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The genus Fractonotus was erected on the basis of the peculiar appearance of the apophyses for the insertion of the stylet muscles on the buccal tube, and it has been attributed, together with the genus Microhypsibius, to the family Microhypsibiidae on the basis of the structure of the claws. A subsequent molecular investigation on Microhypsibius (18S and 28S rRNA) assigned the family Microhypsibiidae to the superfamily Hypsibioidea. Recently two other species, Isohypsibius gilvus and Calohypsibius verrucosus were transferred to Fractonotus and the latter was sequenced (18S and 28S rDNA, ITS-2), with the conclusion that the genus Fractonotus should be assigned to the family Isohypsibiidae, superfamily Isohypsibioidea. However, the transfer of I. gilvus and C. verrucosus to Fractonotus was incorrect. In fact, these two species definitely have claws of the Isohypsibius type, while Fractonotus caelatus, the type species of the genus, clearly has claws of the Microhypsibius type, in addition to other characters of the Hypsibioidea. Therefore, Fractonotus remains a monospecific genus in the Microhypsibiidae family, superfamily Hypsibioidea. The other two species belong to Isohypsibius or, if later confirmed by further morphological and new molecular data, to a new genus of Isohypsibiidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Fractonotus was erected on the basis of the peculiar appearance of the apophyses for the insertion of the stylet muscles on the buccal tube, and it has been attributed, together with the genus Microhypsibius, to the family Microhypsibiidae on the basis of the structure of the claws. A subsequent molecular investigation on Microhypsibius (18S and 28S rRNA) assigned the family Microhypsibiidae to the superfamily Hypsibioidea. Recently two other species, Isohypsibius gilvus and Calohypsibius verrucosus were transferred to Fractonotus and the latter was sequenced (18S and 28S rDNA, ITS-2), with the conclusion that the genus Fractonotus should be assigned to the family Isohypsibiidae, superfamily Isohypsibioidea. However, the transfer of I. gilvus and C. verrucosus to Fractonotus was incorrect. In fact, these two species definitely have claws of the Isohypsibius type, while Fractonotus caelatus, the type species of the genus, clearly has claws of the Microhypsibius type, in addition to other characters of the Hypsibioidea. Therefore, Fractonotus remains a monospecific genus in the Microhypsibiidae family, superfamily Hypsibioidea. The other two species belong to Isohypsibius or, if later confirmed by further morphological and new molecular data, to a new genus of Isohypsibiidae.

The value and uniqueness of forest ecosystems are determined by their species diversity and biotic resistance to negative environmental impacts. The aim of the study is to determine the species composition, systematic position, trophic specialization, as well as the occurrence and abundance of forest mycobiota with Abies alba in the Pokutsko-Bukovyna Carpathians. The study was conducted in 2019-2023 within the forests of the branches "Kutske Forestry", "Ivano-Frankivsk Forestry" and "Beregomet Forestry" of the State Specialized Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine", as well as the forests of the National Nature Park "Vyzhnytskyi" and the National Nature Park "Hutsulshchyna". Classical mycological identification methods were used in the study. Information from the interactive databases Index Fungorum, MycoBank, and World of Fungi of Ukraine was used to clarify the current systematic position and current names of taxa. It was found that the consortial relationships of the fungal biota of the Pokutsko-Bukovyna Carpathians forests are most closely related to the woody plants Picea abies, Abies alba, and Fagus sylvatica. During the mycological expedition, 54 species of representatives of the kingdom Fungi were identified, 81.5% of which belong to the order Basidiomycota and 18.5% to the order Ascomycota. It was found that the most numerous is the order Polyporales, and the least numerous are the orders Corticiales, Gomphales, Phallales, Pucciniales and Tremellales. It is shown that, according to trophic specialization, representatives of the studied mycobiota of the Pokutsko-Bukovyna Carpathians belong to the following groups: xylotrophic facultative saprotroph, xylotrophic facultative pathogen, xylotrophic obligate saprotroph, obligate pathogen and aboveground saprotroph. It is noted that the most widely represented are saproxylytrophs, which generally develop on dead and fallen wood. Thus, the systemic and structural analysis of the fungal biota of the Pokutsko-Bukovyna Carpathians forests allows for assessing the biocenotic value of fungi as bioindicators of the current state of stands, as well as identifying reference and valuable areas characterized by high biodiversity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the ranges, habitats and current state of rare and threatened species of plants is a relevant task of ecological research. The paper presents the results of the study of habitats and current state of populations of two rare species of Ukrainian flora Aconitum lasiocarpum (Rchb.) Gáyer and A. variegatum L. (Ranunculaceae) in the lowlands of Ukraine. These species are members of the mountain element of the flora of lowlands of Ukraine and glacial relics, which descended from the Carpathians Mountains to the lowlands of Ukraine during glaciation. Aconitum lasiocarpum is a rare species of European flora, included to the Red Data Books of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine. Unlike the well studied A. lasiocarpum populations in the main part of the range in the Carpathian Mountains, local populations of this species near the eastern limit of the range in the lowlands of Ukraine remain undescribed. In these exclaves of the range in the lowlands of Ukraine A. lasiocarpum is a glacial relic. Here it grows in alder forests Ribo nigri-Alnetum ordo Alnion glutinosa alliance. Lowland A. lasiocarpum populations consist of 1000–10000 adults with a significant number of young individuals. In the past lowland A. lasiocarpum populations occupied a much large area. Deforestation and drainage melioration led to reduction of the populations. Taking into account the low number of glacial relic populations at the eastern limit of the range of A. lasiocarpum, all localities of this species in the lowland part of the range in Ukraine must be taken under protection in situ. Aconitum variegatum L. grows in wet alder and oak forest and in areas with hazel shrubs. The populations of this species in lowlands of Ukraine occupy a very small area and are characterized by low numbers of individuals. In the past populations of this species in the lowlands of Ukraine occupied a larger area. As a rare species of the Ukrainian flora A. variegatum deserves to be included to the Red Data Book of Ukraine. We propose to protect the unique population of A. variegatum near Susk village in Rivne region as a botanical reserve.

Thrixspermum taeniophyllum is described as a new orchid species from Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province of southwest China. It is morphologically similar to T. japonicum, but it differs from the latter in having branched stems, slightly fleshy strapshaped leaves, longer inflorescences with 3–6 flowers and a capitate gynandrium with a lip-shaped mouth opening. Its species status is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and three chloroplast DNA fragments (matK, psbA-trnH and trnL-F), which showed distinct systematic boundaries from the most morphologically similar T. japonicum and their morphological relatives T. saruwatarii and T. pygmaeum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our first record of the rare and scatteredly distributed Ixeridium sagittarioides for Guizhou, China, triggered a study to assess its systematic position. The species was placed in four different genera in the course of its taxonomic history and was recently treated with doubts as a member of Ixeridium in the Flora of China. Comparative morphological investigation and phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and five non-coding plastid DNA regions (petD region, psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF, rpl32-trnL(UAG) and 5´rps16-trnQ(UUG) spacers) provided evidence that the species is not a member of Ixeridium and the Crepidinae but has evolved by ancient hybridisation of members of the Lactuca alliance (Lactucinae). It is reinstated as Lactuca sagittarioides and a comprehensive morphological description is provided, based on material from its entire range of distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The small subunit (SSU) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA that codes 18S rRNA is one of the most frequently sequenced genes in phylogenetic analyses of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera). However, no studies have been identified that use this method with lace bugs (Tingidae). Furthermore, the secondary and tertiary structures of the 18S rRNA have not been described nor used to interpret relationships among lace bug taxa. The number of nucleotides and shapes of the 18S rRNA length-variable regions (LVRs) have been confirmed to be phylogenetically informative; therefore, we verified their usefulness in resolving the validity issues within the Acalyptaini tribe. The lace bug tribe Acalyptaini (Tingidae: Tinginae) includes five genera, Acalypta, Derephysia, Dictyonota, Kalama, and Recaredus, and it was recently resurrected based on morphological and karyological characters. We aimed to validate the distinctiveness of this tribe using 18S rDNA sequences, which have not been used in previous Tingidae phylogenomic studies. Our results confirmed the monophyly of the tribe. Moreover, the monophyly of the subfamily Cantacaderinae and its basal position within the family Tingidae were indicated, as well as the position of the tribe Litadeini as sister to all other Tinginae. In addition, we attempted to determine the apomorphic morpho-molecular characters in the secondary and tertiary structures of length-variable regions of the 18S rRNA sequences of the analysed species. The results showed that two LVRs (LVR X and LVR L) of the hypervariable region V4 exhibited significant variability in the number of nucleotides and could be considered for apomorphic recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species Monoshanitesdentatus gen. et sp. nov., consisting of asymmetrical sclerites of problematic animal organisms belonging to the family Siphogonuchitidae is described from the Khevte-Tsakhir-Nuruu section of Western Mongolia (Tommotian Stage, Beds with Halkieria amorpha, Bayangol Formation). The microstructure of sclerites with a double wall was studied: the inner layer is lamellar; the outer layer is columnar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the flower buds and leaves/twigs of Heptacodium miconioides , a cultivated ornamental plant native to China and categorized as 'vulnerable', has led to the isolation of 45 structurally diverse compounds, which comprise 18 phenylpropanoids (1 – 4 , 7 – 20), 11 pentacyclic triterpenoids (5 , 6 , 21 – 29), eight secoiridoid glycosides (30 – 37), three quinic acid derivatives (38 – 40), and a few miscellaneous components (41 – 45). Among them, (+)- α -intermedianol (1), (+)-holophyllol A (2), and (−)-pseudolarkaemin A (3) represent previously unreported enantiomeric lignans, while (+)-7′(R)-hydroxymatairesinol (4) is an undescribed naturally occurring lignan. Heptacoacids A (5) and B (6) are undescribed 24- nor -urs-28-oic acid derivatives. Their chemical structures were determined by 2D-NMR, supplemented by evidence from specific rotations and circular dichroism spectra. Given the uncertainty surrounding the systematic position of Heptacodium , integrative taxonomy (ITA), a method utilized to define contentious species, is applied. Chemotaxonomy, a vital aspect of ITA, becomes significant. By employing hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and syntenic pattern analysis methods, a taxonomic examination based on the major specialized natural products from the flower buds of H. miconioides and two other Caprifoliaceae plants (i.e., Lonicera japonica and Abelia × grandiflora) could offer enhanced understanding of the systematic placement of Heptacodium. Additionally, compounds 39 and 40 displayed remarkable inhibitory activities against ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), with IC 50 values of 0.11 and 1.10 μM, respectively. In summary, the discovery of medical properties and refining systematic classification can establish a sturdy groundwork for conservation efforts aimed at mitigating species diversity loss while addressing human diseases. A phytochemical investigation of the endangered plant Heptacodium miconioides led to the isolation and characterization of 45 structurally diverse compounds. Compounds 1 – 3 represent previously unreported enantiomeric lignans, while 5 and 6 are undescribed 24- nor -urs-28-oic acid derivatives. The integrative taxonomy, including chemotaxonomic examination, were employed by hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and syntenic pattern analysis methods. Compounds 39 and 40 displayed remarkable inhibitory activities against ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), which were examined by molecular docking studies. The above findings could establish a sturdy groundwork for conservation efforts aimed at mitigating species diversity loss while addressing human diseases. [Display omitted] • A preliminary phytochemical study on Heptacodium miconioide has been carried out. • Undescribed enantiomeric lignans were identified by their NMR, [ α ] and ECD data. • Chemotaxonomy was first applied to refine the systematic position of H. miconioide. • Quinic acid derivatives 39 and 40 significantly inhibited the ATP-citrate lyase. • Medicinal uses and accurate systematic position stimulate the conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The family Cydnidae (so-called burrower bugs) contains 76 fossil species primarily assigned to two subfamilies, Amnestinae and Cydninae. Only five fossil species were undoubtedly classified within the subfamily Sehirinae. Eocenocydnus lisi, described from the Late Eocene of the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, was also tentatively placed in this subfamily. All other burrower bug subfamilies have no described fossil species to date. To verify the systematic position of E. lisi within the family Cydnidae, a parallel, cross-eyed viewing method was used. It is the first case incorporating this method into insect fossil morphological studies. It allows the recognition of many more morphological details than directly viewing a two-dimensional flat image. The fossil burrower bug Eocenocydnus lisi described from the Late Eocene of the Isle of Wight, UK, is analysed using a parallel, cross-eyed viewing method. The species, tentatively placed in the subfamily Sehirinae, is redescribed and its systematic position is discussed. Newly recovered morphological characteristics allow it to be placed in the tribe Cydnini of the subfamily Cydninae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrochilus wolongensis (Orchidaceae), a new orchid species from Sichuan Province, Southwest China, is described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles G. sinensis, but differs markedly from the latter in having black-purple stripes (vs. purplish-red spots) on the adaxial side of the petals and sepals, a reniform epichile densely covered with long papillate hairs (vs. sparsely pubescent) with purplish-red spots (vs. unspotted), and outside the sac of the hypochile with purplish-red stripes (vs. purplish-red spotted). The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and four chloroplast DNA fragments (matK, psbA-trnH, psbM-trnD, and trnL-F) of 36 Gastrochilus species showed that G. wolongensis was closely related to G. ciliaris and G. formosanus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrochilus wolongensis (Orchidaceae), a new orchid species from Sichuan Province, Southwest China, is described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles G. sinensis, but differs markedly from the latter in having black-purple stripes (vs. purplish-red spots) on the adaxial side of the petals and sepals, a reniform epichile densely covered with long papillate hairs (vs. sparsely pubescent) with purplish-red spots (vs. unspotted), and outside the sac of the hypochile with purplish-red stripes (vs. purplish-red spotted). The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and four chloroplast DNA fragments (matK, psbA-trnH, psbM-trnD, and trnL-F) of 36 Gastrochilus species showed that G. wolongensis was closely related to G. ciliaris and G. formosanus.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Papilio elwesi was sequenced and annotated using high-throughput sequencing in the present study. The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is a circular molecule of 15,082 bp in length, containing 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes) and a putative control region. We performed mitogenomic phylogenetic analyses of 34 swallowtail species employing methods of Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood. Our results further confirm that P. elwesi is a member of the subgenus Pterourus in Papilio sensu lato.

The lace bug tribe Acalyptaini (Tingidae: Tinginae) includes five genera, Acalypta, Derephysia, Dictyonota, Kalama, and Recaredus, and it was recently resurrected based on morphological and karyological characters. We aimed to validate the distinctiveness of this tribe using 18S rDNA sequences, which have not been used in previous Tingidae phylogenomic studies. Our results confirmed the monophyly of the tribe. Moreover, the monophyly of the subfamily Cantacaderinae and its basal position within the family Tingidae were indicated, as well as the position of the tribe Litadeini as sister to all other Tinginae. In addition, we attempted to determine the apomorphic morpho-molecular characters in the secondary and tertiary structures of length-variable regions of the 18S rRNA sequences of the analysed species. The results showed that two LVRs (LVR X and LVR L) of the hypervariable region V4 exhibited significant variability in the number of nucleotides and could be considered for apomorphic recognition.

Simple Summary: Lace bugs (Tingidae) are known for their spectacular bodily appearance; the pronotum and hemelytra of the adult specimens are lacelike, with a delicate network of areolae that resemble lace. The species are phytophagous and always feed on a specific plant or groups of closely related plants. Therefore, they are recognised as mono- or oligophagous bugs, whose feeding activities may cause significant injury to plant pods and leaves. Lace bugs are distributed worldwide and reported in all continents except Antarctica. Although most of the lace bug species are distributed in a particular zoogeographical region, some genera are widely known from the Holarctic region. However, species with a Palaeotropical distribution are scarce. In this study, based on new records and ecological niche modelling, we indicate that Recaredus rex, one of the most enigmatic lace bugs, has a possible Palaeotropical distribution. Moreover, we hypothesise that R. rex is an oligo- or polyphagous species. In addition, the systematic position of the genus Recaredus is discussed. The systematic position and actual distribution of Recaredus rex, for a long time one of the most enigmatic lace bug genus and species, is very obscure because only the type specimen and three other individuals from India are known to date. In the present paper, we report the first records of R. rex from the Palaearctic region (Iran) and tropical Africa (Ghana). Based on the occurrence localities and climatic variables, we predict potentially useful ecological niches for this species using Maxent software. The areas with the best environmental conditions for R. rex indicated in our studies suggest its possible Palaeotropical distribution. Moreover, we regard these results as a good starting point for further searches for specimens of this species. This might help verify the hypothesis of the broad Palaeotropical distribution of R. rex and its oligo- or polyphagy. In addition, the lace bug genus Recaredus, based on the diagnostic characteristics provided for the tribe Acalyptaini, and the structure of aedeagus, is transferred from the tribe Ypsotingini to the Acalyptaini. A key to all genera currently included in the latter tribe is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the current state and habitats of rare and threatened species of plants is a relevant task of ecological research. The paper presents the results of the study of systematic position, habitats and modern state of populations of a rare species included in the Red DataBook of Ukraine Carlina cirsioides Klokov (=C. acaulis L.). Carlina cirsioides is well-known to European phytosozologists as an endemic and relic species of the Flora of Ukraine. At the same time, the species independence of this taxon is not recognized by the authors of monographs on the Carlina genus and by the authors of “Flora Europaea”. Comparative morphological, chorological and ecological-coenotic analyses do not give sufficient reasons to consider C. cirsioides described by Klokov as a separate species, endemic and relic species of the Flora of Ukraine. According to the morphological traits, the specimens from the lowland part of Ukraine belong to the C. acaulis caulescens subspecies, which is distributed mostly in the lowlaand regions of Europe. Ecological-coenotic conditions of habitats of C. acaulis in the plains of Ukraine are different from those in the mountain regions and are close to the plains habitats of this species in Central Europe. Steppe communities of class Festuco-Brometea, of which C. acaulis is component in the plains part of Ukraine, are close to xerothermic herbaceous communities of Central Europe; forest communities of Erico-Pinetea with C. cirsioides in Ukrainian Polissia and the North-East Poland are very сlose by floristic composition. The removal of separate species status of the plains populations of C. acaulis near the eastern border of the range does not at all downplay its sozological significance. Taking into account the low number of C. acaulis in the Volhynian-Podolian Upland and in the Polesian Lowland, all localities of this species in the lowland part of the range in Ukraine must be taken under protection in situ.

Tituacia pseudodeviella sp. nov. is described with a series of photos and figures of adult, wing venation, male and female genitalia and male genital musculature. The systematic position of the genus is discussed using morphological features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, nutlet morphological and micro-morphological characters were analyzed using Light Microscope (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in 38 taxa under 13 genera from the sub-family Cyperoideae of Cyperaceae to find out whether these characters are taxonomically important or not. Nutlet morphology and surface characters of the representative taxa from all the possible tribes under the sub-family Cyperoideae namely, Fuireneae, Cypereae, Cariceae, Abildgaardieae, Eleocharideae, Pseudoschoeneae, Schoenoplecteae, and Sclerieae were evaluated for their taxonomic significance. Cluster analysis was employed considering nutlet morphological characters to determine the overall similarity among the taxa based on 153 character states. Except in few specified cases, grouping of the taxa in the clusters is in accordance to the taxonomic treatments made by recent Cyperologists. Nutlets in the tribe Abildgaardieae showed maximum level of variability in size, shape, and surface ornamentation at the level of higher taxon, but showed specificity at the species level. Tuberculate, striate-reticulate, and transversely wavy ridged surface ornamentations were found in different species of Fimbristylis. Previously described cryptic variation, and effect of different ploidy level were not reflected in nutlet surface morphology and micromorphology in Fimbristylis dichotoma and F. ovata complexes which was previously made the taxa taxonomically very difficult. Serrulate anticlinal wall in F. bisumbellata was the most unique in Fimbristylis. Species under the megadiverse genus Carex representing the tribe Cariceae showed very unique type of surface ornamentation. Surface walls of all the studied species of Carex were characterized by polygonal epidermal cells with single conical silica body (2-3 per cell in C. speciosa) of variable length and sizes. Most interestingly, in C. nubigena, presence of the central silica body and peripheral satellites was not consistent. Based on the presence and absence, two different variants under the species were identified. In C. nubigena, when silica body was present, epidermal cells were characterized by central conical silica body surrounded by variable number of satellites. The present investigation first time reports this novel nutlet surface character in C. nubigena. Among the studied characters, length and height of conical, height of apex, and width of apex are variable among Carex species. On the other hand, exclusion of the genera Schoenoplectiella and Schoenoplectus from tribe Scirpeae s.l. and placement under the tribes Pseudoschoeneae and Schoenoplecteae (respectively) was also supported by the present investigation. The present study also confirms that nutlet morphological and micro-morphological characters are useful in identification and arrangement of different taxa under the subfamily Cyperoideae of Cyperaceae. Result of the present investigation was correlated and discussed in comparative manner with the treatments of the recent past., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The systematic position of the Bacillus sp. 20F strain, an antagonist of phytopathogenic bacteria and micromycetes with expressed phosphate-mobilizing properties, was established. It was shown that the strain belongs to the group Bacillus subtilis based on its cultural-morphological and physiological-biochemical properties. The fatty acids of the cell wall of the strain are mainly branched derivatives of iso- and anteiso-C15:0 and C17:0 fatty acids (approximately 82%), characteristic for the species Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. According to the analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene and the study of the profile of polymorphic nucleotides, the strain is classified as Bacillus velezensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fossil burrower bug Eocenocydnus lisi described from the Late Eocene of the Isle of Wight, UK, is analysed using a parallel, cross-eyed viewing method. The species, tentatively placed in the subfamily Sehirinae, is redescribed and its systematic position is discussed. Newly recovered morphological characteristics allow it to be placed in the tribe Cydnini of the subfamily Cydninae.

The microstructure of tubes of the genus Hyolithellus from the stratotype sections of the Tommotian and Botomian stages of the Lower Cambrian of the Siberian Platform (Lena, Aldan, Sinyaya rivers) are studied. The tube walls are shown to have a three-layer structure. The microstructure of the outer and inner layers of hyolithellid tubes is described for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic position and actual distribution of Recaredus rex, for a long time one of the most enigmatic lace bug genus and species, is very obscure because only the type specimen and three other individuals from India are known to date. In the present paper, we report the first records of R. rex from the Palaearctic region (Iran) and tropical Africa (Ghana). Based on the occurrence localities and climatic variables, we predict potentially useful ecological niches for this species using Maxent software. The areas with the best environmental conditions for R. rex indicated in our studies suggest its possible Palaeotropical distribution. Moreover, we regard these results as a good starting point for further searches for specimens of this species. This might help verify the hypothesis of the broad Palaeotropical distribution of R. rex and its oligo- or polyphagy. In addition, the lace bug genus Recaredus, based on the diagnostic characteristics provided for the tribe Acalyptaini, and the structure of aedeagus, is transferred from the tribe Ypsotingini to the Acalyptaini. A key to all genera currently included in the latter tribe is also provided.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Papilio elwesi was sequenced and annotated using high-throughput sequencing in the present study. The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is a circular molecule of 15,082 bp in length, containing 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes) and a putative control region. We performed mitogenomic phylogenetic analyses of 34 swallowtail species employing methods of Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood. Our results further confirm that P. elwesi is a member of the subgenus Pterourus in Papilio sensu lato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raphidioptera (snakeflies) are the least diverse order among extant Holometabola, representing relicts of their rich Mesozoic paleofauna. Baissopteridae are one of the two major lineages from the Mesozoic, but with a poorly known evolutionary history. Here, we report the first fossil record of Baissopteridae from the mid-Cretaceous of Myanmar, represented by a diverse assemblage including 10 new species in six genera: Allobaissoptera oligophlebia gen. et sp. nov., Baissoptera burmana sp. nov., B. maculata sp. nov., B. monopoda sp. nov., B. pankowskiorum sp. nov., B. wangi sp. nov., Burmobiassoptera jiaxiaoae gen. et sp. nov., Electrobaissoptera burmanica gen. et sp. nov., Rhynchobaissoptera hui gen. et sp. nov., and Stenobaissoptera xiai gen. et sp. nov. The new Cretaceous baissopterids provide significant morphological evidence in favor of the monophyly of this family. The morphological diversity in these Cretaceous baissopterids, particularly with some specialized and unique characters, highlights the early radiation of snakeflies formed in the complex tropical forest ecosystem of the mid-Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Possible variants of systematic position of Cambrian problematic fossils of the family Mobergellidae are discussed. An affinity between mobergellids and Sipuncula, a phylum of marine benthic worm-like lophotrochozoans possibly related to annelids, is proposed for the first time. The mobergellid discoidal sclerites are interpreted as caudal shields of sipunculans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphatic sclerites Torellella gracilenta Esakova, 1996 from the Lower Cambrian Khatyng Member are studied from the Byd'yangaya Section (Tommotian Stage, D. regularis zone, Siberian Platform). The microlayered microstructure of the sclerites of T. gracilenta is studied for the first time. It is suggested that the organisms studied have a polychaete affinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verdesmum menglaense (C. Chen & X. J. Cui) H. Ohashi & K. Ohashi is a rare species in the tribe Desmodieae (Fabaceae) from Southwest China. The morphological observation shows that the species has minute capitate stigma and ebracteolate calyces, which are entirely different from the funnel-shaped stigma and bracteolate calyces of the genus Verdesmum H. Ohashi & K. Ohashi, but are consistent with those of the genus Hylodesmum H. Ohashi & R. R. Mill. The generic placement of V. menglaense within Hylodesmum was further supported by molecular evidence. Therefore, this species should be returned to Hylodesmum as H. menglaense (C. Chen & X. J. Cui) H. Ohashi & R. R. Mill. A full description including floral characters, a colour plate and a distribution map are first provided here for this species. After excluding the solo representative in China, Verdesmum should be removed from the record in Flora of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamomum pittosporoides is an important timber plant endemic to southwest of China. In the present study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of C. pittosporoides and used the data to reveal the species phylogenetic in Lauraceae. The complete chloroplast genome showed a circular genome of 152,730 bp size with 39.2% GC content. The genome is of typical structure and contains a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions with 20,074 bp, separated by one large single-copy (LSC) with 93,722 bp and one small single-copy (SSC) regions with 18,860 bp. The genome contained 116 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed based on 26 chloroplast genomes reveals that C. pittosporoides is most related with C. chago in Lauraceae.

Bodilopsis ogloblini (Semenov et Medvedev, 1928) comb.n. (previously included in the subgenera Mendidius and Bodilus of the genus Aphodius) are recorded as new for the fauna of Dagestan, Azerbaijan, the Caucasus and Russia. This species belongs to a subgenus Bodilopsis and is close to widely distributed species: B. sordidus (Fabricius, 1775) and B. rufus (Moll, 1782). B. ogloblini differs from all close species first of all by color of certain parts: dark (from dark-brown to black) antennal club, black head (sometimes clypeal margins a little lighter, darkbrown) and dark-brown abdomen. All species mentioned above have light antennal club (often yellow, sometimes brownish), head light (from yellow to red-brown) or light with dark-brown maculae, abdomen also light (from yellow to reddish, sometimes brownish). Coarse, rugose clypeal sculpture (without distinct punctation) is typical for B. ogloblini. Other species have more or less densely roughly punctured clypeus, never rugose. Besides new species differs from species of the Alocoderus by not framed anterior pronotal margin and by mostly black (sometimes dark-brown) pronotum (in A. hydrochaeris and A. digitalis anterior pronotal margin distinctly framed; pronotum in A. digitalis yellow, in A. hydrochaeris – yellow with brown spot in the middle). B. ogloblini also differs from A. sordidus by shining punctured elytral apices (in B. sordidus elytral apices distinctly shagreened, mat, without punctation). It differs from B. rufus by normal sharp lower spur of middle male tibia (male of A. rufus with modified lower spur of middle tibia, truncated at apex).

Abstract: The fern genus Tectaria (Tectariaceae) Cav. is morphologically diverse and difficult in terms of recognizing species and species groups. To infer the systematic positions of some species and identity‐unknown collections with special morphological characters, we undertook phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of five plastid regions (atpB, ndhF + ndhF‐trnL, rbcL, rps16‐matK + matK, and trnL‐F). Three analysis methods (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of Tectaria. The most surprising result is that T. menyanthidis (C. Presl) Copel., T. ternata (Baker) Copel., and T. variabilis Tardieu & Ching are revealed to represent a distinct lineage from Tectaria, which should be called Polydictyum C. Presl, and is supported as sister to Pteridrys C. Chr. & Ching. Other accessions of Tectaria are well resolved into four major clades, which is consistent with the results of previous studies. Of the four clades, Clade II (T. subtriphylla (Hook. & Arn.) Copel. group) is unpredictable, with morphologically very diverse species clustered there, and is supposed to be a minor evolutionary line within Tectaria in the Old World. In addition, the position of the climbing genus Arthropteris J. Sm. and the utility of molecular data in recognizing species of Tectaria are briefly discussed. As a conclusion, we formally reinstate the genus Polydictyum by providing diagnostic characters, key to species, nomenclature, and information of detailed distribution and habitat for the currently known three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Philophyton szaferi sp. nov. belonging to the Trimerophytina was found in the Lower Devonian (Emsian) in the bore-hole Modrzewie 2A near Bostów in the Holy Cross Mountains (Gory Świętokrzyskie). The axes are sterile and fertile. their branching is dichotomous, unequally dichotomous and unequally dochotomous where the wider branch tends to form the main axis. The majority of axes branch in one plane, some in different planes; they show on their surface irregularly distributed enations in the form of rounded swellings. Some of them continue downwards as protruding ridges forming a characteristic longitudinal pattern. The apices of sterile axes are forking. Fertile axes end in clusters of fusiform. upright sporangia, arranged in pairs. The vascular strand shows protoxylem inside and metaxylem outside. Tracheids possess scalariform thickenings and what appear to be small pits between them. The systematic position of the plant and its position in the evolutionary sequence leading to megaphyllous leaves is discussed.

The occurrence of the species Chantransia hermannii (Roth) Desv. (Rhodophyceae) was found in a few sites in Poland. The description of the reproductive organs of this alga: monosporangia, tetrasporangia, antheridia, carpogones and gonimoblasts is given. The systematic position of the genera, Chantransia, Pseudochantransia and Audouinella is also discussed. The author suggests that the name of Chantransia should be retained as it is older than Audouinella, while the artificial name of Pseudochantransia should be eliminated.

The paper gives detailed morphological description, geographical distribution and some other information on Camelina anomala. Boiss. et Hausskn. In the literature the species has not been characterized precisely.

Our first record of the rare and scatteredly distributed Ixeridiumsagittarioides for Guizhou, China, triggered a study to assess its systematic position. The species was placed in four different genera in the course of its taxonomic history and was recently treated with doubts as a member of Ixeridium in the Flora of China. Comparative morphological investigation and phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and five non-coding plastid DNA regions ( petD region, psbA-trnH , trnL-trnF , rpl32-trnL (UAG) and 5´rps16-trnQ (UUG) spacers) provided evidence that the species is not a member of Ixeridium and the Crepidinae but has evolved by ancient hybridisation of members of the Lactuca alliance (Lactucinae). It is reinstated as Lactucasagittarioides and a comprehensive morphological description is provided, based on material from its entire range of distribution., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Jian-Wen Zhang, Norbert Kilian, Jiang-Hua Huang, Hang Sun.)

Thrixspermumtaeniophyllum is described as a new orchid species from Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province of southwest China. It is morphologically similar to T.japonicum , but it differs from the latter in having branched stems, slightly fleshy strap-shaped leaves, longer inflorescences with 3-6 flowers and a capitate gynandrium with a lip-shaped mouth opening. Its species status is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and three chloroplast DNA fragments ( mat K, psb A- trn H and trn L-F), which showed distinct systematic boundaries from the most morphologically similar T.japonicum and their morphological relatives T.saruwatarii and T.pygmaeum ., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Jun-Yi Zhang, Yue-Hong Cheng, Min Liao, Gui-Ying Liu, Pan-Yan Yang, Bo Xu, Hai He.)

Adult head structures of Lepicerus inaequalis were examined in detail and interpreted functionally and phylogenetically. The monogeneric family clearly belongs to Myxophaga. A moveable process on the left mandible is an autapomorphy of the suborder. Even though Lepiceridae is the "basal" sistergroup of the remaining three myxophagan families, it is likely the group which has accumulated most autapomorphic features, e.g. tuberculate surface structure, internalised antennal insertion, and a specific entognathous condition. Adults of Lepiceridae and other myxophagan groups possess several features which are also present in larvae (e.g., premental papillae, semimembranous mandibular lobe). This is probably related to a very similar life style and has nothing to do with "desembryonisation". Lepiceridae and other myxophagans share a complex and, likely, derived character of the feeding apparatus with many polyphagan groups (e.g., Staphyliniformia). The mandibles are equipped with large molae and setal brushes. The latter interact with hairy processes or lobes of the epi- and hypopharynx. This supports a sistergroup relationship between both suborders.

Structural features of larvae and pupae of Prostomis mandibularis are described in detail. Larval features are discussed with respect to their functional and phylogenetic significance. The distinct asymmetry of the larval head, absence of stemmata, presence of a sensorial field on antennomere III, and elongated and broadened mandibles of pupae and adults are autapomorphies of Prostomidae. The placement of Prostomis within Tenebrionoidea is suggested by the posteriorly diverging gula with well developed gular ridges and the anterior position of the posterior tentorial arms. Affinities of Prostomidae with the pythid-pyrochroid-lineage is supported by the pad-like structure of the maxillary articulatory area, the abdominal tergite IX extending to the ventral side of the segment, and the strongly pronounced prognathous condition. Presence of a distinct molar tooth is a derived feature shared by Prostomidae, Pythidae, Pyrochroidae, Inopeplidae and Othniidae. A thorax narrower than the head and the abdomen, and a plate-like abdominal segment IX, which articulates with segment VIII, are possible synapomorphies of Prostomidae, Boridae, Mycteridae and Pyrochroidae. The strongly flattened, prognathous head and the strongly flattened body of larvae of Prostomidae are correlated with their habits of boring in wood of decaying logs.

The Skuas are one of the World’s rare birds. They are very important part of the Iceland biodiversity and most of the scientists and researchers talk about Penguin but only few people know about Skuas who are the kleptoparasite and they eat eggs of fulmarine petrel and penguin. The topic is taken for the review because these Skuas are very important bird but their identities have remained unclear due to limited studies. The review article reflects the Systematic Position of Skuas as well as the types. The convergence with raptors is also reflected. More research is required, particularly long-term studies, to better understand one of Antarctica’s most enigmatic species of Skuas. From ecological perspective, the links between migration and breeding grounds are of great importance for the better understanding of factors affecting the life cycle of birds.

The systematic position of the endemic Madagascan genus Amberiana Dist. is studied using DNA sequences (the mitochondrial 12S rDNA subunit) for the first time. The phylogenetic relationships within the superfamily Pentatomoidea were computed using neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony, minimum evolution, and maximum likelihood methods, as well as Bayesian estimation. All results based on the mtDNA analyses stand in contrast with previous morphological data. The mtDNA analysis showed close relationships of the genus Amberiana to the genus Sehirus (Cydnidae: Sehirinae) and to species of the family Parastrachiidae, whereas the morphology indicated that the genus was a typical representative of the family Dinidoridae. A new tribe, Amberianini trib. nov., is proposed for the genus Amberiana. Furthermore, a key to all tribes of the subfamily Dinidoridae is provided with their diagnostic characters and included genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Leptomedusa, Krampella tardenti is described from the deep waters of Antikythira Strait. The systematic position of the genus Krampella is precised.

The systematic position of the fern genus Mesopteris is described and discussed based on its sole species, M. tonkinensis. Evidence for its generic separation is based on its gross morphological characteristics, leaf epidermis, gametophyte development, spore morphology, and chromosome numbers. A morphological comparison with other related genera of Amphineuron, Cyclosorus, Dryopteris, Lastrea, and Thelypteris is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The chloroplast genome is important for plant development and plant evolution. Nelumbo nucifera is one member of relict plants surviving from the late Cretaceous. Recently, a new sequencing platform PacBio RS II, known as ‘SMRT (Single Molecule, Real-Time) sequencing’, has been developed. Using the SMRT sequencing to investigate the chloroplast genome of N. nucifera will help to elucidate the plastid evolution of basal eudicots. Results: The sizes of the de novo assembled complete chloroplast genome of N. nucifera were 163,307 bp, 163,747 bp and 163,600 bp with average depths of coverage of 7×, 712× and 105× sequenced by Sanger, Illumina MiSeq and PacBio RS II, respectively. The precise chloroplast genome of N. nucifera was obtained from PacBio RS II data proofread by Illumina MiSeq reads, with a quadripartite structure containing a large single copy region (91,846 bp) and a small single copy region (19,626 bp) separated by two inverted repeat regions (26,064 bp). The genome contains 113 different genes, including four distinct rRNAs, 30 distinct tRNAs and 79 distinct peptide-coding genes. A phylogenetic analysis of 133 taxa from 56 orders indicated that Nelumbo with an age of 177 million years is a sister clade to Platanus, which belongs to the basal eudicots. Basal eudicots began to emerge during the early Jurassic with estimated divergence times at 197 million years using MCMCTree. IR expansions/contractions within the basal eudicots seem to have occurred independently. Conclusions: Because of long reads and lack of bias in coverage of AT-rich regions, PacBio RS II showed a great promise for highly accurate ‘finished’ genomes, especially for a de novo assembly of genomes. N. nucifera is one member of basal eudicots, however, evolutionary analyses of IR structural variations of N. nucifera and other basal eudicots suggested that IR expansions/contractions occurred independently in these basal eudicots or were caused by independent insertions and deletions. The precise chloroplast genome of N. nucifera will present new information for structural variation of chloroplast genomes and provide new insight into the evolution of basal eudicots at the primary sequence and structural level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fossil burrower bug Eocenocydnus lisi described from the Late Eocene of the Isle of Wight, UK, is analysed using a parallel, cross-eyed viewing method. The species, tentatively placed in the subfamily Sehirinae, is redescribed and its systematic position is discussed. Newly recovered morphological characteristics allow it to be placed in the tribe Cydnini of the subfamily Cydninae.

There are two types of victim's consent in continental criminal law. One is victim's agreement; the other is victim's approval. Concerning the systematic position of victim's approval in the three-level criminal system, legal scholars are divided on whether the victim's approval is a reason for precluding of Tatbestand or for precluding of unlawfulness. The protected interests do not exist in the case of victim's approval. When the objective attribution is a question of Tatbestand, that is to say, the value judgment for exculpation is allowed at this level, the victim's approval ought to be the content of the level of Tatbestand as well. After the examination of criminal system with a precluding of Tatbestand, the judge could still declare the lawfulness of the action outside the criminal system. Both of the monistic and dualistic theories preclude the constitution of crime in practice. Only the dualistic theory holds that when the Tatbestand is fulfilled, the crime is consequently precluded. In the four-element theory of crime, the victim's approval is a reason that can preclude the constitution of crime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]