Biology subjects

Cires, E.

Publications and source records attributed to Cires, E..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Unraveling the Phylogenetic Complexities of Ischyropsalis C.L. Koch, 1839 (Opiliones: Dyspnoi: Ischyropsalididae) in the North Iberian Peninsula, with the description of three new species.

Ischyropsalis is a genus of harvestmen inhabiting both terrestrial and caves in central and southern Europe. The accepted number of species is controversial due to feature similarities and their strong sexual dimorphism. The northern part of the Iberian Peninsula harbours 11 accepted taxa, four of which are terrestrial, while the other seven exclusively live in caves. Some of these species have not been included in the only phylogenetic study conducted on this genus, so their taxonomic status has not been evaluated yet. In this context, we aim to unravel the phylogenetic relationships among the taxa within this genus, from the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula, by conducting morphological and phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF1-) molecular markers. Phylogenetic analyses revealed three previously undescribed species from karst caves in Cantabria and Asturias, herein described as I. damiani sp. nov., I. impressa sp. nov. and I. aguerana sp. nov.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2025

Extending Specimens to save Plant DNA: structuring Department DNA collections in times of Biodiversity loss

Plant biodiversity DNA banks are scarce despite the current plant biodiversity loss, their value for ex situ conservation, DNA preservation progress and the rapid growth of DNA-dependent research fields. We explore the principles and basic organization of plant biodiversity DNA banking and propose new ways of addressing the biodiversity loss through their implementation. Small Department collections could be created through a 6-step holistic process aiming to interconnect 3 types of collections (DNA extracts, DNA-rich tissues and herbarium vouchers) while generating Extended Specimens that would contribute to local and global plant biodiversity knowledge and conservation efforts. We propose a change in the international biobanking strategy (the Dynamo scheme) as interconnecting many small Department collections would put fewer samples at risk in case of catastrophe, optimise sampling strategies and cover in depth more taxa and distribution ranges, while encouraging national and international collaborations.

plant biology↗