ABSTRACT
Background: Numerous taxonomic studies have focused on the dung beetle genus Helictopleurus d'Orbigny, 1915, endemic to Madagascar. However, this genus stilll needs a thorough revision. Semantic technologies, such as nanopublications, hold the potential to enhance taxonomy by transforming how data are published and analysed. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of nanopublications in establishing synonyms within the genus Helictopleurus. New information: In this study, we identify four new synonyms within Helictopleurus: H.rudicollis (Fairmaire, 1898) = H.hypocrita Balthasar, 1941 syn. nov.; H.vadoni Lebis, 1960 = H.perpunctatus Balthasar, 1963 syn. nov.; H.halffteri Balthasar, 1964 = H.dorbignyi Montreuil, 2005 syn. nov.; H.clouei (Harold, 1869) = H.gibbicollis (Fairmaire, 1895) syn. nov. Helictopleurus may have a significantly larger number of synonyms than currently known, indicating potentially inaccurate estimates about its recent extinction.We also publish the newly-established synonyms as nanopublications, which are machine-readable data snippets accessible online. Additionally, we explore the utility of nanopublications in taxonomy and demonstrate their practical use with an example query for data extraction.
ABSTRACT
Background: Taxonomy has long struggled with analysing vast amounts of phenotypic data due to computational and accessibility challenges. Ontology-based technologies provide a framework for modelling semantic phenotypes that are understandable by computers and compliant with FAIR principles. In this paper, we explore the use of Phenoscript, an emerging language designed for creating semantic phenotypes, to produce computable species descriptions. Our case study centers on the application of this approach to dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae). New information: We illustrate the effectiveness of Phenoscript for creating semantic phenotypes. We also demonstrate the ability of the Phenospy python package to automatically translate Phenoscript descriptions into natural language (NL), which eliminates the need for writing traditional NL descriptions. We introduce a computational pipeline that streamlines the generation of semantic descriptions and their conversion to NL. To demonstrate the power of the semantic approach, we apply simple semantic queries to the generated phenotypic descriptions. This paper addresses the current challenges in crafting semantic species descriptions and outlines the path towards future improvements. Furthermore, we discuss the promising integration of semantic phenotypes and nanopublications, as emerging methods for sharing scientific information. Overall, our study highlights the pivotal role of ontology-based technologies in modernising taxonomy and aligning it with the evolving landscape of big data analysis and FAIR principles.
ABSTRACT
Onthophagus (Furconthophagus) shaykh Montanaro Ziani, new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Onthophagini), until now confused with Onthophagus (Furconthophagus) aethiopicus dOrbigny, 1902, is described, illustrated, and compared with morphologically similar taxa. The phylogenetic relationships between the new species and the Palaearctic Onthophagus (Furconthophagus) furcatus (Fabricius, 1781) are briefly discussed.
Subject(s)
Coleoptera , Animals , Arabia , PhylogenyABSTRACT
The taxonomy of two species of the genus Sinodrepanus Simonis, 1985 (Scarabaeidae: Oniticellini: Drepanocerina) is clarified. The male of Sinodrepanus falsus (Sharp, 1875) is described and illustrated for the first time, while Sinodrepanus exsul (Sharp, 1875), until now considered by most authors a synonym of S. falsus, is recognized as valid species, as already suggested by Simonis (1985). Diagnostic features of the two species are provided, and their distributions are reviewed.
