Search Results (1,074)

The Rhiniinae (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a recently reclassified subfamily of blowflies, comprise approximately 400 species across 30 to 39 genera, which occupy diverse ecological associations, including flower visitation and specialized associations with social insects, yet their phylogenetic relationships remain poorly established due to lack of molecular data. We sequenced and characterized the complete mitochondrial genome of six representative Rhiniinae species, with which the phylogenetic analyses were conducted. The monophyly of Rhiniinae was robustly supported and the internal relationships were clarified. Rhiniini and Cosminini were both recovered as well-supported monophyletic tribes using comprehensive mitogenomic evidence for the first time. In contrast to the purifying selection prevailing in most protein-coding genes, the COII gene showed consistent signatures of positive selection, potentially linked to the functional optimization of cytochrome c oxidase. Overall, this study provides foundational mitogenomic data and a robust phylogenetic framework, offering valuable resources for future research on mitochondrial evolution and systematics within this ecologically intriguing lineage. Full article

The latest Cretaceous saw the final diversification of dinosaurs before the K/Pg extinction. Discussions of end-Cretaceous dinosaur diversity have focused on well-sampled faunas from Laurasia; far less is known about dinosaurian faunas of the Southern Hemisphere, especially Africa. The late Maastrichtian Phosphates of Morocco provide a rare window into African dinosaur diversity. Abelisaurids, lambeosaurines, and titanosaurian sauropods are known. However, no diagnostic titanosaur remains have been recovered, leaving the affinities of these sauropods unclear. We describe Phosphatotitan khouribgaensis gen. et sp. nov., a new titanosaur from the Maastrichtian of Sidi Chennane, Khouribga Province. Phosphatotitan is represented by dorsal, sacral, and caudal vertebrae, and the pelvis. The new species differs from titanosaurs described from the Cretaceous of Africa and Europe but resembles South American Lognkosauria, and especially Patagotitan, in having short dorsal and caudal centra, expanded dorsal and caudal neural spines, and a broad pubis. Its small size relative to other Lognkosauria (3.5–4 tonnes) suggests a lineage selected for small size. The close relationships of Morocco’s titanosaurs and abelisaurids to South American species may reflect a wide distribution of these clades prior to the opening of the South Atlantic and the separation of Africa and South America ~100 Ma, while a complex pattern of oceanic dispersal may explain the presence of distinct saltasauroid lineages worldwide. The latest Cretaceous Gondwanan dinosaur faunas were highly endemic due to a combination of continental fragmentation, extinction, and dispersal, creating high endemism in southern continents and within Africa, suggesting that Maastrichtian dinosaur diversity is underestimated. Full article

The actinobacterial strain DEC002 was isolated recently from volcanic soils of Deception Island. Its taxonomic identity was resolved through a polyphasic strategy integrating morphology, physiological profiling, multilocus phylogeny, and genome-wide comparisons to resolve its identity. Concatenated core gene trees together with average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values place DEC002 within Actinacidiphila fildesensis with robust support. This is the first molecular confirmation of the species beyond King George Island and secures a second verified locality within the South Shetland Archipelago. Growth at low temperature with tolerance to moderate salinity indicates a psychrotolerant lifestyle. Cell-free supernatants inhibited representatives of foodborne Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including representatives of Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrio, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Genome analysis revealed enrichment in multiple biosynthetic gene clusters for nonribosomal peptides, polyketides, terpenes, and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), supporting the biosynthetic potential of the strain. Functional annotations emphasize replication and repair modules, mobile element-associated proteins, helix–turn–helix regulators, and versatile transport systems, features coherent with cold stress and oligotrophic soils. Antibiotic susceptibility assays indicate a broad resistance phenotype under the experimental conditions tested, together with extracellular antimicrobial activity. These data refine the biogeography of A. fildesensis and indicate DEC002 as a credible Antarctic source of specialized metabolites with antimicrobial promise. Full article

Introduction of species represents today one of the most important problems of nature conservation. Special attention is paid to alien vascular plants and vertebrates. In the Afrotropical Region (sub-Saharan Africa), however, there is a lack of comprehensive review of alien amphibians and reptiles. The presented paper constitutes an attempt to overview the status, distribution and threats posed by introduced herp species to sub-Saharan Africa since the second half of the 18th century. This review includes 21 amphibian (including 10 established) and 57 reptile (including 33 established) species introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. Most species introduced to sub-Saharan Africa which subsequently developed viable populations originated from the Malagasy (32%), Afrotropical (30%), and Oriental (27%) Regions. Most introductions were made in the last two decades, mostly as results of an increase in international trade and herp pet industry, especially in South Africa. Stowaway and pet trade are the most common pathways of introductions. Several factors determine the successful establishment of introduced alien herp species in sub-Saharan Africa, viz. behavioral and morphological traits, propagule pressure, climate and habitat overlap, and presence of potentially competing species. The impact of alien herps in sub-Saharan Africa on the local biodiversity is not well investigated. In comparison with other continents the number of introduced and established herp species in sub-Saharan Africa is relatively low. The Malagasy Region has the highest number of introduced herp species in sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

Knowledge of the Oestroidea and Muscoidea fauna of Greece and Cyprus remains fragmentary, with substantial parts of the two countries having never been systematically surveyed. The present study verifies the presence of Scathophaga stercoraria (Linnaeus, 1758) in Cyprus and records 16 new species from Greece, belonging to five calyptrate families: [Anthomyia illocata Walker, 1856 (Muscoidea: Anthomyiidae); Scathophaga lutaria (Fabricius, 1794) (Muscoidea: Anthomyiidae); Fannia pallitibia (Rondani, 1866); Fannia pusio (Wiedemann, 1830) (Muscoidea: Fanniidae); and Coenosia sp. nov. 1, Coenosia sp. nov. 2, Lispe flavicincta Loew, 1847, Lispe nuba Wiedemann, 1830, Lispe orientalis Wiedemann, 1824, Lispe cf. sericipalpis (Stein, 1904), Potamia littoralis Robineau–Desvoidy, 1830 (Muscoidea: Muscidae); Apodacra radchenkoi Verves and Khrokalo, 2015, Craticulina tabaniformis (Fabricius, 1805), Miltogramma rutilans Meigen, 1824, Nyctia lugubris (Macquart, 1843) (Oestroidea: Sarcophagidae), and Linnaemya lithosiophaga (Rondani, 1859) (Oestroidea: Tachinidae)]. These records are based on the examination of 152 dry-pinned specimens from 58 localities, collected between 1978 and 2026 across Greece and Cyprus using a combination of passive (animal-baited traps, UV-bright pan traps) and active (hand collecting, net sweeping) sampling methods, together with insect material from the entomological collections of the National Museum of Natural History Goulandris and the Melissotheque of the Aegean. In addition, the first checklists of the family Fanniidae and the subfamily Scathophaginae for Greece and Cyprus are presented. Collectively, the findings presented expand the documented diversity of Greek and Cypriot Calyptratae and refine the current understanding of their biogeographic patterns, providing an updated framework for taxonomic, ecological, forensic, and other applied entomological research within the two countries. Full article

Fossils provide invaluable data for evolutionary studies in oceanic islands. The paleontological record of the Macaronesian archipelagos has been the target of many researchers for a long time, with a recent surge in interest in scientific research related to their paleontological heritage. In the Macaronesian Azores archipelago, the marine invertebrate fossil record from the warmest period of the Last Interglacial stage (also known as Marine Isotopic Stage 5e—MIS 5e) represents approximately 95.6% of the total species. In contrast, the MIS 5e marine vertebrate fossil record comprises only four reported species (2.2%), with marine algae accounting for the remaining 2.2% (four species). This study reports on—and adds to the paleobiodiversity of the MIS 5e deposits at Santa Maria Island (Azores Archipelago)—two marine mesopelagic lanternfishes, identified from their otoliths: Diaphus cf. holti Tåning, 1918, and Symbolophorus veranyi (Moreau, 1888). Finally, we offer a plausible explanation for the presence of mesopelagic fishes in the MIS 5e fossiliferous deposits of Santa Maria Island. Full article

Bornaviruses are neurotropic, negative-sense RNA viruses with zoonotic potential, notably Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) and variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1). BoDV-1 is endemic in certain regions of Central Europe and maintained in bicolored white-toothed shrews, but its presence in Croatia has not been investigated. Given Croatia’s diverse biogeography and the prevalence of rodent-borne diseases, this study aimed to investigate the presence of orthobornaviruses in wild canids and mustelids. Brain samples from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), golden jackals (Canis aureus moreoticus), wolves (Canis lupus), martens (Martes martes) and badgers (Meles meles) were analysed using pan-bornavirus RT-PCR. Despite successful RNA extraction and internal control amplification, bornavirus RNA was not detected in any of the 860 animal samples tested. Although no orthobornavirus RNA was detected, the results still provide valuable information: bornavirus infections appear to be absent or extremely rare in Croatian wild canids and mustelids. By excluding these species as current potential reservoir hosts, this study helps to refine the geographical extent of bornavirus endemicity and emphasises the importance of continuous One Health surveillance in regions with favourable ecological conditions for zoonotic spillover. Full article

Bodanella lauterborni W.M. Zimmermann and Heribaudiella fluviatilis (Areschoug) Svedelius are members of brown algae (Phaeophyceae) that exclusively inhabit freshwater habitats. Heribaudiella fluviatilis is the most frequently reported freshwater brown alga, widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, B. lauterborni, one of the rarest algae globally, has been reported in only four glacial Alpine lakes and has not been observed in nature for nearly 50 years. Since 2019, the species has been considered locally extinct at its type locality, and its presence in the other three lakes is also questionable. Here, we report the occurrence of B. lauterborni in three springs on the Vlasina Plateau (Southeast Serbia), being the first finding of the species in Southeast Europe and the fifth discovery globally in environmental conditions not previously described for the species. We also provide detailed data on the morphology, ecology, and biogeography of B. lauterborni and H. fluviatilis. Additionally, we report the non-obligate association Hildenbrandio rivularis-Heribaudielletum fluviatilis discovered in two rivers. Our findings significantly expand the known ecological and geographical range of phaeophytes, highlighting Southeast Europe as a refugium for freshwater Phaeophyceae biodiversity. Full article

The evolutionary history and contemporary biogeography jointly shape the genetic architecture of marine species. This study investigates the phylogeny and population genetics of two closely related syngnathid fishes, Trachyrhamphus serratus and Trachyrhamphus longirostris. We report the first record of T. longirostris along the mainland coast of China, with samples collected from Yantai, Kenting, Zhanjiang, and Beihai. Population genetic analyses reveal genetic differentiation within T. longirostris, which exhibits low levels of genetic diversity across all sampled populations compared to T. serratus. The star-like haplotype network and significantly negative neutrality test values collectively indicate a recent population expansion event in T. longirostris. This study offers important insights into the evolutionary dynamics and biogeographic patterning of syngnathid fishes, with clear implications for their conservation and management. Full article

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics and underlying drivers of invasive species is crucial for moving beyond descriptive monitoring to predictive management. The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren, RIFA) continues to spread globally, yet studies often lack the seasonal and cross-habitat resolution needed to explain the puzzling heterogeneity of infestations within urban landscapes—such as the stark contrast between high-density agricultural zones and low-density urban green spaces. To address this gap, we conducted a four-season, city-wide survey of 129 sites across four dominant habitat types (farmlands, fishponds, orchards, and urban green spaces) in Guangzhou, a core city of the GBA. Using inverse distance weighting interpolation, kernel density estimation, and spatial autocorrelation, we sought to examine not only the spatial patterns of RIFA distribution but also its potential contributing factors. Our analysis points to three key observations. First, the occurrence level of RIFA appears to follow a significant gradient (farmlands > fishponds > orchards > urban green spaces), suggesting that idle agricultural lands may serve as core reservoirs. Second, we observed a pronounced seasonal bimodal pattern, with peak infestation indices in spring and autumn—a dynamic that seems closely associated with agricultural disturbance cycles. Third, spatial analysis (Global Moran’s I = 0.346, p < 0.001) revealed significant clustering, with “high-high” clusters concentrated in peripheral suburban districts. Notably, abandoned or idle farmlands emerged as a potentially important factor, possibly acting as dispersal hubs that help bridge these spatial and temporal peaks and offering one explanation for how local outbreaks may spread across the landscape. Collectively, these findings suggest that RIFA distribution may not be driven solely by static habitat suitability or climate; instead, they point to the importance of considering the dynamic interplay between land-use legacies (such as abandonment), seasonal agricultural practices, and spatial connectivity. By elucidating these drivers, this study refines the theoretical framework of urban invasion biology and provides a replicable, evidence-based control paradigm. We suggest implementing a “zoned, seasonal, and pathway-specific” management strategy that prioritizes suburban farmland complexes during critical seasons and targets abandoned lands for intervention, offering a path towards more sustainable and precise regional RIFA control in the GBA and beyond. Full article

Aeropalynology, the monitoring and interpretation of airborne pollen, has become increasingly relevant in Latin America as allergic rhinitis and asthma rise alongside rapid urbanization, land-use change, and climate variability. Yet the region’s capacity remains heterogeneous: long-standing traditions in the Southern Cone coexist with emerging programs in tropical and Andean settings, and many series are not translated into standardized products useful for clinical care or public health. We conducted a structured literature review guided by PRISMA 2020 to synthesize the historical evolution, current monitoring infrastructure, dominant pollen taxa, and translational outputs reported across Latin American countries. Evidence indicates that Mexico currently represents the most mature aeropalynological ecosystem in the region, supported by multi-site monitoring, open weekly reporting (REMA), multiple city-level pollen calendars, and emerging computational approaches for pollen identification. Across countries, recurrent high-impact taxa include Cupressaceae, Fraxinus, Platanus, Olea, Poaceae, Urticaceae, Amaranthaceae, Rumex, Ambrosia, and Parietaria, with local dominance shaped by biogeography and urban vegetation. Key gaps include limited long-term continuity outside a few cities, variable methodology (sampler type, taxonomic resolution, units, thresholds), and scarce linkage of pollen exposure metrics with clinical outcomes. Future priorities include harmonized volumetric monitoring, interoperable data standards, routine publication of pollen calendars and thresholds, integration with meteorology for forecasting, and expansion of digital decision-support tools to improve prevention and management of allergic respiratory diseases in Latin America. Full article

Latitudinal gradients are widely recognized as a key macro-environmental driver shaping microbial biogeographic patterns; however, the spatial organization of sediment archaeal communities in estuarine ecosystems and the mechanisms underlying their assembly remain insufficiently understood. This study is based on sediment samples collected from three representative estuarine regions spanning distinct latitudes along the Chinese coastline—the North China Sea (NCS), East China Sea (ECS), and South China Sea (SCS). Based on 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, combined with null-model inference and molecular ecological network (MEN) analyses, we characterized latitudinal patterns in archaeal community distributions, assembly processes, and cross-regional interaction architectures. The results showed that archaeal communities exhibited obvious spatial segregation across three regions, with both community richness and network complexity increasing significantly toward lower latitudes. Nitrate (NO₃⁻), ferric iron (Fe³⁺), and dissolved oxygen (DO) were identified as key environmental factors governing archaeal community structure. Notably, archaeal community assembly processes exhibited a clear latitudinal gradient: deterministic processes, particularly environmental filtering, were more obvious at lower latitudes, whereas the contributions of stochastic processes—including dispersal limitation and ecological drift—increased markedly at higher latitudes. A MEN analysis further revealed that archaeal networks at lower latitudes exhibited higher connectivity, modularity, and stability, suggesting that interspecific interactions may enhance ecosystem resistance to environmental disturbance under more stable environmental conditions. Overall, this study demonstrates that macro-environmental gradients jointly shape archaeal biogeographic patterns via multiple pathways, including modulation of environmental filtering, dispersal dynamics, and cross-regional interactions. These findings deepened our understanding of the stable mechanisms governing the diversity and biogeographical distribution of archaea in estuarine systems. Full article

Cascade dams fragment river habitats, but how seasonal hydrology modulates the biogeography and assembly of fish gut microbiota remains unclear. We surveyed gut bacterial communities of the omnivorous fish Saurogobio punctatus across 10 reaches separated by cascade dams in the Qijiang River during the wet (summer) and dry (winter) seasons using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Sampling was synchronized among reaches to minimize temporal variability. Winter exhibited stronger differentiation among reaches and a steeper distance–decay pattern, and reach-scale environmental heterogeneity (especially dissolved inorganic nitrogen) was more stable under weak hydrodynamics. Null model analyses showed that stochastic processes dominated in summer, with dispersal-related processes and drift being prominent under high connectivity, whereas deterministic assembly increased in winter and was mainly associated with homogeneous selection. Compositionality-aware differential abundance analysis (ANCOM-BC2) identified 409 genera with a significant seasonal differential abundance after adjusting for reach (FDR q < 0.05). Random forest classification, used as a complementary prediction-oriented feature-ranking analysis, indicated higher reach discriminability in winter, with Nitrospirota ranking among the top features. PLS-PM indicated that α-diversity had the strongest direct association with β-diversity in the specified model, whereas spatial and environmental effects were linked to β-diversity mainly through indirect, α-diversity-mediated pathways. Biologically, α-diversity may reflect an integrative summary of the within-gut taxon pool shaped by host filtering and environmentally derived inputs (e.g., diet- and habitat-associated sources), which can influence the magnitude of between-reach compositional turnover. Together, these results show that seasonal hydrological regimes tune spatial turnover and assembly of fish gut microbiota in cascade-regulated rivers. Full article

Between 1993 and 2024, a total of 274 hard ticks (Ixodidae) were collected from 138 subterranean localities in Croatia. This study represents the most extensive survey of hard tick fauna in subterranean habitats in Croatia to date. The collected specimens were classified into three genera and seven taxa, including two taxa that could not be identified to the species level (one from the genus Ixodes and one from Haemaphysalis). The genus Ixodes was the most abundant, comprising five taxa, whereas Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma were each represented by a single taxon. The highest diversity of hard ticks was recorded in subterranean habitats in Dalmatia, followed by north-western Croatia and Slavonia. Ixodes vespertilionis Koch, 1844 was the dominant species in the collected sample, representing 81.0% of all specimens, and was recorded in all studied regions. This species was present throughout the entire year, whereas I. hexagonus Leach, 1815 was recorded during nine months, I. frontalis (Panzer, 1798) during four months, and the remaining taxa during shorter periods. The largest number of I. vespertilionis specimens was collected in spring (33.2%), while the lowest number was recorded in winter (16.6%). The record of I. frontalis represents the first documented occurrence of this species in subterranean habitats in Croatia. Full article