Rediscovery, taxonomic status, and phylogenetic relationships of two rare and endemic snakes (Serpentes: Psammophiinae) from the southwestern Angolan plateau

Two rare and endemic psammophines (Serpentes: Psammophiinae) occur in Angola. The taxonomic status of Psammophylax rhombeatus ocellatus Bocage, 1873 and Psammophis ansorgii Boulenger, 1905 have long remained problematic, with both having varied past and present taxonomic assignments, and whose distributions may therefore present zoogeographic anomalies. Little was known of their biology, habitat associations, or phylogenetic relationships. New material was collected during biodiversity surveys of the Humpata Plateau, near Lubango, Angola. It allowed fuller descriptions of scalation and live coloration for both species, and resolution of their taxonomic status. Genetic analysis confirms that both are distinct at the specific level. In addition, within Psammophis, Jalla’s Sand Snake (Psammophis jallae Peracca, 1896), of which P. rohani Angel, 1925, remains a synonym, is sister to P. ansorgii, and Boulenger’s comment on similarities with P. crucifer are not supported. The status of an unusual skaapsteker from Calueque, Cunene Province, Angola, is discussed and its assignment to Ps. ocellatus is provisional and requires additional material for taxonomic resolution. The new P. ansorgii records from Tundavala represent a range (+400 km southwest) and altitude (1800 m to 2286 m a.s.l) extension from the previous only known precise locality of Bela Vista (= Catchiungo), Huambo Province, whilst that for Ps. ocellatus doubles the known altitude from 1108 m to 2286 m a.s.l and extends the range about 122 km to the northwest from historical material from the plateau of Huíla and Cunene provinces.

Download Full-text

Phylogenetic relationships and evolution of reproductive modes within flattened syllids (Annelida : Syllidae) with the description of a new genus and six new species

Invertebrate Systematics ◽

10.1071/is17011 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 224 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Patricia Álvarez-Campos ◽

Sergio Taboada ◽

Guillermo San Martín ◽

Carlos Leiva ◽

Ana Riesgo

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Phylogenetic Relationships ◽

Reproductive Strategy ◽

New Genus ◽

Entire Group ◽

Reproductive Modes ◽

Taxonomic Descriptions ◽

The Status ◽

New Material ◽

Phylogenetic Hypotheses

Syllid annelids from the so-called ‘ribbon clade’ are flattened, ribbon-shaped worms of the genera Parahaplosyllis Hartmann-Schröder, 1990, Eurysyllis Ehlers, 1864, Xenosyllis Marion & Bobretzky, 1875, Trypanosyllis Claparède, 1864, Ramisyllis Glasby, Schroeder & Aguado, 2012, Trypanobia Imajima & Hartman, 1964, Plakosyllis Hartmann-Schröder, 1956, Pseudosyllis Grube, 1863 and Trypanedenta Imajima & Hartman, 1964. Some species possess a remarkable reproductive strategy using multiple stolons that has been recently suggested to be ancestral to the group. Here, to evaluate the evolution of reproductive modes in the group, we assess, for the first time, the phylogenetic relationships within the ribbon clade and related genera. We collected new material of Trypanobia and Trypanosyllis from Japan, Spain, Philippines and Indonesia and sequenced it for the nuclear markers 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial markers 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase I for phylogenetic inference and also performed ancestral character reconstruction for the reproductive strategy in the entire group. Formal taxonomic descriptions of a new genus and six new species are provided. The new genus, Trypanospina, gen. nov., is characterised by the spines that cover its surface. Most genera within the ‘ribbon clade’ are monophyletic and the relationships appeared well supported in most cases. However, our phylogenetic hypotheses are not conclusive in regard to the relationships of the genera Trypanedenta and Trypanobia, nor to the status of those to genera as distinctive, since they seem to be paraphyletic and they appear in low-supported clades. In contrast, our results shed light on the evolution of the reproductive modes within the group, showing that scissiparity (development of a single stolon each time) is the ancestral character for the entire group and gemmiparity (development of more than one stolon at the same time) then appeared twice in two independent clades.

Download Full-text

The status of Hormathophylla baetica: a new combination and lectotypification in Hormathophylla cochleata

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.280.1.4 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 280 (1) ◽

pp. 45 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

ESTEBAN SALMERÓN-SÁNCHEZ ◽

JAVIER FUERTES AGUILAR ◽

STANISLAV ŠPANIEL ◽

ANTONIO JESÚS MENDOZA-FERNÁNDEZ ◽

FABIÁN MARTÍNEZ-HERNÁNDEZ ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Relationships ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Ongoing Study ◽

New Combination ◽

The Status ◽

The Subject

The taxonomic status of Hormathophylla baetica and its phylogenetic relationships to other Hormatophylla species are the subject of controversy. As part of an ongoing study on the genus Hormathophylla, we find that molecular, morphological and biogeographical evidence supports the placement of H. baetica as a subspecies of H. cochleata. We also discuss and designate a lectotype for H. cochleata.

Download Full-text

Lost, forgotten, and overlooked: systematic reassessment of two lesser-known toad species (Anura, Bufonidae) from Peninsular India and another wide-ranging northern species

Zoosystematics and Evolution ◽

10.3897/zse.97.61770 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 97 (2) ◽

pp. 451-470

Author(s):

Karan Bisht ◽

Sonali Garg ◽

A. N. D. Akalabya Sarmah ◽

Saibal Sengupta ◽

S. D. Biju

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Relationships ◽

Original Description ◽

Distinct Species ◽

Coastal Regions ◽

Peninsular India ◽

Molecular Analyses ◽

The Status ◽

New Material ◽

First Time ◽

Northern Species

We rediscovered two species of toads, Bufo stomaticus peninsularis and Bufo brevirostris, which were described from Peninsular India 84 and 101 years ago, respectively, but have not been reported since. Because the name-bearing types of both species are either damaged or lost, we provide detailed redescriptions, morphological comparisons, and insights into phylogenetic relationships with closely related members of the genus Duttaphrynus sensu lato, based on new material from the type locality of each species. We clarify and validate the identity of D. brevirostris, which was rediscovered from multiple localities in the Malenadu and adjoining coastal regions of Karnataka. We also demonstrate that Bufo stomaticus peninsularis, which was considered a synonym of Duttaphrynus scaber, is a distinct species. Bufo stomaticus peninsularis differs from Duttaphrynus scaber morphologically and genetically, and is more closely related to members of the Duttaphrynus stomaticus group. We also clarify the identity of the namesake species of the Duttaphrynus stomaticus group, which is reported widely in India and neighbouring countries, but lacks sufficient taxonomic information due to its brief original description and reportedly untraceable type material. We located and studied the complete syntype series of D. stomaticus, probably for the first time in over a century, and we report on the status of available specimens, provide detailed description of a potential type, compare it to related species, and clarify the species’ geographical range. Our molecular analyses suggest that D. stomaticus is minimally divergent from, and possibly conspecific with, D. olivaceus. Our analyses also clarify its relationship to the closely-related D. peninsulariscomb. nov., with which it was previously confused. Finally, our study provides other insights into the phylogenetic relationships and genetic differentiation among various species of Duttaphrynus toads.

Download Full-text

The taxonomic status of the genus Moseria (Siphonophora, Physonectae)

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.1343.1.1 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 1343 (1) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

P. R. PUGH

Keyword(s):

Molecular Phylogeny ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Systematic Position ◽

The Status ◽

New Material

The status of the two species presently included within the genus Moseri a (Siphonophora, Physonectae), M. c onvol uta (Moser, 1925) and M. sim ilis Margulis, 1977, is reviewed. Based on the availabil ity of new material, described herein, both are considered valid. They can be distinguished by the morphology of their bracts, tentill a and palpons. Whether there are di fferences in the nectophores re mains to be resolved. As the generic name Moseri a is pre-occupied for a ctenophore , a new generic name is required and Resomi a, gen. nov., is proposed. The systematic position of this genus within the physonect siphonophores is discussed in light of recent molecular phylogeny studies (Dunn et al. 2005b).

Download Full-text

Morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis clarify the taxonomic status of Cuban Longior Travassos & Kloss, 1958 (Nematoda: Thelastomatoidea: Hystrignathidae)

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4399.4.3 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4399 (4) ◽

pp. 521

Author(s):

JANS MORFFE ◽

NAYLA GARCÍA ◽

KARIN BREUGELMANS ◽

BYRON J. ADAMS

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Type Locality ◽

Phylogenetic Position ◽

Lsu Rdna ◽

Morphological Examination ◽

Type Host ◽

Molecular Studies ◽

The Status ◽

New Material

The status of Longior alius García & Coy, 1994 (Nematoda: Thelastomatoidea: Hystrignathidae) is discussed on the basis of new material obtained from its type host Antillanax pertyi (Kaup, 1869) (Coleoptera: Passalidae) from Limonar, Guantánamo province, Cuba, near the type locality. Based on morphological and molecular studies L. alius is considered synonymous with L. longior Morffe & García, 2011. L. longior and L. similis Morffe, García & Ventosa, 2009 are redescribed and illustrated with the aid of SEM. New locality records for both species are given. The conspecificity of females and males of both species is supported by comparison of the D2-D3 segment of the 28S LSU rDNA. The inter-specific differences and phylogenetic position of L. longior and L. similis are discussed.

Download Full-text

Systematics of Hymenophyllum subgenus Mecodium (Hymenophyllaceae) in Taiwan

Systematic Botany ◽

10.1600/036364419x15710776741413 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 44 (4) ◽

pp. 753-767

Author(s):

Tian-Chuan Hsu ◽

Yu-Fang Huang ◽

Yi-Shan Chao

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Relationships ◽

The Philippines ◽

Common Element ◽

Morphological Investigation ◽

Eastern Asia ◽

Type Specimens ◽

The Status ◽

Molecular Phylogenetic ◽

A New Species ◽

Independent Species

Abstract—Hymenophyllum subg. Mecodium, composed of the taxonomically notorious H. polyanthos and approximately 15 other closely related taxa, is a common element of filmy fern communities in the tropical and subtropical moist forests. In Taiwan, although only H. polyanthos and one or two closely related taxa were recognized in recent studies, considerable morphological variation has been observed among populations throughout the island. Thus, we conducted an extensive morphological investigation, as well as a molecular phylogenetic analysis, to clarify the specific diversity and phylogenetic relationships within Hymenophyllum subg. Mecodium in Taiwan. Field and herbaria surveys helped in recognizing five morphs in Taiwan, mainly differentiated by the combination of certain traits, viz., the presence or absence of stipe wings, general frond size and shape, degree of laminar crispation, sori position, and involucre shape. The different morphs had diverse ecological preferences. The phylogenetic tree, inferred from the sequences of the plastid loci rbcL and rps4-trnS, demonstrated that Hymenophyllum subg. Mecodium materials in Taiwan comprise several well-supported lineages, mostly corresponding to the classification based on morphology. Comparing with the protologues and type specimens of 34 related scientific names, the five morphs are herein recognized as five independent species. A new species, Hymenophyllum exquisitum, is described here. Also, the status of H. paniculiflorum is reconfirmed and that of H. fujisanense, H. parallelocarpum, and H. punctisorum reinstated. Only H. exquisitum and H. parallelocarpum are endemic to Taiwan among all the species studied. In addition, the names Hymenophyllum blumeanum, H. integrum, H. microsorum, H. polyanthos, H. tenellum, and H. wrightii are now excluded from the regional flora, and several related taxa from China, Taiwan, and the Philippines are treated as synonyms. This study unravels the deep phylogenetic relationships within Hymenophyllum subg. Mecodium in Taiwan and Eastern Asia.

Download Full-text

On three unpublished lectotype designations and on the status and positions of Kreizbergius simo-group taxa (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae)

Entomologist s Gazette ◽

10.31184/g00138894.692.1658 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 69 (2) ◽

pp. 98-106

Author(s):

Stanislav K. Korb

Keyword(s):

Taxonomic Status ◽

New Synonyms ◽

The Status

The taxonomic status and positions of taxa described within the genus Kreizbergius Korshunov, 1990 (the simo-group sensu Ackery, 1975) are rearranged. Lectotypes of the following taxa are designated: Parnassius simo var. simonius Staudinger, 1889, Parnassius simo var. simulator Staudinger, 1889, Parnassius gylippos Fruhstorfer, 1903, Parnassius simo confusa Bang-Haas, 1927. It is shown that K. anrdeji (Eisner, 1930) is a subspecies of K. simonius and has the oldest available name K. simonius kozlovi Avinov, 1913. New synonyms within K. simo and K. simonius are established.

Download Full-text

Two Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Mileewinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and a Phylogenetic Analysis

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects12080668 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 668

Author(s):

Tinghao Yu ◽

Yalin Zhang

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

Phylogenetic Relationships ◽

Phylogenetic Trees ◽

Strong Support ◽

Intergenic Spacer ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Start Codon ◽

Gene Arrangement ◽

Mitochondrial Genomes ◽

Protein Coding

More studies are using mitochondrial genomes of insects to explore the sequence variability, evolutionary traits, monophyly of groups and phylogenetic relationships. Controversies remain on the classification of the Mileewinae and the phylogenetic relationships between Mileewinae and other subfamilies remain ambiguous. In this study, we present two newly completed mitogenomes of Mileewinae (Mileewa rufivena Cai and Kuoh 1997 and Ujna puerana Yang and Meng 2010) and conduct comparative mitogenomic analyses based on several different factors. These species have quite similar features, including their nucleotide content, codon usage of protein genes and the secondary structure of tRNA. Gene arrangement is identical and conserved, the same as the putative ancestral pattern of insects. All protein-coding genes of U. puerana began with the start codon ATN, while 5 Mileewa species had the abnormal initiation codon TTG in ND5 and ATP8. Moreover, M. rufivena had an intergenic spacer of 17 bp that could not be found in other mileewine species. Phylogenetic analysis based on three datasets (PCG123, PCG12 and AA) with two methods (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) recovered the Mileewinae as a monophyletic group with strong support values. All results in our study indicate that Mileewinae has a closer phylogenetic relationship to Typhlocybinae compared to Cicadellinae. Additionally, six species within Mileewini revealed the relationship (U. puerana + (M. ponta + (M. rufivena + M. alara) + (M. albovittata + M. margheritae))) in most of our phylogenetic trees. These results contribute to the study of the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships of Mileewinae.

Download Full-text

Pseudodactylaria brevis sp. nov. from Thailand confirms the status of Pseudodactylariaceae

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.369.4.1 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 369 (4) ◽

pp. 241 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

CHUAN-GEN LIN ◽

ERIC H. C. MCKENZIE ◽

DARBHE J. BHAT ◽

JIAN-KUI LIU ◽

KEVIN D. HYDE ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

New Species ◽

Sequence Data ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Its Sequence ◽

Morphological Comparison ◽

Phylogenetic Placement ◽

Data Analyses ◽

The Status ◽

A New Species

A new species, Pseudodactylaria brevis, is described, illustrated and compared with other Pseudodactylaria and Dactylaria-like taxa. Evidence for the new species is provided by morphological comparison and sequence data analyses. Pseudodactylaria brevis can be distinguished from other Pseudodactylaria and Dactylaria-like species by its short hyaline conidiophores and fusiform, 1-septate hyaline conidia. Phylogenetic analysis of LSU and ITS sequence data was carried out to determine the phylogenetic placement of the species and confirm the taxonomic status of Pseudodactylariaceae.

Download Full-text

ORBITOLINA DAVIESI HOFKER, 1966: A FORGOTTEN ORBITOLINIDAE FROM THE THANETIAN OF PAKISTAN AND ITS TAXONOMIC STATUS

Acta Palaeontologica Romaniae ◽

10.35463/j.apr.2021.01.04 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 41-48

Author(s):

FELIX SCHLAGINTWEIT

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Phylogenetic Relationships ◽

New Genus ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Original Description ◽

Junior Synonym ◽

New Combination ◽

Linear Arrangement ◽

Radial Zone

Orbitolina daviesi Hofker, 1966 (family Orbitolinidae) was validly described and thoroughly illustrated from Thanetian limestones of Pakistan. Although its attribution to the genus Orbitolina d’Orbigny and any phylogenetic relationships with the Cretaceous taxa have been refuted shortly afterwards, the species has not been taxonomically revised since then. Karsella hottingeri Sirel, 1999 was established as new genus and new species from the Thanetian of Turkey, without taking into account J. Hofker’s publication. The original description and genus diagnosis of Karsella has meanwhile been emended to include the occurrence of a radial zone with septula that follow a zig-zag pattern and associated linear arrangement of the foramina, as well as a complex embryo. Orbitolina daviesi clearly displays these features and is here considered a species of the genus Karsella Sirel. Karsella hottingeri is regarded as a subjective junior synonym of O. daviesi Hofker and therefore, the only species of the genus is given as a new combination: Karsella daviesi (Hofker). From a suprageneric viewpoint, the two Paleogene genera Karsella Sirel and Cushmania Silvestri display a complex embryo and might belong to a new subfamily of the Orbitolinidae, phylogenetically different and unrelated to the lower-mid Cretaceous Orbitolininae.

Download Full-text