Morphological studies of pollen grains of the Polish endemic species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rubus</Emphasis> (Rosaceae)

The pollen of six taxa of the genus Rubus endemic to Poland (R. capitulatus, R. chaerophylloides, R. ostroviensis, R. posnaniensis, R. seebergensis and R. spribillei)was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The study objective was to extend the knowledge of the species pollen morphology and to investigate whether pollen morphology may help to taxonomically distinguish a very rare bramble species. Study material was derived from six natural localities where the species occur in the Wielkopolska region (Poland). Ten quantitative pollen grain features were analysed as well as the following qualitative ones: outline, shape, type of bridge and exine sculpture. Only mature, correctly formed pollen grains (30 per specimen) were measured and 180 pollen grains were examined in total. It was found that R. capitulatus and R. seebergensis had the highest mean values of P, E and Le features. In addition, pollen grains of R. capitulatus were most flattened (mean P/E ratio equals 1.14), while those of R. seebergensis were most elongated (mean P/E ratio equals 1.27). R. spribillei was the only species with striae of similar width as muri, whereas striae in the remaining species were wider. R. chaerophylloides and R. posnaniensis were characterised by specific, similar exine sculpture. Nevertheless, it should be stated that differences between pollen features of the species studied are so small and the variability of these features are so large that it is difficult to clearly identify the species studied. Therefore, pollen grain morphology can serve only as an auxiliary feature for the determination of these species.     

Systematics,biogeography, and evolution of Pristurus minimus (Squamata,Sphaerodactylidae) with the discovery of the smallest Arabian vertebrate

Almost 20% of Oman’s terrestrial reptiles are found on Masirah Island. Despite its ancient geological history and its long isolation, Masirah Island only harbours one endemic reptile species, Hemidactylus masirahensis. In this study, we use an integrative approach to explore the variation in Pristurus minimus, to revise its systematics and to assess its phylogeography by using molecular (mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences) and morphological data. Our results uncovered a deep divergence within P. minimus that dates back to ～4?Ma, during the Pliocene Epoch. The old divergence separated P. minimus into two allopatric species: one from mainland Arabia, P. minimus, and one endemic to Masirah Island, described as a new species herein. Despite the general similarity between the two sister species, there are morphological differences related mainly to body size. The new Pristurus species endemic to Masirah Island is significantly smaller than its mainland sister taxon, becoming the smallest known vertebrate species in Arabia and one of the smallest lizard species in the world. The phylogenetic analyses also uncovered a low level of genetic diversity within the newly described Pristurus species endemic to Masirah Island and a relatively deep genetic divergence within P. minimus that dates back to the Pleistocene. Once more, the present study highlights the relatively high levels of reptile diversity and endemicity in south-eastern Arabia despite its harsh, arid climate and stresses its relevance from a conservation point of view.

The LSIDs for this publication is: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:DB0658D5-7F68-4E66-885F-75E27F9CD512.     

Flower and fruit structure of the endangered species Petagnaea gussonei (Sprengel) Rauschert (Saniculoideae,Apiaceae) and implications for its reproductive biology

Petagnaea gussonei (Apiaceae) is an endangered species endemic to the Nebrodi mountains (north-eastern Sicily). Although an increasing number of studies have been performed on this species, its reproductive biology remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate in detail the structure of the flower and the fruit of Petagnaea, and the possible implications for its breeding system and seed dispersal mechanism. Results from fieldwork, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy suggest (1) the presence of protandrous hermaphrodite flowers; (2) geitonogamy, autogamy, and allogamy as breeding system mechanisms of P. gussonei, even if asexual reproduction is preferred by the plant; and (3) epizoochory and hydrochory as possible modalities of fruit dispersal.     

Plant fecundity and pre-dispersal reproductive losses in a common and a rare Euphorbia species (Euphorbiaceae)

Comparative studies on the reproductive biology of closely related plant species have provided valuable information to understand the causes and consequences of common-rare differences with possible applications for the management of threatened populations. The magnitude and spatiotemporal variability of seed production and pre-dispersal reproductive losses were studied for 3 years in the rare endemic Euphorbia welwitschii and in its widespread congener E. characias. The factors responsible for a decrease in potential seed production in these species were the lack of a functional ovary in the cyathium, ovary and fruit abortion, seed predation by insects and seed abortion. In E. characias, the moth Acroclita subsequana was also responsible for minor reproductive losses. The proportion of male cyathia varied significantly between seasons, populations and species, being consistently higher in E. characias than in E. welwitschii. Reproductive losses that resulted in ovary, fruit and seed abortion affected mostly the endemic species and were heavier in the populations located near the sea due to local adverse climatic conditions. Seed predators inflicted higher reproductive losses to the endemic species than to its widespread congener and their impact was particularly heavy at Risco. The two Euphorbia species differed markedly in cyathia production, with E. welwitschii producing systematically a lower number of cyathia than its widespread congener and this, together with higher levels of ovary, fruit and seed abortion, seemed to be the main reasons for the low reproductive output of this rare species.     

Echiodon anchipterus: A valid western Pacific species of the pearlfish family carapidae with comments onEurypleuron

The collection of an adult specimen ofEchiodon from Owase, Japan, enabled us to further evaluate one of the unresolved identification problems listed by Markle and Olney (1990). The recognition ofEchiodon anchipterus Williams as a valid western Pacific species was questioned by Markle and Olney (1990), who tentatively synonymized it with the western Indian OceanE. coheni Williams. The Japanese specimen had 15–16 pectoral fin-rays (vs. 18 inEchiodon coheni), 22 total nasal lamellae (vs. 24), and 21 precaudal vertebrae giving a range forE. anchipterus of 19–21 (vs. 18–19). These new data support the recognition of bothE. anchipterus andE. coheni as valid, allopatrically distributed species. The phylogenetic relationships among the species ofEchiodon are reexamined and a cladogram summarizing our hypothesis of their interrelationships is presented. Eurypleuron owasianum (Matsubara) is considered to be endemic to the Japan Zoogeographic region, where adults are known only from specimens taken off Owase, Japan. The South African, southeastern Australian, New Zealand, and Sala y Gomez Ridge specimens are collectively referred toEurypleuron cinereum (Smith) pending a comprehensive revision of the group.     

Genetic diversity of three endangered species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Echium</Emphasis> L. (Boraginaceae) endemic to Cape Verde Islands

Echium hypertropicum, E. stenosiphon and E. vulcanorum are the three endemics representative of the genus Echium (Boraginaceae) in Cape Verde archipelago. The aim of this study is to provide a first attempt at estimating genetic diversity among natural populations of these endangered Echium species based on RAPD, so as to provide data available for future appropriate strategies for their conservation. PCO and UPGMA of RAPD analysis suggests a close genetic proximity between the Southern endemic species (E. hypertropicum and E. vulcanorum) and shows that the levels of polymorphism strongly differ between these two Echium species (27 and 29% respectively) and E. stenosiphon (74%), the Northern endemic species. Mantel test also corroborates a close genetic proximity between genetic and geographic data. Population genetic analysis of E. stenosiphon revealed low levels of gene flow between islands (Nm = 0.32) being S. Nicolau the most isolated as evident in PCO. Furthermore the differentiation between groups of individuals belonging to putative subspecies was tested by AMOVA. According to our results there is no genetic basis to consider the two subspecies of E. stenosiphon namely ssp. stenosiphon and ssp. lindbergii. Our results enable us to suggest that E. stenosiphon must be ranked as a Threatened species. Measures aiming at conservation of E. hypertropicum and E. vulcanorum must be implemented at short-term taking into account the small number of existing plants and its low genetic variability.     

Chloroplast DNA diversity associated with protected slopes and valleys for hybridizing Eucalyptus species on isolated ranges in south‐eastern Australia

Aim To relate genetic diversity to topographic features and to investigate genetic interactions between Eucalyptus species in a local centre of endemism and diversity in south‐eastern Australia. Location Grampian Ranges, Victoria, Australia. Methods We documented chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation for a group of endemic Eucalyptus species (E. serraensis, E. verrucata and E. victoriana) that dominate rocky, high‐elevation ridgelines of the Grampian Ranges and for one closely‐related, widespread species (E. baxteri) occupying flanking slopes and valleys. We documented genetic patterns across the landscape using cpDNA microsatellites, and related them to topographic features (exposed west‐facing versus protected east‐facing slopes and valleys). We also determined the extent of local haplotype sharing between populations of endemic species and neighbouring E. baxteri downslope with cpDNA microsatellites, and haplotype sharing between the endemic group and more distantly related species (E. obliqua, E. pauciflora and E. willisii) with sequences of the J_LA+ chloroplast region. Results We detected 26 cpDNA microsatellite haplotypes in a relatively small area of c. 20 km × 50 km. Populations of E. baxteri on east‐facing slopes and valleys had greater cpDNA microsatellite diversity than E. baxteri and endemic species on exposed west‐facing slopes. Endemic species frequently shared chloroplast haplotypes with E. baxteri downslope. Sharing of J_LA+ haplotypes with species outside the endemic group was mostly restricted to E. victoriana, which had cpDNA more similar to the species from other sections of Eucalyptus (E. obliqua, E. willisii and E. pauciflora). Main conclusions Intensive sampling of related species on small isolated mountain ranges allowed us to relate genetic diversity to fine‐scale habitats and to document extensive local haplotype sharing between species. This study contributes to a general understanding of the environmental conditions that enable plant population persistence by linking concentrations of genetic diversity to particular habitats.     

Taxonomy of the New Zealand genus Eulimnia,and biology and immature stages of E. philpotti (Diptera: Sciomyzidae)

Abstract

The endemic New Zealand genus Eulimnia and its two species are redescribed. Data are presented on the life cycle of E. philpotti Tonnoir & Malloch, and the habitat, geographical distribution, phenology, and biological features of adults and immature stages are discussed. Adults are found in permanently wet marshes, where the larvae prey on fingernail clams (Bivalvia: Sphaeriidae) while completely submerged. Mature larvae form puparia among vegetation or debris above the water level. The immature stages of E. philpotti are described. The genus is placed in tribe Tetanocerini, and its taxonomic position is discussed.     

Studies on Chinese species of Gelidiella and Pterocladiella (Gelidiales,Rhodophyta)

A previously unknown species of anostracan is presented and described herein as Eubranchipus stegosusn. sp. This species is unique in that the male bears large, sub-quadrate, transverse, dorsal thoracic projections. Eubranchipus stegosus n. sp. is most closely related to E. moorei and E. holmani and may be endemic to southwestern Georgia. However, anostracans are poorly sampled throughout the southeastern United States, and additional surveys should be conducted to better understand this species' distribution and degree of rarity.     

Review and phylogeny of the New Zealand hagfishes (Myxiniformes: Myxinidae), with a description of three new species

Hagfishes from New Zealand are reviewed and a phylogeny proposed using morphological and genetic data (DNA sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, COI, and the small subunit RNA, 16S). E ptatretus cryptus sp. nov. was previously confused with Eptatretus cirrhatus (Forster in Bloch & Schneider, 1801) because of their similar morphology, and is found from the Three Kings Islands to Stewart Island and in the eastern part of the Chatham Rise (at depths of 96–922 m). E ptatretus poicilus sp. nov. is endemic to the Three Kings Islands, where it is common and associated with soft sediment and deep‐sea coral‐sponge habitats (114–842 m). N eomyxine caesiovitta sp. nov. is a slender hagfish found along the east coast of the North Island south to the Chatham Rise (430–1083 m). A neotype is erected for E. cirrhatus (type locality: Breaksea Sound, Fiordland), occurring widely in New Zealand coastal, shelf, and slope waters (1–922 m), but not at the Three Kings Islands. Eptatetrus goliath Mincarone & Stewart, 2006, Neomyxine biniplicata (Richardson & Jowett, 1951), and Nemamyxine elongata Richardson, 1958 are further described using additional material. Rubicundus eos (Fernholm, 1991) is still only known from the holotype (type locality: Challenger Plateau). Genetic results showed that the New Zealand Eptatretus species form a monophyletic group within the subfamily Eptatretinae, indicating likely speciation from a single common ancestor within the area. E ptatretus poicilus sp. nov. is the sister species of E. cirrhatus, and E . cryptus sp. nov. is closely associated with the clade formed by these two species. Eptatretus goliath is most closely associated with Eptatretus minor Fernholm & Hubbs, 1981 (Gulf of Mexico), these two species basally diverging within New Zealand hagfishes. The endemic genus Neomyxine forms a well‐supported monophyletic group of as yet uncertain position within the phylogenetic tree. A key to the New Zealand hagfishes, fresh colour photographs, distribution maps, and in situ video recordings are presented. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London     

The river before damming: distribution and ecological notes on the endemic species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinogammarus cari</Emphasis> (Amphipoda: Gammaridae) in the Dobra River and its tributaries,Croatia

The endemic species Echinogammarus cari (Karaman 1931) is the only species of this genus present in the Black Sea drainage basin of Croatia. The species is known only from its type locality, the Bistrac spring. Since little is known about the distribution and ecology of this amphipod species, research was conducted to determine the extent of its distribution in the Dobra River and its tributaries, part of which will be flooded on the completion of a 52.5 m high dam in 2009. Sampling was conducted at 10 study sites in the drainage area of the sinking Gornja Dobra and at 19 study sites in the Gojačka Dobra, including measurement of physicochemical parameters. To examine microdistribution of this species, samples were collected on moss and on stony substrate. The species is confined to first 15 km of the Gojačka Dobra, its tributary streams Bistrica and Ribnjak, while it is absent in the drainage area of the Gornja Dobra. At all sites where it was recorded, it coexists with Gammarus fossarum, and its relative abundance was significantly higher on moss microhabitats, while G. fossarum was more abundant on a stony substrate. The downstream decrease in the relative abundance of E. cari could be related to the longitudinal decrease in conductivity and the increase of water temperature fluctuations. After the completion of the dam, 60% of the presently known distribution area of E. cari will be flooded. Consequently, the species is likely to become endangered.     

Characterization of Gambierdiscus lapillus sp. nov. (Gonyaulacales,Dinophyceae): a new toxic dinoflagellate from the Great Barrier Reef (Australia)

Gambierdiscus is a genus of benthic dinoflagellates found worldwide. Some species produce neurotoxins (maitotoxins and ciguatoxins) that bioaccumulate and cause ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), a potentially fatal food‐borne illness that is common worldwide in tropical regions. The investigation of toxigenic species of Gambierdiscus in CFP endemic regions in Australia is necessary as a first step to determine which species of Gambierdiscus are related to CFP cases occurring in this region. In this study, we characterized five strains of Gambierdiscus collected from Heron Island, Australia, a region in which ciguatera is endemic. Clonal cultures were assessed using (i) light microscopy; (ii) scanning electron microscopy; (iii) DNA sequencing based on the nuclear encoded ribosomal 18S and D8‐D10 28S regions; (iv) toxicity via mouse bioassay; and (v) toxin profile as determined by Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry. Both the morphological and phylogenetic data indicated that these strains represent a new species of Gambierdiscus, G. lapillus sp. nov. (plate formula Po, 3′, 0a, 7″, 6c, 7‐8s, 5?, 0p, 2″″ and distinctive by size and hatchet‐shaped 2′ plate). Culture extracts were found to be toxic using the mouse bioassay. Using chemical analysis, it was determined that they did not contain maitotoxin (MTX1) or known algal‐derived ciguatoxin analogs (CTX3B, 3C, CTX4A, 4B), but that they contained putative MTX3, and likely other unknown compounds.     

Development of microsatellite markers in species of Erigeron (Asteraceae) endemic to the Juan Fernández Archipelago,Chile

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Erigeron rupicola and tested by amplification in six Erigeron species endemic to the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile, to investigate genetic diversity and population structure. • Methods and Results: Using 454 pyrosequencing, 24 primer pairs were developed in E. rupicola, 12 of which amplified and presented polymorphism among endemic species of Erigeron in the Archipelago. Two populations from E. rupicola and E. fernandezianus were genotyped, and one to eight alleles per locus per population were detected. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 0.812. • Conclusions: These results indicate the utility of primers for cross-species populational studies in all endemic species of Erigeron in the Archipelago.     

Taxonomic notes on Cimicifuga nanchuanensis (Ranunculaceae), a hitherto imperfectly known species from China

Cimicifuga nanchuanensis P. K. Hsiao (Ranunculaceae) has been regarded as an imperfectly known species. Based on critical examination of herbarium specimens and living plants we have determined that it is a morphologically distinctive species and that its geographical range is much wider than believed before, far from locally endemic to its type locality. Our cytological examination reveals the species to be a diploid (2n = 16). Our molecular phylogenetic analyses using nrDNA and cpDNA datasets confirm our morphological observations. As the generic concept and delimitation of Actaea L., in which Cimicifuga Wernisch. and Souliea Franch. are included, have also been strongly corroborated by our molecular phylogenetic analyses, here we adopt a broad Actaea and make a new combination for the species in question, i.e. Actaea nanchuanensis (P. K. Hsiao) J. P. Luo, Q. Yuan & Q. E. Yang.     

A new arborescent Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) from northern Somalia

Euphorbia spissa, sp. nov., a tree known from a single population on a rocky limestone slope in northern Somalia, is described and illustrated. The species is compared with the widespread E. tirucalli, as well as with E. cameronii and E. bariensis (endemics in Somalia), E. arbuscula (endemic on Socotra), and E. uzmuk (endemic in northern Yemen).     

Biogeography,ecology and conservation of Erebia oeme (Hübner) in the Carpathians (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

The European endemic Erebia oeme (Hübner [1804]) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) is discovered in the Carpathian Chain, from where it was considered to be absent. The single population found is situated in the southern part of the Romanian Carpathians (Retezat Mountains), where it flies sympatrically and synchronically with Erebia medusa ([Denis & Schiffermüller] 1775). The similar external morphology of these two species probably caused E. oeme to be overlooked in the Carpathians, leading to an unexpected information gap in the otherwise thoroughly studied European continent. The morphology of the Romanian specimens is compared to populations from the rest of the species’ range and to E. medusa. In addition, we tested DNA barcoding as a method to discriminate between these species and confirmed that it represents an effective identification tool for the taxa involved. The habitat of E. oeme, adults of both sexes and their genitalia are illustrated in comparison with E. medusa. Based on the study of several collections, we show that E. oeme is likely to be extremely local in the Carpathians and provide arguments to consider the species as vulnerable in Romania.     

POLLEN MORPHOLOGY IN THE GENUS ERYTHRONIUM (LILIACEAE) AND ITS SYSTEMATIC IMPLICATIONS

Pollen morphology was examined in 40 samples from 19 species in the genus Erythronium (Liliaceae) using scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Pollen grains are monosulcate monads, except for a plant of E. oregonum which has dyad grains. North American and European species are characterized by reticulate exine sculpture composed of various degrees of wavy muri and variably-sized lumina. The most distinctive feature of exine sculpture in the genus is exhibited by the Asian species E. japonicum, which has a unique reticulate pattern composed of striate muri and a distinctive exine structure without columellae. The distinctness of E. japonicum pollen suggests that it has specialized in isolation from species in North America and Europe.     

Re-evaluation of the systematics of the endemic corals of Brazil by molecular data

Recent genetic work on various coral genera has shown that morphological convergence between Atlantic and Pacific corals obscures evolutionary relationships and inferred levels of endemicity between the regions. Based on DNA sequences from nuclear and mitochondrial loci that provide higher resolution than those previously presented, this study shows that relationships within parts of the Atlantic coral fauna are also in need of substantial revision. The data presented here indicate that (1) the endemic Brazilian genus Mussismilia is a monophyletic clade, (2) Mussismilia is more closely related to the Caribbean Faviidae than Mussidae, the family in which it is currently placed, (3) the Brazilian endemic coral Favia leptophylla is much more closely related to Mussismilia than other species of Favia and has most likely been incorrectly placed in the genus Favia and (4) the other endemic Favia species found in Brazil, Favia gravida, is genetically distinct from Favia fragum, a Caribbean congener with which it is frequently synonymized. The nuclear data also suggest the possible presence of a cryptic species within Mussismilia, but additional sampling and morphological information is required to confirm this finding.