Search Results (54)

The Eastern Adriatic Sea is biogeographically complex, yet knowledge of its hydromedusae is fragmented across two centuries of uneven sampling and shifting taxonomy. This review integrates historical faunistic records (pre-1950), mid-century programmes (1950–2000), modern quantitative time series (post-2000), and citizen science observations to compile an updated checklist of 98 non-siphonophoran hydrozoan taxa. Records are synthesised across eight sub-regions, although the most continuous research has focused on the Northern Adriatic and the open South Adriatic. The clearest long-term signal is in the Northern Adriatic, where diversity collapsed by >60% from the 1960s to the 1980s, largely through the loss of meroplanktonic taxa with benthic polyp stages under eutrophication-driven hypoxia. Since 2000, oligotrophication coincides with a partial recovery, marked by the re-emergence of meroplankton and episodic intrusions of oceanic holoplankton (including Trachymedusae) linked to circulation regimes (BiOS). For the open South Adriatic, bathymetric distributions and diel vertical migration patterns are synthesised to characterise a persistent offshore core. Taxonomic updates and information on non-indigenous and bloom-forming taxa are provided. Methodological biases and gaps, especially polyp-stage ecology and spatial sampling voids, are highlighted, and routine DNA barcoding is recommended. The checklist provides a baseline for tracking change in a shifting ecosystem. Full article

Mycological studies in China have achieved substantial and encouraging progress in recent decades. In this paper, the discoveries of novel fungal taxa published by Chinese mycologists and the documented records of fungi distributed in China are statistically summarized based on the data retrieved from Fungal Names and the Checklist of Fungi in the China database, respectively. Our analysis reveals that a total of 2875 Chinese scholars have published 20,826 new fungal taxa to date, 65% of which were published within the past decade. During the same period, Chinese mycologists placed great importance on archiving fungal diversity data and have completed the compilation of the national checklist of fungi. Based on 382,503 records derived from over 18,200 research articles and 300 books, a total of 31,180 fungal species, spanning 17 phyla, 65 classes, 240 orders, 840 families, and 4531 genera, have been documented in China. The southwestern region, especially Yunnan Province, exhibits the highest richness of documented species. These results provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of fungal biodiversity and taxonomic studies in China, providing a valuable foundation for future investigations. Full article

This study presents the first comprehensive molecular analysis of the Lepidoptera fauna of Cyprus based on DNA barcoding. A total of 1859 DNA barcode sequences were generated, representing 701 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) and thus putative species. Morphological examination enabled the assignment of 596 BINs to 580 Linnaean species. Based on this genetically validated species inventory—complemented by morphologically examined specimens and a critical review of the literature—a new checklist for the Lepidoptera of Cyprus is provided. In total, 1213 species are accepted as confirmed or considered likely based on published but unverified records. The checklist includes 57 genetically confirmed first records for Cyprus and 62 new records supported solely by morphology. Remarkably, 10 species are recorded as new to Europe: Alloclita deprinsi, Cochylimorpha diana, C. additana, Pammene avetianae, P. nannodes, Cydia alienana, Ephestia abnormalella, Hypsotropa paucipunctella, Dysauxes parvigutta, and Bryophilopsis roederi. In addition, 105 BINs could not be assigned to a species. Preliminary morphological assessment indicates that many of these represent cryptic taxa or belong to taxonomically unresolved species complexes. Furthermore, 35 morphology-based records could be identified at best to the genus level. The study also lists 158 previously published species that are now considered likely misidentifications and therefore excluded from the Cypriot fauna. Full article

The Orchidaceae family in Calabria has been scarcely investigated during the 21st century, and available knowledge remains fragmentary, particularly for the rarer taxa. The last comprehensive study dates back to 2002, whereas subsequent checklists, limited to restricted areas of the region, provide incomplete or taxonomically uncertain data. Considering that the family is protected at global (CITES, Bern Convention, IUCN) and national (Italian Red List) levels, broader and more systematic attention is required. In this work, focused on the southern sector of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, with special reference to the mountain and foothill areas of the Aspromonte massif and in the adjacent districts, we describe four new hybrids for science, each assessed as Critically Endangered (CR), and report four previously unrecorded taxa for the region, evaluated as VU/CR. In addition, two hybrids, newly recorded for the Calabrian flora, were likewise assigned a CR conservation status. The study also provides confirmation of historical records of Ophrys speculum and identifies the southernmost stations in continental Italy for both O. speculum and Orchis branciforti Standardized floral and labellar morphometric traits were measured on representative individuals from each population, including the parental species in the case of hybrids. Conservation status was evaluated following IUCN criteria and GeoCAT-derived AOO values, complemented by field observations on population size, habitat conditions, and site-specific threats. Hybrid names comply with ICN provisions. These findings enhance understanding of orchid biodiversity in Southern Italy and provide new insights for regional conservation efforts. Full article

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a multifactorial condition, and interest in gut–brain interactions is increasing. We conducted a systematic two-step review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251083936). Step 1 mapped core OCD biology to gut-relevant pathways, including neuroimmune activation, epithelial barrier function, microbial metabolites, and stress circuitry, to clarify plausible mechanisms. Step 2 synthesized evidence from human and preclinical studies that measured or manipulated microbiota. Searches across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane (September 2025) yielded 357 biological and 20 microbiota-focused studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for human studies and SYRCLE’s tool for animal studies. Although taxonomic findings in human cohorts were heterogeneous, functional patterns converged: reduced short-chain fatty acid capacity, enrichment of pro-inflammatory pathways, and host markers of barrier disruption and inflammation correlating with OCD severity. Transferring patient microbiota to mice induced OCD-like behaviors with neuroinflammatory changes, partly rescued by metabolites or barrier-supporting strains. Mendelian randomization suggested possible causal contributions at higher taxonomic levels. Diet, especially fiber intake, and psychotropic exposure were major sources of heterogeneity. Evidence supports the microbiota as a modifiable co-factor in a subset of OCD, motivating diet-controlled, stratified clinical trials with composite host–microbe endpoints. Full article

The genus Parapenia Suzuki from China is revised, with 12 species recognized, including six new species: P. fuxi sp. nov., P. nyuwa sp. nov., P. pangu sp. nov., P. ruihangi sp. nov., P. wuchaoi sp. nov., and P. zhengi sp. nov. In addition, P. sausai Schimmel and P. villosa (Fleutiaux) are newly recorded from China, and P. jagemanni Schimmel syn. nov. is synonymized with P. yunnana Schimmel. Large plate-like sclerites in the bursa copulatrix are consistently present in Parapenia and show diagnostic value for generic delimitation. Comparative morphological studies, particularly of these sclerites, justify the establishment of three new genera distinct from Parapenia: (1) Parapenioides gen. nov., including P. zidani sp. nov.; (2) Megapenia gen. nov., including M. cruciata (Bouwer) comb. nov., type species M. marginalis (Fleutiaux) comb. nov., and M. tianlongi sp. nov.; and (3) Sinopenia gen. nov., including S. significata (Schimmel) comb. nov. A comparative diagnostic table of the four genera, together with a checklist and distribution maps, is provided. Identification keys to Chinese species of Parapenia and Megapenia are also included. This study clarifies the taxonomic complexity of Parapenia and emphasizes the overlooked significance of sclerotized structures in the bursa copulatrix for distinguishing genera within Dimini. Full article

The Order Polycladida comprises a diverse yet understudied group of free-living flatworms, traditionally divided into Cotylea and Acotylea based on the presence or absence of a ventral adhesive organ known as a cotyl. Species identification, particularly within Acotylea, is often challenging due to the need for histological examination of reproductive structures and the scarcity of molecular data. The Tropical Western Atlantic, especially the Caribbean Sea, hosts high polyclad diversity but remains poorly surveyed. This study updates the checklist of Acotylea from the Colombian Caribbean, combining new collections from Santa Marta with the literature records. Field work yielded 22 acotylean species from 14 genera and 10 families, with DNA sequences (28S rDNA and/or COI mtDNA) obtained for 20 species. 11 species are new records for Colombia, and five for the Caribbean Sea: Latocestus brasiliensis Hyman, 1953, Notocomplana martae (Marcus, 1948), Interplana evelinae (Marcus, 1952), Triadomma curvum Marcus, 1949, and Adenoplana evelinae Marcus, 1950. In total, 29 species are now documented from the region. We provide photographs of live specimens, whole mounts, and histological sections; DNA barcodes for most species; and the first dichotomous key for Colombian Caribbean acotyleans, based primarily on external traits, providing a practical tool to support further taxonomic, ecological, and biodiversity research. Full article

The genus Taxigramma from China has been taxonomically reviewed. Taxigramma pluriseta and T. pluton are new to the fauna sinica, while T. karakulensis is removed. The male of T. albina is firstly recorded and described from China. An updated checklist of all eight species of Taxigramma known from China is presented with newly supplemented specimen examinations, biological observations and distributional information. A taxonomic key to the Chinese species of Taxigramma is also provided. COI sequences of T. albina, T. pluriseta and T. pluton are newly obtained, with a concise analysis of their genetic divergence among species of Taxigramma. Full article

The Desmodium group is one of the three groups in the tribe Desmodieae distinguished by their lomentaceous fruits, trifoliolate leaves, presence of stipels, and hooked hairs. Due to recent generic circumscription in the Desmodium group, a taxonomic synopsis of the Nigerian members of Desmodium s.l. is presented, including an updated checklist, diagnostic characters, morphological descriptions, and distribution records. The Nigerian taxa of the Desmodium s.l. comprise six genera and nineteen species, of which six species are insufficiently known. Grona and Desmodium each include seven species, while Pleurolobus includes two species. The genera Sohmaea, Polhillides, and Hylodesmum are each represented by a single species. This synopsis aims to consolidate the available taxonomic information on the nineteen species and provide a foundation for future studies on the taxonomic revision, diversity, ecology, and conservation of the tribe Desmodieae in Nigeria. Full article

Cantabrian mixed forests, located in areas of Spain, Portugal, and France, serve as an essential biogeographic transition region, noted for its extraordinary plant diversity and ecological intricacy. To aid conservation and research initiatives, a uniform checklist of vascular plants was created, incorporating information from citizen science platforms, scientific databases, herbarium records, and local floras. The outcome is a carefully selected collection of more than 8000 taxa, with over 76% recognized as native, highlighting the area’s importance as a reservoir of biodiversity and a climate refuge. Taxonomic discrepancies were resolved via expert verification and adherence to international naming standards, establishing a dependable basis for ecological research. The checklist demonstrates notable variations in organisms, ecological approaches, and evolutionary lineages, influenced by geographical diversity, climate variations, and past land use patterns. Importantly, the study emphasizes the drawbacks of unchecked biodiversity data and shows the benefits of expert-driven synthesis for addressing gaps and biases in species documentation. The floristic information presented here can act as a basis for transboundary conservation planning, ongoing biodiversity tracking, and the development of adaptive management approaches in response to climate change and ecological decline. This initiative represents an important move towards safeguarding the distinct natural heritage of this distinctive biogeographic region. Full article

This paper provides data on non-native fungus-like organisms (Oomycota, kingdom Stramenopila), their diversity, and distribution in Lithuania and is an addition to a previously published checklist of alien true fungi (Chytridiomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota; kingdom Fungi). All available published data were summarized, and the analysis showed that approximately 25% of recorded Lithuania stramenopilous fungus-like organism species are alien. The compiled list represented herein includes 54 species of alien terrestrial and aquatic stramenopilous fungus-like organisms (Oomycota). Most alien Oomycota are obligate pathogens of terrestrial plants. Aquatic organisms are represented by one alien dangerous crayfish pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci, which is currently noted as extinct in Lithuania. The taxonomy of the listed alien species of Oomycota has been revised, and the species names have been adjusted to reflect current nomenclature changes. The taxonomical and ecological analysis demonstrated the prevalence of terrestrial parasitic Peronosporales reported in Lithuania Oomycota and the highest diversity of alien species belonging to the Peronospora genus. The chronology of appearance, distribution within the country, and current status of these non-native organisms were assessed, and some of the most economically or ecologically important harmful invasive species were discussed. Full article

Calyptra Ochsenheimer, 1816 is an important genus of fruit piercers and blood feeders with 18 described species worldwide. Both sexes of all Calyptra species pierce fruit. Adults feed upon and damage soft-skinned (e.g., Rubus and Vitis) and thicker-skinned fruits (e.g., Ficus and Citrus) in subtropical and tropical Asia. These moths are rare examples of a lepidopteran lineage that uses its fruit-piercing mouthparts to pierce the skin of vertebrate animals occasionally. In China, 10 species of this genus have been reported. Here, we identified seven species of the genus Calyptra Ochsenheimer, 1816 from Chinese fauna, including C. gruesa, C. thalictri, C. hokkaida, C. albivirgata, C. orthograpta, C. fletcheri, and C. lata. Detailed illustrations of male and female external morphology and genital structures are provided. A comprehensive worldwide checklist of the genus Calyptra is also included. This study highlights significant taxonomic revisions and morphological features for this genus within Chinese fauna. Full article

Comprehensive genetic surveys of Lepidoptera are still largely lacking across most of the eastern Mediterranean. Consequently, there is a lack of modern, taxonomically validated checklists that meet current scientific standards. In this study, we analyze the butterfly and moth fauna of Crete (Greece) for the first time, based on 3110 DNA barcode sequences, primarily obtained from specimens based on our own sampling program. Building on these data, and incorporating previously published records from print sources and online forums, we establish the first comprehensive checklist of the island’s fauna. In total, the occurrence of 1230 species from 62 families is confirmed, with 724 of them genetically verified. Among them, 75 species appear to be island endemics. The checklist includes 125 newly recorded species for Crete, validated by DNA barcoding (with 36 also being new for Greece), along with 23 species confirmed solely through morphological study, and another 16 only documented by photographs. Conversely, 212 previously reported species had to be removed as likely invalid. Furthermore, 112 unidentified sequence clusters (BINs—Barcode Index Numbers) were documented, taxonomic uncertainties that will require future integrative resolution. Full article

Central Asia, located at the heart of Eurasia, is renowned for its varied climate and vertical vegetative distribution, which support diverse biomes and position it as a global biodiversity hotspot. Despite this ecological richness, Central Asia’s fungal diversity, particularly wood-inhabiting macrofungi, remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the diversity, ecological roles, and potential distribution of poroid Hymenochaetoid fungi in the region. By conducting field surveys, collecting basidiomes, and reviewing the literature and herbarium records from five Central Asian countries, we compiled a comprehensive checklist of these fungi. In total, 43 Hymenochaetoid species belonging to 18 genera were identified, with Inonotus, Phellinus, and Phylloporia being the most species-rich. Notably, Inonotus hispidus and Phellinus igniarius were found to be the most widespread species. These macrofungi play essential ecological roles as saprotrophs and pathogens of various identified host plant families, aiding in lignin degradation and exhibiting diverse enzymatic activities. For the first time, we modelled the potential distribution patterns of Hymenochaetoid fungi in Central Asia, revealing that their distribution is strongly influenced by host plant availability and temperature-related factors. The three most critical variables were host plant density, annual temperature range (Bio7), and mean temperature of the warmest quarter (Bio10). The distribution of suitable habitats is uneven, with highly suitable areas (4.52%) concentrated in the mountainous border regions between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These results underscore the significance of specific environmental conditions for the growth and survival of Hymenochaetoid fungi in this region. Our findings highlight the urgent need for continued mycological and host plant research and expanded conservation initiatives to document and preserve macrofungal and botanical biodiversity in this under-explored area. In light of climate change, the collected mycological and botanical data provide a valuable reference for promoting forest health management globally. Full article

Biting flies are hematophagous dipterans belonging to various taxonomic groups, such as the Hippoboscidae, Ceratopogonidae, Simuliidae, Tabanidae, Muscidae, and Psychodidae families, some of which have significant medical and veterinary importance. They can host and spread various infections to humans and livestock and cause allergic reactions with their saliva. Several species of different families are present in the western Mediterranean region, with new species gradually being discovered. This study focuses on the brachyceran and the nematoceran species; it provides a systematic review listing all reported taxa of biting flies in the Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia). Additionally, the study includes a geo-historical reconstruction of distribution maps for species of epidemiological importance. The associated pathogens and hosts are also included in the checklists, alongside information on the biology and ecology of these parasitic arthropods, to offer a comprehensive overview of the state of dipteran-borne disease surveillance in North African countries. Overall, this work could serve as an exhaustive reference for entomologists and breeders participating in controlling biting fly and midge populations, whether from a technical or research perspective. Full article