Taxonomic Confusion Research Articles

A taxonomic monograph of the Eurasian holoparasitic plant genus Lathraea L. (Orobanchaceae)

A taxonomic monograph is presented for Lathraea L. (Orobanchaceae), a genus of holoparasitic plants distributed across Europe and Asia. Plants in this genus are characterised by their underground stems, achlorophyllous scales with internal gland-lined cavities, and, in some species, explosive seed dehiscence. Despite their conspicuousness, no taxonomic treatment of the genus has been written since 1930. Our work draws upon extensive international field data and a comprehensive survey of herbarium specimens. Detailed descriptions are provided for each species, along with full synonymy, distribution maps, and notes on habitat, host specificity, phenology, ecology, ethnobotany and threat risk. We present evidence to consolidate Lathraea into five species, resolving taxonomic confusion. The infrageneric classification is reviewed and a key to species is provided. Species are illustrated with photographs of living and dried material.

Synonymic notes in the Southeast Asian genus Lutera Westwood, 1875 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae)

To resolve the taxonomic confusion surrounding two Asian Rutelinae species, Lutera nigromaculata Ohaus, 1900 and L. nigrita Ohaus, 1930, all primary types of relevant taxa have been revisited. A redescription of L. nigromaculata is given, and diagnosis and color illustrations are provided for both L. nigromaculata and L. nigrita. Parastasia ohausi Chûjô, 1966 (new synonym), an unnecessary replacement name for and junior objective synonym of L. nigromaculata, was found in a neglected publication by the late Michio Chûjô. A lectotype is designated for L. nigromaculata guttata (Frey, 1970) (new synonym) which is recognized as another junior synonym of L. nigromaculata. All known distribution records of the two species are mapped, and L. nigromaculata is newly recorded from India and Vietnam. The exact location of “Lakhon” in Indo-China, which is currently Nakhon Phanom of Thailand, is also discussed.

Discovery of a new gall-inducing species, Aciurinaluminaria (Insecta, Diptera, Tephritidae) via multi-trait integrative taxonomy.

Integrative taxonomic practices that combine multiple lines of evidence for species delimitation greatly improve our understanding of intra- and inter-species variation and biodiversity. However, extended phenotypes remain underutilized despite their potential as a species-specific set of extracorporeal morphological and life history traits. Primarily relying on variations in wing patterns has caused taxonomic confusion in the genus Aciurina, which are gall-inducing flies on Asteraceae plants in western North America. However, species display distinct gall morphologies that can be crucial for species identification. Here we investigate a unique gall morphotype in New Mexico and Colorado that was previously described as a variant of that induced by Aciurinabigeloviae (Cockerell, 1890). Our analysis has discovered several consistent features that distinguish it from galls of A.bigeloviae. A comprehensive description of Aciurinaluminaria Baine, sp. nov. and its gall is provided through integrative taxonomic study of gall morphology, host plant ecology, wing morphometrics, and reduced-representation genome sequencing.

A comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the genus Sylvirana (Anura: Ranidae) highlights unrecognized diversity, revised classification and historical biogeography

The genus Sylvirana includes 12 species widely distributed in South China and Southeast Asia. The phylogenetic relationships and species diversity for Sylvirana and allied genera remain unresolved and controversial due to insufficient data and incomplete taxon sampling. Using a combined dataset of mitochondrial genes (16S and COI) and 101 nuclear genes obtained through the amplicon sequence capture approach, we generated the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis for the genus Sylvirana to date, inferring diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and historical biogeography with unprecedented levels of taxon and geographic sampling. Our results conservatively reveal six undescribed species, mostly distributed in peninsular Indochina. Phylogenetic analyses strongly support the non-monophyly of Sylvirana with respect to Pterorana. Additionally, phylogenetic results place Sylvirana guentheri and Pelophylax lateralis into genus Humerana, supporting the inclusion of Hylarana latouchii, Papurana milleti, and Hylarana attigua within Pterorana + Sylvirana. The long-disputed species of Hylarana bannanica (previously Sylvirana) cluster with genus Papurana. Because the results of multiple non-monophyletic genera create taxonomic confusion, we suggest relegating all genera to subgenus rank of Hylarana. Sylvirana is a junior synonym of the Pterorana. Biogeographically, we trace the origin of Pterorana to Southeast Asia during the early Miocene, with subsequent dispersal thereafter. Our study shows that climatic changes may have profoundly influenced the diversification of Pterorana during the Miocene.

On the Trail of Morphological Traits: Morphometry Helps to Clarify Morphological Variation in Section Viperella (Sisyrinchium).

Sisyrinchium, a large genus of the Iridaceae family, is divided into ten sections and defined by genetic, morphological and phylogenetic traits. The section Viperella, though monophyletic, encounters taxonomic hurdles, particularly within the Sisyrinchium palmifolium L. and Sisyrinchium vaginatum Spreng complexes, resulting in numerous misidentifications. The taxonomic confusion in the group may stem from various factors, emphasizing extensive morphological variations, leading to overlapping characteristics. We used morphometric approaches to better characterize the species belonging to two complexes, assess their variation and identify diagnostic traits for taxonomy enhancement. We assessed 16 quantitative traits for the S. palmifolium complex and 15 for the S. vaginatum complex, totaling 652 specimens recorded across 15 herbaria covering the entire species' distribution area. In the S. vaginatum complex, 66.5% of the variations were accounted for in the first two axes, while in the S. palmifolium complex, the first two axes explained 55.3%. Our findings revealed that both complexes exhibited many morphological variations, leading to a characteristic overlap. These characteristics may have arisen due to recent diversifications of the group and niche overlaps. Additionally, we identified some morphological characteristics that are useful for distinguishing species. Finally, we compiled a section gathering all useful characteristics for species delimitation within the group, aiming to facilitate non-experts in deciphering this species complex.

Lineage diversification and rampant hybridization among subspecies explain taxonomic confusion in the endemic Hawaiian fern Polypodium pellucidum.

Polypodium pellucidum, a fern endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, encompasses five ecologically and morphologically variable subspecies, suggesting a complex history involving both rapid divergence and rampant hybridization. We employed a large target-capture data set to investigate the evolution of genetic, morphological, and ecological variation in P. pellucidum. With a broad sampling across five Hawaiian Islands, we deciphered the evolutionary history of P. pellucidum, identified nonhybrid lineages and intraspecific hybrids, and inferred the relative influence of geography and ecology on their distributions. Polypodium pellucidum is monophyletic, dispersing to the Hawaiian archipelago 11.53-7.77 Ma and diversifying into extant clades between 5.66 and 4.73 Ma. We identified four nonhybrid clades with unique morphologies, ecological niches, and distributions. Additionally, we elucidated several intraspecific hybrid combinations and evidence for undiscovered or extinct "ghost" lineages contributing to extant hybrid populations. We provide a foundation for revising the taxonomy of P. pellucidum to account for cryptic lineages and intraspecific hybrids. Geologic succession of the Hawaiian Islands through cycles of volcanism, vegetative succession, and erosion has determined the available habitats and distribution of ecologically specific, divergent clades within P. pellucidum. Intraspecific hybrids have likely arisen due to ecological and or geological transitions, often persisting after the local extinction of their progenitors. This research contributes to our understanding of the evolution of Hawai'i's diverse fern flora and illuminated cryptic taxa to allow better-informed conservation efforts.

A review of the Mesozoic–Cenozoic acritarch genus Cyclopsiella Drugg & Loeblich Jr. 1967 emend. nov.

The acritarch genus Cyclopsiella is extant and ranges back to the Middle Jurassic. This genus cannot be assigned to any of the established acritarch subgroups and has a relatively simple morphology; species are often referred to using open nomenclature. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Cyclopsiella and its different morphotypes and species, outlining their characteristics and similarities. Through an extensive literature review, this study identifies previous sources of taxonomic confusion, reevaluates the characteristics and stratigraphical utility of this genus, and discusses the significance of the constituent species for Mesozoic and Cenozoic biostratigraphy. A series of synonymies and emendations are proposed, and 10 species of Cyclopsiella are maintained. One new species, Cyclopsiella reticulata sp. nov., is described. This robust morphological investigation strengthens the biostratigraphical and palaeoecological potential of Cyclopsiella.

Phytobacter spp: the emergence of a new genus of healthcare-associated Enterobacterales encoding carbapenemases in Argentina: a case series

Members of the genus Phytobacter (order Enterobacterales) are isolated from the natural environment and clinical settings. Identification of Phytobacter strains based on biochemical characteristics is complicated due to taxonomic confusion, and they are often misidentified by automated identification systems in laboratories. In this study we describe the first three clinical cases associated with Phytobacter spp. reported in Argentina. We describe the identification, the molecular analysis using whole genome sequencing and the potential clinical relevance.

Species of <I>Ophioglossum</I> in India: their Taxonomy and Phylogeny

The paper gives an account of the taxonomy of the genus Ophioglossum of which ten species are found in India. In doing so morphology of the leaf, stipules, spore and epidermal characters are taken into account and a key based on all characters is given to identify species. They are also summarised in a table. The question of confused taxonomy of species like O. reticulatum, O. vulgatum and O. aitchisoni has been specifically discussed and the probable phylogeny of Indian species is schematically represented. The characters of stipules which were overlooked so far are given in detail.

A knot of hybrids: Differentiating Asian knotweeds in North‐Eastern France using genetic, cytological, and morphological data

AbstractThe two invasive Reynoutria species, Reynoutria japonica var. japonica and Reynoutria sachalinensis, and their hybrid Reynoutria x bohemica are often misidentified by managers and nonspecialists. The taxonomic confusions are all the more exacerbated by the infraspecific variability of introduced populations in terms of morphology, genetic diversity, and ploidy level. We resolved the identity of North‐Eastern French invasive populations using 4582 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from a RADseq analysis, DNA contents estimated by flow cytometry, and 12 vegetative morphometric variables. The SNPs supported only one single genotype for R. japonica over 11 localities, while the nine localities of Reynoutria x bohemica were represented by one genotype each. Estimation of genome size using DAPI staining and flow cytometry revealed only octoploid cytotypes for R. japonica and hexaploid cytotypes for R. x bohemica, whereas R. sachalinensis was represented by tetraploid and hexaploid cytotypes. Among morphometric variables, no single one allows for a clear differentiation of the three taxa. We propose a combination of characters to easily and quickly identify these three invasive taxa based on six vegetative criteria including leaf and apex length, as well as leaf shape, leaf base, and apex shape, and the extrafloral nectaries on the node.

A review of the earthworm Amynthasmasatakae (Beddard, 1892) (Clitellata, Megascolecidae), with designation of two new synonyms.

Correct and timely identification of an invasive species during quarantine or at an early stage of invasion before establishment or spread is critical for preventing biological invasions. However, taxonomic confusion of potential invasive earthworm species caused by incorrect taxonomic treatment or reckless taxonomic work has made it difficult to properly recognize potential invasion threats. Through analyzing publicly available DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, we confirmed the validity of the specific status of Amynthasmasatakae (Beddard, 1892), a peregrine earthworm species in East Asia with the potential to spread to other regions of the world, and designated two new synonyms of A.masatakae: Amynthastralfamadore Blakemore, 2012 syn. nov. and Amynthasscaberulus Sun and Jiang, 2021 syn. nov. Additionally, the name A.triastriatususualis Dong, Jiang, Yuan, Zhao and Qiu, 2020 is nomenclaturally unavailable since it was published in an electronic journal without ZooBank registration and an explicit statement establishing a new nominal taxon. Specimens described under this unavailable name actually belong to A.masatakae. Inadequate literature review and erroneous species identities associated with sequences in GenBank have caused even more problems in the already confusing earthworm taxonomy.

The Taxonomic Circumscription and Nomenclatural History of Pilosella suecica (Asteraceae): A Special Case of Grey Literature in Taxonomic Botany.

The taxonomic history, nomenclature and application of the oldest species names available for the common hybrids between Pilosella caespitosa and P. lactucella are reviewed. Elias Fries created a nomenclatural and bibliographical collision when he replaced a printed label of his exsiccata Herbarium normale with its second version, distributed at a later date, in which the protologue of Hieracium suecicum had appeared. In this protologue, the new species name was validly published with a mere reference to the original description of H. auricula var. majus, thus being based on the type of the latter. In a later fascicle of the same exsiccata, Fries excluded this synonym and distributed a different morphotype of H. suecicum, which caused taxonomic confusion and re-description of the same taxon under the name H. fennicum. The surviving original material of H. auricula var. majus is rejected, and its neotype is designated, making H. suecicum the correct name for the hybrids strictly intermediate between P. lactucella and P. caespitosa. Such hybrids constitute the most common hybridogenous taxon of Pilosella in Scandinavia, Finland and neighbouring Russia, with many synonyms described from this area and partly typified here. Another hybridogenous taxon of the same origin, more similar to P. lactucella and previously known as P. cochlearis, is correctly named P. stipitiflora comb. nov. The nomenclatural value and bibliographic complexity of exsiccata, a commonly underestimated kind of grey literature in taxonomic botany, are further highlighted.

Undescribed diversity in Iberian Mutillidae (Hymenoptera): a new species of Smicromyrme Thomson, 1870 from Portugal

Mutillid wasps (Mutillidae) are relatively inconspicuous ectoparasitoid Hymenoptera, distributed worldwide, with ca. 150 species known from Europe. Compared to other areas in the continent (e.g. Italy, former USSR), and despite important effort made during the 20th century by Spanish entomologists, the biodiverse Iberian Peninsula remains relatively unexplored, with important knowledge gaps; this is particularly true and acute for Portugal, where prospection effort has been historically residual regarding the mutillid wasp fauna. The present situation at the regional level results from additional factors, including difficulties with diagnosing specimens, in turn also a consequence of insufficient original descriptions and from synonymies incorrectly established, creating taxonomic confusion. The synonymization of Mutilla pusilla Klug in Waltl, 1835 with various unrelated species by Ernest André was a particularly problematic case, causing several taxa to have remained undescribed for more than one century, confused under an incorrectly broadened definition. In consequence, the potential discovery of new taxa in the region is not unlikely and is maybe even expectable. Smicromyrme suarezi Matias, sp. nov. is described from females from Portugal and illustrated. The new species most closely resembles S. partitus Klug in Waltl, 1835 and S. sulcisius Invrea, 1955, both here also briefly treated and illustrated. Fourteen species of the genus Smicromyrme Thomson, 1870 are now known from the Iberian Peninsula; a key to their eight females is provided.

A study on the distribution, origin, and taxonomy of Populus pseudoglauca and Populus wuana

AbstractTaxonomy of Populus is a challenging task, especially in regions with complex topography, such as the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau because of the effect of hybridization, incomplete lineage sorting, phenotypic plasticity, and convergence. In the Flora of China, Populus pseudoglanca and Populus wuana are classified into sect. Leucoides and sect. Tacamahaca, respectively, but their taxonomy remains unclear. By conducting a systematic investigation for all taxa of Populus on the plateau, we found 31 taxa from the two sections. Through identification based on morphology and habitats, we confirmed that the “P. pseudoglanca” recorded in the Flora of Sichuan is not true P. pseudoglanca, while P. pseudoglanca and P. wuana recorded in the Flora of China may refer to the same species. By performing whole‐genome re‐sequencing of 150 individuals from the 31 taxa, we derived 2.28 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Further genetic and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the genetic structure of P. wuana is extremely consistent with P. pseudoglanca, and they all originate through the natural hybridization between Populus ciliata in sect. Leucoides and Populus curviserrata in sect. Tacamahaca. Our results suggested that P. wuana should be merged with P. pseudoglanca taxonomically. This study not only clarifies the taxonomic confusions related to P. pseudoglanca and P. wuana but also provides a new framework based on the integration of morphology, distribution, habitat, and genome to solve complex taxonomic problems.

Phylogenetic Relationship of Diadema: Emphasis on The Two Distinct Clades of D. Setosum With The Inclusion of Long Spine Black Sea Urchin From Malaysian Borneo

Diadema urchins (family Diadematidae) are ecologically important bioindicators of coral reef ecosystems and seagrass beds. Diadema urchins which are widely distributed and broadcast spawners, have been frequently utilized as model invertebrate species for zoogeography research of the Indo-West Pacific region. So far, Malaysian Borneo, located at the geographic center of Maritime Southeast Asia, has been under-sampled. This study aims to fill this sampling gap and provide the first record of Diadema setosum from Malaysian Borneo using genetic diagnostics to conclusively establish the clade-level identity of the species. According to Cytochrome Oxidase I gene analysis, Diadema is monophyletic. Seven species of Diadema namely Diadema palmeri, Diadema clarki, Diadema mexicanum, Diadema antillarum, Diadema paucispinum, Diadema africanum, and Diadema savignyi, formed their subclades with strong bootstrap values, demonstrating interspecific variation. The findings of this study provide further evidence for the presence of two distinct monophyletic clades, with all D. setosum individuals forming a monophyletic clade that later split into two distinct subclades, dividing Red Sea population (D. setosum-b) and Indo-West Pacific populations (D. setosum-a), supported by a significant genetic divergence value ranging from 6.3% to 9.1%. This study also revealed notable levels of nucleotide and population subdivision between the D. setosum from the Indo-West Pacific and the Red Sea populations (Nst = 0.891; Fst = 0.886) with a low number of migrants per generation (Nm = 0.065). This may suggest geographic isolation due to ecological factors preventing each other from surviving in the territory of the other, or that the two clades of D. setosum were a separate species. Additional morphological and molecular analysis is required in the future to ascertain the level of divergence and further resolve the taxonomic confusion within the genus Diadema.

An updated checklist of bony fishes from the Persian Gulf

This study provides an updated and comprehensive checklist of bony fishes occurring in the Persian Gulf based on a recent survey of the region. This study was conducted from 1995 to 2020 by research trawl survey for identification and biomass estimation of the demersal species each year from autumn to late winter, covering all waters of Iran in the Persian Gulf. In addition to the research cruises, routine field visits were conducted at major fishing ports to identify pelagic species captured through gillnet and trap fisheries. Among the over 700 species reported in previous studies conducted in the Persian Gulf, the occurrence of 486 species has been confirmed. Several species were omitted from the revised checklist due to insufficient evidence supporting their occurrence in the region or due to taxonomic confusion. Throughout the study, 486 species of bony fishes, representing 101 families, were identified, and a critical review of relevant literature was conducted. This checklist serves as a reliable reference to address existing contradictions in the scientific literature on bony fishes of the Persian Gulf and establishes a foundation for future stock assessment studies in the region.

200 years of taxonomic confusion: Sporendonema and allies

The genus Sporendonema (Gymnoascaceae, Onygenales) was introduced in 1827 with the type species S. casei for a red mould on cheese. Cheese is a consistent niche for this species. Sphaerosporium equinum is another species classified in Gymnoascaceae and has also been reported from cheese. Recently, other habitats have been reported for both Sporendonema casei and Sphaerosporium equinum. The present study aimed to investigate the taxonomy of Sporendonema and Sphaerosporium, as well as a close neighbour, Arachniotus. Two strains of Hormiscium aurantiacum, another related cheese-associated species were also included in the analyses. Strains were evaluated in terms of macro- and micromorphology, physiology including salt tolerance, growth rate at different temperatures, casein degradation, cellulase activity, lipolytic activity, and multi-locus phylogeny with sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region, the D1-D2 region of the large subunit and partial β-tubulin locus sequences. The results showed that the analysed species were congeneric, and the generic names Arachniotus and Sphaerosporium should be reduced to the synonymy of Sporendonema. Therefore, four new combinations as well as one lectotype and one epitype were designated in Sporendonema. Two strains attributed to Sphaerosporium equinum from substrates other than cheese were found to be phylogenetically and morphologically deviant and were introduced as a new species named Sporendonema isthmoides.

Systematic revision of the Calotes jerdoni complex (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) in the Pan-Himalaya

Abstract Owing to the harsh terrain, few biodiversity surveys have been carried out in the Pan-Himalaya Region. Among the understudied taxa from this region, Jerdon’s forest lizard, Calotes jerdoni, is believed to have a wide distribution, from northeast India to southwestern China. However, given the heterogeneous environment across its range and the lack of studies on this species, its taxonomy remains questionable. Using integrative taxonomic methods, we combined both morphological and genetic data from the type and topotypic specimens and examined the current taxonomic hypothesis of C. jerdoni across its range. Molecular data reveal that C. jerdoni as currently recognized, contains three deeply diverged lineages: one from the type locality in Northeast India, one from Western Myanmar, and another one from Southwestern China. The uncorrected genetic distances of mitochondrial coding gene ND2 among these three clades ranged over 10%. The Chinese population is sister to C. medogensis and paraphyletic to the remaining two clades of C. jerdoni. Morphological analyses confirm the results of the molecular analyses, where the Myanmar and Chinese populations can be diagnosed statistically in both univariate and multivariate space from the true C. jerdoni, as well as by a suite of reliable categorical morphological characters, including the size and shape of gular scales and ventral scales. To resolve the current taxonomic confusion, we resurrect the junior synonym, C. yunnanensis, for the Chinese population and expand its distribution to Myanmar, redescribe the elusive C. maria and C. medogensis based on its type material, and describe the remaining western Myanmar population as a new species. We further discuss the possibility of additional cryptic species within the complex in the Pan-Himalaya Region and provide a diagnostic key to all recognized members of the C. jerdoni complex.

How long have we been mistaken? Multi-tools shedding light into the systematics of the widespread deep-water genus Madrepora Linnaeus, 1758 (Scleractinia)

Deep-water coral reefs are found worldwide and harbor biodiversity levels that are comparable to their shallow-water counterparts. However, the genetic diversity and population structure of deep-water species remain poorly explored, and historical taxonomical issues still need to be resolved. Here we used microsatellite markers as well as ultraconserved elements (UCE) and exons to shed light on the population structure, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic position of the genus Madrepora, which contains M. oculata, one of the most widespread scleractinian species. Population structure of 107 samples from three Southwestern Atlantic sedimentary basins revealed the occurrence of a cryptic species, herein named M. piresae sp. nov. (authored by Kitahara, Capel and Zilberberg), which can be found in sympatry with M. oculata. Phylogeny reconstructions based on 134 UCEs and exon regions corroborated the population genetic data, with the recovery of two well-supported groups, and reinforced the polyphyly of the family Oculinidae. In order to better accommodate the genus Madrepora, while reducing taxonomical confusion associated with the name Madreporidae, we propose the monogeneric family Bathyporidae fam. nov. (authored by Kitahara, Capel, Zilberberg and Cairns). Our findings advance the knowledge on the widespread deep-water genus Madrepora, resolve a long-standing question regarding the phylogenetic position of the genus, and highlight the need of a worldwide review of the genus.

Redescription of the earthworm Moniligaster gravelyi Stephenson, 1915 (Clitellata, Moniligastridae) based on recent collections from Kerala state, India.

Earthworms of the genus Moniligaster Perrier, 1872 can be distinguished from other genera of the family Moniligastridae by the presence of spermathecal atrial glands. Moniligaster gravelyi Stephenson, 1915 has so far been known only from a single specimen, and it is the only species with supposed single spermathecal atrial gland in the genus. Hence, this species has been a subject to some taxonomic confusion. Here, M. gravelyi is redescribed from new material collected and illustrated for the first time. The current study expanded its description and provided a more comprehensive taxonomic characterization of the species. Comparison of the species with closely related species are also made. Apart from this detailed information on its habitat and geographical range is also provided.