Species New to Science

Ombrophytum villamariensis S. Guzmán-Guzmán

in Guzmán-Guzmán, 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.424.1.6

Abstract

A new species of Balanophoraceae, Ombrophytum villamariensis Guzmán-Guzmán, is described for Colombia, where the genus has not previously been recorded. At least the first part of the development of the inflorescence is underground. Inflorescences have simple lateral branches, bearing male flowers in the upper part of the inflorescence and female flowers in the lower part. The apical parts (peltas) of the inflorescence branches are morphologically different in the two areas. The first stages of the plants are ball-shaped, within which inflorescences are formed endogenously. When the latter finally emerge, they lift the ball’s surface layer which usually splits, leaving an irregular volva at the base of the inflorescence.

Keywords: Eudicots, Balanophoraceae, Caldas, Cordiaceae, Cordillera Central Andina, endogenous inflorescences, Lophophytoideae, parasitic plant, Oxycorynina

FIGURE 1. Ombrophytum villamariensis in situ.
A. Inflorescence emerging from the ground; the calyptra is on the left. B. Mature tuber with two lateral tubers in development. C. Bract apex between female branches (red arrow). D. Old male inflorescences where the female part has remained underground.

Scale bar: A, C, D = 20 mm; B = 4 mm.

Photos by A. Montaña (A and C) & H. F. Arias (B and D).

Ombrophytum villamariensis S. Guzmán-Guzmán, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Ombrophytum villamariensis is similar to O. microlepis of low Amazonian areas of Peru and Brazil. However, differ in a much shorter peduncle (30 mm or absent vs 60 mm), longer male and female inflorescence branches (9–10 mm vs. 3–7 mm and 4–6 mm vs. 4 mm, respectively) and two entirely different types of peltas.

Etymology: The epithet refers to the municipality where the new species was discovered, a municipality that stands out for the beauty of its landscapes, its beauty immortalized in its hymn: “…De Colombia, Villa de las flores, y de Caldas bella rosa en botón…”

FIGURE 2. Types of rupture of the volva of Ombrophytum villamariensis and ecological interactions.
A. Inflorescence emerging from the tubercle producing a trilobular volva. B. “Calyptra” with irregular ruptures partially covering the inflorescence. C. Beetle of the subtribe Oxycorynina observed between the female and male inflorescence branches (red arrow). D. Bite marks of possible rodent (see enlarged section); tuber and host roots to the left.

Scale bar: A = 6 mm; B, D (and section) = 20 mm; C = 4 mm.

Photos by A. Montaña (D) & J. C. Tovar (A, C and B).

Habitat and distribution: This species is found in Andean forests of the Central Cordillera of Colombia between 2400–2500 m, in the municipality of Villamaria, department of Caldas, Colombia. In addition to the two hosts mentioned above, other genera found at the site were Brunellia Ruiz & Pavón (1794: 71) (Brunelliaceae), Chamaedorea Willdenow (1806: 638) (Arecaceae), Saurauia Willdenow (1801: 407) (Actinidiaceae), Oreopanax Decaisne & Planchon (1854: 107) (Araliaceae), Cyathea Smith (1793: 416) (Cyatheaceae), Juglans Linnaeus (1753: 997) (Juglandaceae) and Croton Linnaeus (1753: 1004) (Euphorbiaceae).

Santiago Guzmán-Guzmán. 2019. A New Species of Ombrophytum (Balanophoraceae), A Genus not previously recorded for Colombia. Phytotaxa. 424(1); 61–66. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.424.1.6

Trachischium apteii

Bhosale, Gowande & Mirza, 2019

DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2019.10.003

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Abstract
A new species of natricid snakes, Trachischium apteii sp. nov. is described from the northeastern Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. The new species differs from its congeners in the following suite of characters: dorsal scales in 15:15:15 rows, SVL 293–299 mm, higher ventral count 143–150, very faint dorsal longitudinal lines, absence of yellow patch on the neck and the belly being pale yellow. Preliminary discussion on the phylogenetic position of the members of the genus Trachischium is presented. This discovery of a new snake species advocates the need for dedicated surveys to document biodiversity across Arunachal Pradesh and the neighbouring States of northeastern India.

Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot, Molecular phylogeny, Natricidae, Taxonomy, Species complex

Fig. 2. Trachischium apteii sp. nov. holotype female BNHS 3550 in life.

Trachischium apteii sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Large-sized member of the genus, reaching SVL of 293–299 mm. Tail comprising of 11–13% of total length. Dorsal scales smooth and glossy, arranged in 15 rows throughout the body. Six supralabials, third and fourth in contact with orbit. Temporals 1 + 1, anterior temporal long. Ventrals 143–150, subcaudals 25–28. Dorsum colouration dark brown to black with faint dorsal longitudinal lines, lacking yellow patch on the neck and the belly being yellowish.
...

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym, honouring Dr. Deepak Apte, Director of the Bombay Natural History Society, marine biologist and conservationist for his contribution to conservation, and for his continued support to HB and to the Arunachal Expedition, which led to the discovery of the new species.

Natural history notes: The holotype, paratype, and another uncollected individual were found under logs during a daytime search. The individuals were likely seeking refuge under the logs during the day. Locals informed the scientific team that the snakes have also been found while digging during non-monsoon seasons.

Harshal S. Bhosale, Gaurang G. Gowande and Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2019. A New Species of Fossorial Natricid Snakes of the Genus Trachischium Günther, 1858 (Serpentes: Natricidae) from the Himalayas of northeastern India. Comptes Rendus Biologies. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2019.10.003

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Najash rionegrina Apesteguía & Zaher, 2006

in Garberoglio, Apesteguía, Simões, et al., 2019.

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax5833

Illustration: Raúl O. Gómez.

Abstract

Snakes represent one of the most dramatic examples of the evolutionary versatility of the vertebrate body plan, including body elongation, limb loss, and skull kinesis. However, understanding the earliest steps toward the acquisition of these remarkable adaptations is hampered by the very limited fossil record of early snakes. Here, we shed light on the acquisition of the snake body plan using micro–computed tomography scans of the first three-dimensionally preserved skulls of the legged snake Najash and a new phylogenetic hypothesis. These findings elucidate the initial sequence of bone loss that gave origin to the modern snake skull. Morphological and molecular analyses including the new cranial data provide robust support for an extensive basal radiation of early snakes with hindlimbs and pelves, demonstrating that this intermediate morphology was not merely a transient phase between limbed and limbless body plans.

Fig. 1 Najash specimens from LBPA. (A) MPCA 500, skull with atlas-axis in right lateral view. (B) MPCA 591, partial skull with articulated vertebrae in right lateral view. (C) MPCA 581, partial skull with atlas in left lateral view. (D) MPCA 564, articulated specimen with partial skull and postcranium in ventral view. (E) MPCA 419, dentary and associated vertebrae and ribs. (F) MPCA 480, partial skull with atlas in dorsal view. (G) MPCA 536, partial skull in ventral view. (H) MPCA 386, partial skull in ventral view. bo, basioccipital; ti, tibia.

Fig. 2 CT scan reconstructions of the articulated skull of Najash (MPCA 500). (A) Right lateral view. (B) Left lateral view. (C) Dorsal view. (D) Ventral view.

II, optic foramen; V, trigeminal foramen; aiaf, anterior inferior alveolar foramen; amf, anterior mylohyoid foramen; at, atlas-axis; ang, angular; bo, basioccipital; cb, compound bone; co, coronoid; cri, crista interfenestralis; crt, crista tuberalis; d, dentary; ept, ectopterygoid; fr, frontal; iof, infraorbital foramen; j, jugal; mf, mental foramina; mx, maxilla; n, nasal; ot, otoccipital; pa, parietal; pbs, parabasisphenoid; pal, palatine; pmx, premaxilla; pof, postfrontal; prf, prefrontal; pro, prootic; pt, pterygoid; q, quadrate; smx, septomaxilla; so, supraoccipital; sp, splenial; st, supratemporal; stf, stapedial footplate; vo, vomer.

the legged snake Najash.

Illustration: Raúl O. Gómez,

Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fernando F. Garberoglio, Sebastián Apesteguía, Tiago R. Simões, Alessandro Palci, Raúl O. Gómez, Randall L. Nydam, Hans C. E. Larsson, Michael S. Y. Lee and Michael W. Caldwell. 2019. New Skulls and Skeletons of the Cretaceous Legged Snake Najash, and the Evolution of the Modern Snake Body Plan. Science Advances. 5(11); eaax5833. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax5833

New fossils shed light on how snakes got their bite and lost their legs
phys.org/news/2019-11-fossils-snakes-lost-legs.html via @physorg_com

Corambis pantherae

Patoleta & Żabka, 2019

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2019.578

Abstract

The genus Corambis Simon, 1901 includes five species; three of them, C. jacknicholsoni sp. nov., C. logunovi sp. nov. and C. pantherae sp. nov., are described here as new. The female of the C. foeldvarii Szűts, 2002 is described for the first time and a new generic diagnosis is proposed. The distribution and relationships of Corambis are discussed in terms of the geological and bioclimatic history of New Caledonia.

Keywords: jumping spiders; New Caledonia; endemism; taxonomy

Corambis jacknicholsoni sp. nov.

Diagnosis Differs from other species of the genus by its hook-like embolus (Fig. 4E–F) and the lateral location of ag2 in females (Fig. 5G).

Etymology This beautiful spider is named for Mr. Jack Nicholson, the great American actor, three times Oscar winner.

Corambis logunovi sp. nov.

Diagnosis Differs from other species of the genus by its darker coloration, legs with no fringe, longer chelicerae, and much wider and heavier embolus (Fig. 6E–F). Copulatory openings oriented antero-laterally, accessory glands situated posteriorly on spermathecae (Fig. 7G).

Etymology This species is named for Dr. Dmitri Logunov, a distinctive Russian arachnologist (now at the University of Manchester), a friend of ours.

Fig. 8. Corambis pantherae sp. nov., holotype, ♀ (QMB S35653).
A–C. Dorsal and frontal views. D. Chelicerae, maxillae and labium. E, G. Internal genitalia. F. Epigyne.

Corambis pantherae sp. nov.

Diagnosis Differs from other species of the genus by its relatively wider cephalothorax and spotted abdominal pattern. Copulatory openings oriented laterally, ag2 situated postero-laterally (Fig. 8).

Etymology This species is named for its abdominal pattern.

Barbara Patoleta and Marek Żabka. 2019. Salticidae (Arachnida: Araneae) of New Caledonia: Genus Corambis Simon, 1901. European Journal of Taxonomy. 578: 1–18. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2019.578

Muscari sabihapinari Eroğlu, Pinar & Fidan

in Eroğlu, Pinar & Fidan, 2019.

Hanım müşkürüm || DOI: 10.1111/njb.02514

Abstract

We describe Muscari sabihapinari (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae) as a new species from the Adana and Sivas provinces in South Anatolia, Turkey. It grows in rocky‐stony steppe habitats. Muscari sabihapinari shows general aspect similar to that of M. anatolicum, M. atillae and M. discolor but is easily distinguished from them by its bulb, leaf and flower characteristics. A complete morphological description, identification key, pollen characteristics, detailed photographs, comparative photographs and comparison table with the closely related species are presented.

Keywords: Asparagaceae, Muscari, new species, taxonomy, Turkey

Muscari sabihapinari Eroğlu, Pinar & Fidan, sp. nov.

Etymology: This species was named to the memory of the late Sabiha Pınar—mother of the second author of the article. We propose that the Turkish common name of this new species—“Hanım müşkürüm”—be used as per the guidelines of Menemen et al. (2016).

Huseyin Eroğlu, Süleyman Mesut Pinar and Mehmet Fidan. 2019. Muscari sabihapinari sp. nov. (Asparagaceae) from Anatolia, Turkey. Nordic Journal of Botany. 37(11). DOI: 10.1111/njb.02514

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Albadraco tharmisensis

Solomon, Codrea, Venczel & Grellet-Tinner, 2020

DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2019.104316

Highlights:

• A new large-sized azhdarchid pterosaur is described.

• Although not fully-grown, Albadraco represents a new azhdarchid species.

• It is intermediate between giant and medium-sized azhdarchids.

• It indicates highly diverse ecosystems from Hațeg Island.

ABSTRACT

The Upper Cretaceous “Hațeg Island” is not only renowned mostly for its peculiar assemblage of dwarf dinosaurs, but also for its Azhdarchidae pterosaurs including giant specimens (e.g. Hatzegopteryx thambema) and medium-sized ones (e.g. Eurazhdarcho langendorfensis), discovered in the Hațeg and Transylvanian basins of Romania. Here, we report a new species of azhdarchid pterosaur, Albadraco tharmisensis gen. et sp. nov. The material refers to two well-preserved “beak” fragments and a cervical vertebra. These fossils were discovered together in a fossil assemblage in the Maastrichtian Șard Formation, located in the southwestern area of the Transylvanian Basin (Alba District, Romania). The association of a premaxilla and a mandibular symphysis from the same specimen is the first ever reported in Europe. The fourth cervical exhibits the best three-dimensional preservation of any azhdarchid mid-cervical vertebra in Transylvania, as all specimens reported previously are poorly preserved (e.g. in E. langendorfensis) or incomplete like the specimen from Pui with a broken condyle. Albadraco tharmisensis represents a new species of a large–sized azhdarchid from the “Hațeg Island”. Its size fits between that of E. langendorfensis and H. thambema, hence confirming the co-existence of medium, large, and giant–sized azhdarchids during the Maastrichtian in Transylvania. The possibility of Ad. tharmisensis being a young Hatzegopteryx is also discussed.

Keywords: Azhdarchidae, beak, Europe, Transylvanian Basin, Maastrichtian

Albadraco tharmisensis gen. et sp. nov.

Alexandru A. Solomon, Vlad A. Codrea, Márton Venczel and Gerald Grellet-Tinner. 2019. A New Species of Large-sized Pterosaur from the Maastrichtian of Transylvania (Romania). Cretaceous Research. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2019.104316

Eogeometer vadens

Fischer, Michalski & Hausmann, 2019

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53734-w

Abstract

Lepidoptera have little fossilization potential due to the presence of delicate structures and hence are exceptional findings, even in ambers that allow their preservation in sufficient detail for interpretation. From Eocene Baltic amber, the volumetrically largest known deposit of amber, there has been no reliable report of any member of the Macrolepidoptera (informal group of higher moths and all butterflies). Any such lepidopteran fossil would provide insight into evolutionary processes during the Eocene, long after flowering plants had completed their initial radiation. Here, we report on a first geometrid caterpillar from Baltic amber which is described as the oldest evidence for the subfamily Ennominae (tribe Boarmiini) and as one of the oldest records of the currently mega-diverse family. The new finding provides an important calibration point for molecular clock analyses within the family Geometridae and predates the basal divergence of Boarmiini from 32–38 to 44 Mya. It also predates the occurrence of this highly specialized form of caterpillar locomotion that allows for rapid movement.

Figure 1: Looping geometrid caterpillar from Baltic amber. It is situated in a dorsal to lateral aspect with the Geometridae-type prolegs clearly visible.

Scale bar equals 1 mm.

The software Helicon Focus Mac 7.0.1 was used (https://www.heliconsoft.com/helicon-focus-history-of-changes-mac/).

Eogeometer vadens nov. gen., nov. spec

Systematics:

Order LEPIDOPTERA Linnaeus, 1758

Clade DITRYSIA Börner, 1925

Superfamily GEOMETROIDEA Leach, 1815

Family GEOMETRIDAE Leach, 1815

Genus Eogeometer nov. gen.

Etymology: The prefix ‘Eo’ refers to the Eocene, ‘geometer’ to the family name.

Eogeometer vadens nov. spec.

Holotypus: Specimen SNSB-ZSM-LEP amb002 (Fig. 1)

Locus typicus: Amber mine of Yantarni, Russia

Stratum typicum:“Blaue Erde” Horizon (Upper Eocene – Lower Oligocene)

Etymology: The species name ‘vadens’ - “walking” refers to the looping manner of locomotion.

Repository: Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, Munich, Germany; accession number SNSB-ZSM-LEP amb002.

Diagnosis of genus:

The genus Eogeometer is established for this Eocene geometrid caterpillar presumably belonging to the tribe Boarmiini. A differential diagnosis will be given when more Eocene geometrids will become known. Attribution to any extant geometrid genus would be highly speculative. The amber larva shares the character combination of supposed conifer-feeding (see below) and a conspicuous semicircular anal plate with only a few extant geometrid larvae (see discussion), which, however, do not show a longitudinal stripe pattern.

Description of species:

The looping caterpillar is 5 mm in length; the body is long and approximately cylindrical, smooth, but with transversal wrinkles. Along the uppermost ventral side of thorax and abdomen runs a longitudinal protruding and darkish stripe. The head diameter is about 1.5 times the diameter of the body, hypognathous and rounded; both parts of the head capsule show a symmetric spotty dark and light pattern. The legs are well developed (first right leg is missing); prolegs are well developed at abdominal segments A6 and A10 (one proleg of A10 is broken off and is preserved at some distance to the head of the caterpillar); only rudimentary prolegs are present at abdominal segment 5. There is a shield-like protrusion from the ventral side of A10. The setae D1, D2 are positioned at the edge of the longitudinal, dark protrusion. L1, L2 and SV1 are present in lateral positions. MD1, MSD1, MSD2, SD1, SD2 are seemingly absent (Setal map as Supplementary Information).

Taphonomy: The geometrid inclusion occurs within a flat piece of non-autoclaved Baltic amber with dimensions 30 mm by 20 mm, and a height of 4 mm. At one edge, about 5 mm were removed from the sample for IR analysis. The caterpillar is situated centrally within the amber, close to an internal boundary of two resin flows. The only syninclusions preserved adjacent the caterpillar are two different but poorly preserved mites. Some pyrite is present in cracks of the amber.

Thilo C. Fischer, Artur Michalski and Axel Hausmann. 2019. Geometrid Caterpillar in Eocene Baltic Amber (Lepidoptera, Geometridae). Scientific Reports. 9: 17201. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53734-w

Erste Großschmetterlings-Raupe im Baltischen Bernstein entdeckt idw-online.de/-CxmEAA

Ngirhaphium thaicum Samoh & Grootaert

in Samoh, Satasook & Grootaert, 2019.

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 67

Abstract

A review is given of the Ngirhaphium species of Southeast Asia and two new species are described from Thailand. Ngirhaphium meieri Samoh & Grootaert, new species is described from a mangrove in Takua Pa district, Phang Nga Province, peninsular Thailand. NGS-barcodes (313 bp) are congruent with traditional taxonomic delimitation. Ngirhaphium caeruleum Grootaert & Puniamoorthy sensu lato seems to consist of a species-complex with 32 haplotypes and has a wide distribution in the southern part of the South China Sea. There is a 4.2 % genetic difference between the Thai/Cambodian population and the Singapore/Brunei populations in N. caeruleum: despite the many haplotypes and differences in male terminalia, the Thai and Cambodian haplotypes formed a haplotype group, while the Singapore and Bruneian specimens formed another haplotype group. Nonetheless, the Thai population is morphological distinct enough to be considered a morpho-species: it is here described as N. thaicum Samoh & Grootaert, new species. An updated distribution of the six Southeast Asian Ngirhaphium species is given with additional taxonomic notes, a key to the species and a phylogenetic diagram. We find that the Andaman Sea coast to be the most diverse with four species while the South China Sea region has only two species both belonging to the caeruleum species complex. N. sivasothii Grootaert & Puniamoorthy is common and occurring from Singapore up to the Thai coast of the Andaman Sea, with 28 haplotypes. Remarkable in all species is the limited distribution of the haplotypes, where most seem endemic to a limited area and thus provide information about the origin of the distribution.

Key words: Dolichopodidae, Ngirhaphium, NGS-barcodes, peninsular Thailand

TAXONOMY:

Family Dolichopodidae

Subfamily Rhaphiinae

Genus Ngirhaphium Evenhuis & Grootaert

Ngirhaphium Evenhuis & Grootaert, 2002: 310.

Type species by original designation:

Ngirhaphium murphyi Evenhuis & Grootaert, 2002.

Ngirhaphium caeruleum species complex

Ngirhaphium thaicum Samoh & Grootaert, new species

Fig. 4. habitus female. Scale = 1 mm.

Fig. 3. male habitus. Scale = 1 mm.

Ngirhaphium thaicum Samoh & Grootaert, new species

Distribution. Trat, Prachuap Kirikan, Chumphon, Surat Thani Province, and Cambodia. Gulf of Thailand (South China Sea).

Remarks. This is one of the largest Ngirhaphium species. They prefer open areas without canopy cover and with soft mudflat.

Ngirhaphium meieri Samoh & Grootaert, new species

Etymology. The species is dedicated to Rudolf Meier, head of Evolutionary Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore (NUS), who provided us an opportunity to learn and do a molecular study of the marine dolichopodid flies.

Distribution. Phang Nga and Ranong provinces, Thailand, Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean).

Remarks. The new species is morphologically similar to N. sivasothii and even more to N. chutamasae. Differences can be found in the key to the Southeast Asian species here below.

Ngirhaphium caeruleum Grootaert & Puniamoorthy, 2014

Ngirhaphium chutamasae Samoh, Boonrotpong & Grootaert, 2015

Ngirhaphium murphyi Evenhuis & Grootaert, 2002

Ngirhaphium sivasothii Grootaert & Puniamoorthy, 2014

Abdulloh Samoh, Chutamas Satasook and Patrick Grootaert. 2019. NGS-barcodes, Haplotype Networks Combined to External Morphology Help to Identify New Species in the Mangrove Genus Ngirhaphium Evenhuis & Grootaert, 2002 (Diptera: Dolichopodidae: Rhaphiinae) in Southeast Asia. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 67; 640–659.

Chrysosplenium macrospermum Y.I.Kim & Y.D.Kim

in Kim, Shin, Lee, et al., 2019.

천지괭이눈 | 天池金腰 || DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.135.39036

Abstract

This study describes and illustrates Chrysosplenium macrospermum Y.I.Kim & Y.D.Kim, a new plant species from Changbaishan Mt. (Baekdusan Mt.) in northeastern China. The species is most similar to Chrysosplenium valdepilosum in the series Pilosa but is readily distinguishable by short arching sterile branches, multiple (up to 3) flowering stems, and smooth surfaced seeds (without tubercles), which are ca. 30–50% larger than those of other members in the series.

Keywords: Saxifragales, seed morphology, sterile branch, taxonomy

Figure 1. Chrysosplenium macrospermum Y.I.Kim & Y.D.Kim, sp. nov. A flowering individual B fruiting individual C inflorescence and bracteal leaves D infructescence and bracteal leaves E seed F seed coat, enlarged G flower (top view) H capsule, after dehiscence (top view) I stamen at various stages J capsule with persistent sepals (side view) K capsule, sepals removed L capsule, longitudinal section.

Figure 2. Chrysosplenium macrospermum Y.I.Kim & Y.D.Kim, sp. nov. A fruiting individual B infructescence, bracteal leaves and seeds in capsules C plant habit during flowering D fruiting individual showing short arch-shaped sterile branches and thick fibrous roots.

Chrysosplenium macrospermum Y.I.Kim & Y.D.Kim, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Chrysosplenium macrospermum is most similar to Chrysosplenium valdepilosum (Ohwi) S.H. Kang & J.W. Han, 2011 (see Han et al. 2011), but the former is readily distinguishable by short arching sterile branches, multiple (up to 3) flowering stems, and smooth surfaced seeds (without tubercles), which are ca. 30–50% larger than those of other members in the series Pilosa (Figure 3).

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species refers to the distinctly larger size of the seeds compared with those of other members in the series Pilosa.

Vernacular name: Cheon Ji Gwaeng I Nun (Korean pronunciation); 천지괭이눈 (Korean name), Tiān Chí Jīn Yāo (Chinese pronunciation); 天池金腰 (Chinese name)

Distribution: Chrysosplenium macrospermum is only known from Changbaishan Mt. in Jilin Province of China, at an elevation of ca. 2,600 m. To date, only a few subpopulations with approximately 5,000 individuals have been discovered near Tianchi Crater Lake. In the absence of additional data, we presently score it as Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List criteria (IUCN 2001).

Ecology: Chrysosplenium macrospermum occurs in alpine tundra, where it grows in humid and semi-shaded areas near the Tianchi volcanic crater along with Papaver radicatum var. pseudoradicatum (Kitag.) Kitag., Bistorta ochotensis Kom., Micranthes laciniata (Nakai & Takeda) S. Akiyama & H. Ohba, Sedum rosea (L.) Scop., and Pedicularis verticillata L. The flowering period of this species is from late May to early July, and the fruiting period is from July to August.

Yong-In Kim, Jae-Seo Shin, Sangwoo Lee, Jia-Hui Chen, Sangho Choi, Jin Hee Park and Young-Dong Kim. 2019. A New Species of Chrysosplenium (Saxifragaceae) from Northeastern China. PhytoKeys. 135: 39-47. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.135.39036

Lajasvenator ascheriae

Coria, Currie, Ortega & Baiano, 2019

DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2019.104319

twitter.com/frco_ortega

Highlights:

• A new genus and species of carcharodontosaurid theropod (Lajasvenator ascheriae) is described.

• Lajasvenator is the oldest Cretaceous carcharodontosaurid record.

• Lajasvenator represents the first Lower Cretaceous, South American carcharodontosaurid.

Abstract

A new carcharodontosaurid taxon, Lajasvenator ascheriae gen. et sp. nov. is described. The new taxon is based on two specimens: MLL-PV-Pv-005 is a partial skeleton represented by a portion of the snout, partially articulated presacral vertebral series, four articulated caudal vertebra and fragments of the pelvic girdle; MLL-PV-Pv-007 includes the anterior ends of both dentaries, a quadratojugal, and fragments of cervical vertebrae, ribs and a possible tarsal bone. Lajasvenator is unique in having anterior projections on cervical prezygapophyses, lip-like crests on the lateral surfaces of cervical postzygapophyses, and bilobed anterior processes on cervical ribs. Lajasvenator material was collected from the terrestrial sandstones of the Valanginian Mulichinco Formation. It is the oldest carcharodontosaurid record from South America. This medium sized theropod was found associated with remains of the dicraeosaurid sauropod Pilmatueia, indeterminate diplodocid remains, and a yet unidentified iguanodontian-like ornithopod.

Keywords: Lajasvenator, Carcharodontosauridae, Theropoda, Valanginian, Patagonia

Restoration of Lajasvenator ascheriae showing which bones have been collected.

Systematic Paleontology

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Tetanurae Gauthier, 1986

Allosauroidea Currie and Zhao, 1993

Carcharodontosauridae Stromer, 1931

Lajasvenator ascheriae gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Lajas, referring the city of Las Lajas, within the jurisdiction of which the specimen was found; venator, Latin, hunter; ascheriae, after Susana Ascheri, for her kindness in allowing us to work on her land.

Rodolfo A. Coria, Philip J. Currie, Francisco Ortega and Mattia A. Baiano. 2019. An Early Cretaceous, Medium-sized Carcharodontosaurid Theropod (Dinosauria, Saurischia) from the Mulichinco Formation (upper Valanginian), Neuquén Province, Patagonia, Argentina. Cretaceous Research. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2019.104319

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Lambeosaurine Dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous northeastern Spain.

in Conti, Vila, Sellés, et al., 2020.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2019.104286

Illustration: Oscar Sanisidro www.icp.cat

Abstract

Hollow-crested lambeosaurine hadrosaurids represent one of the latest and most rapid radiations of ornithischian dinosaurs, attaining a nearly global distribution during the Late Cretaceous. Although their presence in Europe is well documented, there are questions about the origin and timing of their arrival in this continent. The analysis of old and newfound lambeosaurine specimens from the Els Nerets locality (eastern Tremp Syncline, northeastern Spain) have shown that the ornithopod dinosaurs from this classic site belong to Lambeosaurinae. Recent chronostratigraphic data places the locality in the lower Maastrichtian, implying that the Els Nerets lambeosaurine is the first occurrence of the clade in Europe. The Els Nerets lambeosaurine exhibits some noticeable pelvic features only shared with the Asian taxon Tsintaosaurus spinorhinus and thus we hypothesize a close taxonomic affinity between the lambeosaurine from Els Nerets and the Eurasian Tsintaosaurini. Members of this tribe would have dispersed into the Ibero-Armorican Domain not later than the early Maastrichtian, coexisting with endemic dinosaurian groups for some time.

Keywords: Anatomy, Phylogeny, Biogeography, Cretaceous, Hadrosauridae, Lambeosaurinae

Simone Conti, Bernat Vila, Albert G. Sellés, Àngel Galobart, Michael J. Benton and Albert Prieto-Márquez. 2020. The Oldest Lambeosaurine Dinosaur from Europe: Insights Into the Arrival of Tsintaosaurini. Cretaceous Research. 107; 104286. DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2019.104286

El primer dinosaure lambeosaurí d’Europa va viure als actuals Pirineus www.icp.cat/index.php/ca/sala-de-premsa-4/noticies-icp/item/2968-primer-dinosaurie-lambeosauri-europa-icp

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Targaryendraco wiedenrothi (Wild, 1990)

in Pêgas, Holgado & Leal, 2019.

DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2019.1690482

Illustration: Vítor Silva

Holotype SMNS 56628 (Hauterivian, Engelbostel clay pit, Hannover).

in Rodrigues & Kellner, 2013.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.308.5559

ABSTRACT

Ornithocheirus wiedenrothi, from the Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous of Germany), is a taxon represented by three-dimensional remains of the lower jaw and wing elements. Its phylogenetic affinities have for long been elusive, though several works had already pointed out that it probably did not belong within the wastebasket genus Ornithocheirus. In the present contribution, we redescribe this species, assigning it to the new genus Targaryendraco and offering updated morphological comparisons. Subsequently, we present a phylogenetic analysis in which we recover a clade formed by Targaryendraco, Aussiedraco, Barbosania, Aetodactylus, Camposipterus and Cimoliopterus. This newly recognised clade is interesting in being quite cosmopolitan and spanning from the Hauterivian to the Cenomanian, like its sister-group, the Anhangueria. The recognition of this clade helps fill the temporal gap between the Anhangueria and Cimoliopterus, and also demonstrates that the diversity of Cretaceous toothed pterosaurs was higher than previously thought.

KEYWORDS: Pterosaur phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy, skull morphology, Targaryendraconia

Systematic palaeontology

Pterosauria Kaup, 1834

Pterodactyloidea Plieninger, 1901

Ornithocheiroidea Seeley 1870 sensu Bennett, 1994

Pteranodontoidea Marsh, 1876 sensu Kellner 2003

Lanceodontia Andres et al. 2014

Targaryendraconia new clade

Type genus:Targaryendraco gen. nov.

Content:Targaryendraco, Aussiedraco, Barbosania, Aetodactylus, Camposipterus and Cimoliopterus.

Cimoliopteridae new clade

Type genus: Cimoliopterus.

Content: Aetodactylus, Camposipterus and Cimoliopterus.

‘Ornithocheirus’ wiedenrothi, holotype SMNS 56628 (Hauterivian, Engelbostel clay pit, Hannover), anterior part of the mandibular symphysis. A dorsal view B respective line drawing C left lateral view D respective line drawing.

Abbreviations: d – dentary, sul – sulcus. Arrows and numbers indicate alveoli or teeth and their respective position.

Scale bar = 10 mm.

Rodrigues & Kellner, 2013. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.308.5559

Targaryendraconidae new clade

Type genus:Targaryendraco gen. nov.

Content:Targaryendraco, Aussiedraco and Barbosania.

Targaryendraco gen. nov.

Etymology A combination of Targaryen and draco (from the Latin word for dragon), in reference to the fictional dragons of the saga A Song of Ice and Fire that exhibit dark-coloured bones. This refers to the dark colour of the type specimen of Targaryendraco wiedenrothi comb. nov., as well as to the classic association between pterosaurs and dragons (e.g. Seeley 1870). This reference also honours the fact that pterosaurs have inspired some biological aspects of the dragons featured in the novels.

Type species Ornithocheirus wiedenrothi Wild 1990.

Targaryendraco wiedenrothi (Wild 1990) comb. nov.

Rodrigo V. Pêgas, Borja Holgado and Maria Eduarda C. Leal. 2019. On Targaryendraco wiedenrothi gen. nov. (Pterodactyloidea, Pteranodontoidea, Lanceodontia) and Recognition of A New Cosmopolitan Lineage of Cretaceous Toothed Pterodactyloids. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2019.1690482

Taissa Rodrigues and Alexander Wilhelm Armin Kellner. 2013. Taxonomic Review of the Ornithocheirus complex (Pterosauria) from the Cretaceous of England. ZooKeys. 308: 1-112. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.308.5559

researchgate.net/publication/334706709_Reassessment_of_the_enigmatic_pterosaur_'Ornithocheirus'_wiedenrothi_from_the_Lower_Cretaceous_of_Northern_Germany

Unusual toothy pterosaur found hidden in the wrong group on.natgeo.com/33psPKW via @NatGeoScience

Cyrtodactylus muangfuangensis

Sitthivong, Luu, Ha, Nguyen, Le & Ziegler, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4701.3.3

Abstract
A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus from Vientiane Province, northern Laos is described based on morphological and molecular data. Cyrtodactylus muangfuangensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from remaining congeners by the following combination of characters: maximum SVL 83.9 mm; dorsal pattern consisting of dark nuchal loop, nape band and five dark transversal bands between limb insertions; intersupranasals two; dorsal tubercles present on occiput, body, hind limbs and tail base; 15 or 16 irregular dorsal tubercle rows at midbody; lateral folds clearly defined, without interspersed tubercles; 31–37 ventral scales between ventrolateral folds; six precloacal pores and 15 femoral pores in males, which are interrupted by six to eight poreless scales; six precloacal pitted scales plus in total 10–15 pitted femoral scales in females, which are separated by six to eight poreless scales; enlarged precloacal and femoral scales present; two or three postcloacal tubercles; median subcaudal scales transversely enlarged. In molecular analyses, the new species is strongly supported as a member of the Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis species group, and weakly corroborated as a sister taxon to C. pageli. Pairwise genetic comparison shows that it is at least 18% divergent from other congeners in the species group based on a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus muangfuangensis sp. nov., morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Cyrtodactylus muangfuangensis sp. nov.

Saly Sitthivong, Vinh Quang Luu, Ngoan Van Ha, Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh Duc Le and Thomas Ziegler. 2019. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Vientiane Province, northern Laos. Zootaxa. 4701(3); 257–275. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4701.3.3

Acranthera collina C. W. Lin & C. H. Lee

in Lin & Lee, 2019

DOI: 10.18942/apg.201904

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Acranthera collina (Rubiaceae), a new species from Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, is described and illustrated. Acranthera collina resembles A. bullata Merr. but is easily distinguished by its ca. 10 pairs of lateral veins (vs. 13–15 pairs), 6-merous flowers (vs. 5-merous), golden yellow corolla (vs. red) and anthers ca. 5 mm long (vs. 10 mm long).

Key words: Acranthera, Borneo, new species, Rubiaceae, Sarawak

Fig. 2. Acranthera collina C. W. Lin & C. H. Lee.
A. Habit; B. Stipule; C. Bract; D. Corolla, face view; E. Calyx and ovary; F. Vertical section of ovary; G. Vertical section of corolla; H. Stamens; I. Stamens and style; J & J'. Stamens, ventral and side views; K. Style; L. Fruit.

Fig. 3. Acranthera collina C. W. Lin & C. H. Lee.
A & B. Habit and habitat; C. Stem, showing stipules; D. Inflorescence; E. Portion of adaxial leaf surface; F. Portion of abaxial leaf surface; G. Basal part of corolla; H. Vertical section of corolla; I. Stamens and style (left), side (center) and ventral (right) views of stamen; J. Ovary and calyx, also showing vertical section of ovary; K. Fruits; L. Vertical section of an immature fruit.

Acranthera collina C. W. Lin & C. H. Lee, sp. nov.

Acranthera collina resembles A. bullata Merr. (1937: 284) in having bullate obovate leaves, a short stature and an erect habit, but differs in having fewer lateral veins (10 or 11 pairs in A. collina vs. 13–15 pairs in A. bullata), 6-merous flowers (vs. 5-merous), golden yellow corolla (vs. red), and smaller anthers (ca. 5 mm long in A. collina vs. 10 mm long).

Distribution and habitat. Endemic to Sarawak. Currently known only from the Serikin area (Fig. 1); lowlands in mixed dipterocarp forest on riverbank and at base of limestone hills in semi-shaded and consistently humid areas, ca. 100 m elevation.

Etymology. the epithet collina refers to the lowland mountains where Acranthera collina was collected.

Che-Wei Lin and Chi-Hung Lee. 2019. Acranthera collina (Rubiaceae), A Splendid New Species from the Serikin Area, Kuching Division, Sarawak, Malaysia. Acta Phytotax. Geobot. 70(3); 189–194. DOI: 10.18942/apg.201904

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Camellia debaoensis R.C.Hu & Y.Q.Liufu

in Hu, Wei, Liufu, et al., 2019.

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.135.38756

Abstract

Camellia debaoensis R.C.Hu & Y.Q.Liufu, sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a new species from southwestern Guangxi, China. It is morphologically similar to Camellia pubipetala Y. Wan & S. Z. Huang, C. mingii S.X. Yang and C. tuyenquangensis D.V. Luong, N.N.H. Le & N. Tran, but it differs from these species in having glabrous young branches, glabrous petiole, glabrous sepals, glabrous petals, glabrous stamens and glabrous ovary, 10 petals, cylindrical ovary and style 3-lobed to 1/6 style length.

Keywords: Camellia, China, limestone flora, taxonomy, Theaceae

Figure 1. Camellia debaoensis R.C.Hu & Y.Q.Liufu, sp. nov. A flowering branch B lateral view of flower C fruit and style D fruit, sepals and bracteoles E stamen F pistil. Drawn by Xincheng Qu.

Figure 2. Camellia debaoensis R.C.Hu & Y.Q.Liufu, sp. nov. A habit B flowering branch C face view of flower D fruit, sepals and bracteoles E fruiting branch F pistil. Photographed by Renchuan Hu.

Camellia debaoensis R.C.Hu & Y.Q.Liufu, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Morphologically, the new species is similar to Camellia pubipetala Y. Wan & S.Z. Huang, C. mingii S.X. Yang and C. tuyenquangensis D.V. Luong, N.N.H. Le & N. Tran, but it differs from these species in having glabrous young branches, glabrous petiole, glabrous sepals, glabrous petals, glabrous stamens and glabrous ovary, 10 petals, cylindrical ovary and 3-lobed to 1/6 style length.

Type: China. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Debao County, Jingde Town, Tuoliang village, at the entrance of one of karst caves, rare, ..., 760 m a.s.l., 13 January 2017 (fl.), R.C. Hu HRC170113002 (holotype: GXMI!, isotypes: GXMI!, KUN!, NHMG! and IBK!).

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the type locality, Debao County, Guangxi.

Renchuan Hu, Sujuan Wei, Yongqing Liufu, Yunkai Nong, Wei Fang. 2019. Camellia debaoensis (Theaceae), A New Species of Yellow Camellia from Limestone Karsts in southwestern China. PhytoKeys. 135: 49-58. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.135.38756

Mimodactylus libanensis

Kellner, Caldwell, Holgado, Dalla Vecchia, Nohra, Sayão & Currie, 2019

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54042-z

twitter.com/pterosaurios

Artwork of Julius T. Csotonyi.

Abstract

Despite being known from every continent, the geological record of pterosaurs, the first group of vertebrates to develop powered flight, is very uneven, with only a few deposits accounting for the vast majority of specimens and almost half of the taxonomic diversity. Among the regions that stand out for the greatest gaps of knowledge regarding these flying reptiles, is the Afro-Arabian continent, which has yielded only a small number of very fragmentary and incomplete materials. Here we fill part of that gap and report on the most complete pterosaur recovered from this continent, more specifically from the Late Cretaceous (~95 mya) Hjoûla Lagerstätte of Lebanon. This deposit is known since the Middle Ages for the exquisitely preserved fishes and invertebrates, but not for tetrapods, which are exceedingly rare. Mimodactylus libanensis gen. et sp. nov. differs from the other Afro-Arabian pterosaur species named to date and is closely related to the Chinese species Haopterus gracilis, forming a new clade of derived toothed pterosaurs. Mimodactylidae clade nov. groups species that are related to Istiodactylidae, jointly designated as Istiodactyliformes (clade nov.). Istiodactyliforms were previously documented only in Early Cretaceous sites from Europe and Asia, with Mimodactylus libanensis the first record in Gondwana.

Figure 1: Geographical location where the new pterosaur, Mimodactylus libanensis gen. et sp. nov., was collected. (a) Geological map of Lebanon (adapted from Dubertret, 1955). (b) Detail showing the location of the most important fossil Lagerstätten of Lebanon (modified from Dalla Vecchia et al., 2002). (c) Position of Lebanon in the broad carbonate platform that surrounded the northern part of the Afro-Arabian continent during the late Cenomanian (modified from Philip and Floquet, 2000).

Abbreviations. a = Apulian Carbonate Platform (southern Italy); acp = Adriatic Carbonate Platform (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia); bd = Bei Daglari (Turkey); bih = Bihor Massif (Romania); bm = Bohemian Massif (Central Europe); et = Eastern Taurus (Turkey); g = Gavrovo (Greece); gm = Golija Massif (Serbia); inm = Insubrian Massif (Alps); sy = Seydisehir (Turkey); uks = Ukrainian Shield (Ukraine). The yellow star indicated on each map the location of the Hjoûla Lagerstätte(a,b), whilst the red asterisk Lebanon(c).

Reconstructed silouette of Mimodactylus libanensis showing the long wings regards the body.

Scale bar: 50 mm.

Systematic palaeontology

Pterosauria Kaup, 1834.

Pterodactyloidea Plieninger, 1901.

Ornithocheiroidea Seeley, 1870 sensu Kellner (2003).

Pteranodontoidea Marsh, 1876 sensu Kellner (2003).

Lanceodontia Andres et al., 2014.

Istiodactyliformes clade nov.

Branch-based definition: The most inclusive clade containing Istiodactylus latidens, but not Anhanguera blittersdorffi.

Diagnosis: Slender-built lanceodontian pterodactyloids with the following synapomorphies: mandibular rostral end pointed, teeth confined to the anterior half of the jaws, and labiolingually compressed crowns with a cingulum.

Included taxa: Istiodactylidae, Mimodactylidae, and Hongshanopterus lacustris.

Mimodactylidae clade nov.

Branch-based definition: The most inclusive clade containing Mimodactylus libanensis gen. et sp. nov., but not Istiodactylus latidens, Ikrandraco avatar, and Anhanguera blittersdorffi.

Diagnosis: Istiodactyliforms with cone-shaped teeth, crowns with a slight labiolingual compression, and sternal articular surface of the coracoid slightly concave.

Included species: Haopterus gracilis and Mimodactylus libanensis gen. et sp. nov.

Mimodactyluslibanensis gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Mimodactylus, from the acronym MIM (Mineral Museum) for the museum housing the specimen, in recognition of both the museum and the wishes of the anonymous philanthropist who facilitated the acquisition of the specimen thus keeping it in Lebanon, and the Greek ‘dactylos’ (δάκτυλος), meaning digit; libanensis from Lebanon, where the specimen was found.

Holotype: Almost complete skeleton, including the skull and lower jaw, housed at the Mineral Museum (MIM) of Beirut, Lebanon, MIM F1. Cast at the University of Alberta, Edmonton and Museu Nacional/UFRJ (MN 7216-V).

Locality and horizon: Hjoûla Lagerstätte of the Sannine Limestone (late Cenomanian), near the town of Hjoûla located 35 km NNE of Beirut and 10 km inland from Jbail, Lebanon.

Diagnosis: Mimodactylid with the following autapomorphies: humerus with a rectangular deltopectoral crest; humerus smaller than half the length of the second phalanx of the wing finger (hu/ph2d4 < 0.5). This species can be further distinguished from other ornithocheiroid pterodactyloids by the following combination of characters: discrete palatal ridge; 11 and 10 cone-shaped teeth on each side of the upper and lower jaws, respectively; scapula slightly longer than coracoid; humerus much longer than femur (hu/fe ~1.3); deltopectoral crest extends for around 40% of the humerus shaft length (see Supplementary Information for further details and measurements).

...

Life reconstruction of Mimodactylus libanensis gen. et sp. nov.

Artwork of Julius T. Csotonyi.

Phylogenetic relationships of Mimodactylus libanensis gen. et sp. nov. within Ornithocheiroidea. Colours show their continental origin: Afro-arabia (brown), Asia (orange), Europe (red), North America (blue), and South America (green).

Outgroup relationships are not shown (see Holgado et al., 2019 and Supplementary Information for further details). Intermittent bars show uncertain temporal range. Stratigraphic chart modified from Cohen et al., 2013

Alexander W. A. Kellner, Michael W. Caldwell, Borja Holgado, Fabio M. Dalla Vecchia, Roy Nohra, Juliana M. Sayão and Philip J. Currie. 2019. First Complete Pterosaur from the Afro-Arabian Continent: Insight Into Pterodactyloid Diversity. Scientific Reports. 9, 17875. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54042-z

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Scambus gallicerator Kasparyan, 1974

in Varga, 2019.
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4693.1.1

Abstract

Data on the ichneumonid parasitoid wasps of the subfamily Pimplinae from Ukraine are summarized. The fauna of the Ukrainian pimplines numbers 35 genera and 146 species equivalent to almost 63% of European fauna. Twenty-four species are recorded from Ukraine for the first time. Pimpla femorella Kasparyan, 1974 is a first record for Western Palaearctic. The highest species richness (91–94 spp.) occurs in Ivano-Frankivsk and Transcarpathian Regions situated mostly in the Carpathian Mountains basin. The Carpathian Montane Forests were found to be the most species rich (112 species) of the six ecoregions present in Ukraine. The flight period of Pimplinae-wasps in Ukraine lasts nine months with a maximum number of species collected in June and genera in July respectively.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Ichneumonoidea, Europe, inventory, survey, checklist, new records

Oleksandr Varga. 2019. Taxonomy and Distribution of Pimpline Parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) in Ukraine. Zootaxa. 4693(1); 1-65. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4693.1.1

Cheilonycha auripennis auripennis (Lucas, 1857)

in Moravec, 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4700.4.9

Abstract

Taxonomic and nomenclatorial revision of the genus Cheilonycha Lacordaire, 1842 with type species Cheilonycha chalybea (by original monotypy), based on Cicindela chalybea Dejean, 1825, is presented. It is concluded here that a subsequent type designation by Horn (1910), who without any explanation mentioned Ch. auripennis (Lucas, 1857) as the type species of the genus, was unjustified and must be considered invalid according to ICZN (1999). Examinations of type specimens have revealed that Cheilonycha auripennis sensu auctorum (sensu Horn 1922 and subsequent authors) is a complex of taxa. As a result, one new subspecies of Ch. auripennis (Lucas, 1857) and one new species of the genus are described and the following taxa of Cheilonycha are recognized and presented here: Ch. chalybea (Dejean, 1825), Ch. a. auripennis (Lucas, 1857), Ch. a. chiquitosiana ssp. nov. and Ch. bucephalauripennis sp. nov. Type specimens of Ch. a. angustedilatata (W. Horn, 1922) based on Odontochila (Chilonycha) auripennis angustedilatata W. Horn, 1922, proved to be fully conspecific with the type specimens of Ch. auripennis based on Cicindela auripennis Lucas, 1857. Consequently, Ch. a. angustedilatata syn. nov. is treated here as a junior synonym of Ch. a. auripennis. The history of the taxonomy of these taxa, their distribution and biology, including photographs of the termitophilous habitat, relevant lectotype designations, descriptions (redescriptions respectively) and illustrations in colour photographs of the habitus, diagnostic characters and variability are provided.

Keywords: Coleoptera, Cicindelidae, Odontocheilina, taxonomy, Cheilonycha, new species, new subspecies, distribution, termitophilous habitat, Neotropical Region

Cheilonycha auripennis auripennis (Lucas, 1857)

Jirí Moravec. 2019. Taxonomic and Nomenclatorial Revision within the Neotropical Genera of the Subtribe Odontocheilina W. Horn in A New Sense—22. Genus Cheilonycha Lacordaire, 1842 (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae). Zootaxa. 4700(4); 501–534. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4700.4.9

Siphocranion nudipes (Hemsl.) Kudô

in Chen, Zhu, Zhao, et al., 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.425.1.1

Abstract

Siphocranion is an oligotypic genus of Lamiaceae, with two species mainly distributed in subtropical China and one of them found also in northeastern India, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Based on field investigation, morphological comparison, and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of Siphocranion from the Sino-Vietnamese border is described as S. flavidum. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses on two nuclear ribosomal DNA regions and six plastid DNA regions reveal that S. flavidum is a distinct species in the genus and may be sister to the clade formed by the remaining two species of Siphocranion. Morphologically, the new species differs from S. macranthum and S. nudipes in its strigose stem with dark purple spots, thick papery lamina, significantly larger calyx, pale yellow corolla with tube slightly saccate at anterior side of base.

Keywords: Eudicots, new species, Ocimeae, Sino-Vietnamese border, Siphocranion, Siphocranioninae

Siphocranion nudipes (Hemsl.) Kudô

Ya-Ping Chen, Xin-Xin Zhu, Fei Zhao, Hui-Zhe Feng, Alan Paton and Chun-Lei Xiang. 2019. Molecular and Morphological Evidence for A New Species of Siphocranion (Lamiaceae) from the Sino-Vietnamese Border. Phytotaxa. 425(1); 1–18. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.425.1.1

Scinax tsachila

Ron, Duellman, Caminer & Pazmiño, 2018

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203169

Abstract

Scinax is a speciose genus of Neotropical hylid frogs. We describe a new species from western Ecuador (elevations between 0 and 1207 m) using morphology, vocalizations, and DNA sequences. We also present a new phylogeny for Scinax based on mitochondrial DNA genes 12S rRNA, Cytochrome Oxidase sub-unit I, Cytochrome B, 16S rRNA, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1, and adjacent tRNAs. The new species, Scinax tsachila sp. nov. was previously confused with S. quinquefasciatus, a morphologically similar sympatric species. They differ by having markedly different advisement calls, distinct skin texture in the dorsum, and different bone coloration. The new species is sister to S. elaeochroa, a species that differs in advertisement call and color pattern. We provide an updated species account for Scinax quinquefasciatus and a redescription of its holotype.

Scinax tsachila. A–B. QCAZ 39880, holotype, adult male, SVL 27.2 mm, Santa Rosa, Provincia El Oro, Ecuador. C. Amplectant pair, QCAZ 40848, adult male SVL 31.2 mm; QCAZ 40849, adult female, SVL 32.1 mm, Playón de San Francisco, Provincia Esmeraldas, Ecuador. D. QCAZ 62975, adult male, SVL 32.7 mm, vía Zaracay-Piñas, Provincia El Oro, Ecuador. E–F. QCAZ 57045, subadult female, SVL 24.6 mm, Tundaloma Lodge, Provincia Esmeraldas, Ecuador.

Photos A–F by S. R. Ron

Scinax tsachila sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (1) Average SVL in males 31.6 mm (range 27.2–34.2), in females 34.7 mm (range 33.2–36.4), Table 3; (2) snout acutely rounded in dorsal view and in profile; (3) ulnar and tarsal tubercles absent; (4) enlarged heel tubercle absent; (5) tubercles absent on lower jaw; (6) skin on dorsum smooth to shagreen without scattered tubercles; (7) diameter of tympanum 15.0% of head length; (8) dorsum cream to reddish brown with or without longitudinal brown stripes; (9) flanks lacking patterns; (10) posterior surfaces of thighs without markings; (11) iris brown with orange flecks to orange-yellow with brown reticulations.

Fig 8. Scinax tsachila [A–F] and S. elaeochroa [G–H] in life.

A–B. QCAZ 39880, holotype, adult male, SVL 27.2 mm, Santa Rosa, Provincia El Oro, Ecuador. C. Amplectant pair, QCAZ 40848, adult male SVL 31.2 mm; QCAZ 40849, adult female, SVL 32.1 mm, Playón de San Francisco, Provincia Esmeraldas, Ecuador. D. QCAZ 62975, adult male, SVL 32.7 mm, vía Zaracay-Piñas, Provincia El Oro, Ecuador. E–F. QCAZ 57045, subadult female, SVL 24.6 mm, Tundaloma Lodge, Provincia Esmeraldas, Ecuador.

G. KU 64336, adult male, 35.3 mm SVL, Quebrada Boruca, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. H. KU 64499, adult male, 30.7 mm, Laguna Monte Alegre, Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Photos A–F by S. R. Ron, G-H by W. E. Duellman.

Fig 10. Reproduction in Scinax tsachila.
A. Amplectant pair (not collected). B. Eggs. Photos by Pol Pintanel. Ecuador, Provincia Pichincha, Mindo, near the juncture of Río Cinto and Río Seloya.

Distribution and ecology: Scinax tsachila occurs in the Pacific Basin of Ecuador. Specimens with elevation data range from 0 to 1207 m above sea level (near Mindo, Provincia Pichincha; Fig 6). The available evidence suggests the occurrence of S. tsachila in Colombia. Records of “S. elaeochroa” from, Nariño Department, Colombia, [62,63] likely represent S. tsachila as some of they are only 70 km from S. tsachila populations in Ecuador. ....

Etymology: The specific name is a noun in apposition. The epithet refers to the Tsáchila people who inhabit the area within the range of Scinax tsachila in Ecuador. Men in this ethnic group mold their hair into a helmet-like shape that is dyed red with the juice of the achiote bush (Bixaceae: Bixa orellana). The Spaniards called them “Colorados” (colored red). Hence the former name of the major population center in the area, Santo Domingo de los Colorados.

Remarks: A potential senior synonym for S. tsachila is Hyla dulcensis [65]. Its type locality is “Golfito, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica”. Hyla dulcensis was considered a junior synonym of S. elaeochroa by Duellman [66]. Examination of the holotype of H. dulcensis (KU 32168) confirms that it is not conspecific with S. tsachila. The holotype has the characteristic dark interorbital triangular mark present in most S. elaeochroa. This is supported by the phylogeny which shows that samples of S. elaeochroa from Costa Rica, which are geographically close to the type locality of H. dulcensis, are genetically distinct from those of S. tsachila.

Santiago R. Ron , William E. Duellman, Marcel A. Caminer and Diana Pazmiño. 2018. Advertisement Calls and DNA Sequences Reveal A New Species of Scinax (Anura: Hylidae) on the Pacific Lowlands of Ecuador. PLoS ONE. 13(9): e0203169. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203169

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