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[Entomology • 2018] A Review of the Montane Lacewing Genus Rapisma McLachlan (Neuroptera, Ithonidae) from China, with Description of Two New Species; Rapisma changqingensis & R. chikuni

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Rapisma changqingensis  Liu, 2018


Abstract
The genus Rapisma McLachlan, 1866 (Insecta: Neuroptera: Ithonidae) is a rare and poorly known lacewing group endemic to Asia. Here I present a revision of the Rapisma species from China, with description of two new species, namely Rapisma changqingensis sp. n. and Rapisma chikuni sp. n. The Chinese Rapisma now comprises five species that respectively belong to two monophyletic species groups. Rapisma changqingensis sp. n. represents the northernmost record of the genus, being distributed at the border of eastern Palaearctic and Oriental regions. Moreover, the homology of genital sclerites of Rapisma is also updated.

Key Words: Neuropterida, taxonomy, new species, Oriental region

Figure 7. Living habitus of Rapisma changqingensis  sp. n., (A) male adult, lateral view 

Figure 7. Living habitus of Rapisma changqingensis  sp. n.,  (B) female adult, dorsal view. 

Rapisma changqingensis sp. n.

Etymology: The new species is named based on the Changqing National Nature Reserve where type specimens of this species were collected.

Distribution: China (Shaanxi).


Rapisma chikuni sp. n.

Etymology: The new species is dedicated to Prof. Chikun Yang who made outstanding contributions to the taxonomy of Rapisma from China.


Figure 2. Habitus photos of Rapisma spp.,
(A) Rapisma changqingensis sp. n., holotype male; (B) same species, paratype female;
(C) Rapisma yanhuangi Yang, male; (D) same species, holotype female; (E) same species, male, lacking forewing dark markings; (F) same species, female. Scale bar: 5.0 mm. 

Figure 3. Head of Rapisma spp. in frontal view,
(A) Rapisma chikuni sp. n., holotype male; (B) Rapisma daianum Yang, holotype male; (C) Rapisma xizangense Yang, male; (D) same species, female (holotype of Rapisma zayuanum Yang); (E) Rapisma changqingensis sp. n., holotype male; (F) same species, paratype female; (G) Rapisma yanhuangi Yang, male; (H) same species, female. Scale bar: 1.0 mm.

Rapisma daianum Yang, 1993
Rapisma daianum Yang, 1993: 147. Type locality: China (Yunnan: Menghai).

Distribution: China (Yunnan).

Rapisma xizangense Yang, 1993
Rapisma xizangense Yang, 1993: 148. Type locality: China (Xizang: Jigong).
Rapisma zayuanum Yang, 1993: 149. Type locality: China (Xizang: Jigong).

Distribution: China (Xizang).


Rapisma yanhuangi Yang, 1993

Distribution: China (Sichuan).


Conclusions: 
This study summarized the present knowledge on the ithonid genus Rapisma from China, currently with five species that respectively belong to two monophyletic species group. The morphology of the genitalia of this genus was also further understood. In addition, the distribution region of Rapisma is now known to reach the border between Palaearctic and Oriental regions.

Rapisma is the only extant genus of Ithonidae from Asia. The phylogenetic status of this genus in Ithonidae, as well as the phylogenetic relationships among species within the genus, is of high interest and significance for understanding the origin and diversification pattern of the genus. A dated phylogeny of Ithonidae and Rapisma as well stand as a key to figure out the above questions, while comprehensive sampling, particularly new materials for molecular works, is required.


 Xingyue Liu. 2018. A Review of the Montane Lacewing Genus Rapisma McLachlan (Neuroptera, Ithonidae) from China, with Description of Two New Species. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 94(1): 57-71.  DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.21651





[Entomology • 2018] Anthaxia cebecii • A Revision of the Anthaxia (Anthaxia) midas Kiesenwetter, 1857 Species-group (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Anthaxiini)

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Anthaxia (A.) cebecii 
Baiocchi & Magnani, 2018


Abstract

The Anthaxia (Anthaxia) midas Kiesenwetter, 1857 species-group is defined and revised. A new species from Turkey, Anthaxia (A.) cebecii sp. nov., is described and compared to its most similar species. A. midas oberthuri Schaefer, 1938 is elevated to the rank of species, and a lectotype is designated. A. (A.) spathuligera Obenberger, 1924 and A. (A.) midas muelleri Obenberger, 1925 are reconfirmed synonyms of A. midas Kiesenwetter, 1857.

All species of the new species-group are illustrated, including the hitherto unknown male of A. (A.) patsyae Baiocchi, 2008, all type specimens and original data labels. In addition to diagnostic characters, informations on the distribution, biology and taxonomic position of each species are also presented, together with a short definition of the new species-group, and a key to its species.
  

Keywords: Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Anthaxiini, Anthaxia (A.) midas species-group revision, new species, lectotype designation, distribution, bionomy, taxonomy, Palaearctic region



Daniele Baiocchi and Gianluca Magnani. 2018. A Revision of the Anthaxia (Anthaxia) midas Kiesenwetter, 1857 Species-group (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Anthaxiini). Zootaxa. 4370(3); 201–254. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4370.3.1

[Botany • 2017] Agapetes brevipedicellata • A New Species (Ericaceae) from Putao, Kachin State, Northern Myanmar

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Agapetes brevipedicellata Y. H. Tan & S.S. Zhou

in Zhou, Yang, Tong, Ding, Li, Kyan & Tan, 2017

Abstract

Agapetes brevipedicellata, a new species of Ericaceae from Putao, Kachin State, Myanmar, is here described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to Agapetes pseudogriffithii, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by its nearly fleshy branchlets, linear-lanceolate leaf blades, stout, fleshy, bracteate peduncles, pedicels and calyx pale greenish tinged with pale pink, and stems and branches with prominent leaf and inflorescence scars.

Keywords: Myanmar, Agapetes brevipedicellata, Ericaceae, new species, Vaccinieae, Eudicots

Agapetes brevipedicellata Y. H. Tan & S.S. Zhou.
A–B. Habit. C. Flowering branchlet. D. Inflorescence. E. Inflorescence with flowers in apical view. G. Inflorescence with flowers in lateral view. H. Leaves showing abaxial and adaxial surfaces. I. Flowers showing pedicel, calyx and style. J. Corolla opened to show outer surface. K. Flowers showing pedicel, calyx and corolla. L. Stamens.
(Image by TAN Yunhong)


  



Shi-Shun Zhou, Bin Yang, Yi-Hua Tong, Hong-Bo Ding, Ren Li, Win Maung Kyan and Yun-Hong Tan. 2017. Agapetes brevipedicellata (Ericaceae), A New Species from Putao, Kachin State, Northern Myanmar. Phytotaxa. 331(1); 117–123. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.331.1.10

A New Species of Ericaceae Reported from Northern Myanmar -   english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/201801/t20180104_188686.shtml?bsh_bid=1920465821

  

[Herpetology • 2018] A Biogeographic and Ecological Perspective to the Evolution of Reproductive Behaviour in the Family Salamandridae

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Kieren, Sparreboom, Hochkirch & Veith, 2018. 


Highlights
• The family Salamandridae is of Western Palearctic origin and started to diversify in the Late Cretaceous.
• The common ancestor was oviparous, mated on land without amplexus and probably showed a pin wheel spermatophore transfer.
• Colonization took place once to the Nearctic and twice to Eastern Asian realms.
• Changes in habitat type are not significantly correlated with changes in mating characters.

Abstract
Amphibians have a complex reproductive behaviour, which shows the highest diversity among tetrapodes. The family Salamandridae, distributed across the entire Holarctic, is one of the most diverse groups of extant salamanders comprising 114 species in 21 genera. The family has a remarkable diversity of courtship modes, amplexus and sperm transfer. It is often hypothesised that this diversity has evolved in adaptation to a specific mating and/or breeding habitat. We test this hypothesis based upon a phylogenetic reconstruction using the complete mitochondrial genome sequences of 45 Salamandridae species, representing all existing genera. We used ancestral character state reconstruction methods and geographic range models and applied relaxed Bayesian molecular clock models to discuss the results in a temporal framework of Salamandridae evolution. Our results show that the family Salamandridae started to diversify in the Late Cretaceous (ca. 87 mya) and is of Western Palearctic origin. Ancestral character state reconstruction predicts that its common ancestor was oviparous, mated on land without amplexus and probably showed a pin wheel spermatophore transfer, which is still found in the Italian endemic Salamandrina terdigidata. Our results suggest that several colonization of continents with subsequent radiations took place, once to the Nearctic and twice into Eastern Asian realms. However, these events were only in one case associated with a change in mating behaviour (dorsal amplexus in Nearctic newts). Around the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary (K-Pg boundary) several Salamandridae lineages further diverged, again with no obvious changes in mating behaviour. Overall, there is no significant signal for mating character evolution being caused by changes in habitat type, with only a slight tendency that changes in mating habitat might have led to changes in the type of sperm transfer which in turn was associated with changes in the presence or absence of amplexus.

Keywords: Mitogenomics; Bayesian molecular dating; geographic range; mating behaviour; ancestral character state reconstruction; coevolution




Sarah Kieren, Max Sparreboom, Axel Hochkirch and Michael Veith. 2018. A Biogeographic and Ecological Perspective to the Evolution of Reproductive Behaviour in the Family Salamandridae. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. In Press.   DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.01.006

[Botany • 2017] Piper jianfenglingense • A New Species of Piperaceae from Hainan Island, China

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Piper jianfenglingense C.Y. Hao & Y.H. Tan

in Hao, Qin, Tan, Hu, Wu, Luo, Deng & Tan, 2017.

Abstract

Piper jianfenglingense, which was collected in the Jianfengling National Natural Reserve, Hainan Island, China, is described and illustrated herein. Morphologically it is similar to P. mutabile, from which it differs in having sparsely pubescent petioles, vaginate at base only; rachises glabrous; floral bracts adnate to rachis, margin partially hidden; stamens 2, with considerably longer filaments, these caducous when anthers mature; stigmas ovoid, apex acute; berries and seeds ellipsoid. Molecular analyses based on the ITS marker of nuclear ribosomal DNA strongly support P. jianfenglingense as a new species in the genus Piper, most closely related to P. macropodum.

Keywords: Piper, new species, morphology, ITS, tropical flora, Hainan, Magnoliids




Piper jianfenglingense. A, B. Habit; C. Adaxial surface of gonophyll; D. Abaxial surface of gonophyll; E. Male spike; F. Female spike; G. Florets in male spike; H. Florets in female spike; I. Infructescence; J. Berry (side view); K. Seed (top view).
(Image by HAO Chaoyun)

Chao-Yun Hao, Xiao-Wei Qin, Le-He Tan, Li-Song Hu, Gang Wu, Shui-Xing Luo, Hai-Yan Deng and Yun-Hong Tan. 2017. Piper jianfenglingense, A New Species of Piperaceae from Hainan Island, China. Phytotaxa. 331(1); 109–116. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.331.1.9 



[Botany • 2017] Primula zhui (Primulaceae) sp. nov. from south Yunnan, southwest China

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Primula zhui   Y.H.Tan & B.Yang

in Yang, Ding, Li & Tan, 2017. 

Abstract
Primula zhui a new species of Primula endemic to the Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to P. intanoensis from Thailand, and P. calyptrata from southeast Yunnan, affiliated to Primula sect. Carolinella (Hemsl.) Pax. However, it is easily distinguished from the Thailand species by its longer corolla tube and distylous flowers, and it differs from the Chinese species by its leaf ovate to ovate-elliptic blade and distylous flowers.

Primula zhui sp. nov. (A) and (B) habit, (C) thrum flowers in anterior view, (D) pin flowers in anterior view,(E) inflorescence, showing the persistent calyx, (F) inflorescence in lateral view, showing the corolla tube,(G) pin and thrum flowers, (H) leaf blade in adaxial view, (I) leaf blade in abaxial view.
(Image by DING Hongbo)


Primula zhui is similar to P. intanoensis T. Yamaz. from Thailand and P. calyptrata X. Gong & R.C. Fang from China. But it is easily distinguished from P. intanoensis by its longer corolla tube (1.4–1.6 cm long, 2.0–2.5 times as long as the calyx) and distylous flowers, and from P. calyptrata by its ovate to ovate-elliptic leaf blade and distylous flowers. 

They named the new species as Primula zhui to honor Prof. ZHU Hua of XTBG, who worked on plant taxonomy and biogeog­raphy and made great contributions to the tropical flora in China, especially in south Yunnan.  

Primula zhui is endemic to south Yunnan, southwest China, only known from its type locality, Yixiang, Simao, Pu’er. It grows in the understory of subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests, at 1300–1500 m above sea level. 

Primula zhui is assessed as 'Critically Endangered' according to the IUCN standard. During the preliminary field survey in Simao County, the researchers found only three populations and less than 50 individuals in the type locality of about four sq.km. area in Yixiang.  


  

Yang Bin, Ding Hong-Bo, Li Zhi-Hong and Tan Yun-Hong. 2017. Primula zhui (Primulaceae) sp. nov. from south Yunnan, southwest China.  Nordic Journal of Botany. 35(6); 681–686. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01656

A New Species of Primulaceae Reported from South Yunnan -     english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/201801/t20180103_188661.shtml?bsh_bid=1920465863

New species of flowering plant discovered in SW China’s Yunnan. The Primula zhui flower is named after its discoverer xhne.ws/Va06u 

      

[Entomology • 2018] Ahermodontus bischoffi — Rediscovery of An Endemic Dung Beetle Species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) in Albania After More Than 80 years

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Ahermodontus bischoffi (Všetečka, 1939)

in Byk, Bezděk, Gazurek, Král & Tylkowski, 2018
  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4370.3.8 

The genus Ahermodontus Báguena, 1930 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) is currently comprised of three species: A. marini Báguena, 1930 and A. ambrosi (Pardo Alcaide, 1936) from southern Spain and Morocco and A. bischoffi (Všetečka, 1939) from Albania (see e.g., Dellacasa et al. 2001, 2002, 2016). The distribution and bionomy of both of the western Mediterranean Ahermodontus species are relatively well known. Contrastingly, A. bischoffi was described using a single female specimen collected by A. Bischoff in Llogara, Albania in 1934 (Všetečka 1939) and additional specimens remained unknown until now. Geodesist Alfons Bischoff (1890–1942) was a famous Albanian speleologist and insect collector (Horn et al. 1990; Genest & Juberthie 1994; Zhalov 2015). He often made his insect material accessible to specialists on particular insect groups and several species is dedicated to him: for example, the Carabidae (Coleoptera) species Duvalius bischoffi Meschnigg, 1936, Pterostichus bischoffianus Jedlička, 1936, and Zabrus bischoffi Müller, 1936, and the paper wasp Polistes bischoffi Weyrauch, 1937 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

....


Ahermodontus bischoffi, male & female

FIGURE 3. Albania, Çikës Mountains, biotope of Ahermodontus bischoffi, May 2016 (photograph by S. Tylkowski). 


 Adam Byk, Aleš Bezděk, Tomasz Gazurek, David Král and Sebastian Tylkowski. 2018. Ahermodontus bischoffi — Rediscovery of An Endemic Dung Beetle Species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) in Albania After More Than 80 years.  Zootaxa. 4370(3); 283–288. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4370.3.8

[Arachnida • 2018] Seven New Species of the Spider Genus Ochyrocera (Araneae, Ochyroceratidae) from Caves in Floresta Nacional de Carajás, Pará, Brazil

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Ochyrocera varys Ochyrocera misspider
Brescovit, Cizauskas & Mota, 2018 


 A Ochyrocera varys sp. n., predating a Diptera Ochyrocera atlachnacha sp. n., on the web Ochyrocera misspider sp. n., couple in the web Ochyrocera varys sp. n., carrying the egg sac.

Abstract
Seven new species of the spider genus Ochyrocera from cave areas in Floresta Nacional de Carajás (state of Pará, northern Brazil) are described: Ochyrocera varys sp. n., Ochyrocera atlachnacha sp. n., Ochyrocera laracna sp. n., Ochyrocera aragogue sp. n., Ochyrocera misspider sp. n., Ochyrocera charlotte sp. n., and Ochyrocera ungoliant sp. n. Two groups of the species are discussed, the quinquivittata group that include specimens with an apparently bifid retrolateral apophysis in the cymbium of the male palp and the arietina group, here proposed, that include those specimens with an entire cymbium, with no retrolateral apophysis, in the male palp. Although these species were abundant inside caves, the examined specimens do not have troglomorphic characteristics and can be classified as edaphic troglophile species, capable of completing its life cycle in soil, shallow subterranean habitats, or caves.

Keywords: Amazonian region, Haplogynae, taxonomy

Figure 21. A Ochyrocera varys sp. n., predating a Diptera Ochyrocera atlachnacha sp. n., on the web Ochyrocera misspider sp. n., couple in the web Ochyrocera varys sp. n., carrying the egg sac Entrance of an iron cave Canga vegetation on rocky outcrop. 

Ochyrocera varys sp. n., predating a Diptera.  

Taxonomy
Ochyrocera Simon, 1892
Ochyrocera Simon, 1892: 565
(Type species, O. arietina Simon)

Ceruleocera Marples, 1955: 462
 (Type species by original designation C. ransfordi Marples); Brignoli 1979: 598 (Syn.)

Diagnosis: Species of the genus Ochyrocera can be distinguished by having a tracheal spiracle between the epigastric fold and spinnerets (see Pérez-González et al. 2016: fig. 8A); clypeus sloping (Fig. 1A–B); tip of labium notched (Fig. 8E); long legs; male palp without tibial apophysis; cymbium conical and with prolateral extension, with or without apical cuspule; and flexed embolus projecting forward (Fig. 1C–D).

Composition: Thirty-nine species (World Spider Catalog 2017).

Distribution: With the exception of Ochyrocera ransfordi, described by Marples (1955) from Samoa, all described species are from Mexico, Cuba, Hispaniola, Lesser Antilles, Saint Vincent, Guatemala, Venezuela, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil.


• Ochyrocera varys sp. n.

Diagnosis: Ochyrocera varys resembles Ochyrocera atlachnacha in its carapace, which is yellow and bright lime (Figs 1A–B; 4A–B) and palp with conical, elongated cymbial apophysis, and have a distal cuspule on the cymbial apophysis (Figs 1C–D, 4C–D). This species can be distinguished by the male palp having a cymbial apophysis without an accentuated lateral projection (present in O. atlachnacha) and by the curved distal area of embolus (Figs 1C–D, 2C–F); females have a thick spermathecae enveloping large pore-plates (Fig. 1E–F).

Etymology: The specific name refers to Varys, a fictional character in George R. R. Martin’s book, “A Song of Ice and Fire”. Lorde Varys is a character with a venomous spirit, known as a spider in the plot.


Distribution: Recorded from caves and epigean areas of Carajás, state of Pará, northern Brazil (Fig. 19A).


• Ochyrocera atlachnacha sp. n.

Diagnosis: Ochyrocera atlachnacha resembles O. varys by its carapace yellow and bright lime (Figs 1A–B, 4A–B) and palp with conical, elongated and distal cuspule in the cymbial apophysis (Figs 1C–D, 4C–D). It can be distinguished from the latter and other Neotropical species by the male palpal cymbium with accentuated cymbial prolateral projection (Figs 4D, 5C, E–F); females have enlarged and projected pore-plates on the inconspicuous spermathecae (Fig. 4E–F).

Etymology: The specific name refers to Atlach-Nacha, a supernatural entity from Cthulhu mythology that resembles a huge spider with an almost human face.

Distribution: Recorded exclusively from caves in Carajás, state of Pará, northern Brazil (Fig. 20B).


• Ochyrocera laracna sp. n.

Diagnosis: Ochyrocera laracna resembles O. aragogue by the yellowish-green body pattern (Figs 7A–B; 8A−B) and by the short cymbial apophysis with two distal spurs on projections (Fig. 7C–D), a unique character for both these Neotropical species. The male of the former species can be distinguished from the latter due to the palp having a flap at the distal area of embolus (Figs 7C–D; 8A−B) and a laminar spur in the curved area 8F). The female is distinguished from O. aragogue by the small distal area of the spermathecae and pore plates adjacent to the spermathecae base (Fig. 7E–F).

Etymology: The specific name refers to Laracna, a giant and very old spider created by J. R. R. Tolkien in the classic book “The Lord of the Rings”.

Distribution: Recorded from caves and epigean areas in the Carajás region, state of Pará, northern Brazil (Fig. 20A).


• Ochyrocera aragogue sp. n.

Diagnosis: Ochyrocera aragogue resembles O. laracna by the yellowish green body color pattern (Fig. 10A–B) and by the short cymbial apophysis with two distal cuspules on projections (Fig. 10C–D, 11F), a unique character for both these Neotropical species. The male can be distinguished from O. laracna by the palp with a sinuous distal area of embolus without laminar spur (Figs 10C–D, 11A–B, D). The female has an enlarged distal area of spermathecae and pore plates at the spermathecae base (Fig. 10E–F).

Etymology: The specific name refers to Aragog, a spider capable of communicating with humans and a lover of human flesh, from the literary classic “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”, by J.K. Rowling.

Distribution: Recorded exclusively from caves in the Carajás region, state of Pará, northern Brazil (Fig. 19B).

 Ochyrocera misspider sp. n., couple in the web.

• Ochyrocera misspider sp. n.

Etymology: The specific name refers to Little Miss Spider, a very popular spider around the world and the main character of the children’s books by David Kirk.

Diagnosis: Ochyrocera misspider is the smallest among the species from Floresta Nacional de Carajás and resembles O. caeruleoamethystina Lopez & Lopez and O. thibaudi Emerit & Lopez by the small projection in the cymbium (see Lopez and Lopez 1997, fig. 8; Emerit and Lopez 1985, fig. 1A). It can be distinguished by the male palp with an elongated tibia, twice as long as the cymbium, and by the bifid embolus (Figs 13C–D, 14A–B). Females are distinguished from other species of the genus by the genitalia with a very long and narrow medial columnar uterus externus, internally with approximately 12 chambers, and an elongated, erect and sinuous spermathecae (Fig. 13F–G).

Distribution: Recorded exclusively from caves in the Carajás region, state of Pará, northern Brazil (Fig. 19B).


• Ochyrocera charlotte sp. n.

Diagnosis: Males and females of Ochyrocera charlotte sp. n. resemble those of O. ungoliant and O.viridissima Brignoli in having a subapical cuspule in the distal area of the cymbium (Fig. 17E−F; Brignoli 1974: fig. 6) but can be distinguished from these species by their yellowish cephalic area and cream body color pattern. Males can be distinguished by their pentagonal cymbium, with cylindrical tegulum (Fig. 17E–H). Females are diagnosed by the genitalia with a very narrow medial columnar uterus externus and an elongated and medially curved spermathecae (Fig. 17C–D).

Etymology: The specific name refers to Charlotte, the spider from the classic “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White and a great friend of the pig named Wilbur.

Distribution: Recorded exclusively from two caves in the Carajás region, state of Pará, northern Brazil (Fig. 20B).


• Ochyrocera ungoliant sp. n.

Diagnosis: Males and females of Ochyrocera ungoliant resemble those of O. charlotte and O. viridissima Brignoli in having a subapical cuspule in the distal area of the cymbium (Fig. 18G−H; Brignoli 1974: fig. 6), but can be distinguished from these species by their intense dark green color pattern and carapace with two longitudinal yellowish-green dorsal bands (Fig. 18A–B). Males can be diagnosed by their short cymbial apophysis with a very narrow tip and embolus with lamellar area in the distal third (Fig. 18E–H); and females by their genitalia with very short medial columnar uterus externus and spermathecae with broad and furrow apex (Fig. 18C–D).

Etymology: The specific name in apposition refers to Ungoliant, an evil spider spirit created by J. R. R. Tolkien in the book “The Silmarillion”.

Distribution: Recorded exclusively from three caves in the Carajás region, state of Pará, northern Brazil (Fig. 20A).


 Antonio D. Brescovit, Igor Cizauskas and Leandro P. Mota. 2018. Seven New Species of the Spider Genus Ochyrocera from Caves in Floresta Nacional de Carajás, PA, Brazil (Araneae, Ochyroceratidae). ZooKeys. 726: 87-130.  DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.726.19778

Seven new spider species from Brazil named after 7 famous fictional spider characters https://blog.pensoft.net/2018/01/10/seven-new-spider-species-from-brazil-named-after-7-famous-fictional-spider-characters/



[Paleontology • 2018] Diluvicursor pickeringi • A New Small-bodied Ornithopod (Dinosauria, Ornithischia) from A Deep, High-energy Early Cretaceous River of the Australian–Antarctic Rift System

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Diluvicursor pickeringi
Herne​, Tait, Weisbecker, Hall, Nair, Cleeland & Salisbury, 2018

Artwork by P. Trusler.  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4113 

Abstract

A new small-bodied ornithopod dinosaurDiluvicursor pickeringi, gen. et sp. nov., is named from the lower Albian of the Eumeralla Formation in southeastern Australia and helps shed new light on the anatomy and diversity of Gondwanan ornithopods. Comprising an almost complete tail and partial lower right hindlimb, the holotype (NMV P221080) was deposited as a carcass or body-part in a log-filled scour near the base of a deep, high-energy river that incised a faunally rich, substantially forested riverine floodplain within the Australian–Antarctic rift graben. The deposit is termed the ‘Eric the Red West Sandstone.’ The holotype, interpreted as an older juvenile ∼1.2 m in total length, appears to have endured antemortem trauma to the pes. A referred, isolated posterior caudal vertebra (NMV P229456) from the holotype locality, suggests D. pickeringi grew to at least 2.3 m in length. D. pickeringi is characterised by 10 potential autapomorphies, among which dorsoventrally low neural arches and transversely broad caudal ribs on the anterior-most caudal vertebrae are a visually defining combination of features. These features suggest D. pickeringi had robust anterior caudal musculature and strong locomotor abilities. Another isolated anterior caudal vertebra (NMV P228342) from the same deposit, suggests that the fossil assemblage hosts at least two ornithopod taxa. D. pickeringi and two stratigraphically younger, indeterminate Eumeralla Formation ornithopods from Dinosaur Cove, NMV P185992/P185993 and NMV P186047, are closely related. However, the tail of D. pickeringi is far shorter than that of NMV P185992/P185993 and its pes more robust than that of NMV P186047. Preliminary cladistic analysis, utilising three existing datasets, failed to resolve D. pickeringi beyond a large polytomy of Ornithopoda. However, qualitative assessment of shared anatomical features suggest that the Eumeralla Formation ornithopods, South American Anabisetia saldiviai and Gasparinisaura cincosaltensis, Afro-Laurasian dryosaurids and possibly Antarctic Morrosaurus antarcticus share a close phylogenetic progenitor. Future phylogenetic analysis with improved data on Australian ornithopods will help to test these suggested affinities.

Systematic Palaeontology
ORNITHISCHIA Seeley, 1888
CERAPODA Sereno, 1986
ORNITHOPODA Marsh, 1881



Figure 6: Partial postcranium, NMV P221080, assigned to the holotype ofDiluvicursor pickeringi gen. et sp. nov., as prepared on five blocks of ETRW Sandstone. (A) Specimen viewed from above, normal to the bedding. (B) Schematic.

Abbreviations: as, astragalus; B #, host block number; Ca #, designated caudal vertebra and position; cal, calcaneum; fib, fibula; ha #, haemal arch/process and position; pd #, pedal digit number; tib, tibia. Image of NMV P221080, courtesy S. Poropat and Museums Victoria.

Figure 7: Diluvicursor pickeringi gen. et sp. nov. holotype (NMV P221080), schematic restoration in left lateral view, showing preserved bones (light shading) and incomplete caudal vertebrae (outlined). 

Abbreviations: as, astragalus; Ca #, designated caudal vertebral position; pd #, pedal digit number; tib, tibia.

Diluvicursor gen. nov.  

Etymology: From the Latin ‘diluvi,’ for deluge or flood, in reference to the deep high-energy palaeo-river within which the type material was deposited and the palaeo-floodplain upon which the river extended, combined with the suffix ‘-cursor,’ from the Latin for runner.

Diagnosis: A turkey- to rhea-sized small-bodied ornithopod, differentiated from all other ornithopods by 10 potential autapomorphies: (1) dorsoventral height of the neural arch on the anterior-most caudal vertebrae (indicated at Ca 3), highly reduced and sub-equal to dorsoventral centrum height; (2) proximodistal length of the spinal process on the anterior caudal vertebrae (Ca 3–6), highly reduced and sub-equal to anteroposterior centrum length; (3) prezygapophysis on the anterior-most caudal vertebrae (up to Ca 5), horizontally oriented and located at the neural arch base, lateral to the neural canal; (4) tuberous process dorsally on the spinoprezygapophyseal lamina (sprl) of the anterior-most caudal vertebrae; (5) dorsoventrally narrowest part of the centrum on the posterior caudal vertebrae, distinctly offset posteriorly and embayed by a sulcus; (6) deep haemal groove present on all posterior caudal vertebrae; (7) triangular intervertebral process anteriorly on the centrum of the posterior-most caudal vertebrae incises a V-shaped notch at the posterior end of the adjoining centrum; (8) caudal ribs on the anterior-most caudal vertebrae (indicated at Ca 3) are transversely broad with the distance across the ribs ∼85% of total vertebral height (inclusive of haemal arch); (9) lateral distal tarsal embayed anteriorly by a sulcus for the calcaneum; and (10) pd IV-1 is strongly asymmetrical in dorsoplantar view (the proximal cotyle flares medially and the lateral edge is straight).


Diluvicursor pickeringi sp. nov.   
2009 Ornithopoda; Rich et al., p. 677.
2014 Ornithopoda; Herne, pp. 246–274.

Derivation of name: To acknowledge the significant contribution of David A. Pickering to Australian palaeontology and in memory of his passing during the production of this work.

Distribution: Lower Cretaceous Australia.

Locality: Eric the Red West, ETRW Sandstone, lower Albian, Eumeralla Formation, Otway Group, southern Victoria.

Figure 36: Artist’s interpretation of the early Albian, volcaniclastic, floodplain palaeoenvironment within the Australian-Antarctic rift graben, in the region of Eric the Red West.
Scene depicting two individuals of Diluvicursor pickeringi on the cutbank of a high-energy meandering river, regional floral components and distant rift margin uplands. Floral components potentially included forest trees of Araucariaceae (Agathis and Araucaria), Podocarpaceae and Cupressaceae and lower story/ground cover plants, including pteridophytes (ferns, including equisetaleans), hepatics, lycopods, cycadophytes, bennettitaleans, seed-bearing fern- or cycad-like taeniopterids and early Australian angiosperms.
 Artwork by P. Trusler.

Conclusion
Diluvicursor pickeringi nov. gen. et sp. is a new small-bodied ornithopod from the lower Albian of the Eumeralla Formation in the Otway Basin. The taxon is known from an almost complete tail and lower partial right limb of the holotype (NMV P221080), as well as an isolated posterior caudal vertebra (NMV P229456), discovered at the fossil locality of Eric the Red West (ETRW). The deposit, termed the ETRW Sandstone, is interpreted to have been a broad (∼600 m), deep (∼25 m), high-energy meandering river. Sediments and fossils from the ETRW Sandstone indicate that D. pickeringi inhabited a faunally rich, substantially forested riverine floodplain within the Australian–Antarctic rift complex. A further isolated caudal vertebra from the deposit (NMV P228342), interpreted as that of an indeterminate ornithischian, suggests the locality may have hosted at least two small-bodied ornithischians. D. pickeringi grew to at least 2.3 m in length and is characterised by 10 potential autapomorphies, among which, the combination of dorsoventrally low neural arches and transversely broad caudal ribs on the anterior-most caudal vertebrae present a visually defining combination of features.

Features of the caudal vertebrae and pes suggest that D. pickeringi and the two stratigraphically younger, indeterminate ornithopods from Dinosaur Cove, NMV P185992/P185993 and NMV P186047, are closely related. However, D. pickeringi differs from NMV P185992/P185993 by having a far shorter tail (50 vertebrae compared to >71) and from NMV P186047 by having a comparatively shorter, more robust, pes. The phylogenetic position of D. pickeringi investigated through searches within three recently published datasets was unresolved beyond placement within a polytomous clade of non-iguanodontian ornithopods. Various features of the caudal vertebrae and pes suggest that the Eumeralla Formation ornithopods Diluvicursor, NMV P185992/P185993 and NMV P186047 may be more closely related to the Argentinean ornithopods Anabisetia and Gasparinisaura, the Antarctic ornithopod Morrosaurus and possibly Afro-Laurasian dryosaurids, than all other ornithopods. A common progenitor of these taxa is suggested. However, these suggested affinities are to be tested more rigorously within a revised cladistic dataset of Gondwanan ornithopods.

The discovery of D. pickeringi in the ETRW Sandstone indicates that future prospecting efforts in the Eumeralla Formation at locations where coarse, gritty sediments crop-out at the base of deep palaeoriver channels, could lead to significant new discoveries (see also Rich et al., 2009b). The articulated postcrania of similarly sized, but anatomically differing small-bodied ornithopods from the Eumeralla Formation provide unique fossil material for future comparative investigations on dinosaur biomechanics, and how differing locomotor abilities could relate to differing palaeoecosystems.


Matthew C. Herne​, Alan M. Tait, Vera Weisbecker, Michael Hall, Jay P. Nair, Michael Cleeland and Steven W. Salisbury. 2018. A New Small-bodied Ornithopod (Dinosauria, Ornithischia) from A Deep, High-energy Early Cretaceous River of the Australian–Antarctic Rift System.  PeerJ. 5:e4113.  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4113

[Paleontology • 2018] Sibirotitan astrosacralis • A New Sauropod dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Ilek Formation, Western Siberia, Russia

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Sibirotitan astrosacralis
Averianov, Ivantsov, Skutschas, Faingertz & Leshchinskiy, 2018

Сибиротитан звездокрестцовый  DOI: 10.1016/j.geobios.2017.12.004

Abstract
Sibirotitan astrosacralis nov. gen., nov. sp., is described based on isolated but possibly associated cervical and dorsal vertebrae, sacrum, and previously published pedal elements from the Lower Cretaceous (Barremian?) Ilek Formation at Shestakovo 1 locality (Kemerovo Province, Western Siberia, Russia). Some isolated sauropod teeth from the Shestakovo 1 locality are referred to the same taxon. The phylogenetic parsimony analyses place Sibirotitan astrosacralis nov. gen., nov. sp., as a non-titanosaurian somphospondyl titanosauriform. The new taxon exhibits four titanosauriform and one somphospondylan synapomorphies, and one autapomorphy – a hyposphene ridge that extends between the neural canal and the postzygapophyses. It differs from all other Somphospondyli by having only five sacral vertebrae. The new taxon shares with Euhelopus and Epachtosaurus sacral ribs that converge towards the middle of the sacrum in dorsal view. Sibirotitan astrosacralis nov. gen., nov. sp., is only the second sauropod taxon from Russia and one of the oldest titanosauriform described so far in Asia.

Keywords: Sibirotitan astrosacralis nov. gen., nov. sp.; Titanosauriformes; Sauropoda; Phylogenetic parsimony analysis; Early Cretaceous; Siberia; Asia



Dinosauria Owen, 1842
Saurischia Seeley, 1887

Sauropoda Marsh, 1878
Titanosauriformes Salgado et al., 1997

Genus Sibirotitan nov. gen.

Derivation of the name: from Siberia and Greek Tιτάν (titan), a member of the second order of divine beings, descended from the primordial deities and preceding the Olympian deities in Greek mythology.

Type and only species:Sibirotitan astrosacralis nov. gen., nov. sp.

Derivation of the name: from Greek αστρον (star) and Latin os sacrum (“sacred bone”), an allusion to the unusual configuration of sacral ribs which radiate, in dorsal view, from the middle of the sacrum as the rays of a star.


 S.V. Ivantsov digging out the posterior cervical vertebra PM TGU 120/8-Sh1-3 from the Malyi Yar outcrop in 2008 (Kemerovo Province, Russia). Photo by S.V. Leshchinskiy.

  

  


 Alexander Averianov, Stepan Ivantsov, Pavel Skutschas, Alexey Faingertz and Sergey Leshchinskiy. 2018. A New Sauropod dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Ilek Formation, Western Siberia, Russia. Geobios. In Press.  DOI: 10.1016/j.geobios.2017.12.004



Averianov, A.O., Voronkevich, A.V., Maschenko, E.N., Leshchinskiy, S.V., and Fayngertz, A.V. 2002. A sauropod foot from the Early Cretaceous of Western Siberia, Russia. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 47 (1): 117–124.  DOI: 10.1.1.492.1575 


Познакомьтесь с новым сибирским динозавром https://metkere.com/2018/01/sibirotitan.html via @metkere
Новый род найденных в Кузбассе динозавров назвали сибиротитаном https://mediakuzbass.ru/news/obshhestvo/94522.html 


[Herpetology • 2018] Lygosoma samajaya • Unrealized Diversity in An Urban Rainforest: A New Species of Lygosoma (Squamata: Scincidae) from western Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo)

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 Lygosoma samajaya
Karin, Freitas, Shonleben, Grismer, Bauer & Das, 2018


Abstract

We collected two specimens of an undescribed species of Lygosoma from pitfall traps in an urban rainforest in Kuching and from the base of a forested hill in western Sarawak, East Malaysia. The new species is diagnosable from all south-east Asian congeners by morphological characters, and most closely resembles Lygosoma herberti from the Thai-Malay Peninsula. The new species shows substantial molecular divergence from its closest relatives in two protein-coding genes, one mitochondrial (ND1) and one nuclear (R35) that we sequenced for several south-east Asian congeners. We describe the new species on the basis of this distinct morphology and genetic divergence. It is the third species of Lygosoma known from Borneo, and highlights the continuing rise in lizard species diversity on the island. In addition, the discovery of this species from a small urban rainforest underscores the importance of preserving intact rainforest areas of any size in maintaining species diversity.

Keywords: Reptilia, Borneo; Sarawak; Scincidae; Lygosoma samajaya new species




Benjamin R. Karin, Elyse S. Freitas, Samuel Shonleben, L. Lee Grismer, Aaron M. Bauer and Indraneil Das. 2018.  Unrealized Diversity in An Urban Rainforest: A New Species of Lygosoma (Squamata: Scincidae) from western Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo). Zootaxa. 4370(4); 345–362.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4370.4.2

[Botany • 2018] Thismia bokorensis • A New Species (Burmanniaceae) representing A New Generic Record for Cambodia [Flora of Bokor National Park VII]

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Thismia bokorensis Suetsugu & Tsukaya

in Suetsugu, Tsukaya, Tagane, Chhang, Yukawa & Yahara, 2018.

The genus Thismia Griffith (1844: 221) of the tribe Thismieae, Burmanniaceae sensu APG IV (2016) or Thismiaceae of other authors, represents one of the most species-rich mycoheterotrophic genera and consists of more than 60 species (Jonker 1948, Merckx 2008). Considering that the majority of these species were collected only once (Jonker 1948), and that many new species have recently been discovered, especially from various Southeast Asian countries (e.g., Tsukaya & Okada 2012, Dančák et al. 2013, Nuraliev et al. 2014, 2015, Truong et al. 2014, Chantanaorrapint & Sridith 2015, Li & Bi 2013, Hroneš et al. 2015, Tsukaya et al. 2017, Suetsugu et al. 2017), many more undescribed species are probably still hidden in the tropical rain forests of Southeast Asia.

Here, we describe a new species,ThismiabokorensisSuetsugu & Tsukaya, discovered during a botanical survey in Bokor National Park, Cambodia, in 2013. This is the first record of the genus Thismia for Cambodia. The newly discovered specimen apparently belongs to the section Thismia (formerly Euthismia Schltr.) subsect. Brunonithismia Jonker (1938: 242), in having free and spreading inner perianths, larger inner perianth lobes, and vermiform, creeping roots. After a careful examination, the unknown plant was found to have a significantly different floral morphology from all the other known species.  

FIGURE 1. Thismiabokorensisfrom the type locality.
A–B. Flowers. C. Flowering plant.  

Thismia bokorensis Suetsugu & Tsukaya, sp. nov.

Type:— CAMBODIA. Kampot Province: Bokor National Park, evergreen forest near a stream, ... elev. 370 m, 10 Aug. 2013, Tagane, Fuse, Yokota, Zhang & Chhang 5857 (holotype: TNS, in the spirit collection).

 Thismia bokorensis is similar to Thismia tentaculata Larsen & Averyanov (2007: 16) of Vietnam and Hong Kong in having the lateral appendage of the connective that does not exceed the apical part of the connective, three-toothed apical margin of the connective, and the shorter light yellow tentacles in inner perianth lobes.

 Habitat and ecology:— Only one individual was found in the evergreen forest, near a stream, at an elevation of 370 m. The forest was dominated by Scaphiumaffine (Malvaceae), Diospyrosschmidtii (Ebenaceae), Ardisiasanguinolenta (Primulaceae), Epiprinussiletianus (Euphorbiaceae), Mallotussubpeltatus (Euphorbiaceae), Knemalenta (Myristaceae), Syzygiumsiamense (Myrtaceae), and Prismatomeristetrandra (Rubiaceae). The roots of the specimen above were tangled to an old seed of Ixonanthusreticulata (Ixonanthaceae). The flowering specimen was collected in August.


Kenji Suetsugu, Hirokazu Tsukaya, Shuichiro Tagane, Phourin Chhang, Tomohisa Yukawa and Tetsukazu Yahara. 2018.  Flora of Bokor National Park VII: Thismiabokorensis (Burmanniaceae), A New Species Representing A New Generic Record. Phytotaxa.  334(1); 65–69. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.334.1.10

[Arachnida • 2018] A Review of the Madagascan Pelican Spiders of the Genera Eriauchenius O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1881 and Madagascarchaea gen. n. (Araneae, Archaeidae)

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Eriauchenius workmani O. P.-Cambridge, 1881

 Photo: Nikolaj Scharff/Smithsonian Institution

Wood & Scharff. 2018.  


Abstract
An endemic genus of Madagascan spiders (Araneae, Archaeidae, Eriauchenius) is revised. All 20 species of Eriauchenius are described and keyed, of which 14 are new speciesEriauchenius andriamanelo sp. n., Eriauchenius andrianampoinimerina sp. n., Eriauchenius goodmani sp. n., Eriauchenius harveyi sp. n., Eriauchenius lukemacaulayi sp. n., Eriauchenius milajaneae sp. n., Eriauchenius milloti sp. n., Eriauchenius rafohy sp. n., Eriauchenius ranavalona sp. n., Eriauchenius rangita sp. n., Eriauchenius rixi sp. n., Eriauchenius sama sp. n., Eriauchenius wunderlichi sp. n., Eriauchenius zirafy sp. n. Additionally, six species of the new genus Madagascarchaea gen. n. are described and keyed, of which four are new species: Madagascarchaea fohy sp. n., Madagascarchaea lotzi sp. n., Madagascarchaea moramora sp. n., Madagascarchaea rabesahala sp. n. Diagnostic characters for the Madagascan and African genera are described, and based on these characters and previous phylogenetic analyses the following species transfers are proposed: Eriauchenius cornutus (Lotz, 2003) to AfrarchaeaAfrarchaea fisheri (Lotz, 2003) and Afrarchaea mahariraensis (Lotz, 2003) to Eriauchenius. Finally, we propose that the distribution of Afrarchaea be restricted to South Africa. While several Madagascan specimens have previously been identified as Afrarchaea godfreyi (Hewitt, 1919), we argue that these are likely misidentifications that should instead be Eriauchenius.

Keywords: Afrarchaea, Palpimanoidea, new species, taxonomy


Suspended upside-down from a strand of silk, the male of species Eriauchenius workmani (right) slowly approaches the female (left) to mate. As he approaches, he makes sounds by quickly vibrating his pedipalps (a small, modified pair of legs) to court the female. She answers back by vibrating her pedipalps.
(photo: Jeremy Miller) 


  



 Hannah M. Wood and Nikolaj Scharff. 2018. A Review of the Madagascan Pelican Spiders of the Genera Eriauchenius O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1881 and Madagascarchaea gen. n. (Araneae, Archaeidae). ZooKeys. 727: 1-96.  DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.727.20222


Madagascar's ancient 'pelican spiders' are as striking as they are strange @NMNH po.st/7gmWzS via @SmithsonianMag
18 New Terrifying Assassin Spider Species Look Like Pelicans  ibtimes.com/18-new-terrifying-assassin-spider-species-look-pelicans-2640474
18 species of pelican spiders with salad-tong faces discovered  newsweek.com/18-species-cannibal-spiders-salad-tong-faces-discovered-778660

[PaleoMammalogy • 2018] Vulcanops jennyworthyae • A New, Large-bodied Omnivorous Bat (Noctilionoidea: Mystacinidae) reveals Lost Morphological and Ecological Diversity since the Miocene in New Zealand

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[upper]  Mystacina robusta (Dwyer, 1962)

[lower]  Vulcanops jennyworthyae
Hand, Beck, Archer, Simmons, Gunnell, Scofield, Tennyson, De Pietri, Salisbury & Worthy, 2018


Abstract
A new genus and species of fossil bat is described from New Zealand’s only pre-Pleistocene Cenozoic terrestrial fauna, the early Miocene St Bathans Fauna of Central Otago, South Island. Bayesian total evidence phylogenetic analysis places this new Southern Hemisphere taxon among the burrowing bats (mystacinids) of New Zealand and Australia, although its lower dentition also resembles Africa’s endemic sucker-footed bats (myzopodids). As the first new bat genus to be added to New Zealand’s fauna in more than 150 years, it provides new insight into the original diversity of chiropterans in Australasia. It also underscores the significant decline in morphological diversity that has taken place in the highly distinctive, semi-terrestrial bat family Mystacinidae since the Miocene. This bat was relatively large, with an estimated body mass of ~40 g, and its dentition suggests it had an omnivorous diet. Its striking dental autapomorphies, including development of a large hypocone, signal a shift of diet compared with other mystacinids, and may provide evidence of an adaptive radiation in feeding strategy in this group of noctilionoid bats.


An artist's impression of a New Zealand burrowing bat, Mystacina robusta, that went extinct last century. The new fossil find, Vulcanops jennyworthyae, that lived millions of years ago in New Zealand, is an ancient relative of burrowing or short-tailed bats.
Illustration: Gavin Mouldey.  

Systematic palaeontology

Order Chiroptera Blumenbach, 1779
Suborder Yangochiroptera Van den Bussche & Hoofer, 2004

Superfamily Noctilionoidea Gray, 1821
Family Mystacinidae Dobson, 1875

Vulcanops jennyworthyae gen. et sp. nov.

Figure 1 Vulcanops jennyworthyae gen. et sp. nov., Bannockburn Formation, St Bathans, Central Otago, New Zealand. Lower dentition. CM 2013.18.790, holotype, left dentary fragment containing m2-3.
(a) Buccal view; (b–b’) stereopair, occlusal view; (c) lingual view m2-3. NMNZ S.52078, paratype, right m1. (d–d’) Stereopair, oblique occlusal view; (e) buccal view; (f) occlusal view.

Abbreviations: cld, cingulid; co, cristid obliqua; end, entoconid; ecd, entocristid; hyd, hypoconid; hyl, hypoconulid; med, metaconid; pacd, paracristid; pad, paraconid; pcd, postcristid; prcd, protocristid; prd, protoconid; tal, talonid; trig, trigonid. Scale bars = 2 mm.

Stratigraphic and geographic distribution: Lower Miocene of Central Otago, New Zealand.

Etymology: From Vulcan, mythological god of fireand volcanoes (Roman), and ops, a suffix commonly used for bats; in reference to New Zealand’s tectonically active nature, as well as to the historic Vulcan Hotel, centre of the hamlet of St Bathans, from which the fauna takes its name. The species name honours Jennifer P. Worthy in recognition of her pivotal role in revealing the diversity of the St Bathans Fauna.


The fossil dig site at St Bathans in New Zealand where the fossilised remains of an extinct giant burrowing bat, Vulcanops jennyworthyae, were found.
photo: Trevor Worthy. 

Washing of St Bathans sediments through sieves in Manuherikia River in New Zealand to collect fossil bones and teeth of an ancient burrowing bat.
photo: Vanesa De Pietri. 



Suzanne J. Hand, Robin M. D. Beck, Michael Archer, Nancy B. Simmons, Gregg F. Gunnell, R. Paul Scofield, Alan J. D. Tennyson, Vanesa L. De Pietri, Steven W. Salisbury and Trevor H. Worthy. 2018. A New, Large-bodied Omnivorous Bat (Noctilionoidea: Mystacinidae) reveals Lost Morphological and Ecological Diversity since the Miocene in New Zealand. Scientific Reports. 8, Article number: 235. DOI:  10.1038/s41598-017-18403-w

Giant extinct burrowing bat discovered in New Zealand  phy.so/434803633 via @physorg_com

[Botany • 2017] Impatiens nilalohitae • A New Species (Balsaminaceae) from Northeastern India

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Impatiens nilalohitae  Hareesh & M.Sabu

in Hareesh & Sabu. 2017.  
  
Abstract

Impatiens nilalohitae is described from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeastern India. The new species shows similarities with I. adamowskiana and I. rugosipetala, but differs by having a 10–15-flowered inflorescence, dark purple flowers, and four lateral sepals, among other characters. A detailed description and colour photographs, as well as remarks on geographic distribution and ecology, are provided.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Balsaminaceae, Impatiens, new species, Monocots


Impatiens nilalohitae Hareesh & M.Sabu sp. nov.


Impatiens nilalohitae Hareesh & M.Sabu sp. nov. 

Impatiens nilalohitae is phenotypically similar to I. adamowskiana but differs by having a non-winged stem, setaceous stipular gland, 10– 15-flowered inflorescence, dark purple flower, four lateral sepals, and spur with a notched apex. It is also similar to I. rugosipetala but differs by having 10–15-flowered inflorescence, dark purple flower with non-rugose petals, four lateral sepals, lower sepal with an acute apex, and a spur with a notched apex.

Etymology—The specific epithet refers to the purple colour (nilalohita in Sanskrit) of the flower and the abaxial leaf blade surface.


Vadakkoot Sankaran Hareesh and Mamiyil Sabu. 2017. Impatiens nilalohitae (Balsaminaceae): A New Species from Northeastern India. Phytotaxa. 323(2); 189–193.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.323.2.7


[Herpetology • 2018] Rana lenca • An Integrative Assessment of the Taxonomic Status of Putative Hybrid Leopard Frogs (Anura: Ranidae) from the Chortís Highlands of Central America, with Description of A New Species

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Rana lenca
 Luque-Montes, Austin, Weinfurther, Wilson, Hofmann & Townsend, 2018


Integrative taxonomy seeks to approach the complex topic of species diagnosis using independent, complementary lines of evidence. Despite their ubiquity throughout North and Central America, taxonomy of the American leopard frogs (Anura: Ranidae: Rana: subgenus Pantherana) remains largely unresolved, and this is arguably nowhere truer than in the Central American country of Honduras, where there are two nominal species, the taxonomy of which remains unresolved. Leopard frogs from several mountainous areas along the continental divide in Honduras have previously been considered putative hybrids between Rana brownorum and R. cf. forreri, as opposed to two alternate hypotheses: one that they represent a high-altitude eco-morph of a single widespread species that included both lowland forms, or a second that there is an undescribed highland species distinct from either of the recognized lowland forms. We examine this set of hypotheses using three independent lines of evidence. First, we used species distribution modelling to examine potential geographic isolation of the highland form and the two putative parental lowland species, and found strong ecological separation between the highland and lowland forms. Second, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA supports the distinction of the highland form from both putative parental species, with mtDNA data refuting the hypothesis that representatives of either species may represent a matrilineal founder. Morphologically, the highland form is significantly smaller than, and otherwise readily differentiated from, both R. brownorum and R. cf. forreri, as well as all other Rana found in Honduras and adjacent areas. As a result, we formally describe the highland leopard frog as a new species.

Key words: Amphibia, integrative taxonomy, mitochondrial DNA, Pantherana, phylogeny, rhodopsin, species distribution modelling




Rana lenca sp. nov.

Common English name. Lenca Leopard Frog
Common Spanish name. La Rana Lenca

Etymology. The name lenca is given in honour of the indigenous Lenca people, the traditional inhabitants of the mountainous region of south-western Honduras. 

Paratypes of Rana lenca from Reserva Biologica Cerro Uyuca, 1,640 m elevation, Departamento de Francisco Morazan,Honduras:
(1) adult female paratype (UF 166642; 64.3 mm SL); (2) Subadult female paratype (UF 166643) and tadpole (UF 166637).
Photos by Jason M. Butler. 

Unvouchered examples of Rana lenca; (1) adult male from the type locality; (2) adult female from the type locality; (3) adult male from the Reserva Biologica Cerro Uyuca; (4) adult female from the Reserva Biologica Cerro Uyuca. 

Unvouchered examples of Rana lenca;
 (1) adult male from the type locality; (2) adult female from the type locality; (3) adult male from the Reserva Biologica Cerro Uyuca; (4) adult female from the Reserva Biologica Cerro Uyuca; (5) adult male at edge of pond at type locality; (6) adult female floating amongst Pinus oocarpa needles in a spring-fed pool at Reserva Biologica Cerro Uyuca. 

Type locality of Rana lenca; San Pedro La Loma, 2010 m elevation, Depto. Intibuca, Honduras. in January 2008 (top) and during drought conditions in May 2015 (bottom). 


Ileana Luque-Montes, James D. Austin, Kayla D. Weinfurther, Larry David Wilson, Erich P. Hofmann and Josiah H. Townsend. 2018. An Integrative Assessment of the Taxonomic Status of Putative Hybrid Leopard Frogs (Anura: Ranidae) from the Chortís Highlands of Central America, with Description of A New Species.  Systematics and Biodiversity. In Press.   DOI  10.1080/14772000.2017.1415232 

[Paleontology • 2018] A Revised Cranial Description of Massospondylus carinatus Owen (Dinosauria: Sauropodomorpha) based on Computed Tomographic Scans and A Review of Cranial Characters for Basal Sauropodomorpha

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Massospondylus carinatus  Owen, 1854

in Chapelle & Choiniere, 2018
  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4224 

Abstract

Massospondylus carinatus is a basal sauropodomorph dinosaur from the early Jurassic Elliot Formation of South Africa. It is one of the best-represented fossil dinosaur taxa, known from hundreds of specimens including at least 13 complete or nearly complete skulls. Surprisingly, the internal cranial anatomy of M. carinatus has never been described using computed tomography (CT) methods. Using CT scans and 3D digital representations, we digitally reconstruct the bones of the facial skeleton, braincase, and palate of a complete, undistorted cranium of M. carinatus (BP/1/5241). We describe the anatomical features of the cranial bones, and compare them to other closely related sauropodomorph taxa such as Plateosaurus erlenbergiensis, Lufengosaurus huenei, Sarahsaurus aurifontanalis and Efraasia minor. We identify a suite of character states of the skull and braincase for M. carinatus that sets it apart from other taxa, but these remain tentative due to the lack of comparative sauropodomorph braincase descriptions in the literature. Furthermore, we hypothesize 27 new cranial characters useful for determining relationships in non-sauropodan Sauropodomorpha, delete five pre-existing characters and revise the scores of several existing cranial characters to make more explicit homology statements. All the characters that we hypothesized or revised are illustrated. Using parsimony as an optimality criterion, we then test the relationships of M. carinatus (using BP/1/5241 as a specimen-level exemplar) in our revised phylogenetic data matrix.


Figure 1: Photographs of the skull of BP/1/5241. (A) Left lateral view. (B) Right lateral view. (C) Dorsal view.

Figure 2: Reconstructed skull of BP/1/5241.
(A) Left lateral view. (B) Right lateral view.

 aof, antorbital fenestra; aofs, antorbital fossa; bo, basioccipital; ecpt, ectopterygoid; eo, exoccipital; fr, frontal; itf, infratemporal fenestra; j, jugal; la, lacrimal; mx, maxilla; n, nasal; nf, narial fenestra; obt, orbit; pa, parietal; pf, prefrontal; pmx, premaxilla; po, postorbital; q, quadrate; qj, quadratojugal; sq, squamosal.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY
Dinosauria Owen, 1842
Saurischia Seeley, 1887
Sauropodomorpha Huene, 1932

Massospondylidae Huene, 1914 sensu Yates, 2003b

Massospondylus carinatus Owen, 1854

....

Conclusion: 
The use of CT scanning and 3D visualization graphics allows for a better understanding of the internal and external morphological structures of the braincase as well as information about the soft tissues such as the vestibular canals. M. carinatus can be tentatively diagnosed cranially by basipterygoid processes that are separated by an angle smaller than 60° and a jugal process of the ectopterygoid that is strongly curved. A revision of cranial characters provides a basis for more comparative work on the braincase of sauropodomorphs in general. Results also show a well-supported Massospondylidae clade. Further phylogenetic analyses using individual specimens of known ontogenetic stages as operational taxonomic units would provide better resolution for the Massospondylidae clade as well as a better understanding of which sets of character states set M. carinatus aside from other taxa.


Kimberley E.J. Chapelle and Jonah N. Choiniere. 2018. A Revised Cranial Description of Massospondylus carinatus Owen (Dinosauria: Sauropodomorpha) based on Computed Tomographic Scans and A Review of Cranial Characters for Basal Sauropodomorpha.   PeerJ. 6:e4224.  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4224
CT-scan study makes it possible to 3-D print the skull of the dinosaur species Massospondylushttp://phy.so/434970306 via @physorg_com



[Herpetology • 2017] Arboreality Constrains Morphological Evolution but Not Species Diversification in Vipers

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Stejneger's Pitviper (Trimeresurus stejnegeri

 Alencar, Martins, Burin & Quental, 2017
    DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1775 

Abstract
An increase in ecological opportunities, either through changes in the environment or acquisition of new traits, is frequently associated with an increase in species and morphological diversification. However, it is possible that certain ecological settings might prevent lineages from diversifying. Arboreality evolved multiple times in vipers, making them ideal organisms for exploring how potentially new ecological opportunities affect their morphology and speciation regimes. Arboreal snakes are frequently suggested to have a very specialized morphology, and being too large, too small, too heavy, or having short tails might be challenging for them. Using trait-evolution models, we show that arboreal vipers are evolving towards intermediate body sizes, with longer tails and more slender bodies than terrestrial vipers. Arboreality strongly constrains body size and circumference evolution in vipers, while terrestrial lineages are evolving towards a broader range of morphological variants. Trait-dependent diversification models, however, suggest similar speciation rates between microhabitats. Thus, we show that arboreality might constrain morphological evolution but not necessarily affect the rates at which lineages generate new species.

KEYWORDS: speciation, divergent selection, snakes, Ornstein–Uhlenbeck

The arboreal Stejneger's Pitviper (Trimeresurus stejnegeri).

Photo: M. Martins 

Laura Rodrigues Vieira de Alencar, Marcio Martins, Gustavo Burin and Tiago Bosisio Quental. 2017. Arboreality Constrains Morphological Evolution but Not Species Diversification in Vipers. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 284(1869)  DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1775 

    

[Bryophyta • 2018] Sphagnum incundum • A New Species in Sphagnum subg. Acutifolia (Sphagnaceae) from Boreal and Arctic Regions of North America

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Sphagnum incundum  Flatberg & Hassel

in Kyrkjeeide, Hassel, Shaw, Shaw, Temsch & Flatberg, 2018

Abstract
We describe Sphagnum incundum in Sphagnum subgenus Acutifolia (Sphagnaceae, Bryophyta). We used both molecular and morphological methods to describe the new species. Molecular relationships with closely related species were explored based on microsatellites and nuclear and plastid DNA sequences. The morphological description is based on qualitative examination of morphological characters and measurements of leaves and hyalocysts. Morphological characters are compared between closely related species. The results from Feulgen densitometry and microsatellite analysis show that S. incundum is gametophytically haploid. Molecular analyses show that it is a close relative to S. flavicomans, S. subfulvum and S. subnitens, but differs both genetically and in morphological key characters, justifying the description of Sphagnum incundum as a new species. The new peatmoss is found in North America along the western coast of Greenland, in Canada from Quebec and Northwest Territories, and Alaska (United States). The new species has a boreal to arctic distribution.

Keywords: Bryophytes, Sphagnaceae



FIGURE 8. Sphagnum incundumin field surface view.
A: The type collection including selected holotype and isotypes. Collected in Ivujivik, Quebec, Canada, in intermediate, slightly sloping arctic fen.
Photo by K. I. Flatberg, 4 July 2007. Flatberg 314-07 (TRH B-9718). 
B: Together with S. squarrosum, both with young sporophytes. From Inukjuak, Quebec, Canada, in topogenous, rich fen lawn in arctic mire.
Photo by K. I. Flatberg, 14 August 2007. Flatberg 451-07 (TRH B-9999). 

Sphagnum incundum Flatberg & Hassel sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis:— Sphagnum incundum is in macro-morphology recognized by slender shoots with predominantly brownorange to purple-red capitula and straight and non-recurved leaves on innermost capitulum branches on dry plants. In micro-morphology, it is foremost recognized by narrowly lingulate stem leaves with acute to acute-obtuse apices, strongly S-shaped stem leaf hyalocysts with common occurrence of faint fibrils in distal leaf-parts, and divergent branch leaf hyalocysts on distal end convex surfaces with pores usually occupying between 1/3 and 1/2 of cell width. The new species is gametophytic haploid and closely allied morphologically to S. flavicomans, S. subfulvum, and S. subnitens.

Etymology:— The specific epithet is derived from the Latin adjective incundus = pleasant, agreeable, delightful.

 Distribution:— West Greenland, Canada in Quebec, Nunavut and North West territories, and U.S.A in Alaska. Currently known from the northern boreal to middle arctic vegetation zone. 

Ecology:— Sphagnum incundum in arctic localities in West Greenland, and Nunavik, Quebec, occurs in arctic mires on shallow peat in intermediate and rich fens, partly forming small mats and low cushions on gently sloping, soligenous mire, partly growing in small patches on lawn and carpet mire. The most commonly associated sphagna in both regions were S. concinnum (Berggr.) Flatberg (2007: 88), S. squarrosum, S. teres and S. warnstorfii Russow (1886: 315). In the boreal Anchorage area, Alaska, it was found growing in a large fen mire on high lawn patches in topogenous, varyingly intermediate to rich fen vegetation, associated with S. papillosum Lind. (1872: 280), S. subfulvum and S. miyabeanum Warnstorf (1911: 321). In Bethel area, Alaska, it occurred scattered on intermediate fen lawns in tundra mire.


 Magni Olsen Kyrkjeeide, Kristian Hassel, Blanca Shaw, A. Jonathan Shaw, Eva M. Temsch and Kjell Ivar Flatberg. 2018. Sphagnum incundum A New Species in Sphagnum subg. Acutifolia (Sphagnaceae) from Boreal and Arctic Regions of North America. Phytotaxa. 333(1); 1–21. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.333.1.1

[Herpetology • 2017] Rhacophorus hoabinhensis • A New Species of Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Vietnam

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Rhacophorus hoabinhensis
Nguyen, Pham, Nguyen, Ninh & Ziegler, 2017

Ếch cây hòa bình  ||  DOI:  10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.170046 

Abstract
 We describe a new species of Rhacophorus based on two adult specimens collected from Hoa Binh Province, northern Vietnam. Rhacophorus hoabinhensis sp. nov. is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following morphological characters: size small (SVL 31.1–32.5 mm in males); head slightly longer than wide; vomerine teeth absent; snout short (SNL/SVL 0.16); dorsal skin smooth; forearm and tarsus with dermal fringes; dermal appendage at vent present; webbing formula on fingers I12/3-12/3II1-2III1-1IV and on toes I3/4-1II1/2- 1III1/2-1IV1-1/2V; dorsal surface grey yellow with brown spots; lower jaw region dark grey, throat, chest and belly cream; anterior and posterior thighs, as well as ventral surface of tibia orange. The interspecific uncorrected genetic distances (16S rRNA gene) between the new species from Hoa Binh and other analyzed congeners varied from 9.8% to 17.4%. In the phylogenetic analyses, the new species revealed to be a representative of Rhacophorus and was nested within the R. hoanglienensis-orlovi species group.

Keywords: Rhacophorus hoabinhensis sp. nov., karst forest, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Hoa Binh Province 

Figure 2 Dorsal and ventral views of the adult male holotype (IEBR A.2016.18) ofRhacophorus hoabinhensis sp. nov. from Hoa Binh Province, northern Vietnam.

Figure 4 Rhacophorushoabinhensis sp. nov. in its biotope in Hang Kia–Pa Co Nature Reserve, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam.

  Rhacophorus hoabinhensis sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet “hoabinhensis” refers to the type locality of the new species, Hoa Binh Province. For the common names we suggest Hoa Binh Treefrog(English), andẾch cây hòa bình (Vietnamese). 

Distribution:R. hoabinhensis is currently is known only from the type locality in Hang Kia–Pa Co Nature Reserve, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam.

Natural history:Rhacophorus hoabinhensis appears to be closely associated with karstic environment. Specimens were found at night between 19:00 and 23:30h, near a small pond. The surrounding habitat was secondary karst forest, consisting of medium and small hardwoods mixed with shrubs and vines. Specimens were found on leaves and branches of trees, about 1.2–1.5 m above the ground. The advertisement call of the species was not heard. The air temperatures at the times of collection ranged from 14.8 to 18.9o C and relative humidity from 84% to 93%. Other rhacophorid species recorded in Hang Kia–Pa Co Nature Reserve were Raorchestes parvulus Boulenger, R. feaeBoulenger, R. kio Ohler and Delorme, R. orloviZiegler and Köhler, Theloderma albopunctatumLiu and Hu, T. gordoniTaylor, and T. lateriticum Bain, Nguyen and Doan. Females and the tadpole of Rhacophorus hoabinhensis have not been recorded so far.



Tao Thien Nguyen, Cuong The Pham, Truong Quang Nguyen, Hoa Thi Ninh and Thomas Ziegler. 2017. A New Species of Rhacophorus (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Vietnam. Asian Herpetological Research. 8(4); 221–234. DOI:  10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.170046

Ếch cây hoà bình – Rhacophorus hoabinhensis

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