Morphological Characters Research Articles

New Record of Encarsia protransvena and Confirmed Occurrence of Encarsia hispida (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) as Parasitoids of Singhiella simplex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Italy.

Encarsia protransvena (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is recorded here for the first time in Italy as a parasitoid of the whitefly Singhiella simplex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), one of the most invasive alien pests of exotic Ficus species. Singhiella simplex, originating from the Oriental region, has established a global presence. Monitoring of the whitefly and its parasitoids was conducted in the southern areas of Italy, providing crucial insights into their distribution and interactions. The taxonomic identity of E. protransvena, was confirmed by scrutiny of morphological and molecular taxonomic characters. At the time of writing, we also obtained some specimens of Encarsia hispida from the host collected in Campania. We reserve the right to provide bio-ethological information on the species in the future. Comprehensive illustrations and diagnostic features are provided for the host and the parasitoids. An identification key is included for all Encarsia species associated with S. simplex, which provides a valuable tool to distinguish these aphelinid wasps for future research and applications in biological control programs.

Sideritiscarpetana (Labiatae), a new high-mountain Mediterranean species from the marble outcrops of the Sierra de Guadarrama (Central System, Madrid, Segovia, Spain).

A new species of Sideritis (Sideritiscarpetana) is described from the calcareous, high-mountain Spanish flora in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula. It is found in a Mediterranean climate at high-elevation, perennial, calcareous grasslands, as well as in marble screes of anthropogenic origin in the Sierra de Guadarrama, Central System (Spain), in a reserve area within the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, at 1996 m asl. Taxonomic morphological measurements were performed on collected specimens from Sierra de Guadarrama as well as on geographically-adjacent Sideritis (i.e., S.glacialis, S.pungens, S.hyssopifolia). The relationships among them were then explored with multivariate analysis. Sideritiscarpetana is a dwarf shrub with an erect or decumbent habit, growing up to 15 cm; non-woody twigs with long hairs of 3-4 cells, leaves are entire, linear-oblanceolate, sparsely covered with trichomes; inflorescence is spiciform or slightly verticillated, flowers are yellow and nutlets ovoid. A key is supplied to help distinguish it from other high-mountain Iberian species included in sectionSideritis. The species is unique in its combination of morphological and autoecological characters. S.carpetana shares similarities with S.glacialis, a species from Sierra Nevada, and its northern Mediterranean variant, S.glacialissubsp.fontqueriana from Sierra de Gúdar. They share morphological characters that are absent in other high-mountain Sideritis, reinforcing their Mediterranean character, as opposed to a more temperate or submediterranean character, such as those of the hyssopifolia group.

Development of SNP for Sebastes Species Identification With Special Focus on the Cryptic Species Complex of Sebastes norvegicus.

The genus Sebastes in the North Atlantic comprises of long lived deep-waters species that have been extensively fished upon, and many stocks are severely depleted across the Atlantic. This is particularly evident for the species Sebastes norvegicus. In recent papers, cryptic species have been indicated within this genus and molecular markers are therefore needed to provide identification for the Sebastes species, including the cryptic species as a basis for advice regarding management and rebuilding of the stocks. A suite of 2800 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers were identified from ddRAD sequencing data, of which 56 SNPs were organized in two multiplex reactions and tested on 191 Sebastes spp. from different sampling locations from Norway and Greenland. Good-quality amplification products were successfully obtained from 49 SNP markers for Sebastes species ID, and 3 TaqMan probes were designed to successfully assign S. mentella, S. viviparus, and the two cryptic species S. norvegicus types A and B. A total 47 SNPs were biallelic, with averaged H E per locus ranging between 0.053 and 0.50. This SNP-based method establishes a foundation for genetically identifying the Northeast Atlantic Sebastes species. The findings presented should be followed by an effort to look for morphological characters to recognize the S. norvegicus cryptic species on site. In general, the SNP markers are a proper tool for monitoring the distribution of the species from a management perspective.

Ecomorphology of South American Penguins.

A major goal of evolutionary ecology is to understand the interaction between ecological differences and the functional morphology of organisms. Studies of this type are common among flying birds but less so in penguins. Penguins (Spheniscidae) are the most derived extant underwater flying birds using their wings for swimming and beak when foraging. The Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) and Magellanic Penguin (S. magellanicus) occur along the coast of South America and their morphology was compared in allopatry and sympatry throughout their ranges. Measurements included: mass, tarsus length, four beak/head dimensions, bite force, wing loading, and aspect ratio. A thin-plate spline/relative warp analysis was also used to detect subtle differences in wing shape. Both species generally overlapped in trait morphology, but Magellanic Penguins showed greater trait diversity. Wing morphology was more homogenous between species than beak morphology indicating a similar mode of locomotion but potential differences in prey procurement. Morphological character displacement in sympatry was only evident in beak length. Local adaptation was common in other traits, and Punta Norte (Argentina) was often distinct in having high variation, notably in beak depth, wing loading, and wing shape (relative warp 1). This may be attributed to the fact that penguins here dive deep and forage farther from their colony; they also have a greater colony size that may contribute to greater intraspecific competition for resources. These results support a potentially optimal wing design for aquatic movement, which likely applies to other penguin species. Differences in morphology may also be related to differences between Atlantic and Pacific ecosystems.

Investigating a hybrid mixed population leads to recognizing a new species of Arctostaphylos (Ericaceae).

While investigating the potential for Arctostaphylos species to hybridize in the mixed populations of Point Sal and Burton Mesa in Santa Barbara County, California, we discovered that Arctostaphylos from the Nipomo Mesa (San Luis Obispo County), formerly considered a northern population of A.rudis, are genetically and morphologically distinct. We name this new taxon A.nipumu after the ytt (Northern Chumash language) word for the Nipomo Mesa region. For morphological and molecular analyses, we sampled 54 plants, focusing on A.purissima, A.rudis, and A.crustacea from multiple species and comparative single species populations. Parametric and nonparametric clustering analyses (STRUCTURE and PCA) of ddRADseq data show that Arctostaphylos from the Nipomo Mesa segregate from all other samples in the dataset. In mixed populations A.purissima and A.crustacea samples cluster with samples from other unmixed populations of the same species but A.rudis samples form two distinct clusters. One is composed of the mixed populations in Santa Barbara County, and the other consists of the Nipomo Mesa population. Additionally, the Santa Barbara County A.rudis samples are admixed in STRUCTURE analysis unlike the samples from the Nipomo Mesa. A principal component analysis of eight morphological characters shows that A.rudis individuals from Santa Barbara County tend to be phenotypically variable, occurring in a wide morphological cluster that overlaps with the tight clusters formed by A.purissima, A.crustacea, and Arctostaphylos from the Nipomo Mesa. Based on this evidence we describe the Nipomo Mesapopulation as a new species of Arctostaphylos. Given its limited and fragmented distribution we believe that A.nipumu is of critical conservation concern.

Phylogenetic position of the subfamily Symphrasinae (Insecta: Neuroptera), its intergeneric relationships and evolution of the raptorial condition within Mantispoidea.

The superfamily Mantispoidea (Insecta: Neuroptera) includes the families Berothidae, Rhachiberothidae and Mantispidae. Among these taxa, the last two are collectively known as Raptorial Mantispoidea due to the presence of grasping forelegs for predatory habits. The Mantispidae classically included the subfamilies Symphrasinae, Drepanicinae, Calomantispinae and Mantispinae, yet recent research challenged this classification scheme as well as the monophyly of this family resulting in Symphrasinae being transferred to Rhachiberothidae. The phylogenetic position of the subfamily Symphrasinae within Mantispoidea is here inferred based on total evidence analysis combining three genes (COI , 16S and 18S ) and 72 morphological characters scored from living representatives of all Mantispidae subfamilies (12 genera), the 3 genera of Symphrasinae, and Rhachiberothinae (1 genus). Representatives of Berothidae (four genera) and Hemerobiidae (one genus) were used as outgroup taxa. Results of the total evidence analysis were compared with parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of the morphological and molecular datasets of the COI , 16S and 18S genes. The resultant phylogeny under total evidence recovered Rhachiberothidae as a monophyletic group with strong support in which Symphrasinae was found as sister to Rhachiberothinae. The three genera contained in Symphrasinae, i.e. Anchieta , Plega and Trichoscelia were each recovered as monophyletic in the parsimony analysis, with Anchieta as sister to Trichoscelia + Plega . The family Mantispidae was also recovered as monophyletic and sister to Rhachiberothidae, with Mantispinae as sister to Calomantispinae + Drepanicinae. Evolution of the raptorial condition in Mantispoidea is discussed based on the performed analyses. The morphology and the structure of the raptorial foreleg and the prothorax (i.e. the raptorial system) support the close relationship of Symphrasinae with Rhachiberothinae rather than to other Mantispidae subfamilies which possess a distinctive and well-differentiated raptorial apparatus. The Rhachiberothidae (including Symphrasinae) are distinguished by the presence of a foretarsal Stitz organ. Furthermore, a sit-and-wait predatory strategy is hypothesised for this taxon, whereas the Mantispidae are likely sophisticated active-ambushing predators.

Cuticular composition: An alternative taxonomic approach to differentiate between Argas arboreus and Argas persicus ticks (Acari: Argasidae)

Argas arboreus and A. persicus are blood sucking ectoparasites on domestic birds in Egypt. They cause anemia in birds, in addition to transmitting a variety of pathogens that leads to economical loss in the poultry industry. It is difficult for non-taxonomists to differentiate between these species because of minor morphological characters. Therefore, it is very important to identify tick species for developing a suitable strategy to reduce risks to poultry wealth. This study characterized the female cuticular hydrocarbons of two Argas species using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sixty different hydrocarbons were exclusively identified in A. arboureus, whereas only 51 in A. persicus. Some of the hydrocarbon compounds were stage-specific ones that differentiate between two species. Others shared between all feeding stages of both species that improved they are closely related ones. Genetic variability recorded its maximum value between unfed stages of the two species, and similarity reached only 25%. The present study provides the first chemotaxonomic data to differentiate between two closely related Argas species according to their cuticular hydrocarbons. Therefore, hydrocarbon composition seems to be a promising tool available as a taxonomic character, in addition improved that feeding stage was the susceptible one to be controlled.

Reticulate evolution in the Asplenium anogrammoides complex from Korea

For Asplenium sarelii Hook. (Dol-dam-go-sa-ri in Korean), recognized in Korea, it has been proposed that some populations of the species should be verified as A. anogrammoides Christ (2n = 4x = 144 based on its chromosome number counted from Japanese populations). Asplenium anogrammoides has been hypothesized as a polyploid species derived from a hybrid between A. sarelii (2n = 2x = 72) and A. tenuicaule Hayata (2n = 2x = 72) based on its chromosome number counted from Japanese populations. To clarify the identity of A. anogrammoides in Korea, the morphological, cytological, and molecular characters were examined. Morphologically variable individuals of A. anogrammoides were found in sympatric regions with A. tenuicaule and A. pekinense. We investigated ploidy levels using flow cytometry data as well as the chloroplast DNA sequence data of two regions (rbcL; rps4-trnS and rps4-trnS intergenic spacer) to clarify the taxonomic status of this species. The chloroplast DNA (rbcL and rps4–trnS) indicated monophyly of the A. anogrammoides complex, although there were a few polyphyletic phenomena within the populations. With regard to the genome size data (flow cytometry) and chromosomes numbers, the A. anogrammoides complex from Korea contains mostly hexapodids, rarely tetraploids, and we cannot find diploid individuals. Based on these results, we hypothesize that the A. anogrammoides complex in Korea is mostly fertile hexaploids that arose due to autotetraploidy from A. × huawuense (3x), which formed between A. sarelii and A. anogrammoides. In addition, it is postulated that there are sp1 (6x), sp2 (6x), and sp3 (6x) due to the sharing of morphological characters among A. sarelii, A. tenuicaule, A. anogrammoides, and A. pekinense.

Re-examining the origin and relationship of the Australian octoploid Euphorbia boöphthona using seed morphology

This study aimed to test previous hypotheses about the origin and relationships among the Australian octoploid Euphorbia boöphthona by studying seed morphological characters using scanning electron microscopy. The seed morphologies of the five Australian species of Euphorbia sect. Eremophyton are highly variable and heterogeneous, thus failing to support the previous hypothesis that they are a natural taxon. The diploids E. tannensis and E. parvicaruncula have similar seed shapes, sizes, and surface patterns, suggesting that they are closely related. Although the seed surface of the octoploid E. boöphthona (2n = 56) is uniquely mamillate, the papillae are well developed along the slits of mamilla, very similar to the seed surface of the hexaploid E. stevenii (2n = 42), which shows a distinct papillate pattern. These seed morphological characters support the hypothesis that E. stevenii may be an ancestor of E. boöphthona, as suggested by recent genetic studies.

A new freshwater gobioid from the Lower Miocene of Turkey in a significantly amended total evidence phylogenetic framework

The extant gobioid fishes form a highly diverse group comprised of eight families and over 2000 species. They pose many taxonomic and phylogenetic challenges, particularly when working with fossils. Here we introduce †Simpsonigobius gen. nov., a new freshwater gobioid of small size (≤ 34 mm) from the Lower Miocene of Turkey, and analyse its relationships using a total evidence phylogenetic framework from a previous study that we have significantly improved and expanded upon. †Simpsonigobius gen. nov. exhibits a unique combination of characters, including five branchiostegal rays, a palatine with a weakly ‘T’-shaped head, an additional ray in the anal fin relative to the second dorsal fin, and rounded-to-quadrangular otoliths with a pronounced posterodorsal projection. Undated and tip-dated analyses in a total evidence Bayesian framework, utilizing our updated and expanded data set (48 extant in-group species, 10 fossil species, 48 morphological characters, data from five genes), indicate its relationship with the Oxudercidae, which is reinforced by our comparative morphological analysis. Our results reveal †Simpsonigobius gen. nov. as the oldest skeleton-based member of the Oxudercidae and the oldest freshwater species of the clade Gobiidae + Oxudercidae. The tip-dating analysis estimates divergence ages for Gobiidae (34.13 Ma) and Oxudercidae (34.83 Ma), which are in accordance with previous node-dating analyses. Additionally, based on our time-calibrated tree, we conduct the first reconstruction of ancestral habitat types employing stochastic character mapping and incorporating fossil taxa. The outcome reveals that the ancestor of the Gobioidei likely did not exclusively inhabit freshwater environments, challenging previous assumptions and emphasizing the importance of considering combined habitat types among early-splitting extant taxa. Our study represents the first simultaneous analysis of fossil and extant gobioid species, along with dating of the tree, and our data emphasize the ability of this approach to place gobioid fossils within a reliable chronological and phylogenetic context. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org.pub:5000841F-1836-43D8-BE75-4C090A478566

Potentilla rhizoma (Rosaceae), a new species in Korea

A new species, Potentilla rhizoma H.T. Im, was found in the eastern area of central Korea. Potentilla rhizoma has similar morphological characters on its aerial parts to P. fragarioides but differs due to its thick vigorously growing rhizomes.

Karyology of Prunella grandiflora and Prunella vulgaris from Turkey

Prunella L. species are distributed in very different habitats since they can adapt to variable ecological conditions. These conditions cause variations in morphological characters. It is very important to support morphological and taxonomic characters with genetic data. So far, various diploid numbers have been reported in the chromosomal records of Turkish Prunella species. The situation is particularly complex in P. vulgaris L. and P. grandiflora (L.) Turra species. The aim of this study is to eliminate the complexity by presenting karyological data of these species. The chromosome number and chromosome lengths of P. grandiflora and P. vulgaris were reported for the first time from Turkey. The diploid and basic numbers were detected as 2n = 28 and x =7 by ploidy levels of 4x in P. grandiflora and P. vulgaris. As a result, the karyology of the genus Prunella was evaluated by comparing previous and present results. The listed data provided important contributions to the cytotaxonomy of the genus Prunella: (i) the basic number was x = 7, (ii) the most common diploid number was 2n = 28, and (iii) high polyploidy rates. The polyploidy probably played an important role in the speciation of the genus.

Ultrastructure of the molar enamel in representatives of the genus Ellobius (Rodentia) in the Pleistocene and Holocene of Ukraine

New data on the enamel ultrastructure of molars of selected extinct and extant representatives of the genus Ellobius (Arvicolinae, Rodentia) from the Pleistocene of the south of Eastern Europea, mainly from the territory of Ukraine, are presen¬ted. Among the analysed species are the extinct Е. tiliguliensis, E. paleotal¬pinus, E. tarchankutensis, E. tauricus, and E. melitopoliensis, some extinct populations of Ellobius talpinus from the Late Pleistocene, as well as the extant E. talpinus and E. fuscocapillus. It was revealed that the enamel of molars of these species has the same structure as the enamel of Cricetidae and it belongs to three types described by Koenigswald (1980): radial, tangential, and lamellar. Radial enamel is the prevailing type in Ellobius, which is the initial form in the evolutionary process of other types. According to Kilic et al. [1997], radial enamel can also be divided into three groups (І, ІІ, and ІІІ) by the arrangement of the interprismatic matrix (IPM) and prismatic enamel (PE) in its structure. The first type is characterised by an almost linear arrangement of IPM and PE, whereas the second type is reticulate, and the third one is always located near the enamel-dentin junction (EDJ) and is connected to dentin, the matrix of enamel formation. It was shown that in the lineage of the subgenus Ellobius and in the formation of the species E. talpinus the second type of radial enamel predominated, whereas weakly expressed lamellar enamel of various levels of evolutionary development is present only on the tips of conids (primitive and progressive enamel). In contrast, in the lineage of the subgenus Bramus (= Afganomys) and the formation of the species E. fuscocapillus monotypic (according to the density of IPM and PE) first type radial enamel predominates and lamellar enamel is absent. This line of development by morphological characters has traditionally been considered as progressive evolution of the genus, although (as it turned out) it is characterised by a more primitive enamel structure (lack of lamellar enamel). As a result, we were able to further substantiate the phylogeny of the genus Ellobius with new data from the morphologocal analysis of molars and to outline the prospects for possible use of the enamel structure as a character in the taxonomy and phylogeny of species of Cricetidae.

Dionysia × mallahiae (Primulaceae): a new natural hybrid between D. iranshahrii and D. zagrica

Here we introduce one more hybrid in the section Dionysia, D. × mallahiae, formed via hybridization between parents with different corolla colors, i.e. D. iranshahrii and D. zagrica. The morphological characters of the hybrids are frequently found to be intermediate to those of the two parental species. On the other hand, only two slight morphological novelties were recorded in the hybrids, with having considerably short trichomes and slightly longer glands in all individuals.

First record of the genus Anthomalachius Tshernyshev, 2009 (Coleoptera, Malachiidae) from China.

Anthomalachius Tshernyshev, 2009 is a small genus belonging to the tribe Malachiini in the family Malachiidae of the order Coleoptera, with six currently known species: A.spinosus (Erichson, 1840) from Central, Eastern and Southern Europe and North Africa; A.strangulatus (Abeille de Perrin, 1885) from Central Europe to Central Asia; A.davoodi Ezzatpanah, 2011 from Iran; A.senylia (Tshernyshev, 2000) from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan; A.foveatus (Medvedev, 1964) from Kazakstan, Russia and Mongolia; A.pseudospinosus (Medvedev, 1964) from Kazakhstan and Turkey. In this study, Anthomalachius Tshernyshev, 2009 is newly recorded from China upon the discovery of A.pseudospinosus (Medvedev, 1964) from Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The adult morphological characters are re-described in detail with illustrations of external appearance and relevant characters. The female ovipositor, pygidium and ultimate abdominal ventrite of A.pseudospinosus are illustrated and described for the first time.

In Vivo induction and identification of heteroploids in ginger

Ginger, a commercially important spice, is propagated vegetatively and genetic variations among clones are limited. The study aimed to induce heteroploidy in ginger to create genetic variations that could potentially enhance production, improve quality and disease and insect resistance was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala. Eight superior ginger genotypes were selected and treated with colchicine (0.1%). In vivo induction using colchicine resulted in twenty suspected heteroploids. These genotypes were field planted and observed for morphologic, cytologic and yield characters. The morphological characters like plant height and number of leaves per plant were significantly higher in the treated genotypes compared to the control. The chromosome number counting revealed the plants T1S5, T5S1, T8S1 and T8S4 to be heteroploids with chromosome numbers 27, 68, 24 and 30 respectively. The histogram peak of the colchicine treated plants T1S5, T8S1 and T8S4 obtained in both channels 50 and 200, confirming heteroploidy. Among the four heteroploids developed, the heteroploid plant, T8S1 was found to be highly promising with respect to plant height, number of leaves plant-1, fresh rhizome yield plant-1 and dry rhizome yield per plant. The study suggested that induced heteroploidy in ginger plants using colchicine can lead to genetic variations with potentially beneficial traits for cultivation.

In Situ Phytoremediation of Mine Tailings with High Concentrations of Cadmium and Lead Using Dodonaea viscosa (Sapindaceae).

The waste generated during metal mining activities contains mixtures of heavy metals (HM) that are not biodegradable and can accumulate in the surrounding biota, increasing risk to human and environmental health. Plant species with the capacity to grow and develop on mine tailings can be used as a model system in phytoremediation studies. Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. is a shrub with wide geographical distribution and the ability to establish itself in mine tailings. The Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve in Mexico contains a metallurgic district where mining activities have generated 780 million kg of waste with large concentrations of toxic heavy metals, mainly cadmium and lead. The present study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of D. viscosa in in situ conditions on soils contaminated with HMs (exposed) and reference sites (non-exposed) for one year. Also, the effects of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) exposure in D. viscosa were analyzed via DNA damage (comet assay) morphological and physiological characters in exposed vs non-exposed individuals. The concentration of Cd and Pb was measured through atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the roots and leaves of plants. In total, 120 D. viscosa individuals were established, 60 growing in exposed and 60 in non-exposed soils. Exposed individuals of D. viscosa hyperaccumulated Cd and Pb in roots and leaves. At the end of the experiment, eight out of twelve characters under evaluation decreased significantly in HM-exposed plants in relation to individuals growing in non-exposed soils, except for stomatal index, stomatal coverage, and fresh leaf biomass. The micro-morphological and physiological traits of D. viscosa were not influenced by Cd and Pb bioaccumulation. In contrast, the bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb significantly influenced the macro-morphological characters and genetic damage; this last biomarker was 3.2 times higher in plants growing in exposed sites. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of Cd and Pb in root and leaf tissue increased significantly over time. The mean BCF in root and leaf tissue was higher for Pb (877.58 and 798.77) than for Cd (50.86 and 23.02). After 12 months of exposure, D. viscosa individuals growing on mine tailing substrate showed that the total HM phytoextraction capacity was 7.56 kg∙ha-1 for Pb and 0.307 kg∙ha-1 for Cd. D. viscosa shows potential for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with Cd and Pb, given its capacity for establishing and developing naturally in contaminated soils with HM. Along with its bioaccumulation, biomass production, abundance, and high levels of bioconcentration factors, but without affecting plant development and not registering associated herbivores, it may incorporate HM into the trophic chain.

Extinct scorpion family Chaerilobuthidae from Mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber reinterpreted as subfamily of extant family Pseudochactidae (Chelicerata: Scorpiones)

Abstract The extinct scorpion family Chaerilobuthidae Lourenço and Beigel, 2011, endemic to Burmese amber, was initially established due to its unique pedipalp trichobothrial pattern related to the Type A and Type B patterns of families Buthidae C.L. Koch, 1837 and Chaerilidae Pocock, 1893, respectively. The present contribution describes 11 new specimens, representing seven species of Chaerilobuthidae from Mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, revealing their morphology using various imaging technologies. A revised diagnosis of Chaerilobuthus Lourenço and Beigel, 2011 is provided based on new morphological characters of the carapace, ocelli, chelicera, pedipalp trichobothria, coxapophyses, and leg tarsi. The other two genera of Chaerilobuthidae, Chaeriloiurus Lourenço, 2020 and Serratochaerilobuthus Lourenço, 2024, are synonymized with Chaerilobuthus based on a reassessment of their morphological characters and morphometric analysis, creating Chaerilobuthus brigittemuellerae (Lourenço and Velten, 2020), comb. nov. and Chaerilobuthus schmidti (Lourenço and Velten, 2024), comb. nov.. The systematic position of Chaerilobuthidae is clarified based on phylogenetic analyses of an updated morphological character matrix for Pseudochactidae Gromov, 1998, an extant family in Asia. Phylogenetic analysis placed Chaerilobuthidae sister to the pseudochactid subfamily Vietbocapinae Lourenço, 2012, justifying its transfer to Pseudochactidae, as Chaerilobuthinae Lourenço and Beigel, 2011, stat. nov.. This discovery confirms that Pseudochactidae date back 100 Mya and contributes to understanding the origin and evolutionary history of this relictual family.

Phylogenetic systematics of the keratin-feeding genus Polynoncus Burmeister, 1876 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Trogidae)

Abstract Among the five known Trogidae genera, Polynoncus is the only one endemic to South America. Although the systematics within Trogidae is well established, the evolutionary relationships among Polynoncus species remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis based on maximum parsimony, using the equal and implicit weighting algorithm with all characters, in TNT v.1.5 software. The assembled data matrix consisted of 98 morphological characters scored for 48 taxa. Our results corroborate the monophyletic status of Polynoncus and its sister-group relationship with the genus Omorgus, both within Omorginae. In Polynoncus, three main lineages were recovered: (i) clade ‘pedestris’, with four species occurring mostly in the Andes; (ii) clade ‘pilularius’, whose species have been most reported in the temperate zone of South America; and (iii) clade ‘brevicollis’, whose species are distributed from the arid zones of Argentina and Chile to Peru, following through the Andes. This is the first species-level phylogeny presented for Trogidae.

Morphological Characterization of Citrus Leaves (Citrus species) under Sub-tropical Conditions of Punjab, India

A field experiment was conducted during 2019-2021 at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh sahib, Punjab to study the morphological characterization of citrus leaves (Citrus species) under sub-tropical conditions of Punjab. For morphological studies, leaves samples collected from the Citrus orchard. Samples were randomly collected from 10 leaves samples which were randomly collected from 5 plants in order to obtain a representative sample. All leaves sample were observed for integrity and absence of dust and insect contamination. The leaves of six different citrus species were used for the morphological characterization. Morphological characters of citrus accessions were observed on basis of UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants) descriptors. The experimental results revealed that there were significant variations for morphological characterization in different citrus species. There are no variations in vegetative life cycle, leaf division, leaf colour, leaf lamina attachment in lime, lemon, pummelo, mandarin, grapefruit and sweet orange leaves. Vegetative life cycle was evergreen and leaf division was found to be simple in all the six citrus species. However, maximum mean leaf lamina length, leaf lamina width and leaf lamina length to width ratio was recorded in pummelo followed by grapefruit and mandarin. The maximum leaf area was observed in pummelo which was statistically at par with grapefruit, mandarin, sweet orange, lemon. Thus, there was no significant variation morphological characterization among citrus leaves.