Diagnostic Morphological Characters Research Articles

Incidental Apical Pleuroparenchymal Scarring on Computed Tomography: Diagnostic Yield, Progression, Morphologic Features and Clinical Significance.

Apical pleuroparenchymal scarring (APPS) is commonly seen on chest computed tomography (CT), though the imaging and clinical features, to the best of our knowledge, have never been studied. The purpose was to understand APPS's typical morphologic appearance and associated clinical features. A random generator selected 1000 adult patients from all 21516 chest CTs performed at urban outpatient centers from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. Patients with obscuring apical diseases were excluded to eliminate confounding factors. After exclusions, 780 patients (median age: 64y; interquartile range: 56 to 72y; 55% males) were included for analysis. Two radiologists evaluated the lung apices of each CT for the extent of abnormality in the axial plane (mild: <5mm, moderate: 5 to 10mm, severe: >10mm), craniocaudal plane (extension halfway to the aortic arch, more than halfway, vs below the arch), the predominant pattern (nodular vs reticular and symmetry), and progression. Cohen kappa coefficient was used to assess radiologists' agreement in scoring. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine associations of clinical and imaging variables with APPS. APPS was present on 65% (507/780) of chest CTs (54% mild axial; 80% mild craniocaudal). The predominant pattern was nodular and symmetric. Greater age, female sex, lower body mass index, greater height, and white race were associated with more extensive APPS. APPS was not found to be associated with lung cancer in this cohort. Classifying APPS by the extent of disease in the axial or craniocaudal planes, in addition to the predominant pattern, enabled statistically significant associations to be determined, which may aid in understanding the pathophysiology of apical scarring and potential associated risks.

Hesperis sivasica (Brassicaceae), A new crucifer species from inner Anatolia

Hesperis sivasica, from the Kangal district of Sivas Province in inner Anatolia (Türkiye), is described as a new species based on morphological and molecular evidence. Although it is not morphologically closely related to the known species of Hesperis, it resembles H. kotschyi in trichome types but differs from it in pedicel, flowers, and fruit characteristics. In molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the Nuclear-encoded ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, H. sivasica belongs to the same clade as H. bottae and H. thyrsoidea, but it is easily distinguishable from both species based on life form, trichome types, flowers, and fruit characters. Diagnostic morphological characters, full description, SEM microphotographs, and detailed field photographs are provided. Remarks on the new species' habitat, ecology, phenology, distribution, and conservation status are also given.

The morphology of the preimaginal stages of Choreutis muhabbet Koçak, 2008 (Choreutidae, Lepidoptera)

This work presents the first description of the last instar larval and pupal morphology of the metalmark moth species Choreutis muhabbet Koçak, 2008. All diagnostic morphological features are described in detail, and illustrated with photographs and line drawings. Diagnostic features for the genus Choreutis (Hübner) based on the described last instar larvae and pupae, are proposed and discussed. We compare the description of larval and pupal morphology of C. muhabbet to known morphological features of the preimaginal stages of other Choreutis species, especially with Choreutis pariana (Clerck).

Molecular Data Confirm Interspecific Limits of Four Alloxysta and One Phaenoglyphis Species of Parasitic Wasps within the Subfamily Charipinae (Cynipoidea: Figitidae).

The hymenopteran subfamily Charipinae (Cynipoidea: Figitidae) consist of a group of parasitic wasps that are exclusive hyperparasitoids of Hemipteran. The species boundaries in Charipinae have historically been unclear. While diagnostic morphological features have been established for the stepwise separation of species, it is recommended to confirm those limits using molecular data. Here, we focus on the genera Alloxysta Förster, 1869 and Phaenoglyphis Förster, 1869, both of which contain species that are hyperparasitoids of aphids. We sequenced three genes (mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA, and nuclear ITS2 rDNA) from specimens that were identified as belonging to five species: Alloxysta brevis (Thomson, 1862), A. castanea (Hartig, 1841), A. ramulifera (Thomson, 1862), A. victrix (Westwood, 1833), and Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig, 1841). The phylogeny resulting from concatenating these genes supported the species status of the five morphologically identified taxa, with P. villosa nested within Alloxysta. Our study thus indicates that these molecular markers can successfully distinguish charipine species, and also indicates that the genera Alloxysta and Phaenoglyphis may be more closely related than previously hypothesized. We also present the first estimates of genetic distances for these species. Future studies that include more species, loci, and/or genomic data will complement our research and help determine species relationships within the Charipinae subfamily.

Integrative species delimitation and five new species of lynx spiders (Araneae, Oxyopidae) in Taiwan.

An accurate assessment of species diversity is a cornerstone of biology and conservation. The lynx spiders (Araneae: Oxyopidae) represent one of the most diverse and widespread cursorial spider groups, however their species richness in Asia is highly underestimated. In this study, we revised species diversity with extensive taxon sampling in Taiwan and explored species boundaries based on morphological traits and genetic data using a two-step approach of molecular species delimitation. Firstly, we employed a single COI dataset and applied two genetic distance-based methods: ABGD and ASAP, and two topology-based methods: GMYC and bPTP. Secondly, we further analyzed the lineages that were not consistently delimited, and incorporated H3 to the dataset for a coalescent-based analysis using BPP. A total of eight morphological species were recognized, including five new species, Hamataliwa cordivulva sp. nov., Hamat. leporauris sp. nov., Tapponia auriola sp. nov., T. parva sp. nov. and T. rarobulbus sp. nov., and three newly recorded species, Hamadruas hieroglyphica (Thorell, 1887), Hamat. foveata Tang & Li, 2012 and Peucetia latikae Tikader, 1970. All eight morphological species exhibited reciprocally monophyletic lineages. The results of molecular-based delimitation analyses suggested a variety of species hypotheses that did not fully correspond to the eight morphological species. We found that Hamat. cordivulva sp. nov. and Hamat. foveata showed shallow genetic differentiation in the COI, but they were unequivocally distinguishable according to their genitalia. In contrast, T. parva sp. nov. represented a deep divergent lineage, while differences of genitalia were not detected. This study highlights the need to comprehensively employ multiple evidence and methods to delineate species boundaries and the values of diagnostic morphological characters for taxonomic studies in lynx spiders.

A revised tribal classification of Papaveraceae (poppy family) based on molecular and morphological data

AbstractPapaveraceae, commonly known as the poppy family, contains many species with horticultural and/or pharmaceutical importance and has been the subject of various molecular studies. However, a widely accepted tribal classification for Papaveraceae remains lacking. In this study, we used a sampling covering all 48 of the currently recognized genera of Papaveraceae. Our study is to employ broad morphological data in combination with sequence data from two nuclear and seven plastid DNA regions to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships within the family. Our analyses indicate that Pteridophylloideae is sister to the clade containing Hypecooideae and Fumarioideae, and these three lineages are in turn sister to Papaveroideae. The alternative topologies constraining Pteridophylloideae as sister to the other poppy species, to Papaveroideae or to Hypecooideae, as recovered in previous studies, are all rejected. Fumarioideae contains nine main clades, and Fumarieae is nested in traditional Corydaleae. Within Papaveroideae, three main clades are recovered and Platystemoneae is embedded within traditional Papavereae. Both topologies constraining traditional Corydaleae or Papavereae as monophyletic are significantly rejected. Within this phylogenetic framework, the evolution of selected characters is inferred and diagnostic morphological characters at different taxonomic levels are identified and discussed. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, a new tribal classification of Papaveraceae is presented, in which 4 subfamilies, 14 tribes (including 7 newly described tribes), and 43 genera are recognized.

Mind the gap: new records of Caenolestes in the Western Andes of Colombia challenge its current biogeographic patterns

Abstract The genus Caenolestes is the most species-rich of the marsupial order Paucituberculata. Two species inhabit Colombia (and also occur in Ecuador) with a discontinuous distribution that has not been accounted for in previous studies—Caenolestes fuliginosus known from the Central and Eastern Andes, and C. convelatus restricted to the Western Andes. Here, we present new and noteworthy records of Caenolestes from the Western Andes at the distributional gap of C. convelatus, and outside the known range of C. fuliginosus. We present detailed comparisons using discrete and continuous diagnostic morphological characters, with type material and additional specimens collected nearby, to assess the identity of the new specimens. We performed statistical analyses at species and subspecies levels, and used a principal components analysis to explore the ordination of the new specimens in morphological space. We found that although these specimens are from the Western Andes, they present traits similar to C. fuliginosus and show great overlap with the morphospace of that species. The new records did not differ statistically with C. fuliginosus or any of its subspecies, but they differed in 20 craniodental measurements from C. convelatus. We also report differences at subspecies level within and between species. Based on these observations, we identified these records as C. fuliginosus, expanding its known distribution to the midportion of the Western Andes, across de Cauca valley. We discuss the biogeography of these 2 species in light of the new data and the context of high Andean habitats, especially regarding the contrasting biogeographical patterns found in other taxa in the Northern Andes. Finally, we discuss the need for a new and exhaustive review of the systematics and biogeography of the genus.

Solenopsis abdita Thompson (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) new to Britain

The ant genus Solenopsis Westwood, 1840, includes over 200 currently recognised species and subspecies. About 20 larger predatory species are called 'fire ants', while the rest are mostly small, inconspicuous species commonly known as 'thief ants'. Several fire ant species have established populations outside their native Solenopsis ranges, where they can be a major pest, e. g., the Red imported fire ant (S. invicta Buren, 1972). In contrast, few thief ants have been recorded outside their native ranges and none are known as significant pests. Here, we report a New World (Florida) thief ant, Solenopsis abdita Thompson, 1989, with an established population in the artificially-heated greenhouse at The Eden Project, Cornwall, England. This is the earliest known record of S. abdita in Europe. We provide a suite of measurements, high-resolution images, and diagnostic morphological characters useful to help others identify this species.

A new cryptic species of Polybiidae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Portunoidea) from the East Atlantic, with considerations on the genus Polybius

The use of integrative taxonomy has confirmed the existence of a new distinct crab species, cryptic, within the group of the former genus Liocarcinus, now Polybius, closely related to P. holsatus, P. vernalis and P. marmoreus. Previous reports have considered it to be the Atlantic form of P. vernalis, or as a species “affinis” or “comparable to” P. holsatus. Diagnostic morphological characters are presented for identification and the morphological variability in these species, mainly within P. vernalis (the most related) is analysed. Furthermore, based on molecular and other previous data, a new combination (genus change) is proposed. This new species, Polybius dioscurus sp. nov., lives on infralittoral sandy bottoms, coexisting with the other species mentioned, in the temperate and subtropical zone of the North Atlantic Ocean, including the Alboran Sea (westernmost Mediterranean).

Indigoferajintongpenensis (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae, Indigofereae), a new species from Yunnan, southwest China.

Indigoferajintongpenensis, a new species of the subfamily Papilionoideae of Fabaceae, is described and illustrated from Yunnan, southwest China. The new species is characterised by having a prostrate habit, flexible stems and branches, as well as spreading, sub-basifixed, asymmetrically 2-branched trichomes covering the entire plant, discoid calyx, and racemose inflorescences 6-8-flowered, short, 1-2 (-3.5) cm in length, apparently shorter than the leaf. A distribution map and comparison of morphological diagnostic characters with its morphologically similar species are provided. Additionally, a preliminary conservation assessment of I.jintongpenensis is proposed following IUCN criteria.

Taxonomic review of the family Throscidae Laporte, 1840 (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) in Korea, the description of a new species with new generic and species records

The family Throscidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) is taxonomically reviewed from Korea. To date, the taxonomic study on Throscidae from Korea is insufficient, as only a single species has been reported in the fauna prior to this study. We newly recognized three species belonging to the genus Aulonothroscus, which is recorded for the first time from Korea. A new species, Aulonothroscus koreanus sp. nov., is described and two additional species are reported as new to Korea: Aulonothroscus laticollis (Rybiński, 1897) and Aulonothroscus longulus (Weise, 1879), raising the total number of known species of Korea to four. Herein, we provide a key to genera and species, descriptions, and images of diagnostic morphological features of the Throscidae fauna of Korea.

Is Garra rezai (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) a species known only from two widely disjunct areas in the Tigris drainage?

Garra rezai was recently described from two geographically distant areas in the Tigris drainage: upper Yanarsu River (eastern Türkiye) and Bouein-Sofla Creek (Iran). In the scope of this study, we aimed to ascertain the distribution ranges of G. rezai and its morphologically most similar congener G. rufa in Türkiye by examining 1165 specimens from 73 lots, which were collected between 1957 and 2023 and currently curated in two broad fish collections. To achieve this, we focused on two important diagnostic morphological characters which distinguish these two species: scales on predorsal mid-line between dorsal-fin origin and nape, and branched dorsal-fin rays. The results revealed that G. rufa is a widely distributed species in the Tigris-Euphrates catchment, while G. rezai is regionally widespread, with populations identified in at least six different regions within the Tigris catchment. Additionally, G. rezai is documented for the first time in the upper Euphrates. Furthermore, we identified the drainage areas where G. rezai co-exists with G. rufa.

130 years from discovery to description: micro‐CT scanning applied to construct the integrative taxonomy of a forgotten moth from Southern Africa (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

AbstractX‐ray micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) of dried and pinned museum specimens combined with advanced image processing can provide a useful, novel and non‐destructive tool for integrative insect taxonomy. This paper demonstrates how micro‐CT can be applied to provide unambiguous illustrations of diagnostic morphological characters for new taxa description and to understand how micro‐CT imaging may complement other imaging techniques. Following micro‐CT scanning, a semi‐automatic segmentation and volume rendering protocol was used to portray the wing venation and diagnostic structures and ornamentation of male genitalia from multiple angles. Using micro‐CT images, we provide the description of a conspicuous geometrid moth from southern Africa (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), which has been present in collections since 1894, but left without an available name. Using a multigenetic dataset comprising 273 terminal taxa from the superfamily Geometroidea, we constructed a molecular phylogeny to place our study species to an isolated lineage in Geometridae: Larentiinae, tribe Xanthorhoini sensu lato. We describe it as Chloecolora vergetaria new genus, new species Englund &amp; Staude, and provide diverse ecological information on its distribution, habitat, host plant, adult and immature stages, and parasites. We found micro‐CT imaging particularly useful in two‐ and three‐dimensional imaging of wings, providing detailed information for instance on non‐tubular folds that may be difficult to distinguish using other techniques.

Gladiolus adanus (Iridaceae, Crocoideae), a new species from Türkiye

Gladiolus adanus is introduced to the scientific world as a new species from Adana/Tufanbeyli/Türkiye. In this study, description and illustration, diagnostic morphological characters, habitat, distribution, ecological characteristics, conservation status, seed micromorphological characters (LM and SEM) and comparisons with close species are given.

НОВЫЕ ДАННЫЕ О TYPHA VERESCZAGINII KRYL. &amp; SCHISCHK. (TYPHACEAE)

Information about the poorly studied species of cattail Typha veresczaginii Kryl. &amp; Schischk endemic of the south of Western Siberia and a new hybrid Typha × krylovii A. Krasnova et A. Efremov are given. The revision of the herbarium specimens significantly supplements the information on morphology and distribution of T. veresczaginii. Additional diagnostic morphological features distinguish this species from closely related species have been determined.

Description of immature stages of Rhinusa species (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Mecinini) with a focus on diagnostic morphological characters at the species and genus levels.

The mature larvae of the following fourteen Rhinusa species are described and illustrated: Rhinusaantirrhini (Paykull, 1800), R.asellus (Gravenhorst, 1807), R.collina (Gyllenhal, 1813), R.eversmanni (Rosenschoeld, 1838), R.florum (Rubsaamen, 1895), R.herbarum (H. Brisout de Barneville, 1862), R.incana (Kirsch, 1881), R.linariae (Panzer, 1796), R.melas (Boheman, 1838), R.neta (Germar, 1821), R.pilosa (Gyllenhal, 1838), R.rara Toševski & Caldara, 2015, R.tetra (Fabricius, 1792), and R.vestita (Germar, 1821). The pupae of thirteen of them (except R.incana) were also described. The comparison of larval morphological characters and plant preferences provides evidence supporting the existence of different species groups previously established according to a phylogenetic analysis based on adult morphological characters. The following diagnostic attributes distinguishing the genus Rhinusa are highlighted. For the larvae: (1) pronotal shield indistinct; (2) thoracic prodorsal fold small or even vestigial; (3) abdominal postdorsal folds (especially of segments III-VII) high or even in the form of conical protuberances; (4) cuticle of abdominal segments densely covered with asperities; (5) cuticle without dark spots or dark pigmentation; (6) head suboval, rarely round; (7) labrum usually with 2 als; (8) des1 short or absent, rarely elongated; and (9) fs1-3 usually absent or minute. For the pupae: (1) body stout; (2) head protuberances always present; (3) pronotal protuberances (if present), separated at bases of the pronotum, always wider than higher; (4) abdominal protuberance usually present, wide or round; (5) femora usually with a single fes; and (6) urogomphi short or vestigial. Keys to the larvae and pupae described here are provided. All the characters used for identification are illustrated by photographs or drawings. Biological and distribution data, including new information, are provided for all the species studied.

Two new records of the genus Trioxys (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) parasitic on bamboo aphids from South Korea.

The genus Trioxys Haliday, 1833 consists of more than 80 species worldwide with three species being recorded in South Korea. In this study, we report the first observation of the two additional species, T.liui Chou & Chou, 1993 from Takecallisarundinariae (Essig, 1917) on Phyllostachysbambusoides Siebold & Zucc., 1843 and T.remaudierei Starý & Rakhshani, 2017 from T.taiwana (Takahashi, 1926) on Sasaborealis (Hack.) Makino & Shibata, 1901. Trioxysliui and T.remaudierei are described and reported with phototographs of the diagnostic morphological characters and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data (barcode region) and Bayesian tree of the phylogenetic analysis amongst the closely-related taxa are provided.

Invasive New and Old World freshwater species in isolated springs of the Atacama Desert: implications for native species

ABSTRACT Invasive species can significantly alter invaded ecosystems. In this study, we report the presence of two invasive species, the poeciliid fish Poecilia reticulata and the gastropod Melanoides tuberculata, in three isolated springs from the coast of the Atacama Desert in Antofagasta city, northern Chile. Both species were identified through diagnostic morphological features and phylogenetic analysis. This is the first confirmed record of P. reticulata in natural ecosystems of Chile. The finding of M. tuberculata represents the first record of the species in the Antofagasta Region, and the third in the country. Considering the well-documented adverse effects of both species on invaded ecosystems and their high potential for spread, we recommend the prompt implementation of mitigation measures. These should focus on the direct mechanical removal of these species, given the relatively straightforward sampling process and the relatively small size of the springs. Such measures would significantly contribute to the preservation of native species, particularly those categorized as vulnerable.

Bunium serdengectii (Apiaceae), a new species from South Anatolia, Turkey

A new species, Bunium serdengectii (Apiaceae), is described from South Anatolia, Turkey. It grows in open Pinus brutia forests and in macchia formation of the Taurus Mountains in the district of Akseki (Antalya province). The taxonomic affinities of the new species were determined by analyzing morphological data and a molecular phylogenetic study of nrITS. Bunium serdengectii belongs to the section Elegantia, and is related to B. pinnatifolium, but morphologically is more related to B. sayae. The anatomical structure of the fruit is given in detail. The diagnostic morphological characters of B. serdengectii are discussed. In addition, the geographical distribution of the new species and the morphologically related species is mapped.

Comprehensive morphologic characterization of bone marrow biopsy findings in a large cohort of patients with VEXAS syndrome: A single-institution longitudinal study of 111 bone marrow samples from 52 patients.

VEXAS syndrome is an adult-onset autoinflammatory disease caused by a somatic pathogenic mutation in the UBA1 (ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1) gene. Patients present with rheumatologic manifestations and cytopenias and may have an increased predisposition to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and plasma cell neoplasms. Prior studies have reported on the peripheral blood and bone marrow findings in patients with VEXAS syndrome. Due to the protean clinical presentation and lack of specificity of morphologic features (eg, vacuoles in early erythroid and granulocytic precursors), an optimal screening methodology to identify these patients in a timely fashion is desirable. To further evaluate and describe the salient diagnostic morphologic features in VEXAS syndrome, we carried out a comprehensive study of the largest single-institution cohort to date. Diagnostic and follow-up bone marrow biopsy specimens from 52 male patients with molecularly identified VEXAS syndrome underwent central review. Cytopenias were common in all cases, primarily macrocytic anemia, monocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy were often hypercellular, with an increased myeloid/erythroid ratio, granulocytic hyperplasia with left shift, erythroid left shift, and megakaryocyte hyperplasia, which exhibited a range of striking morphologic findings. Distinctly vacuolated myeloid and erythroid precursors were seen in more than 95% of cases. Our data reveal potential novel diagnostic features, such as a high incidence of monocytopenia and distinct patterns of atypical megakaryopoiesis, that appear different from dysmegakaryopoiesis typically associated with MDS. In our experience, those findings are suggestive of VEXAS, in the appropriate clinical context.