Species New to Science

Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi

Krutha, Dahanukar & Molur, 2017

DOI: 10.11609/jott.2413.9.12.10985-10997

Abstract

A new species Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi is described from the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary of Western Ghats of Kozhikode District, Kerala. The new species can be distinguished from known congeners based on small adult size, head equal to or slightly wider than long, less wrinkled dorsal skin with prominent granular projections, absence of dorso-lateral glandular folds, a ridge extending from the lip over the tip of the snout to between the nostrils bifurcate posteriorly producing an inverted ‘Y’, finger and toe discs well developed with dorso-terminal groove, cover rounded distally, third finger disc slightly wider than finger width and fourth toe disc almost equal to or slightly wider than toe width, presence of two palmar tubercles, moderate webbing and thigh, shank and foot almost of equal length. Molecular phylogeny based on two mitochondrial genes (ND1 and 16S rRNA) reveals that the species is genetically distinct from others within the genus, and is a sister taxon to N. athirappillyensis and N. kempholeyensis. Multivariate morphometric analysis clearly distinguishes the new night frog species Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi from N. athirappillyensis and N. kempholeyensis.

Keywords: 16S rRNA, additional records, discriminant analysis, Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, molecular phylogeny, ND1 gene, new record, new species, Nyctibatrachus athirappillyensis, N. kempholeyensis.

Image 3. Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi sp. nov. in life. (a-b) Holotype (BNHS 5984, 22.1mm SVL), (c-e) male paratype (WILD-15-AMP-624, 22.3mm SVL).

Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi sp. nov. can be distinguished from all its known congeners by a combination of characters including: small adult size (21.4–23.0 mm SVL); head equal to or slightly wider than long (HW/HL ratio 1.0–1.3); internal back of eyes to eye length ratio 2.0–2.4; less wrinkled dorsal skin with prominent granular projections; absence of dorso-lateral glandular folds separated by an ‘X’ pattern on anterior half of back; a ridge extending from the lip over the tip of the snout to between the nostrils bifurcate posteriorly producing an inverted ‘Y’; finger and toe discs well developed; third finger disc slightly wider than finger width (FDIII/FWIII ratio 1.3–2.5); fourth toe disc almost equal to or slightly wider than toe width (TD/TW ratio 1.0–1.8); third finger and fourth toe discs with dorso-terminal groove, cover rounded distally; presence of two palmar tubercles; webbing small, reaching above the second subarticular tubercle on either side of toe IV; thigh nearly equal to shank (TL/SHL ratio 0.9–1.1); and shank nearly equal to foot length (SHL/FOL ratio 0.9–1.0).

Etymology: The species is named after Dr. Mewa Singh, Distinguished Professor (for Life), University of Mysore; J.C. Bose Fellow, Institution of Excellence, and Honorary Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru. This species is in honour of his extraordinary contributions in behavioral ecology and primatology, and his immense contribution to the conservation of Indian primates.

Suggested common name: Mewa Singh’s Night Frog.

Distribution and habitat: Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi sp. nov. is known only from its type locality Peruvannamuzhi in Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats of Kerala, north of Palghat Gap (Image 4). The species was seen in a stream with riparian cover (Image 5) running alongside a wall after the toe drain of the Peruvannamuzhi Dam. Males were observed calling on top of rocks and leaves around 19:00hr.

Image 5. Habitat at the type locality of Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi sp. nov.

Keerthi Krutha, Neelesh Dahanukar and Sanjay Molur. 2017. Nyctibatrachus mewasinghi, A New Species of Night Frog (Amphibia: Nyctibatrachidae) from Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 9(12); 10985–10997. DOI: 10.11609/jott.2413.9.12.10985-10997

Teratoscincus sistanense

Akbarpour, Shafiei, Sehhatisabet & Damadi, 2017

DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2017.1388490

Abstract

Herein we describe a new species of Teratoscincus Strauch, 1863 from remote desert areas of the Sistan and Baluchistan Province in southeastern Iran. Based on morphological characters, this species, Teratoscincus sistanense sp. n., has a close relationship with T. microlepis and is distinct from all other members of its genus by the number of small scales around the midbody. We provide information about the ecology, biology and conservation of this new species. A comparison with the other three Iranian species of Teratoscincus and an updated key to this genus in Iran are presented.

Keywords: Sistan and Baluchistan province, morphology, identification key

Figure 1. Teratoscincus sistanense sp. n. in its natural habitat, Niatak River in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran, July 2009 (photo: M. E. Sehhatisabet).

Teratoscincus sistanense

Etymology. The specific epithet is a patronym for Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran.

Habitat.Teratoscincus sistanense inhabits flat terrain with a hot and dry climate. The soil texture of the habitat is sandy, with various degrees of compaction, ..... The species was observed to be active only at night. Several species of lizards (Teratoscincus bedriagai, Ophiomorous tridactylus, Eremias persica, Trapelus agilis, Eremias fasciata) and snakes (Echis carinatus and Lytorhynchus ridgewayi) occur sympatrically or syntopically with T. sistanense sp. n.

Distribution.Teratoscincus sistanense sp. n. is known only from the type and paratype localities in Zabol County, Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran.

Morteza Akbarpour, Soheila Shafiei, Mohammad Ebrahim Sehhatisabet and Ehsan Damadi. 2017. A New Species of Frog-eyed Gecko, Genus Teratoscincus Strauch, 1863 (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae), from southeastern Iran. Zoology in the Middle East. 63(4); 296-302. DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2017.1388490

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/1253

ResearchGate.net/publication/320334516_A_new_species_of_frog-eyed_gecko_genus_Teratoscincus_from_southeastern_Iran

Maaqwi cascadensis

McLachlan, Kaiser & Longrich, 2017

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189473

Abstract

Mesozoic bird fossils from the Pacific Coast of North America are rare, but small numbers are known from the Late Cretaceous aged sediments of Hornby Island, British Columbia. Most are unassociated fragments that offer little information, but additional preparation of a large coracoid has revealed more details of its structure, as well as three associated wing bones. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Maaqwi cascadensis, gen. et sp. nov. represents a derived crown or near-crown member of Ornithurae, and specifically suggests affinities with Vegaviidae. M. cascadensis is characterized by large size, and regressions based on dimensions of the coracoid suggest a large bird, with an estimated body mass of approximately 1.5 kilograms. The bones are robust, with thick walls, suggesting that M. cascadensis was a bird adapted for diving, similar to modern loons and grebes. The wings are short, while the coracoid is unusually short and broad, similar to modern loons. Along with the Ichthyornithes and Hesperornithes, M. cascadensis and Vegaviidae appear to represent a third clade of bird that evolved to exploit marine habitats in the Late Cretaceous, one specialized for foot-propelled diving and rapid cruising flight over water.

Fig 2. Photographs and schematic illustrations of Maaqwi cascadensis holotype RBCM.EH2008.011.01120 depicting wing bone orientation. (A, B) dorsal face of right coracoid and partial humerus.

acrocoracoid, partial humerus, ulna and radius. Shading denotes preserved cortical bone (white), exposed trabecular bone (light grey), and matrix (dark grey). c = coracoid. h = humerus. u = ulna. r = radius. Scale bar = 1 cm.

Systematic paleontology

Avialae Gauthier 1986
Ornithothoraces Chiappe and Calvo 1994
Ornithuromorpha Chiappe and Walker 2002

Ornithurae Haeckel 1866 sensu Chiappe
Vegaviidae Agnolín et al. 2017

Maaqwi cascadensis gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic name, Maaqwi, is derived from “ma’aqwi”, the Coast Salish word meaning “water bird”. The specific name, cascadensis, reflects provenance in the Cascadia region of western North America.

Holotype: RBCM.EH2008.011.01120 consists of a concretionary mudstone nodule containing a right coracoid, as previously described by Dyke et al. [18]. However, at the time of initial description, the specimen had not been prepared and only the dorsal face of the coracoid was visible [18, Fig 2A]. The acrocoracoid appeared to be missing and only the broken ends of the three associated long bones were visible. Subsequent mechanical preparation of the coracoid revealed that its head was everted ventrally and had been buried within the matrix. Further preparation revealed central portions of three wing elements; a humerus, ulna and radius (Fig 2). The specimen is housed within the RBCM.

Locality: RBCM.EH2008.011.01120 was recovered from a coastal outcrop of the upper Campanian Northumberland Formation exposed on the northwestern shore of Hornby Island, British Columbia.

Diagnosis: Coracoid compact, polygonal in profile, with the omal portion approximately one third of the medial length. Coracoid shaft a stout, flat bar. Coracoid and humerus robust, highly pachyostotic.

Conclusions

Maaqwi cascadensis appears to represent a lineage of Cretaceous marine birds distinct from either Ichthyornithes or Hesperornithiformes. Instead, it appears to be closely allied with—or perhaps part of—crown Aves. The wings are reduced, inconsistent with soaring, and instead suggest a bird specialized for fast cruising flight over water. The thickness of the walls of the bones suggest that it was a diver but the wings are not modified for underwater propulsion. Instead, it was most likely a foot-propelled diver, although it may have made occasional use of its wings for steering underwater. Phylogenetic analysis suggests affinities with Vegavis iaai, which has recently been reinterpreted as a foot-propelled diver, taking its place along side other advanced ornithurines specialized for foot-propelled diving within the Vegaviidae including Australornis lovei, Neogaeornis wetzeli, and Polarornis gregrorii. Clearly, additional fossil material is needed to better understand the affinities and ecology of these Late Cretaceous–early Paleogene marine birds.

Sandy M. S. McLachlan, Gary W. Kaiser and Nicholas R. Longrich. 2017. Maaqwi cascadensis: A Large, Marine Diving Bird (Avialae: Ornithurae) from the Upper Cretaceous of British Columbia, Canada. PLoS ONE. 12(12); e0189473. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189473

Algorachelus peregrinus

Pérez-García. 2017

Illustration by José Antonio Peñas

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2016.1228549

Abstract

Pan-Pleurodira is one of the two clades of extant turtles (i.e. Testudines). Its crown group, Pleurodira, has a Gondwanan origin being known from the Barremian. Cretaceous turtle fauna of Gondwana was composed almost exclusively of pleurodires. Extant pleurodires live in relatively warm regions, with a geographical distribution restricted to tropical regions that were part of Gondwana. Although pleurodires were originally freshwater forms, some clades have adapted to a nearshore marine lifestyle, which contributed to their dispersal. However, few lineages of Pleurodira reached Laurasian regions and no representatives have so far been described from the pre-Santonian of Laurasia, where the continental and coastal Cretaceous faunas of turtles consist of clades exclusive to this region. A new turtle, Algorachelus peregrinus gen. et sp. nov., is described here from the southern Laurasian Cenomanian site of Algora in Spain. Numerous remains, including a skull and well-preserved postcranial specimens, are attributed to this species. The abundant shell elements, much more numerous than those known in most members of pleurodiran clade Bothremydidae, allow its variability to be studied. The new taxon represents the oldest evidence of the occurrence of Pleurodira in Laurasia, and is the oldest genus of the abundant and diverse Bothremydodda so far described. Factors such as the relatively high Cenomanian temperatures, the adaptation of this Gondwanan clade to coastal environments, and the geographical proximity between the two landmasses may have contributed to its dispersal. This finding shows that the first dispersals of Pleurodira from Gondwana to Laurasia occurred much earlier than previously thought.

Keywords: Pleurodira, Bothremydidae, new taxa, dispersal, Laurasia

Adán Pérez-García. 2017. A New Turtle Taxon (Podocnemidoidea, Bothremydidae) reveals the Oldest Known Dispersal Event of the crown Pleurodira from Gondwana to Laurasia. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 15(9); 709-731. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2016.1228549

ResearchGate.net/publication/309090708_A_new_turtle_taxon_Podocnemidoidea_Bothremydidae_reveals_the_oldest_known_dispersal_event_of_the_crown_Pleurodira_from_Gondwana_to_Laurasia

twitter.com/Tortugologo/status/935821606479368193

fosil.cl/algorachelus-peregrinus-migracion

El increíble viaje de la primera tortuga africana que llegó a Europa agenciasinc.es/Noticias/El-increible-viaje-de-la-primera-tortuga-africana-que-llego-a-Europa via @agencia_sinc

Habelia optata Walcott, 1912

Aria & Caron, 2017.

DOI: 10.1186/s12862-017-1088-7

Abstract

Background

Chelicerata represents a vast clade of mostly predatory arthropods united by a distinctive body plan throughout the Phanerozoic. Their origins, however, with respect to both their ancestral morphological features and their related ecologies, are still poorly understood. In particular, it remains unclear whether their major diagnostic characters were acquired early on, and their anatomical organization rapidly constrained, or if they emerged from a stem lineage encompassing an array of structural variations, based on a more labile “panchelicerate” body plan.

Results

In this study, we reinvestigated the problematic middle Cambrian arthropod Habelia optata Walcott from the Burgess Shale, and found that it was a close relative of Sanctacaris uncata Briggs and Collins (in Habeliida, ord. nov.), both retrieved in our Bayesian phylogeny as stem chelicerates. Habelia possesses an exoskeleton covered in numerous spines and a bipartite telson as long as the rest of the body. Segments are arranged into three tagmata. The prosoma includes a reduced appendage possibly precursor to the chelicera, raptorial endopods connected to five pairs of outstandingly large and overlapping gnathobasic basipods, antennule-like exopods seemingly dissociated from the main limb axis, and, posteriorly, a pair of appendages morphologically similar to thoracic ones. While the head configuration of habeliidans anchors a seven-segmented prosoma as the chelicerate ground pattern, the peculiar size and arrangement of gnathobases and the presence of sensory/tactile appendages also point to an early convergence with the masticatory head of mandibulates.

Conclusions

Although habeliidans illustrate the early appearance of some diagnostic chelicerate features in the evolution of euarthropods, the unique convergence of their cephalons with mandibulate anatomies suggests that these traits retained an unusual variability in these taxa. The common involvement of strong gnathal appendages across non-megacheirans Cambrian taxa also illustrates that the specialization of the head as the dedicated food-processing tagma was critical to the emergence of both lineages of extant euarthropods—Chelicerata and Mandibulata—and implies that this diversification was facilitated by the expansion of durophagous niches.

Keywords: Arthropoda, Chelicerata, Convergence, Macroevolution, Cambrian, Burgess Shale

Fig. 7 Convergences in head anatomy and morphology between Habelia (a) and selected mandibulates, in this case Ianiropsis sp. (Malacostraca: Isopoda; b; © Buz Wilson, Australian Museum) and Henicops washpoolensis (Myriapoda: Chilopoda; c; image provided by G. Edgecombe). Colours highlight the morpho-functional correspondence between sensory appendages (exopods in Habelia vs. antennae in mandibulates; green), masticatory appendages (gnathobases in Habelia vs. mandibles and maxillae in mandibulates; orange) and complimentary appendages aiding in food manipulation (seventh head appendage in Habelia vs. maxillipeds in mandibulates; blue). Note that masticatory appendages in Henicops are hidden by the large coxosternites of the maxillipeds

Systematic palaeontology

Superphylum Panarthropoda Nielsen, 1995.

Phylum Euarthropoda Lankester, 1904.

Clade Arachnomorpha Heider, 1913 (= Arachnata Lauterbach, 1973).

Diagnosis (emended from Størmer, 1944). Euarthropods with the following characters: Cephalic shield encompassing at least four pairs of appendages with well-developed endopods; originally, presence along body of at least one pair of appendages with basipod differentiated into a well-sclerotized gnathal sclerite bearing setae or teeth (“gnathobasic appendage”); third gnathobasic cephalic appendage also part of groundplan; post-cephalic endopods terminating in a trident of claws with various arrangements.

Order Habeliida, ord. nov. Aria and Caron

Type family. Habeliidae Simonetta and Delle Cave, 1975.

Other included taxa. Sanctacarididae Legg and Pates, 2016.

Diagnosis. Arachnomorph arthropods with the following characters: Cephalic shield with sub-triangular, sub-horizontal pleural expansions and with antero-lateral notches accommodating pair of lateral compound eyes with no peduncle; cephalic shield with large mesio-dorsal bulge accommodating stomach; five pairs of anterior, slender and segmented antennule-like exopods likely inserted below the eyes and dorsally to other head appendages; on ventral side of head, reduced pair of appendages inserted anteriormost (presumed in Sanctacarididae), followed by five pairs of appendages composed of gnathobasic basipods increasing in size posteriad and bearing seven-segmented spinose/setose enditic endopods projecting anteriad; trunk bearing paddle-like exopods fringed with thin lamellae.

Remarks. We maintain the family Sanctacarididae erected by Legg and Pates [33], since 10 trunk segments and a spatulate telson remain diagnostic of Sanctacaris uncata, Utahcaris orion [33] and Wisangocaris barbarahardyae [35]. The affinity of Messorocaris magna [34] is less clear, but the peculiar shape of its trunk pleurae may place it in its own family.

Habelia had previously been assigned to the orders Aglaspina by Walcott and Emeraldellia by Størmer [36]. Given the lack of cladistic support for these taxa, which would be para- or polyphyletically nested within Arachnomorpha, the lack of redescription for Molaria, and the fact that their diagnoses should be extensively revised in light of the new data gathered on aglaspidids and Emeraldella, we have not reused Aglaspina or Emeraldellia herein.

Family Habeliidae Simonetta and Delle Cave, 1975.
Type genus. Habelia Walcott, 1912.

Diagnosis. Habeliidan euarthropods with the following characters: Body elongate, 19-segmented, divided into three distinct tagmata: cephalon (or “prosoma”) of seven segments (or eight somites) and trunk (12 segments) composed of a five-segmented thorax (or “mesosoma”) and eight-segmented post-thorax (or “metasoma”); trunk tagmatization based on discrete limb differentiation between thorax and post-thorax; posteriormost cephalic appendage (7th) similar to thoracic appendages, all characterized by a cheiromorph morphology: large undifferentiated basipods, well-developed seven-segmented endopods without endites, and paddle-like exopods fringed with oblanceolate lamellae; telson elongate.

Remarks. We hereby establish a diagnosis for the family Habeliidae, as the original publication of the taxon was not associated with one [39]; we also formalize diagnoses and descriptions for Habelia optata hereafter. The genus Thelxiope was also included in Habeliidae by Simonetta and Delle Cave; however, the presence of eight post-cephalic tergites and a pygidium would rather seem to indicate a relationship with Mollisonia [54, 55]. Thelxiope is therefore removed from Habeliidae.

Genus Habelia Walcott, 1912.

Type species.Habelia optata Walcott, 1912.

Diagnosis. Habeliid arthropod with the following characters: Post-ocular lateral and postero-lateral cephalic margins as well as pleural margins of trunk segments adorned with triangular spines; cuticular surface of cephalon and posterior portion of trunk segments richly adorned with small blunt spines/tubercles; cephalic gnathobases with elongate proximal “arm”; gnathobasic teeth differentiated antero-posteriorly (slender and long to short and stout); cephalic endopods with setal brush on podomeres 5 and 6; five-segmented thorax bearing strong biramous appendages with robust, clawed endopods and long basipods; very long (subequal to slightly greater than head and trunk length) bipartite telson, with a long, dentate proximal portion adorned with lateral spines, and a short distal portion about 1/3rd as long as proximal portion.

Cédric Aria and Jean-Bernard Caron. 2017. Mandibulate Convergence in An Armoured Cambrian Stem Chelicerate. BMC Evolutionary Biology. 17:261. DOI: 10.1186/s12862-017-1088-7

A 508-million-year-old sea predator with a 'jackknife' head phy.so/433048787 @physorg_com

Quipuanthus epipetricus

Michelang. & C. Ulloa

DOI: 10.1600/036364414X680924

Photograph by J. Homeier. missouribotanicalgarden.org

Abstract

The new genus Quipuanthus from the foothills of the eastern Andes of Ecuador and Peru is described. Quipuanthus seems to be related to Allomaieta, Alloneuron, and Wurdastom in the tribe Cyphostyleae, but the combination of characters as an herb with haplostemonous flowers, recurved style, inferior ovary and apically dehiscent capsular fruits is unique among the Melastomataceae. The new species Quipuanthus epipetricus is described and illustrated.

Keywords: Cyphostyleae, haplostemony, Neotropics, new species, taxonomy

Quipuanthus Michelangeli & C. Ulloa, gen. nov.

TYPE: Quipuanthus epipetricus Michelangeli & C. Ulloa.

Etymology— The generic name is a combination of the Quechua quipu = cords used as record-keeping devices, andanthos = flower (Greek). The quipu (or kipu) were long, knotted strings used by pre-colonial Andean societies to encode information. The overall appearance of the long-pedunculate inflorescences and infructescences, emerging from the short stems, with flowers and fruits like knots on strings, and the puzzling combination of characters in this genus, reminded us of this enigmatic system used by the Andean societies, long before the arrival of the Spanish writing system. The specific epithet of this new species alludes to the fact that all specimens known have been collected growing on top of rocks.

...

Fabián A. Michelangeli, Carmen Ulloa Ulloa and Karla Sosa. 2014. Quipuanthus, A New Genus of Melastomataceae from the Foothills of the Andes in Ecuador and Peru. Systematic Botany. 39(2); 533-540. DOI: 10.1600/036364414X680924

missouribotanicalgarden.org/media/news-releases/article/682/missouri-botanical-garden-herbarium-collection-reaches-65-million-specimens-wit.aspx

ResearchGate.net/publication/262606723_Quipuanthus_a_New_Genus_of_Melastomataceae_from_the_Foothills_of_the_Andes_in_Ecuador_and_Peru

Bayha, Collins & Gaffney, 2017. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3863

Abstract

Background

Species of the scyphozoan family Pelagiidae (e.g., Pelagia noctiluca, Chrysaora quinquecirrha) are well-known for impacting fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, especially for the painful sting they can inflict on swimmers. However, historical taxonomic uncertainty at the genus (e.g., new genus Mawia) and species levels hinders progress in studying their biology and evolutionary adaptations that make them nuisance species, as well as ability to understand and/or mitigate their ecological and economic impacts.

Methods

We collected nuclear (28S rDNA) and mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase I and 16S rDNA) sequence data from individuals of all four pelagiid genera, including 11 of 13 currently recognized species of Chrysaora. To examine species boundaries in the U.S. Atlantic sea nettle Chrysaora quinquecirrha, specimens were included from its entire range along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, with representatives also examined morphologically (macromorphology and cnidome).

Results

Phylogenetic analyses show that the genus Chrysaora is paraphyletic with respect to other pelagiid genera. In combined analyses, Mawia, sampled from the coast of Senegal, is most closely related to Sanderia malayensis, and Pelagia forms a close relationship to a clade of Pacific Chrysaora species (Chrysaora achlyos, Chrysaora colorata, Chrysaora fuscescens, and Chrysaora melanaster). Chrysaora quinquecirrha is polyphyletic, with one clade from the U.S. coastal Atlantic and another in U.S. Atlantic estuaries and Gulf of Mexico. These genetic differences are reflected in morphology, e.g., tentacle and lappet number, oral arm length, and nematocyst dimensions. Caribbean sea nettles (Jamaica and Panama) are genetically similar to the U.S. Atlantic estuaries and Gulf of Mexico clade of Chrysaora quinquecirrha.

Discussion

Our phylogenetic hypothesis for Pelagiidae contradicts current generic definitions, revealing major disagreements between DNA-based and morphology-based phylogenies. A paraphyletic Chrysaora raises systematic questions at the genus level for Pelagiidae; accepting the validity of the recently erected genus Mawia, as well as past genera, will require the creation of additional pelagiid genera. Historical review of the species-delineating genetic and morphological differences indicates that Chrysaora quinquecirrha Desor 1848 applies to the U.S. Coastal Atlantic Chrysaora species (U.S. Atlantic sea nettle), while the name C. chesapeakei Papenfuss 1936 applies to the U.S. Atlantic estuarine and Gulf of Mexico Chrysaora species (Atlantic bay nettle). We provide a detailed redescription, with designation of a neotype for Chrysaora chesapeakei, and clarify the description of Chrysaora quinquecirrha. Since Caribbean Chrysaora are genetically similar to Chrysaora chesapeakei, we provisionally term them Chrysaora c.f. chesapeakei. The presence of Mawia benovici off the coast of Western Africa provides a potential source region for jellyfish introduced into the Adriatic Sea in 2013.

Figure 3: Various morphs of Chrysaora quinquecirrha s.l. (A) Offshore South Carolina (OSC); (B) Sample taken from offshore Georgia; (C) Engelhard, NC (PAM); (D) White Chesapeake Bay color morph (Broome’s Island, MD—Patuxent River); (E) Red-striped Chesapeake Bay color morph (Solomons, MD—Patuxent River).

Note that medusae from (A) to (B) have five tentacles per octant, while (C)–(E) have three tentacles per octant. Medusae in (A, C) were included in this study’s phylogenetic analyses. (A: OSC1; C: PAM1). (A, B) represent individuals finally designated as Chrysaora quinquecirrha; (C–E) represent individuals finally designated as Chrysaora chesapeakei. Photo Credits: (A) Shannon Howard; (B) Greg McFall-NOAA; (E) Robert Condon.

Systematics

Chrysaora quinquecirrha Desor, 1848

Figs. 3A, 3B, 4–9; Figs. S1 and S2.

Diagnosis: Living medusae up to 40 cm (observed 59.0–176.0 mm) (Figs. 3A and 3B); tentacles typically 40 or more; 5.28 ± 0.45 (95% CI) tentacles/octant on average (Table 3; Fig. 8A); lappets rounded typically 48 or more; 6.26 ± 0.46 lappets/octant on average; rhopalar lappets slightly larger than tentacular lappets; can be differentiated from Chrysaora chesapeakei based on (1) smaller size of holotrichous Aisorhiza nematocysts: average: 20.25 [±0.38] × 11.27 [±0.37] μm (Table 3; Fig. 8C); (2) larger tentacle number (more than five per octant); and (3) typically shorter maximum oral arm length (average: 1.24 ± 0.27 time bell diameter).

Type locality: Nantucket Bay, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, East Coast of USA.

Habitat: Medusae are found in open coastal waters on the U.S. Atlantic coast.

Distribution: Western North Atlantic, east coast of the USA south of Cape Cod in coastal Atlantic waters at least as far south as Georgia/Northern Florida.

Biological data: Although the name Chrysaora quinquecirrha applies to the U.S. coastal Atlantic species, almost no ecological studies have been done on the coastal species, apart from (Kraeuter & Setzler, 1975), which found the largest Chrysaora quinquecirrha individual was found in a coastal area about 90 km offshore in full seawater (salinity >30).

Notes: Since this species retains the scientific name Chrysaora quinquecirrha, we advocate it retaining the common name “U.S. Atlantic sea nettle”, since it is also a coastal and open ocean species.

Chrysaora chesapeakei Papenfuss, 1936

Figs. 3C–3E and 4–9; Figs. S1 and S2

Diagnosis: Living medusae up to 20 cm (observed 17.0–175.0 mm; average: 63.0 mm); tentacles typically number 24 or 3 per octant (average 3.07 ± 0.07); primary tentacle central and secondary tentacles lateral (2-1-2); rarely, additional tentacles arise lateral to secondary tentacles (3-2-1-2-3) and are typically undeveloped; marginal lappets rounded and typically 32 or 4 per octant (average 4.08 ± 0.06); rhopalar lappets are typically about the same size as tentacular lappets; can be differentiated from Chrysaora quinquecirrha based on (1) larger size of holotrichous A-isorhiza nematocysts: 26.21 [±0.50] × 19.74 [±0.55] μm; (2) smaller tentacle number (∼3 tentacles per octant); and (3) larger maximum oral arm length (average: 3.00 ± 0.39 times bell diameter).

Type locality: Gloucester Point (VA), Chesapeake Bay, east coast of USA.

Habitat: Medusae are found in estuarine waters on the U.S. Atlantic coast and estuarine and nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Distribution: Western North Atlantic, east coast of the USA south of New England to the Gulf of Mexico, restricted to estuarine waters on the Atlantic coast, known to exist outside of estuaries in the Gulf of Mexico.

Keith M. Bayha, Allen G. Collins and Patrick M. Gaffney. 2017. Multigene Phylogeny of the Scyphozoan Jellyfish Family Pelagiidae reveals that the Common U.S. Atlantic Sea Nettle Comprises Two Distinct Species (Chrysaora quinquecirrha and C. chesapeakei). PeerJ. 5:e3863. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3863

Pariphiculus stellatus Ng & Jeng, 2017

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.694.14871

Abstract

Two brachyuran species of the families Dynonemidae and Iphiculidae are reported from red coral beds in northern Taiwan. The dynonemid Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899) has hitherto been reported from the Andaman Sea, Japan, and Philippines and the species is here recorded for the first time from Taiwan. A new species of iphiculid, Pariphiculus stellatus sp. n., is also described. The new Pariphiculus, which also occurs in the Philippines, is superficially similar to P. agariciferus Ihle, 1918, a species known from Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, South China Sea, Taiwan, and Vanuatu, but can be distinguished by distinct carapace, pleonal and male first gonopod features.

Keywords: Brachyuran crab, Dromioidea, East China Sea, Leucosioidea, new Pariphiculus species, taxonomy

Figure 1. Colour in life.
A, B Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899), female (17.8 × 18.3 mm) (ASIZ 75484), Taiwan C Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899), female (17.7 × 19.2 mm) (ZRC 2008.1420), Philippines
D Pariphiculus agariciferus, Ihle, 1918, male (11.9 × 12.1 mm) (ZRC 2009.471), Vanuatu E, F Pariphiculus stellatus sp. n., holotype male (27.7 × 24.5 mm) (ASIZ 75485), Taiwan. A, C, D, E overall dorsal view; B, F ventral view.

Systematics

Family Dynomenidae Ortmann, 1892

Genus Acanthodromia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880

Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899)

Family Iphiculidae Alcock, 1896

Genus Pariphiculus Alcock, 1896

Pariphiculus stellatus sp. n.

Etymology: The species is named after the prominent asteriform or “star-like” mushroom-shaped tubercles and granules on the carapace and chelipeds.

Peter K. L. Ng and M.-S. Jeng. 2017. Notes On Two Crabs (Crustacea, Brachyura, Dynomenidae and Iphiculidae) Collected from Red Coral Beds in northern Taiwan, including A New Species of Pariphiculus Alcock, 1896. ZooKeys. 694; 135-156. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.694.14871

New species of crab with unusual outgrowths has its name written in the stars phy.so/423225938 via @physorg_com

Chrysiptera burtjonesi

Allen, Erdmann & Cahyani, 2017

Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 28

Abstract

A sixth member of the Chrysiptera oxycephala group of Pomacentridae, Chrysiptera burtjonesi n. sp., is described on the basis of 24 specimens, 20.5–48.2 mm SL, collected at the Solomon Islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It differs from other members of the group, including C. ellenae (Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua Province in Indonesia), C. maurinae (Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua Province), C. oxycephala (central Indonesia, Philippines, and Palau), C. papuensis (northeastern Papua New Guinea), and C. sinclairi (Bismarck Archipelago and islands off northeastern Papua New Guinea), on the basis of its distinctive color pattern and a 6.9% divergence in the sequence of the mitochondrial control region from its closest relative (C. maurineae). Adults are primarily grayish brown to greenish except bright yellow on the ventralmost head and body, including the adjacent pelvic and anal fins. Juveniles are mostly neon blue to dark blue with bright yellow pelvic and anal fins. In addition, it is the only species besides C. sinclairi that usually lacks embedded scales on the preorbital and suborbital bones.

Figure 2. Chrysiptera burtjonesi, Solomon Islands, underwater photographs:
A) juvenile, approx. 12 mm SL, B) juvenile, approx. 20 mm SL, C) subadult, approx. 35 mm SL, D) adult, approx. 45 mm SL (G.R. Allen).

Chrysiptera burtjonesi, n. sp.
Burt’s Damselfish

Diagnosis. A species of the pomacentrid genus Chrysiptera with the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIII,11 (rarely 10 or 12); anal-fin rays II,12 (rarely 13); pectoral-fin rays 15 (14–16); gill rakers on first branchial arch 9–11+20–22, total gill rakers 29–32; tubed lateral-line scales 13–16 (usually 14–15); preorbital+suborbital scales usually absent, occasionally 1–3 embedded scales present; color of adult overall grayish brown to greenish (sometimes with neon blue/green transverse streak on each scale) with translucent to pale greenish fins, except bright yellow ventrally on head, body, and adjacent anal and pelvic fins, a broad yellow band from base of first few dorsal-fin spines to outer edge of last dorsal-fin spine; juvenile neon blue on head, most of body (above diagonal line from pelvic-fin base to base of uppermost caudal-fin ray), and dorsal fin, remainder of body and adjacent fins bright yellow.

Figure 3. Chrysiptera burtjonesi, underwater photograph, approx. 40 mm SL, Russell Group, Solomon Islands.
Figure 2. Chrysiptera burtjonesi, Solomon Islands, underwater photographs: A) juvenile, approx. 12 mm SL, B) juvenile, approx. 20 mm SL.

photos: G.R. Allen

Etymology. This species is named in honor of photographer and underwater guide par excellence Burt Jones of Sequim, Washington, USA. Burt and his partner Maurine Shimlock were pioneers for the promotion of dive tourism at the Solomon Islands and, more recently, have been instrumental in the tremendous popularity of the West Papuan region by means of their excellent underwater guidebook to the area and creation of the highly informative Bird’s Head Seascape website (birdsheadseascape.com).

Distribution. The new species is known only from the Solomon Islands. It was collected or observed by the authors at the following islands and reefs: Isabel, Choiseul, Makira, Malaita and nearby Alite Reef, Shortland Islands, New Georgia Group, Russell Group, and the Florida Group.

Gerald R. Allen, Mark V. Erdmann and N.K. Dita Cahyani. 2017. A New Species of Damselfish (Chrysiptera: Pomacentridae) from Coral Reefs of the Solomon Islands. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 28; 10–21.
http://www.oceansciencefoundation.org/josf/josf28b.pdf

Thyridosmylus longiprocessus Xu, Wang & Winterton, 2017

in Xu, Winterton, Wang, Liu, 2017.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.724.21057

Abstract

The lance lacewing genus Thyridosmylus Krüger (Osmylidae: Spilosmylinae) is found in Madagascar and Southeast Asia. Two new Malagasy species are described herein, Thyridosmylus fuscomarginatus Xu, Wang & Winterton, sp. n., and Thyridosmylus longiprocessus Xu, Wang & Winterton, sp. n. A key to differentiate the Malagasy species of Thyridosmylus is provided.

Keywords: lacewing, Malagasy species, Osmylidae

Figure 1. Wings of Thyridosmylus fuscomarginatus Xu, Wang & Winterton, sp. n.

Abbreviations: ng, nygmata; pt, pterostigma; og, outer gradates. Scale bar: 0.5 mm.

Thyridosmylus fuscomarginatus Xu, Wang & Winterton, sp. n.

Diagnosis: Pronotum light yellow with three longitudinal dark brown stripes; posterior margin of forewing with brown markings, branches of vein A1 marked with a dark brown spot, area around outer gradate cross-veins fenestrate with pale venation; sternite 8 in female reduced, extending anteriorly to form a forward process in lateral view; spermatheca complex with 11–12 sacs, basal sac large.

Etymology: The specific name “fuscomarginatus”, a compound from Latin fusco- (fuscus) and marginatus- (margin), in reference to the colour and pattern of markings on the outer and posterior margin of forewings.

Distribution: Madagascar (Antsiranana, Mahajanga)

Remarks: The forewings markings of Thyridosmylus fuscomarginatus sp. n. are characteristic, clearly differed from other Thyridosmylus species by the dark posteromarginal stripe.

Figure 3. Wings of Thyridosmylus longiprocessus Xu, Wang & Winterton, sp. n. Scale bar: 0.5 mm.

Thyridosmylus longiprocessus Xu, Wang & Winterton, sp. n.

Diagnosis: Frons brown with two dark brown markings; forewing hyaline, basal half with two brown stripes; male genitalia with ectoproct bearing a long dorsal rod-like process; distal part of gonarcus with abundant pilosity; basal part of mediuncus laterally with heart-shaped structures in dorsal view; spermatheca complex, with 13 sacs, basal one small and oval.

Etymology: Thve specific name “longiprocessus”, a compound from Latin longi- (long) and processus (process), which refers to the long dorsal process of ectoproct in male.

Distribution: Madagascar (Fianarantsoa).

Remarks: The male genitalia are not well sclerotized probably because it was teneral when it was collected. The sternite 8 in T. longiprocessus sp. n. is reduced into a sclerite without processes and the spermatheca is complex, consisting of 13 sacs, of which, the basal one is small and oval. Moreover, the dorsal process of ectoproct in male is quite long, clearly distinguished from other Thyridosmylus species, in which it is inconspicuous when it is observed in lateral view.

Han Xu, Shaun L. Winterton, Yongjie Wang, Zhiqi Liu. 2017. Two New Species of Thyridosmylus Krüger, 1913 from Madagascar (Neuroptera, Osmylidae). ZooKeys. 724; 43-52. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.724.21057

Rhodalsine geniculata (Poir.) F. N. Williams

in Kool & Thulin. 2017.

DOI: 10.3372/wi.47.47313

Abstract

The mainly Mediterranean genus Rhodalsine (Caryophyllaceae) is revised and a single species, R. geniculata, is recognized, distributed from the Canary Islands in the west to Somalia in the east. The history of the taxon, which was known already during the 17th century but entirely overlooked by Linnaeus, is outlined. Variation and taxonomy are discussed and illustrations and a distribution map are provided. Many names are placed in synonymy and most of the names are typified, including six lectotypes designated here.

Keywords: Caryophyllaceae, Mediterranean region, Minuartia, nomenclature, Rhodalsine, Sperguleae, taxonomy, typification

Fig. 1. Flowers of Rhodalsine geniculata from Spain, Lagunas de La Mata, Torrevieja, April 2012

photograph by Marta Rubio-Texeira.

Rhodalsine J. Gay in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 3, 4: 25. 1845

= Alsine sect. Rhodalsine (J. Gay) Boiss., Fl. Orient. 1: 671. 1867

= Minuartia subg. Rhodalsine (J. Gay) Graebn. in Ascherson & Graebner, Syn. Mitteleur. Fl. 5(1): 774. 1918.

— Type: Rhodalsine procumbens (Vahl) J. Gay, nom. illeg. superfl. (=Arenaria procumbens Vahl).

Description — Herbs perennial or sometimes annual, with indumentum of glandular hairs. Leaves opposite, without stipules, but leaves of each pair with shortly connate bases. Flowers in lax cymes. Sepals 5, connate at base into a short hypanthium. Petals 5, pink or white, inserted at apex of hypanthium, shortly clawed at base. Stamens 10, in 2 whorls, those of outer whorl inserted at base of petals, those of inner whorl antisepalous, inserted on a low, ring-shaped rim surrounding base of ovary; pollen trizonocolpate. Ovary shortly stipitate, subglobose, thin-walled; styles 3, filiform. Capsule opening by 3 valves. Seeds many, orbicular-reniform, wingless; radicle of embryo accumbent. Chromosome base number x = 9.

Distribution — A genus of a single variable species distributed in the Canary Islands, around the Mediterranean and in the Horn of Africa region.

Rhodalsine geniculata (Poir.) F. N. Williams inBull. Herb. Boissier 6:7.1898

≡ Arenaria geniculata Poir., Voy. Barbarie 2: 166. 1789

≡ Alsine geniculata (Poir.) Strobl in Oesterr. Bot. Z. 35: 212. 1885

≡ Minuartia geniculata (Poir.) Thell. in Mém. Soc. Sci. Nat. Cherbourg 38: 232. 1912

≡ Cherleria geniculata (Poir.) Samp., Lista Herb. Portug.: 82. 1913.

— Holotype: without locality, [Poiret] s.n. (P-LA! [P00287174]).

Distribution and ecology — Rhodalsine geniculata is known from Portugal, Spain (including the Canary Islands, Melilla and the Balearic Islands), Gibraltar, Italy (including Sardinia, Sicily, Pantellaria and Linosa), Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Somalia (Fig. 3). It occurs in sandy, stony or rocky places from near sea level up to 2050 m. In most of its range it is found at elevations below 600–700 m and it is often confined to habitats on or close to sea shores. However, in Morocco the species is also found at elevations up to about 1500 m in the Atlas Mountains, whereas in Somalia the known altitudinal range is 1350–2050 m.

Anneleen Kool and Mats Thulin. 2017. A Plant that Linnaeus Forgot: Taxonomic Revision of Rhodalsine (Caryophyllaceae). Willdenowia. 47(3); 317–323. DOI: 10.3372/wi.47.47313

Syncomistes versicolor

Shelley, Delaval & Le Feuvre, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4367.1.1

Abstract

The systematics of the genus Syncomistes Vari, 1978 endemic to freshwater habitats of remote northwestern Australia, is reviewed in light of recent collections in the region and a fine scale molecular study of the group that identified new taxa. Based primarily on external morphology, seven taxa are described as new: Syncomistes bonapartensis sp. nov., S. carcharus sp. nov., S. dilliensis sp. nov., S. holsworthi sp. nov., S. moranensis sp. nov., S. wunambal sp. nov. and S. versicolor sp. nov. The species complexes Syncomistes butleri Vari, 1978 and S. trigonicus Vari, 1978 are resolved and redescribed, and S. kimberleyensis Vari, 1978 and S. rastellus Vari & Hutchins, 1978 are redescribed based on juvenile and adult specimens. Finally, a neotype is provided for S. trigonicus sensu stricto in place of the destroyed holotype. Meristic and morphometric data are collected and analysed for the entire genus. Syncomistes have a broad range of meristic and morphometric character differences between species, and juveniles and adults, as well as variations in colour. The head, particularly feeding structures such as the jaw and dentition, were found to be the most important morphological features in discriminating between taxa. Some characters undergo distinct ontogenetic shifts in form, which are discussed. Of note, four of the new species, and seven from the entire genus, are narrow-range endemics, each found in single river systems, and are thus of conservation concern.

Keywords: Pisces, Cryptic species, sympatric, range-restricted, freshwater, biodiversity, taxonomy, systematics, neotype

• Syncomistes butleri Vari, 1978

• Syncomistes kimberleyensis Vari, 1978

• Syncomistes rastellus Vari & Hutchins, 1978

• Syncomistes trigonicus Vari, 1978

• Syncomistes bonapartensis, new species

English vernacular name: Lake Bonaparte Grunter.

Etymology: The specific name bonapartensis refers to the distribution of the species that is confined to drainages that once flowed into the paleolake, Lake Bonaparte.

• Syncomistes carcharus, new species

English vernacular name: Sharp-toothed Grunter.

Etymology: The specific name carcharus is Latin for sharp teeth, and refers to the robust, pointed teeth of the species, relative to other Syncomistes.

• Syncomistes dilliensis, new species

English vernacular name: Dillie Grunter.

Etymology: The specific name dilliensis refers to the type locality, Dillie Gorge, on the Charnley River, Western Australia.

• Syncomistes holsworthi, new species

English vernacular name: Holsworth’s Grunter.

Etymology: The specific name holsworthi honors Bill Holsworth whose foundation financed the expedition on which this species was found, as well as providing ongoing support for doctoral research into the ecology, management and natural history of Australian wildlife.

• Syncomistes moranensis, new species

English vernacular name: Moran Grunter.

Etymology: The specific name moranensis refers to the type locality, the Moran River, which is also the only known location of the species.

• Syncomistes versicolor, new species

English vernacular name: The Many-coloured Grunter.

Etymology: The specific name versicolor is Latin for many-coloured and refers to the distinct changes in the colour of the species at different stages in its ontogeny.

• Syncomistes wunambal, new species

English vernacular name: Wunambal Grunter.

Etymology: Named wunambal, to be treated as a noun in apposition, for the Wunambal tribe and language group from the Mitchell River area, in which the fish is found.

James J. Shelley, Aurélien Delaval and Matthew C. Le Feuvre. 2017. A Revision of the Grunter Genus Syncomistes (Teleostei, Terapontidae) with Descriptions of Seven New Species from the Kimberley region, northwestern Australia. Zootaxa. 4367(1); 1–103. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4367.1.1

We discovered 20 new fish in northern Australia – now we need to protect them theconversation.com/we-discovered-20-new-fish-in-northern-australia-now-we-need-to-protect-them-52905 @ConversationEDU

[upper] Locations and examples of stone tool use by wild non-human primates and early hominins.
[lower] Archaeologically excavated stone tools used in percussive activities.

Haslam, Hernandez-Aguilar, Proffitt, et al. 2017.

DOI: 10.1038/s41559-017-0286-4

Abstract

Since its inception, archaeology has traditionally focused exclusively on humans and our direct ancestors. However, recent years have seen archaeological techniques applied to material evidence left behind by non-human animals. Here, we review advances made by the most prominent field investigating past non-human tool use: primate archaeology. This field combines survey of wild primate activity areas with ethological observations, excavations and analyses that allow the reconstruction of past primate behaviour. Because the order Primates includes humans, new insights into the behavioural evolution of apes and monkeys also can be used to better interrogate the record of early tool use in our own, hominin, lineage. This work has recently doubled the set of primate lineages with an excavated archaeological record, adding Old World macaques and New World capuchin monkeys to chimpanzees and humans, and it has shown that tool selection and transport, and discrete site formation, are universal among wild stone-tool-using primates. It has also revealed that wild capuchins regularly break stone tools in a way that can make them difficult to distinguish from simple early hominin tools. Ultimately, this research opens up opportunities for the development of a broader animal archaeology, marking the end of archaeology’s anthropocentric era.

Fig. 1 | Locations and examples of stone tool use by wild non-human primates and early hominins.
a, Bearded capuchin monkey (Sapajuslibidinosus), Brazil. b, West African chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus), Guinea. c, Burmese long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis aurea), Thailand. d, Stone tools from Lomekwi 3, Kenya, dated to 3.3 Myr ago. e, Stone tool from Gona, Ethiopia, dated to 2.6 Myr ago.

Fig. 2 | Archaeologically excavated stone tools used in percussive activities.
a, Lomekwi 3 (Kenya); 3.3 Myr old, tool user unknown but possibly Kenyanthropus platyops.
b, Panda 100 (Ivory Coast); used by West African chimpanzees (P. t. verus).
c, Laem Son 5 (Thailand); used by Burmese long-tailed macaques (M. f. aurea).

Michael Haslam, R. Adriana Hernandez-Aguilar, Tomos Proffitt, Adrian Arroyo, Tiago Falótico, Dorothy Fragaszy, Michael Gumert, John W. K. Harris, Michael A. Huffman, Ammie K. Kalan, Suchinda Malaivijitnond, Tetsuro Matsuzawa, William McGrew, Eduardo B. Ottoni, Alejandra Pascual-Garrido, Alex Piel, Jill Pruetz, Caroline Schuppli, Fiona Stewart, Amanda Tan, Elisabetta Visalberghi and Lydia V. Luncz. 2017. Primate Archaeology Evolves. Nature Ecology & Evolution. 1; 1431–1437. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-017-0286-4

ResearchGate.net/publication/319965166_Primate_archaeology_evolves

Primate Archaeology Sheds Light On Human Origins sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715131437.htm

Lagerstroemia ruffordii T. T. Pham & Tagane

in Pham, Tagane, Chhang, Yahara, Souradeth & Nguyen, 2017.

DOI 10.18942/apg.201705

Abstract

A new species of Lagerstroemia ruffordii T. T. Pham & Tagane (Lythraceae) from Vietnam and Cambodia is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to L. petiolaris in having petioles more than 0.9 cm long, but distinguished mainly by its narrower leaves, larger flowers and distinctly 6-ridged calyx tube. DNA barcodes of the two chloroplast regions of rbcL and matK and one ITS of nuclear ribosomal DNA are also provided.

Keywords: DNA barcoding, Indochina, Lagerstroemia, Lythraceae, new species

Fig. 2. Lagerstroemia ruffordii T. T. Pham & Tagane from Vietnam (A–F) and Cambodia (G–I).

A, Habit; B, trunk; C, Leafy twig (adaxial side); D, leafy twig (abaxial side); E, flower; F. fruits; G. fruiting branch: H, abaxial leaf surface; I, fruits.

[Photographs by Pham T. T. on 29 March 2016 for Pham T. T. & Nguyen T. T. 16032901 (A–F) and by S. Tagane on 1 November 2016 for Tagane et al. 6971 (G–I)].

Vernacular name in Cambodia. Kval Yang (in Sen Monorom), Sralao Chu (in Khmer).

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘rufford’ is derived from the Rufford Small Grants Foundation that supported this research.

Trang Thanh Pham, Shuichiro Tagane, Phourin Chhang, Tetsukazu Yahara, Phetlasy Souradeth and Thu Thi Nguyen. 2017. Lagerstroemia ruffordii (Lythraceae), A New Species from Vietnam and Cambodia. Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotany. 68(3); 175-180. DOI 10.18942/apg.201705

Garra tashanensis

Mousavi-Sabet, Vatandoust, Fatemi & Eagderi, 2016

fishtaxa.com

Abstract

A new cave fish locality is reported for Iran, and the first true cave species is described from the Tigris River drainage. Garra tashanensis, new species, from Tashan Cave, the Tigris River drainage in Iran, is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of characters, including lacking pigment and eyes, having a well-developed round mental disc, two pairs of barbels, a well-developed rostral cap, no obvious pores on lateral line, and rare scales on anterior body. Garra tashanensis sp. nov. furthers differs substantially in its DNA barcode from the subterranean congeners (K2P nearest-neighbor distance of 10.4% to G. lorestanensis and 11.8% to G. typhlops).

Keywords: Khuzestan Province, Iranocypris typhlops, Nemacheilus smithi, Middle East.

Garra tashanensis, sp. nov.

Distribution: Garra tashanensis sp. nov., is known from the Tashan Cave, the natural subterranean limestone cave of the Zagros Mountains ...in Tashan region, the Tigris River drainage, the Persian Gulf basin, about 35 km away from Behbahan City, Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran (Fig. 7). After the Loven Cave and Simarreh River, the Tashan Cave is the third known locality for subterranean species in Iran. ...

Etymology: The species name tashanensis, treated as an adjective, is derived from Tashan region, where the Tashan Cave (the type locality of the new species) is located.

Figure 8. Tashan Cave, type locality of Garra tashanensis.
Figure 9. Inside Tashan Cave, type locality of Garra tashanensis.
Figure 10.Garra tashanensis in its natural habitat, in the Tashan Cave (the type locality).

Hamed Mousavi-Sabet, Saber Vatandoust, Yaser Fatemi and Soheil Eagderi. 2016. Tashan Cave a new cave fish locality for Iran; and Garra tashanensis, A New Blind Species from the Tigris River Drainage (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). FishTaxa. (3); 133-148. fishtaxa.com/index.php/ft/article/view/1-3-3

en.iscanews.ir/news/574373

twitter.com/PREAUX_FISH/status/851492271258296320

Elcysma ziroensis

Chada, Gogoi & Young, 2017

DOI: 10.11609/jott.3419.9.12.11060-11066

Abstract
Elcysma, a small genus of zygaenid moths occurring in Nagaland, western China and Japan is recorded from Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India for the first time. The other known species from northeastern India is E. dohertyi, so far known only from Nagaland by a single specimen collected by W. Doherty in 1889. A new species, E. ziroensis is hereby described. The other species of the genus is white in colour with prominent black veins whereas the new species has very broad black stripes along both sides of the veins taking over the white background on forewing and brown background on hindwing, making the moth look entirely blackish in colour. The new species also has the orange patch restricted to the upper base of forewing, whereas the other species of the genus has orange patch in whole of base of the forewing. The shape of the wing resembles that of E. dohertyi in being narrower forewing and hind wing. The wing venations is, however, markedly different from all other Elcysma species having five radius veins with three posterior radius sectors branching out to the apical area in forewing. The species also shows mimetic assemblage with B. lidderdalii which also flies together at the same locality.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Elcysma ziroensis sp. nov., Lepidoptera, northeastern India, Ziro, Zygaenidae.

Image 5 A–F. Elcysma ziroensis sp. nov.
A - Frontal view of head portion showing the labial palpus and dome-shaped chaetosemata (Eltringham’s organs) af dorsal; B - frontoclypeus, eye, labial palpus and dome-shaped chaetosemata af dorsal; C - posterior of fhe head portion; D - lateral view of the eye, chaetosemata and labial palpus; E - view of fhe bipecinate antennae; F - trenulum with two filaments arising from fhe hindwing.

Elcysma ziroensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The species differs in colour pattern considerably from other species of the genus. The other species of the genus are bright and white in colour and black veins being very prominently seen. The new species has very broad black stripes running along both sides of the vein almost taking over the white background on forewing and brown background on hindwing. The shape of the wing resembles that of E. dohertyi and is unlike the other two species, which have broader forewings and hindwing. The wing venations, however, are markedly different from all other Elcysma species having five radial veins with three posterior radius sectors branching out to the apical area. The other three Elcysma species have four radial branches instead, as depicted (Fig. 1). The only radial vein in the hind wing, which is unbranched, extends to the costal area unlike the other three species, where it branches out to the termen and tornal area.

Etymology: The name of the species is derived from the type locality Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India.

Suggested common name: Apatani Glory is given as the English common name based on the tribal people living in Ziro.

Image 6A. Bhutanitis lidderdalii Atkinson, 1873 puddling on puddle 01-09-2010.
Image 6B. Elcysma ziroensis sp. nov. puddling on rock 17-09-2010 (possfble male).

Image 7A. Elcysma ziroensis sp. nov. female on hosf plant possfbly a species of Prunus, Rosaceae family 18-09-2016.
Image 7B. Elcysma ziroensis sp. nov. female laying egg showing fhe papillae anales insering egg on crack of host plant 18-09-2016.

Discussion and Conclusion

This is a brightly coloured diurnal species with a slow and fluttering flight. Its flight period matches with Bhutanitis lidderdalii Atkinson, 1873 with similar wing patterns, which are seen flying at the same time in the same locality. Both are fairly common in Talle Wildlife Sanctuary in Ziro. As zygaenid moths are chemically protected and aposematic (Naumann et al. 1999) and B. lidderdalii feeds on Aristolochiaceae rendering them unpalatable to predators, there appears to be a co-mimetic assemblage of the two species. A possible male individual was photographed (Image 6b) drinking at puddles on 17/IX/2010. This species does not appear to exhibit strong sexual dimorphism in wing pattern and size though the possible male appears to show a much darker ground colour and conspicuous markings than the female. The details of life history are unknown. Pictures of a female laying egg were taken on 18/IX/2016 and two photographs are depicted in Image 7a,b. From observations, this species has only been seen during autumn, notably in the month of September indicating that it is a univoltine species. This coincides with the laying of eggs in September. It is expected that the eggs will hatch in a few days and the larvae will hibernate in cracks in the trees where they are placed to survive during the cold winter at this high elevation of 1,700m in Ziro. The larvae will become active and feeding after diapause in the spring when new foliage appears. The final instar larvae will pupate in August and adults will appear again in September. This taxon appears to share a similar life history with E. westwoodii (Owada, 1992). The host plant appears to be a species of Prunus, Rosaceae family.

Punyo Chada, Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi and James John Young. 2017. A New Species of Zygaenid Moth Elcysma ziroensis (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae: Chalcosiinae) from India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 9(12); 11060–11066. DOI: 10.11609/jott.3419.9.12.11060-11066

‘Aphyosemion’ cyanoflavum

van der Zee, Walsh, Mikembi, Jonker, Alexandre & Sonnenberg, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4369.1.3

Abstract

Three new ‘Aphyosemion’ species are described from the upper Louessé River in the Massif du Chaillu, Republic of the Congo, based on a combination of DNA, habitat preference, male colour pattern, and morphological data. ‘Aphyosemion’ cyanoflavum, new species, is a member of the ‘A’. ogoense group. It differs from its congeners by a unique colour pattern and cephalic sensory system which contains a wide supra-orbital groove with large, densely pigmented anterior neuromasts and dark frontal neuromasts housed in one pit with one central anterior lobe. ‘Aphyosemion’ mandoroense, new species, and ‘A’. cryptum, new species, are members of the ‘A’. coeleste group. ‘Aphyosemion’ cryptum, new species, is in appearance very similar to ‘A’. coeleste, but lacks the typical post opercular metallic green blotch and is generally larger in body size. Initial DNA analyses demonstrate that ‘A’. cryptum, new species, is more closely related to ‘A’. mandoroense, new species, than to ‘A’. coeleste, despite similarity in appearance. ‘Aphyosemion’ cryptum, new species, and ‘A’. coeleste occur syntopic in several locations in a sub-catchment of the upper Louessé system, however differ in microhabitat preference. ‘Aphyosemion’ mandoroense, new species, differs by male body and fin colour pattern from all species of the ‘A’. coeleste group except ‘A’. citrineipinnis. From the latter, it can be distinguished by the absence of red pigmentation and a dark grey to black margin in the unpaired fins.

Keywords: Pisces, Cyprinodontiformes, Nothobranchiidae

Jouke van der Zee, Gina Walsh, Valdie N. Boukaka Mikembi, Michael N. Jonker, Marco P. Alexandre and Rainer Sonnenberg. 2018. Three New Endemic Aphyosemion Species (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae) from the Massif du Chaillu in the upper Louessé River system, Republic of the Congo. Zootaxa. 4369(1); 63–92. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4369.1.3

Platydoris guarani

de Lima & Simone, 2018

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.14959

Abstract

Platydoris angustipes (Mörch, 1863) is a common nudibranch in the Western Atlantic, ranging from Florida, USA, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In this study, we examined the anatomy of P. angustipes along its distribution, including its type material. Our analysis shows consistent differences between the Caribbean and Brazilian populations, mainly in the reproductive system, radular teeth and odontophore musculature. This strongly suggests that the two populations actually belong to distinct species. The Brazilian population is described herein as a new species, Platydoris guarani sp. n.

Key Words: Discodorididae, Platydoris angustipes, Platydoris guarani, new species

....

Family Discodorididae Bergh, 1891

Genus Platydoris Bergh, 1877

Type species: Doris argo Linnaeus, 1767,
by subsequent designation (O’Donoghue 1929).

• Platydoris angustipes (Mörch, 1863)

....

Figure 7. Platydoris guarani, living animals. A. Dorsal view, specimen from Papagaio, Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro (MZSP 97331). B. Same, ventral view.

Platydoris guarani, living animals. C. Living animal with spawning, specimen from Enseada da Meia Lua, Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro (MZSP 97625).

Figure 7. Platydoris guarani, living animals.
A. Dorsal view, specimen from Papagaio, Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro (MZSP 97331). B. Same, ventral view. C. Living animal with spawning, specimen from Enseada da Meia Lua, Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro (MZSP 97625).

All photograph by V. Padula.

• Platydoris guarani sp. n.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun in apposition, derived from the native Guarani indigenous people, some tribes of which still reside in Rio de Janeiro.

Diagnosis: Body of orange color, with a white ribbon on its edge and brown spots just above the ribbon (they can be seen both dorsally and ventrally). Radula with outermost teeth not spatulate, with apex hook-shaped; cusp simple and smooth. Presence of m4a and m7b odontophore muscles. Gonad readily visible. Absence of spines on internal surface of penis and vagina.

Distribution: Brazil (Valdés et al. 2006). Pernambuco: Fernando de Noronha (García et al. 2002); Alagoas: Saco da Pedra (Padula et al. 2012); Bahia: Praia de Itapoã (García et al. 2008); Rio de Janeiro: Cabo Frio: Ilha Comprida; Arraial do Cabo: Prainha (Alvim and Pimenta 2014).

Habitat: Under stones, associated with sponges and ascidians (García et al. 2002), from 0 to 17 m depth.

Patricia O. V. de Lima and Luiz Ricardo L. Simone. 2018. Revision of Platydoris angustipes and Description of A New Species of Platydoris (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) from southeastern Brazil based on Comparative Morphology. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 94(1); 1-15. DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.14959

Parapsilorhynchus swaini

Baliarsingh & Kosygin, 2017

DOI: 10.21077/ijf.2017.64.4.35503-06

ABSTRACT

A new cyprinid fish, Parapsilorhynchus swaini sp. nov., is described based on specimens collected from a stream near Harisankar, Mahanadi River basin of Odisha, India. It differs from other species of the genus in having following combination of characters: elongated and slender body (depth at dorsal fin origin 16.9-18.7% SL); narrow and slender head (width 60.0-68.7% HL, height at occiput 40.0-50.0% HL); narrow inter orbital space (46.6-50.0% HL); 33-34 lateral line scales; 3 simple pectoral fin rays, poorly developed callous pad behind lower lip which is not delimited posteriorly, pectoral fin longer than head length, presence of tubercles on snout and a black bar on the anal fin. With the description of this new species, distributional range of the genus Parapsilorhynchus is extended further north in the Eastern Ghats to the Mahanadi River drainage of Odisha.

Keywords: Cyprinidae, Mahanadi River basin, New species, Odisha, Parapsilorhynchus swaini

Fig. 1. Parapsilorhynchus swaini sp. nov., ZSI FF5057, holotype, 42.0 mm SL; (a) Dorsal, (b) lateral and (c) ventral views

Taxonomy

Parapsilorhynchus swaini Baliarsingh & Kosygin sp. nov.

Common name: Mahanadhi minnow

Diagnosis:Parapsilorhynchus swaini sp. nov. can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: elongated and slender body (depth at dorsal fin origin 16.9-18.7% SL); narrow and slender head (width 60.0-68.7% HL, height at occiput 40.0-50.0% HL); narrow inter orbital space (46.6-50.0% HL); 33-34 lateral line scales; 3 simple pectoral fin rays, poorly developed callous pad behind lower lip which is not delimited posteriorly, pectoral fin longer than head length, presence of tubercles on snout and a black bar on the anal fin.

Distribution: Presently known from a stream near Harisankar, Mahanadi River basin in Odisha, India (Fig. 4).

Etymology: Named after Dr. S. K. Swain of ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneshwar for his encouragement and support in the present study.

B. K. Baliarsingh and Laishram Kosygin. 2017. A New Species of Parapsilorhynchus Hora, 1921 (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) from Mahanadi River Basin of Odisha, India. Indian J. Fish. 64(4); 44-49. DOI: 10.21077/ijf.2017.64.4.35503-06

Six genera of Callitrichinae: Callimico, Callithrix, Cebuella, Mico, Leontopithecus and Saguinus.

Garbino & Martins-Junior, 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.10.002

Drawings by B. Rossi.

Highlights

• First Platyrrhini phylogeny to use data from genic and non-genic nuclear regions.

• Vocalization and pelage traits presented strong phylogenetic signal.

• Phyletic position of the midas group of Saguinus is not resolved.

• First Callitrichinae classification using behavior, morphology, and molecular data.

• Proposal to divide Saguinus in the subgenera Leontocebus, Saguinus and Tamarinus.

Abstract

Marmosets and tamarins (Cebidae, Callitrichinae) constitute the most species-rich subfamily of New World monkeys and one of the most diverse phenotypically. Despite the profusion of molecular phylogenies of the group, the evolution of phenotypic characters under the rapidly-emerging consensual phylogeny of the subfamily has been little studied, resulting in taxonomic proposals that have limited support from other datasets. We examined the evolution of 18 phenotypic traits (5 continuous and 13 discrete), including pelage, skull, dentition, postcrania, life-history and vocalization variables in a robust molecular phylogeny of marmoset and tamarin monkeys, quantifying their phylogenetic signal and correlations among some of the traits. At the family level, our resulting topology supports owl monkeys (Aotinae) as sister group of Callitrichinae. The topology of the callitrichine tree was congruent with previous studies except for the position of the midas group of Saguinus tamarins, which placement as sister of the bicolor group did not receive significant statistical support in both Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian Inference analyses. Our results showed that the highest value of phylogenetic signal among continuous traits was displayed by the long call character and the lowest was exhibited in the home range, intermediate values were found in characters related to osteology and skull size. Among discrete traits, pelage and osteology had similar phylogenetic signal. Based on genetic, osteological, pelage and vocalization data, we present an updated genus-level taxonomy of Callitrichinae, which recognizes six genera in the subfamily: Callimico, Callithrix, Cebuella, Mico, Leontopithecus and Saguinus. To reflect their phenotypic distinctiveness and to avoid the use of the informal “species group”, we subdivided Saguinus in the subgenera Leontocebus, Saguinus and Tamarinus (revalidated here).

Keywords: Leontocebus, Long call, Morphology, Subgenera, Tamarinus, Taxonomy, Vocalization

Fig. 2B. Callitrichine tree drawn based on the present phylogeny and previously published ones.

Drawings by Bárbara Rossi

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrated that vocalization and pelage characters can have a phylogenetic signal that is stronger than or comparable to the traditionally used osteological ones. Our robust phylogeny of callitrichinae shows that the position of the midas group of Saguinus is still unresolved.

This study is the first to offer a classification of Callitrichine that takes into account phylogenetic relationships, morphological, molecular and behavioral characters. As such, we propose that the phenotypic differences among the three clades of Saguinus are better represented in the group’s taxonomy by dividing the genus in three subgenera: Leontocebus, Saguinus and Tamarinus. Like any other taxonomic hypothesis, the one presented here is subject to testing, and future studies including additional characters may offer subsides to further divide the recognized genera or even elevate some of the subgenera to full genera.

Guilherme S.T. Garbino and Antonio M.G. Martins-Junior. 2018. Phenotypic Evolution in Marmoset and Tamarin Monkeys (Cebidae, Callitrichinae) and A Revised Genus-level Classification. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 118; 156-171. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.10.002

twitter.com/GGarbino/status/917814225657061376

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