Evolutionary patterns in neotropical Helieae (Gentianaceae): evidence from morphology, chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences

Parsimony-based phylogenetic analyses of the neotropical tribe Helieae (Gentianaceae) are presented, including 22 of the 23 genera and 60 species. This study is based on data from morphology, palynology, and seed micromorphology (127 structural characters), and DNA sequences (matK, trnL intron, ITS). Phylogenetic reconstructions based on ITS and morphology provided the greatest resolution, morphological data further helping to tentatively place several taxa for which DNA was not available (Celiantha, Lagenanthus, Rogersonanthus, Roraimaea, Senaea, Sipapoantha, Zonanthus). Celiantha, Prepusa and Senaea together appear as the sister clade to the rest of Helieae. The remainder of Helieae is largely divided into two large subclades, the Macrocarpaea subclade and the Symbolanthus subclade. The first subclade includes Macrocarpaea, sister to Chorisepalum, Tochia, and Zonanthus. Irlbachia and Neblinantha are placed as sisters to the Symbolanthus subclade, which includes Aripuana, Calolisianthus, Chelonanthus, Helia, Lagenanthus, Lehmanniella, Purdieanthus, Rogersonanthus, Roraimaea, Sipapoantha, and symbolanthus. Generic-level polyphyly is detected in Chelonanthus and Irlbachia. Evolution of morphological characters is discussed, and new pollen and seed characters are evaluated for the first time in a combined morphological-molecular phylogenetic analysis.

Revision and cladistic analysis of Isoctenus and description of a new neotropical genus (Araneae, Ctenidae, Cteninae)

A cladistic analysis was applied to test the monophyly of the genus Isoctenus. The data matrix comprised 28 taxa scored for 53 morphological and two behavioural characters. The analysis resulted in two equally parsimonious trees of 89 steps. The strict consensus was used to discuss the relationships of Isoctenus and related Cteninae genera. Ctenopsis Schmidt is synonymized with Isoctenus. Isoctenus foliifer Bertkau, I. strandi Mello-Leitao, I. eupalaestrus Mello-Leitao, I. janeirus (Walckenaer), I. coxalis (Pickard-Cambridge), I. corymbus Polotow, Brescovit & Pellegatti-Franco and I. malabaris Polotow, Brescovit & Ott are maintained in Isoctenus. Four species currently included in Ctenus are transferred to Isoctenus: I. griseolus (Mello-Leitao) comb. nov., I. taperae (Mello-Leitao) comb. nov., I. herteli (Mello-Leitao) comb. nov. and I. minusculus (Keyserling) comb. nov. The following specific names are synonymized: Ctenus sanguineus Walckenaer, C. semiornatus Mello-Leitao and Ctenopsis stellata Schmidt with Isoctenus janeirus (Walckenaer), Ctenus mourei Mello-Leitao with Isoctenus herteli (Mello-Leitao) and Ctenus pauper Mello-Leitao with Isoctenus strandi Mello-Leitao. Isoctenus sigma Schenkel, described from French Guiana, is transferred to Ctenus. Four species are newly described: Isoctenus areia sp. nov. from Paraiba, Brazil, I. charada sp. nov. and I. segredo sp. nov. from Parana, Brazil, and I. ordinario sp. nov. from south and south-eastern Brazil and north-eastern Argentina. Isoctenus latevittatus Caporiacco is considered species inquirenda. Parabatinga gen. nov. is proposed to include Ctenus brevipes Keyserling. The following synonymies are established: Ctenus taeniatus Keyserling, C. tatarandensis Tullgren, C. anisitsi Strand, C. atrivulvus Strand, C. mentor Strand, C. brevipes brevilabris Strand, Isoctenus masculus Mello-Leitao and Ctenus birabeni Mello-Leitao with Parabatinga brevipes (Keyserling) comb. nov. (C) 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 155, 583-614.

Description of Toca, a new neotropical spider genus (Araneae, Ctenidae, Calocteninae)

Toca new genus is proposed to include two new species: the type species T. bossanova new species from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and T samba new species from Parana and Minas Gerais, Brazil. Toca may be related to Caloctenus Keyserling and Gephyroctenus Mello-Leitao, with which it shares the scales on the abdominal dorsum and the epigynum as a single, slightly sclerotized, fold. The genus can be distinguished among the Calocteninae genera by its unique genital structures.

Stem anatomy of Rhipsalis (Cactaceae) and its relevance for taxonomy

Several species of the genus Rhipsalis (Cactaceae) are extremely important as ornamentals and are endangered in their natural habitat. However, only a few studies have addressed its taxonomy, morphology (including anatomy), phylogeny and evolutionary history. Consequently, the limited knowledge of the genus coupled with the problematic delimitation of species had led to problems in the identification of taxa. In the current work six species of Rhipsalis, R. cereoides, R. elliptica, R. grandiflora, R. paradoxa, R. pentaptera and R. teres were studied to evaluate the relevance of anatomical characters for the taxonomy of the genus. An anatomical characterization of the primary structure of the stem of Rhipsalis is provided highlighting the differences between species. Features of the stem epidermis are found to discriminate best between species and therefore provide clear and useful characters for the separation of species.

Croton laceratoglandulosus (Euphorbiaceae s.s.), a new glandular-stipulate species from Brazil and Bolivia, and its systematic position based on molecular analysis

Croton laceratoglandulosus, a new species from the dry forests of the Brazilian states of Piaui, Ceara, Bahia and Minas Gerais, and the Bolivian department of Santa Cruz, is described and illustrated here. Molecular sequence data demonstrate that it is most closely related to the taxa of Croton section Cascarilla, and not to sections Medea or Barhamia, which also have glandular calyces and laciniate stipules. (C) 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158, 493-498.

Review and cladistic analysis of the Neotropical tarantula genus Ephebopus Simon 1892 (Araneae : Theraphosidae) with notes on the Aviculariinae

The tarantula genus Ephebopus Simon 1892 is reviewed and includes the type species, E. murinus (Walckenaer 1837), and E. uatuman Lucas, Silva & Bertani 1992, E. cyanognathus West & Marshall 2000, E. rufescens West & Marshall 2000 and Ephebopus foliatus, sp. nov., from Guyana. Ephebopus violaceus Mello-Leitao 1930 is transferred to Tapinauchenius Ausserer, where it is a senior synonym of Tapinauchenius purpureus Schmidt 1995 new synonymy. Ephebopus fossor Pocock 1903 is considered a nomen dubium. Ephebopus occurs in northeastern South America where it is known only from Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Spiders of the genus are generally fossorial; however, Ephebopus murinus has a developmental stage that is arboreal. A cladistic analysis of the Theraphosidae retrieves the Aviculariinae as monophyletic, including Avicularia Lamarck, Iridopelma Pocock 1901, Pachistopelma Pocock 1901, Tapinauchenius, Psalmopoeus Pocock, Ephebopus, Stromatopelma Karsch and Heteroscodra Pocock, having as a synapomorphy the well-developed scopulae on tarsi and metatarsi I-II that is very laterally extended.

Out of Amazonia again and again: episodic crossing of the Andes promotes diversification in a lowland forest flycatcher

Most Neotropical lowland forest taxa occur exclusively on one side of the Andes despite the availability of appropriate habitat on both sides. Almost all molecular phylogenies and phylogenetic analyses of species assemblages (i.e. area cladograms) have supported the hypothesis that Andean uplift during the Late Pliocene created a vicariant barrier affecting lowland lineages in the region. However, a few widespread plant and animal species occurring in lowland forests on both sides of the Andes challenge the generality of this hypothesis. To understand the role of the Andes in the history of such organisms, we reconstructed the phylogeographic history of a widespread Neotropical flycatcher (Mionectes oleagineus) in the context of the other four species in the genus. A molecular phylogeny based on nuclear and mitochondrial sequences unambiguously showed an early basal split between montane and lowland Mionectes. The phylogeographic reconstruction of lowland taxa revealed a complex history, with multiple cases in which geographically proximate populations do not represent sister lineages. Specifically, three populations of M. oleagineus west of the Andes do not comprise a monophyletic clade; instead, each represents an independent lineage with origins east of the Andes. Divergence time estimates suggest that at least two cross-Andean dispersal events post-date Andean uplift.

A new species of Moenkhausia from the rio Amazonas and rio Orinoco basins (Characiformes: Characidae)

A new species of Moenkhausia is described from the rio Amazonas and rio Orinoco basins. The new species can be distinguished from congeners mainly by the combination of a conspicuous, relatively small and circular humeral spot, a black spot on the upper caudal-fin lobe, lower caudal-fin lobe without spot or a faint one, and middle caudal-fin rays hyaline or with dark tips. Mature males have a unique combination of two large-sized bony hooks on the anal-fin rays and tiny spines on the distal portion of all fins, which distinguishes the new species from any other species of Characidae.

Systematic revision and cladistic analysis of the Brazilian subfamily Sodreaninae (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae)

Sodreaninae is reviewed and all ten species are combined under its type genus, Sodreana Mello-Leitao, 1922, according to a cladistic analysis of morphological characters, which revealed a pectinate pattern of clades. The subfamily is endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest from Santa Catarina state to Rio de Janeiro state. Sodreana is herein considered a senior synonym of Stygnobates Mello-Leitao, 1927, Zortalia Mello-Leitao, 1936, Gertia B. Soares & H. Soares, 1946 and Annampheres H. Soares, 1979. The following new combinations are proposed: Sodreana barbiellinii (Mello-Leitao, 1927), Sodreana hatschbachi (B. Soares & H. Soares, 1946), Sodreana inscripta (Mello-Leitao, 1939), Sodreana leprevosti (B. Soares & H. Soares, 1947b), Sodreana bicalcarata (Mello-Leitao, 1936). Sodreana granulata (Mello-Leitao, 1937) is revalidated from the synonymy of Sodreana sodreana Mello-Leitao, 1922. Three new species are described: Sodreana glaucoi from Ilhabela and Boraceia, Sao Paulo state; S. curupira from Parque Nacional da Serra dos Orgaos, Rio de Janeiro state, and S. caipora from Ubatuba, Sao Paulo state. Sodreaninae species are restricted to forested areas and most occur in the southern part of the coastal Atlantic rainforest, one species occurs in interior Atlantic rainforest. The biogeographical analysis (Brooks Parsimony Analysis) resulted in a single and fully resolved most parsimonious tree with three main: components: northern (Bahia and Serra do Espinhaco), southern (Santa Catarina, Parana, Serra do Mar of Sao Paulo), and central (Espirito Santo, Serra da Bocaina, southern state of Rio de Janeiro, Serra dos Orgaos, Serra da Mantiqueira, Serra do Mar of Sao Paulo).

Contributions to the taxonomy of the Normanellidae (Copepoda, Harpacticoida): description of a new genus from the Brazilian continental shelf and re-assignment of Pseudocletodes vararensis Scott & Scott, 1893 (ex Nannopodidae)

A new genus and species of Normanellidae (Copepoda, Harpacticoida), Paranaiara inajae gen. et sp. nov., is described from the continental shelf off the northern coast of Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The new genus differs from the type genus Normanella Brady, 1880 and Sagamiella Lee & Huys, 1999 in its presence of lamelliform caudal rami, a maxillulary endopod represented by 2 setae, an unarmed maxillipedal syncoxa, and reduced setation on P2 enp-2 (without outer spine) and P3 enp-2 (with only 2 inner setae). All these apomorphic character states are shared with the genus Pseudocletodes Scott & Scott, 1893, formerly placed in the family Nannopodidae (ex Huntemanniidae) and here assigned to the Normanellidae. Pseudocletodes can be differentiated from Paranaiara by the loss of the P1 endopod and of the inner seta on P2-P4 enp-1, the presence of only 2 inner setae on P2 enp-2 (instead of 3) and only 1 inner seta on P4 exp-3 (instead of 2), the presence of a second inner seta on P4 enp-2 (instead of 1), the morphology of the fifth pair of legs which are not medially fused and have only 3 endopodal elements (instead of 4) in the male, and the well developed caudal ramus seta V (instead of rudimentary). It is postulated that prehensility of the P1 endopod was secondarily lost in the common ancestor of Paranaiara and Pseudocletodes. An updated family diagnosis of the Normanellidae and a dichotomous identification key to the 22 currently valid species are presented.

Description of two new species of Avicularia Lamarck 1818 and redescription of Avicularia diversipes (C. L. Koch 1842) (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Aviculariinae)-three possibly threatened Brazilian species

Avicularia diversipes (C. L. Koch 1842) known previously only from its original description is redescribed along with Avicularia sooretama sp. nov. and Avicularia gamba sp. nov. The three species are endemic to Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. With other Avicularia species, they share a procurved anterior eye row, slender embolus and medially folded spermathecae, whereas they have unusual characters, such as a very long and spiraled embolus (A. diversipes) and spermathecae with multilobular apex (A. sooretama sp. nov.). Furthermore, the three species lack a tibial apophysis in males and share a distinctive color pattern ontogeny that is not known in any other Avicularia species. The conservation status of the three species is discussed, especially with respect to endemism, illegal trafficking and habitat destruction. The creation of protected areas in southern State of Bahia, Brazil, is recommended, as well as the inclusion of these species in IUCN and CITES lists. Appendices with figures and species information are presented to facilitate correct specimen identification by custom officers, in order to limit illegal traffic.

Taxonomy and cladistic analysis of the subgenus Xenomorellia Malloch (Diptera: Muscidae: Morellia Robineau-Desvoidy) with description of two new species

Xenomorellia Malloch, a subgenus of Morellia Robineau-Desvoidy, is revised to include two new species, Morellia (Xenomorellia) inca Nihei and Carvalho sp. nov. from South America, and M. (X.) maia Carvalho and Nihei sp. nov. from Costa Rica and Mexico. Diagnoses for M. (X.) holti (Malloch) and M. (X.) montanhesa (Albuquerque) are provided, as well as an identification key to the four species of the subgenus. A cladistic analysis was performed to test the monophyly of Xenomorellia and to recover the phylogenetic relationships among its species. Tree searches resulted in one single most-parsimonious cladogram, wherein the monophyly of Xenomorellia is supported, as well as a sister-group relationship with the Neotropical subgenus Trichomorellia Stein. Xenomorellia was divided into two clades: one with Caribbean-Andean species (maia + inca), and another with species from southeastern South America (holti + montanhesa).

The Muscini flies of the world (Diptera, Muscidae): identification key and generic diagnoses

Flies of the tribe Muscini (Diptera, Muscidae) are worldwide in distribution and are represented by some 350 species in 18 genera. The present study provides an identification key and diagnoses for all the genera of world Muscini: Biopyrellia Townsend, Curranosia Paterson, Dasyphora Robineau-Desvoidy, Deltotus Seguy, Hennigmyia Peris, Mesembrina Meigen, Mitroplatia Enderlein, Morellia Robineau-Desvoidy, Musca Linnaeus, Myiophaea Enderlein, Neomyia Walker, Neorypellia Pont, Polietes Rondani, Polietina Schnabl & Dziedzicki, Pyrellia Robineau-Desvoidy, Pyrellina Malloch, Sarcopromusca Townsend, Ziminellia Nihei & de Carvalho. Most infrageneric taxa are also represented, namely, the sub-genera of Dasyphora and Morellia. Comments on phylogeny support (whenever pertinent) and the major references containing revisions and regional identification keys to species are provided for each genus and subgenus.

Searching for planar signatures in WMAP

We search for planar deviations of statistical isotropy in the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data by applying a recently introduced angular-planar statistics both to full-sky and to masked temperature maps, including in our analysis the effect of the residual foreground contamination and systematics in the foreground removing process as sources of error. We confirm earlier findings that full-sky maps exhibit anomalies at the planar (l) and angular (l) scales (l; l) = (2; 5); (4; 7); and (6; 8), which seem to be due to unremoved foregrounds since this features are present in the full-sky map but not in the masked maps. On the other hand, our test detects slightly anomalous results at the scales (l; l) = (10; 8) and (2; 9) in the masked maps but not in the full-sky one, indicating that the foreground cleaning procedure (used to generate the full-sky map) could not only be creating false anomalies but also hiding existing ones. We also find a significant trace of an anomaly in the full-sky map at the scale (l; l) = (10; 5), which is still present when we consider galactic cuts of 18.3% and 28.4%. As regards the quadrupole (l = 2), we find a coherent over-modulation over the whole celestial sphere, for all full-sky and cut-sky maps. Overall, our results seem to indicate that current CMB maps derived from WMAP data do not show significant signs of anisotropies, as measured by our angular-planar estimator. However, we have detected a curious coherence of planar modulations at angular scales of the order of the galaxy`s plane, which may be an indication of residual contaminations in the full-and cut-sky maps.

Sr and Nd isotopic geochemistry of the early ultramafic-mafic rocks of the Mako bimodal volcanic belt of the Kedougou-Kenieba inlier (Senegal)

The Mako bimodal volcanic belt of the Kedougou-Kenieba inlier is composed of volcanic basalts and peridotites interbedded by quartzites and limestones intruded by different generations of granitoids. The early volcanic episode of the belt is constituted of submarine basalts with peridotite similar to those of the oceanic abyssal plains. It is intruded by the Badon Kakadian TTG-granitic batholite dated around 2200 Ma. The second volcanic phase is constituted of basaltic, andesitic, and felsitic flows exhibit structures of aerial volcanic rocks. It is intruded by granites dated between 2160 and 2070 Ma. The general pattern of trace element variation of submarine volcanic rocks is consistent with those of basalts from oceanic plateaus which are the modern equivalent of the Archean greenstones belts. The Nd and Sr isotopic systematics typical of juvenile material indicates that the source of these igneous rocks is derived from a depleted mantle source. These results are consistent with the idea of a major accretion within the West African Craton occurring at about 2.1 Ga and corresponding to an important process of mantle-oceanic lithosphere differentiation.