{"title":"Diversity and habitat utilization of terrestrial gastropods in Lava, West Bengal, India, with particular emphasis on Deroceras laeve distribution","authors":"Neha Kumari Gupta, Pranesh Paul, Suparna Mandal, Gautam Aditya","doi":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The eastern Himalayas comprise an extensive malacofauna diversity, but most of the earlier studies are based on taxonomy and little consideration was given to their ecology. In this context, the diversity, habitat utilization, and microhabitat preference of terrestrial gastropods occurring in Lava, India, were assessed in this study. As an extension, the season-wise availability of the non-native slug, <em>Deroceras laeve</em>, was evaluated along with the estimation of suitable habitats of <em>D. laeve</em> in the Darjeeling Himalayas under the current and future climates using species distribution modeling. During the survey, 5033 individuals belonging to 13 gastropod species were encountered, and <em>Cryptaustenia heteroconcha</em> was the most abundant gastropod, followed by <em>Macrochlamys</em> sp. and <em>D. laeve</em>. <em>Macrochlamys</em> sp. and <em>Kaliella</em> sp. were the most generalist and specialized species regarding microhabitat utilization. <em>D. laeve</em> and <em>C. heteroconcha</em> were mostly found on ornamental plants and crops, respectively. The abundance of <em>D. laeve</em> and its eggs was greater during the monsoon season than in the other seasons. The results of species distribution modeling identified discrete regions of the Darjeeling Himalayas with high and moderate suitability for <em>D. laeve</em> occurrence, which may reduce with climate change. The present observations may help to frame conservation (of native gastropods) and management (of pestiferous gastropods) strategies through the identification of microhabitat preferences and suitable habitats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37957,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity","volume":"18 3","pages":"Pages 638-650"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Complete chloroplast genome of Physochlaina infundibularis Kuang (Hyoscyameae: Solanaceae): Comparative and phylogenetic analysis","authors":"Shanshan Kong , Jiaxin Yang , Guangwan Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Physochlaina</em> G. Don, a genus within Hyoscyameae, Solanaceae, holds significant medicinal value. It comprises approximately 10 species, primarily distributed in China, with chloroplast genomes reported for two species. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of <em>Physochlaina infundibularis</em> was sequenced using the Illumina platform, revealing a size of 156,340 base pairs and containing 113 genes: 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA-coding genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA-coding genes. The genome exhibited a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 37.7%, consistent with other species in the genus, influencing codon preference toward A/U due to its lower GC content. Comparative analyses among <em>P. infundibularis</em>, <em>Physochlaina</em> <em>orientalis</em>, and <em>Physochlaina</em> <em>physaloides</em> highlighted high conservation within chloroplast coding regions relative to noncoding regions. Five genes showed notable nucleotide polymorphisms in protein-coding regions, suggesting potential as DNA barcodes. Phylogenetic investigations within Hyoscyameae and its sister groups resolved some taxonomic controversies. The newly sequenced chloroplast genome of <em>P. infundibularis</em> enriches our understanding of the genus and serves as a foundational resource for future phylogenetic research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37957,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity","volume":"18 3","pages":"Pages 570-579"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Taxonomy of Korean Aleochara Gravenhorst subgenus Tinotus Sharp (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)","authors":"Kee-Jeong Ahn , Gae-Nam Jeon , Suk-Young Hong","doi":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.03.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.03.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A taxonomic study of the <em>Aleochara</em> Gravenhorst subgenus <em>Tinotus</em> Sharp in Korea is presented. Three species are recognized, all of which are new to the Korean fauna [<em>Aleochara</em> (<em>Tinotus</em>) <em>eoa</em> Yamamoto and Maruyama, <em>Aleochara</em> (<em>Tinotus</em>) <em>morion</em> Gravenhorst, and <em>Aleochara</em> (<em>Tinotus</em>) <em>takashii</em> Yamamoto and Maruyama]. The subgenus <em>Tinotus</em> is also a new record in Korea. Diagnoses, habitus photographs, and illustrations of median lobe and spermatheca are provided to facilitate identification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37957,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity","volume":"18 3","pages":"Pages 733-736"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An annotated checklist of the subfamily Boletobiinae (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) from Korea","authors":"Ji-Young Lee, Bong-Kyu Byun","doi":"10.1016/j.japb.2024.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japb.2024.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, an annotated checklist of the Korea species of the subfamily Boletobiinae is presented, consisting of 80 species, including one new species and five unrecorded species. This list has been updated based on studies of new and unrecorded species published up to 2024, with reference to Korean Society of Applied Entomology (KSAE) and The Entomological Society of Korea (ESK) (2021). For each species, information on distribution, host plants, and synonyms is provided.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37957,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity","volume":"18 3","pages":"Pages 511-524"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Johann E. Oyola , Martha S. Calderon , Danilo E. Bustamante
{"title":"Exploring the diversity of bryophytes through DNA barcoding in montane forests of the Private Conservation Area San Pablo Communal – Gocta Waterfall, Peru","authors":"Johann E. Oyola , Martha S. Calderon , Danilo E. Bustamante","doi":"10.1016/j.japb.2024.11.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japb.2024.11.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bryophytes (liverworts, mosses, and hornworts) play crucial ecological roles in the ecosystem. However, for the Private Conservation Area (PCA) San Pablo Communal – Gocta Waterfall, there are no records of the diversity of this group of plants, despite being in the territory of the Peruvian Yungas, which is considered to be a biodiversity hotspot. In this study, the diversity of bryophytes within the PCA was characterized using the <em>rbc</em>L. In addition, Shannon-Wiener and Simpson diversity indices were used to evaluate the species richness within the three life zones of the PCA [Tropical Premontane Dry Forest (TP—df), Tropical Low Montane Dry Forest (TLM—df) and Tropical Low Montane Humid Forest (TLM—hf)]. A total of 139 individuals were collected and 83 species were identified; these individuals were located in 49 genera and 33 families. The predominant species were <em>Boulaya</em> sp., <em>Dicranolejeunea axillaris,</em> and <em>Frullania cuencensis</em>. The diversity indices showed a high diversity of bryophytes in the PCA, with values between 2.90 and 3.85 for the Shannon index and 0.93 and 0.97 for the Simpson index. This study provides information based on molecular tools on the bryophyte flora and contributes to the conservation of biodiversity in the San Pablo Communal PCA, Gocta Waterfall.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37957,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity","volume":"18 3","pages":"Pages 535-550"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A taxonomic description of three new Ufens species (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) from India","authors":"Mohsin Ikram , Mohd Yousuf , Waseem Ahmad","doi":"10.1016/j.japb.2024.10.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japb.2024.10.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The cosmopolitan genus <em>Ufens</em> primarily parasitizes hemipteran eggs and is common in temperate and semi-arid regions such as Asia, the southwestern U.S., and Australia. This study describes three new species from India: <em>U. garhwalensis</em>, <em>U. meerutensis</em>, and <em>U. hapurensis</em>. Additionally, it provides re-descriptions and new distribution records for <em>U. gurgaonensis</em>, reporting the male for the first time. An updated key to the Indian species of <em>Ufens</em> is included. These findings contribute to the taxonomy of <em>Ufens</em> and have potential implications for biological control in agriculture, as <em>Ufens</em> species may play a significant role in managing hemipteran pest populations in crop systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37957,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity","volume":"18 3","pages":"Pages 491-498"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"First record of Nitellopsis obtusa (Characeae) in Mongolia: A novel genus in the national flora","authors":"Syou Kato , Shukherdorj Baasanmunkh , Khurelbaatar Khaliunaa , Batlai Oyuntsetseg , Hyeok Jae Choi , Takashi Shiga","doi":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Nitellopsis obtusa</em> (Desv.) J.Groves, the species of charophytes (Characeae, Charales), has a wide distribution from Europe to Asia, and is listed as a threatened species in certain countries. While 19 species of <em>Chara</em>, <em>Nitella,</em> and <em>Tolypella</em> have been documented in Mongolia, <em>N. obtusa</em> has remained unreported. In this study, we provided the first documented occurrence of <em>N. obtusa</em> in Mongolia, specifically from the Khar-Us and Khar Lakes and the connecting Chono Kharaikh River (western Mongolia). Species identification was corroborated by morphological observations and molecular analysis. The majority of specimens examined were sterile, with only a limited number of thalli-bearing oogonia (female reproductive organs). This study presents a detailed account of the morphology, taxonomy, phylogeny, and geographical distribution of <em>N. obtusa</em> in Mongolia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37957,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity","volume":"18 3","pages":"Pages 719-726"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The first complete checklist of vascular plants in the Akmola region, Kazakhstan: A key to understanding biodiversity importance","authors":"Daniyar Alibekov , Serik Kubentayev , Shukherdorj Baasanmunkh , Saule Mukhtubayeva , Shynar Tustubayeva , Balsulu Kubentayeva , Yerlan Suleimen , Hyeok Jae Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article presents for the first time a checklist of vascular plants of the Akmola Region (AR), based on four years of field expeditions (2020–2024), extensive research on herbarium specimens, and relevant literature. Based on our results, 1,164 vascular plant species of 471 genera and 101 families have been documented in the AR. This list includes local (native) and alien (introduced and naturalized) species. The checklist contains the following information: life form; habitat; economic importance; distribution of species by floristic regions in Kazakhstan; and frequency of occurrence in AR. Of these, 18 species are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Additionally, nine endemic species were recorded in the AR, including <em>Achillea × kasakhstanica</em> Kupr. & Alibekov, <em>Astragalus chaetolobus</em> Bunge<em>, A. juvenalis</em> Delile<em>, A. kasachstanicus</em> Golosk.<em>, Brachanthemum kasakhorum</em> Krasch., <em>Clausia robusta</em> Pachom.<em>, Myosotis kazakhstanica</em> O.D.Nikif.<em>, Thymus crebrifolius</em> Klokov, and <em>Zygophyllum subtrijugum</em> C.A.Mey. Seven new species for the flora of AR were found: <em>Grindelia squarrosa</em> (Pursh) Dunal, <em>Spinulum annotinum</em> (L.) A.Haines, <em>Bupleurum aureum</em> Fisch. ex Hoffm., <em>Clematis mandshurica</em> Rupr., <em>Digitaria sanguinalis</em> (L.) Scop, <em>Myricaria bracteata</em> Royle, and <em>Viscaria vulgaris</em> Bernh. We also identified 112 alien species of 91 genera and 36 families in AR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37957,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity","volume":"18 3","pages":"Pages 618-627"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hong-Ling Liu , Zhi-Teng Chen , Xing-Long Wu , Peng Cai , De-Qiang Pu
{"title":"Genetic diversity and DNA barcoding of Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from central China","authors":"Hong-Ling Liu , Zhi-Teng Chen , Xing-Long Wu , Peng Cai , De-Qiang Pu","doi":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The seven-spot ladybird <em>Coccinella septempunctata</em> Linnaeus, 1758 is an important biological control agent. Understanding its genetic diversity is vital for biodiversity conservation and effective pest management. We analyzed the DNA barcoding (mitochondrial cox1 gene) sequences from 71 individuals across five provinces in central China, collected between 2020 and 2023, and identified 19 distinct haplotypes, highlighting significant genetic diversity. The highest diversity was observed in Gansu province, while a series of specimens from Sichuan province displayed the lowest diversity. Phylogenetic analysis and haplotype networks did not reveal strong geographic clustering, suggesting frequent gene flow among populations. Shared haplotypes across regions further support this conclusion. These results provide new DNA barcoding resources for the molecular identification of <em>C. septempunctata</em> and highlight the necessity of preserving genetically diverse populations to maintain biodiversity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37957,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity","volume":"18 3","pages":"Pages 580-586"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Wild pollinator (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) assemblage structures depending on forest habitat types and trap heights","authors":"Sung-won Woo , Jong-Kook Jung","doi":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.03.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japb.2025.03.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wild pollinators play a crucial role in ecosystems, but their populations are declining globally. This study examined wild pollinator assemblages, especially bees and wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata), in different forest habitat types and at various trap heights in the Gwangneung Forest. For the sampling of wild pollinators during the summer season, yellow and white pan traps were installed at four heights (0 cm, 50 cm, 100 cm, and 150 cm) in three habitat types (herbaceous area, deciduous broad-leaved forest, and coniferous forest). A total of 280 wild pollinators representing 62 species from 16 families were collected. Species richness was the highest in herbaceous areas and the lowest in coniferous forests. While trap height did not significantly affect species richness, it did influence species composition, with significant differences observed between traps separated by at least 100 cm. Pollinator assemblages were significantly different across the three habitats. Abundant families showed habitat preferences likely related to larval feeding habits. The results have implications for pollinator monitoring methodologies in forest ecosystems, indicating that sampling across diverse conditions may provide a more comprehensive representation of wild pollinator assemblages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37957,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity","volume":"18 3","pages":"Pages 737-744"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}