly bordered by orange. The ground colour consists of pale ochreous, slightly darker tipped scales and the fringe scales are ochreous. The hindwings are grey.


Mecistogaster asticta

Mecistogaster asticta is a species of damselfly in the family Pseudostigmatidae which is endemic to Brazil. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, where it is threatened by deforestation.


Speckled rail

The speckled rail ("Coturnicops notatus"), also called speckled crake, is a species of bird in the family Rallidae.
It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Falkland Islands, Guyana, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Its natural habitats are temperate grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, swamps and pastureland.


Scaly-throated leaftosser

The scaly-throated leaftosser ("Sclerurus guatemalensis") is a species of bird in the family Furnariidae. It is found in Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Description.
The scaly-throated leaftosser is a medium-sized bird about in length with a long beak and short tail. It is similar to the tawny-throated leaftosser ("Sclerurus mexicanus") in having deep brown upper parts, a tawny breast and dark brown underparts. It differs in not having a rufous rump, and in having a whitish throat, each feather on throat and breast having a black margin, which gives the bird the appearance of being scaled. The call is a harsh, shrill "Schreeek" and the song a descending series of clear whistling-notes.
Distribution.
This species is native to Central America where it occurs on both the Pacific and Atlantic slopes. Its range extends from southern Mexico to northern Colombia and it inhabits lowland humid forests as well as forested foothills.
Ecology.
Leaftossers are inconspicuous birds that move about the forest floor probing the leaf-litter with their beaks. They are difficult to observe, but may be recognised by the calls they emit, particularly at dawn and dusk. They usually forage alone, but sometimes do so in pairs, hopping rather than walking. As they search for small invertebrates among dead leaves, they flick the leaves noisily aside. They nest in holes in earth banks or among the exposed roots of fallen trees.
Status.
The scaly-throated leaftosser has a very wide range but, although it is common in places, it is mostly an uncommon species. Partners in Flight have estimated that there are probably fewer than 50,000 individuals in total, and that the population is declining. However the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the bird's conservation status as being of "least concern" as it considers the rate of decline is insufficient to warrant putting the bird in a more-threatened category.


Fauna of England

The fauna of England is similar to that of other areas British Isles and lies within the Palearctic realm. England's fauna is mainly made up of small animals and is notable for having few large mammals, but in similarity with other island nations; many bird species.
England for the most part has an oceanic climate, which lacks extremes of heat or cold and provides plentiful rainfall making the country a rather 'green' environment and providing much food for small and grazing animals.
England is different in respect to Scotland in its wildlife due to its slightly warmer climate, lower land levels and more dense populations, and whilst this is bad for some species of animals, it is good for others.
The fauna of England is also very diverse since its landscapes are very different from each other and so this is represented in the flora and fauna.
Overview.
England has a temperate oceanic climate in most areas, lacking extremes of cold or heat, but does have a few small areas of subarctic and warmer areas in the South West.
Towards the North of England the climate becomes colder and most of England's mountains and high hills are located here and have a major impact on the climate and thus the local fauna of the areas.
Deciduous woodlands are common across all of England and provide a great habitat for much of England's wildlife, but these give way in northern and upland areas of England to coniferous forests (mainly plantations) which also benefit certain forms of wildlife.
The fauna of England has to cope with varying temperatures and conditions, although not extreme they do pose potential challenges and adaptational measures.
English fauna has however had to cope with industrialisation, human population densities amongst the highest in Europe and intensive farming, but as England is a developed nation, wildlife and the countryside have entered the English mindset more and the country is very conscientious about preserving its wildlife, environment and countryside.
Some species have adapted to the expanded urban environment, particularly the red fox, which is the most successful urban mammal after the brown rat, and other animals such as common wood pigeon, both of which thrive in urban and suburban areas.
Invertebrates.
Molluscs.
There are 220 species of non-marine molluscs that have been recorded as living in the wild in Britain and England. There are also 14 gastropod species that live only in greenhouses.
Vertebrates.
Amphibians.
The species of amphibian native to England are the great crested newt, smooth newt, palmate newt, common toad, natterjack toad, common frog and the pool frog. Several other species have become naturalised.
Reptiles.
Four species of snake are, the European adder, grass snake, barred grass snake and smooth snake. Some introduced snakes are aesculapian snake and dice snakes.
Lizards found in England are slowworms, common lizards, sand lizards, European green lizards (introduced) and the common wall lizard (introduced from mainland Europe - found in the Isle of Wight.)
Turtles found off the English coast are the leatherback sea turtle, green sea turtle, hawksbill, loggerhead sea turtle, Kemp's ridley and appear to be visiting English waters in increasingly larger numbers as the seas around Britain warm due to climate change.
Terrapins found in England are the European pond terrapin (introduced from mainland Europe) and the red-eared terrapin (introduced, but not established).
Birds.
English avifauna bears resemblances to that of continental Europe, consisting largely of Palaearctic species. Being located on an island, it has fewer breeding species than continental Europe, with some species, like the crested lark, breeding as close as northern France, yet unable to colonise Britain.
However England and the British Isles as a whole do boast many wading and shorebirds and England's coastlines are very important habitats for seabirds. England's coastline being generally flatter and sandier than that of its neighbouring UK countries is mainly a magnet for wading birds, but it does have some more rocky areas suitable for birds such as puffins.
The mild winters mean that many species that cannot cope with harsher conditions can winter in Britain, and also that there is a large influx of wintering birds from the continent or beyond and even as far as South Africa.
There are about 250 species regularly recorded in England, and another 300 that occur with varying degrees of rarity.
Mammals.
England doesn't have many large mammals and is mainly populated by smaller mammals.
England has a few non-native species of deer which have become naturalized to the similar climate from areas of continental Europe and Southern Siberia and whilst the Scottish red deer thrives the most in Scotland, smaller species of deer, both native and introduced thrive in England, with some being absent or near-absent from Scotland (such as the muntjac deer).
Insectivores and other small mammals.
There are also several species of insectivore in England and the rest of Britain. The hedgehog is probably the most widely known as it is a regular visitor to urban gardens. It is also vulnerable to road traffic, and many are killed crossing busy motorways and dual carriageways. The mole is also widely recognised and its subterranean lifestyle causes much damage to garden lawns and some gardeners trap or kill them (although this is illegal).
Shrews are also fairly common, and the smallest, the pygmy shrew, is one of the smallest mammals in the world. There are also several species of bat found in England: the pipistrelle bat is the smallest and the most common of them all. Rodents are also numerous across Britain and England, particularly the brown rat which is by far the most abundant urban animal after humans. Some however, are becoming increasingly rare. Habitat destruction has led to a population decrease in the number of dormice and bank voles found in Britain.
Grey squirrels introduced from eastern America have forced the decline of the native red squirrel due to competition. Red squirrels are now confined to upland and coniferous-forested areas of England, mainly in the north, south west and Isle of Wight. England's climate is very suitable for lagomorphs and the country has rabbits and brown hares which were introduced in Roman times. Mountain hares which are indigenous have now been re-introduced in Derbyshire.
Carnivores.
There is a variety of carnivores, especially from the weasel family. These ranging in size from the weasel, stoat and European polecat (rare in England, mainly found in the Welsh Marches and heavily interbred with domestic ferrets) to the badger and pine marten, and the recently introduced mink and semiaquatic otter. There is an ongoing debate in England about whether badgers should be culled or vaccinated in order to reduce the spread of bovine tuberculosis.
In the absence of the extinct wolf and brown bear, the largest carnivore is the red fox, the adaptability and opportunism of which has allowed it to proliferate in the urban environment. Weasels and foxes dominate the role of carnivores in England and are very common in the countryside and in towns and some cities.
Sea mammals.
England's seas are a haven for many sea mammals, including various types of whales, dolphins and seals. The grey seal although rare in other parts of the world is to be found in relatively large numbers along the English coast.


Aethes shakibai

Aethes shakibai is a moth of the family Tortricidae. It is only known from the Miankaleh peninsula at the Caspian Sea in northern Iran. The species was discovered in 2001 and described in 2004. It was named for Ing. Mahmood Shakiba from Iran.
The length of the forewings is and the wingspan is .
Its food plants are unknown.


Itaballia pandosia

Itaballia pandosia, the Pisonis mimic or brown-bordered white, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is found in the Amazonian regions of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and in Central America, Colombia and Venezuela. The habitat consists of primary rainforests. It may be a mimic of "Moschoneura pinthous"
The wingspan is about .
The larvae possibly feed on the leaves of "Capparis" species.
Subspecies.
The following subspecies are recognised:


Cyrtopodion watsoni

Cyrtopodion watsoni, also known commonly as the northern spotted ground gecko, the Pakistani thin-toed gecko, and Watson's gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to South Asia.
Etymology.
The specific name, "watsoni", is in honor of Lieutenant E.Y. Watson of the Indian army, who collected the holotype.
Geographic range.
"C. watsoni" is endemic to Pakistan.
Reproduction.
"C. watsoni" is oviparous.


Bombay swamp eel

The Bombay swamp eel ("Ophichthys indicus"), also known as the paytop in Marathi, is a species of fish in the family Synbranchidae. It is endemic to the state of Maharashtra in India.
Taxonomy.
It was at first classified in the genus "Amphipnous", but it was later moved to "Monopterus". However a 2020 study found it to form a distinct clade with about 4 other species also previously classified in "Monopterus", and the genus "Ophichthys" was thus revived to contain them.
Distribution.
This species is thought to be endemic to the northern Western Ghats of India, in the state of Maharashtra. It is currently known from 5-10 localities: Robber's Cave and Dhobi Falls in Mahabaleshwar, Kanheri Falls near Kanheri Caves in Mumbai, and the Tamhini and Tail Baila areas in Pune. However, it is thought to occur in other localities as well.
Habitat.
The species inhabits swamps and marshy areas associated with hill streams. During the early part of the monsoon season, adult individuals migrate upstream to breed. Inside caves, "O. indicus" is known to hide inside piles of bat guano. In the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, this species is known from small rock-filled puddles that dot the lateritic plateaus such as the Kargaon plateau during the monsoon season. It can also survive in less conventional habitats; in 2012, while workers were cleaning a biogas plant in Pune, a live "O. indicus" was found in a heap of cow dung even though the plant had been closed for over 8 years at that point, and had almost no water.
Behavior.
They are nocturnal and during the daytime, they stay buried underneath boulders or hang to tree roots along the edges of streams. They are obligate air breathers and prefer to float on the surface of the water to breathe, then dive for 3-5 minutes before returning to the surface. They primarily feed on earthworms by creating a vacuum with their mouths and sucking them in. In an example of Batesian mimicry, if an "O. indicus" is threatened, it can bare its fangs in a way similar to a snake. They can also burrow into the mud and use a mucus secreted from their body to fully retract inside if a threat is detected.
Status.
"O. indicus" is considered Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Habitat alterations caused by urbanization, deforestation, and recreational activities on the mountantops are common in the northern Western Ghats, and can severely affect the fish. Until the 1980s, the species was abundant in the Satara district, but since then there have been no sightings until an individual was found in a closed-down biogas plant in 2012. A 2019 study found the species to be on the verge of extinction, primarily due to roadkills; during the monsoon season, aggregations of "O. indicus" can form that crawl over the road, making them at risk from oncoming vehicles; this has been implicated in the species being extirpated from some areas such as Lonavala and Tamhini Ghat. Plateau habitats are prime targets for wind farms and deforestation, which can destroy critical habitat. Other plateau populations are affected by blasting to make way for plantations, quarrying for laterite rock, use of plateaus for residential purposes, and use as a dumping site for city waste. Populations can survive on agricultural land, but they are at risk of being affected by fertilizer runoff, and are often mistaken for snakes and killed. Factories also release large amounts of effluent into their habitat. Climate change also affects the species by leading to reduced and/or increasingly erratic rainfall patterns. Major conservation actions will be required to save the species from extinction.


Dawkinsia singhala

Dawkinsia singhala is a species of ray-finned fish in the genus "Dawkinsia". It is found in Sri Lanka. The genus "Dawkinsia" is named after evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins.


List of butterflies of Jamaica

This list of butterflies of Jamaica lists butterflies recorded from the island of Jamaica.
The list is most likely incomplete. There is also a list of moths of Jamaica.


Acanthobrama marmid

Acanthobrama marmid, or the Mesopotamian bream or Tigris bream, is a species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. It is widespread and abundant in the Tigris–Euphrates river system. It lives in many kinds of lowland waters, and can also tolerate modified water bodies such as reservoirs and moderately-polluted rivers.
It can grow up to a length of 30 cm. It is caught commercially but is of low value.


Cyclura nubila caymanensis

Cyclura nubila caymanensis, the Lesser Caymans iguana, Cayman Brac iguana, Cayman Island brown iguana or Sister Isles iguana, is a critically endangered subspecies of the Cuban iguana ("Cyclura nubila"). It is native to two islands to the south of Cuba: Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which are also known as the Sister Isles due to their similar shapes and close proximity to each other. This subspecies is in decline due to habitat encroachment by human development and predation by feral dogs and cats. It is nearly extinct on Cayman Brac where fewer than 100 animals live, while Little Cayman supports a population of about 1,500 animals.
Taxonomy.
The Lesser Caymans iguana, "Cyclura nubila caymanensis", is only found on the islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. It is a subspecies of Cuban iguana. This subspecies has been introduced to Grand Cayman, where it has interbred with that island's endemic blue iguana ("C. lewisi").
Its specific name, "nubila", is Latin for 'cloudy', 'overcast' or 'gloomy'. According to one author the word means "gray" and in this instance was chosen in 1831 by the British zoologist John Edward Gray as a commemoration of himself, as opposed to the animal's color. Its subspecific name "caymanensis" refers to the islands where it lives, the suffix -ensis meaning 'of' or 'pertaining to'.
Zoologists Thomas Barbour and Gladwyn Kingsley Noble first described the Lesser Caymans iguana as a species in 1916. Chapman Grant, in an article published in 1940, subsumed the taxon as a subspecies of "Cyclura macleayi"
In 1975 Albert Schwartz and moved taxon to "C. nubila", using the trinomial nomenclature, "C. nubila caymanensis". It evolved from and will readily interbreed with the nominate subspecies, as well as with "Cyclura nubila lewisi".
Description.
"Cyclura nubila caymanensis" is a medium to large lizard with an average total length between 30 and 40 inches. Like other"Cyclura", it is sexually dimorphic; males are larger than females. The males also have more prominent dorsal crests and larger femoral pores on their thighs, which are used to release pheromones.
The skin color of males ranges between light grey to green when mature, with a light blue or reddish-pink colored head, whereas females are more olive green, lacking any red or blue. Young animals tend to be uniformly dark brown or green with faint dark bands. Their distinctive black feet stand in contrast to the rest of their lighter overall body color. Their eye-color is typically brown to blood red. An individual of this subspecies has been recorded as one of the longest lived of all species and subspecies of the genus "Cyclura" at 33 years.
Distribution and habitat.
Native to the islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, this subspecies has been introduced to Grand Cayman.
Like other members of the Genus "Cyclura" the Lesser Caymans iguana requires suitable areas in which to bask, forage, nest, and hide. On Little Cayman these requirements are met in a variety of interior habitats even though the iguanas are widely dispersed.
Diet.
Like all "Cyclura" species the Lesser Caymans iguana is primarily herbivorous, consuming leaves, flowers and fruits from over 100 different plant species. This diet is very rarely, if ever supplemented with animal matter.
Reproduction.
Mating occurs in April to May depending when the dry season ends, and 7–25 eggs are usually laid in May or June depending on the size and age of the female. Due to being forced to dwell inland where the soil is rocky, the females often have to migrate to coastal areas in order to build their nests in the sand. The hatchlings emerge from the nests in August to early September.
Conservation.
Endangered status.
The Lesser Caymans iguana is critically endangered according to the current IUCN Red List endangered species. The subspecies is vital to its native ecosystem as a seed disperser for native vegetation, and its extinction could have serious consequences as many of Little Cayman's and Cayman Brac's plants are not found elsewhere.
Causes of decline.
Habitat destruction is the main factor threatening the future of this iguana. The iguanas nest in the sand of beaches that are a prime real-estate location on Little Cayman.
Predation and injury to hatchlings by rats, to hatchlings and sub-adults by semi-domestic and feral cats, and killing of adults by roaming dogs are all placing severe pressure on the remaining wild population on both islands.
Sister Island iguanas are frequently killed by vehicles.
Recovery efforts.
A formal captive breeding program does not exist for this subspecies but it may be warranted for the Cayman Brac population. As the population on Cayman Brac has not been found to be genetically distinct from the Little Cayman population; genetic diversity may be introduced from the Little Cayman population if it is needed.
An ongoing population survey on Cayman Brac in 2012 has counted and pit-tagged 86 individuals. One of these was killed by a vehicle in April 2012. There are additional individuals which have been spotted but not yet captured and pit-tagged.
Captivity.
The Lesser Caymans iguana is established in captivity, both in public and private collections. Private individuals have established these animals in captive breeding programs (both purebred and occasionally mixed with either the blue iguana, Cuban iguana, and sometimes with both) minimizing the demand for wild-caught specimens for the pet trade.


Coleophora agadirensis

Coleophora agadirensis is a moth of the family Coleophoridae that is endemic to Morocco.


Band-tailed sierra finch

The band-tailed sierra finch ("Porphyrospiza alaudina") is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae and is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.


Afghan babbler

The Afghan babbler ("Argya huttoni") is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae.
It is found from southeastern Iraq to south western Pakistan. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the common babbler.
When compared to the common babbler, the Afghan babbler has a heavier bill and dark streaks on the breast and sides. The vocalizations are also different. The variation is sometimes considered to be clinal but two subspecies have been recognized.
The Afghan babbler group includes "salvadorii" (De Filippi, 1865) found in Iraq and western Iran and "huttoni" (Blyth, 1847) from eastern Iran through Afghanistan east to southwestern Pakistan.
The Afghan babbler was formerly placed in the genus "Turdoides" but following the publication of a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study in 2018, it was moved to the resurrected genus "Argya".