SYMPOSIUM ABSTRACTS
Summer Systematics Institute

Internship in Biological Illustration
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Board Room
Summer Systematics Institute Symposium
9:00 AM Thursday, August 7, 2014
Board Room
Speaker order:
Like a bat out of heaven: The phylogeny and diversity of the bat-winged slugs, Gastropteridae
Elise Ong (Macalester Coll., MN), Terry Gosliner (IZ&G)
 Examining morphological variation in two Miocene Dominican Republic gastropod species
across time and ecological change: Olivella indivisa and Oliva brevispira
Courtney Chin (Saint Mary's Coll., CA), Peter Roopnarine (IZ&G)
 New fossil and extant species of Fibularia: Evolution of the most highly miniaturized "sand
dollars"
Carrisa Gomez (Skyline Coll., CA), Rich Mooi (IZ&G)
 A generic key to Malagasy and Afrotropical males of the revised genus Pachycondyla
Isabella Muratore (Haverford Coll., PA), Brian Fisher (Ent)
Evolution and taxonomy of Griswoldia, an endemic genus of cryptic South African running
spiders
Rachel Gibbs (Colorado Coll., CO), Charles Griswold (Ent)
A new species of skink (Scincidae: Eugongylus) from the Republic of Palau in the western
Pacific
Mayteé Contés-De Jesús (U. of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, PR), Dave Blackburn (Herp)
LUNCH BREAK
We will begin again at 1:00 PM
A proof-of-concept study to characterize population genomics and introgression in the slider
turtle genus Trachemys
Madison Hansen (Harvey Mudd Coll., CA), Brian Simison (CCG)
DNA analysis and morphological comparison of the damselfish genus Chromis (Labroidei:
Pomacentridae) from deep coral reefs in the Philippines suggest new species
Gabriela Alfaro (Santa Rosa Junior College, CA), Claudia & Luiz Rocha (Ich)
Digital biological illustration and its place in an age of photography
Sabrina Thi (Cleveland Inst. of Art), Gary Williams & Rich Mooi (IZ&G)
 Occurrence of avian malaria in the California Tioga
Lauren Titus (Ohio Northern U., OH), Shannon Bennett & Maxine Zylberberg (Micro)
 Potential integration of cell fusing agent virus in the genome of the Thai mosquito species
Aedes aegypti
Kye Duren (Kenyon Coll., OH), Shannon Bennett (Micro)
Creating a melastome multi-access key using the Lucid software suite
Zack Guignardi (U. of Florida, Gainesville, FL), Frank Almeda & Darin Penneys (Bot)
1
DNA analysis and morphological comparison of the damselfish genus Chromis (Labroidei:
Pomacentridae) from deep coral reefs in the Philippines suggest new species
Gabriela Alfaro
Claudia Rocha
Luiz Rocha
Santa Rosa Junior College, CA
Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, CA
The lack of knowledge concerning biodiversity of the oceanic mesophotic zone (also known as the
"Twilight Zone") is caused by the previous absence of deeper diving techniques that now allow
exploration below depths at which conventional SCUBA diving is safe. As technology improves
and diving techniques are perfected, new frontiers await to be explored. The California Academy of
Sciences led an expedition to the Philippines during 2013 and 2014 to explore the seldom-studied
mesophotic zone (60-120m depth). Several species of Chromis were observed and collected at
about 100 m deep. The aim of this study was to investigate possible cryptic diversity in deep reef
species of Chromis. To test this hypothesis, morphological characters were scored and the
mitochondrial fragment cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) was sequenced to estimate relationships
among Chromis. Bayesian inference analysis of COI strongly supports the existence of at least one
new species of Chromis from the mesophotic zone, allowing us to describe a new species of
damselfish from this poorly explored region. Further collection and analyses of deep reef specimens
will be needed to create a more comprehensive phylogenetic tree for fishes from the mesophotic
zone.
***** We acknowledge generous support from the NSF REU program*****
2
Examining morphological variation in two Miocene Dominican Republic gastropod species
across time and ecological change: Olivella indivisa and Oliva brevispira
Courtney Chin
Peter Roopnarine
Saint Mary’s College of California, CA
Department of Invertebrate Zoology & Geology, California Academy of Sciences, CA
Olivella indivisa and Oliva brevispira, extinct marine species native to the Caribbean, were found
in abundance in the Miocene Rio Gurabo Formation of the Dominican Republic. Due to their robust
representation in the fossil record, O. indivisa and O. brevispira are ideal species to investigate
small-scale morphological changes over time. Because ontogenetic events often directly correspond
to gastropod shell growth, studying the morphology of the shell spire and aperture reveals
differences in growth patterns among individuals. Here, defining spiral and apertural shape through
the use of landmark-based geometric morphometrics and relative warps analyses allow for the
detection and examination of such changes among samples distributed within a narrow stratigraphic
interval. Previous studies on other Dominican Republic mollusks found that specific bivalve
morphologies possibly evolved in response to changes in the environment and community structure.
Thus, the bivalves that existed within the same samples were often similar in morphology and
growth pattern. Preliminary results derived from relative warps analyses indicate that O. indivisa
and O. brevispira could potentially exhibit the same phenomena. Further evaluation of shell form
distribution through statistical analyses will provide insight into how ecological change might have
a significant influence on evolutionary events over time. In addition, exploration into the
paleoenvironmental conditions present during each time period (as represented by the samples
chosen) would contribute to an exciting analysis of morphology in relation to the geographic
mosaic theory of co-evolution.
*****We acknowledge generous support from the NSF REU Program*****
3
A new species of skink (Scincidae: Eugongylus) from the Republic of Palau in the western
Pacific
Mayteé M. Contés-De Jesús
David C. Blackburn
University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, PR
Department of Vertebrate Zoology & Anthropology, California Academy of Sciences, CA
A new species of scincid lizard in the genus Eugongylus from the islands of Palau is described. It
was discovered in the late 1960s in the Palauan archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean and was
initially identified as Eugongylus mentovarius, probably due to morphological conservatism among
the isolated populations of skinks, though more recent studies have recognized it as an undescribed
species. The genus Eugongylus belongs to the subfamily Lygosominae, which has a wide-ranging
distribution over the islands of the western Pacific. The new species described here appears
restricted to the Palauan archipelago, suggesting it is an endemic species. Using DNA sequence
data from two mitochondrial genes, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2; 443 bp) and
Cytochrome b (CYTB; 361 bp), we evaluate both intraspecific variation of the new species within
the archipelago and its relationship to other Eugongylus species for which data is available (E.
albofasciolatus, and E. rufescens). We also used morphological data to distinguish the new species
from the five recognized species of Eugongylus: E. mentovarius, E. sulaensis, E. unilineatus, E.
albofasciolatus, and E. rufescens. Using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods,
we found two distinct but closely related mitochondrial lineages within Palau and also observed that
the new species may be more closely related to E. rufescens than E. albofasciolatus. While the six
species are morphologically similar, the new species can be diagnosed by a combination of its
medium body size, dorsal coloration with small dark spots but lacking a distinct pattern of
transverse bars, and tail length similar to snout-vent length. The description of this new species
provides insight into genetic variation across the islands of Palau, as well as additional information
on variation among other species in the genus Eugongylus.
*****We acknowledge generous support from the NSF REU program*****
4
Potential integration of cell fusing agent virus into the genome of the Thai mosquito species
Aedes aegypti
Kye Duren
Shannon Bennett
Kenyon College, OH
Department of Microbiology, California Academy of Sciences, CA
The genus Flavivirus contains at least 70 viruses including both mosquito-borne human pathogens
spread by Aedes mosquitoes, and viruses that are limited to insect hosts that are non-pathogenic to
humans. The insect-specific flaviviruses are ancestral to the mosquito-borne flaviviruses and thus
characterization of their diversity and distribution in nature could reveal important evolutionary
processes behind the emergence of pathogenic forms. In addition, reports of insect-specific
flaviviruses that have become integrated into the genomes of their hosts, Aedes mosquitoes, reveal
important evolutionary routes for host genetic diversification that may ultimately contribute to their
defense. This research seeks to determine whether the insect-specific Flavivirus cell fusing agent
virus (CFAV), discovered in field-caught Aedes aegypti mosquito populations from Thailand,
represents circulation of this virus in this population or evidence of virus integration into the
mosquito host genome. Mosquitoes were trapped in the Nahok Nhayon province in central Thailand
in 2008 from multiple sites. Unbiased Illumina shotgun sequencing of total RNA revealed the
presence of Flavivirus-like sequences similar to CFAV, however only the first half of the CFAV
genome was detected. Since genes necessary for replication are present on the second half of the
CFAV genome, their absence may suggest the integration of CFAV into the A. aegypti genome.
Alternatively, partial presence of the CFAV genome might represent differential virus degradation,
for example, due to host defense mechanisms, or be an artifact of the sample processing and
handling. Preliminary results on DNA from the Thai samples are positive for CFAV. As these RNA
viruses are not known to have a significant DNA stage during replication, this is highly suggestive
of integration into the host genome. This integration event would be novel because the presence of
CFAV is not found within the sequenced strain of West African A. aegypti, meaning that this
integration occurred after a divergence between African and Asian A. aegypti.
*****We acknowledge generous support from the NSF REU program*****
5
Evolution and taxonomy of Griswoldia, an endemic genus of cryptic South African running
spiders
Rachel Gibbs
Charles Griswold
Colorado College, CO
Department of Entomology, California Academy of Sciences, CA
The complex evolutionary histories of endemic species provide important insights for conservation
efforts in regions of high biodiversity. The genus of cryptic, nocturnal running spiders, Griswoldia
(Araneae, Zoropsidae), is abundant throughout the temperate, moist forests and grasslands of South
Africa. Recently placed in the zoropsid subfamily, Griswoldiinae, Griswoldia contains 16 species,
12 described and four new. To study evolution and taxonomy, molecular and morphologic data
were compared. Four molecular markers, (CO1, H3, 28S and 18S) were sequenced for 17
Griswoldia specimens. Using Phanotea as sister group and Zorocrates for rooting analyses,
Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference were employed to resolve genetic divergence within
the genus. Morphology was observed through dissection, illustration of male genitalia, scanning
electron and light microscopy, and mapping leg spination patterns. These observations were coded
and analyzed using equal and implied weight parsimony. Previously unknown males of Griswoldia
leleupi and G. natalensis were discovered and new species of G. "Hogsback A" and "B", G.
"Graskop", G. "Ngome" were described. The study points to a need for further investigations on
possible new species within G. robusta and the placement of G. "Hogsback B" in the Griswoldiinae
subfamily. The published results, including descriptions, generic diagnoses, keys to species, maps
of distribution and descriptive imaging, will be provided to the South African National Survey of
Arachnida, and thus contribute to international knowledge of the delicate and intricate evolutionary
patterns and biogeography of endemic South African species.
*****We acknowledge generous support from the NSF REU program*****
6
New fossil and extant species of Fibularia: Evolution of the most highly miniaturized "sand
dollars"
Carrisa Gomez
Rich Mooi
Skyline College, CA
Invertebrate Zoology & Geology, California Academy of Sciences, CA
The Clypeasteroida is a diverse clade of sea urchins commonly known as sand dollars. Among
these, the genus Fibularia is unique because of its extreme miniaturization (resulting in their other
name, "micro-echinoids") and lack of an internal support system (known as "buttresses") found in
nearly every other clypeasteroid group. Currently, little is known about the phylogeny of Fibularia.
In this study, we greatly expanded a previously existing dataset containing measurements of
specimens of all known extant and extinct species of Fibularia. Bivariate plots among several
crucial parameters have allowed reassessment of the relationships among all the known extant taxa
of Fibularia. We can reaffirm earlier suppositions that one form, F. "bean", represented a species
new to science. In addition, we explored the possibility that another extant form, provisionally
called F. "oddovulum", represented a new species close in morphology to the type species of the
genus, F. ovulum, but differing not only in some morphometric aspects, but in the apparent
presence of sexual dimorphism in gonopore dimensions. Recently, material sent to us by colleagues
working in Australia, New Zealand, and Madagascar provided us with an opportunity to examine
the diversity of Oligocene and Eocene Fibularia. Among these specimens, we have found at least
three new species. With this new knowledge of diversity within Fibularia, and with new specimens
and data from recent expeditions to the Philippines, we are suggesting new phylogenetic
relationships that will better show the evolution of taxa within the genus Fibularia. Because of the
extreme reduction in morphology among these micro-echinoids, phylogenetic work remains
challenging. However, we are discovering that sexual dimorphism seems to have evolved more
than once within the group, that brooding behavior has evolved at least once, and that there seems
to be a distinctive morphological subset of Fibularia in the Eocene of the western Indian Ocean,
including Madagascar.
*****We acknowledge generous support from NSF REU program*****
7
Creating a melastome multi-access key using the Lucid software suite
Zack Guignardi
Frank Almeda
Darin Penneys
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Department of Botany, California Academy of Sciences, CA
The plant family Melastomataceae comprises over 5,000 species in about 170 genera mainly spread
throughout the jungles and forests of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. A molecular phylogeny for
this family is currently being estimated. Previous studies have also indicated that some genera have
been described arbitrarily. Much of what we know about the Melastomataceae is still to be
determined, making a reliable identification key to the genus level difficult to develop. The goal of
this project was to create a multi-access identification key for the Melastomataceae that is
comprehensive, free to access online, and can be updated regularly. Using the program Lucid, a
multi-access key generator, we have produced an identification key to all known genera in the
family. A multi-access key has many advantages over traditional dichotomous keys, including the
absence of a “start” to the key, allowing users to use any characters they choose to start narrowing
the options in progress towards identification. The key is mutable, and has the facility to be updated
as frequently as new data are collected, and as often as users scrutinize the key. This allows for
much wider access and longevity than traditional print copies of dichotomous keys. It is also more
user-friendly than traditional dichotomous keys, with the ability for both novices and established
researchers to accurately and reliably use the key. Through the creation of this powerful plant
identification tool, we hope to facilitate further studies in the family, as well as permit
dissemination of knowledge about one of the single most important components of jungle and forest
ecosystems. By gathering research from the late 19th century onward, this key serves as a
compilation of morphological and phylogenetic work done on melastomes to date.
*****We acknowledge generous support from the Robert T. Wallace endowment*****
8
A proof-of-concept study to characterize population genomics and introgression in the slider
turtle genus Trachemys
Madison Hansen
Brian Simison
Harvey Mudd College, CA
Center for Comparative Genomics, California Academy of Sciences, CA
Although its native range is in North America, from the Rio Grande to the Atlantic Coast, the redeared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a globally invasive taxon. It is often farmed, sold,
and eventually released into the wild. The native range overlaps with that of the Big Bend slider (T.
gaigeae) to the west and of the yellow-bellied slider (T. scripta scripta) to the east. Genetic
evidence suggests that T. scripta elegans has historically hybridized with T. gaigeae, and is
currently hybridizing with T. scripta scripta. Thus multiple stages of hybridization can be compared
in a single system. This proof-of-concept study lays the groundwork for a novel approach to
determining the genomic population dynamics of the Trachemys species complex using secondgeneration sequencing and new computational techniques. The goal is to map Trachemys whole
genome sequences to a Trachemys reference genome and discover introgression in the North
American populations via single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). First, a draft reference was
created by aligning Illumina NEXTERA whole genome sequences from a T. scripta elegans
individual to the complete, published genome of a distantly related species, the painted turtle
(Chrysemys picta bellii). Whole genome sequence data from four Trachemys individuals were then
mapped to that draft reference and scanned for SNPs. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of the
mitochondrial control region was used to confirm historical hybridization with T. gaigeae. This
proof-of-concept approach will be applicable to a larger set of Trachemys genomes, in order to
characterize population structure and to study the effects of hybridization on speciation.
*****We acknowledge generous support from the NSF REU program*****
9
A generic key to Malagasy and Afrotropical males of the revised genus Pachycondyla
Isabella Muratore
Brian Fisher
Haverford College, PA
Department of Entomology, California Academy of Sciences, CA
The distribution of ant taxa is sensitive to slight environmental changes and can vary dramatically
from one ecosystem to the next, making ants useful for monitoring biodiversity. Surveying the ant
taxa present in threatened ecosystems, such as Madagascar, can help accurately indicate which
pockets of natural land are most crucial to protect. Recent genetic and morphological analyses have
lead to the revision of the polyphyletic genus, Pachycondyla, dividing it into nineteen genera. In
order to facilitate identification of specimens in the field, I report the first morphological key to
male ants of the genera previously considered junior synonyms of Pachycondyla. The Malagasy
and Afrotropical genera Euponera, Mesoponera, and Bothroponera, three of these former junior
synonyms, were the subject of this study. By observing differences in mating, flight, and feeding
structures, I identified nine species of ants to genus level. Because it is crucial to be able to identify
an ant species given any individual found in the colony, regardless of life stage or sex, I focused on
males, an underrepresented caste in the literature. I report morphological data because ants can be
most quickly and unambiguously identified by examining morphology and because a key of this
variety requires no special training on the part of the user or access to genetic testing materials. My
observations of genital morphology support the revision of the genus, Mesoponera, as the
parameres and aedeagi of the two Mesoponera species studied appeared highly divergent, indicating
probable polyphyly.
*****We acknowledge generous support from the Robert T. Wallace Endowment*****
10
Like a bat out of heaven: The phylogeny and diversity of the bat-winged slugs, Gastropteridae
Elise Ong
Terrence M. Gosliner
Macalester College, MN
Invertebrate Zoology & Geology, California Academy of Sciences, CA
A molecular phylogeny of philinacean cephalaspideans is presented for 22 newly sequenced
specimens of Gastropteridae. Cephalaspidea are known as bubble snails because some
representatives of these families of marine gastropods have thin bubble-like shells. Still others, such
as members of the Philinacea have a further reduced internal shell. The group consists of nine
families whose unifying character includes the presence of a large cephalic shield, an adaptation to
their burrowing habit. Cephalaspideans are considered to be the basal members of Opisthobranchia
and a major group of opisthobranch gastropods with an estimated 840 species worldwide. The
present phylogeny was estimated by analyzing the nuclear fragment 28S and two mitochondrial
fragments cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and 16S using maximum likelihood and Bayesian
analyses. Members of the families Aglajidae and Philinidae were used as outgroups as a close
relationship has been previously suggested. Specimens from members of four genera of the
Gastropteridae which includes species of Gastropteron, Siphopteron, Enoptepteron and
Sagaminopteron. The results clearly support the monophyly of Gastropteridae and the distinctness
of each of three of the four constituent genera. Some species of Siphopteron are transferred to
Sagaminopteron to preserve monophly. All seven of the taxa previously thought to represent new
species collected during 2014 Verde Island Passage Expedition are supported as new to science
based on the molecular evidence. The present study clearly expands on the previous work that has
demonstrated diversification in this poorly known taxon.
*****We acknowledge generous support from NSF REU program*****
11
Digital biological illustration and its place in an age of photography
Sabrina Thi
Gary Williams & Rich Mooi
Cleveland Institute of Art, OH
Department of Invertebrate Zoology & Geology, California Academy of Sciences, CA
Before the time of photography, scientific illustration was the primary method used to communicate
visually scientific specimens, processes, relations, and functions. Although photography can now
capture basic visuals of a specimen, it has not lessened the importance of illustration in scientific
fields in the least; the method and means of biological illustration have merely been redefined with
the introduction of the camera. Biological illustration allows for a selective type of rendering that
photography cannot capture; whether it is a certain process, clarification of structures or anatomy of
a specimen, or helping to distinguish between species, illustration is a method and a tool in science
to help further educate, illuminate, and serve as an integral part in defining scientific research.
During this internship, I have illustrated a range of octocorals, gorgonians, and soft coral specimens
collected from the Philippines, as well as a variety of other specimens. I worked from both wet
specimens, photographs taken in the field, as well as direct observation of live specimens in some
cases to finalize my illustrations. The goal of the series of coral illustrations was to prepare clean
and clear presentations of whole specimens so that species could be distinguished easily from one
another even at a small reproduction size in a guide or brochure (such as one now being prepared to
illustrate common marine organisms of the Verde Island Passage in the Philippines). Part of the
work as an illustrator is knowing how to balance level of detail with the final purpose of the work
and, in the case of the corals, details had to be lost or exaggerated in order to appear clear and
defined in the final, smaller reproduction size. Other works done during this internship could be
worked more intensely to provide clean, crisp details and presentation at a variety of reproduction
sizes. All works were produced digitally and in full color and are to be posted to the academy’s
website and to be used as an aid and resource in identification.
*****We acknowledge generous support from the Robert T. Wallace Endowment*****
12
Occurrence of avian malaria in the California Tioga
Lauren Titus
Shannon Bennett
Maxine Zylberberg
Ohio Northern University, OH
Department of Microbiology, California Academy of Sciences, CA
Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, two genera of parasitic protozoans, are ubiquitous among birds
and can have important fitness consequences on their avian hosts, impacting avian ecology. For
example, a variety of species (including, fish, birds, and mammals) change their choice of nest or
roost site to avoid infection with ecologically important parasites; however, they are only expected
to do so at times when they are at risk of infection. Therefore, to fully understand the impacts of
these parasites on the ecology of migratory birds, it is important to know whether migratory species
become infected at their nesting grounds or wintering grounds. Mountain white-crowned sparrows
that nest at Tioga Pass, CA, are known to carry both Haemoproteus and Plasmodium species of
parasites; however, it is unknown whether they acquire these infections at Tioga Pass or elsewhere.
To determine whether the birds nesting in the Tioga Pass could have been infected with avian
malaria locally, we screened 192 mosquitos (family Culicidae) collected at Tioga Pass Meadow,
just outside of Yosemite National Park, in July 2006 for the presence of Haemoproteus and
Plasmodium. Culicid mosquitos are known vectors of a variety of microbial organisms, including
Haemoproteus and Plasmodium. In addition, we examined how vector density varies by
microhabitat type (classified by the presence or absence of water and the type of foliage
surrounding the trap) and discuss the possible ecological implications of these variations for the
avian host. Mosquitos were captured by CO2 traps set in thirteen different microhabitats and were
categorized into 37 mosquito morphospecies. Cytochrome c oxidase subunits I and II were
sequenced and compared to previously published data to identify morphospecies. We identified
two that are highly probable vectors of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium, both Aedes species; we
screened these two species for protozoan parasites. Specifically, we randomly screened pools of 1920 mosquitos from each of the five microhabitat types containing the most species with the highest
likelihood of being vectors. Once the collection is screened, samples that test positive will be
mapped and analyzed to determine how parasite prevalence varies with microhabitat in Aedes
species. Our data will help to elucidate whether birds of the area have been contracting avian
malaria from the vectors of the Sierra Nevada in CA, and will allow further hypothesis development
regarding the impacts of infection dynamics on avian reproductive biology and fitness.
*****We acknowledge generous support from the Robert T. Wallace Endowment*****
13