Combination Of Morphological Characters Research Articles

Description of a new species of the Alpheus edwardsii group (Decapoda: Alpheidae) with a distinctive colour pattern from the Indo-West Pacific.

A new snapping shrimp species of the Alpheus edwardsii (Audouin, 1826) group is described based on two specimens, one male and one female, collected on shallow-water reef flats of the Southern Ari Atoll in the Maldives, with a photographic record from Cebu in the Philippines. Alpheus octocellatus sp. nov. appears to be morphologically closest to A. edwardsii, A. pareuchirus Coutière, 1905, and A. leptochirus Coutière, 1905, but can be distinguished from all of them by a combination of morphological characters, mainly involving the chelipeds, third maxilliped and pleonal sternites. The new species also has a highly diagnostic colour pattern, with four pairs of conspicuous eyespots distributed in a unique and peculiar pattern on the pleon.

A New Species of Pareas Wagler, 1830 (Squamata, Pareidae) from Northwestern Yunnan, China

A new species of Pareas Wagler, 1830 is described from Dulongjiang Township, Gongshan County, Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetically, the new species is most closely related to Pareas kaduri Bhosale, Phansalkar, Sawant, Gowande, Patel and Mirza, 2020; however, the genetic divergence (uncorrected p-distance) of the cyt b gene between the new species and P. kaduri reached 9.4%. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from P. kaduri by the absence of preoculars, loreal bordering the orbit, the fusion of subocular and postocular, three rows enlarged vertebral scales, five rows keeled mid-dorsal scales at the middle of the body, having more subcaudals, and having a relatively longer tail. In addition, the new species can be distinguished from all other congeners by a combination of morphological characteristics. Our work brings the total number of recognized species of the genus Pareas to 29, of which 23 occur in China.

Morphological and molecular identification for two new species of wood-inhabiting macrofungi (Basidiomycota) from Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, China

Two new wood-inhabiting macrofungal species, Coniophora yunnanensis and Resupinatus yunnanensis are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Coniophora yunnanensis is characterized by annual basidiomata with odontoid hymenophore with olivaceous to brown hymenial surfaces, a monomitic hyphal system with simple septate generative hyphae, and yellowish basidiospores. While, R. yunnanensis is characterized by resupinate to cupulate basidiomata with greyish to greyish-brown hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae and ellipsoid basidiospores measuring as 4.5–9 × 3.5–7 µm. The phylogenetic analyses based on molecular data of ITS+nLSU sequences showed that C. yunnanensis and R. yunnanensis nested within Agaricomycetidae, in which C. yunnanensis clustered into the family Coniophoraceae (Boletales), and R. yunnanensis grouped into family Pleurotaceae (Agaricales). The phylogenetic tree derived from ITS sequences revealed that C. yunnanensis grouped into genus Coniophora, in which it grouped with C. marmorata. Additionally, R. yunnanensis clustered into genus Resupinatus and then was sister to R. conspersus.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions to Diatrypaceae from southeastern Tibet in China.

In this study, we investigated the diversity of diatrypaceous fungi from southeastern Tibet in China. The phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on ITS and β-tubulin sequences of 75 taxa of Diatrypaceae from around the world. Based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence, a new genus-Alloeutypa, with three new species-A. milinensis, Diatrype linzhiensis, and Eutypella motuoensis, and a new combination-A. flavovirens, were revealed by the materials in China. Alloeutypa is characterized by stromatal interior olivaceous buff, stromata producing well-developed discrete, and ascospores allantoid, subhyaline. These characteristics separate the new genus from the similar genus Eutypa. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of new taxa are provided. All novelties described herein are morphologically illustrated and phylogeny investigated to better integrate taxa into the higher taxonomic framework and infer their phylogenetic relationships as well as establish new genera and species. Our results indicate that the diatrypaceous fungi harbor higher species diversity in China.

Field studies in small streams of the Atlantic Forest of southern subtropical Brazil reveal two new interstitial microcambevine catfishes of the genus Listrura (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)

ABSTRACT A great diversity of small fish species inhabiting shallow aquatic biotopes of the South American Atlantic Forest have been reported in recent years, but records of interstitial catfishes of the genus Listrura for the southern subtropical Brazilian region are still rare. During field inventories in this region, two new species were collected, which are herein described. The new species are distinguished from congeners by a combination of morphological characters, including caudal peduncle morphology, number of vertebrae, relative position of fins, and bone morphology. The findings here described indicate that the scarcity of records of Listrura for the subtropical Atlantic Forest is probably due to the absence of collecting efforts in specialised biotopes, since species of Listrura are leaf litter dwellers. Both new species are probably more closely related to L. depinnai than to other congeners as all three uniquely possess an expanded skin fold supporting the procurrent caudal-fin rays, making the caudal peduncle deeper than the body region anterior to the dorsal and anal fins. However, only one of the new species shares with L. depinnai the presence of a process on the dorsal surface of the autopalatine articular facet for the mesethmoid, a condition not occurring in any other congener. The two new species are easily distinguished from L. depinnai by the absence of a dorsal fin in the latter species. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F68F2A3E-B5F7-418E-BFA6-EA6752BAB543 http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F703D95A-0F7E-4261-8B97-5EAAAD9BD698

Five new species of Schizoporaceae (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetales) from East Asia.

Five new wood-inhabiting fungi, Lyomycesalbopulverulentus, L.yunnanensis, Xylodondaweishanensis, X.fissuratus, and X.puerensisspp. nov., are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Lyomycesalbopulverulentus is characterized by brittle basidiomata, pruinose hymenophore with a white hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and ellipsoid basidiospores. Lyomycesyunnanensis is characterized by a grandinioid hymenial surface, the presence of capitate cystidia, and ellipsoid basidiospores. Xylodondaweishanensis is characterized by an odontioid hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and broad ellipsoid-to-subglobose basidiospores. Xylodonfissuratus is characterized by a cracking basidiomata with a grandinioid hymenial surface, and ellipsoid basidiospores. Xylodonpuerensis is characterized by a poroid hymenophore with an angular or slightly daedaleoid configuration, and ellipsoid-to-broad-ellipsoid basidiospores. Sequences of ITS and nLSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were generated and phylogenetic analyses were performed with the maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The phylogram based on the ITS+nLSU rDNA gene regions (Fig. 1) included six genera within the families Chaetoporellaceae, Hyphodontiaceae, Hymenochaetaceae, and Schizoporaceae (Hymenochaetales)-Fasciodontia, Hastodontia, Hyphodontia, Kneifiella, Lyomyces, and Xylodon-in which the five new species were grouped into genera Lyomyces and Xylodon. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the ITS sequences highlighted that Lyomycesalbopulverulentus formed a monophyletic lineage and was then grouped closely with L.bambusinus, L.orientalis, and L.sambuci; additionally, L.yunnanensis was sister to L.niveus with strong supports. The topology, based on the ITS sequences, revealed that Xylodondaweishanensis was retrieved as a sister to X.hyphodontinus; X.fissuratus was grouped with the four taxa X.montanus, X.subclavatus, X.wenshanensis, and X.xinpingensis; and X.puerensis was clustered with X.flaviporus, X.ovisporus, X.subflaviporus, X.subtropicus, and X.taiwanianus.

Call repertoire of Ptychadena uzungwensis (Anura: Ptychadenidae) to complement molecular and morphological identification of the species from the Soutpansberg, South Africa.

ABSTRACT The identity of adults and tadpoles of Ptychadena uzungwensis from the Soutpansberg range in northern South Africa was confirmed using a combination of morphological characters and molecular analysis. Detailed vocalisation analysis was made and used to complement existing species identification methods. This study confirms the presence of P. uzungwensis in South Africa. Sound recordings obtained by way of directional manual recordings were used to analyse call structure and call type while Passive Acoustic Monitoring with Song Meter® technology were used to survey circadian call patterns. Following confirmation of species identity, the detailed vocalisation analysis indicated a much more diverse repertoire than previously known. Three call types were observed with Type A consisting of two or three compressed notes; Type B consisting of a multi-note vocalisation, containing multiple pulses and notes produced in rapid succession; and Type C being a multi-note vocalisation consisting of rapidly released, randomly-spaced single notes. Detailed descriptions of call repertoires, including patterns and call types are useful for species identification and for use in comparison studies.

Resurrection of Pareas yunnanensis (Vogt, 1922) with description of a new species of Pareas from Yunnan Province, China (Squamata, Pareidae)

Based on molecular and morphological data of four specimens of Pareas Wagler, 1830 collected from the type locality of P. yunnanensis (Vogt, 1922), along with examination of the type specimens of P. yunnanensis, we revalidate this poorly known, secretive species. Furthermore, based on molecular and morphological lines of evidence we also describe a new species of Pareas from Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Morphologically, the new species closely resembles its sister species P. nigriceps Guo & Deng, 2009. However, the new species is divergent from the latter in cytochrome b mtDNA gene sequences, and can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of morphological characteristics: single preocular, postocular fused with subocular, loreal not bordering orbit, vertebral scales enlarged, 3–5 rows of mid-dorsal scales keeled at the middle of the body, ventral scales 160–171; subcaudals 62–64, dorsal surface of head solid black or reddish-brown, dark nuchal band present, iris brownish-black or reddish-brown.

The molecular phylogeny and morphology revealed a new wood-rotting fungus Vararia yunnanensis (Peniophoraceae, Russulales) in Yunnan Province, China

Vararia yunnanensis sp. nov. is proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Vararia yunnanensis is characterized by the resupinate basidiomata with a cracking hymenial surface, a dimitic hyphal system with generative hyphae bearing simple-septa, and colorless, slightly thick-walled, smooth, amyloid basidiospores measuring 5–12 × 3.5–9 µm. The phylogenetic analyses of ITS+nLSU in Russulales showed that V. yunnanensis nested into the family Peniophoraceae, in which V. yunnanensis grouped within the genus Vararia. Furthermore, the ITS sequence data indicated that the new species is sister to Vararia ellipsospora.

Peronosclerospora neglecta sp. nov.—a widespread and overlooked threat to corn (maize) production in the tropics

Downy mildew is a serious threat to corn (maize) production in the tropics and subtropics. Corn is native to Central America, and was introduced into South-East Asia by the Spanish colonisers in the 1700s. Corn is evolutionarily naïve to downy mildews of the genus Peronosclerospora. Consequently, corn monocultures are particularly susceptible to a variety of Peronosclerospora species, which spread to the crop from local grasses. Globally, corn is one of the most important crops for both humans and livestock. Several downy mildews of corn have been identified as potential threats to global food security, and trade with corn seeds is strictly regulated to avoid spreading the pathogens. Despite their importance, little is known about the biodiversity of graminicolous downy mildews, because their identification has often relied on variable morphological features, such as conidial dimensions. DNA barcodes for most species have become available only recently. During surveys for downy mildews on corn in Indonesia, a previously unrecognised species of Peronosclerospora was found and investigated using a combination of morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The new species, introduced here as Peronosclerospora neglecta, is widely distributed in South-East Asia from Thailand to eastern Indonesia. The impact of this downy mildew can be severe, with complete crop losses in heavily affected fields. Given the aggressiveness of the species, close surveillance is warranted to restrict its further spread.

Sinocyclocheiluslongicornus (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), a new species of microphthalmic hypogean fish from Guizhou, Southwest China.

Sinocyclocheiluslongicornussp. nov. is described from the Pearl River basin in Hongguo Town, Panzhou City, Guizhou Province, Southwest China. Based on the presence of the long horn-like structure on the back of the head, Sinocyclocheiluslongicornussp. nov. is assigned to the Sinocyclocheilusangularis species group. Sinocyclocheiluslongicornussp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of morphological characters: (1) presence of a single, relatively long horn-like structure on the back of the head; (2) pigmentation absent; (3) reduced eyes; (4) dorsal-fin rays, ii, 7; (5) pectoral-fin rays, i, 13; (6) anal-fin rays, iii, 5; (7) pelvic-fin rays, i, 7; (8) lateral line pores 38-49; (9) gill rakers well developed, nine on first gill arch; and (10) tip of adpressed pelvic fin not reaching anus.

Physisporinus yunnanensis sp. nov. (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from Southern China

A wood-inhabiting fungal species, Physisporinus yunnanensis is proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Physisporinus yunnanensis is characterized by annual, resupinate, bone-hard basidiomata with an olivaceous to black pore surface, a monomitic hyphal system, presence of hyphoid cystidia at dissepiment edge and subglobose, smooth basidiospores measuring as 4–5.5 × 3.5–5 µm, and causing a white rot. The phylogenetic analyses based on molecular data of ITS+nLSU sequences showed that P. yunnanensis is sister to P. furcatus with high support (100% BS, 100% BP, 1.00 BPP). Both morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses confirmed the placement of the new species in Physisporinus.

A phylogenetic and taxonomic study on Steccherinum (Polyporales, Basidiomycota): Focusing on three new Steccherinum species from southern China

The wood-inhabiting fungi play an integral role in wood degradation and the cycle of matter in the ecological system. They are considered as the “key player” in wood decomposition, because of their ability to produce all kinds of enzymes that break down woody lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. In the present study, three new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Steccherinum fissurutum, S. punctatum and S. subtropicum spp. nov., collected from southern China, are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Steccherinum fissurutum is characterized by the resupinate, subceraceous basidiomata with cracked hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae and cylindrical basidiospores; S. punctatum is characterized by the annual, punctate basidiomata with leathery hymenophore, cylindrical, strongly encrusted cystidia and ellipsoid basidiospores (3.6–4.5 ×2.6–3.4 µm); S. subtropicum is characterized by its effuse-reflexed basidiomata, a odontioid hymenophore with pink to lilac hymenial surface and ellipsoid basidiospores measuring as (2.8–3.4 × 2.0–2.7 µm). Sequences of ITS and nLSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The ITS+nLSU analysis of the family Steccherinaceae indicated that the three new species clustered into the genus Steccherinum. Based on further analysis of ITS+nLSU dataset, the phylogenetic analysis confirmed that S. subtropicum was sister to S. enuispinum; S. fissurutum formed a monophyletic lineage; S. punctatum grouped with a clade comprised S. straminellum and S. ciliolatum.

A phylogenetic and taxonomic study on Steccherinum (Polyporales, Basidiomycota): Focusing on three new Steccherinum species from southern China.

The wood-inhabiting fungi play an integral role in wood degradation and the cycle of matter in the ecological system. They are considered as the "key player" in wood decomposition, because of their ability to produce all kinds of enzymes that break down woody lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. In the present study, three new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Steccherinum fissurutum, S. punctatum and S. subtropicum spp. nov., collected from southern China, are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Steccherinum fissurutum is characterized by the resupinate, subceraceous basidiomata with cracked hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae and cylindrical basidiospores; S. punctatum is characterized by the annual, punctate basidiomata with leathery hymenophore, cylindrical, strongly encrusted cystidia and ellipsoid basidiospores (3.6-4.5 ×2.6-3.4 µm); S. subtropicum is characterized by its effuse-reflexed basidiomata, a odontioid hymenophore with pink to lilac hymenial surface and ellipsoid basidiospores measuring as (2.8-3.4 × 2.0-2.7 µm). Sequences of ITS and nLSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The ITS+nLSU analysis of the family Steccherinaceae indicated that the three new species clustered into the genus Steccherinum. Based on further analysis of ITS+nLSU dataset, the phylogenetic analysis confirmed that S. subtropicum was sister to S. enuispinum; S. fissurutum formed a monophyletic lineage; S. punctatum grouped with a clade comprised S. straminellum and S. ciliolatum.

Diversity of fungal endophytes associated with the Philippine endemic ginger Vanoverberghia sepulchrei Merr. (Zingiberaceae)

The pantropical Zingiberaceae family is among the most threatened monocotyledonous plants, with numerous species endemic to the Philippines, and thus, is an ideal host to study fungal endophytes. In this study, we determined the occurrence and diversity of fungal endophytes associated with the Philippine endemic ginger Vanoverberghia sepulchrei Merr. All major plant organs, i.e., leaf, pseudostem, rhizome, and root, were surface-sterilized to isolate Vanoverberghia-associated fungal endophytes (VFE). A combination of morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences derived from ITS were used to identify selected isolated fungi. Our results showed the isolation of twenty fungal morphospecies, and these were identified as belonging to the genera Bjerkandera, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Cosmospora, Diaporthe, Fusarium, Leptographium, Mucor, Nigrospora, Perenniporia, Phomopsis, Phyllosticta, Phytophthora, Pseudopithomyces, Rhizopus, and Trichoderma. The results of this study paved the way for the first report of fungal endophytes from the Philippine endemic ginger.

Floral Characterization of Pomegranate Genotypes to Improve Hybridization Efficiency.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has staminate (male), androgynous (hermaphrodite), and intermediate flower types. Floral characterization is difficult for breeding efficiency across many pomegranate genotypes in Pakistan, which is essential for pomegranate cultivar enhancements. The present research focused on the floral characterization and breeding efficiency of fifteen pomegranate genotypes. Flower sex ratio, floral morphological parameters, i.e., flower length, ovary width, flower notch, flower tip and stigma with style length, and fruit set percentage were examined during the experiment. In terms of sex ratio, male flowers were found to be higher among all genotypes. Due to clear differences in flower length, width, and heterostyly facilitating visual identification of the hermaphrodite flowers, genotype Ternab-2, Kandhari White, and Kandhari Red had higher fruit set (≥70%) among all cross combinations attempted. Genotype Sava had higher flower length and heterostyly of hermaphrodite flower type, but ovary width was not very distinct, leading to average crossing success (85-34%). In conclusion, single or combination of morphological characters can be used for accurate identification of hermaphrodite flowers, which can improve hybrid efficiency and fruit set after artificial cross-pollination.

Diatrype genheensis sp. nov. – a new wood-inhabiting species of Diatrypaceae (Xylariales, Ascomycota) from China

A new species of Diatrype (Diatrypaceae, Xylariales), D. genheensis, is proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Diatrype genheensis, from a fallen angiosperm branch in Inner Mongolia, is characterized by having 3–14 perithecia embedded within a stroma, polysporous asci and ascospores that are allantoid, slightly curved, aseptate and subhyaline. The phylogeny of Diatrypaceae was inferred from a combined dataset of ITS and β-tubulin sequences. The phylogenetic tree indicated that D. genheensis belongs to a clade with two other polysporous species, D. betulaceicola and D. larissae. In the phylogenetic trees, D. genheensis was clearly separated from other sampled species of Diatrype.

Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve in the Presence of Annular Calcification

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) has been reported as a possible cause of systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. While morphologic features predisposing to SAM in other clinical settings have been described, patients with MAC+SAM have not been systematically investigated. We hypothesized that bulky calcium deposits in the mitral annulus could displace the valve toward the septum, thus promoting development of SAM. We studied 30 patients with severe MAC who had SAM with septal contact. Three comparator groups (matched for age and sex) were developed: 30 controls without MAC or SAM, 30 with severe MAC but no SAM, and 30 with SAM but no MAC. Significant differences were found across groups for mitral valve coaptation point-septal distance (CSD), anterior mitral leaflet (AML) length, left ventricular diastolic dimension, and ejection fraction. Comparing all MAC subjects (n=60) with controls, CSD was less (20.5±4.1 vs 23.2±3.7mm, P=.003) and ejection fraction was higher (67.7%±7.8% vs 60.9%±6.4%, P<.0001) in MAC patients. Within MAC subjects AML was longer (21.9±3.0 vs 17.4±2.2mm, P<.0001) and CSD was smaller (18.0±2.7 vs 23.1±3.6mm, P<.0001) when SAM was present despite similar height of the calcium bar in the 2 MAC groups (12.4±2.9 vs 11.1±3.1mm, P=.11). Regression analysis confirmed AML length and CSD as independent predictors of SAM. MAC+SAM patients also had more echocardiographic risk factors for SAM (acute aortomitral angle, small LVOT, long AML, small CSD, and presence of a septal bump) than MAC/no-SAM patients (3.4±0.9 vs 1.8±1.0, P<.0001). Bulky MAC appears to contribute to dynamic LVOT obstruction when it accumulates in such a way that the mitral valve is displaced anteriorly toward the septum. However, other features are also associated with SAM in these patients, particularly a long AML. A combination of morphologic features and favorable hemodynamics may be needed for SAM to develop in patients with severe MAC.

Benign fibrous histiocytoma in breast: a case report on uncommon etiology with common presentation

BackgroundBenign fibrous histiocytomas are among the most common soft tissue tumors and are made up of a mixture of fibroblasts, histiocytes, and chronic inflammatory cells. These are commonly found in skin and less commonly in deep soft tissues. There are reports of the presence of a malignant counterpart of fibrous histiocytoma in the breast; however, existence of benign fibrous histiocytoma in breast is a very rare occurrence.Case presentationWe present here a case of benign fibrous histiocytoma at an uncommon location with a common presentation. This is a case of 45-year-old female patient, who complained of a painless focal area of hardness and itching in the left areolar region that developed gradually for 1 year, with recent onset of areolar skin thickening, erythema, and mastalgia on the left side. Physical examination revealed a focal area of nodular thickening in the areolar region on the left side with erythema and skin excoriation. No mass was palpable in either breast or axilla. A subsequent mammogram showed an area of focal thickening in the areolar region. Ultrasound also showed a similar finding of nodular skin thickening. Paget’s disease was suspected based on clinical and imaging findings. The contralateral breast was normal. Afterward, a core needle biopsy was done, but the histopathology report was inconclusive and showed only a spindle cell lesion. In due course, excisional biopsy was performed and on the basis of morphology and immune-histochemical markers, a diagnosis of benign fibrous histiocytoma was made.ConclusionsBenign fibrous histiocytomas are varying soft tissue tumors that show wide variations in anatomic locations, biologic behavior, and pathologic features. Its diagnosis can be very challenging by imaging and even on histopathology. It must be based on the combination of morphological features and immunohistochemistry. Breast is an extremely uncommon location, and its presentation can mimic invasive carcinomas. A number of other benign and malignant skin lesions may be considered as probable differential diagnosis. It is worthwhile to keep these diverse entities in mind as differential diagnosis, with regards to this particular clinical presentation, which can be beneficial in dealing with challenging cases.

Description and Phylogenetic Relationships of Anhingatrema n. gen. (Digenea: Diplostomidae) with Two New Species from New World Anhingas (Aves: Anhingidae).

The Diplostomidae is a globally distributed family of digeneans that parasitize a wide variety of tetrapod definitive hosts. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed unknown diplostomid diversity in avian hosts throughout the New World. Herein, we provide descriptions of a novel genus of diplostomids with two new species. Two species of diplostomids belonging to the new genus were collected from anhinga birds in Mississippi (USA) and Brazil. Partial nuclear 28S ribosomal and mitochondrial cox1 genes were sequenced. Ribosomal data were used for phylogenetic inference. Both species of Anhingatrema n. gen. were positioned in a 100% supported, monophyletic clade in the phylogenetic tree. The molecular phylogenetic position and a combination of morphological features (e.g., presence of pseudosuckers, testes shape and orientation) supported erection of the new genus. Anhingatrema overstreeti n. sp. and Anhingatrema cararai n. sp. are morphologically similar, but differ in size of and ratios associated with pseudosuckers. The two species differ by 2% of 28S sequences and 13.8% of cox1 sequences. Comparison of DNA sequences revealed that Diplostomidae gen. sp. in GenBank (MZ314151) is conspecific with An. overstreeti n. sp. Anhingatrema n. gen. is the sixth genus of diplostomids known from anhingas worldwide. Anhingatrema cararai n. sp. is the first diplostomid to be reported from anhingas in South America. Combined with previous studies, the molecular phylogenies revealed at least two host switches to anhingas from other birds during the evolutionary history of the Diplostomidae.