[Botany • 2017] Begonia myanmarica • A New Species (Begoniaceae) from Myanmar, and Molecular Phylogenetics of Begonia sect. Monopteron

April 17, 2017, 6:09 pm

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Begonia myanmarica C.-I Peng & Y. D. Kim  a Habit and habitat. f Male flower, face view. g Male flower, side view. h Female flower, face view. i Female flower, side view.  DOI: 10.1186/s40529-017-0175-9

 Abstract

Background

A new species, Begonia myanmarica, was discovered from Myanmar and herein documented. Characterized by a single developed wing in the ovary/fruit, this species would be assigned to sect. Monopteron (sensu Doorenbos et al. in The sections of Begonia including descriptions, keys and species lists: studies in Begoniaceae VI. Wageningen Agricultural University, Wageningen, 1998) that is known by B. griffithiana and B. nepalensis from the Himalaya. To confirm its sectional assignment, we conducted morphological, phylogenetic and cytological studies.

Results

Morphological observations indicated that B. myanmarica was distinguishable from the two known species of sect. Monopteron by the leaf shape and size, 1-locular ovary, parietal placentation and chromosome number. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using nrITS sequences showed that B. myanmarica was not allied with the clade of sect. Monopteron, though both were nested within sect. Platycentrum-sect. Sphenanthera clade.

Conclusions

Studies of morphology, molecular phylogenetics and cytology support the recognition of the new species, Begonia myanmarica, which is fully described and illustrated. Our results also indicate that B. myanmarica is not closely related to species previously assigned to sect. Monopteron, suggesting that the fruit morphology of a single developed wing in the ovary/fruit characterizing sect. Monopteron is homoplasious.

Keywords: Begonia griffithiana; Begonia nepalensis;Chromosome; Morphology

Begonia myanmarica C.-I Peng & Y. D. Kim DOI: 10.1186/s40529-017-0175-9

Diagnosis: Begonia myanmarica is a unique species with an erect habit; large, ovate to broadly ovate leaves (ca. 20–40 cm long, 22–30 mm across); sole, much protruded wing in ovary/fruit; 1-locular ovary with parietal placentation and 2 placentae; and the somatic chromosomes are determined as 2n = 38.

Etymology: The epithet refers to Myanmar (formerly Burma) where it was discovered.

Fig. 2 Begonia myanmarica C.-I Peng & Y. D. Kim. a Habit and habitat. b Cultivated plant at anthesis. c Leaf abaxial view. d Stipule. e Bract. f Male flower, face view. g Male flower, side view. h Female flower, face view. i Female flower, side view. j Cross section of ovaries. k Capsule DOI: 10.1186/s40529-017-0175-9

Conclusion: 

Studies of morphology, molecular phylogenetics and cytology support the recognition of the new species, Begonia myanmarica, which is fully described and illustrated. Our results also indicate that B. myanmarica is not closely related to species previously assigned to sect. Monopteron, suggesting that the fruit morphology of a single developed wing in the ovary/fruit characterizing sect. Monopteron is homoplasious.

Yu-Hsin Tseng, Young-Dong Kim, Ching-I Peng, Khin Myo Htwe, Seong-Hyun Cho, Yoshiko Kono and Kuo-Fang Chung. 2017. Begonia myanmarica (Begoniaceae), A New Species from Myanmar, and Molecular Phylogenetics of Begonia sect. Monopteron.  Botanical Studies. DOI: 10.1186/s40529-017-0175-9

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[Ichthyology • 2017] Hyphessobrycon klausanni • A New Species of Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes, Characidae) from the upper Guaviare River, Orinoco River Basin, Colombia

April 18, 2017, 2:38 am

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2017] Disjunctitermes insularis • A New Soldierless Termite Genus and Species (Isoptera, Termitidae, Apicotermitinae) from Guadeloupe and Peru

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Hyphessobrycon klausanni  García-Alzate, Urbano-Bonilla & Taphorn, 2017  DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.668.11489

Abstract

Hyphessobrycon klausanni sp. n. is described from small drainages of the upper Guaviare River (Orinoco River Basin) in Colombia. It differs from all congeners by having a wide, conspicuous, dark lateral stripe extending from the anterior margin of the eye across the body and continued through the middle caudal-fin rays, and that covers (vertically) three or four horizontal scale rows. It also differs by having an orange-yellow stripe extending from the anterosuperior margin of the eye to the caudal peduncle above the lateral line in life. It differs from all other species of Hyphessobrycon that have a similar dark lateral stripe: H. cyanotaenia, H. loretoensis, H. melanostichos, H. nigricinctus, H. herbertaxelrodi, H. eschwartzae, H. montogoi, H. psittacus, H. metae, H. margitae, H. vanzolinii, and H. peruvianus in having only three or four pored scales in the lateral line, 21 to 24 lateral scales and six teeth in the inner premaxillary row. Hyphessobrycon klausanni differs from H. loretoensis in having seven to eight maxillary teeth (vs. three to four) and in having a longer caudal peduncle (12.4–17.0% SL vs. 4.6–8.0% SL). Additionally Hyphessobrycon klausanni can be distinguished from the other species of Hyphessobrycon with a dark lateral stripe from the Orinoco River Basin (H. metae and H. acaciae) in having two teeth in the outer premaxillary row (vs. three to four) and 10 branched pectoral–fin rays (vs. 11 to 12). It further differs from H. metae by the length of the snout (17.6–22.8% HL vs. 9.9–15.2% HL) and by the length of the caudal peduncle (12.4–17.0% SL vs. 7.3–11.8% SL).

Keywords: New taxon, Neotropical Ichthyology, Guaviare River, diversity

Figure 3. Live colours of Hyphessobrycon klausanni sp. n. Paratype, UARC–IC 540, 22.4 mm SL.

Etymology: Research leading to the discovery and recognition of this species was partially funded by Mr. Klaus-Peter Lang from Oberhausen, Germany. To commemorate the 80th birthday of his mother, this species is dedicated to and named for his father “Klaus” and his mother “Anni”.

Ecological note: Hyphessobrycon klausanni lives in shallow (0.30–1.5 m) well-oxygenated (6.39–7.68 mg/l) streams with transparent waters flowing (0.063 m/s) over different types of substrates (rocks, sand, gravel and decomposing organic material). The temperature range was narrow, 25.5–26°C but pH varied from moderately acidic to basic (6.47–8.7). Hyphessobrycon klausanni was found near shore among aquatic vegetation, tree roots and fallen logs. Other species found at the sites included: Hemigrammus barrigonae, Ctenobrycon spilurus, Tyttocharax metae, Moenkhausia oligolepis, M. chrysargyrea, M. lepidura, Chrysobrycon guahibo, Ochmacanthus orinoco, Farlowella vittata, Ancistrus triradiatus, Centromochlus reticulatus and Anablepsoides sp. Stomach content analysis (n = 4) revealed a diet of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates: Coleoptera (Dytiscidae), Ephemeroptera, Hymenoptera (Formicidae), larvae of Chironomidae and others not identified due to the degree of fragmentation.

Carlos A. García-Alzate, Alexander Urbano-Bonilla and Donald C. Taphorn. 2017. A New Species of Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes, Characidae) from the upper Guaviare River, Orinoco River Basin, Colombia. ZooKeys. 668; 123-138. DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.668.11489

Resumen: Hyphessobrycon klausanni sp. n. es descrita de pequeños drenajes del alto río Guaviare (cuenca del río Orinoco) en Colombia. Se diferencia de todos los congéneres por tener una amplia franja lateral oscura lateral que se extiende desde el margen anterior del ojo a través del cuerpo y se continúa hasta la base de la aleta caudal y que cubre (verticalmente) tres o cuatro escamas laterales, además difiere por tener una franja de color naranja-amarillo que se extiende desde el margen anterosuperior del ojo hasta el pedúnculo caudal por encima de la línea lateral en vida. Se diferencia de H. cyanotaenia, H. loretoensis, H. melanostichos, H. nigricinctus, H. herbertaxelrodi, H. eschwartzae, H. montogoi, H. psittacus, H. metae, H. margitae, H. vanzolinii, y H. peruvianus por tener solo 3 a 4 escamas con poros en la línea lateral, 21 a 24 escamas laterales y 6 dientes en la fila interna del premaxilar. Hyphessobryconklausanni se diferencia de H. loretoensis por presentar 7 a 8 dientes maxilares (vs. 3 a 4) y la longitud del pedúnculo caudal (12.4–17.0% LE vs. 4.6–8.0% LE). Además se puede distinguir de las demás especies con banda lateral oscura presentes en la cuenca del rio Orinoco (H. metae y H. acaciae) por tener dos dientes en la fila externa del premaxilar (vs. 3 a 4) y 10 radios ramificados en la aleta pectoral (vs. 11 a 12), además se separa de H. metae por la longitud de hocico (17.6–22.8% LC vs. 9.9–15.2% LC) y por la longitud del pedúnculo caudal (12.4–17.0% LE vs. 7.3–11.8% LE).

Palabras clave: Nuevo taxón, Ictiología Neotropical, río Guaviare, diversidad

[Entomology • 2017] Disjunctitermes insularis • A New Soldierless Termite Genus and Species (Isoptera, Termitidae, Apicotermitinae) from Guadeloupe and Peru

April 18, 2017, 2:59 am

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Disjunctitermes insularis   Scheffrahn, Carrijo, Postle & Tonini, 2017  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.665.11599

Abstract

Disjunctitermes insularis gen. n. & sp. n. is described from workers collected on Guadeloupe and in Peru and is the first soldierless termite found on a deep-water island. As with many soldierless and soil-feeding termite species, the enteric valve morphology is an essential diagnostic character of D. insularis. The D. insularis sequence cluster, derived from a barcode analysis with twelve other described genera of New World Apicotermitinae, is well resolved. Results of a stochastic dynamic spread model suggest that the occurrence of D. insularis on Guadeloupe may be the result of a pre-Colombian overwater dispersal event from mainland South America.

Keywords: Soil-feeder, taxonomy, barcode sequence, stochastic spread, overwater dispersal

Figure 1. Dorsal (A) and lateral (B) views of the Disjunctitermesinsularis worker head capsule C Dorsal views of newly molted worker mandibles of Anoplotermes banksi Emerson (top) and D. insularis (bottom) D Ventral views of the molar portion of the left mandibles of newly molted workers of A. banksi (top) and D. insularis (bottom) E Right fore-tibia, and F right lateral view of D. insularis worker.

Disjunctitermes Scheffrahn, gen. n.

Diagnosis: Disjunctitermes is one of the described Neotropical apicotermitines that, along with Anoplotermes banksi, A. pacificus, and Hydrecotermes spp., possess strongly inflated fore tibia and lack spiny sclerotized enteric valves. Disjunctitermes is closest to A. banksi, but can be distinguished from the latter by the subsidiary tooth on the left mandible, the larger EV seating and the more truncate terminus of P2 (Fig. 3C, D). Hydrecotermes lacks a spheroidal mesenteric tongue.

Etymology: The genus name is derived from its current, widely disjunct distribution on Guadeloupe and Peru.


Disjunctitermes insularis Scheffrahn, sp. n.

Diagnosis: See also comparison for Disjunctitermes above. The EV pads of D. insularis differ from those of the four other described species with unarmed EV as follows (Fig. 3): each pad of A. banksi is vase-shaped, with a narrow posterior end that widens into an oval base reminiscent of an orb-weaving spider web (Fig. 3C); the A. pacificus pads are shaped similarly to those of A. banksi but are less concentric and are adorned with a few unsclerotized spines (Fig. 3E); while the pads of H. arienesho and H. kawaii are ovoid in shape (Figs 3F and 3G, respectively).

Etymology: The species name is derived from its unexpected island locality.

Habitat and biology: Workers were collected in foraging groups under rocks and stones in rainforest habitats. Like many New World Apicotermitinae, D. insularis does not build any above-ground structures. Mature worker gut contents confirm that they feed on the organic fraction of soil.

 Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, Tiago F. Carrijo, Anthony C. Postle and Francesco Tonini. 2017. Disjunctitermes insularis, A New Soldierless Termite Genus and Species (Isoptera, Termitidae, Apicotermitinae) from Guadeloupe and Peru. ZooKeys. 665; 71-84. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.665.11599

[Herpetology • 2017] Cnemaspis kandambyi • A New Species of Cnemaspis (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Knuckles Range of Sri Lanka

April 18, 2017, 5:03 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2017] Nettorhamphos radula • A New Genus and Species of Clingfish (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae) from Western Australia

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Cnemaspis kandambyi     Batuwita& Udugampala, 2017    DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4254.1.4

Abstract

A new species of Cnemaspis Strauch is described from Knuckles Range of Sri Lanka. This new species had been previously confused with Cnemaspis podihuna Deraniyagala. Cnemaspis kandambyi sp. nov. closely resembles C. podihuna and C. molligodai Wickramasinghe & Munindradasa. Cnemaspis kandambyi sp. nov. differs from C. podihuna by having 7–8 (versus 3–6) unpored scales in each side of the precloacal-femoral pores row, lacking (versus having) an internasal scale, body (axilla to groin) relatively long 47.7–48.3 (versus 38.1–38.7)% of SVL and dorsum dark brown (versus bright yellow). Cnemaspis kandambyi sp. nov. also distinguished from C. molligodai by having 4 (versus 5) precloacal pores, 5–6 (versus 7–9) femoral pores on each side, precloacal pores not in an inverted V-shaped arrangement (versus in inverted V-shaped arrangement), lacking (versus having) a distinct black marking on nape and a black lateral stripe begins behind eye extends laterally beyond the origin of forearm (versus not extending beyond the origin of forearm). Additionally, Cnemaspis kandambyi sp. nov. and C. molligodai show discrete distribution: former restricted to Knuckles Range and the latter confined to Lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. We confirm that, no type material of Cnemaspis podihuna survive in the current collection of the National Museum of Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cnemaspis molligodai, holotype, Meemure, National Museum

Cnemaspis kandambyi sp. nov., in life, not preserved from Meemure in the Matale District. (Note the flattened tail and black stripe on neck with the NMSL uncatalogued paratype) photo: S. P. Benjamin

Etymology. The species name is a patronym in the Latin genitive singular, in honour of Dharma Sri Kandamby (Former Curator of the vertebrate section of the National Museum of Sri Lanka [1982-2012]), for his contributions to the herpetology of Sri Lanka and for his guidance to both authors. 

Distribution and natural history. The new species was observed in large trees with epiphytes (Dendrobium sp.) in the Meemure area (~ 450 m msl) in the Knuckles Range (Fig. 3). Cnemaspis kandambyi sp. nov. is an arboreal and diurnal gecko.

 Sudesh Batuwita and Sampath Udugampala. 2017. Description of A New Species of Cnemaspis (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Knuckles Range of Sri Lanka. Zootaxa. 4254(1); 82–90.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4254.1.4

ResearchGate.net/publication/316011729_Description_of_a_new_species_of_Cnemaspis_Squamata_Gekkonidae_from_Knuckles_Range_of_Sri_Lanka

facebook.com/SudeshBatuwita/posts/443880839294442

    

[Ichthyology • 2017] Nettorhamphos radula • A New Genus and Species of Clingfish (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae) from Western Australia

April 18, 2017, 5:12 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2017] Nakonanectes bradti • A New Elasmosaurid (Sauropterygia, Plesiosauria) from the Bearpaw Shale (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) of Montana Demonstrates Multiple Evolutionary Reductions of Neck Length within Elasmosauridae

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Nettorhamphos radula   Conway, Moore & Summers, 2017   Washington.edu DOI: 10.1643/CI-16-560

Nettorhamphos radula, new genus and species, is described from two specimens, 20.3–40.2 mm SL, trawled from sponge and algae reefs between 30–40 meters in depth offshore from Fremantle, Western Australia. The new taxon is distinguished from all other members of the Gobiesocidae by having vast fields of tiny conical teeth throughout the oral jaws that are arranged in multiple, regular rows along the lingual surface of the premaxilla and the dentary. The new taxon is tentatively considered a close relative of two other southern Australian endemic clingfish taxa (Posidonichthys and the undescribed “Genus A”) based on the presence of a well-developed and heavily ossified subopercular bone that articulates strongly with both the opercle (dorsally) and the preopercle (anteriorly).

Nettorhamphos, new genus

Type species.— Nettorhamphos radula, new species 

Etymology.— A combination of the Greek words (netta), meaning duck, and (rhamphos), meaning bill, curved-beak. Gender neuter.

Nettorhamphos radula, new species 

Common name: Duckbilled Clingfish 

Distribution and habitat.— Known to date only from two locations to the west of Five Fathom Bank (Indian Ocean), off the coast of Fremantle, Western Australia (Fig. 11). The new species was collected via trawls through algae/sponge reefs between 33–37 meters in depth. Other species of fishes collected by the same trawls include the pipefish Stigmatopora nigra, the labrids Austrolabrus maculatus, Eupetrichthys angustipes,Siphonognathus caninus, and S. attenuatus, and the gobiesocids Alabes occidentalis and ‘‘Genus A sp. 2’’ (sensu Hutchins, 2008). 

Etymology.— From the Latin radula, a tool used for scraping. In reference to the many tiny conical teeth on the lingual surface of the premaxilla and dentary, which are reminiscent of the radula of a snail. A noun in apposition. 

A full-body scan showing the underside of the fish.

The only two known specimens were found on museum shelves, where they had sat for 40 years. photo: Kevin Conway and Glenn Moore

Kevin W. Conway, Glenn I. Moore and Adam P. Summers. 2017. A New Genus and Species of Clingfish (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae) from Western Australia.
 Copeia. 105(1); 128-140. DOI: 10.1643/CI-16-560 

New many-toothed clingfish discovered with help of digital scans

   washington.edu/news/2017/04/17/new-many-toothed-clingfish-discovered-with-help-of-digital-scans/

 flickr.com/photos/UWNews/sets/72157679240868234/

  

[Paleontology • 2017] Nakonanectes bradti • A New Elasmosaurid (Sauropterygia, Plesiosauria) from the Bearpaw Shale (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) of Montana Demonstrates Multiple Evolutionary Reductions of Neck Length within Elasmosauridae

April 18, 2017, 5:30 am

≫ Next: [Arachnida • 2017] Six New Species of Silk-lined Burrow Spider Genus Stenoterommata Holmberg, 1881 (Araneae, Nemesiidae) from southern Brazil

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Nakonanectes bradti  Serratos, Druckenmiller, & Benson, 2017   DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2017.1278608 news.UAF.edu || facebook.com/AlaskaPaleoProject

ABSTRACT

Plesiosauria is a diverse clade of marine reptiles that have been studied since the early 19th century. However, phylogenetic relationships within the group have been contentious due to limited taxon sampling and a misunderstanding of how ontogeny and interspecific and intraspecific variation affect character states. This is particularly true for elasmosaurids, a Cretaceous clade of long-necked plesiosaurians. In 2010, a new, nearly complete skeleton, MOR 3072, was collected from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian–Maastrichtian) Bearpaw Shale of northeast Montana. The specimen provides detailed morphological information rarely observed within Elasmosauridae, including a complete skull, the anterior 23 cervical vertebrae, a partial dorsal and caudal vertebral column, incomplete pectoral and pelvic girdles, elements of both fore- and hind limbs, ribs, and gastralia. Being early Maastrichtian in age, MOR 3072 is the stratigraphically youngest elasmosaurid known from the Western Interior Seaway and is recognized as a new genus and species, Nakonanectes bradti. We present a description of Nakonanectes bradti and conduct an extended phylogenetic analysis of Elasmosauridae. N. bradti is found to be deeply nested within the clade of large-bodied, long-necked, Western Interior Styxosaurinae. However, MOR 3072 is one of the smallest adult elasmosaurids ever recovered (5.1–5.6 m) and exhibits a reduced neck length compared with other North American elasmosaurids, resulting from a reduction in both centrum length and number of cervical vertebrae (39–42 were originally present). These features are convergent with the Southern Hemisphere clade of short-necked Maastrichtian elasmosaurids, Aristonectinae, and demonstrate multiple origins of short-necked body proportions from longer-necked ancestors within Elasmosauridae.

The newly named short-necked elasmosaur, Nakonanectes bradti, swims through an ancient sea in this artist’s reconstruction. Illustration by James Havens, @alaskapaleoproject

 

Laser Scan of Cranium of MOR 3072, holotype specimen of Nakonanectes bradti, gen. et sp. nov.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

DIAPSIDA Osborn, 1903

SAUROPTERYGIA Owen, 1860

PLESIOSAURIA de Blainville, 1835

XENOPSARIA Benson and Druckenmiller, 2014

ELASMOSAURIDAE Cope, 1869

STYXOSAURINAE Otero, 2016

Phylogenetic Definition:— The clade including all taxa more closely related to Styxosaurus snowii than to Aristonectes parvidens (revised from Otero, 2016).

NAKONANECTES, gen. nov.

Type and Only Species:— Nakonanectes bradti.

Horizon:— Bearpaw Shale, lower Maastrichtian, Upper Cretaceous.

NAKONANECTES BRADTI, gen. et sp. nov. 

Holotype and Only Specimen:— MOR 3072, including a complete skull, articulated anterior 23 cervical vertebrae, dorsal and anterior caudal vertebrae, partial coracoids, much of the forelimbs including partial humeri, complete epipodial and mesopodial rows and associated phalanges, both ilia and portions of the pubis and ischium, portions of the hind limb including one complete and one partial femur with portions of the epipodial row, and numerous ribs and gastralia.

Etymology:— The generic name is derived from Nakona, the name for native Assiniboine people of northeastern Montana, which means ‘the friendly people.’ The specific name honors David Bradt of Florence, Montana, who found the specimen.

Nakonanectes bradti Serratos, Druckenmiller, & Benson, 2017   DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2017.1278608

Serratos, D. J., P. Druckenmiller, and R. B. J. Benson. 2017. A New Elasmosaurid (Sauropterygia, Plesiosauria) from the Bearpaw Shale (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) of Montana Demonstrates Multiple Evolutionary Reductions of Neck Length within Elasmosauridae. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2017.1278608.

Alaska scientists help name new elasmosaur species from Montana - UAF News and Information http://news.uaf.edu/alaska-scientists-help-name-new-elasmosaur-species-from-montana/

[Arachnida • 2017] Six New Species of Silk-lined Burrow Spider Genus Stenoterommata Holmberg, 1881 (Araneae, Nemesiidae) from southern Brazil

April 18, 2017, 7:40 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2017] Emilia reddyi • A New Species of Emilia Cass. (Asteraceae) from the Eastern Ghats of India with Notes on Ecosystem Evaluation and Conservation Status

≪ Previous: [Paleontology • 2017] Nakonanectes bradti • A New Elasmosaurid (Sauropterygia, Plesiosauria) from the Bearpaw Shale (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) of Montana Demonstrates Multiple Evolutionary Reductions of Neck Length within Elasmosauridae

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Stenoterommata pavesii   Indicatti, Chavari, Zucatelli-Júnior, Lucas & Brescovit, 2017  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4254.4.2

Abstract

A new diagnosis for the genus Stenoterommata Holmberg, 1881 is presented and six new species are described from Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil: S. pavesii sp. nov. and S. leticiae sp. nov. from Blumenau and Balneário Camboriú; S. sevegnaniae sp. nov. from Blumenau; S. gugai sp. nov., S. peri sp. nov. and S. pescador sp. nov. from Santa Catarina Island, Florianópolis. New records of S. palmar Goloboff, 1995 from southern Brazil are provided. Information on the natural history and habitat are included for all the species. In addition, Hermacha iricolor Mello-Leitão, 1923, described from Blumenau, is transferred to Rachias Simon, 1892.

Keywords: Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Pycnothelinae, Subtropical Atlantic Forest, Santa Catarina, Natural history

  

Rafael P. Indicatti, João L. Chavari, Maurílio Zucatelli-Júnior, Sylvia M. Lucas and Antonio D. Brescovit. 2017. Six New Species of Silk-lined Burrow Spider Genus Stenoterommata Holmberg, 1881 (Araneae, Nemesiidae) from southern Brazil.   Zootaxa. 4254(4); 435–456. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4254.4.2

[Botany • 2017] Emilia reddyi • A New Species of Emilia Cass. (Asteraceae) from the Eastern Ghats of India with Notes on Ecosystem Evaluation and Conservation Status

April 18, 2017, 8:12 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2016] Rhododendron longipedicellatum • A New Species (Ericaceae) from southeastern Yunnan, China

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Emilia reddyi  Satish& Prakasarao   DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2016.10.003

Abstract

Emilia reddyi is described and illustrated as a new species from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. It resembles Emilia scabra, Emilia javanica, and Emilia sonchifolia, but is distinct by the stem which is woody at the base, the strictly cauline leaves, and floral characters. A description, information on habitat, distribution, and phenology, and relevant taxonomic notes are provided. The landscape in which E. reddyi occurs was evaluated for the rate of deforestation and land cover changes to understand the anthropogenic impacts on ecosystem of the described species. Based on these data, the conservation status of the species was assessed.

Keywords: Asteraceae; Conservation; Eastern Ghats; Emilia reddyi

Figure 3.  Emilia reddyi sp. nov. A, Habit; B, Twig showing robustness, woodiness at the base and strict cauline leaves; C, Flowering twig; D, Leaf variation in size and shape; E, Lowersurface of the leaf showing recurved margin with pigmentation; F, Tender twig with wavy hairs on both stem and leaves.

Etymology: The specific epithet of species was given in honor of Dr. C. Sudhakar Reddy, Scientist, National Remote Sensing Centre,Indian Space Research Organisation, Hyderabad, India for his sig-nificant contributions in plant taxonomy and biodiversity of India. 

Koppineedi Veera Satish and Jonnakuti Prakasa Rao. 2017. A New Species of Emilia Cass. (Asteraceae) from the Eastern Ghats of India with Notes on Ecosystem Evaluation and Conservation Status. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. 10(1); 104–111.  DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2016.10.003 

ResearchGate.net/publication/313769996_A_new_species_of_Emilia_Asteraceae_from_the_Eastern_Ghats_of_India

New plant species found in Eastern Ghats http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/new-plant-species-found-in-eastern-ghats/article18075036.ece

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[Botany • 2016] Rhododendron longipedicellatum • A New Species (Ericaceae) from southeastern Yunnan, China

April 20, 2017, 2:28 am

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2017] Piscivorenantiornis inusitatus • The First Known Piscivorous Enantiornithine Bird from the Early Cretaceous of China

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Rhododendron longipedicellatum Lei Cai & Y.P. Ma DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.282.4.7

Abstract

A new species of Rhododendron (Ericaceae) in sect. Vireya subsect. Pseudovireya from Malipo County, Southeast Yunnan, China, Rhododendron longipedicellatum, is described and illustrated. The new species is most similar to R. rushforthii but differs in its arrangement of leaves, the shape and color of the lamina, length of the petiole and the size of the calyx lobes. It also resembles R. trancongii and R. datiandingense, but differs in its color and shape of the lamina, the leaf apex, lengths of the petiole, pedicel and stamens, and the indumentum of the ovary.

Keywords: Ericaceae, Rhododendron, new species, China, Eudicots

FIGURE 2. Rhododendron longipedicellatum Lei Cai & Y.P. Ma. (A, C, E-J) and R. rushforthii (B & D) A& B. Pressed branch with leaves and flowers; C. Branch with young fruits and flower; D. Flowering branch; E. Habitat and habit; F-G. Flowers; H. Lateral view of flowers showing corollas and pedicels; I-J. Fruiting branches.

Etymology:— The epithet “longipedicellatum” refers to the relatively long pedicels of the new species. This species has almost the longest pedicels in R. subsect. Pseudovireya (Clarke) Sleumer. The Chinese name in Pinyin is “chang geng du juan”.  

 Lei Cai, Jens Neilsen, Zhi-Ling Dao and Yong-Peng Ma. 2016. Rhododendron longipedicellatum (Ericaceae), A New Species from southeastern Yunnan, China. Phytotaxa.282(4); 296–300. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.282.4.7

 ResearchGate.net/publication/309594281_Rhododendron_longipedicellatum_Ericaceae_a_new_species_from_Southeastern_Yunnan_China

 

[PaleoOrnithology • 2017] Piscivorenantiornis inusitatus • The First Known Piscivorous Enantiornithine Bird from the Early Cretaceous of China

April 20, 2017, 2:53 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2017] Tometes siderocarajensis • A New Species of Tometes Valenciennes 1850 (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) from Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin Based on Integrative Analysis of Molecular and Morphological Data

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Piscivorenantiornis inusitatus  Wang & Zhou, 2017    DOI:  10.1080/02724634.2017.1278702

ABSTRACT

A fish-eating enantiornithine bird with a gastric pellet composed of fish bones has recently been reported from the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of Liaoning Province, northeastern China. Along with other discoveries, this specimen reveals that distinct features of modern avian digestive system were well established in those early birds. On the basis of a detailed anatomical study presented here, we show that this fish-eating enantiornithine bird represents a new taxon, Piscivorenantiornis inusitatus, gen. et sp. nov. The well-preserved elements of the skull, neck, sternum, and pelvis further enrich our understanding of the morphological diversity in early enantiornithines. Most notably, the cranial articular facet of the caudal cervical vertebra is dorsoventrally concave and mediolaterally convex, a feature otherwise unknown among other birds and with unclear functional significance.

Life reconstruction of the fish-eating enantiornithine bird, eating – and vomiting – habits. Illustration: SHI Aijuan

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

AVES Linnaeus, 1758

ORNITHOTHORACES Chiappe, 1995

ENANTIORNITHINES Walker, 1981

PISCIVORENANTIORNIS, gen. nov.

Type Species:— Piscivorenantiornis inusitatus, sp. nov.

Etymology:— The generic name is derived from Latin ‘pisci’ and ‘vor,’ intended to convey ‘a fish-eating enantiornithine bird.’

PISCIVORENANTIORNIS INUSITATUS, sp. nov.

Etymology:— The specific name is from Latin ‘inusitatus,’ referring to the unusual cranial articular facet of the caudal cervical vertebra. 

FIGURE 1. Photograph of the holotype of Piscivorenantiornis inusitatus, gen. et sp. nov., IVPP V22582. Scale bar equals 10 mm.

Figure 3. A Sketch Reconstruction of the Fish-Eating Enantiornithine Bird Represented by IVPP V22582

Min Wang and Zhonghe Zhou. 2017. A Morphological Study of the First Known Piscivorous Enantiornithine Bird from the Early Cretaceous of China.  Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI:  10.1080/02724634.2017.1278702

Min Wang, Zhonghe Zhou and Corwin Sullivan. 2016. A Fish-Eating Enantiornithine Bird from the Early Cretaceous of China Provides Evidence of Modern Avian Digestive Features. Current Biology. 26; 1170–1176.  DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.02.055

ResearchGate.net/publication/301758510_A_Fish-Eating_Enantiornithine_Bird_from_the_Early_Cretaceous_of_China_Provides_Evidence_of_Modern_Avian_Digestive_Features

Fish-eating enantiornithine bird provides evidence of modern avian digestive features http://phy.so/381743208 via @physorg_com

World's oldest bird vomit heaved out in China https://www.earthtouchnews.com/discoveries/discoveries/worlds-oldest-bird-vomit-heaved-out-in-china/

http://english.ivpp.cas.cn/rh/rp/201605/t20160506_162837.html

http://www.paleozoo.cn/julebu/daerwen/hdyg/1828.html

[Ichthyology • 2017] Tometes siderocarajensis • A New Species of Tometes Valenciennes 1850 (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) from Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin Based on Integrative Analysis of Molecular and Morphological Data

April 20, 2017, 7:28 am

≫ Next: [Cnidaria • 2017] Flagelligorgia gracilis • A New Genus and Species of Golden Coral (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Chrysogorgiidae) from the Northwest Atlantic

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Tometes siderocarajensis  Andrade, Machado, Jégu, Farias & Giarrizzo, 2017   DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170053

Abstract

A new large serrasalmid species of Tometes is described from the Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin. Tometes siderocarajensis sp. nov. is currently found in the rapids of the Itacaiúnas River Basin, and formerly inhabited the lower Tocantins River. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners, except from T. ancylorhynchus, by the presence of lateral space between 1st and 2nd premaxillary teeth, and by the absence of lateral cusps in these two teeth. However, T. siderocarajensis sp. nov. can be differentiated from syntopic congener T. ancylorhynchus by an entirely black with mottled red body in live specimens, densely pigmented pelvic fins with a high concentration of dark chromatophores, and the presence of 39 to 41 rows of circumpeduncular scales (vs. silvery body coloration with slightly reddish overtones on middle flank during breeding period in live specimens, hyaline to slightly pale coloration on distalmost region of pelvic fins, and 30 to 36 rows of circumpeduncular scales). Additionally, molecular sequence shows that T. siderocarajensis sp. nov. is reciprocally monophyletic, and diagnosable from all congeners by having two autapomorphic molecular characters in the mitochondrial gene COI. The phylogenetic reconstruction still show that T. siderocarajensis sp. nov. is closely related to T. trilobatus. This is the first molecular study using an integrative taxonomic approach based on morphological and molecular sequence data for all described species of Tometes. These findings increase the number of formally described species of Tometes to seven. A key to the Tometes species is provided.

 

Fig 1. Tometes siderocarajensis sp. nov. from Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin,
(a) MPEG 33922, holotype photographed alive, male, 338.0 mm SL;
(b) MZUSP 117052, paratype, preserved specimen, male, 341.3 mm SL.

Fig 4. Tometes siderocarajensis, paratypes, (a) INPA 52811, female, 227.3 mm SL,
 (b) ZUEC 12598, female, 328.0 mm SL. Preserved specimens.

Diagnosis: Tometes siderocarajensis sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners by dense pigmentation on the distalmost portion of the pelvic-fin rays or the entirety of the fin (Fig 2A, Fig 2B)[vs. pelvic fin hyaline or pale, or with few scattered dark chromatophores along distal portion of rays (Fig 2C, Fig 2E)]. Additionally, it is distinguished from all, except from T. camunani and T. kranponhah, by having more circumpeduncular scale rows (39‒41 vs. 38 or less), and from T. kranponhah and T. trilobatus by having 1st and 2nd labial premaxillary teeth laterally spaced (Fig 3A) (vs. 1st and 2nd labial premaxillary teeth with lateral contact). The new species is further distinguished from T. trilobatus by having more perforated lateral line scales (74–84 vs. 58–72) and from T. makue by having more spines on ventral keel (11–17 prepelvic spines and 26–33 total spines vs. 0–9 and 10–23, respectively). Finally, Tometes siderocarajensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from T. lebaili by having a terminal to gently upturned mouth and invariably 5 dentary teeth (vs. a markedly upturned mouth and 6–7 dentary teeth).

Fig 7. Itacaiúnas River, Pará State, at Mosaic of Conservation Units of Serra dos Carajás, type locality of Tometes siderocarajensis.

Etymology: The epithet siderocarajensis alludes to the locality ‘Serra and Carajás’, which is the largest high-grade iron deposit in the world. From the Greek‒Latin sidero means ‘iron’, and carajensis in allusion to the type locality. A toponymic adjective.

Geographic distribution: Tometes siderocarajensis is known to occur in the rapids of the Itacaiúnas River (Fig 7) and in its right-bank tributary, the Cateté River (average elevation of localities around 220 m a.s.l.), both located in the Mosaic of Conservation Units of Serra dos Carajás, Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin, State of Pará (Fig 8). In addition, T. siderocarajensis had its record confirmed in the Tocantins River based on specimens collected before the construction of the Tucuruí Hydroelectric Reservoir (INPA 52481), an area formerly known to contain many rapids but is currently flooded by the dam.

Marcelo C. Andrade, Valéria N. Machado, Michel Jégu, Izeni P. Farias and Tommaso Giarrizzo. 2017. A New Species of Tometes Valenciennes 1850 (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) from Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin Based on Integrative Analysis of Molecular and Morphological Data. PLoS ONE. 12(4): e0170053. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170053

   

[Cnidaria • 2017] Flagelligorgia gracilis • A New Genus and Species of Golden Coral (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Chrysogorgiidae) from the Northwest Atlantic

April 20, 2017, 7:46 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2017] Distinction of Gracixalus carinensis from Vietnam and Myanmar, with Description of A New Species, Gracixalus sapaensis, from northwestern Vietnam

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2017] Tometes siderocarajensis • A New Species of Tometes Valenciennes 1850 (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) from Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin Based on Integrative Analysis of Molecular and Morphological Data

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Flagelligorgia gracilis   Cairns & Cordeiro, 2017  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.668.12203

Abstract

A new genus and species of unbranched golden coral, Flagelligorgia gracilis, is described based on several specimens collected off the southeastern coast of the United States. The genus is provisionally included in the family Chrysogorgiidae, pending molecular confirmation. Flagelligorgia morphologically resembles other unbranched chrysogorgiids, such as Distichogorgia, Chalcogorgia, Helicogorgia and Radicipes, to which it is compared. The type species is illustrated and its distribution mapped.

Keywords: Flagelligorgia gracilis, unbranched octocoral, biserial polyp arrangement, Radicipes, southeastern USA

Figure 1.: Diagnostic characters of Flagelligorgia gracilis sp. n.  A general view of the holotype (USNM 49503) attached to a rocky substrate B detail of the holotype showing the biserial arrangement of polyps C,E cross-section of the stem of the holotype showing its four rounded longitudinal cords D detail of undulating concentric layers of the stem in cross-section. Scale bars: A: 10 mm, B: 5 mm, C, E: 0.1 mm, D: 0.01.

Taxonomy

Subclass Octocorallia Haeckel, 1866

Order Alcyonacea Lamouroux, 1812
Suborder Calcaxonia Grasshoff, 1999

Family Chrysogorgiidae Verrill, 1883

Type genus: Chrysogorgia Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864.

Diagnosis: (after Cairns (2001) and Pante et al. (2012)). Calcaxonians having an unjointed, solid (non-spicular), concentrically layered scleroproteinous axis. The axial layers are usually smooth (not undulated) and thus not longitudinally grooved externally; the axis usually displays metallic or iridescent reflections. The colony may be branched or unbranched (flagelliform), arising from a root-like or discoidal, strongly calcified holdfast. Polyps are contractile but not retractile, arranged in rows (uniserial, biserial or multiserial), but never in whorls. Sclerites predominantly flat, smooth scales, in some species warty rods and spindles.


Flagelligorgia gen. n.

 Type species: Flagelligorgia gracilis, here designated. Gender: feminine.

Diagnosis: Colonies unbranched (flagelliform), loosely coiled, attached by a holdfast; axis composed of undulating concentric layers (Figs 1C–E, 2D). Polyps arranged biserially. Body wall and coenenchymal scales elongate, smooth scales. Polyps lack an operculum.

Distribution: Off Southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida, 196–567 m depths.

Etymology: The name is a combination of flagellum (Latin for small whip) and gorgia (a common octocoral suffix and once the name of the order Gorgonacea, the name derived from the mythical female monster, the Gorgon), in reference to the flagelliform nature of the colony.


Flagelligorgia gracilis sp. n.

Distribution: Southeastern coast of United States from off Outer Banks, North Carolina to off Carysfort Reef (near Key Largo, Florida) (Fig. 4), 196–567 m depths.

Etymology: Named gracilis (Latin for slender, gracile), in allusion to the very slender aspect of the colony.

 Stephen D. Cairns and Ralf T. S. Cordeiro. 2017. A New Genus and Species of Golden Coral (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Chrysogorgiidae) from the Northwest Atlantic.
 ZooKeys. 668: 1-10.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.668.12203

[Herpetology • 2017] Distinction of Gracixalus carinensis from Vietnam and Myanmar, with Description of A New Species, Gracixalus sapaensis, from northwestern Vietnam

April 20, 2017, 8:04 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2017] Speolabeo, A New Genus Name for the Cave Fish Bangana musaei (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from central Laos

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Gracixalus sapaensis  Matsui, Ohler, Eto & Tao, 2017 Figure 3. Dorsal (A) and dorsolateral (B) views of male holotype (MNHN 1999. 5961) of Gracixalus sapaensis sp. nov. in life.  amphibians.org

Gracixalus carinensis was originally described from Myanmar, but samples of the species reported in molecular phylogenetic works were all from Vietnam, far apart from the type locality. Moreover, the voucher specimens used for sequencing seem to have never been critically studied. We newly sequenced specimens from Vietnam and also closely examined morphology of vouchers. As a result, we confirmed that samples treated under this name from Vietnam constitute a single species. Although no molecular data are available for topotypic samples from Myanmar, detailed morphological comparisons revealed that samples from Vietnam are constantly separated from the topotypic samples of G. carinensis by much poorly developed toe webbing. We thus consider the Vietnamese samples as an undescribed species and describe them as Gracixalus sapaensis sp. nov.

Gracixalus sapaensis sp. nov. 

Synonymy. Philautus carinensis: Ohler, Marquis, Swan & Grosjean, 2000, Herpetozoa, 13: 71-87;

Aquixalus (Aquixalus)carinensis: Delorme, Dubois, Grosjean & Ohler, 2005, Bulletin Mensuel de la Société Linnéenne de Lyon, 74: 166;

 Kurixaluscarinensis: Nguyen, Ho & Nguyen, 2009, Herpetofauna of Vietnam: 527;

Gracixalus carinensis: Li, Che, Murphy, Zhao, Zhao, Rao & Zhang, 2009, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 53: 509.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Sa Pa, a district in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, where the new species occurs.

Range. Known only from northwestern Vietnam (fig. 5): Lai Chau, Lao Cai and Dak Lak (Nguyen et al., 2009, as Aquixalus). The known localities vary from 1250-2340 m in altitude. 

Natural history. Ohler et al. (2000) reported the new species to occur at all the vegetation types they classified (agriculture, scrub, submontane forest, and montane forest) from 1260-2020 m a.s.l. on Fan Si Pan mountains. Specimens were usually found sitting on leaves, rarely branches, up to 2 m from the ground, in the vicinity of mountain streams (median distance observed 3 m). They also reported the new species (as Philautus carinensis) to breed mainly in October-November unlike Ph. odontotarsus (now Kurixalus), and Ph. jinxiuensis and Ph. gracilipes (both now Gracixalus) that breed in July. 

Masafumi Matsui, Annemarie Ohler, Koshiro Eto and Nguyen Thien Tao. 2017. Distinction of Gracixalus carinensis from Vietnam and Myanmar,

  with Description of A New Species. ALYTES. 33(1-4); 25-37.

http://www.amphibians.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Alytes_20170317_matsui.etal_.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2017] Speolabeo, A New Genus Name for the Cave Fish Bangana musaei (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from central Laos

April 20, 2017, 8:10 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2017] New Specimens of Anchiornis huxleyi (Theropoda, Paraves) from the late Jurassic of northeastern China

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Speolabeo musaei  (Kottelat & Steiner, 2011) photo: H. Steiner DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4254.4.6

Abstract

Speolabeo, new genus, is established for Bangana musaei, a fish from caves in the Khammouan Karst in Laos. It was originally tentatively placed in the genus Bangana s.l. Besides characters related to hypogean life (absence of eyes, absence of pigment resulting in a whitish body), it is distinguished from all species of Bangana s.l. in having only 7–8½ branched dorsal-fin rays, the pelvic-fin at the vertical between the first unbranched and first branched dorsal-fin rays, and details of mouth morphology.

Keywords: Pisces, cave fish, Laos, karst, Bangana, Altigena, Labeonini

Maurice Kottelat. 2017. Speolabeo, A New Genus Name for the Cave fish Bangana musaei (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Zootaxa. 4254(4); 493–499.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4254.4.6

  Maurice Kottelat and Helmut Steiner. 2011. Bangana musaei, a new cave fish from central Laos (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. 21(4); 313-322.
http://pfeil-verlag.de/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ief21_4_05.pdf

[2011] Bangana musaei, new species, is described from caves in the Xe Bangfai drainage (a tributary of the Mekong) in central Laos. It is distinguished from all other species of the genus Bangana by its whitish body and absence of eyes. Incisilabeo (type species Labeo behri) is revalidated.

[Paleontology • 2017] New Specimens of Anchiornis huxleyi (Theropoda, Paraves) from the late Jurassic of northeastern China

April 20, 2017, 8:19 am

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2017] Synonymy of Reikosiella Yoshimoto under Merostenus Walker (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae), with A Checklist of World Species and A Revision of Those Species with Brachypterous Females

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Abstract

Four new specimens of Anchiornis huxleyi (PKUP V1068, BMNHC PH804, BMNHC PH822, and BMNHC PH823) were recently recovered from the late Jurassic fossil beds of the Tiaojishan Formation in northeastern China. These new specimens are almost completely preserved with cranial and postcranial skeletons. Morphological features of Anchiornis huxleyi have implications for paravian character evolution and provide insights into the relationships of major paravian lineages. Anchiornis huxleyi shares derived features with avialans, such as a straight nasal process of the premaxilla and the absence of an external mandibular fenestra in lateral view. However, Anchiornis huxleyi lacks several derived deinonychosaurian features, including a laterally exposed splenial and a specialized raptorial pedal digit II. Morphological comparisons strongly suggest Anchiornis is more closely related to avialans than to deinonychosaurians or troodontids. Anchiornis huxleyi exhibits many conservative paravian features, and closely resembles Archaeopteryx and other Jurassic paravians from Jianchang County, such as Xiaotingia and Eosinopteryx. The other Jianchang paravian, Aurornis xui, is likely a junior synonym of Anchiornishuxleyi.

Rui Pei, Quanguo Li, Qingjin Meng, Mark Norell and Keqin Gao. 2017. New Specimens of Anchiornis huxleyi (Theropoda, Paraves) from the late Jurassic of northeastern China. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 411.  URI: hdl.handle.net/2246/6707

  

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[Entomology • 2017] Synonymy of Reikosiella Yoshimoto under Merostenus Walker (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae), with A Checklist of World Species and A Revision of Those Species with Brachypterous Females

April 21, 2017, 1:11 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2017] Dioscorea irodensis • A New Species of Critically Endangered Edible Yam (Dioscoreaceae) Endemic to northern Madagascar and Its Conservation

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Merostenus (Merostenus) congoensis  Gibson, 2017  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4255.1.1

Abstract

Reikosiella Yoshimoto, 1969 is synonymized under MerostenusWalker, 1837n. syn. and treated as M. (Reikosiella), one of four subgenera recognized in the genus. Hirticauda Bouček, 1988, previously treated as a subgenus of Reikosiella, is synonymized under M. (Merostenus) n. syn., and two subgenera established in Reikosiella by Gibson (1995) are synonymized under Merostenus and treated as the subgenera M. (Capreocauda) and M. (Incohata) n. syns. The new generic synonymy is proposed after morphological comparison of females and males of Merostenus and Reikosiellasensu Gibson (1995), including reanalysis of features possessed by a basal group of genera of Eupelminae whose females share two hypothesized symplesiomorphies—a medially divided mesotrochantinal plate and lack of a mesotibial apical groove. A checklist of the 51 world species assigned to Merostenus is given, with 1 described species in M. (Incohata), 6 in M. (Capreocauda), 6 in M. (Reikosiella) and 38 in M. (Merostenus). All but one, the type species of Merostenus, represent new combinations. The species of Merostenus with brachypterous females are revised, with 8 of 10 species described as new. In addition to M. (Merostenus) excavatus (Dalman) (♀, ♂) from the Palaearctic, described in the same subgenus are one new species from Mexico, Merostenus (Merostenus) mexicanus n. sp. (♀), and seven from the Afrotropical region, Merostenus (Merostenus) distigma n. sp. (♀: Kenya, Tanzania), Merostenus (Merostenus) micropterus n. sp. (♀: Democratic Republic of the Congo), Merostenus (Merostenus) platyscapus n. sp. (♀: South Africa), Merostenus (Merostenus) reticulatus n. sp. (♀, ♂: Kenya), Merostenus (Merostenus) speculum n. sp. (♀: Burundi), Merostenus (Merostenus) congoensis n. sp. (♀: Democratic Republic of the Congo), and Merostenus (Merostenus) longistylus n. sp. (♀, ♂: South Africa). The first seven species are assigned to the excavatus species-group of M. (Merostenus) based on females sharing a completely sclerotized pronotum and apically truncate syntergum. Also treated is M. (Reikosiella) melinus (Yoshimoto)n. comb. (♀: Argentina, Brazil, Hawaii), the only species known with macropterous to variably strongly brachypterous females. Six species are transferred to other genera. Merostenus ferrugineusYoshimoto & Ishii is transferred to Anastatus Motschulsky as A. ferrugineus(Yoshimoto & Ishii)n. comb., Merostenus guamensisYoshimoto & Ishii and Merostenus palauensis Yoshimoto & Ishii are transferred to Eupelmus Dalman and provisionally classified in E. (Eupelmus) as E. (Eupelmus) guamensis (Yoshimoto & Ishii) n. comb. and E. (Eupelmus) palauensis (Yoshimoto & Ishii) n. comb., Eupelminus subapterus Ashmead is transferred to E. (Eupelmus) as E. (Eupelmus) subapterus (Ashmead) n. comb., and Eupelminus robustus Brues and Eupelminus tarsatus Waterston are transferred to Arachnophaga (Parasolindenia Brues) as Arachnophaga (Parasolindenia) robusta(Brues) n. comb. and Arachnophaga (Parasolindenia) tarsata(Waterston) n. comb. The character-state analysis and treated species are illustrated through macrophotography and, except for A. robusta, notes and illustrations provided for the excluded species to assist their future recognition.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Eupelminae, brachyptery, Afrotropical, Neotropical, Palaearctic

Gary A. P. Gibson. 2017. Synonymy of Reikosiella Yoshimoto under Merostenus Walker (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae), with A Checklist of World Species and A Revision of Those Species with Brachypterous Females. Zootaxa. 4255(1); 1-65. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4255.1.1

[Botany • 2017] Dioscorea irodensis • A New Species of Critically Endangered Edible Yam (Dioscoreaceae) Endemic to northern Madagascar and Its Conservation

April 21, 2017, 2:56 am

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Dioscorea irodensis  Wilkin, Rajaonah & Randriamb.  DOI: 10.1007/s12225-017-9677-6

Summary

Morphological character data are used to show that a distinct morphotype of Dioscorea L. from the Irodo valley (East of Sadjoavato) in Antsiranana Province of Madagascar is an undescribed species, differing in its leaf arrangement, pubescence form and male inflorescence structure from all other taxa. It is described as Dioscorea irodensis Wilkin, Rajaonah & Randriamb., illustrated and a distribution map and ecological information provided. It is known from three sites, but is likely to have been eradicated from one of them. The population that has been studied in the field contains a very low number of adult plants. Tubers have been extracted for use as food at a level that appears to be unsustainable. Thus its provisional IUCN conservation status assessment is that it is critically endangered (CR). Its vernacular name in Irodo is Bemandry.

Key Words: conservation, critically endangered, distribution, edible, ex situ, in situ, Madagascar, morphology, new species, yam 

Fig. 1 Vegetative and reproductive organ morphology in Dioscorea irodensis.  A habit of fruiting plant, showing leaves borne in clusters of up to 7 on short herbaceous branches; B detail of coarse, erect to spreading indumentum; C dehisced capsule; D seed and seed wing; E habit of male flowering plant with leaves in early development; F part of a male inflorescence showing condensed cymules of flowers; G a single cymule showing the cymule bract and inflorescence axis indumentum; H side view of a male flower showing pubescent tepal external surfaces; J half male flower showing three stamens, torus morphology and pistillode; K flower viewed from above showing inner and outer tepal whorls and anther presentation; L tuber drawn following its usual orientation in the soil and curved apex that subtends a shoot. Scale bars: A, E = 2.5 cm; B = 5 mm; C, D = 2 cm; F = 4 mm; G = 2 mm; H – K = 1.5 mm; L = 6 cm.  drawn by Lucy Smith.  DOI: 10.1007/s12225-017-9677-6

Fig. 2 Photographs of Dioscorea irodensis showing its vegetative morphology in fruit and underground organs. A leaves and an infructescence reduced to a solitary submature capsule; B node with a cluster of leaves on a short lateral shoot showing an infructescence at dehiscence; C two tuber apices (current (marked a) and previous year (b)) and separated body of current year’s tuber (c) with stem and leaves disentangled from surrounding vegetation. The size and curved apex of the tuber (indicated by arrows) linked to its horizontal habit is shown.

Dioscorea irodensis Wilkin, Rajaonah & Randriamb., sp. nov. 

Type: Madagascar, Antsiranana: Diana, Antsiranana II, Anivorano, Irodo, ala fady S of village towards Irodo river estuary, 12°39'6.3"S 49°31'38.2"E, ♀ fr. 8 Feb. 2015, P. Wilkin, J. A. Kennerley, F. Rakotonasolo, M. Hamido & M. Tsaratiana 1675 (holotype TAN!; isotype K!).

Recognition. Tuber horizontal in soil with a curved apex (derived from digging up two plants and inferring a similar position in others from the shape of extraction holes and the Malagasy vernacular name). Leaves in clusters of up to 7 on short herbaceous branches, clustered particularly towards bases of main vegetative stems (Fig. 1A, 2B), blades thin in texture, densely pubescent below and when immature but coarse and never forming a tomentum as in Dioscoreaovinala. Plants at the locality near Irodo represented by Wilkin et al. 1674 and 1675 often have white spotting on their leaf blades which has the appearance of pathogenic infection (see Fig. 2A). Male inflorescences (Fig. 1 E, F) with irregularly spaced, spirally arranged dense cymules of 2 – 8 pedicellate flowers or rarely solitary, vs flowers (sub)sessile, or rarely with a pedicel to 0.5 mm long and solitary or in groups of 2 – 4 (D. ovinala). Fruit not inflated and fleshy during development but thin-lobed and capsular throughout, single layered at dehiscence. Restricted to a small area East of Sadjoavato in Antsiranana Province.

Distribution and habitat. Endemic to the Irodo river Valley and Sahafary forest in Antsiranana Province (Map 1) at altitudes from 30 – 230 m. It is possible that the three collections from South of the village of Irodo represent two subpopulations on either side of the river as opposed to two distinct populations (the term population is used here in an ecological sense, except in the Conservation Status section), but the specimen from Sahafary forest is spatially isolated. At Irodo, it is found in semi-deciduous forest with a canopy to 10 m and a clear shrub layer, the principal canopy trees being Colvillea and Tamarindus, with Pachypodium in the shrub layer. Soil a brown sandy loam, possibly alluvial, or red sand over limestone bedrock. The Sahafary Forest specimen states that it was from scrub forest on red sand.

Etymology. Named for the village of Irodo and the IrodoRiver valley where this species is found.

Vernacular name. Bemandry in the village of Irodo. This name appears to be applied particularly to species with horizontal tubers, for example the element of Dioscoreasoso Jum. & H. Perrier sensulato with the same tuber habit.

Uses. Tuber edible cooked. Rather watery following cooking and thus not fully satisfying the appetite. Dioscoreamaciba, known as batatala in Irodo, is the more sought after species of the two that are found in the Irodo valley and surrounding areas. Not believed to be sold in markets but consumed usually in March/April.

Paul Wilkin, James A. Kennerley, Mamy Tiana Rajaonah, Geodain Meva Huckël, Feno Rakotoarison, Tianjanahary Randriamboavonjy and Stuart Cable. 2017. A New Species of Critically Endangered Edible Yam Endemic to northern Madagascar, Dioscorea irodensis (Dioscoreaceae) and Its Conservation. Kew Bulletin. 72; 15.  DOI: 10.1007/s12225-017-9677-6

[Ichthyology • 2017] Microphysogobio zhangi • A New Species of Microphysogobio (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Guangxi Province, Southern China

April 21, 2017, 3:49 am

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Microphysogobio zhangi   Huang, Zhao, Chen & Shao, 2017 DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2017.56-08

Microphysogobio zhangi n. sp., a new cyprinid species is described from Guangxi Province, China. Morphological and molecular evidence based on mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome b (Cyt b) sequence were used for comparing this new species and other related species. The phylogenetic tree topology revealed that this new species is closely related to M. elongatus and M. fukiensis. We also observed the existence of a peculiar trans-river gene flow in the Pearl River and the Yangtze River populations, and speculated that it was caused by an ancient artificial canal, the Lingqu Canal, which forming a pathway directly connecting these two rivers.

Key words: Taxonomy, Gudgeon, Cytochrome b, Freshwater Fish, Pearl River.

Fig. 2. The specimen photographs of Microphysogobio zhangi n. sp., A, holotype, ASIZB 204677, 77.1 mm SL. B, the same individual, dorsal view of head.

Etymology: The Latinized specific name, “zhangi” is derived from the name of the Chinese ichthyologist “Professor Chunguang Zhang” in recognition of his great contribution to the fish taxonomic studies in China.

Distribution: Known only from the middle reaches of the Yu River and the Li River, two tributaries of the Pearl River, and the Xiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, located in Guangxi and Hunan Provinces of China

Shih-Pin Huang, Yahui Zhao, I-Shiung Chen and Kwang-Tsao Shao. 2017. A New Species of Microphysogobio (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Guangxi Province, Southern China.
 Zoological Studies. 56:08. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2017.56-08 

[Diplopoda • 2017] Revision of the Vietnamese Millipede Genus Annamina Attems, 1937 (Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae), with Descriptions of Three New Species

April 21, 2017, 8:12 am

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Figure 10. Annamina mikhaljovae sp. n., ♂ holotype (ZMUM). A habitus, lateral view B anterior part of body, ventral view C midbody segments, dorsal view D segments 5–7, ventral view E caudal part of body, dorsal view. Pictures taken not to scale. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.669.12561

Abstract

The hitherto monotypic diplopod genus Annamina contains now four species, including the revised type-species A. xanthoptera Attems, 1937, as well as Annamina attemsi sp. n., Annamina irinae sp. n. and Annamina mikhaljovae sp. n., all from central or southern Vietnam. The genus is rediagnosed and a key to its constituent species given.

Keywords: Diplopoda, Paradoxosomatidae, Annamina, taxonomy, new species, Vietnam

Figure 1. Annamina xanthoptera Attems, 1937, ♂ paralectotype (NHMW). A habitus, lateral view B anterior part of body, lateral view C midbody segments, dorsolateral view.

Figure 5. Annamina attemsi sp. n., ♂ paratype (NHMW). A habitus, lateral view B anterior part of body, lateral view C midbody segments, dorsolateral view D caudal part of body, dorsolateral view.

Figure 8. Annamina irinae sp. n., ♂ paratype (ZMUM). A habitus, lateral view B anterior part of body, anteroventral view C midbody segments, dorsal view D caudal part of body, dorsal view E gonopods, ventral view. Pictures taken not to scale.

Sergei I. Golovatch, Jean-Jacques Geoffroy and Nesrine Akkari. 2017. Revision of the Vietnamese Millipede Genus Annamina Attems, 1937, with Descriptions of Three New Species (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae).  ZooKeys. 669: 1-18. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.669.12561

[Ichthyology • 2011] Fangfangia spinicleithralis • A New Genus and Species of Miniature Cyprinid Fish (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Peat Swamp Forests of Borneo

April 21, 2017, 8:37 am

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Fangfangia spinicleithralis  Britz, Kottelat & Tan, 2011

Fangfangia spinicleithralis, new genus, new species, is described from peat swamp forest habitats in Kalimantan Tengah, Borneo, Indonesia. It differs from all other cyprinids in having the anteroventral tip of the left cleithrum projecting into a strong anteriorly directed spine and a pointed posteriorly directed spine at the posteroventral aspect of each cleithrum. In addition, it can be diagnosed by the following characters: the base of the dorsal hemitrich of the first pectoral-fin ray with serrated margin, multicuspid pharyngeal teeth, ventrally directed lateral processes on vertebra 1, the high number of procurrent caudal-fin rays (14-18 dorsally, 11-15 ventrally), absence of scales with the exception of six or seven tubular lateral line ossicles, and the greatly elongated middle radials in the anal fin, which may reach half the length of proximal radials.

Fangfangia, new genus

Etymology. The new genus is named after the late Fang Fang, a passionate and productive cypriniform researcher, who left us too early, honouring her contribution to danionine taxonomy and phylogeny. Gender feminine.

 Fangfangia spinicleithralis, new species 

Distribution.Fangfangia spinicleithralis is presently known only from the type locality in Sebangau peat swamp forest, Kalimantan Tengah, Borneo, Indonesia.

Etymology. The species name spinicleithralis, an adjective, is derived from the Latin words spina, thorn, and cleithralis, belonging to the cleithrum(the main element of the dermal shoulder girdle). It refers to the unique pointed anterior and posterior spines on the cleithrum of this species.

Britz, R., Kottelat, M., & Tan, H.H. 2011. Fangfangia spinicleithralis, A New Genus and Species of Miniature Cyprinid Fish from the Peat Swamp Forests of Borneo (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).
 Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters. 22 (4): 327-335.

 ResearchGgate.net/publication/267780623_Fangfangia_spinicleithralis_a_new_genus_and_species_of_miniature_cyprinid_fish_from_the_peat_swamp_forests_of_Borneo_%28Teleostei_Cyprinidae%29

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