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Article Reference Divergent feeding habits of sister species of the Antarctic amphipod genus Charcotia
Climate change and resource exploitation in the Southern Ocean are important anthropogenic pressures on Antarctic food webs. Understanding the eco-functional roles of Antarctic communities is essential for ecosystem management and conservation. Amphipods are among the most dominant and ecologically important benthic taxa in the Southern Ocean. The amphipod genus Charcotia is part of the scavenger guild playing a dominant role in nutrient recycling. To study the trophic habits of two sister species C. amundseni and C. obesa, stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen were measured along geographical and bathymetrical gradients. Charcotia obesa belongs to the fourth and C. amundseni to the fifth trophic level, based on significant differences in δ15N values. Both benthic and pelagic primary producers dominate the diet in both species as derived from their low δ13C values. Charcotia obesa, the species with the narrowest depth range of the two studied species, did not show a depth-related pattern in isotopic ratios. An increasing geographic gradient of both δ15N and δ13C values was observed for C. obesa, ranging from the northern most tip of the Western Antarctic Peninsula to the southwestern most part in the Bellingshausen Sea. This might be linked to nutrient rich glacial meltwater in the latter part of the Southern Ocean. Nitrogen stable isotope ratios of C. amundseni showed a significant difference between Crown Bay and the other locations; this might be explained by the close location of the Filchner Area to nutrient rich upwelling in the Weddell Sea Gyre. Our study provides evidence for niche differentiation between two closely related amphipod species. Incorporation of additional samples from other locations and depth ranges in combination with isotope analysis and DNA-based prey identification might clarify the trophic position of benthic amphipods.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference Unveiling hidden species diversity within Southern Ocean Iphimediidae (Crustacea, Amphipoda) through DNA and 3D-geometric morphometrics, with the description of 10 new species
The Antarctic shelf benthos is threatened by climate-related environmental changes and anthropogenic stressors. A baseline knowledge of biodiversity and species distribution ranges is essential for effective monitoring and conservation. Here, we integrate DNA-based species delimitation methods with morphological analyses to explore species diversity within Antarctic Iphimediidae. Our results reveal that ten nominal species are complexes of multiple species, most of which can be distinguished by small but consistent morphological differences. We formally describe ten of these new species: Stegopanoploea brevidentata sp. nov., Maxilliphimedia acutilobata sp. nov., Maxilliphimedia oliveri sp. nov., Echiniphimedia spinosior sp. nov., Echiniphimedia maxima sp. nov., Iphimediella longidentata sp. nov., Iphimediella brachyodonta sp. nov., Iphimediella longilobata sp. nov., Labriphimedia adeliae sp. nov., and Labriphimedia anneninae sp. nov. Most previously recorded circum-Antarctic iphimediid species are found to consist of regionally distributed species. Furthermore, we apply 3D-geometric morphometrics on the Gnathiphimedia sexdentata complex to investigate whether ‘cryptic’ species can be differentiated by variation in continuous morphological traits. This method provides additional diagnostic characters for the morphological identification of two G. sexdentata clades. This integrative taxonomy study increases the number of nominal Antarctic iphimediid species from 39 to 49, with 14 additional putative species requiring further study for formal description.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference Going Dutch: Invasion pathways and current European distribution of non-native land flatworm species belonging to Geoplaninae and Bipaliinae with focus on the Netherlands
Non-native land flatworms can have a negative impact on local ecosystems, due to their voracious appetites for earthworms or snails. Accurate knowledge on the distribution of non-native populations of land flatworms is necessary to design effective policy to control their spread across Europe. The aim of this study is to address the spatiotemporal distribution of selected species of non-native land flatworms (Geoplaninae and Bipaliinae) in the Netherlands, and provide their current distribution and introduction pathways in a pan-European perspective. Specimens of Obama spp., Bipalium kewense and Diversibipalium multilineatum were reported across selected Dutch gardens, greenhouses, plant nurseries or garden centers. European distribution of these planarians species was reconstructed using previously published datasets and from records available on GBIF. Morphological species identification was supported by DNA barcoding using a portion of the 28S rDNA marker. Introduction pathways were addressed via haplotype networks based on COI mtDNA. In total, 27 specimens of non-native land flatworms were collected in the Netherlands. Their different spatiotemporal distribution pattern indicates differences in tolerance to environmental conditions in Northern Europe between B. kewense restricted to greenhouses and D. multilineatum found in gardens. Generally, an increasing trend in the number of records of Obama nungara is observed in the Netherlands and in Europe, with the highest number of records per country reported in France (1.428) followed by the Netherlands (149) and Italy (64). The high numbers of France are, however, artificial and originate from communication towards the public, which has not been as pronounced in other European countries. Genetic analyses suggest multiple introductions of O. nungara in Europe. The combination of morphological and molecular species identification revealed the presence of Obama anthropophila being the first record of this species outside its native range in Brazil. Our results further support the established status of these species in Europe and highlight the importance of citizen scientists in non-native species research.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference Scanning Electron Microscopy Reveals New Ultrastructural Features in Metacercariae of Clinostomum cutaneum (Digenea: Clinostomidae) Infecting Oreochromis niloticus (Actinopterygii: Cichlidae) in Kenya
Clinostomum is a genus of parasitic trematodes found worldwide, infecting a wide range of hosts, including freshwater fishes, snails, birds and occasionally humans. In this study, clinostomid metacercariae were collected from Nile tilapia raised in fish farms in the Upper Tana River region, Kenya. The prevalence of infection was 17.2%, with metacercariae infecting the skin, gills and buccal cavity of the fish. Using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular methods targeting both nuclear ribosomal (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2) and mitochondrial (COI) regions, the metacercariae were identified as C. cutaneum, C. phalacrocoracis, C. tilapiae and Euclinostomum heterostomum. The three species of Clinostomum have previously been reported to infect fish or piscivorous birds in Kenya, while this is the first report of E. heterostomum in this country. SEM analysis revealed new ultrastructural features of C. cutaneum, including an excretory pore surrounded by minute spiny papillae, an everted cirrus and dome-shaped papillae on the tegumental area around the genital pore. The cirrus lacked basal papillae, showing morphological variation between the adult and metacercarial stages. Our study, therefore, provides new insights into the phenotypic identification of flukes that may be pathogenic to fishes and humans and, therefore, of scientific and practical importance.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference A Scanning Electron Microscopy method to visualise the copulatory organ morphology of microturbellarian flatworms: Trigonostomum Schmidt, 1852 as a case study
Traditional methods for studying the morphology of microturbellarian flatworms rely on light microscopy, which often lacks the resolution necessary to capture fine structural details. Therefore, we present a protocol to improve the visualisation of structural morphological details in microturbellarians by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We demonstrate this method by imaging the sclerotised copulatory organs of three species of Trigonostomum (Rhabdocoela, Trigonostomidae): T. venenosum, T. setigerum, and T. penicillatum. Additionally, we successfully visualise the bursal appendage of T. penicillatum. SEM imaging offered new morphological insights for the genus, and corrected earlier interpretations made with light microscopy. The method requires precision and careful handling, especially during the isolation of the hard parts. However, it is cost-effective and straightforward to carry out in any standard laboratory setting. Hence, our SEM protocol complements traditional light microscopy and opens new avenues for taxonomical research in microturbellarian taxa with hard parts.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference Growth and reproduction of the shrimp population in a lagoon system in southern Benin (West Africa)
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Article Reference Understanding late medieval farming practices: an interdisciplinary study on byre remains from the historical centre of Brussels (Belgium)
During the preventive archaeological excavation in the cellar of the site of petite Rue des Bouchers in the historical centre of Brussels (Belgium), the waterlogged remains of a thirteenth century AD sunken byre (potstal) were discovered. The exceptional preservation instigated a multiproxy approach, including micro-archaeology, micromorphology, phytolith and endoparasite egg analysis on thin sections, palynology and the study of plant macroremains on the fill of the structure. Beyond permitting to detail the content and the multiple origins of the fill (including excremental waste and urines, fodder and bedding material, plaggen and/or soil sods, household and construction waste), this study also provides detailed insights into the foddering customs, hygienic conditions within the stable, and the health status of the animals kept. On a more general scale this study documented late medieval farming practices in Brussels, more specifically the need to collect substantial amounts of manure to add as fertilizer onto the cultivated poor sandy soils.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference Utilization of Cloud Computing for Water Quality Monitoring in the Northern Waters of Aceh
Managing marine geographic information systems is crucial, especially with climate change and the rise of spatial big data. Cloud-based geospatial systems are essential for stakeholders needing quick decision-making in marine conservation. This study examines the capabilities of Google Earth Engine (GEE) in analyzing sea surface quality in the northern waters of Aceh (NWA). The results show GEE can access remote sensing datasets and reanalysis models to map temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a. Annual trends reveal lower salinity near the Malacca Strait and higher levels in the Indian Ocean and Andaman Sea. GEE supports proactive coastal ecosystem management, emphasizing the role of geospatial technology in marine conservation and civil engineering for climate-resilient coastal development.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Article Reference "A Scanning Electron Microscopy method to visualise the copulatory organ morphology of microturbellarian flatworms: Trigonostomum Schmidt, 1852 as a case study"
Traditional methods for studying the morphology of microturbellarian flatworms rely on light microscopy, which often lacks the resolution necessary to capture fine structural details. Therefore, we present a protocol to improve the visualisation of structural morphological details in microturbellarians by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We demonstrate this method by imaging the sclerotised copulatory organs of three species of Trigonostomum (Rhabdocoela, Trigonostomidae): T. venenosum, T. setigerum, and T. penicillatum. Additionally, we successfully visualise the bursal appendage of T. penicillatum. SEM imaging offered new morphological insights for the genus, and corrected earlier interpretations made with light microscopy. The method requires precision and careful handling, especially during the isolation of the hard parts. However, it is cost-effective and straightforward to carry out in any standard laboratory setting. Hence, our SEM protocol complements traditional light microscopy and opens new avenues for taxonomical research in microturbellarian taxa with hard parts.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference ParasiteBlitz: Adaptation of the BioBlitz concept to parasitology
A BioBlitz is a rapid and intensive survey of a specific geographic area that brings together experts and often lay participants to assess biodiversity, typically of macrobiota that are easily observed and identifiable on-site. This concept has become popular across taxonomic fields, attracting interest globally to increase knowledge of local biodiversity. Inspired by the success of the approach, we undertook a ‘ParasiteBlitz’ at an unexplored locality (Stono Preserve, Charleston, South Carolina, USA) to determine its feasibility for parasites, whose assessment of diversity is largely neglected worldwide. We assembled a team of parasitologists with complementary expertise. Over 12 days in April 2023, we intensively screened fishes and aquatic invertebrates for parasites, and sampled sediment and water for environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding from four aquatic habitats: wetland, freshwater pond, brackish impoundment, and tidal creek. We incorporated assistance from non-parasitologists and students. Details on methodologies and results are provided in individual papers in this Special IssueCollection. Traditional methods revealed the presence of ca. 100 species of seven major metazoan parasite taxa and the eDNA survey yielded over 1,100 amplicon sequence variants identified as parasites, most with sequences unmatched in GenBank, and resulting in only a few species identified as named species in the one-year post-Blitz timeframe we imposed upon ourselves for identification. Limitations and challenges of the ParasiteBlitz are discussed, and our results support that this approach can be effective for rapid discovery of the dimensions of parasite assemblages in an understudied environment and contribute to parasitology knowledge.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025