Well-supported Monophyletic Group Research Articles

Complete Chloroplast Genomes and Phylogenetic Analysis of Woody Climbing Genus Phanera (Leguminosae)

Background: Phanera Lour., a genus in the subfamily Cercidoideae of the family Leguminosae, is characterized by woody liana habit, tendrils, and distinctive bilobate or bifoliolate leaves. The genus holds important medicinal value and constitutes a complex group characterized by morphological diversity and unstable taxonomic boundaries. However, limited information on the chloroplast genomes of this genus currently available constrains our understanding of its species diversity. Hence, it is necessary to obtain more chloroplast genome information to uncover the genetic characteristics of this genus. Methods: We collected and assembled the complete chloroplast genomes of nine representative Phanera plants, including Phanera erythropoda, Phanera vahlii, Phanera aureifolia, Phanera bidentata, Phanera japonica, Phanera saigonensis, Phanera championii, Phanera yunnanensis, and Phanera apertilobata. We then conducted a comparative analysis of these genomes and constructed phylogenetic trees. Results: These species are each characterized by a typical quadripartite structure. A total of 130–135 genes were annotated, and the GC content ranged from 39.25–42.58%. Codon usage analysis indicated that codons encoding alanine were dominant. We found 82–126 simple sequence repeats, along with 5448 dispersed repeats, mostly in the form of forward repeats. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 16 Phanera species form a well-supported monophyletic group, suggesting a possible monophyletic genus. Furthermore, 10 hypervariable regions were detected for identification and evolutionary studies. Conclusions: We focused on comparing chloroplast genome characteristics among nine Phanera species and conducted phylogenetic analyses, laying the foundation for further phylogenetic research and species identification of Phanera.

Assembly and characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of the Colombian coffee varieties Caturra Chiroso, Bourbon Chiroso and Chiroso, Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae), with insights on their phylogenetic relationships

AbstractVarieties represent a defined group with differentiated characteristics derived through natural selection and/or selective breeding from within a species. In the Central-Andean region of Colombia (Urrao) there are three endemic varieties of the species Coffea arabica L [“Caturra Chiroso” (CCH), “Bourbon Chiroso” (BCH), and “Chiroso” (CHCH)], known as “Chiroso” group, globally renowned for their high quality and distinctive cup profile. Despite its significance, there is a lack of reported genomic resources or basic biological information for these. In this study, we conducted the first assembly and characterization of the complete chloroplast (Cp) genomes of these varieties and reconstructed their ancestry relationships. The Cp genomes were 155,188 bp in length (A = 30.93%; C = 19.06%; G = 18.37%; T = 31.64%); containing 131 genes, comprising 86 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. They consisted of four subregions: the large single-copy (LSC) region (85,159 bp; 83 genes), the short single-copy (SSC) region (18,136 bp; 12 genes), and the inverted repeats IRA (25,944 bp; 18 genes) and IRB (25,945 bp; 18 genes). Likewise, among 26 intraspecific varieties analyzed, CCH + BCH formed a unique haplotype, and CHCH + Bourbon + Caturra formed another. CCH and BCH featured an exclusive Cytosine mutation (SNP: C/A), position 47,413 bp (intergenic spacer region trnT(UGU)-trnL(UAA)]. Likewise, a total of 445 short tandem repeats were found in the Cp genomes (dinucleotides: 370; trinucleotides: 71; tetranucleotides: 1). Finally, the three formed a well-supported monophyletic group with conspecific varieties, being more closely related to Eastern Ethiopian-origin varieties [e.g. Berbere region], as well as with traditional ones like Typica, Bourbon, and Caturra. These coffee varieties are a valuable new genetic resource for use as a gene source for genetic improvement, biotechnology, direct exploitation and cultivation worldwide.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Chilean Jack Mackerel, Trachurus murphyi Nichols, 1920 (Teleostei, Carangidae)

The Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi, Nichols, 1920) is a pelagic fish of high fishery interest, with a global capture of 828,358 mt in 2021. We report the complete mitochondrial genome of T. murphyi (Teleostei, Carangidae), collected in Bahia de Zapallar, Chile (32°33’02.59’’ S, 71°27’55.38’’ W). The size of the mitogenome is 16,561 bp (H-strand composition: 25.9% A, 16.7% C, 29.8% G, and 27.5% T). The mitogenome has the classic vertebrate gene content of 13 protein-coding, two rRNA, and 22 tRNA genes, as found in Carangidae and other Teleostei families. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial genomes of 22 related species revealed that T. murphyi formed a well-supported monophyletic group with the other Trachurus species, being T. simmetricus its closest relative. Sequencing the mitochondrial genome from T. murphyi is the first step in developing traceability tools based on DNA analysis to enforce fishing quotas and trace the processed food and foodstuff containing Chilean jack mackerel following the objective of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO).

Phylogenetic positions of Thai members of Gymnema, Gymnemopsis and Sarcolobus (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Marsdenieae), and two new Sarcolobus species uncovered by morpho-molecular evidence.

The present study assesses the phylogenetic position of certain Thai members of Gymnema, Gymnemopsis, and Sarcolobus in relation to other known Marsdenieae species. Fifteen accessions newly sequenced from Thailand were added to the dataset of the homologous sequences of 125 accessions of Marsdenieae downloaded from GenBank. In our molecular phylogeny, almost all the delimited major clades and their relationships are largely congruent with those revealed in previous studies. The monophyly of Gymnema (including the former Jasminanthes species) and that of Sarcolobus, as presently circumscribed, are confirmed. The new accessions of these two genera from Thailand are well grouped with the members of their respective genera. Our analyses provide the first molecular evidence for recognition of Gymnemopsis, a small Asian genus that has never been included in the previous phylogenetic studies, as a distinct genus. All elements of Gymnemopsis are retrieved as a well-supported monophyletic group that is strongly supported as sister to Lygisma, another small Asian genus that most closely resembles it in growth habit, color of latex, indumentum on plant parts, corona structure and follicle traits. Combined molecular phylogenetic, morphological and ecological data also support recognition of two new Sarcolobus species from Thailand, Sarcolobus busbanianus sp. nov. and S. flavus sp. nov. Similarities and differences between these new species and their close relative, S. carinatus, are discussed. In addition, this study also reveals the first record for Thailand of Gymnema lacei. Keys to the species of Gymnemopsis (for all members of the genus), Gymnema and Sarcolobus (for Thai members of these genera) are provided.

Phylogenomics corroborates morphology: New discussions on the systematics of Trichostomatia (Ciliophora, Litostomatea)

The subclass Trichostomatia (Ciliophora, Litostomatea) constitutes a well-supported monophyletic group, which includes ciliates exclusively found as symbionts of vertebrates, primarily herbivorous mammals. Recent molecular analyses reinforce the subclass monophyly, though almost all orders, suborders, families, and genera are found to be non-monophyletic. Here, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of the subclass Trichostomatia using a phylogenomic approach and discussed some systematic inconsistencies. We propose a new Ophryoscolecidae genus, Dagostonium, to include Diplodinium polygonale. Monoposthium cynodontum is transferred to the genus Cycloposthium.

One more word on Patagonian Ulota macrodontia: Ulota brachypoda sp. nov. (Orthotrichaceae, Bryophyta)

Abstract The bryophyte genus Ulota has its main diversification area in Patagonia, with 18 currently accepted species, all of which are endemic to the area. Despite this richness, ongoing studies indicate the existence of hitherto unknown species in this territory. However, the strong resemblance between species often complicates the discrimination of new taxa, making the use of integrative taxonomy approaches compulsory. During surveys conducted in past decades, a morphotype of a Ulota, closely resembling Ulota macrodontia, was discovered coexisting with this species. Ulota macrodontia is characterized by unique peristomial features within the genus, and the variant morphotype shares these characteristics while displaying some distinct gametophytic and sporophytic features. Biometric analyses demonstrate that the differences are stable, and without intermediate states. The results obtained from the analyses of one nuclear and four plastid loci reveal a close relationship between both morphotypes, with the samples of U. macrodontia forming a well-supported monophyletic group. We propose to treat the new morphotype at species level (Ulota brachypoda sp. nov.), discussing why this is the most appropriate taxonomic rank, and we provide a detailed and illustrated description. Additionally, a distribution map of the two endemics is included.

Description of three new species of Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832 (Monopisthocotylea: Gyrodactylidae) on Triplophysa species (Nemacheilidae) from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Three new species of Gyrodactylus were identified from the body surface of the Triplophysa species from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Gyrodactylus triplorienchili n. sp. on Triplophysa orientalis in northern Tibet, G. yellochili n. sp. on T. sellaefer and T. scleroptera and G. triplsellachili n. sp. on T. sellaefer and T. robusta in Lanzhou Reach of the Yellow River. The three newly identified species share the nemachili group species' characteristic of having inturning hamulus roots. Gyrodactylus triplorienchili n. sp. shared a quadrate sickle heel and a thin marginal hook sickle, two morphological traits that set them apart from G. yellochili n. sp. However, they may be identified by the distinct shapes of the sickle base and marginal hook sickle point. Gyrodactylus triplsellachili n. sp. had much larger opisthaptoral hard part size than the other two species. The three new species show relatively low interspecific differences of 2.9-5.3% p-distance for ITS1-5.85-ITS2 rDNA sequences. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the three new species formed a well-supported monophyletic group (bp = 99) with the other nemachili group species.

In the Dawn of an Early Invasion: No Genetic Diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Ecuador?

The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis has been reported worldwide. However, some basic questions remain unanswered about A. cantonensis in Ecuador: (1) Was the invasion of A. cantonensis in Ecuador unique, or did it occur in different waves? (2) Was this invasion as recent as historical records suggest? (3) Did this invasion come from other regions of South America or elsewhere? To address these issues, we assessed the genetic diversity of MT-CO1 gene sequences from isolates obtained in 11 of Ecuador's 24 provinces. Our Bayesian inference phylogenetic tree recovered A. cantonensis as a well-supported monophyletic group. All 11 sequences from Ecuador were identical and identified as AC17a. The haplotype AC17a, found in Ecuador and the USA, formed a cluster with AC17b (USA), AC13 (Thailand), and AC12a-b (Cambodia). Notably, all the samples obtained in Ecuadorian provinces' different geographic and climatic regions had no genetic difference. Despite the lack of genetic information on A. cantonensis in Latin America, except in Brazil, our finding differs from previous studies by its absence of gene diversity in Ecuador. We concluded that the invasion of A. cantonensis in Ecuador may have occurred: (1) as a one-time event, (2) recently, and (3) from Asia via the USA. Further research should include samples from countries neighboring Ecuador to delve deeper into this.

Genetic structural variation in mitochondrial genomes of four species of Gomphidae and their phylogenetic implications

The Gomphids are the most diverse and important group in the (sub)tropics. Currently, research on Gomphids is mainly focused on fieldwork and morphological classification, however, the molecular-based study is still insufficient. Here, complete mitogenomes of Nihonogomphus semanticus (15,368 bp), Nihonogomphus lieftincki (15,342 bp), Asiagomphus septimus (15,334 bp), and Davidius fruhstorferi (15,682 bp) were obtained by high-throughput sequencing. Of the 37 genes conserved in order and orientation, 9 protein-coding genes (PCGs) and 14 tRNA genes were encoded by heavy strand, while the rest were encoded by light strand. The secondary structures of the protein encoded by 13 PCGs showed a general trend of proportion: α helix > random coil > extended strand > β turn. The trnS1 gene lacked a dihydrouridine arm and was thus reduced to a loop. The 3D structures of the protein encoded by 13 PCGs showed moderate to high levels of consistency among species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Gomphids were well-supported monophyletic group, both BI and ML tree showed clear phylogenetic relationships in known Gomphidae: ((((D. lunatus + D. fruhstorferi) + A. septimus) + ((N. semanticus + N. lieftincki) + Ophiogomphus cecilia)) + Ictinogomphus sp MT 2014). Our study provides insight into the gene or their protein structure features of the family Gomphidae mitogenomes and lays the foundation for further phylogenetic studies.

Phylogenetic analysis of the critically endangered Karpathos water frog (Anura, Amphibia): conservation insights from complete mitochondrial genome sequencing

Abstract The Karpathos water frog (Pelophylax cerigensis) is classified as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List and its distribution is restricted on the island of Karpathos, South Aegean Sea. Utilizing a next generation sequencing approach, we obtained whole mitochondrial genomes of P. cerigensis to determine the species phylogenetic position within the genus Pelophylax and to clarify the phylogenetic relationship between the species’ population on Karpathos Island and the population of P. cf. bedriagae from the neighboring Rhodes Island. High-throughput sequencing generated mean ± SD = 227 945 ± 18 306 reads averaged per sample. High quality reads were assembled resulting in the complete mitogenome of P. cerigensis of a total size of 17 922 bp. Mitogenome organization was similar to other Pelophylax species, comprising of 13 Protein Coding Genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs and one Control Region. Overall mean genetic distance for the 13 PCGs, within the Ranidae family, ranged from 8.01% (COIII) to 11.6% (ATP8), while ratios of synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions were <1 in all the 13 PCGs, indicating purifying selection. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses based on the concatenated sequences of 13 PCGs and two rRNAs (12S and 16S), showed that individuals from Karpathos and Rhodes form a well-supported monophyletic group with low genetic distance between them (p-distance = 0.1%). Hence, the Rhodes populations seem to belong to P. cerigensis and not to P. bedriagae as formerly thought, highlighting the need for revision of P. cerigensis current conservation status as well as further examination of the P. bedriagae species group.

Disclisioproctaedmondsii (Butler, 1882) comb. nov. (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae).

The generic assignment of the geometrid moth Xanthorhoeedmondsii (Butler, 1882) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae), originally described under Hypochroma Guenée, [1858], a junior homonym of Hypochroma Herrich-Schäffer, [1855] (Geometridae, Ennominae), is assessed using genitalia morphology and analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences. Morphological characters revealed closeness to the type species of Disclisioprocta Wallengren, 1861 (Larentiinae). In agreement with morphology, the molecular analysis clustered X.edmondsii with species of Disclisioprocta in a well-supported monophyletic group distantly related to members of Xanthorhoe Hübner, [1825]. Accordingly, Disclisioproctaedmondsii (Butler, 1882) comb. nov. is proposed.

Stilbocrea banihashemiana sp. nov. a New Fungal Pathogen Causing Stem Cankers and Twig Dieback of Fruit Trees.

Stem cankers and twig dieback were the most serious disease of fig (Ficus carica) and loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) noticed in a survey of fruit tree orchards in the Fars Province, Iran. Isolates of Bionectriaceae were consistently recovered from symptomatic fig and loquat trees. Phylogenetic analyses of multiple nuclear loci, internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of rDNA, RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2), and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1), combined with morphological observations, revealed that isolates could be referred to a still unknown taxon, which was formally described as Stilbocrea banihashemiana sp. nov. Phylogenetically, isolates from fig and loquat trees clustered in a well-supported monophyletic group within the Stilbocrea clade of Bionectriaceae, closely related to S. walteri. Stilbocrea banihashemiana sp. nov. was characterized by the lack of stilbella-like asexual structure in both natural substrates and pure cultures and produced two morphologically distinct types of conidia, globose and cylindrical, formed on short and long simple phialides. In pathogenicity tests, S. banihashemiana sp. nov. induced stem cankers in both fig and loquat, wood discoloration in fig and twig dieback in loquat. Pathogenicity tests also showed that the potential host range of this novel pathogen includes other economically relevant horticultural trees.

The complete mitochondrial genome of a marine triclad Miroplana shenzhensis (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Maricola)

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Miroplana shenzhensis Yu & Wang, 2013 is reported in the present study, representing the second mitogenome recorded in the suborder Maricola. The circular mitogenome is 14,344 bp in length, containing 12 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs and 22 transfer RNAs. Comparative analysis on mitochondrial gene order reveals a rearrangement in the suborder Maricola, indicating that mitochondrial gene order is conserved only in Continenticola, and is divergent across Tricladida. Phylogenetic analysis shows M. shenzhensis is clustered with an another marine triclad, forming a well-supported monophyletic group of Maricloan.

Two New Species of the Lycophyte Genus Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) from China, with Notes on the Phylogenetic Positions of Related Species

Abstract— Two new species of lycophytes, Selaginella obovata and S. zhangii, were discovered in southeastern Yunnan, China. Selaginella obovata is characterized by the prostrate habit and relatively small size of plant, obovate median leaves, and short, dorsiventral strobili, and is not apparently similar to any known species. Phylogenetic analyses of plastid sequences (rbcL, atpI, psbA) indicated that S. obovata is closely allied to S. bisulcata, which is also supported by spore morphology, and that these two taxa together with S. pennata constitute a well-supported monophyletic group. Selaginella zhangii is comparable to S. rolandi-principis in their broad stems and shape and arrangement of vegetative leaves; but the former differs from the latter in its prostrate habit and dorsiventral strobili. The results of phylogenetic analyses indicated that S. zhangii is allied to S. heterostachys in the S. heterostachys‐S. ciliaris clade, while S. rolandi-principis is distantly placed in the S. doederleinii‐S. involvens clade. Finally, we provide comprehensive descriptions, photographs of living plants, line drawings, and scanning electron micrographs of spores to facilitate their recognition.

Characterization, Comparison of Four New Mitogenomes of Centrotinae (Hemiptera: Membracidae) and Phylogenetic Implications Supports New Synonymy.

To explore the phylogenetic relationships of the subfamily Centrotinae from the mitochondrial genome data, four complete mitogenomes (Anchon lineatus, Anchon yunnanensis, Gargara genistae and Tricentrus longivalvulatus) were sequenced and analyzed. All the newly sequenced mitogenomes contain 37 genes. Among the 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) of the Centrotinae mitogenomes, a sliding window analysis and the ratio of Ka/Ks suggest that atp8 is a relatively fast evolving gene, while cox1 is the slowest. All PCGs start with ATN, except for nad5 (start with TTG), and stop with TAA or the incomplete stop codon T, except for nad2 and cytb (terminate with TAG). All tRNAs can fold into the typical cloverleaf secondary structure, except for trnS1, which lacks the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm. The BI and ML phylogenetic analyses of concatenated alignments of 13 mitochondrial PCGs among the major lineages produce a well-resolved framework. Phylogenetic analyses show that Membracoidea, Smiliinae and Centrotinae, together with tribes Centrotypini and Leptobelini are recovered as well-supported monophyletic groups. The tribe Gargarini (sensu Wallace et al.) and its monophyly are supported.

An integrative study of Pannaria hookeri (Ascomycota lichenized) from Argentina and the update of the taxon circumscription based on specimens from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

Pannaria hookeri (Borrer ex Sm.) Nyl. is reported as a bipolar cyanolichen that occurs in more than twenty countries in both Hemispheres. In the Northern Hemisphere, a minor variation is attributed to the species, whereas larger morphological and chemical variations have been reported in specimens from the Southern Hemisphere. Six P. hookeri DNA sequences are available in GenBank, and only one (from Australia) is associated with a published morphological description. In this study, we performed a preliminary phylogenetic analysis including seven nuITS and mtSSU sequences from eight specimens collected in south Argentina. In addition, we provide an update of the taxon circumscription based on 50 specimens from 13 countries. Here, the molecular analyses revealed a well-supported monophyletic group formed by the P. hookeri sequences from Argentina, Australia, Norway and USA (Alaska). Regarding the morphological and anatomical characteristics, the Southern Hemisphere specimens did not present the historical reported variations, resulting in the proposition of a concise species description that accomplishes most of P. hookeri known geographical distribution.

The Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Four Species in the Subfamily Limenitidinae (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) and a Phylogenetic Analysis.

Simple SummaryAs it is currently delineated, the subfamily Limenitidinae (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) is comprised of 50 genera with approximately 1100 species. The classification of this subfamily has always been unstable. There are tribes and genera whose status is doubtful. Their phylogenetic relationships are far from being clarified and the monophyly of some of them is under question. To provide further insight into the relationships among included tribes, four newly-completed mitochondrial genomes of Limenitidinae (Neptis thisbe, Athyma zeroca, and Aldania raddei) have been sequenced and analyzed. Results indicate that the gene orientation and arrangement are similar to typical mitogenomes in Lepidoptera. The inferred phylogenetic analysis shows that tribe levels are well-supported monophyletic groups. Taken together, this work will provide a well-resolved framework for future study of this subfamily.The complete mitogenomes of four species, Neptis thisbe, Neptis obscurior, Athyma zeroca, and Aldania raddei, were sequenced with sizes ranging from 15,172 bp (N. obscurior) to 16,348 bp (Al. raddei). All four mitogenomes display similar nucleotide content and codon usage of protein-coding genes (PCGs). Typical cloverleaf secondary structures are identified in 21 tRNA genes, while trnS1 (AGN) lacks the dihydrouridine (DHC) arm. The gene orientation and arrangement of the four mitogenomes are similar to that of other typical mitogenomes of Lepidoptera. The Ka/Ks ratio of 13 PCGs among 58 Limenitidinae species reveals that cox1 had the slowest evolutionary rate, while atp8 and nad6 exhibited a higher evolutionary rate. The phylogenetic analysis reveals that tribe-levels are well-supported monophyletic groups. Additionally, Maximum Likelihood analysis recovered the relationship (Parthenini + ((Chalingini + (Cymothoini + Neptini)) + (Adoliadini + Limenitidini))). However, a Bayesian analysis based on the same dataset recovered the relationship (Parthenini + (Adoliadini + ((Cymothoini + Neptini) + (Chalingini + Limenitidini)))). These results will offer valuable data for the future study of the phylogenetic relationships for Limenitidinae.

Two new species in the fern genus Lomariopsis (Lomariopsidaceae) from East Asia.

Two East Asian Lomariopsis (Lomariopsidaceae, Polypodiales) species, Lomariopsismoorei and Lomariopsislongini, which were previously misidentified as L.spectabilis, are here described as new species based on evidence from morphological characters and a molecular phylogeny. The two species differ from the three other described species in East Asia by their venation, pinna shapes, and perine morphology. A phylogeny based on a combined dataset of three chloroplast regions (rbcL+ rps4-trnS + trnL-L-F) showed that L.moorei and L.longini each formed a well-supported monophyletic group which was distantly related to both L.spectabilis and the other morphologically similar East Asian species, L.boninensis.

Discordance of genetic diversification between deep‐ and shallow‐water species of Kobeltocochlea Lindholm, 1909 (Caenogastropoda: Truncatelloidea: Benedictiidae) endemic to Lake Baikal with the description of a new species, review of the genus, and notes on its origin

We describe a new species, Kobeltocochlea tamarae Sitnikova, Teterina & Maximova sp. nov., from Lake Baikal discovered in the Saint Petersburg methane seep at a depth of approximately 1400 m. The uncorrected genetic distance was 4.26% of the COI gene between this new species and K. falsipumyla collected from the Academic Ridge at depths between 157 and 163 m. The two shallow-water species, K. martensiana and K. olchonensis, differed in substrate preference and geographic habitats, with a genetic distance of 0.97% for COI. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and nuclear (ITSI, 28S) sequences indicated that Kobeltocochlea was paraphyletic with respect to other benedictiid genera Benedictia and Yaroslawiella, formed well-supported monophyletic groups. We revealed the discordance of morphological and genetic data within Kobeltocochlea and other benedictiids, which reflected their complicated history. The current knowledge of benedictiids does not allow for significant changes in the taxonomy of the Benedictiidae, except for synonymizing K. lindholmiana with K. olchonensis and Pseudobenedictia with Benedictia that were also investigated. We speculate that three main lineages of benedictiids originated from three populations of a single ancient species approximately 3.2 Ma. The speciation of deep-water species was probably driven independently by bathymetric isolation in the cold methane seeps of different geomorphological structures. The diversification of the third lineage consisting of littoral (including K. martensiana/K. olchonensis), deep-water, and eurybathic benedictiids may be explained by rapid adaptive radiation to intralacustrine environments.

Integrative taxonomy of West African Magelona (Annelida: Magelonidae): species with thoracic pigmentation

Abstract Benthic samples collected during several cruises from shelf areas along the West African coast from Morocco to Angola, have highlighted a huge diversity of magelonid species (over 20 species), many of which are undescribed. The majority of samples were taken as part of two large-scale projects in the region: the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem project (CCLME) and the Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem project (GCLME). Six magelonid species bearing posterior thoracic pigmentation have been highlighted, Magelona alleni and five species new to science: Magelona fasciata sp. nov., Magelona guineensis sp. nov., Magelona mackiei sp. nov., Magelona nanseni sp. nov. and Magelona picta sp. nov. West African magelonids and comparative material from the UK and Norway have been investigated using COI, 16S and 28S markers. An integrated taxonomic approach is used to delineate species of Magelona carrying posterior thoracic pigmentation. These species from West African waters constitute a well-supported monophyletic group, with the species M. alleni being sister to the new species herein described. Our 41 COI DNA-barcode-sequences had between species distances from 9.3 to 26.8% and were allocated to ten different BINs in Boldsystems.org.