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Lecanora exspersa Nyl., a corticolous sterile sorediate crustose lichen previously known only from sparse collections in the mountains of Eurasia, is here reported as new to North America. We collected eight specimens attributable to this name as a part of our recently launched comprehensive lichen inventory of the southern Rocky Mountains and adjacent high plains of Colorado. Chemical and morphological study of these specimens as well as a molecular phylogeny containing our specimens, accessions of L. exspersa from Europe, and other sorediate members of the genus with which L. exspersa may be confused, helped to confirm its identification and placement within the L. subfusca group. This new record for North America is characterized by its thin, grey, smooth to verruculose thallus on bark or wood, its discrete, circular mint-green soralia that erupt from verrucae (these becoming larger and plane with age and often bearing a prominent thalline rim), and its production of atranorin and nephrosteranic acid. We provide discussion along with a dichotomous key to help facilitate the identification of this species and other sorediate species of Lecanora from western North America. Continued fieldwork followed by herbarium studies of the Colorado lichen biota will, we predict, yield many new additional records as in the present report as well as species new to science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper includes a comprehensive taxonomical study based on seed morphology of 31 Euphorbia L species from Türkiye. The studied Euphorbia taxa have been examined for morphological traits such as seed color, dimensions, surface ornamentation, cell wall structures, lipid granule presence, and caruncle shape and dimensions with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereo microscopy to develop a better understanding of the basis of its species. The outcomes show that the species differ based on seed shape and color. The seed width dimensions are between 0.55 and 3.83 mm and the length dimensions are between 1.03 and 5.87 mm. Euphorbia lathyris, E. prostrata, and E. nutans are marked differently from the rest of the studied species based on their seed dimension. The seed surface ornamentation is classified into 12 different types: tuberculate, reticulate, areolate, colliculate, verrucate, alveolate, rugose, alveolate‐reticulate, slightly reticulate, reticulate‐areolate, pusticulate, and ruminate. The most common form is reticulate, found in eight species. The tuberculate (in E. helioscopia), areolate (in E. oblongata), slightly reticulate (in E. amygdaloides), and ruminate (in E. herniariifolia) ornamentation types are each characterized by only one species. The presence of lipid granules and anticlinal and periclinal cell walls disclose interspecific relationships within the examined taxa. Also, an identification key is offered for the studied species based on seed characters. Research Highlights: The seeds of Turkish Euphorbia species have been studied in depth.The morphological characters of seeds of Turkish Euphorbia species have been examined utilizing SEM and light microscopy for the first time and discussed the taxonomic practice of these characteristics.A dichotomous key containing seed morphological data has presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cernotina Ross, 1938 is represented in the southeastern United States by three nominal species: Cernotina calcea Ross, 1938, Cernotina spicata Ross, 1938, and Cernotina truncona Ross, 1947. Of all Cernotina species, only the larva of C. spicata has been described to date. The goal of this paper is to describe, illustrate, and diagnose the larva of C. truncona using ecologically associated specimens. In addition, we used publicly available mitochondrial DNA barcoding data to evaluate the genetic relationships of these species. The larvae of Cernotina truncona can be distinguished from those of C. spicata by differences in setal placement and number on the meso- and metanota, mandibular morphology, head width, and distal setation of the tarsi. The ultrastructure of the anal claw is figured, highlighting the novel finding of small spines on the concave margin of a larva of Cernotina. With this new description, just the second described larva from this genus, only C. calcea remains unknown in the southeastern United States. The information provided herein enables the in-depth study of the ecology and life history of this diminutive caddisfly.

The jumping spider species Gedea pinguis Cao & Li, 2016 is newly recorded from Vietnam and redescribed based on the sole male specimen. A detailed redescription, illustrations of the copulatory organs, and somatic features, along with an updated distribution map are provided. DNA barcode derived from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of the species G. pinguis from Vietnam is also included for future use and to compare the genetic distances with Gedea cf. tibialis Zabka, 1985 from Malaysia. With the addition of a new record, the genus Gedea Simon, 1902 in Vietnam now reaches 3 species, but doubts arise regarding the conspecificity of the two opposite sex species, Gedea tibialis Żabka, 1985 (male) and Gedea typica (Żabka, 1985) (female), as they share the same type locality. Additionally, a dichotomous key to all Gedea species is also given in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cernotina Ross, 1938 is represented in the southeastern United States by three nominal species: Cernotina calcea Ross, 1938, Cernotina spicata Ross, 1938, and Cernotina truncona Ross, 1947. Of all Cernotina species, only the larva of C. spicata has been described to date. The goal of this paper is to describe, illustrate, and diagnose the larva of C. truncona using ecologically associated specimens. In addition, we used publicly available mitochondrial DNA barcoding data to evaluate the genetic relationships of these species. The larvae of Cernotina truncona can be distinguished from those of C. spicata by differences in setal placement and number on the meso- and metanota, mandibular morphology, head width, and distal setation of the tarsi. The ultrastructure of the anal claw is figured, highlighting the novel finding of small spines on the concave margin of a larva of Cernotina. With this new description, just the second described larva from this genus, only C. calcea remains unknown in the southeastern United States. The information provided herein enables the in-depth study of the ecology and life history of this diminutive caddisfly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mites in the family Halarachnidae are common endoparasites infesting the nasal tissues of a variety of marine mammals. These mites are easily transmissible and compromise the health of their hosts, especially in captive environments. While these mites are noted by marine mammal caretakers, they may easily be misidentified due to repeated revisions to halarachnid mite taxonomy and reclassification of misidentified specimens. Species identification currently requires multiple taxonomic keys, knowledge of revisions to species classifications through time, and training in acarology, which is impractical for marine mammal clinicians. Therefore, to summarize the known taxonomy and aid in future identification of halarachnid mites, we present a pictorial key composed of illustrations based on existing literature and images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution light microscopy (LM). Illustrations are organized into flow charts for the identification of both adult and larval stages. Dorsal shield silhouettes are also provided to facilitate the identification of adults. We hope that this key be used to simplify future taxonomic research, provide a standard for species identification, and aid in the diagnosis of halarachnid infestations in captive and rehabilitated marine mammal populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study provides the morphotaxonomic-based identification of the world species of the subgenus Oligonychus (Oligonychus) Berlese. In this lieu, five diagnostic keys were erected to identify Oligonychus (O.) species belonging to five subgroups; smithi, peruvianus, subnudus, aceris, and coffeae. In addition, taxonomic notes on some Oligonychus (O.) species, either briefly described or closely related, were provided, and intraspecific variations were highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood anatomy is considered to be a precise and rapid method in wood identification. Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of trees in the family of Myrtaceae. Due to the lack of appropriate systematic approaches, timber identification of Eucalyptus species is presently done based on visual observations and personnel skills. Therefore, the authenticity of Eucalyptus species is frequently questioned at the timber market. Identification of Eucalyptus species based on anatomical properties is recognized to be an imperative exercise as it could minimize possible misleads in the timber industry. In this research, nine Eucalyptus species grown in Sri Lanka namely: E. camaldulensis, E. citriodora, E. torelliana, E. pilularis, E. tereticornis, E. globulus, E. microcorys, E. Robusta and E. grandis were employed in identifying the variation of wood anatomical features with the idea of distinguishing the species. Anatomical features published by International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA) were used as the reference. Twelve wood sections representing each species (Tangential and Transverse sections of the wood) were used to identify the microscopic features. Micrometrics SE Premium 4 software was used to analyze the anatomical features of the timber. Based on the anatomical features of rays, vessels and parenchyma, a Dichotomous key was developed for the precise identification of Eucalyptus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enigmatic ‘y-larvae’ (Thecostraca: Facetotecta) are microscopic marine planktonic crustaceans that were discovered more than a century ago, yet to this day their adults remain unknown. Despite occurring locally in large diversities, and therefore presumably being of ecological importance, only 17 species have been described globally, rendering it practically impossible to identify any y-larval specimen from any locality. The fact that species have been based on different life stages (nauplii and/or cyprids) further hampers identification. Y-larvae include many forms with planktotrophic (feeding) nauplii and even more with lecithotrophic (non-feeding) nauplii. At one coral-reef locality on the shore of Sesoko Island (Okinawa, Japan), extensive fieldwork in 2018 and 2019 confirmed an enormous taxonomic diversity of y-larvae there. Here, we present morphological diagnoses and an identification key for 34 lecithotrophic y-naupliar types (or morphospecies), which will correspond minimally to the same number of species when described. As a temporary measure, all are referred to by alphabetical parataxonomic designations, except for three that have been formally described already within the genus Hansenocaris Itô, 1985. To this should be added an additional 7–9 planktotrophic y-naupliar morphospecies, which are only treated briefly. Most often, y-larval taxonomy has been based on the cyprid stage, but the large morphological diversity of y-nauplii suggests that nauplii are at least as important for taxonomy. Lecithotrophic y-nauplii display a multitude of body shapes, the form-evolution of which is discussed here with reference to a recent molecular phylogeny of Facetotecta partly based on material from the same site. An indirect estimate of the relative abundances of all 34 lecithotrophic y-naupliar morphospecies is presented, based on laboratory-reared final-instar specimens. This treatment is intended as a step towards a proper taxonomy and a revised classification of Facetotecta, which will involve detailed descriptions of both nauplii and cyprids. Until such work progresses, the present overview of the y-naupliar fauna of a single Okinawan locality known to be a hotspot of y-larval diversity is offered as a baseline for further surveys of Facetotecta elsewhere in the Indo-West Pacific and beyond.

We review morphology of Sunda Shelf Gonocephalus with an emphasis on Sumatran and Javan species. At least 15 species and subspecies inhabit Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and adjacent smaller continental islands. Following analysis of external morphology, we provide a dichotomous key to Sunda Shelf Gonocephalus and resolve two taxonomic problems with this group of lizards. Three populations of Gonocephalus doriae on Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sumatra are recognized as subspecies, because they lack concordance of multiple morphological differences and have low genetic divergence in a 556 base-pair fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. Described as new herein, G. doriae brevis from Aceh and North Sumatra differs from G. d. abbotti and G. d. doriae in usually having more scales around midbody and a relatively shorter tail with fewer dark bands. Though previously reported as lost, a syntype of G. d. doriae (MSNG 29152) is designated as lectotype, illustrated, and described. Also described as new, G. inauris from high elevations of the Bukit Barisan Range of Bengkulu, Sumatra, is a species of the G. megalepis Group differing from all congeners in having 7/6 (vs. 8–19) loreals separating the last canthal and supralabials, 8/8 (11–27) infraorbitals, and 58 (73–153) scales around midbody. In this new species, distinctly enlarged suboculars broadly contact its supralabials, whereas 1–4 lorilabials separate the suboculars and supralabials in congeners. High genetic divergence in the new species mirrors its high level of morphological divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Polycentropus confusus species group (Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae) comprises 19 nominal species occurring throughout the eastern Nearctic Region. This group has never been comprehensively treated, prompting its full revision here. Males of all 19 species are redescribed and illustrated, and the 14 known females of the group are described and illustrated, including the original descriptions and illustrations for the females of P. alabamensis Hamilton, Harris, and Lago, 1990, P. carolinensis Banks, 1905, and P. chelatus Ross and Yamamoto, 1965. Neotypes are designated for P. alabamensis and P. elarus Ross, 1944, and dichotomous keys to males and females are provided. New state and province records are reported, one new country record is reported, erroneous records are corrected, biological notes are provided, and the known distribution of each species is summarised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Claws of avian raptors have been used to make symbolic objects and decorations in many geographic regions and cultures; thus, their species identification increases our ability to draw more in‐depth conclusions from zooarcheological materials. It is the first ever manual for identification of ungual phalanges of European Accipitridae. It can be used in conjunction with a previously published manual for owls and falcons as well as independently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species in the genus Cryphalus are small and notoriously difficult to identify. Even among the relatively well studied European species, erroneous identifications are evident from literature and in museum collections. These misidentifications relate to the small size and similar appearance of Cryphalus species but they are also a product of insufficient diagnostic characters. This is especially unfortunate since some European species are considered pests. Based on the study of more than 1000 specimens and a thorough literature review, robust morphological and molecular evidence supporting all five hitherto recognised native species of Cryphalus in Europe is provided. A key for the reliable identification of these repetition species including new diagnostic characters recognised for the first time, including those from male genitalia, has been constructed. Each native species is provided with a detailed morphological description and their economic significance, distribution, and ecology discussed. Significant genetic variability is observed between certain clusters that should be further explored in a broader geographic context. Lastly, the need for a taxonomic revision of the genus Cryphalus for the entire Palearctic region due to the presence of many similar looking species which are often confused, thus distorting the knowledge of each species is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the first of two scheduled publications for this project. It contains a dichotomous key to the identification of the ungual phalanges of European owls and falcons; the second part will contain accipitrids. The manual(s) will facilitate the work of zooarchaeologists and palaeontologists, especially since comparative specimens in osteological collections are often difficult to access and/or incomplete. This, in turn, will indirectly contribute to a more in‐depth interpretation of zooarcheological materials, because bird talons were used to produce symbolic objects and decorations in different archeological periods and in various geographical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pantanal is the largest seasonal freshwater wetland on Earth, characterized by the seasonal flooding and complex mosaic vegetation, which determines its biodiversity. Among this biodiversity, dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) are a group of insects that perform important ecological functions, such as: nutrient cycling, seed dispersion and parasite control. In order to mitigate the lack of information on dung beetle fauna of the Brazilian Pantanal, we conducted a bibliographic search of virtually all literature published until november-2020 on dung beetles sampled in the Pantanal. In addition, we had accessed to the records the largest collection of the dung beetle species from Brazilian Pantanal. We recorded 68 dung beetle species of 30 genera. The genera Canthon Holffmanseg 1847 is the most diverse with 13 species recorded. Although our knowledge about the dung beetle fauna in this ecosystem is still incipient, our results demonstrated a high richness of dung beetles in the Brazilian Pantanal. In addition, our study provides first list of dung beetle species and an illustrated dichotomy key to identify genera and some species occurring in the Brazilian Pantanal. Thus, the use of this guide for identification of dung beetle species and a list of species can be important tools to help researchers and provide incentive for new inventories on dung beetle fauna in the Brazilian Pantanal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Türkiye is known to have the highest diversity of the spider family Agelenidae in the Western Palaearctic and the highest diversity of the subfamily Ageleninae globally. The new agelenid genus Anatextrix gen. nov. (Ageleninae, Textricini) and its type species, A. spectabilis sp. nov. (♂♀; Mersin and Adana provinces, southern Türkiye), are described. A key to all four genera of Textricini is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper includes a comprehensive taxonomical study based on seed morphology of 31 Euphorbia L species from Türkiye. The studied Euphorbia taxa have been examined for morphological traits such as seed color, dimensions, surface ornamentation, cell wall structures, lipid granule presence, and caruncle shape and dimensions with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereo microscopy to develop a better understanding of the basis of its species. The outcomes show that the species differ based on seed shape and color. The seed width dimensions are between 0.55 and 3.83 mm and the length dimensions are between 1.03 and 5.87 mm. Euphorbia lathyris, E. prostrata, and E. nutans are marked differently from the rest of the studied species based on their seed dimension. The seed surface ornamentation is classified into 12 different types: tuberculate, reticulate, areolate, colliculate, verrucate, alveolate, rugose, alveolate-reticulate, slightly reticulate, reticulate-areolate, pusticulate, and ruminate. The most common form is reticulate, found in eight species. The tuberculate (in E. helioscopia), areolate (in E. oblongata), slightly reticulate (in E. amygdaloides), and ruminate (in E. herniariifolia) ornamentation types are each characterized by only one species. The presence of lipid granules and anticlinal and periclinal cell walls disclose interspecific relationships within the examined taxa. Also, an identification key is offered for the studied species based on seed characters. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The seeds of Turkish Euphorbia species have been studied in depth. The morphological characters of seeds of Turkish Euphorbia species have been examined utilizing SEM and light microscopy for the first time and discussed the taxonomic practice of these characteristics. A dichotomous key containing seed morphological data has presented., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

We report Glyptotermes ceylonicus (Holmgren, 1911), an endemic Sri Lankan termite, for the first time from India. Glyptotermes show a high degree of endemism throughout the world. Record of this species from the current location indicates a wide distribution of this species in southern India, in the past, before the complete separation of Sri Lanka from India. The current distribution of Glyptotermes ceylonicus is also an example of discontinuous distribution. Pictorial illustrations of the morphologically important parts and revised key for the Indian species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is an update on the earthworm fauna of Solan District, Himachal Pradesh State, a constituent of Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. It is based on the field collection and published litera- ture data. Hereby, it is provided an updated list of 32 species belonging to 18 genera and seven families, namely Moniligastridae, Lumbricidae, Ocnerodrilidae, Acanthodrilidae, Benhamiidae, Octochaetidae and Megascolecidae. These mainly include exotic and native peregrine species, including exotic per- egrine Amynthas hupeiensis (Michaelsen, 1895), which was recently recorded for the first time from India. A systematic account of earthworm species with their distribution and a dichotomous key is provided for their identification.

This work presents an updated dichotomous key to all snake species of Europe, based on morphological, morphometric and distributional characters. It gathers data from both the last dichotomous keys concerning European snake species and every following paper giving updates on taxonomic classification or the occurrence of new allochthonous species. The key includes 58 snake taxa, including 57species and one still unnamed taxon, distributed on the European territory, and photographic material for each species. The aim of this paper is to make the identification of all European snake species through a single manuscript more accessible, not only for researchers, but also for citizen science, thus enhancing data collection and assist species conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exploring using constructivist learning has become a focus of educational research in recent years. However, no available research has been found which examines the contribution of constructivist learning through the implementation of handheld computers and tablets (in the literature, a constructivist mobile learning environment refers to constructivist learning with the implementation of mobile devices) to student knowledge across cognitive levels, while their opinion on that contribution in biological education in primary schools is as yet unreported. Purpose: The main aim of this research is to examine the contribution of the Dichotomous Mobile Key (DMK) and the Dichotomous Printed Key (DPK), implemented in the classroom through constructivist learning, to student achievement and the sustainability of the primary school students' biological knowledge about the Systematic and classification of plants at all cognitive levels. The research also analyses students' opinions about the applied dichotomous keys in the constructivist learning process and the correlation between student knowledge and their opinion about the application of the DMK or the DPK. Design and methods: This research uses a quasi-experimental design and involved 140 eight-grade students from Montenegro assigned to two experimental groups, learning through: 1) the DPK (Group C) and 2) the DMK (Group E). Results and conclusions: The results indicate that studying using a DMK is more suitable than a DPK for learning botany in primary schools when implementing a constructivist approach. This is because the DMK is better suited to enhancing some elements of certain constructivist approaches, notably eliciting students' prior knowledge; facilitating exploratory learning; creating cognitive dissonance; and receiving continuous feedback during the entire learning process. The contribution of the DMK is greater than that of the DPK to students' knowledge and opinions to the contribution of the applied dichotomous key to their knowledge and greater desire to learn about plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Werneria villosa is a species well defined by its yellow ray limbs. In the recent monograph of the genus Werneria, a few populations from northwestern Argentina displaying white ray limbs were tentatively also included in this species following previous authors and because of lack of information for making an accurate taxonomic decision. However, as a result of field‐work carried out in Salta and Jujuy, I have concluded that the plants with white ray limbs correspond to a distinct taxonomic entity and, accordingly, it is here described as the new species W. praetermissa. Detailed pictures of living plants, distribution maps and a dichotomous key to the Argentinian Werneria species is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The identification of anuran amphibians is still a challenge in megadiverse assemblages. In the Neotropics, the Atlantic Forest harbors more than 600 anuran species, and many studies in this ecoregion report anuran assemblages surpassing 30 species. Taxonomic keys facilitate the identification of biological diversity, however only a few are available for anuran assemblages in the Atlantic Forest. Herein we present an identification key for 40 anuran species distributed across 20 genera and nine families, occurring in the Environmental Protection Area of Catolé and Fernão Velho, northeastern Atlantic Forest. Thirty-five morphological characteristics were used in the key, all of which can be easily observed in living and museum specimens. This pioneer study provides the first identification key for an amphibian assemblage in the northeastern Atlantic Forest and this baseline information acts as the starting point for the development of evolutionary and ecological research in this conservation unit.

Abstract Myrtaceae is a plant family with outstanding diversity in the neotropics, which species are of difficult identification. Thus, for the differentiation between species to be possible, targeted inventories and detailed descriptions are necessary, to develop accessible and reliable identification tools. The goal of this research is to quantify the species richness and describe vegetative characters of Myrtaceae species from a Araucaria Rainforest remnant, through identification of patterns and the elaboration of an dendrological key. For the characterization of trunk and bark, up to five healthy adult individuals of each species were selected, and for branches and leaves, up to three individuals. The voucher material was deposited at the Herbarium EFC. The vegetative morphology of each species was described and an identification key was prepared. 29 species, belonging to 11 genera, were documented: Blepharocalyx (1), Campomanesia (3), Eugenia (5), Myrceugenia (5), Myrcia (8), Myrcianthes (1), Myrciaria (1), Myrrhinium (1), Pimenta (1), Plinia (1) and Psidium (2). The main dendrological characteristics used for the species differentiation were: rhytidome aspect, appearance and colour of the internal bark, venation, punctuations, indumentum and dimensions of the leaf blade. Differentiation was possible using vegetative characters, with greater difficulty for two very similar species of Campomanesia.

Oritrophium (Kunth) Cuatrec. is a neotropical genus with a disjunct distribution in the Andes (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela), the center of Mexico, and the mountains of the Guiana Shield in Venezuela, with a remarkable diversity in Ecuador. We present a taxonomic study for Ecuador that represents the first modern and exhaustive revision of this genus in this country. We recognize eight species and four subespecies. We provide a dichotomous key, descriptions, synonyms, morphological and nomenclatural notes, distribution maps, and photographs of living plants. Three names are lectotypified and two names are neotypified.

This study was aimed at addressing the problematic taxonomy of the genus Cissus L. using three species namely; Cissus aralioides (Welw. ex Bak.) Planch, Cissus petiolata Hook.f and Cissus lageniflora Gilg and Brandt found in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The investigation was carried out using morphological, anatomical, epidermal and phytochemical lines of evidence. Macromorphology results showed that Cissus aralioides, Cissus lageniflora and Cissus petiolata matured leaf possess digitately compound leaf type, trifoliate compound leaf type and simple leaf type respectively. Micromorphological results showed that all studied species were hypostomatic with anomocytic stomata type present in the abaxial surface of all species. Epidermal cell shape of the adaxial and abaxial surface of all species were pentagonal and irregular to polygonal respectively. Transverse sections of the petiole of studied species shows an arranged and open vascular bundles in all species, variations where however seen in the number of vascular bundles. Methanolic extract of the three cissus species studied revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like; Phenols, Alkaloids, Aglycone Glycosides, Cardiac Glycosides, Steroidal Aglycone Glycosides in the stem and leaf of all species. The results obtained shows that all studied species show diverse characteristic differences but these differences are not adequate and convincing enough to separate them into different genera but it shows that that Cissus aralioides and Cissus lageniflora are more closely related than they are to Cissus petiolate. Moreover, more species and other lines of evidence should be used in future research. A dendogram to the relatedness of the species and a dichotomous bracketed key to their identification is provided. Keywords: Cissus species, Taxonomy, dichotomous key, Dendogram

This paper includes a dichotomous key, descriptions and predictive distributional maps for all of the 9 infrageneric taxa of the lichen genus Solenopsora (Leprocaulaceae) known to occur in Italy. The genus includes obligatory saxicolous lichens with the main centre of diversity in the Mediterranean, Macaronesian, and Madrean biogeographical regions. All taxa have their optima below the montane belt. Most of them have a distinctly Thyrrenian-Mediterranen distribution pattern in Italy, being most frequent in areas with a mild, suboceanic climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The family Benthopectinidae is composed of deep-sea sea stars distributed in eight genera and approximately 70 valid species. So far, only five species of this family have been reported for the Mexican waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Objective: To provide an updated local taxonomy of this family. Methods: A total of 566 specimens deposited in the Echinoderm National Collection, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, collected from 1952 to 2015, were taxonomically examined. Results: We present descriptions, photographs, and an illustrated dichotomous key for Benthopecten simplex simplex, Cheiraster (Barbadosaster) echinulatus, Cheiraster (Cheiraster) planus, Cheiraster (Christopheraster) blakei, and Cheiraster (Christopheraster) mirabilis in the region. Conclusions: The five studied species represent 6 % of the world biodiversity of the family and can now be identified with the illustrated key. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Springs ecosystems are globally abundant, geomorphologically diverse, and bio‐culturally productive, but are highly imperiled by anthropogenic activities. More than a century of scientific discussion about the wide array of ecohydrological factors influencing springs has been informative, but has yielded little agreement on their classification. This lack of agreement has contributed to the global neglect and degradation of springs ecosystems by the public, scientific, and management communities. Here we review the historical literature on springs classification variables, concluding that site‐specific source geomorphology remains the most diagnostic approach. We present a conceptual springs ecosystem model that clarifies the central role of geomorphology in springs ecosystem development, function, and typology. We present an illustrated dichotomous key to terrestrial (non‐marine) springs ecosystem types and subtypes, and describe those types. We identify representative reference sites, although data limitations presently preclude selection of continentally or globally representative reference springs of each type. We tested the classification key using data from 244 randomly selected springs of 13 types that were inventoried in western North America. The dichotomous key correctly identified springs type in 87.5% of the cases, with discrepancies primarily due to differentiation of primary vs. secondary typology, and insufficient inventory team training. Using that information, we identified sources of confusion and clarified the key. Among the types that required more detailed explanation were hypocrenes, springs in which groundwater is expressed through phreatophytic vegetation. Overall, springs biodiversity and ecosystem complexity are due, in part, to the co‐occurrence of multiple intra‐springs microhabitats. We describe microhabitats that are commonly associated with different springs types, reporting at least 13 microhabitats, each of which can support discrete biotic assemblages. Interdisciplinary agreement on basic classification is needed to enhance scientific understanding and stewardship of springs ecosystems, the loss and degradation of which constitute a global conservation crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The dioecious seagrass species Halophila stipulacea reproduces mainly through fast clonal growth, underlying its invasive behavior. Here, we provide morphological evidence to show that the first findings of fruits in the Caribbean were misidentified. Consequently, H. stipulacea reproduction is likely still only asexual in the Caribbean. Therefore, we introduce an identification key of H. stipulacea reproductive structures to encourage careful identification and quantification throughout its invasive range. Until large-scale seed production in invaded habitats is reported, the apparent low rate of sexual reproduction needs to be considered in current studies investigating the invasion capacity of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic study on the flora of Dohar upazila (sub-district) under Dhaka district has been conducted that results in occurrence of 204 angiosperm taxa under 165 genera and 68 families. Magnoliopsida is represented by 158 taxa distributed in 129 genera and 53 families. In contrast, Liliopsida is constituted by 46 taxa under 36 genera and 15 families. Asteraceae appears to be the largest family in Magnoliopsida consisting of 16 species, whereas Poaceae is the largest family with 16 species in Liliopsida. In Magnoliopsida, 23 families are represented by a single species, while in Liliopsida, 7 families are symbolized by a single species. Vegetation analysis shows that herbs are represented by 133 taxa, shrubs by 23 and trees by 48 taxa. Dichotomous bracketed keys to the families, genera, species and varieties are provided for easy identification of the taxa. Each taxon is supplemented by updated nomenclature, habit and representative specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andes and adjacent regions of western Amazonia are global centers of orchid diversity. Among the Andean countries, Bolivia remains the least well characterized as to its orchid flora, probably containing many new species awaiting description. During systematic studies of Microchilus (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae: Cranichideae: Goodyerinae) and Pelexia (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae: Cranichideae: Spiranthinae), it became apparent that two entities represented new species: Microchilus yungasensis from the Bolivian Yungas ecoregion, and Pelexia ocreatopsis from the Southern Amazon Humid Forests of Bolivia and Peru. Descriptions and morphometric analyses are provided for these new species. Dichotomous keys are provided for the Bolivian species of Microchilus, and Bolivian and Peruvian species of Pelexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Senecio festucoides is described from northern Chile. The new species is morphologically similar to the discoid caespitose Andean species and belongs to the subgroup displaying yellow corollas and yellowish anthers and style branches. It is characterized by a weak, not self-supporting stem, narrowly linear leaves, long pedunculate capitula with (17-)21 involucral bracts, and minutely papillose achenes. Among other characters, the color of the corollas, anthers, and style branches and the number of involucral bracts differentiate it from S. scorzonerifolius, which is the morphologically closest species. The new species thrives in the desertic Puna ecoregion and grows amongst tufts of Festuca chrysophylla (Poaceae). Detailed pictures of living plants are provided, as well as a distribution map and a dichotomous key to the discoid caespitose Senecio species from northern Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the sucking louse genus Pedicinus are ectoparasites of cercopithecid primates in Africa, Asia, and Gibraltar. Pedicinus gabonensis n. sp. is described on the basis of adult male and female specimens collected from the mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) in Gabon. The new species is compared morphologically with other members of the genus Pedicinus, and a nuclear elongation factor 1 alpha gene sequence is provided. Host associations and geographical distributions of the 18 previously recognized species of the genus and of P. gabonensis n. sp. are reviewed. Updated identification keys are provided for males and females of all known valid species of Pedicinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this work was to elaborate supporting tools for the correct identification of Scarabaeidae, by an identification key of genera, and a commented list of the species present in Brazilian pastures. A data survey was performed on the specimens deposited in the main Brazilian collection and reported on the recent scientific literature. The distribution of the species was identified in the Brazilian states, based on information on feeding preference, ecological aspects, and potential for faeces removal action. The species were classified according to their importance for pastures, as: high, medium, and low. A key for the identification of the genera and subgenera of Scarabeidae present in the pastures was constructed through the analysis of the external morphology of the species and, when needed, by the analysis of sexual traits. Twenty genera and 76 species of scarab beetles were recorded for Brazilian pasturelands, among which Dichotomius bos, Dichotomius nisus, Trichillum externepunctatum, Ontherus appendiculatus, Onthophagus aff. hirculus, and Digitonthophagus sp. were considered as the most frequent, widely distributed, abundant, and important. The dichotomous key will contribute to the identification of the genera and subgenera of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) occurring in the Brazilian pastures.

This study was aimed at addressing the problematic taxonomy of the genus Cissus L. using three species namely; Cissus aralioides (Welw. ex Bak.) Planch, Cissus petiolata Hook.f and Cissus lageniflora Gilg and Brandt found in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The investigation was carried out using morphological, anatomical, epidermal and phytochemical lines of evidence. Macromorphology results showed that Cissus aralioides, Cissus lageniflora and Cissus petiolata matured leaf possess digitately compound leaf type, trifoliate compound leaf type and simple leaf type respectively. Micromorphological results showed that all studied species were hypostomatic with anomocytic stomata type present in the abaxial surface of all species. Epidermal cell shape of the adaxial and abaxial surface of all species were pentagonal and irregular to polygonal respectively. Transverse sections of the petiole of studied species shows an arranged and open vascular bundles in all species, variations where however seen in the number of vascular bundles. Methanolic extract of the three cissus species studied revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like; Phenols, Alkaloids, Aglycone Glycosides, Cardiac Glycosides, Steroidal Aglycone Glycosides in the stem and leaf of all species. The results obtained shows that all studied species show diverse characteristic differences but these differences are not adequate and convincing enough to separate them into different genera but it shows that that Cissus aralioides and Cissus lageniflora are more closely related than they are to Cissus petiolate. Moreover, more species and other lines of evidence should be used in future research. A dendogram to the relatedness of the species and a dichotomous bracketed key to their identification is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical fisheries data are usually obtained during landings, through rapid fish classification and their categorization under the trade names given to species or groups of species. However, species classification is often difficult, particularly concerning elasmobranchs whose fins and heads have been removed, leading to labelling errors.The aim of this paper is to identify the ray species composition landed in south‐east Brazil, providing identification strategies to support a plan for more efficient labelling and management.Samples were obtained from artisanal fleet landings, between November 2012 and May 2014. For taxonomic identification of whole or processed animals (n = 279, belonging to 10 species), morphological, metric, and molecular techniques were employed. The common name used by fishermen was more related to the location where they lived than the fishing gear used.Morphometric analyses resulted in pectoral fin to length and weight conversion equations of whole individuals for each species, and 10 variables were found to be diagnostic of each genus.A genetic identification, based on sequencing of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase I, was applied to verify morphological identification. A dichotomous key that allowed ray identification at the species level from pectoral fin morphology was developed. The approach was field tested and deemed adequate, leading to a robust monitoring strategy for estimating the biomass of specific landed rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With more than 1,400 species of bats described worldwide, the order Chiroptera is second only to rodents in ecological and taxonomic diversity. Bats play critically important roles in natural systems as seed and pollen dispersers, predators of invertebrates and vertebrates, and sanguinivores. The Central American countries of Costa Rica and Nicaragua have at least 123 species of bats (in nine families and 66 genera), or nearly 10% of the world's known species. Because of the importance of proper species identification for ecological and systematic studies and conservation efforts, we present a dichotomous key to the bats of this region. Our goal is the positive, in-hand identification of living bats that may be released unharmed after identification. Identifying Neotropical bats and understanding the taxonomic changes that affect the names used for the various species over time can be a challenge. This key includes the 123 species known to occur in Costa Rica and Nicaragua as well as three that are expected to occur in these countries but which have not yet been recorded. We provide illustrations of key characters useful for differentiating bats to species and updated taxonomic notes to assist the reader in assessing the literature. Con más de 1,400 especies de murciélagos descritos en todo el mundo, el orden Chiroptera es el segundo más diverso después de los roedores respecto a taxonomía. Los murciélagos juegan papeles de importancia crítica en los sistemas naturales como dispersores de semillas, polinizadores, depredadores de vertebrados e invertebrados, así como hematófagos. Costa Rica y Nicaragua presentan al menos 123 especies de murciélagos (en 9 familias y 66 géneros), casi el 10% de las especies conocidas en el mundo. Debido a la importancia de la identificación precisa de las especies para los estudios ecológicos, sistemáticos y de conservación, presentamos una clave dicotómica para los murciélagos de esta región. Nuestro objetivo es la identificación correcta con los murciélagos in vivo y que se pueden liberar sin daño después de la identificación. La caracterización de los murciélagos neotropicales y el seguimiento del estatus taxonómico de cada especie puede ser un reto en el proceso de identificación. Esta clave incluye las 123 especies conocidas en Costa Rica y Nicaragua, así como 3 no registradas pero con distribución potencial. Proporcionamos ilustraciones de características claves útiles para diferenciar murciélagos al nivel de la especie y notas taxonómicas actualizadas para ayudar al lector a la identificación. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laticorophium baconi (Amphipoda, Corophiidae) was recorded for the first time in European marine waters from buoy fouling communities at the Sant Carles de la Ràpita marina (Alfacs Bay, Eastern Mediterranean Spanish coast). Presence of juveniles, adult males, brooding and ovigerous females were indicative of a wellestablished population. An entire description of the species, together with a dichotomous key to Corophiini genera characterized by urosome segments fused with uropod 1 ventrally inserted, are provided. This record supports the view that L. baconi may have been overlooked and/or potentially confused with other Corophiini species such as Apocorophium acutum in previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The names Werneria melanandra and W. pygmophylla are transferred to the genus Senecio. They belong to the group of the discoid caespitose Andean Senecio, specifically to the subgroup with blackish anthers and style branches and whitish corollas. The recognition of S. digitatus as a distinct species is also discussed. Within the framework of the mentioned group, the names S. casapaltensis and S. macrorrhizus are lectotypified, S. humillimus var. melanolepis is neotypified, an epitype is designated for the name W. melanandra, and nine new synonyms are proposed. An updated comprehensive dichotomous key including all discoid caespitose Senecio species from Bolivia and Peru is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Pteranabropsis is reviewed. Diagnostic characters for the superficially similar species of the genus are discussed. An extended key to the species is provided. Six new species are described: P. angusta sp. nov., P. cuspis sp. nov., P. bavi sp. nov., P. copia sp. nov., and P. pusilla sp. nov. from northern Vietnam, and P. guadun sp. nov. from the Wuyishan Mountains in China. Types and all other specimens from Vietnam are stored in ISNB Brussels; those from Wuyishan in ZFMK Bonn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species checklists and dichotomous keys are valuable tools that provide many services for ecological studies and management through tracking native and non-native species through time. We developed nine drainage basin checklists and dichotomous keys for 196 inland fishes of Texas, consisting of 171 native fishes and 25 non-native fishes. Our checklists were updated from previous checklists and revised using reports of new established native and non-native fishes in Texas, reports of new fish occurrences among drainages, and changes in species taxonomic nomenclature. We provided the first dichotomous keys for major drainage basins in Texas. Among the 171 native inland fishes, 6 species are considered extinct or extirpated, 13 species are listed as threatened or endangered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and 59 species are listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) by the state of Texas. Red River drainage basin was the most speciose with 120 fishes. Rio Grande & Pecos drainage basin had the greatest number of threatened or endangered fishes (N = 7) and the greatest number of SGCN fishes (N = 28). We revised drainage basin occurrences for 77 species. Drainage basin checklists and dichotomous keys provide finer resolution of species distributions within the geopolitical boundaries of Texas and can reduce probability of errors in fish identification errors by removing species not occurring within a natural boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the genus Linognathoides are ectoparasites of ground squirrels and marmots (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Afrotropical regions. Linognathoides urocitelli n. sp. is described based on adult male and female and third-instar nymphal specimens collected from the long-tailed ground squirrel (Urocitellus undulatus) in Mongolia. The new species is compared morphologically to other members of the genus Linognathoides. Additionally, DNA sequences of a 610–base pair (bp) fragment of the nuclear 18S rDNA gene, a 452-bp fragment of the mitochondrial 12S rrnS gene, and a 363-bp fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rrnL gene are provided. Host associations and geographical distributions of the 11 previously recognized species of the genus, and of Linognathoides urocitelli n. sp., are reviewed. A dichotomous identification key to adults of all known species in the genus Linognathoides is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]