Species Diversity in the Braconid Wasp Genus Allorhogas (Doryctinae) Associated With Cynipid Galls on Live Oaks (Quercus: Fagaceae) Using Natural History, Phylogenetics, and Morphology

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Samacá-Sáenz ◽  
Scott P Egan ◽  
Alejandro Zaldívar-Riverón

Abstract The discovery of new biodiversity, during an age of unprecedented extinction, is vital for all the life sciences and the quality of human life. One ecologically and economically important group that requires attention is the hymenopteran family Braconidae, which is estimated to include thousands of undescribed species. Here we assessed the genetic structure and species diversification in the braconid wasp genus Allorhogas Gahan (Doryctinae) that were reared from galls of five cynipid wasp species associated with three live oak species (Fagaceae: Quercus: subsection Virentes) in the southeastern United States. We explored genetic variation in the single-locus barcoding COI region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and conducted analyses with different DNA sequence-based species delimitation approaches both for the above marker and genome-wide nuclear data using ultraconserved elements (UCEs). We found high variation in the mtDNA barcoding region among specimens of Allorhogas reared from galls made by different cynipid species in distinct plant organs and among specimens reared from the same type of gall from two separate geographic regions. In addition, our analyses of mtDNA and multilocus nuclear data were concordant in consistently delimiting at least five genetic lineages. We combined this molecular evidence with morphological data to describe four new species and redescribe the type species of the genus, Allorhogas gallicola Gahan, which exhibited similar morphological, ecological, and biogeographic characteristics to the four new species. This study highlights the importance of carrying detailed rearing surveys to uncover the intricate species interactions and species diversity that is present in gall-former systems.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minseok Jeong ◽  
Jong Im Kim ◽  
Seung Won Nam ◽  
Woongghi Shin

The genus Spumella, established by Cienkowsky in 1870, is characterized by omnivory, two (rarely three) flagella, a short stick-like structure beneath the flagella, a threadlike stalk, cell division via constriction and cyst formation. Since the first phylogenetic study of Spumella-like flagellates, their paraphyly has consistently been shown, with separation into several genera. More recently, Spumella was carefully investigated using molecular and morphological data to propose seven new species. Classification of this genus and knowledge of its species diversity remain limited because Spumella-like flagellates are extremely difficult to identify based on limited morphological characters. To understand the phylogeny and taxonomy of Spumella, we analyzed molecular and morphological data from 47 strains, including 18 strains isolated from Korean ponds or swamps. Nuclear SSU, ITS and LSU rDNA data were used for maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. The molecular data divided the strains into 15 clades, including seven new lineages, each with unique molecular signatures for nuclear SSU rRNA from the E23-2 to E23-5 domains, the spacer between the E23-8 and E23-9 domains of the V4 region and domain 29 of the V5 region. Our results revealed increased species diversity in Spumella. In contrast to the molecular phylogeny results, the taxa showed very similar cell morphologies, suggesting morphological convergence into simple nanoflagellates to enable heterotrophy. Three new species produced stomatocysts in culture. Aspects of stomatocyst morphology, including collar structure, surface ornamentation, and cyst shape, were very useful in differentiating the three species. The general ultrastructure of Spumella bureschii strain Baekdongje012018B8 and S. benthica strain Hwarim032418A5 showed the typical chrysophyte form for the leucoplast, a vestigial chloroplast surrounded by four envelope membranes, supporting the hypothesis that Spumella evolved from a phototroph to a heterotroph via the loss of its photosynthetic ability. Seven new species are proposed: S. benthica, S. communis, S. longicolla, S. oblata, S. rotundata, S. similis, and S. sinechrysos.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 391 (2) ◽  
pp. 122 ◽  
Author(s):  
MURAT KOÇ ◽  
ERGIN HAMZAOĞLU ◽  
AHMET AKSOY

The genus Minuartia is represented in Turkey by 34 taxa. Some interesting specimens were collected from Antalya province, and examined. These specimens resemble Minuartia meyeri, and M. multinervis from which differ by characters (macro-, and micromorphological) of inflorescence, alar pedicels, petals, sepals, capsules and seeds. Moreover, by using the DNA sequences of the ITS genes, phylogenetic relationships between this collected species, and the related species were investigated. As a result of the evaluation of molecular, and morphological data, we proposed to described the population from Antalya as a new species for the science. A description, pictures, distribution, habitat, and IUCN category are given.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 343 (3) ◽  
pp. 259 ◽  
Author(s):  
RUI-LI ZHANG ◽  
LONG-FEI FU ◽  
SHU LI ◽  
YI-GANG WEI ◽  
STEPHEN MACIEJEWSKI ◽  
...  

Petrocodon asterocalyx F.Wen, Y.G.Wei & R.L.Zhang, a new species from the Danxia landform area in Guangxi, South China, is described and illustrated based on molecular and morphological data. The molecular evidence shows that the new species is recovered in a weakly supported clade. Within this clade, the new one is morphologically similar to P. hancei (Hemsl.) A.Weber & Mich.Möller and P. coriaceifolius (Y.G.Wei) Y.G.Wei & Mich.Möller, and it can be distinguished from the former by calyx lobes 20–40 × 2–3 mm, corolla 2.5–3.0 cm long, filaments sparsely erectly pubescent, anthers sparsely pubescent, staminodes 3, and stigmas 2; from latter by leaf blades rhombic-oblong or rhombic, base shallowly cuneate, margin crenulate to serrate, calyx lobes linear, 20–40 × 2–3 cm, and anthers 3.5–3.8 mm long, sparsely pubescent and elliptical.


ZooKeys ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 971 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilgoo Kang ◽  
Khuat Dang Long ◽  
Michael J. Sharkey ◽  
James B. Whitfield ◽  
Nathan P. Lord

For the first time in 21 years, a new genus of cardiochiline braconid wasp, Orientocardiochiles Kang & Long, gen. nov. (type species Orientocardiochiles joeburrowi Kang, sp. nov.), is discovered and described. This genus represents the ninth genus in the Oriental region. Two new species (O. joeburrowi Kang, sp. nov. and O. nigrofasciatus Long, sp. nov.) are described and illustrated, and a key to species of the genus, with detailed images, is added. Diagnostic characters of the new genus are analyzed and compared with several other cardiochiline genera to allow the genus to key out properly using an existing generic treatment. The scientific names validated by this paper and morphological data obtained from this project will be utilized and tested in the upcoming genus-level revision of the subfamily based on combined morphological and molecular data.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-434
Author(s):  
Ingrid C Marçal ◽  
Fernanda P Páez ◽  
Lenice Souza-Shibatta ◽  
Silvia H Sofia ◽  
Gustavo M Teixeira

Abstract Aegla lata Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994 is considered extinct in the type locality. New populations of this species, however, have been found in northern Paraná state, Brazil. We revised the taxonomy of A. lata based on morphological data obtained from the type material and specimens recently obtained from streams of the Tibagi River sub-basin, Paranapanema River basin, Upper Paraná Ecoregion. Moreover, Aegla jacutingan. sp. is described and illustrated. The new species resembles A. lata in the shapes of the body and chelipeds. Both species are nevertheless separated by particular morphological characters of the carapace, chelipeds, and epimeron as well as by molecular (COI mtDNA) differences. Both species can be distinguished from their congeners based on morphological and molecular evidence.


Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4318 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
RYLAN SHEARN ◽  
ISA SCHÖN ◽  
KOEN MARTENS ◽  
STUART HALSE ◽  
JOE KRAWIEC ◽  
...  

In this study, 13 previously recorded populations of Ilyodromus amplicolis De Deckker, 1981 from temporary aquatic habitats in Western Australia were scanned for undescribed species diversity using morphological and molecular systematics techniques. The study found congruent morphological and molecular evidence for three species that are new to science, all of which are formally described here (I. armacutis n. sp., I. sensaddito n. sp. and I. hiatus n. sp.). The findings shed light on the potential for further undescribed diversity in the genus Ilyodromus Sars, 1894. 


Phytotaxa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 280 (1) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
MD. IQBAL HOSEN ◽  
TAI-HUI LI ◽  
F. M. AMINUZZAMAN ◽  
MD. RAFIQUL ISLAM

Hygrocybe umbilicata, a new waxcap of Hygrophoraceae, is formally described from Bangladesh based on morphological data and molecular evidence of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. This species represents the first record of the genus Hygrocybe for this country. It can be easily recognized by its brilliantly scarlet red with umbilicate pileus, lemon yellow stipe, white short decurrent and distant lamellae, subglobose basidiospores, and abundant clamp connections in tissues. This species belongs to genus Hygrocybe subg. Pseudohygrocybe sect. Coccineae subsect. Squamulosae. Detailed description, color photographs and illustrations of the new species are presented.


MycoKeys ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 163-172
Author(s):  
Xiao-Lan He ◽  
Egon Horak ◽  
Di Wang ◽  
Tai-Hui Li ◽  
Wei-Hong Peng ◽  
...  

Entoloma subgenus Claudopus is widely distributed, yet the taxonomy and systematics of its species are still poorly documented. In the present study, more than forty collections of Claudopus were gathered in China and subsequently analysed, based on morphological and molecular data. The results revealed first a high level of species diversity of Claudopus in China and second, there is a wide ecological range regarding the substrates and the habitats ranging from temperate, tropical to subalpine locations. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, five novel species from China are proposed, viz. E. conchatum, E. flabellatum, E. gregarium, E. pleurotoides and E. reductum. Molecular phylogeny of Entoloma s.l. was also reconstructed, based on 187 representatives of Entoloma s.l. by employing the combined ITS, LSU, mtSSU and RPB2 sequences. Ten monophyletic clades (Claudopus, Leptonia, Nolanea, Cuboid-spored Inocephalus, “Alboleptonia”, Cyanula, Pouzarella, Rhodopolia, Prunuloides and Rusticoides) were recovered, while 13 taxa could not be placed in any defined clades. The results confirmed that Claudopus in a traditional morphological sense is not monophyletic and the Rusticoides-group, previously considered within Claudopus, formed a separate clade; but section Claudopus and relatives of E. undatum belong to a distinctive monophyletic group. Despite some monophyletic groups in Entoloma s.l. being distinctive in both morphology and molecular phylogeny, they were still treated as subgenera of Entoloma s.l. temporarily, because accepting them as genera will make Entoloma s.l. paraphyletic.


MycoKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Xiao-Lan He ◽  
Egon Horak ◽  
Di Wang ◽  
Tai-Hui Li ◽  
Wei-Hong Peng ◽  
...  

Entoloma subgenus Claudopus is widely distributed, yet the taxonomy and systematics of its species are still poorly documented. In the present study, more than forty collections of Claudopus were gathered in China and subsequently analysed, based on morphological and molecular data. The results revealed first a high level of species diversity of Claudopus in China and second, there is a wide ecological range regarding the substrates and the habitats ranging from temperate, tropical to subalpine locations. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, five novel species from China are proposed, viz. E. conchatum, E. flabellatum, E. gregarium, E. pleurotoides and E. reductum. Molecular phylogeny of Entoloma s.l. was also reconstructed, based on 187 representatives of Entoloma s.l. by employing the combined ITS, LSU, mtSSU and RPB2 sequences. Ten monophyletic clades (Claudopus, Leptonia, Nolanea, Cuboid-spored Inocephalus, “Alboleptonia”, Cyanula, Pouzarella, Rhodopolia, Prunuloides and Rusticoides) were recovered, while 13 taxa could not be placed in any defined clades. The results confirmed that Claudopus in a traditional morphological sense is not monophyletic and the Rusticoides-group, previously considered within Claudopus, formed a separate clade; but section Claudopus and relatives of E. undatum belong to a distinctive monophyletic group. Despite some monophyletic groups in Entoloma s.l. being distinctive in both morphology and molecular phylogeny, they were still treated as subgenera of Entoloma s.l. temporarily, because accepting them as genera will make Entoloma s.l. paraphyletic.


PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10247
Author(s):  
Jorge Brito ◽  
Claudia Koch ◽  
Alexandre R. Percequillo ◽  
Nicolás Tinoco ◽  
Marcelo Weksler ◽  
...  

The Andean cloud forests of western Colombia and Ecuador are home to several endemic mammals; members of the Oryzomyini, the largest Sigmodontinae tribe, are extensively represented in the region. However, our knowledge about this diversity is still incomplete, as evidenced by several new taxa that have been described in recent years. Extensive field work in two protected areas enclosing remnants of Chocó montane forest recovered a high diversity of small mammals. Among them, a medium-sized oryzomyine is here described as a new genus having at least three new species, two of them are named and diagnosed. Although externally similar to members of the genera Nephelomys and Tanyuromys, the new genus has a unique molar pattern within the tribe, being characterized by a noticeable degree of hypsodonty, simplification, lamination, and third molar compression. A phylogeny based on a combination of molecular markers, including nuclear and mitochondrial genes, and morphological data recovered the new genus as sister to Mindomys, and sequentially to Nephelomys. The new genus seems to be another example of a sigmodontine rodent unique to the Chocó biogeographic region. Its type species inhabits cloud forest between 1,600 and 2,300 m in northernmost Ecuador (Carchi Province); a second species is restricted to lower montane forest, 1,200 m, in northern Ecuador (Imbabura Province); a third putative species, here highlighted exclusively by molecular evidence from one immature specimen, is recorded in the montane forest of Reserva Otonga, northern Ecuador (Cotopaxi Province). Finally, the new genus is also recorded in southernmost Colombia (Nariño Department), probably represented there also by a new species. These species are spatially separated by deep river canyons through Andean forests, resulting in marked environmental discontinuities. Unfortunately, Colombian and Ecuadorian Pacific cloud forests are under rapid anthropic transformation. Although the populations of the type species are moderately abundant and occur in protected areas, the other two persist in threatened forest fragments.


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