Revised taxonomic status of Pseudalmenus barringtonensis Waterhouse, 1928 stat. rev. (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae): uncovering Australia’s greatest taxonomic fraud

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael F. Braby ◽  
Rod Eastwood
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Instar Larva ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Mitochondrial Coi ◽  
Australian Museum ◽  
Unique Character ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
History Of

The Australian endemic lycaenid Pseudalmenus H.H. Druce, 1902 occupies a unique phylogenetic position within the Theclinae–Polyommatinae assemblage. Although the genus exhibits complex geographic variation, it has long been considered to be monotypic. However, evidence from adult phenotype (colour pattern), immature stages (final instar larva) and ecology (ant specificity) (total of 10 unique character states) as well as limited genetic data (mitochondrial COI) suggest that there are two species, namely, P. chlorinda (Blanchard, 1848) from Tasmania and the mainland of south-eastern Australia and P. barringtonensis Waterhouse, 1928 stat. rev., which is allopatric and narrowly restricted to montane areas in northern New South Wales. Examination of the ‘holotype’ male of P. barringtonensis in the Australian Museum showed that it is a fake, although the data label is genuine; the specimen is actually P. chlorinda chloris Waterhouse & Lyell, 1914 that has been modified with red paint to resemble P. barringtonensis. The true holotype is currently missing, but a specimen in the Australian Museum (registration No. K199026) that is part of the Colin W. Wyatt Theft Collection with a fictitious label is almost certainly the true holotype of P. barringtonensis. We discuss the history of this most unusual and bizarre circumstance and conclude that Wyatt stole the holotype sometime in 1946 before he returned to England (~72 years ago) and fabricated the fake holotype as a replacement specimen. Such a fraudulent and unprecedented act surely ranks as Australia’s greatest taxonomic fraud.

scholarly journals Hippocampus whitei Bleeker, 1855, a senior synonym of the southern Queensland seahorse H. procerus Kuiter, 2001: molecular and morphological evidence (Teleostei, Syngnathidae)

ZooKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 824 ◽  
pp. 109-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Short ◽  
David Harasti ◽  
Healy Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Character ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
New South ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Intraspecific Divergence ◽  
Mitochondrial Coi ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia

The taxonomic status of the seahorse Hippocampusprocerus Kuiter, 2001, type locality Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia, was re-examined based on its strong morphological similarity and geographical proximity to its congener H.whitei Bleeker, 1855, a species recorded in ten estuaries of New South Wales, Australia. Kuiter (2001) distinguished H.procerus from H.whitei by a taller coronet, marginally lower meristics, and spinier physiognomy. Meristic, morphometric, and key diagnostic morphological character comparisons from vouchered specimens of the two purported species collected from Sydney Harbour, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, NSW and Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, and Moreton Bay, QLD did not show diagnostic differences to support species-level classification of H.procerus. Furthermore, partial mitochondrial COI sequence data from specimens sampled from known geographical distributions in NSW and Southport, QLD failed to discriminate between populations as a result of shared haplotypes, and revealed an average intraspecific divergence of 0.002%. Hippocampusprocerus is hereby placed in the synonymy of H.whitei; a redescription is provided, with a revised record of its range across eastern Australia.

Morphometric variation and taxonomic status of brush-tailed phascogales, Phascogale tapoatafa (Meyer, 1793) (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae)

2001 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 345 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. G. Rhind ◽  
J. S. Bradley ◽  
N. K. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphometric Variation ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Large Size ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Teat Number ◽  
Significant Size

This study details morphometric variation among the marsupial brush-tailed phascogale, Phascogale tapoatafa. The validity of phascogales from south-western and south-eastern Australia being classified as the single subspecies P. t. tapoatafa was questioned because of the substantial isolation of the south-west population; the northern Australian subspecies P. t. pirata was included in the inquiry. Discriminant function analysis performed on 18 skull characteristics (n = 50 skulls) produced separation between P. t. pirata, south-western P. t. tapoatafa, and south-eastern P. t. tapoatafa. Separation was also achieved between female phascogales from Victoria and those from New South Wales and southern Queensland, but not between the males of these two populations. Univariate tests identified significant size differences between the groups. Field data gathered on wild P. t. tapoatafa illustrate large size differences between phascogales of Victoria and south-western Australia. Phascogales from south-western Australia also exhibit a polymorphism in teat number (6, 7 or 8 teats; n = 72) that is not observed in other phascogales. This isolated population may represent a distinct taxon.

1080 aerial baiting for the control of wild dogs and its impact on spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) populations in eastern Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Körtner
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
New South ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Fresh Meat ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
History Of ◽  
A Site ◽  
Wild Dogs ◽  
Test Result

To further investigate the non-target impact of baiting using sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) to control wild dogs, a population of radio-collared spotted-tailed quolls was subject to an experimental aerial baiting exercise. The trial was conducted at a site on the New England Tablelands, New South Wales, without a recent history of that practice. Sixteen quolls were trapped and radio-collared before baiting. Fresh meat baits were delivered from a helicopter at a rate of 10–40 baits km–1. In addition to 1080 (4.2 mg), each bait contained the bait marker rhodamine B (50 mg), which becomes incorporated into growing hair if an animal survives bait consumption. Two quoll mortalities were recorded following aerial baiting. Both quolls died 3–5 weeks after baiting when baits, on average, retained little 1080. None of the carcasses contained traces of 1080, but the test result is less reliable for the quoll that was found 19 days after its death although tissue was well preserved because of the cool weather. Nevertheless, given that this animal died 34 days after bait delivery, it appears likely that none of the radio-collared quolls succumbed to baiting. In contrast, vibrissae samples collected from 19 quolls captured after the baiting showed that 68% had eaten baits and survived. Furthermore, multiple bait takes were common, with up to six baits consumed by one female. The results demonstrate that most, if not all, quolls survived the baiting trial, including those that consumed dog baits. Hence bait consumption figures per se are not indicative of mortality rates attributable to poisoning.

Two new genera and five new species of Mugadina-like small grass cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettini) from Central and Eastern Australia: comparative morphology, songs, behaviour and distributions

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4413 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. EWART
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Comparative Morphology ◽  
New Genera ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Semi Arid

Moulds (2012) established the genus Mugadina for two small cicadas, M. marshalli (Distant) and M. emma (Goding and Froggatt), both grass inhabiting species known from Queensland and New South Wales. Both species are notable for their relatively simple 'ticking' songs. Moulds further noted that there were at least two superficially similar genera of cicadas, but each with different genitalia. This paper describes two new genera of small (9–15 mm body lengths) and distinctive grass cicadas with genitalia that are very similar to those of Mugadina, but possess clear morphological, colour and calling song differences. The new genera are: Heremusina n. gen. with two known species namely H. udeoecetes n. sp. and H. pipatio n. sp.; the second new genus is Xeropsalta n. gen., containing four known species, X. thomsoni n. sp., X. aridula n. sp., X. rattrayi n. sp., and X. festiva n. comb. Heremusina n. gen. species are described from the Alice Springs area of Northern Territory and the Cloncurry area of northwest Queensland, from arid to semi arid habitats. The Xeropsalta n. gen. species are described from western, southwest and central Queensland, and from the Simpson and Strzelecki Deserts in northeastern South Australia and northwestern New South Wales, respectively, all locations in very arid to arid habitats, but close to seasonal (often irregular) rivers and lakes. X. festiva n. comb. occurs in semi arid habitats in southern and southeastern Australia.        Detailed taxonomic descriptions are provided of the new species, together with distributions, habitats, and the calling songs. The Heremusina species emit songs with short repetitive buzzing echemes, the echeme durations differing between each species. The Xeropsalta songs are notable for their complexity, containing multiple elements with rapid changes of amplitudes and temporal structures, rather atypical of the songs of most small grass dwelling cicadas. Detailed song structures distinguishing each of the species are illustrated and interpreted in each case in light of their respective taxonomic status. 

Systematics and natural history of the Australian genus Metoligotoma Davis (Embioptera:Australembiidae)

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly B. Miller ◽  
Janice S. Edgerly
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
New Species ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Current Distribution ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Male Specimen ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
History Of ◽  
Endemic Areas

Members of the order Embioptera (webspinners) are among the least known groups of insects, but have a relatively well-developed, phylogenetically unique, and biologically interesting fauna in portions of Australia. The genus Metoligotoma Davis (Australembiidae) is a well-defined group occurring in south-eastern Australia where species are especially distinctive in that they occupy extremely small endemic areas. Additionally, both males and females are wingless, thereby severely limiting opportunities for dispersal. Hypotheses of relationships among these species are not available in a modern phylogenetic context and little is known of their natural history and biogeography. A new species of Embioptera, Metoligotoma rooksi Miller & Edgerly, sp. nov. is described from a male specimen from near Bombala, New South Wales, Australia. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus (including 10 of the 16 known species of Metoligotoma) was conducted using morphological and molecular data from 16S, 28S, COI+COII and H3. The new species is most closely related to M. begae, from which it is geographically separated by the high coastal mountains. The natural history of the genus is reviewed, including descriptions of the silk galleries, habitats and eggs. The biogeography of the genus is examined in light of the phylogeny. No obvious vicariance model supports the current distribution and small endemic areas exhibited by members of the genus. Instead, it is speculated that periodic, rare dispersal events from north to south, and inland over the coastal mountains, resulted in the current distribution of the species. This is the first modern phylogenetic analysis of the Australembiidae, and the first extensive analysis of any group of Embioptera to include molecular data.

Crop production on duplex soils in south-eastern Australia

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 915 ◽  
Author(s):  
WK Gardner ◽  
RG Fawcett ◽  
GR Steed ◽  
JE Pratley ◽  
DM Whitfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
North Central ◽  
Nitrogen Levels ◽  
Stubble Retention ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
History Of ◽  
Western Victoria

The environment, duplex soil types and trends in crop production in South Australia, southern New South Wales, north-eastern and north-central Victoria, the southern Wimmera and the Victorian Western District are reviewed. In the latter 2 regions, pastoral industries dominate and crop production is curtailed by regular and severe soil waterlogging, except for limited areas of lower rainfall. Subsurface drainage can eliminate waterlogging, but is feasible only for the Western District where subsoils are sufficiently stable. The other regions all have a long history of soil degradation due to cropping practices, but these effects can now be minimised with the use of direct drilling and stubble retention cropping methods. A vigorous pasture ley phase is still considered necessary to maintain nitrogen levels and to restore soil structure to adequate levels for sustainable farming. Future productivity improvements will require increased root growth in the subsoils. Deep ripping, 'slotting' of gypsum, and crop species capable of opening up subsoils are techniques which may hold promise in this regard. The inclusion of lucerne, a perennial species, in annual pastures and intercropping at intervals is a technique being pioneered in north-central and western Victoria and may provide the best opportunity to crop duplex soils successfully without associated land degradation.

scholarly journals Two new species of the Macrobiotus hufelandi complex (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada: Macrobiotidae) from Australia and India, with notes on their phylogenetic position

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Coughlan ◽  
Daniel Stec
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
28S Rrna ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Mitochondrial Coi ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Group Species ◽  
Independent Species

In this paper we describe two new tardigrade species belonging to the Macrobiotus hufelandi complex: Macrobiotus noongaris sp. nov. from Perth, Australia, and Macrobiotus kamilae sp. nov. from Mussoorie, India. Live specimens extracted from moss samples were used to establish laboratory cultures in order to obtain additional animals and eggs needed for their integrative descriptions. These descriptions are based on traditional morphological and morphometric data collected using both light and scanning electron microscopy, which, at the same time, were associated with DNA sequences of four genetic markers, three nuclear (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and ITS-2) and one mitochondrial (COI). The use of DNA sequences allowed for a more accurate verification of the taxonomic status of M. noongaris sp. nov. and M. kamilae sp. nov as independent species of the hufelandi group. Although they both exhibit typical inverted goblet-shaped processes, they represent a recently discovered clade, which was thought to group species with modified morphology of egg processes. Thus, this contribution expands the definition of the mentioned clade and constitutes another link that will be helpful for future studies on the evolution of the M. hufelandi complex.

Molecular data on the genus Okenia (Nudibranchia: Goniodorididae) reveal a new cryptic species from New South Wales (Australia)

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 587-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Pola ◽  
Pablo Roldán ◽  
Sandra Padilla
Keyword(s):  
Cryptic Species ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Mitochondrial Coi ◽  
South Wales ◽  
White Spots ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Brown Body

Preliminary molecular data obtained from one mitochondrial (COI) and one nuclear marker (H3) from the available species of the genus Okenia have revealed a new cryptic species of this genus. The new species (Okenia harastii sp. nov.), from New South Wales (NSW) eastern Australia, has a light brown body with scattered dark brown and white spots of different sizes, and six pairs of translucent mantle processes. Okenia harastii sp. nov. is compared with other Okenia species from NSW and with other morphologically similar species.

Comparison of life histories of two deep-water sharks from eastern Australia: the piked spurdog and the Philippine spurdog

2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (10) ◽  
pp. 1546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassandra L. Rigby ◽  
Ross K. Daley ◽  
Colin A. Simpfendorfer
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
New South ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
History Of ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Species Specific

Deep-water sharks have low biological productivity and are vulnerable to exploitation with species-specific regional life history required to enable effective management. The present study describes the life history of two squalids collected from Australia: (1) the piked spurdog (Squalus megalops) from the tropical Great Barrier Reef; and (2) the Philippine spurdog (S. montalbani) from New South Wales. Maximum observed ages for males and females were 18 and 25 years for S. megalops and 28 and 27 years for S. montalbani. Multiple growth models were all well supported and indicated very slow growth rates for both species. The tropical S. megalops population was smaller and older at maturity than previously reported temperate populations. Males were mature at 352-mm stretched total length (LST) and 12.6 years, whereas females were mature at 422mm LST and 19.1 years. Squalus montalbani males were mature at 700mm LST and 21.8 years, whereas females were mature at 800mm LST and 26 years. Fecundity was lower for S. megalops than S. montalbani with two to three compared with nine to 16 embryos. Both species have a conservative life history, although in the event of overfishing the longer-lived, later-maturing and deeper-dwelling S. montalbani is likely to take longer to recover than S. megalops.

Systematics of the Xanthosia pilosa complex (Apiaceae: Hydrocotyloideae)

2000 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 245
Author(s):  
J. M. Hart ◽  
M. J. Henwood
Keyword(s):  
Species Complex ◽  
New South ◽  
Inflorescence Morphology ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
Polymorphic Species ◽  
History Of ◽  
Range Of Variation

Xanthosia pilosa Rudge is a common shrub found ineastern Australia. The species complex displays a wide range of variation inleaf and inflorescence morphology which has resulted in the application ofnumerous species names and its informal division into numerous variants in New South Wales. As part of a revision of the genus, the history of the speciescomplex is reviewed and the morphology of the numerous variants, examined bothin the field and herbarium, is discussed.Xanthosia pilosa sens. lat. is here divided into fourspecies: two new species (X. scopulicola J.M.Hart & Henwood and X. stellataJ.M.Hart & Henwood) are described and illustrated, a substitute name(X. ternifolia J.M.Hart & Henwood) is providedfor the illegitimate X. tasmanica Gand., andX. pilosa s.s., which remains a polymorphic species inwhich further segregation of variants is not recommended. A key toXanthosia species in eastern Australia is provided.

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