Drosophila is the genus responsible for the birth of experimental genetics, but the taxonomy of drosophilids is difficult because of the overwhelming diversity of the group. In this study, we assembled sequences for 358 species (14 genera, eight subgenera, 57 species groups, and 65 subgroups) to generate a maximum-likelihood topology and a Bayesian timescale. In addition to sampling an unprecedented diversity of Drosophila lineages, our analyses incorporated a geographical perspective because of the high levels of endemism. In our topology, Drosophila funebris (Fabricius, 1787) (the type species of Drosophila) is tightly clustered with the pinicola subgroup in a North American clade within subgenus Drosophila. The type species of other drosophilid genera fall within the Drosophila radiation, presenting interesting prospects for the phylogenetic taxonomy of the group. Our timescale suggests that a few drosophilid lineages survived the Cretaceous-Palaeogene (K-Pg) extinction. The drosophilid diversification began during the Palaeocene in Eurasia, but peaked during the Miocene, an epoch of drastic climatic changes. The most recent common ancestor of the clades corresponding to subgenera Sophophora and Drosophila lived approximately 56 Mya. Additionally, Hawaiian drosophilids diverged from an East Asian lineage approximately 26 Mya, which is similar to the age of the oldest emerging atoll in the Hawaiian-Emperor Chain. Interestingly, the time estimates for major geographical splits (New World versus Asia and Africa versus Asia) were highly similar for independent lineages. These results suggest that vicariance played a significant role in the radiation of fruit flies.

The largest anuran diversity belongs to the Neobatrachia, which harbor more than five thousand extant species. Here, we propose a new hypothesis for the historical aspects of the neobatrachian evolution with a formal biogeographical analysis. We selected 12 genes for 144 neobatrachian genera and four archaeobatrachian outgroups and performed a phylogenetic analysis using a maximum likelihood algorithm with the rapid bootstrap test. We also estimated divergence times for major lineages using a relaxed uncorrelated clock method. According to our time scale, the diversification of crown Neobatrachia began around the end of the Early Cretaceous. Our phylogenetic tree suggests that the first split of Neobatrachia is related to the geological events in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Hence, we propose names for these clades that indicate this connection, i.e., Atlanticanura and Indianura. The Atlanticanura is composed of three major neobatrachian lineages: Heleophrynidae, Australobatrachia and Nobleobatrachia. On the other hand, the Indianura consists of two major lineages: Sooglossoidea and Ranoides. The biogeographical analysis indicates that many neobatrachian splits occurred as a result of geological events such as the separation between South America and Africa, between India and the Seychelles, and between Australia and South America.

Tanaecium Sw. emend L.G. Lohmann (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae) is a genus of Neotropical lianas that is morphologically variable, especially in floral features. The genus is distributed from Mexico and the Antilles to Argentina, and centered in Amazonia. Here, we present an updated overview for Tanaecium that recognizes 21 species within the genus. Species delimitation was based on a detailed analysis of protologues and herbarium specimens, including type collections of all taxa. We present a detailed description for the genus and a key for the identification of all species. For each of the 21 species recognized, we present information on the nomenclature, phenology, habitat, distribution, and taxonomic notes. Furthermore, Spathicalyx kuhlmannii J.C. Gomes is transferred into Tanaecium kuhlmannii (J.C. Gomes) Frazão & L.G. Lohmann. A lectotype is proposed for Tanaecium crucigerum Seem.

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RESUMO Este trabalho apresenta um estudo florístico de Sapindaceae em um remanescente de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual no município de Engenheiro Paulo de Frontin, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Foram registradas 20 espécies, distribuídas em sete gêneros, sendo três arbustivo-arbóreas do gênero Allophylus; seis arbóreas dos gêneros Cupania (quatro), Matayba (uma) e Sapindus (uma); e 11 lianas dos gêneros Paullinia (quatro), Serjania (seis) e Urvillea (uma). Dentre essas espécies, destacamos Allophylus exappendiculatus Somner, Frazão & Ferrucci, uma espécie recentemente descrita, descoberta ao longo deste estudo, e Paullinia thalictrifolia Radlk. e Serjania gracilis Radlk., não coletadas há mais de 40 anos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Este trabalho contribuiu para melhorar nosso conhecimento das Sapindaceae de uma Floresta Estacional Semidecidual do sudeste brasileiro e adicionou uma nova espécie à flora nacional.

During ongoing taxonomic studies with Tanaecium, we identified some morphological disparities between Tanaecium mutabile and the remaining species of the genus. Here, we reconstruct a molecular phylogeny of Tanaecium based on two molecular markers (i.e., the chloroplast ndhF and the nuclear pepC), and a broad sampling of members of the Arrabidaea and allies clade, where Tanaecium is included. In the newly constructed phylogeny, T. mutabile is nested within Fridericia, indicating the need for taxonomic arrangements. These findings are further supported by new morphological data (e.g., venation angle, domatia type, and corolla curvature). Based on these results, we formally transfer T. mutabile into Fridericia, and propose the necessary new combination. We further designate a new lectotype for Arrabidaea muehlbergiana, a synonym of T. mutabile. Morphological comparisons between T. mutabile and other morphologically similar species are presented.

Tanaecium is a genus of Neotropical lianas that includes many species with long white corollas pollinated by hawkmoths. The type of the genus is T. jaroba. Even though records of T. jaroba from Jamaica and Brazil were cited in the protologue, no corresponding specimens have been found. An illustration of T. jaroba constitutes the only original material located and has been designated as its lectotype. However, the plate of T. jaroba does not include sufficient characters to properly identify this species. We present a historical overview on the nomenclature and taxonomic history of Tanaecium and designate an epitype for T. jaroba, allowing for the accurate identification of this species. We also designate a lectotype for T. praelongum, a synonym of T. jaroba.