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Abstract: Raft spiders, family Dolomedidae, represent a group of spiders with 7 genera distributed near globally well known for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. One of the iconic genera representing such a unique lifestyle is the largest and diverse dolomedid genus Dolomedes. Although Dolomedes is well surveyed in parts of its distribution, its diversity in the tropics remains largely unknown, such as the western Indian Ocean region with most of the islands unsurveyed. Recent expeditions to Madagascar and La Réunion Island discovered a series of specimens that appear to belong to an unknown morphospecies of Dolomedes, exhibiting varying degrees of differences in the diagnostic characteristics. To further test and define their species boundaries, we include molecular evidence followed by species delimitation analyses. Our findings indicate that specimens from both islands are conspecific. Consequently, we introduce a new species to science, Dolomedes reuniascar sp. nov., providing detailed illustrations, descriptions of its variations and ecological characteristics. Based on our observations and existing literature, we speculate that the presence of this species on the two isolated islands could be attributed to either highly efficient dispersal abilities, such as ballooning of spiderlings, or human-mediated introduction events. Contacts
Keywords: fishing spider, phylogeny, taxonomy, Madagascar, Réunion
Published in DiRROS: 08.05.2026; Views: 175; Downloads: 254
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Abstract: An alternative, phylogenetically grounded taxonomy of the recently described Chaetoniphargus lubuskensis Karaman & Sket (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae) is presented. The recently described new genus and species, Chaetoniphargus lubuskensis from Dinaric Karst, has formerly only been taxonomically evaluated by a classical approach, based on morphology. Species of genera Niphargobatoides, Niphargobates, Chaetoniphargus, differ from Niphargus spp. mainly by slightly elevated number of maxilla I spines, by gradual reduction of maxillary and mandibular palps, by a strong reduction of urosomal structures. Molecularly, they appear to be nested within the Niphargus tree, but separately. Their collective separation from Niphargus would make the genus Niphargus paraphyletic, but for the low number of these species practically without diminishing the confusing diversity of it. A molecular phylogenetic analysis would include all here studied niphargid species as belonging to Niphargus. The gradual change in morphology of mentioned niphargids produces a smooth transition between Niphargidae and unrelated Metacrangonyctidae. Since other facts speak against the relatedness of both families, this is an additional case of convergence, demonstrating the need of molecular analyses when we speculate on phylogenetic relations within Amphipoda.
Keywords: subterranean, taxonomy, phylogeny
Published in DiRROS: 27.01.2026; Views: 392; Downloads: 285
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Abstract: In this study, Resupinatus rouxii Consiglio & Setti was collected from Çanakkale province, Türkiye, and identified using both morphological and molecular data. Macroscopically, the species is characterised by its small size, kidney-shaped pileus, light grey colour, and slightly hairy surface. Microscopic examination confirmed diagnostic features of the genus Resupinatus, and detailed evaluations were made of the basidia, basidiospores, and cystidia. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA was sequenced and used in phylogenetic analyses. The resulting ITS sequence showed more than 99% similarity to the reference sequence of R. rouxii, supporting the morphological identification. This study represents the second scientific report of R. rouxii worldwide and provides the fourth known record of this species, extending its known distribution to Türkiye (Çanakkale province) and contributing valuable data to its biogeography.
Keywords: Resupinatus, fungi, new record, internal transcribed spacer region, molecular phylogeny, Turky
Published in DiRROS: 17.12.2025; Views: 845; Downloads: 564
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Abstract: In the present paper, we revise the taxonomy of the Auriculariales having pedunculate (stalked) basidia. In total, sixteen new species from Europe, East Asia, North and South America, and tropical Africa are described. They are classified among the genera Hydrophana, Mycostilla, Myxarium, Protoacia, Protohydnum, and Protomerulius. In addition, the generic affiliation of eleven extant species is re-established based on phylogenetic and/or morphological evidence. A new genus, Elmericium, is introduced to accommodate a crust-like fungus, E. alabastrinum, from East Asia; phylogenetic data place it in the vicinity of the anatomically similar poroid genera Elmerina and Protodaedalea (Auriculariaceae). The generic description of Protohydnum is amended; in its current scope, the genus encompasses several species formerly assigned to Bourdotia, Ductifera, and Exidiopsis. Available environmental data point to a wider distribution of some Protomerulius spp. and greater species diversity in the genus than currently surmised from physical fungal samples.
Keywords: heterobasidiomycetes, phylogeny, soil sequences, taxonomy
Published in DiRROS: 05.09.2025; Views: 639; Downloads: 353
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Abstract: Introduction: In the European Alps, Pleistocene climate oscillations resulted in geographical range expansions and restrictions of species. Postglacial recolonizations often result in secondary contact hybridization of vicariant species, thereby creating hybrid zones with patterns of introgression. Here, we compare the genetic structure of two secondary contact hybrid zones between two vicariant willow species pairs occurring in the European Alpine System. Supplemented by morphological and ecological data, we try to understand the factors shaping the hybrid zones and their influence on geographical range filling patterns. Methods: RAD sequencing and morphometric data were used to characterize biogeographical history, genetic diversity and the hybrid zone of each species pair. Vegetation relevés and species distribution models provided ecological context and support. Key results: Results suggest that recolonization of the Alps happened from peripheral glacial refugia, resulting in broad secondary contact zones in the Eastern Alps in both species pairs. Both hybrid zones show introgression, but differ in symmetry and intensity of gene flow, in the type of introgressed loci, and in the geographical range. Habitat preferences and species distribution models do not indicate ecological barriers to recolonization. Conclusions: Hybrid zones do not only affect the genetic structure of species by gene flow and introgression, but also appear to impact the biogeographical patterns of species.
Keywords: hybridization, phylogeny, phylogeography, climatic oscillations, genus Salix
Published in DiRROS: 22.04.2025; Views: 1044; Downloads: 645
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