Species New to Science

Flowers, fruit, and pollinator of Glochidion lanceolarium.

biotech.org.cn DOI: 10.1086/690623

Abstract

Leafflower plant/leafflower moth brood pollination mutualisms are widespread in the Paleotropics. Leafflower moths pollinate leafflower plants, but their larvae consume a subset of the hosts’ seeds. These interactions are highly phylogenetically constrained: six clades of leafflower plants are each associated with a unique clade of leafflower moths (Epicephala). Here, we report a previously unrecognized basal seventh pollinating Epicephala lineage—associated with the highly derived leafflower clade Glochidion—in Asia. Epicephala lanceolaria is a pollinator and seed predator of Glochidion lanceolarium. Phylogenetic inference indicates that the ancestor of E. lanceolaria most likely shifted onto the ancestor of G. lanceolarium and displaced the ancestral allospecific Epicephala pollinator in at least some host populations. The unusual and apparently coadapted aspects of the G. lanceolarium/E. lanceolaria reproductive cycles suggest that plant-pollinator coevolution may have played a role in this displacement and provide insights into the dynamics of host shifts and trait coevolution in this specialized mutualism.

Keywords: Epicephala, Glochidion, host shift, intimate mutualism, specialized pollination, coadaptation.

Figure 1: Flowers, fruit, and pollinator of Glochidion lanceolarium.
A, Glochidion lanceolarium individual bearing many fruits and flower buds. B, Male flower. C, Female flowers. D, Female Epicephala lanceolaria moth visiting a male flower. E, Epicephala lanceolaria actively pollinating a female flower. F, Ovipositing E. lanceolaria. G, Pollinated stigma, showing the pollen grains on the stigma. H, Cross section of a female flower with three eggs (arrows). I, Proboscis of a female E. lanceolaria moth bearing pollen. J, Epicephala lanceolaria pupa in a carpel chamber without cocoon. K, Epicephala lanceolaria cocoon in a carpel chamber with a pupa inside. L, Cross section of a mature fruit with two eclosed E. lanceolaria in the carpel chamber.

DOI: 10.1086/690623

Shi-Xiao Luo, Gang Yao, Ziwei Wang, Dianxiang Zhang and David H. Hembry. 2017. A Novel, Enigmatic Basal Leafflower Moth Lineage Pollinating A Derived Leafflower Host Illustrates the Dynamics of Host Shifts, Partner Replacement, and Apparent Coadaptation in Intimate Mutualisms. The American Naturalist. DOI: 10.1086/690623

ResearchGate.net/publication/312343182_A_Novel_Enigmatic_Basal_Leafflower_Moth_Lineage_Pollinating_a_Derived_Leafflower_Host_Illustrates_the_Dynamics_of_Host_Shifts_Partner_Replacement_and_Apparent_Coadaptation_in_Intimate_Mutualisms

https://davidhembry.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/luo-et-al-2017.pdf

Plant keeps moths captive inside its fruits for almost a year
newscientist.com/article/2119346-plant-keeps-moths-captive-inside-its-fruits-for-almost-a-year/

http://www.biotech.org.cn/information/145518

http://www.amnat.org/an/newpapers/AprLuo.html

The Pollination Mutualism between Epicephala moths of Gracillariidae and Glochidion plants of Euphorbiaceae

Begonia pengchingii Phutthai & M.Hughes

DOI: 10.1017/S0960428617000051

Abstract

Four new species of Begonia are described from Northern, Peninsular and Southwestern Thailand. Three belong to Begonia sect. Diploclinium (Begonia exposita Phutthai & M.Hughes, Begonia pengchingii Phutthai & M.Hughes and Begonia pseudosubperfoliata Phutthai & M.Hughes), and one (Begonia phutthaii M.Hughes) to Begonia sect. Apterobegonia . All four species are karst limestone endemics. The provisional IUCN status of all the new species is ‘Vulnerable’.

• Begonia exposita Phutthai & M.Hughes sp. nov. Sect. Diploclinium.

The habit resembles that of Begonia putii Craib, B. discreta Craib and B. soluta Craib in terms of the small number of cordate leaves arising directly from a tuber. Begonia putii and B. soluta differ in being smaller plants, .....

Type: Thailand, Sangkhla Buri District. On exposed limestone in direct sunlight area, .... (holo BKF; iso E, PSU).

Begonia pengchingii Phutthai & M.Hughes, Habit and habitat

• Begonia pengchingii Phutthai & M.Hughes sp. nov. Sect. Diploclinium.

A distinct species, closest to Begonia discreta in having 1 or 2 elongate-cordate symmetrical or subsymmetrical leaves and inflorescence arising from the tuber. ....

Type: Thailand, Chiang Rai, Mae Sai District. On limestone cliff face in deep shade of summit cliff, 1350 m, .... (holo HAST; iso BKF, E).

ส้มกุ้งเมืองเหนือ Begonia pengchingii Phutthai & M. Hughes พืชถิ่นเดียวของประเทศไทย พบที่ภูเขาหินปูนในจังหวัดเชียงรายและเชียงใหม่ ตั้งชื่อให้เป็นเกียรติแก่ผู้ที่เก็บตัวอย่างนี้เป็นครั้งแรก

Begonia phutthaii M.Hughes, Habit, habitat and inflorescence

• Begonia phutthaii M.Hughes sp. nov. Sect. Apterobegonia.

Differs from the allied Begonia delicatula in having caducous (not persistent) stipules, a denser indumentum over all vegetative parts (B. delicatula has glabrous stems, not densely hairy, and leaves with scattered, not dense hairs). ....

Type: Thailand, Mae Hong Son, Pang Ma Pha District, Road between Pai and Pang Ma Pha. On vertical limestone in deep shade of dry evergreen forest on limestone, .... (holo E; iso BKF, SING).

• Begonia pseudosubperfoliata Phutthai & M.Hughes sp. nov. Sect. Diploclinium.

Resembles Begonia subperfoliata Parish ex Kurz in habit but differs in having 5 tepals in the female flowers (not 2) and glabrous lanceolate bracts (not deeply dissected and papillose). Also similar to Begonia rabilii Craib in habit but differs in having 5 tepals in the female flowers (not 4), and leaves with a more deeply crenate margin.

Type:Thailand, Chon Buri, Bo Thong District, Khao Cha Ang On cave. On limestone karst in deep shade, 350 m altitude, 10 ix 2007, T. Phutthai 162 (holo BKF; iso E, PSU).

Thamarat Phutthai and M. Hughes. 2017. Four New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Thailand. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1017/S0960428617000051

http://www.rbge.org.uk/assets/files/science/6.1_Tropical/Thai%20beg%204.pdf

Four new Begonia species for Thailand today, 2 named after great botanists T.Phutthai and Ching-I Peng @TheBotanics thanks to @NewtonFund

twitter.com/markhughesis/status/841969993076076545 @markhughesis

Mauryius cuyanus

Ojanguren-Affilastro & Mattoni, 2017

senckenberg.de

Abstract

Mauryius n.gen., a new bothriurid scorpion genus from the Argentinean Precordillera, is described, and its phylogenetic position is discussed based on a phylogenetic analysis of morphological data. Mauryius n.gen. is the first scorpion genus endemic to the Argentinean Precordillera. It is most closely related to Pachakutej Ochoa, 2004 from the inter-Andean valleys of Peru and to Rumikiru Ojanguren-Affilastro, Mattoni, Ochoa & Prendini, 2012 from the Atacama Desert in Chile. Mauryius cuyanus n.sp., the only known species of the genus, is described. Biogeographical implications of Mauryius relationships are discussed.

Key words: Andes, Argentinean Precordillera, Bothriuridae, Scorpiones, new genus

Habitus in life of Mauryius cuyanus n.gen. et n.sp., male

Systematics

Family Bothriuridae Simon, 1880

Mauryius n.gen.

Type species. Mauryius cuyanus n.sp.

Etymology. The name of this genus is masculine in gender and derives from the surname of the Argentinean arachnologist Dr. Emilio Maury (1940–1998), who was the director of the MACN arachnology laboratory up to his death in 1998, and who has been the most important researcher in scorpion systematics from Argentina.

Mauryius cuyanus n.sp.

Etymology. The specific epithet “cuyanus” is a noun in apposition, referring to the Argentinean area denominated “Cuyo” which includes three central Argentinean provinces: Mendoza, San Luis, and San Juan (to which M. cuyanus is endemic).

Fig. 1. A: Habitat of Mauryius cuyanus n.gen. et n.sp. in Sierra del Tontal, San Juan Province, Argentina.
B: Habitus in life of Mauryius cuyanus n.gen. et n.sp., male.

Distribution and habitat. Mauryius cuyanus n.sp. has been collected only at “El Tontal” mountain chain, in San Juan Province (Fig. 2), Argentina. This is a mountain range belonging to the Argentinean Precordillera. This species has been collected at intermediate altitudes between 2500 and 3000 m asl, in an area that could be assigned to the Prepuna vegetational formation, or to an ecotone between Monte and Prepuna vegetational formations. This species does not reach the upper level of the mountain (above 3000 m asl) which belongs to a clear Altoandina vegetational formation. Mauryius cuyanus is a litophilous species, which seems to prefer rocky reliefs (Fig. 1A). Most of the active specimens, captured at night under UV light, were collected on vegetationless scree slopes, comprising piles of stones accumulated below steep cliff faces. Most usually, specimens were hiding under these stones with little or no parts of the body exposed. Some specimens, however, were found walking over stones. Specimens collected during the day were always found under stones, and we did not detect any kind of burrow in the soil under these rocks. This microhabitat preference is quite uncommon in Bothriuridae and is shared only with the close genus Rumikiru (Ojanguren-Affilastro et al. 2012), from rocky reliefs in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Most species of Bothriuridae are fossorial, digging their burrows on exposed soils, or occasionally, under rocks. Mauryius cuyanus occurs in sympatry with Bothriurus olaen Acosta, 1997, Brachistosternus montanus Roig Alsina, 1977, and Orobothriurus alticola (Pocock, 1899). However, none of these species actually occurs in exactly the same microhabitat occupied by Mauryius.

Andres Ojanguren-Affilastro and Camilo Mattoni. 2017. Mauryius n. gen. (Scorpiones: Bothriuridae), A New Neotropical Scorpion Genus.

Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 75(1); 125–139

http://www.senckenberg.de/files/content/forschung/publikationen/arthropodsystematics/asp_75_1/05_asp_75_1_ojanguren_125-139.pdf

Paphiopedilum notatisepalum

Z. J. Liu, M. Wang & S. R. Lan

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.302.2.5

Abstract

A new species of Paphiopedilum (Orchidaceae) from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular evidence. Morphological comparisons indicate that the new species Paphiopedilum notatisepalum is highly similar to P. henryanum, from which it differs by its leaves with large yellow spots, shorter scape, larger flower, ovate, white sepals and petals that are pale purple-red with large purple spots and yellow-white margins. Molecular analyses of combined nuclear and plastid datasets (nrITS and matK) indicate that P. notatisepalum is sister to P. barbigerum, which has a green leaves and pale yellow-green sepals and petals. The morphological and molecular evidence support the hypothesis that P. notatisepalum is a new species.

Keywords: Asian orchids, orchid phylogenetics, Venus slipper, reticulate evolution, lady’s slipper orchids, Monocots

Paphiopedilum notatisepalum Z.J.Liu, M.Wang & S.R.Lan.
A. Flowering plant. B. Flower, front view. C. Flower, back view. E. Flowers, side view.

FIGURE 3. Paphiopedilum notatisepalum Z.J.Liu, M.Wang & S.R.Lan.
A. Flowering plant. B. Flower, front view. C. Dorsal sepal, petal, and synsepal. D. Lip, side view. E. Staminode, front view. F. Column, side view. Drawn by L. J. Chen from Liu 9349 (holotype).

Paphiopedilum notatisepalum Z. J. Liu, M. Wang & S. R. Lan sp. nov.

Type:— CHINA. Yunnan: Malipo, in crevices of shady cliffs or rocks of limestone. ...

Distribution and habitat:— In crevices of shady cliffs or rocks in evergreen broad-leaved forests in limestone areas in southeastern Yunnan, China.

Etymology:— The species name notatisepalum refers to purple-maroon-spotted sepals, from the Greek notati (spot) and sepalum (sepal).

Conservation status:— Using the World Conservation Union Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN, 2012), P. notatisepalum should be treated as critically endangered.

FIGURE 4. Paphiopedilum notatisepalum Z.J.Liu, M.Wang & S.R.Lan.
A. Flowering plant. B. Flower, front view. C. Flower, back view. D. Staminode, front view. E., F, Flowers, side view.

Meina Wang, Si-Ren Lan and Zhong-Jian Liu. 2017. Paphiopedilum notatisepalum, A New Species of Slipper Orchid (Cypripedioideae, Orchidaceae) from China based on Morphological and DNA Evidence. Phytotaxa. 302(2); 156 – 164. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.302.2.5

ResearchGate.net/publication/315727115_Paphiopedilum_notatisepalum_a_new_species_of_slipper_orchid_Cypripedioideae_Orchidaceae_from_China_based_on_morphological_and_DNA_evidence

Buenia massutii

Kovačić, Ordines & Schliewen, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4250.5.3

Abstract

A new miniature gobiid species, Buenia massutii sp. nov. (Teleostei: Gobiidae) is described from the circalittoral bottom off the Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial COI-barcoding fragment supports its species-level distinctiveness and the monophyly of the genus Buenia. A description and diagnosis of the genus Buenia is for the first time provided. Material of the new species was collected in 57–67 m depth from beam trawl samples carried out on red algae beds. The traits that differentiate the new species from two congeneric species are: anterior oculoscapular canal only semiclosed with pores σ, λ, κ, ω, α, ρ and additional pores and open furrows from interorbital part to pore ρ; posterior oculoscapular canal absent; suborbital row c with 5 papillae; scales in lateral series 26–28; pectoral fin rays 16; the second spine of the first dorsal fin the longest, reaching to or behind posterior end of the second dorsal fin in males when folded down; pelvic fin anterior membrane one sixth or less of length of spinous ray in midline depth; head length 31.2–32.5% of standard length; eye 32.8–35.7% of head length; caudal fin length 21.5–24.0% of standard length.

Keywords: Pisces, Buenia massutii sp. nov, genus description, mitochondrial phylogeny, Balearic Islands, miniature

FIGURE 2. Buenia massutii sp. nov., paratype, PMR VP3764, male, 20.8 + 5.0 mm, Spain, Balearic Islands, Mallorca, freshly collected specimen. Photos by M. Kovačić.

Etymology. The species is named massutii after Dr. Enric Massutí, researcher of the Instituto Español de Oceanografía in the Centre Oceanogràfic de les Balears, in recognition for his dedication to the study of the benthic habitats in the circalittoral bottoms of the Balearic Islands.

Marcelo Kovačić, Frances Ordines and Ulrich K. Schliewen. 2017. A New Species of Buenia (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the western Mediterranean Sea, with the Description of this Genus. Zootaxa. 4250(5); 447–460. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4250.5.3

Coleusia janani

Giraldes, Al-Maslamani & Smyth, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4250.4.9

Abstract

The Indo-West Pacific genus Coleusia Galil 2006, was recently described and now comprises seven species. We describe a new species from the western Arabian Gulf, Coleusia janani n. sp. The new species is closely related to the congener C. biannulata (Tyndale-Biscoe & George, 1962), and can be distinguished from other species at these genus congeners mainly by the straight upward apical shape of the male first pleopod (G1). An updated identification key to the species of Coleusia, as well as an overview of the geographical distribution of the species included in the genus are also presented.

Keywords: Crustacea, marine biodiversity, Qatar, taxonomy

Systematics

Family Leucosiidae Samouelle, 1819

Subfamily Leucosiinae Samouelle, 1819

Genus Coleusia Galil, 2006

Coleusia janani sp. nov.

FIGURE 1. Coleusia janani n. sp., holotype male (carapace length 13.6 mm) (ESCMC 00161). Dorsal view of carapace, colours in life.

Type locality. Arabian Gulf; off Qatar.

Etymology. In recognition of the Qatar University Oceanographic RV Janan used in the collection of the present material.

Distribution. Currently only known from the type locality.

Ecology. Offshore zones with sandy mixed substrates of gravel and mud; depth between 22 and 27 m. Material collected with water temperature that varied between 27 and 28°C and salinity between 39 and 41 ppt.

Bruno Welter Giraldes, Ibrahim Al-Maslamani and David Smyth. 2017. A New Species of Leucosiid Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Leucosiidae) from the Arabian Gulf.
Zootaxa. 4250(4); 389–395. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4250.4.9

Dianthus koreanus D.C. Son & K. Lee

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.303.1.6

Abstract

Dianthus koreanus sp. nov., from Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea, is described and illustrated. It is a chasmophyte growing on the rocks on the seashore in the eastern coast of Korea. The new species is similar to D. chinensis by its vegetative and floral morphology. Differential characters refer to the leaves (oblanceolate to oblong and greenish-gray coriaceous), and the bracts (3 pairs, each bract being elliptic to obovate with apex acute). The conservation status of D. koreanus was assessed according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: East Asia, Dianthus chinensis, endemic species, IUCN, Eudicots

Dianthus koreanus D.C. Son & K. Lee, sp. nov.

Type:— KOREA. Prov. Gyeongsangbuk-do, Uljin-gun, Giseong-myeon, Mangyang-ri, Giseongmangyang beach, elevation 30 m, 16 July 2015, Lee 2453 (holotype KH-1460258!, isotype KH-1460259!).

Diagnosis: Herbs perennial, 25–50 cm tall. Roots woody. Stems laxly caespitose, ascending at base, often somewhat woody towards base, densely pubescent. Leaves sessile, coriaceous; cauline leaves opposite, oblanceolate to oblong (2.5–4.5 × 0.5–1.5 cm), mid-vein prominent, apex acute to obtuse, base cuneate to attenuate, base amplexicaule, margins short ciliate, both surfaces densely pubescent, greenish-gray coloured; sterile shoot leaves similar to cauline ones, developing at flowering season. Flowers solitary or in dense cymes; pedicel 0.5–1.4 cm long; bracts 3 pairs, elliptic to obovate, about 1/4–1/2 as long as calyx, margin membranous-ciliate, apex acute. Calyx gamosepalous, cylindrical, 1.5–2.5 cm long, 5-toothed, with many parallel veins. Petals limb bright red, purple-red or pink-coloured, obovate-triangular (1.3–1.5 cm long), apex irregularly toothed; throat spotted and laxly bearded. Stamens 10, exserted, versatile; filaments long, slender; anthers blue-colored. Ovary 1-locular, on a short gynophore, with chartaceous cap; ovules many on free central placenta; styles 2, linear, longer than ovary, pubescent. Capsule cylindrical, 2.0–2.5 cm long, surrounded by calyx, apex 4-toothed. Seeds black, flat, orbicular.

FIGURE 2. Photograph of Dianthus koreanus D.C. Son & K. Lee.
A. Habitat. B. Stem. C. Sterile shoot leaves. D. Leaves. E. Flower. F. Bracts. G. Bracts (outer bract, mid bract, inner bract from left to right). H. Capsule. I. Seeds.

Photographs by Kang-Hyup Lee and Dong Chan Son.

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species is dedicated to the country Korea.

Vernacular (Korean) name: Gaet-ba-wi-pae-raeng-i-kkot (갯바위패랭이꽃; new Korean name).

Distribution: Endemic to the Province Gyeongsangbuk-do (Republic of Korea).

Phenology: Flowering time late July–early August; fruiting time late August–September.

Habitat and ecology: Dianthus koreanus grows on the rocks on the sunny seashores in the eastern coast of Korea (Figs. 2, 3). Its habitat is dominated by Pinus thunbergii Parlatore (1868: 388), with Arabis erecta Kim & Jang (2016: 280), Cnidium japonicum Miquel (1867: 60), Lathyrus japonicus Willdenow (1802: 1092) and Aster spathulifolius Maximowicz (1871: 216).

Dong Chan Son, Hyun-Jun Kim, Kae Sun Chang, Dong-Hyuk Lee and Kang Hyup Lee. 2017. A New Species of Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae) from Republic of Korea.
Phytotaxa. 303(1); 71–76. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.303.1.6

ResearchGate.net/publication/314836095_A_new_species_of_Dianthus_Caryophyllaceae_from_Republic_of_Korea

Arisaema brinchangense Y.W. Low, Scherberich & Gusman

DOI: 10.15553/c2016v711a10

Abstract

Arisaema brinchangense Y.W. Low, Scherberich & Gusman (Araceae) is described as new and illustrated. The new species is similar to Arisaema anomalum Hemsl. but differs by the morphology of its spathe. It is placed under Arisaema sect. Anomalum Gusman & L. Gusman based on morphological and growth characters, the latter observed in the field and unique to that section. Arisaema brinchangense is endemic to the Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia, and is assessed as “Critically Endangered” following IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria due to habitat loss.

Keywords: ARACEAE, Arisaema, Peninsular Malaysia, Cameron Highlands, Taxonomy, New species

Etymology. – The species epithet refers to Mount Brinchang (2,031 m), where the type specimen was collected.

Distribution and Habitat.– Arisaema brinchangense is so far known only from around the summit of Mount Brinchang, Cameron highlands where it grows in the montane forest c. 2000 m on moist forest floor covered with thick organic litter under deep to semi-shaded condition.

Yee Wen Low, David Scherberich and Guy Gusman. 2017. Arisaema brinchangense Y.W. Low, Scherberich & Gusman (Araceae), A New Threatened Species Endemic to the Cameron Highlands (Peninsular Malaysia). Candollea. 71(1); 83–89. DOI: 10.15553/c2016v711a10

ResearchGate.net/publication/299508239_Arisaema_brinchangense_Araceae_a_New_Threatened_Species_Endemic_to_the_Cameron_Highlands_Peninsular_Malaysia

Sabal antillensis M.P.Griff.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.303.1.4

Abstract

A new species of palmetto, Sabal antillensis, native to Curaçao and Bonaire, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by a pachycaulous habit, a compact crown of leaves, large seeds, and frequent fiber bundles in leaflet transection. Details on history, morphology, distribution, habitat, and conservation status are provided.

Keywords: anatomy, Coryphoideae, Christoffelpark, Palmae, palms, Southern Caribbean, Monocots

FIGURE 2. Sabal antillensis, Christoffelpark, Curaçao, showing pachycaul trunk habit, and most leaves held at an angle ascending from the trunk axis (photograph: Griffith).

Sabal antillensis M.P.Griff., sp. nov.

Diagnosis:— This new species is most similar to Sabal causiarum in leaf morphology and inflorescence structure, but differs in the pachycaul habit, the petioles less than half the total leaf length giving a distinctive densely foliated crown, the smaller and less persistent ligules, the more divided leaf segments and leaf segment apices, the frequent adaxial fiber bundles between most secondary minor leaf segment veins, the inflorescences not pendant below the leaves, the abaxially lepidote sheathing inflorescence bracts, the lower density of flowers on the rachilla, the tubular to cupulate calyx, the larger fruits and the larger seeds.

Distribution:— This species occurs on the islands of Bonaire and Curaçao. On Bonaire, the plants are found in the southern part of the island, west of Lac Bay and north of the solar salt factory. On Curaçao, the plants are within and to the west of Christoffelpark, on the western side of Christoffelberg.

Habitat:— On Bonaire, the plants are found in the Coccoloba–Melocactus Middle Terrace landscape type (de Freitas et al. 2005), on limestone pavements, at elevations near 5 m. On Curaçao, the plants are found in the Bromelia– Schomburgkia Hills landscape type (Beers et al. 1997), on cherty mudstones, at elevations between 140–260 m.

Local Names:— The plant is called Cabana or Sabalpalm in the Dutch Caribbean.

Etymology:— The name honors the Dutch Antilles, where the species is endemic.

M. Patrick Griffith , John De Freitas , Michelle Barros and Larry R. Niblick. 2017. Sabal antillensis (Arecaceae): A New Palmetto Species from the Leeward Antilles.
Phytotaxa. 303(1); 56–64. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.303.1.4

Lyriothemis kameliyae Kompier, 2017

OdonataVietnam.blogspot.com

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4250.4.2

Abstract

Lyriothemis kameliyae spec. nov. from northern Vietnam is described and illustrated for both sexes, and descriptions are given of male and female specimens of L. bivittata collected in Vietnam. A comparison of their distinguishing characteristics is provided, and differences from similar L. tricolor are discussed. Earlier descriptions and some records of L. bivittata are evaluated. Evidently these contain at least some L. kameliyae specimens, and therefore historic records of L. bivittata require evaluation. The ranges of the two species overlap considerably. Some information is provided on the biology of L. kameliyae.

Keywords: Odonata, Libellulidae, Lyriothemis kameliyae spec. nov., new species, Vietnam

Lateral scans: (left) ♂ Lyriothemis bivittata, Huu Lien NR, 23.VII.2016;
(right) ♂ Lyriothemis kameliyae, holotype.

Lyriothemis kameliyae spec. nov.

Etymology. The species is named after Kameliya Petrova in gratitude for her assistance with my book “Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Serra dos Orgaos” and unrelenting support for my continuing research on Odonata in Vietnam. Kameliyae, a noun in the genitive case.

....

Lyriothemis bivittata (Rambur, 1842)

Tom Kompier. 2017. The Riddle of Lyriothemis bivittata (Rambur, 1842): Lyriothemis kameliyae spec. nov. (Odonata: Libellulidae). Zootaxa. 4250(4); 315–326. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4250.4.2

OdonataVietnam.blogspot.com/2017/04/Lyriothemis-kameliyae-published-in.html

Chenanisaurus barbaricus

Longrich, Pereda-Suberbiola, Jalil, Khaldoune & Jourani, 2017
DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2017.03.021

Abstract

During the latest Cretaceous, distinct dinosaur faunas were found in Laurasia and Gondwana. Tyrannosaurids, hadrosaurids, and ceratopsians dominated in North America and Asia, while abelisaurids and titanosaurids dominated in South America, India, and Madagascar. Little is known about dinosaur faunas from the latest Cretaceous of Africa, however. Here, a new abelisaurid theropod, Chenanisaurus barbaricus, is described from the upper Maastrichtian phosphates of the Ouled Abdoun Basin in Morocco, North Africa on the basis of a partial dentary and isolated teeth. Chenanisaurus is both one of the largest abelisaurids, and one of the youngest known African dinosaurs. Along with previously reported titanosaurid remains, Chenanisaurus documents the persistence of a classic Gondwanan abelisaurid-titanosaurid fauna in mainland Africa until just prior to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. The animal is unusual both in terms of its large size and the unusually short and robust jaw. Although it resembles South American carnotaurines in having a deep, bowed mandible, phylogenetic analysis suggests that Chenanisaurus may represent a lineage of abelisaurids that is distinct from those previously described from the latest Cretaceous of South America, Indo-Madagascar, and Europe, consistent with the hypothesis that the fragmentation of Gondwana led to the evolution of endemic dinosaur faunas during the Late Cretaceous.

Keywords: Dinosauria; Theropoda; Ceratosauria; Abelisauridae; Gondwana; Biogeography

Fig. 3. Holotype of Chenanisaurus barbaricus, left dentary OCP DEK-GE 772.
A, lateral view, B, medial view, C, dorsal view.

Abbreviations: gr, vascular grooves; idp, interdental plates; nvf, neurovascular foramina; sd, supradentary bone; sym, symphysis; vas, vascular grooves.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2017.03.021

Systematic paleontology

Dinosauria Owen (Owen, 1842)

Saurischia Seeley (Seeley, 1888)

Theropoda Marsh (Marsh, 1881)

Ceratosauria Marsh (Marsh, 1884)

Abelisauridae Bonaparte and Novas (Bonaparte and Novas, 1985)

Chenanisaurus barbaricus new genus and species

Etymology. The genus name refers to the Sidi Chennane phosphate mines, the type locality, and Greek ‘sauros, ‘lizard’. The species name is derived from the Greek barbaros, “savage” or “barbaric” and also refers to Barbary, a name historically used for Morocco and the northwest coast of Africa.

Diagnosis. Large abelisaurid characterized by a proportionately deep mandible, dentary bowed in lateral view, lateral groove and associated foramina located high on dentary; anterodorsal margin of dentary downturned in lateral view; massive symphysis, with anterior margin of symphysis vertical in lateral view; tip of jaws broad, with dentaries meeting at an obtuse angle.

Holotype. OCP DEK-GE 772, anterior end of the left dentary ( Fig. 3 ; Fig. 4).

Horizon and Locality. The type specimen is reported as coming from the upper Maastrichtian (Couche III) of Sidi Chennane; the pale white color of the bone and the color of the associated matrix are consistent with the preservation seen in other material recovered from this locality. The isolated premaxillary teeth come from the upper Maastrichtian (Couche III) of Sidi Daoui. The maxillary tooth is of unknown provenance but likely comes from either Sidi Chennane or Sidi Daoui. All specimens come from the Ouled Abdoun Basin, Morocco North Africa ( Fig. 1).

Fig. 9. Chenanisaurusbarbaricus shown to scale with the Couche III titanosaur.

Nicholas R. Longrich, Xabier Pereda-Suberbiola, Nour-Eddine Jalil, Fatima Khaldoune and Essaid Jourani. 2017. An Abelisaurid from the latest Cretaceous (late Maastrichtian) of Morocco, North Africa. Cretaceous Research. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2017.03.021

twitter.com/pantheo27705718/status/846934006075551744

"Chenanisaurusbarbaricus" ....by lythronax-argestes lythronax-argestes.deviantart.com/art/Chenanisaurus-barbaricus-671571810

New moderately-sized abelisaur. I thought the silhouette in the paper was too majungasaurine, so I made my own with blackjack and hookers.

Dentary line drawing from Longrich et al. (2017), silhouette from Rugops by Crizz30 on Commons, human from Andrew Farke on Phylopic as usual.

ຫວ້ານຫົວນ້ອຍ | Curcuma peramoena Souvann. & Maknoi

QSBG.or.th/Bot

ABSTRACT
Curcuma peramoena Souvann. & Maknoi, a new species from north of Laos is described and illustrated here.

KEYWORDS: Curcuma, Zingiberaceae, new species, Lao PDR

FIGURE 2. Curcuma peramoena Souvann. & Maknoi: A. habit; B. rhizome with inflorescence; C. bract; D. flower lateral view; E. flower front view; F. calyx tube and detail calyx lobe; G. lateral corolla lobe; H. dorsal corolla lobe; I. staminodes; J. labellum; K. floral tube and anther lateral view; L. anthers front view.

Scale bars A=5 cm; B, C=2 cm; D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L=1 cm; F=1.4 cm
Line drawing by K. Souvannakhoummane from P. Srisanga et al. L2-294.

FIGURE 1. Flower of Curcuma peramoena Souvann. & Maknoi, from P. Srisanga et al. L2-294.

Photo by Kitthisack Phoutthavong.

Etymology.— The specific epithet, peramoena, refers to its very beautiful flowers.
Vernacular name.— ຫວ້ານຫົວນ້ອຍ (Wan Houa Noi).

Notes.— This species belongs to subgenus Ecomata Škorničk. & Šída f. (Záveská et al., 2012) because of the following characters: lack of coma bract, open flower, presence of epigynous glands and conical anther spur. ...

Keooudone Souvannakhoummane and Charun Maknoi. 2014. Curcuma peramoena (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from north Lao PDR. THAI JOURNAL OF BOTANY. 6(2); 125-130.

ResearchGate.net/publication/276279633_Curcuma_peramoena_Zingiberaceae_a_new_species_from_north_Lao_PDR

twitter.com/LaoBiodiversity/status/547713171658534912

facebook.com/LaosBiodiverysity/posts/1011363822210783

Califorctenus cacachilensis

Jiménez, Berrian, Polotow & Palacios-Cardiel, 2017

Sierra Cacachilas Wandering Spider | DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4238.1.7

SDNHM.org

Abstract

Califorctenus gen. nov. (Araneae: Ctenidae) a new genus and a new species (Califorctenus cacachilensis sp. nov.) from the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico are described and illustrated. Califorctenus gen. nov. can be diagnosed by the morphology of the male palp, with embolus cylindrical and elongated, locking lobes of embolus positioned retrolaterally and the cup-shaped and elongated median apophysis.

Keywords: Araneae, taxonomy, new species, Baja California Sur

Califorctenus cacachilensis sp. nov., Male, dorsal view.

Califorctenus cacachilensis sp. nov. , Female, dorsal view.

Califorctenus new genus

Type species. Califorctenus cacachilensis sp. nov. here designated.

Included taxa. Only the type species, Califorctenus cacachilensis sp. nov.

Etymology. The genus name is derived from the combination of “Califor” in reference to the word “California” and “Ctenus”. The gender is masculine.

Diagnosis. Califorctenusgen. nov. resembles species of Amauropelma, Thoriosa and Trogloctenus by the morphology of the epigynum, with laterally elongated median fields that are curved dorsally to form a pocket (Fig. 6B) and basas lateral projections of the epigynum (Fig. 6A). Califorctenusgen. nov. can be distinguished from them by the morphology of the male palp, with embolus cylindrical and elongated, locking lobes of embolus positioned retrolaterally and median apophysis cup-shaped and elongated.

Distribution. Califorctenus gen. nov. is found in México in the state of Baja California Sur.

Califorctenus cacachilensis new species

Holotype. Male: MEXICO: Baja California Sur, Municipality of La Paz, Sierra de las Cacachilas, Los Pisos C. Palacios and J. Maya (CARCIB 0027).

Etymology. The specific name is a noun in apposition taken from the type locality.

Califorctenus cacachilensis sp. nov., Ocular area, anterior view.

Califorctenus cacachilensis sp. nov. C. Egg sac. D. Ocular area, anterior view.

María Luisa Jiménez, James Edwin Berrian, Daniele Polotow, Carlos Palacios-Cardiel. 2017. Description of Califorctenus (Cteninae, Ctenidae, Araneae), A New Spider Genus from Mexico. Zootaxa. 4238(1); 97–108. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4238.1.7

ResearchGate.net/publication/314174830_Description_of_Califorctenus_Cteninae_Ctenidae_Araneae_a_new_spider_genus_from_Mexico

International Team Discovers Large Cave-Dwelling Spider in Baja California caves

SDNHM.org/blog/blog_details/international-team-discovers-large-cave-dwelling-spider/80/

Sturnira adrianae adrianae

Molinari, Bustos, Burneo, Camacho, Moreno & Fermin, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4243.1.3

Photo: Jesús Molinari news.mongabay.com

Abstract

Sturnira is the most speciose genus of New World leaf-nosed bats (Phyllostomidae). We name Sturnira adrianae, new species. This taxon is born polytypic, divided into a larger subspecies (S. a. adrianae) widespread in the mountains of northern and western Venezuela, and northern Colombia, and a smaller subspecies (S. a. caripana) endemic to the mountains of northeastern Venezuela. The new species inhabits evergreen, deciduous, and cloud forests at mainly medium (1000–2000 m) elevations. It has long been confused with S. ludovici, but it is more closely related to S. oporaphilum. It can be distinguished from other species of Sturnira by genetic data, and based on discrete and continuously varying characters. Within the genus, the new species belongs to a clade that also includes S. oporaphilum, S. ludovici, S. hondurensis, and S. burtonlimi. The larger new subspecies is the largest member of this clade. The two new subspecies are the most sexually dimorphic members of this clade. The smaller new subspecies is restricted to small mountain systems undergoing severe deforestation processes, therefore can be assigned to the Vulnerable (VU) conservation category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Keywords: Mammalia, Andes, evolutionary species concept, geographic variation, morphometrics, sexual dimorphism

Sturnira adrianae adrianae, the larger and more widespread of the newly described Sturnira adrianae subspecies.

Photo: Jesús Molinari

• Sturnira adrianae new species

• Sturnira adrianae adrianae new subspecies

Adriana’s Yellow-shouldered Bat

Murciélago de Charreteras de Adriana

Diagnosis. Epaulettes (yellow shoulders) present. Lower molars with continuous lingual cusps. All four lower incisors well developed, bilobed. Upper middle incisor long, bilobed, pointed, strikingly protrudent, tip laterally diverging. Lower canine long, narrow. Upper premolars broad and long in labial view. Molars with no gaps between them. Zygomatic arch complete, not bowed outwards. Occiput low. Preorbital frontal ridges well developed. Foramen ovale touching the caudal pterygoid process.

Distribution. Known from all the Andean and coastal mountain systems of Venezuela, except those east of the Unare Depression. Presumably, also distributed throughout the Cordillera Oriental in Colombia .....

Etymology. The epithet adrianae, a feminine noun in the genitive case, is dedicated to the memory of the Colombian-Venezuelan bat biologist, Adriana Ruiz, 1971–2012. Adriana was a charismatic, imaginative, and dedicated colleague. She published 14 papers and book chapters. Owing to her untimely departure, much of her most valuable research was left unpublished. Adriana had a particularly keen interest in species of Sturnira. We are privileged to name after her a member of the genus wandering in the environments in which she so joyfully conducted much of her field work.

• Sturnira adrianae caripana new subspecies

Caripe Yellow-shouldered Bat

Murciélago de Charreteras de Caripe

Diagnosis. Identical to that of S. a. adrianae, except for: 1) upper premolars narrower and shorter in labial view; 2) preorbital frontal ridges little developed; 3) foramen ovale not touching the caudal pterygoid process.

Distribution (Fig. 1). Known from four localities in the Turimiquire Massiff, and from two localities in the neighboring Paria Peninsula (Appendix). Presumably, endemic to the mountain ranges of northeastern Venezuela, east of the Unare Depression.

Etymology. The epithet caripana [Carip(e) + -ana], a feminine adjectival toponym, is derived from Caripe, a town near the type locality made known to science in the book “Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, During the Years 1799–1804”, of the famous German explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.

Jesús Molinari, Xiomar E. Bustos, Santiago F. Burneo, M. A. Camacho, S. A. Moreno & Gustavo Fermin. 2017. A New Polytypic Species of Yellow-shouldered Bats, Genus Sturnira (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae), from the Andean and Coastal Mountain Systems of Venezuela and Colombia. Zootaxa. 4243(1); 75–96. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4243.1.3

New leaf-nosed bat uncovered amidst burning habitat in Venezuela https://news.mongabay.com/2017/04/new-leaf-nosed-bat-uncovered-amidst-burning-habitat-in-venezuela via @mongabay

Thelepus brevitori

Carrerette, de Matos Nogueira & Hutchings, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4250.6.6

Abstract

The genus Thelepus Leuckart, 1849 is well known in Brazilian waters, from a species recorded by several authors as T. setosus (Quatrefages, 1866), which is considered to be a cosmopolitan species. However, the type locality of T. setosus is in France, which renders the presence of this species in Brazilian waters rather unlikely. The wide range of distribution of T. setosus is most likely due to misidentifications, especially because the original description of the species is very brief and does not include several characters now relevant at species level. We provide herein a redescription of the holotype of T. setosus and describe two new species from Brazilian material previously identified as belonging to that species. Thelepus megalabiatum n. sp. is characterised by having an expanded lower lip extending ventrally, many branchial filaments, originating from swollen cushions, with wide mid-dorsal gap between filaments within pairs, 26–33 segments with glandular areas, and 44–61+ pairs of notopodia. Thelepus brevitori n. sp. is characterised by having fewer branchial filaments, originating directly from the body wall, about 17 segments highly glandular ventrally, and up to 27 pairs of notopodia. Both new species are compared to the most similar congeners, including T. setosus.

Keywords: Annelida, Polychaeta, taxonomy, morphology, Phenacia setosa, new species, outhwestern Atlantic

Thelepus brevitori n. sp. (Holotype, MZUSP 3020), Incomplete worm, left lateral view.

Thelepus brevitori n. sp.

Etymology. We attribute the epithet “brevitori” to this taxon in reference to the narrow width of the neuropodial tori along the body.

Orlemir Carrerette, João Miguel de Matos Nogueira and Pat Hutchings. 2017. The Genus Thelepus Leuckart, 1849 (Annelida, Thelepodidae) in Brazil, with A Redescription of the Holotype of T. setosus (Quatrefages, 1866).
Zootaxa. 4250(6); 587–599. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4250.6.6

Dryopolystichum phaeostigma (based on SITW10443).
A Habitat B Plants C Peltate indusia D Venation E Sulcate rachis-costa architecture

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.78.12040

Abstract

The monotypic fern genus Dryopolystichum Copel. combines a unique assortment of characters that obscures its relationship to other ferns. Its thin-walled sporangium with a vertical and interrupted annulus, round sorus with peltate indusium, and petiole with several vascular bundles place it in suborder Polypodiineae, but more precise placement has eluded previous authors. Here we investigate its phylogenetic position using three plastid DNA markers, rbcL, rps4-trnS, and trnL-F, and a broad sampling of Polypodiineae. We also provide new data on Dryopolystichum including spore number counts, reproductive mode, spore SEM images, and chromosome counts. Our maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference phylogenetic analyses unambiguously place Dryopolystichum within Lomariopsidaceae, a position not previously suggested. Dryopolystichum was resolved as sister to a clade comprising Dracoglossum and Lomariopsis, with Cyclopeltis as sister to these, but clade support is not robust. All examined sporangia of Dryopolystichum produced 32 spores, and the chromosome number of sporophyte somatic cells is ca. 164. Flow cytometric results indicated that the genome size in the spore nuclei is approximately half the size of those from sporophyte leaf tissues, suggesting that Dryopolystichum reproduces sexually. Our findings render Lomariopsidaceae as one of the most morphologically heterogeneous fern families. A recircumscription is provided for both Lomariopsidaceae and Dryopolystichum, and selected characters are briefly discussed considering the newly generated data.

Keywords: Fern, morphology, Papua New Guinea, phylogeny, recircumscription, taxonomy, the Solomon Islands

Dryopolystichum phaeostigma (based on SITW10443). A Habitat B Plants C Peltate indusia D Venation E Sulcate rachis-costa architecture

Figure 1. Dryopolystichum phaeostigma (based on SITW10443).
A Habitat B Plants C Peltate indusia D Venation E Sulcate rachis-costa architecture F Longitudinal section of the rhizome.

Conclusion:

We have shown, based on molecular phylogenetic evidence, the placement of Dryopolystichum within Lomariopsidaceae. A revised description was provided for both Lomariopsidaceae and Dryopolystichum resulting from a review of literature and our own observations. Future studies using an expanded dataset are necessary to resolve intergeneric relationships in Lomariopsidaceae.

Cheng-Wei Chen, Michael Sundue, Li-Yaung Kuo, Wei-Chih Teng and Yao-Moan Huang. 2017. Phylogenetic Analyses Place the Monotypic Dryopolystichum within Lomariopsidaceae. PhytoKeys. 78; 83-107. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.78.12040

Synalpheus pinkfloydi

Anker, Hultgren & de Grave, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4254.1.7

Abstract

A new, conspicuously coloured species of the alpheid genus Synalpheus Spence Bate, 1888, is described based on material collected on the Pacific coast of Panama. Synalpheus pinkfloydi sp. nov. is closely related to the western Atlantic S. antillensis Coutière, 1909, the two taxa being transisthmian, cryptic sister species. Both species are characterised by the distal areas of their major and minor chelae coloured in an intense, almost glowing pink-red. The morphological differences between S. pinkfloydi sp. nov. and S. antillensis Coutière, 1909 are subtle, being limited to the slightly different proportions of the merus of both chelipeds, distodorsal armature of the major cheliped merus, relative length of the antennal scaphocerite, and body size. However, they are genetically different with a 10.2% sequence divergence in COI. Based on molecular clock estimates, these transisthmian taxa diverged around 6.8–7.8 mya, i.e. well before the final closure of the Isthmus of Panama 2.5–3 mya.

Keywords: Crustacea, Malacostraca, Caridea, snapping shrimp, Pacific Ocean, transisthmian taxa

FIGURE 3. Synalpheus pinkfloydi sp. nov., habitus and colour in life, holotype male (MZUSP 33778), Las Perlas Archipelago, Panama.

Photographs by A. Anker.

Etymology. Named after the well-known British rock band Pink Floyd, inspired by the bright pink-red claw of the new species.

Suggested vernacular name: Pink Floyd Pistol Shrimp.

Type locality. Las Perlas Archipelago, Bay of Panama.

Distribution. Presently known only from the type locality on the Pacific side of Panama; likely more widespread in the tropical eastern Pacific, but unlikely to occur on the Dark Side of the Moon due to lack of suitable habitat.

Arthur Anker, Kristin M. Hultgren and Sammy de Grave. 2017. Synalpheus pinkfloydi sp. nov., A New Pistol Shrimp from the tropical eastern Pacific (Decapoda: Alpheidae).
Zootaxa. 4254(1); 111–119. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4254.1.7

FIGURE 1. Inspiratory calling of Bombina bombina (above) and expiratory calling in Pelophylax kl. esculentus (below).

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4251.1.1

Abstract

Vocalizations of anuran amphibians have received much attention in studies of behavioral ecology and physiology, but also provide informative characters for identifying and delimiting species. We here review the terminology and variation of frog calls from a perspective of integrative taxonomy, and provide hands-on protocols for recording, analyzing, comparing, interpreting and describing these sounds. Our focus is on advertisement calls, which serve as premating isolation mechanisms and, therefore, convey important taxonomic information. We provide recommendations for terminology of frog vocalizations, with call, note and pulse being the fundamental subunits to be used in descriptions and comparisons. However, due to the complexity and diversity of these signals, an unequivocal application of the terms call and note can be challenging. We therefore provide two coherent concepts that either follow a note-centered approach (defining uninterrupted units of sound as notes, and their entirety as call) or a call-centered approach (defining uninterrupted units as call whenever they are separated by long silent intervals) in terminology. Based on surveys of literature, we show that numerous call traits can be highly variable within and between individuals of one species. Despite idiosyncrasies of species and higher taxa, the duration of calls or notes, pulse rate within notes, and number of pulses per note appear to be more static within individuals and somewhat less affected by temperature. Therefore, these variables might often be preferable as taxonomic characters over call rate or note rate, which are heavily influenced by various factors. Dominant frequency is also comparatively static and only weakly affected by temperature, but depends strongly on body size. As with other taxonomic characters, strong call divergence is typically indicative of species-level differences, whereas call similarities of two populations are no evidence for them being conspecific. Taxonomic conclusions can especially be drawn when the general advertisement call structure of two candidate species is radically different and qualitative call differences are thus observed. On the other hand, quantitative differences in call traits might substantially vary within and among conspecific populations, and require careful evaluation and analysis. We provide guidelines for the taxonomic interpretation of advertisement call differences in sympatric and allopatric situations, and emphasize the need for an integrative use of multiple datasets (bio-acoustics, morphology, genetics), particularly for allopatric scenarios. We show that small-sized frogs often emit calls with frequency components in the ultrasound spectrum, although it is unlikely that these high frequencies are of biological relevance for the majority of them, and we illustrate that detection of upper harmonics depends also on recording distance because higher frequencies are attenuated more strongly. Bioacoustics remains a prime approach in integrative taxonomy of anurans if uncertainty due to possible intraspecific variation and technical artifacts is adequately considered and acknowledged.

Keywords: Amphibia, Anura, sound, vocalization, call, note, pulse, definitions, call variation, call analysis, call description, taxonomy, species delimitation

FIGURE 2. Vocal sac variation in anurans.
Except for Ceratophrys cranwelli (emitting a warning call with open mouth) and the pictured specimens of Hyperolius (emitting advertisement calls with aggressive components in male-male combat) all pictured specimens are emitting advertisement calls. Phrynobatrachus alleni is suspected to use its yellow vocal sac for visual signalling, and a visual function is also probable for the bright white vocal sacs of the two Guibemantis species, and of other frogs. All hyperoliids (such as Hyperolius viridiflavus shown here) have gular glands on the vocal sac that might have a visual function, in addition to probably producing pheromones (Starnberger et al. 2013). Note that the distinction between vocal sac types is not always clear; for instance, the vocal sacs of Rana temporaria and Boophis tsilomaro can be considered as partially paired subgular and partially paired lateral.

All photos by the authors except Trachycephalus typhonius and Pseudopaludicola jaredi (by Daniel Loebmann).

Köhler, Jörn, Ariel Rodríguez, Philippe J. R. Kok, Luís F. Toledo, Mike Emmrich, Frank Glaw, Célio F. B. Haddad, Mark-Oliver Rödel and Miguel Vences. 2017. The Use of Bioacoustics in Anuran Taxonomy: Theory, Terminology, Methods and Recommendations for Best Practice. Zootaxa. 4251(1); 1–124. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4251.1.1

Zhongjianosaurus yangi

Xu & Qin, 2017

Abstract

The Early Cretaceous Jehol dromaeosaurids are taxonomically and morphologically diverse, and one of them, Microraptor zhaoianus, has been suggested to be among the smallest known non-avialan theropods. However, this idea is based on specimens of relatively early ontogenetic stages, and the lower limit of the mature body mass of Jehol dromaeosaurids thus remains unknown. Here we describe a new dromaeosaurid, Zhongjianosaurus yangi gen. et sp. nov., based on a specimen from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation (the middle section of the Jehol Group) from Sihedang, Lingyuan County, Liaoning in Northeast China. While this new taxon is referable to the Microraptorinae, it differs from other microraptorine dromaeosaurids in numerous features, most notably the fusion of proportionally long uncinate processes to dorsal ribs, a humerus with a strongly medially offset proximal end and a large fenestra within the deltopectoral crest, an ulna slightly longer than the humerus, and an arctometatarsalian pes. Most significantly, the estimated 0.31 kg mass of the Z. yangi holotype of an adult individual confirms that some Jehol dromaeosaurids are among the smallest known non-avialan theropods. Our preliminary analysis demonstrates niche differentiation among the Jehol dromaeosaurids, a phenomenon rarely reported among Mesozoic dinosaurian faunas.

Key words: Lower Cretaceous, Jehol Group, Theropoda, Dromaeosauridae, small size, morphological variation, niche differentiation

Systematic paleontology

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Tetanurae Gauthier, 1986

Dromaeosauridae Matthew et Brown, 1922

Zhongjianosaurus yangi gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The genus name and specific epithet are in honor of Yang Zhongjian (C.C. Young), who is the founder of vertebrate paleontology in China.

Locality and Horizon: Sihedang, Lingyuan County, Liaoning Province, China. Possibly Yixian Formation, Aptian, Cretaceous (Swisher et al., 2001).

Diagnosis: A tiny microraptorine theropod distinguishable from other microraptorines in the following autapomorphies: proportionally long ossified uncinate processes fused to dorsal ribs, widely arched furcula with slender and posteriorly curved clavicular rami, humeral proximal end strongly offset medially from humeral shaft, humeral internal tuberosity short, presence of large fenestra within humeral deltopectoral crest, humeral ulnar condyle hypertrophied, ulna slightly longer than humerus, ulnar olecranon process with posterior margin mediolaterally pinched, ulnar distal end bending anteriorly and strongly expanded laterally, proximal end of metacarpal II with strong ventrolateral extension, metacarpal III laterally bowed with longitudinal ventral groove, phalanx II-2 without proximodorsal lip and lacking strong dorsal arching, femoral head stout and lower than trochanteric crest, medial condyle of tibiotarsus distal end with a prominent distal extension, arctometatarsalian pes, and metatarsal II without ginglymus on distal end.

Xing Xu and Zi-Chuan Qin. 2017. A New Tiny Dromaeosaurid Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Jehol Group of western Liaoning and Niche Differentiation Among the Jehol Dromaeosaurids. Vertebrata PalAsiatica. In press.

http://www.ivpp.ac.cn/cbw/gjzdwxb/pressonline/201704/P020170410587218147108.pdf

Fig. 1: A freshwater crocodile Crocodylus johnstoni with a juvenile freshwater sawfish Pristis pristis in the Kimberley region of Western Australia

(Photograph: Provided by David Woods, Department of Parks and Wildlife, 2015).

DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1737

Murdoch.edu.au AustralianGeographic.com.au

Studying predation on rare aquatic taxa is difficult particularly when dealing with legally protected, large predatory species. Moreover, observing predation on species found in low numbers is difficult in remote, turbid rivers, particularly where the species is nocturnal (Gleiss et al. 2017). Fig. 1, showing an Australian freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) preying upon a freshwater sawfish (Pristis pristis), represents a rare example with considerable implications for conservation.

....

David L. Morgan, Ruchira Somaweera, Adrian C. Gleiss, Stephen J. Beatty and Jeff M. Whitty. 2017. An Upstream Migration Fought with Danger: Freshwater Sawfish Fending Off Sharks and Crocodiles. Ecology - The Scientific Naturalist. in press 0(0); 1–3. DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1737

http://media.murdoch.edu.au/sawfish-v-crocodiles-and-bull-sharks

Endangered sawfish battle crocodiles and sharks

AustralianGeographic.com.au/news/2017/04/endangered-sawfish-battle-crocodiles-and-sharks via @ausgeo - Australian Geographic

‏ @ESAEcology twitter.com/ESAEcology/status/851758972587696128

#TheScientificNaturalist investigates #migration dangers: freshwater #sawfish fending off sharks and #crocodiles.

‏ @RuSomaweera twitter.com/RuSomaweera/status/851666364230062081

An anecdote on #predation of freshwater #sawfish by other apex #predators in the #Kimberley @CrocResCoal @JuniorCSG

[Ecology • 2017] A Novel, Enigmatic Basal Leafflower Moth Lineage Pollinating A Derived Leafflower Host Illustrates the Dynamics of Host Shifts, Partner Replacement, and Apparent Coadaptation in Intimate Mutualisms

[Botany • 2017] Begonia exposita, B. pengchingii, B. phutthaii & B. pseudosubperfoliata • Four New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Thailand

[Arachnida • 2017] Mauryius cuyanus • A New Genus and Species of Scorpion (Scorpiones: Bothriuridae) from the Argentinean Precordillera

[Botany • 2017] Paphiopedilum notatisepalum • A New Species of Slipper Orchid (Cypripedioideae, Orchidaceae) from China based on Morphological and DNA Evidence

[Ichthyology • 2017] Buenia massutii • A New Species of Buenia (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the western Mediterranean Sea

[Crustacea • 2017] Coleusia janani • A New Species of Leucosiid Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Leucosiidae) from the Arabian Gulf

[Botany • 2017] Dianthus koreanus • A New Species of Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae) from Republic of Korea

[Botany • 2017] Arisaema brinchangense Y.W. Low, Scherberich & Gusman (Araceae), A New Threatened Species Endemic to the Cameron Highlands (Peninsular Malaysia)

[Botany • 2017] Sabal antillensis • A New Palmetto Species (Arecaceae) from the Leeward Antilles

[Entomology • 2017] Lyriothemis kameliyae spec. nov. • The Riddle of Lyriothemis bivittata (Rambur, 1842) (Odonata: Libellulidae)

[Paleontology • 2017] Chenanisaurus barbaricus • An Abelisaurid from the latest Cretaceous (late Maastrichtian) of Morocco, North Africa

[Botany • 2014] Curcuma peramoena • A New Species (Zingiberaceae) from north Lao PDR

[Arachnida • 2017] Califorctenus cacachilensis • A New Genus and Species of Cavernicolous Spider (Araneae: Ctenidae: Cteninae) from Mexico

[Mammalogy • 2017] Sturnira adrianae • A New Polytypic Species of Yellow-shouldered Bats, Genus Sturnira (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae), from the Andean and Coastal Mountain Systems of Venezuela and Colombia

[Invertebrate • 2017] The Genus Thelepus Leuckart, 1849 (Annelida, Thelepodidae) in Brazil, with A Redescription of the Holotype of T. setosus (Quatrefages, 1866)

[Botany • 2017] Phylogenetic Analyses Place the Monotypic Dryopolystichum within Lomariopsidaceae

[Crustacea • 2017] Synalpheus pinkfloydi • A New Pistol Shrimp (Decapoda: Alpheidae) from the tropical eastern Pacific

[Herpetology • 2017] The Use of Bioacoustics in Anuran Taxonomy: Theory, Terminology, Methods and Recommendations for Best Practice

[Paleontology • 2017] Zhongjianosaurus yangi • A New Tiny Dromaeosaurid Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Jehol Group of western Liaoning and Niche Differentiation Among the Jehol Dromaeosaurids

[Ecology • 2017] An Upstream Migration Fought with Danger: Freshwater Sawfish (Pristis pristis) Fending Off Sharks and Crocodiles