Latest Articles from ZooKeys Latest 44 Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:18:34 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zookeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ On the specific status of Scelimena spicupennis and a new record of S. discalis from China with mitochondrial genome characterization (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/110148/ ZooKeys 1185: 83-104

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1185.110148

Authors: Ying-Can Qin, Jing Liu, Xiao-Dong Li, Ya-Zhen Chen, Wei-An Deng

Abstract: The genus Scelimena Serville (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from China is reviewed. One species, Scelimena spicupennis Zheng & Ou, 2003 (China: Yunnan) is redescribed, and a new record of Scelimena discalis (Hancock, 1915) from China is given. An annotated identification key for Chinese species of the genus Scelimena is provided. Mitochondrial genes of S. spicupennis and S. discalis were sequenced and annotated. The sizes of the two sequenced mitogenomes are 17,552 bp (S. discalis), and 16,069 bp (S. spicupennis), respectively. All of the PCGs started with the typical ATN (ATT, ATC or ATG) or TTG codon and most ended with complete TAA or TAG codon, with the exception of the ND5 gene, which terminated with an incomplete T. The mitochondrial genomes for these two recorded species are provided, and the constructed phylogenetic tree supports their morphological taxonomic classification. The topology of the phylogenetic tree showed that three species of Scelimena were clustered into one branch and formed a monophyletic and a holophyletic group.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 28 Nov 2023 19:49:00 +0200
Seven new species of Tetranemertes Chernyshev, 1992 (Monostilifera, Hoplonemertea, Nemertea) from the Caribbean Sea, western Pacific, and Arabian Sea, and revision of the genus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/109521/ ZooKeys 1181: 167-200

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1181.109521

Authors: Irina Cherneva, Christina I. Ellison, Eduardo E. Zattara, Jon L. Norenburg, Megan L. Schwartz, Juan Junoy, Svetlana A. Maslakova

Abstract: The marine ribbon worm genus Tetranemertes Chernyshev, 1992 currently includes three species: the type species T. antonina (Quatrefages, 1846) from the Mediterranean Sea, T. rubrolineata (Kirsteuer, 1965) from Madagascar, and T. hermaphroditica (Gibson, 1982) from Australia. Seven new species are described: T. bifrost sp. nov., T. ocelata sp. nov., T. majinbuui sp. nov., and T. pastafariensis sp. nov. from the Caribbean Sea (Panamá), and three species, T. unistriata sp. nov., T. paulayi sp. nov., and T. arabica sp. nov., from the Indo-West Pacific (Japan and Oman). As a result, an amended morphological diagnosis of the genus is offered. To improve nomenclatural stability, a neotype of Tetranemertes antonina is designated from the Mediterranean. The newly described species, each characterized by features of external appearance and stylet apparatus, as well as by DNA-barcodes, form a well-supported clade with T. antonina on a molecular phylogeny of monostiliferan hoplonemerteans based on partial sequences of COI, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and 28S rRNA. Six of the seven newly described species, as well as T. rubrolineata, possess the unusual character of having a central stylet basis slightly bilobed to deeply forked posteriorly in fully grown individuals, a possible morphological synapomorphy of the genus. In addition, an undescribed species of Tetranemertes is reported from the Eastern Tropical Pacific (Panamá), increasing the total number of known species in the genus to eleven.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 5 Oct 2023 19:05:47 +0300
Comparative mitogenomic analysis of three bugs of the genus Hygia Uhler, 1861 (Hemiptera, Coreidae) and their phylogenetic position https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/100006/ ZooKeys 1179: 123-138

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1179.100006

Authors: Shijun Wang, Xiaofei Ding, Wenbo Yi, Wanqing Zhao, Qing Zhao, Hufang Zhang

Abstract: Hygia Uhler, 1861 is the largest genus in the bug family Coreidae. Even though many species of this genus are economically important, the complete mitogenomes of Hygia species have not yet been reported. Therefore, in the present study, the complete mitogenomes of three Hygia species, H. lativentris (Motschulsky, 1866), H. bidentata Ren, 1987, and H. opaca (Uhler, 1860), are sequenced and characterized, and submitted in a phylogenetic analysis of the Coreidae. The results show that mitogenomes of the three species are highly conserved, typically with 37 genes plus its control region. The lengths are 16,313 bp, 17,023 bp, and 17,022 bp, respectively. Most protein-coding genes (PCGs) in all species start with the standard codon ATN and terminate with one of three stop codons: TAA, TAG, or T. The tRNAs secondary structures of all species have a typical clover structure, except for the trnS1 (AGC) in H. bidentata, which lacks dihydrouridine (DHU) arm that forms a simple loop. Variation in the length of the control region led to differences in mitochondrial genome sizes. The maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian-inference (BI) phylogenetic analyses strongly supported the monophyly of Hygia and its position within Coreidae, and the relationships are ((H. bidentata + (H. opaca + (H. lativentris + Hygia sp.))). The results provide further understanding for future phylogenetic studies of Coreidae.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 8 Sep 2023 19:05:47 +0300
A new species of Bathypathes (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Antipatharia, Schizopathidae) from the Red Sea and its phylogenetic position https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/79846/ ZooKeys 1116: 1-22

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1116.79846

Authors: Giovanni Chimienti, Tullia Isotta Terraneo, Silvia Vicario, Fabio Marchese, Sam J. Purkis, Ameer Abdulla Eweida, Mattie Rodrigue, Francesca Benzoni

Abstract: A black coral, Bathypathes thermophila Chimienti, sp. nov. is described from the Saudi Arabian coasts of the Gulf of Aqaba and north Red Sea (Neom area) using an integrated taxonomic approach. The morphological distinctiveness of the new species is confirmed by molecular analyses. The species thrives in warm and high salinity waters typical of the Red Sea at bathyal depths. It can form colony aggregations on muddy bottoms with scattered, small hard substrates. Colonies are monopodial, feather-like, and attached to a hard substrate through a thorny basal plate. Pinnules are simple, arranged biserially and alternately, and all the same length (up to approximately 20 cm) except for few, proximal ones. Spines are triangular, laterally compressed, subequal, smooth, and simple or rarely bifurcated. Polyps are elongated transversely, 1.5–2.0 mm in transverse diameter. Large colonies can have one or few branches, whose origin is discussed. The phylogenetic position of B. thermophila sp. nov. within the order Antipatharia, recovered using three mitochondrial markers, shows that it is nested within the family Schizopathidae. It is close to species in the genera Parantipathes, Lillipathes, Alternatipathes, and Umbellapathes rather than to the other available representatives of the genus Bathypathes, as currently defined based on morphology. In agreement with previous findings, our results question the evolutionary significance of morphological characters traditionally used to discriminate Antipatharia at higher taxonomic level.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 4 Aug 2022 15:43:23 +0300
Embioptera (Insecta) from Brazil: New species and a taxonomic update https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/72910/ ZooKeys 1088: 129-171

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1088.72910

Authors: Claudia Szumik, Verónica Pereyra, Victoria E. Goloboff Szumik, Paula Jéssica Costa-Pinto, María Laura Juárez

Abstract: Eight new species of Embioptera from Brazil are described, diagnosed, and illustrated. For Anisembiidae: Chelicerca achilata Szumik, Pereyra & Juárez, sp. nov.; Saussurembia borba Szumik, Pereyra & Juárez, sp. nov. For Archembiidae: Archembia oruma Szumik, sp. nov.; Embolyntha oriximina Szumik, Pereyra & Juárez, sp. nov.; Pararhagadochir bonita Szumik, Pereyra & Juárez, sp. nov., Pararhagadochir marielleae Szumik, Pereyra & Juárez, sp. nov.; Pararhagadochir para Szumik, Pereyra & Juárez, sp. nov. For Clothodidae: Chromatoclothoda langa Szumik, Pereyra & Juárez, sp. nov. To clarify the higher classification of the Order and to have an accurate taxonomy, a species catalog and introduction to the four families present in Brazil is also detailed, including phylogenetic relationships, taxonomic actions, composition, distributions, and records maps. Herein, several taxonomic acts are proposed: (1) the synonymy of Chelicerca Ross (= Dactylocerca Ross confirmed junior synonym; = Schizembia Ross syn nov.; = Pelorembia Ross, confirmed junior synonym; = Cryptembia Ross, syn. nov.) and Saussurembia Davis (= Stenembia Ross, syn. nov.). (2) new status and delimitation for family Archembiidae Ross, stat. rev.; subfamily Archembiinae Ross, stat. rev.; subfamily Pachylembiinae stat. rev.; subfamily Scelembiinae stat. rev., and their genera included. (3) Diradius unicolor (Ross) (Teratembiidae) comb. nov., and (4) new locality records for previously cited species in the region.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 10 Mar 2022 10:10:16 +0200
Mitochondrial genomes of the stoneflies Mesonemoura metafiligera and Mesonemoura tritaenia (Plecoptera, Nemouridae), with a phylogenetic analysis of Nemouroidea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/32470/ ZooKeys 835: 43-63

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.835.32470

Authors: Jin–Jun Cao, Ying Wang, Yao–Rui Huang, Wei–Hai Li

Abstract: In this study, two new mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Mesonemoura metafiligera and Mesonemoura tritaenia from the family Nemouridae (Insecta: Plecoptera) were sequenced. The Mesonemoura metafiligera mitogenome was a 15,739 bp circular DNA molecule, which was smaller than that of M. tritaenia (15,778 bp) due to differences in the size of the A+T-rich region. Results show that gene content, gene arrangement, base composition, and codon usage were highly conserved in two species. Ka/Ks ratios analyses of protein-coding genes revealed that the highest and lowest rates were found in ND6 and COI and that all these genes were evolving under purifying selection. All tRNA genes in nemourid mitogenomes had a typical cloverleaf secondary structure, except for tRNASer(AGN) which appeared to lack the dihydrouridine arm. The multiple alignments of nemourid lrRNA and srRNA genes showed that sequences of three species were highly conserved. All the A+T-rich region included tandem repeats regions and stem-loop structures. The phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood methods (ML) generated identical results. Amphinemurinae and Nemourinae were sister-groups and the family Nemouridae was placed as sister to Capniidae and Taeniopterygidae.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 4 Apr 2019 14:09:20 +0300
A new species of Carvalhomiris from Colombia with an assessment of its phylogenetic position (Heteroptera, Miridae, Orthotylinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/22058/ ZooKeys 796: 197-214

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.796.22058

Authors: Dimitri Forero, Juanita Rodríguez, Valentina Ocampo

Abstract: Plant bugs, species of Miridae (Heteroptera), are not well known in the Neotropics, and Colombia is not an exception. Based on data from the available systematic catalog (Schuh 2002–2013) fewer than 150 species are recorded from the country, clearly an underestimation. Recent fieldwork has resulted in several new interesting taxa from Colombia. Carvalhomiris Maldonado & Ferreira, 1971, contains three described species from Colombia and Ecuador. From specimens collected in Jardín, Antioquia, Carvalhomiris henryi sp. n. is described. Images of the dorsal habitus and the male and female genitalia are provided. Based on morphological examination of the new species and published information, morphological characters were coded to construct a phylogenetic matrix for a cladistic analysis in which the phylogenetic position of the new species is assessed. Carvalhomiris henryi sp. n. is the northernmost species of the genus and noteworthy because it is the first record of any species of the genus in the Western Cordillera: all other species are known from the eastern flank of the Andes (Ecuador) or the Eastern Cordillera (Colombia). Natural history observations of the new species, including associations with composites (Asteraceae) are provided. It is speculated that the mirid might be predacious.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 15 Nov 2018 15:47:39 +0200
A first phylogenetic analysis reveals a new arboreal tarantula genus from South America with description of a new species and two new species of Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/26521/ ZooKeys 784: 59-93

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.784.26521

Authors: Martin Hüsser

Abstract: Based on molecular and morphological phylogenetic analyses a new genus of Theraphosidae is described, Pseudoclamoris gen. n. Tapinauchenius gigas and Tapinauchenius elenae are transferred to Pseudoclamoris and a new species of Pseudoclamoris from the Amazon Region is described: P. burgessi sp. n. Two new species of Tapinauchenius from the Caribbean are described: T. rasti sp. n. and T. polybotes sp. n. Tapinauchenius subcaeruleus is considered a nomen dubium. Psalmopoeinae subfamily is diagnosed based on molecular and morphological phylogenies, and Pseudoclamoris gen. n. and Ephebopus Simon, 1892 are included. A taxonomic key for Psalmopoeinae genera Tapinauchenius, Pseudoclamoris, Psalmopoeus, and Ephebopus is provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 12 Sep 2018 18:00:52 +0300
Rhachotropis (Eusiroidea, Amphipoda) from the North East Atlantic https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/19814/ ZooKeys 731: 75-101

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.731.19814

Authors: Anne-Nina Lörz, Anne Helene S. Tandberg, Endre Willassen, Amy Driskell

Abstract: The genus Rhachotropis has the widest geographic and bathymetric distribution of all amphipod genera worldwide. Molecular and morphological investigations of specimens sampled around Iceland and off the Norwegian coast allow the first insights into the relationships of North East Atlantic Rhachotropis. The 31 cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences generated for this study were assigned 13 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) in the Barcode of Life database (BOLD), of which 12 are new to the database. Molecular analyses of COI and 16S sequences could not confirm a theory that depth has a greater influence on the phylogeny of Rhachotropis than geographic distance. Although the North East Atlantic is a well-studied area, our molecular investigations revealed the genus Rhachotropis may contain cryptic species, which indicates a higher biodiversity than currently known. For example, the specimens which key to Rhachotropis helleri is a complex of three COI clades, two of which cannot be identified with morphological traits. One specimen of each of the clades in the cladogram was documented by high definition photographs. A special focus was on the visual morphology of the eyes, as this character shows interspecific differences within the genus Rhachotropis in response to fixation in ethanol. Detailed morphological investigation showed that some clades thought to be indistinguishable can be separated by minute but consistent morphological characters. Datamining Genbank to examine all registered COI-sequences of R. aculeata, the only previously known Rhachotropis BIN in the North Atlantic and sub-Arctic, showed R. aculeata to be subdivided by an Arctic and a North Atlantic population.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 23 Jan 2018 23:07:27 +0200
Phylogenetic study of the genus Sternolophus Solier (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae) based on adult morphology https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/14085/ ZooKeys 712: 69-85

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.712.14085

Authors: Hiva Nasserzadeh, Helen Alipanah, Ebrahim Gilasian

Abstract: The phylogeny of the hydrophilid genus Sternolophus Solier, 1834 was examined in this study using 60 morphological adult characters, eight of them continuous and 52 discrete. The cladistic analysis resulted in a single most parsimonious tree with two major subclades corresponding, respectively, to species previously assigned to the subgenera Sternolophus s. str. Solier and Neosternolophus Zaitzev, although they are not re-instated. The species groups S. angolensis (Erichson, 1843) and S. solieri Castelnau, 1840 are recovered as monophyletic. The biogeography and diversification of the species of Sternolophus are briefly discussed.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 31 Oct 2017 03:38:35 +0200
Phylogeny of the Oniticellini and Onthophagini dung beetles (Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae) from morphological evidence https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6183/ ZooKeys 579: 9-57

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.579.6183

Authors: T. Keith Philips

Abstract: A phylogenetic study was conducted to hypothesize relationships of most of the genera of the Oniticellini and Onthophagini for the first time using morphological characters from a diverse array of external and internal sclerites. The monophyly and sister relationship of both tribes was found using Bayesian and parsimony analyses with heavily to moderately weighted data. An alternative hypothesis based on parsimony analyses of unweighted or slightly weighted data show a paraphyletic Oniticellini without the Onthophagini, although recognition of the subtribe Helictopleurina as a tribe would eliminate non-monophyly. Of the three Oniticellini subtribes, the Helictopleurina and Drepanocerina are monophyletic. There is no support for the monophyly of the Oniticellina or the Onthophagini subtribe Alloscelina, as currently defined. The genus Liatongus is paraphyletic, while strong support was found for monophyly of the Madagascan genus, Helictopleurus. The genus Onthophagus is never monophyletic in any analysis performed. Two new subtribes are also proposed: Liatonginasubtr. n. including the genus Liatongus and Attavicinasubtr. n. including the genera Attavicinus and Paroniticellus. Topological evidence shows that the ancestral oniticellines and onthophagines were all coprophagous with alternative food sources evolving relatively recently. Both myrmecophily and termitophily probably evolved only once in the onthophagines. The phylogenetic analysis supports an African origin for the two tribes, with a relatively early age for the split of the Madagascar helictopleurines from the remaining oniticellines via dispersal. Furthermore, the presence of the oniticellines in the New World is hypothesized to be due to two relatively old dispersal events via Beringia and two relatively recent trans-Atlantic invasions of the Caribbean.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 11 Apr 2016 17:43:28 +0300
Phylogenetic revision of Minyomerus Horn, 1876 sec. Jansen & Franz, 2015 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) using taxonomic concept annotations and alignments https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6001/ ZooKeys 528: 1-133

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.528.6001

Authors: Michael Andrew Jansen, Nico M. Franz

Abstract: This contribution adopts the taxonomic concept annotation and alignment approach. Accordingly, and where indicated, previous and newly inferred meanings of taxonomic names are individuated according to one specific source. Articulations among these concepts and pairwise, logically consistent alignments of original and revisionary classifications are also provided, in addition to conventional nomenclatural provenance information. A phylogenetic revision of the broad-nosed weevil genera Minyomerus Horn, 1876 sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982), and Piscatopus Sleeper, 1960 sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982) (Curculionidae [non-focal]: Entiminae [non-focal]: Tanymecini [non-focal]) is presented. Prior to this study, Minyomerus sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982) contained seven species, whereas the monotypic Piscatopus sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982) was comprised solely of P. griseus Sleeper, 1960 sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982). We thoroughly redescribe these recognized species-level entities and furthermore describe ten species as new to science: M. bulbifrons sec. Jansen & Franz (2015) (henceforth: [JF2015]), sp. n., M. aeriballux [JF2015], sp. n., M. cracens [JF2015], sp. n., M. gravivultus [JF2015], sp. n., M. imberbus [JF2015], sp. n., M. reburrus [JF2015], sp. n., M. politus [JF2015], sp. n., M. puticulatus [JF2015], sp. n., M. rutellirostris [JF2015], sp. n., and M. trisetosus [JF2015], sp. n. A cladistic analysis using 46 morphological characters of 22 terminal taxa (5/17 outgroup/ingroup) yielded a single most-parsimonious cladogram (L = 82, CI = 65, RI = 82). The analysis strongly supports the monophyly of Minyomerus [JF2015] with eight unreversed synapomorphies, and places P. griseus sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982) within the genus as sister to M. rutellirostris [JF2015]. Accordingly, Piscatopus sec. Sleeper (1960), syn. n. is changed to junior synonymy of Minyomerus [JF2015], and its sole member P. griseus sec. Sleeper (1960) is moved to Minyomerus [JF2015] as M. griseus [JF2015], comb. n. In addition, the formerly designated type M. innocuus Horn, 1876 sec. Pierce (1913), syn. n. is changed to junior synonymy of M. microps (Say, 1831) [JF2015] which has priority. The genus is widespread throughout western North America, ranging from Canada to Mexico and Baja California. Apparent patterns of interspecific diversity of exterior and genitalic morphology, varying host plant ranges, overlapping and widely extending species distributions, suggest an early origin for Minyomerus [JF2015], with a diversification that likely followed the development of North American desert biomes. Three species in the genus – i.e., M. languidus Horn, 1876 [JF2015], M. microps [JF2015], and M. trisetosus [JF2015] – are putatively considered parthenogenetic.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 20 Oct 2015 22:11:37 +0300
Male secondary sexual structures and the systematics of the Thereus oppia species group (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, Eumaeini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6082/ ZooKeys 520: 109-130

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.520.10134

Authors: Robert Robbins, Maria Dolores Heredia, Robert C. Busby

Abstract: The Thereus oppia species group includes species with and without a scent pad, which is a histologically and morphologically characterized male secondary sexual structure on the dorsal surface of the forewing. To assess the hypothesis that these structures are lost evolutionarily, but not regained (Dollo’s Law), the taxonomy of this species group is revised. Thereus lomalarga sp. n., and Thereus brocki sp. n., are described. Diagnostic traits, especially male secondary structures, within the T. oppia species group are illustrated. Distributional and biological information is summarized for each species. Three species have been reared, and the caterpillars eat Loranthaceae. An inferred phylogeny is consistent with the hypothesis that scent pads in the T. oppia species group have been lost evolutionarily twice (in allopatry), and not re-gained.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 16 Sep 2015 18:22:27 +0300
Phylogenetic analysis of the sharpshooter genus Subrasaca Young, 1977 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Cicadellini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4793/ ZooKeys 484: 53-70

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.484.9264

Authors: Roberta dos Santos da Silva, Gabriel Mejdalani, Rodney R. Cavichioli

Abstract: The South American sharpshooter genus Subrasaca comprises 14 species. Some species of this genus are quite common in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. In this paper, a phylogenetic analysis of Subrasaca, based on a matrix of 20 terminal taxa and 72 morphological characters of the head, thorax, and male and female genitalia, is presented. The analysis yielded six equally most parsimonious trees (197 steps, CI = 0.6091, RI = 0.5722, and RC = 0.3486). The results suggest that Subrasaca is a monophyletic taxon, although the genus branch is not robust. The clade showing the highest bootstrap and Bremer scores is formed by species with longitudinal dark brown to black stripes on the forewings (S. bimaculata, S. constricta, S. curvovittata, and S. flavolineata), followed by S. atronasa + S. austera.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 27 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0200
The systematics of Echinorhynchus Zoega in Müller, 1776 (Acanthocephala, Echinorhynchidae) elucidated by nuclear and mitochondrial sequence data from eight European taxa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4790/ ZooKeys 484: 25-52

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.484.9132

Authors: Matthew T. Wayland, Jouni K. Vainio, David I. Gibson, Elisabeth A. Herniou, D. Timothy J. Littlewood, Risto Väinölä

Abstract: The acanthocephalan genus Echinorhynchus Zoega in Müller, 1776 (sensuYamaguti 1963) is a large and widespread group of parasites of teleost fish and malacostracan crustaceans, distributed from the Arctic to the Antarctic in habitats ranging from freshwaters to the deep-sea. A total of 52 species are currently recognised based on the conventional morphological species concept; however, the true diversity in the genus is masked by cryptic speciation. The considerable diversity within Echinorhynchus is an argument for subdividing the genus if monophyletic groups with supporting morphological characters can be identified. With this objective in mind, partial sequences of two genes with different rates of evolution and patterns of inheritance (nuclear 28S rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) were used to infer the phylogenetic relationships among eight taxa of Echinorhynchus. These included representatives of each of three genus group taxa proposed in a controversial revision of the genus based on cement gland pattern, namely Echinorhynchus (sensu stricto), Metechinorhynchus Petrochenko, 1956 and Pseudoechinorhynchus Petrochenko, 1956. These groupings have previously been rejected by some authorities, because the diagnostic character is poorly defined; this study shows that Echinorhynchus (sensu stricto) and Metechinorhynchus are not natural, monophyletic groups. A revision of Echinorhynchus will require tandem molecular phylogenetic and morphological analyses of a larger sample of taxa, but this study has identified two morhological characters that might potentially be used to define new genera. The estimated phylogeny also provides insight into the zoogeographical history of Echinorhynchus spp. We postulate that the ancestral Echinorhynchus had a freshwater origin and the genus subsequently invaded the sea, probably several times. The freshwater taxa of the E. bothniensis Zdzitowiecki & Valtonen, 1987 clade may represent a reinvasion of freshwater by one or more ancestral marine species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 26 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0200
Phylogeny and biogeography of Asthenopodinae with a revision of Asthenopus, reinstatement of Asthenopodes, and the description of the new genera Hubbardipes and Priasthenopus (Ephemeroptera, Polymitarcyidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4601/ ZooKeys 478: 45-128

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.478.8057

Authors: Carlos Molineri, Frederico F. Salles, Janice G. Peters

Abstract: The Neotropical species of Asthenopodinae are revised in a formal phylogenetic context. The five known species of Asthenopus Eaton, 1871, together with other five new species were included in a cladistic analysis using morphological characters (continuous and discretes). Representatives of the Afro-Oriental group of the subfamily (Povilla Navás, 1912 and Languidipes Hubbard, 1984) were also included to test the monophyletic hypothesis traditionally accepted for the group. Additional taxa representing the other subfamilies of Polymitarcyidae were incorparated: Ephoron Williamson, 1802 (Polymitarcyinae) and Campsurus Eaton, 1868, Tortopus Needham & Murphy, 1924 and Tortopsis Molineri, 2010 (Campsurinae). A matrix of 17 taxa and 72 characters was analyzed under parsimony resulting in a single tree supporting the monophyly of the subfamily Asthenopodinae. Other results include the monophyly of the Afro-Oriental taxa (Povilla and Languidipes), the paraphyletic nature of Neotropical Asthenopodinae, and the recognition of four South American genera: Asthenopus (including A. curtus (Hagen), 1861, A. angelae de Souza & Molineri, 2012, A. magnus sp. n., A. hubbardi sp. n., A. guarani sp. n.), Asthenopodes Ulmer, 1924, stat. n. (including A. picteti Hubbard, 1975, stat. n., A. traverae sp. n., A. chumuco sp. n.), Priasthenopus gen. n. (including P. gilliesi (Domínguez), 1988, comb. n.), and Hubbardipes gen. n. (including H. crenulatus (Molineri et al.), 2011, comb. n.). Descriptions, diagnoses, illustrations and keys are presented for all Neotropical taxa of Asthenopodinae (adults of both sexes, eggs and nymphs). Additionally a key to the subfamilies and genera of Polymitarcyidae is included. A quantitative biogeographic analysis of vicariance is presented and discussed through the study of the “taxon history” of the group.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 28 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0200
The origin and early evolution of metatherian mammals: the Cretaceous record https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4342/ ZooKeys 465: 1-76

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.465.8178

Authors: Thomas E. Williamson, Stephen L. Brusatte, Gregory P. Wilson

Abstract: Metatherians, which comprise marsupials and their closest fossil relatives, were one of the most dominant clades of mammals during the Cretaceous and are the most diverse clade of living mammals after Placentalia. Our understanding of this group has increased greatly over the past 20 years, with the discovery of new specimens and the application of new analytical tools. Here we provide a review of the phylogenetic relationships of metatherians with respect to other mammals, discuss the taxonomic definition and diagnosis of Metatheria, outline the Cretaceous history of major metatherian clades, describe the paleobiology, biogeography, and macroevolution of Cretaceous metatherians, and provide a physical and climatic background of Cretaceous metatherian faunas. Metatherians are a clade of boreosphendian mammals that must have originated by the Late Jurassic, but the first unequivocal metatherian fossil is from the Early Cretaceous of Asia. Metatherians have the distinctive tightly interlocking occlusal molar pattern of tribosphenic mammals, but differ from Eutheria in their dental formula and tooth replacement pattern, which may be related to the metatherian reproductive process which includes an extended period of lactation followed by birth of extremely altricial young. Metatherians were widespread over Laurasia during the Cretaceous, with members present in Asia, Europe, and North America by the early Late Cretaceous. In particular, they were taxonomically and morphologically diverse and relatively abundant in the Late Cretaceous of western North America, where they have been used to examine patterns of biogeography, macroevolution, diversification, and extinction through the Late Cretaceous and across the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary. Metatherian diversification patterns suggest that they were not strongly affected by a Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution, but they clearly underwent a severe extinction across the K-Pg boundary.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Review Article Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0200
Larvae of the genus Eleodes (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae): matrix-based descriptions, cladistic analysis, and key to late instars https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3838/ ZooKeys 415: 217-268

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.415.5887

Authors: Aaron Smith, Rebecca Dornburg, Quentin Wheeler

Abstract: Darkling beetle larvae (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) are collectively referred to as false wireworms. Larvae from several species in the genus Eleodes are considered to be agricultural pests, though relatively little work has been done to associate larvae with adults of the same species and only a handful of species have been characterized in their larval state.Morphological characters from late instar larvae were examined and coded to produce a matrix in the server-based content management system mx. The resulting morphology matrix was used to produce larval species descriptions, reconstruct a phylogeny, and build a key to the species included in the matrix.Larvae are described for the first time for the following 12 species: Eleodes anthracinus Blaisdell, Eleodes carbonarius (Say), Eleodes caudiferus LeConte, Eleodes extricatus (Say), Eleodes goryi Solier, Eleodes hispilabris (Say), Eleodes nigropilosus LeConte, Eleodes pilosus Horn, Eleodes subnitens LeConte, Eleodes tenuipes Casey, Eleodes tribulus Thomas, and Eleodes wheeleri Aalbu, Smith & Triplehorn. The larval stage of Eleodes armatus LeConte is redescribed with additional characters to differentiate it from the newly described congeneric larvae.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0300
A preliminary phylogenetic analysis of the New World Helopini (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Tenebrioninae) indicates the need for profound rearrangements of the classification https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3839/ ZooKeys 415: 191-216

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.415.6882

Authors: Paulina Cifuentes-Ruiz, Santiago Zaragoza-Caballero, Helga Ochoterena-Booth, Miguel Morón Rios

Abstract: Helopini is a diverse tribe in the subfamily Tenebrioninae with a worldwide distribution. The New World helopine species have not been reviewed recently and several doubts emerge regarding their generic assignment as well as the naturalness of the tribe and subordinate taxa. To assess these questions, a preliminary cladistic analysis was conducted with emphasis on sampling the genera distributed in the New World, but including representatives from other regions. The parsimony analysis includes 30 ingroup species from America, Europe and Asia of the subtribes Helopina and Cylindrinotina, plus three outgroups, and 67 morphological characters. Construction of the matrix resulted in the discovery of morphological character states not previously reported for the tribe, particularly from the genitalia of New World species. A consensus of the 12 most parsimonious trees supports the monophyly of the tribe based on a unique combination of characters, including one synapomorphy. None of the subtribes or the genera of the New World represented by more than one species (Helops Fabricius, Nautes Pascoe and Tarpela Bates) were recovered as monophyletic. Helopina was recovered as paraphyletic in relation to Cylindrinotina. One Nearctic species of Helops and one Palearctic species of Tarpela (subtribe Helopina) were more closely related to species of Cylindrinotina. A relatively derived clade, mainly composed by Neotropical species, was found; it includes seven species of Tarpela, seven species of Nautes, and three species of Helops, two Nearctic and one Neotropical. Our results reveal the need to deeply re-evaluate the current classification of the tribe and subordinated taxa, but a broader taxon sampling and further character exploration is needed in order to fully recognize monophyletic groups at different taxonomic levels (from subtribes to genera).

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0300
A cladistically based reinterpretation of the taxonomy of two Afrotropical tenebrionid genera Ectateus Koch, 1956 and Selinus Mulsant & Rey, 1853 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Platynotina) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3842/ ZooKeys 415: 81-132

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.415.6406

Authors: Marcin Kamiński

Abstract: On the basis of a newly performed cladistic analysis a new classification of the representatives of two Afrotropical tenebrionid genera, Ectateus Koch, 1956 and Selinus Mulsant & Rey, 1853 sensu Iwan 2002a, is provided. Eleoselinus is described as a new genus. The genus Monodius, previously synonymized with Selinus by Iwan (2002), is redescribed and considered as a separate genus. Following new combinations are proposed: Ectateus calcaripes (Gebien, 1904), Monodius laevistriatus (Fairmaire, 1897), Monodius lamottei (Gridelli, 1954), Monodius plicicollis (Fairmaire, 1897), Eleoselinus villiersi (Ardoin, 1965) and Eleoselinus ursynowiensis (Kamiński, 2011). Neotype for Ectateus calcaripes and lectotypes for E. crenatus (Fairmaire, 1897), E. ghesquierei Koch, 1956 and Monodius malaisei malaisei Koch, 1956 are designated to fix the taxonomic status of these taxa. The following synonymies are proposed: Selinus monardi Kaszab, 1951 and Ectateus latipennis Koch, 1956 with E. crenatus (Fairmaire, 1897). Identification keys are provided to all known species of Ectateus sensu novum, Eleoselinus, Monodius and Selinus sensu novum.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0300
A new genus and eight new species of the subtribe Anillina (Carabidae, Trechinae, Bembidiini) from Mexico, with a cladistic analysis and some notes on the evolution of the genus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3533/ ZooKeys 352: 51-92

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.352.6052

Authors: Igor Sokolov

Abstract: One new genus and eight new species of anilline carabids are described from southern Mexico. The new genus, Zapotecanillus gen. n., is established for Z. oaxacanus (type species) sp. n., Z. nanus sp. n., Z. iviei sp. n., Z. ixtlanus sp. n., Z. montanus sp. n., and Z. kavanaughi sp. n. from the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, Z. pecki sp. n. from the Sierra Madre del Sur, and Z. longinoi sp. n. from the Sierra Madre de Chiapas. A taxonomic key for all described species of Zapotecanillus and a cladistic analysis, based on morphological data, are provided. Morphological, behavioral and biogeographical aspects of the speciation in the genus obtained from the resulting cladogram are discussed.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 19 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0200
Further revision of the genus Megalopsalis (Opiliones, Neopilionidae), with the description of seven new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3604/ ZooKeys 328: 59-117

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.328.5439

Authors: Christopher Taylor

Abstract: The Australian harvestmen genus Megalopsalis (Neopilionidae: Enantiobuninae) is recognised as a senior synonym of the genera Spinicrus and Hypomegalopsalis, and seven new species are described in Megalopsalis: M. suffugiens, M. walpolensis, M. caeruleomontium, M. atrocidiana, M. coronata, M. puerilis and M. sublucens. A morphological phylogenetic analysis of the Enantiobuninae is also conducted including the new species. Monophyly of Neopilionidae and Enantiobuninae including ‘Monoscutidae’ is corroborated, with the Australasian taxa as a possible sister clade to the South American Thrasychirus.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 3 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0300
The dorsal chaetotaxy of Trogolaphysa (Collembola, Paronellidae), with descriptions of two new species from caves in Belize https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3541/ ZooKeys 323: 35-74

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.323.4950

Authors: Felipe Soto-Adames, Steven Taylor

Abstract: Species diagnosis in Trogolaphysa has been based, until now, almost exclusively on number of eyes and shape of claws and mucro. Chaetotaxy, a character system important to diagnose species in other genera of scaled Entomobryoidea, has been described only for a few Trogolaphysa species. Here the complete dorsal chaetotaxy of six species of Trogolaphysa is described using the AMS and Szeptycki’s systems for head and body, respectively. A morphology-based parsimony analysis was performed to evaluate whether chaetotaxic characters overcome the influence of putatively cave adaptive convergent characters to resolve species level relationships, and to evaluate the evolution of the dorsal macrochaetae of the head. Phylogenetic analysis using only putative cave-adaptive characters support clades of unrelated taxa, but the addition of chaetotaxy overcomes the influence of convergent characters. A phylogeny based on all characters supports a trend towards reduced head macrochaetae number. Head macrochaetae are lost beginning with A3 and followed, in order, by S5, S3 and M3. In addition, a checklist of New World Trogolaphysa is provided and two new species, Trogolaphysa giordanoae sp. n. and Trogolaphysa jacobyi sp. n., are described on the basis of material collected in six caves in southern Belize.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 13 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Phylogenetic systematics of Schacontia Dyar with descriptions of eight new species (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3919/ ZooKeys 291: 27-81

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.291.3744

Authors: Paul Goldstein, Mark Metz, Alma Solis

Abstract: The Neotropical genus Schacontia Dyar (1914) is reviewed and revised to include eleven species. Schacontia replica Dyar, 1914, syn. n. and S. pfeifferi Amsel, 1956, syn. n. are synonymized with S. chanesalis (Druce, 1899) and eight new species are described: Schacontia umbra, sp. n., S. speciosa, sp. n., S. themis, sp. n., S. rasa, sp. n., S. nyx, sp. n., S. clotho, sp. n., S. lachesis, sp. n., and S. atropos, sp. n. Three species, S. medalba, S. chanesalis, and S. ysticalis, are re-described. An analysis of 64 characters (56 binary, 8 multistate; 5 head, 13 thoracic, 13 abdominal, 25 male genitalic, and 8 female genitalic) scored for all Schacontia and three outgroup species (Eustixia pupula Hübner, 1823, Glaphyria sesquistrialis Hübner, 1823, and Hellula undalis (Fabricius, 1781)) retrieved 8 equally most parsimonious trees (L=102, CI=71, RI=84) of which the strict consensus is: [[[[medalba + umbra] + chanesalis] + speciosa] + [ysticalis + [rasa + themis + [atropos + lachesis + nyx + clotho]]]]. The relevance of male secondary sexual characters to the diagnosis of Schacontia species is discussed.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300
The subtribes and genera of the tribe Listroderini (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Cyclominae): Phylogenetic analysis with systematic and biogeographical accounts https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3720/ ZooKeys 273: 15-71

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.273.4116

Authors: Juan Morrone

Abstract: The phylogenetic relationships of the genera of Listroderini LeConte, 1876 are analyzed based on 58 morphological characters. The genera are grouped in four clades, which are given subtribal status: Macrostyphlina new subtribe (Adioristidius, Amathynetoides, Andesianellus, Macrostyphlus, Nacodius and Puranius), Palaechthina Brinck, 1948 (Anorthorhinus, Gunodes, Haversiella, Inaccodes, Listronotus, Neopachytychius, Palaechthus, Palaechtodes, Steriphus and Tristanodes), Falklandiina new subtribe (Falklandiellus, Falklandiopsis, Falklandius, Gromilus, Lanteriella, Liparogetus, Nestrius and Telurus), and Listroderina (Acroriellus, Acrorius, Acrostomus, Antarctobius, Germainiellus, Hyperoides, Lamiarhinus, Listroderes, Methypora, Philippius, Rupanius and Trachodema). The subtribes are characterized and keys to identify them and their genera are provided. Listroderini have four main biogeographical patterns: Andean (Macrostyphlina), Andean-New Zealand (Falklandiina), Andean-Neotropical-Australian (Listroderina) and Andean-Neotropical-Australian-New Zealand-Nearctic-Tristan da Cunha-Gough islands (Palaechthina). Geographical paralogy, particularly evident in the Subantarctic subregion of the Andean region, suggests that Listroderini are an ancient Gondwanic group, in which several extinction events might have obscured relationships among the areas.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0200
Description and phylogeny of Namalycastis jaya sp. n. (Polychaeta, Nereididae, Namanereidinae) from the southwest coast of India https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3304/ ZooKeys 238: 31-43

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.238.4014

Authors: Mathan Magesh, Sebastian Kvist, Chris Glasby

Abstract: Namalycastis jaya sp. n. (Polychaeta: Nereididae: Namanereidinae) is described from the southern coast of Kerala in southwest India. One important characteristic feature of the species is the lack of notochaetae in all parapodia, a characteristic that it shares with at least two other species, Namalycastis elobeyensis Glasby, 1999 and Namalycastis hawaiiensis Johnson, 1903. It differs from N. elobeyensis by virtue of its smaller antennae, unequal eye size, bilobed acicular neuropodial ligule and multi-incised pygidium rim. Moreover, it differs from N. hawaiiensis byfewer teeth on the serrated blades of the sub-neuroacicular falciger in chaetiger 10, and by possessing finely serrated falcigers in posterior segments. Beyond morphological analyses, molecular phylogenetics was used for the first time for Namalycastis to support population monophyly and recognition of the new species. The analysis, using both mitochondrial and nuclear data, corroborated the morphological analysis in suggesting that our specimens represent an as yet undescribed species, Namalycastis jaya sp. n., which forms a monophyletic group among the sampled nereidid taxa. Finally, a taxonomic key for Namalycastis species recorded from the Indian region is provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 5 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200
Revision, cladistic analysis and biogeography of Typhochlaena C. L. Koch, 1850, Pachistopelma Pocock, 1901 and Iridopelma Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Aviculariinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3211/ ZooKeys 230: 1-94

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.230.3500

Authors: Rogerio Bertani

Abstract: Three aviculariine genera endemic to Brazil are revised. Typhochlaena C. L. Koch, 1850 is resurrected, including five species; Pachistopelma Pocock, 1901 includes two species; and Iridopelma Pocock, 1901, six species. Nine species are newly described: Typhochlaena amma sp. n., T. costae sp. n., T. curumim sp. n., T. paschoali sp. n., Pachistopelma bromelicola sp. n., Iridopelma katiae sp. n., I. marcoi sp. n., I. oliveirai sp. n. and I. vanini sp. n. Three new synonymies are established: Avicularia pulchra Mello-Leitão, 1933 and Avicularia recifiensis Struchen & Brändle, 1996 are junior synonyms of Pachistopelma rufonigrum Pocock, 1901 syn. n., and Avicularia palmicola Mello-Leitão, 1945 is a junior synonym of Iridopelma hirsutum Pocock, 1901 syn. n. Pachistopelma concolor Caporiacco, 1947 is transferred to Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871, making the new combination Tapinauchenius concolor (Caporiacco, 1947) comb. n. Lectotypes are newly designed for Pachistopelma rufonigrum Pocock, 1901 , Iridopelma hirsutum Pocock, 1901 and Pachistopelma concolor Caporiacco, 1947. Cladistic analyses using both equal and implied weights were carried out with a matrix comprising 62 characters and 38 terminal taxa. The chosen cladogram found with X-Pee-Wee and concavity 6 suggests they are monophyletic. All species are keyed and mapped and information on species habitat and area cladograms are presented. Discussion on biogeography and conservation is provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Monograph Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300
Katatopygia gen. n., a monophyletic branch segregated from Boletina (Diptera, Mycetophilidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2555/ ZooKeys 175: 37-67

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.175.2388

Authors: Svante Martinsson, Jostein Kjaerandsen

Abstract: The genus Katatopygia gen. n. is proposed for the Boletina erythropyga/punctus-group that was first introduced by Garrett (1924, 1925) and currently comprises eight described species. Molecular studies have strongly indicated that this group forms a monophyletic sister-group to a clade consisting of all other Boletina, Coelosia and Gnoriste, and its monophyly is supported by morphological data as well. The new genus includes the following species: Katatopygia antoma (Garrett, 1924), comb. n., Katatopygia antica (Garrett, 1924), comb. n., Katatopygia erythropyga (Holmgren, 1883), comb. n., Katatopygia hissarica (Zaitzev & Polevoi, 2002), comb. n., Katatopygia magna (Garrett, 1925), comb. n., Katatopygia laticauda (Saigusa, 1968), comb. n., Katatopygia neoerythropyga (Zaitzev & Polevoi, 2002), comb. n. and Katatopygia sahlbergi (Lundström, 1906), comb. n., all transferred from Boletina. K. sahlbergi is found to be a senior synonym of Boletina punctus Garrett, 1925, syn. n. A phylogeny based on morphological data and using parsimony analysis yielded four most parsimonious trees where the new genus is retrieved as monophyletic with high support. Katatopygia neoerythropyga is found to be the sister-taxon to all other species that form two clades, one with K. sahlbergi-like species and one with K. erythropyga-like species. A key to males of Katatopygia is provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200
Cladistic assessment of subtribal affinities within the tribe Moriomorphini with description of Rossjoycea glacialis, gen. n. and sp. n. from the South Island, and revision of Meonochilus Liebherr and Marris from the North Island, New Zealand (Coleoptera, Carabidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2955/ ZooKeys 147: 277-335

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.147.1898

Authors: James Liebherr

Abstract: Phylogenetic relationships within the tribe Moriomorphini Sloane, 1890 are analyzed cladistically based on 75 morphological characters and 21 ingroup terminal taxa rooted at a Trechus obtusus Erichson outgroup. Based on the resultant cladistic relationships, two subtribes–Moriomorphina and Amblytelina Blackburn, 1892–are recognized, with the following new synonymies proposed: Meonides Sloane, 1898 = Amblytelina (NEW SYNONYMY); Tropopterides Sloane, 1898 = Amblytelina (NEW SYNONYMY); Mecyclothoracitae Jeannel, 1940 = Amblytelina (NEW SYNONYMY). Monophyly of Moriomorphina is based on presence of elongate, parallel-sided and glabrous to nearly glabrous male parameres, whereas Amblytelina are defined most broadly by possession of conchoid parameres with narrowed, setose apices, subtending a clade defined by a more derived parameral configuration whereby elongate styloid parameres terminate in a whip-like apical extension. Representatives of all New Zealand moriomorphine genera are included in the analysis, with cladistic results necessitating description of Rossjoycea glacialis, gen. n. and sp. n., known from a single locality near the Franz Josef Glacier, Westland, South Island, New Zealand. Monophyly of Meonochilus Liebherr and Marris, 2009 is demonstrated, and its six species are taxonomically revised: M. amplipennis (Broun), M. eplicatus (Broun), M. placens (Broun), M. bellorum, sp. n., M. rectus, sp. n., and M. spiculatus, sp. n. Geographic restriction of Meonochilus to the North Island of New Zealand, coupled with its sister-group status to an Australian-based Amblytelus Erichson-Mecyclothorax Sharp clade reinforce the interpretation that Meonochilus was isolated in New Zealand by vicariance along the Norfolk Ridge, subsequent to New Zealand’s initial Cretaceous isolation from Tasmania and southeastern Australia via opening of the Tasman Sea.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200
A new Late Cretaceous family of Hymenoptera, and phylogeny of the Plumariidae and Chrysidoidea (Aculeata) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2720/ ZooKeys 130: 515-542

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.130.1591

Authors: Denis Brothers

Abstract: The taxonomic placement of an enigmatic species of wasp known from two specimens in Late Cretaceous New Jersey amber is investigated through cladistic analyses of 90 morphological characters for 33 terminals ranging across non-Aculeata, non-Chrysidoidea, most subfamilies of Chrysidoidea and all genera of Plumariidae (the family to which the fossils were initially assigned), based on use of exemplars. The fossil taxon is apparently basal in Chrysidoidea, most likely sister to Plumariidae, but perhaps sister to the remaining chrysidoids, or even sister to Chrysidoidea as a whole. It is described as representing a new family, Plumalexiidae fam. n., containing a single species, Plumalexius rasnitsyni gen. et sp. n. Previous estimates of relationships for the genera of Plumariidae and for the higher taxa of Chrysidoidea are mostly confirmed. The importance of outgroup choice, and additivity and weighting of characters are demonstrated.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300
New shore bug (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Saldidae) from the Early Cretaceous of China with phylogenetic analyses https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2752/ ZooKeys 130: 185-198

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.130.1563

Authors: Weiting Zhang, Yunzhi Yao, Dong Ren

Abstract: A new genus with a new species of Saldidae, Brevrimatus pulchalifer gen. et sp. n., is described and illustrated. The fossil specimen was found from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China. Phylogenetic analyses within Saldidae were performed, and the results indicate B. pulchalifer gen. et sp. n. should be assigned to the subfamily Chiloxanthinae.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300
Alocanthedon, a new subgenus of Chalicodoma from Southeast Asia (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2440/ ZooKeys 101: 51-80

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.101.1182

Authors: Michael Engel, Victor Gonzalez

Abstract: A new subgenus, Alocanthedon Engel and Gonzalez subg. n., is described for five species of unusual Southeast Asian bees in the genus Chalicodoma Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau (Megachilinae: Megachilini). The subgenus is most noteworthy for the deep postgenal depression or furrow in males (bordered outwardly near the base of the mandible by a protuberant, thick lamella) and the presence of a dense patch of black setae posteriorly in the forewing medial cell (except in one species) [resembling the dense patch of setae among the submarginal cells of Thrinchostoma Saussure (Halictidae: Halictinae: Halictini)]. The subgenus is characterized and distinguished from the related Callomegachile Michener. A key to the following five species presently included in the subgenus is provided: Chalicodoma aterrimum (Smith), C. atratiforme (Meade-Waldo) comb. n., C. memecylonae Engel sp. n., C. odontophorum Engel sp. n., and C. apoicola Engel sp. n. Chalicodoma (Callomegachile) atratiforme sininsulae (Cockerell) is newly placed in synonymy with C. (C.) fulvipenne (Smith). Species have been collected from Memecylaceae (Myrtales) and Fabaceae (Fabales). The phylogenetic relationships of Alocanthedon among other Megachilini are briefly elaborated upon.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300
On the Austral-Antarctic stenothoids Proboloides, Metopoides, Torometopa and Scaphodactylus (Crustacea Amphipoda) Part 2: the genus Proboloides, with description of two new genera and the transfer of two nominal species to Metopoides https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2263/ ZooKeys 86: 11-45

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.86.785

Authors: Traudl Krapp

Abstract: This is the second part of a revision of the most plesiomorphic genera in the amphipod family Stenothoidae sensu lato (see Krapp-Schickel and Koenemann 2006 for an overview and Krapp-Schickel 2008 for the first part). 41 species not belonging to Metopoides were plotted in a matrix using the same 61 characters as in the first part. The resulting group of Proboloides species (most probably not existing in the Austral-Antarctic region) is discussed, a key for the members given and two new genera erected. Some species described as Proboloides are redescribed and 2 species transferred to Metopoides. A key for all actual members of Proboloides and a revised key for Metopoides is added. The remaining species, i.e. those actually being in the genera Torometopa and Scaphodactylus, will be dealt with in the final part of this series, together with a key to all of them.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0200
Mitochondrial phylogenies in the light of pseudogenes and Wolbachia: re-assessment of a bark beetle dataset https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2324/ ZooKeys 56: 269-280

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.56.531

Authors: Wolfgang Arthofer, Dimitrios Avtzis, Markus Riegler, Christian Stauffer

Abstract: Phylogenetic studies based on mtDNA become increasingly questioned because of potential pitfalls due to mitochondrial pseudgenes and mitochondrial selective sweeps. While the inclusion of nuclear markers should preferentially be considered for future studies, there is no need to abandon mtDNA as long as tests for the known mtDNA artefacts are performed. In this study we present additional data and test previous phylogeographical studies of Pityogenes chalcographus. We did not detect nuclear copies (numts) of the previously used mitochondrial markers by performing a combined long range/nested PCR of the COI gene and by an in silico analysis of the COI sequence data. This confirms the robustness of our previous phylogenetic study of P. chalcographus. Results of an in-situ hybridization of Wolbachia in P. chalcographus confirm the presence of this endosysmbiont in this species. However, we did not detect a correlation between infection status, geographical region and mtDNA haplotypes. The hybridisation data also support a previous hypothesis that infections do not result from parasitoids or parasitic nematodes, insect surface or laboratory contaminations and are hence a true infection of P. chalcographus. We conclude that the deep structure found in mitochondrial populations of P. chalcographus indeed represents the evolutionary history of European populations.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Identity of the ailanthus webworm moth (Lepidoptera, Yponomeutidae), a complex of two species: evidence from DNA barcoding, morphology and ecology https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2199/ ZooKeys 46: 41-60

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.46.406

Authors: John Wilson, Jean-François Landry, Daniel Janzen, Winnie Hallwachs, Vazrick Nazari, Mehrdad Hajibabaei, Paul Hebert

Abstract: During extensive ongoing campaigns to inventory moths of North America and Area de Conservacion Guanacaste (ACG), northwestern Costa Rica, we discovered that morphologically similar yponomeutid moths were assigned two different names, Atteva ergatica Walsingham in Costa Rica and A. punctella (Stoll) in North America, but had identical DNA barcodes. Combining DNA barcoding, morphology and food plant records also revealed a complex of two sympatric species that are diagnosable by their DNA barcodes and their facies in Costa Rica. However, neither of the names could be correctly applied to either species, as A. ergatica is a junior synonym and A. punctella a junior homonym. By linking our specimens to type material through morphology and DNA barcoding, we determined that the ACG dry forest species, distributed from Costa Rica to southern Quebec and Ontario, should be called A. aurea, whereas the similar and marginally sympatric ACG rain forest species found in Central America should be called A. pustulella. Neotypes are designated for Phalaena Tinea punctella Stoll, 1781 and Deiopeia aurea Fitch, 1857. Atteva floridana has identical barcodes to A. aurea and provisionally maintained as a synonym.

HTML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0300
A preliminary characterization of Bembidion perspicuum LeConte, with a reclassification of related species (Coleoptera, Carabidae) north of México https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2191/ ZooKeys 43: 15-31

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.43.390

Authors: David Maddison, Alexander Swanson

Abstract: Bembidion perspicuum LeConte is a species distinct from B. transversale Dejean, with which it has been synonymized in the past. In the United States, B. perspicuum occurs from Oregon through Texas along the shores of rivers and creeks. We show that it is consistently different at 40 bases in DNA sequences of cytochrome oxidase I and 4 bases in 28S ribosomal DNA, as well as in subtle morphological characters. In addition, we review the classification of related species in the B. transversale and B. mexicanum species groups in America north of México. In the United States and Canada, the B. transversale group consists of B. transversale, B. perspicuum, and B. sarpedon Casey; the B. mexicanum group consists of B. mexicanum Dejean, B. lugubre LeConte, and B. pernotum Casey.

HTML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Four new species and one new genus of zoanthids (Cnidaria, Hexacorallia) from the Galapagos Islands https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2185/ ZooKeys 42: 1-36

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.42.378

Authors: James Reimer, Takuma Fujii

Abstract: Recent research has confirmed the presence of several species of undescribed macrocnemic zoanthids (Cnidaria: Hexacorallia: Zoantharia: Macrocnemina) in the Galapagos. In this study four new species, including two belonging to a new genus, are described. Two species, Terrazoanthus onoi sp. n. and Terrazoanthus sinnigeri sp. n., both belong within the recently erected family Hydrozoanthidae to the new genus Terrazoanthus, which can be distinguished from the type genus Hydrozoanthus by being attached to abiotic substrate as opposed to hydrozoans for Hydrozoanthus. Each new species of zoanthid can be clearly distinguished by a number of characters. Antipathozoanthus hickmani sp. n. is distinguished by its exclusive association with the antipatharian Antipathes galapagensis, and has approximately 40 tentacles. Parazoanthus darwini sp. n. is distinguished by its frequent association with sponges, with approximately 24–30 tentacles and polyps embedded in a well-developed coenenchyme. T. onoi sp. n. is distinguished by its bright red oral disk color, 32–40 tentacles, and has only basitrichs and mastigophores present in the pharynx. T. sinnigeri sp. n. is distinguished by usually occurring on the underside of rubble and rocks on sandy bottoms, showing 30–36 tentacles, and numerous nematocyst types in the pharynx. The two Terrazoanthus species, although divergent in both morphology and ecology, are apparently very closely related, with identical mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences. These two species can be molecularly distinguished by their subtly different yet distinct sequences of internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (ITS-rDNA).

HTML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0300
The spider family Micropholcommatidae (Arachnida: Araneae: Araneoidea): a relimitation and revision at the generic level https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2154/ ZooKeys 36: 1-321

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.36.306

Authors: Michael Rix, Mark Harvey

Abstract: The araneoid spider family Micropholcommatidae Hickman, previously containing 34 southern-temperate species in eight genera, is relimited and revised at the generic level to include 18 genera from Australia, Lord Howe Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Chile. Three subfamilies are proposed, and a new phylogenetic hypothesis for the family is presented as a result of two morphological cladistic analyses, used to test the phylogenetic position and phylogeny of the known micropholcommatid taxa. These cladistic analyses inferred a monophyletic Micropholcommatidae, belonging to the diverse araneoid symphytognathidan lineage, with the families Anapidae, Symphytognathidae and Micropholcommatidae further united by the newly proposed 'EbCY' clade. The genus Teutoniella Brignoli, previously included in the Micropholcommatidae, was found to be most closely related to an undescribed genus from South Africa, together forming a distinctive ‘teutoniellid’ lineage within the EbCY clade. The subfamily Micropholcommatinae Hickman, new rank contains the bulk of micropholcommatid diversity, with three tribes, 15 genera and 45 described species. The micropholcommatine tribe Micropholcommatini Hickman, new rank includes the nominate genus Micropholcomma Crosby & Bishop, along with three additional genera from Australasia and Chile: Micropholcomma has eight species, including the type, M. caeligenum Crosby & Bishop, and M. junee sp. n.; Pua Forster is monotypic, with P. novaezealandiae Forster; Tricellina Forster & Platnick is also monotypic, with T. gertschi (Forster & Platnick); and Austropholcomma gen. n. has two species, including the type A. florentine sp. n., and A. walpole sp. n. The micropholcommatine tribe Textricellini Hickman, new rank is a diverse and distinctive lineage, including all species previously described in the genus Textricella Hickman, which is hereby recognised as a junior generic synonym of Eterosonycha Butler syn. n.; the 20 previously described species of Textricella are thus transferred into Eterosonycha or other newly described genera. The Textricellini includes 10 genera from Australasia and Chile: Eterosonycha has four species, including the type E. alpina Butler (=Textricella parva Hickman syn. n.), E. complexa (Forster), E. aquilina sp. n. and E. ocellata sp. n.; Epigastrina gen. n. has three species, including the type E. fulva (Hickman), E. loongana sp. n. and E. typhlops sp. n.; Guiniella gen. n. is monotypic, with G. tropica (Forster); Raveniella gen. n. has three species, including the type R. luteola (Hickman), R. hickmani (Forster) and R. peckorum sp. n.; Rayforstia gen. n. has 12 species, including the type R. vulgaris (Forster), the two new species R. lordhowensis sp. n. and R. raveni sp. n., and the nine additional species R. antipoda (Forster), R. insula (Forster), R. mcfarlanei (Forster), R. plebeia (Forster), R. propinqua (Forster), R. salmoni (Forster), R. scuta (Forster), R. signata (Forster) and R. wisei (Forster); Normplatnicka gen. n. has three species, including the type N. lamingtonensis (Forster), N. chilensis sp. n. and N. barrettae sp. n.; Eperiella gen. n. has two species, including the type E. alsophila sp. n., and E. hastings sp. n.; Algidiella gen. n. is monotypic, with A. aucklandica (Forster); Taliniella gen. n. has two species, including the type T. nigra (Forster), and T. vinki sp. n.; and Tinytrella gen. n. is monotypic, with T. pusilla (Forster). The micropholcommatine tribe Patelliellini trib. n. includes only one monotypic genus, Patelliella gen. n., represented by the enigmatic species Patelliella adusta sp. n. from Lord Howe Island. The subfamily Taphiassinae subfam. n. includes two genera of distinctive, heavily punctate Micropholcommatidae from Australasia: Taphiassa Simon has six species, including the type T. impressa Simon, T. punctata (Forster), T. castanea sp. n., T. globosa sp. n., T. magna sp. n. and T. robertsi sp. n.; the genus Parapua Forster, erected by Forster (1959) for P. punctata, is hereby recognised as a junior generic synonym of Taphiassa (syn. n.). The endemic Tasmanian genus Olgania Hickman has five species, including the type O. excavata Hickman, O. cracroft sp. n., O. eberhardi sp. n., O. troglodytes sp. n. and O. weld sp. n. The subfamily Gigiellinae subfam. n. includes only one genus from south-eastern Australia and Chile, Gigiella gen. n., described for the two species G. milledgei sp. n. and G. platnicki sp. n. The distribution, diversity and Gondwanan biogeography of the Micropholcommatidae are discussed, and natural history information is provided where known; webs and egg sacs of Taphiassinae are described for the first time. Species level monographic coverage is provided for those faunas of conservation or biogeographic significance, including the largely undescribed Western Australian fauna, the Lord Howe Island fauna, the Tasmanian cave fauna and the southern Chilean fauna, with other species of conservation or biogeographic importance also described. In total, 26 new species, 12 new genera, one new tribe and two new subfamilies are described, taking the total documented micropholcommatid fauna to 58 species.

HTML

PDF

]]>
Monograph Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0200
Phylogenetic analysis of the myrmecophilous Cremastocheilus Knoch (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae), based on external adult morphology https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2142/ ZooKeys 34: 129-140

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.34.262

Authors: Glene Mynhardt, John Wenzel

Abstract: The genus Cremastocheilus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) is a myrmecophilous group of approximately 45 species distributed throughout North America. Authors previously recognized anywhere between two and five subgenera. We present the first cladistic analysis of Cremastocheilus based on 51 external adult morphological characters. The monophyly of the subgenera Macropodina, Trinodia and Cremastocheilus is supported. Cremastocheilus (Anatrinodia) wheeleri is most closely related to other C. (Cremastocheilus). The three species groups comprising C. (Myrmecotonus) are paraphyletic with respect to C. (Cremastocheilus). The pronotum, which bears most of the glands that enable beetles to interact with ants, provides important characters, while characters associated with setae and tomenta are homoplastic. Based on examination of the strict consensus of 24 equally parsimonious trees C. (Myrmecotonus) and C. (Anatrinodia) are synonymized with C. (Cremastocheilus).

HTML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0200
Recent advances in phylogeny and taxonomy of Near and Middle Eastern Vipers – an update https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2122/ ZooKeys 31: 179-191

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.31.261

Authors: Nikolaus Stümpel, Ulrich Joger

Abstract: The number of recognized viper species in the Near and Middle East has been raised significantly in the last 25 years (Table 1). While some smaller genera remained more or less stable, the genus Vipera has been subdivided into four genera on the basis of molecular genetic data. Of these genera, Daboia contains the former Vipera palaestinae and D. russelii, Macrovipera the species M. lebetina, M. schweizeri and an undescribed, basal species from Iran, and Montivipera the former Vipera xanthina and V. raddei complexes. While the genetic diversity in the M. raddei complex is fairly low, it is high in the M. xanthina complex. This may give reason to synonymize several taxa in the M. raddei complex, while new taxa can be described in the Turkish M. xanthina complex. The number of known species in the Middle Eastern Saw-scaled vipers (genus Echis) must be raised from 2 to 6. These species belong to 3 different species complexes (an Asian, an African and an Arabian complex). A particularly high diversity of Echis is found in southern Arabia. Antivenom producers should pay particular attention to new species in the medically important genera Echis and Macrovipera.

HTML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
A Revision of Lasionycta Aurivillius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for North America and notes on Eurasian species, with descriptions of 17 new species, 6 new subspecies, a new genus, and two new species of Tricholita Grote https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2110/ ZooKeys 30: 1-156

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.30.308

Authors: Lars Crabo, Donald Lafontaine

Abstract: The North American species of Lasionycta Aurivillius are revised to include 43 species and 13 subspecies using traditional methods and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) DNA sequence (barcode) analysis. Seven species-groups are recognized, and one group is further divided into seven sub-groups. Seventeen species and six subspecies of Lasionycta are described: L. anthracina Crabo & Lafontaine, L. benjamini medaminosa Crabo & Lafontaine, L. brunnea Crabo & Lafontaine, L. caesia Crabo & Lafontaine, L. carolynae Crabo, L. coracina Crabo & Lafontaine, L. fergusoni Crabo & Lafontaine, L. frigida Crabo & Lafontaine, L. gelida Crabo & Lafontaine, L. haida Crabo & Lafontaine, L. illima Crabo & Lafontaine, L. mono Crabo & Lafontaine, L. uniformis fusca Crabo & Lafontaine, L. uniformis handfieldi Crabo & Lafontaine, L. uniformis multicolor Crabo & Lafontaine, L. uniformis shasta Crabo & Lafontaine, L. perplexella Crabo & Lafontaine, L. pulverea Crabo & Lafontaine, L. sasquatch Crabo & Lafontaine, L. sierra Crabo & Lafontaine, L. silacea Crabo & Lafontaine, L. subalpina Crabo & Lafontaine, and L. subfuscula livida Crabo & Lafontaine. Lasionycta coloradensis (Richards), L. dolosaL. flanda (Barnes & Benjamin), (Smith), L. poca (Barnes & Benjamin), and L. subfumosa (Gibson) are elevated to species. The following new synonyms are recognized: Scotogramma albinuda Smith (= Lasiestra phoca Möschler), Lasiestra klotsi Richards (= Scotogramma discolor Smith), Scotogramma infuscata Smith (= Mamestra promulsa Morrison), Lasionycta alberta Barnes & Benjamin and Anytus marloffi Smith (= Scotogramma perplexa Smith), Scotogramma sedilis Smith (= Scotogramma subfuscula Grote), Mamestra rainieri Smith (= Mamestra mutilata Smith), Anarta zemblica Hampson (= Anarta staudingeri Aurivillius), and Anarta etacta Smith (= Mamestra arietis Grote). The Eurasian species are reviewed resulting in the following changes: Lasionhada proxima (Hübner), comb. rev., Eriopygodes imbecilla (Fabricius), comb. rev., Lasionycta dovrensis (Wocke), stat. rev. and L. fumida (Graeser), stat. rev. The genus Psammopolia Crabo & Lafontaine (type species: Polia wyatti Barnes & Benjamin) is described, resulting in the following new combinations: Psammopolia arietis (Grote), comb. n., Psammopolia insolens (Grote), comb. n., Psammopolia ochracea (Smith), comb. n., Psammopolia sala (Troubridge & Mustelin), comb. n., and Psammopolia wyatti (Barnes & Benjamin), comb. n. Two new species of the related genus Tricholita Grote are described: T. ferrisi Crabo & Lafontaine from southwestern Arizona and T. knudsoni Crabo & Lafontaine from western Texas. Adults and genitalia of all North American Lasionycta and Psammopolia species and the new Tricholita are illustrated. Keys to species-groups and species are presented. DNA barcodes of 39 of the 43 species were sequenced and are presented as neighbor-joining phylograms. The barcodes support the taxonomy at genus and species-group level, but not consistently at the sub-group level. At the species-level, performance of DNA barcodes was variable; 17 of the 39 barcoded species exhibited haplotype variation discordant with morphology, phenotype and distribution. A high frequency (43.6 %) of haplotypes were either shared among more than one species (representing eight species), or were closely similar and nested within haplotypic variation of other species (nine species).

HTML

PDF

]]>
Monograph Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Corrigenda: Sereno PC, Larsson HCE (2009) Cretaceous Crocodyliforms from the Sahara. ZooKeys 28: 1–143. https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2109/ ZooKeys 29: 73-74

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.29.368

Authors: Paul Sereno, Hans Larsson

Abstract:

HTML

PDF

]]>
Corrigendum Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Cretaceous Crocodyliforms from the Sahara https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2104/ ZooKeys 28: 1-143

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.28.325

Authors: Paul Sereno, Hans Larsson

Abstract: Diverse crocodyliforms have been discovered in recent years in Cretaceous rocks on southern landmasses formerly composing Gondwana. We report here on six species from the Sahara with an array of trophic adaptations that significantly deepen our current understanding of African crocodyliform diversity during the Cretaceous period. We describe two of these species (Anatosuchus minor, Araripesuchus wegeneri) from nearly complete skulls and partial articulated skeletons from the Lower Cretaceous Elrhaz Formation (Aptian-Albian) of Niger. The remaining four species (Araripesuchus rattoides sp. n., Kaprosuchus saharicus gen. n. sp. n., Laganosuchus thaumastos gen. n. sp. n., Laganosuchus maghrebensis gen. n. sp. n.) come from contemporaneous Upper Cretaceous formations (Cenomanian) in Niger and Morocco.

HTML

PDF

]]>
Monograph Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Review of tapeworms of rodents in the Republic of Buryatia, with emphasis on anoplocephalid cestodes https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1974/ ZooKeys 8: 1-18

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.8.58

Authors: Voitto Haukisalmi, Heikki Henttonen, Lotta Hardman, Michael Hardman, Juha Laakkonen, Galina Murueva, Jukka Niemimaa, Stanislav Shulunov, Olli Vapalahti

Abstract: Examination of ca. 500 rodents [Microtus spp., Myodes spp., Cricetulus barabensis (Pallas), Apodemus peninsulae Thomas] from 14 localities in the Republic of Buryatia (Russian Federation) revealed a minimum of 11 cestode species representing Anoplocephaloides Baer, 1923 s. str. (1 species), Paranoplocephala Lühe, 1910 s. l. (5 species), Catenotaenia Janicki, 1904 (2 species), Arostrilepis Mas-Coma & Tenora, 1997 (at least 2 species) and Rodentolepis Spasskii, 1954 (1 species). At least 5 of these species are previously unknown. The taxonomic and phylogenetic position of Buryatian Paranoplocephala-species was defined by cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences (mtDNA). The phylogenetic analysis also confirmed the status of Parandrya Gulyaev & Chechulin, 1996 as a junior synonym of Paranoplocephala s. l.. The species diversity of anoplocephalid cestodes was significantly lower in Buryatia and North-East Siberia (6-7 species) than in Europe (17 species). The connections of the anoplocephalid fauna of Buryatia seem to be closer with Beringia (North-East Siberia and Alaska) than with Europe. The present study demonstrated high spatial variation (patchiness) among study sites in cestodes of Buryatian rodents, with the exception of the ubiquitous Arostrilepis horrida (von Linstow, 1901)-complex.

HTML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0300