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[Paleontology • 2015] Lohuecosuchus megadontos • New Crocodyliforms from Southwestern Europe and Definition of a Diverse Clade of European Late Cretaceous Basal Eusuchians

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 Lohuecosuchus megadontos
 Narváez, Brochu, Escaso, Pérez-García and Ortega, 2015



Abstract

The late Campanian-early Maastrichtian site of Lo Hueco (Cuenca, Spain) has provided a set of well-preserved crocodyliform skull and lower jaw remains, which are described here and assigned to a new basal eusuchian taxon, Lohuecosuchus megadontos gen. et sp. nov. The reevaluation of a complete skull from the synchronous site of Fox-Amphoux (Department of Var, France) allows us to define a second species of this new genus. Phylogenetic analysis places Lohuecosuchus in a clade exclusively composed by European Late Cretaceous taxa. This new clade, defined here as Allodaposuchidae, is recognized as the sister group of Hylaeochampsidae, also comprised of European Cretaceous forms. Allodaposuchidae and Hylaeochampsidae are grouped in a clade identified as the sister group of Crocodylia, the only crocodyliform lineage that reaches our days. Allodaposuchidae shows a vicariant distribution pattern in the European Late Cretaceous archipelago, with several Ibero-Armorican forms more closely related to each other than with to Romanian Allodaposuchus precedens.

Systematic Paleontology

Crocodylomorpha
Crocodyliformes

Eusuchia

Allodaposuchidae clade nov.
Type species: Allodaposuchus precedens 

Definition: Allodaposuchus precedens and all crocodyliforms more closely related to it than to Hylaeochampsa vectiana, Shamosuchus djadochtaensis, Borealosuchus sternbergii, Planocrania datangensis, Alligator mississippiensis, Crocodylus niloticus, or Gavialis gangeticus.

Included species: Allodaposuchus precedens; Massaliasuchus affuvelensis; Musturzabalsuchus buffetauti; Arenysuchus gascabadiolorum; Allodaposuchus subjuniperus; Allodaposuchus palustris; Allodaposuchus hulki, Lohuecosuchus megadontos sp. nov.; Lohuecosuchus mechinorum sp. nov.

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Iván Narváez, Christopher A. Brochu, Fernando Escaso, Adán Pérez-García and Francisco Ortega. 2015. New Crocodyliforms from Southwestern Europe and Definition of a Diverse Clade of European Late Cretaceous Basal Eusuchians. PLoS ONE. 10(11): e0140679. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140679

 Lohuecosuchus megadontos 
Narváez, Brochu, Escaso, Pérez-García and Ortega, 2015
   DOI: 
10.1371/journal.pone.0140679 


[Ornithology / Behaviour • 2016] Evidence that Birds Sleep in Mid-Flight

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Frigatebirds reaches a wingspan of over two meters. They are excellent gliders and can cover several hundred kilometers a day.
photo: B. Voirin    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12468  

Abstract
Many birds fly non-stop for days or longer, but do they sleep in flight and if so, how? It is commonly assumed that flying birds maintain environmental awareness and aerodynamic control by sleeping with only one eye closed and one cerebral hemisphere at a time. However, sleep has never been demonstrated in flying birds. Here, using electroencephalogram recordings of great frigatebirds (Fregata minor) flying over the ocean for up to 10 days, we show that they can sleep with either one hemisphere at a time or both hemispheres simultaneously. Also unexpectedly, frigatebirds sleep for only 0.69 h d−1 (7.4% of the time spent sleeping on land), indicating that ecological demands for attention usually exceed the attention afforded by sleeping unihemispherically. In addition to establishing that birds can sleep in flight, our results challenge the view that they sustain prolonged flights by obtaining normal amounts of sleep on the wing.

Figure 1: Measuring the brain state and flight mode of flying frigatebirds.
 (a) Great frigatebird Fregata minor with a head-mounted data logger for recording the electroencephalogram (EEG) from both cerebral hemispheres and head acceleration in three dimensions. A back-mounted GPS logger recorded position and altitude. Photo: B.V. (b) Overhead view of a great frigatebird skull showing (1) the position of the cranial bulge (shaded grey) overlying the hyperpallium of each hemisphere, (2) the position of the epidural electrodes (red dots, EEG; green dot, ground) and (3) the data logger (black rectangle) just posterior to the naso-frontal hinge (arrow). Scale bar is 10 mm. (c) All GPS tracks for individual birds coded with different colours. The Galapagos Islands are outlined with black lines and the study site (Genovesa) is marked by a star. Ocean depth (m) is coded with grey scale. (d) High temporal resolution (1 Hz) 10 min flight trajectory recorded with GPS from a frigatebird (see Supplementary Movie 1 for 3D visualization) showing the circling (soaring) and straight (gliding) flight modes typical of Fregatidae13 (Methods). (e) Altitude, ground speed and airspeed (computed from the GPS data in (d)), tangential and centripetal (radial) low-pass filtered acceleration, and the absolute value of total acceleration (measured by an accelerometer) for the flight in (d). 



Niels C Rattenborg, Bryson Voirin, Sebastian M. Cruz, Ryan Tisdale, Giacomo Dell’Omo, Hans-Peter Lipp, Martin Wikelski and Alexei L. Vyssotski. 2016. Evidence that Birds Sleep in Mid-Flight. Nature Communications. 7: 12468. DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12468 

First evidence of sleep in flight
Birds engage in all types of sleep in flight, but in remarkably small amounts

[Herpetology • 2016] Species Boundaries and Taxonomy of the African River Frogs (Pyxicephalidae: Amietia)

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 Amietia delalandii  
(Duméril & Bibron, 1841)


Abstract

A molecular phylogeny of the Afrotropical anuran genus Amietia based on 323 16S sequences indicates that there are 19 species, including four not yet described. No genetic material was available for the nominal A. inyangae. We consider them to represent full species, and define them based on 16S genetic distances, as well as differences in morphology, tadpoles and advertisement call where known. An analysis based on two mitochondrial and two nuclear genes (12S, 16S, 28S and tyrosinase exon 1), from 122 samples, confirmed the phylogenetic relationships suggested by the 16S tree. We recognise and (re-) describe the following species: Amietia angolensis (Bocage, 1866), A. chapini (Noble, 1924), A. delalandii (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), A. desaegeri (Laurent, 1972), A. fuscigula (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), A. hymenopus (Boulenger, 1920), A. inyangae (Poynton, 1966), A. johnstoni (Günther, 1893), A. moyerorum sp. nov., A. nutti (Boulenger, 1896), A. poyntoni Channing & Baptista, 2013, A. ruwenzorica (Laurent, 1972), A. tenuoplicata (Pickersgill, 2007), A. vandijki (Visser & Channing, 1997), A. vertebralis (Hewitt, 1927), and A. wittei (Angel, 1924). Three further candidate species of Larson et al. (2016) await formal naming. We provisionally regard A. amieti (Laurent, 1976) as a junior synonym of A. chapini (Noble, 1924). Amietia lubrica (Pickersgill, 2007) is shown to be a junior synonym of A. nutti, while A. quecketti (Boulenger, 1895) is shown to be a junior synonym of A. delalandii (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), and A. viridireticulata (Pickersgill, 2007) is placed as a junior synonym of A. tenuoplicata (Pickersgill, 2007). On the basis of similarity of 16S sequences, we assign A. sp. 1, A. sp. 3 and A. sp. 6 of Larson et al (2016) to the nomina A. chapini (Noble, 1924), A. desaegeri (Laurent, 1972), and A. nutti (Boulenger, 1896) respectively.

Keywords: Amphibia, Africa, Amietia, molecular phylogeny, haplotypes, advertisement calls, tadpoles, new species, Amietia moyerorum sp. nov.



 A. Channing, J.M. Dehling, S. Lötters and R. Ernst. 2016.  Species Boundaries and Taxonomy of the African River Frogs (Amphibia: Pyxicephalidae: Amietia). Zootaxa.  4155(1); 1–76. 

Larson, T.R., Castro, D., Behangana, M. and Greenbaum, E. 2016. Evolutionary History of the River Frog Genus Amietia (Anura: Pyxicephalidae) reveals Extensive Diversification in Central African Highlands. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 99, 168–181.  DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.03.017

Ninda Lara Baptista. 2011. A review of Amietia angolensis (Bocage, 1866) and Amietia fuscigula (Duméril and Bibron, 1841) (Anura: Pyxicephalidae), using morphology and advertisement calls

[Herpetology • 2015] Rediscovery and Redescription of Theloderma phrynoderma (Ahl, 1927) (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Myanmar

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Theloderma phrynoderma (Ahl, 1927)adult male 

 DOI: 10.1643/CH-14-130  

Theloderma is a widely distributed yet little-known genus of camouflaged tree frogs found throughout Southeast Asia. One member, T. phrynoderma, known only from the moist evergreen forest of the Karen Hills of Myanmar, is redescribed from two recently collected specimens and examination of type specimens. To date the only information available about T. phrynoderma is Boulenger’s brief 1893 description of two type specimens collected in 1888, and phylogenetic analyses to test its placement among other species of Theloderma is lacking due to an absence of specimens. In the present study, we compared two individuals collected in 2009 and 2010 from the Tanintharyi Nature Reserve to the type specimens of T. phrynoderma and proposed that they are also members of this species. We then used two mitochondrial genes (12S and 16S rRNA) and two nuclear genes (rhodopsin and tyrosinase) to infer the phylogenetic relationship of the putative T. phrynoderma to other members of Rhacophoridae, with a special emphasis on Theloderma. The recently collected individuals are of the same species within Theloderma but distinct from all other DNA sequenced congeners. The species redescription is based on a comparison of the newly found reference specimens with the lectotype and paralectotype. In addition, using a combination of morphological characters we provide a more complete diagnosis. The species is distinct from other congeners by a combination of the following characters: a mid-body size (female 44 mm SVL; male mean 41.3 mm SVL); tympanum diameter to eye diameter (70%); partial webbing between fingers; rugose skin with clumped, white-tipped calcified tubercles throughout the dorsal surface; webbing between fingers; distinct darker brown inverted V-marking between its shoulders; absence of vomerine teeth; and absence of vocal sacs.



Redescription of Theloderma phrynoderma (Ahl, 1927)
Figures 6–10; Table 3
Phrynoderma asperum Boulenger, 1893:342.
Rhacophorus phrynoderma Ahl, 1927:47.
Rhacophorus (Phrynoderma) phrynoderma Ahl, 1931:60.
Rhacophorus (Rhacophorus) leprosus phrynoderma Wolf, 1936:158.
Theloderma phrynoderma Inger, 1985:550.


Geographic distribution.—This species is known from two localities in Myanmar (Fig. 1). The lectotype and paralectotype were collected in Thao, at an elevation of 1,300–1,400 a.s.l. The collected reference specimens were collected at a lower elevation of 59–82 a.s.l. from two sites in the TNR of northern Tanintharyi Division. Although separated by approximately 550 km, the Thao collection locality and Tanintharyi collection localities lie within a contiguous tropical-subtropical moist evergreen forest ecoregion (Olson et al., 2001).


Dever, Jennifer A., Hai Nguyen and Jeffery A. Wilkinson. 2015. Rediscovery and Redescription of Theloderma phrynoderma (Ahl, 1927) (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Myanmar. Copeia. 103 (2): 402-415. DOI: 10.1643/CH-14-130

[Entomology • 2016] Three New Ground Wētā Species; Hemiandrus luna, H. brucei & H. nox and A Redescription of Hemiandrus maculifrons

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Hemiandrus brucei 
 Taylor-Smith, Trewick& Morgan-Richards, 2016


ABSTRACT

Taxonomy lies at the heart of species conservation, yet many large New Zealand orthopterans remain undescribed. Among New Zealand’s anostostomatid wētā, Hemiandrus (ground wētā) is the most speciose genus but also the most poorly characterised and thus most in need of taxonomic and ecological work. Here we redescribe H. maculifrons and describe two new species of ground wētā previously encompassed by the specific name Hemiandrus maculifrons: Hemiandrus luna sp. nov. and H. brucei sp. nov. We also describe a morphologically similar and related species, Hemiandrus nox sp. nov.

KEYWORDS: Anostostomatidae, Hemiandrus, Orthoptera, species complex, wētā, 




B.L. Taylor-Smith, S.A. Trewick and M. Morgan-Richards. 2016.  Three New Ground Wētā Species and A Redescription of Hemiandrus maculifronsNEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY.  DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2016.1205109 
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:71EA0879-A2F9-46B2-A105-E97A9AB25061 http://zoobank.org/References/71EA0879-A2F9-46B2-A105-E97A9AB25061


[Botany • 2016] Tradescantia schwirkowskiana • A Narrow Endemic New Species (Commelinaceae) from Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and Typification of T. crassula

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Tradescantia schwirkowskiana 

Abstract

This contribution presents and describes Tradescantia schwirkowskiananarrow endemic new species from Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. We assess here the conservation status of this new species as critically endangered, according to the IUCN criteria. We present here a complete description, illustrations and comments on the new species, along with an identification key to the species of Tradescantia that occur in Santa Catarina. Furthermore, we designate here a lectotype and an epitype for T. crassula, the morphologically-closest species to T. schwirkowskiana.

Keywords: Commelinales, taxonomy, threatened species, Tradescantia crassula, typification, Monocots




Luís Adriano Funez, Gustavo Hassemer and João Paulo Ramos Ferreira. 2016. Description of Tradescantia schwirkowskiana (Commelinaceae), A Narrow Endemic New Species from Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and Typification of T. crassula.
Phytotaxa.  272(1); 63–72.   DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.272.1.3


[Ornithology • 2016] Genomic Variation Across the Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) Species Complex

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The four forms of Yellow-rumped Warbler, Setophaga coronata, have distinct breeding ranges, with a narrow hybrid zone between Myrtle and Audubon's in western Canada. The researchers suggest that Myrtle, Audubon's and Goldman's are separate species. It's equivocal whether Black-fronted should be treated as a separate species or a subspecies of Audubon's. 
Image by David Toews.    AllAboutBirds.org    

 ABSTRACT
Populations that have experienced long periods of geographic isolation will diverge over time. The application of high-throughput sequencing technologies to study the genomes of related taxa now allows us to quantify, at a fine scale, the consequences of this divergence across the genome. Throughout a number of studies, a notable pattern has emerged. In many cases, estimates of differentiation across the genome are strongly heterogeneous; however, the evolutionary processes driving this striking pattern are still unclear. Here we quantified genomic variation across several groups within the Yellow-rumped Warbler species complex (Setophaga spp.), a group of North and Central American wood warblers. We showed that genomic variation is highly heterogeneous between some taxa and that these regions of high differentiation are relatively small compared to those in other study systems. We found that the clusters of highly differentiated markers between taxa occur in gene-rich regions of the genome and exhibit low within-population diversity. We suggest these patterns are consistent with selection, shaping genomic divergence in similar genomic regions across the different populations. Our study also confirms previous results relying on fewer genetic markers that several of the phenotypically distinct groups in the system are also genomically highly differentiated, likely to the point of full species status.

Keywords: evolutionary genomics, hybridization, gene flow, genotyping-by-sequencing, speciation, natural selection


The Myrtle form breeds in eastern and northern North America. The male's white throat distinguishes it from the three other forms, along with other differences.  
Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar via Birdshare.  flic.kr/p/bMAM4V



David P. L. Toews, Alan Brelsford, Christine Grossen, Borja Milá, and Darren E. Irwin. 2016. Genomic Variation Across the Yellow-rumped Warbler Species Complex  [Variación genómica a través del complejo de especies de Setophaga coronata]. The Auk. 133(4); 698-717.  DOI: 10.1642/AUK-16-61.1

'Butterbutt' warbler is likely three different species, DNA reveals http://phy.so/391335540 via @physorg_com
Goodbye, Yellow-Rump: Will We See A Return To Myrtle And Audubon’s Warblers?


RESUMEN: Las poblaciones que han experimentado largos periodos de aislamiento geográfico se diferenciarán con el paso del tiempo. La aplicación de tecnologías de secuenciación de alto rendimiento para el estudio de los genomas de taxones relacionados ahora nos permite cuantificar a escala fina las consecuencias de esta divergencia s través del genoma. Luego de numerosos estudios emerge un patrón notable: en muchos casos los estimados de diferenciación a través del genoma son fuertemente heterogéneos. Sin embargo, los procesos evolutivos que gobiernan este patrón aún no son claros. En este estudio cuantificamos la variación genómica a través de varios grupos dentro del complejo de especies de Setophaga coronata, un grupo de reinitas de Norte y Centroamérica. Mostramos que la variación genómica es altamente heterogénea entre algunos de los taxones y que las regiones de alta diferenciación son relativamente pequeñas en comparación con otros sistemas de estudio. Encontramos que las agrupaciones de marcadores áltamente diferenciados entre taxones se encuentran en regiones del genoma ricas en genes y también muestran baja diversidad intrapoblacional. Sugerimos que estos patrones son consistentes con un efecto de procesos de selección natural sobre la divergencia genómica en regiones genómicas similares a través de las diferentes poblaciones. Nuestro estudio también confirma resultados previos basados en pocos marcadores genéticos en los que se determinó que muchos de los grupos fenotípicamente distintos en este sistema también están áltamente diferenciados en sus genomas, probablemente al punto en que pueden ser consideradas con el estatus de especie.

Palabras clave: especiación, flujo genético, genómica evolutiva, genotipado por secuenciación, hibridación, selección natural




D. P. L. Toews, A. Brelsford and D. E. Irwin. 2014. Isotopic variation across the Audubon's–Myrtle warbler hybrid zone. Journal of Evolutionary Biology. 27(6); 1179-1191. DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12392 

[Arachnida • 2016] The Goblin Spider Genus Ischnothyreus (Araneae, Oonopidae) in Java and Sumatra

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Abstract

The genus Ischnothyreus Simon, 1893 from Java and Sumatra is revised with the description of seven new species from Java (I. baltenspergerae sp. nov., I. bauri sp. nov.I. gigeri sp. nov.I. ligulatus sp. nov., I. nentwigorum sp. nov.I. sigridae sp. nov.I. ujungkulon sp. nov.) and eight from Sumatra (I. ascifer sp. nov.I. concavus sp. nov.I. habeggeri sp. nov.I. haymozi sp. nov.I. lucidus sp. nov.I. marggii sp. nov.I. microphthalmus sp. nov., I. obscurus sp. nov.). Furthermore the male of I. serpentinum Saaristo, 2001 is described for the first time and the female redescribed in detail. Special morphological features of Ischnothyreus males and females are described and discussed, such as peculiar trochanter projections, partially fused pedipalp segments, processes on the cheliceral fang base in males and external and internal genitalic structures in females. This work is part of the Planetary Biodiversity Inventory (PBI) of goblin spiders (http://research.amnh.org/oonopidae/).

Keywords: Araneae, Genitalia, morphology, PBI




 Miguel Richard, Werner Graber and Christian Kropf. 2016. The Goblin Spider Genus Ischnothyreus (Araneae, Oonopidae) in Java and Sumatra.
 Zootaxa. 4151(1); 1-99.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4151.1



[Botany • 2014] Argostemma glabra • A New Species (Rubiaceae) from Vietnam

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Argostemma glabra 
  Joongku Lee, T.B. Tran & R.K. Choudhary


Argostemma glabra Joongku Lee, T.B. Tran & R.K. Choudhary, a new species of Rubiaceae from Khanh Hoa Province of Vietnam is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to A. apiculatum, but differs in its creeping habit, 4–6 flowered inflorescence, bigger and triangular bracts, smaller peduncle, bigger and broadly triangular calyx lobes, and non-apiculate and smaller corolla. Color photographs, a line drawing and a taxonomic key are provided to facilitate identification.


 Fig. 1.Argostemma glabra. — A : Habit. — B : Glabrous stem. — C : Ven- tral view of plant showing inflorescence. – D : Dorsal view of plant showing pale green leaves — E and F : Adaxial and abaxial view of leaf. — G : Stem show- ing an anisophyllous leaf pair (reduced leaf and pet- iole of normal leaf). — H : Flower showing glabrous calyx. — I : Opened flower showing anther cone. — J : Non-apiculate corolla lobe.


Ritesh Kumar Choudhary, Tran The Bach, Do Van Hai, Bui Hong Quang, Sang-Hong Park, Changyoung Lee and Joongku Lee. 2014. Argostemma glabra (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Vietnam. Annales Botanici Fennici. 50(4); 258-262. DOI: 10.5735/086.050.0408

[Herpetology • 2011] On Recent Sightings of A Little-known south Indian Toad, Duttaphrynus hololius (Günther, 1876) with Notes on Its Morphological Characterization and Ecology

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Abstract 
Duttaphrynus hololius (Günther, 1876), a rarely-sighted, endemic toad species known only from a few documented specimens was re-sighted in Devarabetta, Krishnagiri dt., Eastern Ghats hill range, Tamil Nadu state, southern India. Data from our four live, uncollected conspecifics are provided to update and expand the external morphological characterization of this species. In-life colouration and baseline ecological data are provided herein for the first time. Possible extent of distribution of this species and some issues regarding its sighting records in the past are also discussed.

Keywords. In-life colouration, expanded characterization, natural history, distribution.



Sumaithangi Rajagopalan Chandramouli, Sumaithangi Rajagopalan Ganesh and Nagarajan Baskaran. 2011. On Recent Sightings of A Little-known south Indian Toad, Duttaphrynus hololius (Günther, 1876) with Notes on Its Morphological Characterization and Ecology.  Herpetology Notes. 4; 271-274.   http://www.asiannature.org/sites/default/files/2011%20Little%20known%20South%20Indian%20Toad%20Herpetology.pdf 


[Herpetology • 2016] Pristimantis pulchridormientes • A New Species of Frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura, Craugastoridae) from Tingo María National Park, Huánuco Department, central Peru

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Pristimantis pulchridormientes  
 Chávez & Catenazzi, 2016


Abstract
A new species of Craugastoridae frog encountered from 1000–1700 m in elevation in the premontane forests of the Peruvian central Andes is described. The new species is similar in appearance to many other species of Pristimantis, but is easily distinguishable from these species by having bright red coloration on the groin, posterior surface of thighs, and shanks. The new species is only known for two localities 27 km apart in the Huánuco Region.

Keywords: Amphibian, Andes, Craugastoridae, premontane forests, taxonomy


Figure 2. Dorsolateral and ventral views (A, B) of the holotype of Pristimantis pulchridormientes sp. n., male CORBIDI 15578, SVL = 21.9 mm, showing detail of (C) coloration on shanks and thighs.
 Photographs by G. Chávez.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.610.8507 

Pristimantis pulchridormientes sp. n.

Proposed standard English name: Sleeping Beauty Rain Frog
Proposed standard Spanish name: Rana de lluvia de la Bella Durmiente

Diagnosis: 
The new species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: (1) skin on dorsum finely shagreen, that on venter areolate, discoidal fold absent, dorsolateral folds absent; (2) tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus distinct, weak supratympanic fold covering dorsal and posterior edges of tympanum, horizontal diameter of eye 3x the diameter of tympanum; (3) snout acuminate in dorsal view, truncated and posteroventrally inclined in lateral view, canthus rostralis weakly concave in dorsal view, angular in lateral view, loreal region concave, rostral papilla absent; (4) upper eyelid lacking tubercles, cranial crests absent; (5) dentigerous process of vomers absent; (6) males with vocal sacs and vocal slits, nuptial excrescences absent; (7) finger I and finger II of equal length, fingers II and III bearing rounded discs about 1.5 times wider than digits, finger IV bearing a rounded disc about twice as wide as its digit; (8) fingers with narrow lateral fringes; (9) antebrachial tubercle absent; (10) ulnar and tarsal tubercles absent (11) inner metatarsal tubercle oval twice as long as round outer metatarsal tubercle, low supernumerary plantar tubercles at the base of toes I, II, and III; (12) toes with narrow lateral fringes, webbing absent, toe V longer than toe III; (13) in life, males with dorsum creamy yellow or yellowish brown with dark blotches; canthal stripe creamy white extending to the orbits; throat yellow; belly creamy white; groins, posterior surfaces of thighs, and shanks bright red; iris cream with brown flecks; (14) SVL in adult males 19.1–21.9 mm; SVL in females unknown.

Pristimantis pulchridormientes   Chávez & Catenazzi, 2016 

Figure 2. Dorsolateral and ventral views (A, B) of the holotype of Pristimantis pulchridormientes sp. n., male CORBIDI 15578, SVL = 21.9 mm, showing detail of (C) coloration on shanks and thighs.
Figure 4. Dorsolateral and ventral views of two paratopotypes of Pristimantis pulchridormientes sp. n. showing detail of coloration on shanks and thighs. Male CORBIDI 15563 (A–C), SVL = 21.0 mm. Male CORBIDI 15565 (D–F), SVL = 21.5 mm.

 Photographs by G. Chávez.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.610.8507 

Etymology: The name is composed of two words in Latin, “pulcher” which means beautiful, and “dormientes” = sleeping, in reference to the chain of mountains located within Tingo María National Park, above the city of Tingo Maria, locally known as Sleeping Beauty (Bella Durmiente), because it looks like a sleeping reclined woman (Figure 6A).




Germán Chávez and Alessandro Catenazzi. 2016. A New Species of Frog of the Genus Pristimantis from Tingo María National Park, Huánuco Department, central Peru (Anura, Craugastoridae). ZooKeys. 610: 113-130.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.610.8507


Resumen: Describimos una nueva especie de rana de la familia Craugastoridae de los bosques premontanos de los Andes centrales peruanos, los especímenes fueron encontrados entre los 1000 – 1700 metros de elevación. Esta especie es similar en apariencia a muchas especies de Pristimantis, sin embargo es facilmente distinguible por tener ingles, superficie posterior de los muslos y de la tibia rojo brillante. La nueva especie es conocida solo de dos localidades en la Región Huánuco, ambas separadas por alrededor de 27 km.

Palabras clave: Anfibio, bosques premontanos, Craugastoridae, Andes, taxonomía


[Arachnida • 2016] Aetius decollatus • On the Type Species of the Genus Aetius O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1896 (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae): The First Description of Male with Notes on Cymbial Notch and Mating Plug

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Aetius decollatus 
O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1896 

Abstract 

The rare ant mimicking sac spider genus Aetius was erected by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1896 based on an unspecified number of female specimen(s) collected from Sri Lanka. The type species of the genus, A. decollatus O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1896, has been redescribed twice based on the holotype (Majumder & Tikader 1991; Deeleman-Reinhold 2001). Reimoser (1934) recorded the genus for the first time from India, who collected a male specimen from Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu State of southern India. This specimen was identified as A. decollatus, but it was never formally described and was later recognised to be a penultimate male (Dankittipakul & Singtripop 2013). Deeleman-Reinhold (2001) described the second representative of the genus, A. nocturnus, based on a single female specimen from Borneo, 105 years after the establishment of the genus. Dankittipakul & Singtripop (2013) described the male of A.nocturnus, thereby revealing the male genitalia of the genus, but the type species was still known only from the female sex.

Keywords: Araneae, Corinnidae, Castianeirinae



 Puthoor Pattammal Sudhin,  Karunnappilli Shamsudheen Nafin, Zoë Simmons and Ambalaparambil Vasu Sudhikumar. 2016. On the Type Species of the Genus Aetius O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1896: The First Description of Male with Notes on Cymbial Notch and Mating Plug (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae). Zootaxa.  4154(4); 489–500.   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4154.4.9


[Ichthyology • 2016] Periophthalmus pusing • A New Species of Periophthalmus (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia

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 Periophthalmus pusing  
Jaafar, Polgar & Zamroni, 2016
 
LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg

Abstract

 We describe Periophthalmus pusing sp. nov., a mudskipper species from the Lesser Sunda Islands. This species closely resembles, and was previously identified as, its congener Periophthalmus gracilis Eggert, 1935. A black spot on the posterior portion of the first dorsal fin, a diagnostic character for P. gracilis, is also present in the new species, and thus led to the earlier confusion. Adults of Periophthalmus pusing sp. nov. (> 30 mm SL) differ from those of Periophthalmus gracilis in having XI–XV spines in the first dorsal-fin (vs. VI–XII in P. gracilis), first dorsal fin taller than depth of body at anus (first dorsal fin shorter than depth of body at anus in Periophthalmus gracilis), interdorsal distance less than half the length of the first dorsal-fin spine (interdorsal distance more than half the length of the first dorsal-fin spine in Periophthalmus gracilis).

Key words. Oxudercinae, mudskipper, cryptic species, ichthyofauna, Sumba Island.




Diagnosis. Adult Periophthalmus pusing sp. nov. are distinguished from all congeners with the following suite of characters: pelvic frenum absent; pelvic fins separate for the entire length; a black spot posteriorly on first dorsal fin, spot usually between ninth and the ultimate spine; first dorsal fin
taller than second dorsal fin; interdorsal distance less than half the length of the first dorsal-fin spine. First dorsal-fin elements XI–XV; second dorsal-fin elements I, 10–I, 12; anal-fin elements I, 10–I, 12; pectoral-fin elements 10–12; longitudinal scale rows 42–54; predorsal midline 14–19.


Etymology. The specific epithet ‘pusing’, meaning ‘giddy’ in Indonesian, is the common name used by the coastal people of the Lesser Sunda Islands to refer to Periophthalmus mudskippers. These fishes are known as ‘Ikan Pusing’ (Indonesian: ikan=fish, pusing=giddy), as it is believed that consuming these fishes causes headaches and giddiness.

Distribution. Presently known to occur only on the island of Sumba, Indonesia (Fig. 4).

Field notes: The general locality in which this mudskipper was found—Kawangu—is a tide-dominated coastal system with relatively low wave action. Within the mangrove forest, P. pusing sp. nov. was found in a variety of microhabitat types in seaward and higher mangrove areas as well as within, and on sloping banks of tidal creeks. This species was syntopic with two congeners: Periophthalmus argentilineatus and Periophthalmus malaccensis. 


    

Zeehan Jaafar, Gianluca Polgar and Yuliadi Zamroni. 2016. Description of A New Species of Periophthalmus (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Lesser Sunda Islands. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 64; 278–283.  

  

[Herpetology • 2014] Leptolalax laui • A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Southern China

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Lau’s Leaf Litter Toad | Leptolalax laui
Sung, Yang & Wang, 2014

Abstract
 A new species, Leptolalax laui sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected from Hong Kong and Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from other known congeners by morphological and molecular data. The new species is characterized by the following characters: 1) small size (adult males SVL 24.8.1 mm−26.7 mm); 2) near immaculate creamy white chest and belly; 3) broad lateral fringes on toes; 4) head longer or as long as wide; 5) distinct dark brown spots in flank; 6) moderate dermal fringes on fingers; 7) brown or reddish-brown dorsum with fine round scattered tubercles; 8) thin traverse brownish-grey bars on the dorsal surface of tibia and lower arms; 9) longitudinal ridges under toes not interrupted at the articulations.

Keywords: Leptolalax laui sp. nov., morphology, mitochondrial DNA, taxonomy




Diagnosis: The new species is assigned to the subgenus Lalos of the genus Leptolalax based on the following characteristics: small size, rounded finger tips, presence of an elevated inner palmar tubercle not continuous to the thumb, presence of supra-axillary, pectoral, femoral and ventrolateral glands, absence of vomerine teeth, presence of tubercles on eyelids and vertical bars on anterior tip of snout (Delorme et al., 2006; Dubois, 1983; Lathrop et al., 1998). Leptolalax laui sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of 1) medium size (SVL 24.8 mm – 26.7 mm in adult males and 28.1 mm in single adult female), 2) near immaculate creamy-white chest and belly, 3) broad lateral fringes on toes, 4) head longer or as long as wide, 5) distant dark brown spots in flank, 6) moderate dermal fringes on fingers, 7) brown or reddish brown dorsum with fine round scattered tubercles, 8) thin traverse brownish grey bars on the dorsal surface of tibia and lower arms, 9) longitudinal ridges under toes not interrupted at the articulations.  

Etymology: This new species is named in honor of Dr. Michael Wai-Neng Lau from Hong Kong for his longterm herpetological research and conservation in Asia, particularly in South China. As a common name we suggest “Lau’s Leaf Litter Toad” (English name).

Ecology: The species can be found in streams in secondary forests between 100–800 m elevation. Advertisement calls of males of L. laui sp. nov. can be heard in streams from February to September in Hong Kong. Calling males were usually observed within two meters from streams.

Distribution and conservation status:Leptolalax laui sp. nov. is known to occur in a number of sites, including Tai Mo Shan, Tai Po Kau, Shing Mun, Ho Chung, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Sunset Peak, Lantau Peak, in Hong Kong, as well as Wutongshan National Forest Park, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province; yet the exact distribution of this species in China is unknown. With limited information on the distribution of this species, we recommend the species should be listed as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.


Yikhei SUNG, Jianhuan YANG and Yingyong WANG. 2014. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Southern China. Asian Herpetological Research. 5(2): 80–90

[Herpetology • 2012] Dendrelaphis nigroserratus • A New Species of Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Thailand and Myanmar

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Dendrelaphis nigroserratus   
Vogel, Rooijen & Hauser, 2012 

Abstract
A new species of the colubrid genus Dendrelaphis Boulenger 1890 is described. Dendrelaphis nigroserratus sp. nov. occurs in a part of West Thailand as well as in the extreme south of Myanmar. Morphologically, D. nigroserratus sp. nov. is similar to D. cyanochloris (Wall, 1921) with which it occurs sympatrically. It is distinguished from the latter by its highly conspicuous neck coloration, high incidence of paired postparietal shields and its much larger size. In coloration, it resembles
D. striatus (Cohn, 1906) from which it is distinguished by several aspects of its morphology. The discovery of D. nigroserratus sp. nov. underscores the notion that the hilly western parts of Thailand are in need of further exploration.

Key words:Dendrelaphis cyanochloris, Dendrelaphis nigroserratus sp. nov., Dendrelaphis striatus, Indochina, Southeast Asia, taxonomy




Proposed Thai name: ngu sai man kho dok lueai si dam– งูสายม่านคอดอกเลื่อยสีดำ, งูสายคอฟันเลื่อย


G. Vogel, J.V. Rooijen and S. Hauser. 2012. A New Species of Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Thailand and Myanmar. Zootaxa. 3392; 35-46. 



[Botany • 2009] Blakea attenboroughii • A New Species (Melastomataceae: Blakeeae) from Tungurahua, Ecuador

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Blakea attenboroughii  Penneys 

Abstract
Blakea attenboroughii, a new Ecuadorian endemic is described, illustrated, and com-pared with several allied species, including B. truncata, B. harlingii, and B. brasiliensis. The new species is remarkable for its outer floral bracts that are large, foliaceous, distinctly keeled, decurrent, and basally adpressed to each other, and also for having lavender-to blue-colored anthers. Blakea (Melastomataceae: Blakeeae) is a Neotropical genus comprised of ca. 100 species of woody root climbers, shrubs, and trees that may be terrestrial, hemiepiphytic, or epiphytic (Almeda 2000). Found from Mexico to Bolivia, including several species in the Antilles, these berry-fruited plants are characterized by their solitary to fascicled, axillary flowers, that are subtended by two pairs of decussate bracts, and laterally compressed anthers (Penneys 2007). The species proposed here is currently known only from the type locality within the Reserva Ecológica Cerro Candelaria (Fundación EcoMinga), Tungurahua, Ecuador. This species is distinctive for having large, keeled, and foliaceous outer floral bracts that are basally decurrent and adpressed to each other, as well as for having lavender-to blue-colored anthers. This combination of characters is unique in the genus. Blakea attenboroughii Penneys, sp. nov.





 Penneys, Darin S. and Jost, Lou. 2009. Blakea attenboroughii (Melastomataceae: Blakeeae): A New Species from Ecuador. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences. 60(1): 69-72.


[Entomology • 2016] Cerapanorpa, A New Genus of Panorpidae (Insecta: Mecoptera) from China, with Descriptions of Three New Species

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Cerapanorpa obtusa  
(Cheng, 1949)  

Abstract

A new genus of Panorpidae (Mecoptera), Cerapanorpa gen. nov., is erected with Panorpa obtusa Cheng, 1949 as its type species. The new genus can be readily recognized by having a single digitate anal horn on the posterior edge of tergum VI in males, and a broad main plate bearing two pairs of basal plates at the genital plate and a well-developed elongate axis in females. Nineteen described species are transferred from Panorpa Linnaeus, 1758 to the new genus. In addition, three new species, Cerapanorpa liupanshana sp. nov., Cerapanorpa protrudens sp. nov. and Cerapanorpa sinuata sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Panorpa alticolaZhou, 2000syn. nov. is regarded as a junior synonym of P. obtusaCheng, 1949. A key to genera of Panorpidae is updated to include the new genus. A key to species of Cerapanorpa is also presented.

Keywords: Mecoptera, Insecta, Panorpidae, Panorpa, Oriental Region, Palearctic Region, East Asia, China


Chao Gao and Bao-Zhen Hua. 2016. Cerapanorpa, A New Genus of Panorpidae (Insecta: Mecoptera) with Descriptions of Three New Species.
Zootaxa. 4158(1); 93–104. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4158.1.5

[Botany • 2015] Gastrodia madagascariensis • from An Historical Designation to A Description of A New Species (Gastrodieae, Orchidaceae) from Madagascar

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Gastrodia madagascariensis 
  H.Perrier ex Martos & Bytebier  
DOI: 
10.11646/phytotaxa.221.1.4

Abstract

Gastrodia madagascariensis, a leafless achlorophyllous orchid, is described and illustrated here. The epithet was originally coined by Perrier de la Bâthie in 1939 for fruiting material found on the eastern coastal plain of Madagascar more than a century ago, but the name was never validly published. This new species is closely related to G. similis from Reunion Island, from which it can be distinguished by the perianth tube spreading towards the apex, the shape of the column and stigma, and the flower colour. The achlorophyllous genus Gastrodia currently comprises five species in the tropical parts of the Afro-Madagascan region, one of which, G. africana, is possibly extinct. We provide an artificial key to distinguish them. In addition, there is also an extratropical species in continental Africa, the introduced G. sesamoides (very local near Cape Town, South Africa).

Keywords: Didymoplexis; Flora of Madagascar; myco-heterotrophy; Perrier de la Bâthie, Monocots, Madagascar


FIGURE 1. Gastrodia madagascariensis   H.Perrier ex Martos & Bytebier  
A. Habit; note the dark color of the peduncle contrasting with the whitish pedicels, and the dark colour of the perianth tube at the apex. B. Open flower, front view; note the perianth tube spreading towards the apex, and the reddish brown (bottom half) and light brown (top half) colour of the perianth tube on the inner surface. C. Open flower, three quarter view; note the emerald green colour of the lip tip and of two tubercular calli borne on the column-foot (also seen on B). D. Dehiscent capsules borne on elongated fruiting pedicels. E. Fusiform rhizome with fine adventitious roots.
Photographs: A.Charbouillot (A–C) and J.-M.Hervouet (D) DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.221.1.4 

Diagnosis:— Similar to Gastrodia similis Bosser (2006: 52), from which it can be distinguished by the perianth tube spreading towards the apex, the cordate stigma, and the emerald green lip colour.

Distribution and habitat:—Gastrodia madagascariensis is only known from Ambodiriana Forest near Manompana (Fig. 3). Here, it grows in evergreen, humid forest below 200 m and is more commonly found in the vicinity of the river Manompana and its tributaries.

Etymology:— The epithet madagascariensis refers to Madagascar, where this species is endemic.


Conclusion: 
Since the recent treatment of Gastrodia in Genera Orchidacearum (Kores et al. 2006), the number of species has increased considerably from approximately 20 to 50 species (Hsu & Kuo 2010, 2011, Yeh et al. 2011, Hsu et al. 2012, Tan et al. 2012, Suetsugu 2013, 2014, Hu et al. 2014), making it the most diverse genus in the orchid tribe Gastrodieae. In view of that, investigations into nuclear and mitochondrial markers that would suitably resolve the phylogenetic relationships between the Gastrodia species found in the Asia-Pacific and the Afro-Madagascan region are now needed.


Florent Martos, Steven D Johnson and Benny Bytebier. 2015. Gastrodia madagascariensis (Gastrodieae, Orchidaceae): from An Historical Designation to A Description of A New Species from Madagascar.
Phytotaxa. 221(1): 48–56. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.221.1.4


Résumé: Gastrodia madagascariensis, une orchidée aphylle non-chlorophyllienne, est décrite et illustrée ici. L’épithète fut initialement proposé par Perrier de la Bâthie en 1939 pour décrire une plante en fruit trouvée dans la même région côtière de Madagascar il y a plus d’un siècle, mais sa publication était alors invalide. Cette nouvelle espèce est proche de l’espèce G. similis endémique de l’Île de la Réunion, mais s’en distingue toutefois par un calice campanulé, la forme de la colonne et du stigmate, ainsi que la couleur de la fleur. Le gene non-chlorophyllien Gastrodia comprend aujourd’hui cinq espèces en Afrique tropicale et à Madagascar; l’une d’entre elles, G. africana, étant probablement éteinte. Une clé d’identification de ces espèces est proposée ici. De plus, on recense une sixième espèce sur le continent africain, c’est-à-dire l’espèce introduite G. sesamoides (près de la ville du Cap, Afrique du Sud).
Mots-clés: Didymoplexis; Flore de Madagascar; myco-hétérotrophie; Perrier de la Bâthie




[Ichthyology • 2005] Validity of the Scorpionfish Genus Hipposcorpaena and A Redescription of H. filamentosa Fowler (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae)

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Hipposcorpaena filamentosa  

Fowler, 1938 

The validity of the poorly known monotypic scorpionfish genus Hipposcorpaena Fowler is confirmed, and H. filamentosa Fowler is redescribed. The genus is characterized by the following characters: dorsal fin with 12 spines and 9 soft rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 6 soft rays; pectoral fin with 14 rays; lower pectoral fin rays slender, filamentous; longest ray extending well beyond vertical from posterior end of anal fin base; all dorsal and anal fin soft rays (except last ray of each fin divided into 2 at base), and all pectoral and caudal fin rays unbranched; head and body strongly compressed; body deep, depth 39.5%~41.2% of standard length; body covered with small cycloid scales; no palatine teeth; interorbital ridges present; tympanic spine present; posttemporal spine simple, lacking upper posttemporal spine; lower caudal fin with 1~4 distinct black spots, greater in width than orbit diameter; mature adult size at least 35.2 mm SL.


Key words: Scorpaenidae, Genus, Hipposcorpaena, Redescription, Hipposcorpaena filamentosa.



Hiroyuki Motomura and Hiroshi Senou. 2005. Validity of the Scorpionfish Genus Hipposcorpaena Fowler and A Redescription of H. filamentosaFowler (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae).  Zoological Studies. 44(2): 210-218.


[Herpetology • 2016] Microendemicity in the northern Hajar Mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates with the Description of Two New Species of Geckos of the Genus Asaccus (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae); Asaccus gardneri & A. margaritae

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 Asaccus gardneri & A. margaritae 
 Carranza​​, Simó-Riudalbas​, Jayasinghe, Wilms & Els, 2016 

 
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2371

Abstract  
Background
The Hajar Mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the highest mountain range in Eastern Arabia. As a result of their old geological origin, geographical isolation, complex topography and local climate, these mountains provide an important refuge for endemic and relict species of plants and animals with strong Indo-Iranian affinities. Among vertebrates, the rock climbing nocturnal geckos of the genus Asaccus represent the genus with the highest number of endemic species in the Hajar Mountains. Recent taxonomic studies on the Zagros populations of Asaccus have shown that this genus is much richer than it was previously thought and preliminary morphological and molecular data suggest that its diversity in Arabia may also be underestimated.

Methods
A total of 83 specimens originally classified as Asaccus caudivolvulus (including specimens of the two new species described herein), six other Asaccus species from the Hajar and the Zagros Mountains and two representatives of the genus Haemodracon were sequenced for up to 2,311 base pairs including the mitochondrial 12S and cytb and the nuclear c-mos, MC1R and ACM4 genes. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using both Bayesian and maximum-likelihood approaches and the former method was also used to calibrate the phylogenetic tree. Haplotype networks and phylogenetic trees were inferred from the phased nuclear genes only. Sixty-one alcohol-preserved adult specimens originally classified as Asaccus caudivolvulus from the northern Hajar Mountains were examined for 13 morphometric and the five meristic variables using multivariate methods and were also used to diagnose and describe the two new species.

Results
The results of the molecular and morphological analyses indicate that the species originally classified as Asaccus caudivolvulus is, in fact, an assemblage of three different species that started diversifying during the Mid-Miocene. The molecular phylogenies consistently recovered the Hajar endemic A. montanus as sister taxon to all the other Asaccus species included in the analyses, rendering the Arabian species of Asaccus polyphyletic.

Discussion
Using this integrative approach we have uncovered a very old diversification event that has resulted in a case of microendemicity, where three morphologically and ecologically similar medium-sized lizard species coexist in a very short and narrow mountain stretch. Asaccus caudivolvulus is restricted to a small coastal area of the UAE and at risk from heavy development, while the two new species described herein are widely distributed across the northern tip of the Hajar Mountains and seem to segregate in altitude when found in close proximity in the Musandam Peninsula (Oman). Similarly to other integrative analyses of Hajar reptiles, this study highlights the high level of diversity and endemicity of this arid mountain range, underscoring its status as one of the top hotspots of reptile diversity in Arabia.

Keywords: Phylogeny, Systematics, Arabia, Diversification, Reptiles, Speciation, Taxonomy, Evolution, Mountains, Biogeography





Salvador Carranza​​, Marc Simó-Riudalbas​, Sithum Jayasinghe, Thomas Wilms and Johannes Els. 2016. Microendemicity in the northern Hajar Mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates with the Description of Two New Species of Geckos of the Genus Asaccus (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae).  PeerJ. 4:e2371. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2371



       

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