Expanded molecular phylogeny of the genus Bicyclus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) shows the importance of increased sampling for detecting semi-cryptic species and highlights potentials for future studies

The genus Bicyclus is one of the largest groups of African butterflies, but due to the generally cryptic nature and seasonal variation of adult wing patterns, there has been a lot of systematic confusion. With a large research community working with the model species Bicyclus anynana there has been increasing interest in the evolutionary history of the genus. A previous phylogeny started to unravel interesting patterns, but only included 61% of the then known species. With a range of new species having been described in the last decade there has been a need for an updated phylogeny for the genus. We present the most complete phylogeny of Bicyclus yet, including 93% of the currently 103 recognized species and make a range of taxonomic revisions. We revise the status of four previous subspecies and synonymized taxa that in the light of the new genetic data are raised to species level. We also subsume two subspecies and describe a new species, Bicyclus collinsi sp. nov., based on both genetic and morphological evidence. A further new taxon is identified, but not described at this point due to lack of morphological data. Our phylogeny lays a solid foundation for better understanding the evolution of Bicyclus and highlights key species-groups and complexes with intriguing ecological patterns making them prime candidates for future studies.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2F775351-097E-4CD7-8F8F-A90B26D52DE8     

Description of a new species of Trogoderma Dejean, 1821 from Norfolk Island (Coleoptera: Dermestidae: Megatominae)

Trogoderma norfolkiana sp. nov. from Norfolk Island is described, illustrated and compared with related species; a differential diagnosis is also provided.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:519C91E0-774C-4AA2-9870-2F6C24B32B7C     

Taxonomy and molecular systematics of three oligotrich (s.l.) ciliates including descriptions of two new species,Strombidium guangdongense sp. nov. and Strombidinopsis sinicum sp. nov. (Protozoa,Ciliophora)

In this study we investigated the morphology of three oligotrich (s.l.) ciliates, Strombidium guangdongense sp. nov., Cyrtostrombidium paralongisomum Tsai et al., 2015 and Strombidinopsis sinicum sp. nov. Strombidium guangdongense sp. nov. is characterized by its elongate obconical to obovoidal body shape and widely spaced dikinetids in the girdle and ventral kineties. Another new species, Strombidinopsis sinicum sp. nov. is diagnosed by its small size and semi-globular body shape without mineral envelopes. Some additional morphological data of the recently described species Cyrtostrombidium paralongisomum Tsai et al., 2015, such as the endoral membrane, are supplied based on our population. We also analysed the molecular phylogeny of each species based on small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequence data. The monophyly of Cyrtostrombidium is supported by our phylogenetic analyses, but the monophyly of Strombidinopsis and of the family Strombidinopsidae are both rejected by AU tests. In addition, Strombidium species have a tail branch separately from one another in phylogenetic trees, whereas strombidiids with a pigment spot group together, suggesting the latter character is a synapomorphy for this group of strombidiids.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:35FE2AFD-A582-4885-BD01-48901E4C76C4

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:E9D4A497-DAD6-4AA0-A044-A5A1D2C1A057     

Systematics and biogeography of the subantarctic Leptusa (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Homalotini)

Leptusa atriceps and L. antarctica, flightess representatives of the nearly global genus Leptusa in the remote and widely distributed subantarctic islands, are taxonomically revised. Identity and the widely disjunct distribution of L. atriceps on Falkland, South Georgia, Marion, Crozet and Kerguelen Islands are confirmed. Leptusa antarctica is found to be a complex of five species restricted to the subantarctic islands of New Zealand. Two of these species, L. sparsepunctata and L. nesiotes are here reinstated from synonymy and two others, Leptusa insulae sp. nov. and Leptusa steeli sp. nov., are described as new to science. The monophyly of subantarctic Leptusa species united in the subgenus Halmaeusa was determined by a phylogenetic study of five exemplar homalotine genera and 17 representatives of Leptusa from South America and the Holarctic based on 76 adult morphological characters. Phylogenetic placement of Halmaeusa was not firmly established. Nanoglossa, a temperate South American subgenus of Leptusa was found as a possible sister group to Halmaeusa. The distribution of Halmaeusa species with two to four species that occur sympatrically on Campbell and Auckland Islands, and other species distributed across several remote islands, provides a framework for future biogeographic study of the subantarctic Leptusa.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:82509B9D-4BF6-47E1-B6F7-396ED193A0FA; http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:40A3D6FC-27FF-4070-88CA-1B519ABE760A     

A new species and first record of Androdeloscia (Oniscidea: Philosciidae) from Colombia

The genus Androdeloscia includes 24 Neotropical species distributed in Central and South America. This study describes the new species Androdeloscia colombiana sp. nov. from El Chorro, Soplaviento, and from the Botanical Garden Guillermo Piñeres, Turbaco, Bolívar, Colombia. This is the first record of the genus in Colombia.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AEA56E26-1F6D-4DDA-BA02-D73DE9FAD198     

Early Miocene rodents of Gökler (Kazan Basin,Central Anatolia,Turkey)

Abstract

The rich and relatively diverse fossil mammalian assemblage from Gökler is of special importance for understanding of faunal evolution in Central Anatolia. Large mammals were not recovered, but insectivores and rodents are abundant. The assemblage of rodents is studied in detail and comprises mainly diversified cricetids. Dormice are abundant, but are represented by only one species. Squirrels are represented only by few specimens and also beaver remains were identified. Spanocricetodon sinuosus is referred to a new genus Latocricetodon nov. gen that is tentatively assigned to the Pseudocricetodontinae. Newly named species are Cricetodon goklerensis sp. nov., Democricetodon haltmari sp. nov., Eumyarion lukasi sp. nov. and Glirudinus matusi sp. nov. The rodent assemblage is assigned to local zone C which is correlated to the European biounit MN2 (early Miocene). Our biochronological assessment is supported by radiometric dating from two volcanic ash layers.

Latocricetodon

LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:3414DB1E-0C5E-4154-BE5E-02A9ED183B1A

Cricetodon goklerensis

LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:1B658872-6C10-4355-B87C-3E6277AF4EDA

Democricetodon haltmari

LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:9B13F956-7F8C-406A-9970-1F5E999E54C6

Eumyarion lukasi

LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:34DED87E-855F-4969-AB84-10BED5C572BF

Glirudinus matusi

LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:798ECB9A-E3B5-4C38-B5B3-FEB17AF734FE     

Phylogenetic confirmation of the genus Robbea (Nematoda: Desmodoridae,Stilbonematinae) with the description of three new species

ABSTRACT

The Stilbonematinae are a monophyletic group of marine nematodes that are characterized by a coat of thiotrophic bacterial symbionts. Among the ten known genera of the Stilbonematinae, the genus Robbea Gerlach 1956 had a problematic taxonomic history of synonymizations and indications of polyphyletic origin. Here we describe three new species of the genus, R. hypermnestra sp. nov., R. ruetzleri sp. nov. and R. agricola sp. nov., using conventional light microscopy, interference contrast microscopy and SEM. We provide 18S rRNA gene sequences of all three species, together with new sequences for the genera Catanema and Leptonemella. Both our morphological analyses as well as our phylogenetic reconstructions corroborate the genus Robbea. In our phylogenetic analysis the three species of the genus Robbea form a distinct clade in the Stilbonematinae radiation and are clearly separated from the clade of the genus Catanema, which has previously been synonymized with Robbea. Surprisingly, in R. hypermnestra sp. nov. all females are intersexes exhibiting male sexual characters. Our extended dataset of Stilbonematinae 18S rRNA genes for the first time allows the identification of the different genera, e.g. in a barcoding approach.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D37C3F5A-CF2B-40E6-8B09-3C72EEED60B0     

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     

A surprisingly derived hydrometrid (Hemiptera,Gerromorpha) from the Crato Formation,Early Cretaceous of Brazil

In the present paper, we review the fossil record of the Hydrometridae (Hemiptera, Gerromorpha) and present a new species from the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation of Northeastern Brazil, Christometra paradoxa gen. et sp. nov. This species is based on a new specimen (a female), as well as a previously figured one (a male), providing a rare case of preservation of sexually dimorphic features in the fossil record. This is the third species coming from this deposit, which is Aptian-Albian in age and the oldest deposit to have yielded hydrometrids so far. Only five other Mesozoic species are known, being slightly younger in age (Cenomanian). So far, phylogenetic analyses have recovered Cretaceous hydrometrids as basal relative to Cenozoic genera but, Christometra paradoxa exhibits several advanced characteristics that unite it in a clade together with the extant genera Hydrometra and Bacillometroides, in a more derived position than any previously known fossil hydrometrid.

The present publication is registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (Zoobank), under the registration number http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3CFA88AB-3CBC-4CCC-8196-698ECC863947. The registration number for the nomenclatural act of the genus is http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:84744426-1259-4864-8E3F-E43E0DAB2021, and that of the species is http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:23700AB2-F7AD-4F50-A5E7-CB28868079B2.     

A new species of the genus Chrysolina Motschulsky, 1860 from Turkey (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae)

A new leaf beetle species, Chrysolina (Lopatinica) kabalaki sp. n., from Northeast Turkey is described and compared with closely related species. Habitus and male genitalia of the species are photographed. A key is provided for the species.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:89CEE108-138D-4D38-837D-A8C3682BB773     

Phylogenetic analysis of the family Telothelepodidae Nogueira,Fitzhugh & Hutchings, 2013 (Annelida: Terebelliformia)

Members of the 12 known species of the family Telothelepodidae, plus individuals of three additional undescribed species, were examined to infer phylogenetic relationships within the family and evaluate the status of genera. The outgroups include members of three species of Polycirridae and three of Thelepodidae. Members of 21 species, including both in- and outgroups, were coded for 47 subjects (‘characters’) and 109 characters sensu stricto (subject-predicate relations or ‘states’). The results, based on 15 minimum-length trees, each 103 steps long, suggest that telothelepodids should be divided into four genera, according to the morphology of the lower lip, presence or absence of eyespots, and visibility of segment 1. By necessity two of these genera are monotypic and plesiomorphic to two monophyletic genera; the latter two genera with five and eight species, respectively. Telothelepus, Parathelepus and Rhinothelepus are redefined, and the new genus Mesopothelepus gen. nov. is erected, all to accommodate the phylogenetic hypotheses presented. The problem of properly defining monotypic supraspecific taxon names as representative of phylogenetic hypotheses is discussed in relation to the inherent limitations of Article 13.1.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8C05DBD2-8226-4738-BF4A-E623A97ACB75     

A remarkable new opsiine leafhopper genus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from Southern China,with notes on its phylogenetic position

A remarkable new genus of tribe Opsiini (Deltocephalinae), Yinformibus gen. nov. including Yinformibus menglaensis sp. nov. is described from Yunnan of China. The new genus is placed in the tribe Opsiini based on male adults having a pair of aedeagal shafts, each with its own gonopore. Partial 28S rDNA and Histone H3 sequences are provided for the new species, and a phylogenetic analysis based on these markers for Deltocephalinae retrieved from GenBank suggests Opsiini is monophyletic and supports the placement of Yinformibus gen. nov. in Opsiini. The molecular results placed the new genus in a clade comprising Hishimonus Ishihara, Opsius Fieber, and an undescribed genus from Zambia. Additionally, we also analysed the relationships of Yinformibus gen. nov. with other genera based on morphology.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:85C23AC3-8B19-4F29-9F55-BFC392242B51     

A new miniature species of geophilomorph centipede from the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Ballophilidae)

A new miniature species of geophilomorph centipede, Ityphilus grismadoi sp. nov. (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Ballophilidae) is fully described and illustrated on the basis of specimens collected in Yasuní Scientific Station and Jatun Sacha Biological Station, both located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The new species is characterized by having the internal edge of the forcipular tarsungulum completely smooth, this trait being shared by six other Neotropical members of the genus Ityphilus Cook, 1899; and another species (I. cifuentesi Cupul Magaña, 2014) from the transition area between the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. Ityphilus grismadoi sp. nov. is distinguished from these seven species by the low number of leg-bearing segments (37, 39), and the very small body size (7–9 mm in length) and for a confident identification it is compared in detail with those having a roughly similar range of leg-bearing segments. This is the first record of the genus Ityphilus from Ecuador and the second report of a ballophilid centipede from the country (the other represented by Zygethmus pantenus Chamberlin, 1957). A key to the Neotropical members of Ityphilus with forcipular tarsungulum smooth (including I. cifuentesi) is also given.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:32F77890-9DC5-47AC-A794-29C4437C3B93http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:3EB64970-F159-4C6E-B9FF-AF9D09128553     

New data on spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of Iraq

Until recently only 33 species of spiders had been known from Iraq. New material collected in northern Iraq reveals 20 species, 13 genera and six families new to the country. One species, Pterotricha arzhantsevi sp. n. is described as new to science. Comparative figures are provided for seven species; the 54 species currently known from Iraq are listed and their occurrence in neighbouring Iran and Turkey is shown.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:4812F8A8-7A95-4D66-8E2D-CE42F73E7E91     

Contribution to the Ichneumoninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) of Iran,with descriptions of three new species

In this faunistic survey, we give distributional records for 48 species and subspecies of Ichneumoninae found in Iran, mainly from Golestan and Azerbaijan-e-Grabi provinces. 13 of these taxa are new for the Iranian fauna. Three Iranian species are new to science and described and illustrated, namely Coelichneumon iranicus Riedel sp. n., Coelichneumon melanocastaneus Riedel sp. n., and Coelichneumon nigrifrons Riedel sp. n.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BE8AC3A5-D40E-4D78-BB05-C0DEDFC5C47B     

Integrative taxonomy reveals the exceptional species diversity of Eudonia (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Tibet,China

The genus Eudonia is rarely recorded in Tibet despite having a wide occurrence in the plateau. In the taxonomy of the genus, the morphological characters are insufficient to delimit the closely related congeners due to the subtly interspecific differences and conspicuously intraspecific variability. In this study, the Tibetan species are studied with an integrative approach using molecular data and morphological characters. It is found that the number of Eudonia species in Tibet accounts for about 20% of the total species previously catalogued for the genus in China. Five species are described as new to science: Eudonia galonglaensis Li, sp. nov., E. varians Li, sp. nov., E. triangulata Li, sp. nov., E. angusta Li, sp. nov., and E. bomiensis Li, sp. nov. The potential distribution of Chinese Eudonia is predicted and illustrated using MaxEnt and DIVA-GIS. The results reveal the exceptionally high species diversity of Eudonia in Tibet for the first time, demonstrate that the integrative morphological and molecular approach is highly effective for resolving the difficult-to-distinguish morphologies, and predict the region of China to the south of 35°N and to the east of 95°E as having potentially high Eudonia species diversity.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EA3C5D21-9674-46E4-838D-48D5A098314B