Integrative delimitation of loricate euglenids (Euglenophyta) based on molecular and morphological evidence: Strombomonas , Trachelomonas , and

Abstract

DNA sequences of loricate euglenids (genera Strombomonas and Trachelomonas ) were analyzed in conjunction with detailed examinations of lorica and monad morphology. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using 342 new sequences representing three molecular markers (149 nSSU, 102 nLSU, 91 cpSSU rDNA). Sequences were obtained from environmental isolates collected in Poland (151 isolates), the Czech Republic (1 isolate), and Denmark (1 isolate). The resulting phylogenetic tree includes 88 taxa of loricate euglenids, 53 of which are newly presented in this study. Based on phylogenetic relationships, morphological characteristics and literature data, we describe a new genus Parastrombomonas and revise the taxonomy of 70 species, providing diagnostic descriptions and nomenclatural updates for each emended taxon.