Search Results (71)

Hainania Koller (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Xenocyprididae) is known as a monotypic genus of sharpbelly fish that is endemic to Hainan Island, China. We describe Ha. minzhengi sp. nov., the second species of Hainania collected from Guangdong, based on morphology and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, by maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods and different partitioning schemes. Our result supports the sister group relationship between Ha. serrata and Ha. minzhengi sp. nov., but the monophyly of Pseudohemiculter or Hemiculterella was not recovered. A diagnostic key to Chinese species of Hainania and Pseudohemiculter is provided. Full article

The Millard’s rat (Dacnomys millardi), a threatened murid endemic to Southeast Asian montane rainforests and the sole member of its monotypic genus, faces escalating endangered risks as a Near Threatened species in China’s Biodiversity Red List. This ecologically specialized rodent exhibits diagnostic morphological adaptations—hypertrophied upper molars and cryptic pelage—that underpin niche differentiation in undisturbed tropical/subtropical forests. Despite its evolutionary distinctiveness, the conservation prioritization given to Dacnomys is hindered due to a deficiency of data and unresolved phylogenetic relationships. Here, we integrated morphological analyses with the first complete mitogenome (16,289 bp in size; no structural rearrangements) of D. millardi to validate its phylogenetic placement within the subfamily Murinae and provide novel insights into genetic diversity erosion. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenies robustly supported Dacnomys as sister to Leopoldamys (PP = 1.0; BS = 100%), with an early Pliocene divergence (~4.8 Mya, 95% HPD: 3.65–5.47 Mya). Additionally, based on its basal phylogenetic position within Murinae, we propose reclassifying Micromys from Rattini to the tribe Micromyini. Codon usage bias analyses revealed pervasive purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1), constraining mitogenome evolution. Genetic diversity analyses showed low genetic variation (CYTB: π = 0.0135 ± 0.0023; COX1: π = 0.0101 ± 0.0025) in fragmented populations. We propose three new insights into this genetic diversity erosion. (1) Evolutionary constraints: genome-wide evolutionary conservation and shallow evolutionary history (~4.8 Mya) limited mutation accumulation. (2) Anthropogenic pressures: deforestation-driven fragmentation of habitats (>20,000 km²/year loss since 2000) has reduced effective population size, exacerbating genetic drift. (3) Ecological specialization: long-term adaptation to stable niches favored genomic optimization over adaptive flexibility. These findings necessitate suitable conservation action by enforcing protection of core habitats to prevent deforestation-driven population collapses and advocating IUCN reclassification of D. millardi from Data Deficient to Near Threatened. Full article

The leafhopper genus Renonus is one of the rarest genera in the leafhopper tribe Athysanini. The Mexican endemic monotypic species, Renonus rubraviridis DeLong, is historically known from few localities, and since the original description, no additional data has been provided. During an ongoing survey conducted in western Mexico over the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests, including the surroundings of the Estación de Biología Chamela (IB-UNAM), specimens of R. rubraviridis and others that do not morphologically fit with previously described species were collected. Herein, a new endemic species to Mexico, Renonus cuixmalensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated in detail. In addition, morphological notes of R. rubraviridis, the key to species, a map of distribution, a habitat description, and a discussion about the strong influence on distribution through the Seasonally Tropical Dry Forest are given. Full article

Alternaria is a large genus of fungi comprising approximately 400 species, currently classified into 29 sections. These fungi exhibit a cosmopolitan distribution, thriving in both natural and human-impacted environments with saprophytic, endophytic, and parasitic lifestyles. As part of our ongoing studies on fungi associated with wetland plants in the families Cyperaceae and Juncaceae across various regions of Iran, we isolated 21 fungal strains displaying morphological traits of Alternaria. Multigene phylogenetic analysis and morphological examination of eight selected strains confirmed their placement within Alternaria with strong support. These isolates formed a basal clade distinct from the 29 previously recognized sections and six monotypic lineages, leading to the establishment of a new section, Alternaria section Iraniana, to accommodate them. Furthermore, two monophyletic lineages within this section were identified, representing two new species, A. avrinica and A. iraniana, which are described and illustrated in this study. The new section is distinguished by long, semi-macronematous to macronematous conidiophores with multiple geniculate and sympodial proliferations, as well as solitary, non-beaked conidia that have only transverse eu-septa to pseudo-septa. The newly described species are differentiated based on conidiophore and conidial characteristics and nucleotide sequence comparisons of genomic regions. These results contribute to a better understanding of the distribution and host range of Alternaria species, while highlighting the importance of ongoing research into fungal taxonomy and biodiversity in Iran, a region rich in potential for the discovery of new fungal species. Full article

Trogopterus xanthipes (Sciuridae, Rodentia) is a medium-sized flying squirrel species in the monotypic genus Trogopterus, and is endemic to China. It is distinguishable from other squirrels by the long black hairs on the inner and outer sides at the base of the ears and numerous ridges on the crowns of the upper and lower cheek teeth. Mitogenomes have been widely used in phylogenetic studies. We described T. xanthipes morphological features and successfully sequenced its mitogenome for the first time. The T. xanthipes mitogenome was conserved in number and order of genes. We analyzed codon usage patterns, evolutionary mutation rates, K2P distance, and genetic diversity of protein-coding genes. We reconstructed the phylogeny of Sciuridae (94 species and 21 genera in 4 subfamilies). All phylogenetic trees shared the same topologies and consistently supported the monophyly of Sciuridae, and the supported subfamilies relationship as follows: ((Xerinae + Callosciurinae) + Sciurinae) + Ratufinae. The relationship within the Sciurinae clade was ((Glaucomys + Hylopetes) + ((Trogopterus+Pteromys) + Petaurista) + Sciurus). The relationship within the Callosciurinae clade was Exilisciurus + ((Tamiops + Dremomys) + ((Lariscus+Sundasciurus) + Callosciurus)). The relationship within the Xerinae clade was Sciurotamias + (Tamias + (Callospermophilus + (Marmota + (Spermophilus + (Urocitellus + (Ictidomys + Cynomys)))))). The phylogenetic position among different subfamilies of Sciuridae was consistently recovered with high support across different datasets (PCGRNA and PCG12RNA) and supported the monophyletic lineage of each genus of Sciuridae. Trogopterus xanthipes was sister species to Pteromys volans. Species within the genus formed different minor clades, suggesting relatively high interspecific divergences. The tribe Pteromyini was sister taxon of the tribe Sciurini, which was not supported by the traditional division of Sciuridae into subfamilies Pteromyinae and Sciurinae. Hence, our data supported a division of the Sciuridae into five subfamilies. Full article

Mastogloia is a large, morphologically diverse genus of primarily benthic marine species defined by the presence of partecta (chambers) on the valvocopula (girdle band next to the valve). Several genera have been found with valves that resemble Mastogloia but lack the ring of partecta; the most diverse group is in freshwaters, especially Aneumastus, but there are two marine genera, both monotypic. A third such species has been found in Cuba and is described here as Paramastogloia cubana gen. nov., sp. nov. Paramastogloia cubana, Mastoneis biformis, and Mastogloiopsis biseriata each resemble the valve structure of some species of Mastogloia but do not resemble one another. Paramastogloia is indistinguishable in light microscopy (LM) from naviculoid diatoms and had been identified as Navicula cf. sovereigniae. The resemblance of P. cubana to Mastogloia is in the areolae, particularly to those of M. umbra, M. dicephala, and M. mammosa, three species not likely to be in one monophyletic group. Mastoneis has been observed in LM from widespread warm-water localities and resembles some Mastogloia in having costae extending partway across the virgae (interstriae); new ultrastructural details are presented showing the girdle bands and absence of partecta, and a clearer genus diagnosis is proposed. The third genus, Mastogloiopsis, was established with ultrastructure and resembles species of Mastogloia sec. Marginulatae. The range of areolar characters that might be admissible to Paramastogloia is unknown, so the generic diagnosis has been left imprecise to allow for the possibility of other species. The relationships among these genera await genetic studies, which are still scarce in Mastogloiaceae. Full article

A study was conducted on the vascular floras of the Ziwuling Mountains in Shaanxi Province to establish a foundational database, providing data support for the conservation and utilization of the Ziwuling Mountains’ plant diversity resources. Based on field surveys and literature references, the composition and geographical elements of the vascular floras in the study area were analyzed. The species richness and floristic similarity coefficients of the study area were compared with other floras on the Ordos Platform. The results were as follows: (1) The vascular floras of the Ziwuling Mountains in Shaanxi Province comprised 120 families, 498 genera, and 965 species, with superrosids and superasterids being significantly dominant. There were 15 dominant families, primarily composed of oligotypic and monotypic genera. In terms of life forms, perennial forbs were the most abundant. (2) At the family level, tropical elements slightly outweighed temperate elements; at the genus level, temperate elements dominated. (3) The study area was rich in rare and endangered species. (4) Compared with other floras on the Ordos Platform, the study area exhibited higher species richness and the greatest similarity with the Liupan Mountain floras. The biodiversity of the Ziwuling Mountains in Shaanxi Province was relatively high, with diverse geographical elements and abundant rare and endangered species resources. Full article

A new genus for the tribe Pseudotarsonemoidini of the family Tarsonemidae is established in order to accommodate undescribed mites associated with bark beetles in Mexico. The new, monotypic genus Ochyronemus, with the type species O. jaliscoe being diagnostically and phylogenetically closest to the derived Pseudotarsonemoides-Tarsobisulcus cluster of the Pseudotarsonemoidini, possesses an intermediate position between these two genera. Details of the morphology related to its genus-level affiliation, primarily tibiotarsal I claw and leg setation, are compared in the context of the other genera of the tribe. Full article

On the African continent, Picrodendraceae are represented by four genera. Their intracontinental paleophytogeographic histories and paleoecological aspects are obscured by the lack of pre-Miocene fossils. For this study, late Eocene sediments from Kenya were investigated. The sample was prepared in the laboratory, and its organic residue was screened for pollen. We extracted fossil Picrodendraceae pollen and investigated the grains using light and scanning electron microscopy. Based on the pollen morphology, the grains were assigned to Hyaenanche. This genus is currently confined to a small area within the Cape Province, South Africa. There, the plants grow as shrubs and small trees at an elevation between 60 and 800 m, on rocky substrate, as part of open fynbos vegetation, and under a dry climate with hot summers and limited precipitation. The sedimentary context and the associated palynoflora suggest that during the Eocene of Kenya, Hyaenanche was part of lowland coastal vegetation in Eastern Africa. There, the plants grew under fully humid to winter-dry tropical climates as part of landwards margins of mangroves, seasonally inundated floodplain forests, or coastal forests. Our study shows that when evaluating paleoecological aspects of relict monotypic plants, their extant closely related genera and their fossil records need to be considered. Full article

Moreyra and co-authors, in their recent paper published in Plants, presented a desperately needed Hyb-Seq phylogeny of the genus Cirsium sensu lato. Through their findings, they provided a critical assessment of an earlier proposal of ours to separate Cirsium sect. Eriolepis and Cirsium italicum into the genera Lophiolepis and Epitrachys, respectively. While we fully respect their right not to accept our proposal, we cannot remain silent to their arguments that not only misinterpret our findings and statements but are often in direct conflict with their own results that actually support our proposal to segregate Lophiolepis. In addition, as Moreyra and co-authors did not include Epitrachys italica (formerly Cirsium italicum) in their analyses; they have no basis for arguing in favour or against our proposal to separate it as a monotypic genus. Finally, we conclude that the genus Cirsium, as circumscribed by the above-mentioned authors (i.e., including Lophiolepis), is definitively not monophyletic. Full article

Scoliodon is a genus of small placental sharks living in offshore waters. For a long time, the genus was considered a monotypic genus until a valid species, Scoliodon macrorhynchos, was confirmed in 2010. However, S. muelleri in the same study was not widely recognized because of the lack of evidence. In this study, we obtained the complete mitochondrial genome of the genus Scoliodon from Ranong, Thailand, and tentatively named it Scoliodon sp. By comparing the complete mitochondrial genome with those of two other Scoliodon species and conducting phylogenetic and divergence time analyses, we determined that Scoliodon sp. diverged from the other species. These findings indicate the potential for a new cryptic species (Scoliodon sp.) in the Scoliodon genus. This conclusion was further supported by a subsequent analysis of the published S. laticaudus control region sequences from previous studies. Finally, based on these conclusions, we used machine learning to derive a new identification method for the cryptic species. This approach may be useful for the discovery of new species or cryptic species in other organisms. Full article

Plastologus Schoenherr, 1842, hitherto a monotypic genus belonging to the tribe Hipporhinini, is herein revised for the first time. Three species are recognized as valid based on morphological characters, all distributed in southern regions of South Africa. In addition to the type species of the genus, Plastologus costatus Boheman, 1842, the following two species are described as new to the science: P. boroveci Košťál sp. n. and P. punctatus Košťál sp. n. Full article

Cyphellaceae, a small and under-studied family of Agaricales, includes mostly saprophytic taxa with varied basidiomes. In this study, we focus on wood-decay species with corticioid or stereoid basidiomes. Phylogenetic analyses of concatenated ITS-nrLSU sequences uncovered seven generic lineages of corticioid or stereoid fungi—Acanthocorticium, Cericium, Chondrostereum, Cunninghammyces, Gloeostereum, Granulobasidium, and Stratocorticium gen. nov. The genus Cericium is shown to be in the Cyphellaceae family, and two new species, Cericium gloeocystidiatum and Stratocorticium sinensis, are described from East Asia. Morphologically, Ce. gloeocystidiatum is characterized by resupinate basidiomes with smooth hymenophores, a dimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae and micro-binding hyphae, cystidia with resinous-like or golden yellow contents, and ellipsoid basidiospores. Stratocorticium is monotypic, differing from Cericium by a trimitic hyphal system of clamped generative, micro-binding, and brown, thick-walled skeletal-like hyphae, clavate to cylindrical cystidia with homogenous, colorless contents, and hyphidia. Descriptions and illustrations are provided for the new taxa and Cericium luteoincrustatum, and a key to corticioid or stereoid genera in Cyphellaceae is included. Full article

Thelyphonida Blanchard, 1852, also known as vinegaroons or whip-scorpions, is a small arachnid order with 140 described species contained in a single family, Thelyphonidae Lucas, 1835. Despite being conspicuous and widely distributed across the tropics and subtropics on four continents, knowledge of the order has been slow to advance. Hypoctoninae Pocock, 1899, one of four subfamilies currently recognized and one of two represented in the New World, comprises five genera. Since its inception, Thelyphonellus Pocock, 1894 has remained the only hypoctonine genus occurring in South America, with only four species described prior to the present contribution. The first detailed morphological study and phylogenetic analysis of Thelyphonellus is presented herein. The morphological phylogenetic analysis—the first for Thelyphonida—includes all except one of the previously described species of Thelyphonellus in addition to two new species described herein; the species of Ravilops Víquez and Armas, 2005 (from the Caribbean island of Hispaniola); and the monotypic Old World genus Etienneus Heurtault, 1984 (from West Africa) scored for 45 morphological characters. A single, most parsimonious phylogenetic hypothesis revealed that Thelyphonellus is paraphyletic with respect to Ravilops. The New World Hypoctoninae comprises four clades with disjunct distributions and well supported by a combination of morphological characteristics, on the basis of which four genera, two of which are new, are recognized: Ravilops, with two species, endemic to Hispaniola; Thelyphonellus, herein restricted to Thelyphonellus amazonicus (Butler, 1872) and Thelyphonellus ruschii Weygoldt, 1979, occurring in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil; Wounaan, gen. n., containing Wounaan vanegasae (Giupponi and Vasconcelos, 2008), comb. n. and Wounaan yarigui, sp. n. from Colombia; and Yekuana, gen. n., containing Yekuana venezolensis (Haupt, 2009), comb. n. and Yekuana wanadi, sp. n. from Venezuela. The two new species are described and illustrated. A key to the identification of the Neotropical genera of Hypoctoninae and a map plotting the known distribution of its species are also presented. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a monotypic genus belonging to the family Cannabaceae. It is one of the oldest species cultivated by humans, believed to have originated in Central Asia. In pivotal judgements in 2016 and 2018, the South African Constitutional Court legalised the use of Cannabis within the country for medicinal and recreational purposes, respectively. These decrees opened opportunities for in-depth research where previously there had been varying sentiments for research to be conducted on the plant. This review seeks to examine the history, genetic diversity, and chemical profile of Cannabis. The cultivation of Cannabis by indigenous people of southern Africa dates back to the eighteenth century. Indigenous rural communities have been supporting their livelihoods through Cannabis farming even before its legalisation. However, there are limited studies on the plant’s diversity, both morphologically and genetically, and its chemical composition. Also, there is a lack of proper documentation of Cannabis varieties in southern Africa. Currently, the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has 15 genome assemblies of Cannabis obtained from hemp and drug cultivars; however, none of these are representatives of African samples. More studies are needed to explore the species’ knowledge gaps on genetic diversity and chemical profiles to develop the Cannabis sector in southern Africa. Full article