Species New to Science

Apostolepis dimidiata (Jan, 1862)

in Entiauspe-Neto, de Sena, Tiutenko & Loebmann, 2019.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.841.33404

Abstract

Apostolepis is a diverse neotropical snake genus, which has been historically subjected to poor taxonomic descriptions, largely based on either a small type series or subjective diagnoses. We evaluate the case of Apostolepis barrioi Lema, 1978 and its intricate taxonomic history, suggesting its synonymization with Apostolepis dimidiata (Jan, 1862), and providing brief commentary on the taxonomic instability that has been plaguing the genus.

Keywords: Elapomorphini, Neotropical, synonymy, taxonomy

Figure 1. Dorsal, lateral and ventral illustrations of previously recognized taxa, Apostolepis dimidiata (A) and A. barrioi (B), according to the diagnoses of Cabral et al. (2017). However, these represent merely phenotypic variations of A. dimidiata and, according to the descriptions of Jan (1862) and Lema (1978), both holotypes of A. barrioi and A. dimidiata present the bottom coloration.

Omar Machado Entiauspe-Neto, Arthur de Sena, Arthur Tiutenko and Daniel Loebmann. 2019. Taxonomic Status of Apostolepis barrioi Lema, 1978, with Comments on the Taxonomic Instability of Apostolepis Cope, 1862 (Serpentes, Dipsadidae). ZooKeys. 841: 71-78. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.841.33404

Paraplangia sinespeculo Heller

in Heller, Hemp, Massa, et al., 2018.

DOI: 10.3897/jor.27.24243

Abstract
Madagascar is a well-known hotspot of biodiversity. However, many Orthoptera, and especially the Tettigonioidea, belong to little-studied groups. Here we describe a new genus and species of bush-cricket reared from field-collected eggs. Paraplangia sinespeculo gen. nov., sp. nov. belongs to Phaneropterinae and shares diagnostic characteristics with members of the tribe Amblycoryphini and its African subtribe Plangiina stat. nov. Paraplangia, which has a chromosome number of 31 X0, differs from other African members of the tribe and subtribe such as Eurycorypha and Plangia, which both have 29 X0. In addition to morphology, we describe the male calling song, female acoustic response, and mating behavior. As calling song, the male produces two series of short syllables. At the end of the second series the female responds with signals of similar duration and spectral composition as the male sounds (peak about 8-9 kHz). To make future identification easier, a key to all genera of Phaneropterinae found in Madagascar is presented.

Key words: Amblycoryphini, bioacoustics, chromosomes, duetting, Orophus

Figure 1. Habitus. A. Adult male; B. Egg (lateral and ventral view, scale 5 mm); C. Nymph, 3rd March; D. Nymph, 30th March; E. Female nymph, 10th May, 10 days before imaginal molt.

Paraplangia Heller, gen. n.

Derivatio nominis: Para, Greek = nearby; Plangia, another Plangiina genus. Paraplangia feminine.

Paraplangia sinespeculo Heller, sp. n.

Derivatio nominis: Sinespeculo (Latin = without mirror). To be treated as noun in the nominative singular.

Klaus-Gerhard Heller, Claudia Hemp, Bruno Massa, Maciej Kociński and Elżbieta Warchałowska-Śliwa. 2018. Paraplangia sinespeculo, A New Genus and Species of Bush-cricket, with Notes on its Biology and A Key to the Genera of Phaneropterinae (Orthoptera: Tettigonioidea) from Madagascar. Journal of Orthoptera Research. 27(2): 143-153. DOI: 10.3897/jor.27.24243

Oxyphyllum pennatum Hancock, 1909

in Skejo, Gupta, Chandra, et al., 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4590.5.3

Abstract

There are numerous pygmy grasshoppers (Tetrigidae) that exhibit leaf-like appearance. Leaf-mimic species can be found mainly in the subfamily Cladonotinae (tribes Cladonotini, Xerophyllini). Two leaf-mimic pygmy grasshopper species found in India, Pakistan (Oxyphyllum pennatum Hancock, 1909) and Borneo (Paraphyllum antennatum Hancock, 1913) are the only macropterous leaf-like species of Asia and were traditionally assigned to subfamily Cladonotinae. Our study present new records of these species, as well as updated descriptions. Oxyphyllum pennatum is recorded for the first time from Chhattisgarh (Central India), and furthermore, records from Pakistan were reviewed and confirmed. Paraphyllum antennatum is reported from a few localities in the mountains of Borneo (East Malaysia). New records found in online social media (Flickr, iNaturalist) were implemented. Brachypronotal specimens of P. antennatum are reported. After comparison with Cladonotini and Xerophyllini members, we conclude that Oxyphyllum and Paraphyllum should not be regarded Cladonotinae members. Traditional assignment was based on superficial resemblance to leaf-like Cladonotinae genera (e.g. Phyllotettix, Hymenotes, Holoarcus, Xerophyllum). However, comparison of morphological characters reveals that Oxyphyllum shares morphology with Tetriginae genera, while Paraphyllum shares morphology with Asian Metrodorinae. Here, we assign the genus Oxyphyllum to Tetriginae and the genus Paraphyllum to Metrodorinae.

Keywords: Cladonotinae, Metrodorinae, Tetriginae, social media, charismatic microfauna, India, Pakistan, Borneo

Josip Skejo, Sunil Kumar Gupta, Kailash Chandra, Waheed Ali Panhwar and Damjan Franjević. 2019. Oriental Macropterous Leaf-mimic Pygmy Grasshoppers—Genera Oxyphyllum and Paraphyllum (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) and Their Taxonomic Assignment. Zootaxa. 4590(5); 546–560. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4590.5.3

Dendrophorbium scytophyllum (Kunth) C. Jeffrey

in Calvo, Arnelas & Minga, 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.402.3.2

Abstract

Two new Andean species belonging to the tribe Senecioneae (Compositae) are described herein, i.e., Dendrophorbium azoguesense from Ecuador and D. varicosum from Bolivia. The species Pentacalia todziae is recorded for the first time in Ecuador and the names Dendrophorbium onae and D. onae var. leonis synonymized to D. scytophyllum. Taxonomic discussions and diagnostic characters to differentiate each species are provided, as well as a distribution map and pictures of living plants when available.

Keywords: Eudicots, Andes, Asteraceae, Bolivia, Dendrophorbium, Ecuador, Pentacalia, taxonomy

Joel Calvo, Itziar Arnelas and Danilo Minga. 2019. Taxonomic Novelties in Andean Senecioneae (Compositae). Phytotaxa. 402(3); 145–154. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.402.3.2

Tamarix humboldtiana Akhani, Borsch & N. Samadi

in Akhani, Samadi, Noormohammadi & Borsch. 2019.

DOI: 10.3372/wi.49.49113

Abstract

The genus Tamarix (Tamaricaceae) is a lineage of shrubs and trees with leaves reduced to scales and numerous species adapted to moist and often saline soils in arid and semi-arid climates. Extensive morphological variation and hybridization complicate species delimitation and identification. Based on both morphological and DNA sequence characters, Tamarix humboldtiana Akhani, Borsch & N. Samadi is described as a new species from S Iran. Phylogenetic analysis of plastid rpl16 intron and trnG-trnS spacer sequences depicts a sister group relationship of its unique plastid haplotype to T. tetrandra, whereas nuclear ITS sequence data show close affinities to T. kotschyi. The new species differs from T. kotschyi by distinctly pedicellate, 5-merous flowers and vaginate-amplexicaul leaves. The stem and foliar anatomy and the epidermal micromorphology provide additional characters differentiating the new species from T. kotschyi. The gametic chromosome number of n = 12 reflects that of most of other species of the genus. Tamarix humboldtiana is a rare species living at freshwater riversides in S Iran and is according to current knowledge critically endangered.

KEYWORDS:Caryophyllales, endemic species, Flora of Iran, molecular diagnosis, phylogenetics, reticulate evolution, species concept, Tamaricaceae, Tamarix

Fig. 1. Tamarix humboldtiana.
– A: habit and habitat along Minab river; plants grow on the river side and many of them are damaged by flooding; B: part of inflorescence with young flowers; C: part of inflorescence, showing whitish petals and reddish ovary and anthers.

– All photographs taken at the type locality on 21 Feb 2013 by H. Akhani.

Fig. 2. Details of leaf, inflorescence and flower parts of Tamarix humboldtiana.
– A: part of leafy young branch showing vaginate leaves; B: raceme, note long pedicels; C: calyx outside (left), calyx inside (centre), ovary and stigma (right); D: petals; E: staminal disk, showing 5 peridiscal filaments attached to synlophic disk.

– Scale bars: A–E = 1 mm.

Tamarix humboldtiana Akhani, Borsch & N. Samadi, sp. nov.

Morphological diagnosis — Based on molecular phylogenetic data, Tamarix humboldtiana is closely related to T. kotschyi and T. tetrandra. It differs from both species by its pentamerous flowers. It differs further from T. kotschyi by its clearly pedicellate (vs ± sessile) flowers. Anatomically, T. humboldtiana differs from T. kotschyi by the absence of ingrowing papillae that overarch the stomatal pores.

Molecular diagnosis — Rpl16 intron, positions in the sequence of the type specimen, upstream of the large 3′ exon: nucleotide character states “C” in pos. 135, “G” in pos. 195, “C” in pos. 323, “G” in pos. 896. TrnGtrnS spacer, positions in the sequence of the type specimen, downstream of the trnG exon: nucleotide character state “T” in pos. 550.

....

Eponymy — The epithet “humboldtiana” commemorates the great German phytogeographer Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859) whose 250th birthday is in the year of publication of this species. The name was also inspired by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation having supported a research internship on diversity and phylogeny of the genus Tamarix.

Hossein Akhani, Nafiseh Samadi, Alireza Noormohammadi and Thomas Borsch. 2019. A New Species of Tamarix (Tamaricaceae) from Hormozgan Province, S Iran, supported by Morphology and Molecular Phylogenetics. Willdenowia. 49(1);127-139. DOI: 10.3372/wi.49.49113

in Shakhovskoy & Parin, 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4589.1.1

Abstract

The first part of the review of the four-winged flying fishes of the genus Cypselurus is presented, and shows that seven species belonging to two genera were mixed under the name Cypselurus (Zonocypselurus) hexazona, none of which is identical to Exocoetus hexazona Bleeker. A new subgenus of flying fish (Amustotrogon subgen. nov.) and four new species (Cheilopogon marisrubri, Cheilopogon katherinae, Cypselurus bosha, Cypselurus olpar) are described. The validity of Cypselurus formosus Kotthaus, 1969 is reinstated (as Cheilopogon (Amustotrogon) formosus). Three subspecies of Cheilopogon formosus are recognized: Ch. formosus formosus, Ch. f. pseudospilopterus subsp. nov. and Ch. f. andamanicus subsp. nov. Morphology of species and subspecies at different stages of ontogeny is described. Maps of their geographical distribution are presented. A key for identification of flying fish taxa described in the work is included.

Keywords: Pisces, Systematics, morphology, distribution, Cypselurus hexazona, C. bosha sp. nov., C. olpar sp. nov., Amustotrogon subgen. nov., Cheilopogon formosus new combination, Ch. f. pseudospilopterus subsp. nov., Ch. f. andamanicus subsp. nov., Ch. marisrubri sp. nov., Ch. katherinae sp. nov., Red Sea endemics

Ilia B. Shakhovskoy and Nikolay V. Parin. 2019. A Review of the Flying Fish Genus Cypselurus (Beloniformes: Exocoetidae). Part 1. Revision of the Subgenus Zonocypselurus Parin and Bogorodsky, 2011 with Descriptions of One New Subgenus, Four New Species and Two New Subspecies and Reinstatement of One Species as Valid. Zootaxa. 4589(1); 1–71. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4589.1.1

Parin, N.V. and Bogorodsky, S.V. 2011. Distribution and morphology of flying fish Cypselurus hexazona placed into a separate subgenus Zonocypselurus subgen. nov. Voprosy Ikhtiologii, Vol. 51 (5), 683–686. [In Russian, English translation in Journal of Ichthyology, 51 (8), 658–661 (second author misspelled as Bogorodskiy)]

researchgate.net/publication/257843717_Distribution_and_morphology_of_flying_fish_Cypselurus_hexazona_placed_into_a_separate_subgenus_Zonocypselurus_subgen_nov

Moenkhausia bellasomniosa

Soares, Lima, Bastos & Rapp Py-Daniel, 2019

DOI: 10.1643/CI-18-149

twitter.com/ASIHCopeia

Abstract

A new species of Moenkhausia is described from Rio Curicuriari and Rio Tiquié, both right-bank tributaries of the upper Rio Negro basin, Amazonas State, Brazil. The new taxon differs from all congeners, except M. agnesae and M. beninei, by the combination of a sinuous humeral blotch, similar to a compressed letter Z, and distinct dark longitudinal stripes along the body sides. The new species can be distinguished from M. agnesae and M. beninei by the presence of a single humeral blotch and of longitudinal stripes running through the center of the scales, more conspicuous dorsally.

Fig. 1. Moenkhausia bellasomniosa.
(A) INPA 49753, holotype, male, 54.1 mm SL, Brazil, Amazonas, tributary of Rio Curicuriari;
(B) MZUSP 92566, paratype, female, 41.5 mm SL, Brazil, Amazonas, tributary of Rio Tiquie;
(C) INPA 49722, paratype, female, 57.2 mm SL, Brazil, Amazonas, tributary of Rio Curicuriari; color in life.

Moenkhausia bellasomniosa. (C) INPA 49722, paratype, female, 57.2 mm SL, Brazil, Amazonas, tributary of Rio Curicuriari; color in life.

Moenkhausia bellasomniosa, new species

Distribution.— Moenkhausia bellasomniosa is known from tributaries of the Rio Curicuriari and Rio Tiquié, both right-bank tributaries of the upper Rio Negro basin, Amazonas state, Brazil (Fig. 3).

Ecological notes.— Moenkhausia bellasomniosa was collected in the Rio Tiquié in small ‘‘terra firme’’ forest streams (i.e., non-floodable) with dark water. Specimens were collected in small pools. At the Rio Curicuriari, specimens of the new species were collected in a small, fast-water tea-like colored forest stream, with rocky bottom.

Common name.— Moenkhausia bellasomniosa is called ‘‘batiawu’’ by the Tukano Indians, a name employed for the species in the middle Rio Tiquié basin. However, in the upper Rio Tiquié the same name is employed for a congener, M. comma (Lima et al., 2005).

Etymology.— The specific epithet bellasomniosa comes from the Latin, meaning sleeping beauty (bella, pretty; somniosa, sleepy). It is an allusion to the Serra do Curicuriari, a granitic massif situated immediately to the south of the eponymous Rio Curicuriari, composed by three peaks, ranging from 800– 1000 meters a.s.l. The Serra do Curicuriari provides majestic scenery when viewed from the city of São Gabriel da Cachoeira, situated upstream in the Rio Negro, where it is dubbed ‘‘Bela adormecida’’ (sleeping beauty) due to its perceived rough resemblance to a lying young woman. An adjective

Isabel M. Soares, Flávio C. T. Lima, Douglas A. Bastos and Lucia H. Rapp Py-Daniel. 2019. A New Species of Moenkhausia Eigenmann, 1903 (Characiformes, Characidae) from the Upper Rio Negro Basin, Brazil. Copeia. 107(2); 232-238. DOI: 10.1643/CI-18-149

twitter.com/ASIHCopeia/status/1123619528603242496

Egernia gillespieae

Thorn, Hutchinson, Archer & Lee, 2019

DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2019.1577873

ABSTRACT

The Egerniinae (formerly the Egernia group) is a morphologically diverse clade of skinks comprising 61 extant species from eight genera, spread across Australia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. The relatively large size and robustness of many egerniines has meant that they fossilize more readily than other Australian skinks and have been more frequently recorded from paleontological excavations. The Riversleigh World Heritage Area of northeastern Australia has yielded multiple egerniine fossils, but most are isolated jaw elements, and only one taxon (‘Tiliqua’ pusilla) has been formally described. Articulated remains recently recovered from the mid-Miocene AL90 site (14.8 Ma) at Riversleigh are here described as Egernia gillespieae and represent the first opportunity to describe the morphology of a significant portion of a single individual of a fossil member of the Egerniinae. We include this fossil and ‘T.’ pusilla in an integrated analysis of morphology and published molecular data to assess their relationships and to provide calibration points for the timing of the egerniine radiation. Our calibrated tree combining molecular and morphological data suggests that the modern Australian radiation dates to the end of the Eocene (34.1 Ma). Both fossils are within the Australian crown clade Egerniinae: Egernia gillespieae is placed close to species of the living genus Egernia, whereas ‘Tiliqua’ pusilla likely sits basal to the divergence of the clade inclusive of Tiliqua and Cyclodomorphus. The fossils thus provide direct evidence that the Australian radiation of the Egerniinae was well underway by the mid-Miocene.

The reassembled skull bones of Egernia gillespieae, a 15 million year old skink from Riversleigh World Heritage Area of northwestern Queensland. Remarkably similar to modern social skinks (silhouette shown) E. gillespieae instead is equipped with rounded crushing teeth and a deep, thick jaw.

Egernia gillespieae, sp. nov.

Etymology:— Named in honor of researcher Dr. Anna Gillespie, who played a central role in the recovery and preparation of this specimen and countless other Riversleigh fossils.

Kailah M. Thorn, Mark N. Hutchinson, Michael Archer and Michael S. Y. Lee. 2019. A New Scincid Lizard from the Miocene of Northern Australia, and the Evolutionary History of Social Skinks (Scincidae: Egerniinae). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e1577873. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2019.1577873

Australian blue tongue lizard ancestor was round-in-the-tooth eurekalert.org/e/96XJ via @EurekAlert dropbox.com/s/kl1rsgmwxsk7zue/....

Temnomastax otavioi Olivier

in Olivier, Pujol-Luz & Graciolli, 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4593.1.1

Abstract

Temnomastax is the commonest genus of monkey grasshoppers in the central region of South America. Herein the revision of this genus is presented. Three new species are described, Temnomastax descampsi Olivier sp. nov., Temnomastax monnei Olivier sp. nov., and Temnomastax otavioi Olivier sp. nov.Temnomastax chiquitos syn. nov. is proposed as a new synonym of Temnomastax borellii. Three morphological groups are proposed: the Beni group composed of Temnomastax beni; the Latens group composed of T. borellii, T. hamus, T. latens and T. monnei sp. nov.; and the Tigris group composed of T. descampsi sp. nov., T. otavioi sp. nov., T. ricardoi and T. tigris. Identification keys, biological and distribution data are provided.

Keywords: Cerrado, eumastacids, morphology, taxonomy, Temnomastacini, Orthoptera

Renan S. Olivier, Cristiane V.A. Pujol-Luz and Gustavo Graciolli. 2019. Review of Temnomastax Rehn & Rehn, 1942 (Orthoptera, Caelifera, Eumastacidae, Temnomastacinae). 4593(1); 1–78. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4593.1.1

Dicranomyia sp.

Podenas, Seo, Kim, et al., 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4595.1.1

Abstract

A total of 38 Korean species of crane flies belonging to the genus Dicranomyia Stephens, 1829 (Diptera: Limoniidae: Limoniinae) are taxonomically revised. No species of Dicranomyia were previously reported from South Korea, and only twelve species were reported from North Korea. New records of Dicranomyia from the Korean Peninsula include: D. (Dicranomyia) depauperata Alexander, 1918, D. (D.) distendens pallida Savchenko, 1983, D. (D.) handlirschi handlirschi Lackschewitz, 1928, D. (D.) hyalinata (Zetterstedt, 1851), D. (D.) kandybinae Savchenko, 1987, D. (D.) longipennis (Schummel, 1829), D. (D.) mesosternatoides Alexander, 1924, D. (D.) modesta (Meigen, 1818), D. (D.) pammelas Alexander, 1925, D. (D.) poli (Alexander, 1941), D. (D.) sera (Walker, 1848), D. (D.) shinanoensis (Alexander, 1933), D. (D.) takeuchii Alexander, 1922, D. (D.) unispinosa Alexander, 1921, D. (Erostrata) globithorax Osten Sacken, 1869, D. (E.) globulithorax Alexander, 1924, D. (E.) yazuensis Kato et al., 2018, D. (Glochina) basifusca Alexander, 1919, D. (Melanolimonia) paramorio platysoma (Alexander, 1933), D. (Numantia) fusca (Meigen, 1804), i. (Sivalimnobia) euphileta (Alexander, 1924). Species D. (D.) byuni Podenas, sp. nov., D. (D.) cornuta Podenas, sp. nov., D. (D.) jirisana Podenas, sp. nov., D. (D.) petrasiuni Podenas, sp. nov., and D. (D.) yankovskyi Podenas, sp. nov. are described. An additional ten new records are reported from North Korea, bringing the total number of Dicranomyia species known from North Korea to 22 species. South Korea has a greater diversity of Dicranomyia with total number of 30 species.

D. (D.) amurensis Alexander, 1925 is synonymised with D. (D.) hyalinata (Zetterstedt, 1851). An illustrated key with redescriptions and photographs of all species and both sexes of adults collected in Korea are presented. Most females are illustrated or described for the first time. Elevation range, period of activity, habitat information, general distribution and a distribution map in Korean Peninsula is given for each species.

Keywords: habitat, larva, Limoniinae, new species, North Korea, pupa, South Korea, taxonomy, Diptera

Sigitas Podenas, Hong Yul Seo, Taewoo Kim, Jun Mi Hur, A Young Kim, Terry A. Klein, Heung Chul Kim, Tae Hwa Kang and Rasa Aukštikalnienė. 2019. Dicranomyia Crane Flies (Diptera: Limoniidae) of Korea. Zootaxa. 4595(1); 1-110. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4595.1.1

Mecodema papake

Seldon & Buckley, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4598.1.1

Abstract

Mecodema (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Broscini) is a hyperdiverse endemic New Zealand genus of ground beetles with only a few geographically widespread species found throughout the two main islands, as well as many offshore islands. Using specimens from a number of private and institutional collections, in addition new specimens were acquired by extensive pitfall trapping, we describe or redescribe all of the known North Island Mecodema species. Additionally, we redescribe three South Island species from the former genus Metaglymma, as morphological evidence shows that these species are nested within Mecodema. Species descriptions are formed by using 128 morphological characters, which include external characters, as well as both male and female internal structures. There are four new combinations: Mecodema antarctica comb. n., M. aberrans comb. n., M. moniliferum comb. n. and M. tibiale comb. n. We synonymise M. occiputale under Mecodema curvidens, and M. sulcatum under Mecodema oblongum, and reinstate M. scitulum Broun (northwest Hunua Range, Auckland). Twenty four new species are described: Mecodema argentum sp. n., M. atuanui sp. n., M. dunnorum sp. n., M. genesispotini sp. n., M. godzilla sp. n., M. jacinda sp. n., M. kipjac sp. n., M. kokoroiho sp. n., M. mohi sp. n., M. ngaiatonga sp. n., M. ngaitahuhu sp. n., M. papake sp. n., M. perexiguus sp. n., M. rusticulus sp. n., M. temata sp. n., M. teparawhau sp. n., M. teroroa sp. n., M. tewhara sp. n., M. tuhoe sp. n., M. undecimus sp. n., M. wharekahika sp. n., M. xylanthrax sp. n., M. yconomus sp. n., M. zonula sp. n. North Island regional species endemism is very high in Northland (15/16 endemic species), with species becoming more widespread in the southern regions, e.g. Wellington only has two endemic species from a total of eight species. This research increases the total number of described Mecodema species to 102, and will allow a modern taxonomic framework for completion of the revision of the South Island species.

Keywords: Brullea, conservation, Diglymma, Metaglymma, Nothobroscina, Oregus, Orthoglymma, pitfall traps, Coleoptera

David S. Seldon F.L.S. and Thomas R. Buckley. 2019. The Genus Mecodema Blanchard 1853 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Broscini) from the North Island, New Zealand. Zootaxa. 4598(1); 1-148. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4598.1.1

Justicia cubangensis I.Darbysh. & Goyder

in Darbyshire & Goyder, D.J. 2019.

DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2019.64.02.01

twitter.com/intotheokavango

Abstract

Two new species of Justicia sect. Monechma, Justicia cubangensis and J. eriniae, are described from Angola. Their affinities are reviewed, together with a discussion on the correct generic name to apply to these species. A conspectus of Justicia sect. Monechma ‘Group I’ in Angola is presented, including a key to the species and notes on habitat and distribution for each taxon. Two new combinations and one new name are provided for species for which there was no previous name available in Justicia, and lectotypes are proposed for four names. Twelve species are recognised in this group in total, eight of which are currently believed to be endemic to Angola. Justicia subsessilis is recorded in Angola for the first time, and J. laeta is placed in sect. Monechma, having previously been tentatively referred to sect. Tyloglossa. Monechma carrissoi is considered to be conspecific with J. virgultorum and so is synonymised here. In addition, the botanical importance of the type locality of J. cubangensis, the Cuchi River gorge of the Cubango drainage, is highlighted and two further new provincial records for Cuando Cubango are noted from this site: Eriocaulon angustibracteum (Eriocaulaceae) and Crepidorhopalon schweinfurthii (Linderniaceae).

Keywords: Cuando Cubango; Huila; Namibe; justicioid; miombo; taxonomy

Justicia cubangensis I.Darbysh. & Goyder, sp. nov.

Etymology. The epithet ‘cubangensis’ denotes the Cubango River drainage in which this species is found.

Justicia eriniae I.Darbysh., sp. nov.

Etymology. The epithet ‘eriniae’ honours Dr. Erin Tripp of the Museum of Natural History (COLO Herbarium) at the University of Colorado, a leading authority on Acanthaceae, great all-round naturalist and collector of the type specimen of this species. Dr. Trip

Darbyshire, I. and Goyder, D.J. 2019. Notes on Justicia sect. Monechma (Acanthaceae) in Angola, including Two New Species. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. 64; 97–107. DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2019.64.02.01

twitter.com/intotheokavango/status/1125316313969250304

Ponera terayamai

Leong, Guénard, Shiao & Lin, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4594.1.1

Abstract

Ponera is a widespread genus of litter and soil ants. The highest diversity of the genus is found in Asia, with Taiwan and Japan being two of the most species-rich regions. Here, we systematically review the taxonomy of the 16 Taiwanese and Japanese Ponera species, two of which are new species from Taiwan: Ponera terayamai sp. n. and P. wui sp. n. A new key for Ponera species of East Asia is presented.

Keywords: ant, Ponerinae, systematics, morphology, description, new species

Chi-Man Leong, Benoit Guénard, Shiuh-Feng Shiao and Chung-Chi Lin. 2019. Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Ponera Latreille, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Taiwan and Japan, with A Key to East Asian Species. Zootaxa. 4594(1); 1–86. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4594.1.1

Trimeresurus arunachalensis

Captain, Deepak, Pandit, Bhatt & Athreya, 2019

rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/1423
twitter.com/DeepakVeerappan facebook.com/IshaSurya

Abstract

A new species of pitviper, Trimeresurus arunachalensis sp. nov., is described based on a single specimen. It differs from all known congeners by the following combination of characters — 19:17:15 acutely keeled dorsal scale rows (except first row — keeled or smooth); overall reddish-brown coloration; white dorsolateral stripe on outer posterior edges of ventrals and sometimes first dorsal scale row; 7 supralabials; 6 – 7 scales between supraoculars; 145 ventrals; 51 paired subcaudals (excluding the terminal scale); single anal; a sharply defined canthus rostralis with the margin overhanging the loreal region; a distinctly concave rostral scale with the upper edge projecting well beyond its lower margin; an unforked, attenuate hemipenis that extends to the 8th subcaudal scale, and has no visible spines. DNA phylogenetic analysis indicates that the new species is distinct from congeners and nested well within the Trimeresurus clade. The closest relative based on available DNA data is T. tibetanus. The new species is presently known from a single locality — Ramda, West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India.

Keywords: Crotalinae; snake; taxonomy; Trimeresurus arunachalensis sp. nov.; viper

Trimeresurus arunachalensis sp. nov.

Photo: Rohan Pandit,

Wangchu Phiang, and the Eaglenest Biodiversity Project

Ashok Captain, V. Deepak, Rohan Pandit, Bharat Bhatt and Ramana Athreya. 2019. A New Species of Pitviper (Serpentes: Viperidae: Trimeresurus Lacepède, 1804) from West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 26(2; 111-122. rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/1423

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Vaejovis sp.

in Contreras-Félix & Francke, 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4596.1.1

Abstract

Within the scorpion genus Vaejovis C.L. Koch, the “mexicanus” group is composed of species distributed in the mountains of México. This group presents taxonomic problems, because its characterization and the species included in the group have varied through the years. In the present work, we redefine this group based on several morphological characters, and we differentiate it from the other two species groups within the genus: “vorhiesi” and “nit dulus+nigrescens”. Additionally, five new species are described: Vaejovis ceboruco sp. nov., Vaejovis nanchititla sp. nov., Vaejovis santibagnezi sp. nov., Vaejovis talpa sp. nov. and Vaejovis tapalpa sp. nov.; the males of three species are described for the first time (V. dugesi, V. nigrofemoratus and V. tesselatus); and the updated diagnosis for all species is included. Keys for the identification of males and females of the 30 species included in this group are given. Lastly, notes on the natural history and distribution of some species are provided, with maps of known distribution for all the species.

Keywords: group characterization, species diagnoses, new species, dichotomous keys, Myriapoda

Gerardo A. Contreras-Félix and Oscar F. Francke B. 2019. Taxonomic Revision of the “mexicanus” Group of the Genus Vaejovis C. L. Koch, 1836 (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae). Zootaxa. 4596(1); 1–100. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4596.1.1

Spiradiclis cavicola L. Wu, Hareesh & B. Pan

in Pan, Tu, Hareesh & Wu, 2019.

DOI: 10.5735/085.056.0101

facebook.com/HareeshVadakkoot

Spiradiclis cavicola L. Wu, Hareesh & B. Pan, a new species from limestone caves in Guizhou and Guangxi province, southwestern China, is described and illustrated. This species which is morphologically similar to S. scabrida, can be easily distinguished from the latter by its petiole 0.5–3 cm long, leaf blade elliptic to oblong, and flower homostylous that with anthers and stigma are positioned at the throat of corolla tube or sometimes stigma slightly above anthers. The detailed morphological characters together with illustrations, diagnostic comparisons and habitat etc. are presented.

Bo Pan, Rong-Hui Tu, Vadakkoot-Sankaran Hareesh and Lei Wu. 2019: Spiradiclis cavicola (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Limestone Caves in southwestern China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 56(1-3); DOI: 10.5735/085.056.0101

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Drosera xerophila A. Fleischm.

in Fleischmann, 2018.

DOI: 10.3372/wi.48.48106

Abstract

Drosera xerophila A. Fleischm., a new species of sundew from Overberg District, Western Cape Province, South Africa, is described and illustrated together with details on its distribution, ecology, habitats and conservation status. The new species is morphologically compared with presumably closely related taxa. An identification key and synopsis are provided for all rosetted hemicryptophyte (”perennially growing”) Drosera species of the SW part of Western Cape Province, with synonymy, types, distribution (including maps) and citation of specimens and georeferenced photographs. The names D. aliciae Raym.-Hamet, D. curviscapa T. M. Salter and D. curviscapa var. esterhuyseniae T. M. Salter are lectotypified.

Key words: carnivorous plants, Drosera, Droseraceae, Fernkloof Nature Reserve, fynbos, new species, nomenclature, Overberg District, South Africa, sundew, taxonomy, typification, Western Cape Province

Fig. 2. Drosera xerophila –
A: habitat in sandy fynbos vegetation in Fernkloof Nature Reserve; B: habit of plants in comparatively dry, quarzitic soil; C: leaf; note long marginal tentacles; D: rosette with developing scape; E: aged specimen with column of old leaf remnants; note burrow of a trapdoor spider in base of stem; F: inflorescence. – A–E: South Africa, Western Cape Province, Fernkloof Nature Reserve, 15 Sep 2006; F: in cultivation; all photographs by A. Fleischmann.

Drosera xerophila A. Fleischm., sp. nov.

Diagnosis: — Related to Drosera esterhuyseniae (T. M. Salter) Debbert, but differs from that species in having broadly spatulate, decumbent, rosette leaves (leaves narrowly cuneate to rectangular, held upright at an angle of 70°–30°) and glabrous, emarginate to bifid stigmatic tips (stigmas entire, knob-shaped, papillate). Resembles D. aliciae Raym.-Hamet due to similar flat, rosetted habit and basally ascending inflorescence scape, but differs from that species in having well-pronounced, cuneate, eglandular petioles (3–)5–10 mm long (petiole 1–3(–5) mm long and hence leaves appearing almost sessile [“apetiolate”] in D. aliciae), in style arms entire or only shortly bifid in distal ⅓–¼ (style arms forking below middle, usually again bifid or tripartite in distal part) and fusiform seeds without terminal appendages (seeds narrowly fusiform with filiform appendage on micropylar and chalazal end).

...

Ecology and habitats — Drosera xerophila grows in Sandstone Fynbos vegetation over Table Mountain Sandstone, on well-drained ground in sandstone gravel, in cracks of sandstone rock, or in sandy soils with little organic matter (Fig. 2A, B).

....

Etymology — The specific epithet denotes the fact that this species prefers to grow on well-drained, drier, only slightly moist ground (xerophilus = dry loving). This is not unusual for several species of Drosera from Mediterranean areas in the S hemisphere, but contrasts with the “conventional”, largely N-hemisphere-based experience of sundews as typical bog plants.

Andreas Fleischmann. 2019. Droseraxerophila (Droseraceae), A New Species from Overberg District, South Africa, and An Overview of the Rosetted Hemicryptophyte Sundew Species from Western Cape Province. Willdenowia. 48(1); 93-107 (DOI: 10.3372/wi.48.48106

Chiloschista gelephuense Ch.Gyeltshen & Dalström

in Gyeltshen, Dalström, Gyeltshen & Tobgay, 2019.

DOI: 10.15517/lank.v19i1.37030

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Abstract

A new species of Chiloschista from a restricted area in Bhutan is described and illustrated. It is compared with C. parishii from Myanmar and Thailand, which has similarly colored flowers and from which it differs by the larger flowers, 15–18 mm versus 8–10 mm, and the lack of a glandular and pubescent, erect and curved callus lobe inside the lip, which is generally seen in other similarly colored species of this genus.

Key Words: Aeridinae, Bhutan, Himalaya, new Chiloschista, Orchidaceae, Vandeae

Figure 3. Chiloschista gelephuense flowered in cultivation at the Royal Botanic Garden, Serbithang, in May of 2015.

Chiloschista gelephuense Ch.Gyeltshen & Dalström, sp. nov.

TYPE: Bhutan. Gelephu: North of Gelephu Tshachu hot springs ..., alt. ca. 300 m, epiphytic in shade on smaller trees, collected on 12 May, 2014, and flowered in cultivation at the Royal Botanic Garden, Serbithang, 12 May, 2015, S. Dalström 4212 & Ch. Gyeltshen (holotype: THIM) (Fig. 3–4).

Diagnosis: Chiloschista gelephuense is superficially similar to C. parishi in the yellowish flowers with brown spots on the sepals and petals, but differs by the larger flower, 15–18 mm across versus 8–10 mm across for the latter species. Chiloschista gelephuense also differs from other similarly colored species in the genus by the lack of a glandular pubescent, erect and curved callus lobe inside the lip.

Etymology: Named in reference to the sub-district (Dungkhag) of Gelephu, currently the only area where this species has been found.

Choki Gyeltshen, Stig Dalström, Nima Gyeltshen and Kezang Tobgay. 2019. A New spotted Chiloschista (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) from Bhutan. LANKESTERIANA. 19(1); 23-29. DOI: 10.15517/lank.v19i1.37030

lankesteriana.org/LankesterianaJournal/19(1)/05.%20Gyeltshen%20et%20al.%202019.pdf

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Suskityrannus hazelae

Nesbitt, Denton, Loewen, Brusatte, Smith, et al., 2019

DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0888-0

twitter.com/SteveBrusatte

Abstract

Late Cretaceous dinosaur assemblages of North America—characterized by gigantic tyrannosaurid predators, and large-bodied herbivorous ceratopsids and hadrosaurids—were highly successful from around 80 million years ago (Ma) until the end of the ‘Age of Dinosaurs’ 66 Ma. However, the origin of these iconic faunas remains poorly understood because of a large, global sampling gap in the mid-Cretaceous, associated with an extreme sea-level rise. We describe the most complete skeleton of a predatory dinosaur from this gap, which belongs to a new tyrannosauroid theropod from the Middle Turonian (~92 Ma) of southern Laramidia (western North America). This taxon, Suskityrannus hazelae gen. et sp. nov., is a small-bodied species phylogenetically intermediate between the oldest, smallest tyrannosauroids and the gigantic, last-surviving tyrannosaurids. The species already possesses many key features of the tyrannosaurid bauplan, including the phylogenetically earliest record of an arctometatarsalian foot in tyrannosauroids, indicating that the group developed enhanced cursorial abilities at a small body size. Suskityrannus is part of a transitional Moreno Hill (that is, Zuni) dinosaur assemblage that includes dinosaur groups that became rare or were completely absent in North America around the final 15 Myr of the North American Cretaceous before the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, as well as small-bodied forebears of the large-bodied clades that dominated at this time.

Skeletal element of both specimens of Suskityrannus hazelae gen. et sp. nov. and reconstruction.

Systematic palaeontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Coelurosauria

Tyrannosauroidea

Suskityrannus hazelae gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. Genus: from the Zuni ‘Suski’ (coyote) and the Latin ‘tyrannus’ (king). The specific name is for Hazel Wolfe, whose tireless efforts, support and sacrifices made possible much of the success at the Moreno Hill fossil localities.

Sterling J. Nesbitt, Robert K. Denton Jr, Mark A. Loewen, Stephen L. Brusatte, Nathan D. Smith, Alan H. Turner, James I. Kirkland, Andrew T. McDonald and Douglas G. Wolfe. 2019. A mid-Cretaceous Tyrannosauroid and The Origin of North American end-Cretaceous Dinosaur Assemblages. Nature Ecology & Evolution. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0888-0

twitter.com/SteveBrusatte/status/1125421062748086274

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New three-foot-tall relative of Tyrannosaurus rex

eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-05/vt-n3r050219.php

phys.org/news/2019-05-three-foot-tall-relative-tyrannosaurus-rex.html

Talenkauen santacrucensis

Novas, Cambiaso & Ambrioso, 2004

in Rozadilla, Agnolín & Novas, 2019.

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2019.1582562

Illustration: S. Rozadilla facebook.com/LACEVmacn

Abstract

Talenkauen santacrucensis represents one of the most complete South American ornithopods yet discovered. This dinosaur comes from the Mata Amarilla Formation (Turonian) of Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. The aim of this contribution is to present a detailed description of Talenkauen santacrucensis. Features of the cervical series of Talenkauen, which are shared with other elasmarians, indicate that these dinosaurs have a proportionally longer neck than other ornithopods. These traits were convergently acquired by several saurischian clades. Additionally, some features, including an ornamented labial surface of the mandibular teeth and a sigmoidal greater trochanter of femur, are traits shared by most elasmarians, and may prove to be synapomorphies of this clade. A phylogenetic analysis recovers most Cretaceous Gondwanan ornithopods in the clade Elasmaria. This analysis indicates that Elasmaria was distributed more widely geographically and temporally than previously thought.

Keywords: Ornithopoda, Euiguanodontia, Elasmaria, Talenkauen santacrucensis, Gondwana, Patagonia

Talenkauen santacrucensis

Illustration: Sebastián Rozadilla

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Sebastián Rozadilla, Federico Lisandro Agnolín and Fernando Emilio Novas. 2019. Osteology of the Patagonian Ornithopod Talenkauen santacrucensis (Dinosauria, Ornithischia). Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2019.1582562

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