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Abstract High throughput sequencing is an effective method for associating sexually dimorphic species. Increasing the available taxonomic understanding of females is important for biodiversity and conservation efforts. Here, we confirm the association of females caught in copulation with Calicnemia haksik Wilson and Reels, 2003 males in Vietnam using high throughput sequencing (92 loci) and provide the description of the female. 

Abstract Polarization is a property of light that describes the oscillation of the electric field vector. Polarized light can be detected by many invertebrate animals, and this visual channel is widely used in nature. Insects rely on light polarization for various purposes, such as water detection, improving contrast, breaking camouflage, navigation, and signaling during mating. Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are highly visual insects with polarization sensitivity for water detection and likely also navigation. Thus, odonates can serve as ideal models for investigating the ecology and evolution of polarized light perception. We provide an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning polarized light sensitivity in these insects. Specifically, we review recent findings related to the ecological, morphological, and physiological causes that enable these insects to perceive polarized light and discuss the optical properties responsible for the reflection of polarized light by their bodies and wings. Finally, we identify gaps in the current research and suggest future directions that can help to further advance our knowledge of polarization sensitivity in odonates. 

Abstract The use of gDNAs isolated from museum specimens for high throughput sequencing, especially targeted sequencing in the context of phylogenetics, is a common practice. Yet, little understanding has been focused on comparing the quality of DNA and results of sequencing museum DNAs. Dragonflies and damselflies are ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems and are commonly collected and preserved insects in museum collections hence their use in this study. However, the history of odonate preservation across time and museums has resulted in wide variability in the success of viable DNA extraction, necessitating an assessment of their usefulness in genetic studies. Using Anchored Hybrid Enrichment probes, we sequenced DNA from samples at 2 museums, 48 from the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in NYC, USA and 46 from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center (RMNH) in Leiden, Netherlands ranging from global collection localities and across a 120-year time span. We recovered at least 4 loci out of an >1,000 locus probe set for all samples, with the average capture being ~385 loci (539 loci on average when a clade of ambiguous taxa omitted). Neither specimen age nor size was a good predictor of locus capture, but recapture rates differed significantly between museums. Samples from the AMNH had lower overall locus capture than the RMNH, perhaps due to differences in specimen storage over time. 

Mountains and islands provide an opportunity for studying the biogeography of diversification and population fragmentation. Aotearoa (New Zealand) is an excellent location to investigate both phenomena due to alpine emergence and oceanic separation. While it would be expected that separation across oceanic and elevation gradients are major barriers to gene flow in animals, including aquatic insects, such hypotheses have not been thoroughly tested in these taxa. By integrating population genomic from sub-genomic Anchored-Hybrid Enrichment sequencing, ecological niche modeling, and morphological analyses from scanning-electron microscopy, we show that tectonic uplift and oceanic vicariance are implicated in speciation and population structure in Kapokapowai (Uropetala) dragonflies. Although Te Moana o Raukawa (Cook Strait), is likely responsible for some of the genetic structure observed, speciation has not yet occurred in populations separated by the strait. We find that the altitudinal gradient across Kā Tiritiri-o-te-Moana (the Southern Alps) is not impervious but it significantly restricts gene flow between aforementioned species. Our data support the hypothesis of an active colonization of Kā Tiritiri-o-te-Moana by the ancestral population of Kapokapowai, followed by a recolonization of the lowlands. These findings provide key foundations for the study of lineages endemic to Aotearoa. 

Abstract Island archipelagos in the South Pacific have relatively high species endemism within the insect order Odonata, specifically damselflies. Nesobasis Selys, 1891, an endemic damselfly genus from Fiji, includes over 20 species, but a clear understanding of its evolutionary relationship to other damselflies in the region is lacking. Scientists have questioned the monophyly of Nesobasis due to variations within the genus leading to the establishment of three divisions provisionally named as: comosa-, erythrops- and longistyla- groups. However, Nesobasis has shown to be monophyletic in previous phylogenetic analyses. Using additional species in this study, we investigate the phylogenetic relationships between Nesobasis and other damselflies from the region, specifically the endemic Vanuatubasis Ober & Staniczek, 2009 from the neighboring island archipelagos of Vanuatu. The relationship between these taxa has not yet been examined with molecular data. Five genes were used in a maximum likelihood phylogenetic reconstruction and examined morphological data to determine the relationship between these genera. Our results recover three distinct clades overall with Vanuatubasis nested within Nesobasis (i.e., non-monophyletic). Vanuatubasis is sister to the longistyla and erythrops groups. The third group, comosa, was found sister to the clade of Vanuatubasis ( longistyla + erythrops ). As a result of these findings, we propose the new genus, Nikoulabasis gen. nov. 

VanuatubasisOber & Staniczek, 2009 is an endemic genus of damselfly found on the island archipelago of Vanuatu. Previously only three species were assigned to the genus. Here, all known species ofVanuatubasisare formally described and treated, including the association of females for known species. The following new congeners are also described:V. discontinuasp. nov.,V. evelynaesp. nov.,V. insularivorumsp. nov.,V. kapularumsp. nov.,V. nunggolisp. nov.,V. rhomboidessp. nov., andV. xanthochroasp. nov.from material collected across six different islands. An illustrated key to both males and females of all species withinVanuatubasisis provided as well as distributions for all known species.