American Genus Research Articles

Tetramerium (Acanthaceae) in the Depresión del Balsas Biogeographic Province of Mexico, two new species and a new combination

A taxonomic account of Tetramerium in the Depresión del Balsas Biogeographic Province of western and central Mexico reveals 14 species there, with 2 of them, T. cruzii and T. michoacanum, described herein. A new combination, T. barlerioides, is proposed for the species previously known as T. ochoterenae. This region of Mexico appears to be the center of both species richness and morphological diversity for this widely distributed American genus. A key to the 14 species is followed by geographic distribution ranges, ecological data within the region, and miscellaneous notes for each one that updates information from the last monograph of the genus. A verified voucher specimen is provided to document species occurrences in each state (or portion of a state) in the Depresión del Balsas. Occurrences of 2 species, T. glandulosum and T. tenuissimum, are newly reported from the Estado de México. A map of the region and floral photographs of 12 of the species are provided.

On the taxonomy of some South American and Australo-Pacific Anthicidae Latreille, 1819 (Coleoptera) with new subfamily and tribe-rank synonymies

A monotypic South American genus Micreurygenius Pic, 1942 (hitherto in Eurygeniinae LeConte, 1862) is synonymized with Ischyropalpus La Ferté-Sénectère, 1849 (Anthicini Latreille, 1819) and, accordingly, moved to Anthicinae Latreille, 1819. A new combination is proposed for its only known species, Ischyropalpus angustatus (Pic, 1942) comb. nov., the species is herein tentatively attributed to the I. eryngii Werner, 1966 informal species-group. The Lemodinae Matthews, 1987 is synonymized with Copobaeninae Abdullah, 1969 and Copobaenus Fairmaire & Germain, 1863 is found congeneric with Trichananca Blanchard, 1891 syn. nov. based on adult morphology. New combinations are proposed for species hitherto attributed to Trichananca Blackburn, 1891: Copobaenus apterus (Lea, 1922) comb. nov., C. bicoloratus (Gemminger in Gemminger & Harold, 1870) comb. nov., C. cheesmanae (Telnov, 2019) comb. nov., C. concolor (King, 1869) comb. nov., C. frenchi (Pic, 1913) comb. nov., C. fulgidus (Werner & Chandler, 1995) comb. nov., C. hornabrooki (Uhmann, 1995) comb. nov., C. inexpectatus (Telnov & Degiovanni, 2021) comb. nov., C. marziae (Moore & Vidal, 2005) comb. nov., C. micromelas (Lea, 1922) comb. nov., C. neotropicus (Telnov & Degiovanni, 2021) comb. nov., C. nigripennis (Lea, 1917) comb. nov., C. novacaledonicus (Telnov, 2019) comb. nov., C. pisoniae (Lea, 1917) comb. nov., C. poggii (Telnov & Degiovanni, 2021) comb. nov., C. poqui (Guerrero & Diéguez, 2018) comb. nov., C. rugulosus (Uhmann, 2007) comb. nov., C. uniformis (Lea, 1922) comb. nov., C. valenciai (Moore & Vidal, 2005) comb. nov., C. victoriensis (Blackburn, 1891) comb. nov., C. vinctus (Erichson, 1842) comb. nov. Copobaenus erratus sp. nov. from Chile is described. The Eurygeniinae LeConte, 1862 tribe Ictistygnini Borchmann, 1936 is found contribal and is synonymized with Eurygeniini LeConte, 1862 based on adult morphology. An updated key to Eurygeniinae LeConte, 1862 tribes is presented. Setosicornia Pic, 1911, an obscure monotypic South American tenebrionoid genus, is redescribed and moved to the anthicid tribe Eurygeniini (Eurygeniinae) from Ripiphoridae Laporte 1840. A monotypic South American genus Atenizoides Gilmour, 1968, originally placed in Cerambycinae Audinet-Serville, 1832 (Cerambycidae Audinet-Serville, 1832), and placed in the Eurygeniini by Phillip and Ivie (1989), is found to be congeneric with Setosicornia and a new generic synonym is introduced. A new combination is proposed for its only known species, Setosicornia curacaoae (Gilmour, 1968) comb. nov., and this species is redescribed herein.

First record and new species of the hitherto American endemic genus Hibana Brescovit, 1991 from Ascension Island (Araneae: Anyphaenidae)

First record and new species of the hitherto American endemic genus Hibana Brescovit, 1991 from Ascension Island (Araneae: Anyphaenidae)

A New Species of Megaceropsis Dechambre, 1976 and a New Record of Megaceropsis quadridentata Dechambre, 1976 (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae, Dynastinae, Oryctini).

Megaceropsis Dechambre, 1976 (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae, Dynastinae, Oryctini) is a South American genus with two known species until now: Megaceropsis quadridentata Dechambre, 1976 and Megaceropsis lecourti Dechambre, 1996. We describe a third species herein: Megaceropsis kleytoni sp. nov., from Brazil. Illustrations, a distributional map, and an identification key including all Megaceropsis species are provided. Additionally, a first record of M. quadridentata from Brazil is presented.

The South American genus Cnemalobus (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cnemalobini): phylogeny and biogeographic analysis with the description of four new species from extra-Andean Patagonian mountains.

The carabid beetle Cnemalobus Guérin-Ménéville, 1838 inhabits high- and lowland grasslands of southern South America. The highest diversity is found in the Patagonian Steppe, where distribution patterns are associated with latitude and elevation. Northern Patagonia, a large volcanic region with a complex geoclimatic history, exhibits elevated grades of endemism. However, a great deal remains unknown regarding diversification and biogeographical patterns for most of the endemic groups. We describe new Cnemalobus species restricted to isolated volcanoes from these extra-Andean mountain systems. We assess the phylogenetic relationships by updating the phylogeny of the genus and conduct a Bayesian binary Markov chain-Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis on the resulting phylogenetic tree to discuss the biogeographical distribution patterns. We also provide a taxonomic key to all currently known species of Cnemalobus from the Patagonian Steppe. Our phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of the new species Cnemalobus tromen sp. nov., Cnemalobus silviae sp. nov., Cnemalobus aucamahuida sp. nov. and Cnemalobus domuyo sp. nov. grouped with C. diamante and C. nevado , referred to as the 'Extra-Andean' mountain lineage. Biogeographical analysis recognises vicariant events as the most plausible explanation for the allopatric distributions of the new species. We hypothesise that these vicariant events could be related to climatic barriers that likely promoted speciation processes by generating geographical isolation in ancestral populations. Our findings contribute significantly to the biogeographical understanding of the Patagonian volcanic region, prompting new inquiries to unravel the speciation processes of the endemic biota in extra-Andean mountain systems. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6A7585E8-5006-45BC-A1A3-F874F18A6049.

A Conspectus of the Family Onagraceae in India

The paper presents a concise account of Onagraceous plants in India. They are represented by 4 genera and 46 species. Five species of the genus OENOTHERA, an American genus, became naturalised, other 8 species are occasionally cultivated. The genus CLARKIA with 3 species and Fuchsia with 8 species are cultivated. Of the hitherto known taxa of EPILOBIUM ONE species is relegated to synonymy, one new species has been added. Original citations, synonymy, reference to taxonomic revisions and Indian floras, types, distribution, ecological notes, phenology etc. have been provided. A key to the genera and species is given. A list of cultivated species has been added.

Prenylated Flavanone Isolated from Dalea Species as a Potential Multitarget-Neuroprotector in an In Vitro Alzheimer's Disease Mice Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves a neurodegenerative process that has not yet been prevented, reversed, or stopped. Continuing with the search for natural pharmacological treatments, flavonoids are a family of compounds with proven neuroprotective effects and multi-targeting behavior. The American genus Dalea L. (Fabaceae) is an important source of bioactive flavonoids. In this opportunity, we tested the neuroprotective potential of three prenylated flavanones isolated from Dalea species in a new in vitro pre-clinical AD model previously developed by us. Our approach consisted in exposing neural cells to conditioned media (3xTg-AD ACM) from neurotoxic astrocytes derived from hippocampi and cortices of old 3xTg-AD mice, mimicking a local neurodegenerative microenvironment. Flavanone 1 and 3 showed a neuroprotective effect against 3xTg-AD ACM, being 1 more active than 3. The structural requirements to afford neuroprotective activity in this model are a 5'-dimethylallyl and 4'-hydroxy at the B ring. In order to search the mechanistic performance of the most active flavanone, we focus on the flavonoid-mediated regulation of GSK-3β-mediated tau phosphorylation previously reported. Flavanone 1 treatment decreased the rise of hyperphosphorylated tau protein neuronal levels induced after 3xTg-AD ACM exposure and inhibited the activity of GSK-3β. Finally, direct exposure of these neurotoxic 3xTg-AD astrocytes to flavanone 1 resulted in toxicity to these cells and reduced the neurotoxicity of 3xTg-AD ACM as well. Our results allow us to present compound 1 as a natural prenylated flavanone that could be used as a precursor to development and design of future drug therapies for AD.

On Ypsolopha micromoths (Lepidoptera, Ypsolophidae) associated with Adesmia shrubs (Fabaceae) in the arid western slope of the central Andes.

Ypsolopha Latreille, 1796 (Lepidoptera, Ypsolophidae) is a genus comprised mostly of Holarctic micromoth species with a fairly broad range of larval hosts (e.g. Aceraceae, Rosaceae, and Fagaceae). The only previous record of herbivory on a representative of the South American genus Adesmia DC. (Fabaceae) was based on the discovery of Ypsolophamoltenii Vargas, 2018 larvae feeding on Adesmiaverrucosa Meyen in the Andes of northern Chile. Further surveys revealed Adesmiaatacamensis Phil. as another host for Y.moltenii, and Adesmiaspinosissima Meyen as the single host of Ypsolopha sp. The genetic distance between DNA barcodes of the two micromoth species was 7.9-8.1% (K2P). These results suggest narrow host ranges for Adesmia-feeding Ypsolopha and highlight the need to further explore the taxonomic diversity of these micromoths in other South American environments.

Notes on Chisosa (Araneae, Pholcidae), with the description of a new species from Mexico.

The genus Chisosa Huber, 2000 previously included only three species of small to tiny North American and Caribbean spiders that are rare in collections and poorly studied. Originally placed in the subfamily Ninetinae, Chisosa is currently considered a representative of Arteminae, close to the North American genus Physocyclus Simon, 1893. This placement has been suggested by molecular data, and it affects the interpretation of morphological characters that were originally thought to support the monophyly of Chisosa: they are shared with Physocyclus and thus plesiomorphic for Chisosa. Here we describe a new species from Mexico, C. calapa sp. nov., and restudy in detail the morphology (incl. ultrastructure) of the type species C. diluta (Gertsch & Mulaik, 1940) and of C. caquetio Huber, 2019, based on newly collected material. We document further similarities with Physocyclus but find only weak morphological support for the monophyly of Chisosa (body size reduction and short legs). In addition, we document surprisingly large genetic distances among C. caquetio specimens from Curaao (>14% CO1 K2P distances), possibly indicating species limits. Finally, we propose that the Dominican amber genus Serratochorus Wunderlich, 1988, based on a single male specimen, is also phylogenetically close to Chisosa and should be included in future studies on these enigmatic spiders.

Kinrentius Wei, Dietrich & Webb, 2010 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae): description of two new species and taxonomic key to the genus.

Two new species of the South American genus Kinrentius are described and illustrated. Kinrentius catuaba sp. nov. from Brazil (Acre, Amazonas and Rondnia states) can be distinguished by the male pygofer with multidentate anteroventral and posteroventral processes with short dentiform processes between them and aedeagus with dorsal projection forming a distinct process and apex with paired apical processes, each subrectangular, with apical margin irregularly serrated in caudal view. Kinrentius peruvianus sp. nov. from Peru (Cusco and Madre de Dios departments) has short male pygofer posteroventral processes and aedeagus more robust and parallel sided in dorsal view, with paired apical processes, each subquadrate, with apical portion weekly sclerotized, and apical margin approximately straight and slightly serrate in caudal view. A taxonomic key to males and a distribution map of all four species of the genus are provided.

Outstanding modified abdominal sternites present in the small South American endemic genus Myopinella Michelsen, 2010 (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)

Myopinella Michelsen (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) is a very small group of flies endemic to South America. The genus includes only two species, Myopinella angustifrons (Malloch) and Myopinella appendiculata (Stein). The species had been previously recorded from Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Here, we redescribe M. angustifrons and M. appendiculata based on female and male specimens, with detailed illustrations, photographs and scanning electronic microscopy images. We also present and describe in detail the outstanding modified male sternites for the family Anthomyiidae. Also, we analyze intraspecific and interspecific divergences with COI sequences of both Myopinella species and other Anthomyiidae, and present several new records. Finally, the generic name Myopinella Michelsen, 2010 is revalidated.

Cytogenetics of Diphysa americana (Mill.) M.Sousa (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae-dalbergioid clade), a rare species from the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico

Diphysa Jacq. is an essentially Mexican and Central American genus that includes 21 species and only one cytogenetic report. In this work, a surface spread and air-drying method was used to obtain the karyotype of Diphysa americana (Mill) M.Sousa, a rare native tree that grows in a coastal town in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. Metaphase cells showed a 2n = 20, consistent with the predominant diploid number in the dalbergioid clade. This number contrasts with a previously reported 2n = 16. The karyotypic formula 5m + 5sm, first proposed for a species of the genus, denotes a slightly asymmetric karyotype. The presence of secondary constrictions associated with satellites on the short arms of a pair of sm chromosomes and other cytogenetic parameters require studies in other species of the genus to verify their taxonomic utility. In addition, cells in prometaphase exhibited a circular fragment of unknown origin like that observed in a species of the genus Aeschynomene, also dalbergioid. This fragment could be related to extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) observed in other plants. Diphysa is a small, cytogenetically favorable genus, and further studies will exhibit the karyotypic diversity that underlies its diversification.

Re-examination of the Southern Hemisphere truffle genus Amylascus (Pezizaceae, Ascomycota) and characterization of the sister genus Nothoamylascus gen. nov.

Amylascus is a genus of ectomycorrhizal truffles within Pezizaceae that is known from Australia and contains only two described species, A. herbertianus and A. tasmanicus. Species of Amylascus are closely related to truffles (Pachyphlodes, Luteoamylascus) and cup fungi (Plicariella) from the Northern Hemisphere. Here we reevaluate the species diversity of Amylascus and related taxa from southern South America and Australia based on new morphological and molecular data. We identify previously undocumented diversity and morphological variability in ascospore color, ascospore ornamentation, hymenial construction, epithecium structure and the amyloid reaction of the ascus in Melzer's reagent. We redescribe two Amylascus species from Australia and describe seven new Amylascus species, five from South America and two from Australia. This is the first report of Amylascus species from South America. We also describe the new South American genus Nothoamylascus as sister lineage to the Pachyphlodes-Amylascus-Luteoamylascus clade (including Amylascus, Luteoamylascus, Pachyphlodes, and Plicariella). We obtained ITS sequences of mitotic spore mats from Nothoamylascus erubescens gen. & sp. nov. and four of the seven newly described Amylascus species, providing the first evidence of mitotic spore mats in Amylascus. Additional ITS sequences from mitotic spore mats reveal the presence of nine additional undescribed Amylascus and one Nothoamylascus species that do not correspond to any sampled ascomata. We also identify three additional undescribed Amylascus species based on environmental sequences from the feces of two grounddwelling bird species from Chile, Scelorchilus rubecula and Pteroptochos tarnii. Our results indicate that ascomata from Amylascus and Nothoamylascus species are rarely collected, but molecular data from ectomycorrhizal roots and mitotic spore mats indicate that these species are probably common and widespread in southern South America. Finally, we present a time-calibrated phylogeny that is consistent with a late Gondwanan distribution. The time since the most recent common ancestor of: 1) the family Pezizaceae had a mean of 276 Ma (217-337 HPD); 2) the Amylascus-Pachyphlodes-Nothoamylascus-Luteoamylascus clade had a mean of 79 Ma (60-100 HPD); and 3) the Amylascus-Pachyphlodes clade had a mean of 50 Ma (38-62 HPD). The crown age of Pachyphlodes had a mean of 39 Ma (25-42 HPD) and Amylascus had a mean age of 28 Ma (20-37 HPD), falling near the Eocene-Oligocene boundary and the onset of the Antarctic glaciation (c. 35 Ma). Citation: Healy RA, Truong C, Castellano MA, et al. 2023. Re-examination of the Southern Hemisphere truffle genus Amylascus (Pezizaceae, Ascomycota) and characterization of the sister genus Nothoamylascus gen. nov. Persoonia 51: 125-151. doi: 10.3767/persoonia.2023.51.03.

Revisions of Australian ground-hunting spiders VI: five new stripe-less miturgid genera and 48 new species (Miturgidae: Miturginae).

A group of Australian miturgines that are common in widespread areas of mostly dry landscapes are revised. Five new genera (Miturgopelma, Knotodo, Xistera, Miturgiella and Xeromiturga) and 48 new species are described. Three species presently included in three families are placed in these groups in the Miturgidae: Uliodon ferrugineus (L. Koch, 1873) is transferred from the Zoropsidae to Miturgopelma gen. nov.; likewise, Odo australiensis Hickman, 1944, from Central Australia, is transferred from an otherwise South American genus presently in the family Xenoctenidae to Miturgopelma gen. nov.; and Argoctenus gracilis Hickman, 1950 is transferred to Knotodo gen. nov. Miturgopelma gen. nov. is a very diverse genus found throughout much of drier Australia but not yet in Cape York, Queensland, although one species is taken from Tasmania. Besides Miturgopelma ferruginea (L. Koch, 1873) comb. nov. and Miturgopelma australiensis (Hickman, 1944) comb. nov., the new genus Miturgopelma includes 31 new species: M. alanyeni sp. nov., M. archeri sp. nov. M. baehrae sp. nov., M. bandalup sp. nov., M. biancahilleryae sp. nov., M. bogantungan sp. nov., M. brachychiton sp. nov., M. brevirostra sp. nov., M. bungabiddy sp. nov., M. buckaringa sp. nov., M. calperum sp. nov., M. caitlinae sp. nov., M. couperi sp. nov., M. culgoa sp. nov., M. echidna sp. nov., M. echinoides sp. nov., M. harveyi sp. nov., M. hebronae sp. nov., M. kinchega sp. nov., M. maningrida sp. nov., M. minderoo sp. nov., M. oakleigh sp. nov., M. paruwi sp. nov., M. rangerstaceyae sp. nov., M. rar sp. nov., M. rixi sp. nov., M. seida sp. nov., M. spinisternis sp. nov., M. watarrka sp. nov., M. woz sp. nov., and M. yarmina sp. nov. Knotodo gen. nov., a predominantly western and southern group, includes Knotodo gracilis (Hickman, 1950) comb. nov., and seven new species: K. coolgardie sp. nov., K. eneabba sp. nov., K. narelleae sp. nov., K. shoadi sp. nov., K. muckera sp. nov., K. nullarbor sp. nov., and K. toolinna sp. nov. Xistera gen. nov., another predominantly Western Australian and southern group, includes five new species: Xis. auriphila sp. nov., Xis. barlee sp. nov., Xis. coventryi sp. nov., Xis. jandateae sp. nov., and Xis. serpentine sp. nov. Xeromiturga gen. nov., another predominantly western and southern group, includes four new species: Xer. gumbardo sp. nov., Xer. mardathuna sp. nov., Xer. bidgemia sp. nov., and Xer. pilbara sp. nov. A widespread, monotypic eastern Australian genus, Miturgiella vulgaris gen. et sp. nov., is also described. Zoroides Berland, 1924, presently in Miturgidae, is considered a junior synonym of the phrurolithid Dorymetaecus Rainbow, 1920 syn. nov., thus making Dorymetaecus dalmasi (Berland 1924) comb. nov. Miturga whistleri Simon, 1909 and Miturga splendens Hickman, 1930 are both placed in Mituliodon tarantulinus syn. nov..

Revision of the South American Ninetinae genus Guaranita (Araneae, Pholcidae)

The southern South American genus Guaranita includes tiny spiders (body length ~1 mm) that lead reclusive lives under ground-objects and run rapidly when disturbed. As a result, they have been poorly collected and studied. Here we report on a recent collection of Guaranita spiders from Argentina, describing one new species (G. auadae Huber sp. nov.) and the previously unknown female of G. dobby Torres et al., 2016. In addition, we provide CO1 barcodes for all (now five) known species, first SEM data, and first chromosome data for the genus. The diploid number of Guaranita goloboffi Huber, 2000 (2n♂ = 11) is among the lowest in araneomorph spiders with monocentric chromosome structure.

Taxonomic Revision of Serpocaulon (Polypodiaceae)

We present a taxonomic revision of Serpocaulon A. R. Sm. (Polypodiaceae), a tropical American fern genus. Our work is based on a morphological analysis of 56 characters recorded from 2167 specimens deposited in 41 herbaria. Field trips were carried out in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru, where observations on the habit and habitat of several species were made. Digital images were also consulted. A total of 260 names were found and their nomenclatural types were studied, resulting in the lectotypification of 47 names (first-step 30, second-step 17 names). We recognize 37 species and five hybrids in Serpocaulon; one of the hybrids is given a new status (S. ×semipinnatifidum (Fée) A. R. Sm.) and another one is described (S. ×tabuleirense D. Sanín & Salino). Moreover, 19 names are newly synonymized, five species are excluded, 17 names are considered as of uncertain application, and five as nomina nuda. We document for 22 species a total of 62 chorological novelties in different countries. The elevational range of the genus is 0–4200 m. The Andes of Ecuador and Colombia are the main center of diversity and endemism; secondarily, the Atlantic Rain Forest of Brazil has five endemic species. We provide a taxonomic key, descriptions, discussions, local names, uses, illustrations, photographs of the plants in the field, microphotographs of the rhizome scales and the spores, and distribution maps of all species.

Prenylated flavonoids from Dalea genus as xanthine oxidase inhibitors: In vitro bioactivity evaluation and molecular docking studies

Prenylated flavanones are a family of compounds with an important biological potential. Previously, anti-tyrosinase activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, and neuroprotective effects of several prenyl flavanones isolated from different American Dalea genus species were reported. The biological potency of these kinds of compounds, together with the particularity of their chemical structures, encouraged us to investigate them for in vitro and in silico anti-xanthine oxidase activity. So, five prenyl-flavanones obtained from different Dalea sp (Dalea elegans, Dalea boliviana, and Dalea pazensis) were studied and the relationships between the structure of these prenyl-flavanones and their inhibitory activity were evaluated. Molecular docking studies were performed in order to propose the binding mode of the most active natural compound. 2′,4′-dihydroxy-5′-(1‴,1‴-dimethylallyl)-8-prenylpinocembrin (1) was the most active in this series showing an IC50 of 0.26 ± 0.07 µM comparable with the reference inhibitor, allopurinol. The presence of 5,7,2′,4′-tetrahydroxy substitution, accompanied by a prenyl group at 8-position in the A-ring, and a 5′ (1‴,1‴-dimethylallyl) were important to present a xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. This fact was confirmed with molecular docking studies showing relevant interactions of 1 with the residues of the catalytic site of xanthine oxidase, and a binding energy of −7.3297 kcal mol−1. These results contributed not only to understanding the binding mode but also to validating the in vitro results. The obtained findings lead us to propose these prenyl-flavanones as lead compounds for the design and development of novel xanthine oxidase inhibitors for the treatment of diseases in which this enzyme is involved.

Redescription of the South American genus <i>Caleucoela</i> and description of the male of <i>C. striatipennis</i> (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Eucoilinae: Ganaspini)

The South American genus Caleucoela Kieffer, 1909 is redescribed and its geographic distribution is updated. Its only species, Caleucoela striatipennis Kieffer, 1909 is redescribed, including the first description of the male and a new record from Peru.

The Genus Ageratina (Asteraceae) in America: An Insight into its Chemistry and Pharmacological Potential.

Ageratina is an American genus of the tribe Eupatorieae (Asteraceae), comprising about 320 species. In Mexico, some species of this genus are highly valued for their medicinal properties, particularly A. pichinchensis, A. petiolaris, and A. grandifolia. Furthermore, herbal preparations of A. pichinchensis are available for treating several mycoses. The present review is aimed to summarize the chemical and pharmacological properties of 37 species of the Ageratina genus up to April, 2022. Data were recorded using online scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Taylor and Francis Imprints, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Science Direct, JSTOR, and SciFinder. The information was gathered from research articles, relevant books on herbal medicinal plants and the history of medicinal plants from Mexico, theses, reports, and web pages. The specialized metabolites present in the Ageratina genus belong to different chemical classes, including flavonoids, benzyl benzoates, benzofurans, chromenes, and terpenoids. The chromenes, benzofurans, and benzyl benzoates are the metabolites most widespread in the genus. So far, the species more thoroughly investigated is A. adenophora. Ageratina has received little attention from the pharmacological point of view. The studies are limited to 10 species. Biological studies have been conducted on extracts and/or compounds isolated from plants collected mainly from China and Mexico. The results revealed that the extracts and metabolites possess several biological activities, including antiviral, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antifeedant, larvicidal, acaricidal, antidiabetic, antiprotozoal, and wound-healing properties. In the case of A. pichinchensis, A. petiolaris, and A. grandifolia, the pharmacological studies provided evidence for their use for treating gastrointestinal complaints and diabetes. Furthermore, herbal preparations of A. pichinchensis are now widely used for alleviating onychomycosis. A. adenophora, is the most investigated species, chemically and biologically; however, some hepatotoxicity effect has been recorded. This review recapitulates information on the Ageratina genus, highlighting the phytochemistry and biological activities of the species investigated. It is important to point out that the pharmacological potential of this large genus remains largely unexplored.

A new species of bannerwing damselfly, Polythore albistriata sp. nov. (Odonata: Polythoridae)

The traditional method of classifying the twenty-one species within the South American genus Polythore has been relying on wing color patterns and male genital ligula shape. However, recent molecular research has shown that wing color patterns can vary significantly within some species, making it an insufficient means of species diagnosis by itself in some cases. In this study, we employ a combined approach of morphological and molecular data to describe a new Polythore species found in the southeastern Colombian Andes. Our analysis includes detailed illustrations and pictures of diagnostic features, haplotype networks for two barcode genes, COX1 and NADH I, a distribution map, and a brief discussion of the conservation status of the species. We found wing color pattern, male genital ligula morphology, and NADH I barcode sequences to be sufficiently diagnostic to identify the species as new. Our results highlight the importance of integrating multiple data sources for accurate species identifications and descriptions in this genus.