Cytotaxonomy of Eurypyga helias (Gruiformes,Eurypygidae): First Karyotypic Description and Phylogenetic Proximity with Rynochetidae

The sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) is a South American Gruiformes, the only member of Family Eurypigidae. In most phylogenetic proposals, it is placed in a more distant position than other families of the so-called “core Gruiformes”. Different studies based on molecular, morphological and biogeographical data suggest that the Eurypigidae is closely related to the kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus), the only species in Rynochetidae, another family not included in the core Gruiformes. Here, the karyotype of the sunbittern is described for the first time, by classical and molecular cytogenetics, using whole chromosome probes derived from Gallus gallus and Leucopternis albicollis. We found a diploid number of 80, with only one pair of biarmed autosomal macrochromosomes, similar to that observed in the kagu. Chromosome painting revealed that most syntenies found in the avian putative ancestral karyotype (PAK) were conserved in the sunbittern. However, PAK1, PAK2, and PAK5 corresponded to two chromosome pairs each. Probes derived from L. albicollis confirm that fissions in PAK1 and PAK2 were centric, whereas in PAK5 the fission is interstitial. In addition, there is fusion of segments homologous to PAK2q and PAK5. From a phylogenetic point of view, comparisons of our results with two other Gruiformes belonging to family Rallidae suggest that the PAK5q fission might be a synapomorphy for Gruiformes. Fissions in PAK1 and PAK2 are found only in Eurypigidae, and might also occur in Rynochetidae, in view of the similar chromosomal morphology between the sunbittern and the kagu. This suggests a close phylogenetic relationship between Eurypigidae and Rynochetidae, whose common ancestor was separated by the Gondwana vicariancy in South America and New Caledonia, respectively.     

Cytotaxonomy of Gallinula melanops (Gruiformes,Rallidae): Karyotype evolution and phylogenetic inference

Although Rallidae is the most diverse family within Gruiformes, there is little information concerning the karyotype of the species in this group. In fact, Gallinula melanops, a species of Rallidae found in Brazil, is among the few species studied cytogenetically, but only with conventional staining and repetitive DNA mapping, showing 2n=80. Thus, in order to understand the karyotypic evolution and phylogeny of this group, the present study aimed to analyze the karyotype of G. melanops by classical and molecular cytogenetics, comparing the results with other species of Gruiformes. The results show that G. melanops has the same chromosome rearrangements as described in Gallinula chloropus (Clade Fulica), including fission of ancestral chromosomes 4 and 5 of Gallus gallus (GGA), beyond the fusion between two of segments resultants of the GGA4/GGA5, also fusions between the chromosomes GGA6/GGA7. Thus, despite the fact that some authors have suggested the inclusion of G. melanops in genus Porphyriops, our molecular cytogenetic results confirm its place in the Gallinula genus.     

Genome sizes of cranes (Aves: Gruiformes)

The DNA content of blood cell nuclei of 15 species of cranes was determined by Feulgen-DNA cytophotometry. Genome sizes agree with values reported elsewhere for several crane species analyzed by flow cytometry. Males have more DNA per cell than females in several species. A karyotype where 2n = 80 is reported for a male greater sandhill crane.     

Cytotaxonomy of the triatominae (Reduviidae: Hemiptera)

The chromosome number and meiotic cycle of 20 species of Triatominae have been investigated. In the male, there are five types of chromosome complement: 20+XY, 20+X₁X₂Y, 20+X₁X₂X₃Y, 18+XY and 22+XY.The cytological data suggest that the type number for the subfamily is 22 (20+XY). In the hybrids: Triatoma barberi () and T. protracta (), anomalous behavior of certain chromosomes has been observed. Phylogenetic relationships based on chromosome evidence in the subfamily have been discussed. It is suggested that fragmentation is the major factor for chromosome evolution in the group.     

The First Mitochondrial Genome for Caddisfly (Insecta: Trichoptera) with Phylogenetic Implications

The Trichoptera (caddisflies) is a holometabolous insect order with 14,300 described species forming the second most species-rich monophyletic group of animals in freshwater. Hitherto, there is no mitochondrial genome reported of this order. Herein, we describe the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of a caddisfly species, Eubasilissa regina (McLachlan, 1871). A phylogenomic analysis was carried out based on the mt genomic sequences of 13 mt protein coding genes (PCGs) and two rRNA genes of 24 species belonging to eight holometabolous orders. Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses highly support the sister relationship between Trichoptera and Lepidoptera.     

Cytotaxonomy and evolution in Cryptocoryne (Araceae)

A hypothetical phylogeny is presented for the genus Cryptocoryne (Araceae, Cryptocoryninae). This scheme is based on both geographical and cytological data. Therefore the geography of S. E. Asia, the distribution of the various base numbers and the possible relationships between the base numbers are discussed.In the resulting phylogeny the various base numbers of Cryptocoryne (and the one of Lagenandra) are thought to have been derived from a hypothetical primary base number x₁=9. As a consequence of the scheme, Cryptocoryne is assumed to have a diphyletic character.     

Karyotypic diversity and evolution of Loricariidae (Pisces, Siluriformes)

We present cytogenetic analyses of four fish species, belonging to four Loricariidae subfamilies: Neoplecostomus microps (Neoplecostominae) with 2n=54 chromosomes, Harttia loricariformis (Loricariinae) with 2n=56 chromosomes, Hypostomus affinis (Hypostominae) with 2n=66 chromosomes and Upsilodus sp. (Upsilodinae), with 2n=96 chromosomes. In addition to karyotypes, data on the location of 18s rDNA sites are presented, derived from indirect (silver nitrate impregnation) and direct (FISH) methods. There is only one pair of nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) per species, except in H. affinis. Diversity and NOR macrokaryotypic evolution in the species analyzed are discussed in relation to the evolution of the Loricariidae as a whole. In addition, a revision of the cytogenetic data available for this family is presented.     

深圳拟黑麻蝇雌性首次发现

首次描述了采自广东台山汶村的双翅目麻蝇科昆虫深圳拟黑麻蝇Beziella shenzhenensis Fan雌性,并给制了主要特征图。标本保存于中山大学生物博物馆。     

Phylogenetic relationships and ancestral areas of the bustards (Gruiformes: Otididae), inferred from mitochondrial DNA and nuclear intron sequences

The taxonomy of the bustards is poorly understood phylogenetically and has not been extensively evaluated using molecular methods. We sequenced part of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, the control region (central domain II), and an intron-exon crossing fragment of the nuclear chromo-helicase-DNA binding gene (CHD1) in 27 bustard taxa (including multiple subspecies) representing 11 genera and four gruiform outgroup species. Molecular datings suggest a Miocene origin for the family. Inferred phylogenetic relationships include the following: (i) the basal polytomy consists of 10 branches (mostly consistent with traditional genera), suggesting a rapid early radiation; (ii) sister relationships between several couplets of genera include Ardeotis with Neotis, Afrotis with Eupodotis (excluding E. rueppellii), Otis with Chlamydotis, and Houbaropsis with Sypheotides; (iii) the genus Eupodotis may be polyphyletic; and (iv) the currently delimited genera Ardeotis and Neotis do not form independent monophyletic lineages. Molecular evidence for the Afro-tropical origin of the Otididae is provided.     

Cytotaxonomy and breeding system of the genusBiscutella (Cruciferae)

Chromosome counts were determined for 46 populations ofBiscutella representing 28 taxa. The genus was found to contain diploid taxa with 2n = 12, 16 and 18, tetraploid taxa with 2n = 36 and hexaploid taxa having 2n = 54.B. laevigata L. s. l. consists of diploid and tetraploid populations which are poorly differentiated morphologically. TetraploidB. laevigata s. l. and hexaploidB. variegata Boiss. & Reuter (s. l.) are characterized by chromosomal instability. The variation in chromosome numbers and the occurrence of polyploidy is discussed in relation to the taxonomy of the genus. An investigation of the breeding system showed that most of the annual species were self-compatible and partly inbreeding and most of the perennial species self-incompatible and, therefore, outbreeding, while one annual species,B. cichoriifolia Loisel., showed both systems.     

Plumage structure and skin weight in nestlings of cranes (Gruidae, Gruiformes)

A decrease in the down density and integument relative weight has been demonstrated in the ontogeny of nestlings. Coupled with the differentiation of the down cover (several generations of the down and down plumages with a typical heterochrony), this provides for the development of a multilayer thermal insulation cover evenly distributed over the nestling body and required for homeothermy. Comparative analysis of the structure of natal and mesoptile down, accessory feathers, and downy part of the vane of contour feathers has demonstrated the highest generalization in the mesoptile down generation.     

Description of the oocysts of Eimeria paludosa (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Fulica americana (Aves: Gruiformes), with comments on synonyms of eimerian species from related birds

Between November and December 1988, fecal and intestinal contents were collected from 25 northern American coots, Fulica americana americana, in Arkansas and Texas, and examined for coccidial parasites. Seventeen (68%) of the coots were infected with Eimeria paludosa, herein described; for the first time, photomicrographs of the species are presented. Sporulated oocysts are ovoid, 16.5 x 12.6 (15-23 x 11-14) microns, with a lightly to heavily pitted single-layered wall; an oocyst residuum is absent, but a prominent micropyle is present. A large, or several smaller, polar granule(s) is present, usually located beneath the micropyle. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid, 10.8 x 6.2 (10-12 x 5-7) microns, with Stieda and substieda bodies. A sporocyst residuum is present, normally composed of very fine faint granules scattered among the sporozoites or, rarely, as a spherical mass. Sporozoites are elongate, 8.7 x 2.7 (7-11 x 2-3) microns, in situ. Each sporozoite contains a spherical-ellipsoid posterior refractile body and occasionally a spherical anterior refractile body. A nucleus is located immediately anterior to the posterior refractile body. The occurrence of E. paludosa in F. a. americana is a new host and geographic record for the parasite. In addition, several of the previously described eimerian species from gruiform birds are proposed to be synonyms of E. paludosa.     

Description of Sclerorhabditis miniata n. sp. and First Description of Male of Diploscapter coronatus Cobb, 1913 (Nematoda: Rhabditidae)

A population of Sclerorhabditis miniata n. sp. is described and illustrated from Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir State, India. The new species is characterized by small body size, with an annulated cuticle, offset labial region, crown shaped, strongly sclerotized lips, thin lateral lips, membranous, stegostom without glottoid apparatus, cheilostom rod shaped, sclerotized, spicules free, strong and thick, gubernaculum simple, bent proximally, bursa open, peloderan with seven pairs of bursal papillae in 1+1/1+1+2+1 pattern. The males of Diploscapter coronatus are described for the first time. They are usually smaller than the females and have labial region similar to females. Spicules separate, with a small dorsal velum, gubernaculum simple, almost straight, bursa open, pseudopeloderan with seven pairs of bursal papillae in 1+1/1+2+1+1 pattern.