Ngaokeoke Aotearoa: The Peripatoides Onychophora of New Zealand.

(1) Background: Originally described as a single taxon, Peripatoides novaezealandiae (Hutton, 1876) are distributed across both main islands of New Zealand; the existence of multiple distinct lineages of live-bearing Onychophora across this spatial range has gradually emerged. Morphological conservatism obscured the true endemic diversity, and the inclusion of molecular tools has been instrumental in revealing these cryptic taxa. (2) Methods: Here, we review the diversity of the ovoviviparous Onychophora of New Zealand through a re-analysis of allozyme genotype data, mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences, geographic information and morphology. (3) Results: New analysis of the multilocus biallelic nuclear data using methods that do not require a priori assumptions of population assignment support at least six lineages of ovoviviparous Peripatoides in northern New Zealand, and mtDNA sequence variation is consistent with these divisions. Expansion of mitochondrial DNA sequence data, including representation of all existing taxa and additional populations extends our knowledge of the scale of sympatry among taxa and shows that three other lineages from southern South Island can be added to the Peripatoides list, and names are proposed here. In total, 10 species of Peripatoides can be recognised with current data.

Characterizing the Palm Pathogenic Thielaviopsis Species from Florida.

Thielaviopsis paradoxa sensu lato is a soilborne fungal pathogen that causes Thielaviopsis trunk rot and heart rot in palms. The loss of structural integrity resulting from trunk rot can cause the palm trunk to collapse suddenly and poses a serious threat to life and property. Even though rudimentary knowledge about the Thielaviopsis infection process in palms is available, nothing is known about the T. paradoxa species complex in the US. The aim of this study was to characterize T. paradoxa s. lat. isolates collected from diseased palms grown in Florida. Multi-locus phylogeny using three genes, ITS, ß-tubulin, and tef1-α, revealed that the isolates separate into two distinct clades with high bootstrap support. The majority of the isolates clustered with the species T. ethacetica, while two isolates formed a separate clade, distinct from T. musarum, and might represent an undescribed Thielaviopsis species. One representative isolate from each clade, when grown on three distinct media and at four different temperatures, showed differences in gross colony morphology, as well as growth rates. The T. ethacetica isolate TP5448 and the Thielaviopsis sp. isolate PLM300 grew better at opposite ends of the temperature spectrum tested in this study, i.e., 35 °C and 10 °C, respectively. In pathogenicity assays on whole plants, the T. ethacetica isolate proved to be more aggressive than Thielaviopsis sp. isolate PLM300, as it produced larger lesions when inoculated on wounded leaflets. An unequal distribution was observed for the mating-type locus of T. ethacetica, as 12 isolates carried the MAT1-1-1 allele, while the status for four isolates remained undefined. Variation in mycelial growth in response to different fungicides was also observed between the two clades. These results demonstrate the existence of two Thielaviopsis clades that can infect palms in Florida and underscore the need for targeted sampling to help uncover the diversity of Thielaviopsis species across palm-growing regions in the US.

New faunistic data on Diptera (Hexapoda, Insecta) from the Ziarat Juniperus forest ecosystem (Pakistan).

Background: This study presents the first faunistic record and DNA barcoding for some Diptera species recorded from the Juniperus forest ecosystem of Balochistan, Pakistan. DNA barcoding was used to explore species diversity of Dipterans and collections carried out using a Malaise trap between December 2018 to December 2019. This process involved sequencing the 658 bp Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene. New information: Amongst the collected Diptera specimens, nine families were identified, representing 13 genera. These species include Atherigonasoccata (Rondani, 1871), Atherigonavaria (Schiner, 1868), Chironomusdorsalis (Meigen, 1818), Eupeodescorollae (Linnaeus, 1758), Eristalistenax (Linnaeus,1758), Goniaornata (Meigen, 1826), Luciliasericata (Meigen, 1826), Paragusquadrifasciatus (Linnaeus, 1758), Polleniarudis (Fabricius, 1794), Raviniapernix (Thompson, 1869), Sarcophagadux (Thompson, 1869), Trupaneaamoena (Schiner, 1868) and Wohlfahrtiabella (Linnaeus, 1758). The families Syrphidae and Sarcophagidae exhibited the highest representation, each comprising three genera and three species. They were followed by the family Muscidae, which had a single genus and two species. Anthomyiidae, Chironomidae, Calliphoridae, Polleniidae, Tachinidae and Tephritidae were represented by only one genus and one species. A nique Barcode Index Number (BIN) was allotted to Tachinidae (specie i.e Goniaornata). The results indicated that barcoding through cytochrome oxidase I is an effective approach for the accurate identification and genetic studies of Diptera species. This discovery highlights the significant diversity of this insect order in study region. Furthermore, a comprehensive list of other Diptera species remains elusive because of difficulties in distinguishing them, based on morphology and a lack of professional entomological knowledge.

A cryptic radiation of Caribbean sea slugs revealed by integrative analysis: Cyerce 'antillensis' (Sacoglossa: Caliphyllidae) is six distinct species.

Integrative studies have revealed cryptic radiations in several Caribbean lineages of heterobranch sea slugs, raising questions about the evolutionary mechanisms that promote speciation within the tropical Western Atlantic. Cyerce Bergh, 1871 is a genus comprising 12 named species in the family Caliphyllidae that lack the photosynthetic ability of other sacoglossans but are noted for vibrant colours on the large cerata (dorsal leaf-like appendages) that characterize many species. Two species are widely reported from the Caribbean: Cyerce cristallina (Trinchese, 1881) and Cyerce antillensis Engel, 1927. Here, we present an integrative assessment of diversity in Caribbean Cyerce. Four methods of molecular species delimitation supported seven species in samples from the Caribbean and adjacent subtropical Western Atlantic. Six delimited species formed a monophyletic lineage in phylogenetic analyses but were > 9% divergent at the barcoding COI locus and could be differentiated using ecological, reproductive and/or morphological traits. We redescribe C. antillensis, a senior synonym for the poorly known Cyerce habanensis Ortea & Templado, 1988, and describe five new species. Evolutionary shifts in algal host use, penial armature and larval life history might have acted synergistically to promote the rapid divergence of endemic species with restricted distributions in this radiation, substantially increasing global diversity of the genus.

Molecular detection of blood protozoa and identification of black flies of the Simulium varicorne species group (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Thailand.

Species of the Simulium varicorne group in Thailand have veterinary significance as vectors of haemosporidian parasites. Accurate identification is, therefore, critical to the study of vectors and parasites. We used morphology and molecular markers to investigate cryptic genetic lineages in samples identified as Simulium chumpornense Takaoka & Kuvangkadilok, 2000. We also tested the efficiency of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) marker for the identification of species in this group. Morphological examinations revealed that S. chumpornense lineage A is most similar to S. khelangense Takaoka, Srisuka & Saeung, 2022, with minor morphological differences. They are also genetically similar based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences. Geographically, the sampling site where paratypes of S. khelangense were originally collected is <50 km from where S. chumpornense lineage A was collected. We concluded that cryptic lineage A of S. chumpornense is actually S. khelangense. COI sequences could not differentiate S. kuvangkadilokae Pramual and Tangkawanit, 2008 from S. chumpornense and S. khelangense. In contrast, ITS2 sequences provided perfect accuracy in the identification of these species. Molecular analyses of the blood protozoa Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma demonstrated that S. khelangense carries L. shoutedeni, Leucocytozoon sp., and Trypanosoma avium. The Leucocytozoon sp. in S. khelangense differs genetically from that in S. asakoae Takaoka & Davies, 1995, signaling the possibility of vector-parasite specificity.

A comprehensive framework for the delimitation of species within the Bemisia tabaci cryptic complex, a global pest-species group.

Identifying cryptic species poses a substantial challenge to both biologists and naturalists due to morphological similarities. Bemisia tabaci is a cryptic species complex containing more than 44 putative species; several of which are currently among the world's most destructive crop pests. Interpreting and delimiting the evolution of this species complex has proved problematic. To develop a comprehensive framework for species delimitation and identification, we evaluated the performance of distinct data sources both individually and in combination among numerous samples of the B. tabaci species complex acquired worldwide. Distinct datasets include full mitogenomes, single-copy nuclear genes, restriction site-associated DNA sequencing, geographic range, host speciation, and reproductive compatibility datasets. Phylogenetically, our well-supported topologies generated from three dense molecular markers highlighted the evolutionary divergence of species of the B. tabaci complex and suggested that the nuclear markers serve as a more accurate representation of B. tabaci species diversity. Reproductive compatibility datasets facilitated the identification of at least 17 different cryptic species within our samples. Native geographic range information provides a complementary assessment of species recognition, while the host range datasets provide low rate of delimiting resolution. We further summarized different data performances in species classification when compared with reproductive compatibility, indicating that combination of mtCOI divergence, nuclear markers, geographic range provide a complementary assessment of species recognition. Finally, we represent a model for understanding and untangling the cryptic species complexes based on the evidence from this study and previously published articles.

Deep divergences among inconspicuously colored clades of Epipedobates poison frogs.

Poison frogs (Dendrobatidae) are famous for their aposematic species, having a combination of diverse color patterns and defensive skin toxins, yet most species in this family are inconspicuously colored and considered non-aposematic. Epipedobates is among the youngest genus-level clades of Dendrobatidae that includes both aposematic and inconspicuous species. Using Sanger-sequenced mitochondrial and nuclear markers, we demonstrate deep genetic divergences among inconspicuous species of Epipedobates but relatively shallow genetic divergences among conspicuous species. Our phylogenetic analysis includes broad geographic sampling of the inconspicuous lineages typically identified as E. boulengeri and E. espinosai, which reveals two putative new species, one in west-central Colombia (E. sp. 1) and the other in north-central Ecuador (E. aff. espinosai). We conclude that E. darwinwallacei is a junior subjective synonym of E. espinosai. We also clarify the geographic distributions of inconspicuous Epipedobates species including the widespread E. boulengeri. We provide a qualitative assessment of the phenotypic diversity in each nominal species, with a focus on the color and pattern of inconspicuous species. We conclude that Epipedobates contains eight known valid species, six of which are inconspicuous. A relaxed molecular clock analysis suggests that the most recent common ancestor of Epipedobates is âˆ¼11.1 million years old, which nearly doubles previous estimates. Last, genetic information points to a center of species diversity in the Chocó at the southwestern border of Colombia with Ecuador. A Spanish translation of this text is available in the supplementary materials.

Molecular Evidence Reveals Taxonomic Uncertainties and Cryptic Diversity in the Neotropical Catfish of the Genus Pimelodus (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae).

Pimelodus is the most speciose genus of the family Pimelodidae, and is amply distributed in the Neotropical region. The species-level taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships within this genus are still poorly resolved, however. These taxonomic problems and the general lack of data have generated major uncertainties with regard to the identification of specimens from different localities. In the present study, we applied a single-locus species delimitation approach to identify the MOTUs found within the genus Pimelodus and provide sound evidence for the evaluation of the species richness of this genus in the different river basins of the Neotropical region. The study was based on the analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene of 13 nominal species, which resulted in the identification of 24 consensus MOTUs. Only six nominal species were recovered as well-defined molecular entities by both the traditional barcoding analysis and the molecular delimitation methods, while the other seven presented cryptic diversity or persistent taxonomic uncertainties. The lineages identified from the Parnaíba ecoregions, Amazonas Estuary and Coastal Drainages may represent a much greater diversity of Pimelodus species than that recognized currently, although a more detailed study of this diversity will be necessary to provide a more definitive classification of the genus.

Phylogenetic and genetic variation of common mudskippers (Periophthalmus kalolo Lesson, 1831) from the southern coast of Java, Indonesia inferred from the COI mitochondrial gene.

BACKGROUND: The common mudskipper (Periophthalmus kalolo Lesson, 1831) belongs to a group of fish species that exhibit amphibious lifestyles during specific daily periods. However, identifying this species poses a challenge due to its morphological similarities with other mudskipper species. These similarities have occasionally caused misidentifications of mudskippers. In Indonesia, previous studies have examined the genetic variation of common mudskippers, but these investigations have been limited to a few specific areas, particularly along the southern coast of Java. As a result, the available data remain fragmented, and no comprehensive genetic population analysis of common mudskippers on the southern coast of Java has been conducted. Therefore, our study aimed to establish DNA barcodes of COI mtDNA and explore the genetic variation and relationship among these common mudskipper populations from the southern coast of Java. We collected nine specimens from two populations, Cilacap Mangrove Forest and Kondang Bandung Beach, and supplemented our dataset with 38 previously collected COI sequences of common mudskippers from three different populations from the southern coast of Java (Pasir Mendit Beach, Bogowonto Lagoon, and Baros Beach). RESULTS: The study revealed that 47 common mudskippers from five different populations are separated into three genetically distinct clades (A, B, and C). These clades display genetic divergences ranging from 0.97% to 1.91%. Each clade exhibits high levels of haplotype diversity but relatively low nucleotide diversity, suggesting a previous bottleneck in population followed by a fast expansion. However, the phylogeny, haplotype network, and principal coordinate analysis indicate overlapping populations with no geographic separation within these clades. This suggests the potential occurrence of gene flow among these populations, which might have been facilitated by past geological events. CONCLUSIONS: These results enhance our understanding of common mudskipper biodiversity in Indonesia. Further studies involving common mudskipper populations from various geographical sites in Indonesia are required to further enrich our understanding of the variation and evolution of this species.

New insights into the stipitate hydnoid fungi Sarcodon, Hydnellum, and the formerly informally defined Neosarcodon, with emphasis on the edible species marketed in Southwest China.

Sarcodon and Hydnellum are two ectomycorrhizal genera of important ecological and economic value in Southwest China, and they are common in the free markets in this region. It was estimated that more than 1,500 tonnes of them were sold as edible per year, but there was little information about the taxonomic placements of these edible mushrooms sold in the markets. Traditional concepts of the two genera have also been challenged recently, and circumscription of Sarcodon and the informally defined clade "Neosarcodon" remained unresolved. In the present study, specimens collected in the field and purchased from the markets in Southwest China were analyzed based on morphological characters and DNA sequences. Phylogeny of the traditional Sarcodon s. lat. and Hydnellum s. lat. was reconstructed from the combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuclear large ribosomal subunit (nLSU) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) dataset based on expanded samples to reevaluate the taxonomic placements of the two genera. In the present molecular analyses, four distinct clades were recovered and strongly supported: Hydnellum, Neosarcodon, Phellodon and Sarcodon. Neosarcodon is formally introduced as a generic name to include nine species previously placed in Sarcodon, and the delimitation of Sarcodon is revised based on phylogenetic and morphological studies. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed an unexpected species diversity (17 phylogenetic species) of Sarcodon and Hydnellum in the markets; nine phylogenetic species of Sarcodon and eight of Hydnellum were uncovered from the samples collected in the markets. Eight species were resolved in the traditional S. imbricatus complex, with S. imbricatus s.str. being the most common edible stipitate hydnoid fungal species. Three of the edible Hydnellum species (H. edulium, H. subalpinum, and H. subscabrosellum), and five separated from the S. imbricatus complex (Sarcodon flavidus, S. giganteus, S. neosquamosus, S. nigrosquamosus, and S. pseudoimbricatus), are described as new. Three new Chinese records (H. illudens, H. martioflavum, and H. versipelle), and the notable S. imbricatus and S. leucopus are also reported.

Exposure to resistant fungi across working environments and time.

Antifungal resistance has emerged as a significant health concern with increasing reports of resistant variants in previously susceptible species. At present, little is known about occupational exposure to antifungal-resistant fungi. This study aimed to investigate Danish workers' occupational exposure to airborne fungi resistant to first-line treatment drugs. A retrospective study was performed on a unique collection of personal exposure samples gathered over a twenty-year period from Danish working environments, in sectors including agriculture, animal handling, waste management, and healthcare. A total of 669 samples were cultivated at 37 °C and fungal colonies were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. Subsequently, identification was confirmed by amplicon sequencing the genes of calmodulin and beta-tubulin to unveil potential cryptic species. Infectious fungi (495 isolates from 23 species) were tested for resistance against Itraconazole, Voriconazole, Posaconazole, and Amphotericin B. Working environments were highly variable in the overall fungal exposure, and showed vastly different species compositions. Resistance was found in 30 isolates of the species Aspergillus fumigatus (4 of 251 isolates), A. nidulans (2 of 13), A. niger complex (19 of 131), A. versicolor (3 of 18), and A. lentulus (2 of 2). Sequence analysis revealed several cryptic species within the A. niger complex including A. tubingensis, A. luchuensis, and A. phoenicis. Among the resistant A. fumigatus isolates, two contained the well-described TR34/L98H mutation in the cyp51A gene and promoter region, while the remainder harbored silent mutations. The results indicate that the working environment significantly contributes to exposure to resistant fungi, with particularly biofuel plant workers experiencing high exposure. Differences in the prevalence of resistance across working environments may be linked to the underlying species composition.

A new species of Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from central Guangxi, China with a discussion of the taxonomy of Odorrana (Bamburana).

A new species of odorous frog, Odorranadamingshanensissp. nov., was found at the Damingshan National Nature Reserve in Guangxi, China. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: medium body size (SVL 52.3-54.8 mm in males and 74.8-81.2 mm in females), sawtooth spinules on the upper lip, obtusely rounded snout that extends beyond the lower margin, distinct dorsolateral folds, horny tubercles on the rear of the back, presence of outer metatarsal tubercles, dilated nuptial pad with velvety spinules, distinct maxillary gland with tiny spines, and external lateral vocal sac. Through analysis of the 16S mitochondria gene, the new species is closely related to O.nasica and O.yentuensis, but the genetic divergence between the new species and the latter exceeds 7% (uncorrected p-distance). Currently, the new species is only known from its original discovery site. Furthermore, a discussion on the taxonomy of Odorrana (Bamburana) was conducted, identifying seven species within the subgenus Odorrana (Bamburana).

Discovery of five new species of Allacta from Yunnan and Hainan, China (Blattodea, Pseudophyllodromiidae).

We examined new Allacta materials from Yunnan and Hainan Province, China, and discovered new species using both morphological and molecular species delimitation (ABGD) methods. Five new species are described: A.bifolium Li & Wang, sp. nov., A.hemiptera Li & Wang, sp. nov., A.lunulara Li & Wang, sp. nov., A.redacta Li & Wang, sp. nov., and A.unicaudata Li & Wang, sp. nov. All five species are placed under the hamifera species group. An updated key and checklist of Allacta species from China are provided.

Chionobium takahashii, gen. et sp. nov., associated with snow blight of conifers in Japan.

Gremmenia abietis (Dearn.) Crous (syn: Phacidium abietis) was originally described in North America to accommodate the species associated with snow blight of Abies and Pseudotsuga spp. In Japan, this species was first observed on the dead needles on Abies sachalinensis and Picea jezoensis var. jezoensis in 1969. However, the identity of Japanese species was unclear due to the lack of molecular data and the absence of anamorph description. In this study, we collected fresh specimens from various conifer species (A. sachalinensis, A. veitchii, Pic. jezoensis var. jezoensis, Pic. jezoensis var. hondoensis, Pinus koraiensis, and Pin. pumila) in Japan and revised the taxonomy based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), nuc 28S rDNA (28S), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) regions indicated that the species belongs to Phacidiaceae. Conidiomata formed in vitro produced pyriform, hyaline conidia without mucoid appendage, which distinguished the species from phylogenetically related genera. Consequently, we established Chionobium takahashii to accommodate the snow blight fungus in Japan. Further phylogenetic analyses also indicated that C. takahashii includes several distinct clades corresponding to the host genera (Abies, Picea, Pinus). Morphological differences among those clades were unclear, suggesting that C. takahashii may contain host-specific cryptic species.

Pseudocryptic diversity and species boundaries in the sea cucumber Stichopus cf. horrens (Echinodermata: Stichopodidae) revealed by mitochondrial and microsatellite markers.

Morphologically cryptic and pseudo-cryptic species pose a challenge to taxonomic identification and assessments of species diversity and distributions. Such is the case for the sea cucumber Stichopus horrens, commonly confused with Stichopus monotuberculatus. Here, we used mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and microsatellite markers to examine genetic diversity in Stichopus cf. horrens throughout the Philippine archipelago, to aid species identification and clarify species boundaries. Phylogenetic analysis reveals two recently diverged COI lineages (Clade A and Clade B; c. 1.35-2.54 Mya) corresponding to sequence records for specimens identified as S. monotuberculatus and S. horrens, respectively. Microsatellite markers reveal two significantly differentiated genotype clusters broadly concordant with COI lineages (Cluster 1, Cluster 2). A small proportion of individuals were identified as later-generation hybrids indicating limited contemporary gene flow between genotype clusters, thus confirming species boundaries. Morphological differences in papillae distribution and form are observed for the two species, however tack-like spicules from the dorsal papillae are not a reliable diagnostic character. An additional putative cryptic species was detected within Clade B-Cluster 2 specimens warranting further examination. We propose that these lineages revealed by COI and genotype data be referred to as Stichopus cf. horrens species complex.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of two closely related species: Myxobolus tihanyensis n. sp. and Myxobolus sandrae Reuss, 1906.

Based on spore morphology and small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences, we describe a new Myxobolus species, Myxobolus tihanyensis n. sp., parasitizing the European perch (Perca fluviatilis) from Lake Balaton in Hungary. The brownish plasmodia were found in various locations of the body, mainly in the muscle adjacent with fins and vertebrae. The spores were ovoid, and measured 9.84 ± 0.38 µm in length, 7.69 ± 0.23 µm in width, and 5.35 ± 0.21 µm in thickness, with 8-10 sutural (edge) markings. The polar capsules were mostly equal in size, with 4.91 ± 0.39 µm in length and 2.27 ± 0.24 µm in width. The polar tubule length is 38.15 µm ± 2.70, and coiled 6-7 times. In particular, these morphological data overlap with those of Myxobolus sandrae Reuss1906 infecting the European perch (Perca fluviatilis), the pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), and the Volga pikeperch (Sander volgensis) according to previous descriptions and the taxonomic data here described. However, the phylogenetic analyses separate the two species as sister clades with 16.8% genetic distance. This study has demonstrated that the two species of Myxobolus exhibit phenotypic similarity while displaying significant genetic divergence. Therefore, the importance of including molecular data in the taxonomic description of myxozoans is emphasized.

Parallels of quantum superposition in ecological models: from counterintuitive patterns to eco-evolutionary interpretations of cryptic species.

BACKGROUND: Superposition, i.e. the ability of a particle (electron, photon) to occur in different states or positions simultaneously, is a hallmark in the subatomic world of quantum mechanics. Although counterintuitive at first sight, the quantum world has potential to inform macro-systems of people and nature. Using time series and spatial analysis of bird, phytoplankton and benthic invertebrate communities, this paper shows that superposition can occur analogously in redundancy analysis (RDA) frequently used by ecologists. RESULTS: We show that within individual ecosystems single species can be associated simultaneously with different orthogonal axes in RDA models, which suggests that they operate in more than one niche spaces. We discuss this counterintuitive result in relation to the statistical and mathematical features of RDA and the recognized limitations with current traditional species concepts based on vegetative morphology. CONCLUSION: We suggest that such "quantum weirdness" in the models is reconcilable with classical ecosystems logic when the focus of research shifts from morphological species to cryptic species that consist of genetically and ecologically differentiated subpopulations. We support our argument with theoretical discussions of eco-evolutionary interpretations that should become testable once suitable data are available.

Temporal Distribution Patterns of Cryptic Brachionus calyciflorus (Rotifera) Species in Relation to Biogeographical Gradient Associated with Latitude.

Sympatric distribution and temporal overlap of cryptic zooplankton species pose a challenge to the framework of the niche differentiation theory and the mechanisms allowing competitor coexistence. We applied the methods of phylogenetic analysis, DNA taxonomy, and statistical analysis to study the temporal distribution patterns of the cryptic B. calyciflorus species, an excellent model, in three lakes, and to explore the putative mechanisms for their seasonal succession and temporal overlap. The results showed that in the warm-temperate Lake Yunlong, B. fernandoi and B. calyciflorus s.s. underwent a seasonal succession, which was largely attributed to their differential adaptation to water temperature. In the subtropical Lake Jinghu, B. fernandoi, B. calyciflorus s.s., and B. dorcas exhibited both seasonal succession and temporal overlap. Seasonal successions were largely attributed to their differential adaptation to temperature, and temporal overlap resulted from their differential responses to algal food concentration. In the tropical Lake Jinniu, B. calyciflorus s.s. persisted throughout the year and overlapped with B. dorcas for 5 months. The temporal overlap resulted from their differential responses to copepod predation. These results indicated that the temporal distribution pattern of the cryptic B. calyciforus species and the mechanism that allows competitor coexistence vary with different climate zones.

How many species will Earth lose to climate change?

Climate change may be an important threat to global biodiversity, potentially leading to the extinction of numerous species. But how many? There have been various attempts to answer this question, sometimes yielding strikingly different estimates. Here, we review these estimates, assess their disagreements and methodology, and explore how we might reach better estimates. Large-scale studies have estimated the extinction of ~1% of sampled species up to ~70%, even when using the same approach (species distribution models; SDMs). Nevertheless, worst-case estimates often converge near 20%-30% species loss, and many differences shrink when using similar assumptions. We perform a new review of recent SDM studies, which show ~17% loss of species to climate change under worst-case scenarios. However, this review shows that many SDM studies are biased by excluding the most vulnerable species (those known from few localities), which may lead to underestimating global species loss. Conversely, our analyses of recent climate change responses show that a fundamental assumption of SDM studies, that species' climatic niches do not change over time, may be frequently violated. For example, we find mean rates of positive thermal niche change across species of ~0.02°C/year. Yet, these rates may still be slower than projected climate change by ~3-4 fold. Finally, we explore how global extinction levels can be estimated by combining group-specific estimates of species loss with recent group-specific projections of global species richness (including cryptic insect species). These preliminary estimates tentatively forecast climate-related extinction of 14%-32% of macroscopic species in the next ~50 years, potentially including 3-6 million (or more) animal and plant species, even under intermediate climate change scenarios.