Iberian Meetings of Subterranean Biology – regional initiatives towards a global comprehension of subterranean ecosystems (2009–2013)

Topological Global Localization for Subterranean Voids

The need for reliable maps of subterranean spaces too hazardous for humans to occupy has motivated the development of robotic mapping tools. For such systems to be fully autonomous, they must be able to deal with all varieties of subterranean environments, including those containing loops. This paper presents an approach for an autonomous mobile robot to determine if the area currently being ex...

A subterranean ark

this ominous distinction. Elkhorn used to be the dominant species in shallow waters of the Caribbean, with a distribution range from Biscayne National Park, Florida, to the coast of Venezuela. Researchers believe that its abundance has been reduced by over 95% since 1980. Staghorn is the fastest-growing Western Atlantic coral and used to be found throughout the Caribbean. Its population has dec...

Biology of Subterranean Termites in the Eastern United States

Sireuma, a new genus of subterranean millipedes from the Iberian Peninsula (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida, Opisthocheiridae).

A new genus Sireuma is described to accommodate a new species, S. nobile, from a cave in Portugal. The unique features of the male gonopods and the absence of a postvulvar organ support the creation of a new genus. The new species is illustrated with scanning electron micrographs and diagrammatic drawings. Differences vis-à-vis its relatives are discussed, and information on the environment in ...

Subterranean termite invaSion originS

Subterranean termites in the genus Coptotermes Holmgren are structural pests that have become globally distributed beyond their native range in Southeast Asia. Because of their destructive nature, it is useful to understand the pathways of their spread. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of evolutionary relationships may lead to increased accuracy of insecticide-based management on the basis t...