Systematics of the Neotropical caddisfly genus Notidobiella Schmid (Trichoptera, Sericostomatidae), with the description of 3 new species

Three new species of Notidobiella Schmid (Insecta: Trichoptera) are described from South America: Notidobiella amazonianasp. n. (Brazil), Notidobiella brasilianasp. n. (Brazil), and Notidobiella ecuadorensissp. n. (Ecuador). In addition, the 3 previously described species in the genus, Notidobiella chacayana Schmid, Notidobiella inermis Flint, and Notidobiella parallelipipeda Schmid, all endemic to southern Chile, are redescribed and illustrated, including the females of each species for the first time, and a key to males of the species in the genus is provided. The occurrence of Notidobiella in Brazil and Ecuador represents a significant extension of the range of the genus beyond southern Chile where it previously was thought to be endemic. The biogeography of Sericostomatidae and other austral South American Trichoptera is reviewed. The presence of the family in South America may not be part of a "transantarctic" exchange, but instead may represent an earlier occurence in the region. The distribution of Notidobiella in tropical South America likely represents recent dispersal from southern South America to the north.     

A new genus of schizomids (Arachnida: Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) from Mexico,with notes on its systematics

During the systematic revision of Mayazomus, the third most diverse genus of micro whip-scorpions in North America, we found three species with peculiar morphological variation, which are different from those diagnostic characters for Mayazomus. These species share with Mayazomus the large body size and the unusual development of the male pedipalps; however, these three species share the shape of the female spermathecae with Stenochrus rather than with Mayazomus. Therefore, their phylogenetic placements create a dilemma. Here we perform analyses with morphological evidence, using two different methodologies (Parsimony and Bayesian inference) in order to hypothesize the phylogenetic relationships of the three species mentioned with each other and with respect to other North American and/or Central American genera. The results confirm our initial hypothesis that the species belong to a different genus, Olmeca gen. nov., which is recovered as the sister group of all hubbardiine genera included in these analyses, except for the genus Hubbardia. The results also indicate that despite sharing some morphological similarities, it is distantly related with Mayazomus. Three species are described herein: Olmeca brujo sp. nov., Olmeca cruzlopezi sp. nov., and Olmeca santibanezi sp. nov. Additionally, we provide a hypothesis of the relationships and biogeography of Olmeca gen. nov. with other genera.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F64CE801-7D82-4827-A5B9-0C0B41F58043     

Systematics,biogeography and evolution of Asaccus gallagheri (Squamata,Phyllodactylidae) with the description of a new endemic species from Oman

The Hajar Mountains are the highest mountain range in eastern Arabia. Despite being classified as a mountain desert, it is considered one of the top biodiversity hotspots of Arabia. As a result of its relatively old geological origin, complex topography, environmental heterogeneity and geographic isolation from other mountain ranges, its fauna and flora have diversified significantly producing high levels of endemicity, particularly amongst reptiles. Several genetic studies indicate that this diversity may still be underestimated, especially within some groups containing morphologically similar species like the nocturnal geckos of the genus Asaccus. These have radiated extensively on both sides of the Gulf of Oman, in the Hajar Mountains and the Zagros Mountains of south-west Asia, and are a good example of the faunal affinities between these two mountain ranges. In the present work, we analyse A. gallagheri, the smallest species of the Arabian radiation, using an unprecedented sampling across its entire distribution range and an integrative approach combining morphological, macroecological and multilocus molecular data with the objective of clarifying its systematics and phylogeography. The results support the presence of two allopatric species within A. gallagheri that split approximately 6 Ma. The newly discovered species is endemic to the Eastern Hajars and is described herein mainly on the basis of its smaller size and high genetic divergence from A. gallagheri. The molecular analyses also uncovered remarkable levels of genetic diversity within both species. The present study highlights the diversity of the genus Asaccus in south-east Arabia and stresses its relevance from a conservation point of view.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:62EB3146-9F79-4857-8CC6-36FE235D84D4     

Phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Pseudaeginella (Amphipoda: Caprellidae), with the description of a new species from Brazil

The genus Pseudaeginella is analysed herein by cladistic methods based on a morphological data matrix of 49 characters × 18 terminal taxa. Based on the results, we comment on the phylogenetic position of Paradeutella within Pseudaeginella, and we propose Pseudaeginella multispinosa comb. nov. and Pseudaeginella tanzaniensis comb. nov. Pseudaeginella freirei sp. nov. is described from the Abrolhos Bank, north-eastern Brazil. We provide an updated key to the Pseudaeginella species.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F573E845-822E-41D6-8F58-FE54C5653A53     

A new species of Thecadactylus from Sint Maarten, Lesser Antilles (Reptilia, Squamata, Gekkonidae)

We describe a new species of Thecadactylusfrom the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten. The new species differs from all other species in the genus by having a distinct dorsal pattern of numerous irregular but sharply deliminated black spots and blotches on an otherwise almost patternless background.     

Systematics and phylogeny of the caryophyllidia-bearing dorids (Mollusca, Nudibranchia), with descriptions of a new genus and four new species from Indo-Pacific deep waters

The phylogenetic relationships of the caryophyllidia-bearing dorids are studied, based on the examination of the type species of all the genera previously described. The phylogenetic hypothesis supports that the caryophyllidia-bearing dorids are a monophyletic group and the sister group of the clade formed by Astemnotus Ehrenberg, 1831 and Halgerda Bergh, 1880. Several genera previously considered as valid or regarded as uncertain are here synonymized: Peronodoris Bergh, 1904, Trippa Bergh, 1877, Phlegmodoris Bergh, 1878, Petelodoris Bergh, 1881, Kentrodoris Bergh, 1876, Audura Bergh, 1878, Centrodoris P. Fischer, 1883, Anisodoris Bergh, 1898, Awuka Er. Marcus, 1955, Rhabdochiia P. Fischer, 1883, Boreodoris Odhner, 1939, Dictyodoris Bergh, 1880, Gravieria Vayssiere, 1912, Aporodoris Ihering, 1886. The following genera are regarded as valid: Astemnotus, Atagema J.E. Gray, 1850, Jorunna Bergh, 1876, Platydoris Bergh, 1877, Diaulula Bergh, 1878, Rostanga Bergh, 1879, Halgerda Bergh, 1880, Baptodoris Bergh, 1884, Gargamella Bergh, 1894, Alloiodoris Bergh, 1904, Sclerodoris Eliot, 1904, Taringa Er. Marcus, 1955, Thorybopus Bouchet, 1977. The new genus Nophodoris is described based on two new species from New Caledonia deep waters. Two additional new species from New Caledonia belonging to the genera Atagema and Gargamella are also described. Nomenclatural and taxonomic problems are discussed, and several type species, neotypes and lectotypes are selected.     

Geographic variation and systematic review of the lizard genus Vanzosaura (Squamata,Gymnophthalmidae), with the description of a new species

Vanzosaura rubricauda (Boulenger, 1902) is a small‐bodied gymnophthalmid lizard widespread in dry biomes of South America. Throughout its distribution, V. rubricauda populations experience contrasting environmental conditions, and a marked disjunction occurs in the central portion of the Cerrado biome. Previous studies indicate that V. rubricauda may be a species complex, and here we used mitochondrial DNA data and external morphology to test for population differentiation and its systematic implications for the genus. We found three geographically cohesive groups recovered as well resolved, and strongly supported mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haploclades that are differentiated with respect to morphometry, meristics, and colour pattern. In light of the observed differences, we propose a new taxonomic rearrangement of the genus, where we: (1) restrict V. rubricauda to Chaco and western Cerrado regions; (2) resurrect V anzosaura multiscutata (Amaral, 1933) comb. nov. for Caatinga populations; and (3) describe V anzosaura savanicola sp. nov. for the eastern Cerrado region of Brazil. The new species is diagnosed from its congeners by having longer limbs and tail, fewer smooth subcaudals, and genetic distances ranging from 5 to 13%. The new species, along with other recent discoveries, highlights the Jalapão‐Serra Geral region as one of the most important areas of endemism for Cerrado squamates. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London     

Soil tardigrade biodiversity with the description of a new eutardigrade genus and its phylogenetic position

Sixteen tardigrade species have been identified from a total of 943 specimens isolated from 69 positive soil samples collected in southern Spain (Andalusia, Huelva). Three genera (Hexapodibius, Xerobiotus and the new genus Sarascon) and eight species are new records for the Iberian Peninsula, increasing Iberian tardigrade biodiversity by 6%, and 10 species are new records for soil habitats, increasing soil tardigrade biodiversity by 9% (from 96 to 108 species). A newly discovered species and genus are described, followed by an analysis and discussion of the species' phylogenetic position and synapomorphies, based on morphological and total evidence (morphology and molecular – 18S and 28S rRNA – data combined) phylogenetic analyses. The new genus is distinguished from other Itaquasconinae genera, to which it is phylogenetically related, by having a Parascon buccopharyngeal apparatus and Ramajendas claws. In contrast to general eutardigrade evolution, which is primarily determined by claw morphology, itaquasconid evolution is more related to buccopharyngeal apparatus morphology, which shows homoplastic evolution at superfamily, family and subfamily levels, and also defines functional trophic groups in soil-related environments.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:068B9D87-27E2-4B26-8920-FF03CEF9869A     

A new genus and species of rodent from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae: Oryzomyini), with comments on oryzomyine biogeography

We describe in this paper a new genus and species of cricetid rodent from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, one of the most endangered eco‐regions of the world. The new form displays some but not all synapomorphies of the tribe Oryzomyini, but a suite of unique characteristics is also observed. This new forest rat possesses anatomical characteristics of arboreal taxa, such as very developed plantar pads, but was collected almost exclusively in pitfall traps. Phylogenetic analyses of morphological (integument, soft tissue, cranial, and dental characters) and molecular [nuclear – Interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (Irbp) – and mitochondrial – cytochrome b– genes] datasets using maximum likelihood and cladistic parsimony approaches corroborate the inclusion of the new taxon within oryzomyines. The analyses also place the new form as sister species to Eremoryzomys polius, an Andean rat endemic to the Maranon valley. This biogeographical pattern is unusual amongst small terrestrial vertebrates, as a review of the literature points to few other similar examples of Andean–Atlantic Forest pairings, in hylid frogs, Pionus parrots, and other sigmodontine rodents. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 161 , 357–390.     

Systematics and distribution of theDiplophos taenia species complex (Gonostomatidae), with a description of a new species

For the systematic study of the gonostomatid fishes of theDiplophos taenia species complex, a total of 698 specimens was obtained from the three oceans. Four valid species were recognized:D. taenia Günther,D. proximus Parr,D. orientalis Matsubara, andD. australis sp. nov. The diagnostic characters are 90–100 total vertebrae (TV) (37–41 abdominal (AV) +52–60 caudal vertebrae (CV)) and 103–115 IC photophores (IC) for D.taenia, 85–90 TV (36–39 AV + 48–52 CV) and 98–104 IC forD. proximus, 83–86 TV (33–35 AV + 49–52 CV) and 92–100 IC for D.orientalis, and 84–91 TV (33–37 AV+ 50–54 CV) and 99–105 IC forD. australis. In addition to the above,D. proximus has larger orbital diameter (the proportion to head length 21–28%) than the other three species (15–23%) beyond 70mm in standard length. Due to wide distribution,D. taenia shows meristic variations: the numbers of TV, IC and anal fin rays (A) are smaller at lower latitudes and larger at higher ones in all oceans, and the number of A is smaller in the Atlantic (56–71) than in the other oceans (59–72) of the same latitude. Because of these variations, identification to species level is possible only area by area. The distribution of each of the four species is also distinct:D. taenia is a cosmopolitan between about 40° N and 30° S exclusive of the eastern tropical Pacific;D. proximus is endemic to the eastern tropical Pacific;D. orientalis is limited to the North Pacific transitional zone between about 30° and 40° N; andD. australis in a transitional zone of the Southern Ocean south of 20° S.     

A molecular perspective on the evolution of microteiid lizards (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae), and a new classification for the family

A molecular phylogeny was reconstructed for 26 recognized genera of the Gymnophthalmidae using a total of 2379 bp of mitochondrial (12S, 16S and ND4) and nuclear (18S and c-mos) DNA sequences. We performed maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses, and data partitions were analysed separately and in combination under MP. ML analyses were carried out only on the combined sequences for computational simplicity. Robustness for the recovered nodes was assessed with bootstrap and partitioned Bremer support (PBS) analyses. The total molecular evidence provided a better-resolved hypothesis than did separate analysis of individual partitions, and the PBS analysis indicates congruence among independent partitions for support of some internal nodes. Based on this hypothesis, a new classification for the family is proposed. Alopoglossus , the sister group of all the other Gymnophthalmidae was allocated to a new subfamily Alopoglossinae, and Rhachisaurus (a new genus for Anotosaura brachylepis) to the new Rhachisaurinae. Two tribes are recognized within the subfamily Gymnophthalminae: Heterodactylini and Gymnophthalmini, and two others within Cercosaurinae (Ecpleopini and Cercosaurini). Some ecological and evolutionary implications of the phylogenetic hypothesis are considered, including the independent occurrence of limb reduction, body elongation, and other characters associated with fossoriality.     

Molecules and morphology reveal a new aberrant harvestman genus of Ortholasmatinae (Opiliones,Dypsnoi, Nemastomatidae) from Mexico

Ortholasmatinae is one of the most striking groups of Opiliones, because its members exhibit a peculiar dorsal ornamentation pattern of cells, formed by fusion of anvil-shaped tubercles. During the systematic revision of several specimens of ortholasmatines, we found specimens with shared morphological characters with two genera Trilasma Goodnight & Goodnight, 1942 and Dendrolasma Banks, 1894. In order to investigate their phylogenetic relationships, we performed model-based phylogenetic analyses using the mitochondrial protein-encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and the complete nuclear ribosomal small subunit 18S, including members of the five genera of this subfamily. The results support the creation of Cryptolasma Cruz-López, Cruz-Bonilla & Francke, gen. nov., and two new species: Cryptolasma aberrante Cruz-López, Cruz-Bonilla & Francke, sp. nov. (type species) and Cryptolasma citlaltepetl Cruz-López, Cruz-Bonilla & Francke, sp. nov., which are from Xalapa and Orizaba Volcano, Veracruz, respectively. Additionally, our results suggest Ruaxphilos petrukenvitchou Goodnight & Goodnight, 1945 is a nomina dubia. This study represents the first molecular hypothesis of Ortholasmatinae relationships, with Cryptolasma as the sister of the remaining ortholasmatine.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3730EE48-9802-4B06-9DDF-EC1AFE9A3B61     

Phylogeny of the spider genus Ixchela Huber, 2000 (Araneae: Pholcidae) based on morphological and molecular evidence (CO1 and 16S), with a hypothesized diversification in the Pleistocene

The genus Ixchela Huber is composed of 20 species distributed from north‐eastern Mexico to Central America, including the five new species described here from Mexico: I xchela azteca sp. nov. , I xchela jalisco sp. nov. , I xchela mendozai sp. nov. , I xchela purepecha sp. nov. and I xchela tlayuda sp. nov. We test the monophyly and investigate the phylogenetic relationships among species of the genus Ixchela using morphological and molecular data. Parsimony (PA) analysis of 24 taxa and 40 morphological characters with equal and implied weights supported the monophyly of Ixchela with eight morphological synapomorphies. The PA analyses with equal and implied weights, and separate Bayesian inference (BI) analyses for the CO1 gene (506 characters), concatenated gene fragments CO1 + 16S (885 characters), morphology + CO1 (546 characters) and the combined evidence data set (morphology + CO1 + 16S) (925 characters) support the monophyly of Ixchela. Our preferred topology shows two large clades; clade 1 has a natural distribution in the Mesoamerican biotic component, whereas clade 2 predominates in the Mexican Montane biotic component. The genus Ixchela diverged in the late Miocene, and the divergence between the internal clades in the genus occurred in the late Pliocene; by contrast, most of the speciation events seem to have occurred mainly during the Pleistocene, where climatic changes brought on by repeated glaciations played an important role in the diversification of the genus. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London     

Systematics of the Hipposideros turpis complex and a description of a new subspecies from Vietnam

• 1 Hipposideros turpis is traditionally known as a species composed of three subspecies, H. t. turpis, H. t. alongensis and H. t. pendleburyi, distributed disjunctly in south‐west Japan, north‐east Vietnam and south‐west Thailand, respectively. Prior to the present study, the systematic status of forms within the species remained unclear.
• 2 Using morphological (external, bacular, cranial and dental characters), genetic and echolocation data, we demonstrate that turpis, alongensis and pendleburyi represent three distinct species, and that these species are endemic to Japan, Vietnam and Thailand, respectively. They are very distinct genetically and do not even form a monophyletic group.
• 3 We also prove that H. alongensis is composed of two subspecies, H. a. alongensis and H. a. sungi. The latter subspecies is described as new to science. To date, H. a. alongensis appears to be restricted to the Cat Ba Island of Cat Ba National Park, west Ha Long Bay, whereas H. a. sungi ssp. nov. is known from three localities in mainland northeast Vietnam. These two subspecies are distinguished by body size, molecular data and the frequency of the constant‐frequency component of their echolocation signals.

     

Phylogeny of sea skaters, Halobates Eschscholtz (Hemiptera, Gerridae), based on mtDNA sequence and morphology

We examined phylogenetic relationships among halobatine water striders (Hemiptera, Gerridae) using molecular and morphological data. The molecular data set was 780 bp DNA sequence data from the 3' half of the mitochondria! gene encoding cytochrome oxidase subunit I from 19 species of sea skaters, Halobates , and one species from each of three related genera, Asclepios annandalei, Austrobates rivularis , and Eurymetra natalensis. The morphological data set was a slightly modified version of a previously published data set. Unweighted parsimony analyses of the molecular data set gave one tree with weak support for most branches. Maximum likelihood analysis of the same data set gave a tree with slightly different topology, but reveiled many of the clades found in parsimony analyses of the morphological data set. Parsimony analyses of the combined molecular + morphology data sets gave a better resolved and better supported tree than did analyses of any single data set. The phytogeny of Halobates presented here allows a more rigorous evaluation of several prior hypotheses about evolutionary processes in marine water striders. In particular, it supports the hypothesis of at least two separate transitions from coastal to oceanic environments.     

Monophyly and taxonomy of the Neotropical seasonal killifish genus Leptolebias (Teleostei: Aplocheiloidei: Rivulidae), with the description of a new genus

A phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters indicates that Leptolebias Myers, 1952, a genus of small killifishes highly threatened with extinction, from Brazil, is paraphyletic. As a consequence, Leptolebias is restricted in this study to a well‐supported clade that includes Leptolebias marmoratus (Ladiges, 1934), Leptolebias splendens (Myers, 1942), Leptolebias opalescens (Myers, 1942), and Leptolebias citrinipinnis ( Costa, Lacerda & Tanizaki, 1988 ), from the coastal plains of Rio de Janeiro, and Leptolebias aureoguttatus ( Cruz, 1974 ) (herein redescribed, and for which a lectotype is designated) and Leptolebias itanhaensis sp. nov. , from the coastal plains of São Paulo and Paraná, in southern Brazil.Leptolebias is diagnosed by three synapomorphies: a caudal fin that is longer than deep, a single anterior supraorbital neuromast, and dark pigmentation that does not extend to the distal portion of the dorsal fin in males. A key is provided for the identification of species of Leptolebias. Three species formerly placed in Leptolebias, Leptolebias minimus (Myers, 1942), Leptolebias fractifasciatus ( Costa, 1988 ), and Leptolebias cruzi ( Costa, 1988 ), are transferred to Notholebias gen. nov. , which is hypothesized to be the sister group to the clade comprising Leptolebias, Campellolebias Vaz‐Ferreira & Sierra, 1974, and Cynopoecilus Regan, 1912. Notholebias gen nov. is diagnosed by two synapomorphies: a narrow basihyal and the presence of iridescent bars on the caudal fin in males; and three features interpreted as plesiomorphic, but not occurring in Leptolebias, Campellolebias, or Cynopoecilus, the presence of dermosphenotic, well‐developed contact organs on the pectoral fin in males, and an opercular region with red bars in males. ‘Leptolebias’leitaoi, a species from Bahia, in north‐eastern Brazil, is considered as having an uncertain phylogenetic position, as all known preserved material is presently lost, and the species may be extinct. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 153 , 147–160.     

A new genus of the tribe Acratini from the continental Neotropical region (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea,Brentidae)

A group of 10 species belonging to the Neotropical tribe Acratini Alonso-Zarazaga, Lyal, Bartolozzi & Sforzi 1999, is shown to be monophyletic by a phylogenetic analysis based on 48 morphological characters. A new genus, Pertusius n. gen., is described, based on three derived characters of external and genital morphology: venter of prorostrum of males with fine median longitudinal carina, base of elytra with deep pit at the place of insertion on mesonotum, and proximal sclerite of endophallus more or less horseshoe-shaped. Eight species were previously known and, according to former authors, belonged to the genera Acratus Lacordaire 1865 [Pertusius apicalis (Sharp 1895), n. comb., P. errabundus (Kleine 1927), n. comb., P. extrarius (Kleine 1927), n. comb., P. fidus (Kleine 1927), n. comb. and P. telesi (Soares & Meyer 1959), n. comb.] and Proteramocerus Kleine 1921 [Pertusius chalcites (Perty 1832), n. comb., P. filum (Sharp 1895), n. comb., and P. laevis (Germar 1824), n. comb.]. Four new synonymies are proposed: Proteramocerus disparilis Soares & Dias 1971, n. syn. for Acratus apicalis Sharp 1895; Teramocerus laevigatus Boheman 1840, n. syn. for Arrhenodes chalcites Perty 1832; Acratus extraordinarius Kleine 1927, n. syn. for Acratus errabundus Kleine 1927; Proteramocerus diringshofeni Soares & Dias 1971, n. syn. for Acratus filum Sharp 1895. Two new species are described: Pertusius guyanensis n. sp. from French Guiana, and P. mexicanus n. sp. from Mexico (Yucatán Peninsula). Pertusius apicalis is newly cited from Bolivia and Peru, P. chalcites from Argentina and Paraguay, P. extrarius from Ecuador, P. fidus from Peru and P. telesi from Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. An identification key to species of the genus is provided.     

A molecular approach to the phylogenetic relationships of the western palaearctic Helicoidea (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora)

Molecular phylogenetic relationships among 45 members of the Helicoidea (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora) were examined using partial mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. The reconstructed phylogenies showed a good degree of support for more recent branches, but gave little support to deeper nodes. Mitochondrial rDNA data further confirmed monophyletic status of helicids, recognized monachine hygromiid and bradybaenid clades and resolved a number of relationships in the helicelline hygromiids. With the respect to the latter assemblage, most of the anatomically based groups are confirmed, corroborating the diagnostic value of the dart-sac complex and a close affinity between Ichnusomunda sacchii and species of the genus Cernuella . Nevertheless, some well resolved branches challenge previous systematic arrangements, grouping species previously placed in different arrangements. In particular, support was not found for the monophyly of helicelline hygromiids with pedal penial innervation. Possible explanations for these incongruencies are suggested. 16S sequence data are appropriate for studies of relationships within the different species groups and less so for recovery of more ancient radiations in the Helicoidea. It will be valuable to combine the 16S data with other gene sequences to estimate basal relationships.  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 85 , 501–512.