Lichenized species of Omphalina (Tricholomataceae) in the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract:A taxonomic revision of the lichenized species of the genus Omphalina in the Iberian Peninsula is presented, based upon fungal and lichen herbarium material, as well as on fresh collections. Relevant morphological and ecological features are discussed and a diagnostic key is provided. Four lichenized species, O. ericetorum, O. hudsoniana, O. meridionalis and O. velutina, are recognized. A squamulose vegetative thallus (Coriscium -type) is present only in O. hudsoniana, while the other three species form a thallus of hyphal globules (Botrydina -type). Anatomical features of the vegetative thallus cannot be used to distinguish between these last three species. Whilst O. hudsoniana is known only from the montane belt of the Eurosiberian Region and O. meridionalis seems to be restricted to the Mediterranean Region, living in more or less humid sites of the Supramediterranean belt, the other two species, O. ericetorum and O. velutina, are widespread.     

Karyology of theScorzonera (Compositae) species from the Iberian Peninsula

A karyological study of 15 taxa ofScorzonera L. from the Iberian Peninsula has been made. The chromosome numbers found inS. hispanica var.pinnatifida, S. baetica, S. reverchonii, S. angustifolia, S. laciniata var.calcitrapifolia and var.subulata (2n = 14) are new. Diploid cytotypes with 2n = 14 and 2n = 12 prevail, andS. hispanica var.crispatula is the only taxon which exhibits autopolyploidy (2n = 14, 28). x = 7 is considered to be the base chromosome number within the genus, with x = 6 being derived from it by translocation. This and detailed karyotype analyses allow to group the Iberian Peninsula species ofScorzonera into three groups.     

Two new species of Galium (Rubiaceae) from the Iberian Peninsula

Two new species of the genus Galium are described from the Iberian Peninsula: G. moralesianum Ortega-Olivencia & Devesa, and G. talaveranum Ortega-Olivencia & Devesa. The first grows on limestone or dolomitic-limestone outcrops in south-east Spain (the Segura and Gádor mountain ranges) and shows morphological similarities with G. boissieranum Ehrend. & Krendl, which is endemic to southern Spain (mountains of Málaga). The second inhabits the margins of water courses, alder stands and cork-oak dehesas (parkland-type systems) of the west of the Iberian Peninsula, and is morphologically reminiscent of G. mollugo L. The chromosome numbers of these two species and of G. boissieranum are given.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2003, 143 , 177−187.     

Reproductive biology of twoPrunus species (Rosaceae) in the Northwest Iberian Peninsula

We studied the reproductive biology ofPrunus spinosa andPrunus mahaleb (Prunoideae, Rosaceae) in the northwest Iberian Peninsula. The two species flowered at the same time (peaking on March 9 and 11, respectively in 1990) but differ significantly in their fruit maturation times. Nectar volume peaked in the early morning in both species, and was ten times greater inP. spinosa than inP. mahaleb. Neither species shows apomixis, nor does fruit-set occur if pollinators are excluded. In both species self-pollination resulted in fewer fruits than open pollination. The principal pollinators belong to theApidae family (79% and 63% of visits toP. spinosa andP. mahaleb, respectively). Results are compared with those for other rosaceous plants with fleshy fruits.     

Factors determining the distribution of the spur-thighed tortoise Testudo graeca in south-east spain: a hierarchical approach

This work represents the first attempt to model the habitat-species relationships of a species of terrestrial tortoise on a large scale. We applied hierarchical variance partition methodology to Generalised Lineal Models (GLMs), with the presence of the tortoise in 1 km² cells as the response variable. We posited the existence of a hierarchical scheme of factors (including climate, relief and lithology, and land-use) that determine the distribution of Testugo graeca in southeastern Spain. We also identified the environmental variables within each factor with the greatest explanatory power and decoupled local vs landscape effects. Climate, followed by relief and lithology, and then land-use, turned out to be the most important factor shaping the distribution of T. graeca in south-east Spain as well as determining the presence of the species within its range. Univariate models showed that the main climate constraints were related to rainfall and extreme minimum temperatures, two factors which could be related to constraints imposed by the length of the annual activity period and productivity. Finally, multi-scale decomposition suggested that neighbouring habitat and local dynamics may also be important in the distribution of the species at the landscape scale.     

Linaria qartobensis sp. nov. (Plantaginaceae) from the southern Iberian Peninsula

Linaria qartobensis, from southern Iberian Peninsula, is here newly described, illustrated and compared with its morphologically closest relatives from L. sect. Supinae: L. ricardoi and L. orbensis. The new species is characterized by longer calyx lobes, corolla and spur, violet corolla with yellow‐orangish palate, big and globose capsule, and seeds with black and prominently white‐tuberculate disc and subentire wing. Linaria qartobensis is an endemic species growing on marly deposits from the Guadalquivir river basin, in the Córdoba province (Andalusia, Spain).     

Exploring the distribution of Sterocorax Ortuño, 1990 (Coleoptera, Carabidae) species in the Iberian Peninsula

Aim The first aim of this paper was to evaluate the distribution of the three Sterocorax species found in the Iberian Peninsula by estimating the main environmental factors that constrain their distributions. The second aim was to explore the potential importance of competitive interactions in limiting their current distributions using predictive distribution models. Location Iberian Peninsula. Methods Species presence data were collected from records in the literature and private and public collections. Ecological niche factor analysis was performed to extract pseudo‐absences (probable absences), which, together with presence data, were modelled using generalized additive models. The models were run twice. Initially we used only environmental variables, and thereafter additional spatial variables were included in order to account for spatially structured factors not accounted for in the environmental variables. Results Highly reliable distribution models were obtained for the three species, with AUC scores (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve) higher than 0.96. The addition of spatial variables to the first model significantly improved the predicted distribution of Corax (Sterocorax) globosus and Corax (Sterocorax) insidiator, by reducing their potential distribution area. In contrast, the model of Corax (Sterocorax) galicianus was not improved by the addition of a spatial term. Main conclusions Generated pseudo‐absences, such as those used in this study, helped to avoid problems of using erroneous data (false absences) in distribution records. Pseudo‐absences greatly improved the models by only selecting absences within the area with the most unfavourable environmental conditions. The importance of spatial variables to both C. (S.) globosus and C. (S.) insidiator distributions probably relates to a number of unknown factors, such as unique historical events. The absence of established populations of C. (S.) globosus north of the Ebro Valley appears to be one such historical factor. The distribution of C. (S.) galicianus only marginally overlaps with that of C. (S.) globosus, according to our environmental factor models. As this overlap is restricted it is not likely to be a result of competitive exclusion; rather, their geographical segregation seems to be environmentally mediated. The addition of spatial variables reduced the potential habitat of C. (S.) insidiator, eliminating some environmentally optimal areas from its distribution. As no environmental barrier seems apparent in this case, competitive interaction with C. (S.) globosus is a plausible hypothesis for its absence in these optimal parts of its range.     

Hydraulic properties of European elms: xylem safety-efficiency tradeoff and species distribution in the Iberian Peninsula

Key message

Ulmus minor and U. glabra show a trade-off between safety and efficiency in water transport, and U. laevis shows adaptations to waterlogged environments.

Abstract

Three native elm species grow in Europe: Ulmus minor Mill., U. glabra Huds. and U. laevis Pall., and within the Iberian Peninsula their habitats mainly differ in water availability. We evaluated firstly whether vulnerability to xylem embolism caused by water-stress has been a determinant factor affecting their distribution; secondly, if their xylem anatomy differs due to water availability dissimilarities; and thirdly, if these species present a trade-off between water transport safety and efficiency. Plants of the three species were grown in a common-garden in Madrid, Central Spain. The centrifuge method was used for constructing the vulnerability curves, and anatomical measurements were carried out with an optical microscope. We found clear differences in conductivity and cavitation vulnerability between the three species. Although all three elms were highly vulnerable to cavitation, U. minor was significantly more resistant to water stress cavitation. This species reached 50 % loss in conductivity at ?1.1 MPa, compared to U. glabra that did so at ?0.5 MPa, and U. laevis at ?0.4 MPa. Maximum xylem specific conductivity and maximum leaf specific conductivity were two to three times higher in U. glabra when compared to U. minor. A clear trade-off between safety against losses of conductivity and water transport efficiency was observed considering both U. minor and U. glabra samples. Ulmus minor’s hydraulic configuration was better adapted to overcome drought episodes. The expected aridification of the Iberian Peninsula could compromise Ulmus populations due to their high vulnerability to drought stress.     

Morphology of the Podarcis wall lizards (Squamata: Lacertidae) from the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa: patterns of variation in a putative cryptic species complex

Cryptic species complexes represent groups that have been classified as a single species, because of the difficulty in distinguishing its members morphologically. Morphological investigation following the discovery of cryptic diversity is crucial for describing and conserving biodiversity. Here we present a detailed account of morphological variation in a group of Iberian and North African Podarcis wall lizards of the family Lacertidae, trying to elucidate the morphological patterns observed between known mitochondrial lineages. Our results reveal very high morphological variation within lineages, considering both biometric and pholidotic traits, but also indicate that lineages are significantly different from each other. The main sources of variation, both globally and between lineages, arise from body size, head dimensions, and limb length, possibly pointing to underlying ecological mechanisms. A combination of body size, body shape, and continuous pholidotic traits allows a relatively good discrimination between groups, especially when comparing one group with the rest or pairs of groups. However, ranges of variation greatly overlap between groups, thereby not allowing the establishment of diagnostic traits. The high morphological variation observed indicates that external morphology is not particularly useful for species delimitation in this group of lizards, as local adaptation seems to play a major role in within‐ and between‐group differentiation. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 164 , 173–193.     

The non-omphalinoid species of Arrhenia in the Iberian Peninsula

A taxonomic study of the species with nutant, pleurotoid and cyphelloid basidiomata of the genus Arrhenia in the Iberian Peninsula is presented. This study is based on the examination of recent specimens collected in the field and from dried herbarium collections. Five species and one variety of this genus are recognized on the basis of morphological and ecological features: Arrhenia acerosa var. acerosa, A. acerosa var. tenella, A. auriscalpium, A. lobata, A. retiruga and A. spathulata. Arrhenia auriscalpium is new to Spain, where it is not restricted to alpine zones of the Eurosiberian region and is more common in the Mediterranean region than previously reported. In contrast, A. acerosa var. tenella currently is known from the Eurosiberian subalpine belt and represents the first report to the Iberian Peninsula, and A. retiruga is known only from the mesomediterranean to supramediterranean belts of the Mediterranean region. Arrhenia acerosa var. acerosa, A. lobata and A. spathulata are widespread in both the Eurosiberian and the Mediterranean regions. Non-Iberian materials of A. acerosa var. tenella and A. spathulata also were studied for comparison. Cyphella cochlearis var. subsessilis, Dictyolus lagunae, Leptoglossum muscigenum var. azonum and Pleurotellus acerosus var. tenellus are lectotypified. Cyphella cochlearis var. subssesilis, Dictyolus lagunae and Leptoglossum muscigenum var. azonum are synonymized with Arrhenia spathulata, and Cyphella cochlearis var. auriformis is placed in synonymy with A. auriscalpium. These taxa are illustrated, described and discussed, based on Iberian material with emphasis on features of the basidioma, pigment of the pileipellis, presence or absence of clamps and shape and size of the basidiospores. A diagnostic key also is given.     

Biogeographical synthesis of Andalusia (southern Spain)

Andalusia is a large territory of almost 90,000 km² in the south of Spain. The marked heterogeneity of its orographic, lithological and climatic features affords its plants and vegetation a high degree of biodiversity. A biogeographical classification for Andalusia is proposed, based on studies of the physical environment, bioclimatic and analysis of the endemic taxa, series and plant communities found in the territory.     

Molecular identification (RAPD) of the eight species of the genus Barbus (Cyprinidae) in the Iberian Peninsula

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis has been used to identify the eight Barbus species of the Iberian Peninsula, whose morphological differentiation is difficult. Ten random primers were employed to generate RAPD markers. Different RAPD profiles were observed for the different species. Four species-specific markers were found in B. bocagei , seven in B. comizo , five in B. graellsii , three in B. guiraonis , eight in B. haasi , 13 in B. meridionalis , four in B. microcephalus and four in B. sclateri. Evidence is presented that RAPD markers constitute useful tools for accurate taxonomic identification of Spanish barbels which is one of the first prerequisites in effective conservation programmes.     

Sexual reproduction in someScrophularia species (Scrophulariaceae) from the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands

The reproductive biology of someScrophularia species in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands has been studied. Levels of fruit-set in bagged and unbagged inflorescences, the production of seeds/capsule, the effectiveness of seed-set following cross-pollination in the genus and the pollen/ovule ratios have been analyzed.Some observations on floral and reproductive biology in some species ofScrophularia from the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. II. For first part seeOrtega Olivencia & Devesa 1993.     

Floral rewards in someScrophularia species (Scrophulariaceae) from the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands

The genusScrophularia in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands comprises two sections,Scrophularia andCanina G. Don. Analyses were carried out on flower production, flower duration and their sexual phases, pollen and nectar production together with observations on their pollinators. Nectar production is correlated with corolla size and pollen production with anther size. The taxa of sect.Scrophularia show greater nectar and pollen production than those of sect.Canina. Also, those of the first section produce more ovules per ovary than those of the second group, production being correlated with the ovary size.Some observations on floral and reproductive biology in some species ofScrophularia from the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. I.     

Integrative species delimitation reveals cryptic diversity in the southern Appalachian Antrodiaetus unicolor (Araneae: Antrodiaetidae) species complex

Although species delimitation can be highly contentious, the development of reliable methods to accurately ascertain species boundaries is an imperative step in cataloguing and describing Earth's quickly disappearing biodiversity. Spider species delimitation remains largely based on morphological characters; however, many mygalomorph spider populations are morphologically indistinguishable from each other yet have considerable molecular divergence. The focus of our study, the Antrodiaetus unicolor species complex containing two sympatric species, exhibits this pattern of relative morphological stasis with considerable genetic divergence across its distribution. A past study using two molecular markers, COI and 28S, revealed that A. unicolor is paraphyletic with respect to A. microunicolor. To better investigate species boundaries in the complex, we implement the cohesion species concept and use multiple lines of evidence for testing genetic exchangeability and ecological interchangeability. Our integrative approach includes extensively sampling homologous loci across the genome using a RADseq approach (3RAD), assessing population structure across their geographic range using multiple genetic clustering analyses that include structure , principal components analysis and a recently developed unsupervised machine learning approach (Variational Autoencoder). We evaluate ecological similarity by using large‐scale ecological data for niche‐based distribution modelling. Based on our analyses, we conclude that this complex has at least one additional species as well as confirm species delimitations based on previous less comprehensive approaches. Our study demonstrates the efficacy of genomic‐scale data for recognizing cryptic species, suggesting that species delimitation with one data type, whether one mitochondrial gene or morphology, may underestimate true species diversity in morphologically homogenous taxa with low vagility.     

A new gypsophilous species of Chaenorhinum (Antirrhinaceae) from the south-east of the Iberian Peninsula

A new strict gypsophilous species of Chaenorhinum, Ch. gamezii, is described. It is an annual to perennial species found in extremely arid locations upon Triassic gypsic habitats in the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. This species has an eglandular heterotrichous indumentum, which is related to Ch. segoviense and Ch. flexuosum. However, Ch. gamezii has a characteristic combination of vegetative and micromorphological features (trichomes and ornamentation of the seeds) that are not present in any other taxon of the genus. Herein, the affinities and differences with related species are studied and discussed. For its differentiation, an original key is presented with comparative figures of indumentum and seeds, and a complete iconography. Knowledge of the species ecology, biogeography, demography and threats is also provided, and according to that, Ch. gamezii should be considered as a critically threatened species (critically endangered, according to IUCN criteria). Future conservation proposals are discussed.     

The distribution of the millipede Ommatoiulus moreleti (Diplopoda, Julida: Julidae) in relation to other Ommatoiulus species on the south-western Iberian Peninsula

Ommatoiuius moreleti (Lucas) occurs naturally in Portugal and Spain, and has been introduced to some Atlantic Islands, South Africa and southern Australia, where it is widespread and numerous.
In southern Portugal and south-west Spain, O. moreleti shares its range with O. oliveirae (Verhoeff), O. cingulatus (Attems) and several undescribed Ommatoiulus spp. In a study area where O. moreleti was confined to deep litter beneath Quercus trees, O. oliveirae predominated in litter of the bushes Cistus spp., while O. cingulatus was most numerous in an area dominated by grasses and herbs, but with little litter. The three species tended to eat different food items, but this probably reflected local availability rather than preference.
Ommatoiulus moreleti has a distinct western boundary which broadly corresponds with changes in the quantity of litter on the ground. The distribution of O. moreleti was related to the availability of deep litter, often provided by Pinus and Quercus trees, but also by dense shrubs and heath, and undisturbed grassland.
In addition to providing food, litter provides a refuge for O. moreleti. Grassland species such as O. cingulutus live where there is little litter, and probably have to dig deep in the soil to avoid summer desiccation and predation of immature stages. It is suggested that soil hardness and litter depth may be important determinants in the distribution of O. moreleti , and relative digging ability may explain the partitioning of the habitat between the three species studied.     

Karyology of Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) species from the Balearic Islands and the western Iberian Peninsula

Somatic chromosome numbers, conventional karyotype features and idiograms are reported for 27 Limonium species inhabiting the Western Mediterranean basin (Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands). The chromosome numbers of Limonium barceloi (2 n  = 36), L. ejulabilis (2 n  = 24), L. inexpectans (2 n  = 26), L. interjectum (2 n  = 24), and L. scopulorum (2 n  = 25) were determined for the first time. In addition, new aneuploid and/or polyploid cytotypes are reported in L. alcudianum (2 n  = 26), L. bonafei (2 n  = 26), L. camposanum (2 n  = 26) , L. companyonis (2 n  = 26), L. dufourii (2 n  = 26), L. geronense (2 n  = 36), L. marisolii (2n = 54), L. migjornense (2 n  = 50), and L. pseudodictyocladon (2 n  = 16). A group of polyploid species showed karyotypes comprising homologous chromosomes in groups of three ( L. antonii-llorensii, L. ejulabilis, L. interjectum, L. virgatum, and L. wiedmanii ) , four ( L. geronense ), or six ( L. marisolii ), which suggests an autopolyploid origin. Other polyploid species were characterized by the presence of two different chromosome sets ( x  = 8 and x  = 9) in the genome. The species L. alcudianum , L . bonafei , L. camposanum , L. companyonis , L. dufourii , L. gibertii , L. girardianum , L. inexpectans , L. leonardi-llorensii , L. magallufianum , L. migjornense , L. minoricense , and L. scopulorum showed various combinations of paired and unpaired x  = 8 and x  = 9 chromosome sets, suggesting that they are allopolyploids. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 155 , 257–272.     

The unusual life history of a southern Iberian Peninsula population of Torleya major (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae)

Abstract The nymphal biology of a population of Torleya major (Klapálek) in southern Iberian Peninsula was studied. An atypical life cycle pattern is described, with eggs hatching in August producing a fast‐developing cohort with adults emerging in autumn and a second slow‐developing cohort with adults emerging in spring of the following year. Nymphal growth occurred primarily in summer–autumn (in the first cohort) and in spring (in the second). The origin of such a life history is discussed. Nymphs were collector‐gatherers, consuming mainly detritus. Although ontogenetic shifts on the use of trophic resources were detected, similar food was utilized during the months when both cohorts cohabited, eliminating the possibility that the rapid growth of the first cohort could be related to the utilization of different food resources.