cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29040433
title: First phylogeny of the shredder caddisfly genus <i>Phylloicus</i> Müller, 1880 (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae)

description: <i>Phylloicus</i> is the most diverse calamoceratid caddisfly genus in the Neotropics; here the first phylogeny for the genus is inferred based on a Bayesian analysis of 105 morphological characters and COI barcoding. Results support the monophyly of <i>Phylloicus</i> and the close affinity to <i>Anisocentropus</i> (primarily Oriental and Australasian). The results recovered two of three previously proposed species groups: the <i>P. chalybeus</i> Group (Antillean species) and <i>P. aeneus</i> Group (Mesoamerican species). We propose <i>P. bromeliarum</i> Group, characterized by species with triangular preanal appendages. Palaeobiogeographic considerations suggest that <i>Phylloicus</i> likely radiated in the Palaeocene after the breakup of the austral trans-Antarctic connection and the formation of modern tropical forests. Additionally, <i>Phylloicus camboim</i> sp. nov. is described based on adult males collected in a forested fragment in the Cerrado savanna of southeastern Brazil and placed in the <i>P. bromeliarum</i> Group. The results also indicate that the corematic pheromone structures and the modified sternum IX withdrawn into sternum VIII evolved several times independently. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9800A711-3039-4C8C-9EFC-E67D50B0B153
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29040433.v1
title: First phylogeny of the shredder caddisfly genus <i>Phylloicus</i> Müller, 1880 (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae)

description: <i>Phylloicus</i> is the most diverse calamoceratid caddisfly genus in the Neotropics; here the first phylogeny for the genus is inferred based on a Bayesian analysis of 105 morphological characters and COI barcoding. Results support the monophyly of <i>Phylloicus</i> and the close affinity to <i>Anisocentropus</i> (primarily Oriental and Australasian). The results recovered two of three previously proposed species groups: the <i>P. chalybeus</i> Group (Antillean species) and <i>P. aeneus</i> Group (Mesoamerican species). We propose <i>P. bromeliarum</i> Group, characterized by species with triangular preanal appendages. Palaeobiogeographic considerations suggest that <i>Phylloicus</i> likely radiated in the Palaeocene after the breakup of the austral trans-Antarctic connection and the formation of modern tropical forests. Additionally, <i>Phylloicus camboim</i> sp. nov. is described based on adult males collected in a forested fragment in the Cerrado savanna of southeastern Brazil and placed in the <i>P. bromeliarum</i> Group. The results also indicate that the corematic pheromone structures and the modified sternum IX withdrawn into sternum VIII evolved several times independently. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9800A711-3039-4C8C-9EFC-E67D50B0B153
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30530752
title: Phylogeny of Palaearctic <i>Azygia</i> spp. (Trematoda: Azygiidae) and description of <i>Azygia shedkoae</i> sp. nov.

description: The genus <i>Azygia</i> Looss, 1899 comprises plagiorchiid digeneans of freshwater fishes distributed in the northern hemisphere. Its taxonomic boundaries are contestable, and identification of some reported material is uncertain. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of Palaearctic representatives of <i>Azygia</i> based on five molecular markers and described a new species of this genus from Amur pike <i>Esox reichertii</i> Dybowski, 1869 from the Russian Far East. We found that <i>Azygia</i> was diverged into three phylogenetic lineages with unclear relationships. Lineage 1 and Lineage 2 were represented by Palaearctic species of <i>Azygia</i>, while Lineage 3 comprised Nearctic azygiids, particularly Nearctic species of <i>Azygia</i> and representatives of the genera <i>Leuceruthrus</i> Marshall & Gilbert, 1905 or <i>Proterometra</i> Horsfall, 1934. The new species, <i>Azygia shedkoae</i> sp. nov., belonged to Lineage 2 together with <i>Azygia lucii</i> (Müller, 1776), <i>Azygia robusta</i> Odhner, 1911, and <i>Azygia sibirica</i> Vainutis, Voronova & Zhokhov, 2023. Morphologically, the new species is close to <i>A. robusta</i> but differs from it in the length of the forebody, the length of post-testicular space, and the length of uterine fields as well as genetically. Our data demonstrate a deep molecular differentiation of the azygiid lineages apparently resulting from some complex long-term evolutionary processes. We found no arguments in favour of the recently proposed synonymization of <i>Azygia</i> and <i>Leuceruthrus</i>. At the same time, our results appear to indicate that <i>Azygia</i> should be divided into several distinct genera. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5E964870-1DF5-438D-94AE-5D9C37EDBECD
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30530752.v1
title: Phylogeny of Palaearctic <i>Azygia</i> spp. (Trematoda: Azygiidae) and description of <i>Azygia shedkoae</i> sp. nov.

description: The genus <i>Azygia</i> Looss, 1899 comprises plagiorchiid digeneans of freshwater fishes distributed in the northern hemisphere. Its taxonomic boundaries are contestable, and identification of some reported material is uncertain. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of Palaearctic representatives of <i>Azygia</i> based on five molecular markers and described a new species of this genus from Amur pike <i>Esox reichertii</i> Dybowski, 1869 from the Russian Far East. We found that <i>Azygia</i> was diverged into three phylogenetic lineages with unclear relationships. Lineage 1 and Lineage 2 were represented by Palaearctic species of <i>Azygia</i>, while Lineage 3 comprised Nearctic azygiids, particularly Nearctic species of <i>Azygia</i> and representatives of the genera <i>Leuceruthrus</i> Marshall & Gilbert, 1905 or <i>Proterometra</i> Horsfall, 1934. The new species, <i>Azygia shedkoae</i> sp. nov., belonged to Lineage 2 together with <i>Azygia lucii</i> (Müller, 1776), <i>Azygia robusta</i> Odhner, 1911, and <i>Azygia sibirica</i> Vainutis, Voronova & Zhokhov, 2023. Morphologically, the new species is close to <i>A. robusta</i> but differs from it in the length of the forebody, the length of post-testicular space, and the length of uterine fields as well as genetically. Our data demonstrate a deep molecular differentiation of the azygiid lineages apparently resulting from some complex long-term evolutionary processes. We found no arguments in favour of the recently proposed synonymization of <i>Azygia</i> and <i>Leuceruthrus</i>. At the same time, our results appear to indicate that <i>Azygia</i> should be divided into several distinct genera. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5E964870-1DF5-438D-94AE-5D9C37EDBECD
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28219191.v1
title: Molecular phylogeny of some taxa within the tribe Cernuellini Schileyko, 1991 (Geomitridae, Helicellinae), from Tunisia, with description of <i>Sabessebia</i> nov. gen.

description: The phylogenetic position of some snail taxa within the tribe Cernuellini is presented based on two mitochondrial (COI and 16S rDNA) and two nuclear (H3 and 5.8S rDNA-ITS2-28S rDNA) markers. For the first time, genetic data of the type species of <i>Cernuella</i>, <i>Cochlea virgata</i> Da Costa, from one of its type areas in England is collected. <i>Cernuella virgata</i> from England is monomorphic for all markers used. The results corroborate the position of the Tunisian genus <i>Xeroplana</i> as a member of the Cernuellini, and its separation from <i>Cernuella</i> on genus level. A short characterization of the species confined to <i>Xeroplana</i> is presented. A new genus, <i>Sabessebia</i> nov. gen. endemic for the semi-arid region of Tunisia and Libya, could be established as a genus separate from <i>Cernuella</i>. The new genus is proposed for <i>Helix zitanica</i> Letourneux & Bourguignat, a list of synonymous taxa is provided. The position of <i>Helix caruanae</i> Kobelt, from Malta in the genus <i>Cernuella</i> could be verified. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6E05C695-ABE1-40C6-81EC-1976FE4C2055
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29039422
title: Taxonomic revision of the land snail genus <i>Perpolita</i> (Gastrodontidae: Gastropoda)

description: Using an integrative approach considering nuclear and mitochondrial molecular phylogeny, shell morphology, expressed ecological niches and biogeography, we revise the taxonomy and nomenclature within the Holarctic land snail genus <i>Perpolita</i> (Gastrodontidae; Gastropoda). All supported taxa were found to be not only genetically distinct but also to possess diagnostic conchology, especially in terms of colour and the strength of microsculptural spiral grooves (‘sillons’) cut into the bottom shell surface. Our revision resulted in: (i) synonymization of <i>Perpolita suzannae</i> into <i>P. dalliana</i>; (ii) erection of <i>Lapa</i> gen. nov. to encompass species limited to tropical/subtropical habitats in the Caribbean basin; (iii) elevation of <i>Perpolita radiatella</i> to a full species, ranging from Continental Europe to the Yukon. It had previously been confused with both <i>P. electrina</i> and <i>P. hammonis</i>; (iv) erection of <i>Perpolita radiatella hesperia</i> subsp. nov. to designate a distinct genetic race ranging from the Altai Mountains to central Europe. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3FFD4B50-1CD2-4C1C-A27C-F20C9EA7534C
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29039422.v2
title: Taxonomic revision of the land snail genus <i>Perpolita</i> (Gastrodontidae: Gastropoda)

description: Using an integrative approach considering nuclear and mitochondrial molecular phylogeny, shell morphology, expressed ecological niches and biogeography, we revise the taxonomy and nomenclature within the Holarctic land snail genus <i>Perpolita</i> (Gastrodontidae; Gastropoda). All supported taxa were found to be not only genetically distinct but also to possess diagnostic conchology, especially in terms of colour and the strength of microsculptural spiral grooves (‘sillons’) cut into the bottom shell surface. Our revision resulted in: (i) synonymization of <i>Perpolita suzannae</i> into <i>P. dalliana</i>; (ii) erection of <i>Lapa</i> gen. nov. to encompass species limited to tropical/subtropical habitats in the Caribbean basin; (iii) elevation of <i>Perpolita radiatella</i> to a full species, ranging from Continental Europe to the Yukon. It had previously been confused with both <i>P. electrina</i> and <i>P. hammonis</i>; (iv) erection of <i>Perpolita radiatella hesperia</i> subsp. nov. to designate a distinct genetic race ranging from the Altai Mountains to central Europe. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3FFD4B50-1CD2-4C1C-A27C-F20C9EA7534C
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28219191
title: Molecular phylogeny of some taxa within the tribe Cernuellini Schileyko, 1991 (Geomitridae, Helicellinae), from Tunisia, with description of <i>Sabessebia</i> nov. gen.

description: The phylogenetic position of some snail taxa within the tribe Cernuellini is presented based on two mitochondrial (COI and 16S rDNA) and two nuclear (H3 and 5.8S rDNA-ITS2-28S rDNA) markers. For the first time, genetic data of the type species of <i>Cernuella</i>, <i>Cochlea virgata</i> Da Costa, from one of its type areas in England is collected. <i>Cernuella virgata</i> from England is monomorphic for all markers used. The results corroborate the position of the Tunisian genus <i>Xeroplana</i> as a member of the Cernuellini, and its separation from <i>Cernuella</i> on genus level. A short characterization of the species confined to <i>Xeroplana</i> is presented. A new genus, <i>Sabessebia</i> nov. gen. endemic for the semi-arid region of Tunisia and Libya, could be established as a genus separate from <i>Cernuella</i>. The new genus is proposed for <i>Helix zitanica</i> Letourneux & Bourguignat, a list of synonymous taxa is provided. The position of <i>Helix caruanae</i> Kobelt, from Malta in the genus <i>Cernuella</i> could be verified. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6E05C695-ABE1-40C6-81EC-1976FE4C2055
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29039422.v1
title: Taxonomic revision of the land snail genus <i>Perpolita</i> (Gastrodontidae: Gastropoda)

description: Using an integrative approach considering nuclear and mitochondrial molecular phylogeny, shell morphology, expressed ecological niches and biogeography, we revise the taxonomy and nomenclature within the Holarctic land snail genus <i>Perpolita</i> (Gastrodontidae; Gastropoda). All supported taxa were found to be not only genetically distinct but also to possess diagnostic conchology, especially in terms of colour and the strength of microsculptural spiral grooves (‘sillons’) cut into the bottom shell surface. Our revision resulted in: (i) synonymization of <i>Perpolita suzannae</i> into <i>P. dalliana</i>; (ii) erection of <i>Lapa</i> gen. nov. to encompass species limited to tropical/subtropical habitats in the Caribbean basin; (iii) elevation of <i>Perpolita radiatella</i> to a full species, ranging from Continental Europe to the Yukon. It had previously been confused with both <i>P. electrina</i> and <i>P. hammonis</i>; (iv) erection of <i>Perpolita radiatella hesperia</i> subsp. nov. to designate a distinct genetic race ranging from the Altai Mountains to central Europe. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3FFD4B50-1CD2-4C1C-A27C-F20C9EA7534C
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30146142
title: Niche modelling supports cryptic diversification in an Andean hemiparasitic herb

description: Pleistocene climatic fluctuations shaped Andean environments, affecting the geographic and demography of many extant species. <i>Quinchamalium chilense,</i> a hemiparasite monospecific herb is distributed from high elevation Puna in the north, across the Chilean Matorral to alpine environments above the treeline in the temperate Andes. Previous studies have associated these regions with three different lineages: DEPU, MATO and TEMPE. To clarify the taxonomic boundaries we combined ecological niche modelling with demographic analyses based on genetic diversity. We assessed intra-specific genetic structure and predicted lineage distribution under both current and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) climatic conditions. Additionally, we evaluated geographic range overlap as well as niche equivalency and similarity among lineages. Our results suggest diversification associated to the Great Patagonian Glaciation followed by demographic growth from 800,00 to 200,000 years ago. Our models predict the greatest range extent during LGM with contractions to the present. DEPU shows evidence of southward expansion following glacial retreat, likely tracking the availability of newly suitable habitats. This demography expansion resulted in current geographic contact with MATO, with which it shares moderately overlapping climatic niche. On the other hand, MATO and TEMPE, exhibit demographic stability and limited climatic overlap, suggesting long-term persistence in glacial refugia and expansion of TEMPE to new niches. Notably, DEPU and TEMPE displayed significant niche divergence. Overall, <i>Q. chilense</i> appears to have been affected by Andean orogeny and climate oscillations since the Great Patagonian Glaciation having its greatest suitable range extent during the LGM. The genus undergone postglacial spatial reorganization, shaped by differential responses to climate among lineages. These findings are consistent with a model of cryptic speciation driven by ecological processes, in which climatic niche divergence, demographic history, and range dynamics collectively contributed to the diversification of lineages within <i>Q. chilense</i>, despite limited morphological differentiation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30146142.v1
title: Niche modelling supports cryptic diversification in an Andean hemiparasitic herb

description: Pleistocene climatic fluctuations shaped Andean environments, affecting the geographic and demography of many extant species. <i>Quinchamalium chilense,</i> a hemiparasite monospecific herb is distributed from high elevation Puna in the north, across the Chilean Matorral to alpine environments above the treeline in the temperate Andes. Previous studies have associated these regions with three different lineages: DEPU, MATO and TEMPE. To clarify the taxonomic boundaries we combined ecological niche modelling with demographic analyses based on genetic diversity. We assessed intra-specific genetic structure and predicted lineage distribution under both current and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) climatic conditions. Additionally, we evaluated geographic range overlap as well as niche equivalency and similarity among lineages. Our results suggest diversification associated to the Great Patagonian Glaciation followed by demographic growth from 800,00 to 200,000 years ago. Our models predict the greatest range extent during LGM with contractions to the present. DEPU shows evidence of southward expansion following glacial retreat, likely tracking the availability of newly suitable habitats. This demography expansion resulted in current geographic contact with MATO, with which it shares moderately overlapping climatic niche. On the other hand, MATO and TEMPE, exhibit demographic stability and limited climatic overlap, suggesting long-term persistence in glacial refugia and expansion of TEMPE to new niches. Notably, DEPU and TEMPE displayed significant niche divergence. Overall, <i>Q. chilense</i> appears to have been affected by Andean orogeny and climate oscillations since the Great Patagonian Glaciation having its greatest suitable range extent during the LGM. The genus undergone postglacial spatial reorganization, shaped by differential responses to climate among lineages. These findings are consistent with a model of cryptic speciation driven by ecological processes, in which climatic niche divergence, demographic history, and range dynamics collectively contributed to the diversification of lineages within <i>Q. chilense</i>, despite limited morphological differentiation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30518055
title: An update on the amphibian assemblage of the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania, with the description of a new giant <i>Arthroleptis</i> species (Amphibia: Anura)

description: Effective conservation measures require accurate and complete species inventories, which are however often missing for particularly biodiverse regions of concern. The montane forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) in East Africa represent fragmented relics of unique habitats that harbour remarkable levels of plant and animal diversity, including many endemic and threatened species most of which are poorly known. The present study focuses on the Ukaguru Mountains, an important mountain block in the central EAM, and expands on a recent study that summarized data from 30 years of amphibian surveys. Using systematic sampling (2022–2024) in localities that are less heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities than previously surveyed sites, we increase the number of documented amphibian species from 17 to 19, adding <i>Xenopus</i> cf. <i>victorianus</i> and a newly described species (see below). Among the three Ukaguru-endemic toads which have not been recorded since more than two decades, we re-discovered <i>Nectophrynoides laticeps</i> and <i>N. paulae</i> but failed to record the enigmatic <i>Churamiti maridadi</i>, which according to a dedicated extinction model has an updated probability of only 47.6% of still being extant. Based on genetic, morphological and bioacoustic evidence, we also describe a new large-bodied species of <i>Arthroleptis</i> (<i>Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis</i> sp. nov.), shedding further light into the evolution of ‘giant’ congeners which inhabit other mountain blocks in the EAM. Given the rapid deforestation of the EAM for which the Ukagurus are no exception, our findings give rise to concerns regarding current and future extinction risks within unique mountain amphibian assemblages, also affecting species which potentially still await description. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:04EC6DEE-D2D9-463D-B8AB-18560AC2AB85
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30518055.v1
title: An update on the amphibian assemblage of the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania, with the description of a new giant <i>Arthroleptis</i> species (Amphibia: Anura)

description: Effective conservation measures require accurate and complete species inventories, which are however often missing for particularly biodiverse regions of concern. The montane forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) in East Africa represent fragmented relics of unique habitats that harbour remarkable levels of plant and animal diversity, including many endemic and threatened species most of which are poorly known. The present study focuses on the Ukaguru Mountains, an important mountain block in the central EAM, and expands on a recent study that summarized data from 30 years of amphibian surveys. Using systematic sampling (2022–2024) in localities that are less heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities than previously surveyed sites, we increase the number of documented amphibian species from 17 to 19, adding <i>Xenopus</i> cf. <i>victorianus</i> and a newly described species (see below). Among the three Ukaguru-endemic toads which have not been recorded since more than two decades, we re-discovered <i>Nectophrynoides laticeps</i> and <i>N. paulae</i> but failed to record the enigmatic <i>Churamiti maridadi</i>, which according to a dedicated extinction model has an updated probability of only 47.6% of still being extant. Based on genetic, morphological and bioacoustic evidence, we also describe a new large-bodied species of <i>Arthroleptis</i> (<i>Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis</i> sp. nov.), shedding further light into the evolution of ‘giant’ congeners which inhabit other mountain blocks in the EAM. Given the rapid deforestation of the EAM for which the Ukagurus are no exception, our findings give rise to concerns regarding current and future extinction risks within unique mountain amphibian assemblages, also affecting species which potentially still await description. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:04EC6DEE-D2D9-463D-B8AB-18560AC2AB85
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29390334
title: The amphibians of Betampona: an updated account of the remarkable diversity of Madagascar’s central-eastern Strict Nature Reserve

description: Despite a long history of biological explorations, Madagascar still hosts high levels of undescribed diversity, which occurs both in poorly studied and in well-known areas. Betampona Strict Nature Reserve (SNR) represents an exemplary case in this regard. Comprising less than 30 km<sup>2</sup>, the reserve is renowned for hosting incredibly high amphibian diversity. Previous surveys revealed the occurrence of 76 lineages, of which 36 were classified as candidate species and 24 were considered microendemic to this forest fragment. Following additional field surveys and the use of molecular taxonomic species identification, the list of amphibian lineages for the reserve was expanded by 14, while three lineages were removed as a result of improved species identification. As such, 87 lineages (corresponding to species and candidate species) of amphibians are currently known from this protected area. The number of microendemic lineages has decreased to 17, as nine lineages previously thought to be exclusive to Betampona SNR have since been identified in other areas of Madagascar. At present, 30 of the 87 lineages are awaiting taxonomic revision or formal description, 13 of which are so far known only from this reserve. This study illustrates how the characterization of the extremely rich biodiversity of Madagascar is far from complete, and how important it is to continue performing dedicated surveys even in well-known areas.