DNA barcoding of Chinese snakes reveals hidden diversity and conservation needs.

DNA barcoding has greatly facilitated studies of taxonomy, biodiversity, biological conservation, and ecology. Here, we establish a reliable DNA barcoding library for Chinese snakes, unveiling hidden diversity with implications for taxonomy, and provide a standardized tool for conservation management. Our comprehensive study includes 1638 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from Chinese snakes that correspond to 17 families, 65 genera, 228 named species (80.6% of named species) and 36 candidate species. A barcode gap analysis reveals gaps, where all nearest neighbour distances exceed maximum intraspecific distances, in 217 named species and all candidate species. Three species-delimitation methods (ABGD, sGMYC, and sPTP) recover 320 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), of which 192 OTUs correspond to named and candidate species. Twenty-eight other named species share OTUs, such as Azemiops feae and A. kharini, Gloydius halys, G. shedaoensis, and G. intermedius, and Bungarus multicinctus and B. candidus, representing inconsistencies most probably caused by imperfect taxonomy, recent and rapid speciation, weak taxonomic signal, introgressive hybridization, and/or inadequate phylogenetic signal. In contrast, 43 species and candidate species assign to two or more OTUs due to having large intraspecific distances. If most OTUs detected in this study reflect valid species, including the 36 candidate species, then 30% more species would exist than are currently recognized. Several OTU divergences associate with known biogeographic barriers, such as the Taiwan Strait. In addition to facilitating future studies, this reliable and relatively comprehensive reference database will play an important role in the future monitoring, conservation, and management of Chinese snakes.

Effects of stand type of artificial forests on soil microbial functional diversity.

We explored the changes of soil microbial biodiversity in response to forest ecological restoration. Soil samples were collected from the close-to nature managed Chinese fir plantation (CF), Moso bamboo plantation (MB), and natural secondary forest (NF). Soil microbial community diversity was analyzed by Biolog-Eco micro-plate technique. The results showed that plant diversity was significantly different among the three stands. Plant diversity of NF was significantly higher than MB and CF, and MB was higher than CF. Soil pH and bulk density showed a great difference, while there was no difference of other soil physiochemical properties among the three stands. Avera-ge well color development (AWCD) of soil in various stands followed the order of NF＞MB＞CF, consistent with the changes of utilization of six types of carbon sources. Shannon index of NF was the highest, and the index of MB was significantly higher than that of CF. Soil physical and chemical properties in different stands were not significantly different, except soil pH and bulk density. The Shannon diversity index (H), Shannon species richness index (S), Simpson dominance index (D) and McIntosh index (U) were the highest in NF, second in MB, and the lowest in CF. Results from principal component analysis (PCA) showed that two factors from 31 carbon sources could explain 60.0% and 12.4% of the variation and that carboxylic acids, carbohydrates and its derivatives, amino acids were the main carbon sources of the two principal component factors. Correlation analysis indicated that plant species richness and Shannon diversity indexes, soil bulk density were significantly correlated to soil microbial community diversity. The microbial community of NF was more efficient in carbon utilization than that in MB and CF, while that in MB was more efficient than that of CF. Based on plant diversity and soil microbial carbon utilization, MB is much better than CF in the artificial forest restoration and improvement in South China.

A preliminary checklist of the skippers (Rhopalocera: Hesperiidae) of Guangxi, China.

A survey of the literature shows that a total of 64 genera comprising 155 species/subspecies of skippers have been recorded in Guangxi. Based on a field survey and the examination of specimens, 1 subspecies, Burara gomata gomata (Moore, 1866), is recorded as new to China, and 1 species, Celaenorrhinus vietnamicus Devyatkin, 1998, is reported in Guangxi for the first time. Therefore, to date, a total of 57 genera with 109 species/subspecies in 4 subfamilies of Hesperiidae have been positively identified as the fauna of Guangxi. Four genera and 42 species/subspecies are considered as requiring confirmation, and 3 genera and 6 species/subspecies are excluded. Some taxonomic notes are provided when necessary.