Comparative leaf anatomy and morphology of some neotropical Rutaceae: Pilocarpus Vahl and related genera

Previous anatomical studies have been restricted to the foliar aspects of Pilocarpus. However, no anatomical studies analyzing the foliar aspects of Pilocarpus in relation to related genera have been carried out. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify characters for future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies in Rutaceae, particularly in Pilocarpus, and to discuss the characteristics associated with the simple or compound leaf condition for the group. The petiole and the leaf blade of 14 neotropical Rutaceae species were analyzed, and the following characteristics were observed in all leaves studied: stomata on both surfaces; secretory cavities, including mesophyll type; camptodromous?Cbrochidodromous venation pattern; and free vascular cylinder in the basal region of the petiole. Additional promising characters were identified for future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies in the Rutaceae family, especially for the Pilocarpus genera.     

Tracking the variability of phenotypic traits on a molecular phylogeny: an example from scolopendrid centipedes in peninsular India

Taxonomic studies on scolopendrid centipedes have often documented variability at the individual and population levels and applied those data to questions of species delimitation, but these investigations have mostly lacked an explicit phylogenetic framework. A molecular phylogeny and recent taxonomic revision for Indian species of the scolopendrid Digitipes Attems, 1930, permit variability of traditional taxonomic characters for Scolopendridae to be mapped onto a phylogeny. Based on their fit to the tree using maximum likelihood, reliable species-level characters include the number of glabrous antennal articles, presence of a median ridge on the tergites, and presence or absence of a tarsal spur on leg 20. Characters that are conserved within and diagnostic for particular species but labile within others (typically with geographic structure) include the first tergite with paramedian sutures, presence or absence of a lateral spine on the coxopleuron, and the number of spines in a ventromedial row on the ultimate leg prefemur. Comparisons with published accounts of variability in species of other scolopendrid genera, particularly Scolopendra and Otostigmus, show that Indian Digitipes has conserved morphology in some characters that are taxonomically useful elsewhere in the family, and most of its taxonomically informative characters have analogous patterns of variability in other genera. The approach used in this study to evaluate morphological variation in a phylogenetic framework can be applied to other taxa in which morphologically cryptic species have been reported and where species diagnosis requires a combination of characters.     

A Key and Diagnostic Compendium to the Species of the Genus Hoplolaimus Daday, 1905 (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae)

An identification key to 29 valid species of Hoplolaimus is given. A compendium of the most important diagnostic characters for use in identification of species is included as a practical alternative and supplement to the key. Diagnosis of Hoplolaimus is emended and lists of species of the genus, their synonymies, species inquirendae, nomina nuda, and species transferred to other genera are given. Hoplolaimus sheri, H. chambus, H. casparus, and H. capensis are recognized as valid species.     

Generic characters of the simplest cyanoprokaryotes Cyanobium,Cyanobacterium and Synechococcus

The cytomorphological features (cell morphology, type of cell division, cell structure, structure of photosynthetic apparatus) were studied in the type strains of the cyanoprokaryotic genera Cyanobium and Cyanobacterium, and in the reference strain of the traditional genus Synechococcus (Synechococcus PCC 6301; = “Anacystis nidulans” sensu auct.). They were originally described by Rippka & Cohen-Bazire, based on the mean DNA-base composition (moles % G + C) and on the resistance to various cyanophages. The phenotypic diacritical characters were found to coincide well with the molecular markers, and thus, the genera Cyanobium and Cyanobacterium are acceptable also according to the traditional (botanical) taxonomic criteria. The integrated molecular, cytomorphological and ecophysiological approaches to the solution of taxonomic problems in cyanobacteria are therefore inevitable for taxonomic evaluation, from the methodological point of view. The lists of species within the revised genera Cyanobium and Cyanobacterium are reviewed.     

The taxonomic utility of micromorphology in Lepidaploa (Vernonieae: Asteraceae)

Lepidaploa belongs to tribe Vernonieae, one of the most complex tribes of Asteraceae, and the relationships within Lepidaploa and among related genera are poorly understood. Microcharacters may be of taxonomic value and may be used in the identification of taxa at different ranks. To evaluate the reliability of microcharacters as taxonomic markers in this group, we analysed the micromorphology of phyllaries, florets and cypselae in detail in 23 species of Lepidaploa .The species were studied using stereo, light, and scanning electron microscopy. Eight trichome types (eglandular and glandular) were observed on phyllaries, florets and cypselae, in addition to crystals, idioblasts and other microstructures. The results demonstrates that the ocurrence of different combinations of trichome types and crystals, presence of a stylar basal node, idioblasts and glandular apical anther appendages are highly useful to differentiate between related species of Lepidaploa and a diagnostic key using these characters is presented. However, these characters are not of much use to distinguish between closely related genera of Vernonieae since most characters appear homeoplasic and are found in representatives of different genera.     

External thoracic scent efferent system of Scutelleridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)

The metathoracic scent glands in the Heteroptera produce defence secretions which are spread outside the body through and by using the thoracic external scent efferent system. That complex system was studied in 18 species from 11 genera of four subfamilies, Elvisurinae, Eurygastrinae, Hoteinae and Scutellerinae of the family Scutelleridae (Pentatomoidea). The results have been compared with published data. The pattern of that system is more consistent at the level of genus, mostly very similar in the congeneric species, but mostly variable within higher taxonomic levels, tribes and subfamilies. Five types of the external scent efferent system are recognized within the family Scutelleridae, basic two of them in studied species: (i) peritreme well developed, covering large part of metapleuron, evaporatorium small, developed only on metapleuron, (ii) evaporatorium large, more conspicuous than moderate-sized to small peritreme, extending to mesopleuron as large structure. The results do not support a hypothesis that the system of structures associated externally with metathoracic scent glands is in correlation with type of a habitat. However, these structures are well usable as diagnostic characters for scutellerid genera (e.g. Cantao, Hyperonchus, Scutellera and Solenosthedium).     

Taxonomic implication of embryo micromorphology in the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia</Emphasis> L. (Fabaceae)

In this work, embryos of selected Vicia species were examined to reveal the micromorphological characters that could have taxonomic significance. Experimental results show that morphological characters such as cotyledons shape and colour, radicle shape, colour and position, plumule colour and stipular parts attachments are variable and could be used for taxa identification in the genus Vicia. Numerical analysis based on 38 micromorphological characters was used to build a phenogram that indicated the relationships among the studied taxa. In addition, an identification key using embryo characters was prepared for Vicia species. The variability of embryo characters were discussed in the taxonomic context. Although the embryo characters have only limited phylogenetic signal for Vicia species, they might be used for their morphological delimitation.     

Genome-based taxonomic classification of the closest-to-Comamonadaceae group supports a new family Sphaerotilaceae fam. nov. and taxonomic revisions

Many genera closest to the family Comamonadaceae have not been classified into any family; moreover, some of them are not monophyletic groups beyond the genus level. To resolve the taxonomic uncertainty of the closest-to-Comamonadaceae (CTC) group, we performed 16S rRNA gene- and genome-based phylogenetic analyses combined with genome relatedness indices and phenotypic traits comparison. Phylogenies based on the 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences demonstrated that the CTC group formed a coherent and robust monophyletic lineage and was sister to the family Comamonadaceae, thereby proposing the CTC group as a novel family, Sphaerotilaceae fam. nov. The resolved genus- and species-level taxonomic relationships of this new family were then validated by the phylogenomic reconstruction and comparisons of genome relatedness indices including digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity (ANI) as well as comprehensive phenotypic analysis for type strains. Finally, we reclassified all misidentified genera and species, resulting in 19 new combinations, and proposed Sphaerotilaceae-specific thresholds of ANI and average amino acid identity for genus delineation. Collectively, this study has established a sound taxonomic framework of the novel family Sphaerotilaceae and will help guide future taxonomic efforts and prevent the propagation of taxonomic errors.     

Petraliellidae Harmer, 1957 (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata) from Queensland,Australia

Several species of the family Petraliellidae were first described from the coast of Queensland, including the type species of Sinupetraliella, S. litoralis. These species are redescribed from type, or topotype specimens, and include Petraliella concinna, which has not been certainly found since its introduction in 1891; lectotype material is designated for P. buski and P. magna. Six other species are described from Queensland, P. crassocirca, P. dentilabris, P. dorsiporosa, Mucropetraliella bennetti, M. serrata and M. tuberosa. The species Mucropetraliella tuberosa is a new addition to the Queensland fauna and is described and illustrated here for the first time since its introduction in 1884. The characters of the family Petraliellidae are briefly discussed and the genera to which the Queensland species are assigned is reviewed. A taxonomic key to the ten Queensland petraliellid species described is also provided.     

Hundred species of the genus Peronopsis Hawle et Corda, 1847

The data on the genus Peronopsis, including 116 species and subspecies, that is, at least half of Middle Cambrian agnostians, are completely revised. The revision is based on the order of the formation of pygidial characters in ontogeny. A convenient taxonomic system of abundant species of this genus is proposed. It is shown that the sequence of the formation of characters in ontogeny generally corresponds to the chronological sequence of the appearance of species with appropriate morphology. The study of the genus Peronopsis resulted in a revision of the species composition of some other genera of the family Peronopsidae, clarification of the periods of existence of the majority of genera of this family. New diagnoses of genera and subgenera of the family Peronopsidae are provided.     

Identification of Scleractinian Coral Recruits Using Fluorescent Censusing and DNA Barcoding Techniques

The identification of coral recruits has been problematic due to a lack of definitive morphological characters being available for higher taxonomic resolution. In this study, we tested whether fluorescent detection of coral recruits used in combinations of different DNA-barcoding markers (cytochrome oxidase I gene [COI], open reading frame [ORF], and nuclear Pax-C intron [PaxC]) could be useful for increasing the resolution of coral spat identification in ecological studies. One hundred and fifty settlement plates were emplaced at nine sites on the fringing reefs of Kenting National Park in southern Taiwan between April 2011 and September 2012. A total of 248 living coral spats and juveniles (with basal areas ranging from 0.21 to 134.57 mm²) were detected on the plates with the aid of fluorescent light and collected for molecular analyses. Using the COI DNA barcoding technique, 90.3% (224/248) of coral spats were successfully identified into six genera, including Acropora, Isopora, Montipora, Pocillopora, Porites, and Pavona. PaxC further separated I. cuneata and I. palifera of Isopora from Acropora, and ORF successfully identified the species of Pocillopora (except P. meandrina and P. eydouxi). Moreover, other cnidarian species such as actinarians, zoanthids, and Millepora species were visually found using fluorescence and identified by COI DNA barcoding. This combination of existing approaches greatly improved the taxonomic resolution of early coral life stages, which to date has been mainly limited to the family level based on skeletal identification. Overall, this study suggests important improvements for the identification of coral recruits in ecological studies.     

Multivariate studies of Ipheion (Amaryllidaceae, Allioideae) and related genera

Ipheion, as recognized by Guaglianone (Darwiniana 17:159–242, 1972), is a small genus of the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Allioideae, tribe Gilliesieae endemic to South America. Since 1800, the species of Ipheion were treated under Beauverdia, Brodiaea, Milla, Nothoscordum, Tristagma or Triteleia. Nowadays, some species of Ipheion are treated as Tristagma and some other under Nothoscordum. In this paper, we analyzed the morphological variation among species of Ipheion and related genera using a numerical taxonomic approach based on overall similarity, to investigate the intergeneric and infrageneric variations to the circumscribed groups. Based on 141 operational taxonomic units and 51 morphological characters, multivariate analyses were performed. Results showed that Ipheion separated into two groups according to Guaglianone’s sectional treatment: Ipheion sect. Ipheion is morphologically more similar to the studied species of Tristagma, while I. sect. Hirtellum can be separated from Nothoscordum/Zoellnerallium and from Tristagma and allies. These a priori groupings were tested using discriminant and univariate analyses. Diagnostic characters were selected to differentiate groups. Previous taxonomic treatments are discussed and results are also evaluated using additional karyological and geographical data.     

The taxonomic value of floral characters in Rapateaceae (Poales-Monocotyledons)

The floral anatomy of Cephalostemon, Monotrema, Rapatea, Spathanthus, and Stegolepis was studied for taxonomic purposes. All species studied share colleters between the floral parts; sepals, petals, anthers, and style covered by an ornamented cuticle; short epidermal cells with sinuous walls on the abaxial surface of the petals; tetrasporangiate anthers with phenolic idioblasts in the epidermis; endothecium with spiral thickenings; incompletely septate ovary; and anatropous, bitegmic ovules. The floral anatomy is useful not only for characterizing the family, but also for delimiting the subfamilies and genera. Sepals with silica bodies in the epidermal cells; mature anther wall composed of epidermis, endothecium, and middle layer; absence of phenolic idioblasts in the sepals, filaments, and ovary; and stylar epidermal cells with thickened external periclinal wall support Rapateoideae. Cephalostemon and Rapatea show a great number of similarities, corroborating their close relationship indicated in the phylogenetic analyses of the family. Monotrema shares few characters with the genera of Rapateoideae, corroborating its placement in Monotremoideae. Stegolepis shows several distinctive characters, probably related to the greater diversity found in this genus.     

An assessment of the status of Polycirridae genera (Annelida: Terebelliformia) and evolutionary transformation series of characters within the family

A phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine the monophyly of non‐monotypic genera of the terebelliform family Polycirridae, i.e. Polycirrus, Amaeana, Lysilla, and Hauchiella, and the evolution of characters among members of this clade. The monotypic genera, Enoplobranchus and Biremis, were also included, together with members of both known species in Hauchiella. Representative species were included for remaining genera: 14 species of Polycirrus, six species of Amaeana, and six species of Lysilla. Out‐groups consisted of representatives of Spionidae, Cirratulidae, and Sabellariidae, as well as several species of Telothelepodidae. A total of 40 in‐ and out‐group species were coded for 50 subjects (‘characters’) and 117 subject–predicate relationships (‘states’). Although results are consistent with recent phylogenetic studies within Terebelliformia that suggest Polycirridae monophyly, only Hauchiella was found to be monophyletic, albeit part of the more inclusive clade comprising remaining polycirrid genera. Evolutionary transformation series are discussed for selected characters in relation to the non‐monophyly of Polycirrus, Lysilla, and Amaeana. Implications for the use of supraspecific taxa as ‘taxonomic surrogates’ are highlighted. The definition of Polycirridae is emended. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London     

Global Diversity and Phylogeny of Pelagic Shrimps of the Former Genera Sergestes and Sergia (Crustacea,Dendrobranchiata, Sergestidae), with Definition of Eight New Genera

We revise the global diversity of the former genera Sergia and Sergestes which include 71 valid species. The revision is based on examination of more than 37,000 specimens from collections in the Natural History Museum of Denmark and the Museum of Natural History, Paris. We used 72 morphological characters (61 binary, 11 multistate) and Sicyonella antennata as an outgroup for cladistic analysis. There is no support for the genera Sergia and Sergestes as they have been defined until now. We define and diagnose eight genera of the former genus Sergia (Sergia and new genera Gardinerosergia, Phorcosergia, Prehensilosergia, Robustosergia, Scintillosergia, Challengerosergia, and Lucensosergia) and seven genera of the former genus Sergestes (Sergestes, Deosergestes, Eusergestes, Allosergestes, Parasergestes, Neosergestes, and a new genus Cornutosergestes). An identification key is presented for all genera of the family Sergestidae. The phylogeny of Sergestidae is mainly based on three categories of characters related to: (1) general decapod morphology, (2) male copulatory organs, and (3) photophores. Only simultaneous use of all three character types resulted in a resolved tree with minimal Bootstrap support 75 for each clade. Most genera are interzonal mesopelagic migrants, some are benthopelagic (Scintillosergia, Lucensosergia), bathypelagic (Sergia), or epipelagic (Cornutosergestes). Within each of meso- and benthopelagic genera there is one species with panoceanic distribution, while most species ranges are restricted to a single ocean. The genera demonstrate two different strategies expressed both in morphology and behavior: protective (Eusergestes, Sergestes, Cornutosergestes, Prehensilosergia, Scintillosergia, Lucensosergia, Challengerosergia, Gardinerosergia, Robustosergia, Phorcosergia, Sergia) and offensive (Neosergestes, Parasergestes, Allosergestes, Deosergestes).     

Morphological comparison and DNA barcoding of four closely related species in the genera Misgurnus and Paramisgurnus (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae)

To evaluate the feasibility of morphological and genetic identification of the closely related species in the genera Misgurnus and Paramisgurnus, the morphological characters of four species in these genera and DNA barcoding of five loaches (P. dabryanus, M. anguillicaudatus, M. bipartitus, M. mohoity, and Barbatula toni) were investigated. Twelve morphological characters were measured in 542 individuals to perform the comparative analysis. Among these characters, only the caudal peduncle length (L_CP) revealed significant difference (P < 0.05) among these four species. The clustering based on morphological characters formed two clusters (P. dabryanus and M. anguillicaudatus; M. bipartitus and M. mohoity). A total of 186 COI fragments for the five loaches investigated were sequenced and analyzed. The results showed that interspecific K2P distance was much higher than intraspecific distance within the five species. Bayesian inference of phylogeny showed that individuals of these species were divided into five specific clades. Meanwhile, the COI fragments exhibited 22 character attributes for the differentiation of the five loach species based on character-based method. Our results suggested that DNA barcoding based on COI can be used as an efficient identifier of these five loach species; the combination of distance-based method, Bayesian inference and character-based approach provides higher resolution of identification at species level.