The Prevalence of Single-Specimen/Locality Species in Insect Taxonomy: An Empirical Analysis

Diversity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Deng ◽  
Yanqing Guo ◽  
Zhentao Cheng ◽  
Congcong Lu ◽  
Xiaolei Huang
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
International Collaboration ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Single Specimen ◽  
Insect Taxonomy ◽  
Taxonomic Groups ◽  
Species Descriptions

Although about two million species have been named, our knowledge about the biodiversity of many taxonomic groups remains inadequate and incomplete. There has been increased taxonomic effort for the discovery of more species and their geographical distribution information. During this process, species collected only from a single specimen/locality often appear. However, there are very few empirical data available to understand the current situation of single specimen/locality species in insect taxonomy. In this paper, we collected 1261 articles containing 4811 insect species from ZooKeys between 2009 and 2017, and we extracted data, including the publication date, number of specimens/locality, and DNA usage. Our analyses demonstrated that 21.53% and 21.74% of new species were described from only one specimen and one locality, respectively, and approximately half of all new species were published based on fewer than five specimens. Meanwhile, the rate of single-specimen species in papers with or without DNA data was 15.06% and 23.43%, respectively, which indicates that incorporating DNA data in species descriptions might effectively decrease the occurrence of single-specimen species. We suggest that taxonomists should adopt more beneficial practices, such as increasing specimen diversity, incorporating DNA data, and improving international collaboration, in the description of new species.

scholarly journals The family Histriobdellidae (Annelida, Polychaeta) including descriptions of two new species from Brazil and a new genus

1999 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Menchini Steiner ◽  
A. Cecilia Z. Amaral
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
New Genus ◽  
The Family ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
Species Descriptions

We review the family Histriobdellidae and provide species descriptions and notes on geographical distribution based on data from the literature. The morphological structures used in the systematics of this family are defined. A new genus, Dayus, is proposed and two new species from Brazil, Stratiodrilus robustus and S. circensis, are described.

A new (singleton) rainfrog of the Pristimantis myersi Group (Amphibia: Craugastoridae) from the northern Andes of Ecuador

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4527 (3) ◽  
pp. 323 ◽  
Author(s):  
JUAN M. GUAYASAMIN ◽  
ALEJANDRO ARTEAGA ◽  
CARL R. HUTTER
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Molecular Phylogeny ◽  
Intraspecific Variation ◽  
Genetic Data ◽  
New Taxon ◽  
Single Specimen ◽  
Northern Andes ◽  
Ecological Information ◽  
White Spots ◽  
Species Descriptions

Reserva Las Gralarias is one of the best-studied localities of the Ecuadorian Andes in terms of its batrachofauna. However, as expected in any community, some species are rare and, therefore, their discovery and description are problematic. Herein, based on a single specimen, we describe Pristimantis gralarias sp nov. Even though we are aware of the problems associated to singleton species (i.e., unknown intraspecific variation, limited ecological information), our efforts to finding additional specimens have been unsuccessful. Thus, given the importance of species descriptions in threatened areas (e.g. Andes), and that the new taxon is supported by both morphological and genetic data, we consider that the description is justified. Pristimantis gralarias sp nov is easily distinguished from all other members of the P. myersi group by its long and slender fingers and toes, with discs that are not expanded laterally (or are only slightly expanded). Furthermore, the new species is characterized by having a black venter with minute white spots and a red groin. A molecular phylogeny corroborates the placement of the new species in the P. myersi group and its distinctiveness in relation to other species. Finally, we discuss on the limitations and advantages associated to species descriptions based on one or few specimens. 

scholarly journals THE VIOLETS OF THE BRAZILIAN SAVANNA: A REVISION OF THE POMBALIA LANATA COMPLEX (VIOLACEAE), WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW SPECIES

2021 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. 1-32
Author(s):  
J. Paula-Souza ◽  
A. G. Lima ◽  
V. C. Souza
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Monophyletic Group ◽  
Espinhaço Range ◽  
Minas Gerais State ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
Narrow Endemics ◽  
Misiones Province ◽  
Species Descriptions

Pombalia Vand. (Violaceae) is represented in the Cerrado by a well-supported monophyletic group of species known as the Pombalia lanata complex, characterised by some unique vegetative and reproductive features within the genus. This group includes six species – Pombalia cristalina, P. insignis, P. lanata, P. poaya, P. strigoides and P. velutina – the first two of which are new to science. Pombalia lanata shows the widest geographical distribution throughout the Central Brazilian Plateau and the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais state, with a disjunction in Misiones Province, Argentina. Because most species in this group are narrow endemics, we evaluated the conservation status of all taxa. An identification key for the species, descriptions, illustrations, maps of geographical distribution and nomenclatural notes are also provided.

Afrotropical Melambiina: revision of the genus Tragardhus Koch, 1956 and redescription of Pseudemmallus Koch, 1956 (Tenebrionidae: Pedinini)

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4347 (1) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARCIN JAN KAMIŃSKI
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Morphological Study ◽  
Species Distributions ◽  
Monotypic Genus ◽  
Single Specimen ◽  
Taxonomic Treatment ◽  
Species Descriptions

The genus Tragardhus Koch, 1956 (Pedinini: Melambiina) is revised to include nine Afrotropical species, five of which are new. A taxonomic treatment of the genus is provided including a morphological study, new species descriptions, keys, illustrations, and notes on species distributions. The following species are included: Tragardhus (Mitragardhus) nodosus Koch, 1956, T. (M.) ewae sp. nov., T. (M.) ryszardi sp. nov., T. (M.) zuzannae sp. nov., Tragardhus (Tragardhus) biapicalis Koch, 1956, T. (T.) glandipleurum Koch, 1956, T. (T.) jani sp. nov., T. (T.) majae sp. nov. and T. (T.) stigmaticus Koch, 1956. Additionally, a monotypic genus Pseudemmallus Koch, 1956, previously known from a single specimen representing P. aspericollis Koch, 1956, is redescribed based on newly available material. 

Problems of species and the features of geographical distribution in colonial volvocine algae (Chlorophyta)

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-311
Author(s):  
A. G. Desnitskiy
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
World Literature ◽  
The Other ◽  
Disjunct Distribution ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Species Problem ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Volvocine Algae ◽  
Cryptic Taxa

More than ten new species of colonial volvocine algae were described in world literature during recent years. In present review, the published data on taxonomy, geographical distribution and the species problem in this group of algae, mainly from the genera Gonium, Pandorina, Eudorina, and Volvox, are critically discussed. There are both cosmopolitan volvocalean species and species with local or disjunct distribution. On the other hand, the description of new cryptic taxa in some genera of the colonial family Volvocaceae, such as Pandorina and Volvox, complicates the preparation of a comprehensive review on their geography.

The Meaning of the Working Class in Africa

1972 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. L. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Working Class ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Stratification ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Analytical Approach ◽  
Cautious Approach

The purpose of this article is largely methodological, in that it aims to sketch an analytical approach to the question of differentiation rather than to provide an empirical analysis. There are clear reasons for approaching the issue in this way. We need to know what the term ‘working class’ means, whether there are divisions within it which significantly influence the behaviour of those affected by them, and the forms which these divisions take. In other words we want to know whether it is stratified. To assume that it is so is to take as given the answers to questions which should be asked. We need to know whether social relationships in any situation are arranged into strata and, if they are, whether they have consistent relationships and are ranked in terms of superiority according to some pre-selected criterion. It is because these questions are not usually asked that studies of social stratification largely consist of fitting empirical data into a predetermined mould. To start by questioning the existence of differentiation is a very modest, cautious approach.

Pimpinella ibradiensis (Apiaceae), an unusual new species from Turkey

Phytotaxa ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 217 (2) ◽  
pp. 164 ◽  
Author(s):  
İlker Çinbilgel ◽  
özkan Eren ◽  
Hayri Duman ◽  
Mustafa Gökceoğlu
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Related Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
The Other ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Closely Related Species

Pimpinella ibradiensis, an unusual new species found in the Toka Yayla (İbradı, Antalya) in southern Anatolia, is described and illustrated. Site conditions, synecology and conservation status of P. ibradiensis are considered. In light of the comparison with the other closely related four species, namely P. nephrophylla, P. flabellifolia, P. sintenisii and P. paucidentata, its similarity within the genus are discussed. P. ibradiensis is easly distinguished from its relatives by its white petals, presence of bracts and bracteoles, larger fruits (4–5.5 × 1–2 mm), and having serrulate basal leaves with 60–95 strongly cartilaginous teeth along margins. The geographical distribution of P. ibradiensis and closely related species are mapped and the identification key of those species is updated.

scholarly journals Nothing in (sponge) biology makes sense – except when based on holotypes

2015 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Erpenbeck ◽  
Merrick Ekins ◽  
Nicole Enghuber ◽  
John N.A. Hooper ◽  
Helmut Lehnert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Reference Material ◽  
Species Identification ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Morphological Plasticity ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Reference Sequences ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
Preservation History

Sponge species are infamously difficult to identify for non-experts due to their high morphological plasticity and the paucity of informative morphological characters. The use of molecular techniques certainly helps with species identification, but unfortunately it requires prior reference sequences. Holotypes constitute the best reference material for species identification, however their usage in molecular systematics and taxonomy is scarce and frequently not even attempted, mostly due to their antiquity and preservation history. Here we provide case studies in which we demonstrate the importance of using holotype material to answer phylogenetic and taxonomic questions. We also demonstrate the possibility of sequencing DNA fragments out of century-old holotypes. Furthermore we propose the deposition of DNA sequences in conjunction with new species descriptions.

A new garden eel, Heteroconger fugax (Congridae: Heterocongrinae), from the northwestern Pacific Ocean

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4418 (3) ◽  
pp. 287 ◽  
Author(s):  
KEITA KOEDA ◽  
TAKUMA FUJII ◽  
HIROYUKI MOTOMURA
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Pacific Ocean ◽  
New Caledonia ◽  
Slender Body ◽  
Northwestern Pacific ◽  
Single Specimen ◽  
Ryukyu Archipelago ◽  
Northwestern Pacific Ocean ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Dorsal Fin

Heteroconger fugax sp. nov. (Congridae: Heterocongrinae) is described from a single specimen collected from Amami-oshima island, Japan. The new species is most similar to Heteroconger tomberua Castle & Randall 1999, known from Fiji and New Caledonia, in having a remarkably slender body with numerous small spots and a vertebral count close to 200. However, it can be distinguished from H. tomberua by the presence of a large distinct white blotch on the opercle; more numerous, dense spots over the entire head, including lips; ground color of body uniformly cream, without microscopic melanophores; numerous small conical cirri on the chin; and dorsal-fin origin located more posteriorly to appressed pectoral-fin tip. A survey of underwater photographs of Heteroconger on photographic database revealed H. fugax to be widely distributed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, from the Ryukyu Archipelago to Borneo.

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