The importance of validated alpha taxonomy for phylogenetic and DNA barcoding studies: a comment on species identification of pygmy grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae)

Abstract

In a recently published paper on colour polymorphism in a Pygmy grasshopper from China (Zhao et al 2016) an unidentified Paratettix sp. was misidentified as Tetrix bolivari. This case highlights the need for correct species identification and provides an opportunity to recommend some aspects of Good Taxonomic Practice (GTP) in Tetrigidae to reduce the number of erroneous identifications.

Sharpening the DNA barcoding tool through a posteriori taxonomic validation: The case of Longitarsus flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

“…The high number of taxonomists required to avoid any error in morphological identification of species should not be an impediment of large-scale DNA barcoding campaigns [72], especially in a period of risk for biodiversity that calls for a rapid assessment of species identification. On the other hand, this should not coincide with the risk of large but low-quality data production, thus it is fundamental maintaining a standard that allows a posteriori verification of identifications via morphological analysis [21,[73][74][75]. In this regard we proved the efficacy of a non-invasive DNA extraction protocol that allows successful amplification of the barcoding gene fragment in flea beetle specimens as small as 1.5 mm.…”

Taxonomic and biogeographic revision of the genus Lamellitettigodes (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) with description of two new species and additional notes on Lamellitettix, Probolotettix, and Scelimena

“…Millimeter paper was placed close to the photographed specimen and subsequently used to construct a scale bar, included in the photograph, after which the millimeter paper was deleted. The morphological terminology and measurement methods follow Tumbrinck (2014a) and good taxonomic practice suggested in Lehmann et al (2017). For many localities, the geographical coordinates were identified as accurately as possible by localization of the place found on the labels with different gazetteers and extracted using the Google Earth program.…”

“…First segment of the hind tarsus not longer than the third, pulvilli acute, in three species with apical teeth (L. sagittatus, L. signatus, L. karwinkeli). The coloration is highly variable and not a useful feature for either generic or specific diagnosis (as reported for Tetriginae in Lehmann et al 2017).…”

Multi‐locus phylogeny of African pipits and longclaws (Aves: Motacillidae) highlights taxonomic inconsistencies

“…However, alpha-taxonomy is important, as it forms the basis for studying other biological relationships as well as all aspects of a taxon's biology (Lehmann et al 2017), and an accurate taxonomy is also important for determining a species' conservation status and is critical for conservation planning (Peterson 2006). Although providing effective camouflage, this uniform coloration has complicated the circumscription of species when based solely or predominantly on external morphology.…”

“…Although providing effective camouflage, this uniform coloration has complicated the circumscription of species when based solely or predominantly on external morphology. However, alpha-taxonomy is important, as it forms the basis for studying other biological relationships as well as all aspects of a taxon's biology (Lehmann et al 2017), and an accurate taxonomy is also important for determining a species' conservation status and is critical for conservation planning (Peterson 2006).…”