Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research最新文献

Brachyura represents the focus of species diversity within Decapoda. However, this diversity increases the difficulty of species identification and obscures the natural phylogenetic relationships. Mitogenomes, with their rich phylogenetic signal and evolutionary informatics, provide critical insights into brachyuran systematics. Here, we present 12 newly sequenced mitogenomes spanning 10 families, which exhibit diverse lengths, ranging from 15,320 to 16,135 bp. All circular genomes except Conchoecetes artificiosus (lacking tRNA-S2) encode the typical 37 mitochondrial genes. Meanwhile, we identified unique gene order of Pleistacantha cervicornis and provided preliminary speculation on its hypothetical evolutionary history, which involved four gene inversion and translocation events. Phylogenomic reconstruction revealed: (1) Goneplacidae was closely related to Xanthoidea; meanwhile, Tetraliidae and Trapeziidae show divergence, resulting in the polyphyly of Goneplacoidea and Trapezioidea; (2) freshwater crabs were intimately related to thoracotrematan, and we recommended Potamoidea and Gecarcinucoidea should be classified under Thoracotremata; (3) Extensive mitochondrial gene order (MGO) diversity across Brachyura, with lineage-specific rearrangement patterns serving as phylogenetic markers. Our research offers new insights into the phylogenetic relationships within Brachyura from mitogenome perspective, unraveling the diversity and rearrangement trajectories of MGO in Brachyura.

Bufo eichwaldi (Amphibia: Anura) is a toad species endemic to the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran and southeastern Azerbaijan, increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures, underscoring the urgent need for conservation measures. We assessed the genetic diversity, population structure, and potential distribution of B. eichwaldi using molecular analyses and Species Distribution Modeling in order to inform management plans for the species. We analyzed two mitochondrial gene fragments (16S rRNA and D-loop) and one nuclear gene (Recombination activating gene 1), totaling 1865 bp, in 23 individuals from four populations. Our genetic analyses revealed high haplotype diversity (0.984) and significant genetic differentiation (F_ST) among populations, with the Azerbaijan population showing a genetic distance of 1.85%–2.04% from Iranian populations in the D-loop gene fragment. Genetic results support the hypothesis that B. eichwaldi recently expanded into the Hyrcanian forests after the last glacial maximum (LGM). Species distribution models calibrated using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) under average current climatic conditions (1970–2000) were projected to the Mid-Holocene (6 Kya) and LGM (21 Kya), as well as on 256 time slices of 10 ky BP to assess historic habitat stability. Our models showed good predictive accuracy, with the most influential environmental variable being precipitation of the wettest month (50.1%), followed by temperature annual range (39.7%). Suitable habitats for B. eichwaldi have become increasingly available in the Hyrcanian region after the LGM, in agreement with genetic evidence of a recent range expansion into these forests. This study highlights the value of integrating genetic and ecological data to inform conservation strategies for B. eichwaldi.

Springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) are unique among Alpine arthropods for including cryophilic species, able to live in contact with glacial ice, the so-called ‘glacier fleas’. Despite being historically recorded, their taxonomy and distribution are largely unknown. In this article, we present the first comprehensive study of ice-dwelling springtails (family Isotomidae) of the European Alps and Apennines. Morphological and molecular analyses of two mitochondrial genes (cox1 and 16S) were performed after an extensive field sampling across 48 European sites. Five new species were identified and described on the Alps: Desoria orobica sp. nov., Vertagopus glacialis sp. nov., V. psychrophilus sp. nov., V. glacieinigrae sp. nov. and V. fradustaensis sp. nov., together with the already known D. saltans and V. alpinus. The evidence for two further new species was also reported, with the first occurrence of Gnathisotoma bicolor for the Alpine chain. Desoria calderonis occurs on the only glacier of the Apennines. Among the new species, V. glacialis and V. psychrophilus exhibit a wide range distribution, while the other species show a narrow endemic distribution. The study highlighted the unexplored diversity of Alpine ‘glacier fleas’ and their ecological and biogeographic interest, together with the conservation concern in the context of the present warming cycle.

Mushroom soft corals in the subfamily Anthomastinae are among the most remarkable octocorals found in the deep sea, characterized by their capitate or mushroom-shaped red colonies and large autozooids. To date, their species diversity remains largely unknown due to limited research, and their phylogenetic relationships have yet to be explored. Based on samples collected from four seamounts in the tropical Northwestern Pacific, we establish a new genus and six new species within Anthomastinae: Neoanthomastus stellatus gen. et sp. nov., Neoanthomastus elongatus gen. et sp. nov., Anthomastus sphaericus sp. nov., Anthomastus tongi sp. nov., Pseudoanthomastus ornatus sp. nov., and Pseudoanthomastus applanatus sp. nov. We transfer four species of Anthomastus with the siphonozooids extending into the stalk to the new genus Neoanthomastus, and four additional species of Anthomastus to Pseudoanthomastus. A dichotomous key to all five known genera and 43 species of Anthomastinae is provided. Meanwhile, we utilize the concatenated nucleotides of 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs), the full-length coding regions of the mitochondrial MutS gene (mtMutS) and the barcodes of partial mtMutS to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among all the five genera (Anthomastus, Bathyalcyon, Heteropolypus, Pseudoanthomastus, and Neoanthomastus gen. nov.) and available species of Anthomastinae. The phylogenetic trees constructed from the three types of sequences suggest a hierarchical relationship where Neoanthomastus gen. nov. and Pseudoanthomastus form a clade that clusters with Bathyalcyon, which in turn with Heteropolypus, and finally with Anthomastus, all with high nodal supports. We also identify a second species in octocorals that lack the unique mtMutS. The study reveals a high diversity of mushroom soft corals and underscores the need for further systematic and zoogeographic research.

The Rieske protein, encoded by the nuclear uqcrfs1 gene, is an essential subunit of the cytochrome bc1 complex involved in electron transfer. Despite its vital function, studies on the structure and evolution of the uqcrfs1 gene are limited. In particular, data on the fine-scale evolution of the uqcrfs1 in the context of speciation and adaptation are lacking. Eastern Mediterranean water frogs (genus Pelophylax) are an ideal model for studying such evolutionary processes at the molecular level, as they comprise several closely related lineages with different degrees of genetic and organismal divergence. Based on comprehensive sequence data of 137 frogs from 106 populations, including Mediterranean frogs as well as frogs from Europe and Central Asia, the spatial distribution of uqcrfs1 alleles was mapped and their genealogical relationships analyzed. In addition, the structure of the gene was investigated using genomic and transcriptomic data from Pelophylax lessonae. The uqcrfs1 gene consists of two exons. The length of coding sequence and its corresponding protein sequence is 807 nucleotides and 268 amino acids, respectively. The GC content and the G/C-ending codons of the gene are about 59.9% and 75.37%. The uqcrfs1 gene has a core promoter type similar to that of widely expressed housekeeping genes, with GC-rich blocks in the regulatory 5’ region, and contains many dispersed conserved motifs for transcription initiation. Genealogical analysis of the uqcrfs1 sequences revealed 10 allelic groups in the Eastern Mediterranean region. While the position of some allelic groups and the number of subgroups in the uqcrfs1 gene tree are somewhat different, they largely support the results of previous nuclear and mitochondrial genealogical studies. This gene is therefore an effective marker for determining the origin of different water frog species and lineages, including hybrids.

Ourapteryx is widely distributed in the Palearctic and Oriental regions, with the highest species diversity found in China. As of 2024, 95 described species have been recorded globally; however, no comprehensive revision of this genus has been published. Identifying Ourapteryx species based solely on wing patterns is challenging due to their extreme similarity, often leading to frequent misidentifications and the oversight of cryptic species. In this study, we utilized 68 morphological species, along with 1050 COI sequences, to develop an integrative taxonomy for Ourapteryx. This taxonomy integrates morphological, molecular, distributional, and ecological evidences. Our findings identified nine candidate species (labeled as sp1–sp7, O. horishana and O. brachycerca), increasing the total number of recognized species from 68 to 77. Using this updated checklist, we compared four molecular delimitation methods against the outcomes of morphological taxonomy. The analysis indicated that a 2% threshold produced the highest efficiency. Additionally, we explored the reasons behind morpho-molecular discordance and the presence of hidden species. Our study underscores the importance and reliability of integrative taxonomy, which relies on multiple lines of evidence for accurate species identification and classification.

Molecular data from 35 of the 50 Acrossocheilinae species suggest that the species-level diversity in the subfamily has been overestimated, likely due to inadequate taxon and geographic sampling and reliance on morphological characters that vary intraspecifically. Three new genera, one resurrected genus, two resurrected species, and one new species are diagnosed and described herein. Nine synonyms of three valid species of Acrossocheilinae are recognized from the Yangtze, Xijiang, Song Hong, Annamite, and Mekong ecoregions in East and Southeast Asia. Thirty-two valid and six putative new species are indicated by molecular data and a key to the genera is provided. As more molecular and morphological data become available, additional taxonomic changes in this widespread and generally poorly known subfamily are likely.

Understanding the genetic structure and phylogeographic patterns of Scarturus species is crucial for accurately delineating their taxonomic status and informing conservation strategies. This study explores the genetic differentiation of Scarturus williamsi, S. aulacotis, and S. elater species complex across Turkish populations by analyzing mitochondrial (Cytb, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA) and nuclear (IRBP) gene sequences. Our phylogenetic analyses have firmly established the monophyly and distinct species status of S. williamsi and S. aulacotis (formerly known as S. euphraticus), challenging previous subspecies classifications. Within S. williamsi, we identified five distinct lineages from Cytb sequences, illustrating a complex population structure shaped by geographical and ecological factors. Notably, the Niğde population emerged as a unique and ancient lineage, likely influenced by historical isolation. Our findings further indicate that S. aulacotis encompasses two divergent lineages, one spanning Syrian samples and the other Turkish and Iranian samples, both now classified under the revised taxonomy of S. aulacotis. Analysis of the S. elater species complex unveiled three distinct subclades, with the Turkish population aligning closely with Iranian and Armenian samples, identified as S. indicus aralychensis within the S. indicus superspecies.

Orthops is a widely distributed plant bug genus comprising 35 species. Its nominotypical subgenus includes seven species mostly known from the Palearctic, and four of them are widely distributed. Most of them live in sympatry having only little morphological differences. The species limits have never been tested using the molecular data. The aim of this work is to test whether currently defined species represent monophyletic lineages and to find their interrelationships using an integrative approach. Morphological studies on external characters and male and female genitalia were performed. The molecular studies were based on the mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI] and 12S ribosomal RNA [rRNA]) and nuclear (internal transcribed spacer I [ITS1] and calcium ATPase [Ca-ATPase]) markers and included comparison of the intra- and interspecific distances, species delimitation (ABGD, BPP, bGMYC, PTP, and bPTP), and phylogenetic analyses. All markers showed interspecific differences, and COI was the most variable. It was found that all species differed from each other morphologically, and the most reliable character complexes were parameres and female genitalia. In most analyses, Orthops kalmii and O. campestris were monophyletic. Orthops basalis formed a clade in most phylogenetic trees. Most of the species delimitation analyses confirmed the status of those three species. Orthops scutellatus was split into two clades, Palearctic and North American, which was also confirmed by the species delimitation analyses. Those two groups differed in parameres. Orthops campestris and O. scutellatus form a clade in all analyses, and O. basalis forms a clade with O. kalmii in most analyses.

The polynoid genus Admetella constitutes a deep-sea assemblage of polychaetes, notable for their large bodies adorned with antennal scales positioned dorsally to the bases of lateral antennae. Furthermore, the genus exhibits swimming proficiencies facilitated by elongated parapodia and flattened chaetae. Despite the frequent encounters with Admetella members during various deep-sea explorations, a substantial gap in our comprehension of their diversity, phylogeny, and evolutionary trajectories still exists. Our thorough morphological and phylogenetic investigations of specimens obtained from three seamounts located in the tropical western Pacific have unveiled six species belonging to the genus Admetella, four of these being newly identified as Admetella multiseta sp. nov., A. levensteini sp. nov., A. nanhaiensis sp. nov., and A. undulata sp. nov. The other two species of Admetella remain unidentifiable at the species level due to the loss of crucial details. Our phylogenetic analysis, grounded on 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes and the inclusion of 12S, 16S, 18S, 28S rRNA, and ITS1–ITS2 genes, substantiates the monophyly of Admetella. Admetella is positioned at an intermediate node within the phylogenetic tree, situated between representative shallow-water and deep-sea subfamilies. The independent evolution of antennal scales within Admetella among polynoids constitutes a synapomorphy for this genus. Ancestral state reconstruction (ASR) analyses suggest that deep-sea polynoids evolved from shallow-water ancestors that possessed lateral antennae, which were subsequently lost in members inhabiting extreme marine environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents and anchialine caves. The analysis further implicates that swimming ability independently evolved at least four times within the Polynoidae family.