Species Groups Research Articles

Tree demographic strategies largely overlap across succession in Neotropical wet and dry forest communities.

Secondary tropical forests play an increasingly important role in carbon budgets and biodiversity conservation. Understanding successional trajectories is therefore imperative for guiding forest restoration and climate change mitigation efforts. Forest succession is driven by the demographic strategies-combinations of growth, mortality and recruitment rates-of the tree species in the community. However, our understanding of demographic diversity in tropical tree species stems almost exclusively from old-growth forests. Here, we assembled demographic information from repeated forest inventories along chronosequences in two wet (Costa Rica, Panama) and two dry (Mexico) Neotropical forests to assess whether the ranges of demographic strategies present in a community shift across succession. We calculated demographic rates for >500 tree species while controlling for canopy status to compare demographic diversity (i.e., the ranges of demographic strategies) in early successional (0-30 years), late successional (30-120 years) and old-growth forests using two-dimensional hypervolumes of pairs of demographic rates. Ranges of demographic strategies largely overlapped across successional stages, and early successional stages already covered the full spectrum of demographic strategies found in old-growth forests. An exception was a group of species characterized by exceptionally high mortality rates that was confined to early successional stages in the two wet forests. The range of demographic strategies did not expand with succession. Our results suggest that studies of long-term forest monitoring plots in old-growth forests, from which most of our current understanding of demographic strategies of tropical tree species is derived, are surprisingly representative of demographic diversity in general, but do not replace the need for further studies in secondary forests.

Quantifying marine larval dispersal to assess MPA network connectivity and inform future national and transboundary planning efforts

A marine protected area (MPA) network of multiple reserves can protect biodiversity across space, but to be effective, network configuration should support dispersal among MPAs as well as spillover to unprotected habitats. The ability of MPAs to function as an interacting network of populations connected by dispersal, however, is difficult to estimate at broad spatial scales, and therefore, connectivity is often not integrated in MPA design. Here, we simulate passive larval dispersal using a biophysical model to estimate potential transboundary network connectivity of MPAs in western Canada and United States. Drift time was varied to represent generic functional groups of nearshore species with planktonic larvae and sedentary adult stages. We found that MPAs potentially act as an interacting network and meet connectivity design criteria for nearshore invertebrate species, many MPAs (65%–90%) possibly exchange individuals, and a third of larvae from MPAs (25%–32%) source areas of the unprotected coast. This analysis provides a first approximation of multispecies connectivity to inform ongoing transboundary MPA design, and it can be used as a foundation for future model development.

A taxonomic review of Thiotricha Meyrick, 1886 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Thiotrichinae) from China, with descriptions of 84 new species

A taxonomic review of Thiotricha Meyrick, 1886 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Thiotrichinae) from China, with descriptions of 84 new species

Genomic analysis and phylogenetic characterization of Himalayan snow trout, Schizothorax esocinus based on mitochondrial protein-coding genes.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has become a significant tool for exploring genetic diversity and delineating evolutionary links across diverse taxa. Within the group of cold-water fish species that are native to the Indian Himalayan region, Schizothorax esocinus holds particular importance due to its ecological significance and is potentially vulnerable to environmental changes. This research aims to clarify the phylogenetic relationships within the Schizothorax genus by utilizing mitochondrial protein-coding genes. Standard protocols were followed for the isolation of DNA from S. esocinus. For the amplification of mtDNA, overlapping primers were used, and then subsequent sequencing was performed. The genetic features were investigated by the application of bioinformatic approaches. These approaches covered the evaluation of nucleotide composition, codon usage, selective pressure using nonsynonymous substitution /synonymous substitution (Ka/Ks) ratios, and phylogenetic analysis. The study specifically examined the 13 protein-coding genes of Schizothorax species which belongs to the Schizothoracinae subfamily. Nucleotide composition analysis showed a bias towards A + T content, consistent with other cyprinid fish species, suggesting evolutionary conservation. Relative Synonymous Codon Usage highlighted leucine as the most frequent (5.18%) and cysteine as the least frequent (0.78%) codon. The positive AT-skew and the predominantly negative GC-skew indicated the abundance of A and C. Comparative analysis revealed significant conservation of amino acids in multiple genes. The majority of amino acids were hydrophobic rather than polar. The purifying selection was revealed by the genetic distance and Ka/Ks ratios. Phylogenetic study revealed a significant genetic divergence between S. esocinus and other Schizothorax species with interspecific K2P distances ranging from 0.00 to 8.87%, with an average of 5.76%. The present study provides significant contributions to the understanding of mitochondrial genome diversity and genetic evolution mechanisms in Schizothoracinae, hence offering vital insights for the development of conservation initiatives aimed at protecting freshwater fish species.

Podapolipid mites (Acari: Heterostigmata): key to genera, biogeographical history and description of four new Australian species of Eutarsopolipus

Four new species of parasitic mites of the genus Eutarsopolipus (Trombidiformes: Podapolipidae) are described from Australian carabid beetles: E. ampullaceous sp. nov. (ochoai species group) from Lecanomerus niger (Harpalini); E. tripodus sp. nov. (ochoai species group) from Notolestus sulcipennis (Pterostichini); E. vepreculus sp. nov. (leytei species group) from Coleolissus papua (Harpalini); and E. walteri sp. nov. (myzus species group) from Chlaenius ophonoides (Chlaeniini). Keys to the world genera of Podapolipidae and to the Australian species of Eutarsopolipus are provided. We further reviewed the world distribution of Eutarsopolipus species groups and postulated that the Australian representatives could be classified into two distinct faunas: a putatively Gondwanan fauna represented mainly by the ochoai species group and a more recent Laurasian fauna represented by just a few species in the myzus and acanthomus species groups.

Low temperature-mediated changes in soil free-living nitrogen fixation functional groups in tree species at different successional stages in subtropical forests

Low temperature-mediated changes in soil free-living nitrogen fixation functional groups in tree species at different successional stages in subtropical forests

Diversity of Pleurostomatid Ciliates: Morphology, Taxonomy and Molecular Phylogeny of Freshwater Isolates Found in a Northern China Wetland, with a Description of Two New Species

Ciliates of the order Pleurostomatida play essential functions in microbial food webs from a variety of habitats and have been thought to possess a high level of diversity. Due to undersampling and often absent molecular data, the actual diversity and phylogenetic relationships within this group remain unclarified. To help address this deficiency, a survey of freshwater pleurostomatid ciliates was undertaken in Lake Weishan Wetland, northern China. Here, two new Amphileptus species, Amphileptus sinicus sp. nov. and Amphileptus piscinarius sp. nov., were investigated using modern morphological and molecular techniques. Amphileptus sinicus sp. nov. is characterized by possessing a comparatively large cell size of 330–490 μm, contractile vacuoles on both ventral and dorsal margins, and 8–10 left and 42–61 right kineties. Amphileptus piscinarius sp. nov. is characterized by possessing a cell size of 140–210 μm, a large distinctly developed apical extrusome group, 3–4 contractile vacuoles on the ventral margin, and 6–8 left and 24–28 right kineties. Phylogenetic results based on the 18S rRNA gene data of these two species group them with other congeners, with these data suggesting the genus Amphileptus is paraphyletic.

Discovery of the Larvae and Pupae of the Black Fly Simulium (Gomphostilbia) khelangense and Breeding Habitats of Potential Pest Species of the S. (G.) chumpornense Subgroup (Simuliidae)

Two species of black flies (Simuliidae) in Thailand, Simulium chumpornense Takaoka and Kuvangkadilok, 2000, and S. khelangense Takaoka, Srisuka & Saeung, 2022, are potent vectors of avian blood protozoa of the genera Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma and are pests of domestic avian species. Although the adults are abundant throughout Thailand, information on their breeding habitats is limited, and the immature stages of S. khelangense are unknown. We collected the larvae and pupae of S. khelangense from the Mekong River, the first-ever record of Simuliidae from this large continental river. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I and internal transcribed spacer 2 were used to associate the larvae and pupae with known adults. Both genetic markers strongly supported their identity as S. khelangense. The larvae and pupa of S. khelangense are described. The pupal gill filaments, larval abdominal protuberances, and setae distinguish this species from other members of the S. varicorne species group. The immature stages of S. chumpornense inhabit a wide variety of flowing waters, from small streams (3 m wide) to enormous continental rivers (400 m wide); thus, S. chumpornense is a habitat generalist. In contrast, S. khelangense was found only in the large Mekong River and is, therefore, a habitat specialist. Both species can exploit their principal habitats and produce abundant adult populations.

Tracing Geographic and Molecular Footprints of Copepod Crustaceans Causing Multifocal Purple Spots Syndrome in the Caribbean Sea Fan Gorgonia ventalina

The recent rise in ocean temperatures, accompanied by other environmental changes, has notably increased the occurrence and spread of diseases in Octocorallia, many species of which are integral to shallow tropical and subtropical coral reef ecosystems. This study focuses on the understanding of these diseases, which has been largely limited to symptomatic descriptions, with clear etiological factors identified in only a fraction of cases. A key example is the multifocal purple spots syndrome (MFPS) affecting the common Caribbean octocoral sea fan Gorgonia ventalina, linked to the gall-forming copepods of the genus Sphaerippe, a member of the widespread family, Lamippidae. The specialized nature of these copepods as endoparasites in octocorals suggests the potential for the discovery of similar diseases across this host spectrum. Our investigation employed four molecular markers to study disease hotspots in Saint Eustatius, Curaçao, northwest and southwest Cuba, and Bonaire. This led to the discovery of a group of copepod species in these varied Caribbean locations. Importantly, these species are morphologically indistinguishable through traditional methods, challenging established taxonomic approaches. The observed diversity of symbionts, despite the host species’ genetic uniformity, is likely due to variations in larval dispersal mechanisms. Our phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the Lamippidae copepods belong to the order, Poecilostomatoida (Copepoda), and revealed their sister group relationship with the Anchimolgidae, Rhynchomolgidae, and Xarifiidae clades, known for their symbiotic relationships with scleractinian corals. These results add to our understanding of the evolutionary and ecological interactions of copepods and their hosts, and the diseases that they cause, and are important data in a changing climate.

Scale morphology variability in cyprinid fishes and its significance in taxonomy using light and scanning electron microscopy: A case study of the genus Garra Hamilton, 1822 (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).

To evaluate scale morphological variability (shape, size, topological macro- and microstructures, ornamentation patterns) of cyprinid fishes, nine species of the genus Garra were selected and their scales from five different body regions were studied by using light and scanning electron microscopy. The scales of the examined species were thin with a central or antero-centrally positioned focus, with no cteni in the posterior part. In addition to these typical characteristics, some morphological variation was observed in the overall shape (irregular round, true oval, round-triangular, irregular pentagonal, hexagonal, irregular hexagonal, pentagonal, ovoid), and the focus shape. These variations were mainly dependent on the fish lengths and the flank region. Morphological analysis clustered the examined species into two distinct groups. Group I consisted of G. amirhosseini and G. gymnothorax, while Group II has three subgroups, which include G. persica and G. mondica (subgroup I), G. meymehensis, G. rossica, G. nudiventris, G. hormuzensis (subgroup II), and G. rufa (subgroup III). The grouping of the studied Garra species based on the current scale morphological characters and the molecular data was only consistent for G. rossica and G. nudiventris. In addition, in the phylogenetic tree, G. persica, G. mondica, G. amirhosseini, and G. hormuzensis formed a distinct clade. However, these species did not represent close relationships in the dendrogram obtained from the scale morphology. A possible explanation why the grouping of the studied Garra species based on their scale morphological characters does not match their phylogenetic relationships is that most of the scale morphological traits vary depending on the fish size and the location of the scales on the flank. Therefore, except for some traits, that is, central or antero-centrally positioned focus, having no cteni, a specific sectioned form so called "tetra-sectioned" type, the other examined variables are not useful enough to be used in the taxonomic study of the examined cyprinid fishes. Therefore, scale morphological characters should be used carefully for taxonomic purposes. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Shape, size, topological macro- and microstructures, and ornamentation patterns of nine species of the genus Garra were studied by using light and scanning electron microscopy. The scales were thin with a central or antero-centrally positioned focus, with no cteni in the posterior part. Morphological variation was observed in the overall shape (irregular round, true oval, round-triangular, irregular pentagonal, hexagonal, irregular hexagonal, pentagonal, and ovoid), and the focus shape. The grouping of Garra species based on the current scale morphological characters and the molecular data was only consistent for G. rossica and G. nudiventris.

Economic trade-offs of harvesting the ocean twilight zone: An ecosystem services approach

The mesopelagic or ocean twilight zone (OTZ) in the ocean contains huge numbers of fish in a relatively pristine environment and may therefore attract interest as a commercial fishery. In this study we evaluate in economic terms, the likely trade-offs between the different services provided by the mesopelagic layer in the Bay of Biscay and the societal benefits of its commercial exploitation. Benefits arise mainly from the likely use of this group of species as raw material for producing fishmeal and fish oil. Costs are derived from the loss in climate regulating and cultural, services, but also from the loss in the provisioning service of other commercial species. To do so we compare the current non-exploited status with a situation in where mesopelagic fishes are harvested at levels capable of producing the Maximum Sustainable Yield. Results suggest that if mesopelagic fishes are harvested, a mean value of 1.2 million Euro loss in a year will be created in the Bay of Biscay, although in a range between 42 million Euro loss and 48 Euro million benefits. This uncertainty comes, mainly, from the limited existing knowledge of the mesopelagic fishes’ biomass but also from the uncertainty on the biomass of the rest of the species of the studied ecosystem. The large range indicates that a better understanding of the mesopelagic ecosystem is needed, however, results also show that ecosystem services under no exploitation provided by the OTZ could be more valuable than the fishmeal and fish oil that potentially could be obtained from the fishes harvested in this sea layer.

Two new species of Eutheiini in Taiwan (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)

Five species of Eutheiini are known to occur in Taiwan, all belonging to the genus Eutheia Stephens. Two new species are described: Eutheia clepsydra sp. n., and Paraneseuthia spinipes sp. n. The discovery of the first Taiwanese species of Paraneseuthia, geographically not surprising, as several species occur in the south-western Ryukyuan islands, is highly unusual, because P. spinipes is morphologically distant from the Japanese and Russian Far Eastern group of species. This is the only known Paraneseuthia with modified profemora in males, and with dense groups of setae on the median lobe of aedeagus.

Exostoma sentiyonoae, a new catfish (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Nagaland, Northeastern, India

Exostoma sentiyonoae, a new species of glyptosternine catfish is described from the Dzuleke River, a tributary of the Barak River in Nagaland, northeastern India. This is the fourth species of Exostoma described from the Barak drainage. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by the adipose fin adnate to the upper procurrent caudal-fin rays, presence of tubercles on dorsal-fin spine, anterolateral surfaces of lip with parallel and rounded striae, slender head 7.7–13.1% SL, long dorsal-adipose distance 16.8–24.6% SL, small eye 5.1–8.8 % HL, and 41 vertebrae. Two species groups within the genus Exostoma are proposed; Group I, in which the adipose fin is confluent with the upper procurrent caudal-fin rays, and Group II in which adipose fin is separate from the upper procurrent caudal-fin rays.

It's time for Africa - hidden diversity of the Aphidius colemani species group (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) south of the Sahara.

Aphidius colemani is an important biological control agent, used in greenhouses and open fields against aphid pests. Despite this economical importance, A. colemani, along with A. transcaspicus and A. platensis, has gone through a complex taxonomical history. The three species have only recently gained status as separate species again, comprising the morphologically defined Aphidius colemani species group. Other than sporadic records probably as a consequence of escape from greenhouses, the A. colemani species group members prefer warmer regions and there are numerous records from South America, Southern Europe and Asia. Based on slide-mounted material collected in the period 1964-2001 in Africa, we describe five new species belonging to this group, and report A. colemani, A. transcaspicus and A. platensis from several African countries. This data opens questions about the origin of the group and presents potential for the diversification of biological control agents against aphid pests.

A new species of genus Urophonius Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae), from Andean Mauline Chilean forests, with a phylogenetic re-analysis of the genus

Urophonius trewankesp. nov. is described from the Mauline Andean woods of northern Chilean Patagonia. This species belongs to the granulatus species group, which includes the most basal species within the genus. This species is only active in summer as in all species of its group. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the genus Urophonius based on morphological characters to establish the position and relationships of the new species in the genus.

A New Species of Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

A New Species of Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

Macromia kannharaiensis, a new species of dragonfly (Insecta: Odonata: Macromiidae) from Maharashtra, India

We describe a new species of dragonfly Macromia kannharaiensis sp. nov., based on a male and a female specimens collected from Dodamarg taluka, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. The new species belongs to the calliope–group (species group initially discussed by Laidlaw 1922), and it can be distinguished by its congeners on the bases of specific colour pattern on postclypeus, markings on S2 and S8, shape and structure of caudal appendages and accessory genitalia.

Hypoxys (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Edessinae): new species and updated identification keys for the species

ABSTRACT The genus Hypoxys Amyot & Serville, 1843 was recently revalidated and reviewed. Hypoxys is the second most numerous genus in Edessinae, with around 50 species described so far. Here, 12 new species of Hypoxys, distributed in three species groups, are described: H. quadridens group (H. afasciatus sp. nov. H. ambiguus sp. nov. H. variegatus sp. nov.), H. oxyacanthus group (H. bimaculatus sp. nov. H. stenospilus sp. nov.) and H. balteatus group (H. caienensis sp. nov. H. colombianus sp. nov. H. montanus sp. nov. H. oblongus sp. nov. H. splendidus sp. nov. H. tapirapensis sp. nov. H. tucumensis sp. nov.). Diagnoses for the species, distributional maps, and updated identification keys for the species groups of Hypoxys are provided. The female paratypes of H. breddini Mendonça, Nunes & Fernandes, 2021 are transferred to H. venustus Mendonça, Nunes & Fernandes, 2021. The geographical distribution of H. venustus is expanded. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B1036FED-8D5B-4169-ACC3-52FCC2206D78

226 Oral and rumen microbiome characterization to predict host phenotypes

Abstract Studies have utilized rumen microbiome composition and function to predict animal phenotypes. Yet, sample collection for rumen microbial community analysis can be difficult and invasive and hinders the possibility of sampling large animal populations. In this study, we investigated the development of the bovine rumen microbiome over time, to identify the potential of the oral microbiome as a proxy for the rumen microbiome, and to test the applicability of using the oral microbiome for predicting phenotypes in beef cattle. We employed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the rumen and oral bacterial community structure over time and collected both birth and weaning weights in a population of 220 animals. Our findings show that both the oral and rumen microbiomes are established early, and a significant portion of the taxa persists even after weaning. We identified a group of core successional species shared between the oral and rumen bacterial communities, which are established early and persist over time. The oral bacterial community was dominated by phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria, while the rumen bacterial community was dominated by phyla Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Fibrobacteria, and Spirochaetota. Furthermore, we observed that 38% of Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were shared between the oral and rumen microbiomes at 50 to 120 d of age. At 170 to 240 d of age, 37% of ASVs were shared, and at 295 to 365 d, 33% of ASVs were shared. Finally, at 400 to 468 d, 21% of ASVs were shared. Based on weighted Unifrac analysis, notable differences and distinct clustering was observed between oral and rumen microbiome communities at different sampling ages (P = 0.001; R2 = 0.50969, 50 to 120; P = 0.001; R2 = 0.66247, 170 to 240; P = 0.001; R2 = 0.62036, 295 to 365; and P = 0.001, R2 = 0.66559, 400 to 468). Microbiability estimates varied across different stages and microbial environments. For the oral bacterial community at 50 to 120, the estimates were 0.029%, 0.032%, 0.029%, and 0.028% for birth weight, weaning weight, intramuscular fat (IMF), and ribeye area (REA), respectively. In contrast, the rumen microbiome exhibited microbiability values of 0.034%, 0.058, 0.059, and 0.069% for birth weight, weaning weight, IMF, and REA respectively during the same period. As the animal aged the microbiability increased. At 170 to 240, oral microbiomes showed microbiability estimates of 0.051%, 0.060%, 0.069%, and 0.21% for birth weight, weaning weight, IMF, and REA respectively. In comparison, the rumen microbiome displayed greater microbiability estimates of 0.12%, 0.124%, 0.20%, and 0.26% for birth weight, weaning weight, IMF, and REA respectively. In conclusion, the oral microbiome is not a good proxy for the rumen microbiome composition; however, there is potential to use the oral microbiome for phenotype prediction.

Redescription of Rhyacophila clemens Tsuda 1940 (Trichoptera, Rhyacophilidae), with descriptions of five new, allied species from Japan

Japanese species of the Rhyacophila clemens Species Group Ross 1956 are revised, and six species including five new allied species are recognized: R. clemens Tsuda 1940, R. vesperalis sp. nov., R. inazui sp. nov., R. angulicauda sp. nov., R. parvicauda sp. nov., and R. furcicauda sp. nov. Adult males and females of all species are described or redescribed, and the male genitalia of a Korean species, R. kumgangsanica Kumanski 1990, also belonging to this species group, are illustrated for comparison. The lectotype of R. clemens is designated for nomenclatural stability. The main diagnostic characters for the R. clemens Species Group are provided as follows: (1) Segment X bears an apical hinged process posteroventrally; (2) two pairs of anal sclerites have a common internal root; (3) a pair of large apical bands surrounds the anus and the root of the anal sclerites; (4) the aedeagus bears a large sclerotized ventral plate.