Some Helicosporae from hyderabad-I

Summary In this paper new species ofHelicoma, Troposporella andHelicoceros, viz.,H. narsapurense, T. hyalospora, H. indicum respectively have been reported. A new genusMoorella withM. speciosa as type is described.     

Taxonomy of the long‐tailed mouse Oligoryzomys destructor (Sigmodontinae: Oryzomyini) with the designation of neotypes for Hesperomys destructor Tschudi, 1844 and Hesperomys melanostoma Tschudi, 1844

The genus Oligoryzomys, distributed from southern South America to southern North America, is the most diverse of the tribe Oryzomyini of sigmodontine rodents. Even when 22 species are currently recognized, species boundaries are unclear for several forms. The species Oligoryzomys destructor is one of the least studied species of the genus and is the one with the largest distribution along the Andes (from southern Colombia to northern Bolivia). The species was described without the selection of a holotype and indication of its type locality. In addition, several taxa are regarded as synonyms of O. destructor. These facts are relevant because previous analysis of DNA sequences has shown that O. destructor represents a species complex. Herein, in addition to test the phylogenetic position of O. destructor within the genus Oligoryzomys, we assess patterns of morphological and molecular variation of O. destructor and its associated nominal forms aimed to assess the boundaries of the species. As part of the study, we selected neotypes for Hesperomys destructor and H. melanostoma. At the light of our results, we recognized O. destructor as a species with two subspecies, O. d. destructor and O. d. spodiurus. Also, we discuss the role of Andean rivers, and their different permeability, as allopatric barriers molding the structure of O. destructor.     

L'entomophthoraleNeozygites fumosa pathogène de la Cochenille du manioc,Phenacoccus manihoti [Hom.: Pseudococcidae], en République populaire du Congo

Résumé Uniquement connue du sud des Etats-Unis d'Amérique, l'EntomophthoraleNeozygites fumosa (Speare) Remaudière & Keller a été retrouvée en République populaire du Congo, où elle attaque la Cochenille du manioc,Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero [Hom.: Coccoidea Pseudococcidae]. De légères variations d'ordre biométrique sont mises en évidence au sein de l'espèce fongique. A ce jour, parmi les Entomophthorales mentionnées dans la littérature comme pathogènes de Cochenilles, seules deux espèces peuvent être retenues avec certitude:Neozygites fumosa etConidiobolus pseudococci Speare (Tyrrell & MacLeod), toutes deux pathogènes dePseudococcidae.

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Summary The entomophthoraceous fungus,Neozygites fumosa (Speare) Remaudière and Keller, which was only known from the south of the U.S.A., was found in the People's Republic of the Congo, on the Cassava mealybug,Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero [Homoptera: Coccoidea, Pseudococcidae]. Slight biometrical variations appear within the fungal species. At the present time, among the Entomophthorales cited in the literature as parasitizing Coccoidea, two species only can be retained with certainty:Neozygites fumosa andConidiobolus pseudococci Speare (Tyrrell and MacLeod), both attackingPseudococcidae.

     

Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate paraphyly of the genus Hybomys (Rodentia: Muridae): Taxonomic implications

Widely distributed in Guineo‐Congolian forests, the genus Hybomys is represented by two species complexes (univittatus and trivirgatus), each restricted to one distinct forest block. In the last revision, these two species complexes were considered as distinct subgenera (Hybomys and Typomys). Previous morphological and karyological studies identified an important divergence between these two subgenera and raised the question of their taxonomic status (subgenus or genus). The number of species within this genus is also a matter of discussion: nine forms were described but only six (H. badius, H. basilii, H. lunaris, H. planifrons, H. trivirgatus, and H. univitttatus) are currently recognized as distinct species, the three others (H. pearcei, H. eisentrauti, and H. rufocanus) being considered as synonyms. The monophyly of the genus and its species have never been previously investigated with DNA sequence data. In this study, we combined mitochondrial and nuclear data (for a total of 3,264 nucleotide characters) to test the monophyly of Hybomys and to assess the specific status of H. eisentrauti and H. rufocanus. Our results highlight the paraphyly of the genus: members of the H. univittatus species complex appeared closely related to the genera Stochomys and Dephomys; representatives of H. trivirgatus are the sister clade of the node grouping Stochomys, Dephomys and member of the H. univittatus species complex. Combined with previous morphological findings, our results suggest that Typomys and Hybomys should be considered as two distinct genera. Based on tree topology and genetic distances, we propose to consider H. rufocanus as a valid species, distinct from H. univittaus, and to consider H. badius and H. eisentrauti as junior synonyms of H. rufocanus.     

Species‐delimitation and phylogenetic analyses of some cosmopolitan species of Hypnea (Rhodophyta) reveal synonyms and misapplied names to H. cervicornis,including a new species from Brazil

Hypnea has an intricate nomenclatural history due to a wide pantropical distribution and considerable morphological variation. Recent molecular studies have provided further clarification on the systematics of the genus; however, species of uncertain affinities remain due to flawed taxonomic identification. Detailed analyses coupled with literature review indicated a strong relationship among H. aspera, H. cervicornis, H. flexicaulis, and H. tenuis, suggesting a need for further taxonomic studies. Here, we analyzed sequences from two molecular markers (COI‐5P and rbcL) and performed several DNA‐based delimitation methods (mBGD, ABGD, SPN, PTP and GMYC). These molecular approaches were contrasted with morphological and phylogenetic evidence from type specimens and/or topotype collections of related species under a conservative approach. Our results demonstrate that H. aspera and H. flexicaulis represent heterotypic synonyms of H. cervicornis and indicate the existence of a misidentified Hypnea species, widely distributed on the Brazilian coast, described here as a new species: H. brasiliensis. Finally, inconsistencies observed among our results based on six different species delimitation methods evidence the need for adequate sampling and marker choice for different methods.     

Morphogenesis and Molecular Phylogeny of the Soil Ciliate Holostichides chardezi (Ciliophora,Hypotrichia, Bakuellidae), with Redefinition of Holostichides Foissner, 1987 and Establishment of a New Genus Anteholostichides

Morphogenesis of the soil hypotrich ciliate, Holostichides chardezi Foissner, 1987, collected from southeastern China, was investigated using the protargol staining method. The main morphogenetic events follow a similar process with that of its congeners. Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU rDNA sequence data indicate that Holostichides is nonmonophyletic; H. chardezi, the type species of Holostichides, clusters with H. heterotypicus, while H. terrae is distinctly separate from these species. H. terrae can be distinguished from H. chardezi (type species of Holostichides) and H. heterotypicus by undulating membranes relatively long and distinctly curved (vs. relatively short and straight), pharynx with (vs. without) rod‐shaped structure, and two (vs. more than two) frontoterminal cirri. Therefore, a new genus, Anteholostichides nov. gen., has been proposed for H. terrae. Further, the diagnosis of the genus Holostichides is improved.     

Phylogeographic analysis reveals two cryptic species of the endangered fern <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratopteris</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">thalictroides</Emphasis> (L.) Brongn. (Parkeriaceae) in China

Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. (Parkeriaceae) is a difficult fern species to taxonomically classify. Three cryptic species were revealed in the previous studies, referred to as the north type, the south type, and the third type. Because much of the distribution range of C. thalictroides in China was not included in the sampling of the previous studies, the taxonomic complexity of C. thalictroides in China remained uncertain. In order to identify the uncharacterized cryptic species, we examined four chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) non-coding regions and compared sequence variation within this species complex. Sequence data were obtained from 143 individuals in 24 populations throughout the natural distribution of the species in China. Nineteen haplotypes were identified. Molecular systematic and phylogeographical analyses revealed two genetically distinct clusters of cpDNA haplotypes in China. One cluster included haplotypes associated with the north type, and another with the south type cryptic species. The N _ST value was significantly higher than the G _ST value (N _ST = 0.768 > G _ST = 0.434, P < 0.05), indicating the presence of a significant phylogeographical structure of C. thalictroides in China. The results of AMOVA analysis showed a significant inter-group differentiation (F _ST = 0.918; P < 0.001). Analyses based on different, but complementary methods suggest that in China, C. thalictroides contains only two of the cryptic species (the north and south types). Two haplotypes, H8 and H17, of the interior node in the minimum-spanning network (MSN) of cpDNA haplotypes are widespread. The origin of the widespread haplotypes in China may have resulted from long-distance dispersal to China.     

Comparative phylogeographic study of Hosta sieboldiana and Hosta albomarginata (Asparagaceae) in Japan

We analyzed variations in chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in the widespread herbaceous species Hosta sieboldiana and Hosta albomarginata across large portions of their geographic ranges in the Japanese archipelago. Our objective was to compare the phylogeographic histories and phylogeographic structures of the two congeneric species in the Japanese archipelago. The location of the study is Japanese archipelago. We sequenced 1380 bp of noncoding cpDNA from 45 populations of H. sieboldiana (n = 362) and 55 populations of H. albomarginata (n = 436) to assess genetic variations within and among populations across almost the entire distributions of the species in Japan. Extant patterns of geographic structure were analyzed using statistical parsimony networks and spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA). We also used Monmonier's algorithm to detect genetic barriers between regions. Relationships between the populations were examined using a neighbor‐joining (NJ) method. Four haplotypes were found for H. sieboldiana, whereas eight haplotypes were identified for H. albomarginata. Total genetic haplotype diversity (hT) and within‐population haplotype diversity (hS) for H. sieboldiana were 0.352 and 0.040, respectively, while the values for H. albomarginata were 0.529 and 0.085, respectively. The population differentiations (GST) for H. sieboldiana and H. albomarginata were 0.839 and 0.886, respectively. The SAMOVA analysis revealed two clusters in H. sieboldiana and four clusters in H. albomarginata. Differentiations between and among the clusters were supported by the BARRIER analysis and the NJ tree. We detected differences in the population genetic structure between the two species. We found that H. sieboldiana had lower haplotype diversity than H. albomarginata. These results may be partially explained by the difference in ecological habitats and geographic distributions between the species. Hosta albomarginata is more widely distributed than H. sieboldiana in East Asia including Russia, and this large distribution range would enable more chances to intraspecific gene flow.     

Species composition,relative abundance and habitat association of small mammals along the altitudinal gradient of Jiren Mountain,Jimma, Ethiopia

To document the species composition, relative abundance and habitat association of small mammals, wet and dry season surveys were conducted along the altitudinal gradient of Jiren Mountain, Jimma area, Ethiopia. Sherman traps were used to capture small mammals from the six habitats: wetland, mixed plantation, open shrub, eucalyptus plantation, montane grassland and coffee plantation. The 393 trap nights, from the six habitat types, yielded 106 individual small mammals of tweleve species. The trapped rodents were Lophuromys flavopunctatus, Stenocephalemys albipes, Desmomys harringtoni, Mus mahomet, Lemniscomys barbarous, L. striatus, Tachyoryctes splendens, Mastomys natalensis and the insectivores Crocidura fumosa and C. turba. Two species of rodents Hystrix cristata and Helioscuirus gambianus were observed. Lophuromys flavopunctatus and S. albipes contributed 83.8% of the total capture. L. flavopunctatus, S. albipes and D. harringtoni were distributed in all habitats and gradients. T. splendens was captured from montane habitat, while the zebra mice were associated with the lower altitude habitats. Lophuromys flavopunctatus and M. natalensis extended their range deep into the coffee plantation habitats. Uncontrolled vegetation exploitation of the mountains for timber production and fire wood collection are the major threats. Conservation of the area to reduce the anthropogenic pressure is essential.     

TWO TYPES OF AUXILIARY CELL AMPULLAE IN GRATELOUPIA (HALYMENIACEAE,RHODOPHYTA), INCLUDING G. TAIWANENSIS SP. NOV. AND G. ORIENTALIS SP. NOV. FROM TAIWAN BASED ON rbcL GENE SEQUENCE ANALYSIS AND CYSTOCARP DEVELOPMENT1

Few species in the genus Grateloupia have been investigated in detail with respect to the development of the auxiliary cell ampullae before or after diploidization. In this study, we document the vegetative and reproductive structures of two new species of Grateloupia, G. taiwanensis S.‐M. Lin et H.‐Y. Liang sp. nov. and G. orientalis S.‐M. Lin et H.‐Y. Liang sp. nov., plus a third species, G. ramosissima Okamura, from Taiwan. Two distinct patterns are reported for the development of the auxiliary cell ampullae: (1) ampullae consisting of three orders of unbranched filaments that branch after diploidization of the auxiliary cell and form a pericarp together with the surrounding secondary medullary filaments (G. taiwanensis type), and (2) ampullae composed of only two orders of unbranched filaments in which only a few cells are incorporated into a basal fusion cell after diploization of the auxiliary cell and the pericarp consists almost entirely of secondary medullary filaments (G. orientalis type). G. orientalis is positioned in a large clade based on rbcL gene sequence analysis that includes the type species of Grateloupia C. Agardh 1822 , G. filicina. G. taiwanensis clusters with a clade that includes the generitype of Phyllymenia J. Agardh 1848 , Ph. belangeri from South Africa; that of Prionitis J. Agardh 1851 , Pr. lanceolata from Pacific North America; and that of Pachymeniopsis Y. Yamada ex Kawab. 1954, Pa. lanceolata from Japan. A reexamination of the type species of the genera Grateloupia, Phyllymenia, Prionitis, and Pachymeniopsis is required to clarify the generic and interspecific relationships among the species presently placed in Grateloupia.     

Generalist versus specialist strategies of plasticity: snail responses to predators with different foraging modes

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Molecular phylogenetic and morphological studies on the systematic position of Heracula discivitta reveal a new subfamily of Pseudobistonidae (Lepidoptera: Geometroidea)

Heracula discivitta Moore is an uncommon moth species currently recorded from India, Nepal and China. Although this species has traditionally been placed in Lymantriinae, its systematic position in Macroheterocera has been enigmatic due to its unique morphological features. Here we used molecular and morphological data to explore the systematic position of H. discivitta. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that this species is sister to Pseudobiston pinratanai Inoue, a member of a recently established monotypic family Pseudobistonidae. The examinations of morphological features further show that H. discivitta shares synapomorphies with Pseudobistonidae. Based on the analysis results, we propose a new subfamily of Pseudobistonidae (Heraculinae subfam.n. ) to accommodate H. discivitta. The resemblance of the habitus to that of the brahmaeid genus Calliprogonos Mell & Hering is discussed. This published work has been registered on ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:63D17850‐6D51‐4E03‐A5D6‐F9EF6E7AF402 .     

Molecular systematics of the Amazonian endemic genus Hylexetastes (Aves: Dendrocolaptidae): taxonomic and conservation implications

Hylexetastes woodcreepers are endemic to the terra firme forests of the Amazon basin. Currently, most taxonomic sources recognize two species of Hylexetastes (H. perrotii and H. stresemanni), each divided into three subspecies. Some authors maintain that the H. perrotii subspecies should be elevated to full species status. In particular, Hylexetastes perrotii brigidai is endemic to the eastern Amazon, the second Amazonian area of endemism (Xingu) most affected by deforestation and habitat degradation. Consequently, the taxonomic status of H. p. brigidai is of particular concern for conservation. Thus far, only morphological characters have been evaluated for the taxonomic delimitation of species and subspecies of Hylexetastes. We present a molecular phylogenetic analysis of all subspecies to help delimit Hylexetastes interspecific limits. Fragments of two mitochondrial (Cytb and ND2) and three nuclear genes (FGB5, G3PDH and MUSK) from 57 Hylexetastes specimens were sequenced. An ecological niche model was estimated to describe more accurately the potential distributions of taxa and to evaluate their vulnerability to ongoing deforestation. Phylogenetic analyses support the paraphyly of the polytypic H. perrotii as currently delimited and the elevation of Hylexetastes perrotii uniformis to full species rank, as well as the presence of three evolutionary significant units (ESUs) within this newly delimited species, including one grouping all H. p. brigidai specimens. Alternatively, under lineage-based species concepts, our results support at least five evolutionary species in Hylexetastes: H. stresemanni, H. undulatus, H. perrotii, H. uniformis and H. brigidai. Each of these taxa and ESUs are distributed in different interfluvial areas of the Amazon basin, which have different degrees of disturbance. Because they occupy the most heavily impacted region among all Hylexetastes ESUs, regular assessments of the conservation statuses of H. p. brigidai and both H. uniformis ESUs are paramount.     

Diploid hybrid origin of Hippophaë gyantsensis (Elaeagnaceae) in the western Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Homoploid hybrid speciation, the origin of a hybrid species without change in chromosome number, is currently considered to be a rare form of speciation. In the present study, we examined the phylogenetic origin of Hippophaë gyantsensis, a diploid species occurring in the western Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Some of its morphological and molecular traits suggest a close relationship to H. rhamnoides ssp. yunnanensis while others indicate H. neurocarpa. We conducted phylogenetic analyses of sequence data of two maternally inherited chloroplast (cp) DNA fragments and the bi‐parentally inherited nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) from 17 populations of H. gyantsensis, 15 populations of H. rhamnoides ssp. yunnanensis and 27 populations of H. neurocarpa across their distributional ranges, and modelled the niche differentiation of the three taxa. Multiple lines of evidence suggested that H. gyantsensis is a morphologically stable, genetically independent and ecologically distinct species. The inconsistent phylogenetic placements of the H. gyantsensis clade that comprised the dominant cpDNA haplotypes and ITS ribotypes suggested a probable diploid hybrid origin from multiple crosses between H. rhamnoides ssp. yunnanensis and H. neurocarpa. This tentative hypothesis is more parsimonious than alternative explanations according to the data available, although more evidence based on further testing is needed.     

Species specificity and sexual dimorphism in tooth shape among the three sympatric haplochromine species in Lake Kivu cichlids

Tooth shape is used to differentiate between morphologically similar species of vertebrates, including fish. This study aimed to quantify tooth shape of three sympatric species: Haplochromis kamiranzovu, H. insidiae, and H. astatodon endemic to Lake Kivu, whose existing identification criteria are currently only qualitative. A quantitative tooth shape analysis was performed based on digitized tooth outline data with a subsequent elliptic Fourier analysis to test for differences among the three species. We looked at crown shape and size differences within H. kamiranzovu and H. insidiae at geographical, habitat, and gender levels. No comparison at habitat level was done for H. astatodon because it is found only in littoral zone. The analysis revealed significant tooth shape differences among the three species. Haplochromis astatodon had a significantly longer major cusp height and a longer and larger minor cusp than that of H. insidiae. It had also a longer major cusp height and a longer and larger minor cusp than that of H. kamiranzovu. Tooth shape differences of H. kamiranzovu and H. insidiae species were not significantly different between littoral and pelagic fish (p > .05) while differences were significant between southern and northern Lake Kivu populations (p < .05). Tooth sizes in H. kamiranzovu and H. insidiae were significantly different, both in height and width as well as in their ratios, and this was true at sex and geographic levels (p < .05), but not at habitat level (p > .05). Tooth shape was also significantly different with sharp teeth for males compared with females of southern populations versus northern ones. These shape‐ and size‐related differences between sexes suggest differences in the foraging strategies toward available food resources in the lake habitat. Further research should explain the genetic basis of the observed pattern.     

NEW MARINE MEMBERS OF THE GENUS HEMISELMIS (CRYPTOMONADALES,CRYPTOPHYCEAE)1

Cryptomonads are a ubiquitous and diverse assemblage of aquatic flagellates. The relatively obscure genus Hemiselmis includes some of the smallest of these cells. This genus contained only two species until 1967, when Butcher described seven new marine species mainly on the basis of observations with the light microscope. However, from these seven taxa, only H. amylifera and H. oculata were validly published. Additionally, the features Butcher used to distinguish species have since been questioned, and the taxonomy within Hemiselmis has remained clouded due to the difficulty in unambiguously applying his classification and validating many of his species. As a result, marine strains are often placed into one of three species—H. rufescens Parke, H. virescens Droop, or the invalid H. brunnescens Butcher—based on cell color alone. Here we applied microscopic and molecular tools to 13 publicly available Hemiselmis strains in an effort to clarify species boundaries. SEM failed to provide sufficient morphological variation to distinguish species of Hemiselmis, and results from LM did not correlate with clades found using both molecular phylogenetic and nucleomorph genome karyotype analysis, indicating a high degree of morphological plasticity within species. On the basis of molecular characters and collection geography we recognize four new marine species of Hemiselmis—H. cryptochromatica sp. nov., H. andersenii sp. nov., H. pacifica sp. nov., and H. tepida sp. nov.—from the waters around North America.     

MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY,ULTRASTRUCTURE, AND TAXONOMIC REVISION OF CHLOROGONIUM (CHLOROPHYTA): EMENDATION OF CHLOROGONIUM AND DESCRIPTION OF GUNGNIR GEN. NOV. AND RUSALKA GEN. NOV.1

We examined the molecular phylogeny and ultrastructure of Chlorogonium and related species to establish the natural taxonomy at the generic level. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA and RUBISCO LSU (rbcL) gene sequences revealed two separate clades of Chlorogonium from which Chlorogonium (Cg.) fusiforme Matv. was robustly separated. One clade comprised Cg. neglectum Pascher and Cg. kasakii Nozaki, whereas the other clade included the type species Cg. euchlorum (Ehrenb.) Ehrenb., Cg. elongatum (P. A. Dang.) Francé, and Cg. capillatum Nozaki, M. Watanabe et Aizawa. On the basis of unique ultrastructural characteristics, we described Gungnir Nakada gen. nov. comprising three species: G. neglectum (Pascher) Nakada comb. nov., G. mantoniae (H. Ettl) Nakada comb. nov., and G. kasakii (Nozaki) Nakada comb. nov. We also emended Chlorogonium as a monophyletic genus composed of Cg. euchlorum, Cg. elongatum, and Cg. capillatum. Because Cg. fusiforme was distinguished from the redefined Chlorogonium and Gungnir by the structure of its starch plate, which is associated with pyrenoids, we reclassified this species as Rusalka fusiformis (Matv.) Nakada gen. et comb. nov.     

Phylogeny and taxonomic reassessment of pikas Ochotona pallasii and O. argentata (Mammalia,Lagomorpha)

We examined a cranial morphometric data set consisting of 186 specimens from the entire distribution range of Ochotona pallasii sensu lato and O. argentata, as well as 67 complete sequences of the COI gene and 28 sequences of the MGF and PRKCI introns from these and closely allied species. Our results show that the two allopatric morphologically similar taxa composing O. pallasii sensu lato – from Mongolia and adjacent territories and Kazakhstan – are paraphyletic relative to O. argentata. Genetic distances between these three taxa are larger than the intraspecific variation known for the subgenus Pika, in which the species under consideration belong; these distances are even larger than the interspecific differences among closely related species such as O. hyperborea, O. mantchurica and O. hoffmanni. Thus, the three focal taxa are recognized here as distinct species. Inspection of the type specimen of O. pallasii indicated that this specimen was not collected in Kazakhstan, has previously been theorized. The most probable place of the holotype's origin is Russian south‐eastern Altai (Chuyskaya Steppe); whatever its exact origin, it definitively originates from the ‘Mongolian’ taxon. Based on this evidence, the senior synonym for the Kazakh pika is O. opaca Argyropulo, 1930. Thus, we propose to recognize three separate species in the O. pallasii species group: O. pallasii (Mongolia and adjacent territories), O. opaca (eastern Kazakhstan) and O. argentata (Helan Shan Range, China).