Zoologischer Anzeiger最新文献

{"title":"High diversity and population structure in a widespread tarantula Sickius longibulbi (Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae)","authors":"Beatriz B. Groppo,&nbsp;Millke Jasmine A. Morales,&nbsp;Tiago Belintani,&nbsp;José Paulo L. Guadanucci","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.08.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.08.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Sickius</em> Soares &amp; Camargo, 1948 is a monotypic genus <em>(Sickius longibulbi</em>) characterized by a broad geographic distribution across Brazil and conservative morphology. Notably, females lack spermathecae, and males possess palpal bulb with a long embolus, both traits with taxonomic importance. The genus belongs to the infraorder Mygalomorphae, a group with intricate taxonomic challenges due to uniform morphology, complicating species delimitation. In the present study, we employed an integrative taxonomic approach, combining mitochondrial DNA sequences of the Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene with Fourier Elliptical Analysis of the male palpal bulb shape to investigate lineage differentiation and evolutionary patterns within the genus <em>Sickius</em>. We observed genetic structured populations along with morphometric variation and geographic distribution, except for the two lineages localized in northeast Cerrado. We retain <em>S. longibulbi</em> as a single species with great diversity and possibly undergoing a process of divergence. Future studies with larger sample sizes are encouraged to confirm these findings and further investigate the evolutionary history of the genus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 31-40"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144926128","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}

{"title":"The evolution of tadpole shape: first insights into larval diversity of the Physalaemus deimaticus group with the description of two new forms (Anura, Leptodactylidae, Leiuperinae)","authors":"Raíla Brena Araújo ,&nbsp;Iasodhara Rodrigues Freire ,&nbsp;Filipe Augusto Cavalcanti do Nascimento ,&nbsp;Tiago Leite Pezzuti","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.08.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.08.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The <em>Physalaemus deimaticus</em> species group comprises four species distributed in high-altitude areas in southeastern Brazil. In this study we describe the tadpoles of two of these species, <em>Physalaemus claptoni</em> and <em>P. deimaticus</em>, and explore the body shape evolution in the group. Both species share external features with the other species of the group, but <em>P. claptoni</em> presents a larger and globular body, while <em>P. deimaticus</em> is quite similar to <em>Physalaemus erythros</em>, its sister species, sharing a P3 tooth row of the same length than P2, and submarginal papillae distributed in rows. The phylomorphospace analysis based on geometric morphometrics demonstrated that species of the <em>P. deimaticus</em> group exhibit a wide range of shapes, encompassing a great part of the variation found in the <em>Physalaemus signifer</em> clade. Thus, although ecomorphological correlations between shape and habitat type (i.e., lentic/lotic gradient) are evident at a narrower phylogenetic scale (i.e., within the <em>P. deimaticus</em> group), they become ambiguous when examined at a broader phylogenetic context (i.e., <em>P. signifer</em> group). Despite the general homoplasy scenario and the absence of important transformations in the evolution of body shape of the <em>P. signifer</em> group, the optimizations retrieved shape changes for the common ancestor of <em>P. deimaticus</em> and <em>P. erythros</em>, supporting their close relationship. Our results show that phylogenetic morphometric methods are effective for describing the evolution of tadpole shape, a set of traits not easily captured by discrete characters or linear measurements. Furthermore, the description of two tadpoles of <em>Physalaemus</em> increases knowledge of the larval diversity of the genus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 78-89"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144997394","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}

{"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 ,&nbsp;Gisele M.N. Vieira Dubeux ,&nbsp;Jessika M.M. Neves ,&nbsp;Fernanda P. Werneck ,&nbsp;Miguel T. Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Tamí Mott ,&nbsp;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":"2025-11-01","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}

{"title":"Molecular phylogeny and morphology corroborating a new subgenus with five new species of fossorial catfish genus Listrura (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from southern Brazil","authors":"Wilson J.E.M. Costa,&nbsp;Caio R.M. Feltrin,&nbsp;José Leonardo O. Mattos,&nbsp;Axel M. Katz","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Listrura</em> is a genus of small fossorial microcambevine catfishes presently comprising 14 species in three subgenera, two from tropical and one from subtropical Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Our field studies have revealed five new species from the subtropical area with unique morphological features. Herein we conducted a molecular phylogeny including all nominal species of the genus in which the new species are supported forming a clade, here described as a new subgenus sister to the subgenus <em>Listrura</em> from the tropical area. The five new species are diagnosed on the basis of osteological characters and external morphology. The new subgenus is separated from its sister group by a distance of about 500 km. This distributional gap is probably a result of insufficient field sampling efforts directed to the specialized biotopes of <em>Listrura</em>, consisting of leaf litter in the bottom of small brooks draining gently sloping terrain. However, the increasing environmental degradation in the region can easily reduce or eradicate these fragile environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 395-407"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578934","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}

{"title":"Natural hybridization among species of the genus Gekko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) in Japan: the roles of pre- and postmating isolation","authors":"Kota Okamoto ,&nbsp;Teppei Jono ,&nbsp;Hitoshi Tanioka ,&nbsp;Toyofumi Sueyoshi ,&nbsp;Takanori Matsuo ,&nbsp;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 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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 196-209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","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}

{"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":"2025-11-01","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}

{"title":"Morphological, linear and geometric morphometric differences of Anatolian Sorex (Mammalia: Soricidae) species","authors":"Ahmet Yesari Selçuk ,&nbsp;Alaettin Kaya ,&nbsp;Osman İbiş ,&nbsp;Coşkun Tez ,&nbsp;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> &lt; 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> &gt; <em>S. raddei</em> &gt; <em>S. satunini</em> &gt; <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> &lt; 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":"2025-11-01","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}

{"title":"DNA barcoding of fish from Singkil peat swamp waters of Aceh Province, Indonesia","authors":"Nanda Muhammad Razi ,&nbsp;Sri Riska Rahayu ,&nbsp;Luvi Syafrida Handayani ,&nbsp;Nanda Ulfa Khaira ,&nbsp;Muhammad Syukran ,&nbsp;Ahmad Sazali A. Sitorus ,&nbsp;Cut Tria Aswina ,&nbsp;Putri Khairani Amalia Siregar ,&nbsp;Muhammad Nasir ,&nbsp;Nur Fadli ,&nbsp;Martin Wilkes ,&nbsp;Mohd Nor Siti-Azizah ,&nbsp;Zainal Abidin Muchlisin","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Singkil peat swamp area is currently facing significant issues, including deforestation and the conversion of land into oil palm plantations. This situation threatens biodiversity and the wealth of genetic resources, potentially leading to the extinction of various terrestrial and aquatic species, including fish communities. Although there have been reports on the ichthyofauna in Singkil peat swamp, information regarding the genetic diversity of fish in this area is not available. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the use of DNA barcode method to validate the taxonomic status, as well as analyze the diversity and genetic relationships of fish found in Singkil peat swamp area, located in Aceh Province. A total of 123 DNA sequences were successfully obtained, leading to the generation of 88 haplotypes, comprising 34 species, 23 families, and 29 genera. The analysis of genetic distance was performed between various species. The results showed that the closest genetic distance of 4.04 % was between <em>Ambassis macracanthus</em> and <em>Ambassis nalua</em>, while the highest at 31.62 % was between <em>Mystus nigriceps</em> and <em>Toxotes jaculatrix</em>. <em>Cyclocheilichthys apogon</em> had the highest haplotype diversity with 6 haplotypes, while <em>Caranx tille, Oreochromis niloticus</em>, and <em>Taenioides cirratus</em> showed the lowest with 1 haplotype, respectively. Scientific data related to molecular genetics is crucial for effective fisheries resource management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 117-126"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145106063","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}

{"title":"Three new species of the centipede Newportia Gervais, 1847 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopocryptopidae, Newportiinae) from central South America, with remarks on the discovery of several lineages within Newportia (Tidops) balzanii Silvestri","authors":"Juan C. Díaz-Sandoval ,&nbsp;Walter Aparecido Arruda de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Daniela Cristina Ferreira ,&nbsp;Amazonas Chagas-Jr","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although <em>Newportia</em> is the genus of Scolopendromorpha with the greatest species diversity in the Neotropics, its diversity may be underestimated in certain areas of Brazil, such as the Pantanal Mato-Grossense, Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado) and Atlantic Forest. In this study, based on morphological and molecular data, three new species of <em>Newportia</em> are described: <em>N.</em> (<em>Newportia</em>) <em>chamberlini</em> <strong>sp. n.</strong>, <em>Newportia</em> (<em>Newportia</em>) <em>asulcata</em> <strong>sp. n.</strong>, and the first troglobitic species of the subgenus <em>Tidops</em>, <em>N.</em> (<em>Tidops</em>) <em>eleonorae</em> <strong>sp. n.</strong> <em>N.</em> (<em>Tidops</em>) <em>eleonorae</em> <strong>sp. n.</strong> was not included in the molecular analyses due to issues with DNA sequencing. However, its troglomorphic traits—unique to troglobitic species of <em>Newportia</em> and the subgenus <em>Tidops</em>—unequivocally support its status as a new species. Species delimitation analysis based on the mitochondrial marker COI recovered three lineages within <em>N.</em> (<em>Tidops</em>) <em>balzanii</em> in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso. Both <em>N.</em> (<em>Newportia</em>) <em>chamberlini</em> <strong>sp. n.</strong> and <em>N</em>. (<em>Newportia</em>) <em>asulcata</em> <strong>sp. n.</strong> are recovered as different species, the former from Mato Grosso, and the latter from Bahia, within the “Caatinga” biome, a xeric region transitioning into the Atlantic Forest, both from Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis under maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference depicts a polyphyletic <em>Tidops</em>, with <em>Newportia balzanii</em> split into two clades based on geographical distribution. <em>N</em>. <em>chamberlini</em> <strong>sp. n.</strong> and <em>N</em>. <em>asulcata</em> <strong>sp. n</strong>. are recovered as sister species of the traditionally named but invalid <em>Scolopendrides</em>. The results of this work indicate that the diversity of the genus is underestimated and demonstrate that molecular tools are useful for the recognition of different lineages within species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 300-322"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362948","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}

{"title":"Pregenital terminal segments and functional morphology in the flat wasps (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae)","authors":"Chirlei D. Brito ,&nbsp;Geane O. Lanes ,&nbsp;Ricardo Kawada ,&nbsp;Celso O. Azevedo","doi":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcz.2025.10.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Bethylidae, the ninth abdominal sternum or hypopygium is very important in the taxonomy of the family, because it is extremely variable in shape. Under this scenario, our objective is to compare the pregenital terminal segments and their muscles present in the abdomen of Bethylidae and standardize the terminology among the Hymenoptera. The function and position of the abdominal muscles and sclerites are described, the functions are discussed and the names are standardized. Our results indicate that the musculature and sclerites are few variable in the most part of the abdomen, however the ninth abdominal sternum presents the greatest changes related to its shape and associated muscles. Furthermore, based on our studies, we also infer that the sinergic movements of the ninth sterno-genital muscles are responsible for the protrusion, retraction and rotation of the genitalia, being responsible for the movements during the copula. In <em>Pristocera</em>, the muscles between S8 and S9 also promote secondarily the adduction and abduction of the ninth abdominal sternum. This phenomenon is interpreted as an example of exaptation. The understanding about the muscle morphology and its origin as well as its functionality are important because it may help conduct studies with other taxa in Hymenoptera with the same or different changes present in Bethylidae and arise hypotheses about the morphofunctionality in other groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49332,"journal":{"name":"Zoologischer Anzeiger","volume":"319 ","pages":"Pages 335-348"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145473955","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}