Taxonomic position of the genus Mycococcus

An attempt to elucidate the taxonomic position of the genera Mycococcus has been made. For this purpose the full range of the taxonomically important properties were investigated among microbial cultures preliminary identified as Mycococci. As a result of comparison Mycococcus with Micrococcus the taxonomic status of the genus Mycococcus was no longer confirmed. On the grounds of the published data and the author's experimental results it was concluded that genus Micrococcus was closely related to genus Arthrobacter. The possibility to place the genus Micrococcus within the group of coryneform bacteria is being discussed.     

Taxonomic review of the genus Xenolecanium Takahashi and description of the new genus Takahashilecanium Kondo (Hemiptera: Coccidae; Coccinae, Paralecaniini)

The genus Xenolecanium Takahashi is reviewed and transferred from the subfamily Myzolecaniinae to the Coccinae (tribe Paralecaniini). The type species Xenolecanium mangiferae Takahashi is redescribed, and Xenolecanium takahashii Kondo sp. nov. from Indonesia is described based on the adult female and first instar nymph. A taxonomic key is provided to separate adult females of the two species of Xenolecanium. Xenolecanium rotundum Takahashi is transferred to become the type species of a new monotypic genus, Takahashilecanium Kondo, which is also placed in the Paralecaniini. The morphological justification for placing Xenolecanium and Takahashilecanium in the Paralecaniini is discussed, and we provide a taxonomic key for separating both genera from all other members of the Paralecaniini.     

Taxonomic revision of the genus Mesechinus(Mammalia:Erinaceidae) with description of a new species

Hedgehogs in the genus Mesechinus(Family Erinaceidae), which include two currently recognized species(M. dauuricus and M. hughi), are distributed from northeast Mongolia to the upper Amur Basin in Russia and adjacent areas in northeast and northern China. In recent years, a population of Mesechinus hedgehogs was discovered from Mt. Gaoligong,southwestern Yunnan, China, far from the known distribution range of the genus. Furthermore, these hedgehogs are the only known population to be distributed at elevations higher than 2 100 m and in sympatry with gymnures. To evaluate the taxonomic status of these hedgehogs, we examined specimens representing Mesechinus taxa in China and further conducted morphometric and karyotypic analyses.Our results supported the existence of four species in China. Specifically, we identified the hedgehogs from Mt. Gaoligong as a new species, Mesechinus wangi sp. nov., and recognized M. miodon, previously considered as a synonym of either M. dauuricus or M.hughi, as a distinct species. Interestingly, we observed a supernumerary M~4 on all specimens of Mesechinus wangi sp. nov., which is an extremely rare event in the evolution of mammalian dentition.     

Taxonomic revision of the genus Trichinella.

The analysis of genetic, biochemical, and biological data on about 300 Trichinella isolates, reported in the literature, allows a taxonomic revision of this genus. We propose the recognition of 5 sibling species, Trichinella spiralis (Owen, 1835) sensu stricto; Trichinella nativa Britov and Boev, 1972; Trichinella pseudospiralis Garkavi, 1972; Trichinella nelsoni Britov and Boev, 1972 sensu stricto; and Trichinella britovi n. sp., on the basis of biochemical and biological characteristics. Trichinella britovi n. sp. is characterized by distribution in the Palaearctic Region; newborn larvae (NBL) production in vitro of 35-55 NBL/72 hr; nurse cell development time (NC d.t.) between 24 and 42 days postinfection (d.p.i.); low reproductive capacity index (RCI) in mice, rats, and pigs; low resistance to freezing; 1 unique marker allozyme; and moderate pathogenicity for humans. The new species is most similar to Trichinella nativa but differs from it in 4 allozymes, in having less resistance to freezing, in having a different pattern of major ribosomal DNA fragments after endonuclease digestion, and in distribution area. Trichinella nativa is characterized by a holarctic distribution; hosts that are sylvatic mammals; NBL production in vitro 28-54/72 hr; NC d.t. between 20 and 30 d.p.i.; low RCI in mice, rats, and pigs; high resistance to freezing; 2 unique marker allozymes; and moderate to severe pathogenicity for humans. Trichinella spiralis sensu stricto is characterized by a cosmopolitan distribution in domestic pigs, associated wildlife, and humans; high NBL production in vitro (greater than 90 NBL/72 hr); NC d.t. between 16 and 37 d.p.i.; high RCI in mice, rats, and pigs; no resistance to freezing; 6 unique marker allozymes; and high pathogenicity for humans.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Taxonomic revision of the dolphin genus Lagenorhynchus

Evolutionary relationships among cetaceans within the family Delphinidae have been difficult to resolve due to the high number of species and their relatively rapid radiation. This is the case for the dolphin species currently placed in the genus Lagenorhynchus, and their relations to Cephalorhynchus and Lissodelphis species. Phylogenetic relationships among these species have been investigated using multiple lines of evidence, and that evidence consistently suggests that the six species currently assigned to Lagenorhynchus do not form a monophyletic group. Here, we summarize findings from studies of morphology, genetics, historical biogeography, and acoustics that offer insight into the phylogenetics of these taxa. We present the taxonomic basis for revision of Lagenorhynchus, propose retention of Lagenorhynchus albirostris and reassignment of the remaining five species into other existing generic names, namely Leucopleurus acutus, Sagmatias australis, Sagmatias cruciger, Sagmatias obliquidens, and Sagmatias obscurus. Making these revisions now so that the taxonomy better reflects evolutionary relationships among these species will ensure that future studies include the most appropriate taxa for investigating the complex phylogenetic and systematic relationships among cetaceans. However, comprehensive analyses using multiple lines of evidence are still needed to clarify the phylogenetic relationships within and among the Lissodelphininae genera Cephalorhynchus, Lissodelphis, and Sagmatias.     

Taxonomic study of the genus Deltonotus Hancock (Orthoptera: Cladonotidae) with description of a new species

The genus Deltonotus Hancock, 1904 was reviewed, including one new species, D. wuzhishanensis sp. nov. A key to species of the genus Deltonotus Hancock, 1904 is given. The type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Shaanxi Normal University.     

Transfer of members of the genus Falcivibrio to the genus Mobiluncus, and emended description of the genus Mobiluncus

It has long been thought that the genera Mobiluncus and Falcivibrio contain the same organisms. Using a polyphasic approach, it was found that Mobiluncus curtisii and Mobiluncus mulieris were the same as Falcivibrio vaginalis and Falcivibrio grandis, respectively. As the genus name Mobiluncus takes precedence, it is proposed that F. vaginalis and F. grandis be transferred to the genus Mobiluncus. In agreement with previous studies, results from phenotypic tests did not support the separation of M. curtisii strains into its two subspecies, M. curtisii subsp. curtisii and M. curtisii subsp. holmesii. Phenotypic complexity within M. curtisii dictates that the species should be treated as a complex until more in-depth analyses of the species have been performed. Phylogenetic analyses, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, demonstrated that the genus Mobiluncus was associated with Varibaculum cambriense and the two subspecies of Actinomyces neuii, and that A. neuii is only distantly related to Actinomyces sensu stricto.     

龙州蝗属分类研究及一新种记述（直翅目：斑腿蝗科）

系统研究了龙州蝗属,共记述10种,其中包括1新种,即贵州龙州蝗Longzhouacris guizhouensis sp.nov.,该新种近似于斑角龙州蝗L.annulicornis Lu,LiYou,2000,主要区别为:1)前胸背板沟前区长为沟后区长的2.16倍;2)前翅到达第3腹节背板中部;3)后足跗节爪间中垫长为爪长的1.5倍;4)雄性尾片三角形,顶尖;5)触角基半黄褐色,端半暗褐色;6)前翅前半黑褐色,后半淡褐色;7)后足胫节黄绿色。文中附有分种检索表。新种的模式标本保存于陕西师范大学动物研究所昆虫标本室。     

Taxonomic re-evaluation of the Azolla genus in Portugal

ABSTRACT

The Portuguese and the European Flora refer to the presence of two or three Azolla species in Portugal: A. filiculoides Lam., A. caroliniana Willd. and/or Azolla mexicana Presl., the latter included in the last edition of Flora Europaea. In the present work, the taxonomy of Azolla species is reviewed using the two most important characters that can distinguish between these two/three species: papillae in the dorsal leaf lobe and perine architecture of the megaspore apparatus. Other characteristics, such as the hyaline border cells of the dorsal leaf lobes and the number of glochidia septa in microsporangium massulae, are also used. All the Azolla specimens, collected from several locations in Portugal, were identified as Azolla filiculoides Lam. This identification disagrees with previous published reports on Azolla taxonomy in Portugal as well as with herbarium identification.     

Taxonomic resolution of the genus Bythotrephes Leydig using molecular markers and re-evaluation of its global distribution

Bythotrephes Leydig is a predatory, onychopod cladoceran native to Eurasia that typically inhabits oligo‐ and mesotrophic water bodies of the Palaearctic region. It recently invaded 70 North American lakes, prompting a re‐evaluation of the taxonomic status, global distribution, and determinants of local occurrence and abundance. European studies have reported two distinct species, B. longimanus, which lacks a kink on the caudal process, and B. cederstroemi, which possesses one. We employed sequencing of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) in addition to Directed Amplification of Minisatellite‐region DNA (DAMD) using polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) to assay the genetic nature of these ‘species’. These analyses revealed that the two taxa are consistent with a single, common species, Bythotrephes longimanus Leydig 1860, thus resolving the nomenclatural issue. Furthermore, a common haplotype was identified between Lake Ontario and Lake Puruvesi, Finland, suggesting a potential invasion corridor via the nearby Baltic Sea. Statistical analysis revealed that the two forms also occur in similar habitats in Eurasia and North America. Habitat characteristics of water bodies in Northern Europe, where both forms are found and occasionally co‐occur, do not differ statistically. Similarly, no significant differences were detected between characteristics of Eurasian habitats that support longimanus‘forms’ and those of inland lakes in North America that support cederstroemi‘forms’. Human activities have had a strong effect on the distribution of Bythotrephes in both Europe and North America. Global and local distributions have been affected by ballast water transfer and by boating and fishing activities, respectively. Cultural eutrophication, oligotrophication and acidification alter the suitability of habitats for fish predators, and may indirectly influence Bythotrephes’ local occurrence and abundance.     

Taxonomic notes on the genus Illicium Linn.

Taxonomic notes of the genus Illicium Linn. are presented based mainly on herbarium studies involving more than 10 thousand speciemens from 120 herbaria worldwide, Three new combinations are made, viz, I. fargesii Finet & Gagnep. Subsp. szechuanensis (Cheng) Q. Lin, I. parvifolium Merr. Subsp. oligandrum (Merr. & Chun)Q. Lin and I. micranhum Dunn subsp. tsangii (A. C. Smith)Q. Lin, and thirteen species, six subspecies, three varieties and two forms are reduced to synonyms. Thirty-four species, three subspecies and one variety are recognized inthis genus.     

五味子属植物的分类学订正

根据对12个国家53个标本馆收藏的5,000余份五味子属Schisandra植物标本的研究,结合野外调查和采集,对世界范围的五味子属种类作了分类学订正。在五味子属中,10个种被确认,22个种、7个亚种、14个变种和1个变型的名称被作为新异名。文中附有分种检索表。     

八角属植物的分类学订正

根据对18个国家和地区120个标本馆收藏的万余份八角属植物标本的研究,提出3个新组合,对13个种、6个亚种、3个变种和2个变型作了归并,确认全世界现有八角属植物34种3亚种和1变种。     

中国狭蚱属分类学综述及一新种记述(直翅目: 短翼蚱科)

系统研究了分布于中国的狭蚱属Xistra的种类, 共计有6种,包括1新种, 即雅安狭蚱Xistra yaanensis sp. nov.。记述了中国己记录种的引证和分布地区, 提供了该属全部种类的分种检索表。新种的模式标本保存于陕西师范大学动物研究所昆虫标本室。     

Taxonomic studies of the genus Hypoxis in East Africa

East African material of the genus Hypoxis L. has preliminarily been divided into the heterogenous, probably apomictic H. obtusa Burch- complex (2n = 40–50, ca. 75, 76, ca. 85, >86, ca. 92, ca. 98, ca. 108, 130–135, 160–200) and 5 rather homogenous species: H. angustifolia Lam. (2n = 14, 28), H. goetzei Harms (2n = ca. 62), H. kilimanjarica Bak., H. malosana Bak. (2n = 14) and H. macrocarpa Holt & Staubo sp. nov. H. kilimanjarica is divided into ssp. kilimanjarica and ssp. prostrata Holt & Staubo ssp. nov.     

中国银口天竺鲷属鱼类的分类厘定

本研究检视了采自中国沿海的银口天竺鲷属标本314尾, 形态学鉴定为8种: 斑鳍银口天竺鲷(Jaydia carinata (Cuvier, 1828))、细条银口天竺鲷(J. lineata (Temminck & Schlege, 1842))、新几内亚银口天竺鲷(J. novaeguineae (Valenciennes, 1832))、黑鳃银口天竺鲷(J. poeciloptera (Cuvier, 1828))、史密斯氏银口天竺鲷(J. smithi Kotthaus 1970)、横带银口天竺鲷(J. striata (Smith & Radcliffe, 1912))、印度洋银口天竺鲷(J. striatodes (Gon, 1997))和黑边银口天竺鲷(J. truncata (Bleeker, 1854))。结合GenBank中的同种序列, 对史密斯氏银口天竺鲷进行DNA条形码分析, 发现中国群体和地中海群体分为两个组群, 两者平均组间遗传距离为0.044, 表明其中存在隐存种。因该种模式产地为亚丁湾, 推测中国种群为隐存种Jaydia sp.。结合标本和文献考证, 我们认为中国已知有银口天竺鲷属鱼类9种, 未采集到的烟台银口天竺鲷J. tchefouensis (Fang, 1942)可能为J. lineata次定同种异名。我们整理了各种的同种异名、形态特征和地理分布, 编制了检索表, 探讨了分类问题, 修订了错误。中国已记录物种J. ellioti、J. arafurae、J. albomarginata实际为J. truncata、J. poeciloptera和J. novaeguineae。