Phylogenetic relationships among genera of Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) based on DNA sequence of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene

Phylogenetic relationships among forty‐nine taxa representing twenty‐four genera of Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were investigated using DNA sequence of a portion of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and parsimony analysis. Seven species in six other subfamilies of Braconidae were used as outgroup. The results suggested that members of Aphidiinae are monophyletic. The basal lineage of Aphidiinae was Aclitus in weighted and unweighted parsimony analyses and Praini was basal relative to Ephedrini. With the exception of Pauesia and Aphidius, all genera were monophyletic. The results support generic status for Euaphidius, but not for Lysaphidus. Diaeretus leucopterus was internal to a clade composed of three Pauesia species, suggesting that the latter genus may be paraphyletic. A combined analysis that included DNA sequence of 16S rRNA, NADH1 dehydrogenase and 28S rRNA resulted in more robust cladograms with topologies similar to those inferred from the 16S rRNA gene sequence alone. The results are compared to previously proposed phylogenies of Aphidiinae based on morphological and molecular characters.     

Evolution of blindness in scolopendromorph centipedes (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha): insight from an expanded sampling of molecular data

Relative to its diversity (34 genera, 700 species), Scolopendromorpha has been undersampled in molecular phylogenetic analyses compared with the other chilopod orders. Previous analyses based on morphology have not resolved several key controversies in systematics and evolutionary morphology unambiguously. Here we apply new molecular and morphological data to scolopendromorph phylogenetics, with a focus on the evolution of blindness. The taxonomic sample includes 19 genera, many lacking previous molecular data, and diverse, cosmopolitan genera of Scolopendridae are sampled by multiple species. Phylogenetic analysis with Direct Optimization used 94 morphological characters and ca. 4.5 kb of sequence data from two nuclear (18S and 28S rRNA) and two mitochondrial (16S rRNA and COI) loci. A single most‐parsimonious cladogram selected after sensitivity analyses resolves Scolopendromorpha as monophyletic, and divides it into a blind clade of three families (Plutoniumidae, Cryptopidae, Scolopocryptopidae) and its ocellate sister group, Scolopendridae. Some species‐rich, cosmopolitan genera (Cormocephalus, Otostigmus, Scolopendra) in Scolopendridae are non‐monophyletic, and in several instances (e.g. New and Old World Scolopendra) relationships are more congruent with geographical distributions than with traditional classifications. The tribe Asanadini is particularly subject to parameter‐sensitivity, nesting in the combined analysis within Scolopendrini but as sister to all other Scolopendrinae for molecular data alone. The total‐evidence tree unambiguously optimizes trunk segmentation: a 23‐segmented trunk has a single origin in the blind clade. © The Willi Hennig Society 2011.     

PHYLOGENY AND GENETIC VARIANCE IN TERRESTRIAL MICROCOLEUS (CYANOPHYCEAE) SPECIES BASED ON SEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF THE 16S rRNA GENE AND ASSOCIATED 16S–23S ITS REGION1

Thirty‐one strains of Microcoleus were isolated from desert soils in the United States. Although all these taxa fit the broad definition of Microcoleus vaginatus (Vaucher) Gomont in common usage by soil algal researchers, sequence data for the 16S rRNA gene and 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicated that more than one species was represented. Combined sequence and morphological data revealed the presence of two morphologically similar taxa, M. vaginatus and Microcoleus steenstrupii Boye‐Petersen. The rRNA operons of these taxa were sufficiently dissimilar that we suspect the two taxa belong in separate genera. The M. vaginatus clade was most similar to published sequences from Trichodesmium and Arthrospira. When 16S sequences from the isolates we identified as M. steenstrupii were compared with published sequences, our strains grouped with M. chthonoplastes (Mertens) Zanardini ex Gomont and may have closest relatives among several genera in the Phormidiaceae. Organization within the 16S–23S ITS regions was variable between the two taxa. Microcoleus vaginatus had either two tRNA genes (tRNA^Ile and tRNA^Ala) or a fragment of the tRNA^Ile gene in its ITS regions, whereas M. steenstrupii had rRNA operons with either the tRNA^Ile gene or no tRNA genes in its ITS regions. Microcoleus vaginatus showed no subspecific variation within the combined morphological and molecular characterizations, with 16S similarities ranging from 97.1% to 99.9%. Microcoleus steenstrupii showed considerable genetic variability, with 16S similarities ranging from 91.5% to 99.4%. In phylogenetic analyses, we found that this variability was not congruent with geography, and we suspect that our M. steenstrupii strains represent several cryptic species.     

Molecular systematics of the genus Megoura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences

To construct the molecular systematics of the genus Megoura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), DNA based-identifi-cation was performed using four mitochondrial and three nuclear DNA regions: partial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), partial tRNA-leucine + cytochrome c oxidase II (tRNA/COII), cytochrome b (CytB), partial 12S rRNA + tRNA-valine + 16S rRNA (12S/16S), elongation factor-1 alpha (EF1 alpha), and the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (ITS1, ITS2). Pairwise sequence divergences between taxa were compared, and phylogenetic analyses were performed based on each DNA region separately, and the combined datasets. COI, CytB, EF1 alpha, ITS1, and ITS2 were relatively effective in determining species and resolving their relationships. By contrast, the sequences of tRNA/COII and 12S/16S were not able to separate the closely related species. CytB and EF1alpha gave better resolution with higher average sequence divergences (4.7% for CytB, 5.2% for EF1 alpha). The sequence divergence of COI (3.0%) was moderate, and those of the two ITS regions (1.8% for ITS1, 2.0% for ITS2) were very low. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by minimum evolution, maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses. The results indicated that the phylogenetic relationships between Megoura species were associated with their host preferences. Megoura brevipilosa and M. lespedezae living on Lespedeza were closely related, and M. nigra, monophagous on Vicia venosa, was rather different from M. crassicauda, M. litoralis, and M. viciae, which are oligophagous on Lathyrus and Vicia. The three populations of M. crassicauda formed a clade separated from M. litoralis and M. viciae. Nevertheless M. litoralis and M. viciae, which are morphologically similar, were not separated due to negligible sequence divergence. We discuss the phylogenetic relationships of the Megoura, and the usefulness of the seven DNA regions for determining the species level phylogeny of aphids.     

Molecular phylogeny of the higher taxa of Odonata (Insecta) inferred from COI, 16S rRNA, 28S rRNA,and EF1‐α sequences

In this study, we sequenced both two mitochondrial genes (COI and 16S rRNA) and nuclear genes (28S rRNA and elongation factor‐1α) from 71 species of Odonata that represent 7 superfamilies in 3 suborders. Phylogenetic testing for each two concatenated gene sequences based on function (ribosomal vs protein‐coding genes) and origin (mitochondrial vs nuclear genes) proved limited resolution. Thus, four concatenated sequences were utilized to test the previous phylogenetic hypotheses of higher taxa of Odonata via Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) algorithms, along with the data partition by the BI method. As a result, three slightly different topologies were obtained, but the BI tree without partition was slightly better supported by the topological test. This topology supported the suborders Anisoptera and Zygoptera each being a monophyly, and the close relationship of Anisozygoptera to Anisoptera. All the families represented by multiple taxa in both Anisoptera and Zygoptera were consistently revealed to each be a monophyly with the highest nodal support. Unlike consistent and robust familial relationships in Zygoptera those of Anisoptera were partially unresolved, presenting the following relationships: ((((Libellulidae + Corduliidae) + Macromiidae) + Gomphidae + Aeshnidae) + Anisozygoptera) + (((Coenagrionidae + Platycnemdidae) + Calopterygidae) + Lestidae). The subfamily Sympetrinae, represented by three genera in the anisopteran family Libellulidae, was not monophyletic, dividing Crocothemis and Deielia in one group together with other subfamilies and Sympetrum in another independent group.     

Phylogeny of xanthopygine rove beetles (Coleoptera) based on six molecular loci

The rove beetle subtribe Xanthopygina (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae: Staphylinini) is a species‐rich group of 27 neotropical genera that contains some of the largest and most brightly coloured of all staphylinid beetles. The monophyly of the subtribe has never been tested before, using a large dataset of taxa and genes. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses are used on individual genes (COI, 28S rDNA, wingless, arginine kinase, CAD and topoisomerase I) and the partitioned concatenated dataset to test for monophyly and examine the relationships among Xanthopygina genera. Xanthopygina (excluding Philothalpus) are shown to be a monophyletic group with strong support values. The genus Philothalpus is removed from Xanthopygina and placed in the tribe Staphylinini as incertae sedis. Four distinct clades of Xanthopygina genera are recognized. The origin of Xanthopygina is hypothesized to be in the Late Cretaceous or later and the origin of myrmecophilous adaptations is discussed.     

Phylogeny of Indo‐West Pacific pontoniine shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea) based on multilocus analysis

The phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary processes within the subfamily Pontoniinae, a speciose group of shrimps with diverse lifestyles (free living, semi‐symbiotic and symbiotic) inhabiting the coral reefs of tropical oceans, are an interesting and undeveloped subject of study. In this work, two mitochondrial ribosomal genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA) and two protein‐coding nuclear genes (Histone 3 and the sodium–potassium ATPase α‐subunit) were employed to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of 42 genera and 101 species within Pontoniinae. Compared to previous studies, ten additional genera were shown to be monophyletic groups, and the genera Dactylonia and Periclimenaeus were shown to be paraphyletic. The shallow‐water crinoid‐associated pontoniines were divided into several groups which were mostly consistent with the morphological analysis. The studied bivalve‐associated taxa exhibited ancestries that were traceable to different lineages, and two groups could be distinguished: Anchiopontonia + Conchodytes and Anchistus. The similar situation occurred in other echinoderm‐associated pontoniines. These results suggest that pontoniines sharing the same hosts may have different evolutionary origins resulting from multiple intrusions of their hosts by morphologically plastic ancestral groups.     

Morphology agrees with molecular data: phylogenetic affinities of Euptychiina butterflies (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

Euptychiina is the most species‐rich subtribe of Neotropical Satyrinae, with over 450 known species in 47 genera (14 monotypic). Here, we use morphological characters to examine the phylogenetic relationships within Euptychiina. Taxonomic sampling included 105 species representing the majority of the genera, as well as five outgroups. A total of 103 characters were obtained: 45 from wing pattern, 48 from genitalia and 10 from wing venation. The data matrix was analysed using maximum parsimony under both equal and extended implied weights. Euptychiina was recovered as monophyletic with ten monophyletic genera, contrasting previous DNA sequence‐based phylogenies that did not recover the monophyly of the group. In agreement with sequence‐based hypotheses, however, three main clades were recognized: the ‘Megisto clade’ with six monophyletic and three polyphyletic genera, the ‘Taygetis clade’ with nine genera of which three were monophyletic, and the ‘Pareuptyhia clade’ with four monophyletic and two polyphyletic genera. This is the first morphology‐based phylogenetic hypothesis for Euptychiina and the results will be used to complement molecular data in a combined analysis and to provide critical synapomorphies for clades and genera in this taxonomically confused group.     

16S rRNA及rpoC1基因用于螺旋藻、节旋藻系统发育的比较北大核心CSCD

【目的】利用16S rRNA和rpoC1基因分子标记研究螺旋藻、节旋藻的系统发育关系,并对其区分能力进行比较。【方法】以84株螺旋藻、节旋藻为研究对象,对其进行16S rRNA、rpoC1基因序列的扩增、测序及分析,并对构建的系统发育树进行对比。【结果】rpoC1基因序列保守位点所占比例49.7%、平均G+C百分含量47.7%和序列相似度76%–100%明显低于16S rRNA基因序列的79.4%、55.6%和91%–100%,其变异程度高于16S rRNA基因;基于16S rRNA、rpoC1基因构建的系统发育NJ树拓扑结构基本一致,84株实验藻株分为2个属3个类群,其中仅F-351、F-904-2、F-1070和TJBC14-1藻株为螺旋藻,其余均为节旋藻;虽然2个基因都不能区分形态种和地理种,但rpoC1基因NJ树的置信度(100%)高于16S rRNA基因(99%),属内分群效果也明显优于16S rRNA基因。【结论】支持了螺旋藻、节旋藻为两个不同属的结论,且在属内分类时rpoC1基因比16S rRNA基因具有更高的区分度。     

Phylogeny and classification of whirligig beetles (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae): relaxed‐clock model outperforms parsimony and time‐free Bayesian analyses

Phylogenetic relationships among members of the family Gyrinidae (Coleoptera: Adephaga) were inferred from analysis of 42 morphological characters and DNA sequence data from the genes 12S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase I and II, elongation factor 1 alpha (2 different copies) and histone III. Eighty‐nine species of Gyrinidae were included representing all known subfamilies, tribes and genera. Outgroups include species from Noteridae, Paelobiidae and Dytiscidae. Analyses include parsimony analysis, and partitioned time‐free and relaxed‐clock Bayesian analyses of the combined data using reversible‐jump MCMC to simultaneously integrate over all possible 4 × 4 nucleotide substitution models. Analyses resulted in conflicting topologies between the combined parsimony and Bayesian analyses on the one hand, and the relaxed‐clock analysis on the other. The marginal likelihoods of competing models were calculated with stepping‐stone sampling and used in a Bayes factor test, which, along with arguments from morphology, supported the topology generated by the relaxed‐clock analysis. This phylogenetic hypothesis is adopted to revise the higher classification of Gyrinidae. Major taxonomic conclusions include: (i) monophyletic Gyrinidae, (ii) the Nearctic Spanglerogyrinae Folkerts (with one species, Spanglerogyrus albiventris Folkerts) sister to all other Gyrinidae, (iii) the Madagascar endemic Heterogyrinae Brinck stat. n. (with one species, Heterogyrus milloti Legros) sister to all Gyrinidae except Spanglerogyrinae, (iv) monophyletic Gyrininae Latreille including three monophyletic tribes with the following relationship: Orectochilini Régimbart + (Gyrinini Latreille + Enhydrini Régimbart), (v) monophyletic Orectochilini comprising four monophyletic genera with the following relationships: (Gyretes Brullé + Patrus Aubé stat. n. ) + (Orectogyrus Régimbart + Orectochilus Dejean), (vi) monophyletic Gyrinini comprising three genera with the following relationships: Gyrinus Geoffroy + (Metagyrinus Brinck + Aulonogyrus Motschulsky), each monophyletic except Metagyrinus with only one included species and not tested for monophyly, and (vii) monophyletic Enhydrini comprising five genera with the following relationships: (Porrorhynchus Laporte + Dineutus MacLeay) + (Enhydrus Laporte + (Andogyrus Ochs + Macrogyrus Régimbart)), each monophyletic except Porrorhynchus, Enhydrus and Andogyrus each with one included species and untested for monophyly. Each subfamily, tribe and genus is diagnosed and discussed. The female reproductive tract of each group is presented, illustrated and discussed with respect to the phylogenetic conclusions.     

Molecular phylogeny of the marine littoral genus Cafius (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) and implications for classification

Jeon, M.‐J., Song, J.‐H. & Ahn, K.‐J. (2012). Molecular phylogeny of the marine littoral genus Cafius (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) and implications for classification. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 150–159. A phylogenetic analysis of the marine littoral genus Cafius Stephens is presented based on molecular characters. The data set comprised partial mitochondrial COI (910 bp), COII (369 bp), 12S rDNA (351–354 bp), 16S rDNA (505–509 bp) and nearly complete sequences of 18S rDNA (1814–1830 bp) for 37 species. Twenty‐seven Cafius species, representing five of six subgenera, two Remus Holme species, three Phucobius Sharp species, monotypic Thinocafius Steel and four outgroups were included. The sequences were analysed simultaneously by parsimony analysis in Tree Analysis Using New Technology (TNT) with traditional manual alignment, direct optimization (DO) in the program POY4 under a variety of gap costs and partitioned Bayesian analysis for the combined data. The genus Cafius and nearly all of its subgenera were not supported as being monophyletic. Instead, all analyses (parsimony trees, DO tree under equal weighting and Bayesian tree) showed monophyly of Cafius + Phucobius + Remus + Thinocafius (clade Z) and all seven nested clades (A–G). However, the phylogenetic relationships among clades A–G differed among the analyses. The genus Phucobius was recovered as a monophyletic group within Cafius. The genus Remus was not monophyletic but formed a clade with C. rufescens Sharp and C. rufifrons Bierig within Cafius. The genus Thinocafius formed a clade with C. caviceps Broun, C. litoreus (Broun) and C. quadriimpressus (White) within Cafius. We propose new concepts for the genus Cafius and its related genera, and the seven nested clades.     

Evolutionary Relationships Among Old World Fruitbats (Megachiroptera: Pteropodidae) Based on 12S rRNA, tRNA Valine, and 16S rRNA Gene Sequences

Old World fruitbats were divided into the cynopterine, epomophorine, rousettine, eonycterine, and notopterine sections by Knud Andersen (1912). Among these, the eonycterine and notopterine sections together comprise the subfamily Macroglossinae, which includes forms with specializations for nectarivory. Single-copy DNA hybridization data argue against the monophyly of four of Andersen's sections and further suggest paraphyly or polyphyly of the Macroglossinae. DNA hybridization data provide support for an endemic African clade that includes Megaloglossus (an eonycterine), Epomophorus (an epomophorine), and Lissonycteris (a rousettine). Analyses of mitochondrial 12S rRNA-tRNA valine gene sequences corroborate the African clade but provide less resolution than hybridization data for most branches on the pteropodid tree. Here, we report 11 new 16S rRNA sequences and analyze a mitochondrial data set that includes 12S rRNA, tRNA valine, and 16S rRNA for 18 pteropodid genera. Parsimony, minimum evolution, and maximum likelihood were all employed in phylogenetic analyses. The addition of 16S rRNA sequences to the mitochondrial data set resulted in increased support for several clades, including Macroglossus + Syconycteris, Cynopterus + Thoopterus, Rousettus + the endemic African clade, and Eonycteris + Rousettus + the endemic African clade. Statistical tests suggest that another endemic African genus, Eidolon, is dissociated from the African clade and represents an independent invasion into Africa. We constructed a molecular phylogenetic framework that incorporated clades that were strongly supported by both single-copy DNA hybridization and 12S rRNA-tRNA valine-16S rRNA sequences. Using this framework as a backbone phylogenetic constraint, we then analyzed a morphological data matrix for 34 pteropodid genera with parsimony. Results of this analysis suggest that other epomophorines and Myonycteris (a cynopterine) are also part of the endemic African clade.     

Mitochondrial DNA phylogenetic analysis of the genus Laparocerus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae). I. The Madeiran clade

Laparocerus are plant‐chewing flightless weevils distributed on oceanic islands in Macaronesia, with a single species in Morocco. The genus has a complicated taxonomic history with several subgenera described. To assist in a taxonomical revision of the group, a molecular study was undertaken. In this first contribution, the species from the Azores and Madeira archipelagos are studied together with representatives of subgenera from the Canary Islands and the single known continental species (46 OTUs). Phylogenetic analyses are based on sequence data from mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II (COII) and the ribosomal 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) genes (combined data set 1023 bp), with additional data from the nuclear elongation factor 1α (EF‐1α) for some selected species. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses show that all Madeiran species are monophyletic and form a monophyletic group with the Afro‐Canarian samples. Species of the genus Lichenophagus appear within the Madeiran and Canarian Laparocerus clades, but separated in accordance with their respective island origin. Thus, Lichenophagus is here restricted to Madeiran species and proposed as subgenus (status novo) of Laparocerus. Conversely, the Laparocerus subgenus Drouetius from the Azores is revealed to be a separate and distant outgroup, in agreement with its morphological distinctiveness, deserving an independent genus status. Internal relationships within the Madeiran clade are discussed and compared with morphologically defined species groups. The Madeiran monotypic subgenus Cyphoscelis is not supported by the genetic data and synonymized (nov. syn.) with Laparocerus. Subgenera Laparocerus and Atlantis prove to be polyphyletic. Consequently a restriction to monophyletic and morphologically congruent clades is proposed. A cryptic species vicariant of Laparocerus morio was detected and recognized as L. chaoensis, status novo. Other cases of discrepancy between the genetic results and the traditional taxonomy are discussed in detail in the light of mitochondrial introgression, incomplete lineage sorting or poor taxonomy hypotheses.     

Phylogeny of Adramini (Diptera,Tephritidae) based on integrative evidence

Species of the tribe Adramini (Tephritidae: Trypetinae) are usually slender, and some specific species have eyes borne at the ends of their long stalks. This tribe is mainly distributed in the tropics and subtropics of the Afrotropical, Oriental and Australasian Regions; relatively few species occur in the Palearctic and Nearctic Regions. The phylogeny of the tribe Adramini is presented here based on analysis of morphological and molecular information (DNA sequences of nuclear 28S rDNA, mitochondrial COI and COII, and 16S rDNA genes) for its representative species in most genera. Three monophyletic groups (Adrama‐com‐group, Pelmatops‐com‐group and Dimeringophrys‐com‐group) were discovered in the combined morphological and molecular tree. The results showed moderate support for the monophyly of Adramini and strong support for most of its genera. However, Euphranta appears to be polyphyletic. Sapadrama, Celidodacus and Euphranta are basal taxon, and Coelopacidia, Soita and Trypanophion are closely related to the stalk‐eyed fruit flies (Pelmatops + Pseudopelmatops). A hypothesis regarding the morphology–function relationships for two main groups of Adramini (Adrama‐group and Pelmatops‐group) with different evolving probabilities is inferred. Sapadrama is proposed be removed from Adramini; a new genus, Ichneumonomacula Chen gen. n. and a new species Ichneumonmacula wangyongi Chen sp. n., are recognized and described, and a key to recognize the genera of Adramini around the world is provided.     

Relationships among the major lineages of Dictyoptera: the effect of outgroup selection on dictyopteran tree topology

Abstract Dictyoptera, comprising Blattaria, Isoptera, and Mantodea, are diverse in appearance and life history, and are strongly supported as monophyletic. We downloaded COII, 16S, 18S, and 28S sequences of 39 dictyopteran species from GenBank. Ribosomal RNA sequences were aligned manually with reference to secondary structure. We included morphological data (maximum of 175 characters) for 12 of these taxa and for an additional 15 dictyopteran taxa (for which we had only morphological data). We had two datasets, a 59‐taxon dataset with five outgroup taxa, from Phasmatodea (2 taxa), Mantophasmatodea (1 taxon), Embioptera (1 taxon), and Grylloblattodea (1 taxon), and a 62‐taxon dataset with three additional outgroup taxa from Plecoptera (1 taxon), Dermaptera (1 taxon) and Orthoptera (1 taxon). We analysed the combined molecular?morphological dataset using the doublet and MK models in Mr Bayes , and using a parsimony heuristic search in paup . Within the monophyletic Mantodea, Mantoida is recovered as sister to the rest of Mantodea, followed by Chaeteessa; the monophyly of most of the more derived families as defined currently is not supported. We recovered novel phylogenetic hypotheses about the taxa within Blattodea (following Hennig, containing Isoptera). Unique to our study, one Bayesian analysis places Polyphagoidea as sister to all other Dictyoptera; other analyses and/or the addition of certain orthopteran sequences, however, place Polyphagoidea more deeply within Dictyoptera. Isoptera falls within the cockroaches, sister to the genus Cryptocercus. Separate parsimony analyses of independent gene fragments suggest that gene selection is an important factor in tree reconstruction. When we varied the ingroup taxa and/or outgroup taxa, the internal dictyopteran relationships differed in the position of several taxa of interest, including Cryptocercus, Polyphaga, Periplaneta and Supella. This provides further evidence that the choice of both outgroup and ingroup taxa greatly affects tree topology.     

Phylogeny of Rhus gall aphids (Hemiptera : Pemphigidae) based on combined molecular analysis of nuclear EF1α and mitochondrial COII genes

Rhus gall aphids (Fordinae : Melaphidini) have a disjunct distribution in East Asia and North America and have specific host plant relationships. Some of them are of economic importance and all species form sealed galls which show great variation in shape, size, structure, and galling‐site. We present a phylogeny incorporating ten species and four subspecies of Rhus gall aphids based on 1694 base pairs of nuclear elongation factor‐1α (EF1α) and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) DNA sequence data. The results suggest that Melaphidini is monophyletic and at the genus level, Schlechtendalia, Nurudea, and Floraphis were each monophyletic. Kaburagia and Meitanaphis were not monophyletic and therefore inconsistent with the current classification. The North American sumac gall aphid, Melaphis rhois, was most closely related to the East Asian Floraphis species, although this was poorly supported. The conservation of gall morphology with respect to aphid phylogeny rather than their host plants suggests that gall morphology is largely determined by the aphids. While there is no evidence of strict co‐speciation between the aphids and their primary host plants, switching between recently diverged host plants may be involved in the speciation process in Melaphidini.     

New records of two deep-sea eels collected from the Western Pacific Ocean based on COI and 16S rRNA genes

Background

Two deep-sea eels collected from the Western Pacific Ocean are described in this study. Based on their morphological characteristics, the two deep-sea eel specimens were assumed to belong to the cusk-eel family Ophidiidae and the cutthroat eel family Synaphobranchidae.

Methods and results

To accurately identify the species of the deep-sea eel specimens, we sequenced the mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI] and 16S ribosomal RNA [16S rRNA]). Through molecular phylogenetic analysis based on mtDNA COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences, these species clustered with the genera Bassozetus and Synaphobranchus, suggesting that the deep-sea eel specimens collected are two species from the genera Bassozetus and Synaphobranchus in the Western Pacific Ocean, respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report new records of the genera Bassozetus and Synaphobranchus from the Western Pacific Ocean based on COI and 16S rRNA genes

     

Phylogenetic relationships in the millipede family Julidae

A phylogenetic analysis of 40 species (22 genera) of the Palaearctic millipede family Julidae was made based on partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA (16S) gene and the nuclear 28S rRNA (28S) gene, respectively. The two data sets (16S rDNA and 28S rDNA) were analysed individually and in combination using direct optimization as implemented in POY. The 16S rDNA and the 28S rDNA sequences vary from 410 to 449 bp and from 467 to 525 bp in length, respectively. All searches were performed under six different gap opening costs, an extension gap cost of 1, and a substitution cost of 2. Incongruence length difference values were used to select the preferred tree. The order Julida was recovered as monophyletic under all weight sets. The family Julidae was recovered as monophyletic except under one weight set where the genus Nepalmatoiulus is sister to all other Julida. Within Julidae, a clade of Paectophyllini + Calyptophyllini is sister to all others on the preferred tree but this relationship is not robust. A hitherto unrecognized clade of (South) east Asian genera (Anaulaciulus and Nepalmatoiulus) was recovered under five weight sets. Another “new” robust clade (Oncoiulini + Schizophyllini) is congruent with a hitherto unrecognized complex morphological character. Further clades recovered within the Julidae partly conflict with the accepted classification, which is only to a limited extent based on phylogenetic arguments.