Species status and conservation issues of New Zealand's endemic Latrodectus spider species (Araneae : Theridiidae)

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cor J. Vink ◽  
Phil J. Sirvid ◽  
Jagoba Malumbres-Olarte ◽  
James W. Griffiths ◽  
Pierre Paquin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Species Status ◽  
Colour Variation ◽  
Spider Species ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Conservation Threats

New Zealand has two endemic widow spiders, Latrodectus katipo Powell, 1871 and L. atritus Urquhart, 1890. Both species face many conservation threats and are actively managed. The species status of the Latrodectus spiders of New Zealand was assessed using molecular (COI, ITS1, ITS2) and morphological methods and with cross-breeding experiments. Latrodectus katipo and L. atritus were not found to be reciprocally monophyletic for any of the gene regions or morphological traits. Other than colour, which is variable, there were no morphological characters that separated the two species, which cross-bred in the laboratory and produced fertile eggsacs. Colour variation is clinal over latitude and correlates significantly with mean annual temperature. We conclude that L. atritus is a junior synonym of L. katipo. An example of introgression from the Australian species L. hasseltii Thorell, 1870 was also detected and its conservation implications are discussed.

Recharacterisation and photo-documentation of five North American Bursaphelenchus species from C.L. Massey’s type material

Nematology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natsumi Kanzaki ◽  
Robin M. Giblin-Davis ◽  
Barbara J. Center
Keyword(s):  
Species Complex ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Female Characters ◽  
Species Status ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Lateral Field ◽  
Female Tail ◽  
Photo Documentation ◽  
The Status

The type specimens of fiveBursaphelenchusspecies described by Massey,i.e.,B. bestiolus,B. corneolus,B. elytrus,B. newmexicanusandB. wilfordi, were re-examined and photo-documented to update their descriptions in light of a contemporary understanding of the genus. The presence of a lateral field, basal swelling of stylet, P1 ventral single papilla of males and a pair of three-celled structures in females, which were not described or mentioned in the original descriptions, were observed, although the number of lateral incisures were not clarified because of sample condition. Within these five species, the intrageneric groupings ofB. bestiolusandB. wilfordihad been unclear. In the present study, because of newly observed morphological characters,B. bestiolusis considered to belong to thehofmanni-group, and is close toB. talonusandB. rufipennis. These three species form a species complex and are distinguished from each other only by female tail morphology. The species status ofB. wilfordiis still unclear, although, based on spicule morphology and structure and arrangement of genital papillae, we consider it to belong to thehofmanni-group, close toB. parvispicularis,B. paraparvispicularisandB. osumiana. However, female characters ofB. wilfordiare also similar to members of thecocophilus-group andParasitaphelenchus. Re-isolation and molecular identification are necessary to confirm the status of these species. By contrast, the affiliations ofB. corneoluswith thehofmanni-group andB. elytrusandB. newmexicanuswith theeggersi-group were confirmed. Based upon its morphological traits,B. corneolusis close toB. gerberaeandB. paracorneolus, and is distinguished from these species by its spicule morphology, female tail morphology and female post-uterine sac length. However, male specimens ofB. corneoluswere not available for the present study and confirmation is necessary.Bursaphelenchus elytrusis similar toB. tusciaeand is distinguished from it by its spicule (condylus) morphology and excretory pore position.Bursaphelenchus newmexicanusis close toB. glochisand is distinguished from it mostly by morphometrics and spicule (condylus) morphology. However, morphometrics usually vary among individuals and populations of a species, necessitating morphometric and molecular comparisons of more isolates (strains) in order to clarify specific status.

A rethink on Retropinna: conservation implications of new taxa and significant genetic sub-structure in Australian smelts (Pisces:Retropinnidae)

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Hammer ◽  
Mark Adams ◽  
Peter J. Unmack ◽  
Keith F. Walker
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Allozyme Electrophoresis ◽  
Strong Argument ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Eastern Seaboard ◽  
South Eastern Australia

The smelt genus Retropinna nominally includes three small (<150 mm) freshwater fish species endemic to south-eastern Australia and New Zealand. For the two Australian species, the broad range of R. semoni (Weber) on the mainland suggests some vulnerability to isolation and genetic divergence, whereas the apparent confinement of R. tasmanica McCulloch to Tasmania is curious if, as suspected, it is anadromous. Analyses of Australian material using allozyme electrophoresis show five genetically distinct species with contiguous ranges and no evidence of genetic exchange. Three occur along the eastern seaboard (including three instances of sympatry), another in coastal and inland south-eastern Australia and Tasmania, and a fifth species in the Lake Eyre Basin. There is no indication of a simple ‘tasmanica’ v. ‘semoni’ dichotomy, but instead a complex pattern involving discrete clusters for the Upper Murray plus Darling rivers, Lower Murray, Glenelg River and Tasmanian regions, with coastal western Victorian samples having varying affinity to these groups. The overall pattern is one of deep divergences among species and strong genetic sub-structuring within and provides a strong argument for extended studies to prepare for appropriate conservation measures.

The squat lobster genus Phylladiorhynchus Baba, 1969 in New Zealand and eastern Australia, with description of six new species

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4688 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
KAREEN E. SCHNABEL ◽  
SHANE T. AHYONG
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Squat Lobster ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
Tasman Sea ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data

The small galatheid squat lobster genus Phylladiorhynchus currently contains five species, three of which supposedly have wide Indo-Pacific distributions. To date, two putatively widespread species, P. pusillus and P. integrirostris have been recorded from New Zealand and Australian waters. Here, we review the New Zealand and eastern Australian species of Phylladiorhynchus based on extensive collections from the region using morphological and molecular data. The type species, P. pusillus (Henderson, 1885) (type locality: Twofold Bay, Australia) is redescribed and shown to occur on both sides of the Tasman Sea. Phylladiorhynchus integrirostris, for which the original Hawaiian type material has been lost, is redescribed based on a neotype and shown not to occur in New Zealand or Australian waters, previous records being referable to other species. Six new species of Phylladiorhynchus are described. Seven species of Phylladiorhynchus are now known from New Zealand and eastern Australia. A key to all species of the genus is provided. Results of the present study show that the regional diversity of Phylladiorhynchus is significantly higher than previously reported and demonstrates the utility of a number of subtle morphological characters as diagnostic of species. 

Lecanactis (Roccellaceae) in Tasmania, with the description of a new saxicolous species and a revised key for the genus in Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-101
Author(s):  
Gintaras Kantvilas
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
New South ◽  
First Record ◽  
New Taxon ◽  
European Species ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Distribution And Ecology ◽  
Tasmanian Endemic ◽  
First Time

AbstractThe lichen genus Lecanactis Körb. in Tasmania comprises six species: L. abietina (Ach.) Körb., which is widespread and pan-temperate; L. latispora Egea & Torrente and L. neozelandica Egea & Torrente, both shared with New Zealand and with the former recorded here from the Auckland Islands for the first time; L. mollis (Stirt.) Frisch & Ertz, shared with Victoria and New Zealand; L. aff. dilleniana (Ach.) Körb., a European species recorded provisionally for Tasmania on the basis of several sterile collections; L. scopulicola Kantvilas, which is described here as new to science and apparently a Tasmanian endemic. This new taxon occurs in rocky underhangs and is characterized by a thick, leprose thallus containing schizopeltic acid, and 3-septate ascospores, 19–30 × 4.5–6 μm. Short descriptions and a discussion of distribution and ecology are given for all species. A key for all 11 Australian species of the genus is provided, including L. subfarinosa (C. Knight) Hellb. and L. tibelliana Egea & Torrente, which are recorded for Australia for the first time, and L. platygraphoides (Müll.Arg.) Zahlbr., a first record for New South Wales. Lecanactis spermatospora Egea & Torrente and L. sulphurea Egea & Torrente are also included.

scholarly journals A survey on poorly known rainforest litter-dwelling spiders of Orchid Island (Lanyu, Taiwan) with the description of a new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae, Tetrablemmidae, and Theridiosomatidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4927 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-208
Author(s):  
FRANCESCO BALLARIN ◽  
TAKESHI YAMASAKI ◽  
YONG-CHAO SU
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Spider Species ◽  
Orchid Island ◽  
First Time ◽  
A New Species

Representatives of some poorly known spider species collected in the rainforest litter of the Orchid Island (Taiwan) are illustrated and discussed here. A new species, Brignoliella tao sp. nov. (Fam. Tetrablemmidae), endemic to Orchid Island, is described based on both sexes. The previously unknown female of Theridiosoma triumphale Zhao & Li, 2012 (Fam. Theridiosomatidae), is described for the first time. Zoma taiwanica (Zhang, Zhu & Tso 2006) comb. nov., from the same family, is illustrated and its transfer from the genus Theridiosoma O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1879 to Zoma Saaristo, 1996 is proposed on the basis of morphological characters. Habitus and genitalia of the endemic species Gongylidioides angustus Tu & Li, 2006 (Fam. Linyphiidae) are also illustrated. 

Redescriptions and species status of the South African mites Galumna lawrencei Jacot, 1940 and Galumna natalensis Jacot, 1940 (Acari, Oribatida, Galumnidae), with lectotype designation

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4568 (3) ◽  
pp. 581 ◽  
Author(s):  
SERGEY G. ERMILOV ◽  
ELIZABETH A. HUGO-COETZEE
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Type Material ◽  
The South ◽  
Mixed Species ◽  
Species Status ◽  
Independent Species

The main morphological traits of Galumna lawrencei Jacot, 1940 stat. nov. and Galumna natalensis Jacot, 1940 stat. nov. (Oribatida, Galumnidae) are presented based on the type material from South Africa. We consider that these species are not subspecies of Galumna maxima as was proposed originally by Jacot 1940, but independent species. A lectotype for G. lawrencei is designated, due to the mixed-species cotype series. 

scholarly journals Relationship Between Root and Yield Related Morphological Characters in Pea (Pisum Sativum L.)

2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-15
Author(s):  
Sylwia Ciaglo-Androsiuk
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Lateral Roots ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Genetic Determination ◽  
Canonical Correlations ◽  
Effect On Yield

AbstractRelation between morphological traits of the root system and yield related traits is an important issue concerning efforts aiming at improving of ideotype of cultivated plants species, including pea. In this paper, to analyse the dependency between traits describing the root system morphology and yield potential, Person’s andSpearman's_correlations as well as canonical correlations were used.Root system was analyzed in 14 and 21 day-old seedlings growing in blotting-paper cylinders. Yield potential of pea was analysed in a field experiment. Results of Person’s and Spearman's_correlations revealed that number of lateral roots and lateral roots density were correlated witch yield related traits. Correlation between root length and shoot length was observed only for 14 day-old seedlings. The result of canonical correlations revealed that number of lateral roots and lateral roots density had the largest effect on yield related traits. This work highlights, that in order to improve the yield of pea it might become necessary to understand genetic determination of morphological traits of the root system, especially number of lateral roots.

New circumscription of Cryptanthus and new Cryptanthoid genera and subgenera  (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) based on neglected morphological traits and molecular phylogeny

Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 318 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELTON M. C. LEME ◽  
SASCHA HELLER ◽  
GEORG ZIZKA ◽  
HEIDEMARIE HALBRITTER
Keyword(s):  
Type Species ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
New Genera ◽  
Sex Distribution ◽  
Stigma Morphology ◽  
Leaf Succulence ◽  
Petal Size

The authors provide a new circumscription for genera of the “Cryptanthoid complex” of Bromeliaceae subfam. Bromelioideae, originally composed of Cryptanthus, Lapanthus, Orthophytum, and Sincoraea, on the basis of new or re-evaluated ecological, geographical and morphological evidence, as well as molecular phylogenies. A new generic status is proposed for Cryptanthus subg. Hoplocryptanthus and two new genera, Forzzaea, and Rokautskyia, as well as four new subgenera in Orthophytum (Capixabanthus, Clavanthus, Krenakanthus, and Orthocryptanthus) are described to render taxonomic units monophyletic. The recognized taxa are well circumscribed by the combination of geographical range, ecology and morphological characters (sex distribution, leaf succulence, sepal and petal size and connation, petal appendages, pollen and stigma morphology, fruit size, calyx persistency, seed size and number per fruit). Field collected living specimens of 78 of the 81 species of Cryptanthus s.l., all species of Lapanthus, 58 of the 59 species of Orthophytum, and all species of Sincoraea were analysed in habitat and/or in cultivation, allowing the documentation and illustration of new and underutilized characters. The molecular analysis incorporated 91 accessions representing 33 species of Cryptanthus, all species (3) of Lapanthus, 42 species of Orthophytum, and 9 species of Sincoraea, including the type species for the first three genera and four outgroup taxa. The results suggest, that some morphological characters generally considered homoplasious for Bromelioideae, for the “Cryptanthoid complex”, are not homoplasious at least within the obtained, biogeographycally well delimited clades and their taxonomical utility is redeemed.

scholarly journals The effect of the height gradient on morphological traits of Dracocephalum nutans L.

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 00024
Author(s):  
Gulnora Denisova ◽  
Safarbek Rahimov
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Leaf Blade ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Altitude Gradient ◽  
Blade Length ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Inflorescence Length ◽  
Height Factor

Individuals of Dracocephalum nutans L. have been studied at different altitude levels from 460 to 2437 m above the level seas. The influence of the height gradient on morphological characters has been shown: the number of generative and vegetative shoots, the height of the generative shoot, the length and width of the leaf blade, length of its petiole, and inflorescence length. It was found that the height gradient has the greatest influence on the height of the generative shoot and the length of the inflorescence. When individuals grow higher along the altitude gradient, the height of the generative shoot and the length of the inflorescence decrease. The fluctuation of the average values of the traits of D. nutans in a wide range was established. The intrapopulation analysis of D. nutans individuals does not depend on the height factor.

A molecular phylogeny of the circum-Antarctic Opiliones family Neopilionidae

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Giribet ◽  
Kate Sheridan ◽  
Caitlin M. Baker ◽  
Christina J. Painting ◽  
Gregory I. Holwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
South America ◽  
Morphological Study ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
New Caledonia ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
28S Rrna ◽  
South American ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
The Family

The Opiliones family Neopilionidae is restricted to the terranes of the former temperate Gondwana: South America, Africa, Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand. Despite decades of morphological study of this unique fauna, it has been difficult reconciling the classic species of the group (some described over a century ago) with recent cladistic morphological work and previous molecular work. Here we attempted to investigate the pattern and timing of diversification of Neopilionidae by sampling across the distribution range of the family and sequencing three markers commonly used in Sanger-based approaches (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and cytochrome-c oxidase subunit I). We recovered a well-supported and stable clade including Ballarra (an Australian ballarrine) and the Enantiobuninae from South America, Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand, but excluding Vibone (a ballarrine from South Africa). We further found a division between West and East Gondwana, with the South American Thrasychirus/Thrasychiroides always being sister group to an Australian–Zealandian (i.e. Australia + New Zealand + New Caledonia) clade. Resolution of the Australian–Zealandian taxa was analysis-dependent, but some analyses found Martensopsalis, from New Caledonia, as the sister group to an Australian–New Zealand clade. Likewise, the species from New Zealand formed a clade in some analyses, but Mangatangi often came out as a separate lineage from the remaining species. However, the Australian taxa never constituted a monophyletic group, with Ballarra always segregating from the remaining Australian species, which in turn constituted 1–3 clades, depending on the analysis. Our results identify several generic inconsistencies, including the possibility of Thrasychiroides nested within Thrasychirus, Forsteropsalis being paraphyletic with respect to Pantopsalis, and multiple lineages of Megalopsalis in Australia. In addition, the New Zealand Megalopsalis need generic reassignment: Megalopsalis triascuta will require its own genus and M. turneri is here transferred to Forsteropsalis, as Forsteropsalis turneri (Marples, 1944), comb. nov.

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