Phylogenetic relationships in Iranian <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scutellaria</Emphasis> (Lamiaceae) based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and chloroplast <Emphasis Type="Italic">trn</Emphasis>L-F DNA data

The genus Scutellaria (Lamiaceae, Scutellarioidae) includes taxa with a wide range of pharmacological traits, which make this genus economically important. Previous taxonomical studies on Scutellaria were mainly based on morphological and chromosomal characters. The infrageneric classification of the genus has been the subject of a long controversy among authors, and delimitation of taxa remains problematic. In this study, the phylogeny of the genus was evaluated using nrDNA ITS and trnL-F sequences, with a focus on the 42 Iranian taxa belonging to subgenera Apeltanthus and Scutellaria. In both ITS and trnL-F trees, there were two main clades within the genus corresponding to the two subgenera Scutellaria and Apeltanthus. In the subg. Scutellaria, the sect. Anaspis was monophyletic, but the monophyly of sect. Scutellaria was not supported. In this subgenus, S. galericulata was located away from other species in both trees, supported the isolation of this species from the sect. Scutellaria and inclusion in the sect. Galericularia as was previously considered by some authors. In subg. Apeltanthus, sect. Apeltanthus and sect. Lupulinaria were not monophyletic; furthermore, the monophyly of subsect. Lupulinaria was not supported. Based on the results of this study, it can be suggested that the sectional classification of both subgenera Apeltanthus and Scutellaria should be revised.     

Molecular phylogenetic and biogeographical analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nitraria</Emphasis> based on nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences

Based upon DNA sequences from six plastid regions (rbcL, psbB-psbH, trnL-trnF, rpS16, psbA-trnH, rpS16-trnK) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA, the phylogenetic relationships in the genus Nitraria and family Nitrariaceae are investigated by using methods of maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference. Our study strongly supports the monophyly of Nitraria. Nitraria can be divided into four parts, namely, the N. sphaerocarpa group, N. retusa group, the N. roborowskii and N. tangutorum group, and a group consisting of N. schoberi, N. komarovii, N. sibirica, and N. billardieri. Ancestral area reconstruction using S-Diva shows that eastern Central Asia is most likely the place of origin, and then dispersals occurred to western Central Asia, Africa, and Australia.     

Phylogenetic Relationships within <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllophaga</Emphasis> Harris (sensu <Emphasis Type="Italic">lato</Emphasis>) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae,Melolonthinae) with Emphasis on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listrochelus</Emphasis> Blanchard

As partial results of a long-term project for the revision of the supraspecific classification of the American Melolonthini, using phylogenetic methods, interesting information on the relationships between the subgeneric groups of Phyllophaga Harris proposed by Saylor were obtained. The genus Listrochelus was described by Blanchard in 1851. However, in 1940, Saylor reduced it as a subgenus of Phyllophaga. The objective of the present study is to confirm the monophyly of Listrochelus by means of a phylogenetic analysis. A total of 132 species were analyzed; 31 species of them belong to Listrochelus, 76 are from other groups of Phyllophaga, and 25 species are from the outgroup. A morphological matrix with 281 characters was codified. A traditional search with 1000 iterations was performed in TNT. Branch support was investigated using the bootstrap method. Parsimony analysis resulted in ten equally parsimonious trees. The topology obtained in the strict consensus tree shows that the limits of Listrochelus are very clear (bootstrap 99%), supported by five synapomorphies and a combination of eight character states that are not exclusive to the group. Based on the hypothesis obtained, the restitution of the genus Listrochelus is proposed.     

Differentiation of the endemic Greek genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hymenonema</Emphasis> and its relatives of subtribe Scolyminae (Compositae,Cichorieae) based on a multilocus species tree reconstruction

Hymenonema (Compositae, tribe Cichorieae) together with the genera Catananche, Gundelia, and Scolymus forms the subtribe Scolyminae. It is endemic to Greece and consists of two species, Hymenonema laconicum and Hymenonema graecum, which occur in the south Peloponnisos and central Aegean area, respectively. The present contribution aims at a phylogenetic reconstruction of evolutionary relationships among the 12 species of the subtribe, focusing on the temporal and spatial framework for its evolution. The phylogenetic relationships among the members of Scolyminae were inferred from molecular data based on the multi-copy region of the nrDNA internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2, two intergenic spacers of the cpDNA (trnL-trnF, rpl32-trnL), and one single-copy nuclear region (D10). The gene trees were reconstructed using Bayesian phylogenetic methods. All gene trees support the monophyly of Hymenonema and the sister-group relationship with the genus Scolymus. The further sister-group relationship of this group (Hymenonema–Scolymus) with Catananche is also supported by nrDNA and cpDNA analyses. Finally, a species tree (inferred in a Bayesian coalescent framework) was reconstructed and dates the divergence time between the two Hymenonema species to the Pleistocene (around 1.3 Ma ago). Maximum likelihood-based biogeographical reconstructions suggest a Miocene (pre-Messinian) differentiation of the subtribe on the northern Tethyan platform, followed by Miocene/Pliocene dispersal events to the western Mediterranean and North-African platforms and final, small-scale vicariance events within the genera in the Pleistocene.     

Genetic divergence within the monotypic tree genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Platycarya</Emphasis> (Juglandaceae) and its implications for species’ past dynamics in subtropical China

Subtropical East Asia harbours a large plant diversity that is often attributed to allopatric speciation in this topographically complex region characterized by a relative climate stability. Here, we use observations of Platycarya, a widespread subtropical Asian tree genus, to explore the consequences of past climate stability on species’ evolutionary history in subtropical China. This genus has a controversial taxonomy: while it is now prevailingly treated as monotypic, two species have been originally described, Platycarya strobilacea and P. longipes. Previous information from species distribution models, fossil pollen data and genetic data based on chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) were integrated with newly obtained genetic data from the two putative species. We used both cpDNA (psbA-trnH and trnL-F intergenic spacers, including a partial trnL gene sequence) and nuclear markers. The latter included sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1–5.8S–ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA and random genomic single nucleotide polymorphisms. Using these nuclear genetic markers, we found interspecific genetic divergence fitting with the ‘two species’ scenario and geographically structured intraspecific variation. Using cpDNA markers, we also found geographically structured intraspecific variation. Despite deep inter- and intraspecific genetic divergence, we detected genetic admixture in southwest China. Overall, our findings of genetic divergence within Platycarya support the hypothesis of allopatric speciation. However, episodes of population interconnection were identified, at least in southwest China, suggesting that the genus has had a dynamic population history.     

Taxonomic delimitation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fulvifomes robiniae</Emphasis> (Hymenochaetales,Basidiomycota) and related species in America: <Emphasis Type="Italic">F. squamosus</Emphasis> sp. nov.

Morphological revision of Fulvifomes robiniae, as well as phylogenetic inferences based on nITS and nLSU markers, indicated that the species has a narrower concept in its morphology and distribution. Other morphologically related taxa arise from this taxonomic approach. Fulvifomes cedrelae is not accepted as a synonym of F. robiniae, and Fulvifomes squamosus sp. nov. is described as new based on Peruvian specimens. Based on morphology, phylogenetic relationships and host distributions, the taxonomic implication for the genus and other related taxa are discussed.     

Contribution to the phylogeny and a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coccodiella</Emphasis> (Phyllachorales)

Coccodiella is a genus of plant-parasitic species in the family Phyllachoraceae (Phyllachorales, Ascomycota), i.e., tropical tar spot fungi. Members of the genus Coccodiella are tropical in distribution and are host-specific, growing on plant species belonging to nine host plant families. Most of the known species occur on various genera and species of the Melastomataceae in tropical America. In this study, we describe the new species C. calatheae from Panama, growing on Calathea crotalifera (Marantaceae). We obtained ITS, nrLSU, and nrSSU sequence data from this new species and from other freshly collected specimens of five species of Coccodiella on members of Melastomataceae from Ecuador and Panama. Phylogenetic analyses allowed us to confirm the placement of Coccodiella within Phyllachoraceae, as well as the monophyly of the genus. The phylogeny of representative species within the family Phyllachoraceae, including Coccodiella spp., graminicolous species of Phyllachora and taxa with erumpent to superficial stroma from several host families, suggests that the genus Phyllachora might be polyphyletic. Furthermore, tar spot fungi with superficial or erumpent perithecia seem to be restricted to the family Phyllachoraceae, independently of the host plant. We also discuss the biodiversity and host-plant patterns of species of Coccodiella worldwide.     

Phylogenetic Systematics of Peccaries (Tayassuidae: Artiodactyla) and a Classification of South American Tayassuids

Tayassuidae is a family of pig-like Artiodactyla restricted to the New World. Despite its rich fossil history, they have received less attention from a taxonomic and phylogenetic perspective when compared to the Old World pigs, Suidae. In this study, we performed a computer assisted phylogenetic analysis using morphological and molecular data including fossil and extant Tayassuidae, using parsimony and Bayesian approaches. We recovered the monophyly of the family Tayassuidae, confirming previous proposals, as well as the monophyly of the subfamilies Hesperhyinae and Tayassuinae, and the genus Platygonus, which we placed in a new taxon of tribe level. The three living peccaries and a number of fossil species belong to a new, tribe level, monophyletic group. The genus Catagonus comes out as paraphyletic, leading us to propose to restrict the generic name to the type species, C. metropolitanus, and a new taxonomic arrangement for the remaining species previously included in it, revalidating the genera Brasiliochoerus and Parachoerus, and describing a new genus, Protherohyus, gen. nov.     

Species diversity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudocercospora</Emphasis> from Far East Asia

This study reflects on the monophyly of, and species diversity within, the genus Pseudocercospora in Far East Asia. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of Pseudocercospora species were based on type specimens and ex-type cultures, which were collected from Japan and Taiwan. A phylogenetic tree was generated from multi-locus DNA sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer regions of the nrDNA cistron (ITS), partial actin (actA), and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), as well as the partial DNA-directed RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2). Based on these results, Pseudocercospora amelanchieris on Amelanchier and Ps. iwakiensis on Ilex were newly described from Japan, and a further 22 types (incl. two neo-, five lecto-, and 15 epitypes), were designated. The genus Pseudocercospora as presently circumscribed was found to be monophyletic, while the secondary barcodes, actA, tef1, and rpb2 were shown to be well suited to delimitate species within the genus.     

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of key <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jatropha</Emphasis> species inferred from nrDNA ITS and chloroplast (<Emphasis Type="Italic">trn</Emphasis>L-F and <Emphasis Type="Italic">rbc</Emphasis>L) sequences

The genus Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae) contains species that are of significant economic and ornamental value. However, Jatropha breeding material is rather limited due to incomplete information regarding phylogenetic relationships among germplasm resources. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA ITS), two chloroplast regions (trnL-F and rbcL), and the combined (ITS+trnL-F+rbcL) dataset among twenty-five specimens representing six key Jatropha species. Phylogenetic relationships of Jatropha were well resolved between subgenus Curcas and subgenus Jatropha, and demonstrated the intermediate position of section Polymorphae among sections of both subgenera. Jatropha curcas and J. integerrima demonstrated a close phylogenetic relationship. The molecular data agreed with the morphological classification that recognized J. multifida and J. podagrica in sec. Peltatae. The distinct intraspecific divergence that occurred in J. curcas could be attributed to restricted gene flow caused by geographical isolation and different ecological conditions. Phylograms produced with trnL-F and rbcL sequence data suggested slow rates of sequence divergence among Jatropha spp., while the ITS gene tree had good resolution suggesting high genetic variation of ITS among Jatropha species.     

The EU protected taxon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Morimus funereus</Emphasis> Mulsant, 1862 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and its western Palaearctic allies: systematics and conservation outcomes

Morimus funereus is a large longhorn beetle included in the European Habitats Directive and in previous releases of the IUCN red list. It represents a flagship species of old-growth forest saproxylic communities in E and SE Europe. The morphologically based taxonomy of W Palaearctic Morimus is rather unstable due to high phenetic intrapopulational and geographic variability and different authors have attempted to recognise one to five different taxa of specific/subspecific rank. No previous molecular data are available for the genus Morimus. Here, for the first time, a molecular approach based on COI and ITS2 gene sequences was applied in European and Anatolian Morimus specimens. The genetic variability among Euro-Anatolian Morimus populations and the geographical structure suggest that they can not be ascribed to the currently accepted five W Palaearctic Morimus species and may actually represent a single, genetically and morphologically variable biological species (M. asper), highlighting the necessity of an extended taxonomical revision. In light of these results, a phylogeographical hypothesis of postglacial colonisation of the central Mediterranean area has been developed and the consequences of this new taxonomic arrangement regarding conservation strategies for “Morimus funereus” and allied taxa in Europe and Turkey are discussed.     

Molecular evidence for hybridization between invasive <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solidago canadensis</Emphasis> and native <Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>. <Emphasis Type="Italic">virgaurea</Emphasis>

Hybridization between alien and native species is biologically very important and could lead to genetic erosion of native taxa. Solidago × niederederi was discovered over a century ago in Austria and described by Khek as a natural hybrid between the alien (nowadays regarded also as invasive) S. canadensis and native S. virgaurea. Although interspecific hybridization in the genus Solidago is considered to be relatively common, hybrid nature of S. × niederederi has not been independently proven using molecular tools, to date. Because proper identification of the parentage for the hybrid Solidago individuals solely based on morphological features can be misleading, in this paper we report an additive polymorphism pattern expressed in the ITS sequences obtained from individuals representing S. × niederederi, and confirm the previous hypothesis that the parental species of this hybrid are S. canadensis and S. virgaurea. Additionally, based on variability at the cpDNA rpl32-trnL locus, we showed that in natural populations hybridization occurs in both directions.     

Phylogeny and taxonomy of casebearer moths (Lepidoptera,Coleophoridae) based on morphological and molecular genetic data. 1. Reconstruction of phylogeny of coleophoridae using analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">COI</Emphasis> gene variability

A phylogenetic study of representatives of the family Coleophoridae was conducted using a comprehensive approach, including methods of morphological and molecular genetic analyses. The existent data on the family system were compared with the results of phylogenetic analysis of the COI mitochondrial gene sequences. Four of the five studied subfamilies (Coleophorinae, Ischnophaninae, Augasminae, and Tolleophorinae) corresponded to their location on the phylogram; representatives of Metriotinae were part of Coleophorinae. According to the aggregate data from molecular phylogeny and morphology, the most numerous subfamily of casebearers, Coleophorinae, is polyphyletic within its current boundaries. The results of our analysis of COI molecular divergence does not refute the monophyly of the tribes Casignetellini, Carpochenini, Klinzigedini, Goniodomini, Casasini, and Atractulini from the subfamily Coleophorinae. The allocation of the tribes Aporipturini and Sistrophoecini within the subfamily does not correspond to the molecular data. Monophyly of the genera Ecebalia, Perygra, and Casignetella was confirmed. These genera are well isolated, which reflects the evolutionary significance of the morphological characters chosen for their taxonomic division. The boundaries of the cluster containing these genera correspond to those of the tribe Casignetellini, justifying the allocation of this tribe within the subfamily. The existence of monophyletic tribes Goniodomini (genus Goniodoma) and Carpochenini (genera Ionescumia, Carpochena, and Falkmisa) was also supported. The exceptions were the genera Kasyfia, Tollsia, and Agapalsa, whose monophyly was not confirmed by our results. The distribution of the sequences of species of these genera indicated a paraphyletic origin of Kasyfia and Tollsia and a polyphyletic origin of Agapalsa.     

Phylogenetic analysis of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Argia</Emphasis> Rambur, 1842 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), based on morphological characters of larvae and mitochondrial DNA sequences

The study of the evolutionary interrelationships among the species encompassed in the Neotropical genus Argia (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae) has been neglected. The goal of this study is to infer the phylogenetic relationships among 36 species of Argia Rambur, 1842, using complementary data sets (i.e., larval morphology and mitochondrial DNA). The morphological data set comprises 76% of the larvae currently described for this genus and includes 97 morphological characters. From those, 47 characters have not been previously used in taxonomic studies involving dragonflies’ larvae. This is the first cladistic study based on larvae morphology for species within the suborder Zygoptera. Data partitions were analyzed individually, as well as total evidence, using parsimony and Bayesian inference as criteria for optimal-tree selection. The results support the monophyly of the North American species of Argia. This genus can be identified by the combination of eight synapomorphies, four of which are exclusively found in Argia. According to the optimal trees, the individual data sets (i.e., morphology and DNA sequences) have a high level of homoplasy, resulting in soft polytomies and low support for several nodes. The specific relationships of the terminal units differ between the phylogenies; nonetheless, there is historical congruence among them. Within Argia, five clades were consistently recovered. Most of those clades have been identified, at least in part, in previous phylogenetic and taxonomic studies. Indubitably, the morphological characters from larvae have historical signal useful for cladistic and taxonomic inference. Therefore, it should be a priority to pay more attention to this source of characters.     

Molecular Phylogeny of Serotines (Mammalia,Chiroptera, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eptesicus</Emphasis>): Evolutionary and Taxonomical Aspects of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">E. serotinus</Emphasis> Species Group

This article provides a phylogenetic analysis of five nuclear and mitochondrial cytochrome b genes of palaearctic serotines. Nuclear data yield five monophyletic clades: Botta’s serotine and the South African long-tailed house bat E. hottentottus; the common serotine bat (including all studied E. serotinus subspecies and andersoni form of undefined status) and the meridional serotine E. isabellinus; the Gobi serotine, including Bobrinski’s serotine; the northern bat; and New World serotines. We found latest taxonomic decisions regarding mirza and pachyomus questionable and needing further revision. The significant inconsistency between mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies obtained for genes of different inheritance systems suggests repetitive introgression events in the evolution of the genus.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudopestalotiopsis ignota</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ps. camelliae</Emphasis> spp. nov. associated with grey blight disease of tea in China

We combined morphological and combined ITS, TUB and TEF sequence data to infer the phylogeny of the recently introduced genus Pseudopestalotiopsis. Two new species from China, Ps. camelliae from blighted leaves of Camellia sinensis and Ps. ignota from an undetermined host in China, are introduced with illustrated accounts and compared with similar taxa. Grey blight disease of tea appears to be caused by a group of fungi that constitutes a species complex. A new combination is proposed to emend the monophyly of Pseudopestalotiopsis and a species comparison is provided for taxa in the genus.