Relationships of osmerid fishes (Osmeridae) of Russia: divergence of nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes

Relationships of seven species of smelts (family Osmeridae) inhabiting Russian waters were analyzed on the basis of nucleotide sequence divergence of cytb, COI and intron 1 of rpS7 genes. Nuclear sequence divergence between the species within of the genera Osmerus, Mallotus and Hypomesus was 1.6–2.6, 2.9 and 6.6–11.8 %, respectively, and mitochondrial sequence divergence was 8.9–9.7, 3.9 and 15.1–18.3 %, respectively. The mtDNA divergence was 20.4 % between the genera Hypomesus and Mallotus, 18.47 % between Hypomesus and Osmerus, and 17.62 % between Mallotus and Osmerus. Nuclear DNA divergence was 11.58, 11.19, and 11.37 %, respectively. MP, ML and Bayesian analyses coupled with inclusion in analyses of GenBank-derived sequences of osmerid species that do not inhabit this region suggest that the lineage of the genus Mallotus was the first to separate from the common hypothetic ancestor of the smelts and is sister to the Osmerus–Hypomesus clade. The position of Hypomesus olidus is not resolved and points to the need for further research.     

Description of Oculogryphus shuensis sp. n. (Coleoptera,Lampyridae), the first species of the genus in the Sino-Japanese realm,with a modified key to the subfamily Ototretinae

A new species of the lampyrid genus Oculogryphus Jeng, Engel, and Yang, O. shuensis sp. n. from China (Sichuan Province) is described and figured. The genus previously was known only from Vietnam, and the new species is the first representative of the genus in the Sino-Japanese zoogeographic realm. Some morphological variations of Oculogryphus and the allied genus Stenocladius are discussed and a modification to the most recent key to ototretine genera is proposed to accommodate Oculogryphus.     

Macaranga and Mallotus species (Euphorbiaceae) as indicators for disturbance in the mixed lowland dipterocarp forest of East Kalimantan (Indonesia)

The indicator value (IV) of Macaranga and Mallotus species (Euphorbiaceae) for different types of disturbance in lowland dipterocarp forest was assessed by counting and identifying all individuals of species of these genera taller than 30 cm in 45 (10 m×300 m) plots at nine locations. Twelve Macaranga and nine Mallotus species were found. The main forest disturbance types (primary forest, secondary forest, selectively logged forest, forest burned once, and repeatedly burned forest used for shifting-cultivation) each had their own set of indicator species. The level of disturbance in the forest types was assessed by measuring nine forest structural parameters. The occurrence of Macaranga and Mallotus species was closely related to the level of disturbance in a forest. Most Macaranga species were characteristic of high disturbance levels, while most Mallotus species preferred intermediate to low levels of disturbance. However, both genera had species at both disturbance extremes. Using multiple regression analysis, combinations of Macaranga and Mallotus species were formed and used to predict the separate forest structural parameters and the general level of disturbance of a forest. The Macaranga and Mallotus species could be grouped into (1) primary forest ‘remnant’ species; (2) generalist pioneer species; and (3) high disturbance pioneer species.     

Phylogenetic analysis of smelts (Osmeridae) based on the variation of cytochrome <Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis> gene

Putative phylogenetic relationships between all smelt species inhabiting Russian waters were studied using RFLP and the data on divergence between nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome b. All types of phylogenetic trees (NJ, MP, and Bayesian) displayed stable clustering into isolated groups corresponding to the division of the subfamily Osmerinae into three genera, Mallotus, Osmerus, and Hypomesus. It was demonstrated that the Mallotus phylum was the first to diverge from a hypothetical common ancestor of the smelts. Later, it divided into two clusters corresponding to the modern subspecies Mallotus villosus villosus and M. v. catervarius. The phylum of the genus Osmerus diverged later than the genus Mallotus and also divided into two clusters, one including O. mordax of the Pacific (Sea of Japan) and Arctic (Kara and Barents Seas) basins and the other, anadromous and resident ecotypes of the O. eperlanus from the Baltic Sea basin. The smelts of the genus Hypomesus is the youngest phylogenetic group among the taxa studied; it forms three individual clusters matching the species H. olidus, H. nipponensis, and H. japonicus. The proposed phylogenetic hypothesis is discussed from the standpoint of its compliance with the phylogenetic constructions based on the external morphological and osteological traits.     

Fossil wood of Euphorbiaceae from the Tertiary of West Bengal,India

The paper describes a new species of fossil wood of Euphorbiaceae, Mallotoxylon cleidionoides sp. nov. from the Tertiary Laterites near Santiniketan, Birbhum District of West Bengal. The structure of the fossil wood closely resembles the wood anatomy of the extant genus Mallotus Lour. This is the first record of the occurrence of an euphorbiaceous wood from the Tertiary of West Bengal.     

Two Mallotus species of different life histories adopt different defense strategies in relation to leaf age

Plants defend their leaves using multiple defense traits that change functions with leaf age. We examined the effects of leaf age on the development of multiple defense traits in two related Mallotus (Euphorbiaceae) species: young plants of the fast‐growing Mallotus japonicus (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. and the slow‐growing Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Müll. Arg. Sequential leaves of the two species were measured for their leaf area, leaf mass/area, densities of trichomes and pellucid dots, extrafloral nectar volume, and the numbers of extrafloral nectaries and pearl bodies. Mallotus japonicus shifted its defense tactics from direct defense using trichomes and pellucid dots in young leaves to biotic defense using extrafloral nectar and pearl bodies in middle‐aged leaves. In contrast, M. philippensis used direct, chemical defense throughout all leaf ages, together with the shift from indirect, biotic defense using extrafloral nectar in young leaves to direct, physical defense using leaf toughness in middle‐aged leaves. These results strongly suggest that, in relation to life history, plants can alter optimal combinations of multiple defense traits with leaf age.     

A second species of Euscorpiops Vachon from caves in Vietnam (Scorpiones,Euscorpiidae, Scorpiopinae)

Euscorpiops dakrong sp. n., belonging to the family Euscorpiidae Laurie, is described on the basis of one male and one female collected in the Dakrong Nature Reserve cave system, Dakrong District, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. The new species presents most features exhibited by scorpions of the genus Euscorpiops, but it is characterized by a slender body and elongated pedipalps. This new scorpion taxon represents the second species of Scorpiopinae discovered in a cave system and may be yet another endemic element in the fauna of Vietnam. Some taxonomic propositions on the generic position of Scorpiops oligotrichus Fage, 1933 are also suggested.     

The family Ctenobelbidae (Acari,Oribatida), with description of a new species and discussion on systematic placement and taxonomic status of the genus Berndamerus Mahunka, 1977

The oribatid mite genus Berndamerus Mahunka, 1977 is transferred into the family Ctenobelbidae as the subgenus Ctenobelba (Berndamerus) Mahunka, 1977, stat. n. from the family Amerobelbidae. The known species of Berndamerus combined: C. (B.) bicostata (Berlese, 1910), comb. n., C. (B.) eremuloides (Berlese, 1910), comb. n., C. (B.) hellenica (Mahunka, 1977), comb. n. A new species, Ctenobelba (Berndamerus) bugiamapensis sp. n., is described from soil, Bu Gia Map National Park, southern Vietnam. It differs from the other species of the subgenus by the heterotrichy of notogastral setae, presence of adanal neotrichy and localization of adanal lyrifissures. Ctenobelbidae is recorded in Vietnam for the first time. A new diagnosis of the family Ctenobelbidae and the identification keys to the known subgenera of the genus Ctenobelba and species of the subgenus Ctenobelba (Berndamerus) are provided.     

The genus Vietbocap Lourenço & Pham, 2010 in the Thien Duong cave,Vietnam: A possible case of subterranean speciation in scorpions (Scorpiones: Pseudochactidae)

Two new species of scorpion belonging to the family Pseudochactidae and to the genus Vietbocap are described based on specimens collected in the Thien Duong cave, which belongs to the Vom cave system, in the Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. The previously described species from this cave, Vietbocap thienduongensis Lourenço & Pham, 2012 was collected in the initial section of the cave (1500 to 1800 m from the cave entrance) and proved to be a true troglobitic element. The diagnosis of this species, only known from males, is completed based on females collected at 750 m from the cave entrance. The two new species described here were collected respectively at 3000 and 5000 m from the cave entrance and are also true troglobitic elements, very similar to V. thienduongensis, but showing some clear morphological differences. This observed situation suggests a possible case of speciation within the cave system, the first one ever reported for scorpions. The population found at 5000 m from the entrance of the cave is a total new record of distance from a cave entrance for scorpions.     

大戟科现代植物花粉形态

对大戟科21属33种植物的现代花粉形态进行了系统的形态学研究。选取的33种大戟科植物基本涵盖了该科绝大部分花粉形态类型。根据花粉的大小、形状、外壁表面纹饰, 结合大戟科亚科分类, 对该科花粉形态特征进行详细对比和分析。结果表明, 每个亚科都有其独特的花粉形态, 各亚科可以根据花粉形态来鉴别。此外, 大戟科多个属(如野桐属、山麻杆属、叶下珠属等)的植物花粉形态特征较明显, 可以鉴定到属甚至种一级水平。研究结果不仅为大戟科花粉形态分类学提供了依据, 同时为地层孢粉分析中花粉的鉴定提供参考。     

The first Gondwanan Euphorbiaceae fossils reset the biogeographic history of the Macaranga-Mallotus clade

Premise

The spurge family Euphorbiaceae is prominent in tropical rainforests worldwide, particularly in Asia. There is little consensus on the biogeographic origins of the family or its principal lineages. No confirmed spurge macrofossils have come from Gondwana.

Methods

We describe the first Gondwanan macrofossils of Euphorbiaceae, represented by two infructescences and associated peltate leaves from the early Eocene (52 Myr ago [Ma]) Laguna del Hunco site in Chubut, Argentina.

Results

The infructescences are panicles bearing tiny, pedicellate, spineless capsular fruits with two locules, two axile lenticular seeds, and two unbranched, plumose stigmas. The fossils' character combination only occurs today in some species of the Macaranga-Mallotus clade (MMC; Euphorbiaceae), a widespread Old-World understory group often thought to have tropical Asian origins. The associated leaves are consistent with extant Macaranga.

Conclusions

The new fossils are the oldest known for the MMC, demonstrating its Gondwanan history and marking its divergence by at least 52 Ma. This discovery makes an Asian origin of the MMC unlikely because immense oceanic distances separated Asia and South America 52 Ma. The only other MMC reproductive fossils so far known are also from the southern hemisphere (early Miocene, southern New Zealand), far from the Asian tropics. The MMC, along with many other Gondwanan survivors, most likely entered Asia during the Neogene Sahul-Sunda collision. Our discovery adds to a substantial series of well-dated, well-preserved fossils from one undersampled region, Patagonia, that have changed our understanding of plant biogeographic history.     

Diversity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Associated with Fresh Coffee Cherries in Taiwan

A total of 102 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from three different coffee farms in Taiwan. These isolates were classified and identified by the restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA. Heterofermentative Leuconostoc, and Weissella species were the most common LAB found in two farms located at an approximate altitude of 800 m. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis was the most common LAB found in the remaining farm was located at an approximate altitude of 1,200 m. It is therefore suggested that the altitude and climate may affect the distribution of LAB. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, two strains included in the genera Enterococcus were considered as two potential novel species or subspecies. In addition, a total of 34 isolates showed the antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus. Moreover, seven Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis strains and one Enterococcus faecalis strain were found to have bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance-producing capability. These results suggest that various LAB are associated with fresh coffee cherries in Taiwan. Some of the isolates found in this study showed potential as antifungal agents.     

Atlantic moonfishes: independent pathways of karyotypic and morphological differentiation

Fish of the genus Selene, known as lookdowns or moonfish, are one of the most morphologically derived groups of the family Carangidae, whose phylogenetic relationships are still largely unknown. In this study, we discuss karyoevolutionary aspects of three representatives of this genus from the Western Atlantic: Selene brownii (2n = 48; FN = 48), Selene setapinnis (2n = 46; FN = 48), and Selene vomer (2n = 48; FN = 50). Their body patterns were also investigated and compared to one another and in relation to two other species of different genera. Two mechanisms of karyotypic evolution seem to have acted in the diversification of this genus, namely pericentric inversions and centric fusions. Mapping of rDNA sequences showed that chromosome pairs bearing 5S rDNA sites are similar, whereas those bearing 18 rDNA sites are morphologically distinct while apparently also exhibiting interspecies synteny. Although the nucleolar organizer-bearing chromosomes are extremely efficient cytotaxonomic markers among Selene species, others cytogenetic patterns of these species are relatively conserved. Hybridization with telomeric probes (TTAGGG)_n did not exhibit interstitial telomeric sites (ITS), especially in S. setapinnis, where, along with a reduction in diploid number, a large metacentric pair derived from centric fusion is present. Data obtained by geometric morphometrics enable a clear morphological distinction among the three species, as well as in relation to two other species of the genus Caranx and Oligoplites. Data obtained suggest that morphologic evolution in Selene species was primarily dissociated from visible changes that occurred at the chromosomal level.     

Distribution, Abundance and Molecular Analysis of Genus Barbadocladius Cranston & Krosch (Diptera, Chironomidae) in Tropical, High Altitude Andean Streams and Rivers

The distribution of the genus Barbadocladius Cranston & Krosch (Diptera: Chironomidae), previously reported from Chile to Bolivia, has extended northwards. Larvae, pupae and pupal exuviae of this genus have been found in the high mountain tropical streams of Peru to 9°22′56″, but are restricted to very high altitude streams (altitudes over 3,278 m asl) compared to the lower altitude streams (below 1,100 m asl) in which the genus is reported in Chile and Argentina. Based on morphological studies, both described species in the genus, Barbadocladius andinus Cranston & Krosch and Barbadocladius limay Cranston & Krosch, have been found in Peru as pupae or pupal exuviae. Morphological analysis of the larvae and pupae revealed no differences between the two described species from Patagonia and Peru, which are of similar size and with a similar armament of hooklets and spines in pupal tergites and sternites. However, molecular analysis of larvae and pupae revealed that in Peru, there are at least two different evolutionary lines, one distributed widely and another restricted to one site. Phylogenetic analysis (using cox1 mitochondrial sequences) of all available sequences of Barbadocladius shows that the Chilean and Argentinean material differs from that of Peru. Therefore, a total of four molecular segregates are identified, although morphologically, neither larvae nor the pupae may be differentiated.     

Dated Phylogenies of the Sister Genera Macaranga and Mallotus (Euphorbiaceae): Congruence in Historical Biogeographic Patterns?

Molecular phylogenies and estimates of divergence times within the sister genera Macaranga and Mallotus were estimated using Bayesian relaxed clock analyses of two generic data sets, one per genus. Both data sets were based on different molecular markers and largely different samples. Per genus three calibration points were utilised. The basal calibration point (crown node of all taxa used) was taken from literature and used for both taxa. The other three calibrations were based on fossils of which two were used per genus. We compared patterns of dispersal and diversification in Macaranga and Mallotus using ancestral area reconstruction in RASP (S-DIVA option) and contrasted our results with biogeographical and geological records to assess accuracy of inferred age estimates. A check of the fossil calibration point showed that the Japanese fossil, used for dating the divergence of Mallotus, probably had to be attached to a lower node, the stem node of all pioneer species, but even then the divergence time was still younger than the estimated age of the fossil. The African (only used in the Macaranga data set) and New Zealand fossils (used for both genera) seemed reliably placed. Our results are in line with existing geological data and the presence of stepping stones that provided dispersal pathways from Borneo to New Guinea-Australia, from Borneo to mainland Asia and additionally at least once to Africa and Madagascar via land and back to India via Indian Ocean island chains. The two genera show congruence in dispersal patterns, which corroborate divergence time estimates, although the overall mode and tempo of dispersal and diversification differ significantly as shown by distribution patterns of extant species.     

New records of the genus Iporhogas Granger (Hymenoptera,Braconidae, Rogadinae) from Vietnam,with description of four new species

The genus Iporhogas Granger, 1949 (Braconidae: Rogadinae) is recorded for the first time for Vietnam. Four new species of the genus Iporhogas, viz. Iporhogas albilateralis sp. n., I. contrastus sp. n., I. simulatus sp. n. and I. tricoloratus sp. n., from Vietnam are described and illustrated, and additionally, one species, Iporhogas guangxiensis Chen & He, 1997, is newly recorded for Vietnam’s fauna of the family Braconidae. A key to the five Vietnamese species of the genus Iporhogas and a checklist with distributions of the ten species are provided.     

Ossicaulis yunnanensis sp. nov. (Lyophyllaceae,Agaricales) from southwestern China

Ossicaulis is a small genus in the family Lyophyllaceae. Two known species, O. lachnopus, and O. lignatilis, are distributed in north temperate regions. The third taxon, O. yunnanensis sp. nov., is described from the alpine belt of subtropics of southwestern China, and this genus is also reported for the first time from China. Morphologically, the new species is characterized by its whitish basidiomata and very small basidiospores. Molecular analyses from the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) show that the subtropical alpine species is distinct from hitherto known Ossicaulis species and has a close relationship to O. lachnopus.     

Determination of phenolic compounds in flowers of Hypericum species native to South Brazil and Peruvian Páramos

The flowers constitute one of the main sites of accumulation of phenolic compounds in plants of the Hypericum genus. In addition to their important pharmacological activities, some metabolites found in species from the section Brathys and Trigynobrathys appear to have chemotaxonomic significance according to the literature. HPLC analyses were carried out to assess the pattern and accumulation of the dimeric phloroglucinols, benzophenones, benzopyrans, flavonoids and a phenolic acid in flowers of Hypericum species native to southern Brazil and Peruvian Páramos. Qualitative and quantitative differences are reported. Uliginosin B and hyperoside were the main components detected in all species and with maximum concentrations up to 0.188 % in H. caprifoliatum and 5.987 % in H. andinum, respectively. The content of japonicin A varied from 0.003 to 0.087 % in H. myrianthum, while the yield of hyperbrasilol B ranged from 0.006 % in H. laricifolium to 0.011 % in H. caprifoliatum. The major compounds in H. polyanthemum and H. carinatum were the benzopyrans 6-isobutyryl-5,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-benzopyran (HP1 = 0.200 %), 7-hydroxy-6-isobutyryl-5-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-benzopyran (HP2 = 0.225 %) and 5-hydroxy-6-isobutyryl-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-benzopyran (HP3 = 0.327 %) and benzophenones cariphenone A (0.309 %) and cariphenone B (0.062 %), respectively. Maximum amounts of chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, quercitrin and guaijaverin were observed, respectively, in H. campestre (1.458 %), H. andinum (1.161 %), H. carinatum (0.231 %) and H. laricifolium (0.404 %). The results obtained support the taxonomic evidence of the dimeric phloroglucinol derivatives at the section level.     

A review of the genus Paraphyllanthoxylon

Thirteen species of petrified wood have been assigned previously to the genus Paraphyllanthoxylon which was established by Bailey (1924) as representative of the section Phyllanthoideae of the family Euphorbiaceae. Mädel (1962) considered the genus Paraphyllanthoxylon representative of only the Glochidion wood group of the section Phyllanthoideae. This necessitates the establishment of a new genus, Phyllanthoideoxylon, for fossil woods which have characteristics in common with several of the other wood groups in the section Phyllanthoideae. The thirteen previously identified species of Paraphyllanthoxylon are reviewed and compared with the characteristics of the genus. Eleven of these species are retained in Paraphyllanthoxylon Bailey (emend. Mädel), one (P. bangalamodense) is assigned to Phyllanthoideoxylon nov. gen. and one (P. keriense) is transferred to Bridelioxylon Ramanujam.