Taxonomic Relevance Research Articles

Comparative mitogenomics of the Decapoda reveals evolutionary heterogeneity in architecture and composition

The emergence of cost-effective and rapid sequencing approaches has resulted in an exponential rise in the number of mitogenomes on public databases in recent years, providing greater opportunity for undertaking large-scale comparative genomic and systematic research. Nonetheless, current datasets predominately come from small and disconnected studies on a limited number of related species, introducing sampling biases and impeding research of broad taxonomic relevance. This study contributes 21 crustacean mitogenomes from several under-represented decapod infraorders including Polychelida and Stenopodidea, which are used in combination with 225 mitogenomes available on NCBI to investigate decapod mitogenome diversity and phylogeny. An overview of mitochondrial gene orders (MGOs) reveals a high level of genomic variability within the Decapoda, with a large number of MGOs deviating from the ancestral arthropod ground pattern and unevenly distributed among infraorders. Despite the substantial morphological and ecological variation among decapods, there was limited evidence for correlations between gene rearrangement events and species ecology or lineage specific nucleotide substitution rates. Within a phylogenetic context, predicted scenarios of rearrangements show some MGOs to be informative synapomorphies for some taxonomic groups providing strong independent support for phylogenetic relationships. Additional comparisons for a range of mitogenomic features including nucleotide composition, strand asymmetry, unassigned regions and codon usage indicate several clade-specific trends that are of evolutionary and ecological interest.

Horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) of three West African countries: A faunistic update, barcoding analysis and trypanosome occurrence

Horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) are of medical and veterinary importance since they transmit a range of pathogens. The horse fly fauna of tropical Africa is still poorly known, and in some geographical areas has not been studied for decades. This study summarizes the results of tabanid collections performed in three West African countries where only sparse data were previously available, the Central African Republic (CAR), Gabon and Liberia. Of 1093 collected specimens, 28 morphospecies and 26 genospecies belonging to six genera were identified, including the first findings of eleven morphospecies in the countries where horse flies were collected: Philoliche (Subpangonia) gravoti Surcouf, 1908 and Tabanus ianthinus Surcouf, 1907 are new records for Liberia; Ancala fasciata f. mixta (Surcouf, 1914), Tabanus fraternus Macquart, 1846, and T. triquetrornatus Carter, 1915 for CAR; Chrysops longicornis Macquart, 1838, Haematopota albihirta Karsch, 1887, H. bowdeni Oldroyd, 1952, and H. brucei Austen, 1908 for Gabon; and Tabanus secedens f. regnaulti Surcouf, 1912 and T. thoracinus Palisot de Beauvois, 1807 for Gabon and Liberia. Species identification of all 28 morphospecies based on morphological features was further supplemented by barcoding of cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Based on the COI sequences of 115 specimens representing 74 haplotypes, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to illustrate the relationships among the tabanid species found and to demonstrate their intra- and interspecific divergences. Our study enriches the current number of barcoded tabanids with another 22 genospecies. Based on the analysis of molecular data we question the taxonomic relevance of the morphological forms Ancala fasciata f. mixta and Tabanus secedens f. regnaulti. A parasitological survey based on nested PCR of 18S rRNA revealed a high (˜25%) prevalence of Trypanosoma theileri in the studied horse flies, accompanied by two species of monoxenous trypanosomatids, Crithidia mellificae and Blastocrithidia sp.

Phytoliths of six woody species important in the Carpathians: characteristic phytoliths in Norway spruce needles

Phytoliths—also known as plant opals—are preserved in soils and sediments and have taxonomical relevance, therefore phytoliths can be fingerprints of the vegetation of the period from which they originated. Comparative phytolith studies are essential for finding phytolith morphotypes with taxonomic relevance. These are used to build reference collections for future palaeoecological and archaeobotanical studies. Biogenic silica extracted from the leaves of six woody species commonly occurring in temperate climate plant communities was examined using light and scanning electron microscope methods (Deciduous broad-leaved species: Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur. Coniferous species: Abies alba, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris). The element content of phytoliths was analysed by SEM EDX and the phytolith taxonomic diagnostic potential of element content was tested by discriminant analysis. An inventory of phytolith types with their anatomical origin was provided and type-frequencies were assessed. Three species have been systematically screened here for the first time in detail (C. avellana, F. sylvatica, Q. robur). This is the first time that a characteristic cubical phytolith morphotype (“Picea—blocky type”) originating from transfusion tissue was described as a distinct layer encompassing the central cylinder of the needle. High concentrations of aluminium and magnesium in phytoliths are associated with two of three conifer species. A. alba and P. sylvestris could be differentiated statistically on the basis of elemental content. Our findings open up the possibility to identify these taxa based on their phytoliths and it is anticipated that this could be a useful tool for phytolith identification originating from soils and sediments as well. Moreover, Picea—blocky type allows comparative, in situ studies (amongst others isotopic) to provide the possibility of finding further measurable proxies.

Complex sporoderm structure in bryophyte spores: a palynological study of Erpodiaceae Broth.

ABSTRACT Palynological studies of bryophytes are critical for evaluating the taxonomic relevance of their spores. They also provide important support to paleoecological investigations that, usually, treat bryophytes as a whole, which does not permit the evaluation of specific functional traits of a special taxonomic unit. The present study investigated the morphology and ultrastructure of spores of five species of Erpodiaceae (Bryophyta), and assessed the implications for taxonomy and the recognition of spores of past records. Erpodiaceae includes corticolous and saxicolous plants that are widely distributed throughout tropical and temperate regions. The spores were found to be isomorphic and apolar with a subcircular amb, granulate, inaperturate. The sporoderm possesses a perine, an exine and a stratified intine. The perine is largely responsible for spore surface ornamentation. The occurrence of exine projections, in isolation or sustaining the elements of the perine, characterizes sporoderm structure with features similar to that of a semitectum, a distinctive characteristic that has not been reported previously for bryophyte spores.

The taxonomic relevance of flower colour for Epimedium (Berberidaceae), with morphological and nomenclatural notes for five species from China.

Morphological variations, particularly flower colour, could be considered as an evolutionarily and ornamentally significant taxonomic criterion for Epimedium. Our extensive field investigation based on population studies revealed abundant intraspecific variations in flower colour. Five species, (i.e., E.acuminatum Franch., E.leptorrhizum Stearn, E.pauciflorum K.C.Yen, E.mikinorii Stearn, and E.glandulosopilosum H.R.Liang) were found to possess polymorphic flower colour, which is first described and illustrated here. Moreover, all these species were found to be polymorphic in other diagnostic characters, such as the type of rhizome, the number and arrangement of stem-leaves, and/or their indumentum, which have not been adequately described in previous studies. Therefore, their morphological descriptions have been complemented and/or revised. We also provide notes on the morphology and nomenclature for each species. Additionally, a key to the species in China has been provided. The present study could serve as a basis for understanding their taxonomy and helping their utilisation as an ornamental plant.

A comparative study of achene morphology in Korean Polygonaceae

A comparative macro- and micromorphological study was conducted on achenes of Korean Polygonaceae comprising 45 taxa under 10 genera using a Stereo-microscope (SM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to evaluate the taxonomical relevance of achene morphological characteristics. The achene shape is lenticular, biconvex, trigonous, or spheroidal. The largest achenes are found in Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (5.80–6.70 × 3.90–4.40 mm) and Rheum rhabarbarum L. (5.00–6.50 × 4.00–5.20 mm), and the smallest is found in Rumex maritimus L. (1.17–1.41 × 0.60–0.84 mm). Three types of embryo shape (curved, straight, and folded) and two types of embryo position (plane and parietal) can be distinguished. Most taxa have a curved embryo shape with plane position. Four types of surface patterns (smooth, papillae, tuberculate, or small pits) are observed. The surface sculpture or embryo type is rather consistent at the generic or tribal level, and the comprehensive consideration of achene characteristics is also useful at the species level. The achene morphology is described in detail, compared, and illustrated. The taxonomic significance of the achene morphology is discussed.

The systematic value of pollen morphology in Operculina (Convolvulaceae)

Operculina is a pantropical genus of 14 species, perhaps one of the most stable in taxonomic delimitation in Convolvulaceae. Its operculate-capsular fruit is distinctive and unique in the family, and shared by all species it comprises, despite great variation in other macromorphological traits. Recent molecular phylogenetic results have demonstrated Operculina is monophyletic with high support, re-enforcing the generic concept. However, revisionary studies of its taxonomy and morphology are limited, and information about its species is mostly scattered in regional works. Particularly in palynology, there are few studies that have included this genus, and usually only the most common species O. turpethum. Here, we provide an overview of the palynological diversity in 12 Operculina species and discuss the evolution and taxonomic relevance of aperture heteromorphism in this genus.

ANATOMICAL STUDIES ON CORBICHONIA DECUMBENS (FORSSK.) EXELL, AN IMPORTANT MEDICINAL HERB FROM RAJASTHAN

Corbichonia decumbens (Forssk.) Exell, commonly known as pater-chatti, is an annual or short lived perennial herb found in rocky habitats. It is used to cure kidney stone and gonorrhoea. The main objective of this study was to examine the anatomical characters of whole plant of C. decumbens for identification. The transverse sections of root, stem, leaf and flower have been examined and analysed. Photomicrographs were prepared with Sony HD (1920x1080/50i) digital camera. The microscopical studies revealed several interesting features viz., the presence of anomocytic stomata on both the surface; more on adaxial surface starch grains present in cortical region of root, rosette crystals in almost all vegetative parts that some time forms clusters, sclerenchymatous pericyle in stem and root presence of wide medullary rays in secondary xylem and bundle sheath around vascular bundles. The outcome showed many unique characters which may prove most important in taxonomical relevance. This study would be useful for correct identification and authentication of the plant.
 Keywords: Anomocytic, Dorsiventral, Medullary rays, Bundle sheath, Rosette crystals

Integrative species delimitation and phylogeny of the branchiate worm Branchiodrilus (Clitellata, Naididae)

AbstractThe clitellate branchiate genus Branchiodrilus presently includes three nominal species with a mainly tropical distribution. A recent molecular phylogeny of the subfamily Naidinae suggested that species complexes may occur within the genus. In order to delimit species, we studied a total of 91 Branchiodrilus specimens collected in Asia, Africa and Europe; the genus is introduced in the latter area. We used an integrative approach, where genetic data were analysed for 42 specimens (single‐locus and multiple‐locus methods) and then compared with patterns shown by morphology. Ten Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units could be identified within Branchiodrilus, potentially representing 10 different species. Most of the delimited species are genetically well separated. In contrast, morphological scrutiny identified only three non‐overlapping clusters of specimens, one of them grouping all specimens from the Palaearctic region and belonging to the same species. Other morphological groups are mostly consistent with the biogeographic distribution of species. The Oriental region harbours six species and might be the centre of origin from which Branchiodrilus species have dispersed and radiated. Two other species are present in the Afrotropical region, among them B. cleistochaeta newly obtained from the type locality and genetically characterized, but the presence of B. hortensis in Africa is queried. The taxonomic relevance of the morphological criteria traditionally used to distinguish nominal species is useless at the species level. B. hortensis and B. semperi are now considered as species inquirenda. To document the genital organs of species remains highly desirable, although hardly practicable for this species complex with a primarily asexual reproductive mode.

The family Raphitomidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Conoidea) in the Greek Seas with the description of two new species

BackgroundThe Raphitomidae family in the Mediterranean Sea is under revision. Accordingly, new data are of taxonomic and comparative relevance. In this study, new material from the Hellenic Seas is presented.ResultsThe Raphitomidae fauna of Greece was collected and investigated during the period from October 2008 to February 2018. Thirty-five (35) species were identified and their status was compared with existing checklists and other collections. This effort revealed two new Raphitoma species, and one new record for the Mediterranean Sea. Also from the present collection, four species are new records for the East Mediterranean, 10 for the Hellenic fauna and six are reported for second time. The main identification characteristics and baseline ecological information are given and discussed.ConclusionsBy this report, the Hellenic Raphitomidae biodiversity is enriched by 10 new records, out of which, two are new species, one is new record for the Mediterranean Sea, and four for the East basin.

Two new species of Tovomita (Clusiaceae) from Amazonian forest

Two new species of Tovomita from forests in western Amazonia are described. Tovomita colombiana and T. longirostrata are endemic to Colombia and Brazil, respectively. Both species have a similar number of secondary veins, stamens and carpels, but can be distinguished by floral bud shape and epicarp texture. Descriptions, illustrations and a distribution map of the species, plus a brief introduction about the taxonomic relevance of floral buds and stamen shape for the genus, are provided.

Increasing diversity of land planarians (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae) in the Interior Atlantic Forest with the description of two new species and new records from Argentina.

Here, we describe two new species of land planarians of the genera Pasipha and Imbira from the Atlantic Forest of Argentina: Pasipha quirogai sp. nov. and Imbira negrita sp. nov. Their external features and internal anatomy distinguish them from their congeners. Pasipha quirogai sp. nov. is about 40mm long, characterized by brown beige dorsal pigmentation with a golden yellow median band and thin graphite black para-median stripes, cylindrical pharynx, extrabulbar prostatic vesicle with paired proximal portion, male atrium with small folds in its proximal part, and female canal opening into the dorso-caudal wall of the female atrium. Imbira negrita sp. nov. is about 110mm long, with jet black dorsal pigmentation, pharynx collar-type, short female canal opening in the postero-dorsal portion of the female atrium, and epithelial lining of female atrium with stratified appearance. We also provide exhaustive descriptions of Geoplana quagga, Obama ladislavii, and Paraba multicolor, all recorded for the first time in Argentina, by analysing anatomical features of taxonomic relevance. In addition, we improve the description of G. quagga, mainly regarding the musculature, secretory cells, and the copulatory apparatus.

Mating behaviour and spermatophore morphology of four Cuban whip spiders (Arachnida, Amblypygi, Phrynidae) – Taxonomic relevance and evolutionary trends

Mating behaviour and the species-specific spermatophore morphology of four Cuban whip spider species are described. Whereas the courtship and spermatophore transfer is more or less typical for phrynid whip spider species, the entire spermatophore morphology is species-specific suggesting new undiscovered evolutionary trends and further, in two Paraphrynus species the male modify the spermatophore head with its chelicera and this differs remarkably between related species. The purpose of this unexpected behaviour is not clear and further research should resolve its function and the implications for sexual selection. Thus, we emphasizes the importance of inclusion of the species-specific spermatophore descriptions into taxonomic works.

Deceptive taxonomic importance of the Ornithogalum (Asparagaceae) seed morphology

Ornithogalum taxonomy is under constant revision. Numerous studies relating to morphology, anatomy, cytology, seed micromorphology and molecular phylogenies have been published to date, yet the number of species within the genus continues to be debated. In the Mediterranean region and rest of Europe, the genus comprises c. 120 species that share many common characters. In published resources, seed morphology has mostly been designated as species specific, having low taxonomic value for higher systematics. However, our comparative review of the published data and additional comparative analyses of seed morphology, detailed here, has revealed some discrepancies and limitations in species identifications. Our study included 14 Ornithogalum species, sampled from the Balkan Peninsula and Pannonian Plain. The main aims of the study were to describe seed structure characteristics, determine features upon which species could be identified, and examine the taxonomic relevance of differentiating characteristics. We confirm considerable variability in seed dimensions and shape. Testa primary structure exhibits non-species-specific features and we identify secondary testa structure as being an additional parameter for seed description. Overall, we found that while it is possible to define particular seed morphology patterns, they are of limited value in the taxonomy of this genus.

The Persian Gulf is Part of the Habitual Range of the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Population

The Persian Gulf is Part of the Habitual Range of the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Population The humpback whale has long been considered a rare straggler to the Persian Gulf, however new evidence contradicts this and suggests that this species may be habitually present. We here critically review published and new records for Megaptera novaeangliae occurrence in the Gulf for the period 1883-2017. Of eight authenticated records (6 specimens, 2 live-sightings), seven are contemporary cases while one is a mid-Holocene specimen from UAE. An additional four possible records are based on unsubstantiated reports. Four current, regional range states are confirmed, i.e. the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Iraq, the State of Kuwait and the State of Qatar. Four of five newly reported cases are from Iran's coastal waters. We conclude that the Persian Gulf is part of the habitual range of the Arabian Sea humpback whale population, and has been since at least the mid-Holocene. It is unknown whether frequent passage occurs through the Strait of Hormuz or whether humpback whales are (semi) resident. The low abundance of this population and frequent deleterious anthropogenic events, particularly ship strikes and fishing net entanglements, are of major concern. Considering historical and taxonomic relevance, the formal description of Megaptera indica Gervais, 1883, from Iraq, is now thought to be a humpback whale subspecies M. novaeangliae indica.

Support for the underrepresented sex: new descriptions of scutacarid males (Acari, Heterostigmatina).

Based on males gained from laboratory cultures, nine new descriptions and one redescription of scutacarid males are given: the respective species are Heterodispus foveatus Jagersbacher-Baumann and Ebermann 2012, Imparipes dispar Rack, 1964, Lamnacarus ornatus Balogh and Mahunka, 1963, Scutacarus acarorum (Goeze, 1780), S. deserticolus Mahunka, 1969, S. ellipticus Karafiat, 1959, S. longipes Rack, 1975, S. longitarsus (Berlese, 1905), S. tackei Willmann, 1942 and S. tyrrhenicus Ebermann, 1986. The taxonomic relevance of male morphology is evaluated. It reveals a strong potential for differentiating between species, and possible characters diagnostic for scutacarid genera are discussed. Within Heterostigmatina, males of Scutacaridae show the most derived characters.

Taxonomic revision of the New World genus Callotillus Wolcott (Cleridae, Tillinae), with the description of the new genus Neocallotillus, and an illustrated key of identification to species.

The New World checkered beetle genus Callotillus Wolcott, 1911 is revised and the new genus Neocallotillus established. The subspecies Callotillus elegans vafer Wolcott is synonymized with the nominal subspecies, Callotillus elegans elegans (Erichson), which is transferred to, and designated as the type species of Neocallotillus gen. n. as Neocallotillus elegans (Erichson, 1847), comb. n. Two additional species are transferred from Callotillus to the new genus: Neocallotillus intricatus (Wolcott & Dybas, 1947), comb. n. and Neocallotillus crusoe (Wolcott, 1923), comb. n., the latter tentatively and based on Wolcott’s original description. Callotillus is now composed of two species: Callotillus eburneocinctus Wolcott, 1911 and Callotillus bahamensis Vaurie, 1952. All abovementioned species except Neocallotillus crusoe are diagnosed and redescribed. In the absence of reference material of Neocallotillus crusoe, Wolcott’s original description is transcribed. An illustrated key to species is provided. Characters of taxonomic relevance are illustrated and discussed. Updated distribution maps and locality data for all specimens examined are presented.

On the diversity of the SE Indo-Pacific species of Terebellides (Annelida; Trichobranchidae), with the description of a new species.

The study of material collected during routine monitoring surveys dealing with oil extraction and aquaculture in waters off Myanmar (North Andaman Sea) and in the Gulf of Thailand, respectively, allowed us to analyse the taxonomy and diversity of the polychaete genus Terebellides (Annelida). Three species were found, namely Terebellides cf. woolawa, Terebellides hutchingsae spec. nov. (a new species fully described and illustrated), and Terebellides sp. (likely a new species, but with only one available specimen). The new species is characterised by the combination of some branchial (number, fusion and relative length of lobes and papillation of lamellae), and thoracic (lateral lobes and relative length of notopodia) characters and is compared with all species described or reported in the SW Indo-Pacific area, as well as with those sharing similar morphological characteristics all around the world. The taxonomic relevance of the relative length of branchial lobes and different types of ciliature in branchial lamellae for species discrimination in the genus is discussed. A key to all Terebellides species described in SE Indo-Pacific waters is presented.

A new species of Heterospio (Annelida, Longosomatidae) from the Indian Ocean

Knowledge about the taxonomy and distribution of the monogeneric polychaete family Longosomatidae Hartman, 1944 is limited in all parts of the world. A new species of the genus Heterospio Ehlers, 1874 (Annelida, Longosomatidae) is described from the Indian Ocean. Heterospio indica sp. nov. is mainly characterised by the conspicuous flattening of the distal half of capillary chaetae located in anterior elongated segments. Several body characters of high taxonomic relevance in the genus are examined under the SEM and discussed. The 18S SSU rDNA and COI genes were sequenced and represent the first sequencing of a species of Heterospio , and the sequences have been deposited in GenBank.

Cryptococcosis in apparently immune-competent patients: taxonomy, epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment

Cryptococcosis, a systemic mycosis with a worldwide distribution, is caused by fungi within the pathogenic Cryptococcus neoformans-Cryptococcus gattii species complex. Until recently, this species complex simply included two species, namely C. neoformans (containing serotypes A [ C. neoformans var. grubii ], D [ C. neoformans var. neoformans ], and an AD hybrid) and C. gattii (containing serotypes B and C). In 2015, the current C. neoformans var. grubii and C. neoformans var. neoformans were proposed to be recognised as separate species, and five separate species were proposed within C. gattii, in addition to several hybrid species. 1 While this revised nomenclature has taxonomic relevance, it is unlikely to filter down to the clinic, not least because the molecular tools to separate these cryptic species are rarely available at diagnostic laboratories. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojid ) South Afr J Infect Dis 2016; DOI: 10.1080/23120053.2016.1188488