Phylogenetic analysis of G-banded karyotypes among the South American subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys (Caviomorpha: Octodontidae), with special reference to chromosomal evolution and speciation

The chromosomes of subterranean rodents of the South American genus Ctenomys are highly variable with diploid numbers ranging from 10 to 70. The phylogenetic relationships of this group have been analysed cladistically using G-banded karyotypes as have the chromosomal rearrangements involved in its karyotypic differentiation. One group, called the 'Corrientes group', has very variable chromosomes but low allozymic and morphological differentiation among its members. This group has been analysed with respect to chromosomal speciation. Using a member of another subfamily (Octodontomys gliroides) as an outgroup, the results indicate that karyotypes with low diploid and fundamental numbers are plesiomorphic. The range of diploid numbers studied here is between 22 and 70, while the fundamental numbers are between 40 and 86. It was found that the main chromosomal rearrangement that transforms karyotypes towards higher diploid and fundamental numbers is the acquisition of new chromosomal material via unknown mechanisms, followed by pericentric inversions that generate new chromosomal arms, centric fusions and centric fissions. In spite of their low differentiation regarding allozymic and morphological features, it was found that the karyomorphs of the Corrientes group have enough chromosomal differentiation to consider them as distinct species. Beside the range of diploid and fundamental numbers of this group (42–70 and 80–84 respectively), their pairwise chromosomal differences are high. The most closely related of them differ in one nonhomologous arm, one Robertsonian change and a whole chromosome duplication. The most differentiated taxa differ in 20 arms with lack of homology, 12 Robertsonian changes (one with monobrachial homology), six pericentric inversions and the above mentioned probable arm duplication. For these reasons, it is probable that some kind of chromosomal speciation has occurred in the Corrientes group.     

Conservation implications of high genetic variation in two closely related and highly threatened species of Crambe (Brassicaceae) endemic to the island of Gran Canaria: C. tamadabensis and C. pritzelii

We used data from 12 allozyme loci for two endemic Brassicaceae from Gran Canaria (the endangered narrow endemic Crambe tamadabensis and its more widespread congener C. pritzelii) to assess whether their genetic diversity patterns reflect their phylogenetic closeness and contrasting population sizes and distribution areas, and to derive conservation implications. Genetic diversity values are high for both species and slightly higher in C. tamadabensis, despite its narrow distribution in north‐western Gran Canaria. At odds with the generally high interpopulation diversity levels reported in Canarian endemics, values of G_ST in C. tamadabensis and C. pritzelii are rather low (0.067 and 0.126, respectively). We construe that the higher genetic structure detected in C. pritzelii is mainly a result of unbalanced allele frequencies and low population sizes at the edges of its distribution. The overall high allozyme variation detected in C. tamadabensis and C. pritzelii is nevertheless compatible with an incipient but consistent genetic differentiation between the two species, modulated by recurrent bottlenecks caused by grazing and drift. Our data suggest that conservation efforts aimed at maintaining the existing genetic connectivity in each species and ex situ conservation of seeds are the best strategies to conserve their genetic diversity.     

Patterns of genetic variability in Brazilian Littorinids (Mollusca): a macrogeographic approach

Macrogeographic studies are important for understanding gene flow patterns, and comparative data for related species with distinct bionomical traits may help to clarify the importance of such traits in natural populations. The aims of this study were to quantify the genetic variability and the populational structuring of three Brazilian littorinid species (Nodilittorina lineolata, Littoraria flava and L. angulifera) and to discuss the relationship between them, as well as each species’ mode of development and spatial distribution. We also investigated the species diversity in the ziczac complex. Isozyme analyses were done on 20 samples of N. lineolata, nine of L. flava and 10 of L. angulifera, collected along 4000 km of the Brazilian coast. Sixteen polymorphic loci were analysed in N. lineolata, 15 in L. angulifera and 17 in L. flava. All species showed high genetic variability. At sites where more than one species was present, there was a correlation among the values of gene diversity.The degree of interpopulational differentiation (N. lineolata, F_ST = 0.028; L. flava, F_ST = 0.054; L. angulifera, F_ST = 0.185) was coherent with the mode of larval development of each species. No linkage disequilibrium was found in N. lineolata. These findings, together with morphological evidence, corroborated the existence of only one species of the ziczac complex along the Brazilian coast.     

Population genetic structure and a possible role for selection in driving phenotypic divergence in a rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae)

Quantitative genetic divergence may be driven by drift or selection. The rainbowfish Melanotaenia australis exhibits phenotypic divergence among populations in Western Australia, although the mechanisms driving this divergence are unknown. We used microsatellites to assess neutral genetic divergence (F_ST), and found a hierarchical pattern of subdivision consistent with low divergence between upstream and downstream populations (within drainages), moderate divergence between drainages (within regions), and high divergence between regions. Using a common‐garden approach, we measured quantitative genetic divergence in phenotypic traits (Q_ST). By comparing this to expectations from neutral processes (F_ST), we concluded that the effect of selection varies depending on the spatial scale considered. Within drainages, selection may be causing divergence between upstream and downstream phenotypes but, between regions, selection appears to homogenize phenotypes. This highlights the importance of spatial scale in studies of this kind, and suggests that, because variance in selection pressures can drive speciation, polymorphism in M. australis may represent speciation in action. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 102 , 144–160.     

不同地理种群银杏大蚕蛾COI基因序列变异与遗传分化

银杏大蚕蛾Caligula japonica是亚洲东部的特有种, 既是一种重要的林业害虫, 也是一种珍贵的野生蚕类资源。为了揭示银杏大蚕蛾地理种群间的内在联系, 测定了我国分布的12个地理种群的线粒体细胞色素氧化酶C亚基I（COI）基因部分序列（GenBank登录号: FJ358506-FJ358517）, 对地理种群间的序列变异和遗传分化进行了分析。结果表明: 银杏大蚕蛾地理种群间的COI序列同源性高达99%~100%, 显示出比较小的遗传差异。序列对准后从供试COI序列中仅鉴定出9个变异位点和6个单元型, 其中3种是共享单元型。系统发育分析结果表明种群间已经按地理位置形成了一定的地理格局, AMOVA分析显示北方组和南方组之间已经具有明显的遗传分化（FST=0.478, P<0.001）。综合分析, 我们认为北方组和南方组之间的遗传分化可能与差异巨大的生态条件有关。研究结果为银杏大蚕蛾的种群遗传学和生态学研究提供了一个基本的分子生物学线索。     

Genetic variability and large scale differentiation in two species of littorinid gastropods with planktotrophic development, Littorina littorea (L.) and Melarhaphe (Littorina) neritoides (L.) (Prosobranchia: Littorinacea), with notes on a mass occurrence of M. neritoides in Sweden

A planktotrophic larval development suggests a relatively high gene flow over long distances. Both Littorina littorea and Melarhaphe neritoides have an egg capsule and planktotrophic larvae which taken together are pelagic over a period of 4–8 weeks. In the absence of differential selection one would expect low levels of genetic differentiation over large distances in these two species. In this study of allozyme variation, low levels of differentiation were found over thousands of kilometres (Norway to Spain for L. littorea and Sweden to Greece for M. neritoides). This supports the hypothesis of two species with a high dispersal potential. A second expectation from neutral theory is that effective population size is positively correlated with average levels of genetic variation within species. In light of the generally high densities of local populations of these species and the high interpopulation migration rate, both L. littorea and M. neritoides may be considered as having high N_e s. Contrary to neutral expectation, L. littorea revealed very low levels of heterozygosity over its whole European range (mean H_exp= 0.015, 15 loci), while average heterozygosity of M. neritoides (H_exp= 0.084, 11 loci) was no more than in other littorinid species. This paper also reports the occurrence of M. neritoides on the Swedish west coast in 1988, 89 and 90, and two factors which may have promoted this unusually large invasion are discussed.     

Low levels of allozyme variability in the threatened species Antirrhinum subbaeticum and A. pertegasii (Scrophulariaceae): implications for conservation of the species

AIMS: This study was designed to compare levels of genetic variation and its partitioning in three related species of Antirrhinum, A. subbaeticum, A. pertegasii and A. pulverulentum, and to check the hypothesis that species with small total population size have lower levels of genetic variability than those with bigger ones. This information should contribute to the development of conservation strategies of rare endemic species of Antirrhinum. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-seven plants were screened for variability at 14 allozyme loci by means of horizontal starch gel. Parameters of genetic diversity, and its partitioning, were calculated. An indirect estimate of gene flow was based on the equation: Nm = (1 - GST)/4GST. KEY RESULTS: Genetic variabilities in A. subbaeticum and A. pertegasii were found to be the lowest known for the genus, the within-population genetic diversity being correlated with population size in both species. The distribution of genetic diversity is strikingly different among species, with 85 % of the total variation distributed among populations in A. subbaeticum, 6 % in A. pertegasii and 23 % in A. pulverulentum. Estimated levels of gene flow were negligible for A. subbaeticum (0.04), high for A. pertegasii (3.92), and substantial for A. pulverulentum (0.83). Genetic and geographic distances were negatively correlated in A. pertegasii, whereas no significant correlation was found in the other two species. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of total genetic diversity agree with the hypothesis that species with small total population size have lower levels of genetic variability than those with bigger ones. Strategies for the conservation of the species are recommended, such as preservation of natural populations and avoidance of possible causes of threat, as well as ex situ preservation of seeds, reinforcement of small populations of A. subbaeticum with plants or seeds from the same population, and avoidance of translocations among populations.     

Morphological and genetic differentiation between populations of river crabs (Decapoda: Potamonautidae) from the Western Gape, South Africa, with a taxonomic re-examination of Gecarcinautes brincki

As part of a larger study on the systematics of river crabs of the family Potamonautidae in southern Africa, several populations of potamonautid crabs were collected from the Cape Peninsula and surrounds, Western Cape. Two species were represented: Gecarcinautes brincki and Potamonautes perlatus. The structure of the mandibular palp in the eight populations of G. brincki examined was variable, and in four populations, the structure of this palp was the same as that which can be found in species of Potamonautes. This paper re-examines the taxonomic status of G. brincki , quantifies the morphological and genetic differentiation between populations of G. brincki and P. perlatus from the Cape Peninsula, and determines the extent of morphological and genetic differentiation among geographically separated populations of G. brincki. Examination of type and other material confirmed that Gecarcinautes brincki conforms to the current diagnosis of the genus Potamonautes (family Potamonautidae) to which it is therefore transferred. Discriminant functions analysis and protein gel electrophoresis showed that P. perlatus and P. brincki are morphometrically and genetically distinct, with the three P. perlatus populations separating from the six P. brincki populations at a genetic identity value of I = 0.66 (D = 0.419). The results also showed that P. brincki is a highly structured entity, with die populations collected from the Cape Peninsula clearly separating both genetically (I = 0.75, corresponding to D = 0.296), and morphologically (presence or absence of a flange on the terminal segment of the mandibular palp) from those collected further east. The lack of gene flow between populations of this species is discussed in the light of current species concepts.     

Fine-scale spatial genetic structure and gene flow in a small, fragmented population of Sinojackia rehderiana (Styracaceae), an endangered tree species endemic to China

Populations of Sinojackia rehderiana are highly threatened and have small and scattered distribution due to habitat fragmentation and human activities. Understanding changes in genetic diversity, the fine-scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) at different life stages and gene flow of S. rehderiana is critical for developing successful conservation strategies for fragmented populations of this endangered species. In this study, 208 adults, 114 juveniles and 136 seedlings in a 50 × 100-m transect within an old-growth forest were mapped and genotyped using eight microsatellite makers to investigate the genetic diversity and SGS of this species. No significant differences in genetic diversity among different life-history stages were found. However, a significant heterozygote deficiency in adults and seedlings may result from substantial biparental inbreeding. Significant fine-scale spatial structure was found in different life-history stages within 19 m, suggesting that seed dispersal mainly occurred near a mother tree. Both historical and contemporary estimates of gene flow (13.06 and 16.77 m) indicated short-distance gene dispersal in isolated populations of S. rehderiana. The consistent spatial structure revealed in different life stages is most likely the result of limited gene flow. Our results have important implications for conservation of extant populations of S. rehderiana. Measures for promoting pollen flow should be taken for in situ conservation. The presence of a SGS in fragmented populations implies that seeds for ex situ conservation should be collected from trees at least 19-m apart to reduce genetic similarity between neighbouring individuals.     

neogen: A tool to predict genetic effective population size (Ne) for species with generational overlap and to assist empirical Ne study design

Molecular genetic estimates of population effective size (N_e) lose accuracy and precision when insufficient numbers of samples or loci are used. Ideally, researchers would like to forecast the necessary power when planning their project. neogen (genetic N_e for Overlapping Generations) enables estimates of precision and accuracy in advance of empirical investigation and allows exploration of the power available in different user‐specified age‐structured sampling schemes. neogen provides a population simulation and genetic power analysis framework that simulates the demographics, genetic composition, and N_e, from species‐specific life history, mortality, population size, and genetic priors. neogen guides the user to establish a tractable sampling regime and to determine the numbers of samples and microsatellite or SNP loci required for accurate and precise genetic N_e estimates when sampling a natural population. neogen is useful at multiple stages of a study's life cycle: when budgeting, as sampling and locus development progresses, and for corroboration when empirical N_e estimates are available. The underlying model is applicable to a wide variety of iteroparous species with overlapping generations (e.g., mammals, birds, reptiles, long‐lived fishes). In this paper, we describe the neogen model, detail the workflow for the point‐and‐click software, and explain the graphical results. We demonstrate the use of neogen with empirical Australian east coast zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) data. For researchers wishing to make accurate and precise genetic N_e estimates for overlapping generations species, neogen facilitates planning for sample and locus acquisition, and with existing empirical genetic N_e estimates neogen can corroborate population demographic and life history properties.     

Extent and structure of genetic variation in two colonising Diplotaxis species (Brassicaceae) with contrasting breeding systems

Genetic variation within two closely related Diplotaxis species was studied as indicated by isozymes and RAPDs. These species differ in their mating systems, their life forms, and in their evolutionary history, but both are successful colonisers. The diploid perennial D. tenuifolia is an outbreeder, the allotetraploid annual to biennial D. muralis is predominantly selfing. D. muralis was nearly devoid of genetic variation due to a young phylogenetic age and/or population history. Estimations of genetic variation within D. tenuifolia and F-statistics indicated random mating at the species and population level and confirms obligate outbreeding. However, influence of genetic drift relative to gene flow was high and mirrors colonisation processes as indicated by considerable heterogeneity across populations and the lack of correlation between population divergence and geographic distance.     

High molecular diversity in the true service tree (Sorbus domestica) despite rareness: data from Europe with special reference to the Austrian occurrence

Background and Aims Sorbus domestica (Rosaceae) is one of the rarest deciduous tree species in Europe and is characterized by a scattered distribution. To date, no large-scale geographic studies on population genetics have been carried out. Therefore, the aims of this study were to infer levels of molecular diversity across the major part of the European distribution of S. domestica and to determine its population differentiation and structure. In addition, spatial genetic structure was examined together with the patterns of historic and recent gene flow between two adjacent populations.Methods Leaf or cambium samples were collected from 17 populations covering major parts of the European native range from north-west France to south-east Bulgaria. Seven nuclear microsatellites and one chloroplast minisatellite were examined and analysed using a variety of methods.Key Results Allelic richness was unexpectedly high for both markers within populations (mean per locus: 3·868 for nSSR and 1·647 for chloroplast minisatellite). Moreover, there was no evidence of inbreeding (mean F_is = –0·047). The Italian Peninsula was characterized as a geographic region with comparatively high genetic diversity for both genomes. Overall population differentiation was moderate (F_ST = 0·138) and it was clear that populations formed three groups in Europe, namely France, Mediterranean/Balkan and Austria. Historic gene flow between two local Austrian populations was high and asymmetric, while recent gene flow seemed to be disrupted.Conclusions It is concluded that molecular mechanisms such as self-incompatibility and high gene flow distances are responsible for the observed level of allelic richness as well as for population differentiation. However, human influence could have contributed to the present genetic pattern, especially in the Mediterranean region. Comparison of historic and recent gene flow may mirror the progress of habitat fragmentation in eastern Austria.     

Range‐wide analysis of genetic structure in a widespread,highly mobile species (Odocoileus hemionus) reveals the importance of historical biogeography

Highly mobile species that thrive in a wide range of habitats are expected to show little genetic differentiation across their range. A limited but growing number of studies have revealed that patterns of broad‐scale genetic differentiation can and do emerge in vagile, continuously distributed species. However, these patterns are complex and often shaped by both historical and ecological factors. Comprehensive surveys of genetic variation at a broad scale and at high resolution are useful for detecting cryptic spatial genetic structure and for investigating the relative roles of historical and ecological processes in structuring widespread, highly mobile species. In this study, we analysed 10 microsatellite loci from over 1900 samples collected across the full range of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), one of the most widely distributed and abundant of all large mammal species in North America. Through both individual‐ and population‐based analyses, we found evidence for three main genetic lineages, one corresponding to the ‘mule deer’ morphological type and two to the ‘black‐tailed deer’ type. Historical biogeographic events likely are the primary drivers of genetic divergence in this species; boundaries of the three lineages correspond well with predictions based on Pleistocene glacial cycles, and substructure within each lineage demonstrates island vicariance. However, across large geographic areas, including the entire mule deer lineage, we found that genetic variation fit an isolation‐by‐distance pattern rather than discrete clusters. A lack of genetic structure across wide geographic areas of the continental west indicates that ecological processes have not resulted in restrictions to gene flow sufficient for spatial genetic structure to emerge. Our results have important implications for our understanding of evolutionary mechanisms of divergence, as well as for taxonomy, conservation and management.     

A temporal and spatial study of genetic structure in four species of bladed Bangiales (Rhodophyta) from the southeastern Pacific coast of Chile

The coastline is a heterogeneous and highly dynamic environment influenced by abiotic and biotic variables affecting the temporal stability of genetic diversity and structure of marine organisms. The aim of this study was to determine how much the genetic structure of four species of marine Bangiales vary in time and space. Partial sequences of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene obtained from two Pyropia (Py. sp. CHJ and Py. orbicularis) and two Porphyra (P. mumfordii and P. sp. FIH) species were used to compare the effect of the 40° S/41° S biogeographic break (spatial-regional scale) and the one of the Valdivia River discharges (spatial-local scale) and determine their temporal stability. Four seasonal samplings were taken during 1 year at five sites, one site located in Melinka (Magallanes province) and four sites along the coast of Valdivia (Intermediate area), on both sides of the river mouth. Results showed a strong genetic spatial structure at regional scale (ΦST > 0.4) in Py. sp. CHJ, Py. orbicularis, and P. mumfordii, congruent with the 41° S/42° S biogeographic break. A potential barrier to gene flow, related to the Valdivia River discharge, was detected only in P. mumfordii. In P. sp. FIH, spatial genetic structure was not detected at any scale. The genetic structure of all four species is stable throughout the year. The potential effect of main currents and river discharge in limiting the transport of Bangiales spores are discussed. We propose that both a restricted propagule dispersal and the formation potential for persistent banks of microscopic stages could lead to a temporally stable spatial partitioning of genetic variation in bladed Bangiales.     

Addition to the study of the genus Dusona (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae) in Korea with description of a new species and key to the Korean species

Korean species of the genus Dusona Cameron (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae) are reviewed. Twenty seven species of Dusona are reported from South Korea, including 12 previously unrecorded species, D. bellipes (Holmgren, 1872), D. bicoloripes (Ashmead, 1906), D. chabarowski Hinz & Horstmann, 2004, D. cultrator (Gravenhorst, 1829), D. japonica (Cameron, 1906), D. mactatoides Hinz, 1994, D. scalprata Horstmann, 2004, D. sasayamae Hinz & Horstmann, 2004, D. oblitera (Holmgren, 1872), D. obtutor Hinz, 1994, D. auriculator Aubert, 1964, D. longicauda (Uchida, 1928), and a new species, D. koreana sp. n. An illustrated key to Korean species of Dusona provided.     

A role for nonphysical barriers to gene flow in the diversification of a highly vagile seabird, the masked booby (Sula dactylatra)

To test the hypothesis that nonphysical barriers to gene flow play a role in the divergence of low-latitude seabird populations, we applied phylogeographic methods to mitochondrial control region sequence variation in a global sample of masked boobies (Sula dactylatra). In accord with previous studies, we found that Indo-Pacific and Atlantic haplotypes form two divergent lineages, excluding one haplotype previously attributed to secondary contact between the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Within the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic, we found a relatively large number of haplotypes, many of which were unique to a single population. Although haplotypes from most populations were found in more than one higher-level clade, nested clade analysis revealed a significant association between clades and geography for the majority of higher-level clades, most often interpreted as a consequence of isolation by distance. We found low levels of gene flow within Indo-Pacific and Atlantic populations, and a significant correlation between gene flow and geographical distance among Indo-Pacific populations. We estimate that Indo-Pacific masked boobies experienced rapid population growth approximately 180,000 years ago and that the majority of Indo-Pacific and Atlantic populations diverged within the last approximately 115,000 years. These combined data suggest that the predominant pattern between Indo-Pacific and Atlantic populations is long-term isolation by physical barriers to gene flow. In contrast, populations within these regions appear to have diverged despite few obvious physical barriers to gene flow, perhaps as a consequence of limited natal dispersal combined with local adaptation and/or genetic drift.     

Comparison of different methods to construct a core germplasm collection in woody perennial species with simple sequence repeat markers. A case study in cherimoya (Annona cherimola, Annonaceae), an underutilised subtropical fruit tree species

Although molecular markers are becoming the tool of choice to develop core collections in plants, the examples of their use in woody perennial species are very scarce. In this work, we used simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker data to develop a core collection in an underutilised subtropical fruit tree species, cherimoya ( Annona cherimola , Annonaceae), from an initial collection of 279 genotypes from different countries. We compared six alternative allocation methods to construct the core collection, four not based upon the similarity dendrogram [random sampling, maximisation strategy (M strategy) and simulated annealing algorithm maximising both genetic diversity and number of SSR alleles] and two based on dendrogram data (logarithmic strategy and stepwise clustering). The diversity maintained in each subset was compared with that present in the entire collection. The results obtained indicate that the use of SSRs together with the M strategy is the most efficient method to develop a core collection in cherimoya. In the best subset, with 40 accessions, all the SSR alleles present in the whole collection were recovered and no significant differences in frequency distribution of alleles for any of the loci studied or in variability parameters ( H _O, H _E) were recorded between the core and the whole collection.     

Vegetation mapping and multivariate approach to indicator species of a forest ecosystem: A case study from the Thandiani sub Forests Division (TsFD) in the Western Himalayas

QuestionsDoes the plant species composition of Thandiani sub Forests Division (TsFD) correlate with edaphic, topographic and climatic variables? Is it possible to identify different plant communities in relation to environmental gradients with special emphasis on indicator species? Can this approach to vegetation classification support conservation planning?LocationThandiani sub Forests Division, Western Himalayas.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative characteristics of species along with environmental variables were measured using a randomly stratified design to identify the major plant communities and indicator species of the Thandiani sub Forests Division. Species composition was recorded in 10 × 2.5 × 2 and 0.5 × 0.5 m square plots for trees, shrubs and herbs, respectively. GPS, edaphic and topographic data were also recorded for each sample plot. A total of 1500 quadrats were established in 50 sampling stations along eight altitudinal transects encompassing eastern, western, northern and southern aspects (slopes). The altitudinal range of the study area was 1290 m to 2626 m above sea level using. The relationships between species composition and environmental variables were analyzed using Two Way Cluster Analysis (TWCA) and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) via PCORD version 5.ResultsA total of 252 plant species belonging to 97 families were identified. TWCA and ISA recognized five plant communities. ISA additionally revealed that mountain slope aspect, soil pH and soil electrical conductivity were the strongest environmental factors (p ≤ 0.05) determining plant community composition and indicator species in each habitat. The results also show the strength of the environment-species relationship using Monte Carlo procedures.ConclusionsAn analysis of vegetation along an environmental gradient in the Thandiani sub Forests Division using the Braun-Blanquet approach confirmed by robust tools of multivariate statistics identified indicators of each sort of microclimatic zones/vegetation communities which could further be used in conservation planning and management not only in the area studied but in the adjacent regions exhibit similar sort of environmental conditions.     

The centipede genus Eupolybothrus Verhoeff, 1907 (Chilopoda: Lithobiomorpha: Lithobiidae) in North Africa, a cybertaxonomic revision, with a key to all species in the genus and the first use of DNA barcoding for the group

The centipede genus Eupolybothrus Verhoeff, 1907 in North Africa is revised. A new cavernicolous species, Eupolybothruskahfi Stoev & Akkari, sp. n., is described from a cave in Jebel Zaghouan, northeast Tunisia. Morphologically, it is most closely related to Eupolybothrusnudicornis (Gervais, 1837) from North Africa and Southwest Europe but can be readily distinguished by the long antennae and leg-pair 15, a conical dorso-median protuberance emerging from the posterior part of prefemur 15, and the shape of the male first genital sternite. Molecular sequence data from the cytochrome c oxidase I gene (mtDNA-5' COI-barcoding fragment) exhibit 19.19% divergence between Eupolybothruskahfi and Eupolybothrusnudicornis, an interspecific value comparable to those observed among four other species of Eupolybothrus which, combined with a low intraspecific divergence (0.3-1.14%), supports the morphological diagnosis of Eupolybothruskahfi as a separate species. This is the first troglomorphic myriapod to be found in Tunisia, and the second troglomorph lithobiomorph centipede known from North Africa. Eupolybothrusnudicornis is redescribed based on abundant material from Tunisia and its post-embryonic development, distribution and habitat preferences recorded. Eupolybothruscloudsley-thompsoni Turk, 1955, a nominal species based on Tunisian type material, is placed in synonymy with Eupolybothrusnudicornis. To comply with the latest technological developments in publishing of biological information, the paper implements new approaches in cybertaxonomy, such as fine granularity XML tagging validated against the NLM DTD TaxPub for PubMedCentral and dissemination in XML to various aggregators (GBIF, EOL, Wikipedia), vizualisation of all taxa mentioned in the text via the dynamically created Pensoft Taxon Profile (PTP) page, data publishing, georeferencing of all localities via Google Earth, and ZooBank, GenBank and MorphBank registration of datasets. An interactive key to all valid species of Eupolybothrus is made with DELTA software.