In the present study, the jewel beetle Chrysochroa fulgidissima was taxonomically reassessed based on molecular analyses of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) gene partial sequences, and morphological approaches, excluding the subspecies Chrysochroa fulgidissima adachii. Molecular (three data sets, COI, 16S, and COI + 16S in mtDNA) and morphological (quantitative and qualitative characters) evidence suggested that Ch. fulgidissima consists of four independent species found in seven geographical regions, namely Korea, Japan and Taiwan, China (GuangXi and Hainan) and Vietnam, and Okinawa Island. As a result of the large genetic divergences and subtle morphological differences amongst these populations, we were able to infer that the nominotypical subspecies, Chrysochroa fulgidissima fulgidissima, is divided into three pseudocryptic species that have undergone allopatric speciation events. Thus, we propose that the subspecies Chrysochroa fulgidissima alternans should be upgraded to valid specific status. We also provide a description of two new species, Chrysochroa coreana sp. nov. from Korea, and Chrysochroa pseudofulgidissima sp. nov. from China and Vietnam.

Specimens collected in or near Pensacola Bay, Florida matching the descriptions of Luidia lawrencei and Luidia clathrata (the congener from which L. lawrencei was recently split) were compared to determine whether their recent taxonomic separation is supported by differences in sediment preference, salinity tolerance and COX-1 mtDNA sequences. Luidia clathrata has a preference for smaller grain sizes, while no statistically significant preference was found for Luidia lawrencei, and no significant difference was found between the species. Luidia clathrata is more tolerant of lower salinity based on the righting response than Luidia lawrencei, especially at salinities lower than 25 g kg−1. The COX-1 comparison returned over 99% homology among individuals of the two species. While sediment preference and salinity tolerance results indicate differences in response to habitat dissimilarities, the COX-1 genetic result is strong evidence against the recently proposed separation of the species. In light of the COX-1 result, we interpret the sediment and salinity results as long-term acclimation responses.