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Amphichorda has been previously accepted as a member of the Cordycipitaceae and currently it is considered a member of the Bionectriaceae. The substrates of Amphichorda were complex and varied, being mainly animal faeces. This study reports two new species of Amphichorda from Yunnan Province in south-western China. Based on the five-gene (nrSSU, nrLSU, tef‐1α , rpb1 and rpb2) sequence and ITS data phylogenetic analysis, two new species, namely A. excrementa and A. kunmingensis, are proposed and a detailed description of the new species is provided. Amphichorda excrementa and A. kunmingensis were isolated from animal faeces in the park. The morphological characteristics of two novel species and seven known species in Amphichorda are also compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Trophic niches, as one of the important dimensions of niche theory, show the nutritional requirements of species; they can reflect their position in the ecosystem trophic level, and functional status, as well as the nutritional relationships between species. Similarities in body structure and ecological needs may lead to interspecific nutritional competition, and species may undergo niche differentiation through different foraging strategies. The body tissues of consumers contain stable isotope signatures that reflect their dietary information, and stable isotope analysis has been widely used in animal diet research. In this study, stable isotope techniques were used to assess the dietary information and nutritional niches of Sitta yunnanensis and Sitta nagaensis coexisting in Yunnan Province. S. yunnanensis and S. nagaensis mainly preyed on six orders, including Orthoptera, with overlapping food resources but different dietary ratios. Their two niches were differentiated, with S. yunnanensis having wider trophic niches. This study provides new insights into the food resources and trophic niches of S. yunnanensis and S. nagaensis, and the mechanisms behind their coexistence were consistent with the niche hypothesis. Sympatric closely related species may experience interspecific trophic competition due to ecological similarity; they may isolate in terms of diet or habitat use as a strategy to avoid competition. The body tissues of consumers contain stable isotope signatures information that can be applied to infer their dietary information. In this study, δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes were analyzed to determine the dietary information and trophic niches of sympatric coexisting Sitta yunnanensis and Sitta nagaensis. The results showed that the food sources of S. yunnanensis and S. nagaensis were from six orders, including Orthoptera, and the cumulative contribution rate was 99.97%, with the two species eating similar diets but at different rates. The larger δ13C of S. yunnanensis indicates that it had a wider range of habitats for feeding, while the difference in δ15N values was not significant (p > 0.05), indicating that both species feed on similar nutrient levels. As determined by Bayesian ellipses, the isotopic niches of S. yunnanensis and S. nagaensis were differentiated; the isotopic niche width of S. yunnanensis is 2.69‰2, which was larger than that of S. nagaensis (0.73‰2), indicates that differentiation between the two species in diet or habitat use reduced competition. Trophic niche differentiation and differences in foraging proportions may be the principal resource allocation mechanisms behind S. yunnanensis and S. nagaensis coexistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Grifola are famous edible mushrooms and are deeply loved by consumers around the world. Most species of this genus have been described and recorded in Oceania, Europe and South America, with only Grifola frondosa being recorded in Asia. In this study, two novel species of Grifola from southwestern China (Asia) are introduced. Macro and micromorphological characters are described. Grifola edulis sp. nov. present medium-size basidiomata with gray to gray-brown lobes upper surface, mostly tibiiform or narrowly clavate, rarely narrowly lageniform or ellipsoid chlamydospores, cuticle hyphae terminal segments slightly enlarged. Grifola sinensis sp. nov. has white to grayish white lobes upper surface, mostly ellipsoid, rarely narrowly utriform chlamydospores, and broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospores (4.6-7.9 × 3.0-5.9 µm). The two new species are supported by phylogenetic analyses of combined nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA (ITS) and ß-tubulin (TUBB). Moreover, the genetic distance between TUBB sequences of those specimen from GenBank was 1.76-1.9%. Thus, the conspecificity relationship of our specimens remains uncertain, and further specimens are required to conclusively confirm its identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this paper, a new Pareas species of the P. hamptoni complex is described from southern Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Genetically, the new species is most closely related to P. hamptoni sensu stricto, for which we confirm the distribution in China. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from P. hamptoni sensu stricto and all other congeners by a combination of morphological characteristics. The discovery of the new species brings the total number of recognized species of the genus Pareas to 31, of which 25 occur in China. We describe a new species of the genus Pareas, based on three specimens collected from Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve in Yuanyang County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by one preocular, one postocular or postocular fused with subocular, loreal not bordering the orbit, one row enlarged vertebral scales, five rows keeled mid-dorsal scales at the middle of the body, 189–192 ventral scales and 72–89 subcaudal scales. The dorsal surfaces of the head and body are yellowish red or yellowish brown, and the belly and ventral surfaces of the head and tail are pinkish yellow or yellow with more or less small black spots. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA recovered the new species being the sister taxon to P. hamptoni sensu stricto. The genetic divergences between the new species and P. hamptoni sensu stricto were 4.2% in the Cyt b sequences and 5.0% in the ND4 sequences. In addition, based on specimens collected from Honghe and Wenshan prefectures, we confirmed that P. hamptoni sensu stricto is distributed in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small mammals serve as the main reservoir for Bartonella and as a proxy indicator of the potential risk of Bartonella transmission from nature to humans. They offer a valuable early warning for human infection. Nevertheless, geographical variations in the impact of the host on the occurrence of Bartonella infection are underestimated. This study was designed to investigate the infection characteristics of Bartonella and explore its species diversity in wild small mammals in western Yunnan Province, China. Methods: Wild small mammals were captured from Yulong, Jianchuan, and Lianghe counties in western Yunnan Province between 2015 and 2016. Realtime quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to detect Bartonella infection, and the Bartonella species were identified by phylogenetic analysis. The factors associated with Bartonella infection in small mammals were analyzed by the Chi-square Test. Results: The prevalence of Bartonella in small mammals was 47.85% (768/1605). Lianghe County had the highest Bartonella infection rate, with 56.27% of the samples tested positive, followed by a rate of 50.91% was tested in Yulong County, and 39.97% in Jianchuan County (p < 0.001). Bartonella was detected positive in a total 25 small mammal species, with infection rates ranging from 2.17% to 100%. Niviventer fulvescens had the highest Bartonella infection rate. In comparison with the dominant small mammal species, Eothenomys mileyus had the lowest Bartonella infection rate than that in Apodemus chevrieri, Rattus tanezumi, and Apodemus draco (p < 0.001). Male small mammals had a higher infection rate than females (p < 0.05). The prevalence of Bartonella in small mammals during the summer season was higher compared to the other three seasons (p < 0.001). Woodland landscape had the highest Bartonella infection rate (p < 0.001). Bartonella rochalimae, B. japonica, B. tribocorum, B. washoensis, B. sylvatica, and B. rattimassiliensis were obtained from infected small mammals. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of Bartonella was detected with various Bartonella species in small mammals in Yulong, Jianchuan, and Lianghe counties of western Yunnan Province. These findings hold significant scientific clues, providing valuable reference points for further research of Bartonella natural foci in Yunnan or other analogues environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, China, eight Lentitheciaceae species were collected from five lakes viz. Luguhu, Qiluhu, Xingyunhu, Cibihu, and Xihu lake. Based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, SSU, and tef 1-α sequence data, a new genus Paralentithecium, two new species (Paralentithecium suae, and Setoseptoria suae), three new records (Halobyssothecium phragmitis, H. unicellulare, and Lentithecium yunnanensis) and three known species viz. Halobyssothecium aquifusiforme, Lentithecium pseudoclioninum, and Setoseptoria bambusae are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceropegia sunhangiana P.R.Luo and T.Deng, a new species from Qiaojia, northeast Yunnan, southwest China, is described and illustrated herein based on its morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. This species is similar to C. christenseniana, and C. sinoerecta but can be distinguished easily by its stem, indumentum, leaf, and floral features, especially the corolla shape and size, the corolla tube and lobe characters. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS, trnL‐trnF, trnS‐trnG, psbA‐trnH and rps16 sequences shows that this new species belongs to C. sect. Chionopegia H.Huber with strong support, which was mutually verified by morphology analyses. A table including the morphological characters of related species and a dichotomous key to all 25 species of Ceropegia in China are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Amolops, Amolops ailao sp. nov., is described from central Yunnan, China. The new species belongs to the A. mantzorum species group. Phylogenetic analyses based on the combination of mitochondrial 16S rRNA, COI, and cytb genes revealed that the new species is the sister taxon to Amolops ottorum with strong support. Genetically, the new species differs from A. ottorum by 5.0% in cytb sequences. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from known congeners by the combination of the following characters: true dorsolateral folds absent, but dorsolateral folds formed by series of glands present; circummarginal groove on tip of first finger absent; body size small (males SVL 33.0–35.1 mm and female SVL 41.3 mm); HW/SVL 0.32‒0.35; UEW/SVL 0.08‒0.10; THL/SVL 0.52‒0.56; vomerine teeth absent; interorbital distance narrower than internarial distance; tympanum distinct, less than half eye diameter; supratympanic fold present, indistinct; a pair of large tubercles on sides of cloaca; tibiotarsal articulation reaching beyond anterior corner of eye; and vocal sac absent. The cladogenesis events within the A. mantzorum group rapidly occurred from Pliocene 4.23 Mya to Pleistocene 1.2 Mya, coinciding with the recent intensive uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau since the Pliocene. Combining findings in this study with the most recent taxonomic progress, we consider that there are 20 known Amolops species in Yunnan, China, accounting for the highest proportion of amphibian diversity of Yunnan, and five of them belong to the A. mantzorum group. Among different subfauna and water systems in Yunnan, the species diversity of Amolops in northwestern Yunnan and Nu River Basin is highest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Rosa funingensis and its variant R. funingensis f. rosea, both collected from Yunnan Province, China, are, for the first time, documented and illustrated in this study. Morphological analysis in comparison with two related species in the wild, R. gigantea and R. rubus, presents distinguishable features through leaf surfaces, inflorescences and the shape of styles. R. funingensis leaf surfaces are abaxially villous, purple-red, pale green when mature, adaxially glabrous, dark green; inflorescences solitary or 2–5(7) in corymbose cyme; and styles connate into a column or not, exserted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While investigating the diversity of lignicolous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, six fresh collections of Torulaceae were collected and identified based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS, SSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data. Two new species, viz. Neopodoconis yunnanensis and Torula suae, and three new records, viz. T. canangae (new freshwater habitat record), T. masonii (new host record), and T. sundara (new freshwater habitat record) are reported. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of these species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma is a globally distributed genus that encompasses species with forestry ecological, medicinal, economic, and cultural importance. Despite the importance of this fungus, the studies on the species diversity of Ganoderma in Yunnan Province, China (YPC) have poorly been carried out. During this study, opportunistic sampling was used to collect 21 specimens of Ganoderma from YPC. Morphology and multigene phylogeny of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, the large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nrLSU), the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1-α), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) were used to identify them. Morphological and molecular characterization of the 21 specimens showed that they belong to 18 species of Ganoderma, of which three are novel viz. G. artocarpicola, G. obscuratum and G. yunnanense. Ganoderma artocarpicola is characterized by the sessile and concrescent basidiomata, reddish brown to yellowish brown pileus surface, heterogeneous context, wavy margin, and ovoid basidiospores. Ganoderma obscuratum is distinguished by small pores (6-9 per mm), dorsolaterally sub-stipitate basidiomata which become greyish-brown when dry, and narrow ellipsoid basidiospores. Ganoderma yunnanense is characterized by cream color pore surface and context, centrally to laterally stipitate basidiomata with reddish-brown to violet-brown strongly laccate pileus surface, and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. With the help of an extensive literature survey and the results of this study, a checklist of 32 Ganoderma species from YPC was established, which accounts for 71.11% of the known species in China. In addition, a key to the Ganoderma in YPC is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Distoseptispora, viz. D. mengsongensis, D. nabanheensis, and D. sinensis, are described and illustrated from specimens collected on dead branches of unidentified plants in Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses of LSU, ITS, and TEF1 sequence data, using maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI), reveal the taxonomic placement of D. mengsongensis, D. nabanheensis, and D. sinensis within Distoseptispora. Both morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses supported D. mengsongensis, D. nabanheensis, and D. sinensis as three new taxa. To extend our knowledge of the diversity of Distoseptispora-like taxa, a list of recognized species of Distoseptispora with major morphological features, habitat, host, and locality is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We detailed the valve morphology of five new species of diatom genus Nupela from wetwall communities in Yunnan Province, China, with light and scanning electron microscope. The five new species demonstrate great variability within the genus, as three of them are biraphid and two are monoraphid. In addition, variation was noted in the structure of internal proximal raphe ends, with some species having anchor-shaped ends and other species have hooked ends. The genus Nupela has grown considerably in 30 years since it was first proposed, going from a monotypic genus to over 85 taxa. Diagnosis of the genus is based on the presence of an external covering over the areolae. We discussed the systematic placement of Nupela within the naviculoid diatoms. Yunnan Province appears to harbor many endemic diatom taxa, and many regions of the province have yet to be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant debris are habitats favoring survival and multiplication of various microbial species. During continuing mycological surveys of saprobic microfungi from plant debris in Yunnan Province, China, several Corynespora-like and Dendryphiopsis-like isolates were collected from dead branches of unidentified perennial dicotyledonous plants. Four barcodes, i.e., ITS, LSU, SSU and tef1-α, were amplified and sequenced. Morphological studies and multigene phylogenetic analyses by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference revealed three new Corynespora species (C. mengsongensis sp. nov., C. nabanheensis sp. nov. and C. yunnanensis sp. nov.) and a new Kirschsteiniothelia species (K. nabanheensis sp. nov.) within Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota. A list of identified and accepted species of Corynespora with major morphological features, host information and locality was compiled. This work improves the knowledge of species diversity of Corynespora and Kirschsteiniothelia in Yunnan Province, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhododendron is an essential ornamental plant that is abundant in Yunnan province. In Cangshan Mountain, Yunnan, China, 61 species of Rhododendron have been reported. Endophytic fungi are internal plant tissue inhabitants that do not harm the host. It has emerged as an exciting research topic as they have the potential to provide numerous secondary metabolites. This study is focused on taxonomic novelties and new host records of endophytic fungi associated with Rhododendron plants collected from Cangshan Mountain in Yunnan Province, China. Pestalotiopsis fungi are associated with a vast array of plant species worldwide. In this study, fresh leaves of Rhododendron cyanocarpum, Rhododendron decorum, and Rhododendron delavayi were collected from Cangshan Mountain, Yunnan Province, China. Endophytic Pestalotiopsis fungi associated with Rhododendron were characterized based on phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, TEF1-a, and TUB genes along with morphological characteristics. Six new species (Pestalotiopsis appendiculata, Pestalotiopsis cangshanensis, Pestalotiopsis daliensis, Pestalotiopsis fusoidea, Pestalotiopsis rosarioides, and Pestalotiopsis suae) and a new host record (Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola) are described. Detailed descriptions and color photo plates of these species are provided. It is the first time that the endophytic fungi of Rhododendron plants in Cangshan Mountain have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trechispora are an important genus of wood-inhabiting fungi that have the ability to decompose rotten wood in the forest ecosystem. In this study, we reported three new species of Trechispora: T. murina, T. odontioidea, T. olivacea from a subtropical region of Yunnan Province, China. Species descriptions were based on a combination of morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of the ITS and LSU region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Trechispora murina is characterized by the resupinate basidiomata, grandinioid hymenial surface with a greyish tint, monomitic hyphal system and ellipsoid, thick-walled, ornamented basidiospores; T. odontioidea has an odontioid hymenial surface with cylindrical to conical, blunt aculei and subglobose to globose, colorless, slightly thick-walled, ornamented basidiospores; T. olivacea has a farinaceous hymenial surface with olivaceous tint, basidia clavate and thick-walled, ornamented, broadly ellipsoid to globose basidiospores. Sequences of the ITS and nLSU rDNA markers of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. After a series of phylogenetic analyses, the 5.8S+nLSU dataset was constructed to test the phylogenetic relationship of Trechispora with other genera of Hydnodontaceae. The ITS dataset was used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationship of the three new species with other species of Trechispora. Using ITS phylogeny, the new species T. murina was retrieved as a sister to T. bambusicola with moderate supports; T. odontioidea formed a single lineage and then grouped with T. fimbriata and T. nivea; while T. olivacea formed a monophyletic lineage with T. farinacea, T. hondurensis, and T. mollis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of Schizopteridae, Cornonannus bui gen. et sp. nov. is described from Yunnan Province, China. The new genus is closest to Pachyplagia Gross, 1951, Ogeria, Distant 1913, and Kaimon Hill, 2004 in morphology, but it can be distinguished from these genera by the male having a frontal process, the absence of pronotal collar, the distinct venation of forewing, a tarsi formula of 3-3-3, and the middle area of abdominal tergites I to VII with small, round tubercles. Photographs of the male habitus, head, thorax, abdomen, appendages, and genitalic structures, as well as scanning electron micrographs of the male head, thorax, abdomen, and genitalic structures and drawings of male genitalia, are provided. Moreover, a key to all known Chinese schizopterid genera is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begonia longlingensis Y.H.Tan & H.B.Ding, a new species of Begoniaceae from Southwest Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is primarily similar to B. wenshanensis in same section but differs by its hairy inflorescences and ovary (vs. glabrous), five tepals of pistillate flower (vs. three tepals), bracteoles under the ovary (vs. without) and rhizomes well developed (vs. poorly developed). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carex malipoensis, a new species from southeast Yunnan, China, is here described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. trichophylla in sect. Euprepes, but differs from it by its longer inflorescences and peduncles, pendulous spikes, hispidulous female glumes, densely hispidulous utricles, and longer nutlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new wood‐inhabiting fungal species, Lyomyces niveus and L. ochraceoalbus spp. nov. are proposed based on a combination of morphological and molecular evidence. Lyomyces ochraceoalbus is characterised by resupinate basidiomata with tuberculate, cracking hymenial surface, clavate basidia with a median constriction, gathering numerous irregular crystals, and thin‐walled basidiospores with one or two globules. Lyomyces niveus is characterised by resupinate basidiomata, smooth to grandinioid hymenial surface, presence of three kinds of cystidia, and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. Sequences of the ITS and nLSU gene regions were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods. The phylogenetic reconstruction of Schizoporaceae based on a concatenated ITS+nLSU dataset showed that the two new species are nested in Lyomyces. A second phylogenetic analysis, of the genus Lyomyces, demonstrated that multiple isolates of L. niveus forms a monophyletic lineage which is sister to a clade comprising L. crustosus, L. juniperi, L. ochraceoalbus and L. vietnamensis. Moreover, L. ochraceoalbus is closely related to L. crustosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma dianzhongense sp. nov. and G. esculentum sp. nov. are proposed as two new species based on both phenotypic and genotypic evidences. Ganoderma dianzhongense is characterized by the stipitate basidiomata, laccate and oxblood red pileus, gray white pore surface, duplex context and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores (9.0-12.5 × 6.5-9.0 µm) with coarse interwall pillars. Ganoderma esculentum is characterized by its basidiomata with slender stipe, white pore surface, homogeneous pileus context, and slightly truncate, narrow basidiospores (8.0-12.5 × 5.0-8.0 µm). Phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-a (TEF1-a) and the second subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) sequence data. The illustrations and descriptions for the new taxa are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of tooth-plated lungfishes, Dianodipterus huizeensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Qujing Formation (late Eifelian, Middle Devonian) of Huize County, Qujing, north-eastern Yunnan, China. It differs from other lungfishes in the small proportion of the tooth-bearing part on the pterygoid (less than one-quarter), the extensively developed anteromedial edentulous portion of the pterygoid, and tooth rows few in number (only four). Phylogenetic analysis reveals that Dianodipterus is more plesiomorphic than Dipterus, yet crownward of Melanognathus. As the ninth Devonian lungfish genus from China, the new taxon displays a novel schema of lungfish dentition and increases the diversity of early lungfishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impatiens L., the largest genus in the family Balsaminaceae with approximately 1000 species, is a controversial and complex genus that includes many economically important species well known for medicinal and ornamental values. However, there is limited knowledge of molecular phylogeny and chloroplast genomics, and uncertainties still exist at a taxonomic level. In this study, we have assembled four chloroplast genomics specimens of Impatiens cyanantha and Impatiens monticola, which are found at the different altitudes of Guizhou and Yunnan in China, and compared them with previously published three wild Balsaminaceae species (Impatiens piufanensis, Impatiens glandlifera, and Hydrocera triflora). The complete chloroplast genome sequences ranged from 152,236 bp (I. piufanensis) to 154,189 bp (H. triflora) and encoded 115 total distinct genes, of which 81 were protein-coding, 30 were distinct transfer RNA genes(tRNA), and 4 were ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA). A comparative analysis of I. cyanantha (Guizhou) vs. I. cyanantha (Yunnan) and I. monticola (Guizhou) vs. I. monticola (Yunnan) revealed minor changes in lengths; however, similar gene contents, gene orders, and GC contents existed among them. Interestingly, highly coding and non-coding genes, and regions matK, psbK, atpH-atpI, trnC-trnT, petN, psbM, atpE, rbcL, accD, psaL, rps3-rps19, ndhG-ndhA,rpl16, rpoB, ndhB, ndhF, ycf1, and ndhH were found, which could be suitable for identification of species and phylogenetic studies. During the comparison between I. cyanantha (Guizhou) and I. cyanantha (Yunnan), we observed that the rps4, ycf2, ndhF, ycf1, and rpoC2 genes underwent positive selection. Meanwhile, in the comparative study of I. monticola (Guizhou) vs. I. monticola (Yunnan), The accD and ycf1 genes were positively selected. Additionally, phylogenetic relationships based on maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) among whole chloroplast genomes showed that a sister relationship with I. monticola (Guizhou) and I. monticola (Yunnan) formed a clade with I.piufanensis proving their close connection. Besides, I.cyanantha (Guizhou) and I. cyanantha (Yunnan) formed a clade with I. glandlifera. Along with the findings and the results, the current study might provide valuable significant genomic resources for systematics and evolution of the genus impatiens in different altitudes of regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plokiophiloides bannaensis sp. nov., is described from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, representing the first record of the family Plokiophilidae from China. The new species also represents the first record of the genus Plokiophiloides in the Oriental Region, a second zoogeographical region besides the Afrotropical Region. Photographs of the live individuals inhabiting a spider web within natural habitats, male and female habitus, wings of adult, male genitalic structures, female abdomen structures and scanning electron micrographs of forewing, head, thorax and legs are provided. A key to all known species of Plokiophiloides is presented, with a distribution map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species with primitive characteristics, Ameletus daliensis Tong, sp. nov., is described, based on the morphology of imago, larva and egg with molecular data of the mitochondrial COI from Mount Cangshan, Dali, China. The new species is closely related to one of the most primitive mayflies, Ameletus primitivus Traver, 1939, by sharing persistent mouthparts in the alate stage, but it can be distinguished from the latter by the morphological differences of the mouthpart remains, wings and genitals in the imaginal stage. Both morphological and molecular evidence support that A. daliensis Tong, sp. nov. is a new member of the genus Ameletus. The discovery of the new species could help understand the origin and evolution of the genus Ameletus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we describe a new species, Ainsliaea daheishanensis Y.L.Peng, C.X.Yang & Y.Luo, based on morphological traits. The new species was discovered in the mountains of Yunnan, near the border between Myanmar and China. The new species differs from the phenotypically closely-related Ainsliaea foliosa Handel-Mazzetti in the morphology of the leaf veins and phyllaries, those having a protruding abaxial reticulate pattern in the lower and median part of stem with white hairs and narrow inner phyllaries. A key to the three closed Ainsliaea species occurring in China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In total, 366 birds representing 55 species in 24 families and eight orders, were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) in two high‐altitude localities in Yunnan Province, China. In Ailaoshan, almost all of the birds examined were resident passeriforms, of which 36% were parasitized by chewing lice. In Jinshanyakou, most birds were on migration, and included both passerine and non‐passerine birds. Of the passerine birds caught in Jinshanyakou, only one bird (0.7%) was parasitized by chewing lice. The prevalence of Myrsidea and Brueelia‐complex lice on birds caught in Ailaoshan was higher than in previous reports. Of the chewing lice identifiable to species level, three represent new records for China: Actornithophilus hoplopteri (Mjöberg, 1910), Maculinirmus ljosalfar Gustafsson & Bush, 2017 and Quadraceps sinensis Timmermann, 1954. In total, 17 new host records are included, of which we describe two as new species in the Brueelia‐complex: Guimaraesiella (Cicchinella) ailaoshanensissp. nov. ex Schoeniparus dubius dubius (Hume, 1874) and G. (C.) montisodalissp. nov. ex Fulvetta manipurensis tonkinensis Delacour & Jabouille, 1930. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9FC3D8EE‐2CED‐4DBE‐A1DB‐471B71260D27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camellia mingii is a recently described and critically endangered new species from Southeast Yunnan Province, China. Genetic information of C. mingii would provide guidance for the conservation of this wild yellow camellia. Here, we reported and characterized its complete chloroplast (cp) genome using Illumina pair-end sequencing data. The total chloroplast genome size was 156,806 bp, including inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,020 bp, separated by a large single copy (LSC) and a small single copy (SSC) of 86,536 and 18,230 bp, respectively. A total of 132 genes, including 37 tRNA, eight rRNA, and 87 protein-coding genes were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. mingii was closely related to the clade containing C. huana and C. impressinervis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) sequence of Fosbergia shweliensis was determined from Illumina HiSeq pair-end sequencing data in this study. The cpDNA is 154,717 bp in length, contains a large single-copy region (LSC) of 84,747 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,230 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions of 25,870 bp. The genome contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 36 transfer RNA genes. Further phylogenomic analysis showed that F. shweliensis was close to Coffea genus in the family Rubiaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three wood-inhabiting fungal species, Xylodon gossypinus, X. macrosporus, and X. sinensis spp. nov. were collected from southern China, with the similar function to decompose rotten wood, which are here proposed as new taxa based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Xylodon gossypinus is characterized by the resupinate basidiomata with cotton hymenophore, and ellipsoid basidiospores; X.macrosporus is characterized by the resupinate basidiomata having the cracking hymenophore with pale yellowish hymenial surface, and larger basidiospores 8–10.5 × 7.5–9 µm; and X. sinensis differs by its grandinioid hymenial surface and subglobose basidiospores measuring as 3–5 × 2.5–4 µm. Sequences of ITS and nLSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The ITS+nLSU analysis in Hymenochaetales revealed that the three new species clustered into the Schizoporaceae family, located in genus Xylodon; based on the ITS dataset, X. gossypinus was a sister to X. ussuriensis; X. macrosporus closely grouped with X.follis with a high support; and X.sinensis was retrieved as two sisters to X. attenuatus and X. yarraensis with a lower support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analysing spatial effects of trees is critical for improving forest management. • This study explored spatial effects of trees using biomass data in Yunnan, China. • The significant spatial autocorrelations vary with stands, components, and distances. • The stands' spatial heterogeneity increased with distance and stabilised at 10 m. The trees in a given stand compete with each other for light, water and nutrients, producing spatial effects. To understand spatial effects, it is critical to characterise the spatial distributions and patterns of the aboveground biomass (AGB) of individual trees and the biomass of their components (stem, bark, branches and foliage). This study investigated the spatial effects by examining the AGB of individual trees and the biomass of their components in the context of typical sub-tropical tree species in Yunnan, China, including a Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis natural forest (PN), a Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis plantation (PP), and a Eucalyptus spp. plantation (EP), using datasets for three clear-cutting plots. Ripley's L function was employed to identify the spatial distributions and patterns of the AGB of individual trees and the biomass of their components. Then, Global and Local Moran's I indices were utilised to analyse spatial autocorrelation, with Intra-group variance being calculated to quantify spatial heterogeneity. This led to following findings. Firstly, with increasing distance, the spatial heterogeneity of the three stands increased before stabilising at a distance of 10 m. Secondly, excluding bark, all components of the tree biomass in the PN stand exhibited significant dispersion. In contrast, all the components in the PP stand showed significant dispersion. The spatial distributions and patterns of trees and their biomass in the EP stand indicated the coexistence of clustering and dispersion. Moreover, the significant spatial autocorrelations of tree AGB and components biomass could be noticed but depending on the stands, components and distances. These findings provide theoretical support for sustainable forest management based on biomass and carbon stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]