Quantcast
Channel: Species New to Science
Viewing all 9195 articles
Browse latest View live

[Herpetology • 2017] On the Poorly-known White-spotted Skink Lygosoma albopunctatum (Gray, 1846) (Reptilia: Scincidae) with Further Topotypical Records and Notes on the Type Locality

0
0

Lygosoma albopunctatum  (Gray, 1846)


Abstract

 The White-spotted Skink Lygosoma albopunctatum, a rarely recorded lizard, has been re-sighted from its type locality: Madras in the Coromandel Coastal Plains. Morphological details and field notes on the findings are elaborated. Since many past surveys in and around Madras, and in southern India generally, did not record this species, lack of consensus about its existence in southern India had developed, leading to published misconceptions about its distribution. These are highlighted and corrected herein. The species is also illustrated in life based on topotypical examples.

Keywords: Distribution, lizard, morphology, scalation, southern India, type locality.


Image 2. Lygosoma albopunctatum: topotype CSPT/L-26a entire (a) dorsal view, (b) ventral view, (c) head dorsal view, (d) head lateral view. 

Image 2. Lygosoma albopunctatum:   live uncollected topotypical individuals depicting in-life colouration of (e) subadult, (f) adult in ventral view, (g) adult in dorsal view.

Lygosoma albopunctatum (Gray, 1846)
Riopaalbopunctata Gray, 1846
Riopaalbopunctata - Jerdon, 1853; Smith 1935 [part]
Eumecesalbopunctatus - Günther, 1864
Lygosomaalbopunctatum - Boulenger, 1887 [part] 1890; Das 2010
Lygosomaalbopunctata (sic) - Das, 1996; Daniels 2002; Vyas 2010

DISCUSSION:   
A study on the molecular phylogeny of Indian Lygosoma species (Datta-Roy et al. 2014) remarked that this species, though often assigned to the genus Riopa, is nested within Lygosoma. The study also delineates that the sampled congeners of the Indian radiation “are largely confined to the Indian subregion except L. albopunctata (sic) which is also distributed in mainland Southeast Asia” (Datta-Roy et al. 2014). Their phylogenetic tree reveals weak genetic structure within multiple populations of L. albopunctatum sampled from multiple unspecified localities. Though Datta-Roy et al. (2014) recovered an Indian endemic Lygosomapruthi (Sharma 1977) as a sister to a Southeast Asian radiation they did opine that the Indian radiation consisted of, apart from the endemics, two widespread species L. punctatum and L. albopunctatum.

Stoliczka (1872) stated that individuals from south India have a rather uniform brown back whereas those from Bengal have black spotted lines along six median scale rows down the back, almost resembling L. punctatum. Ahmed et al. (2009), Islam & Saika (2013) and Sarker (2014) all illustrated L. albopunctatum from the Eastern Himalayan and Brahmaputhra regions. The photographs clearly show a more orangish tail in juveniles, contrasting with their brown trunk colour. Given the enormous distance and geo-ecological differences between peninsular and northeastern parts of the Indian subcontinent, such variations and tail colour difference in young ones might indicate cryptic diversity of Indochinese populations. In fact some literature (e.g., Das 2010) that currently ascribes as L. albopunctatum actually excluded its original definition by virtue of type series and / or type locality, as elaborated herein. Nevertheless, even admitting such lack of consensus on its global distribution and population systematics, it is here clarified beyond doubt that this species is very much present in southern India, especially along the Coromandel Coastal Plains (also see Ganesh & Chandramouli 2007; Nath et al. 2012), where lies its type locality.


  S.R. Ganesh. 2017. On the Poorly-known White-spotted Skink Lygosoma albopunctatum (Gray, 1846) (Reptilia: Scincidae) with Further Topotypical Records and Notes on the Type Locality. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 9(9); 10662–10668.  DOI: 10.11609/jott.3376.9.9.10662-10668



[Paleontology • 2017] Versperopterylus lamadongensis • A New Anurognathid Pterosaur with Evidence of Perching Behaviour from Jianchang of Liaoning Province, China

0
0

Versperopterylus lamadongensis
Lü, Meng, Wang, Liu, Shen & Zhang, 2017

Illustration: Z. Chuang.  DOI: 10.1144/SP455.16  

Abstract

A new anurognathid pterosaurVersperopterylus lamadongensis gen. et sp. nov., is erected based on a complete skeleton with a skull preserved. It is characterized by two short distinct ridges present on the ventral surface of the cervical vertebrae; coracoids slightly longer than scapula; humerus, wing phalanx 3 and tibia nearly the same in length; grooves clearly present on the posterior surface of the wing phalanges 1–3; and the first toe reversed. It is the first anurognathid pterosaur from China with a definitively short tail, and the first pterosaur with a reversed first toe. The reversed first toe of Versperopterylus indicates that it had arboreal habitats. The discovery of Versperopterylus lamadongensis from the Jiufotang Formation strongly expands the geological age range for anurognathid pterosaurs.

Systematic palaeontology 
Pterosauria Kaup, 1834 
Anurognathidae Kuhn 1937

 Versperopterylus lamadongensis gen. et sp. nov.

 Etymology. Versper-, Latin word for ‘dusk’ implying that the new pterosaur may seek food at dusk; -pteryl, Latin word for ‘wing’. The specific name is referred to the fossil locality, lamadong of Jianchang County, Liaoning Province. 

Type specimen. An almost complete skeleton with skull and jaws (BMNHC-PH-001311). The specimen is now stored in the Beijing Museum of Natural History.

 Locality and horizon. Lamadong goumen, Jianchang County, Liaoning Province; Jiufotang Formation.

Fig. 5. The living scene of Versperopterylus lamadongensis
 (Illustration: Zhao Chuang). 

  DOI: 10.1144/SP455.16 

Conclusion 
Versperopterylus is the first anurognathid pterosaur from China preserved with a clearly reduced tail, and it is also the youngest anurognathid pterosaur in geological age. The reversed first toe of Versperopterylus may indicate that it, perhaps, has a gripping adaptation. 


Junchang Lü, Qingjin Meng, Baopeng Wang, Di Liu, Caizhi Shen and Yuguang Zhang. 2017. Short Note On A New Anurognathid Pterosaur with Evidence of Perching Behaviour from Jianchang of Liaoning Province, China. in  D. W. E. Hone, M. P. Witton and D. M. Martill (edsNew Perspectives on Pterosaur Palaeobiology. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 455. DOI: 10.1144/SP455.16 


[Ichthyology • 2017] Astyanax taurorum • A New Species (Characiformes: Characidae) from dos Touros River, Pelotas River Drainage, An Upland southern Brazilian River

0
0

Astyanax taurorum 
 de Lucena, Zaluski & de Lucena, 2017 


Abstract
A new species of Astyanax belonging to the Astyanax scabripinnis complex is described from dos Touros River, tributary of the Pelotas River, Uruguay River basin. Astyanax taurorum sp. nov. is distinguished from other species of the Astyanax scabripinnis species complex by having two humeral spots, the first vertically elongated; teeth of inner row of premaxilla with three to five cusps; 2–3 (modes 2 or 3) maxillary teeth; 20–23 (mode 22) branched anal-fin rays; 13–15 (mode 14) gill rakers on lower branch of the first branchial arch; 20–23 (mode 21) total gill rakers in first branchial arch; 33–36 (mode 35) perforated lateral line scales. Astyanax taurorum sp. nov. is similar to Astyanax paris; nevertheless, it can be readily distinguished from it by having a smaller head depth (73.6-83.1% vs. 86.4–95.6%) and smaller interorbital width (24.1–28.0% vs. 30.8–32.8%). In addition, it differs from A. paris by the presence a posttemporal hook-shaped posterodorsal margin.

Key words: Taxonomy, Rio Grande do Sul, Uruguay River, distribution


Figure 1.  Astyanax taurorum sp. nov., MCP 49468, 80,7 mm SL, holotype, tributary of dos Touros River, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. 

Figures 5–6.  (5) Distribution of Astyanax taurorum sp. nov., white circle = type-locality. The symbol represents more than one locality; (6) stream tributary of dos Touros River, type locality of Astyanax taurorum sp. nov. 

Astyanax taurorum sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name taurorum, is derived from the Latin masculine noun taurus (second declension, meaning bull) inflected in the plural and genitive case. Therefore taurorum means “of the bulls” in reference to “rio dos Touros“ (= Portuguese, which means “river of the bulls”) the type locality.

Distribution and habitat: Astyanax taurorum sp. nov. is known from the dos Touros River drainage, tributary of Pelotas River, which in turn is a tributary of Uruguay River (Fig. 5). The Pelotas River drainage is located in the region named “Campos de Altitude do Planalto das Araucárias (= Araucaria Plateau in Bertaco et al. 2016)” or “Campos de Cima da Serra”, which has a high level of endemism of fishes (Malabarba et al. 2009, Bertaco et al. 2016: 430) and other groups of animals (for example: sponges, Ribeiro et. al. 2009; crustaceans, Bond-Buckup et al. 2009). The dos Touros River tributary, type locality of Astyanax taurorum sp. nov., has a low to medium flow, transparent waters with stones and rocks on the bottom and moderate emergent marginal vegetation (Fig. 6). Four characid species were caught along with Astyanax taurorum sp. nov.: Bryconamericus patriciae Silva, 2004, B. iheringi Boulenger, 1887, Cheirodon interruptus Jenyns, 1842, and Oligosarcus brevioris Menezes, 1987.



 Carlos Alberto S. de Lucena, Amanda Bungi Zaluski and Zilda Margarete Seixas de Lucena. 2017. Astyanax taurorum A New Species from dos Touros River, Pelotas River Drainage, An Upland southern Brazilian River (Characiformes: Characidae). 
 Zoologia. 34; 1-8.  DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e20174

[Herpetology • 2017] Afroedura gorongosa • A New Flat Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Afroedura) from Mount Gorongosa, Mozambique

0
0

Afroedura gorongosa
Branch,Guyton,Schmitz,Barej, Naskrecki, Farooq,Verburgt & Rödel, 2017

Gorongosa Flat Gecko || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4324.1.8 

     

Abstract

A new species of flat gecko, Afroedura gorongosa sp. nov., is described from Gorongosa National Park, Sofala Province, central Mozambique. The new species is morphologically similar to A. transvaalica and A. loveridgei, from both of which it is genetically distinct (15–17% divergence; 400 bp of 16S rRNA). Morphologically it can be distinguished from both species by having fewer midbody scale rows (97–101) and a higher number of precloacal pores in males (8–13). The type series was collected on the western flanks of Mount Gorongosa (900 and 1100 m a.s.l.) in comparatively cool and moist microclimates, where it is threatened by illegal deforestation. Additional material was collected as low as 212 m a.s.l. on an inselberg near Mount Gorongosa. The new discovery adds to the growing number of endemic montane reptiles discovered in Mozambique in recent years, and highlights the need for a national conservation assessment of the country’s herpetofauna and continued protection of the Mount Gorongosa region.

Keywords:  Reptilia, Afroedura gorongosa sp. nov.; Afroedura loveridgei; Afroedura transvaalica; biodiversity; endemism; lizards


FIGURE 4.Afroedura gorongosa sp. nov. a) male holotype (ZMB 83293, Mount Gorongosa, Mozambique; photo: M. - O. Rödel); b) female paratype (ZMB 83292, Mount Gorongosa, Mozambique; photo: P. Naskrecki) showing dorsal pattern and regenerated tail; c) Afroedura gorongosa (ZMB 83289, Bunga Inselberg, Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique; photo: C. Dorse). 
Afroedura gorongosa sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name refers to Mount Gorongosa and Gorongosa National Park in Central Mozambique, to which the species is endemic. We suggest Gorongosa Flat Gecko is a suitable common name. Afroedura, based on Oedura, is feminine and the specific epithet is treated as a noun in apposition.


FIGURE 5. Afroedura gorongosa sp. nov. female paratype (PEM R 22229, previously ZMB 83291, Mount Gorongosa, Mozambique; photos: P. Naskrecki); a) general habitus and dorsal coloration; b) close up of nasal region showing diagnostic features of: presence of internasal granules, and posterior projection of rostral to border the nostril; c) close up of lower side of left forelimb; and d) close up of right hind foot showing two paired scansors. 

FIGURE 6. Habitats of Afroedura gorongosa sp. nov. on Mount Gorongosa (a – c); a) edge of rainforest on Mount Gorongosa, the holotype was collected in a rock-crack of an isolated boulder in an open area close to the rainforest at 1038 m a. s. l. (b) and in rocky areas of the Murombodzi river (c; compare Fig. 7); d) rocky habitat on the top of Bunga Inselberg, Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique (photos: M. - O. Rödel). 


William R. Branch ,Jennifer A. Guyton,Andreas Schmitz,Michael F. Barej, Piotr Naskrecki, Harith Farooq,Luke Verburgt and Mark-Oliver Rödel. 2017. Description of A New Flat Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Afroedura) from Mount Gorongosa, Mozambique. Zootaxa. 4324(1); 142–160. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4324.1.8
ResearchGate.net/publication/320043814_Description_of_a_new_flat_gecko_Squamata_Gekkonidae_Afroedura_from_Mount_Gorongosa_Mozambique

   

Resumo: Aqui descreve-se uma nova espécie de osga, Afroedura gorongosa sp. nov., do Parque Nacional da Gorongosa, na Provín-cia de Sofala, centro de Moçambique. Do ponto de vista morfológico, a nova espécie assemelha-se às osgas A. transvaa-lica e A. loveridgei, sendo geneticamente distinta de ambas (divergência de 15–17%; 400 bp de 16S rRNA). Distingue-se morfologicamente de ambas as espécies por ter um número inferior de fileiras de escamas na secção mediana (97–101) e um número superior de poros pré-cloacal nos machos (8–13). A série-tipo foi recolhida nos flancos ocidentais da Serra da Gorongosa (900 e 1100 m a.s.l.), em microclimas relativamente mais frios e húmidos, onde se encontra ameaçada pela desflorestação ilegal. Estas osgas foram também recolhidas à altitude de 212 m a.s.l., num inselberg e próximo da Serra da Gorongosa. A nova descoberta junta-se ao crescente número de répteis endémicos de montanha descobertos em Moçambique nos últimos anos, e realça a necessidade de uma avaliação da conservação da herpetofauna do país a nível nacional, bem como a proteção da região do Monte Gorongosa.
Palavras-chave: Afroedura gorongosa sp. nov.; Afroedura loveridgei; Afroedura transvaalica; biodiversidade; endemis-mo; lagartos  

    

[Mammalogy • 2017] Uromys vika • A New Species of Giant Rat (Muridae, Uromys) from Vangunu, Solomon Islands

0
0

Uromys vika Lavery & Judge, 2017

Abstract
We describe the first new rodent species from Solomon Islands in more than 80 years. This new giant rat is known from a single specimen captured in a commercially felled Dillenia salomonensis tree on Vangunu Island. Morphologically, it closely resembles a fascinating secondary radiation of 3 species of Uromys (Cyromys) that are endemic to Guadalcanal Island. The cranium can be readily distinguished from those of other species of Uromys by its shorter maxillary tooth row, and shorter incisive foramina. The existence of this species has been suspected for over 2 decades. It is rare and cryptic, and conservation status is Critically Endangered due to its small distributional range, apparent low population densities, and rapid progress of commercial logging on Vangunu Island. Further surveys to locate additional animals and support for community led conservation initiatives on Vangunu are urgently needed to safeguard the species.

Keywords: arboreal, endangered, endemic, Guadalcanal, logging, Marovo, Melanesia, Pacific, rodent



An artist's illustration of the newly-discovered giant rat, Uromys vika.
Velizar Simeonovski/The Field Museum 


Canarium nuts bearing the characteristic tooth-marks of Uromys vika.


Tyrone H. Lavery and Hikuna Judge. 2017. A New Species of Giant Rat (Muridae, Uromys) from Vangunu, Solomon Islands. Journal of Mammalogy. gyx116.  DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx116

Giant Rat That Fell From Sky Is New Species on.natgeo.com/2xEOCBG via @NatGeo
Solomon Islands expedition seeks to conserve the extraordinary monkey-faced bat and giant rat  theconversation.com/solomon-islands-expedition-seeks-to-conserve-the-extraordinary-monkey-faced-bat-and-giant-rat-57646 @ConversationEDU

Report ia, hemi wanfala scientific description blo wanfala new species lo giant (bigfala) rat blo Vangunu Aelan, Solomon Aelans. Oketa man callim disfala rat, “vika.” Disfala species hemi garem wanfala specimen nomoa. Wanfala man outim lo kapuchu tree taem oketa daunim ya tree lo logging area. Lukluk blo rat ya hem kolosap lo trifala rat blo Guale, bata hemi garem sumfala important difference lelebet lo body and skull blo hem. Vika hemi garem leki wea hemi wide tumus wetem 7 fala pad undanit, hem no 6 fala osem oketa rat blo Guale. Color blo body blo hem, hemi braun wetem waet lo undanit. Skull blo hem, hemi short wantaem wide. Baek teeti blo hem, oketa short tumus and sumfala hol behaenim oketa front teeti, hemi short tumus too. Disfala vika hemi barava hard tumus fo faendim. Oketa man blo Vangunu save lo hem long taem finis, anda oketa scientist save lo hem ovum 20 ias finis, bata diswan hemi first vika for oketa scientist lukim. Mifala garem tingting hemi kolsap extinct (finis), kaen hem luk olsem vika no save stap lo eni ples wea logging hemi kasim finis. Iumi mus lukaotim gud bus blo Vangunu anda halipim oketa man blo Zaira for kipim gud bus blo oketa.


[Herpetology • 2017] A Multilocus Phylogeny of the Genus Sarcohyla (Anura: Hylidae), and An Investigation of Species Boundaries Using Statistical Species Delimitation

0
0

  DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.09.010  

Highlights
• We present a phylogenetic analysis of 17 species of the genus Sarcohyla using data from two mitochondrial (ND1 and 12s) and three nuclear genes (Rag-1, Rhod, and POMc).
• The widely distributed species S. bistincta is a complex of at least three species.
• Two undescribed species exists in the group.
• The species S. ephemera is a junior synonym of S. calthula.

Abstract
The genus Sarcohyla is composed by 24 species endemic to México. Despite the large number of phylogenetic studies focusing on the family Hylidae, the relationships among the species of Sarcohyla are still poorly known, and the scarce numbers of specimens and tissue samples available for some of the species has hampered an appropriate phylogenetic analysis. We present the most comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study of Sarcohyla to date. We included 17 species of the genus Sarcohyla using data from two mitochondrial (ND1 and 12S) and three nuclear genes (Rag-1, Rhod, and POMc). We performed phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian inference, and the absence of conflicts with strong support between the separate gene trees indicates that incomplete lineage sorting and/or introgressive hybridization are negligible. A coalescent-based species-tree analysis of the four independent loci (three nuclear genes + mtDNA) mostly supports the same species-level relationships as the analysis of the concatenated data. By including new samples from additional species and localities, we find that: (1) the widely distributed species S. bistincta is a complex of at least three species, (2) another undescribed species exists in the group, (3) the species S. ephemera is not valid and it corresponds to a junior synonym of S. calthula. In addition, we conducted marginal likelihood estimation and used Bayes factors to test alternative species delimitation models for S. bistincta, the most widespread nominal species in the group. Our findings support three independent lineages of S. bistincta group, which are paraphyletic with respect to S. pentheter and S. calthula.

Keywords: Systematics, Molecular phylogeny, Hylidae, Sarcohyla, Mexico



 Conclusions
Our analysis revealed several taxonomic problems in Sarcohyla. Of the 17 species included in the analysis, three species may represent junior synonyms of other taxa (S. arborescandensSephemera, and S. miahuatlanensis), and another two appear to represent multiple species (S. bistincta and S. thorectes). These problems may be explained, at least in part, by the absence of morphological autapomorphies in many species of Sarcohyla (which can therefore only be distinguished by unique combinations of traits), and to the scarcity of informative characters and high levels of homoplasy in the group (Duellman, 2001). Although external morphology usually is the first evidence for species recognition, molecular evidence and implementation of modern species delimitation methods based on coalescence theory are needed to identify/corroborate species (i.e., Grummer et al., 2014). Accurate species delimitation and phylogeny reconstruction in Sarcohyla is important to infer the historical biogeography of the highlands of Mexico and specially to develop accurate conservation plans for this group of frogs. For instance, underestimation of species diversity can impact the selection of the areas that will be conserved. Further fieldwork is needed to obtain the samples for a complete, fully resolved, well-supported phylogeny for the genus.


 Itzue W. Caviedes Solis and Adrián Nieto-Montes de Oca. 2017. A Multilocus Phylogeny of the Genus Sarcohyla (Anura: Hylidae), and An Investigation of Species Boundaries Using Statistical Species Delimitation. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. In Press.  DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.09.010 

[Crustacea • 2017] Two New Records of the Coral Symbiont Crab Genus Quadrella Dana, 1851 (Brachyura: Trapeziidae), from Taiwan, with Notes on the Taxonomy of Q. boopsis Alcock, 1898

0
0

 Qudrella boopsis  Alcock, 1898


Abstract

Two symbiotic trapeziid crabs of the genus Qudrella Dana, 1851, were collected from southwestern Taiwan. Both are new records for the island. Quadrella coronata Dana, 1852, is usually associated with the soft coral Chironephthya spp., while Q. boopsis Alcock, 1898, was found with the scleractinian coral Tubastraea micrantha. The taxonomy of Q. boopsis is treated and the variation in the dorsal surface of the carapace, armature of the anterolateral margin and colour pattern discussed.

Keywords:  Crustacea, Quadrella, taxonomy, new records, East Asia, Trapeziidae




 Chia-Wei Lin and Peter K. L. Ng. 2017. Two New Records of the Coral Symbiont Crab Genus Quadrella Dana, 1851, from Taiwan, with Notes on the Taxonomy of Q. boopsis Alcock, 1898 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Trapeziidae).  Zootaxa. 4324(3);571–580.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4324.3.10

[Crustacea • 2017] Neocaridina ikiensis • A New Species of Land-locked Freshwater Shrimp of the Genus Neocaridina (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae) from Iki Island, Kyushu, Japan

0
0

Neocaridina ikiensis
 Shih, Cai, Niwa & Nakahara, 2017

A new species of land-locked freshwater shrimp, Neocaridina ikiensis (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae), is described from Iki Island, Kyushu, Japan, based on morphological and molecular (mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene) evidence. This new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a suite of characters, including rostrum structure, number of post-orbital rostral teeth, male first and second pleopods and telson structure. The molecular evidence of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) shows this species has sufficient interspecific divergence, and its high intraspecific variation suggests that it evolved on this island over a long period of time. Based on the molecular clock estimation, the speciation of N. ikiensis n. sp. is supposed to be related with the quiescent periods of volcanoes on this island. This is the second endemic species of Neocaridina known, after N. denticulata (De Haan, 1844), from the main islands of Japan.

Key words: Neocaridina ikiensis, Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I, New species, Morphology, Molecular clock.



 Fig. 5. Live coloration of Neocaridina ikiensis n. sp. (A)
and its habitat in Iki Island (B).
Fig. 1. Collection sites (marked in red circles) for Neocaridina ikiensis n. sp. in Iki Island. 

Taxonomy
Family Atyidae De Haan, 1849
Neocaridina Kubo, 1938
Neocaridina ikiensis n. sp.


Etymology: The species is named after the type locality, Iki Island, Nagasaki Pref., western Japan. 

Ecological notes: Habitat (Fig. 5B) of the species is small streams, about 2 m wide, with slow flowing water. Stream banks were heavily vegetated. Collection sites were about 100 m to 1 km away from the coast. In one of the streams, a rice paddy is found adjacent to its upper reach, where substrate was muddy and with various sized rocks submerged in the water. The freshwater crab Geothelphusa dehaani (White, 1847) and the catadromous atyid shrimp Caridina typus H. Milne Edwards, 1837 were found sympatric with the new species.

Distribution: Presently known only from several streams in Iki Island, western Japan. 


Hsi-Te Shih, Yixiong Cai, Nobuaki Niwa and Yasuhiko Nakahara. 2017. A New Species of Land-locked Freshwater Shrimp of the Genus Neocaridina (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae) from Iki Island, Kyushu, Japan. Zoological Studies. 56;  DOI:  10.6620/ZS.2017.56-30



[Herpetology • 2017] Charadrahyla esperancensis • A New Species of Charadrahyla (Anura, Hylidae) from the Cloud Forest of northern Oaxaca, México

0
0

Charadrahyla esperancensis
 Canseco-Márquez, Ramírez-González & González-Bernal, 2017

Abstract

Charadrahyla esperancensis, a new species of tree frog, is described from the cloud forest of Sierra d Juárez on the northern slopes of Oaxaca. This species is sympatric with C. nephila and is distinguished by the presence of a protuding snout with a distinctive downward slope posterior to the nostril in lateral view, with an evident rostral keel, and the flanks and anterior and posterior surfaces of limbs with yellow spots. With the discovery of this new species, the species number of the genus increases to seven and adds another species of Charadrahyla for the assemblage of anurans from northern Oaxaca. This is the first instance of sympatry of species in the genus Charadrahyla. Additionally, we provide a key to the species of the genus.

Keywords: Amphibia, new species, frog, Charadrahyla, montane cloud forest, sympatry, conservation, Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca


  
Luis Canseco-Márquez, Cynthia Grisell Ramírez-González and Edna González-Bernal. 2017. Discovery of Another New Species of Charadrahyla (Anura, Hylidae) from the cloud forest of northern Oaxaca, México. Zootaxa. 4329(1); 64–72.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4329.1.2

[Crustacea • 2017] Myanmarorchestia gen. nov. • A New Terrestrial Talitrid Genus (Amphipoda, Talitridae) with Two New Species from Myanmar

0
0

Myanmarorchestia peterjaegeri Hou, 2017


Abstract
Myanmarorchestia Hou, gen. n. with two new species is described from terrestrial habitats in Myanmar. This new genus is characterised by 4-dentate lacinia on left mandible, simple gnathopod I in both sexes, weakly chelate gnathopod II in male, simplidactylate pereopods and complex and lobed gills. Myanmarorchestia peterjaegeri Hou, sp. n. closely resembles M. seabri Hou, sp. n. in gnathopod II merus and carpus protuberant on posterior margin; however, the former is distinguished from the latter by palp of maxilla I with two articles, coxal gills convoluted, and telson with nicks on surface. Additionally, DNA barcodes of the new species are obtained to confirm their distinctiveness.

Keywords: taxonomy, Myanmarorchestia, COI, Indo-West Pacific, leaf litter

Figure 1. Life photo of Myanmarorchestia peterjaegeri Hou, sp. n., one of the female paratypes.
 photo:Peter Jäger. 

Taxonomy
Family Talitridae Rafinesque, 1815

Genus Myanmarorchestia Hou, gen. n.
 Type species: Myanmarorchestiapeterjaegeri Hou, sp. n.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from “Myanmar” in combination with the Orchestia stem.

Diagnosis: Body size medium. Eyes rounded or sub-rounded, approximately 1/3 of head length. Antenna I reaching mid-point of peduncular article V of antenna II, flagellum a little shorter than peduncle. Antenna II 28% of body length, flagellum a little longer than peduncle. Mandible left lacinia mobilis 4-dentate. Maxilliped palp with four articles, first two articles broad; article III not lobate distomedially, article IV distinct, short, with apical spine and setae.

Gnathopod I coxal plate with anterior process prominent, carpus lacking pellucid lobe, propodus simple, narrowed distally in both sexes. Gnathopod II sexually dimorphic; propodus of male transitional form, weakly chelate, with tumescence, propodus of female mitten-shaped. Pereopods simplidactylate, with two spines at hinge of unguis. Coxal gills present on gnathopod II and pereopods III–VI; each gill lobed and convoluted, one or two lobes with ridged margins or filamentous projections. Oostegites slender, present on gnathopod II and pereopods III–V.

Epimeral plates acuminate posterodistally, ventral margins without armature, lacking submarginal pits. Pleopods well-developed, peduncles with plumose setae on exterior margins. Uropod I peduncle with large distolateral spine, outer ramus marginally bare. Uropod III ramus shorter than peduncle. Telson subtriangular shaped, apically notched, each lobe with one or two apical spines.


Myanmarorchestia peterjaegeri Hou, sp. n.

Etymology: The specific name honours Peter Jäger, the collector of specimens used in this study and an excellent scientist supporting the diversity research in Myanmar; noun (name) in genitive case.

Diagnosis: Eyes sub-rounded (Fig. 1); maxilla I palp with two articles, terminal article very small; gnathopod II merus and carpus protuberant on posterior margin; coxal gills convoluted, with marginal filamentous projections; telson with nicks on surface.


Myanmarorchestia seabri Hou, sp. n.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from abbreviation of the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS-SEABRI); noun in apposition.

Diagnosis: Eyes rounded; maxilla I palp with one article; male gnathopod II merus and carpus protuberant on posterior margin, propodus with tumescence, sub-triangular; coxal gills convoluted; telson bare on surface.


 Zhonge Hou and Shuangyan Zhao. 2017. A New Terrestrial Talitrid Genus, Myanmarorchestia, with Two New Species from Myanmar (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae). ZooKeys. 705; 15-39.  DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.705.15045

[Botany • 2017] Cremospermopsis galaxias • A New Species (Gesneriaceae) from northwestern Colombia

0
0

Cremospermopsis galaxias J.L. Clark & Clavijo

Abstract

Cremospermopsis galaxias, a new species from the eastern slopes of the Central Cordillera in the department of Antioquia, Colombia, is described and illustrated. Morphological affinities with its congeners are discussed, and a dichotomous key is provided to identify the three species of Cremospermopsis. The new species is distinguished by the presence of obovate bullate leaves with large white spots on the bullae, tomentulose inflorescence bracts, and calyx lobes with scattered short glandular trichomes.

Keywords: Cremospermopsis, Colombia, Gesneriaceae, Taxonomy, Eudicots

FIGURE 2. Cremospermopsis galaxias. A. Lateral view of inflorescence showing bracts. B. Front view of a flower. C. Lateral view of inflorescence showing pairs of bracts. D. Lower view of larger pair of inflorescence bracts. E. Habit showing bullate leaf surface with large white spots on bullae (from the holotype, J.L. Clark et al. 12890).

Cremospermopsis galaxias J.L. Clark & Clavijo, sp. nov.

Differs from other congeners by obovate leaf blades with ciliate margin; bullate leaf surface with white large white spots on the bullae; peduncle glabrate; inflorescence bracts tomentulose; and glabrate calyx with scattered short glandular trichomes abaxially.

 Type:— COLOMBIA. Antioquia: Municipio San Luis, Eastern Slopes of the Cordillera Central. Small trail near bridge over Quebrada Josefina along Highway Medellín–Bogotá, ...., 838 m, 13 May 2012 (fl), J.L. Clark et al. 12890 (holotype COL!, isotypes HUA!, MO!, NY!, US!, UNA!).

Etymology:— The specific epithet, galaxias, is in reference to the combination of bullate leaf surfaces and large white spotting that resembles the Milky Way of our Solar System’s galaxy. 

Distribution and habitat:— Cremospermopsis galaxias grows in abundant and scattered populations of 30+ individuals in shady areas along streams. The vegetation is intact along the streams, but is mostly bordered by areas that are under cultivation (e.g., cow pastures and agriculture). It has been collected in one locality along the eastern slopes of the Central Cordillera in the department of Antioquia in a Montane forest. 

Distribution and habitat:— This species has not been found in any formally protected area. According to the IUCN Red List criteria (IUCN 2001) for limited geographic range (B2a, less than 10 km2 and known to exist at only a single location) and considering the uncertain future of habitat conservation of the type locality, Cremospermopsis galaxias should be listed in the category CR (Critically Endangered).


John L. Clark and Laura Clavijo. 2017. Cremospermopsis galaxias (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from northwestern Colombia. Phytotaxa. 323(3); 282-288. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.323.3.7


[Biogeography • 2017] Tsunami-driven Rafting: Transoceanic Species Dispersal and Implications for Marine Biogeography

0
0


Abstract
The 2011 East Japan earthquake generated a massive tsunami that launched an extraordinary transoceanic biological rafting event with no known historical precedent. We document 289 living Japanese coastal marine species from 16 phyla transported over 6 years on objects that traveled thousands of kilometers across the Pacific Ocean to the shores of North America and Hawai‘i. Most of this dispersal occurred on nonbiodegradable objects, resulting in the longest documented transoceanic survival and dispersal of coastal species by rafting. Expanding shoreline infrastructure has increased global sources of plastic materials available for biotic colonization and also interacts with climate change–induced storms of increasing severity to eject debris into the oceans. In turn, increased ocean rafting may intensify species invasions.

Carlton, Chapman, Geller, et al., 2017. Science. 357(6358); 1402-1406.
 DOI: 
10.1126/science.aao1498


Marine sea slugs from a Japanese vessel from Iwate Prefecture, washed ashore in Oregon in April 2015.
 photo: John Chapman 

A vessel carried by the Japanese tsunami washed ashore in Oregon, coated in gooseneck barnacles that colonized the boat as it floated across the North Pacific. Several Japanese species also survived the voyage, in the crevices inside and underneath the boat.
photo: John Chapman  




James T. Carlton, John W. Chapman, Jonathan B. Geller, Jessica A. Miller, Deborah A. Carlton, Megan I. McCuller, Nancy C. Treneman, Brian P. Steves and Gregory M. Ruiz. 2017. Tsunami-driven Rafting: Transoceanic Species Dispersal and Implications for Marine Biogeography.  Science. 357(6358); 1402-1406. DOI: 10.1126/science.aao1498

Tsunami enabled hundreds of aquatic species to raft across Pacific
phy.so/425798070 via @physorg_com

Long-distance life rafting: 
When coastal ecosystems are affected by storms or tsunamis, organisms can be rafted across oceans on floating debris. However, such events are rarely observed, still less quantified. Carlton et al. chart the rafting journeys of coastal marine organisms across the Pacific Ocean after the 2011 East Japan earthquake and tsunami (see the Perspective by Chown). Of the nearly 300 mainly invertebrate species that reached the shores of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, most arrived attached to the remains of manmade structures.

   

[Arachnida • 2017] Ocyale ghost • A New Species of Ocyale (Araneae, Lycosidae) from Madagascar, with First Observations on the Biology of A Representative in the Genus

0
0

Ocyale ghost Jocque & Jocqué, 2017

in Jocque, Wellens, Andrianarivosoa, Rakotondraparany, Seing & Jocqué, 2017

Abstract

large white species of wolf spider, Ocyale ghost Jocque M. & Jocqué R. sp. nov., is described from a white sandy beach of an inland freshwater lake in the northwest of Madagascar. The first photos of a living specimen of the genus Ocyale are provided together with some observations on the biology of the newly described species. An updated and illustrated key to the Afrotropical species of Ocyale is included here.

Keywords:  beach; biology; phenology; white sand


Class Arachnida Cuvier, 1812
Order Araneae Clerck, 1757
Family Lycosidae Sundevall, 1833

Ocyale Audouin, 1823 

 Species included:
O. dewinterae Alderweireldt, 1996 ♂♀
O. discrepans Roewer, 1960 ♀
O. ghostJocque M. & Jocqué R. sp. nov.♂♀
O. grandis Alderweireldt, 1996 ♂♀
O. guttata Karsch, 1878 ♂♀
O. pilosa Roewer, 1960 ♂♀

Fig. 3. Ocyale ghost Jocque M. & Jocqué R. sp. nov. photographed at type locality.
A. Female habitus. B. Same, detail. C. Female in sand retreat. D. Female with spiderlings on abdomen. E. Two males, one being eaten by the other. F. Female with white grasshopper prey.

 Photos A–B: MJ (2012), C–F: SW (2016).

Ocyale ghost Jocque M. & Jocqué R. sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Males of Ocyale ghost sp. nov. can be recognized by details of the male palp: the tegulum is restricted to the prolateral side of the bulbus, the distal prong of the palea appendage is much narrower than the proximal one and the MA with the perpendicular prong is rectangular. Females are characterized by the epigyne in which the T-shaped posterior sclerite is fully exposed and not covered with setae as in other species in the genus. 

Etymology: The species name ‘ghost’ refers to the fully white appearance of this spider. Additional reference is made to the large white direwolf ‘Ghost’ in Game of Thrones, the first book in the series of fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin.  

Biology: Ocyale ghost sp. nov. was only found on the white sandy beaches (Fig. 3A–B) of an inland lake in the study region. The surveys also included grassland and dry forest, but the species seems restricted to a white-sand habitat, as reflected in its habitus. Ocyale ghost sp. nov. is active at night and all specimens were caught with headlamps after sunset. Captured animals that were kept alive in large ziplock bags overnight constructed retreats in the sand, lined with silk (Fig. 3C). Possible prey include large insects such as grasshoppers (Fig. 3F) that also exhibit camouflage colours as an adaptation to the white beach they live on. Intraspecific predation is also likely to occur (Fig. 3E), a phenomenon which is not unusual among lycosids (Edgar 1969; Hallander 1970). We observed copulation and females with spiderlings (Fig. 3D) in the midst of the dry season (June–July). Juveniles of a complete range of size, from very small ones (6 mm TL) to subadults, were observed, indicating that this species might reproduce yearround. The permanent presence of water in its habitat might explain why this species is also active in the dry season when spider activity is on average very low.

Fig. 2. Habitat on type locality of Ocyale ghost Jocque M. & Jocqué R. sp. nov. (photo by MJ, July 2012).


Merlijn Jocque, Siel Wellens, J.D. Andrianarivosoa, F. Rakotondraparany, Sam The Seing and Rudy Jocqué. 2017. A New Species of Ocyale (Araneae, Lycosidae) from Madagascar, with First Observations on the Biology of A Representative in the Genus. European Journal of Taxonomy. 355; 1–13.  DOI:  10.5852/ejt.2017.355

  

[Ichthyology • 2017] Tomiyamichthys reticulatus • A New Species of Shrimpgoby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Fiji

0
0

Tomiyamichthys reticulatus Greenfield, 2017


Abstract 
A new species of shrimpgoby, Tomiyamichthys reticulatus, is described on the basis of a single specimen taken at 16 m from a fine, silty-sand bottom at Rabi Island, Fiji. It differs from the other 12 valid described species in the genus on the basis of high fin-ray counts a combination of 12 dorsal and 13 anal-fin soft rays and 21 pectoral-fin rays, as well as a lanceolate caudal fin. 

Key words: taxonomy, systematics, ichthyology, coral-reef fishes, gobies, Rabi Island, Pacific Ocean. 

Figure 1. Tomiyamichthys reticulatus, fresh holotype, CAS243882, 54.6 mm SL, male, Rabi Island, Fiji (D.W. Greenfield). 

Tomiyamichthys reticulatus, n. sp.
Reticulated Shrimpgoby

Diagnosis: Dorsal-fin elements VI+I,12; anal-fin rays I,13; pectoral-fin rays 21; both ctenoid and cycloid scales present; caudal fin lanceolate and longer than head, 2.2 in SL; first 5 dorsal-fin spines filamentous, 2nd longest; gill opening extending forward to middle of operculum, without a free fold across isthmus; a mid-lateral row of 6 orange-brown spots, first at pectoral-fin base, last at caudal-fin base; first dorsal fin with many oblong orange spots encircled with white lines; second dorsal fin with wavy white lines running its length with orange in between; pelvic fins orange, crossed by several narrow curved white lines.

Etymology: The specific epithet, reticulatus (Latin: netlike), referring to the many oblong orange spots encircled with white lines forming a reticulated pattern on the first dorsal fin, treated as a masculine adjective.

Distribution: Currently known only from the type location on Rabi Island, Fiji, although presumably wider spread in the Pacific Ocean.


David W. Greenfield. 2017. Tomiyamichthys reticulatus, A New Species of Shrimpgoby from Fiji (Teleostei: Gobiidae). Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 28; 47–51. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.996850

[Botany • 2017] Asplenium minutifolium (Aspleniaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

0
0

Asplenium minutifolium Kanem. & Tagane


ABSTRACT 

A new species of Asplenium (Aspleniaceae), Asplenium minutifolium Kanem. & Tagane, from Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei Province, Northeast Thailand and Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Nayok Province, Central Thailand, is described and illustrated. This species can be distinguished from all similar species in East and South-East Asia by its simple and small lamina (1–5 × 0.3–0.7 cm), small and entire pinnae (1–4 × 0.8–2.5 mm), reflexed pinna arrangement (>90° from the midrib) in the lower 2/3 of the lamina and a sori arrangement that is almost always arranged in a single row on the basiscopic vein. 

KEYWORDS: Asplenium, Aspleniaceae, Pteridophyte, Fern, new species, Phu Kradueng National Park, Khao Yai National Park, Thailand.

Figure 2. Asplenium minutifolium  Kanem. & Tagane, sp. nov.
 A
. habit; B. portion of lamina (undersurface) showing sori; C. rhizome with scales; D. habitat.

Asplenium minutifolium Kanem. & Tagane, sp. nov. 

Similar to Asplenium kiangsuense Ching & Y.X.Jing of southern China in size and shape of lamina, but differs in having a narrower lamina (ca 0.7 cm wide in A. minutifolium vs. ca 1 cm wide in A. kiangsuense), wingless rachis (vs. 2 slightly raised lateral wings), smaller pinnae (1–4 × 0.8–2.5 mm vs. 4–5 × 4–5 mm), generally fewer sori per pinna (1– 3(–4) vs. 3–5), and in the sori arrangement (usually arranged in a row vs. arranged oppositely). Also similar to Asplenium siamense Tagawa & K.Iwats. of North-East Thailand, but can be distinguished by its simple pinnae at the tip of lamina (vs. lamina forked several times at the tip), thicker pinnae (thickly papery vs. thinly papery), reflexed pinna arrangement in lower part (vs. divaricate around lamina), and pinnae with entire or slightly undulate margins (vs. shallowly lobed (lobes to ca 1mm long)). 
–– Type: Thailand. Loei Province, Phu Kradueng National Park, Lom Sak Cliff, alt. 1292 m, 12 June 2015, Kanemitsu et al. T4736 (holotype BKF!, isotype TNS!).  


Distribution.–– Currently Asplenium minutifolium is known only from Phu Kradueng National Park and Khao Yai National Park. 

Ecology.–– In Phu Kradueng National Park, Asplenium minutifolium occurs in a semi-shaded and damp rock crevice that is ca 50 cm wide and 10 cm deep, on the plateau at an altitude of ca 1300 m. Associated fern and lycophyte species include Aglaomorpha rigidula (Sw.) Hovenkamp & S.Linds., Goniophlebium subauriculatum (Blume) C.Presl, Oleandra undulata (Willd.) Ching, Pyrrosia lingua (Thunb.) Farw. var. heteractis (Mett. ex Kuhn) Hovenkamp, and Selaginella siamensis Hieron. Other than the elevation, nothing is known about the ecology of this species at Khao Yai National Park. 

Etymology.–– The species epithet “minutifolium” refers to the very small lamina and pinnae of this species.


 Hironobu Kanemitsu, Shuichiro Tagane, Somran Suddee, Sukid Ruangruaea, Tetsukazu Yahara. 2017. Asplenium minutifolium (Aspleniaceae), A New Species from Thailand. THAI FOREST BULL., BOT.  45(1); 29–34.  DOI: 10.20531/tfb.2017.45.1.06



[Entomology • 2017] Themira lohmanus • Hidden in the Urban Parks of New York City: A New Species of Themira (Sepsidae, Diptera) Described Based on Morphology, DNA Sequences, Mating Behavior, and Reproductive Isolation

0
0

 Themira lohmanus   Ang, 2017


Abstract
New species from well-studied taxa such as Sepsidae (Diptera) are rarely described from localities that have been extensively explored and one may think that New York City belongs to this category. Yet, a new species of Themira (Diptera: Sepsidae) was recently discovered which is currently only known to reside in two of New York City’s largest urban parks. Finding a new species of Themira in these parks was all the more surprising because the genus was revised in 1998 and is not particularly species-rich (13 species). Its status is confirmed as a new species based on morphology, DNA sequences, and reproductive isolation tests with a closely related species, and is described as Themira lohmanus Ang, sp. n. The species breeds on waterfowl dung and it is hypothesized that this makes the species rare in natural environments. However, it thrives in urban parks where the public feeds ducks and geese. The mating behavior of Themira lohmanus was recorded and is similar to the behavior of its closest relative T. biloba.

Keywords: cryptic species, Sepsidae, species description


Figure 2. Adult male (A–M), showing lateral (A) and dorsal (B) views of habitus, anterior (C) and ventral (D) views of head capsule, anterior and posterior views of fore leg (E), mid leg (F) and rear leg (G); ventral view of abdomen (H) showing modified 4th sternites; anterior (I), dorsal (J), left (K) and right (L) views of hypopygium, as well as various views of the penis (M).

Figure 3. Adult female (A–H), showing lateral (A) and dorsal (B) views of habitus (sans abdomen), anterior (C) and ventral (D) views of head capsule, anterior and posterior views of fore leg (E), mid leg (F) and rear leg (G), and ventral view of abdomen (H).

Themira lohmanus Ang, sp. n.

Diagnosis:  Themira lohmanus is a relatively large, robust-looking sepsid species that resembles T. biloba. However, adult T. lohmanus males can be readily differentiated from the latter by their uniquely shaped, asymmetrical surstyli, which is symmetrical in T. biloba(Fig. 1A, see Morphological analysis section). While females of these two species do not have distinct structural differences, they can potentially be distinguished based on the color of the sclerous cuticle: in T. biloba, it tends to be glossy black while T. lohmanus tends to have a cupreous tinge. However, these characters may not be easily differentiated in faded specimens.

Etymology:  The new species is named after David J. Lohman, for his generous contributions of specimens to sepsid taxonomy.

Distribution: Nearctic. Thus far only found in New York City (Central Park and Prospect Park); likely to be found in more localities in the future, especially where waterfowl congregate.


 Yuchen Ang, Rudolf Meier, Kathy Feng-Yi Su and Gowri Rajaratnam. 2017. Hidden in the Urban Parks of New York City: Themira lohmanus, A New Species of Sepsidae Described Based on Morphology, DNA Sequences, Mating Behavior, and Reproductive Isolation (Sepsidae, Diptera).  ZooKeys. 698; 95-111.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.698.13411



[Herpetology • 2017] An Authentic Record of Eutropis bibronii (Gray, 1838) (Reptilia: Scincidae) from Sri Lanka

0
0

Eutropis bibronii  (Gray, 1838)


Abstract

Among the eight species of Eutropis Fitzinger currently known from Sri Lanka, Eutropis bibronii (Gray, 1838) is among the least known. Hence, the occurrence of this species in Sri Lanka has been doubted by some authors since there were no confirmed records from live specimens for the past 70 years. The species has been previously reported mostly from northern regions of Sri Lanka. Here, we report the collection of a live Eutropis bibronii from the Chundikulam National Park in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka confirming its occurrence in the country.

Keywords:  Reptilia, Bibron’s sand skink, Chundikulam National Park, reconfirmation, seashore




Anslem de Silva, W. M. J. Sandaruwan, H. K. Sameera de Zoysa and Kanishka D.B. Ukuwela. 2017. An Authentic Record of Eutropis bibronii (Gray, 1838) (Reptilia: Scincidae) from Sri Lanka. Zootaxa. 4329(2); 175–182.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4329.2.4

   

[Paleontology • 2017] Ieldraan melkshamensis • A New Metriorhynchid Crocodylomorph from the Oxford Clay Formation (Middle Jurassic) of England, with Implications for the Origin and Diversification of Geosaurini

0
0

Ieldraan melkshamensis 
Foffa, Young, Brusatte, Graham & Steel, 2017

Abstract
Metriorhynchids are an extinct group of Jurassic–Cretaceous crocodylomorphs secondarily adapted to a marine lifestyle. A new metriorhynchid crocodylomorph from the Oxford Clay Formation (Callovian, Middle Jurassic) of England is described. The specimen is a large, fragmentary skull and associated single ramus of a lower jaw uniquely preserved in a septarian concretion. The description of the specimen reveals a series of autapomorphies (apicobasal flutings on the middle labial surface of the tooth crowns, greatly enlarged basoccipital tuberosities) and a unique combination of characters that warrant the creation of a new genus and speciesIeldraan melkshamensis gen. et sp. nov. This taxon shares numerous characters with the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous genus Geosaurus: tooth crowns that have three apicobasal facets on their labial surface, subtly ornamented skull and lower jaws elements, and reception pits along the lateral margin of the dentary (maxillary overbite). Phylogenetic analysis places this new species as the sister taxon to Geosaurus. The new taxon adds valuable information on the time of origin of the macrophagous subclade Geosaurini, which was initially thought to have evolved and radiated during the Late Jurassic. The presence of Ieldraan melkshamensis, the phylogenetic re-evaluation of Suchodus durobrivensis as a Plesiosuchus sister taxon and recently identified Callovian Dakosaurus-like specimens in the Oxford Clay Formation, indicate that all major Geosaurini lineages originated earlier than previously supposed. This has major implications for the evolution of macropredation in the group. Specifically, we can now demonstrate that the four different forms of true ziphodonty observed in derived geosaurins independently evolved from a single non-functional microziphodont common ancestor.

Keywords: Ieldraan, Melksham monster, Geosaurus, Geosaurini, Jurassic, macrophagy


 Skull and left mandibular ramus of Ieldraan melkshamensis gen. et sp. nov. (NHMUK PV OR 46797).

Systematic palaeontology 
Superorder Crocodylomorpha Hay, 1930 (sensu Walker 1970) 
Suborder Thalattosuchia Fraas, 1901 (sensu Young & Andrade 2009) 
Family Metriorhynchidae Fitzinger, 1843 (sensu Young & Andrade 2009) 
Subfamily Geosaurinae Lydekker, 1889 (sensu Young & Andrade 2009) 
Tribe Geosaurini Lydekker, 1889 (sensu Cau & Fanti 2011)

 Subtribe Geosaurina subtr. nov.

 Type genus. Geosaurus Cuvier, 1824 (sensu Young et al. 2012).

 Geological range. Middle Callovian to Valanginian (34 myr duration). 
Geographical range. European endemic (UK, Germany and France). 

 Genus Ieldraan gen. nov. 
Type species. Ieldraan melkshamensis gen. et sp. nov. 

 Derivation of the name: Older One’. Ieldra, Old English for older; and an, Old English for one, referring to the stratigraphically older age of this new genus compared to its close relative Geosaurus

Ieldraan melkshamensis sp. nov.  
1888 Metriorhynchus moreli Eudes-Deslongchamps; Lydekker: 97.

Derivation of name: ‘Older One from Melksham’, epithet translated from Latin, locative case.


Conclusions:
Based on our description of a long overlooked and misinterpreted specimen (NHMUK PV OR 46797), we establish the new taxon Ieldraan melkshamensis gen. et sp. nov. Despite the poor state of preservation, we demonstrate that this late Middle Jurassic taxon from the OCF shows remarkable similarities with the Late Jurassic genus Geosaurus. Ieldraan and Geosaurus are found to be sister taxa in a new European endemic, Callovian–Valanginian geosaurin lineage that we name Geosaurina subtr. nov. The morphology and stratigraphical occurrence of Ieldraan melkshamensis, combined with our phylogenetic analysis, demonstrate that numerous adaptations linked to macrophagy had already evolved in Geosaurini by the Callovian stage. This suggests that the diversification of the tribe was perhaps less abrupt than previously thought, but rather had a longer temporal and phylogenetic fuse. We also show that the evolution of ziphodonty followed a different path than previously hypothesized. The new information presented here indicates that four different true ziphodont morphologies in the derived Late Jurassic geosaurins independently evolved from a unique non-functional microziphodont common ancestor.


 Davide Foffa, Mark T. Young, Stephen L. Brusatte, Mark R. Graham and Lorna Steel. 2017. A New Metriorhynchid Crocodylomorph from the Oxford Clay Formation (Middle Jurassic) of England, with Implications for the Origin and Diversification of Geosaurini. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.  DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2017.1367730

  

[Entomology • 2017] A Cybertaxonomic Revision of the New Dung beetle Tribe Parachoriini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) and Its Phylogenetic Assessment Using Molecular and Morphological Data

0
0

Diagnostic characters and phylogenetic position of the tribe Parachoriini new tribe (highlighted in orange) in morphological phylogeny of Scarabaeinae.

Tarasov, 2017.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4329.2.1 

Abstract

Two Oriental dung beetle genera: Parachorius Harold, 1873 and Cassolus Sharp, 1875 have long had an ambiguous tribal position in Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), but have never been considered as closely related. A recently discovered species representing the morphological link between the two genera gave a hint to their possible close affiliation. To assess phylogenetic and taxonomic placement of these genera, I conducted phylogenetic analyses of global dung beetle samples using morphological (134 taxa, 232 characters) and molecular (551 terminals, 8 gene regions) data. Both morphological and molecular analyses strongly support the monophyly of Parachorius + Cassolus. This leads to the synonymy of Parachorius with Cassolus new synonymy, and resulted in the new generic concept for Parachorius. The isolated phylogenetic position of Parachorius and its morphological distinctiveness from all other known Scarabaeinae tribes suggest recognition of a new tribe, Parachoriini new tribe, to maintain the stability of tribal classification in dung beetles. Investigation of old and recent material of Parachorius revealed a large number of undescribed species and the need for a taxonomic revision of this genus. The revision of Parachorius, powered by the 3i cybertaxonomic tool, is presented in this study. The revised Parachorius is comprised of 19 species from the Oriental and southeastern Palaearctic Regions, of which seven are newly described (P. asymmetricus new species, P. bolavensis new species, P. longipenis new species, P. newthayerae new species, P. pseudojavanus new species, P. schuelkei new species, and P. solodovnikovi new species). Three species names in Parachorius are synonymized, namely, P. fungorum Kryzhanovsky & Medvedev, 1966 = P. krali Utsunomiya & Masumoto, 2001 new synonymy; P. thomsoni Harold, 1873 = P. lannathai Hanboonsong & Masumoto, 2001 new synonymy; and P. peninsularis (Arrow, 1907) = C. pongchaii Masumoto, 2001 new synonymy. Two species originally described in Cassolus (C. sumatranus and C. minutus) are transferred to the genus Panelus Lewis, 1895. The rank of the genus Macropanelus is lowered to a subgenus within Panelus (i.e. Panelus (Macropanelus) new status).

Keywords:  Coleoptera, Dung beetles, Scarabaeinae, systematics, cybertaxonomy, new tribe


FIGURE 1. Diagnostic characters and phylogenetic position of the tribe Parachoriini new tribe (highlighted in orange) in morphological phylogeny of Scarabaeinae.
(B) The strict consensus tree inferred using reduced taxon sample under implied weights option (k = 70 and 100). The species previously placed in Cassolus and Parachorius are highlighted in purple and blue respectively.
(CE) Diagnostic characters of the tribe Parachoriini. (C–D) Short and long ridges of metasternum respectively. (E) Phallobase with basal tubercles.

Sergei Tarasov. 2017. A Cybertaxonomic Revision of the New Dung beetle Tribe Parachoriini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) and Its Phylogenetic Assessment Using Molecular and Morphological Data.   Zootaxa. 4329(2); 101–149. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4329.2.1

[Ichthyology • 2017] Gymnocranius obesus • A New Large-eye Seabream from the Coral Triangle

0
0

Gymnocranius obesus 
Chen, Miki & Borsa, 2017

Obese Large-eye Seabream  | DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2017.08.004  

Abstract
Two previously recorded new species of the large-eye seabream genus Gymnocranius (Gymnocranius sp. D and Gymnocranius sp. E) remain undescribed. Here we describe Gymnocranius sp. E as Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. This new species is morphologically distinct from all other known species under Gymnocranius by the following combination of characters: relatively deep body, with ratio of standard length to body depth 2.2–2.4; protruding large eye, with eye diameter about equal to or slightly larger than inter-orbital width; caudal fin moderately forked; no blue spots or wavy blue lines on cheek and snout in adults; fourth transversal dark bar on flank running from the sixth spine of the dorsal fin to the origin of the anal fin; anal, caudal and dorsal fins drab with yellowish to yellow margins. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. is distinct from G. griseus, with which it has been previously confused by a relatively larger head, scales above lateral line without dark basal patch, and a smaller number of front scales on the dorsal side of the head. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. is genetically distinct from its closest known relative, Gymnocranius sp. D by 104 diagnostic nucleotide characters, which translates into a 9.6% sequence divergence at the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. reaches a length of at least 295 mm. Its distribution, from the Ryukyu Islands to Bali, including Taiwan and the Flores Sea, mostly coincides with the western half of the Coral Triangle.

Keywords: New species, Indo-West Pacific, Gymnocranius sp. D, Gymnocranius griseus




Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. 
 Previously referred to as Gymnocranius sp. E [Borsa, et al., 2013],
Gymnocranius sp. 1 [Anonymous, 2016],
Gymnocranius griseus [Chiang, et al., 2014],
and Gymnocranius grandoculis [Shao, 2016].

Diagnosis: Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. differs from its morphologically close congeners G. griseus and Gymnocranius sp. D by the number of front scales on the top of the head, and by the dark-bar patterns on flanks. While the fourth transversal dark bar in G. obesus sp. nov. runs from the basis of the sixth spine of the dorsal fin down to the origin of the anal fin, the one in Ggriseus, when visible, runs down from the base of the sixth dorsal spine to the abdomen (Table 3). That in Gymnocranius sp. D descends from the sixth dorsal spine to the extremity of abdomen, before the anus (Table 3).

Along the cytochrome b gene, the following apomorphic sites have nucleotides shared by all five specimens of G. obesus sp. nov. examined so far, that are not present in G. elongatus, G. euanus, G. grandoculis, G. griseus, G. oblongus, G. satoi, G. superciliosus and Gymnocranius sp. D: Nos. 61, 108, 117, 135, 153, 165, 300, 303, 318, 375, 501, 564, 627, 630, 684, 756, 765, 816, 967, 972, and 1032. These nucleotide sites can be used for the diagnosis of G. obesus sp. nov. relative to G. griseus and Gymnocranius sp. D.


Etymology: Epithet obesus is the Latin translation of obese, a reference to the deep and relatively thick body shape of the specimens of this species. We propose the Obese Large-eye Seabream as vernacular name for G. obesus sp. nov.



Fig. 1. Type series of Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. 
A. Specimen NTUM 12079 (sample Let1006), holotype, standard length (SL) 270 mm, collected 3 October 2013 from off Fugang, Taitung, Taiwan (photographed by WJC). B. Specimen MUFS 25522, paratype, SL 295 mm, from off Anbo, Yaku-shima Island, Kagoshima prefecture, Japan (30°19′N, 130°39′E), 11 August 2008 (photographed by the MUFS fish team). C. Specimen MUFS 41271, paratype, SL 209 mm, purchased at Tomari-Fish Market (26°14′N, 127°41′E), Okinawa Island, Japan, 27 October 2012 (photographed by RM). D. Specimen MUFS 41272, paratype, SL 244 mm, purchased at the same place and same date (photographed by RM). E. Specimen NTUM 10766 (Let998), paratype, SL195 mm, from Fugang fishing port, Taiwan, 03 October 2013 (photographed by WJC). F. Specimen NTUM 10766 (Let999), paratype, SL220 mm, from Fugang fishing port, Taiwan, 03 October 2013 (photographed by WJC). G. Specimen NTUM 10766 (Let1004), paratype, SL192 mm, from Fugang fishing port, Taiwan, 03 October 2013 (photographed by WJC). H. Specimen NTUM 10766 (Let1005), paratype, SL239 mm, from Fugang fishing port, Taiwan, 03 October 2013 (photographed by WJC). 




 Wei-Jen Chen, Ryohei Miki and Philippe Borsa. 2017. Gymnocranius obesus, A New Large-eye Seabream from the Coral Triangle. Comptes Rendus Biologies. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2017.08.004 

2017. Gymnocranius obesus, un nouveau bossu blanc du Triangle de Corail. 
Résumé: Deux nouveaux bossus blancs du genre Gymnocranius, précédemment signalés comme Gymnocranius sp. D et Gymnocranius sp. E, restent non décrits. Nous décrivons ici Gymnocranius sp. E comme Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. Cette nouvelle espèce est morphologiquement distincte de toutes les autres espèces connues du genre Gymnocranius par la combinaison de caractères suivante : corps relativement haut, où le rapport de la longueur standard à la hauteur du corps est 2,2–2,4 ; œil saillant, large, dont le diamètre est approximativement égal ou légèrement supérieur à la distance interorbitaire ; nageoire caudale modérément fourchue ; pas de taches bleues ni de lignes bleues ondulées sur la joue et le museau chez les adultes ; quatrième barre transversale sombre sur le flanc allant de la base du sixième rayon de la nageoire dorsale à l’origine de la nageoire anale ; bord externe des nageoires anale, caudale et dorsale jaunâtre à jaune. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. se distingue de G. griseus, avec lequel il a été précédemment confondu, par une tête relativement plus grande, des écailles au-dessus de la ligne latérale sans patch basal sombre, et un plus petit nombre d’écailles frontales sur le dos de la tête. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. est génétiquement distinct de son plus proche parent connu, Gymnocranius sp. D, par 104 caractères nucléotidiques diagnostiques au gène mitochondrial du cytochrome b, ce qui se traduit par une divergence de séquence de 9,6 %. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. atteint au moins 295 mm de longueur. Sa distribution, des îles Ryukyu à Bali en passant par Taïwan et la mer de Flores, coïncide essentiellement avec la moitié ouest du Triangle de Corail.
Mots clés: Nouvelle espèce, Indo-Pacifique ouest, Gymnocranius sp. D, Gymnocranius griseus

Viewing all 9195 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images