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\nHighlightsThe Trebouxiophyceae is a widespread and species-rich green algal class encompassing mostly coccoid algae with a simple spherical, ovoid or ellipsoidal outline. However, some poorly sampled lineages have evolved more elaborate shapes or even complex thalli, adding to the morphological diversity of the class. By investigating new and previously established strains, this study expands the range of morphologies exhibited by the class members by uncovering a clade of croissant-like trebouxiophytes. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from nuclear 18S rDNA and chloroplast rbcL sequences confirmed the monophyly of the ‘microcroissant’ clade, which we propose to be classified as a new family, Ragelichloridaceae. This family includes two novel genera, Ragelichloris and Navichloris, and the previously described Thorsmoerkia. The position of Ragelichloridaceae within Trebouxiophyceae stayed unresolved but chloroplast phylogenomics showed that the family belongs to the broader incertae sedis group that also includes Xylochloris and Leptosira. In addition, our study showed that the similar morphotype-bearing genus Chlorolobion, previously classified within Chlorophyceae, is a genuine trebouxiophyte, potentially related to Ragelichloridaceae. A new family-level clade uncovered within the Trebouxiophyceae.Two new genera, Ragelichloris and Navichloris, are described.The genus Chlorolobion is shown to be a trebouxiophyte.A new family-level clade uncovered within the Trebouxiophyceae.Two new genera, Ragelichloris and Navichloris, are described.The genus Chlorolobion is shown to be a trebouxiophyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trimetabelba Miko gen. nov. a new genus of damaeid mites within Metabelba sensu lato is proposed after redescription of the species T. propexa (Kulczynski, 1902) comb. nov. based on topotypical material from High Tatra Mountains (Carpathians). Two further new species are described: T. proxima Miko sp. nov. from multiple localities in Slovakia, Czechia and Switzerland, and T. prolixa Kolesnikov et Murvanidze sp. nov. from Georgia. Generic concepts of Metabelba sensu lato are discussed, and another new genus – Prometabelba Miko gen. nov. – is proposed with P. centurion (Miko et al., 2014) as its type species. An identification key is provided for all known genera and subgenera of the generic complex Metabelba sensu lato, as well as all species of Trimetabelba.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EB176C50-C71A-49BA-AE8D-208323CCA4C5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besleria , a genus of perennial herbs, shrubs, or small trees growing in the understorey of rainforests, is one of the largest genera of neotropical Gesneriaceae, with over 165 species. Despite the ecological importance and ubiquity of Besleria in rainforest ecosystems, taxonomic and evolutionary studies of Besleria are limited. Here, we generated a phylogenetic analysis of Besleria using four nuclear and chloroplast DNA regions (ITS, mat K, rps 16, and trn L- trn F) covering more than 50% of the recognized species, along with two secondary calibration points to infer divergence times. Our results support the monophyly of Besleria and allowed us to revise the infrageneric classification and biogeographical history of the genus. We identified five major clades that do not correspond to sections or subsections in previous classifications. These clades are well circumscribed geographically but remain difficult to characterize using previously hypothesized morphological characters. Biogeographical reconstructions indicate an origin in the northern Andes during the Middle Miocene (ca. 15 Mya). The current distribution patterns of this plant group have been significantly shaped by geological and climatic events, particularly Andean uplift and the formation of the Panama Isthmus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new fossil species of walnuts, Juglans eoarctica sp. nov., J. nathorstii sp. nov., and J. cordata sp. nov., are described on the basis of nuts recovered from the middle Eocene fossil forests of Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. These represent the most northerly occurrence of Juglans and are among the oldest records of Juglans to date. The Axel Heiberg Island walnuts conform to the sections Rhysocaryon and Cardiocaryon and, together with the contemporaneous midlatitude fossil species J. clarnensis Scott, imply the establishment of two distinct Juglans lineages prior to the middle Eocene. Climatic cooling, leading ultimately to Pleistocene glaciation, has transformed high-latitude vegetation and resulted in the American/Eurasian disjunct distribution found in many north temperate families, of which Juglans is typical. With three coexisting species in the Axel Heiberg Island fossil forests, it is clear that Juglans was an important component of this ancient polar landscape and played a significant role in the evolution of northern temperate forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suillus (order Boletales) is a diverse genus of epigeous, mushroom-forming fungi native to temperate forests across the Northern Hemisphere; however, some species are also present in areas where Pinaceae has been introduced in the Southern Hemisphere. Unlike the closely related genus Rhizopogon, there are no described hypogeous, sequestrate species of Suillus. Here, we describe Suillus hypogaeus, the first known species of the genus with hypogeous, sequestrate sporocarps. Collections were made on Marys Peak in Benton County, Oregon, USA, at an elevation of 800 m in forests dominated by Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii. The peridium is white, quickly staining pink to purple-reddish where bruised or cut. The gleba is pale yellow when young, becoming purple with maturity, and the basidiospores are obovoid, light yellow in KOH, and amyloid in Melzer's reagent. Multilocus molecular phylogenetic analyses support the placement of S. hypogaeus among the Larix specialists in the spectabilis group of Suillus. Although Larix and Pseudotsuga are sister genera, Larix does not occur on Marys Peak or elsewhere in western Oregon. Suillus hypogaeus, therefore, represents both an independent origin of the hypogeous, sequestrate sporocarp within the Boletales and an independent host shift between Larix and Pseudotsuga within the genus Suillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of Albomagister, a genus of Tricholomataceae in the order Agaricales, are described and illustrated from eastern North America. All four are relatively rare or geographically restricted but two have a broad geographical distribution occurring in southeast Canada and in the southern Appalachians. This study increases the number of known species in the genus from three to seven, five of which occur in eastern North America. A broad concept for the genus is discussed. Illustrations and descriptions of the North American taxa are presented, along with a taxonomic key to the known seven species in the genus worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are a diverse group of non‐web‐building predators and the most species‐rich spider family. The Salticidae Tribe Nannenini consists of a small group of Oriental jumping spiders that are very poorly known. The use of explicit phylogenetic analyses to establish its affinities has so far remained limited. The Nannenini genus Epidelaxia has a peculiar morphology, making its systematic position uncertain. In this study, we present a comprehensive dataset combining molecular and morphological data for Nannenini, including exemplars from all genera. This dataset comprises DNA sequences of approximately 2400 bp, including nuclear genes (18S, 28S and H3) and the mitochondrial gene CO1, sequenced for 40 taxa (20 ingroups and 20 outgroups), along with 61 morphological characters. Notably, both DNA sequences and morphological traits were analysed separately and concurrently for the first time. The Nannenini clade is recovered with high support. Further, Epidelaxia is monophyletic and sister to Tubalaxia gen. n. This is the first hypothesis on the internal phylogenetic structure of Epidelaxia and its placement within the Tribe Nannenini. A new genus Tubalaxia gen. n. and the following new species are described: E. bharathi sp. n., E. somasundaram sp. n., T. castanea sp. n., T. aurea sp. n. The following new combination is proposed: Tubalaxia minuta (Prószyński, 1992) comb. n. Epidelaxia albostellata, E. albocruciata and E. obscura are redescribed. It is worth noting that the newly described species face endangerment due to their limited distribution and small population sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peradectidae are Paleogene ‘opossum-like’ stem-metatherians, largely Laurasian, whose evolutionary history remains unclear. Based on new remains (mainly dental) discovered in several French localities, we carry out a comprehensive systematic revision of all early Eocene peradectids from Europe (~MP7 reference level to MP10-11 interval). We describe well-preserved specimens from Palette (Southern France, MP7-MP8 + 9 interval) documenting the earliest European peradectid, Peradectes crocheti sp. nov. This new species exhibits an interesting mosaic of characters, including plesiomorphic traits found in the North American type species, Peradectes elegans Matthew and Granger, 1921. Molars allocated to the strikingly ubiquitous Peradectes crocheti sp. nov. are found in eight additional localities from northwestern and southwestern Europe, all limited to the time interval MP7-MP8 + 9. Moreover, the study of unpublished material of the MP8 + 9 and ~MP8 + 9 peradectids allows us to recognize two younger coeval species (Peradectes louisi Crochet, 1979, and Peradectes russelli Crochet, 1979). Our taxonomic conclusions are supported a posteriori by the first quantitative assessment of the variation in height of metatherian stylar cusps. The holotype of Peradectes louisi is reinterpreted, and Peradectes ‘mutigniensis’ Crochet, 1979 appears to be a junior synonym of Peradectes russelli. In addition to size, the otherwise similar Peradectes louisi and Peradectes russelli can be distinguished based on subtle yet consistent differences, such as lower molar proportions. Phylogenetic analyses using a novel matrix of dental characters shed new light on the relationships among Eocene peradectids, confirming the paraphyly of Peradectes with respect to Armintodelphys and Mimoperadectes. Our results suggest a single dispersal from North America to Europe in the evolutionary history of peradectids, which likely occurred immediately after the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, Peradectes crocheti sp. nov. being recovered as the earliest offshoot of the European clade. Scarce lower molars from the MP10 reference locality and ~MP10 localities analyzed within this constrained phylogenetic framework reveal a trend towards shrinking of the entoconid in the European lineage throughout the early Eocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of what has recently been written about taxonomy has focused on negatives in the face of a heterogeneously defined taxonomic impediment. The current review takes a step back from the rhetoric to explicate the modern science of taxonomy with a new practical model, "the five 'D's": taxon discovery, delimitation, diagnosis, description, and specimen determination. Although individual taxonomists may focus more on some of these practices and less on others, taxonomy as a discipline requires all five. Each practice depends on the one prior and necessarily leads to and often overlaps with the one following. In fact, the first 'D'—taxon discovery—has its origin in the last, specimen determination, thereby closing a recursive loop of taxonomic progress. Hopefully users of taxonomy—almost all biologists—will appreciate a fresh perspective on a foundational science. Several recommendations are offered to biological researchers to account for the iterative improvement, and hence necessary change, in the taxonomy and nomenclature of their study organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Amblyomma spp. ticks, known for their long mouthparts, bright ornate appearance and aggressive hunting behaviour, are vectors of a number of important pathogens. In southern Africa, 17 Amblyomma spp. are currently documented. Of these species, Amblyomma hebraeum and Amblyomma variegatum have been well studied due to their wide geographical range and their status as competent vectors of pathogens that are of veterinary and medical importance. Studies on other Amblyomma spp. in southern Africa have been neglected, fostering ongoing debates on the validity of certain species such as Amblyomma pomposum. This study investigated the inter- and intra-species variation of Amblyomma ticks collected in southern Africa, focusing on resolving the dispute about A. pomposum and A. variegatum being distinct species. Methods: Four Amblyomma tick species were collected from Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and were identified morphologically as Amblyomma eburneum (208), A. hebraeum (4758), A. pomposum (191) and A. variegatum (2577) using identification keys. Gene amplification targeting the 12S and 16S rRNA, cytochrome oxidase I, cytochrome B and internal transcribed spacer-2 genes was conducted for 204 ticks, for which varying success was achieved during amplification for each of the markers. Maximum likelihood analyses were performed in IQ-TREE. Results: The phylogenetic topologies and ABGD analyses of each individual gene clustered A. pomposum within the A. variegatum clade, while clearly separating A. eburneum and A. hebraeum from all other species. None of the genetic markers indicated intraspecific structuring on the basis of geographical origin, despite great distances between sampling sites. Conclusion: Our study concludes that there is insufficient molecular evidence to differentiate A. pomposum and A. variegatum from each other. We highlight the need for whole mitochondrial genome sequencing of these two species to resolve the ongoing controversies. Furthermore, we propose mating and hybrid viability studies between the two species to confirm their reproductive isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gymnosperms originated in the Middle Devonian and have experienced a long evolutionary history with pulses of speciation and extinction, which resulted in the four morphologically distinct extant groups, i.e., cycads, Ginkgo, conifers and gnetophytes. For over a century, the systematic relationships within the extant gymnosperms have been debated because different authors emphasized different characters. Recent phylogenomic studies of gymnosperms have given a consistent topology, which aligns well with extant gymnosperms classified into three classes, five subclasses, eight orders, and 13 families. Here, we review the historical opinions of systematics of gymnosperms with special reference to several problematic taxa and reconsider the evolution of some key morphological characters previously emphasized by taxonomists within a phylogenomic context. We conclude that (1) cycads contain two families, i.e., the Cycadaceae and the Zamiaceae; (2) Ginkgo is sister to cycads but not to conifers, with the similarities between Ginkgo and conifers being the result of parallel evolution including a monopodial growth pattern, pycnoxylic wood in long shoots, and the compound female cones, and the reproductive similarities between Ginkgo and cycads are either synapomorphic or plesiomorphic, e.g., the boat-shaped pollen, the branched pollen tube, and the flagellate sperms; (3) conifers are paraphyletic with gnetophytes nested within them, thus gnetophytes are derived conifers, and our newly delimited coniferophytes are equivalent to the Pinopsida and include three subclasses, i.e., Pinidae, Gnetidae, and Cupressidae; (4) fleshy cones of conifers originated multiple times, the Podocarpaceae are sister to the Araucariaceae, the Cephalotaxaceae and the Taxaceae comprise a small clade, which is sister to the Cupressaceae; (5) the Cephalotaxaceae are distinct from the Taxaceae, because the former family possesses typical female cones and the fleshy part of the seed is derived from the fleshiness of integument, while the latter family has reduced female cones and preserves no traces of the seed scale complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonally tropical dry forests (SDTFs) in the American tropics are a highly diverse yet poorly understood and endangered ecosystem scattered from Northern Mexico to Southern Argentina. One floristic element of the STDFs is the genus Magoniella (Polygonaceae), which includes two liana species, M. laurifolia and M. obidensis, which have winged fruits and are distributed from Costa Rica to Southern Brazil. In a field expedition to the SDTFs of the Colombian Caribbean in 2015, morphologically distinctive individuals of Magoniella were found. In this study, we investigated the species boundaries within Magoniella and determined the phylogenetic position of these morphologically distinctive individuals in the tribe Triplaridae. We compiled morphological trait data across 19 specimens of both species and produced newly sequenced nuclear-plastid DNA data for M. obidensis. Morphometric analyses revealed significant differences in fruit length and perianth size among individuals from the Colombian Caribbean compared to M. obidensis and bract length when compared to M. laurifolia. Maximum likelihood analysis of non-conflicting nuclear and plastid datasets placed the Colombian Caribbean individuals as sister to M. obidensis with maximum statistical support. Additionally, pairwise sequence comparisons of the nuclear ribosomal ITS and the lfy2i loci consistently showed 15-point mutations (10 transitions, five transversions) and six 2 bp-long substitutions that differ between M. obidensis and the Colombian Caribbean individuals. Our morphological and molecular evidence thus suggests that the Colombian Caribbean individuals of Magoniella represent a divergent population from M. laurifolia and M. obidensis, which we describe and illustrate as a new species, M. chersina. Additionally, we provide nomenclatural updates for M. laurifolia and M. obidensis. This study highlights the power of combining morphological and molecular evidence in documenting and naming plant diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ostracod crustaceans are among the most abundant microfossils in the geological record, thanks to their strongly cal- cified shell. Most of the fossils belong to the suborder Cytherocopina, which also has a rich diversity of living species. Unfortunately, many of the living representatives are known only by their shell morphology. Soft body always provides valuable insights into the phylogeny, and sometimes conflicts with currently accepted systematics of this group. We provide a complete description of Coquimba ishizakii Yajima 1978, collected from Jeju Island, South Korea. This is the first report on soft body morphology for the entire genus Coquimba Ohmert 1968, and the first record of this genus from Korea. Its soft body morphology is similar to other representatives of the family Hemicytheridae, where Coquimba currently belongs. After reviewing all records of C. ishizakii, we propose that several of them belong to different species, such as all those from Taiwan (modern and fossil). We also provide 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA sequences for this species, the latter being reported for the first time for the entire family Hemicytheridae [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of herbarium investigation of the species belonging to the Sparganium erectum group are here presented. The study was based on the revision of specimens with ripe fruits preserved in the Herbarium Centrale Italicum (FI) of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence and other local herbaria. The presence of Sparganium oocarpum, not yet recorded in Italy, has been confirmed by the evaluation and measurement of important diagnostic characters (shape of the fruit, length, and width of the fruit, length of the peduncle, length of the style) and by their statistical analysis. Finally, a new identification key for the four species belonging to S. erectum group, based on the Italian herbarium material studied, is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen, fruit, and seed morphology of the Cistus species (Cistaceae) from Turkey were investigated by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to describe their characteristics and to clarify the diagnostic importance of these properties for taxonomical purposes. The pollen grains are oblate-spheroidal, with the polar axis ranging from 32 to 55 μm, and the equatorial axis ranging from 34.25 to 57 μm. Microreticulate-rugulate, striato-reticulate, microechinate, and microreticulate with smooth supratectal elements were found on exine sculpturing. The fruits are ovoid, oblong-globose, or ovoid-globose, and their size ranges between 3–11.2 mm in length and 2.9–10.3 mm in width. Capsule surface patterns can be divided into three types, namely irregularly reticulate, striate, and reticulate-areolate. The hairs on the capsule show variation in type: pilose, bifurcate, and stellate. The seeds are polyhedral, ovoid, rhomboid, oblong, or tetrahedral, and their color varies between dark brown, reddish-brown, yellowish-brown, and black. Four seed coat ornamentation types were observed: reticulate-ruminate, reticulate-rugose, colliculate-ruminate, and alveolate-rugose. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis revealed that the pollen dimension, exine sculpturing, capsule size, capsule indumentum type, capsule surface pattern, seed color, and seed coat ornamentation are the most significant variables to differentiate the Cistus species studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species in the parasitic isopod family Cabiropidae are known to utilise various isopods as hosts but there are currently no records of members parasitising anthuroid hosts. We describe Anthuroniscus gen. nov. for three new cabiropid species, Anthuroniscus shimomurai sp. nov. , Anthuroniscus dentatus sp. nov. and Anthuroniscus latus sp. nov. , all of which are parasitic on anthuroid isopods. Anthuroniscus gen. nov. differs from the other 14 cabiropid genera and 10 genera treated as family incertae sedis in females having an elongate, dorsally compressed, posteriorly tapering body with six pairs of lateral bulges; and cryptoniscus larvae in the following combination of characters: (1) eyes lacking, (2) antennular article 1 with eight teeth on the posterior margin, (3) uropodal exopod and endopod rectangular rather than tapering, and endopod longer than exopod, and (4) pleotelson trapezoidal, 2× as wide as long. Anthuroniscus shimomurai sp. nov. was parasitic on Mesanthura sp. from Kaichu Doro, Uruma, Okinawa, south-western Japan; A. dentatus sp. nov. on Accalathura sp. from Irabu Island, Miyako Islands, Okinawa; and A. latus sp. nov. on Colanthura nigra from Kanagawa, central Japan. In pairwise comparisons, the three new species showed p -distances of 0.6–1.3% for the 18S rRNA gene (1440 positions); and A. shimomurai sp. nov. and A. latus sp. nov. showed a p -distance of 36.2% for the 16S rRNA gene (412 positions). In an 18S -based maximum-likelihood tree, an Anthuroniscus gen. nov. clade was the sister group to Cryptoniscoidea sp., parasitic on an ostracod species. This is the first study reporting Cabiropidae from Japan and anthuroids as hosts for Cryptoniscoidea. ZooBank: The parasitic isopod family Cabiropidae is known to utilise various isopods but lacks records of members parasitising Anthuroidea. We describe Anthuroniscus gen. nov. for three new cabiropid species, Anthuroniscus shimomurai sp. nov., Anthuroniscus dentatus sp. nov. and Anthuroniscus latus sp. nov., all of which are parasitic on anthuroid isopods. This is the first study reporting Cabiropidae from Japan and anthuroids as hosts for not only Cabiropidae but also Cryptoniscoidea. (Image credit: Shoki Shiraki.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heteroplasmic mitogenome of the stingless bee Tetragonula laeviceps from Peninsular Malaysia consists of two variants (TL1-1 and TL1-2), both with 29,084 bp consisting of two segments: the “canonical” segment contains 36 genes—13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA, and 21 tRNA genes; and the inverted repeat segment consists of 31 genes (11 PCGs, 2 rRNAs, and 18 tRNAs). In the TL1-2 variant, the (nad4-nad4L-trnP-trnS1) gene segment in the “canonical” genome of the TL1-1 variant was inverted to (trnS1-trnP-nad4-nad4L). Phylogenetic analyses based on 13 PCGs and 15 mt-genes reveal that T. laeviceps from Peninsular Malaysia and China form a lineage in the subclade consisting also of the Tetragonula lineage of T. mellipes, T. davenporti, T. carbonaria, and T. hockingsi. The genetic distances of 13 PCGs and 15 mt-genes between T. laeviceps of Peninsular Malaysia and China (p = over 10%) and between the taxa of China (p = about or over 10%) indicate that these three taxa are genetically distinct, reflecting the presence of a species complex. The large genetic distances, based on COX1 sequences, of p = over 10% among the taxa of T. laeviceps of China, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Indonesia, and India indicate beyond reasonable doubt that they are not conspecific. Assuming that the Peninsular Malaysian taxon is T. laeviceps s.str., the taxa of China, Sabah, Indonesia, and India (as well as Thailand based on the 16S rRNA gene) warrant to be accorded as distinct cryptic species. Likewise, the taxonomic status of some taxa (e.g., Tetragonula fuscobalteata of Sabah and Sulawesi) needs clarification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a dated and calibrated molecular phylogeny for one of the most characteristic genera of Neotropical savannas, Byrsonima (Malpighiaceae), based on the ETS, ITS, and psbA-trnH markers. We sampled 33 species of Byrsonima and four species of the outgroups Blepharandra, Diacidia, and Pterandra to test the monophyly of the infrageneric classification of the genus. Bayesian inference (BI) analysis was performed for the combined molecular dataset. Seven morphological characters were optimized on the obtained tree. Calibration points derived from a published chronogram for Malpighiaceae were used alongside a relaxed, uncorrelated molecular clock on Beast 1.8.4. Ancestral range reconstructions focusing on four main Neotropical biomes (Cerrado, Atlantic rainforest, Amazon rainforest, and Caatinga dry forests) were performed on BioGeoBEARS. Our phylogenetic results corroborated the monophyly of Byrsonima, but all of its subgenera and sections were polyphyletic, with all morphological characters circumscribing these infrageneric ranks being highly homoplastic. The most recent common ancestor of Byrsonima was widespread in South American biomes at 11.41 Ma, posteriorly diversifying in the Amazon rainforests up to 7.72 Ma, when it started massively diversifying in Neotropical savannas. A few re-colonization events from savannas to rain or dry forests occurred from 2.95–0.53 Ma. These results corroborate the mid-Miocene origins of Neotropical savannas, and future studies should aim to sample Mesoamerican species of Byrsonima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief introduction of Chinese Hygrobatidae taxonomy is reviewed. A new species, Sinibates xinyaoae Li, Smit & Guo sp. nov. from Hainan province is described representing a new genus Sinibates Li, Smit & Guo gen. nov. A second species, Hygrobates (Minibates) cf. dobriyali Pešić & Smit, 2019, from Hunan province represents a new subgenus, Minibates Li, Smit & Guo subgen. nov. inHygrobates. The other new species, Mixobates neoamurensis Li & Guo sp. nov. from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region adds a newly recorded genus, Mixobates Thor, 1905 from China. Text: LSID Genus:Sinibates Li, Smit & Guo gen. nov.: LSID Species:Sinibates xinyaoae Li, Smit & Guo sp. nov.: LSID Subgenus:Minibates Li, Smit & Guo subgen. nov.: LSID Species:Mixobates neoamurensis Li & Guo sp. nov.: LSID [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of evolution and biodiversity require solid understanding of species systematics revealed by molecular phylogeny using multilocus genomic data. Multilocus analyses, nevertheless, remain difficult in non-model taxa due to limited access to samples and molecular resources. To help overcome this limitation, ultra-conserved elements (UCEs) have been developed to generate large nuclear datasets and build more robust species phylogenies. Recently, MitoFinder pipeline was developed to further extract mitochondrial genes from the off-target sequences in UCE libraries to allow mito-nuclear comparison and increase the mitochondrial genomic database. Here we applied MitoFinder to published UCE datasets of serotine bats (genus Eptesicus) and focused on E. (Histiotus) whose evolutionary history is poorly understood. Our results showed extensive mito-nuclear discordances in the divergence of major clades in Eptesicus and within E. (Histiotus), indicating potential incomplete lineage sorting and historical mitochondrial introgression within and across subgenera. Moreover, we collected several new samples of E. (Histiotus), including the first molecular data of the recently described E. (H) diaphanopterus, and combined available published sequences to generate the most taxa-complete mitochondrial phylogeny of E. (Histiotus) bats. Results supported the early divergence of E. (H.) magellanicus and the species status of E. (H.) diaphanopterus. In addition, we found strong evidence of cryptic diversity, with potentially new taxa in Peru, Uruguay, and Brazil, which needs to be evaluated in future studies using complementary data. Our study enriched the sequence database of serotine bats and shed light on the hidden diversity and complex evolutionary history of E. (Histiotus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids (Aphididae) are intensively studied due to their significance as pests and their captivating biological traits. Despite this interest, the evolutionary history of this insect family is poorly understood. Recent phylogenomic analyses have produced conflicting topologies, complicating our understanding of aphid trait evolution. In this work, we aimed to unravel the backbone phylogeny of aphids. We sequenced partial and whole mitochondrial genomes from 87 species. We additionally sequenced 42 nuclear loci across 95 aphid species and sourced 146 genes from 12 new and 61 published genomes from aphid obligate endosymbiont , Buchnera aphidicola. We obtained data from these three sources for a subset of aphid species, facilitating a comparative analysis of their signal. Our analyses confirm the monophyly of most subfamilies, validating current taxonomic classifications. However, relationships between subfamilies remain contentious in both mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies. The topologies obtained with Buchnera are fully resolved but disagree with host phylogenies at deep evolutionary scales and conflict with views on the evolution of aphid morphology. We discuss alternative hypotheses for these discrepancies. Finally, the paucity of phylogenetic information at deep timescales may stem from an initial rapid radiation. Though challenging to establish, this scenario may inherently hinder resolution in aphid phylogenetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treefrog Boana exastis was tentatively included in B. faber group based on its morphological similarity to B. lundii and B. pardalis. This species was only recently included in a molecular phylogeny, confirming its placement in this group; however, its phylogenetic relationships have been poorly explored. Herein, we describe the larval external morphology, buccopharyngeal cavity, and skeleton of B. exastis, and assess its phylogenetic placement and genetic similarity between disjunct populations. Additionally, we describe the larval skeleton of the two closely related species, B. lundii and B. pardalis. The larval morphology of B. exastis is congruent with the other Boana species, reinforcing a high larval similarity across species of the B. faber group. The three species showed differences in color and in rows of marginal papillae. Comparing the chondrocranium of the three species, we found that B. exastis is more similar to B. pardalis than to B. lundii, contrary to what has been previously proposed, based on acoustic data. Phylogenetically, B. exastis was found to be more related to B. pardalis than to B. lundii. Despite presenting a disjunct distribution, the populations of Boana exastis show a very low mitochondrial genetic divergence, indicating that they are the same taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clavulina possesses important ecological and economic value and has attracted extensive attention from mycologists. Macrofungal diversity is high in China, but Clavulina species have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, based on morphological evidence and phylogenetic analyses of the nucleotide sequences of three loci (nrITS, nrLSU, and rpb2), three new species of Clavulina from North China were identified. Morphologically, Clavulina chengdeensis is characterized by its white to dirty white basidiomata with somewhat pale orange tips and somewhat wrinkled hymenium. Clavulina griseoviolacea is characterized by its gray to dark grayish violet basidiomata, with a sometimes-white stipe base, monopodial or irregularly polychotomous toward branch apices. Clavulina pallida is characterized by its white to pale cream white basidiomata with somewhat orange tips. Phylogenetically, the three new species form three independent branches with high support values in the phylogenetic tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Typhlodromips coniferaphilussp. nov., is described and illustrated based on females collected from various conifers in the Altai Republic and Sakhalin Island, Russia. Moreover, a complementary description of T. quaesitus (Wainstein & Beglyarov) is provided based on females and males collected from various angiosperm plants in the Sakhalin Island, Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite many studies conducted over a period of nearly two centuries since Reboul, who was the first to classify tulips as subgeneric level, there is still no consensus among researchers regarding the infrageneric classification of tulips. Nevertheless, in recent years, efforts to solve this taxonomic problem have been increasing. However, phylogenetic studies covering all species of a genus or at least with species representatives of all subgeneric taxonomy worldwide are very scarce. The main difference of the current study from previous studies is that it is a larger study focused on solving this problem by considering all perspectives together, covering many geographical areas and species in global distribution. For this purpose, we examined the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Tulipa with 82 accessions from 45 Tulipa species and six accessions from two Amana and three Erythronium species, and we positioned our results by discussing them in light of previous morphological, geographical, molecular and anatomical data. We investigated the phylogenetic relationships in the genus using DNA sequences from the internal transcribed spacer region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The 45 species of Tulipa formed a monophyletic clade. Genera Amana and Erythronium were clustered as outgroups. In the genus Tulipa, two major clades were obtained; the first clade belonged to subgenus Orithyia. The second clade separated subgenus Tulipa and subgenera Eriostemones+Clusianae. Then, Eriostemones and Clusianae subgenera formed two separate clusters. Subgenus Eriostemones separated two main clusters; section Biflores and section Sylvestres. On the other hand, all previously proposed sections and series under the subgenus Tulipa were grouped into a single clade. This situation agrees with previous biosystematic data highlighting the morphological overlap of most of the sections and with previous molecular data showing that many sections are not monophyletic. Consequently, we propose a taxonomic concept consisting of four subgenera and two sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of two mitochondrial genes (16S and COI) shows that two genera can be recognised in the Lord Howe Island tateid fauna. Fluviopupa, a widespread Pacific genus, contains the species previously referred to that genus as well as Potamopyrgus oscitans. Species which were previously included in the New Caledonian genus Hemistomia form a clade that is sister to Austropyrgus from south-eastern Australia. The generic name Insuladrobia n. gen. is introduced for that clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the type locality (the summit of Aprada-tepui, Bolívar State of Venezuela), the distribution of the egg-brooding frog Stefania satelles was long thought to include several isolated tabletop mountain (tepui) summits surrounding the large Chimantá Massif in Bolívar State (hence the Latin name "satelles"). However, multilocus molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed that this taxon includes several undescribed morphologically cryptic species, and that S. satelles should be restricted to its type locality. Two tepui-summit species confused under that name in the literature remain to be named, and the present paper aims at describing these populations previously referred to as Stefania sp. 3 and S. sp. 5. Stefania sp. 3 is only known from the small summit of Angasima-tepui, while S. sp. 5 is only reported from the small summit of Upuigma-tepui, both mountains being located south of the Chimantá Massif. These new, phylogenetically distinct species are described based on external morphology and osteology and in comparison to close relatives in the S. ginesi clade, which consists exclusively of tepui summit species. Both new species have highly restricted geographic ranges (less than 3 km2) and should be listed as Critically Endangered according to IUCN criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centrolenidae is a Neotropical family widely distributed in Central and South America, with its species richness concentrated in the tropical Andes. Several taxonomic problems have been identified within this family, mostly related to species with broad geographic distributions. In this study, we assessed and redefined the species boundaries of the Centrolene buckleyi species complex, and formally described two new species from the Andes of Ecuador. These new taxa are recognized by a combination of morphometric, osteological, acoustic, and genetic data. Following IUCN criteria, we propose that the two new species should to be considered as Endangered (EN), mainly because of their small distributions and habitat loss. The C. buckleyi complex provides insights into the biogeography of closely related Andean species. As in other glassfrogs, speciation in Centrolene seems to be mediated by the linearity of the Andes, where gene flow can be restricted by topography and, also, local extinctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hairs or trichomes distributed on the base of filaments in the morning glory family, known as staminal trichomes, differ from those found on other plant parts and have been recognized for their taxonomic value for over a century. In this study, our aim was to investigate the appearance of staminal trichomes in the tribe Ipomoeeae Hall. f., a significant tribe within the family Convolvulaceae, and assess their taxonomic implications. Micromorphological examinations were conducted using clearing techniques on 73 taxa from seven out of eight genera within the tribe, and the data were analyzed using factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD). The results show that, among all examined taxa, only two species lacked staminal trichomes. Glandular staminal trichomes were the most common type observed, and they were the only type observed in Ipomoea, Paralepistemon, Rivea, Stictocardia, and most Argyreia species. Nonglandular staminal trichomes were restricted to Astripomoea, Lepistemon, and some Argyreia taxa. The glandular trichomes in Ipomoea exhibited the largest variation and overlapped with other glandular trichome-bearing genera. However, genera with nonglandular trichomes were readily distinguishable from each other. Both glandular and nonglandular trichomes were basically composed of a stalk and apical cell, yet they varied in shape, size, density, and distribution pattern. This study provides a detailed examination and application of microscale features, emphasizing the significance of micromorphology in plant taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypotrichs are one of the highly differentiated ciliated lineages which play important roles in ecological, environmental, evolutionary and basic biological studies. In the present study, we investigated the living characteristics, infraciliature, nuclear apparatus, ontogenesis and phylogenetic position of a marine hypotrichous ciliate, Apokeronopsis wrighti Long et al., 2008, which was isolated from coastal waters in Shenzhen, China. The new isolate resembles the type population in terms of morphological characteristics, morphometrics, and SSU rRNA gene sequence that is with a 99.7% similarity. Ontogenesis of A. wrighti is characterized by oral primordium for the proter as well as marginal and dorsal kineties anlagen in both filial products formed de novo, and the cirral row arranged along the paroral and endoral arises from several anterior frontoventral-transverse cirral streaks. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU and concatenated gene data suggest that five species of Apokeronopsis form a monophyletic clade, and the genus Apokeronopsis is closely related to Thigmokeronopsis and Metaurostylopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic variety and habitats of Camptophora species, generally known as black yeast, have not been clarified. In this study, we re-evaluated Camptophora based on morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses. Because prior investigations on Camptophora only included a few strains/specimens, 24 Camptophora-related strains were newly obtained from 13 leaf samples of various plant species to redefine the genetic and species concepts of Camptophora. Their molecular phylogenetic relationships were examined using small subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (nSSU, 18S rDNA), the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA operon, the large subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (LSU, 28S rDNA), β-tubulin, the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2), and mitochondrial small subunit DNA (mtSSU). Single- and multi-locus analyses using nSSU-ITS-LSU-rpb2-mtSSU revealed a robust phylogenetic relationship among Camptophora species within Chaetothyriaceae. Camptophora species could be distinguished from other chaetothyriaceous genera by their snake-shaped conidia with microcyclic conidiation and loosely interwoven mycelial masses. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses, two undescribed lineages were recognized, and Ca. schimae was excluded from the genus. ITS sequence comparison with environmental DNA sequences revealed that the distribution of the genus is restricted to the Asia–Pacific region. Camptophora has been isolated or detected from abrupt sources, and this was attributed to its microcycle. The mechanisms driving genetic diversity within species are discussed with respect to their phyllosphere habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of evidence indicates that the global diversity of freshwater fishes has not been fully documented. Studies of freshwater fishes that were previously thought to be morphologically variable have revealed the existence of deeply divergent lineages, with many distinct species. In southern Africa a number of Enteromius species exhibit either exceedingly wide or divided distribution patterns that should be rare for freshwater fishes with limited dispersal opportunities between river systems. One such species is the sidespot barb, Enteromius neefi. As currently defined, E. neefi has a disjunct distribution that is divided between rivers in the northeast escarpment in South Africa and Eswatini, and tributaries of the Upper Zambezi in Zambia and southern Congo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a large geographic gap between these two populations. With the use of molecular and morphological methods, the level of divergence between the two populations was examined, and a new species was described from the Steelpoort River in the Limpopo River system of South Africa. Findings from this study provide further evidence for a number of taxonomic problems within the goldie barbs of southern Africa, and some taxonomic rearrangements are proposed for this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic nematodes of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, along with their bacterial symbionts from the genera Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, respectively, are important biological control agents against agricultural pests. Rapid progress in the development of genomic tools has catalyzed a transformation of the systematics of these organisms, reshaping our understanding of their phylogenetic and cophlylogenetic relationships. In this review, we discuss the major historical events in the taxonomy and systematics of this group of organisms, highlighting the latest advancements in these fields. Additionally, we synthesize information on nematode–bacteria associations and assess the existing evidence regarding their cophylogenetic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, more than 400 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been identified. Despite the creation of effective prophylactic vaccines against the most common genital HPVs, the viruses remain among the most prevalent pathogens found in humans. According to WHO data, they are the cause of 5% of all cancers. Even more frequent are persistent and recurrent benign lesions such as genital and common warts. HPVs are resistant to many disinfectants and relatively unsusceptible to external conditions. There is still no drug available to inhibit viral replication, and treatment is based on removing lesions or stimulating the host immune system. This paper presents the systematics of HPV and the differences in HPV structure between different genetic types, lineages, and sublineages, based on the literature and GenBank data. We also present the pathogenesis of diseases caused by HPV, with a special focus on the role played by E6, E7, and other viral proteins in the development of benign and cancerous lesions. We discuss further prospects for the treatment of HPV infections, including, among others, substances that block the entry of HPV into cells, inhibitors of viral early proteins, and some substances of plant origin that inhibit viral replication, as well as new possibilities for therapeutic vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here new craniodental remains from the late Eocene Krabi coal mine in Thailand that can be attributed to the suoid Siamochoerus banmarkensis Ducrocq, Chaimanee, Suteethorn & Jaeger, 1998. This material that includes the complete lower dentition and isolated upper molars provides new information on the dental morphology of this species and makes S. banmarkensis, together with Egatochoerus jaegeri Ducrocq, 1994 from Krabi, the second best documented early suoid in the Eocene of Asia. A few dental features that can be observed on these new remains suggest that S. banmarkensis might be more closely related to Suidae Gray, 1821, but it also illustrates the difficulty to attribute a precise taxonomic position to Eocene taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hemicultrine fishes are a group of small‐sized cyprinids, widely distributed but endemic to East Asian rivers and lakes. Till now, the taxonomic boundaries and relationships within this group remain poorly explored. In the present study, we study the phylogeny of this group, providing suggestions for classification of the hemicultrine group. Using two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes, and samples representing all genera, our results showed that the group consists of seven major lineages, of which four (Hemiculterella, Hainania, Pseudolaubuca, and Anabarilius) were monophyletic and three (Hemiculter, Toxabramis, and Pseudohemiculter) were not. Based on the phylogenetic tree, we redefined the genera. We revive the genus Siniichthys, which has three species, Siniichthys bleekeri, Siniichthys lucidus, and S. varpachovskii, that were previously treated as members of the genus Hemiculter but showed distant relationships to the genus Hemiculter in our phylogenetic tree. With the new results, a diagnostic key for clades of the hemicultrine group is provided. Furthermore, we provide more detailed information on diagnostic features of the recently described species Hemiculter yungaoi (Vasil'eva et al., 2022). This work will facilitate future systematic studies, pave the way for evolutionary studies, and provide valuable information for the urgent conservation of hemicultrine fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grylloidea (crickets) and Gryllotalpoidea (mole crickets and ant crickets) are relatively ancient lineages within Orthoptera but their fossil records are not very rich. They are currently considered sister clades within the Gryllidea but with obvious differences in morphology and ecological adaptations. We report a new gryllidean family, †Pseudogryllotalpidae fam. nov. with three new genera and four new species, viz. †Pseudogryllotalpa scalprata gen. et sp. nov., †Unidigitus longialatus gen. et sp. nov., †Petilus zhengi gen. et sp. nov. and †Chunxiania fascia sp. nov. from the mid‐Cretaceous of northern Myanmar (ca. 99 million years ago). Their external and short ovipositors and their modified fossorial forelegs suggest a soil‐inhabiting preference. This new family exhibits a series of 'intermediate' character states between Grylloidea and Gryllotalpoidea and seems to be a 'transitional' fossil group linking these two superfamilies. This new family was resolved as a sister group of the extant Gryllotalpoidea and provides a new insight into the relationship and evolution of Grylloidea and Gryllotalpoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Once considered the most speciose mostly azooxanthellate scleractinian group, the family Caryophylliidae is found to be highly polyphyletic based on molecular data and is undergoing a process of systematic revision. High‐throughput sequencing methods coupled with morphological analyses have facilitated revision of several scleractinian lineages, including the aforementioned family. In previous studies that relied on few mitochondrial and nuclear markers, the caryophylliid genera Stephanocyathus and Vaughanella were phylogenetically recovered in separate clades from the lineage that includes the type genus of the family, Caryophyllia, which is considered the 'true' Caryophylliidae. To help untangle the relationship among taxa of this family, here a new deep‐sea scleractinian family (Stephanocyathidae Vaga, Cairns & Kitahara fam. nov.) is proposed based on phylogenomic reconstructions coupled with molecular features, specifically gene order, of the complete mitochondrial genome. Evolutionary reconstructions were based on both mitochondrial and nuclear ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and exon loci data sets and confirmed the divergent position of the genera Stephanocyathus and Vaughanella. The new family shows a specific gene transposition in the mitochondrial genome, not present in the 'true' caryophylliid lineage, but instead already observed for the species Paraconotrochus antarcticus, recovered as sister taxon of the here proposed new family. Although its phylogenetic position is unknown, the genus Ericiocyathus is also added to the new family, based on macromorphological similarities. This study represents a step forward in our understanding of deep‐sea corals relationships and provide further information (e.g., mitochondrial gene order) that will aid in future efforts of assessing the systematic of caryophylliid lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Due to the instability of interspecific morphological characteristics and the significant convergence phenomenon, it is difficult to identify most species of Neotriplax based on morphology. Through integrated research on the reddish-brown species of Neotriplax, which feature many phenotypic similarities, and by comprehensively utilizing morphology, molecular phylogeny, and geometric morphometrics, the relationship among all these species was reconstructed. The taxonomic status within the genus was partly clarified, with three new species being identified: N. qinghaiensis sp. nov., N. maoershanensis sp. nov., and N. guangxiensis sp. nov. To date, five species of reddish-brown Neotriplax have been described, but their highly similar body color and other phenotypic traits make accurate taxonomy challenging. To clarify species-level taxonomy and validate potential new species, the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was used for phylogenetic analysis and the geometric morphometrics of elytron, pronotum, and hind wing were employed to distinguish all reddish-brown Neotriplax species. Phylogenetic results using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of COI sequences aligned well with the current taxonomy of the Neotriplax species group. Significant K2P divergences, with no overlap between intra- and interspecific genetic distances, were obtained in Neotriplax species. The automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD), assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP), and generalized mixed Yule coalescent (GMYC) approaches concurred, dividing the similar species into eight molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). Geometric morphometric analysis using pronotum, elytron, hind wing shape and wing vein patterns also validated the classification of all eight species. By integrating these analytical approaches with morphological evidence, we successfully delineated the reddish-brown species of Neotriplax into eight species with three new species: N. qinghaiensis sp. nov., N. maoershanensis sp. nov., and N. guangxiensis sp. nov. Furthermore, we documented the first record of N. lewisii in China. This study underscores the utility of an integrative taxonomy approach in species delimitation within Neotriplax and serves as a reference for the taxonomic revision of other morphologically challenging beetles through integrative taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of the tribe Fabeae (Vicieae) has long been problematic, but an analysis by Schaefer et al. in 2012 gave an exceptionally clear view of the tribe and noted the possibility that some nomenclatural adjustments may be required at some future date. These authors suggested several options, expressing some preferences. However, there has been a recent change to formally accepted names, implementing one of these possibilities, but without any additional relevant information. This change seems unjustified and unhelpful. We therefore present an argument for the retention, or re-instatement, of the genera Pisum, Vavilovia, and Lens until such time as new data support this requirement and there is no nomenclatural solution that is both accurate and convenient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs were a ubiquitous component of shallow marine ecosystems during the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. Alas, their origins remain a mystery. Here we describe three specimens from the Sinemurian (and possibly Early Pliensbachian) of the UK: a partial cranial rostrum, a series of cervical vertebrae, and two dorsal vertebrae adhered with matrix. These specimens are amongst the oldest known thalattosuchian fossils, with the partial cranial rostrum being the oldest known non-neothalattosuchian thalattosuchian. This partial cranial rostrum has a unique combination of rostral characters never seen before in any crocodylomorph, and helps to elucidate early thalattosuchian internal rostrum evolution, suggesting that the reduction in thalattosuchian paranasal sinuses was not related to either the reorganization of rostral neurovasculature seen in later diverging taxa or the increased cancellous bone microstructure. Based on our CT sample, a shift in cranial bone microstructure occurred in the Eoneustes  + Metriorhynchidae subclade, one that coincided with the enlargement of the salt glands and decoupling of the external antorbital fenestra from the paranasal sinuses. Without extensive histological sampling we cannot determine whether the shift to an obligate aquatic lifestyle occurred prior to the evolution of Metriorhynchidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new species of Pavania (Acari: Heterostigmata: Dolichocybidae) phoretic on scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) are described: P. eurysternophilasp. nov. collected on Eurysternus cyclops and E. caribaeus in French Guiana and Brazil; P. tenuisetasp. nov. on Canthon sp. in French Guiana; P. nicaraguaiensissp. nov. on Canthon deyrollei in Nicaragua; P. brevisetosasp. nov. on Canthon humectus in Mexico; and P. lancetosetosasp. nov. on Scarabaeus rugosus in South Africa. An updated key to species of the genus Pavania is provided. The family Dolichocybidae is reported from the Nicaragua and Mexico for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidodexia Brauer and Bergenstamm is one of the most speciose genera of flesh flies found in the Western Hemisphere. With approximately 200 species and 33 subgenera, Lepidodexia generic level diagnosis primarily relies on male terminalia features. However, the monophyly of Lepidodexia has been questioned, and for some taxa, the male terminalia are poorly known, leading to uncertainty about the genus delimitation and internal relationships. To address these issues, we performed the first comprehensive phylogeny of Lepidodexia , covering 85 % of its subgenera. Our results enabled us to establish a clear diagnosis for Lepidodexia and to identify 14 groups of subgenera based on key morphological features. The taxonomic status of the subgenera Archimimus , Halliosca , Xylocamptops and the species Lepidodexia angustifrons is addressed. Furthermore, our study provides a foundation for future taxonomic and evolutionary research on this diverse and ecologically important genus of flesh flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fight or flight phenomena is of evolutionary origin and responsible for the type of defensive behaviours enacted, when in the face of threat. This review attempts to draw the link between fear and aggression as motivational levers for fight or flight defensive behaviours. Furthermore, this review investigates whether human biological motion is modulated by the affective behaviours associated with the fight or flight phenomenon. It examines how threat informed emotion and motor systems have the potential to result in the modulation of empathetic appraisal. This is of interest to this systematic review, as empathetic modulation is crucial to prosocial drive, which has the potential to alleviate the perceived threat. Hence, this review investigates the role of affective computing in capturing the potential outcome of threat perception and associated empathetic responses. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the affective responses and biological motion evoked from threat scenarios, affective computing methods used to capture these neurophysiological and behavioural responses are discussed. A systematic review using Google Scholar and Web of Science was conducted as of 2023, and findings were supplemented by bibliographies of key articles. A total of 26 studies were analysed from initial web searches to explore the topics of empathy, threat perception, fight or flight, fear, aggression, and human motion. Relationships between affective behaviours (fear, aggression) and corresponding motor defensive behaviours (fight or flight) were examined within threat scenarios, and whether existing affective computing methods are effective in capturing these responses, identifying the varying consensus in the literature, challenges, and limitations of existing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many taxonomic and systematic rearrangements were proposed to Marasmius Fr. since its original concept in 1835, and since 1980 when it became the type of Marasmiaceae. These were based on morphological and/or more recently molecular phylogenetic studies. This study conducted a comprehensive taxonomic and systematic evaluation of Marasmius that benefits the whole family, implementing multilocus (SSU, LSU, ITS, rpb2 and ef1-α) phylogenetic analyses integrated with morphological and other features. The resulting trees support (1) a Marasmiaceae clade-based circumscription within Marasmiineae, (2) a Marasmius clade-based circumscription within Marasmiaceae, and (3) a subgenus-section-subsection-series system. Two subgenera are proposed: Globulares and Marasmius. Marasmius auton. subgen. includes Crinis-eques sect. nov., sect. Marasmius, Sanguirotales sect. nov., Variabilispori sect. nov., and Sicciformes sect. nov., while Globulares subg. nov. groups sect. Globulares and sect. Sicci. Four subsections are proposed in sect. Globulares and three in sect. Marasmius and sect. Sicciformes. Seventeen series were defined in sect. Globulares and three in sect. Sicci. Selected traits were assessed for their phylogenetic signals within Marasmius, providing a robust framework for a natural system. Based on this analysis, Marasmiaceae includes Chaetocalathus, Crinipellis, Marasmius and Moniliophthora/Paramarasmius, and Campanellaceae fam. nov. includes Brunneocorticium, Campanella/Tetrapyrgos, Neocampanella, and Marasmiellus sect. Candidi. New species, names, combinations and epitypes are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]