Endemic Genus Research Articles

Parasites and Viruses in Callithrix in Brazil.

As a result of environmental imbalances of anthropogenic origin, the potential for transmission of parasites and viruses between different primates, including humans, might increase. Thus, parasitic studies have great relevance to primatology, which motivated us to conduct a literature review to synthesize the information available in American primates of the Callithrix genus. We carried out the bibliographic search on the main groups of parasites (protozoa, helminths, arthropods, ectoparasites) and viruses found in Callithrix in Brazil in search platforms and consider all manuscript that appeared in search engines, published between the years 1910 and December 2022. In each selected article, the following information was recorded: the host species; parasite taxa; scientific classification of the parasite; host habitat (free-living, captive); diagnostic technique; state; and bibliographic reference. Data were tabulated and arranged in a parasite-host table. Some endemic genera, such as Callithrix, are widely distributed geographically across Brazil and have characteristics of adaptation to different habitats due to their flexibility in diet and behavior. These factors can make them subject to a greater diversity of parasites and viruses in the country. Here, we identified 68 parasitic taxa, belonging to the clades protozoa (n = 22), helminths (n = 34), ectoparasites (n = 7), and viruses (n = 5). Out of this total, 19 have zoonotic potential. Of the six existing marmoset species, Callithrix jacchus was the most frequent in studies, and Callithrix flaviceps did not have reports. All regions of the country had occurrences, mainly the Southeast, where 54% of the cases were reported. In 46% of the reported parasites and viruses, it was not possible to identify the corresponding species. We conclude that in part of the works the identification methods are not being specific, which makes it difficult to identify the species that affects Callithrix spp. Furthermore, the studies present geographic disparities, being concentrated in the southeast of the country, making it impossible to have a more uniform analysis of the findings. Thus, it is observed that information about parasites and viruses is incipient in the genus Callithrix in Brazil.

A genus in the bacterial phylum Aquificota appears to be endemic to Aotearoa-New Zealand

Allopatric speciation has been difficult to examine among microorganisms, with prior reports of endemism restricted to sub-genus level taxa. Previous microbial community analysis via 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 925 geothermal springs from the Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ), Aotearoa-New Zealand, revealed widespread distribution and abundance of a single bacterial genus across 686 of these ecosystems (pH 1.2-9.6 and 17.4-99.8 °C). Here, we present evidence to suggest that this genus, Venenivibrio (phylum Aquificota), is endemic to Aotearoa-New Zealand. A specific environmental niche that increases habitat isolation was identified, with maximal read abundance of Venenivibrio occurring at pH 4-6, 50-70 °C, and low oxidation-reduction potentials. This was further highlighted by genomic and culture-based analyses of the only characterised species for the genus, Venenivibrio stagnispumantis CP.B2T, which confirmed a chemolithoautotrophic metabolism dependent on hydrogen oxidation. While similarity between Venenivibrio populations illustrated that dispersal is not limited across the TVZ, extensive amplicon, metagenomic, and phylogenomic analyses of global microbial communities from DNA sequence databases indicates Venenivibrio is geographically restricted to the Aotearoa-New Zealand archipelago. We conclude that geographic isolation, complemented by physicochemical constraints, has resulted in the establishment of an endemic bacterial genus.

The origin of the Malesian fossil turtle diversity: Fossil versus molecular data

The origin of the turtle fauna of Malesia is analysed here through a review of the literature, a re-evaluation of previously described material, and the description of new material. Very few data are available prior to the Quaternary. While the Early Pleistocene record is largely dominated by reports of giant tortoises, the Middle Pleistocene record provides reports of the first occurrences of most extant taxa living in the area. Most, if not all, of the faunas have stronger relationships with Indochinese than with East Asian taxa, suggesting that colonisation largely followed the Siva- or Sino-Malayan routes, allowing turtles to invade the Sunda Shelf and disperse further east during periods of low sea-level. On the other hand, there is nearly no fossil data to understand the origin of the six endemic Malesian species, but molecular studies suggest that most of these taxa may have evolved in Malesia well before the Quaternary dispersal of the Indochinese fauna. In addition to clarify several fossil identifications, we provide evidence that the box turtle of the ``Cuora amboinensis'' species complex arrived in the Philippines before the early Middle Pleistocene. We also confirm that Duboisemys isoclina is an endemic extinct genus and we discuss its relationship to continental and endemic turtles.

The detection of three species complexes similar to Diacyclops galbinus, D. versutus and D. improcerus (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) from Lake Baikal

Cyclopoids are an extremely diverse and abundant group of arthropods found in Lake Baikal. Diacyclops Kiefer, 1927 is the most species-rich and highly endemic genus among them. The morphological characteristics of the three Baikal species, D. improcerus, D. galbinus and D. versutus, show considerable differences. Therefore, it is worth considering whether all specimens identified as versutus, galbinus, or improcerus belong to the same species. Molecular and morphological analyzes were conducted on Diacyclops from Lake Baikal, which are similar to D. improcerus, D. galbinus and D. versutus. Three molecular markers of mtDNA (COI, 12S) and nuclear DNA (ITS1) revealed three clusters corresponding to the division of specimens into three groups based on morphological characteristics. Each of these groups comprises multiple genetic lineages. We assume that the improcerus-, galbinus-, and versutus- groups are closely related species complexes. The use of PCA for morphometric indices based on linear measurements, which are widely used in Cyclopoida taxonomy, is limited in separating closely related species within species complexes. Micrographs and line drawings of a fourth swimming leg (P4) and an antenna from specimens of the versutus- and improcerus- groups are provided. These images reveal significant differences in the spinule ornamentation of the coxopodite of P4 and the basipodite of the antenna between specimens of different genetic lineages.

Outstanding modified abdominal sternites present in the small South American endemic genus Myopinella Michelsen, 2010 (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)

Myopinella Michelsen (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) is a very small group of flies endemic to South America. The genus includes only two species, Myopinella angustifrons (Malloch) and Myopinella appendiculata (Stein). The species had been previously recorded from Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Here, we redescribe M. angustifrons and M. appendiculata based on female and male specimens, with detailed illustrations, photographs and scanning electronic microscopy images. We also present and describe in detail the outstanding modified male sternites for the family Anthomyiidae. Also, we analyze intraspecific and interspecific divergences with COI sequences of both Myopinella species and other Anthomyiidae, and present several new records. Finally, the generic name Myopinella Michelsen, 2010 is revalidated.

Distribution pattern in the rupiculous genus Orthophytum (Bromelioideae/Bromeliaceae) reveals high microendemicity in different types of rocky outcrops.

This study aimed to recognize the biogeographic patterns, richness, and diversity levels of the Brazilian endemic genus Orthophytum and identify their biotic components through a parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE), to better understand the evolutionary history of this group and develop strategies for the conservation of its species. We prepared a database for the 54 currently known species of Orthophytum, including their geographical locations as obtained from digital databases of the principal herbaria of Brazil, Europe, and the USA. A parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) was used to delimit the areas of endemism based on two grids' sizes (1º x 1º and 2º × 2º). The majority rule consensus tree resulting from the PAE indicated three areas of endemism with high bootstrap, diversity, and richness indices: the northern portion of the Espinhaço Range, the southern portion of the Espinhaço Range, and the central portion of the Atlantic Forest. The recognition of those distribution patterns reveals a high number of microendemic species, which is discussed here.

The genus Philorea in Peru: checklist and distribution records (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae: Physogasterini)

Philorea Erichson, 1834 (Pimeliinae: Physogasterini) is a South American endemic genus of the Desert, Puna and Atacaman biogeographic provinces, in the territories of Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The objective of this work was to update the knowledge of the genus in the Peruvian territory, providing a checklist of species and new distribution records. From examination of 821 specimens, a total of 15 species of Philorea are recorded for Peru. Also distributions maps and comments about its distribution patterns are provided.

Complete mitogenome of Lepidopygopsis typus, an evolutionarily-distinct, endangered cyprinid fish from the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot: Phylogenetic relationships and implications for conservation

The mitogenome of Lepidopygopsis typus, an evolutionarily distinct, endangered, cyprinid fish from the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot, was characterized. Total length of the mitogenome was 16,729 bp, and comprised of 13 protein coding, 22 tRNA and two rRNA genes. Thirteen protein coding genes contributed a total nucleotide length of 11,408 bp, which coded for a total of 3794 amino acids and accounting for 68.2 % of the mitogenome. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on mitogenomes of members of cyprinid subfamilies Torinae, Schizothoracinae and Schizopygopsinae, recovered L. typus in a well-resolved clade of Torinae with members of the Western Ghats endemic genus Hypselobarbus as sister taxa. Selection analysis suggested that the branch of L. typus and Hypselobarbus spp. was under intensified selection with reference to other members of Torinae. There were 19 codons under diversifying selection in L. typus, which could be the result of positive selection for adapting to high-altitude, upstream tributaries of Periyar River, where the species has a restricted distribution. With respect to Hypselobarbus spp., L. typus was under relaxed selection with about 68 % of codons experiencing neutral evolution. Restricted distribution, low population size and relaxation in selection can likely trigger extinction in L. typus, and therefore urgent conservation and monitoring plans are required to secure the future of this evolutionary distinct, and globally endangered species.

The Cretaceous carbonate platforms of the Americas and their rudist bivalves

Abstract Following the break-up of Pangaea, many rifted margins of the Americas became carbonate platforms. During the Cretaceous, these platforms, as well as those associated with volcanic arcs, were populated by rudist bivalves that underwent a major radiation from the Early to Late Cretaceous. Carbonate platform development was episodic with major platforms represented by the Hauterivian to early Aptian, the early to late Albian and the Campanian to Maastrichtian. Different rudist bivalves characterized different phases of platform development. The Hauterivian to Aptian saw the rise of the Rethinae and Caprinidae, and was terminated by Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE1a). The Albian saw the rise of the Caprinuloideina and Youngicaprininae together with the first radiolitids. The Cenomanian is poorly understood in term of rudist bivalve development and the effects of the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary event (CTBE or OAE2) are not well documented in the Americas. The Turonian to Maastrichtian saw a major radiation at the genus level of the rudists – hippuritids were initially represented by cosmopolitan genera, but through the late Santonian to early Campanian these were replaced by endemic genera. The radiolitids and antillocaprinids also underwent major radiations at this time, and numerous new endemic taxa characterized the carbonate platforms of the Americas. The Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary event decimated the carbonate platforms of the Americas and wiped out the rudist bivalves. Two new radiolitid genera are described: Vermuntia and Thiadensia .

Comparative morphology of the genera with perpendicular parameres in Anomalini (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae) allows revalidation of the endemic Mexican genus Lamoana Casey, 1915 stat. rev.

The endemic Mexican genus Lamoana Casey, 1915 stat. rev. is revalidated through a comparative morphological analysis of both male genitalia and somatic characters of all genera with perpendicular parameres. A comparative study and general description of the basic patterns in the morphology of the genitalia for the American genera are provided. A full redescription of the genus and a redescription of L. villosella (Blanchard, 1851) comb. rev. is provided herein, with the addition of generic and specific diagnostic characters and data about its geographical distribution. Further, possible relationships at generic level among American genera are provided. With this study, the number of Anomalini genera known for America and Mexico is now elevated to 17 and 14, respectively.

The New Caledonian endemic geocorine bug genus, Nannogermalus is not monotypic anymore (Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Geocoridae).

Three new species of the big-eyed bug genus Nannogermalus Kondorosy & Kbor, 2020 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Geocoridae: Geocorinae) are now described: N. herczeki sp. nov., N. pallgergelyi sp. nov. and N. webbi sp. nov. Additions and corrections to the generic description of the genus were made based on the newly acquired morphological knowledge. Key, diagnoses and distribution data for new species of the genus are provided. Ecological notes are given based on collection site data and literature regarding other geocorid taxa.

Ontogenetic Structure of Populations of Phlomis nubilans (Lamiaceae) in Uzbekistan Under Drought Climate

Abstract The current study presents data on the structure of populations of an endemic species Phlomis nubilans Zakirov under a drought climate. The rare species P. nubilans belongs to the respective endemic genus of Uzbekistan. We studied the ontogenetic structure of populations, and the current state of P. nubilans populations was estimated based on a set of climate factors. The study focused on the ontogenetic structure of two populations of P. nubilans, revealing that the examined populations grew under drought conditions. The ontogenetic structure was incomplete, that is, it did not include all age groups. Their ontogenetic spectrum was centered and coincided with the characteristic spectrum. The research determined that the ontogenetic type was mature. The studied populations do have not any young plants (juvenile, immature, virginal) due to extreme drought conditions and various factors of elimination, including irregular seed propagation.

New records of the endemic Australian water mite genus Australotiphys Cook, with the description of one new species (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Pionidae)

A new species of the Australian endemic genus Australotiphys Cook, 1986 is described from the Northern Territory. i.e. A. simplisetus n. sp. The female of A. magnisetus Cook, 1986 is described for the first time. New records of Australotiphys from Australia are presented.

A taxonomic revision of the Malagasy endemic genus Nematostylis (Rubiaceae), with description of two new species

A taxonomic revision of the Malagasy endemic genus Nematostylis (Rubiaceae), with description of two new species

On the Late Paleozoic Subfamily Neopronoritinae Weyer (Pronoritidae, Ammonoidea)

Modern views on the systematics of Pronoritidae are considered. The division of the family into two subfamilies, Pronoritinae and Neopronoritinae, proposed by Weyer (1972) is discussed, the composition and the phylogenetic relationships of Neopronoritinae are clarified. The endemic genus Shikhanites Ruzhencev is proposed to be a paedomorphic member of the subfamily Uddenitinae (family Medlicottiidae Karpinsky). The genera Neopronorites Ruzhencev and Sakmarites Ruzhencev were revised, based mainly on species of these genera from the Early Permian of the Shakhtau quarry (Bashkortostan). Of the 15 species previously assigned to the genus Neopronorites, 12 are recognized as valid, ten of them are Early Permian. The genus Sakmarites includes six species, three of which were found in Shakhtau.

Diversity of the Endemic Madagascan Dung Beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae): New Records from Six Protected Areas

Dung beetles (Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae) are among the most cost-effective and informative biodiversity indicator groups, conveying rich information about the status of habitats and faunas of an area. In Madagascar, they are important elements in forest food chains and ecosystems where they originally evolved to decompose lemur excrements, but later many species shifted to utilize cattle dung and human feces. In the present contribution, we report the results of dung beetle sampling in six protected areas of northern and central Madagascar. In total, over 400 specimens of Scarabaeinae beetles belonging to three tribes, eight genera, and 26 species were collected. All species are endemic to the island and most of them belong to the endemic genus Helictopleurus d’Orbigny. Nanos neoelectrinus Montreuil and Viljanen, recently synonymized with N. humeralis Paulian, is revalidated based on the new material.

Taxonomic study of the Japanese endemic genus Yukikoa M. Sat (Coleoptera, Cantharidae) with descriptions of two new species.

Two new species of the genus Yukikoa M. Sat, 1976 are described from Honshu, Japan: Y. mashimai sp. nov. from Niigata Prefecture and Y. nishimotoi sp. nov. from Fukui Prefecture. A revised key to the described species of Yukikoa and a distribution map are provided.

Review of the endemic Neotropical genus Agenamyia Albuquerque (Diptera: Muscidae) with the description of new species from South America.

Agenamyia Albuquerque, an endemic neotropical genus with two species, has been revised to include three new species: Agenamyia colombiana de Carvalho, Wolff & Fogaa sp. nov. from Envigado; Agenamyia maculata de Carvalho, Wolff & Fogaa sp. nov. from El Retiro; and Agenamyia timida de Carvalho, Wolff & Fogaa sp. nov. from Sopetrn, all localities in Antioquia, Colombia. This review presents an identification key for all species, including color images and illustrations of male and female terminalia. The distribution of all species is mapped and discussed.

Molecular and morphological evidence reveals a hidden new taxon in the endemic genus Pseudocuneopsis (Bivalvia, Unionidae) from China.

A new species of freshwater mussel belonging to the genus Pseudocuneopsis, namely Pseudocuneopsiswuanasp. nov., is diagnosed and described from Guangxi Province, China. This paper provides a detailed shell morphological description, soft-body anatomical characteristics, and partial sequences of mitochondrial COI as DNA barcode data for the novel species. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners (Pseudocuneopsissichuanensis, P.yangshuoensis, and P.capitata) by shell shape, beak position, and surface sculpture. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial COI gene reveal that Pseudocuneopsiswuanasp. nov. forms a sister group with P.yangshuoensis and exhibits an interspecific genetic distance of 5.1%. Therefore, we provide robust morphological and molecular evidence to support the validity of this new species.

Five new species of Pseudomezium Pic (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Ptininae), a genus endemic to South Africa

Five new species of the South African endemic spider beetle genus Pseudomezium Pic are described from the Western Cape province. They are Pseudomezium altimontanum, Pseudomezium glabrum, Pseudomezium periculum, Pseudomezium stenochasma and Pseudomezium swartbergense. Illustrations of the external morphology and male genitalia of each species are provided, as well as a distribution map. An updated key to all described Pseudomezium species is provided. Four previously established species names in the genus Pseudomezium are corrected because of their Code-incompliance. These names after mandatory nomenclatural correction are Pseudomezium brunneaurantiacum Smiley & Philips for “Pseudomezium brunneaurant”; Pseudomezium diteinum Smiley & Philips for “Pseudomezium diteinus”; Pseudomezium dolichotrichinum Smiley & Philips for “Pseudomezium dolichothrixus”; and Pseudomezium polyomorphum Smiley & Philips for “Pseudomezium polyomorphus.” The diversity of spider beetles in South Africa is also summarised.