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[Herpetology • 2019] Norops brianjuliani • A New Species of Anole (Dactyloidae: Norops) from the Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero, Mexico

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Norops brianjuliani  
Köhler, Petersen & Méndez de la Cruz, 2019


  We describe the new species Norops brianjuliani sp. nov. from the Pacific versant of southern Mexico. Norops brianjuliani differs from all congeners by having a combination of (1) smooth ventral scales; (2) usually a patch of three greatly enlarged supraocular scales; (3) moderately long hind legs, longest toe of adpressed hind leg reaching to a point between posterior and anterior levels of eye, ratio shank length/snout–vent length 0.24–0.26; (4) a pair of greatly enlarged postcloacal scales in males; (5) 10 to 12 rows of greatly enlarged, keeled middorsal scales; and (6) a very large pink dewlap in males. In external morphology, N. brianjuliani is most similar to N. liogaster from which it differs by having larger middorsal scales (more than three times the size of granular flank scales in N. brianjuliani vs. less than three times in N. liogaster). Also, in a preliminary molecular genetic analysis, N. brianjuliani has a genetic distance of 8.7% (16S) and 15.3% (COI), respectively, from N. liogaster

Key words: Norops brianjuliani sp. nov.; Dactyloidae; Guerrero; Mexico; new species; Reptilia; Squamata.

 

Norops brianjuliani sp. nov.


Gunther Köhler, Claus Bo P. Petersen and Fausto R. Méndez de la Cruz. 2019. A New Species of Anole from the Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero, Mexico (Reptilia, Squamata, Dactyloidae: Norops).  VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY. 69(2); 145-160.  DOI: 10.26049/VZ69-2-2019-02


[Botany • 2019] Etlingera mamasarum • An Update of the Genus Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) in Sulawesi including the Description of A New Species

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Etlingera mamasarum A.D.Poulsen & Ardiyani 

in Ardiyani & Poulsen, 2019.

Abstract

A new species, Etlingera mamasarum A.D.Poulsen & Ardiyani was discovered in Gunung Gandangdewata National Park, West Sulawesi. It is similar to Etlingera flexuosa A.D.Poulsen but differs in having flowers which are shorter than the bracts. It is described, illustrated and DNA barcoded. Three additional species (Etlingera cylindrica A.D.Poulsen, E. grallata A.D.Poulsen, E. spinulosa A. D.Poulsen) were documented in this national park and represent new records for West Sulawesi Province. We also update information on the morphology of E. calobates A.D.Poulsen, correct an error in the typification of Alpinia chrysogynia (K.Schum.) K.Schum. and discuss the distribution of the Achasma Group of Etlingera east of Wallace’s Line.

Keywords: DNA barcoding, Etlingera calobates, E. mamasensium, E. megalocheilos, Indonesia, Zingiberales.

Fig. 1. Etlingera mamasarum A.D.Poulsen & Ardiyani, spec. nov. 
A. Fertile bract and flower. B. Bracteole. C. Calyx. D. Flower, calyx removed. E. Stamen, dorsal view. F. Labellum, flattened, dorsal view G. Stamen, lateral view H. Stamen, style and stigma, ventral view. J. Ovary and epigynous gland, dorsal view. K. Ovary and epigynous gland, ventral view. L. Fruit with ± persistent bract, bracteole and calyx. Drawn from the type by Axel Dalberg Poulsen.

Fig. 2. Etlingera mamasarum A.D.Poulsen & Ardiyani, spec. nov.
A. Leafy shoot. B. Inflorescence, lateral and front view. C. Fertile bract. D. Fertile bract and flower. E. Bracteole. F. Calyx. G. Flower, calyx removed. H. Corolla lobes. I. Labellum. J. Flower with calyx, corolla lobes and labellum removed. Photos: Marlina Ardiyani.

Etlingera mamasarum A.D.Poulsen & Ardiyani, spec. nov.

Type: Indonesia, West Sulawesi Province, Mamasa, Rantepongko Village, Gunung Gandangdewata, ..., 1,642 m, flowering and fruiting, 21 April 2016, M. Ardiyani with W. Santoso, Obet, Ama, A. Kartonegoro, D. Wulansari Sulbar 004 (Holotype: BO!; iso E!), Fig. 1, 2 & 3. DNA barcoding in Table 2. 

Diagnosis. Similar to Etlingera flexuosa A.D. Poulsen but differs in the length of the flowers which are shorter than the bracts, the longer petiole (45–55 mm in E. mamasarum vs 10–40 mm in E. flexuosa), the length to width ratio of the lamina (3.5–4 vs 4.2–5.6), the shape of the base of the lamina (rounded to cordate vs cuneate to auriculate), the size of the fertile bract (5.5−7 × 2.5−3.3 cm vs 2–5 × 0.6–2.5 cm), the position of the pedicel (4 mm stalk above the bracteole vs 1–4 mm below bracteole), the longer bracteole (3.6 cm vs 1.7–3 cm), the apices of the calyx spreading laterally to opposite sides of the flower (vs pointed straight forward), and the shape and size of the labellum (unevenly panduriform, 20–21 × 16 mm vs ovate, 17–22 × 14–20 mm).

Distribution. So far known only from the type locality at Gunung Gandangdewata. 

Habitat & Ecology. Grows in primary forest on a moderate slope not far from river at about 1,700 m. 

Etymology. The epithet honours the people of Mamasa, West Sulawesi, where the new species was found.

Local name & uses. Katimbang (Mamasa language), fruits are eaten.


 Marlina Ardiyani and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2019. An Update of the Genus Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) in Sulawesi including the Description of A New Species. Reinwardtia. 18(1); 49–60. DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v18i1.3729

Jenis baru Etlingera mamasarum A.D.Poulsen & Ardiyani telah ditemukan di Taman Nasional Gunung Gandangdewata, Sulawesi Barat. Jenis baru ini mirip dengan Etlingera flexuosa A.D.Poulsen tetapi berbeda dalam karakter bunga yang lebih pendek dari braktea. Jenis baru tersebut dipertelakan, diilustrasikan dan dilakukan barkoding DNA. Tiga jenis lainnya (Etlingera cylindrica A.D.Poulsen, E. grallata A.D.Poulsen, E. spinulosa A.D.Poulsen) telah didokumentasikan dan merupakan rekaman baru untuk provinsi Sulawesi Barat. Informasi morfologi E. calobates A.D.Poulsen telah diperbaharui, kesalahan tipifikasi Alpinia chrysogynia (K.Schum.) K.Schum. telah dikoreksi dan informasi persebaran E. megalocheilos (Griff.) A.D.Poulsen di timur garis Wallace didiskusikan dalam tulisan ini. 
Kata Kunci: Barkoding DNA, Etlingera calobates, E. mamasarum, E. megalocheilos, Indonesia, Zingiberales.


[Fungi • 2019] Allographa kamojangensis & A. jayatilakana • Discoveries Through Social Media and In Your Own Backyard: Two New Species of Allographa (Graphidaceae) with pigmented lirellae from the Palaeotropics, with A World Key to Species of this Group

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Allographa kamojangensis Jatnika, Noer & Lücking

in Jatnika, Weerakoon, Arachchige, et al., 2019. 

Abstract
The genus Graphis sensu Staiger was recently divided into two genera, Graphis s. str. and Allographa. The latter contains mostly species with robust lirellae with a well-developed, often massively carbonized excipulum. With one exception, it also contains all species with a pigmented, yellow to orange pruina on the lirellae. Until now, seven species of Allographa were known with this character, all present in the Neotropics and one also in Africa. Here we describe two further species, both from tropical Asia, thus extending the known distribution of Allographa species with pigmented lirellae to the entire tropics. Allographa kamojangensis Jatnika, Noer & Lücking sp. nov. from Indonesia (Java) was recognized as a new taxon on the social media Facebook site Lichens Connecting People. Detailed studies showed that it deviates from the neotropical A. firferi in the much larger ascospores and the orange, K+ immediately purple-violet pigment, and from A. lutea in the completely carbonized excipulum and the larger ascospores. Allographa jayatilakana Weerakoon, Arachchige & Lücking sp. nov. was discovered in the second author's backyard during a recent inventory of Graphidaceae in Sri Lanka. It differs from A. flavominiata in the much shorter ascospores, from A. firferi in the terminally muriform ascospores, and from A. ochracea in the yellow-orange, K+ yellow then slowly purple-violet pruina. A key is presented to all nine species of Allographa with pigmented lirellae.

Keywords: Allographa chrysocarpa, anthraquinone pigments, Colombo, Kamojang, lichens, taxonomy

Allographa kamojangensis (holotype), thallus in situ

Muhammad Feisal Jatnika, Gothamie Weerakoon, Omal Arachchige, Iin Supartinah Noer, Anna Voytsekhovich and Robert Lücking. 2019.  Discoveries Through Social Media and In Your Own Backyard: Two New Species of Allographa (Graphidaceae) with pigmented lirellae from the Palaeotropics, with A World Key to Species of this Group. The Lichenologist.  51(3); 227-233. DOI: 10.1017/S0024282919000094 

Lücking R. and Kalb K. 2018. Formal Instatement of Allographa (Graphidaceae): How to Deal with a Hyperdiverse Genus Complex with Cryptic Differentiation and Paucity of Molecular Data. Herzogia. 31(p1); 535-561. DOI:  10.13158/heia.31.1.2018.535

[Herpetology • 2019] Cnemaspis tarutaoensis & C. adangrawi • Morphological and Molecular Analyses reveal Two New Insular Species of Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Satun Province, southern Thailand

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จิ้งจกนิ้วยาวเกาะตะรุเตา | Cnemaspis tarutaoensis &
จิ้งจกนิ้วยาวเกาะอาดังราวี | C. adangrawi 
Ampai, Rujirawan, Wood, Stuart & Aowphol, 2019


Abstract
We describe two new insular gecko species of the genus Cnemaspis from Tarutao, Adang, and Rawi islands in Satun Province, southern Thailand. The new species are distinguished from their congeners in having a unique combination of morphological, scalation, and color pattern characters, and by genetic divergence in the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene. Cnemaspis tarutaoensis sp. nov. was found to be a member of the C. kumpoli group, but is distinguished from all other species in that group by having 8–9 supralabials and 8 infralabials; 4–5 pore-bearing precloacal scales, pores rounded; 17–19 paravertebral tubercles randomly arranged; 27–29 subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe; subcaudal region yellowish, with smooth scales and a single enlarged median row; black gular markings in males and females; and 17.24–22.36% uncorrected pairwise sequence divergences. Cnemaspis adangrawi sp. nov. was found to be a member of the C. siamensis group, but is distinguished from all other species in that group by having 10 supralabials and 9 infralabials; 6–8 pore-bearing precloacal scales, pores rounded and arranged in a chevron shape; 23–25 randomly arranged, separated paravertebral tubercle rows; 26–28 subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe; subcaudal scales keeled, without enlarged median row; gular region, abdomen, limbs and subcaudal region yellowish in males only; gular marking absent in males and females; and 8.30–26.38 % uncorrected pairwise sequence divergences. Cnemaspis tarutaoensis sp. nov. occurs in karst formations on Tarutao Island, while Cnemaspis adangrawi sp. nov. is found near granitic, rocky streams on Adang and Rawi islands.

Keywords: Island, rock geckos, species diversity, systematics

Figure 1. Map illustrating the holotype locality (red star) and paratype localities (red circles) of Cnemaspis tarutaoensis sp. nov. at Tarutao Island, Satun Province, Thailand; the holotype locality (green star) and paratype localities (green circles) of Cnemaspis adangrawi sp. nov. at Adang and Rawi islands, Mueang Satun District, Satun Province, Thailand.



Figure 2. The single best maximum likelihood tree of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene and flanking tRNAs from geckos of the genera Cnemaspis, Cyrtodactylus and Hemidactylus, shown in full view (above) and close-up view of relevant clades (below). Support values at nodes are bootstrap values from a maximum likelihood analysis of the same dataset followed by posterior probabilities of the Bayesian analysis.

Figure 3. Cnemaspis tarutaoensis sp. nov. from Tarutao Island, Mueang Satun District, Satun Province, Thailand.
A male holotype ZMKU R 00763 B female paratype ZMKU R 00758.

Cnemaspis tarutaoensis sp. nov. 
Tarutao Rock Gecko 
Thai common name: Jing Jok Niew Yaow Ko Tarutao 
- จิ้งจกนิ้วยาวเกาะตะรุเตา

Diagnosis: Cnemaspis tarutaoensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other Cnemaspis by having the following combination of characters: (1) adult males with maximum snout-vent length (SVL) 36.4 mm (mean 34.7 ± SD 1.5, n = 7) and females with maximum SVL 34.8 mm (mean 33.7 ± SD 0.6, n = 6); (2) 8–9 supralabials and 8 infralabials; (3) 4–5 pore-bearing precloacal scales, pores rounded; (4) 17–19 paravertebral tubercles, small in size, randomly arranged; (5) 27–29 subdigital lamellae under the 4th toe; (6) subcaudal region yellowish, scales smooth with a single enlarged median subcaudal row; (7) one postcloacal tubercles on each side; (8) no sexual dimorphism in dorsal and ventral patterns; and (9) black gular markings present in males and females. These differences are summarized for geographically close congeners in the kumpoli group (Table 4).

Figure 7. Habitats of Cnemaspis tarutaoensis sp. nov.
A Pha Toe Boo karst formation at type locality B habitat of paratypes in the exterior surface of karst cave at Tham Chorakae C habitat of paratypes in karst outcropped at Tarutao Island, Mueang Satun district, Satun Province, Thailand.

Distribution and natural history: Cnemaspis tarutaoensis sp. nov. is known only from the type locality on Tarutao Island, approximately 40 km off the coast of Thailand. All specimens were found in karst forest near mangroves and karst outcrops near a stream (Fig. 7). Nine specimens (ZMKU R 00759–00760, ZMKU R 00762–00763, ZMKU R 00765–00766, and THNHM 28202–28204) were collected during the day (1100–1805 h) and five specimens (ZMKU R 00758, ZMKU R 00761, ZMKU R 00764, THNHM 28201 and THNHM 28205) were collected during the night (1920–2106 h). The male holotype was found during the day (1724 h) upside down on the interior surface of the karst formation.
Paratypes found during the day (ZMKU R 00759 and 00760, ZMKU R 00762 and 00763, ZMKU R 00765–00766, and THNHM 28202–28204) were in shaded areas, cracks, and crevices of rock boulders. When disturbed, some individuals would retreat into cracks and crevices, or hide in shaded areas of the rock boulder. Paratypes found at night (ZMKU R 00758, ZMKU R 00761, ZMKU R 00764, THNHM 28201 and THNHM 28205) were in deep crevices, within cracks on the shaded (by day) surfaces of boulders, or perched on vegetation near karst. Three gravid females (ZMKU R 00758, ZMKU R 00760, and THNHM 28202) contained two eggs during November 2017. THNHM 28204 (juvenile) was observed on vegetation near a rock boulder on 5 April 2018. At night, Cyrtodactylus cf. astrum was found in syntopy on rock boulders and karst formations with C. tarutaoensis sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the type locality of the new species.


Figure 8. Cnemaspis adangrawi sp. nov. from Adang Island, Mueang Satun District, Satun Province, Thailand
A male holotype ZMKU R 00767 B female paratype ZMKU R 00768.

Cnemaspis adangrawi sp. nov. 
Adang-Rawi Rock Gecko 
Thai name: Jing Jok Niew Yaow Ko Adang-Rawi 
- จิ้งจกนิ้วยาวเกาะอาดังราวี



Diagnosis: Cnemaspis adangrawi sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other Cnemaspis by having the following combination of characters: (1) adult males with maximum SVL length 44.9 mm (mean 41.8 ± SD 2.5, n = 11) and females with maximum SVL 43.8 mm (mean 42.5 ± SD 1.5, n = 4); (2) 10 supralabials and 9 infralabials; (3) 6–8 pore-bearing precloacal scales with rounded pores arranged in chevron shape and separated; (4) 23–25 paravertebral tubercles randomly arranged; (5) 26–28 subdigital lamellae under the 4th toe; (6) subcaudal scales keeled and lacking enlarge median row; (7) one postcloacal tubercle each side; (8) gular region, abdomen, limbs and subcaudal region yellowish in males only; (9) mid-gular marking absent in males and females. These differences are summarized for geographically close congeners in the siamensis group (Table 6).

Figure 13. Habitats of Cnemaspis adangrawi sp. nov. A Jonsalad Waterfall at type locality of Adang Island B habitat of paratypes in outcropped near stream at Rawi Island C habitat of paratypes in forest stream near mangrove at Rawi Island, Mueang Satun district, Satun Province, Thailand.

Distribution and natural history: Cnemaspis adangrawi sp. nov. is known only from Adang and Rawi islands, 60 and 61 km off the coast of Thailand, respectively (Fig. 1). All Adang specimens were found in a granitic rocky stream (Fig. 13A). Rawi Island specimens were found in rock outcrops along a stream (Fig. 13B) and along a forest stream near mangroves (Fig. 13C). Sixteen specimens (ZMKU R 00767–00768, ZMKU R 00770–00772, ZMKU R 00775–00776, THNHM 28206–28209, and THNHM 28211–28215) were collected during the day (1047–1823 h) and four specimens (ZMKU R 00769, ZMKU R 00773–00774, and THNHM 28210) were collected at night (1927–2024 h). The male holotype was found during the day (1047 h) on the base of a rock boulder with holes formed by the expansive soil between the ground and rock interface of a nearby stream.

Paratypes found during the day (ZMKU R 00767–00768, ZMKU R 00770–00772, ZMKU R 00775–00776, THNHM 28206–28209, and THNHM 28211–28215) were in crevices of boulders, shaded areas with holes in the soil at the base of a rock wall near a stream, and on boulder outcrops near streams. When disturbed, some individuals would retreat into rock crevices or into holes in the soil at the base of a rock wall. Paratypes found at night (ZMKU R 00769, ZMKU R 00773–00774 and THNHM 28210) were in shaded areas (by day), deep at the base of boulders, or perched on vegetation near a rocky stream. Two gravid females (ZMKU R 00771 and THNHM 28211) contained one or two eggs during November 2017. Some juveniles (not collected) were found in holes in the soil and perched on vegetation near a stream at Rawi Island on 8 April 2018. At night, Cyrtodactylus macrotuberculatus was found in syntopy on the rock wall and vegetation near a stream at Jonsalad Waterfall, Adang Island, with Cnemaspis adangrawi sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to Adang and Rawi islands where the new species is found, and is a noun in apposition.


 Natee Ampai, Attapol Rujirawan, Perry L. Wood Jr, Bryan L. Stuart and Anchalee Aowphol. 2019. Morphological and Molecular Analyses reveal Two New Insular Species of Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Satun Province, southern Thailand. ZooKeys. 858: 127-161. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.858.34297

[Botany • 2019] Agapetes reflexiloba (Ericaceae) • A New Species from Kachin State, and Notes on Three Rediscovered Species including Two New Records for Myanmar [Taxonomic Studies on Agapetes in Myanmar I]

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Agapetes reflexiloba Y. H. Tan & Bin Yang

in Yang, Ding, Zhou, et al., 2019. 

Abstract
A new species of Ericaceae, Agapetes reflexiloba, from Putao, Kachin State, Myanmar, is described and a colour plate is provided, affiliated to Agapetes sect. Agapetes ser. Graciles Airy-Shaw. The new species is morphologically similar to A. nutans, A. linearifolia and A. angustifolia of the Series Graciles in having linear to lanceolate narrow leaves and corymbose-racemose inflorescences and very short filaments. It is, however, readily distinguished from its three relatives by having a purplish red to dark red acuminate corolla apex in flower buds and conspicuously reflexed corolla lobes in anthesis, and corolla light brownish yellow to brownish yellow, and with 5 deep purple red zig-zag stripes. The rediscovery of Agapetes bhareliana and A. linearifolia is also reported from Kachin state, Northern Myanmar, after a gap of more than eight decades. Both are new records for Myanmar. Agapetes nana was also recollected 64 years after the collection made by F. Kingdon Ward between 1952 and 1953. Agapetes nana (Griff.) Hook. f. var. robusta Airy Shaw is newly proposed as a synonym of A. nana. A revised taxonomic description along with colour plate and distributional map are provided.

Keywords: Kachin state, Vaccinioideae, Ericaceae, new record, Southeast Asia, Taxonomy, Eudicots



FIGURE 1. Agapetes reflexiloba Y. H. Tan & Bin Yang.
A–B. Flowering branch; C–D. Inflorescence; E–F. Flower; G. Stamen; H. Flower dissection (from top to bottom and from left to right): corolla, stamen, style along with ovary and pedicel, calyx.
 Photographed by H.B. Ding & B. Yang.

Agapetes reflexiloba Y. H. Tan & Bin Yang, sp. nov. 

Agapetes reflexiloba is morphologically similar to A. nutans Dunn, A. linearifolia C. B. Clarke, and A. angustifolia (Knagg) Airy Shaw in having linear to lanceolate narrow leaves and corymbose-racemose inflorescences (Table 1). It is, however, readily distinguished from its three relatives by corolla lobes conspicuous reflexed in anthesis, corolla light brownish yellow to brownish yellow, and with 5 deep purple red zig-zag stripes.
...

 Etymology: The species epithet refers to its strongly reflexed corolla lobes. 

Distribution and habitat:Agapetes reflexiloba is so far known only from the type locality of Putao, Kachin state in north Myanmar, where it is an epiphytic shrub that grows on the trees in montane broadleaved forests, at an elevation of ca. 1,100 m (Figure 6)

    


Agapetes bhareliana (Airy Shaw 1958: 477) 
D. Banik & Sanjappa in Nord. J. Bot. 26: 4, 2008. 

Distribution and habitat: Agapetes bhareliana is distributed in Myanmar (Figure 6) and India. It is here newly recorded from Myanmar


Agapetes linearifolia C. B. Clarke 
in Hook. f. Fl. Brit. Ind. 3, 449, 1882 (Figure 3, A-F) 

Distribution and habitat: China, India, Myanmar: Kachin state, where it is an epiphytic shrub that grows on the trees around the streamside of Nam Tsang, at 520 m a.s.l. (Figure 6). It is newly recorded from Myanmar.

Agapetes nana (Griffith 1854a: 303, 1854b: t.505) 
Hook. f. in Benth. & Hook. f. Gen. Pl. 2(2), 571,1876 (Figures 4–5)


Distribution and habitat: India, Myanmar: Kachin state, where it is an epiphytic shrub that grows on the trees in montane broadleaved forests, at 700–1,200 m a.s.l. (Figure 6).


Bin Yang, Hong-Bo Ding, Shi-Shun Zhou, Mya Bhone Maw, Kyaw Win Maung and Yun-Hong Tan. 2019.  Taxonomic Studies on Agapetes in Myanmar I: Agapetes reflexiloba, A New Species from Kachin State, and Notes on Three Rediscovered Species including Two New Records for Myanmar. Phytotaxa. 393(2); 105–118.  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.393.2.2

A New Species of Ericaceae Found in Northern Myanmar -     english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/201902/t20190221_205567.shtml


    

[Herpetology • 2019] Nidirana yaoica • A New Species of Music Frogs (Anura, Ranidae, Nidirana) from Mt Dayao, southern China

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Nidirana yaoica  
Lyu, Mo, Wan, Li, Pang & Wang, 2019

Abstract
A new species of Music frogs, Nidirana yaoica sp. nov. is described based on a series of adult male specimens collected from Mt Dayao, Guangxi, southern China, providing valuable new information on the phylogeny, bioacoustics, and biogeography of related species within the genus Nidirana. The new species forms the sister taxon to N. daunchina from western China and together the sister taxon to N. chapaensis from northern Vietnam. Nidirana yaoica sp. nov. can be distinguished from all known congeners by a significant genetic divergence in the mitochondrial 16S and CO1 genes, the advertisement call containing 1–3 rapidly repeated regular notes, and the combination of morphological characteristics including a medium-sized body with SVL 40.4–45.9 mm in adult males; lateroventral grooves on every digit, not meeting at the tip of disk; tibio-tarsal articulation reaching the nostril; the presence of a pair of subgular vocal sacs in males; and one single developed nuptial pad on dorsal surface of first finger in males.

Keywords: bioacoustic, Guangxi, mitochondrial DNA, morphology, Nidirana yaoica sp. nov.



Figure 3. Morphological features of the adult male holotype SYS a007022 of Nidirana yaoica sp. nov. in life.
 A dorsolateral view B ventral view C left hand D poorly developed nuptial pad E left foot F surface of posterior dorsum and hind limbs. 


Nidirana yaoica sp. nov.

Nidirana adenopleura: Fei et al. 2009 (Mt. Dayao, Jinxiu, Guangxi); 
Mo et al. 2014 (Jinxiu, Guangxi)

Etymology: The specific name yaoica is an adjective derived from Yao, referring to the type locality of the new species, Mt Dayao in Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County, where the settlement of the Yao people is located. We suggest its English common name to be Mt Dayao music frog and its Chinese name Yao Qin Wa (瑶琴蛙).

Differential diagnosis: Nidirana yaoica sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of the morphological characteristics: (1) body medium-size and stocky, with SVL 43.8 ± 1.7 (40.4–45.9, n = 13) mm in adult males; (2) disks of digits dilated, pointed; (3) lateroventral grooves present on every digit; (4) heels overlapping; (5) tibio-tarsal articulation reaching at the nostril; (6) mid-dorsal stripe present; (7) posterior of dorsal skin rough with dense tubercles but without spinules; (8) week supernumerary tubercles below the base of fingers III and IV, palmar tubercles prominent and distinct; (9) a pair of subgular vocal sacs present; (10) one single nuptial pad present on the first finger, nuptial spinules invisible; (11) suprabrachial gland large; (12) calling: 1–3 fast-repeated regular notes.

Figure 4. A, B paratypes SYS a007009 and SYS a007021 of  Nidirana yaoica sp. nov.
C habitat of Nidirana yaoica sp. nov. in the type locality in Mt Dayao D the holotype SYS a007022 in wild.

Distribution and ecology: Currently, Nidirana yaoica sp. nov. is known only from the type locality, Mt Dayao, Jinxiu, Guangxi, in southern China. This frog inhabits in the swamps and ponds surrounded by moist subtropical secondary evergreen broadleaved forests (Fig. 4C, D). The adult male calls in the brushwood at the bank, from mid-March to late May. Nevertheless, the females, tadpoles, and much of the ecology and behavior of this species remain unknown.

      


 Zhi-Tong Lyu, Yun-Ming Mo, Han Wan, Yu-Long Li, Hong Pang and Ying-Yong Wang. 2019. Description of A New Species of Music Frogs (Anura, Ranidae, Nidirana) from Mt Dayao, southern China. ZooKeys. 858: 109-126. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.858.34363

     

[Crustacea • 2019] Resolution of the Portunus gladiator species complex (Brachyura, Decapoda, Portunidae): Taxonomic Status and Identity of Monomia gladiator (Fabricius, 1798) and Monomia haanii (Stimpson, 1858)

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  Monomia gladiator (Fabricius, 1798) 

in Windsor, Mendoza & Deeds, 2019.

Abstract
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently adopted DNA barcoding for the purpose of determining the species identity of commercial seafood products. This effort has revealed instances of incongruence between current scientifically accepted taxon names and those utilized by the seafood industry in product labelling. One such case is that of “Portunus haanii”, a name utilized by the seafood industry to label commercial products under the market name “red swimming crab.” However, carcinologists currently regard P. haanii as synonym of Portunus gladiator Fabricius, 1798, which itself is the subject of debate over whether it is a secondary homonym of Cancer gladiator Fabricius, 1793. Further complicating matters, DNA barcode sequences from commercial products match GenBank sequences identified as Portunus pseudoargentatus Stephenson, 1961. Here the complicated taxonomic history of the Portunus gladiator complex is reviewed and a resolution proposed based on combined morphological descriptions and molecular phylogenetic analyses. It is demonstrated that, given the provisions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and the current elevation of Monomia Gistel, 1848, to full genus rank, its type species, Portunus gladiator Fabricius, 1798, should be treated as a valid and available taxon name. It is also shown, upon examination and comparison of types and topotypic material that Monomia haanii (Stimpson, 1858) is a distinct taxon from M. gladiator, and Portunus pseudoargentatus Stephenson, 1961, is a junior subjective synonym of M. haanii (Stimpson, 1858). Furthermore, it is shown that crab meat sold in the US currently labeled as “Portunus haanii” and/or “red swimming crab” is in fact M. haanii using comparative analysis of DNA barcode sequences between museum-vouchered reference specimens, whole crabs provided directly by a seafood importer, and processed commercial products purchased at retail.

Keywords: Commercial species, DNA barcoding, molecular phylogenetics, morphology, seafood, swimming crab, taxonomy

Figure 1. Dorsal habitus of A lectotype of Portunus gladiator Fabricius, 1798, deposited in Copenhagen Museum (ZMUC-Cru 4705) B Cancer menestho Herbst, 1803 (= Monomia gladiator), probably from Indian Ocean (color print from Herbst, 1803: pl. 55 fig. 3

C Monomia gladiator (Fabricius, 1798), fresh colouration, Phuket, Thailand (not collected), photo by Rueangrit Promdam D Monomia gladiator (Fabricius, 1798), fresh coloration, Jeppiar, Tamil Nadu, India (ZRC), photograph by PKL Ng;

E “Neptunus (Amphitrite) gladiator” [sic] (=Monomia haanii) from Sagami Bay, Japan (color print from Sakai, 1939: pl. 47 fig. 3) F Monomia haanii (Stimpson, 1858), fresh colouration, South China Sea (USNM 1421161) shipped frozen by US seafood importer.

Portunoidea Rafinesque, 1815
Portunidae Rafinesque, 1815
Portuninae Rafinesque, 1815

Monomia Gistel, 1848

Type species. Portunus gladiator Fabricius, 1798, type species of Amphitrite De Haan, 1833, by subsequent designation (Miers, 1886); pre-occupied by Amphitrite Müller, 1771 [Polychaeta]; Monomia Gistel, 1848, replacement name for Amphitrite De Haan, 1833.

Monomia gladiator s. str. (Fabricius, 1798)


 Amanda M. Windsor, Jose Christopher E. Mendoza and Jonathan R. Deeds. 2019. Resolution of the Portunus gladiator species complex: Taxonomic Status and Identity of Monomia gladiator (Fabricius, 1798) and Monomia haanii (Stimpson, 1858) (Brachyura, Decapoda, Portunidae). ZooKeys. 858: 11-43. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.858.33826


[Herpetology • 2019] Glaucomastix itabaianensis • Phylogeography of the Endangered Sand Dune Whiptail Lizard Glaucomastix abaetensis with the Description of A New Species

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Glaucomastix itabaianensis
 Rosário, Santos, Arias, Rocha, Reis, Carvalho & Rodrigues, 2019


Abstract
Several species of Glaucomastix lizards have been described over the past decade, most of these inhabit inland Brazil. Glaucomastix abaetensis is a threatened whiptail endemic to Brazilian coastal “restinga” (sandy habitats) from Bahia State to Sergipe, with a distribution limited by riverine barriers. In order to investigate the differentiation and relationships in G. abaetensis, we integrated phylogeographic analysis, Bayesian species delimitation and morphological data to detect geographical patterns and historical events responsible for its present distribution. We recovered two highly divergent clades along its range, one of them unnamed. Glaucomastix itabaianensis sp. nov. has a a yellowish green tail, 13–16 scales in the lateral flank, 22–33 scales around tail, 28–35 femoral pores and usually four supraocular scales with the smaller one disposed posteriorly. Our results retrieved the monophyly of Glaucomastix, with G. venetacauda and G. cyanurus being sister species to a clade formed by G. littoralis and G. abaetensis. Divergence between Glaucomastix abaetensis and the new species occurred roughly 2.39 Myr ago; posterior shallow genetic divergences occurred mainly in Pleistocene. Finally, we present data on the conservation of this clade of whiptail lizards.

Keywords: Reptilia, Bayesian species delimitation, Brazil, Brazilian Atlantic Forest, restinga, Teiidae



Glaucomastix itabaianensis sp. nov. 


Igor Rios do Rosário, Rodrigo Marques Lima dos Santos, Federico Arias, Carlos Frederico Duarte Rocha, Eduardo José dos Reis, Celso Morato de Carvalho and Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues. 2019. Phylogeography of the Endangered Sand Dune Whiptail Lizard Glaucomastix abaetensis (Dias, Rocha & Vrcibradic, 2002) with the Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 4624(4); 451–477. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4624.4.1


[Arachnida • 2019] The Brushed Jumping Spiders (Araneae, Salticidae, Jotus L. Koch, 1881) from Eastern Australia

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Jotus karllagerfeldi 

Baehr, Schubert & Harms, 2019


Abstract
The Australian fauna of Jumping spiders (family Salticidae) is highly diverse and includes iconic lineages such as the peacock spiders (genus Maratus Karsch, 1878) that are well-known for their vibrant colours and fascinating behaviours. Many other jumping spiders in Australia are also highly attractive but almost nothing is known about their diversity and taxonomic identity. Here, we describe and illustrate eight species of ‘brushed’ jumping spiders (genus Jotus L. Koch, 1881). Three of these were described more than 140 years ago and are redescribed and illustrated here: Jotus auripes L. Koch, 1881, J. braccatus L. Koch, 1881 and J. minutus L. Koch, 1881. Five new species are also described: Jotus albimanus sp. nov.J. fortiniae sp. nov., Jkarllagerfeldi sp. nov.Jotus moonensis sp. nov., and J. newtoni sp. nov. While Jotus is a diverse and frequently observed genus in Australia, specimens are strangely rare in museum collections. A comprehensive revisionary framework including targeted field work and molecular methods will be required to fully document this charismatic and attractive group of spiders.

Key Words: new species, Euophryinae, Karl Lagerfeld, Museum Godeffroy, taxonomy


Figure 1. Life images: A–C Jotus karllagerfeldi sp.n.: A front view; B back view; C side view (Photos: Mark Newton);
D, E Jotus auripes L. Koch, 1881: D front view; E side view (Photos: Joseph Schubert).

 Figure 2. Life images: A–C Jotus fortiniae sp. nov.: A side view; B front view; C back view (Photos: Robert Whyte);
D, E Jotus spp. (unidentified species): D front view; E front view (Photos: Michael Doe).


 Barbara C. Baehr, Joseph Schubert and Danilo Harms. 2019. The Brushed Jumping Spiders (Araneae, Salticidae, Jotus L. Koch, 1881) from Eastern Australia. Evolutionary Systematics. 3(1): 53-73. DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.34496

Trendy on eight legs: Jumping spider named after fashion czar Karl Lagerfeld eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-07/pp-toe070119.php

[Ichthyology • 2019] Enteromius pinnimaculatus • A New Species of Enteromius (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from southern Gabon

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Enteromius pinnimaculatus 
 Mipounga, Cutler, Mve Beh, Adam & Sidlauskas, 2019

  DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13995 

Abstract
We present and describe a new species of Enteromius, adding to the 16 species of Enteromius currently recorded from Gabon, West Africa. This new species is distinguished from all other Gabonese Enteromius by the presence of several distinct spots on the dorsal fin in combination with three or four round spots on the flanks. In Africa, it is superficially similar to Enteromius walkeri and with which it shares an unusual allometry in that the proportional length of the barbels decreases as the fish grows. Nevertheless, one can distinguish these species by vertebral number, maximum standard length, the length of the anterior barbels, the length of the caudal peduncle and in most specimens, the number of lateral‐line and circumpeduncular scales. These two species also inhabit widely separated drainages, with E. walkeri occurring in coastal drainages of Ghana including the Pra and Ankobra Rivers and the new species occurring in tributaries of the Louetsi and Bibaka Rivers of Gabon, which are part of the Ogowe and Nyanga drainages, respectively. Despite extensive collections in those drainages the new species is known from only two localities, suggesting the importance of conservation of its known habitat.

Keywords: allometry, biodiversity, central Africa, conservation, endemic, morphometrics, systematics

FIGURE 1: Live coloration of Enteromius pinnimaculatus sp. nov. Uncatalogued specimen from swampy lowland tributary of the Bissina River, Nyanga River drainage, Gabon.

Figure 10: (a) Adult Enteromius pinnimaculatus sp. nov. holotype, tissue voucher GAB17‐486, 41.05 mm standard length (LS), Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Corvallis, Oregon specimen OS22149, (b) adult paratype, 37.6 mm LS (OS22153) and (c) smaller adult paratype, 27.0 mm LS (OS22152) prior to clearing and staining

Enteromius pinnimaculatus sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet pinnimaculatus refers to the multiple small dark spots on the dorsal fin, which is a rare characteristic within Enteromius. An adjective in the nominative singular.


Hans Kevin Mipounga, Joseph Cutler, Jean Hervé Mve Beh, Benjamin Adam and Brian L. Sidlauskas. 2019. Enteromius pinnimaculatus sp. nov. (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from southern Gabon. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13995  


[Ichthyology • 2019] Leporinus sidlauskasi • A New Species of Leporinus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the Rio Tapajós basin, Brazil

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Leporinus sidlauskasi  
Britski & Birindelli, 2019


Abstract
A new species of Leporinus is described from the rio Teles Pires, rio Tapajós basin, Amazon basin, Brazil. The new species is diagnosed based on dental formula 3/4, a dark midlateral stripe on body and a series of transversal dark bars on the dorsum. The new species is similar to a handful of congeners based on the color pattern, including L. britski, L. microphysus, L. parvulus, and L. vanzoi, all of which also occur at the rio Tapajós basin. The new species is distinguished from the aforementioned congeners based on number of premaxillary teeth, number of scales in lateral line and/or around caudal peduncle. The new species is apparently endemic to the rio Teles Pires near the Sete Quedas rapids and upstream.

Keywords: Leporinus vanzoi, Taxonomy, Anostomoidea, Rio Teles Pires, Pisces



Leporinus sidlauskasi sp. nov. 


Heraldo A. Britski and José L. Birindelli. 2019. Description of A New Species of Leporinus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the Rio Tapajós basin, Brazil.  Zootaxa. 4603(1); 183–191. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4603.1.10  

New fish discovered in Amazon basin named after Oregon State researcher today.OregonState.edu/news/new-fish-discovered-amazon-basin-named-after-oregon-state-researcher

[Herpetology • 2019] Diasporus amirae • A New Species of Dink Frog, Genus Diasporus (Anura: Eleutherodactylidae), from the Caribbean foothills of the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica

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Diasporus amirae
Arias, Chaves, Salazar, Salazar-Zúñiga & García-Rodríguez, 2019


Abstract
A new dink frog (Eleutherodactylidae: Diasporus) is described from the Tropical Wet Forest, in the northeastern foothills of Cordillera de Talamanca in Costa Rica at an elevation of ca. 1000 m. Analysis of DNA sequences of the 16S rRNA (16S) and cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) mitochondrial genes revealed a distinct lineage within the genus Diasporus. Additional morphological, morphometric, and acoustic analyses support the differences of this lineage, which we recognize as a new species. This new taxon is distinguished from other members of the genus Diasporus inhabiting Isthmian Central America by its unique coloration: dorsum brown to brown-grayish and venter gray-bluish with pale blotches. The new species is distinguished from other members of the genus Diasporus by very significant genetic distances (higher than 5.6 % in 16S and 16.7 % in COI). The new taxon is most closely related to D. vocator from the south pacific of Costa Rica and to an unnamed taxon from western Panama.

Keywords: Amphibia, Brachycephaloidea, Isthmian Central America, Panama, Taxonomy, Terrarana








Diasporus amirae







    

   




Erick Arias, Gerardo Chaves, Stanley Salazar, José Andrés Salazar-Zúñiga and Adrián García-Rodríguez. 2019. A New Species of Dink Frog, Genus Diasporus (Anura: Eleutherodactylidae), from the Caribbean foothills of the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica. Zootaxa. 4609(2); 269–288.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4609.2.4 

En Costa Rica, están presentes otras cinco especies del género 'Diasporus'   ucr.ac.cr/noticias/2019/06/20/talamanca-le-revela-al-mundo-una-nueva-especie-de-rana.html

[Botany • 2019] Heterostemma ficoides (Apocynaceae: Asclepiodoideae) • A New Species with Fig-like Flowers from Northern Thailand

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Heterostemma ficoides A.Kidyoo

in A. Kidyoo, 2019.

Heterostemma ficoides A.Kidyoo, a new species of Heterostemma sect. Oianthus with a fig-like flower discovered in northern Thailand is here described. Photographs, line illustrations and detailed comparison with the similar species, H. vasudevanii Swarupan. & Mangaly are provided. Heterostemma ficoides resembles H. vasudevanii in having a fleshy globose flower and the presence of the inner corona appendages, but clearly differs in leaf shape, leaf venation, presence of dense hairs on the outer and inner surfaces of the corolla, and apex of the staminal corona lobes. An identification key to the species of sect. Oianthus is presented.

Keywords: Ceropegieae, evergreen forest, inner corona appendages, sect. Oianthus


Fig. 2 Heterostemma ficoides. A habitat; B flowering branch; C inflorescence; D fruit; E longitudinal section of flower; F cross section of flower; G top view of gynostegium. Photos: Aroonrat Kidyoo.

Heterostemma ficoides A. Kidyoo sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘ficoides’ alludes to the striking similarity of its flower to a fig of Ficus species.



Aroonrat Kidyoo. 2019. Heterostemma ficoides (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae), A New Species with Fig-like Flowers from Northern Thailand. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-019-9815-4


[Entomology • 2019] Lebinthus sandakan • Crickets of the Subfamily Eneopterinae (Orthoptera: Grylloidea) from Sandakan, Sabah: One New Species and Calling Songs of Cardiodactylus borneoe, A Sympatric Species

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Lebinthus sandakan
Kai, Japir, Chung & Robillard, 2019


Abstract
Orthoptera from Sandakan, Sabah are relatively understudied compared to some other parts of Borneo, and lack of information of species there can impede our understanding of the origins and biodiversity of orthopterans in Borneo and, in general, Southeast Asia. Based on a recent orthopteran survey in Sandakan, one new species of Lebinthus Stål is described: Lebinthus sandakan sp. nov. The male calling song of this new species is also presented. The calling song of Cardiodactylus borneoe Robillard & Gorochov, 2014 is also described for the first time.

Keywords: Orthoptera, bioacoustics, Borneo, new species, Southeast Asia, taxonomy




Tan Ming Kai, Razy Japir, Arthur Y.C. Chung and Tony Robillard. 2019. Crickets of the Subfamily Eneopterinae (Orthoptera: Grylloidea) from Sandakan, Sabah: One New Species and Calling Songs of A Sympatric Species. Zootaxa. 4619(2); 347–363. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4619.2.9

[Paleontology • 2019] Vetusodon elikhulu • A New Large Cynodont from the Late Permian (Lopingian) of the South African Karoo Basin and its Phylogenetic Significance

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Vetusodon elikhulu
Abdala, Gaetano, Smith & Rubidge, 2019

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz004 
Artwork by Gabriel Lio.  twitter.com/GabrielLuisLio

Abstract
The Karoo Basin of South Africa has the best global record of Lopingian (Late Permian) non-mammaliaform cynodonts, currently represented by five species. We describe Vetusodon elikhulu gen. et sp. nov., documented by four specimens from the Daptocephalus Assemblage Zone. With a basal skull length of ~18 cm, it is the largest Lopingian cynodont and is also larger than Induan representatives of the group. Vetusodon elikhulu has a cranial morphology that departs notably from that previously documented for Permo-Triassic cynodonts. It features a short and extremely wide snout, resembling that of the contemporaneous therocephalian Moschorhinus, and has large incisors and canines that contrast with the small unicusped postcanines, suggesting a more important role of the anterior dentition for feeding. The dentary is extremely long and robust, with the posterior margin located closer to the craniomandibular joint than in other Lopingian and Induan cynodonts (e.g. Thrinaxodon). The secondary palate morphology of V. elikhulu is unique, being short and incomplete and with the posterior portion of the maxilla partly covering the vomer. A phylogenetic analysis suggests that V. elikhulu is the sister taxon of Eucynodontia and thus the most derived of the Lopingian to Induan cynodonts yet discovered.

Keywords: anatomy, Changhsingian, epicynodont, Gondwana, phylogeny



Life reconstructions of Vetusodon elikhulu. 
Artwork by Gabriel Lio.  

Life reconstructions of Vetusodon elikhulu.
 Artwork by Gabriel Lio. 

Vetusodon elikhulu gen. et sp. nov.


Fernando Abdala, Leandro C. Gaetano, Roger M. H. Smith and Bruce S Rubidge. 2019. A New Large Cynodont from the Late Permian (Lopingian) of the South African Karoo Basin and its Phylogenetic Significance. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlz004. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz004
Vetusodon elikhulu: when the old has something modern conicet.gov.ar/vetusodon-elikhulu-when-the-old-has-something-modern


[Botany • 2019] Themeda palakkadensis (Poaceae: Panicoideae) • A New Species from Kerala State, India

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Themeda palakkadensis Chorghe, K. Prasad & Lakshmin.

in Chorghe, Prasad & Lakshminarasimhan, 2019.

Abstract
Themeda palakkadensis, a new grass species from Kerala, India, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to T. laxa in having pair of involucral spikelets arranged at same level and in inflorescence pattern but, differs in having densely rufous hairy sessile spikelets, lower lemma of sessile spikelet sparsely rufous hairy, lower glumes of pedicelled spikelets winged on keels, longer anthers and shorter caryopsis length.

Keyword: Andropogoneae, Anthistirineae, Panicoideae, Poaceae, Themeda palakkadensis, Western Ghats

Fig. 1. Themeda palakkadensis Chorghe, K. Prasad & Lakshmin. sp. nov. 
A. Habit, B. Raceme, C. Sessile spikelet and pedicelled spikelet; D–F. Involural spikelet: D. Lower glume, E. Upper glume, F. Lemma, G. Stamens; H–N. Sessile spikelet: H. Spikelet, I. Lower glume, J. Upper glume, K. Lower lemma, L. & M. Upper lemma, N. Caryopsis; O–R. Pedicelled spikelet: O. Spikelet, P. Lower glume, Q. Upper glume, R. Lemma.

Themeda palakkadensis Chorghe, K. Prasad & Lakshmin., sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Themeda palakkadensis is similar to T. laxa in having involurcral spikelets arranged at same level and spathe having 1–3 racemes arranged, but differs from it in having both the glumes of sessile spikelet densely rufous hairy (vs glabrous), lower lemma of sessile spikelet sparsely rufous hairy at apex (vs glabrous); anthers 4–5 mm long (vs 2–3 mm); caryopsis 2.5–3 mm long (vs 3.5– 4 mm long) and lower glumes of pedicelled spikelet winged on both the keels (vs wingless).

Etymology: The new species is named after Palakkad District of Kerala state.


Alok R. Chorghe, Kothareddy Prasad and Pakshirajan Lakshminarasimhan. 2019. Themeda palakkadensis (Poaceae: Panicoideae), A New Species from Kerala State, India. Taiwania. 64(3); 231-234. tai2.ntu.edu.tw/taiwania/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=1617  

[Herpetology • 2019] Nidirana leishanensis • A New Species of the Asian Music Frog Genus Nidirana (Anura, Ranidae) from Southwestern China

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Nidirana leishanensis
Li, Wei, Xu, Cui, Fei, Jiang, Liu & Wang, ​2019


Abstract 
The Asian music frog genus Nidirana is widely distributed in East and Southeastern Asia. Systematic profiles of the group remain on debate, and cryptic species are expected especially in the species with wide distributional range. Here, we describe a new species of the genus from Southwestern China. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA supported the new species as an independent clade nested into the Nidirana clade and sister to N. hainanensis. Morphologically, the new species could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: a large body size in males (SVL > 49 mm); the presence of lateroventral grooves both on fingers and toes; relative finger lengths: II < IV < I < III; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level between eye and nostril when leg stretched forward; a pair of subgular internal vocal sacs at corners of throat in males; nuptial pad present on the inner side of base of fingers I and II in males in breading season; webbing formula: I 2 –21/3 II 2 –22/3 III 31/2 –32/3 IV 32/3 –3V. The findings provided a better knowledge on phylogenetic assignments of the genus Nidirana, and indicated future deeper investigations necessarily for exploring systematic settings of the group.

Figure 1: Sampling localities in this study. Localities 1–5 were all in China: 1, Emei Mountain, Sichuan Province (Prov.); 2, Jiangcheng County (Co.), Yunnan Prov.; 3, Leigong Mountain, Leishan Co., Guizhou Prov.; 4, Diaoluo Mountain, Lingshui Co., Hainan Prov.; 5, Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Prov. Different species were denoted as different colors. Sample numbers (for information see Table 1) were labeled beside localities.

Figure 7: Photos of the holotype CIBLS20170727002 of Nidirana leishanensis sp. nov. in life.
 (A) Dorsal view. (B) Ventral view. (C) Ventral view of hand. (D) Ventral view of foot. (E) Nuptial pads on the first and second fingers. (F) Lateral view showing subgular external vocal sac. 1, nuptial pad on inner side of base of fingers I and II; 2, a pair of subgular internal vocal sac at corners of throat; 3, suprabrachial gland. Photographed by Shize Li.

Nidirana leishanensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: 
Nidirana leishanensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Nidirana based on molecular data and the following morphological characters: disks of digits dilated, pointed; lateroventral grooves present on digits; feet full webbed or half webbed; dorsolateral folds distinct; the presence of large suprabrachial gland in males; nuptial pad present at the base of first finger in males; vocal sacs present in males.

Nidirana leishanensis sp. nov. could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) a large body size in males (SVL > 49 mm); (2) the presence of lateroventral grooves both on fingers and toes; (3) relative finger lengths: II < IV < I < III; (4) tibiotarsal articulation reaching to the level between eye and nostril when leg stretched forward; (5) a pair of subgular internal vocal sacs at corners of throat present in males; (6) the presense of nuptial pad on the inner side of base of fingers I and II in males; (7) webbing formula: I 2 –2 13/ II 2 –2 2/3 III 3 1/2 –3 2/3 IV 3 2/3 –3V.




Figure 8: Color variations in Nidirana leishanensis sp. nov. in life.
 (A), (B) and (C) dorsolateral view of the male specimens CIBLS20150628001, CIBLS20150628005 and CIBLS20150628007, respectively. (D) and (E) dorsolateral view of the female specimens CIBLS20150627002 and CIBLS20150627003, respectively. (F) ventral view of the female specimen CIBLS20150627002. Photographed by Shize Li.

Figure 11: Habitats of Nidirana leishanensis sp. nov. in the type locality, Leigong Mountain, Leishan County, Guizhou Province, China.
(A) Landscape. (B) A paddy field with a Nidirana leishanensis sp. nov. in the water (insert). (C) A frog eating a small mollusk for food. (D) A tadpole swimming in the paddy field. Photographed by Shize Li.

Ecology: Nidirana leishanensis sp. nov. is currently known only from Leigong Mountain (26.25°N–26.53°N, 108.08°E–108.41°E) in Leishan County, Guizhou Province, China (Fig. 1). Nidirana leishanensis sp. nov. inhabited the paddy field or nearby the artificial trench where the water flows very slowly (Fig. 11A), at elevations from 650 to 1,300 m a. s. l., and the individuals could be found on the ridge of paddy field or in the paddy field (Figs. 11A–11C). The tadpoles of the species could be found in the water of ponding in the paddy (Fig. 11D). The species could eat some small mollusks for food (Fig. 11C). Two sympatric amphibian species, Microhyla fissipes (Boulenger, 1884) and Polypedates megacephalus (Hallowell, 1861 “1860”) were found in the type locality.

Etymology: This specific epithet “leishanensis” is a Latinize toponymic adjective that refers to Leigong Mountains, Leishan County, Guizhou Province, China, where the new species was collected. For the common name, we suggest Leishan Music Frog (English) and Lei Shan Qin Wa (Chinese).


Conclusion: 
We described a new species of the Asian music frog genus Nidirana (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from Southwestern China, and confirmed its phylogenetic placements. Nidirana leishanensis sp. nov. is currently only known from Leigong Mountain, Guizhou Province of China, and inhabits still waters in the mountains at mid and low elevations similar to most music frogs. Although there were still a mass of unresolved systematic assignments and assumed underestimated diversity in the genus Nidirana, the findings here give a better knowledge on species diversity and phylogenetic assignments of the group. Future works are expected mainly on re-examination of the doubtful classifications of proposed-misidentified populations using credible molecular phylogenetic approaches and painstaking field surveys especially in the poorly investigated regions that harboring high species richness.



Shize Li, Gang Wei, Ning Xu, Jianguo Cui, Liang Fei, Jianping Jiang, Jing Liu and Bin Wang. ​2019. A New Species of the Asian Music Frog Genus Nidirana (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from Southwestern China. PeerJ. 7:e7157.  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7157

    

[Botany • 2019] Magnolia yajlachhi (subsect. Talauma, Magnoliaceae) • Flower of the Heart, A New Species of Ceremonial, Medicinal, Conservation and Nurse Tree Relevance in the Zapotec Culture, Sierra Norte de Oaxaca, Mexico

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Magnolia yajlachhi A.Vázquez & Domínguez-Yescas

in Domínguez‐Yescas & Vázquez‐García, 2019.
 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.393.1.2 

Abstract
A new species of Magnolia from Sierra de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico, is described and illustrated. Magnolia yajlachhi belongs to sect. Talauma, subsect. Talauma, locally known as “yajlachhi” (flower of the heart, in Zapotec). It shares with M. lacandonica the subglobose mature fruit and the entirely white petals, but differs from the latter in having fewer carpels and stamens; more lateral leaf veins per side; and seeds orange vs. scarlet-red. It shares with M. zoquepopolucae the subglobose fruit but differs from the latter in having fewer carpels and stamens; petals entirely white vs. purplish in the upper portion (¾); more lateral leaf-veins per side; and seeds orange vs. scarlet-red. It shares with M. mexicana a similar number of carpels and stamens but it differs from the latter in having subglobose fruits to widely ovoid-depressed vs. widely ellipsoid; more leaf-veins per side; petals entirely white vs. adaxially purplish in the upper portion (¾); and seeds orange vs. scarlet-red. A key to Mexican species of sect. Talauma subsect. Talauma is provided. This species was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). The species has a ceremonial and medicinal, conservation and nurse tree relevance in the Zapotecan culture.

Keywords: Magnoliids, medicinal use, nurse tree, Sierra de Juárez, Talauma. Zapotec

FIGURE 3. Magnolia yajlachhi at San Juan Juquila Vijanos, Oaxaca. 
A–B. Bernardo Domínguez Yescas and his wife, Ma. Luisa Pascual-Yescas, the family that transplanted and cared for seedlings for over a decade, until the trees flowered and turned out to be a new species. C. First documented (2010) open flower at male phase for this species. D. Flower bud flower of the heart, ready to be harvested for decoration, each tree producing up to 200 flower buds. E. Female phase (1:30 pm), with ca. perpendicular sepals, partially opened for beetle entrance, closing latter at night. F. Male phase (8:01 am) fully open flower, after pollen shedding 
(Photographs: A, D–F by J.A. Vázquez-García; B–C by R. Domínguez-Yescas).

FIGURE 4. Magnolia yajlachhi.
A. Leaves from a young shoot, found under shade. B. Leave exposed to direct sunlight. C. Spathaceous bract protecting the young flower bud. D. Heart shaped flower bud fully grown. E. Flowers at female phase, with sepals at an angle of ca. 30 degrees from the axis, barely opening for beetle entrance. F. Flower at female phase with perpendicular sepals, starting to close, usually with insects inside. G. Flower with reflexed sepals at an angle of ca. 80 degrees. H. Receptive gynoecium, female phase, with stamens. I. Receptive gynoecium (female phase, with stamens removed. J. Stamens. (Photographs: A, E and H–I by J. A. Vázquez-García; B–D, F–G and J by R. Domínguez-Yescas; G and H).





Magnolia yajlachhi A.Vázquez & Domínguez-Yescas, sp. nov.

Type:— MEXICO. Oaxaca: Mpio. San Juan Juquila Vijanos, Lachi-Luguiaj or Llano de Piedra, rare in coffee plantations that used to be cloud forest habitat in secondary Liquidambar-Pinus forest, property of Procoro Pascual, ..., 1269 m, 2 Sep 2018 (fr.), Pascual Domínguez 1 (holotype: IBUG!; isotypes: CORU!, ENCB!, HUAP!, MEXU!, OAX!, SERO!, XAL!). 

Magnolia yajlachhi shares with M. lacandonica the mature subglobose fruit and entirely white petals, but differs from the latter in having carpels less numerous (36–41 vs. 61–80) and marked vs. inconspicuously marked; stamens less numerous (166–175 vs. 198–248), leaf-veins per side more numerous (13–14 vs. 10–11); and seeds orange vs. scarlet. Magnolia yajlachhi shares with M. zoquepopolucae the subglobose fruit but differs from the latter in having carpels less numerous (36–41 vs. 46–56); stamens less numerous (166–175 vs. 200), petals entirely white vs. purplish in the apical portion (¾); lateral leaf-veins per side more numerous (13–14 vs. 10–11); and seeds orange vs. scarlet. Magnolia yajlachhi shares with M. mexicana a similar number of carpels and stamens but it differs from the latter in having shorter petals (7.5–7.7 vs. 9.0–10.0 cm) and entirely white vs. adaxially purplish in the apical portion (¾); fruits smaller (5.4–10.0 vs. 10.0–15.0 cm) and widely ovoid-depressed to subglobose vs. widely ellipsoid; leaf-veins per side more numerous (13–14 vs. 10–12); and seeds orange vs. scarlet (Table 1, Fig. 8).

FIGURE 7. A. Flower bud bouquet. B. Procession of Good Friday in San Juan Yatzona, using flower buds. C. Sculpture of Jesus on a donkey decorated with flower buds. D. Men of San Juan Yatzona decorating with Magnolia flower buds. E. Altar at San Juan Yatzona´s church decorated with flower buds and bromeliads. F. Tomb in cemetery adorned with Magnolia flower buds
(Photographs: A by J. Bautista-Vargas, B by D. Sánchez-Luna, C–D and E by S. A. Hernández-Merlín, F by J. A. Vázquez-García).


Reyna Domínguez‐Yescas and José Antonio Vázquez‐García. 2019. Flower of the Heart, Magnolia yajlachhi (subsect. Talauma, Magnoliaceae), A New Species of Ceremonial, Medicinal, Conservation and Nurse Tree Relevance in the Zapotec Culture, Sierra Norte de Oaxaca, Mexico. Phytotaxa. 393(1).1; 21–34. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.393.1.2

   

[Crustacea • 2019] Geosesarma mirum • A New Species of Semi-terrestrial Sesarmid Crab (Decapoda, Brachyura) from central Taiwan

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Geosesarma mirum
Shy & Ng, 2019

Abstract
A new species of semi-terrestrial sesarmid crab of the genus Geosesarma De Man, 1892, is described from central Taiwan. Geosesarma mirum sp. nov. is distinct in possessing a strong transverse crest on the inner surface of the male chela and a diagnostic male first gonopod which is relatively long and stout, with the distal chitinous part broad and spatuliform. Like most Geosesarma species, G. mirum sp. nov. has large eggs and direct development, contrasting with the only other species known from Taiwan, G. hednon Ng, Liu and Schubart, 2004, which has small eggs and planktotrophic larvae.

Keywords: Direct development, East Asia, freshwater, large eggs, Sesarmidae, taxonomy


Figure 1. Geosesarma mirum sp. nov. A, B male (9.9 × 8.6 mm) (NTOU F10396) C ovigerous female with eggs (specimen not collected) D brooding female with young crabs (specimen not collected).
 Photographs A–C J-Y Shy, D Peter Wang.

Figure 2. Geosesarma mirum sp. nov. holotype male (11.9 × 10.8 mm) (NTOU F10395), Taiwan
A overall dorsal view B dorsal view of carapace C frontal view of cephalothorax D anterior thoracic sternum and pleon.

Figure 6. Habitat of Geosesarma mirum sp. nov.
A Chilan River, Jhongpu, Chiayi County, Taiwan, B Lunziding Canal, Jhongpu, Chiayi County, Taiwan.

Family Sesarmidae Dana, 1851
Genus Geosesarma De Man, 1892

Type species: Sesarma (Geosesarma) nodulifera De Man, 1892, 
subsequent designation by Serène and Soh (1970).

Geosesarma mirum sp. nov.


Diagnosis: Carapace quadrate, slightly wider than long or subequal, adult width to length ratio 1.10–1.21, lateral margins gently sinuous, gently diverging posteriorly (Fig. 2A, B); dorsal surface with regions visible, anterior regions with small rounded granules on gastric regions, branchial regions with numerous striae (Fig. 2A, B); front distinctly deflexed, frontal lobes broad, with subtruncate margins in dorsal view; postfrontal, postorbital cristae prominent, rugose (Fig. 2A–C); external orbital tooth triangular to subtruncate, directed obliquely laterally, outer margin convex, shorter than inner margin, tip reaching lateral margin; second lateral tooth low, rounded, separated from external orbital tooth by deep notch (Fig. 2A, B). Merus of third maxilliped subovate, subequal to ischium; exopod slender, reaching to just before edge of merus, with long flagellum (Fig. 4A). Merus of cheliped with low ventral lobe with serrated margin, upper lobe relatively lower. Outer surface of palm of adult male covered with small rounded granules and striae; inner surface granulated, with distinct, high transverse granulated ridge; dorsal margin of dactylus with 11 or 12 low, non-chitinous tubercles on proximal two-thirds (Fig. 3). Ambulatory legs with relatively stout, short merus, with sharp subdistal spine on dorsal margin, surfaces rugose (Fig. 1A). Part of male thoracic sternite 8 exposed when pleon closed. Male pleonal locking mechanism formed by expanded posterior edge of thoracic sternite 4. Male pleon triangular; somite 6 wide, with convex lateral margins; telson triangular, not recessed into distal margin of somite 6, margins convex (Figs 2D, 4B). G1 relatively long, stout, gently curved outwards; outer margin of subdistal part of subterminal segment with subangular shelf-like structure (Fig. 4C, D), distal chitinous part broad, tip spatuliform, margin uneven (Fig. 4C–K). G2 short, ca. a third length of G1 (Fig. 4L).
....

Etymology: The name is derived from the Latin for “surprise”, alluding to the unexpected discovery of this species in Taiwan.


 Jhy-Yun Shy and Peter K.L. Ng. 2019. Geosesarma mirum, A New Species of Semi-terrestrial Sesarmid Crab (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura) from central Taiwan.  ZooKeys. 858: 1-10. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.858.35198

[Ornithology • 2019] Multiple Species within the Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera‐Brown Prinia P. polychroa complex revealed through An Integrative Taxonomic Approach

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(a-b) Prinia polychroa deignani 
(a) Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, presumed female (DZUG 3547); 
(b) Thung Kamang, Phu Khieo, Chaiyaphum Prov., Thailand, (photo: );

 
(c) P. polychroa cooki Bagan, Myanmar; ( d) P. polychroa rocki Di Linh town, Da Lat Plateau, Lam Dong, Vietnam.


in Alström, Rasmussen, Sangster, Dalvi, Round, et al., 2019. 
(photos: Dave Sargeant, James Eaton & Le Manh Hung)

Abstract
We re‐evaluated the taxonomy of the Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera‐Brown Prinia P. polychroa complex using molecular, morphological and vocal analyses. The extensive seasonal, sexual, age‐related, geographic, and taxon‐specific variation in this complex has never before been adequately studied. As no previous genetic or vocal analyses focused on this group, misinterpretation of taxonomic signals from limited conventional morphological study alone was likely. Using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, we found that P. crinigerasensu lato (s.l.) comprises two non‐sister groups of taxa (Himalayan crinigera and Chinese striata groups) that differ substantially morphologically and vocally, and that are broadly sympatric in Yunnan Province, China. Prinia polychroa cooki (Myanmar) and P. p. rocki (southern Vietnam) are each morphologically, vocally and genetically distinct. Thai, Cambodian and Laotian populations formerly ascribed to P. p. cooki are morphologically and vocally most similar to and most closely related to Javan P. p. polychroa, and require a new name, proposed here. Prinia p. bangsi of Yunnan is part of the crinigera group rather than of P. polychroa, and hence there is no evidence for sympatry between P. polychroa s.l. and P. crinigera s.l., nor of the occurrence of P. polychroa in mainland China or Taiwan. We recommend the recognition of five species in the complex, with the following suggestions for new English names: Himalayan Prinia P. crinigera sensu stricto (s.s.; with subspecies striatula, crinigera, yunnanensis and bangsi); Chinese Prinia P. striata (subspecies catharia, parumstriata and striata); Burmese Prinia P. cooki(monotypic); Annam Prinia P. rocki (monotypic); and Deignan's Prinia P. polychroa s.s. (subspecies Javan polychroa and the new Southeast Asian taxon). This study underscores the importance of using multiple data sets for the elucidation of diversity of cryptic bird species and their evolutionary history and biogeography.

Keywords: Cisticolidae, Sylvioidea, biodiversity, phylogeography, vocalizations, systematics, DNA, morphology

Figure 5 . Prinia polychroa ‘core cooki’ (here described as a new subspecies) ( a) Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, 4 Jan 2014, presumed female (DZUG 3547); ( b) Thung Kamang, Phu Khieo, Chaiyaphum Prov., Thailand, 4 Feb 2012 (Dave Sargeant);
( c) P. polychroa cooki Bagan, Myanmar, 5 Apr 2016 (James Eaton); ( d) P. polychroa rocki Di Linh town, Da Lat Plateau, Lam Dong, Vietnam, 9 Jan 2017 (Le Manh Hung); 
( e) P.crinigera yunnanensis Bhutan, Mar 2017 (Shashank Dalvi); ( f) Prinia crinigera catharia Wenzhou, Zhejiang Prov., China, 20 Jul 2013 (Meijie Dai).

  

Prinia polychroa deignani, subsp. nov.
Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand,
4 Jan 2014, presumed female (DZUG 3547)

Prinia polychroa deignani, subsp. nov.

Distribution. Examined specimens of Prinia p. deignani are listed in Table 3 and Table S1, along with documented photographs and sound recordings. Based on these data, the new subspecies is confirmed to occur in scattered localities in northwest, central and eastern Thailand, southwestern Laos, and northwestern Cambodia. A sequenced specimen from Cambodia (NHMUK 1928.6.26.1198) is very similar in cyt b to the two sequenced Thai specimens.

 Etymology. We wish to honour Herbert Girton Deignan (1906 –1968) for his contributions to understanding of this complex specifically, and to Thai birds in general, by naming this new subspecies after him.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on our integrative taxonomic approach, analysing morphology, songs, DNA and geographical distributions, we recommend recognition of five species in the Prinia crinigera s.l. - P. polychroa s.l. complex, and suggest the following English names : Himalayan Prinia P. crinigera s.s. (with four subspecies) ; Chinese Prinia P. striata (with three subspecies) ; Burmese Prinia P. cooki (monotypic); Annam Prinia P. rocki (monotypic) and Deignan’s Prinia P. polychroa s.s. (with two subspecies), as summarised in Table 1 . We found no evidence that P. polychroa s.l. or s.s. occurs in mainland China , Taiwan, or India, or that P. striata occurs in India. Acceptance of this revision implies the existence of two new single - country endemics: P. cooki from Myanmar, and P. rocki from Vietnam. Prinia striata becomes endemic to mainland China and Taiwan. 

We describe a new subspecies of P. polychroas.s., from Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. This study highlights the importance of taxonomic revisions of poorly studied polytypic birds using a modern integrative taxonomic approach to better estimate the true diversity of bird species.

   


Per Alström, Pamela C. Rasmussen, George Sangster, Shashank Dalvi, Philip D. Round, Ruying Zhang, Cheng‐Te Yao, Martin Irestedt, Hung Le Manh, Fumin Lei and Urban Olsson. 2019. Multiple Species within the Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera‐Brown Prinia P. polychroa complex revealed through An Integrative Taxonomic Approach. Ibis. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12759 


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