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In the present “tree-thinking” period, relying on accurate phylogenetic hypotheses is of paramount importance for biologists interested in an evolutionary perspective. In the Blaberidae cockroaches, a well-defined monophyletic family comprising several model species, no such phylogenetic tree is available despite several earlier contributions. Here, using six molecular markers (12S, 16S, 18S, 28S, COI and COII), we investigate the relationships of Blaberidae and compare our results with the traditional morphology-based classification. This resulted in a broad spectrum of situations, from congruent and well-supported hypotheses (e.g., the monophyly of Blaberidae, Oxyhaloinae and (Geoscapheiinae + Panesthiinae)) to incongruent and weakly supported results (e.g., polyphyly of Perisphaerinae). We emphasize that interesting and contrasted situations lie between the two extremities of this spectrum, especially concerning the genera Thanatophyllum Grandcolas, 1991, Phoetalia Stål, 1874, Laxta Walker, 1868 and Pronauphoeta Shelford, 1909. We also discuss the phylogenetic position of two incertae sedis genera (Eustegasta Gerstaecker, 1883 and Gynopeltis Gerstaecker, 1869). We conclude that in-depth signal analyses should be performed to better understand molecular evolution and its consequence on tree reconstruction for this group. As for phylogenetic relationships per se, new markers should be searched for, especially to decipher deeper relationships in Blaberidae.
Acrodiscus Zanardini is a poorly known monotypic endemic Mediterranean genus based on A. vidovichii (Menegh.) Zanardini. Rarely reported, its reproductive structures have remained undocumented, leaving its exact taxonomic position uncertain. Solely on the basis of its vegetative structure, Zanardini provisionally placed it in the family Cryptonemiaceae of the order Cryptonemiales (currently the Halymeniaceae of the Halymeniales), although he was uncertain as to whether the new genus actually belonged to that family or should instead be included in the Gigartinaceae of the Gigartinales (where Meneghini had originally placed it). In the present study we have extensively sampled A. vidovichii and documented its vegetative and tetrasporangial features. As well, we provide molecularsequence data (COI-5P, rbcL, LSU) that indicate its phylogenetic affinities. We confirm Acrodiscus as a member of the Halymeniaceae and its status as an independent genus. Searches of several institutional herbaria have allowed us to locate and lectotypify Meneghini’s Chondrus? vidovichii by the discovery of his original material now held at the Herbarium Horti Pisani (Pisa, Italy).
Nomenclatural changes are made in three previously described genera in the planthopper tribe Hemisphaeriini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae: Issinae), viz Gergithus Stål, 1870, Mongoliana Distant, 1909 and Hemisphaeroides Melichar, 1903. In addition, a new genus, Gnezdilovius gen. nov., with Gergithus lineatus Kato, 1933 as its type species, is described for 40 species formerly included in Gergithus, and the generic characteristics of the latter genus is revised. One new species, Gergithus frontilongus sp. nov. from China (Yunnan), is described and illustrated. One additional Gergithus species, previously misidentified as G. signatifrons Melichar, 1906 from Siberut Island, is mentioned and illustrated. Gergithus contusus Walker, 1851 is transferred to Mongoliana and Hemisphaerius atromaculatus Distant, 1916 and H. fuscoclypeatus Distant, 1916 are transferred to Hemisphaeroides. Checklists for all four genera are provided detailing the nomenclatural changes and a key to the 19 genera of Hemisphaeriini is provided. Morphological diversity and distribution of the genera are briefly discussed.
Descriptions and illustrations of the triungulin, 5th instar, and prepupal larval forms for Nematodes penetrans (LeConte, 1852) (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae: Macraulacinae: Nematodini) are given. The descriptions are based on triungulins collected in a plastic vial as well as 5th instars and prepupal larval stages collected from hard sections of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall; Aceraceae) logs and limbs. Adults were reared from those pieces placed in plastic bags. Biological information is provided, based on literature search and personal observations.
Comparative studies between larvae of N. penetrans and the European species, Nematodes fi lum (Fabricius, 1801) along with other Nearctic larval forms are briefl y discussed. This discovery represents the fi rst larval description for the genus in the Nearctic region.
A new species of vermetid gastropod belonging to the genus Novastoa Finlay, 1926, N. rapaitiensis sp. nov., is described from French Polynesia and the Great Barrier Reef, based on morpho-anatomical and molecular data, increasing the recognized extant diversity of this genus from five to six species. The new species is characterized by the largest operculum in the genus to date, with a conspicuous spindle-shaped mammilla that readily distinguishes this species from its congeners. Based on available data, members of the studied populations of N. rapaitiensis sp. nov. are interpreted as a single species, although slight morphological and color differences exist between localities separated by up to 7000 km. The larval development of N. rapaitiensis sp. nov. is inferred to be direct, raising new questions about genetic connectivity and dispersal trajectories across a vast geographic range. Additional molecular data may prove helpful in refining our current knowledge on the morphological variability within this species and verifying the degree of cryptic diversity in this genus.
With about 250 species, the genus Blaps Fabricius, 1775 is one of the most diverse genera of darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae: Blaptini: Blaptina). In this study, we provide new insights on the evolutionary relationships of Blaps species using a combined molecular and morphological dataset encompassing 69 distinct Blaps species and subspecies (105 specimens in total, all belonging to the subgenus Blaps), four other representatives of the tribe Blaptini (from the subtribes Gnaptorina, Gnaptorinina and Prosodina) and 12 outgroup species. Five new species of Blaps are also described within the subgenus Blaps: B. effeminata sp. nov. from Libya, B. intermedia sp. nov. from Morocco, B. maldesi sp. nov. from Algeria, B. nitiduloides sp. nov. from Algeria and Tunisia and B. teocchii sp. nov. from Tunisia. The results of the phylogenetic analyses indicate that the genus Blaps is likely paraphyletic; the two highlighted clades are morphologically distinct and correspond to groups previously referred to as sections (I and II) within the subgenus Blaps. This suggests the need for more phylogenetic studies in order to clarify the status of the various genera and subgenera belonging to the tribe Blaptini.
The Afrotropical planthopper genus Centromeriana Melichar, 1912 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Dictyopharidae, Dictyopharinae, Orthopagini) is revised. Four species are included: C. jocosa (Gerstaecker, 1895) (the type species, with confirmed records from Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon), C. lindbergae sp. nov. (described from Sierra Leone), C. rhinoceros sp. nov. (described from Togo) and C. simplex Melichar, 1912 (so far only known from Equatorial Guinea, Bioko island). Lectotypes are designated for C. jocosa and C. simplex and both species are redescribed including habitus photographs and detailed illustrations of the male and female genitalia which are published for the first time. A key for identification of the species of Centromeriana is provided. As far as known, the genus is endemic to the (Guineo-)Congolian region of western Africa.