scholarly journals Snails in depth: integrative taxonomy of Famelica, Glaciotomella and Rimosodaphnella (Conoidea: Raphitomidae) from the deep sea of temperate Australia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Criscione ◽  
Anders Hallan ◽  
Nicolas Puillandre ◽  
Alexander Fedosov

The deep sea of temperate south-eastern Australia appears to be a ‘hotspot’ for diversity and endemism of conoidean neogastropods of the family Raphitomidae. Following a series of expeditions in the region, a considerable amount of relevant DNA-suitable material has become available. A molecular phylogeny based on this material has facilitated the identification of diagnostic morphological characters, allowing the circumscription of monophyletic genera and the introduction of several new genus-level taxa. Both named and new genera are presently being investigated through integrative taxonomy, with the discovery of a significant number of undescribed species. As part of this ongoing investigation, our study focuses on the genera Famelica Bouchet & Warén, 1980, Glaciotomella Criscione, Hallan, Fedosov & Puillandre, 2020 and Rimosodaphnella Cossmann, 1914. We subjected a comprehensive mitochondrial DNA dataset of representative deep-sea raphitomids to the species delimitation methods ABGD and ASAP that recognised 18 and 15 primary species hypotheses (PSHs) respectively. Following additional evaluation of shell and radular features, and examination of geographic and bathymetric ranges, nine of these PSHs were converted to secondary species hypotheses (SSHs). Four SSHs (two in Famelica and two in Rimosodaphnella) were recognised as new, and formal descriptions are provided herein.

Author(s):  
Guillermo E Terán ◽  
Mauricio F Benitez ◽  
J Marcos Mirande

Abstract The freshwater fish genus Astyanax is one of the most diverse among the Characidae. The genus is defined by a combination of character states that are widely distributed in Characidae. In addition, the genus has the broadest geographical distribution in the family, being found in a great variety of environments of the Neotropical region. Although phylogenetic relationships were treated only partially, many authors agree that the genus is not monophyletic. In this contribution, we study the phylogenetic relationships of Astyanax in the context of the family Characidae, by combining morphological and molecular data. A total of 520 morphological characters, nine molecular markers and 608 taxa are analysed, of which 98 belong to Astyanax. According to our results, Astyanax is not monophyletic. We recovered species attributed to Astyanax in different subfamilies: Gymnocharacinae (including the type species), Stevardiinae and Tetragonopterinae. Among the species recovered in Gymnocharacinae, most (including the type species, the resurrected Psalidodon, and the new genus Andromakhe gen. nov.) were recovered in Gymnocharacini, while the remaining ones were recovered in Probolodini (transferred to Deuterodon or the new genus Makunaima gen. nov.).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen D. Cairns ◽  
Ralf T. S. Cordeiro ◽  
Yu Xu ◽  
Zifeng Zhan ◽  
Philip Alderslade

Golden corals (chrysogorgiids sensu lato) are conspicuous components in deep-sea gorgonian assemblages. Although common, their taxonomy still conflicts with evolutionary histories, mostly due to low character availability and poor taxonomic knowledge. This is the case for the genus Pleurogorgia, which has been frequently reported in ROV surveys, dominating hard-bottoms throughout the Indo-Pacific. Herein, molecular phylogenetic reconstructions based on mitochondrial and nuclear datasets, and examination of new and old type material led us to suggest new systematic arrangements for some of the genera. We create a new genus, Ramuligorgia, to accommodate Pleurogorgia militaris, redescribing it as Ramuligorgia militaris comb. nov. within the family Chrysogorgiidae sensu stricto. Additionally, we describe Aurogorgia tasmaniensis gen. nov. et sp. nov., including it and the type species, Pleurogorgia plana, within Pleurogorgiidae fam. nov.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-182
Author(s):  
Lyudmila A. Safonova ◽  
Elena M. Krylova

The family Lyonsiellidae comprises carnivorous bivalve molluscs, distributed worldwide from sublittoral to ultraabyssal depths. One of the key anatomical characters of lyonsiellids is the reduction of the gill filaments in size and number and an increase of amount of muscles and connective tissue in gills, so their ctenidia represent an intermediate stage between eulamellibranch and septibranch conditions. The family Lyonsiellidae presently includes four genera: Lyonsiella, Allogramma, Policordia and Dallicordia. Taxonomy of the family is still problematic at both generic and species levels. The genus Dallicordia, typified by Lyonsiella alaskana was established on the assumption that it has no gills but possesses a muscular septum pierced by ostia, in contrast to the other lyonsiellids that have filamentous gills. Additionally, Lyonsiella uschakovi and Policordia ochotica were tentatively assigned to the new genus. Later P. ochotica was synonymized with P. media. In this paper we show that actually the Dallicordia was typified by an undescribed species misidentified as Lyonsiella alaskana which we describe here as D. bernardi sp. nov. Taxonomic position of the genus is dubious and could be clarified only after additional anatomical data on its type species becomes available. On the basis of examination of the type material of P. ochotica and images of the holotype of P. media, we reinstate the species P. ochotica. For the first time photographs of the holotype of L. uschakovi are provided for this specimen that was previously considered lost. Given the current state of knowledge we propose to consider species L. alaskana, L. uschakovi and P. ochotica in frame of the genus Policordia, for which we provide a list of all 29 species described up to date.


2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-173
Author(s):  
A.P. Kassatkina

Resuming published and own data, a revision of classification of Chaetognatha is presented. The family Sagittidae Claus & Grobben, 1905 is given a rank of subclass, Sagittiones, characterised, in particular, by the presence of two pairs of sac-like gelatinous structures or two pairs of fins. Besides the order Aphragmophora Tokioka, 1965, it contains the new order Biphragmosagittiformes ord. nov., which is a unique group of Chaetognatha with an unusual combination of morphological characters: the transverse muscles present in both the trunk and the tail sections of the body; the seminal vesicles simple, without internal complex compartments; the presence of two pairs of lateral fins. The only family assigned to the new order, Biphragmosagittidae fam. nov., contains two genera. Diagnoses of the two new genera, Biphragmosagitta gen. nov. (type species B. tarasovi sp. nov. and B. angusticephala sp. nov.) and Biphragmofastigata gen. nov. (type species B. fastigata sp. nov.), detailed descriptions and pictures of the three new species are presented.


2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuzana FERENCOVA ◽  
Paloma CUBAS ◽  
Pradeep Kumar DIVAKAR ◽  
M. Carmen MOLINA ◽  
Ana CRESPO

AbstractThe importance of the anatomy and fine morphology of reproductive structures for the systematics of the family Parmeliaceae is highlighted by the new genus Notoparmelia, described here for Australasian species of Parmelia. These species were known to form a monophyletic lineage but correlated characters for its delimitation were lacking. A major characteristic used here for the circumscription of this genus is the overlooked apothecial anatomy. The proper exciple is reduced to one layer formed exclusively by large hyphae without any clear branching pattern and embedded in an abundant polysaccharide matrix. This feature differs from the rest of Parmeliaceae which have a stratified three-layered proper exciple composed of a thin hyaline layer, intermediate layer and basal cortex-like structure. The anatomy of proper exciple, together with the thickness of spore walls and other morphological characters such as lobe morphology, pseudocyphellae and rhizine type, allow a precise diagnosis of the new genus. The area of distribution is also useful for characterizing this genus. Sixteen new combinations are proposed.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 186 (4) ◽  
pp. 188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Ying Zhou ◽  
HONG-WEI ZHANG ◽  
JIANG-QIN HU ◽  
Xiao-Feng Jin

Sinalliaria is described here as a new genus of the family Brassicaceae from eastern China, based on the morphological characters and molecular sequences. Sinalliaria differs from the related genus Orychophragmus in having basal leaves petiolate, simple or rarely with 1‒3 lateral lobes (not pinnatisect); cauline leaves petiolate, cordate at base (not sessile, auriculate or amplexicaul at base); petals obovate to narrowly obovate, claw inconspicuous (not broadly obovate, with a claw as along as sepal); siliques truncate (not long-beaked) at apex. The microscopic characters of seed testa also show significant differences between Sinalliaria and Orychophragmus. Phylogenetic evidence from DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid region trnL-trnF indicates that Sinalliaria is a distinct group related to Orychophragmus and Raphanus, but these three genera do not form a clade. The new genus Sinalliaria is endemic to eastern China and has only one species and one variety. The new combinations, S. limprichtiana (Pax) X. F. Jin, Y. Y. Zhou & H. W. Zhang and S. limprichtiana var. grandifolia (Z. X. An) X. F. Jin, Y. Y. Zhou & H. W. Zhang are proposed here.


Author(s):  
Denis V Tumanov

Abstract Pseudechiniscus, the second-largest genus of the family Echiniscidae (Tardigrada: Heterotardigrada: Echiniscoidea), is notoriously difficult for taxonomic studies. In this study, I performed a morphological analysis of a new species from Croatia, based on a light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic examination of 45 specimens from the same sample. Furthermore, I have summarized all available data on Pseudechiniscus species, including their original descriptions, and have analysed the following complexes of morphological characters: (1) arrangement and morphology of dorsal cuticular plates, (2) ventral sculpture, (3) morphology of cephalic, trunk and leg sensory organs and (4) claw morphology. The applicability of these characters in the taxonomy and their distribution in the genus are discussed. Some of the characters traditionally used for species delimitation were shown to be unsuitable and others in need of a thorough reinvestigation. The meaning of the old term ‘faceted’, commonly used but often misapplied, has been clarified, based on the initial definition. Several characters of the claw structure were suggested as potentially useful for species delimitation. The taxonomic status of several old forms and species was discussed.


Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4603 (3) ◽  
pp. 401
Author(s):  
MONIKA FAJFER

The phylogeny of the mite genus Pterygosoma Peters, 1849 (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae), permanent parasites of lizards of the families Agamidae, Gerrhosauridae and Liolaemidae (Reptilia: Squamata), was inferred with maximum parsimony, successive weighting and implied weighting approaches based on 182 characters of 48 ingroup and 12 outgroup species. All undertaken analyses questioned the monophyly of the genus. Based on this research, Pterygosoma includes 56 mite species associated with agamas from Africa and Asia (Sauria: Agamidae). Within the genus seven natural species groups were found: mutabilis, inermis, melanum, caucasica, fimbriata, singularis and foliosetis; 13 species of the genus were not assigned to any of the groups due to their unique morphological characters. For the ligare group of the subgenus Pterygosoma s. str. (7 species) associated with the South American tree lizards from the family Liolaemidae, a new genus, Neopterygosoma gen. nov., is established. The subgenus Gerrhosaurobia Lawrence, 1959 (3 species) associated with the African plated lizards of the family Gerrhosauridae is elevated to the genus rank. Diagnoses for the three genera are presented. Historical associations are reconstructed by fitting the obtained mite tree into the host topology on the family level. Results of coevolutionary analysis highlight the coincidence of both trees. The studies suggest that the ancestor of the genus Pterygosoma switched from the hosts of Gerrhosaurobia i.e. from the plated lizards (Gerrhosauridae) to the agamas (Agamidae), and the genus Pterygosoma has its biogeographic origin in North Africa, and colonized Asia via the Arabian Peninsula, which is congruent with the historical biogeography of its hosts.


Brunonia ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stosch HA Von

Based on plankton samples collected in 1970 and on a survey of the literature, the Australian members of the genus Palmeria and of the family Lithodesmiaceae are critically listed or described. Both species of Palmeria are new for the Australian region, as are one species each of Lithodesmium and of Ditylum, two species of the genus Lithodesmioides, one species plus one variety of Bellerochea, as well as one species and one form of Neostreptotheca. Lithodesmium duckerae, Lithodesmioides polymorphum and L. minutum, Ditylum buchananii, Bellerochea horologicalis var. recta and Neostreptotheca torta and its fo. triangularis are described for the first time. Palmeria ostenfeldii, a species associated with an epiphytic ciliate, is sep- arated from P. hardmaniana. In Ditylum brightwellii, the proportion of thecae with the slotted versus the fimbriate form of the marginal ridge is shown to be probably influenced by the ambient water conditions. In the same species, the ontogenies of the resting spores (including germi- nation) as well as of the gametes are described. Lithodesmioides presents new instances of fissipariety (split wall character) in both of its species. 'Simple pores', which have recently been demonstrated by Li and Volcani to be distinct in origin from areolae, are common in all described species of Lithodesmium, Lithodesmioides and Ditylum in two forms as either 'branching point pores' or 'intracostal pores'.


Zootaxa ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 1438 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
SHAUN L. WINTERTON

The stiletto fly subfamily Agapophytinae is diverse and species rich in Australasia, with numerous undescribed species. A new species of Acraspisoides Hill & Winterton, A. monticola sp. nov., is described from females collected in montane localities in eastern Australia. Eight new species of Bonjeania Irwin & Lyneborg are also described, raising the total number of known species to 18. Five new species, B. affinis sp. nov., B. apluda sp. nov., B. bapsis sp. nov., B. webbi sp. nov. and B. zwicki sp. nov., all have a distinctive, forward-protruding head with antennae on a raised tubercle. Two other new species, B. argentea sp. nov. and B. jefferiesi sp. nov., are closely related to B. segnis (White), with very similar shaped male genitalia and body shape. An eighth species, B. lambkinae sp. nov., is closely related to B. clamosis Winterton & Skevington. Bonjeania and Acraspisoides are diagnosed and revised keys to species presented. An unusual new therevid, Vomerina humbug gen. et sp. nov., is also described and figured based on a series of males from New South Wales. This new genus likely represents the sister taxon to Bonjeania.


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