Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research最新文献

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.

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.

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.

The aim of this study was to understand the systematic relationships between certain fish genera with oromandibular discs in the Labeoninae. At the same time, this was an opportunity to clarify the taxonomic status of certain species in the genera Ageneiogarra, Garra, Placocheilus, and other taxa distributed in China. Morphological comparison and molecular analysis were used in the study. The results showed that the genera with oromandibular discs had no recent common ancestor and that their oromandibular discs were the result of convergent evolution in different evolutionary lineages. Due to the homogeneity of their habitats, these fish have evolved oromandibular discs with similar appearance and structure. Both morphological and molecular evidence suggests that (1) Placocheilus cryptonemus distributed in the Nu-Jiang (the Upper Salween River Basin), Yunnan, China, represent a new genus, here described as Pseudoplacocheilus, and (2) Garra micropulvinus occurring in the Panlong-He (the upper portion of the Lo River, a branch of the Red River Basin) from Wenshan, Yunnan, represents another new genus, here described as Supradiscus.

Trogoderma granarium (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) is a polyphagous pest of stored products and an alarming threat to food security around the globe. The current study is designed to construct the life table of T. granarium on four stored products, i.e., wheat, barley, rice, and maize at controlled conditions (33 ± 1^°C, 65% RH, and a photoperiod of 14 : 10 (L:D) h). The incubation period of T. granarium was longer (5.13 d) on maize and shorter (4.30 d) on wheat. The developmental period of 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th larval instars of T. granarium was longer on maize than the other three hosts were significant. Statistical difference between the longevity of females and males was recorded, while no statistically significant difference was found in the preoviposition period. The mean fecundity values observed on wheat, barley, rice, and maize were 31.33 ± 1.62, 26.21 ± 1.49, 28.00 ± 1.35, and 25.58 ± 1.13, respectively. The highest fertility was observed in wheat and the lowest in maize. The net reproductive rate (R₀) of T. granarium ranged from 8.66 ± 2.86, 13.16 ± 2.65, 12.53 ± 2.27, and 10.23 ± 2.32 offsprings on wheat, barley, rice, and maize, respectively. The highest gross reproductive value (GRR) was for T. granarium reared on barley (18.31 ± 4.10/d), and the lowest was for maize (15.35 ± 2.95/d). To complete the development, T. granarium took 48.97 ± 0.68 d on maize, significantly higher than on other treatments (p < 0.05). The mean generation time (T) of T. granarium was considerably affected by tested products. Based on the results of the present study, maize is a less favorable diet for the development and reproduction of T. granarium and may be considered for the management of this detrimental pest.