The fire ant Solenopsis invicta is a significant pest that was inadvertently introduced into the southern United States almost century ago and more recently California other regions of world. An assessment genetic variation at diverse set molecular markers in 2144 colonies from 75 geographic sites worldwide revealed least nine separate introductions S. have occurred newly invaded areas main U.S. population probably source all but one these introductions. sole exception involves putative...

Species delimitation has been invigorated as a discipline in systematics by an influx of new character sets, analytical methods, and conceptual advances. We use genetic data from 68 markers, combined with distributional, bioclimatic, coloration information, to hypothesize boundaries evolutionarily independent lineages (species) within the widespread highly variable nominal fire ant species Solenopsis saevissima, member group containing invasive pests well that are models for ecological...

An ongoing survey for novel phytoplasmas and viruses that affect palms (Arecaceae) is being conducted in Costa Rica along with potential vectors. During survey, a new species of derbid planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) the genus Omolicna Fennah was detected from Heredia Limón State here described as xavieri sp. n. This taxon first found on declining coconut (Cocos nucifera) subsequently healthy Tortuguero National Park. Also, two additional Omolicna, O. brunnea triata, were collected same...

Myxia belinda gen. et sp. nov. is established for a new taxon of Cixiidae in the tribe Oecleini collected from palms Costa Rica. The was discovered while surveying potential phytoplasma vectors. Placement genus supported by 1,383 bp sequence 18S that differs 2.77% Haplaxius, 5.20% Myndus taffini, and 2.80% Nymphomyndus caribbea. Intrageneric variation found to be approximately 0.5% 0.6% within Haplaxius. Generic level differences COI ranged 15% 17% with novel differing about 16% other...

Parasites and other symbionts are crucial components of ecosystems, regulating host populations supporting food webs. However, most symbiont systems, especially those involving commensals mutualists, relatively poorly understood. In this study, we have investigated the nature symbiotic relationship between birds their abundant diverse ectosymbionts: vane-dwelling feather mites. For purpose, studied diet mites using two complementary methods. First, used light microscopy to examine gut...

An ongoing survey for novel phytoplasmas and viruses that affect palms (Arecaceae) their potential vectors is being conducted in Costa Rica. During survey, a new species of derbid planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) from the palm Astrocaryum alatum H.F. Loomis was found Heredia State here described as Agoo dahliana sp. n. Omolicna dubia Caldwell O. latens Fennah were also on coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) represent country records. Sequence data cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) generated 9...

An ongoing survey for planthoppers associated with palms in the Caribbean basin is being conducted current efforts on lowlands of Costa Rica. In an expedition June 2019, a derbid was found coconut Alajuela province and determined to be new species belonging genus Anotia. The novel taxon described named Anotia firebugia Bahder Bartlett sp. n. Additionally, molecular barcode data (COI) provided newly taxon.

Understanding the evolution of parasites is important to both basic and applied evolutionary biology. Knowledge genetic structure parasite populations critical for our ability predict how an infection can spread through a host population design effective control methods. However, very little known about most human parasites, including louse (Pediculus humanus). This species composed two ecotypes: head humanus capitis De Geer), clothing (body) Linnaeus). Hundreds millions infestations affect...

Abstract We characterized patterns of genetic variation in populations the fire ant Solenopsis invicta China using mitochondrial DNA sequences and nuclear microsatellite loci to test predictions as how propagule pressure subsequent dispersal following establishment jointly shape invasion success this recently invaded area. Fire ants Wuchuan (Guangdong Province) are genetically differentiated from those found other large infested areas China. The immediate source appears be somewhere near...

The human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae), is an obligate ectoparasite that causes pediculosis and has parasitized humans since the beginning of humankind. Head louse infestations are widespread throughout world have been increasing early 1990s partially because ineffective pediculicides. In Argentina, overuse products containing pyrethroids led to development resistant populations. Pyrethroid insecticides act on nervous system affecting...

We used microsatellite DNA to study the population genetics of 4 Alouatta species from Central and South America. Our main findings include following: (1) A. seniculus had highest level variability while caraya palliata lowest mean number alleles per locus expected heterozygosity, respectively; (2) samples came different regions were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) which may indicate a Wahlund effect differentiated gene pools – contrast, macconnelli HWE; (3) genetic heterogeneity was...

Pythium insidiosum ATCC 200269 strain CDC-B5653, an isolate from necrotizing lesions on the mouth and eye of a 2-year-old boy in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, was sequenced using combination Illumina MiSeq (300 bp paired-end, 14 millions reads) PacBio (10 Kb fragment library, 356,001 reads). The sequencing data were assembled SPAdes version 3.1.0, yielding total genome size 45.6 Mb contained 8992 contigs, N50 13 Kb, 57% G + C content, 17,867 putative protein-coding genes. This Whole Genome...

ABSTRACT Anthropological studies suggest that the genetic makeup of human populations in Americas is result diverse processes including initial colonization continent by first people plus post‐1492 European migrations. Because recent nature some these events, understanding geographical origin American diversity challenging. However, parasites have faster evolutionary rates and larger population sizes allowing them to maintain greater levels than their hosts. Thus, we can use provide insights...

Haplaxius crudus is an economically important species of cixiid planthopper that widespread and abundant throughout the Caribbean basin. It vector lethal yellowing putative bronzing, both phytoplasma diseases palm cause death in Florida Caribbean. The primary objective this study was to evaluate genetic diversity H. determine whether divergent populations existed. 5′ region cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene used as molecular marker. DNA sequences were obtained from 236 specimens collected...

The 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was first identified in Florida 2006. Since its discovery, it has spread throughout most of the state. It is prevalent central part Florida, from Hillsborough County on west coast to St. Lucie east coast. causal agent lethal bronzing disease (LBD), which also known as Texas Phoenix palm decline (TPPD). affects a variety common and economically important ornamental species well native ecologically species, Sabal palmetto. into southern portions where diversity higher....

In this study we evaluated the performance of cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII) mitochondrial gene as a tool for inferring phylogenetic relationships among platyrrhines. Twenty‐nine COII sequences were examined in seven platyrrhine genera ( Alouatta , Ateles Lagothrix Brachyteles Cebus Saimiri and Aotus ) employing parsimony distance methods. Phylogenetic signal (g 1 was present all codon positions, despite transitional saturation detected at third position. tree reconstructions...