[Ichthyology • 2017] Schistura colossa & S. klydonion, Two New Species of Loaches (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos

August 7, 2017, 8:06 am

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2017] Ectinogonia cryptica • Genetic and Morphological Evidence for A New Cryptic Species of Ectinogonia (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from central Chile

≪ Previous: [Crustacea • 2017] A Case of Appalachian Endemism: Revision of the Cambarus robustus complex (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in the Kentucky and Licking River Basins of Kentucky, USA, with the Description of Three New Species

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Schistura colossa  Kottelat, 2017  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 65; 341–356.

Abstract

 Schistura colossa, new species, is described from the Xe Pian, Xe Set and Houay Champi on Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos. It is distinguished by its large size (up to at least 98 mm SL); the body has 16–21 bars, quite regularly shaped in juveniles and with increasing size becoming more irregular; in the largest individuals the bars on the caudal peduncle are broken up in irregular blotches. Schisturaklydonion, new species, is described from the Xe Namnoy, also on Bolaven Plateau. It is distinguished by its relatively large size (up to at least 76 mm SL); the body has a midlateral row of 12–21 bars that do not reach the dorsal midline and that alternate with a middorsal row of saddles or small blotches, leaving a pale zigzag line between the two rows; the lips have a few sparsely-set pointed papillae. The topography of the plateau and the distribution of the endemic species suggest an earlier connection of the Houay Makchang Gnai and the Xe Katam with the Xe Pian instead of the Xe Namnoy. Both species are endemic to the Bolaven Plateau, have a limited distribution and are impacted by hydropower and agricultural activities.

 Key words. Cobitoidei, Schistura, Mekong basin, stone loach

Fig. 2. Schistura colossa, MHNG 2767.084, holotype, 98.0 mm SL; Laos: Xe Pian River on Bolaven Plateau.

Schistura colossa, new species

Distribution. Schistura colossa has been collected on Bolaven Plateau in the Xe Pian drainage, a tributary of the Xe Kong, in southern Laos (Fig. 9). A single specimen caught in the Champi and one caught in the Xe Set, both on Bolaven Plateau, cannot be distinguished from the samples from the Xe Pian.

 Etymology. The Latin adjective colossus (-a, -um) means giant. Allusion to the size of the species, a giant among Southeast Asian nemacheilids. 

Fig. 13. Schistura klydonion, MHNG 2767.085, 75.8 mm SL, holotype; Laos: Xe Namnoy on Bolaven Plateau (right side, reversed).

Schistura klydonion, new species

Distribution. Schistura klydonion has been observed only in the Xe Namnoy on the Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos. 

Etymology. From the classical Greek κλυδώνιον (klydonion) meaning smallwave, ripple, undulation; allusion to the wavy stripe running along the flank between the row of saddles and the row of bars. A noun in apposition. 

Maurice Kottelat. 2017. Schistura colossa and S. klydonion, Two New Species of Loaches from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae).
 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 65; 341–356.

http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/vol65/65rbz341-356.pdf

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[Entomology • 2017] Ectinogonia cryptica • Genetic and Morphological Evidence for A New Cryptic Species of Ectinogonia (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from central Chile

August 8, 2017, 9:20 pm

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2017] Troodontids (Theropoda) from the Dinosaur Park Formation, Alberta, with A Description of A Unique New Taxon, Latenivenatrix mcmasterae: Implications for Deinonychosaur Diversity in North America

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2017] Schistura colossa & S. klydonion, Two New Species of Loaches (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos

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Ectinogonia cryptica Anguita-Salinas, Barahona-Rodrigo, Poulin & Zúñiga-Reinoso, 2017  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4303.2.8

Abstract

The genus Ectinogonia Spinola, 1837 is a genus mainly found in Chile; it currently contains 17 species. Recent exploration in the Andes Mountain Range of the Bio Bio Region in Chile have resulted in the collection of specimens slightly different morphologically from all previously described species. The aim of this paper is to describe this new species of Ectinogonia using morphological and genetic evidence. To establish differences between species we described the external morphology and compared it to species that are morphologically similar (i.e. E. buqueti Spinola 1837 and E. intermedia Kerremans 1903). We also measured the genetic differences in COI sequences, constructing a distance matrix in which we compared it to species that are morphologically similar (E. buqueti and E. intermedia) and other species found in the same region (E. speciosa oscuripennis Moore 1994). We found that Ectinogonia cryptica sp. n. differs from E. buqueti (which previously contained E. cryptica sp. n.) in pronotum and elytral patterns. The genetic distance matrix shows that E. cryptica sp. n. differs by 4.6% from all other Ectinogonia species compared, supporting the morphological evidence.

Keywords: Coleoptera, Chrysochroinae, Dicercini, Ectinogonia cryptica sp. n., genetic distance, taxonomy

Simón Anguita-Salinas, Rodrigo M. Barahona-Rodrigo, Elie Poulin and Alvaro Zúñiga-Reinoso. 2017. Genetic and Morphological Evidence for A New Cryptic Species of Ectinogonia (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from central Chile. Zootaxa. 4303(2); 284–292. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4303.2.8

[Paleontology • 2017] Troodontids (Theropoda) from the Dinosaur Park Formation, Alberta, with A Description of A Unique New Taxon, Latenivenatrix mcmasterae: Implications for Deinonychosaur Diversity in North America

August 8, 2017, 11:45 pm

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2017] Patagotitan mayorum • A New Giant Titanosaur Sheds Light on Body Mass Evolution Among Sauropod Dinosaurs

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Latenivenatrix mcmasterae van der Reest & Currie, 2017  DOI: 10.1139/cjes-2017-0031

ABSTRACT

Troodontids are known from Asia and North America, with the most complete specimens from the Jurassic of China and the Cretaceous of Mongolia. North American troodontids are poorly known, and specimens that have been described are isolated elements or partial skeletons with limited material. A new troodontid from the upper Dinosaur Park Formation (upper Campanian) is based on partial skulls, several vertebrae, ribs, gastralia, chevrons, a sacrum, partial pelvis, and partial fore and hind limbs. It is the largest troodontid known, with an estimated height of 180 cm and length of 350 cm. Like other troodontids, it possesses an elongated ambiens process and has a horizontal ventral margin of the postacetabular process. It differs from all other derived troodontids in that the slightly retroverted pubis has a shaft that curves anteroventrally. Some specimens from the Dinosaur Park Formation previously assigned to Troodon are reassigned to the new taxon, including multiple partial crania, an associated dentary and metatarsus, and a partial skeleton. Previously undescribed elements from the lower part of the Dinosaur Park Formation are assigned to the resurrected Stenonychosaurus inequalis. Distinct stratigraphic separation of Stenonychosaurus inequalis and the new taxon indicates a replacement in troodontid fauna, similar to the turnover of large ornithischians in the same formation. The new taxon is phylogenetically more closely related to Mongolian taxa, indicating the replacement of Stenonychosaurus may have been from an earlier Asian form immigrating into North America.

Latenivenatrix mcmasterae Life reconstruction by Julius Csotonyi.

Systematic palaeontology

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Maniraptora Gauthier, 1986

Troodontidae Gilmore, 1924 sensu Turner et al. 2012

Troodontinae, clade nov.

DEFINITION: The most inclusive clade containing Gobivenator mongoliensis and Zanabazar junior.

DIAGNOSIS: Troodontinae differs from all other more basal troodontids by possessing an elongated ambiens process that is present on the anterior margin of the iliopubic symphysis.

Latenivenatrix gen. nov. 

Latenivenatrix mcmasterae gen. et sp. nov.

ETYMOLOGY: The generic name derives from “latens” (Latin for latent and hiding) and “venatrix” (feminine form in Latin for hunter). “Latent” refers to the taxon having been in multiple collections for nearly 100 years but unrecognized until now. “Hiding” has a similar meaning to latent, but also refers to a predatory animal hiding in cover until a suitable time to attack its prey. “Hunter” refers to it being carnivorous. The specific epithet honours the late mother of the first author, Lynne (McMaster) van der Reest.

 Stenonychosaurus inequalis Sternberg, 1932

Aaron J. van der Reest and Philip J. Currie. 2017. Troodontids (Theropoda) from the Dinosaur Park Formation, Alberta, with A Description of A Unique New Taxon: Implications for Deinonychosaur Diversity in North America. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences. 54; xx. DOI: 10.1139/cjes-2017-0031

 Introducing Latenivenatrix mcmasterae, new Troodontid from the DPF published in @CanJEarthSci this morning! Sorry Troodon formosus #invalid

 twitter.com/AaronVDReest/status/894926653855481856

Dino hips discovery unravels species riddle  bit.ly/2ulK0w6 via @ualberta @EurekAlert

Résumé: Les troodontidés connus proviennent d’Asie et d’Amérique du Nord, les spécimens les plus complets provenant du Jurassique de la Chine et du Crétacé de la Mongolie. Les troodontidés nord-américains sont peu connus et les spécimens décrits consistent en des éléments isolés ou des squelettes partiels représentés par une quantité limitée de matériau. Un nouveau troodontidé de la partie supérieure de la Formation de Dinosaur Park (Campanien supérieur) est basé sur des crânes partiels, plusieurs vertèbres, des côtes, une gastralia, des chevrons, un sacrum, un pelvis partiel et des membres antérieurs et postérieurs partiels. Il s’agit du plus grand troodontidé connu, dont la hauteur est estimée a` 180 cm et la longueur, a` 350 cm. À l’instar d’autres troodontidés, il présente un processus ambiens allongé et une marge ventrale horizontale du processus post-acétabulaire. Il se distingue de tous les autres troodontidés dérivés par son pubis légèrement rétroversé doté d’une diaphyse courbée antéroventralement. Certains spécimens de la Formation de Dinosaur Park auparavant attribués a` Troodon, incluant plusieurs crânes partiels, un os dentaire et un métatarse associés, ainsi qu’un squelette partiel, sont réaffectés au nouveau taxon. Des éléments non décrits auparavant de la partie inférieure de la Formation de Dinosaur Park sont affectés a` Stenonychosaurus inequalis. La séparation stratigraphique claire de Stenonychosaurus inequalis et du nouveau taxon indique un remplacement de la faune de troodontidés semblable au renouvellement des grands ornithischiens de la même formation. Le nouveau taxon est plus étroitement apparenté sur le plan phylogénétique aux taxons de Mongolie, ce qui indique que le remplacement de Stenonychosaurus pourrait être dû a` l’immigration en Amérique du Nord d’une forme asiatique plus ancienne.

[Paleontology • 2017] Patagotitan mayorum • A New Giant Titanosaur Sheds Light on Body Mass Evolution Among Sauropod Dinosaurs

August 9, 2017, 8:12 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2017] Saracha andina • A New Species of Saracha (Solanaceae) from the Central Andes of Peru

≪ Previous: [Paleontology • 2017] Troodontids (Theropoda) from the Dinosaur Park Formation, Alberta, with A Description of A Unique New Taxon, Latenivenatrix mcmasterae: Implications for Deinonychosaur Diversity in North America

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Patagotitan mayorum  Carballido, Pol, Otero, Cerda, Salgado, Garrido, Ramezani, Cúneo & Krause, 2017 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1219

Abstract

Titanosauria was the most diverse and successful lineage of sauropod dinosaurs. This clade had its major radiation during the middle Early Cretaceous and survived up to the end of that period. Among sauropods, this lineage has the most disparate values of body mass, including the smallest and largest sauropods known. Although recent findings have improved our knowledge on giant titanosaur anatomy, there are still many unknown aspects about their evolution, especially for the most gigantic forms and the evolution of body mass in this clade. Here we describe a new giant titanosaur, which represents the largest species described so far and one of the most complete titanosaurs. Its inclusion in an extended phylogenetic analysis and the optimization of body mass reveals the presence of an endemic clade of giant titanosaurs inhabited Patagonia between the Albian and the Santonian. This clade includes most of the giant species of titanosaurs and represents the major increase in body mass in the history of Titanosauria.

KEYWORDS: Titanosauria, Cretaceous, patagonia, taphonomy, Gondwana

Systematic palaeontology 

Dinosauria Owen, 1842 

Sauropoda Marsh, 1878 

Titanosauria Bonaparte and Coria, 1993 

Eutitanosauria Sanz et al., 1999

 Lognkosauria Calvo et al., 2007

 Patagotitan mayorum n. gen. et sp. 

Etymology: Patago from Patagonia (southern South America) and titan (Greek divinity) symbolic of strength and large size. The species name honours the Mayo family for their hospitality during fieldwork at the ‘La Flecha’ ranch.

José L. Carballido, Diego Pol, Alejandro Otero, Ignacio A. Cerda, Leonardo Salgado, Alberto C. Garrido, Jahandar Ramezani, Néstor R. Cúneo and Javier M. Krause. 2017.  A New Giant Titanosaur Sheds Light on Body Mass Evolution Among Sauropod Dinosaurs.  Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 284(1860); 20171219. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1219  

Patagotitan mayorum: New study describes the biggest dinosaur ever
 phy.so/421462792 via @physorg_com

[Botany • 2017] Saracha andina • A New Species of Saracha (Solanaceae) from the Central Andes of Peru

August 9, 2017, 8:23 am

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2017] Five New Species of the Genus Paromphacodes (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Geometrinae) from High Andes in Ecuador

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Saracha andina Rob. Fernandez, I. Revilla & E. Pariente DOI:  10.3897/phytokeys.85.12607

Abstract

Saracha andina Rob. Fernandez, I. Revilla & E. Pariente, sp. nov. (Solanaceae), a new species endemic to the central Andes of Peru, is described here. The new species differs from other species of Saracha Ruiz & Pav. by the combination of small and coriaceous leaves and clearly tubular flowers. A summary of the taxonomic history of the genus Saracha, an identification key for its species and a phylogenetic analysis of this genus and related genera are provided.

Keywords: Saracha, Solanaceae, Peru, Andes, relict forests

Saracha andina Rob. Fernandez, I. Revilla & E. Pariente, sp. nov.

Saracha andina affine S. punctata Ruiz & Pav., sed foliis coriaceus parvus, corolla tubularis et bacca ovoideus differt.

A Saracha punctata (R. Fernandez et al. 260; MOL) B Saracha quitensis (S. Smith 257; MO) C Saracha andina (P. Gonzáles et al. 3385; USM) E Saracha punctata (R. Fernandez 998; MOL) F Saracha quitensis (S. Smith 257; MO) G Saracha andina (R. Fernandez et al. 973; MOL). Photos by: A, E, G Robin Fernandez; B, F Stacey Smith; C Paul Gonzáles.

Figure 3.Saracha species. A Saracha punctata (R. Fernandez et al. 260; MOL) B Saracha quitensis (S. Smith 257; MO) C Saracha andina(P. Gonzáles et al. 3385; USM) D Saracha andina (R. Fernandez et al. 973; MOL) E Saracha punctata (R. Fernandez 998; MOL) F Saracha quitensis (S. Smith 257; MO) G Saracha andina (R. Fernandez et al. 973; MOL). Photos by: A, D, E, G Robin Fernandez; B, F Stacey Smith; C Paul Gonzáles.

Distribution and habitat: Saracha andina is a shrub endemic to the scrub and relict forests in the central Andes of Peru (Depts. Ayacucho, Huancavelica and Lima) at over 3500 to 4000 m in elevation (Fig. 2). Saracha andina grows in stony areas, on slight to moderate slopes, and near creeks. Populations of this species in the Ayacucho region have been recorded to occur in relict forest with a maximum height from 4 to 5 meters dominated by Polylepis microphylla (Wedd.) Bitter and accompanied by Escallonia myrtilloides L.f., sharing the understory with Berberis lutea Ruiz & Pav. and Hesperomeles obtusifolia (Pers.) Lindl.

Ecology: Flowering and fruiting from June to September. Characteristics of the flower suggest pollination by hummingbirds (Faegri and van der Pijil 1979). In the forest where S. andina was collected, we observed hummingbirds such as Metallura phoebe and Oreotrochilus estella, common species in relict forests of “Queñuales” (Servat at al. 2002). These birds may be pollinators of this new species.

Common name and uses: In Pachaca (Dept. Ayacucho) it is commonly known as “checc-ches” in where the native people mention that strong and straight branches had been used for yarning wool (pers. comm.).

 Robin Fernandez-Hilario and Stacey D. Smith. 2017. A New Species of Saracha (Solanaceae) from the Central Andes of Peru. PhytoKeys. 85; 31-43. DOI:  10.3897/phytokeys.85.12607

Resumen: Saracha andinaRob. Fernandez, I. Revilla & E. Pariente, sp. nov. (Solanaceae), una nueva especie endémica de los Andes centrales del Perú se describe aquí. La nueva especie se distingue de las demás especies de Saracha Ruiz & Pav. por poseer hojas coriáceas pequeñas y flores claramente tubulares. Se proporciona un resumen de la historia taxonómica del género Saracha, una clave de identificación revisada para sus especies y un análisis filogenético del género y géneros afines.

Palabras clave: Saracha, Solanaceae, Perú, Andes, bosques relictos

  

[Entomology • 2017] Five New Species of the Genus Paromphacodes (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Geometrinae) from High Andes in Ecuador

August 9, 2017, 7:02 pm

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2017] Chupkaornis keraorum • The Oldest Asian Hesperornithiform from the Upper Cretaceous of Japan, and the Phylogenetic Reassessment of Hesperornithiformes

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Paromphacodes alticola  Lindt, Tasane, Õunap & Viidalepp, 2017   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4303.3.5

  Abstract

Four moth species are grouped in the genus Paromphacodes today. We add descriptions of further five new species: Paromphacodes alticola sp. nov., P. alpha sp. nov., P. onae sp. nov., P. spina sp. nov. and P. summita sp. nov. The species are confined to the parámo biome on summits of Andean volcanoes and were collected on five mountains. The case of the three first named species shows that the deep COI barcode splitting does not affect morphological diversification. The differentiation of P. alticola, P. alpha and P. onae is explained in association with orogeny of Andes and repeated periods of the local active volcanism.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, Neotropics, parámo

Aare Lindt, Tõnis Tasane, Erki Õunap and Jaan Viidalepp. 2017. Five New Species of the Genus Paromphacodes (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Geometrinae) from High Andes in Ecuador. Zootaxa.  4303(3); 395–406.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4303.3.5

[PaleoOrnithology • 2017] Chupkaornis keraorum • The Oldest Asian Hesperornithiform from the Upper Cretaceous of Japan, and the Phylogenetic Reassessment of Hesperornithiformes

August 9, 2017, 8:17 pm

≫ Next: [PaleoMammalogy • 2017] Maiopatagium furculiferum • A New Gliding Mammaliaforms from the Jurassic of China

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Chupkaornis keraorum  Tanaka, Kobayashi, Kurihara, Fiorillo & Kano, 2017  DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2017.1341960

Abstract

Asian hesperornithiforms are extremely rare in contrast to the much more abundant record from North America. In Asia, these fossil birds are only known from fragmentary materials from Mongolia. Here we describe the skeletal remains of a new hesperornithiform Chupkaornis keraorum gen. et sp. nov. from the Upper Cretaceous Kashima Formation (Coniacian to Santonian) of the Yezo Group in Mikasa City, Hokkaido, Japan. This is the best-preserved hesperornithiform material from Asia and it is the first report of hesperornithiforms from the eastern margin of the Eurasian continent. Chupkaornis has a unique combination of characters: finger-like projected tibiofibular crest of femur, deep, emarginated lateral excavation with a sharply defined edge of the ventral margin of the thoracic vertebrae, and the heterocoelous articular surface of the thoracic vertebrae. Our new phylogenetic analysis revises the phylogenetic relationships of Hesperornithiformes. In contrast to previous studies, Enaliornis is assigned as the most basal taxon and Baptornis is positioned as more derived than Brodavis. Chupkaornis is a sister taxon to the clade of Brodavis and higher taxa. Parahesperornis and Hesperornis are positioned within Hesperornithidae, the derived Hesperornithiformes. Many of the skeletal character changes are concentrated at the base of Hesperornithidae (Parahesperornis and more derived taxa), and involve the modification of the pelvic girdle and hind limb morphology (e.g. dorsal directed antitrochanter of pelvis, short and sprawled femur, including probable lobe-toed feet suggested by the specialized distal articular surface of first digit of fourth toe, and predominantly robust digit IV phalanges). These skeletal modifications are likely adaptations for foot-propelled diving behaviour.

Keywords: Hesperornithiformes, diving birds, fossil birds, Late Cretaceous, new species

Japan's first and oldest fossil diving bird,  Chupkaornis keraorum. Life reconstruction by Masato Hattori

Systematic palaeontology

Avialae Gauthier, 1986

Ornithuromorpha Chiappe, 2002a

Hesperornithiformes Fürbringer, 1888

Chupkaornis gen. nov.

Etymology. Chupkaornis, from the combination of the Ainu word ‘chupka’, meaning ‘eastern’, and the Greek ‘ornis’ for bird.

Chupkaornis keraorum sp. nov.

Etymology. Named after Masatoshi and Yasuji Kera, who discovered the specimen and contributed greatly to the Mikasa City Museum. 

Holotype. MCM.A773; a partial skeleton of a single individual including four cervical and two thoracic vertebrae, the distal ends of the left and right femora, and the middle part of the right fibula. 

Locality and age. Kumaoi Creek, one branch off Lake Katsurazawa, Mikasa City, Hokkaido, Japan; Kashima Formation (Coniacian to Santonian), Upper Cretaceous Yezo Group.

 Conclusions:

A new hesperornithiform, Chupkaornis keraorum gen. et sp. nov. (MCM.A773) from the Late Cretaceous of Japan, is the first record of the group from the eastern margin of the Eurasian continent and the oldest record for this avian group from Asia. The new material is the best-preserved Asian hesperornithiform specimen recovered thus far, and provides new palaeobiogeographical insights for the broad taxonomic group as well as significant new anatomical data. Chupkaornis keraorum is diagnosed by a unique combination of characters from thoracic vertebrae and femur. 

A phylogenetic analysis suggests that C. keraorum is a basal hesperornithiform. The new taxon is more derived than Pasquiaornis and more basal than Brodavis. The present analysis also suggests new phylogenetic relationships within the Hesperornithiformes; Enaliornis is the most basal hesperornithiform, and Baptornis advenus is a more derived taxon than Brodavis. The evolutionary rate calculation indicates that the rate of change is much higher within basal members of the Hesperornithidae compared to later branches. This rate change suggests that the most important morphological changes for highly foot-propelled diving adaptation are concentrated at the base of the Hesperornithidae.

Tomonori Tanaka, Yoshitsugu Kobayashi, Ken'ichi Kurihara, Anthony R. Fiorillo and Manabu Kano. 2017. The Oldest Asian Hesperornithiform from the Upper Cretaceous of Japan, and the Phylogenetic Reassessment of Hesperornithiformes. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2017.1341960 

Amateur collectors in Japan discover country's first and oldest fossil diving bird  phy.so/421422532 via @physorg_com

[PaleoMammalogy • 2017] Maiopatagium furculiferum • A New Gliding Mammaliaforms from the Jurassic of China

August 9, 2017, 8:46 pm

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2017] Taxonomic Assessment of the Hard-Nosed Thornycats (Siluriformes: Doradidae: Trachydoras Eigenmann 1925) with Description of A New Species, Trachydoras gepharti

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Maiopatagium furculiferum  Meng, Grossnickle, Liu, Zhang, Neander, Ji & Luo, 2017  Reconstruction by April I. Neander | DOI: 10.1038/nature23476

Stem mammaliaforms are Mesozoic forerunners to mammals, and they offer critical evidence for the anatomical evolution and ecological diversification during the earliest mammalian history. Two new eleutherodonts from the Late Jurassic period have skin membranes and skeletal features that are adapted for gliding. Characteristics of their digits provide evidence of roosting behaviour, as in dermopterans and bats, and their feet have a calcaneal calcar to support the uropagatium as in bats. The new volant taxa are phylogenetically nested with arboreal eleutherodonts. Together, they show an evolutionary experimentation similar to the iterative evolutions of gliders within arboreal groups of marsupial and placental mammals. However, gliding eleutherodonts possess rigid interclavicle–clavicle structures, convergent to the avian furculum, and they retain shoulder girdle plesiomorphies of mammaliaforms and monotremes. Forelimb mobility required by gliding occurs at the acromion–clavicle and glenohumeral joints, is different from and convergent to the shoulder mobility at the pivotal clavicle–sternal joint in marsupial and placental gliders.

Clade Mammaliaformes

Clade Haramiyida 

Clade (Order) Eleutherodontida

Maiopatagium furculiferum gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Maio (Latin): mother; patagium (Latin): skin membrane, referring to the preserved patagial membranes of the fossil; furcula (Latin): fork; ferum (Latin): similar, in reference to the sutured and/or fused interclavicle and clavicles that are morphologically convergent to the furculum (wishbone) of birds.

Locality and geologic age: The Daxishan fossil site of Linglongta township, Jianchang County, Liaoning Province, China. The fossil slab has preserved specimens of the index fossil Qaidamestheria sp. (Euestheria luanpingensis) that are known from the upper fossiliferous stratigraphic level of the Tiaojishan Formation. The vertebrate-bearing level of this site is dated to be 158.5 ± 1.6 to 161.0 ± 1.44 million years old. The Tiaojishan fauna has yielded several additional mammaliaforms.

fossil of gliding mammaliaform Maiopatagium furculiferum (type specimen from Beijing Museum of Natural History BMNH 2940). photo: Zhe-Xi Luo

Maiopatagium in Jurassic forest in crepuscular (dawn and dusk) light: A mother with a baby in suspending roosting posture, climbing on tree trunk, and in gliding  Reconstruction by April I. Neander

Qing-Jin Meng, David M. Grossnickle, Di Liu, Yu-Guang Zhang, April I. Neander, Qiang Ji & Zhe-Xi Luo. 2017. New Gliding Mammaliaforms from the Jurassic. Nature. DOI: 10.1038/nature23476

Researchers discover first winged mammals from the Jurassic period  phy.so/421491290 via @physorg_com

Rare Fossils Reveal New Species of Ancient Gliding Mammals  on.NatGeo.com/2vmGyCJ via @NatGeo

  

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[Ichthyology • 2017] Taxonomic Assessment of the Hard-Nosed Thornycats (Siluriformes: Doradidae: Trachydoras Eigenmann 1925) with Description of A New Species, Trachydoras gepharti

August 9, 2017, 9:15 pm

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2017] Phyllium fallorum • A New Species of Phyllium (Phyllium) Illiger, 1798 (Phasmida, Phylliidae) from Mindanao, Philippines

≪ Previous: [PaleoMammalogy • 2017] Maiopatagium furculiferum • A New Gliding Mammaliaforms from the Jurassic of China

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Trachydoras gepharti Sabaj & Hernández, 2017   DOI: 10.1635/053.166.0102

ABSTRACT

Trachydoras is a genus of Doradidae (thorny catfishes) with five nominal valid species distributed in lowland areas of the Amazon, Orinoco, Paraná-Paraguay and Essequibo river basins of South America. A sixth species is described here as Trachydoras gepharti and diagnosed by five characteristics unique among congeners: mental barbels thick, tapered and profusely ornamented with many elongate fleshy papillae loosely arranged in 2–3 rows (vs. mental barbels thinner, papillae lacking or fewer, arranged in 1–2 rows); distinct columns of small, soft papillae along medial and lateral margins of gill filaments on all gill arches (vs. gill filaments lacking conspicuous papillae in congeners); gas bladder acorn-shaped (vs. cordiform) with smooth anterolateral shoulder (vs. shoulder with accessory diverticulum) and terminal diverticula medially united into singular, finger-like projection formed mostly by elongation of only one of the two posterior chambers (vs. both chambers elongated, contributing more or less equally to terminal diverticula in congeners or terminal diverticula absent or reduced in some specimens of T. nattereri and T. paraguayensis). Trachydoras gepharti is known from the Amazon and Orinoco basins where it often occurs syntopically with T. microstomus, T. nattereri and a separate undescribed species of Trachydoras. Like other species of Trachydoras, T. gepharti is specialized for vacuuming chironomid larvae from sandy substrates in medium to large river channels. Redescriptions and diagnoses are provided for the five nominal valid species of Trachydoras along with a key to identification and comments on characteristics used to diagnose the genus and delimit species. Designations include a lectotype (NMW 46375, 91.7 mm SL) for Trachydoras brevis (Kner 1853) and neotype (ANSP 178443, 100 mm SL) for T. nattereri (Steindachner 1881). The true holotype of T. microstomus (Eigenmann 1912) is identified as FMNH 118302 [ex. FMNH 53207, ex. CM 1650] and the specimen previously cataloged as the holotype (FMNH 53206) is identified as T. brevis.

  

Trachydoras Eigenmann 1925 

Hard-nosed thornycats

Etymology.— Generic name derived from the Greek words trachys, meaning rough, and dora, meaning animal hide (Jaeger, 1950). In his generic description, Eigenmann (1925:337) noted “granular” surfaces on the snout, opercle, preopercle and coracoid process. See Sabaj and Birindelli (2008) for discussion on etymology of Doras. The common name proposed here is inspired by the ossified nature of the snout.

Fig. 7. Trachydoras gepharti, n. sp.A. ANSP 203169 (60.6 mm SL, holotype) from río Ventuari, Raudales Tencua, Amazonas, Venezuela. B. INPA 35233 (50.7 mm SL) from río Teles Pires, Mato Grosso, Brazil. C. ANSP 179866 (37 mm SL) from río Nanay, Loreto, Peru. Scale bars = 1 cm.

Trachydoras gepharti n. sp.  

 Sabaj & Hernández, 2017

Etymology.— Species name honors George W. Gephart, Jr., President & CEO of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University from 2010 to 2017, for his bold, deft and heartfelt leadership of a Glorious Enterprise into its third century.

Trachydoras brevis (Kner 1853) 

Trachydodras microstomus (Eigenmann 1912)

Trachydoras nattereri (Steindachner 1881)

Trachydoras paraguayensis (Eigenmann & Ward 1907) 

Trachydoras steindachneri (Perugia 1897) 

Trachydoras sp. “mancha-caudal” 

Mark Henry Sabaj and Mariangeles Arce Hernández. 2017. Taxonomic Assessment of the Hard-Nosed Thornycats (Siluriformes: Doradidae: Trachydoras Eigenmann 1925) with Description of Trachydoras gepharti, n. sp.  Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 166(1);1-53.   DOI: 10.1635/053.166.0102

[Entomology • 2017] Phyllium fallorum • A New Species of Phyllium (Phyllium) Illiger, 1798 (Phasmida, Phylliidae) from Mindanao, Philippines

August 10, 2017, 1:08 am

≫ Next: [Gastropoda • 2017] Attenborougharion gen. nov. (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Helicarionidae): A Likely Case of Convergent Evolution in southeastern Tasmania

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2017] Taxonomic Assessment of the Hard-Nosed Thornycats (Siluriformes: Doradidae: Trachydoras Eigenmann 1925) with Description of A New Species, Trachydoras gepharti

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Phyllium (Phyllium) fallorum  Cumming, 2017 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4303.2.10

Abstract

A new species of leaf insect, Phyllium (Phyllium) fallorum n. sp. is described and illustrated. In addition a key to the current known species of Phyllium Illiger, 1798 from the Philippines is provided. This species is currently only known from the single unique holotype, which will be deposited in the San Diego Natural History Museum. Measurements of anatomical figures were made to the nearest 0.1 mm. Photos were taken using a Canon 5D Mark II and a MP-E 65mm macro lens and stacked using Zerene photo stacking software, version 1.04, 64-bit. Currently, ten species of Phyllium Illiger, 1798 have been described from the Philippines, with Phyllium (Phyllium) fallorum n. sp. the eleventh. Of the eleven known species from the Philippines, five are only known from female specimens.

  

Keywords: Orthoptera, Phasmida, Phylliidae

Phyllium (Phyllium) fallorum n. sp. 

Holotype: ♀: Philippines, Mindanao, Davao Del Sur, Kapatagan X-2015 [Coll. RC 16-121].

Etymology: This new species is a patronym named to honor the Fall family of BioQuip Products, California, United States. BioQuip Products was born in 1947 when Richard Fall began manufacturing entomology drawers in the family’s garage. Wife Louise Fall and sons, Ken and Chris, continue to run the family work today. 

Royce T. Cumming. 2017. A New Species of Phyllium (Phyllium) Illiger, 1798 from Mindanao, Philippines (Phasmida, Phylliidae).
 Zootaxa. 4303(2); 297–300.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4303.2.10

[Gastropoda • 2017] Attenborougharion gen. nov. (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Helicarionidae): A Likely Case of Convergent Evolution in southeastern Tasmania

August 10, 2017, 2:07 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2017] Phanera larseniana | เครือศักดิ์สุวรรณ • A New Species (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae) from northeastern Thailand

≪ Previous: [Entomology • 2017] Phyllium fallorum • A New Species of Phyllium (Phyllium) Illiger, 1798 (Phasmida, Phylliidae) from Mindanao, Philippines

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Attenborougharion rubicundus (Dartnall & Kershaw, 1978) Hyman & Köhler, 2017     DOI: 10.3853/j.2201-4349.69.2017.1676   AustralianMuseum.net.au

Abstract

Helicarion Férussac, 1821 from southeastern Australia currently comprises five species of endemic semislugs. Analyses of comparative morphological data and partial sequences of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA (16S) reveal that one of these species, Helicarion rubicundus Dartnall & Kershaw, 1978, which is restricted to southeastern Tasmania, is not closely related to the other known species of this genus. This species is distinguished from Helicarion in several key morphological characters, such as the bright two-toned red and green colouration of its larger body with a flattened tail that is keeled only at the tip, the triangular shape of the pneumostome, the degree and type of folding present in the spermoviduct and free oviduct, the presence of a longer, more slender bursa copulatrix, the presence of a small epiphallic caecum and a hooked flagellum, and the presence of irregular longitudinal pilasters in the penial interior in contrast to the v-shaped rows of papillose lamellae seen in Helicarion. Moreover, the mitochondrial phylogeny provides evidence that this species is phylogenetically distinct from Helicarion as well as any other currently described genus from southeastern Australia. Based on these findings, we here describe a new genus, Attenborougharion, for this species.

Keywords: Helicarionoidea; morphology; mitochondrial DNA; land snail; taxonomy.

Figure 1. Living animal of Attenborougharion rubicundus from Forestier Peninsula (QVM 9:15514). photo: Simon Grove, TMAG.

Systematics 

Attenborougharion gen. nov.

 Type species. Helicarion rubicundus Dartnall & Kershaw, 1978.

Etymology. Named for Sir David Attenborough, Lifetime Patron of the Australian Museum, in recognition of his lifetime’s contribution to the fields of natural science and conservation. The Latin noun arion refers to a “kind of snail or slug”; masculine.

A new genus of snail has been named Attenborougharion in honour of Sir David Attenborough. Photographer: James Morgan /  AustralianMuseum.net.au

Diagnosis External appearance. Large, shell ear-shaped, flattened, thin, golden, glossy, whorls rounded, base membraneous. Protoconch with radial wrinkles near suture; otherwise sculptured with very faint beading and indistinct to absent spiral grooves; teleoconch with very fine, indistinct spiral grooves and more prominent radial growth lines. Body colour green and burgundy. Mantle lobes and shell lappets of moderate size, none fused; shell lappets elongate, lacking pigmented warts; slime network prominent; caudal horn well-developed. Keel confined to very tip of tail; most of tail dorsally

Attenborougharion rubicundus (Dartnall & Kershaw, 1978) comb. nov. 

Helicarion rubicundus Dartnall & Kershaw, 1978: 2; Kershaw, 1980: 213.

Distribution and conservation status: Attenborougharion rubicundus is found only on the Tasman and Forestier Peninsulas in Tasmania (Taylor, 1991; Otley et al., 1999). The total known extent of occurrence of this species is 85 sq.km., leading to its listing as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In addition to its restricted range, within this area Attenborougharion rubicundus inhabits only closed wet forests and is not found in dry forests or damp sclerophyll forests (Otley et al., 1999), making it vulnerable to habitat loss through the effects of climate change as well as habitat destruction through changed land use.

  Isabel T. Hyman and Frank Köhler. 2017. Attenborougharion gen. nov. (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Helicarionidae): A Likely Case of Convergent Evolution in southeastern Tasmania. Records of the Australian Museum. 69(2): 65–72.  DOI: 10.3853/j.2201-4349.69.2017.1676

   

  

NATIVE TASMANIAN SNAIL NAMED AFTER SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

 AustralianMuseum.net.au/blogpost/museullaneous/native-tasmanian-snail-named-after-sir-david-attenborough

New Aussie Snail Named After David Attenborough
nationalgeographic.com.au/australia/new-aussie-snail-named-after-david-attenborough.aspx

[Botany • 2017] Phanera larseniana | เครือศักดิ์สุวรรณ • A New Species (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae) from northeastern Thailand

August 13, 2017, 7:05 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2017] Rediscovery of Mesaspis antauges (Squamata: Anguidae): Solving A 50-year Mystery

≪ Previous: [Gastropoda • 2017] Attenborougharion gen. nov. (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Helicarionidae): A Likely Case of Convergent Evolution in southeastern Tasmania

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Phanera larseniana Chantaranothai, Mattapha& Wangwasit DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.303.2.9

Abstract

Phanera larseniana, a new species from north–eastern Thailand, is described and illustrated.  It most closely resembles P. rubro-villosa but differs in the length of the floral parts, and in the number and position of the staminodes. The species is known only from a single locality in north-eastern Thailand. An illustration and photos of the new species are provided.

Keywords: Bauhinia, Cercideae, Fabaceae, IUCN Red List, Phu Phan National Park, woody climber, Eudicots

Phanera larseniana Chantaranothai, Mattapha & Wangwasit, sp. nov. 

Phanera larseniana is similar to P. rubro-villosa but differs in having a shorter hypanthium, smaller calyces and petals, longer fertile filaments, longer ovary and style. Fertile filaments and style are much exserted (vs. inserted in P. rubro-villosa).

Etymology:— The species is named after Supee Saksuwan Larsen and the late Professor Kai Larsen, prominent botanists who contributed the account of the genus Bauhinia to the Flora of Thailand. 

 Vernacular name:— Khruea Saksuwan (เครือศักดิ์สุวรรณ), "เสี้ยวกำมะหยี่".

Distribution:— Only known from north–eastern Thailand (Fig. 3). 

Habitat and Ecology:— Dry evergreen forest, elevation of ca. 200 m.

 Phenology:— Flowering March–April. Fruiting April–May.

......

ดร.คณิต แวงวาสิต รักษาการหัวหน้าสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ขอนแก่น เปิดเผยว่า สวนพฤกษศาสตร์ขอนแก่น ได้ดำเนินการศึกษาวิจัยและรวบรวมข้อมูลด้านพฤกษศาสตร์และความหลากหลายของพันธุ์พืช ในภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ ซึ่งในการดำเนินการดังกล่าว ได้ค้นพบพันธุ์ไม้ชนิดใหม่ของโลกเพิ่ม อีก 1 ชนิด มีลักษณะเป็นไม้เลื้อยที่มีเนื้อไม้ ดอกมีกลิ่นหอมอ่อน ๆ ออกดอกในช่วงเดือนมีนาคม - เมษายน ใบมีลักษณะคล้ายกับใบเสี้ยวฝักมีลักษณะมีขนนุ่มคล้ายกำมะหยี่ จึงเรียกชื่อง่ายๆ ว่า "เสี้ยวกำมะหยี่"โดยพบเพียงกลุ่มเดียว จำนวน 8 - 9 ต้น ที่บริเวณเทือกเขาภูพาน เมื่อปี 2542 ต่อมาได้ตั้งชื่อใหม่ว่า "เครือศักดิ์สุวรรณ” มีชื่อวิทยาศาสตร์ว่า Phanera larseniana Chantaranothai, Mattapha & Wangwasit เพื่อเป็นเกียรติให้แก่ ศาสตราจารย์ ไค ลาร์เซน (Professor Kai Larsen) นักพฤกษศาสตร์ชาวเดนมาร์ก ที่เป็นผู้ก่อตั้งโครงการพรรณพฤกษชาติแห่งประเทศไทย และภรรยา ทั้งนี้ ปัจจุบัน สวนพฤกษศาสตร์ขอนแก่น ได้รวบรวมต้นพันธุ์จากธรรมชาติซึ่งอยู่ในภาวะใกล้สูญพันธุ์มาเพาะขยายและปลูกลงแปลงที่สวนพฤกษศาสตร์ขอนแก่น เพื่อศึกษาวิจัยด้านพฤกษศาสตร์และต่อยอดในการใช้ประโยชน์ต่อไป

Pranom Chantaranothai, Sawai Mattapha and Khanit Wangwasit. 2017. Phanera larseniana (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae), A New Species from Thailand. Phytotaxa. 303(2); 187–193. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.303.2.9

ResearchGate.net/publication/316055751_Phanera_larseniana_Leguminosae_Cercidoideae_a_new_species_from_Thailand

  

[Herpetology • 2017] Rediscovery of Mesaspis antauges (Squamata: Anguidae): Solving A 50-year Mystery

August 13, 2017, 8:11 am

≫ Next: [Mammalogy • 2017] Nyctimene wrightae • A New Tube-nosed Fruit Bat (Pteropodidae: Chiroptera) from New Guinea, A Re-diagnosis of N. certans and N. cyclotis, and A Review of their Conservation Status

≪ Previous: [Botany • 2017] Phanera larseniana | เครือศักดิ์สุวรรณ • A New Species (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae) from northeastern Thailand

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Mesaspis antauges (Cope 1866) Solano-Zavaleta, Cerón de la Luz & Clause, 2017   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4303.4.7

Abstract

Vertebrate rediscoveries occur frequently, but must be properly documented for scientific credibility. Ongoing rediscoveries suggest a need for greater caution in declaring species extinct. Here, we report a rediscovery of the mysterious Mexican anguid lizard Mesaspis antauges (Cope 1866), a species last recorded by scientists in 1964. Our comparison of newly-collected material against previous specimens, all of which apparently originate from a single isolated volcanic peak, confirms the taxonomic validity of this species and the relegation of the binomen M. modestus (Cope 1878) to the status of a junior synonym. We include a brief discussion of the natural history of M. antauges, and explore the conservation implications of our rediscovery.

Keywords: Reptilia, Squamata, Anguidae

Israel Solano-Zavaleta, Nelson Martín Cerón de la Luz and Adam G. Clause. 2017. Solving A 50-year Mystery: Rediscovery of Mesaspis antauges (Squamata: Anguidae).
 Zootaxa. 4303(4); 559–572.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4303.4.7

[Mammalogy • 2017] Nyctimene wrightae • A New Tube-nosed Fruit Bat (Pteropodidae: Chiroptera) from New Guinea, A Re-diagnosis of N. certans and N. cyclotis, and A Review of their Conservation Status

August 13, 2017, 8:23 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2017] Tarumania walkerae • Tarumaniidae fam. nov., A New Family of Neotropical Freshwater Fishes from Deep Fossorial Amazonian Habitat, with A Reappraisal of Morphological Characiform Phylogeny (Teleostei: Ostariophysi)

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Nyctimene wrightae Irwin, 2017 DOI: 10.3853/j.2201-4349.69.2017.1654

Abstract

 The tube-nosed fruit bat genus Nyctimene comprises 18 species found in the Philippines, Wallacea, Melanesia and the Solomon Islands but species taxonomy has remained problematic. A review of the cyclotis group, consisting of N. cyclotis and N. certans from New Guinea is presented, using morphological and genetic data. Historically, the taxonomy of the cyclotis group has been severely impeded by the lack of illustrations or photographs of the majority of the types. This led authors to differ in their treatment of these species, suggesting that the distinct taxa N. cyclotis and N. certans might be conspecific. Here, N. cyclotis and N. certans are recognized as full species and are re-diagnosed. I describe Nyctimene wrightae sp. nov., a widespread New Guinean species which is tentatively placed in the cyclotis group. These three species and the sympatric N. a. papuanus, of similar body-size, are morphologically distinguished using discriminant function analyses and non-metric characters. An identification key is provided. Species distribution and conservation status are evaluated. The IUCN threat status recommended for each species is: N. wrightae sp. nov. Least Concern; N. certans (known from < 200 specimens) with unknown population size and trends, Data Deficient; and N. cyclotis, known from only two male specimens, Vulnerable. Further research is required on the basic ecology of all of these species, which remains virtually unknown. 

Keywords. Nyctimene; taxonomy; revision; Papua New Guinea; Indonesia; cryptic species; conservation; IUCN threat category; Happy tube-nosed fruit bat

Nyctimene wrightae sp. nov. Female with young pup attached, showing characteristic long ears with thickened edge and short, brown hair (photograph courtesy of Debra Wright).

Nyctimene wrightae sp. nov.

Etymology. With great pleasure I name this bat after Dr Debra Wright, Director for Wildlife Conservation Foundation, PNG 1996–2003, the co-founder of PNG Research Foundation and PNG Institute of Biological Research. She has tirelessly given her energy and considerable skills to capacity building and training Papuan New Guinean scientists. She provided logistic assistance for my team and I, helped me secure funding, provided access to facilities, and gave moral and intellectual support throughout my field-work. Her good humour, boundless energy, passion and generosity meant that despite spending many years together in remote places, we have formed a lifelong friendship. It was this cryptic bat species that started my whole journey with Nyctimene. 

Common name. Happy tube-nosed fruit bat. Field assistants Toby Kamli and Rafael Kaneg, noticed the difference between this species and N. a. papuanus in the hand and called this species the hamamas bat, which in Tok Pisinmeans the happy bat, due to the wide “smile” characteristic of this species. I therefore propose the happy tube-nosed fruit bat as the common name, alluding to the “smile” that seems to result from the broad dental arcade and palate and very short rostrum, which are diagnostic characters of the species.

  Nancy Irwin. 2017. A New Tube-nosed Fruit Bat from New Guinea, Nyctimene wrightae sp. nov., A Re-diagnosis of N. certans and N. cyclotis (Pteropodidae: Chiroptera), and A Review of their Conservation Status. Records of the Australian Museum. 69(2): 73–100. DOI: 10.3853/j.2201-4349.69.2017.1654

Yoda bat gets happy: New species officially recognised - News and events, The University of York https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2017/research/happy-tube-nosed-fruit-bat

[Ichthyology • 2017] Tarumania walkerae • Tarumaniidae fam. nov., A New Family of Neotropical Freshwater Fishes from Deep Fossorial Amazonian Habitat, with A Reappraisal of Morphological Characiform Phylogeny (Teleostei: Ostariophysi)

August 13, 2017, 8:49 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2017] Taxonomic Revision of the Seasonal Killifish Genus Nothobranchius (Cyprinodontoidei: Aplocheilidae) from Zanzibar, East Africa

≪ Previous: [Mammalogy • 2017] Nyctimene wrightae • A New Tube-nosed Fruit Bat (Pteropodidae: Chiroptera) from New Guinea, A Re-diagnosis of N. certans and N. cyclotis, and A Review of their Conservation Status

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Tarumania walkerae de Pinna, Zuanon, Py-Daniel & Petry, 2017  DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx028

Abstract

We present the taxonomic description of Tarumaniidae, a new family of South American freshwater fishes including a new genus (Tarumania) and species (Tarumania walkerae) from the Central Amazon. The new taxon displays an extraordinary set of unique characteristics, which sets it apart from all other known bony fishes, either in South America or elsewhere. Tarumaniidae has reverse-imbricated scales on the head, 244 or more scales along the midlateral lateral series, an 11-chambered swimbladder extending along most of the body, an anteriorly deflectable pelvic fin and a platybasic skull, among other unusual traits. Although the general habitus of Tarumania gives little hint of its phylogenetic placement, examination of internal anatomy is largely elucidative concerning the main features of its relationships. For example, Tarumania has a complete Weberian apparatus, comprising a set of characteristics supporting its position in Otophysi and Ostariophysi. Additional comparative evidence corroborates its placement in the order Characiformes, including some trademark characiform synapomorphies such as the presence of a hypertrophied lagenar capsule. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis on the basis of previously published morphological evidence for Characiformes, with the inclusion of Tarumania and additional relevant taxa and characters. Results support the position of Tarumania as a part of the superfamily Erythrinoidea and sister group to the neotropical Erythrinidae. Our increased taxonomic representation of Erythrinidae in the matrices firmly corroborates Tarumania as sister group to the whole of Erythrinidae and not to a subgroup of that family. Tarumania walkerae is a predator, which inhabits vast leaf-litter deposits in the Rio Negro drainage, and is found deeply buried in isolated pools during the dry season. It is the first characiform with an anguilliform body shape and fossorial habits. The unprecedented combination of phenotypic traits, behaviour and habitat adds substantially to the larger picture of freshwater fish diversity. Although its microhabitat is difficult to sample, the geographical range of T. walkerae includes areas close to major urban centres and which have been ichthyologically surveyed for many years. The fact that a relatively large and highly distinctive fish such as Tarumania remained undiscovered until now is testimony to the still-incomplete state of knowledge of biodiversity in Amazonian waters.

Keywords: Amazon, Characiformes, Erythrinoidea, new genus, new species, phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy

Figure 1. Tarumania walkerae gen. et sp. nov., holotype, INPA 33737.

Figure 2. Tarumania walkerae gen. et sp. nov., holotype, INPA 33737.  Figure 3. Live specimen, juvenile, of Tarumania walkerae, paratype, MZUSP 120543, shortly after collection. Arrow shows pelvic fins in anteriorly deflected position.

TAXONOMIC ACCOUNTS

Tarumaniidae fam. nov.

Tarumania gen. nov. 
Type species: Tarumania walkerae sp. nov. 

Etymology: From the river Tarumã-Mirim, tributary of the lower Rio Negro, first known locality of the new taxon. A noun in nominative singular. Gender feminine.

Tarumania walkerae sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name honours eminent limnologist Ilse Walker [Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus (INPA)], not only for her lifelong contribution to the knowledge of Amazonian ecology but also for having collected the first (and for some years, only) known specimen. The epithet is a noun in the genitive feminine case.

Geographical distribution: So far endemic to the Rio Negro basin, from the Rio Tarumã-Mirim, tributary to the Rio Negro near the city of Manaus, and from the Anavilhanas archipelago, on the main Rio Negro (Fig. 11). The two localities are ~60 km apart in straight line.

Ecological notes All specimens known of Tarumania walkerae were collected deeply buried into massive leaf-litter deposits in isolated pools in the riparian forest. ....

Figure 2. Tarumania walkerae gen. et sp. nov., holotype, INPA 33737. Dorsal (a) and ventral (b) views of head. Figure 5. Tarumania walkerae, paratype, INPA 21603, lateral view of head showing reverse-imbricated scales. Specimen cleaned of superficial mucus.

Mário de Pinna, Jansen Zuanon, Lucia Rapp Py-Daniel and Paulo Petry. 2017. A New Family of Neotropical Freshwater Fishes from Deep Fossorial Amazonian Habitat, with A Reappraisal of Morphological Characiform Phylogeny (Teleostei: Ostariophysi). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. DOI:   10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx028 

facebook.com/SouthAmericanIchthyology/photos/1620698521284272
Paulo and the Mysterious Muck Fish youtu.be/FIzUGi7k9M0 

  

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[Ichthyology • 2017] Taxonomic Revision of the Seasonal Killifish Genus Nothobranchius (Cyprinodontoidei: Aplocheilidae) from Zanzibar, East Africa

August 14, 2017, 4:33 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2017] Plectrohyla calvata • A New Species of Hylid Frog of the Genus Plectrohyla (Anura: Hylidae: Hylinae) from southwestern Honduras: Montaña de Celaque Honduran Frogs previously Referred to as Plectrohyla guatemalensis

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2017] Tarumania walkerae • Tarumaniidae fam. nov., A New Family of Neotropical Freshwater Fishes from Deep Fossorial Amazonian Habitat, with A Reappraisal of Morphological Characiform Phylogeny (Teleostei: Ostariophysi)

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ABSTRACT

Nothobranchius guentheri and Nothobranchius melanospilus, the two seasonal killifishes of the genus Nothobranchius occurring in Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, were involved in past taxonomical mistakes and are still misidentified in museum collections. A historical review is herein presented and both species are redescribed on the basis of type material and recent collections. Nothobranchius guentheri, a popular aquarium fish, is endemic to Zanzibar, and N. melanospilus, geographically widespread in East Africa, occurring both in Zanzibar and in continental river basins. These species are distinguished by a series of morphological features not previously reported in the literature, including pre-dorsal length and relative position of the anterior portion of the dorsal-fin skeletal support and vertebrae; number of gill-rakers of the first branchial arch, caudal-fin rays, scales of the longitudinal series, series of scales around caudal peduncle, and vertebrae; frontal squamation; and arrangement and number of neuromasts of the supraorbital series. The present taxonomic revision comprising N. guentheri and N. melanospilus, the oldest species names of the genus in the East African biodiversity hotspot, is important to improve the knowledge of the genus in a region where its taxonomy is still problematic

KEYWORDS: Biodiversity hotspot, East African coastal forests, systematics, Unguja Island

Figure 2.Nothobranchius guentheri (Pfeffer 1893), live exemplars: (a) UFRJ 8420, male, 33.1 mm SL; (b) UFRJ 8420, female, 29.3 mm SL. Figure 6. Nothobranchius melanospilus (Pfeffer 1896), live exemplars: (a) UFRJ 6515, male, 32.6 mm SL; (b) UFRJ 6515, female, 31.1 mm SL.

Wilson J. E. M. Costa. 2017. Taxonomic Revision of the Seasonal Killifish Genus Nothobranchius from Zanzibar, East Africa (Cyprinodontoidei: Aplocheilidae). Journal of Natural History. 51(27-28); 1069-1624.  DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2017.1330976

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[Herpetology • 2017] Plectrohyla calvata • A New Species of Hylid Frog of the Genus Plectrohyla (Anura: Hylidae: Hylinae) from southwestern Honduras: Montaña de Celaque Honduran Frogs previously Referred to as Plectrohyla guatemalensis

August 14, 2017, 4:56 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2017] Cordylancistrus pijao • A New Species of the Catfish Genus Cordylancistrus (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from the Magdalena River, Tolima, Colombia

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2017] Taxonomic Revision of the Seasonal Killifish Genus Nothobranchius (Cyprinodontoidei: Aplocheilidae) from Zanzibar, East Africa

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Plectrohyla calvata McCranie, 2017 MesoAmericanHerpetology.com

Abstract
 I describe a new species of hylid frog of the genus Plectrohyla from the isolated Montaña de Celaque in southwestern Honduras, which previously was referred to as P. guatemalensis. The new species differs from P. guatemalensis by the presence of yellowish olive-green dorsal surfaces that lack distinct darker dorsal markings in both sexes, mostly smooth dorsal surfaces in adult males and a tendency for less tuberculate dorsal surfaces in adult females, a smaller prepollex in males, a tendency for smooth midventral surfaces in adult males, and both sexes reaching a smaller adult size. This description brings the total number of recognized species of Plectrohyla to 19.

 Key Words: Cloud forest, isolated population, new species, Spike-thumbed Hylid, southwestern Honduras

SYSTEMATICS

 Plectrohyla calvata sp. nov. 

Plectrohyla guatemalensis: Duellman and Campbell (1992: 6 [in part]); Duellman (2001: 1,067 [in part]); 

McCranie and Wilson (2002: 298 [in part]); McCranie and Castañeda (2007: 171 [in part]); McCranie (2015: 359 [in part]).

Fig. 3. An adult female paratype of Plectrohyla calvata sp. nov. (USNM 523192) in life, showing the relatively few dorsal tubercles and the dark dorsal ground color. SVL = 43.6 mm.   photo: James R. McCranie

Fig. 3. An adult female paratype ofPlectrohyla calvata sp. nov. (USNM 523192) in life, showing the relatively few dorsal tubercles and the dark dorsal ground color. SVL = 43.6 mm. Fig. 7. A live subadult male of a referred specimen of Plectrohyla calvata sp. nov. (USNM 523193). SVL = 33.2 mm.  photo: James R. McCranie

Etymology: The name calvata is formed from the Latin calvatus (bald) and suffix -ia (pertaining to) and refers to the relatively smooth dorsal surfaces of this form. The intended use of the name is as a feminine nominative adjective.

James R. McCranie. 2017. Specific Status of the Montaña de Celaque Honduran Frogs previously Referred to as Plectrohyla guatemalensis (Anura: Hylidae: Hylinae).

 Mesoamerican Herpetology. 4(3); 390–401.

http://www.mesoamericanherpetology.com/uploads/3/4/7/9/34798824/mccranie_paper_-_plectrohyla.pdf

https://investigatiohondurensis.wordpress.com/2017/07/08/nueva-especie-de-rana-arboricola-es-descubierta-en-el-parque-nacional-montana-de-celaque-honduras/

Resumen: Describo una nueva especie de rana arborícola del genero Plectrohyla de la aislada Montaña de Celaque en el suroeste de Honduras, que anteriormente se había referido como P. guatemalensis. La nueva especie se difiere de P. guatemalensis por la presencia de una coloración amarillenta verde-oliva en las regiones dorsales que también carecen de marcas más oscuras en ambos sexos, con las superficies dorsales mayormente lisa en machos adultos y una tendencia hacia una reducción de tubérculos en las superficies dorsales en hembras adultas, un prepollex más pequeño en machos, una tendencia hacia tener las superficies midventrales más lisas en machos adultos, y en ambos sexos alcanzando un tamaño adulto más pequeño. Esta descripción lleva el número total de especies reconocidas de Plectrohyla a 19. 
Palabras Claves: Bosque nublado, especie nueva, Hílido de Dos Espinas, población aislada, suroeste de Honduras

     

[Ichthyology • 2017] Cordylancistrus pijao • A New Species of the Catfish Genus Cordylancistrus (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from the Magdalena River, Tolima, Colombia

August 14, 2017, 6:23 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2017] Microlicia obovatifolia & M. nortecipoana • Two New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) from the Rupestrian Grasslands of Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2017] Plectrohyla calvata • A New Species of Hylid Frog of the Genus Plectrohyla (Anura: Hylidae: Hylinae) from southwestern Honduras: Montaña de Celaque Honduran Frogs previously Referred to as Plectrohyla guatemalensis

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Cordylancistrus pijao Provenzano & Villa-Navarro, 2017 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4294.5.2

Abstract

A new species of catfish is described from Colombia, and provisionally assigned to the genus Cordylancistrus. The new species is most similar to C. perijae and C. nephelion from Venezuela. The description is based on ten specimens collected from tributaries of the Magdalena River which drain the eastern slope of the Cordillera Central and the western slope of Cordillera Oriental, in the Department of Tolima. The new species is the first Cordylancistrus described from the Magdalena River basin. With this discovery, the number of Cordylancistrus species in Colombia increases to three. The geographic distribution of the species suggest that Andean orogenesis played an important role in the diversification of the group.

Keywords: Pisces, Fishes, Catfishes, Taxonomy, Biodiversity, South America

FIGURE 2. Cordylancistrus pijao. Live specimen (Photo by Yesid López-Pinto)

Francisco R. Provenzano and Francisco A. Villa-Navarro. 2017. A New Species of the Catfish Genus Cordylancistrus (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from the Magdalena River, Tolima, Colombia. Zootaxa.  4294(5); 522–530. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4294.5.2

ResearchGate.net/publication/318597849_A_new_species_of_the_catfish_genus_Cordylancistrus_Siluriformes_Loricariidae_from_the_Magdalena_River_Tolima_Colombia

[Botany • 2017] Microlicia obovatifolia & M. nortecipoana • Two New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) from the Rupestrian Grasslands of Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil

August 14, 2017, 8:38 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2017] Argostemma cordatum • A New Species (Rubiaceae) from southern Vietnam

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2017] Cordylancistrus pijao • A New Species of the Catfish Genus Cordylancistrus (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from the Magdalena River, Tolima, Colombia

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Microlicia obovatifolia R. B. Pacifico, Fidanza & Almeda   DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.316.1.3

Abstract

In the course of preparing a monograph of Microlicieae (Melastomataceae) for Serra do Cipó, two new species of Microlicia were discovered that are described and illustrated here. The two proposed species, Microlicia nortecipoana and Microlicia obovatifolia, are probably endemic to this mountain range. Morphological descriptions, diagnoses, photographs and comments on their affinities are provided. Their conservation status is assessed using IUCN criteria.

Keywords: campo rupestre, Cerrado, endemism, Espinhaço Range, Eudicots

Ricardo Pacifico, Karina Fidanza and Frank Almeda. 2017. Two New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) from the Rupestrian Grasslands of Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phytotaxa.  316(1); 39–50.  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.316.1.3

ResearchGate.net/publication/318831339_Two_new_species_of_Microlicia_Melastomataceae_from_the_Rupestrian_Grasslands_of_Serra_do_Cipo_Minas_Gerais_Brazil

[Botany • 2017] Argostemma cordatum • A New Species (Rubiaceae) from southern Vietnam

August 14, 2017, 7:31 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2017] Thamnodynastes phoenix • A New Species of Thamnodynastes (Serpentes: Dipsadidae: Tachymenini) from the Open Areas of central and northeastern Brazil

≪ Previous: [Botany • 2017] Microlicia obovatifolia & M. nortecipoana • Two New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) from the Rupestrian Grasslands of Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil

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Argostemma cordatum Nuraliev DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.317.1.4

Abstract

Argostemma cordatum, a new species of Rubiaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was discovered in 2014 during a botanical survey of the Chu Yang Sin National Park (Dak Lak province, Southern Vietnam). Argostemma cordatum possesses a solitary large leaf per plant (along with one very small leaf). The new species differs from morphologically similar species mainly by the small size of the enlarged leaf and cordate base of the enlarged leaf. It is also characterized by the following features: plant completely glabrous, stipules minute and reduced to papillate warts, inflorescence with all axes elongated, anthers coherent into anther cone and dehiscent by longitudinal slits, style slightly exserted. An extended description of the vegetation in the area inhabited by A. cordatum is provided.

Keywords: Argostemma, taxonomy, Southern Vietnam, Chu Yang Sin National Park, flora, biodiversity, Eudicots

  

FIGURE 2. Argostemma cordatum at type locality. A. General view of population. B. Flowering individual. D. Dichasium with flower buds. E. Flower, apical and oblique view. Nuraliev, Kuznetsov, Kuznetsova 960. All photos by M. Nuraliev.

Argostemma cordatum Nuraliev, sp. nov.

Etymology:— The specific epithet “cordatum” refers to the prominently cordate base of large leaf which distinguishes the new species from its relatives.  

Maxim S. Nuraliev, Anton S. Beer, Andrey N. Kuznetsov and Svetlana P. Kuznetsova. 2017. 

Argostemma cordatum (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Vietnam.
 Phytotaxa. 317(1); 42–52. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.317.1.4

ResearchGate.net/publication/319059715_Argostemma_cordatum_Rubiaceae_a_new_species_from_Vietnam