Identification Key Research Articles

Hidden under darkened wings: the identity of Doryctobracon fluminensis (Lima, 1938) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and a new species of the genus from Brazil

Doryctobracon fluminensis (Lima) is one of several species of braconid parasitoids of fruit flies occurring in Brazil. Nearly 60 years passed after the original description by Lima (1938) until the publication of new records of D. fluminensis in several Brazilian states. Species identifications in these records were generally based on the darkened (infumate) fore wings, which has become the main character used in identification keys for recognizing D. fluminensis. After examination of the holotype of D. fluminensis, and comparison with several Brazilian specimens, we concluded that infumate fore wing alone is insufficient for separating species in the genus, as other Doryctobracon species also possess this feature. Here, we describe a new species, Doryctobracon simulatus Marinho sp. nov., based on specimens previously identified as D. fluminensis; redescribe D. fluminensis (Lima); and redefine the limits of D. maculatus Marinho. The misidentification discovered in the only two voucher specimens available indicates that other records of D. fluminensis in Brazil may also be incorrect, although those identifications cannot be verified. Our results demonstrate the importance of preserving voucher specimens in collections for future studies. An updated key to the species of Doryctobracon attacking fruit-infesting tephritids in Brazil is presented.

Challenges and insights in morphological identification of Eimeria species in cattle: a comprehensive study and identification key

Challenges and insights in morphological identification of Eimeria species in cattle: a comprehensive study and identification key

Linking national primary care electronic health records to individual records from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey: evaluating the likelihood of linkage based on patient health.

To evaluate the likelihood of linking electronic health records (EHRs) to restricted individual-level American Community Survey (ACS) data based on patient health condition. Electronic health records (2019-2021) are derived from a primary care registry collected by the American Board of Family Medicine. These data were assigned anonymized person-level identifiers (Protected Identification Keys [PIKs]) at the U.S. Census Bureau. These records were then linked to restricted individual-level data from the ACS (2005-2022). We used logistic regressions to evaluate match rates for patients with health conditions across a range of severity: hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Among more than 2.8 million patients, 99.2% were assigned person-level identifiers (PIKs). There were some differences in the odds of receiving an identifier in adjusted models for patients with hypertension (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.63, 1.77) and diabetes (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.22), relative to those without. There were only small differences in the odds of matching to ACS in adjusted models for patients with hypertension (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.04), diabetes (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.03), and chronic kidney disease (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.06), relative to those without. Our work supports evidence-building across government consistent with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 and the goal of leveraging data as a strategic asset. Given the high PIK and ACS match rates, with small differences based on health condition, our findings suggest the feasibility of enhancing the utility of EHR data for research focused on health.

A contribution to the knowledge of Namibian Atherigona Rondani (Diptera: Muscidae), with the descriptions of four new species and two new subspecies

This paper provides an account of all species of Atherigona Rondani known from Namibia, all of which are known from males. The study is based largely on material deposited in the National Museum of Namibia, Windhoek, supplemented by some material deposited in other museums. Fifty-three taxa are listed in total, 14 of which were previously recorded from the country and 33 representing new country records for Namibia. Four species are described and figured as new to science and a further two as subspecies. The new species are: A. (s. str.) australis Deeming, sp. nov., A. (s. str.) maraisi Deeming, sp. nov., A. (s. str.) mulleri Deeming, sp. nov. and A. (Acritochaeta) tsumeb Deeming, sp. nov. and the new subspecies: A. (s. str.) robertsi okavango Deeming, ssp. nov. and A. (Acritochaeta) yorki namibiensis Deeming, ssp. nov. Character states differentiating A. (Ac.) tsumeb, sp. nov. from its closest congener, A. (Ac.) gracilipalpis Deeming, 1971, are presented in a tabulated form and an identification key is provided to separate Afrotropical species with pale yellow vibrissae. The previously undescribed female tergite 8 is figured for the first time for four species, viz., A. (s. str.) angulata Deeming; A. (s. str.) corrugata Deeming; A. (s. str.) parvihumilata Muller; and A. (s. str.) pulla (Wiedemann). Additional new country records are indicated with voucher specimens as follows: A. (s. str.) falcata (Thomson): Bhutan and Thailand; A. (s. str.) humeralis (Wiedemann): Botswana; A. (s. str.) nigrapicalis Deeming: Senegal; A. (s. str.) occidentalis Deeming: Zambia; A. (s. str.) pulla (Wiedemann): Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Ethiopia, Israel and Tunisia; A. (s. str.) tomentigera Emden: Zambia; and A. (Acritochaeta) yorki ssp. yorki Deeming: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia and Ghana. Cereal crop production in Namibia is briefly discussed and a table provided of potential or suspected pest species associated (in the larval stages) with Namibia’s main cereal crops.

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

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

Grading Habitats for Ticks by Mapping a Suitability Index based on Remotely Sensed Data and Meta® population dataset in Aosta Valley, NW Italy.

Ticks represent a reservoir of zoonotic pathogens, and their numbers are increasing largely in wildlife. This work is aimed at producing maps of suitable habitats for ticks in Aosta Valley, Italy based on multitemporal EO data and veterinary datasets (tick species and distribution in wild hosts). EO data were processed in Google Earth Engine considering the following inputs: A) Growing Degree Ticks (GDT), B) NDVI from MOD09GA, C) NDVI entropy, D) distance from water bodies, E) topography, F) rainfalls from CHIRPS as monthly composites along the 2020, 2021 and 2022 years. Ticks were collected from hunted, injured, and found-dead wild animals ( Sus scrofa, Capreolus capreolus, Rupicapra rupicapra, Cervus elaphus); they were labeled at species level using taxonomic keys. Between September 2020 and December 2022, a total of 90 ticks were collected from 89 wild animals. Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent tick species, followed by Dermacentor marginatusand Dermacentor spp. Molecular analyses demonstrated the presence of Anaplasma spp., B. burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia spp. pathogens in infected ticks. To assess human population potential exposure to tick Meta® population dataset was used. In conclusion this study shows the potentialities of Remote sensing improving the technological transfer to the veterinarian sector.

New Records of Insect Predators of Invasive Fluted Scales (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae: Iceryini) in Ecuador

Population outbreaks of invasive fluted scales in urban areas of Ecuador have become frequent in recent years. Despite the negative impact that these scale insects cause on the native flora, little is known about the natural enemies that control their populations in Ecuador. During collections and observations carried out between July and October 2021 in the province of Guayas, in western Ecuador, high infestations caused by the invasive pests Crypticerya genistae (Hempel, 1912), Crypticerya multicicatrices Kondo & Unruh, 2009, and Icerya purchasi Maskell, 1879 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae: Iceryini) were found. Hence, this study aimed to determine the natural enemies of these fluted scales using taxonomic keys based on their morphological characteristics. As a result, five species of predators were identified, i.e., Novius punicus (Gordon, 1972), Novius cardinalis (Mulsant, 1850) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Syneura cocciphila (Coquillet, 1895) (Diptera: Phoridae), Ceraeochrysa sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and Cardiastethus sp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae); the latter is reported preying on C. multicicatrices for the first time. Knowledge of natural enemies is crucial for developing more effective, eco-friendly pest management strategies that could help mitigate the adverse effects of these invasive scale insects.

Revised taxonomy of Synodontis catfishes (Siluriformes: Mochokidae) from the Lake Tanganyika basin reveals lower species diversity than expected

Abstract Synodontis Cuvier, 1816 is a species-rich group of African catfishes. Prior to this analysis, 13 species of Synodontis were recognized from Lake Tanganyika and its tributaries, composing the only extant lacustrine radiation of the genus, with a unique origin of obligate brood parasitism among all fishes. Species differentiation and phylogenetic relationships of this group remained largely unresolved. Herein, the taxonomy of Synodontis in the Lake Tanganyika basin is revised, including redescriptions of all species and an updated identification key. Genetic (mitochondrial and nuclear genomic markers) and morphological data suggest a lower species diversity than previously recognized, supporting the distinction of 10 Synodontis species in the lake basin. Based on our findings, we recognize Synodontis grandiops, Synodontis ilebrevis, and Synodontis lucipinnis as junior synonyms of Synodontis multipunctatus, Synodontis polli, and Synodontis petricola, respectively. No recent material of Synodontis dhonti and Synodontis tanganyicae (with Synodontis lacustricolus as a synonym) was available. Morphometric/meristic data suggest their close relationship to Synodontis granulosus. Sequencing of historical specimens inferred S. tanganyicae as sister to S. granulosus but with a 1.7% divergence based on mitochondrial data. In contrast to previous studies, phylogenomic data support the lacustrine assemblage of Synodontis in Lake Tanganyika as monophyletic.

Combining Morphological and Molecular Tools Can Enhance Tick Species Identification for Improved Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance Among Pastoral Communities in Kenya.

Background: Ticks are ecto-parasites of domestic animals, rodents, and wildlife living for periods at a time on one or more vertebrate hosts. They are important vectors of viral, bacterial, or parasitic diseases in livestock and humans. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus and the spotted fever rickettsiae are some of the tick-borne diseases of public health importance reported in Kenya. Their distribution and public health risks among communities, especially pastoralists, remain poorly characterized due to limited surveillance, affected partly by inadequate capacity for tick identification arising from a limited number of skilled taxonomists. Materials and Methods: The aim of this survey was to identify tick species currently circulating in different livestock hosts in northern Kenya. Ticks were sampled from cattle, sheep, goats, and camels in Turkana, Isiolo, Baringo, and West Pokot counties, and differential identification was carried out using morphological identification keys followed by molecular characterization based on the cytochrome c oxidase I gene (cox1). Haplotypes were determined using the DnaSP v6 software and phylogenetic relationships inferred using the maximum likelihood algorithm. Results: A total of 12,206 ticks were collected, from Turkana (45.4%), Isiolo (23.1%), Baringo (22.7%), and West Pokot (8.8%) counties in Kenya. Ten species were confirmed by molecular analysis; H. rufipes, H. impeltatum, H. dromedarii, R. pravus, R. camicasi, R. pulchellus, R. evertsi evertsi, A. variegatum, A. gemma, and A. lepidum. There was no disparity in the morphological and molecular identification of Amblyomma species. However, molecular analysis provided insight into the complexity of morphological identification especially among Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus species. High haplotype diversities (0.857-1.000) and low nucleotide diversities (0.00719-0.06319) were observed in all the tick samples tested. Conclusion: The findings highlight the diversity of tick species in dry pastoral ecologies in Kenya and the importance of confirming morphological identification by molecular analysis thus contributing to accurate mapping of tick-borne disease distribution and risk.

DNA Barcoding of German Cuckoo Wasps (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae) Suggests Cryptic Species in Several Widely Distributed Species

Germany is home to a rich cuckoo wasp fauna (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae) with about 108 species. However, several nomenclatural changes, the lack of identification keys, and the discovery of cryptic species difficult to identify based on external morphology have made the identification of several species a challenge. COI barcoding has been instrumental in the identification of some cuckoo wasp species and could help alleviate some of the above problems, but a reliable large reference database containing the cuckoo wasp barcodes is lacking. We present the COI barcodes of more than 800 specimens of 101 cuckoo wasp species native to Germany to lay the foundation for the barcode-based identification of German species. An analysis of the COI barcode sequences suggested groups that are largely consistent with the current taxonomy of the group. We found a few cases of over- or undersplitting of taxa. In some common species, the high degree of barcode divergence suggests the presence of cryptic species that need to be further assessed by integrative approaches. Our library of cuckoo wasp reference barcodes will enhance researchers’ ability to reliably identify species within this fascinating group of insects, in particular for identifying life stages that offer few or no morphological features for species-level identification.

Melastomataceae from the Parque Estadual do Utinga, Pará, Brazil

The taxonomic treatment of the species of Melastomataceae occurring in the Parque Estadual de Utinga, Pará, is presented. Twenty-seven species distributed in 13 genera were recorded, with five new records for the study area: Leandra micropetala, M. affinis, M. argyrophylla, M. punctata, and Pterolepis glomerata; the latter is also a new record for the state of Pará. Miconia was the largest genus with 9 species, followed by Clidemia (four species), Aciotis (three species), and Tococa (two species). The remaining genera were all represented by a single species (Adelobotrys, Bellucia, Henriettea, Leandra, Maieta, Mouriri, Nepsera, Pterolepis, and Tibouchina). Identification keys, morphological descriptions, information on phenology, habitat, geographical distribution, taxonomic comments, and illustrations of the species are provided. The Melastomataceae figure among the largest plant families in the area of the state capital, Belém, the data presented herein may be useful for habitat restoration.

New record of the antlion Palpares contrarius Walker, 1853 (Insecta: Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) in Tamil Nadu, India

Neuroptera is a taxon among Insecta, that is distinct with its highly veined transparent wings. The family Myrmeleontidae includes antlions, whose adult forms are occasionally seen, unlike the larval forms that spend most of their life living in small pits in the soil. Madras Christian College (MCC) is a large scrub jungle, harboring a range of flora and fauna, including a diverse range of insect species. An insect, large enough to be mistaken for the large damselfly, was spotted in the Madras Christian College campus. Taxonomic keys were used in literature search and the insect was later identified as Palpares contrarius (Walker, 1853).

A review of the genus Amida Lewis (Coccinellidae: Ortaliini) from China

A review of the genus Amida Lewis, 1986 from China is presented. Thirteen species are recorded in total, including four new species, Amida sagittata Wei et Wang, sp. nov., Amida longifolia Wei et Wang, sp. nov., Amida motuensis Wei et Wang, sp. nov. and Amida nanlingiensis Wei et Wang, sp. nov., and two new recorded species from China: Amida nguyent Hoàng, 1983 and Amida mirifica Hoàng, 1983. Descriptions, re-descriptions and illustrations of all species are provided. A distribution map and an identification key are also given.

A pictorial key to the adult and larval nasal mites (Halarachnidae) of marine mammals.

Mites in the family Halarachnidae are common endoparasites infesting the nasal tissues of a variety of marine mammals. These mites are easily transmissible and compromise the health of their hosts, especially in captive environments. While these mites are noted by marine mammal caretakers, they may easily be misidentified due to repeated revisions to halarachnid mite taxonomy and reclassification of misidentified specimens. Species identification currently requires multiple taxonomic keys, knowledge of revisions to species classifications through time, and training in acarology, which is impractical for marine mammal clinicians. Therefore, to summarize the known taxonomy and aid in future identification of halarachnid mites, we present a pictorial key composed of illustrations based on existing literature and images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution light microscopy (LM). Illustrations are organized into flow charts for the identification of both adult and larval stages. Dorsal shield silhouettes are also provided to facilitate the identification of adults. We hope that this key be used to simplify future taxonomic research, provide a standard for species identification, and aid in the diagnosis of halarachnid infestations in captive and rehabilitated marine mammal populations.

Confirmed record of Criorhina vivida Brunetti, 1923 (Diptera, Syrphidae) in India with description of the male, and notes on the distribution and checklist of the genus in the country

Based solely on the holotype, different information sources indicate the possible presence of Criorhina vivida Brunetti, 1923 in India and Pakistan. However, none of them confirm this scenario. In this study, we confirm the occurrence of the species in India, and provide first description of the male. Additionally, we provide information on distribution, a species checklist and identification key of the genus in the country.

The Vochysiaceae family in a Cerrado fragment in the Mato Grosso, Brazil

The family Vochysiaceae A.St.-Hil. (Order: Myrtales) has been reported to occur in South and Central America and the equatorial region of West Africa. Six genera and approximately 160 species belonging to this family occur in Brazil. The objective of the present study was to morphologically describe the species of Vochysiaceae that occur in the Cerrado fragment of the Federal University of Rondonópolis (UFR), to present identification keys and boards with images and illustrations, in addition to include taxonomic comments and on the distribution of species. For this, monthly surveys and collections were carried out in the area, which resulted in the description of five species: Qualea grandiflora Mart., Qualea multiflora Mart., Qualea parviflora Mart., Vochysia cinnamomea Pohl and Vochysia divergens Pohl. The present study contributed to expand knowledge about the Vochysiaceae family and the flora of the region, in addition to being able to serve as a subsidy for discussions on the preservation of the Cerrado.

Biodiversity assessment and environmental risk analysis of the single line transgenic pod borer resistant cowpea.

The discussion surrounding biological diversity has reached a critical point with the introduction of Nigeria's first transgenic food crop, the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea. Questions have been raised about the potential risks of the transgenic Maruca vitrata-resistant cowpea to human health and beneficial insects. Public apprehension, coupled with social activists' calling for the removal of this crop from the nation's food market, persists. However, there is a lack of data to counter the assertion that cultivating PBR cowpea may have adverse effects on biodiversity and the overall ecological system. This research, with its multifaceted objective of examining the environmental safety of PBR cowpea and assessing its impact on biodiversity compared to its non-transgenic counterpart, IT97KN, is of utmost importance in providing the necessary data to address these concerns. Seeds for both the transgenic PBR cowpea and its isoline were obtained from the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Zaria before planting at various farm sites (Addae et al., 2020). Throughout the experiment, local cultural practices were strictly followed to cultivate both transgenic and non-transgenic cowpeas. Elaborate taxonomic keys were used to identify arthropods and other non-targeted organisms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate potential modifications in all ecological niches of the crops. The lmer function of the R package lme4 was used to analyze diversity indices, including Shannon, Pielou, and Simpson. The Bray-Curtis index was used to analyzed potential modifications in the dissimilarities of non-targeted organisms' communities. Examination of ecological species abundance per counting week (CW) revealed no disruption in the biological properties of non-targeted species due to the cultivation of transgenic PBR cowpea. Analysis of species evenness and diversity indices indicated no significant difference between the fields of transgenic PBR cowpea and its isoline. Principal component analysis results demonstrated that planting PBR cowpea did not create an imbalance in the distribution of ecological species. All species and families observed during this study were more abundant in transgenic PBR cowpea fields than in non-transgenic cowpea fields, suggesting that the transformation of cowpea does not negatively impact non-targeted organisms and their communities. Evolution dynamics of the species community between transgenic and non-transgenic cowpea fields showed a similar trend throughout the study period, with no significant divergence induced in the community structure because of PBR cowpea planting. This study concludes that planting transgenic PBR cowpea positively influences biodiversity and the environment.

The Euphorbia bivonae aggregate (Euphorbiaceae) in the Central Mediterranean area: First report of Euphorbia papillaris from Tunisia

During floristic field exploration within the Tunisian territory, an interesting Euphorbia population was sampled from the Haouaria region in Cap-Bon peninsula. After critical study of the collected specimens against closely related taxa of the Euphorbia bivonae aggregate and following review of relevant literature and herbarium specimens, that population was identified as E. papillaris. This species is very rare and was considered endemic to western Sicily. The revision of historical herbarium specimens in the main European herbaria led to document the occurrence of this species also in Libya. An updated geographical distribution for the E. bivonae aggregate in the Central Mediterranean area as well as floristic and ecological data are here provided. An identification key is also presented.

Description of two new genera, three new species, and redescription of two species of Pronematinae (Acari: Iolinidae)

Duoparus n. gen. with its type species Duoparus hyeresensis n. gen. n. sp. from Rubus in France are described. Duoparus is the first genus within the Pronematinae with two ag setae. In the genus Pseudopronematulus, two new species, P. duffelensis n. sp. from sweet pepper leaf litter in Belgium and Pseudopronematulus tocantinsensis n. sp. from leaf/soil litter from a no-tillage field in Brazil are described. Pseudopronematulus tenuisetosus, recently transferred from the genus Pronematus, from cotton in Mozambique is redescribed. Pseudopronematulus duffelensis n. sp. and P. tocantinsensis n. sp. are the fourth and fifth species in this genus and the first to be described in detail, including nymphal stages for P. duffelensis n. sp. Dasilcoferla n. gen. is described with Pseudopronematulus nadirae n. comb. as type species, which is transferred from Pseudopronematulus to Dasilcoferla and redescribed. A taxonomic key is provided for the separation of the species presently placed in Pseudopronematulus Fan and Li, 1992. Molecular analysis and morphological differences, mostly the chaetotaxy, of P. duffelensis n. sp. are compared with those of Pronematus ubiquitus (McGregor, 1932) and Homeopronematus anconai (Baker, 1943). The molecular results underpin the morphological difference between the species that belong to different genera. Relative distance of the genera are discussed.

Three new species of Pheidole Westwood, 1839 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Attini) from central Mexico

Pheidole is the richest ant genus in the world. We describe herein three new species from the state of Puebla, Mexico: P. jolalpanensis sp. nov., P. latiscava sp. nov. and P. rojasae sp. nov. Additionally state records and notes are provided for P. lamia Wheeler 1901 and P. polymorpha Wilson 2003 for the Mexican states of Veracruz and Querétaro, respectively. Parts of Wilson’s taxonomic keys are modified to allow the identification of the new species.