[Botany • 2017] Lapidia apicifolia • A New Monotypic Genus of Asteraceae (Eupatorieae) from Brazil, and Its Phylogenetic Placement

July 2, 2017, 9:06 am

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2017] Redescription and Commentary on the Chinese Mayfly Vietnamella sinensis (Ephemeroptera: Vietnamellidae)

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Lapidia apicifolia  Roque & S.C. Ferreira  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.291.1.1

   

Abstract

Asteraceae is the family with the highest species number in the rocky fields (campos rupestres) of the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. On the basis of several collections from this area, we are proposing a new genus of Asteraceae based on morphology and phylogeny, to accommodate a species newly described here. Lapidia apicifolia is a loosely ramified shrub 2–4 m high, stem tomentose, leaves opposite-decussate, laminae conduplicate, petiolate, receptacle flat, epaleaceous, glabrous, and pappus of bristles fused at base, irregular in length, fringed and purplish. In a phylogenetic analysis using sequence data from ITS and trnL-trnF of selected members of Eupatorieae, Lapidia is indicated as sister group of a highly supported clade with Morithamnus, Bahianthus and Catolesia. This group is composed by loosely branched shrubs, most with leaves that are lax, stems, leaves and involucral bracts that are viscid (Bahianthus and Morithamnus) and, if not, trichomes (tomentose indumentum) are developed (Lapidia), to protect against both solar radiation and loss of water. A description, illustrations, and a discussion about related and sympatric genera are presented.

Keywords: Compositae; endemism; ITS and trnL-trnF; rocky fields; taxonomy; Eudicots; Brazil

  

Nádia Roque, Silvana C. Ferrucci and Cássio van den Berg. 2017. Lapidia, A New Monotypic Genus of Asteraceae (Eupatorieae) from Brazil, and Its Phylogenetic Placement.
Phytotaxa. 291(1); 1–16. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.291.1.1

 academia.edu/30805399/2017-Lapidia_a_new_monotypic_genus_of_Asteraceae_from_Brazil

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[Entomology • 2017] Redescription and Commentary on the Chinese Mayfly Vietnamella sinensis (Ephemeroptera: Vietnamellidae)

July 2, 2017, 11:58 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2017] Flemingia sirindhorniae | เทพมาศ • A New Species (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) from Thailand

≪ Previous: [Botany • 2017] Lapidia apicifolia • A New Monotypic Genus of Asteraceae (Eupatorieae) from Brazil, and Its Phylogenetic Placement

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Vietnamella sinensis  (Hsu, 1936) DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.3.5

Abstract

The genus Vietnamella Tshernova, 1972 is reviewed and 3 valid species are confirmed. They are V. ornata (Tshernova, 1972), V. sinensis (Hsu, 1936)(=V. dabieshanensis You & Su, 1987, new synonym; =V. qingyuanensis Zhou & Su, 1995, new synonym; =V. guadunensis Zhou & Su, 1995, new synonym) and V. thani Tshernova, 1972. The nymphal and key imaginal characters of V. sinensis are described and figured. The monogeneric family Vietnamellidae has long series of autapomorphies (two pairs of projections on head, modified mandibles, slender maxillae with few setae, round hindwings, and half of egg covered with single cap) and some plesiomorphies (seven pairs of gills, large hindwings, few marginal intercalaries on forewings). The structures of mouthparts, head and forefemora suggest that nymphs of Vietnamella may be able to move substrates and scrape food from them. Morphological evidences show that the family Vietnamellidae is a basal clade of Ephemerelloidea.

Keywords: Ephemeroptera, Vietnamella, new synonyms, phylogeny, biology, morphology

Nymphal habitus of Vietnamella sinensis.

 Ze Hu, Zhen-xing Ma, Juan-yan Luo and Chang-Fa Zhou. 2017. Redescription and Commentary on the Chinese Mayfly Vietnamella sinensis (Ephemeroptera: Vietnamellidae).
 Zootaxa. 4286(3): 381–390.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.3.5

[Botany • 2017] Flemingia sirindhorniae | เทพมาศ • A New Species (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) from Thailand

July 3, 2017, 8:20 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2017] A Morphological and Molecular Study of Psilops, A Replacement Name for the Brazilian Microteiid Lizard Genus Psilophthalmus Rodrigues 1991 (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae), with the Description of Two New Species

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เทพมาศ |  Flemingia sirindhorniae Mattapha, Chantar. & Suddee  QSBG.or.th/bot

Abstract 

     A new species, Flemingia sirindhorniae Mattapha, Chantar. & Suddee, from Tak province, Thailand, is described and illustrated, and its affinities are discussed. It is a very rare species in Thailand and its conservation status is assessed here as Data Deficient (DD).

KEYWORDS: Doi Hua Mot, IUCN Red List, new species

Flemingia sirindhorniae Mattapha, Chantar. & Suddee, sp. nov.

 Type: Thailand, Tak province, Umphang district ...

  (holotype BKF; isotypes BK, BM, E, K, KKU, L, MBK, P, QBG).

This species stands out from F. involucrata Benth. and F. vestita Baker by its 1–3-digitately compound leaves, the presence of basal callosities on the standard, exserted corolla which is longer than the calyx, and by having a tubular floral disc.

FIGURE 2. Flemingia sirindhorniae: A.–B. habitat, showing two small populations found at the type locality; C. inflorescences with young fl oral buds enclosed by subtending bracts, including 1-foliolate & digitately 3-foliolate leaves at which the inflorescences are inserted (arrows) respectively; D.–F. top and side views of flowers.

Distribution.— Only known from the type locality. 

Ecology.— Limestone mountain, sometimes growing on steep limestone cliffs; alt. 900 m.
Phenology.— Flowering August– October; fruiting November–December.

Etymology.— The specific epithet is in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand who has initiated the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Vernacular.— Thep-pa-mat (เทพมาศ) (name given by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn). 

Sawai Mattapha, Pranom Chantaranothai and Somran Suddee. 2017. Flemingia sirindhorniae (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae), A New Species from Thailand. THAI JOURNAL OF BOTANY.  9(1);7-14. 

http://www.qsbg.or.th/bot/journal/showarticle_en.aspx?type=article&id=266

facebook.com/byGung/posts/621019231356612

 

[Herpetology • 2017] A Morphological and Molecular Study of Psilops, A Replacement Name for the Brazilian Microteiid Lizard Genus Psilophthalmus Rodrigues 1991 (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae), with the Description of Two New Species

July 3, 2017, 8:15 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2017] Boulengerula spawlsi • A New Species of Boulengerula Tornier, 1896 (Gymnophiona: Herpelidae) from Kenya and the “Rediscovery” of Boulengerula denhardti

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Psilops seductus Rodrigues, Recoder, Teixeira, Roscito, Guerrero, et al., 2017  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.4.1

Abstract

The lizard genus Psilophthalmus was originally described from the sandy deposits at the northern end of Serra do Espinhaço, in Santo Inácio, state of Bahia, but since then it has been recorded in other Brazilian localities of the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Sergipe. Here, we review the collected specimens based on molecular markers (mitochondrial 12S, 16S, ND4 and cyt b, and nuclear C-mos and NT3) and morphological evidence (external, hemipenial and osteological morphologies). In the course of our revision we find out that Psilophthalmus Rodrigues 1991 was preoccupied by Psilophthalmus Szépligeti 1902 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae). The replacement name Psilopsis proposed for the genus for which we recognize three species, with Psilops paeminosus as type species. One of the new species is found along the high elevation areas of the Chapada Diamantina plateaus, state of Bahia, while the other occurs in the cerrados of “Serra Geral”, in the occidental plateaus of that state. Psilops paeminosus comprises three distinct allopatric clades that, based on current evidence, cannot be diagnosed morphologically: one from the vicinities of the type locality, one from the lower São Francisco River, and a third from the uplands of Minas Gerais and southern inland Bahia. We keep the latter two as candidate species but defer their formal description until further evidence allows robust diagnosis. Derived clades of Psilops with shorter limbs have invaded hotter and drier environments, while mostly used sandy soils along their evolution.

Keywords: Reptilia, Chapada Diamantina, Serra Geral, hemipenis, osteology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues, Renato Recoder,Mauro Jr Teixeira, Juliana Gusson Roscito, Agustín Camacho Guerrero, Pedro M. Sales Nunes, et al. 2017. A Morphological and Molecular Study of Psilops, A Replacement Name for the Brazilian Microteiid Lizard Genus Psilophthalmus Rodrigues 1991 (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae), with the Description of Two New Species.
 Zootaxa. 4286(4); 451–482.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.4.1

[Herpetology • 2017] Boulengerula spawlsi • A New Species of Boulengerula Tornier, 1896 (Gymnophiona: Herpelidae) from Kenya and the “Rediscovery” of Boulengerula denhardti

July 3, 2017, 8:26 pm

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2017] Review of Red Sea Xenisthmus Snyder (Gobioidei: Xenisthmidae), with Description of A New Species; Xenisthmus oligoporus

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2017] A Morphological and Molecular Study of Psilops, A Replacement Name for the Brazilian Microteiid Lizard Genus Psilophthalmus Rodrigues 1991 (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae), with the Description of Two New Species

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Boulengerula spawlsi Wilkinson, Malonza & Loader, 2017  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.4.5

Abstract

A new species of herpelid caecilian, Boulengerula spawlsi sp. nov., is described based on nine specimens from Ngaia (= Ngaya or Ngaja) Forest Reserve, Nyambene Hills, Meru County, Kenya collected between 2007 and 2013. The new species differs from all other Boulengerula in having more anteriorly positioned tentacular apertures and tentacular grooves that are partly or completely covered by the maxillopalatines. Specimens of the new species were previously erroneously reported as a rediscovery of the poorly known congener Boulengerula denhardti Neiden, 1912 together with a biogeographic scenario to explain their disjunct distribution that is not required.

Keywords: Amphibia, Africa, biogeography, caecilians, morphology, systematics, taxonomy

Boulengerula spawlsi sp. nov.; whole body (with the smaller paratype BMNH 2005.2264) of holotype in life.

FIGURE 2. Boulengerula spawlsi sp. nov.  (A) head and terminus and (B) whole body (with the smaller paratype BMNH 2005.2264) of holotype in life. (C) Habitat at type locality.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.4.5

Boulengerula spawlsi sp. nov. 

Boulengerula cf. denhardti Nieden, 1912: Loader et al. (2011: 6, figure 1) 

Boulengerula denhardti Nieden, 1912: Measey et al. (2012: 187–191, figure 1)

Diagnosis. A Boulengerula that differs from all congeners in having the anterior part of the tentacular canal covered by maxillopalatine. It differs further from B. boulengeriTornier, 1896 and B. denhardti in having inner mandibular teeth, from B. changamwensis Loveridge, 1932 and B. fisheri Nussbaum and Hinkel, 1994 in having a mainly darker blue or purple, rather than pink, body colour, and from all other Boulengerula (B. taitanus, Loveridge, 1935, B. niedeni Müller, Measey, Loader & Malonza, 2005, B. uluguruensis Barbour & Loveridge, 1928) in having more (> 150) annuli.

Etymology. The species is named in honour of Stephen Spawls in recognition of his substantial contributions to African herpetology, including his discovery of this species of caecilian.

Suggested English name. Spawls’ boolee

Mark Wilkinson, Patrick K. Malonza and Simon P. Loader. 2017. A New Species of Boulengerula Tornier, 1896 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Herpelidae) from Kenya and the “rediscovery” of Boulengerula denhardti.
 Zootaxa. 4286(4); 525–534. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.4.5

[Ichthyology • 2017] Review of Red Sea Xenisthmus Snyder (Gobioidei: Xenisthmidae), with Description of A New Species; Xenisthmus oligoporus

July 3, 2017, 9:25 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2017] Thismia bryndonii • A New Species (Thismiaceae) from Maliau Basin, Sabah, Borneo

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2017] Boulengerula spawlsi • A New Species of Boulengerula Tornier, 1896 (Gymnophiona: Herpelidae) from Kenya and the “Rediscovery” of Boulengerula denhardti

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Xenisthmus oligoporus Gill, Bogorodsky & Mal, 2017 Xenisthmus balius Gill & Randall, 1994  Xenisthmus polyzonatus (Klunzinger, 1871) DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.2.4

Abstract

Three species of the xenisthmid genus Xenisthmus Snyder are recorded from the Red Sea. Xenisthmus polyzonatus (Klunzinger), the only described species previously known from the Red Sea, is reported on the basis of eight specimens from Egypt, Eritrea and Saudi Arabia. Xenisthmus oligoporus new species is described from four specimens, 17.7–25.0 mm SL, from Sudan and Saudi Arabia. It is distinguished from all other congeners in having a reduced number of cephalic sensory pores and 14–15 segmented rays in the second dorsal fin. Xenisthmus balius Gill & Randall is newly recorded from the Red Sea on the basis of 13 specimens from Eritrea, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The new specimens of this species are described and compared with previously known specimens, the holotype and eight paratypes from the Arabian (= Persian) Gulf. All three species are described in detail and illustrated with colour photographs. An identification key to the species is also provided.

Keywords: Pisces, Arabian Gulf, taxonomy, key to species

Xenisthmus oligoporus new species

 Few-pored wriggler

Diagnosis. Xenisthmus oligoporus is distinguished from congeners in having a reduced number of cephalic sensory pores (lacking pores A, I, J, K, P and Q) and in having 14–15 segmented rays in the second dorsal fin.

Etymology. The specific epithet is from the Greek oligos (few) and poros (hole) and alludes to the relatively low number of sensory pores on the head. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

Habitat and distribution. Known from sandy areas adjacent to reefs in 6–13 m. The species is currently known from Duba, Saudi Arabia, south to the Farasan Archipelago (Figure 3).

Xenisthmus balius Gill & Randall, 1994 

Freckled wriggler

Diagnosis. A species of Xenisthmus with the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays VI + I,13 (rarely I,14); anterior rim of posterior nostril raised, without well-developed flap; scales of body mainly cycloid; head and body pale, with reticulate mottling dorsally.

Habitat and distribution. Xenisthmus balius was previously known only from Jana Island, Saudi Arabia, in the Arabian Gulf. We newly record this species from the Red Sea on the basis of 13 specimens collected in Eritrea, Egypt and Saudi Arabia (Figure 3). It has been collected from sandy areas adjacent to coral rubble and reefs in 1.5– 17 m.

Xenisthmus polyzonatus (Klunzinger, 1871) 

Bullseye wriggler

Diagnosis. A species of Xenisthmus with the following combination of characters: second dorsal-fin rays usually I,11 (rarely I,12); anal-fin rays I,10–11; tongue rounded to truncate; and posterior nostril with well-developed anterior flap.

Anthony C. Gill, Sergey V. Bogorodsky and Ahmad O. Mal. 2017. Review of Red Sea Xenisthmus Snyder (Teleostei: Gobioidei: Xenisthmidae), with Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 4286(2);  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.2.4

  

[Botany • 2017] Thismia bryndonii • A New Species (Thismiaceae) from Maliau Basin, Sabah, Borneo

July 3, 2017, 11:36 pm

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2017] Aphaneramma gavialimimus • A New Extreme Longirostrine Temnospondyl from the Triassic of Madagascar: Phylogenetic and Palaeobiogeographical Implications for Trematosaurids

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Thismia bryndonii   Tsukaya, Suetsugu & M.Suleiman DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.312.1.13

Thismia Griffith (1845: 341) in Thismiaceae or Burmanniaceae (sensu APG 2016) consists of more than 60 species (Ridley 1924, Jonker 1948, Stone 1980, van Steenis 1982; Merckx 2008). Many new species in this genus have been discovered, and 12 have been described after 2010 (e.g., Dančak et al. 2013, Nuraliev et al. 2014, 2015, Chantanaorrapint & Sridith 2015, Li & Bi 2013, Hroneš et al. 2015). Considering that the majority of these species were collected only once (Jonker 1948), it is likely that many more undescribed species remain hidden in the forests, particularly in the tropical rain forests of Southeast Asia. Borneo is one of the most biodiverse areas for mycoheterotrophs, and our recent botanical exploration in Borneo revealed many previously undescribed mycoheterotrophic species (e.g., Tsukaya et al. 2011, 2014a,b, 2016, Tsukaya & Okada 2005, 2012a,b,c, 2013a,b, Tsukaya & Hidayat 2016, Tsukaya & Suetsugu 2014). In 2016, we conducted a botanical survey in the Malaiu Basin, Sabah, Borneo, with the permission of the Maliau Basin Management Committee (YS/MBMC/2016/184) and the Sabah Biodiversity Council [access license JKM/MBS.1000-2/2JLD.5(23)]. The Maliau Basin Conservation Area (MBCA) is a huge basin surrounded by sandstone ridges and covers approximately 39,000 ha. Few botanical explorations have previously been conducted in this area. During the survey, we encountered a specimen from the MBCA that apparently belongs to Thismia section Euthismia Schltr. subsect. Odoardoa Schlechter (1921: 31) because it has a free inner perianth, spreading, creeping and vermiform roots, perianth lobes equal in length and size, but it differs from all known species. Here, we describe this new species with a revised key to the species of this genus in Malesia.

Keywords: Borneo, Malaysia, Maliau Basin, mycoheterotrophic plant, Sabah, Thismia, Thismiaceae, Monocots

Figure 1. Thismia bryndonii. A. Lateral view of the species flowers in its native habitat. Note the asymmetric coloration of the flower. B. Front view. Photographs (A, B) were taken in the Maliau Basin Conservation Area on 30 September 2016. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.312.1.13

Taxonomic Treatment 

Thismia bryndonii Tsukaya, Suetsugu & M.Suleiman, sp. nov. 

Type:— MALAYSIA. Sabah: Maliau Basin Conservation Area, along the Belian Trail, elev. ca. 260 m, 30 Sept 2016, Tsukaya, Suetsugu, & Suleiman TSS-14 (holotype: BORH; isotype: TI, a flower in the spirit collection).

 Thismia bryndonii is similar to T. mullerensis and T. lauriana in having a free perianth lobes equal in size and bifid stigmas, but differs in having two anther appendages and pale-orange streaks on the perianth tube with brown-orange transverse bars inside. Asymmetrical coloration of the perianth lobes is also unique to this species

Distribution:— This species was found in the understory of a dipterocarp forest and is only known from the type locality in the Maliau Basin, Sabah, Borneo. 

 Etymology:— The species name Thismia bryndonii was chosen in honour of our guide in the Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Bryndone Farone Bernard, who first discovered this new species on a botanical expedition.

Hirokazu Tsukaya, Kenji Suetsugu and Monica Suleiman. 2017.
Thismia bryndonii (Thismiaceae), A New Species from Maliau Basin, Sabah, Borneo.
 Phytotaxa. 312(1); 135–138.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.312.1.13

[Paleontology • 2017] Aphaneramma gavialimimus • A New Extreme Longirostrine Temnospondyl from the Triassic of Madagascar: Phylogenetic and Palaeobiogeographical Implications for Trematosaurids

July 4, 2017, 8:30 am

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2017] Revision of World Ooderella Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae), with Description of the First Males for the Genus

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Aphaneramma gavialimimus Fortuny, Gastou, Escuillié, Ranivoharimanana & Steyer, 2017  DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2017.1335805   Life reconstruction by Marc Boulay | @JournalSystPal

Aphaneramma gavialimimus Fortuny, Gastou, Escuillié, Ranivoharimanana & Steyer, 2017  DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2017.1335805    @JournalSystPal

Abstract

Trematosaurids form a very large and remarkable clade of Triassic tetrapods (Temnospondyli: Stereospondyli) with a worldwide geographical distribution. Compared with specimens from Europe, Australia or North America, they remain relatively scarce in African rocks, where they are mainly known in the Early Triassic of Madagascar and South Africa. Longirostrine trematosaurids were only known from Madagascar, represented by the genus Wantzosaurus. However, we describe herein a new species of the longirostrine trematosaurid Aphaneramma, Aphaneramma gavialimimus sp. nov., from the Olenekian (Lower Triassic) of Madagascar. This genus was previously known from the Early Triassic of Europe and Asia. Based on a new nearly complete skull, the new species is characterized by a premaxilla-nasal suture anteriorly directed, not contacting the nostrils; choanae completely included within the palatines; the ventral opening of the orbits in the anterior part of the interpterygoid vacuities; a very elongated nasal covering more than 50% of the prenarial length; and an anteriorly widened cultriform process. Aphaneramma gavialimimus sp. nov., with a skull length of about 40 cm, may be one of the largest known trematosaurids. Its inclusion in a new phylogenetic analysis confirms its close affinities with the North American genus Cosgriffius, and clarifies the relationships of trematosaurids in general and lonchorhynchines in particular. The new species also increases the palaeobiodiversity of marine trematosaurs in Gondwana and allows discussing their apparently rapid cosmopolitanism just after the great Permian–Triassic mass extinction.

Keywords: Lonchorhynchinae, Olenekian, palaeobiogeography, Permian–Triassic mass extinction

Figure 1. Aphaneramma gavialimimus sp. nov., Lower Triassic of Madagascar in dorsal view. A, photograph of the holotype UAAmb007; B, photograph of the plastotype MNHN-6703; C, interpretative drawing.

Systematic palaeontology

Temnospondyli Zittel, 1888

Stereospondyli Zittel, 1888

Trematosauria Romer, 1947 sensu Yates & Warren, 2000

Trematosauroidea Säve-Söderbergh, 1935 sensu Schoch, 2013

Family Trematosauridae Watson, 1919

Subfamily Lonchorhynchinae Säve-Söderbergh, 1935 sensu Steyer, 2002

Aphaneramma Smith Woodward, 1904

Type species.Aphaneramma rostratum Smith Woodward, 1904

(D ‘Lonchorhynchus obergi’ Wiman, 1910) from the early Olenekian of the Sticky Keep of Spitsbergen, Vikinghøgda Formation, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway.

Definition. All taxa sharing a more recent common ancestor with Aphaneramma rostratum than with Cosgriffius campi.

Aphaneramma gavialimimus sp. nov. 

 Etymology. Imitates a gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), due to the general shape similarity with this hyper-longirostral taxon.

Aphaneramma gavialimimus sp. nov., Lower Triassic of Madagascar.  Life reconstruction by Marc Boulay  (MarcBoulay.fr).

Josep Fortuny, Stéphanie Gastou, François Escuillié, Lovasoa Ranivoharimanana and J.-Sébastien Steyer. 2017. A New Extreme Longirostrine Temnospondyl from the Triassic of Madagascar: Phylogenetic and Palaeobiogeographical Implications for Trematosaurids. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.   DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2017.1335805  

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[Entomology • 2017] Revision of World Ooderella Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae), with Description of the First Males for the Genus

July 4, 2017, 7:54 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2017] Oligodon culaochamensis • A New Species of the Genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Cu Lao Cham Islands, central Vietnam

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Ooderella smithii Ashmead, 1896 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4289.1.1

  Abstract

The world species of Ooderella Ashmead, 1896 are revised. Characterization of the genus is based primarily on females, but for the first time males are associated with females through collecting events and described for four species. Putative generic features of males as well as morphological limits of both sexes are discussed, as are possible infrageneric relationships. Previously consisting of a single species from South America, Ooderella smithii Ashmead (♀, ♂), 18 new species are described from the Neotropical, Nearctic and Afrotropical regions, including one from the Nearctic region [O. americana n. sp. (♀)], 5 from the Afrotropical region [O. botswanae n. sp. (♀), O. capensis n. sp. (♀), O. gymnosoma n. sp. (♀), O. kenyaensis n. sp. (♀), and O. platyscapus n. sp. (♀, ♂)], and 12 from the Neotropical region [(O. ambigua n. sp. (♀), O. flavida n. sp. (♀), O. hansoni n. sp. (♀), O. hyalipleura n. sp. (♀), O. melanosceles n. sp. (♀), O. microptera n. sp. (♀), O. reticulifrons n. sp. (♀), O. setosa n. sp. (♀, ♂), O. speculifrons n. sp. (♀), O. spinositegula n. sp. (♀, ♂), O. stenoptera n. sp. (♀), and O. thegalea n. sp. (♀)]. The species are keyed, described, illustrated through macrophotography, and their distributions mapped.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Eupelminae, Brasema, Cervicosus, Nearctic, Neotropical, Afrotropical

Gary A. P. Gibson. 2017. Revision of World Ooderella Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae), with Description of the First Males for the Genus.
  Zootaxa. 4289(1); 1-74. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4289.1.1

[Herpetology • 2017] Oligodon culaochamensis • A New Species of the Genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Cu Lao Cham Islands, central Vietnam

July 5, 2017, 3:35 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2017] Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi • A New Cryptic Toad Species (Bufonidae: Bufo (Anaxyrus)) discovered in Northern Nevada; A Diamond in the Rough Desert Shrublands of the Great Basin in the Western United States

≪ Previous: [Entomology • 2017] Revision of World Ooderella Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae), with Description of the First Males for the Genus

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Oligodon culaochamensis  Nguyen, Nguyen, Nguyen, Phan, Jiang & Murphy, 2017 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4286.3.2

Abstract

A new kukri snake, Oligodon culaochamensis sp. nov., is described from Cu Lao Cham Islands, central Vietnam, based on the morphology of six specimens, including two males, three females and one juvenile. The new species belongs to the O. cyclurus group and differs from other congeners in this group by a combination of the following characters: medium size in adults (total length up to 582 mm); 17–19 dorsal scale rows at neck and midbody and 15 or 17 rows before vent; tail length/total length ratio 0.218–0.219 in males and 0.166–0.169 in females; ventrals 167–169 in males and 179–182 in females; subcaudals 63–66 in males and 51–52 in females; head scalation complete with a presubocular; 9–10 maxillary teeth, the posterior three being enlarged; nasal divided; temporal streak absent; long and deeply forked hemipenes extending to 20th subcaudal and without spines and papillae but with prominent diagonal ridge, oblique flounces and distal calyces; cloacal plate undivided; 10–11+3–4 dorsal blotches; and a vertebral stripe on tail and anterior part of body. This is the second species of Oligodon described on islands of Vietnam.

Keywords: Reptilia, Quang Nam Province, hemipenis, maxillary teeth, Oligodon chinensis, Oligodon culaochamensis sp. nov.

Paratype of Oligodon culaochamensis sp. nov., ITBCZ 5631, male.

Natural history. All specimens were collected .. on the ground in dry primary forests or plantations, usually near the bank of small streams. The stomach of the holotype contained two soft shell eggs (size 15 mm x 7 mm). These eggs probably belong to a snake or lizard.

Distribution. The new species is currently known only from Cu Lao Cham Islands, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. 

Etymology. The specific epithet culaochamensis is derived from Cu Lao Cham Islands, where the new species was discovered.

Sang Ngoc Nguyen, Luan Thanh Nguyen, Vu Dang Hoang Nguyen, Hoa Thi Phan, Ke Jiang and Robert W Murphy. 2017. A New Species of the Genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Cu Lao Cham Islands, central Vietnam.
 Zootaxa. 4286(3); 333-346.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4286.3.2

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1069639533169532

Researchgate.net/publication/318109934_A_new_species_of_the_genus_Oligodon_Fitzinger_1826_Squamata_Colubridae_from_Cu_Lao_Cham_Islands_central_Vietnam

[Herpetology • 2017] Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi • A New Cryptic Toad Species (Bufonidae: Bufo (Anaxyrus)) discovered in Northern Nevada; A Diamond in the Rough Desert Shrublands of the Great Basin in the Western United States

July 5, 2017, 8:00 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2017] Platystele baqueroi • A Showy New Platystele (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) from northwest Ecuador

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Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi     Gordon, Simandle & Tracy, 2017  Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas species complex distribution. a) Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas distribution (shown in brown) across the Western United States with hydrological Great Basin shown with black outline and hash mark interior; b) Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas species complex and ranges for toads including new species, illustrating the narrow distribution of localized endemics. Spatial data for all toads except B. williamsi provided by IUCN (2015).  Images taken by M.R.Gordon except B. canorus with photo credit to G. Nafis.      DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4290.1.7

Abstract

We describe a new species of toad from the Great Basin region of northern Nevada belonging to the Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas species complex. This cryptic species was detected through genetic analyses of toad populations sampled throughout the Great Basin and the morphological evidence was quantified through extensive sampling of live toads within the region. The new species has the smallest body size in the species complex, and can be further diagnosed from other species in the complex by its large tibial glands and unique coloration. The known distribution of the new species is restricted to an area less than 6 km2 in Dixie Valley, Churchill Co., Nevada. The Great Basin is an arid region where aquatic resources are both rare and widely scattered, making habitat suitable for anuran populations highly vulnerable to anthropogenic change. The habitat occupied by this newly described species is threatened by the incipient installation of geothermal and solar power development projects that require the water that defines its habitat.

Keywords: Amphibia, Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi sp. nov., Dixie Valley Toad, Western Toad, Bufo(Anaxyrus) boreas species complex, cryptic species, morphology, new species, conservation, geothermal

FIGURE 4. Photographs of Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi sp. nov. holotype (CAS 259271). Adult male presented live: (a) dorsal view and (b) ventral view; and preserved: (c) dorsal view and (d) ventral view.  Photographs taken by M.R.Gordon. FIGURE 2. Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas species complex distribution.  a) Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas distribution (shown in brown) across the Western United States with hydrological Great Basin shown with black outline and hash mark interior;  b) Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas species complex and ranges for toads including new species, illustrating the narrow distribution of localized endemics. Spatial data for all toads except B. williamsi provided by IUCN (2015).  Images taken by M.R.Gordon except B. canorus with photo credit to G. Nafis.

Bufo(Anaxyrus) williamsi sp. nov. 

Dixie Valley Toad

Diagnosis. Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi is distinguishable from B. boreas by a combination of diagnostic morphological characters (Fig. 4; Table 1, Table 2), genetic evidence (Fig.3, Fig. 6), and localized distribution (Fig. 2b). Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi is distinct from B. boreas by: a small adult body size (SVL is more than 2.5 cm smaller than B. boreas; Table 1); significantly, but modestly, larger, closely-set eyes, and smaller head (Table 2); statistically and perceptibly larger tympanum, and shorter hind limbs; conspicuously large and elevated tibial glands; and distinctive color pattern (Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b).

FIGURE 2. Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas species complex distribution. a) Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas distribution (shown in brown) across the Western United States with hydrological Great Basin shown with black outline and hash mark interior; b) Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas species complex and ranges for toads including new species, illustrating the narrow distribution of localized endemics. Spatial data for all toads except B. williamsi provided by IUCN (2015).  Images taken by M.R.Gordon except B. canorus with photo credit to G. Nafis.

Etymology. The specific epithet is in tribute to Robert Williams, former Field Supervisor of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, whose Herculean efforts on behalf of the fauna of Nevada and California were critically important in discovering additional biodiversity of anurans in the Great Basin, and in focusing on the needs to provide protection to the rare and imperiled fauna, and the ecosystems upon which they depend, in Nevada and California. The Dixie Valley toad would not have been discovered without the efforts of this courageous public servant.

Distribution. Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi is found only within wetlands of limited extent fed from artesian springs on the western edge of the Dixie Valley Playa, east of the Stillwater Range in Dixie Valley, NV (Fig. 2b).

Natural history.Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi is restricted to the spring fed-wetland habitat along the western edge of the Dixie Valley playa. Similar to other toads in the B. boreas complex (except perhaps B. exsul, which is more aquatic), the terrestrial B. williamsi is typically nocturnal, emerging at dusk, and can be found in moist vegetation or in very still, shallow water with very little vegetation canopy. Dixie Valley experiences extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night temperatures, as well as season-to-season extremes, characteristic of cold desert ecosystems.

 Michelle R. Gordon, Eric T. Simandle and C. R. Tracy. 2017. A Diamond in the Rough Desert Shrublands of the Great Basin in the Western United States: A New Cryptic Toad Species (Amphibia: Bufonidae: Bufo (Anaxyrus)) discovered in Northern Nevada.
 Zootaxa. 4290(1); 123–139.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4290.1.7

  

[Botany • 2017] Platystele baqueroi • A Showy New Platystele (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) from northwest Ecuador

July 6, 2017, 7:11 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2008] Scriptosaura catimbau • A New Genus and Species of Eyelid-less and Limb Reduced Gymnophthalmid Lizard (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) from northeastern Brazil

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2017] Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi • A New Cryptic Toad Species (Bufonidae: Bufo (Anaxyrus)) discovered in Northern Nevada; A Diamond in the Rough Desert Shrublands of the Great Basin in the Western United States

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Platystele baqueroi  Jost & Iturralde  DOI:  10.15517/lank.v17i1.28479

Abstract

 A new species of Platystele (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) is described from foothill forest in the province of Carchi in northwestern Ecuador. The species has relatively large flowers for the genus, with long slender sepaline tails. It resembles Platystele caudatisepala, but is distinguished from that species by the partially connate lateral sepals, the convex lip with reflexed tip and margins, the deflexed petals, sometimes with their tips touching behind the flower, the sepals with recurved margins, and the leaves long-petiolate.

Keywords: Carchi, Ecuador, Orchidaceae, Platystele, Pleurothallidinae

Figure 2. Platystele baqueroi. A, frontal view. B, lateral view. Scale bars = 2.5 mm. Photographs of the specimen that served as the holotype by Luis Baquero.

Diagnosis. Similar to the widely distributed P. caudatisepala (C. Schweinf.) Garay, but differs in its more long-petiolate leaves, lateral sepals connate for 2 mm and not divergent, petals usually strongly deflexed, with tips that often meet or cross behind the flower, and adaxial surface of lip strongly convex rather than planar.

Eponymy: Named after Luis Baquero, Quito, Ecuador, enthusiastic orchidologist and conservationist who discovered this species.

Lou Jost and Gabriel Iturralde. 2017.
 A Showy New Platystele (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) from northwest Ecuador.
 LANKESTERIANA. 17(1); 55-60. DOI:  10.15517/lank.v17i1.28479

Resumen. Se describe una nueva especie de Platystele (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) de los bosques piemontanos de la provincia de Carchi en el noroccidente de Ecuador. Esta especie presenta flores relativamente grandes en relación a la mayoría de las especies del género, cuyas caudas de los sépalos son largas y delgadas. Es similar a Platystele caudatisepala pero se distingue de esa especie por sus sépalos laterales parcialmente connados, el labio convexo con la punta y márgenes reflexos, los pétalos deflexos, a veces tocando sus puntas hacia atrás de la flor, los sépalos con márgenes recurvados y las hojas largamente pecioladas. 

[Herpetology • 2008] Scriptosaura catimbau • A New Genus and Species of Eyelid-less and Limb Reduced Gymnophthalmid Lizard (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) from northeastern Brazil

July 6, 2017, 8:05 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2016] Barleria mirabilis • A Remarkable New Tree Species (Acanthaceae) from west Tanzania

≪ Previous: [Botany • 2017] Platystele baqueroi • A Showy New Platystele (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) from northwest Ecuador

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Scriptosaura catimbau  Rodrigues & Maranhão dos Santos, 2008

Abstract

 Scriptosaura catimbau, a new genus and species of elongate, fossorial, sand swimming eyelid-less gymnophthalmid lizard is described on the basis of specimens obtained at Fazenda Porto Seguro, municipality of Buíque, State of Pernambuco, in the Caatingas of northeastern Brazil. The type locality is entirely included within the area of the recently created Parque Nacional do Catimbau. The new lizard lacks external forelimbs, has rudimentary styliform hindlimbs and is further characterized by the absence of prefrontal, frontal, frontoparietal and supraocular scales, and by having one pair of chin shields. A member of the Gymnophthalmini radiation, the new genus is considered to be sister to Calyptommatus from which it differs externally by the absence of an ocular scale and absence of an enlarged temporal scale.

Key words: Scriptosaura catimbau, new genus, Gymnophthalmidae, taxonomy, Catimbau Nacional Park, Pernambuco State, Brazil, Caatingas

FIGURE 3. Living specimen of Scriptosaura catimbau from Parque Nacional do Catimbau.

Scriptosaura, gen. nov.

Definition: An elongate and short tailed gymnophthalmid lacking an ear opening and eyelid. Forelimbs absent, hindlimbs rudimentary, styliform, ending in a short apical scale; nail absent. Frontonasal single; prefrontals, frontal, frontoparietals, supraoculars, and loreal absent. Parietals longer than wide, contacting frontal. Nostril in the center of nasal. Collar fold absent. One pair of chin shields. Dorsal scales cycloid anteriorly, posteriorly smooth, hexagonal, keeled and slightly mucronate, in regular transverse series; lateral scales enlarged, smooth. Ventral scales smooth, in four regular transverse series, the external ones wider. Males with four preanal pores, absent in females.

Etymology: From the Latin “scriptor” = writer, and “saura” = lizard in reference to the sand tracks left by this sand swimming species. The tracks are in the origin of its popular name (escrivão = public writer) which is also attributed to other similar sand swimming lizards like those of the related genera Calyptommatus and Nothobachia.

Scriptosaura catimbau, sp. nov.

Etymology: A noun in apposition, in reference to the type locality, Parque Nacional do Catimbau.

FIGURE 5. General aspect of the eroded border of the sandstone Silurian Devonian plateau at Parque Nacional do Catimbau, type locality of Scriptosaura catimbau (A); typical sandy habitat of Scriptosaura catimbau, note the abundance of the “caroá” (Neoglaziovia sp.), the thin bromeliad (B); track of Scriptosaura catimbau (C).

Scriptosaura catimbau Rodrigues & Maranhão dos Santos, 2008

Resumo: Scriptosaura catimbau, um novo gênero e espécie arenícola de lagarto gimnoftalmídeo fossorial com corpo alongado e sem pálpebra é descrito com base em espécimes obtidos na Fazenda Porto Seguro, município de Buíque, estado de Pernambuco, nas Caatingas do nordeste brasileiro. A localidade tipo está inteiramente incluída no recentemente criado Parque Nacional do Catimbau. O novo lagarto, sem membros anteriores e com membros posteriores reduzidos a apêndices estiliformes caracteriza-se pela ausência de prefrontal, frontal, frontoparietal e supraocular e por apresentar um único par de escudos pós-mentais. O novo gênero pertence à tribo Gymnophthalmini e é considerado irmão de Calyptommatus do qual difere externamente pela ausência de escama ocular e de uma escama temporal muito aumentada, características do último gênero.

 Palavras chave: Scriptosaura catimbau, gênero novo, Gymnophthalmidae, taxonomia, Parque Nacional do Catimbau, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, Caatingas

Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues and Ednilza Maranhão Dos Santos. 2008. A New Genus and Species of Eyelid-less and Limb Reduced Gymnophthalmid Lizard from northeastern Brazil (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae). Zootaxa. 1873; 50–60. 

http://www.ib.usp.br/trefaut/pdfs/Rodrigues,%20Santos_2008_A%20new%20genus%20and%20species%20of%20eyelid-less%20and%20limb%20reduced%20gymnophthalmid%20lizard%20from%20northeastern%20Brazil%20(Squamata,%20Gymnophthalmidae).pdf

[Botany • 2016] Barleria mirabilis • A Remarkable New Tree Species (Acanthaceae) from west Tanzania

July 6, 2017, 8:25 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2016] Suture Pattern Formation in Ammonites and the Unknown Rear Mantle Structure

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Barleria mirabilis  I. Darbysh. & Q. Luke  DOI:  10.1007/s12225-016-9622-0

Summary

A new species of Barleria (Acanthaceae), discovered in 2014 on the Uzondo Plateau of West Tanzania, is described and illustrated and its affinities are discussed. This is the first documented tree species in the genus Barleria. Its conservation status is assessed using the categories and criteria of IUCN; it is considered to be globally Vulnerable.

Key Words: conservation, IUCN Red List assessment, Mpanda, taxonomy, Uzondo 

Barleria mirabilis, Uzondo Plateau, Tanzania. (photo:I. Darbyshire).

Barleria mirabilis, Uzondo Plateau, Tanzania, with M. Vorontsova providing scale  (photo: Q. Luke).

RECOGNITION: Barleria mirabilis is most similar to B. crassa C. B. Clarke and B. nyasensis C. B. Clarke but differs markedly from both in being a tree to 4 – 6 m tall at maturity (vs a perennial herb or shrub 0.3 – 2.5 m tall); in having broader, elliptic or oblanceolate bracteoles 3 – 5 mm wide and lacking a spine tip (vs bracteoles linear-lanceolate with a spine tip or reduced to a simple spine, 0.5 – 3 mm wide); in the bracteoles and posterior and anterior calyx lobes having numerous conspicuous capitate “mushroom” glands externally (these absent in B. crassa and B. nyasensis which only have scattered small glandular hairs on the calyx); in the anterior and posterior calyx lobes being more convex and with markedly involute, entire margins (vs calyx lobes with margin not or hardly involute; denticulate to spinulose-dentate or rarely almost entire); and in the anthers being larger (6.3 – 6.6 mm vs 3 – 5 mm long).

DISTRIBUTION: Known only from the Uzondo Plateau of West Tanzania.

ETYMOLOGY: The species epithet “mirabilis” (miraculous, astonishing) refers both to the fact that this is a truly remarkable species, being the only tree Barleria recorded to date, and to the fact that such a striking and locally frequent species has not been found previously despite considerable past botanical exploration at the collecting locality.

Iain Darbyshire and Quentin Luke. 2016. Barleria mirabilis (Acanthaceae): A Remarkable New Tree Species from west Tanzania. Kew Bulletin. 71; 13. DOI:  10.1007/s12225-016-9622-0

http://www.indefenseofplants.com/blog/2017/5/25/1730-new-plant-species-were-described-in-2016

[Paleontology • 2016] Suture Pattern Formation in Ammonites and the Unknown Rear Mantle Structure

July 6, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2017] Philippogalla, A New Genus for Philipposcopus modestus (Baker) from the Philippines, and A New Species of Philipposcopus, P. processus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Idiocerinae) from China

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Damesites cf. damesi reconstruction: Takashi Oda @StudioCorvo  Inoue & Kondo, 2016 DOI:  10.1038/srep33689

Abstract

Ammonite shells have complex patterns of suture lines that vary across species. The lines are formed at the intersection of the outer shell wall and the septa. The wavy septa can form if the rear mantle of the ammonite, which functions as the template, has a complex shape. Previous hypotheses assumed that the rear mantle is like a flexible membrane that can be folded by some physical force. The elucidation of the mechanism of septa formation requires that the detailed shape of the septa should be known. We developed a new protocol of X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT) and obtained high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) images of the septa of the Upper Cretaceous ammonite Damesites cf. damesi. The obtained image suggested that the wavy and branched structures of the rear mantle grew autonomously. We found that some extant sea slugs have branched structures and showed similar shape and growth sequence as those in fossils, suggesting that the mantle of molluscs basically has the potential to form branched projections. Based on the characteristics of the obtained 3D structure, we explain how ammonites might have formed the complex suture patterns.

  

Shinya Inoue and Shigeru Kondo. 2016. Suture Pattern Formation in Ammonites and the Unknown Rear Mantle Structure. Scientific Reports. 6; 33689. DOI:  10.1038/srep33689

  http://www.natureasia.com/ja-jp/srep/abstracts/80674

 twitter.com/StudioCorvo/status/818493421614567424

 twitter.com/JapanFossil/status/878019597785374721

    

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[Entomology • 2017] Philippogalla, A New Genus for Philipposcopus modestus (Baker) from the Philippines, and A New Species of Philipposcopus, P. processus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Idiocerinae) from China

July 10, 2017, 10:46 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2017] Andinobates victimatus • A New Species of Andinobates (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from the Urabá region of Colombia

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Philipposcopus processus   Xue, Mckamey & Zhan,. 2017    DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4291.1.2

Abstract

A new genus of Idiocerinae, Philippogalla gen. nov., is described and illustrated based on Philipposcopus modestus (Baker) from the Philippines. A lectotype is designated for P. modestus. In addition, a new species Philipposcopus processus sp. nov. is described and illustrated from China.

Keywords: Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Idiocerinae

 Qingquan Xue, Stuart H. Mckamey and Yalin Zhang. 2017. Philippogalla, A New Genus for Philipposcopus modestus (Baker) from the Philippines, and A New Species of Philipposcopus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Idiocerinae) from China.
 Zootaxa. 4291(1); 34–40.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4291.1.2

[Herpetology • 2017] Andinobates victimatus • A New Species of Andinobates (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from the Urabá region of Colombia

July 10, 2017, 11:15 pm

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2017] Revision of Hestiasulini Giglio-Tos, 1915 stat. rev. (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae) of Borneo, with Description of New Taxa and Comments on the Taxonomy of the Tribe

≪ Previous: [Entomology • 2017] Philippogalla, A New Genus for Philipposcopus modestus (Baker) from the Philippines, and A New Species of Philipposcopus, P. processus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Idiocerinae) from China

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Andinobates victimatus  Márquez, Mejía-Vargas, Palacios-Rodríguez, Ramírez-Castañeda & Amézquita, 2017 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4290.3.7

Abstract

Northwestern South America is among the most biodiverse, albeit unexplored, regions of the world. The genus Andinobates is made up of 14 species, all distributed in Northwestern South America (Colombia and Northern Ecuador), and adjacent Panamá. Within the last decade, five species of this genus have been described. In this paper we describe yet another species, belonging to the Andinobates fulguritus group, from the Urabá region of Northwestern Colombia. The new species can be distinguished from other members of Andinobates on the basis of a unique combination of coloration, size, and advertisement call parameters. Molecular phylogenetic and genetic distance analyses corroborate the species’ taxonomic affinity, and further support its status as a distinct lineage. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings on the systematics of the A. fulguritus group.

Keywords: Amphibia, Integrative taxonomy, Molecular phylogenetics, mtDNA, Andinobates victimatus sp. nov., Llorona canyon

twitter.com/RMp033/status/884256870554271744

FIGURE 4. Andinobates victimatus sp. nov. A–D: Lateral and dorsal views of an unsexed adult from the type locality. E–F: Ventral views of unsexed adults at the type locality.

Andinobates victimatus sp. nov.

Etymology. From the Latin victimatus  (the victimized); noun in apposition. The Urabá region, where this species occurs, has historically been flailed by Colombia’s longstanding armed conflicts, perhaps more than most other regions of the country, leaving a virtually countless trail of innocent victims. We name this species in honor and remembrance of all these victims.

  Roberto Márquez, Daniel Mejía-Vargas, Pablo Palacios-Rodríguez, Valeria Ramírez-Castañeda and  Adolfo Amézquita. 2017. A New Species of Andinobates (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from the Urabá region of Colombia. Zootaxa. 4290(3); 531-546.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4290.3.7

researchgate.net/publication/318323147_A_new_species_of_Andinobates_Anura_Dendrobatidae_from_the_Uraba_region_of_Colombia

 twitter.com/RMp033/status/884256870554271744

  

[Entomology • 2017] Revision of Hestiasulini Giglio-Tos, 1915 stat. rev. (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae) of Borneo, with Description of New Taxa and Comments on the Taxonomy of the Tribe

July 12, 2017, 7:00 am

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2017] Tsidiiyazhi abini • Early Paleocene Landbird Supports Rapid Phylogenetic and Morphological Diversification of Crown Birds after the K–Pg Mass Extinction

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Astyliasula phyllopus  (De Haan, 1842)  Schwarz & Shcherbakov, 2017    DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4291.2.2

Abstract

The Bornean Oxypilinae species previously included in the genus HestiasulaSaussure, 1871 are revised. External morphology and genital characters of Sundaian taxa differ considerably from the Indian type species H. brunnerianaSaussure, 1871, necessitating taxonomic and nomenclatural changes. The genus Catestiasula Giglio-Tos, 1915 is reinstated. It is characterized by the apomorphic partial fusion of the dorsal and ventral laminae of the left phallomere, and by the complete reduction of the apical process. It is represented on Borneo with two species, C. nitida (Brunner de Wattenwyl, 1893) and C. moultoniGiglio-Tos, 1915. An additional species, C. seminigra(Zhang, 1992)n. comb. occurs in continental SE Asia. Two new genera are described, united by the lack of styli, the presence of dorsal carinae on the subgenital plate, and the unique morphology of the dorsal lamina of the left phallomere, but differing in the morphology of head and forelegs. Astyliasula gen. nov. accommodates A. phyllopus (De Haan, 1842) n. comb. and related species from the Sunda Islands and continental SE Asia: A. basinigra (Zhang, 1992)n. comb., A. hoffmanni (Tinkham, 1937) n. comb., A. javana (Beier, 1929) n. comb., A. major (Beier, 1929) n. comb., A. inermis(Wood-Mason, 1879) n. comb., and A. wuyshana (Yang & Wang, 1999) n. comb.. Hestias sarawaca Westwood, 1889 is removed from synonymy with A. phyllopus and reinstated as Astyliasula sarawaca(Westwood, 1889)n. comb.. The monotypic taxon Pseudohestiasula borneana gen. nov. sp. nov. is erected for a Bornean endemic more closely related to Astyliasula than to the other genera. Hestiasula is now restricted to H. brunneriana and related species from India and adjacent countries. The tribe Hestiasulini Giglio-Tos, 1915stat. rev. is proposed for all genera more closely related to Hestiasula than to other Oxypilinae, that is Hestiasula, Ephestiasula, Catestiasula, Astyliasula, and Pseudohestiasula. New data on the ecology and distribution of all Bornean Hestiasulini as well as a key to the Oxypilinae of Borneo are provided.

Keywords: Mantodea, Hestiasula, Catestiasula, Astyliasula, Pseudohestiasula, Oxypilinae, Hestiasulini, new species

Christian J. Schwarz and Evgeny Shcherbakov. 2017. Revision of Hestiasulini Giglio-Tos, 1915stat. rev. (Insecta: Mantodea: Hymenopodidae) of Borneo, with Description of New Taxa and Comments on the Taxonomy of the Tribe.
 Zootaxa. 4291(2); 243–274.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4291.2.2

[PaleoOrnithology • 2017] Tsidiiyazhi abini • Early Paleocene Landbird Supports Rapid Phylogenetic and Morphological Diversification of Crown Birds after the K–Pg Mass Extinction

July 12, 2017, 8:33 am

≫ Next: [Arachnida • 2017] The Spiny Theridiid Genus Meotipa Simon, 1895 (Araneae, Theridiidae) in India, with Description of A Strange New Species, Meotipa sahyadri, with Translucent Abdomen and A Phylogenetic Analysis about the Genus Placement

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Tsidiiyazhi abini  Ksepka, Stidham & Williamson, 2017  storagetwo.com  Artwork by Sean Murtha @KsepkaLab  DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1700188114

Significance: 

Molecular (DNA) studies suggest that birds radiated rapidly in the wake of the Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction (66 Ma), diversifying into nearly all the major groups we recognize today. However, fossil evidence for this pattern has been difficult to find because of the poor fossilization potential of small, delicate-boned birds. We report a tiny species of bird from ∼62.5 million-year-old rocks in New Mexico. Tsidiiyazhi abini (Navajo for “little morning bird”) is an ancient species of mousebird (Coliiformes). The fossil provides evidence that many groups of birds arose just a few million years after the mass extinction and had already begun evolving specializations of the foot for different ecological roles.

Abstract

Evidence is accumulating for a rapid diversification of birds following the K–Pg extinction. Recent molecular divergence dating studies suggest that birds radiated explosively during the first few million years of the Paleocene; however, fossils from this interval remain poorly represented, hindering our understanding of morphological and ecological specialization in early neoavian birds. Here we report a small fossil bird from the Nacimiento Formation of New Mexico, constrained to 62.221–62.517 Ma. This partial skeleton represents the oldest arboreal crown group bird known. Phylogenetic analyses recovered Tsidiiyazhi abini gen. et sp. nov. as a member of the Sandcoleidae, an extinct basal clade of stem mousebirds (Coliiformes). The discovery of Tsidiiyazhi pushes the minimum divergence ages of as many as nine additional major neoavian lineages into the earliest Paleocene, compressing the duration of the proposed explosive post–K–Pg radiation of modern birds into a very narrow temporal window parallel to that suggested for placental mammals. Simultaneously, Tsidiiyazhi provides evidence for the rapid morphological (and likely ecological) diversification of crown birds. Features of the foot indicate semizygodactyly (the ability to facultatively reverse the fourth pedal digit), and the arcuate arrangement of the pedal trochleae bears a striking resemblance to the conformation in owls (Strigiformes). Inclusion of fossil taxa and branch length estimates impacts ancestral state reconstructions, revealing support for the independent evolution of semizygodactyly in Coliiformes, Leptosomiformes, and Strigiformes, none of which is closely related to extant clades exhibiting full zygodactyly.

Keywords: aves, phylogeny, morphology, fossil, evolution

Fossil bones of Tsidiiyazhi abini, a 62.5 million-year-old fossil representing the oldest arboreal species of crown bird. photos: Kate Dzikiewicz

Systematic Paleontology

 Aves Linnaeus, 1758

 Coliiformes Murie, 1872 cf. 

Sandcoleidae Houde and Olson, 1992 

Tsidiiyazhi abini, gen. et sp. nov

Etymology. The genus and species names are derived from the Navajo (Diné Bizaad) language, reflecting the discovery of the fossil within ancestral Navajo lands. The genus name is derived from the words “tsidii” for “bird” and “yazhi” for “little,” in reference to the fossil’s small size. The specific epithet is derived from the Navajo word “abini” for “morning,” referencing the early Paleocene age of the taxon. Pronunciation using International Phonetic Alphabet phonetic symbols is as follows: /tsɪdi:jæʒi:/ /′ɔbɪnɪ/.

Type Locality and Horizon. NMMNH locality L-6898 comprises a relatively thin (<10 cm) muddy siltstone bed of restricted areal extent, representing an exposure of the Ojo Encino Member of the Nacimiento Formation. The site is located on the West Flank of Torreon Wash within the San Juan Basin, in Sandoval County, New Mexico. ....

Diagnosis. Tsidiiyazhi abini is differentiated from all other Coliiformes by the following apomorphies: (i) tubercle on the medial face of cranial end of the scapula, (ii) strongly developed triangular protuberance at the apex of impressio m. sternocoracoidei of the coracoid, (iii) medially displaced distal exit of canalis extensorius of the tibiotarsus, and (iv) arcuate arrangement of the metatarsal trochleae. 

....

Tsidiiyazhi abini life reconstruction by Sean Murtha.

Daniel T. Ksepka, Thomas A. Stidham and Thomas E. Williamson. 2017. Early Paleocene Landbird Supports Rapid Phylogenetic and Morphological Diversification of Crown Birds after the K–Pg Mass Extinction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1700188114

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New species of ancient bird discovered in New Mexico phy.so/418976380 @physorg_com

http://www.storagetwo.com/blog/2017/7/a-new-bruce-discovery-the-little-morning-bird

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[Arachnida • 2017] The Spiny Theridiid Genus Meotipa Simon, 1895 (Araneae, Theridiidae) in India, with Description of A Strange New Species, Meotipa sahyadri, with Translucent Abdomen and A Phylogenetic Analysis about the Genus Placement

July 12, 2017, 7:11 pm

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Meotipa sahyadri  Kulkarni, Vartak, Deshpande & Halali, 2017   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4291.3.4

Abstract

A characteristic new species Meotipa sahyadri n. sp. with tall and white translucent abdomen in females is described in detail based on morphology of both sexes, based on specimens collected from the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. The new species has epigynal projection which is known only in Meotipa picturata Simon, 1895, but differs in shape (trifid vs. quadrangular respectively). Males have longest straight embolus exceeding conductor length. Observations of its natural history are provided. Meotipa picturata is newly recorded from Goa, which extends its north-westward distribution from the previously known records from ‘Kodei Kanal’, India (type locality), Ratchasima Province, Thailand and East Kalimantan, Indonesia. A new combinationMeotipa andamanensis (Tikader, 1977) n. comb. (=Argyrodes andamanensis) is proposed based on the comparison of description and illustrations provided in the original paper to that of the characters of the type species M. picturata. 242 morphological characters studied in the previous literature and one additional character ‘epigynal projection’ were scored for Meotipa sahyadri n. sp. and Meotipa picturata. These species were obtained monophyletic, placed within Theridiinae as sister to Chrysso cf. nigriceps using parsimony analysis and Bayesian inference.

Keywords: Araneae, Taxonomy, Comb-footed Spiders, Morphology, Phylogeny, Asian Tropics, Western Ghats

  

Siddharth Kulkarni, Atul Vartak, Vishwas Deshpande and Dheeraj Halali. 2017. The Spiny Theridiid Genus MeotipaSimon, 1895 in India, with Description of A Strange New Species with Translucent Abdomen and A Phylogenetic Analysis about the Genus Placement (Araneae, Theridiidae).
  Zootaxa. 4291(3); 504–520.    DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4291.3.4