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FIGURE 9 in Phylogenetic analysis of the South American sharpshooter genus Scopogonalia Young, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with implications for conservation

FIGURE 9. Geographical distribution of Scopogonalia. Biomes were classified according to WWF´s Ecoregion of the World (Olson et al. 2001).

FIGURE 1 in Phylogenetic analysis of the South American sharpshooter genus Scopogonalia Young, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with implications for conservation

FIGURE 1. Species of Scopogonalia, dorsal habitus. (A) Scopogonalia agkistroides, (B) S. alba, and (C) S. dolixoura (from the Yellow-Brown Clade), (D) S. amazonensis, (E) S. euxloa, and (F) S. osteiphera (from the green paraphyletic group) (all described by Leal & Cre"o-Duarte in Leal et al. 2016).

FIGURE 8 in Phylogenetic analysis of the South American sharpshooter genus Scopogonalia Young, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with implications for conservation

FIGURE 8. Apices of valvula II of ovipositor of Scopogonalia osteiphera (A), S. agkistroides (B), and S. alba (C). The ventral margin (VM) of the dentate apical portion is longer than the dorsal margin (DM) in A, shorter in B, and approximately the same length in C (character 59, states 2, 1, and 0, respectively). Scale bars: 0.05 mm (A), 0.1 mm (B, C).

FIGURE 5 in Phylogenetic analysis of the South American sharpshooter genus Scopogonalia Young, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with implications for conservation

FIGURE 5. Forewings (schematic) of Rotigonalia olivacea (A) and Scopogonalia subolivacea (B). IAC: inner anteapical cell; MAC: median anteapical cell. IAC and MAC are closed basally in A (characters 19 and 20, state 0) and open in B (characters 19 and 20, state 1). Scale bars: 1 mm.

FIGURE 4 in Phylogenetic analysis of the South American sharpshooter genus Scopogonalia Young, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with implications for conservation

FIGURE 4. Heads (schematic) of Rotigonalia regina (A) and Scopogonalia subolivacea (B), frontal view. The arrows in A show the lobes of the swollen clypeus (character 11, state 1); the arrow in B shows the dark brown to black macula in the transition from crown to face (character 1, state 1). Scale bars: 1 mm.

FIGURE 7 in Phylogenetic analysis of the South American sharpshooter genus Scopogonalia Young, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with implications for conservation

FIGURE 7. Teeth of median portion of ovipositor (schematic) of Scopogonalia osteiphera (A) and S. agkistroides (B). In A, the sclerotized portion is thin (character 57, state 0) and the tooth is inclined trapezoid (character 58, state 2). In B, the sclerotized portion is thick (character 57, state 1) and the tooth is triangular (character 58, state 0). Scale bars: 0.02 mm (A), 0.05 mm (B).

FIGURE 3 in Phylogenetic analysis of the South American sharpshooter genus Scopogonalia Young, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with implications for conservation

FIGURE 3. Chosen tree of the phylogenetic analysis of Scopogonalia (in bold) and outgroups obtained with implied weighting (k = 15). White circles (Ǫ) indicate homoplastic transformations and black circles indicate (●) non-homoplastic transformations. Character numbers are indicated above symbols and character states below. Characters with ambiguous transformations are circled with red lines. T.: Tretogonia; C.: Cyclogonia; R.: Rotigonalia; P.: Plerogonalia; S.: Scopogonalia.

FIGURE 2 in Phylogenetic analysis of the South American sharpshooter genus Scopogonalia Young, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with implications for conservation

FIGURE 2. Strict consensus of six (A) and the remainder two (B) out of the eight most parsimonious trees of the TBR phylogenetic analysis of Scopogonalia (in bold) and outgroups, showing different evolutionary scenarios. In the first scenario (A), S. amazonensis is the sister species of S. nargena + Yellow-Brown Clade, and, in the second (B), the former species is included in the Late Green Clade. Symmetric resampling (SR) indices and Bremer indices greater than zero are shown above and below branches, respectively. T.: Tretogonia; C.: Cyclogonia; R.: Rotigonalia; P.: Plerogonalia; S.: Scopogonalia.

FIGURE 10 in Phylogenetic analysis of the South American sharpshooter genus Scopogonalia Young, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with implications for conservation

FIGURE 10. Tabuleiros vegetation landscape at Guaribas Biological Reserve, Paraíba, Brazil. SEMA 1 (A), where specimens of S. echinura were collected. Geographical coordinates: -6.696595°, -35.126418°. SEMA 2 (B), where the holotype and other specimens of S. alba were collected. Geographical coordinates: -6.740586°, -35.139743°. Photos by A. H. Leal.

FIGURE 6 in Phylogenetic analysis of the South American sharpshooter genus Scopogonalia Young, 1977 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with implications for conservation

FIGURE 6. Aedeagi (schematic) of Scopogonalia euxloa (A) and S. subolivacea (B). In A, the aedeagus is curved ventrally (character 37, state 1); in B, it is curved dorsally (character 37, state 0). The arrow in A indicates the pair of clawlike processes (character 45, state 1); in B, it indicates the dentiform process on apical ventral portion (character 41, state 1). Scale bars: 0.25 mm.

opencc-zeroNov 2020View details →

An invasive grass species has both local and broad-scale impacts on diversity: Potential mechanisms and implications

Questions The impact of invasive plant species on native diversity varies with spatial scale, with some invaders leading to broad-scale diversity declines and others only local declines. These discrepancies may reflect the invaders capacity to reduce niche opportunities across spatial scales which can be associated with their functional traits. We investigated impact-scale relationships and trait-based mechanisms, in areas invaded by the exotic perennial grass species, Bothriochloa pertusa. We examine root traits specifically, as belowground competition was considered particularly important to the success of this species. Location Grassy 'ironbark' woodlands of eastern Queensland, Australia Methods We examined plots with varying degrees of invasion by B. pertusa, at multiple spatial scales (up to 1000 m2) and analysed changes to the species area relationships (SARs) with increasing invader cover. Changes to SARs were assessed in relation to the invaders effect on rare (low-patch-occupancy) and common species in the community. In a separate analysis within the same habitat we collected root cores across a gradient of invader cover and analysed changes to community root traits that were considered important correlates of competition for space and nutrients. Results Invasion-induced reductions in diversity were pervasive at all scales investigated, and this was associated with a proportionally greater effect on rare species in the community. In the separate root analysis, changes in community root traits with increasing invader cover were potentially indicative of more intense competition for resources rather than space. Conclusions The observed regional-scale dominance of B. pertusa and associated declines in diversity warrant serious concern for the conservation of native plant communities and species in a region already at risk from other anthropogenic threats. Intense competition for belowground resources is likely a contributing mechanism to the success of B. pertusa in this study system. Experimental examination of this and other mechanisms would help to validate these findings.

The ontogenetic pattern of neurocentral suture closure in the axial skeleton of Hyperodapedontinae (Archosauromorpha: Rhynchosauria) and its evolutionary implication

Understanding ontogeny of a taxon is a crucial step to properly elucidate its taxonomy and evolution. However, aside from histological data, osteological criteria for assessing maturity are considered lineage specific or controversial. The sequence of neurocentral suture closure of the axial skeleton of extant crocodilians, which occurs in a postero-anterior sequence, has being used as a non-destructive method to determine maturity in extinct reptiles. However, the use of this criterion in extinct archosaurs not closely related to crocodilians is debatable, as the ancestral condition of Archosauria is unknown and variation occurs in timing and sequence orientation within the clade. We have assessed the pattern of neurocentral suture closure of the Hyperodapedontinae rhynchosaurs, an early archosauromorph clade distantly related to archosaurs. Different from extant crocodilians, they exhibit an antero-posterior sequence neurocentral suture closure. Relative size and other ontogenetic markers suggest the neurocentral closure in the Hyperodapedontinae is correlated to aging, although closed sutures were rare in the sample. A high number of open or partially open sutures in mature individuals indicate that they remained open during most of their life. Our study indicates that (i) the delayed neurocentral closure can be a paedomorphic heterochronic process in Hyperodapedontinae, as it contrasts with the fully closed neurocentral sutures of early diverging non-hyperodapedontine rhynchosaurs; (ii) the assumption opened neurocentral sutures indicates immaturity in extinct reptiles is not always correct; and (iii) the delayed closure may have originated independently in several archosauromorph lineages, but the ancestral condition of Archosauria likely follows the crocodilian closure pattern.

Data From: Characterizing patterns of genomic variation in the threatened Utah prairie dog: implications for conservation and management

Utah prairie dogs (Cynomys parvidens) are federally threatened due to eradication campaigns, habitat destruction, and outbreaks of plague. Today, Utah prairie dogs exist in small, isolated populations, making them less demographically stable and more susceptible to erosion of genetic variation by genetic drift. We characterized patterns of genetic structure at neutral and putatively adaptive loci in order to evaluate the relative effects of genetic drift and local adaptation on population divergence. We sampled individuals across the Utah prairie dog species range and generated 2,955 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using double digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD). Genetic diversity was lower in low elevation sites compared to high elevation sites. Population divergence was high among sites and followed an isolation-by-distance (IBD) model. Our results indicate that genetic drift plays a substantial role in the population divergence of the Utah prairie dog, and colonies would likely benefit from translocation of individuals between recovery units, which are characterized by distinct elevations, despite the detection of environmental associations with outlier loci. By understanding the processes that shape genetic structure, better informed decisions can be made with respect to the management of threatened species to ensure that adaptation is not stymied.

Thermal regime and petrologic metamorphism in Alaska: Implications for subduction interface and wedge earthquakes

Characterized by repeated large earthquakes, slow slips, and tectonic tremors with their simultaneous release of large amounts of energy, the unstable subduction interface beneath Alaska presents a chance to understand the composite dynamic transition from deep to shallow subduction channel where these enigmatic fault slips and seismic events occur. The complex subducted slab morphology associated with the frequent occurrence of various types of faulting behaviors in Alaska is poorly understood. Our result shows that the subduction of the Pacific plate and the subsequent release of large amounts of fluid likely contribute to the repeated fast and slow earthquakes there, as evidenced by the petrological metamorphic transition in the incoming plate. The offshore Alaska seismogenic zone, as well as the slow earthquakes identified near the Upper Cook Inlet, compare well with the distribution of slab dehydration slivers, including large destructive earthquakes that have occurred in Alaska. The fluid upwelling from dewatered oceanic crust and the continental wedge serpentinizing is probably related to various transportation pathways controlled by dip angle and upwell in the predominant direction following the subduction channel or veins in the overriding lithosphere.

opencc-zeroDec 2019View details →

Wolbachia infection in wild mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): Implications for transmission modes and host-endosymbiont associations in Singapore

Background: Wolbachia are intracellular bacterial endosymbionts found in most insect lineages. In mosquitoes, the influence of these endosymbionts on host reproduction and arboviral transmission has spurred numerous studies aimed at using Wolbachia infection as a vector control technique. However, there are several knowledge gaps in the literature and little is known about natural Wolbachia infection across species, their transmission modes, or associations between various Wolbachia lineages and their hosts. This study aims to address these gaps by exploring mosquito-Wolbachia associations and their evolutionary implications. Methods: We conducted tissue-specific polymerase chain reaction screening for Wolbachia infection in the leg, gut and reproductive tissues of wild mosquitoes from Singapore using the Wolbachia surface protein gene (wsp) molecular marker. Mosquito-Wolbachia associations were explored using three methods— tanglegram, distance-based, and event-based methods—and by inferred instances of vertical transmission and host shifts. Results: Adult mosquitoes (271 specimens) representing 14 genera and 40 species were screened for Wolbachia. Overall, 21 species (51.2%) were found positive for Wolbachia, including five in the genus Aedes and five in the genus Culex. To our knowledge, Wolbachia infections have not been previously reported in seven of these 21 species: Aedes nr. fumidus, Aedes annandalei, Uranotaenia obscura, Uranotaenia trilineata, Verrallina butleri, Verrallina sp. and Zeugnomyia gracilis. Wolbachia were predominantly detected in the reproductive tissues, which is an indication of vertical transmission. However, Wolbachia infection rates varied widely within a mosquito host species. There was no clear signal of cophylogeny between the mosquito hosts and the 12 putative Wolbachia strains observed in this study. Host shift events were also observed. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the mosquito-Wolbachia relationship is complex and that combinations of transmission modes and multiple evolutionary events likely explain the observed distribution of Wolbachia diversity across mosquito hosts. These findings have implications for a better understanding of the diversity and ecology of Wolbachia and for their utility as biocontrol agents.

Data from: Inter- and intra-specific variation of spider mite susceptibility to fungal infections: implications for the long-term success of biological control

Spider mites are severe pests of several annual and perennial crops worldwide, often causing important economic damages. As rapid evolution of pesticide resistance in this group hampers the efficiency of chemical control, alternative control strategies, such as the use of entomopathogenic fungi, are being developed. However, while several studies have focused on the evaluation of the control potential of different fungal species and/or isolates as well as their compatibility with other control methods (e.g. predators or chemical pesticides), knowledge on the extent of inter- and intraspecific variation in spider mite susceptibility to fungal infection is as yet incipient. Here, we measured the mortality induced by two generalist fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum, in 12 spider mite populations belonging to different Tetranychus species: T. evansi, T. ludeni, the green form of T. urticae and the red form of T. urticae, within a full factorial experiment. We found that spider mite species differed in their susceptibility to infection by both fungal species. Moreover, we also found important intraspecific variation for this trait. These results draw caution on the development of single strains as biocontrol agents. Indeed, the high level of intraspecific variation suggests that (a) the one-size-fits-all strategy may fail to control spider-mite populations and (b) hosts resistance to infection may evolve at a rapid pace. Finally, we propose future directions to better understand this system and improve the long-term success of spider mite control strategies based on entomopathogenic fungi.

opennotspecifiedDec 2020View details →

FIGURES 1–6 in A new species of Bithoracochaeta Stein (Diptera: Muscidae) with comments on Mexican species of the genus and their implication as possible biocontrol agents for greenhouses pests

FIGURES 1–6. Bithoracochaeta couriae sp. nov. 1. Male, lateral view of thorax showing setae on anepisternum and katepisternum. 2. Male, sternite 5. 3-6. Male terminalia (Holotype). 3. Cercal plate, surstyli and epandrium, dorsal view. 4. Cercal plate, surstyli and epandrium, left lateral view. 5. Aedeagus, dorsal view. 6. Aedeagus, lateral view. Abbreviations: Aede= aedeagus; Anst= anepisternum; Cept= cercal plate; Epan= epandrium; Pregt= pregonite; Hypa= hypandrium; Ktst= katepisternum; Surs= surstylus.

opennotspecifiedDec 2020View details →

FIGURES 7–8 in A new species of Bithoracochaeta Stein (Diptera: Muscidae) with comments on Mexican species of the genus and their implication as possible biocontrol agents for greenhouses pests

FIGURES 7–8. Bithoracochaeta couriae sp. nov. 7. Male feeding upside down. 8. Female feeding on Psychodidae.

Genomic variation in the American pika: signatures of geographic isolation and implications for conservation

Distributional responses by alpine taxa to repeated, glacial-interglacial cycles throughout the last two million years have significantly influenced the spatial genetic structure of populations. These effects have been exacerbated for the American pika (Ochotona princeps), a small alpine lagomorph constrained by thermal sensitivity and a limited dispersal capacity. As a species of conservation concern, long-term lack of gene flow has important consequences for landscape genetic structure and levels of diversity within populations. Here, we use reduced representation sequencing (ddRADseq) to provide a genome-wide perspective on patterns of genetic variation across pika populations representing distinct subspecies. To investigate how landscape and environmental features shape genetic variation, we collected genetic samples from distinct geographic regions as well as across finer spatial scales in two geographically proximate mountain ranges of eastern Nevada.