Allozyme variation in Carex sect. Digitatae – Evidence of introgression, genetic distinctiveness and evolution of taxa

 A subset of populations of the European taxa of Carex sect. Digitatae, including Carex digitata, C. pallens, C. ornithopoda, C. pediformis ssp. rhizodes and C. humilis have been investigated for allozyme variation. The (presumably) distantly related C. pendula was used as a reference taxon. Carex digitata, C. pallens and C. ornithopoda on the one hand, and C. humilis and C. pediformis on the other, shared the majority of the alleles. Cluster analyses based on genetic distances grouped populations of C. digitata and C. ornithopoda in a mixed subcluster whereas all populations of C. pallens formed a subcluster distinct from the digitata/ornithopoda cluster. This in spite of the fact that C. ornithopoda is morphologically clearly distinct from C. digitata whereas C. pallens is barely distinguishable from the latter. Carex pediformis and C. humilis appeared not more genetically similar to C. digitata than to the reference taxon. It is concluded that 1) C. digitata, C. pallens and C. ornithopoda are closely related and most probably forms a monophyletic group, 2) C. pallens is a genetically distinct species, 3) C. pediformis and C. humilis are not closely related to the rest of C. sect. Digitatae, 4) C. pediformis and C. humilis are relatively closely related, 5) introgression do occur between the investigated species but not to such an extent that it can explain major geographic patterns of variation in C. digitata. Received December 21, 2001; accepted November 14, 2002 Published online: March 24, 2003     

Genetics of complement C4. Two homoduplication haplotypes C4S C4S and C4F C4F in a family

Summary A family in which two homoduplicated C4 haplotypes (or supergenes) segregate is described. One haplotype C4F ^* 3 C4F ^*2.2 is composed of two C4F alleles and the other C4S ^* 5.1 C4S ^*1 of two C4S alleles. The C4F duplication haplotype is a partial inhibitor of the Rodgers antigen, and judged from our family and population material, it seems to be rather frequent and associated with HLAB ^*35, Bf ^* F, and HLAD/DR ^*1. The C4S duplication haplotype is Rg(a-) and is not identified in individuals without another S, Ch(a+) variant.This work was supported by grant No 12-1727 from the Danish Medical Research Council     

Phylogenetic systematics of the Empis (Coptophlebia) hyalea-group (Insecta: Diptera: Empididae)

Six clades are inferred from a phylogenetic analysis including 42 species belonging to the Empis (Coptophlebia) hyalea‐group. These clades are named as follows: E. (C.) acris, E. (C.) aspina, E. (C.) atratata, E. (C.) hyalea, E. (C.) jacobsoni and E. (C.) nahaeoensis. The presence of two dorsal more or less developed epandrial projections is considered autapomorphic for the E. (C.) hyalea‐group in addition to two characters previously found to support the monophyly of this group (presence of an unsclerotized zone in the middle of labella and epandrium unpaired). Amongst the cladistically analysed species, 24 are newly described [ E. ( C. ) acris , E. ( C. ) aspina , E. ( C. ) cameronensis , E. ( C. ) duplex , E. ( C. ) incurva , E. ( C. ) inferiseta , E. ( C. ) kuaensis , E. ( C. ) lachaisei , E. ( C. ) lamellalta , E. ( C. ) lata , E. ( C. ) loici , E. ( C. ) longiseta , E. ( C. ) mengyangensis , E. ( C. ) menglunensis , E. ( C. ) missai , E. ( C. ) nimbaensis , E. ( C. ) padangensis , E. ( C. ) parvula , E. ( C. ) projecta , E. ( C. ) pseudonahaeoensis , E. ( C. ) submetallica , E. ( C. ) urumae , E. ( C. ) vitisalutatoris and E. ( C. ) woitapensis ], five are reviewed [E. (C.) hyalea Melander, E. (C.) jacobsoni De Meijere, E. (C.) ostentator Melander, E. (C.) sinensis Melander and E. (C.) thiasotes Melander] and 13 were recently described in two previous papers. Two additional species, E. (C.) abbrevinervis De Meijere and E. (C.) multipennata Melander, are also reviewed but not included in the cladistic analysis since they are only known from the female. A lectotype is designated for E. (C.) jacobsoni. A key is provided to the six clades of the E. (C.) hyalea‐group as well as to species of each clade. A catalogue of the E. (C.) hyalea‐group, including 72 species, is given. The taxonomic status of 25 additional species mainly described by Bezzi and Brunetti, from the Oriental and Australasian regions, is discussed. The E. (C.) hyalea‐group is firstly recorded from the Palaearctic Region and Australia. Finally, the distribution and the habitats of the species compared with their phylogeny suggest a possible relationship between the diversification of the group and forest fragmentations during the Quaternary. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 145 , 339–391.     

Historical biogeography and phylogenetic relationships of the genus Chamaecyparis (Cupressaceae) inferred from chloroplast DNA polymorphism

The genus Chamaecyparis comprises five species and one variety native to Taiwan, Japan, Canada, and USA, which demonstrates a classical eastern Asian, western North American, and eastern North American disjunct distributional pattern. The phylogenetic relationships of the species of Chamaecyparis were inferred by comparing 1130 bp of the combined data set of chloroplast trnV intron and petG-trnP intergenic spacer. The phylogenetic tree shows that Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Cupressus nootkatensis or Xanthocyparis nootkatensis) is clearly diverged from other Chamaecyparis species. For Chamaecyparis species, C. thyoides is sister to C. formosensis and C. pisifera and these together form a monophyletic group. C. lawsoniana is sister to C. obtusa and C. taiwanensis; and these form another monophyletic group. Homogeneity in evolutionary rates was found among species in these two monophyletic groups. Results indicate the divergent evolution of C. taiwanensis and C. formosensis and molecular evidence in this investigation supports C. taiwanensis as a variety of C. obtusa. Utility of cpDNA intergenic spacer petG-trnP in Chamaecyparis is also discussed. Several biogeographical implications were inferred: (1) at least two divergence events have produced the eastern Asian, and both western and eastern North American disjunct distribution in Chamaecyparis; (2) intercontinental sister species pairs are found in Chamaecyparis; (3) cpDNA divergence between two intercontinental sister pairs of C. thyoides and C. pisifera, and C. lawsoniana and C. obtusa is 2.8% and 1.1%, which suggest an estimated divergence time of 14 and 5.5 million years ago during middle and late Miocene, respectively; (4) cpDNA divergence of two Asian Chamaecyparis groups between C. obtusa and C. taiwanensis, and between C. pisifera and C. formosensis is 0.25% and 0.57%, which suggest an estimated divergence time of 1.3 and 2.9 million years ago during Pleistocene and late Pliocene, respectively; these estimated divergence times suggest a relatively recent migration of Chamaecyparis to Taiwan from the Japanese Archipelago; (5) that climatic deterioration caused the disappearance of Chamaecyparis in continental Asia is probable.     

Vittia salina L.Hedenäs & J.Muñoz,sp. nov., a new moss from Argentina

Abstract

A survey of the species of Campylopus Brid. reported from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is presented. Of the 34 species that have been reported from this Island 16 are accepted at present. Campylopus nilghiriensis (Mitt.) Jaeg. is identical partly with C. goughii (Mitt.) Jaeg., partly with C. zollingerianus (C. Müll.) Bosch &; Lac., C. pseudogracilis Card. &; Dix. with C. goughii (Mitt.) Jaeg., C. caudatus (C. Müll.) Mont., C. reduncus (Reinw. &; Hornsch.) Bosch &; Lac. and C. trachythecius (C. Müll.) Jaeg. with C. comosus (Reinw. &; Hornsch.) Bosch &; Lac., C. herzogii Broth., C. subtricolor Lor. and probably also C. nodijlorus (C. Müll.) Jaeg. with C. aureus Bosch &; Lac., C nietneri (C. Müll.) Jaeg. with C. involutusz (C. Müll.) Jaeg., C. subgracilis Ren. &; Card. ex Gangulee and C. latinervis (Mitt.) Jaeg. with C. gracilis (Mitt.) Jaeg., and C. laetus (Mitt.) Jaeg. with C. savannarum (C. Müll.) Mitt. C. pterotoneuron (C. Müll.) Jaeg. is reduced to a variety of C. umbellatus (Arn.) Par. The occurrence of C. exasperatus Brid. on Sri Lanka could not be confirmed. Campylopus flagelliferus (C. Müll.) Jaeg. is reported as new to Sri Lanka.     

Genetic analysis of stunted growth by nuclear-cytoplasmic interaction in interspecific hybrids of Capsicum by using RAPD markers

When eight cultivars of Capsicum annuum were used as female parents in interspecific crosses with two accessions of C. chinense, dwarfism occurred in hybrids originating from 10 out of 16 combinations, while hybrids of the remaining 6 combinations grew normally. In contrast, when C. chinense was used as female parent, all of the hybrids showed severely stunted growth as if affected by a virus. These results suggested that the stunted growth expressed in the cross of C. chinense x C. annuum is caused by an interaction between nuclear gene(s) from C. annuum and the cytoplasm of C. chinense. To examine the number of nuclear gene(s) which cause(s) the stunted growth, we backcrossed F₁ hybrids of C. annuum x C. chinense to C. chinense. About one-quarter of the progeny in the backcrossed hybrids of C. chinense x (C. annuum x C. chinense) showed the same stunted growth shown by the f₁ hybrids of C. chinense x C. annuum, suggesting that two complementary genes of C. annuum cause the stunted growth. However, the higher abortion rates of ovules and lower germination percentage of seeds in C. chinense x C. annuum than in the selfed C. chinense implied that the genetic ratio of the stunted type would have been higher than that observed in the C. chinense x (C. annuum x C. chinense) progeny. We then attempted a linkage analysis between the stunted growth and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) of C. chinense x (C. annuum x C. chinense) progeny. A RAPD marker that associated with 94% of the stunted plants but not with 94% of the normal one was identified. This confirmed that a single nuclear gene of C. annuum which is linked to the RAPD marker with a recombination value of 6% causes the stunted growth in an interaction with the cytoplasm of C. chinense.     

A revision of the Chinese Catops Paykull 1798 of the Catops fuscus species group (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Cholevinae)

Five species of the Catops fuscus species group are reported from China. Three species are newly described: C. hlisnikovskyi n. sp. from the Beijing municipality and Jiangsu province, C. schuelkei n. sp. from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, and C. smetanai n. sp. from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. Female of C. sasajii Nishikawa 2007 is described and the species is reported from Hubei, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces for the first time. Catops nigricans (Spence 1813) is reported for the first time from China (Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region). Important morphological characters are illustrated and the distribution of all species in China is mapped. Preliminar phylogenetic analysis separates (C. hlisnikovskyi n. sp.+C. fuscus fuscus Panzer 1794) as a sister clade to C. nigricans+(C. sasajii+(C. schuelkei n. sp.+C. smetanai n. sp.)), with C. paramericanus Peck & Cook 2002 as outgroup.     

Chloroplast DNA diversity among wild and cultivated members of Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae)

Summary Cladistic analysis of 86 chloroplast DNA restriction-site mutations among 30 samples representing 15 species of Cucurbita indicates that annual species of the genus are derived from perennials. The Malabar Gourd, C. ficifolia, is placed as a basal, sister taxon relative to other domesticated species and allied wild-types. The pattern of variation supports three species groups as monophyletic: (1) C. fraterna, C. pepo, and C. texana, (2) C. lundelliana, C. martinezii, C. mixta, C. moschata and C. sororia, and (3) C. foetidissima and C. pedatifolia. Domesticated samples representing subspecies of C. pepo are divided into two concordant groups, one of which is allied to wild-types referable to C. texana and C. fraterna. The data failed to resolve relationships among cultivars of C. moschata and C. mixta and their association to the wild C. sororia. The South American domesticate, C. maxima, and its companion weed, C. andreana, show close affinity and alliance to C. equadorensis.     

Phylogenetic relationships of species of Crenicichla (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from southern South America based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene

Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inference, likelihood and parsimony methods was conducted on 60 complete mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences from 21 species of Crenicichla, including all species known from Uruguay (Crenicichla celidochilus, Crenicichla lepidota Crenicichla minuano, Crenicichla missioneira, Crenicichla punctata, Crenicichla scottii, Crenicichla vittata), Crenicichla compressiceps, Crenicichla empheres, Crenicichla geayi, Crenicichla iguassuensis, Crenicichla macrophthalma, Crenicichla menezesi, Crenicichla notophthalmus, Crenicichla regani, Crenicichla cf. regani, Crenicichla semifasciata, Crenicichla sveni, Crenicichla tendybaguassu, two unidentified species, and also two species of Teleocichla. Bayesian analysis resulted in a trichotomy with three major groups: (1) The C. missioneira species group (C. celidochilus, C. empheres, C. minuano, C. missioneira, C. tendybaguassu, and an undescribed species analyzed); (2) a group of southern species (C. iguassuensis, C. punctata, C. scottii, C. vittata); and (3) a rather heterogeneous group comprising the type species C. macrophthalma, members of the Crenicichla reticulata species group (C. geayi, C. semifasciata), members of the Crenicichla wallacii species group (C. compressiceps, C. notophthalmus, C. regani, C. cf. regani), members of the Crenicichla saxatilis species group (C. lepidota, C. menezesi, C. sveni, C. sp.), and two species of Teleocichla. Parsimony jackknifing resulted in a quadritomy with: (1) C. macrophthalma, (2) Teleocichla, (3) the saxatilis + wallacii group species, and (4) the rest, which include C. geayi and C. semifasciata as sister group to a dichotomy with the C. missioneira group and the remaining southern species. The sequence variation within the C. missioneira group is remarkably minor despite considerable morphological differences, supporting the conclusion that it forms an endemic species flock in the Uruguay River basin. Previously proposed species groups within the speciose genus Crenicichla (more than 90 species known) are partly corroborated. However, C. celidochilus was not previously associated with the C. missioneira species group, and C. vittata has not previously been associated with C. scottii, C. iguassuensis, or C. punctata. Crenicichla lepidota, C. sveni, C. menezesi and C. sp. represent the C. saxatilis group. Species of small size, representing the C. wallacii species group and Teleocichla are characterized by very long branches, and the position of Teleocichla differed considerably between the Bayesian and parsimony trees. This finding does not invalidate Teleocichla but rather suggests that the several monophyletic major clades within Crenicichla may need nominal recognition. A putative hybrid specimen with a morphology combining components from C. vittata and C. scottii, but with a cytochrome b sequence from C. scottii was found in a sample from the Rio Quaraí/Cuareim. Another putative hybrid specimen with a unique morphology but a cytochrome b sequence agreeing with C. scottii was found in a sample from Maldonado, but no other Crenicichla species than C. scottii is known from that locality.     

OBSERVATIONS OF CHROMOSOMES IN CIRCAEA (ONAGRACEAE)

Observations of meiotic and/or mitotic chromosomes for 16 specific, infraspecific, and hybrid taxa from 56 populations are presented; chromosome numbers for 11 taxa are reported for the first time. All samples reported have 2n = 22, with the exception that 3 of 12 collections of C. × intermedia have at least some individuals that are triploid. North American diploid collections of this hybrid are heterozygous for one reciprocal translocation; only 1 of 5 European diploid collections also exhibited a translocation. Meiosis in four naturally occurring Asian hybrids is also analyzed: C. × ovata (C. cordata × C. mollis), C. × decipiens (C. erubescens × C. lutetiana) and C. x× dubia (C. cordata × C. eurbescens) possess a single translocation; C. × mentiens (C. alpina × C. eurbescens) is structurally homozygous. With the exception of the translocation, chromosome pairing in these hybrids is normal. Early diakinesis chromosomes possess densely staining centric regions and diffusely staining arms that are subequal in length.     

Phylogeny and character evolution in the Indo-Pacific genus Ctenogobiops (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae)

Ctenogobiops is a genus of Indo-Pacific gobies that form obligate, mutualistic associations with shrimp in the genus Alpheus. This study provides a molecular phylogenetic analysis of eight Ctenogobiops species: C. aurocingulus, C. crocineus, C. feroculus, C. formosa, C. maculosus, C. mitodes, C. tangaroai, and C. tongaensis. We recover two clades within the genus, one consisting of C. feroculus and C. aurocingulus, the second including the remaining species arrayed as follows: (C. tongaensis (C. mitodes (C. formosa (C. maculosus (C. crocineus, C. tangaroai))))). Recovery of C. maculosus and C. crocineus as distinct taxa suggests that these species are not synonymous, although sampling in this study is limited. Species of Ctenogobiops are morphologically very similar to each other, with generally consistent meristic character states present throughout the genus. Recognition of species is based primarily on slight variations in color pattern, shape of the dorsal fin, and size of the gill opening. Comparison of our specimens of C. mitodes with accounts of C. pomastictus confirms that color pattern variations and lateral scale counts are more reliable indicators of species identity than relative dorsal fin spine length, particularly for smaller specimens. We evaluate the distribution of morphological characters in the context of the new phylogenetic hypothesis, and provide a summary of distinguishing characters for Ctenogobiops species. In this case, as in other instances of diverse reef-dwelling fish taxa, molecular data are ideal for inferring phylogenetic relationships, whereas morphological data remain the most expedient way to identify species.     

Intra- and inter-specific effects of mast seeding on seed fates of two sympatric <Emphasis Type="Italic">Corylus</Emphasis> species

We released seeds of two sympatric tree species, Corylus mandshurica (seed with thinner seed hull, higher nutrition) and C. heterophylla (seeds with thicker seed hull, lower nutrition) in the masting year of C. mandshurica in 2008, and C. heterophylla in 2009, respectively, to investigate how seed masting of the two sympatric Corylus species affects seed removal and dispersal fitness of the two species differently at both intra- and inter-specific levels. At intra-specific level, the authors found mast seeding of both C. mandshurica and C. heterophylla significantly reduced seed removal, seed consumption, but increased seed dispersal distance and seed dispersal fitness of the released seeds. Mast seeding of C. mandshurica increased seed caching of C. mandshurica. At inter-specific level, the authors found mast seeding of C. mandshurica reduced seed removal of C. heterophylla, but mast seeding of C. heterophylla did not significantly reduce seed removal of C. mandshurica. Mast seeding of C. mandshurica reduced seed consumption of C. heterophylla, while mast seeding of C. heterophylla reduced seed consumption of C. mandshurica. We found mast seeding of C. mandshurica significantly reduced seed dispersal distance of C. heterophylla, while mast seeding of C. heterophylla significantly increased seed dispersal distance of C. mandshurica. We found that mast seeding of C. mandshurica significantly increased seed dispersal fitness of C. heterophylla, while mast seeding of C. heterophylla did not significantly increase seed dispersal fitness of C. mandshurica. More studies are needed to reveal the ecological consequences of mast seeding at inter-specific or community-level. Seed traits may attribute the differences of mast seeding at inter-specific level. Because seeds with thinner seed hull and higher nutrition were more harvested and eaten by rodents, mast seeding of C. mandshurica might have reduced seed removal and seed consumption, but increased dispersal fitness of C. heterophylla (seeds with thicker seed hull, lower nutrition). Therefore, synchrony among species is, or is not, selectively beneficial to the focus species depends on seed traits which determine gains from mast seeding at inter-specific level.     

Physiological and biochemical contributions to the taxonomy of the genus Chlorella

Starch hydrolysis, i.e., the production of extracellular amylolytic enzymes, was found to be a specific character for most species of the genus Chlorella. C. fusca var. vacuolata, C. spec. 211-30, and C. spec. 211-11r hydrolyse starch, whereas C. vulgaris, C. fusca var. rubescens, C. zofingiensis, C. fusca var. fusca, C. minutissima, C. homosphaera, C. kessleri, C. luteoviridis, and C. protothecoides are unable to hydrolyse starch. Only C. sorokiniana and C. saccharophila appear heterogenous; within C. sorokiniana, 7 strains hydrolyse starch and 9 do not; and within C. saccharophila, 6 strains exhibit amylolytic activity and 2 do not. — A key for the identification, according to 9 easily determined physiological and biochemical characters, of the Chlorella species is presented.     

Two alleles of rpoB and rpoC1 distinguish an endemic European population from Cistus heterophyllus and its putative hybrid (C.?×?clausonis) with C. albidus

The genus Cistus is a widespread family growing around the Mediterranean area. There is a unique natural population of C. heterophyllus subsp. carthaginensis in Europe (Murcia, Spain) containing 22 individuals. Morphology of these plants suggests the co-occurrence of two distinct types within the population. One type would resemble C. heterophyllus, and a second type would be the result of hybridization events between this endangered population and the locally abundant Cistus albidus. These hybrids have been described in Africa as C. × clausonis. We have analyzed sequences of the chloroplast genes trnK-matK, rbcL, rpoB, rpoC1 and two intergenic regions, trnL-F and trnH-psbA. Surprisingly, we observed heteroplasmy for rpoB and rpoC1 genes in C. heterophyllus and the local C. × clausonis, but not in C. albidus or C. monspeliensis. We found two distinct alleles of rpoB, one present in all species and a second present only in C. heterophyllus and the local C. × clausonis. We also detected two alleles of rpoC1, one common to all species analyzed and a second present only in the local C. × clausonis. Our results show that there is a distinctive rpoB allele common to C. heterophyllus and C. × clausonis from Africa and Europe. The unique rpoC1 allele found in the local C. × clausonis indicates a different origin of this small population, indicating it is not a hybrid formed with the C. albidus or C. heterophyllus currently present in this location.     

Preliminary evolutionary relationships within the parasitoid wasp genus Cotesia (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae): combined analysis of four genes

Abstract. The braconid wasp genus Cotesia Cameron (Braconidae: Microgastrinae) is one of the largest genera of parasitoid wasps, and its species are employed frequently as biological control agents against pest insects. Several Cotesia species are also used as model organisms in physiology, ecology and population genetics studies. The genus thus has considerable importance from both applied and basic science perspectives. We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of twenty‐five species of Cotesia commonly used in field and laboratory research, using the genes 16S, ND1, 28S and LW opsin and employing a range of phylogeny estimation methods including maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, minimum evolution and Bayesian inference. Phylogenetic estimates differed little among methods, especially for the combined data analysis. The combined analysis of four genes identified four well‐supported clades within Cotesia: the melanoscela group (containing C. melanoscela, the C. flavipes species complex and probably also C. ruficrus), the kariyai group (containing C. kariyai, C. kazak, C. cyaniridis, C. flaviconchae and probably also C. anisotae and C. griffini), the rubecula group (containing C. congregata, C.electrae, C.euchaetis, C. marginiventris, C. obsuricornis and C. schizurae), and the glomerata group (consisting of C. glomerata, C. melitaearum and C. plutellae), plus a basal unresolved complex including C. hyphantriae, C. diacrisiae and C. empretiae. These groups correspond poorly with previous broad subgroups of Cotesia defined by Papp based on morphology. The current work constitutes the first real framework for comparative studies in systematics, ecology, physiology and population genetics of Cotesia. A preliminary analysis of the evolution of gregarious development from solitary is presented, in which it is apparent that solitary development is ancestral, and gregariousness has arisen several times independently within separate groups.     

Phylogenetic relationships among annual and perennial species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cicer</Emphasis> as inferred from ITS sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA

The cladistic analysis of the DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacers of ribosomal cistrons (ITS1 and ITS2) for 20 species of Cicer L. (among which all the annuals), shows that various sections of the genus are not monophyletic. Annual species do not form a clade: C. arietinum, in fact, is closely related to both C. echinospermum and C. reticulatum, whereas C. bijugum, C. judaicum, and C. pinnatifidum form a separate clade. The annual C. cuneatum is sister group to the perennial C. canariense and both are archaic species within the genus. C. yamashitae is, on the contrary, the only annual species belonging to a group of perennials, within which close relationships are evident between C. graecum and C. montbretii as well as among a group of mainly Asian species.     

NEW EVIDENCE OF THE SPECIFIC AFFINITY OF CUCULUS LEPIDUS MÜLLER

Scanning electron microscopy of eggshells of Cuculus lepidus of Java and Cuculus p. poliocephalus of the Asian continent revealed differences in ultra-structure incompatible with conspecific grouping. Eggshell ultra-structure, egg-type and colouration, and host selection of C. lepidus are to a high degree similar to C. saturatus, as are morphological characteristics and vocalizations (discussed elsewhere). It is therefore concluded that C. lepidus is a small tropical form of C. saturatus. The hosts of C. lepidus are Phylloscopus trivirgatus and Seicercus grammiceps in Java, and S. castaniceps in Malaya. In Java there are two breeding seasons of C. lepidus, April-June and September—October, whereas in Malaya breeding is centred in February-May. During the second breeding season of C. lepidus on Java conspecific migratory races of C. saturatus occur sympatrically. Of the two migratory races of C. saturatus occurring on Java, the C. s. saturatus appears to be twice as common as the northern race horsfieldi. Collection dates indicate that the former race is more abundant in January and February and C. s. horsfieldi in September—November. Between the three races on Java there is no evidence of genetic exchange; residents are largely isolated by habitat, and wintering migrants are non-vocal.