Latest Articles from Subterranean Biology Latest 4 Articles from Subterranean Biology https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:38:22 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Subterranean Biology https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/ The surprising discovery of two new subterranean Leptodirini of the genus Spelaeobates Müller, 1901 (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae) from Croatia after more than a century https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/104548/ Subterranean Biology 46: 21-46

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.46.104548

Authors: Srećko Ćurčić, Nikola Vesović, Maja Vrbica, Slađana Popović, Željko Radovanović, Nina B. Ćurčić, Anatoliy A. Yamashkin, Dejan Radović, Stanislav A. Yamashkin, Sofija Vranić, Tonći Rađa

Abstract: Two new subterranean leiodid taxa of the genus Spelaeobates Müller, 1901 from three pits in northern Dalmatia (Croatia), S. coriniensis sp. nov. and S. coriniensis nonveilleri ssp. nov., are described. The morphological traits of the new taxa are enumerated and illustrated. These two taxa are placed in the subgenus Spelaeobates Müller, 1901. The relationships of these two taxa and their close relatives are clarified. Data on the sexual dimorphism of the two new taxa and on the intrasubspecific variability of S. coriniensis nonveilleri ssp. nov. are presented. We also redescribed S. novaki, the type species of both the genus Spelaeobates and the subgenus Spelaeobates and the closest relative of the newly described species. A key for identification of the taxa of the genus Spelaeobates is included. The new taxa are endemic to the Dinaric Alps of Croatia. Spelaeobates (Pretneriella) kraussi Müller, 1903 and S. (P.) pharensis langhofferi Müller, 1931 were found for the first time outside their type locality.

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Research Article Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:33:46 +0300
Comparative phylogeography of two troglobitic Coleoptera (Leiodidae, Leptodirini) species from Romania based on mitochondrial DNA https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/73524/ Subterranean Biology 42: 61-78

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.42.73524

Authors: Ruxandra Năstase-Bucur, Giuliana Allegrucci, Valerio Ketmaier, Ionuţ Cornel Mirea, Oana Teodora Moldovan

Abstract: About 50 species of cave-obligate Leptodirini (Leiodidae) beetles have been described so far in Romania, most of them populating caves in the Apuseni Mountains (north-western Romania) and the Southern Carpathians. In this contribution, we present the first molecular phylogeographic study of the two troglobiotic Pholeuon species from the Apuseni Mountains. The two species are Pholeuon (s.str.) leptodirum and Pholeuon (Parapholeuon) gracile, endemic to Bihorului Mountains and Pădurea Craiului Mountains, respectively. To examine the genetic divergence within and between the two species we sequenced 571 bp of the mitochondrial COI gene in a total of 145 specimens, 56 specimens of the first species (collected in five caves) and 89 of the second species (collected in eight caves) across their geographic ranges. We found very low genetic variation, four haplotypes in P. leptodirum and seven haplotypes in P. gracile, and a maximum of 0.7% and 0.9% intraspecific divergence, respectively. However, a significant genetic divergence of 6.55% was found between species. The results are consistent with previous definitions of the two species based on morphological characters, while caution should be taken in considering attributions to different subspecies. Our research contributes to the phylogeographic information of troglobitic beetles, providing a solid basis for future comparison with other terrestrial or aquatic cave adapted species.

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Research Article Tue, 8 Feb 2022 13:57:56 +0200
A new species of Leonhardia Reitter, 1901 (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Leptodirini) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a key to species of the genus https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/75613/ Subterranean Biology 41: 69-85

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.41.75613

Authors: Srećko Ćurčić, Nikola Vesović, Maja Vrbica, Slađana Popović, Željko Radovanović, Nina B. Ćurčić, Tonći Rađa

Abstract: A new leptodirine leiodid beetle species belonging to the genus Leonhardia Reitter, 1901, L. solaki sp. nov., from a pit in Bosnia and Herzegovina (western Balkan Peninsula) is described and diagnosed. Important morphological features of the new species are listed and photographed. The new species is endemic to the Dinarides of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A key for identification of species and subspecies of the genus Leonhardia is also provided.

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Research Article Fri, 10 Dec 2021 16:38:48 +0200
Living in isolation for almost 40 years: molecular divergence of the 28S rDNA and COI sequences between French and Polish populations of the cave beetle Speonomus normandi hydrophilus (Jeannel, 1907) https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/54720/ Subterranean Biology 37: 75-88

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.37.54720

Authors: Joanna Kocot-Zalewska, Paweł J. Domagała, Barbara Lis

Abstract: The paper gives the results of the first studies on the molecular divergence between native and non-native populations of Speonomus normandi hydrophilus (Jeannel, 1907). This species is endemic to Massif Arize in the Central Pyrenees (France), and represents highly specialised organisms that live underground. In 1982, one hundred specimens of S. normandi hydrophilus had been experimentally introduced into the Dzwonnica Cave (Poland). Since then, a numerous population has developed in the Towarna-Dzwonnica cave system, and the neighbouring Cabanowa Cave. After almost 40 years of isolation between native and non-native populations, the genetic variations were examined using the COI and 28S rDNA genes. Analyses of the haplotypes of 28S showed one common haplogroup, which confirms the origin of the Polish group. The differentiation of haplotypes for the COI marker was high for both the French and Polish populations. Altogether 18 haplotypes of this marker have been detected, 12 in the French population and 9 in the Polish. However, only a portion of the haplotypes is shared between the native and introduced population.

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Research Article Tue, 16 Feb 2021 07:46:30 +0200