The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Carnivores of Canada

Mammalian predators are keystone species in any ecosystem. But many are elusive by nature and have territories that cover large areas of land, which makes them challenging to monitor. When tracks and signs prove difficult to interpret or are non-existent, hair samples recovered from the field offer a fantastic resource – one that is often overlooked. The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Mammalian Carnivores of Canada provides a fully illustrated, up-to-date hair scale reference for all 25 of the terrestrial carnivorous mammals of Canada. From the tiny least weasel (Mustela nivalis) to the giant polar bear (Ursus maritimus), unique traits – as well as tricky similarities – can clearly be observed through hair scale patterns magnified at the medial portion of the hair impression. These scale patterns aid in species identification when hair is the only possible evidence available. This guide also outlines hair impression techniques for samples found in the field, assisting ecologists and technicians with wildlife monitoring studies on predatory mammals where additional identification is required. Including range maps and key identification characteristics for all species represented, as well as superb images of hair scale impressions at two magnification levels, this book is a comprehensive tool for animal hair ID.

Potential of Medicinal Plants in the Asteraceae Family Found in Harau Lima Puluh Kota Regency

Harau is one of the areas with a wealth of flora and has not been fully explored, especially for medicinal plants. This research was carried out in July-September 2020 in Harau, Lima Puluh Kota District, using an exploratory survey by observing the research location. Samples of species in the Asteraceae family were taken as data, photos were tken, and samples of plants as herbarium specimens were taken as identification material. Furthermore, a literature review was carried out on this Asteraceae family plant which could be used as medicinal ingredients. Data analysis was done descriptively. The data obtained was presented in tabular form. Identification of plants of the Asteraceae family found in Harau and species of this family that had the potential for treatment were identified using the identification guide literature. Based on the research conducted, it was found that 28 species in the Harau, Lima Puluh Kota District, with habitus terna, sufrutex, frutex, and liana. The Asteraceae family consisted of only one genus, except for Eupatorium which had three species, and Bidens which had two species.

The “Spaghetti Project”: the final identification guide to European Terebellidae (sensu lato) (Annelida, Terebelliformia)

This paper is the conclusion of the “Spaghetti Project” aiming to revise French species of Terebellidae sensu lato (s.l.) belonging to the five families: Polycirridae, Telothelepodidae, Terebellidae sensu stricto (s.s.), Thelepodidae and Trichobranchidae. During this project, 41 species were observed, 31 of them new for science: eight species of Polycirridae, eleven species of Terebellidae s.s., three species of Thelepodidae and nine species of Trichobranchidae. We provide a comprehensive key for all European species of terebellids with a focus on the important diagnostic characters for each family. Finally, we discuss issues on taxonomy, biodiversity and cryptic and pseudo-cryptic species of polychaetes in European waters, based on results obtained during this project.

A database and checklist of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera) from Colombia

Molecular DNA sequence data allow unprecedented advances in biodiversity assessments, monitoring schemes and taxonomic works, particularly in poorly-explored areas. They allow, for instance, the sorting of material rapidly into operational taxonomic units (such as BINs - Barcode Index Numbers), sequences can be subject to diverse analyses and, with linked metadata and physical vouchers, they can be examined further by experts. However, a prerequisite for their exploitation is the construction of reference libraries of DNA sequences that represent the existing biodiversity. To achieve these goals for Geometridae (Lepidoptera) moths in Colombia, expeditions were carried out to 26 localities in the northern part of the country in 2015–2019. The aim was to collect specimens and sequence their DNA barcodes and to record a fraction of the species richness and occurrences in one of the most biodiversity-rich countries. These data are the beginning of an identification guide to Colombian geometrid moths, whose identities are currently often provisional only, being morpho species or operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Prior to the current dataset, 99 Geometridae sequences forming 44 BINs from Colombia were publicly available on the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), covering 20 species only. We enrich the Colombian Geometridae database significantly by including DNA barcodes, two nuclear markers, photos of vouchers and georeferenced occurrences of 281 specimens of geometrid moths from different localities. These specimens are classified into 80 genera. Analytical tools on BOLD clustered 157 of the mentioned sequences to existing BINs identified to species level, identified earlier by experts. Another 115 were assigned to BINs that were identified to genus or tribe level only. Eleven specimens did not match any existing BIN on BOLD and are, therefore, new additions to the database. It is likely that many BINs represent undescribed species. Nine short sequences (< 500bp) were not assigned to BINs, but identified to the lowest taxonomic category by expert taxonomists and with comparisons of type material photos. The released new genetic information will help to further progress the systematics of Geometridae. An illustrated catalogue of all new records allows validation of our identifications; it is also the first document of this kind for Colombian Geometridae. All specimens are deposited at the Museo de Zoología of Universidad de Sucre (MZUS), North Colombia. DNA BINs are reported in this study through dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-GEOCO, the species occurrences are available on SIB Colombia https://sibcolombia.net/ and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) https://www.gbif.org/ through https://doi.org/10.15472/ucfmkh.

A database and checklist of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera) from Colombia

Molecular DNA sequence data allow unprecedented advances in biodiversity assessments, monitoring schemes, and taxonomic works, particularly in poorly explored areas. They allow, for instance, the sorting of material rapidly into operational taxonomic units (such as BINs - Barcode Index Numbers), sequences can be subject to diverse analyses, and with linked metadata and physical vouchers they can be examined further by experts. However, a prerequisite for their exploitation is the construction of reference libraries of DNA sequences that represent the existing biodiversity. To achieve these goals for Geometridae (Lepidoptera) moths in Colombia, expeditions were carried out to 26 localities in the northern part of the country in 2015–2019. The aim was to collect specimens and sequence their DNA barcodes, and to record a fraction of the species richness and occurrences in one of the most biodiversity-rich countries. These data are the beginnings of an identification guide to Colombian geometrid moths, whose identities are currently often provisional only, being morpho species or operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Prior to the current dataset, 99 Geometridae sequences forming 44 BINs from Colombia were publicly available on the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), covering 20 species only. We enrich the Colombian Geometridae database significantly by including DNA barcodes, two nuclear markers, photos of vouchers, and georeferenced occurrences of 281 specimens of geometrid moths from different localities. These specimens are classified into 80 genera. Analytical tools on BOLD clustered 157 of the mentioned sequences to existing species level BINs, identified earlier by experts. Another 115 were assigned to BINs that were identified to genus or tribe level only. 11 specimens did not match any existing BIN on BOLD, and are therefore new additions to the database. It is likely that many BINs represent undescribed species. Nine short sequences (<500bp) were not assigned to BINs but identified to the lowest taxonomic category by expert taxonomists and with comparisons of type material photos. The released new genetic information will help to further progress the systematics of Geometridae. An illustrated catalogue of all new records allows validation of our identifications; it is also the first document of this kind for Colombian Geometridae. All specimens are deposited at the Museo de Zoología of Universidad de Sucre (MZUS), North Colombia. DNA BINs are reported in this study, the species occurrences are available on SIB Colombia https://sibcolombia.net/ and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) https://www.gbif.org/ through https://doi.org/10.15472/ucfmkh.

Osteomorphological Features of the Carcass of Inia geoffrensis (Cetacea: Iniidae)

Osteological studies can have implications that allow direct biological inferences to be made, such as locomotion, as well as indirect ones, such as species distribution, evolution and ecology. This study was aimed at describing some osteological traits of Inia geoffrensis (Blainvillei, 1817), Macapá/AP. A nearly complete carcass was found in a local forest. Information about the killing was collected through community reports. After collecting bones and information, the carcass was taken to the Laboratory of Zoology at the Federal University of Amapá for cleaning and examination. The cleaning process was carried out following the step-by-step maceration protocol and measurements of bones were taken with a measuring tape (2 m) and ruler (50 cm), except for cervical vertebrae, which were measured with a caliper (15 cm). To find the limbs in the carcass, an identification guide and a bone chart of aquatic mammals were used. Based on the observed data, the animal was a female, determined by the genital cleft. Examination of the occipital bone revealed an adult with complete bone fusion, obliterated sutures on the external surface of the skull. The carcass was nearly complete, with the entire face measuring 55 cm. Further studies are needed on environmental education about cetaceans, local awareness with the assistance of inspectors and competent authorities for the conservation of freshwater dolphins in the region and studies on carcasses for the maintenance of the species.

A Description and Examination of Fluorescence in Nine North American Firefly Species (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Fluorescence across the family Lampyridae has been documented sporadically but not comprehensively in formal research. Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), best known for their bioluminescence, are also fluorescent. This fluorescence has been documented in several genera within the clade but is still an often overlooked aspect of firefly physiology in the common understanding of the species. To this end, the purpose of this study was to document and describe the fluorescence in nine species of North American fireflies, across three genera. Each species was photographed and a description of the fluorescent pattern was provided, as well as measurements of the specific spectral sensitivity of the fluorescent excitation and emission wavelengths. These data are intended to provide an identification guide of sorts to different firefly fluorescence, as well as documenting definitively its presence in several firefly genera.

Disentangling parasitic vines in the tropics: taxonomic notes for an accurate identification of Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) and Cassytha (Lauraceae)

Parasitic plants are often associated with agricultural, forestry and grassland economic losses, but they are also keystone species in their natural ecosystems. Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) and Cassytha (Lauraceae) are parasitic plants which have evolved similar stem habit and morphology, rendering them remarkably similar during the vegetative stage. Since both genera are common in the tropics, misidentifications are frequent, which is detrimental for understanding their geographical distribution, biology and ecology, as well as to the development of adequate control or conservation practices. We here present a practical identification guide for a clear and accurate distinction between Cuscuta and Cassytha, using stems and reproductive structures of both fresh plants and herbarium specimens, aimed at taxonomists and agricultural experts. An identification key, a comparative table, detailed descriptions and illustrations are included to facilitate genus recognition. The current practice of macroscopic observation of the filiform stems, on which many professionals rely, may not be enough to distinguish the two genera. The analysis of stem micromorphology, and/or of the flower or fruit morphology, are necessary for a conclusive identification.