[Botany • 2019] Phyllanthus huamotensis & P. chantaranothaii (Phyllanthaceae) • Two New Species of Phyllanthus from A Limestone Mountain, northern Thailand

December 12, 2019, 3:31 am

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Phyllanthus huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn. in Pornpongrungrueng, Chantaranothai, Parnell & Hodkinson, 2019. มะขามป้อมดอยหัวหมด  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.136.47625

Abstract

Two Phyllanthus species are newly described from a limestone mountain in the north of Thailand. The first species, P. huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov., is one of the most distinct Phyllanthus species easily distinguished by its reddish branchlets and stem, conspicuous reddish venation, especially on the lower leaf surface, red sepals with long fimbriate margin and red capsule with papillose-puberulous surface. The second species, P. chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov., is similar to P. pulcher Wall. ex Müll.Arg., but it is distinguished by its puberulous upper leaf surface and pistillate flowers which have red, narrowly lanceolate sepals with a white, long fimbriate margin, puberulous outer side as well as puberulous pedicel.

Keywords: diversity, Euphorbiaceae, new taxa, revision, taxonomy

Figure 1. Phyllanthus huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov. A habit B, C leaf shapes (B adaxial surface C abaxial surface) D stipule E pistillate flower F staminate flower G mature capsule.  Drawn by Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng.

Figure 2. Phyllanthus huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov. A, B habit C branchlet showing axillary fascicle of staminate flowers D branchlet showing pistillate flower E branchlet showing young red capsule. A Photo by Natthawut Triyuttachai B, C photos by Suchart Chanhomhual D, E photos by Kanokorn Ruengsawang.

Phyllanthus huamotensisPornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Phyllanthus huamotensis is one of the most distinct species of Phyllanthus in Thailand, easily distinguished by its reddish branchlets and stem, conspicuous reddish venation, especially on the lower leaf surface, red sepals with long fimbriate margins and red capsule with a papillose-puberulous surface. It is most similar to P. pulcher Wall. ex Müll.Arg., but differs in its undershrub habit that is up to 30 cm high (P. pulcher is a shrub up to 1.5 m high), small sized leaves (2–9 × (2–)3–8 mm) (leaves in P. pulcher are 7–28 × 6–17 mm) with conspicuous reddish venation (inconspicuous on both leaf surfaces in P. pulcher) and a red capsule with a papillose-puberulous surface (glabrous in P. pulcher).

Habitat and distribution: This species grows on open limestone hills, at 880–937 m above sea level. Currently, it is known only from the type location Doi Huamot, Tak province in northern Thailand.

Etymology: The name of this species is given, based on the location where the plant was first discovered.

Vernacular: Ma Kham Pom Din Huamot - มะขามป้อมดอยหัวหมด.

Figure 3. Phyllanthus chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov. A habit B, C leaf shapes (B adaxial surface C abaxial surface) D stipule E pistillate flower F staminate flower G young capsule H mature capsule. Drawn by Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng.

Figure 4. Phyllanthus chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov. A habit B branchlet showing axillary fascicle of staminate flowers C branchlet showing pistillate flower D branchlet showing young capsule E branchlet showing mature capsule.  A–C photos by Natthawut Triyuttachai D, E photos by Siriyakorn Sukcharoen.

Phyllanthus chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Phyllanthus chantaranothaii is most similar to P. pulcher, but differs in its puberulous upper leaf surface with white, simple and dendritic hairs and pistillate flowers that have red, narrowly lanceolate sepals with a white long fimbriate margin, puberulous on the outer side and puberulous pedicel, whereas in P. pulcher, the leaf is glabrous on both surfaces and the sepals of the pistillate flower are rhombic-ovate with the upper part greenish and lower part red, glabrous on the outside and glabrous pedicel.

Habitat and distribution: This species grows in mixed deciduous forest, at ca. 500 m elevation. It is currently known from the type location near Pa La Ta waterfall and Doi Huamot, Tak province, Thailand.

  

Etymology: The name of this species honours Prof. Dr. Pranom Chantaranothai for his major contributions to plant taxonomy, in general, but especially for his extensive work on Phyllanthus in the Flora of Thailand.

Vernacular: Mayom Noi - มะยมน้อย.

Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng, Pranom Chantaranothai, John A.N. Parnell and Trevor R. Hodkinson. 2019. Two New Species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) from Thailand.  PhytoKeys. 136: 35-44. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.136.47625

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[Botany • 2019] The Endemic Plants of Mozambique: Diversity and Conservation Status

December 15, 2019, 2:21 am

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Examples of the strict-endemic and near-endemic plants of Mozambique. A Sclerochiton coeruleus, Maronga, Manica (I. Darbyshire) B Aloe ribauensis, Ribaue, Nampula (I. Darbyshire) C Streptocarpus brachynema, Mount Gorongosa, Sofala (B. Wursten) D Raphia australis, Bilene, Gaza (H. Matimele) E Vangueria monteiroi, Bilene, Gaza (H. Matimele) F Memecylon incisilobum, Bilene, Gaza (H. Matimele) G Jamesbrittenia carvalhoi, Tsetserra, Manica (J. Osborne) H Cryptostephanus vansonii, Mount Gorongosa, Sofala (B. Wursten) I Orbea halipedicola, Gorongosa National Park, Sofala (B. Wursten) J Helichrysum moorei, Chimanimani Mountains, Manica (B. Wursten) K Eriolaena rulkensii, Palma Bay, Cabo Delgado (T. Rulkens) L Barleria torrei, Njesi Plateau, Niassa (J. Osborne) M Xylopia torrei, Licuati Forest, Maputo (H. Matimele) N Aeschynomene grandistipulata, Chimanimani Mountains, Manica (B. Wursten) O Lobelia cobaltica, Chimanimani Mountains, Manica (B. Wursten) P Euphorbia crebrifolia, Chimanimani Mountains, Manica (B. Wursten) Q Dissotis pulchra, Chimanimani Mountains, Manica (B. Wursten) R Pavetta pumila, Cheringoma, Sofala (B. Wursten). in Darbyshire, Timberlake, Osborne, ... et Wursten, 2019.    DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.136.39020

Abstract

An annotated checklist of the 271 strict-endemic taxa (235 species) and 387 near-endemic taxa (337 species) of vascular plants in Mozambique is provided. Together, these taxa constitute c. 9.3% of the total currently known flora of Mozambique and include five strict-endemic genera (Baptorhachis, Emicocarpus, Gyrodoma, Icuria and Micklethwaitia) and two near-endemic genera (Triceratella and Oligophyton). The mean year of first publication of these taxa is 1959, with a marked increase in description noted following the onset of the two major regional floristic programmes, the “Flora of Tropical East Africa” and “Flora Zambesiaca”, and an associated increase in botanical collecting effort. New taxa from Mozambique continue to be described at a significant rate, with 20 novelties described in 2018. Important plant families for endemic and near-endemic taxa include Fabaceae, Rubiaceae and Euphorbiaceae s.s. There is a high congruence between species-rich plant families and endemism with the notable exceptions of the Poaceae, which is the second-most species rich plant family, but outside of the top ten families in terms of endemism, and the Euphorbiaceae, which is the seventh-most species rich plant family, but third in terms of endemism. A wide range of life-forms are represented in the endemic and near-endemic flora, with 49% being herbaceous or having herbaceous forms and 55% being woody or having woody forms. Manica Province is by far the richest locality for near-endemic taxa, highlighting the importance of the cross-border Chimanimani-Nyanga (Manica) Highlands shared with Zimbabwe. A total of 69% of taxa can be assigned to one of four cross-border Centres of Endemism: the Rovuma Centre, the Maputaland Centre sensu lato, and the two mountain blocks, Chimanimani-Nyanga and Mulanje-Namuli-Ribaue. Approximately 50% of taxa have been assessed for their extinction risk and, of these, just over half are globally threatened (57% for strict-endemics), with a further 10% (17% for strict-endemics) currently considered to be Data Deficient, highlighting the urgent need for targeted conservation of Mozambique’s unique flora. This dataset will be a key resource for ongoing efforts to identify “Important Plant Areas – IPAs” in Mozambique, and to promote the conservation and sustainable management of these critical sites and species, thus enabling Mozambique to meet its commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Keywords: centre of endemism, checklist, conservation, flora, herbarium, IUCN Red List, range-restricted

Figure 3. Examples of the strict-endemic and near-endemic plants of Mozambique. A Sclerochiton coeruleus, Maronga, Manica (I. Darbyshire) B Aloe ribauensis, Ribaue, Nampula (I. Darbyshire) C Streptocarpus brachynema, Mount Gorongosa, Sofala (B. Wursten) D Raphia australis, Bilene, Gaza (H. Matimele) E Vangueria monteiroi, Bilene, Gaza (H. Matimele) F Memecylon incisilobum, Bilene, Gaza (H. Matimele) G Jamesbrittenia carvalhoi, Tsetserra, Manica (J. Osborne) H Cryptostephanus vansonii, Mount Gorongosa, Sofala (B. Wursten) I Orbea halipedicola, Gorongosa National Park, Sofala (B. Wursten) J Helichrysum moorei, Chimanimani Mountains, Manica (B. Wursten) K Eriolaena rulkensii, Palma Bay, Cabo Delgado (T. Rulkens) L Barleria torrei, Njesi Plateau, Niassa (J. Osborne) M Xylopia torrei, Licuati Forest, Maputo (H. Matimele) N Aeschynomene grandistipulata, Chimanimani Mountains, Manica (B. Wursten) O Lobelia cobaltica, Chimanimani Mountains, Manica (B. Wursten) P Euphorbia crebrifolia, Chimanimani Mountains, Manica (B. Wursten) Q Dissotis pulchra, Chimanimani Mountains, Manica (B. Wursten) R Pavetta pumila, Cheringoma, Sofala (B. Wursten).  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.136.39020

Conclusion: future priorities for the study of the endemic flora of Mozambique and its conservation

The checklist of endemic plants presented here provides a useful basis from which to build the evidence-base for effective conservation of the unique flora of Mozambique, for which the following next steps are underway:

• Complete the collation of existing data on endemic and near-endemic taxa, so that a detailed spatial analysis can be conducted to more accurately define Centres of Endemism and specific localities with concentrations of endemics. These results will allow for identification of critical knowledge gaps, and help effectively target sites for future field surveys.

• Complete a Red List of globally threatened species in Mozambique, with the eventual aims to assess the extinction risk for all endemic and near-endemic taxa, gather more information on species currently assessed as Data Deficient, and take active steps towards the conservation of all threatened species.

• Apply the accumulated plant distribution and Red List data, together with information on critical habitats, to identify and document Important Plant Areas. These data will also provide the botanical component for the identification of Key Biodiversity Areas.

Critical to the success of this work is the continued development of in-country capacity in field botany, taxonomy and conservation science in Mozambique, so that Mozambican practitioners are well placed to take forward the implementation of Mozambique’s commitments to protecting plant diversity under the CBD.

 Iain Darbyshire, Jonathan Timberlake, Jo Osborne, Saba Rokni, Hermenegildo Matimele, Clayton Langa, Castigo Datizua, Camila de Sousa, Tereza Alves, Alice Massingue, Jeneen Hadj-Hammou, Sonia Dhanda, Toral Shah and Bart Wursten. 2019. The Endemic Plants of Mozambique: Diversity and Conservation Status. PhytoKeys. 136: 45-96. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.136.39020

   

Resumo: Apresenta-se a lista das plantas vasculares de Moçambique, que compreende 271 taxa endémicos (235 espécies) e 387 taxa quase-endémicos (337 espécies). Estes taxa constituem cerca de 9,3% da flora total actualmente conhecida em Moçambique e incluem cinco géneros estritamente endémicos (Baptorhachis, Emicocarpus, Gyrodoma, Icuria e Micklethwaitia) e dois géneros quase-endémicos (Triceratella e Oligophyton). O ano médio das primeiras publicações destes taxa é 1959. Um aumento significativo na descrição de espécies novas foi verificado, relacionado com o início de dois projectos regionais, a “Flora of Tropical East Africa” e a “Flora Zambesiaca”, permitindo um esforço maior de colheitas botânicas. Novos taxa têm vindo a ser descritos a um ritmo significativo, com 20 novas espécies descritas em 2018 para a flora de Moçambique. As famílias Fabaceae, Rubiaceae e Euphorbiaceae, incluem importantes taxa endémicos e quase-endémicos. Existe uma estreita relação entre as famílias de plantas com elevado número de espécies e o grau de endemismo, excepção feita às Poaceae, que embora seja a segunda família mais rica em espécies não se posiciona no grupo das dez principais famílias em termos de endemismo. Por outro lado a família Euphorbiaceae, que é a sétima mais rica em espécies, posiciona-se em terceiro lugar quanto ao número de endemismo. A flora endémica apresenta diferentes formas de vida, sendo 49% das espécies herbáceas e 55% lenhosas. A Província de Manica é o local mais rico em taxa quase-endémicos, realçando assim a importância da área transfronteiriça Chimanimani-Nyanga (Manica) entre Moçambique e Zimbabwe. Refira-se ainda que 69% dos taxa encontra-se num dos quatro centros de endemismo transfronteiriços: o Centro do Rovuma, o Centro de Maputaland sensu lato e nas regiões montanhosas de Chimanimani-Nyanga e Mulanje-Namuli-Ribáuè. Cerca de 50% dos taxa foram avaliados quanto ao risco de extinção, estando mais da metade ameaçados globalmente (57% de endemismos) e 10% (17% de endemismos) foram incluídos na categoria Informação Insuficiente (DD), revelando que a maioria das plantas endémicas de Moçambique necessitam de conservação urgente. Este estudo fornece novos dados indispensáveis à identificação das “Áreas Importantes de Plantas – IPAs” em Moçambique, contribuindo ainda para implementar as estratégias de conservação anteriormente estabelecidas pela Convenção sobre a Diversidade Biológica (CBD).

[PaleoOrnithology • 2019] Kupoupou stilwelli • Chatham Island Paleocene Fossils provide insight into the Palaeobiology, Evolution, and Diversity of early Penguins (Aves, Sphenisciformes)

December 15, 2019, 3:28 am

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Kupoupou stilwelli Blokland, Reid, Worthy, ...et Scofield, 2019.  DOI: 10.26879/1009

ABSTRACT

Numerous skeletal remains recovered in situ from the late early to middle Paleocene Takatika Grit of Chatham Island, New Zealand, are among the oldest known fossils attributed to the penguin clade (Aves, Sphenisciformes). They represent a new medium-sized taxon, for which we erect a new genus and species, and a second, notably larger form. These new penguins are analysed in a parsimony and Bayesian framework using an updated and revised phylogenetic matrix, based on morphological and molecular characters, and interpreted as among the most basal of known sphenisciforms, closely related to Waimanu. While sharing numerous characteristics with the earliest wing-propelled divers, the novel taxon records the oldest occurrence of the characteristic penguin tarsometatarsus morphology. These ancient Chatham Island representatives add to a growing number and increased morphological diversity of Paleocene penguins in the New Zealand region, suggesting an origin for the group there. With their addition to other Paleocene penguins, these taxa reveal that sphenisciforms rapidly diversified as non-volant piscivores in the southern oceans following the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. They also provide further evidence for the hypothesis that their origin predates the Paleocene. This implies that stem Sphenisciformes and their sister group, the Procellariiformes, both originated in, and so may be expected to occur in, the Late Cretaceous.

Keywords: new genus; new species; palaeontology; New Zealand; phylogenetics; waterbirds

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

Class AVES Linnaeus, 1758

Order SPHENISCIFORMES Sharpe, 1891

Genus KUPOUPOU gen. nov.

Type species. Kupoupou stilwelli, sp. nov.

 Etymology. From Te Re Moriori, the native language of Chatham Island, in recognition of where the fossils were recovered. “Kupoupou” meaning “diving bird”. The gender is nominated as neuter.

Diagnosis. Kupoupou, n. gen. is referred to Sphenisciformes because it shares the synapomorphy of having flattened long bones of the forewing/flipper. Kupoupou, n. gen. is characterised by the combination of the following osteological apomorphies: a bifurcated processus transversus of the axis with a dorsally protruding torus dorsalis; the processus acrocoracoideus has a rounded and protruding omal crista acrocoracoidea of the coracoid, the insertion for ligamenti acrocoraco-procoracoidale on the facies articularis clavicularis is weakly hooked with a rounded facies apicalis, a weakly defined tuberculum for the insertion of plica synovialis coracoidea, joined by a low ridge to the impressio ligamenti acrocoraco-acromiale, the latter of which is separated by the impressio ligamenti acrocoraco-procoracoidale by a groove; a well-defined labrum internum of the coracoid that is compressed in the sternal-omal direction; the distal margin of the crista bicipitalis on the humerus is nearly perpendicular to the long axis of the shaft; the distal caudal border of the olecranon of the ulna is distinctly angled, with a marked bony caudal protuberance; a dorsocaudally situated sub-triangular insertion scar for the musculus supinator on the proximal radius; a distinct caudally projecting tuberculum aponeurosis ventralis from the ventral caudal margin of the distal radius and an associated prominent ulnar depression; a proximally directed process on the phalanx III-1; a marked laterally protruding epicondylus lateralis on the femur; the sulcus for the tendon to the muscle flexor hallucis longus is bounded by medial and lateral hypotarsal crests of distinct subequal plantar projection on the tarsometatarsus; a strongly plantar projecting flange on the lateral rim of trochlea metatarsi IV.

Kupoupou stilwelli sp. nov.

  

Etymology. The type species “stilwelli” honours palaeontologist Jeffrey D. Stilwell, who led and organised the parties to recover the holotype and the only known referred specimens.

Holotype. NMNZ S.47312; associated left tarsometatarsus, left radius, and caudal vertebra.

Type locality, horizon, and age. Maunganui Beach, east of Tahatika Creek, north western Chatham Island, near 43°45’10.1”S, 176°40’46.8”W; New Zealand. The fossils come from a narrow greensand layer in outcrop on the wave platform that overlies the Upper nodular-phosphate and bone package horizon (NPB, Figure 1.3), Takatika Grit (late early-middle Paleocene, 62.5-60 Ma) (Consoli et al., 2009; Consoli and Stilwell, 2009; Hollis et al., 2017).

DESCRIPTION AND COMPARISONS

Kupoupou stilwelli n. gen. et sp.

 Kupoupou stilwelli n. gen. et sp. is a medium-sized sphenisciform (relative to all known fossil and extant penguins), likely slightly smaller than a modern adult Aptenodytes patagonicus. The referred specimens are assigned to Kupoupou stilwelli n. gen. et sp. based on similarity of overlapping skeletal elements (Figure A4), size, and their origin in the same horizon of the same bed in the Takatika Grit. The dimensions of the forewing elements reveal that Kupoupou stilwelli n. gen. et sp. was likely smaller than both Muriwaimanu tuatahi and Sequiwaimanu rosieae. Its humeri and coracoids show that it was smaller than the larger Chatham Island form described later in the text (Figure 3).

New Zealand stem penguins of broadly comparable age examined directly included Waimanu manneringi, Muriwaimanu tuatahi, ?Crossvallia waiparensis, and Sequiwaimanu rosieae. Additionally, other similarly aged taxa including the giant Waipara Greensand penguin, Kumimanu biceae, Kaiika maxwelli, and Crossvallia unienwillia, were compared from relevant literature (Tambussi et al., 2005; Fordyce and Thomas, 2011; Jadwiszczak et al., 2013; Mayr et al., 2017a, 2017b, 2019).

Jacob C. Blokland, Catherine M. Reid, Trevor H. Worthy, Alan J.D. Tennyson, Julia A. Clarke, and R. Paul Scofield. 2019.  Chatham Island Paleocene Fossils provide insight into the Palaeobiology, Evolution, and Diversity of early Penguins (Aves, Sphenisciformes). Palaeontologia Electronica. 22.3.78; 1-92. DOI: 10.26879/1009 palaeo-electronica.org/content/2019/2773-chatham-island-penguins

  

[Entomology • 2019] Revision of the Australian Bee Fly Genus Sisyromyia White, 1916 (Diptera: Bombyliidae)

December 16, 2019, 11:16 pm

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Sisyromyia thomsoni  Evenhuis & Greathead, 1999 in Li & Yeates, 2019.    DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4711.2.1

Abstract
We review Sisyromyia White (Bombyliidae, Bombyliinae), a remarkable Australian endemic bee fly genus, which includes 11 species, including six species we describe as new here: Sisyromyia albisquama sp. nov., Sisyromyia angustivitta sp. nov., Sisyromyia elongata sp. nov., Sisyromyia maculipennis sp. nov., Sisyromyia umbra sp. nov., Sisyromyia vittata sp. nov. The genus can be easily distinguished from other Australian genera in the subfamily by having a one-segmented antennal flagellum, subapex of flagellum with some long hairs; a pale median stripe present on the abdomen consisting of dense, decumbent short scales, cell r5 open; cell br nearly as long as cell bm, crossvein m-m located on base of cell dm; crossvein m-m long, nearly as long as crossvein r-m. We also recognized one new synonym, and propose a new combination for Sisyromyia binghi Evenhuis. A key to species of Sisyromyia is provided, and we extensively illustrate their internal and external morphology.

Keywords: Diptera, Australia, Bombyliidae, Acrophthalmydini, new species, new combination

 Xuankun Li and David K. Yeates. 2019. Revision of the Australian Bee Fly Genus Sisyromyia White, 1916 (Bombyliidae, Bombyliinae, Acrophthalmydini). Zootaxa. 4711(2); 201–244. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4711.2.1

[Botany • 2019] Sarcoglottis neillii (Orchidaceae: Spiranthinae) • A New Species from the Andean Tepui Region of Ecuador and Peru

December 17, 2019, 1:17 am

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Sarcoglottis neillii Salazar & Tobar in Salazar, Tobar, Jiménez-Machorro, et al., 2019.   DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.427.1.1

Abstract
Recent exploration of the foothills of the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador, led to the discovery of an unknown species of Sarcoglottis, and subsequent study in Peruvian herbaria permitted to record it in Peru. Here we describe it as Sarcoglottis neillii and provide a detailed drawing and color photographs taken from live plants. We compare its morphology with that of similar members of Sarcoglottis and conduct a preliminary assessment of its conservation status. Sarcoglottis neillii belongs to a small group of species including S. metallica, S. maroaënsisand S. stergiosii, differing from the former two species in leaf coloration and from the latter in flower size and labellum morphology. The single known Ecuadorian location of S. neillii was destroyed by extensive open pit-mining activities, but the several records from Peru suggest that the species is widespread; three locations occur within the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park, but information on its actual range and potential threats is lacking and we suggest for it the category of Data Deficient (DD) until further field studies permit a better-informed assessment of its risk status.

Keywords: Amazon, Cordillera del Cóndor, Sarcoglottis maroaënsis, Sarcoglottis metallica, Sarcoglottis stergiosii, Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park, Monocots

Figure 1. Sarcoglottis neillii (Ecuador, Salazar et al. 9978). A. Rosette of leaves in situ. B. Flowering plant removed from soil. C. Inflorescence. D. Close-up of flowers. E. Upper part of peduncle showing pubescence. F. Flower from front. G. Flower from side. H. Longitudinal section of flower from side. I. Labellum from above. J. Labellum from side. K. Column and upper part of ovary from side. L. Column from above. M. Column from below. N. Pollinarium from above. Photographer: Gerardo A. Salazar.

Figure 2. Sarcoglottis neillii (Ecuador, Salazar et al. 9978). A. Habit. B. Floral bract spread out. C. Flower from front. D. Flower in oblique view. E. Flower from side. F. Flower from side with sepals and petals excised to show the labellum. G. Dorsal sepal. H. Petal. I. Lateral sepal. J. Labellum. K. Column from below. L. Column from above. M. Column from side. N. Pollinarium from above. O. Pollinarium from below. P. Pollinarium from side. Drawn with camera lucida by Rolando Jiménez-Machorro.

Sarcoglottis neillii Salazar & Tobar, sp. nov.

Type:— ECUADOR. Zamora Chinchipe: cantón El Pangui, estribaciones de la Cordillera del Cóndor, ..., 1600 m, collected 10 April 2017, pressed in cultivation 12 February 2018, Salazar et al. 9978 (holotype QCNE!).

 Similar to S. metallica (Rolfe)Schltr. and S. maroaënsis G.A.Romero & Carnevali, differing from both in its bright green upper side of leaves densely streaked with silvery white and lower leaf surface homogeneously pale olive green (vs. upper surface of leaves reddish-, brownish-, or chocolate-purplish with irregular, bright green dots and spots and homogeneously purplish-red underside).

RECOGNITION. Sarcoglottis neillii is similar in floral structure to S. metallica, from the Guiana Shield and northwestern Amazonia—including its synonym, S. maasorum Pabst (1979: 21, fide Christenson 1999) and S. maroaënsis, from southern Venezuela (Romero-González et al. 2010). However, leaf coloration distinguishes S. neillii from the latter two species. In S. neillii, the upper surface of the leaves is bright green densely streaked with silvery white and its lower surface is homogeneously pale olive green. In contrast, the leaves of S. metallica and S. maroaënsis are reddish-, brownish-, or chocolate-purplish with irregular, bright green dots and spots on the upper surface and homogeneously purplish-red on the underside. Moreover, leaves of S. maroaënsis are ascending and proportionately narrower, elliptic-lanceolate to oblanceolate (vs. horizontal, elliptic to ovate). A further similar species is S. stergiosii, from southern Colombia and Venezuela, distinguished from S. metallica, S. maroaënsis and S. neillii by its much smaller plants and flowers, proportionately narrower perianth segments, and only slightly expanded apical lobe of the labellum (Carnevali & Ramírez 2003).

  

DISTRIBUTION. Know only from Ecuador and Peru, on the eastern (Amazonian) foothills of the Andes and on adjacent Andean tepuis, corresponding with the central and southern portions of the Andean Tepui Region proposed by Neill (2007) and Neill et al. (2014). The Andean Tepui Region consists a discontinuous series of mountain ranges located east of the main Andean cordillera and separated from it by low valleys. It includes, from north to south, the Serranía de la Macarena in Colombia, Cordilleras Galeras and Kutukú in Ecuador, Cordillera del Cóndor along the Ecuador-Peru border, Cerros de Kampankis in northern Peru (a southern extension of Kutukú), and Cordillera Escalera, Cordillera Azul and Cordillera de Yanachaga in Peru. This whole region holds an extraordinary biological diversity that has been only partially documented (Neill et al. 2014).

ETYMOLOGY. We name this species after Dr. David Neill, born in the USA but for many years living and working in Ecuador. He is Director of Conservation and Wildlife Management at the Universidad Estatal Amazónica, Puyo, and founder and Curator of the Herbario Amazónico (ECUAMZ). Dr. Neill has discovered and named many new plant species and several genera, and is a leading researcher of the flora and vegetation of the Andean Tepui Region, one of the less-known biodiversity hotspots of South America.

Gerardo A. Salazar, Francisco Tobar, Rolando Jiménez-Machorro, Efraín Freire and Marcia Peñafiel Cevallos. 2019. Sarcoglottis neillii (Orchidaceae: Spiranthinae), A New Species from the Andean Tepui Region of Ecuador and Peru. Phytotaxa. 427(1); 1–8. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.427.1.1

  

[Herpetology • 2019] Calamaria strigiventris • A New Species of the Genus Calamaria Boie, 1827 (Squamata: Colubridae) from the Highlands of the Langbian Plateau, Southern Vietnam

December 17, 2019, 1:44 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2019] Garra surinbinnani • A New Species of Labeonine (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Mae Khlong basin of Thailand

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Calamaria strigiventris   Poyarkov, Nguyen, Orlov & Vogel, 2019   DOI: 10.30906/1026-2296-2019-26-6-335-348   facebook.com/NickPoyarkov

Abstract 

A new species of reed snake, genus Calamaria, is described from the Langbian Plateau in Lam Dong and Khanh Hoa provinces, Vietnam based on a morphological examination of nine specimens. Calamaria strigiventris sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: 9 – 11 modified maxillary teeth; rostral wider than high; prefrontal shorter than frontal, touching first two supralabials; mental separated from anterior chin shields; dorsal scales in 13 – 13 – 13 rows, all smooth; single preocular, single postocular; four supralabials, the 2nd and 3rd in contact with the eye; eye diameter smaller than eye-mouth distance; five infralabials; six scales surrounding the paraparietal; prefrontal touching 1st – 2nd supralabials; ventral scales 130 – 183; subcaudal scales 20 – 33, paired; tail relatively short (8.4 – 17.9% of the total length), nearly as thick as body, slowly tapering anteriorly, then abruptly tapering to the tip; dorsal scales reducing to four rows above 17th subcaudal on tail; dorsum uniform gray-brown, venter bright yellow with three interrupted longitudinal black stripes, one wide in the middle and a pair on the lateral edges of the ventrals. The new species is currently known only from two localities on the Langbian Plateau and was recorded from montane elfin evergreen tropical forests of Lam Dong and Khanh Hoa provinces at elevations from 1500 to 2000 m a.s.l. We suggest the new species should be considered as Vulnerable (VU) following the IUCN’s Red List categories.

Keywords: Calamaria strigiventris sp. nov.; taxonomy; morphology; Lam Dong; Khanh Hoa; Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park; Hon Ba Nature Reserve

  

Nikolay Poyarkov, Tan Nguyen, Nikolai L. Orlov and Gernot Vogel. 2019. A New Species of the Genus Calamaria Boie, 1827 from the Highlands of the Langbian Plateau, Southern Vietnam (Squamata: Colubridae). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 26(6); 335–348.  DOI: 10.30906/1026-2296-2019-26-6-335-348

Researchgate.net/publication/337935972_A_New_Species_of_the_Genus_Calamaria_from_the_Highlands_of_the_Langbian_Plateau_Southern_Vietnam

 facebook.com/NickPoyarkov/posts/10218511109763349

    

[Ichthyology • 2019] Garra surinbinnani • A New Species of Labeonine (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Mae Khlong basin of Thailand

December 18, 2019, 12:16 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2019] Synopsis of the Genus Phlegmariurus (Lycopodiaceae) in Colombia

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Garra surinbinnani Page, Ray, Tongnunui, Boyd & Randall, 2019  DOI: 10.23788/IEF-1117  facebook.com/FMScience

Garra surinbinnani, new species, is described from the Mae Khlong basin of western Thailand. It is the fourth species of Garra known from the basin and occurs syntopically with the other three species in fast-flowing rocky riffles. Within the Mae Khlong basin, it is most similar to G. fuliginosa from which it differs most obviously in having a bilobed (vs. trilobed) proboscis on the snout and 12-13 (vs. 15-16) circumpeduncular scales. Garra surinbinnani is readily distinguished from other species of Garra with a proboscis in Southeast Asia – G. notata and G. salweenica in the Salween basin, and G. cyrano in the Mekong basin – in having 12-13 (vs. 15-16) circumpeduncular scales, and from all species of Garra outside Southeast Asia with a bilobed proboscis and 12-13 circumpeduncular scales by having 28-31 (vs. 34 or more) lateral-line scales.

   

Lateral view of Garra surinbinnani, UF 192195, paratype, 101.7 mm SL.

Garra surinbinnani, new species

Diagnosis. Garra surinbinnani is distinguished from all other species of Garra by the combination of a more-or-less rectangular (viewed dorsally), bilobed proboscis on the snout (Fig. 2), a large transverse lobe separated from the rest of the snout by a deep transverse groove, 12-13 circumpeduncular scales, and 28-31 lateral-line scales.

Fig. 4. Lateral views of: a, Garra surinbinnani, UF 192195, paratype, 101.7 mm SL;  b, G. fuliginosa, UF 237392, 116.2 mm SL; c, G. salweenica, UF 183853, 101.7 mm SL.

Etymology. The specific name surinbinnani, a noun in genitive case, is the concatenated form of the chosen appellation of our friend and colleague, Mr. Amphol Tapanapunnitikul. Surin Binnan (สุริน บินนาน) was director of the Foundation of Western Forest Complex Conservation and a leading figure in efforts to protect natural areas in Thailand.

Distribution and habitat. Garra surinbinnani appears to be endemic to the Mae Khlong basin in western Thailand (Fig. 6). It occurs sympatrically with G. fuliginosa in fast rocky riffles in streams throughout the basin and with G. cambodgiensis and G. fluviatilis in the Khwae Noi, the large western tributary of the Mae Khlong basin. 

  Lawrence M. Page, Brandon C. Ray, Sampan Tongnunui, David A. Boyd and Zachary S. Randall. 2019. Garra surinbinnani, A New Species of Labeonine from the Mae Khlong basin of Thailand (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. IEF-1117. DOI: 10.23788/IEF-1117

 facebook.com/FMScience/posts/803849633387878

‘Netherworldly’ freshwater fish named for Thai conservation visionary

floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/netherworldly-fish-named-for-thai-conservationist/

 bit.ly/38HECIp via @FloridaMuseum @EurekAlert

[Botany • 2019] Synopsis of the Genus Phlegmariurus (Lycopodiaceae) in Colombia

December 18, 2019, 1:36 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2019] Ericaceae of Sulawesi: A New Species of Diplycosia, A New Variety of Vaccinium paludicolum and One Rediscovery

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Phlegmariurus sp. in Øllgaard, 2019.   DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.426.1.1

Abstract

This article  presents the results of a study of a large material of Colombian Lycopodiaceae, describing 75 species of the genus Phlegmariurus, some of them subdivided into several varieties. Their nomenclature, distribution and habitats are indicated, and problems of species delimitation and infraspecific variation are discussed. All species are illustrated, and studied specimens are cited. An attempt has been made to group the species, mainly following the clades of recent molecular studies. The following taxa are described as new to science: Phlegmariurus cocuyensis, P. cruentus var. exilis, P. cruentus var. illimitatus, P. idroboi, and P. josesantae.

Keywords: Lycopodiaceae, Phlegmariurus, Colombia, Pteridophytes

Benjamin Øllgaard [B.Øllg.]. 2019. Synopsis of the Genus Phlegmariurus (Lycopodiaceae) in Colombia. Phytotaxa. 426(1); 1-105. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.426.1.1

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[Botany • 2019] Ericaceae of Sulawesi: A New Species of Diplycosia, A New Variety of Vaccinium paludicolum and One Rediscovery

December 21, 2019, 12:43 am

≫ Next: [Crustacea • 2019] Redescription of Arcotheres pernicola (Bürger, 1895) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae) from the Oyster Magallana gryphoides (Schlotheim, 1820) in India

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Diplycosia jiewhoei Mustaqim in Mustaqim & Ardi, 2019.   DOI: 10.7751/telopea13168

Abstract 

Diplycosia jiewhoei Mustaqim and Vaccinium paludicolum var. hirsutulum Mustaqim are described as new taxa. Diplycosia retusa has been rediscovered after a lapse of 116 years and is here illustrated with photographs, and the first description of the fruits of this species is presented. 

Keywords: Diplycosia, Ericaceae, new species, taxonomy, Vaccinium, Wallacea 

Fig. 1. Diplycosia jiewhoei Mustaqim: A. habit. B. twig. C. close up of leaves. D. inflorescence. E–F. Flower. Scale: A–B = 5 mm; C = 0.5 mm; D–F = 2 mm.  All from Ardi 258. Photos: Wisnu H. Ardi.

Diplycosia jiewhoei Mustaqim, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Similar to Diplycosia elliptica Ridl. (northern Sumatra, Peninsular Malaya and Borneo) but differing in having leaves with a protruding apical gland (vs minute), longer pedicels (c. 4 mm vs 1(–2) mm long), an urceolate-subglobose corolla (vs short-cylindric or subcampanulate), oblong anthers (vs sagittate) and shorter tubules (0.3 mm vs 1 mm long).

 Type: INDONESIA: Central Sulawesi: Poso Regency: Tentena-Bada road divide, 1 Aug 2018, WH Ardi 258 (holotype: BO!; isotypes: CEB!, SING!). 

Etymology: Named after Tan Jiew Hoe, the Singaporean philantropist and plant enthusiast who supports many botanical explorations including the one on which this species was collected.

Fig. 4. Diplycosia retusa. A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Fruit, lateral view. D. Fruit seen from above. Scale: A = 5 cm; B = 5 mm; C–D = 5 mm.  All from Ardi 272. Photos: Wisnu H. Ardi.

The rediscovery of Diplycosia retusa 

Diplycosia retusa Sleumer, Bot. Jahrb. 71: 156 (1940).

Distribution: Endemic to Central Sulawesi. 

Habitat and ecology: Terrestrial in upper montane vegetation on quartzite soil, 1300 to 1700 m.

Wendy A. Mustaqim and Wisnu H. Ardi. 2019. Ericaceae of Sulawesi: A New Species of Diplycosia, A New Variety of Vaccinium paludicolum and One Rediscovery. Telopea: Journal of Plant Systematics. 22; 193-204. DOI: 10.7751/telopea13168

Researchgate.net/publication/337649836_Ericaceae_of_Sulawesi

Abstrak: (Bahasa Indonesia) Diplycosia jiewhoei Mustaqim and Vaccinium paludicolum var. hirsutulum Mustaqim dipertelakan sebagai takson-takson baru. Diplycosia retusa telah ditemukan kembali setelah jeda 116 tahun dan foto beserta pertelaan pertama lengkap dengan buah untuk jenis ini disajikan. 

Kata kunci: Diplycosia, Ericaceae, jenis baru, taksonomi, Vaccinium, Wallacea

[Crustacea • 2019] Redescription of Arcotheres pernicola (Bürger, 1895) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae) from the Oyster Magallana gryphoides (Schlotheim, 1820) in India

December 21, 2019, 12:58 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2019] Revision of the Afro-Madagascan Genus Costularia (Cyperaceae: Schoeneae): Infrageneric Relationships and Species Delimitation

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Arcotheres pernicola (Bürger, 1895) in Trivedi, Gosavi, Vachhrajani & Ng, 2019.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4706.4.8

Abstract

The identity of Arcotheres pernicola (Bürger, 1895) (Pinnotheridae), a pea crab supposedly associated with the mussel Perna, has been unclear as the type specimen is in poor condition. Specimens collected from the oyster Magallana gryphoides (Schlotheim, 1820) from Alibaugh, Maharashtra state, India, are here referred to A. pernicola and the species is redescribed and refigured. Its affinities with allied congeners are also discussed.

Keywords: pea crab, Perna, rocky shore, Maharashtra, Crustacea

Jigneshkumar N. Trivedi, Swapnil Gosavi, Kauresh D. Vachhrajani and Peter K. L. Ng. 2019. Redescription of Arcotheres pernicola (Bürger, 1895) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae) from the Oyster Magallana gryphoides (Schlotheim, 1820) in India. Zootaxa. 4706(4); 587–593. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4706.4.8

[Botany • 2019] Revision of the Afro-Madagascan Genus Costularia (Cyperaceae: Schoeneae): Infrageneric Relationships and Species Delimitation

December 21, 2019, 1:47 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2019] The Sprightly Little Sphaerodactyl: Systematics and Biogeography of the Puerto Rican Dwarf Geckos Sphaerodactylus (Gekkota, Sphaerodactylidae)

≪ Previous: [Crustacea • 2019] Redescription of Arcotheres pernicola (Bürger, 1895) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae) from the Oyster Magallana gryphoides (Schlotheim, 1820) in India

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Costularia cadetii Larridon in Larridon​, Rabarivola, Xanthos & Muasya, 2019.    DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6528

Abstract

A recent molecular phylogenetic study revealed four distinct evolutionary lineages in the genus Costularia s.l. (Schoeneae, Cyperaceae, Poales). Two lineages are part of the Oreobolus clade of tribe Schoeneae: the first being a much-reduced genus Costularia s.s., and the second a lineage endemic to New Caledonia for which a new genus Chamaedendron was erected. The other two lineages were shown to be part of the Tricostularia clade of tribe Schoeneae. Based on morphological and molecular data, the genus Costularia is here redelimited to represent a monophyletic entity including 15 species, which is restricted in distribution to southeastern Africa (Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe), Madagascar, the Mascarenes (La Réunion, Mauritius), and the Seychelles (Mahé). Molecular phylogenetic data based on two nuclear markers (ETS, ITS) and a chloroplast marker (trnL-F) resolve the studied taxa as monophyletic where multiple accessions could be included (except for Costularia laxa and Costularia purpurea, which are now considered conspecific), and indicate that the genus dispersed once to Africa, twice to the Mascarenes, and once to the Seychelles. Two endemic species from Madagascar are here described and illustrated as new to science, as is one additional species endemic to La Réunion. Two taxa previously accepted as varieties of Costularia pantopoda are here recognised at species level (Costularia baronii and Costularia robusta). We provide a taxonomic revision including an identification key, species descriptions and illustrations, distribution maps and assessments of conservation status for all species.

Figure 9: Habitat and morphology of Costularia cadetii. (A) Habitat; (B) habit; (C) inflorescence; (D) base of plant. Photos taken by Jeremy Bruhl (A, C, D) in La Réunion at Nez Coupé de Sainte-Rose on 4 January 2011 and by Modesto Luceño (B) in La Réunion at Piton de la Fournaise-Pas de Bellocombe on 1 January 2009.

Conclusions: 

The genus Costularia is redelimited to represent a monophyletic entity including 15 species. Although the species diversity is largely found in Madagascar, our results indicate that the genus dispersed once to Africa (Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe), twice to the Mascarenes (La Réunion, Mauritius), and once to the Seychelles (Mahé). Three-quarters of the species are threatened with extinction, because of restricted distribution ranges and human impact. A full taxonomic treatment is provided, including an identification key to all species, formal descriptions of two new species from Madagascar (Costularia andringitrensis and Costularia itremoensis) and one new species from La Réunion (Costularia cadetii), and two taxa previously recognised as varieties of Costularia pantopoda are here recognised at species level (Costularia baronii and Costularia robusta).

 Isabel Larridon​, Linah Rabarivola, Martin Xanthos and A. Muthama Muasya. 2019. Revision of the Afro-Madagascan Genus Costularia (Schoeneae, Cyperaceae): Infrageneric Relationships and Species Delimitation.  PeerJ. 7:e6528. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6528

Top 10 species discovered in 2019

Our scientists have once again been busy identifying and describing new plant and fungal species.

 kew.org/read-and-watch/top-10-species-discovered-2019

[Herpetology • 2019] The Sprightly Little Sphaerodactyl: Systematics and Biogeography of the Puerto Rican Dwarf Geckos Sphaerodactylus (Gekkota, Sphaerodactylidae)

December 21, 2019, 2:05 am

≫ Next: [Mammalogy • 2019] Plecturocebus parecis • A New Species of Titi Monkey, Plecturocebus Byrne et al., 2016 (Primates, Pitheciidae), from Southwestern Amazonia, Brazil

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Sphaerodactylus from Puerto Rico and islands on the Puerto Rican Bank. Sphaerodactylus macrolepis species complex (excluding S. parvus). Sphaerodactylus macrolepis (square); S. grandisquamis (circle); S. inigoi (diamond). in Daza, Pinto, Thomas, ... et Gamble. 2019. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4712.2.1  twitter.com/Tony_Gamble1

Abstract

Studies of the Caribbean herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) have made significant contributions to our knowledge of evolutionary patterns and processes. A prerequisite for these studies are accurate taxonomies and robust phylogenetic hypotheses. One notable Caribbean radiation lacking such data are dwarf geckos of the genus Sphaerodactylus. Systematics of the Puerto Rican Sphaerodactylus have been turbulent since the initial species descriptions and no molecular phylogenies exist that include complete or near-complete taxon sampling. Here, we combine a multi-locus molecular phylogeny with extensive morphological information to investigate the current diversity of Sphaerodactylus geckos from the Puerto Rican Bank, with a large number of species from Hispaniola as an outgroup. In particular, we focus our efforts on resolving the taxonomy of the Sphaerodactylus macrolepis Günther species complex. We find S. macrolepis sensu lato (currently two nominal species with nine subspecies) is made up of at least four diagnosable species within two clades: (1) the sister species Sphaerodactylus macrolepis sensu stricto from the Virgin Islands (including St. Croix) and Culebra, and S. parvus King from islands in the northern Lesser Antilles; and (2) all other Sphaerodactylus macrolepis subspecies from Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra. We resurrect Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis Stejneger from synonymy to refer to all subspecies from Puerto Rico and elevate the subspecies Sphaerodactylus inigoi Thomas & Schwartz for geckos from Vieques and western Culebra. The resulting phylogeny and revised taxonomy will be a useful tool for subsequent research into Sphaerodactylus conservation and evolution.

Keywords: Reptilia, biogeography, Caribbean, Hispaniola, lizard, morphology, Puerto Rico, taxonomy, species delimitation, Squamata, Virgin Islands

Sampling localities and approximate distributions for select species of Sphaerodactylus from Puerto Rico and islands on the Puerto Rican Bank. Different shaped symbols are used for each species. A. Sphaerodactylus macrolepis species complex (excluding S. parvus). Sphaerodactylus macrolepis (square); S.grandisquamis (circle); S. inigoi (diamond).

Phylogeny and biogeography of sampled Sphaerodactylus geckos.

Sphaerodactylus parvus King, 1962

Sphaerodactylus macrolepis sensu stricto Günther, 1859

Sphaerodactylus inigoi comb. nov. Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis grandisquamis Stejneger, 1904

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis guarionex comb. nov. Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis ateles comb. nov. Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis mimetes comb. nov. Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis spanius comb. nov. Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis stibarus comb. nov. Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

A Checklist to the Sphaerodactylus of Puerto Rico and Nearby Islands

Sphaerodactylus beattyi Grant, 1937

Sphaerodactylus beattyi beattyi Grant, 1937

Sphaerodactylus beattyi seamani Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus gaigeae Grant, 1932

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis Stejneger, 1904

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis grandisquamis Stejneger, 1904

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis guarionex Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis ateles Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis mimetes Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis spanius Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis stibarus Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus inigoi Thomas & Schwartz, 1966

Sphaerodactylus klauberi Grant, 1931

Sphaerodactylus levinsi Heatwole, 1968

Sphaerodactylus macrolepis Günther, 1859

Sphaerodactylus micropithecus Schwartz, 1977

Sphaerodactylus monensis Meerwarth, 1901

Sphaerodactylus nicholsi Grant, 1931

Sphaerodactylus parthenopion Thomas, 1965

Sphaerodactylus roosevelti Grant, 1931

Sphaerodactylus townsendi Grant, 1931

Juan D. Daza, Brendan J. Pinto, Richard Thomas, Alexandra Herrera-Martinez, Daniel P. Scantlebury, Luis F. Padilla García, Rajesh P. Balaraman, Gad Perry and Tony Gamble. 2019. The Sprightly Little Sphaerodactyl: Systematics and Biogeography of the Puerto Rican Dwarf Geckos Sphaerodactylus (Gekkota, Sphaerodactylidae). Zootaxa. 4712(2); 151–201. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4712.2.1

 twitter.com/Tony_Gamble1/status/1207698395508461570

[Mammalogy • 2019] Plecturocebus parecis • A New Species of Titi Monkey, Plecturocebus Byrne et al., 2016 (Primates, Pitheciidae), from Southwestern Amazonia, Brazil

December 21, 2019, 6:09 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2020] Spinipterus moijiri • A New Species of Spiny Driftwood Catfish Spinipterus (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from the Amazon Basin

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Plecturocebus parecis   Gusmão, Messias, Carneiro, Schneider, Alencar, et al., 2019. Parecis Titi  ||   Primate Conservation. 33

Abstract

 In 2011, a distinct but unnamed form of titi, Plecturocebus, was re-discovered in the Chapada dos Parecis, a plateau in the southern extreme of the Brazilian state of Rondônia. Here we describe it as a new species based on an analysis of morphological and molecular traits. It can be distinguished from all other species of the genus Plecturocebus by its generally grayish agouti pelage. The limbs are grayish agouti on the outer surface, and grayish white on the inner surface; the breast, throat, and sideburns are also grayish white; the dorsum is reddish chestnut, and the tail is gray, paler to white at the tip. A phylogenetic analysis of the new species revealed a monophyletic clade with the four geographically closest species, and four scenarios of species delimitation indicated that speciation was recent. The geographic distribution of the new species is still poorly defined. Most of the recorded localities coincide with areas of higher elevation in the transition zone between the Amazon forest and the Cerrado savanna, in southern Rondônia and western Mato Grosso, including part of the Chapada dos Parecis (Parecis Plateau), and extending into the Aripuanã/Juruena and Aripuanã/Roosevelt interfluves. The range of the new species is in the area of the Amazon’s “Arc of Deforestation”, where enormous tracts of forest are being destroyed for timber, colonization and industrial agriculture. It occurs in the Juruena National Park and a few Indigenous protected areas. Based on the categories and criteria of the IUCN Red List, this new titi should be considered Near Threatened. 

Key words: Pitheciidae, Chapada dos Parecis, geographic distribution, morphology, genetics

Figure 6. Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov. and its geographically adjacent species to the east, P. cinerascens, provided by Stephen D. Nash.

Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov.

Synonyms: Callicebus cinerascens (Spix, 1823) (in part). Miranda Ribeiro, A. de. 1914. Hist. Nat. Zool. Publ. 84. Annexo n. 5, p.19. Commissão de Linhas Telegraphicas Estratégicas de Matto-Grosso ao Amazonas, Rio de Janeiro; Hershkovitz, P. 1990. Fieldiana, Zool. n.s. (55); Van Roosmalen et al. 2002. Neotrop. Primates (10 suppl.); 

Callicebus moloch (Hoffmannsegg, 1807) (in part). Hershkovitz, P. 1990. Fieldiana, Zool. n.s. (55). 

Callicebus brunneus (Wagner, 1842) (in part). Hershkovitz, P. 1990. Fieldiana, Zool. n.s. (55).

Diagnosis: The beard, sideburns, thorax, and anterior portion of the anterior members of Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov. are grayish-white, as are the hands, feet, and distal portion of the tail (Fig. 5). The general coloration of the new species is dark grayish agouti, in particular on the flanks and external surface of the members (Fig. 1), with a distinctly reddish chestnutcolored dorsal region (Fig. 4). This combination of external morphological traits confers the new species with a unique appearance when compared with all other Plecturocebus species.

Figure 5. Plecturocebus parecis from the forest reserve of the UHE Rondon II hydroelectric plant. Photograph A by Alberto Caldeiras; photographs B, C and D by Manoel Pinheiro, and  photographs E and F by Fabiano Mattos.

Natural history: Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov. has been the subject of two ecological studies at the type locality (Alencar 2011; Mattos 2016). They have shown that the behavior and ecology of the new species are typical of other titis of the genus Plecturocebus (see Bicca-Marques and Heymann 2013). 

The group studied by Alencar (2011) was formed of a breeding pair and their immature offspring, which engaged in typical territorial behaviors, in particular the characteristic vocal duet at the beginning of the daily activity period. Infants were carried almost exclusively by the breeding male. The study group occupied a small home range, of only 5.5 ha, and had a predominantly frugivorous diet (70% fruit, 20% leaf, 8% insects, and 2% flowers; n = 4060 scan sample records), with the consumption of fruit declining during the dry season, when other items increased in importance. 

Mattos (2016) recorded Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov. groups of up to six individuals, with a modal size of four. This study also emphasized the importance of ripe fruit pulp, seeds, and arils in the diet of the species, which is typical of Plecturocebus. 

Etymology: The species’ epithet is a reference to the Chapada dos Parecis, or the Parecis Plateau, where the new species, Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov., was found. 

Vernacular names: Miranda-Ribeiro (1914) reported that the Parecis people refer to the new species as “otôhô”. The non-indigenous residents of the region refer to the new species as “zogue-zogue”, the name given to titi monkeys throughout the Brazilian Amazon basin. We recommend the Parecis titi. 

Conclusions:

The genetic, morphological, and zoogeographic evidence presented here are sufficient to denominate Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov., a taxon distinct from P. cinerascens, with which it had been synonymized historically (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1914). The findings of the present study indicate a recent speciation process, with P. cinerascens as the sister group. Following the recognition of this new taxon, the genus Plecturocebus is now composed of 24 species.

Almério Câmara Gusmão, Mariluce Rezende Messias , Jeferson Costa Carneiro , Horacio Schneider , Thiago Bento de Alencar, Armando Muniz Calouro, Júlio Cesar Dalponte, Fabio de Souza Mattos, Stephen F. Ferrari, Gerson Buss, Renata Bocorny de Azevedo, Eduardo Marques Santos Júnior, Stephen D. Nash, Anthony B. Rylands and Adrian A. Barnett. 2019.  A New Species of Titi Monkey, Plecturocebus Byrne et al., 2016 (Primates, Pitheciidae), from Southwestern Amazonia, Brazil. Primate Conservation. 33; S. 1–15. 

     

[Ichthyology • 2020] Spinipterus moijiri • A New Species of Spiny Driftwood Catfish Spinipterus (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from the Amazon Basin

December 22, 2019, 8:08 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2019] Sarcohyla toyota • A Rare New Treefrog of the Genus Sarcohyla (Anura: Hylidae) from Guerrero, Mexico

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Spinipterus moijiri Rocha, Rossoni, Akama & Zuanon, 2020   DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14211

Abstract

An expedition to the middle Rio Purus basin uncovered a remarkable new species of the genus Spinipterus. The new species has a very distinct and conspicuous colour pattern resembling a jaguar and it is almost four times larger than Spinipterus acsi, a small specimen (32 mm LS) from Caño Santa Rita, a right bank tributary of Río Nanay in Peru and a second specimen was reported from Rio Juruá, Amazonas State, Brazil. Although the new species is more similar in size and colour pattern to Liosomadoras, it shares the synapomorphies for Spinipterus. The new species differs from the congener by the following characters: (a) colour pattern with large black rosette‐like spots over a light yellow to brown background (v. brown background with small dark blotches over the body); (b) adult body size reaching 104.5 mm LS (v. maximum known size 37.1 mm LS); (c) posterior process of cleithrum short, never reaching vertical through the dorsal‐fin origin (v. posterior process long, surpassing vertical through the dorsal‐fin origin); (d) seven soft pectoral‐fin rays (v. six); (e) caudal fin truncated (v. caudal fin rounded).

Keywords: driftwood catfish, neotropical, otorongo woodcat, sexual dimorphism, Spinipterus, spiny jaguar catfish

Live specimens of Spinipterus moijiri sp. nov. and Tatia sp. inside a tree trunk.  photographed alive (uncataloged) at type locality

Spinipterus moijiri sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet moijiri comes from Moijiri, as this species is known among the Paumari natives that inhabit the Rio Tapauá, Purus basin. The meaning of the word Moijiri is unknown so far. The Paumari language belongs to the Arawa linguistic group.

Marcelo Rocha, Felipe Rossoni, Alberto Akama and Jansen Zuanon. 2020. A New Species of Spiny Driftwood Catfish Spinipterus (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from the Amazon Basin. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14211

Weird jaguar catfish is covered in spines and lives in wooden logs newscientist.com/article/2227556-weird-jaguar-catfish-is-covered-in-spines-and-lives-in-wooden-logs/

[Herpetology • 2019] Sarcohyla toyota • A Rare New Treefrog of the Genus Sarcohyla (Anura: Hylidae) from Guerrero, Mexico

December 22, 2019, 11:15 pm

≫ Next: [Cnidaria • 2019] A Molecular Phylogeny of Carcinoecium-forming Epizoanthus (Hexacorallia: Zoantharia) from the Western Pacific Ocean with Descriptions of Three New Species; Epizoanthus xenomorphoideus, E. australis & E. gorgonus

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Sarcohyla toyota  Grünwald, Franz-Chavez, Morales-Flores, Ahumada-Carrillo & Jones, 2019  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4712.3.2  herp.mx

Abstract

Based on morphological data collected from treefrogs related to Sarcohyla hazelae, we describe a new species of the genus Sarcohyla from the cloud forest of the Sierra Madre del Sur of Guerrero, Mexico. We compare physical charactersitics of this new species to its closest relatives within the genus Sarcohyla, including dorsal and ventral coloration, head shape, tympanum distinctiveness, morphometrics and the condition of the tubercles on hands and feet. We analyze accoustic data from the advertisement call of males of the new species. We discuss the relationship of the species described herein with several of its cogeners, plus we resurrect the Sarcohyla hazelae group for these frogs. We describe habitat and distribution species related to Sarcohyla hazelae and also comment on the conservation priorities of these frogs.

Keywords: Amphibia, Anura, Conservation, Cloud forest, Guerrero, Hylidae, New species, Oaxaca, Sarcohyla hazelae, Sarcohyla thorectes, Sarcohyla toyota sp. nov., Sierra Madre del Sur, Taxonomy, Toyota, Treefrogs

Sarcohyla toyota, sp. nov. Paratype [MZFC 34661 (CIG-0924)] in life, from SW of Puerto de Gallo, Municipio de Atoyac de Álvarez, Guerrero, Mexico.

Sarcohyla toyota sp. nov.

Toyota’s Treefrog, Rana arborícola de Toyota

Hyla thorectes —Duellman (2001): 886–887, 1132, in part.

Plectrohyla sp. 5 aff. P. thorectes—Faivovich et al. (2005): 35, 66, 71, 103, 183.

Plectrohyla aff. thorectes sp5—Wiens et al. (2010): 881.

Plectrohyla thorectes—Caviedes-Solis (2013): 4, 8, 20, 29, 32, 34, 39, in part.

Plectrohyla aff. thorectes—Kaplan et al. (2016): 265.

Sarcohyla aff. thorectes—Caviedes-Solis & Nieto-Montes de Oca (2018): 8,13,17.

Sarcohyla sp.—Faivovich et al. (2018): 4.

Paratypes of Sarcohyla toyota, sp. nov. in life, from ... SW of Puerto de Gallo, Municipio de Atoyac de Álvarez, Guerrero, Mexico.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a an invariable name in aposition honoring the Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota, whose various four wheel drive models such as the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota 4runner have been paramount to our field team’s access into hard-to-reach areas of the Mexican back country.

 Christoph I. Grünwald, Hector Franz-Chavez, Karen I. Morales-Flores, Ivan T. Ahumada-Carrillo and Jason M. Jones. 2019. A Rare New Treefrog of the Genus Sarcohyla (Anura: Hylidae) from Guerrero, Mexico. Zootaxa. 4712(3); 345–364. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4712.3.2

 herp.mx/notes/2019/12/001/toyotas-treefrog/

 facebook.com/HerpMX/videos/513136712880385

Resumen:Basándose en datos morfológicos tomados de ranitas de arbol relacionadas con Sarcohyla hazelae, se describe una nueva especie de rana del genero Sarcohyla del bosque mesófilo de montaña de la Sierra Madre del Sur de Guerrero, México. Se comparan carácteres diagnósticos como coloración dorsal y ventral, forma de cabeza, distinctividad de tímpano, morfometría, condición de tuberculos de mano y pie con especies cercanamente relacionados y se analizan datos acústicos de la nueva especie. Se explican las relaciones de la nueva especie con las especies cercanamente relacionadas y se reestablece el grupo Sarcohyla hazelae para estas ranas. Se aporta información sobre el hábitad y la distribución de las ranas del grupo Sarcohyla hazelae y se presenta algunas prioridades sobre su conservación. 

Palabras claves: Amphibia, Anura, bosque mesófilo de montaña, conservación, Guerrero, Hylidae, nueva especie, Oaxaca, Sarcohyla hazelae, Sarcohyla thorectes, Sarcohyla toyota sp. nov., Sierra Madre del Sur, ranitas de arbol, taxonomía, Toyota

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[Cnidaria • 2019] A Molecular Phylogeny of Carcinoecium-forming Epizoanthus (Hexacorallia: Zoantharia) from the Western Pacific Ocean with Descriptions of Three New Species; Epizoanthus xenomorphoideus, E. australis & E. gorgonus

December 23, 2019, 12:32 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2020] Dendromaia unamakiensis • Varanopid from the Carboniferous of Nova Scotia reveals Evidence of Parental Care in Amniotes

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Epizoanthus xenomorphoideus Kise, Montenegro, Ekins, et al., 2019.    DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2019.1693439

Abstract

Many cnidarians have been reported in association with hermit crabs from shallow waters to the deep sea. Some of these actiniarians and zoantharians produce a carcinoecium, a chitin-like pseudo-shell. Many studies have been conducted on hermit crab–actiniarian symbioses, while hermit crab–zoantharian symbioses have received less attention due to the difficulty of specimen collection as they are exclusively found in the deep sea. In this study, 11 carcinoecium-forming specimens associated with hermit crabs of several genera were collected from the western Pacific Ocean. We formally described the collected specimens as Epizoanthus xenomorphoideus sp. nov., E. australis sp. nov., and E. gorgonus sp. nov. based on results of molecular phylogenetic analyses (COI, mt 12S-rDNA, mt 16S-rDNA, 18S-rDNA, ITS-rDNA) and morphological observations. Our phylogenetic results showed that there are two different subclades within a carcinoecium clade, and these subclades have different external morphologies. Further studies with more taxon sampling will enable a more comprehensive evaluation of the evolution and phylogenetic relationships of carcinoecium-forming zoantharian species.

Key words: deep sea, diversity, hermit crab, pseudo-shell, sea anemone, zoantharian

Systematics: 

Order Zoantharia Rafinesque, 1815

Suborder Macrocnemina Haddon & Shackleton, 1891

Family Epizoanthidae Delage & H erouard, 1901

Genus Epizoanthus Gray, 1867

Type species: Dysidea papillosaJohnston, 1842, by monotypy 

(see also Opinion 1689, ICZN 1992).

Epizoanthus xenomorphoideus sp. nov. (holotype: NSMT-Co 1688), A carcinoecium colony inhabited by a Parapaguridae hermit crab.

Epizoanthus xenomorphoideus sp. nov. 

Etymology: The new species is named after a fictional alien xenomorph creature in the famous 1979 movie Alien, as this species resembles the ‘face hugger’ xenomorph. ‘Xenomorph’ is combined with the Latin word ‘oideus’ meaning ‘resembling’. 

Japanese common name: Yadokari-sunaginchaku

Epizoanthus australis sp. nov.

Etymology:'Australis' is the Latin word 'southern', as this species was first discovered in waters off New South Wales, off south-eastern Australia. 

Japanese common name: Kanmuri-yadokari-sunaginchaku

Epizoanthus gorgonus sp. nov.

Etymology: From the Greek word 'gorgon', the monsterMedusa with multiple snake heads, as the marginal polyps and their colouration are reminiscent of vipers. 

Japanese common name: Beni-yadokari-sunaginchaku 

Hiroki Kise, Javier Montenegro, Merrick Ekins, Takeya Moritaki and James Davis Reimer. 2019. A Molecular Phylogeny of Carcinoecium-forming Epizoanthus (Hexacorallia: Zoantharia) from the Western Pacific Ocean with Descriptions of Three New Species. Systematics and Biodiversity.  DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2019.1693439

 researchgate.net/publication/337932019_A_molecular_phylogeny_of_Epizoanthus

Zoantharia coral raised at west Japan aquarium recognized as new species - The Mainichi mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191220/p2a/00m/0na/027000c

[Paleontology • 2020] Dendromaia unamakiensis • Varanopid from the Carboniferous of Nova Scotia reveals Evidence of Parental Care in Amniotes

December 23, 2019, 11:37 pm

≫ Next: [PaleoIchthyology • 2020] Hiascoactinus boryeongensis • The First Record of Redfieldiiform Fish (Actinopterygii) from the Upper Triassic of Korea: Implications for Paleobiology and Paleobiogeography of Redfieldiiformes

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Dendromaia unamakiensis  Maddin, Mann & Hebert, 2020  DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-1030-z

Abstract

Here we report on a fossil synapsid, Dendromaia unamakiensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Carboniferous period of Nova Scotia that displays evidence of parental care—approximately 40 million years earlier than the previous earliest record based on a varanopid from the Guadalupian (middle Permian) period of South Africa. The specimen, consisting of an adult and associated conspecific juvenile, is also identified as a varanopid suggesting parental care is more deeply rooted within this clade and evolved very close to the origin of Synapsida and Amniota in general. This specimen adds to growing evidence that parental care was more widespread among Palaeozoic synapsids than previously thought and further provides data permitting the identification of potential ontogeny-dependent traits within varanopids, the implications of which impact recent competing hypotheses of the phylogenetic affinities of the group.

Dendromaia unamakiensis gen. et sp. nov.

Hillary C. Maddin, Arjan Mann and Brian Hebert. 2020. Varanopid from the Carboniferous of Nova Scotia reveals Evidence of Parental Care in Amniotes. Nature Ecology & Evolution. 4; 50–56. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-1030-z

   

[PaleoIchthyology • 2020] Hiascoactinus boryeongensis • The First Record of Redfieldiiform Fish (Actinopterygii) from the Upper Triassic of Korea: Implications for Paleobiology and Paleobiogeography of Redfieldiiformes

December 24, 2019, 12:55 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2019] Hoya amicabilis (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Java discovered on Facebook

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Hiascoactinus boryeongensis Kim, Lee, Park, et al., 2020  DOI: 10.1016/j.gr.2019.11.008   facebook.com/jyp4u

Highlights: 

• The first report of redfieldiiform fish from Asia.
• Hiascoactinus boryeongensis gen. & sp. nov. was proposed.
• A definite paleontological evidence that Pangea was a continuous land from Gondwana to the easternmost end of East Asia during the Late Triassic through terrestrial water systems.

Abstract
A new genus and species of redfieldiiform fish, Hiascoactinus boryeongensis gen. et sp. nov., is described based on a nearly complete specimen from the Upper Triassic Amisan Formation of South Korea. Hiascoactinus is distinguished from other redfieldiiforms by having a barely ornamented dermal skull surface except for the snout region, two heteromorphic suborbitals arranged vertically behind the postorbital, a pistol-shaped suprascapular, and dorsal and anal fins with divided fin membranes between rays. The morphological features of the snout region and dorsal and anal fins of Hiascoactinus provide important clues to understand its feeding and swimming behavior. All previously proposed Asian redfieldiiform fossils are inaccurately classified, and consequently, Hiascoactinus is regarded as the only valid redfieldiiform taxon in Asia. Hiascoactinus is assigned to the basal group of redfieldiiforms primarily based on the presence of an antopercle. The basal phylogenetic position of Hiascoactinus indicates that basal redfieldiiforms dispersed from the southern Gondwanaland to the easternmost Laurasia through the terrestrial water system, and these two landmasses were connected during the Late Triassic.

 Su-Hwan Kim, Yuong-Nam Lee, Jin-Young Park, Sungjin Lee and Hang-Jae Lee. 2020. The First Record of Redfieldiiform Fish (Actinopterygii) from the Upper Triassic of Korea: Implications for Paleobiology and Paleobiogeography of Redfieldiiformes. Gondwana Research. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.gr.2019.11.008 

 facebook.com/jyp4u/posts/2631666156902320

[Botany • 2019] Hoya amicabilis (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Java discovered on Facebook

December 24, 2019, 1:15 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2020] Psephurus gladius • Extinction of One of the World's Largest Freshwater Fishes: Lessons for Conserving the Endangered Yangtze Fauna

≪ Previous: [PaleoIchthyology • 2020] Hiascoactinus boryeongensis • The First Record of Redfieldiiform Fish (Actinopterygii) from the Upper Triassic of Korea: Implications for Paleobiology and Paleobiogeography of Redfieldiiformes

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Hoya amicabilis S.Rahayu & Rodda in Rahayu & Rodda, 2019.    DOI: 10.1111/njb.02563

Abstract

A new species from Java, Hoya amicabilis S.Rahayu & Rodda is described and illustrated. It was first identified as a new species from pictures posted on social media in 2017. Hoya amicabilis is part of a small group of species that have an unusual shrubby habit, but it is the only one in that group with bright yellow campanulate flowers. Furthermore, Hoya amicabilis is a rather unusual species of Hoya since its staminal corona lobes are oblong, erect, while most species of Hoya have well‐developed generally spreading corona lobes, and its style head is umbonate, brightly coloured and extending above the anther appendages, while most species have a conical style head covered by anther appendages.

Keywords: Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Marsdenieae

Hoya amicabilis sp. nov. (a) fertile branch with just opened greenish-yellow flowers, (b) mature, side view, the corolla tube has turned green flushed orange and the corolla lobes turned orange, (c) corolla, top view, showing the stiff white hairs lining the tube.  Photos: (a) S. Somadee, (b, c) M. Rodda. Based on M. Rodda & S. Somadee MR1820.

Hoya amicabilis S.Rahayu & Rodda sp. nov.

Etymology: Hoya amicabilis is named after social media (Latin amicabiliter interventus) that are a growing aid to scientists in discovering new species.

Sri Rahayu and Michele Rodda. 2019. Hoya amicabilis sp. nov. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), from Java discovered on Facebook. Nordic Journal of Botany. 37(12)  DOI: 10.1111/njb.02563

 facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1043056946037731&id=443169669359798

[Ichthyology • 2020] Psephurus gladius • Extinction of One of the World's Largest Freshwater Fishes: Lessons for Conserving the Endangered Yangtze Fauna

December 24, 2019, 8:06 pm

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2019] Tyttobrycon shibattai • On A Remarkable Sexual Dimorphic Trait in the Characiformes related to the Olfactory Organ and Description of A New Miniature Species of Tyttobrycon Géry (Characiformes: Characidae)

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Psephurus gladius (von Martens, 1862) in Zhang, Jarić, Roberts, ... et Wei, 2020.  . DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136242    twitter.com/IvanJaric

Highlights: 

• The giant Chinese paddlefish (up to 7 m in length) was found to be extinct.
• The timing of extinction was estimated to be by 2005–2010.
• The paddlefish became functionally extinct by 1993, prior to extinction
• Conservation efforts on endangered Yangtze fishes are urgently needed.

Abstract
The mega river ecosystem of the Yangtze River was once home to diverse aquatic megafauna but is increasingly affected by various anthropogenic stressors that have resulted in continuous loss of biodiversity, such as the probable extinction of Yangtze River Dolphin. The Chinese paddlefish, Psephurus gladius, was one of only two extant members of a relict lineage that was most diverse and widespread 34–75 million years ago. It is also one of the largest freshwater fish species, reaching up to 7 m in length. The Chinese paddlefish was once common in the Yangtze River, with c.25 t being harvested per annum during the 1970s. Populations have, however, declined drastically since the late 1970s as a result of overfishing and habitat fragmentation. Here, a basin-wide capture survey during 2017–2018 found 332 fish species, but did not find a single live specimen of Chinese paddlefish. Furthermore, 140 historically reported fish species have not been found and most of them are considered highly endangered. Based on 210 sightings of Chinese paddlefish during the period 1981–2003, we estimated the timing of extinction to be by 2005, and no later than by 2010. In addition, the paddlefish probably became functionally extinct (i.e. it was unable to reproduce) by 1993, before it went extinct. It is likely that the lack of reproduction was among the major causes of extinction. As no live specimens exist in captivity, and no living tissues are conserved for potential resurrection, the fish should be considered extinct according to the IUCN Red List criteria. The delayed extinction of Chinese paddlefish resulted from multiple threats, suggesting that optimizing conservation efforts on endangered Yangtze fauna is urgently needed.

Keywords: Chinese paddlefish, Endangered fish, Sighting record, Functional extinction, Extinction debt, Yangtze River

 Hui Zhang, Ivan Jarić, David L. Roberts, Yongfeng He, Hao Du, Jinming Wu, Chengyou Wang and Qiwei Wei. 2020. Extinction of One of the World's Largest Freshwater Fishes: Lessons for Conserving the Endangered Yangtze Fauna. Science of The Total Environment. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136242  

 twitter.com/IvanJaric/status/1209225700772909056