Taxonomic Confusion Research Articles

Elucidating the nomenclature and taxonomy of Phalaena euphemia Stoll, 1781, the type species of the genus Heraclia Hbner, [1820] (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Agaristinae).

The genus Heraclia (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Agaristinae) and the species involved in the confused nomenclature and taxonomy of the type species, Phalaena euphemia Stoll, 1781 are investigated. The rediscovery of the type specimen of Noctua geryon Fabricius, 1781, a taxon that had previously been treated as the senior synonym of euphemia, justified the revival of the latter from synonymy with the former. The type material of euphemia could not be traced and a neotype is designated to fix the published name to a physical specimen. In addition to detailed diagnoses and re-descriptions, the revised taxonomy of Heraclia euphemia and Heraclia geryon is provided and the following new synonymies are proposed: Eusemia pallida Walker, 1854 and Eusemia niveosparsa Westwood, 1881 are synonymised with H. geryon and Eusemia nugatrix Westwood, 1881 is synonymised with H. euphemia. Distributional data for each of the species are presented.

Taxonomy notes and new occurrence data of four species of atyid shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) in Vietnam, all described from China.

BackgroundFreshwater shrimp of the family Atyidae De Haan, 1849 have been studied in Vietnam for more than a century. A total of 24 species of atyid shrimps from the genera Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837, Neocaridina Kubo, 1938, Atyopsis Chace, 1983 have been recorded from Vietnam. With 22 species, the majority are from the genus Caridina. In 2013, Karge and Klotz mentioned the occurrence of four yet undescribed species belonging to Paracaridina Liang, Guo & Tang, 1999 in Vietnam without taxonomic details.In general, studies of freshwater atyids in Vietnam are limited and most Vietnamese taxa await a taxonomic revision. The available data do not fully reflect their estimated species diversity in the country and distribution data are deficient. Here, we focus on four species of atyid shrimps from two genera, viz. Caridinacantonensis Yu, 1938, C.lanceifrons Yu, 1936, C.serrata Stimpson, 1860 and Neocaridinapalmata (Shen, 1948), all described from China and have been reported to occur in Vietnam. The previous reports on the occurrence of these species in Vietnam are largely unreliable due to taxonomic confusion. To contribute to the knowledge of these taxa, we provide the first verified distribution records of the four species in the country with some taxonomic remarks.New informationThis study shows the first taxonomically-verified distribution data of four atyid shrimp species originally described from China, but also reported from Vietnam, albeit under various species names and, in some cases, erroneously. These data allow the first meaningful discussion of the distribution in light of the reproductive strategy of these four species and, in conjunction with the taxonomic remarks, will contribute to the knowledge of these taxa. As a result of this research and data from previous studies, we now consider all four species as widespread and non-endemic, but land-locked (with a complete freshwater life cycle). In Vietnam, all four species are confined to the northern half of the country. Beyond Vietnam, we provide the first records for Caridinalanceifrons from southern Thailand, which suggests a major sampling gap in Indochina.

A taxonomic review of the family Trachipteridae (Acanthomorpha: Lampridiformes), with an emphasis on taxa distributed in the western Pacific Ocean.

The family Trachipteridaethe Ribbonfishes, Dealfishes, and their relativeshas a circumglobal distribution, with at least 10 species in three genera (Zu Walters Fitch 1960, Desmodema Walters Fitch 1960, and Trachipterus Goan 1770) that are characterized by elongate, extremely laterally compressed bodies, large eyes, absence of ribs, spines on lateral-line scales, greatly protrusible mouths, and a lack of pelvic fins in adults. They are also known for the drastic morphological changes that occur during ontogeny. Trachipterids are poorly represented in collections due to the fragile nature of their bodies. Most studies of the Trachipteridae have been limited by the numbers, developmental stages, and the completeness of the specimens that were examined. Along with the lack of available material, incomplete and conflicting character information compounds the taxonomic confusion of Trachipteridae. Despite the body of regional revisions that have examined trachipterid taxonomy, none have synthesized a suite of morphological characters across ontogeny. The goals of this paper are to (1) revise the family Trachipteridae, (2) revise the genera Trachipterus, Zu, and Desmodema, including information regarding ontogeny and biogeography, and 3) address the alpha taxonomy of Zu, Desmodema, and Trachipterus from the western Pacific Ocean. We recognize possibly five species of Trachipterus as being present in the western Pacific, as well as two species of both Zu and Desmodema. Despite additions to the specimen base that allows refinement of taxonomy and diagnoses, there are still large knowledge gaps associated with the taxonomic review of Trachipteridae. These reflect incomplete understanding of geographic distribution of taxa which may mask unrecognized taxonomic variability. The genus Trachipterus specifically remains problematic and will require greater detailed global study. Early life history stages remain unknown for several taxa which hinders full interpretation of ontogenetic transitions. Protracted transitions, some of which are clarified here, further confuse stage-based diagnoses and must be considered in future analyses of this family.

A karyotype study in two fish species belonging to Genus Neolissochilus found in Meghalaya, India

The karyomorphological study of two species of Mahseer belonging to the genus Neolissochilus, namely Neolissochilus hexagonolepis and N. hexastichus were carried out. The study revealed the basic chromosome number in both the Masheer species was observed to be 100. However, the karyotype formula number varied among the species. N. hexagonolepis had a diploid chromosome number of 42 metacentric (m), 20 submetacentric (sm), 8 subtelocentric (st) and 30 telocentric (t) and N. hexastichus had a karyotypic formula of 32 metacentric (m), 22 submetacentric (sm), 4 subtelocentric (st) and 42 telocentric (t). This finding removed taxonomic confusion due to the differences in the chromosome number, the morphology of the chromosomes and chromosome formula between the two fish species of the genus and helped in distinctive and unblemished identification of the two species belonging to the genus Neolissochilus from Meghalaya, though they have a morphological similarity.

Final Destination? Pinpointing Hyella disjuncta sp. nov. PCC 6712 (Cyanobacteria) Based on Taxonomic Aspects, Multicellularity, Nitrogen Fixation and Biosynthetic Gene Clusters.

Unicellular cyanobacteria inhabit a wide range of ecosytems and can be found throughout the phylum offering space for taxonomic confusion. One example is strain PCC 6712 that was described as Chlorogloea sp. (Nostocales) and later assigned to the genus Chroococcidiopsis (Chroococcidiopsidales). We now show that this strain belongs to the order Pleurocapsales and term it Hyella disjuncta based on morphology, genome analyses and 16S-23S ITS rRNA phylogeny. Genomic analysis indicated that H. disjuncta PCC 6712 shared about 44.7% orthologue genes with its closest relative H. patelloides. Furthermore, 12 cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) with potential bioactivity, such as a mycosporine-like amino acid BGC, were detected. Interestingly, the full set of nitrogen fixation genes was found in H. disjuncta PCC 6712 despite its inability to grow on nitrogen-free medium. A comparison of genes responsible for multicellularity was performed, indicating that most of these genes were present and related to those found in other cyanobacterial orders. This is in contrast to the formation of pseudofilaments—a main feature of the genus Hyella—which is weakly expressed in H. disjuncta PCC 6712 but prominent in Hyella patelloides LEGE 07179. Thus, our study pinpoints crucial but hidden aspects of polyphasic cyanobacterial taxonomy.

Taxonomic revision of the genus Phyllothelys Wood-Mason (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae) from China

Summary The genus Phyllothelys Wood-Mason (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae: Phyllothelyinae) includes 18 species in the world, among which 12 species were recorded in China. However, most Phyllothelys species have been described only for a single sex, and previous taxonomic characters are mainly based on the vertex prolongation of head, which leads to taxonomic confusion within the genus. Here, after raising and observing large amounts of males and females Phyllothelys, collected in the same localities, we find that several species which were described based on a single male or female are conspecific, and that there are significant differences between the males and females for some species. Then, we propose other stable taxonomic characters within species and provide for the first time a systematic review of the Phyllothelys species in China. We propose that Phyllothelys Wood-Mason should be divided into four species groups. Seven new species, P. cancongi n. sp., P. tianfuense n. sp., P. tengchongense n. sp., P. xiezhi n. sp., P. jiazhii n. sp., P. dulongense n. sp. and P. chuangtsei n. sp., are described. Phyllothelys hepaticum (Zhang) and P. wuyiense (Yang & Wang) are proposed as synonyms of P. werneri Karny. Phyllothelys robustum (Niu & Liu) is transferred to P. sinense robustum (Niu & Liu) n. stat. Life history, necessary illustrations and ecological images of Phyllothelys species from China are presented. The distribution of the genus Phyllothelys species is discussed and mapped.

An updated checklist of the mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) present in Algeria, with assessments of doubtful records and problematic species.

An updated checklist of the mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Algeria based on records published from 1903 to 2021 is presented. Fifty-three species belonging to seven genera are known with reasonable confidence to occur in the country, including Aedes (15 species), Anopheles (15), Coquillettidia (2), Culex (14), Culiseta (5), Orthopodomyia (1) and Uranotaenia (1). Two additional species, Culex simpsoni Theobald, 1905 and Uranotaenia balfouri Theobald, 1904, are provisionally regarded as present in Algeria. Published records are listed for each species, with indication of synonymous usage and variant spelling of names where applicable. The type locality of Aedes biskraensis Brunhes, 1999 is restricted to Seriana in Sidi Okba District in Biskra Province. Problematic species and doubtful occurrence records based on apparently misidentified specimens and confused taxonomy are discussed. Notes on taxonomy and medical importance are provided for the more important species.

Whole genome sequencing reveals the genomic diversity, taxonomic classification, and evolutionary relationships of the genus Nocardia

Nocardia is a complex and diverse genus of aerobic actinomycetes that cause complex clinical presentations, which are difficult to diagnose due to being misunderstood. To date, the genetic diversity, evolution, and taxonomic structure of the genus Nocardia are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the pan-genome of 86 Nocardia type strains to clarify their genetic diversity. Our study revealed an open pan-genome for Nocardia containing 265,836 gene families, with about 99.7% of the pan-genome being variable. Horizontal gene transfer appears to have been an important evolutionary driver of genetic diversity shaping the Nocardia genome and may have caused historical taxonomic confusion from other taxa (primarily Rhodococcus, Skermania, Aldersonia, and Mycobacterium). Based on single-copy gene families, we established a high-accuracy phylogenomic approach for Nocardia using 229 genome sequences. Furthermore, we found 28 potentially new species and reclassified 16 strains. Finally, by comparing the topology between a phylogenomic tree and 384 phylogenetic trees (from 384 single-copy genes from the core genome), we identified a novel locus for inferring the phylogeny of this genus. The dapb1 gene, which encodes dipeptidyl aminopeptidase BI, was far superior to commonly used markers for Nocardia and yielded a topology almost identical to that of genome-based phylogeny. In conclusion, the present study provides insights into the genetic diversity, contributes a robust framework for the taxonomic classification, and elucidates the evolutionary relationships of Nocardia. This framework should facilitate the development of rapid tests for the species identification of highly variable species and has given new insight into the behavior of this genus.

Redescription of Cirrhilabrus solorensis Bleeker, with Description of Two New Species of Fairy Wrasses (Teleostei: Labridae: Cirrhilabrus)

The labrid fish Cirrhilabrus solorensis was first described in 1853 by Bleeker, based on specimens collected from the Indonesian island of Solor, off the eastern tip of Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Although sufficient at the time, Bleeker's description of the species was brief, resulting in subsequent taxonomic confusion concerning the true identity of this taxon. Presently, the name has been applied to several fishes with notable differences in coloration, particularly in the terminal males. On the basis of additional non-type material and photographic examination of Bleeker's holotype, we redescribe Cirrhilabrus solorensis and resolve the long-standing contention regarding its taxonomic identity. In doing so, we describe two species as new, Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, on the basis of the holotype and eight paratypes from Sulawesi and the surrounding islands of Banggai and Wakatobi, Indonesia, and Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species, described on the basis of the holotype and nine paratypes from Bali, Indonesia. These three species are closely related and, together with C. aurantidorsalis, C. cyanopleura, C. luteovittatus, C. randalli, and C. ryukyuensis, form a complex of species that differ from congeners in having the following combination of characters: caudal fin in males weakly rhomboidal; median fins hyaline with sinuous filigree in both sexes; body with scales edged in inky blue to indigo, their margins often patterned in an argyle motif; and osseus elements that preserve blue to blue-green in alcohol. We briefly discuss the phylogenetic relationships of species in this complex based on results of a companion study detailed elsewhere.

Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Pseudocaranx dentex (Carangidae, Perciformes) Provides Insight into Phylogenetic and Evolutionary Relationship among Carangidae Family.

Pseudocaranx dentex (white trevally) which belongs to the Carangidae family, is an important commercial fishery and aquaculture resource in Asia. However, its evolution and population genetics have received little attention which was limited by the mitogenome information absence. Here, we sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome of P. dentex which was 16,569 bp in length, containing twenty-two tRNAs (transfer RNAs), thirteen PCGs (protein-coding genes), two rRNAs (ribosomal RNAs), and one non-coding region with conservative gene arrangement. The Ka/Ks ratio analysis among Carangidae fishes indicated the PCGs were suffering purify selection and the values were related to the taxonomic status and further influenced by their living habits. Phylogenetic analysis based on the PCGs sequences of mitogenomes among 36 species presented three major clades in Carangidae. According to the phylogenetic tree, we further analyzed the taxonomic confusion of Carangoides equula which was on the same branch with P. dentex but a different branch with Carangoides spp. We inferred Kaiwarinus equula should be the accepted name and belong to the independent Kaiwarinus genus which was the sister genus of Pseudocaranx. This work provides mitochondrial genetic information and verifies the taxonomic status of P. dentex, and further helps to recognize the phylogenetic relationship and evolutionary history of Carangidae.

Hyperspectral data as a biodiversity screening tool can differentiate among diverse Neotropical fishes

Hyperspectral data encode information from electromagnetic radiation (i.e., color) of any object in the form of a spectral signature; these data can then be used to distinguish among materials or even map whole landscapes. Although hyperspectral data have been mostly used to study landscape ecology, floral diversity and many other applications in the natural sciences, we propose that spectral signatures can be used for rapid assessment of faunal biodiversity, akin to DNA barcoding and metabarcoding. We demonstrate that spectral signatures of individual, live fish specimens can accurately capture species and clade-level differences in fish coloration, specifically among piranhas and pacus (Family Serrasalmidae), fishes with a long history of taxonomic confusion. We analyzed 47 serrasalmid species and could distinguish spectra among different species and clades, with the method sensitive enough to document changes in fish coloration over ontogeny. Herbivorous pacu spectra were more like one another than they were to piranhas; however, our method also documented interspecific variation in pacus that corresponds to cryptic lineages. While spectra do not serve as an alternative to the collection of curated specimens, hyperspectral data of fishes in the field should help clarify which specimens might be unique or undescribed, complementing existing molecular and morphological techniques.

On the taxonomic identity and nomenclature ofCyperus megapotamicus(Cyperaceae)

Cyperus megapotamicus(A. Spreng.) Kunth is a nomenclatural synonym ofRhynchospora megapotamica(A. Spreng.) H. Pfeiff. but was originally misapplied to a species ofCyperus. Contrary to the rules, both species names are in current use in different genera. We here clarify the perpetuated taxonomic and nomenclatural confusion regarding the identity ofC. megapotamicussensu Kunth and related names and conclude thatCyperus jaeggiiBoeckeler is the correct name to be adopted. We provide an amended circumscription of this species, withCyperus mauryiKuntze andPycreus nematodesSchrad. ex C. B. Clarke as its newly proposed heterotypic synonyms. Additionally, lectotypes are designated for the namesScirpus megapotamicusA. Spreng.,Rhynchospora maculataMaury,Rhynchospora luzuliformisvar.elongataKuntze,Rhynchospora luzuliformisvar.subcapitataKuntze,Cyperus jaeggii,Cyperus mauryiandPycreus nematodes.

The chemosystematics of the genus Zanthoxylum L. (Rutaceae) in Kenya

Background and aimThere is currently a significant taxonomic confusion in the genus Zanthoxylum which has a wide application in Kenyan herbal medicine. The significance of proper identification/classification of medicinal plants is key in connecting the ethnobotanical uses with the existing chemical and biological knowledge. This study aims at solving the challenges encountered in the classification of Zanthoxylum species in Kenya using metabolomics as a tool for chemosystematics. MethodsFive Zanthoxylum species (Z. chalybeum, Z. gilletii, Z. holtzianum, Z. paracanthum and Z. usambarense) were analyzed using metabolomics approach where LC-MS analysis was used to establish the chemical profiles of each species. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to show the relationship among the Zanthoxylum spp studied. ResultsBased on phytochemical production, the five Zanthoxylum species segregated into two clusters; cluster one composed of Z. gilletii Z. usambarense and Z. paracanthum while Z. chalybeum and Z. holtzianum constituted cluster two. The chemical markers (discriminants) were identified as; laudanine, kalambroside A, kalambroside B, gamma-sanshool, ochotensine, cis-N-methylcanadine, 18-hydroxylinoleic acid, dihydrochelerythrine, N-feruloylglycine, p-coumaric acid ethyl ester, dihydroberberine and one unknown compound. ConclusionsChemometric analysis of relatedness of Zanthoxylum group of plants conformed to the current classical taxonomy of Zanthoxylum species in Kenya.

Notes on the genus Theopropus Saussure (Mantodea, Hymenopodidae) from China, with description of a new species from the Himalayas

The genus Theopropus Saussure, 1898 is distributed with five species in SE Asia, three of which were recorded in South China: T. elegans (Westwood), T. cattulus (Westwood) and T. sinecus Yang. After examining numerous specimens of Theopropus, we attempt to resolve some taxonomic confusion about Theopropus occurring in China. Those Chinese specimens that were inaccurately identified as T. cattulus represent a new subspecies of T. sinecus Yang: T. s. qiongae Wu & Liu, ssp. nov.. A new species, T. xishiae Wu & Liu, sp. nov., is described from the rainforests of the southern slopes of the Himalayas. The records of T. elegans in China are also clarified. Biological characteristics of the species and subspecies, necessary illustrations, and ecological images are provided. The distribution of the known Chinese Theopropus species is discussed and mapped.

Cryptic diversity in a neotropical avian species complex untangled by neglected genetic evidence

ABSTRACT Over the last two decades, vocal and genetic data have been extensively used in avian studies addressing taxonomic and systematic issues. However, even when multiple lines of evidence lean toward lumping or splitting of species, some taxonomic committees refuse to acknowledge their validity until convincing genetic evidence is produced and integrated with other sources of data. As a case in point, the genus Pseudocolaptes (Furnariidae) consists of three mostly allopatric and overtly distinct neotropical taxa differing in plumage and vocal features: the Streaked Tuftedcheek (P. boissonneautii), the Buffy Tuftedcheek (P. lawrencii), and the contentious Pacific Tuftedcheek (P. johnsoni). In this study, we assemble already available mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences to assess their taxonomy and to provide appointed committees with specific proof to ascertain the number of Pseudocolaptes species. Phylogenetic inference and species delimitation analysis indicate three species equally divergent from each other. We hope that this work will contribute to resolve the long-lasting taxonomical confusion regarding this genus, and that proper future conservation plans will be adopted to preserve each species within the inhabited biodiversity hotspot.

Towards a global list of accepted species I. Why taxonomists sometimes disagree, and why this matters

Taxonomy—the delimitation, naming, classification and documentation of species and other taxa—is an often-misunderstood discipline. Complex and at times contested, taxonomy occupies a sometimes discomforting intermediate position on a continuum from descriptive to hypothetico-deductive science. Two aspects of taxonomy that are striking to many observers and users are the degree to which taxonomists often disagree, and the degree of taxonomic revisionism (the replacement of one taxonomic classification with another, exemplified by the phrase ‘taxonomists are always changing the names of things’). Disagreements between taxonomists do not usually indicate taxonomic confusion or chaos, but rather often represent valid disagreements over the best, most effective and most meaningful way to interpret, describe and classify one of the most complex systems that scientists seek to describe and characterise—the patterns of variation of life on Earth. One way to partially manage disagreements among taxonomists is to develop a mechanism to synthesise the flux of taxonomic activity into agreed, broadly accepted, authoritative and scientifically robust global lists of the world’s species and other taxa. A sound understanding of some aspects of the nature of taxonomy is needed to appreciate the opportunities, complexities and limitations of the development and maintenance of such lists.

Chromosomal-level assembly of the Leptodermis oblonga (Rubiaceae) genome and its phylogenetic implications

Rubiaceae is the fourth largest and a taxonomically complex family of angiosperms. Many species in this family harbor low reproductive isolation and frequently exhibit inconsistent phenotypic characteristics. Therefore, taxonomic classification and their phylogenetic relationships in the Rubiaceae family is challenging, especially in the genus Leptodermis. Considering the low taxonomic confusion and wide distribution, Leptodermis oblonga is selected as a representative Leptodermis for genome sequencing. The assemblies resulted in 497 Mbp nuclear and 155,100 bp chloroplast genomes, respectively. Using the nuclear genome as a reference, SNPs were called from 37 Leptodermis species or varieties. The phylogenetic tree based on SNPs exhibited high resolution for species delimitation of the complex and well-resolved phylogenetic relationships in the genus. Moreover, 28,987 genes were predicted in the nuclear genome and used for comparative genomics study. As the first chromosomal-level genome of the subfamily Rubioideae in Rubiaceae, it will provide fruitfully evolutionary understanding in the family.

Phylogenomics With Hyb-Seq Unravels Korean Hosta Evolution.

The genus Hosta (Agavoideae and Asparagaceae) is one of the most popular landscaping and ornamental plants native to temperate East Asia. Their popularity has led to extensive hybridization to develop various cultivars. However, their long history of hybridization, cultivation, and selection has brought about taxonomic confusion in the Hosta species delimitation along with their indistinguishable morphology. Here, we conducted the first broad phylogenetic analyses of Hosta species based on the most comprehensive genomic data set to date. To do so, we captured 246 nuclear gene sequences and plastomes from 55 accessions of Korean Hosta species using the Hyb-Seq method. As a result, this study provides the following novel and significant findings: (1) phylogenetic analyses of the captured sequences retrieved six species of Hosta in South Korea compared to five to eleven species based on the previous studies, (2) their phylogenetic relationships suggested that the large genome size was ancestral and the diversification of Korean Hosta species was accompanied by decreases in genome sizes, (3) comparison between nuclear genes and plastome revealed several introgressive hybridization events between Hosta species, and (4) divergence times estimated here showed that Hosta diverged 35.59 million years ago, while Korean Hosta species rapidly diversified during the late Miocene. Last, we explored whether these genomic data could be used to infer the origin of cultivars. In summary, this study provides the most comprehensive genomic resources to be used in phylogenetic, population, and conservation studies of Hosta, as well as for unraveling the origin of many cultivars.

Evidence-based checklist of the Mediterranean Sea fishes.

An updated and evidence-based checklist of Mediterranean Sea fishes is provided. Each of the fish species in the Mediterranean Sea listed here was either listed in the last published checklist of the Mediterranean fishes or in other articles, reports or new records, and the checklist is critically assessed. Out of the assessed 791 species previously reported from the Mediterranean, the presence of 759 species is confirmed while 32 species are excluded from the new checklist, by lacking evidence of presence or representing obvious taxonomic confusions. The net increase in known Mediterranean fish species richness since the last checklist is 11%. The non-native Mediterranean species now represent 22.1% (168 species) of the known Mediterranean fish diversity. The evidence-based protocol applied here provides a reliable checklist of marine fishes, for which each of the included species has indeed been recorded at least once within the discussed geographic area in the Mediterranean Sea.

Micro morphological foliar taxonomic studies of genus Paspalum based on scanning electron microscopy.

Paspalum is one of the 10 largest genera in Poaceae and is considered as a complex and taxonomically difficult genus due to its similar morphological characters within the species which makes it difficult to delimit taxa within the same genus. The current research work establishes the distinction among species of this genus and resolves taxonomic confusions among this genus. And this distinction is done by micro morphological foliar anatomical characterization by light and scanning electron microscopy. Both the abaxial and adaxial epidermal cuticles of three different species of genus Paspalum were studied and their phytoliths were observed through elemental dispersive spectrophotometric analysis by SEM first time in Pakistan. Results showed great variation in studied anatomical features. P. dilatatum Poir. was comprised of macro-hairs in the intercostal regions only whereas no macro-hairs were found in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. Beak-shaped prickles were found in the intercostal regions on adaxial surface only in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. whereas in P. dilatatum Poir., knife-shaped prickles were present in intercostal regions only on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces of leaf epidermis. No papillae were seen in P. dilatatum Poir whereas in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. papillae were found abundantly. In genus paspalum, P. dilatatum Poir. phytoliths showed lowest mass percentage of silicon as 15.13% whereas P. distichum Linn. phytoliths showed highest mass percentage of silicon as 22.00%. Based on micro morphological foliar characteristics a taxonomic key of studied species is also provided to delimit the taxa.