Group Of Genera Research Articles

Savannas are not old fields: Functional trajectories of forest expansion in a fire‐suppressed Brazilian savanna are driven by habitat generalists

Abstract Under fire suppression, many tropical savannas transform into forests. Forest expansion entails changes in environmental variables and plant community structure. We hypothesized that forest expansion into savanna results in a shift in community‐weighted mean functional traits from stress tolerance to competitiveness, with generalist species having trait values intermediate between those of specialists of savanna and forest habitats. We studied 30 plots distributed over three savanna–forest boundaries undergoing forest expansion in the Brazilian Cerrado, capturing a gradient from open savanna to recently formed forest. We measured functional traits of 116 woody species of savanna specialist, generalist and forest specialist functional groups and quantified changes in species composition and mean traits across the basal area gradient. We identified two main axes of species traits. The first separated forest and generalist species from savanna specialists, with the latter possessing traits associated with resistance to disturbance and stress— such as thick leaves, thick bark, slower height growth and lower shade tolerance. Our second trait axis separated shrubs and understorey trees from pioneer species. Generalist species’ traits did not differ substantially from forest species, nor did they tend to have a typical pioneer strategy. Community‐weighted trait means changed linearly with forest development. There was a steady increase in traits associated with competitive dominance rather than stress tolerance and fire resistance, indicating a wholesale shift in the selective environment. Several of these patterns—for example, increasing height and decreasing light requirements—are common in old‐field succession. In contrast to old‐field succession, we found that SLA increased, leaf thickness decreased and wood density stayed constant. The assembly of forests appears to be shaped by environmental filters that contribute to a functional trajectory distinct from most other studied ecosystems. Our results highlight the importance of the functional composition of the early community and of the early colonizers of the open environment. Differences between savanna and forest specialists reflect the selective effects of the contrasting environments, while the traits of generalists—and their interaction with environmental filters—drive the dynamics of forest expansion. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

49 Exploring relationships between forage nutrients and the equine fecal microbiome

Dietary nutrients have been identified as drivers of gut microbial composition across animal species. The aim of this study was to apply a biologically relevant computational approach to explore relationships between forage nutrients and the equine fecal microbiome. Fecal samples were collected from 8 mares grazing cool-season (CSG) and warm-season grass (WSG) rotational pastures at 5 time points: following initial 3-wk adaptation to CSG hay; after 2–3 weeks grazing CSG (spring), WSG (summer), and CSG (fall); and after transition back to hay in the fall. Forage samples were collected on 3 random days per period (0800–1000), and nutrient content was analyzed by NIRS. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene was conducted in QIIME 2, and taxonomy was assigned using SILVA. From 3482 amplicon sequence variants (ASV) generated in QIIME 2, 354 bacterial co-abundance groups (BCG) were then identified using Sparse Cooccurrence Network Investigation for Compositional data. Random forest regression showed that mean Crude Protein (CP), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), and Water-Soluble Carbohydrate (WSC) concentration could be predicted based on microbial composition (R > 0.5; P < 0.0001). Spearman correlations between these nutrients and BCG abundances were subsequently evaluated in R (v.4.0.2), with threshold criteria of R > 0.5 and P < 0.05. Only 2 BCG were correlated (positively) with ADF and included ASV from Prevotellaceae and Oscillispiraceae families and Streptococcus and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group genera. Six BCG were correlated with WSC (5 pos: 1 neg). Positively correlated BCG included ASV from the Lachnospiraceae family and ASV assigned to Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Colidextribacter, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Fibrobacter, Bacteroidales BS11 gut group, Treponema , and Ruminococcus genera; however, negatively correlated BCG included another distinct Christensenellaceae R-7 group ASV. Nine BCG were correlated with CP (1 pos: 8 neg). The BCG positively correlated with CP included ASV from Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiracea e. Negatively correlated BCG members were also from Lachnospiraceae and Oscillispiraceae as well as genera including Treponema, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Papillobacter, and Ruminococcus, and Clostridium butyricum. These results suggest that CP, ADF, and WSC were forage nutrients with the greatest influence on microbial composition and through this approach key bacteria positively and negatively responding to these nutrients were identified. However, these finding also underscore limitations of taxon-based analysis by demonstrating differential responses of distinct ASV within a single taxonomic classification to forage nutrients.

Revision of generic concepts in Schoeneae subtribe Tricostulariinae (Cyperaceae) with a new genus Ammothryon and new species of Tricostularia

The Tricostularia Nees ex Lehm. group of genera is reviewed and formally recognised as Cyperaceae tribe Schoeneae subtribe Tricostulariinae R.L.Barrett, K.L.Wilson &amp; J.J.Bruhl. Molecular data based on plastid trnL–F and nuclear ITS and ETS regions are combined with a novel assessment of morphological characters to support our new classification. Six genera are included: a new genus, Ammothryon R.L.Barrett, K.L.Wilson &amp; J.J.Bruhl, and the named genera Chaetospora R.Br., Morelotia Gaudich., Tetraria P.Beauv., Tricostularia, and Xyroschoenus Larridon. Ammothryon, Chaetospora and Tricostularia are all endemic to southern Australia. Morelotia has one species each in Hawaii, French Polynesia and New Zealand, and three species in south-west Western Australia. Tetraria has a disjunct distribution in Southern Africa, Borneo, New Guinea and New Caledonia. Xyroschoenus is endemic to the Seychelles. Tetrariopsis C.B.Clarke (based on Tetrariopsis octandra (Nees) C.B.Clarke) is included under an expanded concept of Morelotia, which also includes Tetraria australiensis C.B.Clarke and Tetraria microcarpa S.T.Blake from south-west Western Australia. Tricostularia davisii R.L.Barrett &amp; K.L.Wilson and Tricostularia sandifordiana R.L.Barrett &amp; K.L.Wilson are described as new species from south-west Western Australia. The following new combinations are made: Ammothryon grandiflorum (Nees) R.L.Barrett, K.L.Wilson &amp; J.J.Bruhl, Morelotia australiensis (C.B.Clarke) R.L.Barrett &amp; K.L.Wilson, Morelotia microcarpa (S.T.Blake) R.L.Barrett &amp; K.L.Wilson, Morelotia octandra (Nees) R.L.Barrett &amp; J.J.Bruhl and Tricostularia drummondii (Steud.) R.L.Barrett &amp; K.L.Wilson. Tricostularia drummondii is reinstated from synonomy, having previously been confused with T. exsul. Lectotypes are selected for Chaetospora flexuosa var. β gracilis Boeckeler, Discopodium drummondii Steud., Elynanthus grandiflorus Nees ex Lehm., Lampocarya affinis Brongn., Lepidosperma exsul C.B.Clarke, Morelotia gahniiformis Gaudich. var. minor A.Rich., Tetraria australiensis C.B.Clarke, Tetraria capillacea var. intercedens Kük., Tricostularia compressa Nees ex Lehm. and Tricostularia neesii Lehm.

New genus and new species of Pentatomidae from Borneo (Hemiptera: Heteroptera).

A new genus, Graziasternum gen. nov., with two new species, Graziasternum graziae sp. nov. and Graziasternum joceliae sp. nov. are described. According to external thoracic and genital structures, this new genus is considered to be the closest extant relative known to the genus Placosternum Amyot Serville. Discussion of its possible phylogenetic position based on structure comparison, with the discussion on the importance of the characteristics of the thoracic sterna, the genital structures with other genera or groups of genera that share similar structures is given. Additionally, the two new species are keyed and illustrated.

Impacts of Clear Cutting on Diversity of Ground Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Pine Plantation Forest in Sukabumi Forest Management Unit, West Java

Clear cutting is the main source of timber production of plantation forest management in Indonesia, but this activity disrupts the lives of ground ants. It is rarely known how clear cutting affects the ground ant community in the Indonesian plantation forest. The study aimed to analyze the impacts of clear cutting on the diversity of ground ants in the pine plantation forest of Sukabumi, West Java. The study compared the community structure of ground ants before clear cutting and after clear cutting. Ground ants were collected using a pitfall trap. Trapping of ground ants was carried out six days before the clear cutting and six days after the clear cutting. The ground ants were identified to the morphospecies level and classified into their functional role. The results showed that clear cutting alters the community indices of ground ants. Abundance, morphospecies composition, diversity index, richness index, and evenness index of ground ants after clear cutting was lower compared with those before clear cutting. The clear-felled area due to clear cutting provided favorable habitat for the generalist groups of ground ants, but negatively affected the predator and forager groups of ground ants. These findings can be used as an important factor in the development of environmenllyt-friendly forest harvesting systems in Indonesian plantation forests.

Species of Fungi and Pollen in the PM1 and the Inhalable Fraction of Indoor Air in Homes

Airborne microbial fragments in the PM1 fraction (particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 1 µm) are a cause for concern as they may potentially deposit in the alveoli of the human airways. This study aimed to use qPCR to identify and quantify 24 different species or groups of genera in the PM1 and the inhalation fraction (particles that may enter the mouth or nose during breathing) of indoor air and to relate this to what has previously been found for each species. Results showed that eight fungal species, and Aspergillus/Penicillium/Paecilomyces variotii, as well as Alnus/Corylus and actinobacteria belonging to the Streptomyces genus were detected both in the PM1 and the inhalable fraction. Five fungal species were only detected in the inhalable fraction. A significant effect of season was found on the fungal composition in the PM1 (p = 0.001) and the inhalable (p = 0.017) fraction. This study demonstrated that it is possible to use qPCR to identify and quantify different microbes in the PM1 fraction, and it has improved our understanding of the qualitative and quantitative relationship between the PM1 and the inhalable microbial particles in indoor air. Combined with the literature review it also shows a large variation within and between species in the share of fungi which is present as fragments.

UTERINE MICROBIOME IN HEALTHY FERTILE WOMEN AND IN CASE OF ENDOMETRIUM PATHOLOGY IN MULTIPLE FAILURES OF IN-VITRO-FERTILIZATION PROGRAMS

Background: Thanks to new diagnostic technologies, it is of no doubt that the uterus is no longer considered to be sterile. A disturbed microbiome of endometrium can be a significant reason for preterm birth, infertility, the recurrence of pregnancy loss, and repeated implantation failures in in-vitro-fertilization programs. Aim: Study the endometrial microbiome features in healthy fertile women and in women with multiple in-vitro-fertilization failures. Methods: To assess the differences in the endometrial microbiota of 20 women with infertility and experiencing multiple unsuccessful attempts of in-vitro-fertilization and 15 fertile, healthy women, endometrial microbiome was studied using an NGS of 16S rRNA. Results and Discussion: Lactobacillus (29.4%), Comamonas (16.8%), and Mesorhizobium (6.0%) were the most abundant genera in group of healthy fertile patients, and Lactobacillus (33.3%), Ralstonia (7.9%) and Pediococcus (4.8%) were most abundant in the group of infertile patients. The mean relative abundance of Lactobacillus did not significantly differ between groups and comprised 33.3% in the group of infertile women and 29.4% in healthy fertile women. A considerably higher mean relative abundance of bacteria of the genus Brevundimonas and Ralstonia was recorded in the group of infertile women. The fertile women had a statistically significantly higher mean relative abundance of Acidovorax, Brevibacillus, Caulobacter, Comamonas, Delftia, Distigma, Pseudomonas, Schlegelella, and Thermus. Conclusions: The presented data confirm that endometrium is not a sterile tissue despite long-standing concepts concerning its sterility. Lactobacillus are dominant genera; however, there is no absolute dominance of Lactobacillus over 90%. The mean relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the uterine microbiome in fertile patients and patients with multiple in-vitro-fertilization failures did not differ.

Application of Wickerhamomyces anomalus in Simulated Solid-State Fermentation for Baijiu Production: Changes of Microbial Community Structure and Flavor Metabolism.

Wickerhamomyces anomalus is conducive to the synthesis of ester compounds in brewing the Chinese liquor Baijiu; esters are crucial for the quality of Baijiu. In this study, simulated solid-state fermentation for Baijiu production was used to explore whether artificial addition of W. anomalus could improve the flavor substance in Baijiu, and the underlying mechanisms. Two experimental groups were studied, in which W. anomalus Y3604 (Group A) and YF1503 (Group B) were added, respectively; in the control group (Group C), no W. anomalus was added. Adding strain Y3604 increased the content of esters in fermentation samples, especially ethyl acetate and ethyl caproate, and reduced the content of higher alcohols. Adding strain YF1503 had little effect on the ester content but decreased the content of higher alcohols. The diversity and abundance of prokaryotic genera in Group A and B samples were similar, but there were some differences compared with Group C. The correlations of genera in Group A or B samples were simple compared with group C. Although the predominant eukaryotic genera in the three groups were consistent, the abundance of each gene varied among groups. Based on our findings, bioaugmentation of Baijiu fermentation with W. anomalus will change the ethyl acetate content and cause changes in the levels of other flavor substances. We suggest that the changes in flavor substances caused by the addition of W. anomalus are mainly due to changes in the microbial community structure that result from the addition of W. anomalus.

Resistant starch intake alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by modulating gut microbiota and promoting concomitant propionate production

Gut dysbiosis precedes clinic symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and has been implicated in the initiation and persistence of RA. The early treatment of RA is critical to better clinical outcome especially for joint destruction. Although dietary interventions have been reported to be beneficial for RA patients, it is unclear to whether diet-induced gut microbiome changes can be a preventive strategy to RA development. Here, we investigated the effect of a high fiber diet (HFD) rich with resistant starch (RS) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and gut microbial composition in mice. RS-HFD significantly reduced arthritis severity and bone erosion in CIA mice. The therapeutic effects of RS-HFD were correlated with splenic regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion and serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) increase. The increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Lachnoclostridium genera concomitant with CIA were eliminated in CIA mice fed the RS-HFD diet. Notably, RS-HFD also led to a predominance of Bacteroidetes, and increased abundances of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Bacteroidales_S24-7_group genera in CIA mice. Accompanied with the gut microbiome changes, serum levels of the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) acetate, propionate and isobutyrate detected by GC-TOFMS were also increased in CIA mice fed RS-HFD. While, addition of β-acids from hops extract to the drinking water of mice fed RS-HFD significantly decreased serum propionate and completely eliminated RS-HFD-induced disease improvement, Treg cell increase and IL-10 production in CIA mice. Moreover, exogenous propionate added to drinking water replicated the protective role of RS-HFD in CIA including reduced bone damage. The direct effect of propionate on T cells in vitro was further explored as at least one mechanistic explanation for the dietary effects of microbial metabolites on immune regulation in experimental RA.Taken together, RS-HFD significantly reduced CIA and bone damage and altered gut microbial composition with concomitant increase in circulating propionate, indicating that RS-rich diet might be a promising therapy especially in the early stage of RA.

Personnel Mobility and Organizational Performance: The Effects of Specialist vs. Generalist Experience and Organizational Work Structure

This study advances understanding of the conditions under which a new worker improves organizational performance. We argue that the extent to which new group members have experience working as specialists or generalists is a critical factor in explaining performance after the new member joins. We conceptualize specialists as those who concentrate on a particular component of an organization’s task, whereas generalists perform all components of the task. As such, a specialist must coordinate with other group members to complete the group’s task, which makes a specialist more interdependent with other members and in possession of more organization-specific knowledge than a generalist. We predict that (1) groups receiving specialist new members do not perform as well after the new member joins as compared with groups receiving generalist new members and (2) groups with new members whose work experience and recipient group structure are aligned (i.e., generalist movers into generalist groups and specialist movers into specialist groups) perform better than groups with new members whose experience and recipient group structure are not aligned. We test our hypotheses using a laboratory study in which we manipulate the extent to which new members and incumbent members of recipient groups work as specialists or generalists. Participants work as generalists or specialists in three-person groups and receive a new member who acquired experience as a specialist or generalist in another group. We find support for our hypotheses and provide evidence on mechanisms through which potential new members’ backgrounds enable them to contribute significantly to their recipient groups. New members who acquire experience in a structure similar to that of their recipient organizations report that they experience greater fit with their new groups, which enables their recipient groups to perform better than groups where new members’ experience and recipient group structure are not aligned. Additionally, our results suggest generalists may be more likely than specialists to transfer knowledge to their new groups.

Synopsis of the Chrysoxena Group in Costa Rica, with Descriptions of New Species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Costa Rican members of the Chrysoxena group of genera are reviewed and illustrated. Three of the six genera that comprise the group are found in Costa Rica: Dorithia Powell, 1964 (three species), Cuproxena Powell and Brown, 1991 (ten species), and ThoridiaBrown, 1991 (one species). Five new species of Cuproxena are described: C. altimana, new species; C. casonana, new species; C. obscura, new species; C. monumenta, new species; and C. amistada, new species; along with one new species of Dorithia: D. phillipsae, new species. The male of Cuproxena neonereidana Brown and the female of Thoridia veirsi Brown are illustrated for the first time.

Changes of Intestinal Microbiota in Ovarian Cancer Patients Treated with Surgery and Chemotherapy.

PurposeOvarian cancer is the leading cause of death in gynecologic malignancies. Growing evidences demonstrate that a complicated relationship exists between the gut microbiota and cancer treatment. However, there are few studies explored the alterations of gut microbiota in ovarian cancer patients following anti-cancer treatments. Therefore, we aim to analyze the changes of the gut microbiota in ovarian cancer patients treated with radical surgery and chemotherapy.Patients and MethodsThe microbial genes were examined from a total of 75 fecal samples from 18 ovarian cancer patients, including 10 preoperative fecal samples (Group B), 4 postoperative fecal samples (Group M0), as well as 61 fecal samples after first to fifth cycles of chemotherapy, using 16S rRNA sequencing.ResultsOur results showed that fecal samples collected in postoperative (Group M0) exhibited significant decreases in abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, while a significant increase in abundance of Proteobacteria compared with preoperative (Group B) fecal samples. LEfSe analysis identified that Bilophila and Faecalibacterium are the key genera in Group B, while Klebsiella and Enterococcus are the key genus in Group M0. Compared with before chemotherapy, the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes increased, and the abundance of Proteobacteria decreased after chemotherapy. In addition, anaerobic bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Collinsella and Blautia, exhibited significant increases after chemotherapy. Moreover, we observed that certain bacterial genera were significantly correlated with clinicopathological characteristics of ovarian cancer patients.ConclusionOur study suggested that radical surgery and chemotherapy altered the composition of gut microbiota in ovarian cancer patients. Therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota may be beneficial for the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer.

&lt;strong&gt;A new genus and species of damsel-dragonfly from the Middle Jurassic of Inner Mongolia (Odonata: Campterophlebiidae)&lt;/strong&gt;

The Campterophlebiidae is the largest family of fossil damsel-dragonflies, containing more than 60 species described from Lower Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous strata of Europe and Asia. This group is especially diverse in the Middle–Late Jurassic strata in Inner Mongolia, northeastern China, with some very large species (Zhang et al., 2006, 2008, 2013; Nel et al., 2007, 2008, 2009; Petrulevičius et al., 2011; Li et al., 2013; Zhang et al., 2013; Zheng et al., 2016, 2017). Thus it is surprising that we found a new representative of these damsel-dragonflies, belonging to a group of genera characterized by a very particular shape of the forewing cubito-anal area. This fossil has a unique shape of the forewing median vein, allowing its attribution to a new genus and species. It increases our knowledge about the palaeobiodiversity of this impressive group of Odonata.

Blakealtica, a new genus of flea beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini) from the Dominican Republic.

Blakealtica fusca a new genus and new species from the Dominican Republic is described and illustrated. In addition to external features, beetle thoracic sclerites (including metendosternite) are fully examined and illustrated. Blakealtica is similar to Monomacra Chevrolat,1836 and related genera (Disonycha Chevrolat, 1836, Hemilactica Blake, 1937, Myrmeconycha Konstantinov & Tishechkin, 2017, Parchicola Bechyne & Bechyne, 1975, Pseudodisonycha Blake, 1954, and Rosalactica Bechyne & Bechyne, 1977) as all studied representatives of these genera are missing the sclerotized vaginal palpi or have them membranous and otherwise poorly developed. This feature may be unique for the Monomacra group of genera as it has not been seen anywhere else in flea beetles.

Studies in Colombian Ensifera and adjacent countries: Gigagryllus, a new genus of giant field crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) with comments on current Neotropical Gryllinae classification.

Gigagryllus omayrae n. gen et n. sp., a new genus of giant field cricket, from the middle Magdalena of Colombia, more precisely from the department of Tolima, in the region of the Armero tragedy, for which this species is dedicated to the memory of Omayra Sanchez, a symbol of the most terrible natural tragedy that has occurred in the recent history of Colombia. Gigagryllus n. gen. is one of the largest genera in America, with a size similar to Titanogryllus, Megalogryllus and some species of Gryllita. The classification of the American Gryllinae is discussed, and a key to the American genera is provided. Besides, genera groups are proposed for the subtribe Brachytrupine (Gryllini) taxa, which differs from Old World genera. Geogryllus n. syn. and Rubrogryllus n. syn. are synonymized under Gryllita and Cophogryllus americanus is considered as nomen dubium, ruling out the presence of subtribe Cophogryllina in America.

Phylogenetic analysis of the Euschistus group (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) suggests polyphyly of Dichelops Spinola, 1837 with the erection of Diceraeus Dallas, 1851, stat. rev.

AbstractCarpocorini are the most diverse tribe within Pentatominae, comprising about 100 genera and 500 species, with the highest diversity found in the Neotropics. Within Carpocorini, some groups of genera have been, formally or informally, proposed based on morphological similarities and taxonomic history. The Euschistus group was informally proposed and comprises 20 genera, including Euschistus Dallas, 1851 and Dichelops Spinola, 1837. Both of these genera had their monophyly under dispute recently. Dichelops, which includes the species commonly known as the green‐belly stink bug, comprises 16 species in three subgenera, with an exclusively Neotropical distribution. The genus was revised recently, and for each subgenus, a set of distinct morphological characters was listed, which allow their precise identification. We tested the monophyly of the Euschistus group and of Dichelops under parsimony criteria using discrete and continuous characters and two‐character weighting methods. The Euschistus group was paraphyletic, and Dichelops was polyphyletic in every analysis, and the taxonomic characters formerly proposed as diagnostic for the genus and its subgenera were homoplastic. On the basis of the phylogenetic result, we propose the erection of Diceraeus Dallas, 1851, stat. rev. to the status of genus and Dichelops comprising two subgenera, the nominal and Prodichelops Grazia, 1978. This decision has implications for applied entomology, because species of Diceraeus are important crop pests in the Neotropics.

A new genus of the Hypocera group (Diptera, Phoridae), with descriptions of two new species from China.

A new genus, Sinogodavariagen. nov., with two new species, S. multiformissp. nov. and S. tenebrosasp. nov., is described from China. It belongs phylogenetically to the Hypocera group of genera. The species Latiborophaga bathmis Liu is transferred to the new genus. A key to species of the new genus is presented.

River damming affects seedling communities of a floodplain forest in the Central Amazon

ABSTRACT The flood pulse of black water rivers in the Amazon basin determines the composition of species along the flood gradient in igapo forests. The Balbina dam, built on the Uatuma River, has altered the flood pulse and caused changes in the floristic composition of adult trees throughout the downstream area. There is a lack of studies on how communities of seedlings in igapo forests respond to changes in the flood pulse. This study investigates the response of seedling communities in the igapo forest downstream the Balbina dam and compares it with two pristine areas. The areas were sampled with transects of 1x25 m within 36 plots (25x25 m) along the flood gradient. Richness and dominance were calculated by simple regression and ordination analyses. The pristine areas had the same pattern of richness, dominance and genera distribution along the flood gradient. However, the affected Uatuma area formed different groups of genera by NMDS analysis, which divided them along the flood gradient with significantly increased dominance of three genera. The insertion of the Balbina dam resulted a loss of lateral and longitudinal connectivity for the Uatuma River, and the alteration to seedling communities may alter the future landscape of downstream igapo forests.

Olibrolitus, New Genus of Shining Flower Beetles (Coleoptera, Cucujoidea, Phalacridae) from Bitterfeld and Baltic Amber

A new monotypic genus, Olibrolitus gen. nov. (type species Olibrolituskatyae sp. nov.), is described from Upper Eocene amber. The new genus Olibrolitus does not resemble any extant group of genera of Phalacridae. Several modern genera have been reported and the genus Neolitochropus was recently described from Eocene amber, but the new genus Olibrolitus is not close to Neolitochropus, and it is so far difficult to suggest a connection with any extant genera. The new genus differs from other genera of the family by the absence of elytral striae and the tarsus morphology (the first metatarsomere is longer than the second, articulated loosely).

Molecular phylogenetics disentangles the limits of a group of related Neotropical doryctine parasitoid wasp genera (Hymenoptera : Braconidae)

The Doryctinae is one of the most specious subfamilies of the mainly parasitoid wasp family Braconidae. Members of this subfamily are characterised by having a very heterogeneous external morphology, which has made establishing the limits of several of its genera extremely difficult. The Neotropical Callihormius Ashmead, Platydoryctes Barbalho &amp;amp; Penteado-Dias, and Aphelopsia Marsh are prime examples of this, since they show extensive interspecific morphological variation but lack consistent diagnostic features among them. We carried out a comprehensive phylogenetic study among several representative species belonging to the above genera as well as other morphologically similar doryctine taxa based on three nuclear and two mitochondrial (mt)DNA sequence markers. Based on the relationships recovered, we assessed the generic limits among the examined taxa and investigated the times of origin and diversification in this group. Our best estimate of phylogeny did not recover Callihormius as monophyletic, and thus we propose a taxonomic arrangement where we elevate the status of Ca. (Dmitriohormius) Belokobylskij, Zaldívar-Riverón &amp;amp; Coronado-Blanco to genus level, stat. nov., and also describe four new genera: Macrometasoma, gen. nov., Caputlenis, gen. nov., Platyhormius, gen. nov. and Caputrugosus, gen. nov. Platydoryctes is delimited morphologically, and the body flatness is proposed to have independently evolved more than once within the group of genera examined. Aphelopsia was not recovered as monophyletic, though the relationships involved were weakly supported and therefore we maintain its species composition. Panama Marsh, stat. rev., which was considered a junior synonym of Leluthia Cameron, is resurrected. Basal relationships in the phylogeny had very short branch lengths, which could be due to ancient rapid radiation events that occurred during the early evolution of the group. The estimated times of divergence showed that the clade containing Callihormius and its related genera originated between the late Oligocene and middle Miocene, whereas its early diversification events probably occurred between the middle to late Miocene.