Diversity

123 pages, 3951 KB

Open AccessReview

Doomed to Isolation or Just Exploiting Spatial Benefits? A Global Review of the Galapagos Shark Carcharhinus galapagensis (Snodgrass & Heller, 1905) (Pisces: Carcharhinidae), a Species with a Widespread but Fragmented Distribution

by Peter Gausmann

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080500 - 21 Aug 2026

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Abstract

The Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) is a large carcharhinid shark that occurs around the oceanic islands of tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate regions of the world. Carcharhinus galapagensis shows a striking disjunct distribution and strong affinity to remote and isolated oceanic islands. [...] Read more.

The Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) is a large carcharhinid shark that occurs around the oceanic islands of tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate regions of the world. Carcharhinus galapagensis shows a striking disjunct distribution and strong affinity to remote and isolated oceanic islands. Its distribution includes some of the most remote island ecosystems of the world (e.g., Easter Island), yet this unusual distribution pattern is poorly understood. Hence, it requires a plausible explanation and makes this species a subject for biogeography for the better understanding of phylogeography, movements, habitat connectivity, and gene flow. The purpose of this review, which is based on an extensive citing of the literature and an analysis of public databases, is to provide a comprehensive list of global records and reports of this species and a distribution map as a base for conservation strategies. This survey identified 69 verified and 27 unconfirmed global Galapagos shark records. The verified records included 53 around oceanic islands and 16 at continental coasts. Additionally, a voucher specimen that was collected in 1965 during an expedition to Easter Island and was formerly misidentified, was revised by the author and positively identified as C. galapagensis. This voucher specimen represents the first record of this species from Easter Island. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Biodiversity, Ecology, and Management in Shark Research)

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26 pages, 12185 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Study on the Dune Vegetation of Turkish Coast with Particular Reference to Enez (Evros) Delta

by Yüksel Ünlükaplan, K. Tulühan Yılmaz, E. Dilan Karagöz and U. Erhan Kaya

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080499 - 20 Aug 2026

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Abstract

This study evaluates the unique ecological and floristic identity of the coastal dune vegetation in the Enez delta and adjacent dune coast of Saros Bay (southern Thrace) by comparing it with diverse dune systems across the Anatolian peninsula. A comprehensive data matrix of [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the unique ecological and floristic identity of the coastal dune vegetation in the Enez delta and adjacent dune coast of Saros Bay (southern Thrace) by comparing it with diverse dune systems across the Anatolian peninsula. A comprehensive data matrix of 97 phytosociological relevés across nine representative coastal dunes spanning the East Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea coasts was analyzed. Methodologically, univariate non-parametric approaches (Friedman variance analysis and Durbin–Conover tests) were integrated with multivariate techniques, including Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) based on a Bray–Curtis dissimilarity matrix. Ephedra distachya ssp. monostachya was found to be the most characteristic and differentiating taxa from the clustering. Friedman test results demonstrated highly heterogeneous species abundance across localities (χ² = 27.2, p < 0.001). The multivariate synthesis revealed a profound ecological decoupling for Saros Bay dunes: while macroclimatic filtering forces a powerful functional convergence with arid Mediterranean models dominated by therophyte, strict composition-based metrics isolate Saros Bay coastal dunes into an entirely independent taxonomic clade. PCoA ordination confirmed this distinctiveness (p < 0.05 against six of the eight national localities), with the first two axes explaining 33.58% of the total variation (Axis 1: 19.66%, Axis 2: 13.92%). This isolation is driven by a high density of Irano-Turanian elements and specialized local lineages like Silene kotschyi. Conversely, a sharp latitudinal bio-climatic macro-gradient was mapped, showing a transition toward humid Black Sea systems strictly dictated by macroclimatic filtering rather than biotic competition (p > 0.05). To preserve these specialized niches, designating coastal dunes of Saros Bay as a Priority Conservation Unit and establishing international, transboundary catchment to coast monitoring frameworks are essential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Adaptation and Survival Under Global Environmental Change)

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18 pages, 18980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vegetation-Driven Differentiation of Soil Bacterial and Fungal Diversity: Distinct Edaphic Determinants in Atractylodes japonica Cultivation Systems

by Zehao Gan, Ruitong Du, Zhipeng Xu, Xin Fu, Yunwei Liu, Xiangquan Li and Zhibin Wang

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080498 - 20 Aug 2026

Viewed by 285

Abstract

As key drivers of soil biogeochemical cycles, soil microbial communities play essential roles in maintaining soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. In this study, high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS genes was used to investigate the diversity, the composition, and the [...] Read more.

As key drivers of soil biogeochemical cycles, soil microbial communities play essential roles in maintaining soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. In this study, high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS genes was used to investigate the diversity, the composition, and the driving factors of bacterial and fungal communities in bulk soils across four soil groups collected from different vegetation covers (forest soil (FS), soybean field (PGS), and two Atractylodes japonica cultivation soils (ALO and ALR)) under identical climatic conditions. The results showed that the bacterial α-diversity remained stable across all the vegetation types, whereas the fungal α-diversity and richness were more sensitive to the vegetation type, with the PGS generally exhibiting lower Shannon and Chao1 indices. The β-diversity analysis revealed significant differences in the microbial community structure among the vegetation types, with a stronger effect on fungi (R² = 0.737, p = 0.001) than on bacteria (R² = 0.493, p = 0.001). At the phylum and genus levels, the fungal communities displayed more pronounced shifts than the bacterial communities, which remained relatively stable. A redundancy analysis indicated that the soil chemical properties significantly shaped the microbial community structure (p = 0.002). The microbial communities in the A. japonica soils (ALO and ALR) were primarily driven by pH, available phosphorus, and available potassium, while the FS and PGS communities were more strongly influenced by soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and nitrogen forms (NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N). The Spearman correlation and functional prediction analyses further confirmed that the key soil factors differentially regulated the abundance and ecological functions of the dominant microbial taxa. These findings demonstrate the vegetation-specific assembly of soil microbial communities and highlight the distinct edaphic drivers associated with A. japonica cultivation, providing a scientific basis for soil health management and the sustainable cultivation of this medicinal plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diversity in Different Environments)

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20 pages, 2450 KB

Open AccessArticle

Population-Specific Differences in Respiratory Metabolism and Key Metabolic Enzyme Activities in Manila Clam (Ruditapes philippinarum)

by Jianing Wang, Xiang Li, Bin Ma, Yu Li, Ling Xu, Zhongming Huo, Zengqiang Yin, Yuxue Qin and Lei Chen

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080497 - 20 Aug 2026

Viewed by 257

Abstract

Respiratory metabolism reflects energy demand and physiological variation in bivalves, but interpretation of among-population differences requires careful consideration of developmental stage, diet, breeding background, and previous rearing history. In this study, oxygen consumption rate (OR), ammonia excretion rate (NR), O:N ratio, and key [...] Read more.

Respiratory metabolism reflects energy demand and physiological variation in bivalves, but interpretation of among-population differences requires careful consideration of developmental stage, diet, breeding background, and previous rearing history. In this study, oxygen consumption rate (OR), ammonia excretion rate (NR), O:N ratio, and key metabolic enzyme activities were compared among three Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) populations: Laizhou wild-origin stock (LZ), Fujian-origin stock cultured in Liaoning (FJ), and Zebra shell-color selected line (ZS). These populations were selected to represent three common germplasm categories used in Manila clam production: a wild-origin stock, a translocated aquaculture stock, and a Zebra shell-color selected line. Clams with nominal shell lengths of 10, 15, and 20 mm were used for respiratory measurements, and enzyme activities were determined in 15 mm individuals. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of population on OR, NR, and O:N ratio (p < 0.05), whereas shell length significantly affected NR and O:N ratio (p < 0.05). OR decreased with increasing shell length in LZ and FJ, while ZS showed a different pattern. NR generally declined with shell length across all populations. The O:N ratio increased markedly in LZ but remained relatively low in FJ and ZS. Among enzyme activities, SDH was significantly higher in LZ (p < 0.01), whereas AKP activity was highest in ZS (p < 0.05). LDH activity did not differ significantly among populations. These results demonstrate that Manila clam populations with different source backgrounds exhibit distinct physiological profiles under standardized laboratory conditions. The observed variation represents population-associated physiological characteristics rather than direct evidence of genetic differentiation, providing baseline information for future germplasm characterization integrating physiological, genetic, and environmental approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Fisheries Management in East Asia: Navigating Climate Change, POPs, and Microplastics)

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19 pages, 1845 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vegetation Structure and Composition Shape Taxonomic and Functional Bird Diversity in Urban Parks of Arequipa, Peru

by César R. Luque-Fernández, Luis N. Villegas-Paredes and Jose F. Villasante-Benavides

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080496 - 20 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Urban parks can act as refuges for biodiversity, but their ecological value depends on the structure and composition of the vegetation they contain. This study evaluated the relationship between vegetation attributes and bird diversity in urban parks of metropolitan Arequipa, Peru, while considering [...] Read more.

Urban parks can act as refuges for biodiversity, but their ecological value depends on the structure and composition of the vegetation they contain. This study evaluated the relationship between vegetation attributes and bird diversity in urban parks of metropolitan Arequipa, Peru, while considering daily variation across three time periods. Vegetation and bird communities were jointly characterized in 12 urban parks using point counts, alpha-diversity metrics, mixed models, multivariate ordinations, taxonomic beta diversity, and functional diversity metrics. We recorded 21 bird species and 17,591 individuals in 291 surveys. Bird richness responded mainly to integrated gradients of park size, tree-shrub structure, and shrub-herbaceous vegetation cover, whereas Shannon diversity increased with the total number of plant families and declined toward the afternoon. Bird composition was associated with vegetation gradients, and taxonomic beta diversity was high and dominated by species turnover. Floristically dissimilar parks also supported more differentiated bird communities. Abundance-weighted functional indices responded to the shrub-herbaceous gradient. These findings indicate that vegetation structure and floristic quality are key to enhancing the ecological value of urban parks in arid cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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21 pages, 6366 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Heterogeneity and Ptyctimous Mite Diversity in Protected Areas of North-Western Poland

by Jerzy Błoszyk, Agnieszka Napierała, Tomasz Rutkowski and Wojciech Niedbała

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080495 - 19 Aug 2026

Viewed by 259

Abstract

Legal forms of nature conservation rarely take invertebrates into account, including soil fauna, and therefore they are of limited effectiveness for this group of organisms. The aim of this study was to assess how natural heterogeneity of nature reserves influences preservation of the [...] Read more.

Legal forms of nature conservation rarely take invertebrates into account, including soil fauna, and therefore they are of limited effectiveness for this group of organisms. The aim of this study was to assess how natural heterogeneity of nature reserves influences preservation of the biodiversity of soil invertebrates. The research was conducted in the period 2024–2025 in ten habitat-diverse nature reserves located in north-western Poland. The model group used in this study were ptyctimous mites (Acari: Oribatida), which are among the best-studied free-living mites in Poland. In 176 samples collected from 20 types of habitats, 21 species were identified, representing 50% of all ptyctimous mites known from Poland. The number of species recorded in each reserve ranged from 12 in Przełom rzeki Dębnicy reserve to 16 in Dęby Wilczkowskie reserve. The highest Shannon–Weaver diversity index, has been recorded for Nad Jeziorem Liptowskim reserve. None of the species recorded in the examined sites was very frequent or highly abundant, which indicates a balanced community structure and absence of major disturbances in the soil environment of the examined reserves. The species occurring in all ten reserves and in the majority of habitats were common in the whole area of Poland: Euphthiracarus cribrarius (Berlese, 1904), Phthiracarus laevigatus (C. L. Koch, 1841), Phthiracarus longulus (C. L. Koch, 1841), and Phthiracarus nitens (Nicolet, 1855). In contrast, Mesotritia nuda (Berlese, 1887) and Microtritia minima (Berlese, 1904) were the two stenotopic species. The species diversity of communities in the examined reserves was determined mostly by the habitat diversity within the reserves and by their history. The results indicate that in order to protect diverse communities of soil fauna it is crucial to protect many small, yet habitat-diverse, areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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2 pages, 436 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Vargas-Caro et al. The Fishery Biology of Two Deep-Water Skates, Bathyraja schroederi and Amblyraja frerichsi (Rajiformes: Rajidae), from the Southeast Pacific Ocean. Diversity 2024, 16, 709

by Carolina Vargas-Caro, María J. Indurain and Carlos Bustamante

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080494 - 19 Aug 2026

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Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

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20 pages, 2515 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Two Nectar Field Sampling Methods on Three Plant Species from the Family Ranunculaceae

by Katja Malovrh, Blanka Ravnjak, Jože Bavcon and Mitja Križman

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080493 - 18 Aug 2026

Viewed by 285

Abstract

Research on floral nectar quantity and composition is increasingly frequent, yet existing studies predominantly focus on plant species with larger flowers that yield abundant nectar. Consequently, standard collection techniques like the microcapillary method are often optimized only for these morphologically larger structures. This [...] Read more.

Research on floral nectar quantity and composition is increasingly frequent, yet existing studies predominantly focus on plant species with larger flowers that yield abundant nectar. Consequently, standard collection techniques like the microcapillary method are often optimized only for these morphologically larger structures. This study evaluated the applicability of the flower-washing method for nectar sampling in smaller, shallow flowers, comparing its efficacy against the well-established microcapillary method. Three native species from the Ranunculaceae family with diverse blooming phenologies and floral structures were selected: Caltha palustris, Anemone nemorosa, and Clematis vitalba. Nectar samples obtained through both sampling methodologies were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine individual profiles and concentrations of sugars, phenolic compounds, and amino acids. The microcapillary method demonstrated notable physical limitations, failing to yield any nectar from A. nemorosa, while success rates remained low for the other two species. Conversely, chemical analysis revealed highly significant discrepancies between the two sampling approaches. The flower-washing method proved highly unreliable, as the mandatory excision of floral tissues caused cellular damage, possibly leading to the leakage of intracellular substances and artificial contamination of the collected nectar. These findings indicate that while flower-washing is occasionally utilized for low-volume flowers, it introduces severe methodological artifacts that compromise data accuracy, highlighting the critical need for refined microcapillary approaches in comparative nectar analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology of Plant-Pollinators Interactions)

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23 pages, 3698 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Community Composition and Species Richness Along Disturbance Gradients in a Municipal Open-Air Rubbish Dump in Coastal Ecuador

by Valentina Mora Mieles, Ileana Herrera, Kevin Panchana, Isabela Dillon, Anahí Vargas, Andrés Espinoza-Maticurena and Jordi López-Pujol

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080492 - 18 Aug 2026

Viewed by 346

Abstract

Improper solid waste management can alter plant communities and facilitate the establishment of non-native species, yet these effects remain poorly documented in Neotropical dump environments. We characterized the flora of an open-air rubbish dump on the Ecuadorian coast and evaluated how disturbance and [...] Read more.

Improper solid waste management can alter plant communities and facilitate the establishment of non-native species, yet these effects remain poorly documented in Neotropical dump environments. We characterized the flora of an open-air rubbish dump on the Ecuadorian coast and evaluated how disturbance and spatial position influenced floristic composition. Qualitative surveys and 30 systematically established 10 m² plots were sampled along a gradient from the main road to the waste disposal cell. Species identity, origin status, and life form were recorded for all species. The floristic inventory documented 66 species, whereas richness and floristic composition analyses were based on the 38 species recorded in the systematic plots. Native species comprised 74.2% of the flora and non-native species 21.2%. Launaea intybacea represented a new non-native record for continental Ecuador, while Cucumis melo was recorded growing spontaneously outside cultivation. Herbaceous species dominated both assemblages. Agricultural disturbance was associated with higher native and total richness, whereas waste disturbance reduced both. Non-native richness increased with distance from the disposal cell and toward the main road. Despite needing broader multi-site and seasonal surveys, this local study shows that open-air rubbish dumps help detect recently established non-native plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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15 pages, 877 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity and Differentiation of Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) Inferred from Combined Mitochondrial DNA Markers (COI + D-Loop) in Limpopo Province, South Africa

by Evelyn Mokgadi Raphalo

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080491 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

The native Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) serves as a cornerstone for aquaculture development in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Its adaptability to diverse culture systems, including backyard farming, highlights its potential to address food insecurity and poverty in rural communities. However, the [...] Read more.

The native Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) serves as a cornerstone for aquaculture development in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Its adaptability to diverse culture systems, including backyard farming, highlights its potential to address food insecurity and poverty in rural communities. However, the long-term sustainability of this initiative depends on the genetic health and management of the cultured populations. This study investigated the evolutionary history, genetic diversity, and differentiation of O. mossambicus across five localities in Limpopo Province (Cordier reservoir, Nandoni reservoir, Mall of the North pond, University of Limpopo pond, and Polokwane Farm) using the combined mitochondrial DNA (COI + D-loop) dataset. Phylogenetic analysis revealed monophyly, with three well-supported clades. There was evidence of genetic affinities among some individuals within the five localities, supported by low genetic variation among populations and a common haplotype shared across all five localities. The Mall of the North population showed no genetic variation (Hd = 0.00; π = 0.00), indicating high homogeneity, whereas Nandoni exhibited the highest diversity (Hd = 0.83; π = 0.01), suggesting its potential as a primary broodstock source. These findings provide an important genetic baseline for farmed O. mossambicus, offering essential information for sustainable aquaculture management and conservation planning in the province. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phylogeny and Evolution)

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29 pages, 34452 KB

Open AccessReview

Beneficial Plants of the Turkistan Region: A Scoping Review of Their Chemical Diversity, Bioactivity, and Conservation for Sustainable Use

by Yerassyl Karzhaubay, Doktorkhan Aidarbayeva, Akbota Aitimbetova, Nurseit Kural, Zhaksylyk Pernebayev and Azhar Abubakirova

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080490 - 14 Aug 2026

Viewed by 389

Abstract

The Turkistan Region of southern Kazakhstan lies within the Mountains of Central Asia biodiversity hotspot and harbors a flora of beneficial plants whose traditional use is well documented but whose chemistry and conservation status remain, for most species, formally unassessed. Following the PRISMA [...] Read more.

The Turkistan Region of southern Kazakhstan lies within the Mountains of Central Asia biodiversity hotspot and harbors a flora of beneficial plants whose traditional use is well documented but whose chemistry and conservation status remain, for most species, formally unassessed. Following the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), with accepted names verified against Plants of the World Online, this scoping review maps—for the first time as a single co-occurring assemblage rather than isolated single-taxon surveys—the evidence for nine regionally important species across the Nitrariaceae, Fabaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae. From 4362 records, 82 were charted by structured per-species extraction. The species span a broad chemical space: β-carboline alkaloids, furanocoumarins, sesquiterpene coumarins, sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoid-rich essential oils, sharing a recurring antioxidant and antimicrobial profile overlaid with species-specific effects such as the anthelmintic santonin of Artemisia cina. For most species the underlying data derive from non-Central Asian populations, limiting regional transferability, and safety evidence is sparse: no acute or repeated-dose toxicity study on regionally collected material was identified, although several species contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors, phototoxic furanocoumarins or thujone-rich oils. We propose a tiered, conservation-aware framework and a prioritized research agenda. Provenance was charted for all 82 records, and the country of origin could be established for 35. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants and Biodiversity Conservation: 2nd Edition)

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5 pages, 4224 KB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Adhesive Monitoring Traps as a Mortality Risk for the Common Pipistrelle in Mediterranean Olive Agroecosystems: First Evidence from Greece and Implications for Bat Conservation

by Giorgos Stavrianakis, Katerina Koulagini, Thanasis Kizos and Yiannis G. Zevgolis

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080489 - 14 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Yellow adhesive chromotropic traps are widely deployed across Mediterranean olive cultivation to monitor B. oleae population dynamics, yet their adhesive surfaces can also retain non-target organisms. Here we report the first documented entrapment of the common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Schreber, 1774) on an [...] Read more.

Yellow adhesive chromotropic traps are widely deployed across Mediterranean olive cultivation to monitor B. oleae population dynamics, yet their adhesive surfaces can also retain non-target organisms. Here we report the first documented entrapment of the common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Schreber, 1774) on an adhesive monitoring trap in Greece, recorded on 15 May 2026 in a traditionally managed olive grove on Lesvos Island (North Aegean). The adult specimen (wingspan of 23.1 cm, body mass of 5.9 g) was independently identified by two specialist chiropterologists and confirmed dead by direct examination. The trap surface bore small-bodied Diptera belonging to groups known to occur in the diet of P. pipistrellus, raising the possibility that prey-associated cues may have contributed to the encounter. We argue that this record exposes an agroecological contradiction relevant to conservation-oriented olive management: the monitoring device deployed to track B. oleae may incidentally eliminate an insectivorous bat belonging to the broader natural enemy community associated with olive agroecosystems. Given the extent of adhesive trap deployment across Mediterranean olive cultivation and the strict legal protection afforded to all European bats under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), systematic bycatch recording, mechanistic investigation and evaluation of simple mitigation measures are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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4 pages, 155 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Eco-Physiology of Shallow Benthic Communities

by Alma Paola Rodríguez-Troncoso

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080488 - 14 Aug 2026

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Abstract

The eco-physiology of shallow benthic marine communities examines how physiological traits (e [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Physiology of Shallow Benthic Communities)

18 pages, 2010 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological and Molecular Identification of New Puccinia Species from Qinghai, China

by Lin Qi, Qi Xu, Yang Zhang, Luchao Bai, Yingtai Cao and Weidong Zhang

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080487 - 14 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Rust fungi of the genus Puccinia are important plant pathogens responsible for substantial economic losses in agriculture and forestry. During field surveys conducted in Qinghai Province, China, a novel rust species, Puccinia ligulari-przewalskii, was discovered parasitizing Ligularia przewalskii. Morphological characteristics of [...] Read more.

Rust fungi of the genus Puccinia are important plant pathogens responsible for substantial economic losses in agriculture and forestry. During field surveys conducted in Qinghai Province, China, a novel rust species, Puccinia ligulari-przewalskii, was discovered parasitizing Ligularia przewalskii. Morphological characteristics of its teliospores were examined using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA sequences supported its taxonomic distinction as a new species within the genus Puccinia. Phylogenetic reconstructions inferred from maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference showed that the new species forms a distinct, well-supported lineage, clustering as sister to a clade comprising Puccinia argentata and Puccinia komarovii. P. ligulari-przewalskii is characterized by two-celled, spindle-shaped teliospores exhibiting sparse verrucose ornamentation on the spore wall. Only the telial stage was observed across multi-year surveys, and the complete life cycle remains to be determined. This study contributes to the taxonomic knowledge of rust fungi in China and underscores the ecological and phytopathological significance of rust fungi in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diversity—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 3335 KB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) as an Optimal Format for Habitat Suitability Index of the Black-Necked Crane Across Life Stages

by Yu Zhong, Xinhai Li, Yumin Guo, Yifei Wang, Jia Jia, Wendong Xie, Yun Fang and Yuehua Sun

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080486 - 14 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Effective conservation of the Near Threatened (NT) black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) requires standardized frameworks for organizing multi-scale biodiversity data. This study proposes the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBV) system as an optimal structure for archiving and sharing biodiversity data such as Habitat [...] Read more.

Effective conservation of the Near Threatened (NT) black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) requires standardized frameworks for organizing multi-scale biodiversity data. This study proposes the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBV) system as an optimal structure for archiving and sharing biodiversity data such as Habitat Suitability Index (HSI). Developed by the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON), the EBV framework is an emerging system offering a robust solution for standardizing data exchange. Based on 483,592 valid location records of 106 black-necked cranes using satellite telemetry, we apply species distribution models and demonstrate how the multi-dimensional EBV architecture accommodates distinct life-stage preferences: breeding sites favor mid-elevations modulated by temperature; migration staging relies on precipitation regimes; and wintering grounds are driven by moisture availability and the avoidance of human-modified landscapes. The EBV NetCDF (Network Common Data Form) format functions as a self-describing hypercube that captures spatial, temporal, and life-stage dimensions while ensuring metadata transparency. This integration facilitates critical applications, including the identification of priority conservation areas and climate vulnerability assessments, thereby bridging the gap between species-specific modeling and global biodiversity monitoring standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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23 pages, 21823 KB

Open AccessArticle

Population Dynamics and Extractive Potential of the Mangrove Crab, Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763), in a Human-Impacted Mangrove of Northeastern Brazil

by Sérgio Schwarz da Rocha, Lara Ramos Nunes, Daniela Andrade de Melo, Fabrício Lopes Carvalho, Thaís Arrais Mota and Marcelo Antonio Amaro Pinheiro

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080485 - 14 Aug 2026

Viewed by 456

Abstract

Ucides cordatus, a key species in Brazilian mangroves, supports both ecological processes and traditional extractive practices. Some mangrove areas in Northeastern Brazil are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic stressors. We evaluated the population density, size structure, extractive potential, and morphological maturity of this [...] Read more.

Ucides cordatus, a key species in Brazilian mangroves, supports both ecological processes and traditional extractive practices. Some mangrove areas in Northeastern Brazil are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic stressors. We evaluated the population density, size structure, extractive potential, and morphological maturity of this species in Acupe (state of Bahia), integrating environmental and human disturbance variables. Surveys conducted in 2018–2019 revealed a high proportion of undersized individuals (93.1% below the legal minimum catch size), with larger crabs concentrated in warmer months and near the estuarine fringe. Although solid waste and tree cutting were evident throughout the study area, no statistically significant association was detected with crab abundance or forest structure. Maturity estimates were a carapace width of 54.6 mm for males and 50.7 mm for females, suggesting early reproductive investment in females. Principal Component Analysis indicated that crab density and extraction potential correlated with rainfall, temperature, and vegetation structure, rather than local anthropogenic pressures. Despite moderate densities, the predominance of immature individuals and signs of overfishing highlight the need for improved management. We recommend that L. racemosa-dominated mangrove sectors, generally associated with high proportions of undersized crabs, should be considered priority areas for no-take or recovery zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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13 pages, 3874 KB

Open AccessArticle

Freshwater Harpacticoida from Borneo (Malaysia): New Records and Faunistic Insights into an Overlooked Group

by Maciej Karpowicz and Santi Watiroyram

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080484 - 13 Aug 2026

Viewed by 361

Abstract

Borneo, one of the world’s largest tropical islands, has so far been poorly explored for freshwater harpacticoid copepods. Until recently, only twelve species were known, all from the Malaysian state of Sabah. Based on 31 samples collected across Sabah and Sarawak in 2024, [...] Read more.

Borneo, one of the world’s largest tropical islands, has so far been poorly explored for freshwater harpacticoid copepods. Until recently, only twelve species were known, all from the Malaysian state of Sabah. Based on 31 samples collected across Sabah and Sarawak in 2024, we report new faunistic data that expand our current knowledge. Harpacticoids were detected in 17 sites, from high-altitude mountain brooks to shaded streams in primary rainforest, and ten taxa were identified. Our study documents two genera and two species newly reported from Borneo: the genera Parastenocaris Kessler, 1913 and Nitocra Boeck, 1865, each represented by morphologically distinct and likely undescribed species, and the species Elaphoidella javaensis (Chappuis, 1928) and E. cf. thienemanni Chappuis, 1931, newly recorded from the island. The occurrence of specimens identified as Attheyella (Canthosella) cf. silvicola Löffler, 1973, more than five decades after the original description, documents the continued occurrence of a morphologically similar form near Mount Kinabalu and its presence in Sarawak, but with some differences from the original description, while widespread taxa such as Elaphoidella bidens decorata (Daday, 1901), Epactophanes richardi Mrázek, 1893, and Phyllognathopus viguieri (Maupas, 1892) form the core of the island’s fauna. Our findings increase the number of known freshwater harpacticoids from Borneo to at least 15 taxa and reveal a diverse assemblage reflecting both Sundaland–Indochina faunal continuity and the presence of several, still undescribed forms, highlighting Borneo as an important hotspot of overlooked copepod diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Threats and Challenges for the Study and Conservation of Freshwater Zooplankton Biodiversity)

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14 pages, 2776 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Distribution of Swimming Crab Callinectes danae and Callinectes ornatus (Crustacea: Decapoda) in an Upwelling System in the Southwestern Atlantic

by Diego O. Rolim, Julia F. Perroca, Rogerio C. Costa and Daphine R. Herrera

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080483 - 13 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Knowledge about Callinectes danae and Callinectes ornatus is thorough, although scarce in different ecological regions like Macaé, which are influenced by the Cabo Frio upwelling phenomenon in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. This study analyzes spatiotemporal variation in the abundance of two swimming crab [...] Read more.

Knowledge about Callinectes danae and Callinectes ornatus is thorough, although scarce in different ecological regions like Macaé, which are influenced by the Cabo Frio upwelling phenomenon in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. This study analyzes spatiotemporal variation in the abundance of two swimming crab species in a region influenced by upwelling. Samplings took place from July 2013 to June 2014, on a monthly basis, with the aid of a shrimp fishing boat, in four different sampling sites. In total, 92 C. danae specimens were captured; C. ornatus was the most abundant species over the year; 1.436 individuals were captured. Both species were the most abundant in the shallowest sites and warmest seasons. Visual trends in temperature, salinity and sediment size (Phi) were observed for both species. Phi was the only significant variable associated with the sampled swimming crabs. The results indicated similar distribution between C. danae and C. ornatus, and a clear prevalence of C. ornatus, possibly due to C. danae’s estuarine dependence on its life cycle and to C. ornatus’s generalist behavior. The abundance of both species in Macaé is modulated by a combination of spatiotemporal and environmental variation in this upwelling region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Decapoda)

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23 pages, 628 KB

Open AccessReview

A Bottleneck-First Framework for Diversity-Constrained Genetic Gain in Annual Self-Pollinated Crops

by Ömer Faruk Coşkun

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080482 - 12 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Breeding programs often adopt technologies before identifying the process that most limits genetic progress. This narrative review presents a bottleneck-first framework for annual self-pollinated crop breeding. It separates the diagnosis of a deficient pipeline domain from assessment of whether a specific intervention is [...] Read more.

Breeding programs often adopt technologies before identifying the process that most limits genetic progress. This narrative review presents a bottleneck-first framework for annual self-pollinated crop breeding. It separates the diagnosis of a deficient pipeline domain from assessment of whether a specific intervention is actionable under uncertainty, capacity, and diversity constraints. Five domains are considered: usable variation, information for selection, biological progression and fixation, multi-environment validation, and delivery. Mandatory product gates and dependencies among domains determine priority. An intervention is actionable only when its lower uncertainty bound meets a predeclared minimum useful effect, downstream resources can absorb the added output, and diversity safeguards remain within declared limits. Three published cases provide retrospective stress tests: wheat high-throughput phenotyping, wheat pre-breeding, and SUBMERGENCE1 rice. Five additional cases examine realized gain, rapid generation advance, perennial selection, autotetraploid prediction, and promoter editing. A worked cereal example shows how capacity and diversity gates can reverse a technology-first priority. The framework complements rather than replaces selection indices, optimal contribution methods, genomic prediction, and breeding-scheme simulation. Its contribution is a transparent sequence for diagnosis, intervention testing, prioritization, and re-diagnosis. A prospective comparison with current breeding practice is still required. Full article

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34 pages, 7904 KB

Open AccessArticle

Human-Induced Weed Expansion in Natural Habitats: How Can Wild Game Feeding Facilitate Plant Invasion?

by Katalin Rusvai, Zita Dorner, Mihály Zalai and Judit Házi

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080481 - 12 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Wildlife baiting sites represent localized disturbance hotspots within natural habitats and may substantially alter plant diversity. We investigated these effects in the Mátra Mountains (Hungary) by surveying 20 baiting sites across two regions and two elevational zones. Vegetation was sampled using 1 × [...] Read more.

Wildlife baiting sites represent localized disturbance hotspots within natural habitats and may substantially alter plant diversity. We investigated these effects in the Mátra Mountains (Hungary) by surveying 20 baiting sites across two regions and two elevational zones. Vegetation was sampled using 1 × 1 m quadrats positioned along 20 m transects. Results revealed a highly significant (p < 0.001) degradation gradient centered around bait stations. Management intensity appeared to override natural environmental gradients, as invasive species cover differed significantly between regions (p < 0.001), with higher values in Western Mátra (1.88%) than in Eastern Mátra (1.15%). Weed cover showed a similar, although non-significant trend (15.66% vs. 7.84%). Landscape-level analysis identified the surrounding road network as a key dispersal corridor, with road density positively correlated with weed cover. Sites equipped with automatic baiting systems recorded significantly higher weed cover (16.15%) than traditional sites (7.36%). The frequent occurrence of crop species (Zea mays L., Triticum aestivum L.) together with invasive plants (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Xanthium spinosum L.) suggests that agricultural forage serves as a major pathway for the introduction of non-native seeds. As management intensity was more strongly associated with these patterns than environmental gradients, anthropogenic factors appear to be the primary drivers of localized changes in plant community composition and biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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15 pages, 720 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Genetic Diversity of Old and Modern Accessions of Glycine max Revealed by Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS)

by Mikhail T. Menkov, Irina Seferova, Alexander V. Igoshin, Anastasia Krylova, Fedor Sharko, Stepan V. Toshchakov, Elena Khlestkina and Irina V. Rozanova

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080480 - 10 Aug 2026

Viewed by 383

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is one of the most widely cultivated grain legumes worldwide. A genetic analysis of soybean samples around the world is essential for effective breeding programs and the development of genomic and marker-assisted selection. This study investigated the [...] Read more.

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is one of the most widely cultivated grain legumes worldwide. A genetic analysis of soybean samples around the world is essential for effective breeding programs and the development of genomic and marker-assisted selection. This study investigated the genetic diversity of soybean accessions from the VIR collection, one of the world’s largest seed banks. The sample consisted of 163 soybean (G. max) varieties. The study was conducted using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) technology. The aim of the study was to evaluate temporal changes in genetic diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium in cultivated soybean. The material was divided according to two criteria: (1) three chronological groups of varieties, Group I (before 1959), Group II (1960–1989), and Group III (after 1990), and (2) regional characteristics. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay analysis revealed differences among chronological groups, with the longest LD decay distance observed in early accessions developed before 1959 and shorter LD decay distances in later groups. Nei’s gene diversity showed only slight differences among chronological groups, with a moderate decreasing trend in more recent accessions. Key loci were defined as SNPs showing the largest allele frequency differences between chronological groups and located within or near annotated genes. The results highlight the importance of comprehensive genomic analysis for the conservation and efficient utilization of genetic resources, as well as for the development of soybean breeding strategies in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Breeding and Adaption Evolution of Plants)

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15 pages, 4811 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Shelf to Slope: Evolutionary Transition from Niche Conservatism to Lability in Western Atlantic Burrowing Shrimps

by Patricio Hernáez

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080479 - 9 Aug 2026

Viewed by 273

Abstract

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is a fundamental pattern in ecology, yet its understanding in marine systems remains largely constrained by the ‘tyranny’ of the shallow shelf, often ignoring the bathymetric dimension of the continental margin. This study provides a three-dimensional macroecological assessment [...] Read more.

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is a fundamental pattern in ecology, yet its understanding in marine systems remains largely constrained by the ‘tyranny’ of the shallow shelf, often ignoring the bathymetric dimension of the continental margin. This study provides a three-dimensional macroecological assessment of burrowing shrimps (Axiidea and Gebiidea) along the Western Atlantic (46° N–47° S), integrating 128 species and extending the bathymetric range to 1100 m. The results reveal a robust bimodal and asymmetric LDG that transcends the coastal shelf, characterized by an extensive high-diversity plateau in the Greater Caribbean region (~10–24° N) with an absolute peak of 46 species at 17° N. The persistent ‘tropical drop’ (0–10° N) is linked to the eco-physiological barrier created by the massive Amazon and Orinoco River plumes. Most significantly, I document the ‘Bathyal Paradox’: a radical evolutionary transition where the strong niche conservatism observed in shallow waters vanishes in the deep slope, indicating that the environmental stability of the deep slope promotes niche lability and clade-specific diversification. Furthermore, a consistent inverse Rapoport pattern across the entire water column confirms that regional climatic stability, rather than latitude alone, dictates geographical range geometry. This study provides a new conceptual framework for marine biodiversity, demonstrating that the integration of deep-sea data is essential to capture the true architecture of life in the ocean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Distribution of Decapoda)

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20 pages, 38366 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hidden Diversity of Benthic Filamentous Cyanobacteria: Three Novel Species of Oscillatoriales Discovered in an Underexplored Urban Wetland, Eastern China

by Yao Cheng, Yangyang Wu, Sai Zhang, Bangyue Zhang, He Zhang, Jun Zuo, Yawen Fan and Renhui Li

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080478 - 7 Aug 2026

Viewed by 421

Abstract

Wetlands constitute critical habitats sustaining cyanobacterial diversity. Nevertheless, taxonomic research on wetland benthic filamentous cyanobacteria is far from complete, largely limited by phenotypic plasticity and challenges in strain isolation and cultivation. To unravel the species diversity and taxonomic affiliations of epiphytic cyanobacteria in [...] Read more.

Wetlands constitute critical habitats sustaining cyanobacterial diversity. Nevertheless, taxonomic research on wetland benthic filamentous cyanobacteria is far from complete, largely limited by phenotypic plasticity and challenges in strain isolation and cultivation. To unravel the species diversity and taxonomic affiliations of epiphytic cyanobacteria in an urban wetland, cyanobacterial strains were isolated from riparian rocks of the Sanyang Wetland (Zhejiang Province) and characterized via morphological observation, 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis and 16S–23S ITS structural comparison. Strain WZU 2025, sheathless with occasionally conical apical cells, fell into the genus Kamptonema. It shared less than 97.5% sequence similarity with K. animale and possessed distinctive ITS signatures, hereby proposed as Kamptonema schistus sp. nov. Strain WZU 2023, featuring colorless rigid sheaths and conical apical cells, formed a stable clade with Microcoleus but exhibited distinct ITS structures, and is designated Microcoleus wenzhouensis sp. nov. Strain WZU 2030 bears colourless rigid sheaths and trichomes mostly filled with chromatophores; it clustered reliably with known Wilmottia species yet differed in ITS traits, and is described as Wilmottia sanyangensis sp. nov. Conflicts between morphological taxonomy and molecular phylogeny reveal ambiguous intergeneric relationships within Coleofasciculaceae and Microcoleaceae. The present study expands the known diversity of Microcoleaceae and provides evidence for future taxonomic revisions of cyanobacteria. Combined with the new genus Paludothrix reported from this wetland in 2024, our data demonstrate that cyanobacterial diversity in Sanyang Wetland has been severely underappreciated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members)

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27 pages, 5128 KB

Open AccessArticle

Population Structure, Morphological Integration and Regional Differentiation of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soó in the Central Highlands of Kazakhstan

by Saule Mukhtubayeva, Aizhan Khalymbetova, Anar Myrzagaliyeva, Gulnar Sultangazina, Saule Koblanova and Moldir Sharipova

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080477 - 7 Aug 2026

Viewed by 328

Abstract

Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soó is an ecologically sensitive terrestrial orchid and an important indicator of habitat condition, yet its population structure and morphological variability remain poorly studied in the Central Kazakh Uplands. This study evaluated the population size, density, ontogenetic structure, and morphometric [...] Read more.

Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soó is an ecologically sensitive terrestrial orchid and an important indicator of habitat condition, yet its population structure and morphological variability remain poorly studied in the Central Kazakh Uplands. This study evaluated the population size, density, ontogenetic structure, and morphometric differentiation of 21 coenopopulations in Kokshetau, Burabay, and Karkaraly National Parks. Ontogenetic stages were classified as juvenile, immature, virginal, and generative. Twenty-two quantitative traits were measured in 420 generative individuals and analysed using Pearson correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), the Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction, and PERMANOVA. Generative individuals predominated in most coenopopulations. In Burabay National Park, they comprised 71–100% of all individuals, virginal plants were absent from five of six coenopopulations, and population density was lower than in the other study regions. Balanced ontogenetic spectra were recorded in Kokshetau (CP4, CP6) and Karkaraly (CP1–CP3). Morphometric traits exhibited strong integration, with plant height strongly correlated with lip width (r = 0.723) and median lobe length (r = 0.684), whereas several floral traits varied more independently. The first three principal components explained 86.5% of the total variance, and PERMANOVA revealed significant regional differentiation among the three study regions (p < 0.001). This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the population structure and morphometric variability of D. fuchsii in the Central Kazakh Uplands and establishes a baseline for long-term population monitoring and conservation planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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17 pages, 4594 KB

Open AccessArticle

Retreat, Resilience, and Reorganization: Decoding the Post-Paleozoic Evolution of Brachiopods

by Facheng Ye

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080476 - 7 Aug 2026

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Abstract

The Paleozoic–Modern Evolutionary Fauna transition is defined by the ecological replacement of brachiopods by bivalves. However, it remains debated whether post-Paleozoic brachiopods experienced a simple, continuous global decline or a complex macroevolutionary reorganization. Previous studies are often limited by ecological mismatches, uncorrected sampling [...] Read more.

The Paleozoic–Modern Evolutionary Fauna transition is defined by the ecological replacement of brachiopods by bivalves. However, it remains debated whether post-Paleozoic brachiopods experienced a simple, continuous global decline or a complex macroevolutionary reorganization. Previous studies are often limited by ecological mismatches, uncorrected sampling biases, and single taxonomic scales. To resolve this, this study presents a high-resolution analysis of brachiopod evolution from the Triassic to the Quaternary. Using Paleobiology and Geobiodiversity Database records, I applied coverage-based standardization and, for guild-level comparisons, strict ecological filtering, comparing brachiopods only to ecologically equivalent bivalves and echinoderms. Results reveal three major patterns. First, regional and global diversity decoupled: global diversity showed Mesozoic diversification pulses, whereas the Chinese record exhibited a sustained post-Triassic collapse, showing global aggregates mask regional extirpations. Second, brachiopods displayed strong hierarchical resilience: environmental crises drastically pruned species richness (causing generic monotypy), yet family-level diversity remained remarkably stable. Third, brachiopods underwent a macroecological reorganization, retreating from carbonate reefs and shifting poleward to establish their modern anti-tropical distribution. Ultimately, the post-Paleozoic history of brachiopods is not a passive decline, but a multi-dimensional reorganization driven by regional habitat loss, geographic redistribution, and deep-lineage survival. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brachiopod Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing Climate)

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16 pages, 9615 KB

Open AccessArticle

Scanning Electron Microscopy Characterization of the Antenna in Males of Mesomorphus villiger (Blanchard, 1853) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

by Meenakshi Bharti, Shweta Sharma, Teresa Bonacci, Himender Bharti and Marco Pezzi

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080475 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 1389

Abstract

The tobacco ground beetle, Mesomorphus villiger (Blanchard, 1853) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is a widely distributed species across Asia, Africa, and Australia, recognized for its economic importance as a pest of tobacco seedlings and other crops in India. Despite its pest status and characteristic aggregation [...] Read more.

The tobacco ground beetle, Mesomorphus villiger (Blanchard, 1853) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is a widely distributed species across Asia, Africa, and Australia, recognized for its economic importance as a pest of tobacco seedlings and other crops in India. Despite its pest status and characteristic aggregation behavior, information on its antennae and antennal sensory structures remains limited. In this study, the morphology of the antennae and the types and distribution of antennal sensilla in M. villiger males were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The antennae had 11 segments, including a scape, a pedicel, and a flagellum, with the last three flagellomeres forming a club. Six types of sensilla were identified: Böhm’s bristles, sensilla chaetica (two subtypes), sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica (three subtypes), sensilla auricillica (two subtypes) and grooved peg sensilla. The structural characteristics and distributional patterns of the sensilla suggest functional specializations for olfactory, mechanoreceptive, and chemioreceptive roles. Sensilla diversity progressively increased from proximal to distal antennal regions, with the highest number of types observed on the club. This study provides the first comprehensive ultrastructural description of the antennae and antennal sensilla in M. villiger males, establishing a morphological foundation for future electrophysiological and behavioral investigations to be extended to females and supporting the development of innovative management strategies for this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Morphology of Beetles: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives)

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18 pages, 2269 KB

Open AccessArticle

Orchid Root Endophytes: Isolation, Identification, and Growth-Promoting Traits

by Rogelio Moreno-Peimbert, Entao Wang, Ma G. Medina-Canales, Erika T. Quintana, Aída Veronica Rodríguez-Tovar, Gerardo Zúñiga and Flor N. Rivera-Orduña

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080474 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 483

Abstract

Orchid root-associated fungal endophytes (ORAFEs) represent an important component of fungal biodiversity with potential applications in orchid conservation and sustainable production. ORAFEs were isolated from the roots of four orchid species in Veracruz, Mexico: Gongora galeata, Maxillaria densa, Maxillaria tenuifolia, [...] Read more.

Orchid root-associated fungal endophytes (ORAFEs) represent an important component of fungal biodiversity with potential applications in orchid conservation and sustainable production. ORAFEs were isolated from the roots of four orchid species in Veracruz, Mexico: Gongora galeata, Maxillaria densa, Maxillaria tenuifolia, and Maxillaria variabilis to investigate their diversity and plant-growth-promoting (PGP) properties. Taxonomic identification relied on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses using ITS, TEF1-α, β-tubulin (TUB2), and actin (ACT). Fifty-six isolates were grouped into 20 morphotypes representing 15 genera, including Aspergillus, Biscogniauxia, Chaetomium, Colletotrichum, Thelonectria, Diaporthe, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Hypoxylon, Lasiodiplodia, Mucor, Periconia, Pestalotiopsis, Trichoderma, Xylaria, and two isolates that may represent undescribed taxa requiring further polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Functional experiments indicated a wide range of PGP activities: ten strains solubilized phosphate, eight produced siderophores, twelve synthesized indole-3-acetic acid, fourteen produced pectinases, six fungi exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, and five inhibited Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, Trichoderma atroviride TR1-T2 and Xylaria multiplex XY1-D42 showed antagonistic activity against Phytopythium vexans, characterized by a contact-dependent displacement effect. Five strains were chosen for further research as orchid bioinoculants based on their PGP and antagonistic traits: Chaetomium cochliodes CH1-V10, Mucor pseudolusitanicus MU2-T6, Thelonectria veuillotiana TH1-T3, Trichoderma atroviride TR1-T2, and Xylaria multiplex XY1-D42. These endophytes have the potential to improve in vitro propagation and facilitate ex vitro acclimatization of orchids, highlighting their importance in sustainable orchid production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections)

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20 pages, 6661 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Epibiosis to Parasitism? Host Associations and Overgrowth Dynamics of Alcyonium coralloides on Mediterranean Gorgonians

by Martina Canessa, Marzia Bo, Francesco Enrichetti, Margherita Toma, Egidio Trainito and Giorgio Bavestrello

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080473 - 5 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Alcyonium coralloides has traditionally been classified as an opportunistic epibiont of exposed gorgonian skeletons. However, the ecological nature of its interaction remains poorly understood. Using Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) monitoring data (2015–2025) across 310 ROV transects (30–100 m depth) along the Ligurian [...] Read more.

Alcyonium coralloides has traditionally been classified as an opportunistic epibiont of exposed gorgonian skeletons. However, the ecological nature of its interaction remains poorly understood. Using Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) monitoring data (2015–2025) across 310 ROV transects (30–100 m depth) along the Ligurian coast (NW Mediterranean Sea) and long-term photographic series of infested colonies from the Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo MPA (Sardinia, NW Mediterranean Sea), we investigated its distribution and host associations in the NW Mediterranean. A. coralloides occurred in ~50% of the surveyed gorgonian forests, significantly increasing with host density. Infestation rates were markedly higher on Eunicella cavolini (10.1 ± 4.2%) than on Paramuricea clavata, E. verrucosa, and Leptogorgia sarmentosa (1.5–1.9%). While host necrosis facilitates initial settlement, time-series data revealed rapid overgrowth rates (30–55 cm yr⁻¹) along host branches. Direct contact zones between the coenenchimes of the epibiont and that of the host exhibited portions of denuded host skeletons, hypertrophic tissue borders, and reduced host polyp expansion adjacent to the advancing parasitic margin. These results indicate that the ecological interaction extends beyond simple opportunistic epibiosis. We propose that A. coralloides represents an intermediate stage along a continuum between epibiosis and active spatial competition, shaping community dynamics within Mediterranean animal forests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epibiotic Interactions in Marine Organisms)

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34 pages, 5487 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structure and Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Marine Communities Associated with the Kelp Forests at Cape Froward, Strait of Magellan

by Mathias Hüne, Mauricio Palacios, Benjamín Rodríguez-Stepke, Jonathan Poblete, Mauricio F. Landaeta, Alexandra Camilla-Vivar, Tamara Segovia-Jara, Dayane Osman, Javiera Álvarez and Ignacio Garrido

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080472 - 5 Aug 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 529

Abstract

Giant kelp forests, Macrocystis pyrifera, dominate the coasts of southern Patagonia and are particularly abundant in the coastal ecosystems of Cape Froward, where they play a key role in biodiversity conservation and the provision of multiple ecosystem services, establishing themselves as one [...] Read more.

Giant kelp forests, Macrocystis pyrifera, dominate the coasts of southern Patagonia and are particularly abundant in the coastal ecosystems of Cape Froward, where they play a key role in biodiversity conservation and the provision of multiple ecosystem services, establishing themselves as one of the most resilient kelp forest ecosystems on the planet. This study constitutes one of the first spatiotemporal assessments of the diverse components inhabiting kelp forests in the Strait of Magellan (Cape Froward). In total, 238 taxa belonging to zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, fish, and understory of macroalgae inhabiting the understory were identified in these ecosystems, including species that are key to the coastal communities of the Magellan region. In general terms, the results show that the coastal ecosystems of Cape Froward support highly diverse, dynamic, and complex communities, with characteristics representative of ecological systems of regional and global significance. In this regard, the present study provides a solid scientific basis for promoting conservation measures for these ecosystems at the southern tip of Patagonia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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14 pages, 1116 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Colonies from Urban Districts of Beijing

by Jiao Tang, Mengjiao Wang, Guiling Ding and Jiaxing Huang

Diversity 2026, 18(8), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18080471 - 5 Aug 2026

Viewed by 384

Abstract

After the introduction of various Apis mellifera subspecies into China, prolonged breeding and selection have substantially altered the genetic structure and diversity of commercial populations. Currently, A. mellifera has become the most widely managed and numerically dominant honey bee species in China, providing [...] Read more.

After the introduction of various Apis mellifera subspecies into China, prolonged breeding and selection have substantially altered the genetic structure and diversity of commercial populations. Currently, A. mellifera has become the most widely managed and numerically dominant honey bee species in China, providing important agricultural pollination services and substantial economic benefits. Nevertheless, the genetic diversity and progenitor of commercially managed A. mellifera populations within different regions in China remain poorly understood. To assess the maternal lineage diversity of A. mellifera populations and to support regional breeding strategies, we examined DNA sequence diversity in the cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) and tRNAleu-COII gene segment of the mitochondrial genome in 178 samples of A. mellifera drones from 12 sites in the urban districts of Beijing. Three haplotypes were found for the COI gene segment, and eight haplotypes were discovered for the tRNAleu-COII gene segment. Mitochondrial sequencing revealed that the frequency of C evolutionary lineage dominates in A. mellifera populations in Beijing. In addition, one unexpected haplotype from the Z lineage was detected. The subspecies Apis mellifera ligustica, representing the C1 haplotype, demonstrates the widest distribution and highest frequency. Our results also showed that significant genetic differentiation exists among commercial populations of A. mellifera in the urban districts of Beijing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hymenoptera Diversity and Biology)

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