Phylogenetic taxonomy of the Cercosaurini (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae), with new genera for species of Neusticurus and Proctoporus

The tribe Cercosaurini is one of the most poorly studied groups of the lizard family Gymnophthalmidae. Recent studies have suggested that two cercosauriine genera, Neusticurus and Proctoporus , are polyphyletic. The aim of the current study was to rectify the polyphyletic relationships and construct a phylogenetic taxonomy of the Cercosaurini that is congruent with evolutionary history. Neusticurus is divided into two genera, one of them new ( Potamites ), based on the clades recovered by molecular studies and previously discussed morphological data. Proctoporus is divided into three genera, one of which is new ( Petracola ), while an older name ( Riama ) is resurrected for another. All five genera are described and defined and taxonomic keys are presented. This study represents an important advance in rectifying the taxonomy of the Cercosaurini. Many other para- and polyphyletic genera remain in the Gymnophthalmidae and much future work on this group is warranted.  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 143 , 405–416.     

Should universal guidelines be applied to taxonomic research?

In an attempt to facilitate the integration of various methods of species delimitation, Dayrat (2005 ) recommends a set of nomenclatorial guidelines. He proposes to restrict the application of new specific epithets where a recent taxonomic revision has not dealt with the totality of names and variation in the group, where specimens are not well-represented in collections, where DNA extraction from type specimens is not possible, and where putative novel species are supported only by a single type of data (e.g. morphological). Dayrat further recommends that putative novel species for which only one type of data exists be described with the abbreviation 'sp.', so as to avoid the permanent establishment of a specific epithet, as required by the current codes of nomenclature. Contradicting himself, Dayrat implies that putative novel species supported only by DNA sequences should be named as valid species. If adopted, Dayrat's guidelines would impede taxonomic progress, diminish the utility of taxonomy to its users (e.g. conservation biologists and biogeographers), and prevent the integration of methods of species delimitation.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 90 , 761–764.     

A multigene molecular assessment of cryptic biodiversity in the iconic freshwater blackfishes (Teleostei: Percichthyidae: Gadopsis) of south‐eastern Australia

Freshwater biodiversity is under ever increasing threat from human activities, and its conservation and management require a sound knowledge of species‐level taxonomy. Cryptic biodiversity is a common feature for aquatic systems, particularly in Australia, where recent genetic assessments suggest that the actual number of freshwater fish species may be considerably higher than currently listed. The freshwater blackfishes (genus Gadopsis) are an iconic group in south‐eastern Australia and, in combination with their broad, naturally divided distribution and biological attributes that might limit dispersal, as well as ongoing taxonomic uncertainty, they comprise an ideal study group for assessing cryptic biodiversity. We used a multigene molecular assessment including both nuclear (51 allozyme loci; two S7 introns) and matrilineal markers (cytb) to assess species boundaries and broad genetic substructure within freshwater blackfishes. Range‐wide examination demonstrates the presence of at least six candidate species across two nominal taxa, Gadopsis marmoratus and Gadopsis bispinosus. Phylogeographical patterns often aligned to purported biogeographical provinces but occasionally reflected more restricted and unexpected relationships. We highlight key issues with taxonomy, conservation, and management for a species group in a highly modified region. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 111 , 521–540.     

Taxonomic revision of the genus Galictis (Carnivora: Mustelidae): species delimitation,morphological diagnosis,and refined mapping of geographical distribution

Although critical for enabling in‐depth evolutionary, ecological, or conservation‐orientated studies, taxonomic knowledge is still scarce for many groups of organisms, including mammals of the order Carnivora. For some of these taxa, even basic aspects such as species limits and geographical distribution are still uncertain. This is the case for the Neotropical mustelid genus Galictis, considered one of the least studied carnivoran genera in the Americas. To address this issue, we performed a comprehensive assessment of morphological and molecular characters to test the number of species within Galictis, and to characterize their distinctiveness and evolutionary history. In addition, we reviewed and consolidated the available information on the taxonomy of this genus, so as to provide a historical framework upon which we could interpret our data. Our analyses demonstrated that two Galictis species can be clearly delimited and diagnosed using metric and nonmetric morphological characters as well as DNA sequences from mitochondrial and nuclear gene segments. On the basis of this clarified species‐level delimitation, we reassessed the geographical range of each Galictis taxon, identifying possible areas of sympatry between them. These results provide a solid taxonomic framework for Galictis, enabling the development of additional studies focusing on this poorly known taxon. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 167 , 449–472.     

An integrative study of Necremnus Thomson (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) associated with invasive pests in Europe and North America: taxonomic and ecological implications

The species of Necremnus attacking two invasive pests of tomato and canola in Europe and North America, respectively, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), have been revised using an integrative taxonomy approach. Molecular data from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I and the nuclear D2 expansion region of the 28S ribosomal subunit and internal transcribed spacer 2, the discovery of new morphological features, and study of type material resulted in the delineation of three species groups, the Necremnus artynes, Necremnus cosconius, and Necremnus tidius groups, the discovery of four new species, and the resurrection of three taxa from synonymy. Lectotypes have been designated for 13 species originally described in Eulophus by Walker. Although Necremnus has not been revised, an illustrated key is given to differentiate 23 recognized European species. The key, type images, and treatments of the three species groups will enable more accurate identification of the valid species of Necremnus in the future. They will also benefit biological control practitioners of pest species. The ecological consequences of the new taxonomic concepts are discussed. © 2015 The Authors. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Linnean Society of London     

Systematic revision of the arboreal snail Satsuma albida species complex (Mollusca: Camaenidae) with descriptions of 14 new species from Taiwan

The taxonomy of the endemic arboreal snail Satsuma albida species complex from Taiwan was unclear due to the animals' highly similar morphology, and their nocturnal and strict arboreal behaviour, leading to difficulties in collecting living specimens. This article is the first comprehensive comparative study on the systematics and taxonomy of this species complex using external morphology, anatomy of the reproductive system and molecular phylogeny. Consequently, two subspecies of S. albida are raised to species status, namely S. insignis and S. mollicula. Fourteen new species are also described. Fourteen of the 17 species showed polymorphism in banding pattern amongst populations and other species retained the whitish unity as seen in S. albida. Distributions of almost all taxa are geographically limited, with the exception of S. polymorpha sp. nov . The phylogeny of these species was reconstructed using 20 morphological characters and molecular data from the partial sequences of mtDNA CO1 and 16S rRNA genes, and the complete ITS2 sequence. The molecular phylogeny revealed three subclades (west, east and polymorpha clade) and revealed that these snails are monophyletic, originating from a ground‐dwelling ancestor. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 154 , 437–493.     

A taxonomic revision of the Tragulus mouse-deer (Artiodactyla)

The taxonomy of South-East Asian mouse-deer ( Tragulus ) is complex, and after some 120 years of considerable taxonomic revisions of the genus a clear key is still lacking for the determination of species and subspecies. Through craniometrical analysis of 338 skulls of Tragulus and some study of coat coloration patterns we have come to a better understanding of mouse-deer taxonomy. Our results show that there are three species groups: the T. javanicus -group, the T. napu -group, and T. versicolor . Within the T. javanicus -group we recognize three species: T. javanicus (from Java), T. williamsoni (from northern Thailand and possibly southern China), and T. kanchil (from the rest of the range), and within these species we provisionally recognize 16 subspecies. Within the T. napu -group we recognize two species: T. nigricans (from Balabac), and T. napu (from the rest of the range); within these species we provisionally recognize eight subspecies. T. versicolor from Nhatrang, south-east Vietnam, is distinct from the two previous groups; it is, however, unclear whether this species is still extant.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 140 , 63–102.     

Monophyly and phylogenetic placement of the spider genus Labulla Simon, 1884 (Araneae, Linyphiidae) and description of the new genus Pecado

The genus Labulla Simon is circumscribed in phylogenetic terms to include the species Labulla thoracica (Wider), L. flahaulti Simon and L. machadoi sp. nov. The genital anatomy of the genus is described in detail and the taxonomy of the genus is reviewed. The monophyly of Labulla is supported by numerous morphological apomorphies of the male palp and female epigynum. Based on a cladistic analysis, a new genus, Pecado gen. nov. , is erected to place Labulla impudica Denis, from Northern Africa. Lepthyphantes insularis Saito and ' Labulla ' nepula Tikader, both formerly included in Labulla , are not congeneric with the type species of Labulla .  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 143 , 359–404.     

Integration of cytochrome c oxidase I barcodes and geometric morphometrics to delimit species in the genus Gnopharmia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae,Ennominae)

We tested the hypothesis of species taxonomy in the genus Gnopharmia (Macariini, Ennominae) that was recently established in a review based on discrete morphological characters. For this objective we integrated both DNA‐based and morphometric approaches in order to infer species boundaries. A 658‐bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) (DNA barcode) was analysed from populations of five species distributed throughout the Middle East to assess their consistency with traditionally defined morphospecies. Signals in the morphological variation of the aedeagus of all relevant populations were evaluated using geometric landmarks. Consistent groupings compatible with the current taxonomic classification were found with both approaches. The results strongly support the distinction of seven closely related species. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

Stolidobranch ascidians from the tropical western Indian Ocean

Coastal ascidians collected over two centuries from Suez to Mozambique have been successively deposited in the MNHN and are now described and figured. Some of them were already known from the Indian Ocean, others are common to the Pacific, and some others are new species. Even though the present taxonomic work notably increases our knowledge of the tropical eastern African coast, it comprises so many miscellaneous collections from such distant points that it can only begin to suggest the diversity of ascidians there. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 135 , 65–120.     

Thuja sutchuenensis: a rediscovered species of the Cupressaceae

After more than a century, the only conifer species listed as being extinct in the wild (EW) by IUCN-SSC has been rediscovered in the Dabashan Mountains of central China. The history, taxonomy, ecology and conservation of Thuja sutchuenensis are described, and illustrations, based on both the earliest and latest collection of botanical material of this tree, are provided. The taxonomic context of this rare species is discussed.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London , Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 139 , 305–310.     

Morphological and molecular taxonomy of a new Daptonema (Nematoda,Xyalidae) with comments on the systematics of some related taxa

A new species of Daptonema is described based upon morphological characters and 18S rRNA sequence. Daptonema matrona sp. nov. was collected in Pina Basin (north‐eastern Brazil). It differs from all other species of the genus by the presence of reduced cephalic setae and straight spicules. These features require an adaptation of the generic diagnosis. Moreover, the females are characterized by intra‐uterine development of the offspring, considered herein as their major autapomorphic feature. Molecular systematic analyses supported Daptonema matrona sp. nov. as a distinct genetic and evolutionary lineage. The data also indicate hypotheses of taxonomic synonymies amongst some related taxa from Xyalidae as well as the paraphyly of Daptonema. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 158 , 1–15.     

Phylogeny and classification of the Scopulini moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Sterrhinae)

The phylogenetic relationships of the genera in the geometrid tribe Scopulini (Lepidoptera: Sterrhinae) were examined using 141 characters of adult morphology and ecology. The study material included 92 species, representing all previously recognized genera and covering the morphological variation and full geographical range of the tribe. The cladistic analysis resulted in 20 equally parsimonious trees and a strict consensus cladogram based on these was well resolved. A majority of the recovered synapomorphic characters have been used previously in the taxonomy of the tribe. However, many novel characters were found in the sclerotized structures of the thorax. Many previously recognized genera were found to be nonmonophyletic and based on the present revised, synapomorphy-based classification, the number of recovered genera is reduced considerably. Twenty new generic synonyms and 90 new or revived species combinations are proposed. Seven genera are considered valid, with the large genus Scopula Schrank including over 85% of all species in the tribe. The taxonomic history of the tribe is reviewed and the problems of earlier classifications are discussed. A key to the genera is presented, although an informal diagnosis is preferred. All recognized genera are illustrated and a revised world checklist of the Scopulini is presented.  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 143 , 473−530.     

A review of the genera of Macariini with a revised classification of the tribe (Geometridae: Ennominae)

The generic classification of moths of the tribe Macariini Guenée is reviewed critically, and a revised classification is presented. The review is based on a survey of species across the taxonomic and geographical range of the tribe. In the new framework, the number of genera is reduced considerably. Two genera are very large: Macaria Curtis (mainly New World) and Chiasmia Hübner (largely Old World) together include over half of all macariine species. Twenty-three genera are accepted in the tribe; the identity of two genera remain uncertain. No single character defines the tribe, but diagnostic features include one or more of the following: the presence of enlarged setae ('horns') on the uncus in the male genitalia; a divided valva; and a modified condition of sternum A8 in the male. The taxonomic history of the tribe is reviewed briefly and the problems of previous systems are explained mainly by the regional approach adopted. A diagnosis is presented for each genus. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 134 , 257–315.     

The genus Pholcus (Araneae, Pholcidae) in the Canary Islands

This paper offers a detailed taxonomic revision of all Canarian Pholcus species described before 2003, all of which are newly described and newly illustrated. Pholcus guadarfia sp. nov. is described, while a neotype for Pholcus malpaisensis Wunderlich, 1992 is also provided. In addition, we propose Pholcus gomerae Wunderlich, 1980 as a senior synonym for Pholcus gomeroides Wunderlich, 1987. More importantly, cladistic analysis based on the morphological characters of the Macaronesian Pholcus species was conducted for the first time. Parsimony analyses of 73 morphological characters revealed the close relationships between those species from the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Macaronesian enclave in Africa (between Agadir and Nouadhibou).  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 151 , 59–114.     

Morphological, vocal and genetic divergence in the Cettia acanthizoides complex (Aves: Cettiidae)

We used morphological, vocal and molecular (one mitochondrial and two nuclear loci) data to re-evaluate the taxonomic status of the taxa acanthizoides , concolor , and brunnescens in the Cettia acanthizoides (J. Verreaux, 1871) complex. We conclude that all three are valid taxa, and that acanthizoides of China and concolor of Taiwan are best treated as conspecific, whereas brunnescens of the Himalayas is better considered as a separate species. The degree of morphological, vocal, and genetic differentiation is variably congruent among all taxa; the recently separated acanthizoides and concolor differ slightly in plumage and structure but are indistinguishable in vocalizations, whereas the earlier diverged brunnescens and acanthizoides/concolor differ only slightly more in morphology but to a much greater degree in vocalizations. We stress the essential nature of taxonomic revisions as a prerequisite for the biodiversity estimates required for conservation planning.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 149 , 437–452.     

Disentangling taxonomy within the Rhabditis (Pellioditis) marina (Nematoda, Rhabditidae) species complex using molecular and morhological tools

Correct taxonomy is a prerequisite for biological research, but currently it is undergoing a serious crisis, resulting in the neglect of many highly diverse groups of organisms. In nematodes, species delimitation remains problematic due to their high morphological plasticity. Evolutionary approaches using DNA sequences can potentially overcome the problems caused by morphology, but they are also affected by theoretical flaws. A holistic approach with a combination of morphological and molecular methods can therefore produce a straightforward delimitation of species. The present study investigates the taxonomic status of some highly divergent mitochondrial haplotypes in the Rhabditis ( Pellioditis ) marina species complex by using a combination of molecular and morphological tools. We used three molecular markers (COI, ITS, D2D3) and performed phylogenetic analyses. Subsequently, morphometric data from nearly all lineages were analysed with multivariate techniques. We included R. ( P. ) mediterranea and R. (R.) nidrosiensis to infer species status of the observed lineages. The results showed that highly divergent genotypic clusters were accompanied by morphological differences, and we created a graphical polytomous key for future identifications. This study indisputably demonstrates that R. ( P. ) marina and R. ( P. ) mediterranea belong to a huge species complex and that biodiversity in free-living marine nematodes may be seriously underestimated.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 152 , 1–15.