Species New to Science

Monomia lucida

Koch & Ďuriš, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4387.3.9

Abstract

A new species of the portunid genus, Monomia Gistel, 1848, is described from the South China Sea in Vietnam. Monomia lucida sp. nov. is morphologically most similar to M. argentata (A. Milne-Edwards, 1861), which was originally described from Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. In addition to the stout, forward-directed anterolateral teeth of the carapace, the subrectangular sixth segment of the male pleon, and the long and slender laterally bent first gonopods, adults of the new species reach a greater size, and can also be distinguished from M. argentata by the colour pattern on the natatory dactylus. The independent specific status of M. lucida sp. nov. is also supported by molecular evidence. Aside from a comparison of this new species with other known congeners, new photographs of the holotype of M. samoensis (Ward, 1939) are also provided.

Keywords: Crustacea, Brachyura, new species, portunid crab, Vietnam

Milan Koch and Zdeněk Ďuriš. 2018. Monomia lucida sp. nov., A New Swimming Crab (Crustacea: Decapoda: Portunidae) from the South China Sea. Zootaxa. 4387(3); 567–579. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4387.3.9

Psychrophrynella glauca

Catenazzi & Ttito, 2018

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4444

Abstract

We describe a new species of small strabomantid frog (genus Psychrophrynella) from a humid montane forest in the Peruvian Department of Puno. Specimens were collected at 2,225 m a.s.l. in the leaf litter of primary montane forest near Thiuni, along the Macusani–San Gabán road, in the province of Carabaya. The new species is assigned to Psychrophrynella on the basis of morphological similarity, including presence of a tubercle on the inner edge of the tarsus, and call composed of multiple notes. We also include genetic distances for 16S rRNA partial sequences between the new species and other strabomantid frogs. The species with lowest genetic distances are Psychrophrynella chirihampatu and Psychrophrynella usurpator. Psychrophrynella glauca sp. n. is readily distinguished from the three other species of Psychrophrynella (Psychrophrynella bagrecito, P. chirihampatu, and P. usurpator) by its small size, and by having belly and ventral surfaces of legs reddish-brown or red, and chest and throat brown to dark brown with a profusion of bluish-gray flecks. The new species is only known from its type locality. With the discovery of P. glauca, the geographic distribution of Psychrophrynella is extended to the Department of Puno, where it was no longer represented after the description of the genus Microkayla. Furthermore, the Cordillera de Carabaya is the only mountain range known to be home to four of the seven genera of Holoadeninae (Bryophryne, Microkayla, Noblella, and Psychrophrynella), suggesting an intriguing evolutionary history for this group in southern Peru.

Keywords: Cloud forest, Frog, Bioacoustics, Carabaya, Ollachea, Leaf litter amphibian, 16S rRNA, Taxonomy, Holoadeninae, Terrarana

Figure 2: Photographs of live and preserved specimen of the holotype of Psychrophrynella glauca sp. n. Live (A, C, E) and preserved (B, D, F) specimen of the holotype, female CORBIDI 18729 (SVL 18.2 mm) in dorsolateral (A, B), dorsal (C, D), and ventral (E, F) views. Photographs by A. Catenazzi.

Psychrophrynella glauca sp. n.

Diagnosis: The new species differs from the three known species of Psychrophrynella by its unique combination of red coloration on ventral surfaces of legs and belly, and profusion of bluish-gray flecks on ventral surfaces of head, body, and legs. Morphologically, it is most similar to P. bagrecito in having a short fold-like tubercle on the inner edge of tarsus, a prominent ovoid outer metatarsal tubercle, discoidal fold present, an elliptical pupil, small size reaching ∼19 mm, and dark brown flanks in at least some specimens. It can be distinguished from P. bagrecito (characters in parenthesis in P. bagrecito) by having smooth skin on venter (areolate), dorsal coloration with broad markings (longitudinal stripes), snout short and bluntly rounded (snout moderately long, rounded in dorsal view and in profile), and ventral coloration in preservative brown with light gray flecks (white to cream with brown mottling). The new species can be distinguished from P. chirihampatu by having reddish-brown to dark brown coloration and bluish-gray flecks on ventral parts (ventral coloration yellow with reddish-brown or gray flecks), Finger I slightly shorter or the same length as Finger II (Finger I shorter than Finger II), inner metatarsal tubercle the same length of outer metatarsal tubercle (inner metatarsal tubercle at least three times the size of outer metatarsal tubercle), more bluntly rounded head (slender and longer head), smaller size reaching 19.8 mm in females (27.7 mm), and advertisement call having 26 notes and a fundamental frequency of 3,027 Hz (up to 68 notes, 2,712 Hz). The new species differs from P. usurpator by its reddish-brown ventral coloration (dull brown, gray or black with cream flecks), smaller SVL reaching 19.8 mm in females (SVL up to 30.5 mm), and by the fold-like tubercle on the inner edge of tarsus being short (long and prominent tubercle).

Etymology: The specific name glauca is the feminine form of the Latin adjective glaucus, from the ancient Greek noun glaûkos, meaning “bluish-gray,” in reference to the bluish-gray flecks on the ventral parts of body and limbs.

Distribution, natural history, and threats: The four specimens were found in the leaf litter along a descending ridge separating two creeks in the humid montane forest along the road from Thiuni to Ollachea. Sympatric species detected during our quick survey included Gastrotheca testudinea, Pristimantis platydactylus, and an unnamed Pristimantis sp. Much of the original forest vegetation has been replaced by cultivated fields and pasture along the road, but this remnant forest extended from nearly the side of the road to the upper ridge of the mountain. Further advance of agriculture, or clearing of the forest might threaten this species if its distribution is restricted to the Ollachea Valley. In absence of more detailed data regarding its extent of occurrence, and according to the IUCN Red List criteria and categories (IUCN, 2013), we suggest this species to be in the “Data Deficient” category of the Red List.

Figure 4: Dorsolateral and ventral views of four paratypes of Psychrophrynella glauca sp. n. showing variation in dorsal and ventral coloration. Female MUBI 16322 (A, B). Male CORBIDI 18730 (C, D). Juvenile MUBI 16323 (E, F). Photographs by A. Catenazzi.

Conclusion:

We describe a new species of terrestrial-breeding frog of the family Strabomantidae, and provide evidence for its allocation within the genus Psychrophrynella. The new species P. glauca is only known from its type locality, similarly to most other small Holoadeninae known to occur at high elevations in the Andes of southern Peru and Bolivia. With our description we contribute to a better knowledge of the diversity of this group, and reveal the presence of four genera of Holoadeninae in the Cordillera de Carabaya of southern Peru, suggesting that phylogeographic studies of the Holoadeninae species of this mountain range may shed insights into radiation in this group.

Alessandro Catenazzi and Alex Ttito. 2018. Psychrophrynella glauca sp. n., A New Species of Terrestrial-breeding Frogs (Amphibia, Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Montane Forests of the Amazonian Andes of Puno, Peru. PeerJ. 6:e4444. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4444

Dellichthys trnskii

Conway, Stewart & Summers, 2018

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.740.22712

Abstract

A new species of clingfish, Dellichthys trnskii sp. n. is described on the basis of 27 specimens, 11.9–46.0 mm SL, collected from intertidal and shallow coastal waters of New Zealand. It is distinguished from its only congener, D. morelandi Briggs, 1955 by characters of the cephalic sensory system and oral jaws, snout shape, and colouration in life. A rediagnosis is provided for D. morelandi, which is shown to exhibit sexual dimorphism in snout shape.

Keywords: Taxonomy, marine fishes, Acanthomorpha, sexual dimorphism

Figure 8(A–C). Dellichthys trnskii photographed in an aquarium soon after collection.
A–B AIM MA73570, holotype, male, 22.8 mm SL; Pacific Bay, Tutukaka Coast C AIM MA73571, paratype, female, 20.0 mm SL; Pacific Bay, Tutukaka Coast

Figure 1. Dellichthys trnskii, AIM MA73570, holotype, male, 22.8 mm SL; New Zealand: Northland, Pacific Bay, Tutukaka Coast.

Dellichthys trnskii sp. n.

Diagnosis: Dellichthys trnskii is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: snout broad, short (length less than or equal to interorbital distance); upper and lower jaws equal in length or lower jaw only slight shorter than the upper; upper jaw teeth not visible or only few teeth visible in gap between upper and lower lip at tip of jaws when jaws are closed; patch of teeth on lingual surface of premaxilla roughly rectangular, with ~50 small conical teeth; skin fold on surface of snout directly posterior to fold of upper lip; postorbital lateral line canal pore 2 located directly above preopercular lateral line canal pore 3; tip of snout and lower jaw pale pink in life; dorsal and lateral surface of head light yellow to green in life; body pale orange to yellow in life; and median fins transparent and without faint brown reticulate markings in life.

Distribution: Dellichthys trnskii is endemic to New Zealand coastal waters, currently known only from shallow (0–7 meters in depth) waters along the northeastern coast of both the North Island (Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Northland, and Wellington) and South Island (Marlborough Sounds) (Fig. 9). Its occurrence further south may be confirmed by further sampling and by a better understanding of the differences between the two species.

Notes on biology: At the type locality, D. trnskii was found primarily under rocks or boulders covered with filamentous algae or low macroalgae often in close proximity to the sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus. Small dense objects, possibly sand grains, are visible in the pharyngeal cavity and gut of the CT scanned paratype (NMNZ P.028060, 25.0 mm SL; Figs 3, 6). A single ctenoid scale also is lodged in the opercular opening of this individual (Fig. 3). Whether this scale was ingested or entered the opercular opening subsequent to capture is difficult to confirm. The specimen was collected with a large number of associated sub-tidal species including triplefins, some of which could have shed scales in the bag.

Etymology: Named for Tom Trnski, who played a key role in the discovery of the new species by collecting in depths beyond the reach of the first author. A noun in the genitive.

Figure 8. Dellichthys trnskii(A–C) and D. morelandi (D–F) photographed in an aquarium soon after collection.
A–B AIM MA73570, holotype, male, 22.8 mm SL; Pacific Bay, Tutukaka Coast C AIM MA73571, paratype, female, 20.0 mm SL; Pacific Bay, Tutukaka Coast D TCWC 17264.02, male, 33.8 mm SL; Pacific Bay, Tutukaka Coast E TCWC 17264.02, potential female, 29.0 mm SL; Pacific Bay, Tutukaka Coast F TCWC 17269.03, male, 37.1 mm SL; Rawhiti, Taupiri Bay.

Kevin W. Conway, Andrew L. Stewart and Adam P. Summers. 2018. A New Species of Sea Urchin Associating Clingfish of the Genus Dellichthys from New Zealand (Teleostei, Gobiesocidae). ZooKeys. 740: 77-95. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.740.22712

Aframomum sp.

in Harris & Wortley, 2018.

SYSTEMATIC BOTANY MONOGRAPHS. 104

Abstract

Aframomum (Zingiberaceae, subfamily Alpinioideae) is a genus of 61 species of herbs, occurring naturally in Africa and Madagascar. Historically the seeds have been an important item in international trade under the names “grains of paradise” or “melegueta.” The important characters in identification of the species are discussed, and special instructions on collecting specimens of the genus are provided. Keys to fruiting and flowering specimens are presented. Each species account includes nomenclature, description, distribution, and specimen citations. Preliminary IUCN conservation assessments are made based on herbarium records for each species. Twelve new species, Aframomum dhetchuvii, A. fragrans, A. hirsutum, A. kamerunicum, A. kodmin, A. lutarium, A. parvulum, A. plicatum, A. rotundum, A. scalare, A. submontanum, and A. tchoutoui, are described.

Aframomum fragrans D.J.Harris & Wortley

rbge.org.uk

David J Harris and Alexandra H Wortley. 2018. Monograph of Aframomum (Zingiberaceae). SYSTEMATIC BOTANY MONOGRAPHS. 104;

3 newly described Aframomum (Zingiberaceae) species in the Living Collection at Edinburgh - go.shr.lc/2oF7OJN @TheBotanics

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Telipogon jucusbambae Dodson & R.Escobar

in Martel & Salas, 2018.

DOI: 10.15560/14.1.189

Abstract

Telipogon jucusbambae, a Peruvian endemic species, is rediscovered and its distributional range greatly extended. The species was known from a single collection made more than 50 years ago. A description, images of living specimens, a distribution map, and taxonomic comments on related species are provided. Furthermore, we propose the T. falcatus species complex for a group of species closely related to T. jucusbambae.

Keywords: Type collection; endemic species; distributional range extension; Telipogon falcatus species complex

Telipogon jucusbambae. A. A tree full with plants in bloom; note the flowers are non-resupinate independent of the orientation of the inflorescence, from the Cordillera Yasgolga, Department of Amazonas. B. Details of the flower showing the black callus-like structure.

Telipogon jucusbambae. A. Habit. B. Flower, frontal view. C. Dissected perianth, frontal view. D. lip, frontal and side view. E. Column, frontal and side view. F. Anther cap. G. Pollinarium, frontal and side view.

Telipogon jucusbambae Dodson & R.Escobar, Orquideología 21: 65. 1998.

Local Names. The species is known in Cajamarca as ushun (Santa Cruz 2011).

Distribution, habitat and ecology. Telipogon jucusbambae is endemic to Peru, growing in the Andean cloud forest of northern and central Peru from 2800 to 3300 m. The species was formerly known from the surroundings of Jucusbamba town, Department of San Martín. Herbarium and photographic material of plants coming from the Departments of Amazonas, Cajamarca, Huánuco and Pasco were recently identified as T. jucusbambae (Fig. 3). These records widely expand the known distribution range of the species. The present reports extend its distribution by nearly 200 and 300 linear km northward and southward, respectively, from Amazonas to Pasco Departments. Telipogon jucusbambae blooms during the dry season (May to October, includes austral autumn and winter). Pollination would be also carried out by tachinid male flies as already shown for other Telipogon species (Martel et al. 2016). The species seems to have a high reproductive success, as seed pods were frequently observed in the natural populations.

Carlos Martel and Marcos Salas. 2018. Telipogon jucusbambae (Orchidaceae), the Rediscovery of A Marvelous Telipogon from Peru. Check List. 14(1): 189-193. DOI: 10.15560/14.1.189

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Homonota marthae

Cacciali, Morando, Avila & Koehler, 2018

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.21754

Abstract

Homonota is a gecko distributed in central and southern South America with 12 species allocated in three groups. In this work, we performed molecular and morphological analyses of samples of Homonota from the central region of northern Paraguay, comparing the data with those of related species of the group: H. horrida and H. septentrionalis. We found strong molecular evidence (based on 16S, Cyt-b, and PRLR gene sequences) to distinguish this lineage as a new species. Morphological statistical analysis showed that females of the three species are different in metric characters (SVL and TL as the most contributing variables), whereas males are less differentiated. No robust differences were found in meristic characters. The most remarkable trait for the diagnosis of the new species is the presence of well-developed keeled tubercles on the sides of the neck, and lack of a white band (crescent-shaped) in the occipital area, which is present in H. horrida and H. septentrionalis. Nevertheless, in our sample, we found three specimens (one juvenile and two young adults) that exhibit the white occipital band. Thus, this character seems only reliable in adults of the new species. The new species is parapatric to H. septentrionalis, both inhabiting the Dry Chaco of Paraguay.

Key Words: Dry Chaco, Gekkota, phylogeny, South America, taxonomy

Figure 4. Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of the holotype of Homonota marthae.

Figure 6. Plate showing the difference in scalation among individuals of similar sizes and same gender, of Homonota marthae (A, C, E) and H. septentrionalis (B, D, F). Note the more developed keeled tubercles on the sides of the neck in the former species.

Homonota marthae sp. n.

Diagnosis: A species of Homonota assigned to the horrida group given its relationship (based on molecular evidence) with H. horrida, and by the color pattern composed of a vertebral and five to seven transversal clear lines appearing as a banded Homonota smilar to H. horrida and H. septentrionalis. Homonota marthae has a robust body, and prominently keeled tubercles disposed in four to eight longitudinal rows on the dorsum.

....

Etymology: This species is named in honor of our indefatigable colleague Martha Motte, who is not only dedicated to safekeeping the herpetological collection of the “Museo Nacional de Historia Natural del Paraguay”, but also does a great job in providing selfless support to scientists that are striving to improve the knowledge of the Paraguayan herpetofauna.

Habitat and distribution: Homonota marthae is known from the central area of the Paraguayan Dry Chaco in the Department of Boquerón (Fig. 5). The environment is a xeric forest with abundance of thorny vegetation and almost absence of a herbaceous stratum. Nevertheless, a more detailed analysis of museum collections is advisable for a better knowledge of the distribution of this species.

This species is a dry forest inhabitant, but it is also frequently found in human dwellings. Talbot (1978) recorded the use of logs of Drunken tree (Chorisia speciosa: Malvaceae) as shelter by Homonota in the Dry Chaco, since the wood of this tree keeps high water levels. Additionally, Cacciali et al. (2007a) demonstrated the use of subterranean caves (usually armadillo burrows) by Homonota in several areas of the Paraguayan Chaco.

Pier Cacciali, Mariana Morando, Luciano Javier Avila and Gunther Koehler. 2018. Description of A New Species of Homonota (Reptilia, Squamata, Phyllodactylidae) from the central region of northern Paraguay. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 94(1): 147-161. DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.21754

Leptolalax rowleyae

Nguyen, Poyarkov, Le, Vo, Phan, Duong, Murphy & Nguyen, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4388.1.1

Abstract

Morphological, acoustic and molecular analyses result in the description of Leptolalax rowleyae sp. nov., a new species of frog in the Megophryidae, belonging to the L. applebyi Rowley & Cao species group from central Vietnam. It differs from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological attributes: (1) adult SVL 23.4–25.4 mm in males and 27–27.8 mm in females; (2) presence of distinct dark/brown dorsolateral markings, including black spots on flanks; (3) pinkish milk-white to light brown chest and belly with numerous white speckles; (4) tympanum distinct; (5) absence of webbing or lateral dermal fringes on fingers and toes; (6) pectoral glands comparatively small (3.3–4.7% of SVL); (7) ventrolateral glands indistinct; and (8) iris bicolored with copper tint in upper half fading to golden in lower third of iris. The male advertisement call of the new species consists of 4–6 notes, lacking a distinct introductory note, with an average dominant frequency of 3.2–3.5 kHz. The description of the tadpole constitutes the first description of larval morphology for a member of the L. appleybi species group. Genetically, an uncorrected sequence divergence of 7.4% for 16S rRNA separates the new species from its two closest relatives, L. ardens and L. melicus in the L. applebyi species group.

Keywords: Amphibia, Acoustics, Leptolalax applebyi species group, tadpole morphology, Son Tra Nature Reserve

Luan Thanh Nguyen, Nikolay A. Jr. Poyarkov, Dzung Trung Le, Ba Dinh Vo, Hoa Thi Phan, Tang Van Duong, Robert W. Murphy and Sang Ngoc Nguyen. 2018. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Son Tra Peninsula, central Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4388(1); 1–21. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4388.1.1

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Ara tricolor (Bechstein, 1811)

commons.wikimedia.org

Johansson, Ericson, Blom & Irestedt, 2018.

DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12591

Abstract

The Cuban Macaw Ara tricolor was a species of macaw native to Cuba and Isla de la Juventud in the Caribbean that became extinct in the 1860s. Morphologically it was similar to, but distinctively smaller than the large red macaws – Scarlet Macaw A. macao and Red-and-green Macaw A. chloropterus. A close affinity with the Scarlet Macaw has been suggested based on plumage similarities. In this study we use complete mitochondrial genome sequences to examine the phylogenetic position of the Cuban Macaw. Our results do not indicate a sister-species relationship with the Scarlet Macaw, but place the Cuban Macaw sister to the two red species and the two large green macaws, the Military Macaw A. militaris and the Great Green Macaw A. ambiguus. Divergence estimates suggests that the Cuban Macaw separated from this group approximately 4 million years ago.

commons.wikimedia.org

Watercolour by Jacques Barraband (circa 1800) of a Cuban Red Macaw (Ara tricolor).

wikipedia.org

Painting of a specimen in Liverpool Museum by John Gerrard Keulemans, 1907

wikipedia.org

Ulf S. Johansson, Per G. P. Ericson, Mozes P. K. Blom and Martin Irestedt. 018. The Phylogenetic Position of the Extinct Cuban Macaw Ara tricolor based on Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequences. Ibis. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12591

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Guy M. Kirwan and James W. Wiley. 2013. The extinct macaws of the West Indies, with special reference to Cuban Macaw Ara tricolor. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club. 133(2); 125-156.

Researchgate.net/publication/259459829_The_extinct_macaws_of_the_West_Indies

Begonia lecongkietii N.S.Lý & M.Hughes

in Lý, Peng & Hughes, 2018.

DOI: 10.1017/S0960428618000033

Abstract

A new species of Begonia (B. lecongkietii N.S.Lý & M.Hughes) is described from Mount Dầu in the South Central Coast Region, Vietnam, an area with an abundance of recently described endemic plant taxa. The new species is allied to Begonia lamxayana Souvann., which occurs 600 km away in Laos, differing chiefly in having larger villose tepals with an undulate margin and larger androecium with 86–116 (versus 20–30) stamens. Begonia lecongkietii is considered Critically Endangered, owing to its small area of occupancy and decline of habitat quality.

Keywords: Biodiversity, conservation, endemism, taxonomy

Fig. 1. Begonia lecongkietii. A and B, Plants in their natural habit; C, inflorescences showing female flowers of different colours; E, detail of male and female flowers; F, top view of androecium; G, close-up of female flower; H, detail of stigma.

Scale bars: E–H, 10 mm.
Photograph by Ngo. c-Sâm Lý: A, Lý 572; B–J, Lý 608.

Begonia lecongkietii N.S.Lý & M.Hughes, sp. nov. Sect. Petermannia

Distribution: Begonia lecongkietii is endemic to Quảng Ngãi Province in the South Central Coast Region, Vietnam.

Etymology. Named in honour of Professor Lê Công Kiệt, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, for his long-time contribution to Vietnamese botany

N.-S. Lý, C.-I. Peng and M. Hughes. 2018. Begonia lecongkietii (sect. Petermannia), A New Species from Mount Dầu, South Central Coast Region, Vietnam. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1017/S0960428618000033

twitter.com/markhughesis/status/969520192509399040

in Miles, Schuppe, Ligon & Fuxjager, 2018.

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2628

twitter.com/RSocPublishing

Abstract

Sexual selection drives elaboration in animal displays used for competition and courtship, but this process is opposed by morphological constraints on signal design. How do interactions between selection and constraint shape display evolution? One possibility is that sexual selection continues exaggeration under constraint by operating differentially on each signal component in complex, modular displays. This is seldom studied on a phylogenetic scale, but we address the issue herein by studying macroevolutionary patterning of woodpecker drum displays. These territorial displays are produced when an individual rapidly hits its bill on a hard surface, and drums vary across species in the number of beats included (length) and the rate of drumbeat production (speed). We report that species body size limits drum speed, but not drum length. As a result of this biomechanical constraint, there is less standing variation in speed than length. We also uncover a positive relationship between sexual size dimorphism and the unconstrained trait (length), but with no effect on speed. This suggests that when morphology limits the exaggeration of one component, sexual selection instead exaggerates the unconstrained trait. Modular displays therefore provide the basis for selection to find novel routes to phenotypic elaboration after previous ones are closed.

KEYWORDS: sexual selection, animal behaviour, signal design, constraint

Figure 1. Cladogram of the woodpeckers (family: Picidae) from Dufort et al. [2016]. At the tips, longer bars indicate species with longer drums. Bars are coloured by drum speed (beats s–1), with warm colours (green to red) indicating progressively faster drums than cool colours (blue-green to blue). Edge colors indicate the evolution of drumming determined from ER Mk1 ancestral state reconstruction (black, drum; orange, drum-like signal; blue, no drum or drum-like signal). Silhouettes are aligned near their corresponding tips, and drawn to-scale based on phylogenetic PCA of body size.

Meredith C. Miles, Eric R. Schuppe, R. Miller Ligon IV and Matthew J. Fuxjager. 2018. Macroevolutionary Patterning of Woodpecker Drums reveals How Sexual Selection Elaborates Signals Under Constraint. Proc. R. Soc. B. 285; 20172628. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2628

M. J. Dufort. 2016. An augmented supermatrix phylogeny of the avian family Picidae reveals uncertainty deep in the family tree. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 94, 313–326. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2015.08.025

The evolution of woodpecker drums @meredithcmiles @fuxjagerlab ow.ly/Tbic30iCa6d #openaccess #ProcB

twitter.com/RSocPublishing/status/968119770917888001

Cyrtodactylus sanpelensis
Cyrtodactylus pyinyaungensis

Grismer, Wood, Thura, Zin, Quah, et al., 2017.

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx057

Abstract

Twelve new karst-adapted species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus Gray are described from the Shan Hills and Salween River Basin of Myanmar. Three species occur in rocky habitats along karst ridges and nine species are microendemics restricted to isolated karst caves and towers. This high, localized diversity underscores the archipelago-like nature and microendemism associated with karst habitat-islands. Eleven of the 12 new species are not related to other Indo-Burmese species and form four monophyletic species groups nested within a larger Indo-Chinese clade of Southeast Asian species. Phylogenetic relationships and distributions indicate Cyrtodactylus originated in the Himalayan uplands and dispersed westward through Myanmar with subsequent invasions back into eastern and southern Myanmar. These new species highlight the understudied nature of karst biodiversity in general and karst herpetology in particular. Extensive karst ecosystems throughout the massive Shan Plateau of eastern Myanmar remain largely unexplored and are likely to harbour tens—if not hundreds—of undiscovered species. The unique and complex structure of understudied limestone ecosystems throughout Southeast Asia are habitats in which amphibians and reptiles have specialized, speciated and become endemic. In an age of biodiversity crisis, managing and conserving these ecosystems throughout Southeast Asia should be given greater priority. A key to the species of Cyrtodactylus of Myanmar is provided.

SYSTEMATICS AND TAXONOMY

Order Squamata Oppel, 1811

Family Gekkonidae Gray, 1825

Genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827

Cyrtodactylus pyinyaungensis sp. nov. adult female paratype (LSUHC 13150) from the type locality

Cyrtodactylus pyinyaungensis sp. nov.

Pyinyaung Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, pyinyaungensis (pronounced pin-yong-ensis), is a noun in apposition in reference to the type locality.

The linnwayensis group

The linnwayensis group is a monophyletic group composed of the sister species Cyrtodactylus linnwayensis sp. nov. and C. shwetaungorum sp. nov.

Cyrtodactylus linnwayensis sp. nov.

Linn-Way Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, linnwayensis, is a noun in apposition in reference to Linn-Way Village near the type locality.

Cyrtodactylus shwetaungorum sp. nov. hatchling (LSUHC 13043) from the type locality.

Cyrtodactylus shwetaungorum sp. nov.

Shwetaung Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, shwetaungorum (pronounced shway-tong-orum), is a patronym honouring the Shwe Taung Cement Company Limited for their genuine, proactive efforts to protect the biodiversity encompassed in their mining operations in Myanmar by setting aside areas to be reserved and not quarried. The company is particularly interested in setting aside specific areas to protect C. pyinyaungensis sp. nov. and C. shwetaungorum sp. nov.

The sadansinensis group

The monophyletic sadansinensis group occurs within the lowland flood plain of the Salween River Basin in Mon State and is composed of Cyrtodactylus sadansinensis sp. nov. and the sister species C. pharbaungensis sp. nov. and C. sanpelensis sp. nov.

Cyrtodactylus sadansinensis sp. nov.

Sadan Sin Cave Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, sadansinensis, is a noun in apposition in reference to the type locality of Sadan Sin Cave.

Cyrtodactylus pharbaungensis sp. nov.

Pharbaung Cave Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, pharbaungensis (pronounced far-bong-ensis), is a noun in apposition in reference to the type locality of Pharbaung Cave.

Cyrtodactylus sanpelensis sp. nov. from the type locality ... Mawlamyine District, Mon State, Myanmar; adult male paratype LSUHC 12878.

Cyrtodactylus sanpelensis sp. nov.

Sanpel Cave Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, sanpelensis, is a noun in apposition in reference to the type locality of Sanpel Cave.

The sinyineensis group

The sinyineensis group The monophyletic sinyineensis group is composed of the sister species Cyrtodactylus sinyineensis sp. nov. and C. welpyanensis sp. nov., and the sister species C. dammathetensis sp. nov. and C. aequalis Bauer.

Cyrtodactylus dammathetensis sp. nov.

Dammathet Cave Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, dammathetensis, is a noun in apposition in reference to the type locality of Dammathet Cave.

Cyrtodactylus sinyineensis sp. nov.

Sin Yine Cave Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, sinyineensis, is a noun in apposition in reference to the type locality of Sin Yine Cave.

Cyrtodactylus welpyanensis sp. nov.

Wel Pyan Cave Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, welpyanensis (pronounced way-pee-an-ensis), is a noun in apposition in reference to the type locality of Wel Pyan Cave.

The oldhami group

The monophyletic oldhami group is composed of Cyrtodactylus cf. peguensis zebraicus, a polyphyletic C. oldhami, C. thirakhupti, C. payarhtanensis and C. lenya from the Thai-Malay Peninsula just north of the Isthmus of Kra and C. saiyok from southwestern Thailand.

The yathepyanensis group

The monophyletic yathepyanensis group is composed of Cyrtodactylus yathepyanensis sp. nov. and the sister species C. linnoensis sp. nov. and C. sadanensis sp. nov. from the lowland flood plain of the Salween River Basin of Kayin and Mon and states.

Cyrtodactylus yathepyanensis sp. nov.

Yathe Pyan Cave Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, yathepyanensis (pronounced ya-thay-pee-an-ensis), is a noun in apposition in reference to the type locality of Yathe Pyan Cave.

Cyrtodactylus linnoensis sp. nov.

Linno Cave Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, linnoensis, is a noun in apposition in reference to the type locality of Linno Cave, Kayin State, Myanmar.

Cyrtodactylus sadanensis sp. nov.

Sadan Cave Bent-Toed Gecko

Etymology: The specific epithet, sadanensis, is a noun in apposition in reference to the type locality of Sadan Cave, Kayin State, Myanmar.

L. Lee Grismer, Perry L. Wood, Jr., Myint Kyaw Thura, Thaw Zin, Evan S. H. Quah, Matthew L. Murdoch, Marta S. Grismer, Aung Lin, Htet Kyaw and Ngwe Lwin. 2017. Twelve New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Isolated Limestone Habitats in east-central and southern Myanmar Demonstrate High Localized Diversity and Unprecedented Microendemism. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, zlx057. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx057

Fifteen new gecko species discovered in Myanmar

fauna-flora.org/news/fifteen-new-gecko-species-discovered-in-myanmar/

We just found nineteen new species of gecko in one tiny area newscientist.com/article/2149587-we-just-found-nineteen-new-species-of-gecko-in-one-tiny-area/

Govenia polychroma Salazar, Fernández-Díaz & Huerta-Alvízar

in Salazar, Fernández Díaz, Huerta-Alvizar, Jiménez-Machorro, Cabrera & Jimeno-Sevilla, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.343.1.8

Abstract

Govenia polychroma, a new orchid species from central Veracruz, Mexico is described and illustrated. It is similar to G. matudae, G. praecox and G. rubellilabia in the relatively small flowers, two leaves and globose corms, but differs from all previously described species in the purplish-magenta petals with yellow apices and the strongly conduplicate, narrowly channeled column foot. Due to its small geographical range (less than 1 sq.km.) and the small number of both populations (two) and individuals (14), the new species is considered as endangered.

Keywords: Cloud forest, extinction risk, taxonomy, Monocots

Figure 1. Govenia polychroma.
A. Flowering plant in situ at Reserva del Bicentenario, Zongolica, Veracruz (Roldan-Hernández & JimenoSevilla 483). B−H, various views of a cultivated plant from El Rincón de Axalpa, Naranjal, Veracruz (Fernández-Díaz & Huerta-Alvízar 37). B. Base of plant from side showing the corms from the previous (left) and current year’s growth (right). C. Leaf blades from above. D. Inflorescence. E. Flower from front. F. Flower from side. G. Column from side (left) and front (right). H. Dissection of a flower with a ruler in centimetres for scale.

Photographers: A = David Jimeno-Sevilla; B, C, F−H = Gerardo A. Salazar; D, E = Rolando Jiménez-Machorro.

Govenia polychroma Salazar, Fernández-Díaz & Huerta-Alvízar, sp. nov.

Type:—MEXICO. Veracruz: municipio Naranjal, El Rincón de Axalpa, cloud forest, 887 m elev., collected 30 August 2015, pressed in cultivation 5 October 2016, Fernández-Díaz & Huerta-Alvízar 37 (holotype: MEXU! isotypes: AMO! XAL!).

Diagnosis: Differing from other species of Govenia in the purplish-magenta petals with yellow apices and strongly conduplicate column foot, such that the rounded, convex inner sides of the latter are in close proximity to each other instead of leaving a wide channel between them.

....

Etymology:—From Greek polychromous, many-colored, in reference to the distinctive colour of the flowers in contrasting tones of yellow, magenta, purplish-magenta, white, and brown.

Gerardo A. Salazar, Adrián Fernández Díaz, Carlos René Huerta-Alvizar, Rolando Jiménez-Machorro, Lidia I. Cabrera and H. David Jimeno-Sevilla. 2018. Govenia polychroma, A New Species of Orchidaceae from Veracruz, Mexico. Phytotaxa. 343(1); 82–88. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.343.1.8

Ptiloneuropsis diamantina

Silva Neto & Rafael, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4388.4.8

Abstract

A new species of Ptiloneuropsis from the Brazilian state of Bahia is here described and illustrated, it is based on male and female specimens; it differs from P. immaculata Roesler in details of the hypandrium and phallosome; the female is the first known in the genus.

Keywords: Plecoptera, Epipsocetae, psocids, neotropics, taxonomy

FIGURE 1. Ptiloneuropsis diamantina n. sp. Male holotype. Side view.

Ptiloneuropsis diamantina n. sp.

Etymology. The specific name refers to the Chapada Diamantina region, in the Brazilian state of Bahia, where the specimens were found.

Alberto Moreira da Silva Neto and José Albertino Rafael. 2018. After Seventy-seven Years Ptiloneuropsis Roesler (Psocodea: Psocomorpha: Ptiloneuridae) Ceases to be A Monotypic Genus: A New Species from Bahia, Brazil. Zootaxa. 4388(4); 567–574. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4388.4.8

Alfonso Neri García Aldrete. 2004. Rediscovery of Ptiloneuropsis immaculata Roesler 1940 (Psocoptera: Ptiloneuridae), Augmented Description and Neotype Designation. Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment. 39(2); 145-148. DOI: 10.1080/01650520412331333792ResearchGate.net/publication/248913823_Rediscovery_of_Ptiloneuropsis_immaculata

Alberto Moreira da Silva Neto and Alfonso Neri García Aldrete. 2015. Brasineura n. gen., A new genus in the family Ptiloneuridae (Psocodea: ‘Psocoptera’: Psocomorpha: Epipsocetae) from Brazil. Zootaxa. 3914(2); 168–174. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3914.2.6

Artist’s reconstruction of the Permian reptile Captorhinus with an autotomous tail (inset showing anterior caudal vertebrae with fracture planes)

in LeBlanc, MacDougall, Haridy, et al., 2018.

Reconstruction by Danielle Dufault. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21526-3

Abstract

Many lizards can drop a portion of their tail in response to an attack by a predator, a behaviour known as caudal autotomy. The capacity for intravertebral autotomy among modern reptiles suggests that it evolved in the lepidosaur branch of reptilian evolution, because no such vertebral features are known in turtles or crocodilians. Here we present the first detailed evidence of the oldest known case of caudal autotomy, found only among members of the Early Permian captorhinids, a group of ancient reptiles that diversified extensively and gained a near global distribution before the end-Permian mass extinction event of the Palaeozoic. Histological and SEM evidence show that these early reptiles were the first amniotes that could autotomize their tails, likely as an anti-predatory behaviour. As in modern iguanid lizards, smaller captorhinids were able to drop their tails as juveniles, presumably as a mechanism to evade a predator, whereas larger individuals may have gradually lost this ability. Caudal autotomy in captorhinid reptiles highlights the antiquity of this anti-predator behaviour in a small member of a terrestrial community composed predominantly of larger amphibian and synapsid predators.

Figure 1 Fracture planes in captorhinid caudal vertebrae.

(a) Artist’s reconstruction of the Permian reptile Captorhinus with an autotomous tail (inset showing anterior caudal vertebrae with fracture planes). (b) Image and (c) SEM image of an isolated anterior caudal vertebra (ROM 73769) with a fracture plane passing through the centrum (black arrow). (d) Ventral view of an anterior, rib-bearing caudal vertebra (ROM 77410) showing the absence of any fracture plane. (e) Ventral view of a caudal vertebra bearing a fracture plane (black arrows) (ROM 73771) (f) thin-section through the sagittal plane of a caudal vertebra (ROM 73773) with a fracture plane (black arrow) passing through the ventral portion of the centrum. (g) Close-up of fracture plane (black arrows) in (f) passing into the notochordal canal.

Abbreviations: cb, cortical bone; cct, calcified cartilage; ce, centrum; nc, neural canal; ns, neural spine; ntc, notochordal canal.
Reconstruction by Danielle Dufault. Anterior is to the left in all of the images.

A. R. H. LeBlanc, M. J. MacDougall, Y. Haridy, D. Scott and R. R. Reisz. 2018. Caudal Autotomy as Anti-predatory Behaviour in Palaeozoic Reptiles. Scientific Reports. 8, 3328. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21526-3

Escape artist: Ancient reptile Captorhinus could detach its tail to elude predators

utoronto.ca/news/escape-artist-ancient-reptile-captorhinus-could-detach-its-tail-elude-predators

Cantopotamon zhuhaiense, C. hengqinense & C. yangxiense

Huang, Ahyong & Shih, 2017

DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2017.56-41

A new genus and four new species of freshwater crab, Cantopotamon zhuhaiense n. gen., n. sp., C. shangchuanense n. gen., n. sp., C. hengqinense n. gen., n. sp. and C. yangxiense n. gen., n. sp. are described from Guangdong, China, based on morphology and two mitochondrial markers (16S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I). Species of Cantopotamon closely resemble species of Yarepotamon Dai & Türkay, 1997, but differ by the combination of carapace, third maxilliped, male pleon, male first gonopod and female vulva characters. Molecular data derived from the mitochondrial 16S rDNA also supports the establishment of the new genus.

Key Words: Potamidae, Cantopotamon, New genus, New species, Freshwater crab, Morphology, 16S rDNA, Cytochrome oxidase subunit I.

Fig. 12. Colour in life.
(A) Cantopotamon zhuhaiense n. gen., n. sp., not collected; (B)C. shangchuanense n. gen., n. sp., male paratype (21.0 × 17.2 mm) (SYSBM 001428); (C) C. hengqinense n. gen., n. sp., male holotype (19.9 × 16.0 mm) (SYSBM 001558); (D) C. yangxiense n. gen., n. sp., female paratype (18.5 × 14.9 mm) (SYSBM 001563).

Taxonomy

Family Potamidae Ortmann, 1896

Subfamily Potamiscinae Bott, 1970

Genus Cantopotamon n. gen.

Type species Cantopotamon zhuhaiense n. gen., n. sp., by present designation.

Diagnosis: Carapace broader than long; dorsal surface slightly convex, branchial regions relatively flat (Fig. 1A); postorbital and epigastric cristae visible, confluent (Fig. 1A); external orbital angle bluntly triangular, separated from anterolateral margin by gap (Figs. 1A, B); median lobe of posterior margin of epistome triangular (Fig. 1B). Third maxilliped ischium relatively broad; exopod reaching beyond anterior margin of ischium, with flagellum (Fig. 2D). Male pleon triangular, reaching anteriorly almost to level of posterior margins of cheliped coxae (Fig. 1C). G1 slender, inner proximal section of sub-terminal segment curved dorsally, terminal segment relatively short, sinistrally twisted on left G1 (Figs. 1D, 2B, C, 9). G2 basal segment subovate (Fig. 2A). Vulva small, ovate, not reaching suture of sternites 5/ 6 (Fig. 11).

Etymology: The genus name is a combination of Canton, synonym for Guangdong, the province in which this genus occurs, and the generic name Potamon. Gender: neuter.

Remarks: Although superficially similar to some species of Yarepotamon, Cantopotamon n. gen. can easily be distinguished by its confluent postorbital cristae and epigastric cristae (Fig. 1A) (versus separate in Yarepotamon, cf. Dai & Türkay, 1997: pl. II, fig. 2), twisted terminal segment of the G1 (Fig. 2C) (versus not twisted in Yarepotamon, cf. Dai & Türkay, 1997: fig. 6, 4) and relatively small female vulvae that do not reach the suture of sternites 5/6 (Fig. 11A) (versus female vulvae reaching suture of sternites 5/6 in Yarepotamon, cf. Dai & Türkay, 1997: fig. 6, 7). Yarepotamon is currently being revised by the first author. ....

Cantopotamon zhuhaiense n. sp.

Etymology: This species is named after the type locality, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China.

Ecology: This species is mainly aquatic, living under rocks in small hillstreams. At its type locality, C. zhuhaiense is sympatric with Nanhaipotamon cf. guangdongense Dai, 1997 and Nanhaipotamon zhuhaiense Huang, Huang & Ng, 2012. One individual, still moving, was observed within the grasp of a Nanhaipotamon cf. guangdongense in the latter’s mud burrow, suggesting they are at least occasional prey items of Nanhaipotamon.

Cantopotamon shangchuanense n. sp.

Etymology: This species is named after the type locality, Shangchuan Island, Taishan City, Guangdong Province, China.

Ecology: This species is mainly aquatic, living under rocks in small hillstreams. The hillstream in which it was found drains directly to the sea, with Eriocheir sp. also inhabiting the lower reaches. The species of Eriocheir was not confirmed, but given the location, it was probably E. hepuensis (see Naser et al. 2012). No other potamids where found at the type locality.

Cantopotamon hengqinense n. sp.

Etymology: This species is named after the type locality, Hengqin Island (also known as Ilha de Montanha in Portuguese), Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China.

Ecology: This species is mainly aquatic, living under rocks in small hillstreams.

Cantopotamon yangxiense n. sp.

Etymology: This species is named after the type locality Yangxi, Yangjiang, Guangdong Province.

Ecology: This species is mainly aquatic, living under rocks in small hillstreams.

Chao Huang, Shane T. Ahyong and Hsi-Te Shih. 2017. Cantopotamon, A New Genus of Freshwater Crabs from Guangdong, China, with Descriptions of Four New Species (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae). Zoological Studies. 56; 41. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2017.56-41

facebook.com/ChaoHuang1777/posts/1378175455638847

weibo.com/2245250241

Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis C.D.Yang & G.Q.Gou

in Yang, He & Gou, 2018.

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.95.22506

Abstract

In this study, Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis, a new species of Rubiaceae from south-western China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to O. japonica, but differs from the latter by having terete stems which are densely hirtellous, usually persistent ciliate stipules with well-developed colleters inside the base of the stipule, shorter corolla tubes and shorter stamens and styles.

Keywords: Ophiorrhiza, Guizhou, China, new taxa, distyly

Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis C.D.Yang & G.Q.Gou
D inflorescence, showing longistylous flowers E dissected longistylous flower F pistil of longistylous flower
G inflorescence, showing brevistylous flowers H dissected brevistylous flower I pistil of brevistylous flower.

Figure 2. Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis A habit B leaves C node, showing persistent stipule (blue arrow) and colleters (red arrow), also showing stem pubescence D inflorescence, showing longistylous flowers E dissected longistylous flower F pistil of longistylous flower G inflorescence, showing brevistylous flowers H dissected brevistylous flower I pistil of brevistylous flower.

Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis C.D.Yang & G.Q.Gou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Similar to O. japonica Blume, but distinguished from the latter by the terete, densely hirtellous stems (vs. stems subterete to slightly compressed, glabrous or with 2 hirtellous or pilosulous lines), the usually persistent and ciliate stipules (vs. caducous glabrescent stipules), the well-developed colleters inside the base of stipule (vs. without colleters), the shorter corolla tubes (8–9 mm vs. 9–14 mm) and the shorter stamens and styles (longistylous flower: 2.5–2.7 mm and 7–8 mm vs. 4.5–5.5 mm and 9–11 mm; brevistylous flower: 3.6–4.2 mm and ca. 2.5 mm vs. 4.5–5 mm and ca. 3 mm).

Distribution and habitat: Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis is currently only known from Jiangkou County, Guizhou, south-western China, where at least 300 individuals are found. The species grows in evergreen broad-leaved forest or bamboo forest at elevations between 850–1,000 m, along with Chimonobambusa angustifolia C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao, Lindera communis Hemsl., L. pulcherrima var. hemsleyana (Diels) H.B. Cui, Clematis henryi Oliv. and Ophiopogon bodinieri H. Lév.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to Guizhou, a province of south-western China in which the new species was collected.

Chuan-Dong Yang, Xuan-Ze He and Guang-Qian Gou. 2018. Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guizhou Province, southwestern China. PhytoKeys. 95: 121-126. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.95.22506

Pseudacanthicus major Chamon & Costa e Silva, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4387.3.5

Abstract

The genus Pseudacanthicus currently comprises the following six species distributed in the Amazon and Tocantins basins, and coastal drainages from Guyana to French Guyana: P. serratus, P. fordii, P. histrix, P. spinosus, P. leopardus, P. pitanga, and P. pirarara. Herein we describe Pseudacanthicus major, from rio Tocantins basin, one of the largest loricariid species known. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: having body color pattern with dark brown background without spots or blotches and dorsal and caudal fins with transversal white bands; anterior process of compound pterotic with no contacting with the posterior margin of the orbit and by the absence of a conspicuous crest on the posterior edge of parieto-supraocciptal. Other osteological characteristics are further used to diagnose P. major from others congeners. A discussion on gigantism and miniaturization in freshwater fish, ornamental fisheries activities, threats and conservation of the new species are also provided.

Keywords: Pisces, Amazon Basin, fish trade, Gigantism, Neotropical, taxonomy, conservation

FIGURE 2. Color in life of Pseudacanthicus major, specimen collected and released during monitoring for route of migratory fish. Image by Wesley Zago (CESTE, Consórcio Estreito Energia Usina Hidrelétrica Estreito).

Pseudacanthicus major, new species

Etymology. The specific epithet major, derives from Latin meaning greater than, larger than, in allusion to the large size of the specimens in comparison with others species of the genus. An adjective.

Remarks.Pseudacanthicus major is known and marketed in ornamental fish trade, like others species of the genus. Pseudacanthicus major is recognized in the L number system employed by aquarists as L186 (Schraml & Schaefer, 2004; Stawikowski et al., 2004; Werner et al., 2005). There is no suggestion that the species is consumed as food source by the colonies of fishermen (pers. obs.)

Carine C. Chamon and Thiago Costa e Silva. 2018. Pseudacanthicus major: Description of One of the Largest Known Loricariidae (Hypostominae: Ancistrini), A Species from rio Tocantins Basin, Brazil. Zootaxa. 4387(3); 499–510. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4387.3.5

Researchgate.net/publication/323447355_Pseudacanthicus_major_from_rio_Tocantins_basin_Brazil

Ophisops pushkarensis & Ophisops kutchensis

Agarwal, Khandekar, Ramakrishnan, Vyas & Giri, 2018

DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2018.1436203

ABSTRACT

We describe two new species of the lacertid genus Ophisops based on a series of 19 specimens from semi-arid habitats in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in northwestern India, provide a description of Ophisops microlepis sensu stricto, and a key to Indian Ophisops. Ophisops pushkarensis sp. nov. and Ophisops kutchensis sp. nov. are allied to Ophisopsmicrolepis and can be diagnosed from all other Indian Ophisops by the fusion of the lower and upper eyelids, their large body size (snout to vent length > 50 mm), and ≥ 50 scales around midbody. They differ from O. microlepis and each other in the number of scales around midbody, the number of dorsal scales, subtle colour pattern differences, as well as uncorrected mitochondrial sequence divergence (6–9%). These are some of the only known endemic reptiles in these semi-arid landscapes and indicate that many other such habitats may harbour endemic biodiversity.

KEYWORDS: Aravalli Range, cytochrome b, Eremiadinae, Kutch, tropic of cancer

Figure 7. (B) Ophisops pushkarensis sp. nov., holotype BNHS 2031;
(C) Ophisops kutchensis sp. nov., paratype BNHS 2024.

Ophisops pushkarensis sp. nov.

Pushkar small-scaled snake-eye

Etymology. The name is for the type locality of the new species, Pushkar, in Rajasthan, India.

Ophisops kutchensis sp. nov.

Kutch small-scaled snake-eye

Etymology. The name is for the type locality of the new species, in Kutch District, India.

Ishan Agarwal, Akshay Khandekar, Uma Ramakrishnan, Raju Vyas and Varad B. Giri. 2018. Two New Species of the Ophisops microlepis (Squamata: Lacertidae) Complex from northwestern India with A Key to Indian Ophisops. Journal of Natural History. DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2018.1436203

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1572740236157997

ResearchGate.net/publication/323584909_new_species_of_the_Ophisops_microlepis_complex_from_northwestern_India

[left] Impatiens decurva Ruchis. & S.B. Janssens &
[right] I. oblongata Ruchis. & Van der Niet

in Ruchisansakun,Suksathan,van der Niet,et al., 2018.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.338.1.5

Abstract

Three new species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Myanmar are here described: Impatiens decurva Ruchis. & S.B. Janssens, I. hartnolliae Hook. f. ex Ruchis. & Suksathan, and I. oblongata Ruchis. &Van der Niet. The 5-lobed short fusiform fruit of all three species suggests that they are members of subgen. Impatiens sect. Uniflorae Hook. f. & Thomson. For I. decurva and I. oblongata, subgenus membership was corroborated by phylogenetic analyses of a combined dataset of nuclear ITS and plastid atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer DNA sequences. This was not possible for I.hartnolliae, which is only known from a single herbarium specimen.

Keywords: Impatiens, Myanmar, Southeast Asia, taxonomy, Uniflorae, Eudicots

FIGURE 2. Impatiens decurva. A. Lateral view of flower; B. Front view of flower; C. Habit in situ.

Photographs by Saroj Ruchisansakun

1. Impatiens decurva Ruchis. & S.B. Janssens, sp. nov.
Impatiens decurva Ruchis. & S.B. Janssens is similar to I. pendula B. Heyne ex Wight & Arn. (1834: 136) but differs in having congested leaves towards the stem apex, a pilose midrib on the dorsal petal, pink lateral united petals with a white base, an unequally bilobed apex of the lower lateral united petals, and a strongly decurved pedicel in fruiting stage.

Distribution:— Endemic to Myanmar (Shan State).
Ecology:— Growing in limestone soils on a mountain summit in open, fragmented evergreen forest, 1500–1600 m elevation.

Etymology:— The specific epithet refers to the decurved pedicel at the early fruiting stage.

Note:— Impatiens decurva Ruchis. & S.B. Janssens is the only spurless species in Myanmar with solitary flowers and spirally arranged leaves. Although it morphologically resembles I. pendula, I. decurva possesses a distinct characters: the leaves clustered towards the stem apex, a pilose midrib on the dorsal petal, the apex of the lower lateral united petals unequally bilobed, and a pedicel that is strongly decurved from the middle in the early fruiting stage. Impatiens decurva resembles I. muscicola Craib (1926: 162) in morphology. Impatiens muscicola is a species endemic to northern Thailand, and differs from I. decurva in having lower lateral petals with an unequally bilobed apex and a pedicel that is strongly decurved in the middle during the fruiting stage.

FIGURE 5. The type specimen of Impatiens hartnolliae.

specimens.kew.org

2. Impatiens hartnolliae Hook. f. ex Ruchis. & Suksathan, sp. nov.

Impatiens hartnolliae Hook. f. ex Ruchis. & Suksathan is most similar to I. allanii Hook. f. (Ridley 1914: 325) but can be distinguished by its possession of a large orbicular sepal and large upper lateral petals.

Distribution:— Endemic to Myanmar (Rakhine state).
Ecology:— Growing in limestone soils.

Etymology:— The specific epithet is derived from the collector name, H.S. Hartnoll.

Notes:— Impatiens hartnolliae was written by J.D. Hooker on a single specimen sheet kept at Kew but was not validly published as according to Art. 30.1 (McNeill et al. 2012). To recognize Hooker’s work on Impatiens, we used the initial name provided by him to name this new species. The species can be easily distinguished from other species in having a racemose inflorescence, truncate lateral united petals, an emarginate dorsal petal, and a fusiform fruit.

FIGURE 7. Impatiens oblongata. A. Lateral view of flower; B. Front view of flower; C. Habit in situ.

Photographs by Saroj Ruchisansakun

3. Impatiens oblongata Ruchis. & Van der Niet, sp. nov.

Impatiens oblongata Ruchis. & Van der Niet is most similar to I. patula Craib (1926: 164) but can be distinguished by a distinctly shorter spur, broadly oblong upper lateral united petals with a truncate to slightly emarginated apex, and the apex of the lower lateral united petals truncate to slightly bilobed.

Distribution:— Endemic to northeastern Myanmar (Shan State), where it is known only from the type locality.

Ecology:— Growing in shady areas on a mountain summit in open fragmented evergreen forest, 1500–1600 m elevation.

Etymology:— The specific epithet is derived from its broadly oblong upper lateral petals.

Note:— This species usually has four lateral sepals, rarely two, in contrast to other similar species which have only two sepals, e.g., I. patula, I. violiflora Hook. f. (Hooker 1875: 457), I. curvipes Hook. f. (Hooker 1905: 25 & 32), and I. florulenta.

Saroj Ruchisansakun,Piyakaset Suksathan,Timotheüs van der Niet,Erik F. Smets,Saw Lwin andSteven B. Janssens. 2018. Three New Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Myanmar. Phytotaxa. 388(1); 63–74. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.338.1.5

Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis

Sung, Lee, Ng, Zhang & Yang, 2018

Hong Kong Slender Gecko || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4392.2.8

Abstract

A new species of gekkonid, Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis sp. nov., is described based on a series of specimens collected from Hong Kong SAR, China. The new species can be distinguished from other known congeners by molecular divergence in the mitochondrial ND2 gene and morphological characters including 5–6 chin scales; a manual lamellar formula of 3–3(4)–4–4; a pedal lamellar formula of 3(4)–4(5)–4(5)–4; 24–25 continuous femoral and precloacal pores; 12–15 dorsal scales and 9–10 ventral scales contained in diameter of eye. At present, the genus Hemiphyllodactylus comprises 22 described species.

Keywords: Reptilia, China, Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis sp. nov., mitochondrial ND2, molecular phylogeny, morphology, slender gecko

FIGURE 2. Adult male holotype (SYS r001735) of Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis sp. nov. in life from Aberdeen Country Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet “hongkongensis’ is in reference to the type locality, Hong Kong SAR, China. As an English common name, we suggest “Hong Kong Slender Gecko”.

Distribution. In Hong Kong, records of Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis have been made on Hong Kong Island, Shek Kwu Chau, and Po Toi Island (Karsen et al. 1998).

Yik-Hei Sung, Wing-Ho Lee, Ho-Nam Ng, Yanjie Zhang and Jian-Huan Yang. 2018. A New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hong Kong. Zootaxa. 4392(2); 361–373. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4392.2.8
researchgate.net/publication/323646190_A_new_species_of_Hemiphyllodactylus_from_Hong_Kong

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