Stockwellia quadrifida (Myrtaceae), a new Australian genus and species in the eucalypt group

A new genus and species in the eucalypt group of the Myrtaceae is described. Stockwellia quadrifida D.J. Carr, S.G.M. Carr & B.Hyland gen. et sp. nov. is a rainforest tree of restricted distribution on the Atherton Tableland, North Queensland, Australia. Molecular data suggest that it is the sister taxon to Eucalyptopsis and this is supported by morphological characters. The prolonged hypanthium and reduced perianth appear to be synapomorphies for these two genera and the circumscissile hypanthium a synapomorphy shared with Allosyncarpia . Stockwellia differs from Eucalyptopsis by the distinct, albeit reduced, perianth and the hypanthium splitting into four segments at anthesis. The relationship of these two genera indicates an historical biogeographical link between New Guinea and the Queensland wet tropics region.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 139 , 415–421.     

Recognition of the genus Hoplosaenidea Laboissière in Australia, with a key to the Australian genera of Galerucini (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)

Abstract The south-east Asian genus Hoplosaenidea Laboissière is recognised in Australia for the first time, with a single species, scutellata sp. n., occurring in north Queensland and New Guinea. A key is provided for identification of the Australian genera of Galerucini.     

Snakes across the Strait: trans-Torresian phylogeographic relationships in three genera of Australasian snakes (Serpentes: Elapidae: Acanthophis, Oxyuranus, and Pseudechis)

We analyze the phylogeny of three genera of Australasian elapid snakes (Acanthophis-death adders; Oxyuranus-taipans; Pseudechis-blacksnakes), using parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b and ND4 genes. In Acanthophis and Pseudechis, we find evidence of multiple trans-Torresian sister-group relationships. Analyses of the timing of cladogenic events suggest crossings of the Torres Strait on several occasions between the late Miocene and the Pleistocene. These results support a hypothesis of repeated land connections between Australia and New Guinea in the late Cenozoic. Additionally, our results reveal undocumented genetic diversity in Acanthophis and Pseudechis, supporting the existence of more species than previously believed, and provide a phylogenetic framework for a reinterpretation of the systematics of these genera. In contrast, our Oxyuranus scutellatus samples from Queensland and two localities in New Guinea share a single haplotype, suggesting very recent (late Pleistocene) genetic exchange between New Guinean and Australian populations.     

Review of Australian Asperoseius Chant, Euseius Wainstein, Okiseius Ehara and Phytoscutus Muma (Acari: Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) with a key to the genera of Australian Amblyseiinae and descriptions of two new species

Previous workers have used a conservative generic classification of the subfamily Amblyseiinae that treated most Australian Phytoseiidae as species in the genus Amblyseius Berlese. However, this lumping masks the occurrence of a number of genera recognised overseas, including some that contain important biological control agents. In this review, a key to the genera of Australian Amblyseiinae is provided and the Australian species in four amblyseiine genera are reviewed and keyed. Asperoseius Chant is represented by a single known Australian species, A. australiensis Fain and Krantz collected from a Culicoides midge in South Australia. Six species of Euseius Wainstein are recognised in Australia, including four endemics: E. dowdi (Schicha), E. elinae (Schicha), E. neovictoriensis (Schicha), and E. victoriensis (Schicha), and two Asia–Pacific species: E. noumeae (Schicha) and E. ovalis (Evans). Okiseius Ehara is represented in Australia by the previously described O. morenoi Schicha and O. domatorum (Schicha); the Asian species O. subtropicus Ehara (new record); and two new species, O. tribulation and O. cowbay described from tropical rainforest in Far North Queensland. Phytoscutus acaridophagus Collyer, a mite described from New Zealand, is reported in association with acarid mites ( Neotropacarus sp.) in Victoria and in Queensland.     

An extraordinary new rheophyte in the genus Leptactina (Rubiaceae, Pavetteae) from Rio Muni (Equatorial Guinea)

A distinctive new species of Rubiaceae from Rio Muni, Equatorial Guinea, is described and illustrated. Leptactina rheophytica is the only rheophyte known in the genus. Its diagnostic characters are elucidated, its taxonomic affinities are discussed, and notes on its conservation status are provided.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 153 , 109–113.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Eidothea hardeniana,an early Proteaceae

Eidothea hardeniana is a recently discovered rainforest species representing a basal Proteoid genus. It is known from a single location in New South Wales (Australia) with the only other member of the genus, Eidothea zoexylocarya, found in northern Queensland. We developed six microsatellite loci (five cross‐transferable) from an (AG) enriched library. The loci produced relatively high levels of diversity within 30 individuals of such a rare species. These microsatellites are now being used to provide new and useful information on the management of the species and on the processes shaping the evolution and persistence of ancient rainforest taxa.     

Revision of the New Caledonian endemic genus Gracilipsodes (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae: Grumichellini)

The taxonomy and systematics of the New Caledonian endemic caddisfly genus Gracilipsodes Sykora, 1967 (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae: Grumichellini) are reviewed. Seven new species represented by males are described and illustrated: Gracilipsodes aoupiniensis sp. nov. , Gracilipsodes aureus sp. nov. , Gracilipsodes aurorus sp. nov. , Gracilipsodes grandis sp. nov. , Gracilipsodes koghiensis sp. nov. , Gracilipsodes lanceolatus sp. nov. , and Gracilipsodes robustus sp. nov. Molecular phylogenetic analyses are applied to discern the relationships among the species of the genus and their closest relatives, based on sequence characters from the nuclear gene translation elongation factor-1α (EF-1α) and the three mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase I (COI), COII, and ribosomal large subunit (16S). The data are analyzed using parsimony and Bayesian inference, revealing a monophyletic Gracilipsodes with the eastern Australian monotypic genus Triplexa as its closest relative. Gracilipsodes is in turn divided into two major lineages.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 153 , 425–452.     

The importance of looking at small-scale patterns when inferring Gondwanan biogeography: a case study of the centipede Paralamyctes (Chilopoda, Lithobiomorpha, Henicopidae)

Gondwanan biogeography has fascinated zoologists and botanists for over a century, but most biogeographical work has used continent-scale areas as analytical units. More finely resolved patterns, as can be obtained from small invertebrates with limited dispersal abilities, will be obscured in those studies. A common case is treating Australia as a single biogeographical region. In the present study, the necessity of splitting Australia into multiple microareas is demonstrated using centipedes as an example. The lithobiomorph centipede Paralamyctes is distributed on fragments of Gondwana, with species in southern Africa, Madagascar, southern India, Patagonia, eastern Australia, and New Zealand. A cladogram for Paralamyctes is based on morphology and sequences for four molecular markers for 30 terminals that sample 20 of 26 known ingroup species and four outgroups. Analysis with direct optimization across a range of indel costs and transversion : transition cost ratios identifies two main clades: Paralamyctes ( Paralamyctes ) unites species from southern Africa, Madagascar, tropical and warm temperate Australia, and New Zealand. The other group includes the temperate Australian/New Zealand Paralamyctes ( Haasiella ) and Paralamyctes ( Thingathinga ) and a Chilean clade. Subtree analysis finds that different parts of Australia have closest affinities to other Gondwanan fragments, and some of these relationships (such as that between north Queensland and New Zealand) are based on taxonomically stable clades. Area delimitation for large continental fragments should use sufficiently fine resolution to test the 'monophyly' of those fragments and attempt to eliminate spurious geographical paralogy.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 89 , 65–78.     

Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy of the genus Rhodymenia (Rhodymeniaceae,Rhodymeniales) from Australia reveals overlooked species diversity

A previously published DNA barcode survey of red macroalgae in Australia revealed significant cryptic and overlooked diversity for the genus Rhodymenia with recognition of R. novahollandica, R. prolificans, R. stenoglossa, R. wilsonis and an additional four uncharacterized genetic species groups. Since that study, increased sampling effort in Australia has warranted reassessment and reinvestigation of the number of genetic species groups attributed to Rhodymenia and their respective taxonomic affiliations. Using molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy employing the DNA barcode (COI-5P), the present study resolved 188 Australian specimens in 12 genetic species groups assignable to the genus Rhodymenia. Four of these groups were attributed to the previously recognized species (above), whereas some collections from Lord Howe Island were attributed to the New Zealand species R. novazelandica, expanding its biogeographic range. The following seven genetic groups were inconsistent with existing species of Rhodymenia and established as novel taxa: R. compressa sp. nov., R. contortuplicata sp. nov., R. gladiata sp. nov., R. insularis sp. nov., R. lociperonica sp. nov., R. norfolkensis sp. nov. and R. womersleyi sp. nov. Although morphological and biogeographic features were adequate for distinguishing some species of Rhodymenia from Australia, DNA sequencing in combination with morphology and biogeography provided the most reliable means of identification.     

A new species of Gillbeea (Cunoniaceae) from north-eastern Queensland, Australia

Gillbeea whypallana sp. nov. is described from the Wet Tropics of North Queensland. This species differs from G. adenopetala in the larger serrate asymmetrical stipules, hirsute leaves and fruits and the number of lateral veindleaflet. Gillbeea adenopetala and G. whypallana both differ from G. papuana in having hairs on the lateral margins of the petals, and in having more than two ovules per carpel. The comparative morphology of the three Gillbeea species is described and illustrated, and the phylogenetic placement of the genus within the Cunoniaceae is discussed briefly.     

Mapping Biodiversity and Setting Conservation Priorities for SE Queensland’s Rainforests Using DNA Barcoding

Australian rainforests have been fragmented due to past climatic changes and more recently landscape change as a result of clearing for agriculture and urban spread. The subtropical rainforests of South Eastern Queensland are significantly more fragmented than the tropical World Heritage listed northern rainforests and are subject to much greater human population pressures. The Australian rainforest flora is relatively taxonomically rich at the family level, but less so at the species level. Current methods to assess biodiversity based on species numbers fail to adequately capture this richness at higher taxonomic levels. We developed a DNA barcode library for the SE Queensland rainforest flora to support a methodology for biodiversity assessment that incorporates both taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic relationships. We placed our SE Queensland phylogeny based on a three marker DNA barcode within a larger international rainforest barcode library and used this to calculate phylogenetic diversity (PD). We compared phylo- diversity measures, species composition and richness and ecosystem diversity of the SE Queensland rainforest estate to identify which bio subregions contain the greatest rainforest biodiversity, subregion relationships and their level of protection. We identified areas of highest conservation priority. Diversity was not correlated with rainforest area in SE Queensland subregions but PD was correlated with both the percent of the subregion occupied by rainforest and the diversity of regional ecosystems (RE) present. The patterns of species diversity and phylogenetic diversity suggest a strong influence of historical biogeography. Some subregions contain significantly more PD than expected by chance, consistent with the concept of refugia, while others were significantly phylogenetically clustered, consistent with recent range expansions.     

Plumage based classification of the bowerbird genus Sericulus evaluated using a multi-gene, multi-genome analysis

Past classifications of taxa within the bowerbird genus Sericulus (family: Ptilonorhynchidae) conflict since the discovery of hybrids identified though male plumage characteristics. We use molecular data to help define species within this genus, and by estimating a phylogeny, test for lability in the evolution of male plumage patterns. Because this genus includes the most brightly colored bowerbird species, and is hypothesized to be the basal genus of the avenue building bowerbird clade, the organization of the four taxa within this genus is especially important in understanding how bowerbird plumage coloration evolved. Analyses of two mitochondrial and six nuclear gene regions confirm the basal placement of Sericulus in the avenue building bowerbirds and Sericulus monophyly, and suggests the Australian S. chrysocephalus is the basal Sericulus species. Our analysis additionally supports the existence of three New Guinea Sericulus species, contrary to some previous plumage based classifications, as they are genetically equidistant from each other. Molecular and geographic data of New Guinea are consistent suggesting a series of speciation events starting approximately 3.7-4.3MYA leading to four extant Sericulus species. The absence of resolution within the New Guinea species precludes any statements of trait lability, but does suggest that traits under high selection pressures may not accurately indicate species level distinctions within this genus.     

Little genetic differentiation across Europe between early-flowering and late-flowering populations of the rapidly declining orchid Neotinea ustulata

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to characterize genetic diversity of the endangered Burnt Orchid, Neotinea (formerly Orchis ) ustulata . Fingerprinting of Estonian and British populations revealed surprisingly little genetic differentiation between populations but larger amounts of diversity within populations, especially in Britain. The resulting mean F _st value of 0.51 is unusually high for an orchid species. Much of the variation follows a west–east cline across Europe, whereas the much-discussed early- and late-flowering taxa of N. ustulata are considered insufficiently distinct to be viewed as separate subspecies. The later flowering N. ustulata var. aestivalis probably evolved independently on two or three occasions, each time diverging from the earlier flowering nominate race. The identity of the genes underpinning phenology in the species, and the potential selective advantages of phenological divergence, merit further study. Overall genetic diversity within populations is sufficiently high to render impoverishment an unlikely cause of their recent, precipitous decline.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 87 , 13–25.     

Regional patterns of biodiversity in New Guinea plants

Regional patterns of biodiversity in seven recently-studied, speciose groups of New Guinea plants (comprising 200 species, or 1–2% of the flora) are analysed with maps showing numbers of species in 1^o grid cells. Patterns are correlated with the tectonic history of New Guinea. The New Guinea orogen involved rocks of the northern margin of the Australian craton as well as the terranes accreted to the margin, and the current axial range is geologically and biologically composite. The southern Nothofagus has a main massing on the Australian craton portion of the New Guinea mountains. In contrast, four typical genera of Malesian rainforest (Parsonsia, Archidendron, Aglaia, Amyema) have centres of biodiversity on the accreted terranes north of the craton. There are 32 distinct tectono-stratigraphic terranes (some composite) which have been accreted to the craton at different times through the Tertiary and these may have travelled hundreds or even thousands of kilometres before docking. Finally, the 'decaisninoid group' of Loranthaceae and the fern Grammitis have centres of diversity on both the craton and the accreted terranes.     

Notes on Australian Typhlodrominae (Acari: Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae), with Descriptions of Two New Species of Neoseiulella Muma from Tropical Rainforests in Far Northern Queensland

Neoseiulella is the most diverse of the six genera of the subfamily Typhlodrominae in Australia, but previously only a single species has been reported from the tropics. Herein, two new species, Neoseiulella eiko sp.n. and N. coreen sp.n., from tropical rainforest in far northern Queensland are described. These mites are the smallest known members of the genus, share a number of unusual character states, and are intermediate in morphology between the two currently recognised species groups. A synopsis of the current placement of Australian Typhlodrominae and a key to the adult females of the Australian genera are provided.     

Development, phylogeny, and taxonomy of Bostrycapulus (Caenogastropoda: Calyptraeidae), an ancient cryptic radiation

Calyptraeid gastropods are well know for the taxonomic difficulties caused by their simple, phenotypically variable shells. In this paper I demonstrate that what was previously considered to be a single species, Crepidula aculeata , is an ancient (3–15 Myr) cryptic species complex made up of at least eight species, and that this group should be placed in the genus Bostrycapulus . Despite the difficulty in finding diagnostic adult shell and anatomical features upon which species can be unambiguously identified, DNA sequences, protoconch morphology, embryonic morphology and developmental characters clearly differentiate these eight species. A single species with direct development and nurse eggs is present in the South Atlantic, and a species with planktotrophic development occurs in the equatorial Pacific. The species from Japan, Australia, Florida, the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Central America, and the Cape Verde Islands all have direct development. Most of these species are separated by > 15% divergence in COI sequence data. The fossil record of Bostrycapulus goes back to the Miocene, which agrees with genetic estimates of divergences within the genus ranging from 3 to 15 Mya. Surprisingly, these ancient species differ only slightly in morphology from each other and genetic differentiation does not correlate with geographical distance. I revise the genus Bostrycapulus on the basis of differences in adult morphology, embryonic morphology, mode of development, protoconch morphology, and DNA sequence data. I also describe four new species ( B. pritzkeri sp. nov., B. odites sp. nov., B. latebrus sp. nov. and B. urraca sp. nov. ) and remove three others ( B. gravispinosus , B. calyptraeformis , and B.  cf. tegulicius ) from synonymy with B. aculeatus .  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 144 , 75−101.     

New species and new records of Menegazzia (Parmeliaceae, lichenized ascomycetes) from Malaysia and Indonesia

The genus Menegazzia (Parmeliaceae, lichenized ascomycetes) in Malaysia and Indonesia is studied. Some specimens from Papua New Guinea are also included. The great majority of available specimens are from Kinabalu Park, State of Sabah, Malaysia. Three species are described as new to science, namely the two sorediate species M. capitata (from Sabah and Pahang in Malaysia) and M. sabahensis (from Sabah), and the fertile, primary species M. monospora (from Sabah and Papua New Guinea). M. asahinae , M. dissoluta , and M. efflorescens are reported for the first time from Malaysia, and M. subsimilis is reported for the first time from Malaysia and Indonesia. The subgenus Megamenegazzia is newly described to accommodate the large, broad-lobed species with numerous perforations on the lower surface. M. efflorescens is selected as the type species for the new subgenus. Notes are also provided on the type specimens of Hypogymnia pectinatula , a species originally considered as belonging to Menegazzia .  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 153 , 489–499.