Morphological Synapomorphies Research Articles

Piecing together the taxonomic puzzle: Generic delimitation in the Stoebe clade of Cape daisies (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae) and a synopsis of the species

The Stoebe clade is a Cape-centred lineage comprising ca. 70 species, currently in eight genera. Despite recent generic taxonomic changes, many generic characters are ambiguous, and generic circumscription is likely to remain unstable in the absence of a robust species-level phylogeny. Here, we present a hypothesis of species relationships in the clade, based on parsimony and Bayesian analyses of DNA sequence and morphological characters, in order to assess generic monophyly. The trees based on morphology alone and plastid sequences alone are poorly resolved, with few well-supported nodes, while those based on nuclear sequences alone are better resolved. There is no evidence of phylogenetic conflict, and concatenation of all three data sources produces a well-resolved tree with many highly-supported nodes. We show that none of the currently-accepted genera are monophyletic, with the exception of Muscosomorphe, which is supported as monospecific. Amphiglossa species are recovered in two separate clades, requiring the resurrection of the genus Pterothrix to house ten of the twelve species. All the characters used to circumscribe the remaining genera, such as the possession of ray florets, are shown to be homoplasious. As a result, these remaining genera (Dicerothamnus, Disparago, Elytropappus, Myrovernix, Seriphium, and Stoebe) are here synonymised with Stoebe. The main morphological synapomorphy for this enlarged concept of Stoebe is the aggregation of the tiny capitula into conflorescences with varying degrees of complexity and congestion. The proposed taxonomy for the Stoebe clade comprises just four genera: Amphiglossa, Muscosomorphe, Pterothrix, and Stoebe. We present the new combinations, keys and generic descriptions, as well as keys to the species.

The genus Syllis Savigny in Lamarck, 1818 (Annelida: Syllidae: Syllinae) from Australia (Fourth part)

Syllis Savigny in Lamarck, 1818, the type genus of Syllidae, is the largest and most diverse within the family. This genus presents many taxonomic, biogeographic, and phylogenetic problems due mainly to the lack of molecular data and morphological synapomorphies for many of the species, but also due to poor or inadequate descriptions. In order to improve our understanding of the genus, we have undertaken a morphological revision of Australian species, based on type material and material collected over years by the Australian Museum. This is the fourth paper dealing with this genus. Nine species are herein described, of which five are new records for Australia: Syllis ergeni Çinar, 2005; S. patersoni Soto, San Martín & Lucas, 2020; S. valida Grube, 1857; S. violacea Grube, 1870; and S. ypsiloides Aguado, San Martín & ten Hove, 2008. Three species already known from Australia are redescribed: S. heronislandensis (Hartmann-Schröder, 1991) n. comb.; S. parturiens Haswell, 1920; and S. cf. schmardiana Haswell, 1886. Syllis gantheaumensis (Hartmann-Schröder, 1979) n. comb. is raised to species level, since it was originally described as a subspecies of Typosyllis filidentata Hartmann-Schröder, 1962. We include an addendum with a list of species already treated in the previous papers on this genus, as well as some new synonymies after revision of types: Typosyllis (Typosyllis) gerhardi Hartmann-Schröder, 1980 and T. (T.) guildertonensis Hartmann-Schröder, 1979, as synonymous of Syllis busseltonensis (Hartmann-Schröder, 1982); T. (T.) raygeorgei Hartmann-Schröder, 1979 as synonymous of S. hyalina Grube, 1863; T. (T.) rockinghamensis Hartmann-Schröder, 1983 and T. (T.) pseudopapillata Hartmann-Schröder, 1991 as synonymous of S. pharobroomensis (Hartmann-Schröder, 1979). We also include a discussion of the genus and a key to Australian species.

A phylogenomic approach to a taxonomic revision: a combination, new synonymies, and a description of two new species within the camel spider genus Chanbria Muma, 1951 (Solifugae: Eremobatidae)

Abstract This study summarizes the taxonomic treatment of the camel spider genus Chanbria Muma, 1951. Taking an integrative taxonomic approach incorporating phylogenomic, morphological, and geographical information, the genus is herein revised. Of the four species currently placed in the genus, two are retained: Chanbria regalis Muma, 1951 and Chanbria serpentinus Muma, 1951. Eremochelis plicatus (Muma, 1962) is transferred to this genus because it is consistently recovered in a clade with Chanbria based on several phylogenetic analyses using hundreds of loci recovered from ultraconserved element data. In this study, we re-analyse previously acquired genomic data to assess former species hypotheses and identify new morphological synapomorphies that support the monophyly of Chanbria. The genetic data support the synonymization of Chanbria rectus Muma, 1962 syn. nov. with C. regalis. Furthermore, we synonymize Chanbria tehachapianus Muma, 1962 syn. nov. with C. regalis because C. tehachapianus was erected based on limited morphological information and lack of geographical separation between other populations of C. regalis. Two new species, Chanbria brookharti sp. nov. and Chanbria mapemes sp. nov., are described. This brings the total number of species of Chanbria described to five recognized species: C. regalis, C. serpentinus, C. plicatus com. nov., C. brookharti sp. nov., and C. mapemes sp. nov.

Redefining Ormyridae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) with establishment of subfamilies and description of new genera

AbstractThe circumscription of the family Ormyridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is revised after phylogenetic analysis based on ultra‐conserved elements (UCEs) and comparative morphological assessment of the chalcid ‘Gall Clade’. Six genera are treated in the family, including two new genera, Halleriaphagus van Noort and Burks, gen. nov., and Ouma Mitroiu, gen. nov. One genus, Eubeckerella Narendran, is re‐assigned to the family, and Ormyrulus Bouček is synonymised with Ormyrus Westwood, syn. nov., resulting in the new combination Ormyrus gibbus (Bouček), comb. nov. The six genera are classified in three subfamilies, two of which are newly described, Asparagobiinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov., and Hemadinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov. Halleriaphagus is established for the newly described type species Halleriaphagus phagolucida van Noort and Burks, sp. nov., and Ouma is erected for O. daleskeyae Mitroiu, sp. nov., and O. emazantsi Mitroiu, sp. nov. Asparagobius is revised with description of Asparagobius bouceki van Noort, sp. nov., and Asparagobius copelandi Rasplus and van Noort, sp. nov. Asparagobius and Halleriaphagus are classified in Asparagobiinae, Hemadas in Hemadinae and Eubeckerella, Ormyrus and Ouma in Ormyrinae. The molecular support defining the ormyrid clade is corroborated by the proposed morphological synapomorphy of a foliaceous prepectus overlying the tegula base. Identification keys to the genera of Ormyridae and to the species of Asparagobius and Ouma are provided. Online Lucid identification keys and images of all the species treated herein are available at: http://www.waspweb.org.Zoobank Registration: LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8811695B-EE57-4C18-A6B6-E63D267E2373.

An updated infrageneric classification based on phylogenomics and character evolution in Hydrangea (Hydrangeaceae)

AbstractThe genus Hydrangea s.l. (Hydrangeaceae), a favorite among gardeners, comprises more than 80 species that are important understory plants in natural temperate and subtropical forests of the Northern Hemisphere. These species are hypervariable in morphology, especially in indumentum and floral characters, warranting a thorough exploration of the complex evolutionary history of morphological characters of the genus. Ideally, this is done within a robust phylogenetic framework with extensive taxon sampling. In this study, we propose a comprehensive taxonomic reassessment of Hydrangea based on a reconstruction of its molecular phylogeny based mainly on the chloroplast genome (plastome) and the most representative taxon sampling reported to date. Phylogenomic reconstruction yielded five well‐resolved major clades and three newly recognized subclades. Inspection of the 28 characters employed in traditional taxonomic revisions revealed homoplasy in many of these traits. Our results show that characters such as growth habit, woody stem type, number of enlarged marginal sepals, style and stamen number, fruit shape, and ovary position are useful for circumscribing infrageneric divisions. Unique synapomorphies are limited. For example, herb and subshrub growth habits are associated with all the species in H. sect. Deinanthe and sect. Cardiandra, respectively. Character state combinations are proposed for distinguishing infrageneric taxa. Based on a robust phylogenetic framework, our findings suggest a complex evolutionary history of Hydrangea morphological characters. Following the criterion of monophyly and considering the morphological consistency and synapomorphy of single and combined characters to diagnose relevant lineages, we update the classification of Hydrangea into 5 subgenera and 19 sections. Our proposed taxonomic scheme, based on a robust phylogenetic framework and in‐depth character study, provides an updated perspective on the infrageneric subdivision of Hydrangea s.l.

First occurrence of the genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813 (Pleurobranchida, Nudipleura, Heterobranchia) in British waters, with the description of a new species

In the north-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, the pleurobranchid genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813 is represented by two species, Pleurobranchaea meckeli (Blainville, 1825) and Pleurobranchaea morosa (Bergh, 1892). The former is a well-known species distributed from northern Spain to Senegal and the Mediterranean Sea, while the second is a poorly-described species. In this contribution, species delimitation analyses (ABGD and COI/16S p-distances) identified a third undescribed Pleurobranchaea species from samples collected in south-western UK waters and the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Spain). This new species, Pleurobranchaea britannicasp. nov., is also supported by several morphological synapomorphies. The British specimens constitute the first occurrence of the genus Pleurobranchaea in UK waters.

A plurality of morphological characters need not equate with phylogenetic accuracy: A rare genomic change refutes the placement of Solifugae and Pseudoscorpionesin Haplocnemata.

Recent advances in higher-level invertebrate phylogeny have leveraged shared features of genomic architecture to resolve contentious nodes across the tree of life. Yet, the interordinal relationships within Chelicerata have remained recalcitrant given competing topologies in recent molecular analyses. As such, relationships between topologically unstable orders remain supported primarily by morphological cladistic analyses. Solifugae, one such unstable chelicerate order, has long been thought to be the sister group of Pseudoscorpiones, forming the clade Haplocnemata, on the basis of eight putative morphological synapomorphies. The discovery, however, of a shared whole genome duplication placing Pseudoscorpiones in Arachnopulmonata provides the opportunity for a simple litmus test evaluating the validity of Haplocnemata. Here, we present the first developmental transcriptome of a solifuge (Titanopuga salinarum) and survey copy numbers of the homeobox genes for evidence of systemic duplication. We find that over 70% of the identified homeobox genes in T. salinarum are retained in a single copy, while representatives of the arachnopulmonates retain orthologs of those genes as two or more copies. Our results refute the placement of Solifugae in Haplocnemata. Subsequent reevaluation of putative interordinal morphological synapomorphies amongchelicerates reveals a high incidence of homoplasy, reversals, and inaccurate coding within Haplocnemata and other small clades, as well as Arachnida more broadly, suggesting existing morphological character matrices are insufficient to resolve chelicerate phylogeny.

Hiding in plain sight: Phylogenomics reveals a new branch on the Noctuoidea tree of life

AbstractWe analyse anchored hybrid enrichment data from densely sampled tribes and subfamilies of Notodontidae (Prominent Moths). Notodontidae are monophyletic except for an assemblage of genera related to Thacona Walker (=Scrancia Holland), which had been recognized at either the tribal or subfamilial rank within Notodontidae. We elevate and re‐describe Scranciidae stat. nov. as a family distinct from the six currently recognized noctuoid families (Noctuidae, Erebidae, Euteliidae, Nolidae, Notodontidae and Oenosandridae). Scranciidae include 22 genera comprising approximately 100 species—distributed in Africa, Asia and Australia. We re‐interpret morphological synapomorphies previously proposed for Notodontidae (including Scranciidae) and for the trifid Noctuoidea more broadly. Deep‐level relationships within Noctuoidea are not well resolved outside the clade comprising the four quadrifid families (Noctuidae, Erebidae, Euteliidae and Nolidae). The phylogenetic position of Scranciidae relative to Notodontidae, Oenosandridae and the quadrifids varied markedly depending on data type (amino acid vs. nucleotide) and analytical framework (maximum likelihood, multi‐species coalescent and parsimony). We discuss the possible roles of missing data and short branch lengths in resolving the placement of Scranciidae. In the topology best supported by the most available data, Scranciidae are sister to the remaining Noctuoidea, highlighting their phylogenetic significance. We provide a provisional list of the genera included in Scranciidae.

New insights into the phylogeny of Stephanidae (Hymenoptera: Apocrita), with a revision of the fossil species

The family Stephanidae (Hymenoptera) constitutes a unique group within the Apocrita, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of parasitoid wasps. Although the phylogeny of Stephanidae has been previously inferred, it remains at a low resolution when considering both extinct and extant genera, as well as the enigmatic extinct genus †Electrostephanus. Here, we undertake a revision of Stephanidae extinct, presenting descriptions of new specimens from late Cretaceous Burmese amber and early Eocene Baltic amber. Combining all extant and extinct genera, the phylogeny of Stephanidae was analyzed, incorporating 57 species within 21 genera based on 64 morphological characters. We apply both under maximum parsimony with equal weighting and implied weighting methods, with four species representing early Apocrita as outgroups. Divergence times are estimated by utilizing extinct taxa as calibration points. A new basal subfamily of stephanid wasp, †Lagenostephaninaesubf. nov. was established, encompassing †Lagenostephanus and the newly described genera †Tumidistephanusgen. nov and †Neurastephanusgen. nov. The genus †Electrostephanus is redefined, with two species assigned under distinct genera, †Neurastephanusgen. nov. and †Aphanostephanusgen. nov.. We discuss some of the putative morphological synapomorphies of evolutionary significance within the phylogenetic framework. Our results complement several characteristics of great taxonomic importance for Stephanidae and provide new insights into the early evolution of the family.

Seven new species of Tetranemertes Chernyshev, 1992 (Monostilifera, Hoplonemertea, Nemertea) from the Caribbean Sea, western Pacific, and Arabian Sea, and revision of the genus.

The marine ribbon worm genus Tetranemertes Chernyshev, 1992 currently includes three species: the type species T.antonina (Quatrefages, 1846) from the Mediterranean Sea, T.rubrolineata (Kirsteuer, 1965) from Madagascar, and T.hermaphroditica (Gibson, 1982) from Australia. Seven new species are described: T.bifrostsp. nov., T.ocelatasp. nov., T.majinbuuisp. nov., and T.pastafariensissp. nov. from the Caribbean Sea (Panamá), and three species, T.unistriatasp. nov., T.paulayisp. nov., and T.arabicasp. nov., from the Indo-West Pacific (Japan and Oman). As a result, an amended morphological diagnosis of the genus is offered. To improve nomenclatural stability, a neotype of Tetranemertesantonina is designated from the Mediterranean. The newly described species, each characterized by features of external appearance and stylet apparatus, as well as by DNA-barcodes, form a well-supported clade with T.antonina on a molecular phylogeny of monostiliferan hoplonemerteans based on partial sequences of COI, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and 28S rRNA. Six of the seven newly described species, as well as T.rubrolineata, possess the unusual character of having a central stylet basis slightly bilobed to deeply forked posteriorly in fully grown individuals, a possible morphological synapomorphy of the genus. In addition, an undescribed species of Tetranemertes is reported from the Eastern Tropical Pacific (Panamá), increasing the total number of known species in the genus to eleven.

Two new species of the genus Leptomyxa (Goodey, 1915) – Leptomyxa botanica n. sp. and Leptomyxa monrepos n. sp. from the soil habitats of Northwestern Russia

Amoebae of the genus Leptomyxa have variable morphologies and can only be reliably identified using molecular data. However, species distinction based on the 18S rRNA gene sequence is difficult due to the very low level of sequence divergence among morphologically different species. The database for other genes is much smaller, and genomic data on Leptomyxa is almost absent. In this study, we describe two new terrestrial species of the genus Leptomyxa isolated from Northwestern Russia, Leptomyxa botanica n. sp. and Leptomyxa monrepos n. sp. Both species easily adopt an expanded fan-shaped form and have a complex structure of the nucleolar material. Phylogenetic analyses show a derived status of these two species. They form a clade with Leptomyxa valladaresi. Our tree confirms that the 18S rRNA gene sequences of Leptomyxa species are split into two large clades. The morphological synapomorphies of these clades are not obvious. This analysis is complicated by the lack of reliable morphological data on many sequenced strains and probable misidentification of some isolates.

Phylogeny and morphological evolution of the Neotropical genus Cuspidaria (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae): Combining high‐throughput sequencing and targeted loci data

AbstractThe combined use of high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) with targeted loci data offers an excellent opportunity to reconstruct robust and comprehensive phylogenies at fine taxonomic scales using a hybrid approach. In this study, we infer the phylogeny of Cuspidaria (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae), a diverse clade of lianas and shrubs centered in South America's wet and dry forests. We used HTS to obtain complete or nearly complete plastome sequences of seven individuals of Cuspidaria selected to represent the main clades in the genus. This sampling strategy aimed to reconstruct relationships at deeper nodes (i.e., backbone). We also used targeted loci data obtained through Sanger sequencing to obtain sequences of two chloroplast markers (ndhF, rpl32‐trnL) and one nuclear marker (PepC) for multiple individuals of 18 out of the 21 species of Cuspidaria recognized in the most recent treatment of the genus; only C. emmonsii, C. lachnaea, and C. simplicifolia were not sampled. This broad sampling strategy aimed to test the monophyly of individual species and reconstruct fine‐scale interspecific relationships within the genus. Both datasets were analyzed separately and combined using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood approaches. The combined dataset includes 65 individuals representing 18 previously recognized species of Cuspidaria plus outgroup taxa. The analysis of the combined dataset recovered a monophyletic Cuspidaria, excluding C. bracteata, which was nested within the outgroup and is best treated elsewhere. Ancestral character state reconstructions provided novel insights into the evolution of morphology and identified multiple putative morphological synapomorphies for key lineages of Cuspidaria. Namely, anthers curved forward was reconstructed as a potential synapomorphy for the Cuspidaria clade, whereas interpetiolar gland fields in stems and inflorescence, subulate or inconspicuous prophylls of the axillary buds, biternate leaves, actinodromous venation, calyx cupulate or spathaceous, calyx apices dentate or irregularly lobed, fruits with winged valves, and fruit midrib limited by two longitudinal ridges were reconstructed as potential synapomorphies of different clades within the genus. Other traits such as habit, tertiary venation, inflorescence type, corolla color, number of ovule series, and pollen unit were highly labile. As circumscribed here, Cuspidaria is composed of eight main clades supported by molecular data and morphological synapomorphies: Sideropogon, Tetrastichella, Cinerea, Paracarpaea, Cremastus, Blepharitheca, Saldanhaea, and Cuspidaria s.str. clades. All species are monophyletic, except for C. pulchra and C. sceptrum, which form a species complex and are best treated as a single taxon. The necessary taxonomic changes are proposed, leading to the recognition of 19 species in Cuspidaria.

Webs of intrigue: museum genomics elucidate relationships of the marronoid spider clade (Araneae)

Abstract Relationships among spider families that lack support through other lines of evidence (e.g., morphology) have recently been uncovered through molecular phylogenetics. One such group is the “marronoid” clade, which contains about 3,400 described species in 9 families. Marronoids run the gamut of life history strategies, with social species, species producing a variety of silk types, and species occurring in a range of extreme environments. Despite recognition of the ecological variability in the group, there remains uncertainty about family- level relationships, leaving diverse ecologies without an evolutionary context. The phylogenies produced to date have relatively low nodal support, there are few defined morphological synapomorphies, and the internal relationships of many families remain unclear. We use 93 exemplars from all marronoid families and ultraconserved element loci captured in silico from a combination of 48 novel low-coverage whole genomes and genomic data from the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) to produce a 50% occupancy matrix of 1,277 loci from a set of ultraconserved element probes. These loci were used to infer a phylogeny of the marronoid clade and to evaluate the familial relationships within the clade, and were combined with single-locus (Sanger) legacy data to further increase taxonomic sampling. Our results indicate a clearly defined and well-supported marronoid clade and provide evidence for both monophyly and paraphyly within the currently defined families of the clade. We propose taxonomic changes in accordance with the resulting phylogenetic hypothesis, including elevating Cicurinidae (restored status) and Macrobunidae (new rank).

Molecular analysis of Indo-Pacific Syllinae annelids with the description of five new species from the Philippine Islands

Syllinae is the largest and the most diverse subfamily in Syllidae and usually a dominant group in many marine habitats, both in terms of numbers of species and individuals. However, the lack of morphological synapomorphies for many genera and the non-monophyly of most of these suggested by molecular studies, have stressed taxonomic and systematic problems within this subfamily. Although several studies have revised some genera in the Indo-Pacific area, important gaps of knowledge remain for this biogeographic region. Thus, in this study we undertook detailed morphological examination of Syllis and Megasyllis specimens from the Philippine Islands and provide a phylogenetic analysis of Indo-Pacific Syllinae in order to evaluate the position of newly described species. We provide line drawings, light microscopy observations and electron microscopy micrographs for eight species, including five new to science. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of four molecular markers (28S rRNA, 18S rRNA, 16S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) from 85 specimens are presented, showing the non-monophyletic status of Syllis and Megasyllis. Overall, our study increases the biodiversity of syllids in this poorly known Indo-Pacific area, highlighting the importance of examining both morphological and molecular data to expand our knowledge of the subfamily Syllinae and to further resolve the taxonomic issues that remain in this group. The following new taxa are described: Megasyllis kurui sp. nov. Moreno-Martínez, San Martín & Álvarez-Campos, Syllis ireneae sp. nov. Moreno-Martínez, San Martín & Álvarez-Campos, Syllis santii sp. nov. Moreno-Martínez, San Martín & Álvarez-Campos, Syllis tini sp. nov. Moreno-Martínez, Syllis walong sp. nov. Moreno-Martínez, San Martín & Álvarez-Campos. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E35C528D-E02D-4735-B62C-2EF5C64BBCAF

Eriocaulaceae: A new classification system based on morphological evolution and molecular evidence

AbstractPaepalanthus, in its current sense, is the most diverse genus of Eriocaulaceae in the Neotropics, comprising about 400 species. Previous studies have consistently found that the genus is not monophyletic, also being morphologically heterogeneous and diagnosable by a set of homoplasies; thus, the current circumscription needs to be revised. The new classification proposed here uses a comprehensive phylogeny of Paepalanthus and closely related genera as a framework and an evaluation of a set of morphological characters using ancestral state reconstruction, which allowed the recognition of strongly supported clades with morphological diagnosability. We propose the recognition of 12 genera in the clade encompassing Paepalanthus and allied groups, including six new genera (Coracoralina, Floralia, Giuliettia, Gnomus, Hydriade, Nisius), two new statuses (Cryptanthella, Monosperma), the reestablishment of Actinocephalus, Lachnocaulon, and Tonina, and a recircumscription of Paepalanthus. In this new circumscription, Paepalanthus comprises 257 species, most of them restricted to the Brazilian campos rupestres. Among the proposed genera, nine have potential morphological synapomorphies, one has a restricted geographical distribution, and the other two can be recognized by a combination of characters. Newly generated seed morphology data is consistent within the different genera and plays an important role in their recognition. A total of 136 new combinations are hereby proposed. We provide a genus‐level identification key, as well as generic descriptions, diagnostic features, photos illustrating their morphological diversity, maps and notes on distribution, and lists of species by genus.

Diversity and evolution of leaflet anatomical characters in the Pterocarpus clade (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae).

The Pterocarpus clade includes 23 genera previously attributed to different Fabaceae tribes. The recent rearrangements of many genera in the clade do not recognize morphological synapomorphies. This study aimed to identify new synapomorphies for the Pterocarpus clade, to identify characters supporting inter-generic relationships currently resolved only by molecular data and to identify diagnostic characters at the genus and species levels. Subterminal leaflets of the studied genera were selected and analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy. Ancestral reconstruction was performed using morphological and anatomical characters of 16 genera of the Pterocarpus clade. The convex epidermal relief in the region of the main vein indicated the relationship among all genera of the group. Anchor-like multicellular trichomes are features shared by Brya and Cranocarpus, which are the sister group to the other genera of the clade. Subepidermal layers are features shared by the Centrolobium, Etaballia, Paramachaerium, Pterocarpus and Tipuana genera, and the sclerenchyma sheath in the leaflet margin is reported in the Discolobium, Riedeliella and Platymiscium genera. Bulbous based glandular trichomes and vesicular glandular trichomes are diagnostic at the species level in Centrolobium and Pterocarpus, respectively. The leaflet characters investigated can be useful for the taxonomic delimitation at both the genus and species levels of the Pterocarpus clade. Our dataset provides new synapomorphies, elucidates the inter-generic relationships and reinforces the phylogenetic classification of the Pterocarpus clade resolved by molecular data.

Single-specimen systematics resolves the phylogeny and diversity conundrum of enigmatic crustacean y-larvae

Resolving the evolutionary history of organisms is a major goal in biology. Yet for some taxa the diversity, phylogeny, and even adult stages remain unknown. The enigmatic crustacean “y-larvae” (Facetotecta) are one particularly striking example. Here, we use extensive video-imaging and single-specimen molecular sequencing of >200 y-larval specimens to comprehensively explore for the first time their evolutionary history and diversity. This integrative approach revealed five major clades of Facetotecta, four of which encompass a considerable larval diversity. Whereas morphological analyses recognized 35 y-naupliar “morphospecies”, molecular species-delimitation analyses suggested the existence of between 88 and 127 species. The phenotypic and genetic diversity between the morphospecies suggests that a more elaborate classification than the current one-genus approach is needed. Morphology and molecular data were highly congruent at shallower phylogenetic levels, but no morphological synapomorphies could be unambiguously identified for major clades, which mostly comprise both planktotrophic and lecithotrophic y-nauplii. We argue that lecithotrophy arose several times independently whereas planktotrophic y-nauplii, which are structurally more similar across clades, most likely display the ancestral feeding mode of Facetotecta. We document a remarkably complex and highly diverse phylogenetic backbone for a taxon of larval marine crustaceans, the full life cycle of which remains a mystery.

Putative avian teeth from the Late Cretaceous of Alberta, Canada, are more likely from crocodilians.

Isolated teeth, previously referred to Aves, are more common than other bird fossils from the Late Cretaceous of Alberta. However, there are no known morphological synapomorphies that distinguish isolated bird teeth, and features of these teeth are generally shared with those of non-avian theropods and crocodilians. Here, specimens ranging from Late Santonian to Late Maastrichtian in age are described and qualitatively categorized into morphotypes, most of which strongly resemble teeth of extant juvenile and some fossil crocodilians. Variation within this sample of teeth may therefore reflect the heterodont dentition of crocodilians, rather than avian species diversity. Quantitative analysis Principal Component Analysis was mostly uninformative, with limited overlap between putative avian teeth and those of known Cretaceous birds, crocodilians, and non-avian theropods. The reassignment of these putative avian teeth to Crocodylia has important ramifications for our understanding of the evolutionary history of Cretaceous birds.

Sylvainia, a new monospecific genus within the subtribe Cephalanthinae (Rubiaceae, Naucleeae)

Background and aims – The genus Cephalanthus belongs to the tribe Naucleeae together with 26 other genera. Members of Cephalanthus mainly grow in temperate and subtropical wetlands in the Americas and Asia, but there is a single African species that is associated with forest margins and rocky outcrops in moist temperate grasslands. The genus comprises six species and was historically known to have species with a markedly disjunct distribution: three species are from the Americas: C. glabratus, C. occidentalis, and C. salicifolius; two species are from tropical Asia: C. angustifolius and C. tetrandrus, and one species is from tropical Africa: C. natalensis. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have supported the monophyly of the genus, however, most of the morphological synapomorphies are absent in the only African species, which is sister to the remaining species of the genus. This work aims to provide a short taxonomic revision of the genus Cephalanthus, taking into consideration morphological aspects previously underestimated or not considered, and to describe a new monospecific genus based on comparative morphological analysis. Material and methods – Vegetative and reproductive material from all the species of Cephalanthus were analysed following conventional taxonomy techniques. Key results – We transferred C. natalensis to a new genus, Sylvainia. Morphological similarities and differences between Cephalanthus and the new genus are discussed. Cephalanthus glabrifolius, a poorly known species and previously considered a synonym of C. tetrandrus, is resurrected as a valid species, bringing the number of species in Cephalanthus to six again. All species are described, illustrated, and their known distributions plotted on regional maps. Conclusion – The subtribe Cephalanthinae now has two genera, its type Cephalanthus with six species, and a new monospecific genus Sylvainia endemic to south-eastern Africa. Based on the amended description of Cephalanthus, now absent from Africa, the generic concept is substantially modified, being represented now by three American and three Asian species.

The genus Syllis Savigny in Lamarck, 1881 (Annelida: Syllidae: Syllinae) from Australia (Part 3): new species and redescription of previously described species

Syllis Savigny in Lamarck, 1818, the type genus of Syllidae, is the largest and most diverse within the family. This genus presents many taxonomic, biogeographic, and phylogenetic problems due mainly to the lack of molecular data and morphological synapomorphies for many of the species, but also due to poor or inadequate descriptions. In order to improve the knowledge of the genus, we have undertaken a morphological revision of Australian species, based on type material and material collected over years by the Australian Museum. This is the third paper dealing with this family. Eighteen species are herein described, of which five are new and twelve are redescriptions of already known species, with four new combinations: Syllis imajimai, n. sp.; S. narranuk, n. sp.; S. noolinga, n. sp.; S. similisunzima, n. sp.; S. thylacine, n. sp.; S. busseltonensis (Hartmann-Schröder, 1982) n. comb.; S. patriciae (Hartmann-Schröder, 1981) n. comb.; S. pharobroomensis (Hartmann-Schröder, 1979) n. comb., S. pharynxcircunfusata (Hartmann-Schröder, 1979) n. comb, S. armillaris (O. F. Müller, 1771); S. augeneri Haswell, 1920; S. benelihauae (Campoy & Alquézar, 1982); S. hyalina Grube, 1863; S. cf. nigrescens Grube, 1878; S. profunda Cognetti, 1955; S. truncata Haswell, 1920; and S. variegata Grube, 1860.