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[Herpetology • 2017] Pristimantis yantzaza • A New Species of Direct-developing Frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura: Terrarana: Craugastoridae) from Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador, with Comments on Threats to the Anuran Fauna of the Region

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 Pristimantis yantzaza 
Valencia, Dueñas, Székely, Batallas, Pulluquitín & Ron, 2017

Abstract

A new frog in the genus Pristimantis is described from a cloud forest on the western flanks of the Cordillera del Cóndor and eastern Andean slopes in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, southeastern of Ecuador. We inferred its phylogenetic position using DNA sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes. The new species is strongly supported as part of a clade that includes P. ardalonychus, P. cajamarcensis, P. ceuthospilus, P. chalceus, P. minutulus, P. luteolateralis, P. parvillus, P. ockendeni, P. unistrigatus, and P. walkeri. It can be distinguished from all other species from Cordillera del Cóndor and congeneric species by the unique combination of the following characters: (1) iris light blue with black reticulations; (2) skin of dorsum finely shagreen with scattered pustular tubercles and absence of dorsal folds; (3) tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus visible; (4) snout rounded in dorsal and lateral view; (5) upper eyelid bearing two or three enlarged subconical tubercles; (6) cranial crest absent; (7) males lacking vocal sac and slits; and (8) venter uniformly bright red, light red, salmon or orange. The new species is most closely related to P. ardalonychus, P. cajamarcensis, P. ceuthospilus, P. ockendeni and P. unistrigatus. We consider the new species to be Endangered following IUCN criteria because it has been severely affected by large scale open-pit mining in some localities. Currently, the amphibian fauna of the Cordillera del Cóndor and nearby protected areas are threatened by large–scale copper and gold mining projects with devastating effects on ~20 species, including several undescribed ones.

Keywords: Pristimantis yantzaza sp. nov., bioacoustics, conservation, systematics, taxonomy




Jorge H. Valencia, Manuel Dueñas, Paul Székely, Diego Batallas, Francisco Pulluquitín and Santiago R. Ron. 2017. A New Species of Direct-developing Frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura: Terrarana: Craugastoridae) from Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador, with Comments on Threats to the Anuran Fauna of the Region.  Zootaxa. 4353(3); 447–466.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4353.3.3

  


[Ichthyology • 2017] Sinorhodeus microlepis • A New Genus and Species of Bitterling (Cyprinidae: Acheilognathinae) from China

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Sinorhodeus microlepis
 Li, Liao & Arai, 2017


Abstract

A new genus and speciesSinorhodeus microlepis gen. et sp. nov., is described from a tributary of the Yangtze River, in Chongqing City, China. Sinorhodeus gen. nov. can be distinguished from four closely related genera, Paratanakia, Pseudorhodeus, Rhodeus, and Tanakia, by the following combination of characters: pharyngeal teeth 0,0,4–4,0,0, longitudinal scales 41–46, white spots on dorsal-fin rays absent, a black blotch on dorsal fin in juvenile absent, and less developed wing-like yolk sac projections in larvae. Phylogenetic analysis of one mitochondrial gene and six nuclear genes supports the establishment of the new genus.

Keywords: Pisces, Cyprinidae, Rhodeus, Tanakia, phylogeny, Yangtze River, China


Sinorhodeus microlepis in breeding season, male (A) and female (B)







Fan Li, Te-Yu Liao, Ryoichi Arai and Liangjie Zhao. 2017. Sinorhodeus microlepis, A New Genus and Species of Bitterling from China (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Acheilognathinae).  Zootaxa. 4353(1); 69–88. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4353.1.4

终于发表了中国最艳丽的淡水鱼之一、鱊亚科新属新种——细鳞华鳑鲏 Sinorhodeus microlepis。本种为目前鱊亚科已知种中唯一咽齿为0,0,4-4,0,0、眶下感觉管为断线状、产卵于河蚬的特化物种,对于鱊亚科的物种演化等研究具有重要价值。


[Botany • 2017] Zingiber ultralimitale • A New Species of Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) east of Wallace’s Line

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Zingiber ultralimitale  Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen

Ardiyani, Newman & Poulsen, 2017. 
 Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 69(2)

Abstract
Zingiber Mill. is distributed from India to the Pacific but only a few species are known from east of Wallace’s Line, whereas the area to the west is rich in species. A recent collection from limestone at Bantimurung, South Sulawesi, Indonesia represents a new eastern speciesZingiber ultralimitale Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, which is described, illustrated, and barcoded using three of the four barcoding loci (rbcL, trnH-psbA and ITS). Placement of this species using morphological evidence is ambiguous but a combination of evidence from morphology, pollen anatomy and molecular analysis indicates that it belongs to Zingiber sect. Zingiber.

Keywords: Bantimurung, DNA barcode, Indonesia, limestone, Sulawesi, Wallacea 


Fig. 3. Zingiber ultralimitale   Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen.
A. Habit on limestone boulders at Bantimurung. B. Rhizome, including roots with tubers. C. Leafy shoot and inflorescence. D. Sheath, ligule, petiole and base of lamina. E. Spike with single flower, front view. F. Spike with single flower, lateral view. G. Bract. H. Bracteole and flower. I. Calyx. J. Ovary and corolla tube. K. Dorsal corolla lobe, ventral view. L. Labellum and lateral corolla lobes, ventral view. M. Corolla tube, stamen and stigma. N. Ovary and epigynous glands. A from Poulsen et al. 2767; B from Poulsen & Yeats 2989; C–N from Poulsen & Yeats 2984. (Photos: A.D. Poulsen)

Zingiber ultralimitale Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov. 
This species is distinct from all others by the following combination of characters: narrow long loose green bracts, bright yellow flowers, and large free yellow lateral staminodes.
―TYPE: Indonesia, originally collected from South Sulawesi Province, Bantimurung NP, ... and cultivated as RBGE 20091017*A, flowering material vouchered on 12 June 2013 as Newman, M.F. 2552 (holotype BO; isotype E). (Fig. 2, 3)


Etymology. The specific epithet ultralimitale means ‘on the other side of the border’, referring to the occurrence of this species east of Wallace’s Line

Ecology and habitat. Limestone cliffs and boulders in forest, lowlands at c. 300 m. During the first year of cultivation in Edinburgh, it was discovered that the species has a dormancy period during which it survives entirely underground.


M. Ardiyani, M.F. Newman and A.D. Poulsen. 2017. A New Species of Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) east of Wallace’s Line. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 69(2); 189 - 199. 

[Botany • 2017] Syzygium jiewhoei • A New Endemic Tree (Myrtaceae) from Western New Guinea, Indonesia

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Syzygium jiewhoei
  Hambali, Sunarti & Y.W.Low 

 Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 69(2)

Abstract
Syzygium jiewhoei Hambali, Sunarti & Y.W.Low, a new species from Western New Guinea, Indonesia, is described and illustrated. It is closely related to Syzygium recurvovenosum (Lauterb.) Diels but differs in a range of vegetative and reproductive morphological characteristics.

Keywords. East Malesia, Papua Province, Sahul shelf, Syzygiumrecurvovenosum 




Fig. 1. Syzygium jiewhoei Hambali, Sunarti & Y.W.Low. 
A. Young leaves. B. Cauliflorous habit with many inflorescences at various stages. C. Close-up of inflorescences showing flowers at anthesis. D. Close-up of infructescence.
 All from type Hambali, G.G. s.n. (Photos: G.G. Hambali)

Syzygium jiewhoei Hambali, Sunarti & Y.W.Low, sp. nov. 

Similar to Syzygium recurvovenosum (Lauterb.) Diels but differs in having 90‒100 pairs of secondary veins (vs up to 55 pairs of secondary veins in S. recurvovenosum), 14‒16 cm long inflorescences with 13‒15 mm wide peduncles (vs up to 9 cm long and c. 3.5 mm wide in S. recurvovenosum), and 8‒18 mm long styles (vs 4 mm long in S. recurvovenosum).

 – TYPE: Native to Indonesia, Western New Guinea, Papua, Timika, Kuala Kencana, ..., vouchered on 3 July 2016 as Hambali, G.G. s.n. (holotype BO; isotype SING). 


Etymology. We are pleased to name this handsome tree, with foliage very much resembling that of Anthurium veitchii Mast. (Araceae), after Mr Tan Jiew Hoe, a benefactor of science who has a great interest in natural history, particularly in the fields of botany and horticulture (see Kurzweil & Lwin, 2014; Kiew et al., 2015; Leong-Škorničková & Newman, 2015; Lamb & Rodda, 2016). 

Distribution and habitat. Syzygium jiewhoei is so far known only from the lowland forests around the vicinity of Timika, Papua Province, Indonesian New Guinea. However, the species has now been introduced for cultivation as an ornamental tree in Bogor (Java, Indonesia) and Singapore (Fig. 3).


G.G. Hambali, S. Sunarti and Y.W. Low. 2017.  Syzygium jiewhoei (Myrtaceae), A New Endemic Tree from Western New Guinea, Indonesia. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 69(2);  201 - 210. 


[Botany • 2017] A Revision of Microchirita (Gesneriaceae) in Thailand

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 Puglisi & Middleton, 2017. 
Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 69(2)

ABSTRACT

 Microchirita (C.B.Clarke) Yin Z.Wang (Gesneriaceae: Didymocarpoideae) in Thailand is revised and 29 species are recognised, two of which have three varieties each. Eight new species are described, Microchirita albocyanea C.Puglisi, Microchirita glandulosa C.Puglisi, Microchirita hypocrateriformis C.Puglisi, Microchirita limbata C.Puglisi, Microchirita luteola C.Puglisi, Microchirita tadphoensis C.Puglisi, Microchirita tetsanae C.Puglisi, Microchirita thailandica C.Puglisi; three new varieties are described, Microchirita involucrata var. gigantiflora C.Puglisi, Microchirita mollissima var. glabra C.Puglisi, Microchirita mollissima var. glandulophylla C.Puglisi; and one name is combined at a new rank, Microchirita involucrata var. capitis (Craib) C.Puglisi. Two lectotypifications are made, one of which is a second step lectotypification. A key to all taxa is given, all taxa are described, and many are illustrated. 

Keywords. Chirita, Didymocarpoideae, Flora of Thailand, Gesneriads, new species, taxonomy


Fig. 1. Inflorescence types.
A. Cristate inflorescence of Microchirita bimaculata (D.Wood) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton. From Middleton, D.J. et al 4514. B. Bracteate inflorescence of Microchirita rupestris (Ridl.) A.Weber & Rafidah. From Puglisi, C. et al. CP409. (Photos: A, D.J. Middleton; B, P. Karaket)

Taxonomic treatment 

Microchirita (C.B.Clarke) Yin Z.Wang,
J. Syst. Evol. 49: 59 (2011). 
– Chirita sect. Microchirita C.B.Clarke in Candolle & Candolle, Monogr. Phan. 5: 127 (1883).
 – Roettlera sect. Microchirita (C.B.Clarke) Fritsch in Engler & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. IV/3b: 148 (1895).
 – Didymocarpus sect. Microchirita (C.B.Clarke) Chun, Sunyatsenia 6: 290 (1946). 

– TYPE: Microchirita hamosa (R.Br.) Yin Z.Wang, lectotype designated by Burtt (1954: 196).



1. Microchirita albiflora D.J.Middleton & Triboun, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 41: 19 (2013). 
– TYPE: Thailand, Chiang Rai, Mae Fa Luang District, ..., 1000 m alt., 23 September 2008, Middleton, D.J., Karaket, P., Triboun, P., Kawatkul, U. & Meeboonya, R. 4567 (holotype BKF; isotypes BK, E [E00629491], K, P [P00966762], QBG, SING [SING0229831]).  


2. Microchirita albocyanea C.Puglisi, sp. nov. 
Most similar to Microchirita limbata C.Puglisi in the overall shape of the corolla and in colour, but differs in not having a glandular indumentum and in the much longer corolla and larger calyx.– TYPE: Thailand, Loei, Pha Khao, ..., 447 m, 5 November 2014, Tetsana, N. et al. 876 (holotype BKF; isotype SING). (Fig. 2D–F)


3. Microchirita aratriformis(D.Wood) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton, Taxon 60: 778 (2011).
 – Chirita aratriformis D.Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 31: 367 (1972); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 197 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 87 (2001).
 – TYPE: [Vietnam], Tonkin, Langson, Khanmoi, Eberhardt 3332 (holotype P [P00602506]). (Fig. 3A–B)


4. Microchirita bimaculata (D.Wood) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton, Taxon 60: 778 (2011).
Chirita bimaculata D.Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 31: 368 (1972); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 196 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 87 (2001).
 – TYPE: Thailand, Maeklang Falls, c. 50 km Northwest of Chiang Mai, c. 430 m, 3 November 1967, Burtt, B.L. 5611 (holotype E [E00155280]). (Fig. 4)



Fig. 2.  ข้าวตอกโยนก Microchirita albiflora D.J.Middleton & Triboun. A. Habit. B. Front view of flower.All from Middleton, D.J. et al. 4567. Microchirita albocyanea C.Puglisi. E. Side view of the flower. F. Front view of the flower. All from Tetsana, N. et al. 876. (Photos: A, B, P. Karaket; C, D.J. Middleton; D–F, N. Tetsana)

Fig. 3.Microchirita aratriformis (D.Wood) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton. A. Side view of the flower. B. Front view of flower. All from Tetsana, N. et al. 871. Microchirita hamosa (R.Br.) Yin Z.Wang.   E. Side view of the flower. F. Front view of flower. C from Middleton, D.J. et al. 4519; D from Middleton, D.J. et al. 4522; E, F from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5016. (Photos: A, B, N. Tetsana; C, D, D.J. Middleton; E, F, P. Karaket)

Fig. 4. Microchirita bimaculata (D.Wood) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton.C. Detail of a unifoliate plant. D. Front view of the flower.  A, C from Suddee, S. et al. 4970; B from Middleton, D.J. et al. 4514; D from Middleton, D.J. et al. 4520; E, F from Middleton, D.J. et al. 4479. (Photos: A, C, S. Suddee; B, D–F, P. Karaket)

Fig. 5. Microchirita hemratii C.Puglisi. A. Front view of flower. B. Side view of the flower. All from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5775. Microchirita huppatatensis C.Puglisi. C. Detail of the flower. D. Habit. All from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5689. (Photos: P. Karaket

Fig. 6. Microchirita hypocrateriformis C.Puglisi.  C. Front view of a white flower. D. Side view of the flower. E. Front view of a blue flower. F. Blue-flowered caulescent plant. A–D from Tetsana, N. et al. 888; E, F from Tetsana, N. et al. 834. (Photos: N. Tetsana

Fig. 7. Microchirita involucrata (Craib) Yin Z.Wang var. involucrata. A. Habit and fruit. B. Front view of the flower.  All from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5391. (Photos: P. Karaket)

5. Microchirita elphinstonia (Craib) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton, Taxon 60: 778 (2011).
Chirita elphinstonia Craib, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 149 (1932); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 224 (1962); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 195 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 87 (2001). 

– TYPE: Cult. in Hort. Aberdeen from seeds of Marcan 2561, coll. Thailand, Krabin, Ban Keng, 30 m, limestone hill (lectotype K [K000545615], ...


6. Microchirita glandulosa C.Puglisi, sp. nov.
 Similar to Microchirita involucrata (Craib) Yin Z.Wang and M. rupestris (Ridl.) A.Weber & Rafidah) in having bracteate inflorescences. Differs from both in the bracts being fused only at the base (i.e. not divided as in Microchirita involucrata and not fused into a cup as in M. rupestris), in the dimorphic indumentum of sparse, long eglandular hairs and dense short glandular hairs on the leaf (eglandular indumentum in M. involucrata and M. rupestris), and in the tripartite calyx. It differs further from Microchirita involucrata in the serrate margin of the bracts and from M. rupestris in the much smaller size of the bracts. – TYPE: Thailand, Nan, Song Kwaw, Sakoen, Khao Tham Plakang, 750 m, 3 September 2006, Watthana, S. 2126 (holotype QBG; isotype CMU).



7. Microchirita hamosa(R.Br.) Yin Z.Wang, J. Syst. Evol. 49: 60 (2011).
 – Chiritahamosa R.Br., Cyrtandreae 117 (1839); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 224 (1962); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 191 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 87 (2001). 

– TYPE (conserved – see Middleton & Puglisi, 2015): Thailand, Tak, Umphang, ..., 915 m, 17 October 2014, Middleton, D.J., Hemrat, C., Karaket, P., Puglisi, C. & Suddee, S. 5762 (holotype E; isotypes BKF, SING). (Fig. 3C–F)


8. Microchirita hemratii C.Puglisi, Kew Bull. 71(1)-2: 4 (2016). 
– TYPE: Thailand, Tak, Mae Sot distr., Wat Tham Inthanin, 660 m, 18 October 2014, Middleton, D.J., Hemrat, C., Karaket, P., Puglisi, C. & Suddee S. 5775 (holotype BKF; isotypes E [E00663027], SING). (Fig. 5A–B)

9. Microchirita huppatatensis C.Puglisi, Kew Bull. 71(1)-2: 2 (2016). 
– TYPE: Thailand, Uthai Thani, Lan Sak, Huppatat Non Hunting Area, 122 m, 14 October 2014, Middleton, D.J., Hemrat, C., Karaket, P., Puglisi, C., Suddee, S. 5689 (holotype BKF). (Fig. 5C–D)





  


หยาดสวนสวรรค์ Microchirita hypocrateriformis C. Puglisi 
  ไม้ล้มลุกขึ้นตามเขาหินปูน ลำต้นอวบน้ำ ดอกสีเหลืองอ่อนหรือสีม่วง แต่ที่พบมากจะเป็นสีเหลืองอ่อน กลีบดอกเชื่อมกันเป็นหลอด ปลายแยกเป็น 5 แฉก 
พรรณไม้ถิ่นเดียวของไทย (endemic) พบขึ้นตามเขาหินปูนในภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือของไทย เช่นบริเวณสวนสวรรค์ สวนหินผางาม อำเภอหนองหิน จังหวัดเลย อำเภอคอนสาร จังหวัดชัยภูมิ



10. Microchirita hypocrateriformis C.Puglisi, sp. nov. Differs from all other species of Microchirita (C.B.Clarke) Yin Z.Wang in the combination of long, narrow corolla tube, abruptly opening into spreading limb, in the long lower corolla lobe, and in the presence of a fringe of glandular indumentum at the base of the upper lip. 

– TYPE: Thailand, Chaiyaphum, Khon Sarn, Wat Tham Huang Po, 400 m, 19 October 2015, Suddee, S., Keiwbang, W., Hemrat, C. 4967 (holotype BKF; isotype SING). (Fig. 6)


11. Microchirita involucrata (Craib) Yin Z.Wang, J. Syst. Evol. 49: 60 (2011); Rafidah, Gard. Bull. Singapore 69: 15 (2017). 
– Chirita involucrata Craib, Gard. Chron., Ser. 3, 83: 140 (1928); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 223 (1962); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 199 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 88 (2001). 

– TYPE: Cult. Hort. Bot. Aberdeen from seeds collected by Kerr (Kerr 11172), Thailand, Kaw Tao [Surat Thani, Kao Tao], 30/12/1926 (lectotype ABD [specimen with appended protologue], designated by Puglisi in Rafidah (2017); isolectotypes ABD [2 sheets]). (Fig. 7)

11a. Microchirita involucrata var. involucrata 
11b. Microchirita involucratavar. capitis(Craib) C.Puglisi, stat. nov.
Chirita capitis Craib, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 173 (1930); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 223 (1962).

11c.Microchirita involucrata var. gigantifloraC.Puglisi, var. nov. 

12. Microchirita karaketii D.J.Middleton & Triboun, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 41: 17 (2013). 
– TYPE: Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao District, Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Tam Pak Piang, 530 m alt., 20 September 2008, Middleton, D.J., Karaket, P., Triboun, P., Kawatkul, U. & Meeboonya, R. 4526 (holotype BKF; isotypes E [E00629480], P [P00966764], QBG). (Fig. 8) 



13. Microchirita lilacina C.Puglisi, Kew Bull. 71(1)-2: 5 (2016).
 – TYPE: Thailand, Tak, Umphang, 504 m, 15 October 2014, Middleton, D.J., Hemrat, C., Karaket, P., Puglisi, C. & Suddee, S. 5704 (holotype BKF; isotypes AAU, E [E00663028], K, QBG, SING). (Fig. 9)


14. Microchirita limbata C.Puglisi, sp. nov. 
Species characterised by the tubular corolla with white tube and blue lobes, and by the widespread glandular indumentum. It is most similar to Microchirita albocyanea C.Puglisi in the overall shape and colour of the corolla, but differs in the smaller flowers and in having a glandular indumentum. 

– TYPE: Thailand, Chaiyaphum, Khon San, Wat Tham Huang Po, 443 m, 19 October 2015, Suddee, S., Keiwbang, W., Hemrat, C. 4968 (holotype BKF; isotype SING). (Fig. 10)


Fig. 7. Microchirita involucrata (Craib) Yin Z.Wang var. involucrata.  C. Side view of the flower. D. Lateral view. All from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5391. (Photos: P. Karaket)
Fig. 8. Microchirita karaketii D.J.Middleton & Triboun.   C. Side view of the flower. D. Front view of the flower. A, C, D from Middleton, D.J. et al. 4526; B from Middleton, D.J. et al. 4536. (Photos: A–C, D.J. Middleton; D, P. Karaket)
Fig. 9. Microchirita lilacina C.Puglisi.  C. Cristate inflorescence, fruit and side view of the flower. D. Front view of the flower. A from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5704; B–D from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5699. (Photos: P. Karaket
Fig. 10. Microchirita limbata C.Puglisi. A. Habit. B. Front view of the flower. C. Fruits. D. Lateral view of the flower. A, D from Tetsana, N. et al. 883; B, C from Suddee, S. et al. 4968. (Photos: A, D, N. Tetsana; B, C, S. Suddee


Fig. 11. Microchirita luteolaC.Puglisi. A. Habit. B. Front view of the flower.  All from Tetsana, N. et al. 829. Microchirita marcanii (Craib) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton.   E. Side view of the flower. F. Front view of the flower. All from RBG Edinburgh accession number 20121420. (Photos: A–C, N. Tetsana; D–F, D.J. Middleton)

Fig. 13.  Microchirita purpurea D.J.Middleton & Triboun. D. Habit. E. Lateral view of the flower. F. Front view of the flower. All from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5681. (Photos: P. Karaket
Fig. 14. Microchirita rupestris (Ridl.) A.Weber & Rafidah.   C. Side view of the flower. D. Detail of the corolla. A, B from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5721; C from Middleton, D.J. et al. 4836; D from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5204. (Photos: A, B, P. Karaket; C, D, D.J. Middleton
Fig. 18. Microchirita viola (Ridl.) A.Weber & Rafidah. A. Lateral view of the flower. B. Front view of the flower. All from Middleton, D.J. et al. 5467.   (Photos: A, B, D.J. Middleton)  



15. Microchirita luteola C.Puglisi, sp. nov. 
Similar to Microchirita tubulosa (Craib) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton but differs in not having spots inside the lateral corolla lobes, having an entire disk (usually dorsally cleft in M. tubulosa), glandular indumentum on the stems (vs. eglandular), and acuminate calyx lobes (vs. usually acute, more rarely slightly acuminate). It is also similar to Microchirita marcanii in the shape of the corolla, but differs in the mixed eglandular and glandular indumentum on many plant parts (eglandular only in M. marcanii (Craib) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton) and the corolla colour pattern (light yellow corolla with a yellow stripe vs. orange corolla with lateral purple spots). Finally, it differs from Microchirita elphinstonia (Craib) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton in having a glandular indumentum and in the larger and much paler yellow corolla. 
– TYPE: Loei, Nong Hin, Suan Sa Wan, Pha Ngam Forest Park, 662 m, 11 September 2014, Tetsana, N. et al. 829 (holotype BKF; isotype SING). (Fig. 11A–C)

16. Microchirita marcanii (Craib) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton, Taxon 60: 778 (2011). 
Chirita marcanii Craib, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 171 (1926); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 226 (1962); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 193 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 88 (2001). 
– TYPE: Thailand, Saraburi, Muak Lek, c. 250 m, 10 November 1924, Marcan 1872 (lectotype ABD, designated by Wood (1974: 193); isolectotypes K (2)). (Fig. 11D–F)


17. Microchirita micromusa (B.L.Burtt) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton, Taxon 60: 778 (2011). 
Chirita micromusa B.L.Burtt, J. Roy. Hort. Soc. 85: 28 (1960); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 226 (1962); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 194 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 88 (2001). 

– TYPE: Thailand, Nakhon Nayok, cult. in Montreal Botanic Garden from seeds collected by Raymond & Smitinand, Raymond, M. ref. 106-59 (holotype E [E00155279]).

18. Microchiritamollissima (Ridl.) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton, Taxon 60: 778 (2011).
 – Chirita mollissima Ridl., J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 32: 517 (1896); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 226 (1962); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 188 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 88 (2001). 

– TYPE: Siam [Thailand], Pungah [Phangnga], July 1893, Curtis 2944 (lectotype SING [SING0117733] ....

18a. Microchirita mollissima var. mollissima 
18b. Microchirita mollissima var. glabraC.Puglisi, var. nov. 
18c. Microchirita mollissimavar. glandulophyllaC.Puglisi, var. nov. 




19. Microchirita oculata (Craib) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton, Taxon 60: 778 (2011).
 – Chirita oculata Craib, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew. 174 (1930); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 226 (1962); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 194 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 88 (2001). 

– TYPE: “described from a plant which flowered in Aberdeen in Jul 1928. It was raised from seed of Kerr 9750 which was collected on Kao Sakan, 6 November 1928” (lectotype ABD, designated by Wood (1974: 194); isolectotype E [E00155281]). (Fig. 12D–F)


20. Microchiritapersonata C.Puglisi, Kew Bull. 71(1)-2: 1 (2016). 
– TYPE: Thailand, Uthai Thani, Lan Sak, Huppatat Non Hunting Area, 122 m, 14 October 2014, Middleton, D.J., Hemrat, C., Karaket, P., Puglisi, C. & Suddee, S. 5688 (holotype BKF; isotypes AAU, E [E00663026], K, SING). (Fig. 13A–C)

21. Microchirita purpurea D.J.Middleton & Triboun, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 41: 14 (2013). 
– TYPE: Thailand, Chanthaburi, Kaeng Hang Maeo, Khao Chamao National Park, ..., 30 m alt., 27 August 2012, Middleton, D.J., Karaket, P., Suddee, S. & Triboun, P. 5681 (holotype BKF; isotypes A [00435722], BK, E [E00626983], K, P [P00966760], QBG, SING [SING0229833]). 



22. Microchirita rupestris (Ridl.) A.Weber & Rafidah, Taxon 60: 779 (2011); Rafidah, Gard. Bull. Singapore 69: 18 (2017). – Chirita rupestris Ridl., J. Straits Branch Roy. Asiat. Soc. 44: 59 (1905); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 227 (1962); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 201 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 89 (2001). – TYPE: Malaysia, Kedah, Langkawi, on damp rocks, sea level, November 1889, Curtis 2120 (lectotype SING [SING0042989], designated by Puglisi in Rafidah (2017: 18); isolectoype SING [SING0042990]). (Fig. 14)


23. Microchirita suddeei D.J.Middleton & Triboun, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 41: 18 (2013). – TYPE: Thailand, Phrae, Rong Kwang District, Tham Pha Nang Khoi, 210 m alt., 17 August 2012, Middleton, D.J., Karaket, P., Suddee, S. & Triboun, P. 5618 (holotype BKF; isotypes E [E00629451], P [P00966761], QBG, SING [SING0229832]). (Fig. 15A–C)


  

หยาดตาดโพธิ์  Microchirita tadphoensis C. Puglisi (Gesneriaceae) จากอุทยานแห่งชาติภูลังกา อำเภอบ้านแพง จังหวัดหนองนครพนม ไม้ล้มลุกขึ้นตามก้อนหินทรายที่ชื้น ลำต้นอวบน้ำ ดอกสีเหลือง กลีบดอกเชื่อมกันเป็นหลอด ปลายแยกเป็น 5 แฉก 


24. Microchirita tadphoensis C.Puglisi, sp. nov.  
Most similar to Microchirita hamosa (R.Br.) Yin Z.Wang in the delicate habit and to M. bimaculata (D.Wood) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton in the shape of the corolla. Differs in having a shortly campanulate pale yellow corolla (white in Microchirita hamosa) with a ventral darker yellow marking but no lateral spots (spots always present in M. bimaculata).
 – TYPE: Thailand, Nakhon Phanom, Ban Phaeng, Phu Langka National Park, Tad Pho Waterfall, 224 m, 23 October 2015, Suddee, S., Keiwbang, W. & Hemrat, C. 4980 (holotype BKF; isotype SING). (Fig. 15D–F)


Fig. 16. Microchirita tetsanae C.Puglisi. A. Habit. B. Front view of the flower. All from Tetsana, N. et al. 855.
Microchirita thailandica C.Puglisi. C. Habit. D. Front view of the flower. E. Lateral view of the flower. All from Tetsana, N. et al. 904. (Photos: N. Tetsana)

    

ม่วงเทศนา Microchirita tetsanae C. Puglisi (Gesneriaceae) 
พรรณไม้ถิ่นเดียวของไทย (endemic) จากเขาหินปูน อำเภอเมือง จังหวัดเพชรบูรณ์ ไม้ล้มลุกขึ้นตามหน้าผาหินปูน ลำต้นอวบน้ำ ดอกสีม่วง กลีบดอกเชื่อมกันเป็นหลอด ปลายแยกเป็น 5 แฉก แฉกบน 2 กลีบ โคนไม่ซ้อนทับแฉกล่าง โคนกลีบปากมีแต้มสีเหลือง 

25. Microchirita tetsanae C.Puglisi, sp. nov.
 Species characterised by the presence of a dimorphic indumentum on the anthers and sparse hairs on the filaments, and by a little projection at the anther insertion. It is most similar to Microchirita thailandica C.Puglisi, but differs in the upper lobes not being imbricate with the lower, and in the filament projection. – TYPE: Thailand, Phetchabun, Mueang Phetchabun, Wat Tham Nam Bang, 130 m, 13 September 2014, Tetsana, N. et al. 855 (holotype BKF; isotype SING). (Fig. 16A–B)


26. Microchirita thailandica C.Puglisi, sp. nov.
 Species most similar to Microchirita tetsanae C.Puglisi in the colour pattern of the corolla, differing in having a narrower tube which widens abruptly (gradually widening in M. tetsanae), all corolla lobes imbricate (vs. lateral lobes not imbricate with the upper in M. tetsanae), a shorter ventral tube, and in not having a projection at the anther insertion. – TYPE: Thailand, Chaiyaphum, Phak Dee Chumphon, Wat Thum Wua Daeng, 460 m, 8 November 2014, Tetsana, N. et al. 904 (holotype BKF; isotype SING). (Fig. 16C–E)

27. Microchirita tubulosa (Craib) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton, Taxon 60: 79 (2011). 

Chirita tubulosa Craib, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 173 (1922); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 227 (1962); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 190 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 89 (2001). 

– TYPE: “described from plants grown from seed collected by Kerr. Flowered in October 1921” (lectotype ABD, first step designated by Wood (1974: 190), second sted designated here [the specimen which matches the image deposited in E, barcode E00155288]; isolectotypes ABD, E). (Fig. 17)


28. Microchirita viola (Ridl.) A.Weber & Rafidah, Taxon 60: 779 (2011); Rafidah, Gard. Bull. Singapore 69: 26 (2017).
– Chirita viola Ridl., J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 32: 516 (1896); Barnett, Fl. Siam. 3: 228 (1962); Wood, Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 33: 190 (1974); Burtt, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 29: 89 (2001). – Didymocarpus viola (Ridl.) Williams, Bull. Herb. Boiss. Ser. 2, 5: 434 (1905).

– TYPE: Malaysia, Peninsular Malaysia, Kedah, Langkawi, September 1890, Curtis 2570 (lectotype SING [SING0042993], designated by Rafidah (2017: 26); isolectotypes SING [SING0042994, SING0042995]). (Fig. 18A–B)



29. Microchirita woodii D.J.Middleton & Triboun, Thai Forest Bull., Bot. 41: 15 (2013).
– TYPE: Thailand, Nan, Muang Nan, Tham Pha Tup Forest Park, trail to Phra Cave, 300 m alt., 16 August 2012, Middleton, D.J., Karaket, P., Suddee, S. & Triboun, P. 5612 (holotype BKF; isotypes BK, E [00629450], P [P00966763]).


   

C. Puglisi and D.J. Middleton. 2017.  A Revision of Microchirita (Gesneriaceae) in Thailand. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 69(2); 211 - 284. 


    

ม่วงเทศนา Microchirita tetsanae C. Puglisi (Gesneriaceae) 
จากเขาหินปูน อำเภอเมือง จังหวัดเพชรบูรณ์ ไม้ล้มลุกขึ้นตามหน้าผาหินปูน ลำต้นอวบน้ำ ดอกสีม่วง กลีบดอกเชื่อมกันเป็นหลอด ปลายแยกเป็น 5 แฉก แฉกบน 2 กลีบ โคนไม่ซ้อนทับแฉกล่าง โคนกลีบปากมีแต้มสีเหลือง
พรรณไม้ชนิดใหม่ของโลกและเป็นพรรณไม้ถิ่นเดียวของไทย (endemic) ตีพิมพ์ในวารสาร Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 69(2): 211–284. 2017 คำระบุชนิด ‘tetsanae’ มาจากนามสกุล ดร.นัยนา เทศนาผู้เก็บตัวอย่าง Tetsana et al. 855 ตัวอย่างต้นแบบแรก (holotype) เก็บรักษาไว้ที่หอพรรณไม้ (BKF)

  


หยาดสวนสวรรค์ Microchirita hypocrateriformis C. Puglisi จากเขาหินปูน อำเภอเอราวัณ จังหวัดหนองบัวลำพู ไม้ล้มลุกขึ้นตามเขาหินปูน ลำต้นอวบน้ำ ดอกสีเหลืองอ่อนหรือสีม่วง แต่ที่พบมากจะเป็นสีเหลืองอ่อน กลีบดอกเชื่อมกันเป็นหลอด ปลายแยกเป็น 5 แฉก 
พรรณไม้ชนิดใหม่ของโลกและเป็นพรรณไม้ถิ่นเดียวของไทย (endemic) ตีพิมพ์ในวารสาร Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 69(2): 211–284. พบขึ้นตามเขาหินปูนในภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือของไทย เช่นบริเวณสวนสวรรค์ สวนหินผางาม อำเภอหนองหิน จังหวัดเลย ตัวอย่างต้นแบบ Suddee, Keiwbang & Hemrat 4967 เก็บจากวัดถ้ำฮวงโป อำเภอคอนสาร จังหวัดชัยภูมิ

  

  

หยาดตาดโพธิ์ Microchirita tadphoensis C. Puglisi (Gesneriaceae) จากอุทยานแห่งชาติภูลังกา อำเภอบ้านแพง จังหวัดหนองนครพนม ไม้ล้มลุกขึ้นตามก้อนหินทรายที่ชื้น ลำต้นอวบน้ำ ดอกสีเหลือง กลีบดอกเชื่อมกันเป็นหลอด ปลายแยกเป็น 5 แฉก
พรรณไม้ชนิดใหม่ของโลกและเป็นพรรณไม้ถิ่นเดียวของไทย (endemic) ตีพิมพ์ในวารสาร Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 69(2): 211–284. ตัวอย่างต้นแบบ Suddee, Keiwbang & Hemrat 4980 เก็บจากป่าดิบแล้ง เส้นทางน้ำตกตาดโพธิ์ อุทยานแห่งชาติภูลังกา

[PaleoMammalogy • 2017] New Records of the Dolphin Albertocetus meffordorum (Odontoceti: Xenorophidae) from the lower Oligocene of South Carolina: Encephalization, Sensory Anatomy, Postcranial Morphology, and Ontogeny of early Odontocetes

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Albertocetus meffordorum   Uhen, 2008 

Boessenecker, Ahmed & Geisler, 2017

Abstract

We report five new specimens of xenorophid dolphins from North and South Carolina. Four of the specimens represent the xenorophid Albertocetus meffordorum, previously only known from the holotype skull. The other is a fragmentary petrosal from the upper Oligocene Belgrade Formation that we refer to Echovenatorsp, indicating at least two xenorophids from that unit. Two of the Albertocetus meffordorum specimens are from the lower Oligocene Ashley Formation: 1) a partial skeleton with neurocranium, fragmentary mandible, ribs, vertebrae, and chevrons, and 2) an isolated braincase. The partial vertebral column indicates that Albertocetus retained the ancestral morphology and locomotory capabilities of basilosaurid archaeocetes, toothed mysticetes, and physeteroids, and caudal vertebrae that are as wide as tall suggest that the caudal peduncle, which occurs in all extant Cetacea, was either wide or lacking. CT data from the isolated braincase were used to generate a digital endocast of the cranial cavity. The estimated EQ of this specimen is relatively high for an Oligocene odontocete, and other aspects of the brain, such as its anteroposterior length and relative size of the temporal lobe, are intermediate in morphology between those of extant cetaceans and terrestrial artiodactyls. Ethmoturbinals are also preserved, and are similar in morphology and number to those described for the Miocene odontocete Squalodon. These fossils extend the temporal range of Albertocetus meffordorum into the early Oligocene, its geographic range into South Carolina, and expand our paleobiological understanding of the Xenorophidae.




Fig 1. Locality map of occurrences of Albertocetus meffordorum in North and South Carolina. (A) and a geologic map of Charleston, South Carolina (B), skeletal reconstruction of Albertocetus meffordorum with preserved elements in red (C), generalized stratigraphy at Belgrade Quarry (D)  and generalized Paleogene stratigraphy of the Charleston area (E). Gray in geologic map denotes Ashley Formation and black denotes Chandler Bridge Formation. 

Systematic paleontology

Cetacea Brisson, 1762
Pelagiceti Uhen, 2008

Odontoceti Flower, 1867
Xenorophidae Uhen, 2008

Albertocetus Uhen, 2008
Albertocetus meffordorum Uhen, 2008

.....

Conclusions

1. New odontocete specimens from the lower Oligocene Ashley Formation of South Carolina include an isolated cranium and a partial skeleton including incomplete cranium with petrotympanics and fragmentary mandible, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and caudal vertebrae, ribs, and a chevron. These specimens extend the range of Albertocetus meffordorum into the early Oligocene.

2. Well-preserved petrosals permit more refined identification of a recently reported petrosal from the upper Oligocene Belgrade Formation of North Carolina as Echovenator sp., and permit referral of two additional Belgrade Formation petrosals to Albertocetus meffordorum and Echovenator sp. Future collecting efforts in North Carolina are expected to yield other cetaceans conspecific with those from the contemporaneous Chandler Bridge Formation of South Carolina.

3. The endocast of Albertocetus meffordorum is intermediate in morphology between extant odontocetes and archaeocete whales. Endocast volume indicates that Albertocetus meffordorum is the most highly encephalized odontocete from the early Oligocene (EQ = 2.586), well within the range of extant delphinoids, and chronicling a drastic jump in EQ across the Eocene-Oligocene boundary. Further study of appropriate body size estimation is needed to investigate the proposed Eocene-Oligocene explosion in odontocete encephalization.

4. The sample size of Albertocetus meffordorum permits the first basic examination of ontogenetic trends in stem Odontoceti. Ontogenetic study of Albertocetus meffordorum identifies several sutures of the dorsal braincase and facial region of interest for assessing ontogenetic status in stem Odontoceti (e.g. median parietal suture, frontoparietal suture, frontonasal suture, parieto-occipital suture), to be confirmed with larger samples of undescribed xenorophids (e.g. Echovenator, Xenorophus). Postcranial epiphyseal fusion is achieved earlier in ontogeny than cranial suture closure in A. meffordorum.

5. Vertebral proportions indicate that Albertocetus meffordorum, like basilosaurids, Mysticeti, and sperm whales, is a "pattern 1" species with no anteroposterior specialization of the vertebral column. This indicates that dorsoventral undulation occurred through the entire flexible lumbocaudal series; this appears to characterize stem odontocetes. Rectangular caudal vertebrae indicate the presence of caudal flukes. Surprisingly, no caudal vertebrae are transversely narrower than tall, suggesting the absence of a transversely narrowed peduncle as in all extant Mysticeti and Odontoceti. Such a feature would imply that the narrow peduncle evolved independently. However, skeletons of stem odontocetes and mysticetes with a more complete caudal series are required to further evaluate this hypothesis.


Robert W. Boessenecker,  Erum Ahmed and  Jonathan H. Geisler. 2017. New Records of the Dolphin Albertocetus meffordorum (Odontoceti: Xenorophidae) from the lower Oligocene of South Carolina: Encephalization, Sensory Anatomy, Postcranial Morphology, and Ontogeny of early Odontocetes. PLoS ONE. 12(11); e0186476.  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186476

New postcranial skeleton of ancient dolphin Albertocetus meffordum found in South Carolina  phy.so/429369468 via @physorg_com
 twitter.com/tetrameryx/status/929095659667492870
Fossils in @CofCNatHistory collections @CofC

  

[Herpetology • 2017] Hemidactylus sushilduttai • A New Species of Large-bodied, Tuberculate Hemidactylus Oken (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Eastern Ghats, India

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Hemidactylus sushilduttai
GiriBauer,Mohapatra, Srinivasulu & Agarwal, 2017


Abstract

A distinct new gecko of the genus Hemidactylus is described from Andhra Pradesh, India. This large-sized (snout to vent length up to at least 105 mm), scansorial Hemidactylus is characterized by dorsal scalation of small granules intermixed with large, pointed, trihedral tubercles that form 16–17 fairly regularly arranged longitudinal rows at midbody; 9–11 subdigital lamellae below the first and 11–13 below the fourth digit; 6–8 strongly pointed and keeled enlarged tubercles on the original tail; 20–23 femoral pores separated by 4 poreless scales in males; 11–13 supralabials and 9–11 infralabials. This is the third vertebrate endemic to the Mahendragiri Range, highlighting the significance of this topographically complex region.

 Keywords: Reptilia, Hemidactylus, Gekkonidae, Andhra Pradesh, Eastern Ghats, India


FIGURE 7. Hemidactylus sushilduttai sp. nov. in life, A) holotype NCBS-AU157, B) paratype ESV 109. Photos by Ishan Agarwal. 



This species was named after Prof. Sushil Dutta in honour of his immense contributions in Indian Herpetology.


Varad B. Giri, Aaron M. Bauer,Pratyush P. Mohapatra, Chelmala Srinivasulu andIshan Agarwal. 2017. A New Species of Large-bodied, Tuberculate Hemidactylus Oken (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Eastern Ghats, India. Zootaxa. 4347(2); 331–345. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4347.2.8


[Herpetology • 2017] Patterns, Biases and Prospects in the Distribution and Diversity of Neotropical Snakes

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 Figure 1. Neotropical region and ecoregion limits adopted here (sensu Olson et al., 2001), together with representative snakes species recorded for
Central America Montane Forests: 1.1 Boa constrictor, 1.2 Oxybelis aeneus;
Amazonia Most Forests: 1.3 Philodryas argentea, 1.4 Rhinobothryum lentiginosum, 1.5 Eunectes murinus, 1.6 Siphlophis compressus, 1.7 Amerotyphlops reticulatus, 1.8 Lachesis muta;
Cerrado: 1.9 Imantodes cenchoa, 1.10 Apostolepis flavotorquata, 1.11 Bothrops lutzi, 1.12 Micrurus frontalis, 1.13 Erythrolamprus typhlus, 1.14 Phalotris lativittatus, 1.15 Xenopholis undulatus, 1.16 Oxyrhopus rhombifer, 1.17 Rhachidelus brazili;
 Chaco: 1.18 Psomophis genimaculatus, 1.19 Philodryas baroni, 1.20 Phimophis vittatus;
Guianian Moist Forests: 1.21 Corallus caninus, 1.22 Anilius scytale, 1.23 Amerotyphlops brongersmianus;
 Caatinga: 1.24 Erythrolamprus viridis, 1.25 Thamnodynastes phoenix, 1.26 Bothrops erythromelas;
and in the Atlantic Forest: 1.27 Atractus maculatus, 1.28 Chironius bicarinatus, 1.29 Tropidodryas striaticeps, 1.30 Liotyphlops beui, 1.31 Oxyrhopus guibei, 1.32 Dipsas albifrons, 1.33 Bothrops jararaca, 1.34 Corallus hortulanus, 1.35 Erythrolamprus atraventer.

 The abbreviations indicate common life habits of the Neotropical snakes: aquatic (Aq), arboreal (Ar), fossorial (F), terrestrial (T).
 Photograph credits: Cristiano C. Nogueira (10, 12), Crizanto C. Brito (27), Henrique B. Braz (14), Ivan Sazima (24, 35), Luiz C. Turci (7), Marcio Martins (4), Marco Sena (6), Martin Jansen (9, 13, 18, 23, 31), Otavio A. V. Marques (2, 3, 5, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 28, 30, 32), Ricardo J. Sawaya (33), Thaís B. Guedes (1, 8, 11, 25, 26, 29, 34)

Guedes, Sawaya, Zizka, et al. 2017.  DOI: 10.1111/geb.12679 


Abstract

Motivation
We generated a novel database of Neotropical snakes (one of the world's richest herpetofauna) combining the most comprehensive, manually compiled distribution dataset with publicly available data. We assess, for the first time, the diversity patterns for all Neotropical snakes as well as sampling density and sampling biases.

Main types of variables contained
We compiled three databases of species occurrences: a dataset downloaded from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), a verified dataset built through taxonomic work and specialized literature, and a combined dataset comprising a cleaned version of the GBIF dataset merged with the verified dataset.

Spatial location and grain

Neotropics, Behrmann projection equivalent to 1° × 1°.

Time period

Specimens housed in museums during the last 150 years.

Major taxa studied
Squamata: Serpentes.

Software format
Geographical information system (GIS).

Results

The combined dataset provides the most comprehensive distribution database for Neotropical snakes to date. It contains 147,515 records for 886 species across 12 families, representing 74% of all species of snakes, spanning 27 countries in the Americas. Species richness and phylogenetic diversity show overall similar patterns. Amazonia is the least sampled Neotropical region, whereas most well-sampled sites are located near large universities and scientific collections. We provide a list and updated maps of geographical distribution of all snake species surveyed.

Main conclusions

The biodiversity metrics of Neotropical snakes reflect patterns previously documented for other vertebrates, suggesting that similar factors may determine the diversity of both ectothermic and endothermic animals. We suggest conservation strategies for high-diversity areas and sampling efforts be directed towards Amazonia and poorly known species.


 Figure 1. Neotropical region and ecoregion limits adopted here (sensu Olson et al., 2001), together with representative snakes species recorded for
Central America Montane Forests: 1.1 Boa constrictor, 1.2 Oxybelis aeneus;
Amazonia Most Forests: 1.3 Philodryas argentea, 1.4 Rhinobothryum lentiginosum, 1.5 Eunectes murinus, 1.6 Siphlophis compressus, 1.7 Amerotyphlops reticulatus, 1.8 Lachesis muta;
Cerrado: 1.9 Imantodes cenchoa, 1.10 Apostolepis flavotorquata, 1.11 Bothrops lutzi, 1.12 Micrurus frontalis, 1.13 Erythrolamprus typhlus, 1.14 Phalotris lativittatus, 1.15 Xenopholis undulatus, 1.16 Oxyrhopus rhombifer, 1.17 Rhachidelus brazili;
 Chaco: 1.18 Psomophis genimaculatus, 1.19 Philodryas baroni, 1.20 Phimophis vittatus;
Guianian Moist Forests: 1.21 Corallus caninus, 1.22 Anilius scytale, 1.23 Amerotyphlops brongersmianus;
 Caatinga: 1.24 Erythrolamprus viridis, 1.25 Thamnodynastes phoenix, 1.26 Bothrops erythromelas;
and in the Atlantic Forest: 1.27 Atractus maculatus, 1.28 Chironius bicarinatus, 1.29 Tropidodryas striaticeps, 1.30 Liotyphlops beui, 1.31 Oxyrhopus guibei, 1.32 Dipsas albifrons, 1.33 Bothrops jararaca, 1.34 Corallus hortulanus, 1.35 Erythrolamprus atraventer.

 The abbreviations indicate common life habits of the Neotropical snakes: aquatic (Aq), arboreal (Ar), fossorial (F), terrestrial (T).
 Photograph credits: Cristiano C. Nogueira (10, 12), Crizanto C. Brito (27), Henrique B. Braz (14), Ivan Sazima (24, 35), Luiz C. Turci (7), Marcio Martins (4), Marco Sena (6), Martin Jansen (9, 13, 18, 23, 31), Otavio A. V. Marques (2, 3, 5, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 28, 30, 32), Ricardo J. Sawaya (33), Thaís B. Guedes (1, 8, 11, 25, 26, 29, 34)

Guedes, Sawaya, Zizka, et al. 2017.  DOI: 10.1111/geb.12679 

 CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrates that Neotropical snake diversity is unevenly distributed, with some ecoregions, such as the Cerrado, containing a disproportionately high diversity. We also showed that merging public and manually compiled data sources is likely to provide the largest taxonomic and geographical coverage for any system under study. However, a proper taxonomic verification, examination and assessment of biases of the public dataset proved crucial. As a result, we can now provide a solid and reliable foundation for any kind of meta-analysis, including the assessment of climate change effects, conservation strategies or design of future research agendas. Conservation priorities should focus on areas of high diversity values as well as high threat by landscape changes. Finally, we found highest diversity values in forested areas, reinforcing the need for general habitat protection compared with actions that are targeting specific species.

In order to increase our knowledge about Neotropical snakes, a geographically and taxonomically focused sampling is required, targeting Amazonia and those species whose distributions are so far largely unknown.


Thaís B. Guedes, Ricardo J. Sawaya, Alexander Zizka, Shawn Laffan, Søren Faurby, R. Alexander Pyron, Renato S. Bérnils, Martin Jansen, Paulo Passos, Ana L. C. Prudente, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia, Henrique B. Braz, Cristiano de C. Nogueira and Alexandre Antonelli. 2017. Patterns, Biases and Prospects in the Distribution and Diversity of Neotropical Snakes. Global Ecology and Biogeography. DOI: 10.1111/geb.12679


[Herpetology • 2017] Opisthotropis zhaoermii • A New Species of the Southeast Asian Genus Opisthotropis (Serpentes: Colubridae: Natricinae) from western Hunan, China

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Opisthotropis zhaoermii 
Ren, Wang, Jiang, Guo & Li, 2017

 Zhao’s Mountain Stream Snake, 赵氏后棱蛇  || DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2017.068  

Abstract
A new species of natricine snake of the Southeast Asian genus Opisthotropis Gü nther, 1872 is described from western Hunan Province of China based on both mitochondrial DNA and morphological data. The new species is morphologically most similar and genetically most closely related to O. cheni Zhao, 1999 and O. latouchii (Boulenger, 1899), but possesses considerable genetic divergence (p-distance 5.1%-16.7%) and can be differentiated from all other congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) body size large (total length 514-586 mm) and strongly built; (2) dorsal scale rows 17 throughout, feebly keeled anteriorly and moderately keeled posteriorly; (3) ventral scales 147-152, subcaudal scales 54-62; (4) preocular absent, loreal elongated and touching orbit; (5) supralabials 8-9, fifth and sixth entering obit; (6) anterior temporals short, length 1.74-2.04 times longer than width; (7) maxillary teeth subequal, 28-30; (8) dorsal surface of head with distinct irregular yellow stripes and markings edged with ochre; (9) body with clear black and yellow longitudinal streaks, partly fused to several lighter patches or thicker stripes anteriorly; and (10) venter pale yellow, with asymmetric blackish speckles along outer margin. We present an updated diagnostic key to all members of the genus Opisthotropis, and recommendations on the ecological study for the group are provided.

Key words: Distribution, Natricinae, Natural history, Taxonomy, OpisthotropisOpisthotropis zhaoermii sp. nov.


Figure 1: General and close-up views of Opisthotropis zhaoermii sp. nov. in life
holotype CIB109999 (adult female), A: General view; B: Close-up view;
 and paratype CIB109998 (adult male), C: General view; D: Close-up view.

Photos by Jin-Long Ren
 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2017.068 


Distribution and natural history: This species is only known from the type locality presently (Figure 6). Opisthotropis zhaoermii sp. nov. inhabits small, fast-flowing mountain streams in forested areas, with water temperature and pH between 19.9–21.2 °C and 7.85–7.93, respectively. Being nocturnal, individuals were seen swimming at the edge of the backwater of travertine waterfalls from 2100h to 0100h at night (Figure 7). The holotype was collected during a heavy rainstorm that caused the water to become extreme turbid, with water temperature and pH measurements of 19.5 °C and 8.13, respectively. 
When handled, individuals never stroked or displayed threating postures. Instead, individuals struggled violently and released a musky, pungent, and enduring defensive odor, much like that of O. balteata and O. kuatunensis (Pope, 1935). The scales of the snakes become dehydrated and crimped quickly after leaving the water for about 10 min, but recovered rapidly when returned to water. Similar to other congeners in China, the new species may prey on earthworms, tadpoles, freshwater isopods, crabs, and small fish (Pope, 1935). Other herpetofauna, including Quasipaa boulengeri, Odorrana schmackeri, Lycodon rufozonatum, L. fasciatus, and Deinagkistrodon acutus, were observed sympatric with the new species. 

Etymology: The specific epithet, zhaoermii, is derived from the name of an internationally renowned Chinese herpetologist, Prof. Er-Mi Zhao, who unfortunately passed away on 24 December 2016. Designation of this specific epithet honors his great contribution to herpetological research in China, specifically to his contribution to the taxonomy of Opisthotropis, including the first description of the sister species (i.e., O. cheni, see above) of the newly found species. We suggest Zhao’s Mountain Stream Snake as its English common name, and “Zhao Shi Hou Leng She” (赵氏后棱蛇) as its Chinese common name. 



Jin-Long Ren, Kai Wang, Ke Jiang, Peng Guo and Jia-Tang Li. 2017. A New Species of the Southeast Asian Genus Opisthotropis (Serpentes: Colubridae: Natricinae) from western Hunan, China.    Zoological Research.38(5); 251-263. DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2017.068      

文章导读: 摘要 后棱蛇属 Opisthotropis Günther,1872物种分布于中国南部和东南亚的广泛区域。基于线粒体DNA与形态学证据,描述了后棱蛇属 Opisthotropis一新种赵氏后棱蛇Opisthotropis zhaoermii sp.nov.,该物种目前仅知于模式产地湖南古丈县。该新种在遗传与形态上与莽山后棱蛇 O. cheni Zhao,1999和山溪后棱蛇 O. latouchii(Boulenger,1899)最为接近,但遗传距离与本属其他物种差异较大(5.1%-16.7%),并可根据以下形态学特征与本属其他物种进行区分:(1)体型较大(体全长514-586 mm)而粗壮;(2)通身背鳞17行,前部起弱棱而后增强;(3)腹鳞147-152枚,尾下鳞54-62枚;(4)无眶前鳞,颊鳞延长而入眶;(5)上唇鳞8-9,第五枚与第六枚入眶;(6)前颞鳞短,长宽比1.74-2.04;(7)上颌齿等大,28-30枚;(8)头背有边缘赭色的不规则黄色线纹;(9)身体有黑黄相间的纵纹,体前部的部分纵纹合并成数个浅色斑块或条纹;(10)腹部浅黄色,外侧有不对称点斑。此外,本研究更新了后棱蛇属所有物种的检索表,对该类群的生态学研究提出了建议。

关键词:分布,  分类,  后棱蛇属 Opisthotropis,  生活史,  水游蛇亚科,  赵氏后棱蛇 Opisthotropis zhaoermii sp.nov.    

   

[Botany • 2017] Oberonia aureolabris • A New Species (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae) from western Java, Indonesia

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Oberonia aureolabris Geiger

Abstract

Oberonia aureolabris sp. nov. from western Java is described, having been studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. It is distinguished by a panduriform inflated disc, relatively short and widely separated epichile lobes on the lip, more or less equal length of the floral bracts over the entire floriferous portion of the inflorescence and orange colour.

Keywords: Orchidaceae, Malaxideae, Oberonia, Monocots


FIGURE 1. Oberonia aureolabris.
A. Habit (scale bar = 10 cm). B. Portion of inflorescence (scale bar = 10 mm). C. Enlarged portion of B (scale bar = 1 mm). D. Lateral view of flower showing inflated sac (scale bar = 1 mm). E. Frontal view of flower showing lateral lobes and fine serrations towards base (scale bar = 1 mm). 

B–C: z-stacked on stereomicroscope. D–E: z-stacked on compound microscope. (Photographs of the material that became the type.)

Oberonia aureolabris Geiger, sp. nov.  

This new species is similar to Oberonia rufilabris Lindley (1838: t. 8A), but with an orange flower, lip with panduriform inflated disc, one pair of long lateral lobes in middle of lip, epichile unequally trifid, large outer lobes 25–30% as long as lip and a minute lobe in midline.


Etymology:— aureo, Latin for golden/orange; -labris, Latin for lip. Referring to the golden coloured lip and similarity to O. rufilabris.


Daniel L. Geiger. 2017. Studies on Oberonia 2 (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae): Oberonia aureolabris, A New Species Discovered in Cultivation. Zootaxa. 329(2); 173–179.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.329.2.8


[Entomology • 2017] New Taxa and New Records of Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae) from Afghanistan

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Karanasa pamira biocellata  Tshikolovets, 2017


Abstract

Three new species Karanasa naumanni sp. nov.Kpardesi sp. nov. and Kpseudopamira sp. nov. (Nymphalidae), two new subspecies Karanasa pamira biocellata subsp. nov. (Nymphalidae) and Plebejus (Afarsiasieversii albolunulatus subsp. nov. (Lycaenidae) are described from Afghanistan. First occurrence records for this country are presented for 26 species: one species of Pieridae (Colias thisoa), fifteen species of Lycaenidae (Deudoryx epijarbasEveres diporaGlaucopsyche charybdisHyrcanana evansii, Iolana gigantea, Lycaena kasyapa, Plebejus ferganusPolyommatus amandusPdagmara, P. farazi, P. kogistanus, P. lehanus armatheus, P. miris, P. selma, and Turanana panaegides,) and ten species of Nymphalidae (Argynnis jainadeva, Coenonympha nolckeni, Hyponephele maureri, Melitaea balbina, Karanasa grumi, K. incerta, K. leechi, K. maureri, Satyrus alaica, and Sferula)

Keywords: Lepidoptera, distribution, new species, new subspecies, Palaearctic region, Rhopalocera

Karanasa pamira biocellata

Vadim Tshikolovets. 2017. New Taxa and New Records of Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae) from Afghanistan. Zootaxa.  4358(1); 107–124.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4358.1.4

[Herpetology • 2017] Cyrtodactylus tanim • Morphological and Genetic Evidence for A New Karst Specialist Lizard from New Guinea (Cyrtodactylus: Gekkonidae)

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Cyrtodactylus tanim 
 Nielsen& Oliver, 2017 


Abstract

Exposed limestone karst landscapes, especially in the tropics, are often home to distinctive and specialized biotas. Among vertebrates, a particularly large number of karst-associated lizard taxa have been described, but for the vast majority, evidence of specific adaptions to karst is lacking. A number of studies, however, have provided evidence of consistent morphological trends in lizards that use complex, three-dimensional, saxicoline habitats such as those that typify karst areas. Here we combine morphological and genetic data to test whether a newly discovered gecko from an extremely rugged karst area in New Guinea shows morphological trends matching those observed in other lizards associated with complex rock habitats such as karst and caves. Consistent with predictions, the new species' head is flatter and narrower than similar-sized relatives, and it has proportionally larger eyes and longer limbs. These trends indicate this taxon represents the second documented instance of karst specialization in a New Guinean vertebrate, and suggest morphological traits to test for evidence of specialized ecological associations in the many karst-associated Cyrtodactylus taxa from Southeast Asia.

KEYWORDS: Cyrtodactylus, ecological diversity, gecko, morphometric analysis, specialization

Figure 7. Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp. in life. Paratypes SJR14637 (a,b) and NMV75961 (c) displaying juvenile coloration.

Photographs: Paul M. Oliver. 


Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp.  

 Diagnosis: Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp. can be distinguished from all other Melanesian and (Wallacean) Cyrtodactylus by the following unique combination of characters: moderate size (SVL to 96.7 mm) and slender, with a relatively narrow head (HW/SVL 0.17–0.19), mid-dorsal tubercles in 14–16 longitudinal rows at midpoint of body, ventrolateral fold without enlarged tubercles, subcaudal scales not transversely widened, pores in a tripartite series, precloacal pores obvious and of moderate number (15–17), femoral pores minute and numerous (31–30 per limb, 66–76 total), and dorsal colour pattern on torso consisting of six to nine semi-distinctly defined, alternating dark-brown bands or blotches, on a medium-brown background.

Distribution and natural history: Currently known from three sites spanning an elevation from approximately 540 to 1075 m.a.s.l. in near-impenetrable limestone country just east of Kaiangabip Village, Western Province, Papua New Guinea. Similar limestone country is widespread, but difficult to access, along the southern edge of the Central Cordillera, and this species is likely to have a wider range than is currently known.

A similar, moderately sized Cyrtodactylus with many dark-brown dorsal bands was seen—but not collected—in limestone areas in the north of Gulf Province. If this is also Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp., then it will have a range spanning over 300 km.

Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp. was collected in hill forest and lower montane forest where it was quite common, especially at higher elevations. Along a ridge of lower montane forest at approximately 1100 m.a.s.l. (figure 8), up to 10 specimens could reliably be seen over several hours of spotlighting on a single night. They were most commonly seen perched at relatively low heights (less than 3 m above substrate) on limestone faces, or on nearby small trees, roots, or lianas. Two eggs are visible in paratypes (NMV75958 and NMV75959) at varying stages of development.

Above 1000 m.a.s.l. Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp. was the only gecko present, but at the two lower elevation sites (less than 900 m.a.s.l.) it occurred sympatrically with C. capreoloides and C. serratus. No habitat segregation with the former was obvious. Cyrtodactylus serratus appeared to be much rarer (six specimens in three weeks) and was observed at greater heights in the forest strata (e.g. on lianas or in larger forest trees more than 3 m above the ground), suggesting this much larger species is more arboreal than Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp.

Figure 8. Habitat of Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp.: lower montane forest on karst basement in Western Province, Papua New Guinea. Photograph: Paul M. Oliver. 

 Etymology: Tanim’, ‘Tanem’ or ‘Tanemkan’ is the ‘tokples’ name that Faiwol speakers from western Papua New Guinea gave specifically for Cyrtodactylus geckos, both on this survey, and earlier surveys undertaken by Fred Parker around Wangbin and Migalsimbip Villages in 1969 (personal communication). Incidentally, several local people including experienced hunters, showed distaste for Cyrtodactylus geckos, and were reluctant to touch, hold, or in the case of large specimens even look at them.


Stuart V. Nielsen and Paul M. Oliver. 2017. Morphological and Genetic Evidence for A New Karst Specialist Lizard from New Guinea (Cyrtodactylus: Gekkonidae).  Royal Society Open Science.  DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170781


[Entomology • 2017] Polommatus (Agrodiaetus) australorossicus • A New Butterfly Species from south Russia revealed through Chromosomal and Molecular Analysis of the Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) damonides complex (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

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[upper] Polommatus (Agrodiaetus) australorossicus 
Lukhtanov & Dantchenko, 2017

[lower] Polyommatus  (A.)  shamil (Dantchenko, 2000)



Abstract
Finding a new species is a rare event in easy-to-see and well-studied organisms like butterflies, especially if they inhabit well-explored areas such as the Western Palaearctic. However, even in this region, gaps in taxonomic knowledge still exist and here we report such a discovery. Using a combined analysis of chromosomal and molecular markers we demonstrate that Polyommatus blue populations from Daghestan (South Russia), previously identified as P. aserbeidschanus, represent in fact a new species which is described here as P. australorossicus sp. n. We also show that the enigmatic Polyommatus damonides described as a form of Polyommatus damone and later considered as an entity similar to P. poseidon or P. ninae is conspecific with a taxon previously known as P. elbursicus. As a result of our study, we propose several taxonomic changes within the P. damonides species complex and suggest the following new combinations: P. damonides elbursicus Forster, 1956, comb. n. and P. damonides gilanensis Eckweiler, 2002, comb. n.

Keywords: Ancestral polymorphism, biodiversity, chromosomes, chromosomal fusion/fission, COI, cryptic species, DNA barcoding, incomplete lineage sorting, inverted meiosis, karyosystematics, molecular phylogenetics, mitochondrial introgression, phylogeography, speciation

Figure 9. Specimens of Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus)australorossicus sp. n. and P. (A.) shamil. Both samples collected in Gunib (Russia, Caucasus, Daghestan, Gimrinsky Range, 1600-1800 m), 14 August 1997, by A. Dantchenko.
 a, b upperside (a) and underside (b) of the holotype of Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) australorossicus sp. n. DK-27-97, n=23; arrow indicates basal black spot
c, d upperside (c) and underside (b) of the paratype of Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) shamil, CCDB-17947_B11, DK-97-18, n=17, 2n=34. Bar = 10 mm. 


Polommatus (Agrodiaetusaustralorossicus sp. n.

Diagnosis: Phenotypically P. (A.) australorossicus sp. n. is practically indistinguishable from allopatric closely related P. ninae, P. aserbeidschanus and P. lukhtanovi but the ground colour of the underside of the hindwings is grey in the new species, with ocherous tint, not light or dark brown. The new species differs from sympatric (syntopic and synchronous) P. shamil (Fig. 9c, d) by specific structure of costal area of the forewings in males (Fig. 10). The submarginal row of spots on the forewing underside is more blurred (Fig. 9b), not sharp and clear visible as in P. shamil (Fig. 9d). Additionally, basal black spots are usually present on the underside of the forewings in P. (A.) australorossicus (Fig. 9b); however, this character is not constant.

Habitat and biology: Stony steppe and dry meadows from 1500 up to 2000 m a.s.l. Flight period: mid-July to end of August, in a single generation. The new species flights syntopically and synchronously with P. shamil but on average about one decade earlier. Host plant is preliminary determined as Astragalus buschiorum (Fabaceae). Hibernation as first instar larvae.

 Vladimir A. Lukhtanov and Alexander V. Dantchenko. 2017. A New Butterfly Species from south Russia revealed through Chromosomal and Molecular Analysis of the Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) damonides complex (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae). Comparative Cytogenetics. 11(4); 769-795.  DOI:  10.3897/CompCytogen.v11i4.20072
New butterfly species discovered in Russia with an unusual set of 46 chromosomes https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171127105922.htm

[Botany • 2017] Peucedanum guvenianum • A New Species (Apiaceae) from West Anatolia, Turkey

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Peucedanum guvenianum Yıldırım & H.Duman

Yildirim & Duman, 2017. DOI: 10.3906/bot-1701-56 

Abstract
Peucedanum guvenianum Yıldırım & H.Duman is described as a species new to science. It is endemic to the West Anatolia region of Turkey. It is known from a single locality in İzmir Province. P. guvenianum shows similarities to P. longifolium, P. ruthenicum, and P. vourinense. Diagnostic morphological characters are discussed and compared with those of closely related taxa. It is easily distinguished from related species especially by its stem 130-220 cm tall, distinctly striate, densely branched from below the middle to upper part; basal leaves 28-40 cm long and 20-70 cm wide; bracts linear-lanceolate and erect; petals emarginate at apex; mericarp 7.2-14 x 4.3-8 mm, oblong to oblong-orbicular, ±± two times longer from pedicel.



Peucedanum guvenianum Yıldırım & H.Duman sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: P. guvenianum is related to P. ruthenicum, P. longifolium, and P. vourinense. It differs from these species especially by its stem 130–220 cm tall, distinctly striate, densely branched from below the middle to upper part (not maximum to 120 cm tall, slightly striate, slightly or densely branched from above the middle); basal leaves 28–40 cm long and 20–70 cm wide (not 5–30 long and 10–20 wide); bracts linear-lanceolate and erect (not filiform and deflexed); petals emarginate at apex (not without emarginate apex or slightly emarginate at apex); mericarp 7.2–14 × 4.3–8 mm, ±two times longer from pedicel (not 4.5–9 × 3–4 mm, ±equal or slightly shorter).

Etymology: The new species was named in honor of Turkish botanist Prof Dr Güven Görk, who is an expert on the flora of Turkey. The Turkish name of this species is given as “Eferezenesi”, according to the guidelines of Menemen et al. (2013).

Figure 2. Peucedanum guvenianum: A- Habitus; B- flowers and umbel; C- immature fruits; D- mature fruits; E- stages of budding to mature fruit.

Distribution and ecology: Peucedanum guvenianum is locally endemic to İzmir Province, West Anatolia. It is an element belonging to the Mediterranean floristic region. The new species grows in the maquis vegetation and opening Pinus brutia area, between 220 and 270 m a.s.l. in the triangle of the Seferihisar, Menderes, and Gümüldür districts in İzmir. Species growing in the near vicinity include Arbutus andrachne L., Arbutus unedo L., Asparagus acutifolius L., Centranthus calcitrapa (L.) Dufr., Cerotonia siliqua L., Cistus creticus L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, Lavandula stoechas L. subsp. stoechasLavetera puctata All., Lonicera caprifolium L., Lupinus micranthus Guss., Origanum onites L., Osyris alba L., Phillyrea latifolia L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Satureja thymbra L., and Verbascum rupicola (Hayek et Siehe) Hub.-Mor

Hasan Yildirim and Hayri Duman. 2017. Peucedanum guvenianum (Apiaceae), A New Species from West Anatolia, Turkey.  Doga, Turkish Journal of Botany. 41(6); 600-608.  DOI: 10.3906/bot-1701-56

Turkish scientists discover new plant species endemic to Izmir http://sabahdai.ly/wotaR9

[Herpetology • 2017] Cnemaspis purnamai • A New Species of Rock Gecko of the Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Belitung Island, Indonesia

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Cnemaspis purnamai
Riyanto, Hamidy, Sidik & Gunalen, 2017


Abstract

A new species of rock gecko of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch is described from Belitung Island, Indonesia. The new species is differentiated from all other species in the Southern Sunda clade (sensu Grismer et al. 2014a) by having a unique combination of characters including: (1) a maximum SVL of 54.1 mm, (2) five or six postmental scales, (3) enlarged submetacarpal scales on the first finger, (4) enlarged submetatarsal scales on the first toe, (5) keeled ventral scales, (6) absence of precloacal pores, (7) absence of enlarged femoral scales, (8) absence of shield-like subtibial scales, (9) caudal tubercles encircling the tail, (10) an interrupted median row of enlarged keeled subcaudals, (11) presence of a distinct furrow on the lateral surface of the tail (12) 22–24 lamellae beneath fourth toe, and (13) two postcloacal tubercles on each side of the tail base.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cnemaspis, Belitung Island, Indonesia, new species



Awal Riyanto, Amir Hamidy, Irvan Sidik and Danny Gunalen. 2017.  A New Species of Rock Gecko of the Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Belitung Island, Indonesia. Zootaxa. 4358(3); 583-597. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4358.3.12


[Crustacea • 2017] Pleistacantha kannu • A New Large Oregoniid Spider Crab of the Genus Pleistacantha Miers, 1879 (Brachyura, Majoidea), from the Bay of Bengal, India

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Pleistacantha kannu
 Ng, Ravinesh & Ravichandran, 2017


Abstract
A new species of deep-water oregoniid spider crab of the genus Pleistacantha Miers, 1879, is described from the Indian Ocean. The species is distinct in possessing a prominently inflated carapace in which the median parts of the branchial regions almost meet. It can also be distinguished from its closest congeners, P. moseleyi (Miers, 1885), P. pungens (Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason and Alcock 1891), and P. ori Ahyong & Ng, 2007, in its more elongate and less spinose chelipeds and ambulatory legs, shorter third maxilliped, trapezoidal male pleon and a male first gonopod which is relatively stout with a short subdistal dorsal papilla.

Keywords: deep-water, Indian Ocean, new species, Oregoniidae, Pleistacantha, taxonomy


Figure 1. Pleistacantha kannu sp. n., colour in life. A holotype male (cl 106.2 mm, cw 87.0 mm) (CASAU), India B paratype ovigerous female (cl 84.4 mm, cw 71.5 mm) (CASAU), India. 

Systematics

Family Oregoniidae Garth, 1958
Genus Pleistacantha Miers, 1879

Type species: Pleistacantha sanctijohannis Miers, 1879, by original designation.

Pleistacantha kannu sp. n.
?Pleistacantha adenicus Kazmi 1997  (nomen nudum).

Diagnosis: Carapace broadly pyriform, postrostral carapace length equal to or slightly longer than carapace width (ratio 1.0–1.1) (Figs 2A, B, 4C, D); dorsal carapace surface with short spines with relatively wider bases (Figs 2A, B, 4C, D, 5C, D); gastric regions strongly swollen (Figs 2A, B, 4C, D, 5C, D); branchial regions strongly swollen laterally and dorsally; medially separated by narrow space, area without spines, spines on margins of regions overlapping (Figs 2A, B, 4C, D, 5C, D); posterior carapace margin convex (Fig. 4C); rostrum relatively short; gently divergent, directly obliquely laterally, not curving upwards (Figs 2A, B, 4C, D, 5C, D, 6E); interantennular spine short, tip bifurcated with shallow concavity between short processes (Figs 6E, F); lateral margins of posterior margin of epistome strongly concave (Fig. 7G, H); ischium of third maxilliped short (Fig. 7I); adult male cheliped elongate, merus and chela slender (Figs 2A, 8F); surface of adult male chela mostly smooth, proximal part with short tubercles or granules, without long spines (Figs 2A, 8E, F); male anterior thoracic sternum relatively broad; surface with numerous blunt and sharp tubercles, never spines (Fig. 9E); male pleon transversely wide; distinctly trapezoidal; surface with numerous blunt and sharp tubercles, never spines (Fig. 9F); G1 relatively stout; distal part gently curved; subdistal dorsal papilla short (Fig. 10K–M).


Etymology: Name after the late Professor T. Kannupandi, an influential crustacean worker from the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology in Annamalai University. The name, a shortened version of his family name, is used as a noun in apposition.


 Peter K. L. Ng, Raveendhiran Ravinesh and S. Ravichandran. 2017. A New Large Oregoniid Spider Crab of the Genus Pleistacantha Miers, 1879, from the Bay of Bengal, India (Crustacea, Brachyura, Majoidea). ZooKeys. 716: 127-146.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.716.21349

[Entomology • 2017] Macrosaccus coursetiae • A New Species of Macrosaccus (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae: Lithocolletinae) from Arizona, USA

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Macrosaccus coursetiae  
Eiseman & Davis, 2017

Abstract

A sixth species of Macrosaccus (Gracillariidae), M. coursetiae sp. nov., is described. The larvae are leafminers of Coursetia glandulosa (Fabaceae). The parasitoid Chrysocharis walleyi (Eulophidae) has been reared from the leaf mines; a table summarizing the host records for this wasp is presented.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, Chrysocharis walleyi, Coursetia glandulosa, Eulophidae, Fabaceae, leafminer



Charles S. Eiseman and Donald R. Davis. 2017. A New Species of Macrosaccus (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae: Lithocolletinae) from Arizona, USA. Zootaxa. 4358(2); 385–392. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4358.2.11

[Paleontology • 2017] Hamipterus tianshanensis • Egg Accumulation with 3D Embryos provides insight into the Life History of A Pterosaur

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Hamipterus tianshanensis 

Wang, Kellner, Jiang, et al. 2017
reconstruction by Zhao Chuang.  DOI: 10.1126/science.aan2329

 Abstract
Fossil eggs and embryos that provide unique information about the reproduction and early growth of vertebrates are exceedingly rare, particularly for pterosaurs. Here we report on hundreds of three-dimensional (3D) eggs of the species Hamipterus tianshanensis from a Lower Cretaceous site in China, 16 of which contain embryonic remains. Computed tomography scanning, osteohistology, and micropreparation reveal that some bones lack extensive ossification in potentially late-term embryos, suggesting that hatchlings might have been flightless and less precocious than previously assumed. The geological context, including at least four levels with embryos and eggs, indicates that this deposit was formed by a rare combination of events, with storms acting on a nesting ground. This discovery supports colonial nesting behavior and potential nesting site fidelity in the Pterosauria.


  

  


The reconstruction image made by Zhao Chuang shows the species Hamipterus tianshanensis according to the discoveries in a desert in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Over 200 three-dimensionally preserved eggs of pterosaurs have been unearthed in China, providing new insight into the life history of the rulers of the skies in the age of dinosaurs.  

Xiaolin Wang, Alexander W. A. Kellner, Shunxing Jiang, Xin Cheng, Qiang Wang, Yingxia Ma, Yahefujiang Paidoula, Taissa Rodrigues, He Chen, Juliana M. Sayão, Ning Li, Jialiang Zhang, Renan A. M. Bantim, Xi Meng, Xinjun Zhang, Rui Qiu and Zhonghe Zhou. 2017. Egg Accumulation with 3D Embryos provides insight into the Life History of A Pterosaur. Science. 358(6367); 1197-1201.  DOI: 10.1126/science.aan2329

Even more like birds
Ecological convergence between pterosaurs and birds is often invoked, but to what degree the two groups share behavior is debated. Wang et al. describe a site with more than 100 fossilized pterosaur eggs that reveals that hatchling pterosaurs were likely not as precocial as previously thought. Furthermore, the overlaying of multiple clutches suggests that the pterosaurs may have exhibited breeding site fidelity, similar to rookery-breeding seabirds. Thus, the similarity between these two groups goes beyond wings.

Over 200 fossilized eggs found in China reveal how pterosaurs breed

Hundreds of pterosaur eggs reveal early life insights phy.so/431279920 via @physorg_com
Hundreds of Pterosaur Eggs Found in Record-Breaking Fossil Haul  on.natgeo.com/2itv92e via @NatGeo
Ancient flying reptiles cared for their young, fossil trove suggests  .sciencemag.org/news/2017/11/ancient-flying-reptiles-cared-their-young-fossil-trove-suggests

[Botany • 2017] Primulina albicalyx • A New Species (Gesneriaceae) from A Karst Area in Guangxi, China

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Primulina albicalyx   B. Pan & Li H. Yang

 Yang & Pan, 2017.   DOI: 10.3372/wi.47.47312 

Abstract:
Primulina albicalyx, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, SW China, is described and illustrated. This new species is similar to P. leprosa by its yellow flowers, white calyx lobes and large bracts, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by some qualitative and quantitative characters in the leaf blade, peduncle and corolla. The conservation status of P. albicalyx can be considered as Critically Endangered (CR) according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Keywords: China, Gesneriaceae, Guangxi, karst, limestone, new species, Primulina, Primulina albicalyx, Primulina leprosa, taxonomy

Fig. 2. Primulina albicalyx. A: habit; B: cyme; C: flowers in front view; D: flower in lateral view; E: opened corolla, showing stamens and staminodes; F: fruits; G: bract; H: pistil and calyx lobes.
- A, F: photographed at the type locality on 21 June 2015 by Bo Pan; B–E, G, H: photographed at Guilin Botanical Garden on 14 May 2016 by Bo Pan. 

Primulina albicalyx B. Pan & Li H. Yang, sp. nov. 

 Holotype: China, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Du’an County, Dongmiao Town, on moist rocky surface of limestone, 22 Jun 2015, B. Pan & X. H. Hu. P1028 (IBK!). 

Diagnosis — The new species is similar to Primulina leprosa, but mainly differs by its ovate to broadly ovate leaf blade with flat adaxial surface (vs elliptic to broadly elliptic with bullate adaxial surface in P. leprosa), nearly tubular corolla tube (vs funel-form in P. leprosa), different corolla colour pattern: tube yellowish, with several brownish yellow striations on the entrance and a brownish yellow swelling between the two upper lip lobes (vs tube white, with brown lines on upper lip and without brownish yellow swelling in P. leprosa).


Etymology — The specific epithet “albicalyx” refers to the white calyx lobes.

Distribution and ecology — At present, Primulina albicalyx is known only from the type locality in Du'an County, W Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, SW China (Fig. 3). Plants grow on moist and shady limestone rocks under northern tropical limestone seasonal rain forest.


Li-Hua Yang and Bo Pan. 2017. Primulina albicalyx (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from A Karst Area in Guangxi, China. Willdenowia. 47(3); 311–316.   DOI: 10.3372/wi.47.47312

  

[Herpetology • 2017] Cryptic and Non-Cryptic Diversity in New Guinea Ground Snakes of the Genus Stegonotus Duméril, Bibron and Duméril, 1854 (Squamata: Colubridae): A Description of Four New Species

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Figure 1. Photographs of six New Guinea Stegonotus species in life including voucher numbers:
 (a) Stegonotus cucullatus LSUMZ 94371, (b) Stegonotus diehli LSUMZ 92345, (c) Stegonotus modestus LSUMZ 92327, (d) Stegonotus heterurus BPBM 22556, (e) Stegonotus parvus LSUMZ 92335, (f) Stegonotus guentheri LSUMZ 94386.
Photos from CCA (a, b, c, e, f) and F. Kraus (d). 

Ruane, Richards, McVay, et al. 2017.  DOI:  10.1080/00222933.2017.1391959

ABSTRACT
The island of New Guinea has been identified as biologically megadiverse but many taxa are still poorly known. This is especially the case for many of the island’s snakes, which by their very nature can be difficult to collect and study. Here we examine the phylogenetic and phylogeographic structure of a poorly studied snake genus, Stegonotus, focusing on the species of New Guinea; until now, Stegonotus has never been examined using modern phylogenetic methods. Using molecular data from 49 individuals representing eight of the ten described species, and including all New Guinea taxa, we estimate a multilocus phylogeny and examine population structure to help identify undescribed taxa. We use morphological data from the corresponding museum vouchered specimens (where available) and also examine additional specimens for taxa not included in the molecular data set to determine morphological differences among putative taxa. We find molecular evidence for four new species of Stegonotus, both morphologically obvious and cryptic, and describe them herein. The recognition of these four species indicates that Stegonotus diversity has been previously underestimated and also suggests that there are likely additional undescribed taxa within the genus. These four taxa increase the number of described species by 40% and further confirm New Guinea as the centre of diversity for the genus.

KEYWORDS: Australasia, colubrine, Indonesia, integrative taxonomy, phylogenetics


Sara Ruane, Stephen J. Richards, John D. McVay, Burhan Tjaturadi, Keliopas Krey and Christopher C. Austin. 2017. Cryptic and Non-Cryptic Diversity in New Guinea Ground Snakes of the Genus Stegonotus Duméril, Bibron and Duméril, 1854: A Description of Four New Species (Squamata: Colubridae).  Journal of Natural History. DOI:  10.1080/00222933.2017.1391959

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