<Emphasis Type="Italic">Badiera subrhombifolia</Emphasis> (Polygalaceae), a new species from Hispaniola

Badiera subrhombifolia is newly described from Hispaniola, where it co-occurs with B. fuertesii and B. penaea. Badiera subrhombifolia lacks the long peduncle of the former species and the scabrous leaves of the latter; it is also often distinguishable by subrhomboid, triplinerved leaves. This new species is a near endemic to high montane forests of the “south island” of Hispaniola, i.e., the Massif de la Hotte, Massif de la Selle, and Sierra de Bahoruco.     

Taxonomic revision of hispaniola tiger beetles in the genus brasiella rivalier 1954 (coleoptera, carabidae, cicindelinae)

The Brasiella tiger beetle fauna on Hispaniola, the second largest island of the Greater Antilles, has more species diversity than currently recognized as all populations previously have been assigned to the insular endemic Brasiella dominicana (Mandl). A comparative study of adult morphology, particularly male genitalic and female abdominal characters, for available Brasiella specimens from populations on Hispaniola, proposes eight additional new species also endemic to this island. Except for three sympatric species in the Sierra de Baoruco in southern Dominican Republic occurring in different habitats, all the Brasiella on Hispaniola appear to be allopatric. Most species occur in the major mountainous regions of Hispaniola. Two species, however, are known only from river floodplains in the southern coastal plain of the Dominican Republic. Brasiella dominicana (Mandl) and Brasiella ocoa, new species, occur along river floodplains emanating from the eastern end of the Cordillera Central in the Dominican Republic. Two new Brasiella species, Brasiella bellorum, and Brasiella philipi, occur in the Cordillera Central, Dominican Republic, the former species from central portions, and the latter species from north slopes of this mountain range, respectively. Three new Brasiella species, Brasiella rawlinsi, Brasiella iviei, and Brasiella youngi, are isolated in the Sierra de Baoruco, Dominican Republic, where each occupies a different habitat along an altitudinal gradient. The two new Brasiella species in Haiti are Brasiella darlingtoniana, in the Massif de la Selle, and Brasiella davidsoni, in the Massif de la Hotte. All nine Brasiella species on Hispaniola, along with Brasiella viridicollis (Dejean) and its two subspecies on Cuba, belong to the viridicollis species group of the genus Brasiella based on criteria presented in earlier published phylogenetic studies of Brazilian and West Indian tiger beetles. The subspecies Brasiella viridicollis fernandozayasi (Kippenhan, Ivie and Hopp) may represent a distinct species within this species group, whereas removal of Brasiella wickhami (W. Horn) from this species group seems warranted based on evidence presented. A general overview of species relationships for the Brasiella on Hispaniola are discussed, along with the current and ancestral geographic distributions of the Brasiella viridicollis species group in the West Indies.     

A new species of Illicium subsection Parviflora (Illiciaceae) from the Massif de la Hotte, Haiti

Illicium hottense, a new species, is here described from the floristically diverse Massif de la Hotte of southern Haiti. It is compared to related species, especiallyI. ekmanii, with which it has previously been confused.Illicium hottense andI. ekmanii are members ofIllicium subsectionParviflora, a group that comprises four species, all endemic to peninsular Florida (I. parviflorum) or the Greater Antilles: Cuba (I. cubense) and Hispaniola (I. ekmanii, andI. hottense). The subsection is characterized by its distinctive laminar-carnose, ovoid stamens; all have trisyncolpate pollen.Illicium hottense is similar toI. ekmanii andI. parviflorum in having flowers with ten to thirteen carpels and six to less commonly eight stamens, but differs from both in its strongly papillose outer tepals and consistently acute leaves. In addition, its leaves lack the strong anise fragrance ofI. parviflorum. Finally, molecular data provide support for recognizingI. hottense as a species distinct fromI. ekmanii.     

Plant–pollinator interactions and floral convergence in two species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Heliconia</Emphasis> from the Caribbean Islands

Variation in interspecific interactions across geographic space is a potential driver of diversification and local adaptation. This study quantitatively examined variation in floral phenotypes and pollinator service of Heliconia bihai and H. caribaea across three Antillean islands. The prediction was that floral characters would correspond to the major pollinators of these species on each island. Analysis of floral phenotypes revealed convergence among species and populations of Heliconia from the Greater Antilles. All populations of H. caribaea were similar, characterized by long nectar chambers and short corolla tubes. In contrast, H. bihai populations were strongly divergent: on Dominica, H. bihai had flowers with short nectar chambers and long corollas, whereas on Hispaniola, H. bihai flowers resembled those of H. caribaea with longer nectar chambers and shorter corolla tubes. Morphological variation in floral traits corresponded with geographic differences or similarities in the major pollinators on each island. The Hispaniolan mango, Anthracothorax dominicus, is the principal pollinator of both H. bihai and H. caribaea on Hispaniola; thus, the similarity of floral phenotypes between Heliconia species suggests parallel selective regimes imposed by the principal pollinator. Likewise, divergence between H. bihai populations from Dominica and Hispaniola corresponded with differences in the pollinators visiting this species on the two islands. The study highlights the putative importance of pollinator-mediated selection as driving floral convergence and the evolution of locally-adapted plant variants across a geographic mosaic of pollinator species.     

Molecular phylogeny of an endemic radiation of Cuban toads (Bufonidae: Peltophryne) based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes

Aim In this study we present a molecular phylogenetic and phylogeographical analysis of Peltophryne (Anura: Bufonidae), an endemic genus of Antillean toads, to investigate the spatial and temporal origins of the genus, with particular focus on the eight Cuban species. Location Greater Antilles, with extensive sampling of the Cuban archipelago. Methods We obtained DNA sequence data from two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and ribosomal RNA (16S), for 124 toads representing all eight Cuban species, and combined this with published data from Hispaniola (one of three species) and Puerto Rico (one of one species) to establish a molecular phylogeny for Peltophryne. In addition, we explored the phylogeographical structure of widespread Cuban species. For a subset of 42 toads we also obtained DNA sequence data from two nuclear genes, recombination activator‐1 (RAG‐1) and chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR‐4). We combined our molecular data with published DNA sequences from a global sample of bufonid toads to place the spatial and temporal origins of Peltophryne in the Caribbean within a fuller geographical and phylogenetic context. Results All phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of West Indian toads. The ancestor of Peltophyrne diverged from its mainland source around the Eocene–Oligocene boundary, with a subsequent radiation across the Caribbean islands taking place during the Miocene. Cuban species are monophyletic with a basal split in the early–middle Miocene that separates extant small‐bodied from large‐bodied species. Extensive mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sampling within widespread Cuban species revealed contrasting phylogeographical patterns. Peltophryne taladai and P. empusa showed deeply divergent lineages, whereas no geographical structure was observed in the widespread P. peltocephala. Main conclusions Our timeline for Peltophryne diversification is consistent with a biogeographical model requiring no long‐distance overwater dispersal. Although confidence intervals on divergence time estimates are wide, the stem age of Peltophyrne coincides with the hypothesized GAARlandia landspan or archipelago, which may have connected South America briefly with the Antilles. The ages of Peltophryne for Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and Cuba are consistent with a recently proposed vicariance scenario for the region. Our molecular results support the recognition of all eight species in Cuba, and provide evidence of possible cryptic species.     

Arthromyces and Blastosporella, two new genera of conidia-producing lyophylloid agarics (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from the neotropics

Two new genera encompassing three new species of lyophylloid agarics that produce conidia on the basidiomata are described. Arthromyces is a genus comprised of two very different arthrospore-producing mushroom species found in the Greater Antilles and Central America. Blastosporella is a monotypic genus with spherical balls of blastospores covering the pileus surface with age and is known from Hispaniola and Colombia. A key to the species of Arthromyces is included.     

High level of endemism in Haiti's last remaining forests: a revision of Modisimus (Araneae: Pholcidae) on Hispaniola,using morphology and molecules

This study describes the remarkable radiation of Modisimus on Hispaniola. During two short trips to the island, more species have been collected than are known from any comparable area on the mainland. We redescribe three of the four previously known Hispaniolan species, and describe 22 new species. Most Haitian species are local endemics, either of the severely threatened forests in one of the two national parks (La Visite National Park and Macaya Biosphere Reserve) or of their surrounding areas. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that most of these species together represent a species group that is restricted to the paleogeographically distinct southern ‘paleoisland’, and that is otherwise known neither from Hispaniola nor from any other island. Two mitochondrial markers, 16S and cytochrome oxidase I (COI), were sequenced in 21 species to test for their performance as barcoding genes within this group of partly closely related species. Both markers unambiguously corroborated the morphospecies, with small but distinct gaps between the intra‐ and interspecific genetic distances. The absence of Modisimus in South America argues against colonization of the West Indies over a ‘landspan’ connecting South America to the Greater Antilles. Overwater dispersal is supported by two lines of evidence (unusual radiation and reduced higher‐level diversity), but further data (especially time estimates for the separation of mainland and island taxa) are needed to evaluate the third major model, continent–island vicariance as a result of plate tectonics. The species diversity of the genus, combined with the presence of habitat specialists, suggests that this system may have the potential to complement the classic studies on adaptive radiation in Caribbean Anolis lizards. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 158 , 244–299.     

New Discoveries in the Canellaceae in the Antilles: How Phylogeny can Support Taxonomy

Six genera have been described in the family Canellaceae, four of them from the Neotropics and the other two from Africa and Madagascar. The Caribbean genera are Canella, Pleodendron and Cinnamodendron. Canella is a monotypic genus widespread in the region, and Pleodendron is present in the Greater Antilles and Costa Rica. Cinnamodendron occurs in the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica) as well as in South America. A recent phylogenetic analysis of the family shows that Cinnamodendron is not monophyletic because the South American species and the Antillean species are recovered in two different clades. The Antillean species formed a clade sister to Pleodendron. The synapomorphies of the Antillean species of Cinnamodendron are tetramerous flowers with eight petals, eight stamens, four carpels, and four placentae. Based on the results from the phylogenetic analysis major taxonomy changes are expected for the family.

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Resumen  Seis géneros han sido descritos en la familia Canellaceae, cuatro de estos para el neotrópico y los otros dos para Africa y Madagascar. En las Antillas se encuentran los géneros Canella, Pleodendron y Cinamodendron. Canella es un género monotípico de amplia distribución en la región del caribe y pleodendron se encuentra presente sólo en las antillas mayores y Costa Rica. Cinnamodendron ha sido dado tanto para las Antillas mayores como para America del Sur. Un análisis filogenético previo de la familia indica que el género Cinnamodendron no es monofilético. Existe una separación de las especies Sudamericanas y Antillanas en clados diferentes. Las especies de las Antillas forman un clado que es hermano de Pleodendron. Los carácteres sinapomórficos de las especies antillanas de Cinnamodendron son: flores tetrámeras con ocho petalos, ocho estambres, cuatro carpelos y cuatro placentas. Basados en los resultados de la filogenia del grupo, se anticipan cambios taxonómicos para la familia.

     

Pereskia marcanoi,a new species of Cactaceae from Hispaniola

Pereskia marcanoi is newly described from the rocky hillsides of Cerro San Francisco (Bánica), western Dominican Republic. With three other species from Hispaniola and Cuba, this new taxon forms a unique group of functionally dioeciousPereskia species native to the West Indies. Some important diagnostic characters of the members of this group are contrasted in key form.     

A revision of Salvia sect. Ekmania (Lamiaceae)

A taxonomic treatment ofSalvia sect.Ekmania, a group of tall shrubs endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, is provided. Morphology, phenology, pollination biology, habitats, and distributions are discussed. Species boundaries are examined using phenetic analysis of morphological data. Eight species are here accepted as belonging to the section. Two recently described species,S. lavendula andS. paryskii, are considered for inclusion in the section, but only the latter appears to be a member.Salvia lachnaiclada andS. ottoschulzii are treated as conspecific.Salvia bahorucona is recognized as a distinct species.     

Dioecy inMikania (Compositae:Eupatorieae)

For the first time dioecy inMikania and in the tribeEupatorieae is described and discussed. The condition is known only in members of theMikania swartziana Griseb. complex, a group of eight species, all endemic to the Greater Antillean Islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica.     

Descriptions of a broad-nosed weevil (Eudiagogini: Curculionidae) and false ladybird beetle (Nilionini: Nilionidae) in Dominican amber

A broad-nosed weevil, Promecops tumidirostris n. sp. (Eudiagogini: Curculionidae), and a false ladybird beetle, Nilio dominicana n. sp. (Nilionini: Nilionidae), are described from Dominican amber. P. tumidirostris can be distinguished from extant species by the greatly swollen apical portion of its rostrum, large eyes almost meeting on top of its head and a V-shaped suture separating the first and second abdominal sternites. N. dominicana differs from extant species by its small size and 18 elytral striae with small interstrial punctures. Neither tribe is represented in Hispaniola today, supporting earlier studies showing a greater biodiversity in the region during the mid-Tertiary than at present.     

Two new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Henriettea</Emphasis> (Melastomataceae,Henrietteeae) for the flora of the Greater Antilles

Two new species of Melastomataceae are described and illustrated: Henriettea sierrae from the mountains of eastern Cuba, and Henriettea multigemma from the Sierra de Bahoruco in the Dominican Republic, Hispaniola. Both species belong to the complex of squamous Henriettea species endemic to the Greater Antilles. Henriettea sierrae is distinguished by its ciliate leaves, foliose bracteoles at the base of the flowers, and lanceolate petals with lateral teeth in their apical third. Henriettea multigemma is distinguished by its fascicles of numerous flowers that are borne of suberose protuberances formed by multiple flower buds in the leafless nodes of the stems, and by the presence of leaves with apical domatia.     

Molecular systematics of Hispaniolan pupfishes (Cyprinodontidae: Cyprinodon): implications for the biogeography of insular Caribbean fishes

We used sequence variation in the mtDNA control-region and ND2 and cyt b genes to assess the systematics and biogeography of the five species of pupfish (Cyprinodon) on Hispaniola. These include four endemics, the relatively large-bodied Cyprinodon bondi, Cyprinodon nichollsi, and Cyprinodon sp., each from a separate lake in southwestern Hispaniola, and Cyprinodon higuey from a coastal lake in eastern Hispaniola. The fifth species consists of coastal populations referable to Cyprinodon variegatus riverendi. The results indicate that Hispaniola has been invaded by at least two forms, first by a late Pliocene progenitor of Cyprinodon variegatus ovinus and the large-bodied Hispaniolan species, and, more recently, by one or more ancestral forms allied with Cyprinodon variegatus variegatus and C. v. riverendi. Levels of divergence indicate that large expanses of open sea have not acted as long-term barriers to inter-island dispersal of cyprinodontiform fishes. This study, together with the molecular systematics of other insular Caribbean fishes, indicates that most insular groups originated from late Neogene dispersal from the mainland. The patterns of mtDNA variation in Cyprinodon showed little congruence with the species/subspecies taxonomy.     

Prevalence patterns of avian haemosporida on Hispaniola

We used PCR to screen for the presence of haemosporidian parasites (Phylum: Apicomplexa; Order: Haemosporida) in avian blood samples, and sequenced the parasite mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from infected hosts, to study patterns in the prevalence of haemosporidians in 1,166 individuals of 50 species in four habitats along an elevation gradient in the Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic, island of Hispaniola. We found an overall prevalence of 0.44 among species with ≥10 individuals sampled per year, but this varied considerably among species. We found no difference in infection rates between years, between males and females, between second‐year (<1 y old) and older birds, or among members of different foraging guilds. Prevalence differed significantly among migratory, endemic resident, and non‐endemic resident species, with endemics having the highest rates of infection. Prevalence also varied among habitats, decreasing with increasing elevation, but the pattern was confounded by variation in the host species present at each elevation. From 215 sequenced parasites from 17 species of avian hosts, we recovered multiple examples of 12 lineages of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus), two lineages of a Columbiformes‐specific clade of H. (Haemoproteus), and 10 lineages of Plasmodium, with an additional seven lineages sampled only once. A single parasite lineage was responsible for 34.4% of all infections, but five more lineages made up 41.8% of all infections. Several lineages were broadly distributed across multiple host species, but six lineages, all H. (Haemoproteus) or H. (Parahaemoproteus), were recorded from at least five individuals of a single host, suggesting host specialization. The number of host species from which each parasite lineage was recovered varied from one to nine; several host species harbored as many as 5–9 parasite lineages. Longitudinal data suggest that while hosts might harbor the same parasite lineage for more than a year, some hosts appear to clear infections from their circulating blood, while others manifested infections by a different parasite lineage.     

The diets of Hispaniolan colubrid snakes

Summary Approximately 1590 Hispaniolan colubrid snakes representing six genera and eight species were examined for prey remains (Alsophis cantherigerus, Antillophis parvifrons, Darlingtonia haetiana, Hypsirhynchus ferox, Ialtris dorsalis, Uromacer catesbyi, U. frenatus, and U. oxyrhynchus). The snakes were collected at many localities over a span of 80 years.Of 426 prey items, 77.9% were lizards (of which 69.6% were anoles), 19% frogs, 2.6% birds and mammals, and 0.5% other snakes. Darlingtonia was the only snake that did not exploit lizards; it fed exclusively on Eleutherodactylus frogs, including egg clutches. Disregarding Darlingtonia, there is no size class of Hispaniolan colubrids between 20–90 cm SVL that does not prey primarily on Anolis. Certain prey genera are added to, or deleted from, diets depending on snake size, but the data suggest that snake SVL alone does little to dictate what prey genera (or groups) are eaten. Shannon-Wiener values (H') indicate that Darlingtonia has the narrowest trophic niche, while Alsophis and Ialtris have the widest. Values of H' are not correlated with snake SVL, but highly significant (P<0.001) correlations exist between H' and mid-body circumference, head width, and snout width, and these characters may be indicators of trophic generalists and specialists. Anolis lizards are the most ubiquitous and conspicuous vertebrates on Hispaniola, and it is not surprising that they are widely exploited as a food source. Although as some snake species grow larger, anoles play a decreasingly important role in their diets, there is no evidence to suggest that they are ever abandoned as a food source by any Hispaniolan colubrid of any size.Secretive lizards of low vagility are eaten almost exclusively by wide ranging foragers (Alsophis, Antillophis); very active prey (Ameiva) is taken by sit-and-wait strategists (Hysirhynchus, U. frenatus). Those snakes which exploit the most prey groups are active foragers. Uromacer catesbyi exhibits both foraging modes, and predictably, eats diurnally active (anoles) and diurnally quiescent (hylid frogs) prey with almost equal frequency.Within Maglio's cantherigerus species assemblage, in which an Alsophis cantherigerus-like snake was ancestral to the other species, and in which longsnouted Uromacer are the most morphologically derived, there is an obvious trend toward trophic specialization on Hispaniola. The West Indies have provided an ideal natural laboratory for the investigation of many aspects of vertebrate ecology, and an arena in which to test theories of island biogeography. The most extensively studied West Indian vertebrates have been the lizards of the iguanid genus Anolis. Conversely, the ecology of West Indian snakes has been largely ignored. This is surprising in light of the fact that much has been written about Anolis predation, but little has been written about predators of Anolis; snakes may be important, frequent consumers of anoles.Hispaniola is physiographically and ecologically the most diverse of the Greater Antilles and, concomitantly, it has the most diverse snake fauna, including six colubrid genera containing 11 described species. It has rich frog and lizard faunas, but only two endemic mammals. Study of the diets of Hispaniola's colubrid snakes was undertaken to gain initial insights into the ecology of the snakes and to determine 1) what the snakes eat; 2) what relationships exist between snake diet and snake size as well as head and body proportions; 3) what relationships exist between snake foraging mode and prey type and size; 4) if anoles, as the most ubiquitous and conspicuous vertebrates on Hispaniola, comprise an important source of food; 5) if significant geographical differences in diet exist, expecially on satellite islands; 6) if north island and south island (sensu Williams 1961) Anolis ecomorphs are preyed upon by the same snake species in similar proportions; 7) if snakes are selective or opportunistic predators.This paper, the first in a series that will address all of the above topics, will briefly describe methods, snake species and prey genera. Prey genera are analyzed in terms of what snake taxa prey upon them, what size classes of snakes prey upon them, and prey genera diversity versus snake size and proportions.     

The genus Theophrasta (Theophrastaceae). Foliar structures, floral biology and taxonomy

The genus Theophrasta is endemic to the island of Hispaniola. Two species are recognized, viz. T. jussieui and T. americana. T. jussieui is restricted to the central part of northern Haiti, whereas the latter is distributed over most of Hispaniola. Only floral characters have been practically useful to distinguish the species. T. jussieui differs from T. americana primarily by its larger flowers and inflorescences. The two species are considered closely related. An investigation of leaf surface structures and foliar anatomy, particular the sclerenchyma, is presented. Floral biology, including adaptions to sapromyophilous pollination, is described and discussed, and notes on habit, ecology, and pollen morphology are given.     

Phytosociological study of the Pinus occidentalis forests in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

The article deals both with the Pinus occidentalis pine tree forests growing on high mountain limestones and siliceous substrates, and with the copses growing on serpentines in Dajabón (Cibao Valley), Dominican Republic. The samplings carried out in these forests reveal the occurrence of numerous endemic species and, consequently, the habitats can be considered as endemic, priority habitats of the Antilles. The article relies on some previous surveys carried out by us, Cano E, Velóz Ramirez A, Cano-Ortiz A, Esteban FJ. (2009b). Analysis of the Pterocarpus officinalis forests in the Gran Estero (Dominican Republic). Acta Botanica Gallica 156(4):559–570, that made use of the data provided by 87 weather stations of the Dominican Republic. With the values of the Ci, Oi, Cti, etc. indexes, we make a bioclimatical proposal for Hispaniola. Our preliminary analysis of the studies published on the vegetation of the Island of Hispaniola and nearby islands, along with the samples taken by us, lead us to propose two new alliances: Ilici tuerckheimi–Pinion occidentalis and Phyllario mummularioidi–Leptogonion buchi, and three new associations: Dendropemon phycnophylli–Pinetum occidentalis, Cocotrino scopari–Pinetum occidentalis and Leptogono buchi–Pinetum occidentalis.     

Real vs. artefactual absences in species distributions: tests for Oryzomys albigularis (Rodentia: Muridae) in Venezuela

Aim Numerous geographical information system (GIS)‐based techniques for estimating a species’ potential geographical distribution now exist. While a species’ potential distribution is more extensive than its documented range, the lack of records from some suitable regions may simply derive from inadequate sampling there. Using occurrence records of both the study species and the more inclusive overall target group, I propose a progression of statistical models to evaluate apparent absences in species distributions. Location Northern Venezuela. Methods Employing data from the Smithsonian Venezuelan Project (a large set of standardized mammalian inventories undertaken across Venezuela), I tested distributional hypotheses for the sigmodontine rodent Oryzomys albigularis ( Tomes, 1860 ). Those inventories collected O. albigularis in two of the five major montane regions of northern Venezuela (the Cordillera de Mérida/Macizo de El Tamá and Cordillera de la Costa Central). I used the Genetic Algorithm for Rule‐Set Prediction (GARP) to estimate the species’ potential distribution in northern Venezuela. Then, based on all collection localities from the Smithsonian Venezuelan Project, I determined the probability that the absence of O. albigularis from the three regions of potential presence where it was not documented (the Serranía de Perijá, Lara–Falcón highlands, and Cordillera de la Costa Oriental) could be the result of inadequate sampling. Results and main conclusions All statistical models indicated that the sampling efforts of the Smithsonian Venezuelan Project were insufficient to demonstrate conclusively the absence of O. albigularis from any of the three regions lacking records. Indeed, a subsequent compilation of specimens from ten natural history museums confirmed its presence in the Serranía de Perijá and the Lara–Falcón highlands. Tests using empirical sampling effort and taking human modification of the landscape into account most closely fulfilled the assumptions required for the tests. By providing a framework for bringing additional quantitative rigour to studies of species distributions, these methods will probably prove of wide applicability to other systems.