External Morphological Characters Research Articles

Redescription of Astylus atromaculatus (Blanchard, 1843) a taxonomic contribution to the Neotropical species of the genus Astylus (Coleoptera: Melyridae)

Astylus atromaculatus (Blanchard, 1843), the most widely distributed taxon of the genus, is redescribed. The original description is based mainly on the coloration patterns of the elytra. The study of the external morphological characters and genitalia of the type material and from specimens of collections allows the establishment of a new synonymy between A. atromaculatus and A. atromaculatus var. duodecimmaculatus. Geographic distribution data is provided for the taxon are provided.

Phylogenetic analysis of Endonura Cassagnau, 1979 (Collembola, Neanuridae, Neanurinae), including descriptions of four new species

With 54 described species, Endonura is one of the most species-rich genera of the Neanurinae. The taxon is characterised by the presence of 0–2 ocelli, separate tubercles Di and De with the non-crossed type of chaetotaxy on the head, and two or three tubercles on the fifth abdominal tergite. Four new species from the Crimea and the Caucasian region have been described based on adult specimens: Endonura armeniacasp. nov., E. cochleariferasp. nov., E. crimicasp. nov., and E. duplexsp. nov. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus Endonura using 70 characters of adult external morphology is presented. Two methods were chosen to examine different approaches to the reconstruction of evolutionary relationships: Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Bayesian Inference (BI). Besides supporting Endonura monophyly both analyses failed to resolve any of the deeper relationships within the genus. All known species within the genus are grouped into two main clades, A and D. Both of these clades have members distributed throughout Europe, the Caucasus and the western part of Central Asia. Endonura crimicasp. nov. can be considered as an intermediate between these two clades.

The Development of <i>Rana arvalis</i> (Amphibia, Ranidae), with Attention to the Skin Texture and Timing of Metamorphosis Events

For the first time, a description and timing of the development of the main external morphological characteristics of Rana arvalis Nilsson, 1842 is presented, with particular attention to the formation of skin texture. The first signs of texture in the form of dark stripes and spots appeared in tadpole skin at stages G39 – 40. At G41 – 44, the body of the tadpole acquired a typical «frog» position with an orientation of 20 – 30° to the substrate, dorsolateral stripes transformed into folds, and dark spots into tubercles in the caudo-rostral direction. At the end of metamorphosis (G45 – 46), the texture formation was completed on the entire back, and the type of morph (striata, non-striata) was easily determined. The period between the first signs of the appearance of skin texture and its complete formation took 6 – 12 days. The most stable was the interval between the primary protrusion of the forelimbs under the skin and the eruption of the first one (~12 h). The period between the eruption of the first and second forelimbs was the most variable (from an hour to three days). The results obtained highlight the plasticity and problematic nature of the phenomenon of metamorphosis in amphibians.

Candravastra talina (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Halyini), a new genus and species from Myanmar

The article provides a detailed illustrated description of a new genus and species of the tribe Halyini (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae) from Myanmar. The description is based on external morphological characters and the structure of the male and female terminalia, including the completely inflated aedeagus. A detailed comparison of the new genus with the closely related genera Halys Fabricius, 1803 and Neohalys Ahmad et Perveen, 1982 is given, as well as a key for these three genera.

New species of the genus <i>Calycomyza</i> Hendel (Diptera, Agromyzidae) in the South Caucasus fauna

To study the diversity of agromizids (leaf miners) in the South Caucasus, the species external morphological features, their host plants, the development of larvae and pupae and to assess the degree of crop infestation by leaf‐miners.The study was carried out within the framework of the scs 21‐002 scientific program “Leaf miners as pests of agricultural plants (Diptera: Agromyzidae): the latest control measures”. Type samples were fixed in 75 % ethyl alcohol and deposited in the Agrarian Scientific Research Laboratory of the Scientific Centre of Zoology and Hydroecology. Species were identified by examining the male genitalia. The degree of damage of the host–plant was determined based on intensity indicators.As a result of this research, a new species of the Calycomyza genus was discovered in the South Caucasus fauna. Larvae of C. jucunda (Wulp, 1867) were found on the leaves of Beta vulgaris, a host plant mentioned for the first time here. As a Nearctic species, it was also first discovered in the southern Caucasus.The study of the male genitalia indicates expansion of the biogeographical distribution of Calycomyza species, as most of them are found in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. In terms of intensity, C. jucunda is classified as a less dangerous species for agricultural crops.

Superior supercapacitor performance with tuneable 2D/3D morphological microporous carbons of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks synthesized by recycling mother liquors

Carbonized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)-based nanoporous carbon materials (NPCs) offer attractive activities in electrochemical energy conversion and storage (EECS) applications; however, there is the need for scalable MOFs production under reduced energy/environmental impact. This study reports a green synthesis route for model zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) materials via recycling methanol-based mother liquors (ZIF-RMLx) under room temperature stirring and their carbonized materials (CZC-RMLx) for high-performance supercapacitors. Series of ZIF-RMLx samples produced in four recycles offer rod-/sheet-/polyhedral-like 2D/3D microstructures with tuneable internal and external framework and morphological features. Accordingly, CZC-RMLx, obtained by direct pyrolysis, with high microporosity and surface area of 1500 m2/g deliver excellent capacitance values of 200–340F/g, compared to typical MOFs-derived or chemically activated/templated NPCs, produced via extended chemical processing. Structure-relevant and comparative performance analysis reveal insights for improved charge storage and carbonization-dependent graphitization, nitrogen-doping and microporosity-controlled capacitance characteristics in the CZC-RMLx over typical NPCs in literature. The device-level performance with a long-term durability over 21,000 cycles is demonstrated. The practical potential of CZC-RMLx is further evaluated by fabricating solid-state cells and their parallel and series circuit combinations result in overall capacitance and voltage boost to 450F/g and 2.4 V, respectively.

Describe the morphology and mitochondrial genome of Mecidea indica Dallas, 1851 (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae), with its phylogenetic position.

We here describe the external morphology and complete mitochondrial genome characteristics of Mecidea indica Dallas, 1851, and clarify the evolutionary rate and divergence time. The M. indica mitochondrial genome length is 15,670 bp, and it exhibits a typical high A+T-skew (76.31%). The sequence shows strong synteny with the original gene arrangement of Drosophila yakuba Burla, 1954 without rearrangement. The M. indica mitochondrial genome characteristics were analyzed, and phylogenetic trees of Pentatomidae were reconstructed using Bayesian methods based on different datasets of the mitochondrial genome datasets. Phylogenetic analysis shows that M. indica belongs to Pentaotominae and form a sister-group with Anaxilaus musgravei Gross, 1976, and Asopinae is highly supported as monophyletic. Molecular clock analysis estimates a divergence time of Pentatomidae of 122.75 Mya (95% HPD: 98.76-145.43 Mya), within the Mesozoic Cretaceous; the divergence time of M. indica and A. musgravii was no later than 50.50 Mya (95% HPD: 37.20-64.80 Mya). In addition, the divergence time of Asopinae was 62.32 Mya (95% HPD: 47.08-78.23 Mya), which was in the Paleogene of the Cenozoic era. This study is of great significance for reconstructing the phylogeny of Pentatomidae and providing insights into its evolutionary history.

[Investigation of the population diversity of intermediate host snails and crabs of Paragonimus along Jiulong River, Zhangjiang River and Dongxi River basins in southern Fujian Province].

To investigate the population distribution of intermediate host snails and crabs of Paragonimus along the Jiulongjiang River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Bopingling Mountain, southern Fujian Province, so as to provide baseline data for researches on parasitic disease prevention and control and enlargement of samples in the parasitic resource bank. A total of 23 villages in 8 counties (districts) along the Jiulong River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province were selected as survey sites during the period from November 2020 through March 2023, and snail and freshwater crabs were sampled from 1 to 3 streams and ditches neighboring residential areas in each village. Morphological identification of snails was performed according to the external morphological characteristics of collected snail shells, and the unidentified snail species sampled from the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Yunxiao County were subjected to se-quence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. The crab species was identified by observing the morphological characteristics of the terminal segment of the first pleopod of male crabs, and Paragonimus cercariae and metacercariae were detected in collected snails. The shells of the unidentified snails sampled from the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Yunxiao County were approximately 50 mm in height and 18 mm in width, thick and solid, long tower cone-shaped, and had 8 to 10 whorls. CO1 gene sequence analysis identified the snail species as Sulcospira hainanensis. A total of 6 freshwater snail species belonging to 5 genera within 3 families, identified 23 survey sites, including Semisulcospira libertina, Paludomus zhangchouensis and S. hainanensis that belonged to the Family Pleurceridae, Tricula fujianensis and T. huaanensis that belonged to the subfamily Triculinae, Family Pomatiopsidae, and Melanoides tuberculata (Family Thiaridae), and 11 species of freshwater crabs belonging to 5 genera within 2 families were identified, including Sinopotamon genus of S. jianglense, S. pinheense, and S. zhangzhouense, Huananpotamon genus of H. planopodum and H. zhangzhouense, Nanhaipotamon genus of N. huaanense and N. longhaiense, and Minpotamon genus of M. nasicum and M. auritum that belonged to the Family Potamidae, and Somanniathelphusa genus of S. huaanensis and S. zhangpuensis (Family Parathelphusidae). In addition, the prevalence of P. westermani cercariae infections was 0.08% (2/2 317) in P. zhangchouensis from Danyan Village in Changtai District and 0.09% (1/1 039) in S. hainanensis from Jinkeng Village in Yunxiao County, and the prevalence of P. westermani metacercariae infections was 25.81% (8/31) in S. jianglense from Danyan Village in Changtai District, and 26.31% (5/19) in S. zhangzhouense from Jinkeng Village in Yunxiao County, respectively. There is a population diversity in the intermediate host snails and crabs along the Jiulongjiang River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Bopingling Mountain, southern Fujian Province, and P. zhangzhouensis and S. hainanensis are, for the first time, confirmed as the first intermediate hosts of P. westermani.

Application of extended depth of field 3D imagery to tackle the challenges of cryptic species: a use case in the genus Betiscoides Sjöstedt, 1924 (Orthoptera, Caelifera, Lentulidae) and its taxonomic implications

Discovering and handling cryptic diversity among species challenges taxonomists around the world. This is particularly true for the most diverse animal class – the insects – with cryptic diversity, apart from vast species numbers, being one of the main factors that hamper the description of new species. The biodiversity hotspot Cape Floristic Region of South Africa harbors many endemic and yet undescribed insect species, inter alia, Orthoptera. In this study, extended depth of field and 3D imagery enabled for a novel assessment of the external morphological characteristics used for defining and describing the genetically highly diverse genus Betiscoides Sjösdtedt, 1924, leading to a new definition of the genus’ characteristics as well as a revision of character traits of the known species. Two new species are described and a key to all five recognized Betiscoides species is provided. Application standards are derived to enable replicable and reliable image acquisition and measuring. These findings shall contribute to promote efforts being made to establish image based taxonomic identification for researchers worldwide. High-resolution images provide the basis to train deep learning algorithms/ tools, to detect the smallest differences in highly morphologically alike species, and to implement this knowledge in global species monitoring and conservation action to prevent further species loss.

Comparative Study of Inducing Broodstock with Natural and Artificial Hormones on Reproductive Performances of Clarias gariepinus

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of artificial and natural hormones (ovaprim and pituitary extract) on the reproductive performances of Clarias gariepinus (African catfish). A total of twenty brood stock, 12 males and 8 females with mean weight of 2.0 kg each were selected for breeding following the external morphological characteristics and standard breeding procedure. The water parameters for indoor culture tanks during the study were optimal for breeding: pH 7.31; temperature, 27.6˚C. Dissolved oxygen, 5.18 mg L-1. The result revealed no significant (P > 0.05) differences in water quality parameters between the culture tanks for artificial and natural hormonal applications during the study. The percentage fertilization, hatchability, survival and fry production success were: 89.23%, 93.31%, 87.16% and 69.41%; and 79.02%, 72.56%, 67.32% and 34.67% respectively, for pituitary extract and Ovaprim®. Pituitary extract recorded higher values and significantly performed better (P < 0.05) between the two treatments.  This indicates that natural hormone (pituitary extract) is equally effective and therefore recommended   for   the   artificial   propagation   of Clarias gariepinus.

Parallel evolution in an island archipelago revealed by genomic sequencing of Hipposideros leaf-nosed bats.

Body size is a key morphological attribute, often used to delimit species boundaries among closely related taxa. But body size can evolve in parallel, reaching similar final states despite independent evolutionary and geographic origins, leading to faulty assumptions of evolutionary history. Here we document parallel evolution in body size in the widely distributed leaf-nosed bat genus Hipposideros, which has misled both taxonomic and evolutionary inference. We sequenced reduced representation genomic loci and measured external morphological characters from three closely related species from the Solomon Islands archipelago, delimited by body size. Species tree reconstruction confirms the paraphyly of two morphologically designated species. The non-sister relationship between large-bodied H. dinops lineages found on different islands indicates large-bodied ecomorphs have evolved independently at least twice in the history of this radiation. A lack of evidence for gene flow between sympatric, closely related taxa suggests the rapid evolution of strong reproductive isolating barriers between morphologically distinct populations. Our results position Solomon Islands Hipposideros as a novel vertebrate system for studying the repeatability of parallel evolution under natural conditions. We conclude by offering testable hypotheses for how geography and ecology could be mediating the repeated evolution of large-bodied Hipposideros lineages in the Solomon Islands.

Taxonomical and distributional considerations for the Artibeus species (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) from the Tres Marias Islands, Mexico

The controversial taxonomy of the Artibeus lituratus-intermedius complex and the lack of genetic studies in the Artibeus specimens reported in the Tres Marias Islands (TMI) have caused the taxonomic identity of these specimens to remain ambiguous. During an expedition carried out in May 2022, we captured four specimens of Artibeus in the Maria Madre and Maria Cleophas islands. The specimens were assigned by external morphological characters and traditional morphometrics, and were compared with the data available in the taxonomic descriptions of A. lituratus and A. intermedius. Additionally, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome b sequences. Our genetic data suggest that the Artibeus populations are a lineage of the Artibeus lituratus-intermedius complex. In addition, the morphometric data suggest the presence of two morphotypes that, according to the literature, would correspond to A. lituratus palmarum and A. intermedius koopmani. With these results, we propose that both species of Artibeus are present and therefore the bat community of TMI is composed of ten species. However, future more detailed genetic studies are needed to elucidate the true taxonomic diversity of the archipelago.

Recent Developments and Future Prospects of Natural Antimicrobial Bioactive Metabolites Obtained from Endophytic Bacterial Isolate

Background: Adathoda beddomei (Adosa), a kind of softwood, evergreen, perennial shrub, has been used as a source of endophyte bacteria. Adhatoda beddomei has a wide variety of chemicals, including anthocyanins, aminophylline, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, isoprenaline, triterpenoids, resins, flavonoids, tannins, sterol, saponins, etc. The root, stem, and leaf parts of Adathoda beddomei are most often used in indigenous medicine. Moreover, the root bark is also used to cure several conditions, including leprosy, fever, and bleeding. Objective: Some important bioactive metabolites were obtained from endophytes bacteria and analyzed through various techniques (NMR, MASS, FTIR, HPLC, and UV- spectrophotometer) for their bioactive secondary metabolites. Methods: In silico calculation was performed to reveal bioactive metabolites with the potential to be antibacterial, and their primary mode of action may include dissolving bacterial and fungal cell walls. Results: The antimicrobial activity of Adathoda beddomei was demonstrated against different pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. Identification of endophytes was done based on external morphological characteristics with the help of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Conclusion: Natural compounds derived from endophyte bacteria with a very low molecular mass can be used to discover new and important structures for different pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

The metabarcoding of Grubs: Traditional herbal medicine of Scarabaeidae larvae

Grubs, called Qicao in China, have a long tradition as herbal medicine in East Asia. These larvae belong to the diverse family Scarabaeidae and are typically harvested from the wild during their immature stage based on morphological characteristics. However, rapid and accurate identification becomes challenging when relying solely on external morphological features, as the lack of clarity on biological sources raises safety concerns for clinical applications. The application of DNA metabarcoding provides a solution by enabling the determination of the biological source of a large sample. In the current study, we collected 19 batches of Grubs, consisting of 11,539 individuals, from the market and analyzed their biological composition through metabarcoding. We identified 49 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), 21 of which were Grubs. The 21 ASVs were classified into seven Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) through species delimitation, which revealed that commercially available Grubs are predominantly sourced from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, while species of Rutelinae, Anomala, and Holotrichia were also abundant in some commercial batches. Among the identified ASVs, 28 belonged to non-Grub species and indicated adulteration from different animal families; high abundances of these ASVs were detected for Bombycidae, Tabanidae, and Viviparidae. Our findings underscore the complexity of Grubs' species composition and advocate for a deeper understanding of the wildlife sources contributing to herbal products. This research contributes valuable insights into the molecular identification of Grubs, paving the way for enhanced quality assurance in traditional medicine applications to provide safe and effective medicines for humanity.

Aggradation and reworking of an alluvial fan in response to climate changes on the south bank of Lake Qinghai, NE Tibetan Plateau

Alluvial fans in the piedmont zones of mountains respond most rapidly to tectonic activity, base-level conditions, and climate changes. These allogenic signals are effectively recorded by the external morphology and internal sedimentary characteristics of the fan. Based on field survey interpretation and integrated optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) chronology, we selected a case study of the modern Xiangpi Fan on the south bank of Lake Qinghai, NE Tibetan Plateau, and built a three-stage alluvial fan pattern since Marine isotope stages 3 (MIS3), namely, the debris flow lobe building stage (DFLBS), aeolian building stage (ABS), and streamflow reworking stage (SRS). The climatic indicators, such as the total organic carbon (TOC) flux, precipitation, and sediment particle size flux, are highly correlated with the above stages, indicating that the sedimentary process and changes in fan morphology effectively record orbital climate changes in the Lake Qinghai basin. During the DFLBS, the cold-dry climate accelerated the sediment yield sufficiently, leading to many coarse-grained sediments and low TOC flux being imported into the basin through debris flow processes. During the ABS, the extreme dry-cold climate caused the stagnation of fan development, and aeolian processes dominated the transport of fine sediment. In the SRS, warm-humid conditions led to limited sediment yield and perennial stream power, which promoted the transport of fine-grained material and TOC to the basin by braided–meandering channels. This study provides an excellent case showing how an alluvial fan responds to climate oscillations through changes in sedimentology and geomorphology.

Revision of Thraulus Eaton 1881 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae: Choroterpinae).

The genus Thraulus is widespread throughout much of the Eastern Hemisphere. Since Eaton established Thraulus in 1881, 62 species have, at one time or another, been placed in this genus. Thirty-eight of those species were eventually moved to other genera. Any comprehensive study of the remaining species, based on the published literature, is difficult as they were described by many authors, using different criteria, over a period of 142 years. The purpose of this study was to redescribe this genus, based on previously described species and nine new species, and to provide a format for future taxonomic and morphological studies of Thraulus. Redescriptions of most species were based on direct examination of external morphological characters. Descriptions or diagnoses of species, whose types were unavailable for study, were made using the original published description and additional information provided by authors of several of those species. The following species were studied: Thraulus amravati Vasanth, Subramanian & Selvakumar, 2022; T. bellus Eaton, 1881; T. bishopi Peters & Tsui, 1972; T. cuspidatus Vasanth, Subramanian & Selvakumar, 2022; T. demoulini Peters & Tsui, 1973; T. fasciatus (Kimmins, 1956); T. fatuus Kang & Yang, 1994; T. femoratus Li, Liu & Zhou, 2006; T. gopalani Grant & Sivaramakrishnan, 1985; T. jacobusi Isack, Srinivasan, Sivaruban & Barathy, 2022; T. macilentus Kang & Yang, 1994; T. malabarensis Vasanth, Subramanian & Selvakumar, 2022; T. mudumalaiensis Soman, 1991; T. plumeus Selvakumar, Vasanth & Subramanian, 2022; T. semicastaneus (Gillies, 1951); T. thiagarajani Balasubramanian & Muthukatturaja, 2019; T. thraker Jacob, 1988; T. torrentis (Gillies, 1964); T. turbinatus (Ulmer, 1909); T. umbrosus Kang & Yang, 1994; and T. vellimalaiensis Vasanth, Subramanian & Selvakumar, 2022. Nine new species of Thraulus are described: T. connubialis sp. nov., Malaysia; T. cursus sp. nov., Japan; T. eatoni sp. nov., Indonesia; T. ishiwatai sp. nov., Japan; T. madagasikarensis sp. nov., Madagascar; T. nihonensis sp. nov., Japan; T. opifer sp. nov., Australia; T. parentalis sp. nov., Malaysia; and T. petersorum sp. nov., Malaysia. Thraulus can be distinguished from all other genera of Leptophlebiidae by the following combination of characters: In the imagos, 1) upper portion of eyes oval-suboval, major axes diverge anteriorly; 2) vein MA fork of fore wings symmetrical; 3) vein MP fork of fore wings asymmetricala cross vein connects base of MP2 to MP1, MP fork closer to base of wing than Rs fork; 4) strongly oblique cross vein extends between veins R4+5 and MA1 just apical to fork of vein MA; 5) 2 cubital intercalary veins in fore wings; 6) costal projection on hind wings well-developed, bluntly rounded to acutely pointed; 7) claws dissimilarone blunt and pad-like, the other apically hooked; 8) penes long, relatively straight, narrow, parallel, usually contiguous mesally but not fused, apex may have lateral projections; 9) sternum 7 of female with posterior margin straight or shallowly concave or convex mesally; and 10) sternum 9 of females rounded apically. In addition, penile spines occur on most species. In the nymphs, 1) lateral margins of clypeus parallel; 2) width of labrum subequal to width of clypeus; 3) 2 dorsal rows of setae on labrum; 4) venter of labrum with 1 row of short stout setae on either side of midline near anterior margin, rows curve mesally; 5) hypopharynx with small, rounded, posterolateral projections on arms of superlingua; 6) large spine on posterolateral corners of terga 69, 79 or 89; 7) gills 17 dissimilar: gill 1 composed of 1 or 2 subulate lamellae or a dorsal subulate lamella and a ventral fimbriate oval lamella, and gills 27 composed of dorsal and ventral oval lamellae with fimbriate margins. Two species continue to be nomen dubiumT. siewertii (Weyenbergh, 1883) and T. vogleri (Weyenbergh, 1883). Thraulus grandis Gose, 1980 is considered nomen nudum. A review of published phylogenetic studies involving Thraulus is provided. With the species discussed in this paper, along with reports of additional new species to be described, Thraulus has the potential to be included among the more specious genera of Ephemeroptera.

Two New Species of Tagalis Stål (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae: Saicini) from Panama and Brazil, with an Analysis of the Male Genitalia Morphology

Tagalis matamorosae n. species and Tagalis pagu n. species are described from specimens collected in Barro Colorado (Panama) and Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), respectively. Among the species of Tagalis, both new species have coloration patterns and genital structure particularly different. Tagalis matamorosae n. species is the unique species with a gonoplac composed by a pair of sclerites, and T. pagu n. species shows the posteromedial process of pygophore with a curvature exclusive within the genus. Digital images of external morphological characters and of the genitalia are provided. To facilitate the identification of the new species, an updated key to the species of Tagalis is presented. Male genital structures along the genus and its taxonomic and phylogenetic implications are discussed.

A phylogeny of Carrerapyrgota Aczél (Diptera, Pyrgotidae)

Carrerapyrgota Aczél, 1956 is a Neotropical Diptera genus within Pyrgotidae. Currently, the genus comprise four species: C. miliaria Aczél, 1956 (type species), C. personata (Lutz & Lima, 1918), C. aczeli Mello, Lamas & Rafael, 2010, and C. bernardii Mello, Lamas & Rafael, 2010. This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships among Carrerapyrgota species, aiming to establish their monophyly as a genus. To achieve this, we conducted phylogenetic analyses based on 22 external morphological characters of adults, emploing the principle of parsimony. Analyses using both equal and implied character weighting support the monophyly of the genus, based on the following apomorphies: absence of the postscutellum, R₂₊₃ with spurious apical vein, lower calypter with a longitudinal row of bristles, and the presence of a posterior longitudinal groove on the female fore femur. The species C. aczeli, C. bernardii, and C. miliaria form a monophyletic group, supported by the synapomorphic condition of a spot on the forehead. Within this group, C. bernardii and C. miliaria are sister species, sharing the synapomorphic condition of a less sclerotized M vein, after dm-cu compared to the anterior region, as well as the homoplastic condition of a spot on the median occipital sclerite. This phylogenetic analysis reaffirms the synonymy proposed by Bernardi (1990), which treats Anapyrgota Steyskal, 1967, as a junior synonym of Carrerapyrgota. The evolutionary relationship among the species of the genus is represented as (C. personata (C. aczeli (C. bernardii, C. miliaria))). Furthermore, this study includes an updated distributional map for the genus, featuring the first record of Pyrgotinae in the Andean region.

Taxonomic status of hares (Lepus spp.) in Xinjiang, China (Lagomorpha: Leporidae): An integrative approach

AbstractThe taxonomic status and interspecies relationships of hares (genus Lepus) in Xinjiang, China, remain ambiguous owing to extremely similar external morphologies, introgressive hybridization between species and a lack of molecular genetic records. In this study, a total of 154 hare specimens were used to clarify their taxonomic status. Based on multiple lines of evidence, including observations and comparisons of external morphological characteristics, skull morphometrics and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) datasets, four hare species were recognised. Lepus yarkandensis and Lepus timidus, which have obvious morphological characteristics, were identified as two distinct species, as previously reported. Combining the integrated morphological and molecular datasets with the relevant literature, we proposed suggestions on the classification of the more controversial hares. Due to molecular and morphological similarities, hares in northern and central Xinjiang were divided into two subspecies of Lepus tolai, namely, Lepus tolai lehmanni and Lepus tolai centrasiaticus. Despite similar external morphological characters, hares in the southwest Pamir Plateau and its surroundings can be distinguished from L. tolai by differences in skull morphology and genetic divergence and were, therefore, considered a subspecies of Lepus tibetanus, Lepus tibetanus pamirensis. Furthermore, we found that hybridization and introgression occurred between sympatric or parapatric hares, especially between L. yarkandensis and L. tibetanus pamirensis, L. yarkandensis and L. tolai centrasiaticus, and L. tolai lehmanni and L. timidus.

Taxonomic position of holothurian Eupentactafraudatrix (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea).

Samples of the holothurian Eupentactafraudatrix (Djakonov & Baranova in Djakonov, Baranova & Saveljeva, 1958) from the Sea of Japan were studied and the relationships of the genera Eupentacta and Sclerodactyla, as well as related taxa, were evaluated on the basis of phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial DNA COI and 16S rRNA genes. Using three methods, phylogenetic trees were constructed, and the degree of reliability of topological reconstructions was estimated by means of a nonparametric bootstrap test for the neighbor joining (NJ) and maximum likelihood (ML) techniques, as well as by a posteriori probability for Bayesian inference (BI) analysis. Genetic data confirm the validity of the assignment of Cucumariafraudatrix to the genus Eupentacta Deichmann, 1938. The study of sequences obtained from the holothurian specimens collected in Russian waters, near the city of Vladivostok, and determined by morphological characters clearly indicate that these specimens belong to the genus Eupentacta and are assigned as E.fraudatrix . The specimens from China in GenBank named as Sclerodactylamultipes and used in the present study, were likely misidentified, and after re-examination they may be assigned to the genus Eupentacta, either as E.fraudatrix or another taxon. Analyses of morphological characters of S.multipes unequivocally affirm that this species must be excluded from Sclerodactyla Ayres, 1851 and is provisionally assigned to the genus Sclerothyone Thandar, 1989 based on the external morphological characters and the body wall ossicles.