A species complex within the isopod genus Haploniscus (Crustacea: Malacostraca: Peracarida) from the Southern Ocean deep sea: a morphological and molecular approach

Seven new species of the genus Haploniscus from the deep Scotia and Weddell Seas are presented, combining morphological and molecular data (mitochondrial 16S rDNA and nuclear 18S rDNA). Haploniscus cassilatus sp. nov. , H. cucullus sp. nov. , H. weddellensis sp. nov. , H. procerus sp. nov. and H. kyrbasia sp. nov. are characterized by a prominent rostral process, the size and shape of which vary among species. The rostrum of H. microkorys sp. nov. is distinctly smaller than that of the former species, while H. nudifrons sp. nov. does not possess a rostrum. The status of the latter as separate species is obvious, owing to the stronger morphological differences. DNA was sequenced from three of the other five species. Genetic distances together with the more subtle morphological variation justify the erection of separate species. Overall morphological variations between these species are small yet noticeable and include, among others, the rostrum, the shape of the pleotelson and setation of pereopods. Our molecular data sets reveal detailed phylogenetic insights within the Haploniscus cucullus complex, supporting the monophyly of all species. We found p -distances of at least 0.0732 (16S rDNA) and 0.0140 (complete 18S rDNA) between pairs of species and show that both genes can be used as a marker for DNA taxonomy.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 152 , 655–706.     

Revision of the New Caledonian endemic genus Gracilipsodes (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae: Grumichellini)

The taxonomy and systematics of the New Caledonian endemic caddisfly genus Gracilipsodes Sykora, 1967 (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae: Grumichellini) are reviewed. Seven new species represented by males are described and illustrated: Gracilipsodes aoupiniensis sp. nov. , Gracilipsodes aureus sp. nov. , Gracilipsodes aurorus sp. nov. , Gracilipsodes grandis sp. nov. , Gracilipsodes koghiensis sp. nov. , Gracilipsodes lanceolatus sp. nov. , and Gracilipsodes robustus sp. nov. Molecular phylogenetic analyses are applied to discern the relationships among the species of the genus and their closest relatives, based on sequence characters from the nuclear gene translation elongation factor-1α (EF-1α) and the three mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase I (COI), COII, and ribosomal large subunit (16S). The data are analyzed using parsimony and Bayesian inference, revealing a monophyletic Gracilipsodes with the eastern Australian monotypic genus Triplexa as its closest relative. Gracilipsodes is in turn divided into two major lineages.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 153 , 425–452.     

Morphological and molecular characterization ofAquaticheirospora and phylogenetics of Massarinaceae (Pleosporales)

A morphologically interesting hyphomycete was collected from submerged wood in a stream in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Thailand. It is described as Aquaticheirospora lignicola gen. and sp. nov., and is characterized by euseptate conidia with divergent arms, which are vertically inserted in different planes to a basal cell. The genus differs from other chirosporous genera in having synnematous conidioma and conidia that are produced on conidiogenous cells borne at the apices of synnemata. The morphological characterization of this new fungus is reported and compared with similar chirosporous genera. To investigate the teleomorphic and phylogenetic relationships of this new taxon, three different regions of the ribosomal gene [18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) including 5.8S] were sequenced and analysed. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on 18S, 28S, and partial ITS including 5.8S rDNA, employing different tree-making methods, indicate that Aquaticheirospora lignicola is closely related to the ascomycetes family Massarinaceae (Order: Pleosporales). The Massarinaceae as currently circumscribed is monophyletic. Massarina australiensis and M. bipolaris , however, appear to belong to the Lophiostomataceae.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 155 , 283–296.     

Description of a new species of Mesochaetopterus (Annelida, Polychaeta, Chaetopteridae), with redescription of Mesochaetopterus xerecus and an approach to the phylogeny of the family

Mesochaetopterus rogeri sp. nov. , a new large chaetopterid polychaete from the Mediterranean Sea, is described. The analyses of partial sequences from the nuclear 18S rRNA (643 bp) and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (577 bp) genes of representative individuals of all known chaetopterid genera indicated the initial assignment of the new species into Mesochaetopterus . These analyses also supported the monophyly of the family and revealed two well-supported clades: Chaetopterus/Mesochaetopterus and Spiochaetopterus/Phyllochaetopterus . Mesochaetopterus rogeri sp. nov. is close to Mesochaetopterus xerecus , which is redescribed here from newly collected material. Mesochaetopterus rogeri sp. nov. was characterized as follows: (1) two long tentacles with dorsal transversal black bands of alternating widths (sometimes with two additional longitudinal light-brown bands); (2) region A with nine chaetigers (up to 12), with 13–19 modified chaetae in the fourth chaetiger; (3) region B with three flat segments, with accessory feeding organs in the second and third segments; (4) sandy straight tubes, 2.5-m long or more, vertically embedded in the sand. In the Bay of Blanes, M. rogeri sp. nov. occurs between 6- and 9-m deep (but also up to 30-m deep), in a patchy distribution (< 1 individual m⁻²), with maximum densities in April/June (likely to be the result of recruitment events), and minimum densities in September/November (likely to be a behavioural response to increasing sediment dynamics). Although it was originally thought that M. rogeri sp. nov. could be an introduced species, we argue that it is probably a native of the Mediterranean that has been overlooked by scientists up to now.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 152 , 201–225.     

Systematics of the bryozoan genus Macropora (Cheilostomata)

Macropora is a distinctive genus of anascan cheilostomes. All species have large zooids with an extensive cryptocystal frontal shield perforated by numerous pores through which parietal muscle strands pass. Also characteristic of Macropora are the calcified opercula closing the d -shaped orifice, avicularia resembling autozooids but having slightly enlarged, typically crenulated opercula/mandibles, and large ovicells that are often costate. This mostly Australasian genus has a documented fossil record stretching back to the Eocene. Here we revise the generic diagnosis of Macropora and describe eight new species from New Zealand (three Recent: M. nodulosa sp. nov. , M. filifera sp. nov. and M. carlosi sp. nov. ; five fossil: M. septispinosa sp. nov. , M. similis sp. nov. , M. pittensis sp. nov. , M. leeae sp. nov. and M. bullata sp. nov. ) and one new species from Japan ( M. mawatariorum sp. nov. ), the only species known with certainty to occur in the northern hemisphere. New observations are given for some previously described species, several of which are illustrated using SEM for the first time. The northern hemisphere Upper Cretaceous species Monoporella exsculpta (Marsson), showing features allowing it to be placed tentatively in the stem-group of Macropora , is redescribed. Attempts to resolve the phylogenetic relationships of species within Macropora were hampered by the relatively few morphological characters compared with the number of species, and it proved impossible to obtain a phylogeny robust to slight changes in taxon and/or character inclusion. The favoured cladogram has poor bootstrap and Bremer support, and its stratigraphical and biogeographical congruences are low.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 153 , 115–146.     

Stockwellia quadrifida (Myrtaceae), a new Australian genus and species in the eucalypt group

A new genus and species in the eucalypt group of the Myrtaceae is described. Stockwellia quadrifida D.J. Carr, S.G.M. Carr & B.Hyland gen. et sp. nov. is a rainforest tree of restricted distribution on the Atherton Tableland, North Queensland, Australia. Molecular data suggest that it is the sister taxon to Eucalyptopsis and this is supported by morphological characters. The prolonged hypanthium and reduced perianth appear to be synapomorphies for these two genera and the circumscissile hypanthium a synapomorphy shared with Allosyncarpia . Stockwellia differs from Eucalyptopsis by the distinct, albeit reduced, perianth and the hypanthium splitting into four segments at anthesis. The relationship of these two genera indicates an historical biogeographical link between New Guinea and the Queensland wet tropics region.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 139 , 415–421.     

North-east Atlantic and Mediterranean species of the genus Buffonellaria (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata): implications for biodiversity and biogeography

In this study we revise the cheilostome bryozoan genus Buffonellaria Canu & Bassler, 1927 and its Mediterranean and north-east Atlantic species, thereby addressing several existing problems. First, a lectotype for the type species, Buffonellaria divergens (Smitt, 1873) from Florida, is chosen, which proves to be distinct from the European species. Second, the two hitherto established north-east Atlantic species [ Buffonellaria nebulosa ( Jullien & Calvet, 1903 ) and Buffonellaria porcellanum Arístegui Ruiz, 1987], are redescribed, which were poorly documented until now. Third, close inspection of material, collected from Spitsbergen to tropical West Africa, using scanning electron microscopy reveals that the actual number of species, all previously referred to either B. divergens or Stephanosella biaperta (Michelin, 1848), is distinctly greater in the north-east Atlantic than has been previously acknowledged. As a result, seven new species are introduced ( Buffonellaria acorensis sp. nov. , Buffonellaria antoniettae sp. nov. , Buffonellaria arctica sp. nov. , Buffonellaria harmelini sp. nov. , Buffonellaria jensi sp. nov. , Buffonellaria muriella sp. nov. , and Buffonellaria ritae sp. nov. ), whereas two are left in open nomenclature. With the increase in number of species, the extremely broad geographical range of distribution assumed for B. divergens breaks down to numerous restricted areas. However, although most species have only been reported from a single location, B. arctica sp. nov. seems to have a fairly wide distribution in the Arctic region.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 152 , 537–566.     

Morphometric study and taxonomy of Genista pulchella Vis. s.l. (Fabaceae), a south European species

A morphometric study of the known populations of Genista pulchella has been undertaken, based on herbarium specimens and field research. This has made it possible to provide a new taxonomic outline as the disjunct populations of G. pulchella (western part of the Balkan peninsula, central Italy and southern France) seem to be distinct. A new taxon is described: G. pulchella ssp. aquilana ssp. nov. (central Italy), a new combination G. pulchella ssp. villarsiana comb. nov. is proposed for the population from southern France, while G. pulchella ssp. pulchella can be considered endemic to the Balkan Peninsula. Genista pulchella Vis., G. villarsii Clementi and G. villarsiana Jord. are lectotypified.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 153 , 245–254.     

Branching out: a remarkable new branching syllid (Annelida) living in a Petrosia sponge (Porifera: Demospongiae)

We describe the morphology and biology of a previously unknown form of branching annelid, Ramisyllis multicaudata gen. et sp. nov. , an endosymbiont of shallow‐water marine sponges (Petrosia sp., Demospongiae) in northern Australia. It belongs to the polychaete family Syllidae, as does Syllis ramosa McIntosh, 1879, the only other named branching annelid, which was collected from deep‐water hexactinellid sponges during the 1875 Challenger expedition. It differs from S. ramosa in parapodial and chaetal morphology. Ramisyllis multicaudata gen. et sp. nov. has segments of several types, including specialized posterior segments on the emergent portions of the worm, and simplified elongate segments that bridge larger cavities in the sponge interior. Aside from the obvious branching form, the new annelid is similar to Parahaplosyllis, differing from it in lacking pharyngeal armature and in the details of the parapodial chaetae and dorsal cirri. Molecular evidence from 16S and 18S rDNA supports a sister‐group relationship with Parahaplosyllis, with both being sister to Trypanosyllis and Eurysyllis. The phylogenetic position of R. multicaudata gen. et sp. nov. indicates that branching has evolved independently in Ramisyllis gen. nov. and Syllis. This is supported by differences in the branching process between the two taxa: in S. ramosa branching is initiated by segment addition at the parapodium, whereas in R. multicaudata gen. et sp. nov. segments are added from a region between parapodia. A model for branching in R. multicaudata gen. et sp. nov. is proposed and possible developmental processes underlying branching in Annelida, and body symmetry comparisons with other invertebrates, are also discussed. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 164 , 481–497.     

A new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Guangxi, China

Begonia gigabracteata H.Z. Li & H. Ma sp. nov. ( Begonia section Diploclinium , Begoniaceae) is described and illustrated from North Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south-west China. Its chromosome number (2 n  = 30) and pollen and seed micromorphology are reported. This species grows in ravines on damp or slightly moist limestone. It is morphologically similar to B. summoglabra T.T. Yü (section Reichenheimia ) and B. labordei H. Lél. (section Diploclinium ). However, it differs by its sparse glandular hairs, number of perianth segments, colour of venation on the abaxial blade, and unique heteromorphous bracts. A line drawing and plate of B. gigabracteata and a photograph of the type of B. summoglabra are presented as an aid to identification.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 157 , 83–90.     

A new Coryphoid palm genus from Madagascar

Tahina J.Dransf. & Rakotoarinivo, gen. nov. (Arecaceae) is described as a new genus from north-western Madagascar, with a single species T. spectabilis J.Dransf. & Rakotoarinivo, sp. nov. Tahina is included within tribe Chuniophoeniceae of subfamily Coryphoideae, based on the strictly tubular imbricate rachilla bracts, the flowers grouped in cincinni with tubular bracteoles, and the stalk-like base to the corolla. This position is corroborated by evidence from plastid DNA. Lamina anatomy is discussed in detail, and similarities with and differences from the other members of Chuniophoeniceae are discussed. Based on the ecological characteristics of the single locality, predictions are made on where else it may occur in Madagascar.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 156 , 79–91.     

Okeanomyces, a new genus to accommodate Halosphaeria cucullata (Halosphaeriales, Ascomycota)

The taxonomic affinity of Halosphaeria cucullata to Halosphaeria is reassessed based on a recent collection of this fungus. Halosphaeria cucullata is characterized by immersed, darkly coloured ascomata, clavate asci which deliquesce very early in development, and cylindrical ascospores with or without a polar cap-like appendage at one end. In a phylogenetic analysis of the LSU rDNA sequences from members of the Halosphaeriaceae, H. cucullata did not form a monophyletic clade with H. appendiculata , the type species of the genus. These results suggest that H. cucullata should not be included in Halosphaeria . Okeanomyces gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate this fungus.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 146 , 223–229.     

A revision of the assassin spiders of the Eriauchenius gracilicollis group, a clade of spiders endemic to Madagascar (Araneae: Archaeidae)

An endemic group of Malagasy spiders (Araneae: Archaeidae: Eriauchenius ) called the gracilicollis group is revised. The monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of the gracilicollis group are tested based on morphological characters. Archaeid spiders of Madagascar have evolved varying degrees of elongation in the cephalic area. Historically, it was believed that the extremely elongated cephalic area had evolved only once. These morphological data support the monophyly of the gracilicollis group and suggest that the elongated cephalic area has evolved more than once. All 14 species from the gracilicollis group are described and keyed, of which nine are new species: Eriauchenius ambre sp. nov. , Eriauchenius anabohazo sp. nov. , Eriauchenius borimontsina sp. nov. , Eriauchenius griswoldi sp. nov. , Eriauchenius halambohitra sp. nov. , Eriauchenius lavatenda sp. nov. , Eriauchenius namoroka sp. nov. , Eriauchenius spiceri sp. nov. and Eriauchenius voronakely sp. nov . The morphology of the gracilicollis group is examined in detail and figures of the male and female genitalia are presented. The distributions of the gracilicollis group species are presented and discussed and higher species group relationships within the Archaeidae are discussed.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 152 , 255–296.     

Towards a revision of the genus Parastenocaris Kessler, 1913: establishment of Simplicaris gen. nov. from groundwaters in central Italy and review of the P. brevipes-group (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Parastenocarididae)

A new genus Simplicaris (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Parastenocarididae) is established to accommodate two species collected from deep groundwater in Italy, S. lethaea sp. nov. and S. veneris (Cottarelli & Maiolini, 1980) comb. nov. Parastenocaris hippuris Hertzog, 1938 and P. aedes Hertzog, 1938 are ranked as incertae sedis within the genus. Members display complete absence of leg 5 in both sexes and an unusual elongation of the first exopodal segments of legs 1–4, in which exp-1 is distinctly longer than exp-2 or -3, or as long as exp-2 and -3 combined. As the systematic status of the family Parastenocarididae and of the type genus Parastenocaris is still in flux, a list of phylogenetically informative characters is proposed, along with a discussion of their various states in representative members of the family. The genus Parastenocaris sensu stricto is redefined to comprise only the brevipes -group. The remaining members of the genus are considered Parastenocaris sensu lato pending a thorough revision of the family.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 140 , 417−436.     

A new violet species (Violaceae) from the south-west Alps

Viola laricicola Marcussen sp. nov. is described from collections from four French and Italian localities in the south-west Alps. It is closely related to V. riviniana (section Trigonocarpea ) but differs in a few morphological characters and by the chromosome number 2 n  = 20. Viola laricicola is endemic to the montane and subalpine coniferous forests in the continental parts of the Alps.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 142 , 119–123.     

Speciation in Darwin's darklings: taxonomy and evolution of Stomion beetles in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador (Insecta: Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Stomion is one of three speciose and taxonomically difficult genera of flightless Darwin's darkling beetles of the Galápagos Islands. The previously named species and subspecies of Stomion are analysed by morphometric and cladistic methods. Eleven species are here recognized, which probably descended from colonization by a single ancestral species. Cladistic analysis yielded two weakly supported clades that are different from previously published morphological and allozyme genotype groups. Phenotypic and genotypic characters may be evolving independently. There is much within-species variation, but there is no compelling evidence of adaptive radiation in Stomion , in contrast to that in the famous Darwin's finches. The analyses show the need for changes in morpho-species taxonomy: S. punctipennis Van Dyke ( syn. nov. ) is elevated to full species from a subspecies of S. galapagoensis Waterhouse. There is no evidence to support the validity of: S. laevigatum santacruzensi Franz ( syn. nov. ), synonomized here under S. l. laevigatum Waterhouse; S. galapagoensis leleupi Kaszab ( syn. nov. ), synonomized here under S. linelli Blair; S. galapagoensis pinzoni Franz ( syn. nov. ), synonomized here under S. obesum Van Dyke. S. genovesa sp. nov. is described from Genovesa Island. Lectotypes are designated for S. galapagoensis Waterhouse, S. laevigatum Waterhouse and S. helopoides Waterhouse .   © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 141 , 135–152.     

A new species of Silene (Caryophyllaceae) from South Anatolia, Turkey

Silene doganii A.Duran & Y.Menemen sp. nov. from the Amanos Mountains (C6: Osmaniye-Turkey) is described and illustrated. It is closely related to S. caramanica Boiss. & Heldr., from which it differs mainly in its habit, hairiness, leaf and floral features.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 143 , 109−113.     

Parmelina quercina (Parmeliaceae, Lecanorales) includes four phylogenetically supported morphospecies

Morphological and phylogenetic relationships of the worldwide Mediterranean lichen forming fungus, Parmelina quercina , have been studied. Specimens from western Europe, western North America and southern Australia were analysed using molecular data (nuITS rDNA, nuLSU rDNA and mtSSU rDNA) and selected morphological features (upper cortex maculae, scanning electron microscopy examination of the epicortex, ascospores and conidia shape and size, and amphithecial retrorse rhizines). The results conclusively reveal that: (1) there is not one single species but four separate species in the Mediterranean or sub Mediterranean areas of the world. Parmelina quercina and Parmelina carporrhizans (Euroasiatic species), Parmelina coleae sp. nov. (North America) and Parmelina elixia sp. nov. (Australia); (2) largely debated P. carporrhizans is not a synonym of P. quercina but supported as a valid species circumscribed to Macaronesic relict sites; (3) the geographical isolation of the Australian population is correlated with a large genetic distance; (4) morphological characters (ascospores and conidial variability and thallus epicortex) correlate with the phylogenetic hypothesis; (5) the new or revalidated species within Parmelina quercina are not cryptic species but morphologically recognizable taxa.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 91 , 455–467.