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An accurate representation of species diversity is critical in primatology; most of the questions in evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation hinge on species as a fundamental unit of analysis. Galagos are among the least-known primates. Because of their cryptic morphology, broad distribution, and sampling challenges arising from elusive habits and political instability, substantial knowledge gaps about their taxonomy, evolutionary history, and biogeography remain. Despite these limitations, recent research that integrated field surveys, acoustic, morphological, and genetic analyses helped us to better understand the taxonomic diversity of this primate group. In this paper, we (1) review the current status of galagid taxonomy; (2) synthesize our current understanding of their phylogenetics, origins, and biogeography; and (3) explore current and future approaches to elucidate galagid cryptic species diversity. The onset of galago systematics dates back to the early 19th century, with taxonomic descriptions following natural history expeditions and comparative anatomy studies. Although morphology has historically dominated systematic research on galagos, the coupling of acoustic analyses with genetic data has revolutionized the field. Taxonomic rearrangements include the discovery of new species in the wild (e.g., Galagoides kumbirensis) and the description of a new genus (Paragalago). Technological advances have allowed the collection of acoustic data in remote areas, and molecular techniques have the potential to help researchers fill important geographic gaps. Improving the resolution of galago species diversity also has implications for the conservation of wild populations, as a better understanding of species boundaries and ranges can aid in the implementation of conservation strategies.
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The parasitic louse genus Myrsidea (Amblycera: Menoponidae): a comprehensive review and world checklist
Abstract Myrsidea Waterston, 1915 (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) is the most diverse genus of avian chewing lice. Myrsidea has a global distribution, is thought to be highly host-specific, and parasitizes mostly passerine birds. However, the rate of taxonomic studies describing new species is relatively low, and it is thought that much of the diversity of Myrsidea is yet to be discovered. This low rate of taxonomic description for this genus, and many others, may be related to the time-consuming nature of morphological species description and a lack of expertise in louse taxonomy. Furthermore, most of the taxonomic revisions and reviews have focused on specific host families, and no comprehensive review of the morphology and molecular work of Myrsidea has been completed in the last 20 years. Here, we review the taxonomy and systematics of Myrsidea to (i) describe this chewing louse genus and its biological importance; (ii) describe current problems with its taxonomy; (iii) simplify and summarize morphological descriptions; (iv) summarize molecular data; and (v) provide a comprehensive checklist of the Myrsidea species, with all publications and localities of occurrence included. Together, we hope that this information will provide researchers with a single source of information on the genus Myrsidea, making it easier for work to proceed on its taxonomy, systematics, ecology, and evolution. Importantly, our work highlights important gaps in our knowledge of Myrsidea, providing guideposts on where future work on Myrsidea is needed.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1926919
- PAR ID:
- 10506099
- Publisher / Repository:
- Oxford University Press
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Insect Systematics and Diversity
- Volume:
- 8
- Issue:
- 3
- ISSN:
- 2399-3421
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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