Speciation in the marine crop Pyropia yezoensis (Bangiales,Rhodophyta)

In the marine red alga Pyropia yezoensis, commonly known in Japan as nori, sympatric occurrence of two cryptic species Pyropia sp. 2 and Pyropia sp. 3 on the same rock in a natural habitat has been confirmed by molecular analysis and detailed morphological observations. To confirm whether Pyropia sp. 2 and Pyropia sp. 3 were reproductively isolated in the sympatric population, 170 blades that had previously been studied using a maternally inherited plastid marker were examined with a nuclear gene marker. The results suggested that Pyropia sp. 2 and Pyropia sp. 3 with identical morphological features were reproductively isolated in the sympatric population and that they were different species based on the biological species concept. Although gametophytic blades of Pyropia were usually assumed to be haploid, 18 of 170 blades possessed both of the two genotypes derived from Pyropia sp. 2 and from Pyropia sp. 3. These results inferred that allodiploid blades were generated from the interspecific hybridization between these two cryptic species. The present findings provide insights for future studies on the speciation mechanism in seaweeds, particularly for genera that contain numerous species.     

Phytoseiidae mites associated with Hevea spp. from the Amazon region: a hidden diversity under the canopy of native trees

Despite the Amazon Forest being the largest tropical forest in the world, and cradle of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), no studies have aimed to report the occurrence of mites associated with native trees from this ecosystem. Our survey investigates the phytoseiid mites associated with five species of native rubber trees from nine sites of the Amazon Forest, and also presents a major review of phytoseiid species from natural vegetation in Brazil. We found a total of 1305 mites, belonging to 30 species, of which seven were new to science, Amblydromalus akiri sp. nov., Amblyseius chicomendesi sp. nov., Amblyseius duckei sp. nov., Amblyseius manauara sp. nov., Iphiseiodes katukina sp. nov., Iphiseiodes raucuara sp. nov. and Typhlodromips igapo sp. nov.; beyond two new records for Brazil, Iphiseiodes kamahorae and Amblyseius martus. Our results emphasize the importance of Amazon native trees as an unexplored source of predator mites, which in turn may be further studied as biological control agents of pest mites on rubber trees. The impressive diversity, endemism and rate of new species found highlight the importance of studies on arthropod communities associated with the Amazon vegetation.     

Integrative taxonomy of the stalk-eyed bug genus Chauliops (Heteroptera: Malcidae: Chauliopinae) reveals orogeny-driven speciation

Economically significant bean pests of the genus Chauliops are species rich in the areas surrounding the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and provide an excellent system for speciation studies. Here, an integrative taxonomic approach, employing morphological analyses, population genetic methods, and multiple molecular species delimitation methods, was used to clarify the taxonomy of Chauliops in East and Southeast Asia. Four new species (Chauliops parahorizontalis Li & Bu, sp. nov., Chauliops albida Li & Bu, sp. nov., Chauliops bicoloripes Li & Bu, sp. nov., and Chauliops paraconica Li & Bu, sp. nov.) were described, which increases the number of Chauliops species in this area from six to 10; a key for Chauliops species is also provided. Phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation revealed that Chauliops was divided into four clades: Clade A (Chauliops bisontula + [Chauliops horizontalis + C. parahorizontalis sp. nov.]), Clade B (C. albida sp. nov. and C. bicoloripes sp. nov.), Clade C (Chauliops quaternaria and Chauliops zhengi), and Clade D (Chauliops fallax + [Chauliops conica + C. paraconica sp. nov.]). Two species diversification events of Chauliops estimated to have occurred 7–1 million years ago (Ma) and 25–13 Ma were detected. These speciation events were consistent with the two historical uplift events of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, suggesting that orogeny might have provided opportunities for the diversification of Chauliops species on the southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Our findings show that population genetic analyses can be used to delimit related species and that orogeny is a key driver of species diversification on the southeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.     

Comparison of reproductive strategies in two externally ovipositing non-pollinating fig wasps

The reproductive strategies of Walkerella sp.1 associated with Ficus curtipes and Walkerella sp.2 associated with Ficus benjamina were investigated. Both species oviposited from outside the fig wall. Walkerella sp.1 was the first non-pollinating fig to oviposit on Ficus curtipes and began to do this ten days after figs syconia began to develop. The larvae of Walkerella sp.1 were only found in the most external ovary layer of the fig. Walkerella sp.2 starts ovipositing after several other non-pollinating fig wasps have already laid their eggs in F. benjamina. The progeny of Walkerella sp.2 are distributed in the external ovary layer, the middle ovary layer, and/or the inner ovary layer of the figs. However, more than a quarter of the offspring were found in the most external layer and only a few in the inner layer. Experimental studies proved that the two Walkerella species are gall formers. In both manipulated figs and in natural figs, the sex ratios of Walkerella sp.1 and Walkerella sp.2 were female-biased. In Walkerella sp.2, the overall sex ratio increased with the proportion of figs parasitized in a crop, but this was not the case for Walkerella sp.1. Females of both Walkerella species appear not to have information about the patches on which they oviposit because sex ratios of both species decreased as brood sizes within individual figs increased and foundresses of both species were able to lay clutches containing a single male egg and several female eggs.     

Bewsiella Domrow (Acarina: Mesostigmata): a revision and the description of new species

The genus Bewsiella is considered to comprise a considerable number of species, despite having been regarded as monotypic. The structure of the male spermadactyl is proposed as a key character for separating congeneric species. This character seems likely to bear phylogenetic information on both the mites themselves and their hosts. Since the male of Bewsiella fledermaus Domrow, the type-species, has not been found, it is impossible to define the morphology of this species based on both sexes. Consequently, all mites that share many characters with the female of B. fledermaus are placed in a B. fledermaus species group. B. aelleni (Till) is considered as a valid species and both sexes and the protonymph are redescribed and illustrated. B. nycteris n. sp., B. emballonuris n. sp., B. cloeotis n. sp., B. haradai n. sp. and B. coelopos n. sp. are described and illustrated. The genus Bewsiella was originally allocated to the family Laelapidae and later transferred to the family Macronyssidae. Recently, the genus was returned to the Laelapidae, and some evidence supporting this action was obtained during the present study, but further studies are required for confirmation.     

Systematic Status of Bonefishes (Albula spp.) From the Eastern Pacific Ocean Inferred from Analyses of Allozymes and Mitochondrial DNA

Recent molecular evidence suggests that at least eight species of bonefishes (Albuliformes: Albulidae: Albula) are found worldwide (Colborn et al. 2001). Adults of most of these species, including two that are restricted to the eastern Pacific Ocean (Albula sp. A from the Gulf of California and Albula sp. C from the Gulf of Panama), have not been formally described. Because cryptic species of bonefishes are known to occur sympatrically, population genetics data provide an important tool for taxonomic studies on this group. Isozyme analyses conducted on larval, juvenile and adult bonefish from the Guaymas region of the central Gulf of California confirmed that only a single species (Albula sp. A) was present there. In addition, analysis of a segment of the cytochrome b gene from three adult Albula collected from coastal waters of southern California revealed high sequence homology with Albula sp. A, suggesting that the southern California specimens were conspecific with those from Guaymas. However, the southern distributional limit of Albula sp. A, and whether there are regions where Albula sp. A and C occur sympatrically, are unknown. The historical background of the available name Atopichthys esunculus Garman, 1899 [= Albula esuncula (Garman, 1899)], and problems associated with the nomenclature of the two species of eastern Pacific bonefishes, are summarized. The systematic status of the related shafted bonefish, Dixonina (= Albula) nemoptera Fowler, 1911, is also reviewed.     

Phylogenetic revision of Bonjeania Irwin & Lyneborg (Diptera: Therevidae)

The endemic Australian genus Bonjeania Irwin & Lyneborg is revised. Seven species are described as new: B. angelikae sp.n., B. clamosis sp.n., B. dynastis sp.n., B. flavofemoralis sp.n., B. irwinae sp.n., B. orphne sp.n. and B. trilineata sp.n. Three species, B. actuosa (White), B. nitidifrons (Macquart) and B. segnis (White), are redescribed. All species of Bonjeania were compared in a cladistic analysis with Agapophytus albobasalis Mann and five exemplars of the speciose sister genus Parapsilocephala Kröber, and the phylogenetic relationships of Bonjeania discussed. The male genitalic musculature of B. clamosis sp.n. is described and figured, and discussed with respect to previous studies on other Therevidae.     

The systematics of Lobophora (Dictyotales,Phaeophyceae) in the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans: eight new species

Lobophora is a common tropical to temperate genus of brown algae found in a plethora of habitats including shallow and deep‐water coral reefs, rocky shores, mangroves, seagrass beds, and rhodoliths beds. Recent molecular studies have revealed that Lobophora species diversity has been severely underestimated. Current estimates of the species numbers range from 100 to 140 species with a suggested center of diversity in the Central Indo‐Pacific. This study used three molecular markers (cox3, rbcL, psbA), different single‐marker species delimitation methods (GMYC, ABGD, PTP), and morphological evidence to evaluate Lobophora species diversity in the Western Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific oceans. Cox3 provided the greatest number of primary species hypotheses(PSH), followed by rbcL and then psbA. GMYC species delimitation analysis was the most conservative across all three markers, followed by PTP, and then ABGD. The most informative diagnostic morphological characters were thallus thickness and number of cell layers in both the medulla and the dorsal/ventral cortices. Following a consensus approach, 14 distinct Lobophora species were identified in the Western Atlantic and five in the Eastern Pacific. Eight new species from these two oceans were herein described: L. adpressa sp. nov., L. cocoensis sp. nov., L. colombiana sp. nov., L. crispata sp. nov., L. delicata sp. nov., L. dispersa sp. nov., L. panamensis sp. nov., and L. tortugensis sp. nov. This study showed that the best approach to confidently identify Lobophora species is to analyze DNA sequences (preferably cox3 and rbcL) followed by comparative morphological and geographical assessment.     

Mechanisms of chromosomal evolution and its possible relation to natural history characteristics in Ancistrus catfishes (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)

Ancistrus is the most speciose genus of the tribe Ancistrini, with 58 valid species and many yet to be described. Cytogenetic studies were conducted on five apparently undescribed species from the Amazon basin, which showed different diploid numbers: Ancistrus sp. Purus (2n = 34); Ancistrus sp. Macoari (2n = 46); Ancistrus sp. Dimona (2n = 52); Ancistrus sp. Vermelho (2n = 42) and Ancistrus sp. Trombetas (2n = 38). All species possessed only one pair of NOR‐carrying chromosomes, but with extensive variation in both the location on the chromosome as well as in the position of the ribosomal sites on the karyotype. The karyotypic evolution of Ancistrus species seems to be based on chromosomal rearrangements, with a tendency to a reduction of the diploid number. Two new instances of XX/XY sex chromosomes for Ancistrus species, based on the heteromorphism in the male karyotype, were also recorded. The large karyotypic diversity among Ancistrus species may be related to biological and behavioural characteristics of these fish that include microhabitat preferences, territoriality and specialized reproductive tactics. These characteristics may lead to a fast rate of fixation of chromosomal mutations and eventually speciation across the basin.     

Flexible migration of Japanese freshwater gobies Rhinogobius spp. as revealed by otolith Sr:Ca ratios

The migratory histories of six Rhinogobius spp., the cross‐band type (R. sp. CB), the large‐dark type (R. sp. LD), the dark type (R. sp. DA), the cobalt type (R. sp. CO), the orange type (R. sp. OR) and R. flumineus, were studied by examining strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) concentrations in their otoliths using wavelength dispersive X‐ray spectrometry on an electron microprobe. The Sr:Ca ratios in the otoliths changed both with the ontogenetic development and with the salinity level of the habitat. Most fishes had high Sr:Ca ratios around the otolith core in spite of the fact that those fishes live most of their lives in a freshwater environment. The high ratios in the otoliths were thought to be a physiological effect in those fishes. Thereafter, the Sr:Ca ratios changed remarkably along the life‐history transect, showing intraspecies and interspecies variations. The otolith Sr:Ca ratios of Rhinogobius sp. CB, R. sp. LD and R. sp. CO collected from three rivers connected to the sea were low around the core, subsequently increased sharply to the points 180–345 μm from the core and then decreased again towards the edge. They were thought to reflect the typical amphidromous life history. The R. sp. CO, however, remain in a brackish‐water environment after migration from the sea, while the other species showed typical amphidromous lives with complete freshwater residence after migration from the sea. The five species (R. sp. CB, R. sp. LD, R. sp. CO, R. sp. DA and R. sp. OR) collected above dams had never migrated to the sea, spending their whole life in a freshwater environment, although Rhinogobius species, except for the fluvial type, were thought to have an amphidromous life history according to previous studies. These species are thought to have a landlocked life cycle. The otolith Sr:Ca ratios of R. flumineus showed consistently low ratios towards the edge except for only around the core, although they were collected from a river connected to the sea. These species could have a fluvial life history corresponding to a previous study. The present study clearly suggests that the migratory histories of Rhinogobius spp. are highly different both within and between species and that they have flexible migratory patterns allowing them to utilize the full range of salinity during their life history.     

The Aslauga purpurascens complex of entomophagous butterflies (Lycaenidae)

The Aslauga purpurascens complex is revised and six species are recognized: purpurascens Holland, marshalli Butler (=purpurascens marginaria Talbot syn.n.), latifurca sp.n., orientalis sp.n., atrophifurca sp.n. and australis spn. All species are described and illustrated and keys provided for their identification. Characters used in previous studies and in the present study are discussed and the literature is reviewed. The biology of the species is discussed with special reference to the appetitive sexual behaviour of adult males and to possible hostspecificity in larval predation of membracids and coccids. The significance of the geographical distribution of the species is examined.     

Integrative taxonomy of the Clavus canalicularis species complex (Drilliidae,Conoidea, Gastropoda) with description of four new species

ABSTRACT

The conoidean family Drilliidae Olsson, 1964 is a species-rich lineage of marine gastropods, showing a high degree of diversification in comparison to other families of Conoidea. Despite intensive molecular phylogenetic studies during the last decade that have led to notable rearrangements of conoidean systematics, the genus- and species-level taxonomy of Drilliidae has not thus far been affected and remains entirely based on shell features. In the current study we revisit species delimitation in a morphological cluster of species from the Indo-Pacific referred to as the Clavus canalicularis complex, using an integrative taxonomy approach. The species in the complex possess robust thick-walled shells typically over 15?mm in height with sculpture of prominent rounded nodules located at the whorl’s shoulder, sometimes sharp and squamiform, or producing long spines. We find that in addition to five known species, the complex comprises four new species. These are described as Clavus brianmayi n. sp. (New Caledonia), Clavus davidgilmouri n. sp. (the Philippines), Clavus andreolbrichi n. sp. (Vanuatu and New Ireland) and Clavus kirkhammetti n. sp. (Madagascar). Clavus exasperatus (Reeve, 1843), which was previously considered widely distributed in Indo-Pacific, is shown to be confined to the western Indian Ocean.     

Morphological and Molecular Description of Three New Species of the Cyrtophorid Genus Chlamydodon (Ciliophora,Cyrtophoria)

This study investigates the morphology and molecular characteristics of three new cyrtophorid ciliates isolated from China seas: Chlamydodon salinus n. sp., Chlamydodon caudatus n. sp., and Chlamydodon paramnemosyne n. sp. Of these, C. salinus n. sp. differs from its congeners through a combination of body size, a cross‐striated band that is not continuous, the presence of 30–34 somatic kineties, 11–15 nematodesmal rods, and 13 contractile vacuoles. Chlamydodon caudatus n. sp., meanwhile, is characterized by having a conspicuous tail, a continuous cross‐striated band, 34–40 somatic kineties, about 15 contractile vacuoles, and 20–24 nematodesmal rods. Compared with other Chlamydodon species, the third new one, C. paramnemosyne n. sp., could be identified by its continuous cross‐striated band, 16–18 somatic kineties, 5 contractile vacuoles, and 9–12 nematodesmal rods. Based on the sequence of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, the phylogeny of these three new species was analyzed, indicating that they all clustered with other congeners to form a monophyletic assemblage. Based on previous studies and the present work, a brief revision of the genus Chlamydodon is supplied, and a key to aid the identification of Chlamydodon species is given.     

Systematics of the Anopheles barbirostris species complex (Diptera: Culicidae: Anophelinae) in Thailand

This study deals with five species of the Barbirostris Complex of Anopheles subgenus Anopheles that are known to occur in Thailand. Three new species of the complex, A nopheles dissidens sp. nov. , A nopheles saeungae sp. nov. , and A nopheles wejchoochotei sp. nov. , are characterized and compared with Anopheles barbirostris van der Wulp and Anopheles campestris Reid based on specimens of molecularly identified progeny broods. For practical purposes, the five species are essentially isomorphic and can only be unequivocally identified from diagnostic mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA sequences. Based on overall morphological similarity, An. campestris is considered to be a member of the Barbirostris Complex rather than a separate member of the Barbirostris Subgroup. The molecular data, mitotic karyotypes, bionomics, and distributions of the species are reviewed and discussed. It is concluded that integrated molecular epidemiological studies of the complex throughout the Oriental Region are needed to unambiguously elucidate the individual species and their relation to disease. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London     

Intraspecific or interspecific variation: delimitation of species boundaries within the genus Gammarus (Crustacea,Amphipoda, Gammaridae), with description of four new species

The delineation of Gammarus species is controversial because of extensive intraspecific morphological variation. The current study examined DNA sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and the nuclear 28S genes as well as morphological and ecological data to determine the species boundaries of Gammarus species from China. The results of molecular analyses showed that Gammarus sp1, G. sp2, G. sp3, and G. sp4 are monophyletic and deeply divergent from sister groups. Detailed morphological and ecological comparisons with closely related species were consistent with molecular analyses. Gammarus sp1, G. sp2, G. sp3, and G. sp4 were described as four new species: Gammarus illustris sp. nov. , Gammarus clarus sp. nov. , Gammarus hypolithicus sp. nov. , and Gammarus parvioculus sp. nov. We recommend that molecular detected species should be formally named and described for future research. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 160 , 215–253.     

Diversity,Ecology, Biogeography,and Evolution of the Prevalent Brown Algal Genus Lobophora in the Greater Caribbean Sea,Including the Description of Five New Species1

Distributed in tropical and warm-temperate waters worldwide, Lobophora species are found across the Greater Caribbean (i.e., Caribbean sensu stricto, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda). We presently discuss the diversity, ecology, biogeography, and evolution of the Greater Caribbean Lobophora species based on previous studies and an extensive number of samples collected across the eastern, southern, and to a lesser extent western Caribbean. A total of 18 Lobophora species are now documented from the Greater Caribbean, of which five are newly described (L. agardhii sp. nov., L. dickiei sp. nov., L. lamourouxii sp. nov., L. richardii sp. nov., and L. setchellii sp. nov.). Within the Greater Caribbean, the eastern Caribbean and the Central Province are the most diverse ecoregion and province (16 spp.), respectively. Observed distribution patterns indicate that Lobophora species from the Greater Caribbean have climate affinities (i.e., warm-temperate vs. tropical affinities). In total, 11 Lobophora species exclusively occur in the Greater Caribbean; six are present in the western Atlantic; two in the Indo-Pacific; and one in the eastern Pacific. Biogeographic analyses support that no speciation occurred across the Isthmus of Panama, and that the Greater Caribbean acted as a recipient region for species from the Indo-Pacific and as a region of diversification as well as a donor region to the North-eastern Atlantic. The Greater Caribbean is not an evolutionary dead end for Lobophora, but instead generates and exports diversity. Present results illustrate how sampling based on DNA identification is reshaping biogeographic patterns, as we know them.     

On the morphology of antennular sensory and attachment organs in cypris larvae of the deep‐sea vent/seep barnacles,Ashinkailepas and Neoverruca

Barnacle cypris larvae show high morphological variation in the organs used in search of and attaching to a substratum. This variation may represent adaptation to the habitat of the species. Here, we studied SEM level morphologies of cypris antennular sensory and attachment organs in a deep‐sea vent endemic species (Neoverruca sp.) and a vent/seep inhabiting species (Ashinkailepas seepiophila). We compare them with three species from other environments. The antennular morphologies of Neoverruca sp. and A. seepiophila were similar, which is consistent with recent molecular studies showing a close relationship of the two species. The setation pattern of the antennules was very conservative among species from various environments. In contrast, striking differences were observed in the structure of the attachment organ (the third antennular segment). Neoverruca sp. and A. seepiophila had no velum or a skirt surrounding the attachment disc on the third segment, while other cirripede cyprids almost always have either of these structures. In addition, both cyprids of A. seepiophila and Neoverruca sp. had the attachment disc angled toward the substratum, whereas it faces distally in cyprids from hard bottom inhabiting barnacles. We suggest that both velum/skirt and the angle of the attachment disc play an important role, when the antennules are contacting the substratum during surface exploration. Differences in attachment organ structures may be highly adaptive, enabling cirripede species to enter new habitats during evolution. J. Morphol. 277:594–602, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Species composition and distribution patterns of baetid nymphs (Baetidae: Ephemeroptera) in a Japanese stream

Species composition and distributional patterns among nymphs of five baetid genera (Ephemeroptera), Baetis, Tenuibaetis, Labiobaetis, Nigrobaetis and Alainites were investigated in Yura Stream, Kyoto Prefecture. I collected 13 species: B. sahoensis, B. thermicus, B. sp. F, B. sp. J, B. sp. M1, B. sp. S1, T. sp. E, T. sp. H, L. sp. G, N. chocoratus, N. sp. D, N. sp. I and A. yoshinensis, among which B. thermicus, B. sp. S1 and T. sp. E were dominant, whereas B. sahoensis, B. sp. F, B. sp. M1 and N.sp. I were scarce. Based on their longitudinal distribution patterns, the 13 species were classified into upper species, upper-middle species, middle species, middle-lower species and lower species. Baetis thermicusand A. yoshinensis showed long downstream tails. Baetis sp. J and N. sp. D extended their longitudinal distribution upstream in summer. With regard to habitat preference, Alainites and Labiobaetis were restricted to riffle and vegetated zones, respectively. Tenuibaetis consisted of riffle-vegetated zone species, whereas Baetis and Nigrobaetiscontained both riffle species and ubiquitous species. Habitat partitioning (`sumiwake') along the watercourse (macro-sumiwake) was evident in Tenuibaetis, and that between habitat types (micro-sumiwake) in Labiobaetis vs. Baetis (rhodanigroup species) and Labiobaetis vs. Alainites.