[Mollusca • 2019] Worm-riding Clam: Montacutona sigalionidcola (Bivalvia: Heterodonta: Galeommatidae) from Japan and its Phylogenetic Position

August 9, 2019, 12:11 am

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Montacutona sigalionidcola  Goto & Tanaka, 2019  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4652.3.4

Abstract

A new galeommatid bivalve, Montacutona sigalionidcola sp. nov., is described from an intertidal flat in the southern end of the Kii Peninsula, Honshu Island, Japan. Unlike other members of the genus, this species is a commensal with the burrowing scale worm Pelogenia zeylanica (Willey) (Annelida: Sigalionidae) that lives in fine sand sediments. Specimens were always found attached to the dorsal surface of the anterior end of the host body. This species has a ligament lithodesma between diverging hinge teeth, which is characteristic of Montacutona Yamamoto & Habe. However, it is morphologically distinguished from the other members of this genus in having elongate-oval shells with small gape at the posteroventral margin and lacking an outer demibranch. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the four-gene combined dataset (18S + 28S + H3 + COI) indicated that this species is monophyletic with Montacutona, Nipponomontacuta Yamamoto & Habe and Koreamya Lützen, Hong & Yamashita, which are commensals with sea anemones or Lingula brachiopods. This result suggests that host shifting across different phyla occurred at least twice in this clade.

Keywords: Mollusca, ectocommensal, Galeommatoidea, host shift, polychaete, scale worm, Sigalionidae, symbiosis

FIGURE 3. Montacutona sigalionidcola sp. nov. (holotype, NSMT-Mo 79031, SL 3.9 mm) and its host Pelogenia zeylanica. (A) A crawling individual of M. sigalionidcola. (B, C) Dorsal and ventral sides of M. sigalionidcola. (D–F) Pelogenia zeylanica with M. sigalionidcola attached (arrowed). Scale bar: 1 mm (A–C), 5 mm (D–F).  Photo credits: R. Goto (A–F).

FIGURE 2. Kamiura Beach, Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan (type locality of Montacutona sigalionidcola sp. nov.)

Systematics

Superfamily Galeommatoidea J.E. Gray, 1840

Family Galeommatidae sensu Ponder, 1998

Genus Montacutona Yamamoto & Habe, 1959

Diagnosis. Shell typically suborbicular in shape with submedian umbones. Two pronounced and spread laterals in left and right valves. A calcified, white portion (i.e., lithodesma) situated in-between the spread laterals. Outer demibranch significantly reduced or absent.

Montacutona sigalionidcola sp. nov. 

[Japanese name: Sunaurokomushi-yadori-gai]

Diagnosis. Shell ovate-elongate in shape with a small gape at posteroventral margin. Only inner demibranch present.

Distribution. Kushimoto (this study) and Tsubaki (Otani et al. 2005; this study), Kii Peninsula, Wakayama Prefecture, and Uchiura, Kamogawa, Boso Peninsula, Chiba Prefecture, Japan (Yanagi 2017).

Host. Pelogenia zeylanica (Annelida: Sigalionidae) (Fig. 3D–F). 

Host association. This species is tightly attached to the dorsal surface of the anterior end of the host by byssal threads (Fig. 3). The anterior end of the holotype was directed towards the anterior end of the host. The number of M. sigalionidcola per host ranged from one to four (Table 3). The infestation rate by M. sigalionidcola is high: roughly 80% of P. zeylanica harbored commensal bivalves (Tanaka, personal observations).

Etymology: The species name is derived from the family name [Sigalionidae] of the host and the suffix -cola (Latin), meaning a dweller or inhabitant.

Ryutaro Goto and Makoto Tanaka. 2019. Worm-riding Clam: Description of Montacutona sigalionidcola sp. nov. (Bivalvia: Heterodonta: Galeommatidae) from Japan and its Phylogenetic Position. Zootaxa. 4652(3); 473–486. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4652.3.4

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[Ichthyology • 2019] Neobola kinondo • A New Species of Cyprinoid Fish (Actinopterygii: Danionidae) from the Tana River, Kenya

August 9, 2019, 12:25 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2019] Epictia rioignis • A Century of Waiting: Description of A New Epictia Gray, 1845 (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae) based on Specimens housed for more than 100 years in the collection of the Natural History Museum Vienna (NMW)

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Neobola kinondo   Bart, Schmidt, Nyingi & Gathua, 2019   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4652.3.9

Abstract

Sampling of streams in the middle reaches of the Tana River Basin in Meru National Park, Kenya, from 2010 to 2012 for an NSF-funded International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) project, resulted in the capture of a number of specimens of what were first thought to be Neobola fluviatilis. On closer examination the specimens were determined to represent a distinct species, endemic to the Tana River basin, which is herein formally described. The new species is readily diagnosed from N. fluviatilis by higher counts of lateral line, pre-dorsal, and caudal peduncle circumferential scales, higher numbers of pectoral rays, lower numbers of anal fin rays, and a shorter anal-fin base length.

Keywords: Actinopterygii, Neobola fluviatilis (Whitehead 1962), Neobola kinondo sp. nov., Cyprinoidei, East Africa

FIGURE 5. Photograph of Neobola kinondo showing body coloration in life. Note the yellow pigment in the pelvic fine, anal fins and lower lobe of the caudal fin.

Neobola kinondo sp. nov.  

Engraulicypris fluviatilis (in part), Whitehead 1962:100 (Distribution, Tana River).

Engraulicypris fluviatilis (in part), Howes, 1984:156 (Distribution, Tana River).

Engraulicypris fluviatilis (in part), Lévêque & Daget 1984:326 (Distribution, Tana River)

Engraulicypris fluviatilis (in part), Seegers et al. 2003:34 (Distribution, Tana River)

Diagnosis Neobola kinondo is readily diagnosed from its presumed closest relative, N. fluviatilis, by higher counts of lateral line scales (mode 41, range 38–47, x̄ = 41.83 vs. mode 40, range 37–41, x̄ = 38.22 in N. fluviatilis, Table 2), predorsal scales (mode 24, range 20–27,  of 23.90 vs. mode 19-20, range 17–22, x̄ = 19.38 in N. fluviatilis, Table 3), and caudal peduncle circumferential scales (mode 14, range 12–16, x̄ = 13.90 vs. mode 13, range 10–13, x̄ = 12.57 in N. fluviatilis, Table 4), and lower counts of transverse scales (mode 9, range 7–11, x̄ = 9 vs. mode 10, range 8–10, x̄ = 9.64 in N. fluviatilis, Table 5), principal dorsal-fin rays (mode 8, range 7–9, x̄ = 7.93 vs. mode 9, range 8–9, x̄ = 8.63 in N. fluviatilis, Table 6) and principal anal-fin rays (mode 18, range 18–23, x̄ = 19.23 vs. mode 22, range 20–24, x̄ = 22.17 in N. fluviatilis, Table 7). Combining lateral line scales and pre-dorsal scales completely separates N. kinondo from N. fluviatilis. Neobola kinondo has a combined count of 61 or more scales; N. fluviatilis has fewer than 61 lateral line and predorsal scales (Fig. 3).

Neobola kinondo differs from N. bottegi by its higher numbers of lateral line scales (38–45 vs. 37-40 in N. bottegi) and principal anal fin rays (18-23 in N. kinondo vs. 14–18 in N. bottegi), and a more triangular pectoral axial scale (vs. more lanceolate in N. bottegi). Neobola kinondo differs from N. moeruensis by its higher numbers of principal anal fin rays (18–23 vs. 14 in N. moeruensis) and higher caudal peduncle circumferential scales (mode 14 in N. kinondo vs. 12 in N. moeruensis. Neobola kinondo differs from N. nilotica by its lower modal numbers of lateral line scales and principal anal fin rays (41 and 18, respectively, vs. 44 and 22, respectively in N. nilotica). Neobola kinondo is readily distinguished from N. stellae by its lower count of gill rakers on the first ceratobranchial (7 vs. 10 in N. stellae). 

FIGURE 2 A. Holotype of Neobola kinondo, a nuptial male, 44.6 mm SL. B. Paratype (allotype) of N. kinondo, a nuptial female, 64.8 mm SL.

FIGURE 7. Pen and ink enhanced head of Holotype of Neobola kinondo, showing breeding tubercles on tip of snout, top of head, underside of jaws, cheek and operculum.

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species “kinondo” is the Ameru language word for “silver” and is in reference to the bright silver color of the sides of N. kinondo. Species of Neobola are commonly referred to as sardines because of their sardine-like appearance. Thus, we suggest the common name, Tana Sardine.  

Distribution:Neobola kinondo is confined to the Tana River of Kenya (Fig. 6). It is known primarily from tributaries of the Tana in Meru National Park and likely also occurs in portions of the Tana River proper bordering the park. The only other record of the species is based on a single juvenile specimen collected from a locality on the lower Tana River near the Hola Concentration Camps, Tana River County (BMNH 1966.8.25.6), suggesting that the species also inhabits lower portions of the Tana River Basin.

Henry L. Bart Jr, Ray C. Schmidt, Wanja Dorothy Nyingi and Joseph Gathua. 2019. A New Species of Cyprinoid Fish from the Tana River, Kenya (Actinopterygii: Danionidae). Zootaxa. 4652(3); 533–543. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4652.3.9 

 

[Herpetology • 2019] Epictia rioignis • A Century of Waiting: Description of A New Epictia Gray, 1845 (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae) based on Specimens housed for more than 100 years in the collection of the Natural History Museum Vienna (NMW)

August 9, 2019, 2:12 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2019] Chiloglanis mongoensis • A New Species of Suckermouth Catfish (Siluriformes: Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from the Rio Mongo in Equatorial Guinea

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Epictia rioignis  Koch​​, Martins​ & Schweiger, 2019  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7411

Abstract 

We describe a new species of Epictia based on eight specimens from Nicaragua collected and housed in the collection of the Natural History Museum Vienna for more than a century. The species differs from the congeners by the combination of external morphological characters: midtail scale rows 10; supralabials two, anterior one large and in broad contact with supraocular; infralabials four; subcaudals 14–19; middorsal scale rows 250–267; supraocular scales present; frontal scale distinct; striped dorsal color pattern with more or less triangular dark blotches on each scale; small white blotch in anterior part of dorsal surface of rostral present in five out of six specimens (two further specimens are lacking their heads); terminal spine and adjacent scales white. Eidonomic species separation from other Epictia spp. is also supported by a few qualitative and quantitative differences in vertebrae count and morphology. The new species is putatively assigned to the Epictia phenops species group based on external morphological characters and distribution.

Figure 2: Holotype of Epictia rioignis sp. nov. (NMW 15446:6). (A) Dorsal and (B) ventral or lateral views.

Epictia rioignis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Epictia rioignis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) midbody scale rows 14; (2) midtail scale rows 10; (3) supralabials two, anterior one large and in broad contact with supraocular; (4) infralabials four; (5) subcaudals 14–19; (6) middorsal scale rows 250–267; (7) total number of precloacal vertebrae 231–248; (8) supraocular scales present; (9) frontal scale distinct, not fused with rostral; (10) striped dorsal color pattern with more or less triangular dark blotches on each scale; (11) upper half of eyes visible in dorsal view; (12) some caudals in posterior part of tail are fused in 50% of the specimens; (13) small white blotch in anterior part of dorsal surface of rostral present in about 83% of the specimens; (14) terminal spine and adjacent scales white.  

Figure 4: Comparison of lateral views of the heads of holotype (NMW 15446:6, A) and paratypes of Epictia rioignis sp. nov. (B–F).  (A) Holotype (NMW 15446:6). (B) Paratype (NMW 15446:2). (C) Paratype (NMW 15446:4). (D) Paratype (NMW 15446:5). (E) Paratype (NMW 15446:7). (F) Paratype (NMW 15446:8). Photos: Alice Schumacher & Josef Muhsil.

Figure 1: Drawings of the head of the holotype of Epictia rioignis sp. nov. (NMW 15446:6). (A) Lateral, (B) dorsal and (C) ventral views.

Etymology: The specific epithet is an agglutination of the Latin nomen “ignis” which means fire and the proper noun “Rio” as an acronym for the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. This name was chosen in honour to the Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro/UFRJ, Brazil’s oldest scientific institution with the largest South American collections of zoology, anthropology, geology and paleontology. Many of the precious collections pertaining to the zoology department (mostly invertebrates), anthropology, geology and paleontology were completely destroyed in the disastrous fire in its main building on September 2nd 2018. Due to historical neglection of this institution from the Brazilian government, added with substantial funding decrease in the past 5 years the museum did not receive sufficient money to fullfil basic safety standards—such as fire protection. The description of this new species, with specimens housed in a scientific collection for more than 100 years highlights one of the several importances of zoological collections in housing relevant material to understand the diversity of life, and also reinforce that such collections are timeless treasures for science. Such collections should receive strong attention in government investments as they contribute to the global development of science.

Distribution and natural history: Epictia rioignis is currently known exclusively from its type series, from Corinto, Nicaragua.

Conclusions: 

The biodiversity of scolecophidians worldwide is greatly underestimated and often unexpected (Wallach, 2016). Although most of the systematic changes in Epictia spp. have arisen from molecular studies (or at least provided a start point for additional taxonomical arrangements, see Wallach, 2016), morphological studies including both external morphology and internal anatomy are very important for systematic clarification of this group (present study). Even if molecular studies have aided on the identification of cryptic species, this study shows that the morphological analysis of collection specimens still reveals novel data for threadsnakes. This further emphasizes the importance of zoological collections in housing specimens that still allow description of new taxa based on specimens collected more than a century ago.

Claudia Koch​​, Angele Martins​ and Silke Schweiger. 2019. A Century of Waiting: Description of A New Epictia Gray, 1845 (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae) based on Specimens housed for more than 100 years in the collection of the Natural History Museum Vienna (NMW). PeerJ. 7:e7411. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7411

   

[Ichthyology • 2019] Chiloglanis mongoensis • A New Species of Suckermouth Catfish (Siluriformes: Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from the Rio Mongo in Equatorial Guinea

August 9, 2019, 2:57 am

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Chiloglanis mongoensis  Schmidt & Barrientos, 2019 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4652.3.7

Abstract

A recent expedition surveyed freshwater fishes throughout the continental portion of Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni). This portion of the Lower Guinean ichthyoprovince is relatively unknown with very few collections occurring since the 1960s. Sampling in the Rio Mongo, a tributary to the Rio Wele, yielded two Chiloglanis species; one putatively ascribed to the widespread species C. cameronensis, and the other species having similarities with C. harbinger described from the Lokoundje River in Cameroon. Morphometric analyses between the specimens from Rio Mongo and paratypes of C. harbinger confirm that they are distinct species and should be described as such. Here we describe Chiloglanis mongoensis sp. nov., a narrow endemic species only known from one locality in the Rio Mongo. We provide measurements from paratypes of C. harbinger and emphasize the need for further expeditions in the area.

Keywords: Pisces, Endemism, specimen collection, allometric correction, biodiversity

FIGURE 4. Chiloglanis mongoensis, a new species, holotype, USNM 446973, male ALC, 28.0 mm SL; Equatorial Guinea, Centro Sur, Rio Mongo near Mosumu, ..; in dorsal, lateral, and ventral views. Photographs by S. Raredon

Chiloglanis mongoensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Chiloglanis mongoensis is readily distinguished from all other valid species of Chiloglanis with the exception of C. marlieri and C. harbinger in possessing 28–30 (14+14 – 15+15) mandibular teeth in one row. Chiloglanis mongoensis is distinguished from C. marlieri in possessing a longer dorsal spine (1.8 times into head length versus 3.1 in C. marlieri). Chiloglanismongoensis is distinguished from C. harbinger in having fewer premaxillary teeth (99–116 versus 150–224) arranged in fewer rows (4–5 versus 7), a longer dorsal spine (9.0–9.7 versus 7.8–9.0% SL), a deeper body at anus (14.0–16.0 versus 11.7–13.8% SL), a larger eye (3.7–4.6 versus 2.9–3.5% SL), and a higher adipose fin (2.6–3.9 versus 1.6–2.3% SL; Tables 2 and 3).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the Rio Mongo, a tributary to the Rio Wele in Equatorial Guinea, where the species is presumed endemic.

Distribution. Chiloglanis mongoensis is only known for the type locality. Upstream from the bridge crossing the Rio Mongo cascades down a bedrock outcrop that is ~3-4 meters high and ~10 meters long. Standing on this very slippery bedrock we were able to collect several specimens of C. cameronensis and C. mongoensis from cracks in the bedrock with the electrofisher. After 30 to 45 minutes we collected four C. mongoensis and five C. cameronensis specimens. Though collected in the same microhabitat; it seems likely that further, more focused, collections would reveal that these two species are occupying different habitats within the Rio Mongo. In co-occurring Chiloglanis species from the Upper Guinea Forest streams in Guinea, Conakry one species is usually found in woody debris or submerged roots while the other occupies the cobble and larger rocks in the riffles and runs (Schmidt et al. 2017b). Chiloglanis mongoensis or C. cameronensis specimens were not collected in a small tributary to the Rio Mongo, but the stream was shallow, substrate was mostly sand and gravel, and there was little flow.  

Ray C. Schmidt and Christian Barrientos. 2019. A New Species of Suckermouth Catfish (Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from the Rio Mongo in Equatorial Guinea. Zootaxa. 4652(3); 507–519. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4652.3.7

[Entomology • 2019] Neoceroplatus betaryiensis • the First Record of A Bioluminescent Fungus-gnat (Diptera: Keroplatidae) in South America

August 10, 2019, 3:16 am

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Neoceroplatus betaryiensis Falaschi, Johnson & Stevani in Falaschi, Amaral, Santos, Domingos, Johnson, et al., 2019.    nature.com/articles/s41598-019-47753-w

Abstract

Blue shining fungus gnats (Diptera) had been long reported in the Waitomo caves of New Zealand (Arachnocampa luminosa Skuse), in stream banks of the American Appalachian Mountains (Orfelia fultoni Fisher) in 1939 and in true spore eating Eurasiatic Keroplatus Bosc species. This current report observes that similar blue light emitting gnat larvae also occur nearby the Betary river in the buffer zone of High Ribeira River State Park (PETAR) in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, where the larvae were found when on fallen branches or trunks enveloped in their own secreted silk. The new species is named Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. (Diptera: Keroplatidae: Keroplatinae: Keroplatini) based on a morphological analysis. Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. larvae emit blue bioluminescence that can be seen from their last abdominal segment and from two photophores located laterally on the first thoracic segment. When touched, the larvae can actively stop its luminescence, which returns when it is no longer being agitated. The in vitro bioluminescence spectrum of N. betaryiensis nov. sp. peaks at 472 nm, and cross-reactivity of hot and cold extracts with the luciferin-luciferase from Orfelia fultoni indicate significant similarity in both enzyme and substrate of the two species, and that the bioluminescence system in the subfamily Keroplatinae is conserved.

Figure 1: Different locations and habitats where larvae of Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. were photographed. (A) Decaying log where larvae were collected. (B) Larvae on the surface of the log surrounded by a web-like mucus. (C) Association of a larva with a Favolus brasiliensis (Fr.) Fr. mushroom raised in a terrarium. (D) Photo of a typically translucid N. betaryiensis sp. nov. (E) Details of the larva head and (F) last abdominal segment.

Figure 2: Life cycle of Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. (A) Pupal stage. (B) Emerged adult female. (C) Emerged adult male.

Figure 3: Bioluminescence of Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. larvae. (A) Light emission under illumination and (B) in the dark. (C) Detailed view of the two photophores located laterally on the first thoracic segment.

Neoceroplatus betaryiensis Falaschi, Johnson & Stevani nov. sp.

Diagnosis and comments: Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. can be distinguished from the other Neotropical Neoceroplatus¸ especially from N. dissimilis, its closest species, by the shape of the genitalia, particularly the gonostylus (Figs S3E, S4B,C) and the absence of spines in the gonostylus as appears in N. paicoenai.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the Betary brook, in whose banks the specimens were collected.

Conclusion: 

Here we report the discovery of the first bioluminescent species of fungus-gnats of the family Keroplatidae in the Neotropical region. Similar to the Palearctic and Oriental Keroplatus species, N. betaryiensis also lives under dead logs and is probably sporophagous. The bioluminescence is blue, and likely shares the same luciferin-luciferase system of the North-American Orfelia fultoni, and possibly of the Palearctic Keroplatus spp. These findings show how Neotropical biodiversity is still poorly known, despite being recognized as the most diverse biogeographic region on the planet. Unfortunately, the anthropic pressure on natural areas has been increasing, causing disturbances in different habitats, with damage in megadiverse countries such as Brazil. These threats affect especially small invertebrates, which have been extinguished at a much faster rate than their discovery and description. This reinforces the need for conservation policies for areas such as the Betary Reserve, a place that provides new taxa for science, the Keroplatidae being one of them.

Rafaela L. Falaschi, Danilo T. Amaral, Isaias Santos, Adão H. R. Domingos, Grant A. Johnson, Ana G. S. Martins, Imran B. Viroomal, Sérgio L. Pompéia, Jeremy D. Mirza, Anderson G. Oliveira, Etelvino J. H. Bechara, Vadim R. Viviani and Cassius V. Stevani. 2019. Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. (Diptera: Keroplatidae) is the First Record of A Bioluminescent Fungus-gnat in South America. Scientific Reports. volume 9, 11291. nature.com/articles/s41598-019-47753-w

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[Botany • 2019] Isotrema sanyaense • A New Species of Aristolochiaceae from Hainan, China

August 12, 2019, 9:11 pm

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Isotrema sanyaense R.T.Li, X.X.Zhu & Z.W.Wang in Li, Wang, Wang, et al., 2019.   DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.128.35042

Abstract

Isotrema sanyaense R.T.Li, X.X.Zhu & Z.W.Wang, sp. nov., a new species from Hainan island, China, is described and illustrated here. It is morphologically most similar to I. ledongense (Han Xu, Y.D.Li & H.J.Yang) X.X.Zhu, S.Liao & J.S.Ma and I. jianfenglingense(Han Xu, Y.D.Li & H.Q.Chen) X.X.Zhu, S.Liao & J.S.Ma in the shape of leaf, flower, and the yellow to brown villous indumentum of the pedicel, ovary and calyx. However, I. sanyaense can be easily distinguished from the latter two species by its 1–5-flowered cymes, in hanging clusters of 1 to numerous branches, upper calyx tube obviously longer than basal calyx tube, calyx limb discoid, yellow inside, with purple-red stripes and spots, about 13–18 mm in diameter, glabrous, and a throat dark red without spots, 4–6 mm wide.

Keywords: Aristolochia, Aristolochia subgenus Siphisia, Asia, morphology, taxonomy

Figure 2. Isotrema sanyaense R.T.Li, X.X.Zhu & Z.W.Wang, sp. nov.  A habit B leaves (adaxially and abaxially) C inflorescence D flower (lateral view) E opened flower (showing the inside structure) F anthers and gynostemium G fruit H seeds. Scale bars: 1 cm (B, C); 2 cm (D, E, G); 5 mm (F, H).

Isotrema sanyaense R.T.Li, X.X.Zhu & Z.W.Wang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Isotrema sanyaense is most similar to I. ledongense (Han Xu, Y.D.Li & H.J.Yang) X.X.Zhu, S.Liao & J.S.Ma and I. jianfenglingense (Han Xu, Y.D.Li & H.Q.Chen) X.X.Zhu, S.Liao & J.S.Ma (Zhu et al. 2019), but significantly differs in the following characters: cymes 1–5-flowered, in hanging clusters of 1 to numerous branches, the pedicel nearly equal in length to flower, upper calyx tube obviously longer than basal calyx tube, calyx limb discoid, yellow inside, with purple-red stripes and spots, about 13–18 mm in diameter, glabrous, the throat dark red without spots, 4–6 mm wide. A detailed morphological comparison among the three species is shown in Figure 4 and Table 1.

....

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the type locality, Sanya City, in Hainan island, China. The Chinese name is given as “三亚关木通”.

Distribution and habitat: Isotrema sanyaense is currently known from Haitangwan Town, Haitang District, Sanya City, Hainan Province, China. It grows in lowland dry forests dominated by families including Euphorbiaceae, Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, Arecaceae and Rubiaceae at elevations between 332–400 m.

 Rongtao Li, Zhiwei Wang, Jun Wang, Xinxin Zhu and Han Xu. 2019. Isotrema sanyaense, A New Species of Aristolochiaceae from Hainan, China. PhytoKeys. 128: 85-96. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.128.35042

     

[Botany • 2019] Saussurea balangshanensis (Asteraceae) • A New Species from the Hengduan Mountains region, SW China

August 13, 2019, 7:48 am

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Saussurea balangshanensis  in Zhang, Tang, Huang, et al., 2019. 巴朗山雪莲  ||  DOI:  10.1111/njb.02078

Abstract

Saussurea balangshanensis, based on populations from Balang Mountain in the Hengduan Mountains region, SW China, is described and illustrated as a new species of Asteraceae. It can be distinguished from other species in Saussurea by its concolorous leaves, swollen and hollow upper stems, articulate hairs and stipitate glandular hairs, laciniate margins of uppermost stem leaves, numerous and sessile capitula, and narrow involucre. Based on nucleotide sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), phylogenetic analyses also support the recognition of these populations as representing a new species. The new species is known only from a single location in Balang Mountain, at elevations of 4500–4700 m. Its habitat can be easily disturbed or destroyed by a tourist arterial highway and the over grazing. We propose that the species should be listed as Critically Endangered based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and Criteria B2a.

Keywords: alpine scree, Compositae, taxonomy, W Sichuan

Habit of Saussurea balangshanensis sp. nov. Balang Mountain. Photo by Zhang Yazhou, 23 Aug. 2017

    

Saussurea balangshanensis Zhang, Y.Z. & Sun H., sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the type locality: Balang Mountain, 

Chinese name: 巴朗山雪莲 ba lang shan xue lian.

Saussurea balangshanensis sp. nov. Overall perspective of Balang Mountain. Photo by Zhang Yazhou, 23 Aug. 2017

Yazhou Zhang, Rong Tang, Xianhan Huang, Wenguang Sun, Xiangguang Ma and Hang Sun. 2019.  Saussurea balangshanensis (Asteraceae), A New Species from the Hengduan Mountains region, SW China. Nordic Journal of Botany. 37(4); DOI:  10.1111/njb.02078

researchgate.net/publication/331980296_Saussurea_balangshanensis_sp_nov_from_the_Hengduan_Mountains_region_SW_China

Chinese researchers discover a new but highly endangered species of snow lotus xhne.ws/L8kkN  twitter.com/XHNews/status/1160484188342169601

Chinese researchers discover new species of snow lotus https://news.cgtn.com/news/2019-08-11/Chinese-researchers-discover-new-species-of-snow-lotus-J4lKFPz2lG/index.html via @cgtnofficial

    

     

[Entomology • 2019] Revision of the Central American and Mexican Species of the Curtonotum murinum Species Complex (Diptera: Curtonotidae)

August 13, 2019, 8:13 am

≫ Next: [Ornithology • 2019] Ancient DNA from A 2,500-year-old Caribbean Fossil Places An Extinct Bird (Caracara creightoni) in A Phylogenetic Context

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Curtonotum irksum Lindsay in Lindsay, Klymko & Marshall, 2019.   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4651.3.7

Abstract

The five Central American and Mexican species belonging to the Curtonotum murinum species complex are described as Curtonotum abrelatas Lindsay sp. nov., C. irksum Lindsay sp. nov., C. notatum Lindsay sp. nov., C. prolixum Lindsay sp. nov. and C. transitus Lindsay sp. nov. Photographic images, a distribution map of species and an identification key are provided.

Keywords: Diptera, Acalyptratae, identification key, new species, New World, Schizophora, taxonomy

Kate G. Lindsay, John Klymko and Stephen A. Marshall. 2019. Revision of the Central American and Mexican Species of the Curtonotum murinum Species Complex (Diptera: Curtonotidae). Zootaxa. 4651(3); 531–554. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4651.3.7

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[Ornithology • 2019] Ancient DNA from A 2,500-year-old Caribbean Fossil Places An Extinct Bird (Caracara creightoni) in A Phylogenetic Context

August 14, 2019, 1:04 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2019] Takydromus yunkaiensis • A New Species of the Genus Takydromus (Squamata, Lacertidae) from southwestern Guangdong, China

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Caracara creightoni in Oswald, Allen, Witt, et al., 2019.   DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106576

Highlights: 

• New methods and unique fossil sites offer potential to recover tropical bird aDNA.

• The bird, Caracara creightoni, went extinct upon human arrival in the Caribbean.

 • We obtained mitochondrial genome data from C. creightoni.

• Caracara creightoni was sister to the two extant continental Caracara species.

• It shared a common ancestor with extant species during the Pleistocene.

Abstract

Since the late Pleistocene humans have caused the extinction of species across our planet. Placing these extinct species in the tree of life with genetic data is essential to understand the ecological and evolutionary implications of these losses. While ancient DNA (aDNA) techniques have advanced rapidly in recent decades, aDNA from tropical species, especially birds, has been historically difficult to obtain, leaving a gap in our understanding of the extinction processes that have influenced current distributions and biodiversity. Here we report the recovery of a nearly complete mitochondrial genome from a 2,500 year old (late Holocene) bone of an extinct species of bird, Caracara creightoni, recovered from the anoxic saltwater environment of a blue hole in the Bahamas. Our results suggest that this extinct species is sister (1.6% sequence divergence) to a clade containing the extant C. cheriway and C. plancus. Caracara creightoni shared a common ancestor with these extant species during the Pleistocene (1.2-0.4 MYA) and presumably survived on Cuba when the Bahamas was mostly underwater during Quaternary interglacial intervals (periods of high sea levels). Tropical blue holes have been collecting animals for thousands of years and will continue to improve our understanding of faunal extinctions and distributions. In particular, new aDNA techniques combined with radiocarbon dating from Holocene Bahamian fossils will allow us to place other extinct (species-level loss) and extirpated (population-level loss) vertebrate taxa in improved phylogenetic, evolutionary, biogeographic, and temporal contexts.

Keywords: aDNA, Bahamas, Extinction, Falconiformes, Holocene fossils

phylogeny of focal Caracara species and other members of the Falconidae.

 Jessica A. Oswald, Julia M. Allen, Kelsey E. Witt, Ryan A. Folk, Nancy A. Albury, David W. Steadman and Robert P. Guralnick. 2019. Ancient DNA from A 2,500-year-old Caribbean Fossil Places An Extinct Bird (Caracara creightoni) in A Phylogenetic Context. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106576

[Herpetology • 2019] Takydromus yunkaiensis • A New Species of the Genus Takydromus (Squamata, Lacertidae) from southwestern Guangdong, China

August 14, 2019, 1:11 am

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2019] Leafhopper tribe Coelidiini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Coelidiinae) of the Indian Subcontinent

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Takydromus yunkaiensis J. Wang, Lyu, & Y.Y. Wang in Wang, Lyu, Yang, et al., 2019.    DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.871.35947

Abstract
A new species, Takydromus yunkaiensis J. Wang, Lyu, & Y.Y. Wang, sp. nov. is described based on a series of specimens collected from the Yunkaishan Nature Reserve located in the southern Yunkai Mountains, western Guangdong Province, China. The new species is a sister taxon to T. intermedius with a genetic divergence of 8.0–8.5% in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, and differs from all known congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) body size moderate, SVL 37.8–56.0 mm in males, 42.6–60.8 mm in females; (2) dorsal ground color brown; ventral surface green to yellow-green, but light blue-green on chin and throat, posteriorly green in adult males; (3) dorsolateral lines paired, strikingly yellowish-white bordered by black above and below, invisible or indistinct in juveniles and adult females; (4) flanks of body blackish brown with light brown marks in adult males; (5) presence of four pairs of chin-shields; (6) four supraoculars on each side; (7) presence of a row of supracilary granules that separate supracilaries from supraoculars; (8) two postnasals; (9) enlarged dorsal scales in six longitudinal rows on trunk of body, with strong keel; (10) enlarged ventral scales in six longitudinal rows, strongly keeled in males, smooth but outermost rows weakly keeled in females; (11) enlarged and keeled lateral scales in a row above ventrals; (12) femoral pores 2–3 on each side; (13) subdigital lamellae 20–23 under the fourth finger, 23–30 under the fourth toe; and (14) the first 2–3 subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe divided. The discovery of Takydromus yunkaiensis sp. nov. brings the total number of species of this genus to 24, of which nine occur in mainland China.

Keywords: grass lizard, southern China, species diversity, taxonomy, Takydromus yunkaiensis sp. nov.

Figure 3. Morphological features of the adult male holotype SYS r001580 of Takydromus yunkaiensis sp. nov. in life.  A Habitus view and close-up of flank B close-up of dorsal body C close-up of ventral body D–G close-up of head scales.

Takydromus yunkaiensis J. Wang, Lyu & Y.Y. Wang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (1) body size moderate, SVL 37.8–56.0 mm in males, 42.6–60.8 mm in females; (2) dorsal ground color brown; ventral surface green to yellow-green, but light blue-green on ventral head and neck, posteriorly green in adult males; (3) dorsolateral lines paired, strikingly yellowish-white bordered by black above and below, invisible or indistinct i n juveniles and adult females; (4) flanks of body blackish brown with light brown marks in adult males; (5) the presence of four pairs of chin-shields; (6) four supraoculars on each side; (7) presence of a row of supracilary granules that separate supracilaries from supraoculars; (8) two postnasals; (9) enlarged dorsal scales with strong keel in six longitudinal rows on trunk of body; (10) enlarged ventral scales in six longitudinal rows, strongly keeled in males, smooth but outermost rows weakly keeled in females; (11) enlarged and keeled lateral scales in a row above ventrals; (12) femoral pores 2–3 on each side; (13) subdigital lamellae 20–23 under the fourth finger, 23–30 under the fourth toe; and (14) the first 2–3 subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe divided.

Etymology: The specific epithet, yunkaiensis, is in reference to the type locality of the new species. We propose the standard name “Yunkai grass lizard” and the Chinese name “Yun Kai Cao Xi (云开草蜥)”.

Figure 4. Sexual dimorphism in color patterns.  A Male paratype of Takydromus yunkaiensis sp. nov. (SYS r001439) B female paratype of T. yunkaiensissp. nov. (SYS r001901) C male topotype of T. intermedius (SYS r001601) from Mt. Emei, China D female topotype of T. intermedius (SYS r001602) from Mt. Emei, China E male T. kuehnei (SYS r001268) from Jiulianshan Nature Reserve, China F female topotype of T. kuehnei (SYS r001798) from Taiwan Island, China.

 Jian Wang, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Chen-Yu Yang, Yu-Long Li and Ying-Yong Wang. 2019. A New Species of the Genus Takydromus (Squamata, Lacertidae) from southwestern Guangdong, China. ZooKeys. 871: 119-139. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.871.35947

       

[Entomology • 2019] Leafhopper tribe Coelidiini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Coelidiinae) of the Indian Subcontinent

August 14, 2019, 1:29 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2019] Shishugounykus inexpectus • A New Alvarezsaurian Theropod from the Upper Jurassic Shishugou Formation of western China

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Trinoridia ramamurthyi   Viraktamath & Meshram, 2019  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4653.1.1

Abstract

Genera and species of the tribe Coelidiini from the Indian subcontinent are reviewed. Glaberana Nielson, Webbolidia Nielson and Zhangolidia Nielson are recorded from India for the first time. Twenty-three new species are described and illustrated as follows:Calodia deergha sp. nov. (India: Tamil Nadu), C. keralica sp. nov. (India: Kerala),C. kumari sp. nov. (India: Karnataka), C. neofusca sp. nov. (India: Karnataka, Kerala), C. periyari sp. nov. (India: Kerala), C. tridenta sp. nov. (India: Kerala), Glaberana acuta sp. nov. (India: Meghalaya), G. purva sp. nov. (India: Manipur), Olidiana lanceolata sp. nov. (India: Sikkim), O. flectheri sp. nov. (India: Meghalaya), O. umroensis sp. nov. (India: Meghalaya),O. unidenta sp. nov. (India: Assam, West Bengal), Singillatus parapectitus sp. nov. (India: Arunachal Pradesh),S. serratispatulatus sp. nov. (India: Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram), Trinoridia dialata sp. nov. (India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra),T. ochrocephala sp. nov. (India: Kerala),T. piperica sp. nov. (India: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu), T. ramamurthyi sp. nov. (India:Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra), T. saraikela sp. nov. (India: Jarkhand), T. timlivana sp. nov. (India: Uttarakhand), Webbolidia andamana sp. nov. (India: Andaman & Nicobar), W. burmanica sp. nov. (Myanmar: Lashio) and Zhangolidia weicongi sp. nov. (India: Manipur). Olidiana brevis (Walker), O. perculta (Distant) and Trinoridia tripectinata (Nielson) are recorded for the first time from India and also Glaberana khasiensis (Rao) comb. nov. is proposed. Keys to genera and species with a check-list, distribution and host records are included.

Keywords: Hemiptera, Host plants, distribution, keys, Auchenorryncha, morphology, checklist

Trinoridia ramamurthyi sp. nov. 

C. A. Viraktamath and Naresh M. Meshram. 2019. Leafhopper tribe Coelidiini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Coelidiinae) of the Indian Subcontinent. Zootaxa. 4653(1); 1-91. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4653.1.1

[Paleontology • 2019] Shishugounykus inexpectus • A New Alvarezsaurian Theropod from the Upper Jurassic Shishugou Formation of western China

August 14, 2019, 2:50 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2019] Noblella naturetrekii • A New Species of Terrestrial Frog of the Genus Noblella Barbour, 1930 (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, Tungurahua, Ecuador

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Shishugounykus inexpectus Qin, Clark, Choiniere & Xu,  2019 nature.com/articles/s41598-019-48148-7

Abstract

Alvarezsaurian dinosaurs, a group of bizarre theropods with greatly shortened and modified forelimbs, are known mostly from the Cretaceous of Asia and South America. Here we report a new alvarezsaurian, Shishugounykus inexpectus gen. et sp. nov., based on a specimen recovered from the Middle–Upper Jurassic Shishugou Formation of the Junggar Basin, western China. Together with two other alvarezsaurians from this formation, i.e., Haplocheirus sollers and Aorun zhaoi, these Shishugou forms represent the only known Jurassic alvarezsaurians worldwide. Similar to the two other Shishugou alvarezsaurians, this new alvarezsaurian displays early stages in the development of the highly modified alvarezsaurian forelimb, but it possesses a number of manual features closer to the typical coelurosaurian theropod condition. Combining morphological and histological features, our analysis indicates that the earliest known alvarezsaurians are variable in size and other important morphological features, and in particular display a mosaic distribution of forelimb features.

Figure 1: Skeletal anatomy of Shishugounykus inexpectus (IVPP V23567).  Skeletal reconstruction showing preserved elements. (A), Skeletal silhouette showing preserved bones (missing portions shown in gray; Scale bar, 200 mm); (B), Partial left frontal in dorsal and ventral view; (C), Partial right frontal and parietal in dorsal and ventral view; (D), Partial right angular in lateral view; (E), Right articular in dorsal view; (F), An anterior dorsal in lateral view; (G), A posterior dorsal in lateral view; (H), Two most anterior sacrals in lateral view; (I), An anterior caudal in lateral view; (J), A posterior caudal in lateral view; (K), Right scapula in lateral view; (L), Partial left humerus in anterior, posterior, lateral and medial view; (M), Proximal end of right ulna; (N), Proximal end of right radius; (O), Right manus in lateral, dorsal and ventral view; (P), Partial left ilium in lateral and medial view; pubis (Q) and ischium (R) in lateral view; (S), Right femur in posterior, lateral, anterior and medial view; (T), Left tibia in anterior, posterior, lateral and medial view; (U), Left and right fibulae in lateral view; (V), Partial left metatarsals II and III, left pedal phalanges III-1 and 2, IV-1, 2, and 4 in dorsal view.  (Figure abbreviations see supplementary materials; Scale bar, 20 mm; The skeletal silhouettes are created by Aijuan Shi using Adobe Illustrator, www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html).

Systematic palaeontology

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Maniraptora Gauthier, 1986

Alvarezsauria Bonaparte, 1991

Shishugounykus inexpectus gen. et sp. nov

Etymology: The generic name is a combination of Shishugou (Chinese Mandarin for the formation which produced the holotype specimen of the new animal; translates as “rock” “tree” “wash” for the abundant petrified wood in the formation) and onyx (Greek, “claw); the specific name refers to the unexpected discovery of a new alvarezsaurian species from the Middle-Late Jurassic Shishugou Formation, which has produced fossils of two other Jurassic alvarezsaurians, i.e., Haplocheirus sollers and Aorun zhaoi.

Holotype: IVPP V23567, a partial skeleton (Fig. 1) including several cranial elements (possible partial right frontal and partial right parietal, partial left frontal, partial right angular, and right articular), three dorsal vertebrae, four sacral vertebrae, three caudal vertebrae, partial right scapula, partial left humerus, partial right ulna and radius, nearly complete right manus, partial left ilium, ischium, and pubis, complete right femur, partial left femur, nearly complete left and right tibiae, partial left and right fibula, a distal tarsal, partial left metatarsals II and III, left pedal phalanges III-1 and 2, IV-1, 2, and 4, and a few rib fragments and unidentifiable pieces. All recovered bones are clearly from one individual given that they are preserved in a small area (about 0.2 square meters), without any other bone nearby.

    

Diagnosis: Shishugounykus inexpectus differs from all other alvarezsaurians in having the following unique combination of features (* marks the autapomorphies; we use the II-III-IV identity of manual digits in tetanurans): supratemporal fossa occupying large portion of frontal and with indistinct anterior border (sharp anterior border in early-branching alvarezsaurians such as Haplocheirus sollers and supratemporal fossa occupying a small portion of frontal in late-branching alvarezsaurians); scapula with hollow acromial process but without lateral concavities*; humeral internal tuberosity mediolaterally constricted distally*, giving it a “pinched” appearance; metacarpal III straight in dorsal view (laterally bowed in most other alvarezsaurians including Haplocheirus sollers); ungual III-3 subequal in size to ungual II-2 (considerably smaller in most other alvarezsaurians including Haplocheirus sollers); iliac medial surface with step-wise transition from ischial peduncle to pubic peduncle*; distal end of metatarsal II asymmetrically ginglymoid*.

Locality and Horizon: Wucaiwan, Junggar Basin, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China, Middle-Upper Jurassic Shishugou Formation34,35,36,37. The holotype-fossil-bearing bed is located between two volcanic tuff layers with radiometric (40Ar/39Ar) ages of 161.2 ± 0.2 and 158.7 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively35,36,37,38. The two tuff layers are separated by a section of fluvial sediments that is 90 meters thick, and assuming constant sedimentation rates this means that each meter of sediment is around 0.0278 million years36, if the sedimentation rate was relatively constant. Based on a section thickness of 36 meters between the holotype-fossil-bearing bed and the lower tuff layer, we infer that the holotype-bearing bed is ∼160.2 Ma. Using a similar method, previous studies estimate the geological ages of the fossil-bearing beds for Aorun zhaoi (about 13 m below the lower tuff) and Haplocheirus sollers (about 40 m above the lower tuff) fossils are ∼161.6 Ma and ~160.1 Ma37, respectively.

Figure 4: Time-calibrated alvarezsaurian phylogeny showing alvarezsaurian hand evolution (Scale bar, 10 mm); silhouettes show the size variation both in early-branching and late-branching alvarezsaurians.

    

Zichuan Qin, James Clark, Jonah Choiniere and Xing Xu. 2019. A New Alvarezsaurian Theropod from the Upper Jurassic Shishugou Formation of western China. Scientific Reports. volume 9, Article number: 11727. nature.com/articles/s41598-019-48148-7 

     

[Herpetology • 2019] Noblella naturetrekii • A New Species of Terrestrial Frog of the Genus Noblella Barbour, 1930 (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, Tungurahua, Ecuador

August 14, 2019, 7:38 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2019] Sphaerotheca magadha • A New Species of Sphaerotheca Gunther, 1859 (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the Agro Ecosystems of Chota Nagpur Plateau, India

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Noblella naturetrekii    Reyes-Puig​, Reyes-Puig​​, Ron, Ortega, Guayasamin, Goodrum, Recalde, Vieira, Koch & Yánez-Muñoz, 2019  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7405

Abstract

We describe a new species of terrestrial frog of the genus Noblella from the eastern versants of the Ecuadorian Andes in the upper Pastaza watershed. Noblella naturetrekii sp. n. differs from its Ecuadorian congeners by the presence of a differentiated tympanic membrane and a weakly defined tympanic annulus, and eyelids with rounded tubercles. In addition, the new species is characterized by its blackish–dark brown ventral coloration scattered with little white dots and the absence of papillae at the tip of the fingers and toes. We provide a detailed description of the call and osteology of the new species. Finally, we present the most complete phylogeny of the genus, which confirms that Noblella is a non-monophyletic group.

Figure 6: Dorsal and ventral patterns of Noblella naturetrekii sp. n. in life.  (A) and (D) Dorsal pattern and ventral pattern of DHMECN 13390, holotype, adult female, SVL = 14.2 mm; (B) Dorsal pattern of DHMECN 14420, paratype, adult female, SVL = 13.1 mm; (C) and (E) Dorsal pattern of ZSFQ 934, paratype, adult female, SVL = 14.1 mm.  Photographs by Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig (A) (B) and (D) and José Vieira (C) and (E).

Figure 5: Detail of the tympanic annulus and tympanic membrane of Noblella from the eastern slopes of Ecuador.  (A) Noblella naturetrekii sp. n., paratype, female, ZSFQ 934; (B) N. naturetrekii sp. n., paratype, male, ZSFQ 933; (C) N. naturetrekii sp. n., holotype, female, DHMECN 13390;  (D) N. personina, female, EPN 14329 (Harvey et al., 2013); (E) N. lochites, female, EPN 14254 (Harvey et al., 2013); (F) N. myrmecoides from Jenaro Herrera, Loreto.  Photographs by José Vieira (A) and (B), Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig (C),  Jorge Brito M. (D) and (E) and Mauricio Ortega (F).

Noblella naturetrekii new species

Proposed standard English name. Naturetrek Leaf Frog

Proposed standard Spanish name. Cutín Noble de Naturetrek

Generic placement. A species of terrestrial frog of the genus Noblella as defined by Hedges, Duellman & Heinicke (2008): head no wider than body; cranial crests absent; tympanic membrane differentiated (except in N. duellmani); dentigerous processes of vomers absent; terminal discs on digits not or barely expanded; discs and circumferential grooves present distally; terminal phalanges narrowly T-shaped; Finger I shorter than, or equal in length to, Finger II; Finger IV containing only two phalanges in N. carrascoicola, N. lochites, N. myrmecoides, N. ritarasquinae, and in N. naturetrekii. Toe III shorter than Toe V; tips of at least Toes III–IV acuminate; subarticular tubercles not protruding; dorsum pustulate or shagreen; venter smooth; SVL less than 22 mm. N. pygmaea (SVL 11.1–12.4 mm in adults) (Lehr & Catenazzi, 2009) and N. naturetrekii (SVL 12.1–14.2 mm in adults) have the smallest SVL of the genus. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that there are no known synapomorphies for Noblella or for Psychrophrynella. These two genera are morphologically similar and are closely related (De la Riva et al., 2017; Catenazzi & Ttito, 2018).

Diagnosis. The new species differs from its congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: (1) skin of the dorsum and flanks shagreen to tubercular (smooth by preservation effects), with scattered subconical tubercles on the sacral region; finely granular skin on the abdomen; (2) tympanic membrane differentiated; tympanic annulus present, weakly defined (Fig. 5); (3) snout elongated in dorsal view, rounded in lateral view; (4) eyelids with flattened and rounded tubercles; (5) dentigerous processes of the vomers absent; (6) vocal slits and sac present, nuptial pads present; (7) fingers not expanded distally, finger tips acuminate but lacking papillae; Finger I smaller than Finger II, without circumferential grooves and without papillae (Fig. 3); (8) distal phalanges blunt or T-shaped, phalangeal formula of hand 2, 2, 3, 2; (9) supernumerary palmar tubercles absent, ulnar tubercles present (reduced by preservation effects); (10) one subconical tarsal tubercle present (Fig. 3); two prominent metatarsal tubercles; toe tips pointed, with slightly defined circumferential grooves and lacking papillae; (11) Toe V shorter than Toe III; (12) phalangeal formula of feet: 2, 2, 3, 4, 3 (Fig. 9); (13) in ethanol, dorsum brown with dark oblique lateral line that delineates flanks, large suprainguinal marks, dark brown to black scattered with numerous small white dots; in life dorsum predominately light or dark brown with two black suprainguinal marks or a mid-dorsal cream-colored stripe, the venter and throat is light brown to brown interspersed with small white spots; (14) SVL in males 11.2–12.1 (n = 3); and females 13.1–14.4 (n = 6).

Distribution and Natural History. The new species, N. naturetrekii is known from four localities of cloud forest in the upper Pastaza watershed in the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor (Fig. 1). Three localities are part of the Naturetrek Reserves of the Ecominga Foundation, in Vizcaya and in the Bosque Protector Cerro Candelaria, which are found in the eastern region of the Baños township, Tungurahua Province. N. naturetrekii thus makes itself a symbol of conservation of the ecological corridor between Llanganates National Park and Sangay National Park. The new species is likely to be endemic of this region, which has proven to be an area with high diversity and endemism in other small vertebrates (Ríos-Alvear & Reyes-Puig, 2015).

The collection sites consisted of mature Andean forest (Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment (MAE), 2012) with emergent trees in a closed canopy and an understory of herbaceous vegetation and abundant leaf litter. The calls of N. naturetrekii were heard throughout the day in these sites. Likewise, the majority of individuals were obtained during the day in pitfall traps in Vizcaya during the month of March, indicating that it is mostly a diurnal species, a characteristic trait of the genus Noblella (Guayasamin & Terán-Valdez, 2009; Harvey et al., 2013). It is noteworthy that one of the specimens (DHMECN 13307) collected in the locality of Vizcaya was found in secondary forest, dominated by Andean bamboo (Chusquea sp). The entrance path to the Naturetrek Reserve in which it was found was destroyed a few weeks later for the opening of a new road.

The ZSFQ specimens were found on the forest floor hidden in the leaf litter. Two males were active at 22:00 in a forest patch next to the road. Both males were vocalizing within a dead trunk each at an approximate height of 50 cm above the ground, where there was abundant litter on the trunk, the female was found among litter on the ground. Other males were heard in the same locality at the same time. At this locality, the species is sympatric with Gastrotheca testudinea, Pristimantis modipeplus, and Anolis orcesi.

Etymology. Noblella naturetrekii is an emblematic species of the mosaic of Naturetrek Reserves, owned and managed by the Ecominga Foundation, which protect the cloud forests in the upper Pastaza River watershed. Naturetrek, a British wildlife tour operator, has fully funded the purchase of these forest reserves, in two of which the new frog species was discovered. These funds were transferred to the Ecominga Foundation via the World Land Trust. The name is the latinized possessive used in apposition to honor the efforts of the company Naturetrek.

    

Conclusions: 

We provide morphological, osteological, genetic, and acoustic evidence that validate the description of a new species, N. naturetrekii. We include a well-supported phylogeny that highlights Noblella as a non-monophyletic genus with two distinctive clades. The discovery of this new species in the upper basin of the Pastaza River watershed demonstrates the importance of conserving the zone and illustrates the need for future studies to help understand the actual biodiversity of these Andean Trans-Amazonian forests. Ecominga and Naturetrek Reserves protect biodiversity that inhabits between two large National Parks. Therefore, strategies to maintain connectivity between these conservation areas can be addressed by the continuing description of new species.

Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig​, Carolina Reyes-Puig​​, Santiago Ron, Jhael A. Ortega, Juan M. Guayasamin, Mindee Goodrum, Fausto Recalde, Jose J. Vieira, Claudia Koch and Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz. 2019. A New Species of Terrestrial Frog of the Genus Noblella Barbour, 1930 (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, Tungurahua, Ecuador. PeerJ. 7:e7405. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7405

[Herpetology • 2019] Sphaerotheca magadha • A New Species of Sphaerotheca Gunther, 1859 (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the Agro Ecosystems of Chota Nagpur Plateau, India

August 14, 2019, 7:43 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2019] Cnemaspis anandani • A New Species of Day Gecko of the Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata : Gekkonidae) from the Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2019] Noblella naturetrekii • A New Species of Terrestrial Frog of the Genus Noblella Barbour, 1930 (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, Tungurahua, Ecuador

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Sphaerotheca magadha Prasad, Dines, Das, Swamy, Shinde & Vishnu, 2019  Rec. Zool. Surv. India. 119(3) Magadha Burrowing Frog  ||  RecordsofZsi.com facebook.com/HerpClub03

Abstract

Members of the genus Sphaerotheca are known to have the distribution in the low to mid elevation landscapes of South Asia. Most of the descriptions are either from homestead areas or from agro ecosystems except for a couple of species described from the mid elevated forest areas. The taxonomic uncertainties prevalent in the group was attended very recently, limiting the descriptions of five species to India, two species to Nepal and one each to Pakistan and Sri Lanka (one undescribed species from Myanmar). Here a new species assignable to the morphological 'Breviceps group' is described from the agro ecosystems of Jharkhand based on a combination of morphological, phylogenetic and geographical studies using integrated taxonomic approach. Besides, the distribution status of Sphaerotheca pashchima is discussed and the possibility of a new species occurring in Myanmar is pointed out.

Keywords: Agro Ecosystem, Jharkhand, New Species, Plateau, Sphaerotheca.

Figure 3. Sphaerotheca magadha sp. nov. in life.

Sphaerotheca magadha sp. nov. 

Field Diagnosis:  

Morphology: In the field, Sphaerotheca magadha sp. nov. does not have any morphologically similar congeneric sympatric species, and it can be easily identified on the basis of the combination of morphological characters like medium size, stumpy and squat body, wider head width than head length, rounded snout, angled canthus rostralis, first finger longer than the second (and sub equal to third finger), short hind limbs which do not touch when folded at right angles to the body, tibiotarsal articulation reaching front of shoulders, moderate webbing, distinct shovel shaped inner metatarsal tubercle and a prominent tarsal tubercle. For comparisons of the new species Sphaerotheca magadha sp. nov. with its phylogenetic sister species Sphaerotheca breviceps and its congeners, see section below. 

Geography: This species is known from low to mid elevation (380 m) agricultural lands of semi urbanized Nawadih village, Jharkhand (Figure 5). This species is geographically 1600 km away (aerial distance) from the type locality of the phylogenetic sister species S. breviceps and 1800 km away (aerial distance) from the type locality of the morphologically similar species S. rolandae. Additional sampling and genetic studies are required to establish the range limits of the phylogenetic sister (S. breviceps) and the morphologically similar species (S. rolandae).

Etymology The specific epithet is derived from the term ‘Magadha’, an ancient kingdom located on the Indo-Gangetic plains in the eastern Indian state Jharkhand. Suggested common name: ‘Magadha burrowing frog’ species epithet is treated as noun in apposition to generic name. 

Distribution and Natural history Sphaerotheca magadha sp. nov. is known specifically from Joungi and Nawadih village of Koderma district of Jharkhand in Chota Nagpur Plateau. Chota Nagpur Plateau is having geological significance in terms of the continental drift theory (Mani, 1974; Ghosh et al., 2015). We found this species to be common locally on the road side muddy puddles and it was observed calling and breeding during pre-monsoon showers of June.

Vishal Kumar Prasad, K. P. Dines, Abhijit Das , Priyanka Swamy, Ajinkya D. Shinde and Jadhav Bapurao Vishnu. 2019. A New Species of Sphaerotheca Gunther, 1859 (Amphibia: Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the Agro Ecosystems of Chota Nagpur Plateau, India. Rec. Zool. Surv. India. 119(3); 197-210. DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v119/i3/2019/132173 RecordsofZsi.com/index.php/zsoi/article/view/132173

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New burrowing frog species discovered punemirror.indiatimes.com/pune/civic/new-burrowing-frog-species-discovered/articleshow/70577509.cms  @ThePuneMirror

[Herpetology • 2019] Cnemaspis anandani • A New Species of Day Gecko of the Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata : Gekkonidae) from the Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India

August 14, 2019, 8:04 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2019] Ansonia kyaiktiyoensis • Discovery of the Westernmost Population of the Genus Ansonia Stoliczka (Anura, Bufonidae) with the Description of A New Species from the Shan Plateau of eastern Myanmar

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Cnemaspis anandani Murthy, Nitesh, Sengupta & Deepak, 2019   Rec. Zool. Surv. India. 119(3)   RecordsofZsi.com

Abstract

Based on the field explorations in the Western Ghats, a day gecko of the genus Cnemaspis 1887 is described from the Nilgiri hill ranges of Tamil Nadu. A medium sized gecko is distinguished from all the other congeners by a set of distinct morphological characters. Current taxonomic issues persisting among the members of genus Cnemaspis reported from the Western Ghats and India are discussed. The new species is found to have restrictive range of distribution in the higher elevations of Nilgiri hills. The discovery of a new high altitude endemic species indicates a need of further explorations in Nilgiri hill ranges.

Keywords: Cnemaspis, Gekkonidae, New Species, Nilgiri Hills, Taxonomy, Western Ghats.

Cnemaspis anandani sp. nov. (male) live in its habitat.

Cnemaspis anandani sp. nov.

Species Diagnosis: A medium sized Cnemaspis with a maximum snout-vent length 41.2 mm; dorsal scales heterogeneous, entire dorsals keeled, scales are variable in size, interspersed with few large scales, irregularly arranged tubercles; two rows of enlarged 7-8 conical tubercles present on flanks; 3-4 small tubercles on the lateral side of the neck region; ventrals smooth with 16-18 mid body scales, imbricate; supra-labials to angle of jaw 7-8; infra-labials 7-8; sub-digital lamellae under manus IV 14-15; under pes IV 16-17; tail base slightly swollen, sub cylindrical, bulbous with a single post-cloacal spurs on each side; dorsal scales of tail is rough, keeled with two small, two enlarged tubercles on each side, weak whorls; sub-caudals smooth, enlarged, hexagonal, regularly arranged scales; male with 5-6 femoral pores, separated by 19–20 unpored femoro-precloacal scales; preanal pores absent. 

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym, named after Anandan Sethuraman an reputed Wildlife Conservationist, by honoring his contribution towards protection of Wildlife in the Niligiri district, Tamil Nadu, India. 

Suggested common name: Anandan’s Day Gecko

Distribution: Cnemaspis anandani sp. nov. is currently known to occur in Horasholai, Kotagiri and in Coonoor Gandhipuram (N 11.33 ; E 76.79), which is 6.16 miles aerial distance and Dolphin nose (N 11.35 ; E 76.82), which is 4.21 miles aerial distance from the type locality. The maximum altitude recorded for the species is 1,990 m ASL comparing to other high-altitude species described so far such as C. anamudiensis (1900 m ASL), C. maculicollis (1250 m ASL) and C. sisparensis (1500 m ASL). 

Natural history: The holotype and paratypes commonly found near the road side culverts, which is very close to the tea plantation and inside the hollow spaces of old wooden logs staked inside the tea plantation. The new species is found to be using the crevices for egg laying. We found large number of live animals in the evening hours around the walls of petrol pump in Kotagiri. Our field observations suggest this species is well adapted to live around human habitation.

B. H. Channakeshava Murthy, A. Nitesh , Shruti Sengupta and P. Deepak. 2019. A New Species of Day Gecko of the Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata : Gekkonidae) from the Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Rec. Zool. Surv. India. 119(3); 211-226. DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v119/i3/2019/143339. RecordsofZsi.com/index.php/zsoi/article/view/143339

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[Herpetology • 2019] Ansonia kyaiktiyoensis • Discovery of the Westernmost Population of the Genus Ansonia Stoliczka (Anura, Bufonidae) with the Description of A New Species from the Shan Plateau of eastern Myanmar

August 14, 2019, 7:55 pm

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2019] Eigenmannia sirius • A New Species of Eigenmannia Jordan & Evermann (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from rio Tapajós, Brazil, with Discussion on Its Species Group and the Myology within Eigenmanniinae

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Ansonia kyaiktiyoensis  Quah, Grismer, Wood,  Thura, Oaks & Lin, 2019  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4656.3.11

Abstract

A new species of Ansonia is described from the Shan Plateau of Myanmar based on an integrative taxonomic analysis that differentiates it from all other congeners. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial genes 12S and 16S rRNA and tRNA-val recover Ansonia kyaiktiyoensis sp. nov. as the sister species to A. inthanon from Thailand but differs from it and other congeners by at least a 5.0% sequence divergence. It is further differentiated by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) maximum SVL 24 mm in males and females; (2) first finger shorter than second; (3) absence of interorbital and tarsal ridges; (4) presence of light-coloured interscapular spot; (5) presence of yellow rictal tubercle; (6) absence of wide, light-coloured patch below eye; (7) presence of large, discrete, bright-yellow submandibular spots along the underside of lower jaw; (8) iris yellow-gold; (9) presence of markings on the snout consisting of streaks below the eye to the lip, and on the canthus rostralis to the nostril; (10) dorsum grey-brown with orange-beige spots, a dark-brown X-shaped marking on the back surrounding the interscapular spot, and dark-coloured markings on rump; (11) fore- and hind limbs with orange-beige cross-bars; and (12) venter light-gray with yellow spotting, especially near flanks and underside of hind limbs. Ansonia kyaiktiyoensis sp. nov. is the westernmost known record for the genus and the only species west of the Salween Basin. Its discovery echoes the increasing number of herpetological discoveries being made in upland regions fringing the Ayeyarwady and Salween Basins.

Keywords: Amphibia, Burma, endemism, amphibian, phylogenetics, systematics, montane, Ayeyarwady Basin, Salween Basin

Ansonia kyaiktiyoensis sp. nov.

  

Evan S. H. Quah, L. Lee Grismer, Perry L. Jr. Wood,  Myint Kyaw Thura, Jamie R. Oaks and Aung Lin. 2019. Discovery of the Westernmost Population of the Genus Ansonia Stoliczka (Anura, Bufonidae) with the Description of A New Species from the Shan Plateau of eastern Myanmar.  Zootaxa. 4656(3); 545–571. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4656.3.11

[Ichthyology • 2019] Eigenmannia sirius • A New Species of Eigenmannia Jordan & Evermann (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from rio Tapajós, Brazil, with Discussion on Its Species Group and the Myology within Eigenmanniinae

August 14, 2019, 8:51 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2019] Rhododendron widjajae (Ericaceae: Section Schistanthe) • A New Species from Sulawesi, Indonesia

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Eigenmannia sirius  Peixoto & Ohara, 2019   DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220287

Abstract

A new species of Eigenmannia is described from the rio Mutum, tributary of upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Comodoro, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by coloration pattern, position of the mouth, number of scales rows above lateral line, number of premaxillary and dentary teeth, number of precaudal vertebrae, orbital diameter, mouth width, relative depth of posterodorsal expansion on infraorbitals 1+2 and relative size of coronomeckelian bone. Comments on potentially useful characters in phylogenetic studies derived from musculature, discussion on Eigenmannia species-group and the first dichotomous key for Eigenmannia are provided.

  

Fig 1. Lateral view of Eigenmannia sirius, MZSUP 121668, holotype, 127.5 mm LEA, Mato Grosso, Brazil, rio Mutum, tributary of rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin.

Fig 5. Color in life of Eigenmannia sirius, MZUSP 123938, paratypes, 93.7 and 77.3 mm LEA, A and B respectively, rio Mutum, rio Juruena, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Caudal filament damaged.

Eigenmannia sirius, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Eigenmannia sirius is diagnosed from all putative congeners with exception of Eigenmannia trilineata species-group (sensu [Peixoto, et al., 2015]), by the presence of superior midlateral stripe (vs. absence). The new species differs from all species of the Eigenmannia trilineata species-group, except E. besouro, E. correntes, E. vicentespelaea, and E. waiwai, by the subterminal mouth (vs. terminal). It differs from E. besouro, E. correntes, E. vicentespelaea, and E. waiwai by relative depth of posterodorsal expansion on infraorbitals 1+2 corresponding to 70% length of infraorbitals 1+2 (Fig 2—vs. 40% in E. besouro, E. correntes and E. waiwai, and approximately equals total length of infraorbitals 1+2 in E. vicentespelaea), and in having 15 precaudal vertebrae (vs. 14 in E. besouro and E. correntes, 13–14 in E. vicentespelaea and 12–13 in E. waiwai). Eigenmannia sirius can be differentiated from E. besouro by the origin of the superior midlateral stripe at vertical between base of 23rd to 31st anal-fin ray (vs. origin at vertical between 5th to 15th anal-fin ray). The new species is also diagnosed from E. correntes by the eye diameter (17.2–23.8% HL vs. 10.6–13.3% HL), and by the mouth width (13.1–22.4% HL vs. 23.5–26.0% HL). Eigenmannia sirius is further distinguished from E. vicentespelaea and E. waiwai by having 15–24 premaxillary teeth (Fig 3A vs. 25–26 and 35–40, respectively) and 15–33 dentary teeth (Fig 3B vs. 38–45 and 37–38, respectively). It additionally differs from E. vicentespealea by having 9–12 scale rows above lateral line (vs. seven or eight) and the coronomeckelian bone corresponding to 20–25% of length of Meckel’s cartilage (Fig 3B vs. 45%). The new species can be distinguished from Archolaemus species by the eye completely covered by thin membrane (vs. a free orbital rim); from Distocyclus by the rounded snout in profile (vs. conical snout); from Japigny by the absence of alternating dark bands on flanks (vs. presence); and from Rhabdolichops by the region above the lateral line on the anterior portion of the body covered by scales (vs. absence of scales above the lateral line on the anterior portion of the body).

Etymology: The specific epithet sirius is an allusion to the alpha star of the Canis Major constellation that represents the state of Mato Grosso in the Brazilian national flag, a reference of the state of occurrence of the new taxon. A noun in apposition.

Fig 10. Photograph of rio Mutum, type locality of Eigenmannia sirius, illustrating habitat.

Distribution and habitat: Eigenmannia sirius is currently known only from rio Mutum, a tributary of the upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Comodoro, Mato Grosso, Brazil (Fig 9). The type-locality is 502 m above sea level at the Chapada dos Parecis plateau. It is a clearwater river up to c. 3–6 m wide and 0.5–2.5 m deep, preserved riparian vegetation, swift current, and sand, pebbles and dead leaves on the bottom (Fig 10). Several types of microenvironment were sampled exhaustively, but E. sirius was captured only between root and subaquatic vegetation. Other species sampled syntopically were Aequidens cf. rondoni (Miranda Ribeiro), Erythrinus erythrinus (Bloch & Schneider), Hemigrammus skolioplatus Bertaco & Carvalho, Hyphessobrycon hexastichos Bertaco & Carvalho, H. melanostichos Carvalho & Bertaco, Hasemania nambiquara Bertaco & Malabarba, and Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Spix & Agassiz). No other Gymnotiformes were collected with E.sirius.

Luiz Antônio Wanderley Peixoto and Willian M. Ohara. 2019. A New Species of Eigenmannia Jordan & Evermann (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from rio Tapajós, Brazil, with Discussion on Its Species Group and the Myology within Eigenmanniinae. PLoS ONE. 14(8): e0220287.  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220287

[Botany • 2019] Rhododendron widjajae (Ericaceae: Section Schistanthe) • A New Species from Sulawesi, Indonesia

August 14, 2019, 9:12 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2019] Psammophis afroccidentalis • On the Psammophis sibilans group (Serpentes, Lamprophiidae, Psammophiinae) North of 12°S, with the Description of A New Species from West Africa

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Rhododendron widjajae Argent & Mambrasar in Argent & Mambrasar, 2019.   DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v18i1.3700     facebook.com/MichaelMambrasar

A new species of Rhododendron section Schistanthe (= subgenus Vireya) is described, Rhododendron widjajae Argent & Mambrasar. It is compared with the two most similar species and the differences demonstrated.

Key words: Ericaceae, Indonesia, Mt. Mekongga, new species, Rhododendron, Sulawesi.

Rhododendron widjajae Argent & Mambrasar, spec. nov. Photograph of the living plant from type location.  Photo: Elizabeth A. Widjaja.

Rhododendron widjajae Argent & Mambrasar, spec. nov.

Diagnosis. Similar to Rhododendron pseudobuxifolium Sleumer in its size of flower. It differs in having twigs which are without the short hairs of that species; in having pedicels without simple hairs and the corolla is sparsely scaley outside not glabrous and glabrous inside, not shortly hairy. Superficially similar to R. celebicum (Blume) DC. but smaller and significantly differing from that species by the hairy filaments and ovary.

Habitat and ecology. Mt. Mekongga is a volcanic peak rising to 2,779 m in the north-west part of South East Sulawesi. This new species was collected in the sub-alpine area at 2,658 m asl. which is close to the summit (2,779 m). This area is described as: jagged limestone karst and the Rhododendron was probably an epiphyte. The associated species have not been recorded but will no doubt have been semi-open dwarf shrubs.

Etymology. Named in honour of Prof. Elizabeth A. Widjaja, former senior researcher at the Herbarium Bogoriense and joint collector of this species for her contribution to Indonesian botany.

 George Argent andYasper Michael Mambrasar. 2019. Rhododendron widjajae (Ericaceae, Section Schistanthe) A New Species from Sulawesi.  Reinwardtia. 18(1); 27‒30. DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v18i1.3700    

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[Herpetology • 2019] Psammophis afroccidentalis • On the Psammophis sibilans group (Serpentes, Lamprophiidae, Psammophiinae) North of 12°S, with the Description of A New Species from West Africa

August 15, 2019, 2:22 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2019] Species Complexes and the Importance of Data Deficient Classification in Red List Assessments: The Case of Hylobatrachus Frogs [Mantidactylus (Hylobatrachus) atsimo & M. (H.) petakorona]

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Psammophis afroccidentalis Trape, Böhme & Mediannikov in Trape, Crochet, Broadley, Sourouille, Mané, et al., 2019.   DOI: 10.20363/BZB-2019.68.1.061

Abstract

Based on molecular, morphological and field data, the status and zoogeography of the taxa of the Psammophis sibilans group north of 12°S are reviewed. Molecular data including sequences from 20 of the 22 described species known to occur north of 12°S suggest that P. sibilans distribution is restricted to northeastern Africa, from Egypt to Ethiopia. Populations from West Africa are described as a new species, Psammophis afroccidentalis sp. nov., and those from Chad, Cameroon and Central African Republic are assigned to P. rukwae which is also distributed from Tanzania to Ethiopia. Molecular data indicate the occurrence within this complex of three additional cryptic species in the Horn of Africa. Populations previously assigned to P. phillipsi in Central Africa north, south and east of the Congo forest block are assigned to P. mossambicusand the status of P. occidentalis is discussed. P. phillipsi is restricted to West Africa, with P. irregularis as junior synonym.

 Key words. Reptilia, Ophidia; Psammophiinae, Psammophis sibilans, Psammophis afroccidentalis sp. nov., taxonomy, biogeography, Africa.

Fig. 4. Psammophis afroccidentalis sp. nov. Plain phase. Sequenced specimen IRD TR.4501. Matmata (Mauritania).

Fig. 5. Psammophis afroccidentalis sp. nov. Lineated phase. Dakar (Senegal).

Fig. 16. Psammophis afroccidentalis sp. nov. General view of a specimen with a typical dorsal head pattern, ill-defined vertebral chain and lacking pale dorsal stripes. Dielmo, Senegal.

PSAMMOPHIS AFROCCIDENTALIS Trape, Böhme & Mediannikov, sp. nov. 

West-African Whip Snake, 

Psammophis ouest-africain, Westafrikanische Sandrennnatter 

Diagnosis. Distinguishable from other species of the P. sibilans group by the combination of the following characters: 17 scale rows around midbody, 156–185 ventrals, 96–120 subcaudals (rarely less than 100), cloacal divided, 5 infralabials in contact with anterior sublinguals (very rarely 4). Dorsum pale brown, dark brown or greenish-brown, rarely uniform, usually a vertebral chain with the scale of vertebral row paler at base, but this chain often restricted to part of the dorsum, ill-defined and occasionally totally absent; pale dorsolateral stripes on the 4th row of dorsals, but often ill-defined or absent; top of head with a pale median stripe on the snout which forks when reaching the frontal and then borders the frontal, but often ill defined or absent in adults. Genetically diagnosable through possession of unique mitochondrial haplotypes. Psammophis afroccidentalis sp. nov. can be distinguished from P. rukwae by a higher number of subcaudals (P. rukwae 70–100, exceptionnaly up to 105), from P. sibilans by major differences in mitochondrial haplotypes, a pale median stripe that borders the frontal (not bordering the frontal in P. sibilans) and a more uniform dorsal colouration in most specimens, from P. schokari and P. aegyptius by a lower number of subralabials (8 versus 9) and a different head pattern, and from P. sudanensis, P. phillipsi, P. occidentalis, P. mossambicus, P. leopardinus, P. zambiensis and P. subtaeniatus by a higher number of infralabials in contact with the anterior sublinguals (5 versus 4) and by different head and dorsal patterns.

Fig. 12. Geographic distribution of the sequenced specimens of P. sibilans and other species frequently confounded with P. sibilans: P. phillipsi, P. mossambicus, P. rukwae, P. sudanensis, and P. afroccidentalis sp. nov. One symbol may correspond to several specimens from neighbouring localities. Location of type locality is approximate for P. sibilans (“Egypt”), P. phillipsi (“Liberia”) and P. mossambicus (“insel Mossambique”).

Habitat. Sahel and Sudan savanna in West Africa. Penetrates in Guinea savanna and relict populations in Sahelo-Saharan wetlands.

 Distribution. Mauritania (northernmost record: Tidra island 19°44’N, 16°24’W), Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Mali (northenmost record: Tinjemban 16°44’N, 02°50’W and along the Niger River), Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger (northernmost record: Azzel 17°03’N, 08°03’E), Nigeria and Chad (Mao). Possibly a relict population in southern Algeria (ZFMK 29365 from 200 km north of Tamanrasset, a damaged specimen previously assigned to P. rukwae by Böhme 1986 and to P. sibilans by Hughes 2012). 

Jean-François Trape, Pierre-André Crochet, Donald G. Broadley, Patricia Sourouille, Youssouph Mané, Marius Burger, Wolfgang Böhme, Mostafa Saleh, Anna Karan, Benedetto Lanza and Oleg Mediannikov. 2019. On the Psammophis sibilans group (Serpentes, Lamprophiidae, Psammophiinae) North of 12°S, with the Description of A New Species from West Africa.   Bonn zoological Bulletin. 68(1); 61–91. DOI: 10.20363/BZB-2019.68.1.061

https://www.zoologicalbulletin.de/articles/online-early

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[Herpetology • 2019] Species Complexes and the Importance of Data Deficient Classification in Red List Assessments: The Case of Hylobatrachus Frogs [Mantidactylus (Hylobatrachus) atsimo & M. (H.) petakorona]

August 15, 2019, 3:01 am

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Mantidactylus (Hylobatrachus) petakorona Scherz, Glaw, Hutter, Bletz, Rakotoarison, Köhler & Vences, 2019  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219437   twitter.com/MarkScherz

Abstract

Taxonomy is the cornerstone of extinction risk assessments. Currently, the IUCN Red List treats species complexes either under a single overarching species name—resulting in an unhelpfully broad circumscription and underestimated threat assessment that does not apply to any one species lineage—or omits them altogether—resulting in the omission of species that should be assessed. We argue that taxonomic uncertainty alone, as in species complexes, should be grounds for assessment as Data Deficient (DD). Yet, use of the DD category is currently discouraged, resulting in assessments based on poor data quality and dismissal of the importance of taxonomic confidence in conservation. This policy may be leading to volatile and unwarranted assessments of hundreds of species across the world, and needs to be revised. To illustrate this point, we here present a partial taxonomic revision of torrent frogs from eastern Madagascar in the Mantidactylus subgenus Hylobatrachus. Two named species, Mantidactylus (Hylobatrachus) lugubris and M. (H.) cowanii, and several undescribed candidate species are recognised, but the application of the available names has been somewhat ambiguous. In a recent re-assessment of its conservation status, M. (H.) lugubris was assessed including all complex members except M. (H.) cowanii within its distribution, giving it a status of Least Concern and distribution over most of eastern Madagascar. After describing two of the unnamed lineages asMantidactylus (Hylobatrachus) atsimo sp. nov. (from southeastern Madagascar) andMantidactylus (Hylobatrachus) petakorona sp. nov. (from the Marojejy Massif in northeastern Madagascar), we show that Mantidactylus (Hylobatrachus) lugubris is restricted to the central east of Madagascar, highlighting the inaccuracy of its current Red List assessment. We propose to re-assess its status under a more restrictive definition that omits well-defined candidate species, thus representing the actual species to which its assessment refers, to the best of current knowledge. We recommend that for species complexes in general, (1) nominal lineages that can be confidently restricted should be assessed under the strict definition, (2) non-nominal species-level lineages and ambiguous names should be prioritised for taxonomic research, and (3) ambiguous names should be assessed as DD to highlight the deficiency in data on their taxonomic status, which is an impediment to their conservation. This would reduce ambiguity and underestimation of threats involved in assessing species complexes, and place the appropriate emphasis on the importance of taxonomy in anchoring conservation.

Mark D. Scherz, Frank Glaw, Carl R. Hutter, Molly C. Bletz, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Jörn Köhler and Miguel Vences. 2019. Species Complexes and the Importance of Data Deficient Classification in Red List Assessments: The Case of Hylobatrachus Frogs.  PLoS ONE. 14(8): e0219437.  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219437  

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