Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase Research Articles

A review of the varunid crab genus Parapyxidognathus Ward, 1941 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Varunidae), with descriptions of two new species

Abstract Species of Parapyxidognathus Ward, 1941 are distributed across tropical Indo-West Pacific to temperate downstream rivers and in estuaries. The genus previously included only one species, Parapyxidognathus deianira (De Man, 1888). We examined specimens from Parapyxidognathus and its closely related genus, Pyxidognathus A. Milne-Edwards, 1879 from the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, focusing on their morphological characters. The results also support the reclassification of Pyxidognathus fluviatilis Alcock, 1900 into Parapyxidognathus, as well as the establishment of two new species from the western Pacific, Pa. tshiansuesp. nov. and Pa. ongiasp. nov. The identity of the species is supported by evidence from mitochondrial 16S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) genes. There are now four species in Parapyxidognathus distinguishable by the characters of the anterolateral teeth of the carapace, the pleon, and the first gonopods of the male, and the female vulvae.

First Report of Phytopythium litorale Causing Root Rot on Kousa Dogwood in Tennessee and the United States.

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) is an economically important woody ornamental crop that exhibits creamy, white, pointed bracts in late spring, and reddish to pink drupe fruits in late summer and fall. It bears shiny dark green leaves that become reddish-purple to scarlet in the fall. In August of 2023, 3-year-old container grown C. kousa var. chinensis plants in a commercial nursery in Warren Co., Tennessee, exhibited severe yellowing, dieback and root rot symptoms (Fig. 1a and 1b). Dark brown to black lesions were observed in the root and crown region of the plants. Disease severity was 40% to 60% of root area affected, and disease incidence was approximately 40% of 1,000 plants. Surface-sterilized (10% NaOCl: 1 min) symptomatic root tissues were plated on V8-PARPH and incubated at 25°C. Sparse aerial mycelium, showing a distinct rosette or faint radiate to chrysanthemum colony pattern, was observed within four days of incubation (Fig. 2). All isolates produced ovoid or subglose, papillate, and proliferating sporangia in grass blade water cultures (Derviş et al. 2020). Sporangia measured as 19.18 to 24.80 µm X 18.08 to 22.16 µm (n = 50) with a length/width ratio of 1.06 to 1.11. Zoospores observed were between 7.07 to 9.98 µm in diameter (n = 50). Oogonia and oospores were not produced. The ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU), as well as mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COX-II) genetic markers were amplified and sequenced using primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), NL1/NL4 (Baten et al. 2014), and cox2-F/cox2-RC4 (Choi et al. 2015), respectively. The ITS, LSU, and COX-II sequences of isolates FBG6343, FBG6344 (ITS: PP458373 and PP461387; LSU: PP461390 and PP461391; COXII: PP477112 and PP477113) were 100% identical to those of MN306118, HQ643386, and MN206732, respectively. Based on the morphology (Nechwatal and Mendgen 2006) and sequence data, the isolates were identified as Phytopythium litorale (Nechw.) Abad, De Cock, Bala, Robideau, Lodhi & Lévesque. The pathogenicity test was performed on 3-year-old C. kousa var. chinensis plants grown in a 3-gal container to fulfill Koch's postulates. Kousa dogwood plants were drench inoculated (800 ml/plant) with a pathogen slurry (two plates of 7-day-old culture/liter) of isolates FBG6343 and FBG6364 (five plants per isolate). Control plants were drenched with agar slurry without the pathogen. The study was conducted in a greenhouse maintained at 21 to 23°C and 70% relative humidity with a 16-h photoperiod and irrigated twice a day for 2 min using an overhead irrigation system. Forty-five days after inoculation, plants showed dieback symptoms, and dark brown lesions developed in the roots of all inoculated plants. Isolates with morphology and sequences identical to those of FBG6343 and FBG6364 were recovered from root tissues of all inoculated plants. All control plants remained symptom-free, and P. litorale was not isolated from the root tissue. Previously, P. litorale was reported to cause disease on apple, kiwi, planatus, and rhododendron (Derviş et al. 2020; Li et al. 2021; Mert et al. 2020; Polat et al. 2023). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. litorale causing root rot of kousa dogwood in Tennessee and the United States. Identification of this pathogen as the causal agent is crucial to developing timely management practices.

Genetic variability of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in El Salvador and Honduras: presence of a widespread haplotype and implications for mosquito control

BackgroundThis study examined population genetics of Aedes aegypti in El Salvador and Honduras, two adjacent countries in Central America. Aedes aegypti is associated with yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Each year, thousands of cases of dengue are typically reported in El Salvador and Honduras.MethodsIn El Salvador, collections were obtained from five Departments. In Honduras, samples were obtained from six municipalities in four Departments. Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) was sequenced, and consensus sequences were combined with available sequences from El Salvador to determine haplotype number, haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, and Tajima’s D. A haplotype network was produced to examine the relationship between genotypes.ResultsIn El Salvador, there were 17 haplotypes, while in Honduras there were 4 haplotypes. In both El Salvador and Honduras, Haplotype 1 is most abundant and widespread. In El Salvador, haplotype H2 was also widespread in 10 of 11 sampled municipalities, but it was not present in Honduras. The capital of El Salvador (San Salvador) and the eastern region of ES had the highest haplotype diversity of regions sampled.ConclusionsHaplotype 1 and H2 each belong to different phylogenetic lineages of Ae. aegypti. The most geographically widespread haplotype (H1) may have been present the longest and could be a remnant from previous eradication programs. These data may contribute to future control programs for Ae. aegypti in the two countries.Graphical

Range extension of Blackstripe Lizardfish, Synodus nigrotaeniatus Allen, Erdmann & Peristiwady, 2017 (Actinopterygii, Aulopiformes, Synodontidae), from Jakarta Bay, Indonesia

Three specimens (194.4–203.8 mm standard lengths) of the lizardfish Synodus nigrotaeniatus Allen, Erdmann & Peristiwady, 2017, collected from Jakarta Bay, western Indonesia, represent a significant range extension for the species, which was previously known from only six specimens collected in Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, eastern Indonesia. Morphological comparisons with available data from the type specimens and molecular data from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene are presented. The COI sequence data show a 4% genetic difference from the related Synodus sageneus Waite, 1905.

Spermatogenesis in cultured blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) from a cold‐ocean environment: Seasonal spatiotemporal expression of three gamete‐associated molecular markers

AbstractTo understand the seasonality of spermatogenesis in cultured males of Mytilus edulis from a cold‐ocean environment, we investigated the cellular transitions occurring within the spermatogenic epithelium of the testicular acini during early and advancing spermatogenesis, with specific reference to the histology of the epithelium, gene specific spermatogenic response, condition, culture environment, and season. A combination of histological evaluation, qPCR analysis, and in situ hybridization was used to examine the cellular transitions taking place in the germinal epithelium from late winter through to a seasonal spawn in summer. We observed clear seasonal transitionary changes in the spermatogenic cell population making up the germinal epithelium (i.e., spermatogonial stem cells, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa) extending from February to July. These seasonal transitions in spermatogenic cell type coincided with significant variation in the spatiotemporal expression of two molecular markers for spermatogenesis (i.e., Kelch‐like protein 10 [KLHL10] and Armadillo repeat‐containing protein 4 isoform X2 [ARMC4]) but not for expression of a gamete‐specific Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (MT‐COI). The spatiotemporal expression of these genes is directly linked to the cellular changes taking place in the germinal epithelium during spermatogenesis. These observations not only corresponded to seasonal changes in physiological condition but also environmental temperature and chlorophyll a, thus further supporting the link between male gametogenesis and environment in higher latitude regions.

First record of the genus Haritalodes Warren, 1890 and H. derogata (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Spilomelinae) from Türkiye and its morphological and molecular identification

The genus Haritalodes Warren, 1890 is represented by 12 species worldwide except in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Haritalodes derogata (Fabricius, 1775), commonly known as the cotton leaf roller moth, is the most widely distributed species of the genus and is common in the West Palaearctic Region. This species is one of the most serious pests of Malvaceae. The larvae primarily feed on the leaves, and severe population levels may lead to significant yield loss in the primary host, cotton. In a survey in 2023, the shrubs of the Hibiscus sp. were found to be infested by a group of larvae with a very dense population feeding on the leaves in Trabzon Province, Türkiye. The larvae were reared for pupation and adult emergence. Morphological identification according to male and female genitalia as well as sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase region I (COI) from larvae and adults revealed that the species is H. derogata. This is the first report of the genus Haritalodes and Haritalodes derogata in Türkiye.

Molecular taxonomy of fish larvae in the Northwestern Arabian gulf: A baseline study from Kuwait's first marine protected area

Sulaibikhat Bay, a shallow embayment dominated by tides and extensive mud flats along the northern coast of Kuwait Bay, serves as a crucial nursery ground for various commercially important species of finfish and shellfish in the Northwestern Arabian Gulf (NWAG). As the location of Kuwait's inaugural marine protected area (MPA), Sulaibikhat Bay plays a vital role in fostering numerous fish and marine invertebrate species of commercial importance in the Arabian/Persian Gulf. Accurate identification of larval specimens from this habitat is essential for understanding their spawning dynamics and recruitment process. However, limitations in taxonomic identification hinder scientific understanding of fish larval recruitment. To address this, our baseline study employed an integrated taxonomic approach, combining conventional morphology with molecular techniques. Fish larvae collected from the MPA and surrounding waters in Spring (2022) were identified up to the genus and species levels using partial gene sequencing of 16 S rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) genes. Morphological analysis indicated the prevalence of Sparidae, Sillaginidae, and Dorosomatidae families. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of these families and identified two species, Crenidens crenidens (Sparidae) and Nematalosa nasus (Dorosomatidae), along with two genera, Diplodus sp. (Sparidae) and Sillago sp. (Sillaginidae), which exhibited maximum similarity to available COI sequences of Diplodus sargus, and Sillago maculata, respectively. This represents the first baseline molecular study on fish larvae from NWAG, laying the groundwork for future in-depth analyses with more larval specimens and spatiotemporal samplings from the entire exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Kuwait in the Arabian/Persian Gulf.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Hysterothylacium species infecting Pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) in the Mediterranean Sea of Egypt

Species of the genus Hysterothylacium are aquatic roundworms (nematodes) belonging to the family Raphidascarididae. Some species in this family are known to be associated with zoonotic diseases in humans after they consume their parasitic larvae in raw or undercooked fish. The aim of this research was to report the prevalence, morphology, and molecular characteristics of Hysterothylacium species in Pagellus erythrinus. A total of Two hundred fish were purchased from the fish market in Damanhour, Beheira Province, between December 2021 and November 2022 and subjected to examination. For molecular characterization, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 2 (COX-2) gene were used. Hysterothylacium species were morphologically described and identified from the intestine of Pagellus erythrinus in Beheira Province, Egypt. The PCR amplified 1087 bp and 629 bp of the target sequences of the ITS region and COX-2 gene, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the Hysterothylacium thalassini species. The identified species provided novel biological data for the Hysterothylacium nematode in Pagellus erythrinus. The prevalence of Hysterothylacium species recovered from the intestine was 55%. The highest prevalence of 72% has been reported in summer compared to the lowest prevalence of 38% in the winter. Females had a higher prevalence of 61.8% than males, with 44.2%. The first detection, prevalence, and molecular characterization of H. thalassini in Pagellus erythrinus from Beheira Province, Egypt, was presented in this study.

Morphological and molecular description of a new species of sandfly, Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Western Ghats, India

Objective: To report a new species of sandfly, Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Western Ghats, India. Methods: A systematic sandfly survey was conducted in the Thrissur and Kollam districts of Kerala, India using mechanical aspirators, light and sticky traps, both indoor and outdoor habitats, for a period of one year. Deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene and sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results: Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii, a new sandfly species is recorded and described in this communication. A single row of 10-12 pointed teeth in the cibarium with 4-6 small denticles or fore-teeth are the key characteristics that is distinctive from other members of the subgenus Neophlebotomus. Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence confirms that specimens of the species belong to the same taxonomic group while the genetic distance (14.2%) with the congeners established it to be a different species. Conclusions: The Western Ghats' being an important biodiversity hotspot and has dearth of systematic entomological surveys on sandflies. The current study tried to fill the void and also report a new sandfly species.

Initial study and phylogenetic analysis of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Nantong, China along the route of avian migration.

The growing concern about migratory birds potentially spreading ticks due to global warming has become a significant issue. The city of Nantong in this study is situated along the East Asia-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), with numerous wetlands serving as roosting sites for migratory birds. We conducted an investigation of hard ticks and determined the phylogenetic characteristics of tick species in this city. We utilized three different genes for our study: the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene, the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2), and the mitochondrial small subunit rRNA (12S rRNA) gene. The predominant tick species were Haemaphysalis flava (H. flava) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (H. longicornis). Additionally, specimens of Haemaphysalis campanulata (H. campanulata) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (R. sanguineus) were collected. The H. flava specimens in this study showed a close genetic relationship with those from inland provinces of China, as well as South Korea and Japan. Furthermore, samples of H. longicornis exhibited a close genetic relationship with those from South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the USA, as well as specific provinces in China. Furthermore, R. sanguineus specimens captured in Nantong showed genetic similarities with specimens from Egypt, Nigeria, and Argentina.

Melanella martarum sp. nov. (Gastropoda: Eulimidae): the first parasitic deep-sea snail reported for the Salas & Gomez Ridge.

Eulimidae is a highly diverse family of gastropods that are often parasites of echinoderms. They are cosmopolitan and live from the intertidal to great depths. Despite its wide geographic and bathymetric distribution, no species of Eulimidae have been reported for the Salas & Gómez Ridge to date. In this study, we describe Melanella martarum sp. nov., which was collected during the EPIC oceanographic cruise onboard RV Mirai (JAMSTEC, Japan) in 2019. Seven specimens were collected with a modified Agassiz trawl on the summit of seamount "Pearl" (Zhemchuznaya) in the Salas & Gómez Ridge (25.59°S, 89.13°W) at 545 m depth. The morphology of M. martarum sp. nov. was compared with other Melanella species reported for the area, including Chile and Rapa Nui. DNA was extracted and partial sequences of the mitochondrial genes Cytochrome Oxidase 1 (COI) and 16S rDNA, and the nuclear gene Histone 3 (H3) were sequenced. Melanella martarum sp. nov. has morphological characteristics that separate it from other species of Melanella, such as the thickness and color of the shell, and the shape of the protoconch. In addition, M. martarum sp. nov. was genetically differentiated from other Melanella spp. sequences (uncorrected p distances from 18,1-8.6% in mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA to 3% in nuclear H3 sequences). Although there is not much molecular data available for Eulimidae, the phylogenetic analysis confirms the results obtained by morphology, placing the species found on the Salas & Gómez Ridge within the genus Melanella. The current study advances the understanding of the poorly known benthic fauna found on seamounts in the easternmost part of the Sala & Gómez ridge, a location distinguished by a high level of endemism.

Uncovering glacial footprints and identifying phylogeographic units in the freshwater crab Potamon elbursi Pretzmann, 1962 (Decapoda: Potamidae) based on mitochondrial data

The current patterns of biodiversity have significantly been affected by glacial-interglacial cycles during the Pleistocene period. True freshwater crabs are considered as poor dispersers and terrestrial barriers restrict gene flow between their local populations. Recent studies, however, suggest that certain environmental conditions, such as periods of heavy rainfall and humidity, can facilitate their between-drainage dispersal and will result in the evolution of homogenous genetic patterns among different drainage systems. Here we tested this hypothesis by comparing populations of the endemic freshwater crab Potamon elbursi Pretzmann, 1962 distributed in two drainage systems, the Caspian Sea and Namak Lake, in northern Iran. Our results based on the genetic analysis of 70 new and 61 previously published sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene revealed a substantial haplotype diversity in some populations and high levels of local population structuring in others. Initially, we found mixed evidence of genetic differentiation and connectivity among drainages and populations. Genetic differentiation between the two drainages only became apparent after the Sepirdood population (which belongs to the Caspian Sea drainage) was excluded. Subsequently, the two drainages showed significant genetic distinctions, with a limited gene flow between them. Our demographic analyses supported recent population bottlenecks, followed by a rapid demographic and/or spatial expansion dating back to the Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. Species distribution modelling suggests that precipitation during warm weather conditions profoundly affects the distribution of P. elbursi. This study indicates that freshwater crabs can override short land barriers under favorable weather conditions and will have conservation implications in the face of contemporary climatic fluctuations.

Crayfish communities converge over succession in beaver pond metacommunities

Abstract Metacommunity theory predicts that the relative importance of regional and local processes structuring communities will change over ecological succession. Determining effects of these processes on taxonomic and evolutionary diversity in spatially structured freshwater habitats of different successional stages may greatly improve understanding of the maintenance of diversity across temporal and spatial scales. In this study, we evaluated crayfish diversity at local and regional scales in pond metacommunities undergoing secondary succession from beaver (Castor canadensis) disturbance. Following theoretical predictions from metacommunity ecology of the increasing importance of local processes over succession, we hypothesised a decline in crayfish local and β diversity over succession from stronger local structuring as the older ponds may provide less suitable habitat than streams. Crayfish species and phylogenetic diversity were evaluated in beaver pond metacommunities and reference headwater streams located in three catchment regions. DNA sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene were used to assign crayfish to species for community and phylogenetic diversity tests. Local and β diversity were contrasted across beaver ponds ranging in age from 24 to 70 years and as a function of metacommunity processes. Counter to predictions, local species diversity among streams and the successional stages of ponds categorised by age class (24–39 years; 42–57 years; 60–70 years) did not differ, but community and phylogenetic convergence occurred in the oldest pond ecosystems. Crayfish community composition differed between the youngest and oldest ponds, resulting from higher abundance in the youngest ponds and community convergence in the oldest ponds. The association between community composition and the environment was strongest in streams and decoupled with pond age. In contrast, the correlation between intraspecific haplotype composition and the environment increased over succession. Among the three metacommunities, the regional crayfish species diversity arose from a combination of the temporal and environmental drivers from beaver‐constructed ecosystems and dispersal limitation within catchments. This study represents the first investigation of the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity response to the successional stages of beaver pond metacommunities. The detection of differential crayfish composition and haplotype sorting to pond age suggests a role for local structuring and further indicates that future studies should acknowledge succession in shaping species diversity at local and regional scales. Dispersal limitation within catchment regions probably contributes to the evolution of crayfish species diversity in metacommunities and the overall maintenance of biodiversity. The results support a transition in community and freshwater ecology from a recent emphasis on spatial processes towards the integration of temporal drivers to better identify regulators of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity across scales.

Identification and Genetic Diversity of Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Egypt

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a serious agricultural pest native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere and has invaded Africa and further spread into most countries of Asia within two years. In Egypt, researchers have conducted thorough investigations into the behavior of the fall armyworm and various methods to manage its impact. This study aims to further our understanding of the genetic diversity of fall armyworm populations in Egypt. By collecting specimens from five provinces across the country, we sought to analyze their genetic makeup. Through examination of partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), we identified three distinct haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the primary sources of Spodoptera frugiperda in Egypt likely stem from both Asian and African origins. Employing the PCR-RFLP technique on the complete COI sequence, we were able to discern genotype patterns within the fall armyworm population. Our findings indicate the presence of two distinct strains—the Corn and Rice strains—within Egypt. This research contributes essential insights into the genetic diversity of insects in Egypt, providing valuable knowledge that can inform more effective strategies for managing this agricultural pest.

Ngāokeoke Aotearoa: The Peripatoides Onychophora of New Zealand.

(1) Background: Originally described as a single taxon, Peripatoides novaezealandiae (Hutton, 1876) are distributed across both main islands of New Zealand; the existence of multiple distinct lineages of live-bearing Onychophora across this spatial range has gradually emerged. Morphological conservatism obscured the true endemic diversity, and the inclusion of molecular tools has been instrumental in revealing these cryptic taxa. (2) Methods: Here, we review the diversity of the ovoviviparous Onychophora of New Zealand through a re-analysis of allozyme genotype data, mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences, geographic information and morphology. (3) Results: New analysis of the multilocus biallelic nuclear data using methods that do not require a priori assumptions of population assignment support at least six lineages of ovoviviparous Peripatoides in northern New Zealand, and mtDNA sequence variation is consistent with these divisions. Expansion of mitochondrial DNA sequence data, including representation of all existing taxa and additional populations extends our knowledge of the scale of sympatry among taxa and shows that three other lineages from southern South Island can be added to the Peripatoides list, and names are proposed here. In total, 10 species of Peripatoides can be recognised with current data.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Kawakawa Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849) in Malaysia and its surrounding waters inferred by mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b genes

Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) is a widely distributed epipelagic tuna, considered among the most economically significant species in the subtropical and tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. However, the lack of comprehensive information on the stock structure, management, and conservation of E. affinis populations in Malaysia raises concerns of potential overfishing and depletion of this marine fish. To ensure effective and successful species management, it is imperative to conduct a molecular- based assessment of the stock structure. In the present study, the genetic diversity and population structure of E. affinis in Malaysia and its surrounding waters were investigated using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cyt b) genes. A total of 390 (COI) and 414 (Cyt b) individuals of E. affinis were sampled from 20 distinct locations situated within five geographic regions: the Straits of Malacca, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and the Arabian Sea. The results revealed that the genetic divergence among 20 populations of E. affinis varied from low to high. The average haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) for COI were calculated to be 0.5131 and 0.0043, respectively. On the other hand, the average haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) for Cyt b were found to be 0.7450 and 0.0162, respectively. The analysis of haplotype distribution revealed that a total of 20 distinct haplotypes were identified for both the COI and Cyt b genes across 20 populations of E. affinis. The analysis of the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) tree and the Minimum Spanning Network (MSN) revealed the formation of three distinct clades among thesamples. AMOVA analysisshowed a significant genetic structure among the 20 populations of E. affinis, as indicated by the COI: FST = 0.5364 (P < 0.05) and Cyt b: FST = 0.9521 (P < 0.05). The neutrality test and mismatch distribution analysis indicated that the E. affinis specimens underwent a period of population expansion. This study marks a significant milestone as the first comprehensive documentation of genetic diversity and population structure of E. affinis across various locations in Malaysia, with an additional pioneering investigation conducted in the waters of Yemen.

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

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

No mitochondrial DNA variation in COI gene among widely distributed populations of a parthenogenetic praying mantid: a biogeographic puzzle

Abstract The endemic North American praying mantid, Brunneria borealis Scudder (1896), is obligatorily parthenogenic and wingless. The species is both geographically widespread, distributed over an essentially continuous pericoastal range of more than 2,400 km from eastern Texas to central North Carolina, and abundant in early-stage successional old fields. We used mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) analysis to examine the genetic similarities among specimens of this insect and collected from 7 states along this range of distribution. We found no variations in the mitochondrial COI gene, which suggests that this wide geographic distribution of the species is surprisingly recent. We hypothesize that its obligatory parthenogenic status may be an accident of colonization of North America by a single facultative parthenogenic female, and the subsequent distribution was most likely achieved by inadvertent human transport.

Thripidae pest species community identification and population genetic diversity analyses of 2 dominant thrips in cotton fields of China.

Thrips are devastating pests for various crops, and they can rasp tender leaves, terminal buds, and flowers, which specifically causing huge economic losses to cotton production. However, there is very little knowledge about the species composition of thrips in mainland China, as well as the genetic structure of the thrips populations, particularly in the cotton-producing regions. In this study, thrips were collected from 40 geographical locations at 8 different provinces which representing majority cotton-producing belts in China, and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequence was used to identify species composition and evaluate the genetic diversity of collected thrips individuals. Based on experimental results proven that overall, 10 and 8 species of thrips were identified in seedling and flowering stage respectively, which is corresponding dominant species are Thrip tabaci (Lindeman) and Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom). Genetically, 24 haplotypes were identified in 310 T. tabaci individuals from 10 locations, and 263 haplotypes were detected in 1,861 F. intonsa individuals from 40 locations. Hap1 (T. tabaci) is the most widely distributed haplotype among all the T. tabaci samples. Likewise, Hap 2 is the most widely distributed and abundant haplotype among all samples of F. intonsa. The genetic differentiation degrees of T. tabaci between SXYC population and other 9 populations were high, but its gene flow in these 10 regions was relatively low, which might be due to geographical barriers. The Mantel tests showed no correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance of the 2 thrip species. Demographic analysis results showed that both T. tabaci and F. intonsa experienced population expansion in China. Taken together, this study identifies the species composition of thrips in major cotton-producing regions at different growth periods and evaluates effects of geomorphology on the geographical distribution of haplotypes of dominant thrips T. tabaci and F. intonsa.

Effects of color variation and physiological state on ascidian microbiomes.

Ascidians, known for their color variation, host species-specific microbial symbiont communities. Some ascidians can also transition into a nonfiltering (resting) physiological state. Recent studies suggest that the microbial symbiont communities may vary across different physiological states and color morphs of the host. The colonial ascidian, Polyclinum constellatum, which exhibits several color morphs in the Caribbean Sea, periodically ceases its filtering activity. To investigate if color variation in P. constellatum is indicative of sibling speciation, we sequenced fragments of the ribosomal 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I genes. Additionally, we sequenced a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the microbial communities of two common color morphs (red and green) in colonies that were either actively filtering (active) or nonfiltering (resting). Phylogenetic analyses of both ascidian genes resulted in well-supported monophyletic clades encompassing all color variants of P. constellatum. Interestingly, no significant differences were observed among the microbial communities of the green and red morphs, suggesting that color variation in this species is a result of intraspecific variation. However, the host's physiological state significantly influenced the microbial community structure. Nonfiltering (resting) colonies hosted higher relative abundances of Kiloniella (Alphaproteobacteria) and Fangia (Gammaproteobacteria), while filtering colonies hosted more Reugeria (Alphaproteobacteria) and Endozoicomonas (Gammaproteobacteria). This study demonstrates that microbial symbiont communities serve as reliable indicators of the taxonomic state of their host and are strongly influenced by the host's feeding condition.