Taxonomic notes on Trechini and description of a new hypogean species from the Iberian Peninsula (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

In this contribution, a new pubescent Trechus species for the Iberian Peninsula is described, and the use of some morphological traits in the systematic of Trechini are discussed. Micropubescence is common in endogean and troglobite species which are closely related with the “terrestrial-phreatic habitat”. It probably enhances survival in swampy environments through the retention of air bubbles in immersion conditions and promoting flotation. Neither this trait, anophthalmy nor inner sac of aedeagus without sclerotized pieces can be used to support supraspecific taxa. Thus, we propose the formal synonymy of Hydrotrechus with Trechus [Hydrotrechus syn. nov. of Trechus]. To avoid secondary homonymy, we propose the name Trechus triamicorum nom. nov. for Hydrotrechus cantabricus Carabajal, García & Rodríguez 1999 [already occupied by Trechus cantabricus Jeannel 1927, synonym of Trechus distigma Kiesenwetter 1851]. We also propose the synonymization of the subgenus Trichapoduvalius with Apoduvalius [Trichapoduvalius syn. nov. of Apoduvalius]. The new hypogean species with pubescent elytra, Trechus cifrianae sp. nov., is described. The morphology of the species suggests that it probably inhabits the Mesovoid Shallow Substratum (MSS) or the fissure network (mesocaverns and microcaverns) of the cave where the only individual was found. The structure of internal female genitalia suggests a close relationship between T. cifrianae sp. nov. and T. carrilloi Toribio & Rodríguez 1997.     

Description of nine new species of Heliura Butler from South America (Lepidoptera,Erebidae, Arctiinae,Arctiini, Ctenuchina)

Nine new species of the genus Heliura are described from Brazil (H. brasiliana sp. nov., H. olivocolora sp. nov., H. pulcherrima sp. nov., and H. laerteae sp. nov.), Ecuador (H. ecuadoris sp. nov.), Peru (H. flavipennis sp. nov. and H. peruana sp. nov.), and Venezuela (Heliura albiventris sp. nov. and H. juliani sp. nov.). They are illustrated in habitus and genitalia, and their phylogenetic affinities are discussed based on morphological evidence.     

Macromitrium maolanense Zeyou Zhang,D.D.Li,Jing Yu & S.L.Guo,a new species from China based on molecular and morphological evidence

Introduction. During a field excursion in Guizhou Province, China, we collected some interesting moss specimens with branch leaves subulate in the upper part, partially and variably bistratose laminae, and a Macromitrium-like epiphytic growth habit on tree trunks. We present morphological and phylogenetic arguments for recognising these plants as a new moss species in the genus Macromitrium Brid. (Orthotrichaceae).

Methods. We compared the morphology of the potential new species with closely related species of Macromitrium, and constructed a phylogenetic tree based on ITS2, trnL and trnG including sampling from 14 other morphologically similar species of Macromitrium.

Key results. The proposed new species belongs to the genus Macromitrium (Orthotrichaceae, Musci). It is closely related to M. gymnostomum Sull. & Lesq. in the phylogenetic tree and according to gametophytic morphological features, represents a hitherto undescribed species.

Conclusions. A new moss species, Macromitrium maolanense Zeyou Zhang, D.D.Li, Jing Yu & S.L.Guo, is described and illustrated. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following features of the branch leaves: (1) oblong-lanceolate, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, gradually narrowed to an easily broken subula; (2) rather obscure upper and medial cells, often with blackish stains among cells, densely pluripapillose; (3) variably and partially bistratose laminae in the upper 1/3 portion; (4) basal cells clear, hyaline and smooth, those near costae forming a ‘cancellina region’; and (5) with numerous brownish, clavate gemmae on upper portion. We also discuss the principal distinctive characters separating the new species from its nearest congeners.     

Gagea bohemica (Liliaceae), a highly variable monotypic species within Gagea sect. Didymobulbos

Abstract

Gagea bohemica s.l. (Liliaceae) consists of two morphologically extreme forms (saxatilis and bohemica) which depending on the varying opinions of the authors are considered as separate species, subspecies or as a single variable species. In this study, morphological (form and length of perianth segments, pilosity of pedicles and peduncles) and molecular data (cpDNA trnL–trnF IGS) of 55 samples corresponding to 43 populations from Western Europe to the Mediterranean area and eastern Caucasus were investigated. G. bohemica (Zauschn.) Schult. & Schult. f. represents a highly variable monotypic species from both morphological and karyological (2n = 24, 36, 48, 60, 72) aspects. Based on the molecular and morphological data presented here, a differentiation between specific and infraspecific taxa is not possible. We hypothesize that the morphological variability of this species is largely influenced by different site conditions and ploidy level.     

The genus Gymnospermium (Berberidaceae) in Italy: identity and relationships of the populations at the western limit of the genus range

Abstract

Gymnospermium is a small genus of 7–12 taxa subject to diverging taxonomic treatments and distributed from east China to the Balkans. The recent discovery of Gymnospermium in the S-Apennines posed questions about origin and identity. Accordingly, we performed a systematic investigation by means of morphological, karyological and molecular tools. All populations were diploid with 2n = 14 as for the Balkan G. scipetarum (incl. G. maloi), and also morphology suggested a close affinity to the latter. However, the Italian populations differed from typical G. scipetarum by the lower stamen:petal length and style:carpel length. By including all European and most Asian taxa in a phylogenetic analysis, we shed new light into the species-level relationships in this genus. In the combined ITS-trnL-F phylogeny, two major clades were retrieved. One included the central Asian and eastern European taxa plus the Greek endemic G. peloponnesiacum sister to G. odessanum, and one the Balkan and Apennine populations. Such findings further corroborated that the Apennine plant belong to G. scipetarum. The native status of the Italian population is supported by exclusive SNPs in both ITS1 and trnL-F sequences. Along with morphological evidence, this allows to refer it to the new subspecies G. scipetarum subsp. eddae.     

Taxonomic notes on Weissia subgenus Astomum,including Weissia wilsonii D.A.Callaghan,a new species from Europe

Introduction. The present study investigates the taxonomy of European members of Weissia Hedw. subgenus Astomum Hampe., a group considered taxonomically difficult and including species of high conservation concern.

Methods. A broad set of samples were subject to DNA sequencing and morphological analysis, plus a review of type material was undertaken.

Key Results and Conclusions. Three taxonomic additions and changes are supported. (1) Weissia longifolia var. angustifolia (Baumgartner) Crundw. & Nyholm is raised to species rank, W. angustifolia (Baumgartner) D.A.Callaghan, comb. et. stat. nov. (2) The type of W. multicapsularis (Sm.) Mitt. comprises an intermix of Phascum cuspidatum Hedw. and W. longifolia Mitt., and the protologue refers to unique features of P. cuspidatum but no such features of W. longifolia. Weissia multicapsularis is therefore described as a new synonym of P. cuspidatum. (3) Plants that have been named as W. multicapsularis by modern authors comprise an undescribed species, here named W. wilsonii D.A.Callaghan, sp. nov. An illustrated key to European species of Weissia subgenus Astomum is provided.     

Molecular markers in Viola L. subsect. Viola: Application and taxonomic implications for the identification of dubious herbarium specimens

Abstract

The authors report the use of nuclear [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences 1 and 2] and chloroplast DNA (trnS-trnG intergenic spacer sequences) in Viola subsect. Viola for separate tracking of maternal lineages and detecting dubious herbarium specimens. A phylogenetic investigation carried out on ITS data after removal of all material with possible hybrid origin showed that V. hirta is a monophyletic unit, whereas V. odorata includes at least V. collina and V. jaubertiana, as well as three sequences of V. alba subsp. dehnhardtii from literature. In some, among the sampled individuals, the morphological attribution to one species is contradicted by nuclear DNA, which indicated a wide distance from other non-specific individuals from different locations and closer proximity to a different species. Chloroplast DNA data for the same individuals, on the contrary concurred with morphological evidence. These findings confirm document univocal correlation between our chosen chloroplast sequences and the studied taxa at species or subspecies level; these sequences have the appropriate variability range to be employed for detection of the maternal lineage of unknown Viola samples.     

The species of the genus Micrambe Thomson 1863, from South Africa (Coleoptera: Cryptophagidae)

The 22 species of the genus Micrambe Thomson known from South Africa are analyzed and revised. Micrambe danielssoni sp. nov is described. Following a detailed study of the type material in different entomological collections, the status of two taxa is revised and two new synonymies are proposed: Micrambe kolbei Grouvelle 1908, syn. nov. for Micrambe minuta Grouvelle 1908, and Micrambe similis Bruce 1957, syn. nov. for Micrambe peringueyi Grouvelle 1908. A lectotypus is designated for one taxon: Micrambe capensis (Redtenbacher 1867). A key to all the species occurring in South Africa is presented.     

A molecular phylogeny of the genus Gagea (Liliaceae) in Germany inferred from non-coding chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences

The systematics of the mainly yellow flowered Gagea species complex (Liliaceae) has long been considered difficult because only a few phenotypic features within this genus and as a result of hypothesized interspecific hybridisation. A molecular phylogenetic study of seven Gagea species (G. bohemica, G. lutea, G. minima, G. pomeranica, G. pratenis, G. spathacea and G. villosa) from Germany has been undertaken, based on plastid DNA sequences (trnL(UAA)-trnF(GAA), psbA-trnH) and on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Sequence divergence within the Gagea species ranges up to 15.5% for psbA-trnH, 22.0% for trnL-trnF and 23.7% for ITS (ITS1 + 5.8S rRNA + ITS2). Two subspecies of Gagea bohemica: G. bohemica subsp. saxatilis and G. bohemica subsp. bohemica are characterized by trnL-trnF data and morphological features. Analysis of the ITS region shows that G. pomeranica represents a hybrid of G. pratensis and G. lutea. Lloydia serotina was initially used as an outgroup species, but it was placed within the investigated Gagea species in the psbA-trnH and the trnL-trnF phylogenetic tree.     

The Iberian endemic species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ranunculus cabrerensis</Emphasis> Rothm.: an intricate history in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ranunculus parnassiifolius</Emphasis> L. polyploid complex

The orophilous plant, Ranunculus parnassiifolius L., is a polyploid complex that is widespread throughout the southern European mountains, where at least five taxa have traditionally been recognized. The aim of this study was to test whether R. parnassiifolius subsp. cabrerensis should be treated as an independent species of the R. parnassiifolius polyploid complex and constitutes, therefore, an evolutionary line in itself. To disentangle its evolutionary history and taxonomy, we used genome size estimation based on flow cytometric measurements (FCM), multivariate morphometric analyses, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR–RFLPs) and subsequent sequencing of cpDNA regions (trnS, trnR-atpA, atpH-atpI). This study provides molecular and morphological evidence for the recognition of R. cabrerensis at the species level, rather than as an intraspecific taxon of R. parnassiifolius. Furthermore, it is concluded that those plants previously known as R. parnassiifolius subsp. muniellensis should be systematized at the subspecies level as R. cabrerensis subsp. muniellensis. This contribution highlights the benefit of combining diverse approaches to obtain knowledge about relict populations and for the implementation of suitable conservation measures.     

Some new and recent titles from the Botanical Monographs Series

Abstract

Sphagnum. inundatum Russow emend A. Eddy is lectotypified and combined with S. sub secundum Nees at the level of subspecies. S. auriculatum W.P. Schimper is a genetically distinct, but morphologically similar, species. S. subsecundum Nees subsp. subsecundum, S. subsecundum subsp. inundatum (Russ.) A. Eddy, stat. nov. and S. auriculatum W.P. Schimp. are described and figured and a key to their identification is given.     

Scapania paraphyllia,a new synonym of Scapania koponenii (Marchantiophyta,Scapaniaceae) with special reference to paraphyllia,pseudoparaphyllia, and paraphyses

Scapania paraphyllia T.Cao, C.Gao, J.Sun & B.R.Zuo and S. koponenii Potemkin are both endemic to China. They share considerable morphological similarities except that the former species has pseudoparaphyllia. In order to elucidate the taxonomic status of the two species, we investigated morphological characters possessed by their type specimens and additional collections, and reconstructed a species phylogeny for S. koponenii, S. paraphyllia, and closely related species. The phylogenetic trees were constructed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses based on the nuclear marker nrITS and the plastid markers trnL-F region and atpB-rbcL spacer. Both morphological and molecular evidence contradicted the hypothesis that S. paraphyllia and S. koponenii are separate species. The pseudoparaphyllia reported for S. paraphyllia are confirmed as paraphyses. The paraphyllia, paraphyses, and pseudoparaphyllia in Scapania are discussed.     

Taxonomic notes on African Orthotrichaceae 2: Macrocoma – new synonymy and first report of multicellular spores

Type material of two poorly known species of Macromitrium, described from East Africa and Madagascar, was examined and both were found to belong to the genus Macrocoma. Macromitrium megalosporum Thér. & Naveau was found to be morphologically very close to Macrocoma abyssinica (Müll.Hal.) Vitt., with the only significant difference between these taxa being the large multicellular spores of M. megalosporum, which is also the first report of multicellular spores for the genus Macrocoma. This name is here transferred to Macrocoma as Macrocoma abyssinica var. megalospora (Thér. & Naveau) Wilbraham comb. nov. Macrocoma abyssinica var. megalospora is reported new for the Comoros, which is the first record for the species in the East African Islands. Macromitrium adelphinum Cardot in Grandidier was found to be conspecific with Macrocoma tenuis (Hook. & Grev.) Vitt. subsp. tenuis and an appropriate synonymy is proposed. Macrocoma tenuis. subsp. tenuis is also reported here new to the Comoros.     

Taxonomic revision of the Koeleria splendens C. Presl group (Poaceae) in Italy based on morphological characters

Abstract

The Italian populations of Koeleria splendens C. Presl, critical group of the Mediterranean flora, are examined from the taxonomic and nomenclatural viewpoints. On the basis of literature data, herbarium investigations and field surveys, many morphologically well-differentiated taxa have been recognized. This group is widespread in the Italian peninsula and Sicily, where it is represented by the following units: K. splendens C. Presl, with four subspecies [subsp. splendens, subsp. grandiflora (Bertol. ex Schultes) Domin, subsp. brutia Brullo, Gangale & Uzunov, and subsp. ophiolitica subsp. nova], K. lucana sp. nova, K. subcaudata (Ascherson & Graebner) Ujhelyi, K. australis Kerner, K. callieri (Domin) Ujhelyi, and K. insubrica sp. nova. As concerns their distribution, both K. splendens and K. lucana are endemic to the Italian territory, while the other species occur also in some eastern Mediterranean countries. The taxonomic position of K. lobata, recently treated by some authors as a synonym of K. splendens, is also examined. A phylogenetic analysis was performed using morphological characters. Finally, a detailed iconography of the main morphological features and an analytical key of the Italian taxa (K. lobata included) are given.     

亚沉茶渍亚洲亚种Lecanora subimmersa subsp.asiatica Zahlbr.的订正研究北大核心CSCD

亚沉茶渍亚洲亚种Lecanora subimmersa subsp.asiatica Zahlbr.曾被基于文献研究转隶至平茶渍属(Aspicilia)或处理为亚沉茶渍原亚种L.subimmersa(Fée)Vain.subsp.subimmersa的异名,但模式标本的研究缺乏仍使该变种的概念不清。利用形态学、解剖学和化学等方法对L.subimmersa subsp.asiatica Zahlbr.的模式标本进行了综合研究,发现L.subimmersa subsp.asiatica与滇茶渍[L.oreinoides(Körb.)Hertel&Rambold]的形态特征及次生代谢产物一致,故将L.subimmersa subsp.asiatica作为L.oreinoides的异名处理。依据研究标本,对滇茶渍进行了形态学描述,同时提供了相关形态学图片,澄清了亚沉茶渍亚洲亚种的概念。     

Revision of the genus Thermistis Pascoe 1867, with descriptions of three new species (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Saperdini)

The genus Thermistis Pascoe 1867 is revised. T. croceocincta conjunctesignata Rondon & Breuning 1971 is upgraded to a species and newly recorded from China and Myanmar. T. xanthomelas Holzschuh 2007 is newly recorded from Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. T. sulphureonotata Pu 1984 is newly recorded from Vietnam and Laos. Three new species are described from China: T. hainanensis Lin & Yang n. sp. from Hainan Island, T. kaiyuni Chou & Kurihara n. sp. from Taiwan Island and T. cheni Lin & Chou n. sp. from Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Photographs of habitus and terminalia and a key to the eleven valid species of Thermistis are presented.     

Plagiochila cucullifolia var. anomala var. nov. from Ecuador, with notes on discordant molecular and morphological variation in Plagiochila

Plagiochila cucullifolia Jack & Steph. var. anomala J. Heinrichs & Gradst. var. nov. is described and illustrated. The new variety is known from a single locality in southern Ecuador and differs from P. cucullifolia var. cucullifolia by the flat, not saccate leaves, somewhat smaller plant size and weaker leaf dentation. According to phylogenetic analyses of 35 nrDNA ITS1 and ITS2 sequences of Plagiochila, the two varieties of P. cucullifolia form a monophyletic lineage and are placed in a well supported clade together with five other species of Plagiochila sect. Hylacoetes: P. dimorpha Lindenb. & Gottsche var. ecuadorica (Inoue) J. Heinrichs, P. flabelliflora Steph., P. patriciae J. Heinrichs & H. Anton, P. macrostachya Lindenb. and P. turgida Herzog. Within Plagiochila, nrITS sequence variation is not concordant with morphological diversification. ITS sequences of Plagiochila cucullifolia s.str. and of P. dimorpha var. ecuadorica differ in only 23 aligned positions whereas two sequences of P. subplana Lindenb. differ in 86 aligned positions. Morphologically, P. cucullifolia s.str. and P. dimorpha var. ecuadorica differ in more than 20 characters and previously these two taxa were placed in separate genera. P. subplana phenotypes show considerable variation in leaf shape and dentation but the extremes are linked by numerous intermediates.