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Biodiversity Data Journal
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.465  Citation Impact (citeScore): 1 Number of Followers: 7  Open Access journalISSN (Print) 1314-2836 - ISSN (Online) 1314-2828 Published by Pensoft  [58 journals]
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- New records of stoneflies (Insecta, Plecoptera) from the Greater Khingan
Mountains, China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e151489
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e151489
Authors : Ya-Fei Zhu, Abdur Rehman, Xiao Yang, Qing-Bo Huo, Liang-Liang Zeng, Valentina A. Teslenko, Yu-Zhou Du : Plecoptera (stoneflies) are an ancient order of aquatic insects that serve as vital bioindicators in freshwater ecosystems. This study focuses on the Greater Khingan Mountains in north-eastern China, a biodiversity hotspot with limited stonefly research. By documenting new genera and species records, it expands our knowledge of Chinese Plecoptera. The findings enhance biogeographical and ecological insights into this underexplored region.This paper records five families, six genera and seven species of stoneflies from the Greater Khingan Mountains, among them Diura Billberg, 1820 and Megarcys Klapálek, 1912 as new Chinese-recorded genera and seven species recorded for the first time in China, including Isocapnia kudia Ricker, 1959, Paraleuctra zapekinae Zhiltzova, 1974, Nemoura arctica Esben-Petersen, 1910, Nemoura sirotskii Teslenko, 2018, Diura majuscula (Klapálek, 1912), Megarcys ochracea (Klapálek, 1912) and Utaperla lepnevae (Zhiltzova, 1970). The research materials were from the northern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains in north-eastern China, including parts of Heilongjiang Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:06:38 +000
- Dataset of carabid beetles in Southern Dolomites from 1983 to 1996
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e148207
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e148207
Authors : Roberto Pizzolotto, Fabiola Durante : The Carabid beetles are a key group for assessing ecological characteristics of natural environments because they play a role as bioindicator organisms suitable for both theoretical and applied studies. Moreover, they are one of the few Coleoptera orders with numerous quantitative ecological studies conducted using consistent methodologies in the Dolomite environments (Eastern Italian Alps). In this paper, natural and semi-natural habitats located at mid- and high-altitude located in the Southern Dolomites were studied, specifically the populations of carabids living in alpine grasslands and active scree-slopes from 1300 m a.s.l. to 2160 m a.s.l.This dataset advances the initiative of adopting a formal structure for carabid beetle datasets and promotes open access to such data. This publication specifically targets historical data published in grey literature, written in Italian or published as technical reports not available online. The Darwin Core standard was used to create the datasets and tables have been made available through the GBIF portal (the Global Biodiversity Information Facility). This ensures the data adhere to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), aligning with current best practices in scientific research. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 15 Apr 2025 11:55:23 +000
- New data on the huntsman spiders (Araneae, Sparassidae) of China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e153724
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e153724
Authors : Changhao Hu, He Zhang, Yang Zhong : Sparassidae Bertkau, 1872 is the tenth largest family of Araneae, with 11 genera and 288 species known in China.In the current paper, four newly-recorded species from China are provided: Heteropoda acris Korai & Jäger, 2024, Olios sericeus (Kroneberg, 1875), O. suung Jäger, 2012 and Rhitymna plana Jäger, 2003, of which O. sericeus is re-described, based on specimens collected from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Additionally, a new Thelcticopis species, T. lini sp. nov., is described. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:07:53 +000
- MANGF: a reference library of DNA barcodes for Mantodea from French Guiana
(Insecta, Dictyoptera)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e149486
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e149486
Authors : Nicolas Moulin : Mantodea plays a special role in the food chain as a group charismatic generalist predators. They regulate invertebrate populations while themselves being prey for many larger animals such as reptiles and birds. The present study focuses on Fench Guiana where about 78 species are known within eight families. This diversity represents a challenge for specimen identification.The MANGF project aims at developing a DNA metabarcoding approach to facilitate and enhance the monitoring of mantises as indicators in ecological studies. As a first step towards that goal, we assembled a library of DNA barcodes using the standard genetic marker for animals, i.e. a portion of the COI mitochondrial gene. In the present contribution, we release a library including 425 records representing 68 species in eight different families. Species were identified by expert taxonomists and each record is linked to a voucher specimen to enable future morphological examination. We also highlight and briefly discuss cases of low interspecific divergences, as well as cases of high intraspecific divergences that might represent cases of overlooked or cryptic diversity. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 9 Apr 2025 13:53:18 +0000
- Two new species and a new combination in Aculithus Liu & Li, 2022
(Araneae: Phrurolithidae) from South China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e153747
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e153747
Authors : Zimin Jiang, Zhongjing Wang, Xiaoting Lyu, Jun Yang, Keke Liu : Jiangxi Province has gradually become a hotspot for research on the family Phrurolithidae Banks, 1892, with 64 new species discovered in the past five years. Notably, over half of the currently known Aculithus species (5 species) were recorded in this region. However, studies have primarily focused on southern Jiangxi, while northern Jiangxi and remote mountainous areas remain under-surveyed. Many unknown Phrurolithidae species are still likely to be discovered within the Province.Two new species, Aculithus languan Jiang & Liu, sp. nov. and A. ruijin Jiang & Liu, sp. nov., are described from Jiangxi Province, China. Morphological illustrations, SEM pictures, photos of live specimens and a distribution map are given. Additionally, a new combination, A. taoyuan (Fu, Chen & Zhang, 2016) comb. nov., is proposed. The total number of the known species of Aculithus from China is raised to 12, including the three species treated in the present paper. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 8 Apr 2025 17:31:44 +0000
- Checklist of pioneer benthic taxa found on Autonomous Reef Monitoring
Structures (ARMS) in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e148863
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e148863
Authors : Valentina Cometti, Matteo Cecchetto, Alice Guzzi, Marco Grillo, Nicholas Noli, Simonetta Corsolini, Stefano Schiaparelli : Benthic communities studies in the Southern Ocean highlight their potential for assessing climate and anthropogenic impacts. However, the lack of standardised methods limits result reliability and interpretation. This dataset presents the first checklist focus on the Antarctic pioneer benthic communities collected using a standardised approach such as Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) located at 25 m depth in the surroundings of the Italian research station "Mario Zucchelli" (MZS) in the Terra Nova Bay (TNB) area of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. The data encompass ARMS time series corresponding to deployments of 1, 2, 3 and 5 years, from which 277 occurrence data corresponding to 12 phyla, 43 families, 49 genera and 39 species were obtained. All retrieved specimens are curated by the Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA, section of Genoa). This dataset is a contribution to the Antarctic Biodiversity Portal, the thematic Antarctic node for both the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (AntOBIS) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility Antarctic Biodiversity Information Facility (ANTABIF). The dataset was uploaded and integrated with the SCAR-AntOBIS database under the licence CC-BY 4.0. Please follow the guidelines from the SCAR Data Policy (ISSN 1998-0337) when using the data. If you have any questions regarding this dataset, please contact us via the contact information provided in the metadata or via data-biodiversity-aq@naturalsciences.be. Issues with the dataset can be reported at the biodiversity-aq GitHub project.We describe the biodiversity of the Antarctic pioneer benthic communities of TNB sampled using the ARMS installed at the Italian research station "Mario Zucchelli". ARMS is a standardised, reproducible and comparable method for quantifying biodiversity. This dataset provides essential baseline data on the occurrence and abundance of pioneer benthic communities in this study area, representing an important contribution for understanding the dynamics of benthic pioneer communities in an area where these structures have never been deployed and, in general, for an exposure time that largely exceed the standard one, which is usually of one year only.The 277 occurrences reported here have been classified at the lowest possible taxonomic level and comprise 39 recognised species, 49 genera and 43 families. Approximately 98% of the samples are stored in 96% ethanol, while the others at -20°C, representing a potential resource for future genetic studies. To date, the entire ARMS collection has not been DNA barcoded, although preliminary metabarcoding analyses have already been published in Cecchetto et al. (2024). Outcomes of the barcoding activity will be the target of another future publication (Cometti et al., in prep). The publication of this data paper was funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO, contract n°FR/36/AN1/AntaBIS) in the framework of EU-Lifewatch as a contribution to the SCAR Antarctic Biodiversity Portal (bio diversity.aq). HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 8 Apr 2025 11:32:14 +0000
- Captive breeding of Falco sp. (Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Red-footed
Falcon) with permanent disabilities in Bulgaria
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e148111
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e148111
Authors : Rusko Petrov : Captive breeding of different species of birds offers conservationists a viable option when it comes to boosting wild populations of rare endangered species. Including non-releasable animals with permanent injuries can increase the breeding flock and breeding output. In addition, it provides an opportunity for birds that cannot be released to be included in conservation activities by rearing offspring for release in the wild. Between 2013 and 2024, in Bulgaria in the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre, part of Green Balkans - Stara Zagora NGO, individuals from three species of small falcons were paired for breeding - the pairs included birds with permanent disabilities of Lesser Kestrels, Common Kestrels and Red-footed Falcons. For the study period, 34 Lesser Kestrels - offspring to injured pairs, were reared and released into the wild in the country, together with 172 Common Kestrels and two Red-footed Falcons. The breed-and-release activities contributed to reinforcing the wild populations of the falcon species and to improving the skills and knowledge of aviculturists and veterinarians in Bulgaria dealing with birds of prey. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 8 Apr 2025 09:06:49 +0000
- Re-description, systematics and complete mitochondrial genome of
Philhelius coreanus (Shiraki, 1930) (Diptera, Syrphidae) in the Republic
of Korea
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e146720
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e146720
Authors : Chan-Ouk Kim, Gyu-Dong Chang, Ho-Yeon Han, Jeong-Hun Song : The hoverfly Philhelius coreanus (Shiraki, 1930) was first described, based on only Korean male specimens and subsequent descriptions of the female from Russia did not include discussions of phenotypic variation. Furthermore, full-length mitochondrial genome sequences for the genus are lacking.To address these gaps, we here provide a diagnosis, re-description and mitochondrial genome of Philhelius coreanus (Shiraki, 1930). We evaluated genitalic characters of both males and females with colour photographs and they showed intraspecific variation. There was significant variation in the yellow spots on the pleuron, particularly in females. After obtaining the complete mitochondrial genome of P. coreanus, we performed a phylogenetic analysis using Maximum Likelihood, based on 13 protein-coding genes, with a focus on relationships within the tribe Syrphini. Our results supported the monophyly of Syrphini, showing a sister-group relationship between Philhelius and Doros Meigen, 1822. Furthermore, the Philhelius + Doros clade was closely related to the Chrysotoxum + Dideopsis clade, with relatively high support. The newly-obtained mitochondrial genome of P. coreanus and high-resolution phylogenetic analysis provide essential resources for further analyses of the genus and relationships within Syrphini. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 7 Apr 2025 15:20:59 +0000
- A dataset of the abundance of Ixodes spp. ticks in forests of the
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region (France)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142266
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e142266
Authors : Isabelle Lebert, Valérie Poux, Magalie René-Martellet, Karine Chalvet-Monfray, Gwenael Vourc'h, Séverine Bord : In Europe, Ixodes ticks are major vectors for both human and livestock pathogens, with the most widespread species, Ixodes ricinus, being responsible for the transmission of the pathogenic agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The disease is endemic in France, where the number of new human cases per year was estimated at 39,052 in 2023. I. ricinus is widely distributed in France, particularly in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, where its abundance is not always well known. Often, estimation of questing tick abundance is based on a single observation from several sites; moreover, depending on sampling conditions, the efficiency of sampling with cloth dragging is variable, but is generally low. Even when standardised protocols are used, abundance indicators and sampling rates are influenced by various factors including population dynamics, ground vegetation, soil layers and meteorology. One approach that can be employed to account for the impact of these factors on variations in sampling rate is the use of removal samplings, i.e. several successive samplings.The TELETIQ project (https://teletiq.clermont.hub.inrae.fr/) was interested in mobile phone and participatory science data for the estimation and understanding of the risk of transmission of environmental diseases with an application to diseases transmitted by ticks. It aimed to explore how data from information and communication technologies can be used to improve the estimation and understanding of the risk of transmission of diseases related to the environment. As part of this project, questing ticks were sampled in the field in 15 sites located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region (France). We designed an innovative protocol that combined three months of sampling (to include the time of peak tick activity), two transects for each site (to increase statistical power) and the removal sampling method (to take account of the variation in the sampling rate due to ground vegetation). A sampling protocol was designed to collect ticks using the cloth-dragging method. In each site, sampling was conducted along two transects, with ten sub-transects (ST) per transect. Each sub-transect was subjected to three successive rounds of sampling per month, from April to June, 2018. Based on this, we created a dataset of questing tick abundance and information on local environmental conditions. Over the three months of sampling, 2,274 questing ticks were captured across the 15 sites. This total included 2,205 questing nymphs, 30 questing adult females and 39 questing adult males. I. ricinus represented 100% of the identified ticks. Of the 2,205 nymphs sampled over the three months from April to June 2018, 62% were sampled (n = 1,367) in the first round of sampling, 24.5% (n = 540) in the second and 13.5% (n = 298) in the third. In 29.7% of STs (n = 267/900), no nymphs were collected in any of the three successive rounds of sampling confirming a strong presumption of absence. In 57.9% of STs (n = 521/900), at least one nymph was collected in the first round of sampling. In 112 of the remaining STs — in which no nymphs were detected in the first round of sampling — successive sampling did reveal the presence of nymphs (12.4% of the 900 total STs, 168 nymphs collected overall, representing 7.62% of the total number of nymphs collected in this project). Without a removal sampling design, that is, with only a single sampling occasion, these STs would have been considered tick-free. The information in this dataset on the local abundance of questing I. ricinus ticks can be used to determine the best way to collect data in the field, based on the sampling rate and vegetation type. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 2 Apr 2025 11:46:20 +0000
- Pycnogonida collection of the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian
Academy of Sciences
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142496
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e142496
Authors : Zoya Dudnik, Antonina Kremenetskaia : This dataset comprises detailed information on 2,134 Pycnogonida specimens stored in the Ocean Benthic Fauna collection (collection code: OBFc) of the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (IORAS). These specimens were collected over a span of 77 years, since 1947, from 996 distinct localities across various regions of the World Ocean.The IORAS Pycnogonida collection stands out for its wide range of Pycnogonida species, including both common and exceptionally rare specimens, some of which are unique to this collection. This diversity makes the dataset an invaluable resource for taxonomists, ecologists and marine biologists, particularly those studying sea spiders. By providing comprehensive data on species distribution and diversity, the collection plays a key role in advancing our understanding of these intriguing marine arthropods. It serves as a vital reference for scientific research, aiding in species identification, the study of ecological relationships and the analysis of biogeographic patterns worldwide.The whole Pycnogonida collection of the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology has undergone a meticulous revision and digitisation process to compile a comprehensive dataset on the geographic, bathymetric and taxonomic specimen distribution. This effort includes the documentation and imaging of the type collection as well as of rare and unique records. The resulting dataset serves as a valuable resource for a variety of scientific disciplines, including taxonomic studies, biodiversity research and biogeographic analyses. This dataset contributes to our understanding of marine biodiversity and the distribution patterns of Pycnogonida across different oceanic regions and depths. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 1 Apr 2025 10:03:39 +0000
- Resampling a carrion beetle fauna after 40 years (Coleoptera,
Staphylinidae, Silphinae, and Leiodidae, Cholevinae)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e151206
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e151206
Authors : Menno Schilthuizen, Teun van der Sterren, Isabel Kersten, Mike Groenhof, Henk van der Meulen, Leonie Wezendonk : From 29 May until 5 June 1982, the first author placed baited pitfall traps to sample the Staphylinidae, Silphinae and Leiodidae, Cholevinae (Coleoptera) fauna in a mixed forest in the Netherlands. Exactly 40 years later (29 May until 5 June 2022), as a project on insect declines with high school students at a nearby school, a resampling was carried out.We report the silphine and cholevine specimens recorded both in 1982 and 2022. We found that total species richness and biomass had not noticeably changed, but there were some distinct appearances and disappearances of species. In addition, the species abundance distribution has become more skewed in favour of locally common species, such as Sciodrepoides watsoni and Fissocatops westi. We discuss our results in the context of insect declines worldwide. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:46:59 +000
- Faunistic study of Coleoptera (Buprestidae, Carabidae, Cerambycidae,
Lucanidae and Melyridae) on Gageodo Island, south-westernmost Korean
Peninsula
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e146229
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e146229
Authors : Donguk Kim, Dooyoung Kim, Dongmin Kim, Young-Kun Kim, Sang Jae Suh, Kwang Shik Choi : The Korean Archipelago consists of more than 3,348 islands, many of which have an intact biodiversity. Gageodo Island, which is the south-westernmost island in the Peninsula, is characterised by floristic and faunistic features that are distinct from those of the mainland, making it of biogeographical and ecological interest. However, due to the difficulties associated with surveying this Island, it remains under-investigated. In particular, the Island's coleopteran fauna remains poorly understood.In this study, the authors surveyed Buprestidae (jewel beetles), Carabidae (ground beetles), Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles), Lucanidae (stag beetles) and Melyridae (soft-winged flower beetles) on Gageodo Island. Each species was identified and ecological notes were recorded. To update the coleopteran list for the Island, previous studies that examined samples from Gageodo Island were compiled and organised. As a result, 31 species and three families were recorded on the Island for the first time, for a total of 93 species within 16 families. Of these, the melyrid species, Intybia tsushimensis (Satô & Ohbayashi, 1968) is reported for the first time in the Korean Peninsula. This study contributes to understand the coleopteran fauna of the biogeographically important Island in Korea and will serve as a foundational piece for understanding the fauna of Gageodo. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:38:21 +000
- A new species of supergiant Bathynomus A. Milne-Edwards, 1879 (Isopoda:
Cirolanidae) from the Paracel Islands, South China Sea
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144238
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144238
Authors : Ming-Chih Huang, Tadashi Kawai : Bathynomus paracelensis sp. nov., a medium-sized supergiant Bathynomus, is described from specimens obtained at Zhengbin fishing port in Keelung, Taiwan and had been caught in the water near Paracel Islands, South China Sea. Due to its similar shape to B. jamesi, this species has often been mistaken for juveniles or immatures of B. jamesi by fishermen working in this area. Species of Bathynomus can be distinguished morphologically and genetically. The differences from B. jamesi are in the shorter body, clypeus shape, uropod endopod and gene sequence. The difference from B. vaderi is in the body shape, clypeus shape, hook number of maxilliped endite and spines number of maxilulla. Based on the morphological and genetic data results, the specimen is a hitherto undescribed species. The samples were collected as a bycatch species in the deep-sea bottom trawl fishery. The distribution area and depth of this new species and population size are still unclear.B. paracelensis sp. nov. is the third supergiant Bathynomus discovered in the South China Sea after B. jamesi and B. vaderi. Its remarkable feature is its short body length and sub-parallel shape. In addition, it is different from B. jamesi and B. vaderi in features such as clypeus shape, number of maxillula keratinised spine and pleotelson spine almost straight. Phylogenetic and barcoding gap analyses confirm that B. paracelensis sp. nov. is not the same species as B. jamsei. Many morphological differences also indicate that it should be a different species from B. vaderi. B. paracelensis sp. nov. may be an intermediate species between giant and supergiant, possessing characteristics of both categories, which can increase researchers' understanding of Bathynomus biodiversity. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:59:39 +000
- PNSS: An online plant name service system
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142973
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e142973
Authors : Qiu Jinshui, Zhang Jianwen, Jin Tao, Zhuang Huifu : Biodiversity plays a vital role in human survival and development. Consequently, the protection of biodiversity has become a global concern. Biological names serve as biological identifiers and the use of correct biological names helps promote biodiversity conservation research. At present, there are numerous taxonomic databases and software tools available worldwide for processing plant names. However, these resources are scattered across various database websites or personal computers. Users must invest a significant amount of time collecting these resources and expend substantial effort to learn, use and maintain them, consequently leading to high user learning and usage costs. Here, we propose a solution to address the above problem. We collected mainstream and freely available taxonomic datasets from around the world, integrated them into an extensive taxonomic dataset and subsequently mapped the data in this summary database to Solr search engine. Then, based on these taxonomic datasets, we designed database, algorithms and system, developed the system and finally established an online plant name service system (PNSS). The PNSS not only integrates the mainstream taxonomic datasets, but also offers free plant name retrieval, matching, search, parsing and application programming interface (API) services to help biologists conduct more effective research on biodiversity conservation. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:05:02 +000
- The hoverflies of the Dauzet collection at the Musée des Confluences in
Lyon (Diptera, Syrphidae)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e146082
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e146082
Authors : Gabriel Nève, Jocelyn Claude, Harold Labrique : Maurice Dauzet collected hoverflies mainly in Loire and Haute-Loire from 1980 to 2017. Here, we provide the data from his hoverfly collection and card records, in order to support efforts towards a better understanding of the changing distribution of pollinators.The hoverflies from the Dauzet collection includes 1302 specimens and 423 additional records written on cards, totalling 1725 data of 221 species. Data from these specimens and records are presented here, with date of capture and location details. The collection contains specimens of species endangered at the European level: Cheilosia gagatea, Epistrophe leiophthalma, Paragus albifrons and Paragus finitimus. The Dauzet collection adds 81 species data to the known departmental distribution of the hoverflies of France. This revision invalidates data on eight species in the Loire Department previously published by Maurice Dauzet. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:38:56 +000
- Re-description of the type specimens of Corinnomma hamulatum (Song & Zhu,
1992) stat. rest. (Araneae, Corinnidae) from Hubei, China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e145705
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e145705
Authors : Xinxin Li, Chang Chu, Ye-Jie Lin : Corinnomma Karsch, 1880 comprises 14 species, distributed in Asia, Africa and America. Amongst Asian species, Castianeira hamulata Song & Zhu, 1992 was considered as a junior synonym of Co. severum (Thorell, 1877) by Deeleman-Reinhold (2001).The species Corinnomma hamulatum (Song & Zhu, 1992) stat. rest. is resurrected from its synonymy with C. severum (Thorell, 1877). Photos and morphological re-description of the type specimens are presented. The results of species delimitation using the Poisson Tree Process also support the resurrection of this species. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:04:45 +000
- The digitisation workflow of the herbarium of the State Museum of Natural
History of the NAS of Ukraine (LWS)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e148861
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e148861
Authors : Andriy Novikov, Viktor Nachychko : The digitisation workflow currently applied at the Herbarium of the State Museum of Natural History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (LWS) differs from other similar by cascade ('object-to-data-to-image') multilevel organisation. Its application is predicted by the need to preselect specimens by taxon and region, as well as by batched digitisation, which occurs with significant interruptions. Focusing on certain taxonomic groups from specific regions allows us to digitise specimens that could be more valuable for early scientific processing. At the same time, the herbarium benefits from such a digitisation model by revising the existing collection classification and keeping the initial ID system. The presented digitisation workflow can be easily reproduced in any herbarium with a limited budget. The purpose of this paper is to provide detailed description and schemas of the principal digitisation stages applied at the LWS Herbarium and to briefly discuss the steps crucial for a successful result. Provided information should help to maintain the digitisation and choose appropriate equipment and materials. We can conclude that, despite its general complexity, the described workflow demonstrated itself as viable and relevant due to its robust design and focus on data quality. Despite a focus on specialists' involvement, it maintains flexibility that allows combining volunteers and, if needed, outsourced efforts. Moreover, its modularity promotes independence of principal digitisation stages and allows long interruptions between the digitisation batches. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:58:54 +000
- A new species of Bothropolys Wood, 1862 (Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae) from
south-western China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e149393
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e149393
Authors : Shiyi Gu, Sujian Pei, Huiqin Ma, Zixuan Zhang, Keying Zheng, Siqi Zhao, Zihan Zhang : The genus Bothropolys is mostly known from North America and East Asia. So far eleven species of Bothropolys are reported in China.A new lithobiid species, Bothropolys biserialis sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve in Wuxi County, Chongqing Municipality, south-western China. The new species is primarily compared with B. yoshidai Takakuwa, 1939, from the Hubei and Fujian Provinces, China, as well as Japan and North Korea and B. curvatus Takakuwa, 1939, from the Yunnan Province, China, as well as Japan and B. rugosus (Meinert, 1872), widely distributed in China, but it can easily be distinguished by antennae usually 20+20 articles, ocelli 21–27, usually 25 on each side, arranged in five irregular rows, with the posterior ocellus the largest, Tömösváry’s organ slightly smaller than the adjacent ocelli; commonly 9+9 coxosternal teeth, porodonts between the fourth and fifth or the fifth and sixth outer teeth; the posterior angles of TT 4, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 13 with obvious triangular projections; coxal pore formula 13–25, irregularly arranged, legs 1–14 with anterior and posterior accessory spurs, lacking posterior accessory spurs of legs 15. DaC spine on legs 12–15. Female gonopods with 4+4 moderately small coniform spurs, arranged in two rows. The type specimens are deposited in the collection of the Institute of Myriapodology, School of Life Sciences, Hengshui University, Hengshui, P. R. China. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:11:38 +000
- First records of genera Chrysopera Hampson, 1894 and Entomogramma Guenée,
1852 of the subfamily Erebinae (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) from South Korea
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e139471
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e139471
Authors : Hee Han, Sora Kim : The taxonomic status of two genera—Chrysopera and Entomogramma—within the subfamily Erebinae is still up for debate. This is because there are not many thorough phylogenetic studies based on large sampling and the Erebinae is one of the most speciose subfamilies of Lepidoptera with a high degree of diversity. They also lack in-depth comparative studies with morphologically related species.Two little-known genera Chrysopera Hampson, 1894 and Entomogramma Guenée, 1852 are reported for the first time in Korea, based on C. combinans (Walker, 1858) and E. fautrix (Guenée, 1852). Illustrations of adults and genitalia are presented. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:47:10 +000
- Re-description of Euryeidon consideratum Dankittipakul & Jocqué, 2004
(Araneae, Zodariidae), with a first description of the male
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e147095
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e147095
Authors : Lijun Gong, Yang Zhong : Euryeidon consideratum Dankittipakul & Jocqué, 2004 was described, based on a single female from Doi Luang National Park, Thailand and no additional specimens have been recorded since.Euryeidon consideratum is re-described and illustrated, based on new material from Xishuangbanna, China. The male is described and illustrated for the first time. In addition, this paper further illustrates the female and provides a supplementary description, confirming that the median plate of the epigyne is absent in this species, rather than broken off as suggested in the original publication. The distribution map of this species is given. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 26 Mar 2025 08:44:16 +000
- Re-description of Sinopoda curva Zhong, Jäger, Chen & Liu, 2019 (Araneae,
Sparassidae), with a first description of the female
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e152100
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e152100
Authors : Lijun Gong, Yang Zhong : Sinopoda Jäger, 1999 is a relatively large spider genus that currently comprises 141 species distributed worldwide. However, the genus remains inadequately studied because nearly half of the species are known from a single sex or juvenile specimens. Sinopoda curva Zhong, Jäger, Chen & Liu, 2019 was described, based on two male specimens from Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China and no additional specimens have been recorded since.Recently, new materials of huntsman spiders have been collected from Mt. Wuyishan, including specimens of both sexes. Several males were identified as S. curva, based on morphological comparison with the holotype. Based on morphological characters and DNA barcodes, we confidently matched the females and males as S. curva. Herein, S. curva is re-described, based on these new materials and the female is described and illustrated for the first time. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:05:30 +000
- Silent changes in taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of
birds in Qiyunshan National Nature Reserve, south China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e145093
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e145093
Authors : Binqiang Li, Jian Lu, Xin Zhong, Daohan Li, Bailin Li, Nehafta Bibi, Kechuan Linghu, Shanjun Ma, Pinghua Zhong : Temporal taxonomic shifts have been documented in bird communities within protected areas. However, the potential impact of these changes on functional diversity and phylogenetic diversity remains poorly understood. In this study, we monitored bird communities in Qiyunshan National Nature Reserve in southern China for nine years (2014-2022). We examined temporal trends in taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity metrics and compared observed phylogenetic diversity values with expected values to determine the mechanisms driving community assembly. Additionally, we evaluated the temporal trend of beta diversity. A total of 118 bird species were recorded, with the dominant species including Chestnut Bulbul (Hemixos castanonotus), Grey-cheeked Fulvetta (Alcippe morrisonia) and Great Tit (Parus major). We found that species turnover was the principal driver of temporal variations in species composition. However, species richness, functional diversity and phylogenetic diversity fluctuated throughout the study period, showing no clear trend of increase or decrease. Our findings indicate that the composition of bird communities is shaped by environmental filtering and neutral processes. The changes in taxonomics may be due to changes in the availability of resources and random substitution arising from the dispersion process. Protected areas have the potential to attract new bird species with similar functional and genetic relationships to those already present. This leads to minimal changes to overall functional and phylogenetic diversity, suggesting a degree of functional redundancy amongst species that are replaced or added. Notably, we observed a persistent increase in species loss over time, raising concerns about the potential impact on the future functional stability of the system. We highlight that the asynchronous patterns of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity in birds emphasise the importance of multidimensional diversity metrics. Consequently, we suggest that functional and phylogenetic diversity should be regarded as essential indicators alongside species richness when evaluating conservation outcomes in nature reserves. This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the complexity of ecological communities and provides information for more effective conservation strategies. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:17:31 +000
- New caddisfly records (Insecta, Trichoptera) for Montenegro and Ecoregion
5, Dinaric Western Balkans: distributional and ecological insights
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e146076
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e146076
Authors : Hakan Bozdoğan, Astrit Bilalli, Halil Ibrahimi : The level of knowledge about the caddisfly fauna of Montenegro remains limited compared to that of some other countries in the Balkan Peninsula due to fewer systematic studies and historical gaps in data collection.Adult caddisfly specimens were collected from the Zeta River in Montenegro during July and October 2024. Additionally, caddisfly data from Montenegro derived from a small, previously unprocessed collection of specimens collected in 2017 were included. Thirteen species belonging to six caddisfly families were identified. Three species are reported for the first time from Montenegro: Hydroptila angustata Mosely, 1939, Hydropsyche bulbifera McLachlan, 1878 and Potamophylax goulandriourum Malicky, 1974. All these three species are reported for the first time from Ecoregion 5, Dinaric Western Balkans. Additionally, a few other rarely recorded species in the Western Balkans, such as Hydropsyche modesta Navàs, 1925, Limnephilus graecus Schmid, 1965, Odontocerum albicorne (Scopoli, 1763) and Hydroptila sparsa Curtis, 1834, were documented. Notably, Limnephilus graecus was found during autumn, despite previously being reported only in spring and summer, suggesting a potential shift in its adult emergence patterns.These findings enhance our understanding of the distribution and diversity of several rare caddisfly species, particularly with the new records for Montenegro and Ecoregion 5, Dinaric Western Balkans. They underscore the critical need for further research and conservation efforts to support freshwater biodiversity in this region. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:38:25 +000
- Two new species of Monodontomerus (Hymenoptera, Torymidae) from the
Pacific Northwest of North America and a revised key to the genus
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e122993
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e122993
Authors : Jacky Chitty, Daniel Duran : The genus Monodontomerus Westwood, 1833 (Hymenoptera, Torymidae) is distributed throughout the Globe, mostly in the Holarctic Region. Members of this genus are prolific parasitoids of pollinators and some are economically important. The New World fauna includes 25 described species and was revised 25 years ago.Two new species of parasitoid wasp, Monodontomerus rhinokopia Chitty and Duran sp. nov. and Monodontomerus verdigris Chitty and Duran sp. nov. (Torymidae, Monodontomerinae) are described from the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Monodontomerus rhinokopia may be differentiated from other species in the genus by simultaneously possessing the following combination of characteristics: a face not bulging in profile, malar sulcus well defined and straight (Fig. 5), F1-F7 subquadrate (Fig. 7), longitudinal irregular carinae on its dorsellum (Fig. 8), sculpture of mesepimeron confined to ventral margin (Fig. 5), apical rim of scutellum produced posteriorly and not emarginate, costal cell on anterior margin above with row in distal half and lacking setae basally, dorsal admarginal setae reaching both marginal vein and parastigma (Fig. 6) and Mt1 reticulately sculptured dorsally. Monodontomerus verdigris may be differentiated from other members of the genus by simultaneously possessing the following characteristics: F1-F7 subquadrate (Fig. 3), striation in the anterodorsal corner of the mesepimeron which does not reach transepimeral sulcus (Fig. 1), carina of dorsellum which splits into two distinct carinae that form an open “V” (Fig. 4), median depression of propodeum narrowly triangular to nucha which it intercepts with nearly parallel lateral margins, a projecting rim of the scutellum which is not emarginated and a reticulately textured Mt1 (Fig. 2). A revised key to the New World species of Monodontomerus has been created to enable identification of these species. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:13:20 +000
- Mobilizing primary biodiversity records in environmental assessments in
Spain
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142302
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e142302
Authors : Maite Telletxea, Rafael Miranda, Arturo Ariño, David Galicia : Environmental Assessment is an essential tool for minimising the environmental impact of human development, generating huge amounts of biodiversity data. However, much of this information, also in Spain, remains inaccessible after being partially included in Records of Decision (RODs). As a result, these dark data remain under-utilised, limiting their potential to provide information for conservation efforts and decision-making processes.This dataset compiles 4,630 species records derived from RODs published in the Spanish Official State Gazette between 2013 and 2023, focusing on catalogued species listed in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species and the List of Wild Species under Special Protection Regime. The data were collected using automated text-mining techniques and manually curated to correct errors and classify records as primary biodiversity records (PBRs), absences or literature-based occurrences. A total of 1,290 PBRs, 170 absences and 3,391 literature-based records were identified. PBRs were georeferenced and standardised according to the Darwin Core Standard. This dataset offers valuable insights into the presence and distribution of 31 non-Chiroptera species and 28 Chiroptera species, including 12 endangered (EN), 31 vulnerable (VU) and 16 listed species. The publication of these data in a FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) format via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility enhances their accessibility for future conservation planning and decision-making processes. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:10:09 +000
- CanFlyet: habitat zone and diet trait dataset for Diptera species of
Canada and Greenland
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e129610
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e129610
Authors : Samantha Majoros, Tyler Elliott, Sarah Adamowicz : Flies (Diptera) are an ecologically important group that play a role in agriculture, public health and ecosystem functioning. As researchers continue to investigate this order, it is beneficial to link the growing occurrence data to biological traits. However, large-scale ecological trait data are not readily available for fly species. While some databases and datasets include fly data, many ecologically relevant traits for taxa of interest are not included. In this study, we create a dataset containing ecological traits (habitat and diet) for fly species of Canada and Greenland having occurrence records on the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD). We present a dataset containing trait information from the literature for 981 Diptera species.Diptera species were chosen for the dataset, based on the occurrence records available for Diptera species from Canada and Greenland on the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). Trait data were then compiled and digitised in a standardised format, based on 667 works from literature published before April 2024. Traits were assigned at the lowest taxonomic level available. Three biological traits were included: larval habitat, larval diet type and adult diet. The dataset contains traits for 981 species across 380 genera, 34 subfamilies and 61 families. This dataset allows for assignment of traits to occurrence data for Diptera species and can be used for further research into the ecology, evolution and conservation of this order. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:56:01 +000
- Jumping plant lice (Hemiptera, Psylloidea) of Bulgaria – an
annotated checklist
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e147277
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e147277
Authors : Monika Pramatarova, Igor Malenovský, Ilia Gjonov : Knowledge of the fauna of jumping plant lice or psyllids in Bulgaria is rather scattered. So far, 113 species of psyllids have been recorded from Bulgaria in 51 publications. The aim of this study is to provide an up-to-date checklist of the Psylloidea species from Bulgaria, based on extensive fieldwork by the authors and examination of specimens mainly from the Zoological Collection of Sofia University (BFUS) and the Moravian Museum in Brno (MMBC). In addition, a thorough review of all relevant literature was undertaken to consolidate the existing records.Twenty-five species of jumping plant lice are recorded here from Bulgaria for the first time. Of these, two species represent new records for Europe: Dyspersa kantshavelii (Gegechkori, 1977) and Heterotrioza kochiae (Gegechkori, 1975); and three additional species represent new records for the Balkan Peninsula: Arytainilla spartiicola (Šulc, 1912), Craspedolepta araneosa Loginova, 1962 and Eryngiofaga babugani (Loginova, 1964). A new synonymy is proposed: Colposcenia osmanica Vondráček, 1953 = Colposcenia kiritshenkoi Loginova, 1960, syn. nov. A lectotype is designated for C. osmanica to stabilise the nomenclature. Original drawings or photographs of diagnostic characters on male and female terminalia are provided for C. osmanica, D. kantshavelii, Heterotrioza eurotiae (Loginova, 1960) and H. kochiae. Distributional maps summarising all known records from Bulgaria are provided for each species. Where available, photographs of live or mounted specimens and information on host plants are also provided, including new host plant records for 10 species. The previously published records of Aphalara sauteri Burckhardt, 1983, Bactericera acutipennis (Zetterstedt, 1828), B. reuteri (Šulc, 1913), Dyspersa apicalis (Foerster, 1848), D. viridula (Zetterstedt, 1828), Eryngiofaga mesomela (Flor, 1861) and Trioza dispar Löw, 1878 from Bulgaria are considered doubtful and these species are deleted from the list of the Bulgarian fauna, which now comprises 130 species from 33 genera and six families of jumping plant lice. This diversity is compared with the known data on Psylloidea in other countries of the Balkan Peninsula and Turkey and the Bulgarian psyllid fauna is discussed from the perspective of biogeography. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:49:19 +000
- Research progress on nationally protected plants in the three most
north-eastern provinces of China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144780
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144780
Authors : Yuzhu Sui, Hongfeng Wang : The three most north-eastern provinces of China (Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning) are rich in natural resources and have favourable geographical conditions, making them home to a large number of wild plant species. This paper summarises the distribution characteristics, endangerment degree and research status of nationally protected plants in these provinces based on online databases, literature review and field surveys.The results show that the north-eastern provinces have 31 families, 38 genera and 51 species of nationally protected plants. The endangered status includes both the endangered assessments made by China and those made globally. China has assessed 38 plant species as endangered, while 19 plant species are assessed as endangered globally. Currently, most of the protected plants have been studied, with in-situ and ex-situ conservation being the primary protective measures. In addition, this study also identified seven species of plants that are basically not covered by research and lack sufficient studies in the current literature and urgently need further in-depth investigation and long-term monitoring in order to improve the relevant conservation measures. This study provides a scientific basis for the conservation vacancies of plants under national key protection in the three north-eastern provinces, as well as a reference for formulating effective conservation policies and promoting further research. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:42:50 +000
- A new genus and species of feather duster worm (Annelida, Sabellidae) from
shallow hydrocarbon seeps in the Gulf of Mexico
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e139552
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e139552
Authors : Lauren Rice, María Ana Tovar-Hernández, Christina Ellison, Craig Young : Sabellid species are known to have a broad depth distribution and have been reported from various deep-sea habitats, including chemosynthetic systems. Despite this presence, only two species have been identified from deep water chemosynthetic habitats and only one has been identified to species. When examining hydrocarbon seep systems along the Upper Louisiana Slope in the Gulf of Mexico, we observed an abundant sabellid species new to science. The characters for the collected specimens did not match any existing genus.The description for the new sabellid genus and species are presented, supported by external morphology and DNA sequence data (cytochrome c oxidase I). Seepicola viridiplumi gen. nov., sp. nov. are gregarious, facultative hyper-epibionts within the examined methane seep communities and, seemingly, have a blend of morphological features of the genera Perkinsiana and Pseudopotamilla. Specimens also have several distinctive characters including the presence of a pair of peristomial chambers between the ventral lappets and parallel lamellae and the short, button-like shape of the radiolar tips. Abundance estimates for S. viridiplumi gen. nov., sp. nov. within the seep habitats are also presented. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:34:15 +000
- Freshwater fish diversity of the Yongding River, the largest river flowing
through Beijing
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144995
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144995
Authors : Chen Tian, Xuejian Li, Zhixian Sun, Chengyi Niu, Fushan Zheng, Yahui Zhao : The Yongding River, the largest river flowing through Beijing, is a major tributary of the Haihe River system. It holds significant ecological, economic and social importance in northern China. However, due to the climate change and anthropogenic activities, parts of the tributaries and lower mainstream of the Yongding River have dried up in recent decades. To alleviate the water scarcity crisis of the Yongding River, ecological water replenishment was initiated in 2020 based on the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and the Wanjiazhai Yellow River Diversion Project. As a result, the fish population structure and diversity of the Yongding River may change accordingly. In this context, before large-scale water replenishment started, we conducted two field surveys in the summer and autumn of 2019 to assess fish diversity in the Yongding River Basin.This study provides information of 45 fish species belonging to nine orders, 18 families, seven subfamilies and 33 genera in the Yongding River Basin. Our study includes one dataset that presents taxonomy, distribution, water body and location for each species collected from the Yongding River. The provided data can assist other researchers in assessing the impact of water replenishment on aquatic biodiversity and the broader ecological environment of northern China. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:40:57 +000
- Descriptions of hitherto unknown larvae of the genus Hydropsyche Pictet,
1834 from China (Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e151321
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e151321
Authors : Xinyu Ge, Jingyuan Wang, Lu Chai, Chuncai Yan : Hydropsyche Pictet, 1834 is the largest genus of Hydropsychinae. In China, larval descriptions exist for only about 20 species. Although the number of Hydropsyche larvae described in China has increased rapidly in recent years, larvae of more than 75% of Chinese Hydropsyche species remain unknown.In this paper, we describe and illustrate the larvae of Hydropsyche briareus Malicky & Chantaramongkol, 2000 and Hydropsyche kozhantschikovi Martynov, 1924 for the first time. Neighbour-joining trees were reconstructed, based on known partial Hydropsyche species mtCOI barcodes. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:03:10 +000
- Database of Ichthyofauna in urban streams of Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e148173
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e148173
Authors : Rei Itsukushima, Mohd Shalahuddin Adnan, Yuta Tomiyama, Yuichi Kano, Keigo Otsu, Muhamad Firdaus Zanorin : Urbanisation leads to the degradation of ecosystems through various factors, such as the deterioration of water quality, changes in water and material cycles and the degradation of biological habitats. Amongst these, aquatic organisms are particularly affected by the loss of habitats due to river canalisation and the impacts of invasive species. It has been widely reported that, in regions where invasive species have been introduced and native species have declined, homogenisation of fish populations occurs, resulting in a significant reduction in biodiversity. This loss of diversity disrupts the ecosystem’s stability and resilience, further compounding the negative effects of urbanisation on aquatic environments. However, the impact of urbanisation on fish populations varies depending on the local ecosystem and the degree of urbanisation, necessitating the examination of ecosystem changes induced by urbanisation in each specific region. The Peninsula Malaysia, which is the focus of this study, is a global hotspot for freshwater biodiversity. However, the effects of urbanisation on fish populations in this region have been scarcely studied. The Masai River Basin, which is the subject of this investigation, is located in the Iskandar Development Region, an area undergoing rapid urbanisation. Understanding the consequences of urbanisation on the fish populations and broader ecosystems in this region is critical for providing information for future conservation and management strategies.A fish survey was conducted at 19 sites in the Masai River Basin, which is an urbanised watershed, focusing on river channels that have been straightened or converted into concrete-lined waterways. Additionally, fish surveys were conducted at eight sites in non-urbanised areas for comparison. The survey resulted in the collection of nine orders, 15 families, 28 genera, 32 species and a total of 3,007 individuals. In the urbanised sites, the proportion of native species in the total catch was extremely low, averaging only 10.4% across all sites, with invasive species making up the majority of the individuals captured. This indicates the significant shift in species composition due to urbanisation and the dominance of non-native species in these environments. On the other hand, in the non-urbanised areas, the proportion of native species was high at 88.7%, highlighting the significant impact of urbanisation on the invasion of non-native species. Particularly in the downstream areas of the urbanised watershed, species such as Poecilia sphenops, Mayaheros urophthalmus and Poecilia reticulata were frequently captured. In contrast, at sites in the upstream areas where forested habitats remained intact, native species listed on the IUCN Red List, such as Parambassis siamensis and Clarias batrachus, were captured. The study revealed that urbanisation and development in the targeted watershed are progressing rapidly, underscoring the urgent need for the conservation and restoration of habitats for these native species. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:08:22 +000
- Range extension of Amolops himalayanus (Boulenger, 1888) (Anura, Ranidae),
first record from China and first description of the juvenile of this
species
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e148957
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e148957
Authors : JiShan Wang, Shuo Liu, Hengying Wang, Mo Wang, Dingqi Rao : Amolops himalayanus (Boulenger, 1888) is a poorly-known species which was originally described from north-eastern India over a hundred years ago. Currently, A. himalayanus is known only from India and Nepal and there is no reliable re-description or photos of this species reported.We record Amolops himalayanus (Boulenger, 1888) from China for the first time, based on one specimen collected from Yadong County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. Although the specimen from China is a juvenile, however, phylogenetically, it was clustered with the syntype of A. himalayanus and the specimens of this species from Nepal with strong support and the genetic distance between the specimen from China and the syntype of A. himalayanus was only 0.7% in 16S gene sequences. We provide a description of the juvenile specimen and, in addition, we provide reliable photos of this species in life for the first time. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:04:08 +000
- A barcode database for insects associated with the spread of the Cocoa
Swollen Shoot Virus Disease in Côte d’Ivoire
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144017
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144017
Authors : Alain Déron Koffi, Régis Babin, Gérard Delvare, Sarah Chérasse, David Ouvrard, Eduardo Shimbori, Kouadio Juslin Koigny, Serge Kpangui, Laure Benoit, Maxime Galan, Christine Yodé, Mauricette Ouali N'goran, Julien Haran : Swollen Shoot is a viral disease affecting cocoa trees, transmitted by several species of mealybugs (Insecta, Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha, Pseudococcidae). These insects maintain trophobiotic relationships with a complex and species-rich assemblage of ants protecting them and natural enemies controlling their populations. Here, we provide a curated DNA barcode database to characterise this insect community. Systematic observation of 7,500 cocoa trees was conducted, coupled with the collection of mealybug colonies and associated insect communities (parasitoids, predators and ants). Natural enemies were reared from mealybug colonies collected from 1,430 cocoa trees. Specimens were identified morphologically and sequenced for fragments of the standard DNA barcode region of the COI. We recovered 17 species of mealybugs from the family Pseudococcidae. Amongst these species, eight are new to the Ivorian cocoa orchard: Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley, Ferrisia dasylirii (Cockerell), Maconellicoccus ugandae (Laing), Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, Planococcus minor (Maskell), Pseudococcus concavocerarii James and Pseudococcus occiduus De Lotto. Three of these species were identified for the first time in cocoa orchards in Africa: D. neobrevipes, Fe. dasylirii and Ph. solenopsis. A total of 54 ant species were identified and represented the first record of these species associated with mealybug colonies in cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire. Amongst the species associated with the mealybugs, 22 primary parasitoids, eight hyperparasitoids, 11 ladybirds beetles (Coccinellidae), seven gall midges (Cecidomyidae), one predatory lepidopteran species and four spider species were identified. Nine species of mealybugs parasitoids are newly recorded in the African cocoa orchards: Acerophagus aff. dysmicocci, Aloencyrtus sp., Anagyrus kamali, Anagyrus aff. pseudococci, Aenasius advena, Clausenia aff. corrugata, Gyranusoidea aff. tebygi, Zaplatycerus aff. natalensis (Encyrtidae) and Coccophagus pulvinariae (Aphelinidae) and one hyperparasitoid, Pachyneuron muscarum (Pteromalidae). For Côte d’Ivoire in particular, besides the previously mentioned nine parasitoids and one hyperparasitoid, five additional species are recorded for the first time, including four primary parasitoids, Blepyrus insularis (Encyrtidae), Clausenia corrugata (Encyrtidae), Clausenia sp. (Encyrtidae), and Coccidoctonus pseudococci (Encyrtidae) and one hyperparasitoid, Cheiloneurus cyanonotus (Encyrtidae). These results significantly enhance the knowledge of the diversity of the entomofauna associated with Swollen Shoot disease and pave the way for developing control methods based on the natural regulation of its mealybug (Pseudococcidae) vectors. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:03:16 +000
- Exceptional concentration of fish diversity in Yasuní National Park,
Ecuador (Napo River Basin)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e136476
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e136476
Authors : Daniel Escobar-Camacho, Jonathan Valdiviezo-Rivera, Carolina Carrillo-Moreno, Pablo Argüello, Kelly Swing : Despite limited access and rather deficient sampling in many lowland areas of eastern Ecuador, scientists have been able to demonstrate that this specific region of Amazonia houses extraordinarily high concentrations of species within several taxa – terrestrial and aquatic, plant and animal, vertebrate and invertebrate.In this work, we developed an updated list of the ichthyofauna of the Yasuní National Park (YNP), based on an extensive literature review and databases of the most representative ichthyological collections from Ecuador. Our results yielded 458 species of freshwater fishes distributed in 47 families and 13 orders. This number exceeded previous fish lists from YNP and accounts for a considerable proportion of species inhabiting the Napo River Basin as well as the entire Amazon River Basin.The higher-than-previously-reported species diversity within this protected area, the services these species provide to humans and the absence of invasive species underscore the need for greater efforts and investment in protecting and managing western Amazonian lands and waters. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:08:34 +000
- New synonyms of Tipula (Vestiplex) balioptera Loew, 1863 (Diptera,
Tipulidae)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141363
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141363
Authors : Pavel Starkevich, Jukka Salmela, Kjell Magne Olsen, Michael Andersson : The Catalogue of Crane Flies of the World accounts for 196 recent species of subgenus Tipula (Vestiplex) Bezzi, 1924 distributed in Nearctic, Palaearctic and Oriental Regions (Oosterbroek 2024). The current paper provides taxonomic review of T. (V.) balioptera with designation of two new synonyms.Tipula (Vestiplex) perretti Alexander, 1928 is designated as junior synonym of T. (V.) balioptera Loew, 1863. Tipula (V.) bo Mannheims, 1967 is removed from synonymy with T. (V.) tchukchi Alexander, 1934 and designated as the second junior synonym of T. (V.) balioptera. Tipula (V.) tchuckhi Alexander, 1934 is exluded from the list of fauna of Norway, Sweden and Finland and from West Palaearctic Region subsequently. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:01:17 +000
- Snapshot Japan 2023: the first camera trap dataset under a globally
standardised protocol in Japan
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141168
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141168
Authors : Keita Fukasawa, Takahiro Morosawa, Yoshihiro Nakashima, Shun Takagi, Takumasa Yokoyama, Masaki Ando, Hayato Iijima, Masayuki Saito, Nao Kumada, Kahoko Tochigi, Akira Yoshioka, Satsuki Funatsu, Shinsuke Koike, Hiroyuki Uno, Takaaki Enomoto, William McShea, Roland Kays : There is an urgent need to develop global observation networks to quantify biodiversity trends for evaluating achievements of targets of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Camera traps are a commonly used tool, with the potential to enhance global observation networks for monitoring wildlife population trends and has the capacity to constitute global observation networks by applying a unified sampling protocol. The Snapshot protocol is simple and easy for camera trapping which is applied in North America and Europe. However, there is no regional camera-trap network with the Snapshot protocol in Asia.We present the first dataset from a collaborative camera-trap survey using the Snapshot protocol in Japan conducted in 2023. We collected data at 90 locations across nine arrays for a total of 6162 trap-nights of survey effort. The total number of sequences with mammals and birds was 7967, including 20 mammal species and 23 avian species. Apart from humans, wild boar, sika deer and rodents were the most commonly observed taxa on the camera traps, covering 57.9% of all the animal individuals. We provide the dataset with a standard format of Wildlife Insights, but also with Camtrap DP 1.0 format. Our dataset can be used for a part of the global dataset for comparing relative abundances of wildlife and for a baseline of wildlife population trends in Japan. It can also used for training machine-learning models for automatic species identifications. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:36:27 +000
- Ants (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from the Floresta da Tijuca
sector, Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e132248
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e132248
Authors : Márcio Morais Silva, Antônio Mayhé Nunes, Felipe Moreira : Ants (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Formicidae) are social insects and one of the most abundant groups of animals. Their colonies are established in a wide range of habitats, such as in cavities in the ground, litter on the forest floor or in rocky cracks. Currently, there are approximately 15,000 valid species of ants, of which about 6,000 are recorded from the Neotropical Region. The Atlantic Forest is one of the biomes with the greatest biodiversity, showing a high degree of endemism. However, it has suffered severe impacts and is now reduced to a fraction of the original area. One of the most significant remnants of the Atlantic Forest is the Parque Nacional da Tijuca (PNT), a protected area located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There is limited knowledge about the myrmecofauna of the PNT, with most research efforts focused on the Serra da Carioca sector.In the present study, we performed the first inventory of the mirmecofauna of the Floresta da Tijuca sector of the PNT, using pitfall traps and Winkler extractors in areas with three different degrees of preservation. In total, 80 species are recorded from Floresta da Tijuca, of which 18 are reported for the first time from this sector, 37 from the PNT, 10 from the State of Rio de Janeiro and one from the Atlantic Forest biome. These results increase the known diversity of ants of the PNT from 149 to 200 species. Furthermore, the known geographic distribution of Hypoponera viri (Santschi, 1923) is extended northwards, those of Holcoponera mina Brown, 1956 and Neocerapachys neotropicus Weber, 1939, southwards and Brachymyrmex bruchi Forel, 1912 and Hypoponera parva (Forel, 1909), eastwards. The most abundant species in our samples was Holcoponera moelleri (Forel, 1912), followed by Pachycondyla striata F. Smith, 1858, Strumigenys denticulata Mayr, 1887, Hypoponera trigona (Mayr, 1887), Megalomyrmex goeldii Forel, 1912 and Hylomyrma reitteri (Mayr, 1887). The primary forest area was the richest, followed by the disturbed and advanced restoration areas. The species richness was higher in the primary forest and advanced restoration areas during the dry season, while it was higher in the disturbed area during the rainy season. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:59:54 +000
- First release of the European marine omics biodiversity observation
network (EMO BON) shotgun metagenomics data from water and sediment
samples
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e143585
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e143585
Authors : Christina Pavloudi, Ioulia Santi, Iñigo Azua, Zuriñe Baña, Mauro Bastianini, Caroline Belser, Jone Bilbao, Julie Bitz-Thorsen, Caroline Broudin, Mathieu Camusat, Ibon Cancio, Louis Caray-Counil, Raffaella Casotti, Jade Castel, Thierry Comtet, Cymon Cox, Claire Daguin, Oihane Díaz de Cerio, Katrina Exter, Cécile Fauvelot, Miguel Frada, Pierre Galand, Laurence Garczarek, Jose González Fernández, Laure Guillou, Pascal Hablützel, Hanneloor Heynderickx, Céline Houbin, Anne Kervella, Apostolos Krystallas, Rune Lagaisse, Arnaud Laroquette, Lyvia Lescure, Eva Lopes, Melina Loulakaki, Bruno Louro, Catarina Magalhaes, Maria Maidanou, Francesca Margiotta, Marina Montresor, Fabrice Not, Estefanía Paredes, Isabella Percopo, Erwan Péru, Julie Poulain, Kim Præbel, Fabienne Rigaut-Jalabert, Sarah Romac, Melanthia Stavroulaki, Jesús Souza Troncoso, Eric Thiébaut, Wilfried Thomas, Andrzej Tkacz, Anna Chiara Trano, Patrick Wincker, Nicolas Pade : The European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON) is an initiative of the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC) to establish a persistent genomic observatory amongst designated European coastal marine sites, sharing the same protocols for sampling and data curation. Environmental samples are collected from the water column and, at some sites, soft sediments and hard substrates (Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures - ARMS), together with a set of mandatory and discretionary metadata (including Essential Ocean Variables - EOVs). Samples are collected following standardised protocols at regular and specified intervals and sequenced in large six-monthly batches at a centralised sequencing facility. The use of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during data collection, library preparation and sequencing aims to provide uniformity amongst the data collected from the sites. Coupled with strict adherence to open and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles, this ensures maximum comparability amongst samples and enhances reusability and interoperability of the data with other data sources. The observatory network was launched in June 2021, when the first sampling campaign took place. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:19:21 +000
- An in-depth dataset of northwestern European arthropod life histories and
ecological traits
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e146785
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e146785
Authors : Garben Logghe, Femke Batsleer, Dirk Maes, Tristan Permentier, Matty Berg, Dimitri Brosens, Stijn Cooleman, Pallieter De Smedt, Jonas Hagge, Jorg Lambrechts, Marc Pollet, Fons Verheyde, Dries Bonte : In response to the ongoing biodiversity crisis amongst arthropods, it is essential to implement efficient conservation strategies to safeguard both species diversity and the vital ecosystem services they provide. Developing such strategies requires reliable predictive models that can identify the species that are the most vulnerable to current and future threats, including those posed by climate and land-use change. Species life histories are central to these models, as they influence both population dynamics and spread rates.To support this effort, we compiled a dataset with key traits for arthropods based on several literature sources and expert knowledge. The dataset contains data on body size, life history, thermal niche and ecology for 4874 northwestern European species across 10 different orders. By gathering these essential trait data, we aim to create a robust foundation for predicting species vulnerability and anticipating shifts in arthropod communities in response to global change. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:29:53 +000
- The challenge of identifying species-rich taxa: Online multi-access key to
Bornean Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e143735
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e143735
Authors : Henna Tyyskä, Hannah Atkins : Conservation and research of highly diverse plant taxa can be a considerable challenge due to unmanageable numbers of species with potentially complex relationships often resulting in difficulties in species identification. Cyrtandra, the largest genus of the family Gesneriaceae, exemplifies these challenges. The lack of identification resources for the ca. 170 species of Bornean Cyrtandra has left many specimens unidentified, slowing down the research efforts in the area. This project addresses this by constructing the first taxonomic key to all Bornean Cyrtandra and by describing the workflow of creating identification resources for highly diverse taxa, using the online biodiversity data management platform Xper3 (https://app.xper3.fr/). The key is now published and freely accessible online. Online multi-access taxonomic keys provide a promising tool for biodiversity research by combining an accessible user-friendly platform with dynamic tools for taxonomic research, making them particularly well suited for tackling highly diverse taxonomic groups. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:05:44 +000
- Anthophilous insects' seasonal variation in Corsican
thermo-Mediterranean shrubland maquis
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144560
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144560
Authors : Pierre-Yves Maestracci, Laurent Plume, Marc Gibernau : In any ecosystems, seasonality is a key factor conditioning the temporal variation on an annual scale in combination with differences in the organism phenology. This seasonality is marked in the Mediterranean Region with four contrasting seasons: a hot, dry summer, a mild winter and sometimes a very rainy spring and autumn. With a large surface area and its large range of habitats from seaside to alpine biotopes, Corsica Island represents a biodiversity hotspot with a high rate of endemism. Amongst diverse groups, insects, notably the main orders of pollinators composed of Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera, represent a large proportion of the insular richness.Our sampling effort focused on the insects from these four orders visiting flowers in a characteristic thermo-Mediterranean vegetation. Our database is an insight into the Corsican anthophilous insects biodiversity from three sites separated by a few kilometres in the region of Ajaccio (SW Corsica) during nine consecutive months in 2023, completing our database for the year 2022 published in this journal. In total, 3714 specimens were sampled in 2023 and 311 species or morpho-species identified from 154 genera and 50 families. Coleoptera were by far the most abundant order representing about 54% of the sampled specimens. The most diverse order was the Hymenoptera representing 44% of the species. Our continuous survey has shown that these orders vary between seasons both in terms of abundance and diversity, resulting in changing communities. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 7 Mar 2025 11:29:17 +0000
- Updated list of Tersilochinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) of Italy
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e139683
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e139683
Authors : Filippo Di Giovanni, Davide Dal Pos, Andrey I. Khalaim : The subfamily Tersilochinae is a small taxon that accounts for about 60 species in Italy. However, the current checklist of the group is incomplete and listed records are often imprecise.An updated checklist of the Italian Tersilochinae is provided. Three species are new additions to the Italian fauna, while three others are first records for southern Italy. Additionally, Aneuclis pusilla Masi, 1933 is reported as a junior synonym of Aneuclis melanaria (Holmgren, 1860) syn. nov. This update raises the total number of Tersilochinae species in Italy to 77. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 7 Mar 2025 09:08:29 +0000
- The first checklist of alien vascular plants of Kyrgyzstan, with new
records and critical evaluation of earlier data. Contribution 3
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e145624
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e145624
Authors : Alexander Sennikov, Georgy Lazkov, Dmitry German : We continue the series of detailed treatments of alien vascular plants of Kyrgyzstan. The complete background for every species occurrence (herbarium specimens, documented observations, published literature) is uncovered and critically evaluated in a wide context of plant invasions in Central Asia with a reference to Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, based on events in the political and economic history. Complete point distribution maps are provided for each species in Central Asia, in general and Kyrgyzstan, in particular.All records of Hesperis matronalis in Central Asia (including Kyrgyzstan) belong to H. pycnotricha; the latter species is newly reported as a locally naturalised alien in Kazakhstan. The previous record of Sisymbrium irio from Kyrgyzstan is rejected as based on a misidentified specimen of S. loeselii, but the species is newly recorded here as a recent casual alien. Hirschfeldia incana is presumably native in south-western Turkmenistan; its second record in Central Asia was caused by the import of contaminated wheat grain in the times of the Soviet grain crisis and its recent expansion may be linked to the increasing import of forage grain. The introduction of Crambe orientalis was connected with its cultivation for fodder and as an ornamental plant and its further broad dispersal was aided by winds. Rorippa austriaca is native in the steppes of north-western Kazakhstan, but alien in the mountains of Central Asia. The occurrences of three alien species originated directly from cultivation (Hesperis pycnotricha as an ornamental, Armoracia rusticana as an edible plant, Crambe orientalis as an ornamental and fodder plant), three species (Hirschfeldia incana, Mutarda arvensis, Sisymbrium irio) were imported as grain contaminants, whereas two others (Rorippa austriaca, R. sylvestris) have arrived with contaminated soil on ornamental plants or arboreous saplings. The arrival period is inferred as the Neolithic period (Mutarda arvensis), the Imperial times (Armoracia rusticana, Hesperis pycnotricha), the post-war Soviet times (Crambe orientalis, Rorippa austriaca, R. sylvestris) and the independence times (Hirschfeldia incana, Sisymbrium irio). All the treated species, but two, increase their frequency in Kyrgyzstan; Mutarda arvensis has already reached its complete distribution, being an ubiquitous weed, whereas Armoracia rusticana experiences a projected decline because its common cultivation has ceased. No species is invasive in natural habitats. A new combination, Mutarda arvensis var. orientalis (L.) Sennikov, is proposed for a variant with pubescent pods. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 4 Mar 2025 10:46:35 +0000
- Mobilising marine biodiversity data: a new malacological dataset of
Italian records (Mollusca)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e136243
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e136243
Authors : Arianna Giannini, Massimo Appolloni, Luigi Romani, Marco Oliverio : The location and palaeoceanographic history of the Mediterranean Sea make it a biodiversity hotspot, prompting extensive studies in this region. However, despite the marine biodiversity of this area being apparently widely studied, a large amount of distributional data for Mediterranean taxa is still unpublished or scattered in various sources and formats, causing severe limitations to their potential reuse. This emerges as a particularly thorny issue for highly biodiverse and neglected taxa, such as invertebrates. The mobilisation of these frozen data through a process of standardisation and georeferencing could potentially support biodiversity research and conservation. The aim of this work is to provide a standardised pipeline to integrate these dispersed data, focusing on the Italian waters of the Mediterranean Sea and using molluscs as target taxa. Data were gathered from two main sources: published literature and Natural History Collections. The harmonisation process involved three key steps: 1) terminology and structure standardisation; 2) taxonomy updating and 3) georeferencing. Our efforts yielded over 44000 standardised records of mollusc species from Italian seawaters. These records encompassed primary biodiversity data from newly-digitised specimens owned by 11 different institutions and private collectors, as well as secondary biodiversity data extracted from 311 published studies.This work is the first attempt to mobilise the available distributional information of Italian marine mollusc species from Natural History Collections and literature, converting the retrieved data into point-occurrence records through standard protocols, thus creating a FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) dataset collating these records from Italian marine sectors. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:53:51 +000
- Atlantic oceanic islands and archipelagos: Physical structures, plant
diversity, and affinities of the bryofloras
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141577
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141577
Authors : Denise Pinheiro da Costa, Cecília Sérgio : We investigated the species richness, endemism, and similarities of the bryofloras on ten islands and archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean. We address the following questions: 1) How many bryophyte taxa are there on each island and archipelago' 2) Do mosses and liverworts share similar patterns of diversity' 3) What are their taxonomic distribution patterns' 4) How many endemic taxa are found on the islands' 5) Is there a high degree of similarity amost these bryofloras' We encountered 1,498 taxa, 408 genera, and 204 families, with the seven families representing 35% of all species. Over 14% of the bryophytes are African elements, 8% have global distributions, ca. 3% are Macaronesia elements, 13% are endemic, and 62% with other distributions. We present a checklist of 1,498 bryophyte taxa, of which 201 are endemic (13%). Bryophyte richness and diversity differ significantly amongst the ten islands and archipelagos, and their low similarities illustrate their high degrees of heterogeneity. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:28:31 +000
- The stoneflies (Plecoptera) of Arkansas: a checklist compiled from museum
specimen data
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e145637
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e145637
Authors : Lily Hart, Ralph DeWalt, Phillip Hogan, Scott Grubbs, David Burton : Stoneflies are well known as indicators of water quality. Their presence in running waters, glacial meltwaters, and large oligotrophic lakes is rapidly declining the world over. In the USA, states partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect habitat and wildlife through the development of State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs). Plants and wildlife species often enter these SWAPs as Species in Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Arkansas currently lists nine stonefly species as SGCNs and has funded research on them through SWAP grants. However, these nine species were initially chosen based on the small amount of data from a few papers. A more comprehensive assessment using museum specimen data is necessary to assess completeness of sampling, the relative rarity and endemicity of species, temporal changes in distribution, and the conservation status of species in Arkansas. Herein, we publish a data paper and preliminary dataset comprised of specimen data primarily from the Illinois Natural History Survey Insect Collection, Canadian National Collection, Western Kentucky University, P. N. Hogan Personal Collection, and from existing literature sources. These data are made publicly available by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to allow for comprehensive assessment of the Arkansas Plecoptera assemblage. More recent occurrence data are needed to accurately assess imperilment of Arkansas stonefly species; these data will be provided through targeted collecting, collaboration with others in Arkansas, and through investigation of additional museum collections.This dataset includes > 3,500 specimen records (ethanol vials or pins with or without catalog numbers) and accounts for 84 stonefly species in Arkansas, six more species than indicated in published records. Perlidae contributed 29 of these species followed distantly by Perlodidae (15), Capniidae (14), Taeniopterygidae (9), Leuctridae (7), Chloroperlidae (5), Nemouridae (4), and Pteronarcyidae (1). A species accumulation curve predicts that sampling of species is nearly complete with a Chao1 estimate of 88.0 ± 3.7 species. Our data demonstrate that 25 species are known from ≤ five records, suggesting that many more than the nine recognized stonefly SGCNs in Arkansas may meet standards for inclusion. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:44:28 +000
- New distribution records of wild bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) in South
Tyrol (Italy): expanding the wild bee database
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e138625
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e138625
Authors : Sebastiano Zanini, Matteo Dainese, Timo Kopf, Lisa Obwegs, Matteo Anderle, Georg Leitinger, Ulrike Tappeiner : Throughout South Tyrol, in northern Italy, there is a data deficiency relating to wild bee species pool. Here, we present significant findings from the collection of 3,313 wild bees gathered over two separate studies conducted in consecutive years. Our research focused on the impact of landscape heterogeneity, temperature and land-use change on wild bee communities and their pollination services in an agricultural and mountainous landscape. This article provides a detailed account of the 150 identified wild bee species collected using coloured pan traps. We report habitat type, occurrence data, threat status, sociality, nesting strategy and diet breadth. In Italian regions where information on wild bee distribution is lacking or outdated, sharing data is crucial for developing conservation policies.The compiled species list strengthens regional and national wild bee database by providing new distribution data for extinction-threatened species, such as Dufourea dentiventris (Nylander, 1848), Dufourea inermis (Nylander, 1848), Lasioglossum brevicorne (Schenck, 1870), Lasioglossum laevigatum (Kirby, 1802), Lasioglossum monstrificum (Morawitz, 1891), Nomada mutica Morawitz, 1872 and Nomada villosa Thomson, 1870. Additionally, we present recent findings of species that are valuable for understanding range expansions, recording species previously unreported in South Tyrol and updating historical data for the region. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 25 Feb 2025 09:18:01 +000
- Taxonomic diversity and abundance of enchytraeids (Annelida, Clitellata,
Enchytraeida) in the Northern Palaearctic. 2. European Russia
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144992
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144992
Authors : Ruslan Saifutdinov, Maxim Degtyarev, Daniil Korobushkin, Svetlana Artemieva, Philipp Byzov, Margarita Danilova, Alla Ditts, Ksenia Ermokhina, Petr Garibian, Anastasia Gorbunova, Polina Guseva, Evgeniy Karlik, Tatiana Kondratieva, Dmitri Kupriyanov, Iurii Lebedev, Natalia Lebedeva, Pavel Nazarov, Alisa Neplyukhina, Elizaveta Noskova, Roman Obolensky, Alexey Panchenkov, Anna Popova, Nina Pronina, Joel Rüthi, Gabriela Schaepman-Strub, Svetlana Shakhab, Andrey Zaitsev, Vitalii Zemlianskii, Elena Zvychaynaya, Konstantin Gongalsky : Enchytraeids, commonly known as potworms, are small oligochaetes found worldwide in various terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Despite their crucial role in ecosystem functioning, the diversity and abundance of Enchytraeidae are seldom studied due to the labour-intensive process of species identification. This study aims to address this gap and expand knowledge on the distribution and abundance of enchytraeids within the Northern Palaearctic Region. The provided dataset represents the latest and most comprehensive field sampling of enchytraeid communities within the European part of Russia within the Northern Palaearctic. It consists exclusively of an original set of soil samples systematically collected across the region from 2019 to 2023, without any previously published data included.The dataset includes occurrences from 204 georeferenced sites, encompassing 73 species from 17 genera, totalling 61,254 records, with 1,419 records having the "present'’ occurrence status. This comprehensive, species-specific dataset (Darwin Core Archive – DwC-A) provides insights into the distribution and abundance of terrestrial enchytraeids across a wide geographic area, covering the eastern sector of the East European Plain and the North Caucasus Region within the Northern Palaearctic. Compiled from field sampling campaigns, this dataset is essential for exploring and understanding local and regional enchytraeid diversity over time and space. It also serves as a valuable resource for monitoring and conserving soil biodiversity in the studied region. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:19:21 +000
- Arthropod communities of insular (São Miguel Island, Azores) and mainland
(Portugal) coastal grasslands
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144915
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144915
Authors : Hugo Renato Calado, António Soares, Ruben Heleno, Paulo Borges : The data presented here is part of a doctoral project aimed at characterising and comparing arthropod diversity across biotic communities in coastal ecosystems. The present work provides an inventory of the arthropods recorded in two coastal grasslands ecosystems: the Portugal mainland and the Azores. Sampling was conducted on São Miguel Island (Azores Archipelago) as well as in the Sesimbra and Sines regions (Setúbal District, mainland Portugal). Thirty-one plots were set and visited four times, in spring and summer of 2022.The specimens collected were sorted and catalogued into a total of 534 arthropod species and morphospecies. In total, 67 species were common to both ecosystems. A total of 13,515 specimens were counted in the two coastal grasslands. We registered three new records for the Azores (in São Miguel Island), all being exotic: Aritranis director (Thumberg, 1822) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae), Draeculacephala bradleyi, Van Duzee, 1915 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) and Isodontia sp. Patton, 1880 (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae). This publication demonstrates the importance of coastal grasslands as reservoirs for some potentially invasive arthropod species. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:05:50 +000
- Population genetic data (COI, ddRAD) of Sialis lutaria (Insecta,
Megaloptera) from the Emscher catchment (Germany)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141997
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141997
Authors : Martina Weiss, Florian Leese : In urban river systems, fragmentation of habitats and in-stream dispersal barriers play a major role in shaping the population genetic structure of freshwater macroinvertebrate species. In small, fragmented populations, effects of genetic drift and inbreeding are enhanced, which can lead to increased population differentiation and genetic diversity loss. One formerly strongly degraded and fragmented stream system in a highly urbanised area is the Emscher catchment in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Major restoration efforts have led to an improvement of water and habitat quality over the past 20 years also in the formerly polluted tributaries, for example, the Boye catchment. However, the analysis of the population structure of two different amphipod and isopod species has revealed that some populations are still strongly isolated, indicating persisting gene flow barriers. In contrast, the effects are expected to be less pronounced in merolimnic species, which have an adult winged life stage, such as the alderfly Sialis lutaria (Linnaeus, 1758) . However, this species was much less abundant in the Boye catchment and not found in adjacent catchments (only 9 of 41 sampling sites), reducing the power of possible analyses.As no population genetic studies of S. lutaria have to our knowledge been published so far and genetic resources are generally scarce for this species, we generated and present here population genetic data for 70 S. lutaria specimens for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene and, more importantly, high resolution genomic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for 71 specimens, generated with double-digest restriction site-associated sequencing (ddRAD-seq). These data can be valuable for further studies, analysing the population genetic structure, dispersal pathways and potential gene flow barriers for S. lutaria on a larger geographic scale. Additional to presenting the data, we also give first insights in the population structure on a small geographic scale (area of approx. 15 km2). While the population differentiation was generally low, as expected on this small scale, we still found that gene flow was not equally strong between all populations, but that one population played a central role as a source and sink population, which cannot only be explained by the distance between populations. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 21 Feb 2025 09:46:10 +000
- First report of an intersex individual of the click beetle Pectocera
fortunei (Elateridae) and additional cases of gynandromorphism in
Coleoptera (Lucanidae, Scarabaeidae)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144929
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144929
Authors : Donguk Kim, Sangeun Hyun, Kwang Shik Choi : The occurrence of individuals exhibiting both male and female phenotypes is a rare phenomenon observed across various insect orders.This study documents the first case of an intersex individual of Pectocera fortunei Candèze, 1873, from the Korean Peninsula, including behavioural findings. This is the first report of such a phenomenon in the family Elateridae. Two cases of gynandromorphism are also described: one in Dorcus titanus castanicolor (Motschulsky, 1861) (Lucanidae) and the other in Trypoxylus dichotomus septentrionalis (Kôno, 1931) (Scarabaeidae). The former is a new record for this subspecies. An updated list of intersex and gynandromorphic beetles is also provided. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:50:19 +000
- Trachyphloeosoma rutiani sp. nov., a new species from Guangdong, China
(Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142838
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e142838
Authors : Jiang Zhu, Cheng-Bin Wang, Ye Zhen : From August to September 2024, we led a team of Guangzhou No.5 Binjiang Junior High School students to study the community structure of leaf litter beetles in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, southern China, to prepare for the Youth Innovation Competition hosted by the Guangzhou Education Bureau. In the study, 479 specimens were collected in total, identified as 73 species in 14 families. Amongst all the specimens, some are considered new species, one of which is described here.The genus Trachyphloeosoma Wollaston, 1869 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Trachyphloeini) includes six known species occurring in China and the genus is recorded in Guangdong Province for the first time.A new weevil, Trachyphloeosoma rutiani sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae), is described from Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Important morphological characters of the new species are illustrated by colour plates. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:28:38 +000
- Taxonomic review of Korean Siphonaria species (Mollusca, Gastropoda,
Siphonariidae)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e139388
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e139388
Authors : Yukyung Kim, Jina Park, Ui Wook Hwang, Joong-Ki Park : Many molluscan species exhibit a high degree of shell morphological plasticity in their shape (including sculptures), size and colour patterns, which can vary significantly depending on environmental conditions. These shell morphological variations make it challenging to differentiate species, based on morphology alone, often resulting in various taxonomic errors, such as misidentifications, overlooking cryptic species diversity or a plethora of nominal species. The genus Siphonaria constitutes a significant component of the macrobenthic invertebrate fauna in intertidal habitats across temperate to tropical regions. Given the limited attention to shell variation in previous taxonomic studies on the Korean Siphonaria species, the extensive range of ecophenotypic shell variations documented in this group raises questions about the taxonomic validity of previously reported Siphonaria species in Korea.The present study provides a comprehensive taxonomic review of Korean Siphonaria species using a combination of shell morphology, radula structure and phylogenetic analysis of the mtDNA cox1 sequences. This integrative analysis confirmed the validity of S. acmaeoides, S. japonica and S. sirius in Korea, highlighting differences in shell and siphonal groove morphology amongst these species. Detailed descriptions of shell and radula characteristics, along with mtDNA cox1 sequences as DNA barcodes, are also provided, which are very useful for the accurate identification of Siphonaria species. Unlike these three Siphonaria species, the taxonomic validity of the four other species (S. coreensis, S. javanica, S. laciniosa and S. rucuana) previously reported from Korean waters is questionable, given their documented geographic distribution ranges and the potential misidentification of shell variants in Korean malacofaunal studies. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:19:26 +000
- Checklist of ichthyoplankton of NORI-D polymetallic nodule exploration
claim (eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone) during winter 2021
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e137744
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e137744
Authors : Leah Bergman, Javier Montenegro, Charlotte Seid, Tiffany Bachtel, Frazer Mann, Erik Thuesen, Dhugal Lindsay, Jeffrey Drazen : There been increasing interest in polymetallic nodule mining within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). Polymetallic nodule mining within NORI-D will release a sediment plume within the water column and a previous mining collector test within the Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI-D) contract area released surface pollution from mining tailings. The mid-water plume, as well as accidental surface pollution, indicate that polymetallic nodule mining could impact surface plankton. Although the ichthyoplankton within the eastern tropical Pacific have been well-studied, recent data from within polymetallic nodule mining licence areas is lacking. Environmental Expedition C5e conducted an environmental baseline assessment of both pelagic and benthic fauna within the NORI-D region of the CCZ, which included the opportunistic collection of ichthyoplankton.Ichthyoplankton were collected within NORI-D from November–December 2021 using two plankton nets and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Here, we present a checklist of ichthyoplankton within the NORI-D licence area during this winter campaign. Eighteen samples were collected and identified through morphology, with a limited number identified through genetic sequencing. Specimens were from five orders, including Argentiniformes, Stomiiformes, Myctophiformes, Beloniformes and Scombriformes. This checklist will aid contractors and scientists conducting work within the CCZ to examine how wastewater discharge from polymetallic nodule mining could impact fish reproduction and ichthyoplankton survival. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:02:41 +000
- First description of the female and morphological variation of Achalinus
hunanensis Ma, Shi, Xiang, Shu & Jiang, 2023 (Serpentes, Xenodermidae),
with range extension of this species and A. yunkaiensis Wang, Li & Wang,
2019
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e138423
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e138423
Authors : Yuhao Xu, Mengci Chen, Shun Ma, Shengchao Shi, Tianyou Zhang, Shiyang Weng, Lifang Peng : The odd-scaled snake genus Achalinus, which is widely distributed in northern Vietnam, China and Japan, is a poorly-known group of snakes. Numerous species within this genus have been described based on few specimens or only a single type specimen. Achalinus hunanensis Ma, Shi, Xiang, Shu & Jiang, 2023 was described based on only two male specimens from Huaihua City and Changsha City, Hunan Province, China. To date, this species has only been recorded in Hunan Province and the information on females is not available. During our herpetological surveys in 2024, two Achalinus specimens were collected from Guizhou Province, China. We compared morphology and mitochondrial DNA sequence data of these two specimens with all the species of the genus Achalinus. Both datasets strongly supported classification of the adult female specimen from Dushan County to A. hunanensis and the adult male specimen from Xifeng County to A. yunkaiensis.In this study, we describe the first female specimen of A. hunanensis in detail and provide revised diagnoses of this species based on newly-collected and examined specimens and update the distribution of A. hunanensis and A. yunkaiensis. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:39:27 +000
- Exploring the bee fauna on the islands of Brittany (France): an initial
survey reveals a remarkable species richness
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e138570
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e138570
Authors : Violette Le Féon, Mael Garrin, David Genoud, Matthieu Aubert, Éric Dufrêne, Marie Filipe, Floriane Flacher, Thibault Ramage, Anthony Stoquert, Stéphane Vassel, Benoît Geslin : Islands are areas where biodiversity conservation is of the utmost importance and is particularly challenging due to the isolation and vulnerability of animal and plant populations. The coastline of Brittany includes a large number of islands, which vary greatly in size, distance from the mainland, landscape composition and climate. Until recently, virtually nothing was known about the bees on these islands, but a number of studies have been carried out in recent years, allowing an initial assessment to be made. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the bee fauna of the islands of Brittany, in terms of species richness, species composition and rarity status. In total, we gathered records of 188 wild bee species on 25 continental islands, located on both the north and south coasts of Brittany. For most of the islands, we obtained only occasional data, but a few have benefitted from intensive surveys, with data collected throughout the entire flight period and over several years and in different locations and habitat types. For four islands, we considered that the current knowledge is relatively good: Groix (113 wild bee species), Houat (82 species), Hoedic (64 species) and Ouessant (57 species). In addition to the number of species, this study shows that the islands host many species that are rare at regional or national level. Our results highlight the importance of taking bees into account when managing habitats and defining protected areas in islands, in order to conserve both food resources and nesting sites for these pollinator insects. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:16:05 +000
- Biotremological research using a DIY piezoelectric contact microphone -
examples with insects
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e143481
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e143481
Authors : Ilia Gjonov, Albena Lapeva-Gjonova, Monika Pramatarova : This study presents a new design of sensor tool to record substrate-borne vibrations produced by insects. We applied a piezo element acting as a contact microphone connected to a digital recorder to detect the signals emitted by insects. A suitable 3D printed microphone box with a mechanism of connection to the substrate or to soft tweezers holding the insect is created. We found that the recordings of the low-frequency signals (up to 20 кHz) were sufficiently good for analysis and, at the same time, a much faster and easier method than the common ones of detecting micro-vibrations using a piezoelectric sensor and, importantly, is incomparably cheaper than using a laser vibrometer. This setup is suitable for the detection and structural description of signals emitted by insects and other arthropods. Oscillograms, spectrograms and audio files of the recorded signals of selected ants (Manica rubida, Latreille, 1802, Messor wasmanni Krausse, 1910, Myrmica ravasinii Finzi, 1923) and Ponera coarctata (Latreille, 1802)), an ant nest beetle (Paussus turcicus I. Frivaldszky von Frivald, 1835), a planthopper (Orosanga japonica (Melichar, 1898)) and a jumping plant louse (Bactericera perrisii Puton, 1876) are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the created equipment. The recordings from stridulation in Myrmica ravasinii, Manica rubida, Ponera coarctata and Paussus turcicus and the male call song of Orosanga japonica represent the very first documented signal production for these species. A scheme of the contact microphone and its mode of connection is shown. The research presented will democratise biotremological methods for the needs of integrative taxonomy and behavioural ecology, providing a broader understanding of vibrational signals through an efficient, accessible and operational method for both professional and citizen scientists. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 14 Feb 2025 10:45:56 +000
- Re-description and dietary ecology of the Hylarana annamitica (Sheridan &
Stuart, 2018) (Amphibia: Ranidae) from central Vietnam
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e145094
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e145094
Authors : Duong To, Minh Duc Le, Hang Le, My Phan, Anh Ho, Truong Nguyen, Thomas Ziegler, Anh Pham : The Annam Stream Frog Hylarana annamitica was recently discovered from north and central Vietnam and Laos by Sheridan and Stuart (2018). Knowledge of its natural history is virtually lacking.In this study, we provide an extended morphological description of Hylarana annamitica, based on newly-collected specimens from Vu Quang National Park, Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam. In addition, we present data on the diet of Hylarana annamitica, based on stomach content analyses of 46 individuals (32 males and 14 females) and compare prey selection between sexes. We found a total of 37 prey categories with 339 items, comprising 327 items of invertebrates, two items of vertebrates and 10 unidentified in the stomachs of H. annamitica. The most important (IRI) groups amongst the prey of H. annamitica were Coleoptera (17.19%), followed by Mantodea (14.78%), Orthoptera (11.26%), Lepidoptera (11.13%), Araneae (10.0%) and Blattodea (9.87%). There was an overlap of 45.63% in the diet between males and females and, in both sexes, the trophic spectrum was similar, predominantly consisting of Araneae, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Mantodea and Orthoptera. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 14 Feb 2025 09:35:56 +000
- Wild bee diversity of the National Park of the Semois Valley (Belgium)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144223
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144223
Authors : Maxence Gérard, William Fiordaliso, Louise Ferrais, Chloé Fournier, Malo Hairault, Lise Lheureux, Paolo Rosa, Guillaume Ghisbain : Wild bees are essential pollinators, yet their decline due to human activities threatens ecosystem stability. Protecting these pollinators requires a detailed understanding of both their diversity and distribution. In Belgium, the recently-established Semois Valley National Park (SVNP) is located in a region with limited bee sampling data and this study aims to identify the habitats most suitable to bees, especially for threatened species.Over five months, we surveyed 32 sites and collected a total of 1,119 specimens belonging to 120 bee species. Twenty-two of the observed species are listed as threatened in Belgium according to the last Red List published in 2019 for the country, four of them being Critically Endangered. Our findings indicate that mesic grasslands support the highest species diversity, as well as the highest number of threatened species. Our results underscore the need for conservation efforts aimed at maintaining diversity and species richness in this region. Effective biodiversity preservation will require enhanced habitat management and strategies tailored to bee species' ecological requirements. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 08:44:48 +000
- Commentary on "Preliminary Species Hypotheses" in Entomological Taxonomy:
A Global Data and FAIR Infrastructure Perspective
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141562
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141562
Authors : Sharif Islam : What if early taxonomic findings were treated like preprints, open to iterative improvement or managed with practices from the open-source community, such as Git branching, merging and patch management' Prompted by Buckley's article Charting a Future for Entomological Taxonomy in New Zealand (2024), this commentary explores these possibilities in the context of biodiversity informatics. In response to the need for rapid, scalable biodiversity monitoring, Buckley introduces preliminary species hypotheses (PSH) as a bridge between quick identification tools and the rigorous Linnaean system, leveraging DNA barcoding and AI-assisted image recognition to produce provisional classifications that can later be validated. Expanding on Buckley’s framework, this commentary emphasises the critical role of data linking, versioning and integration to support evolving taxonomic data. Borrowing from software and open-source practices, I explore the idea of managing PSH with an infrastructure that treats each taxonomic update as a versioned "commit", which can be tracked, refined and integrated over time. Drawing insights from FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles and Digital Extended Specimens, I identify infrastructure requirements for PSH, including robust data standards, persistent identifiers and interoperability to support global biodiversity repositories. Additionally, Taxonomic Data Objects offer a model for dynamically integrating PSH into adaptable taxonomies that can evolve with new data and tools. By positioning PSH within an open, infrastructure-focused framework, this commentary advocates for scalable, hypothesis-driven biodiversity data that meets modern conservation needs, bridging traditional and emerging practices in taxonomy. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:49:08 +000
- A new species of the genus Petrobia Murray (Prostigmata, Tetranychidae)
and complementary description of Petrobia cardi Chaudhri
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141566
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141566
Authors : Muhammad Kamran, Fahad Alatawi : A new species, Petrobia (Petrobia) pakistanensis sp. nov. is described and collected, based on females form wild grasses, from Pakistan. the species P. (Tetranychina) cardi Chaudhri, W.M., 1972 is re-described and illustrated, based on femles and male.Petrobia (Petrobia) pakistanensis sp. nov. (Prostigmata, Tetranychidae) is described and illustrated, based on female specimens collected from wild grasses (Poaceae) from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. The male of P. (Tetranychina) cardi Chaudhri, reported for the first time, is described and illustrated. Additionally, the complementary description of females of this species is provided, based on a new collection. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:02:41 +000
- On new spider species of the genus Episinus (Araneae, Theridiidae) from
China and proposal of five species groups
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144222
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144222
Authors : Yun Liang, Jinnan Liu, Haiqiang Yin, Xiang Xu : Currently, the genus Episinus Walckenaer, 1809 includes 64 described species mainly being distributed in Asia, Africa and the Americas, with 16 described species in China. During the recent surveys across various regions of China, we found three previously undescribed species which have been identified as belonging to Episinus.Three new species of Episinus Walckenaer, 1809 are described: Episinus anfu sp. nov. (♀) from Jiangxi Province, E. implicatus sp. nov. (♀) from Yunnan Province and E. pseudonubilus sp. nov. (♂♀) from Shaanxi Province. Based on morphological characteristics and previous studies, we further propose five species groups to accommodate the Chinese Episinus, including two species groups proposed by Liu et al. (2022). Detailed descriptions, photographs, hand drawings, DNA barcodes and a distribution map of the three new species are provided. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 7 Feb 2025 09:36:37 +0000
- A dataset from the Cryptogamia-Lichenes section of the Herbarium
Universitatis Taurinensis (TO)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e134717
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e134717
Authors : Rosanna Piervittori, Deborah Isocrono, Enrica Matteucci, Mariagrazia Morando, Luca Dessì, Laura Guglielmone, Heimo Rainer, Stefano Martellos, Andrea Moro, Pier Luigi Nimis, Matteo Conti, Sergio Enrico Favero-Longo : The section Cryptogamia-Lichenes of the Herbarium Universitatis Taurinensis (TO) includes ca. 34,600 lichen specimens, organised in the historical (ca. 30,700 specimens, mostly from the 19th century) and modern (ca. 3,900 specimens collected from 1978, out of which ca. 3400 from Italy) collections. Specimens from the administrative regions of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta (NW Italy) are the core of the modern collection, documenting floristic and vegetation studies, as well as biomonitoring campaigns and investigations on the biodeterioration of the stone cultural heritage.The dataset of the Italian materials of the modern lichenological collection of TO, with 3,365 samples, is fully georeferenced and accessible in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), in the Jointly Administered Herbarium Management System and Specimen Database (JACQ) and in the Information System of Italian Lichens (ITALIC). With regard to the historical collection, only a set of 59 recently revised specimens is available on the mentioned platforms, but most of the materials are accessible as digital images on the website of the project HERB-TO-CHANGE. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 6 Feb 2025 10:07:36 +0000
- First report of Trichopoda pictipennis (Diptera, Tachinidae) for the
Canary Islands
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e137821
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e137821
Authors : Pablo Caloca, Daniel Suárez, Gustavo Peña, Carlos Ruiz : The genus Trichopoda Berthold, 1827 is distributed in the Neotropical and Nearctic Regions and some species are very important for biological control. During the last decades, the species Trichopoda pictipennis Bigot, 1876 has received much attention. It is of Neotropical origin, but it has been introduced throughout the western Palaearctic, probably through exchanges that transported its main host, the 'southern green stink bug' Nezara viridula.Trichopoda pictipennis is reported for the first time from the Canary Islands. To date, this introduced species has been detected throughout the island of Tenerife and in a single locality on the island of La Gomera. This finding confirms that this species of Neotropical origin is expanding its range across the Palaearctic realm of this species of Neotropical origin. Parasitised Nezara viridula were collected and reared under laboratory conditions to document the complete life cycle of T. pictipennis. Its potential effects on its main host, as well as on the Canary fauna, are discussed. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 5 Feb 2025 08:45:27 +0000
- Woody flora of the Prof. Dr. Karl Arens Reserve, Corumbataí, São
Paulo, Brazil
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142217
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e142217
Authors : Lilian Santos, Pedro Luís de Moraes : This study was conducted in the Prof. Dr. Karl Arens Reserve, Corumbataí, São Paulo. The area is a Cerrado fragment, with no records of fire since 1962 and is characterised by the predominance of Cerradão phytophysiognomy. Although several studies have been conducted in the Reserve, there was no testimony material for some species in the Herbarium Rioclarense (HRCB), nor a list of vouchers for any taxon in the main publications. Thus, the objective of this work was to undertake a floristic survey of the woody species in the Reserve, based on herbarium specimens and fieldwork.The survey in HRCB recorded 510 exsiccatae belonging to 160 species and 44 families. We also conducted 24 fieldwork expeditions between 2019 and 2021 and recorded 118 species in 39 families. In total, 193 woody species were recorded for the Reserve in Corumbataí. Species such as Copaifera langsdorffii and Myrcia neoclusiifolia had already been cited for the area, but there was no testimony material in the herbarium. Machaerium nyctitans and Alchornea glandulosa are examples of new records for the Reserve. Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Melastomataceae and Rubiaceae were the families with the greatest species diversity. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 3 Feb 2025 10:48:40 +0000
- Data mobilisation for historical records of vascular plants in eastern
Asia: V. L. Komarov’s expedition to Far-Eastern Russia, China and Korea
from 1895 to 1897
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e143631
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e143631
Authors : Chin Sung Chang, Kae Sun Chang, Hui Kim : Historical collections of herbaria and literature play a crucial role in documenting biodiversity information. The botanical biodiversity of northern Asia is significantly understudied compared to other regions of China and Japan. In particular, the biodiversity patterns in China's three north-eastern provinces, North Korea and the Russian Far East remain poorly understood, with substantial gaps when compared to the records of species distributions in Japan, South Korea and inland China. The Komarov data, orginally written in Russian, required extensive efforts to georeference the 130-year-old Chinese and North Korean place names to their modern equivalents and translate historical names to their current forms. This study aims to restore the Komarov data, including both specimen records and occurrence data, to assist the broader scientific and environmental community in recovering key biodiversity data from the past of northeast Asia. The impetus for this work was the need to assign geographic coordinates to plant specimens collected in the region and to V.L. Komarov's observations as primary occurrence data from 1895 to 1897.In this study, we present historical occurrence data obtained from the north-eastern Asian plant expedition carried out from 1895 to 1897 by V.L. Komarov in Far-Eastern Russia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, the eastern region of Liaoning in China and the northern region of Korea. The occurrences were georeferenced to more than 350 sites in Russia, China and Korea. All occurrences were georeferenced and species names were cross-checked and taxonomically updated using our own Asian plant checklist. The dataset consists of 21,114 primary occurrence records, comprising 6,956 specimens and 14,158 observation records. The outcome clearly shows that such initiatives can reveal an unexpected amount of highly valuable biodiversity information for “data-poor” regions. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:14:58 +000
- Updates to the checklist of nocturnal Macroheterocera (Lepidoptera) of the
Central High Atlas of Morocco: One new species added for Morocco
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e137839
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e137839
Authors : Nidal Fetnassi, Omar Er-rguibi, Abdessamad Aglagane, Mohamed Ghamizi, Erki Õunap : This paper provides updates to the checklist of Macroheteroceran moths (Lepidoptera) of the central High Atlas of Morocco, following the initial inventory conducted by Charles Rungs nearly five decades ago. Sampling was carried out using sugar bait traps deployed across various habitat types in the region (natural, semi-natural and agricultural lands). Identification of the collected specimens involved a comprehensive approach, including examination of external morphology, dissections of genitalia and DNA barcoding.In this study, we recorded a total of 123 species belonging to the families Noctuidae, Erebidae, Geometridae, Eutelidae and Drepanidae. Euxoa cos (Noctuidae) was recorded as a new species for Morocco. The presence of Apamea maroccana (Noctuidae) and Chersotis rungsi (Noctuidae), both endemic to Morocco, was verified in the study area. Four of the 123 species were only identified at the genus level. Our inventory also sheds light on species that were previously not known to occur within our study area, reporting twelve species from the High Atlas Mountains for the first time. We also suggest omitting Eupithecia farinosa (Geometridae) from the Moroccan Lepidoptera list. This study significantly contributes to uncovering an overlooked aspect of Lepidopteran biodiversity in Morocco, which is crucial for future conservation efforts. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:07:38 +000
- The “Ants of Cyprus” website: a dynamic, online awareness
raising and conservation tool
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141679
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141679
Authors : Jakovos Demetriou, Christos Georgiadis, Sebastian Salata, Lech Borowiec, Mathias Dillen, Quentin Groom, Evan Economo, Helen Roy, Angeliki Martinou : Ants are an important arthropod group due to their involvement in ecological processes amongst others as ecosystem engineers or predators, but some invasive alien species are also implicated in detrimental environmental, economic and human health effects. Despite recent advancements, the ant biodiversity of Cyprus is still in need of further research with previous online species inventories synthesising a checklist of just 65 native and 10 alien species. The “Ants of Cyprus” website (https://sites.google.com/view/ants-of-cyprus) aims to: (1) raise public awareness and increase local knowledge on the biodiversity and ecological significance of ants, (2) provide ecological data and (3) enhance conservation efforts and management practices for native and alien ant species, respectively. This dynamic, user-friendly website has been designed for use by the scientific community, conservation officers and the wider public and it will be regularly updated as new information and data are generated. Additionally, this information will be critical for reporting on progress towards biodiversity targets and goals. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:33:49 +000
- A new species of Otacilia Thorell, 1897 (Araneae, Phrurolithidae) from
Tongboshan National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province, China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144804
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144804
Authors : Zimin Jiang, Changyong Lin, Zhongjing Wang, Yanbin Yao, Keke Liu : Sixty-four phrurolithid species were found from Jiangxi Province in the past five years. However, there are still many unknown phrurolithid species from this Province with unusual morphological characteristics.A new species, Otacilia tongboshan Liu, sp. nov. is described from Tongboshan National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province, China. Morphological illustrations, SEMs and living photos and a distribution map are given. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:48:15 +000
- First discovery of the genus Enicopus Stephens (Coleoptera, Dasytidae)
from China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e144281
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e144281
Authors : Jialin Miao, Haoyu Liu, Junbo Tong, Xingke Yang, Yuxia Yang : Enicopus Stephens, 1830, is classified within the subfamily Dasytinae of the family Dasytidae (Coleoptera, Cleroidea). Currently, it comprises two subgenera and 27 known species. This genus primarily inhabits south-central Europe, with certain species extending into west Asia; however, it has not been reported in China until now.The genus Enicopus Stephens, 1830 is reported for the first time from China, following the discovery of E. (Enicopus) ater (Fabricius, 1787) in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. This species is thoroughly re-described and illustrated, including detailed depictions of the ultimate abdominal tergites and sternites, genitalia of both sexes, as well as tarsomeres 1 from the right front and hind legs of male. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:28:59 +000
- Flora of Forest Reserves and Riparian Areas in Benin
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e129992
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e129992
Authors : Eben-Ezer Apelete, Jean Ganglo : Benin government is committed to the overall strategy for the sacred forests and protected areas conservation through their integration into the national system of protected areas. This is due to the value of biodiversity and the considerable ethno-cultural and religious importance of the forests and protected areas. The project entitled “Project for the Integration of Sacred Forests into the System of Protected Areas of Benin (PIFSAP)” was initiated to preserve the biodiversity of the country by protecting and sustainably managing forest resources, biological and cultural heritage of local populations. Thus, all the sacred forests of Benin have been inventoried.The dataset published on GBIF website contains 8,488 occurrences of species collected in the forests and protected areas of Benin. After cleaning, the dataset was made accessible to the whole world via GBIF website: https://www.gbif.org/dataset/0740c09f-5cf6-48f0-8e94-abaa46f4b87b. This dataset is one of the largest databases published on “Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur les Forêts (CERF)” account and can be used for any purpose. The data collected are unique and provides information on species diversity found in the forest reserves of Benin. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:44:50 +000
- The InBIO Barcoding Initiative Database: contribution to the knowledge of
DNA barcodes of the vascular plants of north-eastern Portugal
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142020
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e142020
Authors : João Queirós, Rodrigo Silva, Catarina J. Pinho, Hélia Vale-Gonçalves, Ricardo Pita, Paulo Alves, Pedro Beja, Joana Paupério, Miguel Porto : Metabarcoding is invaluable for understanding trophic interactions, enabling high-resolution and rapid dietary assessments. However, it requires a robust DNA barcode reference library for accurate taxa identification. This dataset has been generated in the framework of the InBIO Barcoding Initiative (IBI) and Agrivole project. The integration of these two projects was crucial, as Agrivole aimed to investigate the trophic niche of small mammals in Trás-os-Montes Region through DNA metabarcoding, which required a reliable plant DNA barcode library for this same region. Given the large number of species not yet represented in international databases, a survey of local plants was essential to fill this gap. Thus, this study created an accurate DNA reference database for the plants of the Trás-os-Montes Region of Portugal.The current DNA reference database contains 632 vascular plant samples, all morphologically identified and belonging to 435 species. This represents 14% and 38.7% of the total known plant species for Portugal and the study area, respectively.Of the 1781 barcode sequences provided in this dataset, 1099 contain new information (61.7%) at different levels: 254 (13.6%, ITS2: 41, trnL-ef: 126, trnL-gh: 87) are completely new to GenBank and/or BOLD databases at the time of publication, 438 (24.6%, ITS2: 59, trnL-ef: 173, trnL-gh: 206) are new records for a given species and 407 (22.9%, ITS2: 187, trnL-ef: 206, trnL-gh: 14) provide additional information (e.g. different bp length, intraspecific genetic variability); the remaining 682 sequences (38.3%) are equal (100% identity) to sequences already publicly available for the identified species. Overall, this dataset represents a significant contribution to the genetic knowledge of vascular plants represented in public libraries. This is one of the public releases of the IBI database, which provides genetic and distributional data for several taxa.All vouchers are deposited in the Herbarium of the Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) and their DNA barcodes are publicly available in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), NCBI GenBank online databases and International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration (INSDC). HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:34:57 +000
- Winter is (not) coming: Acoustic monitoring and temperature variation
across important bat hibernacula
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141801
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141801
Authors : Nia Toshkova, Maksim Kolev, Stanimira Deleva, Tzvetan Simeonov, Vasil Popov : Little is known about the winter bat activity in Bulgaria, which poses challenges in monitoring potential deviations in their behaviour as a consequence of the warming climate. Using passive acoustic monitoring, we investigated the winter activity in some of Europe’s largest hibernacula. Our findings reveal cave and species-specific activity patterns. Activity was observed throughout each month of the survey, with distinct peaks on specific days. At one high-elevation site, bat activity was restricted to a single night, while the highest overall activity occurred at the highest elevation site (1325 m). The most active species was Myotis capaccinii (Bonaparte, 1837). While bats were mostly active right after sunset following their usual circadian rhythm, some daytime activity was also observed, including emergence at temperatures as low as -8°C. At sites with sufficient activity data, external temperature emerged as a significant positive predictor of bat activity, with higher temperatures associated with increased activity. Our data also suggest that bats rarely forage near the roost entrances. The observed variability in activity levels between study sites highlights the need for high-resolution, site-specific data rather than broad generalisations. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:35:32 +000
- Quantifying diversity and growth form distribution of scleractinian
corals, in Mangrove Bay, El Qoseir, Egypt
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e134282
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e134282
Authors : Theres Koch, Angelina Ivkić, Lewis Jones, Victor Scharnhorst, Constanze Stix, Antonia Auer, Theda Schöchtner, Gözde Özer, Simon Steinwender, Joseph Wallace Daurella, Martin Zuschin : Coral reefs provide habitat for approximately 25% of all extant marine species, including 845 species of scleractinian corals. These rich ecosystems are becoming increasingly degraded in many regions by a range of anthropogenic factors, including recurrent bleaching episodes associated with rising sea surface temperatures. Within the northern Red Sea, coral reef communities appear to be faring relatively better than global trends and continue to exhibit remarkable diversity and thermal tolerance. However, recent reports of coral bleaching in the region highlight the urgent need for comprehensive ecological surveys to provide a baseline for long-term monitoring of biodiversity and potential species loss. This field report aims to support the tracking of diversity and growth form distributions of scleractinian corals at two reef sites at Mangrove Bay, El Qoseir, Egypt. Over time, it is our hope that such reports will contribute to broader databases and analyses focused on the biodiversity of reef-building coral species in the northern Red Sea.This study presents the first comprehensive checklist of scleractinian coral species (Scleractinia Bourne, 1900) in Mangrove Bay, El Qoseir, Egypt. As a result of our 2023 field survey, we identified a total of 68 species across 29 genera and 14 families, spanning six reef habitats — three per study site — at two study locations (sheltered and current-exposed), with depths ranging from 0 to 9.5 m. We found that both scleractinian coral diversity and coral growth forms varied amongst the six habitats. Branching corals were found in each habitat, but were particularly abundant at the current-exposed reef edge, where they covered 67% of the habitat. Encrusting and massive corals became more prevalent with increasing depth at both study sites, with massive corals covering 72% at the sheltered deeper reef slope and encrusting corals covering 24% at the current-exposed deeper reef slope. Species of the genus Porites dominated the sheltered site at all depths and the deeper reef slope at the current-exposed site, while Pocillopora verrucosa was most abundant at the exposed site’s reef edge and shallow slope.We provide photographs confirming these new records and access to the raw data on the abundance, distribution and conservation status of these taxa. Forty-three percent of the scleractinian species are classified as "Least Concern," but six are identified as "Vulnerable" (9%). Reef cover analyses revealed algae as the dominant group in most habitats, while scleractinian coral cover ranged between approximately 17% at the current-exposed reef edge and almost 35% at the current-exposed shallow reef slope. Millepora contributed the most at the exposed reef edge with nearly 28% cover, but was scarce elsewhere; soft corals exhibited their highest abundance on the deeper slope.Our observations serve as a critical baseline for future research and conservation efforts at Mangrove Bay by presenting an initial inventory of the local scleractinian communities and emphasise the importance of detailed species data in understanding and preserving coral reef ecosystems. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 23 Jan 2025 13:16:29 +000
- Pollinator species richness and abundance across diverse habitat-types on
Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142482
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e142482
Authors : Mário Boieiro, Raúl Oliveira, Ricardo Costa, Paulo Borges : Azorean biodiversity is relatively well-known following important scientific contributions during the last three decades. These have set a comprehensive species checklist for the Archipelago, improved significantly the knowledge on species abundance, ecology and distribution and have contributed to define priorities for conservation management and scientific research. Nevertheless, despite these efforts, a key functional group - the pollinators - remains poorly known in Azores, including their occurrence in different habitat-types and islands. Insect pollinators play a key ecological role and a valuable ecosystem service being crucial to having basic information on their abundance, distribution and ecology and a good knowledge on the status of their populations, if we aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems. Furthermore, island ecosystems are facing significant pressures from land-use and climatic changes and, from the increasing arrival of alien species to these remote areas, presenting a pressing need to assess the effects of these factors on island pollinators and pollination.Here, we present an inventory of the pollinator species found in different habitat-types of Terceira along a gradient of disturbance and encompassing 30 sites distributed throughout the island. We identified 2547 pollinators from 40 taxa, mostly dipterans and hymenopterans and recorded novel information on species distribution and ecological associations. A high number of taxa are native species, including three Azorean endemics, but 14 species are alien to the Archipelago. The use of a combination of standardised sampling techniques allowed us to collect information on diverse pollinator groups, but, most importantly, the data collected will contribute to assess the impacts of human activities on pollinator abundance and richness and support decision-making on habitat management for pollinators in the Azores. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:12:56 +000
- Tinodes lumbardhi sp. nov. (Trichoptera, Psychomyiidae), a new species
from the Lumbardhi i Deçanit River in Kosovo
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e143104
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e143104
Authors : Halil Ibrahimi, Astrit Bilalli, Milaim Musliu, Donard Geci, Linda Grapci Kotori : Knowledge about the caddisfly fauna of Kosovo has expanded significantly in recent years; however, new species continue to be described from less-studied regions.In this paper, we describe a new species, Tinodes lumbardhi sp. nov., from the Lumbardhi i Deçanit River in the Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains of Kosovo. The new species is closely related to Tinodes urdhva Olah, 2010 and Tinodes kimminsi Sykora, 1962, but differs in the shapes of segment IX, coxopodites, harpago, phallicata and the basal plate process.Tinodes lumbardhi sp. nov. represents the sixth recorded species of the genus Tinodes Curtis, 1834, in Kosovo. The species was found in a small, isolated population within a region highly impacted by anthropogenic activities, especially the construction of hydropower plants. Tinodes lumbardhi sp. nov. was found in sympatry with some species rarely encountered in Kosovo, such as Plectrocnemia geniculata McLachlan, 1871, Rhyacophila loxias Schmid, 1970 and Rhyacophila siparantum Ibrahimi, Bilalli & Kučinić, 2021. Ongoing human activities have placed increasing pressures on the river’s ecosystem, further emphasising the conservation importance of identifying and protecting these rare and specialised species within Kosovo’s freshwater habitats. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:05:00 +000
- Monitoring of ant species surrounding the ports of South Korea
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142634
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e142634
Authors : Dayeong Kim, Heejo Lee, Nanghee Kim, Beom-jun Jang, Dong Eon Kim : The introduction and spread of invasive insects is accelerating worldwide owing to human activities, such as trade and transportation development; in particular, ports are hubs and routes for invasive insects, including ants. We surveyed ant populations in eight ports from 2021 to 2023 using pitfall traps. A total of 316,975 ants belonging to four subfamilies, 26 genera and 44 species were identified as Tetramorium tsushimae, Lasius niger, Brachyponera chinensis and Nylanderia flavipes. The statistical analysis showed that the highest values by index were for the Incheon Port (0.25), the diversity index was for the Daesan Port (2.00), the evenness index was for the Daesan Port (0.71) and the richness index was for the Gamman Port (2.13). Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) indicated that ants around the Ports of Gamman, Ulsan and Gwangyang had more dominant species than those around the other ports. Five species of alien ants, including Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis geminata, Paratrechina longicornis, Trichomyrmex destructor and Nylanderia bourbonica were identified at Gamman Port, Paratrechina longicornis at Ulsan Port and Gwangyang Port. This study provides comprehensive insights into the distribution and status of ants around ports, offering foundational data for the early detection of alien ants to reduce the risk of their settlement and spread and to respond proactively. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:35:49 +000
- First record of two Leptothecata medusae (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) in Colombia
with annotations on their distribution and ecology
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e138523
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e138523
Authors : Jorge Llorente-Vega, Cristina Cedeño-Posso, Jorge Quirós-Rodríguez : Hydromedusae are a group of planktonic cnidarians that represent the medusoid phase in the life cycle of most members of the class Hydrozoa, whose primary function is to produce and release gametes. These organisms are generally small and translucent, with slight pigmentation, except for those that inhabit great depths and exhibit the typical body shape of a jellyfish. In Colombia, studies on this group are limited due to the scarcity of updated taxonomic information and the small number of expert scientists. The most recent inventory records 71 species in the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.In this study, we report for the first time the presence of Eucheilota duodecimalis and Eutonina scintillans in Colombia, based on 28 zooplankton samples collected from seven stations between February and May 2024, using horizontal tows with a simple conical zooplankton net. Our research emphasises the significance of scientific exploration in new geographic regions and provides valuable data on the distribution and ecology of these species, contributing to a deeper understanding of their population dynamics. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:17:52 +000
- Keiferia azapaensis sp. nov., the first representative of the New World
micromoth genus Keiferia Busck (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) associated with
a member of Asteraceae
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141827
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141827
Authors : Héctor Vargas : The New World micromoth genus Keiferia Busck, 1939 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Gelechiinae, Gnorimoschemini) includes 21 described species, ten of which occur in South America. Like the tomato pinworm, K. lycopersicella (Walsingham, 1897), all the species of Keiferia, whose host plants have been documented, are associated exclusively with members of the family Solanaceae.Keiferia azapaensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated, based on adults reared from leaf miner larvae collected on the shrub Trixis cacalioides (Kunth) D. Don (Asteraceae) in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile. Despite this unusual host plant, a Maximum Likelihood analysis, based on mitochondrial DNA sequences, placed the new species within a well-supported Keiferia clade. The discovery of the trophic association between K. azapaensis sp. nov. and T. cacalioides represents the first record of a member of Asteraceae as a host plant for the micromoth genus Keiferia. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 20 Jan 2025 09:29:19 +000
- Ecological insights on the feeding behaviour of waterbirds in an Important
Bird and Biodiversity Area of South West Johor Coast, Malaysia
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e141250
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e141250
Authors : Nur Athirah Fauzi, Kaviarasu Munian, Nur Aina Amira Mahyudin, Nor Atiqah Norazlimi : Mangroves and mudflats are essential intertidal habitats that support benthic communities, providing critical feeding grounds for waterbirds. However, the degradation of these habitats due to coastal reclamation poses significant threats to prey availability and waterbird populations along the South est Johor Coast. While most avian research in Johor focuses on forest birds, studies on coastal waterbirds, particularly their feeding ecology, remain scarce. Understanding the feeding ecology of waterbirds is crucial for strengthening conservation efforts in vulnerable intertidal habitats. This study investigated the feeding behaviour and diet composition of waterbirds along the South West Johor Coast, Malaysia. Fieldwork was conducted in three coastal mudflats from November 2020 to May 2021, employing the direct observation technique. A total of 576 hours of observation were recorded, averaging 2 hours and 19 minutes per focal observation. Of 17 waterbird species recorded, only 11 species were included in the analysis based on sufficient data. The results revealed that waterbirds primarily consumed fish, molluscs, worms, crabs and unidentified prey, with fish comprising 25% of their overall diet. Feeding behaviour varied significantly by morphology traits, with larger waterbirds demonstrating higher feeding efficiency. Despite lower feeding rates and shorter feeding durations, larger species had a greater percentage of successful feeding attempts, indicating their superior ability to meet energy requirements. These findings provide crucial baseline data for understanding waterbird feeding ecology and highlight the importance of conserving the intertidal habitats. This research contributes to the development of targeted conservation strategies for waterbirds in the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) of the South West Johor Coast, Malaysia, an area increasingly at risk from habitat degradation. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:28:03 +000
- Pytaxon: A Python software for resolving and correcting taxonomic names in
biodiversity data
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e138257
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e138257
Authors : Marco Proença Neto, Marcos De Sousa : The standardisation and correction of taxonomic names in large biodiversity databases remain persistent challenges for researchers, as errors in species names can compromise ecological analyses, land-use planning and conservation efforts, particularly when inaccurate data are shared on global biodiversity portals.We present pytaxon, a Python software designed to resolve and correct taxonomic names in biodiversity data by leveraging the Global Names Verifier (GNV) API and employing fuzzy matching techniques to suggest corrections for discrepancies and nomenclatural inconsistencies. The pytaxon offers both a Command Line Interface (CLI) and a Graphical User Interface (GUI), ensuring accessibility to users with different levels of computing expertise. Tests on spreadsheets derived from datasets published in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying and resolving taxonomic errors. By mitigating the propagation of inaccuracies from researchers' datasets to global biodiversity databases, pytaxon supports more reliable conservation decisions and robust scientific investigations. Its contributions enhance data integrity and promote informed biodiversity management in a rapidly evolving global environment. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 8 Jan 2025 10:40:53 +0000
- David couldn't bring down Goliath: museum specimen reveals a failed
predation attempt by fire ants (Solenopsis Westwood, 1840) upon a large
hawk moth Eumorpha phorbas (Cramer, 1775)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142671
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e142671
Authors : Adrián Sánchez Albert, Alain Dejean, Mercedes París : Insights into insect predatory behaviour can be inferred indirectly from specimens housed in Natural History Collections. In this work, we document a unique interaction, never recorded before, involving the remains of a Solenopsis Westwood, 1840 ant worker —probably S. saevissima (Smith, 1855)— whose head is firmly attached by its mandibles to an antenna of a female hawk moth Eumorpha phorbas (Cramer, 1775) (Sphingidae). This specimen is part of the Entomology Collection at the MNCN-CSIC in Madrid, Spain. As fire ants have very large colonies showing collective hunting behaviour, this worker was likely trapped while taking part in a group attack with nestmates attempting to subdue this comparatively large moth. This observation highlights the value of museum specimens in revealing aspects of predator-prey interactions that might otherwise remain undocumented. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 8 Jan 2025 09:58:58 +0000
- Building a reliable 16S mini-barcode library of wild bees from Occitania,
south-west of France
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e137540
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e137540
Authors : Anaïs Marquisseau, Kamila Canale-Tabet, Emmanuelle Labarthe, Géraldine Pascal, Christophe Klopp, André Pornon, Nathalie Escaravage, Rémi Rudelle, Alain Vignal, Annie Ouin, Mélodie Ollivier, Magalie Pichon : DNA barcoding and metabarcoding are now powerful tools for studying biodiversity and especially the accurate identification of large sample collections belonging to diverse taxonomic groups. Their success depends largely on the taxonomic resolution of the DNA sequences used as barcodes and on the reliability of the reference databases. For wild bees, the barcode sequences coverage is consistently growing in volume, but some incorrect species annotations need to be cared for. The COI (Cytochrome Oxydase subunit 1) gene, the most used in barcoding/metabarcoding of arthropods, suffers from primer bias and difficulties for covering all wild bee species using the classical Folmer primers.We present here a curated database for a 250 bp mini-barcode region of the 16S rRNA gene, suitable for low-cost metabarcoding wild bees in applications, such as eDNA analysis or for sequencing ancient or degraded DNA. Sequenced specimens were captured in Occitania (south-west of France) and morphologically identified by entomologists, with a total of 530 individuals belonging to 171 species and 19 genera. A customised workflow including distance-tree inferences and a second round of entomologist observations, when necessary, was used for the validation of 348 mini-barcodes covering 148 species. Amongst them, 93 species did not have any 16S reference barcode available before our contribution. This high-quality reference library data are freely available to the scientific community, with the aim of facilitating future large-scale characterisation of wild bee communities in a context of pollinators' decline. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 7 Jan 2025 14:05:26 +0000
- A new species of Sinarella Bryk, 1949 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Herminiinae)
from Jiangxi, China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e139845
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e139845
Authors : Jun Wu, Wen-Yu Liu, Hui-Lin Han : Sinarella Bryk, 1949 (Erebidae, Herminiinae) is a medium-sized, frail-bodied genus of moths that externally resembles other genera in the Zanclognatha generic complex. All known larvae of this genus feed on fresh leaves of moss. This genus is widely distributed from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia, Japan, Borneo, Sulawesi and New Guinea.A new species of the genus Sinarella Bryk, 1949, S. jinggangshana sp. nov., is described from Jinggangshan National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province, China. This species is morphologically similar to S. takasago Wu, Fu & Owada, 2013, S. cristulalis (Staudinger, 1892), S. formosensis Wu, Fu & Owada, 2013 and S. japonica (Butler, 1881), but differs in both external and male genitalia characters. Images of the male adults and their genitalia are provided. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 6 Jan 2025 10:46:24 +0000
- Morphological and molecular identification of Particolored bat
(Vespertilio murinus) in South Korea: A first record
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e135293
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e135293
Authors : Bong Kyun Kim, Jeong Hun Shim, Sun Sook Kim, Soo Hyung Eo : BackgroundVespertilio murinus belong to the genus Vespertilio and are widely distributed in Europe, the Middle East and Northeast Asia, Recently, the presence of the V. murinus has been confirmed in Japan, suggesting the possibility of its habitation on the Korean Peninsula. However, ecological information regarding its presence in the Korean Peninsula is extremely limited.New informationIn an urban area of Sejong City, South Korea, a bat within the genus Vespertilio was rescued by personnel of the Chungnam Wild Animal Rescue Center. The bat, which was believed to have been hibernating on an exterior wall of a building, was initially identified as Vespertilio sinensis. However, the confirmed presence of two pairs of nipples raised the possibility that the bat was a specimen of V. murinus. The measurement of the forearm length (FAL) of this bat was 45.67 mm, which is within the 95% confidence interval of the previously reported FALs of V. murinus. Additionally, the results of mtDNA sequence analysis indicated that the rescued bat could be differentiated from the closely-related species V. sinensis with respect to the sequences of 13PCGs, COI, Cytb and ND1. Finally, phylogenetic analysis revealed that this bat clustered in a clade with previously described V. murinus. Collectively, these findings provided convincing evidence to indicate that the rescued individual was a V. murinus, marking the first recorded observation of this species in South Korea. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 6 Jan 2025 10:06:46 +0000
- A new species of Raveniola Zonstein, 1987 (Araneae, Nemesiidae) from
Fujian, China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e142264
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e142264
Authors : Guchun Zhou, Jian Lu, Muqiushi Cui, Jiasheng Xu : The genus Raveniola Zonstein, 1987 comprises 66 species, distributed across regions from East Asia to the Caucasus, with about 20 species recorded from China. According to Zonstein et al. (2018) and Zonstein (2024), members of Raveniola can be identified by the presence of two to three retroventral megaspines arranged sequentially on tibia I in males and paired spermathecae in females, each bearing two-branched heads or a lateral diverticulum.A new mygalomorph species, Raveniola fuzhouensis Zhou, sp. nov., is described from Fujian Province, China. Detailed description, diagnosis, illustrations and a distribution map of the new species are provided. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 19:31:47 +0000
- A new species of the genus Falcileptoneta Komatsu, 1970 (Araneae,
Leptonetidae) from Jilin, China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e143433
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.13.e143433
Authors : Hao Yu, Yuanqian Xing, Yejie Lin : Falcileptoneta Komatsu, 1970 comprises 68 species, distributed in Japan (28), Korea (31) and southeast of China (9). This genus has not been recorded in the north-eastern part of China.A new species: Falcileptoneta taoqii sp. nov. (♂♀) are reported from Jilin Province, China. This is also the first record of Leptonetidae Simon, 1890 in north-eastern China. Photos and morphological descriptions of the new species are presented; the type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IZCAS), Beijing. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 09:07:21 +0000
- Description of five new species from southern China, with note on the type
species of Latouchia Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Halonoproctidae)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e137852
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e137852
Authors : Long Hao, Kun Yu, Feng Zhang : The genus Latouchia Pocock, 1901 previously included 25 known species and one subspecies from Asia, 12 species and one subspecies were reported in China.Five new species of Latouchia Pocock, 1901 from southern China are described: L. calcicola sp. nov. (♂♀) from Hainan, L. jinyun sp. nov. (♂♀) from Chongqing, L. linmufu sp. nov. (♂♀) from Hunan, L. wenchuan sp. nov. (♂) from Sichuan and L. yaoi sp. nov. (♂♀) from south part of Shaanxi. DNA barcodes of the new species described herein are provided. The potential error in the previous illustrations of the alleged male of L. fossoria Pocock, 1901 (type species of the genus) is pointed out. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 11:39:10 +0000
- Long-term monitoring data on Popillia japonica (Newman, 1838) (Coleoptera,
Rutelidae) across the Azorean Islands
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e138989
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e138989
Authors : Mário Teixeira, António Soares, David Lopes, Lucas Lamelas-Lopez, Paulo Borges, José Mota, Nelson Simões : The Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, 1838 (Coleoptera, Rutelidae), is a univoltine agricultural pest that poses a serious threat to various agricultural crops. For more than 16 years, the Azorean official authorities have implemented a Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) programme that is crucial for understanding the dynamics of insect pests, such as the Japanese Beetle, and their impacts on agricultural ecosystems. The significance of this long-term monitoring extends beyond understanding the pest's life cycle. By sharing this long-term monitoring data with the scientific community, we hope it allows for a more comprehensive assessment of P. japonica success and spread, enabling a deeper understanding of how this pest interacts and correlates with biotic and abiotic factors to uncover patterns and trends crucial for effective pest management.In the Azores Archipelago, P. japonica adults emerge from pupae at the end of May and peak in density by early July, persisting until October. Larvae develop through three instars, with the third instar grub pupating by early May. This lifecycle highlights the pest population's seasonal activity, including the timing of emergence, adult stages and larval stages. It reveals when and for how long the pest is active in each of its life stages and provides critical information for pest management strategies. Worldwide, this pest can cause damage to 414 plant species across 94 families, underscoring the potential for elevated crop damage. This information is invaluable for developing targeted intervention strategies and mitigating economic losses caused by P. japonica infestations. Therefore, establishing and maintaining long-term programmes for monitoring P. japonica populations are essential for scientific understanding and practical pest management efforts in the Azores Archipelago.The data presented here report the officials' records of a 16-year (from 2008 to 2023) long-term monitoring programme on P. japonica in the Azores Archipelago, undertaken by the Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação operational services. Based on the last checklist of Azorean arthropods, the species is recorded for the first time for the Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge Islands. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:12:07 +000
- Lichen novelties from Corvo Island (Azores, Portugal)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e140418
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e140418
Authors : António Félix Rodrigues, Sandra Videira, André Aptroot, Rosalina Gabriel : Corvo is a small and remote island in the western group of the Azores Archipelago, Portugal. The Island's lichen biodiversity was largely understudied, with only 17 species documented to date.This study reports 68 new records of lichen species on Corvo Island, representing an addition of two classes, eight orders, 18 families and 43 genera. It includes three new records for the Azores: Acrocordia conoidea (Fr.) Körb., Chrysothrix flavovirens Tønsberg and Glaucomaria rupicola (L.) P.F. Cannon (syn. Lecanora rupicola (L.) Zahlbr.). Additionally, it confirms the presence of three species previously reported in the Archipelago without specific locations: Lecidea phaeops Nyl., Peltigera canina (L.) Willd. and Pertusaria ficorum Zahlbr. This wealth of new lichen species records greatly enriches our understanding of biodiversity and sets a solid groundwork for upcoming ecological investigations in the Azores Archipelago. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:04:55 +000
- A survey of Hersilia spiders (Araneae, Hersiliidae) from Xishuangbanna,
Yunnan Province, China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e142805
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e142805
Authors : Hao Yu, Chengwen Zhang, Qianle Lu, Yejie Lin : Hersilia Audouin, 1826 is the largest genus of the Hersiliidae Thorell, 1869, currently including 80 extant species that are widespread throughout most of forests of the Tropical realm. The tropical rainforest in Xishuangbanna is one of the most biodiversity-rich regions in China. However, Hersilia can be regarded as being poorly represented in Xishuangbanna, with only two recorded species so far.A survey was undertaken to study the hersiliids in Xishuangbanna. A total of four species are here addressed, raising from two to four the number of species of the genus Hersilia known to the area: H. striata Wang & Yin, 1985 and H. lelabah Rheims & Brescovit, 2004 that were recorded previously and H. asiatica Song & Zheng, 1982 (as well as the new record from Yunnan) and H. sumatrana (Thorell, 1890) that are recorded for the first time. Hersilia lelabah is re-described, based on new materials and the male is described and illustrated for the first time. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations for both sexes of H. lelabah are provided. The distribution map of these four species in Xishuangbanna is given. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 30 Dec 2024 10:35:11 +000
- First record of the genus Anthomalachius Tshernyshev, 2009 (Coleoptera,
Malachiidae) from China
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e141874
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e141874
Authors : Junbo Tong, Sergei Tshernyshev, Yuxia Yang, Haoyu Liu : Anthomalachius Tshernyshev, 2009 is a small genus belonging to the tribe Malachiini in the family Malachiidae of the order Coleoptera, with six currently known species: A. spinosus (Erichson, 1840) from Central, Eastern and Southern Europe and North Africa; A. strangulatus (Abeille de Perrin, 1885) from Central Europe to Central Asia; A. davoodi Ezzatpanah, 2011 from Iran; A. senylia (Tshernyshev, 2000) from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan; A. foveatus (Medvedev, 1964) from Kazakstan, Russia and Mongolia; A. pseudospinosus (Medvedev, 1964) from Kazakhstan and Turkey.In this study, Anthomalachius Tshernyshev, 2009 is newly recorded from China upon the discovery of A. pseudospinosus (Medvedev, 1964) from Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The adult morphological characters are re-described in detail with illustrations of external appearance and relevant characters. The female ovipositor, pygidium and ultimate abdominal ventrite of A. pseudospinosus are illustrated and described for the first time. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 30 Dec 2024 10:23:08 +000
- A new species of Mysidopsis (Crustacea, Mysida) from the Canary and Cape
Verde archipelagos
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e139475
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e139475
Authors : Karl J. Wittmann : Within the subfamily Leptomysinae (fam. Mysidae), the tribe Mysidopsini has five here acknowledged genera and 74 extant species. It embraces the genera Americamysis with six species from the coasts of the NW-Atlantic (Narragansett Bay to Florida), the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico; Brasilomysis with two species from the SW-Atlantic off Brazilian shores and from the Pacific coast of Ecuador; Cubanomysis with three species from the Caribbean, Gulf of California and southern California; Metamysidopsis with ten species from the Atlantic coasts of the USA to Brazil, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and E-Pacific from California to Panama; and, finally, the globally occurring Mysidopsis. Not counting the below-described new species and one fossil species, the latter genus comprises 53 extant species and one non-nominotypical subspecies. With regard to the great number of species, this genus is comparatively homogeneous, not considering the monotypic subgenera Pseudomysidopsis and Mysidopsoides.Mysidopsis canariensis sp. nov. is described from five islands of the Canaries and two islands of the Cape Verdes (NE-Atlantic). Records are from depths of 5 to 30 m, mainly over sand, also on stones and rock. It differs from the remaining NE-Atlantic and Mediterranean congeners amongst other features by the lateral margins of the telson distally having a longer bare portion. Amongst these species, it differs from its northern vicariants M. iluroensis and M. gibbosa in addition by fewer spines on the endopod of uropods. In-situ-photos of M. canariensis sp. nov. document at least six strongly different colour variants, four of which are strikingly similar to corresponding variants of M. jenseni from the NE-Pacific coast. The latter differs from all species of the E-Atlantic, including the new one, by a mid-dorsal lappet near the caudal margin of the female carapace. A key to the species of Mysidopsis from the E-Atlantic and Mediterranean is given. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 30 Dec 2024 10:06:38 +000
- Bees of the Mediterranean basin: biodiversity insights from specimens in
the IMBE collection (Marseille, France)
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e141734
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e141734
Authors : Louhane Schneider, Charlène Lossouarn, Benoît Geslin, Coline Jaworski, Lucie Schurr, Lise Ropars, Claire Bouchot, Marie Zakardjian, Floriane Flacher, Matthieu Aubert, David Genoud, Éric Dufrêne, Vincent Leclercq, Gabriel Nève : The spectacular decline in pollinators and their prominent role in pollination of natural and cultivated plants has stimulated research on pollinating insects. Over the last ten years, much ecological research has been carried out on bees, often generating a large volume of specimens and increasing the importance of entomological collections. Here, we present the bee collection of the IMBE laboratory (Marseille, France) after ten years of study of plant-pollinator networks.We provide distribution data on 2181 specimens belonging to 246 species of bees, mainly from the Mediterranean Region of France. One of the recorded species, Lasioglossum soror, is classified as "endangered" at the European level, while 68 of the recorded species are currently Data Deficient according to the 2014 Red List of European bees. This dataset contributes to the broader effort to enhance the knowledge of French bee diversity. It aligns with the objectives of the French Pollinator Plan and supports the development of a national Red List. In this context, information about the distribution of wild bees from the Mediterranean Region, which harbours the highest species diversity in mainland France, are of particular importance. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:34:45 +000
- Efficacy of the 28S rDNA barcode in differentiating Caribbean octocorals
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e140454
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e140454
Authors : Sloan Senofsky, Isabel Zamudio, Brittany Pan, Catherine McFadden : The ecological landscape of Caribbean reefs is rapidly changing as octocorals fill the void left by declining scleractinian populations. Effective molecular barcodes are necessary to accurately identify these octocorals and monitor this shifting ecosystem. We tested the efficacy of the 28S rDNA as a barcode compared to the most commonly used mtMutS barcode on a collection of octocorals from across the Caribbean. Based on pairwise genetic distance values, 28S appeared to be more effective at differentiating species within the families Plexauridae and Gorgoniidae, while mtMutS was slightly more effective at distinguishing species of Pterogorgiidae. However, the standard 28S rDNA primers did not amplify all species as effectively as mtMutS, especially those belonging to the genus Eunicea. A shorter 28S barcode developed for eDNA applications distinguished species as effectively as the complete 28S barcode. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:26:16 +000
- Chironomids (Diptera) from Central European stream networks: new findings
and taxonomic issues
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e136241
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e136241
Authors : Bernadett Boóz, Zsolt Kovács, Bea Bartalovics, Pál Boda, Marko Miliša, Bálint Pernecker, Petr Pařil, Tomasz Rewicz, Anna Boglárka Simon, Zoltán Csabai, Arnold Móra : Chironomidae, with over 7,300 described species, are amongst the most diverse and abundant insect families in freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Chironomids are known for their widespread distribution from various water types. The level of documentation of chironomid fauna varies considerably amongst European countries, with more comprehensive knowledge for Western Europe compared to other regions. Despite the recent extensive sampling effort and the increasing number of available data, the chironomid fauna of Central European countries still remains poorly known.This study contributes to the knowledge of chironomid fauna in three river catchments in Croatia, Hungary and Czechia. A combination of morphological and molecular techniques was employed, with a focus on larvae, although pupae and exuviae were also examined. We found 207 taxa, amongst which 170 were identified to species level. In Croatia, 14 species were recorded for the first time and two species were newly recorded in Czechia. DNA barcoding of 31 specimens resulted in 23 BINs, including eight new ones to BOLD. We provided detailed notes on taxa with taxonomic problems and/or morphological peculiarities. Our results highlight that extensive studies conducted in relatively small areas and a limited range of habitats (only streams in hilly regions) can remarkably contribute to the local and global knowledge on Chironomidae fauna, especially when the taxonomically difficult and often problematic larvae are investigated. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:05:20 +000
- The wild bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Anthophila) of the urban nature
reserves of Rome (Italy, Latium): a preliminary survey
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e139087
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e139087
Authors : Lorenzo Fortini, Enrico Ruzzier, Maurizio Mei, Andrea Di Giulio : Urbanisation is a global phenomenon responsible for negative processes in natural ecosystems, such as degradation, loss of habitat and fragmentation. Large urban green areas could, however, represent shelter for animal species, promoting biodiversity conservation. Urban green spaces can also provide useful habitats for threatened species. Wild bees are amongst the most important and efficient pollinating insects and play an indispensable role in ecosystem functioning. Approximately half of the European wild bee species have been reported from Italy, making it a biodiversity hotspot for this group of insects. Many studies have been conducted on pollinating insects in recent years, but few data and incomplete knowledge on wild bee faunas in strictly urban environments exist. Georeferenced faunal data would be important for conservation efforts and understanding the effects that large cities such as Rome may have on the diversity of wild bee communities.This work focused on the diversity of wild bees in nature reserves belonging to the RomaNatura network within the urban area of Rome, Italy. A total of 208 wild bee species belonging to 36 genera and six families were identified. Amongst the species surveyed, one species was classified as Endangered (EN) and seven species were classified as Near Threatened (NT) by the European Red List of wild bees. Twenty-four species are new reports for the urban area of Rome. Sampling took place from April to September 2022. The most represented family in terms of abundance was Halictidae, accounting for 36% of all bees collected, followed by Apidae (24% of samples), Andrenidae (17% of samples), Megachilidae (15% of samples), Colletidae (7% of samples) and Melittidae (1% of samples). The Megachilidae family was the richest in terms of the number of species, accounting for 25% of the total species sampled. This research aimed to provide a set of standardised and georeferenced wild bee occurrences that constitute the baseline for any faunistic, ecological and conservation activity of Rome's nature reserves. In addition, the research aims to demonstrate the importance of large urban green areas in one of the largest European cities as biodiversity reservoirs for wild bees. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:39:02 +000
- Mosquito аbundance and species surveillance in St. Joseph County,
Indiana, 1976-1997
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e122215
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e122215
Authors : Carmela D'Antuono, Kayla Anderson, Joseph Afuso, Michelle Huang, Jennifer Robichaud, Samuel Rund : Approximately twenty-one years of historical mosquito abundance and species surveillance data, collected by the University of Notre Dame and the St. Joseph County (IN) Health Department, from 1976 to 1997 are made available following a data rescue effort. St. Joseph County is a county in Indiana, located on the Michigan-Indiana border, 35 miles from Lake Michigan.The collected data will allow for trends in species to be followed over a wide time range and facilitate further research regarding mosquito-borne diseases, species distribution, phenology and ecological changes over time. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:45:51 +000
- Checklist for the insect fauna of two East Sea Islands (Ulleungdo Is. and
Dokdo Is.) in the Republic of Korea
Abstract: Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e129360
DOI : 10.3897/BDJ.12.e129360
Authors : Dong-Yeol Lee, Ilyeong Jeong, Seonmin Kim, Jae Won Choi, Min Hyeok Won, Donguk Kim, Dongmin Kim, Young-Kun Kim, Jiseung Jeon, Jihun Ryu, WooJun Bang, Jun Hyuk Chang, Kwang Shik Choi : Ulleungdo and Dokdo, located in the East Sea, are volcanic islands with high ecological value due to their unique biodiversity. Although research on the insect fauna on these two Islands has been conducted from the early 19th century to recent times, limitations exist due to several issues, including misidentifications and historical errors. This study addresses these issues by conducting a comprehensive insect survey from 2020 to 2023, re-identifying misidentified specimens and compiling references to create an updated and accurate checklist of insect species for Ulleungdo and Dokdo.The checklists include 20 orders, 227 families and 1694 species, including 28 previously unrecorded species for Ulleungdo Island: Neoitamus cothurnatus univittatus (Loew, 1871), Elachiptera insignis (Thomson, 1869), Elachiptera sibirica (Loew, 1858), Muscina levida (Harris, 1780), Orchisia costata (Meigen, 1826), Ensina sonchi (Linnaeus, 1767), Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett, 1898), Aedes koreicus (Edwards, 1917), Aedes galloisi Yamada, 1921, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), Aedes togoi (Theobald, 1907), Stenolophus difficilis (Hope, 1845), Dasytes vulgaris Nakane, 1963, Attalus elongatulus Lewis, 1895, Elacatis kraatzi Reitter, 1879, Polygraphus jezoensis Niisima, 1909, Scolytoplatypus tycon Blandford, 1893, Ambrosiophilus atratus (Eichhoff, 1876), Psilarthroides czerskyi (Zaslavskij, 1956), Tomoxia nipponica Kôno, 1928, Adelphocoris demissus Horvath, 1905, Corythucha marmorata (Uhler, 1878), Spilarctia seriatopunctata suzukii Inoue & Maenami, 1963, Hypopyra vespertilio (Fabricius, 1787), Simplicia rectalis (Eversmann, 1842), Acronicta hercules (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1874), Analetia postica (Hampson, 1905) and Eudemis brevisetosa Oku, 2005; 10 orders, 80 families and 201 species, including three unrecorded species for Dokdo Island: Arhopaloscelis bifasciata (Kraatz, 1879), Nabis stenoferus Hsiao, 1964 and Haplogonatopus oratorius (Westwood, 1833). HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 19 Dec 2024 12:28:08 +000
