Basal Clade Research Articles

In splendid isolation: a new cloud forest species expands the distribution of Myrceugenia (Myrtaceae) into Las Yungas and adds a new genus to the flora of Bolivia

Myrceugenia is a temperate or subtropical genus of c. 50 species with a disjunct distribution across South America. The ‘western’ species occur in central Chile and north-western Argentina with one species in the Juan Fernández Islands. The ‘eastern’ species occur in Uruguay, southern Brazil, and marginal regions of Argentina and Paraguay, reaching montane eastern Brazil (two isolated taxa in Central Brazil). It is hypothesized that Myrceugenia once grew across the temperate forests of southern South America, but that oceanic transgressions and the elevation of the Andes during the Miocene divided its populations as the forests retracted from the centre of the continent. The Las Yungas floristic province is a strip of cool, temperate forest that runs along the eastern slopes of the Andes from Venezuela to northern Argentina; Myrceugenia was not known to occur there. We report the discovery of a new species of Myrceugenia in southern Las Yungas (Bosque Tucumano Boliviano). It is distinct from all other species of the genus by the combination of solitary flowers, sub-ancipitate hypanthium, bilocular locules, and 12-13 clustered ovules. The phylogeny of Myrceugenia shows geographic structuring with three basal western clades and one derived eastern clade. The isolated taxa of Myrceugenia from Central Brazil were sisters, respectively, to the rest of the eastern clade and to one of its two subclades, suggesting that isolated taxa are relictual. The discovery of this species has made Myrceugenia the only genus of Myrtaceae to grow in the three cool, humid forests of southern South America.

Aesthete Pattern Diversity in Chiton Clades (Mollusca: Polyplacophora): Balancing Sensory Structures and Strength in Valve Architecture.

Chitons possess the most elaborate system of shell pores found in any hard-shelled invertebrate. Although chitons possess some anteriorly located sense organs, they lack true cephalization, as their major sensory systems are not concentrated in a distinct head region. Instead, the aesthete system within their shells forms a dense sensory network that overcomes the barrier of their hard dorsal armour. The basic arrangement of neural structures embedded within a solid, opaque matrix, has confounded understanding of the overall network. In this study, we use synchrotron X-ray μCT to visualise the aesthete canal networks inside chiton valves. We selected representatives from all three major chiton clades: Lepidopleurida, the basal branching clade, and Callochitonida and Chitonida, which both havemore complex shell morphology, to compare internal structure. Lepidopleurida aesthete canals are oriented vertically and pass directly through the shell to connect with the body. By contrast, aesthetes canals in Callochitonida and Chitonida have complex internal structures with extended horizontal passages, coalescing at the shell diagonal that corresponds to the valve insertion slits. This represents a stepwise evolution of chiton shell form, where thicker and more complex valves require a diverting and rewiring of the entire sensorynetwork. Aspects of the aesthete system, such as the microscopic arrangement of surface pores, have long been used in chiton taxonomy for species diagnoses; insertion slits should also be understood as a secondary feature of the aesthete system. Chiton shell structures that are used for morphological systematics are driven by sensory adaptations.

Comprehensive analysis of the Lycopodium japonicum mitogenome reveals abundant tRNA genes and cis-spliced introns in Lycopodiaceae species.

Lycophytes and ferns represent one of the earliest-diverging lineages of vascular plants, with the Lycopodiaceae family constituting the basal clade among lycophytes. In this research, we successfully assembled and annotated the complete Lycopodium japonicum Thunb. (L. japonicum) mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) utilizing PacBio HiFi sequencing data, resulting in a single circular molecule with a size of 454,458 bp. 64 unique genes were annotated altogether, including 34 protein-coding genes, 27 tRNAs and 3 rRNAs. It also contains 32 group II introns, all of which undergo cis-splicing. We identified 195 simple sequence repeats, 1,948 dispersed repeats, and 92 tandem repeats in the L. japonicum mitogenome. Collinear analysis indicated that the mitogenomes of Lycopodiaceae are remarkably conserved compared to those of other vascular plants. We totally identified 326 RNA editing sites in 31 unique protein-coding genes with 299 sites converting cytosine to uracil and 27 sites the reverse. Notably, the L. japonicum mitogenome has small amounts foreign DNA from plastid or nuclear origin, accounting for only 2.81% of the mitogenome. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on 23 diverse land plant mitogenomes and plastid genomes supports the basal position of lycophytes within vascular plants and they form a sister clade to all other vascular lineages, which is consistent with the PPG I classification system. As the first reported mitogenome of Lycopodioideae subfamily, this study enriches our understanding of Lycopodium mitogenomes, and sets the stage for future research on mitochondrial diversity and evolution within the lycophytes and ferns.

Resolving the conflictive phylogenetic relationships of Oceanites (Oceanitidae: Procellariiformes) with the description of a new species

The family Oceanitidae, formerly considered a subfamily of Hydrobatidae, includes all the small storm-petrels of the southern hemisphere. The ancestor-descendent relationships and evolutionary history of one of its genera, Oceanites, have been partially studied, yielding contrasting results. We revised the phylogenetic relationships of this group using Bayesian inference (BI) based on new sequence data of the mitochondrial gene Cytb and linear morphological measurements of all species and five subspecies-level taxa in Oceanites, including a new taxon from the Chilean Andes. Our BI results show that the Oceanites genus is monophyletic and composed of four well-supported clades (posterior probability > 0.95): (1) chilensis; (2) exasperatus; (3) gracilis, pincoyae, and barrosi sp. nov.; and (4) oceanicus and galapagoensis. The species O. chilensis is a basal clade within Oceanites. According to our time-calibrated tree, the split between Oceanites and the other genera in Family Oceanitidae is estimated to be ~35.9 Mya, and the oldest divergence within Oceanites (the split between O. chilensis and other Oceanites) was dated to the early Miocene, around c. 21.3 Mya. The most probable geographic origin of Oceanites is the Southern Ocean. The morphological data suggest continuous size variation between Oceanites taxa, ranging from smallest in gracilis to largest in exasperatus. Based on our phylogenetic hypothesis, and morphological analyses, we suggest elevating to species status the taxa galapagoensis, chilensis, and exasperatus, and we describe a new taxon barrosi sp. nov., thus recognizing a total of seven species within the genus Oceanites.

A new lignicolous fungus, Rhexoacrodictys chiangraiensis (Pleurotheciales, Ascomycota), from Northern Thailand

ABSTRACT In this study, we introduce a novel species, Rhexoacrodictys chiangraiensis, collected from a decaying palm sheath (Arecaceae) in Northern Thailand. Morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis were carried out to identify the species. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses were performed using the combined dataset of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU), small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU) and the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) loci. Phylogenetic analysis supported the introduction of the isolate as a novel taxon as it formed a basal clade to the other species of Rhexoacrodictys. Rhexoacrodictys chiangraiensis exhibits distinct morphological characteristics compared to other Rhexoacrodictys species by having obovoid to pyriform conidia that have smooth surfaces with 2–4 transverse septa and fewer longitudinal incomplete septa. The novel taxon was compared with other species of Rhexoacrodictys, and a comprehensive description and illustration are provided.

Campylotropis xinfeniae (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae), a new species from Yunnan, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence.

Campylotropis xinfeniae, a new species from the dry-hot valley of the Jinsha River in the Yunnan province, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. wilsonii and C. brevifolia in having glabrescent old branches, absent stipels, 3-foliolate leaves, and adaxially puberulent leaflets, while it differs from the latter two in having often paniculate inflorescences, obviously white standard, not incurved sickle keel, larger narrowly oblique legumes, and longer legume beak. The complete chloroplast genome of this new species is 149,073 bp in length and exhibits a typical quadripartite structure. Phylogenetic analyses based on the complete chloroplast genome also supported C. xinfeniae as a new species located at the basal distinct clade of the genus Campylotropis, clearly separated from the remaining members of the genus and its allied genera. A conservation assessment of data deficient (DD) is recommended for the new species without extensive exploring of similar habitats according to the IUCN Categories and Criteria.

Cranial anatomy of Emeroleter levis and the phylogeny of Nycteroleteridae.

Among the diverse basal reptile clade Parareptilia, the nycteroleters are among the most poorly understood. The interrelationships of nycteroleters are contentious, being recovered as both monophyletic and paraphyletic in different analyses, yet their anatomy has received little attention. We utilized x-ray computed tomography to investigate the skull of the nycteroleterid Emeroleter levis, revealing aspects of both the external and internal cranial anatomy that were previously unknown or undescribed, especially relating to the palate, braincase, and mandible. Our results reveal a greater diversity in nycteroleter cranial anatomy than was previously recognized, including variation in the contribution of the palatal elements to the orbitonasal ridge among nycteroleters. Of particular note are the unique dentition patterns in Emeroleter, including the presence of dentition on the ectopterygoid, an element which is typically edentulous in most parareptiles. We then incorporate the novel information gained from the computed tomography analysis into an updated phylogenetic analysis of parareptiles, producing a fully resolved Nycteroleteridae and further supporting previous suggestions that the genus 'Bashkyroleter' is paraphyletic.

Agaricus subgenus Pseudochitonia in Malakand, Pakistan: An updated phylogeny and description of three new species

ABSTRACT Agaricus is a genus with more than 500 species. Most of the new species reported since 2000 are tropical or subtropical. The study area, the Malakand region, located in the north of Pakistan, has a subtropical climate. In this study, nine species, including three new species, of Agaricus subgenus Pseudochitonia, are reported from this region. Description of the new species are based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses using three DNA regions: nuc ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS), fragments of the large subunit of nuc ribosomal DNA (28S), and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (TEF1). One new species, Agaricus lanosus, with wooly squamules on its cap, forms a lineage within Agaricus sect. Bivelares and cannot be classified with certainty in one of the two subsections (Cupressorum and Hortenses) of this section. Agaricus rhizoideus with rhizoid-like structure at the base of the stipe forms a basal clade in Agaricus sect. Hondenses. Specimens of the third new species, Agaricus malakandensis, form a species-level clade within Agaricus sect. Catenulati and exhibits the morphological characteristics of this section. Due to their similar ITS sequences, two previously unnamed specimens from Thailand (A. sp. LD2012162 and CA799) are considered conspecific with A. malakandensis.

An evolutionary view of the Fusarium core genome

Fusarium, a member of the Ascomycota fungi, encompasses several pathogenic species significant to plants and animals. Some phytopathogenic species have received special attention due to their negative economic impact on the agricultural industry around the world. Traditionally, identification and taxonomic analysis of Fusarium have relied on morphological and phenotypic features, including the fungal host, leading to taxonomic conflicts that have been solved using molecular systematic technologies. In this work, we applied a phylogenomic approach that allowed us to resolve the evolutionary history of the species complexes of the genus and present evidence that supports the F. ventricosum species complex as the most basal lineage of the genus. Additionally, we present evidence that proposes modifications to the previous hypothesis of the evolutionary history of the F. staphyleae, F. newnesense, F. nisikadoi, F. oxysporum, and F. fujikuroi species complexes. Evolutionary analysis showed that the genome GC content tends to be lower in more modern lineages, in both, the whole-genome and core-genome coding DNA sequences. In contrast, genome size gain and losses are present during the evolution of the genus. Interestingly, core genome duplication events positively correlate with genome size. Evolutionary and genome conservation analysis supports the F3 hypothesis of Fusarium as a more compact and conserved group in terms of genome conservation. By contrast, outside of the F3 hypothesis, the most basal clades only share 8.8% of its genomic sequences with the F3 clade.

Encyclia naranjapatensis Dodson (Orchidaceae), a new record for the Peruvian flora

Background: Encyclia, is a genus with more than 200 species in the Neotropics, eight of which have been previously reported from Peru. During the evaluation of the orchid flora in the forests of the Sicchez district, a small population of an Encyclia species was found that could not be unequivocally matched to any previously known species in the country.
 Questions: Will the recent explorations of Northern Peru result in the reporting of new taxa for the country?
 Studied species: Orchidaceae, Laeliinae, Encyclia Hook, Encyclia naranjapatensis Dodson
 Study site and dates: Sicchez District, Ayabaca Province, Piura Department, Peru, 2022-2023.
 Methods: Specimens were collected and determined by consulting botanical collections available online, taxonomic treatments, checklists, and specialized literature. The conservation status was assessed according to IUCN methodology.
 Results: We report a novelty for Peru, Encyclia naranjapatensis, and an updated description including morphological information on relevant structures that will be used to diagnose this entity. In addition, E. naranjapatensis is part of a basal clade referred to as the E. diurna species group. The conservation status assessment results in Endangered and the species is linked to the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest, an endangered ecosystem throughout the Neotropics.
 Conclusions: The recent entity located in Peru correspond to Encyclia naranjapatensis. This discovery allows us to investigate the geographical limits, discuss the phylogenetic and ecological affinities, update the original description, and evaluate its conservation status.

A comprehensive sampling of mitogenomes shows the utility to infer phylogeny of termites (Blattodea: Termitoidae).

The mitogenome sequence data have been widely used in inferring the phylogeny of insects. In this study, we determined the complete mitogenome for Macrotermes sp. (Termitidae, Macrotermitinae) using next-generation sequencing. Macrotermes sp. possesses a typical insect mitogenome, displaying an identical gene order and gene content to other existing termite mitogenomes. We present the first prediction of the secondary structure of ribosomal RNA genes in termites. The rRNA secondary structures of Macrotermes sp. exhibit similarities to closely related insects and also feature distinctive characteristics in their helical structures. Together with 321 published mitogenomes of termites as ingroups and 8 cockroach mitogenomes as outgroups, we compiled the most comprehensive mitogenome sequence matrix for Termitoidae to date. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using datasets employing different data coding strategies and various inference methods. Robust relationships were recovered at the family or subfamily level, demonstrating the utility of comprehensive mitogenome sampling in resolving termite phylogenies. The results supported the monophyly of Termitoidae, and consistent relationships within this group were observed across different analyses. Mastotermitidae was consistently recovered as the sister group to all other termite families. The families Hodotermitidae, Stolotermitidae, and Archotermopsidae formed the second diverging clade, followed by the Kalotermitidae. The Neoisoptera was consistently supported with strong node support, with Stylotermitidae being sister to the remaining families. Rhinotermitidae was found to be non-monophyletic, and Serritermitidae nested within the basal clades of Rhinotermitidae and was sister to Psammotermitinae. Overall, our phylogenetic results are largely consistent with earlier mitogenome studies.

Osteology and phylogenetic position of Plagiosaurus depressus (Temnospondyli: Plagiosauridae) from the Late Triassic of Germany and the repeated loss of dermal bones in plagiosaurids

Abstract The skull and postcranium of the Late Triassic plagiosaurid temnospondyl Plagiosaurus depressus from Halberstadt (Germany) are redescribed in detail. Plagiosaurus possesses two autapomorphies, the abbreviated tabular and the broad contact between the postorbital and parietal. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Plagiosauridae finds a clade Plagiosaurinae consisting of Plagiosaurus and Gerrothorax. Among other characters, both taxa share the solid box-like sides of the low pectoral girdle, the short but robust humerus with small deltopectoral crest and well-developed supinator process, and an anterodorsally directed lateral line sulcus close to the mandibular symphysis. Compared with Gerrothorax, the skull of Plagiosaurus is deeper and more slender, and the postfrontal is absent, meaning that the parietal forms the posteromedial margin of the enlarged orbit. This new interpretation of the bone configuration shows that reduction of circumorbital bones associated with orbital enlargement occurred three times independently within Plagiosauridae, albeit probably in different functional contexts. Our phylogenetic analysis further reveals the Plagiosuchinae (Plagioscutum + Plagiosuchus) as the most basal plagiosaurid clade, which, in turn, forms the sister group to Plagiosaurinae and Plagiosterninae (Plagiorophus + (Plagiosternum + Megalophthalma)). The mentioned shared derived characters of Plagiosaurinae in the pectoral girdle, forelimbs, and mandibular lateral lines suggest a similar benthonic lifestyle.

New Trechini of the Nannotrechus lineage (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from the Caucasus and Crimea.

Two new genera and three new species of the tribe Trechini belonging to the Nannotrechus complex are described from the Caucasus and Crimea: Paracimmerites capitatus sp. n. from the vicinity of the Gtatshev Pass (Krasnodar Region), Titarenkites obovatus gen. n., sp. n. from the Ofitsari Mountain Ridge (Eastern Mingrelia) and Tauridites yunakovi gen. n., sp. n. from the Stilya-Bogaz Pass (Crimea). New data on the distribution of Paracimmerites nanus Belousov, 1998 are given, and the collecting sites of the two known species of this genus are mapped. The new monotypic genera possess specific combinations of taxonomically important characters which made it necessary to reconsider generic taxa of the complex in question and to update the key to their identification. A parsimony analysis of all described taxa based on the morphological characters revealed that the Crimean genus Tauridites gen. n. is a sister group to the Caucasian Porocimmerites, on the one hand, and the common clade of Cimmerites and Paracimmerites, on the other, while Titarenkites gen. n. is one of the basal taxa of the nannotrechoid lineage with uncertain phylogenetic position. The basal clades of the entire Nannotrechus complex are localized in the Crimea, Western Turkey, and Central Caucasus with adjacent areas of the Western Caucasus, although relationships between these clades have not been reliably resolved based on the morphological characters.

Comparative genomics of monotremes provides insights into the early evolution of mammalian epidermal differentiation genes

The function of the skin as a barrier against the environment depends on the differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes into highly resilient corneocytes that form the outermost skin layer. Many genes encoding structural components of corneocytes are clustered in the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), which has been described in placental and marsupial mammals as well as non-mammalian tetrapods. Here, we analyzed the genomes of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) to determine the gene composition of the EDC in the basal clade of mammals, the monotremes. We report that mammal-specific subfamilies of EDC genes encoding small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) and late cornified envelope proteins as well as single-copy EDC genes such as involucrin are conserved in monotremes, suggesting that they have originated in stem mammals. Monotremes have at least one gene homologous to the group of filaggrin (FLG), FLG2 and hornerin (HRNR) in placental mammals, but no clear one-to-one pairwise ortholog of either FLG, FLG2 or HRNR. Caspase-14, a keratinocyte differentiation-associated protease implicated in the processing of filaggrin, is encoded by at least 3 gene copies in the echidna. Our results reveal evolutionarily conserved and clade-specific features of the genetic regulation of epidermal differentiation in monotremes.

Unraveling the Phylogenetic Relationships and Taxonomic Status of a Puzzling Freshwater Mussel Genus Inversidens (Bivalvia, Unionidae) through Multilocus Phylogeny and Mitochondrial Phylogenomics

Accurate phylogenetic reconstructions are crucial for comprehending the evolutionary histories, reproductive traits, and ecological habits of organisms. The subfamily Gonideinae of freshwater mussels is currently thought to include eight tribes. However, due to inadequate taxon sampling and molecular data, the assignment of the freshwater mussel genus Inversidens at the tribe level has been unstable. Additionally, the lack of phylogenetic data has hindered efforts to understand the basic biology and implementation of conservation efforts of Inversidens rentianensis, an endemic species to China. Here, we first present the complete mitochondrial genome of Inversidens rentianensis and offer a detailed description of its anatomical morphology. Based on DNA sequence data from five genes (COI, ND1, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and 28S rRNA) and complete mitochondrial genomes, we investigated the phylogenetic position of Inversidens using various analytical methods. Both the concatenated five-gene and mitogenome datasets strongly supported that Inversidens classified to the tribe Gonideini in Gonideinae and formed a basal clade within the tribe Gonideini. Molecular dating analysis suggested that Inversidens originated during the mid-Cretaceous era (102.73 Mya, 95% highest posterior density HPD=72.22‐137.03 Mya) and underwent diversification in the Late Paleogene era (37.92 Mya, 95% HPD=20.39‐60.59 Mya). Moreover, based on the Quantitative Assessment of Species for Conservation (QASCP), Inversidens rentianensis is ranked as second priority, providing valuable insights for its management and conservation efforts. Taken together, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the systematic position and evolutionary history of Inversidens within the currently accepted subfamily Gonideinae classification framework. These findings establish a solid foundation for future investigations on the ecology, reproductive behavior patterns, and conservation biology of this taxonomic group.

Phylogeography of the Colombian water snake Helicopsdanieli Amaral, 1938 (Reptilia, Squamata, Dipsadidae) with comments on the systematics and evolution of the genus Helicops Wagler, 1828.

The genus Helicops Wagler, 1828 comprises 20 species of semiaquatic snakes. It is mostly distributed in the cis-Andean region of South America, with only two trans-Andean species (H.danieli, H.scalaris). Helicopsdanieli is endemic to Colombia and occurs through most of the trans-Andean region. Herein two mitochondrial and two nuclear genomic markers were sequenced for 16 samples of H.danieli across most of its distribution range to understand its phylogeography. A dated tree was also generated with additional sequences from previous studies to infer the divergence times between H.danieli and its cis-Andean congeners and of lineages within H.danieli. Using previously published data, ancestral states were estimated for putative phenotypic synapomorphies for the major clades of Helicops. For H.danieli, four clades corresponding to the main river basins within its distribution were recovered. Our dated tree suggests that the ancestor of H.danieli diverged from its closest congeners in the late Miocene (8.7 Mya), which can be associated with the closure of the Andalucia Pass, south of the Eastern Cordillera. Divergence within H.danieli commenced 1.1 Mya. Within the genus Helicops, two distinct hemipenial morphologies were observed, which are suggested as putative synapomorphies for the two most basal clades. Recognition of these two clades as distinct subgenera, Helicops sensu stricto and Tachynectes Fitzinger, 1843 is proposed. For the junior homonym Tachynectes von der Mark, 1863, rarely applied to fossil fishes, the replacement name Ichthyotachynectes nom. nov. is introduced. Furthermore, the evolution of another four phenotypic traits in Helicops and their phylogenetic utility are discussed.

Ancient hybridization and repetitive element proliferation in the evolutionary history of the monocot genus Amomum (Zingiberaceae).

Genome size variation is a crucial aspect of plant evolution, influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Repetitive elements, which are fundamental components of genomic architecture, often play a role in genome expansion by selectively amplifying specific repeat motifs. This study focuses on Amomum, a genus in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), known for its 4.4-fold variation in genome size. Using a robust methodology involving PhyloNet reconstruction, RepeatExplorer clustering, and repeat similarity-based phylogenetic network construction, we investigated the repeatome composition, analyzed repeat dynamics, and identified potential hybridization events within the genus. Our analysis confirmed the presence of four major infrageneric clades (A-D) within Amomum, with clades A-C exclusively comprising diploid species (2n = 48) and clade D encompassing both diploid and tetraploid species (2n = 48 and 96). We observed an increase in the repeat content within the genus, ranging from 84% to 89%, compared to outgroup species with 75% of the repeatome. The SIRE lineage of the Ty1-Copia repeat superfamily was prevalent in most analyzed ingroup genomes. We identified significant difference in repeatome structure between the basal Amomum clades (A, B, C) and the most diverged clade D. Our investigation revealed evidence of ancient hybridization events within Amomum, coinciding with a substantial proliferation of multiple repeat groups. This finding supports the hypothesis that ancient hybridization is a driving force in the genomic evolution of Amomum. Furthermore, we contextualize our findings within the broader context of genome size variations and repeatome dynamics observed across major monocot lineages. This study enhances our understanding of evolutionary processes within monocots by highlighting the crucial roles of repetitive elements in shaping genome size and suggesting the mechanisms that drive these changes.

On Paleozoic platycerate gastropods

The platycerate gastropods Orthonychia yutaroi Ebbestad, sp. nov. (Ordovician, Boda Limestone, Sweden), O. enorme (Silurian, Sweden, Gotland), O. parva (Pennsylvanian, Finis Shale Member, USA), and Orthonychia sp. (Mississippian, Imo Formation, USA) are studied including their protoconch morphology. Orthonychia yutaroi is the oldest known species in Orthonychia. Platycerates contain species with both, openly and tightly coiled protoconchs. This is the first report that tightly coiled protoconchs occur in Orthonychia. This and previously published observations blur the diagnostic difference between orders Cyrtoneritimorpha (openly coiled protoconch) and Cycloneritimorpha (tightly coiled protoconch). We suggest to treat Cyrtoneritimorpha and Cycloneritimorpha as synonyms of Neritimorpha. The monotypic Devonian genus Pragoserpulina is morphological so close to the Orthonychia species reported herein that synonymy of both genera seems to be possible (and thus of the families Pragoserpulinidae and Orthonychiidae). Protoconch morphology and dimensions suggest that the studied platycerate species had planktotrophic larval development. By contrast, two studied Carboniferous euomphaloid species (one with an openly and the other with tightly coiled protoconch) have paucispiral, large protoconchs indicating non-planktotrophic larval development. We assume that openly and tightly coiled protoconchs were present in various Paleozoic gastropod clades and that selection acted against the openly coiled protoconch morphology. It has previously been proposed that increasing predation pressure in the plankton was the reason for the demise of openly coiled protoconchs (Paleozoic plankton revolution). The presence of larval planktotrophy in platycerates excludes the possibility that they belong to extant basal gastropod clades such as Patellogastropoda, Cocculiniformia, and Vetigastropoda. However, a previously proposed close relationship to Neritimorpha is corroborated.

Molecular studies of Flavopunctelia and Punctelia species and their Trebouxia photobiont from the Himalayas, India

Flavopunctelia and Punctelia species collected from Pir Panjal Ranges of Himachal Pradesh, India were studied by morphological, chemical, and phylogenetic methods. Analyses based on a concatenated ITS and LSU data set, confirmed the position of the three Indian taxa within the Parmotrema-clade in Parmeliaceae. The morphology-based taxonomic study reiterated the presence of cryptic species in Flavopunctelia with highly similar morphological characters in different species. The type species, F. flaventior, formed a well-supported monophyletic clade adjacent to F. soredica. In Punctelia, P. borreri was also established as a unique lineage along with P. perreticulata. RPB1 data were not interpreted due to data deficiency. The ITS sequence data and analyses showed Trebouxia photobionts in all the parmelioid species; that of P. borreri was identified as T. gelatinosa, but the photobionts of F. flaventior formed an exclusive clade of an apparently undescribed species of Trebouxia, and the photobiont of F. soredica formed an unresolved basal clade to the Trebouxia sp. of F. flaventior.

Molecular phylogeny, biogeography, and species delimitation of segmented spider genus Liphistius (Araneae: Liphistiidae) in Thailand

Abstract Mesothelae, or primitively segmented trapdoor spiders, form the most basal clade among living spiders. In Southeast Asia, Liphistius is the only genus recognized in the extant family Liphistiidae. Liphistius taxonomy and species identification are based largely on characters of the genitalia; however, the female genitalia show high intraspecific variation, males are rarely collected, and the phylogenetic relationships among the 69 described Liphistius species are unresolved. Here, we focused on the Liphistius of Thailand, including 37 described and numerous undescribed species in four species groups. We generated sequences from five loci (COI, 16S, H3, 28S, and ITS2) for 162 specimens from 52 sites in Thailand and Myanmar to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships, infer historical biogeography, and delimit species. The five-locus data set resolved nearly all species and species group relationships and was mostly congruent with morphology-based classifications. Ancestral area reconstruction suggested that Liphistius originated in Sibumasu (Siam–Burma–Malaysia–Sumatra) and diversified into several species groups, four (birmanicus, bristowei, linang, and trang) of which are found in Thailand. Speciation within Liphistius occurred in the area corresponding to their current distribution. All delimitation methods tested (ASAP, GMYC, PTP, STACEY and BFD) delimited specimens from discrete locations as separate species; variation in the number of species proposed (ranging from 53 to 72) stemmed from variation in delimitation of sympatric cryptic species.