Identification Key Research Articles

A review of Paraxenopygus Bernhauer (Insecta: Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), with description of two new species

ABSTRACT The neotropical myrmecophile rove beetle genus Paraxenopygus Bernhauer, 1911 is reviewed and two species are described as new, P. maurocyanos sp. n. from Colombia and P. newtoni sp. n. from Brazil. Lectotypes are designated for P. tremolerasi Bernhauer, 1911 and P. peruvianus Bernhauer, 1915. An identification key is provided along with photographs and illustrations for the identification of the five species in the genus. We also illustrated and discussed the importance of the metacoxal shield in Paraxenopygus. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:53764B33-1DC2-4103-97E6-4AA07C6EB12D

Achene macro-micromorphology of Pulicaria (Asteraceae) from Turkiye and its taxonomic significance.

The genus Pulicaria Gaertn. belongs to the tribe Inuleae Cass. and it is represented by six species P. arabica (L.) Cass., P. armena Boiss. & Kotschy ex Boiss., P. dysenterica (L.) Gaertn., P. odora (L.) Rchb., P. sicula (L.) Moris, and P. vulgaris Gaertn. in Turkiye. P. armena is endemic to the country. In this study, fruit macro-micromorphological characteristics of six Pulicaria species from Turkiye were demonstrated using stereo-microscope and scanning electron microscopy. The colors of the achenes range from light-brown to brown. The shapes are obovate to elliptic in outline. The pappus is persistent in all studied species, with two rows of pappus hairs except in P. sicula. Its pappus composed of one row of capillary bristles. Others have the outer row developing into a small crown and the inner row consisting of capillary bristles. All taxa have glandular trichomes, except for P. arabica. An identification key is also provided to differentiate between Pulicaria species. Fruit features provide a useful tool for differentiating the examined species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Achene macro-micromorphology of Pulicaria species was studied via LM and SEM. A diagnostic key based on achene features was created for Pulicaria species. Achene features provide a useful tool for differentiating the examined species.

The ferns of Calilegua National Park, Jujuy, Argentina: A look through their spores. Second part

This work is part of a bigger project to study the spore morphology of isosporous ferns growing in the Calilegua National Park (CNP), in the province of Jujuy, Argentina. This park belongs to the phytogeographic region of the Yungas, where climatic and terrain conditions are optimal for the growth of ferns. The aim of this work is to present the morphology of the spores of 53 taxa corresponding to 6 families of isosporate ferns that grow in this protected area. The study was carried out with herbarium material and field trips. The families studied are Hymenophyllaceae, Ophioglossaceae, Polypodiaceae, Pteridaceae, Thelypteridaceae and Woodsiaceae. According to the spore aperture type, 24 taxa are monolete and 29 trilete. The spores are yellowish, light to dark brown or brown greenish. The largest spores belong to Pleopeltis tweediana and the smallest to Polyphlebium angustatum. The ornamentation observed were echinae, folds, wings, reticles, cristae, verrucae or rugulae. The spores of 35 species are illustrated for the first time under the light microscope and five species with scanning electron microscope. An identification key of the spores is also provided. The morphological characteristics of the spores allowed the identification of 16 species, contributes to spore bank analysis, aero and palaeopalynological studies and taxonomic identifications.

Intra- and interspecific variation of Amblyomma ticks from southern Africa

BackgroundAmblyomma spp. ticks, known for their long mouthparts, bright ornate appearance and aggressive hunting behaviour, are vectors of a number of important pathogens. In southern Africa, 17 Amblyomma spp. are currently documented. Of these species, Amblyomma hebraeum and Amblyomma variegatum have been well studied due to their wide geographical range and their status as competent vectors of pathogens that are of veterinary and medical importance. Studies on other Amblyomma spp. in southern Africa have been neglected, fostering ongoing debates on the validity of certain species such as Amblyomma pomposum. This study investigated the inter- and intra-species variation of Amblyomma ticks collected in southern Africa, focusing on resolving the dispute about A. pomposum and A. variegatum being distinct species.MethodsFour Amblyomma tick species were collected from Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and were identified morphologically as Amblyomma eburneum (208), A. hebraeum (4758), A. pomposum (191) and A. variegatum (2577) using identification keys. Gene amplification targeting the 12S and 16S rRNA, cytochrome oxidase I, cytochrome B and internal transcribed spacer-2 genes was conducted for 204 ticks, for which varying success was achieved during amplification for each of the markers. Maximum likelihood analyses were performed in IQ-TREE.ResultsThe phylogenetic topologies and ABGD analyses of each individual gene clustered A. pomposum within the A. variegatum clade, while clearly separating A. eburneum and A. hebraeum from all other species. None of the genetic markers indicated intraspecific structuring on the basis of geographical origin, despite great distances between sampling sites.ConclusionOur study concludes that there is insufficient molecular evidence to differentiate A. pomposum and A. variegatum from each other. We highlight the need for whole mitochondrial genome sequencing of these two species to resolve the ongoing controversies. Furthermore, we propose mating and hybrid viability studies between the two species to confirm their reproductive isolation.Graphical

Ревизия Lepidoziaceae (Hepaticae) для российского Дальнего Востока II. Lepidozia и Kurzia

Kurzia and Lepidozia are revised for the Russian Far East. The identification keys, morphological descriptions, line drawings and lifetime photographs of species, ecological conditions and the clarified distribution within the region are provided. In general, the Russian Far East seems too cold region for high taxonomic diversity of the members of the family; nevertheless, the taxonomic diversity of Lepidoziaceae here is higher than in other regions of Russia.

Description of Armadillidium boalense sp. nov. from northern Spain, with remarks and a key of the genus in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands (Isopoda: Oniscidea: Armadillidiidae)

A new woodlice species of the genus Armadillidium Brandt, 1831 is described and illustrated from Asturias (northern Iberian Peninsula). Armadillidium boalense sp. nov. is ascribed to the ‘pictum group’ and is characterized by its eusphaeric conglobation, duplocarinate-type cephalon and strong sexual differentiation of the seventh pair of male pereopods. Furthermore, its diagnostic characteristics and its affinities with the rest of species of this group are discussed. The main diagnostic characteristics of a sometimes-questioned species Armadillidium galiciense Schmölzer, 1955 are also commented and illustrated. To facilitate the separation of the current known Iberian species of Armadillidium, an updated identification key is provided, and some new distributional and ecological data of other Armadillidium species of the Asturian region are also included.

An update on the genus Sparianthis Simon, 1880 (Sparassidae: Sparianthinae)

Seven new species of the genus Sparianthis Simon, 1880 are described and illustrated: S. chicaque spec. nov. (♂♀), S. iguaque spec. nov. (♂), S. medina spec. nov. (♂♀) and S. tuparro spec. nov. (♂♀) from Colombia, and S. boibumba spec. nov. (♂), S. cascalheira spec. nov. (♂) and S. matupiri spec. nov. (♂) from Brazil. The female of S. megalopalpa (Caporiacco, 1954) is newly described and new distribution records are provided for S. caracarai Rheims, 2020, S. chickeringi (Gertsch, 1941), S. megalopalpa and S. ravida (Simon, 1898). The identification key is updated and new distribution maps are provided for all known species of the genus.

Insects on Decomposing Pigs and their Forensic Importance at a University in Nigeria

The use of insects to estimate post-mortem interval (PMI) of cadavers by forensic entomologists, is an innovative science enshrined in the medico-criminal system of the developed world. The science is dependent on the biology of insect species that are found in decomposing cadavers. Thus, insect species that are found on decomposing pigs as model to human cadaver, was studied during the rainy and dry seasons of 2021 in a University forest in Nigeria. The decomposition stages (fresh through skeletonization) of the pig cadavers were monitored, and insects found on them were collected with a sweep net, visually observed, and handpicked. They were identified morphologically using insect identification keys with the aid of a dissecting microscope. The tissues of the pig cadavers decomposed completely in 14 and 10 days, respectively, for dry and rainy seasons. Twenty-seven insect species belonging to the orders; Diptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera were identified. The dipterans consist of the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Ulidiidae, and Stratiomyidae. The coleopteran families are the Carabidae, Chrysomelidae, Cleridae, Dermestidae, Histeridae, Scarabaeidae, and Staphylinidae, while Formicidae is the only family for the hymenopteran. The dipteran species were the first group to visit the cadavers during fresh, bloated, and wet decay stages while the coleopterans visited during wet and dry decay stages thus, creating a succession pattern on the cadavers. The insect species that aided the cadaver decomposition at different stages are discussed as forensic indicators, which could be useful as PMI estimators of the study area.

Identification of Diptera Puparia in Forensic and Archeo-Funerary Contexts.

Diptera identification is fundamental in forensic entomology as well as in funerary archeoentomology, where the challenge is exacerbated by the presence of immature stages such as larvae and puparia. In these two developmental stages, specimens possess a very limited number of diagnostic features, and for puparia, there is also a lack of identification tools such as descriptions and identification keys. Morphological analysis, DNA-based techniques, and cuticular chemical analyses all show good potential for species identification; however, they also have some limitations. DNA-based identification is primarily hindered by the incompleteness of genetic databases and the presence of PCR inhibitors often co-extracted from the puparial cuticle. Chemical analysis of the cuticle is showing promising results, but this approach is also limited by the insufficient profile database and requires specific, expensive equipment, as well as trained personnel. Additionally, to ensure the repeatability of the analysis-a critical aspect in forensic investigations-and to preserve precious and unique specimens from museum collections, non-invasive protocols and techniques must be prioritized for species identification.

The genus Hypobathrum (Rubiaceae) in Thailand

SummaryThe genus Hypobathrum in Thailand is revised, based on the morphological characters found in herbarium specimens from Thailand and neighbouring countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia and Peninsular Malaysia. In this study, three species of Hypobathrum are recognised, among them, H. venulosum is a newly recorded species in this region. An identification key is provided for the species, along with descriptions, synonyms, distribution ranges and vernacular names (if available).

A synopsis of Carex subgenus Psyllophorae, sect. Junciformes (Cyperaceae) in South America

Abstract This is the second study of a series of thorough studies into the taxonomy and systematics of Carex in South America. Here, we present the systematic placement, taxonomic account, formal typifications, and summarized distributions for the 31 accepted South America species of Carex subg. Psyllophorae, all belonging to sect. Junciformes. We have conducted an exhaustive revision of literature, more than 400 specimens from 32 South and North American and European herbaria have been studied, and a Sanger phylogenetic study with four DNA regions and morphometric analyses for the C. phalaroides group have been performed. We present an enlarged phylogenetic study where sect. Junciformes sampling has increased by 11 species regarding previous studies, only lacking four species of the group (C. herba-alpacae, C. moorei, C. nelmesiana, and C. transandina). South American species of sect. Junciformes are grouped into four major lineages: C. camptoglochin Clade, Aciculares Clade (South America and Australia–New Zealand), C. phalaroides group, and Junciformes Clade. We have resolved the C. phalaroides complex into six independent species with a clear geographic structure. We successfully unravelled the systematic placement of three species included here for the first time (C. boelckeiana, C. reicheana, and C. manuelbarrosii). An identification key is provided for the studied species. We propose 30 new typifications, and four new species are described (C. herba-alpacae, C. manuelbarrosii, C. melliza, and C. via-montana).

Morphological and nomenclatural notes on Dianthus ciliatus subspecies (Caryophyllaceae)

A detailed morphometric analysis and scanning electron microscopy of seed coat structure of three currently recognised subspecies of the endemic amphi-Adriatic Dianthus ciliatus (Caryophyllaceae) was carried out for the first time. Petal limb shape and denticulation, the woody base of the plant, epicalyx scale’s length and height of the epicalyx turned out to be the most informative characters in distinguishing the investigated populations of D. ciliatus. Based on significant differences in morphological characters, a new identification key is offered. The names D. ciliatus, D. ciliatus var. cymosus, D. dalmaticus, D. medunensis, and D. racemosus are here lectotypified.

Two invasive bark beetles Phloeosinus armatus Reitter and Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) newly recorded in Russia

AbstractIn 2023, two bark beetle species were recorded in Russia for the first time based on findings in Sochi: the cypress bark beetle, Phloeosinus armatus, on Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and the black twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus, on southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), noble laurel (Laurus nobilis), and cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). P. armatus is a Mediterranean pest attacking exclusively Cupressaceae. In Sochi, it was recorded on cypress trees in several locations, including on plants for planting imported from Italy. X. compactus is a highly polyphagous pest from East Asia. In Sochi, it has established populations in ornamental planted areas. The paper provides species descriptions with identification keys. One specimen of X. compactus from Sochi was DNA‐barcoded and compared with 31 specimens deposited in the BOLD and GenBank under the name of X. compactus. High genetic variability (>7%) was detected highlighting the difficulty of identifying ‘true’ X. compactus using DNA data. Genetically, the specimen of X. compactus from Sochi was identical to those from Italy, Spain and France. An accidental introduction with ornamental plants for planting from Italy is considered the most probable pathway of invasion of both bark beetle species into the Russian Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

Family Mobulidae of Pakistan: Taxonomic assessment for their conservation and management

Species belonging to the family Mobulidae of Pakistan are described based on external morphology. In Pakistan, six species of Mobula birostris (Walbaum, 1972), Mobula eregoodoo (Cantor, 1849), Mobula mobular (Bonnaterre, 1788), Mobula kuhlii (Müller & Henle, 1841), Mobula tarapacana (Philippi, 1892), and Mobula thurstoni (Lloyd, 1908) of the family Mobulidae are found. Family Mobulidae are found in tropical and sub-tropical water around the world. However, their life history and ecological traits make them highly susceptible to overfishing. Like other unmanaged and unreported high-value elasmobranchs, their trade internationally led them to rapid depletion and potential indigenous extinction unless a rapid conservation management response occurs worldwide. Accurate identification at the species level is useful for the conservation, especially when direct exploitation or bycatch in various fisheries needs to be managed for their sustainability. Taxonomic misidentification creates uncertainties that could result in the mismanagement of regional and international threats of extinction. Here, we described the family Mobulidae fisheries of Pakistan based on their external morphology, an identification key is provided, and their distribution and global conservation status is also provided which will support the overall systematic stability of the mobulid rays in Pakistan and surrounding waters.

Molecular Identification of Host Blood Meal from Phlebotomine Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Kerala, India.

Female phlebotomine sandflies serve as vectors for the transmission of Leishmania parasites, perpetuating an enzootic cycle by disseminating between sylvatic and domestic animals. Humans form a part of this cycle because the sandflies search for a blood source required for egg development. The present study aimed to identify the feeding preferences of different sandfly fauna from six districts of Kerala, India, using molecular tools. An entomological survey was conducted during 2021-2023 in Kollam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Palakkad. Both indoor and outdoor habitats were targeted from sandfly collection using different standard tools and methods. Sandflies were identified using standard taxonomic keys, and DNA was extracted from blood meal collected from sandflies. A total of 7366 sandfly specimens were collected during the study period, which belonged to three different genera and 19 species. Blood source was successfully identified from 119 sandflies revealing that the Sergentomyia genus preferably fed on small reptiles and amphibians, whereas Phlebotomus genus was found to mainly feed on mammalian and avian blood. Sergentomyia zeylanica was an exception, as it primarily fed on mammalian blood sources. Interestingly, humans were the second feeding source for Phlebotomus species, which are the proven vectors. Comprehending the feeding patterns of sandflies is crucial, not just for public health but also for obtaining insights into the ecological dynamics between vectors and hosts, ultimately enabling more efficient strategies for disease control and prevention.

Taxonomical implications of foliar epidermal anatomy of Impatiens L. species (Balsaminaceae) in the Nilgiris, Southern Western Ghats, India

The foliar epidermal anatomy of 22 Impatiens species from the family Balsaminaceae was studied. The study intended to determine whether the micromorphological characteristics of the genus Impatiens were taxonomically significant and would aid in the precise identification of the species. The qualitative and quantitative traits as well as diagnostic characteristics were identified using a Light microscope. Variations were observed in both adaxial and abaxial leaf micromorphological characters like the shape of the epidermal and guard cells, anticlinal wall pattern, lobes per cell, stomatal pore, distribution of stomata, type of stomata and the presence and nature of trichomes. Anomocyic stomata exclusively occurred in all the studied Impatiens species. Stomata were present on both the surface of I. scabriscula B. Heyne ex Walland I. balsamina L., while in rest of the studied species stomata restricted on abaxial surface. An elliptical pore is the dominant type of stomatal pore among the investigated impatiens taxa. Uniseriate multicellular trichomes were observed (I. tenella B.Heyne ex Hook., I. fruticosa Lesch ex DC, I. gardeneriana Wight, I. minor (DC.) Bennet, I. rufescens Benth ex Wight & Arn). For accurate species delineation and identification in the genus Impatiens, taxonomic keys have been developed based on foliar micromorphology.

Taxonomic revision and identification keys for the giant honey bees

Taxonomic revision and identification keys for the giant honey bees

A New Genus of Villini (Diptera: Bombyliidae: Anthracinae) from the Semiarid Caatinga Domain, with a Description of a New Species, Pupal Case, Bionomic Remarks and an Identification Key to the Brazilian Genera of the Tribe.

A new monotypic genus is described and illustrated based on the species Pugliesemyia titiznana gen. nov. et sp. nov. from the Caatinga domains of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. It belongs to the small group of genera in the Neotropical region (Stonyx Osten Sacken, Lepidanthrax Osten Sacken, Rhynchanthrax Painter) among the tribe Villini, with a projecting proboscis. In addition, we also provide an updated identification key to the known Brazilian genera of Villini, description and illustrations of the pupal case, bionomic remarks on the feeding habits and the host record of the species and a brief discussion on Villini systematics and boundaries of their genera.

Population genetic structure and phylogenetic analysis of Anopheles hyrcanus (Diptera: Culicidae) inferred from DNA sequences of nuclear ITS2 and the mitochondrial COI gene in the northern part of Iran

BackgroundThe Anopheles hyrcanus group is distributed throughout the Oriental and Palaearctic regions and can transmit diseases such as malaria, Japanese encephalitis virus, and filariasis. This investigation marks the inaugural comprehensive study to undertake a phylogenetic analysis of the constituents of this malaria vector group in the northeastern region of Iran, juxtaposed with documented occurrences from different areas within Iran and worldwide.MethodsMosquitoes were collected using various methods from nine different locations in Golestan province from April to December 2023. The collected mosquitoes were identified morphologically using valid taxonomic keys. DNA was isolated using the Sambio™ Kit. COI and ITS2 primers were designed using Oligo7 and GeneRunner. PCR and purification were performed with the Qiagen kit. Subsequently, sequencing was carried out at the Mehr Mam GENE Center using an Applied Biosystems 3730XL sequencer. The nucleotide sequences were then analyzed and aligned with GenBank data using BioEdit. Kimura 2-parameter was Utilized for base substitutions. DNA models were selected based on AIC and BIC criteria. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood trees were constructed, along with a haplotype network. Molecular diversity statistics computed using DnaSP software.ResultsIn this study, a total of 819 adult mosquitoes were collected. An. hyrcanus was the second most abundant species, predominantly found in Kalaleh and Turkman counties. The sequenced and edited COI and ITS2 sequences were deposited in GenBank under specific accession numbers. Phylogenetic analyses using ML, BI, and NJ methods confirmed a monophyletic lineage for An. hyrcanus with strong support. Molecular analysis of Iranian An. hyrcanus found 11 diverse haplotypes, with the COI gene displaying low diversity. The ITS2 gene revealed two clades - one associating with Iran, Europe, and Asia; the other originating from southwestern Iran. The haplotype network showed two main groups - one from southwest Iran and the other from north Iran. Iran exhibited six distinct haplotypes, while Turkey showcased the highest diversity.ConclusionsAn. hyrcanus in southwestern Iran exhibits a distinct haplogroup, suggesting possible subspecies differentiation. Additional studies are required to validate this phenomenon.

Chía and its wild relatives: A superfood Salvia (Lamiaceae)

Societal Impact StatementAlternative crops are a promising approach to address the global food shortage that is exacerbated by climate change and wealth disparities. Some of these alternative crops are traditional food plants that have been widely traded for centuries, whereas others have only recently become more popular. Chía is a traditional native “superfood” that is the fruit of three distinct mint species. Chía (Salvia hispanica) is commercially cultivated and shares nutritional properties with California thistle sage (Salvia carduacea) and desert chía (Salvia columbariae). These wild relatives of S. hispanica are adapted to arid conditions and have potentially valuable genetic variation for the development of chía agricultural varieties. The development of nutritious, drought‐tolerant crops such as chía will increase the resilience of people to the impact of climate upheaval.SummaryIn the Spanish language, the word chía refers to the nutlet fruits of several Salvia species native to Mesoamerica. The process of domestication of S. hispanica altered several traits, including the absence of shattering fruits, which makes harvest easier and mechanizable. S. hispanica is commercially cultivated in Mexico, South America, Australia, and less so in Europe and Africa. Other edible chía species are not commercially cultivated, including S. carduacea, and S. columbariae. These Californian chías are traditionally harvested by hand since the fruiting calices shatter and release the nutlets. Here we compare these three edible chía species, review their uses by native peoples, describe their morphology, summarize their natural distributions and cultivation, and provide an identification key. Native peoples in North America have traditionally used chías for food, medicine, and oil. S. hispanica naturally occurs throughout areas of Mexico that receive summer monsoonal rains. As such, it is a summer annual with an erect habit and cauline, simple leaves. In contrast, the Californian chía species are distributed through areas of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts that receive winter rains. They are winter annuals and their rosettes of lobed, pubescent leaves are typical adaptations to arid conditions. Nutlets in these chía species are similar when dry, but cultivated S. hispanica nutlets produce extensive mucilage when wetted, while the other chía produce mucilage to a lesser extent. As consumer interest grows in superfoods like chía, crop breeders may use wild chía to breed varieties appropriate for areas affected by drought or in desert agroecological systems.