Animal Sciences Commons^™

Phylogenetics And Integrative Taxonomy Of The Lang's Reed Frog Species Complex (Anura: Hyperoliidae: Hyperolius Langi), Dominic Troiani

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The genus Hyperolius (Rapp, 1842) is the most speciose amphibian genus in sub-Saharan Africa. The genus has a complex taxonomic history because of its extensive intraspecific and interspecific morphological variation, large geographic distribution of many taxa, gaps in sampling, and the discovery of significant cryptic diversity within many species. The goal of this study is to understand the relationships and taxonomy of Hyperolius langi via an integrative taxonomic approach that combines molecular, morphological, and bioacoustics data to clarify the systematics of the geographically widespread species Hyperolius langi. Two mitochondrial (16S and cyt b) and one nuclear (RAG1) gene were used …

Integrative Taxonomy Reveals The Existence Of A New Species Of Fat-Tailed Scorpions, Androctonus (Buthidae), In Iran, Hossein Barahoei, Omid Mirshamsi, Masoumeh Amiri, Asma Moeinadini, Ehsan Rakhshani

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Two species of Androctonus have been reported to date from Iran: Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) and A. sistanus Barahoei and Mirshamsi, 2022, which is distributed only in the southeast of Iran. Investigating and identifying the distribution range of dangerous species is critically important for scorpion management. A total of 105 specimens of Androctonus were collected from representative locations in Esfahan, Yazd, Kerman, Hormozgan, Hamadan, and Khuzestan provinces. These samples were studied morphologically, morphometrically, molecularly (COI gene sequencing), and through species distribution modeling (SDM) using the MaxEnt model. Four Androctonus species were identified through the morphological and molecular studies: A. crassicauda, …

Six Genera Of Ariophantidae From Bhutan (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata, Helicarionoidea), Edmund Gittenberger, Sherub, Choki Gyeltshen, Nima Dorji, Kezang Tobgay

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Samples of the ariophantid genera Oxytesta, Bensonies, Himalodiscus, Ariophanta, Khasiella, and Sesara collected in Bhutan are treated. For all species distributional data for the kingdom are summarized on maps. Shells are described and figured on the basis of specimens from Bhutan, with radulae and genital tracts whenever possible. Six Oxytesta species are dealt with, 3 of which new to science, viz. O. delicata E. Gittenberger & Sherub, O. dubitata E. Gittenberger & Kezang Tobgay, and O. lhuentsensis E. Gittenberger & Sherub. Five Bensonies species are recognized, one of which could not be identified and 4 are described as new, viz. …

Diversity Of Bryozoa Along The Coasts Of Türkiye, Ferah Koçak, Si̇nem Aydin

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The current status of bryozoan species distributed along the coast of Türkiye were revised and an updated checklist including 185 species (24 cyclostomatids, 20 ctenostomatids and 141 cheilostomatids) was presented. Cheilostomes largely prevail (141 species, 87 genera and 50 families) followed by cyclostomes (24 species, 15 genera and 9 families) and ctenostomes (20 species, 9 genera and 8 families) in bryozoan fauna of Türkiye. The distribution of species and genera highlights the Aegean Sea as the most diverse, hosting 146 species. In this study, Hornera frondiculata (Lamarck, 1816), Amathia verticillata (delle Chiaje, 1822), Bugulina fulva (Ryland, 1960), Tricellaria inopinata d'Hondt …

Reassignment Of Some Caryospora Species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) To Eumonospora (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) And A Summary, Donald W. Duszynski

MANTER: Journal of Parasite Biodiversity

This review was crafted to clear up some of the current confusion regarding the correct taxonomic placement of those apicomplexan coccidians that produce unique monosporocystic octosporozoic (1 sporocyst with 8 sporozoites) oocysts during the sexual phase of their life history in vertebrate hosts. Currently, such oocysts have been placed in 1 of 4 genera, Avispora, Caryospora, Karyospora, or Eumonospora, 2 of which are no longer accepted or useful (Avispora and Karyospora). My review suggests that to present (2023) there are 62 valid Caryospora and 26 valid Eumonospora species. Caryospora species are recorded from a bird …

Succineidae (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) In Bhutan, Edmund Gittenberger, Choki Gyeltshen, Tshering Pem, Adriaan Gittenberger, Sherub Sherub

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Two species of Succineidae, belonging to different subfami lies, are reported from Bhutan. Succinea rutilans, described from the Khasi hills, is one more indication of a biogeo graphical link between Bhutan and the Indian state of Meghalaya. Based primarily on DNA data, Indosuccinea crassinuclea is considered a widespread species, distributed from northern India and Bhutan southwards to even Sri Lanka and The Maldives.

Population-Level Dna Study Of Stenotrema And Euchemotrema (Gastropoda: Polygyridae: Stenotrematini) Reveals Majority Of Species Are Poorly Circumscribed, Alexander C. Cooper, Elizabeth A. Bergey, Kathryn E. Perez

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

The North American land snail tribe Stenotrematini (Emberton, 1995) is composed of 40 taxa from the genera Stenotrema (Rafinesque, 1819) and Euchemotrema (Archer, 1939). We conducted the first thorough examination of this group since 1948 by sequencing 196 individuals representing 31 of 40 members of the tribe using a combination of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and a portion of the 5.8S gene of the large ribosomal subunit (LSU) with the accompanying internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) region. We reexamined the validity of this tribe by incorporating new sequences with previous DNA work on the …

Could There Be A Relationship Between Feeding Characteristics And The Shape Of Condylus Occipitalis And Foramen Magnum In Mammals?, Yasi̇n Demi̇raslan, İsmai̇l Demi̇rci̇oğlu, İftar Gürbüz, Funda Aksünger Karaavci, Abdullah Ortadeveci, Özcan Özgel

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of the study was to investigate the shape of the foramen magnum and condylus occipitalis of mammalian species belonging to different feeding groups. For this, two-dimensional geometric morphometric method analyses were applied. The data from the skulls of the 12 species were used. In principal component analysis, the first three principal components accounted for 70.353%of the total shape variation. According to the first principal component, the dorsal edge of the condylus occipitalis and foramen magnum contributed the most to shape variation. Most of the individuals were correctly separated according to the feeding groups. The most accurate grouping features …

Exceptional Larval Morphology Of Nine Species Of The Anastrepha Mucronota Species Group (Diptera: Tephritidae), Erick J. Rodriguez, Gary J. Steck, Matthew R. Moore, Allen L. Norrbom, Jessica Diaz, Louis A. Somma, Raul Ruiz-Arce, Bruce D. Sutton, Norma Nolazco, Alies Muller, Marc A. Branham

Papers in Evolution

Anastrepha is the most diverse and economically important genus of Tephritidae in the American tropics and subtropics. The striking morphology of the third instars of Anastrepha caballeroi Norrbom, Anastrepha crebra Stone, Anastrepha haplacantha Norrbom & Korytkowski, Anastrepha korytkowskii Norrbom, Anastrepha nolazcoae Norrbom & Korytkowski, and three newly discovered and as yet formally unnamed species (Anastrepha sp. Peru-82, Anastrepha sp. nr. protuberans, and Anastrepha sp. Sur-16), and the more typical morphology of Anastrepha aphelocentema Stone, are described using light and scanning electron microscopy. To contribute to a better understanding of the interspecific and intraspecific variation among species in the mucronota …

Kinorhynch Diversity In The Southern Gulf Of Mexico And A Description Of Dracoderes Chaac Sp. Nov., Stephen C. Landers, Kellan Hoffman, Nuria Sanchez, Martin Sorensen

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Sediment collections from the southern Gulf of Mexico between the Texas—Mexico border and the Yucatán Peninsula have resulted in many new kinorhynch species distribution records and the finding and taxonomic description of a new species, Dracoderes chaac sp. nov. This study focused on the non—echinoderid members of the Phylum Kinorhyncha, many of which are rare or restricted to only a few locations. A total of 136 specimens were identified from 24 sediment stations, distributed among the following species: Antygomonas gwenae, Campyloderes vanhoeffeni, Centroderes readae, Condyloderes flosfimbriatus, Co. rohalorum, Cristaphyes panamensis, Dracoderes chaac sp. nov., …

Hidden Diversity Of Madagascan Freshwater Crabs (Brachyura: Potamoidea) Revealed By Morphological And Molecular Studies, Ellen Leever

All NMU Master's Theses

This study focuses on the freshwater crab fauna of the island of Madagascar. Relatively little is known about the species diversity of the island’s freshwater crabs and their phylogenetic relationships. Chapter 1 is based on a newly published molecular phylogeny that used the highest taxonomic sampling to date, including almost all of the island’s known freshwater crab genera and species. The phylogeny revealed a significant number of unidentified specimens that belong to several new lineages that potentially represent as many as 4 new genera and 10 new species. Chapters 2 and 3 focus on the taxonomic revision of the genus …

Observations On The Distribution And Status Of Selected Nebraska Mammals, Zachary P. Roehrs, Russell A. Benedict, Thomas E. Labedz, Hugh H. Genoways

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

Information on the distribution and current status of 25 species or subspecies of mammals occurring in Nebraska are presented. The species covered include one shrew, an armadillo, eight bats, 10 rodents (including two subspecies of one species), three carnivores, and one artiodactyl. Distributional information reported includes the first state record for one species (Sorex nanus) and new county records for 18 species. In Nebraska, we know that mammals are shifting their geographic ranges with some extending populations into the state, whereas others are expanding their geographic ranges within the state. The current status of six additional mammalian taxa …

A New Vine Snake (Reptilia, Colubridae, Oxybelis) From Peru And Redescription Of O. Acuminatus, Robert C. Jadin, Michael J. Jowers, Sarah A. Orlofske, William E. Duellman, Christopher Blair, John C. Murphy

Publications and Research

The Brown Vine Snake, Oxybelis aeneus, was until recently considered a single species, distributed from southern Arizona through the Neotropics into southeastern Brazil. However, newly conducted research restructured the species with a substantial taxonomic revision, recognizing five additional taxa (i.e. O. koehleri, O. microphthalmus, O. potosiensis, O. rutherfordi, O. vittatus) in this species complex. This revision focused on populations in North America, Central America, and northern South America while neglecting the southern portion of its distribution. Here, we examine the taxonomic history of the complex and use it along with specimen data to resurrect O. acuminatus from southeastern Brazil. Finally, …

Hypsugo Stubbei Sp. Nov., A Novel Cryptic Bat Species Of The Genus Hypsugo (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera, Mammalia) From Mongolia, Dietrich Dolch, Nyamsuren Batsaikhan, Annegret Stubbe, Dirk Steinhauser

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

The occurrence of two members of the genus Hypsugo, namely H. alaschanicus and H. savii caucasicus, have been reported for Mongolia in the literature. Due to various taxonomic reassignments within and between genera, the number of records for the genus Hypsugo in Mongolia is quite scarce and sometimes not resolved at species or subspecies level. Despite recognition of the two above-mentioned species, recent reports based on genetic analyses describe only new and further records of H. alaschanicus. Thus, it exists a large uncertainty regarding the occurrence and distribution of H. savii caucasicus in Mongolia. Here, our efforts …

The Corvonirmus Group (Insecta, Psocodea, Phthiraptera, Ischnocera) Of Corvids (Aves, Corvidae). I. Stubbenirmus Gen. Nov., Eberhard Mey

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

1. The genera Corvonirmus Eichler, 1944 (with 11 spp.), Hecatrishula Gustafsson & Bush, 2017 (with 8 spp.), and Lycocoranirmus Mey, 2017 (with 5 spp.), which belong to the Brueelia complex (Philopteridae s. l.), are morpho-structurally characterized mainly by head structures and chaetotaxy. They are defined as a group of related taxa that should be placed in the rank of a subfamily (Corvonirminae subfam. nov.) if the former Brueeliinae sensu EICHLER (1963:177) would get the status of a separate family (Brueeliidae).

2. Within the Corvonirmus group, the former Hecatrishula biguttata species group is assumed to be classified as new …

Kinorhynchs From Sandy Coastal Habitats In Turkey, With The Description Of A New Pan-Mediterranean Species Of Echinoderes (Cyclorhagida: Echinoderidae), Martin Vinther Sørensen, Maria Herranz, Fernando Pardos, Furkan Durucan

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Kinorhynchs from eight sandy, shallow water localities along the west and south coasts of Turkey were examined. The study resulted in the finding of six different species: Two species, Echinoderes gerardi and Cephalorhyncha flosculosa were known from Turkey, two species, Echinoderes riedli and Campyloderes vanhoeffeni were known from the Mediterranean, but are new to Turkey, and two species, Echinoderes sp. and E. shahmaranae sp. nov. are new to science. Echinoderes sp. resembles E. charlotteae from the Gulf of Mexico, but differs at some minor points. However, since only a single specimen was available, only diagnostic details, but no formal description, …

Contributions To The Turkish Oribatid Mite Fauna (Acari: Oribatida) From Sakarya Andyozgat Provinces, Sedat Per, Kübra Çubukçu, Ayşe Toluk, Nusret Ayyildiz

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This study deals with the data on Turkish records of oribatid mites that play an important role in decomposition of organic matter, nutrient cycling, and soil formation. Oribatid mites in litter, lichen, moss, and soil collected from Sakarya and Yozgat provinces were sampled between 2014 and 2020. Standard methods were used for extraction, detection, preservation, and preparation of mites from the material collected from study area. Five oribatid mites were for the first time recorded from Turkey, namely Mesotritia (Mesotritia) nuda (Berlese, 1887) (Oribotritiidae), Hoplophorella (Rhacaplacarus) ortizi (Pérez-Íñigo, 1970) (Phthiracaridae), Eremaeus translamellatus Hammer, 1952 (Eremaeidae), Oribatella (Oribatella) foliata Krivolutsky, 1974 …

Capoeta Kosswigi Karaman, 1969 A Junior Synonym Of Capoeta Damascina(Valenciennes, 1842) (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), Erdoğan Çi̇çek, Soheil Eagderi, Burak Seçer, Sevi̇l Sungur

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Capoeta kosswigi was described from Lake Van basin, Turkey, being close to C. damascina and C. umbla. It is distinguished from them by a pointed snout and a small horseshoe-shaped mouth, and differing from C. damascina by having smaller scales, and from the C. umbla by processing larger scales. In this study, we tested the suggested synonymy hypothesis of C. kosswigi and C. damascina by comparing the morphometric and meristic data. The results revealed that all morphometric and meristic characters of C. kosswigi overlap with those of C. damascina. In line with previous molecular studies that COI, cytb and 16S …

First Record Of Blacknape Large-Eye Bream Gymnocranius Satoi (Perciformes: Lethrinidae) In The Philippines, Nicko Amor Flores, Jade Tifany Rey, Jeffrey T. Williams, Kent Carpenter, Mudjekeewis Santos

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The Philippines has been regarded as the center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity, having the highest number of fish species per square area in the world. The blacknape large-eye bream, Gymnocranius satoi, has been reported to occur from Southern Japan, Taiwan to Northwestern Australia and to the Coral Sea, but has not previously been recorded from the Philippines. From 2011 – 2019, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) collaborated with the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution (NMNH/SI), USA, and the Old Dominion University (ODU), Virgina, USA, to inventory all commercial fish …

Three New Species Of The Clubiona Corticalis-Group From Southern China(Araneae: Clubionidae), Jianshuang Zhang, Hao Yu

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The present paper reveals three new sac spider species. All of them are distributed in southern China and can be placed in the Clubiona corticalis-group: Clubiona caohai sp. nov. from Guizhou, Clubiona dakong sp. nov. from Tibet and Clubiona yanzhii sp. nov. from Hunan. Diagnosis, detailed descriptions, illustrations and distribution map of these three species are provided.

A Faunistic Overview Of Temelucha Förster (Hym., Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) In Iran, Maryam Zardouei Heydari, Ehsan Rakhshani, Azizollah Mokhtari, Martin Schwarz

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Species of the genus Temelucha Förster, 1869 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) in Iran are taxonomically overviewed. Sampling was done using Malaise traps and sweeping nets in natural grasslands, forests, orchards and field crops during 2013-2017. Fifteen species are recorded and reviewed, among them 5 species Temelucha albipennis (Zetterstedt, 1838), T. flavia Vas, 2016, T.ophthalmica (Holmgren, 1860), T. pseudocaudata Kolarov, 1982, and T. variipes (Szépligeti, 1899) are new records for the fauna of Iran. T. convergence Zardouei & Rakhshani sp. nov. is described and illustrated. A key to the known species is generated. For all species, brief illustrated diagnoses are also provided.

A New Epigean Pseudoscorpion Species (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisiidae) From Northeast Of Iran, With An Identification Key To The Species Of The Family Neobisiidae From Iran, Zahra Latifi, Mahrad Nassirkhani, Omid Mirshamsi

Turkish Journal of Zoology

A new epigean species? Roncus khorasanicus sp.n.-is described on the basis of the description of the adult stage (males) found in north-eastern Iran. A detailed description of the selected morphological characters and accurate illustrations of several diagnostic characters of the new species are provided. Moreover, an identification key to the species of the family Neobisiidae from Iran is presented.

Rotifera Of Various Aquatic Environments Of Costa Rica In Reference To Central American Rotifer Fauna, Natalia Kuczynska-Kippen, Jolanta Ejsmont-Karabin

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Detailed surveys on rarely examined aquatic ecosystems often lead to the discovery of new species of high conservation value. This study directed towards the recognition of a variety of aquatic environments in Costa Rica (40 habitats, including lakes, wetlands, and small aquatic systems, e.g., ponds, ditches, puddles, tree holes, and bromeliads) established the presence of 105 species of Monogononta representing 33 genera. In total, 91 species and 19 genera were found to be new for Costa Rica, including 29 species recorded for the first time in Central America (e.g., Ascomorpha klementi, Beauchampia crucigera, Brachionus mirabilis, Cephalodella panarista, Filinia saltator, Horaella …

The Neotropical Variegated Squirrel, Sciurus Variegatoides (Rodentia: Sciuridae) In Nicaragua, With The Description Of A New Subspecies, Hugh H. Genoways, Robert M. Timm

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

The Neotropical variegated squirrel, Sciurus variegatoides, is represented in Nicaragua by five known subspecies—adolphei, belti, boothiae, dorsalis, and underwoodi. Analyses of morphometrics, color, and color patterns of 394 specimens from throughout the country and all available literature support the retention of these subspecies, but also reveal the presence of a sixth population of these squirrels, which is worthy of description and recognition as a new subspecies. This new subspecies is confined to Isla de Ometepe in Lago de Nicaragua. Variegated squirrels on Ometepe are on average the smallest variegated squirrels in the country …

Morphological And Color Variation In Poicephalus Parrots, Eileen Connon

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Though describing and delimiting species is one of the principle aspects of many disciplines within biology, there is often debate about which methods and concepts should be used to make such decisions. The Tobias criteria for quantitative species delimitation represent one attempt to create a standard method of delimiting species based on the morphological species concept. However, previous examples of using these criteria have not always been completely quantitative. This study uses quantitative morphological and color data of three Poicephalusparrots as a case study for the effectiveness of the Tobias criteria. The results show varying levels of support for …

Pseudamnicola Sumbasensis Sp. Nov., A New Species From Turkey(Gastropoda: Truncatelloidea: Hydrobiidae), Mustafa Emre Gürlek

Turkish Journal of Zoology

New species Pseudamnicola sumbasensis sp. nov. is described from Osmaniye Province of Turkey. Material was collected in 2017 and compared with other Pseudamnicola spp. recorded in Turkey.

A New Species Of The Genus Echinolaophonte Nicholls, 1941 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) From The Aegean Sea Coast Of Turkey, Seher Kuru, Serdar Sönmez, Suphan Karaytuğ

Turkish Journal of Zoology

During the ongoing partial taxonomic revision of the genus Echinolaophonte on the basis of populations previously collected from various shores of the Turkish coasts, a new species of Echinolaophonte was discovered and named Echinolaophonte mordoganensis sp. nov. The new species is morphologically most closely related to E. minuta and E. veniliae. The new species can easily be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following features: i) the shape of the rostrum, ii) having 2 ornamented setae instead of 1 on the syncoxa of the maxilliped, and iii) pattern difference in the P1?P4 setal formula in both male …

New Species And New Records Of Aphelinus Dalman (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Aphelinidae) From Lagodekhi Reserve (Sakartvelo - Georgia), With Diversity And Distribution Along An Elevational Gradient, George Japoshvili, Levan Mumladze

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The aim of the present study was to investigate species diversity and distribution of Aphelinus species in an elevational gradient in the Lagodekhi Reserve (Sakartvelo - Georgia) throughout a growing season. Two species of Aphelinus Dalman, 1820 (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), A. humilis Mercet and A. thomsoni Graham, are recorded for the first time from Georgia and the Caucasus and two species (A. lagodekhiensis sp. nov. and A. sugonjaevi sp. nov.) are described as new to science. To facilitate species identification we have developed a key to the females of all 24 species of Aphelinus currently known from the Middle East and …

Two New Species Of Dipoena Thorell, 1869 (Araneae, Theridiidae) From Wuling Mountains, China, Su Fang Yang, Muhammad Irfan, Ping Liu, Xianjin Peng

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Dipoena crescenta sp. nov. and D. lirata sp. nov., both represented by males and females, are described and illustrated from the Wuling Mountains of China. Detailed morphological descriptions of both new species are given. The body and the copulatory organs are photographed and illustrated. A distribution map is provided.

Phylogenetic Relationship Among Slender Loris Species (Primates, Lorisidae: Loris) In Sri Lanka Based On Mtdna Co1 Barcoding, Saman Gamage, Faiz Marikar, Colin Groves, Craig Turner, Kalinga Padmalal, Sarath Kotagame

Turkish Journal of Zoology

There are 2 species of slender lorises found in Sri Lanka: the red slender loris, Loris tardigradus (Linnaeus, 1758), endemic to the wet zone and montane areas, and the grey slender loris, Loris lydekkerianus (Cabrera, 1908), which is widespread. In addition, currently there are 2 subspecies recognized for each of these 2 slender loris species of Sri Lanka. Yet their taxonomy, evolutionary history, and biogeography are still poorly understood, and there are some preliminary data suggesting the presence of other subspecies. In this study, we have analysed the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequence of 21 Loris specimens collected …