Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity最新文献

The genus Pangora Moore (1879) is endemic to south Asia, with four known species distributed in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The current study offers the scientific community the first mitochondrial genome sequence of the known species Pangora matherana (Moore). The phenotypic and phylogenetic tree analysis reveals a new species, Pangora keralaensis Abhilash & Adarsh sp. nov., from India. The male genitalia and morphological analysis of the new taxa are also provided. A preliminary phylogenetic tree based on the mt COI DNA sequence is also provided for the new species and the known species, Pangora matherana (Moore, 1879).

Owls are popular pets in Japan, with the country being the largest importer of live owls in the world. Although several studies have looked at the welfare implications of the country's “owl cafés,” the scale and scope of the Japanese owl trade, and its potential consequences for conservation, remain largely unexplored. Here we present an overview of the volumes and species of owl found in a selection of Japanese pet stores and cafés, based on two physical surveys, an online survey, and an analysis of CITES import data. We found a high number of owls (n = 1914) from a large variety of species (n = 49) across a total of 92 establishments. CITES import records show that species variety has highly increased over time. Although the majority of owls in Japanese pet stores and cafés are likely to be of captive-bred origin, trade histories are often difficult to trace, and the legality of parent stock is impossible to determine. Further complicating monitoring efforts are gaps in international trade data, the mislabeling of species, selective breeding, and the use of outdated taxonomy. Considering the large scale of the Japanese market, efforts to facilitate the improved monitoring of the owl trade are highly warranted to ensure its legality and sustainability.

This study represents the first report of the complete mitochondrial genome of a carnivorous stag beetle, Figulus punctatus. The genome is 17,664 bp long with a total of 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA, and 2 rRNA. The nucleotide composition is 37.25% A, 31.71% T, 10.00% G, and 20.99% C (GC contents 30.99%). Our molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the maximum-likelihood method recognizes Figulini and Nigidiini as a monophyletic clade, with a robust support value, and suggests that their carnivorous feeding trait may have evolved once within the family.

Dracocephalum is a large genus comprises approximately 80 species of perennial herbs, mainly distributed in high elevation regions of temperate and Central Asia, with about half native to China. Within the genus, D. argunense and D. integrifolium are important herbs with great medicinal value. We sequenced plastomes of these two species for the first time. These plastomes showed a typical quadripartite structure and the length varied from 149,978 bp (D. integrifolium) to 150,802 bp (D. argunense). Plastomes of D. argunense and D. integrifolium included 127 and 133 genes, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of the redefined Dracocephalum and systematic relationships within the sampled species were well resolved. Our study added new genetic information about D. argunense and D. integrifolium and has great potential for further diversity studies, phylogenetic studies, and understanding of evolutionary history in Dracocephalum.

Herein, we determined and analyzed the chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of Lonicera harae for the first time. The chloroplast genome was 154,959 bp and contained a large single copy (LSC) of approximately 88,849 bp as well as a small single copy (SSC) of 18,832 bp separated by a pair of 23,639 bp inverted repeats (IRs). The overall G+C content in the L. harae chloroplast genome was 38.4%. A total of 114 unique genes were annotated, comprising 80 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and four ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). Of these, 17 contained one or two introns. Phylogenetic analysis of 54 accessions revealed that L. harae forms a clade with L. fragrantissima. This newly sequenced chloroplast genome provides valuable molecular phylogenomic information for future studies to determine the taxonomic position of L. harae and the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Lonicera.

A new species of the genus Sphecodes, i.e. Sphecodes solanensis sp. nov. is described from India. Also, two species of the genus, namely Sphecodes binghami Blüthgen 1924 and Sphecodes hakkarensis Warncke 1992 are recorded for the first time from India. An annotated checklist with valid names of the genus, synonyms, and seven new regional records within India is also included.

Indigofera koreana is an endemic species to Korea, yet its phylogenetic position remains unresolved. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed plastid genomes (plastomes) to clarify the phylogenetic standing of I. koreana. We produced next-generation sequencing data for I. koreana and its close relative, Indigofera kirilowii. The plastomes of both species were successfully assembled, measuring 159,517 bp for I. kirilowii and 159,459 bp for I. koreana. Both species shared the same number of 128 intact genes and had identical 35.7% guanine–cytosine content. Phylogenetic analyses utilizing complete plastome and coding sequence–only data, along with 20 other Indigofera plastomes, were conducted to elucidate their evolutionary relationships. Our findings indicate that I. koreana forms a monophyletic group with Indigofera decora, Indigofera carlesii, and I. kirilowii, supported by maximum bootstrap values. Specifically, the phylogenetic tree derived from complete plastome data strongly suggests that I. koreana is most closely related to I. kirilowii. While these results are in line with previously suggested infra-generic classifications, they highlight the need for more comprehensive genomic studies to further unravel the evolutionary dynamics within the Indigofera genus, especially considering the role of polyploidization in species diversification.

A taxonomic study of two Korean staphylinid species is presented. Baeocera satana Nakane is identified for the first time in the Korean Peninsula and diagnosed with illustrations of its diagnostic characters. Dalotia coriaria (Kraatz) is newly discovered in South Korea and is redescribed with illustrations of its diagnostic characters.

Since its establishment in North America around 2013, the east-Asian spider Trichonephila clavata has expanded its range to 120,000 km². We used ‘MaxEnt’ species distribution models (SDMs) to assess the potential range and invasive process of T. clavata based on its climatic niche preferences. Results reveal T. clavata exhibits a preference for climatic niches between subtropical and temperate latitudes, with high suitability primarily forecasted in montane forests and coastal regions spanning latitudes of 30–50 degrees. Geographic projections indicate high risk of expansion beyond the current invasive range. Areas with over 50% suitability are predicted as far north as 45–50° N, reaching into southern Canada, while the southern extent approaches the Gulf Coast. Response curves show peak suitability occurs at below-freezing temperatures for the minimum temperature of the coldest month. Similar drivers of distribution between native and invasive models, and an invasive niche occurring within the native range, each suggest niche conservatism for invasive populations. Overall, the vast regions of climatically suitable habitat predicted in North America indicates a highly permissive climate, highlighting the need for further research on biotic factors and management strategies to mitigate spread and impacts.