The Dugesiidae is a family of freshwater planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida), which includes 15 genera, with about 250 valid species. In particular, the genus Girardia encompasses 59 species, mainly distributed in the Neotropics. In this paper, we describe two new species of the genus Girardia, viz. Girardia limayana Negrete & Brusa sp. nov. and Girardia ventriphalla Negrete & Brusa sp. nov., found in different water bodies from Argentine Patagonia. We also studied specimens of Girardia tomasi, which allowed expanding its geographic distribution. The description of the new taxa focuses on their internal anatomy, mainly related to the copulatory apparatus, which was studied by serial histological sections. Partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (Cox-1) were also obtained to describe the freshwater planarians within a taxonomic integrative approach, including species delimitation approaches (ASAP and mPTP). The mPTP method recovered the three species herein studied, but ASAP, in its best score, failed to delimit G. ventriphalla sp. nov. from G. tomasi. Considering these approaches, along with the anatomical analyses, we decided to keep these latter species as different entities.
{"title":"When anatomy speaks louder than genes: two new freshwater planarian species (Platyhelminthes: Dugesiidae) from Argentine Patagonia","authors":"Lisandro Negrete , Agustina Zivano , Gonzalo Vargas , Francisco Brusa","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Dugesiidae is a family of freshwater planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida), which includes 15 genera, with about 250 valid species. In particular, the genus <em>Girardia</em> encompasses 59 species, mainly distributed in the Neotropics. In this paper, we describe two new species of the genus <em>Girardia</em>, viz. <em>Girardia limayana</em> Negrete & Brusa sp. nov. and <em>Girardia ventriphalla</em> Negrete & Brusa sp. nov., found in different water bodies from Argentine Patagonia. We also studied specimens of <em>Girardia tomasi</em>, which allowed expanding its geographic distribution. The description of the new taxa focuses on their internal anatomy, mainly related to the copulatory apparatus, which was studied by serial histological sections. Partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (Cox-1) were also obtained to describe the freshwater planarians within a taxonomic integrative approach, including species delimitation approaches (ASAP and mPTP). The mPTP method recovered the three species herein studied, but ASAP, in its best score, failed to delimit <em>G. ventriphalla</em> sp. nov. from <em>G. tomasi</em>. Considering these approaches, along with the anatomical analyses, we decided to keep these latter species as different entities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 267-281"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145332263","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 : 2025-10-14DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.005
Zeycan Helvacı
The ecological and evolutionary dynamics of closely related species are shaped by niche differentiation and conservatism, influencing their distribution and adaptation. This study investigates the phylogenetic, biogeographic, and ecological niche divergence between Apodemus mystacinus and Apodemus epimelas, closely related yet ecologically distinct species distributed across the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. An integration of phylogenetic analysis, biogeographic mapping, population genetics, and ecological niche modeling was performed to elucidate their evolutionary history and current ecological preferences. Ecological niche modeling demonstrated a broader environmental tolerance for A. mystacinus compared to the more specialized A. epimelas. Niche overlap analyses revealed moderate geographic overlap but significant environmental niche differentiation, with identity tests rejecting the null hypothesis of niche equivalency. Partial Niche Transferability (PNT) indices (0.79–0.81) indicate shared environmental suitability, yet asymmetric niche occupation reflects species-specific adaptations. This study emphasizes the importance of considering both niche conservatism and divergence to understand species distributions and develop effective conservation strategies. The observed niche differentiation, despite phylogenetic proximity, underscores the complex interplay between evolutionary history, environmental adaptation, and biogeographic factors in shaping the ecological niches of these Apodemus species.
{"title":"Niche evolution: Drivers of Karstomys species’ ranges","authors":"Zeycan Helvacı","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ecological and evolutionary dynamics of closely related species are shaped by niche differentiation and conservatism, influencing their distribution and adaptation. This study investigates the phylogenetic, biogeographic, and ecological niche divergence between <em>Apodemus mystacinus</em> and <em>Apodemus epimelas</em>, closely related yet ecologically distinct species distributed across the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. An integration of phylogenetic analysis, biogeographic mapping, population genetics, and ecological niche modeling was performed to elucidate their evolutionary history and current ecological preferences. Ecological niche modeling demonstrated a broader environmental tolerance for <em>A. mystacinus</em> compared to the more specialized <em>A. epimelas</em>. Niche overlap analyses revealed moderate geographic overlap but significant environmental niche differentiation, with identity tests rejecting the null hypothesis of niche equivalency. Partial Niche Transferability (PNT) indices (0.79–0.81) indicate shared environmental suitability, yet asymmetric niche occupation reflects species-specific adaptations. This study emphasizes the importance of considering both niche conservatism and divergence to understand species distributions and develop effective conservation strategies. The observed niche differentiation, despite phylogenetic proximity, underscores the complex interplay between evolutionary history, environmental adaptation, and biogeographic factors in shaping the ecological niches of these <em>Apodemus</em> species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 254-266"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320475","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 : 2025-10-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.001
Adriano B. Kury , Dinh Sac Pham
A recent expedition to northern Vietnam revealed an unusual eupnoan harvestman, here described as Nodogyas granatus gen. et sp. nov., which combines features of both Gyinae and Platybuninae. Its morphology includes short legs, knotted femora, heavily armed pedipalps, an unarmed ocularium, and marginal denticles on the coxae. A cladistic analysis is performed using both parsimony (with implied weighting) and Bayesian inference, based on 34 morphological characters across 23 terminals, including Nodogyas and representatives of Phalangiidae and Sclerosomatidae from both Europe and Asia. Platybuninae is tested and recovered as a clade. Both MP and BI place Gyinae within Phalangiidae, confirming that their traditional inclusion in Sclerosomatidae renders that family polyphyletic. Nodogyas is recovered within Gyinae under parsimony (albeit with very low support), but Gyinae is not monophyletic under Bayesian inference. Elongate, anteriorly directed maxillary lobes of coxa II are identified as a synapomorphy of the expanded Phalangiidae including Gyinae. Nodogyas is tentatively placed within Gyinae. This represents the first record of Phalangiidae in Vietnam and highlights a distinct montane lineage of Eupnoi in Southeast Asia.
最近对越南北部的一次考察发现了一种不寻常的欧洲收割机，这里描述为Nodogyas granatus gen. et sp. nov.，它结合了Gyinae和Platybuninae的特征。它的形态包括短腿，股节，全副武装的须肢，无武装的目镜和髋部的边缘小齿。基于23个终末的34个形态学特征，包括来自欧洲和亚洲的斑节科、指骨科和硬壳虫科的代表，采用简约法（含隐含权重）和贝叶斯推理进行了分支分析。白桦科作为一个分支进行了测试和恢复。MP和BI都将Gyinae归入指骨科，证实了它们传统上被包含在硬体虫科中，使得该科具有多系性。Nodogyas在简约的情况下在Gyinae中恢复（尽管支持度很低），但Gyinae在贝叶斯推断下不是单系的。长，前指向的上颌骨裂片的髋II被确定为一个突触形的扩大指节科，包括Gyinae。Nodogyas暂定在Gyinae内。这是在越南首次记录到的蝴蝶兰科植物，并突出了东南亚地区独特的山地系。
{"title":"A mosaic of Gyinae and Platybuninae traits in a new genus of Phalangiidae from Vietnam (Opiliones: Eupnoi)","authors":"Adriano B. Kury , Dinh Sac Pham","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A recent expedition to northern Vietnam revealed an unusual eupnoan harvestman, here described as <em>Nodogyas granatus</em> gen. et sp. nov., which combines features of both Gyinae and Platybuninae. Its morphology includes short legs, knotted femora, heavily armed pedipalps, an unarmed ocularium, and marginal denticles on the coxae. A cladistic analysis is performed using both parsimony (with implied weighting) and Bayesian inference, based on 34 morphological characters across 23 terminals, including <em>Nodogyas</em> and representatives of Phalangiidae and Sclerosomatidae from both Europe and Asia. Platybuninae is tested and recovered as a clade. Both MP and BI place Gyinae within Phalangiidae, confirming that their traditional inclusion in Sclerosomatidae renders that family polyphyletic. <em>Nodogyas</em> is recovered within Gyinae under parsimony (albeit with very low support), but Gyinae is not monophyletic under Bayesian inference. Elongate, anteriorly directed maxillary lobes of coxa II are identified as a synapomorphy of the expanded Phalangiidae including Gyinae. <em>Nodogyas</em> is tentatively placed within Gyinae. This represents the first record of Phalangiidae in Vietnam and highlights a distinct montane lineage of Eupnoi in Southeast Asia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 282-299"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320474","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 : 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.003
Ahmet Yesari Selçuk , Alaettin Kaya , Osman İbiş , Coşkun Tez , Haluk Kefelioğlu
The taxonomic complexity of Sorex species is largely due to their morphological similarity. The different approaches used in taxonomic studies have both advantages and disadvantages. In this study, Sorex volnuchini, Sorex raddei and Sorex satunini specimens were compared using morphological features (molar teeth), mechanical potential (bite force), linear morphometric and geometric morphometric analysis. No pigmentation was detected in the hypoconic region of the first upper molar in the samples of S. volnuchini. In contrast, the pigmentation in the hypoconic region showed variability in the samples of S. raddei and S. satunini. In linear morphometric analyses, the linear measurement results of craniodental and mandibular characters for S. raddei and S. satunini overlapped many characters. However, regarding linear measurements, S. volnuchini was separated from these species (p < 0.01). Based on both linear morphometrics and centroid size (geometric morphometrics), it was determined that S. volnuchini was smaller than other the Sorex species, and similarly, it was also determined that S. volnuchini had a lower bite force (mechanical potential) than other Sorex species. There was no correlation between bite force and centroid size (CS) within the species. However, pairwise comparisons determined a statistically significant difference among the species. The Jackknifed classification rate was over 92 % in linear morphometric analysis. As a result of geometric morphometric analysis, the order of the centroid size for the skull (ventral and dorsal) and the mandible was Neomys milleri > S. raddei > S. satunini > Sorex volncuhini. No significant difference was found between S. raddei and S. satunini in centroid size for only dorsal skull. Allometric growth, which varies in shape with size, was not observed in the skull (ventral and dorsal) and mandible. N. milleri, S. raddei, S. satunini and S. volnuchini differed according to the Procrustes and Mahalanobis distance (p < 0.05). Three dendrograms of morphological (ventral and dorsal skull, mandible) proximity showed a similar topology.
{"title":"Morphological, linear and geometric morphometric differences of Anatolian Sorex (Mammalia: Soricidae) species","authors":"Ahmet Yesari Selçuk , Alaettin Kaya , Osman İbiş , Coşkun Tez , Haluk Kefelioğlu","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The taxonomic complexity of <em>Sorex</em> species is largely due to their morphological similarity. The different approaches used in taxonomic studies have both advantages and disadvantages. In this study, <em>Sorex volnuchini</em>, <em>Sorex raddei</em> and <em>Sorex satunini</em> specimens were compared using morphological features (molar teeth), mechanical potential (bite force), linear morphometric and geometric morphometric analysis. No pigmentation was detected in the hypoconic region of the first upper molar in the samples of <em>S. volnuchini</em>. In contrast, the pigmentation in the hypoconic region showed variability in the samples of <em>S. raddei</em> and <em>S. satunini</em>. In linear morphometric analyses, the linear measurement results of craniodental and mandibular characters for <em>S. raddei</em> and <em>S. satunini</em> overlapped many characters. However, regarding linear measurements, <em>S. volnuchini</em> was separated from these species (<em>p</em> < 0.01). Based on both linear morphometrics and centroid size (geometric morphometrics), it was determined that <em>S. volnuchini</em> was smaller than other the <em>Sorex</em> species, and similarly, it was also determined that <em>S. volnuchini</em> had a lower bite force (mechanical potential) than other <em>Sorex</em> species. There was no correlation between bite force and centroid size (CS) within the species. However, pairwise comparisons determined a statistically significant difference among the species. The Jackknifed classification rate was over 92 % in linear morphometric analysis. As a result of geometric morphometric analysis, the order of the centroid size for the skull (ventral and dorsal) and the mandible was <em>Neomys milleri</em> > <em>S. raddei</em> > <em>S. satunini</em> > <em>Sorex volncuhini</em>. No significant difference was found between <em>S. raddei</em> and <em>S. satunini</em> in centroid size for only dorsal skull. Allometric growth, which varies in shape with size, was not observed in the skull (ventral and dorsal) and mandible. <em>N</em>. <em>milleri</em>, <em>S</em>. <em>raddei</em>, <em>S</em>. <em>satunini</em> and <em>S</em>. <em>volnuchini</em> differed according to the Procrustes and Mahalanobis distance (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Three dendrograms of morphological (ventral and dorsal skull, mandible) proximity showed a similar topology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 241-253"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320477","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 : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.012
Irina Kaygorodova, Ekaterina Matveenko
Species is the cornerstone of biology because it serves as the basis for all other branches of this science, being the “elementary particle” of biota and the fundamental unit of biological classification. The accuracy of species attribution, as an indicator of the source data quality, directly affects the validity of experimental and analytical studies. Errors in taxonomic identification not only distort the biodiversity signification, but can also impede a clear understanding of evolutionary, ecological and physiological signals and traits. To improve the reliability of species identification and more accurately define species boundaries in the Baikal-endemic genus Codonobdella, we integrated DNA barcoding data into a bioinformatic pipeline and then applied reflexive search for subtleties in distinguishing phylogenetic species detected by molecular delimitation. As a result, the type species of the genus split up into three phylogenetic species, corresponding to the then-current diagnosis of Codonobdella truncata. However, species specific genetic, morphological, parasitological and distribution features allowed us to discover new species, Codonobdella rufulus sp. nov. and Codonobdella tenebris sp. nov.; to refine the description of C. truncata; and to derive traditional classification keys supplemented by DNA barcodes. Overall, our study reinforces the idea on “cryptic species” as a temporary status for understudied species.
{"title":"Whoever seeks will always find: a revision of the endemic deep-sea Codonobdella cryptic group (Hirudinea, Piscicolidae) from Lake Baikal, with description of two new species","authors":"Irina Kaygorodova, Ekaterina Matveenko","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Species is the cornerstone of biology because it serves as the basis for all other branches of this science, being the “elementary particle” of biota and the fundamental unit of biological classification. The accuracy of species attribution, as an indicator of the source data quality, directly affects the validity of experimental and analytical studies. Errors in taxonomic identification not only distort the biodiversity signification, but can also impede a clear understanding of evolutionary, ecological and physiological signals and traits. To improve the reliability of species identification and more accurately define species boundaries in the Baikal-endemic genus <em>Codonobdella</em>, we integrated DNA barcoding data into a bioinformatic pipeline and then applied reflexive search for subtleties in distinguishing phylogenetic species detected by molecular delimitation. As a result, the type species of the genus split up into three phylogenetic species, corresponding to the then-current diagnosis of <em>Codonobdella truncata</em>. However, species specific genetic, morphological, parasitological and distribution features allowed us to discover new species, <em>Codonobdella rufulu</em>s sp. nov. and <em>Codonobdella tenebris</em> sp. nov.; to refine the description of <em>C. truncata</em>; and to derive traditional classification keys supplemented by DNA barcodes. Overall, our study reinforces the idea on “cryptic species” as a temporary status for understudied species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 210-225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267080","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 : 2025-09-26DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.005
Pietra Sally Biazussi Montanuci , Bruna Santos Andrade , Claudia Szumik , María Laura Juárez , Tiago Kütter Krolow
Pararhagadochir is a genus of Embioptera comprising 19 valid species distributed in the Neotropical region. Ten species occur in Brazil. The information described in this work was made possible through expeditions dedicated to collecting Pararhagadochir colonies containing females and immatures, which were fundamental for this study. Additionally, sporadic collections were carried out in various municipalities, complementing the understanding of the studied species. In this study, the male of the species Pararhagadochir castaneus Salvatierra, 2020 (only known for the holotype) is redescribed, and for the first time data on female and nymphal stages, biological data, and intraspecific variations are presented. A new species Pararhagadochir Davis, 1940 from several localities of Tocantins is described and illustrated here. Finally, we provide an updated key and a distribution map with new records for the Brazilian species.
{"title":"Revisiting the genus Pararhagadochir (Embioptera: Archembiidae): an update of Brazilian biodiversity","authors":"Pietra Sally Biazussi Montanuci , Bruna Santos Andrade , Claudia Szumik , María Laura Juárez , Tiago Kütter Krolow","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Pararhagadochir</em> is a genus of Embioptera comprising 19 valid species distributed in the Neotropical region<em>.</em> Ten species occur in Brazil. The information described in this work was made possible through expeditions dedicated to collecting <em>Pararhagadochir</em> colonies containing females and immatures, which were fundamental for this study. Additionally, sporadic collections were carried out in various municipalities, complementing the understanding of the studied species. In this study, the male of the species <em>Pararhagadochir castaneus</em> Salvatierra, 2020 (only known for the holotype) is redescribed, and for the first time data on female and nymphal stages, biological data, and intraspecific variations are presented. A new species <em>Pararhagadochir</em> Davis, 1940 from several localities of Tocantins is described and illustrated here. Finally, we provide an updated key and a distribution map with new records for the Brazilian species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 226-240"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267079","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 species status of Hyla arborea and H. orientalis is well supported by genetic data, however, there is still a lack of studies that could differentiate between these taxa based on other characteristics. During the mating season in the period 2021–2024, we measured a total of 196 tree frogs (144 male and 52 female) from six sites – three within the range of H. arborea and three within the range of H. orienatalis in Bulgaria. All frogs were anesthetised, measured, photographed and released at the site of capture after they were fully recovered. We assessed eight morphometric traits and corresponding indices, and used statistical comparisons to examine species- and population-level variation. While some indices showed significant differences, results did not support clear-cut morphological separation between species. Notably, one population (Zaychino), genetically identified as H. orientalis, grouped morphometrically with H. arborea. Our results suggest that interspecific morphological differences are subtle and may be more influenced by local environmental adaptation or historical introgression. Although not sufficient for a direct species identification in the field, the results contribute towards a better understanding of the morphological differences between these two congeneric species.
{"title":"Morphological variation between Hyla arborea and Hyla orientalis from Bulgaria","authors":"Simeon Lukanov , Irena Atanasova , Emiliya Vacheva , Angel Dyugmedzhiev , Simeon Borissov , Borislav Naumov","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The species status of <em>Hyla arborea</em> and <em>H. orientalis</em> is well supported by genetic data, however, there is still a lack of studies that could differentiate between these taxa based on other characteristics. During the mating season in the period 2021–2024, we measured a total of 196 tree frogs (144 male and 52 female) from six sites – three within the range of <em>H. arborea</em> and three within the range of <em>H. orienatalis</em> in Bulgaria. All frogs were anesthetised, measured, photographed and released at the site of capture after they were fully recovered. We assessed eight morphometric traits and corresponding indices, and used statistical comparisons to examine species- and population-level variation. While some indices showed significant differences, results did not support clear-cut morphological separation between species. Notably, one population (Zaychino), genetically identified as <em>H. orientalis</em>, grouped morphometrically with <em>H. arborea</em>. Our results suggest that interspecific morphological differences are subtle and may be more influenced by local environmental adaptation or historical introgression. Although not sufficient for a direct species identification in the field, the results contribute towards a better understanding of the morphological differences between these two congeneric species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 161-172"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158663","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 : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.011
Marcos J.M. Dubeux , Gisele M.N. Vieira Dubeux , Jessika M.M. Neves , Fernanda P. Werneck , Miguel T. Rodrigues , Tamí Mott , Pedro M.S. Nunes
Using an integrated taxonomic approach based on a robust data set including external morphology, cranial anatomy, hemipenial morphology, scale microstructure, and molecular data, we describe a new species of gecko of the genus Phyllopezus from mountains in the northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The species is currently known to occur in Serra da Jiboia, municipality of Elísio Medrado, Bahia state, and Serra de Itabaiana, municipality of Areia Branca, Sergipe state. The new species is genetically related and more morphologically similar to Phyllopezus diamantino and Phyllopezus selmae, sharing all diagnostic characteristics for both these species, but distinguished from their congeners by meristic and morphometric characters. The new species is the first Phyllodactylidae to have its hemipenial morphology described and together with the cranial anatomy and the description of the microstructures of the dorsal scales provided here, it encourages the use of new approaches for the description of the cryptic species present in this species complex.
基于外部形态学、颅骨解剖学、半半球形态学、鳞片微观结构和分子数据，采用综合分类方法对巴西大西洋森林东北部山区的一种新壁虎进行了描述。目前已知该物种出现在巴伊亚州Elísio Medrado市Serra da Jiboia和塞尔希佩州Areia Branca市Serra de Itabaiana。该新种与毛竹（Phyllopezus diamantino）和毛竹（Phyllopezus selmae）有遗传亲缘关系，在形态上更相似，具有这两个物种的所有诊断特征，但在分生和形态特征上与它们的同系物有所区别。这一新物种是第一个被描述的半头形态的种，加上颅骨解剖和背部鳞片微观结构的描述，它鼓励使用新的方法来描述这个物种复合体中存在的隐物种。
{"title":"Uncovering neotropical rock geckos’ diversity: multiple data sources on an integrated taxonomic approach reveal a new species of Phyllopezus Peters, 1878 (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) from northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest","authors":"Marcos J.M. Dubeux , Gisele M.N. Vieira Dubeux , Jessika M.M. Neves , Fernanda P. Werneck , Miguel T. Rodrigues , Tamí Mott , Pedro M.S. Nunes","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Using an integrated taxonomic approach based on a robust data set including external morphology, cranial anatomy, hemipenial morphology, scale microstructure, and molecular data, we describe a new species of gecko of the genus <em>Phyllopezus</em> from mountains in the northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The species is currently known to occur in <em>Serra da Jiboia</em>, municipality of Elísio Medrado, Bahia state, and <em>Serra de Itabaiana</em>, municipality of Areia Branca, Sergipe state. The new species is genetically related and more morphologically similar to <em>Phyllopezus diamantino</em> and <em>Phyllopezus selmae</em>, sharing all diagnostic characteristics for both these species, but distinguished from their congeners by meristic and morphometric characters. The new species is the first Phyllodactylidae to have its hemipenial morphology described and together with the cranial anatomy and the description of the microstructures of the dorsal scales provided here, it encourages the use of new approaches for the description of the cryptic species present in this species complex.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 173-195"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158662","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 : 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.006
Mohsin Ikram , Mohd Yousuf , Mohammad Faisal
The genus Oligosita Walker is an important parasitoid, primarily attacking the eggs of hemipterous insect pests. In the present study, Oligosita barabankiensis Ikram & Yousuf, Oligosita hayati Ikram & Yousuf and Oligosita lakhimpurensis Ikram & Yousuf are described as new species, along with an updated key to the Indian species. Additionally, some existing Indian species of Oligosita are diagnosed and illustrated, along with new records from India. These findings enhance the taxonomy of egg parasitoids and highlight the potential role of Oligosita species in biological control, particularly in managing hemipteran pests in agricultural systems.
{"title":"Description of new species of Oligosita Walker (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) from India","authors":"Mohsin Ikram , Mohd Yousuf , Mohammad Faisal","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Oligosita</em> Walker is an important parasitoid, primarily attacking the eggs of hemipterous insect pests. In the present study, <em>Oligosita barabankiensis</em> Ikram & Yousuf, <em>Oligosita hayati</em> Ikram & Yousuf and <em>Oligosita lakhimpurensis</em> Ikram & Yousuf are described as new species, along with an updated key to the Indian species. Additionally, some existing Indian species of <em>Oligosita</em> are diagnosed and illustrated, along with new records from India. These findings enhance the taxonomy of egg parasitoids and highlight the potential role of <em>Oligosita</em> species in biological control, particularly in managing hemipteran pests in agricultural systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 153-160"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118199","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 : 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.008
Kota Okamoto , Teppei Jono , Hitoshi Tanioka , Toyofumi Sueyoshi , Takanori Matsuo , Mamoru Toda
Among the eight Japanese species of the genus Gekko, natural hybridization was reported in four pairs at various frequencies. A recent behavioral study suggested that the species-specific courtship calls of the males act as premating isolation for some species of these geckos; however, others lack species-specific calls, which results in hybridizations. No comprehensive study has been conducted to identify a general pattern in the development of isolating barriers in this group. We examined the hybridization status between eight pairs of seven species using population genetic analyses based on microsatellite markers and allozyme data. We then examined the changes in the frequency of hybrids and the proportion of F1 hybrids against the total number of hybrids along with increasing genetic distances in a phylogenetic framework. The contribution of the courtship call type as a determinant of the presence/absence of hybridization was evaluated by statistical modeling. The results of the genetic analyses revealed hybridizations between two pairs of three species, each having a species-specific call, in addition to previously reported species pairs. Statistical analyses indicated that the frequency of hybrids between species was negatively correlated with genetic distance, and the proportion of F1 hybrids increased with genetic distance. The results suggest the progressive development of postmating isolation with genetic divergence in this group. The contribution of call type to the presence/absence of hybridization was not fully supported, in part, because of the hybridizations of one of the species exhibiting species-specific calls. A possible reason for the exceptional hybridizations between the species with species-specific calls is discussed.
{"title":"Natural hybridization among species of the genus Gekko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) in Japan: the roles of pre- and postmating isolation","authors":"Kota Okamoto , Teppei Jono , Hitoshi Tanioka , Toyofumi Sueyoshi , Takanori Matsuo , Mamoru Toda","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Among the eight Japanese species of the genus <em>Gekko</em>, natural hybridization was reported in four pairs at various frequencies. A recent behavioral study suggested that the species-specific courtship calls of the males act as premating isolation for some species of these geckos; however, others lack species-specific calls, which results in hybridizations. No comprehensive study has been conducted to identify a general pattern in the development of isolating barriers in this group. We examined the hybridization status between eight pairs of seven species using population genetic analyses based on microsatellite markers and allozyme data. We then examined the changes in the frequency of hybrids and the proportion of F<sub>1</sub> hybrids against the total number of hybrids along with increasing genetic distances in a phylogenetic framework. The contribution of the courtship call type as a determinant of the presence/absence of hybridization was evaluated by statistical modeling. The results of the genetic analyses revealed hybridizations between two pairs of three species, each having a species-specific call, in addition to previously reported species pairs. Statistical analyses indicated that the frequency of hybrids between species was negatively correlated with genetic distance, and the proportion of F<sub>1</sub> hybrids increased with genetic distance. The results suggest the progressive development of postmating isolation with genetic divergence in this group. The contribution of call type to the presence/absence of hybridization was not fully supported, in part, because of the hybridizations of one of the species exhibiting species-specific calls. A possible reason for the exceptional hybridizations between the species with species-specific calls is discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 196-209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158661","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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