[Herpetology • 2014] Rana kauffeldi | Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog • Cryptic Diversity in Metropolis: Confirmation of a New Leopard Frog Species (Anura: Ranidae) from New York City and Surrounding Atlantic Coast Regions

October 29, 2014, 12:18 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] DNA Barcoding, Phylogeny and Systematics of Golden-backed Frogs (Hylarana, Ranidae) of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka Biodiversity Hotspot, with the Description of Seven New Species

≪ Previous: [Paleontology • 2014] Zaraapelta nomadis • The Ankylosaurid Dinosaurs of the Upper Cretaceous Baruungoyot and Nemegt formations of Mongolia

Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog | Rana kauffeldi

Feinberg, Newman, Watkins-Colwell, Schlesinger, Zarate, Curry, Shaffer & Burger, 2014

Abstract

We describe a new cryptic species of leopard frog from the New York City metropolitan area and surrounding coastal regions. This species is morphologically similar to two largely parapatric eastern congeners, Rana sphenocephala and R. pipiens. We primarily use bioacoustic and molecular data to characterize the new species, but also examine other lines of evidence. This discovery is unexpected in one of the largest and most densely populated urban parts of the world. It also demonstrates that new vertebrate species can still be found periodically even in well-studied locales rarely associated with undocumented biodiversity. The new species typically occurs in expansive open-canopied wetlands interspersed with upland patches, but centuries of loss and impact to these habitats give some cause for conservation concern. Other concerns include regional extirpations, fragmented extant populations, and a restricted overall geographic distribution. We assign a type locality within New York City and report a narrow and largely coastal lowland distribution from central Connecticut to northern New Jersey (based on genetic data) and south to North Carolina (based on call data).

Figure 2. Photographs of Rana kauffeldi sp. nov. holotype (YPM 13217).
Male frog presented live: (a) whole body, dorsolateral view and (b) dorsal view; and preserved: (c) dorsal view and (d) ventral view.

Photographs taken by BRC (a), BZ (b), and GWC (c–d). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108213.g002

Diagnosis and Description

Rana kauffeldi sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:149ED690-FA7D-4216-A6A1-AA48CC39B292.

Holotype: YPM 13217, adult male (Fig. 2, Table 1), collected from Bloomfield region, Richmond County (Staten Island), NY, United States, on 15 November 2011, by B. R. Curry.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym in recognition of Carl F. Kauffeld who studied the R. pipiens complex in the NY/NJ-metro area and concluded that three distinct species, including an undocumented central species, occurred there.

Common Name: We propose the common name ‘Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog’ for this species.

Jeremy A. Feinberg, Catherine E. Newman, Gregory J. Watkins-Colwell, Matthew D. Schlesinger, Brian Zarate, Brian R. Curry, H. Bradley Shaffer and Joanna Burger. 2014. Cryptic Diversity in Metropolis: Confirmation of a New Leopard Frog Species (Anura: Ranidae) from New York City and Surrounding Atlantic Coast Regions. PLoS ONE, 2014; 9 (10): e108213 DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0108213

http://squamates.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-new-leopard-frog-from-east-coast.html

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[Herpetology • 2014] DNA Barcoding, Phylogeny and Systematics of Golden-backed Frogs (Hylarana, Ranidae) of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka Biodiversity Hotspot, with the Description of Seven New Species

October 29, 2014, 6:29 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] First Record of the Gekkonid Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 from Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, East Malaysia may Represent an Undescribed Species

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] Rana kauffeldi | Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog • Cryptic Diversity in Metropolis: Confirmation of a New Leopard Frog Species (Anura: Ranidae) from New York City and Surrounding Atlantic Coast Regions

ABSTRACT

A systematic revision of the genus Hylarana in the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot is presented. Species delineation in Hylarana is complicated due to a lack of distinct colour differences or striking morphological characters, leading to potential misidentification. We conducted extensive surveys throughout the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot and performed multiple gene (16S, COI and Cytb) barcoding using 103 samples collected from cultivated land and natural habitats. Genetic distance comparisons and Neighbor Joining trees indicated the presence of at least 14 candidate species in the region, supported by taxa groupings for all three genetic markers. Utilising a combination of molecular and morphological data, we describe seven new species, doubling the number of Hylarana species previously known from this region. We further demonstrate that H. temporalis, which was originally described from Sri Lanka, was misidentified with the Western Ghats endemic species for nearly 100 years. Conversely, H. aurantiaca was originally described from the Western Ghats and misidentified in Sri Lanka. Our study confirms that the distribution of H. temporalis is restricted to Sri Lanka, while H. aurantiaca is endemic to the Western Ghats, and that there are no shared Hylarana species between the two regions. Hylarana flavescens, H. intermediusand H. montanus, previously considered synonyms of H. temporalis are confirmed as valid species. Hylarana bhagmandlensis is removed from the synonymy of H. aurantiaca and placed as a junior subjective synonym of H. montanus. To establish nomenclatural stability, H. flavescens, H. malabarica and H. temporalis are lectotypified and H. intermedius is neotypified. Detailed descriptions, diagnosis, morphological and genetic comparisons, illustrations and data on distribution and natural history are provided for all species. Phylogenetic analyses based on three mitochondrial markers (16S, COI and Cytb) and a fragment of the nuclear Rag1 gene, show complete endemism of the Western Ghats-Sri Lankan species. Four major groups in this region are identified as: 1 — the Hylarana aurantiaca group, endemic to the Western Ghats; 2 — the Hylarana flavescens group, endemic to the Western Ghats; 3 — the Hylarana temporalis group, endemic to Sri Lanka; and 4 — the Hylarana malabarica group from Sri Lanka and India. The discovery of numerous morphologically cryptic Hylarana species in this region further emphasizes the benefits of utilizing an integrative taxonomic approach for uncovering hidden diversity and highlighting local endemism in the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot.

S. D. Biju, Sonali Garg, Stephen Mahony, Nayana Wijayathilaka, Gayani Senevirathne and Madhava Meegaskumbura. 2014. DNA Barcoding, Phylogeny and Systematics of Golden-backed Frogs (Hylarana, Ranidae) of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka Biodiversity Hotspot, with the Description of Seven New Species. Contributions to Zoology - Bijdragen tot de dierkunde. 83:269-335.

researchgate.net/publication/267471069_DNA_barcoding_phylogeny_and_systematics_of_Golden-backed_frogs_(Hylarana_Ranidae)_of_the_Western_Ghats-Sri_Lanka_biodiversity_hotspot_with_the_description_of_seven_new_species

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[Herpetology • 2014] First Record of the Gekkonid Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 from Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, East Malaysia may Represent an Undescribed Species

October 28, 2014, 9:22 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis • Description of a New Ground-Dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Kerala, India; Allied to C. wynadensis (Beddome, 1870)

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] DNA Barcoding, Phylogeny and Systematics of Golden-backed Frogs (Hylarana, Ranidae) of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka Biodiversity Hotspot, with the Description of Seven New Species

ABSTRACT

We provide confirmed photographic evidence for the previously overlooked occurrence of the polyphyletic Asian gecko genus Cnemaspis from Gunung Mulu National Park, the world-renowned UNESCO natural heritage site in northern Sarawak, East Malaysia. This new record from Sarawak province represents a remarkable range extension for Cnemaspis cf. kendallii by 550 km to the northeast and denotes the most northern occurrence of the genus in Borneo. Our new finding makes it very likely that these gekkonid lizards also inhabit appropriate limestone karst habitats in adjacent Sabah, Brunei, and Kalimantan. Given the visible differences in the Mulu specimen compared to those from the remaining distribution range on Borneo and the Malaysian Peninsula together with the fact that numerous Cnemaspis species are restricted to small areas, it seems plausible that another undescribed, rather cryptic and possibly locally endemic Bornean species is involved. Lastly, the new record contributes to the importance of the Mulu National Park as a major conservation area in East Malaysia of international concerns.

Andre Koch and Sebastian Schulz. 2014. First Record of the Gekkonid Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 from Gunung Mulu National Park, Northern Sarawak, East Malaysia may Represent an Undescribed Species. Asian Herpetological Research. 5(3):209-212.
DOI: dx.doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1245.2014.00209

researchgate.net/publication/266210027_First_Record_of_the_Gekkonid_Genus_Cnemaspis_Strauch_1887_from_Gunung_Mulu_National_Park_Northern_Sarawak_East_Malaysia_may_Represent_an_Undescribed_Species

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[Herpetology • 2014] Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis • Description of a New Ground-Dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Kerala, India; Allied to C. wynadensis (Beddome, 1870)

October 28, 2014, 9:26 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] Rhacophorus bengkuluensis • Mitochondrial DNA reveals A New Species of Parachuting Frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Bukit Barisan, southwestern Sumatra, Indonesia

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] First Record of the Gekkonid Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 from Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, East Malaysia may Represent an Undescribed Species

Abstract

A new species of ground dwelling gecko, Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis sp. nov. is described from the hills of Kannur and Wayanad district of Kerala, India. This medium sized, robust Cnemaspis differs from all other Indian congeners in possessing heterogeneous dorsal scales composed of granular scales with more or less regularly arranged longitudinal rows of keeled, conical tubercles running down the back; two supranasals and a long internasal separating the nasal scales; subtriangular mental with two widely separated enlarged postmentals and 1 – 3 small median scales; 19 or 20 subdigital lamellae on finger IV and 20 or 21 on toe IV; 4 or 5 femoral pores on each thigh; no preanal pores; sub-cylindrical tail without whorls of enlarged tubercles on the dorsal aspects; uniform, hexagonal median subcaudals; six supralabials and six or seven infralabials. Morphological characters and natural history traits suggest the affinity of the new species is with Cnemaspis wynadensis. Characters useful in distinguishing the new species from C. wynadensis are also provided.

Keywords: ground-dwelling; Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis sp. nov.; Cnemaspis wynadensis; Kerala; India

Vivek Philip Cyriac and P. K. Umesh. 2014. Description of a New Ground-Dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Kerala, Allied to C. wynadensis(Beddome, 1870). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 21(3):187-194.

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/854

researchgate.net/publication/266477226_DESCRIPTION_OF_A_NEW_GROUND-DWELLING_Cnemaspis_STRAUCH_1887_(SQUAMATA_GEKKONIDAE)_FROM_KERALA__ALLIED_TO_C._wynadensis_(BEDDOME_1870)

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[Herpetology • 2014] Rhacophorus bengkuluensis • Mitochondrial DNA reveals A New Species of Parachuting Frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Bukit Barisan, southwestern Sumatra, Indonesia

October 30, 2014, 10:02 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] Sundaland Cnemaspis • Systematics and Natural History of Southeast Asian Rock Geckos (genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) with Descriptions of Eight New Species from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis • Description of a New Ground-Dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Kerala, India; Allied to C. wynadensis (Beddome, 1870)

Rhacophorus bengkuluensis

Streicher, Hamidy, Harvey, Anders,
Shaney, Kurniawan & Smith, 2014 | zootaxa.3878.4.2

Abstract

The Indonesian island of Sumatra contains several endemic species of parachuting frog of the genus Rhacophorus. Most of these are known from small type series collected from only a few localities, and consequently, many Sumatran Rhacophorus species are poorly understood. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), we investigated relationships among a group of Rhacophorus species from southern Sumatra. Our molecular analysis was based on a fragment of the 16S ribosomal subunit gene (16S) and included data derived from type specimens of two species endemic to Sumatra: R. barisani and R. catamitus. Our analyses of these data reveal that the only known female specimen of R. catamitus possesses a divergent 16S sequence compared to male specimens (8.82%; uncorrected “p” distance). Based on phylogenetic reconstructions, we found that this female specimen belongs to an unnamed taxon related to R. margaritifer from Java. Consequently, we remove the specimen from R. catamitus and describe it as Rhacophorus bengkuluensis sp. nov., a medium-sized slender tree frog with extensive brown hand webbing. We identified additional specimens referable to the new species using mtDNA and morphology. These specimens originate from low to intermediate elevations (ca. 600–1600 m) in the provinces of Bengkulu and Lampung, suggesting that R. bengkuluensis is widely distributed across the southwestern versant of the Bukit Barisan.

Keywords: Rhacophoridae, Indonesia, Sundaland, 16S, flying frog, new species, composite taxon

Streicher, Jeffrey W., Amir Hamidy, Michael B. Harvey, Ben Anders, Kyle Shaney, Nia Kurniawan and Eric N. Smith. 2014. Mitochondrial DNA reveals A New Species of Parachuting Frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Sumatra. Zootaxa. 3878(4);

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3878.4.2

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/z03878p365f.pdf

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D7AED20E-2ADD-4DB2-8D8E-96E4D1719B66

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[Herpetology • 2014] Sundaland Cnemaspis • Systematics and Natural History of Southeast Asian Rock Geckos (genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) with Descriptions of Eight New Species from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia

October 31, 2014, 4:21 am

≫ Next: [Ornithology • 2014] Bills as Daggers? A Test for Sexually Dimorphic Weapons in A Lekking Hummingbird

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] Rhacophorus bengkuluensis • Mitochondrial DNA reveals A New Species of Parachuting Frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Bukit Barisan, southwestern Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

A well-supported and well-resolved phylogeny based on a concatenated data set from one mitochondrial and two nuclear genes, six morphological characters, and nine color pattern characters for 44 of the 50 species of the Southeast Asian Rock Geckos (genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) is consistent with the previous taxonomy of Cnemaspis based solely on morphology and color pattern. Cnemaspis is partitioned into four major clades that collectively contain six species groups. The monophyly of all clades and species groups is strongly supported and they are parapatrically distributed across well-established, biogeographical regions ranging from southern Vietnam westward through southern Indochina, southward through the Thai-Malay Peninsula, then eastward to Borneo. Eight new species (Cnemaspis omari sp. nov. from the Thai-Malaysian border; C. temiah sp. nov. from Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia; C. stongensis sp. nov. from Gunung Stong, Kelantan, Malaysia; C. hangus sp. nov. from Bukit Hangus, Pahang, Malaysia; C. sundagekko sp. nov. from Pulau Siantan, Indonesia; C. peninsularis sp. nov. from southern Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and C. mumpuniae sp. nov. andC. sundainsula sp. nov. from Pulau Natuna Besar, Indonesia) are described based on morphology and color pattern and all but C. sundagekko sp. nov. are included in the phylogenetic analyses. Cnemaspis kendallii is polyphyletic and a composite of six species. An updated taxonomy consistent with the phylogeny is proposed for all 50 species and is based on 25 morphological and 53 color pattern characters scored across 594 specimens. Cladogenetic events and biogeographical relationships within Cnemaspis were likely influenced by this group’s low vagility and the cyclical patterns of geographical and environmental changes in Sundaland over the last 25 million years and especially within the last 2.5 million years. The phylogeny indicates that nocturnality, diurnality, substrate preferences, and the presence of ocelli in the shoulder regions have evolved independently multiple times.

Keywords: Cnemaspis, Gekkonidae, Southeast Asia, new species, Sunda Shelf, biogeography, phylogeography

Grismer, L. L., Perry J. L. Wood, Shahrul Anuar, Awal Riyanto, Norhayati Ahmad, MohD. A. Muin, Montri Sumontha, Jesse L. Grismer, Chan K. Onn, Evan S. H. Quah & Olivier S. A. Pauwels. 2014. Systematics and Natural History of Southeast Asian Rock Geckos (genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) with Descriptions of Eight New Species from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Zootaxa. 3880(1): 1–147.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3880.1.1

http://zoobank.org/References/03A6448A-25D7-46AF-B8C6-CB150265D73D

researchgate.net/publication/267569767_Systematics_and_natural_history_of_Southeast_Asian_Rock_Geckos_(genus_Cnemaspis_Strauch_1887)_with_descriptions_of_eight_new_species_from_Malaysia_Thailand_and_Indonesia

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[Ornithology • 2014] Bills as Daggers? A Test for Sexually Dimorphic Weapons in A Lekking Hummingbird

November 1, 2014, 3:50 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] Insights from Ecological Niche Modeling on the Taxonomic Distinction and Niche Differentiation between the Black-spotted and Red-spotted Tokay Geckoes (Gekko gecko)

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] Sundaland Cnemaspis • Systematics and Natural History of Southeast Asian Rock Geckos (genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) with Descriptions of Eight New Species from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia

Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris in flight, at Cope Wildlife, Guapiles, Costa Rica.

Photo: Chris Jimenez | doi: 10.1093/beheco/aru182 | today.uconn.edu

Abstract

One way in which secondary sexual traits can influence differential reproductive success is by playing a key role in the outcome of direct physical contests for mates. Here we describe an undocumented trait in a species of hummingbird with a lek mating system, the Long-billed hermit (LBH, Phaethornis longirostris). The trait under consideration is a dagger-like structure at the bill tip, which we hypothesize is a secondary sexual trait that functions as a sexually dimorphic weapon. We tested our hypothesis by examining 5 leks during 4 consecutive years, and by employing morphological analyses, performance experiments, and behavioral observations. We found that 1) adult male bill tips were longer and pointier than their counterparts in females and juvenile males, 2) juvenile males acquired dagger-like tips during their transition to adulthood, 3) variation in bill tip morphology reflected puncture capability, and 4) males with larger and pointier bill tips were more successful in achieving lek territory tenure. Our study provides the first evidence of sexually dimorphic weapons in bird bills and stands as one of the few examples of male weaponry in birds. Our results suggest a role of sexual selection on the evolution of overall bill morphology, an alternative hypothesis to the prevailing “ecological causation” explanation for bill sexual dimorphism in hummingbirds.

Key words: animal weaponry, bill morphology, ecological causation, intrasexual competition, male combat, secondary sexual traits, sexual dimorphism, trochilidae.

Alejandro Rico-Guevara and Marcelo Araya-Salas. 2014. Bills as Daggers? A Test for Sexually Dimorphic Weapons in A Lekking Hummingbird. Behavioral Ecology (2014), 00(00), 1–9. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1093/beheco/aru182

http://marceloarayasalas.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/5/2/25524573/rico-guevara__araya-salas_2014.pdf

Fighting for Females: The Evolution of a Hummingbird

http://today.uconn.edu/blog/2014/11/fighting-for-females-the-evolution-of-a-hummingbird/

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/hummingbirds-take-stab-rivals-dagger-tipped-bills

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[Herpetology • 2014] Insights from Ecological Niche Modeling on the Taxonomic Distinction and Niche Differentiation between the Black-spotted and Red-spotted Tokay Geckoes (Gekko gecko)

November 2, 2014, 12:26 am

≫ Next: [Mammalogy • 2014] Phylogenetic Relationships in the Niviventer-Chiromyscus complex (Rodentia, Muridae) inferred from Molecular Data, with Description of A New Species from Vietnam

≪ Previous: [Ornithology • 2014] Bills as Daggers? A Test for Sexually Dimorphic Weapons in A Lekking Hummingbird

Figure 2. (A) Species sample localities for the black-spotted tokay and the red-spotted tokay, respectively. Blue circles represent the black-spotted tokay, while pink triangles represent the red-spotted tokay. (B) and (C) predicted potential niches of the black-spotted tokay and the red-spotted tokay as generated in MaxEnt, respectively.

DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1183

Figure 1. Body size and spots differences between the black- and the red-spotted tokay. The “black” form has a small body size and dark skin with sundry spots. In contrast, the “red” form has a larger body size and marked red spots.

DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1183

Abstract

The black-spotted tokay and the red-spotted tokay are morphologically distinct and have largely allopatric distributions. The black-spotted tokay is characterized by a small body size and dark skin with sundry spots, while the red-spotted tokay has a relatively large body size and red spots. Based on morphological, karyotypic, genetic, and distribution differences, recent studies suggested their species status; however, their classifications remain controversial, and additional data such as ecological niches are necessary to establish firm hypotheses regarding their taxonomic status. We reconstructed their ecological niches models using climatic and geographic data. We then performed niche similarity tests (niche identity and background tests) and point-based analyses to explore whether ecological differentiation has occurred, and whether such differences are sufficient to explain the maintenance of their separate segments of environmental ranges. We found that both niche models of the black- and the red-spotted tokay had a good fit and a robust performance, as indicated by the high area under the curve (AUC) values (“black” = 0.982, SD = ± 0.002, “red” = 0.966 ± 0.02). Significant ecological differentiation across the entire geographic range was found, indicating that the involvement of ecological differentiation is important for species differentiation. Divergence along the environmental axes is highly associated with climatic conditions, with isothermality being important for the “black” form, while temperature seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter, and annual temperature range together being important for the “red” form. These factors are likely important factors in niche differentiation between the two forms, which result in morphological replacement. Overall, beside morphological and genetic differentiation information, our results contribute to additional insights into taxonomic distinction and niche differentiation between the black- and the red-spotted tokay.

Keywords: Climate; ecological speciation; Gekko gecko; Gekko reevesii; MaxEnt; niche divergence; taxonomy

Conclusions

To conclude, our results revealed that niche differentiation between the black- and red-spotted tokay was significantly detected. Such ecological niche divergence occurring in allopatry has often been inferred to, or at least in line with, the ecological speciation hypothesis (Schluter 2000; Rundle and Nosil 2005; Wellenreuther et al. 2012). Our results imply that it is important to quantify niche differences across geographic scales, aiding to define cryptic species. In other words, our results further supported taxonomic suggestions of Rösler et al. (2011), that is, the “black” form and “red” form were taxonomically distinct, which the “red” form is G. g. gecko, while the “black” form is regarded as G. reevesii. Our results also suggested that divergence in physiological temperature and precipitation was the most likely factors that can explain their different distributions. It could be a major driver of the range limits and niche divergence across the entire range. However, caution should be taken to infer the niche divergence, and more mechanistic and experimental studies of individuals are required in the field or in the laboratory (e.g., comprehensive geographic sampling and a functional characterization of differences in resource use; Losos 2000; Wellenreuther et al. 2012).

Yueyun Zhang, Chongtao Chen, Li Li, Chengjian Zhao, Weicai Chen andYong Huang. 2014. Insights from Ecological Niche Modeling on the Taxonomic Distinction and Niche Differentiation between the Black-spotted and Red-spotted Tokay Geckoes (Gekko gecko). Ecology and Evolution. 4(17); 3383–3394. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1183

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[Mammalogy • 2014] Phylogenetic Relationships in the Niviventer-Chiromyscus complex (Rodentia, Muridae) inferred from Molecular Data, with Description of A New Species from Vietnam

November 4, 2014, 1:49 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] The Breeding Behaviour, Advertisement Call and Tadpole of Limnonectes dabanus (Anura: Dicroglossidae)

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] Insights from Ecological Niche Modeling on the Taxonomic Distinction and Niche Differentiation between the Black-spotted and Red-spotted Tokay Geckoes (Gekko gecko)

Thomas' Masked Tree Rat | Chiromyscus thomasi

Balakirev, Abramov & Rozhnov, 2014

Abstract

Based on molecular data for mitochondrial (Cyt b, COI) and nuclear (IRBP, GHR) genes, and morphological examinations of museum specimens, we examined diversity, species boundaries, and relationships within and between the murine genera Chiromyscus and Niviventer. Phylogenetic patterns recovered demonstrate that Niviventer sensu lato is not monophyletic but instead includes Chiromyscus chiropus, the only previously recognized species of Chiropus. To maintain the genera Niviventer and Chiropus as monophyletic lineages, the scope and definition of the genus Chiromyscus is revised to include at least three distinct species: Chiromyscus chiropus (the type species of Chiromyscus), C. langbianis (previously regarded as a species of Niviventer), and a new species, described in this paper under the name C. thomasi sp. n.

Keywords: White-bellied rats, Fea’s tree rat, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, new species

The paratype of Chiromyscus thomasi sp. n., Son La Province, northern Vietnam,

specimen ZIN 101651, genetic voucher MC80.

A Lateral view B Dorsal view C Ventral view D Head, face view E Head, lateral view F Hallux of the hind foot with the nail.

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.451.7210

Alexander Balakirev, Alexei Abramov and Viatcheslav Rozhnov. 2014. Phylogenetic Relationships in the Niviventer-Chiromyscus complex (Rodentia, Muridae) inferred from Molecular Data, with Description of A New Species. ZooKeys. 451: 109–136. doi: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.451.7210

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[Herpetology • 2014] The Breeding Behaviour, Advertisement Call and Tadpole of Limnonectes dabanus (Anura: Dicroglossidae)

November 4, 2014, 3:04 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] Paroedura hordiesi • A New Species of Nocturnal Gecko (Paroedura) from Karstic Limestone in northern Madagascar

≪ Previous: [Mammalogy • 2014] Phylogenetic Relationships in the Niviventer-Chiromyscus complex (Rodentia, Muridae) inferred from Molecular Data, with Description of A New Species from Vietnam

FIGURE 1. (A) Adult male Limnonectesdabanus (AMS R 173212/UNS0288) and (B) adult female L. dabanus (AMS R 173213). (C) Same adult male, M, and female, F, in seep area beneath an overhanging boulder with eggs on the ceiling (yellow up arrow) and floor (yellow down arrow). (D) Same adult female in same location, surrounded by eggs (yellow arrows).

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3881.2.8

Abstract

Fanged frogs (Limnonectes) are a group of dicroglossid frogs from Asia that often have reversed sexual dimorphism with larger males. Limnonectes dabanus is a poorly known species of fanged frog from forested habitats in southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. Adult males exhibit an extreme degree of megacephaly and possess bizarre head ornamentation. L. dabanus breeds in shallow, non-flowing or very slow-flowing pools, puddles, and drainage ditches. Eggs are laid as a widely spaced array, and the larvae have a morphology typical of pond-dwelling tadpoles. Although males of the species lack vocal sacs, they produce a low-pitched (0.4–0.6 kHz), single-note advertisement call that sounds like a drop of water falling into water. Given the spacing of calling males, presence of multiple females near breeding sites, and reversed sexual dimorphism, the mating system of L. dabanus may be an example of resource-defense polygyny, and the massive head of the male is likely used in male combat.

Keywords: acoustics, amphibian, larvae, reproductive behaviour, Southeast Asia

Rowley, Jodi J. L., Duong T. T. Le, Duc H. Hoang & Ronald Altig. 2014. The Breeding Behaviour, Advertisement Call and Tadpole of Limnonectes dabanus (Anura: Dicroglossidae). Zootaxa. 3881(2): 195–200. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3881.2.8

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[Herpetology • 2014] Paroedura hordiesi • A New Species of Nocturnal Gecko (Paroedura) from Karstic Limestone in northern Madagascar

November 6, 2014, 9:38 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2003] Gongylosoma mukutense | Mukut Smooth Snake • A New Species of Gonglyosoma (Squamata: Colubridae) from Pulau Tioman, West Malaysia

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] The Breeding Behaviour, Advertisement Call and Tadpole of Limnonectes dabanus (Anura: Dicroglossidae)

ABSTRACT

Paroedura hordiesi sp. n. is described from Montagne des Français, a karstic limestone massif in the far north of Madagascar recently established as nature reserve. The new species has the nostril in contact with the rostral scale and shares many characters with P. karstophila and especially with P. homalorhina which are also restricted to karstic habitats. Paroedura hordiesi differs from P. karstophila by a smoother skin on dorsum and legs, by original and regenerated tails being both entirely smooth, by colouration, and by larger snout-vent length. Morphologically the new species is most similar to P. homalorhina from the Ankarana reserve from which it can be distinguished by shorter limbs and a less slender habitus. Published molecular data place the new species as close relative of P. homalorhina and another undescribed species from Nosy Hara Island, while newly determined data of the cox1 gene for P. karstophila confirm the distinctness of the new species from this taxon. Integrating the information from published and novel molecular data, the new species differs from all nominal Paroedura (except P. vahiny for which no molecular data are available to date) by strong genetic divergences. P. hordiesi might be another microendemic species of the Montagne des Français region. We suggest its IUCN Red List classification as “Critically Endangered” on the basis that it has an extent of occurrence of at most 50 km², it is known from a single location, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat.

Key Words: Squamata, Gekkonidae, Paroedura, new species, Madagascar, Montagne des Français conservation

Frank Glaw, Herbert Rösler, Ivan Ineich, Philip-Sebastian Gehring, Jörn Köhler and Miguel Vences. 2014. A New Species of Nocturnal Gecko (Paroedura) from Karstic Limestone in northern Madagascar. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 90(2); 249-259. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zse.90.8705

researchgate.net/publication/267764662_A_new_species_of_nocturnal_gecko_(Paroedura)_from_karstic_limestone_in_northern_Madagascar

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[Herpetology • 2003] Gongylosoma mukutense | Mukut Smooth Snake • A New Species of Gonglyosoma (Squamata: Colubridae) from Pulau Tioman, West Malaysia

November 9, 2014, 6:49 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] The Phylogenetic Position and Taxonomic Status of the Rainbow Tree Snake Gonyophis margaritatus (Peters, 1871) (Squamata: Colubridae)

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] Paroedura hordiesi • A New Species of Nocturnal Gecko (Paroedura) from Karstic Limestone in northern Madagascar

Mukut Smooth Snake | Gongylosoma mukutense(Holotype - ZRC.2.5143).

A new species of Gongylosoma is described from Pulau Tioman, a small island 38 km off the southeast coast of Pahang, West Malaysia, in the South China Sea. This species differs from all other Gongylosoma in having a single, enlarged, posterior temporal; chinshields of equal size; and a thin nuchal band that contacts a vestigial vertebral stripe. The new species forms a clade with G. nicobariense from the Nicobar Islands and G. longicauda from Borneo, Java, and Sumatra and is the sister species of the latter.

Keywords: Biogeography, Gongylosoma, Liopeltis, Malaysia, Pulau Tioman

Grismer, L.L.; Indraneil Das, and Tzi Ming Leong 2003. A New Species of Gonglyosoma (Squamata: Colubridae) from Pulau Tioman, West Malaysia. Herpetologica. 59(4):565-572. 2003

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1655/02-38

http://lasierra.edu/fileadmin/documents/biology/Grismer_s_Publications__1_/Gongylosoma.pdf

http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2011%2F6%2F21%2Flifefocus%2F8910292

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[Herpetology • 2014] The Phylogenetic Position and Taxonomic Status of the Rainbow Tree Snake Gonyophis margaritatus (Peters, 1871) (Squamata: Colubridae)

November 9, 2014, 5:05 pm

≫ Next: [Ornithology / Conservation • 2014] Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gurneyi in Thailand—from Rediscovery to Extinction in Just 28 Years

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2003] Gongylosoma mukutense | Mukut Smooth Snake • A New Species of Gonglyosoma (Squamata: Colubridae) from Pulau Tioman, West Malaysia

Royal Tree Snake – Gonyophis margaritatus (Peters, 1871)

fieldherpforum.com

Abstract

Molecular phylogenies have provided strong evidence for clarifying the taxonomy of groups with ambiguous morphological traits, thus avoiding potentially misleading conclusions based on evolutionary convergence of these traits. For snakes, established molecular databases along with new sequences from rare species allows us to estimate phylogenies, to clarify the phylogenetic relationships and test the monophyly of most taxonomic groups. Using one mitochondrial gene and five nuclear loci, we evaluate the taxonomic status of a rare Southeast Asian serpent, the Rainbow Tree Snake Gonyophis margaritatus (Squamata: Colubridae) by inferring a molecular phylogeny of 101 snake species. Both maximum likelihood and time- calibrated Bayesian inference phylogenies demonstrate that G. margaritatus is sister to Rhadinophis prasinus, previously considered to be part of a radiation of Old World ratsnakes. This group is in turn sister to a group containing Rhadinophis frenatus and Rhynchophis boulengeri with the entire clade originating in the mid-Miocene (~16 Ma) in Southeast Asia. This group is sister to the genus Gonyosoma and together originated in the early Miocene (~20 Ma). We discuss three potential solutions towards eliminating polyphyly of the genus Rhadinophis, but recommend using the genus name Gonyosoma for all species within this clade, which currently contains all of the species within the genera Gonyosoma, Gonyophis, Rhadinophis, and Rhynchophis.

Keywords: Gonyophis, Gonyosoma, molecular phylogeny, polyphyly, Rhadinophis, Rhynchophis

Chen, Xin, Alexander D. Mckelvy, L. L. Grismer, Masafumi Matsui, Kanto Nishikawa & Frank T. Burbrink. 2014. The Phylogenetic Position and Taxonomic Status of the Rainbow Tree Snake Gonyophis margaritatus (Peters, 1871) (Squamata: Colubridae).
Zootaxa. 3881(6): 532–548. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3881.6.3

http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19134

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[Ornithology / Conservation • 2014] Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gurneyi in Thailand—from Rediscovery to Extinction in Just 28 Years

November 10, 2014, 8:30 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2014] Origin of the Unique Ventilatory Apparatus of Turtles

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] The Phylogenetic Position and Taxonomic Status of the Rainbow Tree Snake Gonyophis margaritatus (Peters, 1871) (Squamata: Colubridae)

Fig. 1. Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gurneyi [นกแต้วแล้วท้องดำ] female (left) and male (right),
photographed near Ban Bang Tieo, Khlong Thom District, Krabi

(Photo by Kanit Khanikul).

ABSTRACT

The Thai-Burmese endemic bird, Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gurneyi, appears to be practically extinct in its last known Thai location around the mountain of Khao Nor Chuchi, Krabi and Trang Provinces. Conservation measures implemented since the rediscovery of the species in 1986 proved inadequate to safeguard an appropriately large area of its lowland forest habitat, most of which has been cleared illegally by rubber and oil-palm growers. The last known birds in 2013–2014 were three related individuals from an estimated population of 10–15 pairs in year 2000. This has important implications for the fate of other lowland biota, still inadequately represented in Thailand’s network of (mainly mountainous) parks and sanctuaries. Captive breeding of Gurney’s Pittas is futile without a prior realistic commitment to rehabilitate and restore a large and viable area of lowland rainforest within its former range. Conservation efforts should now be concentrated in Southern Myanmar where a significant population of Gurney’s Pittas remains.

Key words: conservation, Khao Nor Chuchi, Khao Pra-Bang Khram, Krabi, lowland forest loss,

Pitta gurneyi

PHILIP D. ROUND. 2014. Gurney’s Pitta in Thailand—from Rediscovery to Extinction in Just 28 Years. NAT. HIST. BULL. SIAM. SOC.60(1): 3–8

http://www.siam-society.org/pub_NHB_articles/NHBSS_060_1c_Round_GurneysPitta.pdf

http://www.darwininitiative.org.uk/documents/13030/14067/13-030%20FR%20-%20edited.pdf

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[Paleontology • 2014] Origin of the Unique Ventilatory Apparatus of Turtles

November 12, 2014, 12:48 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2014] Garjainia madiba • A New Species of Garjainia Ochev, 1958 (Diapsida: Archosauriformes: Erythrosuchidae) from the Early Triassic of South Africa

≪ Previous: [Ornithology / Conservation • 2014] Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gurneyi in Thailand—from Rediscovery to Extinction in Just 28 Years

The turtle body plan differs markedly from that of other vertebrates and serves as a model system for studying structural and developmental evolution. Incorporation of the ribs into the turtle shell negates the costal movements that effect lung ventilation in other air-breathing amniotes. Instead, turtles have a unique abdominal-muscle-based ventilatory apparatus whose evolutionary origins have remained mysterious. Here we show through broadly comparative anatomical and histological analyses that an early member of the turtle stem lineage has several turtle-specific ventilation characters: rigid ribcage, inferred loss of intercostal muscles and osteological correlates of the primary expiratory muscle. Our results suggest that the ventilation mechanism of turtles evolved through a division of labour between the ribs and muscles of the trunk in which the abdominal muscles took on the primary ventilatory function, whereas the broadened ribs became the primary means of stabilizing the trunk. These changes occurred approximately 50 million years before the evolution of the fully ossified shell.

...........

Tyler R. Lyson, Emma R. Schachner, Jennifer Botha-Brink, Torsten M. Scheyer, Markus Lambertz, G. S. Bever, Bruce S. Rubidge & Kevin de Queiroz. 2014. Origin of the Unique Ventilatory Apparatus of Turtles. Nature Communications. 5, Article number: 5211 doi: dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncomms6211

facebook.com/233680374671/photos/10152894600519672

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[Paleontology • 2014] Garjainia madiba • A New Species of Garjainia Ochev, 1958 (Diapsida: Archosauriformes: Erythrosuchidae) from the Early Triassic of South Africa

November 13, 2014, 2:09 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] Tylototriton shanorum • A New Species of Tylototriton (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae) from Central Myanmar

≪ Previous: [Paleontology • 2014] Origin of the Unique Ventilatory Apparatus of Turtles

Life reconstruction of Garjainia madiba sp. nov.
Total adult body length would have been approximately 2.5 metres, based on comparisons with G. prima.

Reconstruction by Mark Witton || FIGURE 30 | doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0111154.g030

Abstract

A new species of the erythrosuchid archosauriform reptile Garjainia Ochev, 1958 is described on the basis of disarticulated but abundant and well-preserved cranial and postcranial material from the late Early Triassic (late Olenekian) Subzone A of the Cynognathus Assemblage Zone of the Burgersdorp Formation (Beaufort Group) of the Karoo Basin of South Africa. The new species, G. madiba, differs from its unique congener, G. prima from the late Olenekian of European Russia, most notably in having large bony bosses on the lateral surfaces of the jugals and postorbitals. The new species also has more teeth and a proportionately longer postacetabular process of the ilium than G. prima. Analysis of G. madiba bone histology reveals thick compact cortices comprised of highly vascularized, rapidly forming fibro-lamellar bone tissue, similar to Erythrosuchus africanus from Subzone B of the Cynognathus Assemblage Zone. The most notable differences between the two taxa are the predominance of a radiating vascular network and presence of annuli in the limb bones of G. madiba. These features indicate rapid growth rates, consistent with data for many other Triassic archosauriforms, but also a high degree of developmental plasticity as growth remained flexible. The diagnoses of Garjainia and of Erythrosuchidae are addressed and revised. Garjainia madiba is the geologically oldest erythrosuchid known from the Southern Hemisphere, and demonstrates that erythrosuchids achieved a cosmopolitan biogeographical distribution by the end of the Early Triassic, within five million years of the end-Permian mass extinction event. It provides new insights into the diversity of the Subzone A vertebrate assemblage, which partially fills a major gap between classic ‘faunal’ assemblages from the older Lystrosaurus Assemblage Zone (earliest Triassic) and the younger Subzone B of the Cynognathus Assemblage Zone (early Middle Triassic).

David J. Gower, P. John Hancox, Jennifer Botha-Brink, Andrey G. Sennikov and Richard J. Butler. 2014. A New Species of Garjainia Ochev, 1958 (Diapsida: Archosauriformes: Erythrosuchidae) from the Early Triassic of South Africa. PLoS ONE.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111154.g030

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[Herpetology • 2014] Tylototriton shanorum • A New Species of Tylototriton (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae) from Central Myanmar

November 13, 2014, 2:29 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2014] Herpetofaunal Community of A High Canopy Tank Bromeliad Aechmea zebrina in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve of Amazonian Ecuador, with comments on the use of “arboreal” in the herpetological literature

≪ Previous: [Paleontology • 2014] Garjainia madiba • A New Species of Garjainia Ochev, 1958 (Diapsida: Archosauriformes: Erythrosuchidae) from the Early Triassic of South Africa

Figure 3. Photograph of specimens of Tylototriton verrucosus verrucosus from Myanmar (A and B: dorsal and ventral views of CAS 230940 [male]; C: dorsal view of CAS 230933 [female]), dorsal view of male topotype of T. verrucosus verrucosus (D), and dorsal view of male holotype of T. uyenoi (E). Scale bar = 20 mm.
Figure 4. Photograph of dorsal head of specimens of Tylototriton verrucosusverrucosus from Myanmar (A: CAS 230940 [male]; B: CAS 230933 [female]), male topotype of T. v. verrucosus (C), and male holotype of T. uyenoi (D). Scale bar = 10 mm.

ABSTRACT

We describe a new species of Tylototriton from Taunggyi, Shan State, central Myanmar, based on molecular and morphological evidence. The new species, Tylototriton shanorum, is classified as a member of the subgenus Tylototriton. The species differs morphologically from all known congeners by having the combination of dull-colored markings, weakly protruding dorsolateral bony ridges on head, narrow and weakly segmented vertebral ridge, and narrow vomerine tooth series. The taxonomic relationship between T. verrucosus and T. shanjing is briefly discussed based on the molecular phylogeny obtained in this study.

Key words:Tylototriton, morphology, new species, Myanmar

Kanto Nishikawa, Masafumi Matsui and Dingqi Rao. 2014. A New Species of Tylototriton (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae) from Central Myanmar

The Natural History Bulletin of the Siam Society. 60(1):9-22.

researchgate.net/publication/267810165_A_NEW_SPECIES_OF_TYLOTOTRITON_(AMPHIBIA_URODELA_SALAMANDRIDAE)_FROM_CENTRAL_MYANMAR

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[Herpetology • 2014] Herpetofaunal Community of A High Canopy Tank Bromeliad Aechmea zebrina in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve of Amazonian Ecuador, with comments on the use of “arboreal” in the herpetological literature

November 12, 2014, 9:09 am

≫ Next: [Invertebrate • 2014] First Molecular Data and the Phylogenetic Position of the Millipede-Like Centipede Edentistoma octosulcatum Tömösváry, 1882 (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae)

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] Tylototriton shanorum • A New Species of Tylototriton (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae) from Central Myanmar

Fig. 2. (B) A community of Aechmea zebrina bromeliads at ~38 m (in situ).

Fig. 3. A collection of anurans collected from Aechmea zebrina bromeliads. (A) Pristimantis aureolineatus hiding in leaf axil, (E)Ranitomeya ventrimaculata and (F)Scinax ruber collected from A. zebrina bromeliads.

Abstract

Tank bromeliads provide microhabitat that supports a high diversity of organisms in the harsh environment of tropical forest canopies. Most studies of organisms occupying tank bromeliads have focused on invertebrates found within bromeliads near or at ground level. Few investigations of vertebrate communities utilizing this keystone resource are available. We describe the amphibian and reptile community occupying the high canopy tank bromeliad, Aechmea zebrina, in lowland rainforest of the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve in the Amazon Basin of Ecuador. We used single-rope climbing techniques to sample a total of 160 A. zebrina bromeliads from 32 trees, at heights of 18.3 to 45.5 m above ground. We collected 10 metamorphosed anuran species, one gecko, one snake, and observed two species of lizard within bromeliads. Summary statistics for a suite of environmental factors associated with herpetofauna in A. zebrina bromeliads are reported. We estimated the density of anurans occupying A. zebrina communities and contrast these estimates with anuran densities from tropical forest floor anuran studies. Finally, we discuss the use of the term “arboreal” within the herpetological literature, and make recommendations for terminology used to describe the vertical space occupied by a species or assemblage.

Key words. Amphibian, anuran, epiphyte, forest, microhabitat, rainforest, reptile

Shawn F. McCracken and Michael R. J. Forstner. 2014. Herpetofaunal Community of A High Canopy Tank Bromeliad (Aechmea zebrina) in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve of Amazonian Ecuador, with comments on the use of “arboreal” in the herpetological literature. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 8(1) [Special Section]: 65–75 (e83).

http://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_8_no_1/ARC_8_1_%5bSpecial_Section%5d_65-75_e83_low_res.pdf

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[Invertebrate • 2014] First Molecular Data and the Phylogenetic Position of the Millipede-Like Centipede Edentistoma octosulcatum Tömösváry, 1882 (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae)

November 12, 2014, 8:47 pm

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2014] Mugilogobius hitam • A New Species of Freshwater Goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei: Gobiidae) from Lake Towuti, central Sulawesi, Indonesia

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2014] Herpetofaunal Community of A High Canopy Tank Bromeliad Aechmea zebrina in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve of Amazonian Ecuador, with comments on the use of “arboreal” in the herpetological literature

Figure 1. Edentistoma octosulcatum and its habitat.
A, Forcipular segment in ventral view; B, alluvial forest where specimen was collected in March 2013;
C–D, specimen used for DNA sequencing. C, walking; D, coiled.

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112461.g001

Abstract

Edentistoma octosulcatum Tömösváry, 1882, is a rare, superficially millipede-like centipede known only from Borneo and the Philippines. It is unique within the order Scolopendromorpha for its slow gait, robust tergites, and highly modified gizzard and mandible morphology. Not much is known about the biology of the species but it has been speculated to be arboreal with a possibly vegetarian diet. Until now its phylogenetic position within the subfamily Otostigminae has been based only on morphological characters, being variably ranked as a monotypic tribe (Arrhabdotini) or classified with the Southeast Asian genus Sterropristes Attems, 1934. The first molecular data for E. octosulcatum sourced from a newly collected specimen from Sarawak were analysed with and without morphology. Parsimony analysis of 122 morphological characters together with two nuclear and two mitochondrial loci resolves Edentistoma as sister group to three Indo-Australian species of Rhysida, this clade in turn grouping with Ethmostigmus, whereas maximum likelihood and parsimony analyses of the molecular data on their own ally Edentistoma with species of Otostigmus. A position of Edentistoma within Otostigmini (rather than being its sister group as predicted by the Arrhabdotini hypothesis) is consistently retrieved under different analytical conditions, but support values within the subfamily remain low for most nodes. The species exhibits strong pushing behaviour, suggestive of burrowing habits. Evidence against a suggested vegetarian diet is provided by observation of E. octosulcatum feeding on millipedes in the genus Trachelomegalus.

Varpu Vahtera and Gregory D. Edgecombe. 2014. First Molecular Data and the Phylogenetic Position of the Millipede-Like Centipede Edentistoma octosulcatum Tömösváry, 1882 (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae).

PLoS ONE. 9(11): e112461. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112461

publication/268210801_First_Molecular_Data_and_the_Phylogenetic_Position_of_the_Millipede-Like_Centipede_Edentistoma_octosulcatum_Tmsvry_1882_(Chilopoda_Scolopendromorpha_Scolopendridae)

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[Ichthyology • 2014] Mugilogobius hitam • A New Species of Freshwater Goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei: Gobiidae) from Lake Towuti, central Sulawesi, Indonesia

November 14, 2014, 7:00 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2014] Trachycarpus ravenii • A New Species (Arecaceae, Corypheae) from Vientiane province of central Laos

≪ Previous: [Invertebrate • 2014] First Molecular Data and the Phylogenetic Position of the Millipede-Like Centipede Edentistoma octosulcatum Tömösváry, 1882 (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae)

Black Towuti Goby | Mugilogobius hitam

Larson, Geiger, Hadiaty & Herder, 2014

Abstract

A new species of Mugilogobius is described from Lake Towuti, central Sulawesi, diagnosed by its possession of a distinct transverse sensory papilla pattern on the cheek, overall blackish colour on head, body and fins and relatively large adult size for the genus. Although it may superficially resemble the black goby Mugilogobius amadi from Lake Poso,M. hitam, new species, lacks the numerous predorsal scales (22–36 in M.amadi versus 17–19), high second dorsal fin ray count (I,9, usually I,10, versus I,7–8) and narrow head and protruding chin of M. amadi. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) data provide clear support for the species status of M. hitam, new species,

indicate that all the Malili Lakes Mugilogobius may well represent a species flock and place M. sarasinorum from Lake Poso as its most likely sister taxon. In addition to the tectonic lake species, we report the occurrence of M. latifrons in streams of the Malili Lakes drainage.

Key words. Mugilogobius, Gobiidae, taxonomy, Sulawesi, Lake Towuti, freshwater fish, endemism

Helen K. Larson, Matthias F. Geiger, Renny Kurnia Hadiaty and Fabian Herder. 2014. Mugilogobius hitam, A New Species of Freshwater Goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei: Gobiidae) from Lake Towuti, central Sulawesi, Indonesia. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY.62: 718–725.

http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/zoology_volume_62/62rbz718-725.pdf

Mugilogobius fasciatus Larson, 2001

Mugilogobius filifer Larson, 2001 (Threadfin mangrove goby)

Mugilogobius littoralis Larson, 2001 (Beachrock mangrove goby)

Mugilogobius lepidotus Larson, 2001

Mugilogobius rexi Larson, 2001

Mugilogobius rivulus Larson, 2001 (Drain mangrove goby)

Mugilogobius tigrinus Larson, 2001

Mugilogobius wilsoni Larson, 2001 (Wilson's mangrove goby)

Mugilogobius nuicocensis V. H. Nguyễn & V. B. Vo, 2005

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