Molecular phylogenetics of subtribe Aeridinae (Orchidaceae): insights from plastid matK and nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences

We conducted phylogenetic analyses using two DNA sequence data sets derived from matK, the maturase-coding gene located in an intron of the plastid gene trnK, and the internal transcribed spacer region of 18S–26S nuclear ribosomal DNA to examine relationships in subtribe Aeridinae (Orchidaceae). Specifically, we investigated (1) phylogenetic relationships among genera in the subtribe, (2) the congruence between previous classifications of the subtribe and the phylogenetic relationships inferred from the molecular data, and (3) evolutionary trends of taxonomically important characters of the subtribe, such as pollinia, a spurred lip, and a column foot. In all, 75 species representing 62 genera in subtribe Aeridinae were examined. Our analyses provided the following insights: (1) monophyly of subtribe Aeridinae was tentatively supported in which 14 subclades reflecting phylogenetic relationships can be recognized, (2) results are inconsistent with previous classifications of the subtribe, and (3) repeated evolution of previously emphasized characters such as pollinia number and apertures, length of spur, and column foot was confirmed. It was found that the inconsistencies are mainly caused by homoplasy of these characters. At the genus level, Phalaenopsis, Cleisostoma, and Sarcochilus are shown to be non-monophyletic.     

A Revision of Subtribe Pleioblastinae Keng & Keng f.

This paper deals with the taxa of tribe Arundinarieae Steud. subtribe Pleiobalastinae Keng and Keng f. which comprised three genera (Pseudosasa Makino, Pleioblastus Nakai and Brachystachyum Keng) when it was established in 1957. With the analysis of morphological characters and geographical distribution, a number of revisions connected with the taxon are made as follows: (1) Genus Brachystachyum Keng is transferred to the tribe Shibataeeae Nakai according to its false inflorescence. (2) Genus Pseudosasa Makino is transferred to subtribe Sasinae Keng f. according to our study on the numerical taxonomic method. (3) Some species of Pleioblastus Nakai established by Keng and Keng f. should be revised. Pleioblastus actinotrichus (Merr. and Chun) Keng f. should be Ampelocalamus actinotrichus (Merr. and Chun) S. L. Chen, T. H. Wen and G. Y. Sheng in subtribe Thamnocalaminae Keng f.; Pleioblastus dolichanthus (Keng) Keng f. is the synonym of Sinobambusa tootsik (Sieb.) Makino, belonging to tribe Shibataeeae Nakai. The rest species remain in this genus. Since the genus Pleioblastus is related to genus Arundinaria Michaux., subtribe Pleioblastus Keng and Keng f. does not seem to have a reason to be retained as a subtribe in tribe Arundinarieae Steud., according to the newest Code (1978). A part of it should be a synonym of subtribe Arundinariinae and we may cite it as follows: Subtribe Arundinariinae——Subtribe Pleioblastinae Keng and Keng f. pro parte, syn. nov. The other parts of it should be transferred to other subtribes or tribes. In addition, one new variety in Branchystachyum, two new species, one new variety in Pseudosasa and six new species, three new varieties in Pleioblastus, are described in this paper.     

Sphaerotylos C. J. Chen—A Remarkable New Genus of Urticaceae from China,with Notes on Stigmas of the Family

A new subtribe of the family Urticaceae, Sphaerotylinae C. J. Chen, a new genus, Sphaerotylos C. J. Chen and its type species S. medogensis C. J. Chen from south-eastern Xizang (Tibet) in China are described and illustrated. The subtribe is regarded as a primitive group in the tribe Boehmerieae. The ring-shaped stigma and the ball-like connective are the first discovery in the family Urticaceae. The types of the stigma of the family, their taxonomic significance and their evolution are also discussed in the present paper.     

Phylogenetic relationships of subtribe Ecliptinae (Asteraceae: Heliantheae) based on chloroplast DNA restriction site data

Phylogenetic analysis of chloroplast DNA restriction site data for 76 of the 302 genera of Heliantheae sensu lato using 16 restriction endonucleases reveals that subtribe Ecliptinae is polyphyletic and that its genera are distributed in four different lineages. The ecliptinous genera Squamopappus, Podachaenium, Verbesina, and Tetrachyron (of the Neurolaeninae), along with other members of subtribe Neurolaeninae are the basalmost clades of the paleaceous Heliantheae. The mostly temperate species of subtribe Ecliptinae (exemplified by Balsamorhiza, Borrichia, Chrysogonum, Engelmannia, Silphium, Vigethia, and Wyethia) are strongly nested in a clade with the Mesoamerican monotypic genus Rojasianthe as basal. The genera characterized by marcescent ray corollas traditionally classified in subtribe Zinniinae constitute a strongly supported group sister to Acmella, Spilanthes, and Salmea. The largest clade of ecliptinous genera is the most recently derived group within Heliantheae sampled. This large group of mostly Neotropical lowland genera (variously characterized by their winged cypselae, foliaceous phyllaries, and opposite phyllotaxy and exemplified by Perymenium, Wedelia, and Zexmenia) has been and continues to be the most challenging group from a taxonomic standpoint. The study provides new insights as to their relationships that will have a positive impact in future monographic studies of the group. The genera of the Espeletiinae form a monophyletic clade and are sister to members of the Milleriinae and Melampodiinae. This result is consistent with their traditional taxonomic placement with genera such as Smallanthus with which they share a tendency for functionally staminate disc flowers. The phylogenetically enigmatic genus Montanoa is sister to Melampodium. Members of subtribe Galinsoginae are clustered in two main lineages that correspond to the traditional division of the subtribe based on pappus characteristics. There is no support for the monophyly of subtribe Galinsoginae, and the same results indicate some of its genera are paraphyletic.     

大戟科植物分类的数值分析

根据大戟科216个分类性状的分布,采用欧氏距离系数一类平均法对Webster(1994)广义大戟科49个族或亚族进行聚类分析。结果表明,现行的大戟科分类系统中,大多数族和亚族水平的分类基本合理,而Galearieae族的系统位置和五月茶族Antidesmeae等亚族的划分出现较大矛盾。该系统中未包含的方鼎木属Archileptopus,应与叶下珠族的Pseudolachnostylidillae亚族接近。     

Phylogeny and molecular evolution of the tribe Harpalini (Coleoptera, Carabidae) inferred from mitochondrial cytochrome-oxidase I

The tribe Harpalini is a group of ground beetles with a world-wide distribution that comprises approximately 2000 species and about 238 genera and subgenera. Hypotheses about the phylogenetic relationships of the subtribes of Harpalini are implicit within the systematic criteria put forward by different authors. A 759 bp fragment of the mitochondrial COI was sequenced in 119 specimens (107 species) of 52 genera and subgenera that represent the main lineages of Harpalines, and 3 species of other tribes used as outgroups. A hierarchical study of sequence divergence (under uncorrected and corrected models) and ts:tv ratio pattern analyses were carried out at different taxonomic levels. A low saturation rate was detected at first and second codon positions, whereas A+T richness causes a low transitions:transversions ratio, which suggests--a priori--a high rate of saturation at the third codon position. A progressive accumulation of sequence divergence and a decreasing ts:tv ratio were found from lower to higher taxonomic levels. MP strict consensus, ML, and minimum evolution distance (under ts+tv and tv only schemes) trees showed similar major clades within the tribe. The subtribe Ditomina is a monophyletic lineage with close affinities to the subtribe Harpalina. Harpalina is a polyphyletic lineage as the genus Daptus is always related to members of the subtribe Stenolophina, and the Selenophorines resulted a polyphyletic group related to the subtribe Anisodactylina. Main lineages proposed by Noonan [Quaest. Entomol. 9 (1973) 266] within the subtribe Anisodactylina have been corroborated in this study. The Australian genus Phorticosomus is not related to Ditomina but to the Australian Notiobioids lineage. Most taxa of the subtribe Stenolophina are always included in the same clade, together with taxa of the subtribe Pelmatellina, which might be considered as a lineage of Stenolophina related to Bradycellus and Dicheirotrichus. The subtribe Amblystomina lacks a well-supported relationship to the other subtribes of Harpalini and could not be consistently related to any of them.     

A revision of the dinocarsiine Encyrtidae with a study of the genus Pelmatencyrtus De Santis (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)

This paper constitutes a revisionary treatment of the Encyrtid subtribe Dinocarsiina as defined by Kerrich (1967). The genera there listed are studied, together with Praleurocerus Agarwal and Aeptencyrtus De Santis, which are here included. Encyrtolophus De Santis is treated as a subgenus of Chrysoplatycerus Ashmead although it is very distinct from the type species of that genus. A new genus is proposed for Tropidophryne flandersi Compare. All specíes are redescribed with exception of two belonging to monotypic genera. Five species are described as new.     

Revised concept of the genus Euryporus Erichson (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae) and phylogenetic significance of Staphylinini from New Guinea

The Staphylinini rove beetle genus Euryporus Erichson from the subtribe Quediina is restricted to include only three species from the Western Palearctic region: Euryporus picipes (Paykull, 1800), Euryporus aeneiventris (Lucas, 1846), and Euryporus princeps Wollaston, 1864. Euryporus argentatus Fauvel, 1881, Euryporus warisensis Last, 1987 and Euryporus multicavus Last, 1980, which do not even belong to the subtribe Quediina, are excluded fromthe genus. Of these, two were transferred to different genera: Tympanophorus argentatus (Fauvel, 1881), comb. nov., from Sumatra;and Hesperus warisensis (Last, 1987), comb. nov.,from New Guinea. "Euryporus" multicavus could not be placed to any of the described genera of Staphylinini and is left as incertae sedis pending a broader study of the relevant fauna of this tribe in New Guinea and adjacent regions. The taxonomic history of Euryporus is reviewed, and an updated diagnosis of this genus is provided.     

Description of a new species and phylogenetic analysis of the subtribe Cynopoecilina,including continuous characters without discretization (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)

A new species of the subtribe Cynopoecilina is described from the rio Gravataí basin, laguna dos Patos system, southern Brazil. The relationships of the new species among taxa of the subtribe Cynopoecilina is discussed based on two analyses: one using 71 discrete characters and other with the addition of six continuous characters analyzed without discretization. The addition of the continuous characters resulted in the first fully resolved phylogenies for Cynopoecilus and Leptolebias species, not obtained in the analysis including only discrete characters. The new species is assigned to Cynopoecilus as sister group to the remaining species of the genus. A new diagnosis is proposed for Cynopoecilus to accommodate the new species. The resulting phylogeny indicates that the occupation of the grasslands of the Pampa biome by the species of Cynopoecilus occurred along the evolution of the genus and that this event was significant for the diversification of the genus. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London     

Chromosomal evolution in Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) with an emphasis on the genus Acianthera: chromosome numbers and heterochromatin

In this study, we analysed chromosome number variation and chromomycin A₃/4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (CMA/DAPI) banding patterns in 48 species belonging to 12 genera of subtribe Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae) in order to understand the chromosome evolution based on recent phylogenetic hypotheses and taxonomic treatments. All species had small chromosomes, with numbers ranging from 2n = 20 in two Specklinia spp. to 2n = 80 in an unidentified Octomeria sp. In Acianthera, the most highly represented genus in this study, a great diversity of chromosome number and pattern of fluorescent bands was observed, showing heterochromatin accumulation in Acianthera section Sicariae subsection Pectinatae. Interspecific ascending and, mainly, descending dysploidy were the main mechanisms of chromosome number evolution in subtribe Pleurothallidinae. For Pleurothallidinae, x = 20 is suggested as the basic chromosome number, the same suggested for the related subtribe Laeliinae and for the whole tribe Epidendreae. The Brazilian species of the mega‐genus Stelis had chromosomes with small amounts of heterochromatin and chromosome numbers based on x₂ = 16. These are generally divergent from those reported for Andean and Meso‐American species, but in agreement with the monophyletic hypothesis proposed for Stelis spp. with a Brazilian Atlantic distribution. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 178 , 102–120.     

Revision of the Genus Isachne R. Br. (Gramineae) of China

This paper is here presented as a material for a flora of the Chinese grasses. At the beginning, it chronologically gives a brief historical sketch on the study of the subtribe Isachninae. The category which this group should constitute is here delimited, and its position in the natural system of grass-classification is also discussed. Secondly it deals with a taxonomic treatment on the genus Isachne which comprises 16 species and 7 varieties in China, amongst which two species (I. hoi and I. hainanensis) and four varieties (I. albens var. glandulifera, I. truncata vars. crispa & maxima, and I. nipponensis var. kiangsiensis) are published here as new to science. In addition, a new combination, I. hirsuta, (Hook. f.) Keng, f., based upon I. albens var. hirsuta Hook. f., is made here. The two species (I. ciliatiflora Keng, and I. tenuis Keng) published in Chinese only in the “Flora Illustralis Plantarum Primarum Sinicarum Graimeae 1959”, arehere supplemented with Latin diagnoses for validation.     

A review of the buprestid genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cochinchinula</Emphasis> Volk. With description of new taxa from Thailand,and notes on the composition and classification of the tribe Acmaeoderini (Coleoptera,Buprestidae, Polycestinae)

A review of the Oriental genus Cochinchinula Volk. (Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Polycestinae, Acmaeoderini) comprising three species is presented. The new species C. thailandica and C. bilyi spp. n. and the new genus Thaichinula gen. n. (type species T. ohmomoi sp. n.) from Thailand are described. A key to species of the genera Cochinchinula and Thaichinula is provided. The Nearctic genus Paracmaeoderoides Bellamy and Westcott is transferred from the subtribe Nothomorphina to the subtribe Acmaeoderoidina, and the South African genus Richtersveldia Bellamy is transferred from the subtribe Nothomorphina of Acmaeoderini to the tribe Ptosimini. The generic status is restored for another South African genus, Brachmaeodera Volkovitsh and Bellamy. The main evolutionary trends are discussed, and the taxonomic composition and classification of the tribe Acmaeoderini are clarified.     

Two new taxa of subtribe Rhaconotina (Hymenoptera: Braconidae,Doryctinae, Doryctini) from Africa,with a key to subtribe genera

A new genus, Grangerdoryctes gen. n. (with type species Aivalykus niger Granger), from Madagascar and a new subgenus Pararhacon subgen. n. of the genus Rhaconotus Ruthe (type species R. (P.) haeselbarthi sp. n.) from South Africa are described and illustrated. A discussion of genera without a second radiomedial vein of the fore wing in the tribe Doryctini is presented. The position and content of the subtribe Rhaconotina are discussed and a key for determination of the genera of this subtribe is proposed.     

Notes about morphological features of the Western Hemisphere subtribe Ardistomina, and revision of genus Semiardistomis Kult (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Scaritinae, Clivinini)

Comparisons of structural features (principally mouthparts, elytral-abdominal locking mechanism, and female genitalia) of the ardistomine genera (Aspidoglossa Putzeys, Ardistomis Putzeys, and Semiardistomis Kult) with those features of members of the subtribe Clivinina (Clivina Latreille, Oxydrepanus Putzeys, Schizogenius Putzeys,Ancus Putzeys, Nyctosyles Putzeys, and Obadius Burmeister) confirm the taxonomic validity of the subtribe Ardistomina. Based on morphological features, the ardistomine genera are postulated to be related as follows: [Aspidoglossa [Ardistomis + Semiardistomis]]. Knowledge of this subtribe is further extended by taxonomic treatment of the genus Semiardistomis Kult. Of the 30 valid names of Semiardistomis previously recognized, four were proposed as variety names, and are listed as junior synonyms: Ardistomis labialis picipes Bates, 1881, Ardistomis labialis nanus Bates, 1881, and Ardistomis labialis dilatatus Bates, 1881; and Ardistomis pallipes caerulea Putzeys, 1846. Eight names, treated as specific epithets, are junior synonyms, as follows: Ardistomis (Semiardistomis) balthasari Kult, 1950 = Semiardistomis glabratus (Putzeys, 1866); Ardistomis (Semiardistomis) emdeni Kult, 1950 = Semiardistomis deletus (Putzeys, 1846); Ardistomis aenea Putzeys, 1866, Ardistomis (Semiardistomis) brittoni Kult, 1950, and Ardistomis (Semiardistomis) marani Kult, 1950 = Semiardistomis flavipes (Dejean, 1831); Ardistomis tuspanensis Putzeys, 1846 = Semiardistomis labialis (Chaudoir, 1837); Ardistomis (Semiardistomis) vlastae Kult, 1950 = Semiardistomis subglabra (van Emden, 1949); and Ardistomis striga Putzeys, 1866 = Semiardistomis pallipes (Dejean, 1831). Two new species described are Semiardistomis exspectatussp. n.(type locality PERU, Madre de Dios, Rio Manu, 11°56'47"S, 071°17'00"W), and Semiardistomis majorsp. n. (type locality PERU, Loreto, Rio Samiria, 05°12'S, 75°20'W). The 20 species of Semiardistomis are arranged intwo species-groups here proposed: the puncticollis group, including 12 species; and labialis group, including eight species. The species recognized are keyed, described or redescribed, and notes are provided about their Geographical distribution, habitat and activity. Distribution maps show known geographical ranges, from which are inferred patterns of speciation from a center of radiation in northern South America of both lineages.     

A new combination in Aulonemia (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae) based on floral analysis, anatomical features, and distribution

Recent bamboo collections from Brazil, and the study of specimens from several Brazilian herbaria revealed that the species described as Eremocaulon setosum, subtribe Guaduineae, in fact fits within the Arthrostylidiinae genus Aulonemia, based on floral and anatomical characters. Several characters found in this species, such as paniculate determinate synflorescences, solitary spikelets, an abaxial marginal green stripe on the foliage leaf blades, absence of stomata on the entire adaxial side of the leaf blade, and intercostal fibers in the mesophyll are typical features of the subtribe Arthrostylidiinae. The new combination Aulonemia setosa is here proposed, an epitype is designated, and a broader distributional range of this species is documented.     

蜘蛛抱蛋亚族的花粉形态

本文研究并报道了百合科蜘蛛抱蛋亚族的花粉形态,主要结论如下：1．开口箭属含两种花粉类型即：(1)单槽、椭圆形;(2)无萌发孔、球形。具单槽、椭圆形花粉的种类含单型性核型,花形较小,柱头小而花柱短,雄蕊高于柱头;无萌发孔、球形花粉的种类则为单型性核型,花形较大,柱头常高度膨大,雄蕊常着生在花被筒基部。2．万年青属花粉为椭圆形,具单槽;蜘蛛抱蛋属花粉则为球形,无萌发孔;开口箭属花粉一部分与万年青属相似,另一部分则与蜘蛛抱蛋属雷同。3．蜘蛛抱蛋亚族中最原始的花粉类型为单槽椭圆形,具孔状或网状外壁纹饰。球形,无萌发孔,外壁具皱波状、瘤状或芽孢状纹饰的花粉为派生类型。4．蜘蛛抱蛋亚族种下花粉形状、萌发孔类型和外壁纹饰基本稳定,可作为分种特征。     

Pollen Morphology in the Subtribe Aspidistrinae (Liliaceae s. l.)

Pollen morphology in the subtribe Aspidistrinae is reported and the main viewpoints are summarized as follows: (1) Two major types of pollen grains, i.e., monosulcate,ellipsoidal pollen and inaperturate, spheroidal pollen, are identified in the genus Tupistra. The species with monosulcate, ellipsoidal pollen usually have monomodal karyotypes, brightcolored flower, smaller stigma, and stamens inserted at upper or middle part of perianth tube, while the inaperturate and spheroidal pollen is always found in the species with bimodal karyotypes, dingy-colored flower, swollen stigma and stamens inserted at the base of perianth tube. (2) Pollen grains in the genus Rhodea are monosulcate and ellipsoidal, while those in the genus Aspidistra are inaperturate and spheroidal, correspondingly similar to the second type of pollen grains in the genus Tupistra. (3) The most primitive pollen in the subtribe Aspidistinae is regarded as monosulcate and ellipsoidal, having perforate or reticulate exine sculpture. The inaperturate, spheroidal pollen with verrucate, gemmate or rugulate exine sculpture is considered derived; (4) Unlike those reported in other groups of the family Liliaceae, the infraspecific pollen shape, aperture type and exine sculpture in Aspidistrinae are basically stable and may serve as a taxonomic character.     

Diversity of inflorescences in the Boutelouinae subtribe (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae)

The Boutelouinae subtribe is comprised of one monophyletic genus, Bouteloua, with 57 species inhabiting the semi-arid regions of the New World. The inflorescences show significant structural variations, which provides an interesting system to examine their morphological evolution and identify characters and processes that may help to understand the group systematics. The structure of inflorescences was studied in 25 species of Bouteloua. All the species covered under this study have truncated polytelic inflorescences. Structural variations in the inflorescence unit among species may be accounted for by: (1) symmetry of the inflorescence unit, (2) total number of long primary branches, (3) total number of spikelets per branch, (4) number of perfect flowers per spikelet, (5) number of rudimentary flowers, and (6) reproductive system. Homogenization and truncation processes account for the diversity of mature inflorescences that exists in Bouteloua. In this work, we discuss the systematic and taxonomic value of the inflorescence in the Boutelouinae subtribe.     

New and Little-Known Crickets of the Subfamily Phalangopsinae (Orthoptera,Gryllidae). 14. The Subtribes Phaeophilacridina and Paragryllodina subtrib. n.

Entomological Review - Two new species of the genus Phaeophilacris Walk., belonging to the tribe Phalangopsini, as well as a new subtribe, genus, and species of the tribe Paragryllini, are...