<Emphasis Type="Italic">Metarhizium bibionidarum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. purpureogenum</Emphasis>: new species from Japan

Two new species of Metarhizium, M. bibionidarum and M. purpureogenum are described from Japan. Metarhizium bibionidarum is the phylogenetic sister species of M. pemphigi and a member of the M. flavoviride species complex. It is distinguished morphologically from M. pemphigi by its larger conidia. The species is based on a collection of an infected March fly larva (Diptera: Bibionidae) but is also known to occur on fruit beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) encountered in France. Metarhizium purpureogenum was isolated from soil by plating and insect baiting methods and represents a unique phylogenetic lineage placed outside the M. anisopliae and M. flavoviride species complexes. Three isolates of M. purpureogenum excreted a distinctive red-purple pigment into agar medium when co-cultured with M. robertsii or Aspergillus oryzae.     

Historical patterns of niche dynamics in Neotropical species of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila</Emphasis> subgenus (Drosophilidae,Diptera)

Niche conservatism (NC) presence is a controversial question in evolutionary ecology. In Drosophila, little is known about which is the preponderant evolutionary pattern, since the adaptive radiation hypothesis first proposed by Throckmorton assumed niche divergence (ND) according to a niche occupancy scenario. Nevertheless, this hypothesis has not yet been straightforwardly tested. Our aim here was to test the role of NC patterns across evolution of American drosophilids belonging to the tripunctata and virilis-repleta lineages of the Drosophila subgenus, through measures of geographical, abiotic and biotic niche overlap and evaluations regarding the presence of phylogenetic signal or niche identity. We recovered phylogenetic signal attributable to phylogenetic niche conservatism when all species were analyzed together, but not in more restricted groups. Identity tests showed that niche equivalency was seldom rejected for the tripunctata lineage species. So, in general, neither the results for the Drosophila subgenus nor those for the tripunctata lineage support the hypothesis of an adaptive radiation. Notwithstanding, there were also several isolated cases supporting a scenario of ND, and ecological speciation was evident in some of the evaluated sister species pairs.     

Craniomandibular Variation in the Taxonomically Problematic Gerbil Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gerbillus</Emphasis> (Gerbillinae,Rodentia): Assessing the Influence of Climate,Geography, Phylogeny,and Size

The taxonomy of Gerbillus, the most speciose gerbil genus, is highly debated. Of particular contention is the relationship of Dipodillus to Gerbillus; some consider it to be a closely related genus, while others synonymize it with Gerbillus—either with or without recognizing it as a subgenus. The main objective of this study is to test the validity of common taxonomic groupings within the Gerbillus-Dipodillus species complex, which was achieved by using geometric morphometrics to examine cranial and mandibular variation in 34 out of the 52 Gerbillus-Dipodillus species. Craniomandibular size and shape were highly correlated, indicating strong allometric patterns in shape variation. The common taxonomic groups were significantly different in craniomandibular size and shape, yet they did overlap considerably in morphospace. A notable exception was the extreme divergence of Monodia (G. mauritaniae) from all other species in the occlusal view of the mandible. Morphospace overlap is likely a consequence of both phylogenetic history and environmental adaptation. Only the ventral cranium was associated with climate, particularly in areas related to resource acquisition. Geographic distance was not significantly associated with craniomandibular morphometric distance, and the groups overlapped greatly in their geographic range. Cranial and mandibular regions differed in discrimination power—the ventral cranium had among the highest, while the dorsal cranium and the occlusal mandible had the lowest. Craniomandibular regions varied in association with climate, phylogeny, and size—previous studies suggest this difference may be a consequence of different genetic controls for shape variation.     

Microstructural characterization of the body key scale morphology in six Iranian endemic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphanius</Emphasis> species (Cyprinodontidae): Their taxonomic and evolutionary significance

The microstructural characteristics of the body key scales were described for six Iranian endemic Aphanius Nardo, 1827 species. Among them, five species genetically belong to the “Iranian inland and inland-related Aphanius species, IIRAS” group, while A. ginaonis (Holly, 1929) belongs to the “brackish water species” group. General scale shape in the studied Aphanius species was cycloid with the exception of A. ginaonis, which has cycloid scales with few spinous-like structures present in the posterior edge of the scales. Considering phylogenetic relationships of the studied taxa, the most likely explanation for presence of the spinous scales in Aphanius species is the primary existence of these scales in this group. In addition, among the IIRAS group, the most different lepidont was recognized in scales of the A. isfahanensis Hrbek, Keivany and Coad, 2006 (pointed), which is similar to lepidonts in the A. ginaonis. The scales of these species are polygonal with similar typology. The similarity in lepidont morphology between A. ginaonis and A. isfahanensis can explained by (i) the primary existence of the rounded lepidont in this group, and (ii) since A. ginaonis and A. isfahanensis belong to two separate phylogenetic lineages, therefore, similarity in their lepidont morphology could be results of convergent evolution.     

Morphological variation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melanargia russiae</Emphasis> (Esper, 1783) (Lepidoptera,Satyridae) from the main part of the range and in case of its expansion to the north under climate change conditions

A climate-related shift in the range boundaries of the western–central Eurasian subboreal species Melanargia russiae in the Ural region from the northern forest-steppe zone to pine–birch forests was found. Morphological variation of M. russiae wings from the boundary northern populations and populations from the main part of the range in the Urals were studied. The results of a complex analysis of the morphological traits (size, wing shape, and wing pattern eyespots) confirm the hypothesis that the local population formed in the south of Sverdlovsk oblast and contradict the hypothesis of the migratory origin of M. russiae imago.     

Contribution to the study of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lemniscomys</Emphasis> (Rodentia: Muridae). Morphometric and molecular approaches

A total of 204 specimens belonging to eight species of the genus Lemniscomys were examined with standard morphometric measurements. Our results show that the seven Sub-Saharan species seem to follow a latitudinal gradient from the Center to the South of the African continent. The only North African species L. barbarus looks close to L. griselda and L. rosalia. We also applied a molecular analysis through PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method for the amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. For the purpose of constructing a phylogenetic tree with Maximum Likelihood method, we extracted eight sequences from the GenBank library; seven belonging to the genus Lemniscomys and one to the genus Arvicanthis used as outgroup. We managed to identify a region comprised of 458 nucleotides of which 388 were common for all species and 70 were variable. The phylogenetic tree shows us that the sister group L. bellieri and L. macculus, is the most basal, while L. striatus and L. rosalia appears to be close to the sister group L. barbarus and L. zebra. We also noticed a difference between morphometric and molecular results; the latter are more in agreement with pelage patterns subdivision between Lemniscomys species. These differences can be explained by a high rate of phenotypic evolution that can surpass the molecular counterpart as in the case of the genus Gerbillus.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Parasitaxus</Emphasis> parasitized: novel infestation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Parasitaxus usta</Emphasis> (Podocarpaceae)

The world’s sole ‘parasitic’ gymnosperm Parasitaxus usta (Podocarpaceae) is endemic to the island of Grande Terre, New Caledonia. It is a threatened species because of its limited geographic range and progressing habitat fragmentation. Here, we report a novel scale insect outbreak on a Parasitaxus sub-population from Monts Dzumac in the southern part of Grande Terre. The identity of the scale insect was determined through combining morphological and molecular methods. The field collection of scale insects and their secretions from infested Parasitaxus specimens allowed morphological identification of the superfamily Coccoidea. Subsequent genetic sequencing using CO1 markers allowed phylogenetic placement of the wax scale insects to the genus Ceroplastes (Coccoidea, Coccidae), a widespread pest genus. The identified species, C. pseudoceriferus, has not been previously recorded from New Caledonia. As Parasitaxus is already vulnerable to extinction, this new threat to its long-term survival needs to be monitored. Other New Caledonian endemic plant species are potentially at risk of this new species, although it was not observed on Falcatifolium taxoides, the host of Parasitaxus.     

Integrative analysis of the West African <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceraceosorus africanus</Emphasis> sp. nov. provides insights into the diversity,biogeography, and evolution of the enigmatic Ceraceosorales (Fungi: Ustilaginomycotina)

The order Ceraceosorales (Ustilaginomycotina) currently includes the single genus Ceraceosorus, with one species, Ceraceosorus bombacis, parasitic on Bombax ceiba in India. The diversity, biogeography, evolution, and phylogenetic relationships of this order are still relatively unknown. Here, a second species of Ceraceosorus is described from West Africa as a novel species, Ceraceosorus africanus, infecting Bombax costatum in Benin, Ghana, and Togo. This species produces conspicuous fructifications, similar to corticioid basidiomata when mature, but sorus-like in early stages of ontogenetic development. The fructifications cover much of the leaf surface and resemble leaf blight. This contrasts with the inconspicuous fructifications of C. bombacis comprising small spots scattered over the lower leaf surface that resemble leaf spot. Both species of Ceraceosorus differ in several micromorphological traits, infect different host plant species in widely separated geographical areas, and are separated by a considerable genetic distance in 28S rDNA and RPB2 genes. The distinct corticioid fructification of C. africanus is a unique morphological trait within the Ustilaginomycotina. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of a single gene dataset (D1/D2 28S rDNA) supported the monophyly of the two Ceraceosorus species and the Ceraceosorales and their placement within the Ustilaginomycotina. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of a multigene dataset (18S/5.8S/28S rDNA/RPB2/TEF1) revealed Exobasidium rhododendri (Exobasidiales) as the closest relative of Ceraceosorus, both clustering together with Entyloma calendulae (Entylomatales), indicating affinities to the Exobasidiomycetes. This phylogenetic placement is in agreement with ultrastructural characteristics (presence of local interaction zone and interaction apparatus) reported for the Ceraceosorales, Entylomatales, and Exobasidiales.     

Differential Rates of Male Genital Evolution in Sibling Species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila</Emphasis>

Genital morphology in animals with internal fertilization is considered to be among the fastest evolving traits. Sexual selection is often proposed as the main driver of genital diversification but the exact selection mechanisms involved are usually unclear. In addition, the mechanisms operating may differ even between pairs of sibling species. We investigated patterns of male genital variation within and between natural populations of the cactophilic fly Drosophila koepferae ranging its entire geographic distribution and compared them with those previously observed in its sibling species, D. buzzatii. Using both mtDNA and nDNA markers we found that genital shape variation in D. koepferae is more restricted than expected for neutral evolution, suggesting the predominance of stabilizing selection. We also detected dissimilar patterns of divergence between populations of D. koepferae that were allopatric and sympatric with D. buzzatii. The constrained evolution inferred for D. koepferae’s genitalia clearly contrasts with the rapid divergence and higher morphological disparity observed in the populations of D. buzzatii. Finally, different possible scenarios of male genital evolution in each species and within the radiation of D. buzzatii cluster are discussed.     

Molecular phylogeny and morphology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ophiocordyceps unituberculata</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Ophiocordycipitaceae), a pathogen of caterpillars (Noctuidae,Lepidoptera) from Yunnan,China

Ophiocordyceps unituberculata, a new insect pathogenic fungus from southwestern China, is described using molecular phylogenetic and morphological data. This fungus differs from other Ophiocordyceps species by its enormously long monophialidic conidiogenous cells and a large periclinal protuberance often growing near the apex of conidiogenous cells, single conidia (lanceolate to fusiform) embedded in mucous sheath, and much larger conidial dimensions. Four-locus (nrSSU, nrLSU, tef-1α and rpb1) and ITS data phylogenetic analyses show that O. unituberculata belongs to the Hirsutella nodulosa clade within the genus Ophiocordyceps of Ophiocordycipitaceae and is a separate clade from other allied species. Molecular phylogeny and morphology both strongly support the distinctiveness of this taxon. The interspecific relationships in the H. nodulosa clade are discussed.     

Molecular analysis of the phylogenetic relationships among the diploid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops</Emphasis> species of the section <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sitopsis</Emphasis>

RAPD analysis was used to study the intraspecific variation and phylogenetic relationships of Sgenome diploid Aegilops species regarded as potential donors of the B genome of cultivated wheat. In total, 21 DNA specimens from six S-genome diploid species were examined. On a dendrogram, Ae. speltoides and Ae. aucheri formed the most isolated cluster. Among the other species, Ae. searsii was the most distant while Ae. longissima and Ae. sharonensis were the closest species. The maximum difference between individual accessions within one species was approximately the same (0.18–0.22) in Ae. bicornis, Ae. longissima, Ae. sharonensis, and Ae. searsii. The difference between the clusters of questionable species Ae. speltoides and Ae. aucheri corresponded to the intraspecific level; the difference between closely related Ae. longissima and Ae. sharonensis corresponded to the interspecific level.     

Taxonomic re-evaluation of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lambertella</Emphasis> (Rutstroemiaceae,Helotiales) and allied stroma-forming fungi

The genus Lambertella is currently considered to be one of the largest genera in the family Rutstroemiaceae, and its major distinguishing character is the pigmentation of ascospores, besides a substratal stroma. Although Lambertella appears to be well-defined by morphological characters, its phylogenetic heterogeneity has been suggested in earlier studies. To circumscribe the genus more precisely, morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis was conducted on some Lambertella species and some allied stroma-forming fungi. In total, 58 taxa were included in the study, including 16 species with both a substratal stroma and pigmented ascospores. The polyphyly of Lambertella sensu lato was confirmed based on the phylogenetic analysis of ITS, LSU, and RPB2 regions. A highly supported clade is composed of five Lambertella species, including the type L. corni-maris. Morphologically, all species here included in Lambertella s. s. have brown ascospores prior to being discharged from asci, whereas in other species currently placed in Lambertella, but now excluded from the genus, they turn brown only after discharge. This clade was defined as Lambertella sensu stricto. Pigmentation of the ascospores was also recognized in Lanzia and Poculum, and even in the helotiaceous genus Hymenoscyphus, but always only after discharge. The convergent evolution of a dark substratal stroma in Rutstroemiaceae and Helotiaceae was also indicated.     

End of an enigma: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aenigmopteris</Emphasis> belongs in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectaria</Emphasis> (Tectariaceae: Polypodiopsida)

The phylogenetic affinities of the fern genus Aenigmopteris have been the subject of considerable disagreement, but until now, no molecular data were available from the genus. Based on the analysis of three chloroplast DNA regions (rbcL, rps16-matK, and trnL-F) we demonstrate that Aenigmopteris dubia (the type species of the genus) and A. elegans are closely related and deeply imbedded in Tectaria. The other three species of genus are morphologically very similar; we therefore transfer all five known species into Tectaria. Detailed morphological comparison further shows that previously proposed diagnostic characters of Aenigmopteris fall within the range of variation of a broadly circumscribed Tectaria.     

Revision of the taxonomic status of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gloeoporus</Emphasis> (Polyporales,Basidiomycota) reveals two new species

Gloeoporus Mont. is characterized by an easily separated gelatinous hymenophore and a continuous hymenium over the pore mouth. Recent molecular taxonomic and phylogenetic research showed that morphological grouping of Gloeoporus is polyphyletic. The lack of comprehensive phylogenetic studies of Gloeoporus exacerbates confusion in determining the taxonomic position of the genus. To delimit the genus Gloeoporus, we performed multi-locus phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), and the second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2). The phylogenetic analyses revealed that current delimitation of Gloeoporus is not monophyletic. Gloeoporus s.s. includes mostly clamped species lacking cystidia. Some species of Gloeoporus featuring simple septa and cystidia are proposed to be renamed to Meruliopsis. Two new species of Gloeoporus were also observed and they are named Gloeoporus africanus and Gloeoporus orientalis.     

Does size matter for horny beetles? A geometric morphometric analysis of interspecific and intersexual size and shape variation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colophon haughtoni</Emphasis> Barnard, 1929, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. kawaii</Emphasis> Mizukami, 1997 (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)

Colophon is an understudied, rare and endangered stag beetle genus with all species endemic to isolated mountain peaks in South Africa’s Western Cape. Geometric morphometrics was used to analyse intersexual and interspecific variation of size and shape in the mandibles, heads, pronota and elytra of two sympatric species: Colophon haughtoni and Colophon kawaii. All measured structures showed significant sexual dimorphism, which may result from male-male competition for females. Female mandibles were too small and featureless for analysis, but male Colophon beetles possess large, ornate mandibles for fighting. Males had significantly larger heads and pronota that demonstrated shape changes which may relate to resource diversion to the mandibles and their supporting structures. Females are indistinguishable across species, but males were accurately identified using mandibles, heads and pronota. Male C. kawaii were significantly larger than C. haughtoni for all structures. These results support the species status of C. kawaii, which is currently in doubt due to its hybridisation with C. haughtoni. We also demonstrate the value of geometric morphometrics as a tool which may aid Colophon conservation by providing biological and phylogenetic insights and enabling species identification.     

Genetic and phenotypic characterizations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xenorhabdus</Emphasis> species (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae) isolated from steinernematid nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) in Japan

The bacterial species of the genus Xenorhabdus in the family Enterobacteriaceae have a mutualistic association with steinernematid entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), which have been used as biological control agents against soil insect pests. In this study we present the genetic and phenotypic characterizations of the Xenorhabdus species isolated from steinernematid nematodes in Japan. The 18 Japanese Xenorhabdus isolates were classified into five bacterial species based on 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequences: Xenorhabdus bovienii, Xenorhabdus hominickii, Xenorhabdus indica, Xenorhabdus ishibashii, and Xenorhabdus japonica. There was no genetic variation between the 16S RNA sequences among the three X. ishibashii isolates, 0–0.1% variation among the five X. hominickii isolates, and 0–0.5% among the eight X. bovienii isolates. Phenotypic characterization demonstrated that representative isolates of the five bacterial species shared common characteristics of the genus Xenorhabdus, and only X. hominickii isolates produced indole. Symbiotic association and co-speciation of Xenorhabdus bacteria with Steinernema nematodes from Japan are discussed.     

The effects of the alkaloid scopolamine on the performance and behavior of two caterpillar species

Plants have evolved many defenses against insect herbivores, including numerous chemicals that can reduce herbivore growth, performance, and fitness. One group of chemicals, the tropane alkaloids, is commonly found in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and has been thought to reduce performance and fitness in insects. We examined the effects of the tropane alkaloid scopolamine, an alkaloid constituent of Datura wrightii, which is the most frequent host plant for the abundant and widespread insect herbivore Manduca sexta in the southwestern United States. We exposed caterpillars of two different species to scopolamine: M. sexta, which has a shared evolutionary history with Datura and other solanaceous plants, and Galleria mellonella, which does not. We showed that the addition of ecologically realistic levels of scopolamine to both the diet and the hemolymph of these two caterpillar species (M. sexta and G. mellonella) had no effect on the growth of either species. We also showed that M. sexta has no behavioral preference for or against scopolamine incorporated into an artificial diet. These results are contrary to other work showing marked differences in performance for other insect species when exposed to scopolamine, and provide evidence that scopolamine might not provide the broad-spectrum herbivore resistance typically attributed to it. It also helps to clarify the coevolutionary relationship between M. sexta and one of its main host plants, as well as the physiological mechanism of resistance against scopolamine.