Unusual Species Research Articles

New genera and a new species in the “Cryptanthoid Complex” (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) based on the morphology of recently discovered species, seed anatomy, and improvements in molecular phylogeny

The continuous refinement of the morphological, anatomical, and molecular studies on the genera of the “Cryptanthoid complex”, mainly considering the recently discovered outlier species, gave rise to new interpretations of species relationships. It reinforced the monophyly of the groups, and allowed the recognition of the new monotypic genus Siqueiranthus based on a morphologically unique endemic species from northeastern Brazil on the brink of extinction, as well as generic status for Krenakanthus and Orthocryptanthus previously conceived as subgenera of Orthophytum, with readjustments in the positioning of some species. An integrative approach with the combination of multiple traits and the critical assessment of the diagnostic characters proved to be useful for the establishment of the new monophyletic genera. A new unusual species of Orthophytum is also described and illustrated, and its phylogenetic relationships are discussed.

Urgent International Action Needed to Tackle Illegal Pet Trade in Caribbean Iguana Populations

Lizards in the Neotropical genus Iguana are heavily traded for the international pet trade, with unusual colour morphs and rare species commanding high prices. Recent research aimed to understand the taxonomy and phenotypic variation of Iguana in the Lesser Antilles, with those populations now severely threatened by this trade. Although the entire Iguana genus has been on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II since 1977, current levels of trade regulation are proving to be inadequate for the Caribbean Iguana populations, which are declining. This paper presents the case for immediately halting regional commercial trade to safeguard the most vulnerable island populations. We further provide recommendations for trade regulations of other species complexes where the nomenclature used in legislation and the trade industry fall temporarily out of step with new taxonomic changes.

Oxidative ligand cleavage in a copper(II) complex containing aniline moiety induced by copper(II) perchlorate in acetonitrile

AbstractSynthetic reaction of a Cu(II) complex containing aniline moiety (Cu(atpa)) (atpa = N‐(anthracen‐9‐ylmethyl)‐2‐((bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino) with an excess Cu(ClO4)2 in CH3CN produced an unusual species, which was not corresponding to the original ligand atpa, Cu(ClO4)2 nor [Cu(atpa)]2+. It was proposed that the new species was generated via electron transfer between aniline‐containing N‐based ligand and Cu(ClO4)2, resulting in oxidative ligand cleavage. Monitoring the reaction of Cu(atpa) with Cu(ClO4)2 for a period of time revealed a gradual decrease of an active species, concomitant with the growth of a variety of organic fractions including 9‐anthraldehyde and anthraquinone compounds. Cu(tpa) (Cu coordinated with tripodal amine ligand without anthracene analogue) was also detected from this reaction. This finding was indicative of an oxidative ligand cleavage via the N‐dealkylation pathway. In addition to oxidative ligand cleavage, the new species was competent to oxidize other substrates such as triphenylphosphine (PPh3) as well.

A new coccoid family (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) for an unusual species of scale insect on Podocarpus macrophyllus (Podocarpaceae) from southern China.

A new family, Qinococcidae Wu, fam. n., is established for the species Qinococcus podocarpus gen. n. and sp. n., collected from southern China under the bark of Podocarpus macrophyllus (Podocarpaceae). The adult female and male, egg, and all immature instars including the male pupa of Q. podocarpus sp. n. are described and illustrated. The new family is diagnosed mainly on the adult male possessing an inverted -like post-tergite and unusual venation of the fore wing, with a pterostigma, posterior cubital vein and bifurcate anterior flexing patch. A key to all the developmental stages is provided.

Using molecular data to test the generic placement of a new and unusual ginger species from the Philippines

A collection of a ginger from Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines, superficially resembles Hornstedtia but is very different from all other known Philippine species especially by the elongate rachis and absence of sterile bracts. Furthermore, it does not match any other species elsewhere. In order to ascertain its generic placement, phylogenetic analyses using ITS and trnK/matK regions were conducted revealing a close relationship with H. tomentosa from Borneo, Java and Sumatra. The mystery species, H. tomentosa and the type of Hornstedtia are placed within a highly supported clade. Morphologically, it is similar to H. tomentosa having an elongate rachis with red bracts and yellow flowers but differs by the swollen and white mucro to the fertile bract, presence of a bracteole and the petaloid labellum. As a result, Hornstedtia albomucronata, is described as a new species here, and illustrations and information on its distribution, habitat, phenology and provisional IUCN conservation status are provided. An updated key to the nine Hornstedtia species in the Philippines is included.

X(CH3)k+1+ superalkali cations (X = F, O and N) with methyl ligands

The forty years of superalkalis witnessed exploration of various kinds of these unusual species as well as their applications. We introduce here a new class of superalkali cations, X(CH3)k+1+ for X = F, O and N with valence k. We have analyzed the effect of successive substitutions of CH3 groups. Our ab initio calculations show that the successive substitutions lead to the decrease in the vertical electron affinity of cations, becoming as low as 4.35 eV, 2.87 eV and 2.76 eV for F(CH3)2+, O(CH3)3+ and N(CH3)4+, respectively. These findings should add a new chapter in the field of superalkalis.

Understanding the mangrove-associated avifauna and their conservation status in the Gorai Creek, Western Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: A Recent Study

The research was conducted from June 2017 to June 2019 to better understand the diversity and current state of the avifauna in the Gorai Creek region. 96 species belonging to 39 families from 16 orders, including terrestrial and aquatic birds, were identified as surviving near the stream over the two-year research period, including residents, migratory, common, uncommon, and unusual species. 64 species were permanent birds, 28 were winter migrants, 4 were summer migrants, 23 were uncommon, 57 were common, and 16 were rare. Anatidae, Ardeidae, Cuculidae, Accipitridae, Sturnidae, Strigidae, Laridae, Charadridae, Scolopacidae, and Rallidae were the most regularly observed bird families. The extensive mangrove cover around the creek provided food for all the birds. The ferry system to Gorai village, as well as the Essel World Park, has been seen to mildly impair the birds' breeding and foraging. Seasonal changes have a significant impact on bird numbers. Except for the ferry system, anthropogenic disturbances are quite minimal in the area, therefore the creek has less pollution and dense mangrove foliage, which shelters the avifauna that thrives in the zone.

Unusual many species of tropical drift fruits and seeds on the coast of Hamasako in the Goto Islands, Nagasaki, Japan

Unusual many species of tropical drift fruits and seeds on the coast of Hamasako in the Goto Islands, Nagasaki, Japan

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON CROPPING SYSTEM AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES UNDERTAKEN BY INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY: A CASE STUDY FROM JIRI MUNICIPALITY, DOLAKHA, NEPAL

Climate change is a proven and burning issue in world. It has visibly impacting different nation. The study was focused to assess the impact of climate change on cropping system and adaptation strategies undertaken by indigenous community in Jiri Municipality of Dolakha district, Nepal in 2022, which was dominated by the indigenous community namely Jirel. In survey, 212 households were selected from five wards of Jiri Municipality using purposive sampling technique. Preliminary study, scheduled questionnaire survey, field observation, focus group discussion and key informant interview were the primary information sources and secondary information were collected and analyzed using SPSS software; Microsoft Excel and Logistic regression model. From this research on Jiri Municipality of Dolakha district of country Nepal, it is again proved that the climate at the local level has been experiencing increasing trends of both precipitation and temperature (1992-2021). Analysis of agricultural data and meteorological data (2008/09 to 2019/20) shows that the annual yield of the crops like maize, wheat, millet and potato are increasing annually. This signifies that there was positive impact to crop production of study area. At the same time series, both trend of temperature and precipitation are annually increasing. Farmers have experienced that agricultural productivity is decreasing than in the recent years because of different diseases, pest, erratic rainfall, etc. However, there was also positive impact of climate change in study area because climatic variables created favorable environment to grow cauliflower, cabbage, chilly, pumpkin, lemon, kiwi fruit and spinach which were unusual crop species of study area before. Local people’s experience part shows mixed outcomes i.e. positive as well as negative impact on agricultural production due to climate change. As per the analysis of sales of chemical fertilizers data (2014/15 to 2019/20) in the study area, there was fluctuating trend of chemical fertilizers i.e. significant decrease in the sales of urea with 107.64 Mt per year. Crop yield trend showed highly positive correlation for maize, wheat and millet whereas low positive correlation for potato along with the sales of chemical fertilizers. Majority of the respondents are practicing intercropping and planning to use hybrid seeds, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, tunnel and irrigation channel, similarly, to adapt new crops and to change planting time of crops. Whereas, 100% of the respondents were using bio fertilizers to cope with increasing climatic trend.

Key abiotic parameters for the management of the richness of bryolichenic communities in bogs of North Patagonia (Chile)

Peatlands are ecosystems that play a special role in conserving biodiversity because they are refugia for unusual wetland-dependent species. Nevertheless, these ecosystems are threatened in southern South America by the overharvesting of Sphagnum moss, used in horticulture as substrate. Moreover, the biodiversity measurement as species richness has not been considered in management practices. Thus, our purpose was to study the bryophyte and lichen diversity and abiotic factors of Chiloé peatlands to distinguish habitat preferences and key abiotic factors to improve peatland management. The study was conducted in eight peatlands of Chiloé Island in Chile (42-43° S and 75-73° W). We found good predictors to overall species richness and each organism group. The observed patterns of cryptogamic species richness are well explained by microtopographic variables and moisture, increasing in tree base, and decreasing in saturated substrate and carpet. We highly recommend conserving “tree base” microtopographic areas as reservoirs of species richness in intervened areas by harvesting. Furthermore, we also suggest monitoring water chemistry variables such as pH or ionic ratio (IR), to provide information to predict impacts on the biodiversity of peatlands under Sphagnum harvesting. These recommendations give rise to sustainable management and to transforming moss into a renewable resource for farmers.

Unraveling the mystique of left main stenting: A bugaboo of coronary intervention

For many years, CABG has been the gold standard treatment for unprotected Left Main (LM) coronary artery lesions. Because of its high artery size and anatomical accessibility, the LM lesion makes a good PCI candidate. Subset PCI has been broadened by the development of Drug-Eluting Stent (DES) as well as fast advances in procedures, devices, and adjunct pharmacotherapies. PCI and CABG had equivalent results in patients with low or moderate coronary complexity for up to fi ve years, according to current research. Most LM bifurcation lesions may be treated successfully with a single provisional stent rather than the more complex two-stent treatment. The unusual instance of a bifurcation lesion, which requires the use of not one, but two stents from the start, is an exception to the norm. Controlling this unusual species and improving treatment outcomes need an integrated strategy involving specialized procedures, additional physiological and morphologic assessment, and hemodynamic devices.

ETLINGERA COMOSA, A NEW SPECIES (ZINGIBERACEAE: ALPINIOIDEAE) FROM CENTRAL SULAWESI

ARDIYANI, M., ARDI, W. H., HUTABARAT, P. W. K. & POULSEN, A. D. 2021. Etlingera comosa, a new species (Zingiberaceae: Alpinioidea) from Central Sulawesi. Reinwardtia 20(2): 63−68. — Etlingera comosa Ardiyani & Ardi, a new and unusual species from Tentena, Central Sulawesi exhibiting terrestrial as well as epiphytic habit is described here. It is compared to the morphologically closest Etlingera sublimata A.D.Poulsen, but differs in having tufted sheath, bilobed and asymmetric ligule, loose peduncular bracts, densely pubescent fertile bracts and longer filament. Colour plates, notes on its conservation status and DNA barcode data for the new species are also provided.

Book Review

Book Review

Drosophilidae (Diptera) of the Cook Islands

In 2017 a survey was conducted of the Drosophilidae on the remote Cook Islands: Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Mangaia in the Tropical South Pacific. A diverse range of collecting methods was implemented, at different elevations and in domestic, rural, and montane-forest habitats. Only two widespread species Drosophila ananassae and D. simulans have previously been reported from Cook Islands. Among the 8036 specimens collected, 12 species were found, one of which—Drosophila rarotongae sp. nov.—is described here as new; it is endemic to Rarotonga and found only in montane forest. Drosophila suzukii was absent. An unusual species close to Drosophila funebris was collected (one female); various measures revealed its morphological difference from Afrotropical and Palaearctic D. funebris specimens. Possible synonymies between Scaptodrosophila bryani and S. anuda, and between S. concolor and S. marjoryae were discovered and are discussed. Drosophila pallidifrons was found among D. sulfurigaster in very low frequency (1%).

Two noteworthy ramicolous liverworts from Mount Roraima, Guyana: Frullania trigona and Metzgeria deniseana sp. nov.

Mount Roraima, at the geographical tripoint of Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela, is famous for its richness in rare and endemic species. Here we report two unusual ramicolous liverwort species from the north ridge of the mountain, located within the borders of the country of Guyana: Frullania (sect. Microphyllae) trigona and Metzgeria deniseana sp. nov. Frullania section Microphyllae is a group of ten species within subgenus Frullania, distributed in eastern Asia, Europe and tropical America, and characterized by the small dioicous plants with ocelli, caducous leaf lobes and tiny underleaves. Frullania trigona is one of the rarest species of the section and was only known from the type collection from Guadeloupe. It is recognized by the obclavate lobules with a very small mouth, leaf margins with protruding whitish trigones and the presence of a huge attachment cell at the dorsal leaf bases. The latter two features are unusual in Frullania and are unique to F. trigona. Metzgeria deniseana is a new member of the genus Metzgeria with saccate thallus lobes (= former genus Austrometzgeria) and stands out by the very irregular shaped sacs, varying from subglobose to strongly elongate, thallus margins with a wide and ill-defined border, and strongly convex gemmae with revolute margins. The discovery of Frullania trigona and Metgeria deniseana adds two further noteworthy species to the rich liverwort flora of Mount Roraima.

A new species of Australian funnel-web spider (Mygalomorphae, Atracidae, Hadronyche) redefines the family Atracidae

We describe a new and unusual species of funnel-web spider from the far south coast of New South Wales. Hadronyche nadgee sp. nov. has only a single row of cheliceral teeth, a condition unique among known atracids. All Atrax, Illawarra, and Hadronyche species described to date have teeth on both sides of the cheliceral groove. Moreover, a retromarginal row of large teeth has been one of the diagnostic features of the Atracidae. Hadronyche nadgee sp. nov. has only a promarginal row. We therefore amend the diagnosis of the family to accommodate this new species, which in all other ways meets the criteria for Hadronyche (Atracidae).

A Five-Coordinate Compound with Inverted Ligand Field: An Unprecedented Geometry for Silver(III).

By using suitable synthetic procedures, we have first isolated the square‐planar organosilver(III) compounds [PPh4][trans‐(CF3)2AgX2] [X=Cl (1 a), Br (2 a)]. The geometry and stereochemistry of the chloro‐derivative 1 a have been unambiguously established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD) methods. Following our calculations on the relative stability of the cis‐/trans‐[(CF3)2AgX2]− couples (X=F, Cl, Br, I), the experimentally obtained compounds 1 a and 2 a appear to be kinetically favored stereoisomers. They display some tendency to associate an additional X− ligand affording rare five‐coordinate AgIII species [(CF3)2AgX3]2−. Interestingly, compound [PPh4]2[(CF3)2AgBr3] (3) has been identified by SC‐XRD methods as the first AgIII derivative with trigonal symmetry in general and trigonal bipyramidal geometry in particular. This unusual five‐coordinate species also exhibits inverted ligand field.

Effect on Intermediary Metabolism and Digestive Parameters of the High Substitution of Fishmeal with Insect Meal in Sparus aurata Feed

Simple SummaryThe depletion of traditional protein sources and the impact this causes on the production costs of aquaculture feed make it necessary to find alternative materials that allow for the sustainability of production. Among various proposals, insects have drawn scholarly attention because of their high protein content and the efficiency of their production, both from an environmental and an economic perspective. However, nutritional changes in fish diets require further clarification regarding the effect of this new ingredient in fish performance and physiology. In this study, we evaluated the use of two insect meal species, Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor, for the partial replacement of fishmeal, as well as their influence on growth indices and the gut microbiome. Although the results showed a worsening of biometric parameters and a modification of the microbial community, the impact was different depending on the insect species and their rearing conditions. Thus, specific studies for each case are recommended.Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor were tested on account of their potential to replace fish protein in feed. Two levels of replacement for H. illucens, 30% and 50% (H30 and H50), and one for T. molitor, 50% (T50), as well as an additional diet with a modified fatty acid fraction (H50M), were investigated in relation to juvenile Sparus aurata growth indices, enzyme activities and gut microbiome. A T50 diet showed similar results to a control (C) diet, with no significant differences regarding morphological indices and minor differences for nutritional indices. Regarding the gut microbiome, H50M was the diet which showed the more similar prokaryotic community to C, which suggests that fatty acid fractions might influence the composition of the gut microbiome. Nevertheless, differences appeared to be related to a redistribution of dominant species, while changes in species affiliation were limited to minoritary species. The positive correlation between some of these minoritary species (Peptostreptococcus russellii, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Weisella confusa) and several fish growth parameters might explain differences between control and insect diets. Deciphering such uncertainty and revealing the potential role these unusual species may play on fish performance should be addressed in future investigations.

Phytophthora heterospora sp. nov., a New Pseudoconidia-Producing Sister Species of P. palmivora.

Since 1999, an unusual Phytophthora species has repeatedly been found associated with stem lesions and root and collar rot on young olive trees in Southern Italy. In all cases, this species was obtained from recently established commercial plantations or from nursery plants. Morphologically, the Phytophthora isolates were characterized by the abundant production of caducous non-papillate conidia-like sporangia (pseudoconidia) and caducous papillate sporangia with a short pedicel, resembling P. palmivora var. heterocystica. Additional isolates with similar features were obtained from nursery plants of Ziziphus spina-christi in Iran, Juniperus oxycedrus and Capparis spinosa in Italy, and mature trees in commercial farms of Durio zibethinus in Vietnam. In this study, morphology, breeding system and growth characteristics of these Phytophthora isolates with peculiar features were examined, and combined mitochondrial and nuclear multigene phylogenetic analyses were performed. The proportion between pseudoconidia and sporangia varied amongst isolates and depended on the availability of free water. Oogonia with amphigynous antheridia and aplerotic oospores were produced in dual cultures with an A2 mating type strain of P. palmivora, indicating all isolates were A1 mating type. Phylogenetically, these isolates grouped in a distinct well-supported clade sister to P. palmivora; thus, they constitute a separate taxon. The new species, described here as Phytophthora heterospora sp. nov., proved to be highly pathogenic to both olive and durian plants in stem inoculation tests.

Delongia flavolimbata (S.He & Y.J.Yi) S.He & Y.J.Yi, an unusual species with elamellate laminae from China, newly combined in Polytrichaceae based on molecular data

ABSTRACT Introduction Hyophila flavolimbata S.He & Y.J.Yi has several unusual morphological features that cast doubt on its current generic position in Hyophila and even its family placement in the Pottiaceae. The results of a molecular study carried out to investigate the taxonomic identity of this taxon have provided a unique resolution. Methods In addition to a morphological examination in which material from related species were compared, rps4 and trnL–F sequences from the type specimen and a newly identified specimen of Hyophila flavolimbata were analysed. Relationships between related species in the Polytrichaceae were explored using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. Key results and conclusions Phylogenetic analysis resolved a new taxonomic position for Hyophila flavolimbata in the genus Delongia of the Polytrichaceae, and consequently, a new combination, Delongia flavolimbata (S.He & Y.J.Yi) S.He & Y.J.Yi, is made. Photographs detailing key morphological differences from related taxa, and a key to the three currently recognised species in Delongia, are provided. The completely elamellate laminae of this species are an unusual morphological character that is highly remarkable for Delongia and uncommon in the Polytrichaceae.