Discovery Of Species Research Articles

A second species of Protistolophus Short from Peru (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae)

A second species of the enigmatic hydrophilid genus Protistolophus Short, 2010 is described from the Cordillera Escalera in northwest Peru (Departamento de San Martín). Most specimens were collected in association with brooklets in primary forest at ca. 1300 m a.s.l. Some of the characters originally used to define the genus Protistolophus appear no longer valid after discovery of the new species. Most noteworthy is probably the absence of an apical emargination of the fifth visible ventrite, while present in P. spangleri Short, 2010, the only other know species of the genus.

In splendid isolation: a new cloud forest species expands the distribution of Myrceugenia (Myrtaceae) into Las Yungas and adds a new genus to the flora of Bolivia

Myrceugenia is a temperate or subtropical genus of c. 50 species with a disjunct distribution across South America. The ‘western’ species occur in central Chile and north-western Argentina with one species in the Juan Fernández Islands. The ‘eastern’ species occur in Uruguay, southern Brazil, and marginal regions of Argentina and Paraguay, reaching montane eastern Brazil (two isolated taxa in Central Brazil). It is hypothesized that Myrceugenia once grew across the temperate forests of southern South America, but that oceanic transgressions and the elevation of the Andes during the Miocene divided its populations as the forests retracted from the centre of the continent. The Las Yungas floristic province is a strip of cool, temperate forest that runs along the eastern slopes of the Andes from Venezuela to northern Argentina; Myrceugenia was not known to occur there. We report the discovery of a new species of Myrceugenia in southern Las Yungas (Bosque Tucumano Boliviano). It is distinct from all other species of the genus by the combination of solitary flowers, sub-ancipitate hypanthium, bilocular locules, and 12-13 clustered ovules. The phylogeny of Myrceugenia shows geographic structuring with three basal western clades and one derived eastern clade. The isolated taxa of Myrceugenia from Central Brazil were sisters, respectively, to the rest of the eastern clade and to one of its two subclades, suggesting that isolated taxa are relictual. The discovery of this species has made Myrceugenia the only genus of Myrtaceae to grow in the three cool, humid forests of southern South America.

Two new species and three new records of Diachea (Physarales) from China based on morphological and molecular evidence

Diachea is an important genus of myxomycetes, recognized for its ecological role and wide distribution. This study aimed to expand knowledge of species diversity within this genus in China. We collected Diachea specimens from various locations in Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces and characterized them through morphological analysis and phylogenetic analysis using four genetic markers: small subunit ribosomal RNA (nSSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α), mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU), and alpha-tubulin gene (α-Tub). Based on these analyses, we describe two new species, namely, Diachea plectophylla and D. sichuanensis, discovered in the Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces, respectively. Diachea plectophylla is distinguished by its dense, rigid capillitium, spore warts, and distinct separation of capillitium ends from the peridium. Diachea sichuanensis, closely related to D. leucopodia, is identified by its blunt-headed columella, clustered spore warts, and robust stalks. In addition to these new species, we recorded five previously documented species, including D. bulbillosa in Gansu province, D. leucopodia in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, and D. subsessilis in Sichuan province. Detailed descriptions, micrographs, taxonomic comparisons, and an identification key are provided to aid in accurate identification. The discovery of these new species not only enhances the known diversity of slime molds in the region but also provides valuable information for future studies on their geographical distribution and ecological relationships.

Antiaromatic Metallacyclopentatriene Complexes.

There is no report on the (anti)aromaticity of metallacyclopentatrienes, one kind of common and important five-membered metallacycles. This work presents the novel synthesis of osmium cis-biscarbene complexes and their oxidation to osmacyclopentatrienes. The osmacyclopentatriene unit is antiaromatic, as revealed by experimental and theoretical studies. This finding provides new insight into the discovery of antiaromatic species.

Potential Cryptic Diversity in the Genus Scoliodon (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae): Insights from Mitochondrial Genome Sequencing.

Scoliodon is a genus of small placental sharks living in offshore waters. For a long time, the genus was considered a monotypic genus until a valid species, Scoliodon macrorhynchos, was confirmed in 2010. However, S. muelleri in the same study was not widely recognized because of the lack of evidence. In this study, we obtained the complete mitochondrial genome of the genus Scoliodon from Ranong, Thailand, and tentatively named it Scoliodon sp. By comparing the complete mitochondrial genome with those of two other Scoliodon species and conducting phylogenetic and divergence time analyses, we determined that Scoliodon sp. diverged from the other species. These findings indicate the potential for a new cryptic species (Scoliodon sp.) in the Scoliodon genus. This conclusion was further supported by a subsequent analysis of the published S. laticaudus control region sequences from previous studies. Finally, based on these conclusions, we used machine learning to derive a new identification method for the cryptic species. This approach may be useful for the discovery of new species or cryptic species in other organisms.

Discovery of a new species of allied cowry (Gastropoda: Ovulidae) from the Miocene of Victoria, Southeastern Australia

A new species of Ovulidae J. Fleming, 1822 from the Middle Miocene of Victoria, Australia, is reported. The species is provisionally placed in the genus Cuspivolva Cate, 1973, which, if confirmed, will be the first record of this genus in the fossil record of this part of the world.

Evolutionary History and Ecology of Andrena (Foveoandrena) androfovea: A New Nearctic Mining Bee (Hymenoptera, Andrenidae) Species and Subgenus.

With about 1700 described species, the mining bee genus Andrena is a rapidly diversifying lineage and one of the most species-rich groups of bees. Recent phylogenomic advances have greatly improved our understanding of the phylogeny of the genus, yet many species still await description, subgeneric assignments that are in line with their evolutionary history, as well as study of their morphology and behavior. Here we provide a comprehensive account of a newly discovered species, Andrena androfovea n. sp. We sequence the genome of the new species and include it in the presently most comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of Andrena using ultraconserved element (UCE) sequence data, comprising 264 samples and 249 species. Given the recovered phylogenetic position of the new species, we establish a new subgenus, Foveoandrena, provide a detailed morphological description, and discuss the antiquity and historical biogeography of the lineage in light of molecular divergence time estimates. Lastly, we study and document the foraging behavior of the new species with photos and video footage, and discuss the species' unusual host plant associations with Chamaesaracha and Quincula, both Solanaceae. Being likely oligolectic on these plants, we present the first documented case of an Andrena species being narrowly associated with members of this plant family. By integrating multiple lines of documentation, our study provides a particularly detailed account of species discovery and description.

Four New Species of Deconica (Strophariaceae, Agaricales) from Subtropical Regions of China

Deconica is a relatively small genus, with only 90 names recorded in previous research. In this study, four new species of Deconica have been identified based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence from subtropical regions of China. This represents the first discovery of new species of Deconica in China. Morphologically, D. austrosinensis is characterized by medium-sized spores that are elliptical to elongated-ellipsoid in face view, and fusiform to sublageniform and slightly thick-walled pleurocystidia; D. furfuracea is identified by a well-developed and evanescent veil, medium-sized spores that are rhomboid to mitriform in face view, and fusiform to subclavate pleurocystidia that are rare and subacute at apex; D. fuscobrunnea is recognized by dark brown pileus, medium-sized spores that are rhomboid to mitriform in face view, an ixocutis pileipellis, lageniform cheilocystidia with a long neck and lacks pleurocystidia; D. ovispora is distinguished from other Deconica species by medium-sized spores that are ovoid in face view, an ixocutis pileipellis, lageniform cheilocystidia with a long to short neck, and lacks pleurocystidia. Their distinct taxonomic status is confirmed by the positions of the four new species in ITS + LSU phylogenetic trees. Detailed descriptions and morphological photographs of four new species are presented.

Siamcyclops isanus sp. nov. (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Cyclopidae), a new cave-dwelling species from northeastern Thailand

Siamcyclops isanussp. nov. has been found from a cave in northeastern Thailand. It differs from the other member of its genus by having: 1) smooth free margin of anal operculum, 2) a different armature on the second endopod of the first and fourth legs, 3) the armature of the second endopod of the male third leg, and 4) the shape of spermatophore. The discovery of the second species from the genus Siamcyclops thus leads to the proposal for the generic diagnosis. The morphological differences between the genus Siamcyclops and other closely related genera is added.

A Snakemake Toolkit for the Batch Assembly, Annotationand Phylogenetic Analysis of Mitochondrial Genomes and Ribosomal Genes From Genome Skims of Museum Collections.

Low coverage 'genome-skims' are often used to assemble organelle genomes and ribosomal gene sequences for cost-effective phylogenetic and barcoding studies. Natural history collections hold invaluable biological information, yet poor preservation resulting in degraded DNA often hinders polymerase chain reaction-based analyses. However, it is possible to generate libraries and sequence the short fragments typical of degraded DNA to generate genome-skims from museum collections. Here we introduce a snakemake toolkit comprised of three pipelines skim2mito, skim2rrna and gene2phylo, designed to unlock the genomic potential of historical museum specimens using genome skimming. Specifically, skim2mito and skim2rrna perform the batch assembly, annotation and phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes and nuclear ribosomal genes, respectively, from low-coverage genome skims. The third pipeline gene2phylo takes a set of gene alignments and performs phylogenetic analysis of individual genes, partitioned analysis of concatenated alignments and a phylogenetic analysis based on gene trees. We benchmark our pipelines with simulated data, followed by testing with a novel genome skimming dataset from both recent and historical solariellid gastropod samples. We show that the toolkit can recover mitochondrial and ribosomal genes from poorly preserved museum specimens of the gastropod family Solariellidae, and the phylogenetic analysis is consistent with our current understanding of taxonomic relationships. The generation of bioinformatic pipelines that facilitate processing large quantities of sequence data from the vast repository of specimens held in natural history museum collections will greatly aid species discovery and exploration of biodiversity over time, ultimately aiding conservation efforts in the face of a changing planet.

Discovery of a new Kinorhyncha species from the uncharted South Orkney Trench (Southern Ocean)

The knowledge about the deep-sea Kinorhyncha community has increased considerably in recent years. However, the records of kinorhynchs inhabiting hadal depths are still extremely limited. In the present study, we describe a new species of Echinoderes discovered from the South Orkney Trench, Southern Ocean. Echinoderes australis sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of middorsal acicular spines on segments 4-8 and lateroventral ones on segments 6-9, and tubes in lateroventral position on segment 5, in lateral accessory position on segment 8, and in laterodorsal position on segment 10. Additionally, the new species has conspicuous papillary flaps on segments 8-9. Among its morphological characteristics, the increase in length of the middorsal spine of segment 8 and lateroventral spines of segment 9 in relation to those of the previous segments are striking features, showing a whip-like appearance. E. australis sp. nov. Becomes the third hadal species of the phylum. In addition, we provide morphological information on the two other species found in the trench. Finally, we study in detail the diversity and distribution patterns of the Kinorhyncha of the South Orkney Trench, addressing aspects such as species richness, abundance, number of adults versus juveniles and the effect of bathymetry on the community composition.

Intermolecular Anionic Mixed-Valence and π-Dimer Complexes of ortho-Pentannulated Bisazacoronene Diimide.

This study reports the serendipitous discovery of intermolecular anionic mixed-valence (MV) and π-dimer species in ortho-pentannulated BisAzaCoroneneDiimides (BACDs) during their electrochemical reduction in a non-aqueous solvent. A library of nitrogen-containing extended PDIs was synthesized via an aza-benzannulation reaction followed by a Pd-catalysed ortho-pentannulation reaction. Ortho-pentannulated BACDs revealed strong aggregation abilities in solution. Concentration-dependent UV/Vis absorption spectra, variable temperature 1H NMR experiments, and atomic force microscopy coupled to molecular dynamics support their self-assembly into columnar aggregates. Cyclic voltammetry experiments in dichloromethane reveal prominent splitting of the first reduction wave, attributed to the formation of unprecedented intermolecular anionic MV and π-dimers in organic solvent. These species were thoroughly characterized by real-time spectroelectrochemistry, electrochemical simulations and theoretical calculations. Remarkably, this work underscores the tuneable nature of AzaBenzannulatedPerylene Diimides (AzaBPDIs) and BACDs, emphasizing their potential as a promising scaffold for designing supramolecular materials with long-range radical anion delocalization. The observation of this phenomenon provides insights into the fundamental behaviour of supramolecular organic semiconductors, thereby paving the way for the development of novel electronic devices and electron-deficient materials.

A new insular species of Gehyra (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Papua New Guinea closely related to Gehyra oceanica

The wide-ranging gecko Gehyra oceanica occupies numerous islands across much of the Pacific Ocean basin. Previous work has identified six divergent genetic lineages within lizards assigned to this species. During an expedition to islands off of northern New Guinea we collected lizards of this complex on Crown Island that differ from all other known Gehyra in being sexually dimorphic in colour pattern. We find this population to also be genetically divergent to the other lineages previously identified, as we do with another lineage of populations from nearby islands. Given the unique colour pattern of the Crown Island population, combined with its divergent range of precloacal-femoral pores in males and its phylogenetic uniqueness from other members of this complex, we describe this population as a new species, Gehyra corona sp. nov. currently known only from Crown Island, Papua New Guinea. The discovery of this new species and an additional divergent genetic lineage from within the G. oceanica complex highlights the need for further taxonomic revision of that species complex. It seems likely that the new species we identify will prove endemic to Crown Island, but additional islands from around the Bismarck Sea need survey to establish its full range. Given the undisturbed habitat on most of Crown Island and the low human population there, we suggest that this species’ IUCN Red List conservation status be Least Concern. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:299432A3-6AC1-408D-9CCD-ECCB054A78FF

Schiedeawaiahuluensis (Caryophyllaceae), an enigmatic new species from Kaua'i, Hawaiian Islands and the first species discovered by a drone collection system.

During a survey by the National Tropical Botanical Garden drone team, an enigmatic Schiedea was observed in December 2021on steep, rocky cliff faces of the Waiahulu Valley in the Waimea Canyon of Kaua'i. Subsequently, another survey was conducted in March 2022 and, by use of a remotely controlled cutting device suspended below the drone, the first herbarium specimen was collected, as well as a seed collection of an undescribed cliff-dwelling species of Schiedea. Detailed study of the collections and plants grown at the University of California, Irvine greenhouse showed that it had enlarged, somewhat whitish sepals similar to those of cliff-dwelling S.attenuata (the sole species in sect. Leucocalyx), yet differed significantly from all other species in the genus. It also shares with S.attenuata a woody habit, hermaphroditic flowers, coloured nectar and styles 5 to 7 or 8. We describe it here as S.waiahuluensis given the only known localities are on the cliffs of this valley and place it in an enlarged sect. Leucocalyx. With the discovery of this new species, there are 36 species in this Hawaiian endemic genus.

Calonectria eucalyptorum sp. nov., a new leaf blight pathogen of Eucalyptus from India.

In this study, Calonectria eucalyptorum sp. nov. is described from the blighted leaves of Eucalyptus in Indiausing morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. The new species belongs to the Calonectria cylindrospora species complex, and its unique microscopic features and DNA sequence information enable clear separation from the12 currently accepted species in this complex. Conidia of the new taxon are slightly longer than those of its phylogenetic neighbors. Additionally, this species produces central as well as lateral stipe extensions, which is a feature not known for the other members ofthe C. cylindrospora species complex. Analyses of the combined partial calmodulin, histone, translation elongation factor-1α, and β-tubulingene regions revealed a distinct phylogenetic position for C. eucalyptorum. Recombination analysis provided additional support for the new species hypothesis. Koch's postulates for the new taxon as a foliar pathogen of Eucalyptus were fulfilled. The discovery of novel and pathogenic Calonectria species is important because it sheds light on species diversity, potential threats, and disease control.

Insights into the genus Xeromphalina, X. tenuipes (Schwein.) A.H. Sm. complex and discovery of a novel species, X. pseudotenuipes from Thailand

Xeromphalina belonging to the family Xeromphalinaceae and characterized as a saprobe thriving on fallen, decayed logs, has undergone taxonomic revisionary study predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere. Despite approximately 36 documented species, studies on complex groups with similar-looking species within this genus are quite fragmentary and have led to misnaming and misidentification. Recent observations have revealed one interesting species from Thailand belonging to the X. tenuipes species complex. Morphological features along phylogenetic analysis (nrITS, nrLSU, and rpb2) inferred that this species is new to science. This novel species, namely X. pseudotenuipes can be distinguished from X. tenuipes by its pileocystidia appearing brownish in 5% KOH, and hyphae of pileipellis and stipitipellis turning orangish brown in 5% KOH. Moreover, this study is the first attempt to undertake a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis encompassing all potential species of Xeromphalina for which sequences are available, aiming to identify which sequence accurately represents each species.

Fish diversity assessment through conventional morphological identification and recent advances in Saudi Arabia: A review

Fish identification in the Red Sea, particularly in Saudi Arabia, has a long history. Because of the vast fish diversity in Saudi Arabia, proper species identification is required. Indeed, identifying fish species is critical for biodiversity conservation, food and drug safety, and sustainable fishery management. Numerous approaches have been used to identify fish species, including conventional morphological identification, next-generation sequencing (NGS), nanopore sequencing, DNA barcoding, and environmental DNA analysis. In this review, we collected as much scientific information as possible on species identification in Saudi Arabia. Our findings suggest that the identification process has advanced and spread rapidly and broadly, as evidenced by the discovery of new fish species in Saudi Arabia. The advantages and disadvantages of each method were discussed as part of a comprehensive comparison. This study aimed to provide further scientific knowledge to promote the growth of fish diversity worldwide. Keywords: fish diversity, identification process, Saudi Arabia.

Analysis of species adulteration in beef sausage using real-time polymerase chain reaction in Makassar, Indonesia

Background and Aim: Adulteration, or the inclusion of meats not declared on the label of processed meat products, constitutes a fraudulent practice that poses a threat to public health. Sausages, which are processed meats derived from a blend of minced meats that obscure the original muscle’s morphological features, are particularly prone to adulteration, making the visual detection of fraud more challenging. The research aimed to detect and measure the proportion of pork, chicken, buffalo, and beef DNA in commercially available processed meat packaged, labeled, and sold as “beef sausages” in Makassar, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 beef sausage samples were collected from traditional and modern markets as well as tourist attractions in Makassar. DNA was isolated and the species were identified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: The findings revealed that all sausage samples contained not only beef DNA, as indicated on their labels but also undeclared DNA from chicken and buffalo. Notably, pork DNA was not detected in the samples. The frequencies of chicken and buffalo meat were 9.2% and 10%, respectively, whereas it was 0.85% for beef in the beef sausage samples. Conclusion: The discovery of chicken and buffalo species in beef sausage samples indicates adulteration, potentially posing severe quality risks. Keywords: adulteration, beef sausage, deoxyribonucleic acid, polymerase chain reaction, species.

Population genetic structure and ecological differentiation in the bryozoan genus Reteporella across the Azores Archipelago (central North Atlantic)

The processes shaping population dynamics of benthic marine invertebrates with non-planktotrophic larvae are still poorly understood but have seen a renewed interest in applying integrative taxonomic approaches. We used mitochondrial and microsatellite (SSR-GBAS) data to estimate connectivity across islands and seamounts in the central North Atlantic Azores Archipelago in five species of the bryozoan genus Reteporella Busk, 1884. Discordant patterns were inferred between datasets, which might be due to methodological constraints related to the application of multilocus approaches based on amplification to multiple species or due to interspecific introgression in deep waters. A divergent cryptic ecotype of Reteporella atlantica (Busk, 1884) was found in shallow waters, likely resulting from ecologically-driven incipient speciation, posing new questions regarding the role of bathymetrical zonation as a promoter of differentiation. The occurrence of ecologically-driven differentiation and potential interspecific introgression in other bryozoans should be considered, both with potentially important evolutionary and biogeographical consequences. The discovery of incipient species, prompted by ecological factors, calls for the need to consider marine invertebrates when developing conservation strategies in oceanic insular ecosystems.

Kinomenclature: An analysis of scientific names of mud dragons (Kinorhyncha)

The coining of new species names is one of the most creative processes in science. Scientific names must be unique and stable over time to allow researchers to communicate knowledge on species unambiguously worldwide. Despite the importance of biological nomenclature, few studies analyze nomenclatural trends, which can offer interesting information. In the present paper, we explore different trends in naming Kinorhyncha species over time to answer questions related to kinorhynch nomenclatural acts, compare trends among the different specialists and discuss possible suggestions for future species discoveries. We focus on detecting the main practices followed by the phylum specialists when coining new specific names, temporal trends in the used language and etymological basis for creating the names and differences between author preferences. It is interesting that not all Kinorhyncha names correspond to valid species, although the proportion of not accepted and uncertain names is low. On the other hand, the usage of classical languages (Latin and Greek) remains temporarily stable when coining species names, but other modern languages such as English, Spanish, Danish and Japanese are on the rise, partly due to the nationality of the current kinorhynchologists. Regarding the etymological basis, a replacement of traditional categories (morphology, geography) by eponyms has not been detected, even though the usage of the latter has significantly increased in recent years. Finally, since the creation of names is undoubtedly subjective, personal trends among the authors are obvious, each one following their own style and preferences.