Color Pattern Research Articles

Hybrid speciation driven by multilocus introgression of ecological traits

Hybridization allows adaptations to be shared among lineages and may trigger the evolution of new species1,2. However, convincing examples of homoploid hybrid speciation remain rare because it is challenging to demonstrate that hybridization was crucial in generating reproductive isolation3. Here we combine population genomic analysis with quantitative trait locus mapping of species-specific traits to examine a case of hybrid speciation in Heliconius butterflies. We show that Heliconius elevatus is a hybrid species that is sympatric with both parents and has persisted as an independently evolving lineage for at least 180,000 years. This is despite pervasive and ongoing gene flow with one parent, Heliconius pardalinus, which homogenizes 99% of their genomes. The remaining 1% introgressed from the other parent, Heliconius melpomene, and is scattered widely across the H. elevatus genome in islands of divergence from H. pardalinus. These islands contain multiple traits that are under disruptive selection, including colour pattern, wing shape, host plant preference, sex pheromones and mate choice. Collectively, these traits place H. elevatus on its own adaptive peak and permit coexistence with both parents. Our results show that speciation was driven by introgression of ecological traits, and that speciation with gene flow is possible with a multilocus genetic architecture.

A new species of Isonychia Eaton, 1871 (Ephemeroptera: Isonychiidae) from Taishun, China based on morphological characteristics and COX1 gene

Isonychia taishunensis Huang, Shen, Zhang & Cheng sp. nov. is described based on larval samples from Taishun County, Zhejiang Province, China. The new species is distinguished from other species of Isonychia Eaton by the following characters: gill plates with spines apically, the color of abdominal tergum X, color pattern of abdominal terga I–IX, and color pattern of each gill plate. The genetic distance between the new species and other species of Isonychia is over 10% using the Kimura 2-parameter model. The phylogenetic relationship of I. taishunensis is close to the clade of I. japonica Ulmer and I. ussurica Bajkova. The morphological characters and molecular data (COX1, Kimura 2-parameter) support that this new species represents the ninth species of the genus Isonychia in China. The modified key to known larvae of the genus Isonychia is provided.

Floral attractants and rewards to pollinators in Mangifera indica L.

Floral attractants and rewards are essential in plant-pollinator interaction, pollen transfer to and from the flowers, and hence in crop production. In this trial, we determined the attractants and rewards of mango ‘Osteen’ cultivated under a plastic greenhouse. The attractants analyzed were inflorescence architecture and compactness, flower number, size and color patterns. Rewards determined were pollen quantity and its nutritious value and nectar volume and composition. The results show that mango forms panicles with more staminate than hermaphrodite flowers, but the latter are of higher size, more exposed to pollinator activity, and preferentially located in a better-nurtured position within the inflorescence. Pollen produced by staminate and hermaphrodite flowers was similar in quantity and quality. On the contrary, hermaphrodite flowers produced more nectar, likely because of the larger size of their nectary disks. Pollen and nectar present 17 and 22 metabolites, respectively, including carbohydrates, amino acids, and organic acids. Our study provides, for the first time, solid information about the floral attractiveness and rewards of mango cultivated under plastic greenhouses. This will help to understand the possible adaptations required for pollinating this crop under protected cultivation.

Morphological and genetic data challenge species and subspecies in the Lerista microtis group (Squamata: Scincidae)

The subspecies rank has been widely applied by taxonomists to capture infraspecific variation within the Linnaean classification system. Many subspecies described throughout the 20th century were recognised largely based on perceived variation in single morphological characters yet have since been found not to correspond to separately evolving population lineages, thus requiring synonymy or elevation to full species under lineage-based views of species. These modern lineage-based taxonomic resolutions have resulted from a combination of new molecular genetic techniques, improved geographical sampling of specimens, and more sophisticated analyses of morphological variation (e.g., statistical assessments rather than solely univariate descriptive ones). Here, we revisit the current taxonomic arrangement of species-level and subspecific taxa in the Lerista microtis (Gray) group, which is distributed along a narrow ~2000 km strip on the southern coast of Australia. From specimens of the L. microtis group, an additional species (Lerista arenicola) and two additional subspecies (L. m. intermedia and L. m. schwaneri) were described. We collected data on mensural, meristic, and colour pattern characters to explore morpho-spatial relationships among these taxa. Although our morphological analyses revealed some distinctiveness among specimens from locations assigned to each taxon, this variation is continuous along Australia’s southern coastline, assuming the form of a geographic cline rather than discrete forms. For many characters, however, spatial patterns were inconsistent with the original descriptions, particularly of the subspecies. Moreover, analysis of genome wide restriction-associated DNA loci revealed multiple instances of paraphyly among taxa, with phylogenetic clustering of specimens assigned to distinct species and subspecies. These emerging patterns provide no support for L. arenicola as a species evolving separately from L. microtis. Additionally, our findings challenge the presumed distinctiveness and coherence of the three subspecies of L. microtis. We thus synonymise L. arenicola and the L. microtis subspecies with L. microtis and provide a redescription of a single yet morphologically variable species—an arrangement that best reflects evolutionary history and the continuous nature of morphological variation across space.

Morphological characterization and the relationship between morphometric indices of a local Cyprus fat–tailed Sheep breed in Cyprus

With many local breeds in danger of extinction or genetic erosion, the loss of genetic variety in farm animal genetic resources is an increasingly critical concern. Conserving diverse sheep breeds is crucial for long–term agricultural sustainability and ecosystem health. The current research focused on the Cyprus fat–tailed sheep, which is important for both meat and milk production, particularly to produce Halloumi cheese. A study on a Cyprus sheep production farm was carried out with the aim to characterize the morphological traits of Cyprus fat–tailed sheep breed for its conservation. The study found that in female Cyprus fat–tailed sheep, white, white–black, and brown coat color patterns were the common ones recorded with proportions of 75, 12.5, and 12.5%, respectively. Sixty seven percent of males were white–black followed by white coat color in 33%. Male sheep are all characterized by white fleece, while females had a range of fleece colors with the majority in white (75%) followed by pale greyish brown in 18.75% and fawn fleece in 6.25%. On the other hand, male Cyprus fat–tailed sheep had higher values (P<0.05) for wither height, heart girth, chest width, hip height, foreleg length, compact index, area index, and body weight than females. Morphometric traits, such as head length, wither height, heart girth, chest depth, body length, and hip height, were significantly positively (P<0.01) correlated with body weight. The study concludes that the characterization of the Cyprus fat–tailed sheep breed’s physical and morphological traits is essential and useful for its conservation.

Relationship of skin complexion with gingival tissue color and hyperpigmentation. A multi-ethnic comparative study

Background and ObjectiveThe most frequently seen intra-oral soft tissue is the gingiva. Most often, it is seen as coral-pink tissue that surrounds the neck of the teeth. Gingiva that encircles the tooth necks and covers the alveolar processes of the jaws is an intra-oral tissue that exhibits biomimetic features. The wide range of colors of the gingiva depends on the configuration of gingival vascularity, the degree of epithelial cornification, level of melanogenesis, and the depth of epithelialization. However, the color of the gingiva varies depending on the degree of melanin pigmentation. The current study aimed to identify the different distribution patterns of gingival color and determine the correlation between skin color, gender, and geographical area of origin.Materials and methodsA total of 839 subjects were involved in the study where the gingival color and skin tone were measured using the Dummett-Gupta Oral pigmentation Index (DOPI) combined with VITA VMK MASTER and skin shade method developed by Revlon (USA) and L’Oreal (France) for makeup foundation shades. One investigator was calibrated for the examination of the colors after being tested for normal color vision and color aptitude using the line test.ResultsA significant association was found between skin color and gingival pigmentation (χ2 value (6) = 114.48; P = 0.001). It was also found that females (67.1%) significantly had darker gingiva than males (58.3%). The study statistics display that location of the individual was also statistically associated with melanin pigmentation of the gingiva (χ2 value (57) = 559.33; P = 0.001).ConclusionThe study concluded that gender, skin color, and individual location are significantly associated with gingival melanin pigmentation.

Molecular characterization of transcription factor CREB3L2 and CREB3L3 and their role in melanogenesis in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

Colorful shells in mollusks are commonly attributable to the presence of biological pigments. In Pacific oysters, the inheritance patterns of several shell colors have been investigated, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms of melanogenesis and pigmentation. cAMP-response element binding proteins (CREB) are important transcription factors in the cAMP-mediated melanogenesis pathway. In this study, we characterized two CREB genes (CREB3L2 and CREB3L3) from Pacific oysters. Both of them contained a conserved DNA-binding and dimerization domain (a basic-leucine zipper domain). CREB3L2 and CREB3L3 were expressed highly in the mantle tissues and exhibited higher expression levels in the black-shell oyster than in the white. Masson-Fontana melanin staining and immunofluorescence analysis showed that the location of CREB3L2 protein was generally consistent with the distribution of melanin in oyster edge mantle. Dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that CREB3L2 and CREB3L3 could activate the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) promoter and this process was regulated by the level of cAMP. Additionally, we found that cAMP regulated melanogenic gene expression through the CREB-MITF-TYR axis. These results implied that CREB3L2 and CREB3L3 play important roles in melanin synthesis and pigmentation in Pacific oysters.

Taxonomic review of Aclis Lóven, 1846 (Gastropoda, Eulimidae) from Brazil with notes on other congeners from the western Atlantic and Saint Helena

A taxonomic review of Aclis Lóven, 1846 from Brazil led to the discovery of ten species, five of them are new. Before this study, only four species were known from the area. Aclis sarissa Watson, 1881 is revised and reassessed regarding its shell variability. Aclis marplatensis (Castellanos & Landoni, 1984) comb. nov. is here revised and transferred to Aclis based on the presence of spiral keels and microscopic spiral striae on the teleoconch. Additional material of A. watsoni Barros, Lima & Francisco, 2007 is presented here. Aclis macrostoma Barros, Lima & Francisco, 2007 is still known only from the type series. The new species (Aclis pulchra sp. nov., Aclis costai sp. nov., Aclis anaglyptica sp. nov., Aclis corniculata sp. nov. and Aclis multicarinata sp. nov.) can be distinguished from other congeners mainly by the shape, size, sculpture, color pattern, and the presence or absence of an umbilicus. Besides these taxa, three morphotypes from Brazil might represent new species, but are not formally described due to the inadequate material. An overview of the remaining Aclis from the western Atlantic and Saint Helena, based on type material led to the following conclusions: Aclis dalli Bartsch, 1911, Aclis verrilli Bartsch, 1911, and Aclis fernandinae Dall, 1927 are revalidated; Aclis pendata Dall, 1927 is proposed as synonym of Aclis stilifer Dall, 1927; Aclis canaliculata (E.A. Smith, 1890) is reallocated in Aclis. Besides, some species, previously attributed to Aclis are removed from the genus, some of them being reallocated to other gastropod families.

The BTB-ZF gene Bm-mamo regulates pigmentation in silkworm caterpillars.

The color pattern of insects is one of the most diverse adaptive evolutionary phenotypes. However, the molecular regulation of this color pattern is not fully understood. In this study, we found that the transcription factor Bm-mamo is responsible for black dilute (bd) allele mutations in the silkworm. Bm-mamo belongs to the BTB zinc finger family and is orthologous to mamo in Drosophila melanogaster. This gene has a conserved function in gamete production in Drosophila and silkworms and has evolved a pleiotropic function in the regulation of color patterns in caterpillars. Using RNAi and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology, we showed that Bm-mamo is a repressor of dark melanin patterns in the larval epidermis. Using in vitro binding assays and gene expression profiling in wild-type and mutant larvae, we also showed that Bm-mamo likely regulates the expression of related pigment synthesis and cuticular protein genes in a coordinated manner to mediate its role in color pattern formation. This mechanism is consistent with the dual role of this transcription factor in regulating both the structure and shape of the cuticle and the pigments that are embedded within it. This study provides new insight into the regulation of color patterns as well as into the construction of more complex epidermal features in some insects.

The BTB-ZF gene Bm-mamo regulates pigmentation in silkworm caterpillars

The color pattern of insects is one of the most diverse adaptive evolutionary phenotypes. However, the molecular regulation of this color pattern is not fully understood. In this study, we found that the transcription factor Bm-mamo is responsible for black dilute (bd) allele mutations in the silkworm. Bm-mamo belongs to the BTB zinc finger family and is orthologous to mamo in Drosophila melanogaster. This gene has a conserved function in gamete production in Drosophila and silkworms and has evolved a pleiotropic function in the regulation of color patterns in caterpillars. Using RNAi and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology, we showed that Bm-mamo is a repressor of dark melanin patterns in the larval epidermis. Using in vitro binding assays and gene expression profiling in wild-type and mutant larvae, we also showed that Bm-mamo likely regulates the expression of related pigment synthesis and cuticular protein genes in a coordinated manner to mediate its role in color pattern formation. This mechanism is consistent with the dual role of this transcription factor in regulating both the structure and shape of the cuticle and the pigments that are embedded within it. This study provides new insight into the regulation of color patterns as well as into the construction of more complex epidermal features in some insects.

Bouchetaria (Gastropoda: Cypraeidae), a new genus for the Riddle cowry, B. aenigma (Lorenz 2002), from the deep waters of the Mozambique Channel

Based on molecular and conchological features, a new genus, Bouchetaria, is proposed for the Cypraeidae species Nesiocypraea aenigma Lorenz 2002. Molecular analysis of cox1 and 16S genes places Bouchetaria within a monophyletic group—composed of the genera Propustularia, Nesiocypraea, Ipsa, Perisserosa, Cryptocypraea, and Nucleolaria—appearing as the sister group to all other living Cypraeidae. This group corresponds to the Erosariinae (sensu Lorenz & Hubert, 1993). The cox1 pairwise genetic distances between Bouchetaria aenigma and its closest taxa, Propustularia surinamensis and Nesiocypraea teramachii correspond to 15% and 17% difference, respectively. Morphologically, the sole species of the genus Bouchetaria differs from other Erosariinae genera by the near absence of darker color pattern, and denser and longer dentition, which extends onto the labrum and towards the base, where it forms branches. These morphological characters justify the edification of a new genus: Bouchetaria. Consistent with its multispiral protoconch, Bouchetaria aenigma has a fairly wide range in the deep-sea of the Mozambique Channel, from the northern coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, to the northern tip of Madagascar and the Glorioso Islands.

Variation in Ventral Coloration Pattern and Aposematism in Tropical Warty Newts.

Aposematic coloration plays a crucial role in animal defense, and it is shaped by a complex interplay of factors such as physiological limitations and sexual and natural selection. Warty newts within the genus Paramesotriton exhibit significant variation in ventral coloration. In this study, we quantified the percentage of red ventral area to investigate aposematic ventral coloration in Paramesotriton deloustali and P. guangxiensis across eight populations in northern Vietnam. To assess the interaction between predators and the aposematic signals, we conducted experiments employing three types of clay replicas of newts: dorsal, red ventral, and black ventral models. Our findings revealed a significant variation in the red ventral area among different populations. Additionally, a significant correlation was detected between the red ventral area of the newt and the annual temperature range. In clay model experiments, a significant difference in predator attack rates was observed between dorsal and ventral clay models. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in attack rates between red and black ventral types. Our study suggested that the variation in the red ventral area of warty newts is probably influenced by multiple factors, including genetic constraints, sex, ambient environment, and diet. Furthermore, our results supported the effectiveness of displaying aposematic coloration as an antipredator defense mechanism in warty newts. However, variations in body size and the pressure of mammal predation might not play a significant role in determining aposematic coloration.

Genetic basis for Rapana venosa with different peristome color based on microsatellite, DNA methylation, and transcriptome analysis

Abstract Rapana venosa, a well-known and economic species mainly distributed in the Asian region, has three distinct color patterns in the peristome: pure orange, pure dark stripes, and part stripes. The present study combined microsatellite, DNA methylation, and transcriptome to assess the genetic basis of three color patterns of R. venosa in the peristome. The different color patterns of R. venosa showed no significant genetic differentiation, and each color group was relatively independent with respect to gene flow. Each color pattern showed a high methylation rate of more than 60%. The full-methylation rates for the three color patterns were 34.47%, 35.67%, and 32.54%, respectively. The Gene Ontology (GO) classification and functional enrichment revealed three ontologies: molecular function, cellular components, and biological processes. The function of translation, ribosomal structure, and biogenesis accounted for the top classification, followed by general function prediction. This study also revealed some functional genes related to color and shell formation, including Scavenger receptor cysteine-rich protein (SRCR), beta-carotene ketolase, tyrosinase proteins, and Lustrin A. These findings suggest that the color polymorphism of R. venosa is possibly attributed to environmental effects. The research is also essential for selecting better germplasm for the breeding of Rapana venosa.

Fish Species Classification Using Deep Learning and Appearance-Based Feature Extraction

As aquatic ecosystems face increasing threats and challenges, the accurate and efficient classification of fish species has become a critical task for fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, and environmental monitoring. This research explores the application of deep learning techniques in conjunction with appearance-based feature extraction for the automated and precise identification of fish species from images. The study employs a comprehensive dataset of underwater fish images, encompassing various species, sizes, and environmental conditions. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are used for feature extraction and classification, allowing for the capture of intricate visual characteristics that distinguish different fish species. Moreover, appearance-based features, such as colour patterns, fin shapes, and other morphological attributes, are integrated into the model to enhance classification accuracy. Additionally, the study introduces Improved Sequential Forward Selection (ISFS) as a method to select relevant features for classification, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the model. The research evaluates the performance of the proposed methodology against existing classification methods, emphasizing the advantages of deep learning and appearance-based feature extraction in terms of classification accuracy, robustness, and efficiency. In addition, the study explores the potential for real-world applications in fisheries management, species monitoring, and ecological research. The findings of this research demonstrate that the combination of deep learning and appearance-based feature extraction provides a promising approach for fish species classification, offering a valuable tool for conservation efforts and ecological studies. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge in the field of computer vision and biodiversity conservation and opens up new possibilities for automated fish species identification in aquatic environments.

Integrative Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Mechanism of Petal Blotch Formation in Rosa persica.

Petal blotch is a specific flower color pattern commonly found in angiosperm families. In particular, Rosa persica is characterized by dark red blotches at the base of yellow petals. Modern rose cultivars with blotches inherited the blotch trait from R. persica. Therefore, understanding the mechanism for blotch formation is crucial for breeding rose cultivars with various color patterns. In this study, the metabolites and genes responsible for the blotch formation in R. persica were identified for the first time through metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses using LC-MS/MS and RNA-seq. A total of 157 flavonoids were identified, with 7 anthocyanins as the major flavonoids, namely, cyanidin 3-O-(6″-O-malonyl) glucoside 5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, cyanidin O-rutinoside-O-malonylglucoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin 3,5-O-diglucoside, and peonidin O-rutinoside-O-malonylglucoside, contributing to pigmentation and color darkening in the blotch parts of R. persica, whereas carotenoids predominantly influenced the color formation of non-blotch parts. Zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin mainly contributed to the yellow color formation of petals at the semi-open and full bloom stages. The expression levels of two 4-coumarate: CoA ligase genes (Rbe014123 and Rbe028518), the dihydroflavonol 4-reductase gene (Rbe013916), the anthocyanidin synthase gene (Rbe016466), and UDP-flavonoid glucosyltransferase gene (Rbe026328) indicated that they might be the key structural genes affecting the formation and color of petal blotch. Correlation analysis combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further characterized 10 transcription factors (TFs). These TFs might participate in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation in the blotch parts of petals by modulating one or more structural genes. Our results elucidate the compounds and molecular mechanisms underlying petal blotch formation in R. persica and provide valuable candidate genes for the future genetic improvement of rose cultivars with novel flower color patterns.

Enhancing Foundation Shade Suggestions through Skin Tone Identification

As we concentrate on addressing the challenges in responsible beauty product recommendation, particularly when it involves comparing the product’s color with a person’s skin tone, similar as for foundation and robe p conditions. The features uprooted using the prints from illuminated terrain can be largely deceiving or indeed be inharmonious to be compared with the product attributes. Hence bad illumination condition can oppressively degrade quality of the recommendation. We introduce a machine learning frame for illumination assessment which classifies images into having moreover good or bad illumination condition. We also make an automatic stoner guidance tool which informs a stoner holding their camera if their illumination condition is good or bad. This way, the stoner is handed with rapid-fire feedback and can interactively control how the print is taken for their recommendation. Only a many studies are devoted to this problem, substantially due to the lack of dataset that's large, labeled, and different both in terms of skin tones and light patterns. Lack of similar dataset leads to neglecting skin tone diversity. Thus, we begin by constructing a different synthetic dataset that simulates colorful skin tones and light patterns in addition to a being facial image dataset. Next, we train a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for illumination assessment that outperforms the being results using the synthetic dataset. Eventually, we dissect how the work improves the shade recommendation for colorful foundation products

Fine Optimization of Colloidal Photonic Crystal Structural Color for Physically Unclonable Multiplex Encryption and Anti-Counterfeiting.

Robust anti-counterfeiting techniques aim for easy identification while remaining difficult to forge, especially for high-value items such as currency and passports. However, many existing anti-counterfeiting techniques rely on deterministic processes, resulting in loopholes for duplication and counterfeiting. Therefore, achieving high-level encryption and easy authentication through conventional anti-counterfeiting techniques has remained a significant challenge. To address this, this work proposes a solution that combined fluorescence and structural colors, creating a physically unclonable multiplex encryption system (PUMES). In this study, the physicochemical properties of colloidal photonic inks are systematically adjusted to construct a comprehensive printing phase diagram, revealing the printable region. Furthermore, the brightness and color saturation of inkjet-printed colloidal photonic crystal structural colors are optimized by controlling the substrate's hydrophobicity, printed droplet volume, and the addition of noble metals. Finally, fluorescence is incorporated to build PUMES, including macroscopic fluorescence and structural color patterns, as well as microscopic physically unclonable fluorescence patterns. The PUMES with intrinsic randomness and high encoding capacity are authenticated by a deep learning algorithm, which proved to be reliable and efficient under various observation conditions. This approach can provide easy identification and formidable resistance against counterfeiting, making it highly promising for the next-generation anti-counterfeiting of currency and passports.

KEANEKARAGAMAN CAPUNG (ORDO: ODONATA) DI KAWASAN WISATA SEMARA RATIH DESA TARO, GIANYAR-BALI

Dragonfly is an insect with an interesting morphology and is often found in areas that are still beautiful and unpolluted, making it an environmental bioindicator.. This research was conducted to determine the diversity of dragonfly species and environmental factors that could influence their existence. The study was carried out in January-February 2023 using the exploratory method. Samples were taken from three station points in the morning and evening five times. The captured dragonfly samples were then identified by observing their morphological characters such as body shape, color pattern on the thorax and abdomen, wing venation, and wing color pattern. Environmental factors of temperature, humidity and altitude where measured every sampling site. The results obtain ten species of dragonflies were found, namely Copera marginipes, Agriocnemis pygmaea, Agriocnemis femina, Ischnura senegalensis, Orthetrum testaceum, Orthetrum sabina, Potamarcha congener, Neurothemis ramburii, Neurothemis terminata. The diversity index obtained was in the medium category with almost even distribution and no dominating species were found. Environmental conditions support the existence of dragonflies in Semara Ratih, Taro Tourism Village, Gianyar-Bali so that in the future it can be used as a tourist attraction in the area. Keywords: dragonfly, identification, morphological characters, habitat, Taro

Breeding biology of the Ochre-breasted pipit (Anthus nattereri), with notes on its conservation in the Upper Rio Grande Grasslands, south-eastern Brazil

ABSTRACT The Ochre-breasted pipit Anthus nattereri is a terrestrial bird restricted to natural grasslands of south-eastern South America. The species is globally Vulnerable to extinction and its natural history is still poorly known. We investigated the breeding biology of Ochre-breasted pipits, commenting on its habitat use and the potential impacts of local grasslands management practices with fire on the species’ conservation. Fieldwork took place mainly between January and December 2016 in the Upper Rio Grande Grasslands, south-eastern Brazil. Five nests of the species were found between September and November, one of them recently destroyed by fire. Nests were cup shaped and placed on the ground, being built with dry grasses, resembling the pattern documented for other species of Anthus. The eggs were covered with brownish spots and dots to a variable extent and the background colour ranged from greyish white to brownish white. The egg colour pattern also fell within the known range of variation for congeneric species, as did the clutch size (two to three eggs) observed in tropical species of Anthus. Ochre-breasted pipits tended to occupy nesting sites with higher and denser grass cover (eg small patches of vegetation that survived the last fire event) when compared to non-nest sites located in adjacent recently burned areas, which potentially suggests a preference for such habitat attributes. Although the Ochre-breasted pipit is relatively common in the study area, the highest temporal incidence of fire coincides with its breeding season, which can directly impact the local population through the burning of nests and the elimination of suitable nesting sites. Thus, it is important to conduct long-term studies to evaluate the impact of different fire regimes on the reproductive performance of Ochre-breasted pipits, thus allowing the design of better ecosystem management practices to guarantee its conservation.

A subspecies of marbled newt (Triturus marmoratus) in the Iberian Peninsula newly resolved from congruent nuclear and mitochondrial dna data

Abstract The herpetofauna of the Iberian Peninsula is relatively well-researched, yet detailed studies, at least in part relying on molecular genetic data, continue to reveal taxa new to science, mostly species and subspecies. Newts of the genus Triturus are one such group with undiscovered yet taxonomically relevant variation, as shown by the recent description of new (sub)species of pygmy newts (T. pygmaeus, T. rudolfi). The marbled newt, Triturus marmoratus, shows an equally deep and geographically coherent spatial-genetic diversification. It is here shown that a northern and a southern group are characterized by different mitochondrial dna profiles and are also differentiated in morphometry and colouration pattern. With no firm evidence for selection against intermediate genotypes, the southern group is described at the subspecies level, as T. marmoratus harmannis ssp. nov. The subspecies’ contact zone is situated at ca. 41.5 northern latitude and stretches from the Atlantic coast near Porto, Portugal to the northeast of Madrid, Spain.