What Does the Haired Keel on the Shell Whorls of Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gastropoda, Tateidae) Mean?

In several ecosystems, Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gray, 1853) (Gastropoda, Tateidae) is considered among the worst invasive species. Its tolerance to a broad range of environmental conditions has favoured its success in colonising new environments worldwide. However, population crashes may occur, leading to significant fluctuations in snail densities. Such crashes might be linked to morphological changes in the shell whorls, like the emergence of a haired keel (carinatus morphotype). In this study, we investigated the link between the appearance of the carinatus morphotype and the crashes in population densities over three years, based on field observations. The presented results show that after the emergence of the so-called carinatus morphotype, the population of P. antipodarum collapsed and did not recover for the next two years. This may indicate that the carinatus morphotype is a defensive reaction to extremely unfavourable environmental conditions.

Alpha-taxonomy and phylogeny of African Junoniini butterflies based on morphological data, with an emphasis on genitalia, and COI barcode (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

The tribe Junoniini is a predominantly Paleotropical group of the cosmopolitan butterfly subfamily Nymphalinae (Nymphalidae), with highest diversity in the Afrotropical region. Its systematics and relationships are not entirely resolved. Question marks remain concerning the validity of some genera; and the apparently close relationship between the Indo-Australian genus Yoma and the Afrotropical Protogoniomorpha, as evidenced by molecular phylogenies, remains a puzzle. Here, we present a cladistic analysis, based on 42 characters of the male and female genitalia of 41 species of Junoniini belonging to six genera, nearly all of them continental Afrotropical, and 3 species of two Indo-Australian genera Yoma and Rhinopalpa. A ML COI-based tree is produced for 36 species of Afrotropical Junoniini and Yoma. The molecular data are consistent with previous studies. However, morphological analysis does not confirm a close relationship between Protogoniomorpha and Yoma. Despite the evolution of a number of modifications, the male genitalia within all genera and species of the Junoniini share a cohesive build plan, in particular a transformed sacculus, from which Yoma is highly divergent. The position of the genus Kamilla, previously synonymized with Junonia, is discussed. Three East African coast taxa, Junonia elgiva stat. reinst., Protogoniomorpha nebulosa stat. reinst. and Salamis amaniensis stat. reinst., and one from central Africa, Precis silvicola stat. reinst. are raised to species level, based on comparative analysis of their male genitalia.

The Origin of Isolated Populations of the Mountain Weevil, Liparus glabrirostris-The Flagship Species for Riparian Habitats

Liparus glabrirostris is one of the largest European weevils, and it has been recently proposed as the flagship species for threatened riparian habitats in the mountains. For effective conservation of its populations (and associated habitats), it is crucial to understand its history, contemporary distribution, genetic diversity and predict changes in the range, including its highly isolated populations on the Baltic coast. Here, we examined numerous populations of L. glabrirostris across almost the entire species range using phylogeography and species niche modeling (SNM) approaches. Analyses of mtDNA and nucDNA markers revealed the existence of 2 major mitochondrial lineages generally separated between 1) the Alpine region and 2) the Bohemian Massif, the Carpathians, and the Baltic coast areas. Genetic diversity in nuclear genes was more complicated with no clear division between populations. The origin of Baltic populations was derived from the Carpathians, but there were probably multiple expansion events to the north. SNM suggested the existence of glacial refugia for L. glabrirostris, mainly in the Alps and the Southern Carpathians. Current predictions of species range were found to be generally congruent with zoogeographic data; however, the Baltic coast was not really supported as a suitable area for L. glabrirostris. An important prediction of future distribution (2050-2070 CE) suggests a shrinkage of the L. glabrirostris range and extinction of some of its populations (particularly those isolated on lower altitudes). Based on the aforementioned data, proposals for the protection of this species are proposed, including the designation of several evolutionary units of conservation importance.

A New Species of Butterfly of the Genus Protopedaliodes from the Isolated Tramen Tepui in the Guyana Shield (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)

A new species of Protopedaliodes Viloria & Pyrcz, a satyrine butterfly genus endemic to the highest part of the Guyana Shield, P. arekuna Pyrcz & Stachowicz n. sp., is described from the summit area, ca. 2400 m, of Tramen Tepui, an isolated mountain situated on the Venezuela-Guyana border. It is a remarkable finding as it is probably a narrow endemic, and only the fourth known member of the genus. Morphologically it most closely resembles P. kukenani Viloria & Pyrcz from the Roraima-Kukenán twin peaks. COI barcode analysis shows, however, high genetic distances between these two species, 9-10%. Protopedaliodes taxonomy is briefly revised, from the perspective of the monophyly of the genus based on preliminary molecular and morphological comparative data, including the female genitalia described for the first time for P. kukenani and P. ridouti Viloria & Pyrcz.

Phylogeography and potential glacial refugia of terrestrial gastropod Faustina faustina (Rossmässler, 1835) (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata: Helicidae) inferred from molecular data and species distribution models

Faustina faustina is a conchologically highly diverse forest gastropod with several morphological forms. It is a Carpathian species, but it also occurs in northern isolated localities, where it was probably introduced. We performed the first phylogeographic analysis of 22 populations, based on three molecular markers: COI, ITS-2, and 28S rRNA. Genetic data were complemented by paleo-distribution models of spatial occupancy during the Last Glacial Maximum to strengthen inferences of refugial areas. We discovered high genetic variability of COI sequences with p-distances between haplotypes ranged from 0.2 to 18.1% (6.3–16.6% between clades). For nuclear markers, a haplotype distribution pattern was revealed. Species distribution models indicated a few potential refugia in the Carpathians, with the most climatically stable and largest areas in the Southern Carpathians. In some climate scenarios, putative microrefugia were also predicted in the Western and Eastern Carpathians, and in the Apuseni Mts. Our results suggest the glacial in situ survival of F. faustina and its Holocene expansion in the Sudetes. Although our genetic data as well as shell phenotypes showed considerable variation within and between studied populations, the molecular species delimitation approaches still imply only one single species. Our study contributes to the understanding of the impact of processes on shaping contemporary population genetic structure and diversity in low-dispersal, forest species.

A comprehensive phylogeographic study of Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855 (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Arionidae) in Europe

Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855 is regarded as one of the 100 most invasive species in Europe. The native distribution range of this species is uncertain, but for many years, the Iberian Peninsula has been considered as the area of origin. However, recent studies indicate that A. vulgaris probably originated from France. We have investigated the genetic structure of 33 European populations (Poland, Norway, Germany, France, Denmark, Switzerland) of this slug, based on two molecular markers, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI, mtDNA) and nuclear zinc finger (ZF, nDNA). Our investigation included published data from two previous studies, giving a total of 95 populations of A. vulgaris from 26 countries. This comprehensive dataset shows comparable haplotype diversity in Central, North and Western Europe, and significantly lower haplotype diversity in the East. All haplotypes observed in the East can be found in the other regions, and haplotype diversity is highest in the Central and Western region. Moreover, there is strong isolation by distance in Central and Western Europe, and only very little in the East. Furthermore, the number of unique haplotypes was highest in France. This pattern strongly suggests that A. vulgaris has originated from a region spanning from France to Western Germany; hence, the slug is probably alien/invasive in other parts of Europe, where it occurs. Our results indicate the necessity to cover as much of the distribution range of a species as possible before making conclusive assumptions about its origin and alien status.

Considerations on the Taxonomy of the Genus Arhuaco Adams and Bernard 1977, and its Relationships with the Genus Pronophila Doubleday [1849] (Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)

Arhuaco Adams & Bernard (1977) is one of the least known genera of Neotropical Satyrinae. It comprises two species and presents an unusual disjunct distribution, with A. ica Adams & Bernard (1977), endemic to the isolated Colombian Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and A. dryadina (Schaus 1913) found in the mountains of Costa Rica and Panama. Here, the female of A. dryadina is described, and a new generic diagnosis is presented. Affinities with other genera of the subtribe Pronophilina, in particular the potential closest relatives, such as Pronophila Doubleday (1849), are investigated based on morphological, molecular, ecological, and behavioral data. Results from molecular and morphological sources are incongruent. Molecular data indicate that Arhuaco is paraphyletic, with A. dryadina segregating within the Pronophila clade. Morphological data, by contrast, indicate a closer affinity between the two species currently placed in Arhuaco, favoring the monophyly of the genus, and show no consistent synapomorphies for Arhuaco + Pronophila. A vicariance biogeographical scenario is evaluated.

Untangling the Echiniscus Gordian knot: Stellariscus gen. nov. (Heterotardigrada : Echiniscidae) from Far East Asia

Species constituting the family Echiniscidae are highly derived, armoured and inhabit terrestrial habitats, in contrast to other heterotardigrades that are predominantly marine. The genus Echiniscus C.A.S. Schultze, 1840, nominal for the family Echiniscidae, is currently the most speciose tardigrade genus. However, the great morphological variability, in comparison with other heterotardigrade genera, suggests the polyphyletic character of the genus. Here, we analyse new specimens of Echiniscus pseudelegans Séméria, 1994 collected in Japan and conclude that the species as well as two other related taxa, E. elegans Richters, 1907 and E. latifasciatus Dudichev and Biserov, 2000, represent a new genus, Stellariscus, gen. nov. The new genus is characterised by a mixture of peculiar morphological apomorphies: black eyes, star-like dorsal plate sculpturing, no trunk appendages (only cephalic cirri present), two types of ventral plates, and striking sexual dimorphism in both qualitative and quantitative traits. Morphological phylogeny of the family Echiniscidae suggests a close affinity between Stellariscus, Hypechiniscus Thulin, 1928 and Pseudechiniscus Thulin, 1911. The polyphyletic status of both Echiniscus and Testechiniscus Kristensen, 1987 is also inferred. The taxonomic significance of ventral armature in echiniscid phylogeny and taxonomy is discussed.

The relationships within the Chaitophorinae and Drepanosiphinae (Hemiptera, Aphididae) inferred from molecular-based phylogeny and comprehensive morphological data

The Chaitophorinae is a bionomically diverse Holarctic subfamily of Aphididae. The current classification includes two tribes: the Chaitophorini associated with deciduous trees and shrubs, and Siphini that feed on monocotyledonous plants. We present the first phylogenetic hypothesis for the subfamily, based on molecular and morphological datasets. Molecular analyses were based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and the nuclear gene elongation factor-1α (EF-1α). Phylogenetic inferences were obtained individually on each of genes and joined alignments using Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum likelihood (ML). In phylogenetic trees reconstructed on the basis of nuclear and mitochondrial genes as well as a morphological dataset, the monophyly of Siphini and the genus Chaitophorus was supported. Periphyllus forms independent lineages from Chaitophorus and Siphini. Within this genus two clades comprising European and Asiatic species, respectively, were indicated. Concerning relationships within the subfamily, EF-1α and joined COI and EF-1α genes analysis strongly supports the hypothesis that Chaitophorini do not form a monophyletic clade. Periphyllus is a sister group to a clade containing Chaitophorus and Siphini. The Asiatic unit of Periphyllus also includes Trichaitophorus koyaensis. The analysis of morphological dataset under equally weighted parsimony also supports the view that Chaitophorini is an artificial taxon, as Lambersaphis pruinosae and Pseudopterocomma hughi, both traditionally included in the Chaitophorini, formed independent lineages. COI analyses support consistent groups within the subfamily, but relationships between groups are poorly resolved. These analyses were extended to include the species of closely related and phylogenetically unstudied subfamily Drepanosiphinae, which produced congruent results. Genera Drepanosiphum and Depanaphis are monophyletic and sister. The position of Yamatocallis tokyoensis differs in the molecular and morphological analyses, i.e. it is either an independent lineage (EF-1α, COI, joined COI and EF-1α genes) or is nested inside this unit (morphology). Our data also support separation of Chaitophorinae from Drepanosiphinae.

Selective sweep of Wolbachia and parthenogenetic host genomes - the example of the weevil Eusomus ovulum

Most parthenogenetic weevil species are postulated to have originated via hybridization, but Wolbachia has also been speculated to play a role via the induction of parthenogenesis. Here, we examine the molecular diversity of Wolbachia and parthenogenetic host genomes. The host species studied here, Eusomus ovulum, is known to be exclusively parthenogenetic and triploid. The E. ovulum populations that we examined had a low genetic diversity of mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase I gene) and nuclear markers (internal transcribed spacer 2 and elongation factor 1-α gene), and they all were infected by only single bacteria strains (genotyped for five genes according to the multilocus sequence typing system). We found significant signs of linkage disequilibrium and a lack of recombination amongst all of the examined genomes (bacteria and host), which strongly indicates a selective sweep. The lack of heterozygosity in host nuclear genes, missing bisexual populations and selective sweep between the parthenogenetic host and bacteria genomes suggest that parthenogenesis in this species could have originated as a result of infection rather than hybridization. However, the finding that highly similar Wolbachia strains are also present in other parthenogenetic weevils from the same habitat suggests the opposite scenario: bacteria may have infected the already parthenogenetic lineage and taken advantage of the host's unisexual reproduction.

Species Relationships in the Genus Bryodaemon (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Establishing reliable taxonomy and phylogeny of similar, evolutionarily young species is among the greatest challenges in biology. Clearly the best approach is to use a combination of informative traits, including molecular markers and morphometric measurements. The objective of this study was to verify the taxonomy and phylogeny of four morphologically similar Carpathian species of Bryodaemon Podlussany, 1998 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Species relationships were studied using three molecular markers: two nuclear (ITS-2 and EF1-α) and one mitochondrial (COI, barcoding marker). We also took morphometric measurements of 35 taxonomically derived characteristics of body parts and genital apparatus. The potential presence of apomorphic features also was determined. We then compared our results with data concerning the ecology and geography of previously studied species. Our analyses confirmed the monophyly ofthis group and established a phylogeny for the genus. We propose that B. hanakii is the earliest derived species, based on morphometric measurements, apomorphies and the EF-lα phylogeny. The pattern ofnucleotide variation in this marker also indicates that B. rozneri and B. boroveci are the youngest species. This hypothesis is consistent with geographical ranges and ecological preferences of Carpathian Bryodaemon species. We also considered an alternative hypothesis based on the COI gene tree which indicated that B. rozneri was the oldest species. However, this arrangement is inconsistent with our morphological data.

The secondary contact zone of phylogenetic lineages of the Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae): an example of incomplete allopatric speciation

Previous studies on the phylogeography of the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) suggest the existence of a contact zone of its main phylogenetic lineages along mountain chains in Europe and western Asia. This study presents a detailed examination of the population genetics of P. spumarius within the Carpathian Mountains. The main objective was to determine whether the populations inhabiting that area consist of individuals belonging to different genetic units and whether the observed pattern could be an example of secondary contact zone which formed after incomplete allopatric speciation. Specimens from six transects across the Carpathian arc were examined. The mitochondrial phylogeography of the meadow spittlebug in the examined area clearly shows that individuals from both main clades meet and mix there. Representatives of all three main EF1-α clades were also found. The present distribution of the main clades with a zone of overlap along the mountain ranges may suggest that these phylogenetic lineages form a young hybrid zone. Moreover, a limited number of individuals were shown to possess heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA, which gives additional support to intraspecific hybridization. P. spumarius could be used in future work as an excellent model species in investigating population genetics, intraspecific hybridization, and speciation in progress.

Relationships within aphids Cinara (Cupressobium) (Hemiptera) based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences

The relationships between Cinara (Cupressobium) aphids inhabiting woody parts and leaves of conifers belonging to Cupressaceae have been studied using a mitochondrial gene (COI) and a nuclear gene (EF1-α). Based on the COI sequences, genetic distances between species ranged from 5.6 % between Cinara (C.) tujafilina (del Guercio) and Cinara (C.) juniperi (De Geer) to 10.5 % between C. (C.) tujafilina and Cinara (C.) mordvilkoi (Pašek). Genetic distances among EF1-α sequences were lower and showed from 0.1 % between C. cupressi and C. juniperi to 2.3 % between C. tujafilina and C. mordvilkoi. Molecular phylogenetic trees were constructed using the Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic analysis and maximum parsimony (MP) criterion. Phylogenetic trees obtained based on COI and EF1-α marker genes created two sister clades. Our results indicate that Cinara (Cupressobium) are a monophyletic group of aphids. Phylogenetic relationships amongst Cupressobium aphids do not result from the association with the host plant, but from the feeding site on the host plant or an ability to change the microhabitat on the plant. As closely related species inhabit similar microhabitats on different host plants, it suggests that the host switching is the main mode of speciation in this subgenus.