Key to Ptychopteridae (Diptera) larvae of Northern Europe, with notes on distribution and biology

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5039 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-200
Author(s):  
PETER WIBERG-LARSEN ◽  
SØREN BIRKHOLM HANSEN ◽  
AKI RINNE ◽  
ESKO VIITANEN ◽  
PAUL HENNING KROGH

A key to larvae of Ptychopteridae (phantom crane flies) is provided for species inhabiting Northern Europe. The key encompasses seven species, including the previously undescribed larvae of Ptychoptera longicauda (Tonnoir 1919). Larval specimens examined were primarily sampled from sites in Denmark. Larvae were associated with correctly identified adults based on DNA barcode (COI) sequence. In the development of the key, a wide suite of morphological characteristics were examined and evaluated for their utility to separate species. Current distribution maps are provided for all species occurring within Northern Europe. Based on records of larvae from Denmark and Finland, notes on larval habitats are given. We also present flight periods for all species examined during this study. Finally, the status of the enigmatic species Ptychoptera obscura (Peus 1958) is briefly discussed.  

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 790
Author(s):  
Rafał Bernard ◽  
Magdalena Felska ◽  
Joanna Mąkol

A survey of odonate fauna in Zambia (Central Province, Luano District) resulted in discovery of ectoparasitic larvae of Leptus (L.) chingombensis sp. nov. (Trombidiformes: Parasitengona, Erythraeidae) on four species of dragonflies (Odonata) representing four different families assigned to Zygoptera and Anisoptera. The morphological characteristics of the new species is supported with DNA barcode sequence. Despite some intra-group variation related to relatively large sample, the morphological and genetic consistence confirm the common specific identity of the material. A brief comparison of Leptus spp. hitherto known from the Afrotropic as larvae is given. Supplementary data to the descriptions of Leptus (L.) bicristatus Fain et Elsen, 1987, Leptus (L.) aldonae Haitlinger, 1987 and Leptus (L.) soddagus Haitlinger, 1990, based on examination of type material, are provided. In the case of L. (L.) chingombensis sp. nov., the parasite load reached high, previously not recorded for Odonata–terrestrial Parasitengona association values, attaining at 44 and 49 larvae. Clear topic preferences towards the ventral side of the host’s body were recorded, with an additional tendency to distal parts of synthorax and the ventral depression of the abdomen. We hypothesize that the infestation did not take place synchronously at dragonflies emergence, but consisted in repeated infestation events during the recurrent appearance of dragonflies in the contact microhabitat occupied by Leptus. The very local character of the finding along with the regular appearance of larvae parasitizing dragonflies, obviously favoured by specific habitat conditions, no doubts confirms the non-accidental nature of the phenomenon.


Genes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengyue Guo ◽  
Yanqin Xu ◽  
Li Ren ◽  
Shunzhi He ◽  
and Xiaohui Pang

Genus Epimedium consists of approximately 50 species in China, and more than half of them possess medicinal properties. The high similarity of species’ morphological characteristics complicates the identification accuracy, leading to potential risks in herbal efficacy and medical safety. In this study, we tested the applicability of four single loci, namely, rbcL, psbA-trnH, internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and ITS2, and their combinations as DNA barcodes to identify 37 Epimedium species on the basis of the analyses, including the success rates of PCR amplifications and sequencing, specific genetic divergence, distance-based method, and character-based method. Among them, character-based method showed the best applicability for identifying Epimedium species. As for the DNA barcodes, psbA-trnH showed the best performance among the four single loci with nine species being correctly differentiated. Moreover, psbA-trnH + ITS and psbA-trnH + ITS + rbcL exhibited the highest identification ability among all the multilocus combinations, and 17 species, of which 12 are medicinally used, could be efficiently discriminated. The DNA barcode data set developed in our study contributes valuable information to Chinese resources of Epimedium. It provides a new means for discrimination of the species within this medicinally important genus, thus guaranteeing correct and safe usage of Herba Epimedii.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dương Thúy Yên ◽  
Nguyễn Kiệt ◽  
Bùi Sơn Nên ◽  
Nguyễn Văn Thường ◽  
Nguyễn Bạch Loan ◽  
...  

Three Pangasius species including P. krempfi, P. elongatus and P. mekongensis, are economically important. They can be mis-identified due to similar external appreance at small sizes. This study aimed to distinguish these species based on their differences in DNA barcode, COI (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) gene, and morphological characteristics. Fish with various sizes (>90 samples/species) were sampled at the lower Mekong delta region. Kimura-2 parameter genetic distances based on COI sequences of three species (15 samples, in which, 4 unique sequences were assigned Genbank accession numbers from KT289877 to KT289880) are relatively high, ranging 9.33 – 12.10 %. Morphological measurements show that coutanble traits including numbers of fin rays and the first gill rakers vary in similar ranges but ratios of metric traits are significantly different among three species (P<0.01). Principle component analysis using metric traits sets three species apart. P. elongatus is characterized by elongated body, long caudal preduncle, large eyes, and retangle palatine tooth plates. P. krempfi differs from P. mekongesis in characteristics on their head. The number of sections, shape and length of barbel are different among three species. Phylogenetic relationship of three species based on morphology and COI sequences indicate that P. krempfi is closer to P. mekongenis rather than P. elongatus, and that the distance between P. mekongenis and P. elongatus is the largest.


Author(s):  
Udon Pongkawong ◽  
◽  
Jatupol Kampuansai ◽  
Rossarin Pollawatn ◽  
Arunothai Jampeetong ◽  
...  

Abstract “Dok Hin” is the Thai local name for Selaginella species that form rosettes. They commonly distributes in Siberia, Manchuria, southern China, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. Morphology of Dok Hin is very resemble leading to misidentification. So, exactly number of species of Dok Hin in Thailand and their differences in morphological characteristics is not well understood. Thus, revision of morphological characters and phylogenetic confirmation of the taxonomic identification are needed. This study aims to examine morphological charateristics and phylogenetic patterns in eight populations of the Dok Hin in Northern Thailand. Morphology of Dok Hin from each populations was quantitatively examined using 15 vegetative and 6 reproductive characters meanwhile phylogenetic analyses was explored by DNA barcode ITS2. The results of the phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of two species of Dok Hin, S. tamariscina and S. pulvinata. Selaginella tamariscina can be distinguished from S. pulvinata by its presence of a pseudotrunk above ground and ridges of dorsal leaves. On the other hand, the results of phylogenetic analysis indicated the differences among populations of S. pulvinata as well. Chiang Mai populations of S. pulvinata was characterized by peculiar set of characters long leaves and leaf apices look like caudate, while the rest of their populations have shorter leaves and leaf apices look like aristate. It indicates that S. pulvinata has genetic and phenotypic divergence among populations. However, additional studies of Dok Hin populations in other parts of Thailand and studies on different genetic markers are necessary to confirm the taxonomic status of S. pulvinata. Keywords: Dok Hin, Morphometric, Phylogeny, Pseudotrunk, Resurrection plant


ZooKeys ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1041 ◽  
pp. 27-99
Author(s):  
Adam J. Brunke ◽  
Mikko Pentinsaari ◽  
Jan Klimaszewski

A long tradition of separate Nearctic and Palaearctic taxonomic studies of the diverse aleocharine rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) has obscured the recognition of Holarctic species and detection of adventive species in both regions. Recently, integrated study of the two regions through detailed morphological comparisons and development of an authoritatively identified DNA barcode reference library has revealed the degree to which these two aleocharine faunas are interconnected, both naturally and through human activity. Here this approach is adopted to recognize new species, reveal Holarctic species, and recognize adventive species in both North America and Europe. The following new species are described: Isoglossa triangularis Klimaszewski, Brunke &amp; Pentinsaari, sp. nov. from British Columbia; Gnypeta impressicollis Klimaszewski, Brunke &amp; Pentinsaari, sp. nov., from Ontario, Maryland and North Carolina; Aloconota pseudogregaria Klimaszewski, Brunke &amp; Pentinsaari, sp. nov., from Ontario and Virginia; and Philhygra pseudolaevicollis Klimaszewski, Brunke &amp; Pentinsaari, sp. nov. from eastern Canada. Dasygnypeta velata and Philhygra angusticauda are revealed to be Holarctic species, resulting in the following synonymies: Dasygnypeta velata (Erichson, 1839) = Gnypeta minuta Klimaszewski &amp; Webster, 2008, syn. nov. and Philhygra angusticauda (Bernhauer, 1909) = Atheta (Philhygra) pinegensis Muona, 1983, syn. nov. The Nearctic species Hylota ochracea (and genus Hylota), Thecturota tenuissima, and Trichiusa robustula are newly reported from the Palaearctic region as adventive, resulting in the following synonymies: Hylota ochracea Casey, 1906 = Stichoglossa (Dexiogyia) forticornis Strand, 1939, syn. nov.; Thecturota tenuissima Casey, 1893 = Atheta marchii Dodero, 1922, syn. nov.; and Trichiusa robustula Casey, 1893 = T. immigrata Lohse, 1984, syn. nov. The Palaearctic species Amarochara forticornis, Anomognathus cuspidatus, Oligota pumilio, and Parocyusa rubicunda are newly confirmed from the Nearctic region as adventive, resulting in the following synonymies: Parocyusa rubicunda (Erichson, 1837) = Chilopora americana Casey, 1906, syn. nov. and Anomognathus cuspidatus (Erichson, 1839) = Thectura americana Casey, 1893, syn. nov. The genus Dasygnypeta, sensu nov. is newly reported from North America, Paradilacra is newly reported from eastern North America, and Haploglossa is newly reported from Canada, resulting in the following synonymy: Paradilacra densissima (Bernhauer, 1909) = Gnypeta saccharina Klimaszewski &amp; Webster, 2008, syn. nov. Native Cyphea wallisi is newly reported from across Canada and C. curtula is removed from the Nearctic fauna. The status of both Gyrophaena affinis and Homalota plana is uncertain but these species are no longer considered to be adventive in North America. Three new combinations are proposed: Dasygnypeta baranowskii (Klimaszewski, 2020) and D. nigrella (LeConte, 1863) (both from Gnypeta) and Mocyta scopula (Casey, 1893) (from Acrotona). Dolosota Casey, 1910, syn. nov. (type species Eurypronota scopula Casey), currently a subgenus of Acrotona, is therefore synonymized with Mocyta Mulsant &amp; Rey, 1874. Additionally, four new Canadian records and 18 new provincial and state records are reported.


Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4420 (2) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
REZA HOSSEINI ◽  
KHADIJEH MADAHI

Many species of cutworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are important agricultural pest. They feed on roots and foliage of their host plants. Traditionally these species are identified based on morphological characteristics of adults. Hence identification of specimens in poor condition, immature stages and also closely related species or cryptic species is a difficult task. The basics of biological and ecological studies largely rely on an accurate species identification; consequently these investigations are impacted by potential misidentifications. In this study, we amplified 5' region of mitochondrial c cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene (DNA barcode region) of various common true cutworm species including Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel, 1766), Agrotis exclamationis (Linnaeus, 1758), Peridroma saucia (Hübner, 1808) and Xestia c-nigrum (Linnaeus, 1758) from agricultural fields of Guilan province (North of Iran). We were able to detect 66 conservative Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) among the targeted pest species and eventually design specific primers and develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay as a molecular diagnostic tool for immature stages of two the most common and abundant species including A. ipsilon and X. c-nigrum in Guilan province. 


Genome ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 457-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Sarmiento-Camacho ◽  
Martha Valdez-Moreno

The substitution of high-value fish species for those of lower value is common practice. Although numerous studies have addressed this issue, few have been conducted in Mexico. In this study, we sought to identify fresh fillets of fish, sharks, and rays using DNA barcodes. We analyzed material from “La Viga” in Mexico City, and other markets located on the Gulf and Caribbean coasts of Mexico. From 134 samples, we obtained sequences from 129, identified to 9 orders, 28 families, 38 genera, and 44 species. The most common species were Seriola dumerili, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Carcharhinus falciformis, Carcharhinus brevipinna, and Hypanus americanus. Pangasianodon hypophthalmus was most commonly used as a substitute for higher-value species. The substitution rate was 18% of the total. A review of the conservation status of the specimens identified against the IUNC list enabled us to establish that some species marketed in Mexico are threatened: Makaira nigricans, Lachnolaimus maximus, Hyporthodus flavolimbatus, and Isurus oxyrinchus are classified as vulnerable; Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps and Sphyrna lewini are endangered; and the status of Hyporthodus nigritus is critical. These results will demonstrate to the Mexican authorities that DNA barcoding is a reliable tool for species identification, even when morphological identification is difficult or impossible.


Zootaxa ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3436 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
TAKU OKAMOTO ◽  
TSUTOMU HIKIDA

A new species of scincid lizard allied to Plestiodon japonicus (Peters, 1864) was described as P. finitimus sp. nov., fromthe eastern part of Honshu and Hokkaido, Japan. A previous DNA study reported the taxonomic status of the easternJapanese populations of Plestiodon as an undescribed species on the basis of their collective genetic distinctness from aparapatric congener P. japonicus sensu strict from the western part of mainland Japan. We present the diagnostic featuresof P. finitimus compared to P. japonicus and P. latiscutatus Hallowell, 1861, the other parapatric species occurring in theIzu Peninsula and Izu Islands of central Japan, on the basis of morphological characteristics and DNA barcode patterns.Both P. finitimus and P. japonicus have a small postnasal and large anterior loreal that contacts the supralabials. In contrast,the Izu Peninsular populations of P. latiscutatus, which had no known diagnostic features relative to the other two species,usually have a large postnasal and small anterior loreal, with the latter separated from the supralabials by the former, ormay otherwise lack a postnasal. In most populations of P. finitimus, the right and left prefrontals are usually isolated fromeach other, whereas they exhibit medial contact in most populations of P. japonicus. Although all the above characters arevariable both within and between populations, 60–90% of the specimens from each locality on mainland Japan werecorrectly identified using a combination of these characters. Based on these characters, the Russian Far East populationof Plestiodon was also identified as P. finitimus. The interspecific sequence differences in the standard DNA barcoderegion (a 658 base pair fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene of mitochondrial DNA) were distinct, andeach of the three species was exclusively clustered in a neighbor-joining tree. The limited hybridization among the threespecies indicated by previous studies suggests that DNA barcodes could provide a reliable key for their correctidentification. The implications for the biogeography and speciation of the three parapatric lizard species are briefly discussed.


Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4743 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-231
Author(s):  
MENG LI ◽  
ALEXANDER L. MONASTYRKII ◽  
KIRILL A. KOLESNICHENKO ◽  
ZIHAO LIU ◽  
GUOXI XUE ◽  
...  

To clarify the relationships of Pedesta submacula (Leech, 1890), P. submacula rubella (Devyatkin, 1996) and P. similissima (Devyatkin, 2002), specimens from various localities in China and Vietnam, including the type materials of P. submacula rubella and P. similissima were examined. A neighbor-joining (NJ) tree was also reconstructed based upon partial COI sequences of 24 ingroup specimens and 4 outgroup species. The result shows that P. similissima is a synonym of P. submacula, and P. submacula rubella belongs to a separate species. The mean Kimura-2-Parameter genetic distance between P. submacula and P. rubella stat. n. is 4.4%. Wing patterns and genitalic structures of these taxa are illustrated and compared. A distribution map of both species is provided. 


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