New insights into and limitations of the molecular phylogeny in the taxon-rich land snail genus Montenegrina (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Clausiliidae)

Rock-dwelling gastropods are usually patchily distributed in limestone habitats, presumably have low active and passive dispersal ability and often represent narrow-ranged endemic taxa. Their current taxonomy is predominantly shell morphology based, and it remains unknown whether the morphologically differentiated and geographically separated populations represent phylogenetic clades. In this study, we analysed the hyperdiverse, terrestrial door snail genus Montenegrina. Based on the current taxonomy defined by shell morphology, it contains 29 species and 106 subspecies distributed in the Balkan region. The constructed phylogenetic tree using three mitochondrial markers was used to test whether it agrees with the current taxonomy. In this comprehensive tree, about half of the species and subspecies are monophyletic. Some of the paraphylies could be reasonably resolved by taxonomic changes; that is, some subspecies should be reassigned or raised to species level. Other incongruencies probably arose due to introgression even between distant clades. The histone genes turned out to be unsuitable for elucidating the phylogeny of Montenegrina. In the species-delimitation tests, considerably more molecular operational taxonomic units were delimited than the number of presently described species. The present data indicate that (a) shell morphology-based taxonomy and taxon recognition can be problematic in such a large and morphologically highly variable genus; (b) the potential error due to incomplete sampling presents a problem in a genus as variable as Montenegrina; (c) multi-locus analyses should be conducted to arrive at a better basis for species delimitation; and (d) integrative approaches including genetic as well as morphological/anatomical data from a comprehensive geographic sample are necessary.     

Unexpected distribution patterns of Carduiceps feather lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Philopteridae) on sandpipers (Aves: Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae)

The louse genus Carduiceps Clay & Meinertzhagen, 1939 is widely distributed on sandpipers and stints (Calidrinae). The current taxonomy includes three species on the Calidrinae (Carduiceps meinertzhageni, Carduiceps scalaris, Carduiceps zonarius) and four species on noncalidrine hosts. We estimated a phylogeny of four of the seven species of Carduiceps (the three mentioned above and Carduiceps fulvofasciatus) from 13 of the 29 hosts based on three mitochondrial loci, and evaluated the relative importance of flyway differentiation (same host species has different lice along different flyways) and flyway homogenization (different host species have the same lice along the same flyway). We found no evidence for either process. Instead, the present, morphology‐based, taxonomy of the genus corresponds exactly to the gene‐based phylogeny, with all four included species monophyletic. Carduiceps zonarius is found both to inhabit a wider range of hosts than wing lice of the genus Lunaceps occurring on the same group of birds, and to occur on Calidris sandpipers of all sizes, both of which are unexpected for a body louse. The previously proposed family Esthiopteridae is found to be monophyletic with good support. The concatenated dataset suggests that the pigeon louse genus Columbicola may be closely related to the auk and diver louse genus Craspedonirmus. These two genera share some morphological characters with Carduiceps, but no support was obtained for grouping these three genera together. Based on mitochondrial data alone, the relationships among genera within this proposed family cannot be properly assessed, but some previously suggested relationships within this proposed family are confirmed.     

钟冠报春苣苔(苦苣苔科)的分类鉴定

原唇柱苣苔属(Chirita Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don)为一个人为界定的属, 2011年在分子系统学研究的基础上对该属及其近缘属开展了系统发育重建工作,其中绝大部分的原唇柱苣苔属唇柱苣苔组(Sect. Gibbosaccus C. B. Clark)的物种被并入了广义报春苣苔属(Primulina Hance)。然而,由于历史原因和早期经典分类学在研究方法上的局限性以及对现报春苣苔属部分物种的营养器官与生殖器官的认知不够,该属下一些物种的分类仍存在一些问题,亟待深入研究。比如,在对中国和越南分布的苦苣苔科植物开展研究的过程中,作者发现两个报春苣苔属的物种——广布于中国西南和华南直至中南半岛中部的钟冠报春苣苔[Primulina swinglei(Merr.)Mich. Möller & A. Weber]命名人和原被认为是中国与广西特有种的疏花报春苣苔[P. laxiflora(W. T. Wang)Yin. Z. Wang]之间的鉴定存在分类学问题,需要进一步厘清两者之间的关系。该文对这两个物种进行了形态比较,同时通过对这两种植物的原始描述对比、植物标本检查、栽培观察以及野外实地观察,确定疏花报春苣苔是钟冠报春苣苔的异名。此外,还明确了钟冠报春苣苔的后选指定模式标本。     

Phylogeny and taxonomy of the Prenolepis genus‐group of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract. We investigated the phylogeny and taxonomy of the Prenolepis genus‐group, a clade of ants we define within the subfamily Formicinae comprising the genera Euprenolepis, Nylanderia, gen. rev. , Paraparatrechina, gen. rev. & stat. nov. , Paratrechina, Prenolepis and Pseudolasius. We inferred a phylogeny of the Prenolepis genus‐group using DNA sequence data from five genes (CAD, EF1αF1, EF1αF2, wingless and COI) sampled from 50 taxa. Based on the results of this phylogeny the taxonomy of the Prenolepis genus‐group was re‐examined. Paratrechina (broad sense) species segregated into three distinct, robust clades. Paratrechina longicornis represents a distinct lineage, a result consistent with morphological evidence; because this is the type species for the genus, Paratrechina is redefined as a monotypic genus. Two formerly synonymized subgenera, Nylanderia and Paraparatrechina, are raised to generic status in order to provide names for the other two clades. The majority of taxa formerly placed in Paratrechina, 133 species and subspecies, are transferred to Nylanderia, and 28 species and subspecies are transferred to Paraparatrechina. In addition, two species are transferred from Pseudolasius to Paraparatrechina and one species of Pseudolasius is transferred to Nylanderia. A morphological diagnosis for the worker caste of all six genera is provided, with a discussion of the morphological characters used to define each genus. Two genera, Prenolepis and Pseudolasius, were not recovered as monophyletic by the molecular data, and the implications of this result are discussed. A worker‐based key to the genera of the Prenolepis genus‐group is provided.     

New data on the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Praeglyphioceras</Emphasis> (Praeglyphioceratidae,Ammonoidea)

The history of the taxonomy and classification of the Famennian genus Praeglyphioceras Wedekind, 1908 and the family Praeglyphioceratidae are discussed. The sutural ontogeny of this genus, which is examined for the first time for two species of the genus, supports the high taxonomic rank of praeglyphioceratids. This family is mostly related to primitive Prionoceratoidea. A new species, Praeglyphioceras korobkovi sp. nov., is described from the delphinus Zone (Prolobites-Platyclymenia Genozone) of the Aktyubinsk Region of Kazakhstan.     

Phylogenetic and biogeographic analysis of the genus Phytoseiulus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Kanouh, M., Tixier, M.‐S., Okassa, M. & Kreiter, S. (2010). Phylogenetic and biogeographic analysis of the genus Phytoseiulus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) —Zoologica Scripta, 39, 450–461. The taxonomy of the genus Phytoseiulus (sub‐family Amblyseiinae), has a tumultuous and confused history. This genus currently contains four species, but in previous revisions it contained five, sometimes grouped in two genera. There are no thorough phylogenetic analyses available for the group, analyses against which taxonomic and evolutionary hypotheses could be tested. The present study aims to apply morphological and molecular data to determine phylogenetic relationships among the four species presently included in this genus plus Afroseiulus robertsi, which was previously included in this genus. The new analyses show that the species of the genus Phytoseiulus do not constitute a monophyletic group. A delineation between (i) P. macropilis, P. persimilis, P. fragariae and (ii) P. longipes and A. robertsi is observed. Biogeographic data sets showed that the Neotropical and Afrotropical regions contain the highest diversity of species of Phytoseiulus and of their host plants. Consequently, the western part of Gondwana is hypothesized to be the probable centre of origin for this taxon.     

中国灰石藓属研究新资料

中国灰石藓属长期缺乏系统的形态特征描述和种间区分特征研究,分类鉴定较为困难。该研究采用经典分类学方法,通过查阅灰石藓属内相关物种的原始文献,借阅该属在中国有记载的3个物种的相关模式标本,同时搜集和观察来自美国、加拿大、俄罗斯、瑞典、瑞士、挪威、尼泊尔的标本以及中国内蒙古、四川、新疆等地的地方标本,确认了该属物种在中国的分布,增加了直叶灰石藓在内蒙古和新疆以及灰石藓在四川的新分布记录,并提供了详细的形态描述和图版,编制了中国灰石藓属植物的分种检索表。这3个物种在植物大小、叶是否具褶皱、茎叶和枝叶是否同形等特征上具有区别。该文增补的分布信息及种间区分特征可为中国灰石藓属及棉藓科相关类群的鉴定工作提供依据。     

Numerical analyses of seed morphology and its taxonomic significance in the tribe Nigelleae (Ranunculaceae)

We examined the seed morphology of Nigella, Garidella and Komaroffia to aid systematics and taxonomy. The seeds of 21 taxa in 20 species from Mediterranean and West Asian countries were studied using both zoom stereo and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and unweighted average linkage analysis (UPGMA) were performed to assess the contribution of seed characters to the taxonomy of the tribe. Representative pictures from zoom stereo microscopy and SEM studies and measurement of seeds are presented. Most studied species showed unique seed surface sculpturing features, and seed shape, size and surface sculpturing separated the studied taxa into five main groups. However, the variation in seed shape and color were found to be in conflict with the generic taxonomy while macromorphological characters were found more congruent with the sectional taxonomy than with the generic taxonomy. Five main types of seed ornamentations – rugulose + striate, granulate, smooth, rugulose and mucronulate – were identified. Patterns in seed micromorphology strongly supported the sectional level taxonomy of Nigella. Two of the three sections of the genus were found to be well differentiated in terms of seed characters. Furthermore, seed morphology alone provide good support to Garidella as a distinct genus, but shows less taxonomic value for Komaroffia.     

Diphyllobothriids (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) from the long-finned pilot whale Globicephala melas (Traill, 1809) off the Faroe Islands,with comments on the taxonomy of Diphyllobothrium Cobbold, 1858 species from cetaceans

The taxonomy of marine species of the genus Diphyllobothrium, particularly those parasitic in cetaceans, is rather confused. During parasitological investigations of long-finned pilot whales Globicephala melas from waters off the Faroe Islands, five diphyllobothriid species were detected: Diphyllobothrium sp. (possibly D. polyrugosum), D. stemmacephalum, Diphyllobothrium sp. A, Diphyllobothrium sp. B and Diphyllobothriidae sp. D. stemmacephalum is reported for the first time from G. melas. The stituation regarding the taxonomy of Diphylobothrium species from cetaceans is briefly reviewed. It is concluded that the recent development of genetic techniques may be of great value in relation to clarifying the taxonomy of this group.     

Extended phylogeny of the Craspedida (Choanomonada)

Currently choanoflagellates are classified into two distinct orders: loricate Acanthoecida and non-loricate Craspedida. The morphologically based taxonomy of the order Craspedida is in need of a revision due to its controversial, paraphyletic and inconsistent systematics and nomenclature. In this study, we add molecular data (SSU and parts of the LSU rDNA) of six new Craspedida species isolated from saline, brackish and freshwater habitats to the existing knowledge. Four of these six organisms could be described as new species: Paramonosiga thecata, “Salpingoeca” euryoecia, “Salpingoeca” ventriosa, “Sphaeroeca” leprechaunica, whereas two are assigned to previous morphologically described species: “Salpingoeca” fusiformis Saville Kent, 1880 and “Salpingoeca” longipes Saville Kent, 1880. Paramonosiga is established as a new genus of the Craspedida based on its phylogenetic position. Extending the dataset by six additional sequences shows that the craspedid taxonomy is still unsolved as the type specimen Salpingoeca gracilis has not yet been sequenced and hence a clear assignment to the genus Salpingoeca is not possible. Trying to assign morphological and ecological data to phylogenetic clades is not successful. We give an improved/emended morphological diagnosis for the two redescribed species and add molecular data for all six species, shedding light on their phylogenetic position.     

Morphology,phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Sectonema (Nematoda,Aporcelaimidae)

This contribution provides new insights in the phylogeny and taxonomy of the nematode genus Sectonema with an integrative approach. A brief historical outline of the matter is presented. Then, the morphological pattern of the genus is revised and illustrated, the nature of its stomatal protruding structure, either a reduced odontostyle or a mural tooth, being its most relevant diagnostic feature. The existence of cilia‐ or seta‐like structures in the perioral area and/or at the anterior part of cheilostom of some species is evidenced by SEM observations for the first time. Available molecular data (D2–D3 LSU‐rRNA gene) are analysed, including two new sequences of S. septentrionale from Spain. The monophyly of the genus is confirmed, and two species groups with geographical projection are tentatively identified. A close relationship with Metaporcelaimus is also demonstrated as both taxa constitute a highly supported clade. A likely polyphyly of the family Aporcelaimidae is once more demonstrated. Finally, an updated taxonomy of the genus is proposed, including revised diagnosis, list of species, identification key and a compendium of their main morphometrics.     

A barcode analysis of the genus Lobophora (Dictyotales,Phaeophyceae) in the western Atlantic Ocean with four novel species and the epitypification of L. variegata (J.V. Lamouroux) E.C. Oliveira

In the western Atlantic Ocean, the brown algal genus Lobophora is currently represented by a single species, L. variegata, with a type locality designated by Lamouroux as ‘Antilles’. In this study, we used molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy (MAAT) to assess species diversity of Lobophora in Bermuda, the Florida Keys, St. Croix and Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles). Using cox1 and cox3 sequences as barcode markers, five species of Lobophora, four of them novel, were delineated, all previously having been identified in the area as L. variegata. Our morphological and habitat studies, made possible by abundant sampling, have revealed unique characters for each of these western Atlantic species, including distinct cellular arrangements, as well as different depth ranges for certain species. Observations made from Lamouroux’s holotype of Dictyota variegata (= Lobophora variegata) allowed us to assess the anatomy of this species, which enabled us to easily align this early taxon to one of our genetic species from the western Atlantic. As the type was unavailable for genetic analysis, we selected a recent St. Croix (Virgin Is., Antilles) specimen as the epitype to support it with molecular sequence data.     

Phylogenetic relationships in the genus Leontopodium (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae) based on AFLP data

The genus Leontopodium comprises 30–41 species. The centre of diversity is the Sino‐Himalayan region in south‐western China, where about 15 species occur. The two species native to Europe, L. alpinum (known as the common ‘Edelweiss’) and L. nivale, are part of the cultural heritage of the people living there. Despite its importance, very little is known about the systematics of the genus. Because recent molecular studies have shown that species within this genus are closely related and difficult to distinguish with rDNA and cpDNA data, we used AFLPs to obtain a more detailed understanding of the phylogeny of the genus. Our main aims were as follows: (1) to clarify species relationships within the genus; and (2) to reveal information about the biogeography of the genus. We used AFLPs with six primer combinations to investigate 216 individuals in 38 populations of 16 different species. With AFLPs, we were able to recognize 10 different groups, all of which had strong bootstrap support. These results were also congruent with the morphology‐based taxonomy of the genus. Most private and rare fragments were found in the Yunnan region (south‐western China) relative to Europe and Mongolia/central China, suggesting a long‐lasting in situ history of populations in the centre of diversity of the genus. Our results illustrate the utility of AFLPs to resolve phylogenetic relationships between these closely related species. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 165 , 364–377.     

Molecular characterization of haemococcidia genus Schellackia (Apicomplexa) reveals the polyphyletic origin of the family Lankesterellidae

The current taxonomy on the haemococcidia establishes that the two genera of protozoan parasites that integrate the family Lankesterellidae are Lankesterella and Schellackia. However, the phylogeny of these genera, as well as the other coccidia, remains unresolved. In this sense, the use of type and described species is essential for the resolution of systematic conflicts. In this study, we molecularly characterize the type species of the genus Schellackia, that is, S. bolivari from Europe and also a described species of the same genus from Asia. At the same time, we contribute with the molecular characterization of another species of the genus Lankesterella. All this put together supports the polyphyly of the family Lankesterellidae. Therefore, we propose the resurrection of the zoological family, Schellackiidae Grassé 1953 , to include species within the genus Schellackia.     

Taxonomy and molecular phylogeny of the Neotropical genus Atlantoscia (Oniscidea,Philosciidae): DNA barcoding and description of two new species

Identification to the species level using morphology is challenging when usual diagnostic characters are similar amongst related taxa. Within the Neotropical genus Atlantoscia, differences between nominal species are generally small and restricted to a few characters. Despite the power of DNA sequencing to identify and distinguish between species, molecular phylogenies of terrestrial isopods from the Neotropics have not been determined. In this study, two new species of Atlantoscia were described and molecular markers were used to verify both the validity of the current taxonomy and the relationships amongst the species within this genus. All of the recognized Atlantoscia species were strongly supported in the generated phylogenetic trees. The average congeneric distance was 14.7%, with Atlantoscia ituberasensis and Atlantoscia rubromarginata showing the highest genetic divergence. Our results demonstrate the utility of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene together with DNA barcoding to reliably distinguish Atlantoscia species. They also show that DNA barcoding may be helpful in those cases in which classical taxonomy does not provide clear‐cut species resolution. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London     

Updating the knowledge of assassin bug cockroaches (Blattodea: Blaberidae: Paranauphoeta Brunner von Wattenwyl): Species from China and taxonomic changes

The investigation into the cockroach genus Paranauphoeta Brunner von Wattenwyl is insufficient, and there is a lack of taxonomic documentation of this genus from China. Recently, the authors obtained some newly collected specimens which facilitated this study. In this paper the generalized morphology of Paranauphoeta is interpreted in detail, particularly for the male phallic complex, which is illustrated as a whole rather than in pieces. The taxonomy of Paranauphoeta species from China is revised. One out of four species recorded from China, P. indica Saussure & Zehntner, is removed; instead, P. kirby nom. nov. is recorded from China. Together with three new species described in this paper, namely, P. anulata sp. nov. , P. brachyptera sp. nov. and P. lineola sp. nov. , a total of seven Paranauphoeta species are now known to occur in China, whose habitus photos are provided. The new species confirm that this genus is wing‐polymorphic. Male structures, if available, are illustrated. Female structures and oothecae, of which knowledge is limited in this genus and also in cockroach taxonomy, are illustrated or documented, respectively. A key to and a distribution map of the Paranauphoeta species from China are provided. In addition, P. atra Shelford nom. rev. , P. sinica Bey‐Bienko stat. nov. and P. vietnamensis Anisyutkin stat. nov. are regarded as valid separate species.     

Validation and description of Symbiodinium microadriaticum,the type species of Symbiodinium (Dinophyta)

It has been 55 years since Hugo Freudenthal described Symbiodinium microadriaticum (Dinophyceae), the type species of this large and important dinoflagellate genus found commonly in mutualistic symbiosis with cnidarians, other invertebrates, and certain protists. However, no type specimen was designated by Freudenthal, thus S. microadriaticum was invalid, as was Symbiodinium and every species subsequently assigned to the genus. The original culture was lost, but since 1979, a different culture, CCMP2464/rt‐061, had been considered to represent S. microadriaticum. From this culture, a preserved specimen is herein designated the holotype of S. microadriaticum, validating the binomial and Symbiodinium. All binary designations previously considered to belong in Symbiodinium also are validated herein.     

An integrative taxonomic revision of the Tarentola geckos (Squamata,Phyllodactylidae) of the Cape Verde Islands

Recent phylogeographical analyses using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences indicate that the Tarentola geckos from the Cape Verde archipelago originated from a propagule that dispersed from the Canary Islands approximately 7.7 Mya and that underwent a fast evolutionary radiation. Molecular analyses carried out to date clearly show some incongruences with the current taxonomy of Tarentola from the Cape Verde Islands, with some species being paraphyletic or polyphyletic, and several independently evolving lineages needing formal taxonomic recognition. The aim of this study was to clarify the systematics of this group to unravel its taxonomy by applying an integrative approach based on information from three independent sources: mtDNA, nuclear genes, and morphology. As a result of this taxonomic revision, two novel species for the islands of S. Nicolau and Fogo are described and eight subspecies are upgraded to species level. Moreover, an identification key for the genus Tarentola from the Cape Verde archipelago is presented. This study reconciles taxonomy and phylogeny in this group, provides a better understanding of diversity patterns, new insights on evolutionary hypotheses, and supports the basic framework for the future management and conservation of this unique reptile radiation. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 164 , 328–360.     

A case of mistaken identification of an amber fossil male strepsipteran (Insecta: Strepsiptera)

A well-preserved specimen of amber Strepsiptera was erroneously described as Stylops neotropicallis Kogan and Poinar, 2010. The taxonomic position of the species was based on a count of six antennomeres (typical of the Stylopidae); however, further observations showed that there are actually seven antennomeres, which places the fossil in the family Myrmecolacidae, and it is herein redescribed in the genus Palaeomyrmecolax Kulicka, 2001. Furthermore, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis of a sample of the amber piece containing the fossil revealed that it was Baltic rather than Dominican amber as originally thought. The fossil was compared with another specimen from Baltic amber in the Poinar collection, which shows close affinity to Palaeomyrmecolax succineus Kulicka, 2001, the type species of the genus. Palaeomyrmecolax neotropicallis (n.comb.) differs from that specimen and seems to differ also from the other four species in the genus Palaeomyrmecolax.