Variation in wavelength sensitivity among subspecies is unknown among vertebrates. The parrot Platycercus elegans has extreme plumage variation between subspecies ranging from pale yellow to crimson which, with differences in background colour and light environment between subspecies, makes it a good candidate for the evolution of within-species differences in vision. We report differences in v...

DNA barcoding efforts involving animals have focused on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (Cox1) gene. Some authors suggest that this marker might under-diagnose young species. Herein, we examine Cox1 and control region diversity in a sample of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii), a species with an extremely wide geographic distribution in the major rivers of Siberia and in Lake...

A new subgenus Wraseiellus new subgenus (type species: Pterostichus andrewesi Jedlička 1931) of the genus Pterostichus from China is described. Eight species and one subspecies are recognized in the new subgenus including three new species and one new subspecies: Pt. (Wraseiellus) comatus new species (Guangxi: Maoershan, N25.87°, E110.42°), Pt. (Wraseiellus) crassiapex new species (Hubei: Tiech...

Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capricolum (Mcc) is one of the causative agents of contagious agalactia (CA), which is an important disease in sheep and goats in the Mediterranean and Middle East countries. Mycoplasma agalactiae is the classic agent of CA in sheep and goats. Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies Capri (Mmc), Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capricolum (Mcc), and Mycoplasma putrefacie...

Subspecies complexes may provide valuable insights into the early stages of the speciation process. The bluethroat ( Luscinia svecica ) consists of many morphologically distinct subspecies that differ most strikingly in the ornamental colour pattern of the male throat. We investigated the genetic and phenotypic differentiation in this subspecies complex, using (i) microsatellite genotyping (11 ...

The presence of multiple interacting threats to biodiversity and the increasing rate of species extinction make it critical to prioritize management efforts on species and communities that maximize conservation success. We implemented a multi-step approach that coupled vulnerability assessments evaluating threats to Florida taxa such as climate change, sea-level rise, and habitat fragmentation ...

Scalation, colour pattern, linear and geometric morphometrics were used to quantify geographical differentiation in the long-nosed snake, Rhinocheilus lecontei, and to test the hypothesis that all four subspecies are morphologically distinct. Also investigated were potential associations between morphological (scalation, colour pattern, linear measurements) and environmental variables (climate,...

The subspecies concept influences multiple aspects of biology and management. The 'molecular revolution' altered traditional methods (morphological traits) of subspecies classification by applying genetic analyses resulting in alternative or contradictory classifications. We evaluated recent reptile literature for bias in the recommendations regarding subspecies status when genetic data were in...

Apis mellifera L. includes several recognized subspecies that differ in their biological properties and agricultural characteristics. Distinguishing between honey bee subspecies is complicated. We analyzed the Folmer region of the COX1 gene in honey bee subspecies cultivated at bee farms in Russia and identified subspecies-specific SNPs. DNA analysis revealed two clearly distinct haplogroups in...

The catalogue of the ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of the Republic of Macedonia is the result of our permanent investigation during 15 years. It is based on the critical review of the data in 255 scientific publications and the revision of the collections deposited in the museums in Macedonia (Skopje and Struga), other European countries (Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, Sofia) and the first ...