Dataset Information

Type material comparison of possible cryptic species of the genus Electrogena (Ephemeroptera, Heptageniidae) in Central Europe.

ABSTRACT: The genus Electrogena Zurwerra & Tomka, 1985 is a diverse mayfly group in the Western Palaearctic with a partially unclear taxonomy, even in well-examined areas such as Central Europe. Recently, one of the species belonging to this genus, Electrogenaujhelyii (Sowa, 1981), was identified as a complex of genetically and geographically separated species. Two other species, Electrogenasamalorum (Landa, 1982) and Electrogenarivuscellana Sartori & Landolt, 1991 were formerly stated as junior synonyms of the earlier species. The fact that the synonymy of E.samalorum and E.ujhelyii was stated without comparison of any larval or adult material and both species reportedly have different altitude preferences makes the taxonomical position of E.samalorum (and possibly E.rivuscellana) questionable. Among others, a comparison of type series is one of the first methods that should be used to clarify the taxonomical position of closely related taxa. The present study aims to comparatively examine the type material and topotypes of E.ujhelyii and its presumed junior synonym E.samalorum for the first time in detail. Additionally, some notes on the status of the geographically extralimital E.rivuscellana are discussed briefly. We noted a significant similarity of all studied material from both the larval and imaginal stages, and suggest considering both junior synonyms (E.samalorum and E.rivuscellana) as species inquirendae.

SUBMITTER: Polasek M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6531381 | biostudies-other | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Type material comparison of possible cryptic species of the genus Electrogena (Ephemeroptera, Heptageniidae) in Central Europe.

Polášek Marek M Šupina Jan J Godunko Roman J RJ

ZooKeys 20190515

The genus Electrogena Zurwerra & Tomka, 1985 is a diverse mayfly group in the Western Palaearctic with a partially unclear taxonomy, even in well-examined areas such as Central Europe. Recently, one of the species belonging to this genus, Electrogenaujhelyii (Sowa, 1981), was identified as a complex of genetically and geographically separated species. Two other species, Electrogenasamalorum (Landa, 1982) and Electrogenarivuscellana Sartori & Landolt, 1991 were formerl ...[more]

PMID: 31148920

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Project description:The decline of biodiversity in general and of insect diversity in particular has been recognized as a major environmental problem in recent years. In this study, we analyze the distribution and the decline of populations of forester moths of the genus Jordanita in Central Europe since 1950 as a type example of the loss of grassland biodiversity, and discuss potential drivers causing this decline. Based on the extensive work in museums and private collections, a literature review and own observations, and including data as far back as 1834, this genus helps to understand the deeper reasons of insect population and biodiversity decline, as the well investigated six Central European species cover a broad range of extensive grassland habitats (fens to low-production grassland and xerothermic steppes) from low altitudes to high alpine meadows. Therefore, they monitor processes relevant also to other, less investigated grassland species. Although there are differences in research intensity over time and in different natural areas, we show that in the whole of Central Europe, the populations of all six investigated Jordanita species broke down massively in the past decades, both in terms of number of populated habitats (about 400 recorded localities after the year 2000 compared with a total number of about 1600 at all times, cumulated for all six species) and in terms of number of individuals. On the other hand, some natural areas on a regional scale have more or less maintained their Jordanita populations, due to conservative land use and due to the early implementation of conservation and protection management plans. The reasons of decline are manifold and monitored in detail by the different species with their different habitat requirements. They comprise (1) loss of habitats due to land use changes (both intensification and abandonment), (2) loss of habitats due to urbanization and construction work, (3) loss of habitat networks to cope with small-scale extinction events, (4) more intensive growth of grass at the expense of other plants in otherwise undisturbed habitats due to fertilization through the air (increased nitrogen levels due to human activities) and (5) use of pesticides.

Dataset Information

Type material comparison of possible cryptic species of the genus Electrogena (Ephemeroptera, Heptageniidae) in Central Europe.

Publications

Type material comparison of possible cryptic species of the genus <i>Electrogena</i> (Ephemeroptera, Heptageniidae) in Central Europe.

Similar Datasets

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