Synapomorphic Characters Research Articles

Description of the larva of Vestalis gracilis (Rambur, 1842) (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae) from Thailand

Vestalis gracilis (Rambur, 1842) is a forest stream damselfly belonging to the family Calopterygidae. Its last-stadium larvae and exuviae are described and illustrated based on laboratory-raised specimens from Thailand, and observations of agonistic behavior are provided. The taxonomical characters of V. gracilis larvae are similar to those of V. amoena. They exhibit synapomorphic characters such as posterlaterally directed protuberances on the postocular lobes, posterior margin of median lamella obliquely truncate, and two setae on labial palps. Vestalis gracilis and V. luctuosa bear eight antennal segments whereas seven antennal segments are found in V. amoena. The most significant difference between V. gracilis and V. luctuosa is that V. luctuosa has posterolaterally directed protuberances on the postocular lobes and an obliquely truncate posterior margin of the median lamella.

Phylogeny of the asexual lineage Murrayidae (Macrobiotoidea, Eutardigrada) with the description of

The peculiar family Murrayidae, comprising the genera Murrayon, Dactylobiotus and Macroversum, contains relatively rare species living in hydrophilic and freshwater habitats on all continents, and contains two of the six exclusively freshwater tardigrade genera. This family probably represents an example of the evolution and persistence of an asexual lineage that differentiated into several taxa without sexual reproduction. Analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial genes (18S, 28S, ITS2 and cox1), and the increase of five taxa to the phylogenetic analyses of Murrayidae led us to infer that Murrayon is polyphyletic, being composed of two ‘species groups’ that also find morphological supports: the ‘dianeae group’ characterised by peculiar egg processes (rod-shaped and covered with a cuticular layer), animals with large, evident epicuticular pillars and small claws; and the ‘pullari group’ characterised by conical egg processes, animals with very small epicuticular pillars, and proportionally larger and longer claws. This latter group is a sister group to Dactylobiotus. Murrayon hastatus is the only species within the genus that has an uncertain position with eggs of the ‘dianeae group’ and animals of the ‘pullari group’. We propose the erection of Paramurrayon gen. nov. (for the ‘dianeae group’ of species), the emendation of Murrayon, and new taxonomic keys for both genera. Possible scenarios of the evolution of taxa within Murrayidae are hypothesised based on synapomorphic characters. Paramurrayon meieri sp. nov. from Norway is described with an integrative approach. Photographs of type material of Murrayon stellatus, Murrayon nocentiniae, Murrayon ovoglabellus and Macroversum mirum are shown for the first time, together with descriptions of new characters. Murrayon hibernicus is considered as nomen dubium and Murrayon hyperoncus is transferred to Macrobiotus pending further analyses. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:4689BE4C-0757-40B3-8AA0-5AF28904E83F

New Taxa of Marine Ostracods (Anticytherideinae, n. subfam.) from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian and Maastrichtian) of Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, U. S. Gulf Coastal Plain

This contribution describes new species, genera and a subfamily (Anticytherideinae) of ostracods from the Upper Cretaceous (mid-late Campanian-Maastrichtian) marine deposits of the eastern flank of the Mississippi Embayment. New taxa assigned to the subfamily include Anticythereis dorsennus and A. slipperi; the new genus Asculdoracythereis, which includes the new species As. asculdora, As. invicta, and As. pseudoalabamensis; the new genus Frodocythereis, which includes the new species F. frodoi; the new genus Laevipellacythereis, which includes the new species L. colossus and L. laevipellis; and the new genus Tumulocythereis, which includes the new species T. incompta, T. tiberti, and T. tumulus. Previously described species assigned to the genus Anticythereis are re-evaluated, some of which are assigned to one of the new genera. Synapomorphic characters of the new subfamily include a combination of pronounced external post-ocular sulcus with corresponding pair of internal, rimmed inverted platforms and a distinctive "yin-yang" adductor muscle scar pattern. The taxa display remarkably rapid evolution. The earliest species (Anticythereis sp. 1) occurs in the planktonic foraminiferal Radotruncana calcarata Taxon Range Zone of mid- to late Campanian age and by the end of the Maastrichtian there are more than 20 species. Most species have very localized occurrences, including several that occur only at a single outcrop. Although species are found on the eastern flank of the Mississippi Embayment and the Atlantic Coastal Plain, none have been observed on the western flank of the Mississippi Embayment. Species have been assigned to the genus Anticythereis from other continents (South America, Europe and Africa), but those taxa lack distinctive features of the Anticytherideinae, which is endemic to North America. The group became extinct at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.

Identification of Morphological Characters and Time of Mitotic Musa Paradisiaca cv. Haji

Musa paradisiaca cv Haji is a local banana of Lombok that has a longer shelf life. The determination of the haji banana genome still uses a scoring method based on morphological character. Clarification of ploidy levels and genome types can be done using chromosome analysis. The initial information needed to perform the karyotype analysis is identifying the cleavage time of M. paradisiaca cv Haji. Banana Haji on the island of Lombok has a different local name, so morphological identification of the haji banana accession is required. Morphological observations were conducted on three accessions of Haji bananas from different cultivation sites. Identification of the time of mitosis cleavage is made by the Squash method. The results showed a uniform synapomorphic character in the haji banana accession. The characters include the aspects of pseudostem (normal), shiny pseudostem, imbricate young bractea (young bractea slightly stacked), red inner bractea, straight ovary, and no pigmentation on the stylus. The autapomorphic character of Haji banana accession in this study included inside the pseudostem of the red-green, the position of horizontal fruit bunches, a fair amount of wax on the surface of the lower leaf, and the petiole of the lower leaf in pink. There are morphological character differences in Haji cultivar accession on pseudostem color and tepal color pigmentation. The time of mitosis division in Haji bananas, especially the prophase stage - metaphase from 06.38 - 07.38 Wita. The results obtained in this study can be used as a foundation to conduct karyotype analysis of Musa paradisisaca cv Haji.ÂÂ

Molecular evidence for the cladistic classification of euptyctimous moss mites (Acari, Oribatida, Euptyctima)

The cladistic classification of Phthiracaroidea (Niedbała 1986) and Euphthiracaroidea (Mahunka 1990) (Acari, Oribatida), based on morphological symplesio- and synapomorphic characters has been subjected to verification by molecular analysis of mitochondrial COI and nuclear ITS2, 18S and 28S DNA regions. Twenty-one selected species from representative genera of both superfamilies were analyzed. The phylogenetic trees generated by maximum likelihood method confirm the classification of ptyctimous mites resulting from the analysis of morphological characters. Mesoplophoridae, representing the supercohorts Enarthronota, were placed separately to the clade Mixonomata containing Phthiracaroidea and Euphthiracaroidea that are in a sister relationship. The percentage of genetic divergence between the main clades is high in three markers (COI, ITS2 and 28S), it ranges from 36.8% to 38.7% in the barcode marker COI from 26.0% to 35.4% in ITS2 and from 16.2% to 30.0% in 28S, while in 18S it is very low (1.1% - 3.3%). In the Phthiracaroidea, two sister clades Steganacaridae and Phthiracaridae are distinguished. Steganacaridae include three clades Atropacarus, Hoplophthiracarus and Steganacarus with Steganacarus and Tropacarus as the sister clades. Closely related S. (T.) carinatus and S. (T.) pulcherrimus are separate species. Within the Euphthiracaroidea, the four clades: Mesotritia, Microtritia, Acrotritia and Euphthiracarus are resolved. Mesotritia is the most distant, and Microtritia and Acrotritia show the closest relationship.

A new species of Cambeva (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from the Rio Iguaçu basin, Paraná State, Brazil and redescription of Cambeva stawiarski (Miranda Ribeiro 1968).

This work aimed to describe Cambeva cauim, sp. nov., endemic to the Rio Iguaçu basin, Brazil and redescribe Cambeva stawiarski using external and internal morphological data through the revision of specimens deposited in fish collections, including the type material. In this process, we have also added comments on the possible type locality of C. stawiarski. C. cauim, sp. nov. and C. stawiarski are mainly diagnosed by the anatomy and number of procurrent caudal-fin rays in addition to colouration and several meristic and morphometric characters. Both species are compared with other possibly related species and their synapomorphic characters are discussed. C. cauim, sp. nov. and C. stawiarski along with eight other congeners are endemic to the Rio Iguaçu basin, a high impacted freshwater region which could be considered as a biodiversity hotspot to the genus.

New Fossil Tingidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from the Mid-Cretaceous of Myanmar, with Remarks on the Phylogenetic Relationships within the Family.

Simple SummaryThe members of the Tingidae family are generally known as “lace bugs” because of the lacelike network of areoles adorning the pronotum and hemelytra. The family is distributed worldwide and the earliest fossils of lace bugs are from the Early Cretaceous period. A total of 16 species in eight tingids genera have been described from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese (Kachin) amber of northern Myanmar. But the placement of six Cretaceous genera is still uncertain. In this paper, we describe a new genus and species Latidorsum carinbifarium Wang, Tang & Yao gen. et sp. nov., and present remarks on the phylogenetic relationships of Tingidae based on morphological features from extinct and extant genera clarifying the phylogenetic status of six species.A new genus and species, Latidorsum carinbifarium Wang, Tang & Yao gen. et sp. nov., is assigned to Phatnomatini (Tinginae), which is described from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. A parsimonious analysis based on 50 morphological characters with 26 terminals clarifies the phylogenetic status of the new fossils and examined relationships among the presently analysed genera of the family Tingidae. The resulting cladogram supporting Tingidae are reconfirmed as monophyletic and divided into four main clades, with relationships as follows: (Vianaidinae + ((Burmacader multivenosus + Burmavianaida anomalocapitata) + (Sinaldocader rasnitsyni + (Gyaclavator kohlsi + Tinginae + Cantacaderinae)))). Anterior length of bucculae distinctly projecting in front of head, sometimes in contact is not a synapomorphic character for Cantacaderinae, which evolves in parallel in Tinginae and Cantacaderinae.

Morphophylogenetic assessment of a new moss species Bryum bharatiense sp. nov. (Bryaceae) from Larsemann Hills, Eastern Antarctica

Bryum is recognized as a cosmopolitan genus of mosses in the family Bryaceae that contains the largest diversity of mosses. Although there are around 100 species of moss species reported from Antarctica to date, the actual species diversity remains elusive, as the continent remains one of the least explored habitats globally. Here, we describe a new species of Bryum from the Larsemann Hills, Eastern Antarctica, with several synapomorphic characters, including unbranched plant body, ovate-lanceolate leaves, reflexed leaf margins with slightly serrulate apex, and percurrent coasta. In nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 phylogram, our isolate did not cluster with any known species of this genus. The closest BLASTn hit was found to be Bryum pseudotriquetrum , but our isolate had several distinct synapomorphic traits. Based on morphological and molecular data, a new moss species, Bryum bharatiense sp. nov. is formally proposed herein. Besides, two new taxonomic records are also presented in this study, viz. Bryoerythrophyllum recurvirostrum from Larsemann Hills and Coscinodon lawianus from Schirmacher Oasis.

A near comprehensive phylogenetic framework gives new insights toward a natural classification of the African genus Cyrtorchis (Angraecinae, Orchidaceae)

AbstractThe genus Cyrtorchis is renowned for its conspicuous white, long‐spurred flowers, but also for its challenging problems of species delimitation due to the great morphological resemblance of their flowers. Based on a preliminary visual inspection of 1752 specimens, 27 morphogroups were defined including 6 unpublished taxa. Then, we used a representative sampling of 171 dried and alcohol‐preserved specimens representing 20 morphogroups to perform linear morphometrics through multivariate analyses on 43 morphological characters in order to confirm morphogroups delineation and identify their discriminant characters. Moreover, the monophyly of the two sections and of 21 morphological entities was tested through molecular analyses in order to produce a natural classification of the genus. DNA sequences from 69 Cyrtorchis specimens belonging to 15 published taxa (seven from C. sect. Homocolleticon, eight from C. sect. Cyrtorchis), six putative new Cyrtorchis taxa, as well as four taxa used as outgroups, were produced using one nuclear (nrITS‐1) and five plastid regions (matK, rps16, trnC‐petN intergenic spacer, trnL‐trnF intergenic spacer, ycf1), and were analyzed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches. We used this phylogenetic framework to infer the morphological character‐state evolution of six floral traits and assess their taxonomic value. Morphological analysis revealed two groups corresponding to the published sections. However, while molecular results recovered the monophyly of C. sect. Cyrtorchis, C. sect. Homocolleticon appears paraphyletic. Of the 21 morphologically defined taxa that were included in the molecular analyses, eight, namely C. aschersonii, C. henriquesiana, C. monteiroae, C. praetermissa, C. ringens, and three new taxa were proven monophyletic. The delimitation of the 19 remaining morphologically identified taxa was assessed using morphological approach only. The ancestral state reconstruction provided new insights into character‐state evolution in the genus by inferring the insertion point of the stipites at the rear third of the length of the viscidium as one of the main synapomorphic characters supporting the monophyly of the genus. Furthermore, viscidium structure, stipites shape, and the lateral lobes of the rostellum were found to be important to infer phylogenetic relationships within the genus.

Osteological Atlas of Melanophryniscus (Anura, Bufonidae): A Synthesis after 150 Years of Skeletal Studies in the Genus

Toads of the genus Melanophryniscus are known since the mid-late 19th Century, and the first skeletal description was made early in 1875. However, it was not until the 1970s that osteological variation was discussed in a more inclusive taxonomic scenario. Derived from this, the first morphological synapomorphies proposed for the genus represented skeletal traits extracted from the few species considered in those studies. In this work, we examined the skeletons of 25 of the 29 currently recognized species of Melanophryniscus, plus three species under description, to examine their osteological variation and discuss the validity of those synapomorphic characters proposed, not only by analyzing their distribution within the genus but also by comparing them with the skeletal data available in the bibliography for other early branching bufonids. Our results show that main variations within the genus are related to changes in absolute body size and some proportions of postcranial elements. Except for M. setiba, an early diverging species that exhibits a number of autapomorphies, most skeletal traits are quite conserved throughout the genus. Members of the Melanophryniscus tumifrons group are distinctive by their nasal region, which tends to be taller than in other species, dome-shaped, and strongly exostosed. Most features considered diagnostic of the genus occur in other early branching bufonids, and are highly polymorphic, and this challenges earlier discussions on putative synapomorphies. For instance, exostosed frontoparietals only occur in M. setiba and M. klappenbachi, and the condition was also recorded for Osornophryne. The frontoparietal fontanelle, if present, may show different shapes and sizes (often similar to those in Osornophryne and some species of Atelopus). The zygomatic ramus of the squamosal may be absent or present as a small process, as described for some species of Atelopus, Osornophryne, and Truebella. Finally, posterolateral processes of the hyoid were observed in some early diverging species and hence we propose an alternative interpretation on its presence and distribution in the genus.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analyses of Lophodermella needle pathogens (Rhytismataceae) on Pinus species in the USA and Europe.

Increasing prevalence of conifer needle pathogens globally have prompted further studies on pathogen identification and a better understanding of phylogenetic relationships among needle pathogens. Several Lophodermella species can be aggressive pathogens causing needle cast in natural pine forests in the USA and Europe. However, their relationships with other Rhytismataceae species have historically been based on similarities of only limited phenotypic characters. Currently, no molecular studies have been completed to elucidate their relationships with other Lophodermella needle pathogens. This study collected and sequenced three gene loci, namely: internal transcribed spacer, large ribosomal subunit, and translation elongation factor 1-alpha, from five Lophodermella needle pathogens from North America (L. arcuata, L. concolor, L. montivaga) and Europe (L. conjuncta and L. sulcigena) to distinguish phylogeny within Rhytismatacaeae, including Lophophacidium dooksii. Phylogenetic analyses of the three loci revealed that all but L. conjuncta that were sampled in this study consistently clustered in a well-supported clade within Rhytismataceae. The multi-gene phylogeny also confirmed consistent nesting of L. dooksii, a needle pathogen of Pinus strobus, within the clade. Potential synapomorphic characters such as ascomata position and ascospore shape for the distinct clade were also explored. Further, a rhytismataceous species on P. flexilis that was morphologically identified as L. arcuata was found to be unique based on the sequences at the three loci. This study suggests a potential wider range of host species within the genus and the need for genetic characterization of other Lophodermella and Lophophacidium species to provide a higher phylogenetic resolution.

An early bothremydid from the Arlington Archosaur Site of Texas

Four turtle taxa are previously documented from the Cenomanian Arlington Archosaur Site (AAS) of the Lewisville Formation (Woodbine Group) in Texas. Herein, we describe a new side-necked turtle (Pleurodira), Pleurochayah appalachius gen. et sp. nov., which is a basal member of the Bothremydidae. Pleurochayah appalachius gen. et sp. nov. shares synapomorphic characters with other bothremydids, including shared traits with Kurmademydini and Cearachelyini, but has a unique combination of skull and shell traits. The new taxon is significant because it is the oldest crown pleurodiran turtle from North America and Laurasia, predating bothremynines Algorachelus peregrinus and Paiutemys tibert from Europe and North America respectively. This discovery also documents the oldest evidence of dispersal of crown Pleurodira from Gondwana to Laurasia. Pleurochayah appalachius gen. et sp. nov. is compared to previously described fossil pleurodires, placed in a modified phylogenetic analysis of pelomedusoid turtles, and discussed in the context of pleurodiran distribution in the mid-Cretaceous. Its unique combination of characters demonstrates marine adaptation and dispersal capability among basal bothremydids.

New psocids (Psocodea: Prionoglarididae, Psyllipsocidae) from Cretaceous Burmese amber deposits

Palaeosiamoglaris hkamtiensis sp. nov. of the family Prionoglarididae is described from Hkamti amber (ca. 110 Ma), together with Psyllipsocus myanmarensis sp. nov., the third fossil psyllipsocid species described from Noije Bum Hill (ca. 98 Ma). Based on the current observations of Palaeosiamoglaris hkamtiensis sp. nov., we discuss the synapomorphic characters proposed to define the tribe Siamoglaridini. Palaeosiamoglaris hkamtiensis sp. nov. is, inter alia, characterized by the maxillary palpomere 3 ca. 0.66 times as long as maxillary palpomere 4, the second anal vein concavity turned toward posterior wing margin in forewing, Sc reaching R1 nearly at middle of radial cell. The new species Psyllipsocus myanmarensis sp. nov. is, inter alia, characterized by antennae with 11 segments, the radial cell closed and six-angled, and the quadrangular pterostigma.

Pollen morphology of Senegalia Raf. species and related genera (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae: mimosoid clade)

Studies have shown that Acacia Mill. sensu lato consists of seven genera (Acacia sensu stricto, Acaciella Britton & Rose, Mariosousa Seigler & Ebinger, Senegalia Raf., and Vachellia Wight & Arnott) but does not constitute a monophyletic group. The Senegalia sensu lato clade, which corresponds to the genera Acaciella, Mariosousa, and Senegalia sensu stricto, likewise does not constitute a monophyletic group. The pollen morphology of a total of 22 species of Senegalia that occur in Brazil, and that of representatives of the genera Acaciella, Parasenegalia, Mariosousa, and Vachellia, is analyzed here. Pollen material was obtained from exsiccata deposited at some herbaria of Brazil. The pollen was acetolyzed and analyzed using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The dispersal units (polyads) were generally medium to large sized. All of the Senegalia species studied had apolar pollen grains organized in polyads comprising 16 pollen grains. The number of pollen grains in polyads is a synapomorphic character for recognizing those genera. Acaciella polyads have eight pollen grains; Parasenegalia and Mariosousa polyads have 16 pollen grains, and Vachellia polyads have more than 32 pollen grains that are irregularly arranged. The sexine and nexine had identical thickness in most of the species analyzed. Exine ornamentation varied from rugulate to rugulate-perforated to psilate-perforated.

Portentosoceros, the new genus for the Neogene fish Pentaceros sakhaliniсus Gretchina (Perciformes, Percoidei) from the western Pacific and its taxonomic position

ABSTRACT The Miocene fossil fish †Pentaceros sakhaliniсus Gretchina, 1975, (Perciformes, Pentacerotidae) is redescribed based on the holotype and numerous additional materials collected on Sakhalin Island (western Pacific, Russian Far East) at the end of the 20th century. The general appearance and body proportions, as well as the presence of multiple (more than three) anal-fin spines, make the Miocene taxon similar to members of the family Pentacerotidae, whereas generalized morphological characters such as the presence of three supraneurals and the absence of rugosity of the superficial head bones differentiate this species greatly from any known pentacerotid genus. Thus, the new genus †Portentosoceros is erected for this fish, which was considered the only known fossil member of the family. Due to the fact that this fish lacks the main synapomorphic characters of the Pentacerotidae, †Portentosoceros gen. nov. is left incertae sedis within the Percoidei, though probably related to Recent armorheads. The observed variability in the number of anal-fin spines (from four to six) in †Portentosoceros sakhalinicus is extremely unusual.

Comparative chromosome painting in Chacoan peccary, Catagonus wagneri.

Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri, 2n=20) is the most endangered of three extant species of Tayassuidae. Its karyotype has been studied only by differential chromosome staining methods so far. To establish a comparative cytogenetic map of the peccary, we used cross-species hybridization with porcine (Sus scrofa, 2n=38) painting probes. Painting revealed 30 evolutionary conserved autosomal segments between pig and peccary. The q-arm of the submetacentric chromosome X is homologous to the porcine X chromosome, while the p-arm is composed of heterochromatin. Nucleolar organizer regions were detected on chromosomes 8 and 9 which are homologous to pig chromosomes 8 and 4/18, respectively. Fusions of chromosomes homologous to pig chromosomes 4/7 and 4/18 and fission of chromosome 7 are synapomorphic characters shared by Catagonus wagneri and Tayassu pecari but not by Pecari tajacu. Our results confirmed a high rate of karyotype evolution in Tayassuidae and a closer relationship of Catagonus wagneri with Tayassu pecari than with Pecari tajacu.

Spore characterisation and its taxonomic significance in ferns from Lagos State, Nigeria

The gradual disappearance of ferns due to biodiversity loss occasioned by anthropogenic activities and global climate change necessitated the need to document and study palynologically pteridophytes in Lagos State. Their peculiar habitat is fast declining in many urban centres of the world, including Nigeria. Previous studies in Nigeria mainly addressed their distribution, with limited reports on their morphology and systematic significance. Hence, we conducted a field survey and characterised the spore morphology of the encountered ferns in Lagos State, Nigeria, using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We recorded nine species belonging to nine genera and five families. The studied species varied in spore size, shape, and ornamentation. Spores’ sizes ranged between 30 μm × 32 μm in Nephrolepis biserrata and 122 μm × 127 μm in Ceratopteris cornuta. Symmetrically, they were bilateral or radial, and ranged in size between very large, large, and medium. Despite marginal differences in polar to equatorial diameter ratios (P/E ratios), the oblate-spheroidal shape class was found to be a synapomorphic character. We observed relationships between the spore shape and the corresponding aperture type. SEM revealed different spore ornamentation types – tuberculate, canaliculate, rugate/rugulate, reticulate, verrucate, tuberculate, and echinate. Our findings propose the potential use of spore P/E ratio and SEM as taxonomic diagnostic tools in Pteridophyte systematics. However, further studies with more representative species are needed to evaluate the factors influencing spore morphology and its taxonomic significance. Overall, this study provides insights into the systematics of ferns in Lagos State and would aid fern identification in palynology and palaeopalynology.

Secretory structures of the Adesmia clade (Leguminosae): Implications for evolutionary adaptation in dry environments

The Dalbergioid Adesmia clade comprises Adesmia DC., Amicia Kunth, Nissolia Jacq., Poiretia Vent., and Zornia J.F. Gmel., all predominantly South American genera except for Zornia which has a pantropical distribution. These taxa share a shrubby or herbaceous habit with glands present on some part of the plant (e.g., stems, leaflets). However, the evolutionary relationships of the full range of secretory structures observed in previous studies are not fully understood. Thus, the goal of this study is to characterize and compare the occurrence and morphology of these glands in leaflets of species of the Adesmia clade. In addition, secretory structures were showed in a phylogenetic context in members of the Adesmia clade. The mature subterminal leaflets of 81 taxa, 79 from the Adesmia clade and two species of the Pterocarpus clade, were sampled from herbaria and living specimens. All genera of the Adesmia clade shared the presence of secretory, mucilaginous idioblasts in the epidermis of their leaflets. Genera of the clade inhabit dry environments, including open areas and highland grasslands (e.g., Savanna, Patagonian steppe, and the Andes). The presence of mucilage in the epidermis of these genera might be an adaptation to reduce water loss through transpiration, providing a hydrophilic interface between the leaflet surface and the environment, protecting plants from intensive radiation. Phenolic idioblasts were found in the mesophyll of Amicia and Zornia. Secretory cavities were observed in Amicia, Poiretia and Zornia. The occurrence of secretory cavities only in these three phylogenetically closely related genera is considered a synapomorphic character as shown by our character reconstruction analysis. The presence of secretory idioblasts is a unifying characteristic of all genera of the Adesmia clade.

A contribution towards the systematics of Magneuptychia Forster, 1964: Caeruleuptychia francisca (Butler, 1870), n. comb. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

We here transfer an euptychiine taxon hitherto placed in the polyphyletic genus Magneuptychia Forster, 1964, to Caeruleuptychia Forster, 1964. Caeruleuptychia francisca (Butler, 1870), n. comb. is reclassified based on a morphology-based maximum likelihood analysis, which is consistent with ongoing analyses of molecular data. Two putative synapomorphic characters are identified for the “Caeruleuptychia umbrosa clade”, one of which appears to be an unusual characteristic of euptychiine butterflies and is tested by optimizing onto the maximum likelihood tree. We also discuss the systematic placement of three additional enigmatic Caeruleuptychia species. A lectotype is designated for Euptychia francisca, and the genitalia of this species are illustrated here for the first time.

A strikingly coloured new giant millipede from Vietnam has copycat in Borneo (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Harpagophoridae)

A new giant species of the subfamily Rhynchoproctinae with strikingly bi-coloured, red-yellow legs contrasting with a black body is described: Alienostreptus bicoloripes sp. nov. from Vietnam. The new species is assigned to the genus Alienostreptus Pimvichai, Enghoff & Panha, 2010 hitherto comprising one species, A. alienus (Attems, 1936), and differing from other rhynchoproctine genera by having the femoral spine duplicated. Species of this genus share three synapomorphic characters of the subfamily, viz (1) anterior coxal fold forms deep concavity in posterior view, (2) posterior coxal fold very low, and (3) posterior coxal fold with mesal flap. A superficially very similar colourful species from Borneo, also with bi-coloured legs but clearly not belonging to Alienostreptus due to the position of ventral soft pads on male legs, is documented based on photographs.