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The razor clam genus Novaculina is a secondary marine-derived freshwater taxa within the otherwise exclusively marine family Pharidae. Novaculina currently comprises four valid species that are distributed allopatrically across several drainages in Asia. We employed an integrated approach, combining morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses to elucidate the taxonomic placement of members within this genus. The multi-locus phylogenetic trees based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S rRNA and 28S rRNA gene sequences demonstrate that Novaculina is polyphyletic. Specimens identified as N. siamensis form a distinct clade that is not sister group to other currently recognised congeners. Furthermore, morphological examination reveals distinct characteristics in 'N. siamensis', namely a fused, fringed siphon, in contrast to the separated, smooth siphons observed in other species. Based on these findings, we propose the establishment of a new genus, Cenonovaculina gen. nov., to accommodate 'N. siamensis'. The new genus is distinguished from other genera in having a short shell, deep pallial sinus, elongate, oval to bean-shaped anterior adductor scar and long fused siphons surrounded by conical tentacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scutigeromorph centipedes are conspicuous, yet often ignored myriapods for which little work has been conducted in southern South America. After examining recent and museum collections from Chile and Argentina, two new species of generic uncertainty were identified. A new genus of scutigerid centipede, Edgethreua, is therefore described with two new species, E. chilensis from Central Chile (type species of the genus) and E. goloboffi from Argentinian Patagonia. The new genus is characterised by the presence of scattered setiform bristles with short paired spines and the absence of simple spinulae and spines on all stomatotergites, the presence of a single spine-bristle in the prefemur of the second maxilla, a patch of cuticular ridges and pores surrounding the sensilla of the proximal labral portion of the epipharynx, the morphology of the sensilla of the distal patch of the hypopharynx and the morphology of the female gonopods. A phylogenetic analysis of the new species using two nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (18S and 28S rRNA), two mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes (12S and 16S rRNA) and the mitochondrial protein-encoding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I show that the new genus does not cluster with any other described genus of scutigeromorph represented in molecular phylogenies. The data indicate that the new genus is probably sister group to a clade including the genera Lassophora, Ballonema and the subfamily Thereuoneminae, although one analysis suggests a position as sister group to Scutigerinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metapopulation of the estuarine species Gammarus tigrinus along the east coast of the United States has been hypothesised to represent two cryptic species divided biogeographically off the coast of North Carolina, USA. This divergence has been attributed to a strong temperature gradient created by the formation of the cold Labrador Current c. 3.0 million years ago. In addition, the northern phylogeographic clade of G. tigrinus has been demonstrated to be invasive in estuarine habitats across a large portion of northern Europe. Recent collections of G. tigrinus from Florida and Maryland, USA, allow for new approaches to test this hypothesis. Using the nuclear 18S and 28S rRNA, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I genes, species delimitation models provide support that the genetic divergence of the northern and southern clades is equivalent to species level. In addition, molecular clock data demonstrate that this phylogeographic divergence coincides with the formation of the Labrador Current. Furthermore, the collections of G. daiberi from Florida, a species with biogeographical and ecological characteristics similar to those of G. tigrinus, provide independent support for the hypothesis. The potential for invasive species to be cryptic highlights the need for accurate identification of taxa to ensure that appropriate biogeographical assessment of potential source populations and mechanisms of dispersal can be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rhinebothriidean tapeworm family Escherbothriidae has recently been expanded to include the genus Ivanovcestus, species of which parasitise arhynchobatid skates. Similarities in morphology and host associations between Ivanovcestus and Semiorbiseptum - a genus yet to be assigned to one of the families in the order Rhinebothriidea - led us to explore the possibility that Semiorbiseptum might also belong in the Escherbothriidae. Morphological similarities with Scalithrium ivanovae, Scalithrium kirchneri and Rhinebothrium scobinae, all of which also parasitise arhynchobatid skates, raised questions regarding the generic placements of these species. In addition, new collections from the skate Sympterygia brevicaudata revealed two new species that morphologically resemble species of Ivanovcestus. A combination of morphological and molecular data were used to assess the generic placement of the newly discovered species and refine our understanding of the membership of the family Escherbothriidae. Sequence data for the D1-D3 region of the 28S rDNA gene were generated de novo for 14 specimens of 7 rhinebothriidean species and combined with comparable published data to represent all 6 families in the Rhinebothriidea in the analysis. The phylogenetic tree resulting from maximum likelihood analysis strongly supports the inclusion of the genus Semiorbiseptum in the family Escherbothriidae. Our work also suggests that the skate-hosted species previously assigned to Scalithrium and Rhinebothrium are also members of Semiorbiseptum and that Ivanovcestus is a junior synonym of Semiorbiseptum. Six species are transferred to Semiorbiseptum, bringing the total number of species in the genus to ten. The diagnosis of Semiorbiseptum is amended to accommodate the additional species. A second species in the previously monotypic type genus of the family, Escherbothrium, is described. The diagnosis of the Escherbothriidae is amended to include the new and transferred species. This study underscores the importance of integrating morphological and molecular data in bringing resolution to cestode systematics. We believe our findings provide a robust foundation for future research into the evolutionary history and host associations of cestodes within the order Rhinebothriidea and beyond. These also highlight the importance of expanding our understanding of skate-hosted cestodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pantropical genus Palaemonella Dana, 1852 (Caridea: Palaemonidae) currently includes 27 species of free-living and symbiotic marine shrimps. The monophyly of Palaemonella with respect to several closely related genera, however, has been questioned by recent analyses. We tested the monophyly of Palaemonella based on multigene phylogenetic analysis and the genus was revealed to be a paraphyletic assemblage by inclusion of species of the genera Eupontonia Bruce, 1971 and Vir Holthuis, 1952, and two genetic lineages of the western Atlantic Cuapetes americanus (Kingsley, 1878). We recognise one of the latter lineages as the previously described Periclimenes rhizophorae Lebour, 1949. Eupontonia and Vir are synonymised with Palaemonella. We also transfer Cuapetes americanus and Periclimenes rhizophorae to Palaemonella. Species previously assigned to Vir were revised; V. colemani Bruce, 2003, V. orientalis (Dana, 1852), V. philippinensis Bruce & Svoboda, 1984 and V. smiti Fransen & Holthuis, 2007 are regarded as valid species of Palaemonella; Vir longidactylus Marin, 2008 is synonymised with P. smiti; and the status of V. euphyllius Marin & Anker, 2005 remains unresolved. Palaemonella is currently regarded as a taxon with variable states of two main diagnostic characters, i.e. the plesiomorphic mandibular palp (fully reduced in P. americana) and the hepatic tooth (fully reduced in former species of Vir and Eupontonia - evidently due to symbiotic modes of life). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of morphological and molecular lines of evidence has enabled the family Deltocyathidae to be erected to accommodate Deltocyathus species that were previously ascribed to the family Caryophylliidae. However, although displaying the same morphological characteristics as other species of Deltocyathus, molecular data suggested that D. magnificus was phylogenetically distant from Deltocyathidae, falling within the family Turbinoliidae instead. To elucidate the enigmatic evolutionary history of this species and skeletal microstructural features, the phylogenetic relationships of Deltocyathidae and Turbinoliidae were investigated using nuclear ultraconserved and exon loci and complete mitochondrial genomes. Both nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenomic reconstructions confirmed the position of D. magnificus within turbinolids. Furthermore, a novel mitochondrial gene order was uncovered for Deltocyathidae species. This gene order was not present in Turbinoliidae or in D. magnificus that both have the scleractinian canonical gene order, further indicating the taxonomic utility of mitochondrial gene order. D. magnificus is therefore formally moved to the family Turbinoliidae and accommodated in a new genus (Dennantotrochus Kitahara, Vaga & Stolarski, gen. nov.). Surprisingly, turbinolids and deltocyathids do not differ in microstructural organisation of the skeleton that consists of densely packed, individualised rapid accretion deposits and thickening deposits composed of fibres perpendicular to the skeleton surface. Therefore, although both families are clearly evolutionarily divergent, macromorphological features indicate a case of skeletal convergence while these may still share conservative biomineralisation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black corals occur as part of benthic assemblages from shallow to deep waters in all oceans. Despite the importance in many benthic ecosystems, where these act as biodiversity aggregators, antipatharians remain poorly studied, with 75% of the known species occurring below recreational SCUBA diving depth limits. Currently, information regarding the diversity and evolutionary history is limited, with most studies focusing on Hawaii and the South Pacific Ocean. Other regions of the world have received less attention, such as the Red Sea, where only two black coral families and four genera have been recorded. We provide the first analysis of the molecular diversity of black corals in the eastern Gulf of Aqaba and the northern and central Saudi Arabian Red Sea, based on a dataset of 161 antipatharian colonies collected down to 627 m deep. Based on specimen morphology, we ascribed our material to 11 genera belonging to 4 of the 7 known Antipatharia families, i.e. Antipathidae, Aphanipathidae, Myriopathidae and Schizopathidae. The genus level phylogeny of three intergenic mitochondrial regions, the trnW-IGR-nad2 (IgrW), nad5-IGR-nad1 (IgrN) and cox3-IGR-cox1 was reconstructed including previously published material. Overall, we recovered six molecular clades that included exclusively Red Sea sequences, with the highest diversity occurring at mesophotic depths. This study highlights that diversity of black corals in the Red Sea is much higher than previously known, with seven new generic records, suggesting that this basin may be a hotspot for antipatharian diversity as is known for other taxa. Our results recovered unresolved relationships within the order at the familial and generic levels. This emphasises the urgent need for an integration of genomic-wide data with a re-examination of informative morphological features necessary to revise the systematics of the order at all taxonomic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the widespread use of integrative taxonomic approaches, many scleractinian coral genera and species remain grouped in polyphyletic families, classified as incertae sedis or simply understudied. Oculinidae Gray, 1847 represents a family for which many taxonomic questions remain unresolved, particularly those related to some of the current genera, such as Oculina Lamark, 1816 or recently removed genera, including Cladocora Ehrenberg, 1834 and Madrepora Linnaeus, 1758. Cladocora is currently assigned to the family Cladocoridae Milne Edwards & Haime, 1857 and a new family, Bathyporidae Kitahara, Capel, Zilberberg & Cairns, 2024, was recently raised to accommodate Madrepora. However, the name Bathyporidae is not valid because this was not formed on the basis of a type genus name. To resolve taxonomic questions related to these three genera, the evolutionary relationships are explored through phylogenetic analyses of 18 molecular markers. The results of these analyses support a close relationship between the species Oculina patagonica and Cladocora caespitosa, indicating that these may belong to the same family (and possibly genus), and highlighting the need for detailed revisions of Oculina and Cladocora. By contrast, a distant relationship is found between these two species and Madrepora oculata, with the overall evidence supporting the placement of Madrepora in the resurrected family Madreporidae Ehrenberg, 1834. This study advances our knowledge of coral systematics and highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the genera Oculina, Cladocora and Madrepora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite discovery more than 100 years ago and documented global occurrence from shallow waters to the deep sea, the life cycle of the enigmatic crustacean y-larvae isincompletely understood and adult forms remain unknown. To date, only 2 of the 17 formally described species, all based on larval stages, have been investigated using an integrative taxonomic approach. This approach provided descriptions of the morphology of the naupliar and cyprid stages, and made use of exuvial voucher material and DNA barcodes. To improve our knowledge about the evolutionary history and ecological importance of y-larvae, we developed a novel protocol that maximises the amount of morpho-ecological and molecular data that can be harvested from single larval specimens. This includes single-specimen DNA barcoding and daily imaging of y-nauplii reared in culture dishes, mounting of the last naupliar exuviae on a slide as a reference voucher, live imaging of the y-cyprid instar that follows, and fixation, DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing of the y-cyprid specimen. Through development and testing of a suite of new primers for both nuclear and mitochondrial protein-coding and ribosomal genes, we showcase how new sequence data can be used to estimate the phylogeny of Facetotecta. We expect that our novel procedure will help to unravel the complex systematics of y-larvae and show how these fascinating larval forms have evolved. Moreover, we posit that our protocols should work on larval specimens from a diverse array of moulting marine invertebrate taxa. Adult forms of y-larvae (Pancrustacea: Facetotecta) remain unknown despite discovery more than 100 years ago and global occurrence. Likewise, the evolutionary history of y-larvae remains almost entirely unknown due to a critical lack of molecular, morphological and ecological data. To rectify this situation, we developed a novel rearing, imaging, and DNA extraction protocol that maximises retrieval of molecular and morpho-ecological data layers from single larval specimens. Through the design of new primers and a careful evaluation of best practices, we pave the road for finally unravelling the evolutionary history of this enigmatic group of animals. (Image credit: J. Olesen.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulopinae is a distinctive subfamily of leafhoppers that is widely distributed across the Afrotropical, Palearctic, Indomalayan and Australasian regions. The ulopine fauna of Australia is entirely endemic and includes two tribes of striking appearance, the Ulopini and Cephalelini. Knowledge of these groups is fragmentary and in many instances, no information is available beyond original descriptions. We assess the monophyly, phylogenetic placement and species-level diversity of the Ulopini genus Austrolopa. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequence data from target nuclear loci (18S , 28S , H2A and H3) and mitochondrial genomes (15 genes) for 23 membracoid taxa yielded congruent topologies. Our results provide strong evidence for the monophyly of Ulopinae and a clade consisting of Ulopini + Cephalelini. However, a non-monophyletic Cephalelini arises from within a polyphyletic Ulopini. Austrolopa was strongly recovered as monophyletic in all analyses, a result also supported by morphological features. The genus currently includes six species, three of which are described based on morphological and molecular data: Austrolopa botanica , sp. nov. , Austrolopa rotunda , sp. nov. and Austrolopa sublima , sp. nov. A lectotype designation is provided for Austrolopa kingensis Evans, 1937, sp. reval. Our findings illustrate that the Australian Ulopinae is far more diverse than currently circumscribed and several species of Austrolopa are yet to be recognised. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1480285B-8F61-4659-A929-2B1EF3168868 Ulopinae is a distinctive leafhopper subfamily widely distributed across the Afrotropical, Palearctic, Indomalayan and Australasian regions. The Australian fauna is entirely endemic, and many species lack hindwings. Here, we investigate the phylogeny of ulopine leafhoppers, focusing on the genus Austrolopa. Populations previously ascribed to A. brunensis represent new species, suggesting that these insects have narrow ranges and may be further restricted to specific elevations or host plants. Our study demonstrates that non-monophyletic ulopine tribes and genera need reappraisal with integrative methods. (Photographs by O. Evangelista.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent molecular phylogenetic study on Glaucus, a genus of neustonic aeolid nudibranchs, revealed undescribed cryptic diversity. Glaucus atlanticus is sister to the traditional species Glaucus marginatus, which is a complex of four genetically distinct cryptic species (Informal clade 'Marginatus'). The present paper revises the systematics ofGlaucusand providesformal descriptions for three new speciesintheinformal clade 'Marginatus' substantiatedbyspecies delimitation analyses. Molecular and morphological evidence confirms that the type species ofGlaucus,Glaucus atlanticus, has a cosmopolitan subtropical distribution and is characterised by having a uniseriate ceratal arrangement, a penial spine and a longitudinal, medial silver stripe on the sole of the foot. Examination of type material indicates that the name G. marginatus should be retained for the most widespread of these species, found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This species is characterised by molecular diagnostic characters as well as the presence of a bursa copulatrix. Glaucus marginatus is sister to the undescribed species Glaucus bennettae, sp. nov., which is found in the South Pacific Ocean and lacks a bursa copulatrix. The other two undescribed species, Glaucus thompsoni, sp. nov. and Glaucus mcfarlanei, sp. nov. are only known from the North Pacific Ocean, and are characterised by molecular diagnostic characters as well as possessing and lacking a bursa copulatrix, respectively. Because sister species of Glaucus differ in their reproductive anatomy, we hypothesise that mating behaviour has played a role in cladogenesis in this group. ZooBank Publication code: http://zoobank.org/References/E352E264-A440-4AF1-8565-B57B7EEE25BC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian endemic ant-mimetic seed bug genus Daerlac is revised. This paper provides a redescription of the genus Daerlac and four species: D. apicalis, D. cephalotes, D. nigricans and D. picturatus. Daerlac tricolor is synonomised with D. cephalotes. A taxonomic key to species is provided. Known distributions of D. apicalis, D. nigricans and D. picturatus are each extended beyond previously known ranges. Daerlac species are found predominantly in temperate open forest and woodlands in association with ants and eucalypts. All species are broadly distributed and there is a high degree of overlap in distributions. They are seed predators found on the ground, in leaf litter, under bark or on trunks of eucalypts, and putatively forage on post-dispersed seeds. Cladistic analysis of morphological characters finds that the four species of Daerlac form two well-supported sister-groups (D. apicalis + D. picturatus, and D. cephalotes + D. nigricans). A discussion of the distribution, biology and myrmecomorphy of the genus is provided, and the tribal placement of Daerlac and its relationship to Laryngodus are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The public database GenBank is an increasingly important source of sequence data for diagnostic and phylogenetic research; however, not all deposited sequences are necessarily correctly ascribed to a source species. We considered the example of the mite family Phytoseiidae to determine how the corresponding sequences could be accurately exploited. Phytoseiidae mites are well known worldwide for their ability to control certain mite and insect pests. The number of molecular approaches, especially for diagnostic purposes, has increased over the past decade, leading to an increase in the number of sequences registered in the GenBank database. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the validity of the DNA sequences presently assigned to Phytoseiidae species in this database. Three hundred and fifty-one sequences, corresponding to the four most frequently registered DNA fragments (ITS, COI, Cytb and 12S rRNA), were considered. DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing were performed for the fragments 12S rRNA and ITS for Amblyseius andersoni, A. swirskii, Iphiseius degenerans, Euseius ovalis, E. stipulatus, Neoseiulus cucumeris and Typhlodromus pyri, as some identifications were questionable. Numerous problems were evident based on genetic distance analyses of these sequences. First, nomenclatural problems were encountered, preventing the correct identification of the taxa sequenced in one case. Suspected misidentifications were frequent, stressing the importance of voucher specimen availability. For the 12S rRNA fragment, sequences assigned to three Phytoseiidae species were those of their prey (Astigmata), underlining the care that must be taken when manipulating the DNA of such predators (sterile conditions and specific PCR primers). Finally, sequences of two regions of the COI mtDNA were encountered, leading to alignment problems between sequences of a same gene and same species. These results are discussed in relation to responsibilities of authors in terms of taxon identification and the great utility of open access DNA sequence databases, such as GenBank, for improving taxonomic identifications and advancing scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent molecular phylogenetic and biogeographic study on the krill genus Hansarsia revealed undescribed cryptic diversity in the Atlantic. Each of four species analysed encompassed robust molecular clades that were linked to dimorphic males in H. microps , H. atlantica and H. tenella. We tested the robustness and divergence of the observed clades using an integrative approach including (1) three independent species delimitation methods for the mitochondrial COI gene (ASAP, GMYC, bPTP), (2) variability of two nuclear genes (H3 and ITS1) and (3) morphological analysis (MDS and PCA) with a dataset of 22 characters scored for 131 specimens. Both molecular and morphological analyses resulted in at least six distinct clades within the Atlantic Hansarsia. The strongest divergence was revealed between the two clades of H. tenella , one of which we diagnosed as a new species. Two clades of H. megalops also showed significant divergence but in the absence of males, we were reluctant to designate new species. Different clades linked to male forms in H. microps and H. atlantica are suggested as an incipient species. We also hypothesise an unusual trend in the evolution of euphausiids, in which visual recognition enhances tactile interaction during mating. Our results show that analyses of ostensibly well studied groups may yet yield taxonomic surprises. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AE045636-50EF-450A-B9B3-9231E8B91522 We characterise the biodiversity of the taxonomically entangled krill genus Hansarsia in the deep Atlantic by applying an integrative approach. Molecular and morphological analyses suggest at least six species of Hansarsia instead of the currently recognised four. We describe one new species and wait for males to describe the second one. The results confirm ongoing diversification of the Atlantic krill and show an unusual trend in the evolution of euphausiids, in which visual recognition enhances tactile interaction during mating. (Image credit: D. Kulagin.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We complement and expand the existing descriptions of the Australian araneid spider Paraplectanoides crassipes Keyserling, 1886, and provide the first detailed analysis of the male palpal homologies to include examination of the expanded organ and scanning electron micrographs of the palpal sclerites. We study the placement of Paraplectanoides and the classification of the family Araneidae by combining ultraconserved elements with Sanger markers. We also added Sanger sequences of the Australian araneid genus Venomius to the molecular dataset of Scharff et al. (2020) to explore the phylogenetic placement and implications for classification of the family. We evaluate a recent proposal on the classification of the family Araneidae by Kuntner et al. (2023) in which a new family is erected for P. crassipes. Paraplectanoides is monotypic. Examination of the type material shows that Paraplectanoides kochi O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1877 is misplaced in the genus and the name is a senior synonym of the araneid Isoxya penizoides Simon, 1887 (new synonymy) that results in the new combination Isoxya kochi (O. Pickard- Cambridge, 1877). The classification of Araneidae is revised and the following nomenclatural acts are introduced: Paraplectanoididae Kuntner, Coddington, Agnarsson and Bond, 2023 is a junior synonym of Araneidae Clerck, 1757 new synonymy; phonognathines and nephilines are subfamilies of Araneidae (Subfamily Phonognathinae Simon, 1894 rank resurrected; and Subfamily Nephilinae Simon, 1894 rank resurrected). The results of our analyses corroborate the sister group relationship between Paraplectanoides and the araneid subfamily Nephilinae. Venomius is sister to the Nephilinae + Paraplectanoides clade. The placement of the oarcine araneids and Venomius renders the family Araneidae non-monophyletic if this were to be circumscribed as in Kuntner et al. (2023). In light of the paucity of data that the latter study presents, and in absence of a robust, stable and more densely sampled phylogenetic analysis of Araneidae, the changes and definitions introduced by that classification are premature and could lead to a large number of new families for what once were araneid species if the maximum-crown-clade family definitions were to be used. Consequently, we argue for restoring the familial and subfamilial classification of Araneidae of Dimitrov et al. (2017), Scharff et al. (2020) and Kallal et al. (2020). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most members of the freshwater leech family Glossiphoniidae have mid-body somites divided into three annuli, the genus Torix Blanchard, 1893 is distinguished by two-annuli somites. Torix has high species richness in Far East Asia, and three nominal species have been recognised in the Japanese Archipelago and adjacent regions that can be distinguished by a combination of both internal and external morphological characteristics. However, recent studies have shown that these diagnostic features are ontogenetically variable and this has resulted in taxonomic confusion among Torix species endemic to the Japanese Archipelago. In this study, we revisit the taxonomic accounts of T. orientalis (Oka, 1925) and T. tagoi (Oka, 1925), in addition to that of the recently redescribed T. tukubana (Oka, 1935) to clarify the diagnostic characteristics for each of the three species. Our morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the three Torix species in Japan are indistinguishable. We therefore conclude that these species should be synonymised and treated as a single species. The specific names orientalis and tagoi were simultaneously established under the genus Oligobdella Moore, 1918, therefore we acted as First Reviser and gave precedence to the name O. tagoi, thus the valid name for the Far East Asian Torix species is T. tagoi unless T. orientalis and T. tagoi are treated as distinct species. There are several type localities for T. tagoi and the name-bearing types have been lost, therefore we designate a neotype for this species to obviate zoological and nomenclatural issues. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E2DBF999-3B51-456F-AB04-A7D138E0AF2D [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monotypic genus Enigmadiplosis Harris (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) was placed in the tribe Clinodiplosini based on adult morphology, but the genus is somewhat puzzling because larvae are typical for the tribe Cecidomyiini. In this study, we describe Enigmadiplosis harrisi sp. nov., a pest species that damages young leaves of the ornamental shrub Rhododendron pulchrum in Mie Prefecture, Honshu, Japan. We also conducted a molecular phylogenetic analysis to confirm the tribal placement. The result clearly indicates that Enigmadiplosis belongs to Cecidomyiini and we therefore assign the genus to that tribe. In addition, we redescribe Clinodiplosis rhododendri (Felt) that forms leaf-roll galls on Rhododendron spp. in eastern North America to allay future questions as to the identity and show that this is unrelated to the new Japanese species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pachychilid genus Brotia H. Adams, 1866, distributed across South and South-East Asia, comprises 46 currently accepted species. Although Brotia has recently been revised, the systematic treatment of the Indian species requires further scrutiny. This study aims to resolve the phylogenetic relationships between Brotia species from north-east India and estimate the divergence using two mitochondrial markers, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S). Species delimitation analyses have revealed six to nine distinct species in north-east India instead of the single currently known species. We confirm the monophyly of Brotia from the entire distributional range in South and South-East Asia and show that all Indian species form a single clade nested within the South-East Asian radiation. We conclude that Brotia has a South-East Asian origin, with two independent dispersals into India since the early Eocene and through the Oligocene, eventually splitting from ancestors during the late Cretaceous. Further integrative taxonomic research is needed to resolve the taxonomic status of the candidate species delineated herein and reveal the exact number of species in north-east India. This is the first phylogenetic analysis of Brotia from India, significantly improving our understanding of Indian freshwater gastropod fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assassin snail genus Anentome is widely distributed in South East Asia. In Thailand, the genus comprises at least six species, one of which is Anentome wykoffi, a species that may act as an intermediate host of parasitic trematodes. Recent fieldwork has shown that A. wykoffi is far more common and widespread in Thailand than has been assumed, yet the taxonomy remains poorly known. Therefore, this study explores morphological and DNA sequence (COI and 28S rRNA) variation in A. wykoffi to verify and finetune the taxonomic interpretation of this species. To this end, 12 populations of A. wykoffi were sampled in Thailand. This survey allowed us to preliminarily distinguish three putatively cryptic morphotypes. Shell shape measurements and geometric morphometric analyses revealed significant differences between these morphotypes, whereas SEM observations of the shell sculpture and radula confirmed the consistent separation of the three morphotypes. Finally, a combined phylogenetic and species delimitation analysis of COI and 28S rRNA sequence data showed that the three morphotypes represent three well-supported clades, one of which is sister group to A. cambojiensis. As such, the three morphotypes as defined by (1) the presence or absence of a carinated shoulder, (2) the number of spiral lines on the spira and (3) the pattern of the central cusps on the central radular tooth, are interpreted as three different species under the morphological and phylogenetic species concepts but also likely under the biological species concept, viz. A. wykoffi (sensu stricto), A. longispira sp. nov. and A. khelangensis sp. nov. The three cryptic species are (re)described and the implications of separation are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate taxonomy and descriptions of species are key to understanding biodiversity. The echinoid genus Tripneustes is an ecologically and commercially important taxon that includes the tropical Tripneustes gratilla gratilla and the recently described T. kermadecensis from Australia and New Zealand. While examining the Australian Museum collections to clarify the distributions of these two species in eastern Australia we found potential senior type material for T. kermadecensis. These specimens from Sydney Harbour were originally described in 1878 as Evechinus australiae by Tenison-Woods but neither illustrated nor redescribed in any subsequent report. We undertook molecular and morphological analysis of these specimens to determine whether T. kermadecensis and E. australiae represent two distinct taxa or not. This included micro-computed tomography, quantification of test traits and molecular genetic analysis. The COI sequence and morphology of Evechinus australiae matched that of Tripneustes kermadecensis. As such, T. kermadecensis is a junior synonym of Evechinus australiae. The correct designation of this taxon is therefore Tripneustes australiae (Tenison-Woods, 1878). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycaenid butterflies of the Ogyris idmo species group are endemic to Australia and obligatorily associated with Camponotus ants. Several species are threatened with extinction, but there are considerable uncertainties with the present classification. Here, the taxonomy of the species group is revised based on molecular and morphological data. Mitochondrial sequence data were obtained from GenBank for Ogyris Angas, 1847, from cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) (total of 1203 bp), and a phylogeny of the genus was reconstructed using Maximum Likelihood methods. Based on these molecular data, adult morphology and other evidence, the following eight taxa are recognised in this species group: Ogyris otanes (C. & R. Felder, 1865), Ogyris arcana M.R. Williams & Hay, 2001 stat. rev., Ogyris arcana arcana M.R. Williams & Hay, 2001 comb. nov. , Ogyris arcana sublustris M.R. Williams & Hay, 2001 comb. nov. , Ogyris halmaturia (Tepper, 1890), Ogyris halmaturia halmaturia (Tepper, 1890), Ogyris halmaturia waterhouseri (Bethune-Baker, 1905) stat. rev. , Ogyris idmo (Hewitson, 1862), Ogyris subterrestris Field, 1999 and Ogyris petrina Field, 1999 stat. rev. The female of Ogyris halmaturia halmaturia is described for the first time. Phylogenetic relationships among the six species are as follows: (O. otanes + O. arcana) + (O. halmaturia + (O. idmo + (O. subterrestris + O. petrina))). The life history switch from phytophagy (O. otanes and O. arcana) to entomophagy (suspected myrmecophagy) within this species group has led to diversification of four species, a most unusual evolutionary pattern within the Lycaenidae globally. The taxonomic changes proposed herein affect some of the most threatened Australian butterflies and their conservation status is discussed. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B9A6F558-DD47-47DF-AC9C-A71270B6EE09 The systematics of the bronze azure butterfly Ogyris idmo species group are revised through an integrative taxonomic approach. Morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis resolved eight taxa within this group (six species and two subspecies) and five new nomenclatural changes are proposed. A key to all taxa is provided and all taxa are illustrated. These taxonomic changes affect some of the most threatened Australian butterflies and the conservation is discussed. (Photograph by Ethan P. Beaver.) IS23032_TOC.jpg [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pseudoscorpion family Garypinidae is globally distributed with 79 species in 21 genera and several species represented by Mesozoic and Eocene fossils. This was recently included with the family Larcidae in a unique superfamily, Garypinoidea but there are no phylogenetic hypotheses for the group. Sequence data were obtained for 14 species in 8 genera and numerous outgroup taxa that formed the basis for a preliminary molecular phylogeny. A new subfamily classification is proposed with Protogarypininae, subfamily nov. comprising five genera mostly found in the southern hemisphere, Amblyolpiinae subfamily nov. comprising two genera and Garypininae for the remaining genera. Several new taxa are described including the first Australian species of Aldabrinus , A. rixi sp. nov., a new genus from South-East Asia, Nobilipinus , comprising Nobilipinus nobilis (With, 1906), N. vachoni (Redikorzev, 1938) (that is removed from the synonymy of G. nobilis) and five new species, N. affinis , N. galeatus , N. karenae , N. kohi and N. tricosus , and Solinus pingrup sp. nov. from south-western Australia. Paraldabrinus Beier, 1966 is newly synonymised with Aldabrinus , and Indogarypinus Murthy and Ananthakrishan, 1977 is newly synonymised with Solinus. The holotype of Garypinus mirabilis With, 1907 from Hawaii is redescribed but found to be a tritonymph, rendering the generic identity uncertain. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E15E4705-0697-4208-9338-A778343996CA The globally distributed pseudoscorpion family Garypinidae is included with the family Larcidae in a unique superfamily, Garypinoidea but there are no phylogenetic hypotheses for the group. Sequence data were obtained for 14 species in 8 genera, and numerous outgroup taxa that allowed for a preliminary molecular phylogeny. A new subfamily classification is proposed within Garypininae and includes two new subfamilies, Protogarypininae and Amblyolpiinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mysterious deep-sea shrimp Physetocaris microphthalma Chace, 1940 remains a challenge for the understanding of caridean shrimp systematics. Upon first description in 1940, the unique morphology in combination with lack of material made the allocation of P. microphthalma to any family or superfamily difficult, therefore the monotypic superfamily Physetocaridoidea and family Physetocarididae were described. The rarity of the species, only documented a few times in scientific literature, in combination with a circumglobal distribution, makes the advancement of the systematics and biology of this shrimp challenging. Current literature places Physetocaridoidea as a superfamily with a sister relationship to Pandaloidea but this relationship has never been tested using molecular data. Recent expeditions to the northern Gulf of Mexico and north-eastern Pacific Ocean provided fresh material for inclusion in phylogenetic analyses. Here, we used a molecular systematics approach to investigate the phylogenetic placement of this species within the infraorder Caridea and test for cryptic diversity across oceanic basins. We sequenced five genes (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, H3 , NaK and PEPCK) and built phylogenetic trees including specimens across Pandaloidea and other carideans (n = 75) using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian approaches. Our results strongly support the inclusion of P. microphthalma within the family Pandalidae and superfamily Pandaloidea, indicating that the superfamily Physetocaridoidea and family Physetocaridae are not valid. In addition, the inclusion of specimens from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans does not support evidence of cryptic diversity, suggesting the global distribution of P. microphthalma. This is the first study to provide genetic data for this species, resulting in an updated classification for the infraorder Caridea and highlighting that deep-pelagic species can be rare yet still widely distributed. The deep-sea shrimp, Physetocaris microphthalma Chace, 1940, remains a phylogenetic mystery for carcinologists due to the rarity in nature and peculiar morphology. Phylogenetic analyses on new collections from the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific provide definitive evidence that this species is nested within the family Pandalidae (superfamily Pandaloidea) and current assignments as a monotypic species within the family Physeteocarididae and superfamily Physetocaridoidea are not valid. This study provides an updated classification for the Infraorder Caridea and suggests the need for further revisions within the extremely diverse Pandalidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Euconulidae is a globally distributed land snail family but there is no record of this family from Thailand. In this study, we describe a new genus, Siamoconus gen. nov., based on comparative studies of the shell characteristics, external morphology of animals, radula, genital and spermatophore structures, and molecular phylogeny. We performed phylogenetic analyses of two mitochondrial gene fragment (cytochrome c oxidase I, COI; and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear (28S rRNA) gene fragment to clarify the relationships with other euconulid genera and its position in the superfamily Trochomorphoidea. We also analysed shell morphometrics, male genitalia and mantle pigmentation of Siamoconus gen. nov., confirming the status of three new species with keeled shells (S. boreas sp. nov., S. coleus sp. nov. and S. geotrochoides sp. nov.) and one new species with a rounded shell (S. destitutus sp. nov.). These new species are restricted to limestone areas in northern and north-eastern Thailand. We also re-examined the status of other genera in the superfamily Trochomorphoidea based on shell features, body pigmentation, radula, genital anatomy, spermatophore morphology, and a phylogenetic analysis of all available trochomorphoidean DNA sequences. Our analysis suggests that the family Geotrochidae, previously synonymised with the Trochomorphidae, should be resurrected to represent the genus Geotrochus from Borneo, and this family is retrieved as the sister clade of the Dyakiidae. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C5205F4E-5DDE-42E6-A532-761CAFE099C3 Euconulidae is one of the most diverse families in the superfamily Trochomorphoidea with a distribution that is almost world-wide but there is no record of this family from Thailand. We describe four new species of Siamoconus gen. nov., a new euconulid genus and also perform phylogenetic analyses of one nuclear and two mitochondrial gene fragments to clarify the systematic position of this new genus and the relationships to other genera in the superfamily Trochomorphoidea. In addition, the family Geotrochidae, previously synonymised with the Trochomorphidae, is resurrected as sister clade of the Dyakiidae within the superfamily Trochmorphoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South-western Western Australia is a global biodiversity hotspot renowned for exceptional diversity of plants and animals. The evolutionary processes that have generated this high biodiversity are not always clear, particularly for invertebrates, yet the area supports a very large number of endemic species that have diversified in situ. We use an integrative taxonomic approach based on adult and immature morphology, ecology, behaviour and molecular data to investigate the taxonomic status of a sympatric but seasonally isolated form (Neolucia agricola occidens Waterhouse & Lyell, 1914 form 'Julimar') of the polyommatine butterfly Neolucia agricola (Westwood, 1851) in south-western Western Australia. Our molecular dataset comprised 112 samples representing all Neolucia Waterhouse & Turner, 1905 species (100 COI 5′ sequences, 658 bp, plus 12 COI 3′, tRNA Leu , COII and EF1-α sequences, 3303 bp). Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis of the combined dataset recovered form 'Julimar' and N. agricola as reciprocally monophyletic, with a mean uncorrected ' p ' pairwise divergence of 5.77% for the 'barcode' region of COI. Based on this and other evidence we recognise form 'Julimar' as a new species, Neolucia bollami Eastwood, Braby & Graham, sp. nov. , sister to N. agricola and endemic to south-western Western Australia. As a result of these findings, we evaluated the evolutionary history of the two Neolucia species in WA and the processes that may have contributed to the diversification in sympatry or allopatry. We conclude that the multiple effect traits associated with a host shift, including host fidelity and temporal divergence, played an important role in the diversification process and in maintaining the reproductive integrity of the nascent allochronic species. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:53D9AD14-9694-4B5E-889C-A8D533E7F57D South-western Western Australia is a global biodiversity hotspot in a landscape of subdued topography, so the processes that have generated such diversity are not clear. We investigated an unusual form (Julimar) of the butterfly Neolucia agricola occidens that is sympatric but flies at a different time of year. Using integrative taxonomy, we demonstrated that 'Julimar' is a distinct species, Neolucia bollami Eastwood, Braby & Graham, sp. nov. Speciation was likely initiated by a host plant shift reinforced by strong host fidelity and temporal divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helotidae is a small and morphologically uniform family in Nitiduloidea. In this study, we report an unusual form of helotids, represented by Lobatihelota lescheni Li, Liu & Cai gen. nov., sp. nov. and L. iridescens Li, Liu & Cai sp. nov. from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Lobatihelota is unique within the family in having a leg morphology typical of some Nitidulidae and Kateretidae (tibia widened distally, tarsomeres 1–3 bilobed, tarsomere 4 shortened). Additionally, new diagnostic characters are suggested for Trihelota from the same deposit (prosternum and mesoventrite with paired carinae, metanepisterna short, metacoxae meeting elytra laterally), and the morphological divergence of representative genera of the superfamilies Erotyloidea, Nitiduloidea and Cucujoidea is visualised using a phylomorphospace approach. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FE0E4D6A-8157-4E14-9240-7B87F285AEA5 Helotidae is a small family in Nitiduloidea. We report an unusual form of helotids, represented by Lobatihelota lescheni gen. nov., sp. nov. and L. iridescens sp. nov., from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Lobatihelota is unique within the family in having a leg morphology typical of some Nitidulidae and Kateretidae. Additionally, new diagnostic characters are suggested for Trihelota from the same deposit, and the morphological divergence of representative genera of Erotyloidea, Nitiduloidea and Cucujoidea is visualised using a phylomorphospace approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solenogastres and Caudofoveata (Aplacophora) remain some of the least known molluscs, despite ubiquity in the marine environment and importance in understanding molluscan evolution. The use of new morphological techniques and development of DNA barcode libraries have helped make specimen identification easier. However, for solenogasters, using histology for identification and adequate description of species remains necessary in most cases. This, together with the facts that knowledge about solenogaster species distributions is biased and that most species were described from one or very few individuals, explains why many open questions about the actual distribution, intra- and interspecific variability, etc., remain. We performed an integrative taxonomic study of eight specimens of solenogasters from the South China Sea (West Pacific Ocean) thatresulted in the identification of four new species of Proneomeniidae. Species identification and description following the established diagnostic characters were straightforward. However, phylogenetic analysis of molecular data obtained from these specimens and other members of Proneomeniidae indicate that the family is polyphyletic. We recovered representatives of two other families, Epimeniidae (Epimenia) and Strophomeniidae (Anamenia), nested within Proneomeniidae with strong support. Ancestral character state reconstruction indicates that characters commonly used in solenogaster taxonomy, such as the radula and foregut glands, may be more evolutionarily labile in this group than previously known. Therefore our work fills knowledge gaps regarding the diversity and distribution of members of this family but raises important questions about solenogaster taxonomy and systematics that should be further assessed with additional markers and broader taxon sampling. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BCADACD6-9AD0-442A-AD64-031BA8D88599 We describe four new species of Solenogastres (Mollusca, Aplacophora) from the South China Sea (West Pacific). In addition to the morphological descriptions, we sequenced two mitochondrial genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the non-monophyly of the family Proneomeniidae. Ancestral character state reconstruction indicates that some characters commonly used in solenogaster taxonomy need to be revaluated. Thus, this work fills in knowledge gaps regarding the diversity and distribution of solenogasters and raises important questions about their taxonomy and systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norfolk Island harbours a rich land snail diversity dominated by the Microcystidae and Helicarionidae that are currently represented by 10 endemic genera and 27 accepted species and subspecies. We comprehensively revise the taxonomy of these taxa using comparative morphology and phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial genes COI and 16S. We demonstrate that most 'helicarionid' species belong to Microcystidae with only a single species of Helicarionidae present (Dendrolamellaria mathewsi). The Norfolk Island microcystids comprise five major clades. These clades may have independently colonised the Norfolk Island group; however, clarity may only be achieved in a broader phylogenetic context that incorporates the study of extralimital groups. Three clades have radiated in situ into multiple endemic species. Based on our findings, we recognise the previously accepted genera Iredaleoconcha , Nancibella and Roybellia as junior synonyms of Allenoconcha , and Mathewsoconcha and Quintalia as junior synonyms of Advena , based on the close phylogenetic relationships. Furthermore, we confirm the previous treatment of Lutilodix , Parcolena and Dolapex as junior synonyms of Fanulena and Belloconcha as a synonym of Advena , bringing the total number of Norfolk Island microcystid genera to five. Secondly, we provide revised descriptions for each of these genera. Thirdly, we remove Allenoconcha belli , A. mathewsi , A. monspittensis , A. perdepressa and A. royana from the synonymy with Allenoconcha basispiralis. We also remove Helix patescens from synonymy with Quintalia flosculus , treating this as a member of Allenoconcha , and resurrect Advena campbellii nepeanensis and Quintalia stoddartii intermedia as accepted subspecies. Based on comparative morpho-anatomy, we treat Allenoconcha mathewsi and A. monspittensis as junior synonyms of Allenoconcha royana , A. inopina as a junior synonym of Allenoconcha caloraphe , Fanulena fraternus as a junior synonym of F. amiculus , Advena campbellii charon as a synonym of Advena campbellii campbellii , Mathewsoconcha belli , M. compacta and M. norfolkensis as junior synonyms of Advena suteri , M. elevata as a junior synonym of Advena grayi , and M. microstriatum as a junior synonym of Advena phillipii. Lastly, we describe three new species, Allenoconcha evansorum sp. nov., A. margaretae sp. nov. and A. varmani sp. nov. In summary, we accept 27 microcystid species and subspecies all of which are endemic to the Norfolk Island group. We provide recent and historical distribution data for each species and demonstrate that seven species or subspecies are probably extinct. All species are well differentiated in terms of basal branch lengths in the phylogenetic tree, but this distinction is not consistently reflected in the external morphology. Some closely related sister-taxa are very similar in shell morphology whereas others exhibit highly distinctive shells. We hypothesise that these stark differences in shell morphology may result from adaptation to different ecological niches, yet we currently lack a detailed understanding of the underlying evolutionary mechanisms. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BEFC0F76-4405-4EE7-9060-B7D9FB84BCB1 We revise Norfolk Island's endemic land snails from the families Microcystidae and Helicarionidae using comparative morphology and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA. We remove eight species from synonymy, place 10 species in synonymy, describe three new species, and demonstrate that 27 species belong to Microcystidae and only one species to Helicarionidae. Seven species or subspecies are likely to be extinct. We hypothesise that extreme differences in shell form in closely related taxa may result from adaptation to different ecological niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribbon worms (phylum Nemertea) are found in oceans worldwide; however, only a few inhabit terrestrial, semiterrestrial and freshwater environments. In our study, we describe Acteonemertes orientalis sp. nov., a new species of Plectonemertidae Gibson, 1990 and the first plectonemertid discovered in Japan. The species was found in the supralittoral zone, from which nemerteans have rarely been reported and inhabits areas under rocks, wave-dissipating concrete blocks, and fallen leaves and stocks, along the coast of the Sea of Japan. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses based on two mitochondrial (16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) and two nuclear gene markers (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA) revealed that A. orientalis sp. nov. formed a clade with Leptonemertes cf. chalicophora collected from Florida. Although the external and internal morphology of A. orientalis sp. nov. is largely consistent with the generic diagnosis, this species differs in having a large proboscis. Based on the molecular and morphological data, we propose to amend the diagnosis of Acteonemertes by excluding proboscis size. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BBBE9549-5DCE-424F-9A39-930F8243C28B We discovered a new species of ribbon worm, Acteonemertes orientalis sp. nov. that belongs to the family Plectonemertidae. The species was found inhabiting the supratidal zone under rocks, wave-dissipating concrete blocks and fallen leaves, where nemerteans are rarely observed. Our molecular phylogeny suggested that this species forms a clade with Leptonemerte s cf. chalicophora from Florida, USA. Although the feeding habits of the genus remain unknown, we observed that A. orientalis feeds on isopods that occur sympatrically in the natural habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic study of Great Amazon Reef System sponges yielded three Oceanapia -like (Phloeodictyidae, Haplosclerida) species of similar gross morphology, two preliminarily identified as O. bartschi and another as Coelocarteria (Poecilosclerida), due to the presence of common palmate isochelae. The remarkable overall similarity of all three species in gross morphology necessitated an integrative assessment of the phylogenetic affinities. A selection of haplosclerid and poecilosclerid sequences (18S and 28S rRNA) was gathered from Genbank and compared to sequences mapped to reference from metagenome of two Oceanapia -like species from the Amazon River mouth, one of which matched O. bartschi. Both Brazilian species clustered with Coelocarteria singaporensis (Singapore). These species nest in the Poecilosclerida, far from Oceanapia (sp. and isodictyiformis) and other haplosclerids (Amphimedon , Petrosia, Siphonodictyon and Xestospongia) but also far from the poecilosclerid Isodictya that is currently classified in the same family as Coelocarteria , the Isodictyidae. Specimens with chelae are named Coelocarteria alcoladoi sp. nov. herein, while those without chelae represent the other two species. One matched Inflatella bartschi (O. bartchi 's holotype, here re-examined), thereby supporting the transfer of this species to Coelocarteria. The other is proposed as C. amadoi sp. nov. and is the second known lipochelous species in this genus. The 28S phylogenies recovered Coelocarteria bartschi comb. nov. (formerly Oceanapia bartschi) in the Poecilosclerida clade that clustered with Coelocarteria spp., including the type species of this genus, C. singaporensis , with 100% support. Coelocarteria alcoladoi sp. nov., also without chelae, grouped in the same clade, thereby corroborating the classification in this genus. The clade composed of Coelocarteria spp. grouped with Cornulella sp., suggesting an affinity between these genera. Coelocarteria is currently situated within Isodictyidae and Cornulella in Acarnidae. Isodictya (Isodictyidae) grouped with Amphilectus (Esperiopsidae) with high support and is only distantly related to Coelocarteria. Acarnus (Acarnidae) grouped with Clathria , also with high support, far from Coelocarteria and Cornulella. These results suggest the polyphyletic nature of Isodictyidae and Acarnidae, for which reason we preferred to propose a new, currently monotypic family for Coelocarteria spp., Coelocarteriidae fam. nov. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:71FDB6FD-4A5F-4180-8DA7-79EA4CB615D1 The remarkable similarity among three species of sponges from the Amazon reefs, seemingly classified in two distinct orders, necessitated an integrative assessment of the phylogenetic affinities. These species were all found to belong in a highly supported clade together with the type species of the poecilosclerid Coelocarteria (Demospongiae, Porifera). Since this clade did not nest more closely to any poecilosclerid family in particular, we propose to erect the monogeneric Coelocarteriidae fam. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vestimentiferan tubeworm genera Lamellibrachia and Escarpia inhabit deep-sea chemosynthesis-based ecosystems, such as seeps, hydrothermal vents and organic falls, and have wide distributions across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In 2010–2012 during initial explorations of hydrothermal vents of the Mid-Cayman Spreading Centre (MCSC), both genera were found to co-occur at the Von Damm Vent Field (VDVF), a site characterised by diffuse flow, therefore resembling a 'hydrothermal seep'. Here, we erect two new vestimentiferan tubeworm species from the VDVF, Lamellibrachia judigobini sp. nov. and Escarpia tritentaculata sp. nov. Lamellibrachia judigobini sp. nov. differs genetically and morphologically from other Lamellibrachia species, and has a range that extends across the Gulf of Mexico, MCSC, off Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados, and also across both vents and seeps and 964–3304-m water depth. Escarpia tritentaculata sp. nov. is distinguished from other Escarpia species primarily based on morphology and is known only from vents of the MCSC at 2300-m depth. This study highlights the incredible habitat flexibility of a single Lamellibrachia species and the genus Escarpia , and historic biogeographic connections to the eastern Pacific for L. judigobini sp. nov. and the eastern Atlantic for E. tritentaculata sp. nov. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D9F72BD4-FDE1-4C0A-B84B-A08D06F2A981 Sessile vestimentiferan tubeworms inhabit chemosynthetic environments, such as hydrothermal vents or methane seeps. The new species described here, Lamellibrachia judigobini sp. nov. and Escarpia tritentaculata sp. nov., both from seep-dwelling genera, were discovered at a unique 'hydrothermal seep' of the Mid-Cayman Spreading Centre. We show an incredible habitat flexibility of a single Lamellibrachia species and the genus Escarpia , and historic biogeographic connections to the eastern Pacific for L. judigobini and the eastern Atlantic for E. tritentaculata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some fossil Cantharidae from the Burmese amber have been reported, but it is still a poorly investigated group and some unknown taxa remain to be discovered. In this study, we employed comparative morphology and geometric morphometrics to uncover a new catharid genus from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, and further investigate its phylogenetic position within Cantharidae by different cladistic methods. As a result, Brevipterus gen. nov., was defined to accommodate B. strungei (Fanti & Damggard, 2019) comb. nov. transferred from Sanaungulus and another three new species, B. acutiapicis sp. nov., B. abtusiapicis sp. nov. and B. megacephalus sp. nov., and the produced topologies indicate that the new genus is always grouped together with other members of the subfamily Cantharinae. These results will improve our knowledge about Burmite cantharids and provide some more early evidence in reconstructing the phylogeny of Cantharidae. ZooBank LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8CCFE45E-64C9-443F-A4B9-801655DEF1A8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the prospects of taxonomy. It states that the Platygastroidea Planetary Biodiversity Inventory is a large-scale, multinational effort to significantly advance the taxonomy and systematics of one group of parasitoid wasps. It mentions that increased collaboration among taxonomic specialists can significantly shorten the timeline and add increased rigor to the development of hypotheses of characters and taxa.

Australia was historically considered a poor prospect for subterranean fauna but, in reality, the continent holds a great variety of subterranean habitats, with associated faunas, found both in karst and non-karst environments. This paper critically examines the diversity of subterranean fauna in several key regions for the mostly arid western half of Australia. We aimed to document levels of species richness for major taxon groups and examine the degree of uniqueness of the fauna. We also wanted to compare the composition of these ecosystems, and their origins, with other regions of subterranean diversity world-wide. Using information on the number of ‘described’ and ‘known’ invertebrate species (recognised based on morphological and/or molecular data), we predict that the total subterranean fauna for the western half of the continent is 4140 species, of which ~10% is described and 9% is ‘known’ but not yet described. The stygofauna, water beetles, ostracods and copepods have the largest number of described species, while arachnids dominate the described troglofauna. Conversely, copepods, water beetles and isopods are the poorest known groups with less than 20% described species, while hexapods (comprising mostly Collembola, Coleoptera, Blattodea and Hemiptera) are the least known of the troglofauna. Compared with other regions of the world, we consider the Australian subterranean fauna to be unique in its diversity compared with the northern hemisphere for three key reasons: the range and diversity of subterranean habitats is both extensive and novel; direct faunal links to ancient Pangaea and Gondwana are evident, emphasising their early biogeographic history; and Miocene aridification, rather than Pleistocene post-ice age driven diversification events (as is predicted in the northern hemisphere), are likely to have dominated Australia’s subterranean speciation explosion. Finally, we predict that the geologically younger, although more poorly studied, eastern half of the Australian continent is unlikely to be as diverse as the western half, except for stygofauna in porous media. Furthermore, based on similar geology, palaeogeography and tectonic history to that seen in the western parts of Australia, southern Africa, parts of South America and India may also yield similar subterranean biodiversity to that described here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Tainoniacomprises unusually large pholcids endemic to Hispaniola. Previously, only the type species had been formally described, represented in collections by no more than 12 adult specimens. However, the existence of more species has been hypothesised based on a few further individuals. The present paper is based on a sample of 205 mostly newly collected adult specimens from 18 localities in the Dominican Republic and four localities in Haiti. The increased sampling reveals a wide range of variation, including intermediate levels of divergence that often blur rather than clarify species limits. Therefore, although not all taxonomic questions can be settled here, morphological (including morphometric) and molecular (mitochondrial 16S, CO1) data strongly support two new species: one in La Visite National Park, Haiti (T. visite, sp. nov.) and another on Samaná Peninsula and parts of the eastern Dominican Republic (T. samana, sp. nov.). Species limits among the other populations are more difficult to support or reject. Specimens from Bayahibe (eastern Dominican Republic) and from La Ciénaga (Cordillera Central) are each assigned species status on the basis of consistent morphological differences (T. bayahibe, sp. nov., T. cienaga, sp. nov.), but no molecular data are available due to lack of specimens. All other specimens are provisionally assigned to a possibly paraphyletic T. serripes(Simon). There is considerable morphological variation within this widely distributed group of populations but this variation is rather continuous and molecular distances fill most of the range between morphologically unambiguous conspecifics and unambiguous heterospecifics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent intraspecific variation among 42 morphological characters within Neoseiulus californicus(McGregor) (Acari:Phytoseiidae) is examined. Neoseiulus californicusis an important biological control agent used commercially worldwide to control pest mites in many crops. The correct diagnosis of this species is thus of prime importance for successful biological control and agricultural development. Incorrect interpretation of intraspecific variation could lead to misidentification and potentially to the description of new species that may be invalid. Three hundred female N. californicusrepresenting ten populations collected from all over the world were measured and compared with the types of two morphologically close species: Neoseiulus marinus(Willmann) and Neoseiulus ornatus(Athias-Henriot). Significant differences between the populations were observed for almost all of the characters considered. However, these differences were small and low within-population standard errors in measurement data were observed. The mites collected in Chile were very different from the specimens of the other populations of N. californicusconsidered. The level of intraspecific morphological variation found within N. californicusindicates that caution must be applied to correctly determine species boundaries within this genus and morphological variation needs to be considered more in species' descriptions. Based on our morphological analysis we conclude that N. ornatus, N. marinusand N. californicusare valid species. Redescriptions of these three species are given in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, Australia has undergone a renaissance in studies of subterranean biology. This paper sets these recent developments into context from the perspective of groundwater fauna. Owing to its obligate subterranean life, typical local endemicity and the geological persistence of subterranean habitats, stygofauna is an excellent subject for biogeographic study. Groundwater containing diverse faunas range from freshwater to marine salinities in both coastal and continental locations. They occur in typical karst, alluvial, and fractured rock aquifers, but also in novel matrices formed during the hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater (goethite pisolites and groundwater calcretes) in the Tertiary. This range of habitats, water quality and the diverse origins of the fauna (Gondwanan, Pangaean and Tethys) support a phylogenetically highly diverse fauna. Several taxa, notably among the Podocopida, Bathynellacea, Amphipoda, and Dytiscidae show remarkable species diversity. Typically there is fine spatial scale endemicity of species associated with local aquifers, but there are inexplicable regional differences, such as the change of fauna between the Yilgarn and Pilbara, contiguous areas on the long emergent Western Shield. The anchialine taxa representing higher taxa are highly disjunct from their congeners in the North Atlantic. The emerging species richness, the fine scale patchwork of endemicity, and the distinct regional differences, respectively, contribute to a substantial increase in ?, ? and ? diversity of the aquatic fauna, especially in arid Australia. This diversity is posing challenging issues for proponents and regulators of mineral development because much of this diversity has emerged in the two most mineraliferous provinces of Australia. The scientific capacity to respond is challenged by the sheer scale of the emerging issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spider genus Dysdera Latreille is an excellent model for the study of the evolution of cave life: ten species are known to exist exclusively in the subterranean environment of the Canary Islands, where the genus has undergone local diversification. In the present paper, two new troglobitic species (Dysdera madai, sp. nov. and D. sibyllina, sp. nov.) and the previously unknown sex of five additional species are described and illustrated: the males of D. gollumi Ribera & Arnedo, 1994, D. hernandezi Arnedo & Ribera, 1999 and D. labradaensis Wunderlich, 1991; and the females of D. andamanae Arnedo & Ribera, 1997 and D. gibbifera Wunderlich, 1991. The first direct evidence of troglobitic members of Dysdera in micro- and mesocaverns are reported. The evolution of cave life as hypothesised following a combined morphological and molecular phylogeny is investigated. Troglobitic Canarian Dysdera species have colonised the underground on eight independent occasions. The Dysderidae groundplan represents a preadaptation to cave life and has facilitated the colonisation of caves. Canarian members of Dysdera have a predominantly parapatric mode of speciation, although postspeciation changes in distribution may have obscured allopatric processes. Eye regression and, to a lesser extent, larger body size and appendage elongation characterise troglobitic species. The different levels of troglobiomorphism are interpreted as local adaptations to heterogeneous subterranean conditions. The high levels of sympatry among troglobites are explained by trophic segregation and changes in prey capture strategy were involved in the single identified case of subterranean speciation in the group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a revision of Haplomesus Richardson, 1908 (Ischnomesidae). Poor character definition, ineffective diagnosis of the genus and inadequate or poor descriptions and illustrations have resulted in difficulties in identification of species and generic membership. This study is based on type material and descriptions in the literature and encompasses 28 species. Four new genera are created, justified by a phylogenetic analysis of 37 ingroup taxa and two outgroup taxa. Three species of the ingroup were excluded owing to missing data. Four species are retained in Haplomesus sensu stricto, two species are removed to Cornuamesus, gen. nov., 11 species are removed to Fortimesus, gen. nov. and 12 species are removed to Gracilimesus, gen. nov. One species, Haplomesus franklinae Merrin & Poore, 2003 is removed from the group and placed in Contrarimesus, gen. nov. with another species, Ischnomesus curtispinis Brandt, 1992. The species level is conferred on Haplomesus insignis orientalis Birstein, 1960. Haplomesus quadrispinosus sensu Brandt (1992) is removed from H. quadrispinosus (Sars, 1879) and Haplomesus ?gorbunovi sensu Svavarsson (1984) is removed from Gracilimesus gorbunovi (Gurjanova, 1946). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acarinaria are specialised structures on the bodies of insects that harbour dispersing mites, providing a secure attachment place for the mites. The structures are best known among bees and wasps. Their presence remains enigmatic, however, since the associated mites often have negative or neutral effects on their hosts. A new hypothesis explaining the origin of the acarinarium as a specialised defence mechanism is proposed. In nests with partitions (as constructed by many bees and wasps), parasitic or cleptoparasitic mites are rarely found in all cells. They negatively interact only with host larvae developing in infested cells and apparently cannot disperse within the nest to attack others in the developing brood before bee emergence. Only when emerging bees break the partitions can the mites reach other hosts. We propose that acarinaria serve to concentrate unwanted mites, reducing the chance that they will disperse to other members of the brood as the infested host leaves the nest. Development of special mite pouches (acarinaria) by hymenopteran hosts presumably increases the likelihood that all mites will stay with the individual(s) with reduced fitness, thereby reducing their effect on other bees in the brood. This paper reviews the associations between chaetodactylid mites and long-tongued bees (Apidae and Megachilidae). Only apid bees (Apidae) have acarinaria; megachilid bees, which harbour species of Chaetodactylus that usually kill the bee larvae, do not possess acarinaria. The following associations involving previously undescribed acarinaria or mite species are reported: Achaetodactylus ceratinae (axillar acarinarium on Ceratina nigriceps); Roubikia latebrosa, sp. nov. (metasomal acarinarium on Tetrapedia sp.), Sennertia argentina (genital acarinarium on Xylocopa fimbriata), Sennertia devincta, sp. nov., Sennertia sayutara, sp. nov. (metasomal acarinaria on Ceratina (Zadontomerus) spp.), Sennertia lauta, sp. nov. and Sennertia ratiocinator, sp. nov. (incipient scutellar?metanotal acarinarium on Xylocopa (Zonohirsuta) spp.). In the latter case, the mites display a remarkable difference in the attachment sites between male and female hosts. In females, the mites are phoretic in a groove between the scutellum and metanotum (scutellar?metanotal acarinarium), whereas on males, mites attach to the hairs of the anterior scutum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The histerid subfamily Chlamydopsinae is a clade of obligate inquilines of social insects, mainly ants. They show a wide range of bizarre morphological characteristics, including highly varied trichomes, associated with this lifestyle. They occur throughout Australia and Indomalaysia, with a few species occurring as far from this centre of diversity as India and Japan. At present the subfamily contains 12 genera and 174 species, several of which are newly described herein (Teretriopsis theryi, gen. nov., sp. nov., Papuopsis andersoni, gen. nov., sp. nov. and Quasimodopsis riedeli, gen. nov. sp. nov.). This paper presents a phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters of all of the main lineages of the family, provides a complete catalogue of the species, a key to all the genera, and proposes several new combinations. The phylogenetic analysis reveals two large clades, one (including the genera Chlamydopsis Westwood, Eucurtia Mjberg, and Ectatommiphila Lea) is largely restricted to the Australian continent, whereas the other, containing all other genera, is much more widespread, including many Australian species, but extending also through Indomalaysia into south-east Asia. The beetles are known to utilise many hosts, including ants in four different subfamilies (Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, Dolichoderinae, and Formicinae), as well as termites in the genus Eutermes. However, host records are not yet sufficiently comprehensive to exhibit any clear phylogenetic signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Priochirus Sharp (Coleoptera:Staphylinidae) is a rove beetle group with great variation in cephalic structures, especially the teeth on the frontal margin of head. In this paper, phylogenetic relationships among ten subgenera of the genus Priochirussensu lato, and of Priochirus and other genera of the tribe Leptochirini are analysed. A cladistic analysis was conducted based on 62 characters of adult morphology. Results indicate that the genus Priochirus is not a monophyletic group and is divided into two lineages (called here Lineages I and II respectively). The subgenus Euleptarthrus Jakobson, which included three species-groups (japonicus, longicornis and malayanus), is shown to be polyphyletic. Lineage I corresponds with the Leiochirus + (Exochirus + Syncampsochirus) + (Eutriacanthus + (Plastus + (japonicus-group of Euleptarthrus + (Barychirus + Stigmatochirus)))) clade and forms a sister group to the genus Thoracochirus Bernhauer. Lineage II corresponds with the Priochirus, s. str. + (Cephalomerus + (longicornis- and malayanus-group of the Euleptarthrus)) clade. In addition, the analysis reveals sister relationships between representatives of Lineage I and the genus Thoracochirus. On the basis of phylogenetic inference, the genus Plastus Bernhauer, stat. nov. is proposed to include the subgenera of Lineage I and a new subgenus Sinumandibulus, subgen. nov., which is erected for the japonicus-group of the former subgenus Euleptarthrus. The genus Priochirus Sharp sensu novo is redefined to include the subgenera of Lineage II. Seven new species are described from China: Plastus (Sinumandibulus) curvaticornis, sp. nov. from Sichuan; Plastus (Sinumandibulus) recticornis, sp. nov. from Hubei; Priochirus (Euleptarthrus) amblyodontus, sp. nov. from Hunan; Priochirus (Euleptarthrus) baoxingensis, sp. nov. from Sichuan, Priochirus (Euleptarthrus) elongates, sp. nov. from Guizhou, Priochirus (Euleptarthrus) parvicornis, sp. nov. from Fujian and Priochirus (Euleptarthrus) oxygonus, sp. nov. from Hainan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Scirtidae Fleming, 1821 has been identified as one of the earliest diverging groups of Polyphagan beetles and is particularly speciose in Australia. However, very little is known about the origin of the Australian scirtids and there is a need for a robust, well-supported phylogeny to guide the genus and species descriptions and understand the relationships among taxa. In this study we carried out a phylogenetic analysis of the Australian Scirtinae Fleming, 1821, using DNA sequence data from ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and included representative taxa from New Zealand, New Caledonia, South America, South Africa and Eurasia in the analysis. Bayesian analyses of a concatenated dataset from 79 taxa recovered four major Southern Hemisphere groupings and two Australian–Eurasian groupings. The Veronatus group mainly consisted of genera from New Zealand, with the three Australian representatives only distantly related to each other. Relaxed molecular clock analyses, using the estimated age of the crown node of the Polyphaga for calibration, support a Gondwanan history for four of the groups of Australian Scirtinae and a northern origin for two groups. Our results highlight the value of commercially available UCEs for resolving the phylogenetic history of ancient groups of Coleoptera. Marsh beetles (Scirtidae) are a worldwide family that are particularly diverse in Australia with over 300 species described. Here, we produce a robust phylogeny of the sub-family Scirtinae using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and investigate the systematics and evolutionary origins of Australian taxa. Our analyses revealed six major groupings of Australian Scirtinae, four with Gondwanan history and two with a relatively recent origin from Asia. Our results further highlight the value of UCEs for resolving systematic relationships of ancient arthropod groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Zealand is home to 30 recognised endemic mite harvestman species and subspecies, 26 of which were described by Ray Forster in 1948 and 1952. These species comprise three genera: Rakaia Hirst, 1926 , Neopurcellia Forster, 1948 , and Aoraki Boyer & Giribet, 2007. Here, we focus on the diversity and distribution of Aoraki : we describe A. grandis Boyer, Tuffield & Dohr, sp. nov. and A. meridialis Boyer, Hahn & Ward, sp. nov. and we synonymise A. granulosa (Forster, 1952) with A. tumidata (Forster, 1948), bringing the total of named species and subspecies to twelve, and extending the southern range of the genus by over 100 km. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed three major lineages within the genus characterised by differing levels of granulation of the male fourth tarsus. We report striking variation in the range size and level of genetic structuring present within currently recognised species and subspecies of Aoraki , and propose future studies to address evolutionary, biogeographic and taxonomic questions in the group. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BDD4D61C-B099–44D5–949C-34AD217A016F. New Zealand is home to many groups of organisms that are found there and nowhere else in the world; one such group is Aoraki , a genus of tiny leaf litter arachnids. Here, we use morphological and genetic data to identify and describe two new species of Aoraki , and map the distribution of all known collections of the genus. We find surprising contrasts in species range sizes and intraspecies genetic variation that may reflect major events in New Zealand's geological history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate species delimitation is crucial for our understanding of evolution, biodiversity and conservation. However, morphology-based species delimitation alone appears to be prone to taxonomic errors and ineffective for taxa with high interspecific morphological homogeneity or intraspecific morphological variations, as is the case for mesothele and mygalomorph spiders. Combined molecular–morphology species delimitation has shown great potential to delimit species boundaries in such ancient lineages. In the present study, molecular and morphological evidence were integrated to delimit species of the primitively segmented spider genus Songthela Ono, 2000. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) was sequenced for 192 novel specimens belonging to 12 putative morphospecies. The evolutionary relationships within Songthela and the 12-morphospecies hypothesis were tested in two steps – species discovery and species validation – using four single-locus species delimitation approaches. All species delimitation analyses supported the 12-species hypothesis. Phylogenetic analyses yielded three major clades in Songthela, which are consistent with morphology. Accordingly, we assigned 19 known and 11 new species (S. aokoulong, sp. nov., S. bispina, sp. nov., S. dapo, sp. nov., S. huayanxi, sp. nov., S. lianhe, sp. nov., S. lingshang, sp. nov., S. multidentata, sp. nov., S. tianmen, sp. nov., S. unispina, sp. nov., S. xiujian, sp. nov., S. zizhu, sp. nov.) of Songthela to three species-groups: the bispina-group, the multidentata-group and the unispina-group. Another new species, S. zimugang, sp. nov., is not included in any species groups, but forms a sister lineage to the bispina- and unispina-groups. These results elucidate a high species diversity of Songthela in a small area and demonstrate that integrating morphology with COI-based species delimitation is fast and cost-effective in delimiting species boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoentomelas asatoi Hasegawa, 1989 is a parasitic nematode that infests only the scincid lizard Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus (Hallowell, 1861) that inhabits the forest floor in the Northern and Central Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. As a member of Rhabdiasidae, the reproductive mode of N. asatoi is characterised by the alternation of the protandrous hermaphroditic mode and gonochoristic mode throughout the life cycle. The intrafamily phylogenetic position and intraspecific diversity of this nematode species were inferred by molecular phylogenetic analyses. The results revealed the phylogenetic distinctiveness of Neoentomelas Hasegawa, 1989 in Rhabdiasidae that supports the unique generic status of Neoentomelas within the family. The intraspecific phylogenetic analyses of N. asatoi revealed a minor concordant phylogenetic pattern with the host and mosaic geographic arrangement of the major clades that was discordant with the host. The analyses and distribution pattern of subclades suggested that this geographic arrangement can be explained by at least three dispersal events and subsequent switching to indigenous host populations. Colonisation events might be promoted by the high establishment rate of new populations stemming from the parthenogenesis-like reproduction mode of N. asatoi. This study demonstrated that reproductive modes can affect the intraspecific genetic diversity of parasites. Neoentomelas asatoi is a parasitic nematode that infests only a scincid lizard species in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. We clarified the phylogenetic distinctiveness of Neoentomelas in Rhabdiasidae and revealed at least three dispersal events of the major clades within N. asatoi. Our results provide new insight into the evolutionary history of Rhabdiasidae and the diversification factors of parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological variability within Cassiopea is well documented and has led to inaccuracies in the establishment of species boundaries in this taxon. Cassiopea medusae specimens from the Western Pacific (Japan and the Philippines) were analysed using multiple lines of complementary evidence, including types of cnidae, macro-morphology and molecular data. These observations lead to the recognition of two distinct species: Cassiopea mayeri , sp. nov. and a previously synonymised variety now raised to species level (Cassiopea culionensis , stat. nov.). These species can be distinguished from each other using morphological features. Herein, sexually dimorphic traits are included for the first time in the descriptions of Cassiopea species. Nematocyst types not previously observed in the genus are also reported. Molecular analyses, based on individual and combined markers (16S + cytochrome c oxidase I, COI), also support two distinct species; they are not sister taxa, and both are nested together within a clade of other Cassiopea members from the Australian and Indo-Pacific regions. Species richness is underestimated in the Western Pacific region, and integrative approaches are helpful to reveal and describe species. The systematics of Cassiopea is far from completely understood, but the present study represents an important further step. http://www.zoobank.org/References/B1A66787-009D-4465-954A-412C6878FCB4. Integration of multiple lines of evidence for the study of jellyfish diversity has shown that it is more species-rich than traditionally thought. Using an integrative approach, we identified specimens of Cassiopea medusae from the Philippines and Japan. They belong to two species: one new and one previously recognised as a variety. Our results support the hypothesis that the species richness of jellyfish is underestimated, and this study can serve as a reference to uncover hidden diversity of Cassiopea and other allied taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]