Revision of the elegans-group of Alona s. lato and its status as a subgenus of Coronatella Dybowski & Grochowski, 1894 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4732 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-526
Author(s):  
ARTEM Y. SINEV
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
The West ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Basal Segment ◽  
Old World ◽  
Basal Group ◽  
Species Groups

The taxonomic status of the elegans-group of Alona s. lato (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) is herein examined. The West Palearctic Alona elegans Kurz, 1875 and poorly known African taxon Coronatella cf. bukobensis (Weltner, 1897) are redescribed, and new data on morphology of Coronatella circumfimbriata (Megard, 1967) and Coronatella rectangula (Sars, 1861) is added. Based on analysis of original and literature data, the elegans-group is herein suggested as a separate subgenus within the genus Coronatella, namely Coronatella (Ephemeralona) subgen. nov. Main diagnostic features of the latter include: (1) seta arising from the basal segment of antenna endopodite much longer than endopodite; (2) acessory seta of limb I long, almost as long as ODL seta; (3) setae 2-3 of IDL armed with uniform thin setulae; (4) exopodite of limb II with a very short, rudimentary seta. Coronatella (Ephemeralona) subgen. nov. is a morphologically uniform basal group of the genus. It is distributed mostly in the arid belt of the Old World, with a single species known from South Africa. C. (Coronatella) is distributed worldwide; it is composed of several distinct species-groups with overlapping areas of distribution. A checklist of Coronatella species is provided. 

scholarly journals A revision of the Pyura stolonifera species complex (Tunicata, Ascidiacea), with a description of a new species from Australia

Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2754 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARC RIUS ◽  
PETER R. TESKE
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Species Complex ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
The Other ◽  
Solitary Ascidian ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
A New Species ◽  
Dorsal Tubercle

Pyura stolonifera is a large solitary ascidian found in Africa, Australasia and South America. The taxonomic status of different populations of this species is disputed, especially since there is evidence for several distinct morphological and genetic units that point towards the existence of multiple cryptic species. While some researchers still recognize P. stolonifera as a single species, others treat the different populations as distinct species. Here, we present a revision of the P. stolonifera species complex based on the examination of samples from all regions where there are reliable reports of this taxon. We recognize four species that are both morphologically and genetically distinct, one of which is new to science and is formally described here. This species is morphologically distinct from the other three members of the species complex in terms of the colour and texture of the tunic, the arrangement of the gonads within the gut and the shape of the dorsal tubercle, among other characters. We name the new species Pyura dalbyi after Dr. J.E. Dalby Jr., whose research on its ecology and distribution provided the incentive for examining this species more closely.

Old World-New World differentiation of so-called “circumtropical” taxa: the case of rare genus Grimaldina Richard, 1892 (Branchiopoda: Cladocera: Macrothricidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4291 (2) ◽  
pp. 295 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANNA N. NERETINA ◽  
ALEXEY A. KOTOV
Keyword(s):  
New World ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Old World ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Tropical Water ◽  
Molecular Genetic Data ◽  
New Material ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Dispersal Events

The Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) is an ancient group of predominantly freshwater microscopic invertebrates. During the last three decades a cosmopolitanism paradigm in the biogeography of these animals is gradually being replaced by a concept of continental endemism. Current morphological and molecular genetic data demonstrate that many Holarctic taxa actually represent sibling species groups with localized distributions. Similarly, some circumtropical cladocerans are poorly studied and must be considered using the same concept. Grimaldina Richard, 1892 (Cladocera: Macrothricidae) is an example of such taxon. Since the first description time, this genus was considered as monotypic, including a single species Grimaldina brazzai Richard, 1892, distributed in tropical regions all around the World, but being rare everywhere across its distribution range. We carefully examined specimens of Grimaldina from different tropical water bodies, redescribed morphology of G. brazzai based on new material from Africa, supplemented the genus diagnosis, and demonstrated that G. brazzai is limited to the Old World (Africa and Asia). Population from New World tropical regions are described as Grimaldina freyi sp. nov., based on material from the collection of Prof. Dr David G. Frey and named in his honor. It clearly differs from G. brazzai in: (1) antenna II with longest endopod seta bearing more densely set spinulae and (2) limb V medial portion with a smaller ratio of seta 2 to seta 3. These traits in G. freyi sp. nov. are presumably plesiomorphic, while G. brazzai has more apomorphies. Divergence between American (G. freyi sp. nov.) and Old World (G. brazzai) populations could be related to the ancient vicariant events (Gondwana breakup) or to more recent trans-continental dispersal events. 

scholarly journals Integrative taxonomy confirms the species status of the Himalayan langurs, Semnopithecus schistaceus Hodgson 1840

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunal Arekar ◽  
S. Sathyakumar ◽  
K. Praveen Karanth
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Integrative Taxonomy ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Species Status ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Hanuman Langur ◽  
As Species

AbstractTaxonomy is replete with groups where the species identity and classification remain unresolved. One such group is the widely distributed Hanuman langur (Colobinae: Semnopithecus). For most part of the last century, Hanuman langur was considered to be a single species with multiple subspecies. Nevertheless, recent studies using an integrative taxonomy approach suggested that this taxon is a complex, with at least three species. However, these studies did not include the Himalayan population of the Hanuman langur whose taxonomic status remains unresolved. The Himalayan population of Hanuman langurs have been classified as a distinct species with multiple subspecies or have been subsumed into other species. These classification schemes are wholly based on morphological characters and which are sometimes insufficient to delimit different species. Here, we have integrated data from multiple sources viz. morphology, DNA, and ecology to resolve the taxonomy of the Himalayan langur and to understand its distribution limit. Our results with three lines of evidence corresponding to three different species concepts show that Himalayan langur is a distinct species from S. entellus of the plains. Additionally, these results did not show any support for splitting of the Himalayan langur into multiple subspecies. Our study supports the classification proposed by Hill (1939) and we recommend Semnopithecus schistaceus, Hodgson 1840 as species name for the Himalayan langur and subsume all the known subspecies into it.

The genus Boccardia (Polychaeta: Spionidae) associated with mollusc shells on the south coast of South Africa

2009 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 585-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.A. Simon ◽  
T.M. Worsfold ◽  
L. Lange ◽  
J. Sterley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Distribution Range ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
The South ◽  
The West ◽  
Eastern Site ◽  
Species Comparisons ◽  
Non Indigenous Species ◽  
Mollusc Shells

Three species of Boccardia (B. polybranchia, B. pseudonatrix and B. proboscidea) were associated with mollusc shells on the south and south-east coasts of South Africa. Boccardia polybranchia was widely distributed along the coast and falls within the known distribution range of this species. Comparisons with material from other, international, locations showed that some specimens have been misidentified. No characters could be found to characterize distinct species for different regions within the range of B. polybranchia, as currently recognized. Boccardia pseudonatrix was found only at the most eastern site, increasing its known distribution range. Boccardia proboscidea, a non-indigenous species, was found only on abalone farms and was most abundant in the west.

Redescription of the genus Manta with resurrection of Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868) (Chondrichthyes; Myliobatoidei; Mobulidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2301 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANDREA D. MARSHALL ◽  
LEONARD J. V. COMPAGNO ◽  
MICHAEL B. BENNETT
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Tropical Species ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Manta Alfredi ◽  
Disc Width ◽  
Manta Birostris ◽  
Using Data

The taxonomic history of the genus Manta has been questionable and convoluted, with Manta having one of the most extensive generic and species synonymies of any living genus of cartilaginous fish. Having previously been considered a monotypic genus with a single recognized species, Manta birostris (Walbaum 1792), new evidence, in the form of morphological and meristic data, confirm that two visually distinct species occur, both with wide ranging distributions through many of the world’s oceans. Manta birostris stands as the most widely distributed member of the genus, while Manta alfredi (Krefft 1868), resurrected herein, represents a smaller, more tropical species. Separation of the two species is based on morphometric measurements and external characters including colouration, dentition, denticle and spine morphology, as well as size at maturity and maximum disc width. The two species of Manta are sympatric in some locations and allopatric in other regions. A visual key was constructed which highlights the conspicuous, diagnostic features of the two species using data collected throughout their respective geographical ranges. A third, putative species, referred to here as Manta sp. cf. birostris, in the Atlantic may be distinct from M. birostris, but further examination of specimens is necessary to clarify the taxonomic status of this variant manta ray. The results of this study will aid in the differentiation of members of this genus both in the field and in preserved specimens. The splitting of this long-standing monospecific genus will help to highlight the specific threats facing the different species of Manta (e.g. targeted fishing, bycatch fisheries, boat strikes and habitat degradation) and will ultimately assist in the correct assessment of their respective worldwide conservation status.

A Systematic Analysis of the Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus-Vulpecula (Kerr, 1792) (Marsupialia, Phalangeridae)

1991 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 313 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Kerle ◽  
GM Mckay ◽  
GB Sharman
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
North Eastern

The taxonomic status of distinctive populations of the widespread and morphologically variable possum Trichosurus vulpecula was examined. For the analysis, morphological characters (body size, fur colour and skull dimensions), karyotypes, electrophoretic allozyme, and ecological data were compared for as many Trichosurus populations as possible. There are insufficient differences between populations of T. vulpecula to reject a null hypothesis that they comprise a single species. Tasmanian, northern and south-western Australian populations could be retained as subspecies, but insufficient data exist to resolve the specific status of Atheton Tabeland and north-eastern Australian populations. One enigmatic result is that the skull morphometrics and allozymes of T. caninus were not distinguishable from those of sympatric T. vulpecula. However, other morphological characteristics and ecological data provide adequate evidence the T. caninus is a distinct species.

Taxonomic Notes on Leucoptera meyricki Ghesquiere and Leucoptera coffeella (Guerin-Meneville) (Lepidoptera, Lyonetiidae)

1958 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Bradley
Keyword(s):  
West Indies ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Type Material ◽  
The West ◽  
Old World ◽  
Neotropical Species ◽  
Leucoptera Coffeella

Records of Leucoptera coffeella (Guér.) from Kenya and Tanganyika have been found to be based on misidentifications and to refer to a distinct species, Leucoptera meyricki Ghesq. Other records of coffeella from the Old World seem open to doubt and require to be reinvestigated since they may also be based on misidentifications. L. coffeella seems likely to be a Neotropical species predominant in the West Indies. A lectotype is designated for meyricki, but the type material of coffeella cannot be traced and the identity of the latter species remains to be properly established. The present generic assignment of meyricki and coffeella in the genus Leucoptera Hübn. needs to be reconsidered in the light of the new genus Perileucoptera Silvestri (1943).

An analysis of species-groups of the genus Plinthisus Stephens (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) in the Ethiopian Region with the description of eight new species

Zootaxa ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 533 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
MERRILL H. SWEET ◽  
JAMES A. SLATER
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Species ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Scent Gland ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Specific Rank ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Ethiopian Region ◽  
Male Genital

An analysis of the known Ethiopian Plinthisus fauna shows that there are at least 12 species-groups. Two groups, the subgenera Locutius and Isioscytus, have Old World Palearctic and tropicopolitan distributions that extend into Australia. The other 10 species-groups are endemic to Africa, nine having a center of endemicity in the Cape Region of South Africa with apparent relationships to the Australian fauna. Eight new species of Plinthisus are described, each as a representative of a distinct species-group, seven from South Africa: P. (Isioscytus) pulchellus n. sp, P. (Nanoplinthisus) ericae n. sp, P. (N.) fynbosi n. sp, P. (N.) peninsularis n. sp., P. (N.) lamprus n. sp., P. (N) zuurb- ergi n. sp., and P. (N.) drakensbergensis n. sp,; and one, P. (Plinthisus) brachyoccus n. sp., from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. P. beniamaricus Linnavuori, 1978 stat. nov. and P. kilimensis Horv th, 1906 stat. nov. are raised from subspecies of P. himyaritus Linnavuori, 1978 and P.afer Horv th, 1906, respectively to specific rank. Plinthisus hirsutus Slater, 1964 is placed in a species-group distinct from the subgenus Dasythisus. The Nearctic species Plinthisus americanus Van Duzee, 1910, P. compactus Uhler, 1904 and P. indentatus Barber, 1918 are placed in the subgenus Dasythisus. Included are 123 figures illustrating dorsal views, heads, metathoracic scent gland areas, metathoracic wing stridulitra, abdominal structure, male genital capsules, claspers, phalli, spermathecae, and prothoracic legs.

A revision of the endemic South African long-jawed ground spider genus Drassodella Hewitt, 1916 (Araneae: Gallieniellidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4582 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
ZINGISILE MBO ◽  
CHARLES R. HADDAD
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Species ◽  
South African ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Southern Half ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
First Time

The genus Drassodella Hewitt, 1916 is one of four Afrotropical genera of Gallieniellidae, and is presently represented by seven species, all endemic to South Africa. The type material of six of the described species was studied and they are redescribed from both sexes: D. melana Tucker, 1923, D. quinquelabecula Tucker, 1923, D. salisburyi Hewitt, 1916, D. septemmaculata (Strand, 1909), D. tenebrosa Lawrence, 1938 and D. vasivulva Tucker, 1923. Of these, the males of D. melana, D. tenebrosa and D. vasivulva are described for the first time. Recent field work yielded additional females of D. purcelli Tucker, 1923 from the vicinity of the type locality, and this sex is redescribed; the male remains unknown. A further 12 new species are recognized: D. amatola sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. aurostriata sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. baviaans sp. nov. (♂), D. flava sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. guttata sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. lotzi sp. nov. (♀), D. maculata sp. nov. (♀), D. montana sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. tolkieni sp. nov. (♀ ♂), D. trilineata sp. nov. (♀), D. transversa sp. nov. (♀ ♂) and D. venda sp. nov. (♀ ♂). Based on the genitalic structures, there appear to be two distinct species groups. The D. melana species group, which includes D. melana, D. tenebrosa and eight new species mainly distributed in eastern and northern South Africa, is characterised by very conservative genitalic morphology in both sexes. The D. salisburyi species group, with considerable variation in the structure of the copulatory organs and distributed in the southern half of South Africa, includes the remaining nine species, of which four are new. Although D. tenebrosa represents an intermediate between the two groups, with palpal morphology more typical of the D. melana species group and epigynal morphology typical of the D. salisburyi group, it is placed in the former species group based on its distribution in eastern South Africa. The biology, habitat preferences and biogeography of Drassodella are briefly discussed. 

The taxonomic status of Ruschia stricta var. turgida and R. promontorii and a new name for R. vaginata (Ruschieae, Aizoaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 433 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-54
Author(s):  
CORNELIA KLAK ◽  
UTE SCHMIEDEL ◽  
PETER V. BRUYNS
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Morphological Features ◽  
Taxonomic Position ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Ecological Preferences ◽  
New Name

The taxonomic position of two succulent members of the Ruschieae (Aizoaceae), Ruschia stricta var. turgida and R. promontorii, that are currently placed in Amphibolia, is revised on account of new morphological information. Ruschia stricta var. turgida, endemic to the Knersvlakte (Western Cape, South Africa), is characterized by 6-locular fruits, the lack of closing bodies and the lack of filamentous staminodes. Amphibolia has 5-locular fruits with closing bodies and flowers with filamentous staminodes. Consequently, R. stricta var. turgida cannot belong to Amphibolia. On account of differences in the fruits and inflorescences, we recognize R. stricta var. turgida as a distinct species. We show that R. promontorii is different from Amphibolia laevis, of which it has been considered to be a synonym. In particular, these two differ by their ecological preferences and by certain morphological features. In addition, a new name, Ruschia vaginella, is published for the illegitimate Ruschia vaginata.

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