[Herpetology • 2016] From Clinging to Digging: The Postembryonic Skeletal Ontogeny of the Indian Purple Frog, Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis (Anura: Nasikabatrachidae)

March 31, 2016, 10:42 pm

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2016] Osteology Supports a Stem-Galliform Affinity for the Giant Extinct Flightless Bird Sylviornis neocaledoniae (Sylviornithidae, Galloanseres)

≪ Previous: [Paleontology • 2016] Datonglong tianzhenensis • A New Hadrosauroid Dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Tianzhen, Shanxi Province, China

Young metamorphs of the Indian Purple frog Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis, ready to dig and follow their parents underground.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151114

Abstract

The Indian Purple frog, Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis, occupies a basal phylogenetic position among neobatrachian anurans and has a very unusual life history. Tadpoles have a large ventral oral sucker, which they use to cling to rocks in torrents, whereas metamorphs possess adaptations for life underground. The developmental changes that underlie these shifts in habits and habitats, and especially the internal remodeling of the cranial and postcranial skeleton, are unknown. Using a nearly complete metamorphic series from free-living larva to metamorph, we describe the postembryonic skeletal ontogeny of this ancient and unique monotypic lineage. The torrent-dwelling larva possesses a dorsoventrally flattened body and a head with tiny dorsal eyes, robust lower and upper jaw cartilages, well-developed trabecular horns, and a definable gap between the trabecular horns and the tip of the snout. Unlike tadpoles of many other frogs, those of Nasikabatrachus retain larval mouthparts into late metamorphic stages. This unusual feature enables the larvae to maintain their clinging habit until near the end of metamorphosis. The subsequent ontogenetic shift from clinging to digging is correlated with rapid morphological changes and behavioral modifications. Metamorphs are equipped with a shortened tibiafibula and ossified prehallical elements, which likely facilitate initial digging using the hind limbs. Subsequently, the frogs may shift to headfirst burrowing by using the wedge-shaped skull, anteriorly positioned pectoral girdle, well-developed humeral crests and spatula-shaped forelimbs. The transition from an aquatic life in torrents to a terrestrial life underground entails dramatic changes in skeletal morphology and function that represent an extreme in metamorphic remodeling. Our analysis enhances the scope for detailed comparative studies across anurans, a group renowned for the diversity of its life history strategies.

Rapid metamorphic remodeling associated with the development of Indian Purple frog Nasikabatrachussahyadrensis tadpoles.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151114

Gayani Senevirathne, Ashish Thomas, Ryan Kerney, James Hanken, S. D. Biju and Madhava Meegaskumbura. 2016. From Clinging to Digging: The Postembryonic Skeletal Ontogeny of the Indian Purple Frog, Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis (Anura: Nasikabatrachidae). PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151114

Rapid transformation turns clinging tadpoles into digging adult frogs
http://phy.so/378559068 via @physorg_com

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[PaleoOrnithology • 2016] Osteology Supports a Stem-Galliform Affinity for the Giant Extinct Flightless Bird Sylviornis neocaledoniae (Sylviornithidae, Galloanseres)

April 1, 2016, 2:25 am

≫ Next: [Invertebrate / Evolution • 2016] Pattern of Co-Occurrence Between Ant-Mimicking Jumping Spiders and Sympatric Ants in A Bornean Tropical Rainforest

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2016] From Clinging to Digging: The Postembryonic Skeletal Ontogeny of the Indian Purple Frog, Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis (Anura: Nasikabatrachidae)

Fig 15. A skeletal reconstruction for Sylviornis neocaledoniae in a resting pose.
The missing skeletal parts are estimated (shaded bones), with the pelvis based on proportions of Leipoa ocellata. The bill rhamphotheca is not reconstructed so as to not obscure the underlying skeletal morphology.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150871

Abstract

The giant flightless bird Sylviornis neocaledoniae (Aves: Sylviornithidae) existed on La Grande Terre and Ile des Pins, New Caledonia, until the late Holocene when it went extinct shortly after human arrival on these islands. The species was generally considered to be a megapode (Megapodiidae) until the family Sylviornithidae was erected for it in 2005 to reflect multiple cranial autapomorphies. However, despite thousands of bones having been reported for this unique and enigmatic taxon, the postcranial anatomy has remained largely unknown. We rectify this deficiency and describe the postcranial skeleton of S. neocaledoniae based on ~600 fossils and use data from this and its cranial anatomy to make a comprehensive assessment of its phylogenetic affinities. Sylviornis neocaledoniae is found to be a stem galliform, distant from megapodiids, and the sister taxon to the extinct flightless Megavitiornis altirostris from Fiji, which we transfer to the family Sylviornithidae. These two species form the sister group to extant crown-group galliforms. Several other fossil galloanseres also included in the phylogenetic analysis reveal novel hypotheses of their relationships as follows: Dromornis planei (Dromornithidae) is recovered as a stem galliform rather than a stem anseriform; Presbyornis pervetus (Presbyornithidae) is the sister group to Anseranatidae, not to Anatidae; Vegavis iaai is a crown anseriform but remains unresolved relative to Presbyornis pervetus, Anseranatidae and Anatidae. Sylviornis neocaledoniae was reconstructed herein to be 0.8 m tall in a resting stance and weigh 27–34 kg. The postcranial anatomy of S. neocaledoniae shows no indication of the specialised adaptation to digging seen in megapodiids, with for example, its ungual morphology differing little from that of chicken Gallus gallus. These observations and its phylogenetic placement as stem galliforms makes it improbable that this species employed ectothermic incubation or was a mound-builder. Sylviornis neocaledoniae can therefore be excluded as the constructor of tumuli in New Caledonia.

Summary

Our new anatomical information and phylogenetic analysis finds that the large flightless bird Sylviornis neocaledoniae, originally described as a ratite, but then long regarded as a megapode, to be a stem galliform that forms a clade with Megavitiornis altirostris, forming Sylviornithidae. Neither species are megapodes, but the former perception that they were has led to the suggestion that S. neocaledoniae constructed the large mounds or tumuli in New Caledonia. Ectothermic incubation uniquely characterises Megapodiidae[21], with all included taxa depositing their eggs either in mounds, where heat from composting vegetation warms the eggs, or in holes dug in thermally heated soil or sand where sun can heat it such as in beach dunes. Our finding that it is a stem galliform (and thus not a megapode) makes it most unlikely to have been a mound-builder, as this scenario would require both mound-building and ectothermic incubation to have evolved twice. Furthermore, Sylviornis neocaledoniae shows no specific adaptation for digging to facilitate mound-building, unlike all extant megapodiids, making it even more unlikely that it exhibited ectothermic incubation.

Trevor H. Worthy, Miyess Mitri, Warren D. Handley, Michael S. Y. Lee, Atholl Anderson and Christophe Sand. 2016. Osteology Supports a Stem-Galliform Affinity for the Giant Extinct Flightless Bird Sylviornis neocaledoniae (Sylviornithidae, Galloanseres). PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150871

http://biostamps.narod.ru/worldlist/fiji/fiji_2006_ext/fiji_2006_ext.htm

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[Invertebrate / Evolution • 2016] Pattern of Co-Occurrence Between Ant-Mimicking Jumping Spiders and Sympatric Ants in A Bornean Tropical Rainforest

April 1, 2016, 9:35 pm

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2013] Xinghaiornis lini (Aves: Ornithothoraces) from the Early Cretaceous of Liaoning: An Example of Evolutionary Mosaic in Early Birds

≪ Previous: [PaleoOrnithology • 2016] Osteology Supports a Stem-Galliform Affinity for the Giant Extinct Flightless Bird Sylviornis neocaledoniae (Sylviornithidae, Galloanseres)

Fig. 1. Dorsal views of the model ants and their ant-mimicking spiders, showing the body parts removed legs and antennae.
A, Camponotussaundersi; B, Myrmarachnealticephalon;
C, Polyrhachisolybia; D, Myrmarachnemaxillosa;
E, Polyrhachisboltoni; F, Polyrhachisphalerata; G. Myrmarachnemalayana.

Abstract

To evaluate the pattern of co-occurrence between ant-mimicking jumping spiders and sympatric ants in a tropical rainforest, we sampled these arthropods and also non-mimicking jumping spiders by net-sweeping from the understory vegetation in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. We collected the spiders and ants from a total of 594 sample points, with ants occurring in 445 points (79.4%), non-mimicking jumping spiders in 308 (51.9%), Agorius ant-mimicking spiders in 40 (6.7%), and Myrmarachne ant-mimicking spiders in 59 (9.9%). Frequencies of occurrence of non-mimicking jumping spiders showed no significant difference in relation to ant-occurrence, whereas both of the ant-mimicking spider genera occurred significantly more frequently with ants. Agorius spiders co-occurred with a wider variety of different ant genera, compared to Myrmarachne, but logistic regression analyses and a null model test showed no specific associations between Agorius spiders and the sympatric ant genera. The mimetic resemblances of Agorius spiders are considered to be much less ant-like than those of Myrmarachne spiders, because their constriction of the cephalothorax is not as obvious as in Myrmarachne. These data provide support for the multi-model hypothesis (Edmunds 2000), which predicted that a poor ant-mimic should occur in ranges of many different ants, compared to good ant-mimic.

Key words. Ant-mimicry, Formicidae, Salticidae, Co-occurrence relationship, Multi-model hypothesis, Southeast Asian tropics

Yoshiaki Hashimoto, Tomoji Endo, Takao Itioka, Fujio Hyodo, Takashi Yamasaki and Maryati Mohamed. 2016. Pattern of Co-Occurrence Between Ant-Mimicking Jumping Spiders and Sympatric Ants in A Bornean Tropical Rainforest. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 64: 70–75.

http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/vol64/64rbz070-075.pdf

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[PaleoOrnithology • 2013] Xinghaiornis lini (Aves: Ornithothoraces) from the Early Cretaceous of Liaoning: An Example of Evolutionary Mosaic in Early Birds

April 1, 2016, 10:26 pm

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2015] Juehuaornis zhangi • Discovery of A New Ornithuromorph Genus, Juehuaornis gen. nov. from Lower Cretaceous of western Liaoning, China

≪ Previous: [Invertebrate / Evolution • 2016] Pattern of Co-Occurrence Between Ant-Mimicking Jumping Spiders and Sympatric Ants in A Bornean Tropical Rainforest

Xinghaiornis lini

Wang, Chiappe, Teng & Ji, 2013 DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.12080

We describe a new species of Early Cretaceous bird from the Yixian Formation of Liaoning Province. Xinghaiornis lini gen. et sp. nov. is relatively large and characterized by a long, toothless rostrum and an elevated pedal digit I. The design of the skull and feet suggests that this bird was likely a mud-prober. This discovery provides strong support indicating that this avian trophic specialization originated at least 125 million years ago.

Keywords: Early Cretaceous, Xinghaiornis lini, Yixian Formation, avian trophic specialization

Xuri Wang, Luis M. Chiappe, Fangfang Teng and Qiang Ji. 2013. Xinghaiornis lini (Aves: Ornithothoraces) from the Early Cretaceous of Liaoning: An Example of Evolutionary Mosaic in Early Birds. Acta Geologica Sinica (English Edition). 87(3): 686–689.

DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.12080

Researchgate.net/publication/264351814_Xinghaiornis_lini_Aves_Ornithothoraces_from_the_Early_Cretaceous_of_Liaoning_An_Example_of_Evolutionary_Mosaic_in_Early_Birds

http://www.geojournals.cn/dzxben/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=201303006&flag=1

http://theropoda.blogspot.com/2013/07/xinghaiornis-un-nuovo-enigmatico-aviale.html

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[PaleoOrnithology • 2015] Juehuaornis zhangi • Discovery of A New Ornithuromorph Genus, Juehuaornis gen. nov. from Lower Cretaceous of western Liaoning, China

April 1, 2016, 10:29 pm

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2016] Dingavis longimaxilla • A New Ornithuromorph (Aves) with An Elongate Rostrum from the Jehol Biota, and the Early Evolution of Rostralization in Birds

≪ Previous: [PaleoOrnithology • 2013] Xinghaiornis lini (Aves: Ornithothoraces) from the Early Cretaceous of Liaoning: An Example of Evolutionary Mosaic in Early Birds

Fig. 1 Juehuaornis zhangi gen. et sp. nov. (holotype, No. SJG 00001)

Abstract

Here we report on a new basal ornithuromorph bird, Juehuaornis zhangi gen. et sp. nov., based on a nearly complete and articulated subadult skeleton from the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation in Lingyuan of western Liaoning, China. It displays ornithomorph synapomorphies, such as a synsacrum composed of 12 sacral vertebrae, a short pygostyle, long and curved scapula, U - shaped furcula without a hypocleidum, coracoid with a developed procoracoid process and a concaved lateral margin, a keel extended along the full length of sternum, major and minor metacarpals fused proximally and distally, and proximal phalanx of digit II expanded caudally. The new specimen is distinguishable from other known ornithuromorphs by some unique features including a long rostrum

for approximately 70% the total length of the skull, cranial end of upper jaw hooked, and cranial end of lower jaw straight. The new specimen provides new important morphological information regarding Ornithomorpha, and it represents a new ecotype of this group．

Key words: Ornithuromorpha; Juehuaornis zhangi; Lower Cretaceous; Jiufotang Formation; Lingyuan; western Liaoning

Fig. 1 Juehuaornis zhangi gen. et sp. nov. ( left: holotype, No. SJG 00001; right: Paratype, No. SJG 00001A)

Ren-fei Wang, Yan Wang and Dong-Yu Hu, 2015. Discovery of A New Ornithuromorph Genus, Juehuaornis gen. nov. from Lower Cretaceous of western Liaoning, China. Global Geology. 2015(1): 7–11

http://sjdz.jlu.edu.cn/fileup/PDF/20150102e.pdf

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[PaleoOrnithology • 2016] Dingavis longimaxilla • A New Ornithuromorph (Aves) with An Elongate Rostrum from the Jehol Biota, and the Early Evolution of Rostralization in Birds

April 1, 2016, 10:40 pm

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2008] Pengornis houi • Insight into Diversity, Body Size and Morphological Evolution from the Largest Early Cretaceous Enantiornithine Bird

≪ Previous: [PaleoOrnithology • 2015] Juehuaornis zhangi • Discovery of A New Ornithuromorph Genus, Juehuaornis gen. nov. from Lower Cretaceous of western Liaoning, China

Dingavis longimaxilla

O'Connor, Wang & Hu, 2016 DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2015.1129518

Abstract

A new species of Early Cretaceous ornithuromorph with an elongate rostrum is described from the Sihedang locality of the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation in north-eastern China. Like the longipterygid enantiornithines, rostral elongation in Dingavis longimaxilla gen. et sp. nov. is achieved primarily through the maxilla, whereas neornithines elongate the premaxilla and rostralization is far more extreme than observed in early birds. Notably, in the rostrum of Xinghaiornis, the most ‘longirostrine’ Early Cretaceous ornithuromorph, the premaxilla and maxilla contribute to the rostrum equally. These lineages together highlight the diversity of configurations in which early birds experimented with rostralization of the skull. The 65% upper limit in rostral proportions of Early Cretaceous taxa with elongate maxillae and the fact that this morphology was abandoned in more derived taxa suggests that in Aves this skull configuration provided less structural stability.

Keywords: Ornithothoraces, Cretaceous, Jehol, Mesozoic birds, skull

Jingmai Kathleen O'Connor, Min Wang and Han Hu. 2016. A New Ornithuromorph (Aves) with An Elongate Rostrum from the Jehol Biota, and the Early Evolution of Rostralization in Birds. JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2015.1129518

Researchgate.net/publication/290170080_A_new_ornithuromorph_Aves_with_an_elongate_rostrum_from_the_Jehol_Biota_and_the_early_evolution_of_rostralization_in_birds

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9D8A429F-BBA7-47EF-BFD0-ADFB7118833A

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[PaleoOrnithology • 2008] Pengornis houi • Insight into Diversity, Body Size and Morphological Evolution from the Largest Early Cretaceous Enantiornithine Bird

April 3, 2016, 8:17 am

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2014] Eopengornis martini • Insights into the Evolution of Rachis Dominated Tail Feathers from A New Basal Enantiornithine (Aves: Ornithothoraces)

≪ Previous: [PaleoOrnithology • 2016] Dingavis longimaxilla • A New Ornithuromorph (Aves) with An Elongate Rostrum from the Jehol Biota, and the Early Evolution of Rostralization in Birds

Pengornis houi

Zhou, Clarke & Zhang, 2008 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.00880.x

Abstract

Most of Mesozoic bird diversity comprises species that are part of one of two major lineages, namely Ornithurae, including living birds, and Enantiornithes, a major radiation traditionally referred to as ‘opposite birds’. Here we report the largest Early Cretaceous enantiornithine bird from north-east China, which provides evidence that basal members of Enantiornithes share more morphologies with ornithurine birds than previously recognized. Morphological evolution in these two groups has been thought to be largely parallel, with derived members of Enantiornithes convergent on the ‘advanced’ flight capabilities of ornithurine birds. The presence of an array of morphologies previously thought to be derived within ornithurine and enantiornithine birds in a basal enantiornithine species provides evidence of the complex character evolution in these two major lineages. The cranial morphology of the new specimen is among the best preserved for Mesozoic avians. The new species extends the size range known for Early Cretaceous Enantiornithes significantly and provides evidence of forelimb to hind limb proportions distinct from all other known members of the clade. As such, it sheds new light on avian body size evolution and diversity, and allows a re-evaluation of a previously proposed hypothesis of competitive exclusion among Early Cretaceous avian clades.

Keywords: bird evolution; China; Early Cretaceous; Enantiornithes

Aves Linnaeus, 1758

Enantiornithes Walker, 1981

Pengornis houi gen. et sp. nov

Holotype: IVPP (Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Beijing, China). V15336 comprises a nearly complete skeleton preserved in partial articulation (Figs 1–3) lacking only sternum and pelvic bones and parts of the distalmost left forelimb.

Figure 1. Holotype of Pengornis houi gen. nov., sp. nov. (IVPP V15336). (A) Skeleton. (B) Line drawing.
Anatomical abbreviations: cav, caudal vertebra; cv, cervical vertebra; dr, dorsal rib; dv, dorsal vertebra; fu, furcula; ga, gastralia; hy, hypocleidium; lco, left coracoid; lfe, left femur; lfi, left fibula; lhu, left humerus; lil, left ilium; lpu, left pubis; lra, left radius; lsc, left scapula; lti, left tibiotarsus; ltm, left tarsometatarsus; lul, left ulna; ma, mandible; mcII, major metacarpal; mcIII, minor metacarpal; mtI, metatarsal I; phII-1, first phalanx of the major manual digit; py, pygostyle; rad, radiale; rco, right coracoid; rfe, right femur; rhu, right humerus; rpf, right pubic foot; rra, right radius; rsc, right scapula; rti, right tibiotarsus; rtm, right tarsometatarsus; rul, right ulna; sk, skull; sy, synsacrum; uln, ulnare; un, ungual.

Etymology: ‘Peng’ refers to a Chinese mythological bird, ‘ornis’ is Greek for bird, and ‘houi’ is in honours of Lianhai Hou, a pioneering palaeo-ornithologist.

Locality and horizon: Dapingfang, Chaoyang, Liaoning China; Jiufotang Formation, Early Cretaceous (He et al. 2004).

Diagnosis: Four characters are unambiguously optimized as local autapomorphies of the new species in the phylogenetic analysis: premaxillae unfused throughout their length, hooked scapular acromion, a globose humeral head that projects further proximally than the deltopectoral crest (Characters 1:0, 105:1, 107:1, 108:1; Appendices 1 and 2).

Zhonghe Zhou, Julia Clarke and Fucheng Zhang. 2008. Insight into Diversity, Body Size and Morphological Evolution from the Largest Early Cretaceous Enantiornithine Bird. Journal of Anatomy. 212(5); 565–577. DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.00880.x

HU Han, ZHOU Zhong-He and Jingmai K. O’CONNOR. 2014. A subadult specimen of Pengornis and character evolution in Enantiornithes. VERTEBRATA PALASIATICA. 2014(1); 77-97

http://sourcedb.cas.cn/sourcedb_ivpp_cas/yw/rckyw/200908/W020140121520362403180.pdf

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[PaleoOrnithology • 2014] Eopengornis martini • Insights into the Evolution of Rachis Dominated Tail Feathers from A New Basal Enantiornithine (Aves: Ornithothoraces)

April 3, 2016, 8:36 am

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2015] Parapengornis eurycaudatus • A New Species of Pengornithidae (Aves: Enantiornithes) from the Lower Cretaceous of China Suggests a Specialized Scansorial Habitat Previously Unknown in Early Birds

≪ Previous: [PaleoOrnithology • 2008] Pengornis houi • Insight into Diversity, Body Size and Morphological Evolution from the Largest Early Cretaceous Enantiornithine Bird

Eopengornis martini

Wang, O'Connor, Zheng, Wang, Hu & Zhou, 2014

DOI: 10.1111/bij.12370

We report on a new enantiornithine Eopengornis martini gen. et sp. nov. from the lowest horizon of the Jehol Biota in Hebei, China; dated at 130.7 Mya, this is the second oldest avian bearing fossil deposit in the world, recording the First Appearance Datum of Enantiornithes. The new specimen, only the second enantiornithine and third bird reported from this horizon, preserves numerous synapomorphies with the largest Lower Cretaceous enantiornithine Pengornis houi from the Jiufotang Formation dated at 120 Mya. Together, they form a new avian lineage that lasted over 10 Myr, which is longer than any known clade of Lower Cretaceous enantiornithine. Eopengornis reveals new information about basal enantiornithine morphology such as the presence of a metatarsal V, helping to clarify the early evolution of these dominant Cretaceous avians. Furthermore, Eopengornis preserves a previously unrecognized tail morphology: a pair of elongate fully pennaceous rachis dominated feathers. This discovery confirms hypotheses proposing that the rachis dominated racket-plumes in basal birds represent modified pennaceous feathers. We suggest that the ornamental racket-plumes in enantiornithines and Confuciusornis evolved independently from the basal pygostylian condition, which we infer was a tail formed of normal flight feathers.

Figure 1.Eopengornis martini gen. et sp. nov. STM24-1.
A, main slab, scale bar = 2 cm. B, close up of the caudal plumage, scale bar = 2 cm. C, close up of the right rectrix, scale bar = 5 mm.

DOI: 10.1111/bij.12370

Systematic palaeontology

Aves Linnaeus 1758

Ornithothoraces Chiappe 1995

Enantiornithes Walker 1981

Pengornithidae fam. nov

Phylogenetic definition: The most recent common ancestor of Eopengornis martini and P. houi and all its descendants.

Type genus: PengornisIVPP V15336 Zhou, Clarke & Zhang, 2008.

Included genera: Eopengornis gen. nov. (present study).

Stratigraphic distribution: Huajiying and Jiufotang Formations, 120–130.7 Mya (Zhou, 2006; Jin et al., 2008; Pan et al., 2013).

Geographical distribution: Fengning, northern Hebei Province, and Lingyuan and Dapingfang, Chaoyang, north-eastern Liaoning Province, China.

Diagnosis: Medium to large enantiornithine birds (minor metacarpal projecting distally farther than major metacarpal; straight scapula; dorsolaterally excavated furcula with rami defining a V; metatarsal IV reduced) with the unique combination of the following characters: upper and lower jaws with numerous small teeth (over ten in the maxilla alone); scapular acromion process hooked; sternum with single pair of trabeculae, intermediate trabeculae absent; xiphial region of sternum defines wide V (xiphoid process absent); short pygostyle with rounded distal margin; cranial surface of proximal humerus flat; ulna 15% longer than the humerus; femur almost as long as the tibiotarsus; fibula almost reaching the proximal tarsals; metatarsal I > 30% the length of metatarsal II; first phalanx of hallux longest pedal phalanx; and pedal claws heterogeneous.

Eopengornis martini gen. et sp. nov.

Holotype: STM24-1, an almost complete and fully articulated subadult individual preserved in a slab (primarily ventral view; see Supporting Information, Fig. S1) and counterslab (primarily dorsal view; Fig. 1), preserving remiges, rectrices, and contour feathers as an outline of the body.

Locality and horizon: Near Luozigou Village, Fengning, Hebei, China. Lower Cretaceous ‘Protopteryx horizon’ (130.7 Mya), the first sedimentary member of the Huajiying Formation (previously also called Dabeigou Formation or Dadianzi Formation) (Jin et al., 2008; Pan et al., 2013).

Etymology: The genus name refers to the older age of the new specimen relative to known specimens of Pengornis; the species name is in honour of the late Larry Martin for his numerous contributions to the field of palaeornithology.

Diagnosis: A pengornithid enantiornithine bird with the following unique characters: numerous, small, occlusally tapered and slightly recurved teeth in the upper and lower jaws; accessory foramina piercing nasal absent; fibula ends in a rounded expansion; and elongate hallux with metatarsal I and the proximal phalanx each almost half the length of metatarsal II.

Xiaoli Wang, Jingmai K. O'Connor, Xiaoting Zheng, Min Wang, Han Hu and Zhonghe Zhou. 2014.

Insights into the Evolution of Rachis Dominated Tail Feathers from A New Basal Enantiornithine (Aves: Ornithothoraces). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. [Special Issue: Celebrating Dinosaur Island] 113(3); 805–819. DOI: 10.1111/bij.12370

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[PaleoOrnithology • 2015] Parapengornis eurycaudatus • A New Species of Pengornithidae (Aves: Enantiornithes) from the Lower Cretaceous of China Suggests a Specialized Scansorial Habitat Previously Unknown in Early Birds

April 3, 2016, 8:37 am

≫ Next: [PaleoOrnithology • 2016] Chiappeavis magnapremaxillo • An Enantiornithine with a Fan-Shaped Tail, and the Evolution of the Rectricial Complex in Early Birds

≪ Previous: [PaleoOrnithology • 2014] Eopengornis martini • Insights into the Evolution of Rachis Dominated Tail Feathers from A New Basal Enantiornithine (Aves: Ornithothoraces)

Parapengornis eurycaudatus

Hu, O’Connor & Zhou, 2015.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126791

Abstract

We describe a new enantiornithine bird, Parapengornis eurycaudatus gen. et sp. nov. from the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of Liaoning, China. Although morphologically similar to previously described pengornithids Pengornis houi, Pengornis IVPP V18632, and Eopengornis martini, morphological differences indicate it represents a new taxon of the Pengornithidae. Based on new information from this specimen we reassign IVPP V18632 to Parapengornis sp. The well preserved pygostyle of the new specimen elucidates the morphology of this element for the clade, which is unique in pengornithids among Mesozoic birds. Similarities with modern scansores such as woodpeckers may indicate a specialized vertical climbing and clinging behavior that has not previously been inferred for early birds. The new specimen preserves a pair of fully pennaceous rachis-dominated feathers like those in the holotype of Eopengornis martini; together with the unique morphology of the pygostyle, this discovery lends evidence to early hypotheses that rachis-dominated feathers may have had a functional significance. This discovery adds to the diversity of ecological niches occupied by enantiornithines and if correct reveals are remarkable amount of locomotive differentiation among Enantiornithes.

Systematic Paleontology

Aves Linnaeus, 1758

Ornithothoraces Chiappe, 1995

Enantiornithes Walker, 1981

Pengornithidae Wang et al., 2014

Parapengornis eurycaudatus gen. et sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:023BF172-3901-4C81-8E78-3BBA9DCCED9B

Holotype: IVPP V18687 (Fig 1), a nearly complete and articulated individual preserved in a single slab, missing only the distal portion of the sternum and some parts of the left hand and right foot, with impressions of the remiges and rectrices.

Locality and Horizon: Lingyuan, Chaoyang, Liaoning, China, Jiufotang Formation, Early Cretaceous.

Etymology: Parapengornis is composed of the Latin prefix ‘para’ and Pengornis indicating the close relationship between the new taxon and Pengornis. The species name eurycaudatus, ‘eury’ means broad and ‘caudatus’ means tail in Latin, indicating the unique broad and laterally expanded pygostyle of the new taxon.

Han Hu, Jingmai K. O’Connor and Zhonghe Zhou. 2015. A New Species of Pengornithidae (Aves: Enantiornithes) from the Lower Cretaceous of China Suggests a Specialized Scansorial Habitat Previously Unknown in Early Birds. PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126791

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[PaleoOrnithology • 2016] Chiappeavis magnapremaxillo • An Enantiornithine with a Fan-Shaped Tail, and the Evolution of the Rectricial Complex in Early Birds

April 3, 2016, 8:41 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2016] Bothrops sazimai • Another New and Threatened Species of Lancehead Genus Bothrops (Serpentes, Viperidae) from Ilha dos Franceses, Southeastern Brazil

≪ Previous: [PaleoOrnithology • 2015] Parapengornis eurycaudatus • A New Species of Pengornithidae (Aves: Enantiornithes) from the Lower Cretaceous of China Suggests a Specialized Scansorial Habitat Previously Unknown in Early Birds

Chiappeavis magnapremaxillo

O’Connor, Wang, Zheng, Hu, Zhang & Zhou, 2016
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.11.036

Highlights

• O’Connor et al. name a new pengornithid enantiornithine honoring Dr. Luis Chiappe

• The new specimen preserves strong evidence that an aerodynamic tail is present

• These new data suggest that Shanweiniao had ornamental feathers

• The unique pengornithid pygostyle may possess simple rectricial bulbs

Summary

The most basal avians Archaeopteryx and Jeholornis have elongate reptilian tails. However, all other birds (Pygostylia) have an abbreviated tail that ends in a fused element called the pygostyle. In extant birds, this is typically associated with a fleshy structure called the rectricial bulb that secures the tail feathers (rectrices). The bulbi rectricium muscle controls the spread of the rectrices during flight. This ability to manipulate tail shape greatly increases flight function. The Jehol avifauna preserves the earliest known pygostylians and a diversity of rectrices. However, no fossil directly elucidates this important skeletal transition. Differences in plumage and pygostyle morphology between clades of Early Cretaceous birds led to the hypothesis that rectricial bulbs co-evolved with the plough-shaped pygostyle of the Ornithuromorpha. A newly discovered pengornithid,Chiappeavis magnapremaxillo gen. et sp. nov., preserves strong evidence that enantiornithines possessed aerodynamic rectricial fans. The consistent co-occurrence of short pygostyle morphology with clear aerodynamic tail fans in the Ornithuromorpha, the Sapeornithiformes, and now the Pengornithidae strongly supports inferences that these features co-evolved with the rectricial bulbs as a “rectricial complex.” Most parsimoniously, rectricial bulbs are plesiomorphic to Pygostylia and were lost in confuciusornithiforms and some enantiornithines, although morphological differences suggest three independent origins.

Keywords: Pengornis, rectrix, tail, Enantiornithes, Pygostylia, Jehol, Cretaceous

Jingmai K. O’Connor, Xiaoli Wang, Xiaoting Zheng, Han Hu, Xiaomei Zhang and Zhonghe Zhou. 2016. An Enantiornithine with a Fan-Shaped Tail, and the Evolution of the Rectricial Complex in Early Birds. Current Biology. 26(1); 114–119.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.11.036

ResearchGate.net/publication/288889563_An_Enantiornithine_with_a_Fan-Shaped_Tail_and_the_Evolution_of_the_Rectricial_Complex_in_Early_Birds

New enantiornithine bird with an aerodynamic tail found in China

http://english.ivpp.cas.cn/rh/rp/201601/t20160103_158342.html

http://phy.so/371119857 via @physorg_com

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[Herpetology • 2016] Bothrops sazimai • Another New and Threatened Species of Lancehead Genus Bothrops (Serpentes, Viperidae) from Ilha dos Franceses, Southeastern Brazil

April 4, 2016, 6:22 pm

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2016] Diversity and Evolution of the Middle American Cichlid Fishes (Teleostei: Cichlidae) with Revised Classification

≪ Previous: [PaleoOrnithology • 2016] Chiappeavis magnapremaxillo • An Enantiornithine with a Fan-Shaped Tail, and the Evolution of the Rectricial Complex in Early Birds

Franceses Island Lancehead | Bothrops sazimai

Barbo, Gasparini, Almeida, Zaher, Grazziotin, Gusmão, Ferrarini & Sawaya, 2016 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4097.4.4

Abstract

A new insular species of the genus Bothrops is described from Ilha dos Franceses, a small island off the coast of Espírito Santo State, in southeastern Brazil. The new species differs from mainland populations of B. jararaca mainly by its small size, relative longer tail, relative smaller head length, and relative larger eyes. The new species is distinguished from B. alcatraz, B. insularis and B. otavioi by the higher number of ventral and subcaudal scales, relative longer tail and smaller head. The new species is highly abundant on the island, being nocturnal, semiarboreal, and feeding on small lizards and centipeds. Due its unique and restricted area of occurrence, declining quality of habitat, and constant use of the island for tourism, the new species may be considered as critically endangered.

Keywords: Reptilia, Atlantic Forest, Bothrops, Conservation, Island rule, Heterochrony, taxonomy

Diagnosis. Bothrops sazimai is distinguished from other species of B. jararaca group by the following combination of characters: (1) larger eyes; (2) shorter and higher head; (3) slender body; (4) relative longer tail; (5) dorsum predominantly grayish and/or brownish; (6) venter creamish white, speckled in gray; (7) postorbital stripes with the same color of lateral saddles; (8) usually two postoculars; (9) 22–25 interictals; (10) 20–24 anterior dorsals; (11) 20–23 midbody dorsals; (12) 198–214 ventrals in females, 193–206 in males; (13) 54–65 subcaudals in females, 62–70 in males.

......

Distribution. The new species is known only from the type-locality, Ilha dos Franceses, (Fig. 6). This island has about 15 ha with maximum elevation of 36 m asl covered by secondary Atlantic forest remnants (Ferreira et al. 2007), and located 3.6 Km eastwards from Itaoca beach (Fig. 7).

Etymology. The specific epithet sazimai represents a patronymic name dedicated to the friend and professor Ivan Sazima, for his invaluable contribution to the study of natural history and conservation of Brazilian fauna, and for his inspiring and pioneering field studies on Bothrops jararaca. Professor Ivan advised and mentored various generations of students and researchers that presently work with diverse systems and organisms, including snakes, amphibians, fishes, mammals, birds, and plants. He published hundreds of scientific contributions, among articles, book chapters, and educational texts. We suggest the standard English name “Franceses Island Lancehead” for the new species.

FIGURE 4. Active specimens of Bothrops sazimai at night in different macrohabitats on the island.
Over fallen trunks and twigs (A); coiled over trees (B) (MZUSP 22230); two individuals close to one another and moving on the ground (C); on the rocks near the sea (D); coiled on the ground (MZUSP 22232) (E).

Photographs by R. Sawaya (A, E), R. Zorzal (B), F. Barbo (C), and T. Portillo (D).

Fausto E. Barbo, João Luiz Gasparini, Antonio P. Almeida, Hussam Zaher, Felipe G. Grazziotin, Rodrigo B. Gusmão, José Mário G. Ferrarini and Ricardo J. Sawaya. 2016. Another New and Threatened Species of Lancehead genus Bothrops (Serpentes, Viperidae) from Ilha dos Franceses, Southeastern Brazil. Zootaxa. 4097(4); 511-529. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4097.4.4

ResearchGate.net/publication/299602129_Another_new_and_threatened_species_of_lancehead_genus_Bothrops_Serpentes_Viperidae_from_Ilha_dos_Franceses_Southeastern_Brazil

facebook.com/RicardoJSawaya

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[Ichthyology • 2016] Diversity and Evolution of the Middle American Cichlid Fishes (Teleostei: Cichlidae) with Revised Classification

April 4, 2016, 10:30 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2016] A Taxonomic Revision of the Norops tropidonotus complex (Squamata, Dactyloidae), with the Resurrection of N. spilorhipis (Álvarez del Toro and Smith, 1956) and the Description of Two New Species; Norops wilsoni & N. mccraniei

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2016] Bothrops sazimai • Another New and Threatened Species of Lancehead Genus Bothrops (Serpentes, Viperidae) from Ilha dos Franceses, Southeastern Brazil

Fig. 3. Phylogenetic relationships of Middle American heroine cichlids using the 903 terminal taxon population-level sampling analysis based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA: cyt b, ND4, COI, 16S) and nuclear DNA (nDNA: S7i1, RAG1, RAG2). The population-level information is based on the cytb marker only, while the skeleton of the tree is based on the multilocus species-level sampling dataset (fig. 2). The first part of the figure shows relationships within herichthyines, the second part within the amphilophines and astatheroines (both highlighted in the inset tree). Other parts of the tree are omitted (see Supplementary material 2). The tree shown is a 50% majority-rule consensus tree obtained with Bayesian inference analysed as five data partitions (see figs. 1‒2 and Methods). Support values (PP) are shown to the right of the nodes. Putative new species are shown in green. Conflicts with existing classification and conflicts between nDNA and mtDNA are shown in red (cf. figs. 1 & 4). Weakly supported nodes are in grey colour. The scale bar represents the average number of substitutions per site. Each species is also shown by a photograph of a specimen in breeding coloration accompanied by a two-letter species-name acronym. See Supplementary material 1 for the specimen sampling of the Middle American species.

Abstract

We present a taxonomically complete and topologically robust molecular phylogeny of the Middle American heroine cichlids based on which we review their diversity and genus-level systematics. In order to ascertain the diversity of the group and its phylogeny we have used three nested taxon sampling analyses of the concatenated nDNA/mtDNA datasets and additionally to these analyses we present a summary of the results of a new Next Generation Sequencing-generated nuclear phylogeny based on a data set of ~ 140,000 informative characters. The NGS ddRAD phylogeny has a species-level sampling covering virtually all species (including the enigmatic Cichlasoma microlepis Dahl, 1960) with multiple sequenced specimens per species. Based on our results the Middle American heroine cichlids are made up of three main clades. The three clades (the herichthyines, the amphilophines, and the astatheroines) are however not each other sister groups since they are interspersed with South American (Australoheros, Caquetaia, Chocoheros, Heroina, Mesoheros) and Antillean (Nandopsis) genera and they represent probably two separate colonization events of Middle America from South America, probably via the Antilles. Our study reveals many cases of cytonuclear discordance and/or introgressive hybridization both at the genus and deeper levels stressing the importance to study the nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenetic signals independently and not solely in concatenated analyses.

We have found that a great majority of morphological characters are ecologically correlated and that they form only a limited number of functionally-determined combinations – i.e. ecomorphs. We have found five main cranial ecomorphs but only two postcranial ecomorphs (the lotic and lentic ecomorphs, plus the undifferentiated ancestral character combination). The cranial and postcranial ecomorphs are not combined completely randomly having produced thirteen modular whole-body ecomorphs. Both the cranial and postcranial ecomorphs, and even their combinations, have evolved repeatedly in the Middle American cichlids in the same habitats both in sympatry as well as in allopatry. Our analyses of the diversity of Middle American cichlid clade support the existence of 31 genera in Middle America (plus six in South America and one in the Greater Antilles) as separate evolutionary lineages occupying separate adaptive zones. Nine new genera are described here for species and species groups that have lacked a genus level name to this day or were associated with other unrelated genera. We also review the species level diversity based on the mtDNA cytb gene population-level analysis. Furthermore, we provide a new biogeographical analysis of the group which explains their evolutionary history and demonstrates that biogeography is a much better indicator of evolutionary relationships in this fish group than are most morphological characters due to their ecological correlation.

Key words: Adaptive radiation, Central America, cytonuclear discordance, introgressive hybridization, freshwater fishes, new genera, putative new species.

New genus and new species:

Chocoheros gen. nov.Říčan & Piálek, 2016

Type species: Cichlasoma microlepis Dahl, 1960

Chortiheros gen. nov. Říčan & Dragová, 2016

Type species: Theraps wesseli Miller, 1996

Cribroheros gen. nov.Říčan & Piálek, 2016

Type species: Heros rostratus Gill in Gill & Bransford, 1877

Darienheros gen. nov. Říčan & Novák, 2016

Type species: Cichlasoma calobrense Meek & Hildebrand, 1913

Isthmoheros gen. nov. Říčan & Novák, 2016

Type species: Cichlasoma tuyrense Meek & Hildebrand, 1913

Kronoheros gen. nov.Říčan & Piálek, 2016

Type species: Cichlasoma umbriferum Meek & Hildebrand, 1913

Mayaheros gen. nov.Říčan & Piálek, 2016

Type species: Heros urophthalmus Günther, 1862

Talamancaheros gen. nov.Říčan & Novák, 2016

Type species: Heros sieboldii Kner, 1863

Wajpamheros gen. nov. Říčan & Piálek, 2016

Type species: Theraps nourissati Allgayer, 1989

Oldřich Říčan, Lubomír Piálek, Klára Dragová and Jindřich Novák. 2016. Diversity and Evolution of the Middle American Cichlid Fishes (Teleostei: Cichlidae) with Revised Classification. Vertebrate Zoology. 66(1): 1-102.

http://www.senckenberg.de/files/content/forschung/publikationen/vertebratezoology/vz66-1/01_vertebrate_zoology_66-1_rican_1-102.pdf

facebook.com/israquarium/photos/1056982404368358

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[Herpetology • 2016] A Taxonomic Revision of the Norops tropidonotus complex (Squamata, Dactyloidae), with the Resurrection of N. spilorhipis (Álvarez del Toro and Smith, 1956) and the Description of Two New Species; Norops wilsoni & N. mccraniei

April 5, 2016, 8:42 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2016] Garra incisorbis • A New Species of Labeonine (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Pearl River Basin in Guangxi, China

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2016] Diversity and Evolution of the Middle American Cichlid Fishes (Teleostei: Cichlidae) with Revised Classification

Norops wilsoni & N. mccraniei

Köhler, Townsend & Petersen, 2016mesoamericanherpetology.com

Abstract

We describe two new species of anoles from Honduras, which previously have been referred to as Norops tropidonotus by different authors: Norops mccraniei sp. nov. from the Chortís Highlands of Honduras, El Salvador, northern Nicaragua, and eastern Guatemala; and Norops wilsoni sp. nov. from the Atlantic slopes of the Cordillera Nombre de Dios (departments of Atlántida and Colón). Furthermore, we resurrect Anolis tropidonotus spilorhipis Álvarez del Toro and Smith, 1956 from synonymy with Norops tropidonotus. These four species are similar in external morphology, but differ by molecular distances, phylogenetic relationships, and in hemipenial morphology, as well as in subtle differences in several scalation and morphometric characters. Each of the six species in the N. tropidonotus complex exhibits a parapatric to allopatric distribution pattern.

Key Words: Cryptic species, DNA barcoding, hemipenial morphology, Nuclear Central America, 16S

Gunther Köhler, Josiah H. Townsend and Claus Bo P. Petersen. 2016. A Taxonomic Revision of the Norops tropidonotus complex (Squamata, Dactyloidae), with the Resurrection of N. spilorhipis (Álvarez del Toro and Smith, 1956) and the Description of Two New Species. Mesoamerican Herpetology 3: 8–41.

http://www.mesoamericanherpetology.com/uploads/3/4/7/9/34798824/kohler_et_al_mar_2016.pdf

facebook.com/JosiahTownsend

Resumen: Se describen dos especies nuevas de anolis de Honduras, que anteriormente se han referido como Norops tropidonotus por diferentes autores: Norops mccraniei sp. nov. de las Chortís Highlands de Honduras, El Salvador, el norte de Nicaragua y el este de Guatemala; y Norops wilsoni sp. nov. de la vertiente Atlantica de la Cordillera Nombre de Dios (departamentos de Atlantida y Colón). Ademas, revalidamos Anolis tropidonotus spilorhipis Álvarez del Toro y Smith, 1956 de la sinonimía con Norops tropidonotus. Estas cuatro especies son similares en su morfología externa, pero difieren entre si por distancias moleculares, relaciones filogenéticas, en la morfología de los hemipenes, y además en diferencias sutiles en varios caracteres de escamación y morfometría. Cada una de las seis especies en el complejo de N. tropidonotus exhibe un patrón parapátrico a alopátrico de distribución.

Palabras Claves: ADN, códigos de barras, especies crípticas, morfología del hemipene, Centroamérica Norte, 16S

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[Ichthyology • 2016] Garra incisorbis • A New Species of Labeonine (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Pearl River Basin in Guangxi, China

April 6, 2016, 8:01 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2016] Malayemys khoratensis | Khorat Snail-eating Turtle • Integrative Taxonomy of Southeast Asian Snail-Eating Turtles (Geoemydidae: Malayemys) Reveals A New Species and Mitochondrial Introgression

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2016] A Taxonomic Revision of the Norops tropidonotus complex (Squamata, Dactyloidae), with the Resurrection of N. spilorhipis (Álvarez del Toro and Smith, 1956) and the Description of Two New Species; Norops wilsoni & N. mccraniei

Garra incisorbis

Zheng, Yang & Chen, 2016

Garra incisorbis, new species, is described from the Pearl River drainage, Guangxi, China. It has a median notch on posterior edge of the oral sucking disc shared only with G. micropulvinus. Garra incisorbis is distinguished by having 2-4 fleshy buds on each side of the central fleshy pad, a fan-shaped central fleshy pad, prominent papillae densely set over the central pad, and 14 circumpeduncular scale rows.

Distribution. Garra incisorbis is presently known only from the Sanchahe River, a small tributary of Zuojiang River, in Napo County, Guangxi Province, China, draining into the Pearl River (Fig. 4).

Etymology. From the Latin incisus (notched) and orbis (circle, disk), an allusion to posterior edge of the oral sucking disc with a median notch. A noun in apposition.

Lan-Ping Zheng, Jun-Xing Yang and Xiao-Yong Chen. 2016. Garra incisorbis, A New Species of Labeonine from Pearl River Basin in Guangxi, China (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters. 26(4); 299-303

http://www.pfeil-verlag.de/04biol/pdf/ief26_4_02.pdf

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[Herpetology • 2016] Malayemys khoratensis | Khorat Snail-eating Turtle • Integrative Taxonomy of Southeast Asian Snail-Eating Turtles (Geoemydidae: Malayemys) Reveals A New Species and Mitochondrial Introgression

April 6, 2016, 6:31 pm

≫ Next: [Biogeography / Evolution • 2016] The Effect of Area and Isolation on Insular Dwarf Proboscideans

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2016] Garra incisorbis • A New Species of Labeonine (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Pearl River Basin in Guangxi, China

Khorat Snail-eating Turtle | Malayemys khoratensis

Ihlow, Vamberger, Flecks, Hartmann, Cota, Makchai, Meewattana, Dawson, Kheng, Rödder & Fritz, 2016

Male specimen of Malayemys khoratensis from Sikhio, northeastern Thailand

photo: F. Ihlow idw-online.de/-CecmBA

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153108

Abstract

Based on an integrative taxonomic approach, we examine the differentiation of Southeast Asian snail-eating turtles using information from 1863 bp of mitochondrial DNA, 12 microsatellite loci, morphology and a correlative species distribution model. Our analyses reveal three genetically distinct groups with limited mitochondrial introgression in one group. All three groups exhibit distinct nuclear gene pools and distinct morphology. Two of these groups correspond to the previously recognized species Malayemys macrocephala (Chao Phraya Basin) and M. subtrijuga (Lower Mekong Basin). The third and genetically most divergent group from the Khorat Basin represents a previously unrecognized species, which is described herein. Although Malayemys are extensively traded and used for religious release, only few studied turtles appear to be translocated by humans. Historic fluctuations in potential distributions were assessed using species distribution models (SDMs). The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) projection of the predictive SDMs suggests two distinct glacial distribution ranges, implying that the divergence of M. macrocephala and M. subtrijuga occurred in allopatry and was triggered by Pleistocene climate fluctuations. Only the projection derived from the global circulation model MIROC reveals a distinct third glacial distribution range for the newly discovered Malayemys species.

Malayemys khoratensis sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:B88DB370-C3D0-4E64-A79A-3A77DDE7BCD8

Holotype: THNHM 25816, young, adult female (Fig 6) from Udon Thani, Udon Thani Province, Thailand (17.36555°N, 102.81427°E, WGS 1984), collected in July 2014 by FI and MC.

Fig 6. (A) Dorsal, (B) ventral, (C) lateral, and (D) frontal views of the holotype of Malayemys khoratensis (THNHM 25816, young, adult female from Udon Thani, Thailand).

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153108

Fig 7. Morphological differences in shell characteristics and head colouration patterns ofMalayemys khoratensis(orange), Malayemys macrocephala (blue), Malayemys subtrijuga (green).

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153108

Diagnosis:Malayemys species with a straight carapace length below 20 cm and a tricarinate, blackish-brown carapace, and a blackish-brown head with distinct yellowish facial stripes. Malayemys khoratensis differs from M. macrocephala by the following characters: (1) first vertebral scute roughly square and not tapered posteriorly (V1W/V1L: 0.83±0.09 vs. 0.74±0.19 in females, 0.83±0.12 vs. 0.69±0.09 in males); (2) lower marginal scutes 8–12 with a pattern of diagonal to cone-shaped blackish brown blotches originating from the outer posterior corner vs. narrow blackish-brown bars at the posterior sutures; (3) infraorbital stripe not or rarely reaching the loreal seam, not broadened at the suture vs. always reaching the loreal seam and usually distinctly broadened at the suture; (4) infraorbital stripes only slightly curved below anterior edge of eyes vs. distinctly curved or angled; (5) short yellowish postocular stripe (between supraorbital and infraorbital stripe) lacking or reduced vs. postocular stripe always present and distinct (Fig 7).

Etymology: The species epithet refers to the Khorat Basin, the watershed to which the range of the new species appears to be restricted. The proposed English common name is Khorat Snail-eating Turtle.

Distribution: M. khoratensis is so far only known from the Khorat Basin of northeastern Thailand. More precisely from Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, a location drained by the Mun River, and the provinces of Udon Thani (type locality) and Nong Bua Lamphu, in areas associated with the Chi River, a tributary of the Mun River.

Flora Ihlow, Melita Vamberger, Morris Flecks, Timo Hartmann, Michael Cota, Sunchai Makchai, Pratheep Meewattana, Jeffrey E. Dawson, Long Kheng, Dennis Rödder and Uwe Fritz. 2016. Integrative Taxonomy of Southeast Asian Snail-Eating Turtles (Geoemydidae: Malayemys) Reveals A New Species and Mitochondrial Introgression.
PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153108

New turtle discovered in Asia! http://www.idw-online.de/-CecmBA

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[Biogeography / Evolution • 2016] The Effect of Area and Isolation on Insular Dwarf Proboscideans

April 7, 2016, 8:28 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2016] Lutjanus sapphirolineatus • Validity of A Blue Stripe Snapper, Lutjanus octolineatus (Cuvier 1828) and A Related Species, L. bengalensis (Bloch 1790) with A New Species (Pisces; Lutjanidae) from the Arabian Sea

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2016] Malayemys khoratensis | Khorat Snail-eating Turtle • Integrative Taxonomy of Southeast Asian Snail-Eating Turtles (Geoemydidae: Malayemys) Reveals A New Species and Mitochondrial Introgression

Figure 1. Reconstruction of four insular dwarf proboscideans with their respective mainland ancestors.
Mainland proboscideans: 1, Palaeoloxodon antiquus; 2, Mammuthus columbi; 3, Stegodon zdanskyi.
Insular proboscideans: 4, Palaeoloxodon ‘mnaidriensis’; 5, Palaeoloxodon falconeri; 6, Mammuthus exilis; 7, Stegodon aurorae.

Based on skeletons at Museo di Paleontología, University of Rome, Italy (1), American Museum of Natural History, New York (2), Taylor Made Fossils, U.S. (3), Museo di Paleontología e Geología G.G. Gemmellaro, Palermo, Italy (4), Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Senckenberg, Frankfurt, Germany (5), Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, U.S. (6), Taga Town Museum, Honshu, Japan (7). DOI: 10.1111/jbi.12743

Abstract

Aim: We investigated the hypothesis that insular body size of fossil elephants is directly related to isolation and surface area of the focal islands.

Location: Palaeo-islands worldwide.

Methods: We assembled data on the geographical characteristics (area and isolation) of islands and body size evolution of palaeo-insular species for 22 insular species of fossil elephants across 17 islands.

Results: Our results support the generality of the island rule in the sense that all but one of the elephants experienced dwarfism on islands. The smallest islands generally harbour the smallest elephants. We found no support for the hypothesis that body size of elephants declines with island isolation. Body size is weakly and positively correlated with island area for proboscideans as a whole, but more strongly correlated for Stegodontidae when considered separately. Average body size decrease is much higher when competitors are present.

Main conclusions

Body size in insular elephants is not significantly correlated with the isolation of an island. Surface area, however, is a significant predictor of body size. The correlation is positive but relatively weak; c. 23% of the variation is explained by surface area. Body size variation seems most strongly influenced by ecological interactions with competitors, possibly followed by time in isolation. Elephants exhibited far more extreme cases of dwarfism than extant insular mammals, which is consistent with the substantially more extended period of deep geological time that the selective pressures could act on these insular populations.

Conclusions

This study provides further support for the applicability of the island rule to the largest terrestrial mammalian herbivorous taxa (see Benton et al., 2010 and Stein et al., 2010 for intriguing indications that very large herbivorous dinosaurs such as titanosaurian sauropods may have also followed the predicted pattern).

The patterns discussed here for body size variation in proboscideans over space and time do not support a significant relationship between isolation and body size decrease for proboscideans. Islands relatively close to the mainland may harbour extremely size-reduced proboscideans as well as normal-sized species. Islands further away than 48 km (the maximum reported distance an Asian elephant can swim) do not harbour the smallest species.

The correlation between area and body size is positive but weak with much scatter around the trend for all proboscideans, but more robust for Stegodon from low latitude islands. Our observations support an ecological hypothesis of body size evolution, inferred from the significant influence of competition on body size evolution (see also Palombo, 2009). On the mainland and on relatively balanced and ecologically rich palaeo-islands such as Sulawesi, interaction with ecologically relevant species resulted in a (relatively) large body size. On islands with more depauperate assemblages, however, release from these ecological interactions appears to have resulted in a smaller body size. In the absence of competitors, body size tends to trend towards a size positively correlated with island area, provided that deep geological time was available to allow the dwarfing process to proceed beyond the initial phases.

Alexandra A. E. van der Geer, Gerrit D. van den Bergh, George A. Lyras, Unggul W. Prasetyo, Rokus Awe Due, Erick Setiyabudi and Hara Drinia. 2016. The Effect of Area and Isolation on Insular Dwarf Proboscideans. Journal of Biogeography. DOI: 10.1111/jbi.12743

From giant rats to dwarf elephants, island living changes mammals http://gu.com/p/4t5xt

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[Ichthyology • 2016] Lutjanus sapphirolineatus • Validity of A Blue Stripe Snapper, Lutjanus octolineatus (Cuvier 1828) and A Related Species, L. bengalensis (Bloch 1790) with A New Species (Pisces; Lutjanidae) from the Arabian Sea

April 7, 2016, 5:03 pm

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2016] Eviota punyit • Multi-locus Sequence Data reveal A New Species of Coral Reef Goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Eviota), and Evidence of Pliocene Vicariance Across the Coral Triangle

≪ Previous: [Biogeography / Evolution • 2016] The Effect of Area and Isolation on Insular Dwarf Proboscideans

Lutjanus sapphirolineatus

Iwatsuki, Al-Mamry & Heemstra, 2016
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4098.3.5

Abstract

Lutjanus octolineatus (Cuvier 1828), previously considered a junior synonym of Lutjanus bengalensis (Bloch 1790), is shown to be a valid species and lectotypes are designated. Both species are redescribed. The two species have overlapping distributions in the Indian Ocean, but are clearly separable by different dorsal-fin spine counts, blue-striped pattern on the body and the presence or absence of a subocular extension of cheek scales. Lutjanus octovittata (Valenciennes 1830), formerly assigned to synonymy of L. bengalensis, is considered a junior synonym of L. octolineatus based on examination of the holotype. Lutjanus sapphirolineatus n. sp., a species formerly misidentified as L. bengalensis, is described based on 10 specimens from Oman and Somalia. The new species differs from the three species above by a combination of different characters. Analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1, 603 bp) genetic marker, also strongly supports the validity of each species of the blue-striped snapper complex as distinct.

Keywords: Pisces, Lutjanus octolineatus, L. bengalensis, validity, L. sapphirolineatus n. sp., taxonomy, blue-striped snapper complex, Indian Ocean

Lutjanus bengalensis (Bloch 1790)

Yukio Iwatsuki, Juma M. Al-Mamry and Phillip C. Heemstra. 2016. Validity of A Blue Stripe Snapper, Lutjanus octolineatus (Cuvier 1828) and A Related Species, L. bengalensis (Bloch 1790) with A New Species (Pisces; Lutjanidae) from the Arabian Sea. Zootaxa. 4098(3)

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4098.3.5

researchgate.net/profile/Yukio_Iwatsuki

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[Ichthyology • 2016] Eviota punyit • Multi-locus Sequence Data reveal A New Species of Coral Reef Goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Eviota), and Evidence of Pliocene Vicariance Across the Coral Triangle

April 7, 2016, 5:46 pm

≫ Next: [Invertebrate • 2014] Fish Predation by Semi-Aquatic Spiders: A Global Pattern

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2016] Lutjanus sapphirolineatus • Validity of A Blue Stripe Snapper, Lutjanus octolineatus (Cuvier 1828) and A Related Species, L. bengalensis (Bloch 1790) with A New Species (Pisces; Lutjanidae) from the Arabian Sea

Punyit Dwarfgoby | Eviota punyit

Tornabene, Valdez & Erdmann, 2016
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12947

Abstract

Here, multi-locus sequence data are coupled with observations of live colouration to recognize a new species, Eviota punyitfrom the Coral Triangle, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. Relaxed molecular clock divergence time estimation indicates a Pliocene origin for the new species, and the current distribution of the new species and its sister species Eviota sebreei supports a scenario of vicariance across the Indo-Pacific Barrier, followed by subsequent range expansion and overlap in the Coral Triangle. These results are consistent with the ‘centre of overlap’ hypothesis, which states that the increased diversity in the Coral Triangle is due in part to the overlapping ranges of Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean faunas. These findings are discussed in the context of other geminate pairs of coral reef fishes separated by the Indo-Pacific Barrier.

Diagnosis: Body long and slender with distinctly pointed head; cephalic sensory pore pattern 6 (lacking NA, PITO and IT pores); in life, prominent red lateral stripe beginning on snout and extending to caudal peduncle.

Description: dorsal-fin rays VI + I,9 [9(9), 8(3)]; anal-fin rays I,8 [8(11), 7 (1)]; pectoral-fin rays 17 [15(1), 16(7), 17(3)], all unbranched; the length of fifth pelvic ray 50% (40–80%) that of fourth pelvic ray; fourth pelvic ray with 12 [11(1), 12(2), 13(3), 14(4), 15 (1)] primary branches; fourth pelvic ray with 0–1 segments between consecutive branches; pelvic-fin membranes well developed; 17 branched and 12 segmented caudal-fin rays [17/12 (6), 16/12 (1), 16/11 (2)]; lateral scale rows 24 [22(2), 23(5), 24(5)]; transverse scale rows 6 [6(7), 7(5)]; cycloid or reduced ctenoid scales on ventral surface of abdomen; first dorsal fin triangular in shape, no spines notably elongate or filamentous; genital papilla in male smooth, long and not fimbriate, extending to the base of the first or second element of the anal fin (Fig. 6); female papilla smooth and bulbous with elongated projections on lateral edges of tip, with several shorter projections medially (Fig. 6); gill opening extending to just below pectoral-fin base; cephalic sensory-pore system pattern 6 with the NA, PITO and IT pores missing, and papillae pattern C (as illustrated for E. sebreei in Lachner & Karnella, 1980)

Distribution: Eviota punyit is definitively known from Brunei Darussalam, the Banda Sea and West Papua based on photographic and genetic data presented here. Based on photographs or observations of live or freshly collected specimens, E. punyit also occurs in the Red Sea (Fig. 5; Herler & Hilgers, 2005), the Seychelles (Fig. 5; Randall & van Egmond, 1994), the Maldives (Randall & Goren, 1993), Oman (Fig. 5; Randall, 1995), Halmahera (Indonesia; G. R. Allen, pers. comm.) and the Ryukyu Islands in Japan (Fig. 5; Senou, 2004).

Ecology: Although E. punyit is broadly sympatric with E. sebreei in the Coral Triangle region and occasionally the two species co-occur on the same reefs (most notably on the shallow coastal patch reefs of Brunei Darussalam), extensive in situ observations indicate clear differences in habitat preference and behaviour between the two species. While E. sebreei is found in a variety of habitats from coastal to offshore reefs and is generally in shallow water of 1–20 m, E. punyit is found exclusively on coastal reefs with significant freshwater influx and terrigenous sedimentary input, and also seems to prefer deeper habitats (12–45 m depth). Moreover, while E. sebreei is commonly found in groups of up to 10–15 individuals, E. punyit is typically solitary or in small groups of maximally two or three individuals. Finally, although E. sebreei can be found resting rather indiscriminately on massive, submassive or foliose corals, E. punyit shows a distinct preference for large foliose coral colonies.

Etymology: This species is named punyit in honour of Pulau Punyit, Negara Brunei Darussalam, where this beautiful species was first recognized as being distinct from E. sebreei. The name is treated as a noun in apposition.

L. Tornabene, S. Valdez, M. V. Erdmann and F. L. Pezold. 2016. Multi-locus Sequence Data reveal A New Species of Coral Reef Goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Eviota), and Evidence of Pliocene Vicariance Across the Coral Triangle. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12947

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[Invertebrate • 2014] Fish Predation by Semi-Aquatic Spiders: A Global Pattern

April 9, 2016, 6:48 am

≫ Next: [Mammalogy • 2016] Taxonomic Review of the New World Tamarins (Primates: Callitrichidae); Saguinus spp. & Leontocebus spp.

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2016] Eviota punyit • Multi-locus Sequence Data reveal A New Species of Coral Reef Goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Eviota), and Evidence of Pliocene Vicariance Across the Coral Triangle

an adult male of Ancylometes sp. (possibly Ancylometes rufus) caught characiform (Cyphocharax sp.) near Samona Lodge, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Ecuador.

(Photo: Ed Germain, Sydney, Australia)

Abstract

More than 80 incidences of fish predation by semi-aquatic spiders – observed at the fringes of shallow freshwater streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and fens – are reviewed. We provide evidence that fish predation by semi-aquatic spiders is geographically widespread, occurring on all continents except Antarctica. Fish predation by spiders appears to be more common in warmer areas between 40° S and 40° N. The fish captured by spiders, usually ranging from 2–6 cm in length, are among the most common fish taxa occurring in their respective geographic area (e.g., mosquitofish [Gambusia spp.] in the southeastern USA, fish of the order Characiformes in the Neotropics, killifish [Aphyosemion spp.] in Central and West Africa, as well as Australian native fish of the genera Galaxias, Melanotaenia, and Pseudomugil). Naturally occurring fish predation has been witnessed in more than a dozen spider species from the superfamily Lycosoidea (families Pisauridae, Trechaleidae, and Lycosidae), in two species of the superfamily Ctenoidea (family Ctenidae), and in one species of the superfamily Corinnoidea (family Liocranidae). The majority of reports on fish predation by spiders referred to pisaurid spiders of the genera Dolomedes and Nilus (>75% of observed incidences). There is laboratory evidence that spiders from several more families (e.g., the water spider Argyroneta aquatica [Cybaeidae], the intertidal spider Desis marina [Desidae], and the ‘swimming’ huntsman spider Heteropoda natans [Sparassidae]) predate fish as well. Our finding of such a large diversity of spider families being engaged in fish predation is novel. Semi-aquatic spiders captured fish whose body length exceeded the spiders’ body length (the captured fish being, on average, 2.2 times as long as the spiders). Evidence suggests that fish prey might be an occasional prey item of substantial nutritional importance.

A fishing spider (Genus Trechalea) pulls its meal onto stone at the edge of shallow stream near Quebrada Valencia in Colombia.

A wandering or ctenid spider (Genus Ancylometes) eats a characiform fish in the Tahuayo River area in Peru.

Martin Nyffeler and Bradley J. Pusey. 2014. Fish Predation by Semi-Aquatic Spiders: A Global Pattern. PLoS ONE. Published: June 18, 2014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099459

Spiders found on almost every continent in the world feast on fish by hunting them then dragging them to dry land, where they devour the creature over several hours, scientists have discovered.

Zoologists from Australia and Switzerland found that spiders from at least five different families eat fish far bigger than themselves.

While traditionally viewed as insectivorous – or a predator of insects – experts are becoming increasingly aware that spiders will eat other forms of meat to survive.

Published in PLOS ONE, the study showed spiders both in the wild and laboratory conditions hunting, killing and eating fish.

Spiders Eat Fish: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/spiders-eat-fish-210000230.html

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[Mammalogy • 2016] Taxonomic Review of the New World Tamarins (Primates: Callitrichidae); Saguinus spp. & Leontocebus spp.

April 9, 2016, 8:35 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2009] Metzia longinasus • A New Cyprinid Species (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from the Pearl River Drainage in Guangxi Province, South China

≪ Previous: [Invertebrate • 2014] Fish Predation by Semi-Aquatic Spiders: A Global Pattern

Figure 1. Leontocebus spp. | The white-mouthed tamarin or nigricollis group.

Illustrations by Stephen D. Nash. [Conservation International.] DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12386

Abstract
Twelve generic names have been ascribed to the New World tamarins but all are currently placed in just one: Saguinus Hoffmannsegg, 1807. Based on geographical distributions, morphology, and pelage patterns and coloration, they have been divided into six species groups: (1) nigricollis, (2) mystax, (3) midas, (4) inustus, (5) bicolor and (6) oedipus. Molecular phylogenetic studies have validated five of these groups; each are distinct clades. Saguinus inustus is embedded in the mystax group. Genetic studies show that tamarins are sister to all other callitrichids, diverging 15−13 Ma. The small-bodied nigricollis group diverged from the remaining, larger tamarins 11−8 Ma, and the mystax group diverged 7−6 Ma; these radiations are older than those of the marmosets (Callithrix, Cebuella, Mico), which began to diversify 6−5 Ma. The oedipus group diverged from the midas and bicolor groups 5−4 Ma. We review recent taxonomic changes and summarize the history of the generic names. Taking into account the Late Miocene divergence time (11−8 Ma) between the large- and small-bodied tamarin lineages, the small size of the nigricollis group species when compared with other tamarins, and the sympatry of the nigricollis group species with the larger mystax group species, we argue that the nigricollis group be recognized as a distinct genus: Leontocebus Wagner, 1839.

Keywords: Leontocebus; marmosets; phylogenetics; Platyrrhini; Saguinus

Figure 2.Saguinus spp. | The moustached tamarin or mystax group.

Illustrations by Stephen D. Nash. [Conservation International.]
DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12386

Figure 3. Saguinus spp. | The Midas tamarin or midas group,
the Brazilian bare-faced tamarin or bicolor group, and
the Colombian and Panamanian bare-face tamarin or oedipus group.

Illustrations by Stephen D. Nash. [Conservation International.]
DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12386

The tamarins are very largely Amazonian, extending outside of the basin only into the Guianas (midas group) and northern Colombia and Panama (oedipus group).

Nigricollis group – south of the ríos Caquetá, Caguán and Orteguaza, south through Ecuador and Peru, east of the Andes, to about 16°S in Bolivia, and east to the Rio Ji-Paraná in the state of Rondônia, Brazil.

Mystax/inustus group – south of the Rio Solimões-Amazonas, east of the Río Ucayali, extending east to the Rio Madeira, east and south to the ríos Urubamba and Inuya in Peru, and as far as the southern bank of the Río Muyumanu in Bolivia, with inustus between the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimões, extending west into Colombia.

Midas/bicolor groups – Guiana Shield, east of the rios Negro and Branco and the Essequibo River in Guyana, north of the Rio Amazonas, and east of the Rio Xingu, south of the Rio Amazonas.

Oedipus group – northern Colombia, basins of the ríos Cauca and Magdalena, and Panama.

Anthony B. Rylands, Eckhard W. Heymann, Jessica Lynch Alfaro, Janet C. Buckner, Christian Roos, Christian Matauschek, Jean P. Boubli, Ricardo Sampaio and Russell A. Mittermeier. 2016. Taxonomic Review of the New World Tamarins (Primates: Callitrichidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. [Early View]. DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12386

http://socgen.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Rylands-et-al-Review-of-tamarin-taxonomy-J-Zool-Linn-Soc-2016.pdf

http://socgen.ucla.edu/2016/02/2016-jessica-lynch-alfaro-et-al-taxonomic-review-of-the-new-world-tamarins-primates-callitrichidae/

Ricardo Sampaio, Fábio Röhe, Gabriela Pinho, José de Sousa e Silva-Júnior, Izeni Pires Farias and Anthony B. Rylands. 2015. Re-description and Assessment of the Taxonomic Status of Saguinus fuscicollis cruzlimai Hershkovitz, 1966 (Primates, Callitrichinae). Primates. 56(2); 131-144. DOI: 10.1007/s10329-015-0458-2

http://www.eaza.net/assets/Uploads/CCC/2015-Callitrichids-EAZA-Best-Practice-Guidelines-Approved.pdf

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