Phylogenetic placement of a new Melanophilharmostes Paulian, 1968 pill scarab (Coleoptera: Hybosoridae: Ceratocanthinae) from Cameroon: molecular results decipher misleading morphology

This study targets two specimens of a morphologically highly unusual pill scarab from Cameroon. The original morphology-inspired hypothesis that these beetles represent a new genus is refuted. Instead, a phylogenetic analysis of 90 terminals and 3231 aligned DNA positions linked both specimens with the Afrotropical genus Melanophilharmostes Paulian, 1968. Both Cameroonian specimens are herein described as Melanophilharmostes tuber Grebennikov, new species. Re-evaluation of the morphological characters of this species in light of molecular results corroborated this taxonomic decision by detecting all three morphological autapomorphies of the genus: the presence of setae and horseshoe-shaped microsculpture on the dorsal body surface, as well as the presence of the lateral carina on each elytron. Except for a single representative of the genus Melanophilharmostes placed within the genus Pseudopterorthochaetes Paulian, 1977 (interpreted as an analytical artifact), both genera are sister groups, in agreement with the pre-existing morphology-based hypothesis. Both genera, together with the Malagasy/Comorian genus Synarmostes Germar, 1843 and monotypic Balleriodes Grebennikov, 2021 from Tanzania, constitute the strongly supported Synarmostes group of genera.

Recent discoveries of new Elephantomyia (Diptera, Limoniidae) fossils in Baltic amber

New data on the genus Elephantomyia (Diptera: Limoniidae) from Baltic amber are presented. A new subgenus Hoffeinsonia subgen. nov. is established with one new species: Elephantomyia (Hoffeinsonia) prima sp. nov. The new subgenus is characterized by a wing at most 2.5 × as long as it is wide without a darker pattern along the veins Sc and R1, elongate Sc, straight vein R1, sharp half of vein R2+3+4 sharply arched to the upper edge of the wing, short, wide, trapezoidal d-cell and oval pterostigma. The fossil subgenus Hoffeinsonia subgen. nov. shares features with the extant subgenera Elephantomyodes and Elephantomyia. One other extinct species of Elephantomyia was discovered and described herein as E. (s. str.) christelae sp. nov. Such features as a very elongate vein R2+3+4, 2.5 × as long as the Rs easily allowing this new species to be distinguished from the other fossil representatives of the genus Elephantomyia. The taxonomic decision on Elephantomyia grata as a species placed in nominative subgenus is provided. A list and key of fossil species of Elephantomyia are given. The morphological pattern of the genus is discussed in relation to the adaptation to a specific food spectrum, coevolution with Angiospermae of the representative genus Helius known since Cretaceous and closely related to this genus representatives of the much younger genus Elephantomyia.

Phylogeographical patterns based on trnH-psbA plastid DNA shed light on evolution within Waldsteinia (Rosaceae)

Waldsteinia Willd. is a small herbaceous genus presumably of Neogene age and formerly wide-distributed around the Northern Hemisphere and now presents the remnants of the tertiary flora. According to the latest taxonomic revision, Waldsteinia is considered a group nested in Geum L. A comparatively low level of morphological divergence together with fuzzy ploidy patterns within Waldsteinia could not be reliable evidence to establish the former distributions and migration pathways of species. In the present study, using plastid DNA (trnH-psbA) data we tried to throw light on Waldsteinia history. Based on our data we believe that the taxonomic decision of nesting Waldsteinia in Geum does not reflect the complex structure of the obtained clade. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the objectivity of previous division Waldsteinia on two subgenera, Waldsteinia and Comaropsis (Rich. ex Nestl.) Teppner, which was based on morphological differences, is becoming controversial. We also suggest an East Asian origin of Waldsteinia and subsequent speciation and taxa distribution in the direction of Europe and North America. W. ternate s.l. (traditionally including W. maximowicziana, W. ternata, and W. trifolia) is appeared to be a polyphyletic group and at least W. maximowicziana should be considered a distinct species.

Restoration of two Carabidae (Coleoptera) species from the Sistema Ibérico Ranges (North-Central Iberian Peninsula): Nebria (Nebria) urbionensis Arribas, 1991 and Zabrus (Iberozabrus) cameranus Arribas, 1994, bonae species

Two endemic taxa of the Northern Iberian System have been rescued from synonymy using the study of external morphology by means of morphometric analysis and genital anatomy. The causes that possibly led to these two taxa erroneously being identified as synonyms are analysed in this research. In the case of Nebria (Nebria) urbionensis versus Nebria (Nebria) vuillefroyi, their confused relationship was caused by the handling of incorrectly labelled specimens and the subsequent interpolation of distribution areas, which led to overestimating the extent of N. (N.) vuillefroyi to the detriment of recognizing N. (N.) urbionensis as a valid species. According to the criterion that is defended in this work, both taxa are steno-endemic and, therefore, deserve protection due to their reduced habitats. The principle of authority applied by experts, based on an error, may, in this case, have been amplified and contributed to chronify the error. The second case under review is Zabrus (Iberozabrus) cameranus versus Zabrus (Iberozabrus) laurae, which in a recent study of genus Zabrus, were subjected to a totally unjustified synonymy. The origin of such a taxonomic decision must be sought in the concatenation of a series of errors: the number and origin of the specimens studied do not adequately justify the statements and conclusions expressed in the text, the use of a single character (internal sac of the aedeagus) while ignoring other morphological characters, an inadequate taxonomic praxis, and the elaboration of conclusions based on the lack of supposedly-derived characters (that is, relying on symplesiomorphies). All of this does not point towards an adequate reconstruction of the genus systematics. The uni- and multivariate biometric study, together with the morphological features that are contributed in this work (added to those already recognized initially for these species), allow to affirm that, although the taxa in discussion are nearby species and possibly sister taxa, they are perfectly valid: Nebria (Nebria) urbionensis stat. res.; Zabrus (Iberozabrus) cameranus stat. res. In addition to the morphological differences, both species diverge respectively from N. (N.) vuillefroyi and Z. (I.) laurae by 2% of the COI 1 gene sequence. The geographical ranges of Nebria (N.) urbionensis and Zabrus (I.) cameranus are confined to the Sistema Ibérico Septentrional, and are separated by the high Duero Valley from the ranges of N. (N.) vuillefroyi and Z. (I.) laurae, which are located in the Central System.

Multivariate ratio analysis and DNA markers reveal a new Australian species and three synonymies in eucalypt-gall-associated Megastigmus (Hymenoptera: Megastigmidae)

The genus Megastigmus Dalman, 1820 (Hymenoptera: Megastigmidae) contains potential biocontrol agents of the invasive eucalypt galling chalcid Leptocybe spp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), with several species reported in various parts of the world. Species discrimination is challenging due to intraspecific morphological variation, difficulty in measuring sizes of body parts, and the lack of information regarding the global distribution of parasitic Megastigmus. We used two species commonly associated with Leptocybe in its native range to review taxonomic methods and determine the most reliable morphological characters in species delimitation. We examined size variation of body characters, and conducted species discrimination using multivariate ratio analysis, mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and nuclear 28S rDNA (28S) sequences. Morphological traits were effective in species delimitation yet revealed high variation in several characters employed in current keys. Knowledge generated on morphology and DNA justified the description of a new species, M. manonae, sp. n., the first record of M. pretorianensis in Australia, and revised diagnostic characters for M. zvimendeli. Based on these diagnostic characters and molecular data, we synonymize three species (M. judikingae, syn. n., from Australia, M. sichuanensis, syn. n., from China and M. icipeensis, syn. n., from Kenya) with M. zvimendeli. Our findings highlight the importance of molecular markers in assisting taxonomic decision-making and the need for coordinated work in identifying Megastigmus associated with Leptocybe spp.

A new combination in Dolabrifolia (Angraecinae, Orchidaceae)

Species in Angraecum sect. Dolabrifolia (Pfitzer 1889: 216) Garay (1973: 499) were assigned to several genera until Garay (1973) finally transferred the type species, A. distichum (Lindley 1836: t. 1781), along with A. podochiloides Schlechter (1906: 162) and A. aporoides Summerhayes (1964: 560) to Angraecum Bory (1804: 359) (see Simo-Droissart et al. 2016a). Later, Angraecum bancoense Burg in Arends et al. (1980: 26) and A. poppendickianum Szlachetko & Olszewski (2001: 884) were described and included in this section. According to Garay (1973), Angraecum sect. Dolabrifolia is characterized by very short, fleshy, laterally compressed and densely imbricate leaves, with a groove on the upper surface; the lateral compression being a unique feature within the genus. Based on this unique morphological character, Szlachetko and Romowicz (2007) raised the section to the rank of genus, Dolabrifolia (Pfitz.) Szlachetko & Romowicz (2007: 54) and proposed five new combinations, namely Dolabrifolia disticha (Lindl.) Szlachetko & Romowicz (2007: 54), D. aporoides (Summerh.) Szlachetko & Romowicz (2007: 54), D. bancoensis (Burg) Szlachetko & Romowicz (2007: 54), D. podochiloides (Schltr.) Szlachetko & Romowicz (2007: 54) and D. poppendickiana (Szlach. & Olszewski) Szlachetko & Romowicz (2007: 54). The taxonomic decision of Szlachetko and Romowicz (2007) was followed by Szlachetko et al. (2013), who also raised nine other Angraecum sections to the generic rank.

A prevalence ofArthropterygius(Ichthyosauria: Ophthalmosauridae) in the Late Jurassic—earliest Cretaceous of the Boreal Realm

The ichthyosaur genusArthropterygiusMaxwell, 2010 is considered as rare and poorly known. However, considering the existing uncertainty regarding its position in respect to ophthalmosaurid subfamilies in recent phylogenies, it is among the key taxa for understanding the evolution of derived Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous ichthyosaurs. Recently excavated unique material from the Berriassian of Franz Josef Land (Russian Extreme North) and examination of historical collections in Russian museums provided numerous specimens referable toArthropterygius. The new data combined with personal examination of ichthyosaursPalvennia,Janusaurus, andKeilhauiafrom Svalbard give us reason to refer all these taxa toArthropterygius. Therefore, we recognize four species within the genus:Arthropterigius chrisorum(Russell, 1994),A. volgensis(Kasansky, 1903) comb. nov.,A. hoybergeti(Druckenmiller et al., 2012) comb. nov., andA. lundi(Roberts et al., 2014) comb. nov. Three of the species are found both in the Arctic and in the European Russia. This allows the suggestion thatArthropterygiuswas common and widespread in the Boreal Realm during the Late Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous. The results of our multivariate analysis of ophthalmosaurid humeral morphology indicate that at least some ophthalmosaurid genera and species, includingArthropterygius, could be easily recognized based solely on humeral morphology. Our phylogenetic analyses place the clade ofArthropterygiusclose to the base of Ophthalmosauria as a sister group either to ophthalmosaurines or to platypterygiines. Although its position is still uncertain, this is the best supported clade of ophthalmosaurids (Bremer support value of 5, Bootstrap and Jackknife values exceeding 80) that further augments our taxonomic decision.

BARCODE TAXONOMY AT THE GENUS LEVEL

DNA barcode sequencing has rapidly become one of the most powerful tools for biodiversity assessments. Beyond its original uses for the identification of animal species, including the discovery of cryptic diversity in difficult taxonomic groups, the growing public sequence datasets also offer opportunities for more wide-ranging applications. This contribution shows how barcode data can provide useful complementary information to assist taxonomic decision making at the genus level. An analysis of public barcode datasets for 10 diverse spider families, covering more than 3400 species and morphospecies, reveals numerous examples where sequence similarities either strongly support or convincingly refute recent controversial genus assignments. The following nomenclatorial changes are suggested based on a combined assessment of morphological evidence and the barcode analysis: Acantholycosa = Pardosa (syn. nov.); Piratula = Pirata (syn. nov.); Pulchellodromus, Philodromimus, Tibellomimus, Artanes, and Emargidromus = subgenera of Philodromus (stat. nov.); Cryptachaea riparia = Parasteatoda riparia (comb. nov.); Ohlertidion = Heterotheridion (syn. nov.); Saaristoa = Aphileta (syn. nov.); Aphileta microtarsa = Eulaira microtarsa (comb. conf.); Centromerita and Tallusia = Centromerus (syn. conf.); Obscuriphantes, Agnyphantes, and Acanthoneta = Poeciloneta (syn. nov.); Bolyphantes bipartitus = Poeciloneta bipartita (comb. nov.); Anguliphantes, Improphantes, Piniphantes, and Mansuphantes = Oryphantes (syn. nov.), Palliduphantes antroniensis = Oryphantes antroniensis (comb. nov.), Lepthyphantes nodifer = Oryphantes nodifer (comb. nov.), Hypositticus, Sittipub, Calositticus, Sittisax, Sittiflor, and Attulus = Sitticus (syn. nov.).

Genetic variability among Paralaudakia microlepis (Blanford, 1874) (Sauria: Agamidae) populations in the Iranian Plateau

The small scaled rock agama, Paralaudakia microlepis, is an agamid lizard distributed across many parts of the Iranian Plateau. In the present paper, our aim is to study the genetic variability among different populations of this species in Iran. Based on the ND4 mitochondrial gene fragment, we uncovered high levels of genetic variability between three main clades of the species in Iran. Based on these results, the South Khorasan and Fars populations diverged firstly and then the Kerman and the Sistan-Baluchestan populations split. This pattern of divergence suggests an important role of the Zagros Mountain in the differentiation among populations of P. microlepis in Iran during the mid-Miocene. The Zagros uplift and subsequent aridification in the Iranian Plateau might have been involved in the variation among populations of this species because they are restricted to specific ecological niches. The greater genetic distances between the Fars and South Khorasan populations indicated that they have the potential to be described as different subspecies of P. microlepis. Comparison of all P. microlepis, P. erythrogastra and P. caucasia populations using both molecular and morphological characters is needed to make a strong taxonomic decision on the clade as a whole.

Taxonomy and biogeography of Hemphillia (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Arionidae) in North American rainforests, with description of a new species (Skade’s jumping-slug, Hemphillia skadei sp. nov.)

Species diversity of the genus Hemphillia Bland and W.G. Binney, 1872 (jumping-slugs) was studied across its range in western North America’s inland temperate rainforests. The taxonomic relationships among jumping-slug populations were clarified by integrating morphological, molecular, and biogeographic approaches. A new species, Skade’s jumping-slug (Hemphillia skadei sp. nov.), was discovered in this process and is described herein. We base this taxonomic decision on molecular comparison of representatives from other Hemphillia species and four morphological characters that distinguish H. skadei from its sister species, the pale jumping-slug (Hemphillia camelus Pilsbry and Vanatta, 1897). The distribution of H. skadei and H. camelus is described along with the notable lack of detection of the marbled jumping-slug (Hemphillia danielsi Vanatta, 1914) within the primary survey area.