Monospecific Genus Research Articles

<p><strong>The genus <em>Muscarella </em>(Orchidaceae): two new synonyms</strong></p>

Recently, the new monospecific genus Vaginaella Vierling (2018: 19) was proposed to accommodate the proposed species Vaginaella stromatolithoides Vierling (2018: 19). After comparing the original description and illustration of Muscarella rojohnii (Luer 2006: 115, 134) and a photograph of the plant from which the holotype was made (Fig. 1) with the description, illustration and photographs in Vierling (2018) and a photograph of the holotype, we conclude that V. stromatolithoides is synonymous with M. rojohnii, and that Vaginaella cannot be separated from Muscarella Luer (2006: 94).

Taxonomic harmonization of Neogene and Quaternary candonid genera (Crustacea, Ostracoda) of the Paratethys

During the Cenozoic, the constant northward movement of the African plate led to the division of the Tethys Ocean into two: the Palaeomediterranean and the Paratethyan branches. The latter was represented by a huge epicontinental sea and brackish to freshwater lakes that extended across central Europe and western Asia. Neogene and Quaternary ostracods from the Paratethys originated through major adaptive radiations, which gave rise to endemic brackish taxa. Unfortunately, much confusion surrounds their taxonomy, due to the quality of descriptions and images in the original literature and the incompleteness of the type material, making necessary a taxonomic revision. In this paper, we propose a systematic revision of several Paratethyan endemic candonid genera based on the analysis of the type material, new material collected from the type localities, and new fossil material from the Ponto-Caspian area. The study focuses on the description of the valve morphology and particularly on the geometric morphometric analysis of the valve outline. Thirty-three genera were taken into account of which four (Advenocypris, Candoniella, Graviacypris, Telekia) were considered to be junior synonyms of Typhlocypris, Pseudocandona or Candona. Moesiella is considered a nomen nudum. In the case of Caspiollina, Dacicandona, Liventalina and Turkmenella the scarcity of material and/or the poor descriptions reported in the literature prevented us from performing a full revision. The monospecific genus Thaminocypris possibly includes a teratological form. The remaining 23 genera were merged into nine valid, endemic, genera (Bakunella, Camptocypria, Caspiocypris, Hastacandona, Lineocypris, Pontoniella, Propontoniella, Typhlocyprella and Zalanyiella). Emended diagnoses and descriptions are proposed for these genera and a new species, Bakunella anae sp. nov., is described. This study considerably reduces the taxonomic uncertainty within the Paratethyan candonids, providing new data for the evaluation of the palaeobiodiversity of the Paratethyan domain. Finally, the palaeobiogeography of Paratethyan candonids during the Neogene and Quaternary is also discussed.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EB9EC2D4-AFD2-428E-9958-C97F36ED7FF2

First report of a rare snake eel, Allips concolor McCosker, 1972 (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from Indian waters

The monospecific genus Allips is reported here for the first time from Indian waters, from a specimen collected from the sea grass bed outside the Nalban bird Sanctuary, Chilika lagoon, India, with its morphometric characters, vertebrae and teeth pattern. The rare small eye snake eel A. concolor was earlier described by McCosker, 1972 on the basis of a single specimen. After that, there are very rare reports on this particular species especially on its morphometry after McCosker (1972). This paper extends the range of A. concolor McCosker, 1972 from eastern Andaman Sea and Northern Territory, Australia to Indian waters. A detailed discussion on the distribution and habitat is also provided in this paper.

Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Investigations onPsoralea acaulis(Psoraleeae: Fabaceae) with the Description of a New GenusKartalinia

Psoralea acaulis Hoffm. is a very peculiar and taxonomically isolated species of the tribe Psoraleeae, occurring in the Caucasian territories. Currently, this tribe contains 10 distinct genera, well differentiated morphologically. Due to some morphological similarities, P. acaulis was attributed to Bituminaria Heist ex Fabr., a genus with a Mediterranean–Macaronesian distribution. However, as it has many characters, some of which are autapomorphic, it was assigned its own subgenus: Christevenia Barneby ex C. H. Stirt. In light of detailed cladistic and phylogenetic analyses, this arrangement is taxonomically questionable and rather controversial. In order to clarify its status, extensive macromorphological, micromorphological, karyological, and palynological investigations of the currently known species of Bituminaria and all other genera of the tribe Psoraleeae were carried out. This allowed us to establish that P. acaulis should be placed in a separate genus in this tribe. According to the cladistic analysis of all known genera of Psoraleeae, this new monospecific genus, named Kartalinia Brullo, C. Brullo, Cambria, Acar, Salmeri & Giusso, is morphologically and karyologically very distinct and taxonomically isolated from Bituminaria, as well as from the other members of Psoraleeae. In this paper, the morphology and micromorphology of pod and seed testa, pollen grains, and seedlings; the karyology (2n=22); ecology; conservation status; and chorology of K. acaulis (Hoffm.) Brullo, C. Brullo, Cambria, Acar, Salmeri & Giusso are examined. An analytical key to all genera of Psoraleeae is also provided.

Evolutionary history of the tribe Astereae in the Flora Iranica area: Systematic implications

The present study reconstructs the phylogenetic relationships of the tribe with emphasis on Psychrogeton using both nuclear (ITS, ETS) and chloroplast (trnL intron and trnL-trnF intergenic spacer) markers. Divergence times for main lineages were estimated using BEAST analysis. Based on results of molecular analyses, tribe Astereae is circumscribed here as containing 16 genera and 38 species and comprising strongly supported five major clades: Aster, Chamaegeron, Erigeron, Galatella and Psychrogeton. Among the Eurasian asteroid taxa, Aster bachtiaricus formed the basal most diverging lineage far distantly from the Aster s.str. clade. Lachnophllum and Chamaegeron are sister taxa in nuclear tree, although weakly united in plastid topology. Galatella with the inclusion of Crinitina (= Crinitaria) constitutes a well-supported clade, which along with Tripolium forms the Galatella group. Eurasian Erigeron species were derived within the Erigeron clade. Erigeron uniflorus subsp. daenensis and subsp. elborsensis are distinct from the type subspecies and are resurrected here as species in their own right. Our analyses of the datasets revealed that all examined species of Psychrogeton, except P. obovatus, emerged in a single clade comprising four distinct subclades. Molecular dating analyses indicate that tribe Astereae originated in the Late Eocene at 38.6 Ma. The most genera of Astereae diverged during the Middle Miocene whereas the diversification of lineages began mostly through the Pliocene and Pleistocene. On the basis of the molecular data as well as the morphological characteristics, Aster bachtiaricus was elevated to the generic rank and this new monospecific genus was named Iranoaster. Psychrogeton obovatus was treated as a member of the recently established genus Neobrachyactis. The conflicting position of some taxa including Lachnophyllum gossypinum, Dichrocephala, Myriactis and Asterothamnus in nuclear and plastid trees might be the result of ancient hybridization/introgression events.

One genus, two species, three palaeontologists

ABSTRACT In her publication on a Holocene sedimentary succession of the Eastern Adriatic coast, here in the same volume, the author V. Hajek-Tadesse describes a new ostracod (Crustacea) species. She assigns it to the previously monospecific genus Juxilyocypris Kempf, 2011, which is now holding the two fossil species J. schwarzbachi (Kempf, 1967) and J. kempfi Hajek-Tadesse, 2018. These three taxa, and their taxonomic proximity give a perfect memento of three palaeontologists of the Cologne University, whose lives and achievements were similarly interwoven.

Leaf Morphoanatomy of Diploon Cronquist (Sapotaceae Juss.)

Abstract: Diploon is a monospecific genus represented by Diploon cuspidatum, an arboreal species that has morphological characteristics distinct from those of other Sapotaceae species. In this study, Diploon cuspidatum leaves were characterized morphoanatomically in order to reveal additional diagnostic characters of their external morphology of the genus. The Diploon petiole presents shape and arrangement of the vascular system flat-convex, occasionally with one or two accessory bundles, many laticifers, and many prismatic crystals. The midrib is biconvex with a U-shaped cuticle on the abaxial side, and laticifers are associated with the vascular tissues. Mesophyll is dorsiventral, palisade parenchyma has two cell layers, T- and Y-shaped malpighiaceous trichomes are on the abaxial epidermis with a small stalk cell and long arm. The venation pattern is brochidodromous. Intersecondary veins run parallel to the secondary veins, and quaternary veins branch freely. Higher order veins are not present. Morphoanatomical analysis revealed important characteristics that reveal a set of structures common to Sapotaceae, in addition to characters that are important for the recognition and identification of D. cuspidatum.

A new family Jubisentidae fam. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoroidea) from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

A new family of Fulgoroidea, Jubisentidae fam. nov. from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber is described, comprising two new monospecific genera, Jubisentis hui gen. et sp. nov. and Furtivirete zhuoi gen. et sp. nov. The probable relationships of this new family with other Fulgoroidea are briefly discussed. Peculiar features such as tegula and hind wing absent, foliaceous legs, tegmina subbrachypterous, body and tegmina covered with long bristles, seem to indicate a unique survival strategy of these cryptic insects.

Morphology and distribution of Ninastrelnikovia laosica sp. nov. – a new species in a previously monospecific genus

Morphology and distribution of Ninastrelnikovia laosica sp. nov. – a new species in a previously monospecific genus

Review of the genus Methylobacterium and closely related organisms: a proposal that some Methylobacterium species be reclassified into a new genus, Methylorubrum gen. nov.

The genus Methylobacterium, when first proposed by Patt et al. in 1976, was a monospecific genus created to accommodate a single pink pigmented facultatively methylotrophic bacterium. The genus now has over 50 validly published species, however, the percentage 16S rRNA sequence divergence within Methylobacterium questions whether or not they can still be accommodated within one genus. Additionally, several strains are described as belonging to Methylobacterium, but nodulate legumes and in some cases are unable to utilize methanol as a sole carbon source. This study reviews and discusses the current taxonomic status of Methylobacterium. Based on 16S rRNA gene, multi-locus sequence analysis, genomic and phenotypic data, the 52 Methylobacterium species can no longer be retained in one genus. Consequently, a new genus, Methylorubrum gen. nov., is proposed to accommodate 11 species previously held in Methylobacterium. The reclassified species names are proposed as: Methylorubrum aminovorans comb. nov. (type strain TH-15T=NCIMB 13343T=DSM 8832T), Methylorubrum extorquens comb. nov. (type strain NCIMB 9399T=DSM 1337T), Methylorubrum podarium comb. nov. (type strain FM4T=NCIMB 14856T=DSM 15083T), Methylorubrum populi comb. nov. (type strain BJ001T=NCIMB 13946T=ATCC BAA-705T), Methylorubrum pseudosasae comb. nov. (type strain BL44T=ICMP 17622T=NBRC 105205T), Methylorubrum rhodesianum comb. nov. (type strain NCIMB 12249T=DSM 5687T), Methylorubrum rhodinum comb. nov. (type strain NCIMB 9421T=DSM 2163T), Methylorubrum salsuginis comb. nov. (type strain MRT=NCIMB 14847T=NCCB 100140T), Methylorubrum suomiense comb. nov. (type strain F20T=NCIMB 13778T=DSM 14458T), Methylorubrum thiocyanatum comb. nov. (type strain ALL/SCN-PT=NCIMB 13651T=DSM 11490T) and Methylorubrum zatmanii comb. nov. (type strain NCIMB 12243T=DSM 5688T). The taxonomic position of several remaining species is also discussed.

Flabelloporina, a new genus in the Porinaceae (Ascomycota, Ostropales), with the first record of F. squamulifera from Brazil

A new genus of lichenized fungi of the family Porinaceae is described, known from Costa Rica and Brazil. Flabelloporina Sobreira, M. Cáceres & Lücking is a thus far monospecific genus with an isolated position of its only species in the family, morphologically different from all other genera in Porinaceae. The genus is characterized by the production of numerous, flabelliform squamules on the surface of the thallus, together with black perithecia and transversally septate ascospores (with three septa in the only species). The new combination Flabelloporina squamulifera (Breuss, Lücking & Navarro) Sobreira, M. Cáceres & Lücking is proposed, based on Porina squamulifera Breuss, Lücking & Navarro, and the species is for the first time reported from Brazil.

A Revision of Sumatroscirpus (Sumatroscirpeae, Cyperaceae) with Discussions on Southeast Asian Biogeography, General Collecting, and Homologues with Carex (Cariceae, Cyperaceae)

For over 40 yr, Sumatroscirpus (Sumatroscirpeae, Cyperaceae) has been treated as a monospecific genus endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. This genus possesses sheathing fertile prophylls that have recently been shown to be homologous with the perigynia of Carex, its highly diverse sister-group (>2000 species, Cariceae). In this taxonomic revision, we recognize four species in Sumatroscirpus and extend its range into Vietnam, Myanmar, and Southwestern China.We divide the genus into two sections: 1) Sumatroscirpus sect. Sumatroscirpus, characterized by a cespitose habit, green leaf sheaths, large dense inflorescences, and long perianth bristles with dense antrorse barbs; and 2) Sumatroscirpus sect. Paniculatocorymbosi comb. nov., characterized by a rhizomatous habit, red leaf sheaths, small open inflorescences, and reduced perianth bristles with few to no barbs. Sumatroscirpus junghuhnii, Sumatroscirpus minor comb. nov., and Sumatroscirpus rupestris sp. nov., are placed in Sumatroscirpus sect. Sumatroscirpus. The distinctive Sumatroscirpus paniculatocorymbosus is placed in Sumatroscirpus sect. Paniculatocorymbosi. A lectotype is designated for Scirpus junghuhnii var. minor, the basionym of Sumatroscirpus minor. Identification keys to Cyperaceae tribes possessing fertile prophylls, and to Sumatroscirpus species, are provided,with descriptions, illustrations, distributionmaps, and conservation status assessments for each species. We make a detailed account of the inflorescence morphology of Sumatroscirpus, with special reference to the perigynium. In light of our results, we highlight the importance of herbaria and general collecting for species discovery and conservation. We also discuss the biogeography of Sumatroscirpus, which illustrates a well-known biogeographic link between the Sino-Himalayan and Sundaland mountain floras.

Redescription of Aporrhipis Pascoe, 1887 (Coleoptera: Lycidae), with a Discussion of its Tribal Placement

Abstract Aporrhipis flexilis Pascoe, 1887 is the sole species of a monospecific genus of beetles from Brazil, originally described in the family Ripiphoridae. Despite the fact that this genus was moved to Lycidae, its correct tribal placement remains uncertain. In this study, A. flexilis is redescribed, its tribal placement is discussed, and it is tentatively placed within the Calopterini, Acroleptina. The problems of distinguishing the Acroleptina from the Leptolycini are highlighted by this case, and a plea is made for additional specimens to help resolve this conundrum.

Assessment of the order Rhodymeniales (Rhodophyta) from British Columbia using an integrative taxonomic approach reveals overlooked and cryptic species diversity

Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy using COI-5P and rbcL-3P was employed to reassess species diversity for the Rhodymeniales (Rhodophyta) in British Columbia. A total of 563 collections from British Columbia were resolved as 16 genetic species groups, whereas 13 were previously reported. Collections attributed to Botryocladia pseudodichotoma from British Columbia were resolved as distinct from collections of that species from California (type locality) and were assigned to Botryocladia hawkesii sp. nov. DNA sequence data also resolved an additional species of Fryeella. Although two species of Gloiocladia were recognized, genetic analyses resolved three: G. fryeana, G. laciniata, and Gloiocladia vigneaultii sp. nov. Data also resolved Gloiocladia media comb. nov. from California. For the genus Rhodymenia, where two species were expected, DNA sequence data resolved four. Both R. californica and R. pacifica were confirmed in British Columbia, whereas some collections field-identified as R. californica were genetically distinct and assigned to the novel species, Rhodymenia bamfieldensis sp. nov. Some collections initially identified as R. pacifica were assigned to the resurrected species R. rhizoides. Anatomical development for the monospecific genus Minium was also reassessed owing to that taxon’s assignment to the Fryeellaceae. Our investigation clarified the number of rhodymenialean species in British Columbia and resolved taxonomic and distributional uncertainties associated with some of these taxa.

Classification of the Relhania generic group (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) revisited using molecular phylogenetic analysis

Phylogenetic relationships within the Relhania generic group, a southern African lineage of 45 yellow-flowered daisy species, are examined using parsimony and Bayesian analysis of plastid DNA, nuclear DNA, and morphological characters. The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis indicates that the species fall into two clades, one comprising the genera containing short-lived (annual / biennial) species, and the other exclusively perennial. Within the perennial clade, containing six genera, several well-supported and morphologically coherent clades are recovered. However, there is substantial generic non-monophyly and many relationships lack resolution, with several species being unplaced. Subdivision into multiple genera would require the recognition of up to twelve small or monospecific genera, and lack of resolution would render this solution potentially unstable. Instead, the six currently-recognised perennial genera Antithrixia, Comborhiza, Oreoleysera, Relhania and Rosenia are here synonymized under the oldest name, Oedera Linnaeus. An infrageneric taxonomy comprising eight sections is proposed for Oedera sensu amplo. This new, enlarged concept of Oedera is defined by the perennial life-history, by leaves with involute or flat margins, by pappus bristles (if present) that are never plumose, and by a base chromosome number of x = 7. Keys to the genera, an updated description of Oedera sensu amplo, and keys to the sections and species are provided. A total of 25 new combinations is made.

Flightless rails (Aves: Rallidae) from the early Miocene St Bathans Fauna, Otago, New Zealand

While known for over a decade to exist, fossil rails of the early Miocene (19–16 Ma) St Bathans Fauna, from the South Island of New Zealand, have not previously been described taxonomically or studied in detail. Here we use qualitative osteological features and analyse measurements from wing and leg bones to determine the number of taxa represented, their flight ability, and the presence and nature of sexual dimorphism within the identified taxa. We describe two new rail species in monospecific genera from the St Bathans Fauna: Priscaweka parvales gen. et sp. nov., which is extremely common, and Litorallus livezeyi gen. et sp. nov., a distinctly larger, uncommon species. Priscaweka parvales exhibited a significant degree of sexual dimorphism and was tiny, being the size of the extinct Chatham Island Rail Cabalus modestus. Both newly described species exhibit skeletal proportions and osteological features that indicate they had reduced wings and were flightless. These observations reveal that flightless rallid species have been present in New Zealand for millions of years. The distinctiveness of the St Bathans rails from their closest geographical and chronological neighbours suggests some hidden diversity of volant rails in Australia's fossil record. However, the combined data from Australasian and European records reveal no evidence for a diverse early Miocene crown rallid fauna as predicted by some molecular studies. A subsequent, middle Miocene radiation for crown rallids seems more likely, and appears to have produced the high taxonomic diversity seen in Holocene Australasian rail faunas.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9F638A1E-C17D-4A85-9D6E-3D0F24D5AE1E

Primer registro de Draconopteris draconoptera (Tectariaceae) para la flora de Honduras

Antecedentes y Objetivos: En 1996 las pteridofitas en Honduras estaban representadas por 109 géneros y 651 especies. Sin embargo, aunque no hay un catálogo reciente que refleje la diversidad actual de este grupo, han sido descubiertas en territorio hondureño nuevos registros y especies. Con el objetivo de aumentar el conocimiento del grupo, se presenta el primer registro de Draconopteris draconoptera para la flora de Honduras.Métodos: Como parte de inventarios florísticos en sitios arqueológicos dentro del núcleo de la Reserva del Hombre y Biosfera del Río Plátano (RHBRP), se colectaron diversos especímenes de plantas, entre ellos una especie no reportada previamente, identificada por el especialista R. C. Moran y confirmada posteriormente, usando claves taxonómicas.Resultados clave: El helecho encontrado en la RHBRP, Draconopteris draconoptera, representa un nuevo registro de un género monoespecífico para la flora de Honduras, expandiendo su distribución conocida más hacia el norte.Conclusiones: Se observa la necesidad de continuar investigando y actualizar el catálogo de pteridofitas de Honduras, con base en cambios taxonómicos recientes y el descubrimiento de nuevas especies y registros en el territorio hondureño desde su última actualización.

Lachesiodendron, a new monospecific genus segregated from Piptadenia (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae: mimosoid clade): Evidence from morphology and molecules

AbstractThe widest historical circumscription of the mimosoid legume genus Piptadenia (Caesalpinioideae: mimosoid clade) previously embraced morphologically disparate species that are currently ascribed to nine different genera. Previous molecular phylogenetic studies have demonstrated that the neotropical dry forest Piptadenia viridiflora is not closely related to Piptadenia s.str. Here we plug gaps in the DNA sequence dataset of a recently published study to build a more comprehensive phylogeny of the Piptadenia group and revise morphological evidence to define the phylogenetic relationship of P. viridiflora. Both morphological and molecular data confirm that P. viridiflora is an isolated lineage, thus warranting the description of the new monospecific genus Lachesiodendron. The new genus is diagnosed by the combination of paired stipular spines (vs. stipules not modified into spines in Piptadenia s.str.), prickles absent (vs. present), flowers in axillary spikes not grouped in compound inflorescences (vs. spikes grouped in compound pseudoracemes or panicles), flowers with a cylindrical corolla long exserted from the calyx (vs. corolla campanulate with petals free or slightly joined at the base) and long green stamens (vs. shorter and white, pale yellow or pink stamens). In addition, Lachesiodendron has pollen aggregated into 8–celled polyads with a hamulate exine, which further contrasts with the 12–celled polyads with a psilate exine in Piptadenia s.str.

Morphological, chemical, and molecular analyses differentiate populations of the subterranean nesting stingless bee Mourella caerulea (Apidae: Meliponini)

To characterize the populational diversity of Mourella caerulea, an endemic stingless bee from the Pampa biome, we collected workers of the stingless bee Mourella caerulea from 24 colonies of five localities in Southern Brazil and analyzed it using geometric morphometrics of forewings, mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I variability, and cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) chemical analysis. The morphometric analysis discriminated the populations of M. caerulea from different physiographic regions. There was a positive correlation between morphometric and geographic distances. CHC profiles also differentiated the colonies from different localities. We found six particular haplotypes, nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.01631, and a haplotype diversity (Hd) of 0.74. In this sense, the comparison of the population belonging to different physiographic regions indicates that we need to give particular attention to M. caerulea at the moment of creating conservation strategies for South Brazilian Fauna, once it is the only species of this monospecific genus, and its populations are much differentiated from each other.

Revision of the genus-group Hystricella R. T. Lowe, 1855 from Porto Santo (Madeira Archipelago), with descriptions of new recent and fossil taxa (Gastropoda, Helicoidea, Geomitridae).

The genus-group Hystricella R. T. Lowe, 1855 is revised on the basis of conchological, anatomical and genetic characteristics. A new genus Wollastonia gen. n., two recent species, W. jessicae sp. n. and W. klausgrohi sp. n., and one recent subspecies, W. jessicae monticola ssp. n. are described as new to science, as well as five fossil taxa, H. microcarinata sp. n., W. beckmanni sp. n., W. falknerorum sp. n., W. ripkeni sp. n., and W. inexpectata sp. n. For Helix vermetiformis R. T. Lowe, 1855, H. leacockiana Wollaston, 1878, H. oxytropis R. T. Lowe, 1831, H. duplicata R. T. Lowe, 1831 and H. oxytropis var. ß subcarinulata Wollaston, 1878 lectotypes are designated. For the taxa Helix bicarinata G. B. Sowerby I, 1824, Helix bicarinata var. ß aucta Wollaston, 1878 and Discula bulverii W. Wood, 1828 neotypes are selected. The taxa aucta and subcarinulata are elevated to specific rank. For the hitherto monospecific (sub-) genus Callina R. T. Lowe, 1855 it is shown that it is not closely related to the genus Discula but to the Hystricella-group and its generic rank is confirmed. The taxon D. bulverii W. Wood, 1828 is transferred from the genus Discula s. str. to the genus Callina. A further fossil taxon C. waldeni sp. n. is described as new to science.