Species New to Science

Glaucomys oregonensis (Bachman, 1839)

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx055

Photograph by N. Kerhoulas. NationalGeographic.com

Abstract

The genus Glaucomys (New World flying squirrels) is currently considered to be comprised of 2 species, the northern flying squirrel (G. sabrinus) and the southern flying squirrel (G. volans). We synthesize new information from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences and microsatellite data to demonstrate that the genus consists of 3, rather than 2 species, and that Glaucomys sabrinus, as currently recognized, is actually composed of 2 separate, apparently non-hybridizing species. Control region mtDNA data from 185 individuals across North America revealed 2 distinct clades embedded within G. sabrinus: a widespread “Continental” lineage and a more geographically restricted “Pacific Coastal” lineage. The geographic distributions of these 2 lineages are largely mutually exclusive, with sympatry observed at only 3 sites in the Pacific Northwest. Analysis of 8 microsatellite loci showed no evidence of hybridization between the 2 lineages of G. sabrinus in the region of sympatry. This lack of gene flow is noteworthy given that populations of the Continental lineage of G. sabrinus have been shown to hybridize with G. volans in southeastern Canada. Finally, phylogenetic analyses and estimates of divergence times show that G. volans and Continental G. sabrinus are actually sister taxa that diverged from one another more recently than either did from Pacific Coastal G. sabrinus. We propose that these observations provide strong evidence for a third, previously unrecognized species of North American flying squirrel, whose geographic range extends along the Pacific Coast from southern British Columbia to southern California. Glaucomys oregonensis (Bachman, 1839), whose type locality is in Oregon, is the senior available name for this taxon. We propose that this newly recognized species be given the common name “Humboldt’s flying squirrel.”

Keywords: cryptic speciation, Glaucomys oregonensis, Glaucomys sabrinus, Glaucomys volans, Humboldt’s flying squirrel, microsatellites, phylogeography, Rodentia, Sciuridae

Brian S. Arbogast, Katelyn I. Schumacher, Nicholas J. Kerhoulas, Allison L. Bidlack, Joseph A. Cook and G. J. Kenagy. 2017. Genetic Data Reveal A Cryptic Species of New World Flying Squirrel: Glaucomysoregonensis. Journal of Mammalogy. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx055

Meet This Newly Discovered Flying Squirrel on.natgeo.com/2qxAX9s via @NatGeo

news.NationalGeographic.com/2017/05/flying-squirrel-new-species-north-america/

oval squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) displaying a distinct body pattern at the spawning site offshore in northeastern Taiwan. Body patterning in oval squids is neurally controlled and functions as a conspecific visual signal. Their skin coloration is diverse and can change in a fraction of a second depending on behavioral context. New work reveals a novel mechanism underlying neural control of dynamic body patterning for communication in this species.

Photo by Chun-Yen Lin

DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0768-16.2016

Abstract

Cephalopods in nature undergo highly dynamic skin coloration changes that allow rapid camouflage and intraspecies communication. The optic lobe is thought to play a key role in controlling the expansion of the chromatophores that generate these diverse body patterns. However, the functional organization of the optic lobe and neural control of the various body patterns by the optic lobe are largely unknown. We applied electrical stimulation within the optic lobe to investigate the neural basis of body patterning in the oval squid, Sepioteuthis lessoniana. Most areas in the optic lobe mediated predominately ipsilateral expansion of chromatophores present on the mantle, but not on the head and arms; furthermore, the expanded areas after electrical stimulation were positively correlated with an increase in stimulating voltage and stimulation depth. These results suggest a unilaterally dominant and vertically converged organization of the optic lobe. Furthermore, analyzing 14 of the elicited body pattern components and their corresponding stimulation sites revealed that the same components can be elicited by stimulating different parts of the optic lobe and that various subsets of these components can be coactivated by stimulating the same area. These findings suggest that many body pattern components may have multiple motor units in the optic lobe and that these are organized in a mosaic manner. The multiplicity associated with the nature of the neural controls of these components in the cephalopod brain thus reflects the versatility of the individual components during the generation of diverse body patterns.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:

Neural control of the dynamic body patterning of cephalopods for camouflage and intraspecies communication is a fascinating research topic. Previous studies have shown that the optic lobe is the motor command center for dynamic body patterning. However, little is known about its neural organization and the mechanisms underlying its control of body pattern generation. By electrically stimulating the optic lobe of the oval squids and observing their body pattern changes, surprisingly, we found that there is no somatotopic organization of motor units. Instead, many of these components have multiple motor units within the optic lobe and are organized in a mosaic manner. The present work reveals a novel neural control of dynamic body patterning for communication in cephalopods.

Keywords: chromatophores, dynamic skin coloration, electrical stimulation, motor units, oval squids

This image shows an oval squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) displaying a distinct body pattern at the spawning site offshore in northeastern Taiwan. Body patterning in oval squids is neurally controlled and functions as a conspecific visual signal. Their skin coloration is diverse and can change in a fraction of a second depending on behavioral context. New work reveals a novel mechanism underlying neural control of dynamic body patterning for communication in this species.

(Photo taken by Chun-Yen Lin.) DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0768-16.2016

Tsung-Han Liu and Chuan-Chin Chiao. 2017. Mosaic Organization of Body Pattern Control in the Optic Lobe of Squids. Journal of Neuroscience. 37(4); 768-780. DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0768-16.2016

Hemiancistrus landoni Eigenmann 1916

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4272.2.4

Abstract

At the Fish Collection of the Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito, three species traditionally grouped in the genus Hemiancistrus were identified: H. annectens (Regan 1904), H. landoni Eigenmann 1916, and a new species described here. The new species inhabits exclusively in the Esmeraldas River Basin, Pacific slope, northwestern Ecuador. It is easily recognized by the completely naked abdomen, with rounded, dark spots, and a different color pattern on the dorsal and caudal fins. A comparative analysis of bones related to the opercular mobility, shows important differences between H. annectens, H. landoni, and the new species, suggesting that H. annectens does not belong to the genus Hemiancistrus or the Ancistrini group. According to the characteristics observed in these bones, H. annectens shows greater similarity to those reported in species of the Hypostomini group, supporting its inclusion in this group, but placing it in the genus Hypostomus requires further analysis. On the other hand, the conditions observed on the bones of Hemiancistrus landoni and the new species suggest that both are inside of the Ancistrini group. The new species is placed in the genus Hemiancistrus tentatively, pending future analysis.

Keywords: fishes, taxonomy, systematic, freshwater, biodiversity, Pisces

Partial lateral view of Hemiancistrus landoni, MEPN 17952, 78.9 mm SL.

Hypostomus annectens (Regan 1904)

Hemiancistrus landoni Eigenmann 1916

Hemiancistrus furtivus new species

Geographical distribution. The specimens were caught in the Esmeraldas River Basin, Provinces of Esmeraldas and Pichincha (Fig. 5).

Etymology. The name of the species is taken from the Latin word furtivus meaning: attempting to pass unnoticed or hidden, and alludes to the fact that the species was not detected before despite being in the Ecuadorian Pacific region, one of the best known ichthyologically. An adjective.

Francisco Provenzano R. and Ramiro Barriga S. 2017. The Species of Hemiancistrus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Ecuador. Zootaxa. 4272(2) ; 221–235. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4272.2.4

facebook.com/SouthAmericanIchthyology/photos/1543937975626994

Kalbionora palaeotropica Sodamuk, Leavitt & Lumbsch

DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.22.12528

Abstract

A new species and genus, Kalbionora palaeotropica, is described for a crustose lichen occurring in coastal forests in Thailand, Vietnam, and northeastern Australia. It is morphologically similar to Malmidea and Eugeniella, but differing in morphological and chemical characters. The single known species in the new genus contains atranorin, zeorin, the stictic acid chemosyndrome and chlorinated xanthones. Morphologically it is characterized by having asci of the Catillaria-type, a yellowish brown colour, a granulose epihymenium, dark brown hypothecium, hyaline, 1–3 transversely septate ascospores. Molecular data strongly support a phylogenetic position in Malmideaceae, sister to a clade including Malmidea, Savoronala and two species currently placed in Lecidea s. lat. (including L. cyrtidia and L. plebeja).

Key words: Lecanorales, lichens, mangroves, taxonomy, tropical diversity

Taxonomy

Kalbionora palaeotropica Sodamuk, Leavitt & Lumbsch, gen. et, sp. nov.

Type: THAILAND, Trat Province: Muang District, Nhong Sa Nho Subdistrict, the route to Nature Education Center Ban Pak Khlong Nam Chiew, on the bark of Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B.Rob., 2014, M. Sodamuk RAMK-24530 (holotype: RAMK; isotypes: F, S).

Figure 1. Morphology and anatomy of Kalbionora palaeotropica,
A–B habit C cross-section through thallus showing cortex and algal layer D cross-section through apothecium showing dark brown hypothecium E hymenium, and F transversely septate ascospores (holotype).

Scale bars: 0.5 cm (A, B), 20 µm (C), 0.1 mm (D), 10 µm (E), 5 µm (F).

Diagnosis: Characterized by having asci of the Catillaria-type, yellowish brown, granulose epihymenium, exciple consisting of prosoplectenchymatous cells, dark brown hypothecium, hyaline, 1-3 transversely septate ascospores, and the presence of atranorin, zeorin, and the stictic and arthothelin chemosyndromes.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the occurrence of the species in the Paleotropics, whereas the genus is named after our colleague Klaus Kalb who has made tremendous contributions to our knowledge of tropical lichens and who has been enormously helpful to colleagues in Thailand.

Mattika Sodamuk, Kansri Boonpragob, Pachara Mongkolsuk, Anders Tehler, Steven D. Leavitt and H. Thorsten Lumbsch. 2017. Kalbionora palaeotropica, A New Genus and Species from Coastal Forests in Southeast Asia and Australia (Malmideaceae, Ascomycota).
MycoKeys. 22: 15-25. DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.22.12528

Pseudogobiopsis lumbantobing

Larson, Hadiaty & Hubert, 2017

lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg

Abstract

A new species of Pseudogobiopsis is described, solving the identity of a goby from Java in a Kuhl and van Hasselt painting from Java. The species reached the European aquarium trade since at least 2001 but its identity had remained unknown due to lack of preserved, scientific specimens. Recent collections in Sumatra and Java included specimens of this new goby, which resembles P. oligactis. A revised key to the species of the genus is provided.

Key words. Gobiidae, Gobionellinae, Pseudogobiopsis, new species

Pseudogobiopsis lumbantobing n. sp.

Diagnosis. A moderately slender Pseudogobiopsis with second dorsal-fin rays always I,6; anal-fin rays always I,6; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; longitudinal scales 21–24; TRB 6–8; predorsal scales 5–6, large, reaching up to close behind eyes; jaws enlarged in male; three preopercular pores present, posterior portion of oculoscapular canal present, but no canal or pores over opercle; most scales on body ctenoid; first spine of dorsal fin longest in both sexes, greatly elongate in males; five elongate dark blotches along midside of body, with five indistinct dusky short saddles crossing dorsum, black spot behind anus and four internal black blotches along midventral line, commencing at anal fin origin, black spot on upper part of pectoral fin base and chin with blackish mental frenum.

Distribution. Known only from freshwater drainages of western Sumatra and western Java, Indonesia. Some specimens in the aquarium trade are said to be imported from Myanmar (Fig. 3), but this is yet to be confirmed.

Ecology. Freshwater, found in rivers and streams at altitudes of 5–22 m, with a substratum of sand, gravel, rock and boulders; algae and aquatic macrophytes may be present (Figs. 8, 9).

Etymology. This species is named for Daniel Lumbantobing of Jakarta, who collected the first specimens and showed them to HKL in 2012, which solved the mystery of the orange-spotted goby of which aquarists had been sending her photos. Daniel is an ichthyologist who specialises in freshwater fishes. Name used as a name in apposition.

Helen K. Larson, Renny K. Hadiaty and Nicolas Hubert. 2017. A New Species of the Gobiid Fish Genus Pseudogobiopsis (Teleostei, Gobiidae, Gobionellinae) from Indonesia.
RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY.65: 175–180.

http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/vol65/65rbz175-180.pdf

Tibouchina rosanae P. J. F. Guim. & Woodgyer

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.246.2.6

Abstract

Tibouchina rosanae, a new species of Melastomataceae (Melastomeae) from the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, is described, illustrated and compared to its putative closest allied. It is characterized mainly by the inflorescence that is lax. Tibouchina rosanae is an amphistomatic species, and the presence of stomata on the adaxial leaf surface is reported here for the first time in the genus.

Keywords: Mato Grosso, Xingu State Park, Eudicots, Brazil

Tibouchina rosanae P. J. F. Guim. & Woodgyer, sp. nov.

Etymology:— This species is dedicated to Dr. Rosana Romero, in recognition of her contributions to the taxonomy of Neotropical Melastomataceae, particularly in tribe Microlicieae, and her skilled ability to supervise new students in the study of this botanical family.

Distribution and Habitat:— Tibouchina rosanae is recorded for ca. 290 m elevation, growing in patches of Amazon grassland vegetation on sandstone rocks (campos rupestres) in Xingu State Park, in the municipality of Santa Cruz do Xingu, Mato Grosso state, Brazil.

Paulo José Fernandes Guimarães and Elizabeth M. Woodgyer. 2016. A New and Unusual Amphistomatic Species of Tibouchina (Melastomeae, Melastomataceae) from Brazil. Phytotaxa. 246(2); 145 - 151. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.246.2.6

http://www.kew.org/blogs/kew-science/new-species-roundup-kew%E2%80%99s-2016-discoveries

http://www.indefenseofplants.com/blog/2017/5/25/1730-new-plant-species-were-described-in-2016

Atelopus longirostris (Cope 1868)

female Longnose Harlequin Frog || DOI: 10.1080/23766808.2017.1327000

Abstract

We report the recent finding of four adults of Atelopus longirostris, a Critically Endangered species that was last seen in 1989, when catastrophic Atelopus declines occurred. The rediscovery of A. longirostris took place in a new locality, Junín, 1250–1480 m asl, Provincia Imbabura, Ecuador, on 28–31 March 2016. The four frogs were found in two isolated small patches of native forest in a fragmented area heavily modified for agriculture and livestock; one patch protected by the Junín Community Reserve, and another non-protected private patch near the reserve. We found high prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in the amphibian community of Junín, but A. longirostris tested negative. The finding of A. longirostris after 27 years is surprising and fits an apparent pattern of mild conditions that might be promoting either the recovery or persistence in low numbers of some relict amphibian populations. The frogs are the first founders of an ex situ assurance colony in Jambatu Research and Conservation Center. Expansion of the Junín Community Reserve is urgently needed to add the currently non-protected patch of forest, where A. longirostris also occurs. The restoration of the forest in degraded areas between both forest patches and in the related river margins is also necessary. This restoration will grant the connectivity between both isolated metapopulations and the normal movement of individuals to the breeding sites in the Chalguayacu and Junín River basins. The latter should be protected to prevent any kind of water pollution by the opencast copper exploitation of the mining concession Llurimagua, which is underway. Atelopus longirostris belongs to a group of at least 29 species of Ecuadorian Atelopus that are critically endangered, 15 of which remain unsighted for at least one decade, and most of them might be extinct. Further synchronous, multidisciplinary and integrative research is needed, aiming to understand the most aspects of the biology of species of Atelopus to support in situ and ex situ conservation actions.

Keywords: Atelopus longirostris, Bufonidae, Ecuador, extinction, rediscovery

Figure 2. Atelopus longirostris habitat at Junín, Provincia Imbabura:
(A–B) Aerial views from an altitude of 11.09 and 2.89 km, taken from Google, digital Globe; red arrows indicate collection sites at site 1, the reserve of Cabañas EcoJunín (right) and site 2, a private property (left), scale = 667 and 108 m in A and B, respectively. In figure B note the nearly complete disconnection between the private forest and Chalguayacu river caused by forest clearing, (C) forest at reserve of Cabañas EcoJunín, (D) Chalguayacu river.

Photos C–D by EET.

Figure 2. Atelopus longirostris habitat at Junín, Provincia Imbabura: ((E) female CJ (sc 5521) on a leaf of Rubiaceae, (F) male CJ (sc 5582) on a leaf of Piperaceae.

Photos E–F by GPO.

Elicio Eladio Tapia, Luis Aurelio Coloma, Gustavo Pazmiño-Otamendi and Nicolás Peñafiel. 2017. Rediscovery of the Nearly Extinct Longnose Harlequin Frog Atelopus longirostris (Bufonidae) in Junín, Imbabura, Ecuador. Neotropical Biodiversity. 3(1); 157-167. DOI: 10.1080/23766808.2017.1327000

Reportamos el reciente hallazgo de cuatro adultos de Atelopus longirostris, una especie en Peligro Crítico, la misma que fue vista por última vez en 1989, cuando se produjeron declives catastróficos de Atelopus. El redescubrimiento de A. longisrostris tuvo lugar en una nueva localidad, Junín, 1250–1480 msnm, Provincia de Imbabura, Ecuador, entre el 28–31 de marzo de 2016. Las cuatro ranas se encontraron en dos pequeñas parcelas de bosque natural en un área fragmentada y densamente modificada para agricultura y ganadería, la una parcela forma parte de la Reserva de la Comunidad Junín y la otra está en un área privada no protegida cercana a la reserva. Encontramos alta prevalencia de Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) en la comunidad de anfibios de Junín, aunque no se encontró en A. longirostris. Su hallazgo después de 27 años es sorprendente y se ajusta a un patrón aparente de condiciones benignas que estarían promoviendo sea la recuperación o persistencia de poblaciones relictas de algunas especies de anfibios. Estas ranas son los primeros fundadores de una colonia de manejo ex situ en el Centro Jambatu de Investigación y Conservación de Anfibios. Se necesita con urgencia la expansión de la Reserva de la Comunidad de Junín para incluir todos los bosques en donde A. longisrostris habita. Es también necesaria la restauración de los bosques en las áreas destruidas que quedan entre los parches de bosque y en la rivera de los ríos. Esta restauración garantizará la conectividad entre metapoblaciones aisladas y también el desplazamiento normal de individuos a los sitios de reproducción en las cuencas de los ríos Chalguayacu y Junín. Estas cuencas deben ser protegidas para evitar cualquier tipo de contaminación en el agua producida por la explotación de cobre a cielo abierto de la concesión minera Llurimagua, la cual está en ejecución. Atelopus longirostris pertenece a un grupo de no menos de 29 especies de Atelopus de Ecuador que están Críticamente Amenazadas, 15 de las cuales no han sido vistas en al menos una década y la mayoría de ellas podrían estar extintas. Se requiere ejecutar más investigaciones simultáneas, multidisciplinarias e integrales para entender la mayoría de aspectos de la biología de las especies de Atelopus, y las cuales apoyen a los programas de conservación in situ y ex situ.

Palabras claves: Atelopus longirostris, Bufonidae, Ecuador, extinción, redescubrimiento

Ferula mikraskythiana Mátis, A.Z.Szabó & L.Bartha

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.298.3.3 BirdLife.org

Abstract

The genus Eriosynaphe had a peculiar taxonomic history by having been considered also as member of the genus Johrenia in addition to originally having been established in Ferula. It has traditionally been regarded as monotypic and no previous molecular study examined its phylogenetic position. Based on sequences of the nrDNA ITS region, here we show that Eriosynaphe is ‘deeply’ nested in one of the well supported and repeatedly recognised clades of Ferula, thus arguing for its return to the genus Ferula. Additionally, a new species, Ferula mikraskythiana endemic to the Dobrogea region of southeastern Romania is described in the present paper. This species, with its overall habit and mericarp structure, closely resembles Eriosynaphe longifolia though it differs from the latter by its much larger stature, the morphology of the leaf terminal lobes and a distinct phenology. Moreover, F. mikraskythiana is a narrow endemic to a region beyond (westward to) the wide distribution range of E. longifolia.

Keywords: Dobrogea, morphology, new species, nrDNA ITS, phylogeny, taxonomy, Umbelliferae, Eudicots

Ferula mikraskythiana Mátis, A.Z.Szabó & L.Bartha, sp. nov.

Etymology:— The specific epithet refers to the ancient Greek name Mikrá Skythia (Μικρὰ Σκυθία) of the historical region Scythia Minor or Lesser Scythia, where this species was found. This area, situated between the lower Danube River and the Black Sea, roughly corresponds to what is known today as Dobruja, a region shared by Romania and Bulgaria (Romanian: Dobrogea; Bulgarian: Добруджа, Dobrudža). This is in contrast to the presumably related E. longifolia, distributed along the historical region known as Great Scythia (the Pontic-Caspian steppe of Ukraine, southern Russia, and western Kazakhstan).

Attila Mátis, Anna Szabó, Dmitry Lyskov, Gábor Sramkó, Thomas Kuhn, Alexandru S. Bădărău and László Bartha. 2017. Validating the Systematic Placement of Eriosynaphe in the Genus Ferula (Apiaceae: Scandiceae: Ferulinae) Linked with the Description of Ferula mikraskythiana sp. nov. from Romania. Phytotaxa. 298(3); 239–252. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.298.3.3

Discovery! New plant species in Romania | BirdLife https://shar.es/1RGW5n

http://news.ubbcluj.ro/hu/ferula-mikraskythiana-a-tudomanyra-nezve-uj-ernyosviragzatu-novenyfajt-fedeztek-fel-dobrudzsaban-a-bbte-munkatarsai/

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx048/3828752

noticias.uol.com.br

Abstract

Of the 19 currently recognized species of Sylvilagus Gray, 1867, 15 inhabit North America, and only 5 are recognized in South America: S. brasiliensisLinnaeus, 1758 (throughout most of the continent); S. varynaensisDurant and Guevara, 2001, restricted to the southern lowlands of Venezuela (states of Barinas, Portuguesa, and Guarico); S. andinus (Thomas, 1897) from the Andean páramos of Ecuador and potentially in a sporadic manner to the Colombian and Venezuelan páramos; and S. tapetillus Thomas, 1913, from the coastal plain in the region of Rio de Janeiro. In addition to these, putative subspecies of S. floridanus, primarily a North American taxon, nominally are recognized from the grassland plains areas of northwestern South America east of the Andes. While S. varynaensis and S. tapetillus are monotypic, S. brasiliensis contains at least 37 named taxa in synonymy, distributed in various habitats; S. andinus requires further study. As a result of the recent description of a neotype for S. brasiliensis, it is now possible to assess species limits and begin the process of illuminating formerly obscured biological diversity in South American cottontails. Here, I describe a new species of Sylvilagus from the lowlands of western Suriname, and excise S. sanctaemartae Hershkovitz, 1950 from synonymy with S. brasiliensis.

Keywords: biodiversity, center of endemism, Colombia, conservation, Guiana Refuge, Guyana Area of Endemism, Guyana Shield, Neotropics, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

External appearance of the species under consideration herein. Dorsal and ventral views of (left to right) Sylvilagus parentum, RMNH 31149, ♀, holotype; S. sanctaemartae, USNM 279993, ♀, holotype; S. brasiliensis, UFPE 1740, ♂, neotype.

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx048/3828752/

Sylvilagus parentum, species nova

Suriname Lowland Forest Cottontail, bakrakondre konkoni, langa jesi konkoni

Lepus brasiliensis Linnaeus, 1758:58. Part.

Type locality: “America meridionali” [South America]

Sylvilagus brasiliensis Hoogmoed, 1983:35. Part, not Linnaeus, 1758. Hoogmoed (1983:41) noted that “… ik het niet gewaagd om de Surinaamse konijnen tot een bepaalde subspecies te rekenen.” [I have not dared to assign the Surinamese rabbits to a particular subspecies [of S. brasiliensis].]

Etymology.— Genitive plural of the Latin noun parens, for my parents, Patricio Ruedas Younger (11 January 1931–22 February 2014) and Paloma Martín Daza (b. 25 January 1937), who supported me in so many ways during my life. Ordinarily, I prefer indigenous names; however, in the present instance, there are none such (E. B. Carlin, Section of Languages and Cultures of Native America, Leiden University Centre for Linguistics, in litt.). The Maroon name is konkoni, a name clearly derived from the Dutch “konijn,” and a term also applied to the agouti, Dasyprocta sp. (D. cristata, of uncertain taxonomic status, and D. leporina both occur in the region), hence lacking in information content.

Luis A. Ruedas. 2017. A New Species of Cottontail Rabbit (Lagomorpha: Leporidae: Sylvilagus) from Suriname, with Comments on the Taxonomy of Allied Taxa from northern South America. Journal of Mammalogy. gyx048. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx048/3828752

Nova espécie de coelho sul-americano é descoberta por cientistas...

https://noticias.uol.com.br/ciencia/ultimas-noticias/redacao/2017/05/19/nova-especie-de-coelho-sul-americano-e-descoberta-por-cientistas.htm

De las 19 especies de conejos actualmente reconocidas en el género Sylvilagus Gray, 1867, 15 habitan Norteamérica mientras que solo cinco se conocen de Suramérica. Estas son S. brasiliensis Linnaeus, 1758 (en la mayor parte de la región), S. varynaensis Durant y Guevara, 2001 (restringido a las llanuras del sur de Venezuela, en los estados de Barinas, Portuguesa y Guarico), S. andinus (Thomas, 1897) de los páramos andinos de Ecuador y esporádicamente hasta los páramos de Colombia y Venezuela, y S. tapetillus Thomas, 1913, de las planicies costeras en la región de Rio de Janeiro. Además de estas cuatro especies, se reconoce de forma nominal en las llanuras y pastizales del noroeste de Suramérica, al este de los Andes, a supuestas subespecies de S. floridanus, una especie mayormente norteamericana. Aunque S. varynaensis y S. tapetillus son monotípicas, S. brasiliensis en cambio comprende por lo menos 37 taxones en su sinonimia, distribuidos en numerosos y variados ambientes; se desconoce aún la taxonomía de S. andinus. Uno de los resultados de la reciente descripción de un neotipo para S. brasiliensis es que ahora es posible llevar a cabo una delimitación más certera de las especies de Sylvilagus en Suramérica. Con esto se puede así iniciar un proceso de descubrimiento de la diversidad biológica regional en el género, diversidad previamente entenebrecida. En el presente trabajo describo una nueva especie de Sylvilagus de las llanuras del oeste de Surinam, y extraigo a S. sanctaemartae Hershkovitz, 1950 de su sinonimia con S. brasiliensis.

Leptolalax puhoatensis

Rowley, Dau & Cao, 2017

AustralianMuseum.net.au DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4273.1.5

Abstract

We describe a new, medium-sized Leptolalax species from north central Vietnam. Leptolalax puhoatensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of having a body size range of 24.2–28.1 mm in eight adult males and 27.3–31.5 mm in three adult females; distinct dorsolateral markings including blackish spots on the flank and dark canthal and/or temporal streaks; males with a reddish-brown venter, often with faint white dusting and females with a pale pink venter; skin on dorsum with tiny, indistinct, low tubercles in preservative, more distinct and forming low dorsal ridges on dorsal surface in life; toes with webbing basal and narrow lateral fringes; iris copper in upper half and golden in lower half; and a call consisting of a single note and a dominant frequency of 4.9–5.6 kHz (at 22.3–25.8º C). Uncorrected sequence divergences between L. puhoatensis sp. nov. and all homologous 16S rRNA sequences available for known species in the genus are ≥6.3%.

Keywords: Reptilia, Acoustics, Anura, Leptolalax puhoatensis sp. nov., Southeast Asia, Vietnam

Etymology: specific epithet is in reference to the type locality of Pu Hoat Nature Reserve.

Jodi J. L. Rowley, Vinh Q. Dau and Trung T. Cao. 2017. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam.

Zootaxa. 4273(1); 61–79. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4273.1.5

ResearchGate.net/publication/317287742_A_new_species_of_Leptolalax_Anura_Megophryidae_from_Vietnam

https://AustralianMuseum.net.au/blogpost/amri-news/amri-new-species-of-leaf-litter-frog-discovered-from-vietnam

https://twitter.com/AustMus/status/871164851946696704

https://twitter.com/JodiRowley/status/871480180556091393

Catapaguroides rubromaculatus

Tomoyuki, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4273.2.5

Abstract

Three species of the pagurid hermit crab genus Catapaguroides A. Milne-Edwards & Bouvier, 1892, all from Japanese waters, are reported. Catapaguroides fragilis (Melin, 1939) is redescribed on the basis of the holotype and additional material from southern Japan. Diagnostic characters of this poorly known species are fully assessed. Two new species, C. bythos and C. rubromaculatus, are described and illustrated on the basis of material from upper bathyal depths off the Ryukyu Islands. Catapaguroides rubromaculatus n. sp. resembles C. fragilis and C. hirsutus Komai & Rahayu, 2013, but the characteristic shape of the ocular peduncle and the elongate male right sexual tube with an anteriorly directed distal portion readily separate C. rubromaculatus n. sp. from the latter two congeners. Catapaguroides bythos n. sp. appears close to C. mortenseni de Saint Laurent, 1968 and C. pectinipes (Lewinsohn, 1969), but the different armature of the chelipeds distinguishes C. bythos n. sp. from the latter two allies. Catapaguroides is now represented by 30 species.

Keywords: Crustacea, Catapaguroides bythos, Catapaguroides rubromaculatus, Amami-ohshima Island, Okinawa Island

Komai Tomoyuki. 2017. Redescription of the Pagurid Hermit Crab Catapaguroides fragilis (Melin, 1939) and Descriptions of Two New Species from Deep-Sea off the Ryukyu Islands, Japan (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura). Zootaxa. 4273(2); 235–257. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4273.2.5

Brachylophus gau

Fisher, Niukula, Watling & Harlow; 2017

Gau Iguana || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4273.3.5

holotype (SUVA H 0264) Painting by Cindy Hitchcock.

Abstract

The south Pacific iguanas (Brachylophus) currently have three recognized living species in Fiji. Recent surveys have uncovered more specific variation (morphological and genetic) within the genus and have better defined the geographic ranges of the named species. One of these recent discoveries is a strikingly different iguana from all other island populations in Fiji which is restricted to Gau Island of the Lomaiviti Province. Gau is the fifth largest island in Fiji and maintains excellent upland forests in the higher elevations. We describe this population from Gau Island as a new species, Brachylophus gau sp. nov., in recognition of its type locality.

Keywords: Reptilia, Pacific islands, endemism, conservation, Iguanian, Brachylophus, Gau Island

Brachylophus gau sp. nov.

Gau Iguana (pronounced Ngau)

Brachylophus fasciatus Gibbons 1984 (first map showing island record); Zug 1991; Morrison 2003 (on maps as literature record).

Brachylophus bulabula Fisher, Harlow, Edwards, and Keogh 2008.

FIGURE 2. Illustration of the holotype (SUVA H 0264; left) and paratype female (SUVA H 0265; right) of Brachylophus gau sp. nov. The painting is from photographs of these specimens and others from life. Measurements to scale within illustration. The holotype is missing later 2/3 of tail, but tail drawn here based on photos from other males. Painting by Cindy Hitchcock.

FIGURE 4. Photo of a live maleBrachylophusgau sp. nov., illustrating the green throat and diffusion within the dorsal bands. Photo by Joerg Kretzschmar.
FIGURE 5. Photo of live female Brachylophus gau sp. nov., illustrating the overall green coloration and light spotting. Photo by Theo Blossom.

Diagnosis. This species has a unique combination of color pattern characters that distinguish it from all other species of described Brachylophus (Figures 2–7, Table 1). It also does not match any museum specimens we have previously seen in collections, except two from the BMNH that previously lacked specific locality info. These specimens are included in the type series as we were able to determine their provenance as Gau Island (see below in Provenance of Historic Specimens section). Although added to the type series, their measurements are left out of comparisons, but included in Table 2. We found that there are no locality specific museum vouchers that could represent extinct island populations of this species. Otherwise, this species differs from B. vitiensis by having sexually dichromatism, with banded males and females that are either unicolor or with small spots, and a maximum snout vent length for both sexes of 153 mm, versus 255 mm for B. vitiensis. It differs from B. bulabula and fasciatus in that males and females have green throats, whereas in these species males have white solid or white with green/grey spots or blotches, as do the females in most populations. Although in certain populations the females in B. bulabula and fasciatus the throat will be unicolor green, but never the males. It differs from the other three species by having a primarily green colored nasal scale. The mean snout vent length is 149.2 and max size for B. gau is 153 mm (n = 7), versus adult B. fasciatus with a mean 154.5 mm SVL and a maximum 176 mm SVL (n = 57) and B. bulabula with a mean 156.6 mm and a maximum 195 mm SVL (n = 23) (Table 1).

Etymology. The specific epithet is for the only island where the species is known to occur, Gau.

Distribution. Brachylophus gau appears restricted to the large inland forest patches on Gau Island (Figure 1). Iguanas were reported from Gau by Watling (1986), but no specimens were collected or described. It continues to be widespread in high quality forest habitat in the interior of Gau Island (Figure 8), with some individuals also in degraded forest closer to the coast (Figure 9). Gau is about 136 sq. km. in size and is the fifth largest island in Fiji.

live femaleBrachylophus gau sp. nov., illustrating the overall green coloration and light spotting

Robert N. Fisher, Jone Niukula, Dick Watling and Peter S. Harlow. 2017. A New Species of Iguana Brachylophus Cuvier 1829 (Sauria: Iguania: Iguanidae) from Gau Island, Fiji Islands. Zootaxa. 4273(3); 407–422. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4273.3.5

Dilophodelphis fordycei

Boersma, McCurry & Pyenson, 2017

DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170022
Image: A. Boersma @Boersma_Alex

Abstract

Many odontocete groups have developed enlarged facial crests, although these crests differ in topography, composition and function. The most elaborate crests occur in the South Asian river dolphin (Platanista gangetica), in which they rise dorsally as delicate, pneumatized wings anterior of the facial bones. Their position wrapping around the melon suggests their involvement in sound propagation for echolocation. To better understand the origin of crests in this lineage, we examined facial crests among fossil and living Platanistoidea, including a new taxon, Dilophodelphis fordycei, nov. gen. and sp., described herein, from the Early Miocene Astoria Formation of Oregon, USA. We measured the physical extent and thickness of platanistoid crests, categorized their relative position and used computed tomography scans to examine their internal morphology and relative bone density. Integrating these traits in a phylogenetic context, we determined that the onset of crest elaboration or enlargement and the evolution of crest pneumatization among the platanistoids were separate events, with crest enlargement beginning in the Oligocene. However, we find no evidence for pneumatization until possibly the Early Miocene, although certainly by the Middle Miocene. Such an evolutionary context, including data from the fossil record, should inform modelling efforts that seek to understand the diversity of sound generation morphology in Odontoceti.

KEYWORDS: cetacean, Platanistoidea, river dolphins, Miocene, pneumatization, computed tomography

Systematic palaeontology

Cetacea Brisson, 1762

Odontoceti Flower, 1867 sensu Fordyce and Muizon, 2001

Platanistoidea sensu Boersma and Pyenson 2016

Platanistidae Gray, 1846 sensu Boersma and Pyenson 2016

Dilophodelphis, gen. nov.

Type and only included species. Dilophodelphis fordycei, sp. nov.

Etymology. From the Greek words di (double), lophos (crest) and delphis (dolphin), referring to the enlarged supraorbital crests on the dorsal surface of the skull, resembling twin mountain crests. This construction also evokes the dinosaur Dilophosaurus wetherilli Welles 1954, a double-crested theropod recovered from Early Jurassic sequences of the Kayenta Formation in Arizona, USA.

Dilophodelphis fordycei, sp. nov.

Figure 1. Skull of Dilophodelphis (USNM 214911) in dorsal view.
(a) Illustrated skull with low opacity mask, interpretive line art and labels for skull elements. Dotted lines indicate uncertainty of sutures, and dashed lines highlight fossae. Hatched pattern indicates areas where sediment is obscuring the fossil. (b) Photograph of skull in dorsal view, photography by James Di Loreto, Smithsonian Institution. fr., frontals; max., maxilla; n., nasal; pmx., premaxilla; pmx. sac fossa, premaxillary sac fossa.

Figure 2. Skull of Dilophodelphis (USNM 214911) in ventral view.
(a) Illustrated skull with low opacity mask, interpretive line art and labels for skull elements. Dotted lines indicate uncertainty of sutures, and dashed lines highlight fossae. Hatched pattern indicates areas where sediment is obscuring the fossil. (b) Photograph of skull in ventral view, photography by James Di Loreto, Smithsonian Institution. fr., frontal; max., maxilla; p., pterygoid; v., vomer.

The endangered South Asian river dolphin, Platanista gangetica (middle), swimming alongside two of its fossil relatives: the longirostral Pomatodelphis inaequalis (bottom) and the new species Dilophodelphis fordycei (top). None of the species lived together at the same time. Glow-throughs to the skulls highlight the diversity in supraorbital crest shape and size among the members of this family.

Image: Alex Boersma @Boersma_Alex

Figure 3. Skull of Dilophodelphis (USNM 214911) in right and left lateral views.
(a) Illustrated skull in right lateral view and (b) left lateral view with low opacity mask, interpretive line art and labels for skull elements. Dotted lines indicate uncertainty of sutures, and dashed lines highlight fossae. Hatched pattern indicates areas where sediment is obscuring the fossil. (c) Photograph of skull in right lateral view and (d) left lateral view, photography by James Di Loreto, Smithsonian Institution. exocc., exoccipital; m., maxilla; par., parietal; p., pterygoid; sq., squamosal; temp. fossa, temporal fossa; zyg. process, zygomatic process.

Etymology: The species epithet honours Prof. R. Ewan Fordyce, FRSNZ, native New Zealander and prominent vertebrate palaeontologist. The epithet recognizes his extensive and long-lasting contributions to the field of marine mammal palaeontology, including his commitment to mentoring future scientists, especially in shaping the career paths of the authors herein. The epithet also honours his long-standing interest in the fossil marine mammal record of Oregon, which has yielded pivotal specimens for over a century, including Simocetus rayiFordyce 2002, which he described.

Alexandra T. Boersma, Matthew R. McCurry and Nicholas D. Pyenson. 2017. A New Fossil Dolphin Dilophodelphis fordycei Provides Insight Into the Evolution of Supraorbital Crests in Platanistoidea (Mammalia, Cetacea). Royal Society Open Science. DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170022

twitter.com/boersma_alex/status/869939253207105536 twitter.com/MatthewRMcCurry/status/870060662180859906

twitter.com/PyensonLab/status/870023491998887936 twitter.com/PyensonLab/status/869942790670741504

New, ancient dolphin species had weird skull crests australiangeographic.com.au/news/2017/06/new,-ancient-dolphin-species-had-weird-skull-crests @ausgeo - Australian Geographic

Hoya migueldavidii Cabactulan, Rodda & Pimentel

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.80.12872

Abstract

A new species of Hoya R.Br. from Mindanao (Philippines), Hoya migueldavidii Cabactulan, Rodda & Pimentel, is described and illustrated. It is a member of Hoya section Acanthostemma (Blume) Kloppenb. that is particularly speciose in the Philippines. It is compared with the similar Hoya loheri Kloppenb, also endemic of the Philippines, from which it differs in indumentum of the vegetative parts (pubescent vs. glabrous), the shape of the corolla (almost spherical vs. partly flattened) and the type of gynostegium (not stipitate vs. stipitate)

Keywords: Acanthostemma, Marsdenieae, waxflower

Figure 1: Hoya migueldavidii photographed from R. Pimentel s.n. (CMUH) prior to pressing
A A single flower, front view B, C Corolla, side view D Corolla, with removed corona E Revolute margins of the corolla lobes F Corona, from underneath G, H Pedicel, calyx and ovary I Pollinarium

(Photographs by M.D de Leon)
DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.80.12872

Figure 2: Hoya migueldavidii photographed from R. Pimentel s.n. (CMUH) prior to pressing
A Inflorescence B Branch C, D leaf (C adaxial surface D abaxial surface). (Photographs by M.D de Leon).

Figure 1: Hoya migueldavidii photographed from R. Pimentel s.n. (CMUH) prior to pressing A A single flower, front view B, C Corolla, side view D Corolla, with removed corona E Revolute margins of the corolla lobes F Corona, from underneath G, H Pedicel, calyx and ovary I Pollinarium (Photographs by M.D de Leon)

Figure 2: Hoya migueldavidiiphotographed from R. Pimentel s.n. (CMUH) prior to pressing A Inflorescence B Branch C, D leaf (C adaxial surface D abaxial surface). (Photographs by M.D de Leon).

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.80.12872

Hoya migueldavidii Cabactulan, Rodda & Pimentel, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Among Philippine Hoya species similar to Hoya loheri in inflorescence type (positively geotropic, convex) but separated because Hoya loheri has a flattened, turban-shaped corolla (vs. almost round in Hoya migueldavidii) and leaves and stems are entirely glabrous (vs. pubescent in Hoya migueldavidii)

Figure 3. Hoya loheri photographed from Rodda M MR748 (SING) prior to pressing A Leafy branch and inflorescence B Inflorescence. (Photographs by M. Rodda)

Type: Philippines, Mindanao, Bukidnon, Mount Kitanglad, 11 Aug 2016, R. Pimentel s.n. (CMUH, holotype, sheet number CMUH 827; SING, isotype).

Etymology: Hoya migueldavidii is named after Dr. Miguel David de Leon, viteoretina surgeon and plant and wildlife conservationist.

Distribution and ecology: This new species was only once collected in Mindanao Island, Philippines but the full distribution is still unknown. It is an epiphytic climber, growing at about 1000 m in disturbed primary broad leaf forest in full sun to part shade.

Derek D. Cabactulan, Michele Rodda and Reynold Pimentel. 2017. Hoya of the Philippines part I. Hoya migueldavidii (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), A New Species from Northern Mindanao, Philippines. PhytoKeys. 80; 105-112. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.80.12872

Rhombophryne diadema & Rhombophryne regalis

Scherz, Hawlitschek, Andreone, Rakotoarison, Vences & Glaw, 2017

Rhombophryne guentherpetersi (Guibé, 1974)

Rhombophryne serratopalpebrosa Species Group || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4273.3.1 MarkScherz.com

Abstract

Over the last three years, three new species of saw-browed diamond frogs (Rhombophryne serratopalpebrosa species group)—a clade of cophyline microhylid frogs native to northern and eastern Madagascar—have been described. We here review the taxonomy of these frogs based on a new multi-gene phylogeny of the group, which confirms its monophyly but is insufficiently resolved to clarify most intra-group relationships. We confirm Rhombophryne guentherpetersi (Guibé, 1974) to be a member of this group, and we re-describe it based on its type series and newly collected material; the species is characterised by small superciliary spines (overlooked in its original description), as well as large tibial glands and an unusually laterally compressed pectoral girdle. We go on to describe two new species of this group from northern Madagascar: both Rhombophryne diadema sp. nov. from the Sorata Massif and Rhombophryne regalis sp. nov. from several sites in the northeast of the island possess three superciliary spines, but they are characterised by several subtle morphological and osteological differences. The new species are separated from all known congeners by an uncorrected pairwise distance of at least 5.1% in a ca. 550 bp fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. In order to highlight the significance of the skeleton in the taxonomy of this group, we provide a detailed description of its generalized osteology based on volume-rendered micro-CT scans of all described members, revisiting already-described skeletons of some species, and describing the skeletons of R. guentherpetersi, R. coronata, and the new taxa for the first time. Use of volume rendering, instead of surface rendering of micro-CT data, resulted in some discrepancies due to the properties of each method. We discuss these inconsistencies and their bearing on the relative value of surface and volume rendering in the taxonomist’s toolkit. We argue that, while surface models are more practical for the reader, volumes are generally a more objective representation of the data. Thus, taxonomic description work should be based on volume rendering when possible, with surface models presented as an aid to the reader.

Keywords: Amphibia, Rhombophryne diadema sp. nov., Rhombophryne regalis sp. nov., micro-Computed Tomography, Cophylinae, integrative taxonomy

FIGURE 1. Four of the named species from the Rhombophryne serratopalpebrosa group.
(a) R. ornata, (b) R. vaventy, (c) R. coronata, and (d) R. tany.

Rhombophryne diadema sp. nov. in life, showing the holotype ZSM 1629/2012 in dorsal view.
Rhombophryne regalis sp. nov. in life, showing the holotype (MRSN A4602) in dorsal view.
Rhombophryne guentherpetersi in life (ZSM 607/2014) in dorsal view.
No photos in life of R. serratopalpebrosa are available.

Rhombophryne guentherpetersi (Guibé, 1974)

Common name: Tsaratanana saw-browed diamond frog (modified from Frank & Ramus 1995)

Rhombophryne regalis sp. nov.

Suggested common name: Regal saw-browed diamond frog

Etymology. The species epithet is the Latin nominative singular two-ending adjective regalis, meaning ‘kingly’ or ‘regal’, and refers to the crown-like superciliary spines that individuals of this species, and all other members of the R. serratopalpebrosa group, possess.

Rhombophryne diadema sp. nov.

Suggested common name: Diadem saw-browed diamond frog

Etymology. The specific epithet diadema is the latinized Greek word for diadem, a small crown typically worn by female royalty. It refers to the superciliary spines borne by this species. It is a feminine nominative singular noun in apposition.

Mark D. Scherz, Oliver Hawlitschek, Franco Andreone, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Miguel Vences and Frank Glaw. 2017. A Review of the Taxonomy and Osteology of the Rhombophryne serratopalpebrosa Species Group (Anura: Microhylidae) from Madagascar, with Comments on the Value of Volume Rendering of Micro-CT Data to Taxonomists. Zootaxa. 4273(3); 301–340. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4273.3.1

MarkScherz.com/archives/3252

Corynandra elegans Chandore, U.S. Yadav & S.R. Yadav

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.260.1.10

Abstract

A new elegant species of Corynandra Schrad. ex Spreng. (Cleomaceae) is described and illustrated from Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. The new species differs from Corynandra chelidonii (L. f.) Cochrane & Iltis by its perennial habit, presence of root suckers, 3–5 foliate basal leaves, flower 5–9 cm across, petals up to 4.5 cm long, stamens up to 250, capsule beak 8–14 mm long, seed testa with blunt tubercles and open, deep cleft.

Keywords: Aquatic, Elegant, Konkan, Lateritic plateaus, Maharashtra, Perennial, India, Eudicots

Corynandra elegans Chandore, U.S. Yadav & S.R. Yadav

A. Corynandraelegans flower. B. C. chelidonii flower.

Arun Nivrutti Chandore, Usha Shrirang Yadav and Shrirang Ramchandra Yadav. 2016. A New Elegant Species of Corynandra (Cleomaceae) from Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. Phytotaxa. 260(1); 89–94. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.260.1.10

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/indias-biodiversity-riches-grow-by-499-species/article18724623.ece

Liaoningvenator curriei

Shen, Zhao, Gao, Lü & Kundrát, 2017

reconstruction by Chuang ZHAO || DOI: 10.3975/cagsb.2017.03.06

Abstract

A new troodontid, Liaoningvenator curriei gen. et sp. nov., is described based on a complete skeleton from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Beipiao City, Liaoning Province. It bears the following characteristics of Troodontidae: numerous and more closely appressed maxillary and dentary teeth; the teeth markedly constricted between the roots and crowns; the nutrient foramina in groove on the external surface of dentary; distal caudal vertebrae having a sulcus on the dorsal midline rather than a neural spine. Unlike other troodontids, Liaoningvenator exhibits a sub-triangular ischial boot in lateral view and slender ischial obturator process; transition point in caudal vertebrae starts from the seventh caudal vertebra. A phylogenetic analysis recovers Liaoningvenator and Eosinopteryx as sister taxa that belong to the same clade. These two taxa share the following three characteristics: (1) anterior maxillary and dentary teeth lack serrations along the anterior carina; (2) shafts of cervical ribs are longer than vertebral centra with which they articulate; and (3) anterior margin of ilium is straight. The histological study indicates that Liaoningvenator was attaining skeletal maturity and at least four years old when it perished. Liaoningvenator represents the fifth troodontid taxon from the Lower Cretaceous equivalent strata of western Liaoning. It provides much new anatomical information on basal troodontid dinosaurs in this region. It also enhances the diversity of the troodontids in Early Cretaceous of China currently known.

Keywords: troodontid, new genus and species, Early Cretaceous, phylogenetic analysis, western Liaoning

Fig. 1 Line drawing (A) and photograph (B) of Liaoningvenator curriei gen. et sp. nov. (DNHM D3012)

Systematic paleontology

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Maniraptora Gauthier, 1986

Troodontidae Gilmore, 1924

Liaoningvenator curriei gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The genus name refers to Liaoning, and “venator” meaning hunter; the specific name honors Professor Philip J. Currie for his outstanding contribution to the research on small theropod dinosaurs.

Holotype: A nearly complete, naturally articulated skeleton with skull and lower jaws (DNHM D3012), all bones are three dimensionally preserved. The type specimen is housed in the collections of the Dalian Natural History Museum (DNHM), Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China.

Type locality and horizon: Lujiatun, Shangyuan, Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, China; fluvial and volcaniclastic beds of the basal Yixian Formation, Hauterivian, Lower Cretaceous (Xu et al., 2002).

The reconstruction of Liaoningvenator curriei gen. et sp. nov. (DNHM D3012)

drawn by ZHAO Chuang

Cai-zhi Shen, Bo Zhao, Chun-ling Gao, Jun-chang Lü and Martin Kundrát. 2017. A New Troodontid Dinosaur (Liaoningvenator curriei gen. et sp. nov.) from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation in Western Liaoning Province. Acta Geoscientica Sinica. 38: 359-371. DOI: 10.3975/cagsb.2017.03.06

Liaoningvenator, a new troodontid from China http://www.wildprehistory.com/abstract/liaoningvenator-a-new-troodontid-from-china/ @wildprehistory

http://albertonykus.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-small-basal-paravian-not-preserved-as.html

Paleo Profile: The Liaoning Hunter https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/laelaps/paleo-profile-the-liaoning-hunter

Aenigmatoconcha clivicola

Tumpeesuwan & Tumpeesuwan, 2017

lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/index.php/65

Abstract

Aenigmatoconcha clivicola, new genus and new species, was described from a limestone hill in Loei Province, northeastern Thailand. Morphological features of the shell, genital system, and radula were examined and compared with Sophina calias and S. schistostellis from Southeastern Myanmar, and Chalepotaxis infantilis from Southern China. It differs from all previously described Sophina species due to its more flattened and depressed, thin glossy shell, and its soft parts possessing broad right and left mantle shell lobes. The radula comprises approximately 20–25 transverse V-shaped rows of teeth; each row having 17–137 unicuspid spatulate teeth. The genital system lacks an amatorial organ and has a very large cylindrical penis without a penial sheath.

Key words: Sophina, Chalepotaxis, Aenigmatoconcha, V-shaped rows of teeth, amatorial organ, limestone dweller

Living Aenigmatoconcha clivicola, new species, in natural habitat.

Superfamily Helicarionoidea Bourguignat, 1877

Family Helicarionidae Bourguignat, 1877

Subfamily Durgellinae Godwin-Austen, 1888

Tribe Durgellini Godwin-Austen, 1888

Aenigmatoconcha, new genus

Type species. Aenigmatoconcha clivicola, new species.

Diagnosis. The radula possesses similar unicuspid spatulate teeth arranged in V-shaped rows. The genitalia lack an amatorial organ and possess a large, stout penis and slender elongate epiphallus.

Etymology. “Aenigma” from the Latin word meaning something obscure, a riddle or mystery, and “concha” from the Latin word meaning snail or shell.

Remarks. The radula and genital organs form the unique characters distinguishing Aenigmatoconcha, new genus, from other morphologically close helicarionid genera.

Aenigmatoconcha clivicola, new species, in natural habitat. A, living snail; B, foraging behavior.

Photographs: Kitti Tanmuangpak.

Aenigmatoconcha clivicola, new species

Helicarionidae gen. indet.: Tanmuangpak et al., 2012: 18–24.
Sophina sp.: Tanmuangpak. 2016: 93–94.

Etymology. The specific epithet “clivicola” comes from two Latin words: “clivus”, meaning sloping side of hill, and “-cola”, meaning dweller.

Chanidaporn Tumpeesuwan and Sakboworn Tumpeesuwan. 2017. Discovery of An Overlooked Helicarionid Land Snail (Helicarionidae: Durgellinae) from northeastern Thailand, with Description of A New Genus and New Species, and Note on Radula Morphology and Genital System. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 65; 181–188.

http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/vol65/65rbz181-188.pdf

Pristimantis boucephalus

Lehr, Moravec, Cusi & Gvoždík, 2017

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2017.325

Abstract

We describe a new minute species of the genus Pristimantis, Pristimantis boucephalus sp. nov., from the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park, Región Pasco, Peru. The description is based on a freshly collected male specimen found at 2950 m a.s.l. in a cloud forest and four previously unidentified museum specimens consisting of two adult males, one subadult female and a juvenile from the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park. The new species is mainly characterized by a snout–vent length of 13.4–14.5 mm in adult males (n = 3), and 12.5 mm in the only known subadult female, and is compared morphologically and genetically with other taxonomically and biogeographically relevant species of Pristimantis. The new species is characterized by its small size, disproportionally large head with short snout, absence of a tympanic annulus and membrane, and reddish-copper iris. Phylogenetically it belongs to a speciose clade, an as yet unnamed species group, comprising both montane (Andes, Guiana Shield) and lowland (Amazon) taxa from the northern part of South America. The new species is genetically close to the sympatric P. cruciocularis. Species of Pristimantis occurring in the Cordillera Yanachaga region in the Andes of central Peru are members of six divergent phylogenetic lineages.

Keywords. Andes, DNA barcoding, frogs, molecular phylogeny, new species.

Order Anura Fischer von Waldheim, 1813

Superfamily Brachycephaloidea Günther, 1858

Family Craugastoridae Hedges, Duellman & Heinicke, 2008

Subfamily Ceuthomantinae Heinicke, Duellman, Trueb, Means, MacCulloch & Hedges, 2009

Genus PristimantisJiménez de la Espada, 1870

Pristimantis boucephalus sp. nov

Pristimantis sp. 4 – Angulo et al. 2016: 4, figs 76–77.

Suggested English name: Bigheaded Rubber Frog.

Suggested Spanish name: Rana cutín cabezona.

Etymology: The species epithet boucephalus is derived from the Greek prefix “bou-“ meaning large, huge, or great, and the Greek noun “cephalo” meaning head. The name refers to the disproportionally large head of the new species.

Fig. 3. Live holotype (MUSM 31102, SVL 14.1 mm) of Pristimantis boucephalus sp. nov. A. Dorsal view. B. Dorsolateral view.

Fig. 7. Type locality of Pristimantis boucephalus sp. nov. in the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park.

Photos by E. Lehr.

Fig. 5. Pristimantis boucephalus sp. nov., holotype (MUSM 31102). A. Dorsal view of head. B. Lateral view of head.

Drawings by J. Moravec.

Definition: A new species of Pristimantis, not assigned to any species group, having the following combination of characters: (1) Skin on dorsum smooth with few low scattered tubercles, skin on venter areolate with low scattered tubercles; discoidal and thoracic folds absent; dorsolateral folds absent; (2) tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus absent; (3) snout short, rounded in dorsal and lateral views; (4) upper eyelid with one enlarged conical tubercle at its center and one enlarged conical tubercle at its posterior end; EW slightly shorter than IOD; cranial crests absent; (5) dentigerous processes of vomers absent; (6) males with vocal slits, nuptial pads absent; (7) Finger I shorter than Finger II; discs of digits expanded, rounded; (8) fingers with lateral fringes; (9) small conical ulnar and tarsal tubercles present; (10) heel with a conical tubercle; inner tarsal fold absent; (11) inner metatarsal tubercle ovoid, 2.5 times as large as outer; outer metatarsal tubercle small, rounded; numerous low, supernumerary plantar tubercles; (12) toes with lateral fringes; basal toe webbing present; Toe V longer than Toe III; toe discs slightly smaller than those on fingers; (13) in life, dorsal ground coloration greenish gray with reddishbrown blotches and scattered brown flecks surrounded by black; canthal and supratympanic stripes absent; groin and anterior surfaces of thighs greenish yellow with black blotches; venter gray with pale reddish and greenish brown mottling and scattered dark gray flecks; iris reddish copper with fine black vermiculation and black narrow vertical streak from pupil across lower half of iris; (14) SVL in adult males 13.4–14.5 mm (n = 3), in adult females unknown (12.5 mm in single subadult female).

Edgar Lehr, Jiří Moravec, Juan Carlos Cusi and Václav Gvoždík. 2017. A New Minute Species of Pristimantis (Amphibia: Anura: Craugastoridae) with A Large Head from the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park in central Peru, with Comments on the Phylogenetic Diversity of Pristimantis Occurring in the Cordillera Yanachaga. European Journal of Taxonomy. 325; 1–22. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2017.325

https://www.naturalsciences.be/en/news/item/6741

Pseudocalotes baliomus

Harvey, Shaney, Hamidy, Kurniawan & Smith. 2017

Spot-Shouldered False Garden Lizard || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4276.2.4

Abstract

We describe a new species of Pseudocalotes from montane forests of the central, western coast of Sumatra. The combination of 3 or 4 interoculabials, slightly enlarged and heavily keeled scales on the lower flanks, a white scapular spot, a relatively long fifth toe, bicarinate lamellae at the base of Toe III, absence of a postrictal modified scale, and three rows of paravertebrals directed dorsally and posteriorly distinguishes the new species from its congeners on Sumatra and Java. Among the new characters defined in this study, counts of subdigital lamellae within the “span of Toe V” proved particularly useful for diagnosing species of Pseudocalotes. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences identified a monophyletic group containing the Sumatran and Javan Pseudocalotes. Based on the phylogeny, we define a P. cybelidermus Group containing P. cybelidermus and P. guttalineatus and a P. tympanistriga Group containing P. tympanistriga, P. rhammanotus, and the new species. Combinations of five morphological characters define each of these two clades. As currently defined, Pseudocalotes is polyphyletic; Javan and Sumatran species are more closely related to other draconines such as Dendragama boulengeri than they are to some mainland species.

Keywords: Reptilia, Draconinae, Pseudocalotes baliomus new species, Pseudocalotes dringi, Pseudocalotes rhammanotus, Pseudocalotes tympanistriga, Sauria

FIGURE 1. Adult male holotype of Pseudocalotes baliomus (MZB 9813, SVL 68 mm) from forest along road from Tapan to Sungai Penuh, Sumatera Barat Department, Sumatra, Indonesia, 1181 m. Photo by E. N. Smith.

Etymology. The new name baliomus is a masculine adjective derived from the Greek adjective balios meaning spotted and Greek noun omos meaning shoulder. The new name refers to the diagnostic white blotches on the shoulder of Pseudocalotes baliomus.

Standard English Common Name. Spot-Shouldered False Garden Lizard.

Michael B. Harvey, Kyle Shaney, Amir Hamidy, Nia Kurniawan and Eric N. Smith. 2017. A New Species of Pseudocalotes (Squamata: Agamidae) from the Bukit Barisan Range of Sumatra with An Estimation of Its Phylogeny. Zootaxa. 4276(2); 215–232. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4276.2.4

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