ARPHA OAI-PMH Endpoint
Not a member yet
49206 research outputs found
Sort by
Genera Colastes Haliday, Colastinus Belokobylskij, and Xenarcha Foerster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Exothecinae) from the Korean Peninsula with a discussion on the Exothecinae genus and subgenus composition
No full textThe Exothecinae genera Colastes Haliday, 1833, Colastinus Belokobylskij, 1984, and Xenarcha Foerster, 1863 of the Korean peninsula are reviewed. The names Pseudophanomeris Belokobylskij, 1984 and Shawiana van Achterberg, 1983 are synonymised with the genus Xenarcha Foerster and treated as subgenera. The two new species of Colastes and one new species and subspecies of Xenarcha are described and illustrated. Exothecus effectus Papp, 1972 is included in Xenarcha Foerster, comb. nov. The composition and distribution of the world-known Exothecinae genera are discussed and an illustrated key to its genera and subgenera is presented. A key to the Korean species of the genera Colastes, Xenarcha, and Colastinus is also provided
Evaluating the diversity, distribution patterns and habitat preferences of Carex species (Cyperaceae) in western Canada using geospatial analysis
No full textSedge (Carex) is a highly diversified genus of vascular plants with high species diversity in cold-temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere. In Canada, 313 species of Carex are documented with 105 species in Saskatchewan, making it the largest genus of vascular plants in this Province. Research on the distribution and ecology of sedges in Saskatchewan is extremely limited. This study aims to find the distribution patterns of Carex species and identify their habitat preferences relative to environmental conditions in Saskatchewan through the application of GIS spatial analysis tools. Data on specimen-based occurrences of Carex species were collected, validated and consolidated from the Flora of Saskatchewan Association (FOSA) and analysed along with Carex datasets mobilised by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), resulting in 2655 individual records of occurrences. Our research includes seven environmental variables to explore relationships between Carex species and environment. The study produced comprehensive spatial maps and graphs illustrating species occurrences, species richness and diversity hotspots. It was found that Carex species have a diverse habitat preference strongly associated with temperature and precipitation and, to a lesser extent, soils. The species occurrences are mostly concentrated in the Boreal Plain and Prairie ecozones of the Province. Notably, species richness peaked in the central part of Saskatchewan in areas with moderate elevation and temperature and high precipitation. This integrative analysis emphasises the need for region-specific assessments to effectively manage and preserve biodiversity
The story of a Tailless Whip Scorpion in Eastern Mediterranean: First report of Sarax ioanniticus (Kritscher, 1959) in Cyprus (Amblypygi: Charinidae)
No full textAmblypygi, commonly known as tailless whip scorpions or whip spiders, is an order of Arachnida noted for its cryptic habits and predominantly tropical and subtropical distribution. Although the group was first mentioned on the island of Cyprus in 1990, no specific taxonomic information was provided at the time.Through a combination of literature review, targeted field surveys, and citizen-science contributions, we confirm the presence of Sarax ioanniticus (Kritscher, 1959) in Cyprus, representing the first documented record of this species on the island. Following seven years of dedicated searches, a live specimen was collected in 2023 and identified, thereby establishing S. ioanniticus as part of the island’s fauna. This finding extends the known range of S. ioanniticus within the Eastern Mediterranean and underscores the importance of integrating biodiversity research with public engagement to detect elusive or underreported taxa. Future studies should investigate the species’ local distribution, ecological requirements, and potential conservation concerns on Cyprus
imanr: An R tool for the identification of Mexican native maize complexes
No full textThe conservation of the genetic diversity of native maize in Mexico is a priority due to its cultural, agricultural and environmental importance. This study presents the development and evaluation of the imanr package, a computational tool based on Boosted Ensembles designed to automate the classification of racial complexes of native maize. Using a national database, a model was implemented that leverages morphological and geographical variables to provide precise and rapid classifications. The methodology included the optimisation of key parameters through cross-validation, achieving up to 90% in balanced accuracy and a Cohen's Kappa coefficient of 0.84. These results highlight the robustness of the model compared to traditional methods, which rely on subjective expert judgement and require extended evaluation times. The findings demonstrate that the package not only surpasses conventional methods in terms of efficiency, but also offers an accessible tool for conserving and monitoring native maize diversity, aligning with the recommendations of the Global Maize Project (PGMN). Moreover, its usability was enhanced by developing a graphical user interface, allowing non-specialised users to fully utilise its potential. imanr represents a significant advancement in native maize conservation science, contributing to the modernisation of identification processes and strengthening sustainable management strategies for this essential genetic resource. This model directly addresses the need for innovative tools to monitor and preserve maize diversity in Mexico and suggests a promising pathway for future applications in the agricultural sector
Three new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) with yellow corollas from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil
No full textBackground and aims – The genus Microlicia consists of 286 taxa, 82 of which are found in Bahia, Brazil. This genus features pentamerous flowers, occasionally hexamerous to decamerous; a hypanthium with or without bristles, isomorphic to dimorphic androecium; tetrasporangiate or polysporangiate anthers; and pedoconnective prolonged below the theca with a ventral appendage. The ovary has a glabrous apex, and the fruit is capsular with either basipetal or acropetal dehiscence and a columella that can be persistent or deciduous. In this study, we describe three new species of Microlicia found in Bahia, Brazil, and provide a checklist of Microlicia species with yellow corollas. Material and methods – The morphological descriptions are based on examinations of the Microlicia collections housed in six herbaria. Along with the descriptions, we provide comparisons with morphologically similar species, a distribution map, conservation status assessments, and illustrations. Key results – We describe Microlicia aequalis, Microlicia eimeariana from Catolés, and Microlicia xanthopetala from Mucugê, Bahia, Brazil. We have preliminarily assigned these three species as Data Deficient (DD) according to IUCN Red List criteria
Three new species of Camporesiomyces (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales, Dothideomycetes) associated with coffee in Yunnan, China
No full textDuring our surveys of microfungi associated with coffee plants in Yunnan Province, China, three saprobic fungi were isolated from dead coffee branches. Multigene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2) and morphological characteristics resulted in the identification of three novel species in Camporesiomyces, namely C. bhatii, C. coffeae, and C. puerensis. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analyses of these three new species are provided, along with morphological comparisons to closely related taxa. These findings have global implications for understanding the diversity of microfungi associated with coffee trees
Phylogenetic evidence reveal a close relationship between Amphichorda and Ovicillium in Bionectriaceae (Hypocreales)
No full textAnimal excrement serves as the primary substrate for Amphichorda, which is found in a wide range of habitats. Based on evolutionary relationships, the genus is currently classified within the Bionectriaceae. However, the phylogenetic position of Amphichorda and its associated taxa remains unresolved due to limited sampling in previous studies. Here, we discovered and identified five Amphichorda species, significantly advancing our understanding of this genus. Using six genomic loci (ITS, nrSSU, nrLSU, tef1α, rpb1, and rpb2) to expand taxonomic sampling, we reconstructed a phylogenetic framework for the Bionectriaceae, with a focus on Amphichorda and related taxa. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a close genetic connection between Amphichorda and related genera, yet they formed distinct clades within the Bionectriaceae and were clearly differentiated. The extensive sampling demonstrated stable phylogenetic relationships among Amphichorda, Hapsidospora, Ovicillium, Proxiovicillium, and Bulbithecium. Furthermore, we described two new species, A. guizhouensis sp. nov. and O. pseudoattenuatum sp. nov., supported by DNA data and morphological characteristics. A comprehensive comparison of morphological traits across all members of Amphichorda and Ovicillium was conducted. This study clarifies taxonomic boundaries and evolutionary relationships within the two genera and contributes to the overall understanding of the biodiversity and systematics of the Bionectriaceae
First record of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) from Honduras
No full textCheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), a ladybug of Asian origin, has been recently reported in the Americas. Here, we record it for the first time in Honduras. In 2023, 26 specimens were collected on corn (Zea mays L. (Poaceae)), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) (Poaceae)), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae)) in Francisco Morazán. The series included five color types: quadriplagiata group types D‑1, F‑2, and I, and diversijunata group types L‑2 and N. Diagnosis, photographs of the adults, and the male genitalia are presented to aid in the identification
Diversity and host plant utilization of leaf-mining beetles of Chrysomeloidea (Coleoptera) in Japan
No full textThe superfamily Chrysomeloidea (Cerambycidae + Chrysomelidae + Megalopodidae) encompasses a diverse phytophagous beetles, whose larvae exhibit internal or external feeding on leaves, wood, or roots of many plants. Through extensive research on leaf-mining insects in Japan, 64 species of Chrysomeloidea were confirmed to engage in leaf-mining behavior during their larval stages infesting tracheophytes, and comprising 2 Cerambycidae, 9 Megalopodidae, and 53 Chrysomelidae. This study presents an overview of the host plants and mining patterns of these 64 leaf-mining beetle species and describes two new species, Sphaeroderma komiana Kato, sp. nov. and Dactylispa adinae Kato, sp. nov. The leaf-mining beetles demonstrate a broad host range including Equisetales, Polypodiales, Cycadales, and 23 orders of angiosperms. Particularly notable diversification was observed on Polypodiales (within Halticorcus), Ranunculaceae (Argopus and Sphaeroderma), Celastraceae (Zeugophora), and Oleaceae (Argopistes). Host specificity greatly varied among the reported 64 beetle species: 29 spp. species-specific; 12 spp. genus-specific; 16 spp. family-specific; 2 spp. order-specific; 5 spp. non-specific even at order level. The five non-specific species (Argopus punctipennis, Sphaeroderma nigricolle, Dactylispa angulosa, Notosacantha ihai, and N. loochooana) are associated with multiple plant orders while maintaining specificity to a small number of genera belonging to phylogenetically distant plant families. This pattern, termed as extended host specificity, suggests recent host shifts across plant families without substantial expansion of host ranges
Agrotis villenensis—a new species of Noctuinae (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) from the southeastern Iberian Peninsula
No full textAgrotis villenensis sp. nov. is described from the Iberian Peninsula. Differential superficial, genital and genetic (barcode) characters from its closest Iberian and European relative species, Agrotis vestigialis (Hufnagel, 1766), are presented. Morphologically, the new species is best characterized in the male genitalia by the shape of the basal vesica and the presence of a median diverticulum and in the female genitalia by its comparatively long appendix bursae. The barcode of A. villenensis differs from those of related species and is assigned a unique BIN