Nomenclatural History Research Articles

Nomenclature and systematics of two Cocconeis species (Bacillariophyta) from Lake Baikal: Cocconeisbaicalensis and Cocconeisskvortzowii.

The study provides nomenclatural history, morphological characteristics and taxonomy of Cocconeisbaicalensis and C.skvortzowii described by B.V. Skvortzov from Lake Baikal. The lecto- and epitypification of the names are made, based on the K.I. Meyer and A.P. Skabichevsky materials, ensuring compliance with current nomenclatural standards. The morphological traits of these species were thoroughly examined using light microscopy (LM) nd scanning electron microscopy (SEM), leading to refined diagnoses and the clarification of previously confused synonymy.

Fascial Manual Medicine: A Continuous Evolution.

From the perspective of fascial manual medicine (FMM), the body should not be considered as a set of compartments, but as a functional continuum, where most of the tissues (considering embryology) are fascia. The cells that make up the fascia can use multiple strategies to communicate, with neighboring cells, with the tissue to which they belong, and with the entire body, thanks to biochemical (microscopy) and electromagnetic (nanoscopy) possibilities. These multiple capacities to send and receive information make the border or layer of the different tissues seem absent. All the manual techniques that profess to be the only ones that work on the patient's symptoms, dictating a standardized manual procedure that all patients should undergo, represent a clinical deviation. Likewise, thinking that the manual approach can provide biomechanical stimuli only to a single specific structure or layer is a conceptual error. This narrative review briefly reviews the history of fascial-related nomenclature and how the fascial system is currently considered, posing new reflections on how the fascial continuum could be conceived by practitioners who apply FMM in the clinic, such as osteopaths, chiropractors, and physiotherapists.

The nomenclatural status of “Anoplophallus maculatus” Cope, 1895, its consequences on the systematics of Lycodon subcinctus auctorum, and the description of a new species (Squamata: Colubridae)

The Malayan banded wolf snake, Lycodon subcinctus (F. Boie, 1827) has a complicated taxonomic and nomenclatural history. For almost a century, the combination Anoplophallus maculatus Cope, 1895 has been applied to populations of L. subcinctus from southern China, with various authors recognizing the taxon maculatus as a subspecies (i.e., Lycodon subcinctus maculatus) or junior synonym. A recent study that proposed the elevation of Chinese L. subcinctus to species rank (as Lycodon “maculatus”) prompted us to re-investigate several nomenclatural issues relevant to Anoplophallus maculatus that have not been fully addressed in the literature. We show that Anoplophallus maculatus was not described as a new species, and actually refers to Megalops maculatus Hallowell, 1861, a Neotropical snake currently known as Leptodeira maculata (Dipsadinae). As a consequence, populations of L. subcinctus recently recognized as Lycodon “maculatus”, have no valid binomen applied to them. To resolve this issue, we provide a new species name for populations of L. subcinctus from China and include a morphological description based on specimens collected across all of mainland Southeast Asia. The new species, Lycodon neomaculatus sp. nov., occurs well outside of southern China, and inhabits Indochina (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam) and eastern Myanmar. Lycodon neomaculatus sp. nov. is distinguished from both L. sealei and L. subcinctus by subtle differences in adult dorsal color pattern and body scalation. The distributions of L. neomaculatus sp. nov. and L. subcinctus sensu stricto appear to be allopatric, and the Isthmus of Kra region in peninsular Thailand may act as a biogeographic filter separating the two species.

Miscellaneous nomenclatural notes on Andean Chrysochlamys (Clusiaceae: Clusieae)

Chrysochlamys (Clusiaceae) is a strictly Neotropical genus that comprises between 35 and 55 species. The taxonomy of the genus is poorly-known in South American region, especially in Andean countries. During the taxonomic revision of Chrysochlamys and related genera in Colombia we observed two mainly gaps: the unclear nomenclatural history of Andean Chrysochlamys and the necessity of lectotypification of some species published by Pax, Poeppig, Planchon and Triana. To solve both issues, we provide a Chrysochlamys nomenclatural history summary and reduce nomenclatural ambiguities on a few Andean flora. For this, we carried out an exhaustive analysis of Chrysochlamys and related genera type collections and protologues. We propose a new combination, Chrysochlamys microcarpa comb. nov., originally published in Tovomita, designated six lectotypes, propose a numbering for three Triana’s type collections, and discuss a case of inadvertent lectotypification. This paper provides relevant information about problematic or understudied Chrysochlamys species, which will be useful for subsequent taxonomic studies.

How not to describe a species: lessons from a tangle of anacondas (Boidae: Eunectes Wagler, 1830)

Abstract A recent revision of the anacondas (Serpentes: Boidae: Eunectes), with the description of a new species of green anaconda, generated extensive publicity, but also provoked considerable controversy due to inadequacies of the evidence used and errors in nomenclature. We here use the case of this problematic publication to: (i) highlight common issues affecting species delimitations, especially an over-reliance on mitochondrial DNA data, and reiterate best practices; (ii) reanalyse the data available for anacondas to establish the true current state of knowledge and to highlight lines of further research; and (iii) analyse the nomenclatural history and status of the genus. While our analysis reveals significant morphological variation in both green and yellow anacondas, denser sampling and an analysis of informative nuclear markers are required for meaningful species delimitation in Eunectes. Tracing the history of name-bearing types establishes Trinidad as the type locality for Boa murina Linnaeus, 1758 and allows identification of the extant lectotype for the species. Finally, we emphasize the responsibility of both journals and authors to ensure that published taxonomic work meets the burden of evidence required to substantiate new species descriptions and that species are named in compliance with the rules of zoological nomenclature.

Nomenclatural Notes in <i>Munronia</i> Wt. - A Meliaceae Genus

Munronia pinnata (Wall.) A. S. Rao, comb. nov. is the plant until now known under Munronia wallichii Wt. The nomenclatural history is briefly stated. The disjunct distribution of the species is commented upon. A photograph of a herbarium specimen is also included.

The Genus <I>Cynodon</I> Rich. ex Pers. in India

The paper deals with the taxonomy and economic aspects of the Indian species of the genus Cynodon Rich. ex Pers. The nomenclatural history of the genus and the value of different morphological characters in its taxonomy are discussed. The genus is represented in India by three indigenous species, viz. C. dactylon (L.) Pers., C. barberi Rang. et Tad. and C. arcuatus J. S. Presl ex C. B. Presl, and one form of the species C. barberi, viz. C. barberi Rang. et Tad. f. longifolius Jain. C. plectostachyus (K. Schum.) Pilger has been introduced into India for fodder.The botanical description, vernacular names, etymology, synonymy and references to selected published literature and illustrations are given; the distribution, ecology and economic aspects are also discussed. All specimens examined during this study are cited; an index of the numbered exsiccata is provided.A conspectus of synonymous names shows the present nomenclatural position of the numerous binomials published either under the genus Cynodon, or for the Indian species of this genus.

Catalog of Anaedus Blanchard, 1842 with nomenclatural notes (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae)

The genus Anaedus Blanchard, 1842 in the tribe Goniaderini Lacordaire, 1859 has experienced drastic genus-level change where seven other genera were subsumed as synonyms by Aalbu et al. (2023). That study addressed multiple nomenclatural issues including several replacement names, but did not provide a full species-group catalog. This study presents a full catalog for the 142 species-group names currently belonging to Anaedus and rectifies several nomenclatural issues missed within the previous study. The catalog includes full nomenclatural histories and type localities for all taxa. The following New Combinations are established: Anaedus keralensis (Kaszab, 1979), An. madrensis (Kaszab, 1979), An. philippinus (Schawaller, 1994), An. setosus (Kaszab, 1979), An. simillimus (Kaszab, 1979). The following New Replacement Names are established for the species listed in parentheses: Anaedus fairmairei Kanda & Johnston (replaces An. fulvipennis Fairmaire, 1889), An. pici Kanda & Johnston (replaces An. rufipes Pic, 192), An. pictus Kanda & Johnston (replaces Spinolyprops maculatus Kulzer, 1954), An. neorufescens Kanda & Johnston (replaces Aspisoma rufescens Pic, 1951).

Mysterious Widdringtonia wallichii (Cupressaceae) and the correct scientific name for the Clanwilliam cedar

We review the complicated nomenclatural history of the Clanwilliam cedar. Much of this centres around the application of the name Widdringtonia wallichii Endl. ex Carrière. We are unable to identify any original material of this name and designate a neotype to fix its application as it appears to have been originally intended and as it is currently understood. We also confirm that the correct name for the Clanwilliam cedar is W. cedarbergensis J.A.Marsh.

Taxonomic review of the monotypic genus Dinahia Bechyn, 1946 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae).

The monotypic genus Dinahia Bechyn, 1946, endemic to the Atlantic Forest (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and So Paulo), is reviewed. Dinahia privigna Bechyn, 1946 is redescribed, and, for the first time, the aedeagus and spermatheca of this species are described and illustrated herein. Additionally, a diagnosis for the genus, a nomenclatural history, photographs of both nontype specimens and the syntype, a geographic distribution map, and a discussion of Dinahia and similar genera according to the bibliography (Calligrapha Chevrolat, 1836; Cosmogramma Erichson, 1847; Desmogramma Erichson, 1847; Grammomades Achard, 1923; and Zygogramma Chevrolat, 1836) are provided. This discussion incorporates a comparative table encompassing characters extracted from the antennae, maxillary palps, prosternal, mesoventral, and metaventral processes, V tarsomeres, and claws. Additionally, it includes an illustrated replacement couplet for step 22 in Sampaio & Fonseca's (2023) identification key, both to elucidate Dinahia's differentiations and similarities from these five genera.

Untangling the taxonomy and geographic distribution of Quararibea floribunda (Malvaceae: Malvoideae)

Quararibea floribunda, a species endemic to Brazil, is poorly studied taxonomically, and little is known about its ecology and conservation status. Since its publication in 1842, only a few studies have reported on its morphological circumscription, thus remaining as a complex in the taxonomy of Quararibea. In addition, little is known about its geographic distribution, which, according to most authors, is restricted to the Cerrado Biome, characterized mainly by its dry forests. Therefore, we herein review and clarify the morphological circumscription and distribution of Q. floribunda in different vegetation types, designate a lectotype, and recognize its conservation status as vulnerable (VU). The present study is based on analysis of protologues and further pertinent literature. Several herbaria were consulted, both in person and online. Fieldwork was done between 2017 and 2020 in different locations of midwestern and southeastern Brazil, mainly in dry forests of the Cerrado Biome. We confirm that Q. floribunda also occurs in the Atlantic Forest Biome and that it is not exclusive to the Cerrado Biome, as previously thought. All known populations in this biome inhabit humid habitats, and as such, they are closer to the vegetation of the Atlantic Forest Biome than the typical Cerrado dry forests. In addition to assessing the conservation status of Q. floribunda, we evaluate its nomenclatural history, leading to the designation of a lectotype, finally highlighting vegetative and floral diagnostic characters. A distribution map is provided, as well as a morphological comparative analysis between species with foliar domatia in extra‐Amazonian Brazil.

"Deoxy" to be or "Desoxy" not to be-a century-old tale in the history of DNA nomenclature.

This commentary discusses a comprehensive history of the first-ever use of pertinent words directly related to DNA, such as desoxyribose, deoxyribose, desoxyribonucleic acid, and deoxyribonucleic acid. With almost 100 years of the identification and nomenclature of desoxyribose sugar and desoxyribonucleic acid, the term "desoxy" continues to see limited use. We hope that whenever young researchers come across the sporadic occurrence of "desoxy" in any published text, they will not consider it a mistake.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Continuum of Disease and Strategies for Prediction, Early Intervention, and Prevention.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known to include a pre-RA stage that can be defined as the presence of familial or genetic risk factors, biomarker abnormalities (eg, anticitrullinated protein antibodies [ACPA]), symptoms, and even abnormal imaging findings prior to the development of the onset of clinical RA with inflammatory arthritis that is apparent on physical examination. Indeed, there are multiple completed or ongoing retrospective case-control as well as prospective observational studies to identify the key biologic drivers of disease. Further, building on the predictive ability of combinations of biomarkers, symptoms, and imaging for future RA, there are multiple clinical trials completed, underway, or in development to identify approaches that may prevent, delay, or ameliorate future clinical RA in at-risk individuals. Importantly, however, although an effective preventive intervention has not yet been identified, at-risk individuals are being increasingly identified in clinical care; this presents a challenge of how to manage these individuals in clinical practice. This review will discuss the current understanding of the biology and natural history of RA development, nomenclature, and current models for prediction of future RA, as well as evaluate the current and ongoing clinical prevention trials with the overall goal to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field of RA prevention. Moreover, this review will provide up-to-date options for clinical management of individuals at risk for RA.

The Indo-Pacific Stingray Genus Brevitrygon (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae): Clarification of Historical Names and Description of a New Species, B. manjajiae sp. nov., from the Western Indian Ocean

Members of the genus Brevitrygon are small, locally abundant tropical stingrays (family Dasyatidae) occurring in soft sedimentary habitats of inner continental shelves of the Indo-West Pacific from the Red Sea to Indonesia. Formerly members of the genus Himantura, whose members lack dorsal and ventral skin folds on the tail (typical of most dasyatid genera), folds are present or rudimentary in some Brevitrygon. Important to artisanal fisheries and known to consist of at least five species, these fishes are possibly the most frequently misidentified of all stingrays. Most were inadequately described in the 19th century, and they are often taxonomically confused due to morphological similarity, ontogenetic variability, and sexual dimorphism. Their nomenclatural history is complex with four of the known species represented within the type series of one species, B. walga (Müller & Henle). Also, the type of the species with which B. walga is most often confused, B. imbricata (Bloch & Schneider) from off southern India and Sri Lanka, is in very poor condition. A lectotype has been designated for B. walga (confined to the Bay of Bengal). The genus also contains B. heterura (Bleeker) from the Indo-Malay Archipelago, B. javaensis (Last & White) from off southern Indonesia, and a new species, B. manjajiae sp. nov., from the western Indian Ocean. The former species are redescribed and redefined based largely on a combination of morphometrics, tail morphology, squamation, and molecular data. Molecular divergences were detected within lineages of B. heterura, B. walga and B. manjajiae sp. nov., requiring further investigation.

PHYLOGENY OF <i>TRICHIA BRUNNEA</i> AND NEW NAMES IN THE GENUS <i>ARCYRIA</i> (<i>TRICHIALES</i>, <i>MYXOMYCETES</i>)

Recent phylogenetic studies indicate taxonomic uncertainty of some species in the genera Arcyria (Arcyriaceae) and Trichia (Trichiaceae). For example, a phylogenetic position of Trichia brunnea still is not resolved. We revised a taxonomic position of this species based on extensively sampled 18S nrDNA sequences, as well as a morphological analysis of sporocarps and spores. The nomenclatural history of T. brunnea is briefly presented and acomprehensive morphological description of the species is provided. In result, we support the transfer of T.brunnea to Arcyria. Because of the name Arcyria brunnea exists already, we propose a new name, A. brunneo-iridescens (= Trichia brunnea).

A Taxonomic Revision of Monopteryx (Leguminosae): a Florally Divergent and Ancient Papilionoid Genus of Large Amazonian Trees

Abstract— Monopteryx is a florally divergent genus of Dipterygeae, an early-branching papilionoid legume clade largely marked by winged papilionate floral architecture, expanded upper calyx lobes often assuming a wing-shaped orientation, and petals differentiated into standard, wings, and a keel enclosing the basally connate stamens. In contrast to the remaining Dipterygeae genera, Monopteryx has differentiated petals but the marginally coherent keel with interlaced trichomes exposes the free stamens and the expanded upper calyx lobes are nearly entirely fused with a standard-like dorsal orientation. Monopteryx species are restricted to the Amazonian rainforests, where they have diversified since the last ∼15 Ma, but the divergence of the genus is estimated to be as old as ∼39 Ma. They grow as large buttressed trees usually with a uniquely “flying” architecture, which are arched from the trunk to the ground and separated from one another, unlike that found in any other species of leguminaceous trees. Its fruits are elastically dehiscent pods and in some species they bear marginally crimped wings along the sutures. Our taxonomic revision of this ecologically and evolutionarily important, ancient genus includes an analysis of about 135 specimens from across 14 herbaria, including both type and historical collections, as well as recently collected samples from our extensive fieldwork across remote areas of the Amazon. Grounded on a densely-sampled dated molecular phylogeny of nuclear and plastid data, here we recognize three phylogenetically and morphologically distinct taxa: M. angustifolia, M. inpae, and M. uaucu. After a careful revision of their nomenclatural history, we also found that M. inpae was not validly published. We subsequently have provided typification of all names associated with species of the genus. This revision also includes morphological descriptions, illustrations, and distribution maps for all species. We also discuss the phylogenetic relationships between the species and the evolution of selected taxonomically key morphological characters in the context of the entire Diptergyeae clade.

TaxonWorks in its 10th Year: What’s new, what’s next?

TaxonWorks in its 10th Year: What’s new, what’s next?

Revisiting Utricularia triphylla Ule

AbstractThe nomenclatural history, morphology, and typification of Utricularia triphylla Ule are discussed. We preferred to follow the current classification that the species is a synonym of U. geminiloba Benj., as more evidence and new conclusions will only be possible with new fresh material. A lectotype and an epitype are selected here.

Phylogenetic and Morphological Characteristics Reveal Cryptic Speciation in Stingless Bee, Tetragonula laeviceps s.l. Smith 1857 (Hymenoptera; Meliponinae).

Tetragonula laeviceps sensu lato (s.l.) Smith 1857 has the most complicated nomenclatural history among the Tetragonula genera. The objective of this study was to investigate whether T. laeviceps s.l. individuals with worker bees are grouped in the same or nearly the same morphological characteristics and have similar COI haplotype cluster groups. A total of 147 worker bees of T. laeviceps s.l. were collected from six sampling sites in Sabah (RDC, Tuaran, Kota Marudu, Putatan, Kinarut and Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture (FSA)), but only 36 were selected for further studies. These specimens were first classified according to the most obvious morphological characteristics, i.e., hind tibia color, hind basitarsus color and body size. Group identification was based on morphological characteristics important for distinguishing the four groups within T. laeviceps s.l. The four groups of T. laeviceps s.l. had significantly different body trait measurements for the TL (total length), HW (head width), HL (head length), CEL (compound eye length), CEW (compound eye width), FWLT (forewing length, including tegula), FWW (forewing width), FWL (forewing length), ML (mesoscutum length), MW (mesoscutum width), SW (mesoscutellum width), SL (mesoscutellum length), HTL = (hind tibia length), HTW (hind tibia width), HBL (hind basitarsus length) and HBW (hind basitarsus width) (p < 0.001). Body color included HC (head color), CC (clypeus color), ASC (antennae scape color), CFPP (Clypeus and frons plumose pubescence), HTC (hind tibia color), BSC (basitarsus color), SP (leg setae pubescence), SP (Thorax mesoscutellum pubescence), SPL (thorax mesoscutellum pubescence length) and TC (thorax color) (p < 0.05). The most distinctive features of the morphological and morphometric characteristics measured by PCA and LDA biplot that distinguish Group 1 (TL6-1, TL6-2 and TL6-3) from the other groups were the yellowish-brown ASC and the dark brown TC. Group 2 (haplotypes TL2-1, TL2-2 and TL2-3 and TL4-1, TL4-2 and TL4-3) had a dark brown ASC and a black TC, while Group 3 (haplotypes TL11-1, TL11-2 and TL11-3) had a blackish-brown ASC, a black TC and the largest TL, FWW and FWL. As for phylogenetic relationships, 12 out of 36 haplotypes showed clear separation with good bootstrap values (97-100%). The rest of the haplotypes did not show clear differentiation between subclades that belonged together, regardless of their morphology and morphometric characteristics. This suggests that the combination of DNA barcoding for species identification and phylogenetic analysis, as well as traditional methods based on morphological grouping by body size and body color, can be reliably used to determine intraspecific variations within T. laeviceps s.l.

Psidium or Myrcia? — The problematic lectotypification of Mitranthes O.Berg (Myrteae, Myrtaceae)

SummaryThe genus Mitranthes (Myrteae, Myrtaceae) was described with five species, but no indication of a generic type. These five species are now known to belong to the independent generic lineages Psidium and Myrcia of the tribe Myrteae. This paper traces the taxonomic and nomenclatural history of Mitranthes, showing that the most appropriate type species is currently accepted in Psidium. As a result, Mitranthes should correctly be treated as a synonym of Psidium and its recent synonymisation in Myrcia must be discounted.