Association between host species choice and morphological characters of main sensory structures of Culicoides in the Palaeartic region

Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) serve as vectors of several mammalian and avian diseases, including bluetongue, Schmallenberg, African horse sickness, avian malaria and Oropouche. Host preference investigations are necessary to assess the transmission routes of vector-borne diseases and to inform mitigation strategies. A recent study examining the main sensory structures (palps and antennae) of Culicoides species suggests that they be classified as ornithophilic or mammalophilic according to their feeding habits. We analyzed Culicoides host preferences according to the literature and carried out a multiple correspondence analysis linking these preferences with morphological data. Seven out of 12 variables were found to be reliable predictors of host preference in Culicoides species: Antenna Flagellomer-Sensilla Coeloconica-Number: (7–10) and (11–13); Antenna Flagellomer-Sensilla Coeloconica IV–X: presence; Palpus-size: wide and/or narrow opening and shallow pit; Palpus-Shape: strongly swollen; Antenna-Short sensilla trichodea-distal part segment IV to X-Number: 2 seta each. Our results demonstrate that the presence of sensilla coeloconica and the maxillary palpus can be used to separate ornithophilic and mammalophilic or ornithophilic/mammalophilic species.

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First Descriptions of Larva and Pupa of Bagous claudicans Boheman, 1845 (Curculionidae, Bagoinae) and Systematic Position of the Species Based on Molecular and Morphological Data

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects10060166 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 166

Author(s):

Rafał Gosik ◽

Miłosz A. Mazur ◽

Natalia Sawka-Gądek

Keyword(s):

Feeding Habits ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Systematic Position ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Larval Morphology ◽

Mature Larva ◽

Larval Stages ◽

First Time ◽

Specimen Identification ◽

First Descriptions

In this paper, the mature larva and pupa of Bagous claudicans are described and illustrated for the first time. Measurements of younger larval instars are also given. The biology of the species is discussed in association with larval morphology and feeding habits. Overall larval and pupal morphological characters of the genus Bagous are presented. Confirmation of the larva identification as Bagous claudicans species was conducted by cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequencing. DNA barcoding was useful for specimen identification of larval stages. The systematic position of the species within the Bagous collignensis-group, based on morphological and molecular results, is also discussed.

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Trophic Behavior and Species Diversity of the Anopheles barbirostris Complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand

Journal of Medical Entomology ◽

10.1093/jme/tjab067 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chanya Udom ◽

Kanutcharee Thanispong ◽

Sylvie Manguin ◽

Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap ◽

Wirasak Fungfuang

Keyword(s):

Host Preference ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Blood Feeding ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Effective Control ◽

Distribution Map ◽

Vector Species ◽

Host Preferences ◽

Anopheles Barbirostris ◽

Indoor And Outdoor

Abstract Species of the Anopheles barbirostris complex (Myzorhynchus Series of the subgenus Anopheles) are potential vectors of malaria and filariasis parasites. Owing to the lack of reliable identification methods, the biting activity and host preference of the species within this complex have not been previous described. In this study, the trophic behavior and host preferences of the species in the complex were determined in Thailand, and a map of their geographical distributions constructed. Adult female mosquitoes in Chanthaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces were collected using human landings (indoor and outdoor) and cow-bait. Morphological characters were used to initially identify the mosquitoes, and then, species were further separated by multiplex PCR. Four species were identified in the An. barbirostris complex: An. wejchoochotei Taai & Harbach (Diptera: Culicidae), An. saeungae Taai & Harbach (Diptera: Culicidae), An. dissidens Taai & Harbach (Diptera: Culicidae), and An. campestris Reid (Diptera: Culicidae). The species showed exophagic and zoophilic behavior, except An. wejchoochotei in Chanthaburi, which displayed slight endophilic behavior. Indoor and outdoor blood feeding behavior of An. wejchoochotei and An. saeungae peaked at 2000 h. An updated distribution map of the An. barbirostris complex in Thailand is presented. With a better understanding of the sibling vector species and their spatial distributions, more specific and effective control strategies for vectors of malaria and filariasis in Thailand can be achieved.

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Cultivation of New Emerging Agro-Nutritional Crop of Quinoa at Madinat al-Hikmah Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

The Open Plant Science Journal ◽

10.2174/1874294701710010070 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 70-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Muhammad Afzal Rizvi ◽

Syed Abid Ali ◽

Iqra Munir ◽

Kousar Yasmeen ◽

Rubina Abid ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Arid Zone ◽

Good Health ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Low Concentrations ◽

Sindh Province ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Elemental Accumulation ◽

Semi Arid ◽

Good Agreement

Aim: Quinoa is a popular source of protein, minerals and alternative to traditional grains. The objective of this study is to introduce the Quinoa in the semi-arid zone of Sindh province of Pakistan. Method: A variety of NARC-9 from the agricultural Punjab province was cultivated and subjected to analyze the growth, morphological characters of the varieties obtained, saponin, protein and the elemental composition viz. Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Na, Pb, and Zn. Result: The result demonstrated the optimum growth and no disease were found in the experimental area. At least three major varieties of quinoa were obtained. Seed morphological data of these three quinoa cultivars were collected. The average saponin levels were quite reasonable. Overall proteins band pattern revealed very high polymorphism in quinoa cultivars and the results were also in good agreement with earlier studies. Conclusion: All quinoa cultivars of Madinat al-Hikmah showed high concentrations of albumin than globulin concentrations (i.e. 48-52% and 24-27%, respectively) as compared to control seeds from market that had similar concentrations of the two fractions i.e. 35.58% and 37.68%, respectively. Likewise, low concentrations of prolamin 14-16% and glutelin 11-12% compared to control seeds 13% rank our crop much better quality than the imported one in the market. The trend of elemental accumulation was followed as K >Na >Fe >Zn >Cu >Pb >Cd, while for comparison it was Na >K >Zn >Fe >Cu >Pb >Cd >Pb for wheat grown under similar conditions. Traditional grains together make a major contribution to the total nutritional element intake of the average Pakistani citizen through diet, not only because of large amounts consumed, but also in part by suitable levels of their proteins and elemental up take for good health. Thus the successful cultivation of quinoa in the semi-arid zone of Sindh will certainly prove beneficial.

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Tardigrades of Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve with description of four new species from Sweden

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-83627-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Edoardo Massa ◽

Roberto Guidetti ◽

Michele Cesari ◽

Lorena Rebecchi ◽

K. Ingemar Jönsson

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Laser Scanning ◽

New Records ◽

Biosphere Reserve ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Sem Analysis ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Integrative Approach ◽

Confocal Laser ◽

Biological Value

AbstractKristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve [KVBR] is a UNESCO designated area of Sweden possessing high biological value. Although several studies on tardigrades inhabiting Sweden have been performed, the KVBR area has been neglected. The current study investigates the tardigrade fauna of five areas of the biosphere reserve and includes 34 samples of different substrates analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. In total, 33 species of tardigrades were found in the samples, including 22 new records for the Skåne region, 15 new records for Sweden, and four species new to science. Mesobiotus emiliae sp. nov., Xerobiotus gretae sp. nov., Itaquascon magnussoni sp. nov., and Thulinius gustavi sp. nov. were described with an integrative approach (when possible) using morphological characters (light, electron scanning, and confocal laser scanning microscopies) and molecular markers (ITS2, 18S, 28S, cox1). A new protocol to increase morphological data was developed recovering mounted specimens within old slides for SEM analysis. Emended diagnoses for the genus Itaquascon and the transfer of Platicrista itaquasconoide to the genus Meplitumen are proposed. This study enriches the knowledge of the tardigrade biodiversity both within the KVBR and in Sweden and contributes to the rapidly increasing number of tardigrade species reported worldwide. The 33 species identified in the KVBR area represents 28% of all water bear species found in Sweden so far. The restricted study areas and limited number of samples collected suggests that the KVBR is very rich of tardigrades.

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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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Phenotypic Variation in the Lake Whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis, Induced by Introduction into a New Environment

Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada ◽

10.1139/f74-008 ◽

1974 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 55-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

J. S. Loch

Keyword(s):

Feeding Habits ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Coregonus Clupeaformis ◽

Lake Whitefish ◽

Meristic Characters ◽

Line Scale ◽

Benthic Food ◽

Glycerol 3 Phosphate Dehydrogenase ◽

Gill Raker ◽

Electrophoretic Phenotype

Adult lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) from Clearwater Lake and second generation adults of offspring from Clearwater whitefish transplanted to Lyons Lake were compared with respect to morphometric and meristic characters and isozymes of L-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). Feeding habits and abundance of pelagic and benthic foods were compared in the two lakes.Gill raker number, lateral line scale count, and interorbital width remained constant between parental and offspring populations. Gill raker length was the main character found to differ between the populations. This was found to be related to the percentage and type of benthic food eaten. Abrasion of the gill rakers is offered as an explanation for the differences in gill raker length. Differences were found in various other meristic and morphological characters, as well as in electrophoretic phenotype frequencies of isozymes of GPDH.

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Monophyly of Heterandriini (Teleostei: Poeciliidae) revisited: a critical review of the data

Neotropical Ichthyology ◽

10.1590/s1679-62252012000100003 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 19-44 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Alfy Morales-Cazan ◽

James S. Albert

Keyword(s):

Biological Sciences ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Model Systems ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Maximum Parsimony Analysis ◽

Fin Ray ◽

Outgroup Species ◽

Tree Topologies ◽

Tree Resolution ◽

Shape Morphometrics

The systematics and taxonomy of poeciliid fishes (guppies and allies) remain poorly understood despite the relative importance of these species as model systems in the biological sciences. This study focuses on testing the monophyly of the nominal poeciliine tribe Heterandriini and the genus Heterandria, through examination of the morphological characters on which the current classification is based. These characters include aspects of body shape (morphometrics), scale and fin-ray counts (meristics), pigmentation, the cephalic laterosensory system, and osteological features of the neurocranium, oral jaws and suspensorium, branchial basket, pectoral girdle, and the gonopodium and its supports. A Maximum Parsimony analysis was conducted of 150 characters coded for 56 poeciliid and outgroup species, including 22 of 45 heterandriin species (from the accounted in Parenti & Rauchenberger, 1989), or seven of nine heterandriin species (from the accounted in Lucinda & Reis, 2005). Multistate characters were analyzed as both unordered and ordered, and iterative a posteriori weighting was used to improve tree resolution. Tree topologies obtained from these analyses support the monophyly of the Middle American species of "Heterandria," which based on available phylogenetic information, are herein reassigned to the genus Pseudoxiphophorus. None of the characters used in previous studies to characterize the nominal taxon Heterandriini are found to be unambiguously diagnostic. Some of these characters are shared with species in other poeciliid tribes, and others are reversed within the Heterandriini. These results support the hypothesis that Pseudoxiphophorus is monophyletic, and that this clade is not the closest relative of H. formosa (the type species) from southeastern North America. Available morphological data are not sufficient to assess the phylogenetic relationships of H. formosa with respect to other members of the Heterandriini. The results further suggest that most tribe-level taxa of the Poeciliinae are not monophyletic, and that further work remains to resolve the evolutionary relationships of this group.

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Salticidae (Arachnida, Araneae) of Thailand: new species and records of Epeus Peckham & Peckham, 1886 and Ptocasius Simon, 1885

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.9352 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. e9352

Author(s):

Barbara Maria Patoleta ◽

Joanna Gardzińska ◽

Marek Żabka

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Natural History ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Natural History Museum ◽

Morphological Data ◽

History Museum ◽

Two New Species ◽

New Material ◽

Hungarian Natural History Museum ◽

Three New Species

The study is based on new material from the collections of the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in Leiden (RNHM) and the Hungarian Natural History Museum (HNHM) and addresses issues in two genera: Epeus Peckham & Peckham, 1886 and Ptocasius Simon, 1885 from Thailand. Both genera are of Asian/Indomalayan origin, the latter with a diversity hotspot in the subtropical valleys of the Himalayas. Based on morphological data, we propose three new species of Epeus (Epeus daiqini sp. nov. (♂♀), Epeus pallidus sp. nov. (♀), Epeus szirakii sp. nov. (♀)) and two new species of Ptacasius (Ptocasius metzneri sp. nov. (♂♀) and Ptocasius sakaerat sp. nov. (♀)). Additionally, we redescribed E. tener (Simon, 1877) and added photographs of morphological characters. The genus Ptocasius is redefined due to the inclusion of 37 species, previously included in Yaginumaella Prószyński, 1979. Relationships and distribution of both genera are discussed in reference to molecular, morphological and distributional data, published by other authors in recent years.

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Study morphology of loquat plants (Eriobotrya Japonica Lindl.) from Karo, Dairi, and Simalungun Districts, North Sumatra

IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science ◽

10.1088/1755-1315/912/1/012103 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 912 (1) ◽

pp. 012103

Author(s):

Elimasni ◽

R A Nasution

Keyword(s):

Binary Data ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Seed Morphology ◽

Flowering Plant ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Eriobotrya Japonica ◽

Morphological Observation ◽

Limited Information ◽

The Public

Abstract Abstrak. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rosacea family. The loquat has many health benefits. Cultivation and information about loquat plants in Indonesia are still limited, so they are rarely found and known by the public. Limited information and data regarding loquat plants is also an obstacle to the development of loquat plants. Research on loquat plants aims to analyze the morphological characters in three districts, namely, Karo, Dairi, and Simalungun districts. This research was conducted using a descriptive method. The analysis of the morphological characteristics of loquat plants using morphological data scoring into binary data. The similarity between individuals was analyzed using clusters with the NTSYS program version 2.0 with the UPGMA method of the SimQual function. Morphological Observation Results Loquat plants (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) in Karo, Dairi, and Simalungun Districts have uniform characters in the morphology of stems, leaves, and flowers. However, the observed fruit and seed morphology showed different characters. Different characters exist in the shape of the fruit and seeds. The morphological similarity level of loquat plants was grouped at a similarity coefficient value of 95%. Clusters I and II have the highest similarity with a coefficient value of 100%. Cluster III has the lowest similarity with a coefficient value of 97%.

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Morphological and genetic diversity of Senecio vulgaris L. (Asteraceae) in Iran

Acta Botanica Croatica ◽

10.37427/botcro-2021-012 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Mostafa Ebadi ◽

Rosa Eftekharian

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Principal Component ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Mantel Test ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Principal Coordinates Analysis ◽

Cauline Leaf ◽

Senecio Vulgaris ◽

Molecular Features ◽

Principal Coordinates

Senecio vulgaris L., an annual herb belonging to the Asteraceae, is widely distributed in different regions of the world. There is no information on the intraspecific variations of the morphological and molecular features of this species. In the present investigation, we studied the morphological and genetic diversity of 81 accessions of S. vulgaris collected from 10 geographical populations. Eleven inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers were used for the examination of genetic variations among the populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and GST analyses revealed significant differences among the investigated populations. A significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance was revealed by the Mantel test. However, reticulation analysis indicated the occurrence of gene flow among most of the populations studied. Principal component analysis (PCA) plot showed that the number of capitula, length of the cauline leaf and plant height were the most variable morphological characters. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) plot revealed two groups of populations, according to molecular and morphological data. The results suggested the existence of possible intraspecific taxonomic ranks within this species.

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