scholarly journals Challenges of applying monophyly in the phylogenetic shallows: taxonomic reappraisal of the Dactylorhiza maculata group

Kew Bulletin ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Bateman

SummaryThe first study of the taxonomically critical European orchid genus Dactylorhiza to use next-generation DNA sequencing generated the statistically best-supported reconstruction of its phylogeny to date. However, the two competing topologies obtained within the monophyletic Section Maculatae differed radically in the placement of the D. maculata s.s.–D. foliosa clade. Both topologies showed D. foliosa to be nested deeply within D. maculata s.s., and suggested that D. saccifera s.l. is paraphyletic, D. saccifera s.s. from south-eastern Europe and Asia Minor diverging before D. gervasiana from south-central Europe (a taxon typically viewed as a subspecies of D. saccifera or, more often, ignored completely). The poorly-sampled but character-rich morphometric comparison presented here suggests that D. saccifera s.s. and D. gervasiana cannot be distinguished with confidence using morphological characters and that, if D. gervasiana is accepted as a species, it is effectively cryptic. The diploid D. foliosa is accepted as an island endemic species, despite rendering paraphyletic the autotetraploid D. maculata s.s.; all other named taxa within the D. maculata s.s. clade are considered infraspecific. Dactylorhiza fuchsii is indisputably a bona fide species rather than a subspecies but it does not merit becoming the basis of a taxonomic section separate from D. maculata s.s. The strongly contrasting degrees of molecular vs morphological disparity reported here are representative of a more general trend evident in groups that have experienced comparatively recent speciation, as is the need to recognise occasional paraphyletic species when circumscribing species by integrating genotypic and phenotypic data categories. Explicit taxonomic criteria combined with a comparative, monographic approach are needed to achieve consistency of ranking. Disproving hypotheses of species status is judged a criminally underrated activity, actually being as important to outcomes as much-vaunted species "discovery".

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-220
Author(s):  
Dan A. Polhemus ◽  
Nils Möller Andersen

Riffle bugs in the genus Rhagovelia have diversified extensively on the island of Madagascar. The current paper defines and segregates a distinct set of species within this endemic assemblage as the tesari species-group, containing the previously described species R. tesari Hoberlandt, R. adrienneaebrasili Poisson, R. hovana Hoberlandt, R. abalienata Hoberlandt, R. tsaratananae Poisson, and R. mohelii Poisson (originally described as a subspecies of R. tesari but here raised to full species status), as well as the following 13 new species described herein: R. aquacola n. sp., R. ambra n. sp., and R. sahabe n. sp. from northern Madagascar; R. mandraka n. sp., R. faratsihoi n. sp., and R. wenzeli n. sp. from central Madagascar; R. enckelli n. sp., R. takona n. sp., R. manga n. sp., R. brincki n. sp., and R. sandoka n. sp. from eastern Madagascar; R. andringitrae n. sp. from south-central Madagascar; and R. mondena n. sp. from southeastern Madagascar. Rhagovelia tesari flavomarginata Hoberlandt 1951 is synonymized under R. adrienneaebrasili Poisson 1945. Figures of key morphological characters, including male parameres are provided for all species, accompanied by distribution maps.


2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (5) ◽  
pp. 1599-1630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis A Ruedas ◽  
Sofia Marques Silva ◽  
Johnnie H French ◽  
Roy Nelson Platt ◽  
Jorge Salazar-Bravo ◽  
...  

Abstract A taxonomic framework for South American cottontail rabbits (Lagomorpha: Leporidae: Sylvilagus) was recently published by Diersing and Wilson (2017). Although we agree with some of its taxonomic conclusions (e.g., species status for S. apollinaris and S. fulvescens), we disagree with others. We provide herein evidence supporting S. andinus as a valid species based on morphological characters and novel molecular data. We also provide details of the morphological characters of S. apollinaris and S. fulvescens that support separating these from S. brasiliensis. We adduce data suggestive to the effect that—absent any type material—S. defilippi is at best a nomen dubium. Finally, we provide evidence in support of recognizing additional Neotropical species of Sylvilagus. Un esquema taxonómico para los conejos sudamericanos (Lagomorpha: Leporidae: Sylvilagus) fue recientemente publicado por Diersing y Wilson (2017). Aunque estamos de acuerdo con algunas de sus conclusiones (por ejemplo: estatus de especie válida para S. apollinaris y S. fulvescens), no estamos de acuerdo con las restantes conclusiones taxonómicas. Aportamos aquí pruebas convincentes sobre la característica naturaleza de los caracteres morfológicos y moleculares de S. andinus, pruebas que esgrimimos en apoyo de la hipótesis que esta última es una especie válida, así confirmando su escisión de S. brasiliensis. Proporcionamos detalles de los caracteres morfológicos de S. apollinaris y S. fulvescens que confirman la decisión taxonómica de asimismo separarlos de S. brasiliensis. Proporcionamos datos en aditamento que indican que a falta de cualquier material tipo para S. defilippi, este nombre es en el mejor de los casos un nomen dubium. Finalmente, ofrecemos datos y evidencia apoyando nuestras decisiones de reconocer un mayor número de especies Neotropicales de Sylvilagus que previamente se conocían.


Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4706 (3) ◽  
pp. 408-426
Author(s):  
ALEXANDER V. KIR’YANOV

A new species of the genus Colias Fabricius from the Arequipa region of Peru, C. misti Kir’yanov sp. nov., stat. nov., is established by raising it from the subspecies rank, C. lesbia misti Kir’yanov 2017. This taxonomic act is justified after detailed comparison of C. misti with representatives of phenotypically similar other South American Colias, including the subspecies of C. lesbia. The newly presented taxa are diagnosed by adult morphology, bionomics, and male genitalia. The diagnosis of a new subspecies Colias misti ccota Kir’yanov ssp. nov., discovered in the World’s deepest canyon Cotahuasi (Peru), is based on different and stable characters in phenotypes, genitalia, and bionomics of C. misti ccota and C. misti misti. Both subspecies of C. misti are endemic to the Western slopes of the Andes. It is also demonstrated that the shape of the male aedeagus is diagnostic for a reliable identification of the South American Colias.


2007 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Roig-Juñent ◽  
Martha Domínguez ◽  
Federico Agrain

AbstractThe subgenus M. (Scaphigenia) Lacordaire includes six species distributed in arid regions of South America. A systematic revision of this subgenus is presented, including re-descriptions and an update of distribution data of the six species. A preliminary cladistic analysis is performed to test the relationships among the species of the subgenus and if the morphological characters used are suitable. A key is presented to separate the seven subgenera of Megalostomis Chevrolat as well as a key for the species of the subgenus M. (Scaphigenia). Male aedeagus internal sac of the nine studied taxa are described and illustrated. This constitutes the first internal sac descriptions for members of this subtribe and could help clarify the homology of such structures within Cryptocephalinae. M. (S) consimilis Achard is reassigned to the species status on the base of genitalic characters. The cladistic analysis was done using forty-one characters from adult external morphology and male and female genitalia. Two species of two different subgenera of Megalostomis: M. (Megalostomis), and M. (Heterostomis) Lacordaire, and one representative of the genus Themesia Lacordaire were selected as out groups. Results were obtained by implicit enumeration using parsimony software. Three equally parsimonious trees were obtained of 45 steps, Ri=0.952, and Ci= 0.941. Support of each group was evaluated by Jacknifing, Bootstrap and Bremer values. Relationships between species are discussed.


Nematology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natsumi Kanzaki ◽  
Robin M. Giblin-Davis ◽  
Barbara J. Center

The type specimens of fiveBursaphelenchusspecies described by Massey,i.e.,B. bestiolus,B. corneolus,B. elytrus,B. newmexicanusandB. wilfordi, were re-examined and photo-documented to update their descriptions in light of a contemporary understanding of the genus. The presence of a lateral field, basal swelling of stylet, P1 ventral single papilla of males and a pair of three-celled structures in females, which were not described or mentioned in the original descriptions, were observed, although the number of lateral incisures were not clarified because of sample condition. Within these five species, the intrageneric groupings ofB. bestiolusandB. wilfordihad been unclear. In the present study, because of newly observed morphological characters,B. bestiolusis considered to belong to thehofmanni-group, and is close toB. talonusandB. rufipennis. These three species form a species complex and are distinguished from each other only by female tail morphology. The species status ofB. wilfordiis still unclear, although, based on spicule morphology and structure and arrangement of genital papillae, we consider it to belong to thehofmanni-group, close toB. parvispicularis,B. paraparvispicularisandB. osumiana. However, female characters ofB. wilfordiare also similar to members of thecocophilus-group andParasitaphelenchus. Re-isolation and molecular identification are necessary to confirm the status of these species. By contrast, the affiliations ofB. corneoluswith thehofmanni-group andB. elytrusandB. newmexicanuswith theeggersi-group were confirmed. Based upon its morphological traits,B. corneolusis close toB. gerberaeandB. paracorneolus, and is distinguished from these species by its spicule morphology, female tail morphology and female post-uterine sac length. However, male specimens ofB. corneoluswere not available for the present study and confirmation is necessary.Bursaphelenchus elytrusis similar toB. tusciaeand is distinguished from it by its spicule (condylus) morphology and excretory pore position.Bursaphelenchus newmexicanusis close toB. glochisand is distinguished from it mostly by morphometrics and spicule (condylus) morphology. However, morphometrics usually vary among individuals and populations of a species, necessitating morphometric and molecular comparisons of more isolates (strains) in order to clarify specific status.


Author(s):  
Francisco A. Solís-Marín ◽  
David S.M. Billett ◽  
Joanne Preston ◽  
Alex D. Rogers

A new species of the synallactid sea cucumber genus Pseudostichopus is described, P. aemulatus sp. nov., based on genetic (DNA sequences of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase I [COI] gene) and morphological characters. A comparative molecular study with two other species of the same genus (P. villosus and P. mollis) and from a different family (Isostichopus fuscus) was carried out in order to clarify its taxonomic identity. The nucleotide distance between P. aemulatus sp. nov. and P. villosus and P. mollis is sufficient to support distinct species status. The estimated difference in the number of amino acids, coded for by a partially sequenced COI gene, within the species of the family Synallactidae ranged from 4 to 18. The phylogenetic analysis clearly supports separate species status of these sympatric morphotypes, as indicated by the morphological analysis.


Zootaxa ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3462 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
GREGORY P. SETLIFF

The Indo-Australian crowned weevil genus Asytesta Pascoe, 1865 is revised. Forty-one species are recognized, including18 that are new: A. alexandriae, A. alexriedeli, A. allisoni, A. biakana, A. cheesmanae, A. concolora, A. emarginata, A.fayae, A. frontalis, A. gressitti, A. julieae, A. marginalis, A. morobeana, A. sedlaceki, A. thompsoni, A. tuberculata, A.vivienae, and A. woodlarkiana, new species. One subspecies, A. lugubris bidentata Voss is elevated to species status, A.bidentata Voss, new status. Four species are newly synonymized: A. circulifera Lea, 1928 = A. rata Heller, 1910, A.definita Faust, 1898 = A. humeralis Pascoe, 1865, A. granulifera Lea, 1928 = A. aucta Faust, 1898, and A. setipes Lea,1928 = A. lugubris Heller, 1895 new synonyms. Six new species groups are proposed. Lectotypes are designated for 18species. Two species are transferred from Asytesta to other genera: A. maura Pascoe to Microporopterus Lea and A.ypsilon Heller to Meroleptus Faust, new combinations. A checklist and key for all crowned weevil genera, key to speciesgroups and species of Asytesta, adult habitus illustrations, distribution maps, and line drawings of diagnostic charactersare provided.A phylogeny for the genus based on 82 adult morphological characters (187 states) for 41 ingroup taxa is alsopresented. All genera and species of the crowned weevil group as redefined here (including Cyamomistus Heller,Eudyasmus Pascoe, Glochinorhinus Waterhouse, Nothotragopus Zimmerman, Panopides Pascoe, and Zygara Pascoe),were included in the analysis to test the monophyly of Asytesta. Monophyly of Asytesta was supported only with thesynonymy of the monotypic genus Zygara. Accordingly, Zygara is a new junior synonym of Asytesta and Zygara doriae (Kirsch) is returned to its original combination with Asytesta; A. doriae Kirsch resurrected status.


1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (12) ◽  
pp. 2217-2237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hinrich Kaiser ◽  
David M. Green ◽  
Michael Schmid

Populations of Eleutherodactylus on the island of Dominica, West Indies, differ from other Lesser Antillean members of the genus by their vocalizations, morphology, sexual size dimorphism, allozymes, and chromosomes. Thus, these populations comprise a new endemic species, closely related to E. johnstonei and E. martinicensis. The new species is most abundant in montane forest habitats at elevations of more than 500 m. Females commonly attain snout–vent lengths of more than 35 mm, making them the largest Lesser Antillean Eleutherodactylus. Frogs are brown during the day, but change color to dark orange when active at night. This species is the ninth Eastern Caribbean Eleutherodactylus species and the fifth single-island endemic. A phylogenetic analysis of external and internal morphological characteristics shows that Eastern Caribbean Eleutherodactylus are members of two distinct clades, one of South American origin, the other of Greater Antillean ancestry. We suggest that the present distribution of these species results from the dispersal of elements of the larger herpetofaunas from the Greater Antilles and South America, and that rapid divergence of the Eastern Caribbean Eleutherodactylus fauna may be continuing. The phylogenetic analysis also confirms that morphological characters of Eleutherodactylus species can be highly homoplastic.


2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert Rösler ◽  
Wolfgang Böhme ◽  
Jörn Köhler

Abstract We describe a new species of gecko of the genus Pristurus from the Yemenite Red Sea Island Hanish al-Kabir. It is a small species (snout-vent length less than 30 mm) of the genus, distinguished from its congeners by a unique combination of morphological characters. Superficially, it is most similar to P. rupestris, but differs mainly by a longer and narrower snout, by its strongly compressed tail, presence of a lateral caudal groove, by a tail crest present in both sexes, by a higher number of scales bordering infralabials and a higher midbody scale count. The new species is tentatively considered to represent an island endemic. Its possible origin is briefly discussed.


2011 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 617-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leena MYLLYS ◽  
Saara VELMALA ◽  
Håkon HOLIEN ◽  
Pekka HALONEN ◽  
Li-Song WANG ◽  
...  

AbstractThe phylogenetic relationships of the genus Bryoria were examined using ITS, partial glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and mitochondrial SSU rDNA sequence data in addition to 20 chemical and morphological characters. This first comprehensive molecular study to assess Bryoria phylogeny includes representatives from all the traditionally recognized four sections. Combined cladistic analyses of 88 Bryoria specimens representing at least 25 species resulted in highly resolved phylogenies. Based on the results, a new infrageneric classification for the genus is proposed. Five sections are recognized, largely corresponding to the existing classification, with the addition of section Americanae. The study shows that while most species with an erect growth-form are clearly monophyletic, current species status of many pendent taxa can be questioned.


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