Twenty-three species of Laboulbeniales (Fungi, Ascomycota) are reported for the first time from the Netherlands. These are Appendiculina scaptomyzae, Autoicomyces aquatilis, Cantharomyces...Show moreTwenty-three species of Laboulbeniales (Fungi, Ascomycota) are reported for the first time from the Netherlands. These are Appendiculina scaptomyzae, Autoicomyces aquatilis, Cantharomyces denigratus, Chitonomyces hydropori, Eusynaptomyces hydrobii, Hesperomyces coccinelloides, Hydrophilomyces atroseptatus, Laboulbenia expectata sp. nov., L. hyalopoda, L. murmanica, L. ophoni, L. thaxteri, Rhachomyces lavagnei, Rhadinomyces cristatus, Rhynchophoromyces anacaenae, Stigmatomyces crassicollis, S. divergatus, S. ephydrae, S. geomyzae, S. ptilomyiae,S. purpureus, Tavaresiella hebri, and Thripomyces tessinensis. Laboulbenia expectata sp. nov. is uniquely associated with Pterostichus vernalis and is also reported from Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Spain. Morphological characteristics and a four-locus phylogenetic reconstruction recognized it as a new species in the L. flagellata species complex. New host species for the Netherlands are reported for Chitonomyces bidessarius, Hydraeomyces halipli, and Zodimyces vorticoellarius. Show less
Kaishian, P.; Lubbers, M.; de Groot, M.D.; Schilthuizen, M.; Haelewaters, D. 2022
Scientists ought to apply universally accepted definitions to technical terms to enable precise communication and discussion. Throughout history, many definitions have shifted, such as those of... Show moreScientists ought to apply universally accepted definitions to technical terms to enable precise communication and discussion. Throughout history, many definitions have shifted, such as those of important terms in evolutionary biology, modes of life, and the nature of interactions. Conversely, throughout history, important terms have been used without proper definition. Two such terms are parasites and pathogens. An extensive body of literature considers parasites and pathogens to be categorically negative, which has resulted in definitions that lack objectivity and limit a full understanding of the biology of these organisms. Different interpretations have resulted in shifting definitions, in turn causing confusion. Here, we present the remarkable history of both definitions, an overview of alternative definitions put forward throughout history, and a working definition for both terms. We find that the line between what is a parasite or a pathogen is often blurry, and is additionally complicated due to the multi-modal nature of interactions Show less
Hooykaas, M.J.D.; Schilthuizen, M.; Albers, C.J.; Smeets, I. 2022
To raise biodiversity awareness effectively, communicators should be aware of knowledge levels in their audiences. Species identification skills have been used in the past as a measure of what... Show moreTo raise biodiversity awareness effectively, communicators should be aware of knowledge levels in their audiences. Species identification skills have been used in the past as a measure of what people know about species, yet it is not known whether they serve as good indicators. To study the link between species identification and in-depth species knowledge, we presented an animal knowledge test to an online audience of over 7,000 Dutch adults, and used correlation and regression analyses to determine the extent to which species identification predicts in-depth knowledge about species’ origin, habitat, diet, and behavior. We found that in-depth knowledge was higher in those who correctly identified species as compared with those who did not correctly identify species, for all four types of in-depth knowledge. Moreover, as compared to alternative variables (work, age, gender, and educational level), species identification was by far the best predictor for in-depth knowledge about species. However, species identification levels were generally higher than levels of in-depth knowledge, and knowledge gaps and misconceptions were uncovered. The results confirm the value of species identification tests, but also highlight limitations and challenges that should be taken into account when establishing knowledge levels and communicating biodiversity. Show less
Lubbers, M.; Lamers, G.E.M.; Kesel, A. de; Nedvěd, O.; Schilthuizen, M.; Haelewaters, D. 2022
Bacterial biofilms have been described on a number of fungal taxa. These microbial communities are of interest both from an ecological and a biotechnological point of view, as they have been shown... Show moreBacterial biofilms have been described on a number of fungal taxa. These microbial communities are of interest both from an ecological and a biotechnological point of view, as they have been shown to play a role in biodegradation and biosynthesis. This study is the first to show the presence of biofilms on thallus surfaces of Laboulbeniales, an order of fungi that have biotrophic associations with arthropod hosts. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs show an abundance of bacterial biofilms on thalli of three species: Laboulbenia collae associated with Paranchus albipes (Carabidae), L. flagellata associated with Limodromus assimilis (Carabidae), and Hesperomyces virescens s.l. associated with Harmonia axyridis (Coccinellidae). These bacterial communities were mainly found on the thalli, and only in small quantities on the arthropod integument. We suggest genetics and metabolomics approaches to investigate possible interactions between Laboulbeniales fungi and the biofilms. Our work has laid a foundation for future research on biofilms on Laboulbeniomycetes. Show less
Hiemstra, A.F.; Rambonnet, L.; Gravendeel, B.; Schilthuizen, M. 2021
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is massively used, resulting in a new wave of litter: protective face masks and gloves. Here we present the first case of a fish... Show moreDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is massively used, resulting in a new wave of litter: protective face masks and gloves. Here we present the first case of a fish entrapped in a medical glove, encountered during a canal clean-up in Leiden, The Netherlands. We also report the first cases of birds using medical face masks as nesting material, which were also found in the Dutch canals. To place these new findings in context, we collected online reported interactions of animals with PPE litter, since the start of the pandemic. This resulted in the first overview of cases of entanglement, entrapment and ingestion of COVID-19 litter by animals and the use of it as nesting material. We signal COVID-19 litter as a new threat to animal life as the materials designed to keep us safe are actually harming animals around us. To understand the full scale of this problem, we welcome anyone to contribute to our overview by submitting their observations online at www.covidlitter.com. To further prevent PPE litter, it is recommended that, when possible, reusable alternatives are used. Show less
Hiemstra, A.F.; Rambonnet, L.; Gravendeel, B.; Schilthuizen, M. 2021
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is massively used, resulting in a new wave of litter: protective face masks and gloves. Here we present the first case of a fish... Show moreDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is massively used, resulting in a new wave of litter: protective face masks and gloves. Here we present the first case of a fish entrapped in a medical glove, encountered during a canal clean-up in Leiden, The Netherlands. We also report the first cases of birds using medical face masks as nesting material, which were also found in the Dutch canals. To place these new findings in context, we collected online reported interactions of animals with PPE litter, since the start of the pandemic. This resulted in the first overview of cases of entanglement, entrapment and ingestion of COVID-19 litter by animals and the use of it as nesting material. We signal COVID-19 litter as a new threat to animal life as the materials designed to keep us safe are actually harming animals around us. To understand the full scale of this problem, we welcome anyone to contribute to our overview by submitting their observations online at www.covidlitter.com. To further prevent PPE litter, it is recommended that, when possible, reusable alternatives are used. Show less
Beentjes, K.K; Barmentlo, S.H.; Cieraad, E.; Schilthuizen, M.; van der Hoorn, B.B.; Speksnijder, A.G.C.L; Trimbos, K.B. 2021
Metallyticus is a genus of rare mantids, occurring mostly in SouthEast Asia. Five species have been described. However, their ecology and behaviour remain virtually unknown. In this study, we... Show moreMetallyticus is a genus of rare mantids, occurring mostly in SouthEast Asia. Five species have been described. However, their ecology and behaviour remain virtually unknown. In this study, we describe a small population of Metallyticus splendidus Westwood, 1889 on a dead dipterocarp tree standing in disturbed tropical rainforest around Danau Girang Field Centre, Sabah, Malaysia. At dawn, in the afternoon and at night, four individuals, two adults and two nymphs, were monitored. Our findings confirm earlier behavioural observations: they hold their bodies flat when running. We did not observe any lurking behaviour: the mantids were walking fast across the tree stem and in tree holes. M. splendidus was found at dawn, in the afternoon, and at night only on this single dead tree in a plot of 50 X 50 m. This suggests that M. splendidus is day and night-active and that its habitat is restricted to dead standing trees. We failed to find other individuals on other dead as well as living trees. Our findings show that the habitat of M. splendidus could be restricted to large dead trees, giving novel insights into the ecology of Metallyticidae. Show less
Rivera Quiroz, F.A.; Schilthuizen, M.; Petcharad, B.; Miller, J.A. 2020
Bilateral asymmetry in the genitalia is a rare but widely dispersed phenomenon in the animal tree of life. In arthropods, occurrences vary greatly from one group to another and there seems to be no... Show moreBilateral asymmetry in the genitalia is a rare but widely dispersed phenomenon in the animal tree of life. In arthropods, occurrences vary greatly from one group to another and there seems to be no common explanation for all the independent origins. In spiders, genital asymmetry appears to be especially rare. Most known species show almost perfectly symmetrical genitals with the right and left sides being mirror images of each other. However, some examples of asymmetric genitalia have been studied and many other reports are scattered in the taxonomic literature. Based on a broad literature survey, we found several species in thirteen families with evidence of genital asymmetry, mostly expressed only in females. Our review suggests that spider genital asymmetries, although rare, are more common than previously thought and taxonomic descriptions and illustrations are a useful but not entirely reliable tool for studying them. Here we also report on directional asymmetry in the liocranid spider Teutamus politus, the first known case of morphologically asymmetric male genitals in Entelegynae spiders. Generalities, evolution and categorization of asymmetry in spiders are further discussed. Show less
Hooykaas, M.J.D.; Schilthuizen, M.; Smeets, I. 2020
Biodiversity is a fundamental part of sustainable development, yet it is threatened by numerous factors associated with human population growth. The current lack of broad-based support for... Show moreBiodiversity is a fundamental part of sustainable development, yet it is threatened by numerous factors associated with human population growth. The current lack of broad-based support for biodiversity conservation may be explained by the widening gap between people and nature. In order to conserve biodiversity, people should be engaged in biodiversity, yet it is not yet clear what potential is present in highly urbanized environments. We conducted semi-structured interviews with twelve biodiversity communicators in the Netherlands, a highly urbanized country, and used their perceptions and experiences to explore motivations, opportunities and challenges for expanding the role of biodiversity in people’s lives in an increasingly urban world. Overall, the interviewees perceived the current role of biodiversity in laypeople’s lives to be too limited, but they were positive about the potential to expand the role. Based on communicators’ perceptions potential lies in a combination of direct exposure to biodiversity outdoors, the media, and education. Furthermore, strategically designed communication is also expected to play an essential part in opening people’s eyes for biodiversity. The results are valuable both at national and international levels, as they can motivate and aid professionals operating in urbanized contexts at reaching out to their audiencesabout biodiversity. Show less
Hooykaas, M.J.D.; Schilthuizen, M.; Smeets, I. 2020
Biodiversity is in worldwide decline and it is becoming increasingly important to expand biodiversity awareness and achieve broad-based support for conservation. We introduce the concept of species... Show moreBiodiversity is in worldwide decline and it is becoming increasingly important to expand biodiversity awareness and achieve broad-based support for conservation. We introduce the concept of species literacy, as knowledge about species can be a good starting point for engaging people in biodiversity. However, concern has been raised about a general lack of knowledge about native species. We explored species literacy via a species identification test in the Netherlands, and we investigated potential drivers of it. The dataset included 3210 general public participants, 602 primary school children aged 9/10, and 938 biodiversity professionals.A considerable gap in species literacy was found between professionals and laypeople. Knowledge about common, native animals was particularly low in children, who on average identified only 35% of the species correctly. Mammals received relatively high identification scores as compared to birds. Laypeople's species literacy increased with age and educational level, and was associated with positive attitudes towards nature and animals, media exposure and having a garden.The results indicate that a considerable part of the Dutch lay public is disconnected from native biodiversity. This points to a separation between people and nature that could hinder future efforts to preserve biodiversity. Our assessment can help bridge the gap between laypeople and professionals, as it can help set up communication and education strategies about native biodiversity that fit prior knowledge. Show less
The Bornean representatives of the genus Georissa (Hydrocenidae) have small, dextral, conical, calcareous shells consisting of ca. three teleoconch whorls. Our recent study on the Georissa of Malay... Show moreThe Bornean representatives of the genus Georissa (Hydrocenidae) have small, dextral, conical, calcareous shells consisting of ca. three teleoconch whorls. Our recent study on the Georissa of Malaysian Borneo has revealed high intra- and inter-specific variation in the “scaly” group (a group of species with striking scale-like surface sculpture). The present study on the “non-scaly” Georissa is the continuation of the species revision for the genus. The “non-scaly” species are also diverse in shell sculptures. This informal group comprises Georissa with subtle spiral and/or radial sculpture. The combination of detailed conchological assessment and molecular analyses provides clear distinctions for each of the species. Conchological, molecular, and biogeographic details are presented for 16 species of “non-scaly” Georissa. Three of these are new to science, namely Georissa corrugatasp. n., Georissa insulaesp. n., and Georissa trusmadisp. n.Show less
Khalik, M.Z.; Kasper, H.; Vermeulen, J.J.; Schilthuizen, M. 2018
The Bornean hydrocenids have so far been understudied compared to other non-pulmonate snails in this region. In the present study, we review a first group of minute land snail species belonging to... Show moreThe Bornean hydrocenids have so far been understudied compared to other non-pulmonate snails in this region. In the present study, we review a first group of minute land snail species belonging to the genus Georissa (Gastropoda, Hydrocenidae) from Malaysian Borneo. This group is restricted to the species with conspicuous scale-like sculpture on the shell. Based on materials from recent fieldwork, museums, and personal collections, Malaysian Borneo hydrocenids are more complex and diverse in shell characters than previously anticipated. Here, a molecular, conchological, and biogeographic study of this “scaly group” is presented. We recognise 13 species of which six are new to science, namely Georissa anyiensissp. n., Georissa muluensissp. n., Georissa bauensissp. n., Georissa silaburensissp. n., Georissa kinabatanganensissp. n., and Georissa sepulutensissp. n.Show less
Miller, J.A.; Freund, C.; Rambonnet, L.; Koets, L.; Barth, E.N.T.; Linden, C. van der; ... ; Goossens, B. 2018
BackgroundMales of Opadometa are difficult to associate with conspecific females, and sex-matching errors may persist in the taxonomic literature. Recommended best practices for definitive sex... Show moreBackgroundMales of Opadometa are difficult to associate with conspecific females, and sex-matching errors may persist in the taxonomic literature. Recommended best practices for definitive sex matching in this genus suggest finding a male in the web of a female, or better yet, mating pairs.New informationA male Opadometa was observed hanging on a frame line of the web of a female Opadometa sarawakensis, a species for which the male was previously undescribed. This occurred during a tropical ecology field course held at the Danau Girang Field Centre in Sabah, Malaysia. A taxonomic description was completed as a course activity. Show less
Kerkvliet, J.; Boer, T. de; Schilthuizen, M.; Kraaijeveld, K. 2017
Tropical mountains are hot spots of biodiversity and endemism,but the evolutionary origins of their unique biotas are poorlyunderstood. In varying degrees, local and regional extinction,long... Show moreTropical mountains are hot spots of biodiversity and endemism,but the evolutionary origins of their unique biotas are poorlyunderstood. In varying degrees, local and regional extinction,long-distance colonization, and local recruitment may all contribute to the exceptional character of these communities. Also, it isdebated whether mountain endemics mostly originate from locallowland taxa, or from lineages that reach the mountain by long-range dispersal from cool localities elsewhere. Here we investigatethe evolutionary routes to endemism by sampling an entire tropical mountain biota on the 4,095-metre-high Mount Kinabalu inSabah, East Malaysia. We discover that most of its unique biodiversity is younger than the mountain itself (6 million years), andcomprises a mix of immigrant pre-adapted lineages and descendants from local lowland ancestors, although substantial shiftsfrom lower to higher vegetation zones in this latter group wererare. These insights could improve forecasts of the likelihood ofextinction and ‘evolutionary rescue in montane biodiversity hotspots under climate change scenarios. Show less
Liew, T.S.; Kok, A.C.M.; Schilthuizen, M.; Urdy, S. 2014
