Neotropical Taxa Research Articles

Origins of Afrotropical freshwater fishes

AbstractThe Afrotropics house a diverse freshwater ichthyofauna with > 3000 species, almost all of which are endemic. Recent progress in dated phylogenetics and palaeontology of several groups of Afrotropical freshwater fishes (AFFs) has allowed the testing of palaeoecology- and palaeogeography-based hypotheses explaining their early presence in Africa. Seven hypotheses were tested for 37 most-inclusive monophyletic groups of AFFs. Results indicated that ten lineages originated from direct, but asynchronous, marine-to-freshwater shifts. These lineages contribute < 2% to the current AFF species richness. Eleven lineages colonized the Afrotropics from the Orient after the Afro-Arabian plate collided with Eurasia in the early Oligocene. These lineages contribute ~20% to the total diversity. There are seven sister relationships between Afrotropical and Neotropical taxa. For only three of them (4% of the species diversity), the continental drift vicariance hypothesis was not rejected. Distributions of the other four younger trans-Atlantic lineages are better explained by post-drifting long-distance dispersal. In those cases, I discuss the possibility of dispersal through the Northern Hemisphere as an alternative to direct trans-Atlantic dispersal. The origins of ten AFF lineages, including the most species-rich Pseudocrenilabrinae (> 1100 species), are not yet established with confidence.

Two new genera and six other novelties in Heterochaete sensu lato (Auriculariales, Basidiomycota)

The genus Heterochaete (Auriculariales, Basidiomycota) is traditionally defined as comprising resupinate fungal species with sterile spines (hyphal pegs) that are distributed on hymenial surface. Recent DNA-based studies have indicated that Heterochaete is polyphyletic, although the correct taxonomic positions of many species under this genus remains unresolved. In this study, we revised the taxonomic assignments of some representatives of Heterochaete s.l., with special emphasis on neotropical taxa. Based on our results, two new genera, three new species, and three new combinations are proposed. Adustochaete is a new genus comprising two newly described species collected from dry hardwood twigs in the Neotropics; these two species are Adustochaete rava (the genus type) from Brazil and Adustochaete interrupta from Mexico. To date, the second genus, Proterochaete, comprises a single species, Proterochaete adusta comb. nov., which is widely distributed in the temperate Northern hemisphere. In addition, one new species, Tremellochaete cerradensis sp. nov., is described and one new combination, Tremellochaete ciliata comb. nov., is proposed in Tremellochaete, both recorded in Brazil. A neotype is selected for Heterochaetella ochracea, and this species was moved to Eichleriella based on morphological evidence and DNA analyses.

New Poroid Hymenochaetaceae (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetales) from Chile

Fomitiporia chilensis and Phylloporia boldo are described as new poroid species in the Hymenochaetaceae based on morphological, cultural, ecological, and phylogenetic analyses. Fomitiporia chilensis pertains to the Fomitiporia punctata species complex, being related to its Neotropical taxa. It is distinguished by pulvinate to effuse basidiomes that develop an indurated margin, by contextual tissue between the tube strata and basidiospores larger than 6.0 μm, and by growth on dead tissues of Peumus boldus and Cryptocarya alba. Its closest phylogenetic relatives are Fomitiporia neotropica and Fomitiporia impercepta, which differ by flatter basidiomes and by microscopical features. Phylloporia boldo grows and sporulates exclusively on living Peumus boldus. It is distinguished by a pileate basidiome with sulcate, indurated pileal surface, a dimitic hyphal system and by relatively large basidiospores 5.4–6.0 × 4.4–5.0 μm with dull chestnut walls. It was found to be phylogenetically related to Phylloporia dependens, described from China; both species being distantly related to other species in Phylloporia.

Systematics of Guajirolus ektrapeloglossa Flowers 1985 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae).

Larva, subimago, imago and eggs of Guajirolus ektrapeloglossa Flowers 1985 are described based on reared males and females from the type locality in Panama and a reared female from Peru. Structure and development of male genitals testify that the Neotropical taxon Guajirolus/g1 (incl. Chane) does not belong to Labiobaetini Kluge Novikova 2016 and, therefore, is not related to the Afrotropical genus Pseudopannota Waltz McCafferty 1987. At the same time, larvae of Guajirolus have striking similarity with that of Pseudopannota. The existent descriptions of Guajirolus nanus Lugo-Ortiz McCafferty 1995, G. queremba Nieto 2003 and G. flowersi Thomas Dominique (in Thomas, Dominique Orth) 2005 do not contain characters allowing to distinguish them from G. ektrapeloglossa. Thus, new synonymy is proposed: G. ektrapeloglossa (= G. nanus syn. n.; G. queremba syn. n.; G. flowersi syn. n.). Among the characters described as species-specific for Guajirolus rondoni Salles 2007, only the shape of labial palps allows to distinguish it from G. ektrapeloglossa.

New World geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae): Molecular phylogeny, biogeography, taxonomic updates and description of 11 new tribes

We analysed a molecular dataset of 1206 Geometroidea terminal taxa. In this paper we focus on New World taxa, with 102 Nearctic terminal taxa (97 of which have not previously been subject to molecular phylogenetic analysis) and 398 Neotropical terminal taxa (375 not previously analysed). Up to eleven molecular markers per specimen were included: one mitochondrial (COI) and ten proteincoding nuclear gene regions (Wingless, ArgK, MDH, RpS5, GAPDH, IDH, Ca-ATPase, Nex9, EF-1alpha, CAD). The data were analysed using maximum likelihood approach as implemented in IQ-TREE and RAxML. Photographs of almost all voucher specimens are provided together with relevant type material in illustrated electronic catalogues in order to make identities and taxonomic changes transparent. Our analysis concentrates on the level of tribes and genera, many of which are shown to be para-or polyphyletic. In an effort towards a natural system of monophyletic taxa, we propose taxonomic changes: We establish 11 new tribe names (Larentiinae, authors Brehm, Murillo-Ramos & Ounap): Brabirodini new tribe, Chrismopterygini new tribe, Psaliodini new tribe, Pterocyphini new tribe, Rhinurini new tribe, Ennadini new tribe, Cophocerotini new tribe, Erebochlorini new tribe; (Ennominae, authors Brehm, Murillo-Ramos & Sihvonen): Euangeronini new tribe, Oenoptilini new tribe, Pyriniini new tribe. We assign 27 genera for the first time to a tribe, propose 29 new tribe assignments and 26 new generic combinations, we synonymize one tribe and seven genera, revive one tribe, and propose to exclude 119 species from non-monophyletic genera (incertae sedis). Our study provides the data and foundation for numerous future taxonomic revisions of New World geometrid moths. We also examine broad-scale biogeographic patterns of New World Geometridae: While Nearctic species are often nested within the predominantly Neotropical clades, the austral South American fauna forms distinct clades, hinting at a long isolation from the remaining New World fauna. (Less)

Divergence time analyses suggest a Miocene origin of the narrow Amazonian endemic rheophytic Ceratolejeunea temnantha (Spruce) Reiner-Drehwald (Porellales, Lejeuneaceae)

The recent rediscovery of the rheophytic endemic Ceratolejeunea temnantha ~130 years after its original description, on the upper Rio Negro in the Brazilian Amazon, has enabled the assessment of its enigmatic phylogenetic position, estimates of its divergence time, and updates on its distribution and potential habitat threats. Phylogenetic analyses strongly supported its placement in the genus Ceratolejeunea in a geographically disparate clade including a Madagascar endemic C. saroltae and two Neotropical taxa, C. confusa and C. caducifolia. Divergence time estimates date the clade’s stem age to the late Miocene (8.92 [HPD: 12.39–6.04] Ma) offering further evidence that the evolution of rheophytes in northern South America is correlated with the expansion of cryptogams into novel ecological niches promoted by dramatic landscape changes during the Miocene. Major geomorphological and hydrological transformations contributing to such diversification are most likely the changing dynamics of the inundated mega lake system to the establishment of the Amazon River due to the Andean orogeny and the subsequent cessation of marine influences in the north-western portion of the Basin. Until recently, this rheophyte of seasonally inundated black-water forests was only known from its type collection from the Rio Negro near São Gabriel da Cachoeira (Brazil) as described by Richard Spruce in 1884. These new collections extend the distribution of this rare narrow endemic to the middle Rio Uaupés, a tributary of the upper Rio Negro near the Columbian border.

Population genetic structure and species delimitation of a widespread, Neotropical dwarf gecko

Amazonia harbors the greatest biological diversity on Earth. One trend that spans Amazonian taxa is that most taxonomic groups either exhibit broad geographic ranges or small restricted ranges. This is likely because many traits that determine a species range size, such as dispersal ability or body size, are autocorrelated. As such, it is rare to find groups that exhibit both large and small ranges. Once identified, however, these groups provide a powerful system for isolating specific traits that influence species distributions. One group of terrestrial vertebrates, gecko lizards, tends to exhibit small geographic ranges. Despite one exception, this applies to the Neotropical dwarf geckos of the genus Gonatodes. This exception, Gonatodes humeralis, has a geographic distribution almost 1,000,000 km2 larger than the combined ranges of its 30 congeners. As the smallest member of its genus and a gecko lizard more generally, G. humeralis is an unlikely candidate to be a wide-ranged Amazonian taxon. To test whether or not G. humeralis is one or more species, we generated molecular genetic data using restriction-site associated sequencing (RADseq) and traditional Sanger methods for samples from across its range and conducted a phylogeographic study. We conclude that G. humeralis is, in fact, a single species across its contiguous range in South America. Thus, Gonatodes is a unique clade among Neotropical taxa, containing both wide-ranged and range-restricted taxa, which provides empiricists with a powerful model system to correlate complex species traits and distributions. Additionally, we provide evidence to support species-level divergence of the allopatric population from Trinidad and we resurrect the name Gonatodes ferrugineus from synonymy for this population.

Conceptual and empirical advances in Neotropical biodiversity research.

The unparalleled biodiversity found in the American tropics (the Neotropics) has attracted the attention of naturalists for centuries. Despite major advances in recent years in our understanding of the origin and diversification of many Neotropical taxa and biotic regions, many questions remain to be answered. Additional biological and geological data are still needed, as well as methodological advances that are capable of bridging these research fields. In this review, aimed primarily at advanced students and early-career scientists, we introduce the concept of “trans-disciplinary biogeography,” which refers to the integration of data from multiple areas of research in biology (e.g., community ecology, phylogeography, systematics, historical biogeography) and Earth and the physical sciences (e.g., geology, climatology, palaeontology), as a means to reconstruct the giant puzzle of Neotropical biodiversity and evolution in space and time. We caution against extrapolating results derived from the study of one or a few taxa to convey general scenarios of Neotropical evolution and landscape formation. We urge more coordination and integration of data and ideas among disciplines, transcending their traditional boundaries, as a basis for advancing tomorrow’s ground-breaking research. Our review highlights the great opportunities for studying the Neotropical biota to understand the evolution of life.

The acoustic repertoire of the Atlantic Forest Rocket Frog and its consequences for taxonomy and conservation (Allobates, Aromobatidae).

The use of acoustic signals is a common characteristic of most anuran species to mediate intraspecific communication. Besides many social purposes, one of the main functions of these signals is species recognition. For this reason, this phenotypic trait is normally applied to taxonomy or to construct evolutionary relationship hypotheses. Here the acoustic repertoire of five populations of the genus Allobates from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest are presented for the first time, on a vulnerable to extinction Neotropical taxon. The description of males’ advertisement and aggressive calls and a female call emitted in a courtship context are presented. In addition, the advertisement calls of individuals from distinct geographical regions were compared. Differences in frequency range and note duration may imply in taxonomic rearrangements of these populations, once considered distinct species, and more recently, proposed as a single species, Allobates olfersioides. Calls of the male from the state of Rio de Janeiro do not overlap spectrally with calls of males from northern populations, while the shorter notes emitted by males from Alagoas also distinguishes this population from the remaining southern populations. Therefore, it is likely that at least two of the junior synonyms should be revalidated. Similarities among male advertisement and female calls are generally reported in other anuran species; these calls may have evolved from a preexisting vocalization common to both sexes. Male aggressive calls were different from both the male advertisement and female calls, since it was composed by a longer and multi-pulsed note. Aggressive and advertisement calls generally have similar dominant frequencies, but they have temporal distinctions. Such patterns were corroborated with the Atlantic Forest Rocket Frogs. These findings may support future research addressing the taxonomy of the group, behavioral evolution, and amphibian conservation.

Xylopia annoniflora (Annonaceae): a new species from central Amazonia

Xylopia Linnaeus (1759: 1250) is a monophyletic and widely distributed pantropical genus of Annonaceae (Kessler 1993, Dias & Kinoshita 1998, Lopes & Mello-Silva 2014, Stull et al. 2017). Stull et al. (2017) recently revised the infrageneric classification of the genus on the basis of combined data from seed characters and four plastid markers. Three novelties in arilo have been described, they also recognised a new section, Rugosperma, in addition to the four previously existing ones (Engler & Diels 1901). Approximately 65 species of Xylopia Linnaeus (1759: 1250) occur in the Neotropics, of which all are most likely members of section Xylopia Linnaeus (1759: 1250) (Stull et al. 2017). Nearly half (32 species) of the Neotropical taxa occur in Brazil, of which a majority inhabit the Amazon Basin (Lobão & Johnson 2007, Maas & Rainer 2015).

Redescription of the enigmatic neotropical inquiline Paramyrmetes foveipennis Bruch, 1929 with notes on myrmecophily (Coleoptera, Histeridae) in the Saprininae subfamily.

The poorly-known and highly autapomorphic myrmecophilous Neotropical taxon Paramyrmetes foveipennis Bruch, 1929 is redescribed, figured and its lectotype designated. Notes on the evolution of the inquilinous lifestyle (myrmecophily) in the subfamily Saprininae are given.

Dismantling Marchandiomphalina into Agonimia (Verrucariaceae) and Lawreymyces gen. nov. (Corticiaceae): setting a precedent to the formal recognition of thousands of voucherless fungi based on type sequences

Based on an unexpected result of obtaining molecular sequence data from tropical representatives of the genus Normandina, we revised the biological concept of the neotropical taxon Marchandiomphalina foliacea. The obtained data let us conclude that M. foliacea is not a basidiomycete, as originally proposed, but belongs in Verrucariaceae, in the genus Agonimia, including its perithecia which had been identified with the lichenicolous Norrlinia peltigericola. The ITS (and nuLSU) sequences previously obtained from M. foliacea, seemingly confirming its status as a basidiomycete, are from an unmanifested lichenicolous fungus, present also in numerous specimens of Normandina. ITS data suggest the presence of seven lineages that can be recognized at the species level, forming two clusters: one cluster of three lineages found in thalli of M. foliacea, and a second cluster of four lineages found in thalli of Normandina. This pattern is similar to what has recently been found in the basidiomycete genus Cyphobasidium occurring predominantly in Parmeliaceae lichens. We propose the combination of Omphalina foliacea into the genus Agonimia, as Agonimia foliacea (P.M. Jorg.) Lucking & Moncada, comb. nov., and place Marchandiomphalina in synonymy with Agonimia. To formally recognize the unnamed lichenicolous basidiomycete present in Agonimia and Normandina thalli, we take advantage of provision ICN Art. 40.5 in the Code and describe the unmanifested fungus as a new genus, with seven new species, even if no physical type specimens can be preserved (except for the corresponding host lichens which, however, do not show the features of the fungus): Lawreymyces Lucking & Moncada, gen. nov. (Type: L. palicei), with L. bogotensis Lucking & Moncada, sp. nov., L. columbiensis Lucking & Moncada, sp. nov., L. confusus Lucking & Moncada, sp. nov., L, foliaceae Lucking & Moncada, sp. nov., L. palicei Lucking & Moncada, sp. nov., L. pulchellae Lucking & Moncada, sp. nov., and L. spribillei Lucking & Moncada, sp. nov. This opens the door to the formal recognition of thousands of species of voucherless fungi detected through environmental sequencing techniques under the current Code.

Descriptions and phylogenetic relationships of four new species and a new name of Habenaria (Orchidaceae) from the cerrado and campos rupestres of Brazil

Four new orchid species and one variety from the cerrado and campos rupestres of central and south-eastern Brazil are described and illustrated: Habenaria brachydactyla, H. irwiniana, H. minuta, H. pansarinii, and H. pansarinii var. minuscula. Habenaria campylogyna is proposed as a new name for the illegitimate H. humilis Cogniaux. The five species differ from other Neotropical taxa by being small, slender plants with linear leaves concentrated at the base of the stem. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequences revealed that they are not closely related, and do not belong to any of the previously identified Neotropical subclades. All of the new taxa were recovered in isolated positions, branching from basal nodes of larger subclades, suggesting that these morphological characters represent plesiomorphic traits in the Neotropical clade. Habenaria brachydactyla is genetically distinct and represents an early lineage of the Neotropical Habenaria clade. All taxa are considered threatened because of their small numbers of populations with few individuals and/or restricted distributions. Detailed descriptions, photographs, illustrations, notes, and a key to the species are presented.

Biogeographical patterns of Myrcia s.l. (Myrtaceae) and their correlation with geological and climatic history in the Neotropics

Many recent studies discuss the influence of climatic and geological events in the evolution of Neotropical biota by correlating these events with dated phylogenetic hypotheses. Myrtaceae is one of the most diverse Neotropical groups and it therefore a good proxy of plant diversity in the region. However, biogeographic studies on Neotropical Myrtaceae are still very limited. Myrcia s.l. is an informal group comprising three accepted genera (Calyptranthes, Marlierea and Myrcia) making up the second largest Neotropical group of Myrtaceae, totalling about 700 species distributed in nine subgroups. Exclusively Neotropical, the group occurs along the whole of the Neotropics with diversity centres in the Caribbean, the Guiana Highlands and the central-eastern Brazil. This study aims to identify the time and place of divergence of Myrcia s.l. lineages, to examine the correlation in light of geological and climatic events in the Neotropics, and to explore relationships among Neotropical biogeographic areas. A dated phylogenetic hypothesis was produced using BEAST and calibrated by placing Paleomyrtinaea princetonensis (56Ma) at the root of the tree; biogeographic analysis used the DEC model with dispersal probabilities between areas based on distance and floristic affinities. Myrcia s.l. originated in the Montane Atlantic Forest between the end of Eocene and early Miocene and this region acted as a secondary cradle for several lineages during the evolution of this group. The Caribbean region was important in the diversification of the Calyptranthes clade while the Guayana shield appears as ancestral area for an older subgroup of Myrcia s.l. The Amazon Forest has relatively low diversity of Myrcia s.l. species but appears to have been important in the initial biogeographic history of old lineages. Lowland Atlantic Forest has high species diversity but species rich lineages did not originate in the area. Diversification of most subgroups of Myrcia s.l. occurred throughout the Miocene, as reported for other Neotropical taxa. During the Miocene, geological events may have influenced the evolution of the Caribbean and Amazon forest lineages, but other regions were geological stable and climate changes were the most likely drivers of diversification. The evolution of many lineages in montane areas suggests that Myrcia s.l. may be particularly adapted to such environments.

Independent Demographic Responses to Climate Change among Temperate and Tropical Milksnakes (Colubridae: Genus Lampropeltis)

The effects of Late Quaternary climate change have been examined for many temperate New World taxa, but the impact of Pleistocene glacial cycles on Neotropical taxa is less well understood, specifically with respect to changes in population demography. Here, we examine historical demographic trends for six species of milksnake with representatives in both the temperate and tropical Americas to determine if species share responses to climate change as a taxon or by area (i.e., temperate versus tropical environments). Using a multilocus dataset, we test for the demographic signature of population expansion and decline using non-genealogical summary statistics, as well as coalescent-based methods. In addition, we determine whether range sizes are correlated with effective population sizes for milksnakes. Results indicate that there are no identifiable trends with respect to demographic response based on location, and that species responded to changing climates independently, with tropical taxa showing greater instability. There is also no correlation between range size and effective population size, with the largest population size belonging to the species with the smallest geographic distribution. Our study highlights the importance of not generalizing the demographic histories of taxa by region and further illustrates that the New World tropics may not have been a stable refuge during the Pleistocene.

Phylogenetics of African <I>Rinorea</I> (Violaceae): Elucidating Infrageneric Relationships Using Plastid and Nuclear DNA Sequences

Rinorea is a pantropical genus of shrubs and small trees within the family Violaceae. The genus is particularly diverse in Africa where species are ecologically important as they are often abundant or even dominant in particular forest types and act as larval host plants for highly specialized Cymothoe butterflies. Despite their importance, species identification of African Rinorea is difficult and a taxonomic revision is needed. Previous phylogenetic studies have suggested that neotropical taxa are sister to a palaeotropical clade, with multiple independent dispersals to Madagascar, but these were based on plastid data only. We therefore present an updated phylogeny of Rinorea with increased sampling of African taxa, using plastid as well as nuclear DNA sequences. Phylogenetic relationships inferred from nuclear DNA data were generally congruent with those based on evidence from plastid haplotypes from earlier studies. Our increased taxonomic sampling also revealed previously undiscovered African Rinorea clades, some of which warrant further taxonomic study. Ancestral state reconstructions refute previous hypotheses about the evolution of morphological characters traditionally used for Rinorea infrageneric classification. In addition, some widespread species may comprise species complexes. It is clear that African Rinorea require comprehensive taxonomic revision; our contribution to understanding Rinorea infrageneric relationships will facilitate this task.

Resurrection of <I>Angelesia</I>, a Southeast Asian genus of <I>Chrysobalanaceae</I>

Licania subg. Angelesia is composed of only three species restricted to Southeast Asia and is currently delimited as one of four subgenera of Licania, a species-rich genus of mostly Neotropical taxa. Molecular phylogenetic studies involving Chrysobalanaceae have revealed that Licania is polyphyletic. Here we propose to re-establish Licania subg. Angelesia to generic rank based on molecular and morphological evidence and the three species currently placed in Licania subg. Angelesia (Licania fusicarpa, L. palawanensis and L. splendens) are here re-instated and transferred to Angelesia, as appropriate. This new generic delimitation renders Licania an exclusively Neotropical genus, and Angelesia an endemic Southeast Asian genus.

Systematics of Indobaetis Müller-Liebenau & Morihara 1982, and related implications for some other Baetidae genera (Ephemeroptera).

Imagoes, subimagoes and eggs of Indobaetis costai Müller-Liebenau & Morihara 1982 are described for the first time; additional larval characters of I. costai and I. starmuehlneri Müller-Liebenau & Morihara 1982 are reported. A new species Indobaetis microfolius sp.n. is described based on larvae, a male subimago reared from larva and a female subimago extracted from a mature larva. Baetis michaelohubbardi (Selva-kumar et al. 2012) comb.n. is proposed for a species originally attributed to Indobaetis, based on the presence of hind protoptera, three maxillary dentisetae and other characteristics. Newly discovered diversity within the holophyletic taxon Indobaetis disproves a formerly erected idea about the close relationship of Indobaetis and the muticus-group. Thus, the senior genus-group name for the holophylum including the muticus-group is Takobia/g1; in rank-based nomenclature the names Alainites Waltz & McCafferty (in Waltz et al.) 1994 and Acerbaetis Kang & Yang (in Kang et al.) 1994 should be junior synonyms of Takobia Novikova & Kluge 1987 (new synonymy). The Neotropical taxon Caribaetis Kluge 1992 is accepted as genus (stat.n.), rather than a synonym of Fallceon, based on the original diagnosis of the subgenus Caribaetis and taking into account the significance of such character as presence of a posterior seta on the claw, shared with Indobaetis, Baetodes and some other taxa; resultant new combinations are proposed: Caribaetis planifrons (Kluge 1992) comb.n., Caribaetis alcarrazae (Kluge 1992) comb.n. and Caribaetis grandis (Gonzalez-Lazo & Salles 2007) comb.n. A new species synonymy in Fallceon is proposed, based on the presence of a hind wing costal hook in both species: Fallceon poeyi (Eaton 1995) = F. nikitai McCafferty & Lugo-Ortiz 1994 syn.n.

New Records of Cladocera (Crustacea: Anomopoda) from Laguna Navío Quebrado, La Guajira Department, Colombia

Zooplankton plays key roles in structuring interactions in aquatic communities but often remain undescribed in many water systems. This paper reports seventeen species of the Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) from Laguna de Navio Quebrado, all of them new records for La Guajira Department, Colombia. The Cladocera assemblages include mostly the Neotropical taxa associated with vegetation. This paper also serves as the first compilation of the data on the Cladocera of this region and includes brief remarks, descriptions and illustrations of some species with additional notes on their distribution.

Functional and evolutionary anatomy of the African suckermouth catfishes (Siluriformes: Mochokidae): convergent evolution in Afrotropical and Neotropical faunas.

Of those fishes scraping food off substrates and using head parts in substrate attachment for station-holding, the catfish families Loricariidae, Astroblepidae and Mochokidae display the most dramatically adapted morphologies. Loricariidae and Astroblepidae, living in the Neotropical freshwaters, exclusively contain suckermouth catfish species, and their anatomy and head kinematics have already been studied into detail. Among Mochokidae, living in the tropical freshwaters of Africa, only the chiloglanidine subfamily has a sucker mouth, and occupies similar niches in Africa as both Neotropical families do in South America. Having derived from relatively unrelated catfish ancestors, their anatomy is poorly known, and the nature of their scraping and station-holding capabilities is not known at all. This paper provides details on the chiloglanidine head anatomy and function (relating their anatomy to that of the non-suckermouth Mochokidae), and compares this Afrotropical suckermouth taxon with both Neotropical suckermouth families. It identifies both convergences and differing anatomical and kinematic solutions to the same key needs of food-scraping and station-holding suckermouth fishes. Chiloglanidine mochokids differ from both Neotropical families in having less mobile jaws, with an upper jaw assisting more in station-holding than in feeding. They share the highly mobile lower lip with both Neotropical taxa, although the configuration of the intermandibular/protractor hyoidei muscle system, changing the volume of the sucker-disc cavity, differs in all three taxa. Chiloglanidines have a single, posterior inflow opening into this cavity, whereas Loricariidae have two lateral openings, and Astroblepidae have none, using an opercular incurrent opening instead. The chiloglanidine buccal valve system consists of two passive valves, as in Astroblepidae. Although less diverse in number of genera and species, this Afrotropical suckermouth taxon possesses the anatomical and kinematic key elements allowing a successful occupation of a niche similar to the one found in the Loricariidae+Astroblepidae clade.