Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.005
Anastasia D. Lianguzova , Natalia A. Arbuzova , Nikita E. Lapshin , Ekaterina R. Petrova , Aleksei A. Miroliubov
Adult parasitic barnacles significantly differ from their free-living relatives. This leads to uncertainty in the phylogenetic interrelationships even at the family-level, particularly for the former Lernaeodiscidae. This family was abolished based on molecular data, however, the morphological description for lernaeodiscids remains incomplete. Here we describe a morphology of Lernaeodiscus rybakovi parasitizing the porcelain crab Pachycheles stevensii, using a variety of methods. The externa's lacunar and muscular systems are “Kentrogonida”-type in general, but exhibit notable deviations, including an atypical mantle opening formed partly by the visceral mass and a distinct dorso-ventral bridge. The interna displays a previously undescribed organization: a prominent main trunk giving rise to flattened primary branches and tubular secondary rootlets. Muscular fibers are absent in the interna; only sparse actin filaments are present, suggesting alternative mechanisms of nutrient transport. Two invasive rootlet types—goblet-shaped organs and neuropil rootlets—interact with host nervous tissue, and their ultrastructure differs from that of other rhizocephalan families. Additionally, we describe an aberrant trophic rootlet filled with concentric extracellular matrix layers, likely reflecting localised misregulation of cuticle production. Our findings, together with molecular evidence, suggest that Lernaeodiscus may represent an independent lineage, warranting exclusion from Peltogastridae and possibly reinstatement of Lernaeodiscidae. Broader sampling and multigene phylogeny are needed to clarify its rank and composition.
{"title":"The return of Lernaeodiscidae? Morphology of Lernaeodiscus rybakovi points to a distinct clade","authors":"Anastasia D. Lianguzova , Natalia A. Arbuzova , Nikita E. Lapshin , Ekaterina R. Petrova , Aleksei A. Miroliubov","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adult parasitic barnacles significantly differ from their free-living relatives. This leads to uncertainty in the phylogenetic interrelationships even at the family-level, particularly for the former Lernaeodiscidae. This family was abolished based on molecular data, however, the morphological description for lernaeodiscids remains incomplete. Here we describe a morphology of <em>Lernaeodiscus rybakovi</em> parasitizing the porcelain crab <em>Pachycheles stevensii</em>, using a variety of methods. The externa's lacunar and muscular systems are “Kentrogonida”-type in general, but exhibit notable deviations, including an atypical mantle opening formed partly by the visceral mass and a distinct dorso-ventral bridge. The interna displays a previously undescribed organization: a prominent main trunk giving rise to flattened primary branches and tubular secondary rootlets. Muscular fibers are absent in the interna; only sparse actin filaments are present, suggesting alternative mechanisms of nutrient transport. Two invasive rootlet types—goblet-shaped organs and neuropil rootlets—interact with host nervous tissue, and their ultrastructure differs from that of other rhizocephalan families. Additionally, we describe an aberrant trophic rootlet filled with concentric extracellular matrix layers, likely reflecting localised misregulation of cuticle production. Our findings, together with molecular evidence, suggest that <em>Lernaeodiscus</em> may represent an independent lineage, warranting exclusion from Peltogastridae and possibly reinstatement of Lernaeodiscidae. Broader sampling and multigene phylogeny are needed to clarify its rank and composition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"321 ","pages":"Pages 198-212"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.008
Fengping Li , Aimin Wang , Chunsheng Liu , Yu Sun , Zhifeng Gu , Yi Yang
The family Xenophoridae (carrier shells), comprising marine gastropods distinguished by their unique shell-attaching behavior, has attracted scientific interest since the 19th century. Despite this attention, its phylogenetic position and internal intergeneric relationships remain contentious. This study sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes of four xenophorid species—Stellaria solaris, Aspidophoreas chinensis, Xenophora conchyliophora, and Xenophora cerea—to resolve the phylogeny and systematic placement of this family. Comparative analyses revealed high mitochondrial genome similarity among these species in structure, size, gene order, and nucleotide composition. The mitochondrial genomes exhibited significant nucleotide variation among protein-coding genes. Selection pressure analyses indicate purifying selection across all PCGs, with atp8 showing the weakest evolutionary constraint. This suggests that atp8 may be subject to stronger selective pressures, potentially reflecting substantial energy demands associated with xenophorids' unique attachment ecology. Phylogenetic reconstruction supported two major clades within Stromboidea: Clade I included Strombidae + (Rostellariidae + Seraphsidae) and Clade II comprised Xenophoridae + (Struthiolariidae + Aporrhaidae). Internally, Xenophoridae exhibited a strongly supported clade (Onustus + Stellaria) + Aspidophoreas that aligned with morphological classifications and features with reduced/absent object attachment, clearly separating it from Xenophora. Notably, Xenophora japonica did not form a monophyletic group with the sister taxa X. conchyliophora and X. cerea. Morphological and molecular evidence collectively indicate that the current taxonomy of Xenophora requires revision.
{"title":"Comparative mitogenomic analysis of family Xenophoridae (Mollusca, Stromboidea) and its implication for phylogeny","authors":"Fengping Li , Aimin Wang , Chunsheng Liu , Yu Sun , Zhifeng Gu , Yi Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The family Xenophoridae (carrier shells), comprising marine gastropods distinguished by their unique shell-attaching behavior, has attracted scientific interest since the 19th century. Despite this attention, its phylogenetic position and internal intergeneric relationships remain contentious. This study sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes of four xenophorid species—<em>Stellaria solaris</em>, <em>Aspidophoreas chinensis</em>, <em>Xenophora conchyliophora</em>, and <em>Xenophora cerea</em>—to resolve the phylogeny and systematic placement of this family. Comparative analyses revealed high mitochondrial genome similarity among these species in structure, size, gene order, and nucleotide composition. The mitochondrial genomes exhibited significant nucleotide variation among protein-coding genes. Selection pressure analyses indicate purifying selection across all PCGs, with <em>atp8</em> showing the weakest evolutionary constraint. This suggests that <em>atp8</em> may be subject to stronger selective pressures, potentially reflecting substantial energy demands associated with xenophorids' unique attachment ecology. Phylogenetic reconstruction supported two major clades within Stromboidea: Clade I included Strombidae + (Rostellariidae + Seraphsidae) and Clade II comprised Xenophoridae + (Struthiolariidae + Aporrhaidae). Internally, Xenophoridae exhibited a strongly supported clade (<em>Onustus</em> + <em>Stellaria</em>) + <em>Aspidophoreas</em> that aligned with morphological classifications and features with reduced/absent object attachment, clearly separating it from <em>Xenophora</em>. Notably, <em>Xenophora japonica</em> did not form a monophyletic group with the sister taxa <em>X. conchyliophora</em> and <em>X. cerea</em>. Morphological and molecular evidence collectively indicate that the current taxonomy of <em>Xenophora</em> requires revision.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"321 ","pages":"Pages 125-135"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stick insect systematics has been traditionally based on external morphology, which was believed to be sufficiently informative. However, molecular data repeatedly show convergence and underestimation of species diversity due, in part, to the superficiality of morphological diagnoses based on external characters. In contrast, the internal male genitalia have proved to be useful for assessing species diversity, but remain poorly studied because of their complexity and variation. Nevertheless, interest in internal male genitalia has recently increased as they provide an important number of additional characters useful to identify species for which the traditional sets of characters are insufficient. To date, the genitalia of 105 species from 55 genera belonging to 13 families are known, but comparative approaches across taxa are difficult due to different terminology. Our aim is to propose a nomenclature for the genitalia of Diapheromerini that can be used for standardized descriptions as well as for the postulation of homology assessments. We focused on Pseudosermyle, the most diverse genus in North America, which exhibits many different shapes: phasmid appearance and genitalia. We reviewed the literature on internal male genitalia in Phasmatodea and examined it, as well as the external male genitalia in different Diapheromerini species. This is the first attempt to use these structures to identify orthologues as potential homologues within Phasmatodea. We hope that our study will improve communication and promote systematic analysis of internal and external male genitalia, at least in Diapheromerini.
{"title":"Proposed terminology in describing both internal and external male genitalia in Diapheromerini with emphasis on Pseudosermyle Caudell, 1903 (Insecta: Phasmatodea)","authors":"Ulises López-Mora , Thies Henning Büscher , Helga Ochoterena-Booth , Ismael A. Hinojosa-Díaz","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stick insect systematics has been traditionally based on external morphology, which was believed to be sufficiently informative. However, molecular data repeatedly show convergence and underestimation of species diversity due, in part, to the superficiality of morphological diagnoses based on external characters. In contrast, the internal male genitalia have proved to be useful for assessing species diversity, but remain poorly studied because of their complexity and variation. Nevertheless, interest in internal male genitalia has recently increased as they provide an important number of additional characters useful to identify species for which the traditional sets of characters are insufficient. To date, the genitalia of 105 species from 55 genera belonging to 13 families are known, but comparative approaches across taxa are difficult due to different terminology. Our aim is to propose a nomenclature for the genitalia of Diapheromerini that can be used for standardized descriptions as well as for the postulation of homology assessments. We focused on <em>Pseudosermyle</em>, the most diverse genus in North America, which exhibits many different shapes: phasmid appearance and genitalia. We reviewed the literature on internal male genitalia in Phasmatodea and examined it, as well as the external male genitalia in different Diapheromerini species. This is the first attempt to use these structures to identify orthologues as potential homologues within Phasmatodea. We hope that our study will improve communication and promote systematic analysis of internal and external male genitalia, at least in Diapheromerini.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"321 ","pages":"Pages 179-197"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.002
Renata M. Pertossi , Daniela Pereyra , Noelia C. Sánchez , Daniel Lauretta , Mariano I. Martinez
The genus Notocrinus appears to be part of the cryptic crinoids fauna of the Southern Ocean. In this study, we describe a new species of Notocrinus fromthe southwestern Atlantic at a depth of 1280 m. Morphological and molecular analyses were used to characterize this species. Both dataset confirm the recognition of Notocrinus messingi sp. nov. as a new species, differentiated by its hemispheric centrodorsal, radial ossicles, first division series, XL - L cirri, cirrals, pinnules, and lobulated gonopores. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this new species belongs to a monophyletic clade that includes species from the Antarctic Peninsula and the southwestern Atlantic. Genetic comparison further highlight the close evolutionary relationships populations from the Southern Ocean and the southwestern Atlantic. These findings suggest that Antarctica and adjacent regions harbor greater biodiversity than previously recognized, with implications for future studies of evolutionary processes in these unique marine ecosystems.
{"title":"First record of Notocrinus (Echinodermata: Crinoidea) in the Atlantic: a new species challenges the limits of the Antarctic genus","authors":"Renata M. Pertossi , Daniela Pereyra , Noelia C. Sánchez , Daniel Lauretta , Mariano I. Martinez","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Notocrinus</em> appears to be part of the cryptic crinoids fauna of the Southern Ocean. In this study, we describe a new species of <em>Notocrinus</em> fromthe southwestern Atlantic at a depth of 1280 m. Morphological and molecular analyses were used to characterize this species. Both dataset confirm the recognition of <em>Notocrinus messingi</em> sp. nov. as a new species, differentiated by its hemispheric centrodorsal, radial ossicles, first division series, XL - L cirri, cirrals, pinnules, and lobulated gonopores. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this new species belongs to a monophyletic clade that includes species from the Antarctic Peninsula and the southwestern Atlantic. Genetic comparison further highlight the close evolutionary relationships populations from the Southern Ocean and the southwestern Atlantic. These findings suggest that Antarctica and adjacent regions harbor greater biodiversity than previously recognized, with implications for future studies of evolutionary processes in these unique marine ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"321 ","pages":"Pages 149-161"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.001
Bader H. Alhajeri
Cranial diversity in desert rodents reflects evolutionary history, developmental constraints, and environmental pressures, poorly understood in South American sigmodontines. This study used geometric morphometric methods to examine drivers of interspecific cranial shape variation in the phyllotine genus Eligmodontia, integrating phylogenetic, allometric, and ecological perspectives. I digitized 71 landmarks on 151 adult specimens representing six Eligmodontia species and one outgroup (Calomys callosus) from 54 localities across South America, analyzing patterns using an ANOVA framework based on residual randomization in a permutation procedure (RRPP), allometric regressions, principal component analysis (PCA), and clustering methods. Scaled cranial shape distinguished all analyzed species pairs except the closely related E. hirtipes-E. puerulus, demonstrating effective taxonomic resolution. Phylogenetic congruence was limited, with morphological clustering diverging from molecular relationships. Larger crania exhibited typical mammalian allometric scaling patterns with elongated rostra (faces) and contracted braincases. Climate and geography significantly influenced cranial variation, with northern taxa differing morphologically from central-southern species in tympanic bulla inflation, corresponding to distinct spatially structured climatic regimes of seasonal versus year-round precipitation patterns. In addition to bulla hypertrophy, ecological adaptations also included nasal elongation and narrowing in more arid habitats, plus increased cranial robustness in tougher soils and for high bite-force diets. This study reveals that developmental constraints and environmental pressures jointly drive cranial diversification in eligmodontines, establishing scaled cranial shape as a valuable taxonomic tool and providing new insights into adaptive evolution in South American desert rodents.
沙漠啮齿类动物的颅骨多样性反映了进化史、发育限制和环境压力，这在南美洲的西莫齿目动物中知之甚少。本研究采用几何形态计量学方法，综合系统发育、异速生长和生态学的观点，研究了phyllotine genus Eligmodontia种间颅骨形状变化的驱动因素。作者对来自南美洲54个地区的6个Eligmodontia物种和1个外群（Calomys callosus）的151个成年标本进行了71个标志的数字化处理，并使用基于置换过程中剩余随机化（RRPP）、异速回归、主成分分析（PCA）和聚类方法的方差分析框架进行了模式分析。鳞片颅骨形状区分了所有被分析的种对，除了密切相关的毛刺e。葛根，显示有效的分类学分辨力。系统发育一致性有限，形态学聚类偏离分子关系。较大的颅骨表现出典型的哺乳动物异速缩放模式，面部拉长，脑壳收缩。气候和地理因素对颅骨变异有显著影响，北部类群与中南部类群鼓室膨胀的形态存在差异，这与季节性和全年降水模式的不同空间结构气候机制相对应。除了大球茎肥大，生态适应还包括在更干旱的栖息地中鼻子的伸长和变窄，以及在更坚硬的土壤和高咬力的食物中颅骨的坚固性增强。该研究揭示了发育限制和环境压力共同推动了eligmodontiines的颅骨多样化，建立了鳞片状颅骨形状作为有价值的分类工具，并为南美洲沙漠啮齿动物的适应进化提供了新的见解。
{"title":"Allometry and ecology shape cranial variation in phyllotine gerbil mice (Eligmodontia)","authors":"Bader H. Alhajeri","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cranial diversity in desert rodents reflects evolutionary history, developmental constraints, and environmental pressures, poorly understood in South American sigmodontines. This study used geometric morphometric methods to examine drivers of interspecific cranial shape variation in the phyllotine genus <em>Eligmodontia</em>, integrating phylogenetic, allometric, and ecological perspectives. I digitized 71 landmarks on 151 adult specimens representing six <em>Eligmodontia</em> species and one outgroup (<em>Calomys callosus</em>) from 54 localities across South America, analyzing patterns using an ANOVA framework based on residual randomization in a permutation procedure (RRPP), allometric regressions, principal component analysis (PCA), and clustering methods. Scaled cranial shape distinguished all analyzed species pairs except the closely related <em>E. hirtipes</em>-<em>E. puerulus</em>, demonstrating effective taxonomic resolution. Phylogenetic congruence was limited, with morphological clustering diverging from molecular relationships. Larger crania exhibited typical mammalian allometric scaling patterns with elongated rostra (faces) and contracted braincases. Climate and geography significantly influenced cranial variation, with northern taxa differing morphologically from central-southern species in tympanic bulla inflation, corresponding to distinct spatially structured climatic regimes of seasonal versus year-round precipitation patterns. In addition to bulla hypertrophy, ecological adaptations also included nasal elongation and narrowing in more arid habitats, plus increased cranial robustness in tougher soils and for high bite-force diets. This study reveals that developmental constraints and environmental pressures jointly drive cranial diversification in eligmodontines, establishing scaled cranial shape as a valuable taxonomic tool and providing new insights into adaptive evolution in South American desert rodents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"321 ","pages":"Pages 162-178"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Soldierfish, a group of commercially important coral reef fishes from the genus Myripristis, are commonly caught by local fishermen in the waters of Aceh Besar, Indonesia. Despite their economic importance, limited information exists regarding their bioecological characteristics, particularly genetic and morphometric traits. This study aimed to investigate morphological and genetic variation among six Myripristis species: M. adusta, M. berndti, M. kuntee, M. murdjan, M. violacea, and M. vittata harvested in Aceh Besar waters, Indonesia. The research was conducted from August 2024 to March 2025. Fish samples were collected from five landing sites in Aceh Besar District, namely Pulo Aceh, Ujung Pancu, Lam Awe, Lhokseudu, and Lampulo. A total of 360 specimens were measured for morphometric analysis, with 60 individuals representing each species. Additionally, five individuals from each species were randomly selected for DNA analysis based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). A Mantel test was performed to assess the correlation between genetic and morphometric distance matrices. Morphological analysis identified head length (HL) and eye diameter (ED) as key discriminating traits among species. Cross-validation of the DFA revealed a high degree of similarity between M. adusta and M. violacea. Genetic analysis validated the separation into six distinct species. The smallest genetic distance was observed between M. adusta and M. violacea (4.2 %), while the greatest distance was between M. murdjan and M. kuntee (8.5 %). A total of 23 haplotypes were identified across six species, the highest number of haplotypes in M. kuntee and M. murdjan each exhibited five haplotypes. Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between morphometric and genetic variation (r = 0.173; p > 0.05). These findings indicate that genetic approaches provide an effective tool for validating species-level taxonomic status within the genus Myripristis.
{"title":"Morphometric and genetic variation of six soldierfish species (genus Myripristis, family: Holocentridae) harvested in Aceh Besar waters, Indonesia","authors":"Nadya Tirta , Essy Harnelly , Rania Feranita Fachri , Putri Khairani Amalia Siregar , Nanda Muhammad Razi , Nanda Ulfa Khaira , Mutia Ramadhaniaty , Sri Riska Rahayu , Nurlita Putri Anggraini , Raissha Amanda Siregar , Adrian Damora , Nur Fadli","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soldierfish, a group of commercially important coral reef fishes from the genus <em>Myripristis</em>, are commonly caught by local fishermen in the waters of Aceh Besar, Indonesia. Despite their economic importance, limited information exists regarding their bioecological characteristics, particularly genetic and morphometric traits. This study aimed to investigate morphological and genetic variation among six <em>Myripristis</em> species: <em>M. adusta</em>, <em>M. berndti</em>, <em>M. kuntee</em>, <em>M. murdjan</em>, <em>M. violacea</em>, and <em>M. vittata</em> harvested in Aceh Besar waters, Indonesia. The research was conducted from August 2024 to March 2025. Fish samples were collected from five landing sites in Aceh Besar District, namely Pulo Aceh, Ujung Pancu, Lam Awe, Lhokseudu, and Lampulo. A total of 360 specimens were measured for morphometric analysis, with 60 individuals representing each species. Additionally, five individuals from each species were randomly selected for DNA analysis based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). A Mantel test was performed to assess the correlation between genetic and morphometric distance matrices. Morphological analysis identified head length (HL) and eye diameter (ED) as key discriminating traits among species. Cross-validation of the DFA revealed a high degree of similarity between <em>M. adusta</em> and <em>M. violacea</em>. Genetic analysis validated the separation into six distinct species. The smallest genetic distance was observed between <em>M. adusta</em> and <em>M. violacea</em> (4.2 %), while the greatest distance was between <em>M. murdjan</em> and <em>M. kuntee</em> (8.5 %). A total of 23 haplotypes were identified across six species, the highest number of haplotypes in <em>M. kuntee</em> and <em>M. murdjan</em> each exhibited five haplotypes. Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between morphometric and genetic variation (r = 0.173; p > 0.05). These findings indicate that genetic approaches provide an effective tool for validating species-level taxonomic status within the genus <em>Myripristis</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"321 ","pages":"Pages 136-148"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2025.12.008
Hongna Guo , Wenliang Li , Xuankun Li
Five species of Merodontina have been recorded from China to date: M. jianfenglingensis Hua, M. nigripes Shi, M. obliquata Shi, M. rectidensa Shi, and M. rufirostra Shi. Since first described between 1987 and 1991, these species have not been redescribed or reported. Although 16 species were described in Merodontina, no molecular data have been available for this genus. We examined type specimens of all five previously described species from China, provided high-resolution images and redescriptions. We synonymized M. rufirostra Shi under M. rectidensa Shi, M. bellicosa Scarbrough and Costantino and M. silvatica Haupt and Azuma under M. obliquata Shi, and M. vietnamensis Tomasovic and Bartolozzi under M. jianfenglingensis Hua. The previously proposed name M. abligueodentia Shi, 1992 is formalized as a nomen nudum under M. obliquata Shi. We obtained DNA barcodes from multiple populations of M. jianfenglingensis and the widely distributed M. obliquata. Genetic analyses revealed distinct barcoding gaps, with interspecific distance of 15.7 %–16.8 % versus intraspecific distance of 0 %–2.6 %. An updated key to males of the Chinese species of Merodontina and a revised world catalogue are provided.
{"title":"A revision of the Chinese species of Merodontina Enderlein, 1914 (Diptera, Asilidae, Ommatiini), with notes on the generic relationship to Pseudomerodontina Joseph and Parui, 1976","authors":"Hongna Guo , Wenliang Li , Xuankun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.12.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.12.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Five species of <em>Merodontina</em> have been recorded from China to date: <em>M. jianfenglingensis</em> Hua, <em>M. nigripes</em> Shi, <em>M. obliquata</em> Shi, <em>M. rectidensa</em> Shi, and <em>M. rufirostra</em> Shi. Since first described between 1987 and 1991, these species have not been redescribed or reported. Although 16 species were described in <em>Merodontina</em>, no molecular data have been available for this genus. We examined type specimens of all five previously described species from China, provided high-resolution images and redescriptions. We synonymized <em>M. rufirostra</em> Shi under <em>M. rectidensa</em> Shi, <em>M. bellicosa</em> Scarbrough and Costantino and <em>M. silvatica</em> Haupt and Azuma under <em>M. obliquata</em> Shi, and <em>M. vietnamensis</em> Tomasovic and Bartolozzi under <em>M. jianfenglingensis</em> Hua. The previously proposed name <em>M. abligueodentia</em> Shi, 1992 is formalized as a <em>nomen nudum</em> under <em>M. obliquata</em> Shi. We obtained DNA barcodes from multiple populations of <em>M. jianfenglingensis</em> and the widely distributed <em>M. obliquata</em>. Genetic analyses revealed distinct barcoding gaps, with interspecific distance of 15.7 %–16.8 % versus intraspecific distance of 0 %–2.6 %. An updated key to males of the Chinese species of <em>Merodontina</em> and a revised world catalogue are provided.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"321 ","pages":"Pages 62-84"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145885229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2025.12.007
Guadalupe Rocío Sánchez-Sánchez , Fernando Carlos Galliari , Alfredo Armando Carlini
During cranial development, ossification centers appear sequentially, either through chondral or membranous processes. Birth represents a critical transition to life into a new environment, involving a progressive reduction in maternal dependence and exhibiting varying degrees of neonatal maturity, from altricial to precocial. Twenty-five prenatal and fourteen postnatal specimens of Dasypus hybridus (Xenarthra, Mammalia) were processed using an enzymatic clearing and double-staining technique, with Alcian Blue to identify cartilage and Alizarin Red to reveal ossifications. Using Total Cranial Length (TCL) as a proxy, eight prenatal cranial ontogenetic stages and three postnatal stages, spanning from two to thirty days of age, were identified. The first ossification centers to appear are those of the facial region, followed by the vault and the base of the skull, with the ethmoid complex being the last to ossify. The cranial, postcranial, and integumentary skeletal maturity data presented here suggest that D. hybridus is relatively precocial compared to other armadillos, such as Chaetophractus villosus and Chaetophractus vellerosus, which are positioned further along the altricial spectrum”
{"title":"Prenatal and perinatal cranial ontogeny in Dasypus hybridus (Xenarthra, Cingulata): a precocial armadillo?","authors":"Guadalupe Rocío Sánchez-Sánchez , Fernando Carlos Galliari , Alfredo Armando Carlini","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.12.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.12.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During cranial development, ossification centers appear sequentially, either through chondral or membranous processes. Birth represents a critical transition to life into a new environment, involving a progressive reduction in maternal dependence and exhibiting varying degrees of neonatal maturity, from altricial to precocial. Twenty-five prenatal and fourteen postnatal specimens of <em>Dasypus hybridus</em> (Xenarthra, Mammalia) were processed using an enzymatic clearing and double-staining technique, with Alcian Blue to identify cartilage and Alizarin Red to reveal ossifications. Using Total Cranial Length (TCL) as a proxy, eight prenatal cranial ontogenetic stages and three postnatal stages, spanning from two to thirty days of age, were identified. The first ossification centers to appear are those of the facial region, followed by the vault and the base of the skull, with the ethmoid complex being the last to ossify. The cranial, postcranial, and integumentary skeletal maturity data presented here suggest that <em>D. hybridus</em> is relatively precocial compared to other armadillos, such as <em>Chaetophractus villosus</em> and <em>Chaetophractus vellerosus</em>, which are positioned further along the altricial spectrum”</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"321 ","pages":"Pages 38-61"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The poorly-known, insular endemic Microhylid frogs of the genus Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 were studied in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India, based on a larger sample size, with which, their morphological descriptions are expanded and intra-specific sexual variation is presented. Osteology of these two species are described. Additionally, natural history observations on these species ranging from courtship, calling, breeding and larval morphology are provided for the first time. Localities where these species were recorded during this study are mapped and recommendations on their conservation status are provided.
{"title":"Expanded description and natural history of two insular Microhylid frogs of India, Microhyla chakrapanii (Pillai, 1977) and M. nakkavaram Garg, Chandrakasan, Gokulakrishnan, Chandramouli & Biju, 2022 (Anura: Microhylidae) with notes on breeding biology and larval morphology","authors":"S.R. Chandramouli , Uday Mondal , K.V. Devi Prasad","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The poorly-known, insular endemic Microhylid frogs of the genus <em>Microhyla</em> Tschudi, 1838 were studied in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India, based on a larger sample size, with which, their morphological descriptions are expanded and intra-specific sexual variation is presented. Osteology of these two species are described. Additionally, natural history observations on these species ranging from courtship, calling, breeding and larval morphology are provided for the first time. Localities where these species were recorded during this study are mapped and recommendations on their conservation status are provided.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"321 ","pages":"Pages 6-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841634","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Middle Eastern Blind Mole Rats (BMRs), subgenus Nannospalax, are a complex subgenus consisting of nine species described by traditional methods, consist of seven chromosomal races represented by seven different diploid chromosome numbers (2n = 48, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, and 60), and numerous cryptic species. However, Middle East BMRs are currently referred to under a single species name (Nannospalax ehrenbergi) due to unresolved taxonomic issues. However, Middle East BMR populations in the Anatolian Peninsula, a global hotspot of diversity of Nannospalax, have not been extensively investigated in previous studies. In this study, all chromosome races and almost all populations of Middle East BMRs were examined comparatively for the first time. With an integrative taxonomic perspective, particularly based on morphology, karyology, and molecular genetics (cytb and COI fragments), we have revealed new findings on the taxonomic status and distribution of Middle East BMR species. We excluded Nannospalax ehrenbergi s. str. from the Anatolian Peninsula, and the name Nannospalax ehrenbergi was attributed to the populations immediately surrounding the type locality and to the Israeli and Palestinian populations. Nannospalax intermedius and Nannospalax ceyhanus, identified to the Southeastern Anatolian BMR populations and considered synonyms of Nannospalax ehrenbergi s. str. in previous studies, are recognized as valid biological species independent from Nannospalax ehrenbergi. In addition to these species, three new cryptic species were identified for the Anatolian Peninsula BMR populations, based primarily on mitochondrial DNA sequence differences: Nannospalaxkaryominor sp. nov. from Hatay (Yayladağ); Nannospalaxgarzanensis sp. nov., from Diyarbakır, Siirt, and Batman; and Nannospalaxcolaki sp. nov. from Gaziantep and Kilis. In Israel, Nannospalax golani-Nannospalax galili and Nannospalax carmeli-Nannospalax judaei were determined to be sister taxa. Nannospalaxehrenbergi was considered a superspecies representing the four species in Israel and one species (Nannospalax aegyptiacus) in Egypt. In summary, our study significantly advances our understanding of Middle East BMRs, increasing the number of currently recognized taxa in the subgenus Nannospalax from one (Nannospalax ehrenbergi) to nine species, including Israeli and Egyptian species.
{"title":"Taxonomic revision of the Nannospalax ehrenbergi species complex (Rodentia: Spalacidae) in Anatolian Peninsula, with description of three new species","authors":"Teoman Kankılıç , İlhan Tatyüz , Gökhan Yürümez , Tolga Kankılıç , Burcu Köse , Yüksel Coşkun , İlkay Civelek","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Middle Eastern Blind Mole Rats (BMRs), subgenus <em>Nannospalax</em>, are a complex subgenus consisting of nine species described by traditional methods, consist of seven chromosomal races represented by seven different diploid chromosome numbers (2n = 48, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, and 60), and numerous cryptic species. However, Middle East BMRs are currently referred to under a single species name (<em>Nannospalax ehrenbergi</em>) due to unresolved taxonomic issues. However, Middle East BMR populations in the Anatolian Peninsula, a global hotspot of diversity of <em>Nannospalax</em>, have not been extensively investigated in previous studies. In this study, all chromosome races and almost all populations of Middle East BMRs were examined comparatively for the first time. With an integrative taxonomic perspective, particularly based on morphology, karyology, and molecular genetics (<em>cytb</em> and <em>COI</em> fragments), we have revealed new findings on the taxonomic status and distribution of Middle East BMR species. We excluded <em>Nannospalax ehrenbergi</em> s. str. from the Anatolian Peninsula, and the name <em>Nannospalax ehrenbergi</em> was attributed to the populations immediately surrounding the type locality and to the Israeli and Palestinian populations. <em>Nannospalax intermedius</em> and <em>Nannospalax ceyhanus</em>, identified to the Southeastern Anatolian BMR populations and considered synonyms of <em>Nannospalax ehrenbergi</em> s. str. in previous studies, are recognized as valid biological species independent from <em>Nannospalax ehrenbergi</em>. In addition to these species, three new cryptic species were identified for the Anatolian Peninsula BMR populations, based primarily on mitochondrial DNA sequence differences: <strong><em>Nannospalax</em> <em>karyominor</em></strong> sp. nov. from Hatay (Yayladağ); <strong><em>Nannospalax</em> <em>garzanensis</em></strong> sp. nov., from Diyarbakır, Siirt, and Batman; and <strong><em>Nannospalax</em> <em>colaki</em></strong> sp. nov. from Gaziantep and Kilis. In Israel, <em>Nannospalax golani-Nannospalax galili</em> and <em>Nannospalax carmeli-Nannospalax judaei</em> were determined to be sister taxa. <em>Nannospalax</em> <em>ehrenbergi</em> was considered a superspecies representing the four species in Israel and one species (<em>Nannospalax aegyptiacus)</em> in Egypt. In summary, our study significantly advances our understanding of Middle East BMRs, increasing the number of currently recognized taxa in the subgenus <em>Nannospalax</em> from one (<em>Nannospalax ehrenbergi</em>) to nine species, including Israeli and Egyptian species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"321 ","pages":"Pages 16-37"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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