Hirticrusta gen. nov. segregated from Neofomitella in Polyporaceae (Polyporales)

Taxonomic studies including morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses were conducted on Japanese “uragin-take”, an unidentified species from Amazonia, Brazil and their allies. Phylogenetic analyses using ITS, nrLSU and RPB2 regions revealed that “uragin-take”, Neofomitella polyzonata and the unidentified species formed a monophyletic clade separate from the clade including the other four Neofomitella spp. and that “uragin-take” is conspecific with N. polyzonata. Morphological investigations on authentic specimens revealed that Polyporus subradiatus is a prior name for N. polyzonata. We propose Hirticrusta gen. nov. typified by H. subradiata segregated from Neofomitella, and we erected H. amazonica sp. nov. for the unidentified species. Hirticrusta is characterized by annual to biennial and sessile basidiocarps, semicircular to dimidiate pileus, velutinous to tomentose hairs on pileus surface, buff to brown context with a crustose layer indicated by a dark brown line forming a longitudinal section below the superficial hairs, a trimitic hyphal system, crustose layer composed of parallel and densely arranged brown hyphae and cylindrical basidiospores. The new species, H. amazonica is distinguishable from other polypores by downy and long tomentum on the pileus surface (up to 20 mm thick), brown context with a dark brown layer below the tomentum and round pores (5–7/mm).     

Morphological and phylogenetic evidences unveil a novel species of Gyroporus (Gyroporaceae,Boletales) from Indian Himalaya

Repeated macrofungal forays to the east district of Sikkim followed by morphological and phylogenetic studies of collected wild mushrooms revealed an undescribed species, proposed here as Gyroporus paramjitii. This species is characterized by hemispheric to plane dark brown to brownish orange pileus, concolorous or darker stipe, snow white to pale yellow pore surface which is immutable when bruised, 2‐ to 4‐spored basidia, reniform to elliptic basidiospores, presence of pleurocystidia and cheilocystidia, absence of caulocystidia, trichoderm pattern of pileipellis and stipitipellis with encrusted erect hyphal elements and occurrence under Castanopsis sp. Macro‐ and micro‐morphological details coupled with molecular phylogenetic analyses (based on nrITS and nrLSU data) are presented for this taxon.     

The systematic position of Sophora inhambanensis (Fabaceae: Sophoreae)

The phylogenetic position of Sophora inhambensis (one of only three species of Sophora that occur in Africa — the others are the widespread S. tomentosa and S. velutina) is inferred from an analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences for the core genistoid legumes. This species was thought to be closely related to the Podalyrieae based on chemical data (alkaloids and seed flavonoids), but molecular data indicates that it is strongly supported within the genus Sophora, close to the type species, S. tomentosa. Sophora velutina also groups with Sophora sensu stricto.     

Boletus roseoflavus,a new species of Boletus in section Appendiculati from China

Boletus roseoflavus is described as a new species based on morphological and molecular studies of the type collection and additional materials. Boletus roseoflavus is morphologically distinct from other related species (B. regius, B. appendiculatus, and B. speciosus) by its light pink, pink, or rosy pileus, lemon yellow or golden yellow context, and lemon yellow or light yellow, enlarged download stipe with yellow reticulation. Phylogenetic analyses based on ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer regions and nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA indicate that B. roseoflavus belongs to Boletus section Appendiculati.     

Chlorolepiota indica sp. nov.—A new species from India

A new species Chlorolepiota indica is reported from Patiala in Punjab, India. The fungus is characterized by convex brown pileus covered by concentrically arranged brown scales with yellow tinge around the umbo. The stipe of the fruiting body is cream to pale yellow, pinkish to reddish brown near the pileus, and yellowish to dark grey brown towards the base.     

Notes on the boletes of Japan 1. Four new species of the genus Boletus from central Honshu,Japan

Four new species of Boletus are fully described and illustrated from central Honshu, Japan: (1) B. panniformis (Section Calopodes) produces a typically felted and scabrous pileus, bitter flesh, a finely reticulate, red stipe, and occurs in subalpine, coniferous forests; (2) B. ventricosus (Section Appendiculati) forms a usually ventricose or subbulbous stipe, yellow to greyish orange, extremely short tubes, often pluriseptate, broadly clavate to doliform caulocystidia, and occurs in lowland, mixed forests; (3) B. cepaeodoratus (Section Appendiculati) possesses a pinkish red pileus, a usually finely reticulate stipe, relatively short tubes, and occurs in lowland, mixed forest; (4) B. viscidipellis (Section Luridi) yields a hairy, viscid pileus, intensely cyanescent flesh, and occurs in lowland, mixed forests.     

The family Agaricaceae: phylogenies and two new white-spored genera

A well resolved phylogeny of the Agaricaceae based on partial rpb2 sequences is presented from a wide geographic and systematic sampling of the family and compared to phylogenies based on nrLSU and tef1 sequences. A smaller dataset of the family focusing on the Agaricus clade of nrITS sequences and a combined dataset were used to determine the position of several white-spored taxa from northern Thailand. Two new genera are described from Thailand. Coniolepiota accommodates Lepiota spongodes, a gray-lilac-purple floccose white-spored species with a wide distribution in tropical Asia; Eriocybe has a white wooly felt-like covering of pileus and stipe, white spores and is described with one new species E. chionea, so far known only from northern Thailand. These new genera are closely related to three genera with colored spores (viz. Agaricus, Heinemannomyces and Clarkeinda) and not to other white-spored taxa.     

Rediscovery of Multifurca stenophylla (Berk.) T.Lebel, C.W.Dunk & T.W.May comb. nov. (Russulaceae) from Australia

The genus Multifurca is recorded for the first time from Australia. Multifurca stenophylla (Berk.) T.Lebel, C.W.Dunk & T.W.May comb. nov. is described and illustrated, and a lectotype and epitype designated. The species is characterized by the association with Nothofagus and Eucalyptus, the pale yellow, concentrically zoned pileus, abundant acrid white latex which becomes pale yellow then eventually greenish, and the small basidiospores.     

Molecular phylogeny of Caloboletus (Boletaceae) and a new species in East Asia

Caloboletus has recently been erected to accommodate Boletus calopus and its allies. Our phylogenetic analyses based on four gene markers (ITS, nrLSU, tef1-α and rpb1) recognized six distinct species within the genus. Morphologically, the genus is characterized by the combination of the yellow hymenophore, smooth spores that are olive-brown in deposit, an interwoven pileipellis, a bluish color-change and a distinctly bitter taste of the context. A new species was described and a key to the six species of Caloboletus is provided. Members of Caloboletus are mainly distributed in subtropical and temperate zones in the Holarctic and are often associated with plants of Pinaceae and Fagaceae.     

Phylogenetic affinities and species limits within the genus Megadontomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae) based on mitochondrial sequence data

The evolutionary history of the genus Megadontomys, a group of mice allopatrically distributed along the cool‐humid forest in the highlands of México, is controversial. In this study, we examined phylogenetic relationships within the genus using sequences data from the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. This information also allowed us to corroborate species limits, geographic boundaries of taxonomic entities and assess genetic variation within each taxon. The results of the phylogenetic analyses based on maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference and maximum parsimony were largely congruent in that M. nelsoni and M. thomasi were more closely related relative to M. cryophilus. These results are concordant with previous studies based on morphology and allozyme variation. However, testing of the alternative hypothesis of a closer evolutionary affinity between M. nelsoni–M. cryophilus did not produce a significantly less likely tree. The lack of unambiguous support towards one of these previously proposed contending hypotheses is congruent with the alternative scenario of an almost simultaneous diversification of the three species. Application of the phylogenetic species concept and the genetic species concept supports the recognition of three distinct taxonomic entities at the specific level. M. nelsoni inhabits the Sierra Madre Oriental (Hidalgo, Veracruz, and Puebla) including the Sierra Mazateca (Oaxaca); M. cryophilus is restricted to the Sierra de Juárez (Oaxaca); and M. thomasi occurs in portions of the Sierra Madre del Sur (Guerrero) and the Sierra Mixteca (Oaxaca). Our data show that M. thomasi is formed by two genetically distinct lineages that potentially may represent distinct Evolutionary Significant Units.     

Options for the biological and physical control of Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Hym.: Vespidae) in Europe: A review

Recently, the environmental economist J.M. Salles (Salles, 2016 ) declared that “the Asian hornet was likely to be the most threatening invader insect in France.” Thirteen years after the accidental introduction in France, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) has invaded most west European countries. Little has been done to date to limit its progression and its economic, ecological and social impact. Although it is illusory to try to eradicate this species, it is known that a targeted control would limit its threatening trend. Current V. velutina control in France is mainly based on (i) high scale volunteer trapping by citizens and (ii) volunteer spotting of the nest. Evaluation of trapping strategies developed so far to control V. velutina expansion has highlighted their failure and has demonstrated the need to optimize nest detection techniques and to investigate on new control strategies. This review describes most of the means aimed to control predation and expansion of V. velutina, whether they have been scientifically assessed or only tested on field with decent success. Published prospective control methods and biological control techniques are also presented.     

European <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hodophilus</Emphasis> (Clavariaceae,Agaricales) species with yellow stipe

Phylogenetic reconstruction of Hodophilus species with a yellow colour on the stipe based on nrITS, nrLSU and rpb2 sequences revealed six European species. All these species correspond to the widely accepted European concept of a single species Hodophilus micaceus. Four of these species are described and illustrated. H. micaceus and H. phaeoxanthus are recognised as two separate species and H. albofloccipes as a synonym of the latter. Two species, H. anatinus and H. cambriensis, are described as new. Possible endemism of H. micaceus and H. cambriensis to the British Isles is discussed. All analysed North American samples represent different species to those found in Europe. The North American species Hygrophorus rugulosus is combined in the genus Hodophilus. The preliminary key uses position and development of the yellow colour during maturation as the most important distinguishing character. The presence of the yellow colour is discussed as a possible synapomorphic character.     

Morphological comparison and DNA barcoding of four closely related species in the genera Misgurnus and Paramisgurnus (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae)

To evaluate the feasibility of morphological and genetic identification of the closely related species in the genera Misgurnus and Paramisgurnus, the morphological characters of four species in these genera and DNA barcoding of five loaches (P. dabryanus, M. anguillicaudatus, M. bipartitus, M. mohoity, and Barbatula toni) were investigated. Twelve morphological characters were measured in 542 individuals to perform the comparative analysis. Among these characters, only the caudal peduncle length (L_CP) revealed significant difference (P < 0.05) among these four species. The clustering based on morphological characters formed two clusters (P. dabryanus and M. anguillicaudatus; M. bipartitus and M. mohoity). A total of 186 COI fragments for the five loaches investigated were sequenced and analyzed. The results showed that interspecific K2P distance was much higher than intraspecific distance within the five species. Bayesian inference of phylogeny showed that individuals of these species were divided into five specific clades. Meanwhile, the COI fragments exhibited 22 character attributes for the differentiation of the five loach species based on character-based method. Our results suggested that DNA barcoding based on COI can be used as an efficient identifier of these five loach species; the combination of distance-based method, Bayesian inference and character-based approach provides higher resolution of identification at species level.     

Three new C-15-isobutyryl 16-norphragmalin-type limonoids from Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina

Three new C-15-isobutyryl 16-norphragmalin-type limonoids, chukvelutins D–F (1–3), were isolated from the stem bark of Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina. Their structures were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 possessed a ketonic isobutyryl C-15 substitution previously unreported in phragmalin-type limonoids. Compounds 2 and 3 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity with IC₅₀ values at 10.01 and 28.54 μM.     

A new species of Lepiota from China

In this report we describe the three species in Lepiota sect. Lepiota occurring in tropical China. Lepiota attenuata is a new species and is characterized by a pileus with brownish yellow squamules and radially sulcate striate margin, penguin-shaped spores that are distinctively narrowed toward the apex and inflated submoniliform or catenulate elements in the pileus covering. We compared the type specimens of L. metulispora and L. thrombophora with tropical Chinese specimens; both taxa occur in the study area. Phylogenetic relationships among the tropical Chinese species and other closely related species in the genus were inferred based on DNA sequences of the nuclear ribosomal genes (ITS, LSU and IGS) and the mitochondrial small ribosomal RNA gene (mtSSU).     

Distribution,spread, and impact of the invasive hornet Vespa velutina in South Korea

Hornets (Vespa spp) are top insect predators that can control pests, but their venomous stings and defensive behavior cause numerous human deaths throughout Asia. Hornets usually inhabit rural areas which reduces potential conflict with humans. In 2003, the invasive hornet, Vespa velutina, arrived in southern Korea (Yeongdo region) and became established. It is currently spreading northwards at a rate of 10–20 km per year. Despite originating in tropical/subtropical areas of Indo-China, its nesting biology and life cycle in South Korea are similar to those found throughout its native range, with mature colonies containing 1000–1200 adults. In 7 years, V. velutina has become the most abundant hornet species in Southern Korea by displacing native Vespa species such as V. simillima, which has a similar nesting biology. We also found a significant positive correlation between the abundance of V. velutina and the degree of urbanization, indicating that this invasive species was well adapted to urban environments. This was supported by our finding that 41% of emergency call-outs (119 Rescue Services) to deal with social wasps/hornet problems were due to V. velutina, which was twice as high as the number of calls about the next most abundant species. The rapid spread of V. velutina across southern Korea indicates that this species will continue to spread north-westward in the Korean peninsula and will become a major problem as more people and beekeepers come into contact with this aggressive invasive hornet.     

Selective breeding and characterization of a black mealworm strain of Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Larvae of Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus are edible insects and are approved as a food ingredient in Korea. They are typically yellow; however, rare black larvae have been found in breeding boxes at insect farms. It is not clear whether black larvae represent a different species that invaded and hybridized with the yellow larvae of T. molitor or whether T. molitor shows intraspecific color variation. In this study, we characterized and identified black larvae for applications in industrial fields as well as accurate breeding and management. First, in a comparative analysis, we did not detect differences in the morphological characteristics of yellow and black larvae and adults, with the exception of larval body color. For accurate species identification, molecular analyses (p-distances and neighbor-joining) were performed based on partial COI sequences of 33 yellow and seven black larvae. Genetic divergence between yellow and black larvae ranged from 0.0% to 2.1%, revealing intraspecific variation. A neighbor-joining analysis strongly supported the classification of the two morphs as a single species. Black larvae were separated from yellow larvae and maintained by selective breeding. As a result, black larvae were completely fixed in the F2 generation (F1 = 96% and F2 = 100%). Yellow and black larvae showed no significant differences in developmental characteristics and fecundity. These findings improve our understanding of diversity within an important edible insect species and contribute to quality assurance in the food industry based on clear species identification.