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The threatened springsnail subgenus Alzoniella (Navarriella) in the Iberian Peninsula has been suggested to be an old and relict lineage of the family Hydrobiidae. The subgenus is represented by two morphological species, both endemic to the Pyrenees and their southern foothills. We conducted phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear gene fragments of topotypes and other populations, four molecular species delimitation methods, and morphological examinations to clarify the uncertain systematic position of the subgenus within the family, assess its species diversity, and understand the population genetic structure of the two geographically restricted species. Our phylogenetic results revealed that Alzoniella (Navarriella) is distantly related to all other species of Alzoniella , even belonging to an independent subfamily-level clade, for which we introduce the new genus Navarriella and the new subfamily Navarriellinae subfam. nov. Molecular methods and geometric morphometric analysis of shell shape identified a single species in the new genus. The significant phylogenetic distance from other hydrobiid taxa, narrow distribution, and limited gene flow among its populations (estimated from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences) highlight Navarriella as an isolated lineage within the family that requires urgent conservation attention. Furthermore, our results cast a new light on the northern Iberian Mountains as a dispersal barrier for ancient spring lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of phylogenetics employs a variety of methods and techniques to study the evolution of life across the planet. Understanding evolutionary relationships is crucial to enriching our understanding of how genes and organisms have evolved throughout time and how they could possibly evolve in the future. Eucopia sculpticauda Faxon, 1893 is a deep-water peracarid in the order Lophogastrida Boas, 1883, which can often be found in high abundances in pelagic trawls. The species can be found along the Mariana Trench, in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, west Atlantic and east Pacific Oceans, and in the Gulf of Mexico and as deep as 7526 m. Recent collections of E. sculpticauda in the Gulf of Mexico have revealed putative cryptic diversity within the species based on both molecular and morphological evidence. Previous studies have documented two different morphotypes of the telson: the terminal part of the pleon (abdomen) and part of the tail fan. In adults, the morphotypes can be distinguished by lateral constrictions in the telson. This evidence, combined with a previous barcoding study, led to the speculation that telson morphology may be a distinguishing character useful to define cryptic diversity within E. sculpticauda. This study presents additional molecular data from the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and the large ribosomal subunit (16S), and the nuclear histone 3 gene (H3) to investigate telson morphotypes in relation to evolutionary history within this species. Molecular data identified two strongly supported clades, lending support for potential cryptic diversification within the Gulf of Mexico. Investigations into telson morphology suggest that this character may be informative, but the morphotypes were sometimes ambiguous and additional characters could not be found that discriminate clades. At present, our data suggest early evidence for cryptic diversification within Gulf of Mexico populations, but additional morphological characters and geographic sampling are needed before a new species can be described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinometra spp. are pantropical echinoids found in benthic marine habitat throughout the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Indo-West Pacific oceanic regions. Currently, morphology and molecular data are sparse for echinoids observed along the northeastern coast of Toco, Trinidad, where they are relatively common. Additionally, accurate species identity for Echinometra spp. remains dynamic at both northernmost and southernmost parts of the Caribbean Sea. Although distribution of sea urchins in the genus Echinometra have extensively been studied throughout the Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific, information on its range of distribution at the edge of the Caribbean Sea is lacking. In this study, the mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (mt COI) gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction, then sequenced. Based on successfully obtained gene sequences for 581 base pairs, the echinoid species Echinometra lucunter and Echinometra viridis were identified for black and red color morphotypes from Trinidad (n  = 23) and Key Largo, Florida (n  = 6), respectively. Furthermore, these specimens were genetically identical to species identified in other studies for Puerto Rico, Panamá, Honduras, and Belize. Although morphological variations, such as spine and test color occur throughout Echinometra spp. molecular identification using the barcoding technique confirmed E. lucunter color morphs for the first time in Trinidad. Since the status of E. lucunter populations, specifically at the most northern and southern regions of the Caribbean Sea is dynamic, further studies using gene markers are essential in determining species distribution, in light of current trends in climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a significant global pest, that exhibits 2 discernible strains, corn strain (CS) and rice strain (RS). After initial detection in the eastern hemisphere in 2016, the dominant strain was identified as RS based only on cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene from limited samples from various countries, including Thailand. This study aimed to assess strain and haplotype variation in the S. frugiperda populations in Thailand using both mitochondrial COI and nuclear triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi) genes. Analyses of COI sequences (n  = 105) revealed 2 predominant haplotypes, COI CSh4 (82.86%) and COI RSh1 (17.14%), and the analyses of Tpi sequences (n  = 99) revealed 6 haplotypes, with Tpi Ca1a (53.53%) being the most prevalent. Of the 98 caterpillar samples, the majority exhibited true CS (83.67%) for both genes. Meanwhile, interstrain hybrids, indicated by gene discordance, accounted for the minority (16.33%). Interestingly, despite the initial dominance of RS during the 2018 outbreak, the current study identified CS as the prevalent strain across all localities in Thailand. These findings suggested a shift in S. frugiperda dynamics in Thailand that was possibly influenced by factors, such as competitive exclusion principle, pesticide usage in rice cultivation, and preferences for corn over rice. Our study suggests a need to reexamine the previous reports of rice-strain dominance in various countries in the eastern hemisphere after the initial invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis of Uroteuthis squid from the Indo-Pacific region. The main aim was to increase sample coverage from northern and eastern Australian waters to resolve the identity and distribution of Uroteuthis species taken by local fisheries. Two mitochondrial regions, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA), were sequenced from 220 new specimens and analysed with a further 51 sequences from GenBank to create a combined phylogeny for the genus. Three nuclear regions, 18S ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA), 28S ribosomal DNA (28S rDNA) and rhodopsin, were also sequenced from representatives of each species. Based on the mitochondrial phylogeny plus distance and tree-based delimitation models, a COI species barcode gap of 4–5% is proposed for discriminating Uroteuthis species. Applying this gap partitioned many described species into species complexes; for example, U. duvaucelii, U. noctiluca and U. edulis resolved into 10 species. Although more conserved, mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences differentiated all new species clades, whereas none of the nuclear markers resolved the closest species. Results confirm that neither U. chinensis nor U. edulis occurs in Australian waters. Five undescribed species are identified from northern and eastern Australia, of which four are consistent with earlier allozyme studies (and two align with existing DNA sequences). One is a new southeastern, deeper shelf species differentiated in this study, along with a sixth undescribed species from Indonesian waters. Results of the molecular analysis are now being used to inform complementary morphometric analyses for new species descriptions, and genetic stock structure assessments of these important fisheries resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent metagenomic studies have identified numerous lineages of hydrogen-dependent, obligately methyl-reducing methanogens. Yet, only a few representatives have been isolated in pure culture. Here, we describe six new species with this capability in the family Methanosarcinaceae (order Methanosarcinales), which makes up a substantial fraction of the methanogenic community in arthropod guts. Phylogenomic analysis placed the isolates from cockroach hindguts into the genus Methanimicrococcus (M. hacksteinii, M. hongohii , and M. stummii) and the isolates from millipede hindguts into a new genus, Methanolapillus (M. africanus, M. millepedarum , and M. ohkumae). Members of this intestinal clade, which includes also uncultured representatives from termites and vertebrates, have substantially smaller genomes (1.6–2.2 Mbp) than other Methanosarcinales. Genome reduction was accompanied by the loss of the upper part of the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, several energy-converting membrane complexes (Fpo, Ech, and Rnf), and various biosynthetic pathways. However, genes involved in the protection against reactive oxygen species (catalase and superoxide reductase) were conserved in all genomes, including cytochrome bd (CydAB), a high-affinity terminal oxidase that may confer the capacity for microaerobic respiration. Since host-associated Methanosarcinales are nested within omnivorous lineages, we conclude that the specialization on methyl groups is an adaptation to the intestinal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is an invasive pest causing significant ecological and economic damage to certain hemlock tree (Tsuga (Endlicher) Carrière, Pinales:Pinaceae) species. In response to this invasive threat, biological control strategies have been implemented, introducing natural predators such as Laricobius nigrinus Fender (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) and, more recently, Laricobius osakensis Montgomery and Shiyake (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), as specialist predators against A. tsugae. However, the genetic and morphological similarities between L. osakensis and both L. nigrinus and the native beetle, Laricobius rubidus LeConte (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), pose challenges in their identification. Effective monitoring of released predators is integral to evaluating the success of biological control measures. Environmental DNA (eDNA) holds potential for various detection applications, including species monitoring. In this study, we developed specific primers and probes targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene sequences, achieving high specificity despite their 95% sequence similarity. With an optimal annealing temperature of 60 °C, our tools effectively differentiated L. osakensis from the other 2 beetles and demonstrated eDNA detection sensitivity down to 2 copies/µl. This research underscores the potential of precise molecular tools for advancing biological control and biodiversity assessment against invasive threats like A. tsugae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metacephalus Delong and Martinson, 1973 includes leafhopper species from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador (new record), Guyana, French Guiana (new record), Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. In the present revisionary study, we describe seven new species of Metacephalus , propose one species synonymy (M. cinctus as junior synonym of M. facetus), and provide new country records for species, considerably expanding knowledge about species distributions. The study also provides redescriptions and photographs of diagnostic characters for 12 previously described valid species and an identification key to all 21 species of Metacephalus. Molecular phylogenies of Metacephalus species are hypothesized based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of 1,387 bp of mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I and 16S rDNA and nuclear histone H3. Results of the molecular phylogeny generated herein provided a base for understanding character homologies when presenting morphological diagnoses of Metacephalus species and exposed a high level of convergent characters in color pattern and male genitalia morphology usually used in morphological taxonomy of this group of leafhoppers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subfamily Molytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), being the second largest group within the family Curculionidae, exhibits a diverse range of hosts and poses a serious threat to agricultural and forestry industries. We used 1,290 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcodes to assess the efficiency of COI barcodes in species differentiation and uncover cryptic species diversity within weevils of Molytinae. The average Kimura 2-parameter distances within species, genus, and subfamily were 2.90%, 11.0%, and 22.26%, respectively, indicating significant genetic differentiation at both levels. Moreover, there exists a considerable degree of overlap between intraspecific (0%–27.50%) and interspecific genetic distances (GDs; 0%–39.30%). The application of Automatic barcode gap discovery, Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning, Barcode Index Number, Poisson Tree Processes (PTP), Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes (bPTP), and jMOTU resulted in the identification of 279, 275, 494, 322, 320, and 279 molecular operational taxonomic units, respectively. The integration of 6 methods successfully delimited species of Molytinae in 86.6% of all examined morphospecies, surpassing a threshold value of 3% GD (73.0%). A total of 28 morphospecies exhibiting significant intraspecific divergences were assigned to multiple MOTUs, respectively, suggesting the presence of cryptic diversity or population divergence. The identification of cryptic species within certain morphological species in this study necessitates further investigation through comprehensive taxonomic practices in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tephritis angustipennis (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Campiglossa loewiana (Diptera: Tephritidae) are phytophagous pests in China. Their damage has significantly impacted the collection and cultivation of germplasm resources of native Asteraceae plants. However, the genetic characteristics and structure of their population are unclear. This study focused on the highly damaging species of T. angustipennis and C. loewiana collected from the three-river source region (TRSR). We amplified the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (mt COI) gene sequences of these pests collected from this area and compared them with COI sequences from GenBank. We also analyzed their genetic diversity and structure. In T. angustipennis , 5 haplotypes were identified from 5 geographic locations; the genetic differentiation between France population FRPY (from Nylandia, Uusimaa) and China populations GLJZ (from Dehe Longwa Village, Maqin County), GLDR (from Zhique Village, Dari County), and GLMQ (from Rijin Village, Maqin County) was the strongest. GLJZ exhibited strong genetic differentiation from GLDR and GLMQ, with relatively low gene flow. For C. loewiana , 11 haplotypes were identified from 5 geographic locations; the genetic differentiation between the Chinese population GLMQ-YY (from Yangyu Forest Farm, Maqin County) and Finnish population FDNL (from Nylandia, Uusimaa) was the strongest, with relatively low gene flow, possibly due to geographical barriers in the Qinghai–Tibet plateau. Only 1 haplotype was identified across GLDR, GLMQ, and GLBM. High gene flow between distant locations indicates that human activities or wind dispersal may facilitate the dispersal of fruit flies and across different geographic. Geostatistical analysis suggested a recent population expansion of these 2 species in TRSR. Our findings provide technical references for identifying pests in the TRSR region and theoretical support for managing resistance, monitoring pest occurrences, analyzing environmental adaptability, and formulating biological control strategies for Tephritidae pests on Asteraceae plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade, the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii , has spread from eastern Asia to the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This fly attacks many species of cultivated and wild fruits with soft, thin skins, where its serrated ovipositor allows it to lay eggs in undamaged fruit. Parasitoids from the native range of D. suzukii may provide sustainable management of this polyphagous pest. Among these parasitoids, host-specificity testing has revealed a lineage of Ganaspis near brasiliensis , referred to in this paper as G1, that appears to be a cryptic species more host-specific to D. suzukii than other parasitoids. Differentiation among cryptic species is critical for introduction and subsequent evaluation of their impact on D. suzukii. Here, we present results on divergence in genomic sequences and architecture and reproductive isolation between lineages of Ganaspis near brasiliensis that appear to be cryptic species. We studied five populations, two from China, two from Japan, and one from Canada, identified as the G1 vs G3 lineages based on differences in cytochrome oxidase l sequences. We assembled and annotated the genomes of these populations and analyzed divergences in sequence and genome architecture between them. We also report results from crosses to test reproductive compatibility between the G3 lineage from China and the G1 lineage from Japan. The combined results on sequence divergence, differences in genome architectures, ortholog divergence, reproductive incompatibility, differences in host ranges and microhabitat preferences, and differences in morphology show that these lineages are different species. Thus, the decision to evaluate the lineages separately and only import and introduce the more host-specific lineage to North America and Europe was appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological species identification is the traditional way to identify species. More recently, biodiversity studies have depended on DNA barcoding for species identification. Mismatches between morphological and genetic species identification caused by voucher specimen misidentifications lead to ambiguous species identification. We used barnacles of the genera Amphibalanus and Balanus to investigate this issue. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of the Barcoding of Life database and determine the true species affinity of three inconsistent barnacle barcode index numbers using an integrative taxonomic approach. To this end, we re-identified barcoded voucher specimens, or we identified specimens based on a dichotomous key that we barcoded subsequently. We found that 75% of Barcoding of Life clades representing genetic species showed inconsistent species assignments. One clade (BOLD: AAG0069), containing mostly unidentified Balanus sp. individuals, was morphologically and genetically Balanus balanus (Linneaus, 1758); a second clade (BOLD: AAB1410), containing specimens mostly identified as B. balanus , turned out to be morphologically and genetically Balanus crenatus Bruguière, 1789; and a third clade (BOLD: AAE2482), containing different species of Amphibalanus , was Amphibalanus improvisus (Darwin, 1854). This study showed that morphological species identification and taxonomic expertise can resolve the widespread misidentification in barcoding data. To prevent this problem in the future, morphological taxonomy and molecular species identification need to interact more closely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the evolutionary patterns of two forest-dwelling endemic terrestrial snails (Gittenedouardia spadicea and Maizania wahlbergi) in the Maputaland–Pondoland–Albany biodiversity hotspot in South Africa to examine the degree of phylogeographical congruence between the two species. Phylogenetic relationships and divergence time estimations within each species were inferred using the combined mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence dataset for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and large subunit ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA). In addition, the rapidly evolving COI datasets were used to infer intraspecific genetic structure and population differentiation within both species. Phylogeographical concordance factor (PCF) analysis was used to statistically estimate the degree of congruence between the two species at localities where both species were sampled. Phylogenetically, G. spadicea exhibited two clades that diverged during the Plio/Pleistocene, while M. wahlbergi formed a single shallow clade that showed Pleistocene divergence. The haplotype networks for the COI locus demonstrated evidence of geographical and genetic isolation within both species. PCF analysis demonstrated partial phylogeographical concordance, suggesting that the two species may have been affected by similar ancient climatic events. Traits other than poor dispersal capabilities and limited gene flow may also influence how a species responds to fluctuating climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specimens of freshwater crabs (Potamonautes MacLeay, 1838) collected from mountainous regions in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa could not be assigned to species level and possibly represented novel lineages. The phylogenetic placement of these two potential novel lineages were investigated with the use of DNA sequence data from three mitochondrial loci (cytochrome oxidase c subunit one - COI, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear locus (histone 3 (H3)), using a maximum likelihood and Bayesian Inference approach incorporating all Potamonautes species described from southern Africa. In addition, a divergence time estimation was undertaken on the tree topology to determine the timing of cladogenesis. Morphometric analyses were also conducted on the two undescribed lineages and co-distributed, phylogenetically closely-related species (P. flavusjo Daniels, Phiri & Bayliss, 2014 and P. mariepskoppie Daniels, Barnes, Marais & Gouws, 2021) using discriminant function analyses of carapace and pereiopod variables. Phylogenetic results revealed that the two novel species are sister groups and related to a clade of endemic subtropical species present in north-eastern South Africa, while the divergence time estimation indicates Mio/Pliocene cladogenesis. The morphometric results corroborate the phylogenetic distinction between the two novel lineages and co-distributed sister species. Potamonautes wolkbergi n. sp. and P. aurantius n. sp. are described and compared with other congeneric South African taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iriomote Island is a small continental island hosting approximately 40 rivers characterized by short, steep-gradient streams and small waterfalls. We examined the population genetic structure and diversity of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium shokitai Fujino & Baba, 1973 (Palaemonidae) using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence. Specimens were collected from 19 sites along ten rivers on the island, covering the known geographic distribution of the species. Haplotype and nucleotide diversities were very low within each river on the island. Nearly all haplotypes were exclusive to a given river, confirming distinct population structures among rivers at a small geographical scale. Slight genetic differentiation was discerned between the upper and lower sites of waterfalls in only the Yuchin River. Phylogenetic tree reconstruction, haplotype network, and principle coordinate analysis classified five clades roughly correspond to geographical groups in the western, southern, central, and northern regions of the island. Extreme caution should therefore be taken when translocating individuals to other rivers to avoid introducing genetic disturbance, even during conservation and mitigation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Parapyxidognathus Ward, 1941 are distributed across tropical Indo-West Pacific to temperate downstream rivers and in estuaries. The genus previously included only one species, Parapyxidognathus deianira (De Man, 1888). We examined specimens from Parapyxidognathus and its closely related genus, Pyxidognathus A. Milne-Edwards, 1879 from the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, focusing on their morphological characters. The results also support the reclassification of Pyxidognathus fluviatilis Alcock, 1900 into Parapyxidognathus , as well as the establishment of two new species from the western Pacific, Pa. tshiansue sp. nov. and Pa. ongia sp. nov. The identity of the species is supported by evidence from mitochondrial 16S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) genes. There are now four species in Parapyxidognathus distinguishable by the characters of the anterolateral teeth of the carapace, the pleon, and the first gonopods of the male, and the female vulvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

My research interest has so far been focused on metabolisms related to the "membrane" of microorganisms, such as the respiratory chain, membrane proteins, sugar uptake, membrane stress and cell lysis, and fermentation. These basic metabolisms are important for the growth and survival of cell, and their knowledge can be used for efficient production of useful materials. Notable achievements in research on metabolisms are elucidation of the structure and function of membrane-bound glucose dehydrogenase as a primary enzyme in the respiratory chain, elucidation of ingenious expression regulation of several operons or by divergent promoters, elucidation of stress-induced programed-cell lysis and its requirement for survival during a long-term stationary phase, elucidation of molecular mechanism of survival at a critical high temperature, elucidation of thermal adaptation and its limit, isolation of thermotolerant fermenting yeast strains, and development of high-temperature fermentation and green energy production technologies. These achievements are described together in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thaisella chocolata is a marine gastropod (family Muricidae) occurring from northern Peru to central Chile. It is of economic importance in these countries, where hundreds of tons are caught every year. In combination with El Niño–Southern Oscillation events, fishing activity has led to the collapse of Chilean populations, raising concerns about the state of Peruvian populations. The aim of this study is to assess the demography, genetic diversity and connectivity of T. chocolata along the Peruvian coast. This would provide important insights into the resilience of this species to anthropogenic disturbance. In this study, four locations along the coast of Peru were investigated for the first time. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences were obtained from 116 individuals and four microsatellites from 95 individuals. Both COI (combined with 156 publicly available sequences) and microsatellite data revealed very low genetic differentiation, despite a few significant φ ST and F ST values between population pairs. The most likely gene flow model (MIGRATE-N) is panmixia between all locations, with gene flow occurring equally northwards and southwards. This pattern may be related to the surface currents along the Peruvian coastline combined with the high pelagic larval duration of T. chocolata. Hyperdiversity was found for the COI marker (π syn > 5%). Microsatellite loci were also polymorphic, with a mean diversity of 12.69 alleles per locus per population. No recent population bottleneck was observed (microsatellite data), while at least one past demographic expansion was suggested (COI data). Given the high genetic diversity and connectivity, T. chocolata is expected to show high evolutionary resilience and can be considered as one management unit in terms of fisheries management. However, further studies, on, for example, the characterization of effective population size (using numerous nuclear loci), are required to confirm this hypothesis. In addition, precautionary fisheries measures should be maintained, given the recent collapse of T. chocolata stocks in Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new genus in the nudibranch family Discodorididae, Avaldesia n. gen. is established for Avaldesia albomacula (Chan & Gosliner, 2007) and Avaldesia tahala (Chan & Gosliner, 2007), originally assigned to the genus Thordisa Bergh, 1877, and a new species, Avaldesia tamatoa n. sp. described here from the central Pacific. To establish species relationships within Avaldesia , as well as the placement of Avaldesia within Discodorididae, we utilized four molecular markers (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 16S rRNA, histone H3 and 28S rRNA) in our Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses. Four species delimitation methods were complemented by morphological dissections and scanning electron microscopy. Our results reveal a clear separation between Avaldesia and Thordisa and suggest that Avaldesia is more closely related to the genera Hoplodoris Bergh, 1880 and Asteronotus Ehrenberg, 1831. The most characteristic features of Avaldesia include a radula with increasing denticulation towards the fimbriate outermost laterals and a reproductive system with a lobate vestibular gland, occasional hollow vestibular spine and a penis armed with one or more penial spines. All species of Avaldesia are found in shallow water (5–10 m depth) on rocky reefs, sandy sediments and algal fields with distributions across the Indo-Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We had previously revised the systematics of four species of Macrobrachium Spence Bate, 1868 from the Pacific coast of Mexico, including the Baja California Peninsula (BCP): M. americanum Spence Bate, 1868 , M. digueti (Bouvier, 1895), M. hobbsi Nates & Villalobos in Villalobos Hiriart & Nates Rodríguez, 1990 , and M. occidentale Holthuis, 1950. Genetic analyses of the mitochondrial markers 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) of individuals of these morphological species from BCP have shown that, even facing the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortés) as an apparent marine ecological barrier, they are conspecific to their respective genetic lineages (species) found from the Pacific slope of mainland Mexico. We discuss the systematics of the fifth species of Macrobrachium from the Mexican Pacific slope, M. tenellum (Smith, 1871) to test the hypothesis that individuals of the putative M. tenellum from BCP belong to the same species from the Pacific slope of mainland Mexico. We revised the morphological characters of taxonomic importance using material obtained in the field and voucher material deposited in Mexican scientific collections, and performed molecular genetic analyses with newly generated fragments of the mitochondrial markers 16S and COI. We conclude, as in our previous studies on Macrobrachium species of the region, that the examined specimens of the putative M. tenellum from BCP belong to the same species found on the Pacific slope of mainland Mexico, and that oceanic dispersal is responsible for the distribution of the species of Macrobrachium in the peninsula rather than by vicariant events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is the main vector of Citrus Huanglongbing, the most damaging citrus disease, causing significant financial losses in the citrus industry. Global warming has expanded the habitat of this pest, allowing it to continue its northward migration to China. Population genetic information of ACP is fundamentally essential for species management. This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of Chinese ACP using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene by dataset comprised 721 sequences from 27 geographic sites in China. Low haplotype diversity (0.323 ± 0.022) and low nucleotide diversity (0.00071 ± 0.00007) were observed in the entire population, which may indicate recent founder events. Twenty-three haplotypes were identified and clustered into 2 haplogroups: haplogroup I and haplogroup II. Haplogroup II included only 2 unique haplotypes, which occurred exclusively in the Southwest China ACP population. Genetic differentiation analyses were also indicative of Southwest China population was significantly differentiated from the remaining populations. Demographic history analysis showed that ACP population in China has experienced demographic expansion. Our results provided a better understanding of the genetic distribution patterns and structures of ACP populations in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yield improvements in cell factories can potentially be obtained by fine-tuning the regulatory mechanisms for gene candidates. In pursuit of such candidates, we performed RNA-sequencing of two α-amylase producing Bacillus strains and predict hundreds of putative novel non-coding transcribed regions. Surprisingly, we found among hundreds of non-coding and structured RNA candidates that non-coding genomic regions are proportionally undergoing the highest changes in expression during fermentation. Since these classes of RNA are also understudied, we targeted the corresponding genomic regions with CRIPSRi knockdown to test for any potential impact on the yield. From differentially expression analysis, we selected 53 non-coding candidates. Although CRISPRi knockdowns target both the sense and the antisense strand, the CRISPRi experiment cannot link causes for yield changes to the sense or antisense disruption. Nevertheless, we observed on several instances with strong changes in enzyme yield. The knockdown targeting the genomic region for a putative antisense RNA of the 3′ UTR of the skfA-skfH operon led to a 21% increase in yield. In contrast, the knockdown targeting the genomic regions of putative antisense RNAs of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (ctaD) , the sigma factor sigH , and the uncharacterized gene yhfT decreased yields by 31 to 43%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus clypealis Heidemann, is a seed-feeding economic pest of crops including almonds and pistachios. The historical distribution of L. clypealis has been considered to be West of the Mississippi in the United States. L. clypealis was recently found in sorghum in the Coastal Bend of Texas, representing a new host record and new collection locality. This study investigated the genetic diversity of L. clypealis museum voucher samples from the Western United States (i.e. Texas, California, and Idaho) collected from 1994 to 2019, including the L. clypealis samples from the Coastal Bend. Eleven new sequences were obtained. Sample sequences were compared with public sequences of L. clypealis from the Western United States. The mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase 1 (mtDNA COI) barcode gene region revealed differences among and within the collection regions. Texas, Idaho, and California all had samples with unique genotypes, and the combined dataset had a haplotype diversity of 1.0. The Texas specimens recently collected in the Coastal Bend did not match genotypes from California or Idaho, and it is unlikely they were recently introduced. Overall, L. clypealis from Texas, Idaho, and California have a high level of genetic diversity, and the 3 regions appear to be within the native range of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood, 1837) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an important arthropod pest of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) throughout American continents. However, the historical events associated with its dispersion are poorly understood. In this study, we employed a phylogeographic approach to investigate the origin and demographic history of P. guildinii in Brazil. We analyzed the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and Cytb gene sequences of P. guildinii individuals collected in Brazil's 5 soybean production macro-regions and cross-referenced this information with sequences available in public databases. Our findings support an older Caribbean basin establishment for the current genealogical strains of P. guildinii , with subsequent dispersion to Brazil around 0.97 Mya. No secondary dispersion of this species from the Caribbean region to soybean areas in Brazil was identified. The Brazilian populations of P. guildinii are genetically structured across the country's soybean macro-regions and show strong signals of continuous demographic and spatial expansion in Brazil, which may be accelerated by the soybean cropping landscape in the country. The populations from the northern region (MR5) are older than the Central and South populations. The signs of demographic expansion indicate that P. guildinii populations are increasing their effective size in soybean regions, which could reflect its importance as a soybean pest in the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe) is economically important pest in East Asia including Korea, Japan, and China where they infest wooden structures in urban areas. Previously, it has been reported that R. speratus consists of 5 subspecies, R. speratus kyushuensis Morimoto, R. speratus speratus Kolbe, R. speratus leptolabralis Morimoto, R. speratus okinawanus Morimoto, R. speratus yaeyamanus Morimoto, while only R. speratus kyushuensis was recorded in Korea in the past. However, it remains elusive if different subspecies of R. speratus other than R. speratus kyushuensis are present in Korea. In this study, we report the first record of R. speratus speratus from Korea, which was verified using soldier morphology and molecular characteristics obtained from a mitochondrial gene. R. speratus speratus Kolbe, 1885 (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) are found in several provinces, mainly southern regions in Korea, whereas R. speratus kyushuensis are distributed throughout the country. Our morphological comparison showed that R. speratus speratus can be distinguishable from R. speratus kyushuensis by the ratio of the posterior postmentum width to length. In the molecular comparison, R. speratus speratus revealed genetic differences of 3.06% (range 2.60–4.10%) from R. speratus kyushuensis using cytochrome oxidase subunit II gene sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes Holmgren 1913 are among the most economically important wood-destroying pests in the western United States. Yet, there remains uncertainty regarding the taxonomy and biology of the species in this genus. The 2 species described as having distributions in this region are the western subterranean termite, Reticulitermes hesperus Banks, and the arid land subterranean termite, Reticulitermes tibialis Banks. Taxonomic studies utilizing cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles, agonistic behavior, flight phenology, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) suggested that R. hesperus is a species complex comprised of 2 or more sympatric, yet reproductively isolated species. To further delineate these taxa, we examined multiple genes from samples of Reticulitermes collected in the western United States. Alates collected after recent spring and fall mating flights, as well as previously collected workers, were subjected to CHC phenotyping and DNA sequence analyses that targeted mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII), mitochondrial 16S rRNA, and nuclear Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 and 2 (ITS1 and 2). Phylogenetic analyses conducted also included published sequences of other putative western Reticulitermes species. Results suggest that at least 5 species of Reticulitermes may be present in California and that Reticulitermes in Arizona consistently group into multiple clades, including samples previously identified as R. tibialis in a sister clade. These analyses further support the species status of qualitatively different CHC phenotypes and that alates swarming in spring vs. fall are reproductively isolated species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snapping shrimps of the genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 exhibit remarkable diversity, with over 300 described species. The genus is well-known for its prevalence of species complexes, necessitating the need of new tools to facilitate species discrimination. Traditional taxonomic methods in Alpheus have primarily relied on the examination of morphological traits or comparative morphometric measurements, with an emphasis on variation in the major chela and rostro-orbital region. We applied an integrated approach that combines molecular genetics and geometric morphometrics to investigate the A. gracilipes Stimpson, 1860 species complex. We additionally applied geometric morphometric techniques to study the major chela and the rostrum across different species, and used three mitochondrial genes (12S, COI, and 16S) to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships of this complex. Our results demonstrate the first application of geometric morphometric techniques to Alpheus snapping shrimps, and highlight the significance of the major chela and rostrum as taxonomically informative traits. Furthermore, we use DNA barcodes and geometric morphometric techniques to the A. gracilipes species complex to reveal two previously unidentified cryptic species. We present the first phylogenetic reconstruction of this species complex, with new localities and expanded distribution ranges reported for many species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endemic North American praying mantid, Brunneria borealis Scudder (1896), is obligatorily parthenogenic and wingless. The species is both geographically widespread, distributed over an essentially continuous pericoastal range of more than 2,400 km from eastern Texas to central North Carolina, and abundant in early-stage successional old fields. We used mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) analysis to examine the genetic similarities among specimens of this insect and collected from 7 states along this range of distribution. We found no variations in the mitochondrial COI gene, which suggests that this wide geographic distribution of the species is surprisingly recent. We hypothesize that its obligatory parthenogenic status may be an accident of colonization of North America by a single facultative parthenogenic female, and the subsequent distribution was most likely achieved by inadvertent human transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high desert regions of eastern California within the Great Basin are vast areas of shrub-dominated habitat heavily impacted by invasive exotic grasses and forbs. Trapping efforts within these areas provided distributional information about various surface-active arthropod taxa. Two groups with high species diversity and abundance encountered at our sites were the coleopteran families Carabidae and Tenebrionidae. Here, we report trapping of 45 species of carabids and 46 species of tenebrionids, along with mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequence data for 65 of these 92 species. These results build upon existing distributional information regarding these families in California and further refine our knowledge of the biodiversity of the understudied Great Basin provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poecilosclerida is the largest and the most diverse order in the class Demospongiae and one of the least studied in the tropical Pacific Ocean. In this study, two new species and two new faunistic records of Coelosphaeridae are described from the Mexican Pacific Ocean. Celtodoryx chichiltik sp. nov. and Lissodendoryx (Anomodoryx) incrustans sp. nov. also constitute the first records of the monotypic genus Celtodoryx and the subgenus Anomodoryx from the Eastern Pacific Region. In addition, the re-description of Lissodendoryx (Waldoschmittia) hawaiiana and Lissodendoryx (Lissodendoryx) albemarlensis with new regional records are included. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA and 28S rDNA (C1–D2 domains) were sequenced, and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the two loci revealed that Coelosphaeridae is not monophyletic. In the 28S tree topology, neither Lissodendoryx nor Celtodoryx are monophyletic, and sequences of the two genera are members of two distinct clades containing sequences of other Poecilosclerida species. 28S sequences of L. (W.) hawaiiana show high similarities between specimens from the Mexican Pacific and a specimen from Hawaii (type locality), suggesting a wide distribution range of this sponge species in the Pacific Ocean. COI topology shows that the majority of Lissodendoryx (including our sequences) were grouped within the same molecular clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flea beetles (Alticini) represent one of the most diverse groups within the family Chrysomelidae and are associated with more than 100 different plant families. Conspicuously, only 10 genera account for about a quarter of flea beetle diversity, whereas about 380 genera each comprise less than 10 species, indicating different rates of diversification within the Alticini. Here, we reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of 608 species in 101 Alticini genera using mitogenomes and cytochrome oxidase I, and applied several frameworks of clade-specific diversification rate analyses. Increased diversification rates were consistently detected in the cosmopolitan genera Altica Goffroy, Longitarsus Berthold, and Phyllotreta Chevrolat, and in neotropical taxa of the subtribe Oedionychina. In addition, we tested whether the evolution of specialized interactions with plants of the order Brassicales influenced the diversification of Phyllotreta and Psylliodes Berthold flea beetles. Specialization on Brassicales was only associated with increased diversification rates in Phyllotreta but not in Psylliodes. Our results indicate that host associations per se do not explain different diversification rates and lay the groundwork for investigating the evolutionary drivers of rapid radiations in Alticini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isopods of the genus Janiralata Menzies, 1951 (Asellota: Janiridae) are known from shallow and deep waters of the Northern Hemisphere. Most species are free-living, but some are symbiotic on the surface of other benthic invertebrates. We obtained from three beam- and four otter-trawl hauls 18 Janiralata asellote specimens from the bathyal zone off the Pacific coasts of Tohoku, northeastern Japan. Partial nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene (505 bp) were determined for 16 of the 18 collected specimens. Non-significant genetic differences (< 0.8%) indicated that the individuals were conspecifics. Morphological analysis indicated that all the specimens belonged to a single species, Janiralata plana sp. nov. based on the unique morphology of the anterolateral and distolateral projections on the head and pleotelson, surface and lateral margins of the body, antennula article 1, and of the male pleopod 1. Six of the 18 collected specimens were found attached to the surface of an unidentified sea anemone (Hormathiidae), ten to the solasterid starfish Crossaster borealis Fisher, 1906 and two were obtained from the bottom sediment. Three COI haplotypes of the new species were shared by individuals from two neighboring sites, which suggests that genetic isolation occurs on a relatively narrow horizontal scale, although the bathymetric distribution range was rather wide. We describe a case study of the geographic and bathymetric distributions of an asellote species with low dispersal ability and its genetically differentiated populations. Such approach could help elucidate the diversity and distribution of deep-sea organisms and their diversification processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terminal electron acceptor of most aerobic respiratory chains, cytochrome c oxidase (COX), has been highly conserved throughout evolution, from aerobic prokaryotes to complex eukaryotes. Oxygen metabolism in parasitic helminths differs significantly from that of most aerobic eukaryotes, as these organisms can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms throughout their life cycles. Early studies suggested a lack of COX activity in certain parasitic helminths, and the role of COX in helminth mitochondria remains unclear. To determine whether a functional COX is widely present in helminths, we analyzed the phylogenetic distribution of oxygen metabolism systems across 155 helminth genomes, investigating three distinct sets of protein-coding genes involved in different aspects of oxygen metabolism: COX and its assembly factors, peroxisomes, and the most abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS)-metabolizing proteins. While glycolytic and citric acid cycle enzymes are highly conserved in helminthic species, we observed an apparent widespread absence of essential COX genes across 52% of helminth species investigated. While the most common proteins involved in the defense against ROS are highly maintained across virtually all lineages, we also observed an apparent absence of essential peroxisomal protein-coding genes in 42% of species investigated. Our results suggest that a subset of parasitic helminths utilize oxygen differently from related, nonparasitic species such as Caenorhabditis elegans , with significant differences in their mitochondrial electron transport chains and peroxisomes. The identification of substantive differences between parasite and host metabolism offers a new avenue for the development of anthelmintic agents that could target these divergent pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The salinity and humidity barriers divide biodiversity and strongly influence the distribution of organisms. Crossing them opens the possibility for organisms to colonize new niches and diversify, but requires profound physiological adaptations and is supposed to happen rarely in evolutionary history. We tested the relative importance of each ecological barrier by building the phylogeny, based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene (COI) sequences, of a group of microorganisms common in freshwater and soils, the Arcellidae (Arcellinida; Amoebozoa). We explored the biodiversity of this family in the sediments of athalassohaline water bodies (i.e. of fluctuating salinity that have non-marine origins). We found three new aquatic species, which represent, to the best of our knowledge, the first reports of Arcellinida in these salt-impacted ecosystems, plus a fourth terrestrial one in bryophytes. Culturing experiments performed on Arcella euryhalina sp. nov. showed similar growth curves in pure freshwater and under 20 g/L salinity, and long-term survival at 50 g/L, displaying a halotolerant biology. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all three new athalassohaline species represent independent transition events through the salinity barrier by freshwater ancestor, in contrast to the terrestrial species, which are monophyletic and represent a unique ecological transition from freshwater to soil environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) is a worldwide invasive species that causes huge economic loss and environmental damage in many countries. Traditional morphological characteristics make it hard to identify scolytines due to their tiny size. Besides, the intercepted insect samples are incomplete, and the limitation of insect (larvae and pupae) morphology makes morphological identification more difficult. The majority of the damage is caused by adults and fungi that serve as nutrition for their larvae. They destroy plant trunks, branches, and twigs, affecting plant transport tissues in both weak and healthy plants. An accurate, efficient, and economical molecular identification technique for X. compactus not restricted by professional taxonomic knowledge is necessary. In the present study, a molecular identification tool based on the mitochondrial DNA gene, cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) was developed. A species-specific COI (SS-COI) PCR assay was designed to identify X. compactus regardless of the developmental stage. Twelve scolytines commonly found in eastern China, namely Xylosandrus compactus, X. crassiusculus, X. discolor, X. germanus, X. borealis, X. amputates, X. eupatorii, X. mancus, Xyleborinus saxesenii, Euwallacea interjectus, E. fornicatus, and Acanthotomicus suncei, were included in the study. Additionally, specimens of X. compactus from 17 different areas in China, as well as a specimen collected from the United Stated, were also analyzed. Results demonstrated the accuracy and high efficiency of the assay, regardless of the developmental stage or the type of specimen. These features provide a good application prospect for fundamental departments and can be used to prevent the harmful consequences of the spread of X. compactus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted-wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is an economically important pest of small fruits worldwide. Currently, the timing of management strategies relies on detection of adult flies captured in baited monitoring traps; however, identifying D. suzukii in trap catch based on morphology can be challenging for growers. DNA-based diagnostic methods such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) have the potential to improve D. suzukii detection. This study evaluated a LAMP assay as a diagnostic tool to discriminate between D. suzukii and closely related drosophilid species found commonly in monitoring traps in the Midwestern United States. Targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene, we found the LAMP assay accurately detected D. suzukii with as little as 0.1 ng/µl of DNA at 63 °C for 50 min. Under these optimal incubation conditions, D. suzukii could be discriminated from D. affinis and D. simulans consistently, when specimens collected from liquid monitoring traps were tested independently. Compared to other DNA-based diagnostic tools for D. suzukii, LAMP offers unique benefits: DNA extraction is not required, testing occurs at one temperature in less than 1 h, and positive results are visible as a colorimetric change from pink to yellow. The LAMP assay for D. suzukii can reduce reliance on morphological identification, enhance the adoption of monitoring tools, and improve accuracy of detection. Further optimization can be conducted to evaluate the accuracy and sensitivity of results when a mixture of DNA from both D. suzukii and congener flies are tested in a single LAMP reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental aspect of symbiotic relationships is host specificity, ranging from extreme specialists associated with only a single host species to generalists associated with many different species. Although symbionts with limited dispersal capabilities are expected to be host specialists, some are able to associate with multiple hosts. Understanding the micro- and macro-evolutionary causes of variations in host specificity is often hindered by sampling biases and the limited power of traditional evolutionary markers. Here, we studied feather mites to address the barriers associated with estimates of host specificity for dispersal-limited symbionts. We sampled feather mites (Proctophyllodidae) from a nearly comprehensive set of North American breeding warblers (Parulidae) to study mite phylogenetic relationships and host–symbiont codiversification. We used pooled-sequencing (Pool-Seq) and short-read Illumina technology to interpret results derived from a traditional barcoding gene (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) versus 11 protein-coding mitochondrial genes using concatenated and multispecies coalescent approaches. Despite the statistically significant congruence between mite and host phylogenies, mite–host specificity varies widely, and host switching is common regardless of the genetic marker resolution (i.e. barcode vs. multilocus). However, the multilocus approach was more effective than the single barcode in detecting the presence of a heterogeneous Pool-Seq sample. These results suggest that presumed symbiont dispersal capabilities are not always strong indicators of host specificity or of historical host–symbiont coevolutionary events. A comprehensive sampling at fine phylogenetic scales may help to better elucidate the microevolutionary filters that impact macroevolutionary processes regulating symbioses, particularly for dispersal-limited symbionts. [Codiversification; cophylogenetics; feather mites; host switching; pooled sequencing; species delineation; symbiosis, warblers.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting range expansion dynamics is an important goal of both fundamental and applied research in conservation and global change biology. However, this is challenging if ecological and evolutionary processes occur on the same time scale. Using the freshwater ciliate Paramecium caudatum , we combined experimental evolution and mathematical modeling to assess the predictability of evolutionary change during range expansions. In the experiment, we followed ecological dynamics and trait evolution in independently replicated microcosm populations in range core and front treatments, where episodes of natural dispersal alternated with periods of population growth. These eco-evolutionary conditions were recreated in a predictive mathematical model, parametrized with dispersal and growth data of the 20 founder strains in the experiment. We found that short-term evolution was driven by selection for increased dispersal in the front treatment and general selection for higher growth rates in all treatments. There was a good quantitative match between predicted and observed trait changes. Phenotypic divergence was further mirrored by genetic divergence between range core and front treatments. In each treatment, we found the repeated fixation of the same cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) marker genotype, carried by strains that also were the most likely winners in our model. Long-term evolution in the experimental range front lines resulted in the emergence of a dispersal syndrome, namely a competition—colonization trade-off. Altogether, both model and experiment highlight the potential importance of dispersal evolution as a driver of range expansions. Thus, evolution at range fronts may follow predictable trajectories, at least for simple scenarios, and predicting these dynamics may be possible from knowledge of few key parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda was first found in China in 2018. In other countries, FAW has evolved corn and rice strain biotypes. It is not possible to identify these strains based on morphology. In addition, FAW is very similar in appearance to several other common pests. These situations bring great challenges to the population management of FAW. In this study, we developed a rapid identification method based on PCR-RFLP to distinguish the two FAW strains and the FAW from other lepidopteran pests. A 697 bp mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) was cloned and sequenced from FAW, Spodoptera litura , Spodoptera exigua , and Mythimna separata. The COI fragments of these species revealed unique digestion patterns created by three enzymes (Tail, AlWN I, and BstY II). Thus, these four species can be distinguished from each other. The enzyme Ban I recognized a unique SNP site on a 638 bp triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi) fragment of the corn strain FAW. The Tpi fragment of the corn strain was cut into two bands. However, the rice strain could not be digested. Using this method, all 28 FAW samples collected from different host plants and locations in China were identified as the corn strain. This suggests that the rice strain has not yet invaded China. This method allows discrimination of FAW from other Lepidopteran pests and distinguishes the two FAW host strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the complete mitochondrial genome of Tzotzilthelphusa villarosalensis Villalobos & Álvarez, 2013 , a freshwater crab from Mexico. This is the first mitochondrial genome reported for the superfamily Pseudothelphusoidea. We performed a de novo assembly from genome skimming reads. The mitochondrial genome of T. villarosalensis has a length of 17,203 bp and its gene topology is similar to other freshwater and marine families, e.g. the position of the cytochrome oxidase complex subunits and ATA synthetase, even the order of nad3 , nad5 , nad4 , nad4L , nad6 , and cytb. By contrast, the order and organization of genes like the 16S, 12S, and nad1 are different depending on the phylogenetic group with which they are compared. The phylogenetic analyses placed T. villarosalensis as a sister group of all freshwater crabs reported until now and as part of the subsection Heterotremata. This complete mitochondrial genome could be a reference for further genomic studies of the family Pseudothelphusidae and other primary freshwater crabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known of the migratory ecology and population genetics of the lyside sulphur butterfly Kricogonia lyside (Godart) (Pieridae: Coliadinae). Mass migrations involving huge numbers of these butterflies have long been known to occur in the southern USA, Mexico and Greater Antilles, but these reports have been based mainly on chance encounters. A review of the limited literature on migrations of K. lyside in North America is presented here, together with results from field observations of a recent mass migration in north-western Mexico. Overall, these data confirm that migrations of K. lyside are often unidirectional, but can change direction over relatively short time periods, and are most probably 'triggered' by substantial rainfall following a prolonged dry period. Several important questions on these enigmatic migrations, however, including, but not limited to, location of source populations, ultimate destinations, numbers of individuals involved and purpose, remain to be answered. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA barcodes revealed that genetic diversity of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is much higher in K. lyside than that seen in the long-distance migrating nymphalid butterflies, the monarch (Danaus plexippus) and painted lady (Vanessa cardui), and that a large historical population expansion occurred during the mid-Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribe Noctuini is comprised over 520 species; many are economically important species that impact human agriculture. Despite their diversity and relevance, relationships of Noctuini have been difficult to resolve. There have been extensive morphological revisions of some of these taxa (e.g. Agrotis Ochsenheimer, Euxoa Hübner); however, there are no studies that focus exclusively on the phylogenetic relationships of the Noctuini. Currently, Noctuini are separated into 2 subtribes, Agrotina and Noctuina. In this study, we tested previous classification schemes with 2 analyses. The total evidence analysis utilized 3 loci for 3 outgroup taxa and 54 noctuine species. Using museum specimens, we collected data from cytochrome oxidase I (COI), Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC), and Elongation factor 1-α (EF1-α) to generate a dataset of 1,378 base pairs (bp) for a total evidence approach. We also used previously published COI sequences for 626 species, resulting in a matrix of 690 bp, termed "the barcode analysis." We used both Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian approaches for the total evidence analysis, and ML for the barcode analysis. In both sets of results, we found equivocal support for monophyletic Agrotina and Noctuina. We found strong support for smaller, well-described genera (e.g. Spaelotis), but poor support for large genera such as Euxoa , Feltia Walker, and Agrotis. It is likely that a combination of limited taxon/gene sampling, limited gene choice, and the rapid evolution of these species resulted in a lack of phylogenetic resolution in the total evidence topologies. Based on these results, we recommend increased taxon sampling and inclusion of loci that target these rapidly evolving lineages to achieve a better understanding of the phylogeny of Noctuini and its genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal dunes of the southeast of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, present two different described species of tuco-tucos: Ctenomys talarum and C. australis. Formerly, C. talarum was subdivided into three subspecies (C. t. talarum , C. t. recessus , and C. t. occidentalis), mainly based on its geographic distribution and phenotypic variation in characters of external morphology (e.g. body size and pelage color). This study assesses the phylogenetic relationships of C. talarum , focusing on the populations at the western end of its coastal distribution (localities of Pehuen-Có and Sauce Grande), which have been previously identified as highly genetically divergent. In this regard, populations distributed throughout the range of the species were sampled. Complete DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1,140 bp), partial sequences of the mitochondrial D-loop region (426 bp), and partial sequences of the nuclear DNA intron 8 of the β-fibrinogen (about 870 bp) gene were used for the analyses. Phylogenetic inferences based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers were performed separately or combined to obtain a species tree. Populations distributed at the western end of the coastal dunes (between Pehuen-Có and Sauce Grande), previously assumed as C. talarum , were found to belong to an independent lineage relative to the other populations from the Pampas region. The average genetic distance between these two lineages is within the order of the genetic distances observed between different species of the genus. Also, our results show that this lineage of Ctenomys presents a high affinity with the magellanicus group, which is distributed further south, in Patagonia. In conclusion, tuco-tuco populations occurring in the coastal expanse between these two localities should be considered a possible distinct cryptic species, highly differentiated from C. talarum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncovering what predicts genetic diversity (GD) within species can help us access the status of populations and their evolutionary potential. Traits related to effective population size show a proportional association to GD, but evidence supports life‐history strategies and habitat as the drivers of GD variation. Instead of investigating highly divergent taxa, focusing on one group could help to elucidate the factors influencing the GD. Additionally, most empirical data is based on vertebrate taxa; therefore, we might be missing novel patterns of GD found in neglected invertebrate groups. Here, we investigated the predictors of the GD in crabs (Brachyura) by compiling the most comprehensive cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) available. Eight predictor variables were analysed across 150 species (16 992 sequences) using linear models (multiple linear regression) and comparative methods (PGLS). Our results indicate that population size fluctuation represents the most critical trait predicting GD, with species that have undergone bottlenecks followed by population expansion showing lower GD. Egg size, pelagic larval duration and habitat might play a role probably because of their association with how species respond to disturbances. Ultimately, K‐strategists that have undergone bottlenecks are the species showing lower GD. Some variables do not show an association with GD as expected, most likely due to the taxon‐specific role of some predictors, which should be considered in further investigations and generalizations. This work highlights the complexity underlying the predictors of GD and adds results from a marine invertebrate group to the current understanding of this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catfish genus Trichomycterus is a recognized taxonomic bottleneck in Neotropical ichthyology. The hitherto poorly-known diversity of Trichomycterus in the Rio Doce Basin, Brazil, is here investigated using an iterative approach based on morphology and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data. Specimens from the entire Rio Doce Drainage and adjacent basins are analysed, including from type localities. Iteration of different sources of data, dense sampling and taxonomic representation, plus information on relevant type specimens allows a clear view of the diversity, relationships and nomenclature of Trichomycterus in the Rio Doce Basin. Results indicate the presence of at least 14 species in the basin, seven of which are new. A lectotype is designated for Trichomycterus immaculatus and the type locality is accordingly restricted to the Rio São Mateus, a satellite basin north of the Rio Doce. Geographic distributions are mapped for all recognized species. The wide distributions of some species (e.g. Trichomycterus alternatus , T. immaculatus) are explained against information on geomorphological processes and comparative information on their biology. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis shows that a large portion of the assemblage of Trichomycterus in the Rio Doce forms a clade, a pattern relevant to understanding the evolution of the genus in eastern South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenopteran parasitoids generally show a haplo-diploid sex determination system. Haploid males are produced from unfertilized eggs, whereas diploid females develop from fertilized eggs (arrhenotokous). In some cases, diploid females develop from unfertilized eggs (thelytokous). Diglyphus wani (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a biological control agent for agromyzid leafminers and have arrhenotokous and thelytokous strains. However, the morphological characteristics of two strains of D. wani are so similar that it is difficult to accurately distinguish them based on morphology. Here, a rapid molecular identification method was developed based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and one-step multiplex PCR. Two primer combinations, PC1 (Ar-F1/Th-F1/WR2) and PC2 (Ar-F1/Th-F4/WR2), were designed and repeatedly screened to distinguish two strains simultaneously, of which two special forward primers Th-F1/Th-F4 were used for the thelytokous strain and one special forward primer Ar-F1 was used for the arrhenotokous strain. In addition, a common reverse primer, WR2, was used for both strains. The PC1 and PC2 PCR assays were effective in distinguishing the two strains at different developmental stages and field colonies. This method provides a reliable, highly sensitive, and cost-effective tool for the rapid identification of the two strains of D. wani. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infects the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis. Sputum expectorated from the lungs of patients contains low levels of oxygen, indicating that P. aeruginosa may be oxygen-deprived during infection. During in vitro growth under oxygen-limiting conditions, a P. aeruginosa reference strain increases expression of a cytochrome oxidase with a high affinity for oxygen, and of nitrate and nitrite reductases that enable it to use nitrate instead of oxygen during respiration. Here, we quantified transcription of the genes encoding these three enzymes in sputum samples from 18 infected patients, and in bacteria isolated from the sputum samples and grown in aerobic and anaerobic culture. In culture, expression of all three genes was increased by averages of 20- to 500-fold in anaerobically grown bacteria compared with those grown aerobically, although expression levels varied greatly between isolates. Expression of the same genes in sputum was similar to that of the corresponding bacteria in anaerobic culture. The isolated bacteria were less susceptible to tobramycin and ciprofloxacin, two widely used anti-pseudomonal antibiotics, when grown anaerobically than when grown aerobically. Our findings show that P. aeruginosa experiences oxygen starvation during infection in cystic fibrosis, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Siberian silk moth, Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetverikov, is a very serious pest of conifers in Russia and is an emerging threat in North America where an accidental introduction could have devastating impacts on native forest resources. Other Dendrolimus Germar species and related Eurasian lasiocampids in the genus Malacosoma (Hubner) could also present a risk to North America's forests. Foreign vessels entering Canadian and U.S. ports are regularly inspected for Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus) and for the presence of other potentially invasive insects, including suspicious lasiocampid eggs. However, eggs are difficult to identify based on morphological features alone. Here, we report on the development of two TaqMan (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. Rotkreuz, Switzerland) assays designed to assist regulatory agencies in their identification of these insects. Developed using the barcode region of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene and run in triplex format, the first assay can detect Dendrolimus and Malacosoma DNA, and can distinguish North American from Eurasian Malacosoma species. The second assay is based on markers identified within the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region and was designed to specifically identify D. sibiricus , while discriminating closely related Dendrolimus taxa. In addition to providing direct species identification in the context of its use in North America, the D. sibiricus assay should prove useful for monitoring the spread of this pest in Eurasia, where its range overlaps with those of the morphologically identical D. superans (Butler) and similar D. pini (Linnaeus). The assays described here can be performed either in the lab on a benchtop instrument, or on-site using a portable machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate whether the marine snails Petaloconchus varians (d'Orbigny, 1839) and Petaloconchus myrakeenae Absalão & Rios, 1987 from southeastern Brazil are conspecific. Both species were described from Rio de Janeiro, and they diverge mainly in their growth forms (i.e. gregarious for P. varians and solitary for P. myrakeenae). Examination of shell features, operculum, radula and anatomic details revealed no differences between the species. Analysis of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunits I (CO1) sequences showed that all Petaloconchus samples from Rio de Janeiro clustered into a single clade, which included specimens from the Caribbean (Venezuela). In addition, a genetic differentiation test showed that the analysed populations are structured and the species likely originated in the Caribbean and has undergone significant population expansion. We conclude that P. myrakeenae is a junior synonym of P. varians and provide a morphological redescription of the latter. Furthermore, we argue that different growth forms of P. varians are ecophenotypes, apparently influenced by wave action and water temperature. Tests should be conducted to confirm this hypothesis and to evaluate the impact of other parameters on the plasticity of growth forms, such as food supply and habitat heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of oysters along the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is not well recognized. We present a phylogenetic analysis of oyster species in these regions. We combined morphological and molecular techniques to obtain the identity of oysters to the lowest taxonomic levels. Analysis of partial nucleotide sequences from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was used for the phylogenetic evaluation. Based on our findings, Iranian samples nested within the genus Saccostrea and belonged to Saccostrea mordax and Saccostrea palmula clades. The shell morphology of the studied samples was variable, as in other rock oyster species. The examination of morphological features was in line with the molecular outcomes, but despite some similarities, Iranian S. palmula had well-developed and elongated chomata. The results also showed that S. mordax and S. palmula possessed significant relative abundance as dominant oysters in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Iranian samples of S. palmula formed a separate subclade from the Gulf of California and Panama samples, with large genetic distances (6–7%). Iranian specimens differed morphologically and genetically, suggesting that they could be a new species, although more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]