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[Entomology • 2018] The Neotropical Species of Clistopyga (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae). Part II: the Clistopyga isayae species group, with the Description of Seven New Species

September 5, 2018, 2:44 am
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Clistopyga crassicaudata 
Palacio, Bordera, Sääksjärvi & Díaz, 2018


Abstract
The New World Clistopyga isayae species group is revised. Seven species are described as new: Clistopyga crassicaudata sp. nov., C. isayae sp. nov., C. kalima sp. nov., C. nigriventris sp. nov., C. panchei sp. nov., C. splendida sp. nov. and C. taironae sp. nov. An illustrated identification key to all species of the group is provided. The Clistopyga isayae species group is composed entirely of previously undescribed species mainly from Andean forests of tropical South America.

 Keywords: Hymenoptera, South America, taxonomy, parasitoid wasps, new species, key, Amazonia, Andes, spiders

Clistopyga crassicaudata sp. nov., ♀ holotype.

A new wasp species unknown to science differs from other parasitoid wasps due to its massive stinger. The new species named Clistopyga crassicaudata was discovered in the western Amazonia.
photo: Kari Kaunisto

Clistopyga crassicaudata Sääksjärvi, Bordera & Palacio sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific name refers to the distinctly thickened ovipositor apex.


Clistopyga isayae Díaz, Bordera & Palacio sp. nov. 

Etymology. This species is named in honor of Mérida Isaya, wife of Francisco Díaz, coauthor of this paper.


Clistopyga kalima Palacio sp. nov. 

Etymology. This species is named in honour of the Precolombine indigenous tribe of Kalimas, who lived in the territory that today is the type locality, Valle del Cauca (Colombia).


Clistopyga nigriventris Palacio sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific name refers to the entirely black tergites of metasoma that distinguish this species from all the other members of the isayae species-group.


Clistopyga panchei Palacio sp. nov.

Etymology. This species is named in honor of the Precolombine indigenous tribe of Panches, who lived in the territory that today is the type locality, Cundinamarca (Colombia).


Clistopyga splendida Palacio & Bordera sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific name refers to the beautiful colour patterns of this species.


Clistopyga taironae Palacio, Bordera & Díaz sp. nov. 

Etymology. This species is named in honour of the Precolombine indigenous tribe of Taironas, who lived in the territory that today is the type locality, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Magdalena (Colombia).


Edgard Palacio, Santiago Bordera, Ilari E. Sääksjärvi and Francisco Díaz. 2018.  The Neotropical Species of Clistopyga (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae). Part II: the C. isayae species group, with the Description of Seven New Species. Zootaxa. 4442(1); 101–121. DOI:10.11646/zootaxa.4442.1.5



Santiago Bordera, Ilari Eerikki Sääksjärvi, Carol Castillo, Edgard Palacio and Alejandra González-Moreno. 2016. The Neotropical species of Clistopyga (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae). Part I. The C. chaconi species group, with the description of eleven new species. European Journal of Taxonomy. 206, 1–37. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2016.206

New wasp species with a giant stinger discovered in Amazonia sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180705113933.htm
Turkulaistutkija löysi valtavalla pistimellä varustetun hyönteislajin – suomenkielinen nimi puuttuu  ts.fi/uutiset/paikalliset/4005173/Turkulaistutkija+loysi+valtavalla+pistimella+varustetun+hyonteislajin++suomenkielinen+nimi+puuttuu

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[Herpetology • 2018] Mannophryne molinai • A New Mannophryne (Amphibia, Aromobatidae) from Sierra de Aroa, northwestern Venezuela: Unveiling Species Diversity in Collared Frogs through Morphological and Bioacoustic Evidence

September 5, 2018, 7:37 am
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Mannophryne molinai 
Rojas-Runjaic, Matta-Pereira & Marca, 2018


Abstract
Species diversity in collared frogs of the genus Mannophryne is presumed to be underestimated due to the paucity of external morphology characters, but combining morphology with bioacoustics and other lines of evidence has shown to be useful in delimiting species of this group. Herein we describe a new species of Mannophryne from Sierra de Aroa in northwestern Venezuela. The new species is morphologically similar to M. herminae but is readily recognized by its strikingly different advertisement call. It also can be distinguished from all its congeners by the unique combination of its small body size, general color pattern, basal toe webbing, and advertisement call consisting of long trills of single tonal notes emitted at a rate of 2–3 notes/s. Additionally, to facilitate future diagnosis of undescribed species related to M. herminae, we amend the definition of the latter, describe in detail its advertisement call, and redefine its known distribution range. The new species increases the number of described species of Mannophryne to 20.

Keywords: Amphibia, Anura, Aromobatinae, Coastal Range, Cordillera de la Costa, Dendrobatoidea, Integrative taxonomy


FIGURE 4. Female and male paratype specimens of Mannophryne molinai sp. nov. in life.
 (a) Dorsolateral and (b) ventral views of the paratype female MHNLS 21337; (c) dorsolateral and (d) ventral views of the paratype male MCP 13924 (exMHNLS 21336).
Photos: F.J.M. Rojas-Runjaic

Mannophryne molinai sp. nov.
 Suggested common name in English: Sierra de Aroa Collared Frog
Suggested common name in Spanish: sapito acollarado de la Sierra de Aroa

Etymology. The specific epithet “molinai” is a patronymic honoring the late César Ramón Molina Rodríguez (1960–2015) (Fig. 8), a prominent Venezuelan herpetologist, colleague, and friend. César made great contributions to the knowledge of the diversity and conservation of Venezuelan amphibians and reptiles, materialized in nearly a hundred scientific papers, and several conservation strategies, action plans and projects. His dedication to the training of numerous students through the teaching of herpetology in classrooms, field courses, and mentoring of theses, evidenced his passion for the amphibians and reptiles, and his commitment with the development of the study of the Venezuelan herpetofauna (Hernández 2015). César also had particular interest by the collared frogs; his PhD thesis was about the ecology of a population of Mannophryne from the valley of Caracas in Venezuela, and he co-authored the description of M. orellana, M. urticans and M. vulcano (Barrio-Amorós et al. 2010a). We make a posthumous recognition to his admirable work and friendship, naming this new species in his memory. The name “molinai” is used as a masculine singular noun, in the genitive case.


Fernando J.M. Rojas-Runjaic, Miguel Eduardo Matta-Pereira and Enrique La Marca. 2018. Unveiling Species Diversity in Collared Frogs through Morphological and Bioacoustic Evidence: A New Mannophryne (Amphibia, Aromobatidae) from Sierra de Aroa, northwestern Venezuela, and An Amended Definition and Call Description of M. herminae (Boettger, 1893).  Zootaxa. 4461(4);451–476. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4461.4.1 


Resumen: Se presume que la diversidad de especies en sapitos acollarados del género Mannophryne está subestimada debido a la escasez de caracteres de morfología externa; no obstante, la combinación de morfología, bioacústica y otras líneas de evidencia ha demostrado ser eficiente para la delimitación de especies en este grupo. Aquí se describe una nueva especie de Mannophryne procedente de la sierra de Aroa en el noroccidente de Venezuela. La nueva especie se asemeja en su morfología a M. herminae, no obstante, se distingue fácilmente de esta por su vocalización de advertencia notablemente diferente. También se distingue de todos sus congéneres por la combinación única de su tamaño corporal pequeño, su patrón de coloración, la palmeadura basal entre los dedos pediales, y su llamado de advertencia consistente en series extensas de notas tonales individuales emitidas a una tasa de 2–3 notas/s. Adicionalmente, con la finalidad de facilitar el diagnóstico futuro de otras especies aún no descritas y relacionadas con M. herminae, se enmienda la definición de esta, se describe en detalle su vocalización de advertencia y se redefine su distribución conocida. Con esta nueva especie, el número de especies descritas de Mannophryne asciende a 20.

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[Diplopoda • 2018] Polydrepanum fissum • A New Species of and A New Transfer from the Millipede Genus Polydrepanum Carl, 1932 (Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae) from the Eastern Ghats of India

September 5, 2018, 7:56 am
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Polydrepanum fissum 
Sankaran & Sebastian, 2018


Abstract
A new species of Polydrepanum Carl, 1932, is described and illustrated in detail from the Eastern Ghats of India: Polydrepanum fissum sp. nov. One new combination of species misplaced in Polydrepanum is established: Telodrepanum implicatum (Carl, 1941) comb. nov.. All the nominal Polydrepanum spp. are keyed and the known distribution of the genus is mapped.

Keywords: Myriapoda, Eastern Ghats, India, key, new combination, taxonomy


 Field photograph of Polydrepanum fissum sp. nov.
Photo: Jimmy Paul.

Order Polydesmida Pocock, 1887
Suborder Strongylosomatidea Brölemann, 1916

Family Paradoxosomatidae Daday, 1889
Subfamily Alogolykinae Hoffman, 1963
Tribe Polydrepanini Jeekel, 1968

Genus Polydrepanum Carl, 1932

Polydrepanum fissum sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the bifurcated solenophore tip of the new species. Latin fissum = split, neuter.


Pradeep M. Sankaran and Pothalil A. Sebastian. 2018. A New Species of and A New Transfer from the Millipede Genus Polydrepanum Carl, 1932 (Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae, Polydrepanini). Zootaxa. 4471(1); 169–178.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4471.1.8

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[Ichthyology • 2018] Lanlabeo duanensis • A New Genus and Species of Labeonin Fish (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from southern China

September 5, 2018, 7:12 pm
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Lanlabeo duanensis
Yao,He & Peng, 2018


Abstract
Lanlabeo, a new genus of fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae, is described from the Pearl River drainage basin in Guangxi Province, southern China. This new genus is distinguished from all other genera of the cyprinid tribe Labeonini by a combination of morphological and phylogenetic characters. It differs morphologically from all other Asian labeonins in its uniquely modified oromandibular morphology. For example, this genus has a frenum connecting the upper jaw and lower lip at the corner of the mouth, regularly arranged papillae densely scattered over the ventral margin of the rostral cap, a vestigial upper lip, a rostral cap overlying the upper jaw and with a fimbriate posterior margin, and a lower lip divided into two lateral fleshy lobes and one central plate. These two lateral fleshy lobes are small and translucent, and the median lobe of the lower lip is large and has papillae regularly arranged in many transverse rows. In the lower jaw, the dentary is transversely L-shaped in ventral view because its anterior part forms a right-angle turn and its transverse branch is anterioposteriorly expanded. In addition, analyses of four nuclear gene datasets indicate that this new genus forms a highly divergent lineage within the Labeonini, and that Lanlabeo is closely related to the genus Ptychidio. Therefore, based on morphometric differences and phylogenetic relationships, we describe this new genus herein as Lanlabeo, containing the new species Lanlabeo duanensis.

Keywords: Pisces, Taxonomy, Cypriniformes, Pearl River drainage basin, Guangxi Province




Min Yao,You He and Zuo-Gang Peng. 2018. Lanlabeo duanensis, A New Genus and Species of Labeonin Fish (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from southern China. Zootaxa.  4471(3); 556–568. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4471.3.7

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[Herpetology • 2018] Ptychadena mutinondoensis • A New Grass Frog (Anura: Ptychadenidae) with Rupicolous Tadpoles from northern Zambia

September 5, 2018, 7:29 pm
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Ptychadena mutinondoensis 
Channing & Willems, 2018


Abstract
We describe a new species of Ptychadena from Mutinondo Wilderness in northern Zambia. It has rupicolous tadpoles that develop in a film of water. The species is distinguished on morphology, advertisement call and DNA sequences from other grass frogs and was found to be most closely related to P. broadleyi. It has no contrasting longitudinal bands on the posterior thigh, the foot is longer than half SVL, it has no light triangle on the snout, three phalanges of the fourth toe free of web and the snout has no skin folds. The species should be considered Near Threatened in terms of the IUCN Red List criteria given its limited extent of occurrence and population size.

Keywords: Amphibia, Ptychadena mutinondoensis sp. nov., rupicolous tadpole, Mutinondo, Zambia


FIGURE 3. A—Lateral view of holotype of Ptychadena mutinondoensis (ZMB 88379). B—Sharp snout of Ptychadena mutinondoensis (ZMB 88380) compared to C—snout of Ptychadena broadleyi (ZMB 88389).
 Scale bars = 10 mm.

Ptychadena mutinondoensis sp. nov. Channing and Willems
Mutinondo Grass Frog

Etymology. The species is named for the Mutinondo Wilderness area.


Alan Channing and Frank Willems. 2018. A New Grass Frog with Rupicolous Tadpoles from northern Zambia (Anura: Ptychadenidae). Zootaxa. 4462(3);  349–366. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4462.3.3


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[Mammalogy • 2018] Climate Niche Conservatism and Complex Topography Illuminate the Cryptic Diversification of Asian Shrew‐like Moles (Uropsilus, Uropsilinae, Talpidae)

September 6, 2018, 2:13 am
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Uropsilus sp. 

in Wan, He, Jin, et al., 2018. 

Abstract
Aim: 
The drivers of extraordinary species diversity and endemism in biodiversity hotspots remain elusive. To identify such drivers, it is necessary to understand the origin of allopatric cryptic diversity that formed as an important part of the biodiversity in low‐latitude montane areas. Here, we test hypotheses regarding the patterns and processes that underlie the diversity of Asian shrew‐like moles (Uropsilus, Uropsilinae, Talpidae), which exhibit strikingly high cryptic diversity. Specifically, we test the hypotheses that niche conservatism and complex topography explain the largely cryptic diversification of these small montane mammals.

Location: 
The mountains of Southwest China (MSC), which are a biodiversity hotspot, and adjacent areas.

Materials and methods: 
A total of 186 specimens that include all seven species of Uropsilus were collected from key geographical areas of the MSC. One mitochondrial and six nuclear genes were sequenced for phylogenetic and phylogeographical analyses. We reconstructed the phylogeny and delimited species boundaries within Uropsilus using multiple methods. We also tested the hypothesis of phylogenetic niche conservatism and examined the effect of topography on genetic divergence. Furthermore, we implemented a hierarchical examination of spatial‐temporal dynamics in our study system.

Results: 
Phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses discovered vastly more cryptic diversity than had been identified in morphology‐based taxonomy. Significant niche similarity between sibling phylogroups was detected and the genetic structure of Uropsilus accorded well with the topography of the MSC. Relatively stable biogeographical diffusion and demography, as well as in situ persistence during the last glacial cycle, were detected.

Main conclusions: 
Our analysis indicates that much genetic diversification has occurred without evident niche divergence; hence topographical diversity has provided strongly geographical isolation and ecological gradients which reinforce niche conservatism for sedentary organisms. Cryptic species, as the consequence of a lack of variability in the traits, is attributed to stabilizing selection by the optimal ecological and/or climatic envelopes over evolutionary time‐scales. Our findings indicate that global biodiversity in certain areas could be underestimated. Analyses of other biological systems can determine the universality of niche conservatism in the mountains of Southwest China.

KEYWORDS: Asian shrew-like moles, cryptic diversity, mountains of Southwest China, niche conservatism, phylogeography, sky islands, Uropsilus




Tao Wan, Kai He, Wei Jin, Shao‐Ying Liu, Zhong‐Zheng Chen, Bin Zhang, Robert W. Murphy and Xue‐Long Jiang. 2018. Climate Niche Conservatism and Complex Topography Illuminate the Cryptic Diversification of Asian Shrew‐like Moles. Journal of Biogeography. DOI: 10.1111/jbi.13401  
twitter.com/JBiogeography/status/1028498774015074304
 twitter.com/Tao_UUan/status/1028747901835661313

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[Entomology • 2018] Schizodactylus salweenensis | จิ้งโกร่งหาดทรายสาละวิน • First Record of the Family Schizodactylidae (Orthoptera: Ensifera) from Thailand, with the Description of A New Species

September 6, 2018, 7:24 pm
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Schizodactylus salweenensis 
Dawwrueng, Panitvong, Mooltham, Meebenjamart & Jaitrong, 2018

จิ้งโกร่งหาดทรายสาละวิน  ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4472.1.2 

Abstract
A new species of dune cricket in the family Schizodactylidae, Schizodactylus salweenensis sp. nov. is described from Salween River, Mae Hong Son Province, northwestern Thailand based on both males and females. The Schizodactylidae is recorded for the first time in Thailand. The new species is most similar to Schizodactylus tuberculatus Ander, 1938 and Schizodactylus burmanus Uvarov, 1935 in the morphology of male subgenital plate, but mainly differs in the shape of subgenital plate apex, and the spurs of hind tibiae. The type series was collected from sand dunes along the river. This cricket reaches adulthood during the rainy season.

Keywords: Orthoptera, Schizodactylus, Salween River, Thailand, new species


Family Schizodactylidae Blanchard, 1845
Subfamily Schizodactylinae Blanchard, 1845

Genus Schizodactylus Brullé, 1835
 Type species:Gryllus monstrosus Drury, 1770

Schizodactylus salweenensis sp. nov.in-situ: lateral view. 

Schizodactylus salweenensis Dawwrueng, Panitvong, Mooltham, Meebenjamart et Jaitrong, sp. nov.

Etymology. The new species is named after the Salween River where it was collected. We would also like to propose the English common name as Salween Dune Cricket, Thai common name as จิ้งโกร่งหาดทรายสาละวิน. 


Pattarawich Dawwrueng, Nonn Panitvong, Kanin Mooltham, Pongpipat Meebenjamart and Weeyawat Jaitrong. 2018. First Record of the Family Schizodactylidae (Orthoptera: Ensifera) from Thailand, with the Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 4472(1); 60–70.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4472.1.2

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[Herpetology • 2018] Multilocus Phylogenetics in A Widespread African Anuran Lineage (Brevicipitidae: Breviceps) Reveals Patterns of Diversity Reflecting Geoclimatic Change

September 6, 2018, 7:47 pm
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Breviceps namaquensis Power, 1926

 Namaqua rain frog from east of Port Nolloth, Northern Cape, Republic of South Africa.

in Nielsen, Daniels, Conradie, et al., 2018. 
  DOI:  10.1111/jbi.13394
Photo: Stuart V. Nielsen twitter.com/StuartVNielsen

Abstract
Aim: 
To investigate models assessing the influence of geomorphology and climatic shifts on species diversification in sub‐Saharan Africa by reconstructing the pattern and timing of phylogenetic relationships of rain frogs (Brevicipitidae: Breviceps).

Location: Sub‐Saharan Africa, south of the Congo Basin.

Methods: 
Multilocus sequence data were generated for near complete species‐level sampling of the genus Breviceps. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred via Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses on both concatenated and single‐gene datasets. Network analyses identified locus‐specific reticulate relationships among taxa. Bayesian methods were used to infer dates of divergence among Breviceps lineages, and niche modelling was used to identify possible adaptive divergence.

Results: 
Breviceps is monophyletic and comprised of two major, largely allopatric subclades. Diversity within each subclade is concentrated in two areas with contrasting geologic and climatic histories: the arid/semiarid winter rainfall zone in the south‐western (SW) Cape, and the semitropical East Coast that receives predominantly summer rainfall. Recognized species diversity in the SW Cape based on phenotypic variation is consistent with observed genetic patterns whereas the East Coast is shown to harbour unexpectedly high genetic diversity and up to seven putative, cryptic species. Niche models show significant overlap between closely related species.

Main conclusions: 
Dating analyses indicate that diversification of Breviceps occurred rapidly within the Miocene, with only a moderate decline over the Plio‐Pleistocene, suggesting that this process might be slowed but ongoing. Our findings suggest that a combination of two models, a landscape barrier model and climate fluctuation model, can explain patterns of diversification in Breviceps. This demonstrates that Miocene epeirogenic events and climatic shifts may have had a considerable influence on contemporary patterns of biodiversity. Topographic complexity and relative geoclimatic stability in the East have promoted cryptic diversification in allopatry, and this area clearly harbours numerous undescribed taxa and is in need of detailed biotic investigation.


KEYWORDS: climate fluctuation model, cryptic species, distribution modelling, Great Escarpment, landscape barrier model, Miocene, rain frogs


Stuart V. Nielsen, Savel R. Daniels, Werner Conradie, Matthew P. Heinicke and Brice P. Noonan. 2018. Multilocus Phylogenetics in A Widespread African Anuran Lineage (Brevicipitidae: Breviceps) Reveals Patterns of Diversity Reflecting Geoclimatic Change. Journal of Biogeography.  45(9);  DOI:  10.1111/jbi.13394


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[Botany • 2018] Thismia aurantiaca (section Rodwaya, Thismiaceae) • First Record of the Family from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India with A New Species

September 7, 2018, 7:10 am
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Thismia aurantiaca  Hareesh & M.Sabu

in Hareesh, Alappatt & Sabu, 2018


Abstract
 Thismia is a mycoheterotrophic genus in the family Thismiaceae. We report a new family record for Andaman and Nicobar Islands and a new species for India. A detailed description along with conservation assessment, colour photos, distribution map, and key to the species from India are provided.

Keywords: Andaman Islands; Rodwaya; Thismia; Thismiaceae; new record; new species



  

Thismia aurantiaca Hareesh & M.Sabu, sp. nov. 

This species is similar to T. rodwayi but differs from the latter in having outer perianth lobes 5 times larger than inner perianth lobes (vs sub-equal), broadly triangular recurved outer perianth lobes (vs spathulate, up-curved) and inner perianth lobes with minute 0.5 mm long, erect mitre (vs well developed more than 1 mm long, bent and inter locking mitre).

 Type: M. Sabu & V.S. Hareesh 152774 (holo CALI; iso CAL, PBL), India, Andaman Islands, South Andaman, Mount Harriet National Park, elevation ± 320 m, 7 Aug. 2017. 

Etymology. The name ‘aurantiaca’ denotes the orange coloured flower of the plant.

Fig. 1 Thismia aurantiaca Hareesh & M.Sabu.
 a–b. Plant in habitat; c–e. habit (M. Sabu & V.S. Hareesh 152774).
 — Scale bar = 2 cm.
 — Photos by M. Sabu & V.S. Hareesh.


Fig. 2 Thismia aurantiaca Hareesh & M.Sabu floral parts.
 a. Habit showing split-opened flower with stamens; b– c. mitre; d. hypanthium side view; e. hypanthium front view; f–i. outer tepals; f–g. adaxial view; h–i. abaxial view; j– k. ovary with stigma (M. Sabu & V.S. Hareesh 152774).
 — Scale bars: a = 1 cm; b– c = 5 mm; d–e = 3 mm; f– k = 1 mm.
 — Photos by M. Sabu & V.S. Hareesh.

Habitat & Ecology — So far, we could observe three populations with around 18 individuals each in the evergreen forest patches of Mount Harriet National Park, South Andaman. The plants are growing in a damp habitat in the understory of evergreen forest in association with Amomum andamanicum V.P.Thomas, Dan & M.Sabu (Zingiberaceae), Dipterocarpus sp. and Hopea sp. (Dipterocarpaceae), Phrynium sp. (Marantaceae), Malaxis sp. (Orchidaceae). 


V.S. Hareesh, J.P. Alappatt and M. Sabu. 2018. Thismia aurantiaca sp. nov. (section Rodwaya, Thismiaceae): First Record of the Family from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India with A New Species.  Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI:  10.3767/blumea.2018.63.02.08

     

  

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[Botany • 2018] Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species of Vanoverberghia from the Philippines

September 7, 2018, 8:02 am
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Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata  Docot & Ambida

in Ambida, Alviar, Co, Concepcion, Banag & Docot, 2018. 

Abstract 
A new species from the Philippines, Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata, is described and illustrated here. The new species is most similar to Vanoverberghia sepulchrei from which it differs in its leaves with oblong to narrowly elliptic lamina, unevenly truncate ligule apex, glabrous and red floral bracts, red calyx, white or pink corolla tube and lobes, and absence of spots on the style.

Keywords: Philippines; Vanoverberghia; Zingiberaceae; least concern; new species


Fig. 1 Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida.
a. Habit; b. ligule; c. inflorescence; d. leaf apex; e. flower at anthesis; f. mature fruit; g. flower (all from type locality).

— Scale bars = 1 cm. — Photos by R.V.A. Docot. 
Abbreviations: an: anther; br: bracts; ca: calyx; dc: dorsal corolla lobes; fl: flower; lc: lateral corolla lobes; la: labellum; nc: nectaries (epigynous glands); ov: ovary; pe: pedicel; sg: stigma.

Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida, sp. nov. 

Similar to Vanoverberghia sepulchrei Merr. but differs in the shape of the lamina (oblong to narrowly elliptic not oblong only), shape of the ligule apex (unevenly truncate not rounded), surface and colour of the floral bracts (glabrous and red not pubescent and white), colour of the calyx (red not pinkish white), colour of the corolla tube and lobes (white or pink not white only), and absence of spots on the style. 
— Type: R.V.A. Docot 0123 (holo PNH no. 256337; iso E, NY, SING, USTH), Philippines, Luzon, Quezon, Tayabas, Barangay Lalo, Mount Banahaw, ..., 1432 m, 12 Nov. 2017. 

 Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the red floral bracts.

Vernacular names — Akbab (Igorot language), Bagombong (Tagalog), and Tagbak (Bisaya). 


Fig. 3 Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida.
a. Mountain Province; b. Ifugao ; c. Negros Occidental; d. Antique
(a, c: without voucher; b: D.N. Tandang & R.T. Angeles s.n.; d: R.V.A. Docot 0118).

 — Photos by: a. H. Funakoshi; b. D.N. Tandang; c. P.B. Pelser; d. R.V.A. Docot.

Map 1 Distribution of Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida (★),
V. sasakiana Funak. & H.Ohashi (◆) and V. sepulchrei Merr. (■).

Distribution & Habitat — Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata is endemic to the Philippines and occurs in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Ifugao, Quezon, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Rizal, and Sorsogon. It inhabits montane forests along streams and ravines from 1000–1600 m.

Notes — Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata and V. sepulchrei both occur in the provinces of Ifugao and Mountain Province. The population of the new species in these two provinces which are located more northerly, however, are quite distinct from the populations distributed more southerly by having pink corolla tube and lobes (vs white) (Fig. 3a, b). Since only the colour of the corolla tube and lobes was found to be different, this study cannot warrant the populations from Ifugao and Mountain Province to be recognized as a separate species nor a variety.


J.H.B. Ambida, A.M.A. Alviar, P.S.A. Co, F.G.M. Concepcion, C.I. Banag and R.V.A. Docot. 2018. A New Species of Vanoverberghia (Zingiberaceae) from the Philippines.  Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plant. DOI:  10.3767/blumea.2018.63.02.07

    

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[Botany • 2018] A Review of Sedum section Gormania (Crassulaceae) in western North America

September 11, 2018, 2:25 am
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 Sedum laxum subsp. laxum, Sedum moranii,  
 Sedum citrinum, Sedum kiersteadiae, Sedum patens, Sedum rubiginosum, et al. ...

in Zika, Wilson, Brainerd, et al., 2018. 

Abstract
Sedum section Gormania was restricted to Oregon, Nevada and California in the western United States. After extensive field work from 2011 to 2016, we revised 17 members of the group using floral and vegetative characters, resulting in the acceptance of four new taxa in California. A serpentine endemic from the mountains of western Tehama County was recognized asS. rubiginosum. It was separated from S. kiersteadiae by its dense rosettes, overlapping stem leaves and non-apiculate corolla. A serpentine endemic from low elevation canyons in Del Norte County was described as S. patens. It was distinguished from S. laxum by its white spreading petals and yellow anthers. A plant of high elevation, serpentine and non-serpentine sites in Siskiyou County was circumscribed as S. marmorense; it differed from S. oregonense in its sepals and inflorescence with a thick granular waxy deposit, and leaves in dense rosettes. Sedum paradisum was segregated from S. obtusatum, raised to species level, and divided into two subspecies. Plants of the northern Sierra Nevada were newly defined as S. paradisumsubsp. subroseum, separable with nodding young flowering shoots and a disjunct range in Butte, Plumas and Sierra counties.Sedum flavidumand Sedum eastwoodiae were removed from S. laxum sensu stricto, and raised to species rank, based on floral characters. We clarified the concept of S. obtusatum subsp. retusum, and restored it to the rank of species as S. sanhedrinum; it was restricted to Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, and Tehama counties, California. Sedum flavidum and S. oregonense as defined here showed more morphological variation than previously understood. Finally, we remarked on hybridization and cleistogamy observed in the field.

Keywords: Sedum, new species, California, Eudicots




Figure 10. The petal tips erect and acuminate, essentially parallel to the floral axis.
A–D. Sedum laxum subsp. laxum. A–B. Curry Co., Oregon (Wilson & Otting CWG-240). C–D. Josephine Co., Oregon (Zika 25655). E. Sedum moranii, Josephine Co. (Zika 25631).
Figure 11. Petal tips narrow in the distal half; the petals strongly spreading to slightly reflexed.
A. Sedum citrinum, Del Norte Co., California (Zika 26620 & Brainerd). B. Sedum kiersteadiae, Trinity Co., California (Zika 26294). C. Sedum patens, Del Norte Co. (Zika 26609 & Brainerd). D. Sedum rubiginosum, Tehama Co., California (Zika 25522 & J.K. Nelson).
Figure 12. Variation in the width of the distal half of the petal in Sedum flavidum.
 A. Narrow-petaled extreme, Humboldt Co., California (Wilson 18112). B–D. Variation within a population, Trinity Co. (Zika 25922 & J.K. Nelson). B. Narrow-petaled extreme. C. Slightly narrowed petals. D. Typical broad petals. E. Slightly narrowed petals, Trinity Co., California (CWG-102a).
 Figure 13. Distal half of the petals broad and ascending.
A. Sedum flavidum, Trinity Co., California (J.K. Nelson JKN-12-2). B. Sedum i, Nevada Co., California (Zika 26271). C. Sedum oregonense, Del Norte Co., California (Otting CWG-122). D. Sedum paradisum subsp. i, Plumas Co., California (Wilson, Janeway & Zika CWG-14). 

Figure 14. Cultivated individuals often had petals more widely spreading than in the wild. A–B. Sedum flavidum corollas, Humboldt Co., California (Brainerd & Otting CWG-103). A. Ascending petals, wild plants. B. Spreading petals, cultivated plants.C–D. Sedum laxum subsp. laxum corollas, Del Norte Co., California. C. Erect petals, wild plants (Brainerd & Otting CWG-107). D. Ascending petals, cultivated plants (Brainerd & Otting CWG-104). E–F. Sedum sanhedrinum corollas, Tehama Co., California. E. Erect petals, wild plants (Zika 26244). F. Ascending petals, cultivated plants, Tehama Co. (J.K. Nelson JKN-2).

Figure 15. The color of the petals, anthers, filaments, and carpels often changed after anthesis.
 A. Sedum albomarginatum, after anthesis petals turned orange-brown; Butte Co., California (Zika 25867). B. Sedum flavidum, buds deep pink especially along the keel, faded to white at anthesis, then aged to a uniform deep pink; Humboldt Co., California (Wilson, Otting, & Darington CWG-118). C. Sedum laxum subsp. laxum, after anthesis green carpels turned dark red, red anthers turned white; Del Norte Co., California (Zika 25936). D. Sedum paradisum subsp. subroseum, after anthesis green carpels turned dark red, yellow anthers turned white; Plumas Co., California (Wilson, Zika & Janeway CWG-15). E. Sedum rubiginosum, after anthesis red-based yellow petals turned pallid; Tehama Co., California (Zika 26234).

 Figure 16. Some taxa occasionally produced paler flowers in cultivation. A–B. Sedum laxum subsp. laxum. A. Pink petals, wild plants, Del Norte Co., California (Zika 25927). B. Fresh white petals with faint pink background, turning darker pink with age, cultivated, from Josephine Co., Oregon (Zika 25487). C–D. Sedum paradisum subsp. paradisum, Shasta Co., California. C. Yellowish petals, fading pinkish-orange, wild plants (Zika 25924). D. White petals, cultivated (Lindstrand III & Van Susteren NSR-07).

Taxonomic Treatment

1. Sedum albomarginatum Clausen (1975: 424). 

2. Sedum citrinum Zika (2014: 112). 

3. Sedum eastwoodiae (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 31) Berger (1930: 451).

4. Sedum flavidum (Denton 1978: 233) B.L. Wilson & Zika, comb. nov., stat. nov.
Sedum laxum (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 29) Berger (1930: 451) subsp. flavidum Denton (1978: 233) (basionym). Sedum laxum (Britton) A.Berger var. flavidum (Denton) Ohba (2007: 889).


5. Sedum kiersteadiae B.L.Wilson & R.E.Brainerd in Wilson et al. (2014: 9).

6. Sedum laxum (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 29) Berger (1930: 451)

6a. Sedum laxum (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 29) Berger (1930: 451) subsp. heckneri (Peck 1937: 121) Clausen (1942: 39). 
Sedum heckneri Peck (1937: 121).Sedum laxum (Britton) A.Berger var. heckneri (M.Peck) Ohba (2007: 889). 

6b. Sedum laxum (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 29) Berger (1930: 451) subsp. laxum. 
 Sedum laxum (Britton) A.Berger subsp. latifolium Clausen (1942: 38). Sedum laxum (Britton) A.Berger var. latifolium (R.T.Clausen) Ohba (2007: 890). 


7. Sedum marmorense Otting & R. E. Brainerd, sp. nov.  

 Species Sedum oblanceolatum proxima sed differt foliis basalibus rosulatis obovatis, a Sedum oregonensis rosulis densissimis et inflorescentiis granularibus ceraceisque.

Etymology:— Sedum marmorense, or Marble Mountains stonecrop, was named for the Marble Mountains and for the marble substrate on which it sometimes grows.


8. Sedum moranii Clausen (1942: 40).
 Cotyledon glandulifera Henderson (1930: 26). 
Sedum glanduliferum (L.F.Hend.) Peck (1941: 134). 
Gormania glandulifera (L.F.Hend.) Abrams (1944: 343).

9. Sedum oblanceolatum Clausen (1975: 404). 

10. Sedum obtusatum Gray (1868: 342). 
 Gormania obtusata (A.Gray) Britton in Britton & Rose (1903: 29). 
Cotyledon obtusata (A.Gray) Fedde in Schumann & Fedde (1904: 827). 
Echeveriaobtusata (A.Gray) Nelson & Macbride (1913: 476). 


Figure 38.Sedum oregonense.
A. Habit, with numerous branched sterile shoots, Josephine Co., Oregon (Zika 25657). B–D. Stem leaves, varied from much longer than wide to ± as long as wide, truncated or slightly clasping at base. Colors varied from red to pink, orange, purplish, green or gray. B. Zika 25657. C. Linn Co., Oregon (Zika 25962). D. Clackamas Co., Oregon (Zika 25964). E. Loose rosettes, with easily visible internodes between leaves of the sterile shoots, slightly glaucous, Del Norte Co., California (Otting CWG-122). F. Nodding or arching young inflorescences, pre-anthesis, Lane Co., Oregon (Zika 27948). G–I, K. Inflorescences, varied from flat-topped to capitate or cylindrical. J–K. Flowers, petals typically white, rarely pale yellow, petals ascending, anthers yellow, Josephine Co. G. Del Norte Co. (Zika 25928). H–I, K. Josephine Co. H, K. Zika 25657. I–J. Brainerd & Otting CWG-243.

11. Sedum oregonense (Watson 1882: 373) Peck (1941: 361). 
Cotyledon oregonensis Watson (1882: 373). 
Gormania watsonii Britton in Britton & Rose (1903: 29). 
Echeveria watsonii (Britton) Nelson & Macbride (1913: 476). 
Sedum watsonii (Britton) Tidestrom in Dayton (1927: 119, as “watsoni”).


12. Sedum paradisum (Denton 1978: 236) Denton ex B. L. Wilson, stat. nov. 

Sedum obtusatum Gray (1868: 342) subsp. paradisum Denton (1978: 236) (basionym). Sedum obtusatum A.Gray var. paradisum (Denton) Ohba (2007: 889).

12a. Sedum paradisum (Denton 1978: 236) Denton ex B. L. Wilson subsp. paradisum.  

12b. Sedum paradisum (Denton 1978: 236) Denton ex B. L. Wilson subsp. subroseum B. L. Wilson & Zika, subsp. nov.
 Species nostra Sedum paradisum subsp. paradisum aemulans, differt axe inflorescentiae juvenili nutante, a Sedum obtusatum subsp. obtusatum floribus albis postea saepe pallide erubescentibus recedens.

Etymology:— Sedum paradisum subsp. subroseum, or Plumas stonecrop, was named for its flowers, which usually turned pinkish and with age gave the entire inflorescence a rosy appearance.


13. Sedum patens Zika, sp. nov.

Species insignis Sedum laxum eximie affinis sed petalis niveis apicibus patentibus necnon antheris luteis notabilis.

Etymology:— Sedum patens, or Smith River stonecrop, was named for the widely spreading petals.


Figure 43. Sedum rubiginosum, Tehama Co., California.
 A–C. Habitat, rocky serpentine slopes. A. Photo: J.K. Nelson (Zika 25522 & J.K. Nelson). B. Wilson & Coberly CWG-10. C. Zika 26238. D–E. Flowering shoots (Zika 25522 & J.K. Nelson). F. Dense rosettes (Zika 26234). G. Oblong overlapping ascending stem leaves, faintly glaucous, with truncated bases (Zika 26238). H. Cylindrical inflorescence in early anthesis, flowers dense (Zika 25522 & J.K. Nelson). I–K. Flowers, petals narrow, acute, spreading, reddish towards base, anthers dark red. I. Typical narrow petals (Zika 25522 & J.K. Nelson). J. Unusually broad petals (Zika 26238). K. Relatively short sepals (Zika 26234).

14. Sedum rubiginosum Zika & B. L. Wilson, sp. nov. 

 Differt haec species a Sedum kiersteadiae rosulis foliorum densis, floribus numerosioribus, sine vel reduci mucrone abaxiali subterminali, necnon foliis caulinis numerosis imbricatisque. 

Etymology:— Sedum rubiginosum, or Tedoc stonecrop, was named for the reddish colors found in the fresh and aged petals, as well as the rusty red anthers.

Figure 45. Sedum sanhedrinum. 
A. Habit, showing large rosette leaves and ascending stem leaves, Mendocino Co., California (Zika 26629 & Brainerd). B–D. Variation in stem leaves, spreading to ascending, broadly to narrowly obovate, bases truncated, slightly glaucous, green to purple or pink. B. Zika 26629 & Brainerd. C–D. Mendocino Co. (Zika 26633 & Brainerd). E. Dense and small rosette leaves, Tehama Co., California (Zika 26244). F. Capitate inflorescence, with dense flowers, Lake Co., California (Wilson & Otting CWG-231); inflorescences were also cylindrical (e.g., Fig. 45D, type) or flat-topped. G–K. Variation in flowers, corolla color pale yellow, orangeyellow, or bright yellow, faded to pink, orange-brown, pale brown, or yellow-brown, white or dull red; anthers yellow or, rarely, dull orange-red, faded to pink, reddish, white, or dull yellow; sepals elongated after anthesis. G. Tehama Co. (Wilson & Otting CWG-234). H. Zika 26629 & Brainerd. I. Zika 26633 & Brainerd. J–K. Petals erect, tips acute to blunt, Tehama Co. (Zika 25970).

15. Sedum sanhedrinum Berger (1930: 451). 
Gormania retusa Rose in Britton & Rose (1903: 31). 
Cotyledon retusa (Rose) Fedde in Schumann & Fedde (1904: 828). 
Sedum laxum (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 29) Berger (1930: 451) subsp. retusum (Rose) Clausen (1942: 39). 
Sedum obtusatum Gray (1868: 342) subsp. retusum (Rose) Clausen (1975: 375). 


Peter F. Zika, Barbara L. Wilson, Richard E. Brainerd, Nick Otting, Steve Darington, Brian J. Knaus and Julie Kierstead Nelson. 2018.  A Review of Sedum section Gormania (Crassulaceae) in western North America. Phytotaxa. 368(1); 1–61. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.368.1.1


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[Paleontology • 2018] Yizhousaurus sunae • A New Sauropodiform Dinosaur with A ‘Sauropodan’ Skull from the Lower Jurassic Lufeng Formation of Yunnan Province, China

September 11, 2018, 2:45 am
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Yizhousaurus sunae 
Zhang, You, Wang & Chatterjee, 2018


Abstract
The Early Jurassic Lufeng Formation of Yunnan Province in southwestern China is one of the best fossil localities in the world for understanding the early radiation of sauropodomorph dinosaurs. It has yielded a rich assemblage of complete and three-dimensionally preserved skeletons of herbivorous dinosaurs that provide crucial morphological information for systematic and evolutionary studies. Here we describe a new taxon, Yizhousaurus sunae gen. et sp. nov., represented by a nearly complete skeleton with an exquisitely preserved skull and mandible. Yizhousaurus is distinguished from other non-sauropodan sauropodomorphs by a unique combination of plesiomorphic and apomorphic features, which increases our understanding of the anatomical variation on the relatively conservative ‘prosauropod’ cranial plan. Phylogenetic analysis resolves Yizhousaurus as a sauropodiform, showcasing a mosaic character suite combining plesiomorphic states in the postcranial skeleton with some more ‘sauropodan’-like features in the skull. Furthermore, Yizhousaurus is placed closer to the base of Sauropoda than other non-sauropodan sauropodomorphs currently known from the Lufeng Formation, adding another taxon to enrich the Lower Jurassic Lufeng dinosaur fauna.

Figure 2 Status of preservation of Yizhousaurus sunae gen. et sp. nov.
 (A) The reconstruction in sketch of Yizhousaurus in left lateral view (drawn by Xiao-Cong Guo), regions in red rim represent absent elements; (B), the original burial map of Yizhousaurus 
(drawn by Qian-Nan Zhang).

Systematic Paleontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842
Saurischia Seeley, 1887
Sauropodomorpha von Huene, 1932
Massopoda Yates, 2007

Sauropodiformes Sereno, 2007 

Yizhousaurus sunae gen. et sp. nov.

Holotype: LFGT (Bureau of Land and Resources of Lufeng County, Yunnan, China) -ZLJ0033. An undistorted skeleton about 7 meters long, including a well-preserved skull and mandible, a mostly complete vertebral series (9 cervicals, 14 dorsals, 3 sacrals and 5 anterior caudals), pectoral and pelvic girdles, forelimbs (lacking both carpi) and both femora (Fig. 2A).

Type locality and horizon: The specimen was collected near Duwafang Village, Chuanjie Town, Lufeng County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China (Fig. 1); the skeleton was excavated in the uppermost layer of the Zhangjiaao Member of the Lower Jurassic Lufeng Formation.

Etymology: The generic name Yizhou refers to the Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province. The specific name is in honor of Professor Ai-Ling Sun, for her great contribution to Chinese vertebrate fossils, including those from Lufeng.

Differential Diagnosis: A medium-sized sauropodiform distinguished from other non-sauropodan sauropodomorphs with respect to the following unique combination of character states (autapomorphies marked with *): lateral plates appressed to the labial sides of the premaxillary and maxillary teeth but not the dentary teeth*; anteroposterior expansion at the dorsal end of the maxillary ascending ramus; antorbital fenestra anteroposteriorly narrow and pipe-shaped in outline*; lacrimal shaft vertical with respect to the maxillary ramus*; transverse width of the ventral process of the postorbital greater than its anteroposterior width at midshaft; anterior tip of the dentary anterodosally curved over the alveolar margin*; tiny external mandibular fenestra (about 5% of the mandibular length)*; broad axial intercentrum wider than its centrum; deep depressions on the lateral surfaces of centra of dorsal vertebrae 3–6; hyposphenes of the anterior dorsals equal to their neural canals in height; and subelliptical cross-section of the midshaft of the femur.
.....

Comment: Yizhousaurus sunae was briefly reported as a basal sauropod at the Geological Society of America Conference in 2010, but has never received formal study. In addition, its fourth and fifth caudal vertebrae are fused together, which is considered pathological in nature.




Qian-Nan Zhang, Hai-Lu You, Tao Wang and Sankar Chatterjee. 2018. A New Sauropodiform Dinosaur with A ‘Sauropodan’ Skull from the Lower Jurassic Lufeng Formation of Yunnan Province, China. Scientific Reports.  8,  13464.  DOI:  10.1038/s41598-018-31874-9

 Chatterjee, Sankar; Wang, T.; Pan, S.G.; Dong, Z.; Wu, X.C.; Upchurch, P. 2010. A Complete Skeleton of A Basal Sauropod Dinosaur from the early Jurassic of China and the Origin of Sauropoda. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. 42 (5): 26.
 gsa.confex.com/gsa/2010AM/finalprogram/abstract_175675.htm

Found: First complete remains of early sauropod dinosaur  phys.org/news/2010-10-early-sauropod-dinosaur.html via @physorg_com

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[Herpetology • 2018] Allobates tinae • A New Nurse Frog (Aromobatidae: Allobates) from Brazil, with Data on the Distribution and Phenotypic Variation of Western Amazonian Species

September 12, 2018, 12:34 am
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Allobates tinae 
Melo-Sampaio, De Oliveira & Prates, 2018


Abstract
Limited knowledge about species diversity restricts inferences about biogeography and macroecology in Amazonia, where biodiversity documentation has become particularly pressing due to anthropogenic impacts. An emblematic example of poorly known Amazonian amphibian diversity is that of Allobates nurse frogs, in which species boundaries and ranges are unclear. Based on genetic, morphological and call data from samples collected in 14 poorly known sites in Brazil, we identify and describe a new, broadly distributed western Amazonian nurse frog. In the light of the genetic data, combined with examination of more than 400 museum specimens, we also assess the distribution and levels of phenotypic variation in poorly known species from Amazonian lowlands, namely A. flaviventris, A. gasconi, A. subfolionidificans, and A. trilineatus. Lastly, our morphological examinations point to inconsistencies and heterospecific samples in the type series of A. fuscellus, A. gasconi, and A. vanzolinius, as revealed by large variation in key traits. By improving knowledge about species ranges and identifications, we hope that this study will support biodiversity inventories and stimulate further investigations of understudied western Amazonian nurse frogs.

Keywords: Amazon, Amphibia, South America, Systematics, Taxonomy



Allobates tinae sp. nov.  
Allobates sp. Grant et al., 2006: 299, fig. 73 (clades “Manaus 1, “PEG-M1”, and “Rio Ituxi”).
– Simões, 2016: 519, fig. 12H–I. – Santos et al., 2009: fig. S3A (clades “Small”, “sp. 1”, and “gasconi”). 
Allobates aff. conspicuus Melo-Sampaio et al., 2013: 339. 
Allobates flaviventris Melo-Sampaio et al., 2013: 338 (in part). 
Allobates sp. Grant et al., 2017: S29, fig. 21 (clades “PEGM1”, “small”, “Rio Ituxi”, “Manaus 1” and “Castanho”).

Diagnosis: The new species is included in the genus Allobates on the basis of the phylogenetic results (Fig. 3) and overall similarity with congeners (Fig.  4–5). Allobates tinae sp.  nov. is diagnosed by the following combination of characteristics: (i)  snout rounded in lateral and dorsal views; (ii)  a medium-sized species, mean SVL of males 15.2  mm (range 14.2–15.9  mm), mean SVL of females 15.8  mm (range 14.8–17.2  mm); (iii)  dorsal surface of snout uniformly light brown, same color extending posteriorly until eye level; dorsum tan brown in life; (iv) skin texture of dorsum granular, flat small granules scattered from the level of the eyes to the urostyle region; (v) dark brown lateral stripe with well delimited upper and lower edges; (vi)  pale dorsolateral stripe present in preserved specimens, conspicuous in life; (vii) oblique lateral stripe absent, pale cream spots scattered on inguinal region of the dark brown lateral stripe, reaching up to two thirds of it towards the forelimbs; (viii) iridescent white ventrolateral stripe conspicuous in live and preserved specimens, unbroken from tip of snout to inguinal region; (ix) bright paracloacal mark present, half-moon shaped; (x) sexual dimorphism in throat and chest coloration of live specimens (golden yellow in males, white in females); (xi) abdominal surfaces cream, reaching towards the flanks (xii)  dorsal surface of legs uniform, without transversal dark stripes; (xiii) iris metallic gold, without a pupil ring; (xiv) vocal sac distinct, single, subgular; (xv)  maxillary teeth present; (xvi) Finger III not swollen in males; (xvii) basal webbing present between Toes III and IV; (xviii)  fringes absent on toes; (xix)  diurnal habits, males calling in daytime; (xx) advertisement calls characterized by the emission of tonal notes ranging between 4,875–6,029 Hz.





Etymology The specific epithet honors Dr. Albertina Pimentel Lima, a professor at the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), for her extensive contributions to Al‑ lobates taxonomy. Dr. Lima has described or re-described with colleagues more than a dozen species of nurse frogs. Her work has inspired the first author to investigate Allobates taxonomy.

 Distribution The new species is known from lowland western Amazonia in Brazil to the south of the Amazon River (Fig. 2) in the states of Acre, Amazonas and Rondônia. In its type locality (..., Amazonas), Allobates tinae sp.  nov. is syntopic with A.  gasconi and A. femoralis. To the south (e.g., ..., Acre), it co-occurs with A. hodli, A. subfolionidificans, and A. trilineatus. To the east (e.g., in the middle course of the Madeira River), A. tinae sp. nov. is sympatric with A. caeruleodactylus, A. flaviventris, A. grillisimilis, A. masniger, and A. nidicola (see Simões 2016).


Paulo R. Melo-Sampaio, Renan M. De Oliveira and Ivan Prates. 2018. A New Nurse Frog from Brazil (Aromobatidae: Allobates), with Data on the Distribution and Phenotypic Variation of Western Amazonian Species. South American Journal of Herpetology.   13(2); 131-149.   DOI: 10.2994/SAJH-D-17-00098.1

    

Resumo: Um conhecimento limitado sobre a diversidade de espécies restringe inferências sobre biogeografia e macroecologia na Amazônia, onde documentar padrões de biodiversidade tornou-se particularmente urgente devido a impactos antropogênicos. Um exemplo emblemático de anfíbios amazônicos cuja diversidade é mal conhecida é o das rãs-cuidadoras do gênero Allobates, para as quais as distribuições e os limites entre espécies ainda não estão claros. Com base em dados genéticos, morfológicos e de vocalização de espécimes amostrados em 14 localidades pouco exploradas no Brasil, identificamos e descrevemos uma nova espécie de Allobates de ampla distribuição na Amazônia ocidental. À luz dos dados genéticos, em combinação com o exame de mais de 400 espécimes de museus, também examinamos a distribuição e a variação fenotípica em espécies pouco conhecidas das planícies amazônicas, nomeadamente A. flaviventris, A. gasconi, A. subfolionidificans e A. trilineatus. Por último, a análise de espécimes depositados em coleções zoológicas aponta para inconsistências e amostras heteroespecíficas na série tipo de A. fuscellus, A. gasconi e A. vanzolinius, como revelado por uma grande variação em caracteres-chave. Ao melhorar o conhecimento sobre as distribuições e identificações de espécies, esperamos que este estudo apoie inventários de biodiversidade e estimule novas investigações sobre as pouco conhecidas rãs-cuidadoras da Amazônia ocidental.

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[Botany • 2018] Two New Species of Pentacalia (Compositae, Senecioneae) from northern Andes

September 12, 2018, 2:28 am
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Pentacalia aedoi 

in Calvo & Buira, 2018. 

Abstract
Recent collections carried out in southern Colombia (Putumayo) and southern Ecuador (Zamora-Chinchipe) lead us to describe two new species of Pentacalia based on morphological evidence. One of them displays lateral, axillary synflorescences and disciform capitula, whereas the other keys out in the group of terminal synflorescences and disciform capitula. Taxonomically useful characters are provided to easily distinguish each species from its closest relatives, as well as detailed pictures of living plants and distribution maps. Adjusted keys for the Colombian and Ecuadorian species are also presented.

Keywords: Eudicots, Asteraceae, Colombia, dichotomous key, Ecuador, montane forest, paramo, taxonomy




 Joel Calvo and Antoni Buira. 2018.  Two New Species of Pentacalia (Compositae, Senecioneae) from northern Andes. Phytotaxa.  364(2); 193-201.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.364.2.6

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[Botany • 2018] Disporum mishmiensis (Colchicaceae) • A New Species from North East India

September 12, 2018, 2:37 am
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Disporum mishmiensis 

in Hareesh, Floden & Sabu, 2018.

Abstract
Disporum mishmiensis, sp. nov. is described from Arunachal Pradesh, north-eastern India. A detailed description and colour photographs of D. leucanthum are provided to aid identification. A distribution map, notes on ecology and a key to Indian species are provided.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh; Disporum; India; Mishmi Hills



Disporum mishmiensis Hareesh & M.Sabu, sp. nov. 

 Disporum mishmiensis is similar to D. leucanthum but differs from it in having a campanulate perigone with pink tepals that are 2.7–3 cm (vs 1.2–2 cm), filaments 14–16 mm long (vs 8–15 mm), a style 16–18 mm long (vs 6–12 mm), and a non-stoloniferous/rhizomatous growth habit. 
— Type: M.Sabu & V.S.Hareesh 149366 (holo CALI; iso CAL, CALI), India, Arunachal Pradesh, Lohit District, near Tohangam view point, on the way to Hayuliang from Tezu, ..., 16 May 2017. 

Etymology. The name mishmiensis denotes the type locality, Mishmi Hills which is a part of the eastern hills of Arunachal Pradesh adjacent to Myanmar




 Hareesh, V.S., Floden, A. and Sabu, M. 2018. Disporum mishmiensis (Colchicaceae), A New Species from North East India.   Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2018.63.02.05 

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[Ichthyology • 2018] Schistura alboguttata • A New Loach Species (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Pearl River basin in Guangxi, South China

September 12, 2018, 2:43 am
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Schistura alboguttata 
Cao & Zhang, 2018


Abstract
Schistura alboguttata, a new species of nemacheilid loach, is herein described from the Leli-He, a tributary flowing to the You-Jiang of the Pearl River basin (Zhu-Jiang in Chinese) at Tianlin County, Guangxi, South China. This new species can be readily distinguished from all other Chinese species of Schistura by its striking body coloration consisting of irregular white spots scattered over the dorsal and lateral regions of the body, with occasional irregular bars with narrow interspaces on the predorsal region.

Keywords: Pisces, nemacheilid, new species, Zhu-Jiang


FIGURE 5. Distribution of Schistura alboguttata. Symbol indicates type locality.

FIGURE 4. Live specimen of Schistura alboguttata, IHB2008050101, 71.4 mm SL, same collection data as holotype.

Schistura alboguttata, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin albus (white) and guttata (spotted), in reference to the irregular white spots scattered over the dorsal and lateral regions of the body.


Liang Cao and E. Zhang. 2018. Schistura alboguttata, A New Loach Species of the Family Nemacheilidae (Pisces: Cypriniformes) from the Pearl River basin in Guangxi, South China. Zootaxa. 4471(1); 125–136.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4471.1.5

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[Arachnida • 2018] Chinja gen. nov. • A New Genus of Spider (Araneae, Zoropsidae) from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania; Chinja chinja & C. scharffi

September 12, 2018, 3:15 am
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 Chinja scharffi
 Polotow & Griswold, 2018


Abstract
The new zoropsid spider genus Chinja Polotow & Griswold is diagnosed and described and the following two new species are described: Chinja chinja sp. nov. and C. scharffi sp. nov. The species were collected in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and appear to be endemic to this region. The genus belongs to the oval-calamistrum clade (OC Clade), which also includes Dionycha and Lycosoidea. Based on the synapomorphies and diagnostic characters of members of the OC Clade, Chinja is considered a member of Zoropsidae, although without a clear subfamily placement due to insufficient data. Males of Chinja can be distinguished from other Zoropsidae by a straight PER, by lacking a tibial crack, by having a male palpal cymbium with a retrobasal process and the male palpal tibia with an RTA and a retromedian cluster of stout setae. Females have a divided cribellum with cribellar spigots evenly arranged, and the epigynum with the median plate broad and laterally procurved into hooks, and the lateral lobes each with a wide tooth. The following set of characters can be also helpful to identify the genus: presence of a third tarsal claw, absence of claw tufts and presence of a cribellum and calamistrum.

Keywords: Araneae, Africa, Eastern Arc Mountain Hotspot, Lycosoidea, OC Clade, new species


TAXONOMY 
ZOROPSIDAE BERTKAU, 1882

 Type genus: Zoropsis Simon, 1878: 327
(Type species by monotypy: Dolomedes spinimanus Dufour, 1820)

Composition. The living Zoropsidae include 26 genera and 180 species (World Spider Catalog 2018). Wunderlich (2017) recognizes four genera and 16 Palaeogene, extinct species from Bitterfeld and Baltic amber. 

Distribution. Worldwide. 


Chinja Polotow & Griswold, new genus 

Etymology. Name is an arbitrary combination of letters and is to be considered feminine in gender. 

Type species. Chinja chinja sp. nov., here designated. 
Composition. Two species: Chinja chinja sp. nov. and C. scharffi sp. nov. 

Natural history. All species have been collected in the leaf litter and on the soil surface of closed-canopy, moist forest. Although the cribellum and calamistrum appear functional, we have no data on the web, if any. 

Distribution. Endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania.



 Chinja chinja sp. nov

Etymology. The species epithet is an arbitrary combination of letters.

Natural history. This species occurs in the leaf litter and on the soil surface of closed-canopy, moist forest. 

Distribution. Eastern Usambara Mountains, Tanzania.


Chinja scharffi sp. nov., holotype male, CASENT9006146, dorsal.
Illustration by Jenny Speckels.

Chinja scharffi sp. nov.

Etymology. The species epithet is a patronym in honor of Nikolaj Scharff, a leader in biodiversity studies and conservation in the Eastern Arc Biotic Hotpot of Tanzania and collector of this and many other endemic Eastern Arc species.

Natural history. This species occurs in the leaf litter and on the soil surface of closed-canopy, moist forest, and is found at low (700 m) to high (1850 m) elevations.

 Distribution. Uzungwa and Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania. 


Daniele Polotow and Charles Griswold. 2018. Chinja, A New Genus of Spider from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania (Araneae, Zoropsidae).  Zootaxa. 4472(3); 545–562. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4472.3.7  
 twitter.com/WSC_NMBE/status/1039532770589114369

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[Botany • 2018] New Species of Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae) in the Flora of Vietnam

September 12, 2018, 3:25 am
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Bulbophyllum ustulata  


in Averyanov, Nong, Nguyen, et al., 2018.

Abstract
Three taxa, Bulbophyllum cariniflorum var. orlovii (sect. Pleiophyllum), B. sonii (sect. Anisopetalon) and B. ustulata (sect. Brachystachya) are described as new for science. All of these novelties are local endemics of Vietnam. Additionally, four species, B. flavescens (sect. Aphanobulbon), B. ovatum (sect. Desmosanthes), B. physocoryphum (sect. Macrocaulia) and B. wendlandianum (sect. Cirrhopetalum) are recorded for the flora of Vietnam for the first time. These species are endemic of the Indochinese Peninsula in a broad sense, except for B. flavescens having wide distribution in western Malesia. Data on ecology, phenology, distribution, brief relevant taxonomic notes, as well as colour photographs and line drawings of the type and voucher specimens are provided for all reported taxa. Lectotypification is provided for B. wendlandianum.

Keywords: Orchidaceae, plant taxonomy, plant diversity, nature protection, Monocots




Leonid V. Averyanov, Nong Van Duy, Nguyen Hoang Tuan, Maxim S. Nuraliev, Tatiana V. Maisak and Nguyen Cong Anh. 2018. New Species of Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae) in the Flora of Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 369(1); 1–14.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.369.1.1

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[Herpetology • 2018] Gracixalus tianlinensis • A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from West Guangxi, China

September 12, 2018, 3:30 am
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Gracixalus tianlinensis
Chen, Bei, Liao, Zhou & Mo, 2018


Abstract
We discovered a new species of the genus Gracixalus, Gracixalus tianlinensis sp. nov. which is morphologically almost similar to G. jinggangensis, G. jinxiuensis and G. sapaensis, but is distinguished from these species and all other rhacophorids in China and adjoining countries by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 30.3-35.9 mm in male, 35.6-38.7 mm in female, (2) head length less than head width, (3) vomerine teeth absent, (4) supratympanic fold distinct, (5) axilla and posterior surface of flanks pale yellow, (6) nuptial pads distinct on Finger I and slightly visible on Finger II, (7) dorsum brown to beige, with an inverse Y-shaped dark brown marking, (8) single subgular vocal sac. Our preliminary phylogenetic analyses implied G. tianlinensis sp. nov. is sister to G. sapaensis with well-supported values. Currently, this new species is known to be distributed in montane evergreen forests in association with montane bamboo in Cenwanglaoshan National Nature Reserve, Tianlin County, Guangxi, China.

Keywords: Gracixalus tianlinensis sp. nov.;  Rhacophoridae;  Southern China



Figure 1 (A) Dorsolateral, (B) dorsal and (C) ventral view of the holotype in life, (D) ventral view of the hand and (E) ventral view of the foot of the holotype, (F) showing nuptial pads on Finger I and Finger II.

Gracixalus tianlinensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: G. tianlinensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Gracixalus based on molecular data and morphological characters. Morphologically, the new species presents an intercalary cartilage between the terminal and penultimate phalanges of digits, tips of digits expanded into large disks with circummarginal grooves and also the vomerine teeth were absent with the pupil being horizontal. Gracixalus tianlinensis sp. nov. is distinguished from all other rhacophorids by a combination of (1) SVL 30.3- 35.9 mm in male, 35.6-38.7 mm in female, (2) head length less than head width, (3) vomerine teeth absent, (4) supratympanic fold distinct, (5) axilla and posterior surface of flanks pale yellow, (6) nuptial pads distinct on the first finger and slightly visible on the second finger, (7) dorsum brown to beige, with an inverse Y-shaped dark brown marking, (8) single subgular vocal sac.

Etymology: This species is named after the locality in which it was collected. The suggested English name is Tianlin small tree frog ( 田林纤树蛙 in Chinese).


Weicai Chen, Yongjian Bei, Xiaowen Liao, Shichu Zhou and Yunming Mo. 2018. A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from West Guangxi, China. Asian Herpetological Research. 9(2); 74-84. DOI:  10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.170085

     

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[Herpetology • 2018] Leptobrachella bondangensis & L. fusca • Two New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Kalimantan, Indonesia

September 12, 2018, 3:59 am
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Leptobrachella bondangensis
 Eto, Matsui, Hamidy, Mumir & Iskandar, 2018


Abstract
Two new species of the dwarf litter frog genus Leptobrachella are described from North and Central Kalimantan, Indonesian part of the Borneo Island. Leptobrachella fusca n. sp. from Bulungan Regency, differs from all congeneric species in the following combination of characters: body small (SVL: 16.3 mm in a male); dorsum uniformly dark brown; sides of body without marking; a series of elongate ventrolateral glands present on flank; ventrum darkly pigmented except for throat and posterior portion; lineae masculinae invisible through ventral skin in preservative; and toe webs rudimentary. Leptobrachella bondangensis n. sp. from Gunung (=Mt.) Bondang of Murung Raya Regency, is distinct in possessing the following combination of characters: body large as this genus (SVL: 17.8 mm in a male); dorsum grayish brown; sides of body without dark blotches; a sparse series of rounded ventrolateral glands present on flunk; ventrum pale gray with dark mottles; lineae masculinae invisible through ventral skin in preservative; and toe webs rudimentary.

Keywords: Borneo,Kalimantan,Leptobrachella,New species,Taxonomy


Leptobrachella fusca  n. sp. 
Dorsal, lateral and ventral views of male holotypes (A–C, MZB Amph 9089).
Scale bar=10 mm.

Leptobrachella fusca n. sp.
Leptobrachella myobergi: Iskandar, 2004: 10 (part).

Etymology:The specific epithet “fusca”, a Latin word meaning dark or black, is derived from uniformly dark ventral coloration of the new species.



Leptobrachella bondangensis n. sp. 
 Dorsal, lateral and ventral views of male holotypes (D–F: MZB Amph 26212). 

Leptobrachella bondangensis n. sp.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from its type locality, Gunung Bondang.


Koshiro Eto, Masafumi Matsui, Amir Hamidy, Misbahul Mumir and Djoko Iskandar. 2018. Two New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae) from Kalimantan, Indonesia.  Current Herpetology. 37(2); 95-105. DOI: 10.5358/hsj.37.95

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