Species New to Science

Ficus pongumphaii Chantaras. & Sungkaew

in Chantarasuwan, Sungkaew, Pruesapan, Baas & van Welzen, 2019.

ไทรผ่องอำไพ || DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2019.64.02.02

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Abstract
A deciduous shrub previously included in Ficus talbotii for many years, is now regarded as a new species, Ficus pongumphaii. It is morphologically distinct from F. talbotii with as typical characters the densely brown pubescent to tomentose or villous on leafy twig; the elliptic, suborbicular to obovate leaf blades that are brown tomentellous on the upper surface and brown floccose tomentose to villous underneath; the pedunculate figs are obovate, brown floccose or villous outside and have internal hairs. The leaf anatomy shows a multiple epidermis on both surfaces; enlarged lithocysts on both sides of the lamina, which are more abundant adaxially and with very few abaxially. The species, endemic to Thailand, is named after the great Thai dendrologist, Associate Professor Somnuek Pongumphai.

Keywords: Ficus; Moraceae; leaf anatomy; new species

Fig. 1 Ficus pongumphaii Chantaras. & Sungkaew.
a. Twig with leaves and figs; b. figs; c. fig in longitudinal section; d. staminate flower; e. stamen; f. sessile pistillate flower; g. pedicelled pistillate flower (B. Chantarasuwan 180910-4, THNHM).

— Drawing: Pajaree Inthachup, 2015.

Fig. 2 Photos of live Ficus pongumphaii Chantaras. & Sungkaew.
a. Habit in natural habitat; b–d. twigs with leaves and figs; e. fig; f. fig in longitudinal section. — Photos by Bhanumas Chantarasuwan.

Ficus pongumphaii Chantaras. & Sungkaew, sp. nov.

Shrub, at least up to 3 m high. Leafy twig brown pubescent to tomentose to villous. Leaf lamina elliptic to suborbicular to obovate, upper surface whitish or brown tomentellous, lower surface brown floccose tomentose to villous. Fig pedunculate, basal bracts persistent, strigose. Receptacle obovate, brown floccose or villous. Synconial internal hairs present. Epidermis multi-layers. Enlarged lithocysts abundant adaxially and only few abaxially.

— Type: B. Chantarasuwan 180910-4 (holo THNHM; iso L), Thailand, Lop Buri, Thawung, Wat Khao Samorkhorn, 18 Sept. 2010.

Distribution & Habitat — A species seemingly endemic to Thailand, occurring on limestone hills at a 30–600 m elevation.

Bhanumas Chantarasuwan, Sarawood Sungkaew, Kanchana Pruesapan, Pieter Baas and P.C. van Welzen. 2019. Ficus pongumphaii (Moraceae), A New Species from Thailand, Compared with the Ambiguous Species F. talbotii. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2019.64.02.02

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Marcusenius wamuinii Decru, Sullivan & Vreven, 2019

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Abstract

Marcusenius wamuinii, a new large-scaled Marcusenius species, is described from the Mangroves National Park (MNP), a protected area situated at the mouth of the Lower Congo basin and its surroundings in the DR Congo. It can be distinguished from all its congeners based on the following unique combination of characteristics: 8 circumpeduncular scales, 27-31 anal-fin rays, 22-25 dorsal-fin rays, 19-22 scales between dorsal and anal fin, 46-53 lateral line scales, and a slender caudal peduncle (depth 4.4-5.9 % SL). Its status as a distinct species is additionally confirmed by genetic data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. This is the first new fish species discovered in the MNP, highlighting the importance of freshwater conservation in this area in which the fish fauna is still poorly known.

Eva Decru, John P. Sullivan and Emmanuel Vreven. 2019. Marcusenius wamuinii (Teleostei: Mormyridae), A New Elephantfish from the Mangroves National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. online first (1090); 1-15. DOI: 10.23788/IEF-1090

researchgate.net/publication/333293882_Marcusenius_wamuinii_a_new_elephantfish_from_the_Mangroves_National_Park_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo

twitter.com/halooie1/status/1131247592149540865

Marcusenius wamuinii, une nouvelle espèce de Marcusenius à grandes écailles est décrite du Parc Marin des Mangroves (PMM), une zone protégée située dans l'embouchure du Bas Congo et ses environs en RD Congo. Elle se distingue de tous ses congénères sur la base de la combinaison unique des caractères suivants : 8 écailles circumpédonculaires, 27-31 rayons à la nageoire anale, 22-25 rayons à la nageoire dorsale, 19-22 écailles entre les nageoires dorsale et anale, 46-53 écailles en ligne latérale et un pédoncule caudal mince (hauteur 4.4-5.9 % SL). Son statut d'espèce distincte est également confirmé à base de résultats génétiques sur le gène mitochondrial cytochrome b. Ceci est la première nouvelle espèce de poisson découverte dans le PMM, soulignant l'importance de la conservation des eaux douces dans cette Zone, dont la faune de poissons est encore largement méconnue.

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

Fordiophyton jinpingense J.H.Dai & Z.Y.Yu

in Dai, Zhou, Yu, et al., 2019.

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.122.35260

Abstract

Fordiophyton jinpingense (Melastomataceae; Sonerileae), a species occurring in south-eastern Yunnan, China, is described as new, based on morphological and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses, based on nrITS sequence data, showed that, except F. breviscapum, all species sampled in Fordiophyton formed a strongly supported clade in which two geographical lineages were recovered. The generic placement of F. jinpingense is well supported by phylogenetic analyses and a character combination of 4-merous flowers, distinctly dimorphic stamens and the connectives basally not calcarate. Molecular divergence and morphological evidence indicate that F. jinpingense is well separated from other members of the genus, thus justifying its recognition as a distinct species. Fordiophyton jinpingense is phylogenetically closest to F. repens, but differs markedly from the latter in stem morphology (short, obtusely 4-sided vs. long, 4-angular), habit (erect vs. creeping), leaf size (6–16.5 × 4.5–13 cm vs. 4–7.5 × 4–6.5 cm) and flower number per inflorescence (5–13 vs. 3–6).

Keywords: Fordiophyton, Melastomataceae, taxonomy, phylogeny

Figure 3. Detail of inflorescence, flower, stamens, ovary and fruit of Fordiophyton jinpingense, all from Y. Liu 728 (SYS, A).
A Mature inflorescence B side view of a flower C top view of a flower D longitudinal section of a flower showing dimorphic stamens and ovary crown E anther morphology in detail F transection of ovary at young fruit stage, showing the very short-stalked, nearly sessile placenta G young fruit showing the crown not exserted from hypanthium. Scale bars: 5 mm (D–F).

Figure 2. Fordiophyton jinpingense, all from Y. Liu 728 (SYS, A).
A Habitat B a flowering individual C adaxial leaf surface D abaxial leaf surface E petiole villous with multiseriate hairs F young inflorescence G young inflorescence dissected showing the position and morphology of bracts. Scale bar: 2 cm (G).

Holotype of Fordiophyton jinpingense: Y. Liu 728 (A) collected from Ma-an-di, Jinping County, Yunnan, China.

Fordiophyton jinpingense J.H.Dai & Z.Y.Yu, sp. nov.

Type: CHINA. Yunnan: Jinping County, Ma-an-di town, 900–1900 m alt., damp but well drained places in forest, 10 Mar 2019, Ying Liu 728 (holotype: A; isotype: SYS).

Diagnosis: Differs from Fordiophyton repens in having slightly obtusely 4-sided short stem (vs. 4-angular, long and creeping), mature leaves 6–16.5 × 4.5–13 cm (vs. 4–7.5 × 4–6.5 cm) sparsely and shallowly dentate leaf margin with each tooth having a caducous terminal seta (vs. densely denticulate, persistent) and inflorescence 5–13-flowered (vs. 3–6-flowered).

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from Jinping County, the type locality of Fordiophyton jinpingense.

Distribution: Fordiophyton jinpingense is currently known only from Jinping County, south-eastern Yunnan, China (Fig. 7). It occurs in dense or open forests, often in damp, shaded, but well drained places, such as on steep slopes, at 900–1900 m alt.

Jin-Hong Dai, Qiu-Jie Zhou, Zhi-Yong Yu, Ren-Chao Zhou and Ying Liu. 2019. A New Species of Fordiophyton (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae) from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 122: 15-28. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.122.35260

Microlicia colombiana Humberto Mend. & R.Romero

in Mendoza-Cifuentes, Ariza, Granados & Romero, 2019.

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.122.34171

Abstract

Microlicia (Melastomataceae) is a Neotropical genus nearly restricted to southeastern Brazil, and the Guiana Shield in Venezuela, with a few species in some places in the Andes of Bolivia and Peru. A new species of Microlicia endemic to the mountains of eastern Andes of Colombia is described and illustrated. Its affinities with other morphologically similar species from Venezuela are also documented. This novelty is the first record of the genus for Colombia and the northern Andes. It is argued that this disjunct distribution of the genus is attributable to the phenomenon of long-distance seed dispersal by wind.

Keywords: Northeastern Andes, endemism, long-distance seed dispersal, northern Andes, sub-páramo

Figure 3. Microlicia colombiana Humberto Mend. & R.Romero. A Habit B Flowering branch C Sub-páramo habitat at the type locality D, E Sandy soils and substrate of the type locality (all photos by David Granados).

Microlicia colombiana Humberto Mend. & R.Romero, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Related to Microlicia benthamiana Triana but differs in having larger internodes, strigose nodes, linear to obovate leaf blades, trichomes between sepals, petals and pedoconective of antesepalous stamens shorter. Also related to Microlicia guanayana Wurdack but differs in having non-strigose adaxial foliar surfaces, 3-nerved leaf blades, hypanthia 10-ribbed, petals < 8.5 mm long and with a rounded setose apex, and stamens with smaller dimensions.

TYPE: COLOMBIA. Boyacá: Municipio de Pisba, vereda Miraflores, Sabana de Nubacá, 2389 m elev., ..., 19 Nov 2018 (fl, fr), H. Mendoza & D. Granados 22014 (holotype: FMB!; isotypes: COL!, CUVC!, HUA!, FMB!, CUVC!, UDBC!).

Figure 2. Microlicia colombiana Humberto Mend. & R.Romero. A Floral bud B Lateral view of the calyx and hypanthium in open flower C Petal D Antepetalous stamen E Top view of ventral appendage of the connective F Lateral view of ventral appendage of the connective G Polysporangiate anther H Antesepalous stamen I Top view of ventral appendage of the connective J Anther K Gynoecium L Longitudinal section of the ovary M Horizontal section of the ovary N Capsule covered by hypanthium O Open capsule P Seeds (A–P from H. Mendoza & D. Granados 22014 (FMB). All photos by Humberto Mendoza-Cifuentes).

Figure 1. Microlicia colombiana Humberto Mend. & R.Romero.
A Node at basal portion of a branch B Node with spherical golden glands at the distal part of a branch C Leaves, adaxial (left) and abaxial (right) surfaces D Leaf adaxial surface, with detail of indumentum E Leaf abaxial surface, with detail of indumentum (A–E from H. Mendoza & D. Granados 22014 (FMB). All photos by Humberto Mendoza-Cifuentes).

Habitat and distribution: Microlicia colombiana is endemic to northeastern Andes of Colombia towards the Orinoquian flank. This species is only known from the type locality in the department of Boyacá near the southern border of Pisba National Natural Park, and a nearby second locality in the department of Casanare, between 2000 to 2400 m elevation (Figure 4A). It grows in open areas of sub-páramo vegetation on white sandy soil covered with sphagnum (Figure 3).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the restricted occurrence of the new species to Colombia and for being the first record of the genus in this country.

Humberto Mendoza-Cifuentes, William Ariza, David E. Granados and Rosana Romero. 2019. A New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae): First Record of the Genus for Colombia. PhytoKeys. 122: 87-96. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.122.34171

Cornucistela anichtchenkoi

Novák & Nabozhenko, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4612.2.9

Abstract

A second species of the previously monotypic genus Cornucistela (Cornucistela anichtchenkoi sp. nov.) is described, illustrated and compared with C. serrata Campbell, 1980 (type species). It is a first record of the genus in Iran (South Khorasan Province).

Keywords: Coleoptera, taxonomy, darkling beetles, comb-clawed beetles, Palaearctic Region, Iran

Cornucistela anichtchenkoi sp. nov.

Vladimír Novák and Maxim Yu. Nabozhenko. 2019. A New Species of Cornucistela Campbell, 1980 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Alleculinae: Gonoderina) from Iran. Zootaxa. 4612(2); 267–274. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4612.2.9

Rhyacoschistura larreci

Kottelat, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4612.2.1

phakhaolao.la

Abstract

Rhyacoschistura, new genus, belongs to a group of genera (Physoschistura, Mustura, Pteronemacheilus, Petruichthys) characterised by the modified branched pectoral-fin rays of males, with a very thick first ray, usually without membranes between some of the branches and/or rays, and anterior rays and/or membranes covered by small tubercles at maturity. Rhyacoschistura is distinguished from them by the combination of: presence of a suborbital flap; emarginate caudal fin; lower lip with a wide median interruption and connected to isthmus by a frenum; body depth about equal from behind head to caudal-fin base.Rhyacoschistura larreci, new species, is described from the Mekong drainage in Xayaburi Province, Laos. It is distinguished by details of the morphology of the pelvic fin, and its colour pattern (flank with numerous narrow slanted bars, very irregularly organised and shaped, more or less connected, or sometimes covering the whole flank). Schistura suber, from Nam Ngum watershed, is redescribed on the basis of adults and placed in Rhyacoschistura.

Keywords: Pisces, Schistura, Mustura, Physoschistura

Figure 4. Rhyacoschistura larreci, MHNG 2727.011, holotype, 57.1 mm SL; Laos: Xayaburi: Nam Houng watershed.
Figure 5. Rhyacoschistura larreci, CMK 28037, paratype, 57.8 mm SL; Laos: Xayaburi: Nam Houng watershed; immediately after fixation.

Rhyacoschistura, new genus

Type species. Rhyacoschistura larreci, new species.

Etymology. Rhyacoschistura is derived from the Greek word ῥύαξ, -κος (rhyax, meaning a rushing stream, a torrent) and the genus name Schistura (itself based on σχιστός [schistos; divided] and οὐρά [oura; tail]). In reference to the torrent and hill stream habitat of the species placed in the genus. Gender feminine.

Included species. Rhyacoschistura larreci and Rhyacoschistura suber (Kottelat, 2000).

Rhyacoschistura larreci, new species

Etymology. Named for LARReC, Living Aquatic Resources Research Center, Vientiane, for its 20th anniversary, and appreciation to several of its staff for 20 years of collaboration in the field. Treated as a masculine noun in genitive, indeclinable.

Maurice Kottelat. 2019. Rhyacoschistura larreci, A New Genus and Species of Loach from Laos and Redescription of R. suber (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Zootaxa. 4612(2); 151–170. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4612.2.1

Rhyacoschistura larreci, a new genus and species of loach from Laos and redescription of R. suber (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) phakhaolao.la/en/publications/rhyacoschistura-larreci-new-genus-and-species-loach-laos-and-redescription-r-suber

Acanthosaura phongdienensis

Nguyen, Jin, Vo, Nguyen, Zhou, Che, Murphy & Zhang, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4612.4.7

Abstract

Herein, we describe the new agamid species Acanthosaura phongdienensis sp. nov. from central Vietnam based on morphological and genetic data. Males of the new medium-sized species have a snout-vent length of up to 77.4 mm and females up to 64.7 mm. In both genders, the tail is longer than the snout-vent length. A spine occurs on each side of the neck, the rostral scute is entire, and the nuchal and dorsal crests are continuous. A postorbital spine is about half as long as the diameter of the eye-ball, and small lateral scales intermix with large, keeled scales whose tips point backwards and upwards. The new species differs genetically from the closely related species A. brachypoda, A. coronata, and A. lepidogaster by uncorrected p-distances of 13.6%, 21.7%, and 12.8%, respectively. This is the 13th species of Acanthosaura and the eighth species in the genus from Vietnam.

Keywords: Reptilia, Agamid, Acanthosaura lepidogaster, Phong Dien, COI

Sang Ngoc Nguyen, Jie-Qiong Jin, Ba Dinh Vo, Luan Thanh Nguyen, Wei-Wei Zhou, Jing Che, Robert W. Murphy and Ya-Ping Zhang. 2019. A New Species of Acanthosaura Gray 1831 (Reptilia: Agamidae) from central Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4612(4); 555–565. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4612.4.7

Leposternon octostegum (Duméril, 1851)

in Barros-Filho, Freitas, Silva, et al., 2019.

DOI: 10.11609/jott.3597.11.1.13058-13086

ABSTRACT

The amphisbaenian Leposternon octostegum (Duméril, 1851) is redescribed based on newly collected material from the state of Bahia, Brazil. Species validity was confirmed, and comparisons made to other Leposternon species and to the scarce literature available on Leposternon octostegum taxonomy. Aspects of meristic annuli methodology are reviewed, and nomenclatural adjustments for some scales are proposed. To place this information in its taxonomic context, a species identification key for the Brazilian species of the genus Leposternon is provided. The present redescription contributes to a better understanding of Amphisbaenia taxonomy, thus also enabling the design of more adequate conservation and management strategies for the species belonging to this group.

Keywords: Amphisbaenia, Bahia, Brazil, Leposternon octostegum, meristic methodology, pholidosis nomenclature, taxonomy

Image 23. Leposternon octostegum. Coloration. (A) Live coloration of newly captured specimen from Aterro Metropolitano Centro, near Salvador City, State of Bahia, Brazil; without scale; (B) MNHN 7055 holotype and (C) MNHN 2007.0023, color in preservative. (D) ZUFRJ 1714, (E) ZUFRJ 1715 and (F) ZUFRJ 1716 from Municipality of Camaçari, Arembepe County, color in preservative. Scale bars = 5mm.

Leposternon octostegum (Duméril)

Amphisbaena octostega (Duméril)

Lepidosternon octostegum Duméril, 1851, p. 150–151.

Terra typica: “Brésil”. Holotype: MNHN 7055.

Diagnosis: A species of Leposternon with an enlarged, polygonal azygous shield atop the head, which, however, does not exclude the discrete prefrontals, oculars and first temporals shields of the dorsal cephalic area posterior to the rostronasal; one large supralabial and one large infralabial shield on each side of mouth; a large mental shield (postmental shield absent, probably fused with the mental shield); 353–382 ventral, postpectoral half-annuli.

Definition: A slender, medium-sized (388mm maximum adult total length) form of Leposternon, with an enlarged, polygonal azygous shield atop the head; in dorsal view, the rostronasal, the prefrontals, the oculars, the first temporals and a small pair of occipitals are also clearly discernible; one large supralabial and one large infralabial; mental and postmental shields, probably fused; three pairs of enlarged shields along the midline, with left and right asymmetries: the anterior pair forms a rough stretched pentagon pointing backwards, the second pair has irregular polygons tending to a medial suture in an “X” disposition and the posterior pair showing polygonal transversely elongated shields, larger caudad than rostrad; 353–382 ventral, 357–397 dorsal postpectoral half-annuli; 24–33 dorsal half-annuli scales; 23–29 ventral half-annuli scales; 12–15 caudal annuli; a short, cylindrical and round ending tail; 121–142 precloacal vertebrae; absent precloacal pores and autotomy. Living specimens have a pale grizzled background coloration, with none or inconspicuous sparse, diminute and irregularly distributed dorsal brownish pigments, more concentrated in the second half of the body (Image 23A). Alcohol preserved specimens display a more pale brown (beige) brownish or whitish background coloration, and the pigments are more subtle. The sample from Municipality of Camaçari exhibited a different coloration, with marked brownish blotches or dorsal pigment dots evident along most of the body and in the tail.

José Duarte de Barros-Filho, Marco Antonio de Freitas, Thais Figueiredo Santos Silva, Mariana Fiuza de Castro Loguercio and Maria Celeste Costa Valverde. 2019. Redescription of Leposternon octostegum (Duméril, 1851), with An Identification Key for Brazilian Leposternon species, Remarks on Meristic Methodology, and A Proposal for Pholidosis Nomenclature (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae). Journal of Threatened Taxa. 11(1); 13058-13086. DOI: 10.11609/jott.3597.11.1.13058-13086

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Parmaturus angelae

Soares, Carvalho, Schwingel & Gadig, 2019

DOI: 10.1643/CI-18-152

twitter.com/ASIHCopeia

Abstract
A new Southwestern Atlantic species of Parmaturus, P. angelae, new species, is described from two specimens captured off Brazil. It is distinguished from congeners by the following characters: origin of the first dorsal fin anterior to pelvic-fin origin, presence of well-developed upper and lower caudal crests of denticles, dorsal fins subequal, lateral denticles teardrop-shaped and lacking lateral cusplets, denticles evenly spaced, proportional dimensions, and vertebral counts. Parmaturus angelae, new species, is the second species of the genus reported from the Atlantic Ocean and only the third species outside of the Indo-West Pacific region. Parmaturus remains rather poorly defined as only two species have been studied anatomically in any detail.

Fig. 2. Parmaturus angelae, new species, holotype, MZUSP 124000, female, 398 mm TL. Dorsal and lateral view.

Parmaturus angelae, new species

Proposed common names: Brazilian Filetail Catshark,

Ângela’s Catshark (Portuguese)

Etymology.— The specific name angelae is dedicated to the last author’s granddaughter, Angela

Karla Diamantina De Araújo Soares, Marcelo Rodrigues De Carvalho, Paulo Ricardo Schwingel and Otto Bismarck Fazzano Gadig. 2019. A New Species of Parmaturus (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae) from Brazil, Southwestern Atlantic. Copeia. 107(2); 314-322. DOI: 10.1643/CI-18-152

twitter.com/ASIHCopeia/status/1134481991645237249

Litoria vivissimia

Oliver, Richards & Donnellan, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4609.3.4

Abstract

New Guinea is home to the world’s most diverse insular frog biota, but only a small number of taxa have been included in genetically informed assessments of species diversity. Here we describe two new species of New Guinea treefrog in the genus Litoria that were first flagged during assessments of genetic diversity (DNA barcoding) and are currently only known from the holotypes. Litoria pterodactyla sp. nov. is a large green species in the Litoria graminea species complex from hill forests in Western Province, Papua New Guinea and is the third member of this group known from south of the Central Cordillera. Litoria vivissimia sp. nov. is a small, spike-nosed species from mid-montane forests on the Central Cordillera. It is morphologically very similar to Litoria pronimia, but occurs nearly 1000 m higher than any known locality for that species. More extensive genetically informed assessment of diversity in New Guinea frogs seems certain to reveal many more as-yet-unrecognised taxa in complexes of morphologically similar species.

Keywords: Amphibia, Frog diversity, genetic diversity, Papua New Guinea, parachuting, rostral projection, species complex

Litoria vivissimia sp. nov. SAMA R71127 from Tabubil, Western Province.

Photograph by S. Richards.

Paul M. Oliver, Stephen J. Richards and Stephen C Donnellan. 2019. Two New Species of Treefrog (Pelodrydidae: Litoria) from southern New Guinea elucidated by DNA Barcoding. Zootaxa. 4609(3); 469–484. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4609.3.4

Pionothele gobabeb

Bond & Lamb, 2019

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.851.31802

Abstract

The mygalomorph spider genus Pionothele Purcell, 1902 comprises two nominal species known only from South Africa. We describe here a new species, Pionothele gobabeb sp. n., from Namibia. This new species is currently only known from a very restricted area in the Namib Desert of western Namibia.

Keywords: Biodiversity, New species, Spider taxonomy, Pionothele, Nemesiidae, Mygalomorphae

Pionothele gobabeb sp. n. 2 Live male

Habitus photograph and illustrations of Pionothele gobabeb sp. n.
3 habitus digital illustration of male holotype specimen 4 habitus digital illustration of female.

Taxonomy

Family Nemesiidae Simon, 1889

Genus Pionothele Purcell, 1902

Pionothele Purcell, 1902: 380

(type species by monotypy Pionothele straminea male holotype from South Africa).
– Tucker 1917: 117. – Raven 1985: 93.

Pionothele gobabeb sp. n.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun taken in apposition and is in reference to the type locality.

Diagnosis: Male and female specimens (Figs 2–4) can be differentiated from the other two described species of Pionothele by having posterior median eyes that are reduced in size (Fig. 7), nearly half the diameter of the posterior lateral eyes and much smaller than the anterior median eyes. Like P. capensis the male palpal tibia is more slender than in P. straminea but like the latter lacks spines (Fig. 8); leg I has more mid-retrolateral spines than P. capensis, with a single large mid-distal spine and only two proximal prolateral spines (Figs 5, 6). Males and females both are very light in coloration similar to that of P. straminea (Figs 2–4), noted by Raven (1985) as “faded,” whereas the abdomen of P. capensis is pigmented and mottled. Spermathecal bulbs of P. gobabeb are moderately thin and sinuous whereas those illustrated for P. capensis are described as “wide and flattened” (Fig. 9); females also appear to have far fewer endite cuspules (25 vs 80).

Figure 1. Aerial photograph of type locality. Kuiseb River bed in foreground (tree line); the interdune pitfall trap transect lies beyond the dunes (middle right of image).

Jason E. Bond and Trip Lamb. 2019. A New Species of Pionothele from Gobabeb, Namibia (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Nemesiidae). ZooKeys. 851: 17-25. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.851.31802

Laocaia simovi Dedov & Schneppat

in Dedov, Schneppat, Vu & Huy, 2019.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.846.34372

Abstract

A new species of the genus Laocaia Kuzminykh, 1999, Laocaia simovi Dedov & Schneppat, sp. nov., is described, which was collected from a single locality in northern Vietnam. Color pictures of living specimens are provided. For the first time, information on the ecology and biology of a representative of the genus Laocaia is presented.

Keywords: Helicarionidae, Laocaia, new species, Vietnam

Family Helicarionidae Bourguignat, 1877
Subfamily Helicarioninae Bourguignat, 1877
Genus Laocaia Kuzminykh, 1999

Type species: Laocaia attenuata Kuzminykh, 1999.

Diagnosis: small slugs with non-coiled visceral hump, rounded posteriorly, lying in V- shaped body groove; body cavity not extending into tail; shell very thin, non-spiral, internal, hemispheric, completely covering visceral hump, with small calcified part; penis short, bulbous, with large stimulator inside; epiphallus and flagellum absent; spermatheca entering atrium between vagina and penis (amended after Kuzminykh 1999).

Remarks: for the systematic position of the genus Laocaia, we here follow MolluscaBase (2018). The genus was originally placed in the family Ariophantidae by Kuzminykh (1999), which was followed by Bouchet et al. (2017). However, Schileyko (2002, 2011) transferred it to the family Helicarionidae.

Figure 3. Laocaia simovi Dedov & Schneppat, sp. nov. coloration of the body with the visceral hump and U-shaped dorsal groove.

Laocaia simovi Dedov & Schneppat, sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis

Externally, L. simovi Dedov & Schneppat, sp. nov. differs from L. attenuata and L. obesa by its coloration. The anterior body of L. attenuata is yellow, and its head and neck show three indistinct stripes, while the mantle is marbled with irregularly arranged black spots. The posterior part of the foot is uniformly grayish. In contrast, the body of L. obesa is whitish-grayish colored and covered with numerous white spots. On the visceral hump, the mantle of this species displays a pattern of irregularly arranged black spots (Kuzminykh 1999).

Anatomically, L. simovi sp. nov. differs from L. attenuata by the narrower base of the penis, as well as by its much more globular sarcobelum with a pointed, cone-shaped apical tip. The sarcobelum is not covered with numerous distinct papillae, but it shows very fine longitudinal striae. The striation is not well visible even under high magnification.

Laocaia simovi sp. nov. differs from L. obesa by its less voluminous penis and the narrower base of the penis. The inner wall of the penis is not covered with papillae, but with almost invisible, very fine granules. The bursa copulatrix of L. simovi sp. nov. is of almost globular shape, the pedunculus is long, slender and of the same diameter all along its length; its bursa copulatrix is more voluminous than the penis.

Figure 6. Laocaia simovi Dedov & Schneppat, sp. nov. pointed posterior end of the dorsum with the horn-like structure (A) and the coloration of the slime (B).

Derivatio nominis: This new species is named after our friend and biologist Dr. Nikolay Simov, NMNHS, Sofia, Bulgaria, who found the first specimen of the species.

Figure 1. Laocaia simovi Dedov & Schneppat, sp. nov. habitat picture, from the type locality near the peak of Fansipan. The black arrow points towards the epiphytic plants, in which the new species was found.

Ivaylo Dedov, Ulrich Schneppat, Manh Quang Vu and Nguyen Quoc Huy. 2019. A New Semislug of the Genus Laocaia (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Helicarionidae) from Vietnam. ZooKeys. 846: 19-30. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.846.34372

Lerista anyara

Amey, Couper & Wilmer, 2019

DOI 10.11646/zootaxa.4613.1.9

Abstract

A species of the skink genus Lerista is described from Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. The species is biogeographically interesting as it appears to be separated by at least 500 km from its nearest relatives, members of the Lerista allanae clade. The role of Pleistocene sea level changes altering availability of suitable habitat for these sand specialists is discussed as a possible driver of isolation and speciation.

Keywords: Reptilia, Slider skink, Cape York Peninsula, Australia, Olkola country, monsoonal tropical savanna

Andrew P. Amey, Patrick J. Couper and Jessica Worthington Wilmer. 2019. A New Species of Lerista Bell, 1833 (Reptilia: Scincidae) from Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, belonging to the Lerista allanae Clade but strongly Disjunct from other Members of the Clade. Zootaxa. 4613(1); 161–171. DOI 10.11646/zootaxa.4613.1.9

Gracixalus yunnanensis

Yu, Hui, Wang, Rao, Wu & Yang, 2019

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.851.32157

Abstract

A new species of the genus Gracixalus, Gracixalus yunnanensis sp. n., is described based on a series of specimens collected from southwestern and southern Yunnan, China. This species is distinguished from all other known congeners by a combination of the following characters: relatively small body size in adult males (SVL 26.0–34.2 mm); dorsal surface yellow brown or red brown; distinctive conical asperities on dorsum; males with an external subgular vocal sac and linea masculina; throat, chest, and belly nearly immaculate; venter surface orangish with yellow spots, semi-transparent; snout rounded; supratympanic fold distinct; iris bronze; lack of white patch on temporal region; tibiotarsal projection absent; sides of body nearly smooth with no black blotch; finger webbing rudimentary; and toe webbing formula I1.5–2II1.5–2.7III.5–3IV2.5–1.5V. Genetically, the new species diverges from its congeners by 2.2%–14.1% (uncorrected p-distance) and is closest to G. guangdongensis. However, the new species can morphologically be separated from G. guangdongensis by distinctive conical tubercles on dorsum (versus absent), lateral surface nearly smooth with no black blotches on ventrolateral region (versus lateral surface rough, scattered with tubercles and black blotches on ventrolateral region), snout rounded (versus triangularly pointed), iris bronze (versus iris brown), and ventral surface orangish (versus throat and chest creamy white and belly light brown).

Keywords: Gracixalus yunnanensis sp. n., taxonomy, Rhacophoridae, southwestern China

Figure 4. Dorsolateral (a) and ventral (b) views of the holotype of Gracixalus yunnanensis sp. n. in life and dorsal (c) and ventral (d) views of the holotype of Gracixalus yunnanensis sp. n. in preservative. Linea masculina is pointed by arrow.

Gracixalus yunnanensis sp. n.

Diagnosis:

The new species is assigned to genus Gracixalus based upon molecular data and the following morphological characters: the presence of intercalary cartilage between terminal and penultimate phalanges of digits, tips of digits enlarged to discs bearing circummarginal grooves, vomerine teeth absent, inner (first and second) and outer (third and fourth) fingers non-opposable, and an inversed Y-shaped dark brown marking on dorsum (Fei 1999, Rowley et al. 2011, Chen et al. 2018). The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of 1) SVL 26.0–34.2 mm in males; 2) dorsal surface yellow brown or red brown; 3) distinctive conical tubercles on dorsum; 4) males with an external subgular vocal sac; 5) throat granular; 6) finger webbing rudimentary; 7) linea masculina, a band of connective tissue between the rectus abdominus muscle and oblique abdominus muscle, present in males; 8) tibiotarsal articulation reaching eye; 9) snout rounded; 10) white patch absent on temporal region; 11) tibiotarsal projection absent; 12) supratympanic fold distinct; 13) ventral surface orangish, nearly immaculate, and semi-transparent; 14) nuptial pads present on finger I; 15) heels overlapping when legs at right angle to body; 16) iris bronze; and 17) body sides nearly smooth with no black blotch.

Figure 1. Map showing collection sites of Gracixalus yunnanensis sp. n. Star indicates the type locality (Xuelin) and circles indicate Fudong Township (1), Fazhanhe Township (2), Bada Township (3), Mt. Huanglian (4), Jinping (5), Lao Cai (6), Nghe An (7), and Houapan (8), respectively. Sequences of samples from sites 5–8 came from previous studies.

Distribution: In China, the new species is known from Yunnan (Lancang County, Menghai County, Lvchun County, and Jinping County). In addition, the new species also occurs in Laos (Houapan) and Vietnam (Lao Cai and Nghe An) because our molecular analyses revealed that samples from Houapan (KUHE 32453), Lao Cai (VNMN 4355, 4357, 4371), and Nghe An (AMS R173454) that were sequenced by previous studies also belong to the new species (Figs 2, 3). In Yunnan, specimens were found sitting on leaves of herbaceous plants (e.g., Amomum tsaoko and Eupatorium adenophorum). No eggs and tadpoles were found.

Etymology: The specific epithet yunnanensis refers to the distribution of this species in China, Yunnan Province.

Guohua Yu, Hong Hui, Jian Wang, Dingqi Rao, Zhengjun Wu and Junxing Yang. 2019. A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Yunnan, China. ZooKeys. 851: 91-111. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.851.32157

Gymnosiphon queenslandicus B.Gray & Y.W.Low

in Gray, Mahyuni & Low, 2019.

DOI: 10.1071/SB18035

twitter.com/YeeWenLow

Abstract

The mycoheterotrophic genus Gymnosiphon Blume is recorded for Australia for the first time after the recent discovery of plants at Mossman Gorge, Queensland. On the basis of examination of living plants in the field as well as materials preserved in spirit, the Mossman Gorge Gymnosiphon taxon is a novelty closely related to Gymnosiphon affinis J.J.Sm., which is known only from New Guinea. The new species is here described as Gymnosiphon queenslandicus B.Gray & Y.W.Low based on floral characteristics important for species distinction in the genus.

Keywords: Dioscoreales, endemic, monocots, Queensland.

Bruce Gray, Ridha Mahyuni and Yee Wen Low. 2019. Gymnosiphon queenslandicus (Burmanniaceae), A New Addition to the Mycoheterotroph Flora of Tropical Rainforest in Australia. Australian Systematic Botany. 32(3) 139-145. DOI: 10.1071/SB18035

twitter.com/YeeWenLow/status/1135732921304698880

Cnemaspis godagedarai

Silva, Bauer, Botejue & Karunarathna, 2019

facebook.com/MadhavaBotejue

Abstract

A new day gecko species of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 is described from a geographically separated forested area in Ensalwatte, Matara district, Sri Lanka. This species is medium (34–35mm SVL) in size and can be differentiated from all other Sri Lankan congeners by a suite of distinct morphometric, meristic, and color characters. The species is recorded from rock outcrop habitats in wet, cool, and shady forest with minimal anthropogenic disturbance at low-elevations (below 860 m). Existing data suggest this gecko is a point endemic. Being a rupicolous microhabitat specialist with a scansorial mode of life, this species is susceptible to both localized and widespread threats. Therefore, isolated forest patches warrant special conservation action, including habitat protection, in-depth research, and species-specific hands-on management practices.

Keywords. Conservation, critically endangered, microhabitat, natural history, point endemic, redlist, Sri Lankan warrior, threats

Fig. 3. Cnemaspis godagedarai sp. nov. male holotype (NMSL 2019.09.01.NH) in life in situ. (A) Dorsolateral view of the full body displaying color pattern. (B) Lateral view with temporal coloration.

Photos: Chen Lee.

Cnemaspis godagedarai sp. nov.

Godagedaras’ Day Gecko (English)

Godagedarage Diva-seri Hoona (Sinhala)

Godagedaravin Pahalpalli (Tamil)

Diagnosis: Cnemaspis godagedarai sp. nov., can be readily distinguished from its Sri Lankan congeners by the following combination of morphological and meristic characteristics and color pattern: maximum SVL 35.5 mm; dorsum with homogeneous, smooth, granular scales; 2/2 supranasals; one internasal and 1/1 postnasal present; 26– 28 interorbital scales present; 14–15 supraciliaries, 11–12 canthal scales, 24–26 eye to tympanum scales; three enlarged postmentals; postmentals bounded by 5–6 chin scales; chin and gular scales smooth, juxtaposed granules; pectoral and abdominal scales smooth, subimbricate; 21– 23 belly scales across venter; 5–6 weakly developed tubercles on posterior fank; 101–106 paravertebral granules linearly arranged; precloacal pores absant in males, 12–13 femoral pores in males and 8–9 unpored interfemoral scales in males; 133–137 ventral scales; 98–102 midbody scales; subcaudals smooth, large subhexagonal, subequal in width, in a regular series forming a median row; 7–8 supralabials; 7–8 infralabials; 17–18 subdigital lamellae on digit IV of manus, and 20–21 subdigital lamellae on digit IV of pes.

....

Etymology: The specific epithet is an eponym Latinized (godagedarai) in the masculine genitive singular, honoring Sri Lankan warrior Godagedara Rate Adhikaram for his valiant feats in the Great Rebellion of 1817–1818, which was initiated in Uva-Wellassa.

Fig. 1. Currently known distribution of Cnemaspis godagedarai sp. nov. (Ensalwatte, star), and related species: C. gemunu (Haggala, circle), C. phillipsi (Gammaduwa, triangle), and C. scalpensis (Gannoruwa, square) in Sri Lanka.

Photos: Suranjan Karunarathna.

Habitat and ecology: The Ensalwatte forest area is a Mesua-Doona-dominated tropical evergreen rainforest ~150 ha in size (Gunatileke and Gunatileke 1990), located in the lowland wet zone of southern Sri Lanka (near Deniyaya, Mathara District, Southern Province). The area ... with an elevation range of 620–860 m (Fig. 4). The mean annual rainfall is 2,500–3,500 mm, received mostly during the southwest monsoon (May-September) season. The mean annual temperature is 22–25 ºC. Only six specimens (four females and two males) were found on scattered boulders. The new species was sympatric (at both local habitat and microsite scales) with several other micro-endemic geckos (Cnemaspis pulchra and Cyrtodactylus subsolanus). No eggs were found in the same habitat. These microhabitats were well-shaded (light intensity 0–587 Lux), relatively moist (relative humidity 73–88%) and cool (rock-surface temperature 25.3–27.5 °C).

Remarks: Of its insular congeners, Cnemaspis godagedarai sp. nov. most closely resembles C. gemunu, C. phillipsi, and C. scalpensis. The type localities of these species are separated by ~60 km (Hakgala in Central highland), ~95 km (Kandy in Central highland), and ~100 km (Gammaduwa in Knuckles highland) airline distances, respectively, from Ensalwatte in Deniyaya (Fig. 1).

Anslem de Silva, Aaron M. Bauer, Madhava Botejue and Suranjan Karunarathna. 2019. A New Species of Endemic Day Gecko (Reptilia: Gekkonidae: Cnemaspis) from A Wet Zone Forest in the Second Peneplain of Southern Sri Lanka. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 13(1) [General Section]: 198–208 (e177).

amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_13_no_1/ARC_13_1_[General_Section]_198-208_e177.pdf

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10217153925175081

Luzonichthys kiomeamea

Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Perez-Matus & Rocha, 2019

OceanScienceFoundation.org

twitter.com/CoralReefFish

Abstract

A new species in the anthiadine genus Luzonichthys Herre, 1936 is described from a specimen collected at a depth of 83 m in a mesophotic coral ecosystem at Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Luzonichthys kiomeamea n. sp. can be distinguished from the 7 other valid Luzonichthys species by anal-fin and pectoral-fin counts, the number of lateral-line scales, the number and arrangement of gill rakers, and coloration pattern. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing shows that the new species is more than 11% divergent in the COI sequence (and about equally distant) from Luzonichthys waitei, L. seaver, L. earlei (Hawai’i), and L. aff. earlei (Coral Sea). Given the isolation of the island, and the uniqueness of its fish fauna, we suspect that the new species is endemic to the mesophotic reefs of Rapa Nui.

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, coral-reef fishes, endemism, South Pacific, Splitfin Anthias, Chile

Figure 1. Luzonichthys kiomeamea, sp. n., holotype, CAS 244640, 45.7 mm SL, shortly after death (L.A. Rocha).

Luzonichthys kiomeamea, n. sp.

Rapa Nui Splitfin

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin elements X,16; anal-fin elements III,7; pectoral-fin rays 22; lateral-line scales 64; gill rakers 12+26; body moderately elongate, depth 4.8 in SL; head length 3.6 in SL; snout 4.1 in HL; caudal fin forked and without filaments, length 4.3 in SL; caudal-fin concavity 6.3 in SL; pectoral-fin length 4.0 in SL; pelvic-fin length 5.0 in SL; color in life: body orange-red dorsally, silver-magenta ventrally, with alternating magenta, red, and orange lines along sides of body; dorsal fin yellow-orange with red-orange spots (Fig. 1).

Etymology. The specific epithet is from the Rapa Nui name; the phrase kio-meamea means “red fish that takes refuge in a cave”. Treated as a noun in apposition.

Distribution and habitat. The new species is currently known only from Rapa Nui. The holotype was collected at a depth of 83 m in a rocky patch reef surrounded by a large sandy area (Fig. 4). It was caught by hand using hand nets and transported alive to the surface in a perforated-plastic collecting jar.

Figure 4. Luzonichthys kiomeamea in its natural habitat, 83 m, Hanga Piko, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile (L.A. Rocha).

Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Tyler Phelps, Alejandro Perez-Matus and Luiz A. Rocha. 2019. Luzonichthys kiomeamea (Teleostei: Serranidae: Anthiadinae), A New Species from A Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 33; 17-27. OceanScienceFoundation.org/josf33c.html

twitter.com/CoralReefFish/status/1136015501723807744

Cristalinaia vitoria Mota, Zacca & Freitas

in Freitas, Mota, Zacca & Barbosa, 2019.

DOI: 10.1016/j.rbe.2019.05.004

Abstract

A new genus and species of Euptychiina (Satyrinae), Cristalinaia vitoria Mota, Zacca & Freitas gen. et sp. nov., is described based on three specimens collected in the region of the Cristalino River, Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil. This rare species is known only from this region, where it flies inside the dense bamboo patches typical of that area. The last instar larva and the pupa are described; the larva was observed feeding on mature leaves of the common bamboo Guadua aff. paniculata Munro.

Keywords: Amazonia, Immature stages, Morphology, Molecular phylogeny, Taxonomy

Fig. 1. Habitat and holotype of Cristalinaia vitoria gen. et sp. nov. in the type locality at Cristalino Lodge, Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
(A) A general view of the area; (B) a close view of the bamboo patch where the larva was found;
(C) male holotype of Cristalinaia vitoria sp. nov. (dorsal above, ventral below).

Cristalinaia Freitas, Barbosa & Zacca gen. nov.

Type species.Cristalinaia vitoria Mota, Zacca & Freitas sp.n.

Diagnosis. Cristalinaia gen. nov. differs from all other genera of Euptychiina by the VHW ocelli with very broad orange ocellar rings, reduced black ocelar spots with no pupils (Fig. 1C) and the male 8th abdominal tergite strongly sclerotized, except by the unsclerotized antero-dorsal region (Fig. 4B, C). The female is unknown.

Etymology. The generic name is derived from the Cristalino River, a river of dark translucent waters near which the specimens were collected (the word “cristalino” is Portuguese for “crystal clear”, alluding to the translucent waters of the river). It also alludes to the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Cristalino (Cristalino Private Reserve) and to the “Fundação Ecológica Cristalino” (Cristalino Ecological Foundation), both founded by Vitoria da Riva Carvalho. The gender of the name should be considered feminine.

Fig. 2. Lateral view of the head of Cristalinaia vitoria gen. et sp. nov.

Fig. 5. Immature stages of Cristalinaia vitoria gen. et sp. nov. Last instar: (A) lateral, (B) dorsal, (C) frontal view of last instar head capsule. Pupa: (D) dorsal, (E) lateral.

Cristalinaia vitoria Mota, Zacca & Freitas sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Cristalinaia vitoria sp. nov. superficially resembles several other species of Euptychiina (e.g. Pareuptychia species, Pseudeuptychia species, Splendeuptychia toynei Willmott & Hall, 1995, S. aurigera (Weymer, [1911]), S. triangula (Aurivillius, 1929)) by the white ground color on the wings, but it can be easily distinguished from them by the incomplete median line and four tiny ocelli from M1 to CuA2 on the VFW, by the five VHW ocelli between M1 to 2A that have a very broad orange ocellar ring and black ocellar spot in the distal half of ring plus a very small ocelli in Rs-M1, and the broadened VHW reddish brown marginal line forming crescents in each cell.

Distribution. Cristalinaia vitoria sp. nov. is known only from its type locality in the region of Cristalino Lodge, Alta Floresta, northern Mato Grosso. The site is a private protected area (the “Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Cristalino”).

Etymology. The specific name is after Vitoria da Riva Carvalho, in recognition of her pioneering work on the conservation of the southern Amazon, and founder of the Cristalino group (which includes the “Fundação Ecológica Cristalino”, Cristalino Lodge and Cristalino Private Natural Heritage Reserves). The specific epithet should be considered feminine and indeclinable in accordance to the Article 31.2.3 (ICZN, 1999).

André V.L. Freitas, Luísa L. Mota, Thamara Zacca and Eduardo P. Barbosa. 2019. Description of A New and Highly Distinctive Genus and Species of Euptychiina (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) from the Brazilian southern Amazon. Revista Brasileira de Entomologia. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.rbe.2019.05.004

Ocimum sebrabergensis Swanepoel & van Jaarsv.

in Swanepoel & van Jaarsveld, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.405.4.4

Abstract

Ocimum sebrabergensis, here described as new species, has a restricted range and is only known from the Zebra Mountains within the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia. These shrubs grow on clayey soil among greyish black rocks of anorthosite. Diagnostic characters for O. sebrabergensis include the mauve-coloured corolla with four orbicular lobes on the posterior lip and the calyx which has the lateral lobes of the anterior lip asymmetric lanceolate. Ocimum sebrabergensis is placed in Ocimum subg. Ocimum sect. Hiantia subsect. Hiantia ser. Serpyllifolium. A comparison of some of the more prominent morphological features to differentiate between O. sebrabergensis and its possible nearest relatives, O. burchellianum and O. fimbriatum, are provided. Based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, a conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU D1) is recommended for the new species.

Keywords: Kunene Region, General, Eudicots

FIGURE 1. Ocimum sebrabergensis. Plant in natural habitat among greyish black boulders of anorthosite, growing as a shrub about 1.8 m tall. Photograph: W. Swanepoel.

FIGURE 2. Ocimum sebrabergensis. Leaves, photographed from lower north-facing slope of Ombuku peak, along stream. Photograph: E.J. van Jaarsveld.

FIGURE 4. Ocimum sebrabergensis. Flowers. Photograph: W. Swanepoel.

FIGURE 3. Ocimum sebrabergensis. Inflorescences. Photograph: W. Swanepoel.

Ocimum sebrabergensis Swanepoel & van Jaarsv., sp. nov.

Ocimum subg. Ocimum

sect. Hiantia subsect. Hiantia

ser. Serpyllifolium

A woody shrub 1–2 m tall, related to Ocimum burchellianum and O. fimbriatum, differing from O. burchellianum by being severalstemmed from base (vs. soft shrub, single-stemmed from base), leaves petiolate, lamina subcordate or ovate to narrowly ovate (vs. subsessile, lamina subspatulate to oblanceolate); from O. fimbriatum by the shrubby habit (vs. annual stems arising from a thick woody rootstock).

Etymology:— The specific epithet refers to the “Sebraberge” (Afrikaans for “Zebra Mountains”) in the Kaokoveld of northwestern Namibia, the type locality of the new species.

Notes:— Ocimum sebrabergensis differs from O. burchellianum and O. fimbriatum in habit, leaf, and flower characters. Apart from the differences in habit and morphological characters, the distribution of the three taxa differs with O. sebrabergensis being confined to the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism in Namibia and O. burchellianum to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, whilst O. fimbriatum has a wide distribution in tropical Africa. Some of the more prominent morphological features to differentiate amongst O. sebrabergensis, O. burchellianum and O. fimbriatum are supplied in Table 1. Diagnostic features for O. sebrabergensis were determined through examination of fresh material and for O. burchellianum, and O. fimbriatum from the literature (Codd 1985, Paton 1995, Van Wyk & Malan 1997, Paton et al. 1999, 2013).

....

Wessel Swanepoel and Ernst J. van Jaarsveld. 2019. Ocimum sebrabergensis (Lamiaceae), A New Species from Namibia. Phytotaxa. 405(4); 203–209. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.405.4.4

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[Herpetology • 2019] Acanthosaura phongdienensis • A New Species of Acanthosaura Gray 1831 (Reptilia: Agamidae) from central Vietnam

[Herpetology • 2019] Redescription of Leposternon octostegum (Duméril, 1851), with An Identification Key for Brazilian Leposternon species (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae), Remarks on Meristic Methodology, and A Proposal for Pholidosis Nomenclature

[Ichthyology • 2019] Parmaturus angelae • A New Species of Parmaturus (Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae) from Brazil, Southwestern Atlantic

[Herpetology • 2019] Litoria pterodactyla & L. vivissimia • Two New Species of Treefrog (Pelodrydidae: Litoria) from southern New Guinea elucidated by DNA Barcoding

[Arachnida • 2019] Pionothele gobabeb • A New Species of Pionothele (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Nemesiidae) from Gobabeb, Namibia

[Gastropoda • 2019] Laocaia simovi • A New Semislug of the Genus Laocaia (Pulmonata, Helicarionidae) from Vietnam

[Herpetology • 2019] Lerista anyara • A New Species of Lerista Bell, 1833 (Reptilia: Scincidae) from Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, belonging to the Lerista allanae Clade but strongly Disjunct from other Members of the Clade

[Herpetology • 2019] Gracixalus yunnanensis • A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Yunnan, China

[Botany • 2019] Gymnosiphon queenslandicus (Burmanniaceae) • A New Addition to the Mycoheterotroph Flora of Tropical Rainforest in Australia

[Herpetology • 2019] Cnemaspis godagedarai • A New Species of Endemic Day Gecko (Reptilia: Gekkonidae: Cnemaspis) from A Wet Zone Forest in the Second Peneplain of Southern Sri Lanka

[Ichthyology • 2019] Luzonichthys kiomeamea • A New Species (Serranidae: Anthiadinae) from A Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

[Entomology • 2019] Cristalinaia vitoria • A New and Highly Distinctive Genus and Species of Euptychiina (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) from the Brazilian southern Amazon

[Botany • 2019] Ocimum sebrabergensis (Lamiaceae) • A New Species from northwestern Namibia