Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution Latest 3 Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 17:20:30 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zse.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Pseudechiniscus in Japan: re-description of Pseudechiniscus asper Abe et al., 1998 and description of Pseudechiniscus shintai sp. nov. https://zse.pensoft.net/article/53324/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 527-536

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.53324

Authors: Katarzyna Vončina, Reinhardt M. Kristensen, Piotr Gąsiorek

Abstract: The classification and identification of species within the genus Pseudechiniscus Thulin, 1911 has been considered almost a Sisyphean work due to an extremely high homogeneity of its members. Only recently have several contributions made progress in the taxonomy feasible through their detailed analyses of morphology and, crucially, by the re-description of the ancient, nominal species P. suillus (Ehrenberg, 1853). Herein, we focus on the Japanese representatives of this genus: P. asper, a rare species originally described from Hokkaido, and a new species P. shintai. Both taxa belong to the widespread suillus-facettalis complex. Detailed descriptions entailing DNA barcoding of four markers and illustrations of the ventral pillar patterns are indispensable for an accurate delineation of species within this genus.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Sep 2020 10:31:11 +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
A new marine tardigrade genus and species (Arthrotardigrada, Styraconyxidae) with unique pockets on the legs https://zse.pensoft.net/article/49676/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 115-122

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.49676

Authors: Shinta Fujimoto, Naoto Jimi

Abstract: A marine heterotardigrade Cyaegharctus kitamurai gen. et sp. nov. (Arthrotardigrada, Styraconyxidae) is described from Daidokutsu, a submarine cave off Iejima island, Okinawa Islands, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. It is easily distinguished from all other styraconyxids by its pocket organs (putative sensory structures) on all legs in addition to the usual leg sensory organs. Its combination of other character states, such as the dorso-ventrally flattened body, ovoid primary clavae, conical secondary clavae, large terminal anus, internal digits with proximal pads and peduncles, external digits with developed peduncles and all digits with three-pointed claws in adult female, supports the erection of a new genus and species.

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Research Article Mon, 23 Mar 2020 15:37:38 +0200