Basicladia

Abstract: Treat, A. E. 1954. A new gamasid (Acarina: Mesostigmata) inhabiting the tympanic organs of phalaenid moths. Jour. Parasitol. 40: 619-631. . 1955. Distribution of the moth ear mite (Mv1yrmonyssts plha/aentodectes). Lepidopterists' News 9: 55-58. . 1958. Unilaterality in infestations of the moth ear mite. Jout. New York Entom. Soc. 65: 41-50. (March-June, 1957.) U. S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau. 19531957. Local climatological data with comparative data. Pittsfield. Massachusetts.

Abstract: Filamentous algae are often visible on the carapaces of freshwater turtles and these algae are dominated by a few species with varying geographic distributions. Compared to filamentous algae, little is known about the much more speciose microalgae on turtles. Our objectives were to compare the diatom flora on a single turtle species (the common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina) across part of its range to examine spatial patterns and determine whether specific diatom taxa were consistently associated with turtles (as occurs in the filamentous alga Basicladia spp.). Using preserved turtle specimens from museums, we systematically sampled diatoms on the carapaces of 25 snapping turtles across five states. The diverse diatom assemblages formed two groups–the southern Oklahoma group and the northern Illinois/Wisconsin/New York group, with Arkansas not differing from either group. Of the six diatom species found in all five states, four species are widespread, whereas Luticola cf. goeppertiana and L. cf. mutica are undescribed species, known only from turtles in our study. L. cf. goeppertiana comprised 83% of the diatom abundance on Oklahoma turtles and was relatively more abundant on southern turtles (Oklahoma and Arkansas) than on northern turtles (where mean abundance/state was > 10%). L. cf. mutica was the most abundant species (40%) on New York turtles. Some Luticola species are apparently turtle associates and results support a pattern of spatial variation in Luticola species, similar to that in Basicladia. Using museum specimens is an efficient and effective method to study the distribution of micro-epibionts.

Abstract: Kinosternon sonoriense from several central Arizona streams were examined for the presence of epiphytic and epizoic organisms. At Tule Stream, monthly collections were made for one year and changes in density, composition, and condition of algae were recorded. Turtles were also examined for other epiphytic and epizoic organisms. K. sonoriense was host for the following organisms: the algae Dermatophyton sp., Basicladia chelonum, B. crassa, an unidentified Phycomycete and the leeches Erpobdella punctata and Placobdella rugosa. * * *

Abstract: 1. A new species of the genus Basicladia is described. It occurs on the Australian freshwater turtle, Chelodina longicollis (Shaw). 2. This species differs from those hitherto described, because it has profusely branched upright filaments, hence the choice of the name Basicladia ramulosa. 3. The classification and affinities of the genera Basicladia and Dermatophyton are discussed. Both genera are placed in the family Arnoldiellaceae, order Cladophorales.