Pipistrellus kuhlii in the Czech Republic: 2007–2020 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Based on 25 records (both published and new) we summarize the recent distribution of Pipistrellus kuhlii in the Czech Republic and discuss possible colonization routes. The species colonized a major part of the Czech Republic during 14 years since its first record in 2007. Based on locations and chronology of the records it seems that the eastern part of the Czech Republic (Moravia) was colonized from the south along the Dyje and Morava rivers, while in Bohemia, two possible routes may have existed: one from the south along the Vltava river from the Danube valley, and another from the east or south-east along the valley of the Svitava and Orlice rivers. Given the fact that already in 2018 the presence of P. kuhlii was confirmed in Saxony, which predated the species confirmation in the north-western and central parts of Bohemia, we do not exclude possible existence of a third colonization route along the Labe river from the north-west (Germany). All the records come from human settlements, typically cities or towns, and dates of the records suggests the year-round occurrence. At least four records (including two roosts of maternity colonies), all from Moravia, proved reproduction of this bat in the country. All examined individuals displayed pelage and skin colouration patterns typical for P. kuhlii kuhlii.

New species of aquatic oligochaetes (Annelida: Clitellata) from tufa barriers in Croatia

Two new aquatic oligochaete species are described from tufa barriers in Croatia. The reproductive system in the phallodriline Aberrantidrius mihaljevici Vučković et al. n. sp. conforms to the general pattern in the genus but it is distinguished by a combination of characters, including the shape and length of penial chaetae (3 times the mean length of somatic chaetae), atrium shape and spermathecal pore position (anterior in the postatrial segment). The lumbriculid Stylodrilus tofaceus Rodriguez et al. n. sp. is mainly distinguished from congeners by the spindle-shaped spermathecal ducts with high lining epithelium, and position of the spermathecal pores. These two new taxa reveal that aquatic oligochaete communities in tufa barriers of karstic regions may be of particular interest with respect to diversity of endemic taxa, and also for study of colonization routes of this interesting habitat, with possible relations with groundwaters. The finding of one specimen attributable to the genus Eclipidrilus may open ainteresting research on the biogeography of this Nearctic genus.

Geographical and temporal origins of Neocaridina species (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae) in Taiwan

Background The freshwater species on Taiwan Island have been documented to have originated from mainland China and the Japanese islands from multiple events and by multiple colonization routes. Moreover, the sequences from the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) have been used for DNA barcoding to identify the species. This study used the COI sequences to identify Neocaridina species in Taiwan and to examine their geographical and temporal origins. Results In total, 479 specimens were collected from 35 localities, which covered almost all rivers in Taiwan. In addition, some sequences were downloaded from GenBank. The maximum likelihood (ML) tree displayed that all sequences were sorted into 13 taxa (clades), and all sequences in Taiwan were sorted into four clades. The Bayesian skyline plots revealed that these four Neocaridina species have declined recently in Taiwan. Conclusions All results support that (1) there are four Neocaridina species in Taiwan, which are N. davidi, N. saccam, N. ketagalan and an undescribed Neocaridina species (N. sp.); (2) these four species colonized Taiwan Island in four colonization events; (3) N. sp. colonized Taiwan first; (4) after the island reached its shape, N. ketagalan and N. saccam colonized Taiwan from the Japanese islands and mainland China, respectively; (5) N. davidi colonized northern Taiwan last; and (6) the cyclic glacial and landform changes in East Asia shaped the colonization events and population structures of the Neocaridina species.

Geographical and temporal origins of Neocaridina species (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae) in Taiwan

Background The freshwater species in Taiwan Island have been documented originated from mainland China and Japan Islands multiple times and by multiple colonization routes. Moreover, the sequences from mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) have been used as DNA barcoding to identity species. This study used the COI sequences to identify Neocaridina species in Taiwan and examine their geographical and temporal origins. Results In total, 479 specimens were collected form 35 localities, which almost covers all rivers in Taiwan. The ML tree displayed that all sequences were assorted into 13 taxa (clades), and all sequences in Taiwan were assorted into four clades. The Bayesian skyline plots revealed that these four Neocaridina species in Taiwan declined recently. Conclusions All results support that (1) there are four Neocaridina species in Taiwan and they correspond to N. davidi , N. saccam , N. ketagalan and an undescribed Neocaridina species ( N. sp .); (2) these four species colonized Taiwan Island by four colonization events; (3) N. sp . colonized Taiwan before the Taiwan Island developed its shape and then restricted in East Taiwan; (4) after the island reached its shape, N. ketagalan and N. saccam colonized Taiwan from Japan Islands and mainland China, respectively; (5) N. davidi colonized northern Taiwan lastly; and (6) the cyclic glacial and landform changes shaped the colonization events and population structures of Neocaridina species.

Geographical and temporal origins of Neocaridina species (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae) in Taiwan

Background The freshwater species in Taiwan Island have been documented originated from mainland China and Japan Islands multiple times and by multiple colonization routes. Moreover, the sequences from mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) have been used as DNA barcoding to identity species. This study used the COI sequences to identify Neocaridina species in Taiwan and examine their geographical and temporal origins. Results In total, 479 specimens were collected form 35 localities, which almost covers all rivers in Taiwan. The ML tree displayed that all sequences were assorted into 13 taxa (clades), and all sequences in Taiwan were assorted into four clades. The Bayesian skyline plots revealed that these four Neocaridina species in Taiwan declined recently. Conclusions All results support that (1) there are four Neocaridina species in Taiwan and they correspond to N. davidi , N. saccam , N. ketagalan and an undescribed Neocaridina species ( N. sp .); (2) these four species colonized Taiwan Island by four colonization events; (3) N. sp . colonized Taiwan before the Taiwan Island developed its shape and then restricted in East Taiwan; (4) after the island reached its shape, N. ketagalan and N. saccam colonized Taiwan from Japan Islands and mainland China, respectively; (5) N. davidi colonized northern Taiwan lastly; and (6) the cyclic glacial and landform changes shaped the colonization events and population structures of Neocaridina species.

Geographical and temporal origins of Neocaridina species (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae) in Taiwan

Background The freshwater species in Taiwan Island have been documented originated from mainland China and Japan Islands multiple times and by multiple colonization routes. Moreover, the sequences from mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) have been used as DNA barcoding to identity species. This study used the COI sequences to identify Neocaridina species in Taiwan and examine their geographical and temporal origins. Results In total, 479 specimens were collected form 35 localities, which almost covers all rivers in Taiwan. The ML tree displayed that all sequences were assorted into 13 taxa (clades), and all sequences in Taiwan were assorted into four clades. The Bayesian skyline plots revealed that these four Neocaridina species in Taiwan declined recently. Conclusions All results support that (1) there are four Neocaridina species in Taiwan and they correspond to N. davidi, N. saccam, N. ketagalan and an undescribed Neocaridina species (N. sp.); (2) these four species colonized Taiwan Island by four colonization events; (3) N. sp. colonized Taiwan before the Taiwan Island developed its shape and then restricted in East Taiwan; (4) after the island reached its shape, N. ketagalan and N. saccam colonized Taiwan from Japan Islands and mainland China, respectively; (5) N. davidi colonized northern Taiwan lastly; and (6) the cyclic glacial and landform changes shaped the colonization events and population structures of Neocaridina species.