Asian Genus Research Articles

Preliminary molecular phylogeny and biogeography of the monobasic subfamily Calinaginae (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)

Calinaga (Moore 1857) is a rare and enigmatic Asian butterfly genus whose phylogenetic placement within Nymphalidae has only recently been established. The evolutionary history of Calinaga species however remains unknown. Here we explore the phylogeography of Calinaga using 1310 bp of sequence data from two molecular (mtDNA barcode and ribosomal protein S5 nuclear gene) and two morphological traits (genitalia and wing pattern). Within the proposed phylogenetic framework, we estimate the ages of divergence within the genus and reconstruct their historical biogeography. We found strong support for monophyly of Calinaga and support for the most recent accepted species in the genus. Our results indicate that the common ancestor of Calinaga first split in the Eocene (~43 million years ago) in southern China, probably as a consequence of geological and environmental impacts of the collision of the Indian and Asian subcontinents. In the Oligocene/Miocene, the extrusion of Indochina from the continent caused further dramatic orogenetic changes that promoted isolation and speciation events within the genus while Pleistocene climatic changes also influenced the distribution and further speciation. A dispersal–vicariance analysis suggests that vicariance events have played a far more important role than dispersal in the distribution of extant species.

A new species of the Southeast Asian genus Opisthotropis (Serpentes: Colubridae: Natricinae) from western Hunan, China.

A new species of natricine snake of the Southeast Asian genus Opisthotropis Günther, 1872 is described from western Hunan Province of China based on both mitochondrial DNA and morphological data. The new species is morphologically most similar and genetically most closely related to O. cheni Zhao, 1999 and O. latouchii (Boulenger, 1899), but possesses considerable genetic divergence (p-distance 5.1%-16.7%) and can be differentiated from all other congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) body size large (total length 514-586 mm) and strongly built; (2) dorsal scale rows 17 throughout, feebly keeled anteriorly and moderately keeled posteriorly; (3) ventral scales 147-152, subcaudal scales 54-62; (4) preocular absent, loreal elongated and touching orbit; (5) supralabials 8-9, fifth and sixth entering obit; (6) anterior temporals short, length 1.74-2.04 times longer than width; (7) maxillary teeth subequal, 28-30; (8) dorsal surface of head with distinct irregular yellow stripes and markings edged with ochre; (9) body with clear black and yellow longitudinal streaks, partly fused to several lighter patches or thicker stripes anteriorly; and (10) venter pale yellow, with asymmetric blackish speckles along outer margin. We present an updated diagnostic key to all members of the genus Opisthotropis, and recommendations on the ecological study for the group are provided.

A Revised List of the Freshwater Mussels (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionida) of the United States and Canada

We present a revised list of freshwater mussels (order Unionida, families Margaritiferidae and Unionidae) of the United States and Canada, incorporating changes in nomenclature and systematic taxonomy since publication of the most recent checklist in 1998. We recognize a total of 298 species in 55 genera in the families Margaritiferidae (one genus, five species) and Unionidae (54 genera, 293 species). We propose one change in the Margaritiferidae: the placement of the formerly monotypic genus Cumberlandia in the synonymy of Margaritifera. In the Unionidae, we recognize three new genera, elevate four genera from synonymy, and place three previously recognized genera in synonymy. We recognize for the first time two species (one native and one nonindigenous) in the Asian genus Sinanodonta as occurring in North America. We recognize four new species and one subspecies and elevate 21 species from synonymy. We elevate 10 subspecies to species status and no longer recognize four subspecies. We change common names for five taxa, correct spelling for eight species, and correct the date of publication of original descriptions for four species.

Phylogeny of Neckeropsis and Himantocladium (Neckeraceae, Bryophytina)

Two closely related tropical genera from the pleurocarpous moss family Neckeraceae are revised: the second largest genus in the family, Neckeropsis, currently with 29 species, and Himantocladium, comprising six species. Twenty-one species of Neckeropsis and five of Himantocladium were included in this study, which is based on phylogenetic analyses using sequence level data from the plastid (rps4)-trnT-trnL-trnF cluster and rpl16 as well as nuclear ITS1 & 2. Neckeropsis appeared as polyphyletic. Neckeropsis s. str. comprises 12 species and a further four species, not included in the analysis, are tentatively retained in the genus based on morphology. Four new genera are segregated from Neckeropsis: Pengchengwua (with one sp.), Planicladium (two spp.), Pseudoparaphysanthus (five spp.), and Neckeromnion (five spp.). Neckeropsis gracilis is synonymized with Neckeromnion urocladum and reported for the first time from Laos. Four molecular analyzed species are resolved in the Himantocladium s. str. clade, with a fifth species being added solely on morphological basis. Himantocladium formosicum is transferred to Neckeropsis. Leaf-like paraphyses (ramenta), unique in Neckeropsis s. str., have evolved two times. In addition, the rare Noguchiodendron sphaerocarpum from the Himalayan region, the single species in its genus, was included in a phylogenetic analysis for the first time and it was found to be closely related to the Asian genus Taiwanobryum.

Review of the mirine plant bug genus Pachylygus (Heteroptera: Miridae: Mirinae), with description of a new species from Japan

The little-known plant bug genus Pachylygus Yasunaga, 1994, now considered nearly endemic to Japan proper and to include five monophagous species, is reviewed, diagnosed, and discussed. A new species, P. luteonotatus, is described on the basis of specimens recently collected from Nikko, central Honshu. All known congeners are diagnosed and an identification key to them is included. A checklist, with known distributions, is also provided. The Asian genus Peltidolygus Poppius, 1915 is proposed as the most closely related sister taxon of Pachylygus.

Three New Species of Argyreia (Convolvulaceae) from Thailand

Abstract In preparation for a comprehensive nomenclatural review of the genus Argyreia, several unknown species were discovered. Thailand is a center of distribution for this speciose tropical Asian genus; three new Thai species, A. ankylophlebia, A. dokmaihom, and A. inaequisepala are described as a precursor to the nomenclatural review. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and keys to species, modified from the Flora of Thailand Convolvulaceae account, are provided for each species to aid in their identification.

Fordiophyton zhuangiae (Melastomataceae), a new species from China based on morphological and molecular evidence

Historically, the taxonomic study of the Asian genus Fordiophyton has had some gaps. Several specimens from Guangdong (China) have been misidentified as Fordiophyton brevicaule C. Chen. The new species proposed here shares with F. brevicaule the densely hirsute stem, rosetted leaves and glabrous hypanthia, but it is distinguished by its glabrous leaves, winged petioles, oblong petals lacking a single trichome at the apex, and purplish anthers in the longer set of stamens. The phylogenetic analyses indicate that it is a member of Fordiophyton and sister to F. brevicaule. Based on morphological and molecular data, we here recognize it as a new species, Fordiophyton zhuangiae S. Jin Zeng & G. D. Tang, which is described and illustrated.

First records of the cremastocheiline genus Clinterocera Motschulsky, 1858 from the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, with description of a new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae).

A new species of the myrmecophilous Asian genus Clinterocera Motschulsky, 1858 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Cremastocheilini) is recorded from three localities on different parts of Sulawesi island (Indonesia). These are the first published records of the genus from the island. The taxonomic position and ecology of Clinterocera are briefly discussed. The male holotype of Clinterocera heinrichi new species comes from Central Sulawesi while a second male specimen from North Sulawesi male seems different enough to be placed in another species-group taxon, but more material needs to be examined first.

Phylogeny and generic delimitation in Molluginaceae, new pigment data in Caryophyllales, and the new family Corbichoniaceae

AbstractThe circumscription of Molluginaceae has changed radically in recent years, with Corbichonia being moved to Lophiocarpaceae, Limeum to Limeaceae, Macarthuria to Macarthuriaceae and all species of Hypertelis, except the type, to Kewa in Kewaceae. In a broad analysis of core Caryophyllales using plastid trnK‐matK and rbcL sequences, the position of Molluginaceae in a strict sense as sister to the Portulacineae clade is corroborated, as are the positions of Corbichonia, Limeum and Kewa outside the family. The phylogeny of Molluginaceae is reconstructed based on trnK‐matK and nuclear ITS sequences of about half of the currently recognized species in the family and with representatives from all recognized genera. Mollugo is found to be polyphyletic and a new taxonomy for the family with 11 genera is proposed. Mollugo in its new restricted sense is a mainly American genus of about 15 species, including M. ulei comb. nov., previously placed in the monotypic Glischrothamnus. The Australian and Asian genus Trigastrotheca is resurrected for T. molluginea, T. pentaphylla comb. nov. and T. stricta comb. nov. The name Paramollugo nom. nov. is proposed for the Mollugo nudicaulis group and the combinations P. angustifolia comb. nov., P. cuneifolia comb. nov., P. decandra comb. nov., P. deltoidea comb. nov., P. navassensis comb. nov. and P. nudicaulis comb. nov. are made. Hypertelis is expanded to include, besides the type H. spergulacea, also H. cerviana comb. nov., H. fragilis comb. nov., H. umbellata comb. nov. and H. walteri comb. nov. In Pharnaceum, the new combination P. namaquense comb. nov. is made, Hypertelis longifolia is treated as a synonym of P. lineare and Mollugo tenella as a synonym of P. subtile. Corbichonia is proposed to be treated as a family of its own, Corbichoniaceae fam. nov. Several names are lectotypified, including the Linnaean Mollugo pentaphylla and M. stricta. An anthocyanin is reported for the first time from Simmondsiaceae. The detection of anthocyanins in members of Kewaceae and Molluginaceae agree with previous reports and corroborate the view that these families represent reversals from betalains to anthocyanins. The report of an anthocyanin in Limeaceae, previously regarded as unpigmented, apparently represents a newly detected reversal from betalains to anthocyanins in this family.

Taxonomy and natural history of the myrmecophilous genus Clinterocera Motschulsky, 1858 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) from China andadjacent regions: definition of species group and revision of the C. discipennis species group.

The Asian genus Clinterocera Motschulsky, 1858 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Cremastocheilini) is redescribed and divided into four species groups based on adult external characters. The definition of species groups and an identification key to these species groups are provided. The C. discipennis species group is revised, and two species are recognized: C. discipennis Fairmaire, 1889 and C. trimaculata Ma, 1993. Callynomes rufiventris Fairmaire, 1904, Callynomes rufithorax Moser, 1901, Callynomes cruciatus Moser, 1901, Callynomes vitalisi (Bourgoin, 1924), and Clinterocera rubra Ma, 1992 are placed as junior synonyms of Clinterocera discipennis. The male of Clinterocera trimaculata is described for the first time and newly recorded from Vietnam. Diagnoses and illustrations of Clinterocera discipennis and Clinterocera trimaculata are provided, with comments on the intraspecific variations. New distribution records of the two species are presented on a map. Brief natural history notes and host ant Liometopum sinense Wheeler, 1921 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) record of Clinterocera trimaculata are also given.

Taxonomic Reassessment of the Arboreal Toad GenusPedostibesGünther 1876 (Anura: Bufonidae) and Some Allied Oriental Bufonid Genera

Abstract: We reassessed the taxonomic status of an Asian genus of arboreal bufonids, Pedostibes, based on examination of preserved material of the two species currently attributed to this genus. Analysis of their morphological, morphometric, and geographic distribution data revealed that Pedostibes tuberculosus, the type species of this genus from the Western Ghats, southwestern India, is morphologically distinct from the geographically separated member, P. kempi, which is distributed in northeastern India. Hence, the generic nomen Pedostibes is restricted to the type species, rendering it a monotypic genus from the Western Ghats of peninsular India. A re-examination and detailed comparisons of the types of P. kempi with other bufonid genera revealed morphological similarities with another geographically proximate toad, Bufoides meghalayanus, from northeastern India. Hence, this taxon is formally transferred herein to Bufoides with a redescription. The composition of the recently described Southeast Asia...

The Evolutionary History of the African Fruit Bats (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)

Bats of the family Pteropodidae, also known as megabats or Old World fruit bats, are widely distributed in tropical areas of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Of 45 genera in the family, 12 are endemic to the Afro-tropical region and two others have representative species on the African continent. African megabats inhabit wooded habitats and are nearly ubiquitous on the mainland and nearby islands with the exception of desert areas. Some species have been implicated as possible reservoirs of the Ebola Zaire virus. We studied the phylogenetic relationships of mainland African megabats using both mitochondrial and nuclear loci in separate and combined analyses. The phylogenetic trees obtained showed four main African clades: Eidolon, Scotonycterini (including two genera), African Rousettus (three species), and the previously identified ‘endemic African clade’ (nine genera). The latter three lineages form a clade that also includes the Asian species of Rousettus and the Asian genus Eonycteris; Eidolon does not show...

Anurans of the Tagay Locality (Baikal Lake, Russia; Miocene): Bombinatoridae, Hylidae, and Ranidae

The Miocene (MN 5) locality of Tagay (Baikal Lake, Russia) yielded isolated bones of five anuran taxa: Bombina sp. (Bombinatoridae), Hyla sp. (Hylidae), Pelophylax sp. and Rana sp. (Ranidae), Bufo mirus (Bufonidae), the first four of which are described here. In Tagay anuran assemblage, Ranidae are dominant, whereas Hylidae and Bombinatoridae are extremely rare. The Tagay Bombina and Hyla represent the oldest records of these genera in Asia. The Tagay Bombina possibly belongs to an ancestral Bombina lineage, which originated in Asia by the Oligocene-Miocene boundary. The Tagay Hyla could be an early member of the East Palearctic species-group of Hylidae that originated during the early Miocene in Asia. Pelophylax sp. and Rana sp. are among the earliest records of the lineages of green and brown frogs, respectively, in Asia.

The transfer of two clades of Malaysian Sphenomorphus Fitzinger (Squamata: Scincidae) into the genus Tytthoscincus Linkem, Diesmos, & Brown and the description of a new Malaysian swamp-dwelling species.

Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial gene ND2 and its flanking tRNAs indicate the diminutive upland and insular species Sphenomorphus bukitensis, S. butleri, S. langkawiensis, S. perhentianensis, and S. temengorensis form a monophyletic group that is phylogenetically embedded within the Southeast Asian genus Tytthoscincus. The analyses also indicate that a new swamp-dwelling skink from the Bukit Panchor State Park, Pulau Pinang, Peninsular Malaysia is the sister species to the swamp-dwelling species S. sibuensis from Pulau Sibu, Johor and Singapore and that these two are also embedded in the genus Tytthoscincus. By transferring the two Peninsular Malaysian clades of Sphenomorphus into the genus Tytthoscincus, the monophyly of the latter is maintained. The new species T. panchorensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other species of Tytthoscincus by having a unique combination of morphological and color pattern characteristics.

Revision of the Caraphiini, New Tribe (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lepturinae)

Caraphiini N. Ohbayashi, Lin & Yamasako, trib. nov. of the subfamily Lepturinae is erected for the genus Caraphia Gahan, 1906. The Central American genus Noctileptura Chemsak & Linsley, 1984 is synonymized with the southeast Asian genus Caraphia. Caraphia huai N. Ohbayashi & Lin, sp. nov., from Hainan and Guangdong, China, Caraphia paulastoni N. Ohbayashi & Lin, sp. nov. from Hong Kong, China and Caraphia lingafelteri N. Ohbayashi & Yamasako, sp. nov. from Matagalpa, Nicaragua are described. All the known sixteen species of the newly defined genus Caraphia are revised with a key and their habitus.

Three new species of Physalacria from China, with a key to the Asian taxa

Three new and one previously described species of Physalacria (Physalacriaceae, Agaricales) are reported from China. Specimens of two additional species described from Malaysia and North America were studied for comparison. Placements of these species were corroborated based on morphological observations and molecular evidence from partial sequences of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and the 28S D1–D3 region, and genes for translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1α) and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2). These new species of Physalacria distributed in subtropical China were found on rotten wood of broadleaf trees or bamboo and possess stipitate-capitate basidiomata with four-spored basidia, clamp connections and smooth, inamyloid basidiospores. To facilitate studies of the genus in Asia, a key is provided for all Physalacria species reported from this region.

Hybrids and the Flora of Thailand revisited: Hybridization in the South-East Asian genus Cryptocoryne (Araceae)

ABSTRACT. The South-East Asian genus Cryptocoryne has been shown to hybridize more frequently than expected. Data are presented on the known naturally occurring hybrids including information on their discovery, naming, and recognition as hybrids. Many artificial hybrids produced over the years indicate that there are only relatively few barriers to crossing. A heterosis effect is prevalent in many encountered Cryptocoryne hybrids. Vegetative propagation is clearly an advantage in the establishment of hybrid populations and also in detecting the hybrids, since inferior hybrids have disappeared naturally. Our results on Cryptocoryne also suggest that when the South-East Asian floras become as well-known as temperate ones, the number of natural hybrids will be similar to those presently known from temperate regions.

Bambusa gurgandii K. M. Wong & M. H. Diep (Poaceae, Bambusoideae), a New Species of Bamboo from Vietnam

WONG, K. M. & M.H. DIEP (2015). Bambusa gurgandii K. M. Wong & M. H. Diep (Poaceae, Bambusoideae), a new species of bamboo from Vietnam. Candollea 70: 211-218. In English, English abstract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2015v702a6 Bambusa Schreb. (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) is a large and complex tropical and subtropical Asian genus that is currently being taxonomically remodeled through morphological and molecular phylogenetic approaches. The type and type alliance of the genus is, however, morphologically well distinguished. Preliminary documentation suggests there could be some 60-70 species of Bambusa in Vietnam, although confirmation requires more rigorous herbarium-based vouchering. A new species of bamboo belonging to the type alliance, Bambusa gurgandii K. M. Wong & M. H. Diep, is described, known only from cultivated specimens in Vietnam. It belongs to the group of unarmed Bambusa species including Bambusa burmanica Gamble, Bambusa farinacea K. M. Wong, Bambusa nutans Wall. ex Munro, Bambusa polymorpha Munro, Bambusa teres Buch.-Ham. ex Munro and Bambusa tulda Roxb. but is distinguished by details of the pseudospikelets and flowers.

A taxonomic mystery for more than 180 years: the identity and systematic position of Brachysaura minor (HARDWICKE & GRAY, 1827)

Brachysaura is a monotypic genus of agamid lizard found in the Indian subcontinent; the identity and systematic position of B. minor has been long debated, and it has at times been subsumed into Agama, Charasia and Laudakia, with some authors suggesting affinities to Calotes. We constructed nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenetic trees including Brachysaura and allied agamid genera to resolve its phylogenetic position. We also compared osteology and external morphology with the genera Agama, Calotes and Laudakia. Hemipenial morphology was compared with Calotes and some other agamids from South Asia. Both nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenies demonstrate that Brachysaura is nested within the widespread South and Southeast Asian genus Calotes, with which it also shares certain external morphological, osteological and hemipenial characters. Adaptations to ground dwelling in Brachysaura minor has resulted in unique modifications to its body plan, which is likely why generic allocation has been long confused. This study also highlights the need for an integrated systematic approach to resolve taxonomic ambiguity in Asian agamids.

A new species of the millipede genus Cryptocorypha Attems, 1907, from Myanmar (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Pyrgodesmidae)

A new species of the rather large, basically tropical/subtropical Asian genus Cryptocorypha is described from western Myanmar: C. perplexa sp.n. This is the 13th congener, also being the first to be reported from Myanmar. It differs from all sufficiently well described species of the genus in having 20 body segments in the M, combined with apparently the most complex gonopod structure.