Genital Structures Research Articles

Genetic barcodes for species identification and phylogenetic estimation in ghost spiders (Araneae: Anyphaenidae: Amaurobioidinae).

The identification of spider species presents many challenges, since in most cases the characters used are from genital structures that are only fully developed in the adult stage, hence the identification of immatures is most often not possible. Additionally, these structures usually also present some intra-specific variability, which in some cases makes the identification of closely related species difficult. The genetic barcode technique (DNA barcodes), based on sequencing of the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI ), has proven a useful, complementary tool to overcome these limitations. In this work, the contribution of DNA barcoding to the taxonomy of the subfamily Amaurobioidinae is explored using the refined single linkage analysis (RESL) algorithm for the delimitation of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), in comparison with the assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) algorithm, and presented in conjunction with an updated molecular phylogenetic analysis of three other markers (28S rRNA, 16S rRNA, Histone H3 ), in addition to COI . Of a total of 97 included species identified by morphology, 82 species were concordant with the operational taxonomic units obtained from RESL, representing an 85% correspondence between the two methods. Similar results were obtained using the ASAP algorithm. Previous observations of morphological variation within the same species are supported, and this technique provides new information on genetic structure and potentially cryptic species. Most of the discrepancies between DNA barcoding and morphological identification are explained by low geographic sampling or by divergent or geographically structured lineages. After the addition of many specimens with only COI data, the multi-marker phylogenetic analysis is consistent with previous results and the support is improved. The markers COI , closely followed by 28S , are the most phylogenetically informative. We conclude that the barcode DNA technique is a valuable source of data for the delimitation of species of Amaurobioidinae, in conjunction with morphological and geographic data, and it is also useful for the detection of cases that require a more detailed and meticulous study.

Metastatic Germ Cell Tumors Often Represent Continuous Evolving Processes (Somatic Transformation) toward SALL4-Positive Dominant Yolk Sac Tumors and Teratomas

Abstract Introduction/Objective SALL4 has been used to diagnose primary and metastatic germ cell tumors (GCT). However, it is not well established if SALL4 represents an evolving biomarker for GCT during the metastatic processes. Methods/Case Report We studied the fetal expression of SALL4 and a small series of metastatic GCT by comparing SALL4 expression (in all levels of GCT) with OCT3/4 expression (mainly in the early chain of germ cell tumors such as seminoma and embryonal carcinoma). Results (if a Case Study enter NA) First, we found SALL4 expression in Wolffian ducts and their surrounding stromal cells of 4 early embryos (5-7 weeks of gestation), implying that SALL4 may be involved in the early genital structure development. Then we identified 6 cases with metastatic GCT and compared SALL4 with OCT3/4 stains. The original tumors were all positive for both OCT3/4 and SALL4, but 4 out of 6 subsequently metastatic GCT stained positive only for SALL4 but not for OCT3/4. Particularly in case 5, the first two biopsies for metastatic GCT were positive for both biomarkers, but the last metastatic GCT to the gallbladders was positive only for SALL4. Conclusion Our pilot study raises the possibility that metastatic GCT may represent some evolving process to epithelial differentiated neoplasms (via somatic transformation) namely yolk sac tumor and teratoma along the germ cell differentiation chain. Therefore, SALL4 staining becomes a necessary step to avoid the pitfall of misdiagnosing unusual metastatic tumors with a known and unknown history of GCT particularly in male patients.

Molecular phylogenetic relationships among lineages in the genus Carabus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and radiation of the subgenus Apotomopterus

Abstract The genus Carabus (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Carabinae) is a group of predacious ground beetles found throughout Holarctic temperate zones. The diversification of this group is attributed not only to allopatric speciation but also to diversification in life-history traits and morphological traits that are involved in ecological adaptation and reproductive isolation. Precise phylogenetic reconstruction of Carabus is important to understanding the factors associated with species’ divergence in relation to such character divergence. Here, we analyse the phylogeny of Carabus among higher taxonomic groups and among species of the subgenus Apotomopterus, a hyper-diverse group endemic to East Asia. We used genome-wide sequence data from ultraconserved elements for phylogenetic reconstruction via maximum-likelihood and species-tree reconstruction methods. With regard to the relationships among higher taxonomic groups, the obtained phylogenetic trees resolved two structures with previously unresolved divergence. The subgenus Apotomopterus contained three lineages, i.e. the Vitalisi, Prodigus, and Sauteri groups. It showed diversification of the spinula, a sclerotized male genital structure, and variation in the female elytral notch (preapical emargination). These morphological traits may be involved in copulatory behaviour and potentially affect reproductive isolation, and their character state divergence may have facilitated species divergence of Apotomopterus.

Genital coupling and copulatory wounding in the Drosophila rufa species complex: comparison with the D. auraria species complex (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Abstract In sexually reproducing animals, genital morphology is usually divergent among closely related species, which can lead to a mismatch of genital coupling (i.e. mechanical isolation). The montium species group of the subgenus Sophophora is the largest clade in Drosophila and is a useful model in which to study the evolution of genital morphology. This group includes a pair of sister clades, i.e. the Drosophila auraria and Drosophila rufa species complexes. The former includes four species with overlapping distributions, and the latter consists of five species that are almost allopatric. The previous study on the D. auraria complex suggested genital co-evolution between sexes (female structures accepting for or protecting from male structures). To test the generality, we analysed the D. rufa complex and three outgroup species. In the D. rufa complex, we detected genital structures corresponding between sexes, and copulatory wounds with species-specific positions. Given that approximately the same number of evolutionary changes in the genital traits were detected in both sexes of the two clades, we conclude that selection pressure to avoid interspecific mating (reproductive character displacement) is not a prerequisite for rapid genital co-evolution.

Robust phylogenomics settles controversies of classification and reveals evolution of male embolic complex of the Laufeia clade (Araneae, Salticidae, Euophryini).

The Laufeia clade is a peculiar lineage of euophryine jumping spiders showing rapid divergence of male genital structures, especially the embolic complex that directly interacts with female genitalia during sperm transfer. With the rapid growth of species discovery and the perplexing morphology of male genitalia in the Laufeia clade, the controversy in its classification has become a crucial problem. In this study, we applied a phylogenomic approach using ultra-conserved elements data to infer the phylogeny of the Laufeia clade with extensive taxon sampling. A comparative morphological study was performed to evaluate diagnostic characters and understand the evolution of the male embolic complex within the Laufeia clade. The evolution of microhabitats (foliage, tree trunk, rock and surface litter) was also investigated to uncover the potential link between the microhabitat shifts and male embolic complex divergence. The results provide a strongly supported phylogenetic framework and updated generic concepts for the Laufeia clade. The synapomorphies for the updated genera within the Laufeia clade were identified through character mapping on the phylogeny. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses revealed that the Type I embolic complex (characterized by a disc-like embolic disc with a lamina as its outer edge) was ancestral and gradually evolved into the Type II (without lamina of embolic disc, base of embolic complex often modified into a functional "conductor") and Type III (lacking lamina of embolic disc and base of embolic complex) embolic complex, and that some embolic shapes evolved multiple times independently in different lineages of the Laufeia clade. The shift from foliage-dwelling to tree trunk-dwelling in the common ancestor of the Laufeia clade may have facilitated the divergent evolution of male embolic complex in the Laufeia clade. This study provides a solid foundation for future studies of systematics and evolution of this group.

Description of genitalia of the poorly studied genus Relluna Schoorl, 1990 (Lepidoptera, Cossidae, Zeuzerinae)

The article provides a detailed description of the male and female genital structures of the type species of the poorly studied genus Relluna Schoorl, 1990 (Lepidoptera, Cossidae, Zeuzerinae), a brief diagnosis of the genus is given. The list of all examined material on the genus is provided; Relluna nurella Swinhoe, 1894 is reported for the fauna of Laos for the first time.

Two new species of Torunotum Hosseini & Cassis 2019 (Hemiptera: Miridae: Deraeocorinae: Hyaliodini) from New Caledonia

Two new species of the Torunotum Hosseini & Cassis, 2019—T. hirsutum sp. nov. and T. flavomaculatum sp. nov.—are diagnosed and described. Photographic images of habitus and male genital structures, as well as scanning electron micrographs of the selected structures of these species, are provided. Additionally, the paper also presents a new locality of Torunotum badius Hosseini & Cassis, 2019, along with photographs of the habitus and the male genitalia.

Discovery of a novel ejaculation mechanism in danceflies (Diptera: Empididae), with implications for genital elongation.

Genitalia are known to evolve rapidly and are among the most variable structures in insect morphology, making them a target of active research. However, function and evolutionary significance of internal genital structures remain less well understood. Here, we report the morphology and mechanism of a novel ejaculatory system that has evolved in the dancefly genus Rhamphomyia (Insecta: Diptera: Empididae). Using synchrotron µCT technology, we examined the male genitalia of five dancefly species and identified an ejaculatory system resembling a leverage hydraulic jack, which is thought to have derived from a plunger-like pumping system. This jacking system amplifies the applied muscle power by up to 4.2 times, allowing the system to produce the same pumping power with much smaller muscles. However, the volume of the pumping muscle in the jacking system is comparable to that of the plunger system, indicating a significant increase in ejaculation power in this genus. We hypothesize that the greater pumping power evolved through sexual selection favoring strong ejaculation to rapidly pass semen through a thin and elongated phallus and spermathecal duct.

Age-dependent variation of aedeagal morphology in Agabusuliginosus and the status of A.lotti (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae).

A doubt has arisen about the taxonomic status of Agabuslotti within the Agabusuliginosus species group due to morphological similarities and lack of molecular data. In this study, a comprehensive morphological and molecular analysis of specimens from Central Europe was conducted, focusing on the Hungarian population. Morphological comparisons of genital structures revealed age-dependent variations, suggesting a gradual transition from A.lotti to A.uliginosus. Molecular analysis of COI sequences further supported this hypothesis, showing minimal genetic differences among most specimens, with only one individual exhibiting distinctiveness. Therefore, A.lotti syn. nov. must be regarded as a junior synonym of A.uliginosus. Our findings also highlight the need for additional multi-marker studies covering a broader geographic range and including both molecular and morphological approaches to elucidate the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships within this species group. The inclusion of Hungarian samples notably enriched the diversity of haplotypes, emphasizing the importance of expanding sampling efforts in future research.

A review of the genus Eugaster Serville, 1838 (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Hetrodinae): a multifaceted approach

Overall coloration, size and thoracic morphology have formed the basis for taxonomic differentiation of taxa within the genus Eugaster at specific or subspecific levels over the years. The present study employs a range of methods to examine the morphology of 58 specimens (18♂♂ and 40♀♀) from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, collected from altitudes varying between 10 and 1795 metres AMSL. Moroccan sampling sites include localities on both the north and south of the High Atlas and from either side of the Middle Atlas, i.e., the Anti-Atlas, Western Meseta and High Plateau. The various techniques involve the characterisation of the five key colour forms and an investigation to examine links between colour form and geographical location and altitude, biometric analysis comprising selected variables, thoracic structure examination through feature extraction and edge detection, microscopy to examine male stridulatory files, an examination of the male genital sclerite structure for the presence of titillators, as well as molecular and phylogenetic analysis. Statistical tests are performed for results pertaining to biometrics, thoracic skeletisation, and the number of pegs on stridulatory organs. From results obtained, this study finds no basis to support the notion of the various taxa described in the past being assigned the rank of species and considers these to be infraspecific variants or forms. Consequently, the present authors propose to synonymise Eugaster guyoni (Serville, 1838) with Eugaster spinulosa (Johannson, 1763), resulting in the genus Eugaster being represented in North Africa by a unique but highly variable taxon, in terms of coloration, size and thoracic morphology.

Stimulatory Functions of Male Genitalia in Tipula (Triplicitipula) colei Alexander and Tipula (Lunatipula) translucida Doane (Diptera: Tipulidae) and Implications for Theories of Genital Evolution.

Male genitalia have been hypothesized to function as courtship devices during copulation, but it is difficult to use behavioral observations to test this hypothesis because male genitalia are usually hidden inside the female during copulation. In tipuloid flies, however, nearly all of the male's complex genital structures remain outside the female. Copulation behavior and genital morphology in Tipula (Triplicitipula) colei and T. (Lunatipula) translucida suggest that some male genital structures function to stimulate the female: male structures that contact the female bear tufts or dense arrays of modified setae on precisely the surfaces that contact the female; contact involves repeated, stereotyped rhythmic movements that include brushing, vibrating, scraping, and tapping; the movements are appropriately designed to utilize the morphology of the modified setae to stimulate the female; and the movements have little or no other perceptible mechanical effects on the female. The female structures contacted by these male genital movements fail to show the defensive designs predicted by the theories of genital evolution that are based on morphological species isolation or male-female morphological conflicts of interest; also unexplained by the conflict of interest hypothesis are female movements that seem designed to increase rather than avoid stimulation by the male.

Integrative description of Thaeides ramoni sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), a sympatric sibling species of Thaeides theia (Hewitson, 1870) found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia

We present evidence from DNA barcodes, wing pattern and distribution to support the hypothesis that an entity flying in sympatry with Thaeides theia in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is an undescribed biological species named herein as Thaides ramoni Prieto, sp. nov. Adult specimens and genital structures are illustrated for both species along with molecular and morphological diagnostic characters. In addition, we present some considerations about the taxonomy of the species in the Thaeides muela group.

Revision of the genus Kunungua (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae) with descriptions of three new species and new generic synonymy

This study provides a taxonomic revision of the genus Kunungua Carvalho, 1951 (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae, Bryocorinae, Eccritotarsini) with the description of three new species, K. atramentomaculatasp. nov., K. geminasp. nov., and K. ornatasp. nov. Revised diagnoses for the genus and three additional species are given, along with a key to the species. Habitus photographs, illustrations of male genitalic structures, and distributional information are provided for each species. The placement of Kunungua within the Prodromus group of genera is discussed. The genus Duducoris Odhiambo, 1962 is recognised as a new junior subjective synonym of Prodromus Distant, 1904, resulting in new combinations for the five species contained in the subsumed genus. Kunungua pallida Linnavuori, 1975 is excluded from the genus Kunungua and treated as a species of uncertain generic placement.

Taxonomic notes on Cybocephalidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) in Korea, describing immature stages and a new species

The family Cybocephalidae in Korea is reviewed with two species: Cybocephalus nipponicus nipponicus and a species, Cybocephalus inui sp. nov. Descriptions, photographs of external morphology, genital structures, larval morphology, and a key to Korean species are provided, with the biological information including life cycle and hosts. Furthermore, we propose that barcoding is an efficient method for the identification of Cybocephalidae species and highlight the necessity for phylogenetic research to reveal their phylogenetic position.ICZN:www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:14EE9B5C-0F29-4A87-A9A2-71E1D9ACD065.

HISTORY OF THE ERMINE MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA: YPONOMEUTIDAE) STUDY IN THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST AND ADJACENT COUNTRIES

As a result of the analysis of the history of the family Yponomeutidae study the three conditional stages were outlined mainly based on the used research methods. The first stage, which began in the first half of XVIII century and ended at the beginning of the XX century, covers the period from the first descriptions with illustrations of larva nests and the external features of the preimaginal and imaginal stages to the use of genital characters in the species identification. From the latter the second stage starts and ends before the introduction of the molecular genetic method for study of taxonomic diversity. During this stage the study of the ermine moths were expanded to comparative morphological research, elucidation of the homology of genital structures based on their functional morphology and development of taxonomy based on phylogenetic analyses. The third stage begins from the end of XX century, when researchers started to use molecular markers to solve taxonomic problems in the group. According to the results of many years of research, the fauna of yponomeutid moths has been studied in Russia and adjacent countries very unevenly and, in general, insufficiently. Currently, the species diversity of ermine moths in the Russian Far East is 38 species from 10 genera, significantly inferior to that of China (70 species of 17 genera) and less to that in Japan (46 species of 16 genera). However, the species diversity of ermine moths in the Russian Far East exceeds the known diversity of this group in Korea (25 species from 10 genera).

Taxonomy and evolutionary implications of a new fossil stonefly family (Insecta, Plecoptera) from Middle Cretaceous Kachin amber of northern Myanmar

Plecoptera, commonly known as stoneflies, represent an ancient order of aquatic insects with significant ecological importance in freshwater ecosystems. This study describes a new genus and species of stonefly, Crossoperla teslenkoae n. gen. n. sp., based on a female adult preserved in Middle Cretaceous Kachin amber. Morphological examination reveals the taxonomic placement of C. teslenkoae within the infraorder Systellognatha of the suborder Arctoperlaria. Distinctive wing venation patterns and genitalic structures differentiate C. teslenkoae from extant and extinct stonefly families. A new extinct fossil family, Crossoperlidae n. fam. is established for the new stonefly. The findings contribute to the understanding of stonefly evolution, palaeodiversity, and ecological adaptations.

The development of extremely large male genitalia under spatial limitation.

Extensive research in evolutionary biology has focused on the exaggeration of sexual traits; however, the developmental basis of exaggerated sexual traits has only been determined in a few cases. The evolution of exaggerated sexual traits may involve the relaxation of constraints or developmental processes mitigating constraints. Ground beetles in the subgenus Ohomopterus (genus Carabus) have species-specific genitalia that show coevolutionary divergence between the sexes. Here, we examined the morphogenesis of the remarkably enlarged male and female genitalia of Carabus uenoi by X-ray microcomputed tomography. The morphogenetic processes generating the male and female genitalia at the pupal stage were qualitatively similar to those in closely related species with standard genital sizes. Higher growth rates contributed to the exaggeration of both the male and female genital parts of C. uenoi, possibly related to a gene network commonly upregulated in both sexes. Additionally, the length of the copulatory piece (CP), the enlarged male genital part stored in the aedeagus (AD), reached close to that of the AD at the later developmental stages and thereafter decelerated to grow in parallel with the AD, suggesting a structural constraint on the CP by the outer AD. Then, unlike related species, the lengths of the CP and AD increased at eclosion, suggesting a mechanism leading to further elongation of the male genitalia. These observations suggest that a developmental process allows continuous growth of the male genitalia even under the spatial limitation. These results revealed the spatio-temporal dynamics of the development of exaggerated genital structures under structural constraints.

Contributions of Aphrophoridae (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha) fauna of Sinop, Kastamonu and Black Sea Region of Türkiye

In this study, Aphrophoridae (Hemiptera:) specimens collected from Sinop and Kastamonu between 2016 May-2018 October were evaluated. Specimens was collected by sweeping net and a hand aspirator over the plants during the daytime. Nine species belonging to 4 genera were identified in the study area: Aphrophora alni (Fallén, 1805), A. salicina (Goeze, 1778), A. geruzei Tanyeri & Zeybekoğlu, 2021, Lepyronia coleoptrata (Linnaeus, 1758), Neophilaenus albipennis (Fabricius, 1798), N. campestris (Fallén, 1805), N. lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758), N. minor (Kirschbaum, 1868), Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758). Information provided covering distributional data of the species in Türkiye and worldwide, collection localities, number of species were given. Of the identified species Neophilaenus albipennis is the first record for the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. General photographs of N. albipennis, and N. lineatus and drawings of genital structures are given.

Genetic counseling in atypical genitalia: Challenges and proposed communication approach

Atypical genitalia (AG) is a rare condition in which a child’s external genitals are not properly distinguished. The genitals can be seen as incompletely developed or have both male and female internal and/or external genital structures. Identification of genetic causes in such children is important for appropriate genetic counseling. Genetic counseling in AG is very crucial and sensitive. Also, there are lots of challenges involved in offering and communicating the information to parents or individuals. The article highlights the challenges in counseling and proposes a simple communication approach in AG.

Contribution to the hyaliodine fauna (Miridae: Deraeocorinae: Hyaliodini) of New Caledonia with a description of two new species and a checklist of New Caledonian plant bugs

Two new species of the Montagneria Akingbohungbe, 1978—M. barbarae sp. nov. and M. nataliae sp. nov.—are diagnosed and described. Photographic images of habitus and genital structures, as well as scanning electron micrographs of the selected structures of both species are provided. The gland openings located on the thorax are figured and discussed. New records of three hyaliodine species, Femurocoris spinosus Carvalho, 1977, Montagneria cuneatus (Distant, 1920), and M. nigroscutellatum (Distant, 1920) in New Caledonia are also presented. Moreover, a checklist of the Miridae species of New Caledonia is given.