Showing papers in "Zootaxa in 2011"
Journal Article•
554 citations
Naturalis1, University of Helsinki2, American Museum of Natural History3, University of Copenhagen4, Institut national de la recherche agronomique5, Centre national de la recherche scientifique6, University of Maryland, College Park7, University of Oulu8, University of Turku9, National Sun Yat-sen University10, National Museum of Natural History11, University of Valencia12, Smithsonian Institution13, Sam Houston State University14, Royal Museum for Central Africa15, California Department of Food and Agriculture16, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research17, Florida Museum of Natural History18, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada19, National University of San Marcos20, Mississippi State University21, University of New Orleans22, Canadian Food Inspection Agency23
TL;DR: This dissertation aims to provide a history of web exceptionalism from 1989 to 2002, a period chosen in order to explore its roots as well as specific cases up to and including the year in which descriptions of “Web 2.0” began to circulate.
Abstract: van Nieukerken, Erik J.; Kaila, Lauri; Kitching, Ian J.; Kristensen, Niels Peder; Lees, David C.; Minet, Joël; Mitter, Charles; Mutanen, Marko; Regier, Jerome C.; Simonsen, Thomas J.; Wahlberg, Niklas; Yen, Shen-Horn; Zahiri, Reza; Adamski, David; Baixeras, Joaquin; Bartsch, Daniel; Bengtsson, Bengt Å.; Brown, John W.; Bucheli, Sibyl Rae; Davis, Donald R.; de Prins, Jurate; de Prins, Willy; Epstein, Marc E.; Gentili-Poole, Patricia; Gielis, Caes; Hättenschwiler, Peter; Hausmann, Axel; Holloway, Jeremy D.; Kallies, Axel; Karsholt, Ole; Kawahara, Akito Y.; Koster, Sjaak; Kozlov, Mikhail; Lafontaine, J. Donald; Lamas, Gerardo; Landry, JeanFrançois; Lee, Sangmi; Nuss, Matthias; Park, Kyu-Tek; Penz, Carla; Rota, Jadranka; Schintlmeister, Alexander; Schmidt, B. Christian; Sohn, Jae-Cheon; Solis, M. Alma; Tarmann, Gerhard M.; Warren, Andrew D.; Weller, Susan; Yakovlev, Roman V.; Zolotuhin, Vadim V.; Zwick, Andreas
450 citations
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308 citations
TL;DR: This monograph presents an outline of higher-level classification and survey of taxonomic richness of Diptera Linnaeus' order, and highlights the importance of knowing the distribution of these insects in the wild.
Abstract: Publication date: 2011 Document version Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Document license: CC BY Citation for published version (APA): Pape, T., Blagoderov, V., & Mostovski, M. B. (2011). Order Diptera Linnaeus, 1758. In Z. Q. Zhang (Ed.), Animal biodiversity: an outline of higher-level classification and survey of taxonomic richness (pp. 222–229). Magnolia Press. Zootaxa, Vol.. 3148
235 citations
TL;DR: A multilingual (English, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French) key to the 119 currently recognized genera and subgenera of scarabaeine dung beetles occurring in the New World is presented.
Abstract: Presented is a multilingual (English, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French) key to the 119 currently recognized genera and subgenera of scarabaeine dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) occurring in the New World. Also included are illustrations of representative species of all taxa included in the key as well as supplementary references to studies at the species level.
228 citations
TL;DR: For the kingdom Animalia, 1,552,319 species have been described in 40 phyla in a new evolutionary classification, and the phylum Arthropoda alone represents 1,242,040 species, or about 80% of the total.
Abstract: For the kingdom Animalia, 1,552,319 species have been described in 40 phyla in a new evolutionary classification. Among these, the phylum Arthropoda alone represents 1,242,040 species, or about 80% of the total. The most successful group, the Insecta (1,020,007 species), accounts for about 66% of all animals. The most successful insect order, Coleoptera (387,100 species), represents about 38% of all species in 39 insect orders. Another major group in Arthropoda is the class Arachnida (112,201 species), which is dominated by the mites and ticks (Acari 54,617 species) and spiders (43,579 species). Other highly diverse arthropod groups include Crustacea (66,914 species), Trilobitomorpha (19,606 species) and Myriapoda (11,885 species). The phylum Mollusca (117,358 species) is more diverse than other successful invertebrate phyla Platyhelminthes (29,285 species), Nematoda (24,783 species), Echinodermata (20,509 species), Annelida (17,210 species) and Bryozoa (10,941 species). The phylum Craniata, including the vertebrates, represents 64,832 species (for Recent taxa, except for amphibians): among these 7,694 described species of amphibians, 31,958 species of “fish” and 5,750 species of mammals.
206 citations
TL;DR: Bees in the subgenus Lasioglossum (Dialictus) are commonly collected, behaviourally diverse and taxonomically challenging.
Abstract: Bees in the subgenus Lasioglossum (Dialictus) are commonly collected, behaviourally diverse and taxonomically challenging. The metallic species of Lasioglossum (Dialictus) occurring east of the Mississippi River are revised. Taxonomic treatments of all 97 species are provided with complete descriptions and illustrations given for the 40 species, which have not been recently described elsewhere. Identification keys for males and females are provided. The following eleven new species are described: Lasioglossum (Dialictus) arantium new species, L. (D.) ascheri new species, L. (D.) batya new species, L. (D.) curculum new species, L. (D.) furunculum new species, L. (D.) georgeickworti new species, L. (D.) gotham new species, L. (D.) izawsum new species, L. (D.) katherineae new species, L. (D.) rozeni new species, and L. (D.) trigeminum new species. Lasioglossum ascheri, L. curculum, L. furunculum, L. izawsum, and L. rozeni are believed to be social parasites or cleptoparasites of nest-building L. (Dialictus). Lasioglossum (D.) smilacinae (Robertson) is resurrected from synonymy with L. laevissimum (Smith). Lasioglossum (D.) nymphaearum (Robertson) is resurrected from synonymy with L. albipenne (Robertson). Lasioglossum rufulipes (Cockerell) and L. testaceum (Robertson) are removed from Evylaeus and placed in Dialictus. The following eleven new synonymies are proposed (junior subjective synonym listed second): L. (D.) flaveriae (Mitchell) = Dialictus tahitensis Mitchell; L. (D.) leucocomum (Lovell) = Dialictus otsegoensis Mitchell; L. (D.) lionotum (Sandhouse) = Paralictus asteris Mitchell; L. (D.) longifrons (Baker) = L. (Chloralictus) robertsonellum Michener; L. (D.) nigroviride (Graenicher) = Evylaeus pineolensis Mitchell; L. (D.) simplex (Robertson) = Halictus (Chloralictus) malinus Sandhouse; L. smilacinae (Robertson) = Halictus zophops Ellis, = D. philanthanus Mitchell; L. (D.) testaceum (Robertson) = Halictus (Chloralictus) scrophulariae Cockerell, = Lasioglossum (Chloralictus) sandhouseae Michener; and L. (D.) versans (Lovell) = Evylaeus divergenoides Mitchell. Lectotypes are designated for Halictus albipennis Robertson (1890), Halictus albitarsis Cresson (1872), Halictus cressonii Robertson (1890), Halictus disparilis Cresson (1872), Halictus hortensis Lovell (1905), Halictus nubilis Lovell (1905), Halictus pilosus leucocomus Lovell (1908), Halictus planatus Lovell (1905), Halictus stultus Cresson (1872), Halictus subconnexus rohweri Ellis (1915), Halictus tegularis Robertson (1890), Halictus versans Lovell (1905), and Halictus viridatus Lovell (1905).
182 citations
TL;DR: Vouchers are used to confirm interceptions and introductions of all known non-indigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida from 1863 through 2010, provide a list of these species along with their invasion pathways and current ecological status, and provide a species account for each newly confirmed species.
Abstract: We follow a biological invasion model that consists of a series of five consecutive obligatory stages, concluding with stages 4a and 5 (i.e., widespread = invasive species). The State of Florida is infamous for having the most introduced (stages 2–5) amphibians and reptiles in the United States. However, there is disagreement regarding their numbers as well as identification in some cases. Unverified claims of species being introduced (stage 2), or established (stages 3–5) without evidence (i.e., a voucher specimen or photograph) are prevalent in the literature. It is crucial to provide data on all known non-indigenous herpetofaunal species via vouchers to help keep numbers of species consistent, accurately identify species, document when and where a particular species is found, and identify the invasion pathway and current invasion stage of each species. In this study, we use vouchers to confirm interceptions and introductions of all known non-indigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida from 1863 through 2010, provide a list of these species along with their invasion pathways and current ecological status (i.e., invasion stage), and provide a species account for each newly confirmed species. We include species that were previously reported in the literature but lacking an associated voucher and provide greater details on previously reported species and those species whose invasion stage has been upgraded to established (stages 3–5). Based on nearly two decades of field work along with examination of museum records and literature, we confirm three intercepted and 137 introduced amphibian and reptile taxa in Florida. Of these, 56 are established (i.e., reproducing; stages 3–5), including three frogs, four turtles, one crocodilian, 43 lizards, and five snakes. Of 149 total independent introduction pathways (i.e., including a different pathway one time only for each taxon) for the 140 total non-indigenous taxa above, two (1.34%) are related to the biological control pathway, four (2.68%) to the zoo pathway, 18 (12.08%) to the cargo pathway, and 125 (83.89%) to the pet trade pathway. Florida now ranks as having the largest number of established non-indigenous herpetofaunal species in the entire world. Despite current state laws that make it illegal to release any non-indigenous animal in Florida without first obtaining a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, enforcement is difficult, and no person has ever been prosecuted for the establishment of a non-indigenous animal species in Florida. Because current state and federal laws have not been effective in curtailing the ever-increasing number of illegal introductions, laws need to be modified and made enforceable. At the very least, those responsible for introductions should be held accountable for compensation to clean up (= extermination) of those species for which they are responsible. Lastly, we strongly support the creation of an Early Detection and Rapid Response program to quickly identify newly found introduced species for eradication attempts. This paper will also serve as a baseline to document future introductions.
TL;DR: A new family-level classification of caecilians is proposed that is based on current understanding of phylogenetic relationships and diversity and provides an alternative to an exclusive reliance upon synonymy in solving the longstanding problem of paraphyly of the Caeciliidae.
Abstract: We propose a new family-level classification of caecilians that is based on current understanding of phylogenetic relationships and diversity. The 34 currently recognised genera of caecilians are diagnosed and partitioned into nine family-level taxa. Each family is an hypothesised monophylum, that, subject to limitations of taxon sampling, is well-supported by phylogenetic analyses and is of ancient (Mesozoic) origin. Each family is diagnosed and also defined phylogenetically. The proposed classification provides an alternative to an exclusive reliance upon synonymy in solving the longstanding problem of paraphyly of the Caeciliidae.
TL;DR: A subjective list of the Recent, free-living, non-marine ostracods species and genera of the world, with their distribution in the large zoogeographical regions, as well as a list of genera in their present hierarchical taxonomic position.
Abstract: We present a subjective list of the Recent, free-living, non-marine ostracods species and genera of the world, with their distribution in the large zoogeographical regions, as well as a list of genera in their present hierarchical taxonomic position. Based on the recognised synonymies, there are at present about 2090 species in c. 209 genera. About half of all species occur in one family, the Cyprididae, which is especially common in the southern Hemisphere. We give three new names for extant homonyms (Cypretta bradyi nom. nov., Cypria kliei nom. nov. and Physocypria dadayi nom. nov.), propose one new combination and one new synonymy and elevate the rank of the tribe Mytilocypridini to that of subfamily (with the same diagnosis).
TL;DR: The Neotropical poison frog genus Ranitomeya is revised, resulting in one new genus, one new species, five synonymies and one species classified as nomen dubium, and an expanded molecular phylogeny that contains 235 terminals, 104 of which are new to this study.
Abstract: The Neotropical poison frog genus Ranitomeya is revised, resulting in one new genus, one new species, five synonymies and one species classified as nomen dubium. We present an expanded molecular phylogeny that contains 235 terminals, 104 of which are new to this study. Notable additions to this phylogeny include seven of the 12 species in the minuta group, 15 Ranitomeya amazonica, 20 R. lamasi, two R. sirensis, 30 R. ventrimaculata and seven R. uakarii. Previous researchers have long recognized two distinct, reciprocally monophyletic species groups contained within Ranitomeya, sensu Grant et al. 2006: the ventrimaculata group, which is distributed throughout much of the Amazon, and the minuta group of the northern Andes and Central America. We restrict Ranitomeya to the former group and erect a new genus, Andinobates Twomey, Brown, Amezquita & Mejia-Vargas gen. nov., for members of the minuta group. Other major taxonomic results of the current revision include the following: (i) A new species, Ranitomeya toraro Brown, Caldwell, Twomey, Melo-Sampaio & Souza sp. nov., is described from western Brazil. This species has long been referred to as R. ventrimaculata but new morphological and phylogenetic data place it sister to R. defleri. (ii) Examination of the holotype of R. ventrimaculata revealed that this specimen is in fact a member of what is currently referred to as R. duellmani, therefore, Dendrobates duellmani Schulte 1999 is considered herein a junior synonym of D. ventrimaculatus Shreve 1935 (= R. ventrimaculata). (iii) For the frogs that were being called R. ventrimaculata prior to this revision, the oldest available and therefore applicable name is R. variabilis. Whereas previous definitions of R. variabilis were restricted to spotted highland frogs near Tarapoto, Peru, our data suggest that this color morph is conspecific with lowland striped counterparts. Therefore, the definition of R. variabilis is greatly expanded to include most frogs which were (prior to this revision) referred to as R. ventrimaculata. (iv) Phylogenetic and bioacoustic evidence support the retention of R. amazonica as a valid species related to R. variabilis as defined in this paper. Based on phylogenetic data, R. amazonica appears to be distributed throughout much of the lower Amazon, as far east as French Guiana and the Amazon Delta and as far west as Iquitos, Peru. (v) Behavioral and morphological data, as well as phylogenetic data which includes topotypic material of R. sirensis and numerous samples of R. lamasi, suggest that the names sirensis, lamasi and biolat are applicable to a single, widespread species that displays considerable morphological variation throughout its range. The oldest available name for this group is sirensis Aichinger; therefore, we expand the definition of R. sirensis. (vi) Ranitomeya ignea and R. intermedia, elevated to the species status in a previous revision, are placed as junior synonyms of R. reticulata and R. imitator, respectively. (vii) Ranitomeya rubrocephala is designated as nomen dubium. In addition to taxonomic changes, this revision includes the following: (i) Explicit definitions of species groups that are consistent with our proposed taxonomy. (ii) A comprehensive dichotomous key for identification of ‘small’ aposematic poison frogs of South and Central America. (iii) Detailed distribution maps of all Ranitomeya species, including unpublished localities for most species. In some cases, these records result in substantial range extensions (e.g., R. uakarii, R. fantastica). (iv) Tadpole descriptions for R. amazonica, R. flavovittata, R. imitator, R. toraro sp. nov., R. uakarii and R. variabilis; plus a summary of tadpole morphological data for Andinobates and Ranitomeya species. (v) A summary of call data on most members of Andinobates and Ranitomeya, including call data of several species that have not been published before. (vi) A discussion on the continued impacts of the pet trade on poison frogs (vii) A discussion on several cases of potential Mullerian mimicry within the genus Ranitomeya. We also give opinions regarding the current debate on recent taxonomic changes and the use of the name Ranitomeya.
TL;DR: Seventy-four genera comprising approximately 140 named and 75 undetermined species of adult and larval nematodes are associated with about 330 named and 50 und determined species of marine, brackish and freshwater fishes from Brazilian waters, with information on their hosts, habitat, distribution and records.
Abstract: Seventy-four genera comprising approximately 140 named and 75 undetermined species of adult and larval nematodes are associated with about 330 named and 50 undetermined species of marine, brackish and freshwater fishes from Brazilian waters. These are listed with information on their hosts, habitat, distribution and records. A key to these parasites at the generic level is provided.
TL;DR: Molecular and morphological evidence is combined to define six new taxa within the Parachela Schuster et al 1980, including two new families of Isohypsibiidae fam.
Abstract: We assessed the available morphological evidence to see if this corroborates the paraphyly in the Parachela (Tardigrada) as suggested by recent molecular data. We reconcile molecular phylogenetics with alpha morphology, focusing on claw and apophysis for the insertion of the stylet muscles (AISM). We combine molecular and morphological evidence to define six new taxa within the Parachela Schuster et al 1980. These include two new families of Isohypsibiidae fam. nov. and Ramazzottidae fam. nov. along with four new superfamilies of Eohypsibioidea superfam. nov., Hypsibioidea superfam. nov., Isohypsibioidea superfam. nov., and Macrobiotoidea superfam. nov.
TL;DR: The fauna of quill mites of the family Syringophilidae of the Palaearctic Region is comprehensively revised and the external morphology of adults and immature instars was studied in detail.
Abstract: The fauna of quill mites of the family Syringophilidae (Acari: Prostigmata: Cheyletoidea) of the Palaearctic Region is comprehensively revised. The external morphology of adults and immature instars was studied in detail. All known 118 species grouped in 32 genera and 2 subfamilies occuring in the Palaearctic Region are examined and keyed. Critical reviews of host associations, occupying habitat, and distribution are given for all mite species. Six new genera are proposed, 4 in the subfamily Syringophilinae: Betasyringophiloidus gen. nov., Krantziaulonastus gen. nov., Paraniglarobia gen. nov., Pteroclidisyringophilus gen. nov.; and 2 in the subfamily Picobiinae: Neopicobia gen. nov., and Rafapicobia gen. nov. Twenty five new species are described in the subfamily Syringophilinae: Aulobia leucostictus sp. nov., Aulonastus lanius sp. nov., A. loxius sp. nov., A. anthus sp. nov., A. fringillus sp. nov., Betasyringophiloidus saxicolus sp. nov., B. phoenicurus sp. nov., Krantziaulonastus oryzivorus sp. nov., K. lonchurus sp. nov., Meitingsunes columbicus sp. nov., Neoaulonastus remizus sp. nov., N. caligatus sp. nov., N. aegithalos sp. nov., N. picidus sp. nov., N. riparius sp. nov., Selenonycha chradriiformicus sp. nov., Syringophiloidus philomelosus sp. nov., S. petronicus sp. nov., S. parapresentalis sp. nov., S. coccothraustes sp. nov., Syringophilopsis idunae sp. nov., S. muscicapus sp. nov., S. passericus sp. nov., S. nucifragus sp. nov., Torotrogla pycnonotus sp. nov. and five new species are described in the subfamily Picobiinae: Picobia cetti sp. nov., P. riparius sp. nov., P. eremophila sp. nov., P. galerida sp. nov., and Rafapicobia zirnitra sp. nov. The following new combinations are proposed: Aulobia stachyris (Bochkov et al. , 2000) comb. nov., Betasyringophiloidus motacillae (Bochkov and Mironov, 1998) comb. nov., B. schoeniclus (Skoracki, 2002) comb. nov., Columbiphilus alectoris (Fain et al ., 2000) comb. nov., Columbiphilus polonica (Skoracki et al. , 2001) comb. nov., C. pteroclesi (Skoracki and OConnor, 2010) comb. nov., Cuculisyringophilus chirovi (Bochkov and Mironov, 1998) comb. nov., Krantziaulonastus buczekae (Skoracki, 2002) comb. nov., Krantziaulonastus galbulicus (Skoracki, 2008) comb. nov., Neoaulonastus bisetatus (Fritsch, 1958) comb. nov., Neopicobia anthi (Fritsch, 1958) comb. nov., Neopicobia cardinalis (Skoracki et al. , 2010) comb. nov., N. carpodacus (Skoracki et al ., 2010) comb. nov., N. epthianura (Skoracki et al ., 2008) comb. nov., N. glossopsitta (Skoracki et al. , 2008) comb. nov., N. locustella (Skoracki et al ., 2004) comb. nov., N. modularis (Skoracki and Magowski, 2001) comb. nov., N. pyrrholaemus (Skoracki and Glowska, 2008) comb. nov., N. troglodytes (Skoracki et al ., 2010) comb. nov., N. zumpti (Lawrence, 1959) comb. nov., Paraniglarobia calidridis (Bochkov and Mironov, 1998) comb. nov., Paraniglarobia skorackii (Bochkov and Galloway, 2004) comb. nov., Pteroclidisyringophilus re (Skoracki and OConnor, 2010) comb. nov. Three species are considered as incertae sedis : Picobia brotogeris Fain et al ., 2000, P. leucophaeus Skoracki et al., 2010, P. poicephali Skoracki and Dabert, 2002. Keys to the syringophilid genera and all Palaearctic species are provided. Main aspects of host–parasite relationships are discussed.
TL;DR: It is revealed that the common eastern North American species, Ceratina dupla s.
Abstract: DNA barcoding is used to verify characters to morphologically differentiate genetically distinct species of eastern North American small carpenter bees, Ceratina. Here we reveal that the common eastern North American species, Ceratina dupla s. l., is actually three separate species based on fixed differences in DNA barcode sequences and morphological characters. This study adds a new species, C. mikmaqi Rehan & Sheffield, to the Ceratina dupla species-group of eastern North America, and raises another form, C. floridana formerly C. dupla floridana, to full species. Temporal niche partitioning between C. dupla and C. mikmaqi and geographic isolation of C. floridana further support the division of the C. dupla s. l. group into three species. A diagnosis and description of the new species are provided, as is a key for eastern North American species of Ceratina.
TL;DR: According to the results of the phylogenetic analysis performed in this work, the taxa Panamericansaurus, Rinconsaurus, and Maxakalisaurus are also nested within Aeolosaurini, being more basal than Aeolosaurus and Gondwanatitan.
Abstract: Remains of a new titanosaur, Aeolosaurus maximus sp. nov., from the Adamantina Formation (Upper Cretaceous), Bauru Group, Sao Paulo State of Brazil are described. The new species is represented by a single partially articulated skeleton and is characterized by having a well-developed posterior protuberance below the articular area on the anterior and middle haemal arches and a lateral bulge on the distal portion of the articular process of the mid-posterior haemal arches. It shares with other Aeolosaurus species the presence of prezygapophyses curved downward on anterior caudal vertebrae and haemal arches with double articular facets set in a concave posterodorsal surface. These two characteristics are interpreted here as synapomorphies for the genus Aeolosaurus. The new diagnosis for the genus Aeolosaurus does not support the inclusion of Gondwanatitan within Aeolosaurus as previously proposed by some authors. The phylogenetic analysis recovered the two Aeolosaurus from Argentina as sister groups with A. maximus and Gondwanatitan as progressively more basal taxa (Gondwanatitan (A. maximus (A. rionegrinus, A. colhuehuapensis))). Additionally, according to the results of the phylogenetic analysis performed in this work, the taxa Panamericansaurus, Rinconsaurus, and Maxakalisaurus are also nested within Aeolosaurini, being more basal than Aeolosaurus and Gondwanatitan. On the basis of the stratigraph-ical range of the Aeolosaurus occurrences in Argentina and the age proposals based on microfossils for the Bauru Group, it is assumed a Campanian–Maastrichtian age for the top of the Adamantina Formation for the Monte Alto region in Sao Paulo State and the bottom of the Marilia Formation in Peiropolis, Minas Gerais State—the places where Aeolosaurus remains have been reported in Brazil.
TL;DR: The taxonomy of harvestmen is progressing at a fast pace, but the total number of valid species grows slowly because the new synonymies from revisions almost cancel out the new descriptions.
Abstract: The taxonomy of harvestmen is progressing at a fast pace. Many of the figures given in the previous outline Kury (2011) have changed in this short space of two years. The total number of valid species grows slowly because the new synonymies from revisions almost cancel out the new descriptions. The total of 6484 extant species of Opiliones (Kury 2011) has increased to 6534, or less than 1%.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The use of isolated fossil lateral arm plates for taxonomic interpretations in ophiuroid micropalaeontology, including species identifications and the creation of new taxa, is endorsed, providing that descriptions are based on pristinely preserved adult proximal LAPs.
Abstract: Lateral arm plates, the spine-bearing plates of the ophiuroid arm skeleton, have long been assumed to display sufficient morphological diversity to be used for species identifications in ophiuroid micropalaeontology. As a consequence, many new brittle-star species have been described on the basis of isolated fossil lateral arm plates. A substantial lack of information on the morphological variability of lateral arm plates in respect of taxon concepts, however, has led to increasing confusion over species limits and excessive extensions of stratigraphic species ranges. In this study, we therefore performed a detailed assessment of the variability of lateral arm plate morphology within and between species in order to test to what extent isolated lateral arm plates can be used for species identifications. To this end, we investigated the morphological variability of lateral arm plates within species according to ontogenetic changes and according to the position of the plates along the arm. Furthermore, we examined the lateral arm plates of 56 Recent species, belonging to 27 genera and 10 families, and systematically assessed their morphology in the light of currently accepted taxon concepts. The results of this study demonstrate that lateral arm plate morphology is in accordance with most family, genus and species limits. Some of the currently accepted taxon concepts, including the affinities between the Ophiacanthidae and Ophiocomidae, however, are challenged by lateral arm plate morphology. Differences in lateral arm plate morphology between taxa are the most conspicuously displayed by adult proximal lateral arm plates, as a consequence of their high degree of differentiation compared to distal or juvenile lateral arm plates. Differences at species level, often pertain to characters which were considered to be within-species variation in previous micropalaeontological works, suggests that species identifications based on isolated fossil lateral arm plates require a much more detailed and careful morphological assessment. Some of the species studied herein displayed indistinguishable lateral arm plate morphologies, but belonged to the same genus in all cases. Our study endorses the use of isolated fossil lateral arm plates for taxonomic interpretations in ophiuroid micropalaeontology, including species identifications and the creation of new taxa, providing that descriptions are based on pristinely preserved adult proximal LAPs, described and illustrated using SEM-pictures of both the external and internal sides of the plate.
TL;DR: For the kingdom Animalia, 1,552,319 species have been described in 40 phyla in a new evolutionary classification, and the phylum Arthropoda alone represents 1,242,040 species, or about 80% of the total.