Systematics and phylogeography of bats of the genus Rhynchonycteris (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae): Integrating molecular phylogenetics, ecological niche modeling and morphometric data.

Rhynchonycteris is a monotypic genus of Embalonurid bats, whose geographic distribution extends from southern Mexico to tropical regions of the South American continent, including Trinidad and Tobago. Although species that have a wide geographic distribution are frequently revealed to be polytypic, to date, no study has evaluated the taxonomic status of populations of Rhynchonycteris naso. Thus, the aim of this study is to address the patterns of phylogeographic structure and taxonomic subdivision of R. naso using molecular phylogenetics, morphometric data and ecological niche modeling. Phylogenetic results recovered using the genes COI, Cytb, Chd1, Dby, and Usp9x, supported the monophyly of the genus Rhynchonycteris, in addition, a deep phylogeographic structure was revealed by the mitochondrial gene COI for the populations of Belize and Panama in comparison to those of South America. The PCA, and the linear morphometry indicated an apparent differentiation between the cis-Andean and trans-Andean populations. Furthermore, according to the skull morphology, at least two morphotypes were identified. Ecological niche modeling projections in the present have shown that the Andean cordillera acts as a climatic barrier between these two populations, with the depression of Yaracuy (Northwest Venezuela) being the only putative climatically suitable path that could communicate these two populations. On the other hand, projections for the last glacial maximum showed a drastic decrease in climatically suitable areas for the species, suggesting that cycles of lower temperatures played an important role in the separation of these populations.

Evolution of satDNAs on holocentric chromosomes: insights from hemipteran insects of the genus Mahanarva.

Satellite DNAs (satDNAs) constitute one of the main components of eukaryote genomes and are involved in chromosomal organization and diversification. Although largely studied, little information was gathered about their evolution on holocentric species, i.e., diffuse centromeres, which, due to differences in repeat organization, could result in different evolutionary patterns. Here, we combined bioinformatics and cytogenetic approaches to evaluate the evolution of the satellitomes in Mahanarva holocentric insects. In two species, de novo identification revealed a high number of satDNAs, 110 and 113, with an extreme monomer length range of 18-4228 bp. The overall abundance of satDNAs was observed to be 6.67% in M. quadripunctata and 1.98% in M. spectabilis, with different abundances for the shared satDNAs. Chromosomal mapping of the most abundant repeats of M. quadripunctata and M. spectabilis on other Mahanarva reinforced the dynamic nature of satDNAs. Variable patterns of chromosomal distribution for the satDNAs were noticed, with the occurrence of clusters on distinct numbers of chromosomes and at different positions and the occurrence of scattered signals or nonclustered satDNAs. Altogether, our data demonstrated the high dynamism of satDNAs in Mahanarva with the involvement of this genomic fraction in chromosome diversification of the genus. The general characteristics and patterns of evolution of satDNAs are similar to those observed on monocentric chromosomes, suggesting that the differential organization of genome compartments observed on holocentric chromosomes compared with monocentric chromosomes does not have a large impact on the evolution of satDNAs. Analysis of the satellitomes of other holocentric species in a comparative manner will shed light on this issue.

The Spittlebug Mahanarva tristis as a Senior Synonymy of Four Neotropical Species of Mahanarva (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae), and Considerations About M. tristis Subspecies.

Mahanarva Distant, the neotropical spittlebug genus contains 48 species and many of them are only known from their original descriptions and one location. A group of species of this genus stand out due to their similarities and are studied here. Based on comparisons between 28 Mahanarva tristis (Fabricius) specimens and the original drawings of the other species, we demonstrate strong morphological similarities. Examinations of the tegmina showed a polymorphism with different dot and stripe patterns. Those patterns are not exclusive for one species and are found throughout the taxa. Again, studying the male genitals no species-specific characters can be found. Furthermore, differences of the parameres were explained by different angle positions of these genital plates which alter the resulting photos and drawings significantly. On the other hand, changes of the aedeagus can be explained due to its fragile structure and the resulting manipulations during handling. In addition, the overlapping known distribution of the taxa leads to the conclusion that the four species are in fact synonyms of M. tristis and that there is no evidence for the validity of the subspecies. We conclude that the New World spittlebug M. tristis is considered a senior synonym of Mahanarva fraseri (Distant) n. syn., Mahanarva mura (China & Myers) n. syn., Mahanarva raripila (Jacobi) n. syn., and Mahanarva trifissa (Jacobi) n. syn. Aside from that, there was no evidence for the validity of the M. tristis subspecies Mahanarva tristis guppyi (Urich) n. syn., Mahanarva tristis monagasi (Fennah) n. syn., Mahanarva tristis quadrimaculata (Fennah) n. syn., Mahanarva tristis suffusa (Walker) n. syn., and Mahanarva tristis walkeri (Lallemand) n. syn. Unfortunately, it was not possible to conclude the taxonomic state of Mahanarva tristis stalii (Lallemand) because there are no known specimens or types available. So, the subspecies is considered a species inquirenda.

Reborn from ashes: a new species of Tunaima (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae) from Southeastern Brazil.

A new species of Tunaima Fennah, 1968 is described and illustrated from Southeastern Brazil (Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states) and a distribution map is provided. Tunaima mejdalanii sp. nov. is characterized by having tegmen brownish with two orange spots, spine-like process located between middle and apical third of dorsal margin of subgenital plate, paramere booth-shaped, dorsal margin irregular with a mountain-shape elevation. The type series of the new species belongs to the Museu Nacional (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro) collection. Fortunately, this series has been sent on loan to the second author before the tragic fire that destroyed the Quinta da Boa Vista Palace in 2018.

Two new species of Eupalaestrus Pocock, 1901 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Southern Brazil and Northeastern Argentina

After a morphological analysis of several tarantula specimens of the genus Eupalaestrus, including recently collected specimens from previously unrecorded localities, we herein describe two new species. They differ from congeners by the presence of a large area with spiniform setae between the coxae IV. They differ from each other in general size and in the thickening of the tibia and metatarsus IV. Eupalaestrus crassimetatarsis sp. nov. is distributed in the Brazilian States of Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, and in Misiones Province in Argentina. Eupalaestrus roccoi sp. nov. is distributed in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. These natural grasslands are under threat from rapidly encroaching arable and livestock farming.

A remarkable new species of spittlebug and a second living New World genus in the Clastopteridae (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea).

A new species of Neotropical spittlebug (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea: Clastopteridae), Paraclastoptera erwini sp. n., is described and illustrated from Orellana, Ecuador. This species exhibits unique features differentiating it from all known Clastoptera and serves as the genotype for a new genus Paraclastoptera gen. n. This is the second extant New World genus for the Clastopteridae, hitherto represented solely by the widespread, abundant and speciose genus Clastoptera.

A new species of Ferorhinella (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) from southeastern Brazil with taxonomic notes on the genus.

A new species of Ferorhinella Carvalho & Webb 2004 from southeastern Brazil is described and illustrated, and a taxonomic key to species in the genus is provided. Ferorhinella itatiaiensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other known species of the genus mainly by the paramere with rounded apex and two subapical lateral spines on outer surface, one long, dorsally inserted and the other one small, ventrally inserted; and dorsal margin of the subgenital plates with a rectangular elevation, covered with small, tooth-like spines.

New World spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Cercopidae: Ischnorhininae): Dated molecular phylogeny, classification, and evolution of aposematic coloration.

The spittlebug family Cercopidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadomorpha: Cercopoidea) is distributed worldwide, with highest species diversity in the tropics. Several included species are economically important pests of major agricultural crops and cultivated pasture grasses. Taxonomically, Cercopidae is divided into two subfamilies: the paraphyletic Old World Cercopinae and the monophyletic New World Ischnorhininae. Results are here presented from an investigation of phylogenetic relationships within Ischnorhininae based on DNA sequences from seven loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, Histone 2A, Histone 3, Wingless, Cytochrome Oxidase I, and Cytochrome Oxidase II) generated from exemplars of 119 spittlebug species. The resulting topology is used to test alternative higher-level classification hypotheses of Ischnorhininae and, with fossil-calibration, dates were estimated for major events in the evolutionary history of Cercopidae, including a much earlier divergence date (around 68-50 Mya) than previously reported in the literature. In addition, for the first time in Cercopidae, ancestral states of some predation avoidances strategies were reconstructed, with results suggesting an origin of aposematic coloration in the Cercopidae ancestor, with subsequent independent losses of aposematic coloration in multiple lineages.

U1 snDNA chromosomal mapping in ten spittlebug species (Cercopidade, Auchenorrhyncha, Hemiptera).

Spittlebugs, which belong to the family Cercopidae (Auchenorrhyncha, Hemiptera), form a large group of xylem-feeding insects that are best known for causing damage to plantations and pasture grasses. The holocentric chromosomes of these insects remain poorly studied in regards to the organization of different classes of repetitive DNA. To improve chromosomal maps based on repetitive DNAs and to better understand the chromosomal organization and evolutionary dynamics of multigene families in spittlebugs, we physically mapped the U1 snRNA gene with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in 10 species of Cercopidae belonging to three different genera. All the U1 snDNA clusters were autosomal and located in interstitial position. In seven species, they were restricted to one autosome per haploid genome, while three species of the genus Mahanarva showed two clusters in two different autosomes. Although it was not possible to precisely define the ancestral location of this gene, it was possible to observe the presence of at least one cluster located in a small bivalent in all karyotypes. The karyotype stability observed in Cercopidae is also observed in respect to the distribution of U1 snDNA. Our data are discussed in light of possible mechanisms for U1 snDNA conservation and compared with the available data from other species.

Karyotypes and Repetitive DNA Evolution in Six Species of the Genus Mahanarva (Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae).

Insects of the Cercopidae family are widely distributed and comprise 59 genera and 431 species in the New World. They are xylemophagous, causing losses in agricultural and pasture grasses, and are considered as emerging pests. Chromosomally, these insects have been studied by standard techniques, revealing variable diploid numbers and primarily X0 sex chromosome systems (males). We performed chromosome studies in 6 Mahanarva (Cercopidae) species using standard and differential chromosome staining as well as mapping of repetitive DNAs. Moreover, the relationship between the repetitive DNAs was analyzed at the interspecific level. A diploid chromosome number of 2n = 19,X0 was documented, with chromosomes gradually decreasing in size. Neutral or GC-rich regions were detected which varied depending on the species. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a (TTAGG)n telomeric motif probe revealed terminal signals, matching those of the Cot DNAs obtained from each species, that were also restricted to the terminal regions of all chromosomes. Dot blot analysis with the Cot fraction from M. quadripunctata showed that at least part of the repetitive genome is shared among the 6 species. Our data highlight the conservation of chromosomal features and organization of repetitive DNAs in the genus Mahanarva, suggesting a low differentiation for chromosomes and repetitive DNAs in most of the 6 species studied.

A new spittlebug species of Deois (Pandysia) (Hemiptera, Cercopidae, Ischnorhininae) with a key to species of the subgenus

ABSTRACT Deois (Pandysia) paschoali sp. nov. from southern Brazil is described and illustrated. This species can be distinguished from other congeners by the following characters: aedeagus with dorsal margin serrate and paramere with a truncate and serrate spine. A key to species of Pandysia is provided.

Revision of Urubaxia Fennah (Hemiptera: Cercopidae: Ischnorhininae) with description of two new species.

We reviewed Urubaxia Fennah, 1968 and described two new species, Urubaxia solo n.sp. and Urubaxia chewie n.sp. from South America. Species of the genus can be easily distinguished by the shape of the paramere, with two divergent processes, and are usually collected in high altitude zones. An identification key and illustrations are provided.

Taxonomic notes on Mahanarva (Ipiranga) (Hemiptera, Cercopidae) with description of a new species.

Mahanarva (Ipiranga) takiyae sp. nov. (Cercopidae) is described and illustrated from Brazil. This new species can be distinguished from other known species in the genus by the tegmen with three rounded yellow spots and the shape of the paramere. Mahanarva (Mahanarva) rubripennis is transferred to the subgenus Mahanarva (Ipiranga).

Descriptions of two new species of Sphenorhina (Hemiptera, Cercopidae, Tomaspidinae) from the Neotropical region

Description of two new species of Sphenorhina (Hemiptera, Cercopidae, Tomaspidinae) from the Neotropical region. Two new species of Sphenorhina Amyot & Serville, S. pseudoboliviana SP. NOV: from Bolivia and S. plata SP. NOV: from Argentina are described and illustrated.

Ultrastructure and redescription of Notozulia entreriana (Berg) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae).

The ultrastructure of the spittlebug Notozulia entreriana (Berg) is presented. The study resulted in 32 scanning electron microscope photos, with detailed species description.

Ultrastructure and redescription of Notozulia entreriana (Berg) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) / Ultraestrutura e redescrição de Notozulia entreriana (Berg) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae)

A morfologia ultra-estrutural da cigarrinha Notozulia entreriana (Berg) é apresentada. Resultaram 32 ilustrações, utilizando-se microscópio eletrônico de varredura, bem como uma detalhada descrição da espécie.

The ultrastructure of the spittlebug Notozulia entreriana (Berg) is presented. The study resulted in 32 scanning electron microscope photos, with detailed species description.

Revisão taxonômica de Kanaima Distant (Hemiptera, Cercopidae, Ischnorhininae) / Taxonomic revision of Kanaima Distant (Hemiptera, Cercopidae, Ischnorhininae)

Kanaima Distant, 1909 é revisado, sendo suas espécies descritas e redefinidas. Este trabalho ressalta os caracteres taxonomicamente importantes das espécies de Kanaima, como os da morfologia externa e da genitália. Quatro espécies são reconhecidas como válidas: K. katzensteinii (Berg, 1879), K. fluvialis (Lallemand, 1924), K. fusca (Lallemand, 1927) comb. nov., e K. nigra sp. nov. (Brasil, RS). Os nomes Monecphora fluvialis var. lateralis Lallemand, 1924 e Monecphora fluvialis var. bipunctata Lallemand, 1924 são sinonimizados sob Kanaima fluvialis. Quatro espécies incluídas em Kanaima são transferidas para Mahanarva: M. (Ipiranga) vittata (Walker, 1851) comb. nov., M. (Ipiranga) fortunata (Lallemand, 1924) comb. nov., M. (Mahanarva) radiata (Walker, 1851) comb. nov. e M. (Mahanarva) dubia (Stancik & Cavichioli, 2003) comb. nov. Pachypterinella Lallemand, 1927 sin. nov.

Kanaima Distant, 1909 is revised; the species are described and redefined. This work presents characteristics of the species of Kanaima, important characters of the external morphology and the genitalia. Four species are recognized as valid: K. katzensteinii (Berg, 1879), K. fluvialis (Lallemand, 1924), K. fusca (Lallemand, 1927) n. comb., and K. nigra n. sp. (Brasil, RS). The names Monecphora fluvialis var. lateralis Lallemand, 1924 and Monecphora fluvialis var. bipunctata Lallemand, 1924 are synonymized under Kanaima fluvialis. Four species enclosed in Kanaima are transferred to Mahanarva: M. (Ipiranga) vittata (Walker, 1851) n. comb., M. (Ipiranga) fortunata (Lallemand, 1924) n. comb., M. (Mahanarva) radiata (Walker, 1851) n. comb. and M. (Mahanarva) dubia (Stancik & Cavichioli, 2003) n. comb. Pachypterinella Lallemand, 1927 n. syn.