Taxonomic reexamination of Portulaca okinawensis (Portulacaceae) in the Ryukyu Archipelago of Japan based on molecular and morphological data

We used molecular phylogenetic and morphological data to reexamine the taxonomic status of Portulaca okinawensis (≡ P. pilosa subsp. okinawensis) endemic to the central Ryukyu islands, southwestern Japan. Our molecular analyses showed that P. okinawensis is monophyletic, sister to the clade of P. psammotropha and P. tuberosa and it is not closely related to P. pilosa subsp. pilosa. Two subclades, one comprising plants from the Okinawa Islands and the other from the Amami Islands, were recognized. The plants from the Okinawa Islands had more than 20 stamens, orange-yellow nallowly obovate to oblanceolate petals, and reddish-green stems (as the holotype), while the plants from the Amami Islands had less than 20 stamens, lemon-colored obovate petals, and bright-green stems. The molecular and morphological data support a taxonomic treatment of Walker & Tawada (1951) regarding P. okinawensis as a separate species, also suggesting that the plants from the Amami and Okinawa islands should be treated as different taxa. A new variety Portulaca okinawensis var. amamiensis was here described.

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Sedum formosanum subsp. miyakojimense (Crassulaceae), a new subspecies from Miyako-jima Island of the Ryukyu Islands, Japan

PhytoKeys ◽

10.3897/phytokeys.148.48957 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 148 ◽

pp. 51-70

Author(s):

Takuro Ito ◽

Chih-Chieh Yu ◽

Masatsugu Yokota ◽

Goro Kokubugata

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

The Other ◽

Ryukyu Islands ◽

Morphological Comparison ◽

Molecular Analyses ◽

New Subspecies ◽

The Ryukyu Islands ◽

Molecular Phylogenetic ◽

Axillary Branches

We re-examined the taxonomic status of plants treated as Sedum formosanum (Crassulaceae) from Miyako-jima Island of the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, using morphological comparison and molecular phylogenetic analyses with related species. In morphology, plants from Miyako-jima Island bore a close resemblance to the other plants of S. formosanum, but differed in being perennial, polycarpic, and having lateral axillary branches. Molecular analyses based on ITS of nrDNA and six regions of cpDNA sequencing indicated that the Miyako-jima plants formed a distinct subclade. This subclade was part of a polytomy with three other subclades comprising nine taxa endemic to Taiwan and S. formosanum from other areas, including the type locality. Therefore, we propose and describe the Miyako-jima plants as a new subspecies, Sedum formosanum subsp. miyakojimense.

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A comprehensive and integrative re-description of Synchaeta tremula (Müller, 1786) and the newly rediscovered Synchaeta tremuloida Pourriot, 1965 (Rotifera: Synchaetidae)

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4276.4.3 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4276 (4) ◽

pp. 503 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

TANJA WILKE ◽

WILKO H. AHLRICHS ◽

OLAF R.P. BININDA-EMONDS

Keyword(s):

Taxonomic Status ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Integrative Approach ◽

Similar Species ◽

Ecological Data ◽

Separate Species ◽

Unique Character ◽

Character Set ◽

Initial Description ◽

Scanning Electron

In this paper, we focus on the two morphologically similar species Synchaeta tremula (Müller, 1786) and Synchaeta tremuloida Pourriot, 1965. This study records one of the first detections of the latter species since its initial description and clarifies its uncertain taxonomic status. Using an integrative approach combining morphological data (from light and scanning electron microscopy) with molecular and ecological data, we present re-descriptions of S. tremula and S. tremuloida and confirm their status as separate species. Finally, we also provide a unique character set that can be readily applied to unambiguously identify each species using easily observable features.

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Consolidated data on the phylogeny and evolution of the family Tritoniidae (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) contribute to genera reassessment and clarify the taxonomic status of the neuroscience models Tritonia and Tochuina

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0242103 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. e0242103

Author(s):

Tatiana Korshunova ◽

Alexander Martynov

Keyword(s):

Taxonomic Status ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Model Systems ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Crown Group ◽

Taxonomic Assignment ◽

Species Identity ◽

Separate Species ◽

The Family ◽

First Time

Nudibranch molluscs of the family Tritoniidae are widely used neuroscience model systems for understand the behavioural and genetic bases of learning and memory. However species identity and genus-level taxonomic assignment of the tritoniids remain contested. Herein we present a taxonomic review of the family Tritoniidae using integration of molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphological and biogeographical data. For the first time the identity of the model species Tritonia tetraquetra (Pallas, 1788) and Tritonia exsulans Bergh, 1894 is confirmed. T. tetraquetra distributes across the large geographic and bathymetric distances in the North-Eastern (NE) and North-Western (NW) Pacific. In turn, at NE Pacific coasts the separate species T. exsulans is commonly occured. Thus, it reveals a misidentification of T. tetraquetra and T. exsulans species in neuroscience applications. Presence of more hidden lineages within NW Pacific T. tetraquetra is suggested. The long lasting confusion over identity of the species from the genera Tritonia and Tochuina is resolved using molecular and morphological data. We also disprove a common indication about “edible T. tetraquetra” at the Kuril Islands. It is shown that Tochuina possesses specialized tritoniid features and also some characters of “arminacean nudibranchs”, such as Doridoxa and Heterodoris. Diagnoses for the families Doridoxidae and Heterodorididae are provided. Taxonomy of the genus Doridoxa is clarified and molecular data for the genus Heterodoris presented for the first time. A taxonomic synopsis for the family Tritoniidae is provided. A new genus among tritoniid taxa is proposed. Importance of the ontogeny-based taxonomy is highlighted. The cases when apomorphic characters considerably modified in a crown group due to the paedomorphosis are revealed. Tracing of the character evolution is presented for secondary gills–a key external feature of the family Tritoniidae and traditional dendronotacean nudibranchs.

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The taxonomic status of Cossus cossus afghanistanus (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) from Afghanistan: insights from molecular and morphological data

Ukrainian Journal of Ecology ◽

10.15421/2017_61 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 134-138 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

N. A. Shapoval ◽

R. V. Yakovlev ◽

G. N. Kuftina

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Separate Species ◽

Morphological Differences

In our study we use a 658 bp fragment of the COI gene to analyze a taxon from Afghanistan usually treated in literature as Cossus cossus afghanistanus (Daniel, 1953). The previous conclusions on taxonomy and nomenclature were not supported by molecular data therefore the question of identity of this taxon has remained unverified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed C. c. afghanistanus to be strongly differentiated from nominotypical Cossus cossus (Linnaeus, 1758) (p-distance: 6.7% ± 1.5%). Cossus c. afghanistanus forms a distinct well-supported clade in ML and BI trees. This fact, together with prominent morphological differences (wing color and genitalia structure) shows that C. c. afghanistanus represent a separate species rather than a subspecies of Cossus cossus.

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Taxonomic reexamination of Portulaca boninensis (Portulacaceae) in the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands of Japan using molecular and morphological data

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.217.3.5 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 217 (3) ◽

pp. 279 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Goro KOKUBUGATA ◽

Hidetoshi Kato ◽

DUILIO IAMONICO ◽

Hana Umemoto ◽

Takuro Ito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endemic Species ◽

Migratory Birds ◽

Southern China ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Bonin Islands ◽

Ogasawara Islands ◽

Sea Current ◽

Molecular Phylogenetic

Molecular phylogenetic analyses, morphological observations, and nomenclatural studies were carried out to investigate the taxonomic status of Portulaca boninensis, endemic species from the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands (Japan). The results addressed controversy between the widely naturalized P. boninensis and P. pilosa, indicating that they are phylogenetically and morphologically distinct. Furthermore, P. boninensis was showed to be conspecific to P. psammotropha which is until now recorded in southern China, Taiwan, and the northern Philippines, but not in the Ryukyus. The name of P. psammotropha was lectotypified on a specimen preserved at K. Based on phylogeography, P. psammotropha likely migrated to the Oceanic Bonin Islands oversea by sea-current dispersal or by exo- and/or end ozoochory through migratory birds without passing through Ryukyus.

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A new species of Linum (Linaceae) from Iran with a focus on description of Linum turcomanicum in view of morphological and molecular analyses

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.299.2.1 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 299 (2) ◽

pp. 151

Author(s):

MARYAM BEHROOZIAN ◽

JAMIL VAEZI ◽

MOHAMMAD REZA JOHARCHI ◽

FARSHID MEMARIANI

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Phylogenetic Tree ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Original Description ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Taxon Sampling ◽

Molecular Phylogenetic Tree ◽

Molecular Phylogenetic ◽

A New Species

The genus Linum consists of 15 species in Iran. A new species as well as a new record from Iran is described and illustrated here as L. khorassanicum and L. turcomanicum, respectively. The original description of the latter species is incomplete and ambiguous, probably due to incomplete taxon sampling. In this work, after a comprehensive taxon sampling from the entire distribution range of the species in northeast of Iran, the taxonomic description of L. turcomanicum is completed. The present study considers morphological and molecular (the nrITS region) analyses of the both species. In phylogenetic analysis based on the molecular data, we included these species and some related Linum species to examine the phylogenetic relationship of the new species and L. turcomanicum with other members of the genus. Linum turcomanicum is morphologically almost similar to L. austriacum and L. perenne, but it can be distinguished from them on the basis of several traits such as fruiting-pedicel form and length of petal. Likewise, results obtained from the molecular phylogenetic tree are consistent with those obtained from the morphological data. Linum khorassanicum is well characterized morphologically by having erect fruiting pedicels and inflorescence with few flowers. Our results suggest that the morphological data are in agreement with the molecular phylogenetic tree in which the taxonomic status of L. khorassanicum is confirmed as a new species. Based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, L. khorassanicum and L. turcomanicum are evaluated as Endangered and Near Threatened species, respectively.

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Analysis of the differences between Syntormon pallipes and S. pseudospicatus (Diptera: Dolichopodidae): morphological and molecular data

Zoosystematica Rossica ◽

10.31610/zsr/2019.28.2.305 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 305-316

Author(s):

M.A. Chursina ◽

I.Ya. Grichanov

Keyword(s):

Dna Analysis ◽

Distinct Species ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Wing Shape ◽

Morphological Data ◽

12S Rrna ◽

Separate Species ◽

Geometric Morphometric ◽

Geometric Morphometric Analysis ◽

Morphological And Molecular Data

The recent catalogues of the family Dolichopodidae considered Syntormon pallipes (Fabricius, 1794) and S. pseudospicatus Strobl, 1899 as separate species. In this study, we used three approaches to estimate the significance of differences between the two species: molecular analysis (COI and 12S rRNA sequences), analysis of leg colour characters and geometric morphometric analysis of wing shape. The morphological data confirmed the absence of significant differences between S. pallipes and S. pseudospicatus found in the DNA analysis. Significant differences in the wing shape of two species have not been revealed. Hence, according to our data, there is no reason to consider S. pseudospicatus as a distinct species.

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Disentangling relationships among eastern Mediterranean Cymbalaria including description of a novel species from the southern Peloponnese (Greece)

Plant Systematics and Evolution ◽

10.1007/s00606-020-01730-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 307 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Pau Carnicero ◽

Núria Garcia-Jacas ◽

Llorenç Sáez ◽

Theophanis Constantinidis ◽

Mercè Galbany-Casals

Keyword(s):

Eastern Mediterranean ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Taxonomic Revision ◽

Distribution Patterns ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Long Distance ◽

Aegean Islands ◽

Molecular Phylogenetic

AbstractThe eastern Mediterranean basin hosts a remarkably high plant diversity. Historical connections between currently isolated areas across the Aegean region and long-distance dispersal events have been invoked to explain current distribution patterns of species. According to most recent treatments, at least two Cymbalaria species occur in this area, Cymbalaria microcalyx and C. longipes. The former comprises several intraspecific taxa, treated at different ranks by different authors based on morphological data, evidencing the need of a taxonomic revision. Additionally, some populations of C. microcalyx show exclusive morphological characters that do not match any described taxon. Here, we aim to shed light on the systematics of eastern Mediterranean Cymbalaria and to propose a classification informed by various sources of evidence. We performed molecular phylogenetic analyses using ITS, 3’ETS, ndhF and rpl32-trnL sequences and estimated the ploidy level of some taxa performing relative genome size measures. Molecular data combined with morphology support the division of traditionally delimited C. microcalyx into C. acutiloba, C. microcalyx and C. minor, corresponding to well-delimited nrDNA lineages. Furthermore, we propose to combine C. microcalyx subsp. paradoxa at the species level. A group of specimens previously thought to belong to Cymbalaria microcalyx constitute a well-defined phylogenetic and morphological entity and are described here as a new species, Cymbalaria spetae. Cymbalaria longipes is non-monophyletic, but characterized by being glabrous and diploid, unlike other eastern species. The nrDNA data suggest at least two dispersals from the mainland to the Aegean Islands, potentially facilitated by marine regressions.

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Combination of nuclear and mitochondrial markers as a useful tool to identify Ctenophthalmus species and subspecies (Siphonaptera: Ctenophthalmidae)

Organisms Diversity & Evolution ◽

10.1007/s13127-021-00500-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Antonio Zurita ◽

Cristina Cutillas

Keyword(s):

Taxonomic Status ◽

Molecular Study ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Point Of View ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Molecular Approach ◽

Nuclear Marker ◽

Mitochondrial Markers ◽

Morphological Criteria ◽

Mtdna Markers

AbstractCtenophthalmus is considered the largest genus within the Order Siphonaptera. From a morphological point of view, only males of this genus can be identified at species and subspecies levels using morphological keys, whereas there are no morphological criteria in order to classify females at these taxonomical levels. Furthermore, the amount of available molecular and phylogenetic data for this genus is quite scarce so far. The main objective of this work was to assess the utility of the combination of nuclear and mitochondrial markers with respect to their ability to differentiate among different subspecies within the Ctenophthalmus genus. With this purpose, we carried out a comparative morphological and molecular study of three different subspecies (Ctenophthalmus baeticus arvernus, Ctenophthalmus nobilis dobyi, and Ctenophthalmus andorrensis catalaniensis) in order to clarify and discuss its taxonomic status. In addition, our study complemented the molecular data previously provided for Ctenophthalmus baeticus boisseauorum and Ctenophthalmus apertus allani subspecies. We sequenced five different molecular markers: EF1-α, ITS1, ITS2, cox1, and cytb. Our results confirmed that morphological data by themselves are not able to discriminate among Ctenophthalmus female taxa; however, the combination of the nuclear marker EF1-α together with mtDNA markers cytb and cox1 constituted a useful taxonomical and phylogenetic tool to solve this issue. Based on these results, we consider that the use of this molecular approach should be gradually used within Ctenophthalmus genus in order to complement its classical taxonomy and clarifying the complex taxonomy of other congeneric species of fleas.

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A description of the second species of the genus Bleptus Eaton, 1885 (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) from Japan, and phylogenetic relationships of two Bleptus mayflies inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4974.2.5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4974 (2) ◽

pp. 333-360

Author(s):

KOJI TOJO ◽

KEN MIYAIRI ◽

YUTO KATO ◽

AYANA SAKANO ◽

TOMOYA SUZUKI

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Ribosomal Subunit ◽

Nuclear Gene ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

16S Rrna Genes ◽

Rrna Genes ◽

Gene Sequences ◽

Molecular Phylogenetic ◽

Black Band ◽

Relationship Of

A new mayfly species, Bleptus michinokuensis sp. nov. (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) is described on the basis of specimens of male and female adults and mature nymphs collected at a seepage zone of a small freshwater branch of the ‘Tachiya-zawa-gawa’ River located amongst the northern foothills of Mt. Gassan (Shonai-machi Town, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan). This new Bleptus species is characterized by its clear fore and hind wings. That is, they neither exhibit the distinct black band on the fore wings, nor the characteristic darkened margins along the edges of both the fore and hind wings. Rather it has a blackish colored terminal half of its fore legs (i.e., tibial, tarsal and pretarsal segments). These features differ clearly when comparing them to the other known species, Bleptus fasciatus Eaton. The information and data describing the habitat and distribution range of this new species are also noted. We also examined and discussed the genetic relationship of two Bleptus mayflies to settle the taxonomic status, inferred from the partially sequenced cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and large mitochondrial ribosomal subunit (16S rRNA) genes, and also the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) gene sequences. Consequently, phenetic and molecular phylogenetic analyses agreed well in terms of clustering.

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