Quantcast
Channel: Species New to Science
Viewing all 10283 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

[Ichthyology • 2018] Trichomycterus rosablanca • A New Species of Hipogean Catfish (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from the Colombian Andes

August 16, 2018, 2:55 am
$
0
0

Trichomycterus rosablanca 
Mesa S., Lasso, Ochoa & DoNascimiento, 2018

DOI:  10.21068/c2018.v19s1a09 

Abstract
Trichomycterus rosablanca is described as a new troglobitic catfish species from caves in southeastern Santander, Colombia. These caves are drained by the Carare River of the Magdalena River basin. The new species is characterized by the advanced condition in the typical troglomorphisms found in other congeneric cave-dwelling species, such as absence of eyes and pigmentation. Trichomycterus rosablanca is diagnosed by the following putative autapomorphies: 1) presence of a circular foramen in the main body of the interopercle, dorsal to the interopercular plate supporting the odontodes, and 2) presence of a single sensory pore in the posteriormost section of the infraorbital canal. Trichomycterus rosablanca can be distinguished from all known Trichomycterus species from Colombia by having the supraorbital canal interrupted in the nasal section, resulting in the pattern of s1, s2, s3, and s6 sensory pores, and the lachrimal/antorbital bone not enclosing the anteriormost section of the infraorbital canal. The genetic distinctiveness of Trichomycterus rosablanca is confirmed by GMYC and genetic distance method analyses of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene sequence. The description of this species places Colombia as the second most diverse country in the continent in terms of number of cave fish species and calls the attention on the conservation efforts needed to guarantee the permanence of this remarkable diversity of hypogean fishes.

Keywords: Cave fish. Karstic. Middle Magdalena River basin. Santander.




Figure 7. Live specimens of Trichomycterus rosablanca
 (left picture corresponds to one specimen coming from IAvH-P 15811 lot of paratypes). 
Photographs by Felipe Villegas.

Trichomycterus rosablanca, new species

Etymology. The specific name is used as a noun in apposition in reference to the Rosablanca karstic formation where the type locality is found.



Lina M. Mesa S., Carlos A. Lasso, Luz E. Ochoa and Carlos DoNascimiento. 2018. Trichomycterus rosablanca (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) A New Species of Hipogean Catfish from the Colombian Andes [Trichomycterus rosablanca (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) una especie nueva de bagre hipogeo de los Andes colombianos]. Biota Colombiana. 19 (Sup. 1); 95-116. DOI:  10.21068/c2018.v19s1a09



Resumen: Se describe Trichomycterus rosablanca, una especie nueva de bagre troglobio de cuevas en el suroriente de Santander, Colombia. Estas cuevas son drenadas por el río Carare, de la cuenca del río Magdalena. La especie nueva se caracteriza por la condición avanzada en los troglomorfismos típicos encontrados en otros congéneres habitantes de cuevas, como ausencia de ojos y pigmentación. Trichomycterus rosablancaes diagnosticado por las siguientes autapomorfías putativas: 1) presencia de un foramen circular en el cuerpo principal del interopérculo, dorsal a la placa interopercular soportando los odontodes, y 2) presencia de un único poro sensorial en la sección más posterior del canal infraorbital. Trichomycterus rosablanca puede ser distinguida de todas las especies conocidas de Trichomycterus de Colombia por tener el canal supraorbital interrumpido en la sección nasal, resultando en el patrón de poros sensoriales s1, s2, s3 y s6 y el hueso lacrimal/antorbital no encerrando la sección más anterior del canal infraorbital. La identidad genética de Trichomycterus rosablanca es confirmada por análisis GMYC y de distancia genética de la secuencia génica de la subunidad I de la citocromo C oxidasa. La descripción de esta especie ubica a Colombia como el segundo país más diverso en el continente en términos del número de especies de peces cavernícolas y llama la atención sobre los esfuerzos de conservación necesarios para garantizar la permanencia de esta extraordinaria diversidad de peces hipogeos. 
Palabras clave: Cárstico. Cuenca media del río Magdalena. Pez cavernícola. Santander.

↧
Search

[Paleontology • 2017] Vaderlimulus tricki • First Fossil Horseshoe Crab (Xiphosurida) from the Triassic of North America

August 16, 2018, 9:07 pm
$
0
0

 Vaderlimulus tricki 
Lerner, Lucas & Lockley, 2017


  holotype (UCM 140.25) lit from the upper right. Note that the right genal spine extends approximately in-line with the rounded telson boss.  

Abstract
The fossil record of horseshoe crabs (Xiphosurida) from the Mesozoic of North America consists of only three name-bearing specimens from the Cretaceous. We add to this depauperate record the first report of a horseshoe crab body fossil from the Triassic of North America. It comes from a locality in the Olenekian (Spathian) Thaynes Group, near Paris, Idaho, USA. This mostly complete and moderately well preserved specimen is assigned to the family Austrolimulidae Riek, 1955 as Vaderlimulus tricki, n. gen., n. sp.Vaderlimulus is the second austrolimulid taxon to be reported from the Mesozoic of North America. Its discovery adds a fourth austrolimulid genus to the global Triassic fossil record. Vaderlimulus had large genal spines that are most comparable to the Early to late Middle Triassic austrolimulid genera Psammolimulus (Spathian) and Austrolimulus (Ladinian). Heightened enlargement and proportional reduction of body elements, sometimes resulting in bizarre forms, is seen throughout the biostratigraphic range (Serpukhovian-Maastrichtian) of the Austrolimulidae. The discovery of Vaderlimulus provides additional fossil evidence of this evolutionary process. Vaderlimulus likely inhabited a shallow, possibly transitional freshwater coastal setting in the Moenkopi depositional basin along the western Pangean coastal margin.

Keywords: Thaynes group, Horseshoe crab, Vaderlimulus, Idaho, Olenekian, Triassic, xiphosurida, Austrolimulus, spathian, Austrolimulidae, Psammolimulus


 Reconstruction of Vaderlimulus tricki.  

Subphylum Chelicerata Heymons, 1901
Order Xiphosurida Latreille, 1802
Suborder Limulina Richter & Richter , 1929
Family Austrolimulidae Riek, 1955

Genus Vaderlimulus nov. 

Etymology: The generic name Vaderlimulus is suggested by a resemblance of the holotype prosoma to the helmet worn by Darth Vader, a well-known fictional character from the Star Wars film series.

Vaderlimulus tricki sp. nov.
 Etymology: The trivial name tricki was chosen in recognition of Trick Runions of the Dinosaur Trackers Research Group, University of Colorado at Denver, who collected the holotype specimen and made it available for study.

 Allan J. Lerner, Spencer G. Lucas and Martin Lockley. 2017. First Fossil Horseshoe Crab (Xiphosurida) from the Triassic of North America. Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie - Abhandlungen. 286(3); 289 - 302. DOI: 10.1127/njgpa/2017/0702


↧
↧

[Paleontology • 2018] Cretoparacucujus cycadophilus • Beetle Pollination of Cycads in the Mesozoic

August 17, 2018, 2:56 am
$
0
0

Cretoparacucujus cycadophilus Cai & Escalona

in Cai, Escalona, Li, Yin, Huang & Engel, 2018.
Illustration: Chenyang Cai  

Highlights
• A specialized beetle-mediated pollination mode is reported from Burmese amber
• The mid-Cretaceous boganiid beetle has many pollen-feeding adaptations
• The fossil boganiid was probably a pollinator of Encephalarteae cycads
• This suggests a probable ancient origin of beetle pollination of cycads in the Mesozoic

Summary
Cycads, unlike modern wind-pollinated conifers and Ginkgo, are unusual in that they are an ancient group of gymnosperms pollinated by insects [Taylor et al., 2009; Nagalingum et al., 2011; Terry et al., 2012]. Although it is well documented that cycads were diverse and abundant during the mid-Mesozoic, little is known about their biogeography and pollination before the rise of angiosperms. Direct fossil evidence illuminating the evolutionary history of cycads is extremely rare [Labandeira et al., 2007; Peris et al., 2017]. Here we report a specialized beetle-mediated pollination mode from the mid-Cretaceous of Myanmar, wherein a new boganiid beetle, Cretoparacucujuscycadophilus, with specialized pollen-feeding adaptations in its mouthparts and legs, was associated with many pollen grains of Cycadopites. Phylogenetic analyses indicate Cretoparacucujus as a sister group to the extant Australian Paracucujus, which pollinate the cycad Macrozamia riedlei. Our discovery, along with the current disjunct distribution of related beetle-herbivore (tribe Paracucujini) and cycad-host (tribe Encephalarteae) pairs in South Africa and Australia, indicate a probable ancient origin of beetle pollination of cycads at least in the Early Jurassic, long before angiosperm dominance and the radiation of flowering-plant pollinators later in the Cretaceous.

 Keywords: paleoecology, paleoethology, coevolution, plant-insect interactions, Burmese amber, pollination




Ecological reconstruction of the mid-Cretaceous beetle Cretoparacucujus cycadophilus.
Illustration: Chenyang Cai 

Figure 2. Photomicrographs of Cycad Pollen Grains Associated with Cretoparacucujus cycadophilus
 (A) General view of C. cycadophilus and aggregations of pollen grains by the beetle. (A’) Enlargement of an aggregation of three pollen grains. (A’’) Enlargement of a single grain. (B) Enlargement of three larger aggregations of pollen grains. (C) Enlargement of (B), showing 14 aggregated pollen grains. (D) Enlargement of (B), showing six aggregated pollen grains.

   


Systematic Paleontology
Order Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758.

Family Boganiidae Sen Gupta and Crowson, 1966.
Subfamily Paracucujinae Endrödy-Younga and Crowson, 1986.

Cretoparacucujus cycadophilus gen. et sp. nov. Cai and Escalona.

Material: Holotype, NIGP166883, female. Mid-Cretaceous amber (ca. 99 million years ago), Tanai, Kachin State, northern Myanmar.

Etymology: The generic name is a combination of creto- and the genus Paracucujus. The specific epithet is a combination of Greek kykas (meaning, cycad) and philia (meaning, friendly love or affection).

Diagnosis: Cretoparacucujus is distinguished from other boganiids by the following combination of characters: upper body surface sub-glabrous; head large, slightly wider than pronotum; antenna filiform, without antennal club; clypeus sub-triangular, apex widely notched medially; frontal carina meeting frontoclypeal sulcus; mandible long, nearly straight; maxillary palpus elongate, with maxillary palpomere 4 much shorter than palpomere 3; protibial apex not expanded; and elytral punctation seriate.

....


 Chenyang Cai, Hermes E. Escalona, Liqin Li, Ziwei Yin, Diying Huang and Michael S. Engel. 2018. Beetle Pollination of Cycads in the Mesozoic. Current Biology. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.06.036 

99-million-year-old beetle trapped in amber served as pollinator to evergreen cycads  phys.org/news/2018-08-million-year-old-beetle-amber-pollinator-evergreen.html via @physorg_com


↧

[Herpetology • 2018] Cnemaspis anamudiensis & C. maculicollis • Two New Species of Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Western Ghats of Kerala, India

August 17, 2018, 3:29 am
$
0
0

Cnemaspis anamudiensis 
Cyriac, Johny, Umesh & Palot, 2018


Abstract
Two new species of geckos of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 are described from the southern Western Ghats of Kerala. Both species are medium to large sized Cnemaspis and can be differentiated from all other Indian congeners by a suite of distinct morphological characters. Both species are found in the high elevation forests of the two major massifs — Anaimalai Hills and Agasthyamalai Hills and are presently known to have very restricted distributional ranges. The discovery of these novel species highlights the understudied diversity of reptiles in the high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cnemaspis, Gekkonidae, new species, southern Western Ghats


Cnemaspis maculicollis sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin word macula meaning spot and collus meaning neck referring to the distinctive necklace like white spots on the nape of this species. 

Distribution: .... Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam District of Kerala in the Agasthyamalai Hill complex; at an elevation range of 1200–1250 m. 

 Colour in life of male Cnemaspis anamudiensis sp.nov.  

Cnemaspis anamudiensis sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is named after the Anamudi reserve forest in Munnar of Idukki District of Kerala, the type and only known locality for this species. 

Distribution: ... Anamudi Reserve Forest in the Munnar Forest Division of Idukki District at an elevation range of 1860 – 1900 m. The area is contiguous with Eravikulam National Park and is near Anaimudi peak (2695m ASL), the highest peak in the Western Ghats. 


Vivek Philip Cyriac, Alex Johny, P.K. Umesh and Muhamed Jafer Palot. 2018. Description of Two New Species of Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Zootaxa. 4459(1); 85–100.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4459.1.3

↧

[Herpetology • 2018] Boophis masoala • Eye and Webbing Colouration As Predictors of Specific Distinctness: A Genetically Isolated New Treefrog Species of the Boophis albilabris Group from the Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Madagascar

August 20, 2018, 1:24 am
$
0
0

 Boophis masoala
 Glaw, Scherz, Prötzel & Vences, 2018

 SALAMANDRA. 54(3)

Abstract
 We describe a large and distinctive new treefrog species with blue webbing from the west coast of the Masoala peninsula in northeastern Madagascar. Boophis masoala sp. n. is morphologically similar to the other species of the Boophis albilabris group but can be distinguished from them easily by several chromatic characters of the eyes. Despite its similar morphology, it is genetically highly differentiated (10.5–13.3% pairwise p-distance in a segment of the 16S rRNA gene) from all other species in the B. albilabris group including the morphologically most similar Boophis praedictus. Both species share the blue webbing between toes and are distributed on the Masoala peninsula, but so far were not found in close sympatry. Although we recorded the new species only from the unprotected areas near the coast, we are confident that it also occurs within the adjacent Masoala National Park. We discuss the importance of eye colouration as a predictor of specific distinctness in the genus Boophis and that of webbing colouration as taxonomic characters of large treefrogs. Based on a micro-CT scan we provide a comprehensive description of the osteology of the new species, which is the first for any Boophis species, and furthermore describe its distress call which consists of three distinct sections corresponding to (1) the starting phase with closed mouth, (2) the opening of the mouth and (3) the final section with an open mouth. 

Key words: Amphibia, Anura, Mantellidae, Boophis masoala sp. n., biogeography, distress call, osteology



Boophis masoala sp. n. 

Diagnosis: Assigned to the genus Boophis based on the presence of an intercalary element between ultimate and penultimate phalanges of fingers and toes (verified by external and osteological examination), enlarged terminal discs of fingers and toes, lateral metatarsalia separated by webbing, absence of outer metatarsal tubercle, molecular phylogenetic relationships (Fig. 1), and overall similarity to other Boophis species. Assigned to the Boophis albilabris group based on the following combination of characters: large size (snout–vent length of holotype 82.4 mm); well developed webbing between fingers; presence of vomerine teeth; presence of a white line along upper lip; molecular phylogenetic relationships; and overall morphological similarity to B. praedictus and B. albilabris.
....

Figure 3. Boophis masoala sp. n.:
 (A) Holotype in dorsolateral and (B) ventral view.
Two additional individuals were sampled and sequenced but not collected: (C) ZSM-DNA 00289 and (D) ZSM-DNA 00290, both representing different colour morphs.

Habitat and habits: The holotype was discovered at night perching on branches ca. 3 meters above the ground, in close proximity (ca. 30 m) to the sea shore, but not close to any other water body. Another individual was discovered at night in a tree, ca. 4–5 m above the ground at the edge of the trail that leads from the shore to the EcoLodge, just above a small stream and likewise not more than ca. 50 m distance from the shore. The third individual was found in the same area, but only ca. 2 m above the ground.
....

Etymology: The specific epithet masoala is used as a noun in apposition and is composed of the Malagasy words ‘maso’ (meaning eye) and ‘ala’ (meaning forest), and is usually translated as ‘eye of the forest’ (e.g. Rübel 2003). In contrast to many other new Boophis species (e.g. B. feonnyala, meaning ‘voice of the forest’) which we noticed first by their distinctive advertisement calls, we discovered B. masoala by its large eyes shining many meters in the torchlight at night, and we did not hear its advertisement calls (in the dry season). In addition, its eye colour turned out to be species-specific, allowing us to distinguish B. masoala from all other species. The specific name furthermore refers to the known distribution of the new species, which might be endemic to the Masoala peninsula. 

Available names: The problems with the identity of the Boophis albilabris holotype were extensively discussed in Glaw et al. (2010) and since then, no new data have become available that would challenge its attribution to the widespread species which occurs mostly at higher elevations of eastern Madagascar. Since the type locality of B. albilabris (‘eastern Imerina’) is in central eastern Madagascar, where B. masoala most likely does not occur, conspecificity of B. masoala and B. albilabris can be excluded with very high probability.

  


Frank Glaw, Mark D. Scherz, David Prötzel and Miguel Vences. 2018. Eye and Webbing Colouration As Predictors of Specific Distinctness: A Genetically Isolated New Treefrog Species of the Boophis albilabris Group from the Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Madagascar. SALAMANDRA. 54(3); 163–177. 
Researchgate.net/publication/327075241_a_genetically_isolated_new_treefrog_species_of_the_Boophis_albilabris_group_from_the_Masoala_peninsula_northeastern_Madagascar

  


↧
↧

[Mammalogy • 2018] Multi-locus Phylogeny of the Tribe Tragelaphini (Mammalia, Bovidae) and Species Delimitation in Bushbuck: Evidence for Chromosomal Speciation Mediated by Interspecific Hybridization

August 20, 2018, 2:56 am
$
0
0


in Hassanin, Houck, Tshikung,et al., 2018. 

Highlights
• Two species of bushbuck: Tragelaphus scriptus in NW Africa and T. sylvaticus in SE Africa.
• The two species have 2n = 57M/58F and 2n = 33M/34F chromosomes, respectively.
• T. scriptus is related to T. angasii with mtDNA, and to T. sylvaticus with nuDNA.
 • Mitochondrial introgressive hybridization in the common ancestor of T. scriptus.
• Evidence for chromosomal speciation after an event of interspecific hybridization.


Abstract
The bushbuck is the most widespread bovid species in Africa. Previous mitochondrial studies have revealed a polyphyletic pattern suggesting the possible existence of two distinct species.

To assess this issue, we have sequenced 16 nuclear genes and one mitochondrial fragment (cytochrome b gene + control region) for most species of the tribe Tragelaphini, including seven bushbuck individuals belonging to the two divergent mtDNA haplogroups, Scriptus and Sylvaticus. Our phylogenetic analyses show that the Scriptus lineage is a sister-group of Sylvaticus in the nuclear tree, whereas it is related to Tragelaphus angasii in the mitochondrial tree. This mito-nuclear discordance indicates that the mitochondrial genome of Scriptus was acquired by introgression after one or several past events of hybridization between bushbuck and an extinct species closely related to T. angasii. The division into two bushbuck species is supported by the analyses of nuclear markers and by the karyotype here described for T. scriptus (2n= 57M/58F), which is strikingly distinct from the one previously found for T. sylvaticus (2n= 33M/34F). Molecular dating estimates suggest that the two species separated during the Early Pleistocene after an event of interspecific hybridization, which may have mediated massive chromosomal rearrangements in the common ancestor of T. scriptus.

Keywords: Spiral-horned antelopes, species complex, introgressive hybridization, chromosomes, cytogenetics


Figure 3. Bayesian divergence times (in million years ago, Mya) estimated using the nuclear concatenation of 16 genes (A) or the mitochondrial fragment (B). Divergence times were estimated with BEAST 2.4.7 (see main text for details). Taxa other than Tragelaphini were removed from the figures. Bold values at the nodes are mean ages. Grey bars and values between brackets represent the 95% Highest Posterior Density (HPD) interval.

 Alexandre Hassanin, Marlys L. Houck, Didier Tshikung, Blaise Kadjo, Heidi Davis and Anne Ropiquet. 2018. Multi-locus Phylogeny of the Tribe Tragelaphini (Mammalia, Bovidae) and Species Delimitation in Bushbuck: Evidence for Chromosomal Speciation Mediated by Interspecific Hybridization. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. In Press.  DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.08.006 

↧

[Paleontology • 2018] Roxochampsa paulistanus • Reassessment of the Enigmatic Crocodyliform “Goniopholis” paulistanus Roxo, 1936: Historical Approach, Systematic, and Description by New Materials

August 20, 2018, 3:24 am
$
0
0

 Roxochampsa paulistanus (Roxo, 1936)

Piacentini Pinheiro, Pereira, de Souza, Brum, Lopes, et al., 2018.
ex“Goniopholis” paulistanus Roxo, 1936:  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199984 

Abstract
The Crocodyliformes are the most represented vertebrate clade in the Upper Cretaceous sequences of the Bauru Group, Paraná Basin. However, some of the species described have an uncertain taxonomic status and phylogenetic position. For instance, “Goniopholis” paulistanus has been assigned as a nomem dubium, due to its description being based on scarce material. The “G”. paulistanus specimens (i.e. teeth and a left tibia) were discovered in two different localities in São Paulo state: Mirandópolis and Valparaíso municipalities; where the upper interval of the Adamantina Formation (Early Maastrichtian of Bauru Group) crops out. Revisiting these specimens, we observed multicrenulated teeth in middle dentary toot- row, a remarkable feature only shared with teleosaurids Machimosaurus hugii (Upper Jurassic of Laurasia) and M. rex (Lower Cretaceous of Tunisia). This apomorphy was also recognized in new material from the Alfredo Marcondes municipality (Presidente Prudente Formation), which are here also referred to “G”. paulistanus. We recognized the teeth of “G.” paulistanus as the lectotype, however the tibia cannot be assigned to a species as it was not collected in association with the teeth. We performed a phylogenetic analysis with a data matrix composed of 388 characters and 86 taxa, analyzed in TNT. The strict consensus tree recovered Neosuchia and Ziphosuchia (Notosuchia + Sebecia) within Mesoeucrocodylia. The species “G” paulistanus is valid, as a distinct and new genus within Sebecia, in a polytomy with Barreirosuchus, Pepesuchus, Itasuchus and Peirosaurus, forming the clade Itasuchidae. Stolokrosuchus is the sister taxon to Itasuchidae, the sister group of all other Sebecia (Peirosauridae (Mahajangasuchidae + Sebecidae and taxa affinis)). The clades Ziphosuchia, Sebecia and Itasuchidae are here redefined, and we find the last two clades to be more closely related to terrestrial notosuchids than to semiaquatic neosuchians.


Life reconstruction of Roxochampsa paulistanus.
(Illustration by Maurílio Oliveira)

Systematic paleontology

MESOEUCROCODYLIA Whetstone and Whybrow, 1983
ZIPHOSUCHIA modified from Ortega, Gasparini, Buscalioni and Calvo, 2000
SEBECIA modified from Larsson and Sues, 2007
ITASUCHIDAE modified from Carvalho, Ribeiro and Ávilla, 2004

Modified phylogenetic definition: all species closer to Itasuchus jesuinoi than to Barreirosuchus franciscoi, Montealtosuchus arrudacamposi, Mahajangasuchus insignis and Sebecus icaeorhinus (stem-based).

Roxochampsa gen. nov.


Genus etymology: Roxo in honor to an important vertebrate paleontologist from DGM, Mathias de Oliveria Roxo, and the Greek suffix Xαμψαι (Champsai Latinized as ‘‘champsa”) meaning crocodile.

Type species: Roxochampsa paulistanus Roxo, 1936.


Roxochampsa paulistanus (Roxo, 1936) comb. nov.

Basionym:Goniopholis paulistanus Roxo, 1936.

Lectotype: DGM 259-R, an isolated and acute tooth apex.

Paralectotype: DGM 258-R, an isolated and acute tooth apex (wider but lower than DGM 259-R).

Lectotype-paralectotype locality, lithology and horizon: Northwest of São Paulo state, between Três Lagoas (Jupiá old designation) and Araçatuba municipality, collected in a railway section of Noroeste do Brazil Railway. Top of the Adamantina Formation, Upper Cretaceous (Early Maastrichtian) of the Bauru Group, Paraná Basin.

Diagnosis: Roxochampsa paulistanus comb. nov. is a platyrostral notosuchian with an unique set of characters: at least nineteen teeth per hemimandible (eighteen teeth for Itasuchus and Pepesuchus, and at last twenty two for Caririsuchus); festooned dentary formed by two waves, being the first between d4-d5 and the second and more smoothy between d8-d14 (similar feature is shared with the others Itasuchidae species); presence of two alveoli couplets in mid-anterior portion of the mandible (d6/d7 and d8/d9) separated by a small diastema (shared with Itasuchus); splenial well participating in the mandibular symphysis, anteriorly reaching to d5-d6 (shared with Pepesuchus); mandibular symphysis is long, and is as broad as high (shared with Itasuchidae species); last two mandibular teeth sit in an alveolar groove (autapomorphy among Itasuchidae species); interlocking teeth arrangement known as "crocodyloid occlusion" (shared with Itasuchus and Pepesuchus); rostral and mid dentary teeth with apicobasal high relief ridges fully crenulated by pseudo-denticles (autapomorphy among Itasuchidae species).

Fig 2. Geological map of the Bauru Group, Paraná Basin (modified from Paula e Silva et al, 2009]). The outcrops that yielded Itasuchidae specimens is located with the crocodile outlines. A-B and C-D are regional geological sections.

Fig 6. Roxochampsa paulistanus comb. nov. (UFRJ-DG 501-R).
A- lateral view; B- medial view; C- detail, mesio-lingual surface view of tenth hemimandibular tooth; D- detail, lingual surface view of twelfth hemimandibular tooth; E- oclusal view; F- isolate tooth: a- lateral profile; b-lingual view; c- labial view.
Each scale bar = 10 mm. Legend in text.

Fig 7. Roxochampsa paulistanus comb. nov. (UFRJ-DG 451-R).
 A- lateral view; B- medial view; C- oclusal view; D- anterior view; E- posterior view. Each scale bar = 10 mm. Legend in text.


Fig 11. Calibrated strict consensus tree from 225 MLTs (1520 steps, CI = 0.304 and RI = 0.692). The phylogenetic relationships (thin lines) come from the strict consensus tree calibrated with the geological ages (chronostratigraphic chart). Thick lines represents the species temporal range based on specimens occurrence. Also, colors in thick lines represent the inferred habit for studied species.

Fig 12. Hemimandible comparisons between some mesoeucrocodylian taxa.
A- Roxochampsa paulistanus comb. nov. (UFRJ-DG 451-R), right hemimandible fragment; B- Roxochampsa paulistanus comb. nov. (UFRJ-DG 501-R), right hemimandible, lacking the anterior-most portion;
C- Itasuchus jesuinoi (DGM 434-R), left hemimandible fragment mirrored; D- Itasuchus sp. (MUGEO 218-V), right hemimandible fragment;
E- Pepesuchusdeiseae (MCT 1788-R), left hemimandible fragment mirrored; F- Machimosaurus buffetauti (SMNS 91415) right hemimandible; G- Goniopholis simus (IPB R359), right hemimandible;
H- Crocodylus niloticus (PV. 6524-R), right hemimandible; I- Caiman latirostris (DGM 156-RR), left hemimandible mirrored, J- Gavialis gangeticus (DGM 289-RR) right hemimandible.
Each scale bar = 10 mm. Legend in text.

Conclusions: 
The enigmatic taxon “Goniopholis” paulistanus was reanalyzed in the light of new material collected from the uppermost sequence of the Presidente Prudente Formation in Alfredo Marcondes municipality, Early Maastrichtian, correlated level in the Adamantina Formation first record of Valparaíso and Mirandópolis regions, allowing us to validate the species in a new taxonomic combination Roxochampsa paulistanus. Based on the dubious nature of Goniopholis occurrences in South America, and the disparity in mandibular morphology between Goniopholididae and this species, the new genus Roxochampsa is here proposed.

The new material reveals another tooth morphology present in the Bauru Group, just only verified for Roxochampsa paulistanus and the thalattosuchians teleosaurids: Machimosaurus hugii and M. rex, in which the tooth crown exhibits the main carinae and additionally secondary ones (high relief apicobasal ridges) crenulated by pseudo-denticles. However, the morphological tooth similarities among itasuchids with some neosuchians as goniopholids and some teleosaurids, it reveals a pattern of dental convergence within Mesoeucrocodylia, that lacks a phylogenetic signal.

In our cladistic analysis Roxochampsa paulistanus was recovered in the node Itasuchidae, being closed related to Caririsuchus, Itasuchus, and Pepesuchus. This clade is nested within Sebecia, which is here founded to be the major sister group to Notosuchia, both composing a more inclusive clade Ziphosuchia. Thus, the neocretacic mesoeucrocodylian fauna for South America was formed by terrestrialized and continental semi-aquatic forms from two distinct clades: notosuchians, well-adapted for terrestrial niches (e.g. Uruguaysuchidae, Sphagesauridae, Baurusuchidae), and sebecians as more generic forms that included numerous reversions to an semiaquatic lifestyle (e.g. itasuchids, Stolokrosuchus, Mahajangasuchus and Lorosuchus). In accordance with previous works, we found many homoplastic characters for Crocodyliformes, which could imply a mosaic evolutionary pattern, heavily influenced by the ancestral crocodyliform bauplan.


André E. Piacentini Pinheiro , Paulo Victor Luiz Gomes da Costa Pereira, Rafael G. de Souza, Arthur S. Brum, Ricardo T. Lopes, Alessandra S. Machado, Lílian P. Bergqvist and Felipe M. Simbras. 2018. Reassessment of the Enigmatic Crocodyliform "Goniopholis"paulistanus Roxo, 1936: Historical Approach, Systematic, and Description by New Materials.  PLoS ONE. 13(8): e0199984. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199984
 facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=437640480075549&id=311082032731395

   

↧

[Botany • 2018] Eight New Species of Polystichum (subg. Haplopolystichum; Dryopteridaceae) from Limestone Caves in Guangdong and Yunnan, China, with Reference to Species Diversity in the Karst Terrains at High Elevations in Subtropical Areas

August 21, 2018, 12:01 am
$
0
0

Polystichum deltatum

in Han,Liu & Zhang, 2018. 

Abstract
Eight new fern species of Polystichum subg. Haplopolystichum (Dryopteridaceae) are described and illustrated from Guangdong and Yunnan provinces, southern and southwestern China, respectively. These eight species include P. deltatum, P. gejiuense, P. malipoense, P. oblongipinnarum, P. pingbianense, P. rectum, and P. superum from Yunnan, and P. hanmengqii from Guangdong. Four of the eight species are described from high elevations (around 2000 m) demonstrating that the limestone areas at high elevations in subtropical areas are species-rich and deserve special conservation attention. All eight species are so far known only from single caves; they are all classified as Critically Endangered (CR) following IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: Pteridophytes, Guangdong, high elevations, limestone caves, Polystichum subg. Haplopolystichum, Yunnan


Meng-Qi Han,Yan Liu and Li-Bing Zhang. 2018. Eight New Species of Polystichum (subg. Haplopolystichum; Dryopteridaceae) from Limestone Caves in Guangdong and Yunnan, China, with Reference to Species Diversity in the Karst Terrains at High Elevations in Subtropical Areas. Phytotaxa. 365(2); 145–168. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.365.2.3

↧
Search

[Botany • 2018] Silvorchis vietnamica (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae, Vietorchidinae) • A New Miniature Mycotrophic Species from southern Vietnam

August 21, 2018, 12:39 am
$
0
0

Silvorchis vietnamica Aver., Dinh & K.S. Nguyen

in Averyanov, Nguyen, Nguyen, Dinh & Maisak, 2018. 

Abstract
A second species of Silvorchis, until now considered to be a presumably extinct monotypic genus endemic to western Java has been discovered in southern Vietnam. The species, here named as Silvorchis vietnamica, is described and illustrated, with data on its distribution, ecology, phenology and estimated conservation status. A key for identification of the two known species of the genus is also provided. The taxonomic affinities and phylogenetic placement of the newly discovered plant are briefly discussed.

Keywords: Flora of Vietnam, plant diversity, Silvorchis


Silvorchis J. J. Sm. 
(Smith 1907, p. 2, Comber 1990, p. 60) 

Type: S. colorata J. J. Sm. 
2 species in western Java and southern Vietnam.

Silvorchis colorata J. J. Sm. 
(Smith 1907, p. 3, Comber 1990, p. 60)
 Described from Java.  

Distribution, habitat and conservation status: Small achlorophyllous terrestrial herb. Only found once in western Java and only known from the type specimen. Endemic. Humid evergreen montane forests. Around 1600 m a.s.l. 
 Presumably ‘Extinct’ (EX).


Figure 1. Silvorchis vietnamica sp. nov. Flowering plant in its natural habitat.

Photos by Van Dzu Nguyen and Quang Diep Dinh,
correction and design by L. Averyanov.

Silvorchis vietnamica Aver., Dinh & K.S. Nguyen sp. nov.

Etymology: Species name refers to country of its origin.



Leonid V. Averyanov, Van Dzu Nguyen, Khang Sinh Nguyen, Quang Diep Dinh and Tatiana V. Maisak. 2018. Silvorchis vietnamica (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae, Vietorchidinae), A New Miniature Mycotrophic Species from southern Vietnam. Nordic Journal of Botany.  e01883. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01883
Researchgate.net/publication/318861665_Present_data_on_Vietnam_orchid_inventory

↧
↧

[Botany • 2018] Thismia kelantanensis (Thismiaceae) • A New Species from Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

August 21, 2018, 9:42 pm
$
0
0

Thismia kelantanensis  Siti-Munirah

in Siti-Munirah, 2018. 

Summary
A new species of Thismiaceae, Thismia kelantanensis Siti-Munirah, found in deep forest in the state of Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia, is described and illustrated. Thismia kelantanensis is characterised by its mitriform inner tepals, so falls within section Sarcosiphon. This species closely resembles T. clavigera (Becc.) F. Muell. from Malaysia (Sarawak and Langkawi) and Thailand and T. betung-kerihunensis Tsukaya & H. Okada from Kalimantan, Indonesia. However, it differs in flower shape, colour, the warty claviform appendages and the mitriform hood-shaped forms in six parts on its mitre.

Key Words: Dioscoreales, Malesia, mycoheterotroph, new species, taxonomy, Titiwangsa Range 


Fig. 1. Thismia kelantanensis Siti-Munirah.
 A plant habit with mature flower; B flower; C involucral bracts and young bud; D roots E tip of claviform appendages; F warty claviform appendages; G view from above; H filament ribbon-shaped; J – K mitre; L double hoodshaped overlay; M pendulous stamen.
Photos: M. Y. Siti-Munirah.

Thismia kelantanensis Siti-Munirah sp. nov. 

Distribution: Malaysia: Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan.

Etymology: The epithet refers to the state, Kelantan, where it was found.


Siti-Munirah Mat Yunoh. 2018. Thismia kelantanensis (Thismiaceae), A New Species from Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. Kew Bulletin. September 2018, 73:42.  DOI: 10.1007/s12225-018-9767-0
facebook.com/KewBulletin/photos/2248864065346945


↧

[Arachnida • 2018] Antillobisium tomasi • A New Antillobisium Species (Pseudoscorpiones: Bochicidae) from Cuba, with Biogeographical and Ecological Remarks on the Genus

August 22, 2018, 9:04 pm
$
0
0

Antillobisium tomasi
 Díaz, Zaragoza & Iborra, 2018


Abstract
A new troglobitic species of the genus Antillobisium is described from Sancti Spiritus province, Cuba. Antillobisium tomasi n. sp. is the third known species of the genus and is well characterized by its large size and extremely slender appendages. Biogeographical and ecological considerations on the genus are given.

Keywords: Arachnida, Cave, hypogean, karst, pseudoscorpions, relict, troglobitic


 Superfamily Neobisioidea Chamberlin, 1930 
Family Bochicidae Chamberlin, 1930 
Subfamily Bochicinae Chamberlin, 1930 
Genus Antillobisium Dumitresco & Orghidan, 1977
A. vachoniDumitresco & Orghidan, 1977 
A. mitchelli Dumitresco & Orghidan, 1977

 Antillobisium tomasi n. sp., male habitus.

Antillobisium tomasi n. sp.

Etymology. The species is named after the Cuban biospeleologist and arachnologist Tomás Michel Rodríguez, who collected the holotype.


 René Barba Díaz, Juan A. Zaragoza and Germán López Iborra. 2018. A New Antillobisium Species (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones: Bochicidae) from Cuba, with Biogeographical and Ecological Remarks on the Genus. Zootaxa. 4461(3); 399–410.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4464.3.5


Resumen: Se describe una nueva especie troglobia del género Antillobisium de la provincia de Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. Antillobisium tomasi n. sp. es la tercera especie conocida del género y está bien caracterizada por su gran tamaño y por sus artejos extremadamente esbeltos en comparación con las otras. Se dan consideraciones biogeográficas y ecológicas sobre el género.

↧

[Ichthyology • 2018] Barbus anatolicus • A New Barbel (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak River Drainages in northern Anatolia

August 22, 2018, 9:29 pm
$
0
0

Barbus anatolicus
Turan, Kaya, Geiger & Freyhof, 2018


Abstract
Barbus anatolicus, new species, is described from the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak River drainages in the southern Black Sea basin. It is distinguished from other Barbus species in the Middle East by having 58–71 total lateral line scales, a moderately ossified last simple dorsal-fin ray, serrated along about 70–80% of its posterior margin, many small irregular shaped black or brown spots, smaller or as large as scales, often forming large, dark-brown blotches on the head, back and flank in adults and juveniles, and a concave posterior dorsal-fin margin. In addition, DNA barcode data reject the hypothesis that it belongs to one of the other species of the B. barbus species group. Barbus bergi from Bulgaria and adjacent Turkey is treated as synonym of B. tauricus. Barbus tauricus was previously believed to be restricted to the Crimean Peninsula but is found to be widespread in the Black Sea basin.

Keywords: Pisces, freshwater fish, Middle East, taxonomy, morphology, cytochrome oxidase I



FIGURE 4. Barbus anatolicus, from the top,
 FSJF 3104, 136 mm SL; Turkey: Yeşilırmak River drainage;
 FSJF 2902, paratype, 236 mm SL; Turkey: Kızılırmak River.

Barbus anatolicus, new species

Etymology. The name of the species is derived from Anatolia. An adjective. 
  



Davut Turan, Cüneyt Kaya, Matthias Geiger and Jörg Freyhof. 2018. Barbus anatolicus, A New Barbel from the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak River Drainages in northern Anatolia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).  Zootaxa. 4461(4); 539–557.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4461.4.5

↧

[Herpetology • 2018] Origin and Hidden Diversity within the Poorly Known Pseudalsophis Galápagos Snake Radiation (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)

August 23, 2018, 1:20 am
$
0
0


 live specimens of the Galápagos snakes: 
(5) Pseudalsophis thomasi sp. nov. yellow morph from Santiago Island, (6) Pseudalsophis thomasi sp. nov. brown morph from Santiago Island, (7) Pseudalsophis hephaestus sp. nov. from Santiago Island, (8) Pseudalsophis steindachneri from Santa Cruz Island, (9) Pseudalsophis slevini from Pinzón Island, (10) Pseudalsophis darwini sp. nov. from Tortuga Island. 

Zaher, Yánez-Muñoz, Rodrigues, Graboski, Machado, et al., 2018
Abstract
Galápagos snakes are among the least studied terrestrial vertebrates of the Archipelago. Here, we provide a phylogenetic analysis and a time calibrated tree for the group, based on a sampling of the major populations known to occur in the Archipelago. Our study revealed the presence of two previously unknown species from Santiago and Rábida Islands, and one from Tortuga, Isabela, and Fernandina. We also recognize six additional species of Pseudalsophis in the Galápagos Archipelago (Pseudalsophis biserialis from San Cristobal, Floreana and adjacent islets; Pseudalsophis hoodensis from Española and adjacent islets; Pseudalsophis dorsalis from Santa Cruz, Baltra, Santa Fé, and adjacent islets; Pseudalsophis occidentalis from Fernandina, Isabela, and Tortuga; Pseudalsophis slevini from Pinzon, and Pseudalsophis steindachneri from Baltra, Santa Cruz and adjacent islets). Our time calibrated tree suggests that the genus Pseudalsophis colonized the Galápagos Archipelago through a single event of oceanic dispersion from the coast of South America that occurred at approximately between 6.9 Ma and 4.4 Ma, near the Miocene/Pliocene boundary. 

Key words: Dipsadidae, divergence time estimation, island speciation, molecular phylogeny, Pseudalsophis, Serpentes
   

Figure 4. Photographs of live specimens of the Galápagos snakes:
Pseudalsophis hoodensis from Española Island (4.1), Pseudalsophis biserialis from San Cristóbal Island (4.2), Pseudalsophis occidentalis from Fernandina Island (4.3), Pseudalsophis dorsalis from Santa Fé Island (4.4), Pseudalsophis thomasi sp. nov. yellow morph from Santiago Island (4.5), Pseudalsophis thomasi sp. nov. brown morph from Santiago Island (4.6), Pseudalsophis hephaestus sp. nov. from Santiago Island (4.7), Pseudalsophis steindachneri from Santa Cruz Island (4.8), Pseudalsophis slevini from Pinzón Island (4.9), Pseudalsophis darwini sp. nov. from Tortuga Island (4.10). 

Pseudalsophis thomasi sp. nov.

ETYMOLOGY: A patronym honouring Robert A. Thomas for expanding our knowledge of the systematics and taxonomy of New World snakes.

Pseudalsophis hephaestus sp. nov.

ETYMOLOGY: From the Greek Ἥφαιστος (Hephaestus), name of the son of Zeus and Hera, God of fire and volcanoes (but also of blacksmiths, carpenters, and artisans), in allusion to the volcanic environment in which this species lives.

Pseudalsophis darwini sp. nov. 
ETYMOLOGY: The specific name, a noun in the genitive case, honours Charles Darwin for his invaluable contribution to our knowledge of the Galápagos Archipelago and to Science.


Figure 9. Phylogenetic and morphological diversification of Pseudalsophis in the Galápagos Archipelago.
 (9.1) depicts the phylogeny mapped onto the Archipelago’s map. Silhouettes represent the continental (green); large insular (blue), and small insular (red) morphotypes recognized in this study, and their occurrences in the islands. Question marks indicate populations that are known to occur in a specific island but were not sampled for genetic material.  


Hussam Zaher, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Miguel T. Rodrigues, Roberta Graboski, Fabio A. Machado, Marco Altamirano-Benavides, Sandro L. Bonatto and Felipe G. Grazziotin. 2018.  Origin and Hidden Diversity within the Poorly Known Galápagos Snake Radiation (Serpentes: Dipsadidae). Systematics and Biodiversity.  DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2018.1478910   
↧
↧

[Entomology • 2018] Review of the Family Coccidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) in Laos

August 23, 2018, 1:30 am
$
0
0

Coccus celatus De Lotto, 1960

in Choi,  Soysouvanh, Lee & Hong, 2018
DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4460.1.1 

Abstract
The family Coccidae Fallén, 1814 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha), known as soft scale insects, is represented in Laos by 26 species. This includes 15 new country records: Ceroplastes cirripediformis (Comstock, 1881), C. floridensis Comstock, 1881, Coccus capparidis (Green, 1904), C. celatus De Lotto, 1960, C. formicarii (Green, 1896), C. gymnospori (Green, 1908), C. latioperculatum (Green, 1922), Drepanococcus cajani (Maskell, 1891), Eucalymnatus tessellatus (Signoret, 1873), Megapulvinaria maxima (Green, 1904), Paralecanium expansum (Green, 1896), Pulvinaria floccifera (Westwood, 1870), P. psidii Maskell, 1893, Saissetia miranda (Cockerell & Parrott in Cockerell, 1899), and S. oleae (Olivier, 1791). An identification key to adult females of all the soft scale species known from Laos is provided, together with diagnoses, photographs and host information. The economic importance of each species is also discussed.

Keywords: Hemiptera, scale insect, soft scale insect, new country records, taxonomy


Coccus celatus De Lotto, 1960; population of females in life.


Jinyeong Choi,  Pheophanh Soysouvanh, Seunghwan Lee and Ki-Jeong Hong. 2018. Review of the Family Coccidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) in Laos. Zootaxa. 4460(1); 1-61. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4460.1.1

↧

[Paleontology • 2018] Eorhynchochelys sinensis • A Triassic Stem Turtle with An Edentulous Beak

August 23, 2018, 2:54 am
$
0
0

Eorhynchochelys sinensis 
Li, Fraser, Rieppel & Wu, 2018

  DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0419-1 

Abstract
The early evolution of turtles continues to be a contentious issue in vertebrate palaeontology. Recent reports have suggested that they are diapsids but the position of turtles within Diapsida is controversial and the sequence of acquisition of turtle synapomorphies remains unclear. Here we describe a Triassic turtle from China that has a mixture of derived characters and plesiomorphic features. To our knowledge, it represents the earliest known stem turtle with an edentulous beak and a rigid puboischiadic plate. The discovery of this new form reveals a complex early history of turtles.



Fig. 1: The holotype of Eorhynchochelys sinensis (SMMP 000016).
 Complete articulated skeleton, as preserved.

Reptilia Laurenti, 1768
Pantestudines Joyce, Parham and Gauthier, 200414

Eorhynchochelys sinensis gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. Eo- (dawn), rhyncho- (beak), chelys (turtle): the earliest turtle with a beak; sinensis, from China. ("Ay-oh-rink-oh-keel-is")

Holotype. Sanya Museum of Marine Paleontology (SMMP) 000016 in Hainan Province, China, an articulated specimen displaying the postcranium in dorsal view, and the skull in ventral view (the skull and pelvis were prepared from both sides).

Locality. Heshangjing of Baiyuncun, Xinpuxiang, Guanling District, Guizhou Province, southwestern China.

Horizon. The upper unit of the lower part of the Wayao Member of the Falang Formation, approximately 8.5 m above the top of the Zhuganpo Member; Late Triassic (Carnian age).

Diagnosis. A stem pantestudine of large size; proportionately small skull broadly triangular in outline; supratemporal fenestra closed; infratemporal fenestra partially open; edentulous beak; pleurodont tooth implantation; teeth on parabasisphenoid; 12 dorsal vertebrae; neural spines with disc-like dorsal tables in cervical vertebra 8 to caudal 5; dorsal ribs 1 through 10 horizontally (anteroposteriorly) broadened, T-shaped in cross-section; rigid puboischiadic plate with median ventral keel; and ischium with posterior elongation.
....


 


Chun Li, Nicholas C. Fraser, Olivier Rieppel and Xiao-Chun Wu. 2018. A Triassic Stem Turtle with An Edentulous Beak. Nature. 560; 476–479. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0419-1

230-million-year-old turtle fossil deepens mystery of reptile's origins  nature.com/articles/d41586-018-06012-0
Fossil turtle didn't have a shell yet, but had the first toothless turtle beak  phys.org/news/2018-08-fossil-turtle-didnt-shell-toothless.html via @physorg_com

   

↧
Search

[Herpetology • 2018] On Rhinella gildae (Anura: Bufonidae): Phylogenetic Relationship, Morphological Variation, Advertisement and Release Calls and Geographic Distribution

August 26, 2018, 9:10 pm
$
0
0

Rhinella gildae Vaz-Silva, Maciel, Bastos & Pombal 2015

in Ávila, Pansonato, Perez, Carvalho, Roberto, et al., 2018.  

Abstract
Anurans in the Rhinella margaritifera group have a long history of taxonomic confusion, mainly by morphological similarity between species and lack of acoustic and genetic data for many of the 19 described species. Herein, we presented data for Rhinella gildae based on recently collected specimens from its type locality. We provide patterns of morphological variation, measurements, advertisement and release calls and infer the phylogenetic position of R. gildae. The species geographical distribution was updated, occurring in two Amazonian localities in Maranhão state, and Cerrado areas in Maranhão and Tocantins states and also in a rainforest enclave inside Caatinga domain in Ceará state.

Keywords: Amphibia, bioacoustics, morphology, Rhinella margaritifera



Robson Waldemar Ávila, André Pansonato, Renata Perez, Vinicius Tadeu de Carvalho, Igor Joventino Roberto, Drausio Honorio Morais, Alexandre Pinheiro de Almeida., Rommel Rojas, Marcelo Gordo and Izeni Pires Farias. 2018.  On Rhinella gildae Vaz-Silva, Maciel, Bastos & Pombal 2015 (Anura: Bufonidae): Phylogenetic Relationship, Morphological Variation, Advertisement and Release Calls and Geographic Distribution. Zootaxa. 4462(2); 274–290. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4462.2.9

↧

[Mammalogy • 2018] A Revision of Kerivoula hardwickii and Occurrence of K. furva (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in China

August 26, 2018, 9:17 pm
$
0
0

 Kerivoula furva  Kuo, Soisook, Ho, Csorba, Wang & Rossiter, 2017

in Yu, Li, Csorba, et al., 2018.
 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4461.1.2 
Photo: Wen-Hua Yu. 

Abstract
Although increased survey efforts using improved capture methods (particularly harp traps) have greatly expanded the quantity of Kerivoula specimens available in China, the understanding of the genus has been long constrained. After the recently published revision of the hardwickii-complex with the description of K. furvaand re-evaluation of occurrence of K. titania in Taiwan, the critical overview of the previous data of Chinese Kerivoula (with the exception of K. picta, a strikingly colored and unmistakable species) is imperative. To clarify the taxonomy and distribution of the hardwickii-complex in China, 40 additional specimens collected from South China were studied through detailed morphological comparisons, multivariate statistical methods and phylogenetic inference. Our results evidently classified these specimens as K. furva instead of K. titania or K. hardwickii sensu stricto and together with the critical review of literature data indicate that all previous Chinese records of the two latter species were based on either misidentifications or outdated taxonomy. K. furva have so far been recorded in the Chinese provinces of Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Yunnan and Taiwan, but more field surveys are needed to confirm whether it could be found in other nearby provinces.

Keywords: Mammalia, distribution, species determination, woolly bats


 Kerivoula furva from Jiangxi (GZHU 14132)
Photo: Wen-Hua Yu.


 Wen-Hua Yu, Feng Li, Gábor Csorba, Zhong-Xian Xu, Xiao-Yun Wang, Wei-Jian Guo, Yu-Chun Li and Yi Wu. 2018. A Revision of Kerivoula hardwickii and Occurrence of K. furva (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in China. Zootaxa. 4461(1); 45–56.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4461.1.2
Hao-Chih Kuo, Pipat Soisook, Ying-Yi Ho, Gabor Csorba, Chun-Neng Wang and Stephen J. Rossiter. 2017. A Taxonomic Revision of the Kerivoula hardwickii complex (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) with the Description of A New Species.   Acta Chiropterologica. 19(1); 19-39.  DOI: 10.3161/15081109ACC2017.19.1.002

↧
↧

[Herpetology • 2018] Lankanectes pera • A New Frog Species (Anura, Nyctibatrachidae) from Rapidly Dwindling Cloud Forest Streams of Sri Lanka

August 26, 2018, 11:44 pm
$
0
0

Lankanectes pera  
Senevirathne, Samarawickrama, Wijayathilaka, Manamendra-Arachchi, Bowatte, Samarawickrama & Meegaskumbura, 2018


Abstract
The monotypic genus Lankanectes, considered an evolutionary long branch with India’s Nyctibatrachus as its sister lineage, is represented by L. corrugatus, a species widely distributed within the wet zone of Sri Lanka up to 1500 m asl, where it inhabits a variety of lotic and lentic habitats. Here, following an integrative taxonomic approach using DNA-based phylogenies, morphology, morphometry, and ecological niche models, we describe a new species — Lankanectes pera sp. nov. The new species is distinguished from its sister species mainly by its tuberculated throat and absence of dark patches on venter, throat, manus and pes. The uncorrected genetic distances between the two Lankanectes species for a fragment of the non-coding mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene is 3.5–3.7%. The new species has a very restricted climatic distribution with a total predicted area of only 360 km2 (vs. 14,120 km2 for L. corrugatus). Unlike L. corrugatus, which prefers muddy substrates and marshy areas, the new species is observed inhabiting only pristine streams flowing through canopy covered montane forests in the highest reaches of the Knuckles Mountain range. The specialized new species will need immediate conservation attention due to its restricted distribution (montane isolate), specialized habit of inhabiting clear mountain streams, and small population size.

Keywords: Amphibia, Ecological niche models, General lineage concept, Knuckles Mountains, Montane-isolate



Lankanectes pera sp. nov. in life, SVL 22.40 mm; Dorsolateral view

Lankanectes pera, sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet pera is applied as a noun in apposition. It is a reference to the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, affectionately referred to as “Pera” by its alumni. 

Distribution: Lankanectespera sp. nov. is restricted to streams flowing through the montane forests on highest peaks of the Knuckles Mountain range—1100 m asl, in Dothalugala and Bamabarella and Riverston regions.




 Gayani Senevirathne, V.A.M.P.K. Samarawickrama, Nayana Wijayathilaka, Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi, G. Bowatte, D.R.N.S. Samarawickrama and Madhava Meegaskumbura. 2018. A New Frog Species from Rapidly Dwindling Cloud Forest Streams of Sri Lanka—Lankanectes pera (Anura, Nyctibatrachidae).  Zootaxa. 4461(4); 519–538. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4461.4.4

  

↧

[Botany • 2018] Lectotypification of Thismia arachnites (Thismiaceae), A Mysterious Species Newly Reported for Thailand

August 27, 2018, 12:09 am
$
0
0

Thismia arachnites Ridl.

in Chantanaorrapint, 2018. 

Summary
Thismia arachnites Ridl., previously known only from Perak, Malaysia, is newly reported in tropical lowland forest in south-eastern and peninsular Thailand. A detailed description and photographs are provided. In addition, a lectotype is also designated here.

Key Words: Distribution, mycoheterotrophic, Thai-Malay Peninsula, typification 

Fig. 2. Thismia arachnites Ridl.
A – C plants in natural habitat, A – B from Tarutao Island, Satun province, C from Khao Cha Mao Waterfall, Chantaburi province; D flower (side view); E longitudinal section of flower.
Photos: S. Chantanaorrapint.


Thismia arachnites Ridl. (Ridley 1905: 197). 
Type: illustration of Thismia arachnites, Malaysia, Perak Hills, tea gardens, Feb. 1904,
 drawn by H. N. Ridley (lectotype K!, selected here, Fig. 1).

DISTRIBUTION: Malaysia and Thailand. 
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY: In Thailand, Thismia arachnites was found growing on humus, in lowland evergreen forests; alt. 50 – 250 m.


Thismia arachnites Ridl.


Sahut Chantanaorrapint. 2018. Lectotypification of Thismia arachnites (Thismiaceae), A Mysterious Species Newly Reported for Thailand. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-018-9765-2 
 facebook.com/KewBulletin/photos/2249964171903601   


↧

[Paleontology • 2018] Invictarx zephyri • A New Nodosaurid Ankylosaur (Dinosauria: Thyreophora) from the Upper Cretaceous Menefee Formation of New Mexico

August 27, 2018, 12:37 am
$
0
0

 Invictarx zephyri 
McDonald​ & Wolfe, 2018

   DOI:  10.7717/peerj.5435 
Illustration by Kara Kelley

Abstract
Nodosauridae is a clade of armored dinosaurs with a rich fossil record and long history of study in North America. Nodosaurid fossils have been collected throughout the western United States and Canada. Here, we report three new nodosaurid specimens from the Upper Cretaceous (lower Campanian) Allison Member of the Menefee Formation, San Juan Basin, northwestern New Mexico. The three specimens belong to a new genus and species, Invictarx zephyri, characterized by a unique combination of features pertaining to the morphology of the osteoderms. Among the three specimens there are representative cervical/pectoral and thoracic osteoderms, as well as components of a probable co-ossified pelvic shield. The new tax on is most similar to Glyptodontopelta mimus from the Maastrichtian of New Mexico.


Figure 1: Stratigraphic occurrences of Invictarx zephyri and other ankylosaurs from the San Juan Basin.
Generalized stratigraphic column of Upper Cretaceous strata in the San Juan Basin, northwestern New Mexico, showing the stratigraphic positions of the nodosaurids I. zephyri and Glyptodontopelta mimus and the ankylosaurids Ahshislepelta minor, Nodocephalosaurus kirtlandensis, and Ziapelta sanjuanensis. Ankylosaur occurrence data are from Sullivan & Lucas (2015).
Nodosaurid silhouette by Scott Hartman (creativecommons.org), and ankylosaurid silhouette by Andrew A. Farke (creativecommons.org), both available from PhyloPic. Stratigraphic column is derived from data in Miller, Carey & Thompson-Rizer (1991), Molenaar et al. (2002), Sullivan & Lucas (2006), and Fowler (2017).



Illustration by Kara Kelley 

Systematic paleontology
Dinosauria Owen, 1842, sensu Baron, Norman & Barrett, 2017
Ornithischia Seeley, 1888, sensu Sereno, 2005

Thyreophora Nopcsa, 1915, sensu Sereno, 2005
Ankylosauria Osborn, 1923, sensu Sereno, 2005
Nodosauridae Marsh, 1890, sensu Sereno, 2005

Invictarx zephyri gen. et sp. nov.

Holotype: WSC 16505, incomplete postcranial skeleton including fragments of a dorsal rib, six complete or partial identifiable osteoderms (WSC 16505.1–WSC 16505.6), and fragments of additional osteoderms.

Referred specimens: Natural History Museum of Utah (UMNH) VP 28350, incomplete postcranial skeleton including three dorsal vertebrae, fragments of dorsal ribs, distal end of left humerus, distal end of left ulna, proximal ends of left and right radii, incomplete metacarpal, numerous incomplete but identifiable osteoderms, and fragments of additional osteoderms; UMNH VP 28351, incomplete postcranial skeleton including fragments of several dorsal centra, fragments of dorsal ribs, numerous incomplete but identifiable osteoderms, and fragments of additional osteoderms.

Etymology: Invictarx is derived from the Latin words invictus (“invincible, unconquerable”) and arx (“fortress”), in reference to the well-armored nature of ankylosaurian dinosaurs. The specific name, zephyri, is the genitive form of the Latin masculine noun zephyrus, “west wind,” in reference to the blustery conditions that prevail among the outcrops where the specimens were discovered. The full name may be translated as “unconquerable fortress of the western wind.”

Locality: All specimens were collected in San Juan County, New Mexico, on land administered by the U.S. BLM. Precise locality data are on file at WSC, UMNH, and the BLM.

Horizon: All specimens were collected from outcrops of the Juans Lake Beds (Miller, Carey & Thompson-Rizer, 1991) (Fig. 1), upper part of the Allison Member, Menefee Formation; lower Campanian, Upper Cretaceous (Molenaar et al., 2002; Lucas et al., 2005).

Specific diagnosis (as for genus by monotypy): nodosaurid ankylosaur distinguished by the following unique combination of characters: (1) observable on WSC 16505, UMNH VP 28350, and UMNH VP 28351 cervical/pectoral, thoracic, and pelvic osteoderms exhibit overall smooth surface texture, with little or no projecting rugosity, with abundant pits distributed randomly over the entire external surface, and with no neurovascular grooves or a small number of bifurcating and non-bifurcating neurovascular grooves distributed randomly, similar to Glyptodontopelta mimus but lacking the dense pattern of dendritic grooves that characterizes that taxon (Burns, 2008; Burns & Currie, 2014); (2) observable on WSC 16505 and UMNH VP 28351 some thoracic osteoderms exhibit a low, rounded keel with a deep groove extending craniocaudally along the apex, also present in the ankylosaurids Anodontosaurus lambei (Fig. 13G in Penkalski (2018)) and Platypelta coombsi (Fig. 13O in Penkalski (2018)) (P. Penkalski, 2018, personal communication), but absent in G. mimus (Burns, 2008); and (3) observable on UMNH VP 28351 probably possessed a co-ossified pelvic shield consisting of polygonal osteoderms of uniform size (Category 3 of Arbour, Burns & Currie (2011)), similar to some other nodosaurids, including Nodosaurus textilis (Lull, 1921), Stegopelta landerensis (Moodie, 1910), G. mimus (Ford, 2000; Burns, 2008), and Europelta carbonensis (Kirkland et al., 2013), as well as the ankylosaurid Aletopelta coombsi (Ford & Kirkland, 2001; Arbour & Currie, 2016).
....



Conclusions: 
The new nodosaurid I. zephyri provides further insight into the poorly known vertebrate fossil record of the Allison Member of the Menefee Formation. Although the known material is fragmentary, the osteoderms exhibit a unique combination of characters. The occurrence of Invictarx in the early Campanian of southern Laramidia aligns with previous hypotheses that nodosaurids were present in Laramidia throughout the Late Cretaceous, even as ankylosaurids suffered a local extinction and later reinvaded from Asia (Arbour, Zanno & Gates, 2016).


Andrew T. McDonald​ and Douglas G. Wolfe. 2018. A New Nodosaurid Ankylosaur (Dinosauria: Thyreophora) from the Upper Cretaceous Menefee Formation of New Mexico. PeerJ. 6:e5435.  DOI:  10.7717/peerj.5435

↧
Viewing all 10283 articles
Browse latest View live
Search
<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>