Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important legume crop in Southern Europe and a valuable source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Moreover, cowpea has additional interest stemming from drought tolerance and high biological nitrogen fixation. In this research, the genetic diversity of cowpea landraces from Southern European countries was evaluated using molecular and morpho-agronomical

The known diversity of the genus Liolaemus continues to increase, principally due to its great degree of endemism, the increasing number of researchers working on it, and advances in the taxonomic and phylogenetic knowledge of the genus. This diversity positions Liolaemus as the second most species-rich tetrapod genus. The present work adds to evidence for the great diversity of Liolaemus through the

Within the cosmopolitan family Solanaceae, Physalideae is the tribe with the highest generic diversity (30 genera and more than 200 species). This tribe embraces subtribe Physalidinae, in which phylogenetic relationships of some genera are not entirely resolved. Chromosomes may help on resolution, by providing information on the processes underlying speciation. Thus, cytogenetic analyses were carried

Due to their conserved morphology, cryptic species have long been problematic for taxonomists. When attempting to assess diversity and delimit species within these taxa, it has been recognized that an integrative approach can be very useful, whereby independent, yet complementary lines of evidence are utilized. New World microhylids (Anura: Microhylidae: Gastrophryninae) of the genera Gastrophryne

Deschampsia P. Beauv. is a cosmopolitan grass genus, which grows in cold and temperate regions, including about 15 species growing in South America and Antarctica. The species delimitation is difficult due to the high phenotypic plasticity and the likely occurrence of hybridization which generates species complexes with high morphological affinity. This work aims to describe the cytogenetic traits

Recent investigations of East Asian freshwater mussel genera Nodularia, Middendorffinaia and Inversiunio confirmed validity of the taxa, while their composition and taxonomic uncertainty concerning classification of these genera within a specific subfamily are still in question. The aim of the present study is to clarify the taxonomy and systematics of Nodularia and Middendorffinaia genera from the

Molecular phylogenetic studies have had major impacts on the delineation of higher-level taxa in many plant groups. Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae, its largest subfamily, is in the process of major systematic rearrangements owing to these studies. Iran, with more than one fourth of all apioid genera, is a biodiversity hotspot for this subfamily, though the sampling of these taxa from this region has

The known diversity of the genus Liolaemus continues to increase, principally due to its great degree of endemism, the increasing number of researchers working on it, and advances in the taxonomic and phylogenetic knowledge of the genus. This diversity positions Liolaemus as the second most species-rich tetrapod genus. The present work adds to evidence for the great diversity of Liolaemus through the

Recent investigations of East Asian freshwater mussel genera Nodularia, Middendorffinaia and Inversiunio confirmed validity of the taxa, while their composition and taxonomic uncertainty concerning classification of these genera within a specific subfamily are still in question. The aim of the present study is to clarify the taxonomy and systematics of Nodularia and Middendorffinaia genera from the

Due to their conserved morphology, cryptic species have long been problematic for taxonomists. When attempting to assess diversity and delimit species within these taxa, it has been recognized that an integrative approach can be very useful, whereby independent, yet complementary lines of evidence are utilized. New World microhylids (Anura: Microhylidae: Gastrophryninae) of the genera Gastrophryne

Five new species of the genus Sarsamphiascus Huys, 2009 were collected from a small Korean beach, which is a record for the number of syntopic copepod congeners. They differ in numerous macro-morphological characters, some of which extend generic boundaries, and are classified in two species groups. Diossacins are widely regarded as taxonomically problematic, and the new discovery presents an opportunity

Cladists have pursued, by way of philosophy of science, specific guidelines for ways to make the discipline more “scientific”. For that they incorporated the philosophy of Karl Popper to validate their research program. Kluge, for instance, urged the adoption of standards outlined by philosophers of science, like Hempel, for scientific explanation. In doing that, he used the covering law model of scientific

In the course of a three-year study conducted from January 2017 till November 2019, a total of 279 individuals belonging to 11 batoid species off northern coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman were examined for the genus Rhinebothrium Linton, 1890 (Rhinebothriidea: Rhinebothriidae). Infection of Maculabatis randalli (Last, Manjaji-Matsumoto & Moore, 2012), M. arabica Manjaji-Matsumoto & Last

(Received 14 June 2019; accepted 23 September 2020) We examine notions of taxonomic ‘impediment’, ‘gap’, ‘inflation’ and ‘anarchy’, all of which are increasingly prevalent in discussions of the global biodiversity crisis. Following a critical analysis of the history of those notions, we postulate that the entire issue behind them resides in a deep philosophical deficiency in the general comprehension

The endemic sponges of Lake Baikal are vital components of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. To date we have yet to satisfactorily resolve their systematic relationships. Their relatively slow rates of molecular change, a short branch length to the common ancestor of extant species, and very plastic morphology in some species make robust species assignment and differentiation difficult

Island species are particularly vulnerable to extinction and decline due to a range of factors, including isolation, small population sizes, climate change, or the introduction of alien species. Given their high levels of biodiversity, the preservation and protection of island endemic species are fundamental to reducing the loss of global diversity. Therefore, species delimitation, description and

Dice’s cottontail, Sylvilagus dicei, only was recognized as a valid species in 1981 after having been subsumed in synonymy with S. brasiliensis and S. gabbi, which latter also at times had been synonymized with an ill-defined and broadly distributed S. brasiliensis. Phylogenetic relationships of S. dicei remain poorly resolved, as does the distribution of the species. We collected new specimens of

Members of the smoothhound shark genus Mustelus display a widespread distribution pattern across ocean basins with a high degree of sub-regional endemism. The patterns and processes that resulted in smoothhound biodiversity and present-day distribution remain largely unknown. We infer the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Mustelus, based on sequence data (3474 bp) from three mitochondrial genes

Within the ichneumonid wasp tribe Cryptini (Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), Acrosnemus gen. nov. and its single species A. occultus sp. nov. are proposed, described, and illustrated. The phylogenetic placement of the new genus is tested using data from genomic ultraconserved elements in a matrix with 126 other species of Cryptini and five outgroup taxa. Phylogenetic analyses indicate the new genus is related

Members of the genus Paramecium (Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea) are widespread ciliates able to colonize many fresh, brackish and marine water environments around the globe. Despite they have been historically used in a variety of research fields, ranging from genomics to ecology, their evolutionary origin and genetic structure remains elusive for most valid species. There are currently 19 valid species

Viviparous reproduction has evolved independently more than 100 times in the evolutionary history of Squamata (lizards and snakes). Adaptation to cold climates is the dominant hypothesis explaining shifts to viviparity, but viviparous species are also present in the tropical lowlands, implying the presence of other factors that may also promote the evolution of viviparity. For example, the tropical

The genus Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae, Dysderidae) is one of the most diverse and abundant components of the Mediterranean ground-dwelling spider fauna. However, the taxonomic boundaries of the genus are unclear and its monophyly has been questioned, yet never tested, in a quantitative framework. The only taxonomic revisions in the genus trace back to the 1960s–1990s, and most subsequent work

Heleobia is the most specious genus in the family Cochliopidae, in which many species are morphologically similar. Here we used morphological, microstructural and phylogenetic criteria to investigate species delimitation within the Heleobia chimbaensis complex on the Atacama Desert coast. The range included subdivided populations of the species, the subspecies Heleobia chimbaensis conica, and the allopatric

Southeast Asia boasts a high diversity of carnivorous terrestrial snails in the family Streptaxidae. Six genera are now recognized in this region, mainly classified by the traditional characters of shell morphology, especially the configuration of the apertural dentition and eccentric shell shape. More recently, genital characters have been used to reveal new species and genera. However, the monophyly

Phylogenetic relationships of the Sphaerophoria lineage (Sphaerophoria Le Peletier & Audinet-Serville and related genera) were inferred based on molecular characters, with the specific aim to infer the phylogenetic placement of the Afrotropical Sphaerophoria species and Loveridgeana beattiei van Doesburg & van Doesburg. Three molecular markers were used, i.e., the mitochondrial protein-coding gene

We redescribe the Cuban endemic monotypic skipper genus Holguinia Evans and assess its phylogenetic position. Based on a 5640 bp dataset consisting of one mitochondrial and eight nuclear genes, we recovered Holguinia as a member of the Hesperiina, one of the subtribes of the mostly Neotropical Hesperiini, the largest tribe within the subfamily Hesperiinae. The ancestor of Holguinia split from continental

An integrative taxonomy approach is used to study the diversity of the Brazilian aquatic pipid frog Pipa carvalhoi, evaluating whether within this nominal species two or more lineages are evolving independently. To test these competing scenarios, we analysed morphological (tadpoles and adults), molecular (16S rRNA) and karyological data for up to 109 specimens to check for corroborating patterns among

(2020). An enigmatic carnivorous plant: ancient divergence of Drosophyllaceae but recent differentiation of Drosophyllum lusitanicum across the Strait of Gibraltar. Systematics and Biodiversity: Vol. 18, No. 6, pp. 525-537.

Diacanthodes (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) is a fungal genus with stipitate basidiomata and a combination of ornamented and dextrinoid basidiospores that is unique among the poroid fungi. Although some hypotheses based on morphological features speculated about the phylogenetic relationships of the taxon, they have never been tested based on molecular data. We performed molecular phylogenetic analyses

DNA evidence is often critical for taxonomic studies; however, many historical type specimens lack corresponding genetic samples, which limits contemporary molecular research questions and may restrict conservation and management decisions. We conducted a pilot Type Locality Project to collect voucher specimens and genomic-grade samples from amphibian type localities in the state of Virginia, USA.

(2020). Delimiting boundaries between species: excavating sponges close to Cliona mucronata (Demospongiae) Systematics and Biodiversity: Vol. 18, No. 6, pp. 573-591.

The freshwater-fish genus Laubuka contains ∼13 species distributed through the lowlands of tropical South and South-east Asia. Four of these species (Laubuka lankensis, L. varuna, L. ruhuna, and L. insularis) are reported as endemic to Sri Lanka, a remarkable datum given the island’s small size. We sampled populations of Laubuka at 56 locations in 14 of the island’s principal river basins and analysed

Tardigrada are a phylum of cosmopolitan invertebrates inhabiting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The carnivorous species are usually characterized by a wide buccal tube, which constitutes the first and rigid part of the digestive system. Among tardigrades, only the genus Milnesium is considered exclusively carnivorous and includes the largest known species in the phylum. Some members of the

In the last decade, understanding of the Neotropical lizards family Gymnophthalmidae has changed dramatically with the recognition of several new genera, resolution of non-monophyly, definition of previously unknown lineages and refined biogeographic hypotheses. Recent field explorations on the northern Cordillera Central in Colombia uncovered two undescribed species that cannot be assigned to any

Endemicity is a key consideration for conservation, and taxa that are endemic to a single country are vaulable conservation targets. In this study, we investigate endemic species of the genus Campanula in northern Iberian Peninsula based on sequences of nrDNA (internal transcribed spacer, ITS) and plastid regions (rbcL, trnL-F and trnS-G) and additionally the secondary structure of ITS2. The main aim

(2020). The relative role of glacial refugia and longstanding barriers in the diversification of a fossorial squamate. Systematics and Biodiversity: Vol. 18, No. 5, pp. 447-463.

Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni is one of the widest ranging glassfrog species, occurring in the lowlands from Mexico through Central America to Ecuador. Despite its conservative morphology, previous studies suggested that the species is comprised of multiple lineages. Here we test the hypothesis of cryptic species within H. fleischmanni by means of morphology, morphometrics, bioacoustics, and molecular

Reinwardtia Brauer & Bergenstamm is a monotypic genus, with only R. tachinina described from Venezuela. Here, we revised the genus to include Reinwardtia bicolor sp. nov. from Colombia and Ecuador. To investigate the phylogenetic positioning of Reinwardtia, we present a morphological analysis, including 16 species of the Neotropical Reinwardtiini genera. We used 35 characters from male and female adults

Ascidians are known to harbour bacterial symbionts in their tunics. In particular, the ascidian genus Lissoclinum can host abundant and diverse cyanobacterial associates. Here, we determined the diversity and host-specificity of cyanobacteria inhabiting 28 ascidian samples corresponding to eight Lissoclinum species: L. bistratum, L. midui, L. patella, L. punctatum, and L. timorense from Japan, L. aff

Lipotactinae is an elusive monophyletic subfamily of katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) unique to Asia and comprising two genera – Lipotactes and Mortoniellus. Nearly nothing is known beyond their original descriptions. The stridulum morphology is rarely examined and described in taxonomy and their acoustics are only known for six species, none of which is from Borneo. New Lipotactes specimens collected

Within the ichneumonid wasp tribe Cryptini (Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), Acrosnemus gen. nov. and its single species A. occultus sp. nov. are proposed, described, and illustrated. The phylogenetic placement of the new genus is tested using data from genomic ultraconserved elements in a matrix with 126 other species of Cryptini and five outgroup taxa. Phylogenetic analyses indicate the new genus is related

The arctic environment continues to undergo a rapid transformation due to climatic shifts, human activities, and invasive species. Revealing ecosystem responses to these stressors requires extensive knowledge about the diversity of the Arctic fauna and flora. Gastropoda is one of the most diverse invertebrate groups within the marine benthos. Shell-bearing microgastropods (snails no larger than 5 mm)

Up to now, 19 species in eight genera and two families (Dorvilleidae and Oenonidae) of polychaetes are known to be endoparasitic in the body of other polychaetes. In this paper, we describe Endovermis seisuiae gen. et sp. nov. as the first representative of Phyllodocidae parasitizing other polychaetes. Specimens of E. seisuiae were found in the body cavity of Aphrodita sp. (Aphroditidae) and Lepidonotus

Stemodia sensu lato is one of the largest genera of the Gratioleae (Plantaginaceae). Recent phylogenetic studies corroborated the paraphyly of Stemodia in its traditional circumscription and suggested the segregation of S. stellata from this genus. This species belongs to a morphologically cohesive group along with S. cipoensis, S. harleyi and S. lobata, all endemic to the Espinhaço Range, eastern

The taxonomic identification of species is an essential issue in biological studies, as the uncertain taxonomy of a species hinders the investigation of its biology. Limitations regarding the description and identification of new species characterizes the “taxonomic impediment”. The genus Trypoxylon is an example of a taxon with this difficulty, particularly in the Neotropical region. It is a diverse

Investigations following the discovery of an unusual new collection from the Amazon lead to a phylogenetic investigation in order to ascertain its position within the Nyctaginaceae. Two different approaches were used: gene trees from nucleotide sequences of ndhF and ITS aiming to check the phylogenetic position of the new species in the genus Belemia (Nyctaginaceae), using mostly the available data;

DNA data consisting of a short segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI, or cox1), the standard barcode segment, have previously provided evidence that the butterfly taxon Telegonus fulgerator (Hesperiidae: Eudaminae) is actually comprised of a complex of at least 10 cryptic species presently referred to as the ‘fulgerator complex’. Because the 10 putative species, each

Lactifluus is a monophyletic genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi with about 200 described species classified in four subgenera: L. subg. Gymnocarpus, L. subg. Lactariopsis, L. subg. Lactifluus, and L. subg. Pseudogymnocarpus. Currently L. subg. Lactariopsis is considered monophyletic with approximately 57 species described and classified in four sections: Albati, Edules, Lactariopsis, and Russulopsidei

Marine bioinvasions are potential threats to biodiversity and ecosystems services, being one of the major environmental, human health and socio-economic problems throughout the world. In 2005, a sponge species never reported before to the Atlantic Ocean was detected in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). This species was initially considered new to science and in less than a decade its populations became very

Species discovery methods utilizing coalescent-based approaches are powerful tools for detecting cryptic lineages within morphological conservative groups, thus being an important methodology of integrative taxonomic research. Crocodilians are a classic example of morphologically conserved group where coalescence-based species delimitation analyses resulted in the discovery of cryptic lineages and

Until recently, the evolutionary origin of aquatic organisms in the Balearic archipelago (western Mediterranean) had been scarcely addressed. The freshwater gastropod genus Pseudamnicola Paulucci, 1878 (Hydrobiidae), consisting of ∼60 species in the Mediterranean area, is widely distributed across the major islands of Majorca and Minorca. From phylogenetic datasets of limited geographic coverage, a

This study aimed to examine the systematic position of South American species of Phacelia (Hydrophyllaceae) and Wigandia (Namaceae) and the historical biogeography of Hydrophyllaceae and Namaceae using molecular dating and ancestral area reconstruction. To this end, we constructed two datasets, one with a plastid (ndhF) and one with a nuclear marker (ITS), using previously published and newly generated

The description of a new species is a key step in cataloguing the World’s flora. However, this is only a preliminary stage in a long process of understanding what that species represents. We investigated how long the species discovery process takes by focusing on three key stages: 1, the collection of the first specimen; 2, the publication of the species name; and 3, the date when a minimum number

Cremolobus is a genus of seven species distributed along the Andes from northern Argentina and Chile northward into Colombia, and it inhabits a variety of different environments from humid habitats, such as the Yungas in Bolivia and Argentina or the Andean Paramos in Colombia and Ecuador, to the arid regions of the Sechura Desert in Peru. This genus, together with Aimara and Menonvillea, form the South

Erpobdellid leeches of the genus Trocheta are among the biggest and most charismatic members of their class. The studies of the group have a long and complicated history due to the lack of reliable distinguishing features, which impedes the taxonomy of the genus. A number of Trocheta species have been misclassified for years if not centuries. Our present research demonstrates that the genus Trocheta

Within many species, confusions occur between infraspecific taxa, recurrent ecotypic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity. Subspecies are often debated when they are supported only by slight morphological differentiation coupled to habitat variation. In this context we tested the evolutionary support of the four contested subspecies of Dianthus superbus. Based on 147 Eurasian accessions, our integrative

Recent improvements in taxonomy consider multiple operational criteria. Integrative taxonomy provides a methodological framework merging these multisource approaches. Bumblebees are considered as a uniform group where their taxonomy remains one of the most difficult. Here, we investigate the taxonomic statuses inside a monophyletic group including six taxa (B. inexspectatus, B. mlokosievitzii, B. ruderarius

The Central American genus Strangalidium Giesbert, 1997 Giesbert, E. F. (1997). Further studies in the Lepturini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lepturinae) of Central America. Occasional Papers of the Consortium Coleopterorum, 1, 17–42. [Google Scholar] is part of the subfamily Lepturinae, known for the floricolous habits of its species. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted to study the relationships