Article
Evolutionary Biology
Koh Siang Tan, Samuel H. M. Tan, Kitithorn Sanpanich, Teerapong Duangdee, Reni Ambarwati
Summary: Three species of mussels collected from fresh- and low salinity brackish-water environments in Southeast Asia formed a new mytilid clade, which is well-supported and distinct based on molecular phylogeny. A new genus Parabrachidontes is proposed to accommodate these species. The Parabrachidontes clade is closely related to Mytella, Perna, and Arcuatula, forming a well-supported clade of mytilids living in rivers and estuaries of East Asia and Australasia.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Arthur E. Bogan, Van Tu Do, Elsa Froufe, Manuel Lopes-Lima
Summary: This study aims to define the species of Anodontini in Vietnam and describe their evolutionary relationships and distributions. It identified five species divided among three genera, including a new species. The study emphasizes the importance of surveys, molecular work, and taxonomic expertise in describing the biodiversity of understudied regions.
Article
Entomology
Vladimir A. Lukhtanov, Nazar A. Shapoval, Alexander V. Dantchenko, Wolfgang Eckweiler
Summary: The study analyzed the partitioning of species groups in the butterfly subgenus Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) using three datasets. It was found that the DNA barcoding approach alone was not able to reveal the phylogenetic structure, but the combined analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear sequences was successful in identifying species groups.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paula C. Rodriguez Flores, Kareen E. Schnabel
Summary: The Hawaiian Archipelago is a potential hotspot for marine invertebrate research, but there is limited sampling of squat lobsters in this region. A new species, Munidopsis hawaii sp. nov., has been discovered and described using an integrative approach including micro-CT 3D imaging. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this species diverges from morphologically similar ones, and genetic distance analysis reveals differences between Hawaiian and West Pacific populations of the same species.
Article
Zoology
Koh Siang Tan, Samuel Hui Ming Tan, Kitithorn Sanpanich, Teerapong Duangdee, Reni Ambarwati
Summary: The species identities, taxonomy, geographical distributions, and genetic relationships of small black mussels in the upper intertidal zone of estuarine seashores in Southeast Asia have been clarified. Three closely related species in East and Southeast Asia are found to form a sister clade to Australian and New Zealand Xenostrobus species. A new subfamily Xenostrobinae is proposed to accommodate the two genera Xenostrobus and Vignadula.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Laura Posada-Lopez, Bruno Leite Rodrigues, Ivan Dario Velez, Sandra Uribe
Summary: This study assesses the usefulness of COI DNA barcoding for sand fly species identification, correct assignment of isomorphic females, and detection of cryptic diversity. By sequencing the COI gene of sand flies from different countries, cryptic diversity within species was detected, and isomorphic females were correctly associated with males identified by morphology. Nine sand fly species were DNA barcoded for the first time.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Review
Zoology
Cornelis van Achterberg, John T. Smit, Toshko Ljubomirov
Summary: This article illustrates and provides a new illustrated key for the 13 recognized species of the potter wasp genus Eumenes in Europe. Synonymy is proposed for E. mediterraneus aemilianus Guiglia, 1951 with E. papillarius (Christ, 1791) (syn. nov.), E. obscurus Andre, 1884 and E. andrei Dalla Torre, 1894 with E. pedunculatus (Panzer, 1799) (syn. nov.), and E. crimensis Bluthgen, 1938 with E. sareptanus Andre, 1884 (syn. nov.).
Article
Plant Sciences
Dariusz Kadluczka, Elwira Sliwinska, Ewa Grzebelus
Summary: This study provides comprehensive knowledge of the pollen morphology and nuclear DNA content in Daucus species, which can contribute to understanding their taxonomic relationships and accurate identification of gene bank accessions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pablo Viana Oliveira, Alexandre Rosa dos Santos, Emily Lopes Olive, Karolinni Bianchi Britto, Francine Alves Nogueira de Almeida, Vitor Cezar Pacheco da Silva, Carolina Barros Machado, Mauricio Jose Fornazier, Jose Aires Ventura, Mark Paul Culik, Greiciane Gaburro Paneto
Summary: In this study, we used molecular species delimitation methods to identify mealybugs collected from coffee and other plant hosts in four states of Brazil. The results showed inconsistency in species delimitation using different methods, and mislabeling issues were found in the sequence database. This study provides important insights for integrative taxonomy and pest management.
Article
Zoology
Daniel C. Huston, Manda Khudhir, Mike Hodda
Summary: This study examined the discriminatory power of 18S, ITS, 28S, and coxI gene sequences in distinguishing species of the genus Heterodera. While some errors were identified, the coxI marker showed the highest utility for species differentiation, suggesting that it should be preferred when resources are scarce.
JOURNAL OF NEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zahra Arabi, Farrokh Ghahremaninejad, Richard K. Rabeler, Irina Sokolova, Maximilian Weigend, Shahin Zarre
Summary: This study focused on the subdivision and genus delimitation of the tribe Alsineae in the family Caryophyllaceae. Through molecular phylogenetic analysis, 16 genera were recognized within Alsineae. The study provides important insights into the distribution and taxonomy of species in the Caryophyllaceae family.
Article
Mycology
F. Liu, Z. Y. Ma, L. W. Hou, Y. Z. Diao, W. P. Wu, U. Damm, S. Song, L. Cai
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the diversity and host occurrence of the genus Colletotrichum, and generates the most comprehensive genome tree, enhancing our understanding of the diversity and phylogenetic relationships in this genus.
STUDIES IN MYCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Siwanon Paphatmethin, Alexandra Zieritz, Manuel Lopes-Lima, Peng Bun Ngor
Summary: This study describes a new species of freshwater mussel, Hyriopsis panhai, found in the Chao Phraya Basin in central Thailand. Through morphological and multi-locus phylogeny analysis, this new species was identified as distinct from Hyriopsis bialata, with an 8.30% difference in uncorrected COI p-distance.
RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Yu-Ting Dai, Xiao-Chen Huang, Chen-Hui-Zi Wu, Zhong-Guang Chen, Liang Guo, Feng-Yue Shu, Shan Ouyang, Xiao-Ping Wu
Summary: This study reports the discovery of a new genus and species of freshwater mussel from Guangxi, China, indicating that the diversity of freshwater mussels in Guangxi is not fully understood and more detailed surveys are needed in the future. Furthermore, it suggests using complete mitogenomes or even genome-scale nuclear data for phylogenetic reconstructions when proposing major taxonomic changes.
INVERTEBRATE SYSTEMATICS
(2023)
Review
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Daniel L. Graf, Kevin S. Cummings
Summary: This review updates the previously published checklist of freshwater mussel species and genera to reflect new data and research findings, identifying a total of 4,988 available species-group level nominal species representing 958 valid species in 192 genera worldwide, an increase of 118 species since 2007. Current patterns of species richness and changes in the number of recognized species over time are discussed.
JOURNAL OF MOLLUSCAN STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucy S. Martin, J. Reuben Shipway, Marc A. Martin, Graham P. Malyon, Mou Akter, Simon M. Cragg
Summary: Wood-boring invertebrates cause significant damage to marine timbers and coastal infrastructure. Due to restrictions on broad spectrum biocides, there is a need for research on naturally durable timber species and novel preservation methods. Laboratory testing offers advantages over costly and long-term marine field trials for investigating durable timber species or wood preservative treatments. The crustacean Limnoria is an ideal species for laboratory testing of wood biodegradation, as they can be easily reared in aquaria and their feeding rates on wood can be measured.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sofia Duarte, Pedro E. Vieira, Barbara R. Leite, Marcos A. L. Teixeira, Joao M. Neto, Filipe O. Costa
Summary: This study demonstrated the potential of DNA metabarcoding in improving macrozoobenthos monitoring in transitional ecosystems. The results showed that metabarcoding detected a higher number of species and phyla compared to the morphology-based approach. It also increased the efficiency and quality of assessments, allowing for faster and more robust identifications of all specimens in a sample.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Marcos A. L. Teixeira, Pedro E. Vieira, David Fenwick, Joachim Langeneck, Fredrik Pleijel, Bruno R. Sampieri, Carlos Hernandez Jose, Ascensao Ravara, Filipe O. Costa, Arne Nygren
Summary: The green phyllodocids Eulalia clavigera and E. viridis have been found to have different distributions and evolutionary lineages. DNA sequence analysis revealed the existence of six additional divergent lineages, including three new species: Eulalia feliciae sp. nov., Eulalia madeirensis sp. nov., and Eulalia xanthomucosa sp. nov.
ORGANISMS DIVERSITY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Emily M. Duncan, Kornrawee Aiemsomboon, Nicola Beaumont, Sujaree Bureekul, Bin Cao, Luis R. Carrasco, Suchana Chavanich, James R. Clark, Muhammad R. Cordova, Fay Couceiro, Simon M. Cragg, Neil Dickson, Pierre Failler, Gianluca Ferraro, Stephen Fletcher, Jenny Fong, Alex T. Ford, Tony Gutierrez, Fauziah Shahul Hamid, Jan G. Hiddink, Pham T. Hoa, Sophie I. Holland, Lowenna Jones, Nia H. Jones, Heather Koldewey, Federico M. Lauro, Charlotte Lee, Matt Lewis, Danny Marks, Sabine Matallana-Surget, Claudia G. Mayorga-Adame, John McGeehan, Lauren F. Messer, Laura Michie, Michelle A. Miller, Zeeda F. Mohamad, Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor, Moritz Mueller, Simon P. Neill, Sarah E. Nelms, Deo Florence L. Onda, Joyce J. L. Ong, Agamuthu Pariatamby, Sui C. Phang, Richard Quilliam, Peter E. Robins, Maria Salta, Aida Sartimbul, Shiori Shakuto, Martin W. Skov, Evelyn B. Taboada, Peter A. Todd, Tai Chong Toh, Suresh Valiyaveettil, Voranop Viyakarn, Passorn Wonnapinij, Louisa E. Wood, Clara L. X. Yong, Brendan J. Godley
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ana S. Lavrador, Joao T. Fontes, Pedro E. Vieira, Filipe O. Costa, Sofia Duarte
Summary: The introduction of non-indigenous species is a major threat to European coastal ecosystems. DNA-based assessments are increasingly used for monitoring these species, but their accuracy depends on the reliability of DNA barcode reference libraries. This study aimed to compile and audit a DNA barcode reference library for marine invertebrate non-indigenous species in Europe.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Barbara R. R. Leite, Sofia Duarte, Jesus S. Troncoso, Filipe O. O. Costa
Summary: In this study, DNA metabarcoding was used to compare macrozoobenthic species colonization on autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) and artificial seaweed monitoring systems (ASMS). The results showed low similarity in species composition between the two substrates, regardless of sampling times and sites. The shape and structural complexity of the substrate significantly influenced colonization preferences, with ASMS detecting more exclusive crustacean and gastropod species and a broader diversity of taxonomic groups.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Debby R. E. Cotton, Peter A. A. Cotton, J. Reuben Shipway
Summary: This paper examines the opportunities and challenges of using ChatGPT in higher education, and discusses the potential risks and rewards of these tools. The paper also considers the difficulties of detecting and preventing academic dishonesty, and suggests strategies that universities can adopt to ensure ethical and responsible use of these tools.
INNOVATIONS IN EDUCATION AND TEACHING INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biology
Susana Carvalho, Hailey Shchepanik, Eva Aylagas, Michael L. Berumen, Filipe O. Costa, Mark John Costello, Sofia Duarte, Jasmine Ferrario, Oliver Floerl, Moritz Heinle, Stelios Katsanevakis, Agnese Marchini, Sergej Olenin, John K. Pearman, Raquel S. Peixoto, Lotfi J. Rabaoui, Greg Ruiz, Greta Srebaliene, Thomas W. Therriault, Pedro E. Vieira, Anastasija Zaiko
Summary: Managing marine nonindigenous species is challenging due to the highly connected marine environments that allow for the dispersal of species across geopolitical borders. Inconsistent biosecurity management across borders can lead to the spread of nonindigenous species, often unnoticed or unreported. Collaborative surveillance programs and databases can enhance early detection and information exchange, while local reference libraries, databases, and predictive modeling can aid in biosecurity program development.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jonas Koh, Sakcham Bairoliya, Maria Salta, Zin Thida Cho, Jenny Fong, Mei Lin Neo, Simon Cragg, Bin Cao
Summary: In this study, plastic debris collected from various coastal ecosystems around Singapore were found to be predominantly influenced by sediment rather than the plastic materials. The plastisphere communities on the plastic debris included potential plastic degraders, bacteria involved in biogeochemical cycles, hygienically relevant bacteria, and potential pathogens. This study highlights the urgent need to understand the fate and ecological impacts of plastic debris accumulated in coastal habitats.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Norchel Corcia F. Gomez, Simon M. Cragg, Jean-Francois Ghiglione, Deo Florence L. Onda
Summary: The Philippines is recognized as one of the major contributors of plastic pollution in the ocean, but limited ground-truth data hinders a comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors. This study surveyed 56 sites in the western Philippine archipelago, revealing population density, wind and oceanic transport, and habitat type as potential influencing factors. The results provide valuable insights for better management and policymaking.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Reza Cordova, Yaya Ihya Ulumuddin, Ali Arman Lubis, Muhammad Taufik Kaisupy, Singgih Prasetyo Adi Wibowo, Riyana Subandi, Deny Yogaswara, Triyoni Purbonegoro, Jeverson Renyaan, Doni Nurdiansah, Untung Sugiharto, Dienda Shintianata, Sonia Saraswati Meiliastri, Faza Putri Andini, Aji Wahyu Suratno, Muhammad Ilman, Aji Wahyu Anggoro, Basir, Simon M. Cragg
Summary: Mangrove environments are effective traps for marine litter, including microplastics, and can provide historical data on environmental pollution. Both mangrove and adjacent mudflat sediments act as microplastic sequesters, despite having similar microplastic abundances and depth profiles. The significance of mangrove sediments as sinks for microplastics is highlighted, as they continue to retain microplastics even after the first production of plastic in Indonesia.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alice Ferrari, Valentina Crobe, Rita Cannas, Rob W. Leslie, Fabrizio Serena, Marco Stagioni, Filipe O. Costa, Daniel Golani, Farid Hemida, Diana Zaera-Perez, Letizia Sion, Pierluigi Carbonara, Fabio Fiorentino, Fausto Tinti, Alessia Cariani
Summary: The Raja miraletus species complex shows high morphological and ecological stability in the Eastern Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Through genetic analysis, we discovered multiple sibling taxa and cryptic speciation, supporting the idea of stabilising selection. Despite high species diversity, skates (Rajiformes) have conserved morphology and ecology. Our study confirms the taxonomic boundaries of three recognized species and reveals hidden genetic structures that can contribute to conservation efforts.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sofia Duarte, Luara Simoes, Filipe O. Costa
Summary: Animal detection through eDNA is an effective tool for detecting rare species. Most research focuses on aquatic ecosystems, particularly freshwaters, and vertebrates, especially fish and endangered species. The most commonly used markers are Cytb and COI. However, there is limited attention given to the impact of environmental factors and marker sensitivity, indicating a need for further research and improvement in assay design.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Martin Zimmer, Gordon N. Ajonina, A. Aldrie Amir, Simon M. Cragg, Stephen Crooks, Farid Dahdouh-Guebas, Norman C. Duke, Sara Fratini, Daniel A. Friess, Veronique Helfer, Mark Huxham, Kandasamy Kathiresan, K. A. Sunanda Kodikara, Nico Koedam, Shing Yip Lee, Mwita M. Mangora, Jurgenne Primavera, Behara Satyanarayana, Jean Wan Hong Yong, Dominic Wodehouse
Summary: Protecting existing mangrove forests is crucial for global conservation, but there is a need for mangrove re-establishment due to historical loss rates. Successful re-establishment requires understanding of site conditions, ecological requirements, and previous barriers, as well as engagement with local communities and stakeholders.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Ian W. Hendy, J. Reuben Shipway, Mark Tupper, Amaia Green Etxabe, Raymond D. Ward, Simon M. Cragg
Summary: This study reveals the importance of the breakdown and carbon flux of large woody detritus in mangrove forests, providing crucial insights for accurately assessing mangrove carbon stores and the fate of carbon in these ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)