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[Tunicata • 2017] Shallow-water Ascidians from Matua Island (central Kuril Islands, NW Pacific), part 2

October 17, 2017, 6:18 am
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Synoicum polyzoinum
Sanamyan & Sanamyan, 2017


Abstract

The paper reports several ascidians, previously not known from central group of Kurile Islands, including two new species, Synoicum polyzoinum n. sp. and Aplidiummatua n. sp. In order to systematize our knowledge on numerous members of these genera, reported from NW Pacific, we provide an overview of all Synoicum and Aplidium species, known from Far Eastern Seas of Russia, including comments on the species erroneously identified in the past.

Keywords: Tunicata, Ascidiacea, Aplidium, Synoicum, Kuril Islands, Matua Island, NW Pacific




Karen Sanamyan and Nadya Sanamyan. 2017. Shallow-water Ascidians from Matua Island (central Kuril Islands, NW Pacific), part 2. Zootaxa. 4337(1);  121–131.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4337.1.6



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[Crustacea • 2017] Epimeria of the Southern Ocean with Notes on Their Relatives (Amphipoda, Eusiroidea)

October 18, 2017, 1:47 am
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Epimeria (Drakepimeria) loerzae, 
E. (Hoplepimeria) quasimodo & 
E. (Drakepimeria) cyrano 
d'Udekem d'Acoz & Verheye, 2017


Abstract

The present monograph includes general systematic considerations on the family Epimeriidae, a revision of the genus Epimeria Costa in Hope, 1851 in the Southern Ocean, and a shorter account on putatively related eusiroid taxa occurring in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seas. The former epimeriid genera Actinacanthus Stebbing, 1888 and Paramphithoe Bruzelius, 1859 are transferred to other families, respectively to the Acanthonotozomellidae Coleman & J.L. Barnard, 1991 and the herein re-established Paramphithoidae G.O. Sars, 1883, so that only Epimeria and Uschakoviella Gurjanova, 1955 are retained within the Epimeriidae Boeck, 1871. The genera Apherusa Walker, 1891 and Halirages Boeck, 1891, which are phylogenetically close to Paramphithoe, are also transferred to the Paramphithoidae. The validity of the suborder Senticaudata Lowry & Myers, 2013, which conflicts with traditional and recent concepts of Eusiroidea Stebbing, 1888, is questioned. Eight subgenera are recognized for Antarctic and sub-Antarctic species of the genus Epimeria: Drakepimeria subgen. nov., Epimeriella K.H. Barnard, 1930, Hoplepimeria subgen. nov., Laevepimeria subgen. nov., Metepimeria Schellenberg, 1931, Pseudepimeria Chevreux, 1912, Subepimeria Bellan-Santini, 1972 and Urepimeria subgen. nov. The type subgenus Epimeria, as currently defined, does not occur in the Southern Ocean. Drakepimeria species are superficially similar to the type species of the genus Epimeria: E. cornigera (Fabricius, 1779), but they are phylogenetically unrelated and substantial morphological differences are obvious at a finer level. Twenty-seven new Antarctic Epimeria species are described herein: Epimeria (Drakepimeria) acanthochelon subgen. et sp. nov., E. (D.) anguloce subgen. et sp. nov., E. (D.) colemani subgen. et sp. nov., E. (D.) corbariae subgen. et sp. nov., E. (D.) cyrano subgen. et sp. nov., E. (D.) havermansiana subgen. et sp. nov., E. (D.) leukhoplites subgen. et sp. nov., E. (D.) loerzae subgen. et sp. nov., E. (D.) pandora subgen. et sp. nov., E. (D.) pyrodrakon subgen. et sp. nov., E. (D.) robertiana subgen. et sp. nov., Epimeria (Epimeriella) atalanta sp. nov., Epimeria (Hoplepimeria) cyphorachis subgen. et sp. nov., E. (H.) gargantua subgen. et sp. nov., E. (H.)linseae subgen. et sp. nov., E. (H.) quasimodo subgen. et sp. nov., E. (H.) xesta subgen. et sp. nov., Epimeria (Laevepimeria) anodon subgen. et sp. nov., E. (L.) cinderella subgen. et sp. nov., Epimeria (Pseudepimeria) amoenitas sp. nov., E. (P.) callista sp. nov., E. (P.) debroyeri sp. nov., E. (P.) kharieis sp. nov., Epimeria (Subepimeria) adeliae sp. nov., E. (S.) iota sp. nov., E. (S.) teres sp. nov. and E. (S.)urvillei sp. nov. The type specimens of E. (D.) macrodonta Walker, 1906, E. (D.) similis Chevreux, 1912, E. (H.) georgiana Schellenberg, 1931 and E. (H.) inermis Walker, 1903 are re-described and illustrated. Besides the monographic treatment of Epimeriidae from the Southern Ocean, a brief overview and identification keys are given for their putative and potential relatives from the same ocean, i.e., the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic members of the following eusiroid families: Acanthonotozomellidae Coleman & J.L. Barnard, 1991, Dikwidae Coleman & J.L. Barnard, 1991, Stilipedidae Holmes, 1908 and Vicmusiidae Just, 1990. This overview revealed the existence of a new large and characteristic species of Alexandrella Chevreux, 1911, A. chione sp. nov. but also shows that the taxonomy of that genus remains poorly known and that several ‘variable widespread eurybathic species’ probably are species complexes. Furthermore, the genera Bathypanoploea Schellenberg, 1939 and Astyroides Birstein & Vinogradova, 1960 are considered to be junior synonyms of Alexandrella. Alexandrella mixta Nicholls, 1938 and A. pulchra Ren in Ren & Huang, 1991 are re-established herein, as valid species. It is pointed out that this insufficient taxonomic knowledge of Antarctic amphipods impedes ecological and biogeographical studies requiring precise identifications. Stacking photography was used for the first time to provide iconographic support in amphipod taxonomy, and proves to be a rapid and efficient illustration method for large tridimensionally geometric species. A combined morphological and molecular approach was used whenever possible for distinguishing Epimeria species, which were often very similar (albeit never truly cryptic) and sometimes exhibited allometric and individual variations. However in several cases, taxa were characterized by morphology only, whenever the specimens available for study were inappropriately fixed or when no sequences could be obtained. A large number of Epimeria species, formerly considered as eurybathic and widely distributed, proved to be complexes of species, with a narrower (overlapping or not) distribution. The distributional range of Antarctic Epimeria is very variable from species to species. Current knowledge indicates that some species from the Scotia Arc and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula are narrow range endemics, sometimes confined to one island, archipelago, or ridge (South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, Elephant Island or Bruce Ridge); other species have a distribution encompassing a broader region, such as the eastern shelf of the Weddell Sea, or extending from the eastern shelf of the Weddell Sea to Adélie Coast. The most widely distributed species are E. (D.) colemani subgen. et sp. nov., E. (E.) macronyx (Walker, 1906), E. (H.) inermis Walker, 1903 and E. (L.) walkeri (K.H. Barnard, 1930), which have been recorded from the Antarctic Peninsula/South Shetland Islands area to the western Ross Sea. Since restricted distributions are common among Antarctic and sub-Antarctic Epimeria, additional new species might be expected in areas such as the Kerguelen Plateau, eastern Ross Sea, Amundsen Sea and the Bellingshausen Sea or isolated seamounts and ridges, where there are currently no Epimeria recorded. The limited distribution of many Epimeria species of the Southern Ocean is presumably related to the poor dispersal capacity in most species of the genus. Indeed with the exception of the pelagic and semi-pelagic species of the subgenus Epimeriella, they are heavy strictly benthic organisms without larval stages, and they have no exceptional level of eurybathy for Antarctic amphipods. Therefore, stretches deeper than 1000 m seem to be efficient geographical barriers for many Epimeria species, but other isolating factors (e.g., large stretches poor in epifauna) might also be at play. The existence of endemic shelf species with limited dispersal capacities in the Southern Ocean (like many Epimeria) suggests the existence of multiple ice-free shelf or upper slope refugia during the Pleistocene glaciations within the distributional and bathymetric range of these species. Genera with narrow range endemics like Epimeria would be excellent model taxa for locating hotspots of Antarctic endemism, and thus potentially play a role in proposing meaningful Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean.

Keywords: Alexandrella; Amphipoda; Epimeria; Eusiroidea; Senticaudata; Southern Ocean






Cédric d'Udekem d'Acoz and Marie L. Verheye. 2017. Epimeria of the Southern Ocean with Notes on Their Relatives (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Eusiroidea).  European Journal of Taxonomy. 359;  1–553.  DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2017.359

28 New Amphipod Species Discovered in Antarctica  NaturalSciences.be/en/news/item/9067    via @RBINSmuseum

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[Entomology • 2017] Carmenta wildishorum • A New Species of Carmenta (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Sesiinae: Synanthedonini) from New Mexico supported by Morphology and Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I Data

October 18, 2017, 7:22 pm
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Carmenta wildishorum
Taft & Cognato, 2017


Abstract

A preliminary phylogeny of 36 species of Carmenta (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) was reconstructed based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I DNA sequences using parsimony and Bayesian inference in order to assess the placement of a suspected new species. Although the phylogeny was not completely resolved, there were well-supported species groups associated with geography. Based on these results and diagnostic morphological characters, Carmenta wildishorum, n. sp., is described and illustrated from the Cimarron Mountain Range in northeastern New Mexico. The new species is sister to C. texana with a 5.2% nucleotide difference between the two, which is similar to the distance between other Carmenta species and exceeds the intraspecific difference observed within C. texana (0.3%). The phylogeny also suggests additional hidden species diversity among Carmenta species that have large geographic distributions.

Keywords:  Lepidoptera, mitochondrial, DNA taxonomy, systematics, Sesiidae




William H. Taft and Anthony I. Cognato. 2017. Recognition of A New Species of Carmenta from New Mexico supported by Morphology and Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I Data (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Sesiinae: Synanthedonini). Zootaxa. 4337(3); 436–444. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4337.3.8
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[Ichthyology • 2017] Roa rumsfeldi • A New Butterflyfish (Teleostei, Chaetodontidae) from Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems of the Philippines

October 18, 2017, 8:07 pm
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Roa rumsfeldi 
  Rocha, Pinheiro, Wandell, Rocha & Shepherd, 2017
Figure 2. Live specimen of Roa rumsfeldi sp. n. photographed at the California Academy of Sciences’ Twilight Zone exhibit (photo LA Rocha).

Abstract
A new species of the butterflyfish genus Roa is herein described from the Verde Island Passage in the Philippines, West Pacific Ocean. Roa rumsfeldi sp. n. was found on mesophotic coral ecosystems at Puerto Galera and Batangas, and sampled through technical mixed-gas rebreather diving at 100–130 m depth. This represents the fifth known species of Roa. The main differences between Roa rumsfeldi sp. n. and its congeners are the lower number of pored scales in the lateral line, longer snout, longer caudal peduncle, shorter caudal fin, pelvic fin color (dark first spine vs. white in all other Roa), and genetics (8.4% divergence from its closest relative Roa modesta in the mitochondrial COI gene). Roa spp. are usually seen in pairs, but the two specimens we collected were solitary individuals. We have kept one of the specimens alive in the California Academy of Sciences’ Twilight Zone exhibit for more than one year, where it thrives and is feeding on a variety of dried and fresh food.

Keywords: Coral triangle, deep reefs, new species, rebreather diving, reef fish

Figure 1. Roa rumsfeldi sp. n., holotype shortly after death, 77.53 mm SL, PNM 15198 (photo LA Rocha).

Roa rumsfeldi sp. n. 
Deep-blackfin butterflyfish

Diagnosis: Roa rumsfeldi sp. n. differs from all of its congeners by the smaller number of pored scales in the lateral line pored scales (27 versus 37-46 in other Roa), longer snout (35.9% in HL vs. 28.2–35.5%), shorter first dorsal ray (12% in SL vs. 16.6–26.6%), longer caudal peduncle (8.5% in SL vs. 4.2–8.2%), shorter caudal fin (15.9% in SL vs. 19.8–25.9%), and a dark brown pelvic-fin spine (white in all other known Roa species).

Etymology: We name Roa rumsfeldi to honor Donald Rumsfeld who immortalized the quote: “there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns – the ones we don’t know we don’t know.” He said that when referring to the uncertainties of war, but we think it applies perfectly to the taxonomy of MCE species: We only realized this species was new after we took a good look at it here at the aquarium in San Francisco, so we think it’s a perfect example of an unknown unknown.

Distribution and habitat: Roa rumsfeldi sp. n. is only known to occur in the Verde Island Passage, central Philippines. It was found on MCEs of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, and Bauan, Batangas, between 100 and 130 m depth. However, the species likely has a wider distribution and remains undetected because of its preferred depth range. The ecosystems where it was found vary from sheltered rocky outcroppings heavily covered by fine sediment to areas exposed to strong currents. The ambient seawater temperature varied between 19 and 21°C during our dives, which were conducted in April-May over several years. Azooxanthellate gorgonians, black corals, and solitary stony corals are the most abundant benthic invertebrates in this habitat.


 Luiz A. Rocha, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Matt Wandell, Claudia R. Rocha and Bart Shepherd. 2017. Roa rumsfeldi, A New Butterflyfish (Teleostei, Chaetodontidae) from Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems of the Philippines. ZooKeys. 709; 127-134.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.709.20404

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[Botany • 2017] A Taxonomic Revision of Four Complexes in the Genus Pourthiaea (Rosaceae)

October 19, 2017, 12:02 am
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Pourthiaea arguta


Abstract

The taxonomy of four species complexes of Pourthiaea (i.e., Pourthiaea arguta, P. pilosicalyx, P. salicifolia, and P. sorbifolia), distributed in E, S, and SE Asia, is extremely controversial among authors. This situation may have been caused by the lack of proper analysis and evaluation of the characters at the population level used previously. The present study is the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of these four complexes. We conducted extensive field observations, population sampling, examination of a large number of specimens, and did subsequent statistical analysis of the characters. All the morphological characters used in previous taxonomic treatments were evaluated one by one at the population level. They are length, width, margin, number of lateral veins, type of base, type of apex, and shape of leaf blade, length of petioles, type of inflorescences, length of pedicels, and density of indumentum on leaf blade and inflorescences. All these characters were found to be extremely variable within population and continuously varied between populations, and thus they are of little value for delimiting species. However, seven characters, i.e., width of leaf blade, lateral veins of leaf blade parallel or not, lower surface of leaf blade glabrescent or not, type of fruit, sepals caducous or not, number of carpels, and ratio of number of fertile seeds to that of total seeds, were found distinctly different (for qualitative characters) or statistically discontinuous (for quantitative characters), and thus they are valuable for species delimitation in these four complexes. As a result, we recognize four species and two subspecies, P. pilosicalyx, P. salicifolia, P. sorbifolia, and P. arguta which consists of two subspecies: subsp. arguta and subsp. pustulata. Two new combinations, P. sorbifolia (W. B. Liao & W. Guo) B. B. Liu & D. Y. Hong and P. arguta subsp. pustulata (Lindl.) B. B. Liu & D. Y. Hong, are proposed herein. Forty-one taxa are reduced as new synonyms, and 20 lectotypes are designated here.

Keywords:  Photinia, population sampling, standard deviation, statistics, typification, Eudicots



Bin-Bin Liu and De-Yuan Hong. 2017. A Taxonomic Revision of Four Complexes in the Genus Pourthiaea (Rosaceae).  Phytotaxa. 325(1); 1–75. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.325.1.1


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[Ichthyology • 2017] Channa shingon • A New Dwarf Snakehead (Perciformes: Channidae) from western Yunnan

October 19, 2017, 3:50 am
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Channa shingon
 Endruweit, 2017 

 Vertebrate Zoology. 67(2) 

Abstract

 Channa shingon, new species, is described from small mountainous rivulets associated with the Irrawaddy drainage in western Yunnan Province, China. Its maximum SL of about 100 mm makes it the smallest pelvic-fin bearing dwarf snakehead. Further specific characters are lateral head length 27–30 % SL; interorbital width 33 –35 % HL; 25–27 anal-fin rays; 44–45 lateral-line scales; 4 –5 scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line; 8 –9 scale rows between lateral line and anal-fin origin; 1 mandibular scale; 43–44 vertebrae; inferomesial process of parasphenoid very shallow and straight; dorsal profile conspicuously bulging in front of dorsal fin; juveniles without ocellus-like mark on posterior part of dorsal fin; and a pectoral-fin pattern of 3 – 4 broad gray to black bands alternating with cream to white interspaces, bands increasingly wide towards distal edge of the fin, interspaces equally wide as bands or narrower.

Key words: Channa; new species; Irrawaddy; Salween; taxonomy

Fig. 1. Channa shingon; Erganya, Yingjiang; Jieyanghe River: a, KIZ 2014005982, 89.7 mm SL, holotype; b, KIZ 2014005980, 90.2 mm SL, paratype, reversed; c, KIZ 2014005971, 89.4 mm SL; Cangyuan; Nangunhe River. 
  
Channa shingon, new species

Diagnosis. Channa shingon is distinguished from other members of the C. gachua-complex (Britz, 2008) by having a lateral head length 27–30 % SL; interorbital width 33 – 35 % HL; 25–27 [26] anal-fin rays; 44– 45 [45] lateral-line scales; 4 –5 [4] transverse scales to dorsal-fin origin and 8–9 [8] to anal-fin origin; 1 mandibular scale, 43 –44 [44] vertebrae; inferomesial process of parasphenoid very shallow and straight; dorsal profile conspicuously bulging in front of dorsal fin; pelvic fin present; juveniles without ocellus-like mark on posterior part of dorsal fin; a pectoral-fin pattern of 3–4 broad gray to black bands alternating with cream to white interspaces, width of bands increasing towards distal edge of the fin, interspaces equally wide as bands or narrower; and a maximum standard length of about 100 mm.

Distribution. Known from the Irrawaddy and Salween drainages in Dehong and Lincang prefectures, Yunnan, China; expected to occur in the same drainages in Myanmar.

 Ecology. Channa shingon prefers weedy, stagnant water sections of small mountainous rivulets. These rivulets are often redirected to irrigate rice paddies. At the type locality, the ankle-deep water was clear, with a pH of 5.9, a conductivity of 20 µS/cm, and a temperature of 12 ºC in the afternoon. The lower reaches of these rivulets, shortly before the influx into a larger stream are usually also inhabited by Misgurnus anguillicaudatus and juveniles of C. harcourtbutleri. Another habitat of C. shingon, the Mengnaihe River upstream of Xima at an elevation of 1730 m, had a water temperature of just 8 ºC in the morning (pH 6.7; 20 µS/cm); some backwaters had a thin layer of ice after a chilly night. Vast areas of C. shingon’s habitats are ephemeral and desiccate during droughts.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from a character in Burmese spiritualism. Shingon, also referred to as Lady Humpback, is one of the 37 officially recognized spirits (nats) in Myanmar; an allusion to the species’ humpbacked appearance; a noun in apposition.


Marco Endruweit. 2017. Description of A New Dwarf Snakehead (Perciformes: Channidae) from western Yunnan.  Vertebrate Zoology. 67(2); 173-178.

     

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[Herpetology • 2017] Phyllodytes amadoi • A New Species of Phyllodytes (Anura: Hylidae) from the Atlantic Rainforest of southern Bahia, Brazil

October 20, 2017, 3:05 am
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Phyllodytes amadoi
Vörös, Dias & Solé, 2017


Abstract

We describe Phyllodytes amadoi sp. nov., a species of treefrog from the Atlantic Rainforest of southern Bahia, Brazil. The new species can be diagnosed by its small body size (SVL 15.6–23.0 mm) and advertisement call with high dominant frequency (3.789–4.306 Hz). It is known from one locality in the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage Ararauna, in the municipality of Una (15° 18' 38.3" S, 39° 9' 55.9" W, 96 m a.s.l.).

Keywords: Amphibia, Anura, bioacoustics, Hylidae, Lophiohylinae, morphology, Phyllodytes amadoi


Judit Vörös, Iuri Ribeiro Dias and Mirco Solé. 2017. A New Species of Phyllodytes (Anura: Hylidae) from the Atlantic Rainforest of southern Bahia, Brazil. Zootaxa. 4337(4); 584–594. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4337.4.9


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[Botany • 2017] Curcuma cotuana • A New Species (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) from Quảng Nam Province, central Vietnam

October 20, 2017, 3:33 am
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Curcuma cotuana  Luu, Škorničk. & H.Đ.Trần

in Lu'u, Trần, Nguyễn & Leong-Škorničková, 2017 

Abstract
 A new ginger species, Curcuma cotuana (subg. Ecomatae), from Tây Giang District, Quảng Nam Province, central Vietnam, is reported here. A detailed description, colour plates, and comparison with the morphologically closest allies are given, together with preliminary conservation assessments and notes on its uses by local people.

Figure 1. Curcuma cotuana sp. nov.
(A) habit, (B) inflorescence, (C) flower close-up, (D) rhizome (scale bar 3 cm), (E) stamen attached to floral tube in side, front and inclined view (scale bar 5 mm), (F) flower dissection with details of ligule in inset (from left: bract supporting two flowers, lateral staminodes, labellum, dorsal and lateral corolla lobes, epigynous glands, calyx, floral tube with ovary and stamen attached, bract) (scale bar = 2 cm).
Photos (A), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G) = Lưu Hồng Trường, (B) = Vũ Ngọc Long. 

Curcuma cotuana Luu, Škorničk. & H.Đ.Trần sp. nov. 

Etymology: We name this species after the local Cơ Tu ethnic minority, who use various parts of the plant in their traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Vernacular name and uses: The vernacular name of this species, Pơr’vih in the Cơ Tu language, conveys an idea of keeping the living environment of people in the village peaceful and protected against bad spirits. The main rhizome is stewed with chicken and eaten by women after birth, giving them strength to work soon afterwards. It also reduces menstrual cramp in women. Raw root tubers are mixed with honey to treat coughs in children. Young leaves are mixed with rock salt to treat toothache and gingivitis. Fresh leaves are also used for wrapping fresh fish to preserve it from spoilage. The local people also believe that the plant possesses magic qualities preventing people from getting lost in the forest.


Hồng Trường Lu'u, Hữu Đăng Trần, Trần Quốc Trung Nguyễn and Jana Leong-Škorničková. 2017. Curcuma cotuana sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) from central Vietnam. Nordic Journal of Botany. 35(5); 552–556. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01594



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[Ichthyology • 2017] Austrolebias camaquensis • A New Annual Fish of the Genus Austrolebias (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from Rio Camaquã basin, Laguna dos Patos system, Brazilian Pampa

October 23, 2017, 7:29 pm
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Austrolebias camaquensis 
 Volcan, Gonçalves & Lanés, 2017


Abstract

A new species of Austrolebias is described from the middle course of the Rio Camaquã, Laguna dos Patos system, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The new species belongs to the Austrolebias alexandri species group, which is distinguished from the remaining congeners by the presence of a dark gray pectoral fin with bright blue iridescence in males. The new species is distinguished from all remaining species of the A. alexandri species group by the following combination of characters: presence of well-defined bright blue bars on the flank in males, shorter caudal fin length in males and females, contact organs in the first three rays of the pectoral fin in males, one to two post-optic neuromasts (rarely three), basihyal width of 50% of the length, and basihyal cartilage about 50–60% of the basihyal length. The recognition of this new species belonging to the A. alexandri group endemic of the middle course of Rio Camaquã and the recent discovery of Austrolebias bagual in the same general region reinforces the claim of the middle Rio Camaquã basin as an area of endemism for annual fishes and as such, a priority area for conservation in southern Brazil.

Keywords: Pisces, Austrolebias, killifish, Rio Camaquã basin, temporary wetland, threatened fish, conservation




 Matheus Vieira Volcan, Ândrio Cardozo Gonçalves and Luis Esteban Krause Lanés. 2017. A New Annual Fish of the Genus Austrolebias (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from Rio Camaquã basin, Laguna dos Patos system, Brazilian Pampa. Zootaxa. 4338(1); 141–152. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4338.1.7

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[Ornithology • 2017] Machaeropterus eckelberryi • A New Species of Manakin (Aves: Pipridae) from Peru with A Taxonomic Reassessment of the Striped Manakin (M. regulus) Complex

October 24, 2017, 12:54 am
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Machaeropterus eckelberryi
Lane, Kratter & O'Neill, 2017


Abstract

We describe a new taxon of manakin in the Machaeropterus regulus complex, from the foothills of southwestern Loreto and northern San Martín departments, Peru. This new form appears to be almost identical morphologically to the Tepui form M. regulus aureopectus but differs strongly from that and all other members of the M. regulus complex in voice. Therefore, we conclude that this population represents a new biological species that we here name Machaeropterus eckelberryi. Based on voice and some morphological characters, we concur with several previous authors (e.g., Whittaker & Oren 1999; Snow 2004; Ridgely & Tudor 2009) that nominate M. regulus (Eastern Striped Manakin), of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, should be separated as a biological species from the polytypic Machaeropterus striolatus of western South America (Western Striped Manakin), including M. s. striolatus of Amazonia, M. r. obscurostriatus and M. r. zulianus of the Venezuelan Andes, M. r. antioquiae of the Colombian Andes, and M. r. aureopectus of the tepuis region.

Keywords: Aves, Vocal differentiation, San Martín, Cordillera Azul, suboscine, Neotropical, Aves

Though found in 1996, this manakin wasn't discovered to be a new species until researchers listened to its song years later.

photo: Andy Kratter/Florida Museum of Natural History 

FIGURE 2. Comparison of ventral and dorsal plumage of some taxa in the Machaeropterus regulus complex. Males are on left, females on right, except in the case of M. regulus, in which the male is above and the female below.
Specimens exhibited (male, female): Machaeropterus eckelberryi (MUSM 17725 [holotype], LSUMZ 161896); M. regulus aureopectus (FMNH 344155, 344154); M. r. striolatus (LSUMZ 115836, 110617); M. r. regulus (AMNH 43053, 493115).

Machaeropterus eckelberryi, species novum
Painted Manakin

Etymology. We are pleased to name this colorful manakin after one of the greatest American bird artists of the twentieth century, Donald R. Eckelberry. Not only did Eckelberry’s artwork increase the world’s awareness of the beauty of the birds of the Americas, particularly the Neotropics, but he also was a great force in the establishment of the Asa Wright Nature Center in Trinidad, and a wonderful mentor to young bird artists ( Angell 2001; Gilbert & Amadon 2001). Both JPO and DFL personally benefitted from Eckelberry’s generous advice and coaching in artistic matters. Don Eckelberry passed away on 14 January 2000, and we are sorry he did not live to see this paper published. We are, however, pleased to say that he was aware of our intention to grace this bird with his name and excited by the prospect. May his influence continue to inspire other nature artists in the future! The suggested English name refers to the colorful plumage of the male, and also serves as a nod to Eckelberry’s forte. If taxonomic committees that follow our recommendation of splitting up the M. regulus complex (see below) would prefer all sibling species retain “Striped” in the English name, a fine alternative name for M. eckelberryi would be “Peruvian Striped Manakin.”


Daniel F. Lane, Andrew W. Kratter and John P O'Neill. 2017. A New Species of Manakin (Aves: Pipridae; Machaeropterus) from Peru with A Taxonomic Reassessment of the Striped Manakin (M. regulus) complex.   Zootaxa. 4320(2); 379–390. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4320.2.11
Open Mic: Tackling the World Big Day Record  wp.me/p4fXID-3md

Description d'une nouvelle espèce de manakin au Pérou | Ornithomedia.com: ornithomedia.com/breves/description-nouvelle-espece-manakin-perou-02530.html

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[Botany • 2017] Orchidantha micrantha & O. megalantha • Two New Orchidantha Species (Lowiaceae) from Borne

October 24, 2017, 4:02 am
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Orchidantha megalantha 
 Škorničk. & A.D.Poulsen


Abstract

Two new Orchidantha species discovered in Sarawak, Orchidantha micrantha and O. megalantha, are described and illustrated. They may well represent the species with the smallest and the largest flowers currently known in the genus and certainly from Borneo. With its small flowers, O. micrantha is similar to O. borneensis to which it is compared. The large-flowered O. megalantha is compared to the morphologically closest species, O. holttumii, from nearby Brunei. The conservation status of both new species is assessed and a key is provided to all Bornean species.

Keywords: Kubah National Park; Kuching; Malaysia; Matang; Mulu National Park; Orchidantha borneensis; Orchidantha holttumii; Sarawak; Zingiberales; vulnerable


Orchidantha micrantha only known from Kubah NP, Sarawak, Borneo (Poulsen & Leong-Škorničková, 2017. Blumea. 62: 157). The flower is the SMALLEST of all species of Lowiaceae. Like its big sister, O. megalantha, its smell may attract pollinating dung beetles.

  Orchidantha micrantha Škorničk. & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.

 Etymology. The epithet refers to the small flowers relative to other species of the genus.


Orchidantha megalantha from Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Borneo. We described it recently in the journal Blumea. The flower is the largest of the family Lowiaceae and its putrid smell may attract dung beetles to pollinate it.

  Orchidantha megalantha Škorničk. & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.

 Etymology. The epithet refers to the large flowers relative to other species of the genus.


  A.D. Poulsen and J. Leong-Škorničková. 2017. Two New Orchidantha Species (Lowiaceae) from Borneo.  Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants.   62; 157–162. DOI:  10.3767/blumea.2017.62.02.08
  twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/920420545312772101
 twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/922041459624370176


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[Ichthyology • 2017] Pseudochromis stellatus • A New Species of Dottyback (Teleostei: Pseudochromidae) from Indonesia

October 24, 2017, 7:40 pm
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    Pseudochromis stellatus
 Gill, Allen & Erdmann, 2017


Abstract

The Pseudochromis reticulatus complex is diagnosed to include species of Pseudochromis with the combination of a pointed caudal fin (rounded with middle rays produced), a reticulated colour pattern on the upper part of the body, dorsal-fin rays modally III,26, anal-fin rays modally III,15, and pectoral-fin rays modally 18. Members of the complex include P. reticulatusGill & Woodland, P. pictus Gill & Randall, P. tonozukai Gill & Allen, P. jace Allen, Gill & Erdmann and P. stellatus new species. The last-named is herein described from six specimens from Batanta and Batu Hitam in the Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia. It is distinguished from other members of the complex in live coloration, and in having higher mean numbers of scales in lateral series and of anterior lateral-line scales (36–38 and 29–32, respectively), and a deeper body as measured from the dorsal-fin origin to pelvic-fin origin (31.8–33.5 % SL).

Keywords:  Pisces, taxonomy, Pseudochromis reticulatus complex, Raja Ampat Islands


 Pseudochromis stellatus, Batu Hitam, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia.
Photo by M.V. Erdmann. 

 Pseudochromis stellatus sp. nov. 
Greenhead Dottyback 

Diagnosis. A species of Pseudochromis with the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays III,24– 26 (usually III,26); anal-fin rays III,15; pectoral-fin rays 18–19, usually 18; scales in lateral series 36–38; circumpeduncular scales 16; caudal fin pointed (rounded with middle rays extended to form slight to obvious point); and dorsal-fin origin to pelvic-fin origin 31.8–33.5 % SL.

Etymology. The specific epithet is from the Latin, meaning starry or starred, and alludes to the yellow spots on the upper part of the body. The name was selected by high school students as part of a science activity in the Macleay Museum.


Habitat and distribution. Pseudochromis stellatus is known from Batanta and Batu Hitam in the northern Raja Ampat Islands of West Papua Province, Indonesia, where it has been collected in 55–62 m and observed to at least 70 m depth. The new species is found on deep reef slopes with gentle incline but exposed to strong currents, and is generally found in association with small gorgonian sea fans or low-growing barrel sponges. It is most likely more widely distributed in the region, but confusion with similar yellow-spotted pseudochromids makes underwater identification difficult (see Comparisons). The species possibly ranges to Cebu, Philippines (see Remarks).


 Anthony C. Gill, Gerald R. Allen & Mark V. Erdmann. 2017. Pseudochromis stellatus, A New Species of Dottyback from Indonesia (Teleostei: Pseudochromidae). Zootaxa. 4338(2); 333–340.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4338.2.7

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[PaleoIchthyology • 2017] Foreyia maxkuhni • Heterochronic Evolution Explains Novel Body Shape in A Triassic Coelacanth from Switzerland

October 24, 2017, 7:51 pm
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Foreyia maxkuhni 
Cavin, Mennecart, Obrist, Costeur & Furrer, 2017


Abstract

A bizarre latimeriid coelacanth fish from the Middle Triassic of Switzerland shows skeletal features deviating from the uniform anatomy of coelacanths. The new form is closely related to a modern-looking coelacanth found in the same locality and differences between both are attributed to heterochronic evolution. Most of the modified osteological structures in the new coelacanth have their developmental origin in the skull/trunk interface region in the embryo. Change in the expression of developmental patterning genes, specifically the Pax1/9 genes, may explain a rapid evolution at the origin of the new coelacanth. This species broadens the morphological disparity range within the lineage of these ‘living fossils’ and exemplifies a case of rapid heterochronic evolution likely trigged by minor changes in gene expression.


Figure 1: Skeleton of the new coelacanth Foreyia maxkuhni gen. et sp. nov.
(A) Photo and (B) outline of the holotype (PIMUZ A/I 4620). (C) Reconstruction of the whole skeleton.


Sarcopterygii Romer, 1955

Actinistia Cope, 1891

Latimeriidae Berg, 1940 sensu Dutel et al., 20125

Foreyia gen. nov.

Diagnosis: Latimeriid coelacanth with dermal bones covered with numerous large tubercles; hypertrophied otico-occipital portion of skull; fusion of postparietal, supratemporal and extrascapular in postparietal shield, which forms a dome in occipital region; supraorbital sensory canal running in a wide groove; short and curved mandible; pterygopalatine deeper than long with enlarged autopalatine; lachrymojugal and squamosal fused; hypertrophied clavicle; few abdominal vertebrae (seventeen); expanded dorsal and caudal fins; and atrophied pectoral fins.

Foreyia maxkuhni gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic name honors late Peter L. Forey for his contribution on the study of coelacanth fishes. The specific epithet refers to Max Kuhn, who kindly supported for 12 years the preparation and study of fossils from the Middle Triassic of Graubünden and especially the specimens described here.

Type locality and horizon: Site DF 4 near the Ducanfurgga (Graubünden, Switzerland), upper part of the Prosanto Formation, Middle Triassic (early Ladinian, 240.91 million years ago).


Figure 2: Osteological details of the new coelacanth  Foreyia maxkuhni gen. et sp. nov. (A) Photo and (B) surface CT reconstruction of the skull of the paratype (PIMUZ A/I 4372). (C) Tubercles and denticles in the Holotype (PIMUZ A/I 4620) and (D) in the paratype (PIMUZ A/I 4372).

 1, tubercles on the skull roof. 2, large spine-like tubercles on the posterior margin of the otico-occipital shield. 3, denticles on the fin rays of the first dorsal fin. 4, scales with denticles from the ventral margin of the caudal peduncle. 5, scales with denticles from the anal region. 6, scales with denticles from the belly region. 7, toothed coronoid bones. 8, scales with denticles from the flank. 9, supplementary caudal fin lobe with spiny scales. 10, Scales with denticles from the lobe of the anal fin.

Figure 3: Phylogenetic relationships of  Foreyia maxkuhni gen. et sp. nov. and developmental origin of the derived characters.
(A) Strict consensus trees of the 259 most parsimonious trees of 317 steps (CI = 0.3817, RI = 0.6766) with some of the uniquely derived characters present in Foreyia maxkuhni on the left, and reconstructions of genera with atypical general morphology. (B and C) Shared features of Ticinepomis peyeri and Foreyia maxkuhni (in orange) not included in the cladistics analysis (see main text for numbers). (D) Reconstruction of a coelacanth embryo with localization of embryonic tissues that give rise the derived skeletal features present in Foreyia. It is hypothesized that changes in the expression of Pax9 may have altered the derived characters shown in blue on the reconstruction (E).
All the drawings were made by LC.  Abbreviation: Boc, basioccipital; Cla, clavicle; Exo, exoccipital; lat. Meso., lateral mesoderm; neur. cr., neural crest; pect. f., pectoral fin; S (numbered), somite.

Figure 4: Reconstruction of the living coelacanth  Foreyia maxkuhni gen. et sp. nov.
 Artwork by Alain Bénéteau.

Lionel Cavin, Bastien Mennecart, Christian Obrist, Loïc Costeur and Heinz Furrer. 2017. Heterochronic Evolution Explains Novel Body Shape in A Triassic Coelacanth from Switzerland.  Scientific Reports. 7,  13695.  DOI:  10.1038/s41598-017-13796-0
ResearchGate.net/publication/320533028_Heterochronic_evolution_explains_novel_body_shape_in_a_Triassic_coelacanth_from_Switzerland


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[Crustacea • 2017] Salangathelphusa peractio • A New Species of Lowland Freshwater Crab (Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae) from Pulau Langkawi, Peninsular Malaysia

October 24, 2017, 8:21 pm
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Salangathelphusa peractio  Ng, 2017


Abstract
A new species of lowland freshwater crab of the family Gecarcinucidae, Salangathelphusa peractio, is described from Langkawi, an island off the northwestern coast of peninsular Malaysia. Salangathelphusa peractio sp. n. can be separated from S. brevicarinata (Hilgendorf, 1882) in having a proportionately broader external orbital tooth, a distinctly concave posterolateral margin, and the terminal segment of the male first gonopod is not distinctly bent laterally outwards; and from S. anophrys (Kemp, 1923) by its more quadrate carapace and the terminal segment of the male first gonopod possessing a relatively longer and less curved distal part. This is sixth wholly freshwater brachyuran species known from the island.

Keywords: Gecarcinucidae, Langkawi Island, Malaysia, new species, Salangathelphusa, taxonomy


Figure 5. Salangathelphusa peractio sp. n., colour in life.
 A–D male (22.4 × 17.7 mm) (ZRC 2017.210) E male (21.9 × 17.3 mm) (ZRC 2017.210), Langkawi. 

Systematics
Family Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904
Genus Salangathelphusa Bott, 1968

Type species: Parathelphusa salangensis Ortmann, 1893, by original designation.

Salangathelphusa peractio sp. n.

Diagnosis: Carapace subquadrate, broader than long (Fig. 1); external orbital tooth broadly triangular, outer margin twice length of inner margin (Fig. 1); all ambulatory legs relatively short, merus not elongate (Fig. 1A); male pleonal somite 6 subquadrate, lateral margins gently sinuous, distal margin slightly shorter than proximal margin (Fig. 2C); posterolateral margin concave (Fig. 1); G1 with stout subterminal segment, terminal segment with tip directed upwards towards buccal cavity (Fig. 3A–E).

Etymology: The species name is derived from the Latin word “peractio” which means “ending of a story”. It alludes to the discovery of the present freshwater species, arguably the last one the author will describe from Langkawi, ending his 30-year history with the island. Gender feminine.


 Peter K. L. Ng. 2017. Salangathelphusa peractio, A New Species of Lowland Freshwater Crab from Pulau Langkawi, Peninsular Malaysia (Crustacea, Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae). ZooKeys. 711; 53-65.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.711.20621

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[Ichthyology • 2017] Taxonomic Study of the Genus Niwaella (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae) from East China, with Description of Four New Species

October 25, 2017, 1:35 am
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Niwaella brevipinna, N. fimbriata, N. nigrolinea & N. qujiangensis 

Chen & Chen, 2017 

in Chen, He, Chen & Chen ||  zootax.com.cn 

Abstract 
 Four loaches, Niwaella brevipinna Chen & Chen, sp. nov., N. fimbriata Chen & Chen, sp. nov., N. nigrolinea Chen & Chen, sp. nov. and N. qujiangensis Chen & Chen, sp. nov., are described based on specimens collected from Zhejiang and Anhui Provinces, East China. The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of 28 individuals of seven species from seven locations collected from Zhejiang, Anhui and Jiangxi Provinces were amplified and analyzed. Morphological and molecular data showed that N. fimbriata Chen & Chen, sp. nov. and N. nigrolinea Chen & Chen, sp. nov., N. brevipinna Chen & Chen, sp. nov. and N. laterimaculata (Yan & Zheng), N. qujiangensis Chen & Chen, sp. nov. and N. longibarba Chen & Chen are closely related. The seven Chinese Niwaella species, N. brevipinna Chen & Chen, sp. nov., N. fimbriata Chen & Chen, sp. nov., N. laterimaculata, N. longibarba, N. nigrolinea Chen & Chen, sp. nov., N. qujiangensis Chen & Chen, sp. nov., and N. xinjiangensis are clearly distinguished by the combination of the color patter, mental lobes, suborbital spine, caudal peduncle, body shape, and subdorsal scales.




Yongxia Chen, Dekui He, Hao Chen and Yifeng Chen. 2017. Taxonomic Study of the Genus Niwaella (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae) from East China, with Description of Four New Species.  Zoological Systematics. 42(4); 490–507.  zootax.com.cn/EN/abstract/abstract190.shtml


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[Arachnida • 2017] Taxonomic Revision of the Andean Harvestman Genus Rhaucus Simon, 1879 (Opiliones, Cosmetidae)

October 26, 2017, 2:39 am
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Rhaucus florezi  García & Kury, 2017


Abstract

The Andean genus Rhaucus Simon 1879 is revised. Five valid species are recognized, including Rhaucus florezi sp. nov. The following nomenclatural acts are proposed. At genus level: Megarhaucus Mello-Leitão, 1941, Neorhaucus Pickard-Cambridge, 1905 and Pararhaucus Pickard-Cambridge, 1905 are considered junior subjective synonyms of Rhaucus. At species level: Neorhaucus aurolineatus Pickard-Cambridge, 1905 is considered a junior subjective synonym of Rhaucus vulneratus Simon, 1879; Rhaucus (Rhaucus) tristis Sørensen, 1932, Rhaucus (Rhaucus) muticus Sørensen, 1932 and Pararhaucus obscurus Pickard-Cambridge, 1905 are considered junior subjective synonyms of Rhaucus quinquelineatus Simon, 1879 (the latter combination is restored from current combination Flirtea quinquelineata); Flirtea paucimaculata Roewer, 1963, Rhaucus (Rhaucus) geographicus Sørensen, 1932, Metarhaucus reticulatus Roewer, 1912 and Metarhaucus fuscus Pickard-Cambridge, 1905 are considered junior subjective synonyms of Erginus serripes Simon, 1879 (that is here combined as Rhaucus serripes comb. rest.). Megarhaucus robustus Mello-Leitão, 1941 is newly combined as Rhaucus robustus (Mello-Leitão, 1941) comb. nov. Distribution maps of the species are provided. The new term multicapitate apophysis (mca) is introduced here for a special type of apophysis on coxa IV of males.

Keywords: Opiliones, Laniatores, Gonyleptoidea, Colombia, taxonomy, Andes




 Andrés F. García and Adriano B. Kury. 2017. Taxonomic Revision of the Andean Harvestman Genus Rhaucus Simon, 1879 (Arachnida, Opiliones, Cosmetidae). Zootaxa. 4338(3);  401–440. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4338.3.1

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[Botany • 2017] Ridleyandra merohmerea • A New Species (Gesneriaceae) from Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

October 26, 2017, 3:00 am
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Ridleyandra merohmerea  M.Y.Siti-Munirah & D.Zaharil

in Munirah & Dzulkafly, 2017

Abstract
Ridleyandra merohmerea, a new species of Gesneriaceae, is described and illustrated. It is endemic in Peninsular Malaysia and known from a few populations along the Tuang River in the lowland dipterocarp forest of the Ulu Galas Forest Reserve in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. Its conservation status is assessed as Critically Endangered.

Keywords: Conservation status, endemic, flora, Gesneriaceae, lowland dipterocarp forest, Malaysia, Ridleyandra


Figure 1. Habitat of Ridleyandra merohmerea. A habitat beside the river (plant show by red arrow) B plant habit C from left; Zaharil D, Mohd Hairul MA, Wan Syafik WP & Siti-Munirah MY; beside the habitat of Ridleyandra merohmerea D–F occurs on steep slope and some on rocks just beside the river
(Photo by A–B, D–F Siti-Munirah MY C Zaharil D). 

Figure 2.Ridleyandra merohmerea Siti Munirah & Zaharil. A, B habit C leaf arrangement D petiole with hairs E flower from side view F peduncle with hairs G corolla curve H bracts I sepals J nectary K flower with five lobes L flower lobes dark red M corolla outer surface N corolla surface inside with stamens O pistil P stigma Q anthers R fruit capsule open S young fruit 
(Photo: A–K, M–S Siti-Munirah MY, L Zaharil D). 

Ridleyandra merohmerea M.Y.Siti-Munirah & D.Zaharil, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: In its leaf shape and flower lobe colour, Ridleyandra merohmerea most resembles R. iminii Siti-Munirah but it differs in its leaves that are flat above and not wavy (glossy above and wavy), petiole 1–2 cm long (1–4 cm), oblanceolate and falcate lamina (lamina lanceolate oblong and not falcate), peduncle 8–13 cm long with green to dark purple (5–8 cm, pale green), pedicels 1–2 cm long (2.5–3 cm). In flower colour also is similar to R. iminii but differs in the sepal dark purple outer surface (sepals light green), corolla tube completely bright red outside (fully white outside).

Etymology: From the local dialect of Kelantanese people, ‘merohmerea’ means ‘merah terang’ in Malay and bright red in English. This name was chosen in the hope it will attract more Kelantanese to be more interested, concerned and aware of the importance of forest biodiversity in Kelantan especially since recently there are so many controversies and issues about disturbance to forests in Kelantan that in some cases might result in destruction of this new unique discovery. Hopefully, this name will attract more stakeholders to understand the importance of protecting and conserving the forest and this beautiful species and to realise that yet more new species are waiting to be discovered.



 Mat Yunoh Siti Munirah and Zaharil Dzulkafly. 2017. Ridleyandra merohmerea (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. PhytoKeys. 89; 1-10.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.89.20344


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Tradescantia

October 27, 2017, 12:07 am
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 E & I Tradescantia zanonia (L.) Sw. F Tripogandra diuretica (Mart.) Handlos 
G Tradescantia praetermissa M.Pell H Tradescantia zebrina Heynh. ex Bosse.
    J & K  Tradescantia fluminensis L Tradescantia cerinthoides Kunth.
All photos by M.O.O. Pellegrini, except G by H. Huaylla.


Abstract
Throughout the years, three infrageneric classifications were proposed for Tradescantia along with several informal groups and species complexes. The current infrageneric classification accepts 12 sections – with T. sect. Tradescantia being further divided into four series – and assimilates many concepts adopted by previous authors. Recent molecular-based phylogenetic studies indicate that the currently accepted sections might not represent monophyletic groups within Tradescantia. Based on newly gathered morphological data on the group, complemented with available micromorphological, cytological and phytochemical data, I present the first morphology-based evolutionary hypothesis for Tradescantia. Furthermore, I reduce subtribe Thyrsantheminae to a synonym of subtribe Tradescantiinae, and propose a new infrageneric classification for Tradescantia, based on the total evidence of the present morphological phylogeny, in accordance to the previously published molecular data.

Keywords:  Commelinales, Elasis, Gibasis, inflorescence morphology, Tradescantieae, spiderworts

Figure 1. Some macromorphological characters used in the phylogenetic analysis.
 A subpetiolate leaf (Character 8) and asymmetrical base (Character 16), in Tradescantia tenella Kunth B complicate leaves (Character 8), in Tradescantia crassula Link & Otto. C impressed secondary veins (Character 19), in Tradescantia fluminensis Vell D predominantly axillar to thyrse-like synflorescence (Character 24), in Callisia repens (Jacq.) L. E synflorescence with two paraclades (Character 26), in Tradescantia zanonia (L.) Sw. F contracted cincinni (Character 34), fused back to back (Character 35), vestigial cincinni bracts (Character 38), flower display of 60° (Character 48), shorter antesepalous stamens (Character 72), sigmoid filaments (Character 73), and zygomorphic androecium (Character 76), in Tripogandra diuretica (Mart.) Handlos G supernumerary cincinni bracts (Character 37), in Tradescantia praetermissa M.Pell H cincinni bracts saccate at base (Character 43), tubular flower (Character 47), fused petals (Character 60), clawed petals (Character 62), shorter antesepalous stamens (Character 72), connective expanded and transversally linear (Characters 77–80), round anther sacs (Characters 81–82), pollen white in vivo (Character 83), and trilobate stigma (Character 91), in Tradescantia zebrina Heynh. ex Bosse. I tubular flower (Character 47), pedicels geniculate at anthesis and pre-anthesis (Character 51), fused sepals (Character 53), filaments bearded with sparse and short hairs at mid-length (Characters 66–71), shorter antesepalous stamens (Character 72), connective expanded and transversally linear (Characters 77–80), round anther sacs (Characters 81–82), pollen white in vivo (Character 83), and trilobate stigma (Character 91), in T. zanonia J sepals all keeled (Character 56), in T. fluminensis K filaments basally bearded with dense and long hairs (Characters 66–71), connective expanded and rhomboid (Characters 77–80), anther sacs ellipsoid (Characters 81–82), and pollen yellow in vivo (Character 83), in T. fluminensis L pistil longer than the androecium (Character 86) and punctate (Character 91), in Tradescantia cerinthoides Kunth. All photos by M.O.O. Pellegrini, except G by H. Huaylla.

Marco O. O. Pellegrini. 2017. Morphological Phylogeny of Tradescantia L. (Commelinaceae) sheds light on A New Infrageneric Classification for the Genus and Novelties on the Systematics of subtribe Tradescantiinae. PhytoKeys. 89: 11-72.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.89.20388

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[Entomology • 2017] A Revision of the Myopsalta crucifera (Ashton) Species Group (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettini) with 14 New Species from mainland Australia

October 27, 2017, 2:40 am
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Myopsalta albiventris Popple, 2107


Abstract

The genus Myopsalta Moulds is distributed throughout much of Australia. Previous studies have associated several undescribed species with the Myopsalta crucifera (Ashton) species complex. The present study informally divides the cicadas in the genus Myopsalta into two species groups. It provides a revision of the M. crucifera species group, which includes redescriptions of M. crucifera s. str. and M. mackinlayi (Distant). The identity of the latter species is further refined and attributed to material formerly presented under the name Myopsalta atrata (Goding & Froggatt). In addition to the redescriptions, 14 new species belonging to the M. crucifera species group are described, including M. albiventris n. sp., M. bassiana n. sp., M. chrysopedia n. sp., M. gordoni n. sp., M. leona n. sp., M. longicauda n. sp., M. majurae n. sp., M. melanobasis n. sp., M. parvula n. sp., M. platyptera n. sp., M. riverina n. sp., M. septa n. sp., M. umbra n. sp. and M. xerograsidia n. sp. A key to species in the genus Myopsalta is provided. Standard morphological descriptions and descriptions of calling songs unique to each species are included along with a discussion on different song types in the M. crucifera species group.

Keywords:  Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, bioacoustics, acoustic signalling, mating signals, song structure, song specificity, systematic taxonomy, identification key



Lindsay W. Popple. 2017. A Revision of the Myopsalta crucifera (Ashton) Species Ggroup (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettini) with 14 New Species from mainland Australia.  Zootaxa.  4340(1); 1–98.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4340.1.1

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[Paleontology • 2017] Matheronodon provincialis • Extreme Tooth Enlargement in A New Late Cretaceous Rhabdodontid Dinosaur from Southern France

October 27, 2017, 3:34 am
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  Matheronodon provincialis 
Godefroit, Garcia, Gomez, Stein, Cincotta,  Lefèvre & Valentin, 2017

reconstruction: L. Panzarin

Abstract
Rhabdodontidae is a successful clade of ornithopod dinosaurs, characteristic of Late Cretaceous continental faunas in Europe. A new rhabdodontid from the late Campanian, of southern France, Matheronodon provincialis gen. et sp. nov., is characterized by the extreme enlargement of both its maxillary and dentary teeth, correlated to a drastic reduction in the number of maxillary teeth (4 per generation in MMS/VBN-02-102). The interalveolar septa on the maxilla are alternately present or resorbed ventrally so as to be able to lodge such enlarged teeth. The rhabdodontid dentition and masticatory apparatus were adapted for producing a strict and powerful shearing action, resembling a pair of scissors. With their relatively simple dentition, contrasting with the sophisticated dental batteries in contemporary hadrosaurids, Matheronodon and other rhabdodontids are tentatively interpreted as specialized consumers of tough plant parts rich in sclerenchyma fibers, such as Sabalites and Pandanites.

Figure 1 Right maxilla of Matheronodon provincialis gen. et sp. nov. (MMS/VBN-02–102; holotype) in dorsal (a), lateral (b), medial (c), and ventral (d) views. (e) Close-up of the second and third maxillary crowns.

Figure 2 Reconstruction of the maxillary dentition of  Matheronodon provincialis gen. et sp. nov. in lateral view from CT scans of MMS/VBN-02-102.

Ornithischia Seeley, 1887
Ornithopoda Marsh, 1881

Iguanodontia Sereno, 1986
Rhabdodontidae Weishampel, Jianu, Csiki, and Norman, 2003

Matheronodon provincialis gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. Matheron: in honor of Philippe Matheron, who was the first to describe dinosaur remains in Provence; odous (Greek): tooth; provincialis (Latin): from Provence (southern France).

Holotype. MMS/VBN-02-102, a right maxilla; housed in the collections of the Musée du Moulin seigneurial (MMS, Velaux, France).

Horizon and locality.‘Begudian’ (local stage) sandstones, late Campanian, Late Cretaceous6,8. Velaux-La Bastide Neuve, Aix-en-Provence Basin, Bouches-du-Rhône, southern France.

Diagnosis. Rhabdodontid ornithopod characterized by the following autapomorphies: enlargement of both maxillary and dentary teeth (up to 5 cm in mesio-distal length); reduction of maxillary tooth families (4 per generation in MMS/VBN-02-102); interalveolar septa on the maxilla alternately present or resorbed ventrally, so that one functional tooth is lodged in two paired alveoli; shortened rostral process on the maxilla; broad dorsal shelf along the rostral third of the maxilla; more than 25 vertical and parallel ridges on the labial side of the maxillary teeth.

Figure 3 Isolated teeth of  Matheronodon provincialis gen. et sp. nov.  Left maxillary tooth (MMS/VBN- 09–149a) in labial (a) and lingual (b) views. Right maxillary crown (MMS/VBN-12-22) in labial (c) and lingual (d) views? Right dentary tooth (MMS/VBN-02-11) in lingual (e) and labial (f) views? Left dentary tooth (MMS/VBN-12-A002) in lingual view (g). Scale bars = 2 cm.




Pascal Godefroit, Géraldine Garcia, Bernard Gomez, Koen Stein, Aude Cincotta, Ulysse Lefèvre and Xavier Valentin. 2017. Extreme Tooth Enlargement in A New Late Cretaceous Rhabdodontid Dinosaur from Southern France. Scientific Reports. 7, Article number: 13098.  DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13160-2
 naturalsciences.be/en/news/item/9102 

    

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