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[Botany • 2019] Nepenthes cabanae (Nepenthaceae) • A New Species of Pitcher Plant from Central Mindanao, Philippines

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Nepenthes cabanae Lagunday & V.B. Amoroso

in Lagunday & Amoroso, 2019. 
Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology. 13(1) 

Abstract
A new endemic species, Nepenthes cabanae, belonging to sect. Insignes is described from the Mt. Pantaron range of central Mindanao. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered. This discovery brings the number of Nepenthes species in this mountain range to eight. Mt. Pantaron is currently not a protected area, but the diversity of Nepenthes taxa suggests concerted efforts should be made to develop a conservation strategy to preserve and protect the area.

KEYWORDS: carnivorous plants, Nepenthes, Pantaron range, taxonomy, threatened species


Figure 2. Upper pitchers on living plants of Nepenthes cabanae Lagunday & V.B. Amoroso.
Figure 3. Upper pitchers and leaf attachment on living plant of Nepenthes cabanae
Figure 4. An intermediate pitcher on living plant of Nepenthes cabanae.
 (Photos: N.E. Lagunday).

Figure 5. Nepenthes cabanae Lagunday & V.B. Amoroso.A) upper pitcher, B) intermediate pitcher, C) peristome inner margin, D) waxy zone, E) digestive zone, F) leaf attachment, G) pitcher exterior with indumentum, H) indumentum types, I & J) lid spur, K) gland distribution in the basal lower lid surface, L) gland distribution in the mid lower lid surface, M) gland distribution in the apical lower lid surface, N) nectar glands in the lower lid surface. All from the holotype. (Photos: N.E. Lagunday).

Nepenthes cabanae Lagunday & V.B. Amoroso, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:Leaves unequally decurrent with four longitudinal nerves; lower pitchers subcylindrical, bottom half slightly inflated, top half cylindrical towards the mouth; peristome with short triangular indistinct teeth not projecting beyond peristome margin.


Etymology: The specific epithet honors Dr. Veneracion G. Cabana, who funded scientific expeditions in the unexplored areas in central Mindanao, Philippines viz. Mt. Pantaron range and Mt. Tangkulan range.



Conclusion And Recommendation:
 Explorations in the incompletely surveyed areas of central Mindanao, Philippines led to the discovery of N. cabanae another new species of pitcher plant making the Philippines home to a total of 58 species. This discovery makes the Mt. Pantaron range a home to eight Nepenthes species. Mt. Pantaron is currently not a protected area, and the presence of threatened and endemic species of Nepenthes in the area calls for immediate conservation strategies by the local stakeholders to preserve and protect these plants from illegal poaching. 


  Noel E. Lagunday and Victor B. Amoroso. 2019. Nepenthes cabanae (Caryophyllales, Nepenthaceae), A New Species of Pitcher Plant from Central Mindanao, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology. 13(1); 39-45. DOI: 10.26757/pjsb2019a13005.


[Herpetology • 2020] Dragons in Neglect: Taxonomic Revision of the Sulawesi Sailfin Lizards of the Genus Hydrosaurus Kaup, 1828 (Squamata, Agamidae)

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Hydrosaurus microlophus (Bleeker, 1860)


in Denzer, Campbell, Manthey, et al., 2020.  

Abstract
Currently three different species are recognized within the Southeast Asian agamid genus Hydrosaurus: H. amboinensis (Schlosser, 1768) from Ambon, Seram, Sulawesi and New Guinea, H. pustulatus (Eschscholtz, 1829) from the Philippines and H. weberi Barbour, 1911 from Halmahera and adjacent islands. Historically, two additional species were described from the island of Sulawesi, but were synonymized with H. amboinensis more than a century ago and have been treated as such in most subsequent publications. In order to revise the taxonomy and diversity of these enigmatic agamid lizards, we examined the corresponding type specimens and additional material originating from Sulawesi and compared them to photographs of live specimens from field trips. Due to differences in colour pattern and scalation characters, we resurrect the taxa celebensis Peters, 1872 and microlophus Bleeker, 1860 from the synonymy of H. amboinensis, which in turn is restricted to the central Moluccas and New Guinea. Hence, Sulawesi is currently the only known island within the genus’ range to be inhabited by two different species of sailfin lizards. Our systematic investigation brings the number of recognized species within the genus Hydrosaurus to five.

Keywords: Reptilia, Hydrosaurinae, Indonesia, type specimens, taxon resurrection, synonymy, distribution



Wolfgang Denzer, Patrick D. Campbell, Ulrich Manthey, Andrea Glässer-Trobisch and André Koch. 2020. Dragons in Neglect: Taxonomic Revision of the Sulawesi Sailfin Lizards of the Genus Hydrosaurus Kaup, 1828 (Squamata, Agamidae). Zootaxa. 4747(2); 275–301. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4747.2.3

[Botany • 2020] Cyanea kuhihewa: Rediscovering One of Hawai'i's Rarest Trees

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Cyanea kuhihewa Lammers

in Rønsted & Wood, 2020. 

Abstract
Cyanea kuhihewa is a Hawaiian plant thought to be extinct but recently rediscovered. Oceanic island plants are uniquely adapted to their environment. Globally, many island species are now threatened needing extensive conservation management to survive. We highlight this global conservation challenge and provide an example from Hawai'i of how we may safeguard critically endangered species from extinction.




  Cyanea kuhihewa Lammers. 
(a) Habitat North shore Kaua'i. (b) Map of Kaua'i showing Limahuli Valley. (c–e) Habit and flowers.
 Photographs and map (a,b) by Ken Wood; (c‐e) by David Lorence

CONCLUDING REMARKS: 
The flora of Hawai'i is a hotspot of endemism, but the uniquely adapted native flora is highly vulnerable to disturbance, and losing just a few populations may mean losing one or more species. C. kuhihewa is one of about 85 taxa in this genus of charismatic Hawaiian lobeliads, most of which are uniquely adapted to a single island or are even narrower endemics from a single mountain or valley. About half of the genus is considered threatened, most of them with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild. Reports of rediscovery of species previously thought to be extinct are always encouraging news, and we may still be able to safeguard C. kuhihewa through the ongoing combination of monitoring, weed and predator control, seed‐banking, propagation, and out‐planting.


Nina Rønsted and Kenneth R. Wood. 2020. Cyanea kuhihewa: Rediscovering One of Hawai'i's Rarest Trees. PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET. DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10099


   

[Herpetology • 2020] Sarcohyla floresi • A New Species of Sarcohyla (Anura: Hylidae: Hylini) from the Sierra Madre del Sur of Guerrero and Estado de México, México

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Sarcohyla floresi
Kaplan, Heimes & Aguilar, 2020


Abstract 
We describe a new species of frog Sarcohyla floresi sp. nov. from the Sierra Madre del Sur of Guerrero and the southern part of Estado de México, based on specimens previously referred to as S. pentheter and newly obtained specimens. The new species has stream-dwelling tadpoles with labial tooth row formula 2(2)/3 and adults with a distinctive dark dorsolateral band bordered by a white line. S. floresi can be included in the S. bistincta group. 

Key words: Amphibia, Taxonomy, Sarcohyla pentheter, Sarcohyla floresi, Sarcohyla bistincta group

FIGURE 1. Holotype of Sarcohyla floresi UMMZ 239718.

Sarcohyla floresi sp. nov. 

Etymology. This species is named after Oscar Flores Villela, a researcher and teacher at the Museo de Zoologia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, to recognize his life-long commitment to the science and conservation of amphibians and reptiles in México.

Natural history. The holotype was found inside a fissure of a large boulder on a mountain crest far from a body of water. The type locality consists of dry deciduous forest characteristic of the Pacific slopes of the Sierra Madre del Sur of Guerrero (Rzedowski, 1978). All tadpoles were found during the day in pools formed in streams.



Moises Kaplan, Peter Heimes and Rafael Aguilar. 2020. A New Species of Sarcohyla (Anura: Hylidae: Hylini) from the Sierra Madre del Sur of Guerrero and Estado de México, México. Zootaxa. 4743(3); 382–390. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4743.3.5

Resumen:Describimos una nueva especie de rana Sarcohyla floresi sp. nov. de la Sierra Madre del Sur de Guerrero y la parte sur del Estado de México basado en especímenes previamente considerados S. pentheter así como especímenes recién colectados. La nueva especie tiene renacuajos con formula dental 2(2)/3 que viven en arroyos, y adultos con una banda dorsolateral oscura bordeada por una línea blanca. S. floresi puede ser incluida en el grupo S. bistincta. 

   

[Mammalogy • 2020] Miniopterus nimbae • Systematics of West African Miniopterus with the Description of A New Species

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Miniopterus nimbae
Monadjem, Shapiro, Richards, Karabulut, Crawley, Nielsen, Hansen, Bohmann & Mourier, 2020


Abstract
The phylogenetic relationships and species limits within the chiropteran family Miniopteridae are poorly known in mainland Africa. Recent systematic studies in Madagascar have shown that this is a species-rich family, yet only eight species are currently recognized or hypothesized for continental Africa. Based on partial cytochrome b sequences and morphometric analysis, we describe a new species of Miniopterus that is endemic to a restricted, montane region of Liberia and Guinea. Furthermore, the taxonomic status of the West African Miniopterus schreibersii villiersi is resolved and shown to be a distinct species, M. villiersi, that is not closely related to M. schreibersii. Finally, the species M. inflatus is revealed to be paraphyletic, with the central African rainforest populations apparently not closely related to the savanna forms in eastern and southern Africa. Based on the results of this study, the number of Miniopterus species in Africa has increased from eight to 11, with more cryptic species likely to be discovered.


Miniopterus nimbae


Ara Monadjem, Julie T. Shapiro, Leigh R. Richards, Hatice Karabulut, Wing Crawley, Ida Broman Nielsen, Anders Hansen, Kristine Bohmann and Tobias Mourier. 2020. Systematics of West African Miniopterus with the Description of A New Species. Acta Chiropterologica. 21(2); 237-256. DOI: 10.3161/15081109ACC2019.21.2.001  

[Botany • 2020] Strobilanthes scopulicola (Acanthaceae) • A New Species of from the Western Ghats, India

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Strobilanthes scopulicola A.K. Pradeep, Sinj. Thomas, B. Mani & Britto

in Thomas, Mani, Britto & Pradeep, 2020. 

Abstract
Strobilanthes scopulicola, a new species from the collections of the high altitude montane grasslands of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Western Ghats of India is described and illustrated. Photographs, details of phenology, distribution, pollen morphology and similarity with related species were also provided.

Keyword: Acanthaceae, India, pollen, Strobilanthes lanata, S. lawsonii, taxonomy, Wayanad, Western Ghats


Strobilanthes scopulicola A.K. Pradeep, Sinj. Thomas, B. Mani & Britto, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Strobilanthes scopulicola is allied to S. lawsonii and S. lanata, but differs by ovate to lanceolateovate leaves (not ovate or elliptic), pubescence on adaxial leaf surface (not glabrous), bracts with acute apex (not acuminate) and adaxial pubescence (not glabrous), widely elliptic corolla lobes (neither ovate nor triangular or orbicular), stamina with villous filaments (not sparse hairy), glabrous stigma (not pubescent) and subprolate pollen grains with two ribs completely encircling the grain (neither prolate nor all the ribs fused at poles).

Fig. 1: Strobilanthes scopulicola.
A. Habit; B. Leaves: adaxial and abaxial view; C–D. Inflorescence; E. Bract: adaxial surface; F. Bract: abaxial surface; G. Bracteole and calyx; H. Corolla; I. Corolla split open showing the included stamens; J. Pistil (inset: ovary with apical pubescence); K. Infructescence; L. Young fruit; M. Seeds.

Fig. 3. Flowering branch of Strobilanthes scopulicola (A) and S. lanata (C) and image of the type specimen of S. lawsonii (© the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) (B)

Fig. 2: SEM micrographs of pollen grain of Strobilanthes scopulicola (A–B), S. lawsonii (C–D) and S. lanata (E).

Etymology: The specific epithet “scopulicola” refers to the habitat rock cliffs of high altitude montane grasslands where the new species is exclusively found.

  Habitat and distribution:Strobilanthes scopulicola grows along rocky cliffs in grasslands at an elevation of 1600–2050 m a.s.l. in the northern part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.


Sinjumol Thomas, Bince Mani, Susai John Britto and Annavi veettil Krishna Pillai Pradeep. 2020. A New Species of Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae) from the Western Ghats, India. Taiwania. 65(2); 167-171.  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=1668

    

[Botany • 2020] Viola guaxarensis (Violaceae) • A New Viola from Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

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Viola guaxarensis M. Marrero, Docoito Díaz & Martín Esquivel

in Gómez, Esquivel, Díaz & Izquierdo, 2020. 

 Abstract 
Viola guaxarensis M. Marrero, Docoito Díaz & Martín Esquivel, sp. nov., belonging to V. sect. Melanium Ging. (Violaceae), is described and illustrated. It is a small chamaephyte currently known in only two localities within the high-mountain zone of Tenerife, Canary Islands. Data on aspects of its morphology, ecology, rarity and conservation status are provided, as well as the differences between this new taxon and the other two species from the Canary Island high-mountain habitats, V. cheiranthifolia Humb. & Bonpl. and V. palmensis Webb & Berthel., which are presumed to be the closest relatives.

KEYWORDSCanary Islands, endemic, high mountain, new species, Teide National Park, Tenerife, Viola cheiranthifoliaViola guaxarensisViola palmensisViola sect. Melanium, Violaceae
Fig. 2. Viola guaxarensis. – A: general aspect; B: upper leaf with stipules; C: ovary, style and stigma; D: anther; E: lower leaf; F: sepal; G: peduncle bracteoles; H: flower, lateral view; I: flower, frontal view; J: seed. – Drawn from TFC 53319 by M. V. Marrero Gómez.

Fig. 4. Morphological characteristics of Viola guaxarensis. – A: flower; B: stipules; C: peduncle bracteole; D: upper leaves; E: lower leaf.

Viola guaxarensis M. Marrero, Docoito Díaz & Martín Esquivel, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis — The new species differs from Viola cheiranthifolia Humb. & Bonpl. mainly by its larger size, longer and wider leaves, 2- or 3-sect outer stipules with main lobe up to ¼ the length of the leaves, longer peduncles, violet and slightly hastate peduncle bracteoles, sinuatecrenate sepal appendices with purple tones, and glabrous spur. It differs from V. palmensis Webb & Berthel. by its shorter, wider and non-falcate leaves with petiole never reaching the lamina length, shorter stipules, slightly hastate peduncle bracteoles, and shorter, wider, glabrous spur (Table 1, Fig. 3, 4).
Fig. 5. Habitat of Viola guaxarensis (the blue-flowered plants).
 A: Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Montaña Guajara, Jun 2019, photograph by M. Suárez Izquierdo.

Fig. 5. Habitat of Viola guaxarensis (the blue-flowered plants).
B: same locality, May 2019, photograph by J. R. Docoito Díaz.

Distribution and ecology — Endemic to the high-mountain zone of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, where it is known from only two localities (Fig. 1). Locally common near the summit of Montaña Guajara (..., 2600 m a.s.l.) with nearly 3000 individuals, but scarce (with only a few dozen individuals) at the second locality, Topo de la Grieta 3 km to the northeast (..., 2300 m a.s.l.). In general, the habitat is characterized by low or moderate slopes, with acid and rocky substrates sometimes mixed with pumice. These environments are subject to relatively strong winds (Wildpret & Martín 2005) and frequent winter frosts. Vegetation at the sites is dominated by a low mixed cushion-shrub community (Fig. 5) with Adenocarpus viscosus (Willd.) Webb & Berthel. subsp. viscosus (Fabaceae) one of the more common species. Other Canary Island endemics present are Erysimum scoparium (Brouss. ex Willd.) Wettst. (Brassicaceae), Nepeta teydea Webb & Berthel. (Lamiaceae), Sparto-cytisus supranubius (L. f.) Christ ex G. Kunkel (Fabaceae), and Tolpis webbii Sch. Bip. ex Webb & Berthel. (Asteraceae).

Habitat — The leaves and flowers of both Viola cheiranthifolia and V. guaxarensis are smaller than V. palmensis, possibly as an adaptation to a more xeric environment; the habitat of the two Tenerife taxa is much more arid (rainfall <500 mm/year) than that of the La Palma V. palmensis (rainfall c. 800 mm/year; Martín Osorio & al. 2007). The habitats of the Tenerife taxa also differ in temperature and precipitation, with V. cheiranthifolia occupying colder sites (annual average temperature 3.5–8.8°C) than V. guaxarensis (11.1°C). The pronounced reduction in some morphological structures in V. cheiranthifolia or even the disappearance of some of them (e.g. stipules) may indicate adaptations to a colder and harsher environment.

Etymology — The specific epithet refers to Montaña Guajara, the main location of the new species.


Manuel V. Marrero Gómez, José L. Martín Esquivel, José R. Docoito Díaz and Manuel Suárez Izquierdo. 2020. Viola guaxarensis (Violaceae): A New Viola from Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Willdenowia. 50(1); 13-21. DOI: 10.3372/wi.50.50102

   

[Herpetology • 2020] Multilocus Phylogeny of Bornean Bent-Toed Geckos (Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus) reveals Hidden Diversity, Taxonomic Disarray, and Novel Biogeographic Patterns

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in Davis, Chan, Das, Brennan, Karin, et al., 2020.

Highlights
• Most comprehensive multilocus phylogeny of Bornean Cyrtodactylus.
• Novel biogeographic hypotheses between Bornean and Philippine Cyrtodactylus.
• High amount of cryptic diversity present in Borneo.
• Taxonomic confusion among many recognized Bornean Cyrtodactylus lineages.

Abstract
The gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus is a highly diverse group of lizards (280+ species), which covers an expansive geographic range. Although this genus has been the focus of many taxonomic and molecular systematic studies, species on the Southeast Asian island of Borneo have remained understudied, leading to an unclear evolutionary history with cascading effects on taxonomy and biogeographic inferences. We assembled the most comprehensive multilocus Bornean dataset (one mitochondrial and three nuclear loci) that included 129 novel sequences and representatives from each known Cyrtodactylus species on the island to validate taxonomic status, assess species diversity, and elucidate biogeographic patterns. Our results uncovered a high proportion of cryptic diversity and revealed numerous taxonomic complications, especially within the C. consobrinus, C. malayanus, and C. pubisulcus groups. Comparisons of pairwise genetic distances and a preliminary species delimitation analysis using the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) method demonstrated that some wide-ranging species on Borneo likely comprise multiple distinct and deeply divergent lineages, each with more restricted distributional ranges. We also tested the prevailing biogeographic hypothesis of a single invasion from Borneo into the Philippines. Our analyses revealed that Philippine taxa were not monophyletic, but were likely derived from multiple separate invasions into the geopolitical areas comprising the Philippines. Although our investigation of Bornean Cyrtodactylus is the most comprehensive to-date, it highlights the need for expanded taxonomic sampling and suggests that our knowledge of the evolutionary history, systematics, and biogeography of Bornean Cyrtodactylus is far from complete.

Keywords: cryptic species, species delimitation, systematics, BioGeoBEAR, Sancestral range reconstruction, Sundaland




 Hayden R. Davis, Kin Onn Chan, Indraneil Das, Ian G. Brennan, Benjamin R. Karin, Todd R .Jackman, Rafe M. Brown, Djoko T. Iskandar, Izneil Nashriq, L. Lee Grismer and Aaron M. Bauer. 2020. Multilocus Phylogeny of Bornean Bent-Toed Geckos (Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus) reveals Hidden Diversity, Taxonomic Disarray, and Novel Biogeographic Patterns. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 106785, In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.106785  



[Botany • 2020] Pinguicula rosmarieae (Lentibulariaceae) • A New Butterwort from the Amotape-Huancabamba Zone (northern Peru)

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Pinguicula rosmarieae Casper, Bussmann & T.Henning

in Casper, Bussmann & Henning, 2020. 

Abstract
The insectivorous genus Pinguicula occurs along the whole Andean mountain chain from Colombia-Venezuela in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south with a short interruption in the Peruvian-Chilean desert range. This paper describes a new and striking species of Pinguicula that occurs in the south-eastern part of the Amotape-Huancabamba Zone in north Peru. It grows either as a lithophyte on moist rocks or as an epiphyte on Polylepis multijuga Pilg. in the wet highlands of the Cordillera Central. Pinguicula rosmarieae Casper, Bussmann & T.Henning, sp. nov. is clearly distinguished by a basal rosette of ovate-obovate leaves spread out flat on the ground and especially by a two-partite corolla with a straight uniform tube-spur complex, two features unknown from other Andean Pinguicula species. The morphological similarity to P. calyptrata Kunth is discussed and the habitat and distribution of P. rosmarieae are characterised.

Keywords: Lentibulariaceae, Pinguicula, Pinguicula rosmarieae, Peru, Amotape-Huancabamba Zone, Cordillera Central, endemic, taxonomy, new species, distribution

Figure 1. Pinguicula rosmarieae (A–H) and P. calyptrata (I, J).
P. rosmarieae, 2-scaped; upper flower opened, in profile view, lower one in bud; epiphytic on Polylepis multijuga Pilg., in Polylepis multijuga-Iochroma stenanthum S.Leiva, Quip. & N.W.Sawyer – dominated cloud forest. Peru, Department San Martín, close to ‘El Jardín’(Inca-hut and surrounding area east of the Laguna Huayabamba), 3,090 m a.s.l., 06°56'044"S, 077°41'54"W B ditto, flower, profile view C ditto, flower, semi-ventral view D ditto, flower, dorsal view E P. rosmarieae rosette from the northernmost known habitat, “Hatumpampa” Department Amazonas, Province Bongará (no voucher specimen) F ditto, flower, semi-ventral view G ditto, flower ventral view H corolla in frontal view, lower-lip lobes to ¼ of its length notched, throat without distinct palate. Peru, Department San Martín, Laguna de los Cóndores (Henning & Schneider 275)
Pcalyptrata, corolla in frontal view, lobes with lateral margins slightly covering each other, lower-lip lobes to 1/6 of its length notched, throat with clapper-like yellow palate. Peru, Department San Martín, Sphagnum-bog, 3,000 m a.s.l. above the Laguna de los Cóndores (Bussmann, A. Glenn, G. Chait & C. Vega Ocaña 16447) J flowering stand of P. calyptrata near Pulan, Cajamarca. (Credits: photographs A–D, I R. W. Bussmann E–G, J L. Santa Cruz Cervera H T. Henning).

Pinguicula rosmarieae Casper, Bussmann & T.Henning, sp. nov.

Diagnosis:
Herba perennis rosulata, rosula ca. 100 mm in diametro; lamina foliorum circuito suborbiculata vel obovata, margine vix (~3 mm) involuta, ca. 30–40 mm longa ac lata, solum plusminusve adpressa; scapus 1(–4), erectus, 20–40 mm altus, teres; flores 1, parvi, ~8–10 mm longi (tubo-calcari incluso), bilabiati; calyx lobis oblongis, lobis superis usque ad basin fere divisis, lobis inferis usque ad dimidium divisis, ad angulum ~45° divaricatis; corolla lobis 5, oblongis, ~5–7 mm longis, subisolobatis, apice valde emarginatis; corollae tubum infundibuliformi-cylindraceum cum calcari conico ± uniformem rectum coniunctionem formans, 5–6 mm longum apice obtusum.

Habitatio in locis apertis et humidis montium Andinensium regionis Peruviae septentrionalis usque ad 3.100 m supra mare, praesertim ad rupes et saxa. Habitu Pinguiculae Andinensium simili, praecipue differt tubo-calcari-coniunctio recto uniformi.


Figure 3. Habitats of Pinguicula rosmarieae in the Department San Martín.
A Large stands at the type locality above the Laguna de los Cóndores B sandstone rock walls with small waterfall near ‘El Jardín’ C ‘El Jardín’ Polylepis multijuga stands with P. rosmarieae growing as an epiphyte. (Credits: A T. Henning, B, C R. W. Bussmann).

Etymology: The new species is named after Dipl.-Biol. Rosmarie Casper, beloved wife and steady companion of the scientific efforts of S. J. Casper and mother of their children.

Habitat: The Departments Amazonas and San Martín in northern Peru partly occupy the Sierra zone between the dry coastal region (Costa) and the upper Amazon river lowlands (Selva) and are largely characterised by extensive and very species-rich, cloud forests and wet subalpine grasslands (páramos). In contrast to Pinguicula calyptrata, which is largely found on wet, often peaty, soils, in the páramo region, Pinguicula rosmarieae occupies a completely different, even wetter, habitat. The species has been found either growing on steep, often vertical, rock-walls, normally on sandstones, in the spray of waterfalls (Fig. 3A, B) or rarely as an epiphyte in dense moss layers on Polylepis multijuga (Fig. 3C). Both represent equally extreme habitats, with extremely wet, nutrient-poor and acidic conditions and considerable mechanical stress.

The population at the type location grew in full sunlight on a steep sandstone cliff immediately above the famous tombs built by the Chachapoyas culture (AD ca. 800–1500). The tombs were built underneath natural overhangs, thereby allowing dry storage of the mummies. The type population (Henning & Schneider 275) grows above these overhangs exposed to constant dripping water and the general high precipitation typical for the eastern slopes of the Andes in this region (Fig. 3A).


 S. Jost Casper, Rainer W. Bussmann and Tilo Henning. 2020. Pinguicula rosmarieae Casper, Bussmann & T.Henning (Lentibulariaceae), A New Butterwort from the Amotape-Huancabamba Zone (northern Peru). PhytoKeys. 140: 107-123. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.140.49529

Resumen: El género insectívoro Pinguicula se encuentra a lo largo Andes desde Colombia y Venezuela en el norte hasta Tierra Fuego en el sur, con una breve interrupción en el los desiertos peruano-chilenos. Este artículo describe una nueva y distintiva especie de Pinguicula que se encuentra en la parte sur de la zona Amotape-Huancabamba en el norte del Perú. Puede crecer tanto como litófita sobre rocas húmedas o como epífita sobre Polylepis multijuga Pilg. en las tierras altas y húmedas de la Cordillera Central. Pinguicula rosmarieae Casper, Bussmann & T.Henning, sp. nov. se distingue claramente por tener una roseta basal de hojas ovadas-obovadas, postradas sobre el suelo y, especialmente, por la corola bipartida con un espolón uniforme recto, una combinación de características desconocidas de otras especies andinas de Pinguicula. Se discute la similitud morfológica con P. calyptrata Kunth y se caracterizan el hábitat y la distribución de P. rosmarieae.

[Crustacea • 2020] Eurythenes plasticus • A New Species of Eurythenes (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from Hadal Depths of the Mariana Trench, Pacific Ocean

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Eurythenes plasticus Weston 

in Weston, Carrillo-Barragan, Linley, et al., 2020. 

Abstract
Eurythenes S. I. Smith in Scudder, 1882 are one of the largest scavenging deep-sea amphipods (max. 154 mm) and are found in every ocean across an extensive bathymetric range from the shallow polar waters to hadal depths. Recent systematic studies of the genus have illuminated a cryptic species complex and highlighted the benefits of using a combination of morphological and molecular identification approaches. In this study, we present the ninth species, Eurythenes plasticus sp. nov., which was recovered using baited traps between the depths 6010 and 6949 m in the Mariana Trench (Northwest Pacific Ocean) in 2014. This new Eurythenes species was found to have distinct morphological characteristics and be a well-supported clade based on sequence variation at two mitochondrial regions (16S rDNA and COI). While this species is new to science and lives in the remote hadal zone, it is not exempt from the impacts of anthropogenic pollution. Indeed, one individual was found to have a microplastic fibre, 83.74% similar to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in its hindgut. As this species has a bathymetric range spanning from abyssal to hadal depths in the Central Pacific Ocean basin, it offers further insights into the biogeography of Eurythenes.

Keywords: Crustacea, Deep sea, integrated taxonomy, cryptic species, molecular phylogeny, microplastic fibre, pollution

Photographs of specimens of Eurythenes plasticus sp. nov.:
female holotype from 6865 m (top; USNM 1615729), juvenile paratype from 6865 m (bottom left; USNM 1615730), male paratype from 6010 m (bottom right; USNM 1615732). 

Microfibre found within the hindgut of a Eurythenes plasticus sp. nov. individual from 6949 m in the Mariana Trench.

Systematics:  
Order Amphipoda Latreille, 1816 
Superfamily Lysianassoidea Dana, 1849 
Family Eurytheneidae Stoddart & Lowry, 2004 

Genus Eurythenes S. I. Smith in Scudder, 1882 

Eurythenes plasticus sp. nov. Weston

Diagnosis. Lateral cephalic lobe strongly produced, slightly triangular. Article 2 of mandibular palp narrow. Maxilliped inner plate with three to four apical protruding nodular setae. Gnathopod 1 subchelate, basis narrow (2.9x as long as wide), palm not protruding and weakly convex. Gnathopod 2 subchelate, coxa broad ventrally and weakly curved, palm convex. Pereopods 3 to 7 dactyli short. Pereopod 5 coxa bilobate and posterior lobe larger than anterior lobe. Epimeron 3 posteroventral corner subquadrate without small posteroventral tooth. Uropod 1 and 2 rami margins with spine-like setae. Dorsal carination with increasing degree on epimeron 1-3 and urosomite 1.

Etymology. The species names, plasticus, stems from Latin for plastic. This name speaks to the ubiquity of plastic pollution present in our oceans. 

Habitat, Distribution and Biology. Eurythenes plasticus sp. nov. was collected from the upper hadal depths of the Mariana Trench, between 6010 and 6949 m. Similar to sister species within the genus, E. plasticus sp. nov. is a benthic scavenger, as individuals of multiple cohorts entered the baited traps. Eurythenes plasticus sp. nov. is a member of a wider scavenging amphipod community comprised of Alicella gigantea, Bathycallisoma schellenbergi (Birstein & Vinogradov, 1958), Hirondellea dubia Dahl, 1959, H. gigas, Paralicella caperesca Shulenberger & Barnard, 1976, Paralicella tenuipes Chevreux, 1908, and Valettietta anacantha (Birstein & Vinogradov, 1963), which were concurrently recovered in the traps (data unpublished).



Johanna N. J. Weston, Priscilla Carrillo-Barragan, Thomas D. Linley, William D. K. Reid and 
Alan J. Jamieson. 2020. New Species of Eurythenes from Hadal Depths of the Mariana Trench, Pacific Ocean (Crustacea: Amphipoda). Zootaxa. 4748(1); 163–181. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4748.1.9

[Herpetology • 2020] Dendrelaphis vogeli • A New Species of the Genus Dendrelaphis (Squamata: Colubridae) from Yunnan Province, China

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Dendrelaphis vogeli 
Jiang, Ren, Guo, Wang, Ding & Li, 2020


Abstract
A new species of the genus Dendrelaphis is described from Xishuangbanna, southern Yunnan, China, based on molecular and morphological data. The new species can be differentiated from other congeners by the following combination of characters: 1) ground color of body bronze, a black postocular stripe extending onto the neck only; 2) pale and dark ventrolateral stripe absent; 3) relatively indistinct transverse bands on the anterior part of lateral body; 4) loreal single; 5) vertebral scales strongly enlarged; 6) dorsal scale rows 15-15-11, all smooth; 7) ventrals 193–197, subcaudals 130–135, paired; 8) SVL/TOL ratio 0.292–0.301; 9) supralabials 9, 4th through 6th touching the eye; 10) the outermost row of dorsal scales the same color as other dorsal scales; 11) retracted hemipenis extending to the 6–7th subcaudal scales. According to molecular and morphological data, D. ngansonensis likely belongs to the D. cyanochloris complex. We further discussed D. cyanochloris complex from Tibet, Yunnan and Hainan, China. A key to Chinese species of Dendrelaphis is provided.

Keywords: Reptilia, Dendrelaphis vogeli sp. nov., Dendrelaphis cyanochloris, complex, Dendrelaphis ngansonensis, taxonomy, Tibet, Hainan

Figure 5. Dendrelaphis vogeli sp. nov. (holotype, CIB 110716) in life, showing dorsolateral view of the body. Photographs by J.L. Ren. 

Dendrelaphis vogeli sp. nov. 


Ke Jiang, Jin-Long Ren, Jun-Feng Guo, Zeng Wang, Li Ding and Jia-Tang Li. 2020. A New Species of the Genus Dendrelaphis (Squamata: Colubridae) from Yunnan Province, China, with Discussion of the Occurrence of D. cyanochloris (Wall, 1921) in China. Zootaxa. 4743(1); 1–20. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4743.1.1
Researchgate.net/publication/339473906_A_new_species_of_the_genus_Dendrelaphis_from_Yunnan_Province_China

[Herpetology • 2020] Dryocalamus chithrasekarai • A New Species of Dryocalamus (Serpentes: Colubridae) endemic to the Rainforests of southwestern Sri Lanka

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Dryocalamus chithrasekarai 
Wickramasinghe, Vidanapathirana, Pushpamal & Wickramasinghe, 2020

Chithrasekara's Bridal Snake | DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4748.2.2 

Abstract
We describe a new species of Dryocalamus based on two specimens collected from the wet zone rainforests of southwestern Sri Lanka. Dryocalamus chithrasekarai sp. nov., is distinguished from congeners by its colour pattern (anterior body with solid white bands and a checkered appearance on the posterior lateral body, with consecutive bands coalescing along the ventrolateral margin; posterior margin of the nuchal band flat); the absence of a preocular scale; loreal in contact with supraocular; dorsal scales smooth and in 15 straight rows; cloacal shield divided. In addition, we find that previous records of Dryocalamus gracilis are probably spurious.

Keywords: Reptilia, Dryocalamus gracilis, snake, systematics, taxonomy, wet zone


Dryocalamus chithrasekarai sp. nov.
Chithrasekara's Bridal Snake


L.J. Mendis Wickramasinghe, Dulan Ranga Vidanapathirana, Vishan Pushpamal and Nethu Wickramasinghe. 2020. A New Species of Dryocalamus (Serpentes: Colubridae) endemic to the Rainforests of southwestern Sri Lanka. Zootaxa. 4748(2); 248–260. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4748.2.2  

    

[Botany • 2020] Eranthis tanhoensis (Ranunculaceae) • An Integrative Taxonomic Approach reveals A New Species of Eranthis in North Asia

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Eranthis tanhoensis Erst

in Erst, Sukhorukov, Mitrenina, et al., 2020. 

Abstract
A new endemic species, Eranthis tanhoensis sp. nov., is described from the Republic of Buryatia and Irkutsk Province, Russia. It belongs to Eranthis section Shibateranthis and is morphologically similar to E. sibirica and E. stellata. An integrative taxonomic approach, based on cytogenetical, molecular and biochemical analyses, along with morphological data, was used to delimit this new species.

Keywords: Biochemistry, cytology, integrative taxonomic approach, morphology, phylogeny, Ranunculales, Russia

Figure 5. General habit of Eranthis tanhoensis. Scale bar: 1 cm. 


Eranthis tanhoensis Erst, sp. nov.

Notes: Turczaninow (1842) described the species E. uncinata Turcz., growing at higher altitudes and distinguished from E. sibirica by the number of petals (5–6, not strictly 5), by the shape of the stylodium (recurved rather than straight), smaller flowers and more dissected leaf blades. However, our studies have shown that these morphological characters are variable and all variations can be found both in the foothill and alpine plants. Shipchinskiy (1937) merged E. uncinata with E. sibirica. However, he described two varieties: E. sibirica DC. var. nuda Schipcz. with glabrous pedicels (= E. sibirica var. sibirica) and E. sibirica DC. var. glandulosa Schipcz. with glandular-pubescent pedicels. These varieties were not validly published under ICN Article 39.1 (Turland et al 2018). Nakai (1937) attributed E. sibirica and E. uncinata to the genus Schibateranthis Nakai (≡ Eranthis sect. Schibateranthis (Nakai) Tamura).

Affinity: The new species belongs to E. sect. Shibateranthis (Nakai) Tamura and it is sister to E. sibirica, according to the results of molecular phylogenetic analysis (Fig. 1). E. tanhoensis is morphologically similar to E. sibirica and E. stellata (Figs 5–9) in having white sepals, tubular two-lipped petals with bilobate or forked lips, apically acute lobes with abaxial lip and globular yellow swellings (nectaries) at the top or in the central part. The differences amongst the three species are presented in Table 2.

Figure 6. Morphological differences amongst A–D Eranthis tanhoensis E–H Eranthis sibirica; and I–L Eranthis stellata
 A, E, I flower position B, F, J flowers C, G, K involucral bracts and follicles D, H, L basal leaves.

Distribution: (Fig. 10): Eranthis tanhoensis is endemic to southern Baikal (Khamar-Daban range of the Republic of Buryatia and Irkutsk Province).

Habitat and ecology: Eranthis tanhoensis can be found at 350–2400 m a.s.l., where it grows in fir, Siberian pine, spruce and birch forests, on riverbanks, beside streams (up to 1500 m a.s.l.) and in subalpine meadows (at higher altitudes).

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species is derived from the type locality, Tanhoi village, Republic of Buryatia, Russia.


 Andrey S. Erst, Alexander P. Sukhorukov, Elizaveta Yu. Mitrenina, Mikhail V. Skaptsov, Vera A. Kostikova, Olga A. Chernisheva, Victoria Troshkina, Maria Kushunina, Denis A. Krivenko, Hiroshi Ikeda, Kunli Xiang and Wei Wang. 2020. An Integrative Taxonomic Approach reveals A New Species of Eranthis (Ranunculaceae) in North Asia. PhytoKeys. 140: 75-100. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.140.49048

[Entomology • 2020] Prionotropis xausi • A New Species of Thrinchinae (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae) from Catalonia (northeast of the Iberian Peninsula)

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Prionotropis xausi  Olmo-Vidal, 2020


Abstract
A new species of the genus Prionotropis Fieber, 1853 is described from Catalonia (Northeast of the Iberian Peninsula). Prionotropis xausi n. sp. was collected in a steppic calcareous grassland with low shrubs and scattered rocks, dominated by Buxus, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Thymus and Poa species. P. xausi n. sp. is characterized by the pronotum in dorsal view narrow and in lateral view with the principal transverse sulcus between prozona and metazona clearly incised. Females squamipterous with the tegmina extending at most to the end of second abdominal segment. Males sub-brachypterous with the tegmina reaching the 5th abdominal tergite and the epiproct visible. Inside hind femora at the base to the middle part and inside hind tibia red. Phallic complex with the epiphallus more long than wide with short posterior edge and the penis valves long. This new species is compared to the similar species P. rhodanica Uvarov, 1923, P. azami Uvarov, 1923 and P. hystrix (Germar, 1817) and to the species presents in Catalonia P. flexuosa (Serville, 1838) and P. ancosae Olmo-Vidal, 2017. P. xausi is the species of the genus Prionotropis with the smallest males.

Keywords: Orthoptera, Mediterranean area, isolation, steppic ecosystems, Montsec, Catalonia




Josep Maria Olmo-Vidal. 2020. Prionotropis xausi, A New Species of Thrinchinae (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae) from Catalonia (northeast of the Iberian Peninsula). Zootaxa. 4747(3); 514–520. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4747.3.5 

[Herpetology • 2019] Osteocephalus omega • A New Species of Osteocephalus (Anura: Hylidae) from Colombia, with Comments on the Morphological and Behavioral Diversity within the Genus

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Osteocephalus omega 
Duellman, 2019



ABSTRACT
A new species of Osteocephalus (Anura: Hylidae) from Colombia, with comments on the morphological and behavioral diversity within the genus. A striking, undescribed species of Osteocephalus from the Amazonian slopes of the Andes in Departamento de Putumayo in southern Colombia is a member of the Osteocephalus buckleyi Group. Aside from minor morphological characters, the new species differs from all other members of the group by having a golden yellow iris with a median horizontal black stripe. The diversity in morphological and reproductive behavior reveals various features that are phylogenetically signifcant, but several species remain to be described.

Keywords: Comparative osteology, iris color, new species, oviposition sites, vocal sac structure

Living individuals of Osteocephalus omega.
(A) Adult male holotype, KU 169592, SVL 52.8 mm; (B) Adult female, KU 169587; SVL 65.2 mm; (C) Juvenile, KU 169596, SVL 26.7 mm; (D) Metamorph, KU 169586, SVL 22.2 mm.

Osteocephalus omega sp. nov.

Etymology.— The specific name is the last letter in the Greek alphabet and relates to this being intended to be my last description of a new species of frog.




William E. Duellman. 2019. The Last One: A New Species of Osteocephalus (Anura:Hylidae) from Colombia, with Comments on the Morphological and Behavioral Diversity within the Genus. Phyllomedusa. 18(2); 141–157. DOI: 10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v18i2p141-157

Resumen: Una nueva especie de Osteocephalus (Anura: Hylidae) de Colombia, con comentarios sobre la diversidad  morfológica y conductual dentro del género. Una llamativa especie  no  descrita  de Osteocephalus de las laderas amazónicas de los Andes en Departamento de Putumayo en el sur de Colombia es miembro del Grupo Osteocephalus buckleyi. Además  de  los  caracteres  morfológicos menores, la nueva especie difiere de todos los demás miembros del grupo por tener un iris amarillo dorado con una franja negra horizontal mediana. La diversidad en morfología y comportamiento reproductivo revela varias características que son filogenéticamente significativas, pero quedan por describir varias especies.
Palabras clave: color del iris, sitios de oviposición, estructura del saco vocal, nuevas especies, osteología comparativa.



[PaleoMammalogy • 2020] Corumictis wolsani • The Earliest Mustelid (Carnivora, Mustelidae) in North America

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Corumictis wolsani  Paterson

in Paterson, Samuels, Rybczynski, et al., 2020. 
Illustration: Henry Sharpe twitter.com/bone_sharpe 

Abstract
Until now, the pre-Miocene fossil record of mustelids in North America has been restricted to specimens attributable to oligobunine taxa and isolated remains tentatively allocated to the genus Plesictis. In the present study, we report on a nearly complete cranium and a referred dentary of a new genus and species of mustelid. The specimens were recovered from the Turtle Cove and Kimberly Members of the John Day Formation, Oregon, USA.

These excellently preserved specimens more confidently confirm the presence of mustelids in the Early and Late Oligocene (Early and Late Arikareean) of North America. Like the holotype specimen of ‘Plesictisjulieni, the new species lacks an alisphenoid canal and a postprotocrista on the M1 (synapomorphies of Mustelidae), but retains a dorsally deep suprameatal fossa (a feature occasionally suggested to be unique to Procyonidae). Phylogenetic analyses, applying parsimony and Bayesian inference to combined molecular (five genes totalling 5490 bp) and morphological data, recover this new species of mustelid as sister-species to ‘Plesictisjulieni. The results of these analyses reveal that the new genus is a close relative of other species of Plesictis and several taxa traditionally allied with Oligobuninae, thereby rendering Oligobuninae paraphyletic. We further discuss the significance of the relatively small size of this new mustelid as it relates to predictions based on increased aridification of the palaeoclimate and the expansion of open habitats in the Oligocene.


Systematic palaeontology

Class Mammalia Linnaeus, 1758
Order Carnivora Bowditch, 1821
Suborder Caniformia Kretzoi, 1943

Infraorder Arctoidea Flower, 1869
Order-Group Taxon Mustelida Tedford, 1976

Family Mustelidae Fischer, 1817

Genus Corumictis Paterson, gen. nov.

Type species: Corumictis wolsani Paterson

Included species: Corumictis julieni (Viret, 1929), comb. nov. (Basionym: Plesictis julieni Viret, 1929;
Corumictis wolsani, sp. nov. (described below).

Distribution: Early and Late Oligocene (Early and Late Arikareean, Ar1–Ar3) of Oregon, USA; Early Miocene (MN 2a) of France.

Etymology: From the Latin ad Corum, north-west, referring to the dispersal of mustelids to and from the north-western portion of North America, and the Greek ικτις, ictis, a weasel-like carnivorous animal.

Holotype skull of Corumictis wolsani (JODA 8167) in: A, dorsal; B, lateral; C, ventral views.

Scale bar equals 1 cm. 

ALF = anterior lacerate foramen, MP = mastoid process, NF = nasolabialis fossa, NS = nasal sinuses, OpF = optic foramen, OrF = orbital fissure, SuO = supraorbital processes, TC = temporal crests.

Holotype skull of Corumictis wolsani (JODA 8167) 

Corumictis wolsani Paterson, sp. nov.

Etymology: The epithet is a patronym for Mieczysław Wolsan, who has extensively studied fossil musteloids and worked to reveal their evolutionary history.



Ryan Paterson, Joshua X. Samuels, Natalia Rybczynski, Michael J. Ryan and Hillary C. Maddin. 2020. The Earliest Mustelid in North America. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlz091. DOI:  10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz091


Fossil identified as 'great-grandfather' of wolverines | CBC News 


[Paleontology • 2020] Luchibang xingzhe • An Unusual New Genus of Istiodactylid Pterosaur from China based on A Near Complete Specimen

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Luchibang xingzhe 
Hone, Fitch, Ma & Xu, 2020


ABSTRACT
A new genus and species of istiodactylid pterosaur, Luchibang xingzhe gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of China is erected based on a near complete specimen lacking only the posterior of the skull and the tail. The holotype individual is skeletally immature and already bigger than most istiodactylids suggesting a large wingspan at adult. This is the most complete istiodactylid specimen known to date and provides new information on the anatomy of this group and their putative ecology. The animal is unusual in having postcranial robust and elongate hindlimbs, which marks it as different to other istiodactylids and other pteranodontoids.

Key words: Pterosauria; phylogeny; taxonomy; ecology; new genus; new species


Figure1: Holotype. ELDM 1000 (Erlianhaote Dinosaur Museum, Inner Mongolia), a nearly complete articulated skeleton missing only the posterior part of the skull, sternal ribs, the caudal series, one prepubis, and the left carpals and pteroid.


SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

PTEROSAURIA Kaup, 1834
PTERODACTYLOIDEA Plieninger, 1901
ISTIODACTYLIDAE Howse et al., 2001

Luchibang, new genus 

Type species. Luchibang xingzhe gen. et sp. nov, by monotypy.

Occurrence. Liutiaogou Village, Dashuangmiao Township, Ningcheng, Neimongol; the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation.

Remarks. Prior to the recognition of Luchibang, Nurhachius was the only istiodactylid known from complete stylopodal and zeugopodal elements from both the fore- and hindlimbs, and these elements are notably longer in Luchibang than in Nurhachius (see Limb proportions of pterodactyloids). The holotype of Luchibang (ELDM 1000) is also the largest and most complete of known istiodactylid specimens and will provide new information on the anatomy of istiodactylids and the morphological disparity of pterandontoid pterosaurs.

Luchibang xingzhe, new species

Diagnosis. Istiodactyloid pterosaur that can be distinguished from others in the group by two unique characters: a large, rectangular sternum with a straight posterior edge, and a long femur that is more than 80% of the length of the ulna. It can be further distinguished from other istiodactylids by the following combination of characters: rostrum with no dorsal expansion anteriorly; very well-spaced teeth in the posterior part of the jaw; a dentary symphysis that is more than four times longer than wide in dorsal view; long and narrow mandibular rami (approximately 20 times longer than wide in dorsal view).

Etymology. Lu to honour our friend the pterosaur researcher Lü Junchang, and from the Mandarin for ‘heron’ in reference to the fact that this is a long-legged and potentially wading animal, and chibang from the Chinese for ‘wing’ and xingzhe from the Chinese for ‘walker’ in reference to the inferred strong terrestrial capabilities of the animal. This should be pronounced as “Loo-chee-bang shing-hey”.

Occurrence. Liutiaogou Village, Dashuangmiao Township, Ningcheng, Neimongol; the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation.



David W. E. Hone, Adam J. Fitch, Feimin Ma and Xing Xu. 2020. An Unusual New Genus of Istiodactylid Pterosaur from China based on A Near Complete Specimen. Palaeontologia Electronica. 23(1); a09. DOI: 10.26879/1015


Pterosaur are an extinct group of flying reptiles that lived alongside the dinosaurs. One of the more unusual group of these are the istiodactylids which had long and very light skull with a series of sharp teeth only at the very tip. Few specimens are known and most are very incomplete or poorly described. Here we present a new Chinese istiodactylid based on a specimen of unprescedented completeness. It is also unusually large (one of the largest known, despite being a very young animal) and had bizarrely long legs and large feet unlike its other nearest relatives.

[Entomology • 2020] Chvalaea yolkamini (Diptera: Hybotidae) • the First Mexican Species of Genus discovered on Instagram

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Chvalaea yolkamini 
Jaume-Schinkel, Soares & Barros, 2020


Abstract
A new species of Chvalaea Papp & Földvári, 2002 is discovered after a photo on a social network and later collected in nature. Chvalaeayolkamini sp. nov. is described and illustrated here. In addition, for the first time we describe eggs with scanning electron microscopy and report on adult hunting behavior.

Keywords: Diptera, Empidoidea, dance flies, Ocydromiinae, Mexico

FIGURES 1–4. Chvalaea yolkamini sp. nov. habitus photographs.
1. Resting on a tip of a branch; 2–4. Feeding specimens.

Chvalaea yolkamini sp. nov.

Etymology. Yolkamini in Nahuatl, a native language in Mexico, means hunter, in reference to the predatory habits of this species of Chvalaea

Remarks. Chvalaea yolkamini sp. nov. is similar to C. sinclairi on the basis of the short postpedicel, about 1.5 times the length of scape and pedicel combined, apical pair of convergent scutellar setae thin and short, and short, blunt, black spine-like ventral setae absent on hind tarsomere 2. But the new species differs by the narrow hypandrium, about 2 times longer than wide, hypoproct with apex slightly sinuate in the middle in C. yolkamini sp. nov., while the apex is truncate in C. sinclairi and fore and mid tarsomere 1 pale yellow with dark apex in C. yolkamini sp. nov., while all fore and mid tarsi are pale brown in C. sinclairi.


Santiago Jaume-Schinkel,  Matheus M.M. Soares and Luana M. Barros. 2020. Chvalaea yolkamini sp. nov. (Diptera: Hybotidae), the First Mexican Species of Genus discovered on Instagram. Zootaxa. 4748(3); 592–600. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4748.3.12

[Entomology • 2020] Redefinition of the Cicada Tribe Hemidictyini Distant, 1905 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae), Status of the Tribe Iruanini Boulard, 1993 rev. stat., and the Establishment of Hovanini n. tribe and Sapantangini n. tribe

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 Coloured drawings of specimens of Hovana distanti (Brancsik, 1893) and Hemidictya frondosa Burmeister, 1835, two examples of “leaf-winged” cicadas, with silhouette profiles for additional scale. 
in Sanborn, Marshall, Moulds, et al., 2020. 
Drawing by Virge Kask. twitter.com/ISYEBsp

Abstract
A recent paper by Ruschel & Campos (2019) on “leaf-winged” cicadas proposed a significant reorganization of the cicada tribe Hemidictyini Distant, 1905g, including synonymization of the monogeneric tribe Lacetasini Moulds & Marshall, 2018 following the results of a cladistic parsimony analysis of morphological characters. In this study, we reconsider and revise the morphological analysis of Ruschel & Campos and obtain new genetic data for Hemidictya. We find that their study suffers from a limited taxon sample, inappropriate outgroup selection, and misinterpretation of genitalic characters (uncus vs. claspers). We show that Hemidictyini sensu Ruschel & Campos includes members of multiple tribes and subfamilies, and we conclude that some of the taxonomic transfers by Ruschel & Campos are not supported. The two most similar and leaf-like cicadas, Hemidictya Burmeister, 1835 (South America) and Hovana Distant, 1905g (Madagascar), are probably not closely related but rather an excellent example of convergent evolution. Lacetasini is not a junior synonym of the Hemidictyini but a distinct part of the Tettigomyiinae Distant, 1905g as originally classified. We return or transfer the genera Lacetas Karsch, 1890, Iruana Distant, 1905g, Bafutalna Boulard, 1993, and Murphyalna Boulard, 2012 to the Lacetasini. With the transfer of all genera of Iruanina Boulard, 1993 and Bafutalnina Boulard, 1993 to Lacetasini and with Lacetas transferred to the Iruanina, Lacetasini n. syn. becomes a subjective junior synonym of Iruanini rev. stat. in the Tettigomyiinae. We assign Hovana to Hovanini n. tribe in the Tettigomyiinae and Sapantanga Distant, 1905g to Sapantangini n. tribe in the Tibicininae Distant, 1905b. We propose that Hemidictyini sensu novo contains only the genus Hemidictya and we assign the tribe to Tibicininae with a revised diagnosis.

FIGURE 1. Coloured drawings of specimens of Hovana distanti (Brancsik, 1893) and Hemidictya frondosa Burmeister, 1835, two examples of “leaf-winged” cicadas, with silhouette profiles for additional scale.
Drawing by Virge Kask. twitter.com/ISYEBsp




Allen F. Sanborn, David C. Marshall, Maxwell S. Moulds, Stéphane Puissant and Chris Simon. 2020. Redefinition of the Cicada Tribe Hemidictyini Distant, 1905, Status of the Tribe Iruanini Boulard, 1993 rev. stat., and the Establishment of Hovanini n. tribe and Sapantangini n. tribe (Hemiptera: Cicadidae). Zootaxa. 4747(1); 133–155. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4747.1.5

Anomaloglossus mitaraka

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Anomaloglossus mitaraka 
Fouquet, Vacher, Courtois, Deschamps, Ouboter, Jairam, Gaucher, Dubois & Kok, 2019


Abstract
Anomaloglossus is a species-rich genus of frogs endemic to the Guiana Shield that still harbors several unnamed species. Within the A. stepheni species group (which includes four valid nominal species), A. baeobatrachus has an uncertain taxonomic status, notably because the holotype was an unvouchered specimen depicted in a popular journal. Another member of this group, A. leopardus, was only superficially described, lacking information on the sex of specimens in the type series and on advertisement call. Therefore, these two taxa need clarifications in order to allow the description of the extant undescribed species. In this paper, we redescribe A. baeobatrachus based on newly collected material from the species type locality and provide information about its reproductive ecology. We also provide an amended definition of A. leopardus using newly collected material from its type locality. These two species form a clade along with a third species from the Eastern Guiana Shield, which is also described herein. The reproductive biology of A. baeobatrachus and A. stepheni is very similar. Both species have endotrophic and nidicolous tadpoles, despite being distantly related, suggesting independent evolution of this breeding mode. The new species and A. leopardus, on the other hand, have exotrophic tadpoles.

Keywords: Amphibia, Amazonia, Endemism, Endotrophy, Guiana Shield, Reproductive mode, Taxonomy

Anomaloglossus mitaraka sp. nov. male AF2878 carrying tadpoles to the water. 

Anomaloglossus mitaraka sp. nov. 
Anomaloglossus sp. “Mitaraka” Vacher et al. 2017 

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the type locality (Mitaraka, French Guiana). 


Antoine Fouquet, Jean-Pierre Vacher, Elodie A. Courtois, Chloé Deschamps, Paul Ouboter, Rawien Jairam, Philippe Gaucher, Alain Dubois and Philippe J.R. Kok. 2019. A New Species of Anomaloglossus (Anura: Aromobatidae) of the stepheni group with the Redescription of A. baeobatrachus (Boistel and de Massary, 1999), and An Amended Definition of A. leopardus Ouboter and Jairam, 2012. Zootaxa. 4576(3); 439-460. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4576.3.2

Chez les grenouilles, s’hybrider en ayant des modes de reproduction distincts c’est possible !

Antoine Fouquet, Berengère Ferrier, Jordi Salmona, et al., 2019Phenotypic and Life-history Diversification in Amazonian Frogs despite Past Introgressions. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 130; 169-180. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.09.010

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