Topotypic Specimens Research Articles

A new cave centipede from Croatia, Eupolybothrus liburnicus sp. n., with notes on the subgenus Schizopolybothrus Verhoeff, 1934 (Chilopoda, Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae).

A new species of Eupolybothrus Verhoeff, 1907 discovered in caves of Velebit Mountain in Croatia is described. E. liburnicus sp. n. exhibits a few morphological differences from its most similar congeners, all of which are attributed to the subgenus Schizopolybothrus Verhoeff, 1934, and two approaches to species delimitation using the COI barcode region identify it as distinct from the closely allied E. cavernicolus Stoev & Komerički, 2013. E. spiniger (Latzel, 1888) is redescribed and a lectotype is designated for it as well as E. caesar (Verhoeff, 1899) to stabilize their respective taxonomic status. The subspecies E. acherontis wardaranus Verhoeff, 1937, previously suspected to be a synonym of E. caesar (Verhoeff, 1899), is redescribed and its taxonomy revised after the study of type material whereas the identity of E. acherontis (Verhoeff, 1900) described from a female from southwest Trebinje (Bosnia and Herzegovina) remains unknown. Type material of E. stygis (Folkmanova, 1940) is confirmed to be lost and future designation of neotypes from topotypic specimens is necessary to stabilize its taxonomy. The importance of setal arrangement on the intermediate and 14th tergites and the sexual modifications on the male 15th prefemur for species identification is discussed in the light of present findings, and a review of the species of E. (Schizopolybothrus) that display these traits is also provided.

Intraspecific variation and palaeogeographic dispersal of the Mississippian miospore Reticulatisporites magnidictyus Playford & Helby, 1968

ABSTRACTRenewed study of an Australian Mississippian-age palynoflora – the Grandispora maculosa zonal assemblage from the Mount Johnstone/Italia Road Formation (Hunter Valley, New South Wales) – reveals significant morphological variation in some of its key miospore components – in particular Reticulatisporites magnidictyus, the subject of the present account. Detailed microscopy of numerous topotypic specimens of this species, originally described in 1968, results in its formal emendation; this takes particular account of the hitherto unrecognised presence of a proximo-apical prominence about the confluence of the laesurae. The G. maculosa palynoflora, with its constituent R. magnidictyus, has been reported from within a ca. 30–45°S palaeolatitudinal belt, at numerous Western, Eastern, and Northern Gondwanan locations in strata of middle Visean–early Serpukhovian age, but with a possible extension into the Early Pennsylvanian (Bashkirian). Consequently, R. magnidictyus is one of a very limited group of distinctive miospore species that facilitate long-distance chronostratigraphic correlation within the supercontinent.

Systematic updates of the agglutinated foraminiferal genus Colominella Popescu, 1998: insights from sectioned specimens

Abstract The occurrence of agglutinated foraminiferal specimens belonging to the Badenian (middle Miocene) genus Colominella Popescu, 1998 was recently documented for the first time in a lower Pliocene succession of the western Mediterranean area. Direct comparisons with topotype specimens of Colominella paalzowi (Cushman 1936), sampled in the Badenian type section of Lăpugiu de Sus (Transylvania), show that the Pliocene individuals from the western Mediterranean morphologically resemble the type species C. paalzowi, but they also differ in possessing a longer biserial chamber arrangement with a higher number of internal chamber partitions, in lacking a clear early triserial stage and in having a more complex microstructure of the agglutinated wall, thereby supporting the idea that the Pliocene Mediterranean specimens represent a new, more highly evolved species. The fact that the Pliocene individuals from the Mediterranean appear to be more evolved with respect to the Badenian specimens from Paratethys represents an interesting evolutionary development of the genus Colominella that also permits the known stratigraphical and geographical range of the genus, previously limited to the middle Miocene (Badenian) of the Paratethys, to be extended.

Ichnogenus Astropolichnus in the Middle Cambrian of the Barrandian area, Czech Republic

ABSTRACTImperfectly preserved specimen of a supposed hydrozoan Medusites cf. radiatus Linnars., originally described by Pompeckj (1896) from the “Pod trním” locality near Týřovice (Slapnice Member of the Buchava Formation, Skryje–Týřovice Basin) is revised. Recent study of the original specimen and a more complete topotype specimen testify the affiliation to the pineapple-shaped ichnogenus Astropolichnus Crimes and Anderson, 1985. A new ichnospecies A. bohemicus is established on the material from the Buchava Formation. This material is the first occurrence of Astropolichnus in the middle Cambrian as well as the first report of this ichnogenus in the Barrandian area of Czech Republic.

Análisis de producción gonadal del pez Grundulus quitoensis Román-Valencia, Ruiz-C. y Barriga, 2005 (Characiformes: Characidae) en la laguna altoandina “El Voladero” provincia El Carchi, Ecuador

Relative fecundity in fishes is the estimated number of oocytes of a female during spawning. This aspect was investigated in Grundulus quitoensis topotypic specimens from the “El Voladero”, a high Andean lake in Ecuador. Gonad maturation stages (mature and immature) were identified by means of direct observation, subsequently, the relative fertility (FRP) as function of the weight and the total length (TL) were calculated. Average TL of females was 63.9 mm. The numbers of oocytes ranged from 75 to 716 per female, in total 5691 oocytes were counted from 16 females. TW ranged from 0.5 to 4.7 g, whereas TL ranged from 36.7 to 63.9 mm. Relative fecundity ranged from 1.6 to 14.3 oocytes per mm TL (= 6.9 ± 3.6 mm-1) and from 47.2 to 319.1 oocytes per g of TW (= 148.9 ± 74.9 g-1). It is important to know the life cycle and natural history of a species, since they contribute to the ecological knowledge of the fishes that inhabit the high Andean lakes, as is the case of this study of G. quitoensis.

First record and description of juvenile stages of Longidorus artemisiae Rubtsova, Chizhov & Subbotin, 1999 (Nematoda: Longidoridae) in Poland and new data on L. juglandicola Li\u0161kov\xe1, Robbins & Brown, 1997 based on topotype specimens from Slovakia

This paper presents the first geographical record of the needle nematode Longidorus artemisiae Rubtsova, Chizhov & Subbotin, 1999 outside Russia. This species was found in Poland near the city of Skierniewice in association with nettle (Urtica dioica L.). Morphometric and morphological data are provided, including the first description of juveniles of this species. Nematodes of the Polish population differ from the type-population in Russia in possessing a thicker body (lower ‘a’ index) in both sexes; males having a longer body and longer spicules; different sex ratio (1:2 in Polish population vs 1:1 in the type-population) and somewhat less expanded lips. Molecularly, the Polish population was characterised by sequencing D2-D3 28S rDNA and ITS1 markers. Additionally, new data on these two markers are provided for another species, Longidorus juglandicola Lišková, Robbins & Brown, 1997, obtained from topotype specimens from Slovakia. Surprisingly, despite the high morphological similarity of these two species, analysis of their phylogenetic position did not show close phylogenetic relation and several other species (less similar in general morphology) appeared more closely related to both L. artemisiae and L. juglandicola.

Taxonomic identity of Chionomys nivalis spitzenbergerae (Mammalia: Rodentia)

The most genetically divergent populations of the European snow vole Chionomys nivalis occupy the extreme eastern range of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It was recently suggested that subspecies C. n. spitzenbergerae from the Central Taurus Mountains (Turkey) represents a highly divergent lineage of C. nivalis from the Aladağ Range which induced us to address its status by examining topotype specimens. Two females karyotyped displayed 54 mitotic chromosomes of 25 acrocentric autosomal pairs. One of the smallest autosomal pairs was heteromorphic in both specimens, consisting of a submetacentric and an acrocentric chromosomes (NFa = 53). Cytochrome b sequences however unambiguously clustered both individuals with reference sequences from C. nivalis from Turkey. We conclude that a deviant haplotype from the Aladağ Range does not represent C. n. spitzenbergerae. Its taxonomic identity was not resolved in our study. Further attention should be devoted to snow voles from Central Anatolia and Western Iran, which are characterized by cranial peculiarities.

Review of the Oriental and Palaearctic bee fly genus Euchariomyia Bigot (Diptera: Bombyliidae: Bombyliinae).

The bee fly genus Euchariomyia Bigot is reviewed and new records from the Oriental Region are given. Five names (for four species-level taxa) have been associated with species in the genus. Examinations of types, as well as homotypic and topotypic specimens, shows all five names to belong to a highly variable single species, Euchariomyia dives Bigot. The following species are here shown to be the same as Euchariomyia dives Bigot: Bombylius pulchellus Wulp, 1880, Bombylius scintillans Brunetti, 1909, and Bombylius brunettii Senior-White, 1922, n. syn. The genus is known primarily from the southern and eastern Oriental Region and ranges into the Palaearctic in eastern China. We extend the distribution of the genus with new records in the southeastern Oriental Region [Indonesia (Sumatra), Laos, Peninsular Malaysia, and Vietnam].

Reinstatement of Plagiochila sect. Abietinae (Plagiochilaceae, Jungermanniopsida)

The classification of the speciose leafy liverwort genus Plagiochila into species and sections is still in a preliminary state. Based on phylogenetic analyses of a dataset comprising nuclear ITS and chloroplast rps4 and rbcL sequences, we reject an earlier proposed synonymy of the Asian-Australasian Plagiochila sect. Abietinae and the pantropical P. sect. Vagae. A monophyletic sect. Abietinae is recognised, containing a clade with five accessions of P. abietina sister to a single accession of P. hampeana. This Abietinae clade nests in a larger Plagiochila clade which also retrieves monophyletic sects. Fruticosae, Trabeculatae, Peculiares, Plagiochila and Poeltiae. Plagiochila sect. Vagae is placed sister to P. sect. Africanae. Two P. abietina accessions from Australia form a sister relationship with a clade comprising three P. abietina accessions from the Fiji Islands. Based on the example of P. patula, we discuss the benefits of including type or topotype specimens in revisionary studies considering molecular and morphological evidence.

A New Integrated Approach to Taxonomy: The Fusion of Molecular and Morphological Systematics with Type Material in Benthic Foraminifera.

A robust and consistent taxonomy underpins the use of fossil material in palaeoenvironmental research and long-term assessment of biodiversity. This study presents a new integrated taxonomic protocol for benthic foraminifera by unequivocally reconciling the traditional taxonomic name to a specific genetic type. To implement this protocol, a fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene is used in combination with 16 quantitative morphometric variables to fully characterise the benthic foraminiferal species concept of Elphidium williamsoni Haynes, 1973. A combination of live contemporary topotypic specimens, original type specimens and specimens of genetic outliers were utilised in this study. Through a series of multivariate statistical tests we illustrate that genetically characterised topotype specimens are morphologically congruent with both the holotype and paratype specimens of E. williamsoni Haynes, 1973. We present the first clear link between morphologically characterised type material and the unique SSU rRNA genetic type of E. williamsoni. This example provides a standard framework for the benthic foraminifera which bridges the current discontinuity between molecular and morphological lines of evidence, allowing integration with the traditional Linnaean roots of nomenclature to offer a new prospect for taxonomic stability.

Rediscovery of Chirostylus dolichopus Ortmann, 1892 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Chirostylidae) from its type locality, Boso Peninsula, Japan, with description of the colouration in life

The chirostylid squat lobster, Chirostylus dolichopus Ortmann, 1892, was rediscovered from its type locality, Katsuyama (Boso Peninsula, Honshu, Japan) (35°06.7′N, 139°48.8′E), since the holotype had been collected in 1880. The colouration in life of C. dolichopus is reported for the first time on the basis of a recently captured topotypic specimen. Chirostylus dolichopus is characterized by the brilliant yellow ground colour and spot pattern on the meri of the ambulatory pereopods. The colouration in life of C. dolichopus is diagnostic for species of Chirostylus. The examination of the present specimen revealed that C. dolichopus is distinguishable from other shallow water congeners, such as C. ortmanni, C. sandyi, and C. stellaris, by the colouration as well as morphology.

New status for Fraser’s forgotten Aciagrion approximans krishna, stat. nov. (Odonata: Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae) from the Western Ghats of India

Aciagrion Selys, 1891 is one of the taxonomically difficult and poorly known genera of Oriental damselflies. Aciargion hisopa race krishna Fraser, 1921 was described from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, India. However, later Fraser (1933) doubted the taxonomic necessity of this taxon. His notion of Aciagrion hisopa (Selys, 1876) was erroneous, as evidenced by syntypes of this species in Selys’ collection, so the ssp. krishna is not conspecific with A. hisopa. Topotypic specimens of ssp. krishna from the Western Ghats were compared to specimens of Aciagrion approximans (Selys, 1876) from the Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, which are topotypical because of the recent designation of the neotype of this species in Selys’ collection. These two series were found to be very close to each other but differing at the level of subspecies, so we propose a new subspecies status and combination, Aciagrion approximans krishna Fraser, 1921. The range and geographical variation of A. approximans beyond India is clarified.http://zooba...

On the genus Bothrophyllum Trautschold, 1879 (Anthozoa, Rugosa)

Abstract The rugose coral genus Bothrophyllum Trautschold, 1879 is revised on the basis of data from the literature and the author’s personal investigation of both topotypes of its type species B. conicum and related and/or similar taxa from other areas. The intraspecific variability of the type species, its neotype, the intra-generic framework and a new generic diagnosis are established. Many more than 100 taxa related and/or similar to Bothrophyllum were analyzed and the most important of them are discussed. Detailed analysis of the type species based on the neotype and supported by additional topotype specimens illustrated here, allows restriction of both the type species and the genus, and leads to the proposition that Bothrophyllum -like taxa with a shortened cardinal septum should be considered of subgeneric (not named) status. Detailed analysis of the specimens and species described and illustrated from the type site (Myachkovo Quarry, Moscow Basin) form the basis for further considerations. On the basis of that analysis and characters established for the type species, taxa from all other European, African, Asiatic and North American areas either named Bothrophyllum or bearing characters of that genus were analyzed. The supposed origin and discussion of the relationships conclude the paper. A list of synonyms and exclusions from Bothrophyllum and lists of species included, excluded, or possibly belonging to Bothrophyllum and Bothrophyllum -like corals with a shortened cardinal septum are presented.

Description of a new species of Betrichia Mosely 1939 from Brazil and edescription of the type-species (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae: Leucotrichiinae).

Betrichia Mosely 1939 was erected to include a single species, B. zilbra Mosely 1939 from Brazil. The genus has a complicated taxonomy mainly because of the lack of diagnostic characteristics in the original description. Marshall (1979) stated that some features of the antennae, wing venation, and male genitalia are presumably diagnostic, but it remained without a precise diagnosis. Currently, Betrichia comprises 11 Neotropical species (Flint et al. 1999; Oláh & Johanson 2011; Thomson 2012; Oláh & Flint 2012), six of which have been recorded from Brazil (Santos et al. 2015): B. alibrachia Thomson 2012 (Rio de Janeiro State), B. hamulifera Flint 1983 (Pernambuco, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina states), B. kagyla Oláh & Flint 2012 (Amazonas State), B. longistyla Flint 1983 (Santa Catarina State), B. varratlana Oláh & Flint 2012 (Rondônia State), and B. zilbra Mosely 1939 (Santa Catarina State). Herein, we describe and illustrate a new species of the genus and redescribe the type-species of the genus based on topotypical specimens. We also provide new distributional records for Betrichia zilbra, reported here for the first time from Argentina (Misiones) and Bahia and Sergipe states (Brazil), and for Betrichia bispinosa Flint 1974, representing the first record of this species in Brazil (Amapá and Pará states).

Unraveling the Inocybe praetervisa group through type studies and ITS data: Inocybe praetervisoides sp. nov. from the Mediterranean region

Species in the Inocybe praetervisa group are characterized by producing nodulose to angular basidiospores and a bulbous, marginate, white stipe devoid of any pinkish to reddish tinge. Species delimitation problems and common misinterpretations in the I. praetervisa group have not yet been resolved through type studies and analysis of molecular data. This study seeks to clarify the taxonomy and nomenclature of species around I. praetervisa. Analyses of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed regions (ITS) recovered two major groups within the I. praetervisa group that can be separated on the basis of cystidial morphology. The study of three authentic and topotypic specimens in the Bresadola herbarium revealed that the name I. praetervisa has been misapplied often. The ITS region of one of the specimens was obtained, and this specimen is designated as epitype in support of a lectotype. Inocybe rivularis is demonstrated to be a later synonym of I. praetervisa, while Inocybe phaeocystidiosa is the correct name for the species most often misdetermined as I. praetervisa. Inocybe salicis-herbaceae and I. praetervisa var. flavofulvida are shown to be synonyms of I. phaeocystidiosa based on ITS sequence data from type collections. A new species sister to I. phaeocystidiosa with a Mediterranean distribution is described as I. praetervisoides. Cystidial morphology, distribution of caulocystidia, basidiospore morphology and ecology are shown to be the main diagnostic characters for separating the species. Inocybe praetervisa and I. phaeocystidiosa have a transoceanic distribution in Europe and North America, whereas I. praetervisoides so far is known only from the Mediterranean region.

A newly identified population of Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853), a non-native invasive species, in Lake Kenyir, Malaysia: implications for management

Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853), a notorious non-native invasive fish species, has negatively impacted aquatic ecosystems around the world. This species was recently identified in Lake Kenyir, one of the largest impoundments in South East Asia, using DNA barcoding. The coxI sequence of Gambusia caught in Lake Kenyir was compared with the sequences of topotypic voucher specimens of G. affinis and two other candidate Poeciliidae. The species was found to cluster with G. affinis but not with monophyletic clades of either G. holbrooki or P. reticulata thus confirming species identity. The fish is yet to be widely established in the lake with the current distribution limited to areas of anthropogenic disturbance.

Redescription of Nemachilichthys rueppelli, a senior synonym of N. shimogensis(Teleostei: Nemacheilidae).

The hill-stream loach genus Nemachilichthys, an endemic of the Western Ghats of India, comprises two nominal species, N. rueppelli and N. shimogensis. The validity of the latter has been questioned by several authors. Here we show that there is only a marginal raw mitochondrial genetic distance (0.5% in cytochrome oxidase subunit I and 1.2% in cytochrome b) between topotypic specimens of the two nominal species. Further, although population-level morphometric variations appear in a multivariate morphometric analysis, the two nominal species are morphologically similar, with apparently no significant characters separating them. We therefore consider N. shimogensis to be a junior synonym of N. rueppelli and redescribe the latter, providing further details on population variation and distribution.

Resolving cryptic species of Bossiella (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) using contemporary and historical DNA.

Phenotypic plasticity and convergent evolution have long complicated traditional morphological taxonomy. Fortunately, DNA sequences provide an additional basis for comparison, independent of morphology. Most importantly, by obtaining DNA sequences from historical type specimens, we are now able to unequivocally match species names to genetic groups, often with surprising results. We used an integrative taxonomic approach to identify and describe Northeast Pacific pinnately branched species in the red algal coralline genus Bossiella, for which traditional taxonomy recognized only one species, the generitype, Bossiella plumosa. We analyzed DNA sequences from historical type specimens and modern topotype specimens to assign species names and to identify genetic groups that were different and that required new names. Our molecular taxonomic assessment was followed by a detailed morphometric analysis of each species. Our study of B. plumosa revealed seven pinnately branched Bossiella species. Three species, B. frondescens, B. frondifera, and B. plumosa, were assigned names based on sequences from type specimens. The remaining four species, B. hakaiensis, B. manzae, B. reptans, and B. montereyensis, were described as new to science. In most cases, there was significant overlap of morphological characteristics among species. This study underscores the pitfalls of relying upon morpho-anatomy alone to distinguish species and highlights our likely underestimation of species worldwide. Our integrative taxonomic approach can serve as a model for resolving the taxonomy of other plant and algal genera.

Systematics, cranial morphology, and taphonomy of the eomyid rodent Adjidaumo minimus (Matthew, 1903) from the Chadronian (late Eocene), Flagstaff Rim area, Wyoming

ABSTRACTA collection of Adjidaumo minimus (Matthew, 1903) from the middle Chadronian (late Eocene) of Natrona County, Wyoming, consists of approximately 150 specimens, the largest sample of Adjidaumo from anywhere. The sample includes several partial to nearly complete crania, the most complete cranial material known for the genus. This large sample of a single species allows an examination of the variability in dental and cranial morphology of the species and a more complete description of the skull. The general morphology of the cranium is similar to that of other eomyids and differs most markedly in having a relatively shorter rostrum, an opening for the sphenopalatine vacuity, and a distinct groove on the alisphenoid. Additional topotypic specimens of A. burkei (Russell, 1954) show that it is a distinct species, rather than a synonym of A. minimus as some authors have suggested. Based on age profiles, the population of Adjidaumo from Jenny's Pocket appears to have been attritionally accumulated, whereas that from Al's Pocket was more likely catastrophic. Although the specimens from Jenny's Pocket were preserved in the filling of a burrow along with bones of a mammalian carnivore, examination of the bones and teeth preserved along with modification of the Adjidaumo skulls and jaws from that site indicate that they were more likely the result of predatory activity of a small owl.Citation for this article: Korth, W. W., R. J. Emry, and M. R. Musso. 2015. Systematics, cranial morphology, and taphonomy of the eomyid rodent Adjidaumo minimus (Matthew, 1903) from the Chadronian (late Eocene), Flagstaff Rim area,Wyoming. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2014.1001854.

Thumb-pads up-a new species of thick-thumbed bat from Sumatra (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Glischropus).

To date, three species of the genus Glischropus are recognized from the Indomalayan zoogeographic region-G. bucephalus from the Indochinese subregion, G. tylopus from the Sundaic subregion (Peninsular Thailand and Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Moluccas) and G. javanus, restricted to Java. The investigation of the holotype and three topotype specimens of G. batjanus supported the view that the name was previously correctly regarded as the junior subjective synonym of G. tylopus. During review of material recently collected in southwestern Sumatra, Indonesia, one specimen of a yet undescribed species of Thick-thumbed bat was identified. G. aquilus n. sp. markedly differs from its congeners by its dark brown pelage, nearly black ear and tragus, and in skull proportions. The phylogenetic analysis based on cytb sequences also supports the specific distinctness of G. aquilus n. sp. Its discovery brings the count to 88 species of bats known from Sumatra.