scholarly journals Crypsis and convergence: integrative taxonomic revision of the Gehyra australis group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from northern Australia

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e7971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. Oliver ◽  
Audrey Miranda Prasetya ◽  
Leonardo G. Tedeschi ◽  
Jessica Fenker ◽  
Ryan J. Ellis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Variation ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Substantial Improvement ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Geographic Boundaries ◽  
Snp Data ◽  
Exon Capture ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Genetic Clusters

For over two decades, assessments of geographic variation in mtDNA and small numbers of nuclear loci have revealed morphologically similar, but genetically divergent, intraspecific lineages in lizards from around the world. Subsequent morphological analyses often find subtle corresponding diagnostic characters to support the distinctiveness of lineages, but occasionally do not. In recent years it has become increasingly possible to survey geographic variation by sequencing thousands of loci, enabling more rigorous assessment of species boundaries across morphologically similar lineages. Here we take this approach, adding new, geographically extensive SNP data to existing mtDNA and exon capture datasets for the Gehyra australis and G. koira species complexes of gecko from northern Australia. The combination of exon-based phylogenetics with dense spatial sampling of mitochondrial DNA sequencing, SNP-based tests for introgression at lineage boundaries and newly-collected morphological evidence supports the recognition of nine species, six of which are newly described here. Detection of discrete genetic clusters using new SNP data was especially convincing where candidate taxa were continuously sampled across their distributions up to and across geographic boundaries with analyses revealing no admixture. Some species defined herein appear to be truly cryptic, showing little, if any, diagnostic morphological variation. As these SNP-based approaches are progressively applied, and with all due conservatism, we can expect to see a substantial improvement in our ability to delineate and name cryptic species, especially in taxa for which previous approaches have struggled to resolve taxonomic boundaries.

scholarly journals Co-occurring cryptic species pose challenges for conservation: a case study of the African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemusspp.) in Cameroon

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 584-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L. Smolensky
Keyword(s):  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Encounter Rates ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Threatened Taxa ◽  
Population Structures

AbstractThe conservation status of threatened taxa may be obfuscated by the detection of cryptic species complexes, in both vertebrate and invertebrate species. African dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemusspp.) are hunted throughout their range but their conservation status is unknown. Few population assessments have been carried out and there has been a taxonomic revision of the number of species in the genus. The similar morphologies ofOsteolaemus tetraspisandOsteolaemus osbornipose a challenge for conservation in Cameroon, where they are still managed as a single species. Nocturnal spotlight surveys were conducted in three regions during August–November 2010 and December 2011–February 2012 to provide population assessments ofO. tetraspisandO. osborniand raise awareness of the two species in Cameroon. The mean encounter rates ofO. tetraspisandO. osborniwere 1.02 ± SD 1.34 (65 individuals in 39 surveys) and 0.61 ± SD 0.38 (three in four surveys) crocodiles per km, respectively. TheO. tetraspispopulation comprised juveniles predominantly and had a male-biased sex ratio. The fewO. osbornidetected comprised both adults and juveniles. Both species are threatened in Cameroon, based on low encounter rates, young population structures and the threats of habitat loss and hunting pressure. This study provides distribution maps and serves as a baseline to quantify population trends and inform conservation strategies.

scholarly journals Revision of the pollen beetle genus Meligethes (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Audisio ◽  
Simone Sabatelli ◽  
Josef Jelìnek
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Central China ◽  
Pollen Beetle ◽  
Sw China ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Western Palearctic ◽  
Specific Rank ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Available Information ◽  
First Time

A taxonomic revision of members of the genus <em>Meligethes</em> Stephens, 1830 is carried out. Taxonomic and distributional notes are provided on fiftythree <em>Meligethes</em> species, mostly known from the Eastern Palearctic and marginally from the Western Palearctic and the Oriental Regions. Among these, twentythree new species of <em>Meligethes</em> are diagnosed, figured and described: <em>M</em>. <em>argentithorax</em> sp. n. (Central China: Shaanxi, Shanxi), <em>M</em>. <em>aurantirugosus</em> sp. n. (Nepal),<em> M. aureolineatus</em> sp. n. (Central China: Sichuan), <em>M. aurifer</em> sp. n. (Central China: Shaanxi, Shanxi), <em>M. brassicogethoides</em> sp. n. (SW China: Yunnan), <em>M. clinei</em> sp. n. (SW China: Yunnan), <em>M. elytralis</em> sp. n. (Central China: Sichuan), <em>M. ferruginoides</em> sp. n. (Central China: Sichuan), <em>M.</em> <em>cinereoargenteus</em> sp. n. (Central China: Sichuan), <em>M. henan</em> sp. n. (Central China: Henan), <em>M. luteoornatus</em> sp. n. (SW China: Yunnan), <em>M. marmota</em> sp. n. (Nepal), <em>M. nivalis</em> sp. n. (SW and central China: Xizang and Chongqing), <em>M. martes</em> sp. n. (Central China: Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan), <em>M. nigroaeneus</em> sp. n. (SW China: Yunnan), <em>M. occultus</em> sp. n. (SW China: Yunnan), <em>M</em>. <em>pseudochinensis</em> sp. n. (Central China: Hubei), <em>M. pseudopectoralis</em> sp. n. (SW China: Yunan),<em> M. schuelkei</em> sp. n. (Central China: Sichuan, Shaanxi), <em>M. simulator</em> sp. n. (Central-N China: Shanxi), <em>M. stenotarsus</em> sp. n. (SW China: Yunnan, Xizang), <em>M. tryznai</em> sp. n. (SW China: Yunnan), and <em>M. volkovichi</em> sp. n. (SW China: Yunnan). Revaluations at specific rank from synonymy are introduced for <em>Meligethes lutra</em> Solsky 1860, and for <em>M. melleus</em> Grouvelle, 1908. Three new synonymies are established: <em>Meligethes brevipilus</em> Kirejtshuk, 1980 = <em>M. auripilis</em> Reitter, 1889 (syn. n.), <em>Meligethes zakharenkoi</em> Kirejtshuk, 2005 = <em>M. shirakii</em> Sadanari Hisamatsu, 1956 (syn. n.), and <em>Meligethes shirozui</em> Sadanari Hisamatsu, 1965 =<em> M. wagneri</em> Rebmann, 1956 (syn. n.). Complete redescriptions are given for <em>Meligethes binotatus</em> Grouvelle, 1894, <em>M. castanescens</em> Grouvelle, 1903, <em>M. ferrugineus</em> Reitter, 1873, and <em>M. melleus</em> Grouvelle, 1908. The male of <em>Meligethes lloydi</em> Easton, 1968, is described and figured for the first time. The female genitalia of <em>Meligethes auricomus</em> Rebmann, 1956, <em>M. cinereus</em> Jelínek, 1978, and <em>M. griseus</em> Jelínek, 1978 are described and figured for the first time. Available information on insect-host-plant relationships and ecology are summarized for each species; probably all are associated as larvae with flowers of Rosaceae, chiefly of members of the closely related genera <em>Rosa</em> L., <em>Rubus</em> L., <em>Prunus</em> L., and <em>Crataegus</em> Tourn. ex L. All treated species are grouped in two here revaluated subgenera (<em>Meligethes</em> s.str. and <em>Odonthogethes</em> Reitter, 1871), and tentatively grouped also in species-groups and (when necessary) species-complexes, based on their morphology.

scholarly journals Toward a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the “hirculus” group of American Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Rossini ◽  
Fernando Z. Vaz-de-Mello ◽  
Mario Zunino
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
General Scheme ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Junior Synonym ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Scarab Beetles

The taxonomy of the American Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 included in the “hirculus” group is revised, and a study of their morphology allows for the delineation of five species-complexes. Herein, we provide a diagnosis of the “hirculus” group, an illustrated key to the complexes, along with a descriptive overview of their taxonomy and geographic distribution. Onthophagus hirculus Mannerheim, 1829 is considered to be a junior synonym of O. hircus Billberg, 1815, which is here demonstrated to be a valid species name. Thus, the “hirculus” group is here renamed the “hircus” group. Furthermore, a general scheme of the genital organs of American Onthophagus is provided, including names of different anatomical parts and a brief discussion on the need for nomenclatural stability for the genitalia of scarab beetles.

Geographic variation of the Anderson’s Niviventer (Niviventer andersoni) (Thomas, 1911) (Rodentia: Muridae) of two new subspecies in China verified with cranial morphometric variables and pelage characteristics

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2196 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
SONG LI ◽  
JUNXING YANG
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Variation ◽  
Yunnan Province ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Western Yunnan ◽  
Principal Component Analyses ◽  
Discriminant Analyses ◽  
Southern Shaanxi ◽  
First Time ◽  
Northwestern Yunnan

A total of 66 specimens of Niviventer andersoni with intact skulls was investigated on pelage characteristics and cranial morphometric variables. The data were subjected to principal component analyses as well as to discriminant analyses, and measurement overlap was studied as compared with the coefficient of difference. The results indicate that three subspecies of N. andersoni can be recognized in China, including N. a. andersoni broadly distributed from northwestern Yunnan, Sichuan, northward to southern Shaanxi, and eastward to Hubei, N. a. pianmaensis subsp. nov. in western Yunnan, and N. a. ailaoshanensis subsp. nov. in Mt. Ailaoshan, central Yunnan province. Our study for the first time validates its subspecies differentiation that is most likely related to intra-specific geographic variation. In addition, a taxonomic revision of Niviventer andersoni in China is described.

scholarly journals Taxonomic revision and molecular phylogeny of Flemingia subgenus Rhynchosioides (Leguminosae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-271
Author(s):  
S.K. Gavade ◽  
S. Surveswaran ◽  
L.J.G. van der Maesen ◽  
M.M. Lekhak
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Molecular Phylogeny ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Systematic Position ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Taxonomic Key ◽  
Molecular Information ◽  
A New Species

A taxonomic revision of Flemingia subg. Rhynchosioides based on morphology and molecular information (matK and ITS) is presented. The subgenus comprises six herbaceous taxa (F. gracilis, F. mukerjeeana, F. nilgheriensis, F. rollae, F. tuberosa and F. vestita). All species except F. vestita are endemic to India. Morphological evidence and molecular phylogeny revealed that the subgenus is monophyletic. Nevertheless, the systematic position of F. tuberosa remains unclear on account of its unique ecology and inflorescence. A new species, F. mukerjeeana, is described and four binomials, namely F. gracilis, F. nilgheriensis, F. tuberosa and F. vestita have been lectotypified. Furthermore, all species have been described, illustrated and their ecology discussed. A taxonomic key including the recently described species from Thailand, F. sirindhorniae, is also provided for easy identification.

An enigma no more: an integrated taxonomic revision of Aenigmetopia Malloch reveals novel phylogenetic placement and four new species (Diptera : Sarcophagidae : Miltogramminae)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas P. Johnston ◽  
James F. Wallman ◽  
Krzysztof Szpila ◽  
Thomas Pape
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Phylogenetic Placement ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
First Time ◽  
Flesh Flies

Aenigmetopia Malloch is the only endemic genus of miltogrammine flesh flies (Diptera:Sarcophagidae) in Australia and, until now it has been known from a single species, A. fergusoni Malloch. This study constitutes the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of Aenigmetopia. Four new species, Aenigmetopia amissa, sp. nov., A. corona, sp. nov., A. kryptos, sp. nov. and A. pagoni, sp. nov., are described through the integration of molecular and morphological data and characters for genus- and species-level diagnoses are given. Aenigmetopia is included in a molecular phylogenetic analysis for the first time and the genus emerges as the sister taxon to Metopia Meigen, in agreement with morphological evidence.

Examining range disjunctions in Australian Terminalia (Combretaceae) with taxonomic revision of the T. canescens and T. cunninghamii species complexes

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell L. Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Morphological Examination ◽  
Additional Species ◽  
Morphological Studies ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Taxonomic Changes ◽  
North And South ◽  
A New Species

Several range disjunctions have been identified in the Australian species of the genus Terminalia L. Field studies and examination of herbarium specimens of taxa with range disjunctions have demonstrated that taxonomic changes are justified. Detailed morphological studies of the Terminalia canescens (DC.) Radlk. species complex showed that four taxa should be recognised. The name Terminalia circumalata F.Muell. is resurrected as a taxon endemic to the Pilbara region, with T. canescens not occurring in that region. The distinction of Terminalia bursarina F.Muell., T. canescens and T. pterocarya F.Muell. is also supported. Terminalia cunninghamii C.A.Gardner has been considered to have a disjunct range between the far north and south-west of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Terminalia kumpaja R.L.Barrett is described as a new species to accommodate the disjunct southern populations because morphological examination has shown them to be distinct. Terminalia kumpaja is restricted to the Dampier Botanical District. Full descriptions and illustrations of key identifying features are provided for these species. Keys to all Australian Terminalia species are presented. Additional species with disjunct distributions that warrant further study are noted. Lectotypes are selected for Terminalia circumalata and T. rogersii W.Fitzg.

An expanded circumscription for the previously monotypic Pleurospermopsis (Apiaceae) based on nrDNA ITS sequences and morphological evidence

Phytotaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 460 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-136
Author(s):  
JING ZHOU ◽  
JIN WEI ◽  
ZHENWEN LIU
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
Its Sequences ◽  
New Combination ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Nrdna Its

Under the framework phylogeny of Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae and through a carefully examination of herbarium specimens, a taxonomic revision for Pleurospermopsis (a genus originally accepted as monotypic to include P. sikkimensis as the only representative), is presented. Its circumscription is expanded to comprise Pleurospermum bicolor (Franch.) Norman ex Pan & Watson. Therefore, a new combination of Pleurospermopsis bicolor (Franch.) J. Zhou & J. Wei is proposed with full taxonomic treatments. An identification key is also provided for the genus.

A Phylogenetic Analysis and Taxonomic Revision of Bartonia (Gentianaceae: Gentianeae), Based on Molecular and Morphological Evidence

2009 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 162-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine G. Mathews ◽  
Niall Dunne ◽  
Emily York ◽  
Lena Struwe
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Species Boundaries ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Phylogenetic Study ◽  
Sister Group Relationship ◽  
Internal Transcribed Spacer Region ◽  
Test Species

A phylogenetic study and taxonomic revision of the four currently accepted species of Bartonia (Gentianaceae, subtribe Swertiinae) were conducted in order to test species boundaries and interspecific relationships. Species boundaries were examined based on measurements of key quantitative and qualitative morphological characters as given in the original descriptions. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using molecular data from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer region and chloroplast DNA (trnL intron through the trnL-F spacer), separately and combined using parsimony and Bayesian methodologies, incorporating outgroups from subtribes Swertiinae and Gentianinae. The morphological study revealed that characters of one species, B. texana, represent a subset of the morphological variation found within B. paniculata, but that B. paniculata, B. verna, and B. virginica could all be separated from one another. The molecular phylogenetic analyses all found B. texana to nest in a clade with the two recognized subspecies of B. paniculata (subsp. paniculata and subsp. iodandra), making the latter paraphyletic. Bartonia texana is here reduced to subspecific rank, as Bartonia paniculata subsp. texana. Also, the phylogenetic analyses showed strong support for a sister group relationship between B. verna and B. virginica, as opposed to between B. paniculata and B. virginica as has been previously suggested.

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