First record of the Endo’s pipistrelle (Pipistrellus endoi) in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan: echolocation calls, morphological characteristics, and genetic analysis based on mitochondrial CO1 sequences

In this study we explored quantitatively the relationships between the size of bats, the frequencies in their echolocation calls, and the incidence of moths and beetles in their diets. We focused on the predictions of the allotonic frequency hypothesis which states that some insectivorous bats increase their access to moths that can hear echolocation calls by shifting to frequencies to which the ears of these insects are less sensitive. The hypothesis predicts that the frequencies dominating the echolocation calls of bats may be correlated with the incidence of moths in their diets. We collected data for 62 species of bats that take airborne prey, usually flying insects, 25 species of high duty cycle echolocating bats (Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae) and 37 species that are low duty cycle echolocators (Vespertilionidae and Molossidae). For bats whose echolocation calls are dominated by frequencies < 100 kHz our regression analyses showed a parabolic dependency between moth consumption (% volume or % frequency) and echolocation call frequency (kHz), supporting the allotonic frequency hypothesis. The use of echolocation calls dominated by frequencies outside the range of best hearing by moths may indeed increase the availability of these insects to the bats. However, when the same analysis was performed with only the bat species using echolocation calls dominated by sounds > 100 kHz, the relationship was not statistically significant, suggesting that morphological characteristics rather than echolocation call frequency may limit the range of potential prey items. Our analyses also demonstrate the importance of jaw morphology as a predictor of the incidence of beetles or moths in the diets of bats, and reveal that generally bigger species (as defined by forearm length) use echolocation calls dominated by lower frequencies than smaller species. In both high duty and low duty cycle echolocating bats the relationship between body size and dominant call frequency was best described by a linear model. We also propose that perch hunting was central in the development of the high duty cycle approach to echolocation.

In this study we explored quantitatively the relationships between the size of bats, the frequencies in their echolocation calls, and the incidence of moths and beetles in their diets. We focused on the predictions of the allotonic frequency hypothesis which states that some insectivorous bats increase their access to moths that can hear echolocation calls by shifting to frequencies to which the ears of these insects are less sensitive. The hypothesis predicts that the frequencies dominating the echolocation calls of bats may be correlated with the incidence of moths in their diets. We collected data for 62 species of bats that take airborne prey, usually flying insects, 25 species of high duty cycle echolocating bats (Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae) and 37 species that are low duty cycle echolocators (Vespertilionidae and Molossidae). For bats whose echolocation calls are dominated by frequencies < 100 kHz our regression analyses showed a parabolic dependency between moth consumption (% volume or % frequency) and echolocation call frequency (kHz), supporting the allotonic frequency hypothesis. The use of echolocation calls dominated by frequencies outside the range of best hearing by moths may indeed increase the availability of these insects to the bats. However, when the same analysis was performed with only the bat species using echolocation calls dominated by sounds > 100 kHz, the relationship was not statistically significant, suggesting that morphological characteristics rather than echolocation call frequency may limit the range of potential prey items. Our analyses also demonstrate the importance of jaw morphology as a predictor of the incidence of beetles or moths in the diets of bats, and reveal that generally bigger species (as defined by forearm length) use echolocation calls dominated by lower frequencies than smaller species. In both high duty and low duty cycle echolocating bats the relationship between body size and dominant call frequency was best described by a linear model. We also propose that perch hunting was central in the development of the high duty cycle approach to echolocation.

This study focuses on the morphological and genetic characteristics of European crab apple (Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill.) and the occurrence of hybrids in its populations. We analyzed a total of 107 putative European crab apple trees in Slovenia: 92 from nine natural populations, five from a seed stand and 10 from a stand of unnatural origin. We also included 18 domesticated apple trees (Malus × domestica Borkh.) and two Japanese flowering crab apple trees (Malusfloribunda van Houtte) as outliers. The trees were classified into groups of European crab apples, hybrids and domesticated apples according to their morphological and genetic characteristics. Classification based on morphological traits produced different results (58.75% European crab apple, 37.11% hybrids and 4.14% domesticated apple) compared to those based on genetic analysis (70.10% European crab apple, 21.64% hybrids and 8.26% domesticated apple). When genetic and morphological characteristics were combined, only 40.20% of the trees were classified as European crab apple, and an additional group of feral cultivars of domesticated apples (6.18%) was identified. The analysis revealed that hybridization with domesticated apple is taking place in all studied natural European crab apple populations; however, hybrids and feral cultivars only occur to a limited extent. When introducing European crab apple into forests in the future, only genetically verified forest reproductive material obtained exclusively from suitable seed stands should be used.

Tristaniopsis spp. (pelawan) trees hold great significance in ensuring biodiversity sustainability and supporting the local species within Kepulauan Bangka Belitung Province. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in fostering the social and cultural aspects of the local community. However, the pelawan population has faced great threats due to land conversion, unmanaged forests, and mining. To address these challenges, the local government has shown a commitment to expanding the in-situ conservation areas beyond Namang Biodiversity Park. In order to enhance the conservation status of this species, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive study of the tree’s distribution, morphological characteristics, species delimitation, and genetic diversity. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain information on pelawan distribution, morphological characteristics, species confirmation, and genetic diversity. It was conducted at five natural populations, namely KK (Kota Kapur), BB (Berbura), LAP (Labuh Air Pandan), PN (Pangkal Niur), and LB (Limbung), and the genetic character was observed using ITS and RAPD markers. The first instance of establishing a nucleotide sequence database for pelawan on Bangka Island was also represented, showing the presence of two distinct taxa groups based on ITS sequence nucleotides. Based on morphological characters (bark color and leaves), the two groups were determined to be pelawan merah/orange (Tristaniopsis sp. 1) and pelawan air (Tristaniopsis sp. 2). Significantly, the genetic diversity analysis yielded a range of HE values, from 0.283 (KK) to 0.353 (PN). The PCoA and dendrogram analyses exhibited the formation of a cluster comprising populations from Bangka (KK, BB, LAP, and PN), while LB formed a separate cluster. The result showed significant genetic differentiation between regions and populations, without mixing seeds or seedlings. It was suggested that the conservation strategy for pelawan trees on Bangka Island should be developed with several considerations. In-situ conservation sites should be designated based on the presence of pelawan merah/orange and pelawan air taxa. Additionally, ex-situ conservation plots needed to be established, with at least one location dedicated to each taxonomic group. To preserve the remaining natural genetic resources, KK and LB populations, which had the lowest HE value and different genetic structures should be prioritized. Strategies for ex-situ conservation included KK, LB, and PN. The prioritization of PN for conservation was necessary, and further genetic study of the pelawan should involve larger populations representing the natural distribution of each species.

This study presents the first confirmed records of Mops johorensis (Dobson, 1873) (Chiroptera, Molossidae) from Borneo. Specimens were recorded at three sites: Sabah (Sungai Kangkawat, 50 m a.s.l) and Sarawak (Lubok Antu, 30 m a.s.l and Mount Penrissen, 1200 m a.s.l). Echolocation analysis revealed site-based variation in call frequencies. Morphological comparisons showed subtle differences between Bornean and Peninsular populations. Genetic analysis using the mitochondrial COI gene showed minimal divergence between Bornean and Peninsular individuals. Spatial modelling identified hotspots for Molos-sidae in northern Sabah and central Sarawak, with habitat suitability strongly influenced by bat and cave density, climate, and land use.

We undertook analyses of mitochondrial DNA gene sequences and echolocation calls to resolve phylogenetic relationships among the related bat taxa Rhinolophus pusillus (sampled across China), R. monoceros (Taiwan), R. cornutus (main islands of Japan), and R. c. pumilus (Okinawa, Japan). Phylogenetic trees and genetic divergence analyses were constructed by combining new complete mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene sequences and partial mitochondrial control region sequences with published sequences. Our work showed that these 4 taxa formed monophyletic groups in the phylogenetic tree. However, low levels of sequence divergence among the taxa, together with similarities in body size and overlapping echolocation call frequencies, point to a lack of taxonomic distinctiveness. We therefore suggest that these taxa are better considered as geographical subspecies rather than distinct species, although this should not diminish the conservation importance of these island populations, which are important evolutionarily significant units. Based on our findings, we suggest that the similarities in body size and echolocation call frequency in these rhinolophids result from their recent common ancestry, whereas similarities in body size and call frequency with R. hipposideros of Europe are the result of convergent evolution.

To determine the species composition of bat flies (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) in Belarus and to indicate their areas of distribution and hosts. To establish the taxonomic position of Belarusian specimens of Nycteribiidae.Own collection of bat flies, collected in 2019–2023 in Belarus. Species identification was carried out both by morphological characteristics and using molecular genetic methods.There species preferences on hosts of bat flies in Belarus: P. monoceros is found mainly on M. dasycneme, recorded in the northern part of the country; N. kolenatii is widespread throughout Belarus, and recorded only on the M. daubentonii. Deviations of some morphological characteristics from the keys and descriptions of the species of the N. kolenatii individuals studied were revealed. The individuals presented in GenBank as N. kolenatii represent three different genetic lines. The Belarusian samples belong to the central haplotype KH1.Bat flies in Belarus were found on two species of bats: M. daubentonii and M. dasycneme. The genetic heterogeneity of representatives of N. kolenatii and the detected variability of taxonomically significant morphological characters may indicate both incorrect species identification of N. kolenatii sequences deposited in GenBank, as well as the presence of cryptic species among representatives of this group. The hidden genetic diversity and identified morphological features of species of the genus Nycteribia require further study, including taxonomic revision based on comprehensive morphological and genetic analysis.

The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is one of the most common cetaceans in the waters around Sri Lanka and in a worldwide context one of the highest low-latitude sighting rates for this species has been recorded in these waters. As genetic analyses, acoustic studies and even long-term sighting surveys for blue whales in these waters are limited, the taxonomic status and population affinities of these animals are not definitively known at present. Sighting records of this species were examined from the waters around Sri Lanka and stranding records from the coasts of both Sri Lanka and India in terms of seasonality of occurrence and it was found that the species is clearly present in these waters throughout the year. This, together with secondary data on certain morphological characteristics and behavioural anomalies, indicates that these waters are ecologically important to blue whales in the Northern Indian Ocean and questions are raised regarding the subspecific identity and population affinities of the animals in the region. It is not clear if they belong to either of the two subspecies currently recognised for the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean region: their apparently non-migratory nature is akin to the pygmy blue whale B.m. brevicauda, while some morphological and behavioural characteristics are indicative of Antarctic blue whales of the subspecies B.m. intermedia. This raises the possibility of an entirely different or intermediate subspecies and the need to re-examine B.m. indica as a third subspecies in the Northern Indian Ocean. As clarifying their taxonomic status is important in the context of conservation and management, multi-disciplinary studies are urgently needed.

Bat groups have a high degree of species diversity, and the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships among bat species have always been research hotspots. Due to the fact that morphological characteristics do not always reflect the evolutionary relationships among species, mitochondrial DNA has been widely used in the study of species relationships due to its maternal inheritance pattern. Myotis aurascens has been suggested as a possible synonym for M. davidii. However, the status of this classification has been controversial. In this study, the morphological and molecular characteristics of a M. aurascens captured from Inner Mongolia, China, were analyzed to determine its taxonomic status. In terms of morphological features, the body weight was 6.33 g, the head and body length were 45.10 mm, the forearm length was 35.87 mm, and the tragus length was 7.51 mm. These values all fell within the species signature data range. Nucleotide skew analysis of the protein-coding genes (PCGs) suggested that only five PCGs (ND1, ND2, COX2, ATP8, and ND4) showed AT-skew value within the mitogenome of M. aurascens. Except for ND6, the GC-skew values of the other PCGs were negative, reflecting the preference for C and T bases compared to G and A bases. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial PCGs indicated that M. aurascens was a distinct species from M. davidii and phylogenetically closer to M. ikonnikovi, M. alcathoe, and M. mystacinus. Genetic distance analysis also showed that M. aurascens and M. davidii were distantly related. Therefore, the integrated analysis demonstrated that M. aurascens should be considered a distinct species rather than a synonym of M. davidii. Our study could provide a reference for enriching species diversity and research on conservation in China.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is an arthropod-borne disease of wild and domestic ruminants caused by the EHD virus (EHDV). To date, seven EHDV serotypes have been identified. In Japan, strain Ibaraki of EHDV serotype 2 has caused outbreaks of Ibaraki disease in cattle. In addition, EHDV serotype 7 (EHDV-7) has caused large-scale EHD epizootics. In mid-September 2016, eight cattle at a breeding farm in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan developed fever. Since EHDV-7 was detected in sentinel cattle in western Japan in 2016, we suspected that the cause of this fever might be an EHDV-7 infection. In this study, we tested cattle for EHDV-7 and some other viruses. Consequently, EHDV was isolated from washed blood cells collected from three of the eight cattle, and genetic analysis of genome segment 2 revealed that this isolate was EHDV-7. Moreover, all affected cattle tested positive for anti-EHDV-7 neutralizing antibodies. Our results suggest that the fever was caused by EHDV-7 infection. In addition, we modified a conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay for the specific detection of EHDV. This modified assay could detect various strains of EHDV isolated in Japan, Australia, and North America. Furthermore, the assay permitted the detection of EHDV-7 in blood cells collected from seven of the eight cattle. We believe that this modified assay will be a useful tool for the diagnosis of EHD.

This study presents the results of bat diversity surveys in Xuan Nha Nature Reserve, north-western Vietnam. A total of 114 individuals, representing 19 species belonging to four families, were recorded. The Rhinolophidae family was the most species-rich, contributing eight species to the total diversity, followed by Hipposideridae, with four species. Eight species, including Rhinolophus episcopus, R. siamensis, R. cf. episcopus, R. perniger, Hipposideros griffini, Megaerops niphanae, Tylonycteris tonkinensis and Myotis muricola, were newly recorded for Xuan Nha NR. Species richness was high, but evenness was low, with Hipposideros poutensis and Rhinolophus pearsonii dominating captures. Eleven species were observed, represented by only one individual. The morphological examinations, with support from echolocation calls and preliminary genetic analysis, revealed the presence of morphologically conserved and potentially cryptic taxa. Reproductive data indicated early wet-season breeding for several species. Compared to previous surveys in the region, our study substantially expands the knowledge of chiropteran fauna in Xuan Nha. Given the high proportion of habitat-specialist and montane-associated species and the documented presence of a conservation-priority taxon, Hipposideros griffin, in Xuan Nha NR, continued biodiversity surveys incorporating molecular and acoustic methods are essential to refine species inventories and to provide information for conservation strategies for this biologically important landscape.

Clinical, Morphologic, Immunophenotypic, and Molecular Genetic Analysis of Bilateral Ocular Adnexal Lymphoid Neoplasms in 17 Patients

Seed weight and oil content are important properties of cultivated sunflower under complex genetic and environmental control, and associated with morphological and developmental characteristics such as plant height or flowering dates. Using a genetic map with 290 markers for a cross between two inbred sunflower lines and 2 years of observations on F3 families, QTL controlling seed weight, oil content, plant height, plant lodging, flowering dates, maturity dates and delay from flowering to maturity were detected. QTL detected were compared between the F2 and F3 generations and between the 2 years of testing for the F3 families in 1997 and 1999. Some of the QTL controlling seed weight overlapped with those controlling oil content. Several other co-localisations of QTL controlling developmental or morphological characteristics were observed and the relationships between the traits were also shown by correlation analyses. The relationships between all these traits and with resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Diaporthe helianthi are discussed.

The pearl-spot damsel, Chromis notata, is one of the important fishery species in Korea. While C. notata has been commonly harvested in southern Korea, the increasing number of C. notata in higher latitudes has crucial ecological, economic and evolutionary implications under conditions where the climate is rapidly changing. Here we examined the morphological and genetic characteristics of C. notata to assess patterns of geographical variations among the groups from three different sites. The groups were clearly distinguishable in the analysis of morphological characteristics. On the other hand, the groups were genetically indistinguishable. All individuals fell within a single clade in the neighbor-joining tree but appeared scattered in the haplotype network. Several haplotypes are shared among the sampling sites (Jejudo-Ulleungdo; Hap 9, Wangdolcho-Ulleungdo; Hap 28, Hap 33, Hap 34). Although control region markers did not elucidate the spatial patterns in genetic characteristics, Wangdolcho and Ulleungdo groups appear to exhibit a more robust gene flow between the two groups than with Jejudo group. Integrative approaches such as those combining morphological and genetic analyses minimize potential errors caused by limited perspectives of each analysis and can provide useful information for discovering functional DNA regions attributable to morphological characteristics expressions.

The taxonomy of the genus PennellaOken, 1815, a large parasitic copepod, is in a deplorable state. We performed morphological and genetic analyses on 52 Pennella individuals collected from 12 species of definitive hosts. Based on the morphological characteristics and their hosts, 29 individuals were determined or suggested to be large-size species (P. balaenoptera, P. filosa, P. instructa, and P. benzi), whereas 20 were considered intermediate- or small-size species. The remaining three small individuals, presumed to be newly attached, exhibited insufficient morphological characteristics for species identification or grouping. Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequence analysis detected 154 haplotypes from 52 individuals classified into Groups I–IV. Sequences of Group IV were determined to be pseudogenes. Levels of divergence between all groups were significant (FST = 0.488–0.830, P &amp;lt; 0.001). All haplotypes of Group I were detected in intermediate- and small-size groups possessing large and well-branched antennary processes on the cephalothorax. Although Groups I and II exhibited the smallest difference in nucleotide sequence divergence (FST = 0.488 and K2P = 1.485 ± 0.355%), the morphological characteristics of Group I appeared to be distinct from those of the other groups. The substantial sequence divergence (FST = 0.830 and K2P = 4.123 ± 0.719%) between Groups II and III also supported their species status, but no characteristic morphological difference was observed between individuals in these groups. Results suggest that Pennella may contain only two or three species. and that some morphological characteristics and definitive host species previously used for species identification are not valid.