[Botany • 2018] Calyptrochilum aurantiacum • New Taxonomic and Conservation Status of Ossiculum (Vandeae, Orchidaceae), A Highly Threatened and Narrow-endemic Angraecoid Orchid from Central Africa

May 3, 2018, 3:03 am

≫ Next: [PaleoEntomology • 2018] Phyllochrysa huangi • Liverwort Mimesis in a Cretaceous Lacewing Larva

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Calyptrochilum aurantiacum  (P.J.Cribb & Laan) Stévart, M.Simo & Droissart in Simo-Droissart, Stévart, Sonké, et al., 2018.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.98.23511 photo: V. Droissart flickr.com  speciesconservation.org

Abstract

In the context of producing a revised phylogenetic Linnean taxonomy of angraecoid orchids, the monotypic and narrow-endemic genus Ossiculum is synonymised with Calyptrochilum. Accordingly, a new combination in Calyptrochilum is proposed for Ossiculum aurantiacum. The morphological and DNA-based evidence for this transfer is discussed. Moreover, Calyptrochilum aurantiacum is here firstly reported outside Cameroon, with a record from the Republic of the Congo. The Red List conservation status of this species is reassessed and it is to be downgraded from “Critically Endangered” (CR) to “Endangered” (EN), following the recent discovery of additional subpopulations in Cameroon.

Keywords: Angraecoid orchids, Calyptrochilum, ex situ conservation, IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, Mungo River Forest Reserve, Odzala National Park, Ossiculum aurantiacum

Calyptrochilum aurantiacum (P.J.Cribb & Laan)
Stévart, M.Simo & Droissart, comb. nov.

Basionym: Ossiculum aurantiacum van der Laan & Cribb, 1986: 824.

Figure 3. Ecology and habit of natural populations of Calyptrochilum aurantiacum. A Flowering individual growing on upper branches of a felled kola tree, along with the angraecoid orchid Diaphananthe plehniana and the fern Microgramma owariensis. B Dense population growing on 1 metre long branches ofDuguetia staudtii. CCalyptrochilum aurantiacum and Diaphananthe plehniana growing side by side on Salacia sp. (Celastraceae). Photographs by V. Droissart (June 2017).

Figure 4. Seed banking of Calyptrochilum aurantiacum in Yaoundé (Cameroon). In 2017, an ex situ conservation programme was initiated to support the long term preservation of C. aurantiacum.  A Due to the small size of the flowers, manual pollination has been performed under a stereomicroscope. B Fruit development and maturation takes place in a shadehouse established in Yaoundé. C Finally, viable seeds have been harvested and conserved in the freezer (-20°C). Before being preserved at low temperature, seed viability is assessed using the tetrazolium test (red colouration of living embryo). Photographs A and C by V. Droissart, B by Gyslène Kamdem.

Conclusion: 

Morphological and DNA-based evidence led to the transfer of the narrow-endemic Ossiculum aurantiacum to the widespread genus Calyptrochilum and, thus, recognises the monotypic genus Ossiculum as a junior synonym of Calyptrochilum. Thanks to recent intensive field trips and laboratory work on central African orchids, new localities of Calyptrochilum aurantiacum have been discovered, a situation that contributed to downgrade the IUCN conservation status of the species. Calyptrochilum aurantiacum is currently known from five locations in two countries (Cameroon and Republic of the Congo) and is assessed as Endangered [EN B2ab(iii,v)] according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Fieldwork within and around the Odzala National Park is required to evaluate the species habitat and the state of the subpopulation there. In situ studies on reproductive biology would be necessary for greater efficiency in conservation measures.

 Murielle Simo-Droissart, Tariq Stévart, Bonaventure Sonké, Sandrine Mayogo, Narcisse Kamdem and Vincent Droissart. 2018. New Taxonomic and Conservation Status of Ossiculum (Vandeae, Orchidaceae), A Highly Threatened and Narrow-endemic Angraecoid Orchid from Central Africa.  PhytoKeys. 98: 85-97.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.98.23511

 speciesconservation.org/case-studies-projects/beentje-orchid/5698

Résumé: En vue de produire une classification taxonomique linnéenne des orchidées angraecoïdes, le genre monotypique Ossiculum, longtemps considéré comme endémique du sud-ouest Cameroun, est placé en synonymie de Calyptrochilum. En conséquence, une nouvelle combinaison dans Calyptrochilum est proposée pour Ossiculum aurantiacum. Les données morphologiques et moléculaires qui justifient cette combinaison sont discutées. L’espèce est signalée pour la première fois hors du Cameroun, en République du Congo. Suite à la découverte récente de sous-populations supplémentaires au Cameroun, le statut de conservation de cette espèce est réévalué selon la liste rouge de l'UICN. Bien que toujours menacée, l’espèce Calyptrochilum aurantiacum est transférée de la catégorie “En danger critique” (CR) vers la catégorie “En danger” (EN).

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[PaleoEntomology • 2018] Phyllochrysa huangi • Liverwort Mimesis in a Cretaceous Lacewing Larva

May 3, 2018, 7:02 am

≫ Next: [Cnidaria • 2018] Conglomeratusclera coerulea & Caementabunda simplex • Evaluating the Genus Cespitularia Milne Edwards & Haime, 1850 with Descriptions of New Genera of the Family Xeniidae (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea)

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Phyllochrysa huangi  Liu, Shi, Xia, Lu, Wang & Engel, 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.03.060

Highlights

• A new lacewing species is described from the Cretaceous based on larvae

• Distinctive foliate lobes are present on the thorax and abdomen of these larvae

• Such morphological modifications grossly match coeval liverworts

• The new larvae are the first example of direct mimicry in lacewing larvae

Summary

Camouflage and mimicry are staples among predator-prey interactions, and evolutionary novelties in behavior, anatomy, and physiology that permit such mimesis are rife throughout the biological world. These specializations allow for prey to better evade capture or permit predators to more easily approach their prey, or in some cases, the mimesis can serve both purposes. Despite the importance of mimesis and camouflage in predator-avoidance or hunting strategies, the long-term history of these traits is often obscured by an insufficient fossil record. Here, we report the discovery of Upper Cretaceous (approximately 100 million years old) green lacewing larvae (Chrysopoidea), preserved in amber from northern Myanmar, anatomically modified to mimic coeval liverworts. Chrysopidae are a diverse lineage of lacewings whose larvae usually camouflage themselves with a uniquely constructed packet of exogenous debris, conveying greater stealth upon them as they hunt prey such as aphids as well as evade their own predators. However, no lacewing larvae today mimic their surroundings. While the anatomy of Phyllochrysa huangi gen. et sp. nov. allowed it to avoid detection, the lack of setae or other anatomical elements for entangling debris as camouflage means its sole defense was its mimicry, and it could have been a stealthy hunter like living and other fossil Chrysopoidea or been an ambush predator aided by its disguise. The present fossils demonstrate a hitherto unknown life-history strategy among these “wolf in sheep’s clothing” predators, one that apparently evolved from a camouflaging ancestor but did not persist within the lineage.

Keywords: Neuroptera, Chrysopidae, Mesozoic, Burmese amber, mimicry, liverwort

Figure 1. New Green Lacewing Larva Phyllochrysa huangi gen. et sp. nov. in Upper Cretaceous (earliest Cenomanian) Amber from Northern Myanmar (Holotype NIGP167955) (A) Dorsal habitus. (B) Ventral habitus.

Figure 2. Phyllochrysa huangi gen. et sp. nov. and Potential Model Plants from Upper Cretaceous Amber from Northern Myanmar (A, D, and F) An unnamed liverwort (PB22713) and its leaves.  (B, E, and G) Phyllochrysa huangi gen. et sp. nov. (LPAM BA17003) and its lateral plates. (C) An unnamed leaf liverwort (PB22712). Scale bars, 1.0 mm ([A]–[C]), 0.1 mm ([D]–[G]).

Systematic Paleontology 

Order Neuroptera Linnaeus, 1758. 

Superfamily Chrysopoidea Schneider, 1851. 

Phyllochrysa huangi gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology The genus-group name is a combination of phyllon (Greek, meaning, ‘‘leaf’’) and chrysos (Greek, meaning, ‘‘gold’’ and a common suffix for chrysopoid genera). The specific epithet honors Yiren Huang, who kindly donated the holotype for our study.

....

Figure 3. Ecological Reconstruction of Phyllochrysa huangi gen. et sp. nov. Two larvae are shown at rest on liverworts. Illustration: Dinghua YANG

 Xingyue Liu, Gongle Shi, Fangyuan Xia, Xiumei Lu, BoWang and Michael S. Engel. 2018. Liverwort Mimesis in a Cretaceous Lacewing Larva. Current Biology. In Press.  DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.03.060

100-million-year-old liverwort mimicry in insects phys.org/news/2018-04-million-year-old-liverwort-mimicry-insects.html  @physorg_com

[Cnidaria • 2018] Conglomeratusclera coerulea & Caementabunda simplex • Evaluating the Genus Cespitularia Milne Edwards & Haime, 1850 with Descriptions of New Genera of the Family Xeniidae (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea)

May 3, 2018, 7:24 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2018] Theloderma auratum • A New Species of the Genus Theloderma Tschudi, 1838 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Tay Nguyen Plateau, central Vietnam

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Conglomeratusclera coerulea (May, 1898) Caementabunda simplex (Thomson & Dean, 1931)   in Benayahu, van Ofwegen & McFadden, 2018. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.754.23368

Abstract

Several species of the family Xeniidae, previously assigned to the genus Cespitularia Milne Edwards & Haime, 1850 are revised. Based on the problematical identity and status of the type of this genus, it became apparent that the literature has introduced misperceptions concerning its diagnosis. A consequent examination of the type colonies of Cespitularia coerulea May, 1898 has led to the establishment of the new genus Conglomeratusclera gen. n. and similarly to the assignment of Cespitularia simplex Thomson & Dean, 1931 to the new genus, Caementabunda gen. n. Both new genera are described and depicted and both feature unique sclerite morphology, further highlighting the importance of sclerite microstructure for generic position among Xeniidae. Freshly collected material was subjected to molecular phylogenetic analysis, whose results substantiated the taxonomic assignment of the new genera, as well as the synonymies of several others.

Keywords: Indo-Pacific Ocean, new genera, phylogeny, sclerite microstructure, taxonomy

Figure 5. Live colonies on the reefs of Green Is. Taiwan. A–B Conglomeratusclera coerulea (May, 1898). C Caementabunda simplex (Thomson & Dean, 1931) with expanded polyps D C. simplex (Thomson & Dean, 1931) with partially retracted polyps. Photo credit Chang-Feng Dai, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.

Systematics

Class Anthozoa Ehrenberg, 1831

Subclass Octocorallia Haeckel, 1866

Order Alcyonacea Lamouroux, 1812

Family Xeniidae Ehrenberg, 1828

Conglomeratusclera gen. n.

Type species: Cespitularia coerulea May, 1898: 21

Diagnosis: Colonies soft with a short but distinct stalk, ramified into primary branches and occasionally into secondary ones. Polyps monomorphic, found along the branches, sometimes down on the stalk; most are non-retractile. Sclerites of a wide diversity of forms and dimensions, many lacking a distinct repetitive morphology. They include spheres, spherules, and small dumbbell-like sclerites. They are commonly cemented together, forming heterogeneous morphologies of various shapes and sizes. Occasionally, the aggregates form plate-like structures, embedded with spheres and/or spherules. The abundance of sclerites can vary greatly; in some specimens they are rare and then mostly found only at the colony base, and occasionally they may be found in all parts of the colonies, or may even be entirely absent. Zooxanthellate.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from Latin conglomerātus, which refers to anything composed of heterogeneous materials or elements and sclera from Greek meaning sclerite. Here it denotes the sclerites that resemble the geological structures termed conglomerates, a feature comprising rounded to sub-angular clast of granules, pebbles or cobbles cemented together. Gender female.

Conglomeratusclera coerulea (May, 1898)

Distribution: Kenya; Zanzibar; Tanzania; Glorioso Islands; Mauritius; Seychelles; Mayotte; Taiwan; Philippines; Japan (Tanabe, Wakayama, Shikoku); Ryukyu Archipelago; Indonesia.

Conglomeratusclera robusta (Tixier-Durivault, 1966)

Cespitularia robusta Tixier-Durivault, 1966: 335–356; Janes 2008: 604–605.

Distribution Mayotte; Aride Island, Seychelles.

Caementabunda gen. n.

 Type species: Cespitularia simplex Thomson & Dean, 1931

Diagnosis: Colonies quite flaccid with a distinct but short encrusting base bearing primary lobes, sometimes divided into secondary ones. Non-retractile monomorphic polyps found on the lobes and occasionally down on some parts of the base. The spherical-oval sclerites are composed of a myriad of densely packed chip-like microscleres. Zooxanthellate.

Etymology: The generic name refers to the microstructure of the sclerites, which are composed of multitudes of microscleres, resembling aggregates of cement chips. The name is derived from the Latin caementum, cement, and abunda meaning copious. Gender feminine.

Caementabunda simplex (Thomson & Dean, 1931)

Distribution: Green Island, Taiwan; Philippines; Great Barrier Reef; Sulawesi; Madagascar; Seychelles.

Conclusions: 

Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses support the reassignment of the former species Cespitularia coerulea and C. simplex into two separate genera; Conglomeratusclera n. gen. and Caementabunda n. gen., respectively. They are distinguished by differences in sclerite microstructure as well as genetic distances comparable to those among other well-defined genera of the family Xeniidae. In addition, the findings justify synonymy of C. taeniata and C. turgida with each of these two new genera, respectively. We are at present only able to distinguish a single species in each of the new genera, based on both morphology and genetics. It should be noted that the status of C. robusta as a second species of Conglomeratusclera remains to be verified genetically. A recent study of the xeniid genus Ovabunda found a lack of congruence between the morphological characters traditionally used to diagnose species, in particular the number of rows of pinnules and pinnules per row, and genetic evidence of species boundaries (McFadden et al. 2017). In that case, evidence from multiple segregating nuclear markers was necessary to delineate species that shared identical or very similar mitochondrial haplotypes. Therefore, it is possible that data from additional genetic markers might detect further differences among those individuals with variant 28S rDNA genotypes that we have assigned here to Conglomeratusclera coerulea and Caementabunda simplex. As currently circumscribed, both of these new genera and in particular the respective species occur over a wide geographic range from the south-western Indian Ocean (Madagascar) to Japan.

 Yehuda Benayahu, Leen P. van Ofwegen and Catherine S. McFadden. 2018. Evaluating the Genus Cespitularia Milne Edwards & Haime, 1850 with Descriptions of New Genera of the Family Xeniidae (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea). ZooKeys. 754: 63-101. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.754.23368

[Herpetology • 2018] Theloderma auratum • A New Species of the Genus Theloderma Tschudi, 1838 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Tay Nguyen Plateau, central Vietnam

May 3, 2018, 7:51 am

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Theloderma auratum  Poyarkov, Kropachev, Gogoleva & Orlov, 2018  DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2018.018

ABSTRACT 

A new species of small tree frog from a primary montane tropical forest of central Vietnam, Tay Nguyen Plateau, is described based on morphological, molecular, and acoustic evidence. The Golden Bug-Eyed Frog, Theloderma auratum sp. nov., is distinguishable from its congeners and other small rhacophorid species based on a combination of the following morphological attributes: (1) bony ridges on head absent; (2) smooth skin completely lacking calcified warts or asperities; (3) pointed elongated tapering snout; (4) vocal opening in males absent; (5) vomerine teeth absent; (6) males of small body size (SVL 21.8–26.4 mm); (7) head longer than wide; ED/SVL ratio 13%–15%; ESL/SVL ratio 16%–20%; (8) small tympanum (TD/EL ratio 50%–60%) with few tiny tubercles; (9) supratympanic fold absent; (10) ventral surfaces completely smooth; (11) webbing between fingers absent; (12) outer and inner metacarpal tubercles present, supernumerary metacarpal tubercle single, medial, oval in shape; (13) toes half-webbed: I 2–2¼ II 1½–2¾ III 2–3¼ IV 3–1½ V; (14) inner metatarsal tubercle present, oval; outer metatarsal tubercle absent; (15) iris bicolored; (16) dorsal surfaces golden-yellow with sparse golden-orange speckling or reticulations and few small dark-brown spots; (17) lateral sides of head and body with wide dark reddish-brown to black lateral stripes, clearly separated from lighter dorsal coloration by straight contrasting edge; (18) ventral surfaces of body, throat, and chest greyish-blue with indistinct brown confluent blotches; (19) upper eyelids with few (3–5) very small flat reddish superciliary tubercles; (20) limbs dorsally reddish-brown, ventrally brown with small bluish-white speckles. The new species is also distinct from all congeners in 12S rRNA to 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA fragment sequences (uncorrected genetic distance P>8.9%). Advertisement call and tadpole morphology of the new species are described. Our molecular data showed Theloderma auratum sp. nov. to be a sister species of Th. palliatum from Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam. 

Keywords: Theloderma auratum sp. nov.; mtDNA phylogeny; 12S rRNA; 16S rRNA; Kon Tum; Gia Lai; Endemism; Taxonomy

Figure 4 Dorsolateral view of male holotype of Theloderma auratum sp. nov. (ZMMU A-5828) in life (in situ)  Photo by Nikolay A. Poyarkov

Theloderma auratum sp. nov.

....

Etymology: The specific name “auratum” is a Latin adjective in the nominative singular (neutral gender), derived from Latin “aurum” for “gold”, referring to the golden-yellowish dorsal coloration of the new species.

Recommended vernacular name: We recommend the following common name in English: Golden Bug-Eyed Frog. Recommended vernacular name in Vietnamese: ´Êch Cây Sân Vàng.

Distribution and biogeography: The known distributions of Theloderma auratum sp. nov. and its sister species Th. palliatum are shown in Figure 1. To date, the new species is known from montane evergreen tropical forests of Tay Nguyen Plateau in the central Annamite (Truong Son) Mountains, and has been recorded in Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Thua Thien-Hue provinces. It is anticipated that Theloderma auratum sp. nov. also occurs in the adjacent montane forests of Tay Nguyen Plateau; in particular, records from Quang Nam Province of Vietnam and Xekong Province of Laos are anticipated. 

Natural history notes: Our knowledge on the biology of Theloderma auratum sp. nov. is scarce. The new species was recorded in primary polydominant tropical montane evergreen forests of Tay Nguyen Plateau at elevations ranging from 800 to 1 400 m a.s.l.. Animals were recorded only in patches of primary undisturbed forest with complete multi-layered canopy and heavy undergrowth, suggesting the new species is a strict forest-dwelling specialist. At the type locality in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve (Gia Lai Province), the forest where the new species was recorded is dominated by large trees of the families Podocarpaceae (Dacrydium elatum, Dacrycarpus imbricatus), Magnoliaceae, Burseraceae (Canarium sp.), Myrtaceae (Syzygium sp.), Hamamelidaceae (Simingtonia sp.), Lauraceae (Litsia sp.), Rhodoliaceae (Rhodolia sp.), Fagaceae, Sterculiaceae (Scaphium sp.) (Figure 10). ....

Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Jr., Ivan I. Kropachev, Svetlana S. Gogoleva and Nikolai L. Orlov. 2018. A New Species of the Genus Theloderma Tschudi, 1838 (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Tay Nguyen Plateau, central Vietnam. Zoological Research. 39(3); 156-180.   DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2018.018

  

[Botany • 2018] Magnolia mercedesiarum (subsect. Talauma, Magnoliaceae) • A New Andean Species from northern Ecuador, with Insights Into Its Potential Distribution

May 4, 2018, 2:14 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2018] Mazus sunhangii (Mazaceae) • A New Species Discovered in Central China Appears to Be Highly Endangered

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Magnolia mercedesiarum  D.A.Neill, A.Vázquez & F.Arroyo in Vázquez-García, Neill, Shalisko, et al., 2018.     DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.348.4.2

Abstract

Magnolia mercedesiarum, a new species from the eastern slopes of the Andes in northern Ecuador, is described and illustrated, and a key to Ecuadorian Magnolia (subsect. Talauma) is provided. This species differs from M. vargasiana in having broadly elliptic leaves that have an obtuse base vs. suborbicular and subcordate to cordate, glabrous stipular scars, more numerous lateral veins per side and fewer stamens. It also differs from M. llanganatensis in having leaf blades broadly elliptic vs. elliptic, longer petioles, less numerous lateral leaf veins per side, larger fruits and more numerous petals and carpels. Using MaxEnt species distribution models and IUCN threat criteria, M. mercedesiarum has a potential distribution area of less than 3307 km² and is assessed as Endangered (EN): B1 ab (i, ii, iii). The relevance of systematic vegetation sampling in the discovery of rare species is highlighted.

Keywords: Magnoliids, Guacamayos; Antisana; Sumaco-Galeras; Napo; Orellana; Sucumbíos

FIGURE 1. Magnolia mercedesiarum. A. Flower bud. B-C. Fruit before and during dehiscence. D. Flowering and fruiting branch. E. Flower (forced to open from mature flowerbud). F. Stamens. All from the type material. Drawing by Efrén Merino Santi.

FIGURE 2. Magnolia mercedesiarum. A. Tree. B. Flower (forced to open from mature flowerbud). C. Leaf and lateral veins. D. Flower bud. E. Fruit before dehiscence. Photographs A and E by Efren Merino-Santi. B, C and D. by Antonio Vázquez. A tree. B and E from the holotype. C and D from Vázquez et al. 10126.  FIGURE 3. Magnolia mercedesiarum. A.-B. Open small fruit with eight carpels. C and D. Open fruit of nine carpels. E.-F. Open fruit of ten carpels. Illustration by R. Efren Merino- Santi, all based on the type material.

Magnolia mercedesiarum D.A.Neill, A.Vázquez & F.Arroyo, sp. nov.  

Magnolia mercedesiarum is similar to M. vargasiana but differs in having broadly elliptic leaves that area obtuse at the base vs. suborbicular and subcordate to cordate, glabrous stipular scars, more numerous lateral veins per side and fewer stamens. It is also similar to M. llanganatensis in having similar size of flowers and glabrous leaves; however, it differs from the latter in having leaf blades broadly elliptic vs. elliptic, longer petioles (2.0–) 4.0–8.5 vs. 1.0–1.5 cm, fewer lateral veins per side 9–10 vs. 16–17, more numerous petals (8 vs. 6) and carpels (8–10 vs. 4–6) and larger fruits (3.8–5.0 × 2.7–3.6 cm vs. 3.0 × 2.0 cm; Table 2).

....

Eponymy:— The species is named in honour of two Ecuadorian women named Mercedes who have contributed to botanical science and conservation in their native country: Mercedes Asanza, professor at the Universidad Estatal Amazónica, administrative curator of the ECUAMZ herbarium at that university, and specialist in taxonomy and ecology of ferns; and Mercedes Mamallacta, a Kichwa ethnobotanist from Archidona, Napo Province, gardener, native plant propagator and inheritor and guardian of millennia of Kichwa plant lore.

Ethnobotany:— No uses are recorded for the species in the type locality. However, according to informant Antonio Naranjo (Cerón & Ayala 9896, from Río Due), the plant is known as “orejas de burro” (donkey ears). It is aromatic, and leaves mixed with urine and salt are used to clean sick animals.

Notes:— Magnolia mercedesiarum is the first species of Magnolia described from the eastern slopes of the Andes in northern Ecuador; it is the third confirmed species of Magnolia in Napo Province after Magnolia pastazaensis and M. “napoensis” ined. (Vázquez-García et al. 2016a), the last two at lower elevation and sympatric at Jatun Sacha Biological Station. Its occurrence in the Due River area represents the second species of Magnolia recorded from Sucumbíos Province after M. neillii in the Amazon lowlands of northeastern Ecuador (Vázquez-García et al. 2016a).

  

J.-Antonio Vázquez-García, David A. Neill, Viacheslav Shalisko, Frank Arroyo and R Efrén Merino-Santi. 2018. Magnolia mercedesiarum (subsect. Talauma, Magnoliaceae): A New Andean Species from northern Ecuador, with Insights Into Its Potential Distribution.  Phytotaxa. 346(4); 254–268.  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.348.4.2
 researchgate.net/publication/324824414_Magnolia_mercedesiarum_a_new_Andean_species_from_northern_Ecuador

[Botany • 2018] Mazus sunhangii (Mazaceae) • A New Species Discovered in Central China Appears to Be Highly Endangered

May 4, 2018, 2:34 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2018] Guibemantis milingilingy • Stumbling Upon A New Frog Species of Guibemantis (Anura: Mantellidae) on Top of the Marojejy Massif in Northern Madagascar

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Mazus sunhangii  D. G. Zhang & T. Deng in Deng, Zhang, Kim, et al., 2016.  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163581

Abstract
Mazus sunhangii, a new species of Mazaceae from central China is described and illustrated based on evidence from morphology and molecular phylogeny. This new species is morphologically similar to M. puchellus and M. omeiensis but differs in erect habit, inflorescence position, leaf pattern and corolla color. Phylogenetic analysis based on four chloroplast DNA regions (rbcL, rps16, trnL-F, and psbA-trnH) identified the new species as the independent lineage sister to the other East Asian Mazus species. The new species is known only from a single location in Mt. Shennongjia area in northwest Hubei province, at the elevation of 760 m. The species grows on the limestone cliff, and, because a tourist arterial highway is located along this cliff, its habitat can be easily disturbed or destroyed. We propose that the only known species location is recognized as critical habitat (i.e., as the habitat required to ensure the persistence of a species) and the species listed as Critically Endangered based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and Criteria B2a.

Fig 2. Images of living plants of Mazus sunhangii D. G. Zhang & T. Deng. A, habitat; B, population; C, habit; D, individual; E, inflorescence; F, flower; G, ovary and style; H, stamen.

Mazus sunhangiiD. G. Zhang & T. Deng, sp. nov. 

Distribution and habitat: Mazus sunhangii is so far known only from a single location in the SNNR, the northwest part of Hubei Province, central China (Fig 4). The climate here belongs to subtropical monsoon, which is cool, foggy and humid (annual rainfall ca. 1770 mm). The only discovered population comprises less than 500 individuals growing along the steep moist limestone cliff up to the height of 200 m (Fig 2A and 2B). The total area occupied by the species is not more than 2 km. The other two species occupying the same habitat with M. sunhangii are Eriophorum comosum Wall. and Adiantum capillus-veneris L. The valley at the base of the cliff is covered by evergreen and deciduous mixed forest dominated by Cyclobalanopsis gracilis, Platycarya strobilacea and Carpinus viminea.

Etymology: The species is named in honor of Prof. Hang Sun, a Chinese botanist who made a significant contribution to our knowledge of the flora of China.

Tao Deng, Xiao-Shuang Zhang, Changkyun Kim, Jian-Wen Zhang, Dai-Gui Zhang and Sergei Volis. 2016. Mazus sunhangii (Mazaceae), A New Species Discovered in Central China Appears to Be Highly Endangered.  PLoS ONE. 11(10): e0163581.  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163581
Researchgate.net/publication/309459065_Mazus_sunhangii_a_New_Species_Discovered_in_Central_China

[Herpetology • 2018] Guibemantis milingilingy • Stumbling Upon A New Frog Species of Guibemantis (Anura: Mantellidae) on Top of the Marojejy Massif in Northern Madagascar

May 4, 2018, 3:11 am

≫ Next: [Mammalogy • 2018] Total Evidence Analysis of the Phylogenetic Relationships of Bandicoots and Bilbies (Marsupialia: Peramelemorphia): Reassessment of Two Species and Description of A New Species, Perameles papillon

≪ Previous: [Botany • 2018] Mazus sunhangii (Mazaceae) • A New Species Discovered in Central China Appears to Be Highly Endangered

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Guibemantis (Pandanusicola) milingilingy Bletz, Scherz, Rakotoarison, Lehtinen, Glaw & Vences, 2018  DOI:  10.1643/CH-17-655   twitter.com/ASIHCopeia

We describe a new frog species of the genus Guibemantis, subgenus Pandanusicola, from Marojejy National Park in northeastern Madagascar. Guibemantis milingilingy, the new species, exhibits high genetic divergence from all other described species of Guibemantis based on DNA sequences of a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. This new species inhabits Pandanus plants like the majority of other members of this subgenus, but is found at much higher elevations (2026 m a.s.l.). It differs from its closest relative, G. punctatus, by the lack of speckled or spotted dorsal patterns and by the presence of a distinctly dark tympanum. As a high-elevation species, it is likely to be a species sensitive to climate change, similar to other montane endemics in Madagascar.

Guibemantis milingilingy, new species, in life from the type locality, female paratype ZSM 430/2016 (ZCMV 15238).

Guibemantis milingilingy

....

Etymology.— The specific epithet is a Malagasy word meaning ‘‘being in an uncomfortable position,’’ in reference to the precariousness of capturing specimens of this species, due to the uneven and steep substrate on which their Pandanus plants grow, which caused one of the authors to fall into such a plant with great gusto. The name is used as an invariable noun in apposition to the genus name. 

Available names.— No junior synonyms are available as potentially available names for any other Pandanus-dwelling species of Guibemantis.

Molly C. Bletz, Mark D. Scherz, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Richard M. Lehtinen, Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences. 2018. Stumbling Upon A New Frog Species of Guibemantis (Anura: Mantellidae) on Top of the Marojejy Massif in Northern Madagascar. Copeia. 106(2); 255-263. DOI:  10.1643/CH-17-655

 twitter.com/ASIHCopeia/status/992124201350975489

[Mammalogy • 2018] Total Evidence Analysis of the Phylogenetic Relationships of Bandicoots and Bilbies (Marsupialia: Peramelemorphia): Reassessment of Two Species and Description of A New Species, Perameles papillon

May 6, 2018, 2:16 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2018] Dendrobium obchantiae • A Narrow Endemic New Species of Dendrobium sect. Stachyobium (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae) from Thailand

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2018] Guibemantis milingilingy • Stumbling Upon A New Frog Species of Guibemantis (Anura: Mantellidae) on Top of the Marojejy Massif in Northern Madagascar

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Perameles papillon  Travouillon& Phillips, 2018  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4378.2.3  Art by Rob Fleming

Abstract

The phylogenetic relationships of bandicoots and bilbies have been somewhat problematic, with conflicting results between morphological work and molecular data. This conflict makes it difficult to assess the taxonomic status of species and subspecies within this order, and also prevents accurate evolutionary assessments. Here, we present a new total evidence analysis, combining the latest cranio-dental morphological matrix containing both modern and fossil taxa, with molecular data from GenBank. Several subspecies were scored in the morphological dataset to match the molecular data available. Both parsimony and Bayesian analyses were performed, giving similar topologies except for the position of four fossil taxa. Total evidence dating places the peramelemorphian crown origin close to the Oligocene/Miocene boundary, and the radiations of most modern genera beginning in the Late Miocene or Early Pliocene. Our results show that some species and subspecies require taxonomic reassessment, and are revised here. We also describe a new, extinct species from the Nullarbor region. This suggests that the number of recently extinct peramelemorphian species is likely to further increase.

Keywords: Mammalia, Bandicoot, Australia, molecular phylogeny, morphological systematics, evolution, taxonomy, new species

Art by Rob Fleming

Perameles papillon sp. nov.

Etymology: Papillon, French for butterfly, in reference to the butterfly shaped pattern on its rump.

  Kenny J. Travouillon and Matthew J. Phillips. 2018. Total Evidence Analysis of the Phylogenetic Relationships of Bandicoots and Bilbies (Marsupialia: Peramelemorphia): Reassessment of Two Species and Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 4378(2); 224–256.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4378.2.3

ResearchGate.net/publication/323008943_Total_evidence_analysis_of_the_phylogenetic_relationships_of_bandicoots_and_bilbies

New research tracks evolution of bilbies and badicoots, new species discovered  disq.us/t/2zbplt8

 twitter.com/wamuseum/status/965830593157017601

http://www.aridrecovery.org.au/arid-recovery-news/the-end-of-the-western-barred-bandicoot

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[Botany • 2018] Dendrobium obchantiae • A Narrow Endemic New Species of Dendrobium sect. Stachyobium (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae) from Thailand

May 6, 2018, 6:48 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2018] Pristimantis barrigai • A New Red-eye Frog Species Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from Cordillera de Cóndor, Ecuador

≪ Previous: [Mammalogy • 2018] Total Evidence Analysis of the Phylogenetic Relationships of Bandicoots and Bilbies (Marsupialia: Peramelemorphia): Reassessment of Two Species and Description of A New Species, Perameles papillon

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Dendrobium obchantiae  Promm., Suddee & Kidyoo in Prommanut, Kidyoo, Buddhawong & Suddee, 2018 DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.348.2.3  facebook.com/BotGeneCHULA

Abstract

A new species belonging to Dendrobium section Stachyobium was discovered in mixed deciduous forest near the Check Point to Thi Lo Su Waterfall, Umphang District, Tak Province, in the northern Thailand. A description (including leaf anatomy), illustration and comparison with the closely related species D. incurvum are provided here.

Keywords: Orchidaceae, Dendrobium sect. Stachyobium, Dendrobium obchantiae, orchid flora of Thailand, Monocots

Phattaravee Prommanut, Manit Kidyoo, Wins Buddhawong and Somran Suddee. 2018. A Narrow Endemic New Species of Dendrobium sect. Stachyobium from Thailand (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae). Phytotaxa. 348(2); 90-98. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.348.2.3

 facebook.com/BotGeneCHULA/posts/706778239492451

Researchgate.net/publication/324796786_A_endemic_new_species_of_Dendrobium_from_Thailand

กล้วยไม้ชนิดใหม่ของโลก

Dendrobium obchantiae Promm., Suddee & Kidyoo

กล้วยไม้สกุลหวาย Dendrobium obchantiae Promm., Suddee & Kidyoo เป็นพืชชนิดใหม่ของโลก พบที่ อ. อุ้มผาง จ.ตาก โดยนายภัทธรวีร์ พรมนัส นิสิตระดับปริญญาโท ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย ดร. สมราน สุดดี นักวิทยาศาสตร์ชำนาญการพิเศษ สำนักงานหอพรรณไม้ (BKF) สำนักวิจัยการอนุรักษ์ป่าไม้และพันธุ์พืช กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่าและพันธุ์พืช และ รศ. ดร. มานิต คิดอยู่ ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย . 

กล้วยไม้ชนิดนี้ตั้งชื่อเป็นเกียรติแก่ รศ. ดร. อบฉันท์ ไทยทอง ผู้เชี่ยวชาญกล้วยไม้ไทย อาจารย์ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย ตีพิมพ์เผยแพร่ในวารสาร Phytotaxa. 348(2); 90–98

[Herpetology • 2018] Pristimantis barrigai • A New Red-eye Frog Species Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from Cordillera de Cóndor, Ecuador

May 6, 2018, 7:16 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2018] Bacteria meet the "Titans": Horizontal Transfer of Symbiotic Microbiota as A Possible Driving Factor of Sociality in Dinosaurs

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Pristimantis barrigai  Brito & Almendáriz, 2018   DOI: 10.31017/CdH.2018.(2017-08)   twitter.com/JorgeBritoM

ABSTRACT 

 A new species of medium-sized terrestrial frog of the genus Pristimantis (SVL female 31.5 mm, male 26.9 mm) is described from the montane forest of the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador from an elevation of 2100 m. We assign provisionally Pristimantis barrigai sp. nov., to the Pristimantis ridens group. The new species differs from other congeners by a distinctive combination of characters: dorsum olive to olive-brown, small tympanum, venter blackish, iris spectral-red, pedal supernumerary tubercles enlarged and numerous and distribution on a sandstone plateau in the cordillera del Cóndor.

Key words: Pristimantis ridens group, Pristimantis barrigai sp. nov., Cordillera del Cóndor.

Figura 3. Pristimantis barrigai sp. nov., en vida. Holotipo macho adulto MEPN 12346, LRC: 26.9 mm. Fotografía: A. Almendáriz.

RESUMEN: Se describe una especie nueva de rana terrestre de mediano tamaño del género Pristimantis (hembra LRC 31.5 mm; macho 26.9 mm), de los bosques montanos de la Cordillera del Cóndor, sureste de Ecuador, a una elevación de 2100 m. Asignamos tentativamente a Pristimantis barrigai sp. nov., al grupo Pristimantis ridens. La especie nueva es la única rana terrestre con una combinación distintiva de caracteres: dorso café oliva a café oliváceo, tímpano pequeño, vientre negruzco, distintivo iris rojo espectral, tubérculos pediales supernumerarios agrandados y numerosos y conocida únicamente de la meseta de arenisca de la cordillera del Cóndor.

Palabras clave: Pristimantis ridens, Pristimantis barrigai sp. nov., Cordillera del Cóndor.

 Jorge Brito and Ana Almendáriz. 2018. Una especie nueva de rana Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) de ojos rojos de la Cordillera de Cóndor, Ecuador [A New Red-eye Frog Species Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from Cordillera de Cóndor, Ecuador]. Cuad. herpetol. 32(1); 31-40. DOI: 10.31017/CdH.2018.(2017-08)

 twitter.com/JorgeBritoM/status/992494922115768320

[Paleontology • 2018] Bacteria meet the "Titans": Horizontal Transfer of Symbiotic Microbiota as A Possible Driving Factor of Sociality in Dinosaurs

May 6, 2018, 7:33 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2018] Pulchrana fantastica • A New Species of the Genus Pulchrana Dubois, 1992 (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Sumatra, Indonesia

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2018] Pristimantis barrigai • A New Red-eye Frog Species Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from Cordillera de Cóndor, Ecuador

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a nesting site of Maiasaura peeblesorum Horner & Makela, 1979. in Romano& Farlow, 2018. DOI: 10.4435/BSPI.2018.05 Artwork by D. Bonadonna (davidebonadonna.it).

  

In the last decades several new dinosaurs species have been described from both Laurasia and Gondwana and a complex, multi-dimensional picture of the physiology, evolution and behavior of dinosaurs has emerged. One of the central elements of new discoveries is the recognition of a complex sociality in this vertebrate clade, especially in herbivorous taxa. Herbivores are not genetically provided with the enzymes needed to break down and metabolize cellulose, thus need gut symbiotic bacteria communities, able to digest plant-derived materials. In this short contribution, we discuss the hypothesis that precisely the need to horizontally exchange bacteria among individual ls of different ages, has triggered a growing sociality in herbivorous dinosaurs.

.....

Fig. 1: Reconstruction of a nesting site of the hadrosaur Maiasaura peeblesorum Horner & Makela, 1979. In the foreground, a juvenile hadrosaur ingests the feces of its mother, to acquire the bacteria necessary to break down and metabolize cellulose and fibrous plant tissues. In the background, an adult Maiasaura lays eggs in the nest. Artwork by Davide Bonadonna (davidebonadonna.it).  twitter.com/D_Bonadonna

Marco Romano and James O. Farlow. 2018. Bacteria meet the "Titans": Horizontal Transfer of Symbiotic Microbiota as A Possible Driving Factor of Sociality in Dinosaurs.  Bollettino della Societa Paleontologica Italiana. DOI: 10.4435/BSPI.2018.05

Researchgate.net/publication/324941784_Bacteria_meet_the_titans 

 twitter.com/D_Bonadonna/status/992405965986258944

facebook.com/DavideBonadonna1/photos/1368900019878465

[Herpetology • 2018] Pulchrana fantastica • A New Species of the Genus Pulchrana Dubois, 1992 (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Sumatra, Indonesia

May 7, 2018, 3:38 am

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2018] Revision of the Oriental Genus Zavatilla Tsuneki (Hymenoptera, Mutillidae, Trogaspidiini), with Descriptions of Two New Species

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Pulchrana fantastica  Arifin, Cahyadi, Smart, Jankowski & Haas, 2018 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 66;   photo: Ganjar Cahyadi

Abstract

 We describe a new species of Pulchrana from the island of Sumatra, in western Indonesia. Pulchrana fantastica, new species, is currently only known from Aceh and Sumatera Utara provinces. It is related to P. siberu and P. centropeninsularis as inferred from morphological similarity and phylogenetic relationships, estimated from DNA sequences. It can be diagnosed by the following unique combination of characters: (1) SVL adult males 40.32–45.19 mm; (2) males have large humeral glands on the anteroventral surface of brachium, nuptial pads absent; (3) dorsal skin finely granular to granulated, with or without asperities at the tip of granules; (4) webbing formula: I(1 ― 1–11/2)II(1/2 ― 2)III(1 ― 2–21/3)IV(2–21/3 ― 1)V; (5) straight dorsolateral stripes, thin, continuous, anteriorly confluent at snout, posteriorly interconnected by a series of spots; (6) middorsum in adults black with light medial line or combination of spots and line, black without marking in juveniles; (7) dense cream or yellow to orange spots on flanks, and dorsal side of limbs, spots non-uniform in shape; (8) venter greyish or brown, with small light dots on throat and chest, sometimes reaching abdomen; (9) iris background black, lower part with dense orange stippling, upper region with orange reticulation with gold in the middle, pupil encircled with solid orangegolden line; (10) upper and lower lip grey or brown with cream or yellow spots. We also report the presence of P. centropeninsularis from Sumatra; a species previously known only from a single locality in the Malay Peninsula; and discuss the biogeographic implications of this significant range extension. 

Key words. molecular systematics, morphology, new species, Pulchrana signata Complex, Sumatra, taxonomy

Pulchrana fantastica, new species, MZB.Amph.28894, adult male, paratype, Aceh

Fig. 5. Plates comparing the three closely allied Sumatran Pulchrana species (a) Pulchrana fantastica, new species, MZB.Amph.28894, adult male, paratype, Aceh; (b) P. fantastica, new species, MZB.Amph.28943, juvenile, Aceh; (c) P. centropeninsularis, adult male, Jambi; (d) P. siberu, female, Pagai Selatan. Photos by U. Arifin (a, b, d); A. Jankowski (c).

Fig. 4. Geographical distribution of Pulchrana centropeninsularis (white circles O),P. fantastica,new species (black triangles △), and P. siberu (red stars ★). Locality information: Mane (1); Taman Buru Linge Isaq (2); Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser (3); Bandar Baru (4), Lakum Forest Reserve & Kuala Gandah, Pahang (5); Bukit Tigapuluh (6); Hutan Harapan (7); Siberut (8); Sipora (9); and Pagai Selatan (10). Type locality for each species indicated by arrow. Map was prepared using GeoMapApp (Ryan et al., 2009).

Pulchrana fantastica, new species 
Splendid Stream Frogs (recommended common English name);
Katak Elok (Bahasa Indonesia)

Hylarana cf. siberu (Montane NW Sumatra [Brown & Siler, 2013])

Hylarana sp. Sumatra (Chan et al., 2014)

Diagnosis. The following unique combinations of characters distinguish Pulchrana fantastica, new species, from its congeners: (1) a medium size frog, SVL adult males (n = 12) 40.3–45.2 mm; (2) males with large humeral glands (3.2–4.3 mm) on anteroventral surface of brachium, paired internal subgular vocal sacs, nuptial pads absent; (3) dorsal skin finely granular to granulated, with or without keratinised white asperities at tip of each granule (Fig. 2); (4) webbing formula: I(1 ― 1–11/2)II(1/2 ― 2)III(1 ― 2–21/3)IV(2– 21/3 ― 1)V; (5) dorsolateral stripe, thin (0.7–0.9 mm), orange, continuous, anteriorly confluent and posteriorly interconnected by spots; (6) middorsum black with orange line or combination of spots and line in the center, variable in number and length of the line and spots, black without marking in juveniles; (7) dense spots on flanks and dorsal surface limbs, cream or yellow to orange, shape of spots elongated or circular, variable in size; (8) skin of venter smooth, greyish or brown with small light dots on throat and chest, occasionally extending posteriorly to abdomen; (9) iris background black, dense orange stippling ventrally, orange reticulation dorsally, golden centrally, with orange-golden line encircling pupil; (10) upper and lower lip grey or brown with cream or yellow spots (upper lip: 3–7; lower lip: 2–5).

Etymology. The specific epithet is nominative feminine derivative of the Greek phantastikós. We apply this adjective with a contemporary spelling and an implied meaning of “being beyond imagination” with reference to the extraordinary beauty of this species.

Range. Pulchrana fantastica, new species, is currently known from Aceh Province (Marpunge, Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser; Taman Buru Linge Isaq; Mane) and Sumatera Utara Province (Bandar Baru, Langkat) at an elevation between 450–1,065 m (Fig. 4).


Umilaela Arifin, Ganjar Cahyadi, Utpal Smart, André Jankowski and Alexander Haas. 2018. A New Species of the Genus Pulchrana Dubois, 1992 (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Sumatra, Indonesia. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 66; 277–299.
lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/app/uploads/2018/01/66rbz277-299.pdf
facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10213395142810663
Researchgate.net/publication/324909977_A_new_species_of_the_genus_Pulchrana_from_Sumatra_Indonesia

[Entomology • 2018] Revision of the Oriental Genus Zavatilla Tsuneki (Hymenoptera, Mutillidae, Trogaspidiini), with Descriptions of Two New Species

May 7, 2018, 4:45 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2018] Semi-aquatic Adaptations in A Spinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil

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Zavatilla gutrunae (Zavattari, 1913) in Zhou, Lelej, Williams & Liu, 2018.    DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4418.2.1

Abstract

Four species of the genus Zavatilla Tsuneki, 1993 are reviewed. An updated diagnosis of the genus is given and two new sex associations are proposed. Two new species, Z. xuzaifui Zhou, Lelej et Williams, sp. nov. (China: Guangdong, Yunnan, Hainan; Vietnam) and Z. nepalensis Zhou et Lelej, sp. nov. (Nepal) are described. Mutilla logei Zavattari, 1913 is proposed as junior synonym of Z. gutrunae (Zavattari, 1913). The status of Z. gutrunaeflavotegulata (Chen, 1957) is updated to specific level. A key to the known species of Zavatilla is given for males and females.

Keywords: Mutillinae, Zavatilla, new species, Oriental Region, China, Hymenoptera

Hu-Ting Zhou, Arkady S. Lelej, Kevin A. Williams and Jing-Xian Liu. 2018.  Revision of the Oriental Genus Zavatilla Tsuneki (Hymenoptera, Mutillidae,  Trogaspidiini), with Descriptions of Two New Species. Zootaxa. 4418(2); 101–120.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4418.2.1

[Paleontology • 2018] Semi-aquatic Adaptations in A Spinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil

May 7, 2018, 5:33 am

≫ Next: [Crustacea • 2018] Refining the Genus Rochinia A. Milne-Edwards, 1875 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Epialtidae): Reinstatement of Scyramathia & Anamathia, and Minyorhyncha, A New Genus for Amathia crassa A. Milne-Edwards, 1879, with Notes on Its Ontogeny

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A Spinosaurinae at the Aptian-Albian lagunar/shallow marine environment of the Romualdo Formation, Araripe Basin, NE Brazil. in Aureliano, Ghilardi, Buck, et al., 2018.  DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2018.04.024  Illustration by Julio Lacerda.

Highlights

• Spinosaur histology is here described for the first time.

• Extreme bone compactness (osteosclerosis) was present in Brazilian Spinosaurinae.

• These modifications appeared millions of years before the Moroccan Spinosaurus.

• One of the largest spinosaur specimens from the Early Cretaceous of South America.

Abstract

Spinosaurinae are known to have a strong relationship with aquatic environments, involving several anatomical adaptations. Nonetheless, this group of theropods remains enigmatic, due to the relative incompleteness of its fossil record. A large partial tibia from the Aptian-Albian Romualdo Formation, Northeast Brazil, is herein described through anatomical comparisons and paleohistological analyzes. It features characteristics previously only observed in Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, which includes a reduced fibular crest and an osteosclerotic condition. The later, a character supported as correlated with semi-aquatic habits in many limbed vertebrates. The results presented here support high bone compactness being already present in Brazilian Spinosaurinae millions of years before the Moroccan Spinosaurus. Furthermore, histological analyses demonstrate the Romualdo Formation specimen was a young subadult still growing fast by the time of its death, and suggests Araripe Basin Spinosaurinae could have grown larger than previously thought. This work contributes to a better paleobiological and ecological understanding of South American spinosaurs, and helps fill a gap in the macroevolutionary comprehension of Spinosaurinae. Ultimately, it also contributes to further advancing the paleoecological characterization of the Romualdo Formation.

Keywords: Paleohistology; Araripe basin; Theropoda; Megalosauroidea; Spinosaurinae

Systematic paleontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Theropoda Marsh, 1882

Tetanurae Gauthier, 1986

Megalosauroidea Fitzinger, 1843

Spinosauridae Stromer 1915

Spinosaurinae Stromer, 1915

gen. et. sp. indet.

Referred material: LPP-PV-0042, a fragmentary tibia.

Locality and horizon: Exact geological and geographical provenance is unknown, but the fossil was collected in the Araripe area, Northeast Brazil. Outcrops of the Lower Cretaceous Santana Group (Araripe Basin) are worldwide known for providing well-preserved fossils and are located in the Araripe region. 

Fig. 6. 1. Spinosaurinae remains currently recovered from the Romualdo Formation, Araripe Basin, Brazil. Not to scale.  A, USP GP/2T-5, holotype of Angaturama limai ( Kellner & Campos, 1996), fragmentary anterior tip of skull. B, SMNS 58022, holotype of Irritator challengeri (Sues et al., 2002) (originally mistakenly identified as a maniraptor by Martill et al., 1996), partial posterior portion of skull and mandible. C, MN 4743-V, incomplete indeterminate spinosaur sacral and caudal vertebrae series (S3, S4, S5, C1, C2. C3, C4, C4, C6) (Bittencourt & Kellner, 2004). D, MN 7021-V, indeterminate spinosaur rib (Machado & Kellner, 2007). E, MN4819-V, incomplete indeterminate spinosaur pubis, pelvis, dorsal, sacral and caudal vertebrae (d, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, C1), incomplete indeterminate spinosaur right manus, fragmentary right tibia and femur ( Machado et al., 2008; Machado and Kellner, 2009 ; Machado, 2010).  F, LPP-PV-0042, Spinosaurinae indet. metaphysis of left tibia described in this work. Skeletal reconstruction made by Tito Aureliano, based on the work by Scott Hartman and Marcos Sales.  2. Romualdo Spinosaurinae specimens to scale. A, Angaturama USP GP/2T (∼8.3 m, on the reconstruction by Sales & Schultz, 2017). B, Irritator SMNS 58022 (∼6.5 m, from the reconstruction by Sales & Schultz, 2017). C, Spinosaurinae indet. MN4819-V (∼5.9 m; Machado et al., 2008). D, Spinosaurinae indet. LPP-PV-0042 (∼10 m; this work). Scale bar in 7.2 is 1 m.

Fig. 8. Reconstruction of a Spinosaurinae at the Aptian-Albian lagunar/shallow marine environment of the Romualdo Formation, Araripe Basin, NE Brazil.  Illustration by Julio Lacerda.

Fig. 7. Inferred food web of the Aptian-Albian Romualdo Formation, Northeast Brazil. Vertebrate silhouettes are highlighted in black. Trophic relations are represented by arrows, of which solid bold red represent ecological interactions with direct fossil evidence from Romualdo Formation; solid black indicate putative trophic interactions with general theoretical support; and dashed grey represent weak or uncertain but plausible trophic links. 1, Spinosaurinae; 2, small to medium sized terrestrial theropods; 3, pterosaurs; 4, semi-aquatic crocodyliforms; 5, terrestrial omnivorous crocodyliforms; 6, semi-aquatic chelonians; 7, large fishes; 8, small fishes; 9, plants; 10, macroinvertebrates; 11, plankton. See Text S1 in the Supplementary material for list of references. Spinosaurinae silhouette by Tito Aureliano. Other silhouettes from Phylopic (http://phylopic.org/), courtesy of Almandine (vectorized by T. Michael Keesey), FunkMonk (adapted), Hans Hillewaert, John Conway, Melissa Broussard, Nobu Tamura (vectorized by T. Michael Keesey), Olegivvit, Robert Gay and Sergio A. Muñoz-Gómez.

Conclusion: 

The Romualdo Formation specimen LPP-PV-0042 comprises a fragmentary tibia with a reduced fibular crest and osteosclerotic histology previously only observed in Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, supporting that this unique feature was already present in Brazilian Spinosaurinae (basal Spinosaurinae) during the Aptian-Albian time, at least 10 myr before the Moroccan Spinosaurus.

Histological analyses suggest LPP-PV-0042 was a young, fast growing subadult and also that the bone microstructure varies a lot across the cross-section, probably due to areas of muscle insertion. The latter observation suggests that caution is needed when describing bone histology of dinosaurs, since only one slice from the shaft is not always representative of the entire histology of the bone.

Furthermore, the current specimen represents one of the largest spinosaurs from this unit so far (∼10 m in reconstructed TL). It was larger than the Irritator holotype and possibly larger than Angaturama holotype as well. Considering the subadult status inferred from its histology, the referred individual would have grown even larger.

The Romualdo paleoenvironment could support large predators with semi-aquatic habits due to its high productivity and diversity of aquatic species as an ecotone. Spinosaurinae from Romualdo Formation probable occupied the position of apex predators different.

Thus, the skeletal element LPP-PV-0042 from the Romualdo Formation, although fragmentary, has provided much information about Brazilian Spinosaurinae paleobiology and ecology. Moreover, it gives new insight into the evolution of semi-aquatic adaptations in this group, revealing the need to investigate other taxa within the clade and expand the search for more spinosaur fossils.

  

Tito Aureliano, Aline M. Ghilardi, Pedro V. Buck, Matteo Fabbri, Adun Samathi, Rafael Delcourt, Marcelo A. Fernandes and Martin Sander. 2018. Semi-aquatic Adaptations in A Spinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil. Cretaceous Research. In Press.  DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2018.04.024

 twitter.com/AlineGhilardi/status/992177606933000192

 twitter.com/AlineGhilardi/status/992152367633240065

Dense Bones and Other Aquatic Adaptations in Spinosaurs  https://blog.everythingdinosaur.co.uk/blog/_archives/2018/05/06/dense-bones-and-other-aquatic-adaptations-in-spinosaurs.html

[Crustacea • 2018] Refining the Genus Rochinia A. Milne-Edwards, 1875 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Epialtidae): Reinstatement of Scyramathia & Anamathia, and Minyorhyncha, A New Genus for Amathia crassa A. Milne-Edwards, 1879, with Notes on Its Ontogeny

May 8, 2018, 7:31 am

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Minyorhyncha crassa (A. Milne-Edwards, 1879) in Tavares & Santana, 2018.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4418.3.1

Abstract

The genus Scyramathia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 (type species Amathia carpenteri Norman in Wyville Thomson, 1873) is herein removed from the synonymy of Rochinia A. Milne-Edwards, 1875 (type species R. gracilipes A. Milne-Edwards, 1875) and a new genus, Minyorhyncha, is established for Amathia crassa A. Milne-Edwards, 1879, a species previously placed in the genus Rochinia. The genus Anamathia Smith, 1885 (type species Amathia rissoana Roux, 1828), widely regarded as a synonym of Rochinia, is confirmed as a valid genus. The morphological differences between Rochinia (as revealed by its type species), Anamathia, Scyramathia and Minyorhyncha are discussed and illustrated. The strong ontogenetic changes in Minyorhyncha crassa n. gen., n. comb. are also discussed and illustrated. Lectotypes are selected for Rochinia gracilipes A. Milne-Edwards, 1875, and Amathia agassizii Smith, 1882, a junior synonym of Minyorhyncha crassa n. gen., n. comb.

Keywords: ontogeny, morphology, taxonomy, Eubrachyura, spider crabs, deep-water crabs, Crustacea

Minyorhyncha crassa (A. Milne-Edwards, 1879)

Marcos Tavares and William Santana. 2018. Refining the Genus Rochinia A. Milne-Edwards, 1875: Reinstatement of Scyramathia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 and Anamathia Smith, 1885, and A New Genus for Amathia crassa A. Milne-Edwards, 1879, with Notes on Its Ontogeny (Crustacea: Brachyura: Epialtidae). Zootaxa. 4418(3); 201–227.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4418.3.1

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[Mammalogy • 2018] Mesechinus wangi • Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Mesechinus (Mammalia: Erinaceidae) with Description of A New Species from southwestern Yunnan, China

May 8, 2018, 8:10 am

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Mesechinus wangi  He, Jiang & Ai, 2018 in Ai, He, Chen, Li, Wan, et al., 2018.    DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2018.034

Abstract

Hedgehogs in the genus Mesechinus (Family Erinaceidae), which include two currently recognized species (M. dauuricus and M. hughi), are distributed from northeast Mongolia to the upper Amur Basin in Russia and adjacent areas in northeast and northern China. In recent years, a population of Mesechinus hedgehogs was discovered from Mt. Gaoligong, southwestern Yunnan, China, far from the known distribution range of the genus. Furthermore, these hedgehogs are the only known population to be distributed at elevations higher than 2 100 m and in sympatry with gymnures. To evaluate the taxonomic status of these hedgehogs, we examined specimens representing Mesechinus taxa in China and further conducted morphometric and karyotypic analyses. Our results supported the existence of four species in China. Specifically, we identified the hedgehogs from Mt. Gaoligong as a new species, Mesechinus wangi sp. nov., and recognized M. miodon, previously considered as a synonym of either M. dauuricus or M. hughi, as a distinct species. Interestingly, we observed a supernumerary M4 on all specimens of Mesechinus wangi sp. nov., which is an extremely rare event in the evolution of mammalian dentition.

Keywords: Mesechinus, Taxonomy, Morphometrics, Inhibitory cascade, Karyotype, New species, Supernumerary molar

Figure 1 LivingMesechinus wangi sp. nov. (KIZ 034115)

Mesechinus wangi sp. nov. He, Jiang & Ai

Common names: Gaoligong Forest Hedgehog (高黎贡林 猬, Gaoligong Linwei)
or Wang’s Forest Hedgehog (王氏林 猬, Wangshi Linwei) 

Holotype: KIZ 022028 (field number: 201012001), adult female collected from Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, Baoshan, Yunnan, China, on 1 September 2010 at an altitude of 2 215 m a.s.l.. Alcohol-preserved and cleaned skull are deposited in KIZ, CAS. 

.... 

Distribution: To date, this species is known only from three counties (Tengchong, Longling, and Longyang) of Baoshan in Yunnan, China, at elevations ranging from 2 200 m–2 680 m. The habitat is subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest formed by a variety of vegetation, including Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Ericaceae, and Theaceae (Figure 8).

 Comments: Population size is currently unknown. However, the known distribution is extremely small and located only within the Gaoligong National Nature Reserve. The species hibernates from middle of October to the following early April.

Huai-Sen Ai, Kai He, Zhong-Zheng Chen, Jia-Qi Li, Tao Wan, Quan Li, Wen-Huan Nie, Jin-Huan Wang, Wei-Ting Su and Xue-Long Jiang. 2018. Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Mesechinus (Mammalia: Erinaceidae) with Description of A New Species. Zoological Research.  DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2018.034

[Mammalogy • 2018] Palawanosorex muscorum • A New Genus and Species of Shrew (Mammalia: Soricidae) from Palawan Island, Philippines

May 8, 2018, 7:29 pm

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Palawanosorex muscorum Hutterer, Balete, Giarla, Heaney & Esselstyn, 2018 DOI:  10.1093/jmammal/gyy041   Illustration: Velizar Simeonovski ||  photo by Danilo Balete facebook.com/FieldMuseum

Abstract

A 2007 survey of small mammals on Mt. Mantalingahan (2,086 m elevation), southern Palawan Island, Philippines, obtained specimens of a distinctive, previously unknown shrew (Soricidae). We describe these specimens as representing a new, monotypic genus and species, Palawanosorex muscorum. The new species was common on Mt. Mantalingahan from 1,550 to 1,950 m (near the peak) but was not detected from 700 to 1,300 m elevation. The previously known native, syntopic shrew, Crocidura palawanensis, has a slender body, slender fore and hind feet, and a long, thin tail with a few long bristles. In contrast, the new species has a stout body, broad fore feet, long claws, and a short tail covered by short, dense fur but no bristles. The dental formula traditionally used would result in assignment of the new species to Suncus, but several distinctive external and cranial features are present, and phylogenetic analyses of thousands of ultraconserved elements suggest P. muscorum is sister to most other Crocidurinae, a clade represented throughout Southeast Asia but numerically dominated by African species. The new species is a distant relative of Suncus murinus (the type species of Suncus) and all other known Southeast Asian species, including the only other shrew known to occur on Palawan (Crocidura batakorum). A time-calibrated phylogenetic analysis estimates divergence between Palawanosorex and its closest known relatives at approximately 10 Ma.

Key words: endemism, Palawanosorex new genus, P. muscorum new species, Philippines, phylogeny, Soricidae, Southeast Asia, taxonomy, ultraconserved elements

Palawanosorex muscorum Illustration: Velizar Simeonovski

Family Soricidae G. Fischer, 1814 

Subfamily Crocidurinae Milne-Edwards, 1872 

Palawanosorex, new genus

Etymology.— Named for the island of Palawan in combination with Latin sorex, shrew. Gender of genus is masculine.

Palawanosorex muscorum, new species

Etymology.— The species name was derived from muscorum, genitive of Latin musci, mosses, meaning “of the mosses,” referring to the mossy habitat of the shrew. As an English vernacular name, we propose “Palawan Moss Shrew.”

    

Palawanosorex muscorum was found on Mt. Mantalingahan, a mountain on Palawan Island in the Philippines. Mt. Mantalingahan is what some scientists call a 'sky island.' photo by Danilo Balete

Palawanosorex muscorum was found on Mt. Mantalingahan, a mountain on Palawan Island in the Philippines. Mt. Mantalingahan is what some scientists call a 'sky island.' photo by Danilo Balete

Rainer Hutterer, Danilo S. Balete, Thomas C. Giarla, Lawrence R. Heaney and Jacob A. Esselstyn. 2018. A New Genus and Species of Shrew (Mammalia: Soricidae) from Palawan Island, Philippines. Journal of Mammalogy. gyy041  DOI:  10.1093/jmammal/gyy041 

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New shrew species discovered on 'sky island' in Philippines  phys.org/news/2018-05-shrew-species-sky-island-philippines.html via @physorg_com

[Herpetology • 2018] Caecilia museugoeldi • A New Species of Caecilia Linnaeus, 1758 (Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) from French Guiana

May 8, 2018, 8:28 pm

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Caecilia museugoeldi Maciel & Hoogmoed, 2018   museu-goeldi.br

Abstract

 We describe a new species of the genus Caecilia from French Guiana. The new species differs from most species of the genus in the numbers of primary and secondary grooves. Color pattern, body shape, presence of subdermal scales, and number of teeth separate Caecilia museugoeldi sp. nov. from the other species of the genus. This new taxon is the first of the genus described in 33 years. 

Keywords: South America. Amazon. Taxonomy. Caecilian. 

Holotype of Caecilia museugoeldi sp. nov. in life, dorsal view of the body.  Photo: Riley Nelson (BYU).

 Caecilia museugoeldi sp. nov.

....

Ecological observations In the same area where the specimen was collected, two other species of Gymnophiona were obtained as well, viz., Caecilia tentaculata and Rhinatrema bivittatum (Guerin-Menéville, 1838). All specimens were found crossing the road through rainforest at night. 

Etymology The name of the species is in honor of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém, Pará, Brazil and is a noun in apposition. The Museu Goeldi is an institution which was established 151 years ago and is the oldest scientific institution in Brazilian Amazonia, which has steadily promoted studies of biodiversity, zoology, botany, archeology, geology, paleontology, hydrology, anthropology, ethnology, podology and linguistics of the area. Despite its important role in obtaining and dispersing knowledge about the biodiversity of the Amazonian basin in its broadest sense, the museum has recently been confronted with serious budgetary problems that should be solved for the long term in an acceptable way by the ministry that is responsible for the museum.  

Figure 1. Holotype of Caecilia museugoeldi sp. nov. in life. Left, dorsal view of the body. Right, ventral view of the body. Photos: Riley Nelson (BYU).

 Adriano Oliveira Maciel and Marinus Steven Hoogmoed. 2018.  A New Species of Caecilia Linnaeus, 1758 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) from French Guiana [Uma nova espécie de Caecilia Linnaeus, 1758 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) da Guiana Francesa]. Bol. Mus. Para. Emílio Goeldi. Cienc. Nat., Belém. 13(1); 13-18.

museu-goeldi.br/editora/bn/artigos/cnv13n1_2018/new(maciel).pdf

 twitter.com/ZOOL_UFPA_MPEG/status/992441480852770816

Nova espécie de "cobra-cega" na Guiana Francesa | Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi:  museu-goeldi.br/portal/content/nova-esp-cie-de-cobra-cega-na-guiana-francesa  via @museugoeldi

 museu-goeldi.br/editora/naturais/

Resumo: Descrevemos uma nova espécie do gênero Caecilia da Guiana Francesa. A nova espécie difere da maioria das espécies do gênero no número de sulcos primários e secundários. Padrão de cor, forma do corpo, presença de escamas subdermais e número de dentes separam Caecilia museugoeldi sp. nov. das outras espécies do gênero. Este novo táxon é o primeiro do gênero descrito em 33 anos. 

Palavras-chave: América do Sul. Amazônia. Taxonomia. Cecília

[PaleoMammalogy • 2018] Evolutionary Adaptation to Aquatic Lifestyle in Extinct Sloths Thalassocnus Can Lead to Systemic Alteration of Bone Structure

May 9, 2018, 3:28 am

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in Amson, Billet & de Muizon, 2018  DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0270 Illustration: Oliver Demuth   twitter.com/OliverDemuth

Abstract

Through phenotypic plasticity, bones can change in structure and morphology, in response to physiological and biomechanical influences over the course of individual life. Changes in bones also occur in evolution as functional adaptations to the environment. In this study, we report on the evolution of bone mass increase (BMI) that occurred in the postcranium and skull of extinct aquatic sloths. Although non-pathological BMI in postcranial skeleton has been known in aquatic mammals, we here document general BMI in the skull for the first time. We present evidence of thickening of the nasal turbinates, nasal septum and cribriform plate, further thickening of the frontals, and infilling of sinus spaces by compact bone in the late and more aquatic species of the extinct sloth Thalassocnus. Systemic bone mass increase occurred among the successively more aquatic species of Thalassocnus, as an evolutionary adaptation to the lineage's changing environment. The newly documented pachyostotic turbinates appear to have conferred little or no functional advantage and are here hypothesized as a correlation with or consequence of the systemic BMI among Thalassocnus species. This could, in turn, be consistent with a genetic accommodation of a physiological adjustment to a change of environment.

Keywords: bone mass increase, evolutionary adaptation, phenotypic plasticity, physiological adjustment, Thalassocnus, turbinates

Conclusion: 

Systemic bone structure alteration, formerly known exclusively as a physiological adjustment, was here evidenced to have been retained as an evolutionary adaptation thanks to the outstandingly detailed (both in terms of geological age and anatomy) and early-stage record of a land-to-sea transition in the extinct sloth Thalassocnus. This new result is consistent with a macroevolutionary process of selection on environmentally induced variation of phenotypic plasticity [Gause, 1942; Sultan, 2017]. In other words, the systemic alteration of the highly plastic bone structure that gradually evolved among the species of Thalassocnus may represent an example of a macroevolutionary transition from a phenotypic accommodation (to an environmental change) to a genetic accommodation. In the context of the so-called extended (evolutionary) synthesis, Pigliucci [2010] points out the difficulty of uncovering such examples, which are required to corroborate the hypothesis that phenotypic plasticity has an important macroevolutionary role.

The precise mechanism causing an adjustment (over the course of an individual's life) of bone structure in response to life in water is not understood. However, one can speculate that the shift of a terrestrial animal to an aquatic environment involves an increase in exercise intensity, which was shown to induce BMI [Lieberman, 1996; Biewener & Bertram, 1994]. There does not seem to be a clear influence of swimming on the bone mass of athletes [Gómez-Bruton, et al., 2013] (but differences in other physical activities probably prevent a direct correlation assessment in humans [Gómez-Bruton, et al., 2016]). However, rats that were swim-trained during growth have a greater overall bone mineral content and bone surface than the sedentary controls [McVeigh, et al., 2010] (but bone mineral density did not differ; and see [Bourrin, et al., 1992] for the opposite effect of endurance swim training on trabecular bone). It is noteworthy, however, that swim-trained animals do not necessarily experience a greater overall exercise intensity, as they were found to voluntarily run less outside the experimental exercise than control and running groups [McVeigh, et al., 2010]. Furthermore, bone structure at locations not directly influenced by locomotion, such as the cranial vault, does not seem to have been investigated in swim-trained animals.

The lack of a similarly detailed fossil record in other ancestrally terrestrial tetrapods adapted to an aquatic lifestyle prevented drawing such a conclusion in their respective cases, but a similar process might have occurred during the evolutionary history of at least some of them. BMI is probably the most widespread lifestyle adaptation among aquatic tetrapods. This suggests that genetic accommodation of a trait subject to physiological adjustment such as bone structure alteration might have played an important role in great evolutionary transitions, of which the secondary adaptations of tetrapods to an aquatic lifestyle is an iconic example.

Eli Amson, Guillaume Billet and Christian de Muizon. 2018. Evolutionary Adaptation to Aquatic Lifestyle in Extinct Sloths Can Lead to Systemic Alteration of Bone Structure.  Proc. R. Soc. B. 285: 20180270. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0270

  

The paper about the crazy pachyosteosclerosis in the skull of the marine sloth #Thalassocnus was published this morning in @RSocPublishing Proceedings B: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.0270…, to which I contributed my art. It was a pleasure to work with authors. #PaleoArt #SciArt

 twitter.com/OliverDemuth/status/994134938344620032

[Botany • 2018] Dividing and Conquering the Fastest-growing Genus: Towards A Natural Sectional Classification of the Mega-diverse Genus Begonia (Begoniaceae)

May 9, 2018, 8:30 pm

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Begonia spp. in Moonlight, Ardi, Arroyo Padilla, Chung, Fuller, et al., 2018. DOI:  10.12705/672.3  twitter.com/PeterMoonlight   facebook.com: Mark Hughes

Abstract

The pantropical genus Begonia is the sixth-largest genus of flowering plants, including 1870 species. The sections of Begonia are used frequently as analogues to genera in other families but, despite their taxonomic utility, few of the current sections have been examined in the light of molecular phylogenetic analyses. We present herein the largest, most representative phylogeny of Begonia published to date and a subsequent provisional sectional classification of the genus. We utilised three plastid markers for 574 species and 809 accessions of Begonia and used Hillebrandia as an outgroup to produce a dated phylogeny. The relationships between some species and sections are poorly resolved, but many sections and deeper nodes receive strong support. We recognise 70 sections of Begonia including 5 new sections:Astrothrix, Ephemera, Jackia, Kollmannia, and Stellandrae; 4 sections are reinstated from synonymy: Australes, Exalabegonia, Latistigma and Pereira; and 5 sections are newly synonymised. The new sectional classification is discussed with reference to identifying characters and previous classifications.

Keywords: Begonia; dating; phylogenetics; sectional classification

          

Begonia (sect. Jackia) sublobata Jack, on Pulau Pasumpahan, Sumatra  twitter.com/markhughesis

 Peter W. Moonlight, Wisnu H. Ardi, Luzmila Arroyo Padilla, Kuo-Fang Chung, Daniel Fuller, Deden Girmansyah, Ruth Hollands, Adolfo Jara-Muñoz, Ruth Kiew, Wai-Chao Leong, Yan Liu, Adi Mahardika, Lakmini D.K. Marasinghe, Meriel O'Connor, Ching-I Peng, Álvaro J. Pérez, Thamarat Phutthai, Martin Pullan, Sangeeta Rajbhandary, Carlos Reynel, Rosario R. Rubite, Julia Sang, David Scherberich, Yu-Min Shui, Mark C. Tebbitt, Daniel C. Thomas, Hannah P. Wilson, Nura H. Zaini and Mark Hughes. 2018.  Dividing and Conquering the Fastest-growing Genus: Towards A Natural Sectional Classification of the Mega-diverse Genus Begonia (Begoniaceae). Taxon. 67(2); 267-323. DOI:  10.12705/672.3

Begonia sect. Jackia, named after the indefatigable Aberdonian botanist William Jack, is one of 5 new Begonia sections published today @TheBotanics. Pic is the type, B. sublobata Jack, on Pulau Pasumpahan, Sumatra. DOI:  10.12705/672.3  for IAPT members or PM me for the paper

 twitter.com/markhughesis/status/994208418469687296

twitter.com/PeterMoonlight/status/994196902584479744

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