Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution Latest 36 Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 03:57:30 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zse.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Taxonomic revision of Phoxinus minnows (Leuciscidae) from Caucasus, with description of a new narrow-ranged endemic species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/115696/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 291-308

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.115696

Authors: Oleg N. Artaev, Ilya S. Turbanov, Aleksey A. Bolotovskiy, Aleksandr A. Gandlin, Boris A. Levin

Abstract: Taxonomic revision of Phoxinus from the Caucasus revealed two distinct species. One species, P. colchicus, was known from eastern drainage of Black Sea, but was recorded also in the middle reach of the Kuban (Sea of Azov basin), for the first time. The Kuban population represents a genetically unique sub-lineage of P. colchicus. Its ancestors might have colonized the Kuban system through the event of ancient river capture. Another species inhabits only the Adagum River basin in the lower Kuban and represents a new narrow-ranged endemic species – Phoxinus adagumicus sp. nov. According to mtDNA phylogeny (COI and cytb), P. adagumicus sp. nov. represents deeply divergent and one of the two early branched lineages of the genus Phoxinus being distant to other species (min. p-distance = 0.074) including geographical neighbors – P. chrysoprasius from Crimean Peninsula and P. colchicus from the Caucasus. The new species differs from most Phoxinus species by frequently occurring single-row pharyngeal teeth (modal formula 5–4). The narrow geographic range (ca. 55 km in length and 15–20 km in width) and high anthropogenic load on local water systems suggests the new species is under threat and needs protection.

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Research Article Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:02:22 +0200
Description of a new species of Phoxinus from the Ergene River (Aegean Sea Basin) in Türkiye (Actinopterygii, Leuciscidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113467/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 101-110

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113467

Authors: Esra Bayçelebi, İsmail Aksu, Davut Turan

Abstract: Phoxinus radeki, a new species, is described from the Ergene River (Aegean Sea Basin). It is distinguished from Phoxinus species in Türkiye and the adjacent area by having the scales of the breast, scaled but separated unscaled area anteriorly, short dark rectangular blotches along the lateral line between the lateral line and belly yellowish in both males and females, body depth dorsal fin origin 16–21% SL, caudal peduncle depth 8–10% SL. Additionally, molecular results demonstrated that the new species differed from its closest congeners with a mean genetic distance value of 3.08% (min. 2.82–max. 3.29) and moderately support values in cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene partial sequences (1064 bp.). Further, the species delimitation analysis identified the new species as a single MOTU independent of other Phoxinus species.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:09 +0200
The trouts of the Marmara and Aegean Sea drainages in Türkiye, with the description of a new species (Teleostei, Salmonidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/112557/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 87-99

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.112557

Authors: Davut Turan, Esra Bayçelebi, Sadi Aksu, Münevver Oral

Abstract: The taxonomic status of native trout species of the Marmara and Aegean Sea drainages is evaluated and three species, Salmo duhani, S. coruhensis and S. brunoi sp. nov., are recognized. Salmo brunoi, a new species, is described from the Nilüfer River, a tributary of the Susurluk River. It is distinguished by a general brownish body color in life; few black spots (fewer than 60) on the body, generally scattered on the back and the upper part of the flank, rarely in the median part; few (fewer than 40) and small (smaller than pupil) red spots on the body, scattered on the median part and lower half of the flank; a number of black and red spots not increasing with size in both sexes; a long adipose fin (adipose-fin height 8–9% SL); a short distance between adipose-fin and caudal-fin (12–14% SL); and a short anal fin (anal-fin height 12–15% SL). Salmo brunoi sp. nov. is separated from the rest of the Marmara and Aegean trouts of Anatolia based on genome-wide distributed 187.385 unlinked SNP markers. According to the best of the authors’ knowledge, whole genome data is used for the first time here to characterize a new species of trout.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:08 +0200
First occurrence of the genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813 (Pleurobranchida, Nudipleura, Heterobranchia) in British waters, with the description of a new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113707/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 49-59

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113707

Authors: Martina Turani, Leila Carmona, Peter J. Barry, Hayden L. Close, Ross Bullimore, Juan Lucas Cervera

Abstract: In the north-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, the pleurobranchid genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813 is represented by two species, Pleurobranchaea meckeli (Blainville, 1825) and Pleurobranchaea morosa (Bergh, 1892). The former is a well-known species distributed from northern Spain to Senegal and the Mediterranean Sea, while the second is a poorly-described species. In this contribution, species delimitation analyses (ABGD and COI/16S p-distances) identified a third undescribed Pleurobranchaea species from samples collected in south-western UK waters and the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Spain). This new species, Pleurobranchaea britannica sp. nov., is also supported by several morphological synapomorphies. The British specimens constitute the first occurrence of the genus Pleurobranchaea in UK waters.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:05 +0200
The Caucasus is neither a cradle nor a museum of diversity of the land snail genus Helix (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Helicidae), while Crimea is home to an ancient lineage https://zse.pensoft.net/article/110610/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 535-543

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.110610

Authors: Ondřej Korábek, Igor Balashov, Marco T. Neiber, Frank Walther, Bernhard Hausdorf

Abstract: The Caucasus and the adjacent Pontic Mountains in north-eastern Anatolia are home to numerous endemic land snail genera and species. The diversity of the region is the result of both intra-regional speciation and the persistence of relict lineages. The same seemed to be true for the genus Helix, which has been present in the Greater Caucasus since the Miocene. In the Caucasus region, there are three Helix species. Helix buchii (Pontic Mountains and Georgia) and Helix albescens (southern Ukraine to northern Lesser Caucasus) are both separated by deep splits from the major Helix clades in the mitochondrial phylogeny. In contrast, Helix lucorum belongs to the Anatolian radiation of Helix. At least part of its intraspecific diversification may have occurred in north-eastern Anatolia and the adjacent parts of the Caucasus. Here, we report new evidence suggesting that the Caucasus and the Pontus regions were less important as a refugium of ancient Helix lineages or as a diversification centre than previously hypothesised. Helix lucorum probably diversified more westwards, while H. buchii is a less ancient lineage than previously thought. Helix albescens had its long-term refugium on the Crimean Peninsula in southern Ukraine, not in the Caucasus. The Caucasus is close to the eastern limit of the distribution range of the genus and, although the fossil record shows that Helix was present there as early as the Miocene, the current diversity of the genus there is the result of much later colonisation.

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Research Article Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:10:18 +0200
A new freshwater amphipod (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) from the Fakıllı Cave, Düzce Türkiye: Gammarus kunti sp. nov. https://zse.pensoft.net/article/108048/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 473-487

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.108048

Authors: Murat Özbek, Hazel Baytaşoğlu, İsmail Aksu

Abstract: Aquatic species (such as fish, amphipods, isopods, hirudineans etc.) adapted to environmental conditions can live in caves connected to groundwater. The species of Niphargus and Gammarus are the most commonly encountered amphipods in caves. Türkiye is very rich in terms of karst areas and is home to more than 2000 known caves. Fakıllı Cave, located in Düzce Province in the Western Anatolian Region, has a length of 1071 m. A new amphipod species belonging to the Gammarus genus has been identified from the cave and named as Gammarus kunti sp. nov. Some of the characteristic features of the newly-identified species can be listed as “Medium-large size; smooth body, well-developed and reniform eyes; non-prolonged extremities; antennal gland cone is straight and long; second antenna with setose peduncular and flagellar segments; medial palmar spine present; posterior margin of pereopod 3 densely setose; anterior margins of pereopods 6 and 7 armed with spines only; epimeral plates not pointed”. Although the mentioned features are generally seen in epigean species, the members of this species were sampled from the dark zone of the Fakıllı Cave. The partial sequences of the COI (573 bp) and 28S (914 bp) genes of the newly-described species, Gammarus kunti sp. nov., were generated. The pairwise genetic distances between the new species, Gammarus kunti sp. nov. and other species ranged from a minimum of 16.23% (G. tumaf) to a maximum of 28.27% (G. roeselii) for the COI gene and a minimum of 0.88% (G. tumaf) to a maximum of 6.81% (G. balcanicus) for the 28S gene. Phylogenies generated by the NJ and ML methods, based on the combined data, assigned the new species as an independent lineage with high support values. In addition, the ASAP method identified the new species as a single MOTU independent of other species. G. tumaf and G. baysali are the sister taxa of G. kunti sp. nov. Detailed descriptions and drawings of the extremities of the male holotype and the female allotype are given and the morphology of the newly-identified species is compared with its relatives.

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Research Article Wed, 4 Oct 2023 19:06:47 +0300
A review of the genus Sernokorba Kamura, 1992 (Araneae, Gnaphosidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/103061/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 325-335

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.103061

Authors: Nikolett Gallé-Szpisjak, Róbert Gallé, Tamás Szűts

Abstract: The gnaphosid spider genus Sernokorba Kamura, 1992 is reviewed. While Sernokorba pallidipatellis (Bösenberg and Strand 1906) and Sernokorba fanjing Song, Zhu & Zhang, 2004, occur in the Far East and the Japanese archipelago, Sernokorba tescorum (Simon, 1914) is known from Europe. We here describe a fourth species, Sernokorba betyar sp. nov. (male and female) from the forest steppe vegetation in southern Hungary in Central Europe. Digital images, comparative drawings (except for S. fanjing) and a distribution map are provided for all the species, and an identification key is compiled. The cheliceral dentation as diagnostic character and its interpretation are discussed.

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Research Article Fri, 2 Jun 2023 16:11:18 +0300
A new species of Anatextrix Kaya, Zamani, Yağmur & Marusik, 2023 (Araneae, Agelenidae, Textricini) from southern Türkiye, with a remarkable morphology of the male palpal femur https://zse.pensoft.net/article/103893/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 299-305

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.103893

Authors: Rahşen S. Kaya, Alireza Zamani, Ersen Aydın Yağmur, Yuri M. Marusik

Abstract: Anatextrix monstrabilis sp. nov. (Araneae: Agelenidae) is described and illustrated, based on male and female specimens collected from Adana Province, Türkiye. The new species has an L-shaped male palpal femur bearing multiple apophyses, which is a rare trait in spiders. Anatextrix monstrabilis sp. nov. is the second species of the recently described genus Anatextrix Kaya, Zamani, Yağmur & Marusik, 2023, currently known only from southern Türkiye.

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Research Article Thu, 25 May 2023 14:40:41 +0300
DNA barcoding of the genus Alburnoides Jeitteles, 1861 (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae) from Anatolia, Turkey https://zse.pensoft.net/article/94333/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 185-194

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.94333

Authors: Halim Canoglu, Ismail Aksu, Davut Turan, Yusuf Bektas

Abstract: The present study investigated the ability of DNA barcoding to reliably identify the endemic freshwater species in Turkey, known as biodiversity hotspots. The barcode region (652 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was used to barcode 153 individuals from 13 morphologically identified species of the genus Alburnoides. Based on the Kimura two-parameter (K2P) evolution model, the average interspecific distance (0.0595) was 31-fold higher than the average intraspecific distance (0.0019). There was a clear-cut barcode gap (0.0158–0.0187) between maximum intraspecific distance (A. tzanevi and A. velioglui) and minimum nearest-neighbour distance (A. freyhofi and A. kurui) for Anatolian Alburnoides species and a common genetic threshold of 0.0158 sequence divergence was defined for species delimitation. The multiple species delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, GMYC and bPTP) revealed a total of 11 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) for 13 morphospecies. Neighbour-joining (NJ), Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) tree analysis indicated that all haplotypes were clustered into two major clades, which corresponded to eleven Alburnoides species clusters, with strong bootstrap support. Furthermore, all the specimens clustered in concurrence with the morpho-taxonomic status of the species, except for two species (A. coskuncelebii and A. emineae) that were morphologically differentiated, but showed overlap in variation for COI-based DNA barcode data with other species. Overall, present results identified that COI-based DNA barcoding is effective for species identification and cataloguing of genus Alburnoides in Turkey.

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Research Article Mon, 6 Mar 2023 17:36:00 +0200
A contribution on the morphometrics of the thick-clawed crayfish Pontastacus pachypus (Rathke, 1837) (Decapoda, Astacoidea, Astacidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/98291/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 93-100

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.98291

Authors: Aiman Imentai, Martin Bláha, Lukáš Veselý, Jiří Křišťan, Tomas Policar

Abstract: The thick–clawed crayfish Pontastacus pachypus (Rathke, 1837) is an endangered, and the least known, crayfish species in Europe. Currently, detailed information regarding the morphology, ecology and reproduction of thick–clawed crayfish is outdated. This study presents, for the first time, detailed photographs of the thick-clawed crayfish, and updated information on distinctive morphological characters and morphometric analysis. New specifications of the carapace and appendage morphological characteristics were established as: 1) the rostrum is long, sharply pointed and has three pairs of distinctive sub-apical lateral spines, 2) two well–developed pairs of post–orbital ridge on the carapace are ended by prominent spine; 3) each finger of chelae ends with a black sharp tip. Among the 18 morphometric indices, carapace width to the total length (CPW/TL), abdomen width to the total length (ABW/TL) and claw height to the claw width (CLH/CLW) clearly differentiate P. pachypus from the other representatives of Astacus genus (A. colchicus and A. astacus) and P. leptodactylus (P<0.05). Comparison of individual indices between P. pachypus and P. leptodactylus revealed that almost all indices differed significantly except head length to the total length (HEL/TL) and rostrum length to the total length (ROL/TL). This study contributes to the identification of the thick–clawed crayfish for the purpose of conservation and protection of its localities.

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Research Article Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:53:03 +0200
Possible causes of amphi-Atlantic distribution of Orchestia gammarellus (Pallas, 1776) (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) in the North Atlantic: a review https://zse.pensoft.net/article/95980/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 55-62

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.95980

Authors: David J. Wildish, John H. McDonald

Abstract: Hypotheses concerning the modern distribution of Orchestia gammarellus (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) and its causes in the North Atlantic are discussed. The synanthropic dispersal hypothesis of Henzler and Ingólfsson (2008) considers O. gammarellus as originating on the eastern shore of the North Atlantic and being transported by humans to Iceland and the western Atlantic shore (Newfoundland and the Maritime Provinces of Canada). The Eocene and natural dispersal hypothesis of Myers and Lowry (2020) proposes a geologically earlier origin of O. gammarellus when the west and east shores of the North Atlantic were still connected. Present day amphi-Atlantic distribution was explained by vicariance, with the vicariant event causing separation of O. gammarellus being continental drift drawing apart the west and east shores of the North Atlantic. A post-glacial natural dispersal hypothesis proposed herein, involves transport on ice floes or in driftwood from European shores to Iceland and the Atlantic Provinces of Canada. The small genetic distances amongst populations found by Henzler and Ingólfsson (2008) at the COI gene are inconsistent with the Eocene vicariance hypothesis. On evolutionary grounds, we question Myers and Lowry’s (2020) designation of the Icelandic and Canadian populations as a new species of Orchestia. Existing molecular and morphological data are insufficient to distinguish between human-aided dispersal and natural rafting.

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Review Article Mon, 9 Jan 2023 09:45:13 +0200
Taxonomic review of the Chondrostoma (Teleostei, Leuciscidae) species from inland waters of Turkey: an integrative approach https://zse.pensoft.net/article/91275/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 1-13

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.91275

Authors: Fahretti̇n Küçük, Yılmaz Çi̇ftçi, Sali̇m Serkan Güçlü, Ayşe Gül Mutlu, Davut Turan

Abstract: The genus Chondrostoma (Leuciscidae: Leuciscinae), composed of small to medium-sized fish with a scraper feeding characteristic, is distributed in the West and Middle East, Caucasus, Europe and Northern Mediterranean drainages. This genus spreads across Anatolia and Thrace, with the exception of Göksu and Eşen rivers in Turkey’s Mediterranean basin. It is also difficult to understand the systematics of Chondrostoma, which is complicated morphologically. Therefore, in this study, an identification key was made by evaluating external morphology, osteology (some jaw bones and 5th ceratobrachial) and molecular features together. A total of 13 valid species have been so far recorded from Turkish inland waters, among which are C. beysehirense, C. ceyhanensis, C. colchicum, C. cyri, C. holmwoodii, C. kinzelbachi, C. meandrense, C. nasus, C. regium, C. smyrnae, C. toros, C. turnai and C. vardarense. Our molecular data showed that C. angorense (Kızılırmak and Sakarya rivers) is a synonym of C. colchicum (Çoruh and Yeşilırmak rivers). In addition, C. angorense was morphologically similar to C. colchicum. Therefore, we explored the systematic position of C. vardarense (from Meriç River) and C. nasus (from Simav River) in this study.

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Research Article Fri, 6 Jan 2023 17:21:39 +0200
An unexpected occurrence: discovery of the genus Cybaeopsis Strand, 1907 in Europe with the description of a new species from Italy (Arachnida, Araneae, Amaurobiidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90858/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 377-385

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.90858

Authors: Francesco Ballarin, Paolo Pantini

Abstract: We report on the unexpected finding of a new species of the genus Cybaeopsis Strand, 1907, C. lodovicii sp. nov. from the Northern Apennine Mountains in Italy. This is the first documented record of a Cybaeopsis species in Europe. Other currently known species of this genus have been previously recorded in North America, the Russian Far-East and Japan. The new species is illustrated and described based on both sexes. Another species from Portugal, Cybaeopsis theoblicki (Bosmans, 2021) comb. nov., recently described in the genus Callobius Chamberlin, 1947, is hereby transferred to Cybaeopsis on the basis of morphological characters. An updated key to the European genera of Amaurobiidae is provided.

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Research Article Tue, 20 Sep 2022 18:29:50 +0300
Integrative descriptions of two new Macrobiotus species (Tardigrada, Eutardigrada, Macrobiotidae) from Mississippi (USA) and Crete (Greece) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/65280/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 281-306

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.65280

Authors: Matteo Vecchi, Daniel Stec

Abstract: In this paper, we describe two new Macrobiotus species from Mississippi (USA) and Crete (Greece) by means of integrative taxonomy. Detailed morphological data from light and scanning electron microscopy, as well as molecular data (sequences of four genetic markers: 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2 and COI), are provided in support of the descriptions of the new species. Macrobiotus annewintersae sp. nov. from Mississippi belongs to the Macrobiotus persimilis complex (Macrobiotus clade B) and exhibits a unique egg processes morphology, similar only to Macrobiotus anemone Meyer, Domingue & Hinton, 2014, but mainly differs from that species by the presence of eyes, granulation on all legs, dentate lunulae on legs IV, and of bubble-like structures within the tentacular arms that are present on the distal portion of the egg processes. Macrobiotus rybaki sp. nov. from Crete belongs to the Macrobiotus clade A and is most similar to Macrobiotus dariae Pilato & Bertolani, 2004, Macrobiotus noemiae Roszkowska & Kaczmarek, 2019, Macrobiotus santoroi Pilato & D’Urso, 1976, and Macrobiotus serratus Bertolani, Guidi & Rebecchi, 1996, but differs from them mainly in the morphological details of its egg processes and chorion reticulation, but also by a number of morphometric characters. In light of the specific morphology of the egg processes of Macrobiotus annewintersae sp. nov. and Macrobiotus anemone, that are equipped with tentacular arms instead of proper terminal disc, we also provide an updated definition of the Macrobiotus persimilis complex.

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Research Article Wed, 19 May 2021 11:20:32 +0300
Chondrostoma smyrnae, a new nase from the Tahtalı reservoir drainage in the Aegean Sea basin (Teleostei, Leuciscidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/63691/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 235-248

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.63691

Authors: Fahrettin Küçük, Yılmaz Çiftçi, Salim Serkan Güçlü, Davut Turan

Abstract: Chondrostoma smyrnae, a new species, from the Tahtalı reservoir drainage is distinguished by having a slightly arched lower jaw with a well-developed keratinised edge, a deep and cylindric body, a complete lateral line with 47–52+1 total scales, 8–9 scale rows between the lateral line and the dorsal-fin origin, 4 scale rows between the lateral line and the pelvic fin-origin, and 19–23 gill rakers on the first gill arch. Moreover, molecular analyses using full cyt b (1141 bp) and partial coI (652 bp) sequences of the mitochondrial genome from specimens of the new species, C. smyrnae and specimens belonging to other Chondrostoma species from central and western Anatolia demonstrated that the C. smyrnae is easily differentiated by their high pairwise genetic distances of cyt b and coI data set (>2.20 and 1.03%, respectively) and by their position in the phylogenetic trees obtained through Maximum Likelihood (ML) methodology.

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Research Article Wed, 7 Apr 2021 11:27:06 +0300
Demography reveals populational expansion of a recently extinct Iberian ungulate https://zse.pensoft.net/article/61854/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 211-221

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.61854

Authors: Giovanni Forcina, Kees Woutersen, Santiago Sánchez-Ramírez, Samer Angelone, Jean P. Crampe, Jesus M. Pérez, Paulino Fandos, José Enrique Granados, Michael J. Jowers

Abstract: Reconstructing the demographic history of endangered taxa is paramount to predict future fluctuations and disentangle the contributing factors. Extinct taxa or populations might also provide key insights in this respect by means of the DNA extracted from museum specimens. Nevertheless, the degraded status of biological material and the limited number of records may pose some constraints. For this reason, identifying all available sources, including private and public biological collections, is a crucial step forward. In this study, we reconstructed the demographic history based on cytochrome-b sequence data of the Pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica), a charismatic taxon of the European wildlife that became extinct in the year 2000. Moreover, we built a database of the museum specimens available in public biological collections worldwide and genotyped a privately owned 140-year-old trophy from the Spanish Pyrenees to confirm its origin. We found that the population of the Pyrenean ibex underwent a recent expansion approximately 20,000 years ago, after which trophy hunting and epizootics triggered a relentless population decline. Our interpretations, based on the genetic information currently available in public repositories, provide a solid basis for more exhaustive analyses relying on all the new sources identified. In particular, the adoption of a genome-wide approach appears a fundamental prerequisite to disentangle the multiple contributing factors associated with low genetic diversity, including inbreeding depression, acting as extinction drivers.

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Research Article Thu, 1 Apr 2021 09:59:37 +0300
A new hydrobiid species (Caenogastropoda, Truncatelloidea) from insular Greece https://zse.pensoft.net/article/60254/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 111-119

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.60254

Authors: Canella Radea, Paraskevi Niki Lampri, Konstantinos Bakolitsas, Aristeidis Parmakelis

Abstract: Daphniola dione sp. nov., a valvatiform hydrobiid gastropod from Western Greece, is described based on conchological, anatomical and molecular data. D. dione is distinguished from the other species of the Greek endemic genus Daphniola by a unique combination of shell and soft body character states and by a 7–13% COI sequence divergence when compared to congeneric species. The only population of D. dione inhabits a cave spring on Lefkada Island, Ionian Sea.

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Research Article Fri, 5 Feb 2021 08:00:23 +0200
Amphipods in estuaries: the sibling species low salinity switch hypothesis https://zse.pensoft.net/article/55896/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 797-805

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.55896

Authors: David J. Wildish, Adriana E. Radulovici

Abstract: A novel low salinity switch hypothesis is proposed to account for the speciation of an obligate estuarine (oligohaline) amphipod, Orchestia aestuarensis, from a closely-related one, Orchestia mediterranea, found in both estuarine and marine conditions (euryhaline). The underlying genetic mechanisms could involve: 1. A dimorphic allele, or linked set of alleles, carried by the euryhaline amphipod which controls the ability to breed in low salinity conditions in estuaries and which is selected for in these conditions, producing the oligohaline amphipod. 2. A genetically-assimilated gene or genes, controlling the ability to breed in low salinity conditions in estuaries, which is/are “switched on” by low salinity conditions. 3. Allopatric speciation from a euryhaline to an oligohaline amphipod species where low salinity conditions is the selective switch. It is possible that other estuarine, sibling, amphipod pairs have evolved by salinity switching. In the North Atlantic coastal region, this could include: Gammarus tigrinus/G. daiberi and G. salinus/G. zaddachi (Amphipoda, Gammaridae).

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Review Article Thu, 19 Nov 2020 14:33:01 +0200
Review of Macropodia in the Black Sea supported by molecular barcoding data; with the redescription of the type material, observations on ecology and epibiosis of Macropodia czernjawskii (Brandt, 1880) and notes on other Atlanto-Mediterranean species of Macropodia Leach, 1814 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Inachidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/48342/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 609-635

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.48342

Authors: Vassily A. Spiridonov, Ulyana V. Simakova, Sergey E. Anosov, Anna K. Zalota, Vitaly A. Timofeev

Abstract: Macropodia czernjawskii (Brandt, 1880), described from the Black Sea, was ignored in the regional faunal accounts for more than a century, although it was recognised in the Mediterranean. Instead, M. longirostris (Fabricius, 1775) and M. rostrata (Linnaeus, 1761) were frequently listed for the Black Sea. We selected a lectotype and redescribed the species on the basis of the type series from the Crimean Peninsula and the new material collected in the Black Sea. Historical and new collections, as well as the analysis of publications, indicate that M. czernjawskii is the only Macropodia species occurring in the Black Sea. Molecular barcode (COI gene marker) data show that M. czernjawskii is a species well-diverged from other studied species of the group. Furthermore, M. parva van Noort & Adema, 1985 has very low genetic distances from M. rostrata and M. longipes A. Milne-Edwards & Bouvier, 1899 is indistinguishable from M. tenuirostris (Leach, 1814), using COI sequences. The respective synonimisations, supported by morphological data, are proposed. M. czernjawskii is a Black Sea – Mediterranean endemic occurring also in the neighbouring Atlantic coastal zone of the Iberian Peninsula and occupying shallower depth, compared to other Mediterranean species of Macropodia. As an upper subtidal inshore species, it is particularly specialised in self-decoration and stimulates abundant epibiosis, providing masking and protection. The bulk of epibiosis consists of algae and cyanobacteria. Amongst the 25 autotrophic eukaryote taxa, identified to the lowest possible level, green chlorophytes Cladophora sp. and calcareous rhodophytes Corallinales gen. sp. were most commonly recorded. Non-indigenous red alga Bonnemaisonia hamifera Hariot, first officially recorded at the Caucasian coast of the Black Sea in 2015, was present in the epibiosis of M. czernjawskii in Crimea as early as 2011.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Sep 2020 09:33:37 +0300
Taxonomic assessment of genetically-delineated species of radicine snails (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Lymnaeidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/52860/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 577-608

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.52860

Authors: Maxim V. Vinarski, Olga V. Aksenova, Ivan N. Bolotov

Abstract: The article represents an overview of 29 biological species of the radicine snails (genera Ampullaceana Servain, 1882, Bullastra Bergh, 1901, Racesina Vinarski & Bolotov, 2018, Kamtschaticana Kruglov & Starobogatov, 1984, Myxas G.B. Sowerby I, 1822, Orientogalba Kruglov & Starobogatov, 1985; Peregriana Servain, 1882, Radix Montfort, 1810, and Tibetoradix Bolotov, Vinarski & Aksenova, 2018) recovered during our previous molecular taxonomic study (Aksenova et al. 2018a; Scientific Reports, 8: 11199). For each species, the following information is provided: scientific name, a (non-exhaustive) list of synonyms, type locality, type materials, shell and copulative apparatus morphology, distribution, and nomenclatural and taxonomic remarks. The colour images of shell(s) of each species are also given as well as illustrations of the copulatory apparatuses. We revealed a great conchological variation in the radicines, both intra- and interspecific, alongside with striking uniformity in the structure of their copulatory apparatuses. The latter was once thought to be a reliable tool for species delineation and identification in this snail group. The total of 29 species characterised here represents, probably, only a subset of the global taxonomic richness of the radicine snails, which approaches 50 species.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Sep 2020 08:56:03 +0300
Revision of the deep-water spider crab genus, Scyramathia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, with the description of a new species from the Mediterranean and notes on Rochinia A. Milne-Edwards, 1875, and Anamathia Smith, 1885 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Epialtidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/48041/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 537-569

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.48041

Authors: Bee Yan Lee, Bertrand Richer De Forges, Peter K. L. Ng

Abstract: The taxonomy of the deep-water spider crabs of the genus Scyramathia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, is revised and four extant species are recognised from the Atlantic and western Indian Ocean: S. carpenteri (Norman, in Thomson 1873) (type species), S. umbonata (Stimpson, 1871), S. hertwigi Doflein, in Chun 1900, and S. tenuipes sp. nov. Scyramathia tenuipes sp. nov. from the Mediterreanean is easily distinguished from its congeners by its slender and elongate ambulatory legs. All species are diagnosed and figured. The taxonomy of two allied genera from the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Rochinia A. Milne-Edwards, 1875, and Anamathia Smith, 1885, are also treated and their type species redescribed and figured.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Sep 2020 08:34:08 +0300
Small is beautiful: the first phylogenetic analysis of Bryodelphax Thulin, 1928 (Heterotardigrada, Echiniscidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/50821/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 217-236

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.50821

Authors: Piotr Gąsiorek, Katarzyna Vončina, Peter Degma, Łukasz Michalczyk

Abstract: The phyletic relationships both between and within many of tardigrade genera have been barely studied and they remain obscure. Amongst them is the cosmopolitan Bryodelphax, one of the smallest in terms of body size echiniscid genera. The analysis of newly-found populations and species from the Mediterranean region and from South-East Asia gave us an opportunity to present the first phylogeny of this genus, which showed that phenotypic traits used in classical Bryodelphax taxonomy do not correlate with their phyletic relationships. In contrast, geographic distribution of the analysed species suggests their limited dispersal abilities and seems to be a reliable predictor of phylogenetic affinities within the genus. Moreover, we describe three new species of the genus. Bryodelphax australasiaticus sp. nov., by having the ventral plate configuration VII:4-4-2-4-2-2-1, is a new member of the weglarskae group with a wide geographic range extending from the Malay Peninsula through the Malay Archipelago to Australia. Bryodelphax decoratus sp. nov. from Central Sulawesi (Celebes) also belongs to the weglarskae group (poorly visible ventral plates VII:4-2-2-4-2-2-1) and is closely related to the recently described Bryodelphax arenosus Gąsiorek, 2018, but is differentiated from the latter by well-developed epicuticular granules on the dorsum. Finally, a new dioecious species, Bryodelphax nigripunctatus sp. nov., is described from Mallorca and, by the reduced ventral armature (II/III:2-2-(1)), it resembles Bryodelphax maculatus Gąsiorek et al., 2017. The latter species, known so far only from northern Africa, is recorded from Europe for the first time. A taxonomic key to the genus members is also presented.

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Research Article Wed, 27 May 2020 08:16:12 +0300
Description of Longidorus bordonensis sp. nov. from Portugal, with systematics and molecular phylogeny of the genus (Nematoda, Longidoridae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/49022/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 175-193

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.49022

Authors: Carlos Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez, Margarida Teixeira Santos, Maria Lurdes Inácio, Jonathan D. Eisenback, Manuel Mota

Abstract: The genus Longidorus currently comprises 176 species of polyphagous plant ectoparasites, including eight species that vector nepoviruses. Longidorus is one of the most difficult genera to accurately identify species because of the similar morphology and overlapping measurements and ratios among species. Sequences of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-genes are a powerful level-species diagnostic tool for the genus Longidorus. From 2015 to 2019, a nematode survey was conducted in vineyards and agro-forest environments in Portugal. The populations of Longidorus spp. were characterized through an integrative approach based on morphological data and molecular phylogenetic analysis from rRNA genes (D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S, ITS1, and partial 18S), including the topotype of L. vinearum. Longidorus bordonensis sp. nov., a didelphic species recovered from the rhizosphere of grasses, is described and illustrated. Longidorus vineacola, with cork oak and wild olive as hosts, is also characterized. This is the first time that L. wicuolea, from cork oak, is reported for Portugal. Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic trees for these three molecular markers established phylogenetic relationships among the new species with other Longidorus spp. Phylogenetic trees indicated that i) L. bordonensis sp. nov. is clustered together with other Longidorus spp. and forms a sister clade with L. pini and L. carpetanensis, sharing a short body and odontostyle length, and elongate to conical female tail, and ii) all the other species described and illustrated are phylogenetically associated, including the topotype isolate of L. vinearum.

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Research Article Tue, 5 May 2020 08:25:57 +0300
Mitochondrial discordance in closely related Theridion spiders (Araneae, Theridiidae), with description of a new species of the T. melanurum group https://zse.pensoft.net/article/49946/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 159-173

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.49946

Authors: Marc Domènech, Luís C. Crespo, Alba Enguídanos, Miquel A. Arnedo

Abstract: The incorporation of molecular data into current taxonomic practise has unravelled instances of incongruence among different data sets. Here we report a case of mitochondrial discordance in cobweb spiders of the genus Theridion Walckenaer, 1805 from the Iberian Peninsula. Morphological examination of samples from a country-wide bioinventory initiative revealed the existence of a putative new species and two nominal species belonging to the Theridion melanurum species group. The morphological delineation was supported by the molecular analysis of a nuclear marker but was at odds with the groups circumscribed by a mitochondrial marker. The causes of this discordance remained uncertain, once sample and sequencing errors and the existence of pseudogenes were discarded. The full sorting observed in the alleles of the more slowly evolving nuclear marker ruled out incomplete lineage sorting, while the geographic patterns recovered were difficult to reconciliate with ongoing hybridization. We propose that the apparent incongruence observed is most likely the result of old introgression events in a group with high dispersal abilities. We further speculate that endosymbiont-driven cytoplasmatic incompatibility could be involved in the fixation of mitochondrial haplotypes across species barriers. Additionally, we describe the new species T. promiscuum sp. nov., based on the presence of diagnostic morphological traits, backed up by the nuclear data delimitation. Our study contributes yet another example of the perils of relying on single methods or data sources to summarise the variation generated by multiple processes acting through thousands of years of evolution and supports the key role of biological inventories in improving our knowledge of invertebrate biodiversity.

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Research Article Mon, 4 May 2020 10:06:51 +0300
A revision of the extant species of Theodoxus (Gastropoda, Neritidae) in Asia, with the description of three new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/48312/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 25-66

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.48312

Authors: Arthur F. Sands, Peter Glöer, Mustafa E. Gürlek, Christian Albrecht, Thomas A. Neubauer

Abstract: Asia contains a high species diversity of the freshwater gastropod genus Theodoxus. Recent molecular and morphological reviews of this diversity have uncovered a number of yet undescribed species while suggesting the urgent revision of several others. Moreover, some of these studies have indicated a number of species previously not recorded for this continent. Despite the advancements, a taxonomic revision and an update on the distribution of Theodoxus spp. in Asia is still pending. Here, we construct the most robust phylogeny of Theodoxus up to now and review original descriptions, type material, recent taxonomic revisions, compendia, and species lists to provide a comprehensive checklist of all known extant Asian Theodoxus spp. Our checklist also provides descriptions for three recently discovered and yet undescribed species (Theodoxus gurur Sands & Glöer, sp. nov., Theodoxus wesselinghi Sands & Glöer, sp. nov., and Theodoxus wilkei Sands & Glöer, sp. nov.), as well as shows the need to synonymise several previously described morphospecies. The present revision recognizes 14 extant Theodoxus spp. for Asia. Some of these species are widespread, while others are endemic to just a single location. Based on the revised and new distribution data, we provide updates and new assessments of species conservation statuses.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Feb 2020 09:09:17 +0200
Neotenorchestia Wildish, 2014 is a junior synonym of Orchestia Leach, 1814 https://zse.pensoft.net/article/28876/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 545-546

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.28876

Authors: David J. Wildish

Abstract: Neotenorchestia Wildish, 2014 and N. kenwildishi Wildish, 2014 (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) are junior synonyms of Orchestia Leach, 1814 and Orchestia mediterranea A. Costa, 1853 respectively, based on revised genetic evidence.

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Short Communication Thu, 22 Nov 2018 13:32:53 +0200
Additional type and other notable specimens of Mollusca from the Montagu Collection in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter https://zse.pensoft.net/article/24776/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 281-303

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.24776

Authors: P. Graham Oliver, Holly Morgenroth

Abstract: This paper completes the review of the Col. George Montagu collection of shells in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter. A further twenty-one lots of type material were discovered bringing the total number of type lots to ninety-four. A number of other taxa that are of historic and potential nomenclatural significance are discussed. Specimens that relate to taxa of authors other than Montagu were isolated and consideration was given to the many non-British taxa that Montagu included in his works. To complete the study a list of all species represented in this collection is given.

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Research Article Mon, 21 May 2018 10:58:03 +0300
Pantanodontidae (Teleostei, Cyprinodontiformes), the sister group to all other cyprinodontoid killifishes as inferred by molecular data https://zse.pensoft.net/article/22173/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(1): 137-145

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.22173

Authors: Pedro H.N. Bragança, Pedro F. Amorim, Wilson J.E.M. Costa

Abstract: Pantanodon, containing two African extant species and four European fossil species, for a long time had an uncertain position among the Cyprinodontiformes due to its peculiar morphology. In the last decades, Pantanodon has been considered closely related to African lamp-eyes of the Procatopodinae clade, which is contained in the Poeciliidae, a teleost fish family with a broad geographical distribution in Africa and the Americas. However, recent molecular studies have challenged the monophyly of the Poeciliidae, but the position of Pantanodon remained uncertain. We analysed one mitochondrial (COI) and five nuclear loci (GLYT1, MYH6, SH3PX3, RAG1, ENC1), a total of 5,083 bp, for 27 cyprinodontiform taxa and 6 outgroups, obtaining a well-supported phylogeny, in which the monophyly of Poeciliidae, as supported by morphological data is refuted. Pantanodon stuhlmanni, the type species of the genus, is recovered as the most basal cyprinodontoid lineage and other African taxa formerly placed in Poeciliidae are highly supported as more closely related to European non-poeciliid cyprinodontoid genera than to other taxa. Since the present tree topology is not compatible with the present classification of the Cyprinodontoidei, a new classification using available family group names is provided: Pantanodontidae is used for Pantanodon; Procatopodidae, for the African lamp-eye clade; and Fluviphylacidae, for the South American genus Fluviphylax. Poeciliidae is restricted to the American livebearers, hence restoring the classification generally used prior to 1981.

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Research Article Fri, 9 Feb 2018 11:57:47 +0200
An illustrated catalogue of Rudolf Sturany’s type specimens in the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Austria (NHMW): deep-sea Eastern Mediterranean molluscs https://zse.pensoft.net/article/20116/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(1): 29-56

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.20116

Authors: Paolo G. Albano, Sara-Maria Schnedl, Anita Eschner

Abstract: The “Pola” expeditions were the first to explore the deep Eastern Mediterranean Sea in the 1890s. They remained the most intense surveys in that area for a century and constitute today a fundamental baseline to assess change in the basin, whose fauna is still inadequately described. Solid taxonomic foundations for the study of deep-sea organisms are needed and we here contribute by revising the name-bearing types of mollusc species introduced by Rudolf Sturany on the basis of the “Pola” material from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea stored in the Natural History Museum in Vienna. Sturany introduced 15 names (Marginella occulta var. minor Sturany, 1896 shall not be considered as the introduction of a new name). He described and established two manuscript names by Monterosato: Jujubinus igneus and Pseudomurex ruderatus. The genus Isorropodon was also introduced together with its type species I. perplexum. For each name, we list the available type material, provide the original description and a translation into English and illustrate the specimens in colour and with SEM imaging.

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Research Article Wed, 3 Jan 2018 15:56:56 +0200
Type specimens of Mollusca described by Col. George Montagu in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter and The Natural History Museum, London https://zse.pensoft.net/article/13073/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(2): 363-412

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.13073

Authors: P. Graham Oliver, Holly Morgenroth, Andreia Salvador

Abstract: A complete list of new molluscan taxa introduced by Col. George Montagu (1753–1815) is presented. The available type material of these taxa are itemised and illustrated. The majority are present in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter with a smaller number in the Natural History Museum, London. The historic background of both collections is reviewed with special reference to the many non-British species spuriously introduced into Testacea Britannica and its Supplement.

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Research Article Wed, 15 Nov 2017 15:55:25 +0200
A new species of Arenosetella Wilson, 1932 from Turkey with notes on the genus (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Ectinosomatidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/7003/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 92(1): 119-129

DOI: 10.3897/zse.92.7003

Authors: Serdar Sönmez, Serdar Sak, Süphan Karaytuğ

Abstract: A new species of the genus Arenosetella CB Wilson, 1932 is described from specimens that were collected from the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The new species is closely related to A. fimbricaudata McLachlan & Moore, 1978, A. germanica Kunz, 1937 and A. kaiseri Lang, 1965 within the 21 species/subspecies of the genus by having five setae at the exopod of the first and the second swimming leg, six setae at the terminal exopod segment of the fourth swimming leg, four setae at the terminal segment of the endopod of the first to fourth swimming legs and four marginal and one surface seta at the exopod of the fifth swimming leg of female. It can be differentiated from all of the species above by the loss of the inner seta at the first segment of the exopod of the second and the third swimming legs. As the diagnosis of the genus was not up to date and did not cover all of the species, a revised and extended diagnosis is provided. The antenna of A. bassantae Mitwally and Montagna 2001 was re-examined from the holotype, as the given armature in the original description was unusual for the basic pattern of the family, an amended description and drawing are presented herein.

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Research Article Fri, 20 May 2016 10:27:52 +0300
Conceptual shifts in animal systematics as reflected in the taxonomic history of a common aquatic snail species (Lymnaea stagnalis) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/4509/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 91(2): 91-103

DOI: 10.3897/zse.91.4509

Authors: Maxim V. Vinarski

Abstract: Lymnaea stagnalis (L., 1758) is among the most widespread and well-studied species of freshwater Mollusca of the northern hemisphere. It is also notoriously known for its huge conchological variability. The history of scientific exploration of this species may be traced back to the end of the 16th century (Ulisse Aldrovandi in Renaissance Italy) and, thus, L. stagnalis has been chosen as a proper model taxon to demonstrate how changes in theoretical foundations and methodology of animal taxonomy have been reflected in the practice of classification of a particular taxon, especially on the intraspecific level. In this paper, I depict the long story of recognition of L. stagnalis by naturalists and biologists since the 16th century up to the present day. It is shown that different taxonomic philosophies (essentialism, population thinking, tree thinking) led to different views on the species’ internal structure and its systematic position itself. The problem of how to deal with intraspecific variability in the taxonomic arrangement of L. stagnalis has been a central problem that made systematists change their opinion following conceptual shifts in taxonomic theory.

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Research Article Wed, 8 Jul 2015 18:00:21 +0300
The legacy of the Crusaders: Complex history of colonization and anthropochory in the land snails Levantina (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) in the Eastern Mediterranean https://zse.pensoft.net/article/4693/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 91(1): 81-89

DOI: 10.3897/zse.91.4693

Authors: Valerio Ketmaier, Matthias Glaubrecht

Abstract: The Eastern Mediterranean land snails Levantina display a disjunct distribution spanning the Middle East (Levant), Cyprus, few locations along the Aegean Turkish coast between Bodrum and Datça and on the islands of Rhodes, Karpathos and a few surrounding islets (Dodecanese). These land snails are strictly bound to limestone; shell variability is noticeable with a pair of umbilicate and non-umbilicate forms parapatrically distributed in the Levant and along the Aegean Turkish coast; they overlap on the Dodecanese islands. We sequenced fragments of two mitochondrial genes (Cytochrome Oxidase I and 16S rRNA) from the historical Levantina materials available at the Museums of Hamburg and Berlin. The aim of the study is to explain the current distribution of Levantina in the Eastern Mediterranean in light of an earlier hypothesis suggesting anthropochory due to the movements of Crusaders across the area. The deeper nodes in our phylogeny indicate that Levantina reached the Dodecanese from continental Turkey during the Pliocene exploiting continuity of landmasses. In five circumstances the same haplotype co-occurs on two different islands; one haplotype is shared between one island (Rhodes) and the Levant. We suggest that the movements of Crusaders likely explain the current distribution of haplotypes. In particular, the Knights Hospitaller of St. John occupied Cyprus, the Dodecanese and the facing Turkish coasts for more than two centuries (1306–1522) after they withdrew from Jerusalem in 1187 and from the Levant in 1291. Snails could have been introduced as an item of food or transported with other material including limestone used for building.

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Research Article Wed, 22 Apr 2015 17:47:22 +0300
The European medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis L.: Morphology and occurrence of an endangered species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/4256/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 90(2): 271-280

DOI: 10.3897/zse.90.8715

Authors: U. Kutschera, Joy Elliott

Abstract: Although the European medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis L. 1758) is one of the best-known members of the Hirudinea due to its use in phlebotomy, this species has been confused with the Mediterranean taxon H. verbana Carena 1820. Here we describe the morphology of adult and juvenile H. medicinalis and document its genetic distance to H. verbana, using newly acquired mitochondrial DNA-sequence (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, CO-I)-data from specimens collected in Germany. Our CO-I analysis shows that H. medicinalis and H. verbana differ by 9.4 %. Hence, the original Hirudo-population diverged ca. 10 million years ago so that today two geographically separated biospecies exist that co-occur in only a few natural habitats. We analyzed the behaviour of adult H. medicinalis, but could not find differences with respect to its sister taxon H. verbana. Finally, we summarize the occurrence of H. medicinalis in Central Europe and conclude that this once widely distributed freshwater species largely disappeared in many countries. We suggest that the loss of natural freshwater ecosystems, with flat, warm banks, and amphibians (frogs, newts and toads) as preferred host organisms for the juveniles, are largely responsible for the decline of H. medicinalis in Northern Europe.

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Research Article Tue, 18 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0200
Common littoral pycnogonids of the Mediterranean Sea https://zse.pensoft.net/article/4206/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 90(2): 163-224

DOI: 10.3897/zse.90.7520

Authors: Tobias Lehmann, Martin Heß, Roland R. Melzer

Abstract: In the present study 21 littoral pycnogonid species from 5 families are analysed: Ammotheidae (9 species), Callipallenidae (5 species), Endeidae (2 species), Phoxichilidiidae (3 species), and Pycnogonidae (2 species). The material was mainly taken from Mediterranean pycnogonid collections housed in the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology. Additional material was collected during field trips. Altogether the material was obtained from six different locations: Banyuls-sur-Mer (France), Tavolara Island (Italy), Elba Island (Italy), Giglio Island (Italy), Sicily Island (Italy), and Istria Peninsula (Croatia). The animals were studied in detail with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally series of light microscopic pictures were made to generate extended depth of field pictures of whole animals. The observed features are compared with previous literature.

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Research Article Fri, 31 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0200
New genus and two new species of driftwood hoppers (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) from northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal regions https://zse.pensoft.net/article/4132/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 90(2): 133-146

DOI: 10.3897/zse.90.8410

Authors: David J. Wildish

Abstract: A new specialist driftwood talitrid from the Swale, U.K., is figured and described as Neotenorchestia kenwildishi gen. n., sp. n. A further new driftwood talitrid, Macarorchestia pavesiae sp. n., is figured and described from coastal regions in the Adriatic Sea. Orchestia microphtalma Amanieu & Salvat, 1963 from the Atlantic coast of France is re-designated as Macarorchestia microphtalma (Amanieu & Salvat, 1963). A key is provided for the known species of driftwood talitrids in northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal regions.

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Research Article Fri, 10 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0300