Systematics of the palisade trapdoor spiders (Euoplos) of south-eastern Queensland (Araneae : Mygalomorphae : Idiopidae): four new species distinguished by their burrow entrance architecture

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy D. Wilson ◽  
Michael G. Rix ◽  
Robert J. Raven ◽  
Daniel J. Schmidt ◽  
Jane M. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Short Range ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Key To Species ◽  
Nuclear Markers ◽  
Mitochondrial Markers ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Burrow Entrance ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Level Identification

Within the spiny trapdoor spider genus Euoplos Rainbow exists a group of species from south-eastern Queensland that create unusual ‘palisade’ burrow entrances. Despite their intriguing burrows, the group was only recently circumscribed, and all species within it were undescribed. In this study, by undertaking a molecular phylogenetic analysis of two mitochondrial markers and seven nuclear markers, we confirm that the palisade trapdoor spiders, here formally named the ‘turrificus-group’, are monophyletic. We further recognise four species based on morphological, molecular and behavioural characters: E. crenatus, sp. nov., E. goomboorian, sp. nov., E. thynnearum, sp. nov. and E. turrificus, sp. nov. Morphological taxonomic data for each species are presented alongside information on their distribution, habitat preferences and burrow architecture. A key to species within the turrificus-group is also provided. The unusual burrow entrances of these spiders, which project out from the surrounding substrate, are found to exhibit structural autapomorphies, which allow species-level identification. Consequently, we include features of burrow architecture in our key and species diagnoses. This provides a non-intrusive method for distinguishing species in the field. Finally, we conclude that all species within the turrificus-group are likely to represent short-range endemic taxa. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F2E042DC-DA14-4751-A48B-A367ABC272D9

scholarly journals Going Deeper into High and Low Phylogenetic Relationships of Protura

Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carapelli ◽  
Bu ◽  
Chen ◽  
Nardi ◽  
Leo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Level ◽  
Nuclear Markers ◽  
Early Diversification ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Limited Dispersal ◽  
Dispersal Capability ◽  
History Of ◽  
Nuclear Loci ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Level Identification

Proturans are small, wingless, soil-dwelling arthropods, generally associated with the early diversification of Hexapoda. Their bizarre morphology, together with conflicting results of molecular studies, has nevertheless made their classification ambiguous. Furthermore, their limited dispersal capability (due to the primarily absence of wings) and their euedaphic lifestyle have greatly complicated species-level identification. Mitochondrial and nuclear markers have been applied herein to investigate and summarize proturan systematics at different hierarchical levels. Two new mitochondrial genomes are described and included in a phylum-level phylogenetic analysis, but the position of Protura could not be resolved with confidence due to an accelerated rate of substitution and extensive gene rearrangements. Mitochondrial and nuclear loci were also applied in order to revise the intra-class systematics, recovering three proturan orders and most of the families/subfamilies included as monophyletic, with the exception of the subfamily Acerentominae. At the species level, most morphologically described species were confirmed using molecular markers, with some exceptions, and the advantages of including nuclear, as well as mitochondrial, markers and morphology are discussed. At all levels, an enlarged taxon sampling and the integration of data from different sources may be of significant help in solving open questions that still persist on the evolutionary history of Protura.

scholarly journals Delimiting the genera of the Ficinia Clade (Cypereae, Cyperaceae) based on molecular phylogenetic data

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10737
Author(s):  
A. Muthama Muasya ◽  
Isabel Larridon
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Nuclear Markers ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
The Core ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Taxonomic Changes ◽  
Plastid Markers ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic Data ◽  
Level Identification

Generic delimitations in the Ficinia Clade of tribe Cypereae are revisited. In particular, we aim to establish the placement of annual species currently included in Isolepis of which the phylogenetic position is uncertain. Phylogenetic inference is based on two nuclear markers (ETS, ITS) and five plastid markers (the genes matK, ndhF, rbcL and rps16, the trnL intron and trnL-F spacer) data, analyzed using model based methods. Topologies based on nuclear and plastid data show incongruence at the backbone. Therefore, the results are presented separately. The monophyly of the smaller genera (Afroscirpoides, Dracoscirpoides, Erioscirpus, Hellmuthia, Scirpoides) is confirmed. However, Isolepis is paraphyletic as Ficinia is retrieved as one of its clades. Furthermore, Ficinia is paraphyletic if I. marginata and allies are excluded. We take a pragmatic approach based on the nuclear topology, driven by a desire to minimize taxonomic changes, to recircumscribe Ficinia to include the annual Isolepis species characterized by cartilaginous glumes and formally include all the Isolepis species inferred outside the core Isolepis clade. Consequently, the circumscription of Isolepis is narrowed to encompass only those species retrieved as part of the core Isolepis clade. Five new combinations are made (Ficinia neocapensis, Ficinia hemiuncialis, Ficinia incomtula, Ficinia leucoloma, Ficinia minuta). We present nomenclatural summary at genus level, identification keys and diagnostic features.

scholarly journals A morphometric and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the African orchid genus Stenoglottis (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 193 (3) ◽  
pp. 340-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean P Phillips ◽  
Benny Bytebier
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Variation ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Plastid Dna ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Multivariate Morphometrics ◽  
Species Boundaries ◽  
Nuclear Markers ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Small Genus

Abstract Stenoglottis is a small genus of forest orchids endemic to continental Africa. Nine taxa have so far been described, but species boundaries in the genus are problematic and several of these taxa are not widely accepted. In this study, taxon boundaries were investigated by means of a combination of morphometric and phylogenetic analyses, with the aim of resolving species-level relationships and identifying practical diagnostic characters. Sequence variation was low, particularly in plastid DNA (atpI-atpH), and Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses of nuclear markers (ITS and ETS) did not resolve all of the putative taxa. Multivariate morphometrics (PCA, PCoA, cluster analysis) likewise did not support the recognition of all described Stenoglottis taxa, but they reliably distinguished some taxa that DNA data did not. Combined morphological and phylogenetic evidence supports the delimitation of five species and two varieties, for which characteristics of floral spurs, labella, leaves, bracts and auricles provide reliable diagnostic traits. These findings will form the basis of a taxonomic revision in which the proposed changes will be formalized.

scholarly journals First Report of a Gall Midge Species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Associated With Pistachios

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farshid O Sirjani ◽  
Edwin E Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Gall Midge ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Plant Tissues ◽  
First Report ◽  
Branch Dieback ◽  
First Time ◽  
Level Identification

Abstract A new dipterous pest is reported, for the first time, on commercial pistachios from Sirjan, Kerman province, Iran. The genus of the insect was determined to be Resseliella Seitner (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Adults are light brown to brown in color and 0.8–1.5 mm in length with females, generally, slightly larger than males. Females have an elongated ovipositor, which is characteristic of the genus. Larvae are orange in color, 2–3 mm in length in the later instars, feed under bark without inducing galls, and cause branch dieback on trees of various ages. Brown to black discolorations are observed on plant tissues under bark where the larvae feed. Infestations observed on current and the previous—year’s growths, ranged from 0.5 to 1.2 cm in diameter, and all located in outer branches. Dry leaves and fruit clusters on infested branches remain attached, which may be used to recognize infestation by the gall midge. Dark-colored, sunken spots with splits on the bark located at the base of the wilted sections of the shoots also are symptoms of Resseliella sp. larval activity. Species-level identification of the gall midge is currently underway.

Leucostegia amplissima, the Third Species of the Genus (Hypodematiaceae)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng-Wei Chen ◽  
Sheng Kai Tang ◽  
Ralf Knapp ◽  
Maryani A. Mustapeng Andi ◽  
Ping-Fong Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Level ◽  
New Combination ◽  
Ecological Divergence ◽  
Glandular Hairs ◽  
The Third ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic

Leucostegia has been long recognized as a small fern genus with only two species, L. immersa and L. pallida. Here we elevate a variety of L. immersa to species level and make the new combination Leucostegia amplissima based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence. Morphologically, Leucostegia amplissima differs from L. immersa by having larger evergreen fronds, smaller indusia, and glandular hairs on the basal stipes. The study of Taiwanese populations further suggested an ecological divergence between L. immersa and L. amplissima.

scholarly journals Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a Reliable Tool to Identify Species of Catalase-negative Gram-positive Cocci not Belonging to the Streptococcus Genus

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 202-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa Almuzara ◽  
Claudia Barberis ◽  
Viviana Rojas Velázquez ◽  
Maria Soledad Ramirez ◽  
Angela Famiglietti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Ionization Time ◽  
Maldi Tof Ms ◽  
Genus Level ◽  
Maldi Tof ◽  
Flight Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Level Identification ◽  
Gram Positive Cocci ◽  
Tof Ms

Objective:To evaluate the performance of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) by using 190 Catalase-negative Gram-Positive Cocci (GPC) clinical isolates.Methods:All isolates were identified by conventional phenotypic tests following the proposed scheme by Ruoff and Christensen and MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker Daltonics, BD, Bremen, Germany). Two different extraction methods (direct transfer formic acid method on spot and ethanol formic acid extraction method) and different cut-offs for genus/specie level identification were used. The score cut-offs recommended by the manufacturer (≥ 2.000 for species-level, 1.700 to 1.999 for genus level and <1.700 no reliable identification) and lower cut-off scores (≥1.500 for genus level, ≥ 1.700 for species-level and score <1.500 no reliable identification) were considered for identification. A minimum difference of 10% between the top and next closest score was required for a different genus or species.MALDI-TOF MS identification was considered correct when the result obtained from MS database agreed with the phenotypic identification result.When both methods gave discordant results, the 16S rDNA orsodAgenes sequencing was considered as the gold standard identification method. The results obtained by MS concordant with genes sequencing, although discordant with conventional phenotyping, were considered correct. MS results discordant with 16S orsodA identification were considered incorrect.Results:Using the score cut-offs recommended by the manufacturer, 97.37% and 81.05% were correctly identified to genus and species level, respectively. On the other hand, using lower cut-off scores for identification, 97.89% and 94.21% isolates were correctly identified to genus and species level respectively by MALDI-TOF MS and no significant differences between the results obtained with two extraction methods were obtained.Conclusion:The results obtained suggest that MALDI-TOF MS has the potential of being an accurate tool for Catalase-negative GPC identification even for those species with difficult diagnosis asHelcococcus,Abiotrophia,Granulicatella, among others. Nevertheless, expansion of the library, especially including more strains with different spectra on the same species might overcome potential “intraspecies” variability problems. Moreover, a decrease of the identification scores for species and genus-level identification must be considered since it may improve the MALDI-TOF MS accuracy.

scholarly journals A NEW CRYPTIC SPECIES OF BUSH FROG (AMPHIBIA: ANURA: Raorchestes) FROM THE SOUTHERN EASTERN GHATS, INDIA

2020 ◽  
pp. 164-173
Author(s):  
Gaurang G. Gowande ◽  
S.R. Ganesh ◽  
Zeeshan A. Mirza
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Eastern Ghats ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequences ◽  
Upper Eyelid ◽  
Phylogenetic Reconstructions ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Mitochondrial 16S Rrna Gene ◽  
The Western Ghats

A new cryptic lineage of bush frogs of the genus Raorchestes from the understudied Eastern Ghats of India is described. Molecular phylogenetic reconstructions using mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences suggest that the new species belongs to the Raorchestes charius clade, is sister to the allopatric R. charius of the Western Ghats and support the species-level distinctiveness of the lineage. The new species morphologically resembles R. charius from which it can be distinguished using the following characters: narrower head (HW/SVL 0.31 vs 0.34–0.36), wider inter upper eyelid (IUE/SVL 0.14–0.16 vs 0.11–0.13), greater maximum upper eyelid width (UEW/SVL 0.10–0.12 vs 0.06–0.09) and shorter thigh (TL/SVL 0.32–0.43 vs 0.44–0.51). Acoustic observations from the breeding males further corroborate the distinct specific status of the new species. The discovery of this new species of bush frog from an understudied landscape suggests that additional extensive surveys in the Eastern Ghats would yield several more amphibian lineages yet unknown to science.

scholarly journals Assessing universality of DNA barcoding in geographically isolated selected desert medicinal species of Fabaceae and Poaceae

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisha Tahir ◽  
Fatma Hussain ◽  
Nisar Ahmed ◽  
Abdolbaset Ghorbani ◽  
Amer Jamil
Keyword(s):  
Dna Barcoding ◽  
Species Identification ◽  
Phylogenetic Trees ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Sequence Divergence ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Medicinal Species ◽  
Level Identification ◽  
Geographically Isolated

In pursuit of developing fast and accurate species-level molecular identification methods, we tested six DNA barcodes, namely ITS2, matK, rbcLa, ITS2+matK, ITS2+rbcLa, matK+rbcLa and ITS2+matK+rbcLa, for their capacity to identify frequently consumed but geographically isolated medicinal species of Fabaceae and Poaceae indigenous to the desert of Cholistan. Data were analysed by BLASTn sequence similarity, pairwise sequence divergence in TAXONDNA, and phylogenetic (neighbour-joining and maximum-likelihood trees) methods. Comparison of six barcode regions showed that ITS2 has the highest number of variable sites (209/360) for tested Fabaceae and (106/365) Poaceae species, the highest species-level identification (40%) in BLASTn procedure, distinct DNA barcoding gap, 100% correct species identification in BM and BCM functions of TAXONDNA, and clear cladding pattern with high nodal support in phylogenetic trees in both families. ITS2+matK+rbcLa followed ITS2 in its species-level identification capacity. The study was concluded with advocating the DNA barcoding as an effective tool for species identification and ITS2 as the best barcode region in identifying medicinal species of Fabaceae and Poaceae. Current research has practical implementation potential in the fields of pharmaco-vigilance, trade of medicinal plants and biodiversity conservation.

scholarly journals Rape and the Prevalence of Hybrids in Broadly Sympatric Species: a Case Study using Albatrosses

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sievert Rohwer ◽  
Rebecca B. Harris ◽  
Hollie E. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Species Differences ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Sympatric Species ◽  
Male Reproductive Success ◽  
Gene Exchange ◽  
Nuclear Markers ◽  
Mitochondrial Markers ◽  
Extensive Field

Conspecific rape often increases male reproductive success. However, the haste and aggression of forced copulations suggests that males may sometimes rape heterospecific females, thus making rape a likely, but undocumented, source of hybrids between broadly sympatric species. We present evidence that heterospecific rape may be the source of hybrids between Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses (Phoebastria nigripes, and P. immutabilis, respectively). Extensive field studies have shown that paired (but not unpaired) males of both of these albatross species use rape as a supplemental reproductive strategy. Between species differences in size, timing of laying, and aggressiveness suggest that Black-footed Albatrosses should be more successful than Laysan Albatrosses in heteropspecific rape attempts, and male Black-footed Albatrosses have been observed attempting to force copulations on female Laysan Albatrosses. Nuclear markers showed that the six hybrids we studied were F1s and mitochondrial markers showed that male Black-footed Albatrosses sired all six hybrids. The siring asymmetry found in our hybrids may have long persisted because an IM analysis suggests that long-term gene exchange between these species has been from Black-footed Albatrosses into Laysan Albatrosses. If hybrids are sired in heterospecific rapes, they presumably would be raised and sexually imprinted on Laysan Albatrosses, and two unmated hybrids in a previous study courted only Laysan Albatrosses.

scholarly journals Systematics and phylogeography of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest endemic harvestmen Neosadocus Mello-Leitão, 1926 (Arachnida: Opiliones: Gonyleptidae)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Castro Pereira ◽  
Elen A. Peres ◽  
Ricardo Pinto-da-Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Reproductive Strategies ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Brazilian Atlantic Forest ◽  
Nuclear Markers ◽  
Physiological Constraints ◽  
Male Polymorphism ◽  
Female Holotype ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic

Neosadocus harvestmen are endemic to the Southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Although they are conspicuous and display great morphological variation, their evolutionary history and the biogeographical events underlying their diversification and distribution are still unknown. This contribution about Neosadocus includes the following: a taxonomic revision; a molecular phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear markers; an investigation of the genetic structure and species' diversity in a phylogeographical framework. Our results show that Neosadocus is a monophyletic group and comprises four species: N. bufo, N. maximus, N. robustus and N. misandrus (which we did not find on fieldwork and only studied the female holotype). There is astonishing male polymorphism in N. robustus, mostly related to reproductive strategies. The following synonymies have resulted from this work: Bunoweyhia variabilis Mello-Leitão, 1935 = Neosadocus bufo (Mello-Leitão, 1926); and Bunoweyhia minor Mello-Leitão, 1935 = Neosadocus maximus (Giltay, 1928). Most divergences occurred during the Miocene, a geological epoch marked by intense orogenic and climatic events in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Intraspecific analyses indicate strong population structure, a pattern congruent with the general behavior and physiological constraints of Neotropical harvestmen.

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