Certain Asian species of corvids, mainly those that have been reviewed since 1962, are discussed and attention is drawn to recommended changes in subspecific or specific status. Problem areas remain and research is suggested, some morphological, some molecular and some into voice. The rationale behind the ongoing revision of Corvus macrorhynchos is explained, but it is recommended that it be considered hypothetical and further developments awaited so that all relevant taxa can be assigned safely to species.
Examined material, host plants and etymology are given of 22 species, all viviparous and belonging to the genera Aphis, Brachysiphoniella, Hyalopterus, Hysteroneura, Melanaphis, Rhopalosiphum, Schizaphis and Toxoptera. Keys to the included species are given.
The amphipod genus Bathyporeia Lindstrom, 1855, on the European Atlantic coasts is revised and new identification keys are provided. The importance of new characters such as the morphology of the first uropod is stressed. The following species are fully redescribed and illustrated: B. elegans Watkin, 1938, B. gracilis G.O. Sars, 1891, B. guilliamsoniana (Bate, 1857), B. nana Toulmond, 1966, B. pelagica (Bate, 1857), B. pilosa Lindstrom, 1855, B. sarsi Watkin, 1938, and B. tenuipes Meinert, 1877. B. elegans exhibits unusual variation, of which the taxonomical significance is still unclear. It has been observed for the first time that all species of the genus exhibit an unusual sexual dimorphism on the mandibular palp: in the adult males, the ventral border of the terminal article has a comb of stiff setae which is lacking in females and immature males. Furthermore, a locking system holding together the inner plates of the maxilliped is described and illustrated. A previously overlooked vestigial dactylus on the second and the fifth pereiopod is described.
Blyth’s Catalogue is sometimes cited from 1849 and sometimes from 1852. Both dates can be found in Peters’s Check-list, each, in different volumes, appearing to be accepted. Consequently and inconsistently both are found in other works. The cover is dated 1849. The evidence, however, shows that while much was printed in 1849 publication was not before September 1852. Meanwhile Blyth’s ’Supplemental Note’ appeared in 1849. Most of the new taxa described in that were described then to ensure that Blyth’s names, already in his proof sheets for his Catalogue, obtained priority. In Peters’s Check-list most of these names have been cited correctly, i.e. from his Supplemental Note. However, a few exceptions need attention and their dates need to be corrected in works of reference. In two instances the source cited should be changed. These cases and a few others are discussed. Blyth’s honest intent to give credit to his correspondents for their new names that he gave to new taxa is explained.
A list of about 110 names applied to Asian forms of species of orioles (family Oriolidae) is presented. This list provides information on the whereabouts of type specimens. Where our information does not include reliable data we provide notes to explain the deficit and to stimulate others to offer additional data or sources of information.
