Golden spikes, scientific types, and the ma(r)king of deep time.

Chronostratigraphy is the subfield of geology that studies the relative age of rock strata and that aims at producing a hierarchical classification of (global) divisions of the historical time-rock record. The 'golden spike' or 'GSSP' approach is the cornerstone of contemporary chronostratigraphic methodology. It is also perplexing. Chronostratigraphers define each global time-rock boundary extremely locally, often by driving a gold-colored pin into an exposed rock section at a particular level. Moreover, they usually avoid rock sections that show any meaningful sign of paleontological disruption or geological discontinuity: the less obvious the boundary, the better. It has been argued that we can make sense of this practice of marking boundaries by comparing the status and function of golden spikes to that of other concrete, particular reference standards from other sciences: holotypes from biological taxonomy and measurement prototypes from the metrology of weight and measures. Alisa Bokulich (2020b) has argued that these 'scientific types' are in an important sense one of a kind: they have a common status and function. I will argue that this picture of high-level conceptual unity is mistaken and fails to consider the diversity of aims and purposes of standardization and classification across the sciences. I develop an alternative, disunified account of scientific types that shows how differences in ontological attitudes and epistemic aims inform scientists' choices between different kinds of scientific types. This perspective on scientific types helps to make sense of an intriguing mid-twentieth-century debate among chronostratigraphers about the very nature of their enterprise. Should chronostratigraphers conventionally make boundaries by designating golden spikes, or should they attempt to mark pre-existing 'natural' boundaries with the help of a different kind of scientific type?

Complete mitochondrial genomes of the black corals Alternatipathesmirabilis Opresko & Molodtsova, 2021 and Parantipatheslarix (Esper, 1788) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Hexacorallia, Antipatharia, Schizopathidae).

We describe the complete mitogenomes of the black corals Alternatipathesmirabilis Opresko & Molodtsova, 2021 and Parantipatheslarix (Esper, 1790) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Hexacorallia, Antipatharia, Schizopathidae). The analysed specimens include the holotype of Alternatipathesmirabilis, collected from Derickson Seamount (North Pacific Ocean; Gulf of Alaska) at 4,685 m depth and a potential topotype of Parantipatheslarix, collected from Secca dei Candelieri (Mediterranean Sea; Tyrrhenian Sea; Salerno Gulf; Italy) at 131 m depth. We also assemble, annotate and make available nine additional black coral mitogenomes that were included in a recent phylogeny (Quattrini et al. 2023b), but not made easily accessible on GenBank. This is the first study to present and compare two mitogenomes from the same species of black coral (Stauropathesarctica (Lütken, 1871)) and, thus, place minimum boundaries on the expected level of intraspecific variation at the mitogenome level. We also compare interspecific variation at the mitogenome-level across five different specimens of Parantipathes Brook, 1889 (representing at least two different species) from the NE Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.

New protocol to affix sample for environmental and high vacuum electron microscopy.

Electron microscopy has become increasingly essential as an investigative research resource in various fields of science. Despite the evolution of the equipment and preparation techniques, little has been published on techniques for affixation and removal of samples on the stubs after analysis. This work aims to illustrate a quick and low-cost procedure for fixing and removing a sample from the support for analysis by electronic microscopy, applied to crustacean and insect species, as well as other invertebrates. It thus makes it feasible to use specimens or anatomical portions of specimens represented by a few individuals, or designated as paratypes or holotypes in a collection. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This study presents a quick and low-cost procedure for fixing and removing samples from support for electron microscopy analysis. This technique makes it possible to use individual specimens or anatomical portions represented in a collection. Fluidization of the adhesive and its complete removal allow easy recovery and repositioning of samples.

DNA isolation and genome sequence of the 134-year-old holotype specimen of Boletus subvelutipes Peck.

Molecular characterization of type specimens is a powerful tool used in clarifying species identity/circumscription, as well as establishing the taxonomic and phylogenetic status of organisms in question. However, DNA sequencing of aged herbarium collections can be a challenge due to the quantity and quality of DNA still present in the specimens. Herein, we report a custom DNA isolation protocol suitable for processing minute quantities of old specimen tissue and its utilization via high-throughput sequencing technologies to obtain, for the first time, the genome assembly of the 134-year-old holotype of Boletus subvelutipes Peck, a North American fleshy pored mushroom of taxonomic and historical significance. A side-by-side evaluation of our DNA isolation method with that of a commercial "kit" by Qiagen is also presented. By relying on the type material, we have established the genetic identity of B. subvelutipes, as well as providing preliminary phylogenetic evidence for its generic affinities in Neoboletus within Boletaceae. The reference genome of the B. subvelutipes holotype provides a resource for future comparative genomic studies, taxonomic revisions in Boletaceae, and other evolutionary studies of fungi.

Holotype sequencing of Silvataresholzenthali Rázuri-Gonzales, Ngera & Pauls, 2022 (Trichoptera, Pisuliidae).

While DNA barcodes are increasingly provided in descriptions of new species, the whole mitochondrial and nuclear genomes are still rarely included. This is unfortunate because whole genome sequencing of holotypes allows perpetual genetic characterization of the most representative specimen for a given species. Thus, de novo genomes are invaluable additional diagnostic characters in species descriptions, provided the structural integrity of the holotype specimens remains intact. Here, we used a minimally invasive method to extract DNA of the type specimen of the recently described caddisfly species Silvataresholzenthali Rázuri-Gonzales, Ngera & Pauls, 2022 (Trichoptera: Pisuliidae) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A low-cost next generation sequencing strategy was used to generate the complete mitochondrial and draft nuclear genome of the holotype. The data in its current form is an important extension to the morphological species description and valuable for phylogenomic studies.

Reassessment of type specimens of Cordyceps and its allies, described by Dr. Yosio Kobayasi and preserved in the mycological herbarium of the National Museum of Nature and Science. Part 4. Cordyceps s. l. on Lepidoptera.

Dr. Kobayasi and Mr. Shimizu described 31 species of Cordyceps infecting Lepidoptera. Holotype specimens of 14 species and two authentic specimens of one of the 31 species were rediscovered from a herbarium of the National Museum of Nature and Science (TNS). Registration numbers (TNS-F-number) were given to these 16 specimens, and one was lectotypified as follows. Holotypes: Metarhizium indigoticum TNS-F-230337; Yosiokobayasia kusanagiensis TNS-F-197994 (Clavicipitaceae); Beauveria hepialidicola (Kobayasi & Shimizu) Hirok. Sato, S. Ban & Hosoya, comb. nov. TNS-F-197986; Cordyceps ampullacea TNS-F-197981, Cordyceps militaris f. alba TNS-F-230340, Cordyceps ochraceostromata TNS-F-195471, and Cordyceps rosea TNS-F-197972 (Cordyceps sensu stricto, Cordycipitaceae); Ophiocordyceps aurantia TNS-F-195485, Ophiocordyceps cochlidiicola TNS-F-195470, and Ophiocordyceps hiugensis TNS-F-197978 (Ophiocordy-cipitaceae); and Cordyceps changpaishanensis TNS-F-195501, Cordyceps ootakiensis TNS-F-197976, Cordyceps shimizui TNS-F-197995, and Cordyceps sulfurea TNS-F-197974 (Cordyceps sensu lato). Lectotype: Cordyceps bulolensis TNS-F-230327 (Cordyceps sensu lato). A new combination Beauveria hepialidicola comb. nov., is proposed for Cordyceps hepialidicola based on morphological observations.

Revision of the endemic African genus Dinapsis (Dinapsini, Megalyridae, Hymenoptera) with description of seven new species.

The endemic Afrotropical genus Dinapsis is revised, and seven new species are described and illustrated: D.bicolor van Noort & Shaw, sp. nov., D.gamka van Noort & Shaw, sp. nov., D.igneus van Noort & Shaw, sp. nov., D.spinitibia van Noort & Shaw, sp. nov., D.taita van Noort & Shaw, sp. nov., D.tricolor Shaw & van Noort, sp. nov., D.zulu Shaw & van Noort, sp. nov. The distribution of the Central African Republican species D.centralis Shaw & van Noort, 2009 is extended to include Cameroon, Kenya and Uganda. Dinapsisturneri Waterston, 1922, previously only known from the poorly preserved holotype female, is redescribed based on newly collected specimens. The distribution of this Western Cape species is extended to include the Eastern and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa. Four distinct species groups within the genus are proposed and diagnosed. An illustrated identification key to all described species of Dinapsis is provided. Online interactive Lucid keys to Afrotropical megalyrid genera and Dinapsis species are available at http://www.waspweb.org.

On an unknown lamprey holotype (Petromyzon macrostomus Burmeister 1868) and the genus Exomegas Gill 1883 from South America.

The taxonomy of the South American genus Exomegas Gill 1883 has been unstable owing to the unknown status of the type specimen of its type species, Petromyzon macrostomus Burmeister 1868. Here the authors announce the finding of the holotype in the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" ichthyology collection. Whereas Exomegas type species is recognized based on its holotype, Exomegas gallegensis (Smitt 1901) new status is proposed. These preliminary results resolve a century-long taxonomic uncertainty and foster a nomenclatural arrangement for a Southern Hemisphere lamprey genus.

The endless search for type specimens; illustrations of eleven spider (Araneae, Mygalomorphae) species described by Eugène Simon.

French arachnologist Eugène Simon is considered one of the most prolific arachnologists of all time. Unfortunately, Simon often provided very short descriptions with or without illustrations which makes recognition of his species difficult for subsequent taxonomists. Eugène Simon described 3,789 species of spiders in his career, and most of his type specimens are assumed to be held in the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, France. We present here the images of eleven Mygalomorphae species described by E. Simon that were never thoroughly illustrated: Cyrtaucheniidae: Fufius albovittatus, F. atramentarius, F. ecuadorensis; Dipluridae: Masteria cavicola, Diplura riveti, and Linothele soricina; Halonoproctidae: Ummidia asperula; Idiopidae: Idiops argus, I. fulvipes, I. opifex and Theraphosidae: Heterothele caudicula.

Type specimens in the molluscan collection of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Florida, USA.

This article lists and comments on the primary and secondary types represented in the collection of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum (BMSM), on Sanibel, Florida, USA. The collection includes 464 type specimens, of which 15 are holotypes, representing 149 taxa, of which 145 are species and four subspecies. The BMSM collection is fully catalogued and posted online via the Museum's website, in addition to iDigBio and GBIF. The publication of this annotated list intends to improve on the accessibility and promote this important group of name-bearing specimens, which includes, among other cases, types originating from orphaned collections and material poorly documented in the original descriptions. Eighty-two types were selected for illustration, and the photos of all BMSM types are available as part of the BMSM online collection catalog.

Redescription of Paraclimenes gorgonicola (Bruce, 1969) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae) and establishing P. franklini (Bruce, 1990) as its junior synonym.

The octocoral associated species Paraclimenes gorgonicola is a deep-sea palaemonid shrimp briefly described in Bruce (1969) without illustrations. Paraclimenes franklini, the type species of the genus Paraclimenes, has been considered as a valid species and distinguished from P. gorgonicola by the presence of articulated postrostral teeth on the carapace. Paraclimenes gorgonicola is herein fully redescribed and illustrated on the basis of the type series which is deposited in Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands and recently collected specimens from shallow waters around Jejudo Island, Korea, and compared with P. franklini. It is demonstrated that both taxa are conspecific and thus P. franklini is considered to be a junior synonym of P. gorgonicola.

Taxonomic revision and redescription of Microphysogobio hsinglungshanensis, the type species of Microphysogobio Mori, 1934 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae).

The genus Microphysogobio was established by Mori [Mori, T. (1934). The fresh water fishes of Jehol. In Report of the first scientific expedition to Manchoukuo. 1: pp. 1-61] based on a single specimen (Microphysogobio hsinglungshanensis) collected in the Luanhe River basin, Xinglong County, Hebei Province, China. Because the genus characteristics were derived from its type species, M. hsinglungshanensis, the detailed description is essential. In addition, to distinguish M. hsinglungshanensis and Microphysogobio chinssuensis, the description based on holotype and more specimens is needed. M. hsinglungshanensis can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: mouth shallow arc shaped and inferior; medial pad on lower lip inverted trapezoid and usually grooved; barbel short, 6.9%-14.3% in head length; lateral-line scales 38-39; ventral region between pectoral-fin origin and pelvic-fin origin scaleless; scales above lateral line 4-4.5; predorsal scales 10-11; vertebrae 4 + 32 - 34; caudal-fin membrane with two or three rows of irregular black spots. The characteristics of this genus were redefined based on M. hsinglungshanensis in this study.

On the putatively incorrect identification and "redescription" of Paratropis elicioi Dupérré 2015 (Paratropididae, Araneae) with the description of two new sympatric species from Ecuador.

Paratropis elicioi was described in 2015 from specimens collected in Ecuador. Both sexes were described, scientific illustrations of all relevant morphological characters were provided. Perafán et al. (2019) claimed to redescribe Paratropis elicioi from specimens collected in Colombia, without examining the holotype or paratype. Evidence that the description published by Perafán et al. 2019 is not Paratropis elicioi is presented. Two new sympatric species are described: P. otonga sp. n. and P. pristirana sp. n.

The types of skippers described by Shu-Iti Murayama (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae).

Fifteen holotypes of Asian Hesperiidae taxa described by Shu-iti Murayama were examined, and their taxonomic status is discussed. We confirm that five are valid names while the rest are synonyms as indicated partially by previous authors. Valid species-level names are Aeromachus matudai (Murayama), Aeromachus bandaishanus Murayama Shimonoya, Coladenia pinsbukana (Shimonoya Murayama), and Sebastonyma suthepiana Murayama Kimura. Valid subspecies-level name is Ochlodes yuchingkina Murayama Shimonoya. In order to settle the taxonomic status of Pedesta masuriensis cuneomaculata Murayama, masuriensis and tali were studied morphologically and molecularly. As a result, we consider that masuriensis and tali are two different species and treat cuneomaculata as a junior subjective synonym of tali.

The type specimens of Papilionoidea in the collection of the National Museum of Natural History, Sofia (Lepidoptera).

This paper comprises a catalogue of the type material of true butterflies (Papilionoidea) kept in the National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia. The collection contains types of nine nominal species group taxa, described by S. Abadjiev, S. Beshkov, I. Buresch, H. Rebel, and K. Tuleschkow. Lectotypes have been designated for Colias myrmidone balcanica Rebel, 1901, Erebia tyndarus macedonica Buresch, 1919, E. gorge pirinica Buresch, 1919, Euchloe gruneri macedonica Buresch, 1921, Sathyrus [sic] arethusa strumata Buresch, 1919, and Doritis apollinus var. thracica Buresch, 1915. One new synonym has been established: Papilio arethusa arethusa [Denis et Schiffermüller], 1775 = Sathyrus [sic] arethusa strumata Buresch, 1919, syn. nov.

Catalogue of the type material of Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) deposited in the Research Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Tokyo, Japan.

A detailed catalogue of the type material of the Scarabaeoidea housed in the Research Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Tokyo, Japan is listed. The catalogue includes the data of the type material of four families and 111 species.

Primary types of longhorned beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Vesperidae and Disteniidae) of Southwest University (SWU).

The primary types of longhorned beetles of Southwest University (SWU) are catalogued and figured. The original combination, current name, type locality, date and collector of type specimen are verified and presented. There are 69 holotypes and 86 paratypes in SWU. These 155 type specimens belong to three families, 51 genera, 71 species, of which 8 are in Disteniidae, 3 in Vesperidae, 3 in Prioninae, 12 in Lepturinae, 15 in Cerambycinae, and 30 in Lamiinae. A new synonym is proposed: Paraleprodera insidiosa (Gahan, 1888) = Paraleprodera bimaculata Wang Chiang, 2000 syn. nov.

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) originally described from French Guiana.

Examination of type specimens and topotypic material is often a necessary step to ascertain the validity of a species. Consequently, solid knowledge about type series, type locality and type depository is critical. In this paper, we provide a thorough review of the mosquito species originally described from specimens collected in French Guiana, with specific emphasis on the location of the current depositories of type material, the composition of type series and the delimitation of type localities. Information already published about the mosquito type material from French Guiana was gathered and efforts were made to ascertain the current location of their depositories. This investigation made it possible to locate a large part of the existing type material and to provide corrected information on type series and type localities, therefore providing a strong basis for future taxonomic research on mosquitoes. The type locality of Culex (Culex) pseudojanthinosoma Senevet Abonnenc is corrected from French Guiana to Africa, and this species is synonymized with Culex (Culex) duttoni Theobald.

Colocasia kachinensis, a new species of Araceae from Myanmar.

Colocasia kachinensis S.S. Zhou & J.T. Yin, is described and illustrated as a new species of Araceae from Kachin, Mynamar. The morphological characters are compared to those of other Colocasia species. Colocasia kachinensis is closely related to C. menglaensis J.T Yin, H. Li & Z.F. Xu, 2004, but differs from in having an erect stem, no stolons, smaller size, a different pattern of surface bristle distribution and male flowers 1-4-androus with stamens connate in truncate synandrium.

A global catalog of primary reptile type specimens.

We present information on primary type specimens for 13,282 species and subspecies of reptiles compiled in the Reptile Database, that is, holotypes, neotypes, lectotypes, and syntypes. These represent 99.4% of all 13,361 currently recognized taxa (11,050 species and 2311 subspecies). Type specimens of 653 taxa (4.9%) are either lost or not located, were never designated, or we did not find any information about them. 51 species are based on iconotypes. To map all types to physical collections we have consolidated all synonymous and ambiguous collection acronyms into an unambiguous list of 364 collections holding these primary types. The 10 largest collections possess more than 50% of all (primary) reptile types, the 36 largest collections possess more than 10,000 types and the largest 73 collections possess over 90% of all types. Of the 364 collections, 107 hold type specimens of only 1 species or subspecies. Dozens of types are still in private collections. In order to increase their utility, we recommend that the description of type specimens be supplemented with data from high-resolution images and CT-scans, and clear links to tissue samples and DNA sequence data (when available). We request members of the herpetological community provide us with any missing type information to complete the list.