Aversion and attraction to harmful plant secondary compounds jointly shape the foraging ecology of a specialist herbivore

Most herbivorous insect species are restricted to a narrow taxonomic range of host plant species. Herbivore species that feed on mustard plants and their relatives in the Brassicales have evolved highly efficient detoxification mechanisms that actually prevent toxic mustard oils from forming in the bodies of the animals. However, these mechanisms likely were not present during the initial stages of specialization on mustard plants ~100 million years ago. The herbivorous fly Scaptomyza nigrita (Drosophilidae) is a specialist on a single mustard species, bittercress (Cardamine cordifolia; Brassicaceae) and is in a fly lineage that evolved to feed on mustards only in the past 10–20 million years. In contrast to many mustard specialists, S. nigrita does not prevent formation of toxic breakdown products (mustard oils) arising from glucosinolates (GLS), the primary defensive compounds in mustard plants. Therefore, it is an appealing model for dissecting the early stages of host specialization. Because mustard oils actually form in the bodies of S. nigrita, we hypothesized that in lieu of a specialized detoxification mechanism, S. nigrita may mitigate exposure to high GLS levels within plant tissues using behavioral avoidance. Here, we report that jasmonic acid (JA) treatment increased GLS biosynthesis in bittercress, repelled adult female flies, and reduced larval growth. S. nigrita larval damage also induced foliar GLS, especially in apical leaves, which correspondingly displayed the least S. nigrita damage in controlled feeding trials and field surveys. Paradoxically, flies preferred to feed and oviposit on GLS‐producing Arabidopsis thaliana despite larvae performing worse in these plants versus non‐GLS‐producing mutants. GLS may be feeding cues for S. nigrita despite their deterrent and defensive properties, which underscores the diverse relationship a mustard specialist has with its host when lacking a specialized means of mustard oil detoxification.     

MITOCHONDRIAL DNA SEQUENCE-BASED PHYLOGENY AND THE EVOLUTION OF VIVIPARITY IN THE SCELOPORUS SCALARIS GROUP (REPTILIA,SQUAMATA)

The lizard genus Sceloporus contains both oviparous and viviparous species. The scalaris complex is the only monophyletic group within the genus that includes both reproductive modes, thus it is particularly well suited for studies of the evolution of viviparity. Approximately 874 nucleotides of mtDNA sequence data, collected from 38 specimens, comprising 25 populations of all five recognized species within the group, were used in a phylogenetic analysis of the origin of viviparity. Viviparity appears to have evolved twice in this group: once in S. goldmani, included in a clade formed by a northern group consisting of S. scalaris, S. chaneyi, and S. goldmani, and one more time in S. bicanthalis, included in the southern group formed by S. bicanthalis and S. aeneus. An oviparous population of S. bicanthalis nested within that viviparous clade, indicates that reversal from viviparity to oviparity may be possible. Degree of sequence divergence among several S. bicanthalis individuals pertaining to a population in which both parity modes occur, was no larger between oviparous and viviparous lizards than among viviparous lizards. This suggests that this population is a single species, and it may represent a transition from oviparity to viviparity or vice-versa.     

Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Chaetophora (Chlorophyceae,Chlorophyta), including descriptions of Chaetophoropsis aershanensis gen. et sp. nov.

The broadly defined genus Chaetophora consisted of species with minute, uniseriate branching filaments enveloped in soft or firm mucilage forming macroscopic growths that are spherical, hemispherical, and tubercular or arbuscular, growing epiphytically on freshwater aquatic plants and other submerged surfaces in standing or fast‐flowing water. Recent molecular analyses clearly showed that this genus was polyphyletic. In this study, eight strains of Chaetophora and three strains of Stigeoclonium were identified and successfully cultured. In combination with the morphological data, a concatenated data set of four markers (18S + 5.8S + ITS2+ partial 28S rDNA) was also used to determine their taxonomic relationships and phylogenetic positions. The molecular analysis resolved the broadly defined Chaetophora to at least two genera. Species with a globose thallus of genus Chaetophora formed a separate monophyletic clade, which clearly separated from, a type of lobe‐form Chaetophora species. Therefore, we propose to erect a new genus, Chaetophoropsis, which includes all globose species of the Chaetophora. Chaetophoropsis aershanensis was determined to be a new species, based on its special characteristic of profuse long rhizoids. Stigeoclonium polyrhizum, as the closest relative to Chaetophoropsis, revealed its distant relationships to other species of Stigeoclonium. A globose thallus with a thick, soft mucilage matrix, and special rhizoidal branches lent further support to the placement of S. polyrhizum in the genus Chaetophoropsis and had the closest relationship to C. aershanensis. Taxonomic diversity was proven by distinctive morphological differences and by phylogenetic divergence in the broadly defined Chaetophora identified herein.     

Phylogeny,species diversity and biogeographic patterns of the genus Tricleocarpa (Galaxauraceae,Rhodophyta) from the Indo-Pacific region,including T. confertus sp. nov. from Taiwan

Among four different genera in Galaxauraceae, species diversity of the genus Tricleocarpa Huisman & Borowitzka is underestimated and requires further examination. In this study, we explored a molecular phylogeny of Tricleocarpa with an emphasis on Taiwan species and reassessed species diversity of the genus from the Indo-Pacific region based on analyses of rbcL and COI-5P sequences and morphological observations. The molecular analyses showed that species of Tricleocarpa examined are grouped into seven clades: six clades in the T. cylindrica group (the T. cylindrica complex, T. confertus, T. jejuensis, T. natalensis and two uncharacterized T. ‘cylindrica’ clades) and one clade as the T. fragilis group. Overall, at least 12 species in Tricleocarpa were detected from the Indo-Pacific region, including a new species, T. confertus S.-L. Liu & S.-M. Lin, from Taiwan. Among them, T. confertus can be separated from other species of Tricleocarpa by a thallus consisting of dichotomous or trichotomous, articulated and moniliform branches with smooth surfaces, constrictions at nodes and slightly anti-triangular in shape. The cystocarp morphology of T. confertus is similar to the T. cylindrica group by having paraphyses intermixing with gonimoblast filaments. Recognition of this new species from other species is also supported by the DNA-based, algorithmic species delimitation approaches. With the combination of molecular phylogeny and species diversity reassessment, our phylogeographic analysis supported a trend that species in the T. fragilis group are restricted in their distribution to subtropical and tropical areas whereas species in the T. cylindrica group have a wide distribution, ranging from temperate through to tropical areas.     

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.     

Molecular phylogeny of the diverse parasitoid wasp genus Ophion Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae)

Ophion Fabricius is a diverse genus of nocturnal ichneumonid wasps (Insecta: Hymenoptera) that is particularly species‐rich in temperate areas, yet has received little taxonomic attention in the Holarctic region, where most species occur. While there have been some attempts to divide Ophion into monophyletic species groups, the vast majority of species have been lumped into a single, paraphyletic group, the O. luteus species group, which is defined only by the lack of characters specific to the other groups. The challenging morphology of this large catch‐all group has limited attempts to subdivide it, and no phylogenetic hypothesis has been proposed for the genus as a whole. In this study, we use DNA sequence data [28S ribosomal RNA (28S), cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2)] to present the first molecular phylogeny of Ophion. We also describe the secondary structure of ITS2 for the first time in Ichneumonidae, and explore its implications for phylogeny estimation. We define 13 species groups, nine of which were previously considered part of the O. luteus species group s.l. The included species groups are the O. minutus, O. areolaris, O. scutellaris, O. flavidus, O. parvulus, O. slossonae, O. nigrovarius, O. pteridis, O. luteus s.s., and O. obscuratus species groups, along with three groups lacking described species (Species group 1, New Zealand group, Madagascar group). This study provides a framework for future studies of this diverse and morphologically challenging genus.     

Nomenclatural status of Brachirus Swainson, Synaptura Cantor and Euryglossa Kaup (Soleidae, Pleuronectiformes)

We find that Brachirus Swainson, 1839 is a valid soleid (Pleuronectiformes) genus name, Euryglossa Kaup, 1858 is an invalid soleid genus name, and Synaptura Cantor, 1849 is a junior objective synonym of Brachirus. However, for the sake of taxonomic stability and because Synaptura Cantor, 1849 has had a long-term consistent usage within the Soleidae for four species (S. commersoni, S. lusitanica, S. marginata, and S. albomaculata) forming a monophyletic group, we will petition the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to recognize Synaptura Cantor, 1849 as a valid genus name with its type-species being Pleuronectes commersoni Lacepède, 1802. Received: September 19, 1999 / Revised: November 2, 2000 / Accepted: February 20, 2001     

Proposal of Monorhizochytrium globosum gen. nov., comb. nov. (Stramenopiles,Labyrinthulomycetes) for former Thraustochytrium globosum based on morphological features and phylogenetic relationships

Thraustochytrium is the type genus of the family Thraustochytriaceae in the class Labyrinthulomycetes. This genus is characterized by zoospore formation, namely, shape of the cell wall of sporangia and presence or absence of a proliferous body. However, there are several issues associated with the taxonomy of this genus, and these include polyphyletic taxa and overlapping of taxonomic features among species. In particular, the first and second species, T. proliferum and T. globosum, were described based on observations of the morphological features of natural samples in the absence of culture conditions. Before addressing the taxonomic issues associated with this genus, it is important to consider the taxonomic features of each species, i.e., the life history under culture conditions and the phylogenetic position. The objective of the present study was to isolate T. globosum, the second described species in the genus Thraustochytrium, from the type locality. We successfully isolated strain NBRC 112723, which exhibited characteristic features of T. globosum. Under culture conditions, strain NBRC 112723 exhibited taxonomic features observed in other thraustochytrid species. Our molecular phylogeny indicated that this strain isolated from the type locality was located in an unidentified thraustochytrid group; moreover, some strains located in this group exhibited characteristic features of strain NBRC 112723. We clearly distinguished T. globosum based on the taxonomic criteria used to classify the T. proliferum type species. Therefore, we propose the establishment of a new genus, Monorhizochytrium, for the species T. globosum in the family Thraustochytriaceae.     

Extreme degree of chromosome number variability in species of the spider genus Scytodes (Araneae, Haplogynae, Scytodidae)

Genus Scytodes includes most species of the spider family Scytodidae. Until now, 187 species of the genus have been described. In spite of this great diversity, only three Scytodes species were karyotyped so far. The present paper provides for the first time karyotype analysis of two synanthropic species, Scytodes fusca and Scytodes itapevi. Furthermore, new data on karyotype of Scytodes globula are also provided using conventional and differential cytogenetical procedures. The diploid number in the genus Scytodes varied considerably, namely from 2n = 13 to 2n = 31. The diploid number found in S. globula (2n♂ = 13) is the lowest in haplogyne spiders with monocentric chromosomes. Except S. globula, this number has been found only in one haplogyne spider with monocentric chromosomes, namely Ochyrocera sp. (Ochyroceratidae). On the contrary, the diploid number of S. fusca (2n♂ = 31) is one of the highest diploid numbers recorded in haplogyne spiders. The degree of intrageneric variation found in the genus Scytodes is the highest recorded in araneomorph spiders with monocentric chromosomes so far. Some karyotype characteristics (diploid number, chromosome morphology, total chromosome length, and distribution of constitutive heterochromatin) allowed us to postulate a close relationship between S. globula and S. itapevi. According to the karyotype data, S. fusca is not closely related to these two species. This conclusion corroborates a recent taxonomic work that grouped S. globula, S. itapevi, and other four Scytodes species in the ‘globula group’.     

A systematic study of the pulchra species group of Archips occurring in Japan (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)

This paper reviews the pulchra species group of Archips, describes a new species, Archips stellata, and redescribes A. pulchra (Butler) and A. abiephaga (Yasuda). Although long confused with each other, these three species are distinguishable by differences in the wing markings, abdominal dorsal pits, and genitalia. To position the pulchra group systematically within the genus Archips, earlier related studies are reviewed and the phylogenetic relevance and polarities of traits are discussed. The forewing pattern, consisting of transverse black and glossy gray fasciae, is presumed to be the only synapomorphy of this group; affinity between the pulchra group and other groups of Archips in some traits may reflect symplesiomorphy.     

Physiological,Biochemical, and Molecular Characters for the Taxonomy of the Subgenera of Scenedesmus (Chlorococcales,Chlorophyta)

Biochemical and physiological properties of 16 Scenedesmus species representing the three subgenera Scenedesmus, Acutodesmus, and Desmodesmus are not suitable for species differentiation. All Scenedesmus species studied thus far produce secondary carotenoids, e.g. astaxanthin and canthaxanthin, under nitrogen-deficient conditions. In addition, with the exception of one strain, hydrogenase activity under anaerobic conditions is generally present. Sequence analyses of ribosomal 18S RNAs indicate that the subgenus Desmodesmus is phylogenetically well separated from the other subgenera, whereas the separation of Scenedesmus and Acutodesmus appears less convincing and is dismissed in favour of a single subgenus, Scenedesmus. Three taxa formerly assigned to the genus Chlorella are shown to be unicellular species of the genus Scenedesmus. “Chlorella” fusca var. vacuolata and “C.” fusca var. rubescens, which is closely related to S. obliquus, belong to the Scenedesmus/‘Acutodesmus group. “C.” fusca var. fusca is closely related to S. communis and thus belongs to the subgenus Desmodesmus. Inclusion of Kermatia pupukensis into the genus Scenedesmus is also strongly supported by the RNA data which furthermore indicate a relationship with the subgenus Desmodesmus.     

A comparative cytogenetic study of five piranha species (Serrasalmus,Serrasalminae) from the Amazon basin

Cytogenetic studies were conducted on five piranha species belonging to the genus Serrasalmus, subfamily Serrasalminae (Serrasalmus altispinis, S. compressus, S. elongatus, S. manuelli, and S. spilopleura). All the species were collected in the Amazon basin: confluence of Negro and Solimõoes Rivers (CatalãoLake), Solimões River (Marchantaria Island – Camaleão Lake), Uatumã River (Hydroelectric Power Station of Balbina), and Pitinga River (Hydroelectric Power Station of Pitinga). All the five species possess 2n = 60 chromosomes with 5–12 subtelo- and acrocentric chromosomes bearing nucleolar organizer regions. A proximal C-band positive heterochromatin block was evident on the long arms of a medium-sized metacentric chromosome pair in all the analized species, thus making it a cytogenetic marker for the genus. It is hypothesized that 2n = 60 chromosomes represents a derived feature in terms of the chromosomal evolution of piranhas because the basal lineages possess 2n = 62. Both Robertsonian centric fusion and non-Robertsonian rearragements such as pericentric inversions seem implicated in the chromosomal evolution of this group.     

Stenomitos terricola sp. nov. (Leptolyngbyaceae,Cyanobacteria) from the moist soil of Mt. Gwanggyo,Republic of Korea

Stenomitos terricola FBCC-A190 was collected from soils around the trees of Mt. Gwanggyo, located in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. S. terricola FBCC-A190 is a thin and simple filament with a cell length that is longer than its width. It has a thin and firm sheath, exhibiting a blue-green color. Species belonging to genus Stenomitos is semi-cryptic species with slight morphological differences from each other. They were confirmed as Stenomitos species by analysis using 16S rRNA and 16S–23S ITS. A monophyletic cluster was formed with the previously reported genus Stenomitos, with 16S rRNA gene sequences sharing similarities of 95.9–97.9% except for S. pantisii TAU-MAC 4318. In addition, 16S–23S ITS gene sequencing showed tRNA^Ala, tRNA^Ile and V2, similar to the previously reported genus Stenomitos. From these results, Stenomitos terricola sp. nov. was proposed as a new species belonging to genus Stenomitos.     

Revision of the puella group of the genus Coenagrion Kirby, 1890 (Odonata,Zygoptera), with emphasis on morphologies contributing to reproductive isolation

The puella group of the zygopteran genus Coenagrion Kirby, 1890 is revised. The group, as treated here, includes C. puella (L., 1758), C. syriacum (Morton, 1924), C. ponticum (Bartenef, 1929) and C. intermedium (Lohmann, 1990). All four species are redescribed on the basis of a scanning electron microscopical (S.E.M.) analysis of morphological characters involved in copulation. Full species rank is attributed to intermedium. A key to males and females of the four species is included. Reproductive isolation is discussed in the genus Coenagrion.     

Towards a molecular phylogeny of the fungus gnat genus Boletina (Diptera: Mycetophilidae)

Martinsson, S., Kjærandsen, J. & Sundberg, P. (2011). Towards a molecular phylogeny of the fungus gnat genus Boletina (Diptera: Mycetophilidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 272–281. Boletina is a species rich genus of fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) with a mainly Holarctic distribution. The systematics within the genus has gained little attention and this is a first attempt to shed some light over the systematics of Boletina and to test the segregation of the genera Saigusaia and Aglaomyia from Boletina. The nuclear marker 28S and mitochondrial 16S, COI and CytB were amplified and sequenced for 23 taxa that were analysed separately and together with a broad sample of outgroup taxa obtained from GenBank, where also 18S sequences were added. Phylogenies were estimated using maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference and parsimony. We strengthen the hypothesized sister‐group relationship between Docosia and Boletina, but the genus Boletina as currently delimited appears to be paraphyletic and nested in a clade together with Aglaomyia, Coelosia and Gnoriste. The genus Saigusaia, on the other hand, seems to be well separated from Boletina. The Boletina erythropyga species group is consistently found as a distinct basal clade within Boletina s.l. The results obtained are otherwise ambiguous both for the taxa in focus and in some analyses globally with a statistically supported total breakdown of the traditional higher classification into tribes, subfamilies and even families. Interestingly, this breakdown almost disappeared when additional 18S sequences were added.     

Contribution to the taxonomy and phylogeny of Sarcocapnos DC. (Fumariaceae)

 To solve problems concerning the status of the taxa described in the genus Sarcocapnos, we have conducted a study using morphological, pollen morphology (light microscopy), cytogenetic and molecular techniques. Focusing on the last technique, we have sequenced ITS-1 and ITS-2 of nuclear rDNA. The species differ basically according to 5 morphological traits (leaf shape, flower spur, corolla colour, corolla size, and crest of the stigmatic surface). The cytogenetic analyses indicated n=16 to be the standard chromosome number. The ITS analyses showed that the genus is monophyletic, defining two main well-supported clades, one containing S. saetabensis and S. enneaphylla, and one containing the rest of the species. In this second clade, S. speciosa, S. pulcherrima, and S. baetica subsp. ardalii are related, as are S. integrifolia, S. crassifolia subsp. crassifolia, and S. crassifolia subsp. atlantis; S. baetica subsp. baetica forms a trichotomy with the foregoing groups. S. speciosa is shown to be a species separate from S. crassifolia subsp. crassifolia, as in the case of S. baetica with respect to S. integrifolia. Palynologically, the parameters used enabled us to establish clear differences between the taxa, often corroborating the macromorphological and genetic data. The flower spur has been reduced several times in different groups of the genus, for which the classifications established on the basis of this trait are paraphyletic. Received July 16, 2002; accepted December 11, 2002 Published online: March 31, 2003     

A MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR STUDY OF AUSTRAL SARGASSUM (FUCALES,PHAEOPHYCEAE) SUPPORTS THE RECOGNITION OF PHYLLOTRICHA AT GENUS LEVEL,WITH FURTHER ADDITIONS TO THE GENUS SARGASSOPSIS1

Sargassum subgenus Phyllotricha currently includes seven species restricted to Australian and New Zealand coasts. A recent study of Cystoseira and other Sargassaceae genera based on mitochondrial 23S DNA and chloroplast‐encoded psbA sequences resulted in the most widely distributed species of subgenus Phyllotricha, Sargassum decurrens, being transferred to the reinstated monospecific Sargassopsis Trevisan. The fate of the residual six Phyllotricha species, however, was not considered. The present study examines these Phyllotricha species, alongside other Sargassum subgenera, Sargassopsis, Sirophysalis trinodis (formerly Cystoseira trinodis) and the New Zealand endemic Carpophyllum Greville, using morphological evidence and the molecular phylogenetic markers cox3, ITS‐2 and the rbcL–S spacer. Our results suggest both the genus Sargassum and Sargassum subgenus Phyllotricha are polyphyletic as currently circumscribed. Four S. subgen. Phyllotricha species, i.e. S. sonderi, S. decipiens, S. varians and S. verruculosum, form a monophyletic group sister to the genus Carpophyllum, and S. peronii is genetically identical to S. decurrens with regard to all three loci. We propose the resurrection of the genus Phyllotricha Areschoug, with type species Phyllotricha sonderi, and include the new combinations Phyllotricha decipiens, Phyllotricha varians and Phyllotricha verruculosum. Sargassum peronii, S. heteromorphum and S. kendrickii are transferred to Sargassopsis and Sargassum peronii is considered a synonym of Sargassopsis decurrens.