Toward the robust resolution of taxonomic ambiguity within Lepocinclis (Euglenida) based on DNA sequencing and morphology

DNA sequences were analyzed for three groups of species from the Lepocinclis genus (L. acus-like, L. oxyuris-like, and L. tripteris-like) along with cellular morphology. Phylogenetic analyses were based on nuclear SSU rDNA, LSU rDNA, and plastid-encoded LSU rDNA. DNA sequences were obtained from species available in culture collections (L. acus SAG 1224-1a and UTEX 1316) and those isolated directly from the environment in Poland (48 isolates), resulting in 79 new sequences. The obtained phylogenetic tree of Lepocinclis included 27 taxa, five of which are presented for the first time (L. convoluta, L. gracillimoides, L. longissima, L. pseudospiroides, and L. torta) and nine taxonomically verified and described. Based on morphology, literature data, and phylogenetic analyses, the following species were distinguished: in the L. acus-like group, L. longissima and L. acus; in the L. tripteris-like group, L. pseudospiroides, L. torta, and L. tripteris; in the L. oxyuris-like group, L. gracillimoides, L. oxyuris var. oxyuris, and L. oxyuris var. helicoidea. For all verified species, diagnostic descriptions were emended, nomenclatural adjustments were made, and epitypes were designated.