Taxonomic Characters Research Articles

New Records of Wood- and Bark-Inhabiting Nematodes from Woody Plants with a Description of Bursaphelenchus zvyagintsevi sp. n. (Aphelenchoididae: Parasitaphelenchinae) from Russia.

Wood- and bark-inhabiting parasitic nematodes are of great economic importance. Nematodes can cause wilt diseases in conifers and deciduous trees. In 2014-2022, during nematology surveys conducted in different regions of Russia and Belarus, adults and dauer juveniles of nematodes were collected from wood, bark and beetle vectors. Using traditional morphological taxonomic characters integrated with molecular criteria, we identified in the studied samples the following nematode species: Aphelenchoides heidelbergi, Bursaphelenchus eremus, B. fraudulentus, B. michalskii, B. mucronatus, B. willibaldi, Deladenus posteroporus, Diplogasteroides nix and Laimaphelenchus hyrcanus, several unidentified species: Aphelenchoides sp.1 and sp.2, Cryptaphelenchus sp.1, sp.2 and sp.3, Laimaphelenchus sp.1, Micoletzkya sp.1, Parasitaphelenchus sp.1, Parasitorhabditis sp.1, three unidentified tylenchid nematodes and a new species, Bursaphelenchus zvyagintsevi sp.n. Morphological descriptions and molecular characterization are provided for B. zvyagintsevi sp. n. belonging to the Abietinus group and B. michalskii belonging to the Eggersi group. Findings of Aphelenchoides heidelbergi, Bursaphelenchus eremus, B. michalskii, Deladenus posteroporus, Diplogasteroides nix and Laimaphelenchus hyrcanus are new records for Russia. Phylogenetic positions of studied species were reconstructed using D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The data obtained in this study may help to detect the refugia of opportunistic plant pests and find possible native biocontrol nematode agents of insect vectors causing diseases.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of AUX/LAX family genes in Chinese hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) Under various abiotic stresses and grafting.

Auxin is essential for regulating plant growth and development as well as the response of plants to abiotic stresses. AUX/LAX proteins are auxin influx transporters belonging to the amino acid permease family of proton-driven transporters, and are involved in the transport of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). However, how AUX/LAX genes respond to abiotic stresses in Chinese hickory is less studied. For the first time identification, structural characteristics as well as gene expression analysis of the AUX/LAX gene family in Chinese hickory were conducted by using techniques of gene cloning and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Eight CcAUX/LAXs were identified in Chinese hickory, all of which had the conserved structural characteristics of AUX/LAXs. CcAUX/LAXs were most closely related to their homologous proteins in Populus trichocarpa , which was in consistence with their common taxonomic character of woody trees. CcAUX/LAXs exhibited different expression profiles in different tissues, indicating their varying roles during growth and development. A number of light-, hormone-, and abiotic stress responsive cis-acting regulatory elements were detected on the promoters of CcAUX/LAX genes. CcAUX/LAX genes responded differently to drought and salt stress treatments to varying degrees. Furthermore, CcAUX/LAX genes exhibited complex expression changes during Chinese hickory grafting. These findings not only provide a valuable resource for further functional validation of CcAUX/LAXs, but also contribute to a better understanding of their potential regulatory functions during grafting and abiotic stress treatments in Chinese hickory.

Redescription of seven genera of the tribe Mecysolobini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae) from India

Present study reviewed the seven genera of the weevil tribe Mecysolobini Reitter, 1913 of the subfamily Molytinae from India viz., Brahmalcidodes Pajni and Dhir, 1987; Cylindralcides Heller, 1918; Merus Giste1, 1857; Neomecyslobus Pajni and Dhir, 1987; Ornatalcides Heller, 1918; Sternuchopsis Heller, 1918 and Tuberculomecyslobus Pajni and Dhir, 1987. A modified key to the genera of tribe from India is also provided. All the taxonomic characters including the genitalia are illustrated, adding to the existing taxonomic knowledge of these taxa.

The genus Bradleya Hornibrook, 1952 (Crustacea: Ostracoda) in South America and adjacent oceanic areas, with description of a new bradleyine genus.

The ostracod genus Bradleya Hornibrook is an important taxon of Cenozoic assemblages, occurring practically in all oceanic regions. The wide distribution both in shallow and deep waters turns Bradleya interesting for studies involving phylogeny and paleoceanography. The present work aims at the study of fossil and recent species in South America and adjacent regions, based on bibliographic review and the restudy of samples from the Brazilian continental margin, the Navidad Formation (lower Miocene) and El Peral Beds (meso-upper Miocene), both cropping out in the Central Chile. The chronostratigraphic, (paleo)bathymetric and (paleo)zoogeographic distribution of the species is reviewed and updated. The bridge composition was studied in all species recorded and revealed to be important taxonomic character. The taxa identified were gathered into three morphological groups: two proposed previously (i.e., the dictyon-group and the arata-group) and a new one in the present work (i.e., the normani-group). The dictyon-group and the arata-group gather deep-sea species, while the normani-group is predominantly neritic, including most of the species of Brazilian margin. Bradleya victorjarai sp. nov. is proposed for the Miocene of Chile, and Bradleya ybate (Bergue et al.) is reassigned to Rigracythere gen. nov. Questionable or misidentified species ascribed to Bradleya are briefly discussed.

Redescription of a little-known species, Cryptocephalus surdus Rapilly, 1980 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae), with notes on new distribution localities and habitat preference in Türkiye

Cryptocephalus surdus Rapilly, 1980 is a little-known species which was described based on specimens collected from Iran. Due to the fact that the species was described very briefly in its original description, the taxonomic features of the species are redescribed in here. In addition, information about additional taxonomic characters, habitats and distribution in Türkiye of this little-known species are given for the first time in this study. Habitus and genital features of the species are photographed. Habitat preference and a map showing the previous and new distribution localities of the species are provided.

Plastome phylogenomics provide new perspective into the phylogeny and evolution of Betulaceae (Fagales)

BackgroundBetulaceae is a relatively small but morphologically diverse family, with many species having important economic and ecological values. Although plastome structure of Betulaceae has been reported sporadically, a comprehensive exploration for plastome evolution is still lacking. Besides, previous phylogenies had been constructed based on limited gene fragments, generating unrobust phylogenetic framework and hindering further studies on divergence ages, biogeography and character evolution. Here, 109 plastomes (sixteen newly assembled and 93 previously published) were subject to comparative genomic and phylogenomic analyses to reconstruct a robust phylogeny and trace the diversification history of Betulaceae.ResultsAll Betulaceae plastomes were highly conserved in genome size, gene order, and structure, although specific variations such as gene loss and IR boundary shifts were revealed. Ten divergent hotspots, including five coding regions (Pi > 0.02) and five noncoding regions (Pi > 0.035), were identified as candidate DNA barcodes for phylogenetic analysis and species delimitation. Phylogenomic analyses yielded high-resolution topology that supported reciprocal monophyly between Betula and Alnus within Betuloideae, and successive divergence of Corylus, Ostryopsis, and Carpinus-Ostrya within Coryloideae. Incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization may be responsible for the mutual paraphyly between Ostrya and Carpinus. Betulaceae ancestors originated from East Asia during the upper Cretaceous; dispersals and subsequent vicariance accompanied by historical environment changes contributed to its diversification and intercontinental disjunction. Ancestral state reconstruction indicated the acquisition of many taxonomic characters was actually the results of parallel or reversal evolution.ConclusionsOur research represents the most comprehensive taxon-sampled and plastome-level phylogenetic inference for Betulaceae to date. The results clearly document global patterns of plastome structural evolution, and established a well-supported phylogeny of Betulaceae. The robust phylogenetic framework not only provides new insights into the intergeneric relationships, but also contributes to a perspective on the diversification history and evolution of the family.

Molecular analyses of groundwater amphipods (Crustacea: Niphargidae) from Luxembourg: new species reveal limitations of morphology-based checklists

Niphargus amphipods were collected from 2007 to 2018 at 98 sites comprising artificial caverns, springs and interstitial waters in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Opportunistic sampling was combined with passive trapping. Specimen identification was achieved using morphological keys and molecular data. Initial morphological determination and literature data suggested five species, whereas sequencing of fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene and nuclear 28S rDNA marker supported the presence of seven species: Niphargus schellenbergi, Niphargus puteanus, Niphargus fontanus, one species of the Niphargus kochianus complex, and three species of the Niphargus aquilex complex. Niphargus schellenbergi was by far the most abundant and widespread species. Limited overlap was observed between literature-based records, our initial morphological determinations based on classical taxonomic characters, and genetic sequence data. In general, the combination of phenotypically variable taxa, such as N. schellenbergi, and cryptic or near-cryptic species, as in the N. aquilex complex, renders morphological identification of niphargids from Luxembourg a challenging or even impossible task. DNA taxonomy will therefore have to be used in future studies of the fauna of this region.

Two new species and two new records of Homidia (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from China.

Homidia, one of the largest genera of the family Entomobryidae, is widely distributed in China. To date, 46 species of this genus are present in China and account for approximately 60 % of all known species of the genus. In the present paper, two new species of Homidia are described from China: H.acutus sp. nov. and H.changensis sp. nov. The former is discriminated by the brown to blue-violet pigment present on whole dorsal body and by pointed tenent hairs. The latter is characterised by having only scattered traces of brown pigment on tergites, and by the special macrochaetal formula of coxae. Additionally, two known species of the genus, H.linhaiensis Shi, Pan & Qi, 2009 and H.socia Denis, 1929, are reported from Jiangxi Province for the first time, and some of their taxonomic characters are described. A key to the Chinese species of the genus is provided.

Faunistic and taxonomic notes on some Madagascan Muscidae (Diptera) and descriptions of three new species

About 220 Muscidae collected from various locations in Madagascar and belonging to the subfamilies Azeliinae, Muscinae, Mydaeinae and Phaoniinae have been identified. Several specimens of the previously unknown female of Graphomya rossi Zielke, 1974 were found among the material. The female’s taxonomic characters are described in detail, also taking into account the intraspecific variability of some features of the females. The identification of the specimens of Hydrotaea bella Couri, Pont and Penny, 2006 led to the correction of a wrongly described taxonomic feature in the original species description. The notopleura of H. bella are not bare, as stated by the authors, but are covered with several dark setulae. Three species proved new to science and are described as Gymnodia malagasya spec. nov., Helina amboa spec. nov. and Helina hesitancia spec. nov. This means that six Gymnodia and eleven Helina species are now recorded from Madagascar.

New stem-dictyopteran insects from the Pennsylvanian deposits at Mazon Creek and Sosnowiec (Insecta: Polyneoptera)

ABSTRACT Polyneopteran clade of insects is very diverse and has a remarkable fossil history starting in the Late Palaeozoic. Representatives of Dictyoptera comprise roaches, termites and mantids and their stem group relatives like the common Palaeozoic and Mesozoic roachoids, a group well known for its problematic taxonomy. In this study, two new taxa are described based on forewing venation well displaying convexity or concavity of the veins due to preservation in spherosideritic concretions. A new paoliid, Stephanopsis testai sp. nov. (Blattinopsidae), from Moscovian deposits at Mazon Creek (Illinois, U.S.A.), supplements Stephanopsis mirandus found at the same locality, which mainly differs in the branching patterns of MP and anal veins. A new stem dictyopteran, Sosnowiecia dareki gen. nov. et sp. nov. (?Mesorthopteridae), from Langsettian deposits at Sosnowiec-Klimontów (Lower Silesia, Poland) is problematic in terms of taxonomy as it has a mosaic of characters characteristic of Paoliida, Eoblattida and Grylloblattida, but retains affinities with roachoid insects, such as Miroblatta sp. Hence, these two new species increase the diversity of Carboniferous polyneopteran insects, but reveals the problem of depending only on alar characters in taxonomy. LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:49299826-0F1E-4892-8D88-82FBDCC192BF

Integrative taxonomy of the Merodon aberrans (Diptera, Syrphidae) species group: distribution patterns and description of three new species

Abstract In this paper, we revise the Merodon aberrans species group of the genus Merodon Meigen, 1803 (Diptera: Syrphidae), providing morphological diagnoses and descriptions, molecular data for three species, as well as an illustrated key and a discussion of the different taxonomic characters used. We also discuss distribution patterns for this species group. The results revealed that the M. aberrans group is composed of five described species (M. aberrans Egger, 1860, M. brevis Paramonov, 1926, M. flavitibius Paramonov, 1926, M. hamifer Sack, 1913, and M. warnckei Hurkmans, 1993) and three new ones, namely M. hermonensis Vujić, Radenković et Likov sp. nov., M. petiolatus Vujić, Radenković et Rojo sp. nov., and M. retectus Vujić, Radenković et Likov sp. nov. Following a detailed study of the type material in different entomological collections, the status of several species is revised, one new synonym is proposed (subspecies M. aberrans isperensis Hurkmans, 1993 as junior synonym of M. flavitibius), lectotypes are designated for M. kneri Mik, 1867 and M. flavitibius, and paralectotypes are designated for M. hamifer and M. flavitibius. Seven out of eight species from the M. aberrans group are distributed in the Asian continent, namely all Caucasian countries, Turkey and Iran, confirming the notion about high diversity of Merodon species in these regions, but also highlighting the need for a systematic faunistic research.

Gigantoproductid shell spiral and microstructure of tertiary layer: evaluation as taxonomical characters

ABSTRACTBrachiopod taxonomy is based on descriptions of shell morphology and key characters, but diagenesis generally modifies or erases some of them, hindering brachiopod identification. Brachiopods that are taxonomically related usually present shells with similar appearance but can differ in size (i.e., Rhynchonellata). Some aspects of morphology – for example the angular measurement of the curvature of the shell or details of shell microstructure – could aid taxonomic identification. Gigantoproductids, which lack a robust taxonomy, have the largest shells among brachiopods and are ideal for this kind of study because of their gigantic size and morphological variability. Furthermore, they have a great abundance and worldwide distribution during the mid-Carboniferous. More than 700 samples have been collected from Sierra Morena (Spain), Montagne Noire (France) and Adarouch (Morocco) identifying up to six gigantoproductid genera:Globosoproductus,Semiplanus, Kansuella?,Latiproductus,GigantoproductusandDatangia. Microstructural features from 170 thin sections belonging to gigantoproductid ventral valves have been studied, and six crystal morphologies have been distinguished within the tertiary layer: subhorizontal, imbricated, crenulated, acicular, short and long columnar morphologies. Moreover, 23 complete shells from all genera have been selected to investigate shell size and curvature. Results from this study emphasise that shell size, curvature and crystal shape are taxa-related. Finally, a remarkable morphological change in the gigantoproductid populations from the western Palaeo-Tethys occurred during the Viséan–Serpukhovian, from thin-shelled genera with subhorizontal morphology (Viséan) to thick-shelled genera with a tertiary layer consisting of long columnar crystals (Serpukhovian). This study proves that microstructure, maximum thickness and shell spiral characterisation are robust characters when applied to gigantoproductid taxonomy, but also have great potential in other brachiopod groups.

First records of Anthopleura nigrescens (Verrill, 1928) and Telmatactis panamensis (Verrill, 1869) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria) from Parque Nacional Coiba, Pacific coast of Panama

We report two species of sea anemones, Anthopleura nigrescens (Verrill, 1928) and Telmatactis panamensis (Verrill, 1869), for the first time from Parque Nacional Coiba, a large, protected area in the Pacific off Panama. In addition, we describe the external anatomical taxonomic characters and provide images of live specimens of each species. The number of sea anemones species known for Panama is updated to 57. This work constitutes the first study in the documentation of sea anemones of Coiba Island.

The mitochondrial genomes of Crispatotrochus rubescens and Crispatotrochus rugosus (Hexacorallia; Scleractinia): new insights on the phylogeny of the family Caryophylliidae.

Caryophylliidae is one of the most diverse scleractinian families, however it was recovered as polyphyletic in multiple molecular studies. Recently, the mitochondrial gene order was proposed as a character for a taxonomic revision of the family. Here we describe the first mitogenome of the caryophylliid genus Crispatotrochus, whose phylogenetic position remains uncertain. The complete mitochondrial genomes of Crispatotrochus rubescens and Crispatotrochus rugosus were sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The two mitogenomes are identical and circular, have a length of 16,536bp, a GC content of 35.9%, and contain 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs and 2 transfer RNAs. Both species have a transposition of a three gene block-cob, nad2, and nad6-similarly to a group of caryophylliid genera that were recovered as monophyletic, including the type genus(Caryophyllia) of the family. The phylogenetic analyses recovered Crispatotrochus within the clade that presents the gene rearrangement and specifically as sister taxa of the genus Caryophyllia, a result consistent with previous studies and the similar gross morphology of the two genera. We determined the mitochondrial genomes of the genus Crispatotrochus to investigate their relations within Scleractinia. Results from this study provide insights on the phylogenetic position of the genus and corroborate that the mitochondrial gene order could be used as taxonomic character for the family Caryophylliidae.

A taxonomic revision of the Liphistius birmanicus-group (Araneae: Liphistiidae) with the description of five new species

Most of the species of the Liphistius birmanicus-group are revised on the basis of genital morphology and an identification key to all species is given. Twelve species are recognized: seven previously known, five new. Liphistius metopiae Schwendinger, sp. nov. from northern Thailand, and L. tung Schwendinger, sp. nov., L. ferox Schwendinger & Huber, sp. nov., L. cupreus Schwendinger & Huber, sp. nov. and L. platnicki Schwendinger & Huber, sp. nov. from eastern Myanmar are described from both sexes. New males and females of L. birmanicus Thorell, 1897, L. pinlaung Aung et al., 2019 and L. pyinoolwin Xu et al., 2021 from the type localities are illustrated. A new locality each for L. birmanicus and for L. pinlaung is reported; additional taxonomic characters of the type specimens of L. lahu Schwendinger, 1998 are shown. Illustrations of intraspecific variation among the new specimens and information on their biology are given. The presumed relationships within the birmanicus-group and between this group and other species groups in Liphistius are discussed. Lateral pockets in the uterus externus, a previously overlooked structure of unknown function in the female genitalia of Liphistius species, are illustrated.

Volatile Organic Compounds of Bryophytes from Peninsular Malaysia and Their Roles in Bryophytes.

Volatile emissions from 22 bryophyte species from Peninsular Malaysia were collected using a dynamic headspace technique and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty organic compounds (VOCs) from eight different groups were detected in bryophytes from the montane forest in Cameron Highlands and the lowland dipterocarp forest in Lata Belatan. The headspace of bryophytes in Cameron Highlands was dominated by tetradecane, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, decanal, pentanoic acid, 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-carboxyisopropyl, isobutyl ester, D-limonene and naphthalene. On the contrary, in the bryophyte headspace of Lata Belatan, naphthalene and tetradecane were dominant compounds. The elevational pattern detected in VOC composition of bryophytes appears to be an evolutionary feature at the family level that needs verification at other sites. The results also confirmed that the VOC composition of bryophytes is species-specific. The roles of VOCs in bryophytes are presented, including plant–plant communication and plant–insect interaction and as an additional taxonomic character in chemotaxonomy.

Molecular genetic and taxonomical relationship among selected Setaria species using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR’s) and microsatellite (SSRs) markers

Foxtail millet is small diploid (2n = 2x = 18), one of the oldest domesticated, self-compatible, C4 Panicoid cereal grains in Eurasia. Change in climatic conditions, ecological degradation, overexploitaion, and commercial cultivation has led to the genetic loss of landraces as well wild relatives of cultivated crops. Established genetic relations among the species are prerequisites for their future breeding programs to improve cultivars. Therefore, there is an urgent need to conserve plant genetic resources for sustainable agriculture. Keeping in view, we collected seven different species of Setaria that include S. italica, S. viridis, S. sphacelata, S. pumila, S. glauca, S. verticillata, and S. intermedia from Andhra Pradesh, India. The specimens were examined for species identification and taxonomically described. In the present study, the trait “awn” was used as a key taxonomic character for the differentiation of two species viz., S. verticillata and S. intermedia. Earlier S. intermedia was merged in S. verticillata. We observed tremendous variation in phenotypic traits among weedy, wild, landrace, and cultivars of Setaria germplasm, indicating potential genotypic variation. To confirm the genetic variation, the selected Setaria sps were genotyped through ISSR and SSR genetic markers. The average number of amplicons amplified for ISSR and SSR markers was 3.75 and 2.45 alleles per locus, respectively. The Polymorphic information content and Shannon information index (I) for ISSR and SSR markers had an average value of 0.34, 0.34, and 0.46, 0.58, respectively. Gene flow among seven Setaria species was relatively high (Nm > − 1.0). Two-way cluster analysis separated 12 accessions into two significant clusters using combined marker systems and agreed with Principal coordinate analysis. An Analysis of molecular variance confirms that a substantial genetic variation among seven Setaria species. Morphological cluster analysis was almost similar to molecular cluster analysis.

First evidence of Ricciaceae in the Jurassic of the Iberian Peninsula (Asturias, NW Spain): Ricciopsis asturicus sp. nov

ABSTRACT A new species of liverwort, Ricciopsis asturicus sp. nov., is described from dinosaur-bearing Kimmeridgian (Upper Jurassic) deposits of the Lastres Formation in Asturias (NW Spain, Iberian Peninsula) based on a new combination of taxonomic characters, including differences in thallus shape, branching, segment surface, size, and shape. This new species represents the oldest evidence of bryophyte from the Mesozoic of the Iberian Peninsula so far, and it also represents the first evidence of the genus Ricciopsis in this area. In addition to the description of the Ricciaceae remains, palynological analyses were carried out in order to understand the paleoenvironmental context. The remains of Ricciopsis asturicus sp. nov. were found in life position on grey marly siltstones forming dense mats, suggesting that some areas of the Lastres Formation presented shallow freshwater pools placed in channel abandonment areas into an upper deltaic plain, where these mats of liverworts could proliferate during the apparent semiarid climatic conditions occurring during the deposit of the Lastres Formation. This interpretation is supported by the palynological study, which reveals the presence of ferns and Cheirolepidaceae plants (Leptolepidites sp., Klukisporites sp., and tetrads of Classopollis sp.) in nearby areas.

The Papuan Chrysosoma lucigena group (Diptera: Dolichopodidae: Sciapodinae)

The Chrysosoma lucigena species group is revised and comprises 13 species, all from New Guinea and immediately adjacent islands: C. lucigena (Walker) and C. splendidum (Wulp), and 11 newly described species: C. akrikense, C. baiyerense, C. betege, C. bitcoin, C. cuprevittatum, C. fumifemoratum, C. macalpinei, C. orokaindi, C. oromissim, C. tabubil, and C. watutense. The lucigena group comprises species with dark maculated wings, long setae on the femur and tibia of leg I, and metallic green and bronze thoracic coloration. The total loss of anterior dorsocentral setae in both sexes of the lucigena group is discussed in the context of a possible source for higher-level taxonomic characters in Diptera.

On Madagascan Dichaetomyia species (Diptera: Muscidae): redescriptions of six species

Several original descriptions of the Madagascan Dichaetomyia species originating from earlier years do not correspond to today’s requirements since taxonomic characters which are used today successfully for differentiating species have received little or no attention in the past. Since the type specimens of some species were currently available for comparative studies, the descriptions of six species of the subgenus Dichaetomyia s. str. have been updated and supplemented with notes on the history of the species and some photographs.