Phylogeny and genus-level classification of mantellid frogs (Amphibia, Anura)

We propose a novel classification of frogs in the family Mantellidae, based on published phylogenetic information and on a new analysis of molecular data. Our molecular tree for 53 mantellid species is based on 2419 base pairs of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, tRNAVal and cytochrome b genes, and of the nuclear rhodopsin gene. Because the genus Mantidactylus Boulenger sensu lato is confirmed to be paraphyletic with respect to Mantella Boulenger, and is highly diverse in morphology and reproductive biology, we propose to partition Mantidactylus into seven genera by elevating four subgenera to genus rank (Blommersia Dubois, Guibemantis Dubois, Spinomantis Dubois, and Gephyromantis Methuen) and creating two new genera (Boehmantis gen. n. and Wakea gen. n.). In addition, we create the new subgenera Boophis (Sahona) subgen. n., Gephyromantis (Duboimantis) subgen. n., G. (Vatomantis) subgen. n., and Mantidactylus (Maitsomantis) subgen. n. The following species are transferred to Spinomantis, based on their phylogenetic relationships: S. elegans (Guibé) comb. n. (formerly in Mantidactylus subgenus Guibemantis); S. bertini (Guibé) comb. n. and S. guibei (Blommers-Schlösser) comb. n. (both formerly in Mantidactylus subgenus Blommersia); S. microtis (Guibé) comb. n. (formerly in Boophis Tschudi). Within Boophis, the new B. mandraka species group and B. albipunctatus species group are established. Boophis rhodoscelis (Boulenger) is transferred to the B. microtympanum group. The following five species are revalidated: Mantidactylus bellyi Mocquard and M. bourgati Guibé (not junior synonyms of M. curtus (Boulenger)); M. cowanii (Boulenger) (not syn. M. lugubris (Duméril)); M. delormei Angel (not syn. M. brevipalmatus Ahl); Mantella ebenaui (Boettger) (not syn. M. betsileo (Grandidier)). The new classification accounts for recent progress in the understanding of the phylogeny and natural history of these frogs, but it is still tentative for a number of species. Future modifications may be necessary, especially as concerns species now included in Gephyromantis and Spinomantis.Full article published online at: http://www.senckenberg.de/odes/06-11.htm     

A molecular perspective on the phylogeny of the Hyla pulchella species group (Anura, Hylidae)

A molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Hyla pulchella species group was performed to test its monophyly, explore the interrelationships of its species, and evaluate the validity of the taxa that were considered subspecies of H. pulchella. Approximately 2.8 kb from the mitochondrial genes 12s, tRNA valine, 16s, and Cytochrome b were sequenced. The analysis included 50 terminals representing 10 of the 14-15 species currently recognized in the H. pulchella group, including samples from several localities for some taxa, several outgroups, as well as two species previously suspected to be related with the group (Hyla guentheri and Hyla bischoffi). The results show that the H. pulchella and Hyla circumdata groups are distantly related, and, therefore, should be recognized as separate groups. As currently defined, the H. pulchella group is paraphyletic with respect to the Hyla polytaenia group; therefore, we recognize the Hyla polytaenia clade in the H. pulchella group. Two subspecies of H. pulchella recognized by some authors are considered full species including Hyla pulchella riojana because it is only distantly related to H. pulchella, and Hyla pulchella cordobae because molecular and non-molecular evidence suggests that it is specifically distinct. With the inclusion of the H. polytaenia clade, H. guentheri, and H. bischoffi, and the recognition of the two former subspecies of H. pulchella as distinct species, the H. pulchella group now comprises 25 described species. All representatives of the H. pulchella group with an Andean distribution are monophyletic and nested within a clade from the Atlantic forest from south-southeastern Brazil/northeastern Argentina, and Cerrado gallery forest from central Brazil.     

Morphology,zoospore ultrastructure,and phylogenetic position of Polyphlyctis willoughbyi, a new species in Chytridiales (Chytridiomycota)

The purpose of our research is to investigate the morphology, zoospore ultrastructure, and molecular phylogenetic placement of a chytrid from Australia. From a survey of chytrid fungi in New South Wales, Australia, we isolated strain PL AUS 026 and putatively identified it as Polyphlyctis unispina. Light microscopic evaluation determined strain PL AUS 026 to be similar to two other strains of P. unispina characterized in the literature but to have a more complex thallus than that of the type. Molecular phylogenetic analyses placed our strain as sister of or basal to Chytridiaceae, Chytridiales. Ultrastructural analysis of the zoospore of strain PL AUS 026 revealed unique features. On the basis of our analyses we designate strain PL AUS 026 as a new species, Polyphlyctis willoughbyi. This research extends our concept of Chytridiaceae systematics and ultrastructural variation in the Chytridiales zoospore.     

A revised classification of the Sphacelariales (Phaeophyceae) inferred from a psbC and rbcL based phylogeny

Phylogenetic relationships within the brown algal order Sphacelariales and with its sister group were investigated using chloroplast-encoded psbC and rbcL DNA sequences. A pilot study with 21 non-sphacelarialeans, representing nine orders (and some incertae sedis taxa), showed a strongly supported monophyly of the Sphacelariales with its sister taxa Phaeostrophion irregulare, Bodanella lauterborni and Heribaudiella fluviatilis. These three taxa were selected as outgroup for further analyses including DNA sequences of 30 sphacelarialean specimens representing all but two of the recognized genera (Phloiocaulon and Ptilopogon were not sampled). Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood trees showed some incongruence with Maximum Parsimony trees. Trees based on rbcL showed some incongruence with trees based on psbC and combined alignments. Phylogenetic results were used as the basis for a newly proposed classification of the Sphacelariales that reflects evolutionary history. The Sphacelariales is subdivided into four families: Cladostephaceae (monotypic), Sphacelariaceae, Stypocaulaceae, and a newly created monotypic family Sphacelodermaceae to incorporate Sphaceloderma caespitula, comb. nov. (former Sphacelaria caespitula). Sphacelaria radicans is transferred to a newly created genus Protohalopteris and classified in the Stypocaulaceae, which also contains the two unsampled genera Phloiocaulon and Ptilopogon as well as the genus Halopteris. The genera Stypocaulon and monotypic Alethocladus were merged with Halopteris. The Sphacelariaceae were subdivided into six genera including Sphacelaria (consisting only of the former subgenus Propagulifera) and the monotypic Sphacella. Herpodiscus durvillaeae, Sphacelaria pulvinata and the Sphacelaria subgenera Bracteata and Reinkea were merged in an emended Herpodiscus. A new genus Sphacelorbus was created for Sphacelaria nana. Battersia was reinstated for Sphacelaria mirabilis and the subgenus Pseudochaetopteris, except for Sphacelaria plumosa for which Chaetopteris was reinstated.     

Multiple origins of parthenogenesis,and a revised species phylogeny for the Southeast Asian butterfly lizards,Leiolepis

Hybridization often occurs in areas of secondary contact between closely related species. In some cases these hybridization events can create hybrid offspring that are reproductively viable as new parthenogenetic species. The genus Leiolepis contains nine species that collectively range throughout continental Southeast Asia. Of these, four are unisexual (some diploid and some triploid). We analyzed a multi‐locus dataset within a multi‐lineage coalescent framework to infer the origins of these parthenogenetic hybrid species. Our results provide evidence that repeated hybridization events between L. reevesii and L. guttata have led to the formation of all four distinct parthenogenetic species. Our data further suggest there have been low levels of mitochondrial introgression between L. belliana and L. reevesii at their contact zone in southern Cambodia. This work addresses contentious species boundaries and provides the first taxon‐complete hypothesis of relationships for the butterfly lizards. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 113 , 1080–1093.     

A Model for Taxonomic Work on Homoxenous Coccidia: Redescription, Host Specificity, and Molecular Phylogeny of Eimeria ranae Dobell, 1909, with a Review of Anuran-Host Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina)

ABSTRACT. We attempt to extend knowledge of anuran Eimeria , and to provide a model for a complex approach to studies on coccidia. New host and geographic records of coccidia in European Anura are provided. In the second part, Eimeria ranae Dobell, 1909 is redescribed from European terrestrial frogs of the genus Rana based on light microscopic and ultrastructural data on both exogenous and endogenous developmental stages, host specificity, and molecular phylogenetic data. Results of experimental transmissions show for the first time that the host specificity of E. ranae is restricted to the genus Rana and that isolates from tadpoles and adults are conspecific. Disappearance of infection during metamorphosis was confirmed experimentally, suggesting that infections in adults result from reinfections. Poikilotherm-host Eimeria species possessing a Stieda body (SB) are for the first time included in a molecular phylogenetic analysis. Eimeria ranae and Eimeria arnyi from a colubrid snake form together a well-supported clade, basal to other SB-bearing coccidia. The other analysed reptile–host eimerians, Eimeria tropidura and Choleoeimeria sp., which possess bivalved sporocysts and lack a SB, represent a distinct basal lineage of the eimeriid clade. The third part of the article reviews anuran-host Eimeria . Three distinct oocyst morphotypes, apparently correlating with the character of endogenous development, are recognized and characterized among anuran eimeriids.     

A phylogeny of Pacific fiddler crabs of the subgenus Minuca (Crustacea,Brachyura, Ocypodidae: Uca) with the description of a new species from a tropical gulf in Pacific Costa Rica

The phylogeny of all Pacific fiddler crab representatives of the subgenus Minuca Bott, 1954 (sensu Beinlich and von Hagen, 2006) is reconstructed. For the molecular analysis, Cox1 mitochondrial and 28S ribosomal nuclear DNA sequences were used. According to these data, same transisthmian sister species relationships are confirmed and a new species of the genus Uca Leach, 1814, Uca osa sp. n., is described from Golfo Dulce, a tropical gulf in Pacific Costa Rica. Morphological as well as molecular data confirm distinctness of this species compared with all other members of the subgenus Minuca, to which it belongs. Distinctive morphological traits are presented to distinguish Uca osa sp. n. from its congeners in the Eastern Pacific.     

A molecular phylogeny and a revised classification of tribe Lepisoreae (Polypodiaceae) based on an analysis of four plastid DNA regions

Phylogenetic relationships within the palaeotropical tribe Lepisoroideae (Polypodiaceae) were investigated by studying sequence variation of four plastid DNA regions: rbcL, rps4 plus rps4‐trnS IGS, trnL intron plus trnL‐F IGS, rbcL‐atpB IGS plus part of atpB. In total, over 4000 nucleotides were sequenced for 39 species. Seven well‐supported clades were found in the analyses of the combined data set. We provide a new classification of Lepisoroideae by integrating phylogenetic results and known variation of morphological characters. The two small genera Neocheiropteris and Tricholepidium are supported as monophyletic, the genus Paragramma is resurrected and the genera Lepisorus, Neolepisorus, Lemmaphyllum and Lepidomicrosorium are re‐circumscribed. We proposed 14 new combinations, among which Caobangia is treated as a synonym of Lemmaphyllum. A key for identifying the recognized genera is presented. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 162 , 28–38.     

云南凤仙花属一新种及一新记录种

报道了在云南西南部发现的凤仙花属一新种——滇红凤仙花（Impatiens quintadecimacopii G.W.Hu&Q.F.Wang）和一新记录种——伸展凤仙花（I.porrecta Wall.ex Hook.f.&Thomson）。这两个种在形态上很相似,但在花色、侧萼片形状、旗瓣形状和蒴果颜色上明显有别。根据形态特征,这两个种应属于凤仙花亚属（I. subg.Impatiens）单花组（I. sect.Uniflora）。结合核糖体DNA内转录间隔区序列（ITS）与叶绿体atpB-rbcL间隔区序列开展系统发育分析,结果进一步确认了这两个种关系紧密,以及它们在单花组内的系统位置。     

The Miocene tortoise Testudo catalaunica Bataller, 1926, and a revised phylogeny of extinct species of genus Testudo (Testudines: Testudinidae)

We provide a taxonomic review of the extinct testudinid Testudo catalaunica, based on published and unpublished material from several Miocene (late Aragonian and early Vallesian) sites of the Vallès‐Penedès Basin (north‐east Iberian Peninsula). We show that Testudo catalaunica irregularis is a junior subjective synonym of T. catalaunica, and further provide an emended diagnosis of the latter based on newly reported material. Contrary to some recent suggestions, this emended diagnosis discounts an alternative attribution of T. catalaunica to Paleotestudo. The latter is merely recognized as a subgenus of Testudo, based on a cladistic analysis that assessed the phylogenetic position of all extant and most extinct species of Testudo currently recognized as valid (including T. catalaunica). Our phylogenetic analysis (which recovers the molecular phylogeny of extant Testudo s.l.) supports a taxonomic scheme in which the three extant subgenera of Testudo are represented in the fossil record. Testudo s.s. is retrieved as the sister taxon of Testudo (Agrionemys) + [Testudo (Paleotestudo) + Testudo (Chersine)]. The extinct Testudo (Paleotestudo) is therefore the sister taxon of the Testudo (Chersine) clade. The latter subgenus reveals as the most diverse clade of Testudo s.l. in the fossil record, with T. catalaunica + Testudo steinheimensis constituting a subclade distinct from that including Testudo hermanni.     

Meristoderes gen. nov., a new kinorhynch genus, with the description of two new species and their implications for echinoderid phylogeny (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida, Echinoderidae)

A new kinorhynch genus, Meristoderes gen. nov., and two new species from Spain and the Solomon Islands, respectively, are described. The new genus is distinguished from all other genera by the first segment consisting of a closed cuticular ring, and the second segment having partial tergosternal junctions, and a superficial midventral fold. This is a new cuticular configuration that may shed light into the phylogenetic relationships of echinoderid kinorhynchs. Meristoderes macracanthus gen. et sp. nov. from the Mediterranean coast of Spain is recognised by the presence of middorsal spines on segments 4, 6 and 8, ventrolateral tubules on segment 2, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, lateroventral spines on segments 6-9, lateral accessory tubules on segment 8, one pair of laterodorsal tubules on segment 10. Meristoderes galatheae sp. nov. from the Solomon Islands is recognized by having a middorsal spine on segment 4 only, ventrolateral tubules on segment 2, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, lateroventral spines on segments 6-9, lateral accessory tubules on segment 8 and subdorsal tubules on segment 10. Both species have a pattern of paraventral perforation site clusters on segments 3-9, with conspicuously long bracteate hairs from the posteriormost perforations sites on the segments 3-7 and 3-6, respectively.The new genus Meristoderes gen. nov. is included into the family Echinoderidae Bütschli, 1876 and appears closely related with the genera Cephalorhyncha Adrianov, 1999 and Echinoderes Claparède, 1863. The new information it provides is discussed to clarify the internal phylogeny of Echinoderidae. The terminology for cuticular characters in the overlapping area between consecutive segments is also standardized.     

A skeletochronological study of growth,longevity, and age at sexual maturity in a population of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rana latastei</Emphasis> (Amphibia,Anura)

Longevity and age at sexual maturity in an Italian population ofRana latastei were studied by skeletochronology performed on the phalanges. Frogs collected in 1998 and 1999 by drift fences and pitfall traps were marked by toe-clipping. After marking, individuals were released and the cut phalanges were processed for skeletochronological analysis. The maximum age so far recorded was 3 years in males and 4 years in females. The smallest male and female that were sexually mature on the basis of histological analysis of the gonads were 36 and 35 mm snout vent length (SVL), respectively. In both sexes, most individuals were estimated to breed shortly after emergence from their first overwintering. Among the European Brown Frogs,Rana latastei appears to be one of the shortest-lived and one of the first to reach sexual maturity.     

Ontogeny of skull size and shape changes within a framework of biphasic lifestyle: a case study in six <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triturus</Emphasis> species (Amphibia,Salamandridae)

As with many other amphibians, Triturus species are characterized by a biphasic life cycle with abrupt changes in the cranial skeleton during metamorphosis. The post-metamorphic shape changes of the cranial skeleton were investigated using geometric morphometric techniques in six species: Triturus alpestris, T. vulgaris, T. dobrogicus, T. cristatus, T. carnifex, and T. karelinii. The comparative analysis of ontogenetic trajectories revealed that these species have a conserved developmental rate with divergent ontogenetic trajectories of the ventral skull shape that mainly reflect phylogenetic relatedness. A striking exception in the ontogenetic pattern was possibly found in T. dobrogicus, characterized by a marked increase in the developmental rate compared to the other newt species. The size-related shape changes explained a large proportion of shape change during post-metamorphic growth within each species, with marked positive allometric growth of skull elements related to foraging.     

Molecular phylogeny,analysis of character evolution,and submersible collections enable a new classification of a diverse group of gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Nes subgroup), including nine new species and four new genera

The Nes subgroup of the Gobiosomatini (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) is an ecologically diverse clade of fishes endemic to the tropical western Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans. It has been suggested that morphological characters in gobies tend to evolve via reduction and loss associated with miniaturization, and this, coupled with the parallel evolution of adaptations to similar microhabitats, may lead to homoplasy and ultimately obscure our ability to discern phylogenetic relationships using morphological characters alone. This may be particularly true for the Nes subgroup of gobies, where several genera that are diagnosed by ‘reductive characters’ have been shown to be polyphyletic. Here we present the most comprehensive phylogeny to date of the Nes subgroup using mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data. We then evaluate the congruence between the distribution of morphological characters and our molecular tree using maximum‐likelihood ancestral state reconstruction, and test for phylogenetic signal in characters using Pagel's λ tree transformations (Nature, 401 , 1999 and 877). Our results indicate that all of the characters previously used to diagnose genera of the Nes subgroup display some degree of homoplasy with respect to our molecular tree; however, many characters display considerable phylogenetic signal and thus may be useful in diagnosing genera when used in combination with other characters. We present a new classification for the group in which all genera are monophyletic and in most cases diagnosed by combinations of morphological characters. The new classification includes four new genera and nine new species described here, many of which were collected from rarely sampled deep Caribbean reefs using manned submersibles. The group now contains 38 species in the genera Carrigobius gen. nov., Chriolepis, Eleotrica, Gobulus, Gymneleotris, Nes, Paedovaricus gen. nov., Pinnichthys gen. nov., Psilotris, and Varicus. Lastly, we provide a key to all named species of the Nes subgroup along with photographs and illustrations to aid in identification.     

A new species of Phaeohelotium from Nothofagus forests in Argentina and Chile, with a key to the Southern Hemisphere species

Phaeohelotium nothofagi, sp.nov., found on fallen wood and leaves of Nothofagus dombeyi, is described and illustrated. The fungus is characterized by pale yellow discs, and fumose ascospores with asperulate walls. A key with distributional data for the five species of the genus now known in the Southern Hemisphere is provided.