A revised dichotomous key for the mangrove crab genus Scylla De Haan, 1833 (Brachyura, Portunidae)

Crustaceana ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 847-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chona C. Vincecruz-Abeledo ◽  
Ma. Carmen A. Lagman
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Geometric Patterns ◽  
Dichotomous Key ◽  
Mangrove Crab ◽  
Mangrove Crabs ◽  
Morphological Species

Abstract Species identification in mangrove crabs of the genus Scylla De Haan, 1833 is problematic, due to the high intraspecific variation and the continuity of diagnostic features. To determine the hierarchy of characters that are most useful in differentiating Scylla species from the Philippines, 1,185 mangrove crabs were collected from seven sites across the Philippines. Morphological species identification was contrasted with morphometric and molecular techniques. The hierarchy of characters in the existing dichotomous key resulted in the misidentification of 245 samples. Errors stem from asymmetry in the features of the chelipeds and the continuity in the features of the frontal lobe spines. Considering mainly morphological characters, the most reliable traits were the geometric patterns in the swimming and walking legs. Nonetheless, 27 individuals with morphological ambiguities exhibited unique patterns in digested nuclear ITS-1 fragments, unreported in any known species of Scylla. A revised hierarchy of characters resulted in a 97.8% match with molecular species identification.

scholarly journals Nothing in (sponge) biology makes sense – except when based on holotypes

2015 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Erpenbeck ◽  
Merrick Ekins ◽  
Nicole Enghuber ◽  
John N.A. Hooper ◽  
Helmut Lehnert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Reference Material ◽  
Species Identification ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Morphological Plasticity ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Reference Sequences ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
Preservation History

Sponge species are infamously difficult to identify for non-experts due to their high morphological plasticity and the paucity of informative morphological characters. The use of molecular techniques certainly helps with species identification, but unfortunately it requires prior reference sequences. Holotypes constitute the best reference material for species identification, however their usage in molecular systematics and taxonomy is scarce and frequently not even attempted, mostly due to their antiquity and preservation history. Here we provide case studies in which we demonstrate the importance of using holotype material to answer phylogenetic and taxonomic questions. We also demonstrate the possibility of sequencing DNA fragments out of century-old holotypes. Furthermore we propose the deposition of DNA sequences in conjunction with new species descriptions.

Systematics and phylogeography of the Australasian mangrove crabs Parasesarma semperi and P. longicristatum (Decapoda : Brachyura : Sesarmidae) based on morphological and molecular data

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan Shahdadi ◽  
Peter J. F. Davie ◽  
Christoph D. Schubart
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Data ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Mitochondrial Genes ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Sister Relationship ◽  
Mangrove Crabs ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data

Parasesarma semperi (Bürger, 1893) was first described from Bohol in the Philippines and is considered to be widely distributed in Southeast Asia. Parasesarma longicristatum (Campbell, 1967) was originally described as a subspecies of P. semperi from Queensland, Australia, and later recognised as a full species. In this study, we re-examine specimens of the two species from across their entire geographic range using genetic markers, a morphometric analysis, and traditional morphological characters. Previous taxonomic species diagnoses were found to be unreliable, but morphometric principle component analyses consistently separate the two species, with the length to width ratio of the propodus of the fourth pereiopod being of particular importance. Genetic data corresponding to the mitochondrial genes COI, ND1 and 16S confirmed a close sister relationship between the two species, forming reciprocally monophyletic groups. Both species have high haplotype diversities and high intraspecific gene flow.

Taxonomic revision of the genus Flemingia (Leguminosae) from Indo-Chinese floristic region

Phytotaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 429 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-38
Author(s):  
TRUONG VAN DO ◽  
XIN-FEN GAO
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
New Record ◽  
New Records ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Full Description ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Dichotomous Key ◽  
Doubtful Species

In present research, we revised the taxonomy of Flemingia for the whole Indochinese floristic region, which consist of 24 species and one variety. China was the most diversified country with 18 species of Flemingia and one variety, followed by Myanmar (16 species), Thailand (13 species and one variety), Vietnam (12 species and one variety), Laos (12 species and one variety), and Cambodia (5 species). Flemingia weii is newly described from China, F. sootepensis and F. nana are new records for China, F. kerrii and F. mengpengensis are new records for Myanmar, and F. semialata is a new record for Vietnam and China. Based on the identity of morphological characters, we synonymized F. ferruginea var. eglandulosa, F. yunnanensis, F. kradungensis, F. tiliaceae under F. kerrii, F. macrophylla, F. kweichowensis, F. strobilifera, respectively. Furthermore, the lectotype of F. ferruginea var. eglandulosa and F. lineata var. hirtella are designated here. For each species, accepted names, literature, synonyms, type specimens, full description, iconography citation, ecology, phenology, distribution and taxonomic notes with morphologically characters have been studied in detials. In order to facilitate species identification and delimitation, a dichotomous key to the known species of Flemingia within the Indochinese floristic region was provided. Additionally, some doubtful species were also discussed.

scholarly journals Integrative taxonomy resolves species identities within the Macrobiotus pallarii complex (Eutardigrada: Macrobiotidae)

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Stec ◽  
Matteo Vecchi ◽  
Magdalena Dudziak ◽  
Paul J. Bartels ◽  
Sara Calhim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Body ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Integrative Taxonomy ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Morphometric Traits ◽  
South Italy ◽  
Dichotomous Key ◽  
The Usa

AbstractThe taxonomy of many groups of meiofauna is challenging due to their low number of diagnostic morphological characters and their small body size. Therefore, with the advent of molecular techniques that provide a new source of traits, many cryptic species have started to be discovered. Tardigrades are not an exception, and many once thought to be cosmopolitan taxa are being found to be complexes of phenotypically similar species. Macrobiotus pallarii Maucci, 1954 was originally described in South Italy and has been subsequently recorded in Europe, America, and Asia. This allegedly wide geographic range suggests that multiple species may be hidden under this name. Moreover, recently, genetic evidence to support this was put forward, and the Macrobiotus pallarii complex has been proposed to accommodate putative species related to M. pallarii. Here, we describe three new pseudocryptic species based on populations that would have been all classified as Macrobiotus pallarii if molecular methods were not employed. Using an integrative taxonomy approach, we analyzed animals and eggs from the topotypic population of Macrobiotus pallarii, together with four other populations of the complex. We recovered four distinct phylogenetic lineages that, despite the overlap of morphometric traits, can be separated phenotypically by subtle but discrete morphological characters. One lineage corresponds to Macrobiotus pallarii, whereas the other three are newly described as Macrobiotus margoae Stec, Vecchi & Bartels, sp. nov. from the USA, Macrobiotus ripperi Stec, Vecchi & Michalczyk, sp. nov. from Poland and Finland, and Macrobiotus pseudopallarii Stec, Vecchi & Michalczyk, sp. nov. from Montenegro. To facilitate species identification, we provide a dichotomous key for species of the M. pallarii complex. Delimitation of these pseudocryptic taxa highlights the need for an integrative approach to uncover the phylum’s diversity in full.

scholarly journals How Filipino Fishers Use Traditional Knowledge in Identifying Species of Juvenile Mangrove Crabs for Grow-out Culture

2021 ◽  
pp. 119-128
Author(s):  
Hilarie Orario ◽  
Qiuting Cai ◽  
Janella Kristine Chua ◽  
Evanae Schon Magpayo ◽  
Aliexandra Heart Po ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Behavior Patterns ◽  
Traditional Practices ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Mangrove Crab ◽  
Late Instar ◽  
Mangrove Crabs ◽  
Identification Techniques

Mangrove crab growers in the Philippines still rely on wild-caught late instar to early juvenile mangrove crablets, as supplies from hatcheries are limited. Any batch of crablets caught from the wild is a mix of the three native species under the genus Scylla. Scylla species have different growth rates. Since grow-out culture depends heavily on species' growth, growers should be able to distinguish the species as early as the juvenile stage, which is taxonomically difficult. This study was done to consolidate low-cost traditional identification techniques for juvenile Scylla from fishers of the Philippines for future validation. Focused group discussions were done in fishing communities from Bataan, Pangasinan, and Cagayan on the island of Luzon. The study was continued through online surveys, as travel was restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Results indicate that 70.58% of respondents identify the species of crabs by looking at their claws and 55.88% observe the color of the crabs. Almost half, or 41.17% of respondents, consider the width and size of the carapace. Unique methods in certain Philippine regions include observation of the behavior patterns, carapace texture, rate of weight gain, and seasonality. Validation of the traditional practices identified in this study would result in a reliable "at-a-glance" method of identifying juvenile Scylla in the Philippines, which would shorten the culture period, improve production gains, and manage local populations.

scholarly journals Addressing widespread misidentifications of traditional medicinal mushrooms in Sanghuangporus (Basidiomycota) through ITS barcoding and designation of reference sequences

IMA Fungus ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shan Shen ◽  
Shi-Liang Liu ◽  
Ji-Hang Jiang ◽  
Li-Wei Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
Rolling Circle Amplification ◽  
Practical Method ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Its Sequences ◽  
Commercial Development ◽  
Medicinal Mushrooms ◽  
Rolling Circle ◽  
Reference Sequences ◽  
Its Barcoding

Abstract“Sanghuang” refers to a group of important traditionally-used medicinal mushrooms belonging to the genus Sanghuangporus. In practice, species of Sanghuangporus referred to in medicinal studies and industry are now differentiated mainly by a BLAST search of GenBank with the ITS barcoding region as a query. However, inappropriately labeled ITS sequences of “Sanghuang” in GenBank restrict accurate species identification and, to some extent, the utilization of these species as medicinal resources. We examined all available 271 ITS sequences related to “Sanghuang” in GenBank including 31 newly submitted sequences from this study. Of these sequences, more than half were mislabeled so we have now corrected the corresponding species names. The mislabeled sequences mainly came from strains utilized by non-taxonomists. Based on the analyses of ITS sequences submitted by taxonomists as well as morphological characters, we separate the newly described Sanghuangporus subbaumii from S. baumii and treat S. toxicodendri as a later synonym of S. quercicola. Fourteen species of Sanghuangporus are accepted, with intraspecific distances up to 1.30% (except in S. vaninii, S. weirianus and S. zonatus) and interspecific distances above 1.30% (except between S. alpinus and S. lonicerinus, and S. baumii and S. subbaumii). To stabilize the concept of these 14 species of Sanghuangporus, their taxonomic information and reliable ITS reference sequences are provided. Moreover, ten potential diagnostic sequences are provided for Hyperbranched Rolling Circle Amplification to rapidly confirm three common commercial species, viz. S. baumii, S. sanghuang, and S. vaninii. Our results provide a practical method for ITS barcoding-based species identification of Sanghuangporus and will promote medicinal studies and commercial development from taxonomically correct material.

Soil and litter nematode diversity of Mount Hamiguitan, the Philippines, with description of Bicirronema hamiguitanense n. sp. (Rhabditida: Bicirronematidae)

Nematology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Qing ◽  
Wim Bert ◽  
Hanne Steel ◽  
Joeseph Quisado ◽  
Irma Tandingan De Ley
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Species Status ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Lateral Field ◽  
Nematode Diversity ◽  
Common Group

The nematode diversity in soil and litter was investigated on Mount Hamiguitan, the Philippines, along four eco-habitats from elevations of 75-1600 m a.s.l. A total of 155 and 467 nematodes were identified to 39 and 62 genera from litter and soil, respectively. The nematode assemblages and diversity did not show any relation to eco-habitat or elevation. Bacterivorous nematodes were the most common group (37.5%). Acrobeloides was most abundant from the soil and Aphelenchoides from the litter. Bicirronema hamiguitanense n. sp. is herein described based on morphology, morphometrics and molecular data. The new species has the following diagnostic features: a wide lateral field one-fifth of its body diam. with four incisures forming two ornamented ridges; gubernaculum with proximal thickening; spicules (35-38 μm) and gubernaculum (18-20 μm) longer than B. caledoniense; and with 37 molecular autapomorphies supporting its new species status. The phylogenetic position of the new species within Cephalobomorpha is discussed.

Seed micromorphology of central European Orobanche and Phelipanche (Orobanchaceae) in relation to preferred hosts and systematic implications

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Piwowarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Seed Morphology ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Vegetative Organs ◽  
Periclinal Wall ◽  
Taxonomic Criterion ◽  
Seed Micromorphology ◽  
Wall Perforation ◽  
Almost All

Holoparasitic genera within family Orobanchaceae are characterised by greatly reduced vegetative organs; therefore, seed micromorphology has proved to be a useful complementary taxonomic criterion. Seeds of 160 samples from 54 localities of 26 taxa of the Orobanche and Phelipanche genera occurring in central Europe, specifically from Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovakia, supplemented by samples from Spain, France and Ukraine, were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Thirteen quantitative or qualitative morphological characters of seeds were analysed. The following three types of periclinal wall sculpture of seeds were identified: veined and fibrillar in Phelipanche; with oval or elliptic perforations (pitted) in almost all species of Orobanche; with outer periclinal wall smooth, granular or rugged (very rarely visibly pitted), impeding vision of the inner one, occurring only in O. gracilis Sm. and O. coerulescens Stephan in Willd. The influence of different hosts on the features of seeds of eight species is also presented, as well as relationships between seed morphology and taxonomic classification, including problematic taxa. The best diagnostic features include type of ornamentation of the periclinal wall, perforation diameter (in pitted sculpture), fibrillar diameter (in fibrillar sculpture) and width of anticlinal walls. Size and shape of the seeds and cells and the presence of median troughs are variable; however, these features can be helpful when using larger samples. The usefulness of micromorphological studies on seeds of Orobanche and Phelipanche is demonstrated.

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