Species New to Science

Nepenthes fractiflexa Golos, A.S.Rob., Barer, et ...

in Golos, Robinson, Barer, et al., 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.432.2.3

Abstract

Nepenthes fractiflexa is described as a new species from Sarawak and Kalimantan. The species is characterised by a number of unusual growth habits: plants readily produce aerial offshoots from their leaf axils, giving rise to a highly branched architecture of a complexity rarely seen in the genus; even those axillary buds not destined to develop further are activated and often elaborated into bract-like prophylls up to 5 cm long; and the inflorescence emerges close to the middle of the internode rather than from the leaf axil, as is typical of all other known species, leading us to make the first proposal for concaulescence in Nepenthes. These traits—coupled with the plant’s distinctive, long-decurrent petiolar wings and fractiflex climbing stems—distinguish it from its putative closest relative, N. mollis. The known distributions of N. fractiflexa and N. mollis are reviewed in light of recent discoveries. The apparent geographical disjunction between the two species is discussed in the context of edaphic and other ecological factors. Owing to its large range and remote, predominantly ridgetop habitat—but small number of recorded localities and individuals—the conservation status of N. fractiflexa is assessed as Near Threatened under the IUCN 3.1 criteria.

Keywords: Borneo, Malesia, Nepenthaceae, new species, non-core Caryophyllales, taxonomy, Eudicots

Michal R. Golos, Alastair S. Robinson, Marc Barer, Martin Dančák, Jean de Witte, Adrian Limberg, Noorhana Binti Mohd Sapawi and Wewin Tjiasmanto. 2020. Nepenthes fractiflexa (Nepenthaceae), A New Bornean Pitcher Plant exhibiting Concaulescent Metatopy and A High Degree of Axillary Bud Activation. Phytotaxa. 432(2); 125–143. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.432.2.3

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Sovia liuzihaoi Huang & Fan

in Huang, Wang & Fan, 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4731.4.9

Abstract

A new species of the genus Sovia Evans, 1949, viz. Sovia liuzihaoi Huang & Fan sp. nov. is described from Mt. Ailao, Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County, representing a remarkable geographically southward extension of this genus in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. In general appearance S. liuzihaoi Huang & Fan sp. nov. resembles S. separata magna (Evans, 1932), but in our molecular phylogenetic analyses, this species is clustered with S. lii Xue, 2015. The adults and male genitalia of the new species and related species are illustrated.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, Aeromachini, Hesperiinae, taxonomy, molecular phylogeny

Sovia liuzihaoi Huang & Fan sp. nov.

Si-Yao Huang, Xin-Yue Wang and Xiao-Ling Fan. 2020. A New Species of the Genus Sovia Evans, 1949 from South Central Yunnan, China (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae) Zootaxa. 4731(4); 565–573. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4731.4.9

Asthenodipsas borneensis

Quah, Grismer, Lim, Anuar & Chan, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4729.1.1
photo: Anton Sorokin
instagram.com/AntonSrkn

Abstract

A reappraisal of the taxonomic status of the Dark-necked Slug Snake (Asthenodipsas malaccana Peters, 1864) across its range revealed that populations from Borneo are not conspecific with true A. malaccana from the Thai-Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, and is therefore described herein as new. Asthenodipsas borneensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from A. malaccana and other congeners by the absence of a preocular and suboculars, seven or eight supralabials with 3rd and 4th in contact with orbit, 4–7 infralabials with 2nd or 3rd pair in contact, two pairs of posterior inframaxillaries, 15/15/15 rows of dorsal scales, presence of sharp vertebral keel, divided subcaudals, maximum recorded SVL=441 mm, 166–179 ventrals, 35–48 subcaudals, head white to greyish brown and dorsum beige to orange-brown with a conspicuous dark-brown or black patch on the neck followed by multiple, narrow, vertical, dark bands along the rest of the body and tail. This discovery adds to a growing number of new slug snake species recently described from Southeast Asia and highlights the underestimated diversity in this family, especially in Borneo. Taxonomic revisions of the reptiles and amphibians of Borneo are still needed before the true diversity of the island and the relationships of the various taxa can be fully understood.

Keywords: Reptilia, Pareas, Sundaland, slug snake, systematics, discovery, reptile, conservation, endemic biodiversity, Malaysia, Indonesia

FIGURE 3. Asthenodipsas borneensis sp. nov. from Borneo.
A: Specimen from Kuching, Sarawak (LSUDPC 10988). B: Specimen from Sayap, Mount Kinabalu, Sabah (LSUDPC 10982). C -F (LSUDPC 10983-10986): Adults from Poring, Sabah. G & H (LSUDPC 10987 & 10978): Juvenile from Poring, Sabah.

(Photographs by Chien C. Lee [A & B], Zhou Hang [C & D],
Anton Sorokin [E & F] & Jaroslav Karhánek [G & H]).

Asthenodipsas borneensis sp. nov. Adult from Poring, Sabah

photo: Anton Sorokin

instagram.com/AntonSrkn

Asthenodipsas borneensis sp. nov. (LSUDPC 10988) from Kuching, Sarawak.

Photo: Chien C. Lee.

Asthenodipsas borneensis sp. nov.

Bornean Dark-necked Slug Snake

Etymology. The specific epithet borneensis is in reference to its restriction to the island of Borneo. The suffix ensis is a Latin derivation meaning “from” or “inhabiting.” It renders the specific epithet an adjective that must be in grammatical accord with the gender of Asthenodipsas that is feminine (Frank Tillack in litt. 2019).

Asthenodipsas malaccana Peters, 1864:

Adult female (LSUHC 12740) from Gunung Besar Hantu, Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia.

Photo: Chan Kin Onn

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Evan S. H. Quah, L. Lee Grismer, Kelvin K. P. Lim, Shahrul Anuar and Kin Onn Chan. 2020. A Taxonomic Revision of Asthenodipsas malaccana Peters, 1864 (Squamata: Pareidae) with A Description of A New Species from Borneo. Zootaxa. 4729(1); 1–24. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4729.1.1

Researchgate.net/publication/338852498_A_taxonomic_revision_of_Asthenodipsas_malaccana

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Thanatotheristes degrootorum

Voris, Therrien, Zelenitsky & Brown, 2020

DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2020.104388

RoyalTyrrellMuseum.wpcomstaging.com

SmithsonianMag.com

Illustration: Julius Csotonyi facebook.com/JuliusCsotonyi

Highlights

• A new genus of tyrannosaurid from the mid Campanian Foremost Formation of southern Alberta is described.

• The new genus is found to be the sister taxon to Daspletosaurus spp., and together form the new clade Daspletosaurini.

• Tyrannosauridae is revealed to be comprised of multiple, multigeneric clades rather than a series of monogeneric branches.

• Geographic segregation of clades provides evidence for provinciality of Tyrannosauridae within North America during the Campanian.

Abstract

Late Cretaceous tyrannosauroid material from North America was primarily known from upper Campanian through Maastrichtian formations until the recent discovery of derived tyrannosaurid taxa from lower-to-mid Campanian deposits in the southwestern United States. However, diagnostic material from contemporaneous deposits further north in Alberta (Canada) and Montana (USA) has yet to be documented. Here we report the discovery of a new tyrannosaurid from the mid-Campanian Foremost Formation of Alberta, Thanatotheristes degrootorum gen. et sp. nov., which helps fill this gap. Thanatotheristes is found to be the sister taxon to the late Campanian tyrannosaurine genus Daspletosaurus based on several synapomorphies, such as an extremely coarse subcutaneous surface of the maxilla, a constricted jugal ramus of the maxilla, a shallow angle of the anteroventral corner of the maxilla, a high tooth count, a wide prefrontal, and a dentary chin located ventral to either the third alveolus or third interdental plate. Together, these taxa provide evidence for the existence of a clade of long-, deep-snouted tyrannosaurines endemic to northern Laramidia during the Campanian. Our study demonstrates that Tyrannosauridae consists of several geographically segregated clades rather than a series of monogeneric successive sister taxa as recovered by previous studies. The geographic segregation of tyrannosaurid clades within North America provides renewed evidence for provinciality among large theropods during the Late Cretaceous.

Keywords: Theropoda, Tyrannosauridae, Campanian, Evolution, Provinciality, Biogeography

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Tetanurae Gauthier, 1986

Coelurosauria von Huene, 1914

Tyrannosauridae Osborn, 1906

Tyrannosaurinae Osborn, 1906

Daspletosaurini clade nov.

INCLUDED TAXA: Daspletosaurus torosus Russell, 1970, Daspletosaurus horneri Carr et al., 2017, and Thanatotheristes degrootorum gen. et. sp. nov.

Skull reconstruction of Thanatotheristes degrootorum holotype TMP 2010.5.7. Known bones appear in white. Missing bone morphologies and proportions are based on the holotype of Daspletosaurus torosus (CMN 8506). Scale bar equals 10 cm.

Thanatotheristes gen. nov.

Thanatotheristes degrootorum gen. et sp. nov.

ETYMOLOGY: From Thanatos, the Greek god of and embodiment of death, and theristes (Greek), one who reaps or harvests, a reaper. The specific name, degrootorum, is in honor of John and Sandra De Groot of Hays, Alberta, who discovered the holotype specimen and have been supportive of paleontological research in the area.

Jared T. Voris, François Therrien, Darla K. Zelenitsky and Caleb M. Brown. 2020. A New Tyrannosaurine (Theropoda: Tyrannosauridae) from the Campanian Foremost Formation of Alberta, Canada, provides Insight Into the Evolution and Biogeography of Tyrannosaurids. Cretaceous Research. In Press - 104388. DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2020.104388

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Announcing a New Meat-eating Dinosaur from Alberta RoyalTyrrellMuseum.wpcomstaging.com/2020/02/10/announcing-a-new-meat-eating-dinosaur-from-alberta/

A Newly Discovered Tyrannosaur Was Key to the Rise of Giant Meat-Eaters

SmithsonianMag.com/science-nature/newly-discovered-tyrannosaur-was-key-rise-giant-meat-eaters-180974156

Abdarainurus barsboldi Averianov & Lopatin, 2020
a fluvial palaeoenvironment of the Alagteeg Formation, with a soft-shelled turtle (Trionychidae indet.) and ankylosaurs (Pinacosaurus sp.).

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2020.1716402

Reconstruction by Andrey Atuchin. facebook.com/AndreyAtuchin

Abstract

A new sauropod, Abdarainurus barsboldi gen. et sp. nov., is described based on several anterior and one middle caudal vertebrae and chevrons from the Late Cretaceous Alagteeg Formation at Abdrant Nuru, northern Gobi Desert, Mongolia. The new taxon is characterized by 16 unique or rare characters of the caudal skeleton, including opisthocoelous centra, longitudinal ridges on the neural canal walls, postprezygapophyseal processes, a hypertrophied postspinal fossa, mediolaterally constricted neural spines, and a deep pocket-like spinodiapophyseal fossa covered laterally by high postzygodiapophyseal lamina. Our preferred phylogenetic analysis places Abdarainurus as a basal titanosaurian sauropod, but this result could be affected by inadequate knowledge of basal titanosaurs. The new taxon likely represents a highly specialized lineage of Asian macronarian sauropods that was unknown previously.

Keywords: Dinosauria, Sauropoda, Titanosauria, Mongolia, Late Cretaceous

Hypothetical reconstruction of Abdarainurus barsboldi in a fluvial palaeoenvironment of the Alagteeg Formation, with a soft-shelled turtle (Trionychidae indet.) and ankylosaurs (Pinacosaurus sp.).

Reconstruction by Andrey Atuchin.

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Systematic palaeontology

Sauropoda Marsh, 1878

Titanosauriformes Salgado, Coria & Calvo, 1997

Titanosauria Bonaparte & Coria, 1993

incertae sedis

Abdarainurus gen. nov.

Etymology. From Abdarain Nuru, the Russian spelling for the Abdrant Nuru locality, and urus, Latinized Ancient Greek ουρά (the tail).

Abdarainurus barsboldi sp. nov.

Etymology. In honour of Mongolian palaeontologist and academician R. Barsbold.

Alexander O. Averianov and Alexey V. Lopatin. 2020. An Unusual New Sauropod Dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2020.1716402

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Rhadinella xerophila

Ariano-Sánchez& Campbell, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4442.2.10

Abstract

We describe a new species of Rhadinella from the dry forest and thorn scrub of Valle del Motagua, Guatemala, a region and habitat where the congeners were previously unrecorded. This species is related to the group of Rhadinella that have dark dorsal coloration, which mostly or completely obscures a pattern of longitudinal striping characteristic of the majority of species of Rhadinella. The new species has dark gray, almost black, dorsal coloration with barely discernible slightly darker striping. Top of the head is mostly blackish with irregular auburn-orange markings on the internasals, prefrontals, frontal, parietals, loreals, postoculars, temporals, and two ultimate supralabials. Most conspicuous features are an orange-auburn Y-shaped marking along frontal-parietal and interparietal sutures, followed by an orange nuchal collar. The closest relative of the new species, based on morphological similarities, appears to be Rhadinella pilonaorum, which occurs in a relatively mesic habitat of pine-oak forest located about 90 km southwest from the type-locality of the new species.

Key words: Rhadinaea godmani species group, Rhadinella pilonaorum, color pattern, lepidosis, restrict endemism

FIGURE 1. General view in life of the holotype of Rhadinella xerophila (UVG R-7003), SVL 214 mm (A) and landscape view of the dry forest habitat at Heloderma Natural Reserve, Motagua Valley (B). Photo "A" by A. Novales.

Rhadinella xerophila sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name is a feminine noun in apposition from the Greek ξηρός (xeros), meaning dry and the Latin phila, meaning loving, in reference to its characteristic of being the sole known member of Rhadinella that inhabits in forest experiencing the harsh and extended dry season characterizing the Motagua Valley. It also represents the urgent need that people and governments take the dry forest seriously as a biodiversity relevant forest that deserves the same levels of protection and love as other more known and charismatic forests such as rainforest.

Daniel Ariano-Sánchez and Jonathan A Campbell. 2018. A New Species of Rhadinella (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from the Dry Forest of Motagua Valley, Guatemala. Zootaxa. 4442(2); DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4442.2.10

researchgate.net/publication/326109683_A_new_species_of_Rhadinella_from_Motagua_Valley_Guatemala

Zamia stenophyllidia Nic.-Mor., Mart.-Domínguez & D.W. Stev.

in Nicolalde‐Morejón, Martínez‐Domínguez, Stevenson & Vergara‐Silva, 2019.

DOI: 10.1111/njb.02430

twitter.com/LiliMtzD

Abstract

We present a revision based on qualitative and quantitative morphological comparisons including all populations of Zamia from the coastal plain of Pacific Mexico. We recognize four species in this area: Z. paucijuga, Z. herrerae, Z. spartea and the new species Zamia stenophyllidia which is described from Michoacán, Mexico. Zamia stenophyllidia has is distinct with respect to both vegetative and reproductive structures; namely, linear, lanceolate, papyraceous and narrow leaflets (up to 0.8 cm wide), robust and short prickles (up to 2 mm), and ovoid, yellowish, ovulate strobili. The description of this species implies a recircumscription of Z. paucijuga; on this basis, an epitype for Z. paucijuga is designated here. We also introduce a key for all species of Zamia from Mexico. Biogeographically, the new species is interesting for its sympatry with Dioon stevensonii, a species that has been a model for the study of the formation of modern Neotropical forests.

Keywords: Balsas depression, circumscription typification, Zamia paucijuga

Zamia stenophyllidia, adult plant showing leaves.

Zamia stenophyllidia Nic.-Mor., Mart.-Domínguez & D.W. Stev., sp. nov.

Etymology The specific epithet is derived from the Greek (stenós “arrow”) a d all des to the restricted width of the leaflets.

Zamia paucijuga Wieland, American Fossil Cycads 2: 212. 1916.

Etymology: The specific epithet alludes to few leaflet pairs per leaf.

Zamia herrerae Calderón & Standl., Proc. Wash. Acad. Sci. 14(4): 93. 1924.

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Hector Herrera, a scientist from El Salvador, in recognition of his scientific contributions.

Zamia spartea A. DC., Prodr. 16 (2): 539. 1868.

Etymology: The epithet is from the broom genus Spartium L. (Fabaceae), in reference to the narrow and tapered leaflets of this species.

Fernando Nicolalde‐Morejón, Lilí Martínez‐Domínguez, Dennis Wm. Stevenson and Francisco Vergara‐Silva. 2019. Disentangling the Identity of Zamia from Mexican Pacific Seaboard, with A Description of A New Species. Nordic Journal of Botany. 37(9) DOI: 10.1111/njb.02430

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Stenanona morenoi Ortíz-Rodr. & Moreno-Méndez

in Moreno-Méndez, & Ortiz-Rodriguez, 2020.

DOI: 10.21829/abm127.2020.1625

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Abstract

Background and Aims: In Mexico, the Neotropical genera of Annonaceae tribe Miliuseae, including Sapranthus, Stenanona and the Mexican endemic genus Tridimeris, are particularly diverse and many of their species are endemic to this country. This diversity is not fully documented and many new species have been discovered as a result of recent botanical explorations in southern Mexico. Here, we describe a new species of Stenanona.

Methods: We collected a new species of Stenanona during field work in a little known karst forest area located in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. The new species was recognized using the unique combination of features through comparisons with morphologically similar species and literature review. We assessed its conservation status by calculating its extent of occurrence (EOO) and its area of occupancy (AOO) using the GeoCAT tool and applying the IUCN Red List Categories and criteria.

Key results: A new species of Annonaceae, namely Stenanona morenoi, endemic to karstic forests of southern Mexico, is described and illustrated. According to the criteria established by the IUCN, it is possible to tentatively determine the species as Critically Endangered (CR B1ab (iii)).

Conclusions: Based on its general floral morphology, S. morenoi is hypothesized to belong to subclade A of the Desmopsis-Stenanona clade. Within this lineage, S. morenoi shares several morphological features with S. migueliana, S. stenopetala and S. zoque.

Keywords: cauliflory, Miliuseae, Neotropics, tropical rainforest

Figure 1: Stenanona morenoi Ortíz-Rodr. & Moreno-Méndez.
A. branchlet; B. inflorescences borne on leafless portions of branches; C. velvety fruit surface; D. fruit inside; E. seed.

Drawn by Lizbeth Pérez Lucas from the type (A) and from G. Moreno Méndez 177 (B-E).

Figure 2: Photos of Stenanona morenoi Ortíz-Rodr. & Moreno-Méndez in vivo.
A. habit; B. bark ; C. branchlet ; D. inflorescences and flowers (note the red blotch at the base inside); E. inflorescences borne on leafless portions of branches; F. young fruits borne on leafless portions of branches; G. velvety fruit.

Photos by Gaspar Moreno-Méndez.

Stenanona morenoi Ortíz-Rodr. & Moreno-Méndez, sp. nov.,

Stenanona morenoi is similar to S. migueliana Ortíz-Rodr. & G.E. Schatz, S. stenopetala (Donn. Sm.) G.E. Schatz and S. zoque Ortíz-Rodr. & Gómez-Domínguez, but it can be distinguished from these three species by the combination of 2 or 4-flowered inflorescences, partially fused sepals, cream to light yellow flowers with a red blotch at the base of the inner petals, numerous ovules per carpel and surface of the monocarps completely covered with short, golden-brown, erect hairs, resulting in a velvety texture.

Etymology: the specific epithet honors Manuel Moreno Demeza for his extraordinary work in favor of forest conservation in northern Chiapas.

Gaspar Moreno-Méndez, Andrés Ernesto Ortiz-Rodriguez. 2020. A New Species of Annonaceae, endemic to the Limestone Karst Forests of Chiapas, Mexico. Acta Botanica Mexicana. 127; e1625. DOI: 10.21829/abm127.2020.1625

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Researchgate.net/publication/338982505_A_new_species_of_Annonaceae_endemic_to_the_limestone_karst_forests_of_Chiapas_Mexico

Habitus to a typical Hyperbaeninae.

in Cadena-Castañeda, 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4605.1.1

Abstract

In this contribution to the study of gryllacridines or raspy crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae), a new proposal for classification of this family is provided, dividing it into two subfamilies and ten tribes that includes most of the 114 known genera to date (including the new genera described here).

It describes and redefines two subfamilies: Hyperbaeninae n. subf. and Gryllacridinae n. sensu, ten tribes: Phryganogryllacridini n. trib., Capnogryllacridini n. trib., Asarcogryllacridini n. trib., Hyperbaenini n. trib., Paragryllacridini n. trib., Ametrini n. trib., Ametroidini n. trib., Gryllacridini n. sensu., Eremini n. trib. and Progryllacridini n. trib.;

ten genera: Claudiagryllacris n. gen., Griffinigryllacris n. gen., Gorochovgryllacris n. gen., Ingrishgryllacris n. gen., Rentzgryllacris n. gen., Willemsegryllacris n. gen., Karnygryllacris n. gen., Brunnergryllacris n. gen., Bianigryllacris n. gen. and Hugelgryllacris n. gen.;

seven genera groups: Gryllacrae n. group. (placed under Gryllacridini n. trib. comprising ten genera: Caustogryllacris, Eugryllacris, Gryllacris, Lyperogryllacris, Nesogryllacris, Ocellarnaca, Phlebogryllacris, Prosopogryllacris, Willemsegryllacris n. gen. and Xanthogryllacris), Metriogryllacrae n. group. (under Gryllacridini grouped Metriogryllacris, Homogryllacris, Pseudasarca n. stat. and Furcilarnaca), Anancistrogerae (Anancistrogera, Ancistrogera, Angustogryllacris, Aphanogryllacris, Celebogryllacris), Triaenogryllacrae n. group. (under Gryllacridinae only comprising Triaenogryllacris) the next groups under Ametrini n. trib.: Ametrae n. group. (comprising two genera: Ametrus and Pareremus), Apotrechae n. group. (including three genera: Apotrechus, Apterolarnaca and Bianigryllacris n. gen.) and Apteronomae n. group. (comprising two genera: Ametrosomus and Apteronomus).

The status ofDictogryllacris reinst. stat., was restored, previously transferred by Gorochov 2003 as subgenus of Capnogryllacris and to Pseudasarca n. stat. as full genus status is proposed. One genera, one subgenus and one fossil species are synonymized: Xiphogryllacris n. syn. (under Hyalogryllacris) and †Gryllacris brevippennis n. syn. (under †Macrelcana ungeri). The subgenus Glolarnaca n. stat. (included under Zalarnaca), is considered as full genus in Gryllacridinae (Gryllacridini). 57 new combinations are proposed, with particular emphasis on Niphetogryllacris, placing 36 of the 43 existing species of the genus: Pissodogryllacris tesellata n. comb., Willemsegryllacris barnesi n. comb. (previously placed under Gryllacris), Afrogryllacris nigripceps n. comb. (previously placed under in Barombogryllacris), Anancistrogera nigroscutata n. comb., A. cornualis n. comb. and A. genualis n. comb. (included by Karny in Caustogryllacris and by Gorochov in the subgenus Pseudolarnaca, here transfered to Anancistrogera), Hugelgryllacris tchancha n. comb. (before in Psilogryllacris), Diaphanogryllacris annandalei n. comb., D. barkudensis n. comb., D. dravida n. comb., D. gravelyi n. comb., Claudiagryllacris finoti n. comb. C. stigmata n. comb., C. lemur n. comb., C. fryeri n. comb., Stictogrtllacris pungens n. comb., S. madagassa n. comb., S. genufuscata n. comb., S. vosseleri n. comb., S. difficilis n. comb., S. paulani n. comb., Stictogryllacris signoreti n. comb., S. indecisa n. comb., S. conspersa n. comb., S. pittarellii n. comb., S. ametroides n. comb., S. jacobi n. comb., S. kilimandjarica n. comb., S. meruensis n. comb.; S. neglecta n. comb.; S. submutica n. comb., Griffinigryllacris reunionis n. comb., G. adelungi n. comb., G. mauritiana n. comb., Karnygryllacris occipitalis n. comb., K. atriceps n. comb., K. brevipennis n. comb., K. humilis n. comb., K. scurra n. comb., K. triocellata n. comb., K. pittarellii n. comb., K. grylloides n. comb., Brunnergryllacris testaceus n. comb. and B. eximia n. comb (previously placed under Niphetogryllacris), Rentzgryllacris sechellensis n. comb. (before in Prosopogryllacris and the three subspecies are treated as full species), Gorochovgryllacris navicula n. comb. (transferred from Brachybaenus), Bianigryllacris trilobus n. comb., B. bilobus n. comb., B. digitatus n. comb., B. fallax n. comb., B. nigrigeniculatus n. comb., B. parvospinus n. comb., B. quadratus n. comb. and B. transversus n. comb. (previously placed under Apotrechus), Hyalogryllacris orthoxipha n. comb. (previously placed under Xiphogryllacris), Afroneanias glauningi n. comb., A. sphinix n. comb. and Ingrishgryllacris brevifalcatus n. comb. (previously placed under Ametroides and Glomeremus respectively). A key to the identification of the subfamilies and tribes is provided, plus historical background of the major taxonomic works on the group and the few contributions on ecology, morphology, and behavior is also done. It also discusses the status of fossil taxa thought to belong to the family. A preliminary analysis of the zoogeography of the family from the parameters of richness, diversity and distribution patterns of different groups studied, and also, some final comments on what has been achieved in this contribution are give, what is missing to the study of gryllacridines to the future and some problems that still affect the taxonomy to genera and species level. Finally, a check list in which all family taxa are included with the new classification is provided, with some comments on their distribution and taxonomic status if necessary.

Keywords: Orthoptera, New classification, new subfamilies, new tribes, new genera, new combinations, new synonyms, Zoogeography, morphological convergence, Niphetogryllacris

Habitus to a typical Hyperbaeninae.

Oscar J. Cadena-Castañeda. 2019. A Proposal Towards Classification of the Raspy Crickets (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatoidea: Gryllacrididae) with Zoogeographical Comments: An Initial Contribution to the Higher Classification of the Gryllacridines. Zootaxa. 4605(1); 1-100. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4605.1.1

Cyrtodactylus urbanus

Purkayastha, Das, Bohra, Bauer & Agarwal, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4732.3.2

Abstract

We describe a new species of Cyrtodactylus from Guwahati city in the state of Assam, India and provide additional data on the recently described Cyrtodactylus guwahatiensis. Cyrtodactylus urbanus sp. nov. falls in the newly defined khasiensis group within the Indo-Burma clade of Cyrtodactylus and is the poorly supported sister taxon to Cyrtodactylus khasiensis. The new species differs from other members of the khasiensis group in mitochondrial sequence data (12.5–17.1 % uncorrected pairwise ND2 sequence divergence) as well as aspects of morphology including the number and arrangement of precloacal pores in males, the number of mid-ventral scales and paravertebral tubercles, and colour pattern. This is the second Cyrtodactylus endemic to the Guwahati region, the fourth from Assam and the twelfth from Northeast India.

Keywords: Reptilia, Biodiversity, Northeast India, ND2, urban biodiversity, systematics

Cyrtodactylus urbanus sp. nov.

Jayaditya Purkayastha, Madhurima Das, Sanath Chandra Bohra, Aaron M. Bauer and Ishan Agarwal. 2020. Another New Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Guwahati, Assam, India. Zootaxa. 4732(3); 375–392. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4732.3.2

C Asianopis wangi sp. nov., male D A. wangi sp. nov., female
E Asianopis zhuanghaoyuni sp. nov., male F A. zhuanghaoyuni sp. nov., female
G Web of A. liukuensis comb. nov. H Web of A. wangi sp. nov.

in Lin, Shao, Hänggi, ... et Li, 2020.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.911.38761

Abstract

A new genus of the spider family Deinopidae C.L. Koch, 1850 is described from Asia: Asianopis Lin & Li gen. nov., with A. zhuanghaoyuni Lin & Li sp. nov. as the type species. The new genus is divided into two species groups, of which the liukuensis-group includes two species: A. dumogae (Merian, 1911) sp. reval. comb. nov. (♀) and A. liukuensis (Yin, Griswold & Yan, 2002) comb. nov. (♂♀); and the zhuanghaoyuni-group comprises five species: A. celebensis (Merian, 1911) comb. nov. (♂), A. konplong (Logunov, 2018) comb. nov. (♂), A. wangi Lin & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), A. wuchaoi Lin & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), and A. zhuanghaoyuni Lin & Li sp. nov. All previously described species are transferred from Deinopis MacLeay, 1839. Deinopis scrubjunglei Caleb & Mathai, 2014 is treated as a junior synonym of Asianopis liukuensis comb. nov.

Keywords: New combination, new species, species groups, systematics, taxonomy

Figure 22. Photos of four live spiders of Asianopis gen. nov., including webs of two species of Asianopis gen. nov.
A A. liukuensis comb. nov., female B Asianopis wuchaoi sp. nov., female C Asianopis wangi sp. nov., male D A. wangi sp. nov., female E Asianopis zhuanghaoyuni sp. nov., male FA. zhuanghaoyuni sp. nov., female G Web of A. liukuensiscomb. nov. H Web ofA. wangi sp. nov.

Taxonomy

Family Deinopidae C.L. Koch, 1850

Genus AsianopisLin & Li, gen. nov.

Type species: Asianopis zhuanghaoyuni Lin & Li, sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic name is a combination of the word “Asia”, referring to the distribution of the genus, and the generic name Deinopis. The gender is feminine.

Diagnosis: Asianopis gen. nov. can be easily distinguished from Deinopis by the following characters: a prominent setal fringe can be found above the posterior median eyes in both sexes of Asianopis species (Fig. 4A, B), which is absent in Deinopis (Coddington et al. 2012: fig. 3a); the embolic tip of male Asianopis has an embolic middle apophysis (liukuensis-group, Fig. 21A), an embolic terminal apophysis or is weakly folded apically (zhuanghaoyuni-group, Fig. 21B–E), whereas none of these characters is present in Deinopis (Coddington et al. 2012: fig. 11m); the MADL in Asianopis is small and has a basal lobe, while in Deinopis, the median apophysis is larger than the MABL and covers the entire base (Coddington et al. 2012: fig. 11m); female chelicerae with many denticles between the promarginal and retromarginal teeth (Fig. 2F) or female chelicerae without denticles (Fig. 2H), in contrast, denticles are only at the center of any two adjoining retromarginal teeth in Deinopis (Coddington et al. 2012: fig. 5c); femora I enlarged proximally in Asianopis gen. nov. (liukuensis group, Fig. 2I) or not enlarged (zhuanghaoyuni-group, Fig. 2J), but they are enlarged distally in Deinopis (Coddington et al. 2012: fig. 3b); epigynal median plate lateral margins anchor-shaped in Asianopis gen. nov. (Figs 3A, 6A), but ellipsoid in Deinopis (Coddington et al. 2012: fig. 9b); SpD is consistently narrow in Asianopis gen. nov. (Figs 3B, 6B) but tapering in Deinopis (Coddington et al. 2012: fig. 9d).

A A. liukuensis comb. nov., female B Asianopis wuchaoi sp. nov., female
C Asianopis wangi sp. nov., male D A. wangi sp. nov., female

Molecular phylogeny:

The molecular phylogenetic analysis indicates with strong support that all the species in this study do not belong to Deinopis. Based on the 4893 bp-aligned sequences of seven gene fragments, the ML and Bayesian analyses produced the same topology, showing a split of a Southwest China clade from other clades and is strongly supported (Bootstrap value: 88; PP: 0.98) (Fig. 1). Our results are consistent with the results of Chamberland et al. (2018) who conducted a global phylogenetic analysis of Deinopis. Therefore, the Southwest China clade can be classified as a new genus with strong support (Bootstrap value: 100; PP: 1). Although intraspecific support values are low in both ML and Bayesian analyses results, basal nodes are strongly supported, including the sister relationship of A. wangi Lin & Li, sp. nov. & A. zhuanghaoyuni Lin & Li, sp. nov. (Bootstrap value: 95; PP: 1).

Natural habitat: All the species of Asianopis gen. nov. were collected from bushes in low-elevation forests.

E Asianopis zhuanghaoyuni sp. nov., male F A. zhuanghaoyuni sp. nov., female
G Web of A. liukuensis comb. nov. H Web of A. wangi sp. nov.

Composition: This new genus comprises two species groups: the liukuensis-group with two species: A. dumogae (Merian, 1911) sp. reval. comb. nov. and A. liukuensis (Yin, Griswold & Yan, 2002) comb. nov. and the zhuanghaoyuni-group with five species: A. celebensis (Merian, 1911) comb. nov., A. konplong (Logunov, 2018) comb. nov., A. wangi sp. nov., A. wuchaoi sp. nov., and A. zhuanghaoyuni sp. nov.

Distribution: China (Fujian, Yunnan, Hong Kong, Guangxi, Hainan), India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Yejie Lin, Lili Shao, Ambros Hänggi, John T.D. Caleb, Joseph K.H. Koh, Peter Jäger and Shuqiang Li. 2020. Asianopis gen. nov., A New Genus of the Spider Family Deinopidae from Asia. ZooKeys. 911: 67-99. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.911.38761

Stupendemys geographicus Wood, 1976

in Cadena, Scheyer, Carrillo-Briceño, et al., 2020.

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay4593

Art: Jaime Chirinos

Abstract

Despite being among the largest turtles that ever lived, the biology and systematics of Stupendemys geographicus remain largely unknown because of scant, fragmentary finds. We describe exceptional specimens and new localities of S. geographicus from the Miocene of Venezuela and Colombia. We document the largest shell reported for any extant or extinct turtle, with a carapace length of 2.40 m and estimated mass of 1,145 kg, almost 100 times the size of its closest living relative, the Amazon river turtle Peltocephalus dumerilianus, and twice that of the largest extant turtle, the marine leatherback Dermochelys coriacea. The new specimens greatly increase knowledge of the biology and evolution of this iconic species. Our findings suggest the existence of a single giant turtle species across the northern Neotropics, but with two shell morphotypes, suggestive of sexual dimorphism. Bite marks and punctured bones indicate interactions with large caimans that also inhabited the northern Neotropics.

Systematic paleontology

Testudines Batsch, 1788.

Pleurodira Cope, 1864 sensu Joyce et al., 2004.

Podocnemididae Cope, 1868.

Eymnochelyinae sensu Ferreira et al., 2018.

Stupendemys geographicus Wood, 1976.

Synonymy: Caninemys tridentata (Meylan et al., 2009)

Stupendemys souzai (Lapparent de Broin et al., 1993; Bocquentin et al., 2006)

Stupendemys sp. (Gaffney et al., 1998)

Podocnemididae indet. (Gaffney et al., 1998)

Reconstruction of Stupendemys geographicus male (front) and female (middle-left),
together with the giant caimanine Purussaurus mirandai and the large catfish Phractocephalus nassi.

Art: Jaime Chirinos

E.-A. Cadena, T. M. Scheyer, J. D. Carrillo-Briceño, R. Sánchez, O. A Aguilera-Socorro, A. Vanegas5, M. Pardo, D. M. Hansen and M. R. Sánchez-Villagra. 2020. The Anatomy, Paleobiology, and Evolutionary Relationships of the Largest Extinct Side-necked Turtle. Science Advances. 6(7); eaay4593. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay4593

Extinct giant turtle had horned shell of up to three meters phys.org/news/2020-02-extinct-giant-turtle-horned-shell.html via @physorg_com

Fossils shed new light on car-sized turtle that once roamed South America theguardian.com/science/2020/feb/12/giant-turtle-fossil-south-america-stupendemys-geographicus

Golden Mahseer, Tor putitora (Hamilton 1822)

in Harries, Arbenz, Dahanukar, Raghavan, et al. 2019.

Cave & Karst Science. 46(3);

facebook.com/RajeevRaghavan98

Abstract

In February 2019 a troglomorphic fish was discovered in a cave in Meghalaya in northeastern India. The largest individual seen in the cave was in excess of 400mm in standard length making it, by far, the largest known subterranean fish found to date. Initial investigations indicate it is a close anatomical match to Tor putitora but differs in its depigmentation, lack of eyes and in its subterranean habitat.

Keywords: Subterranean fish, cave fish, Meghalaya, standard length.

Conclusion:

The fish discovered in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya in February 2019 is by far the largest troglobiotic fish yet known, and is nearly 5 times the mean length (85mm) for all known subterranean fishes to date. The only other species exceeding 300mm in length are eel-like Synbranchidae with nothing like the bulk of the new fish. The large size of the latter is probably related to a plentiful food supply.

Dan Harries, Thomas Arbenz, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rajeev Raghavan, Mark Tringham, Duwaki Rangad and Graham Proudlove. 2019. The World’s Largest Known Subterranean Fish: A Discovery in Meghalaya (NE India) of A Cave-adapted Fish related to the Golden Mahseer, Tor putitora (Hamilton 1822). Cave & Karst Science. 46(3); 121–126.

Researchgate.net/publication/338066161_The_world's_largest_subterranean_fish_Tor_putitora

facebook.com/RajeevRaghavan98/posts/10156373297690938

World’s largest cave fish discovered in India on.natgeo.com/31O4YW1 via @NatGeo

Salvia huastecana Bedolla, Zamudio & H.Castillo-Gómez

in Bedolla-García, Zamudio & Castillo-Gómez. 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.433.1.1

Abstract

Salvia huastecana is described and illustrated as a new species. It is known from the municipality of Xilitla, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This taxon belongs to Salvia sect. Angulatae, is similar to S. albiflora and S. roscida but it can be distinguished by a higher number of flowers per verticillaster (9−12), longer caducous bracts with long caudate apex, hirsute calyx with erect trichomes and white corolla, sometimes with the upper lip and margins of the lateral lobes of the lower lip light blue stained. Photographs of living plants and the illustration of the new species are provided.

Keywords: México, Salvia, Lamiaceae, Eudicots

FIGURE 1. Salvia huastecana Bedolla, Zamudio & H.Castillo-Gómez.
A. Branch with inflorescences, B. Bract, C. Dorsal view of the calyx, D. Lateral view of the calyx, E. Frontal view of the lower lip of the corolla, F. Stamens, G. Lateral view of the corolla, H. Style, I. Mericarp. (based on H.A. Castillo, P. Castillo L. & J. Reséndiz-E. 1935 (IEB!), illustrated by Manuel Ramírez Amezcua).

FIGURE 2. Salvia huastecana Bedolla, Zamudio & H.Castillo-Gómez.
A. Habitat, B. Lateral view of the corolla and conspicuous bracts, C. Detail of the pubescence of the calyx, D. Inflorescences (photographs taken by S. Zamudio and H.A. Castillo).

Salvia huastecana Bedolla, Zamudio & H.Castillo-Gómez, sp. nov.

Salviae albiflorae et S. roscidae similis. Sed a priore differt inflorescentia cum 9−12 floribus in quoque verticillastro (vs. 5−9), bracteis floralibus longioribus (5.5−14 vs. 2.5−5.6 mm), apice longe-caudato (vs. acuto vel acuminato), caduco (vs. longe persistente); calyx hirsutus (vs. puberulus trichomatibus adpressus); et a altero differt corolla alba vel alba cum labio supero et labii inferi margine sublazulino (vs. albo).

Distribution and ecology:— Populations of the new species occur in two localities in the municipality of Xilitla, in the southern portion of San Luis Potosí (Fig. 3). It inhabits on limestone rock slopes with remnant elements of montane cloud forest with Clethra pringlei S.Watson, Cnidoscolus albidus Lundell, Myriocarpa sp., Podocarpus reichei J.Buchholz & N.E.Gray, Rhamnus capreifolia Schltdl. y Saurauia sp., in an elevation range from 1427–1465 m.

Etymology:— The specific epithet “huastecana” refers to the Huasteca region, seat of the Teenek or Huasteca culture that was established more than one thousand year ago in the southern portion of San Luis Potosí (Puig 1991), area in which the species was found.

Brenda Y. Bedolla-García, Sergio Zamudio and Hugo A. Castillo-Gómez. 2020. Salvia huastecana (Lamiaceae), A New Species from San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Zootaxa. 433(1); 1–8. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.433.1.1

Pugnatrypaea emanata

Felder & Robles, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4732.4.3

Abstract

A new species of callianassid mud shrimp is described from outer continental shelf waters of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, where it appears to commonly live in close association with sediments on or near natural hydrocarbon seeps. Recent genus-level taxonomic revisions of the Callianassidae, based on gene sequence analyses and comparative morphological studies, included specimens representing this new species, assigning it with strong support to the genus Pugnatrypaea Poore et al., 2019. The other known species of this genus are also typically found in offshore waters of continental shelves, but are all restricted in distribution to the Indo-West Pacific and are known from relatively few specimens. Collections of this new Gulf of Mexico representative of the genus are all from slightly deeper waters than for other known congeners, and commonly occur near hydrocarbon seeps, on some occasions being directly associated with sulfidic substrates that include waxy crude oil globules.

Keywords: Crustacea, Decapoda, Callianassidae

Taxonomy:

Infraorder Axiidea de Saint Laurent, 1979

Superfamily Callianassoidea Dana, 1852

Family Callianassidae Dana, 1852

Pugnatrypaea Poore, Dworschak, Robles, Manetlatto & Felder, 2019

Figure 3. Pugnatrypaea emanata n. sp.
male holotype, pocl 8.6 mm, northwestern Gulf of Mexico, near Bush Hill hydrocarbon seep, 560 m depth (USNM 1559553 = ULLZ 17962);
ovigerous female paratype, pocl 7.8 mm, northwestern Gulf of Mexico, 610–850 m depth (USNM 1543633 = ULLZ 8280).

Pugnatrypaea emanata n. sp.

Callianassidae (an undescribed genus).–Martin & Haney 2005:500.

Callianassa ? sp. GMX-1, GMX-2.–Felder & Robles 2009: 336, 339, fig. 1 (part), table 1 (part).

Pugnatrypaea GMX.–Robles et al. 2020 (in press: proof pages D, F), figs 1, 3, suppl. tables 1, 2.

Pugnatrypaea GMX.–Poore et al., 2019: 35, fig. 6j.

Diagnosis.– Carapace with narrow triangular spiniform rostrum, low rounded shoulders lateral to eyestalks forming orbits; dorsal oval well defined. Eyestalk elongate, subrectangular, distomedial corner produced into rounded prominence, cornea poorly defined. Antennular peduncle much shorter than antennal. Second maxilliped small, narrow, straplike exopod carried closely against internal surface of endopod, distinctly shorter than endopodal merus. Third maxilliped lacking exopod, row of spiniform teeth forming distinct crista dentata on internal surface of ischium. Major chela with inferior keel of merus bearing proximal hooked spine or spined lobe, propodus external surface with multidenticulate lobe or tubercle extending over base of gape between fingers. Pleonal tergites mostly glossy smooth, enamel-like, first crossed by dorsal transverse furrows, broad oblique furrow on ventrally directed posterolateral lobe, second somite almost twice length of first. Male first and second pleopods uniramous, each composed of two articles, terminal article of first elongate, suboval, vestigial second male pleopod narrowly straplike. Female first and second pleopods biramous. Third through fifth pleopodal endopods each with short stubby appendix interna extending clearly beyond margin. Telson elongate subrectangular, posterior margin distinctly bilobate, lobes posteriorly separated by deep incision accommodating distinct median spine. Uropodal endopod broad, about 1.5 times longer than broad, dorsally with several stiff bristles distributed along longitudinal median ridge and posterolateral surface; exopod anterodorsal plate not reaching to distal endopod margin, elongate setae of exopod distal margin grading distomesially to dense line of heavy spiniform bristles. GenBank Accession numbers for paratypes, USNM 1541301 = ULLZ 6058: (16S) EU882915, (12S) EU875025, (H3) MN238262; USNM 1543631 = ULLZ 8279: (16S) EU992932, EU882933; (12S) EU87542, EU87543, (H3) MN238300.

Habitat.– Soft muds and silts (Fig. 4A, C, D), including those in immediate vicinity of hydrocarbon (methane) cold seeps, outer continental shelf and upper slope, 560 to at least 732 m depth.

Distribution.– Western Atlantic Ocean, northwestern Gulf of Mexico, outer continental shelf off Louisiana and Texas.

Etymology.– The species name “emanata” is an adjective derived from the Latin “emanare”, meaning to ooze or flow out, alluding to the hydrocarbon seeps with which this species is often associated.

Darryl L. Felder and Rafael Robles. 2020. A New Mud Shrimp of the Genus Pugnatrypaea from Outer Continental Shelf Waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico, commonly associated with Hydrocarbon Seeps (Crustacea: Decapoda: Callianassidae). Zootaxa. 4732(4); 545–555. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4732.4.3

Walkerana muduga

Dinesh, Vijayakumar, Ramesh, Jayarajan, Chandramouli & Shanker, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4729.2.7

facebook.com/FrogsIndia

Abstract

The frog family Ranixalidae is endemic to the Western Ghats of Peninsular India and contains two genera, Indirana and Walkerana. The three known species of Walkerana are restricted to different hill ranges south of the Palghat Gap, an ancient valley in the Western Ghats. In this study, we report the discovery of a deeply divergent lineage of Walkerana from the high elevations of the Elivalmalai hill range. This finding extends the geographic range of the Walkerana clade to the north of the Palghat Gap. The new species Walkerana muduga sp. nov. is genetically and morphologically divergent, and geographically isolated from its sister lineages. We also recovered a potential new lineage in the adjoining hill ranges suggesting the presence of additional new species in this genus north of the Palghat Gap.

Keywords: Amphibia, Elivalmalai, Mudugar, Palghat Gap, Walkerana, Western Ghats

K.P. Dinesh, S.P. Vijayakumar, Vijay Ramesh, Aditi Jayarajan, S.R. Chandramouli and Kartik Shanker. 2020. A Deeply Divergent Lineage of Walkerana (Anura: Ranixalidae) from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India. Zootaxa. 4729(2); 266–276. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4729.2.7

facebook.com/FrogsIndia/posts/2524686931135870

facebook.com/VaradGiri/posts/2799444526744370

Great leap forward in Western Ghats deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/great-leap-forward-in-western-ghats-800934.html @deccanherald

Panaque nigrolineatus laurafabianae

Ortega-Lara & Lujan, 2020

Watermelon Pleco || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4732.3.3

twitter.com/DrNathanLujan

Abstract

The suckermouth armored catfish genus Panaque contains seven valid species, including the Royal Pleco, Panaque nigrolineatus, which has long been popular as an ornamental aquarium fish and was originally described from the Apure River basin in Venezuela. We examine a phenotypically distinct population of P. nigrolineatus from the Guaviare River in southern Colombia at the southwesternmost corner of the Orinoco River basin. In contrast to typically boldly striped populations from closer to the type locality of P. nigrolineatus, the Guaviare River basin population is usually boldly spotted, earning them the common name Watermelon Pleco in the aquarium fish trade. Because of the commercial popularity of this distinctive color morph, it is heavily exploited for export to the global ornamental fish trade. We find that the Guaviare RiverP. nigrolineatus laurafabianae is not only distinct geographically and in color pattern, but is also morphometrically diagnosable from P. nigrolineatus individuals from outside the Guaviare River basin. However, relatively subtle phenotypic differences, invariance in nuclear DNA markers, < 0.5% divergence in mitochondrial DNA markers 16S, cytb, and ND2, and the non-monophyly of Guaviare River populations prevent us from robustly inferring species-level distinctiveness of the Watermelon Pleco. We therefore propose to recognize this population as a distinct subspecies.

Keywords: Loricariidae, Taxonomy, Neotropics, Orinoco, coloration, wood-eating, ornamental aquarium fishes

Armando Ortega-Lara and Nathan K. Lujan. 2020. Panaque nigrolineatus laurafabianae, A New, Commercially exploited Subspecies of Ornamental Wood-eating Pleco (Loricariidae: Hypostominae) from the Guaviare River Basin in Colombia. Zootaxa. 4732(3); 393–408. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4732.3.3

twitter.com/DrNathanLujan/status/1228086932430819331

Amabilis uchoensis

Hermanson, Iori, Evers, Langer & Ferreira, 2020

DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1300

twitter.com/GHermanson_

twitter.com/SirJoscha

Abstract

Pleurodires are less diverse than cryptodires, together forming the two major lineages of crown turtles. Their fossil record, however, is rich. A particularly large number of fossil pleurodires, many belonging to the Podocnemidoidae, has been recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Bauru Group outcrops of south‐central Brazil. Herein we describe an additional pleurodire from this region, Amabilis uchoensis gen. et sp. nov., based on a partially preserved skull. A. uchoensis is recognized as belonging to the Podocnemidoidae by the small entrance to the antrum postoticum and completely developed cavum pterygoidei, being unique among other non‐podocnemidid podocnemidoids for its medially open fenestra postotica and absent basioccipital–opisthotic contact. Our cladistic analysis places A. uchoensis as a sister taxon to Hamadachelys + other podocnemidoids. We further explore the neuroanatomy of side‐necked turtles with the aid of micro‐computed tomography of specimens of the main pleurodiran lineages. Our data shed light on the different carotid circulation patterns in pleurodires, and we propose new phylogenetic characters to describe the neuroanatomical variation of the group. Optimization of these characters shows two independent acquisitions of a foramen for the palatal branch of the carotid in chelids and podocnemidoids, and a unique loss of the vidian nerve canal in chelids, in turtles in general.

Keywords: Pleurodira, micro‐computed tomography, Podocnemidoidae, Bauru Group, neuroanatomy, carotid circulation

Systematic palaeontology

PLEURODIRA Cope, 1864

PELOMEDUSOIDES Broin, 1988

PODOCNEMIDOIDAE Cope, 1868

Genus AMABILIS nov.

Derivation of name: Latin for ‘lovable’, for its tiny size.

Amabilis uchoensis sp. nov.

Derivation of name: The name refers to Uchoa municipality, where the holotype is housed.

Conclusion:

The new podocnemidoid turtle from the Late Cretaceous São José do Rio Preto Formation increases the diversity of taxa on the stem‐lineage to Podocnemididae, highlighting the importance of the Bauru Group fossils in the understanding of the origins of the group (Fig. 7B). Based on an exclusive set of characters, A. uchoensis can be attributed to the Podocnemidoidae lineage. Also, based on μCT data, new characters were proposed, previous scorings were re‐interpreted, and these were included in a new phylogenetic analysis. The recovering of some of these novel characters as synapomorphic for main pleurodiran clades (e.g. Pelomedusoides, Bothremydidae) indicate that, as with other vertebrates (e.g. Coates 1999; Mennecart et al. 2017; Pierce et al. 2017), neuroanatomy reflects important phylogenetic signals also for pleurodires.

Our investigation has revealed a previously unknown variety of carotid circulation patterns in pleurodires. Among Testudines, we find a single loss of the canal for the palatal (vidian) branch of the facial nerve (VII) in chelids, as suggested by Albrecht (1976). We also mapped two independent origins of a specific foramen for the palatal branch of the carotid artery, in chelids and in the Podocnemidoidae lineage, although the origin of this foramen appears to be homoplastic across turtle lineages (Fig. 8), given that the presence of the canal varies outside crown Testudines (e.g. present in plesiochelyids and absent in baenids; Rollot et al. 2018; Evers & Benson 2019; Raselli & Anquetin 2019). Furthermore, taphrosphyine bothremydids evolved one of the most lateralized paths for the internal carotid among pleurodires, in which the canal extends virtually perpendicular to the midline axis of the skull, whereas in the majority of pleurodires (and turtles in general) the carotid enters the braincase at a much more acute angle. We hope that this contribution will serve as a basis for future surveys exploring the inner skull anatomy of a larger sample of pleurodires, broadening our understanding of the evolution of the cranial innervation and carotid systems in the group.

Guilherme Hermanson, Fabiano V. Iori, Serjoscha W. Evers, Max C. Langer and Gabriel S. Ferreira. 2020. A Small Podocnemidoid (Pleurodira, Pelomedusoides) from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil, and the Innervation and Carotid Circulation of Side‐necked Turtles. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1300

twitter.com/GHermanson_/status/1227618571460784131

twitter.com/SirJoscha/status/1227620671242588161

Amabilis, nossa tartaruga de 85 milhões de anos diariodaregiao.com.br/_conteudo/2020/02/cidades/regiao/1184153-amabilis-nossa-tartaruga-de-85-milhoes-de-anos.html

Ceropegia phuchongensis Kidyoo & K. Suwann.

in Kidyoo & Suwannakote, 2020.

taiwania.ntu.edu.twid=1659

facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract
A new species from Phu Chong-Na Yoi National Park, Ubon Ratchathani Province, eastern Thailand, Ceropegia phuchongensis Kidyoo & K. Suwann. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), is described, illustrated and compared with the related C. tenuicaulis Kidyoo. The new species differs in corolla tube shape, color and trichomes inside the corolla tube, as well as pollinium and corpusculum shape. In addition, the gynostegium surfaces of the two species also support the distinctiveness of the new species.

Keyword: Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Ceropegieae, dry deciduous forest, grass-like habit, Thailand, Tiloris

Fig 3. Illustrations of Ceropegia phuchongensis sp. nov. A. Flowering branch; B. Flower; C. Flower bud; D. Longitudinal section of flower showing corona and gynostegium; E. Top view of gynostegium; F. Calyx; G. Pollinarium; H. Fruit; I. Seed. Drawn by Manit Kidyoo from M. Kidyoo 1570(A-F) and M. Kidyoo 1652(G-I).

Fig 4. Ceropegia phuchongensis sp. nov. A. Habitat; B. Habit; C. Flowers. All photographs by M. Kidyoo.

Fig 1. Reproductive structures of Ceropegia phuchongensis sp. nov. (A-C) and C. tenuicaulis (D-F):
A, D. Flowers; B, E. Longitudinal sections of corolla tubes; C, F. Pollinaria. Photographs by M. Kidyoo.

Fig 2. SEM photographs of gynostegium and corona of Ceropegia phuchongensis sp. nov. (A-C) and C. tenuicaulis (D-F).
A, D. Top view of gynostegia; B, E. Side view of gynostegia (stipes were removed); C, F. Basal parts of staminal corona lobes.

Ceropegia phuchongensis Kidyoo & K. Suwann., sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Ceropegia phuchongensis differs from C. tenuicaulis in having an ovoid to globose corolla tube of 0.7–1.0 cm length and 0.6–0.9 diam. which is inflated at its mid-length. The interior of this inflated part is yellowish white with irregular purplish brown dots and stripes, and densely covered with wrinkled, whitish trichomes of 0.9– 1.5 mm length. In contrast, C. tenuicaulis has an ovoidtubular corolla tube of 1.7–2.2 cm length and 0.5–0.6 cm diam. The tube has a slightly inflated basal portion and a long narrow upper part. The interior of its inflated part is plain purplish brown and covered with scattered white trichomes of 0.7–1.4 mm length.

Etymology: Ceropegia phuchongensis is named after the Phu Chong-Na Yoi National Park, the type locality.

Distribution and habitat: Ceropegia phuchongensis is currently known from only two localities in eastern Thailand. This plant is a perennial herb growing in sandy soil among tall grasses in the open area of dry deciduous dipterocarp

Manit Kidyoo and Kamonchanok Suwannakote. 2020. Ceropegia phuchongensis (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), A New Species from eastern Thailand. Taiwania. 65(2); 101-108.

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=1659

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Desmognathus fuscus (Rafinesque, 1820)

in Beamer & Lamb, 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4734.1.1

Abstract

Dusky salamanders (Desmognathus) constitute a large, species-rich group within the family Plethodontidae, and though their systematic relationships have been addressed extensively, most studies have centered on particular species complexes and therefore offer only piecemeal phylogenetic perspective on the genus. Recent work has revealed Desmognathus to be far more clade rich—35 reciprocally monophyletic clades versus 22 recognized species—than previously imagined, results that, in turn, provide impetus for additional survey effort within clades and across geographic areas thus far sparsely sampled. We conceived and implemented a sampling regime combining level IV ecoregions and independent river drainages to yield a geographic grid for comprehensive recovery of all genealogically exclusive clades. We sampled over 550 populations throughout the distribution of Desmognathus in the eastern United States of America and generated mitochondrial DNA sequence data (mtDNA; 1,991 bp) for 536 specimens. A Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction of the resulting haplotypes revealed forty-five reciprocally monophyletic clades, eleven of which have never been included in a comprehensive phylogenetic reconstruction, and an additional three not represented in any molecular systematic survey. Although general limitations associated with mtDNA data preclude new species delineation, we profile each of the 45 clades and assign names to 10 new clades (following a protocol for previous clade nomenclature). We also redefine several species complexes and erect new informal species complexes. Our dataset, which contains topotypic samples for nearly every currently recognized species and most synonymies, will offer a robust framework for future efforts to delimit species within Desmognathus.

Keywords: Amphibia, Caudata, Desmognathus, mtDNA phylogeny, level IV ecoregion X independent drainage sampling, new clades

David A. Beamer and Trip Lamb. 2020. Towards Rectifying Limitations on Species Delineation in Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus: Plethodontidae): An Ecoregion-drainage Sampling Grid reveals Additional Cryptic Clades. Zootaxa. 4734(1); 1-61. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4734.1.1

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