Ignacio García-Ruiz

More Problems Despite Bigger Flowers: Systematics of Cuscuta tinctoria Clade (subgenus Grammica, Convolvulaceae) with Description of Six New Species

Abstract Cuscuta tinctoria clade, the second largest infrageneric group of subgenus Grammica, includes 14 species that are centered in Mexico and adjacent regions, but also two species that are found in Australia, presumably as a result of long-distance dispersal. Flowers, pollen, and stigmas are among the largest in Cuscuta, with plants being xenogamous or facultatively xenogamous. In this clade, the convergent evolution of morphological traits, especially those associated with the calyx and gynoecium/ capsule, has obscured the identity of some species and has hindered previous efforts to determine their limits. Basic morphology, scanning electron microscopy and sequence data from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the plastid trnL-F region were used to reconstruct the phylogeny, gain a better understanding of the evolutionary history, and determine species boundaries. Overall, species were grouped in five subclades, Based on their morphological and molecular similarity, C. tinctoria, C. aurea, and C. floribunda are best treated as a single species, with the latter two taxa being retained as varieties of the former. Our results also show that in their currently accepted delimitation, C. rugosiceps and C. tinctoria are polyphyletic, the former including one new species, C. volcanica , and the latter two new species, C. timida and C. tolteca. In addition, three other new species are described: C. iguanella and C. insolita, both with multicellular protuberances on the calyx and/ or corolla lobes, and C. montana, with broader than long calyx lobes. A taxonomic treatment that includes an identification key, descriptions, geographical distribution, ecological data, and illustrations for all taxa is provided.

Species of Xystus Schönherr (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Baridinae) are Seed Predators of Wild Yams (Dioscoreaceae) in Central Mexico

Several species of wild yams, “camote de cerro”, Dioscorea spp. (Dioscoreales: Dioscoreaceae), are native to the mountains that surround Lake Chapala in the states of Jalisco and Michoacán. These are harvested in the field by the rural populace and command a high price in local markets. The sale of wild yams is an important source of income for the harvesters (“camoteros”), the numbers of which are increasing (Andrés-Agustín 1996; Mostul and Cházaro 1996). This has raised concern that natural regeneration of wild yam populations may not be sufficient to satisfy present or future demands. To address this concern, a project was initiated by the Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Jiquilpan,Michoacán, to locate populations of wild yams in Jalisco and Michoacán and determine important biotic variables and estimate the sustainable extraction levels. The study was carried out in 2007 and 2008, consisting of explorations of the regions surrounding Lake Chapala at altitudes of 1,684 to 2,148 m to locate populations of Dioscorea spp. The vegetation included middle and low stature tropical deciduous forests, tropical scrub, and oak forests at the highest altitudes. Insects associated with plants were collected and labeled as to location and plant species. Samples were taken weekly of flower buds and fruits during 2008 and examined in the laboratory. One of the most common and apparently important insect herbivores of wild yams of the region was species of Xystus Schönherr (Curculionidae: Baridinae: Apostasimerini [Prena 2009]). Two species were found and identified: Xystus gracilirostris (Champion) and Xystus pallidipennis (Champion). Xystus gracilirostris has been previously reported fromHonduras andMexico, whereas X. pallidipennis is known only from Mexico (O’Brien and Wibmer 1982). Based on literature searches, these are the first host records known for these species. This is not the first record of Xystus on Dioscorea, however, as Santos (2002) reports Xystus arnoldi (Kirby) on cultivated species of Dioscorea in Brazil. Adult weevils were found externally on plants (Fig. 1), and eggs and larvae were within fruit capsules of Dioscorea sparsiflora Kunth and Discorea remotiflora Robinson. Weevils were found only on female plants of these dioecious species. Both X.

A New Species of Echeveria (Crassulaceae) from Michoacán, Mexico

Abstract A new species, Echeveria pistioides (Crassulaceae) is described from south of Morelia in the State of Michoacán, Mexico. The species belongs to Echeveria ser. Gibbiflorae due to its short or acaulescent stems inconspicuous among the large basal leaves of rosettes, paniculiform inflorescence, conical-urceolate corolla, and tricolpate pollen grains. Within Echeveria ser. Gibbiflorae, the closest morphological affinities of E. pistioides are with E. marianae from which it differs in the glaucous leaves with a different shape and size, fewer cincinni, smaller flowers, and the absence of corolla appendages at the base of staminal filaments. The species grows on steep, humid slopes with E, W, or NWexposure and the general type of vegetation consists of oak and pine forest with mesophyllous elements.

Taxonomic and floristic novelties for Echeveria (Crassulaceae) in Central Michoacan, Mexico

Abstract A new species, Echeveria coruana, is described and illustrated from the malpaís near San Andrés Corú, Michoacan, Mexico. The species belongs to series Gibbiflorae and the new taxon was compared with Echeveria purhepecha and Echeveria patriotica, with whom it shares the closest morphological affinities. Additionally, Echeveria yalmanantlaensis an endangered species from Sierra of Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, State of Colima, was also discovered near San Andrés Corú and is reported for the first time from the State of Michoacan. The conservation status of both species was (re)evaluated according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Chalcids (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) in Vitaceae Seeds of Mexico

Abstract. Prodecatoma cooki (Howard) is reported for the first time as a seed borer in Vitaceae in Mexico. The insect was collected on different Vitaceae species between 2009 and 2012 in 10 regions of West-Central and Southeast Mexico to know their hosts and basic aspects of the biology of this species. The borer was recorded only in Jiquilpan, Sahuayo, and Tingüindin of Michoacan State, and Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco. Vitis vinifera L., Partenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch, Vitis sp., and Cissus tiliacea H.B.K. were recorded as host plants for this species. This is the first record of this phytophagous insect on C. tiliacea. P. cooki was recorded all year in Jiquilpan, and presumably P. quinquefolia is the most important host for this insect in the region; it seems the different fruiting dates of the other hosts play an important role in insect permanence during the year. Although the insect has not been reported in vine-growing areas of Mexico, it is important to consider P. cooki as a potential pest.