Barbara Valle, Giovanni Barbon, Claudio Cucini, Francesco Nardi, Roberto Ambrosini, Sara Boschi, Jakub Buda, Gentile Francesco Ficetola, Francesco Frati, Ľubomír Kováč, Silvio Marta, Riccardo Scotti, Virginia Toscano Rivalta, Anaïs Zimmer, Mauro Gobbi, Marco Caccianiga
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.
{"title":"The Unexplored Biodiversity of ‘Glacier Fleas’ (Hexapoda: Collembola): Taxonomy, Distribution and Ecology in the European Alps and Apennines","authors":"Barbara Valle, Giovanni Barbon, Claudio Cucini, Francesco Nardi, Roberto Ambrosini, Sara Boschi, Jakub Buda, Gentile Francesco Ficetola, Francesco Frati, Ľubomír Kováč, Silvio Marta, Riccardo Scotti, Virginia Toscano Rivalta, Anaïs Zimmer, Mauro Gobbi, Marco Caccianiga","doi":"10.1155/jzs/1616350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/jzs/1616350","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <p>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 (<i>cox1</i> and <i>16S</i>) were performed after an extensive field sampling across 48 European sites. Five new species were identified and described on the Alps: <i>Desoria orobica</i> sp. nov., <i>Vertagopus glacialis</i> sp. nov., <i>V. psychrophilus</i> sp. nov., <i>V. glacieinigrae</i> sp. nov. and <i>V. fradustaensis</i> sp. nov., together with the already known <i>D. saltans</i> and <i>V. alpinus</i>. The evidence for two further new species was also reported, with the first occurrence of <i>Gnathisotoma bicolor</i> for the Alpine chain. <i>Desoria calderonis</i> occurs on the only glacier of the Apennines. Among the new species, <i>V. glacialis</i> and <i>V. psychrophilus</i> 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.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54751,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/jzs/1616350","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143787144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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.
{"title":"Mushroom Soft Corals (Octocorallia: Coralliidae) From Seamounts in the Tropical Northwestern Pacific: Morphology and Phylogenetic Analysis Reveal a New Genus and Six New Species","authors":"Yang Li, Junyuan Li, Kuidong Xu","doi":"10.1155/jzs/4177670","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/jzs/4177670","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <p>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: <i>Neoanthomastus stellatus</i> gen. et sp. nov., <i>Neoanthomastus elongatus</i> gen. et sp. nov., <i>Anthomastus sphaericus</i> sp. nov., <i>Anthomastus tongi</i> sp. nov., <i>Pseudoanthomastus ornatus</i> sp. nov., and <i>Pseudoanthomastus applanatus</i> sp. nov. We transfer four species of <i>Anthomastus</i> with the siphonozooids extending into the stalk to the new genus <i>Neoanthomastus</i>, and four additional species of <i>Anthomastus</i> to <i>Pseudoanthomastus</i>. 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 <i>MutS</i> gene (<i>mtMutS</i>) and the barcodes of partial <i>mtMutS</i> to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among all the five genera (<i>Anthomastus</i>, <i>Bathyalcyon</i>, <i>Heteropolypus</i>, <i>Pseudoanthomastus</i>, and <i>Neoanthomastus</i> gen. nov.) and available species of Anthomastinae. The phylogenetic trees constructed from the three types of sequences suggest a hierarchical relationship where <i>Neoanthomastus</i> gen. nov. and <i>Pseudoanthomastus</i> form a clade that clusters with <i>Bathyalcyon</i>, which in turn with <i>Heteropolypus</i>, and finally with <i>Anthomastus</i>, all with high nodal supports. We also identify a second species in octocorals that lack the unique <i>mtMutS</i>. The study reveals a high diversity of mushroom soft corals and underscores the need for further systematic and zoogeographic research.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54751,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/jzs/4177670","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143735487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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.
{"title":"Structure and Evolution of the uqcrfs1 Gene in Western Palearctic Water Frogs (Genus Pelophylax) and Implications for Systematics of Eastern Mediterranean Species","authors":"Çiğdem Akın Pekşen","doi":"10.1155/jzs/7457173","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/jzs/7457173","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <p>The Rieske protein, encoded by the nuclear <i>uqcrfs1</i> 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 <i>uqcrfs1</i> gene are limited. In particular, data on the fine-scale evolution of the <i>uqcrfs1</i> in the context of speciation and adaptation are lacking. Eastern Mediterranean water frogs (genus <i>Pelophylax</i>) 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 <i>uqcrfs1</i> alleles was mapped and their genealogical relationships analyzed. In addition, the structure of the gene was investigated using genomic and transcriptomic data from <i>Pelophylax lessonae</i>. The <i>uqcrfs1</i> 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 <i>uqcrfs1</i> 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 <i>uqcrfs1</i> 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.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54751,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/jzs/7457173","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143707503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rui Cheng, Nan Jiang, A’Rong Luo, Qingsong Zhou, Xiaoye Mi, Chaodong Zhu, Hongxiang Han
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.
{"title":"Integrative Taxonomy of Ourapteryx Leach (Geometridae, Lepidoptera) Based on Molecular and Morphological Evidences","authors":"Rui Cheng, Nan Jiang, A’Rong Luo, Qingsong Zhou, Xiaoye Mi, Chaodong Zhu, Hongxiang Han","doi":"10.1155/jzs/5450629","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/jzs/5450629","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <p><i>Ourapteryx</i> 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 <i>Ourapteryx</i> 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 <i>Ourapteryx</i>. This taxonomy integrates morphological, molecular, distributional, and ecological evidences. Our findings identified nine candidate species (labeled as sp1–sp7, <i>O. horishana</i> and <i>O. brachycerca</i>), 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.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54751,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/jzs/5450629","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143513725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Huy Duc Hoang, Nian-Hong Jang-Liaw, Hung Manh Pham, Ngan Trong Tran, Jean-Dominique Durand, Tao Dinh Nguyen, John Pfeiffer, Lawrence M. Page
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.
{"title":"Generic Revision of the Southeast and East Asian Torrent Carp Subfamily Acrossocheilinae (Pisces: Teleostei) With Description of Three New Genera and a New Species From Vietnam","authors":"Huy Duc Hoang, Nian-Hong Jang-Liaw, Hung Manh Pham, Ngan Trong Tran, Jean-Dominique Durand, Tao Dinh Nguyen, John Pfeiffer, Lawrence M. Page","doi":"10.1155/jzs/8895501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/jzs/8895501","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <p>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.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54751,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/jzs/8895501","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143113732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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.
{"title":"Phylogeographic Structure of Five-Toed Jerboas of the Genus Scarturus (Dipodoidea and Allactaginae) With Taxonomic Clarification in Türkiye","authors":"Gül Olgun Karacan, Reyhan Çolak, Nuri Yiğit, İrfan Kandemir, Şakir Önder Özkurt, Ercüment Çolak","doi":"10.1155/jzs/8123686","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/jzs/8123686","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <p>Understanding the genetic structure and phylogeographic patterns of <i>Scarturus</i> species is crucial for accurately delineating their taxonomic status and informing conservation strategies. This study explores the genetic differentiation of <i>Scarturus williamsi</i>, <i>S. aulacotis</i>, and <i>S. elater</i> species complex across Turkish populations by analyzing mitochondrial (<i>Cytb</i>, <i>12S rRNA</i>, and <i>16S rRNA</i>) and nuclear (<i>IRBP</i>) gene sequences. Our phylogenetic analyses have firmly established the monophyly and distinct species status of <i>S. williamsi</i> and <i>S. aulacotis</i> (formerly known as <i>S. euphraticus</i>), challenging previous subspecies classifications. Within <i>S. williamsi</i>, we identified five distinct lineages from <i>Cytb</i> 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 <i>S. aulacotis</i> encompasses two divergent lineages, one spanning Syrian samples and the other Turkish and Iranian samples, both now classified under the revised taxonomy of <i>S. aulacotis</i>. Analysis of the <i>S. elater</i> species complex unveiled three distinct subclades, with the Turkish population aligning closely with Iranian and Armenian samples, identified as <i>S. indicus aralychensis</i> within the <i>S. indicus</i> superspecies.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54751,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research","volume":"2024 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/jzs/8123686","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142861074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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.
{"title":"Integrative Approach for the Identification and Delimitation of Orthops Species (Heteroptera, Miridae, and Mirinae) in the Palearctic","authors":"Polina A. Dzhelali, Anna A. Namyatova","doi":"10.1155/jzs/5987677","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/jzs/5987677","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <p><i>Orthops</i> 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, <i>Orthops kalmii</i> and <i>O. campestris</i> were monophyletic. <i>Orthops basalis</i> formed a clade in most phylogenetic trees. Most of the species delimitation analyses confirmed the status of those three species. <i>Orthops scutellatus</i> was split into two clades, Palearctic and North American, which was also confirmed by the species delimitation analyses. Those two groups differed in parameres. <i>Orthops campestris</i> and <i>O. scutellatus</i> form a clade in all analyses, and <i>O. basalis</i> forms a clade with <i>O. kalmii</i> in most analyses.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54751,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research","volume":"2024 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/jzs/5987677","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142764321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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.
{"title":"Morphology, Phylogeny, and Evolution of the Rarely Known Genus Admetella McIntosh, 1885 (Annelida, Polynoidae) with Recognition of Four New Species from Western Pacific Seamounts","authors":"Xuwen Wu, Qi Kou, Yanan Sun, Wenquan Zhen, Kuidong Xu","doi":"10.1155/2024/9886076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/9886076","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <p>The polynoid genus <i>Admetella</i> 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 <i>Admetella</i> 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 <i>Admetella</i>, four of these being newly identified as <i>Admetella multiseta</i> sp. nov., <i>A. levensteini</i> sp. nov., <i>A. nanhaiensis</i> sp. nov., and <i>A</i>. <i>undulata</i> sp. nov. The other two species of <i>Admetella</i> 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 <i>Admetella</i>. <i>Admetella</i> 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 <i>Admetella</i> 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.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54751,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research","volume":"2024 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/2024/9886076","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142429650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Inês Freitas, Guillermo Velo-Antón, Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou, Óscar Zuazo, Fernando Martínez-Freiría
Understanding how hybridization influences the morphology and fitness of hybrids is essential for studying adaptive evolution and ecological speciation. Secondary contact zones, where separately evolving populations meet and hybridize, offer valuable insights into the evolutionary processes driving speciation and provide an excellent system to address these questions. In this study, we investigate patterns of morphological and genetic variation of two congeneric viper species, Vipera aspis and V. latastei, across a contact zone in northern Spain (Oja-Tirón), where vipers with mixed morphology are often detected, but genetic studies addressing hybridization and relating patterns of genetic and morphological admixture are lacking. Using nine morphological traits (scalation and colouration) and 18 microsatellite markers, we (1) estimated the extent of hybridization, (2) morphologically characterized parental species and hybrids, and (3) evaluated the correlation between patterns of genetic and morphological admixture. Analyses revealed a bimodal hybrid zone with high rate of hybridization (22%) and prevalence of late-generation hybrids (F2 and backcrosses). Morphological analyses differentiated the two parental species, and a positive correlation (r = 0.95) was found between morphological and genetic patterns. The hybrid group displayed on average an intermediate morphology between the parentals, yet morphologically intermediate hybrids were rare in our dataset. Instead, most hybrids resembled the parental species with whom they share most of the genetic background. Notably, the hybrid group exhibited greater morphological variation than the parental groups. Traits with adaptative value, such as ventral scales and dorsal marks, showed significant differences between hybrids and the two parental species. Introgression of these traits may confer ecological advantages to hybrids, enhancing local adaptation. Overall, this study reveals a positive correlation between patterns of morphological and genetic variation across a hybrid zone and provides insights into the phenotypic consequences of hybridization on these viper species.
{"title":"Association between Genetic Admixture and Morphological Patterns in a Hybrid Zone between the Two Iberian Vipers, Vipera aspis and V. latastei","authors":"Inês Freitas, Guillermo Velo-Antón, Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou, Óscar Zuazo, Fernando Martínez-Freiría","doi":"10.1155/2024/3800363","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/3800363","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <p>Understanding how hybridization influences the morphology and fitness of hybrids is essential for studying adaptive evolution and ecological speciation. Secondary contact zones, where separately evolving populations meet and hybridize, offer valuable insights into the evolutionary processes driving speciation and provide an excellent system to address these questions. In this study, we investigate patterns of morphological and genetic variation of two congeneric viper species, <i>Vipera aspis</i> and <i>V. latastei</i>, across a contact zone in northern Spain (Oja-Tirón), where vipers with mixed morphology are often detected, but genetic studies addressing hybridization and relating patterns of genetic and morphological admixture are lacking. Using nine morphological traits (scalation and colouration) and 18 microsatellite markers, we (1) estimated the extent of hybridization, (2) morphologically characterized parental species and hybrids, and (3) evaluated the correlation between patterns of genetic and morphological admixture. Analyses revealed a bimodal hybrid zone with high rate of hybridization (22%) and prevalence of late-generation hybrids (F2 and backcrosses). Morphological analyses differentiated the two parental species, and a positive correlation (<i>r</i> = 0.95) was found between morphological and genetic patterns. The hybrid group displayed on average an intermediate morphology between the parentals, yet morphologically intermediate hybrids were rare in our dataset. Instead, most hybrids resembled the parental species with whom they share most of the genetic background. Notably, the hybrid group exhibited greater morphological variation than the parental groups. Traits with adaptative value, such as ventral scales and dorsal marks, showed significant differences between hybrids and the two parental species. Introgression of these traits may confer ecological advantages to hybrids, enhancing local adaptation. Overall, this study reveals a positive correlation between patterns of morphological and genetic variation across a hybrid zone and provides insights into the phenotypic consequences of hybridization on these viper species.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54751,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research","volume":"2024 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/2024/3800363","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142152344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In Southeast Asia, mahseer fishes, such as the species of Tor and Neolissochilus, are significant native commercial fish. Their phylogeny and categorization have a convoluted history. In this study, the molecular systematics and divergence of Tor and Neolissochilus fishes from Southeast Asia and South China were examined using the partial or complete sequences of four mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase I, cytochrome b, 16S, and ND4). This study substantiated the monophyly of Tor and supported N. benasi as an independent genus. The result supported T. laterivittatus as a synonym of T. sinensis and T. dongnaiensis as a synonym of T. tambra. In addition, we presented the high diversity and species crypticity of these two taxa in Southeast Asia. The divergent time estimation indicated Tor and Neolissochilus species originated in the early Miocene (about 16.73 Ma), and the divergence of the genus Tor and other species of the genus Neolissochilus began at about 12.86 Ma.
在东南亚,鲯鳅(Tor 和 Neolissochilus 种)是重要的本地商业鱼类。它们的系统发育和分类历史错综复杂。本研究利用四个线粒体基因(细胞色素氧化酶 I、细胞色素 b、16S 和 ND4)的部分或完整序列,研究了东南亚和华南地区鲯鳅和霓虹鳅的分子系统学和分化。这项研究证实了 Tor 的单系性,并支持 N. benasi 成为一个独立的属。结果支持 T. laterivittatus 为 T. sinensis 的异名,T. dongnaiensis 为 T. tambra 的异名。此外,我们还发现了这两个类群在东南亚的高度多样性和物种隐蔽性。分歧时间估计表明Tor和Neolissochilus物种起源于中新世早期(约16.73 Ma),Tor属和Neolissochilus属其他物种的分歧始于约12.86 Ma。
{"title":"Molecular Systematics and Divergence of Tor and Neolissochilus Fishes (Cypriniforms: Cyprinidae) from Southeast Asia and South China","authors":"Ling Wu, Tao Qin, Huy Duc Hoang, Thaung Naing Oo, Xiao-Ai Wang, Xiao-Yong Chen","doi":"10.1155/2024/5662867","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5662867","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <p>In Southeast Asia, mahseer fishes, such as the species of <i>Tor</i> and <i>Neolissochilus</i>, are significant native commercial fish. Their phylogeny and categorization have a convoluted history. In this study, the molecular systematics and divergence of <i>Tor</i> and <i>Neolissochilus</i> fishes from Southeast Asia and South China were examined using the partial or complete sequences of four mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase I, cytochrome <i>b</i>, 16S, and ND4). This study substantiated the monophyly of <i>Tor</i> and supported <i>N. benasi</i> as an independent genus. The result supported <i>T. laterivittatus</i> as a synonym of <i>T. sinensis</i> and <i>T. dongnaiensis</i> as a synonym of <i>T. tambra</i>. In addition, we presented the high diversity and species crypticity of these two taxa in Southeast Asia. The divergent time estimation indicated <i>Tor</i> and <i>Neolissochilus</i> species originated in the early Miocene (about 16.73 Ma), and the divergence of the genus <i>Tor</i> and other species of the genus <i>Neolissochilus</i> began at about 12.86 Ma.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":54751,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research","volume":"2024 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/2024/5662867","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142137765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}