Asian Species Research Articles

A new Neoleptophlebia Kluge, 1997 species from eastern China (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae).

The genus Neoleptophlebia Kluge, 1997 includes five Asian species. Three of them were reported from northeastern Asia and two were found from Chinese Taiwan Island, leaving a huge geographic gap on the Chinese mainland. Here we find a new one, which is named N. uncinata Zhou sp. nov., from Nanjing municipality, eastern China. Via field collecting and indoor rearing, all life stages were obtained, and its nymphs are found living in small creeks (with a width less than 1 m) and shallow waters (with a depth less than 30 cm). Diagnostically, the imago of this new species has larger lateral penial appendages than its congeners, and its nymph has subequal broadened segments II and III of maxillary and labial palpi. Biogeographically, this species bridges two northern and southern groups of the genus.

Identification of major histocompatibility complex genotypes associated with resistance to an amphibian emerging infectious disease.

Amphibian chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), emerged from Asia and spread globally. By comparing functional MHC IIß1 alleles from an Asian Bd-resistant anuran species (Bufo gargarizans) with those of an Australasian Bd-susceptible species (Litoria caerulea), we identified MHC genotypes with a glycine deletion (G90β1) and adjacent motifs in the deepest pathogen-derived peptide-binding groove associated with Bd resistance. Every Bd-resistant individual, but no susceptible individuals, possessed at least one allele encoding the variant. We detected trans-species polymorphism at the end of the MHC IIβ1 sequences in both species. The G90β1 deletion was encoded by different alleles in the two species, suggesting it may have evolved independently in the two species rather than having been derived from a common ancestor. It is possible that MHC adaptations to chytridiomycosis evolved independently among amphibian species. These results are consistent with a scenario by which MHC adaptations that confer resistance to the pathogen have evolved by convergent evolution. Immunogenetic studies such as this are critical to ongoing conservation efforts.

First Discovery of Two Asian Pond Mussel Species (Sinanodonta) in the Reft Reservoir (Middle Urals)

First Discovery of Two Asian Pond Mussel Species (Sinanodonta) in the Reft Reservoir (Middle Urals)

Revision of the genus Leptobatopsis Ashmead, 1900 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Banchinae) from Japan, with some taxonomic notes of Asian species.

The Japanese species of the genus Leptobatopsis Ashmead, 1900 are revised. A total of eight species are recorded from Japan, including a new species, Leptobatopsis yaima sp. nov., and three species, L. annularis Kasparyan, 2007, L. koreana Lee & Kang, 2015, and L. nigricapitis Chandra & Gupta, 1977, newly recorded from Japan. A Chinese species L. annularis Sheng & Sun, 2013 is a homonym of L. annularis Kasparyan, 2007. Both species are clearly different, and we therefore propose a new replacement name for the former, L. sinica (nom. nov.). Leptobatopsis daedeokensis Lee & Kang, 2015 is newly synonymised with L. annularis Kasparyan, 2007. The taxonomic position of L. nigra immaculata Momoi, 1971 is changed from a subspecies of L. nigra Cushman, 1933 to separate species, L. immaculata. The female of L. badia Momoi, 1970 is newly described. A key to the Japanese species of this genus is proposed.

Systematic study of the subgenus Aphantorhaphopsis of the genus Siphona in East Asia and the Oriental Region (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Nineteen species of the subgenus Aphantorhaphopsis Townsend, 1926 of the genus Siphona Meigen, 1803 from East Asia and the Oriental Region are revised. Of these, 14 species are classified into three species groups based mainly on the male postabdomen: the S. perispoliata group, the S. selecta group and the S. siphonoides group. Autapomorphies of each species group are defi ned and illustrated. Ten species are described as new: Siphona (Aphantorhaphopsis) apicisetosa sp. nov., S. (A.) coactilis sp. nov., S. (A.) curta sp. nov., S. (A.) curvata sp. nov., S. (A.) expleta sp. nov., S. (A.) hongkongensis sp. nov., S. (A.) kanmiyai sp. nov., S. (A.) matsumotoi sp. nov., S. (A.) nepalensis sp. nov., and S. (A.) seminigra sp. nov. A key is provided for the 19 East Asian and Oriental species.

Phylogeny and infrageneric classification of Clerodendrum (Lamiaceae)

Abstract The infrageneric classification of the genus Clerodendrum (Lamiaceae) has been highly problematic due to different concepts and subdivisions being applied to the treatment of Asian, Australian, and African species. Earlier molecular phylogenetic studies based on Sanger sequencing and limited sampling have indicated that previous morphology-based infrageneric classifications are not congruent with the phylogeny due to morphological convergence in many lineages. Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing provide more information allowing more robust phylogenetic reconstruction at larger scale. We present the first comprehensive phylogenetic study of Clerodendrum that includes representatives of all previously recognized infrageneric taxa and using targeted sequencing data obtained from the Angiosperms353 enrichment to resolve the phylogenetic relationships. In agreement with previous phylogenetic work, our phylogeny shows that Asian and Australian species form a sister clade to an African Clade. Clerodendrum is monophyletic with the exclusion of some tropical coastal species, including some Australian species, which fall within a clade containing Volkameria and New World genera. We recognize two subgenera: subgen. Clerodendrum for Asian and Australian species and the new subgen. Afroclerodendrum for African and Malagasy species. Our findings support an infrageneric classification of Clerodendrum with a total of 13 sections based on molecular phylogenetic evidence and morphology that clearly accommodate the Asian, remaining Australian, and African species. Of these, we propose three new sections: sect. Albiflora, sect. Fortunata and sect. Megaflora for clades presenting unique morphological characters. The sectional classification and taxonomic consequences are discussed.

Interactions between egg parasitoids and predatory ants for the biocontrol of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys

AbstractThe brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is an Asian species that has become a major agricultural pest in North America and Europe. Ants from the genus Crematogaster are predators of H. halys nymphs in Asia, as well as in the Mediterranean, where known native predators are still few. At the same time, ants usually do not harm H. halys eggs, which are the target of the main biological control agents, the scelionid parasitoids of the genus Trissolcus. However, ants, as generalist predators and territorial organisms, may kill or displace a variety of other insects, potentially interfering with parasitoids and biological control programmes. We conducted laboratory experiments to investigate the interactions between the Mediterranean ant Crematogaster scutellaris and the parasitoids T. japonicus and T. mitsukurii, evaluating the possibility that the ants could damage the parasitized eggs, attack the parasitoids during emergence or interfere with the egg‐laying behaviour of female parasitoids. Our results demonstrate that C. scutellaris is not able to damage parasitized eggs and is not aggressive towards adult parasitoids at any stage. The presence of ants can slow down the parasitization rate in T. mitsukurii females in the smallest laboratory setups; however, this has not been observed in a more natural setting. We suggest that ants may play a complementary role together with egg‐parasitoids in the control of H. halys without interfering with each other.

Taxonomic notes on the genus Mastax Fischer von Waldheim, 1828 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Brachininae) in Korea

A widespread East Asian species, Mastax poecilaSchaum, 1863 is recorded in Korea for the first time, to which previous record of M. thermarum egoroviLafer, 1973 (Paik & Kim, 2006) is assigned. Mastax formosana Dupis, 1912 from Taiwan is proposed as a junior synonym of M. poecila.

Portuguese Castanea sativa Genetic Resources: Characterization, Productive Challenges and Breeding Efforts

Chestnuts are multipurpose trees that grow mainly in the Northern Hemisphere due to their aptitude for fruit and wood production. These trees are vastly significant for the economy and wildlife. The widespread distribution of these trees demonstrates their genetic adaptability to many environmental conditions. The main varieties of European chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) cultivated in Portugal, their productive challenges and breeding and biotechnological efforts developed over the last decades are described. This paper highlights the efforts focused on the improvement of varieties and rootstocks through selection and hybridization of European chestnut with the Asian species Castanea crenata Siebold and Zuccarini and Castanea mollissima Blume, which are resistant to ink disease, which have been the foundation of the Portuguese chestnut breeding programs. Breeding and biotechnological efforts developed over the last decades, focused on ink disease and chestnut blight resistance, are described. The potentialities of this research to stimulate the competitiveness of bioeconomy-based knowledge and innovation in the productive chestnut sector is also discussed.

Identifying Migration Routes of Wild Asian Elephants in China Based on Ecological Networks Constructed by Circuit Theory Model.

Humans overlap with Asian elephants, resulting in frequent costly human-elephant conflicts, which disturb and even threaten local residents. In this study, we treat provincial and national nature reserves where Asian elephants still exist and other alternative habitats suitable for Asian elephants in southern Yunnan, China, as ecological patches. By using this approach, we can treat the terrain and surface state factors that hinder the migration of Asian elephants as a form of ecological resistance surface. We can then use a circuit theory model and remote sensing data to construct an ecological network, which allows us to identify ecological corridors and ecological pinch points. Herein, the possible migration routes of wild Asian elephants were identified. The main results are as follows: (1) In the study area, dense forests with steep slopes and high altitudes, cultivated land, and building land have greater migration resistance, while the gently undulating shrubs, bamboo forests, and grasslands far away from the city have less migration resistance. (2) There are three ecological corridor groups in the study area, mainly composed of shrub and grassland. The ecological corridors identified in this paper are the most likely migration routes of wild Asian elephants in China, and areas with higher simulated current densities reflect a higher probability of Asian elephants passing through. (3) According to the analysis, the ecological pinch points in the study area are 602 km2 in total, and woodland and grassland account for 89.2% of the total ecological pinch area. The areas where the pinch points are located have a high probability of Asian elephants passing through and a narrow space. Our findings can provide suggestions and solutions for the current conservation of wild Asian elephant species, alleviate human-elephant conflicts, promote the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and provide reference for biological protection and biological reserve planning.

Histopathological evaluation of the infection elicited by three species of Myxobolus (Cnidaria: Myxosporea), with identification of Myxobolusxiaoganensis n. sp. isolated from the silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Several parasites infecting the Asian carp species have been broadly spread along with the global fish trade. However, the diversity of specific parasite groups and their pattern of parasitism remain insufficiently elucidated even in their native regions. Here, we conducted a holistic identification and histological analysis of three Myxobolus species. The oblate myxospores of the first isolates were found infecting the spleen of silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, measuring 6.4 ± 0.4 (5.4–7.1) μm in length, 8.2 ± 0.4 (7.5–9.0) in width, and 5.9 ± 0.3 (5.2–6.2) in thickness. They were morphologically distinct from other congeners and regarded as a novel species, Myxobolus xiaoganensis n. sp. For the second isolates, we associated the formation of round plasmodia on the gill raker of silver carp with Myxobolus allotypica Chen, 1998. The third isolates, encapsulated in the intestinal serosa membrane of the grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, was proved to be conspecific to Myxobolus huasaensis Chen, 1998. While M. xiaoganensis n. sp. and M. huasaensis exhibited distinct origins, with genetic differences exceeding 4% from other congeners, M. allotypica displayed complete genetic congruence with an item available in Genbank. Histologically, myxospores of M. xiaoganensis n. sp. were scattered in the spleen, and the branchial and intestinal infections of M. allotypica and M. huasaensis were determined, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a non-monophyletic origin of both the Thelohanellus and Myxobolus genera, with a remarkable association of host affinity with myxosporean clustering.

Molecular evidence of the absence of Metagonimus yokogawai (Katsurada, 1912) in Europe: report of Metagonimus sp. in cyprinoid fish from the River Danube in Hungary.

Trematodes of the genus Metagonimus Katsurada, 1912 (Digenea: Heterophyidae) are zoonotic parasites that cause infections in humans, with most cases reported in Southeast Asia. Larvae from the second intermediate host, called metacercariae, of one of human-infecting species, M. yokogawai (Katsurada, 1912), have been reported from cyprinoid fish in Europe. In the present study, we provided DNA-based evidence that metacercariae of Metagonimus, which are commonly found in the scales of various cyprinoids in Central Europe (Danube River in Hungary) do not belong to M. yokogawai. Sequence analysis of the ITS region, 28S rDNA, and cox1 genes showed that this species is clearly distinct from all Asian species, including M. yokogawai, which probably does not occur in Europe. Metacercariae from cyprinoids might belong to Metagonimus romanicus (Ciurea, 1915), an insufficiently known species described from Romania.

Genetic differentiation and species diversification of the Adoxophyes orana complex (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in East Asia.

The Adoxophyes tea tortrix (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a group of leaf rollers that cause enormous economic losses on tea and apple crops. In East Asia, taxonomic ambiguity of the Adoxophyes orana complex (AOC), which consists of A. orana, A. dubia, A. honmai, and A. paraorana, has persisted for decades because of vague diagnostic characters. In this study, differences in the AOC were examined to improve species identification, determine genetic variations, and develop control strategies. Analyses revealed that A. orana comprised 2 lineages, a widely distributed Palearctic lineage and an East Asian lineage that was nested with other Asian species. Genetic divergence of >3% is proposed to confirm the AOC species that would benefit subsequent taxonomic revision. The monophyletic Taiwanese A. sp. with 2.8-4% from other AOC species appeared to suggest it as an independent taxon, and low interspecific divergence between A. honmai and A. dubia of 0.3% indicated possibility of recent divergence or intraspecific variations. Our result further suggested that the Z9-14:Ac ratio of semiochemicals could be a reference for the reblending of pheromone attractants in Taiwanese tea plantations. Moreover, the AOC species appeared to have a tendency of specific geographic distributions, with A. dubia and A. honmai in Japan and China, A. paraorana in Korea, and A. sp. in Taiwan. Maintaining the unique genetic composition of Adoxophyes species in each geographic region and preventing the possible invasions into those AOC-free countries through the transportation of host plants are essential in managing the AOC in East Asia.

A review of Asian mayfly species of Habrophlebiodes (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae)

The mayfly genus Habrophlebiodes Ulmer, 1920 has four Asian species (three from China). To show the real characters of Asian species and to ensure the differences between the two clades of the genus, we studied all three endemic Chinese species (H. gilliesi Peters, 1963, H. tenella Kang & Yang, 1994, H. zijinensis You & Gui, 1995) with examining specimens from more than 30 sites. Adults of Chinese Habrophlebiodes can be separated by the male genitalia, female ovipositor and spots on adult wings, nymphs can be recognized by the abdominal color and prostheca shape of mandibles. Comparatively, the fourth species H. prominens Ulmer, 1939 is more different by its longer apical segment of maxillary palpi and colored wings. A key to the four Asian species is given. The status of the latter species, the exact difference between Asian and American clades, and their distribution pattern need more fresh materials to confirm.

A Revision of the Genus Argolis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Stenopodainae) from Asia.

The assassin bug genus Argolis Stål, 1861 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Stenopodainae) has a disjunct distribution in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. In the present study, the Asian species of Argolis are revised. Two species are recognized, redescribed, and illustrated, with the following new subjective synonyms and new combination proposed: Argolis Stål, 1861 = Bardesanes Distant, 1909, syn. nov. = Neoklugia Distant, 1919, syn. nov.; A. farinator (Reuter, 1882) = N. typica Distant, 1919, syn. nov. = B. sericenotatus Livingstone & Ravichandran, 1989, syn. nov.; A. signata (Distant, 1909), comb. nov. (transferred from Bardesanes) = Caunus noctulus Hsiao, 1977, syn. nov. Lectotypes for C. farinator, B. signatus, and N. typica are designated. A key to separate the two Asian species of Argolis is provided. The sexual dimorphism, systematic relationships, and distribution of Argolis are discussed. Argolis is newly recorded from Laos, Pakistan, and Vietnam.

<i>Plagiochila junghuhniana</i> (Marchantiophyta: Plagiochilaceae), new to Western Himalayan Bryoflora

During the bryoexploratory survey of Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don forest site at Lohaghat, a South East Asiatic species of Plagiochila (Dumort.) Dumort., viz. P. junghuhniana Sande Lac. belonging to the section Vagae Lindenb. of the family Plagiochilaceae is observed. Plagiochila junghuhniana is described and illustrated here as a new addition to western Himalayas.

Notes on Central Asian Furcula with description of a new species.

Genitalia of the female holotype of the Central Asian species Furcula terminata (Wiltshire, 1958) (TL: northeastern Afghanistan) were studied for the first time. They showed a clear similarity with the genitalia of Furcula gorbunovi Schintlmeister, 1998 (TL: Gissar Range, Tajikistan) and Furcula mimonovi Schintlmeister, 1998 (TL: Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan). Males of F. terminata from Afghanistan were not found in the collections. However, the specimens from neighboring Tajikistan and topotypes of F. gorbunovi and F. mimonovi were studied and all of them have pointed apex of the costal process of valva specific for the bifida-group, not the furcula-group as suggested previously. Considering the morphological similarity and overlapping distribution areas of the three studied taxa, two new synonyms are established for F. terminata: F. gorbunovi syn. n. and Furcula mimonovi syn. n. The population of Tian Shan and Alay Range in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, previously regarded as F. terminata, are described here as a new species based on differences in the genitalia of both sexes.

Genetic characterisation of four Lamproglena spp. (Copepoda, Lernaeidae) from Africa and the first mitochondrial data.

Females of species of Lamproglena von Nordmann, 1832 are parasitic on the gills of teleost fishes and the 38 nominal species are based on mainly morphological data. Only four of these species have been genetically characterised and no mitochondrial data are available for the genus. The present study aimed to provide representative ribosomal DNA (rDNA) data for two additional species of Lamproglena from Africa: Lamproglena clariae Fryer, 1956 and Lamproglena hoi Dippenaar, Luus-Powell et Roux, 2001, alongside mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for these and two other African species, Lamproglena hemprichii von Nordmann, 1832 and Lamproglena monodi Capart, 1944. The four species were collected from Clariidae, Cyprinidae, Alestidae and Cichlidae, respectively. Representative 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA data were obtained for L. clariae and L. hoi, while cox1 mtDNA was obtained for all four species. The respective haplotypes supported the distinctness of all species using all three gene regions investigated. Interestingly, species appeared to be grouped more by geographical origin than host family, with L. hoi more closely related to other African species than to Asian species also collected from cyprinid hosts. Even though the results presented here greatly add to the molecular data available for Lamproglena, there are still 32 (>80%) species for which no genetic data are available. The interpretation of the results presented here is thus preliminary and much more data are required before the phylogeny of this genus, and other members of the family, such as Lernaea Linnaeus, 1758, can be studied appropriately.

High-quality genome assemblies provide clues on the evolutionary advantage of blue peafowl over green peafowl

An intriguing example of differential adaptability is the case of two Asian peafowl species, Pavo cristatus (blue peafowl) and Pavo muticus (green peafowl), where the former has a “Least Concern” conservation status and the latter is an “Endangered” species. To understand the genetic basis of this differential adaptability of the two peafowl species, a comparative analysis of these species is much needed to gain the genomic and evolutionary insights. Thus, we constructed a high-quality genome assembly of blue peafowl with an N50 value of 84.81 Mb (pseudochromosome-level assembly), and a high-confidence coding gene set to perform the genomic and evolutionary analyses of blue and green peafowls with 49 other avian species. The analyses revealed adaptive evolution of genes related to neuronal development, immunity, and skeletal muscle development in these peafowl species. Major genes related to axon guidance such as NEO1 and UNC5, semaphorin (SEMA), and ephrin receptor showed adaptive evolution in peafowl species. However, blue peafowl showed the presence of 42% more coding genes compared to the green peafowl along with a higher number of species-specific gene clusters, segmental duplicated genes and expanded gene families, and comparatively higher evolution in neuronal and developmental pathways. Blue peafowl also showed longer branch length compared to green peafowl in the species phylogenetic tree. These genomic insights obtained from the high-quality genome assembly of P. cristatus constructed in this study provide new clues on the superior adaptability of the blue peafowl over green peafowl despite having a recent species divergence time.

Ecological characteristics of natural and culturated species, their comparison in Prunus genus

Plum species are found native throughout the nothern hemisphere, but mostly in the temperate zone. The earliest writings about plum date back some 2000 years (De Candolle, 1894; Cullinan, 1937) puts the age of plums at 2000-4000 years old (Bagenal, 1954). However, the stone core findings suggest a greater past. The question is difficult to conclude because the large number of species of the genus are taxonomically unclear and spread over a wide geographical area. The taxonomic position of stone fruit species and varieties can also be different, especially for Prunus species (Kárpáti, 1967; Terpó, 1974; Raming & Cociu, 1991; Faust & Surányi, 1997; Surányi, 2013). The study analyzes the average relative ecological value measurement numbers of 75 species, including 120 cultivars, in terms of diversity and similarity. It is novel that, based on the sources, the author used the Ellenberg-Borhid values for the European, Asian, North American and other species, expanding them with transitional subgenera (e.g. Microcerasus). It was also possible to pay attention to a North African, Central and South American Prunus/Prunophora species. Following the accounting of economic and fruiting values, the species, subspecies, and varieties of the European and Mediterranean regions are the finalists, but species hybrid plums, rootstocks, or Prunus species whose values have not yet been known can play a role. Although the kéköny is a known species, it can become a cultivated fruit species due to the high antioxidant content of the fruit (Hegedűs & Halász, 2019).