Identification of individual root-knot nematodes using low coverage long-read sequencing

Root-knot nematodes (RKN; genus Meloidogyne) are polyphagous plant pathogens of great economic importance to agriculturalists globally. These species are small, diverse, and can be challenging for accurate taxonomic identification. Many of the most important crop pests confound analysis with simple genetic marker loci as they are polyploids of likely hybrid origin. Here we take a low-coverage, long-read genome sequencing approach to characterisation of individual root-knot nematodes. We demonstrate library preparation for Oxford Nanopore Technologies Flongle sequencing of low input DNA from individual juveniles and immature females, multiplexing up to twelve samples per flow cell. Taxonomic identification with Kraken 2 (a k-mer-based taxonomic assignment tool) is shown to reliably identify individual nematodes to species level, even within the very closely related Meloidogyne incognita group. Our approach forms a robust, low-cost, and scalable method for accurate RKN species diagnostics.

Faunal Remains From Diang Mahang In Kalimantan: Taxonomic Identification And Their Archaeological Context

Faunal remains, both vertebrates and invertebrates, are important discoveries in archaeological research. Such proxy may provide information on the identity of animal species which may associate with human at a site. This research aims to understand the existence of faunal remains in the rockshelter of Diang Mahang to further comprehend the interaction of humans and their environment in the past. No research involving animal remains in this region has been conducted before. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a taxonomic identification of the faunal remains related to human activities in the past in Diang Mahang. This study applies a qualitative-analytic method with inductive reasoning. The analysis was performed by observing the diagnostic characteristics of a bone to determine its taxonomic identity. Results of diagnostic characteristics showed that vertebrate remains comprise three main classes, i.e., Mammals, Reptiles, and Pisces. The remains of the invertebrate consist of Molluscs and Arthropods. Marine Cypraeid also existed but was not of the edible variety. Contextually, faunal remains are associated with lithics and pottery, indicating a micro-scale activity in Diang Mahang related to humans’ daily life in the rockshelter.

Assessing the Value of a Citizen Science Approach for Ctenophore Identification

During the era of biodiversity loss, a complete species census and understanding where the different species occur is of high priority. Even though this knowledge has increased tremendously, mainly with expanded use of integrated taxonomic identification, there are groups where our knowledge is very limited, both in terms of diversity and distribution. Ctenophores are such a group. Due to a lack of identification literature, damage to specimens during net sampling and sample processing, difficulties with preservation and a considerably undescribed diversity within the phylum, this group is often hard to work with. A citizen science approach was applied during a mapping campaign on ctenophore diversity along the Norwegian coast in order to have a broad geographical coverage. This was achieved by a collaboration with five diving clubs along a south-north geographical gradient that were briefly introduced to ctenophore taxonomy and ecology and sampling techniques using Whatman® FTA® Cards. The data collected by the participating divers gave a broad spatial coverage and provided information on ctenophore diversity in these regions. The use of FTA® Cards in the sampling allowed successful species and genus level identification using DNA barcodes. However, small obstacles such as accurate morphological species identification and labor-intensive issues were identified that can impede the use of large-scale citizen science approaches to map ctenophore diversity and thus recommendations for future implications that address these issues are proposed here.

First report of an invasive pest, Phyllonorycter populifoliella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from Ladakh

<p><em>Phyllonorycter populifoliella</em> (Treitschke 1883), is an invasive pest and is first reported on poplar trees, from the eastern region of Ladakh, India. The details of the taxonomic identification based on genital morphology are presented. Besides, host range, feeding habits and level of infestation in different hamlets of Ladakh are also presented. This study is important for further understanding the pest biology, its diversity and management by adopting control strategies. It is also important to restrict its dispersal to other states of the Indian union and to devise pest management strategies for this pest.</p><p> </p>

First record of the terrestrial predatory leech, Orobdella kawakatsuorum Richardson, 1975 (Clitellata, Hirudinea, Erpobdelliformes), from Moneron Island, Sakhalin Oblast, Russia

The terrestrial predatory leech of the genus Orobdella Oka, 1895 is recorded for the first time from Moneron Island, which is located southwest of Sakhalin, Russia. Morphological characteristics of the Moneron Orobdella clarify its taxonomic identification as O. kawakatsuorum Richardson, 1975, which is indigenous to Hokkaido Island in the Japanese Archipelago. The occurrence data extends the northernmost range of the genus Orobdella and shows that the leech fauna is shared between Moneron Island and Hokkaido.

Microscopic Analysis of the Plumulaceous Feather Characteristics of Cathartiformes and Accipitriformes In North America

ABSTRACT Although variation in microscopic plumulaceous (downy) feather characters is known to be useful in taxonomic identifications of birds, the conserved characters unique to most avian orders remain understudied. We examined plumulaceous feather characters (morphometric and observed pigmentation patterns [qualitative]) within three avian families (Cathartidae, Pandionidae, Accipitridae) occurring in North America that often require taxonomic identification based on incomplete or fragmentary remains. We found significant quantitative differences among these three families for measurements of barbule length, node width, average number of nodes per barbule, and internode length. We observed additional differences in pigmentation patterns and spine distribution at nodes. Differences in pigment patterns and intensity are diagnostic for distinguishing Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) from Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) within Cathartidae. Further observed differences of a higher percentage of spined structures present at node junctions along the length of barbules are diagnostic of Pandionidae. Within Accipitridae, pigmentation patterns and pigment intensity separate Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) and White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) from all other taxa; and barbule length, together with average nodes per barbule is unique to Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) in the families examined in this study. Although significant differences in a combination of microscopic feather characters among species were seldom observed in this study, family level differences were consistently documented. Results support the use of a suite of microscopic characters in combination with macroscopic feather features, geographic distributions, molecular methods, and other circumstantial evidence to aid in the identification of species of birds from feathers.