An identification guide to the genera of aquatic larval Chironomidae (Diptera) of south-east Asia.

We provide illustrated dichotomous keys for the identification of final (4th) instar larvae of south-east Asian genera of Chironomidae (Diptera), predominantly from aquatic (freshwater and maritime) habitats. The region considered comprises oriental China, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia (west and east), Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia. Eight subfamilies are represented and phylogenetically validated tribes are keyed.

A new molecular phylogeny for the Tanypodinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) places the Australian diversity in a global context.

The non-biting midge subfamily Tanypodinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) is species-rich, ecologically diverse, and near-globally distributed. Within the subfamily, aspects of generic and species-level taxonomy remain poorly understood, in particular the validity of assignment of Australian and New Zealand taxa to genera erected for northern hemisphere (Holarctic) fauna. Here, we place the austral diversity within this global context by extensive geographical and taxonomic sampling in concert with a multilocus phylogenetic approach.

Molecular evidence for deeper diversity in Australian Tanypodinae (Chironomidae): Yarrhpelopia and related new taxa.

The diversity and endemism of Australian Tanypodinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) has been unclear from morphological comparisons with well-grounded northern hemisphere taxonomy. As part of a comprehensive study, here we focus on one of the few described endemic genera, Yarrhpelopia Cranston. Extensive and intensive new sampling and newly-acquired molecular data provides clarity for the type species, Yarrhpelopia norrisi Cranston and allows recognition of congeners and potential sister group(s).

Chytridiomycosis-induced mortality in a threatened anuran.

Effectively planning conservation introductions involves assessing the suitability of both donor and recipient populations, including the landscape of disease risk. Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has caused extensive amphibian declines globally and may hamper reintroduction attempts. To determine Bd dynamics in potential source populations for conservation translocations of the threatened California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) to Yosemite National Park, we conducted Bd sampling in two populations in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, U.

Life histories of Paucispinigera Freeman, Paraborniella Freeman and Paratendipes Kieffer (Diptera: Chironomidae) with phylogenetic considerations.

The immature stages of the New Zealand endemic Paucispinigera Freeman and Paraborniella Freeman, endemic to Australia, are described fully for the first time. A new species of Paratendipes Kieffer endemic to Australia is described in all life stages. Morphological support from larvae for placement in a 'Microtendipes' group in tribe Chironomini includes the 6-segmented antenna with Lauterborn organs on the 2nd and 3rd segments, and a well-demarcated, multi-toothed ventromentum.