Molecular phylogeny of the Eremias persica complex of the Iranian plateau (Reptilia: Lacertidae), based on mtDNA sequences

The Persian racerunner Eremias persica Blanford, 1875 is confined to the Iranian plateau, and forms one of the most widespread but rarely studied species of the family Lacertidae. With many local populations inhabiting a variety of habitats, and exhibiting considerable morphological, genetic, and ecological variations, it represents a species complex. We analysed sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome b and 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes derived from 13 geographically distant populations belonging to the E. persica complex. Using our knowledge of palaeogeographical events, a molecular clock was calibrated to assess the major events in fragmentation, radiation, and intraspecific variation. The sequence data strongly support a basal separation of the highland populations of western Iran from those of the open steppes and deserts, occurring in the east. The subsequent radiation, fragmentation, and evolution of these major assemblages have led to several discernable geographical lineages across the wide area of the Iranian plateau. The results indicate a middle‐Miocene origin for the clade as a whole. The first split, isolating the western and eastern clades, appears to have occurred 11–10 Mya. Further fragmentations and divergence within the major clades began about 8 Mya, with an evolutionary rate of 1.6% sequence divergence per million years among the lineages in the genes studied (combined data set). Molecular and morphological data strongly support a taxonomic revision of this species complex. At least four of the discovered clades should be raised to species, and two to subspecies, rank. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 158 , 641–660.     

Bidirectional introgressive hybridization between Lepus capensis and Lepus yarkandensis

Lepus capensis and Lepus yarkandensis are two well-established hare species with different habitat preferences and obvious morphological distinctions. L. capensis is common and widespread while L. yarkandensis is an endemic species with a restricted distribution in the Tarim Basin of western China. During field sampling, individuals with a distinct phenotype were found in the contact zone between the two species. To understand the origin of these unclassified individuals, we analyzed morphological and genetic data from 700 individuals including L. yarkandensis, L. capensis and the unclassified individuals. Morphological analyses of the unclassified individuals revealed that they lie between L. yarkandensis and L. capensis. Genetic analyses based on species-specific molecular markers (mitochondrial control region and SRY) showed that the unclassified populations have mtDNA and SRY genes from both L. capensis and L. yarkandensis, suggesting that the unclassified populations result from hybridization between the two species. Interestingly, many identical and/or very similar mtDNA haplotypes were shared between L. capensis populations and L. yarkandensis populations close to their contact zones, which further suggests the existence of extensive bidirectional mtDNA introgression. Similarly, we found evidence for SRY introgression, though it existed at a lower level compared to mtDNA introgression.     

SYSTEMATICS OF POTAMACMAEA FLUVIATILIS (BLANFORD): A BRACKISH WATER PATELLOGASTROPOD (PATELLOIDINAE: LOTTIIDAE)

Potamacmaea fluviatilis (Blanford, 1867), which is known fromestuaries and tributaries that drain into the Bay of Bengal,was studied to assess available material, determine possiblerelationships between P. fluviatilis and other patellogastropodtaxa, and review the current state of our knowledge of thisenigmatic species. Radular and shell structure characters indicatethat P. fluviatilis is referable to the Patelloidinae Chapman& Gabriel, 1923. The radular tooth morphology of P. fluviatilisis similar to that of the wood-eating taxon PectinodontinaePilsbry, 1891; both taxa have multicuspid lateral teeth. Substantialhuman population increase and its accompanying habitat destructionin this region may have had deleterious effects on this uniquepatellogastropod. (Received 22 May 1989; accepted 25 July 1989)     

荒漠麻蜥的染色体核型观察

采用常规骨髓细胞制片法,对采自甘肃省民勤县的荒漠麻蜥Eremias przewalskii染色体核型进行分析。荒漠麻蜥染色体核型为2n=38=36I+2m,具18对大型端部着丝粒型和1对微小染色体,属丽斑麻蜥型,与蜥蜴科和麻蜥属的染色体核型一致。系统整理已报道的麻蜥属核型资料,在此基础上探讨麻蜥属的染色体核型特征与演化。     

兰州北山三种蜥蜴春季食性分析

兰州地区密点麻蜥、丽斑麻蜥和草原沙蜥的春季食物均为动物食物。无论在栖息地重叠地区还是非重叠地区,三种蜥蜴的食物种类在种间均无显著差异（Ｆ＝０．８６１,ｄｆＴ＝２,ｄｆＥ＝３６,Ｐ〉０．０５）。种内不同性别和年龄食性无显著差异。     

Cutting the Gordian Knot: Phylogenetic and ecological diversification of the Mesalina brevirostris species complex (Squamata,Lacertidae)

Mesalina are small lacertid lizards occurring in the Saharo‐Sindian deserts from North Africa to the east of the Iranian plateau. Earlier phylogenetic studies indicated that there are several species complexes within the genus and that thorough taxonomic revisions are needed. In this study, we aim at resolving the phylogeny and taxonomy of the M. brevirostris species complex distributed from the Middle East to the Arabian/Persian Gulf region and Pakistan. We sequenced three mitochondrial and three nuclear gene fragments, and in combination with species delimitation and species‐tree estimation, we infer a time‐calibrated phylogeny of the complex. The results of the genetic analyses support the presence of four clearly delimited species in the complex that diverged approximately between the middle Pliocene and the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary. Species distribution models of the four species show that the areas of suitable habitat are geographically well delineated and nearly allopatric, and that most of the species have rather divergent environmental niches. Morphological characters also confirm the differences between the species, although sometimes minute. As a result of all these lines of evidence, we revise the taxonomy of the Mesalina brevirostris species complex. We designate a lectotype for Mesalina brevirostris Blanford, 1874; resurrect the available name Eremias bernoullii Schenkel, 1901 from the synonymy of M. brevirostris; elevate M. brevirostris microlepis (Angel, 1936) to species status; and describe Mesalina saudiarabica, a new species from Saudi Arabia.     

新疆塔里木河叶尔羌高原鳅遗传多样性研究

为探究新疆塔里木河叶尔羌高原鳅(Triplophysa yarkandensis)遗传多样性现状,研究基于线粒体Cytb和D-loop序列对塔里木河两条支流(车尔臣河和渭干河)的8个地理群体进行了遗传学多样性和遗传结构分析.结果显示,基于Cytb和D-loop序列分别获得了41和51个单倍型,单倍型多样性指数/核苷酸多...     

山地麻蜥的生态观察

2003～2005年,在蟒河保护区对山地麻蜥的生态进行了观察研究.观察表明,山地麻蜥在本区的繁殖期为5～7月,5月为交尾盛期,经过25～28天挖洞产卵,孵化时间为50天.在该区的遇见率为2.6只/km.9月下旬入蛰,翌年的3月底出蛰.     

荒漠麻蜥骨骼系统的解剖及与相近科属蜥蜴骨骼特征比较

采用透明骨骼染色法,观测了荒漠麻蜥Eremias przewaskii比较完整的骨骼系统,对其各部分骨骼组成、形态和位置作了详细的描述,为麻蜥属的分类及演化提供骨骼方面的基础资料。其骨骼可分为中轴骨骼(包括头骨、脊柱、胸骨和肋骨)和附肢骨骼(包括肩带、腰带、前肢骨和后肢骨)。其头骨呈三角形,眼窝与颞窝相通,不完整。颈椎8枚,胸椎5枚,腰椎13枚,荐椎2枚,尾椎44～45枚。与已报道的蜥蜴物种骨骼特征相比较,发现其前肢腕骨部位、尺骨和桡骨远端中间具1枚骨化不完全的籽骨——介间骨;在前肢腕骨与掌骨的腹面,有2块平面不规整四方形的掌籽骨,位于连接腕骨与各掌骨的韧带中间;在后肢股骨远端的关节内侧与髌骨相对的位置存在1粒籽骨,为股腓侧豆状骨;跗骨腹面下方有1枚三角形籽骨——跗籽骨。     

MHC Class I Exon 4 in the Multiocellated Racerunners （Eremias multiocellata）： Polymorphism,Duplication and Selection

The major histocompatibility complex （MHC） is a dynamic genetic region with an essential role in the adaptive immunity of jawed vertebrates. The MHC polymorphism is affected by many processes such as birth-and- death evolution, gene conversion, and concerted evolution. Studies investigating the evolution of MHC class I genes have been biased toward a few particular taxa and model species. However, the investigation of this region in nonavian reptiles is still in its infancy. We present the first characterization of MHC class I genes in a species from the family Lacertidae. We assessed genetic diversity and a role of selection in shaping the diversity of MHC class I exon 4 among 37 individuals of Eremias multiocellata from a population in Lanzhou, China. We generated 67 distinct DNA sequences using cloning and sequencing methods, and identified 36 putative functional variants as well as two putative pseudogene-variants. We found the number of variants within an individual varying between two and seven, indicating that there are at least four MHC class I loci in this species. Gene duplication plays a role in increasing copy numbers of MHC genes and allelic diversity in this species. The class I exon 4 sequences are characteristic of low nucleotide diversity. No signal of recombination is detected, but purifying selection is detected in β2-microglobulin interaction sites and some other silent sites outside of the function-constraint regions. Certain identical alleles are shared by Eremias multiocellata and E. przewalskii and E. brenchleyi, suggesting trans-species polymorphism. The data are compatible with a birth-and-death model of evolution.     

山地麻蜥7个Dmrt基因成员的克隆及序列分析

Dm rt基因家族是一个与性别决定相关的基因家族。该家族成员都含有一个具有DNA结合能力的保守基序———DM结构域,在性别决定和分化发育的调控中担负着重要的功能。本文采用简并PCR技术,扩增和克隆了山地麻蜥(Erem ias breuchleyi)基因组中的DM结构域,通过SSCP技术筛选和测序得到了7个具有不同DM序列的克隆。结果显示,在山地麻蜥基因组中存在着Dm rt基因家族的多个成员,与其他动物相关的Dm rt基因进行聚类分析,显示该基因家族在动物系统进化上具有高度的保守性。     

六种麻蜥核型的研究

报道麻蜥属(Eremias ,Lacertidae) 6种15个不同居群的染色体核型及银分带核型。丽斑麻蜥（E. argus）、快步麻蜥(E. velox)、敏麻蜥(E. arguta)、密点麻蜥(E. multiocellata)、网纹麻蜥（E. grammica ）的核型一致：2n=38=36I+ 2m,NF=38;虫纹麻蜥（E. vermiculata） 2n=38=12V+2sI+22I+2m, NF=50。中国麻蜥属的核型可分为3个类型：（1）丽斑麻蜥型（2）山地麻蜥(E. brenchleyi)型（3）虫纹麻蜥型。虫纹麻蜥核型演化有两种可能性（1）经历三倍体阶段,并通过罗伯逊易位形成;（2）通过染色体臂间倒位形成,倒位成因可能和天山山脉以及青藏高原的隆起有关。密点麻蜥、快步麻蜥、敏麻蜥、网纹麻蜥、虫纹麻蜥均观察到一对NOR于一对较小染色体对上。雌雄个体中均未发现性异型染色体。Abstract: Based on the Giemsa-dyeing karyotypes and silver-staining bands of 15 populations from different localities in China belonging to 6 species of the genus Eremias , We found all species studied have 19 pairs of chromosomes, the size of chromosomes reduces gradually and there are no marked differences between the arranged pairs of macrochromosomes except the last pair of microchromosome. There are the same karyotype formula as 2n=38=36I+2m with NF=38 in E. argus、 E. multiocellata、 E. velox、 E. arguta and E. grammica; but the karyotype formula of E.vermiculata is different as 2n=38=12V+2sI+22I+2m with NF=50. The NOR are all located on one small pair in female of E. velox, and E. arguta , in male of E. grammica and E. vermiculata ,and in both male and female of E. multiocellata. We have not found two or more than two pairs of NOR. Having one pair of NOR may be common in Genus Eremias and also the trait of Eremias. We speculate that the derivation of the karyotype of E.vermiculata had two possible way: one experienced the stage of triploid, and later the Robertsonian transposal of chromosomes; the other way was through the inversions between the arms on the chromosome and the phenomenon of inversions might occur during or subsequently after the upheaval of the Tibet and Qinghai plateau and the founding of the Tianshan . With regard to the trend of the evolution of chromosomes in the lizards [1], the karyotype of E.vermiculata is more advanced. Making specialties of E. vermiculata will help in building the phylogenic tree of Eremias. In both male and female of the species studied, the heteromorphic sex-chromosomes were not found.     

Phylogeny and divergence times of some racerunner lizards (Lacertidae: Eremias) inferred from mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene segments

Eremias, or racerunners, is a widespread lacertid genus occurring in China, Mongolia, Korea, Central Asia, Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe. It has been through a series of taxonomic revisions, but the phylogenetic relationships among the species and subgenera remain unclear. In this study, a frequently studied region of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA was used to (i) reassess the phylogenetic relationships of some Eremias species, (ii) test if the viviparous species form a monophyletic group, and (iii) estimate divergence time among lineages using a Bayesian relaxed molecular-clock approach. The resulting phylogeny supports monophyly of Eremias sensu Szczerbak and a clade comprising Eremias, Acanthodactylus and Latastia. An earlier finding demonstrating monophyly of the subgenus Pareremias is corroborated, with Eremias argus being the sister taxon to Eremias brenchleyi. We present the first evidence that viviparous species form a monophyletic group. In addition, Eremias przewalskii is nested within Eremias multiocellata, suggesting that the latter is likely a paraphyletic species or a species complex. Eremias acutirostris and Eremias persica form a clade that is closely related to the subgenus Pareremias. However, the subgenera Aspidorhinus, Scapteira, and Rhabderemias seem not to be monophyletic, respectively. The Bayesian divergence-time estimation suggests that Eremias originated at about 9.9 million years ago (with the 95% confidence interval ranging from 7.6 to 12 Ma), and diversified from Late Miocene to Pleistocene. Specifically, the divergence time of the subgenus Pareremias was dated to about 6.3 million years ago (with the 95% confidence interval ranging from 5.3 to 8.5 Ma), which suggests that the diversification of this subgenus might be correlated with the evolution of an East Asian monsoon climate triggered by the rapid uplift of the Tibetan Plateau approximately 8 Ma.     

Review of the genus Endothyrella Zilch, 1960 with description of five new species (Gastropoda,Pulmonata, Plectopylidae)

All known taxa of the genus Endothyrella Zilch, 1960 (family Plectopylidae) are reviewed. Altogether 23 Endothyrella species are recognized. All species are illustrated and whenever possible, photographs of the available type specimens are provided. Five new species are described: Endothyrella angulata Budha & Páll-Gergely, sp. n., Endothyrella dolakhaensis Budha & Páll-Gergely, sp. n. and Endothyrella nepalica Budha & Páll-Gergely, sp. n. from Nepal, Endothyrella robustistriata Páll-Gergely, sp. n. from the Naga Hills, India, and Endothyrella inexpectata Páll-Gergely, sp. n. from Sichuan, China. Helix (Plectopylis) munipurensis Godwin-Austen, 1875 is synonymized with Helix (Plectopylis) serica Godwin-Austen, 1875, and Plectopylis (Endothyra) gregorsoni Gude, 1915 is synonymized with Helix (Plectopylis) macromphalus W. Blanford, 1870. Plectopylis plectostoma var. exerta Gude, 1901 is a synonym of Plectopylis plectostoma var. tricarinata Gude, 1896, which is a species in its own right. Five species of the genus Chersaecia viz. Plectopylis (Chersaecia) bedfordi Gude, 1915, Helix (Plectopylis) brahma Godwin-Austen, 1879, Helix (Plectopylis) Oglei Godwin-Austen, 1879, Helix (Plectopylis) serica Godwin-Austen, 1875, and Plectopylis (Endothyra) williamsoni Gude, 1915 are moved to Endothyrella. The holotype of Plectopylis hanleyi Godwin-Austen, 1879 seems to be lost; therefore, Plectopylis hanleyi is considered to be a nomen dubium.     

Comparative population genetics and phylogeography of two lacertid lizards (Eremias argus and E. brenchleyi) from China

Eremias argus and Eremias brenchleyi are lacertid lizards that are sympatric throughout the distribution of E. brenchleyi. We sequenced partial mitochondrial DNA from cytochrome (cyt) b gene for 106 individuals of E. argus from nine localities, and for 45 individuals of E. brenchleyi from five localities, in central and northern parts of North China. We determined 53 cyt b haplotypes from the E. argus samples, and 27 cyt b haplotypes from the E. brenchleyi samples. Only E. brenchleyi had followed a stepping-stone model of dispersal. Partitioned Bayesian phylogenetic analysis reveals that E. argus and E. brenchleyi are reciprocally monophyletic, and the divergence time between the two species was dated to about 4.1±1.2 million years ago. Geographical structuring of haplotypes is more significant in E. brenchleyi than in E. argus. Haplotypes of E. brenchleyi could be divided into four groups by the Yellow River and Taihang Mountains. Within-population genetic diversity indices are correlated neither with latitude nor with longitude. We calculated significant among-population structure for both species (E. argus: Φ(ST)=0.608, P<0.001; E. brenchleyi: Φ(ST)=0.925, P<0.001). Eremias brenchleyi has four independent management units, while E. argus has a more homogeneous genetic structure across its range. Our data show that: (1) the pattern seen in North American and European species that southern populations have higher genetic diversity as consequence of post-glaciation dispersal is absent in the two Chinese lizards; (2) the Yellow River and Taihang Mountains may have acted as important barriers to gene flow only in E. brenchleyi; and (3) genetic structure differs between the two lizards that differ in habitat preference and dispersal ability.     

山地麻蜥的雌性繁殖和孵出幼体特征

山地麻蜥年产多窝卵。窝卵数、窝卵重和卵重与雌体体长呈正相关,卵重与窝卵数无关。窝卵数、窝卵重和卵重不存在明显的季节变化。卵长径与卵短径呈正相关,卵长径、卵短径与窝卵数无关。雌体通过增加窝卵数和卵大小增加繁殖输出。孵出幼体的体重、体长、尾长、躯干干重、刺余卵黄不存在季节差异,但5月份孵出幼体的脂肪体高于4月份。     

北京松山国家级自然保护区两栖爬行动物资源调查

2009～2010年对北京松山国家级自然保护区两栖爬行类进行了4次调查,调查到两栖爬行类11种,隶属于2目7科。古北界10种,东洋界1种。对比1991年的调查结果,此次调查未发现丽斑麻蜥、赤链蛇、红点锦蛇、团花锦蛇、双斑锦蛇、虎斑颈槽蛇6种爬行类。草地生境两栖爬行类物种多样性最高。中国林蛙(主要分布于溪流)和山地麻蜥(主要分布于岩壁)分别是种群数量最多的两栖类和爬行类物种。在保护实践中可优先保护两栖爬行类物种多样性较高的关键区域,以提高保护成效。     

Protective activity of Streptococcus pneumoniae Spr1875 protein fragments identified using a phage displayed genomic library

There is considerable interest in pneumococcal protein antigens capable of inducing serotype-independent immunoprotection and of improving, thereby, existing vaccines. We report here on the immunogenic properties of a novel surface antigen encoded by ORF spr1875 in the R6 strain genome. An antigenic fragment encoded by spr1875, designated R4, was identified using a Streptococcus pneumoniae phage displayed genomic library after selection with a human convalescent serum. Immunofluorescence analysis with anti-R4 antisera showed that Spr1875 was expressed on the surface of strains belonging to different serotypes. Moreover, the gene was present with little sequence variability in 27 different pneumococcal strains isolated worldwide. A mutant lacking Spr1875 was considerably less virulent than the wild type D39 strain in an intravenous mouse model of infection. Moreover, immunization with the R4 recombinant fragment, but not with the whole Spr1875 protein, induced significant protection against sepsis in mice. Lack of protection after immunization with the whole protein was related to the presence of immunodominant, non-protective epitopes located outside of the R4 fragment. In conclusion, our data indicate that Spr1875 has a role in pneumococcal virulence and is immunogenic. As the R4 fragment conferred immunoprotection from experimental sepsis, selected antigenic fragments of Spr1875 may be useful for the development of a pneumococcal protein-based vaccine.     

First record of the sedge feeder Bactra verutana Zeller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Chile based on morphology and DNA barcodes

The sedge-feeding moth Bactra verutana Zeller, 1875 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae: Bactrini), described from Dallas, Texas, USA, is widespread, recorded throughout much North America, Central and South America, including the Caribbean, and Africa. The species is recorded for the first time from Chile based on specimens collected in the coastal valleys of the Atacama Desert, where its larvae feed on Cyperus corymbosus Rottb. var. subnodosus (Nees & Meyen) Kük. (Cyperaceae). A single DNA barcode haplotype, which is widespread in USA, was found in two Chilean specimens sequenced.