Disjunct Distribution Pattern Research Articles

Global Biodiversity and Phylogenetic Evaluation of Remipedia (Crustacea)

Remipedia is one of the most recently discovered classes of crustaceans, first described in 1981 from anchialine caves in the Bahamas Archipelago. The class is divided into the order Enantiopoda, represented by two fossil species, and Nectiopoda, which contains all known extant remipedes. Since their discovery, the number of nectiopodan species has increased to 24, half of which were described during the last decade. Nectiopoda exhibit a disjunct global distribution pattern, with the highest abundance and diversity in the Caribbean region, and isolated species in the Canary Islands and in Western Australia. Our review of Remipedia provides an overview of their ecological characteristics, including a detailed list of all anchialine marine caves, from which species have been recorded. We discuss alternative hypotheses of the phylogenetic position of Remipedia within Arthropoda, and present first results of an ongoing molecular-phylogenetic analysis that do not support the monophyly of several nectiopodan taxa. We believe that a taxonomic revision of Remipedia is absolutely essential, and that a comprehensive revision should include a reappraisal of the fossil record.

The distribution of Elatine macropoda Guss. (Elatinaceae)

Data on distribution of <em>Elatine macropoda</em> Guss. are given, listing distribution map and a list of localities. Disjunctive distribution pattern of the species within the Mediterranean region as well as distribution of other species of the section <em>Elatinella</em> Seub. and the genera suggests a long history of the range formation.

Radiation of the Oriental phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Abstract The historical biogeography of phlebotomine sand fly taxa Hertigia, Warileya, Phlebotomus (Idiophlebotomus), P. (Spelaeophlebotomus), P. (Anaphlebotomus), and P. (Euphlebotomus) and the Phlebotomus (Euphlebotomus) argentipes species complex was investigated using phylogenetic inference from comparative genital morphology, distribution of ancestral taxa, fossil evidence and geological age. Idiophlebotomus and Euphlebotomus occur in the Oriental region with one species from northeast Australia, whereas Anaphlebotomus occurs both in the Afro‐tropical and Oriental regions. These disjunct distribution patterns across the Oriental region and the present day distribution are likely to be vicariance due to break of Gondwanaland. Fossil records, extant taxa distribution, phylogenetic analysis of the Old World Phlebotominae and paleogeography suggest that ancestors of Idiophlebotomus and Euphlebotomus originated apparently in the Cimmerian continent of northern margin of Gondwanaland in the early Permian (290 million years ago, MYA) and subsequently radiated in the Mesozoic by tectonic vicariance. The Phlebotomus argentipes species complex occurs in the South and South‐east Asian countries and transmits the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani that causes visceral leishmaniasis (Kala‐azar) in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. The phylogeography of P. argentipes was caused through vicariance followed by dispersal events from 5O MYA (the Eocene) until the Recent era.

A new strikingly coloured species of Siphonocryptus, sixth of its order (Diplopoda: Siphonocryptida)

The small millipede family Siphonocryptidae was revised by Enghoff & Golovatch (1995) who assigned two genera and three species to it: Siphoncryptus compactus Pocock, 1894, from Sumatra, S. latior Enghoff & Golovatch, 1995, from the Malaccan peninsula, and Hirudicryptus canariensis (Loksa, 1967) from the Canary and Madeiran archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean. This highly disjunct distribution pattern has later become partly filled out by Hirudicryptus taiwanensis Korsós et al., 2008, from Taiwan, and H. quintumelementum Korsós et al., 2009, from Nepal.

Multiple origins of elytral reticulation modifications in the west palearctic Agabus bipustulatus complex (coleoptera, dytiscidae).

The Agabus bipustulatus complex includes one of Europe's most widely distributed and common diving beetles. This complex, which is known for its large morphological variation, has a complex demographic and altitudinal variation in elytral reticulation. The various depth of the reticulation imprint, both in smaller and larger meshes, results in both mat and shiny individuals, as well as intermediate forms. The West Palearctic lowland is inhabited by a sexually dimorphic form, with shiny males and mat females. In mountain regions, shiny individuals of both sexes are found intermixed with mat individuals or in pure populations in central and southern areas, whereas pure populations of mat individuals are exclusively found in the northern region at high altitude. Sexual selection is proposed as a driving force in shaping this variation. However, the occurrence of different types of reticulation in both sexes and disjunct geographical distribution patterns suggest an additional function of the reticulation. Here we investigate the phylogeographical history, genetic structure and reticulation variation of several named forms within the Agabus bipustulatus complex including A. nevadensis. The molecular analyses recognised several well-supported clades within the complex. Several of the named forms had two or more independent origins. Few south European populations were uniform in reticulation patterns, and the males were found to display large variation. Reticulation diversity and population genetic variability were clearly correlated to altitude, but no genetic differences were detected among populations with mixed or homogenous forms. Observed reduction in secondary reticulation in female and increased variance in male at high altitude in South Europe may be explained by the occurrence of an additional selective force, beside sexual selection. The combined effect of these selective processes is here demonstrated in an extreme case to generate isolation barriers between populations at high altitudes. Here we discuss this selective force in relation to thermal selection.

Phylogeography and divergence date estimates of a lichen species complex with a disjunct distribution pattern

Disjunct species distributions may result from a combination of geologic events and long-distance dispersal. The foliose lichen species complex Leptogium furfuraceum-L. pseudofurfuraceum has an intercontinental disjunction pattern. Populations of this species complex are found in western North America, southern South America, Africa, and southern Europe. We conducted a phylogenetic study to reconstruct the biogeographic history of this species complex using two ribosomal genes (ITS and LSU) and a protein-coding gene (partial RPB2). Results indicated that the complex comprises four geographically restricted genetic lineages. A sister relationship was found between populations from the same hemispheres, incongruent with previous data derived from morphological characteristics and geographical classification schemes. Incorporating Bayesian ancestral area reconstruction and Bayesian divergence time estimation, we proposed an evolutionary hypothesis for the species complex. The results suggested that processes of biotic expansion via transoceanic dispersal were responsible for the species divergence and distribution patterns observed today. This study also expands the view that cryptic speciation is not a rare phenomenon among fungi and lichens.

The fossil record of Berberis (Berberidaceae) from the Palaeocene of NE China and interpretations of the evolution and phytogeography of the genus

Extant Berberis is a member of the basal eudicots with a South America (group Australes)-Old World (group Septentrionales) disjunctive distribution pattern. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the formation of this pattern. Recent molecular studies suggest that this pattern was caused by a vicariance event in the Cretaceous. More fossil evidence is required to evaluate these hypotheses. Here a new species of Berberis from the Palaeocene Wuyun flora is established based on a detailed comparison with all other fossil and related living Berberis. The occurrence of a Palaeocene Berberis in NE China and other fossil data suggest that 1) the genus originated in eastern Asia, 2) the leaf venation of the genus probably evolved from pinnate to acrodromous, leaf margins from densely spinose teeth to only occasionally toothed or even entire, 3) the genus would appear to have migrated from eastern Asia to North America in the Oligocene, via Beringia. Berberis probably arrived in Europe from Asia during the late Oligocene when Eurasia was reunited after the retreat of the Turgai Straits. Berberis could have migrated to India from eastern Asia, arriving before the last major upheaval of the Himalayas in the Pleistocene.

A phylogeny of Adelanthaceae (Jungermanniales, Marchantiophyta) based on nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers, with comments on classification, cryptic speciation and biogeography

Adelanthaceae (including Jamesoniellaceae) represent a major lineage of jungermannialean liverworts that is characterized by ventral-intercalary, often flagelliform branches, succubous leaves, ovoid to cylindrical, plicate perianths with a contracted mouth, often connate bracts and bracteoles, and 4–7 stratose capsule walls. Here we present the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Adelanthaceae using five markers (rbcL, psbA, trnL-trnF region, atpB-rbcL spacer, nrITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and 108 accessions from throughout the geographic range of the family. The molecular data support the separation of subfamilies Adelanthoideae and Jamesonielloideae. The Adelanthoideae include the genera Adelanthus, Pseudomarsupidium and Wettsteinia. The Jamesonielloideae include representatives of the genera Anomacaulis, Cryptochila, Cuspidatula, Jamesoniella, and Syzygiella in five main clades. The monophyly of taxa in current morphological classification schemes of Jamesonielloideae is not supported by the molecular data. Based on the outcome of the molecular phylogenetic analyses we propose to include Anomacaulis and Jamesoniella kirkii in Cuspidatula, and to place Cryptochila, Roivainenia, and Jamesoniella in the synonymy of Syzygiella.Molecular data support intercontinental ranges for several species and a range formation of Adelanthaceae by frequent short-distance dispersal, rare long-distance dispersal, extinction, and diversification. Disjunct distribution patterns within the Adelanthaceae cannot be explained by Gondwanan vicariance.

High genetic differentiation and variation as revealed by ISSR marker in Pseudotaxus chienii (Taxaceae), an old rare conifer endemic to China

Pseudotaxus chienii (Taxaceae) is an endangered conifer species endemic to China, with a historically disjunct distribution pattern. Eleven populations sampled throughout its range were examined using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. Twenty primers generated 242 bands, and each detected polymorphic loci, with 73.14% of polymorphic loci overall. The estimate for θ B was 0.5306, whereas G ST and Φ ST values were 0.6146 and 0.6401, respectively. 50.62% of the total diversity based on Shannon's index of phenetic diversity was attributed to among populations, which was consistent with the θ B estimation. Compared with other conifers, remarkable genetic differentiation occurred among P. chienii populations. A Mantel test indicated that pairwise values of θ B were significantly related with geographical distances between populations ( r = 0.676, P = 0.001). In terms of the above results, conservation strategies and maintenance plans of P. chienii were recommended.

Vagility: The Neglected Component in Historical Biogeography

The conceptual gap between ecological and historical biogeography is wide, although both disciplines are concerned with explaining how distributions have been shaped. A central aim of modern historical biogeography is to use a phylogenetic framework to reconstruct the geographic history of a group in terms of dispersals and vicariant events, and a number of analytical methods have been developed to do so. To date the most popular analytical methods in historical biogeography have been parsimony-based. Such methods can be classified into two groups based on the assumptions used. The first group assumes that vicariance between two areas creates common patterns of disjunct distributions across several taxa whereas dispersals and extinctions generate clade specific patterns. The second group of methods assumes that passive vicariance and within-area speciation have a higher probability of occurrence than active dispersal events and extinction. Typically, none of these methods takes into account the ecology of the taxa in question. I discuss why these methods can be potentially misleading if the ecology of the taxon is ignored. In particular, the vagility or dispersal ability of taxa plays a pivotal role in shaping the distributions and modes of speciation. I argue that the vagility of taxa should be explicitly incorporated in biogeographic analyses. Likelihood-based methods with models in which more realistic probabilities of dispersal and modes of speciation can be specified are arguably the way ahead. Although objective quantification will pose a challenge, the complete ignorance of this vital aspect, as has been done in many historical biogeographic analyses, can be dangerous. I use worked examples to show a simple way of utilizing such information, but better methods need to be developed to more effectively use ecological knowledge in historical biogeography.

A monograph of Cyrtostachys (Arecaceae)

Cyrtostachys Blume (Areceae: Arecaceae) is treated in this study as a genus of tree palms with a disjunct distribution pattern across Malesia and consisting of seven species. Three species are newly recognised (C. bakeri Heatubun, C. barbata Heatubun and C. excelsa Heatubun). Five previously accepted species (C. brassii Burret, C. kisu Becc., C. microcarpa Burret, C. peekeliana Becc. and C. phanerolepis Burret) are reduced to synonymy with C. loriae Becc. and one species (C. compsoclada Burret) is removed to Heterospathe as Heterospathe compsoclada (Burret) Heatubun, while C. ledermanniana Becc. is considered as a doubtful taxon. A determination key is presented and detailed descriptions provided for all taxa. A phylogenetic analysis of all species in the genus was performed based on morphological data. Despite the poorly resolved tree topologies, Cyrtostachys is resolved as monophyletic, with C. glauca H. E. Moore as sister to all other species, and the west Malesian species C. renda Blume probably representing a dispersal from within a Papuasian clade into the Sunda shelf. Natural history observations, including uses and conservation status are also presented in this monograph.

A Siberian fungus gnat (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) species found in Estonia

The first European record of Exechia inaperta Ostroverkhova, 1979 is presented and its morphological difference from the allied E. exigua Lundström, 1909 is discussed. Diagnostic characters and detailed figures of male terminalia are given for both species. The new finding of E. inaperta in Estonia indicates a possibly disjunct Euro-Siberian distribution pattern of the South-Taiga, also observed in several other species of fungus gnats.

The Cumberland Plateau Disjunct Paradox and the Biogeography and Conservation of Pond-breeding Amphibians

I inventoried 26 vernal pools on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee to assess amphibian species richness and clarify distribution patterns. Eighteen pond associated species were found out of 21 known to breed in the region, which is comparable to the richness of temporary wetland habitats throughout the southeastern U.S. Many of the observations were new county records and I extended the southwestern edge of the entire range of the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) nearly to the Alabama state line and onto Walden's Ridge for the mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum). Combining the overall distribution patterns with evidence from fossil, geological, palynological and recently published phylogeographic studies helped to clarify disjunct amphibian distribution patterns on the Cumberland Plateau. Most amphibian range disjunctions appear to have arisen from species-specific responses to long running cycles of climate driven habitat change, rather than wholesale community-wide shifts. Thus, the two paradoxical hypotheses for Cumberland Plateau disjuncts were both over simplifications of more complex biogeographical processes.

Mediterranean-southern African disjunct and flea beetles: the example of the “black species” of Longitarsus associated with Boraginaceae (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Alticinae)

Biogeographia vol. XXIX — 2008 (Pubblicato il 30 dicembre 2008) The Mediterranean-southern African disjunct distribution pattern Mediterranean—southern African disjunct distribution and flea beetles: the example of the “black species” of Longimrsus associated with Boraginaceae (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Alticinae) MAURIZIO BIONDI, PAOLA D’/XLESSANDRO Dz'przm'7ne72t0 di Scie72zeA771bi.e72trz[i, Unz'z/err2'tr‘z de L:/4lr_]zrz'[rz, 67010 Coppito, Li/lqzzila, Imly e—mzzz'[: biondi @1022’:/zzq. it, pzzo/rt. dzzlessrzmlro @1022’:/zzq. it. Key words‘ Alricinae, Boraginaceae, Afrotropical Region, Longitarsus, Mediterranean area, disjunct distribution. SUMMARY In this paper the disjunct distribution of two Lorzgirnrsizs species-groups associated with Boraginaceae: m/Jami:-group, restricted to the southern Africa and presently including 15 species, and 1111:/1115111’-groiip (sensu Biondi, I995), widespread in the western Palaearctic area with 4 species, is discussed. Some hypotheses explaining the separate distributions of Mediterranean and South African groups are proposed. Finally, the host-plant shift from native Lobarremmz spp. to the introduced plant Er/Jizzm p/zzntzzgimamz L. shown by some species of the on/miris group is also discussed. ' INTRODUCTION Longitrzrszts Latreille, as described in Berthold (1827), is presently the largest genus within Chrysornelidae, Alticinae with about 600 known species occur- ring throughout all zoogeographical regions (Biondi 86 D’Alessandro, 2008). This flea beetle genus is well represented in the Mediterranean area (about 160 species), where is better known from an autecological standpoint (Biondi, 1996). Longitzzrsm species occurring in the Mediterranean area are known to feed, as adults, on plants of different botanical families, the preferred being Boraginaceae (26.4%), Lamiaceae (24.9%), Asteraceae (13.8%), Plantaginaceae (9.5%), and Scrophulariaceae (9.5%) (Fig. 1). Particularly, species—groups, such as rzeneus, zmchzmze, exsoletus and ec/vii feeding on Boraginaceae, show an eleva- ted degree oftrophic specialization (]olivet 86 Hawkeswood, 1995; Biondi, 1996) and include mainly oligotopic species, generally termophilous (Figs 2—3). In the

Are Molopina of the Euro-Mediterranean region related to the Madagascan, South African and Australian Pterostichini? (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

Biogeographia vol. XXIX - 2008 (Pubb/icato i/ 30 dicembre 2008) The Mediterranean—souIhern African disjunct distribution pattern Are Molopina of the Euro—Mediterranean region related to the Madagascan, South African and Australian Pterostichini? (Coleoptera, Carabidae)1 ACHILLE CASALE, IGNACIO RIBERA* Dijmrtimmto (Ii Zoologizz e Gmetiaz E1/olzizioizisticzz, Uniz/errz'z‘z‘z di Szzsrzzri, Via M uroni 25, 07100 Szzsszzri (frilly) e—m[li[.' mszz/e@m2z's5. it *Mu5e0 Nzzciomzl dz Cimtizz: Nzzrzmzles, Depzzrtzzmevzzfo de Bz’odz'z/ersz2z’zzzz'y Biologic: E1/olutimz, fore’ GzttierrezA/mrazl 2, 28006Mzzdrz'd (Spzzin) e—mzzz'[: 2'. ribem @m72m. air. as Key words: Coleoptera, Carabidae, Molopina, Euro-Mediterranean region, Madagascar, biogeography SUMMARY The disjunct distribution of supposedly related carabid taxa in different con- tinents highly stimulated the curiosity of carabidologists interested in Biogeography, which resulted in the proposition of a long series of hypothe- ses and theories. The tribe Pterostichini, one of the most diverse groups in the family Carabidae and With a World Wide distribution, has been the object of some recent phylogenetic analyses and classifications, based on both external and genital characters and on molecular data. The main goal of the present contribution is the study, using a molecular approach, of the supposed close relationships between the Euro—Mediterranean taxa attributed to “Pterostichidae Molopini”, and some genera of South Africa, Madagascar, Australia and New Zealand. 1) Zoological researches supported by the Italian Ministero dell’IsLruzione, dell'Universita e della Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica (MIUR—PRIN 2004057217 “zoogeography of Mediterranean — Southern African disjunct distributions by a multimethod approachq), and the UE program Interreg Sardinia—Corsica—Tuscany on Biodiversity. Molecular work supported by the project CGL2007—61665/BOS of the Spanish MEC.

The Mediterranean-southern African disjunct distribution pattern in the scarab beetles: a review (Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea)

Biogeographia vol. XX/X - 2008 (Pubb/icato il 30 dicembre 2008) The Mediterranean-southern african disjunct distribution pattern The Mediterranean—southern African disjunct distribution pattern in the scarab beetles: a review (Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea) GIUSEPPE MARIA CARPANETO Dz]2zzrtz'ment0 di Bialogizz Am[7iem‘tz[e, Um'z/er5z'27‘z degli Stz1diR0mzz Tre, z/izzle G. Mzzramz’ 446, 00146 Roma, Italy; e—mzzi[: cm:z7m2et@u72z'r0nm3.1't Key words: Biogeography, Afrotropical Region, Mediterranean Subregion, distribution range SUMMARY A survey of the distribution ranges currently shown by the scarab beetles was conducted by a review of literature data, in order to find clues or evidence of a Mediterranean-southern African distribution pattern, through a phylogeographic discussion. The results of the survey showed that the questioned distribution pattern in the scarab beetles was mainly referred to incorrect hypothesis of relationships due [0 convergence in morphological characters. INTRODUCTION A taxon with a disjunct distribution includes two or more groups that are phylogenetically related but widely separated from each other geographically. Such a model can be applied to isolated populations of a single species or to allopatric species of a single genus and so on, according to the rank of the taxon considered. Disjunct distributions among taxa have intrigued biologists for decades. Most authors have invoked both dispersal and vicariance models to explain disjunct distribution. However, a disjunct distribution can be erroneously sug- gested by either an incorrect hypothesis of relationship due to convergence in morphological characters or a gap of knowledge in the geographical distribu- tion of the taxa. An appropriate approach to test the model is to use molecu— lar phylogenetic methods with an appropriate taxon sampling. Many molec- ular phylogenetic studies on several taxonomic groups of animals with disjunct

Niche shift: a tool for expanding range? The case of Ocladius (Coleoptera: Curcurlionoidea: Brachyceridae)

Biogeographia vol. XXIX - 2008 (Pubb/icato il 30 dicembre 2008) The Mediterranean-southern African disjunct distribution pattern Niche shift: a tool for expanding range? The case of Ocladius (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea: Brachyceridae) MASSIMO MEREGALLI Dz'pzzrtI'me72z‘o rz'z' Biologizz Aninzzzle 3 de[[’Uomo, Umiz/er:z'tr‘z 512' Torino z/222 Acczzzlemizz Al[7ertz'mz 13, 10123 Torn/10 (Italy) e—mzzi/: mrzssimo. ivzeregrll/z'@m2z'z‘o. it Key words: Curculionoidea, Ocladius, Chenopodiaceae, distribution, host—plants, refuge plants, insect-plant associations. SUMMARY The distribution and ecology ofthe genus Or/adizr: (Coleoprera. Curculionoidea, Brachyceridae) are considered. The majority of the species live in tropical and subtropical Africa and Madagascar, with a few species in the Mediterranean region and in central and western Asia. The southern African species whose biology is known are associated with several plant Families, both Dicotyledons and Monocotyledons; the Mediterranean and Asian species are monophagous on Chenopodiaceae. Also based on the available data on phylogeny and diversification of the Chenopodiaceae it is hypothesized that some taxa of Or/at/i1/5, possibly in eastern Africa during the Miocene, underwent a niche shift to the chenopods, and that this event triggered an adaptive radiation, resulting in the expansion of the genus to Mediterranean and Asian habitats. Oc/zzdizis is a genus of small Curculionoidea presently placed in the family Brachyceridae (Alonso Zarazaga and Lyal, 1999), an attribution originally based on morphology, mainly on the structure of the genitalia (Thompson, 1992). Oclrzrlizis is part of a subfamily, Ocladiinae Lacordaire, 1866, that also includes Desmir/opborus Dejean 1835, a genus with a disjunct Afro- Indomalayan distribution. Marvaldi (2000) did not recognize the splitting of the Curculionidae in several families. Based on larval characters, the author confirmed the close relationships between the Brachycerinae and Ocladiinae and Rlaced the latter in phylogenetic sequence after the Brachycerinae, thus always among the more primitive taxa. A study on phylogenetic relationships among Brachyceridae taxa, again based on larval morphology, confirmed monophyly of the group and suggested that Oclazdius and Desmidop/com: are sister taxa (Morimoto and Kojima, 2006).

Studies of tiger beetles. CLXVIII. Two interesting examples of Mediterranean-southern African disjunct geographical distributions: the Cicindela of the subgenus Austrocicindela and the genus Platydela (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae)

Biogeographia vol. XXIX - 2008 (Pubb/icato il 30 dicembre 2008) The Mediterranean—southern African disjunct distribution pattern Studies of tiger beetles. CLXVTH. Two interesting examples of Mediterranean—southern African disjunct geographical distributions: the Cicindeld of the subgenus Austrocicimle/rz and the genus Plat}/delrz (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae) FABIO CASSOLA V1.22 F. Tomzzssztcci J 2/20, I-00144 Roma ([271!)/) e-mzzz'[:fiz/7z'0crz5s0[zz @zz[ice. it Key words: Mediterranezin-southern African distributions; Cicindelidae; Tiger Beetles. SUMMARY The cases are instanced oftwo remarkable Mediterr;1nean—southern African distributions among the Tiger Beetles (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae), Le. the subgenus Arzrtracir/215/c//I Rivalier, 1963, which includes four species in southern Africa of the otherwise primarily Holarctic genus Cicindc/it Linne, 1758, and the genus P/nrytle/rz Rivalier, 1950, which occurs with two species in Morocco and one species in the Cape region. Tiger Beetles (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae) constitute one of the most charac- teristic elements of many Mediterranean habitats. The genus Cicindela Linne, 1758, in particular, remarkably shows a consistent Holarctic geographical dis- tribution, vvith many species both in Europe and the Palaearctic as Well as in North America (Wiesner, 1992). Its generotype is Cicindelrz mmpertris Linne, 175 8, which was the very first tiger beetle species to be described and thus the one which gave this beetle family its name (Pearson 85 Cassola 2005). Unlike in Linnaeus’ time, this genus has been subdivided by modern taxonomy, based on perfectly valid external morphology as well on male genitalic structures, into over fifty genera worldwide (Rivalier 1950, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1963). These genera appear to be more or less species—rich and more or less distinct as to their morphology, ecology and geographical distributions. Rivalier’s sys— tem is remarkably vvell—founded and homogeneous, and, even if some minor

The genus Ephydatia (Spongillina: Spongillidae) in Africa: a case of Mediterranean vs. southern Africa disjunct distribution

Biogeographia vol. XXIX — 2008 (Pubb/icato i/ 30 dicembre 2008) The Mediterranean—southern African disjunct distribution pattern The genus Ep/vydtztzkz (Spongillina: Spongillidae) in Africa: a case of Mediterranean VS. southern Africa disjunct distribution RENATA MAN CONI Dz'])zzrz‘z'mmz‘o (Ii Zoologirz e Gmeriaz Evoluzionisticzz, Unit/ersitiz di Srlssrzri, via Muroni 25, 07100 Samzri, Italy; 6‘-mzzils r. mrz72mm'@um'5:. it Key words: biodiversity, biogeography, Africa, Mediterranean vs. Southern Africa disjunct distribution SUMMARY A synthesis on the taxonomy, geographic distribution and ecology of the genus Ep/Jydzztizz in Africa is reported and discussed. This genus is characterised, in the context of the present biogeographic patterns ofAfrican freshwater sponges, by a peculiar clisjunct distribution in the Pztlaearctic Africa and Southern Africa with a large gap from Sahara to Namibia, South Africa and southern Mozambique. The bipolar pattern is consistent with a model of Mediterra.nean—southern African disjunction with intermediate isolated enclaves in highlands of eastern Africa. SPONGE DIVERSITY IN AFRICAN INLAND WATER The highest taxonomic richness of Spongillina (Porifera: Demospongiae: Haplosclerida) at the biogeographic scale is recorded from the Neotropical (63 species), Palaearctic (59 species) and Afrotropical (49 species) regions, while lower values are known in the Oriental (37 species), Australasian (33 species), Nearctic (32 species) and Oceanic Pacific Islands (5 species) (Manconi and Pronzato, 2002, 2005, 2008ab; Pronzato and Manconi, 2002). At the continental scale the African Spongillina comprises 17 genera and 57 species belonging to 4 families, namely Malawispongiidae (2 genera, 2 spe— cies), Metaniidae (1 genus, 1 species), Potamolepidae (4 genera, 17 species), Spongillidae (9 genera, 10 species) and 1 incertae Jedi; genus (1 species) (Weltner, 1913; Arndt, 1936; Penney and Racek, 1968; Benerescu, 1995; de Silva and Volkmer-Ribeiro, 1998, 2001; Manconi et al., 1999, 2008; Manconi and Pronzato, 2002, 2004, 2008ab, 2009). Most species (75.8 %) are exclu- sive to this continent and a notable value ofendemicity 5.5. at the species (39.6 %) and genus level (35 %) characterises the Afrotropical region, even though

Curculionidae Curculionidae: relationships between Mediterranean and Southern African species (Coleoptera)

Biogeographia vol. XXIX - 2008 (Pubblicato /qI 30 dicembre 2008) The Mediterranean-southern African disjunct distribution pattern Curculionidae Curculioninae: relationships between Mediterranean and southern African species (Coleoptera) ROBERTO CALDARA, ENZO COLONNELLV, GIUSEPPE OSELLA** Vizz Lormreggio 37, 20146./lli/(1720 ( I trzly) e—772rzi[.' ro Zzerto. czzldzzm @g7mzi[. cam *1/12: 516116 Gizmc/Jig/2'5 56, 00172 Roma (Italy) e—mtzz'/: ecolon 728/11' @}/it/900. 2727 **Dzpzzrti77ze7zro di Scienze Am/Jieiztzzli, Uitiversitir degli Srudi dell’/lqzii/zz, L’/lqzziizz (Italy) e-mzzil: osellzz @zm7'z/nq. it Key words: Curculionidae, Curculioninae, Mediterranean subregion, southern African subregion, distribution. SUMMARY Eight tribes of the subfamily Curculioninae (Anthonomini. Cionini, Curculionini, Derelomini, Mecinini, Rhamphini, Storeini and Tychiini) have representatives known from both the Mediterranean and southern African subregions. Six genera (Cimzr/5 [Claiiville], 1798, C/eapmnimm Pierce, 1919, G:]/IlIll£‘lT0il Schoenherr, 1825, I’zzr/Jytyr/Jirzs Jekel, 1861, Sibirzizz Getmar, 1817, 73/5/1171: Germar, 1817) have a consistent number of taxa in both regions. In these genera the affinities between the two faunas appear very close, since many groups of them are known from both subregions. A true Mediterranean—soutl1ern African disjunct distribution occurs only in C/mponzirzr/1:, whereas in the other genera some species, although few in number, are present also in eastern central Africa. The distribution of the weevils here considered is usually more restricted than that of their potential host plants and this is probably due to climatic reasons. INTRODUCTION In the latest years there was a rising interest in the knowledge of the south- ern African weevil fauna. By the discovery of many new species it has appeared increasingly clearer that at last in some groups this fauna has close relationship with the Mediterranean one as recently reviewed by Osella et al. (1998). Taking into account primarily the latest taxonomic revisions, we consider the characteristics of these two faunas in Curculionidae Curculioninae in more detail, with a particular emphasis on their host plants. Taxonomy of plants follow here Stevens (2007).