[Paleontology • 2016] Wahlisaurus massarae • A New Leptonectid Ichthyosaur from the Lower Jurassic (Hettangian) of Nottinghamshire, England, UK, and the Taxonomic Usefulness of the Ichthyosaurian Coracoid

June 14, 2016, 11:02 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2016] A Unique Mating Strategy without Physical Contact During Fertilization in Bombay Night Frogs Nyctibatrachus humayuni with the Description of A New Form of Amplexus and Female Call

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2016] Microplecostomus forestii • Description of A New Catfish Genus (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from the Tocantins River Basin in central Brazil, with Comments on the Historical Zoogeography of the New Taxon

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Wahlisaurus massarae   Lomax. 2016 DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2016.1183149

Abstract

Thousands of ichthyosaurs have been discovered from the rich Lower Jurassic deposits of the UK, with the majority collected from along the Lyme Regis-Charmouth area of the Dorset coast. Here, I describe a new leptonectid ichthyosaur,Wahlisaurus massarae gen. et sp. nov., based on a partial skull and an incomplete skeleton collected from the Lower Jurassic (Hettangian) of Nottinghamshire, England. Wahlisaurus can be referred to the Leptonectidae through the possession of an extremely slender and delicate snout, and a mandible shorter than the snout which produces an overbite. This referral is supported by a phylogenetic analysis. The new taxon is distinguished from other ichthyosaurs through a unique combination of characters and autapomorphies of the pectoral girdle including the presence of both a scapular-coracoid foramen and a large and roughly ovoid coracoid foramen. A coracoid foramen has only previously been reported in the Triassic ichthyosaur Cymbospondylus. The peculiar coracoid morphology further highlights the taxonomic utility of coracoids in ichthyosaurs. The aforementioned features demonstrate that W. massarae cannot be referred to any currently recognized leptonectid. Wahlisaurus is the ninth Lower Jurassic ichthyosaur genus to be recognized worldwide, and the fifth documented in the Lower Lias Group.

Keywords: ichthyosaur, Wahlisaurus massarae, Nottinghamshire, leptonectid, Lower Jurassic, Hettangian

Systematic palaeontology

Order Ichthyosauria de Blainville, 1835

Minorder Parvipelvia Motani, 1999b

Suborder Neoichthyosauria Sander, 2000

Family Leptonectidae Maisch, 1998

Genus Wahlisaurus gen. nov.

Type species.Wahlisaurusmassarae sp. nov.

 Derivation of name. In honour of William (Bill) Wahl for his contribution to the study of Mesozoic marine reptiles and for introducing the author to the study of the group.

Wahlisaurus massarae sp. nov.

Holotype. LEICT G454.1951.5, a partial skull and an associated incomplete skeleton comprising the pectoral girdle, humeri, pelvic elements, partial hind fins, vertebrae and ribs. Only known specimen.

Derivation of name. In honour of Professor Judy Massare for her significant contribution to the study of Mesozoic marine reptiles, especially ichthyosaurs, and for introducing the author to the study of the group.

Diagnosis. Small-bodied leptonectid ichthyosaur with the following autapomorphies: coracoid with a large, ovoid foramen, a coracoid foramen is present in Cymbospondylus but it is much smaller in this genus (Merriam 1908; Sander 1989); presence of both a coracoid foramen and scapular-coracoid foramen (fenestra coracoscapularis), the latter formed by articulation of the coracoid and scapula; a coracoid with a posterior notch that is much more developed than the anterior notch. Three other features may be autapomorphies: humerus deltopectoral crest prominent and 2.5 times greater than the dorsal process; dorsoventral width of the humerus is greater than the anteroposterior width, which results in a D-shape in proximal view; and slender, long, needle-like teeth with marginally recurved crowns and large, bulbous infolded roots.

......

Figure 2. Basioccipital, rostrum and dentition of LEICT G454.1951.5,Wahlisaurus massarae gen. et sp. nov.  A, basioccipital in posterior view; note the extensive extracondylar area, fragment of the left stapes and portion of basisphenoid. B, ventral view of mandible and snout with anterior portion of dentary rotated (in dorsal view) and positioned adjacent (dashed line indicates point of fit); note the slenderness of the rostrum and the presence of an overbite. C, close-up of the large, long and robust teeth and some of the needle-like teeth positioned under the maxilla. D, close-up of three dentary teeth; note the ‘waisted’ morphology, recurved crown and infolded root.  Abbreviations: bas, basisphenoid; den, dentary; mx, maxilla (right maxilla); pmx, premaxilla; sta, stapes.   Scale bars: A = 5 cm; B = 10 cm; C = 3 cm. Figure 1. Map of Nottinghamshire including the location of Normanton Hills (indicated by a star), near Normanton on Soar, the discovery site of LEICT: G454.1951.5 (holotype of Wahlisaurus massarae gen. et sp. nov.). The additional localitie have yielded other ichthyosaur specimens from the county. Reproduced from Lomax & Gibson (2015).

Conclusions:

Wahlisaurus massarae gen. et sp. nov. is a new leptonectid ichthyosaur from the Lower Jurassic (lower Hettangian) of Nottinghamshire, England. It possesses a unique combination of characters that distinguish it from all other ichthyosaurs, including autapomorphic characters of the pectoral girdle such as a large, ovoid coracoid foramen and the combined presence of a coracoid foramen and scapular-coracoid foramen. These features further highlight the taxonomic utility of pectoral girdle elements in ichthyosaurs.

The recognition of Wahlisaurus massarae as a leptonectid adds to the currently valid taxa that form the family Leptonectidae (Maisch, 1998) Leptonectes (L. tenuirostris, L. solei and L. moorei), Excalibosaurus costini and Eurhinosaurus longirostris and unequivocally adds an additional region for the geographical occurrence of leptonectids. Presently, leptonectids are confidently identified from the following locations: Leptonectes tenuirostris from Dorset, Somerset, Leicestershire, Warwickshire (England: McGowan 1996; Smith & Radley 2007), Dusslingen (Germany: Maisch 1999) and Unter Hauenstein (Switzerland: Maisch & Reisdorf 2006); Leptonectes moorei from Dorset (England: McGowan & Milner 1999); Leptonectes solei from Dorset (England: McGowan 1993); Excalibosaurus costini from Somerset (England: McGowan 2003); and Eurhinosaurus longirostris from Yorkshire (England: McGowan 1994a), Holzmaden and surrounding areas (Germany: McGowan 1979), Staffelegg (Switzerland: Reisdorf et al. 2011), Dudelange (Luxembourg), Noirefontaine and Marcoux (France: Fischer et al. 2011b). Including Wahlisaurus, a total of nine ichthyosaur genera are recognized from the Lower Jurassic. The discovery of a new ichthyosaur from the well-studied British Lower Jurassic demonstrates that new taxa may yet be found through detailed re-examination of museum collections as well as new discoveries.

Dean R. Lomax. 2016. A New Leptonectid Ichthyosaur from the Lower Jurassic (Hettangian) of Nottinghamshire, England, UK, and the Taxonomic Usefulness of the Ichthyosaurian Coracoid. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2016.1183149  

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EE500E11-66AB-43C8-BB59-F21654763241

New 200 million-year-old British species of marine reptile discovered

  http://phy.so/385103375 via @physorg_com

twitter.com/Palaeo7/status/742690324624101376

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[Herpetology • 2016] A Unique Mating Strategy without Physical Contact During Fertilization in Bombay Night Frogs Nyctibatrachus humayuni with the Description of A New Form of Amplexus and Female Call

June 15, 2016, 2:19 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2016] Dolichophis mesopotamicus • A New Species of Genus Dolichophis Gitstel (Serpentes; Colubridae) from the upper Mesopotamian Plain-Iraq

≪ Previous: [Paleontology • 2016] Wahlisaurus massarae • A New Leptonectid Ichthyosaur from the Lower Jurassic (Hettangian) of Nottinghamshire, England, UK, and the Taxonomic Usefulness of the Ichthyosaurian Coracoid

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Breeding Behaviour in  Nyctibatrachus humayuni Willaert, Suyesh, Garg, Giri, Bee & Biju, 2016  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2117

Abstract

Anurans show the highest diversity in reproductive modes of all vertebrate taxa, with a variety of associated breeding behaviours. One striking feature of anuran reproduction is amplexus. During this process, in which the male clasps the female, both individuals’ cloacae are juxtaposed to ensure successful external fertilization. Several types of amplexus have evolved with the diversification of anurans, and secondary loss of amplexus has been reported in a few distantly related taxa. Within Nyctibatrachus, a genus endemic to the Western Ghats of India, normal axillary amplexus, a complete loss of amplexus, and intermediate forms of amplexus have all been suggested to occur, but many species remain unstudied. Here, we describe the reproductive behaviour of N. humayuni, including a new type of amplexus. The dorsal straddle, here defined as a loose form of contact in which the male sits on the dorsum of the female prior to oviposition but without clasping her, is previously unreported for anurans. When compared to known amplexus types, it most closely resembles the form of amplexus observed in Mantellinae. Furthermore, we prove that, opposed to the situation in most anurans, male semen release happens before egg deposition. We hypothesize that the male ejaculates on the female’s dorsum and that sperm subsequently runs from her back and hind legs before fertilizing the eggs. A second feature characterizing anuran breeding is the advertisement call, mostly produced solely by males. Despite recent descriptions of several new Nyctibatrachus species, few studies have explored their vocal repertoire. We describe both the male advertisement call and a female call for N. humayuni. The presence of a female call has not been reported within Nyctibatrachidae, and has been reported in less than 0.5% of anuran species. Altogether, our results highlight a striking diversity and several unique aspects of Nyctibatrachus breeding behaviour.

Figure 4: A comparison of known amplexus positions found in anuran amphibians with the new amplexus mode in Nyctibatrachus humayuni. (A–F) Known amplexus positions. (A) Inguinal. (B) Axillary. (C) Cephalic. (D) Head straddle. (E) Glued. (F) Independent (adapted from Duellman & Trueb, 1986: 69). (G–I) Dorsal straddle, with the male’s hands on sides of the female’s head but not clasping the female. (G–H) Dorsal views. (I) Side view. (J–K) Dorsal straddle, with the male’s hands holding a twig but not clasping the female. (J) Side view. (K) Close-up of the side view. Arrows indicate the male grasping position. The male is drawn grey and the female white.   DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2117

Figure 1: Schematic sequence of reproductive behaviour in Nyctibatrachus humayuni. (A) A female approaches a calling male. (B) The female sits in front of the male and creeps backwards, until her feet touch the male’s head. (C) The male mounts the female and forms a dorsal straddle, and most likely sperm is released on her back during this moment. (D) When the female is about to deposit the eggs, the male dismounts. (E) Immediately after the male dismounts, the female deposits the eggs and remains motionless with her hind legs stretched around the eggs. (F) After oviposition, the female leaves the oviposition site, and the male sits on or near the eggs and continues to call.  The male is drawn white and the female grey.   DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2117

Figure 2: (A–E) Sequence of breeding behaviour in Nyctibatrachus humayuni; (F–G) Egg development. (A) Female approaches a calling male. (B) Female touches male just before the dorsal straddle (arrow indicates the position of female’s leg on male’s head). (C) Male mounts the female in a dorsal straddle, and most likely sperm is released on her back during this moment (arrow indicates the male’s hand positioned on the leaf, but not clasping the female). (D) Female deposits eggs and remains motionless with her hind legs stretched around the eggs. The male is mostly seen sitting close-by without any physical contact with the female. (E) After the female leaves the oviposition site, the male sits on or near the eggs and continues to call. (F) Freshly laid eggs, pigmented (egg diameter 3.5 ± 0.2 mm, n = 20). (G) Developing embryos on the 19th day, just before hatching out of the eggs. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2117

  

The Bombay Night frogs Nyctibatrachus humayuni in Dorsal straddle:
A new amplexus mode in frogs. photo: SD Biju

Conclusion

The breeding behaviour of Nyctibatrachushumayuni has several unique elements: a new type of amplexus, the release of semen before oviposition and the presence of a female call. These findings further highlight the tremendous variation present in the reproductive behaviour of anuran amphibians. Nyctibatrachus frogs are one of several unique taxa in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, which is heavily threatened by anthropogenic activities (Myers et al., 2000; Bossuyt et al., 2004; Van Bocxlaer et al., 2012). A good understanding of each species’ ecology, including reproduction, is of major importance for planning and successfully implementing conservation strategies. Additional studies further exploring the unique and diverse behaviour in Nyctibatrachus frogs are, therefore, badly needed. Special attention should be paid to describing the amplexus type, determining the moment of fertilization and assessing the presence and function of female calling behaviour.

Eggs of the Bombay Night frog Nyctibatrachus humayuni being eaten by a snake.  photo: SD Biju

Bert Willaert​, Robin Suyesh, Sonali Garg, Varad B. Giri, Mark A. Bee and S.D. Biju​. 2016. A Unique Mating Strategy without Physical Contact During Fertilization in Bombay Night Frogs (Nyctibatrachus humayuni) with the Description of A New Form of Amplexus and Female Call. PeerJ. 4:e2117. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2117 

ResearchGate.net/publication/303945595_A_unique_mating_strategy_without_physical_contact_during_fertilization_in_Bombay_Night_Frogs_Nyctibatrachus_humayuni_with_the_description_of_a_new_form_of_amplexus_and_female_call

Discovery of a new mating position (the 7th to be discovered) in frogs.
 http://bit.ly/25KopKM via @ThePeerJ @EurekAlertAAAS

 Narahari Gramapurohit, Sachin Gosavi and Samadhan Phuge. 2011. Unique courtship and spawning behaviour in wrinkled frog, Nyctibatrachus humayuni. Amphibia-Reptilia.   

ResearchGate.net/publication/215634691_Unique_courtship_and_spawning_behaviour_in_wrinkled_frog_Nyctibatrachus_humayuni

Krushnamegh Kunte. 2004. Natural History and Reproductive Behavior of Nyctibatrachus cf. humayuni (Anura: Ranidae).   Herpetological Review. 35(2), 137–140.
http://www.biodiversitylab.org/sites/default/files/images/website/Kunte04_NyctiHerpRev.pdf

[Herpetology • 2016] Dolichophis mesopotamicus • A New Species of Genus Dolichophis Gitstel (Serpentes; Colubridae) from the upper Mesopotamian Plain-Iraq

June 15, 2016, 9:25 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2016] How Embryos Escape from Danger: the Mechanism of Rapid, Plastic Hatching in Red-eyed Treefrogs Agalychnis callidryas

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Dolichophis mesopotamicus  Afrasiab, Mohammad & Hussein, 2016 innspub.net/JBES

Abstract

The Whip snakes of the genus Dolechophis in Iraq are distributed in various habitats. Two species of jagularis species group was known in Iraq. Depending on great variation in color pattern and ventral scale count, a new form discovered, because of its distribution along the upper Mesopotamia we named it Dolichophis mesopotamicus sp. nov. The study supported by figures and distribution map.

Key Words:Dolichophis mesopotamicus, Whip snake, Iraq, Colubridae, Serpentes.

Habitat and distribution: Bushes and vegetation around the rivers, manmade lakes and ponds for fish cultures. It is sympatric with Dolichophis jugularis asiana in most of the known distribution for Iraq.

 Behavior: These diurnal snakes have interesting behavior in their capability of moving the eyes anterior and posterior, up and down.

 Saman R. Afrasiab, Mohammad K. Mohammad and Amer M. Hussein. 2016. Description of A New Species of Genus Dolichophis Gitstel from the upper Mesopotamian Plain-Iraq (Reptilia; Serpentes; Colubridae). J. Bio. Env. Sci. 8(4), 15-19.  http://www.innspub.net/jbes/description-of-a-new-species-of-genus-dolichophis-gitstel-from-the-upper-mesopotamian-plain-iraq-reptilia-serpentes-colubridae/

[Herpetology • 2016] How Embryos Escape from Danger: the Mechanism of Rapid, Plastic Hatching in Red-eyed Treefrogs Agalychnis callidryas

June 15, 2016, 9:28 pm

≫ Next: [Invertebrate • 2016] Seven New Peacock Spiders (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini: Maratus) from Western Australia and South Australia

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Red-eyed treefrog eggs Agalychnis callidryas hatching to escape from a cat-eyed snake Leptodeira septentrionalis photo: Karen M. Warkentin NationalGeographic.com  DOI:  10.1242/jeb.139519

ABSTRACT

Environmentally cued hatching allows embryos to escape dangers and exploit new opportunities. Such adaptive responses require a flexibly regulated hatching mechanism sufficiently fast to meet relevant challenges. Anurans show widespread, diverse cued hatching responses, but their described hatching mechanisms are slow, and regulation of timing is unknown. Arboreal embryos of red-eyed treefrogs, Agalychnis callidryas, escape from snake attacks and other threats by very rapid premature hatching. We used videography, manipulation of hatching embryos and electron microscopy to investigate their hatching mechanism. High-speed video revealed three stages of the hatching process: pre-rupture shaking and gaping, vitelline membrane rupture near the snout, and muscular thrashing to exit through the hole. Hatching took 6.5–49 s. We hypothesized membrane rupture to be enzymatic, with hatching enzyme released from the snout during shaking. To test this, we displaced hatching embryos to move their snout from its location during shaking. The membrane ruptured at the original snout position and embryos became trapped in collapsed capsules; they either moved repeatedly to relocate the hole or shook again and made a second hole to exit. Electron microscopy revealed that hatching glands are densely concentrated on the snout and absent elsewhere. They are full of vesicles in embryos and release most of their contents rapidly at hatching. Agalychnis callidryas' hatching mechanism contrasts with the slow process described in anurans to date and exemplifies one way in which embryos can achieve rapid, flexibly timed hatching to escape from acute threats. Other amphibians with cued hatching may also have novel hatching mechanisms.

Kristina L. Cohen, Marc A. Seid and Karen M. Warkentin. 2016. How Embryos Escape from Danger: the Mechanism of Rapid, Plastic Hatching in Red-eyed Treefrogs. Journal of Experimental Biology. 219: 1875-1883; DOI:  10.1242/jeb.139519

Baby Frogs Have a Super-Speedy Way to Escape Snakes http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2016/06/15/unborn-frogs-can-still-escape-from-snakes

How red-eyed treefrog embryos hatch in seconds http://phy.so/385231208 via @physorg_com

 ABSTRACT: The life histories of many animals are characterized by niche shifts, the timing of which can strongly affect fitness. In the tree frog Agalychnis callidryas, which has arboreal eggs, there is a trade-off between predation risks before and after hatching. When eggs are attacked by snakes, tadpoles escape by hatching rapidly and falling into the water below. Eggs not attacked by snakes hatch later, when newly emerged tadpoles are less vulnerable to aquatic predators. Plasticity in hatching allows embryos to use immediate, local information on risk of mortality to make instantaneous behavioral decisions about hatching and the accompanying shift from arboreal to aquatic habitats.

K M Warkentin. 1995. Adaptive Plasticity in Hatching Age: A Response to Predation Risk Trade-Offs. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA.  92(8); 3507-3510. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.92.8.3507

Karen M. WARKENTIN. 2000. Wasp predation and wasp-induced hatching of red-eyed treefrog eggs. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR. 60, 503–510. DOI: 10.1.1.540.2688

History of the Golfo Dulce Region, Costa Rica [Historia natural y cultural de la región del Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica] 

https://www.lagamba.at/uploads/media/Amphibians_and_reptiles_of_the_Golfo_Dulce_region.pdf

[Invertebrate • 2016] Seven New Peacock Spiders (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini: Maratus) from Western Australia and South Australia

June 16, 2016, 9:22 pm

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2013] Yulong mini • Chicken-sized Oviraptorid Dinosaurs from central China and their Ontogenetic Implications

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Figure 1. Localities for seven new Maratus species from the southern coast of Western Australia and South Australia. Maratus albus and M. lobatus are widely distributed. M. australis and M. vultus are each known from two localities near the southern coast of Western Australia. Each of the other three species (M. bubo, M. tessellatus, and M. vespa) has been found at a single locality in the southwestern corner of Australia, south of Perth. http://peckhamia.com/peckhamia/PECKHAMIA_141.1.pdf

Abstract

 Seven new jumping spiders of the genus Maratus are described from Western and South Australia: M. albus, M. australis, M. bubo, M. lobatus, M. tessellatus, M. vespa, and M. vultus. This brings the number of confirmed Maratus species to 48, with an additional 16 Maratus species that require further study to resolve their correct generic placement. Distinctive features of the courtship display of these species are also illustrated.

Key words: courtship, euophryine, jumping spider, Maratus albus, Maratus amabilis, Maratus anomalus, Maratus australis, Maratus avibus, Maratus bubo, Maratus caeruleus, Maratus karrie, Maratus lobatus, Maratus madelineae, Maratus mungaich, Maratus sarahae, Maratus tasmanicus, Maratus tessellatus, Maratus vespa, Maratus vultus

      

      

  

Jürgen C. Otto and David E. Hill. 2016. Seven New Peacock Spiders from Western Australia and South Australia (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini: Maratus). PECKHAMIA. 141.1; 1―101 

http://peckhamia.com/peckhamia/PECKHAMIA_141.1.pdf

7 adorable new peacock spider species discovered http://ti.me/1Y6oFkX via @TIME

[Paleontology • 2013] Yulong mini • Chicken-sized Oviraptorid Dinosaurs from central China and their Ontogenetic Implications

June 16, 2016, 10:36 pm

≫ Next: [PaleoMammalogy • 2016] Aymaratherium jeani • A New Nothrotheriid Xenarthran from the early Pliocene of Pomata-Ayte (Bolivia): New Insights into the Caniniform–Molariform Transition in Sloths

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Yulong mini   Lü, Currie, Xu,Zhang, Pu & Jia, 2013 DOI:10.1007/s00114-012-1007-0

Abstract

Oviraptorids are a group of specialized non-avian theropod dinosaurs that were generally one to 8 m in body length. New specimens of baby oviraptorids from the Late Cretaceous of Henan Province are some of the smallest individuals known. They include diagnostic characters such as the relative position of the antorbital fenestra and the external naris, distinct opening in the premaxilla anteroventral to the external naris, antorbital fossa partly bordered by premaxilla posterodorsally, lacrimal process of premaxilla does not contact the anterodorsal process of the lacrimal, parietal almost as long as frontal; in dorsal view, posterior margin forms a straight line between the postzygapophyses in each of the fourth and fifth cervicals; femur longer than ilium. They also elucidate the ontogenetic processes of oviraptorids, including fusion of cranial elements and changes in relative body proportions. Hind limb proportions are constant in oviraptorids, regardless of absolute body size or ontogenetic stage. This suggests a sedentary lifestyle that did not involve the pursuit of similar-sized prey. The functional implications for bite force and therefore dietary preferences are better understood through the study of such small animals. The comparison of the measurements of 115 skeletons indicates that oviraptorids maintain their hind limb proportions regardless of ontogenetic stage or absolute size, which is a pattern seen more commonly in herbivores than in carnivores. This may weakly support the hypothesis that oviraptorids are herbivores rather than active carnivores.

Keywords: Baby oviraptorid, Yulong, Late Cretaceous, Henan Province

Fig. 1: a Photograph and b line drawings of  Yulong mini  (HGM 41HIII-0107). cv cervical vertebrae, d dentary, fe femur, fi fibula, h humerus, il ilium, mt metatarsals, o orbital, po postorbital, rd radius, ul ulna, ti tibia.    DOI:10.1007/s00114-012-1007-0

Systematic paleontology

Oviraptorosauria Barsbold 1976

Oviraptoridae Barsbold 1976

Yulong mini gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Generic name derived from “Yu”, the abbreviated name for Henan Province, and “long” from Chinese, meaning dragon. The specific name refers to the small size of known specimens.

Holotype: Henan Geological Museum HGM 41HIII-0107, an exceptionally well-preserved skeleton with a skull and lower jaws.

Referred specimens: HGM 41HIII-0108, nearly complete skull with lower jaws; HGM 41HIII-0109, well-preserved skull, lower jaws and partial postcranial skeleton; HGM 41HIII-0110, partial skull, lower jaws and a few cervical centra; HGM 41HIII-0111, one complete left ilium.

Type locality and horizon: Qiupa Town, Luanchuan County, Henan Province; Upper Cretaceous, Qiupa Formation (Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources of Henan Province 1989; Lü et al. 2007).

Diagnosis: Oviraptorid with the following characters: posterodorsal corner of the antorbital fenestra and the anteroventral corner of the external naris at the same level (similar conditions in Citipati osmolskae [MPC-D 100/978] and Citipati sp. [MPC-D 100/42]); distinct opening in the premaxilla anteroventral to the external naris; antorbital fossa partly bordered by premaxilla anterodorsally; lacrimal process of premaxilla does not contact the anterodorsal process of the lacrimal; parietal almost as long as frontal; in dorsal view, posterior margin forms a straight line between the postzygapophyses in each of the fourth and fifth cervicals; femur longer than ilium.

Lü, J.; Currie, P. J.; Xu, L.; Zhang, X.; Pu, H.; Jia, S. 2013. Chicken-sized Oviraptorid Dinosaurs from central China and their Ontogenetic Implications. Naturwissenschaften. DOI:10.1007/s00114-012-1007-0

http://www.dinosaures-web.com/sites/default/files/publications/Yulong%20mini.pdf

http://blogozoic.wordpress.com/tag/yulong/

http://news.discovery.com/animals/dinosaurs/new-dinosaur-had-chicken-sized-young-1302221.htm

http://big5.x-weibo.net/u/2374156945/5.html

[PaleoMammalogy • 2016] Aymaratherium jeani • A New Nothrotheriid Xenarthran from the early Pliocene of Pomata-Ayte (Bolivia): New Insights into the Caniniform–Molariform Transition in Sloths

June 16, 2016, 10:47 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2016] Impatiens glabrata • A New Species (Balsaminaceae) from southern Western Ghats, India

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Aymaratherium jeani   Pujos, De Iuliis, Quispe, Adnet, Flores, Billet, Fernandez-Monescillo, Marivaux, Münch, Prámparo & Antoine, 2016   DOI:  10.1111/zoj.12429

Tardigrade xenarthrans are today represented only by the two tree sloth genera Bradypus and Choloepus, which inhabit the Neotropical rainforests and are characterized by their slowness and suspensory locomotion. Sloths have been recognized in South America since the early Oligocene. This monophyletic group is represented by five clade straditionally recognized as families: Bradypodidae, Megalonychidae, Mylodontidae (†), Megatheriidae (†) and Nothrotheriidae (†). A new nothrotheriid ground sloth represented by a dentary and several postcranial elements, Aymaratherium jeani gen. nov., sp. nov., from the early Pliocene locality of Pomata-Ayte (Bolivia) is reported.This small- to medium-sized species is characterized especially by its dentition and several postcranial features. It exhibits several convergences with the ‘aquatic’ nothrotheriid sloth Thalassocnus and the giant megatheriid ground sloth Megatherium (M.) americanum, and is interpreted as a selective feeder, with good pronation and supinationmovements. The tricuspid caniniform teeth of Aymaratherium may represent a transitional stage between the caniniform anterior teeth of basal megatherioids and basal nothrotheriids (1/1C-4/3M as in Hapalops or Mionothropus) and the molariform anterior teeth of megatheriids (5/4M, e.g. Megatherium). To highlight the phylogenetic position of this new taxon among nothrotheriid sloths, we performed a cladistic assessment of the available dental and postcranial evidence. Our results, derived from a TNT treatment of a data matrix largely based on a published phylogenetic data set, indicate that Aymaratherium is either sister taxon to Mionothropus or sister to the clade Nothrotheriini within Nothrotheriinae. They further support the monophyly of both the Nothrotheriinae and the Nothrotheriini, as suggested previously by several authors.

ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: Anatomy; Bolivia; early Pliocene; Nothrotheriidae; phylogeny; Pilosa; Xenarthra.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

MAMMALIA LINNAEUS, 1758
XENARTHRA COPE, 1889
PILOSA FLOWER, 1883

TARDIGRADA LATHAM&DAVIES IN FORSTER, 1795
NOTHROTHERIIDAE AMEGHINO, 1920 


 Etymology. In reference to the Aymara (Aymar aru), a native ethnic group and language from the Andes, from where the specimens were recovered; and,the specific epithet for Jean Joinville Vacher (successively Director of the French Institute of Andean Studies – IFEA, Advisor of the Institute for Development Research – IRD in Bolivia, Advisor of Regional Cooperation for Andean Countries of the French Embassy during 2000/2012, and currently Assistant to General Executive Officer for Science of the IRD) for his friendship and constant support forpalaeontological investigations over the years.

 Francois Pujos, Gerry De Iuliis, Bernardino Mamani Quispe, Sylvain Adnet, Ruben Andrade Flores, Guillaume Billet, Marcos Fernandez-Monescillo, Laurent Marivaux, Philippe Münch, Mercedes B. Prámparo and Pierre-Olivier Antoine. 2016. A New Nothrotheriid Xenarthran from the early Pliocene of Pomata-Ayte (Bolivia): New Insights into the Caniniform–Molariform Transition in Sloths. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.   DOI:  10.1111/zoj.12429 

ResearchGate.net/publication/301889978_A_new_nothrotheriid_xenarthran_from_the_early_Pliocene_of_Pomata-Ayte_Bolivia_new_insights_into_the_caniniform-molariform_transition_in_sloths

ResearchGate.net/publication/291505785_A_strange_nothrotheriid_ground_sloth_Xenarthra_Megatherioidea_from_Pomata-Ayte_Miocene-Pliocene_transition_Bolivia

Figure 10. Hypothetical life reconstruction of Aymaratherium jeani gen. nov., sp. nov. by Jorge Gonzalez.

[Botany • 2016] Impatiens glabrata • A New Species (Balsaminaceae) from southern Western Ghats, India

June 17, 2016, 2:44 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2016] Callerya chlorantha & C. tenasserimensis • Two New Species of Callerya Endl. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) from Thailand

≪ Previous: [PaleoMammalogy • 2016] Aymaratherium jeani • A New Nothrotheriid Xenarthran from the early Pliocene of Pomata-Ayte (Bolivia): New Insights into the Caniniform–Molariform Transition in Sloths

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Impatiens glabrata   DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.266.1.5

Abstract

Impatiens glabrata, a new species, is described from Muthikulam forest of Palakkad district, Kerala, India. A description and observations on pollen morphology, ecology, distribution and its allied characters between I. henslowiana and I. fruticosa are provided, along with colour photographs.

Keywords: Atavism, Balsaminaceae, Impatiens, I. fruticosa, I. henslowiana, Muthikulam, Western Ghats, Eudicots

K. M. Prabhukumar, V. S. Hareesh, V. Bhaskar, V.B. Sreekumar, T. K. Nirmesh and Indira Balachandran. 2016. Impatiens glabrata (Balsaminaceae) — A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India. Phytotaxa. 266(5);   DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.266.1.5

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[Botany • 2016] Callerya chlorantha & C. tenasserimensis • Two New Species of Callerya Endl. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) from Thailand

June 17, 2016, 3:35 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2015] Tetrapodophis amplectus • A Four-legged Snake from the Early Cretaceous of Gondwana

≪ Previous: [Botany • 2016] Impatiens glabrata • A New Species (Balsaminaceae) from southern Western Ghats, India

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Abstract

Callerya chlorantha and C. tenasserimensis, here illustrated and described as new to science, are found in dry deciduous or bamboo forest in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces in Thailand. Callerya chlorantha, characterized by having pale green flowers that are rare in the genus, grows on limestone. This species is considered as Data Deficient (DD) at this time because there are not yet sufficient data about its distribution, abundance or threats. Callerya tenasserimensis has glabrous leaves and stems and rather small, purple or maroon flowers with golden-brown hairs on the calyx and abaxial side of the standard petal. The conservation status of this species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).

Keywords: Callerya chlorantha, Callerya tenasserimensis, Fabaceae, endemic, golden-brown hairs, pale green flower, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Eudicots

facebook.com/YotsawateSirichamorn/posts/10207965265941734

mediafire.com/download/fnnd8tt4m5ut3pj/Phytotaxa_Sirichamorn.pdf

  

เครือข้าวเม่า หรือ เครือข้าวเขียว Callerya chlorantha Mattapha & Sirich.

facebook.com/YotsawateSirichamorn/posts/10206023800806319

เครือแซะตะนาวศรี Callerya tenasserimensis Mattapha & Sirich.

FIGURE 2. Callerya chlorantha: A. habitat; B. flowers and inflorescences; C. flowers (closed up), all from Phutthai and Sirichamorn 2014-1 (photos Y. Sirichamorn and T. Phutthai). Callerya tenasserimensis: D. habitat; E. flowers and inflorescences; F. flowers (closed up) all from Sirichamorn 2015-13 (photos Y. Sirichamorn).

 

Yotsawate Sirichamorn, Henrik Balslev and Sawai Mattapha. 2016. Two New Species of Callerya Endl. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) from Thailand. Phytotaxa. 263(1); DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.263.1.4

ResearchGate.net/publication/303559186_Two_new_species_of_Callerya_Endl_Leguminosae_Papilionoideae_from_Thailand

[Paleontology • 2015] Tetrapodophis amplectus • A Four-legged Snake from the Early Cretaceous of Gondwana

June 19, 2016, 9:47 pm

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2016] Aquatic Adaptations in the Four Limbs of the Snake-like Reptile Tetrapodophis from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil

≪ Previous: [Botany • 2016] Callerya chlorantha & C. tenasserimensis • Two New Species of Callerya Endl. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) from Thailand

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Snakes are a remarkably diverse and successful group today, but their evolutionary origins are obscure. The discovery of snakes with two legs has shed light on the transition from lizards to snakes, but no snake has been described with four limbs, and the ecology of early snakes is poorly known. We describe a four-limbed snake from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) Crato Formation of Brazil. The snake has a serpentiform body plan with an elongate trunk, short tail, and large ventral scales suggesting characteristic serpentine locomotion, yet retains small prehensile limbs. Skull and body proportions as well as reduced neural spines indicate fossorial adaptation, suggesting that snakes evolved from burrowing rather than marine ancestors. Hooked teeth, an intramandibular joint, a flexible spine capable of constricting prey, and the presence of vertebrate remains in the guts indicate that this species preyed on vertebrates and that snakes made the transition to carnivory early in their history. The structure of the limbs suggests that they were adapted for grasping, either to seize prey or as claspers during mating. Together with a diverse fauna of basal snakes from the Cretaceous of South America, Africa, and India, this snake suggests that crown Serpentes originated in Gondwana.

Martill, D.M., H. Tischlinger and N.R. Longrich. 2015. A Four-legged Snake from the Early Cretaceous of Gondwana. Science. 349(6246): 416-419. DOI: 10.1126/science.aaa9208
ResearchGate.net/publication/280389042_A_four-legged_snake_from_the_Early_Cretaceous_of_Gondwana
http://eprints.port.ac.uk/18465/1/A_four_legged_snake.pdf

http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2015/07/23/a-fossil-snake-with-four-legs/

Four-Legged Snake Shakes Up Squamate Family Tree - Or Does It? - Science Sushi http://bit.ly/1UJeeOS

Caldwell, M. W., Nydam, R. L., Palci, A. and Apesteguía, S. 2015. The oldest known snakes from the Middle Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous provide insights on snake evolution. Nature communications. 6.  DOI: 10.1126/science.aaa9208

http://squamates.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-four-legged-fossil-snake-discovered.html

[Paleontology • 2016] Aquatic Adaptations in the Four Limbs of the Snake-like Reptile Tetrapodophis from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil

June 19, 2016, 9:54 pm

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2016] Murmurillana gen. nov. • Description of A New Genus and Two New Species of High Frequency Cicada (Hemiptera, Cicadoidea, Cicadidae) from New Caledonia

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Fig. 3. (A) Forelimbs and (B) Hindlimbs of Tetrapodophis; a terrestrial squamate (Varanus); a marine dolichosaur (Pontosaurus), a marine mosasauroid (Tylosaurus); and a marine rhynchocephalian (Pleurosaurus). Numbers 1–5 identify highly distinctive limb similarities between Tetrapodophis and marine forms, discussed in the main text. Sources: Tetrapodophis after Martill et al. (2015) and Museum Solnhofen BMMS BK 2-2, Varanus albigularis after University of Alberta Museum of Zoology 947, Pontosaurus kornhuberi after Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano V3662, Tylosaurus proriger after Russell (1967), Pleurosaurus goldfussi after Cocude-Michel (1963), and Chalcides ocellatus after Young et al. (2009) and Field Museum of Natural History 164674.

Abstract
The exquisite transitional fossil Tetrapodophis – interpreted as a stem-snake with four small legs from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil – has been widely considered a burrowing animal, consistent with recent studies arguing that snakes had fossorial ancestors. We reevaluate the ecomorphology of this important taxon using a multivariate morphometric analysis and a reexamination of the limb anatomy. Our analysis shows that the body proportions are unusual and similar to both burrowing and surface-active squamates. We also show that it exhibits striking and compelling features of limb anatomy, including enlarged first metapodials and reduced tarsal/carpal ossification – that conversely are highly suggestive of aquatic habits, and are found in marine squamates. The morphology and inferred ecology of Tetrapodophis therefore does not clearly favour fossorial over aquatic origins of snakes.

Keywords: Squamata; Ophidia; Serpentes; Evolution; Cretaceous; Paleoecology

Conclusions

The results of our multivariate morphometric analyses (PCA, LDA) intriguingly suggest that Tetrapodophisshows body form metrics similar to those of modern burrowers as well as surface-active but cryptozoic lizards (e.g. the diploglossid Celestus). The burrowers most similar to Tetrapodophis are relatively generalised forms that move through loose soil or leaf litter, so if Tetrapodophis is accepted as a stem snake, it would suggest that snake ancestors were not heavily specialised fossors. An examination of the anatomical details of Tetrapodophis conversely revealed features that may be indicative of aquatic habits (expanded first metapodials, lack of hooked fifth metatarsal, and reduced tarsal/carpal ossification). The small size of these limbs is not consistent with a major role in propulsion; however, it is possible that they have been reduced in size in association with a shift to anguilliform locomotion, as extreme limb reduction is a common phenomenon within dolichosaurs (e.g. Dal Sasso and Pinna, 1997 and Palci and Caldwell, 2007). An occasional grasping function for the limbs is not inconsistent with an aquatic habit. The morphology and inferred ecology of this fossil therefore does not clearly favour fossorial over aquatic origins for snakes.

Tetrapodophis does not clearly fall into any of the known ecological categories, but the presence of the limb features discussed above is difficult to explain as anything but holdovers from a more aquatically-adapted ancestor. Tetrapodophis therefore represents a truly enigmatic animal, combining the body proportions of an elongate squamate with the limbs of a swimmer (or former swimmer). The precise ecology of this iconic fossil will thus continue to be debated. Perhaps the reality lies in between, and Tetrapodophis may have been both fossorial and aquatic, a lifestyle exhibited by some living snakes such as neotropical pipesnakes (Anilius) (e.g. Murphy, 2010).


Michael S.Y. Lee, Alessandro Palci, Marc E.H. Jones, Michael W. Caldwell, James D. Holmes and Robert R. Reisz. 2016. Aquatic Adaptations in the Four Limbs of the Snake-like Reptile Tetrapodophis from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil. Cretaceous Research. 
DOI:   10.1016/j.cretres.2016.06.004

Did snakes evolve from ancient sea serpents? http://phy.so/385370720 via @physorg_com

http://permalink.gmane.org/gmane.science.dinosaurs.general/62381

[Entomology • 2016] Murmurillana gen. nov. • Description of A New Genus and Two New Species of High Frequency Cicada (Hemiptera, Cicadoidea, Cicadidae) from New Caledonia

June 20, 2016, 10:43 pm

≫ Next: [Crustacea • 2016] Macrobrachium spelaeus | กุ้งถ้ำพระวังแดง • A New Species of Stygobitic Freshwater Prawn (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) from northern Thailand

≪ Previous: [Paleontology • 2016] Aquatic Adaptations in the Four Limbs of the Snake-like Reptile Tetrapodophis from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil

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Murmurillana inaudibilis   Delorme, 2016 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4126.4.7

Abstract

The new genus Murmurillana Delorme gen. nov., is described within the tribe Cicadettini Buckton, 1889, designating Murmurillana inaudibilis Delorme sp. nov., as the type species.Murmurillana inaudibilis Delorme sp. nov. and Murmurillana paenetacita Delorme sp. nov. are described from New Caledonia. They are respectively found in mid altitude dense Niaouli shrub (Melaleuca quinquenervia, Myrtaceae) vegetation, mixed with dense fern cover (Pteridium sp., Dennstaedtiaceae) on the Massif of Aoupinié (800 m) and on foothills of the Mont Panié (570 m). Male calling songs of the two new species are described from field recordings. These calling songs exhibit unusually high dominant frequencies. A key to the species of Murmurillana Delorme gen. nov., is also provided.

Keywords: Hemiptera, Cicada, taxonomy, short-range endemism, bioacoustics

 Quentin Delorme, Christian Mille and Hervé Jourdan. 2016. Description of A New Genus and Two New Species of High Frequency Cicada from New Caledonia (Insecta: Hemiptera, Cicadoidea, Cicadidae). Zootaxa.  4126(4); DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4126.4.7

[Crustacea • 2016] Macrobrachium spelaeus | กุ้งถ้ำพระวังแดง • A New Species of Stygobitic Freshwater Prawn (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) from northern Thailand

June 20, 2016, 11:01 pm

≫ Next: [Mammalogy / Behaviour • 2016] Watering Holes: The Use of Arboreal Sources of Drinking Water by Old World Monkeys and Apes

≪ Previous: [Entomology • 2016] Murmurillana gen. nov. • Description of A New Genus and Two New Species of High Frequency Cicada (Hemiptera, Cicadoidea, Cicadidae) from New Caledonia

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Abstract

 A new species of stygobitic freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium spelaeus from Tham Phra Wang Daeng, Pitsanulok Province, in northern Thailand, is described and illustrated in detail. Morphological comparisons with allied epigean species M. dienbienphuense and known stygobitic congener M. poeti are given. The new species is characterised by its reduced eyes, smooth and slender second pereiopods, hairy chelae and short carpus of second pereiopods, and elongated telson.

Key words. New species, Macrobrachium, stygobitic, freshwater prawn, Thailand

   

TAXONOMY

Palaemonidae Rafinesque, 1815

Macrobrachium Bate, 1868

Macrobrachium spelaeus, new species

Colouration (live). Yellowish pale cephalothorax with pale yellow and brown visceral mass, rostrum translucent, eyes black, abdomen opaque with brownish hue dorsally. Hairs on chelae pale brown, antennas and appendages opaque.

Habitat.Macrobrachium spelaeus is known only from shallow (0.3–1 m depth) subterranean streams in the type locality, over 100 m from the cave entrance, at Tham Phra Wang Daeng of the Tham Phra Karst in Klong Chompu area of Thung Salaeng Luang National Park.

Etymology. The new species is named spelaeus (L., caved-welling), after its stygobitic habit.

Yixiong Cai and Chavalit Vidthayanon. 2016. Macrobrachium spelaeus, A New Species of Stygobitic Freshwater Prawn from Thailand (Decapoda: Palaemonidae).  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 64: 117–122

https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/vol64/64rbz117-122.pdf

กุ้งถ้ำพระวังแดง  อีกหนึ่งชนิดใหม่ จากถ้ำพระวังแดง อช. ทุ่งแสลงหลวง พิษณุโลก ยังมีอีกหลาย species ที่ยังไม่มีการสำรวจในภูมินิเวศเขาหินปูนนี้ 

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[Mammalogy / Behaviour • 2016] Watering Holes: The Use of Arboreal Sources of Drinking Water by Old World Monkeys and Apes

June 21, 2016, 1:45 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2016] Eutropis ashwamedhi • No Longer Supple? Molecular Phylogeny suggests Generic Reassignment of Lygosoma ashwamedhi (Sharma, 1969) (Reptilia: Scincidae)

≪ Previous: [Crustacea • 2016] Macrobrachium spelaeus | กุ้งถ้ำพระวังแดง • A New Species of Stygobitic Freshwater Prawn (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) from northern Thailand

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Fig. 2. The six species displaying arboreal drinking behaviours, described in this study. (A) Western hoolock gibbon Hoolock hoolock, (B) Northern pig-tailed macaque Macaca leonina, (C) Bonnet macaque Macaca radiata, (D) Central Himalayan langur Semnopithecus schistaceus, (E) Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes, (F) Siamang Symphalangus syndactylus, and (G) Bornean orangutan Pongo pygmaeus.  DOI:  10.1016/j.beproc.2016.05.006

Highlights

• Arboreal primates often use dipping-and-licking to drink water from tree-holes.

• Rarely reported, we describe this strategy in eight Old World primate species.

• Seasonal or habitat-specific water shortage may lead to this unusual behaviour.

• Other driving factors may be predator/human conflict avoidance or medicinal benefits.

• Effects of this strategy on population survival and health need to be explored.

Abstract

Water is one of the most important components of an animal’s diet, as it is essential for life. Primates, as do most animals, procure water directly from standing or free-flowing sources such as pools, ponds and rivers, or indirectly by the ingestion of certain plant parts. The latter is frequently described as the main source of water for predominantly arboreal species. However, in addition to these, many species are known to drink water accumulated in tree-holes. This has been commonly observed in several arboreal New World primate species, but rarely reported systematically from Old World primates. Here, we report observations of this behaviour from eight great ape and Old World monkey species, namely chimpanzee, orangutan, siamang, western hoolock gibbon, northern pig-tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, rhesus macaque and the central Himalayan langur. We hypothesise three possible reasons why these primates drink water from tree-holes: (1) coping with seasonal or habitat-specific water shortages, (2) predator/human conflict avoidance, and (3) potential medicinal benefits. We also suggest some alternative hypotheses that should be tested in future studies. This behaviour is likely to be more prevalent than currently thought, and may have significant, previously unknown, influences on primate survival and health, warranting further detailed studies.

Keywords: Primate; tree-hole; dipping-and-licking; seasonal water; predator avoidance; self medication

Narayan Sharma, Michael A. Huffman, Shreejata Gupta, Himani Nautiyal, Renata Mendonça, Luca Morino and Anindya Sinha. 2016. Watering Holes: The Use of Arboreal Sources of Drinking Water by Old World Monkeys and Apes. Behavioural Processes.   DOI:  10.1016/j.beproc.2016.05.006

ResearchGate.net/publication/303529932_Watering_holes_The_use_of_arboreal_sources_of_drinking_water_by_Old_World_monkeys_and_apes

facebook.com/NarayanSharma77

[Herpetology • 2016] Eutropis ashwamedhi • No Longer Supple? Molecular Phylogeny suggests Generic Reassignment of Lygosoma ashwamedhi (Sharma, 1969) (Reptilia: Scincidae)

June 21, 2016, 9:23 pm

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2016] Pseudojuloides labyrinthus • A New Labrid Fish (Teleostei: Labridae) from the western Indian Ocean

≪ Previous: [Mammalogy / Behaviour • 2016] Watering Holes: The Use of Arboreal Sources of Drinking Water by Old World Monkeys and Apes

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Abstract

Morphometrics and phylogenetic analysis based on 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences reveal that Riopa ashwamedhi Sharma, 1969 is placed incorrectly in the genus Riopa or Lygosoma, and we transfer this taxon to the genus Eutropis. New material of this rare and endemic species forms the basis of the generic reassignment. A detailed description of Eutropis ashwamedhi (Sharma, 1969) comb. nov. and natural history notes are provided based on the new material collected in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Keywords: Reptilia, endemism, India, Eutropis, Riopa, taxonomy

Chelmala Srinivasulu, Bhargavi Srinivasulu, Aditya Srinivasulu and Midathala Seetharamaraju. 2016.  No Longer Supple? Molecular Phylogeny suggests Generic Reassignment of Lygosoma ashwamedhi (Sharma, 1969) (Reptilia: Scincidae). Zootaxa. 4127(1); DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4127.1.7

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[Ichthyology • 2016] Pseudojuloides labyrinthus • A New Labrid Fish (Teleostei: Labridae) from the western Indian Ocean

June 21, 2016, 9:31 pm

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2016] Protocheirodon gen. nov. • A New Genus of Characidae (Characiformes) with the Redescription of the Poorly Known Protocheirodon pi

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2016] Eutropis ashwamedhi • No Longer Supple? Molecular Phylogeny suggests Generic Reassignment of Lygosoma ashwamedhi (Sharma, 1969) (Reptilia: Scincidae)

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Pseudojuloides labyrinthus  Victor & Edward, 2016 DOI:  10.5281/zenodo.55594

Abstract

The new labrid fish species, Pseudojuloides labyrinthus n. sp., is described from three specimens obtained via the aquarium trade from Kenya, in the western Indian Ocean. The species is similar in appearance to other Indo-Pacific Pseudojuloides in the P. severnsi complex, distinguished mainly by the markings of the terminal-phase male, which includes a maze of lines on the head and three thicker blue stripes along the rear body. Despite the similarity in appearance, the new species is 9.66% divergent in the sequence of the mtDNA barcode marker COI (minimum interspecific divergence, pairwise; 10.54% K2P distance) from its nearest relative, P. edwardi, also found in Kenya. A neighbor-joining tree and genetic distance matrix is presented for 12 of the 14 known species in the genus Pseudojuloides.

Key words: coral reef fishes, ichthyology, new species, taxonomy, systematics, Kenya, Africa, DNA barcoding.

 Victor, B.C. and Edward, J.M.B. 2016. Pseudojuloides labyrinthus, A New Labrid Fish (Teleostei: Labridae) from the western Indian Ocean. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, 21, 58–70.

DOI:  10.5281/zenodo.55594

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B9C0D2C5-DBBD-42E9-BF57-3D7B52491C04

http://www.oceansciencefoundation.org/josf/josf21e.pdf

   

[Ichthyology • 2016] Protocheirodon gen. nov. • A New Genus of Characidae (Characiformes) with the Redescription of the Poorly Known Protocheirodon pi

June 21, 2016, 9:59 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2016] Epirixanthes confusa • A New Species of Epirixanthes (Polygalaceaea) from Imbak Canyon, Sabah, Borneo

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Protocheirodon pi   (Vari, 1978) DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-20150154

ABSTRACT

Protocheirodon, a new genus of the Characidae, is proposed to include a species previously assigned to Leptagoniates . This action is supported by molecular and morphological phylogenetic hypotheses that place Protocheirodon pi as the sister group of the remaining tribes in the Cheirodontinae versus the traditional assignment of the species to the Aphyocharacinae. The phylogenetic position of Protocheirodon is recognized as a new tribe, the Protocheirodontini. Protocheirodon pi , originally described based on a small number of specimens from a single location in the río Mamoré basin in the southwestern Amazon, is redescribed on the basis of larger series of specimens from the western and central portions of the Amazon basin.

Key words: Aphyocharacinae; Amazon basin; Cheirodontinae; Leptagoniates; Taxonomy

Fig. 2 Protocheirodon pi, (A) CAS 41749, 29.5 mm SL; Colombia, Amazonas, Isla de Santa Sofia II, ca. 20 mi (= 32 km) NW of Leticia; (B) live specimen from aquarium without locality information. Scale bar = 5 mm. Photo credits: (A) Sandra Raredon (USNM) and (B) Martin and Peter Hoffmann. DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-20150154

RESULTS

Protocheirodon, new genus

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:169925E2-807B-4DC7-8AF6-74EFC4729EA2

Type species. Protocheirodon pi (Vari, 1978).

Diagnosis. Protocheirodon possesses the four synapomorphies proposed for the Cheirodontinae by Malabarba (1998): 1) the presence of a pseudotympanum, a hiatus in the body wall musculature lateral to at least a portion of the anterior chamber of the swimbladder; 2) the lack of a dark humeral spot; 3) the possession of pedunculate dentition; and 4) the presence of only a single row of regularly arranged premaxillary teeth. Protocheirodon differs from all other genera of the Cheirodontinae and indeed members of the Characiformes by the unique form of the swimbladder which has a smaller rotund anterior chamber and the posteriorly chamber elaborated into two vertically elongate, side by side, slightly inclined chambers. These modifications yield a unique overall pi (π)-shaped structure (Vari, 1978) (Fig. 2). This trenchant difference versus other cheirodontins is supplemented by a diagnostic combination of meristic, morphometric and details of pigmentation.

Description. As Protocheirodon is a monotypic genus, its description corresponds to the redescription of the type-species, Protocheirodon pi (Vari, 1978).

Etymology. Proto from Greek prōto , meaning first or earliest form of, in reference to the phylogenetic position of the species as sister to all remaining members of the Cheirodontinae, and cheirodon, an allusion to the genus Cheirodon and subfamily Cheirodontinae. Gender masculine.

Protocheirodon pi (Vari, 1978)

Leptagoniates pi Vari, 1978: 185, figs. 1-2 (original description; río Mamoré, Bolivia). -Malabarba, 1998: 229 (in phylogeny of Cheirodontinae). Lima et al., 2003: 144 (in list of incertae sedis species in Characidae). -Bogotá-Gregory & Maldonado-Ocampo, 2006: 66 (in list of fishes in Colombian Amazon). -Maldonado-Ocampo et al. , 2008: 170 (Colombia, Amazon; in checklist of freshwater fishes of Colombia). -Duarte et al., 2010: 323 (in list of fishes from lower rio Purus, Brazil). Ortega et al., 2010: 36 (in list of freshwater fishes of Peru). -Lima et al. , 2013: 299 (in list of fishes from rio Madeira, Brazil). -Tagliacollo et al., 2012: 305 (in molecular phylogeny of Aphyocharacinae). -Mariguela et al., 2013: 29 (in molecular phylogeny of Cheirodontinae).

Diagnosis. As for Protocheirodon above.

Description.Summary morphometrics in Table 1. Body distinctly compressed and moderately elongate with greatest depth immediately anterior to dorsal-fin origin. Dorsal profile of head convex from margin of upper lip to vertical through anterior margin of orbit and then very slightly concave to rear of head. Predorsal profile of body straight to very slightly sigmoid. Dorsal profile strongly posteroventrally angled along dorsal-fin base and then straight and less posteroventrally angled to caudal peduncle. Ventral profile of head and body gently convex from tip of lower jaw to anal-fin origin, straight and posterodorsally angled along anal-fin base to caudal peduncle.

Richard P. Vari, Bruno F. Melo and Claudio Oliveira. 2016. Protocheirodon, A New Genus of Characidae (Teleostei: Characiformes) with the Redescription of the Poorly Known Protocheirodon pi.  Neotrop. ichthyol. 14(2); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-20150154 

RESUMO:Protocheirodon, um gênero novo de Characidae é proposto para incluir uma espécie previamente alocada em Leptagoniates . Esta decisão é suportada por hipóteses filogenéticas moleculares e morfológicas que apontam Protocheirodon pi como grupo-irmão das demais tribos de Cheirodontinae, ao invés da alocação tradicional em Aphyocharacinae. A posição filogenética de Protocheirodon é reconhecida como uma tribo nova, Protocheirodontini. Protocheirodon pi , originalmente descrito com base em poucos exemplares de uma única localidade na bacia do rio Mamoré, no sudoeste da Amazônia, é redescrito com base em grandes séries de espécimes coletados em rios das porções centrais e ocidentais da bacia do rio Amazonas.

[Botany • 2016] Epirixanthes confusa • A New Species of Epirixanthes (Polygalaceaea) from Imbak Canyon, Sabah, Borneo

June 21, 2016, 11:49 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2016] Philautus nephophilus • A New Small Montane Species of Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo)

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2016] Protocheirodon gen. nov. • A New Genus of Characidae (Characiformes) with the Redescription of the Poorly Known Protocheirodon pi

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Epirixanthes confusa  Tsukaya, M. Suleiman & H. Okada  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.266.2.9

Abstract

The mycoheterotrophic genus Epirixanthes Blume is a small genus of Polygalaceae. Here, we describe a new species of Epirixanthes, Epirixanthes confusa Tsukaya, M. Suleiman & H. Okada, discovered in the mostly unexplored Imbak Canyon, Sabah, Borneo. Along with photographs and illustrations of this new species, a revised key to the genus is presented.

Keywords: Borneo, Epirixanthes, Imbak Canyon, Malaysia, mycoheterotrophic plant, Polygalaceae, Sabah, Eudicots

Taxonomic Treatment

Epirixanthes confusa Tsukaya, M. Suleiman & H. Okada, sp. nov. (Figs. 1, 2)

Epirixanthes confusa differs from the other members of Epirixanthes in having the following features: persistent bracts even after fruit maturation, no bracteole, and pointed inflorescence apices.

Type:— Malaysia. Sabah: Imbak Canyon Conservation Area, along the Ridge Trail, alt. 622 m, 9 August 2015, Tsukaya, H. Okada, H., Hayashi, T. & Suleiman, M., No. TOH-07 (Holo- BORH, iso- TI, KYO).

Distribution:— Found in the understories of dipterocarp forest, in particular along ridges. At present, E. confusa is known to occur only in Imbak Canyon, Sabah, Borneo. However, our preliminary surveys on herbarium specimens deposited in BO suggested that some specimens collected from Java, Indonesia, annotated as “E. elongata”, are actually E. confusa (for example, BO-1791084, BO-1794915, BO-1794902, BO-1478688, BO-1478690, BO-1794913 and BO-1794910). Because E. confusa is easily mis-identified as E. elongata, detailed re-examinations of herbarium specimens are required to reveal its whole distribution

 Etymology:— The species name E. confusa denotes the confusion between this species and E. elongata. 

Hirokazu Tsukaya. Monica Suleiman and Hiroshi Okada. 2016. A New Species of Epirixanthes (Polygalaceaea) from Imbak Canyon, Sabah, Borneo. Phytotaxa. 266(2); DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.266.2.9

[Herpetology • 2016] Philautus nephophilus • A New Small Montane Species of Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo)

June 22, 2016, 6:40 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2016] Pangupterus liui • A New Pterodactyloid Pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous of the western part of Liaoning Province, northeastern China

≪ Previous: [Botany • 2016] Epirixanthes confusa • A New Species of Epirixanthes (Polygalaceaea) from Imbak Canyon, Sabah, Borneo

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Philautus nephophilus   Dehling, Matsui & Imbun, 2016

Abstract

 Three populations of small montane bush frogs previously assigned to Philautus mjobergi were compared using morphological, bioacoustic, and genetic (mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequence) data. The comparison revealed that the population from Gunung Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, represents a distinct species that is described herein. Although the new species differs from P. mjobergi in few morphological characters, most notably the acuminate snout, it is distinguished from this species and all other Bornean congeners by a unique advertisement call and large genetic differences. The population from Gunung Mulu assigned to P. mjobergi differs from the topotypic population from Gunung Murud in its advertisement call and 16S rRNA sequence and probably represents another, undescribed species.

Key words. DNA barcoding, advertisement call, Philautus mjobergi, Gunung Mulu, Sarawak, frog

Figure 4.A) Holotype (SP 27443; adult male) and B) adult male paratype (SP 27442) of Philautus nephophilus from Silau-Silau trail, Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, in situ prior to collection; C) Philautus mjobergi, adult male from Gunung Mulu (KUHE 54500) in life; D) Philautus mjobergi, paratype, adult male from Gunung Murud (BMNH 1925.9.1.2–6); E) Philautus mjobergi, adult male from near Bario (KUHE 53518) in life.

Etymology: The species epithet is composed of the Ancient Greek words νέφος [néphos], meaning cloud, and φιλεῖν [phileĩn], meaning to love; in allusion to the habitat of the new species in montane forest at Gunung Kinabalu that is often covered in clouds. The species is most active during or shortly after rain.

Distribution, habitat, and natural history: Philautus nephophilus is currently known with certainty only from the headquarters region of the Kinabalu National Park in Sabah where it is found at altitudes between 1,400 and 1,800 m. It probably also occurs at similar altitudes in the neighbouring Crocker Range. Around the headquarters of the Kinabalu NP, it is abundant and one of the most frequently encountered frog species. Calling males form aggregations in lower vegetation and are found on leaves or twigs at heights between 0.3 to 3 m above the ground. Individual males can be spaced from each other by distances of less than one to several meters. Males start calling at dusk and continue until dawn. Calling activity appears to increase after rain and during light rain showers. Calling groups are not found in the immediate vicinity of open water bodies, and the species is presumed to have a direct development without a free-swimming tadpole stage, as is observed in other species of the genus (Malkmus & Dehling 2008, Hertwig et al. 2012).

J. Maximilian Dehling, Masafumi Matsui and Paul Yambun Imbun. 2016. A New Small Montane Species of Philautus (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo). SALAMANDRA. 52(2); 77–90

[Paleontology • 2016] Pangupterus liui • A New Pterodactyloid Pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous of the western part of Liaoning Province, northeastern China

June 23, 2016, 6:26 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2016] Larval Morphology and Complex Vocal Repertoire of Rhacophorus helenae (Anura: Rhacophoridae), A Rare Flying Frog from southern Vietnam

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2016] Philautus nephophilus • A New Small Montane Species of Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Gunung Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo)

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Pangupterus liui Lü, Liu, Pan & Shen, 2016  geojournals.cn

 Abstract

Pangupterus liui gen. et sp. nov. from the Jiufotang Formation of Sihedang, Lingyuan City, Liaoning Province is erected based on a nearly complete lower jaw. It is characterized by having a total of 36 slender curved teeth with sharp tips, forming a distinct fish-grabbing mechanism; the teeth are well-spaced and are circular in section; the length ratio of the mandibular symphysis to the whole jaw is 20%; and the ratio of the tooth root width to tooth length is 12%. Toothed pterosaurs make up about 56.3% of the pterosaur assemblage from the Jiufotang Formation, which indicates that toothed forms played a key role in the ecosystem.

Key words: Pterosauria; Pangupterus; Jiufotang Formation; western Liaoning

Lü Junchang, Liu Cunyu, Pan Lijun and Shen Caizhi. 2016. A New Pterodactyloid Pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous of the western part of Liaoning Province, northeastern China. [J].Acta Geologica Sinica. 90(3); 777-782. 

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