Male identification, generic classification and sexual dimorphism of Micronychus pardus (Kazantsev, 2018) comb. nov. (Coleoptera: Lycidae: Calochrominae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4657 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
MICHAL MOTYKA
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Species Identification ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Large Specimen ◽  
Molecular Analyses ◽  
Almost All ◽  
First Time

Almost all net-winged beetles are members of Müllerian complexes and their similarity due to phenotypic coevolution sometimes complicates species identification and generic placement. Therefore, large specimen series, detailed exhaustive examination of morphological characters and molecular data are needed to clarify the taxonomic placement. Using mitochondrial DNA sequences, I investigated the sexual dimorphism and generic placement of the recently described species Calochromus pardus Kazantsev, 2018. I found that the species does not belong in Calochromus Guérin-Méneville, 1833 and all morphological characters and molecular analyses point to its placement in Micronychus Motschulsky, 1861. Therefore, Micronychus pardus (Kazantsev, 2018), comb. nov. is proposed. Additionally, the male is described here for the first time showing the sexual dimorphism in the species. Unlike the females, the males do not superficially resemble members of Xylobanus Waterhouse, 1879 with bright coloured elytral costae and black background, but mimics the sympatrically occurring yellow and black lycids in the genus Cautires Waterhouse, 1879. 

scholarly journals Machine Learning for Species Identification: The HebelomaProject from database to website

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Bartlett ◽  
Ursula Eberhardt ◽  
Nicole Schütz ◽  
Henry Beker
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Species Identification ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Learning Phase ◽  
Training Set ◽  
Species Determination ◽  
Almost All

Attempts to use machine learning (ML) for species identification of macrofungi have usually involved the use of image recognition to deduce the species from photographs, sometimes combining this with collection metadata. Our approach is different: we use a set of quantified morphological characters (for example, the average length of the spores) and locality (GPS coordinates). Using this data alone, the machine can learn to differentiate between species. Our case study is the genus Hebeloma, fungi within the order Agaricales, where species determination is renowned as a difficult problem. Whether it is as a result of recent speciation, the plasticity of the species, hybridization or stasis is a difficult question to answer. What is sure is that this has led to difficulties with species delimitation and consequently a controversial taxonomy. The Hebeloma Project—our attempt to solve this problem by rigorously understanding the genus—has been evolving for over 20 years. We began organizing collections in a database in 2003. The database now has over 10,000 collections, from around the world, with not only metadata but also morphological descriptions and photographs, both macroscopic and microscopic, as well as molecular data including at least an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence (generally, but not universally, accepted as a DNA barcode marker for fungi (Schoch et al. 2012)), and in many cases sequences of several loci. Included within this set of collections are almost all type specimens worldwide. The collections on the database have been analysed and compared. The analysis uses both the morphological and molecular data as well as information about habitat and location. In this way, almost all collections are assigned to a species. This development has been enabled and assisted by citizen scientists from around the globe, collecting and recording information about their finds as well as preserving material. From this database, we have built a website, which updates as the database updates. The website (hebeloma.org) is currently undergoing beta testing prior to a public launch. It includes up-to-date species descriptions, which are generated by amalgamating the data from the collections of each species in the database. Additional tools allow the user to explore those species with similar habitat preferences, or those from a particular biogeographic area. The user is also able to compare a range of characters of different species via an interactive plotter. The ML-based species identifier is featured on the website. The standardised storage of the collection data on the database forms the backbone for the identifier. A portion of the collections on the database are (almost) randomly selected as a training set for the learning phase of the algorithm. The learning is “supervised” in the sense that collections in the training set have been pre-assigned to a species by expert analysis. With the learning phase complete, the remainder of the database collections may then be used for testing. To use the species identifier on the website, a user inputs the same small number of morphological characters used to train the tool and it promptly returns the most likely species represented, ranked in order of probability. As well as describing the neural network behind the species identifier tool, we will demonstrate it in action on the website, present the successful results it has had in testing to date and discuss its current limitations and possible generalizations.

Systematics and biogeography of pygmy possums (Burramyidae : Cercartetus)

2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Osborne ◽  
L. Christidis
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Systematic Relationships ◽  
Nd2 Gene

Mitochondrial DNA sequences from the ND2 gene were used to investigate the systematic relationships within pygmy possums (Cercartetus) at the subspecies and species level. The phylogenetic relationships identified between Cercartetus species using partitioned ND2 sequences are in agreement with published morphological characters. C. caudatus was identified as the basal member of this assemblage, whilst C. nanus and C. concinnus are linked to the exclusion of C. lepidus. Molecular data identifies some inconsistencies in the assignment of subspecies within Cercartetus, suggesting that revision may be warranted.

scholarly journals Morphological and molecular data confirm the transfer of homostylous species in the typically distylous genus Galianthe (Rubiaceae), and the description of the new species Galianthe vasquezii from Peru and Colombia

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e4012
Author(s):  
Javier Elias Florentín ◽  
Andrea Alejandra Cabaña Fader ◽  
Roberto Manuel Salas ◽  
Steven Janssens ◽  
Steven Dessein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Molecular Analyses ◽  
Generic Concept ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data ◽  
First Time

Galianthe (Rubiaceae) is a neotropical genus comprising 50 species divided into two subgenera, Galianthe subgen. Galianthe, with 39 species and Galianthe subgen. Ebelia, with 11 species. The diagnostic features of the genus are: usually erect habit with xylopodium, distylous flowers arranged in lax thyrsoid inflorescences, bifid stigmas, 2-carpellate and longitudinally dehiscent fruits, with dehiscent valves or indehiscent mericarps, plump seeds or complanate with a wing-like strophiole, and pollen with double reticulum, rarely with a simple reticulum. This study focused on two species that were originally described under Diodia due to the occurrence of fruits indehiscent mericarps: Diodia palustris and D. spicata. In the present study, classical taxonomy is combined with molecular analyses. As a result, we propose that both Diodia species belong to Galianthe subgen. Ebelia. The molecular position within Galianthe, based on ITS and ETS sequences, has been supported by the following morphological characters: thyrsoid, spiciform or cymoidal inflorescences, bifid stigmas, pollen grains with a double reticulum, and indehiscent mericarps. However, both species, unlike the remainder of the genus Galianthe, have homostylous flowers, so the presence of this type of flower significantly modifies the generic concept. In this framework, a third homostylous species, Galianthe vasquezii, from the Andean region is also described. Until now, this species remained cryptic under specimens of Galianthe palustris It differs however from the latter by having longer calyx lobes, the presence of dispersed trichomes inside the corolla lobes (vs. glabrous), fruits that are acropetally dehiscent (vs. basipetally dehiscent), and its Andean geographical distribution (vs. Paranaense). Additionally, a lectotype has been chosen for Diodia palustris, Borreria pterophora has been placed under synonymy of Galianthe palustris, and Galianthe boliviana is reported for the first time from Peru. A key of all Galianthe species with indehiscent mericarps is also provided.

Morphological evidence from immature stages further suggests Lignyodina being close to Tychiina (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Curculioninae, Tychiini)

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4320 (3) ◽  
pp. 426 ◽  
Author(s):  
RAFAŁ GOSIK ◽  
JIŘÍ SKUHROVEC ◽  
IVO TOŠEVSKI ◽  
ROBERTO CALDARA
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Adult Emergence ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
The Other ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Immature Stages ◽  
Mitochondrial Coi ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between the subtribes Lignyodina and Tychiina of the Tychiini were tested on the basis of morphological characters from the immature stages. The mature larvae of Lignyodes bischoffi (Blatchley, 1916) and L. enucleator (Panzer, 1798) (Curculionidae, Curculioninae, Tychiini, Lignyodina) and the pupae of L. bischoffi are described in detail for the first time. To be sure about the correct taxonomic identification of the larvae, DNA sequences were obtained and compared for both the larvae and adults of these two species. Molecular data show that the two studied species of Lignyodes  Dejean, 1835 strongly differ in mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA. The immature stages (larva and pupa) of Lignyodes bischoffi and L. enucleator were compared with each other and with those known for other taxa representative of the tribe Tychiini and other tribes of Curculioninae. The larvae of Lignyodes bischoffi and L. enucleator differ in a few but important characters. The larvae and pupae of these two species belonging to Lignyodes s. str. are morphologically very similar to those of species in the other two subgenera of Lignyodes, Neotylopterus Clark, Whitehead & Warner, 1977 and Chionanthobius Pierce, 1912. On the basis of the detailed morphology of larvae and pupae, we agree that Lignyodes belong to Tychiini, sharing more features with species of this tribe than with those of other tribes of Curculioninae. New bionomic data concerning larval and pupal development and adult emergence are reported for both described species and confirm close relationships between the subtribes Lignyodina and Tychiina. On the other hand, strong molecular differences, corroborated by some relevant larval differences, between L. enucleator and L. bischoffi open up the issue whether Palaearctic and Nearctic species presently included in Lignyodes s. str. actually belong to the same subgenus. 

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.

Sinalliaria, a new genus of Brassicaceae from eastern China, based on morphological and molecular data

Phytotaxa ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 186 (4) ◽  
pp. 188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Ying Zhou ◽  
HONG-WEI ZHANG ◽  
JIANG-QIN HU ◽  
Xiao-Feng Jin
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Eastern China ◽  
Distinct Group ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
New Combinations ◽  
The Family ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data ◽  
Seed Testa

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.

Species delimitation of colour polymorphic Cladophorus (Coleoptera: Lycidae) from New Guinea

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4320 (3) ◽  
pp. 505 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROMANA KALOUSOVA ◽  
LADISLAV BOCAK
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Related Species ◽  
Species Delimitation ◽  
Morphological Differentiation ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Dna Fragment ◽  
Colour Patterns

Cladophorus Guérin-Méneville, 1830 are endemic Papuan net-winged beetles which take part in highly diverse Müllerian mimicry rings. Available specimens were sequenced for cox1–tRNA-Leu–cox2 mitochondrial DNA fragment and the species delimitations were based on the genetic distance, phylogenetic analysis, and morphology. Three earlier described species were identified in the recently collected material and further 10 species are described: C. pallescens sp. nov., C. bicolor sp. nov., C. craterensis sp. nov., C. motykai sp. nov., C. mindikensis sp. nov., C. kailakiensis sp. nov., C. manokwarensis sp. nov., C. haiaensis sp. nov., C. humeralis sp. nov., and C. boceki sp. nov. DNA-based identifications provided some ambiguous results and closely related species could not be robustly delimited using solely molecular data. Additionally, the species limits were based on clearly defined morphological characters and the morphological differentiation was found unlinked from the genetic divergence. Colour patterns cannot be used for identification because all species available in more specimens were polymorphic and followed various local co-mimics. The Papuan fauna of Cladophorus is very diverse and the closely related species regularly occur in limited regions. Differentiation within restricted ranges is therefore considered as the main speciation mode. 

scholarly journals Three new species of the genus Coddingtonia from Asia (Araneae, Theridiosomatidae)

ZooKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 886 ◽  
pp. 113-126
Author(s):  
Chengcheng Feng ◽  
Yucheng Lin
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Three New Species

The current paper expands knowledge of the genus Coddingtonia Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009. Based on morphological characters and molecular data, three species are documented as new to science: C. erhuan Feng & Lin, sp. nov. (♀) from China, C. lizu Feng & Lin, sp. nov. (♀) from China, and C. huifengi Feng & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Indonesia. The type of C. euryopoides Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 is also reexamined. DNA sequences (COI), detailed illustrations of habitus, male palp and epigyne are provided for these four species, as well as a key and a distribution map for Coddingtonia species.

scholarly journals Amanita subjunquillea and its ectomycorrhizal association, reported as new for Pakistan

Mycotaxon ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (3) ◽  
pp. 413-423
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ishaq ◽  
Arooj Naseer ◽  
Munazza Kiran ◽  
Muhammad Fiaz ◽  
Abdul Nasir Khalid
Keyword(s):  
Its Region ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Sequence Analyses ◽  
Dark Orange ◽  
Ectomycorrhizal Roots ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data ◽  
Quercus Floribunda ◽  
First Time ◽  
Ectomycorrhizal Association

Amanita subjunquillea and its ectomycorrhizal association are reported for the first time from moist temperate Himalayan forests of Pakistan. The sample was studied based on morphological characters and nucleotide sequence analyses of the ITS region generated from basidiomata and ectomycorrhizal roots of Quercus floribunda. Our collection differs from the type in its dark orange pileus disc and pale yellow margins. Remaining morphological and molecular data are consistent with previously reported specimens. This represents the first report of A. subjunquillea from Pakistan.

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