Showing papers on "Genus published in 2009"

Revision Of The Mice Of The American Genus Peromyscus

Abstract: From letter of transmittal: "The work consists of a systematic study of all the members of the genus, and includes keys for the identification of the various forms, together with the necessary illustrations, and maps showing the geographic distribution of the species."

An overview of systematics and evolution of ticks.

Abstract: All species of ticks (Acari: Ixodida) are grouped into three families: Argasidae (186 species), Ixodidae (692 species) and Nuttalliellidae (monotypic). Molecular markers have been developed and applied for tick studies along with conventional techniques. The origin of ticks is during the pre-mid Cretaceous period (with both the Argasidae and Ixodidae being established in the middle Cretaceous). Primeval hosts were probably reptiles or amphibians. The Argasidae contains two to five subfamilies according to authors but relationships among its members are far from resolved. The Ixodidae were formed by the basal Prostriata group (genus Ixodes subfamily Ixodinae) and the Metastriata group (all others genera). Conventional classifications considered Metastriata to be divided into Amblyomminae, Haemaphysalinae, Hyalomminae and Rhipicephalinae but evidences shows that part of Amblyomminae (species considered previously as "indigenous Australian Aponomma") are now members of the basal Metastriata subfamily Bothriocrotinae, and Hyalomminae are part of Rhipicephalinae. The former genus Boophilus is included as a subgenus within Rhipicephalus. The validity of tick names is discussed in relation to latest world list of ticks.

Evolution and natural history of the cotton genus.

Abstract: We present an overview of the evolution and diversity in Gossypium (the cotton genus). This framework facilitates insight into fundamental aspects of plant biology, provides the necessary underpinnings for effective utilization of cotton genetic resources, and guides exploration of the genomic basis of morphological diversity in the genus. More than 50 species of Gossypium are distributed in arid to semi-arid regions of the tropics and subtropics. Included are four species that independently have been domesticated for their fiber, two each in Africa-Asia and the Americas. Gossypium species exhibit extraordinary morphological variation, ranging from trailing herbaceous perennials to ∼15 m trees with a diverse array of reproductive and vegetative characteristics. A parallel level of cytogenetic and genomic diversity has arisen during the global radiation of the genus, leading to the evolution of eight groups of diploid (n = 13) species (genome groups A through G, and K). Data implicate an origin for Gossypium about 5–10 million years ago and a rapid early diversification of the major genome groups. Allopolyploid cottons appear to have arisen within the last 1–2 million years, as a consequence of trans-oceanic dispersal of an A-genome taxon to the New World followed by hybridization with an indigenous D-genome diploid. Subsequent to formation, allopolyploids radiated into three modern lineages, two of which contain the commercially important species G. hirsutum and G. barbadense.

DNA barcoding of Pacific Canada’s fishes

Abstract: DNA barcoding—sequencing a standard region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene (COI)—promises a rapid, accurate means of identifying animals to a species level. This study establishes that sequence variability in the barcode region permits discrimination of 98% of 201 fish species from the Canadian Pacific. The average sequence variation within species was 0.25%, while the average distance separating species within genera was 3.75%. The latter value was considerably lower than values reported in other studies, reflecting the dominance of the Canadian fauna by members of the young and highly diverse genus Sebastes. Although most sebastids possessed distinctive COI sequences, four species did not. As a partial offset to these cases, the barcode records indicated the presence of a new, broadly distributed species of Paraliparis and the possibility that Paraliparis pectoralis is actually a species pair. The present study shows that most fish species in Pacific Canadian waters correspond to a single, tightly cohesive array of barcode sequences that are distinct from those of any other species, but also highlights some taxonomic issues that need further investigation.

A catalog of the Tenuipalpidae (Acari) of the World with a key to genera

Abstract: The family Tenuipalpidae is worldwide in distribution and includes several economically important pest species. Species of the genus Brevipalpus have been identified as vectors of rhabdoviruses that cause diseases such as citrus leprosis, coffee ring spot virus, passion fruit green spot virus and others that reduce the production and the life span of the plants. An updated list of the Tenuipalpidae (Acari: Prostigmata), a key to the genera of the world and data on zoogeographical distribution of the species are presented. The catalogue provides information on 891 known species (including 3 species incertae sedis) belonging to 34 genera. The valid name of each species, the author, date and page of the corresponding original description, type locality and host, species designation(s), references to species redescription(s) and other complementary information are presented. The genera Rarosiella Rimando 1996 and Neoraoiella Mohanasundaram 1996 are synonymized with Raoiella Hirst 1924. The genus Meyeraepalpus Smiley, Frost & Gerson 1996 is synonymized with the genus Aegyptobia Sayed 1950. Three new genera, Magdalenapalpus, Chaudhripalpus and Urigersonus are erected. Indices of the plant host species and families associated with each species, the number and regional distribution of species in each genus, and a list of relevant publications of species from each zoogeographical region are included.

A global assessment of distribution, diversity, endemism, and taxonomic effort in the rubiaceae 1

Abstract: Analyses of distribution, diversity, endemism, and taxonomic effort for Rubiaceae are reported, based on queries from a World Rubiaceae Checklist database. Rubiaceae are widespread and occur in all major regions of the world except the Antarctic Continent, but are predominantly a group in the tropics with greatest diversity in low- to mid-altitude humid forests. A count of Rubiaceae species and genera is given (13,143 spp./611 genera), which confirms that this is the fourth largest angiosperm family. Psychotria L. is the largest genus in the Rubiaceae (1834 spp.) and the third largest angiosperm genus. Most genera (72%) have fewer than 10 species and 211 are monotypic. Calculation of relative species diversity and percentage endemism enables areas of high diversity and endemism to be enumerated, and identifies areas where further field collecting and taxonomic research are required. Endemism is generally high in Rubiaceae, which supports data from recent studies showing that many species have restricted distributions. Given the assumed ecologic sensitivity of Rubiaceae, in combination with a range of other factors including restricted distribution, we suggest that species in this family are particularly vulnerable to extinction. The rate at which new species are being described is inadequate; more resources are required before the diversity of Rubiaceae is satisfactorily enumerated.

Testing plant barcoding in a sister species complex of pantropical Acacia (Mimosoideae, Fabaceae)

Abstract: Acacia species are quite difficult to differentiate using morphological characters. Routine identification of Acacia samples is important in order to distinguish invasive species from rare species or those of economic importance, particularly in the forest industry. The genus Acacia is quite abundant and diverse comprising approximately 1355 species, which is currently divided into three subgenera: subg. Acacia (c. 161 species), subg. Aculiferum (c. 235 species), and subg. Phyllodineae (c. 960 species). It would be prudent to utilize DNA barcoding in the accurate and efficient identification of acacias. The objective of this research is to test barcoding in discriminating multiple populations among a sister-species complex in pantropical Acacia subg. Acacia, across three continents. Based on previous research, we chose three cpDNA regions (rbcL, trnH-psbA and matK). Our results show that all three regions (rbcL, matK and trnH-psbA) can distinguish and support the newly proposed genera of Vachellia Wight & Arn. from Acacia Mill., discriminate sister species within either genera and differentiate biogeographical patterns among populations from India, Africa and Australia. A morphometric analysis confirmed the cryptic nature of these sister species and the limitations of a classification based on phenetic data. These results support the claim that DNA barcoding is a powerful tool for taxonomy and biogeography with utility for identifying cryptic species, biogeograhic patterns and resolving classifications at the rank of genera and species.

Genus I. Leuconostoc

Abstract: The genus Leuconostoc is phenotypically related to Lactobacillus and Pediococcus (Stackebrandt et al., 1983; Stackebrandt and Teuber, 1988) and share many features with the heterofermentative lactobacilli. In a recent comparative study of the 16S rRNA sequences (Yang and Woese, 1989), it was shown that the leuconostocs form a natural phylogenetic group with Lb. confusus, Lb. halotolerans, Lb. handled, Lb. minor, and Lb. viridescens.

The First Humans – Origin and Early Evolution of the Genus Homo

Abstract: Part I. Retrospectives and Theoretical Perspectives 1. Early humans: of whom do we speak? Richard E. Leakey 2. Homo habilis - a premature discovery: remembered by one of its founding fathers, 42 years later Phillip V. Tobia 3. Where does the genus Homo begin, and how would we know? Bernard Wood Part II. Craniodental Perspectives on Taxonomy and Systematics 4. The origin of Homo William H. Kimbel 5. Comparisons of Early Pleistocene skulls from East Africa and the Georgian Caucasus: evidence bearing on the origin and systematics of genus Homo G. Philip Rightmire and David Lordkipanidze 6. Phenetic affinities of Plio-Pleistocene Homo fossils from South Africa: molar cusp proportions Frederick E. Grine, Heather F. Smith, Christopher P. Heesy and Emma J. Smith Part III. Postcranial Perspectives on Locomotion and Adaptation 7. Evolution of the hominin shoulder: early Homo Susan G. Larson 8. Brains, brawn, and the evolution of human endurance running capabilities Daniel E. Lieberman, Dennis M. Bramble, David A. Raichlen and John J. Shea 9. Interlimb proportions in humans and fossil hominins: variability and scaling William L. Jungers Part IV. Perspectives on Development, Diet and Behavior 10. Growth and development of the Nariokotome youth, KNM-WT 15000 M. Christopher Dean and B. Holly Smith 11. Dental evidence for diets of early Homo Peter S. Ungar and Robert S. Scott 12. Origins and adaptations of early Homo: what archaeology tells us Helene Roche, Robert J. Blumenschine and John J. Shea Part V. Environmental and Ecological Perspectives 13. Plio-Pleistocene EastAfrican pulsed climate variability and its influence on early human evolution. Mark A. Maslin and Martin H. Trauth 14. Tracking ecological change in relation to the emergence of Homo near the Plio-Pleistocene boundary. Kaye E. Reed and Samantha M. Russak 15. Ecology of Plio-Pleistocene mammals in the Omo-Turkana Basin and the emergence of Homo. Rene Bobe and Meave G. Leakey 16. Biogeochemical evidence for the environments of early Homo in South Africa Matt Sponheimer and Julia Lee-Thorp Part VI. Summary Perspective on the Workshop 17. The first humans: a summary perspective on the origin and early evolution of the genus Homo. Frederick E. Grine and John G. Fleagle

A new frog family (Anura: Terrarana) from South America and an expanded direct-developing clade revealed by molecular phylogeny

Abstract: Three frogs of a new species found in cloud forests on two nearby mountains in Guyana were included in a molecular phylogeny of 17 nuclear and mitochondrial genes (10,739 aligned sites) that revealed that their closest relative is Terrarana (Brachycephalidae, Craugastoridae, Eleutherodactylidae, and Strabomantidae) and their next-closest relative is Hemiphractidae (marsupial frogs). We place these frogs in a new family, genus, and species which is strongly supported as the basal clade within Terrarana: Ceuthomantidae n. fam., Ceuthomantis smaragdinus n. gen, n. sp. Morphological evidence supports the placement of two other species from the Guiana Highlands, Pristimantis aracamuni (BarrioAmoros & Molina) and P. cavernibardus (Myers & Donnelly), in the new family and genus. This close phylogenetic relationship of terraranans and marsupial frogs, nearly all of which have direct development, supports an hypothesis that direct development evolved early in the evolution of this huge clade (~1000 species), for which we propose the unranked taxonomic epithet Orthobatrachia.

Phylogeny and taxonomy of obscure genera of microfungi

Abstract: The recently generated molecular phylogeny for the kingdom Fungi, on which a new classification scheme is based, still suffers from an under representation of numerous apparently asexual genera of microfungi. In an attempt to populate the Fungal Tree of Life, fresh samples of 10 obscure genera of hyphomycetes were collected. These fungi were subsequently established in culture, and subjected to DNA sequence analysis of the ITS and LSU nrRNA genes to resolve species and generic questions related to these obscure genera. Brycekendrickomyces (Herpotrichiellaceae) is introduced as a new genus similar to, but distinct from Haplographium and Lauriomyces. Chalastospora is shown to be a genus in the Pleosporales, with two new species, C. ellipsoidea and C. obclavata, to which Alternaria malorum is added as an additional taxon under its oldest epithet, C. gossypii. Cyphellophora eugeniae is newly described in Cyphellophora (Herpotrichiellaceae), and distinguished from other taxa in the genus. Dictyosporium is placed in the Pleosporales, with one new species, D. streliziae. The genus Edenia, which was recently introduced for a sterile endophytic fungus isolated in Mexico, is shown to be a hyphomycete (Pleosporales) forming a pyronellea-like synanamorph in culture. Thedgonia is shown not to represent an anamorph of Mycosphaerella, but to belong to the Helotiales. Trochophora, however, clustered basal to the Pseudocercospora complex in the Mycosphaerellaceae, as did Verrucisporota. Vonarxia, a rather forgotten genus of hyphomycetes, is shown to belong to the Herpotrichiellaceae and Xenostigmina is confirmed as synanamorph of Mycopappus, and is shown to be allied to Seifertia in the Pleosporales. Dichotomous keys are provided for species in the various genera treated. Furthermore, several families are shown to be polyphyletic within some orders, especially in the Capnodiales, Chaetothyriales and Pleosporales.

A new ergotaxonomy of the family Salamandridae Goldfuss, 1820 (Amphibia, Urodela)

Abstract: Several recent studies, particularly dealing with molecular phylogeny, have improved our knowledge of the relationships within the salamander family SALAMAMDRIDAE. However, some only of these findings have resulted in formal taxonomic changes. In order to homogenize this taxonomy, we hereby recognize several new taxa at various ranks from subfamily to subspecies, and we propose a new comprehensive ergotaxonomy and nomenclature for the whole family. We also discuss some general questions of taxonomy and nomenclature, in particular regarding the concepts of species and genus, the use of taxonomic categories and nomenclatural ranks in taxonomy, the relationships between taxonomy and conservation biology, the various modes of definition of taxa (including diagnoses and cladognoses), the structure and length of scientific nomina, the status of online databases providing taxonomic and nomenclatural data, the designation of nucleospecies of nominal genera and the nomenclatural status of various nomina.

The Genus Petunia

Abstract: The common garden petunia, Petunia hybrida, is derived from P. integrifolia and P. axillaris, two of many Petunia species endemic to South America. The geographic distribution includes temperate and subtropical regions of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil, with a center of diversity in southern Brazil. The presence of seven chromosomes and a number of morphological, anatomical, and biochemical characteristics differentiate the genus from its sister taxon, Calibrachoa. Included in this chapter is a taxononomic guide for the 14 currently recognized species, some of them restricted to very small geographic areas. Species diversity is in danger of diminishing significantly due to human intervention, particularly in the form of grassland destruction.

A molecular phylogeny and a revised classification of Ornithogaloideae (Hyacinthaceae) based on an analysis of four plastid DNA regions.

Abstract: The most recent classification of Hyacinthaceae subsumes all members of Ornithogaloideae into the single large genus Ornithogalum comprising 250―300 spp. A combined molecular phylogenetic analysis of matK, trnL intron, trnL-F spacer and rbcL plastid DNA sequence data was carried out to assess possible alternative treatments. The study includes 70 taxa, representing all segregate genera that have been recognised in the subfamily and over 20% of the species. The resulting phylogeny identifies three, well-supported primary clades. Clade A comprises a grade constituting the majority of species of Stellarioides plus the Madagascan Igidia, in which is nested a strongly supported clade comprising Albuca and Coilonox; Clade B comprises Dipcadi sister to Pseudogaltonia; and Clade C comprises Eliokarmos, Cathissa, Galtonia, Honorius, Loncomelos, Melomphis, Neopatersonia, Ornithogalum, Zahariadia and two species of Stellarioides. The Madagascan Avonsera convallarioides is weakly supported as sister to the rest of clade C. Several of the segregate genera of Ornithogalum are shown not to be monophyletic although many of the lineages identified by the analysis correspond to lower level taxa that have been recognised in the group. Each of the three primary clades has morphological integrity and could be recognised taxonomically, either at the level of tribe or genus. Within these clades, however, many lineages are poorly defined morphologically and thus their recognition at the level of genus is problematical. Alternative taxonomic treatments are assessed but considerations of nomenclatural stability and taxonomic utility predicate that these lineages are best recognised at infrageneric level. We accordingly prefer to define the genera more broadly. Clade A is recognised as genus Albuca, clade B as comprising the genera Dipcadi and Pseudogaltonia, and clade C as the genus Ornithogalum. Monophyletic, morphologically diagnosable lineages within the genera Albuca and Ornithogalum are treated as subgenera and sections. A revised classification is presented, with necessary new combinations and complete listings of all currently accepted sub-Saharan species.

Description of Ceratodus: A Genus of Ganoid Fishes, Recently Discovered in Rivers of Queensland, Australia

Abstract: After some introductory remarks the author proceeds to give a description of the external characters which appear to indicate the existence of two species, viz. Ceratodus forsteri, with fewer and larger, and Ceratodus miolepis with smaller and more numerous scales.

Phylogenetic relationships of vespertilionid genera (Mammalia: Chiroptera) as revealed by karyological analysis

Abstract: Banded karyotypes of 50 species belonging to 23 genera were analyzed. The diploid chromosome numbers ranged from 26 to 50. For karyotypic comparison we used a 44 chromosomes karyotype, consisting of 4 metacentric and 17 acrocentric autosomes, as “basic karyotype”. Almost all of its 25 autosomal arms could be identified in each individual karyotype. In 8 chromosomes, i. e. 1/2, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23 and X, small inversions were detected. As a result, each of the chromosomes mentioned occurs in two states which differ slightly in their banding patterns. These were used as character states in the cladistic analysis together with other chromosomal rearrangements. The implications drawn from the cladogram obtained are: The Miniopterinae clearly belong to the Vespertilionidae but are the first to branch off from the common stem. The tribe Myotini should be raised to the rank of a subfamily. Within the largest subfamily Vespertilioninae, one autapomorphic chromosomal character was found for each of the tribes Vespertilionini and Pipistrellini. In addition, both tribes are distinguished from the other Vespertilioninae tribes by two synapomorphic features. These results allow for the first time an unequivocal classification of the systematically difficult “pipistrelloid” species. The species of the genus Pipistrellus (sensu Hill and Harrison 1987) are spread over the Pipistrelllni and Vespertilionini. We therefore suggest the splitting of this heterogenous genus into at least four genera. Only the members of the previous subgenus Pipistrellus constitute the genus Pipistrellus and belong to the Pipistrellini. The previous subgenera Hypsugo, Vespadelus and Falsistrellus, given generic rank in some recent studies, belong to the tribe Vespertilionini and are not closely related to Pipistrellus. For the genera Eptesicus and Hesperoptenus, which belong neither to the Vespertilionini nor to the Pipistrellini, the tribe Eptesicini was established. The phylogenetic relations of this tribe and the status of the presumably polyphyletic tribe “Nycticeiini” could not be solved.

Unresolved cases of type fixation, synonymy and homonymy in harpacticoid copepod nomenclature (Crustacea: Copepoda)

Abstract: Type fixation for each of the 601 valid genera (17 placed incertae sedis) and 13 genera of doubtful identity (genera inquirenda) in the Harpacticoida (Crustacea, Copepoda) has been verified. Twenty-four genus-group names published after 1930 lack the mandatory type fixation and are therefore unavailable. With the exception of Kliopsyllus Kunz, 1962 which is replaced by its senior synonym Emertonia Wilson, 1932, such names are made available here by either attributing the original name to the first author(s) who explicitly fixed a type species (Psammastacus Nicholls, 1935; Alteuthellopsis Lang, 1944; Idyellopsis Lang, 1944; Paralaophonte Lang, 1944; Robertgurneya Lang, 1944; Cladorostrata Shen & Tai, 1963; Micropsammis Mielke, 1975; and the subgenera Rheocamptus Borutzky, 1948 and Scottopsyllus Kunz, 1962;) or by adopting the name taking the present authorship and date (Paranannopus Lang, 1936a; Paraidya Sewell, 1940; Apodopsyllus Kunz, 1962; Scottolana Por, 1967; Barbaracletodes Becker, 1979; Ameiropsyllus Bodin, 1979; Chilaophonte Mielke, 1985; Psammonitocrella Rouch, 1992; Tectacingulum Harris, 1994; and the subgenera Intermedopsyllus Kunz, 1962 (corrected spelling Intermediopsyllus) and Fiersiella Suarez Morales & Iliffe, 2005). In two cases a ruling by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature will be required to avoid upsetting a long-accepted name in its accustomed meaning (Halectinosoma Lang, 1944; Heterolaophonte Lang, 1944). The recently proposed generic name Pilocamptus Wells, 2007 does not satisfy the provisions of ICZN Art. 13.1 and is here made available by explicit citation of a bibliographic reference that provides a diagnosis purported to differentiate the taxon. Rhizothrix Brady & Robertson, 1876 is an unavailable name which was first made available by Sars (1909a). The unavailable generic name Scottopsyllus Kunz, 1962 has no potentially valid synonym and is replaced by the next oldest available name from among its subgenera, i.e. Wellsopsyllus Kunz, 1981 (ICZN Art. 23.3.5). The unavailable subgeneric name Psyllocamptus (Langpsyllocamptus) Kunz, 1975b is not reinstated because it denotes a taxon that is based exclusively on plesiomorphies. New replacement names have been proposed for preoccupied generic names in the harpacticoid families Canthocamptidae (Poria Lang, 1965; Dahlakia Por, 1986a), Dactylopusiidae (Sewellia Lang, 1965), and Leptopontiidae (Ichnusella Cottarelli, 1971). The preoccupied generic name Anoplosoma Sars, 1911c (family Ameiridae) is replaced by a previously proposed, but subsequently forgotten, replacement name, Anoplosomella Strand, 1929. Nomina nova are also suggested for Parathalassius Dussart, 1986 (Calanoida: Centropagidae) and Berea Yamaguti, 1963 (Cyclopoida: Chondracanthidae) which have entered into homonymy with previously established names. The junior synonym Alteutha Baird, 1846b is considered valid, taking precedence as a nomen protectum over the older names Sterope Goodsir, 1845 and Carillus Goodsir, 1845 (nomina oblita). Similar reversal of precedence applies to the family-group names Peltidiidae Claus, 1860 and Tisbidae Stebbing, 1910 which are junior subjective synonyms of Steropinae Dana, 1854 and Scutellidiinae Claus, 1889, respectively. Since the type of Idomene Philippi, 1843 is identified as a member of the Clausidiidae (Cyclopoida), the generic name Xouthous Thomson, 1883 is reinstated to accommodate all remaining species currently placed in Idomene. The forgotten copepod genus Microchelonia Brady, 1918 is placed in the family Laophontidae and considered a senior subjective synonym of Namakosiramia Ho & Perkins, 1977. The family-group name Pontostratiotidae A. Scott, 1909 (type: Pontostratiotes Brady, 1883) is a senior subjective synonym of Cerviniopseinae Brotskaya, 1963 (type: Cerviniopsis Sars, 1903) and the former is consequently reinstated at the subfamilial level. The family-group name Huntemanniidae Por, 1986a (type: Huntemannia Poppe, 1884) is a junior subjective synonym of Nannopinae Brady, 1880a (type: Nannopus Brady, 1880a) and the latter is reinstated as the valid name at family rank and with the spelling corrected to Nannopodidae. The family-name Paranannopinae Por, 1986a is a nomen nudum based on an unavailable generic name and is replaced by Danielsseniinae Huys & Gee in Huys et al., 1996. Four orphaned taxonomic groupings created by the removal of the type species – but not of the remaining species included in a genus – require an existing (previously invalid) or new generic name. Amphiascus Sars, 1905a is a senior objective synonym of Paramphiascopsis Lang, 1944 and must be restricted to the species currently included in the latter; a new genus Sarsamphiascus (type: Dactylopus minutus Claus, 1863) is proposed to receive all remaining Amphiascus species. The new generic names Monardius gen. nov. and Glabrotelson gen. nov. are proposed for the orphaned taxonomic groupings resulting from the removal of the types of Teissierella Monard, 1935a to Robertsonia Brady, 1880a, and of Hastigerella Nicholls, 1935 to Arenosetella Wilson, 1932, respectively. Leptomesochra Sars, 1911b is a senior subjective synonym of Interleptomesochra Lang, 1965 and must be restricted to the latter’s taxonomic concept; the previously unavailable generic name Leptameira Lang, 1936d is reinstated under the present authorship and date to assemble all remaining Leptomesochra species.

A systematic revision of Goniosomatinae (Arachnida : Opiliones : Gonyleptidae), with a cladistic analysis and biogeographical notes

Abstract: Goniosomatine harvestmen have strongly armed pedipalps, generally large bodies and, commonly, very long legs (sometimes more than 20 cm), and are distributed in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, from southern Bahia to Santa Catarina. Since they are conspicuous animals and individuals of some species tend to concentrate in caves (and also under rock boulders), they have been (and still are) the target of several studies, especially those focusing on reproductive and defensive behavior, population ecology, physiology, chromosomes, etc. In spite of their importance for biological studies (some species constitute important and frequently used models for these studies), the taxonomy of Goniosomatinae has faced some problems, including misidentification, a large number of undescribed species and the lack of a phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships among its species (which would allow evolutionary studies to be made). The last taxonomic changes in the subfamily were made 60 years ago. Considering a taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of the subfamily to be of paramount importance, the main scope of the present paper is to provide a cladistic analysis and taxonomic revision of the species of Goniosomatinae and a new arrangement of genera (and species). The main taxonomic changes are given as follows. Six genera are recognised within the subfamily: Goniosoma; the newly described genus Pyatan; the reestablished genera Serracutisoma, Heteromitobates and Mitogoniella; and Acutisoma. New generic synonyms include: Glyptogoniosoma = Goniosomella = Lyogoniosoma = Metalyogoniosoma = Xulapona = Goniosoma, Acutisomelloides = Pygosomoides = Spelaeosoma = Serracutisoma; and Acutisomella = Heteromitobates. Newly described species include: Goniosoma capixaba; G. apoain; Pyatan insperatum DaSilva, Stefanini-Jim & Gnaspini; Serracutisoma pseudovarium; S. fritzmuelleri; S. guaricana; Heteromitobates anarchus; H. harlequin; H. alienus; Mitogoniella taquara; M. unicornis; and Acutisoma coriaceum. New combinations include: Goniosoma macracanthum (Mello-Leitao, 1922); G. unicolor (Mello-Leitao, 1932); G. carum (Mello-Leitao, 1936); Serracutisoma proximum (Mello-Leitao, 1922); S. banhadoae (Soares & Soares, 1947); S. molle (Mello-Leitao, 1933); S. thalassinum (Simon, 1879); S. catarina (Machado, Pinto-da-Rocha & Ramires, 2002); S. inerme (Mello-Leitao, 1927); S. spelaeum (Mello-Leitao, 1933); Heteromitobates inscriptus (Mello-Leitao, 1922); H. albiscriptus (Mello-Leitao, 1932); Mitogoniella modesta (Perty, 1833); and M. badia (Koch, 1839). Reestablished combinations include: Mitogoniella indistincta Mello-Leitao, 1936 and Acutisoma longipes Roewer, 1913. New specific synonyms include: Acutisomella cryptoleuca = Acutisomella intermedia = Goniosoma junceum = Goniosoma patruele = Goniosoma xanthophthalmum = Metalyogoniosoma unum = Goniosoma varium, Goniosoma geniculatum = Goniosoma venustum; Goniosomella perlata = Progoniosoma minense = Goniosoma vatrax, Glyptogoniosoma perditum = Progoniosoma cruciferum = Progoniosoma tijuca = Goniosoma dentipes; Leitaoius iguapensis = Leitaoius viridifrons = Serracutisoma proximum; Acutisoma marumbicola = Acutisoma patens = Serracutisoma thalassinum; Progoniosoma tetrasetae = Serracutisoma inerme; and Acutisoma monticola = Leitaoius nitidissimus = Leitaoius xanthomus = Mitogoniella mutila = Acutisoma longipes. The following species are considered species inquirenda: Goniosoma lepidum Gervais, 1844; G. monacanthum Gervais, 1844; G. obscurum Perty, 1833; G. versicolor Perty, 1833; and Mitogoniella badia (Koch, 1839). The monotypic genus Goniosomoides Mello-Leitao, 1932 (and its species, G. viridans Mello-Leitao, 1932) is removed from Goniosomatinae and considered incertae sedis.

The genus Bauhinia s.l. (Leguminosae): a phylogeny based on the plastid trnL–trnF region

Abstract: As the largest genus in tribe Cercideae, the pantropical genus Bauhinia has been the subject of a number of regional treatments in which it has been recognized either as a single genus with several subgenera or as several distinct genera. With the aim to better understand the taxon relationships within Bauhinia and between it and related genera, we have sequenced the plastid trnL–trnF region for 85 species, which together are representative of the eight genera recognized within Bauhinia sensu lato by some workers. In addition, representative taxa were verified for the presence or absence of the plastid rpl2 intron, which previous studies indicated might be a marker for specific lineages within Bauhinia s.l. Both Bayesian and parsimony analyses indicate that Bauhinia s.l. is paraphyletic with the monospecific genus Brenierea clustered within it. This genus, usually described as sister to Bauhinia s.l., forms a clade with the genera Piliostigma and Bauhinia sensu stricto. The remaining genera (Gigasiphon, T...

Varying rates of diversification in the genus Melitaea (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) during the past 20 million years

Abstract: The influence of Quarternary glacial cycles on the extant diversity of Holarctic species has been intensively studied. It has been hypothesized that palaeoclimatic changes are responsible for divergence events in lineages. A constant improvement in DNA sequencing and modeling methods, as well as palaeoclimatic reconstruction, permit a deeper exploration of general causes of speciation in geological time. In the present study, we sampled, as exhaustively as possible, the butterflies belonging to the genus Melitaea (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), which are widely spread in the Palaearctic region. We conducted analyses to assess the phylogeny of the genus and estimated the timing of divergence and the most likely distribution of ancestral populations. The results obtained indicate that the systematics of the genus is in need of revision and that the diversity of the genus has been profoundly shaped by palaeoenvironmental changes during its evolutionary history. The present study also emphasizes that, when employed with caveats, major palaeoenvironmental events could represent very powerful tools for the calibration of the dating of divergences using molecular data.

Genus Pouteria: chemistry and biological activity

Abstract: The genus Pouteria belongs to the family Sapotaceae and can be widely found around the World. These plants have been used as building material, as food, because the eatable fruits, as well as remedies in folk medicine. Some biological activities have been reported to species of this genus such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. However, the real potential of this genus as source of new drugs or phytomedicines remains unknown. Therefore, a review of the so far known chemical composition and biological activities of this genus is presented to stimulate new studies about the species already reported moreover that species have no reference about chemistry or biological activities could be found until now.

Molecular phylogeny of shrimps from the genus Lysmata (Caridea: Hippolytidae) : the evolutionary origins of protandric simultaneous hermaphroditism and social monogamy

Abstract: Shrimps from the genus Lysmata are known because of their wide diversity of lifestyles, mating systems, symbiotic partnerships, and conspicuous coloration. They can occur in crowds (large aggregations), in small groups, or as socially monogamous pairs. Shrimps from this genus are rare, if not unique among crustaceans, because of their unusual sexual system. To date, the sexual system of all species investigated comprises a protandric simultaneous hermaphroditism: shrimps initially mature and reproduce as males and later in life turn into functional simultaneous hermaphrodites. The evolutionary relationships of the species within the genus are unsettled. A molecular phylogeny of the group may shed light on the evolutionary origins of the peculiar sexual and social systems of these shrimps and help resolve standing taxonomic questions long overdue. Using a 647-bp alignment of the 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA, we examined the phylogenetic relationship of 21 species of shrimps from the genus Lysmata from several biogeographical regions; the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indo-Pacific. The resulting phylogeny indicates that the genus is paraphyletic and includes the genus Exhippolysmata. The constituent species are subdivided into three well supported clades: one group exclusively composed of neotropical species; a second clade comprising the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic symbiotic fish cleaner shrimps; and a third clade including tropical and temperate species from the Atlantic and Pacific. The molecular phylogeny presented here does not support a historical contingency hypothesis, previously proposed to explain the origins of protandric simultaneous hermaphroditism within the genus. Furthermore, the present study shows that monogamous pair-living is restricted to one monophyletic group of shrimps and therefore probably evolved only once. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 415–424.