The Lerhamn drill core and its bearing for the graptolite biostratigraphy of the Ordovician Tøyen Shale in Scania,southern Sweden

Maletz, J. & Ahlberg, P. 2011: The Lerhamn drill core and its bearing for the graptolite biostratigraphy of the Ordovician Tøyen Shale in Scania, southern Sweden. Lethaia, Vol. 44, pp. 350–368. A drill core through the Lower Ordovician Tøyen Shale Formation at Lerhamn, NW Scania, southern Sweden, provides important new information for the precise biostratigraphic resolution of the Floian to lower Darriwilian time interval in southern Scandinavia. The Hunnegraptus copiosus, Tetragraptus phyllograptoides, Cymatograptus protobalticus (new), Baltograptus vacillans (new), Baltograptus sp. cf. Baltograptus deflexus (new), Baltograptus minutus (new), Isograptus victoriae, Undulograptus austrodentatus (Arienigraptus zhejiangensis and Undulograptus sinicus Subzones) and the (?)Corymbograptus retroflexus (new) biozones are differentiated in the core and their correlation in Scania is discussed. The Lerhamn drill core provides the most detailed graptolite record of the Floian Stage in Scandinavia. The interval is dominated by a number of species of the genus Baltograptus, endemic to the Atlantic Faunal realm and highly useful for regional biostratigraphic correlation. The biostratigraphic framework is based on endemic and pandemic faunal elements. The mixture of both elements in the drill core allows a more precise inter‐continental correlation of Lower to Middle Ordovician graptolite faunas and may – in the future – provide information as to the climatic history of regions dominated by Baltograptus faunas in the Floian. The (?)C. retroflexus Biozone is based on species originally described from Bohemia, but the record of the zone in the Lerhamn drill core indicates a wider distribution of its fauna. □Biostratigraphy, graptolites, Ordovician, Scania, Sweden.     

New insights into the paleobiogeography of the Early Ordovician graptolite fauna of northwestern Argentina

A multivariate analysis was used to determine the faunistic relationships of the northwestern Argentinean graptolite faunas of Floian age to faunas from Baltica, Avalonia, Laurentia and SW China. A statistical analysis at the species level of the five geographic regions for the Lower Floian was performed with the classic Jaccard's index. The resulting affinity dendrogram shows stronger relationships between Early Floian graptolite faunas of northwestern Argentina and those from Baltica, with less obvious similarities to Great Britain (Avalonia) faunas and only weak affinities to North American (Laurentia) and Chinese (SW China) graptolite faunas. The statistical analysis confirms the paleobiogeographic relationships previously observed in other areas of the Cordillera Oriental, and supports the hypothesis that during the Early Ordovician, northwestern Argentina was located at middle to high latitudes, corresponding to the Atlantic Faunal Realm of cold water graptolite biofacies. The studied graptolite material from the Quinilicán and Agua Chica sections is preserved in shales and siltstones interbedded with fine to medium-grained sandstones corresponding to the lower part of the Acoite Formation. The biostratigraphic implications of the associated graptolites are briefly discussed, and Trichograptus dilaceratus (Herrmann), Acrograptus gracilis (Törnquist), Expansograptus latus (T.S. Hall) and Corymbograptus v-fractus tullbergi (Monsen) are described from the Argentine Cordillera Oriental for the first time.     

Length–weight relationships of two sympatric species (Knipowitschia byblisia Ahnelt, 2011 and K. caunosi Ahnelt, 2011) in Köycegiz Lake,Turkey

This study provides basic information on length–weight relationships for Knipowitschia byblisia Ahnelt, 2011 and Knipowitschia caunosi Ahnelt, 2011, two endemic species of Köycegiz Lake Basin (Southern‐West of Turkey). Samplings were carried out seasonally from 2014 to 2015 by means of beach seine nets with mesh sizes from 10 to 35 mm. A total of 343 individuals from the two fish species were examined, with more specimens belonging to K. byblisa (90.4%). The total length–weight relationships were calculated as: W = 0.0054 TL^3.384for K. byblisia and W = 0.0058 TL^3.417for K. caunosi, respectively.     

Plastid phylogenetics of Oceania yams (Dioscorea spp., Dioscoreaceae) reveals natural interspecific hybridization of the greater yam (D. alata)

Phylogenetic relationships of Oceanian staple yams (species of Dioscorea section Enantiophyllum) were investigated using plastid trnL‐F and rpl32‐trnL^(UAG) sequences and nine nuclear co‐dominant microsatellites. Analysis of herbarium specimens, used as taxonomic references, allowed the comparison with samples collected in the field. It appears that D. alata, D. transversa and D. hastifolia are closely related species. This study does not support a direct ancestry from D. nummularia to D. alata as previously hypothesized. The dichotomy in D. nummularia previously described by farmers in semi‐perennial and annual types was reflected by molecular markers, but the genetic structure of D. nummularia appears more complex. Dioscorea nummularia displayed two haplotypes, each corresponding to a different genetic group. One, including a D. nummularia voucher from New Guinea, is closer to D. tranversa, D. alata and D. hastifolia and encompasses only semi‐perennial types. The second group is composed of semi‐perennial and annual yams. However, some of these annual yams also displayed D. alata haplotypes. Nuclear markers revealed that some annual yams shared alleles with D. alata and semi‐perennial D. nummularia, suggesting a hybrid origin, which may explain their intermediate morphotypes and the difficulty met in classifying them.     

Temperature × light interaction and tolerance of high water temperature in the planktonic freshwater flagellates Cryptomonas (Cryptophyceae) and Dinobryon (Chrysophyceae)

Using microcosm experiments, we investigated the interactive effects of temperature and light on specific growth rates of three species each of the phytoplanktonic genera Cryptomonas and Dinobryon. Several species of these genera play important roles in the food web of lakes and seem to be sensitive to high water temperature. We measured growth rates at three to four photon flux densities ranging from 10 to 240 μmol photon · m^?2 · s^?1 and at 4–5 temperatures ranging from 10°C to 28°C. The temperature × light interaction was generally strong, species specific, and also genus specific. Five of the six species studied tolerated 25°C when light availability was high; however, low light reduced tolerance of high temperatures. Growth rates of all six species were unaffected by temperature in the 10°C–15°C range at light levels ≤50 μmol photon · m^?2 · s^?1. At high light, growth rates of Cryptomonas spp. increased with temperature until the temperature optimum was reached and then declined. The Dinobryon species were less sensitive than Cryptomonas spp. to photon flux densities of 40 μmol photon · m^?2 · s^?1 and 200 μmol photon · m^?2 · s^?1 over the entire temperature range but did not grow under a combination of very low light (10 μmol photon · m^?2 · s^?1) and high temperature (≥20°C). Among the three Cryptomonas species, cell volume declined with temperature and the maximum temperature tolerated was negatively related to cell size. Since Cryptomonas is important food for microzooplankton, these trends may affect the pelagic carbon flow if lake warming continues.     

Metazoan parasites of Alburnus chalcoides in Tödürge Lake (Zara/Sivas,Turkey)

The metazoan parasites of the Danube bleak, Alburnus chalcoides (Güldenstädt, 1772), were determined in Tödürge Lake, since the parasite fish fauna had not yet been studied in this system. A total of 106 specimens were collected from October 2004 to September 2005. Six parasite species were found: two monogeneans (Diplozoon paradoxum and Diplozoon megan), one digenean (Posthodiplostomum cuticola), one cestode (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi), one nematod (Rhabdochona sp.), and one copepod (Argulus foliaceus). About 87.7% of the Danube bleak examined were infected by at least one parasite: Rhabdochona sp. (4080 specimens), Posthodiplostomum cuticola (312 specimens) and Diplozoon megan (159 specimens) being the dominant parasites. Only 33% of the fish carried one parasitic species whilst the remainder had two (21.7%), three (17.9%) and four different species (15.1%). The frequency of infestation changed according to seasonal conditions, with a maximum 94.3% observed in spring. Occurrence, density, seasonal changes, and preferences of the parasites species for various ages and size groups of the bleak were identified, despite the limited overall sample size. D. paradoxum, D. megan, P. cuticola, B. acheilognathi, Rhabdochona sp. and A. foliaceus were determined for the first time as parasites of Danube bleak in Turkey. D. megan was also a new record for the fish parasite fauna of Turkey.     

Effect of Salinity on DMSP Production in Gambierdiscus belizeanus (Dinophyceae)

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is produced by many species of marine phytoplankton and has been reported to provide a variety of beneficial functions including osmoregulation. Dinoflagellates are recognized as major DMSP producers; however, accumulation has been shown to be highly variable in this group. We explored the effect of hyposaline transfer in Gambierdiscus belizeanus between ecologically relevant salinities (36 and 31) on DMSP accumulation, Chl a, cell growth, and cell volume, over 12 d. Our results showed that G. belizeanus maintained an intracellular DMSP content of 16.3 pmol cell^?1 and concentration of 139 mM in both salinities. Although this intracellular concentration was near the median reported for other dinoflagellates, the cellular content achieved by G. belizeanus was the highest reported of any dinoflagellate thus far, owing mainly to its large size. DMSP levels were not significantly affected by salinity treatment but did change over time during the experiment. Salinity, however, did have a significant effect on the ratio of DMSP:Chl a, suggesting that salinity transfer of G. belizeanus induced a physiological response other than DMSP adjustment. A survey of DMSP content in a variety of Gambierdiscus species and strains revealed relatively high DMSP concentrations (1.0–16.4 pmol cell^?1) as well as high intrageneric and intraspecific variation. We conclude that, although DMSP may not be involved in long‐term (3–12 d) osmoregulation in this species, G. belizeanus and other Gambierdiscus species may be important contributors to DMSP production in tropical benthic microalgal communities due to their large size and high cellular content.     

Genetic and morphological discrimination of three species of ninespined stickleback Pungitius spp. (Teleostei,Gasterosteidae) in France with the revalidation of Pungitius vulgaris (Mauduyt, 1848)

The taxonomy of French ninespined sticklebacks (Pungitius spp.) has long been controversial. To clarify the taxonomy in this group, we use mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (RNF213) sequence markers, as well as morphological data. In France, both genetic markers discriminate three evolutionary lineages. Morphological analysis on fresh and type specimens supports the different lineages and the existence of three species in France. Pungitius pungitius, occurring in the North of France and Rhone basin, is characterized by specimens longer than 35 mm SL, by a flat head with a straight or slightly concave snout, typically 9–10 dorsal spines, 10–11 dorsal soft rays, 9–10 anal soft rays, 0–12 scutes on the caudal peduncle with a keel reaching the last anal‐fin ray, longer pelvic fin, post‐dorsal and caudal peduncle lengths, and a slim caudal peduncle (caudal peduncle depth/length 11.8%–21.9%). Pungitius laevis, occurring in France, in the English Channel basins and Loire drainage, differs from the other species by a head rounded with concave snout in specimens longer than 35 mm SL, accentuating the impression of fleshy lips, 0–4 scutes on the caudal peduncle and a higher caudal peduncle depth/length ratio (15.7%–34.5%). Finally, Pungitius vulgaris, endemic to the Vienne River and rivers of south‐western France as far north as the Garonne estuary, is differentiated by a rounded head with a straight or slightly convex snout, the absence of scutes on the caudal peduncle and by having 11 pectoral‐fin rays. Our data confirm the existence of a hybridization zone in the North of France between P. pungitius and P. laevis. As a result, Pungitius lotharingus is invalid, as it was described based on hybrid specimens. A lectotype for P. laevis was designated because the syntypes included hybrids. This revision provides new perspectives for evolutionary biology studies and will have consequences for Pungitius conservation in France.     

Abundance of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and its parasitoids on vegetables and cassava plants in Burkina Faso (West Africa)

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a pest of many agricultural and ornamental crops worldwide and particularly in Africa. It is a complex of cryptic species, which is extremely polyphagous with hundreds of host plants identified around the world. Previous surveys in western Africa indicated the presence of two biotypes of the invasive MED species (MED‐Q1 and MED‐Q3) living in sympatry with the African species SSA and ASL. This situation constitutes one of the rare cases of local coexistence of various genetic entities within the B. tabaci complex. In order to study the dynamics of the distribution and abundance of genetic entities within this community and to identify potential factors that could contribute to coexistence, we sampled B. tabaci populations in Burkina Faso in 2015 and 2016 on various plants, and also their parasitoids. All four genetic entities were still recorded, indicating no exclusion of local species by the MED species. While B. tabaci individuals were found on 55 plant species belonging to eighteen (18) families showing the high polyphagy of this pest, some species/biotypes exhibited higher specificity. Two parasitoid species (Eretmocerus mundus and Encarsia vandrieschei) were also recorded with E. mundus being predominant in most localities and on most plants. Our data indicated that whitefly abundance, diversity, and rate of parasitism varied according to areas, plants, and years, but that parasitism rate was globally highly correlated with whitefly abundance suggesting density dependence. Our results also suggest dynamic variation in the local diversity of B. tabaci species/biotypes from 1 year to the other, specifically with MED‐Q1 and ASL species. This work provides relevant information on the nature of plant–B. tabaci‐parasitoid interactions in West Africa and identifies that coexistence might be stabilized by niche differentiation for some genetic entities. However, MED‐Q1 and ASL show extensive niche overlap, which could ultimately lead to competitive exclusion.     

DNA barcoding of Bradysia (Diptera: Sciaridae) for detection of the immature stages on agricultural crops

We investigated the usefulness of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) DNA barcoding of the genus Bradysia for the detection of immature stages and cryptic species complex. Although the larvae of some species in this genus are agricultural pests, immature stages are rarely identified due to the lack of key morphological characteristics. We constructed partial sequences of the COI gene for 25 species of Bradysia as a first step towards a DNA barcode. Using these data, Bradysia impatiens, B. procera and B. peraffinis were identified from larval specimens collected, respectively, from paprika, ginseng and oak sawdust beds used for cultivating shiitake. Our findings reveal a complex of three species within the B. tilicola group. These species were all identified as important pest B. ocellaris based on the morphology of male genital structures; however, the interspecific genetic divergence of the COI region was significantly greater (16.1–19.4%) than the intraspecific variation in each species. Therefore, B. ocellaris may consist of at least three species. The results demonstrate that COI DNA barcodes are useful for Bradysia species identification.     

The coralline genera Sporolithon and Heydrichia (Sporolithales,Rhodophyta) clarified by sequencing type material of their generitypes and other species

Interspecific systematics in the red algal order Sporolithales remains problematic. To re‐evaluate its species, DNA analyses were performed on historical type material and recently collected specimens assigned to the two genera Sporolithon and Heydrichia. Partial rbcL sequences from the lectotype specimens of Sporolithon ptychoides (the generitype species) and Sporolithon molle, both from El Tor, Egypt, are exact matches to field‐collected topotype specimens. Sporolithon crassum and Sporolithon erythraeum also have the same type locality; material of the former appears to no longer exist, and we were unable to PCR amplify DNA from the latter. A new species, Sporolithon eltorensis, is described from the same type locality. We have not found any morpho‐anatomical characters that distinguish these three species. No sequenced specimens reported as S. ptychoides from other parts of the world represent this species, and likely reports of S. ptychoides and S. molle based on morpho‐anatomy are incorrect. A partial rbcL sequence from the holotype of Sporolithon dimotum indicates it is not a synonym of S. ptychoides, and data from the holotype of S. episporum confirm its specific recognition. DNA sequences from topotype material of Heydrichia woelkerlingii, the generitype species, and isotype material of Heydrichia cerasina confirm that these are distinct species; the taxon reported to be H. woelkerlingii from New Zealand is likely an undescribed species. Type specimens of all other Sporolithon and Heydrichia species need to be sequenced to confirm that they are distinct species; morpho‐anatomical studies have proved inadequate for this task.     

Deep sympatric mtDNA divergence in the autumnal moth (Epirrita autumnata)

Deep sympatric intraspecific divergence in mtDNA may reflect cryptic species or formerly distinct lineages in the process of remerging. Preliminary results from DNA barcoding of Scandinavian butterflies and moths showed high intraspecific sequence variation in the autumnal moth, Epirrita autumnata. In this study, specimens from different localities in Norway and some samples from Finland and Scotland, with two congeneric species as outgroups, were sequenced with mitochondrial and nuclear markers to resolve the discrepancy found between mtDNA divergence and present species‐level taxonomy. We found five COI sub‐clades within the E. autumnata complex, most of which were sympatric and with little geographic structure. Nuclear markers (ITS2 and Wingless) showed little variation and gave no indications that E. autumnata comprises more than one species. The samples were screened with primers for Wolbachia outer surface gene (wsp) and 12% of the samples tested positive. Two Wolbachia strains were associated with different mtDNA sub‐clades within E. autumnata, which may indicate indirect selection/selective sweeps on haplotypes. Our results demonstrate that deep mtDNA divergences are not synonymous with cryptic speciation and this has important implications for the use of mtDNA in species delimitation, like in DNA barcoding.     

Molecular and morphological diversity of Narragansett Bay (RI,USA) Ulva (Ulvales,Chlorophyta) populations

Macroalgal bloom‐forming species occur in coastal systems worldwide. However, due to overlapping morphologies in some taxa, accurate taxonomic assessment and classification of these species can be quite challenging. We investigated the molecular and morphological characteristics of 153 specimens of bloom‐forming Ulva located in and around Narragansett Bay, RI, USA. We analyzed sequences of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 region (ITS1) and the chloroplast‐encoded rbcL; based on the ITS1 data, we grouped the specimens into nine operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Eight of these OTUs have been previously reported to exist, while one is novel. Of the eight OTUs, all shared sequence identity with previously published sequences or differed by less than 1.5% sequence divergence for two molecular markers. Previously, 10 species names were reported for Ulva in Rhode Island (one blade and nine tube‐forming species) based upon morphological classification alone. Of our nine OTUs, three contained blade‐forming specimens (U. lactuca, U. compressa, U. rigida), one OTU had a blade with a tubular stipe, and six contained unbranched and/or branched tubular morphologies (one of these six, U. compressa, had both a blade and a tube morphology). While the three blade‐forming OTUs in Narragansett Bay can frequently be distinguished by careful observations of morphological characteristics, and spatial/temporal distribution, it is much more difficult to distinguish among the tube‐forming specimens based upon morphology or distribution alone. Our data support the molecular species concept for Ulva, and indicate that molecular‐based classifications of Ulva species are critical for proper species identification, and subsequent ecological assessment or mitigation of Ulva blooms.     

Sperm number assessed by flow cytometry in species of Daphnia (Crustacea,Cladocera)

Daphnia magna and Daphnia pulex are two important model species in ecotoxicology. In daphniids, studies of the effects of contaminants have mostly focused on female life history traits, yet it would also be important to examine male reproductive traits, particularly in relation to endocrine disruptors. In this study, we developed a protocol that uses flow cytometry to measure sperm number in individual males of different species of Daphnia. We tested our protocol on 114 males from several clones of three common species of Daphnia. Sperm count varied widely among individuals and reached high numbers (up to 1.45 × 10⁵). Positive relationships between male length and sperm number were observed in D. pulex and Daphnia pulicaria, but not in D. magna. Important inter‐clonal differences in sperm production were observed in all species, with some clones producing very little sperm. Duplicated sperm samples showed on average only 6% difference in sperm counts. Sperm counts were stable at least over a 2‐hr period and up to 5 hr for most samples. This sperm isolation protocol and flow cytometric enumeration approach will be of major interest to ecotoxicologists.     

Multilocus phylogeny and taxonomy of East Asian voles Alexandromys (Rodentia,Arvicolinae)

Phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy and nomenclature issues within East Asian voles Alexandromys were addressed using comprehensive species samples, including all 12 valid species of the genus, and multilocus analysis. We examined the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene and three nuclear genes in 36 specimens. Additionally, we examined a data set of 106 specimens using only the cytb gene. Our results did not confirm the aggregation of A. kikuchii, A. montebelli and A. oeconomus into a separate clade, namely the subgenus Pallasiinus. Analysis of incomplete lineage sorting using JML software highlighted both the cases of mitochondrial introgression and incomplete lineage sorting within the genus. Thus, the sister position of A. sachalinensis and A. maximowiczii in mitochondrial trees could be explained by mitochondrial introgression, while the sister position of A. limnophilus and A. fortis in mitochondrial trees could be successfully explained by incomplete lineage sorting. Very short genetic distances, together with an absence of monophyly, of the three species, A. evoronensis, A. mujanensis and A. maximowiczii, is supported by multiple morphological data, which indicates that these three taxa should be one species—A. maximowiczii. Analysis of genetic distances and tree topology revealed that three species of short‐tailed voles—A. middendorffii, A. mongolicus and A. gromovi—are more closely related to each other than to other established species of Alexandromys. The lacustrine vole, A. limnophilus, is closely related to the group of short‐tailed voles. Analysis of the type specimens of limnophilus and flaviventris confirmed that these taxa form one species together with A. l. malygini. Our results suggest that the mountains of western Mongolia are inhabited by a new taxon of short‐tailed voles of the same rank as middendorffii, mongolicus and gromovi—A. m. alpinus ssp. n.     

Isolation of turbinaric acid as a chemomarker of Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) Kützing from South Pacific Islands

Several species of the genus Turbinaria coexist along the coasts of islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Among these brown algae, Turbinaria ornata and T. conoides are sister species that are difficult to differentiate using exclusively morphological characters. Based on in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance and chromatographic techniques, i.e., liquid and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis, combined with phylogenetic data, we successfully identified turbinaric acid in T. conoides samples from several Indian and Pacific Ocean islands. This nonvariable discriminant molecule was only identified in T. conoides specimens, but not in the two allied species T. ornata and T. decurrens. Results are discussed with regard to turbinaric acid as an interesting chemomarker isolated from T. conoides and the rapid discrimination of Turbinaria specimens using chemical assays.     

Polyphasic evaluation of Xanthidium antilopaeum and Xanthidium cristatum (Zygnematophyceae,Streptophyta) species complex

We investigated twenty‐six strains of Xanthidium antilopaeum Kütz. and seven strains of X. cristatum Ralfs isolated from various European localities or obtained from public culture collections. A combination of molecular, geometric morphometric, and morphological data were used to reveal the patterns of the phylogenetic and morphological differentiation of these taxonomically very compli‐cated desmid taxa. The molecular data based on trnG^ucc and ITS rDNA sequences illustrated the monophyly of both the complexes, which indicated that their traditional morphology‐based discriminative criteria, such as the different number of spines, may generally continue to be considered relevant. The single exception was X. antilopaeum var. basiornatum B. Eichler et Raciborski, which was positioned outside the X. antilopaeum/cristatum clade. The independent status of this taxon was also confirmed on the basis of the geometric morphometric data, so that we concluded that it probably represents a separate species. Within X. cristatum complex, the traditional varieties X. cristatum var. cristatum Ralfs, X. cristatum var. uncinatum Ralfs, and X. cristatum var. scrobiculatum Scott et Grönblad turned out to be separate taxa. Conversely, X. cristatum var. bituberculatum Lowe lacked any taxonomical value. Our data on X. antilopaeum illustrated extensive phylogenetic as well as phenotypic variability within this species complex. However, our data did not result in any unambiguous pattern that would allow sound taxonomic classification. Finally, we also found out that the morphologically peculiar Staurastrum tumidum Ralfs belongs to the genus Xanthidium based on the combined rbcL + cox III data set. Consequently, this species was formally transferred to this genus.     

Species diversity of the genus Osmundea (Ceramiales,Rhodophyta) in the Macaronesian region

Species diversity within the genus Osmundea in the Macaronesian region was explored by conducting a comprehensive sampling in the Azores, the Canary, and the Madeira archipelagos. Toward identification, all specimens were first observed alive to verify the absence of corps en cerise, a diagnostic character for the genus and morphometric data were measured (thallus length and width, first‐order branches length and width, branchlets length and width, cortical cell length and width in surface view, cortical cell length and width in transverse section). Specimens were sequenced for COI‐5P (39 specimens) and three species delimitation methods (Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery method, and Poisson Tree Processes) were used to assess the threshold between infra‐ and interspecific relationships. Subsequently, one or several sequences of plastid‐encoded large subunit of RuBisCO (21 specimens) per delimited species were generated to assess the phylogenetic relationships among Macaronesian Osmundea. Moreover, for each delineated species, vegetative and reproductive anatomy was thoroughly documented and, when possible, specimens were either assigned to existing taxa or described as novel species. This integrative approach has provided data for (i) the presence of O. oederi, O. pinnatifida, and O. truncata in Macaronesia; (ii) the proposal of two novel species, O. prudhommevanreinei sp. nov. and O. silvae sp. nov.; and (iii) evidence of an additional species referred as “Osmundea sp.1,” which is a sister taxon of O. hybrida.     

Microsympatry in cryptic lowland salamanders (Caudata: Plethodontidae: Bolitoglossa subgenus Nanotriton) from north‐western Honduras: implications for taxonomy and regional biogeography

The taxonomy of the diminutive bolitoglossine salamanders of the subgenus Nanotriton has previously been a source of confusion among specialists. At various times, at least three different species of Nanotriton have been reported to occur in Honduras: Bolitoglossa nympha, B. occidentalis and B. rufescens. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S and cyt b from samples from three localities in Honduras (departments of Yoro, Copán and Cortés) confirms that most populations are assignable to B. nympha. Nine samples collected from a single locality on the northern slope of the Sierra de Omoa, between 120 and 190 m in elevation, were found to represent two distinct taxa: B. nympha and B. rufescens. Field examination of these nine specimens found them to be morphologically indistinguishable, including a lack of maxillary teeth in all specimens. As such, in situ identification of the two species in north‐western Honduras is problematic given the occurrence of the two taxa in microsympatry in at least one locality. The discovery of yet another divergent lineage of B. rufescens highlights the need for a taxonomic reassessment within this species complex.