Molecular phylogeny of Iberian Fordini (Aphididae: Eriosomatinae): implications for the taxonomy of genera Forda and Paracletus

Abstract Mediterranean representatives of the galling aphid tribe Fordini (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Eriosomatinae) are usually grouped under the subtribe term Fordina. Aphids within Fordina display two‐year life cycles, alternating between Pistacia shrubs, where they induce conspicuous galls, and roots of Poaceae species. The high number of morphs present in a given species, the lack of knowledge of the complete cycle in some species, and the similarity between homologous morphs observed in different species pose many taxonomic problems in this group. We present results of a survey to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among Fordini species present in the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands. Sequences from the nuclear long‐wavelength opsin (LWO) and translation elongation factor 1α (EF‐1α) genes and from a region of the mitochondrial DNA containing the genes encoding the subunits six and eight of the F‐ATPase were used to infer relationships among 10 Fordina species, namely Smynthurodes betae, Aploneura lentisci, Baizongia pistaciae, two Geoica species (G. utricularia and G. setulosa), three species of Forda and two of Paracletus. Relationships between and within representatives of the genera Forda and Paracletus, both exemplifying taxonomic and ecological problems, were investigated in greater depth through extensive sampling and morphometric analysis. A total of eight, six and six samples from F. formicaria, F. marginata and F. riccobonii, respectively, were included in the survey, along with 40 and 4 samples classified initially as P. cimiciformis and P. donisthorpei, respectively. Our results are relevant to current studies on the evolution of host selection by aphids and on the evolution of gall morphology. Our phylogeny suggests that the group can be divided into two main clades. One clade is composed of aphids inducing small, low‐capacity galls on either P. atlantica or P. terebinthus (Smynthurodes betae and genera Forda and Paracletus). The second clade is composed of species inducing larger galls on P. lentiscus and P. terebinthus (Aploneura lentisci, Baizongia pistaciae and Geoica species). Our results suggest that revision of diagnostic characters used in the taxonomy of Paracletus is needed, and suggest Forda rotunda as a new synonym of Paracletus cimiciformis syn.n.     

Mitochondrial DNA diversity and taxa delineation in the land snails of the Iberus gualtieranus (Pulmonata,Helicidae) complex

Iberus gualtieranus is a species complex of land snails that is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. The species taxonomy of the group is based merely on the basis of shell morphology, but validity of the existing taxonomy is uncertain. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data (cytochrome oxidase I and 16S rRNA sequences) we were able to validate the observed phylogenetic taxa within the I. gualtieranus s.l. complex by means of the analysis of specimens of the different morphospecies, together with the study of topotypes. Strong incongruences were obtained between morphology and molecular data. The Iberus alonensis morphospecies comprised several genetically divergent but morphologically cryptic lineages. Considering (1) the allopatric distribution of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs), (2) the morphological differentiation, (3) the possible occurrence of hybridization among the different lineages, and (4) the strong differentiation of the mtDNA phylogroups, we suggest the main lineages obtained, for the time being, may be treated as evolutionary species. The robust phylogenetic reconstruction obtained allows us to consider I. alonensis s.s., Iberus campesinus, Iberus carthaginiensis, and Iberus gualtieranus s.s. as valid species. Two additional unnominated taxa of the alonensis shell type have also been identified. Further subdivisions are also considered, including Iberus gualtieranus mariae and Iberus gualtieranus ornatissimus. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 154 , 722–737.     

Proportions and function of the limbs of glyptodonts

Vizcaíno, S.F., Blanco, R.E., Bender, J.B. & Milne, N. 2010: Proportions and function of the limbs of glyptodonts. Lethaia, Vol. 44, pp. 93–101. This study examines the limb bone proportions and strength of glyptodonts (Xenarthra, Cingulata). Two methods are used to estimate the body mass and location of the centre of gravity of the articulated specimens. These estimates, together with measurements of the femur and humerus, are used to calculate strength indicators (SI). The other long bones of the limbs are used to calculate limb proportion indices that give an indication of digging ability, speed, and limb dominance in armadillos, the glyptodonts’ living closest relatives. The results show that regardless of how the body mass and centre of gravity are calculated, the majority of the glyptodont’s weight is borne by the hindlimbs. The SI calculations show that femora are sturdy enough to bear these loads. The fact that the femora have higher SI than the humerii indicates that sometimes the hindlimbs are required to bear an even greater proportion of the body weight, possibly when rising to a bipedal posture or pivoting on their hindlimbs to deliver a blow with their armoured tail. The analysis of limb proportions indicates that both the hindlimb and the forelimb have proportions that correlate strongly with body mass. This outcome supports the other results, but also shows that forelimbs must be also involved in manoeuvring the glyptodont body. □Glyptodonts, Mammalia, Xenarthra, limbs, strength indicators.