Asian Genus Research Articles

A new Cercis (Leguminosae) from the middle Miocene of Fujian, China

ABSTRACT Neogene plant fossils from low latitudes of China are critical for understanding the history of plant diversity and paleoenvironment in that region. Here we describe well-preserved Cercis fruit fossils from the Fotan Group (~14.7 Ma) in Fujian, southeastern China. Based on detailed morphological and anatomical comparisons with extant and fossil species, we refer to these fossils as Cercis zhangpuensis sp. nov. Cercis zhangpuensis, most similar to C. chinensis A.V. Bunge among extant species of the genus. The currently described species is the southmost fossil record of the genus in Asia. In addition, we have studied cuticle structures of Cercis pod fossils for the first time. The occurrence of Cercis fossils indicates that the genus existed in Fujian, China since the middle Miocene. Available fossil records indicate that Cercis firstly appeared in North America during the Eocene, then spread in Europe and Asia since the Oligocene, with its distribution attaining the peak in the Miocene. We conclude that East Asia may represent one of the major centres of diversification of Cercis in the Miocene.

<strong>Three new species of <em>Trivalvaria</em> (Annonaceae) from Thailand, with a key to the Thai species </strong>

On the basis of field and herbarium study, three new species of the Asian genus Trivalvaria (Annonaceae) are described: T. ochroleuca and T. recurva from southwestern Thailand and T. stenopetala from Ranong and Phangnga Provinces in northern Peninsular Thailand. A key to the Trivalvaria species from Thailand is presented.

Phylogenetic position and relationships of mountain loaches (Teleostei: Balitoridae) of the Western Ghats as revealed by CO1 sequences.

The teleostean family Balitoridae comprises small-sized freshwater fishes adapted to swift-flowing torrential mountain streams in South and South-East Asia. Little is known about their molecular phylogenetics and evolutionary biogeography, and much of the scientific literature that references them is focused on morphological taxonomy. In this paper, we generate CO1 sequences for the endemic balitorid lineages of the Western Ghats (WG) Hotspot in India, particularly for the endemic genera, Bhavania, Ghatsa and Travancoria. Integration of these data into a phylogeny revealed that the endemic WG genera together form a well-supported monophyletic clade that shows, subject to our limited taxon sampling, a sister-group relationship to the Southeast Asian genus Pseudohomaloptera. Three WG endemic species of the genus Balitora, namely B. chipkali, B. jalpalli and B. laticauda, though morphologically distinct, have low genetic divergence and barcode gap, suggestive of recent speciation. Interestingly, a fourth WG endemic, B. mysorensis, formed a clade with two species of Balitora from Eastern-Himalaya and Indo-Burma. We also show that all available CO1 sequences assigned to WG endemic balitorid genera in GenBank are misidentifications, and provide diagnostic characters for the accurate identification of these taxa in the future.

Description of three new species of the genus Mata Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadinae: Oncotympanini) with notes on their natural history from Indian state of Meghalaya, India.

Three new species of the Asian genus Mata Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) viz. Mata lenonia sp.nov.; Mata ruffordii sp.nov. and Mata meghalayana sp.nov. are described from Indian state of Meghalaya. Keys and taxonomic descriptions of these species are provided with detailed accounts of their natural history and acoustics.

A Miocene flora from the Toupi Formation in Jiangxi Province, southeastern China

Here we report a fossil flora from the Miocene Toupi Formation in Jiangxi Province, southeastern China, including megafossil genera Pinus, Podocarpus, Calocedrus, Cinnamomum, Quercus, Lithocarpus, Carya, Palaeocarya, Acer, and Yua. Among them, Yua jiangxiensis n. sp. is the first fossil record of the genus in Asia. A palynological analysis in this study reveals that the palyno-assemblage contains Selaginella, Pteris, Pinus, Picea, Quercus, Fagus, Carya, Ilex, and Rutaceae. Based on Integrated Plant Records (IPR) vegetation analysis, it is suggested that the fossil flora represents an evergreen broad-leaved forest, and the occurrence of tropical and subtropical Cinnamomum supports a warm and moist climate in the region during the middle Miocene.

<p><strong>A Taxonomic revision of <em>Pseudodissochaeta </em>(Melastomataceae, Dissochaeteae)</strong></p>

The mainly Southeast Asian genus Pseudodissochaeta (Melastomataceae, Dissochaeteae) is revised based on a study of herbarium collections. The relationships of Pseudodissochaeta to Dissochaeta and Medinilla are discussed and some important characters distinguishing it from its relatives, including habit, leaf base and margin and floral characters, are provided. Five species are recognized without any infraspecific taxa. A key to the species, descriptions of each species, distribution (maps), ecology, habitat, images and a list of the specimens examined are given.

A new species of Horniolus Weise with remarks on the systematic position of the genus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

Horniolus Weise is an Asian genus of ladybird beetles up to now comprising 15 species with the greatest diversity in China. A new species, H. minutus sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The position of the genus within the modern classification of Coccinellidae is discussed, and its transfer from the tribe Scymnini to Platynaspini is proposed.

Rat‐ and bat‐pollination of Mucuna championii (Fabaceae) in Hong Kong

AbstractMucuna (Fabaceae) species possess gullet‐type flowers that open explosively and which are thought to be specifically adapted for bat‐ or bird‐pollination. However, recent studies have shown that non‐flying mammals are also important pollinators of this genus in Asia. Here we report on the pollination system of Mucuna championii (endemic in southeast China) in Hong Kong. As is typical for the genus, explosive opening is essential for fruit set, but flowers are unable to open in the absence of manipulation by an effective pollinator. Camera trap surveys of three individuals revealed both chestnut spiny rats (Niviventer fulvescens) and short‐nosed fruit bats (Cynopterus sphinx) to be capable of triggering explosive opening. The number of flowers opened by each species did not differ significantly, and both removed most pollen grains from the flowers they visited, but either species visited different individuals. Sucrose‐rich nectar was secreted by flowers throughout the day. Our results reveal that M. championii can be pollinated by both rats and bats, with this representing only the second report of rat‐pollination in tropical Asia. The sympatric M. birdwoodiana often occurs in close proximity to M. championii and has an overlapping flowering season, suggesting that pollinator segregation may have played a role in shaping the evolutionary ecology of these two species.

Inter-primer binding site (iPBS) markers reveal the population genetic diversity and structure of tropical climbing Cissampelopsis (Asteraceae) in Thailand

Abstract. Vanijajiva O, Pornpongrungrueng P. 2020. Inter-primer binding site (iPBS) markers reveal the population genetic diversity and structure of tropical climbing Cissampelopsis (Asteraceae) in Thailand. Biodiversitas 21: 3919-3928. Cissampelopsis is a small climbing tropical Asian genus of Asteraceae-Senecioneae. In Thailand, the genus is represented by two species, C. corifolia and C. Volubilis, distributed through the mountain evergreen forest. Study on the genetic diversity and structure of populations of both Cissampelopsis species provide better understanding of the biology and pattern of species diversification in the genus. To identify the genetic diversity, we used the inter-primer binding site (iPBS) retrotransposon system, in 96 accessions of Cissampelopsis species collected from different regions in Thailand. A total of 120 iPBS bands were scored as presence⁄ absence characters. Results from UPGMA and PCoA analyses indicated that C. corifolia and C. volubilis are different species. Genetic diversity and genetic differentiation among and within populations of C. volubilis is higher than C. corifolia. Molecular Variance (AMOVA) analysis of both species indicated that the genetic variance value within populations is higher than among populations of each species. Bayesian model-based STRUCTURE analysis detected two gene pools for both Cissampelopsis and showed admixture within individuals. Differences among the two Cissampelopsis species, in total diversities and levels of population differentiation, indicated that the genetic structure of Cissampelopsis populations are congruent with long-lived perennial habit with regional distribution, even for congeneric species, may vary considerably. This study suggests the effectiveness of the iPBS marker system to estimate the population genetic diversity and structure of Cissampelopsis genotypes.

Two new species of the genus Notacanthurus from China (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae, Ecdyonurinae).

Previously, only three of seven species in the Asian genus Notacanthurus were reported both nymphs and imagoes, and no Chinese species was found. Here two new species collected from China, which are named as Notacanthurus maculatus sp. n. and N. lamellosus sp. n. respectively, are described and pictured in detail. The nymph of N. maculatus sp. n. has following combined characters: posterior margin of sternum IX straight, claws with two subapical denticles, and gills V-VI with arrow-like accessory lobes. The male imago has unspecialized anterior margin of head and Electrogena-like penis lobes. The second species N. lamellosus sp. n. is more distinguishable. Its nymph has pale dots on head, median dorsal ridges on abdominal terga I-IX, claws with five subapical denticles, and dorsal lamellae of gills II-IV divided into two portions. Anterior margin of male imago is not protruding either, forewings have less pigmented crossveins between Sc and R1, and penis lobes have apical and ventral sclerites. A key to all known nymphs of the genus is provided.

Two new species of the genus Formosatettix Tinkham, 1937 (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae) from Guizhou and Chongqing, PR China.

Two new pygmy grasshopper species are described from PR China and are assigned to Formosatettix Tinkham, 1937, a large Asian tetrigin genus composed of species with reduced tegmina and hind wings: F. leigongshanensis Zha & Ding, sp. nov. from Guizhou and F. wulongensis Zha & Ding, sp. nov. from Chongqing. We provide descriptions of morphology and habit, supplemented with photographs. Flying organs of the genus Formosatettix are discussed and the genus is compared with other Asian genera with reduced flying organs, such as Formosatettixoides Zheng, 1994 and Alulatettix Liang, 1993 in Tetriginae, Deltonotus Hancock, 1904, Epitettix Hancock, 1907 and Pseudepitettix Zheng, 1995 in Cladonotinae, and Macromotettixoides Zheng, Wei & Jiang, 2005 and Pseudomacromotettix Zheng, Li & Lin, 2012 in Metrodorinae.

A new Miopsalis from Mindanao supports a biogeographic umbilicus between Borneo and the southern Philippines (Arachnida: Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi: Stylocellidae).

A new species of Cyphophthalmi belonging to the Southeast Asian genus Miopsalis Thorell, 1890 is described and illustrated using SEM and confocal microscopy. The species is known from two localities in the northern part of Mindanao and constitutes only the second described Cyphophthalmi species endemic to the Philippines. Sequence data obtained from this species show that it is phylogenetically distinct from two juvenile specimens previously collected from Bangaray Kimlawis (southern Mindanao) in 2009. The new Miopsalis is clearly distinguishable from other Miopsalis by characters pertaining to spermatopositor morphology.

A review of Himalcercyon stat. nov., with description of a new species from the Chinese Himalaya and an updated key to Asian genera of Megasternini (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae)

HimalcercyonHebauer, 2002stat. nov.is elevated to genus rank based on the unique form of its mesoventral elevation. The genus is reviewed, redescribed, and illustrated in detail. Two species are recognized:Himalcercyon mirus(Hebauer, 2002)comb. nov.from Nepal andH. franzisp. nov.from Chinese Himalaya (Xizang Autonomous Region). Both species are illustrated and diagnosed. An updated key to the Asian genera of the tribe Megasternini (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Sphaeridiinae) is provided, along with the SEM micrographs of ventral morphology of these genera. New replacement nameOreosternumnom. nov.is proposed forOreocyonHebauer, 2002 which is preoccupied byOreocyonMarsh, 1872 (Mammalia, Oxyenidae) andOreocyonKrumbiegel, 1949 (Mammalia, Canidae).

Adamastoraltica humicola, new genus and new species: the first example of possible moss-inhabiting flea beetle genus from sub-Saharan Africa (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae).

Adamastoraltica humicola gen. nov. and sp. nov. from the Republic of South Africa (Western Cape Province) is described. The new genus, collected in the humus, shows external characteristics typical of the moss-inhabiting flea beetle genera, mainly: very small size, very convex and subglobose body, antennae with enlarged apical antennomeres, strongly reduced hind wings, greatly simplified and shortened mesothorax and metathorax, and elytra lacking humeral calli. Adamastoraltica gen. nov. shows some similarities with the Asian genus Cangshanaltica Konstantinov, Chamorro, Prathapan, Ge Yang. However, the absence of the scutellum brings this new genus close to Stegnaspea Baly, also occurring in Western Cape Province. For the new flea beetle genus, data on distribution are supplied, along with preliminary ecological notes. Photomicrographs of main morphological characters, including male and female genitalia, and metafemoral extensor tendon are also provided. Finally, the updated distribution of the moss-inhabiting flea beetle genera described so far, excluding the subtribe Monoplatina, is supplied.

Plagiochila xerophila (Plagiochilaceae, Marchantiophyta) – a highly xerophilous new species from the Tibetan Spur (China)

Background and aims – The xeric landscapes of the Tibetan floristic province are adverse habitats for leafy liverworts. Here we report on the occurrence of a population of a species of the genus Plagiochila from exposed high-elevation cliffs in the Sichuan Province, China. We assessed its taxonomic distinctiveness and affinities within a morphological and phylogenetic framework.Results and discussion – The population is accommodated in a new species, Plagiochila xerophila Bakalin & Vilnet – probably the most xerophilous taxon within the genus in Asia – and a new section (sect. Xerophilae Bakalin & Vilnet) based on integrative analyses of molecular and morphological traits. The species is characterized by a greenish colour, unexpected given the highly exposed habitat, rigid texture and stem paraphyllia. The closest morphological relatives from sect. Poeltiae are phylogenetically only distantly related, whereas members of its sister groups, namely of sect. Trabeculatae and sect. Fruticosae are morphologically conspicuously different.

<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong>New species and new records of Japanese Lumbriculidae (Annelida, Clitellata)</strong></p>

Most Japanese records and descriptions of the family Lumbriculidae are from the work of H. Yamaguchi, who described 6 endemic species and one genus, in addition to reporting the cosmopolitan Lumbriculus variegatus (Müller, 1774). Yamaguchi's work focused largely on the northern island of Hokkaido; since then, only one new Japanese lumbriculid genus and species has been described, also from Hokkaido. Recent collections from Honshu Island include several species not recorded in earlier literature, and here we report 4 new species of Lumbriculidae, plus a range extension of the Korean Lamprortus orientalis Rodriguez, 1994. Of the new species, only Styloscolex (Styloscolex) tazawaensis can be confidently assigned to an accepted genus using current morphological diagnoses. Styloscolex (Neoscolex) tatsukoae n. sp. is provisionally assigned to that Asian genus and subgenus based on the prosoporous male duct, spermathecae in the preatrial segment, and penial sheath—despite differing from congeners in having a single, median atrium in X, and single spermatheca in IX. Two additional species are here attributed to a new genus, Honshudrilus, which is distinguished by a combination of characters: spermathecae 2 or more segments anterior to the male pores, non-functional anterior male ducts (with loss of anterior testes), elongate-petiolate atria, penes formed by extruding the atrial duct lining, and spermathecal ducts with vestibules.

Kulikovskiyia gen. nov. (Bacillariophyceae) from the lateritic rock pools of the Western Ghats, India and from Hainan Province, China

ABSTRACTA new triundulate naviculoid diatom genus is described from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India and Hainan Province, China. The new taxon, Kulikovskiyia gen. nov. has robust conical spines along its margin and at the apices and the external valve face has longitudinally‐oriented siliceous slat system extending the length of the valve. The external distal raphe ends bifurcate and terminates on the valve face. There appear to be superficial similarities between this Asian genus and species and Playaensis, a genus comprised of two species found only in the western USA. The systematic position of Kulikovskiyia is discussed, and other than noting its similarities to other biraphid naviculoid diatoms due to symmetry features and the position of the raphe, we are uncertain about its systematic placement at finer levels of classification.

Phylogenetic relationships of Cyrtandromoea and Wightia revisited: A new tribe in Phrymaceae and a new family in Lamiales

AbstractThe familial placements of Cyrtandromoea Zoll. and Wightia Wall., two small and enigmatic South‐East Asian genera, have long been controversial in Lamiales. Here we adopt a two‐step approach to resolve their phylogenetic relationships. We initially reconstructed a large‐scale phylogeny of Lamiales using six chloroplast markers (atpB, matK, ndhF, psbBTNH, rbcL, and rps4). The results showed that both Cyrtandromoea and Wightia emerged in the LMPO clade, including Lamiaceae, Mazaceae, Phrymaceae, Paulowniaceae, and Orobanchaceae. Based on the second set of six chloroplast markers (atpB, matK, ndhF, rbcL, rps16, and trnL‐F) and two nuclear ribosomal regions (external transcribed spacer and internal transcribed spacer) for the analyses focusing on the LMPO clade, our results revealed that Cyrtandromoea was consistently nested within Phrymaceae, whereas Wightia was supported as sister to Phrymaceae by the chloroplast DNA dataset or sister to Paulowniaceae by the nuclear ribosomal DNA dataset. Morphological and anatomical evidence fully supports the inclusion of Cyrtandromoea in Phrymaceae, and an updated tribal classification is done for Phrymaceae with five tribes, that is, Cyrtandromoeeae Bo Li, Bing Liu, Su Liu & Y. H. Tan, trib. nov., Diplaceae Bo Li, Bing Liu, Su Liu & Y. H. Tan, trib. nov., Leucocarpeae, Mimuleae, and Phrymeae. The conflicting phylogenetic position of Wightia indicated by different genome markers results in difficulty placing the genus in either Phrymaceae or Paulowniaceae. Considering the distinct morphological differences between Wightia and other families in the LMPO clade, we here propose a new family, Wightiaceae Bo Li, Bing Liu, Su Liu & Y. H. Tan, fam. nov., to accommodate it, which is the 26th family recognized in Lamiales.

The oldest pill millipede fossil: A species of the Asiatic pill millipede genus Hyleoglomeris in Baltic amber (Diplopoda: Glomerida: Glomeridae)

The first new fossil pill millipede, order Glomerida, description in more than 150 years is based on two specimens, one male and one female, found in Baltic amber. Both specimens were studied with light- and micro-CT technology, allowing a detailed reconstruction of the posterior telopods and numerous other morphological characters. Based on these characters, the specimens can be securely placed in the megadiverse, mainly Asiatic genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910 as a new species, Hyleoglomeris groehni n. sp. The species H. groehni n. sp. is the oldest and only known fossil member of the Glomerida that is sufficiently described to allow for placement in a family or genus. The discovery of a fossil Hyleoglomeris in Baltic amber has biogeographic implications as the genus is now speciose in Asia, with the nearest relatives found in the Caucasus and some caves in Serbia and Greece. With the discovery of a fossil European Hyleoglomeris species, the cave Hyleoglomeris species are interpreted as relicts, surviving underground as living witnesses of a different time when Hyleoglomeris was still extant in Europe. Other cave Glomerida in Europe, as well as morphologically aberrant pill millipede species endemic to the Canary Islands, should be checked for potential placement in Hyleoglomeris.

Snakehead (Teleostei: Channidae) diversity and the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot

The collision of the Indian and Eurasian landmasses in the Cenozoic was a decisive factor in shaping biodiversity patterns in Southern and Southeastern Asia. While most studies thus far have focused on the biotic interchange between India and Eurasia and evolutionary diversification on or around the Tibetan Plateau, little attention has been paid to the biodiversity buildup in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot (EHH) which harbors over 540 freshwater fish species with a high degree of endemicity. An important component of the regional ichthyofauna are snakehead fishes of the family Channidae comprising throughout their African‐ Asian distribution 47 valid species, but a poorly known species‐level diversity. In order to evaluate channid intrarelationships and biogeography, a temporal and geographic framework of channid evolution in conjunction with a critical reevaluation of the channid fossil record is warranted. Based on molecular data, we provide a comprehensive species‐level phylogeny based on 223 channid individuals belonging to 37 species and one additional currently undescribed species. The first split within channids separates the African genus Parachanna from the Asian genus Channa which can be divided into eight distinct species groups (Argus, Asiatica, Gachua, Lucius, Marulius, Micropeltes, Punctata, and Striata groups). Large intraspecific divergences were observed within several species and potentially indicate additional species‐level diversity. Almost 40% of the channid species are narrow‐range endemics belonging to the Gachua group. These are found in the EHH making this area an outstanding hotspot for endemic channid diversity. The large majority of the EHH endemics are restricted to the southern foothills of the Eastern Himalaya and the Shillong‐Mikir Hills Plateau, areas west of the Indoburman Ranges. Our results reveal complex and difficult to interpret biogeographic patterns indicating that both vicariance and dispersal events have potentially been responsible in shaping current distribution patterns in Asian channids. We recognize †Parachanna fayumensis as the oldest reliable channid fossil and argue that the three oldest so‐called channid fossils (i.e., †Eochanna chlorakkiensis, †Anchichanna kuldanensis, and †Ophiocephalus lydekkeri) lack clear diagnostic features that would allow them to be unequivocally placed within Channidae.