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Species of the genus Eubranchus Forbes, 1838 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) are common faunistic elements of boreal benthic ecosystems, associated with hydroid communities. Recent studies have suggested that the widely distributed trans-Arctic E. rupium (Møller, 1842) constitutes a complex of at least three candidate species, but the detailed taxonomy of the complex remains unresolved. The purpose of the present paper is to conduct an integrative taxonomic study including molecular genetic methods (a phylogenetic analysis using COI , 16S rRNA and histone H3 with application of species delimitation methods) and morphological study (light and scanning electron microscopy) of E. rupium and closely related species. The specific aims of this study were to establish the species boundaries, morphological variability, and the phylogeographic structure within this group. The phylogeographic analysis included a TCS -based network analysis, an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), divergence time estimations, and ancestral area reconstructions. We demonstrate that specimens initially identified as E. rupium included three distinctive species: the nominal E. rupium with an amphiboreal range, the new species Eubranchus novik sp. nov. from the Sea of Japan, for which a taxonomic description is provided in this paper, and Eubranchus sp. from the northern Kuril Islands, which requires the collection and study of additional material for formal description. Our results confirm the amphiboreal distribution of E. rupium , as no geographic structure was found across Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic populations, and the results of the AMOVA analysis showed no differences between groups of samples from different geographic regions. The divergence of the ' Eubrancus rupium species complex' is estimated from the late Miocene or the Miocene–Pliocene boundary to the late Pliocene. It is hypothesised that the most probable ancestral region for the Eubranchus rupium species complex is the north-western Pacific, and the subsequent speciation likely occurred due to dispersal followed by allopatric speciation. ZooBank: Species of the genus Eubranchus Forbes, 1838 are common in boreal benthic ecosystems. Recent studies suggest the trans-Arctic Eubranchus rupium (Møller, 1842) is a species complex. This paper conducts an integrative taxonomic study of Eubranchus rupium and related species, confirming its amphiboreal distribution. The divergence of the species complex is estimated from the late Miocene or the Miocene–Pliocene boundary to the late Pliocene with the north-western Pacific as the probable ancestral region, followed by dispersal and allopatric speciation. (Image credit: Darya Grishina.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In highly specialised phytophagous insects, important insights on phylogeny of the involved insect group can be often inferred from the evolutionary history of their host plants, and vice-versa, as in the case for a new, peculiar species of pollen beetles, recently discovered in Central China (Hubei Province). This new species is described herein as Teucriogethes huangae Liu & Audisio, sp. nov., and information on its ecology and systematic position is provided. The new species, associated as larvae with a strongly isolated member of the genus Teucrium L. (Lamiaceae), T. ornatum Hemsl., exhibiting a problematic taxonomic position, represents in turn an isolated and morphologically rather aberrant taxon in its lineage, probably the largest in size (2.2–2.8 mm), and the first endemic representative of its genus in the whole Eastern Palaearctic. An updating of the taxonomic assessment of members of Teucriogethes and on possible evolutionary relationships with their larval host plants, based on an integrative taxonomy approach, is finally presented. A key to identification of all known species is also introduced. ZooBank: Pollen beetles of the genus Teucriogethes (Meligethinae) are strictly associated with the flowers of germanders, Teucrium (Lamiaceae). We analysed and described a new species, Teucriogethes huangae , recently discovered in Central China, associated as larvae with a strongly isolated member of Teucrium , T. ornatum. The new species occupies an isolated position inside Teucriogethes revealed by combining both morphological and molecular analyses, as well as bionomical data. This paper provides a significant contribution to many important evolutionary and taxonomical aspects of Teucriogethes. (Image credit: Meike Liu, Simone Sabatelli and Paolo Audisio.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fine-scale phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of Peripatopsis lawrencei s.l. was conducted with both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data, using both external morphology and scanning electron microscopy of taxonomically important characters. A total of 119 sequences were used for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) whereas a single representative specimen from each locality was sequenced for the nuclear 18S rRNA locus. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted on the total COI data set and the combined COI + 18S rRNA data set using a Bayesian analysis and maximum likelihood analyses. For the combined DNA sequence data set, a divergence time estimation was further undertaken in BEAST and specimens placed in a phylogenetic framework including all the described Peripatopsis species from South Africa. In addition, a phylogeographic study was conducted exclusively on P. lawrencei s.s. (clade A) using an analysis of molecular variance and haplotype network. Phylogenetic results indicated that, at the Oubos sample locality, two highly distinct genetic lineages were present (clades A and B), whereas a divergence time estimation suggests a Miocene cladogenesis of the novel Oubos lineage. Marked phylogeographic structure was observed for P. lawrencei s.s. (restricted to clade A) across the distribution range with limited maternal dispersal. Morphologically, the two sympatric lineages at Oubos A and B differed in leg pair number, ventral colour and dorsal scale rank counts, as evident from scanning electron microscopy. Our results support the recognition of a distinct species that occurs in sympatry with P. lawrencei s.s. The new species , P. aereus sp. nov. (clade B) is described and the implication for fine-scale taxonomic studies on saproxylic taxa is discussed. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AB6E0BDA-7B5F-4FD3-A863-BA7C814E278C Velvet worms are soft-bodied organisms, where crypticity and habitat complexity have created poor taxonomic delineations. This study aims to contribute to the taxonomic revisions through the identification of an undescribed ancient novel lineage living in sympatry, at the Riviersonderend Mountains at Oubos, with the known Peripatopsis lawrencei. In this study, we discovered a new velvet worm species, P. aureus sp. nov., and this is described in this paper. (Photograph by Prof. M. D. Picker.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among octocorals, colonies of the deep-sea pennatulacean genus Umbellula Gray, 1870 are some of the most instantly recognisable forms. Historically however, species identification in this genus has been usually based on few morphological characters with very little knowledge of associated intraspecific variability. This fact, combined with the very limited access to these deep-sea organisms, has resulted in numerous uncertainties about the true characters that should be used in species determination and recognition of synonyms and questionable species. Recent phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers has shown to be an excellent complementary source of information to morphological examination, being able to detect incongruent taxonomic assignments in classifications based only on morphological characters. Molecular analyses can reveal the presence of paraphyletic or polyphyletic groupings of taxa that may then be the subject of further research integrating morphological and molecular techniques. This paper addresses the existence of a set of specimens initially assigned to the genus Umbellula Gray, 1870 but that have been shown to be distantly related to the type species Umbellula encrinus (Linnaeus, 1758) based on molecular phylogenetic hypotheses. Phylogenetic analyses based on four genetic markers, three mitochondrial (mtMutS , ND2 , Cox1) and one nuclear (28S), validate the definition of a new family (Pseudumbbellulidae fam. nov.) and two new genera (Pseudumbbellula gen. nov. and Solumbellula gen. nov). These analyses also justify the segregation of some of the morphological characters previously included in the diagnosis of the genus Umbellula and the monotypic family Umbellulidae Kölliker, 1880. Moreover, a new species, Pseudumbbellula scotiae sp. nov. is described and illustrated with material from the North Eastern Atlantic and compared with congeners. Additionally, the well-known but atypical species Umbellula monocephalus Pasternak, 1964 is transferred and described here as Solumbellula monocephalus (Pasternak, 1964), comb. nov., based on both molecular data and morphology. A phylogenetic analysis based on four genetic markers segregates material previously considered to belong to the octocoral genus Umbellula into a new family, two new genera and a new species. The complementary use of molecular and morphological data is necessary to disaggregate paraphyletic and polyphyletic groups when detected to understand the evolutionary pathways giving rise to the diversity in this and other groups of taxonomically challenging invertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous faunistic and ecological studies have been conducted throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean to assess its biodiversity. Despite the abundance of research, studies on the species that inhabit the Indo-Pacific are still necessary due to its extent and high species richness. The major species richness of the genus Okenia Menke, 1830 (Nudibranchia, Goniodorididae) is found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, including 38 of 60 valid species. Nevertheless, this number does not represent the real biodiversity, since at least 20 more species are already reported in field-guides as undescribed species belonging to this genus. The systematics of the genus Okenia are still unclear since it has been the subject of only a few and incomplete studies. In the present paper, we describe five new Okenia species from the coastlines of Japan, Mozambique and Australia: Okenia aurorapapillata sp. nov., Okenia elisae sp. nov., Okenia nakanoae sp. nov., Okenia siderata sp. nov. and Okenia tenuifibrata sp. nov. Moreover, anatomical details not previously described of Okenia atkinsonorum , Okenia barnardi , Okenia cf. echinata , Okenia hallucigenia , Okenia hiroi , Okenia japonica , Okenia pellucida , Okenia pilosa and Okenia rhinorma are provided. New partial sequences of standard markers (COI , 16S rRNA and H3) were obtained and a phylogenetic analysis that included all species with available data was performed. ZOOBANK urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:28AE2536-A264–4194–8AE3-C430620572E7 Currently, the largest number of known Okenia species are inhabiting the Indo-Pacific. However, ~20 species are still reported as undescribed in field-guides to this genus. In the present paper, we obtain new DNA sequences for Okenia species and study their evolutionary relationships. Moreover, we describe five new Okenia species from the coastlines of Japan, Mozambique and Australia: Okenia aurorapapillata sp. nov., Okenia elisae sp. nov., Okenia nakanae sp. nov., Okenia siderata sp. nov. and Okenia tenuifibrata sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among ~1300 species of world nemerteans, seven species in five genera of lineid heteronemerteans have been known to possess a branched proboscis. In this paper, we describe the eighth branched-proboscis species: Gorgonorhynchus citrinus sp. nov. from Okinawa, Japan. We also report Gorgonorhynchus cf. repens Dakin & Fordham, 1931 with uniformly orange body, as a new member for the Japanese nemertean fauna. We infer the phylogenetic relationships between these forms and other members of Lineidae McIntosh, 1874 for which partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and the nuclear 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and histone H3 genes are available in public databases, along with newly sequenced data of another branched-proboscis heteronemertean, Polydendrorhynchus zhanjiangensis (Yin & Zheng, 1984) from China. In the resulting tree, Gorgonorhychus Dakin & Fordham, 1931 was sister group to non-branched-proboscis Dushia Corrêa, 1963, whereas P. zhanjiangensis was sister group to likewise non-branched-proboscis Cerebratulus lacteus (Leidy, 1851). http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:685992C5-F595-4C28-9178-256D945E595A Among ~1300 species of world nemerteans, seven species in five genera of lineid heteronemerteans have been known to possess a branched proboscis. In this paper, we describe the eighth branched-proboscis species: Gorgonorhynchus citrinus sp. nov. from Okinawa, Japan. We infer the phylogenetic relationships between the genus and other members of Lineidae along with newly sequenced data of another branched-proboscis heteronemertean, Polydendrorhynchus zhanjiangensis (Yin & Zheng, 1984) from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ragged sea hare (Bursatella leachii) and the long-tailed sea hare (Stylocheilus striatus) are two widely distributed species of benthic heterobranch sea slugs. In this paper, integrative taxonomic analyses have been conducted to detect possible cryptic diversity. Our results revealed that both nominal species are actually species complexes, consisting of five genetically distinct taxa. Two of them belong to the genus Bursatella and three to the genus Stylocheilus. The name B. leachii is retained for a widely distributed species, present in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and parts of the Indo-Pacific region. The name B. ocelligera is resurrected for the other species, restricted to the Indo-Pacific and co-occurring with B. leachii in that area. With the present data, it is not possible to test whether B. leachii and B. ocelligera have evolved allopatrically in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific or sympatrically in the latter. Bursatella leachii has been able to maintain gene flow between the Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific Oceans, possibly because of a combined effect of the Agulhas Leakage process and the ability to survive the colder waters of South Africa. On the contrary, the three species of Stylocheilus are allopatric; the name S. striatus is retained for an Indo-Pacific species, while the names S. polyomma and S. rickettsi are resurrected for species inhabiting the Western Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific respectively. Finally, the discovery of a museum specimen mistakenly identified as B. leachii , but bearing a shell in its adult form, led to the resurrection of the genus Phycophila , previously synonymised with Aplysia. Phycophila euchlora , the only species described to date, is distributed in the Central and Western Pacific Ocean. In this study, we analysed specimens of two species of pantropical sea slugs, Bursatella leachii and Stylocheilus striatus , comparing morphology and DNA sequences of individuals across all the distributional range. Our results reveal that there are two distinct Bursatella species and three distinct species of Stylocheilus , which we formally redescribed in this paper. An additional genus, Phycophilla , discovered from a previously misidentified specimen, was resurrected from synonymy in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triaenonychidae is a family of Opiliones with almost 500 described species distributed in the southern continents. Recent work has provided a solid phylogenetic foundation based on Sanger and ultraconserved element molecular sequence data that resulted in a global reorganisation of the family. In this study, we turn to the South American triaenonychids, aggregating sequences of three markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I), re-examining the position of additional South American species and confirming the existence of a new genus. We provide novel information regarding the external morphology of 10 of the 11 South American genera of Triaenonychidae, based on stereomicroscope and SEM images of the body and genitalia. In addition, a new genus Adrianonyx gen. nov. and two new species, Adrianonyx contulmo sp. nov. from the Monumento Natural Contulmo (Chile) and Adrianonyx crypticus sp. nov. from the Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta (Chile) are described. Triaenonychidae is a family of Opiliones distributed in the southern continents. In this paper we focused on the South American triaenonychids, aggregating sequences of three markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I), re-examining the position of additional South American species. In addition, we describe a new genus Adrianonyx gen. nov. and two new species, Adrianonyx contulmo sp. nov. from the Monumento Natural Contulmo and Adrianonyx crypticus sp. nov. from the Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta, are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Haloa includes dull-coloured species of haminoeid snails inhabiting tidal and shallow waters of the tropical and sub-tropical Indo-West Pacific. This paper reports on the diversity and systematics of Haloa based on the phylogenetic hypothesis generated by Oskars and Malaquias (2019) and on the morphological study of specimens. Shells, external features and anatomical characters from the jaws, radula, gizzard plates and male reproductive system were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The molecular species delimitation method Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery, using DNA sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, was implemented to aid delimiting candidate species. Thirteen species were recognised as valid, including two new to science, namely Haloa cobbi, sp. nov. and Haloa eora, sp. nov., and one unnamed species herein referred to as Haloa sp. 1. Species depict intraspecific variability in their colouration and little character displacement in their anatomy. Shells are of limited taxonomic use; only details of the male reproductive system (e.g. fundus) and the DNA were truly diagnostic. Three species have an Indo-West Pacific distribution and three are restricted to the Indian Ocean. The remaining seven species occur in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, three of them having geographical ranges restricted to offshore islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyphalonotus is a poorly studied Old World araneid spider genus of which the phylogenetic proximity remains unknown due to the paucity of morphological and molecular data. We test the phylogenetic placement and the taxonomic composition of Cyphalonotus and place the male and female size variation of Cyphalonotus and related genera in an evolutionary context. Our collection and field observations from Taiwan and China facilitate description of a new and a known species, and original sequence data enable species delimitation and phylogenetic analyses. The phylogenetic results reject all four classification hypotheses from the literature and instead recover a well-supported clade comprising Cyphalonotus + Poltys. We review the male and female size variation in Cyphalonotus , Poltys and related genera. These data reveal that all known species of Poltys are extremely sexually size dimorphic (eSSD = females over twice the size of males) reaching values exceeding 10-fold differences, whereas Cyphalonotus and other genera in phylogenetic proximity are relatively sexually monomorphic (SSD < 2.0). This confirms an independent origin of eSSD in Poltys , one of multiple convergent evolutionary outcomes in orbweb spiders. This paper reports on the taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of a cryptic and poorly studied spider genus Cyphalonotus of the family Araneidae. We describe a new species from Taiwan and our results support the sister relationship between Cyphalonotus and Poltys. Our study reveals an independent origin of extreme sexual size dimorphism (eSSD) in Poltys , a convergent evolutionary phenomenon that has perplexed researchers for centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only seven frenulate species are currently known along the Eurasian coast of the Arctic Ocean. We describe a new genus and a new species of frenulates Crispabrachia yenisey , gen. nov. et sp. nov. The morphological analysis involved standard anatomical techniques, semithin sections and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The molecular study included four markers (partial COI , 16S , 18S and 28S) and implemented Bayesian and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic approaches. The description of Crispabrachia gen. nov. is the first documented finding of frenulates in the Kara Sea at the estuary of the Yenisey River in rather shallow water (28 m). The establishment of a new genus is warranted based on the composition of morphological characters and several specific features including free, comparatively short curly tentacles, a triangular cephalic lobe with amplate base, the valvate extension of the posterior part of the forepart and prominent papillae on the nonmetameric region. The tube structure with prominent frills and the worm's numerous tentacles, metameric papillae with cuticular plaques and segmental furrow on the forepart indicate that the new genus belongs to the polybrachiid group. Although the type locality in the Yenisey River estuary is unusual for siboglinids in general, the physical conditions here are common for other frenulates habitats, i.e. salinity ~30–33, bottom water temperature –1.5°C. This finding was made in the Yenisey Gulf in the region with the highest methane concentrations in the southern part of the Kara Sea that reflects permafrost degradation under the influence of river flow. Further study of the region would help to understand the factors influencing frenulate distributions and improve our knowledge of their biodiversity. Only seven frenulate species are currently known along the Eurasian coast of the Arctic Ocean. In this paper, we describe a new genus and a new species of frenulates – Crispabrachia yenisey , gen. nov. et sp. nov. Here we present the morphological analysis of new genus. The molecular study included four markers (partial COI , 16S , 18S and 28S) and implemented Bayesian and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic approaches. The description of Crispabrachia gen. nov. is the first documented finding of frenulates in the Kara Sea at the estuary of the Yenisey River in rather shallow water (28 m). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudospirobolellidae is a poorly known family of spirobolidan millipedes with only two genera and five described species. Yet, the descriptive taxonomy and molecular systematics of this group have been largely neglected. Therefore, the present work presents an integrative taxonomic study of new pseudospirobolellid taxa in Thailand. To this end, two mitochondrial gene fragments (COI and 16S rRNA) combined with morphological characters were used to define the genus Coxobolellus , gen. nov. with 10 new species, viz. C. albiceps , sp. nov., C. compactogonus , sp. nov., C. fuscus , sp. nov., C. nodosus , sp. nov., C. serratus , sp. nov., C. simplex , sp. nov., C. tenebris , sp. nov., C. tigris , sp. nov., C. transversalis , sp. nov. and C. valvatus , sp. nov. The interspecific COI sequence divergences among the new species ranged from 6 to 15%. The intergeneric COI sequence divergence between species of Coxobolellus , gen. nov., Benoitolus birgitae and Pseudospirobolellus sp. ranged from 20 to 23%. Three major morphological differences separate Coxobolellus , gen. nov. from Benoitolus and Pseudospirobolellus , namely (1) the protruding process on the 3rd (and 4th) coxae on male legs, (2) the posterior gonopod telopodite divided into two parts, and (3) a conspicuous opening pore at the mesal margin at the end of the coxal part of the posterior gonopod. Thus, the new genus is well supported by both mtDNA and morphological evidence, while the delimitation of the 10 new species is supported by the congruence between mtDNA and morphological data. Yet, with respect to the relationships of Benoitolus birgitae , morphological data suggest a similarity with Coxobolellus , gen. nov. and Pseudospirobolellus , whereas mtDNA data place this species in the Pachybolidae. Further phylogenetic analyses are needed to explore this apparent incongruence and test the monophyly of Pseudospirobolellidae. This paper reports on the first mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis of south-east Asian pseudospirobolellid millipedes. Combined with morphological data, these mtDNA sequences support the recognition of the new genus Coxobolellus for 10 new species that are described. The analysis also questions the monophyly of Pseudospirobolellidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the systematics of the New Zealand spiders of the family Malkaridae. Malkarids are small araneoid spiders that live primarily in the leaf litter and mosses of temperate and tropical wet forests in Australia and New Zealand, with the exception of a single species in southern South America and another in New Caledonia. We treat the New Zealand species of Malkaridae that are not members of the subfamily Pararchaeinae, a monophyletic group of 11 new species that we classify in 2 new genera (Tingotingo , gen. nov. and Whakamoke , gen. nov.) and a new subfamily (Tingotinginae, subfam. nov.). We describe, diagnose, illustrate and map the distribution of specimen records of these 11 new species of New Zealand Malkaridae: Tingotingo porotiti , sp. nov., T. pouaru , sp. nov., T. tokorera , sp. nov., T. aho , sp. nov., Whakamoke orongorongo , sp. nov.; W. tarakina , sp. nov.; W. guacamole , sp. nov.; W. hunahuna , sp. nov.; W. paoka , sp. nov.; W. heru , sp. nov.; and W. rakiura , sp. nov. We also treat the phylogenetic relationships of Malkaridae and use the results of our previous work on the molecular phylogeny of Araneoidea as the bases for the classification of the family. Tingotingo , gen. nov. and Whakamoke , gen. nov. are sister clades. Tingotinginae, subfam. nov. is the sister group of the Malkarinae plus Pararchaeinae clade. We further hypothesise and discuss the morphological synapomorphies of Malkaridae, Tingotinginae, subfam. nov. and the two new genera. This study addresses the systematics of Malkaridae in New Zealand. We describe 2 new genera and 11 new species from New Zealand, and provide an overview of the systematics of the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrotricha is a cosmopolitan phylum of aquatic and semi-terrestrial invertebrates that comprises ~820 described species. To date, freshwater gastrotrichs have not been the subject of faunistic or taxonomic research in the polar regions. In this paper, we present the first species-level description of a freshwater gastrotrich from the Arctic (Svalbard Archipelago). Evidence from morphology, morphometry and molecular analyses reveals that the species represents a new genus in Chaetonotidae: Bifidochaetus arcticus, gen. et sp. nov. Taking into consideration many morphological similarities to Chaetonotus (Primochaetus) veronicae Kånneby, 2013 we propose to include C. (P.) veronicae in the newly established genus under the new combination Bifidochaetus veronicae (Kånneby, 2013), comb. nov. In the phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequence data, B. arcticus, gen. et sp. nov. is nested within the family Chaetonotidae, as the sister group to the genus Lepidochaetus Kisielewski, 1991. In this paper we also present new taxonomic characters useful for gastrotrich taxonomy: the pharynx-to-intestine length ratio (I) and the spine bifurcation ratio (B). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uropygi is an order of arachnids commonly known as vinegaroons or whip-scorpions. So far, two genera are known to occur in Brazil: Thelyphonellus Pocock, 1894 and Mastigoproctus Pocock, 1894. We examined the morphology of 182 specimens of Brazilian Mastigoproctus and sequenced 42 specimens for phylogenetic analyses, using mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers. Phylogenetic inference was performed under maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Our results suggest that the Brazilian species previously included in Mastigoproctus represent two different genera, with the following species and synonymies: the revalidated Amauromastigon Mello-Leitão, 1931, composed of A. maximus (Tarnani, 1889), comb. nov. (= Mastigoproctus annectens Werner, 1916, M. butleri Pocock, 1894 and M. perditus Mello-Leitão, 1931), and Heptatarsus gen. nov., composed of H. brasilianus (Koch, 1843), comb. nov. (= Mastigoprotus minensis Mello-Leitão, 1931) and H. custodioi sp. nov. Also, we urge caution when using certain morphological characters when describing uropygid taxa based on specimens in early developmental stages. ZooBank: The arachnid order Uropygi has never been subjected to phylogenetic research. We perform the first systematic revision and molecular phylogenetic analysis of Uropygi, focusing on the Brazilian genera Thelyphonellus and Mastigoproctus. Our study indicates that Mastigoproctus actually comprises two different genera: the revalidated genus Amauromastigon with a single species, and a new genus Heptatarsus with two species, increasing the number of Brazilian uropygid genera to three. Additionally, we identify ontogenetically variable morphological characters and caution their use in uropygid systematics. (Image credit: Daniel Castro-Pereira.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superfamily Mantispoidea (Insecta: Neuroptera) includes the families Berothidae, Rhachiberothidae and Mantispidae. Among these taxa, the last two are collectively known as Raptorial Mantispoidea due to the presence of grasping forelegs for predatory habits. The Mantispidae classically included the subfamilies Symphrasinae, Drepanicinae, Calomantispinae and Mantispinae, yet recent research challenged this classification scheme as well as the monophyly of this family resulting in Symphrasinae being transferred to Rhachiberothidae. The phylogenetic position of the subfamily Symphrasinae within Mantispoidea is here inferred based on total evidence analysis combining three genes (COI , 16S and 18S) and 72 morphological characters scored from living representatives of all Mantispidae subfamilies (12 genera), the 3 genera of Symphrasinae, and Rhachiberothinae (1 genus). Representatives of Berothidae (four genera) and Hemerobiidae (one genus) were used as outgroup taxa. Results of the total evidence analysis were compared with parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of the morphological and molecular datasets of the COI , 16S and 18S genes. The resultant phylogeny under total evidence recovered Rhachiberothidae as a monophyletic group with strong support in which Symphrasinae was found as sister to Rhachiberothinae. The three genera contained in Symphrasinae, i.e. Anchieta , Plega and Trichoscelia were each recovered as monophyletic in the parsimony analysis, with Anchieta as sister to Trichoscelia + Plega. The family Mantispidae was also recovered as monophyletic and sister to Rhachiberothidae, with Mantispinae as sister to Calomantispinae + Drepanicinae. Evolution of the raptorial condition in Mantispoidea is discussed based on the performed analyses. The morphology and the structure of the raptorial foreleg and the prothorax (i.e. the raptorial system) support the close relationship of Symphrasinae with Rhachiberothinae rather than to other Mantispidae subfamilies which possess a distinctive and well-differentiated raptorial apparatus. The Rhachiberothidae (including Symphrasinae) are distinguished by the presence of a foretarsal Stitz organ. Furthermore, a sit-and-wait predatory strategy is hypothesised for this taxon, whereas the Mantispidae are likely sophisticated active-ambushing predators. Phylogenetic relationships within Symphrasinae and between mantispoid subfamilies are poorly understood because of the evolutionary influence of raptorial feeding on morphology. The raptorial condition has been interpreted as a synapomorphy of Raptoneuroptera or a homoplasy of Berothidae and Rhachiberothidae. Phylogenetic affinities of Symphrasinae are investigated using 3 genes and 72 newly interpreted morphological characters. We found support for monophyly of Raptoneuroptera, with Rhachiberothidae and Mantispidae as sister groups, and Symphrasinae (Rhachiberothidae) comprising Anchieta as sister to Trichoscelia + Plega. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have proposed different biogeographic patterns of intertidal Diaulota and marine littoral Psammostiba along the Pacific coasts of the Northern Hemisphere. To compare the biogeographic patterns of different lineages of aleocharine beetles and explore the recurrent patterns among them, we studied coastal Adota , with a distribution range almost identical to those of Diaulota and Psammostiba. We performed phylogenetic analysis of the marine littoral Adota occurring on the Pacific coasts of the Northern Hemisphere using molecular characters (5188 bp: ~1452 bp of COI , ~404 bp of COII , ~475 bp of 16S , ~879 bp of 18S , ~973 bp of 28S , ~542 bp of EF1-α and ~463 bp of Wg) to discuss their phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic patterns. The data were analysed using parsimony (PA), Bayesian (BA) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. The genus Adota and clade A with the same patterns of relationships (A. sinanensis ((A. elongata + A. koreana) (A. magnipennis + A. ushio))), were strongly supported as monophyletic in all analyses. The PA, BA and ML analyses yielded different species relationships in clade B: (A. kamchatkaensis (A. namhae + A. maritima)) in the ML tree using IQ-TREE2 , (A. namhae (A. kamchatkaensis + A. maritima)) in the BA and RAxML trees and unresolved polytomy in the PA tree. Our results suggest that the ancestors of Adota were widespread along the East Asian coasts (North and South Korea, Japan, and Kamchatka, Russia). Subsequently, Adota species expanded their range and underwent vicariance between South Korea and Japan and Russia (Kamchatka). Later, another dispersal event occurred from South Korea and Japan to North America and a vicariance event occurred between South Korea and Japan, and North America. Adota have similar biogeographical patterns to Psammostiba , probably because they occupy the same microhabitats and have similar biological characteristics. The findings demonstrate the importance of microhabitats and biological traits in the study of biogeographic patterns of marine coastal insects. Here, we present the results of the first phylogenetic and biogeographical analysis of the marine littoral Adota on the Pacific coasts of the Northern Hemisphere. The biogeographic patterns were compared with those of different lineages of aleocharine beetles with different microhabitats. Reconstructions of the ancestral areas suggest that the common ancestor of Adota occurred widely along the East Asian coasts. Both dispersal and vicariance were important in shaping the current distribution. (Image credit: Jong-Keun Jung and Kee-Jeong Ahn.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater bivalves (Bivalvia, Unionida, Unionidae) are among the most threatened groups of animals in the world. Taxonomic uncertainties pose a particular challenge due to significant intraspecific variation and apparent plasticity in shell morphology among these species, impeding efficient conservation planning and management. The species Unio szechenyii that is endemic to China has long been regarded as a synonym for Cuneopsis heudei due to the high convergence in shell morphology. The recently validated species Middendorffinaia mongolica is currently restricted to the Amur Basin and Primorye in eastern Russia. This species is classified under the tribe Middendorffinaiini of the subfamily Unioninae within the family Unionidae based on multilocus phylogeny. However, the lack of comprehensive taxonomic information and sufficient molecular phylogenetic data casts uncertainty on the validity and taxonomic status of these two species. We aim to reassess the validity of Unio szechenyii and confirm the taxonomic status of Middendorffinaia mongolica , a new record for China, by integrating taxonomy with robust mitochondrial phylogenomics. We support the validity of Unio szechenyii and propose a recombination as Cuneopsis szechenyii comb. nov. by integrating shell morphometry, soft-body anatomy and molecular evidence. By determination of the mitochondrial genome of Cuneopsis szechenyii , Cuneopsis kiangsiensis , Middendorffinaia mongolica and Pseudocuneopsis wuana , we elucidate intrageneric relationships within the genera Cuneopsis and Pseudocuneopsis. In addition, based on the updated consensus taxonomic framework including tribes and subtribes in Unioninae, mitochondrial phylogenomics strongly support the transfer of Middendorffinaia mongolica from the tribe Middendorffinaiini to the tribe Unionini and classification under the subtribe Middendorffinaiina stat. rev. ZooBank: The maternal mitochondrial genomes of Unio szechenyii , Cuneopsis kiangsiensis , Middendorffinaia mongolica and Pseudocuneopsis wuana are sequenced. The validity of Unio szechenyii , previously considered a synonym of Cuneopsis heudei , is supported by the integration of conchometry, soft-body anatomy and molecular evidence, and a recombination as Cuneopsis szechenyii comb. nov. is proposed. The intrageneric relationships within the genera Cuneopsis and Pseudocuneopsis are elucidated based on the mitochondrial phylogenomics. Middendorffinaia mongolica , a new record for China, is proposed for transfer from the tribe Middendorffinaiini to the tribe Unionini and classification under the subtribe Middendorffinaiina stat. rev. (Image credit: Ruiwen Wu.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mirid subfamily Orthotylinae is hyperdiverse in Australia but poorly described; this work is part of a series of papers on the documentation of this fauna. Two new species of the Australian endemic plant bug genus Myrtlemiris Cheng, Mututantri & Cassis (Heteroptera: Miridae: Orthotylinae: Orthotylini) are described as new to science: Myrtlemiris kararensis , sp. nov., and M. lochada , sp. nov. The new Australian genus and species Neomyrtlemiris picta gen. nov. et sp. nov. are also described. Myrtlemiris is analysed phylogenetically using 32 morphology-based characters, as well as molecular alignments (COI , 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA ; including 1958 base pairs) with the genus found to be monophyletic based on molecular, morphological and combined analyses. Neomyrtlemiris is the sister to Myrtlemiris. Host plant association analysis demonstrated constraints to the myrtaceous tribe Chamelaucieae, with Malleostemon and Calytrix recovered as ancestral host plants. Ancestral state reconstructions were carried out on male genitalic structures, demonstrating the phylogenetic value of endosomal spicules. This work demonstrates that the Orthotylinae are a rich component of Australia's biodiversity, particularly in the south-west of Western Australia. This work continues documentation of the Australian mirid tribe Orthotylinae, a fauna that was virtually undescribed 20 years ago. Two new species of the genus of Myrtlemiris from Western Australia, and a new genus and new species (Neomyrtlemiris picta), all of which were collected during the Bush Blitz program, are described. This work also includes a combined molecular and morphological phylogeny confirming the monophyly of Myrtlemiris , as well as ancestral state reconstruction of male genitalic characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]