Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity最新文献

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.

This study documents the presence of an exotic loricariid catfish species, Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus (Weber, 1991), in the Wainganga River of Maharashtra, India. Originally native to South America, sailfin catfish are now commonly used as ornamental fish beyond their natural habitat. The species was observed near Gosekhurd Dam (20°52'15"N and 79°37'00"E) along the Wainganga River. Two individual specimens were collected during the study, with an average total length (320.31-338.63 mm) and weight (500.21-540.31 g). The rapid expansion of these species and its potential impact on local fish populations and inland fishing resources have raised concerns. Immediate preventive measures are necessary to control the establishment and subsequent uncontrolled spread of P. disjunctivus, may be imminent which would be pose a threat to the freshwater biodiversity of the River Wainganga. Effective management strategies should be implemented to preserve the natural habitat of these species. This study provides the first documented occurrence of P. disjunctivus, a member of the Loricariidae, near the Gosekhurd dam on the Wainganga River in Maharashtra, India.

The genus Silvanoprus Reitter (Coleoptera: Silvanidae: Silvaninae) includes 20 known species worldwide, with 10 species in the Palearctic region and three species in Korea. In this study, two additional Korean species are recorded: Silvanoprus fagi (Guérin-Méneville), Silvanoprus longicollis (Reitter), and Silvanoprus scuticollis (Walker). Redescriptions and illustrations of habitus, diagnostic characters, a distribution map, and a key to the Korean Silvanoprus species are provided.

To date, three intertidal species of the genus Bembidion Latreille have been recorded in Korea. During a survey of ground beetles in coastal areas of Korea, an unrecorded species, Bembidion (Sakagutia) umi Sasakawa, was discovered at the mouth of Janggicheon River, Pohang-si, South Korea. Based on the record of B. umi, the subgenus Sakagutia is also recorded for the first time in Korea. Taxonomical and ecological notes on the newly recorded species as well as Korean intertidal-related subgenera and species of the genus Bembidion are presented.

A total of 73 species belonging to 30 genera of the family Nolidae are recognized in Korea. This study reports two additional Nolinae species, with a newly recorded genus Nanola László, Ronkay G, Witt, 2010. Additionally, a checklist and illustrations of adults and genitalia of newly recorded species are provided.

Arabis stelleri DC. and A. takesimana Nakai belong to the family Brassicaceae. Arabis stelleri is widely distributed in East Asia, and A. takesimana is a Korean endemic plant. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genomes of both species, measuring 153,577 bp for A. stelleri and 153,557 bp for A. takesimana. The plastome of A. stelleri comprises two inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,421 bp, a large single-copy (LSC) region measuring 82,705 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,030 bp. Whereas A. takesimana has IR regions of 26,426 bp, an LSC of 82,694 bp, and an SSC of 18,011 bp. Both the plastomes contain 131 total genes, 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 36.4% GC content. The organization and gene content of both plastomes were found to be similar to previously reported Arabis plastomes. In addition, we have tested the phylogenetic position of both the Arabis species and the relationship of the genus Arabis with other Brassicaceae members in comprehensive family-level plastome-based phylogeny. Arabis stelleri and A. takesimana are phylogenetically placed within the Arabis clade and show a close relationship to A. flagellosa, A. nipponica, A. paniculata, and A. hirsuta.

Four new genera of the subtribe Puranina, Purapurana gen. nov., Philipurana gen. nov., Metapurana gen. nov., and Indopurana gen. nov., are described. Purana Distant, 1905 is redescribed accordingly. Many species so far in Purana are transferred to the new genera to have new combinations. Metapurana vesperalba (Boulard, 2009) comb. nov., syn. nov. is synonymized with Metapurana parvituberculata (Kos and Gogala, 2000) comb. nov. Paratanna Lee, 2012 is transferred to Leptosemiina Lee, 2013.

Five species of Eucosmini: Epinotia bushiensis Kawabe, 1980; Heleanna tokyoensis Nasu, 2007; Rhopobota symbolias (Meyrick, 1912); Spilonota melanocopa (Meyrick, 1912); and Zeiraphera hiroshii Kawabe, 1980, are reported for the first time from Korea. The former two are the species previously known only from the type country, Japan. Photographs of the external and genital features are provided for the species treated here.