Species New to Science

Navajoceratops sullivani & Terminocavus sealeyi

Fowler & Fowler, 2020

Illustration: Robert Boessenecker
dickinsonmuseumcenter.com

Abstract

Three new chasmosaurines from the Kirtland Formation (~75.0–73.4 Ma), New Mexico, form morphological and stratigraphic intermediates between Pentaceratops (~74.7–75 Ma, Fruitland Formation, New Mexico) and Anchiceratops (~72–71 Ma, Horseshoe Canyon Formation, Alberta). The new specimens exhibit gradual enclosure of the parietal embayment that characterizes Pentaceratops, providing support for the phylogenetic hypothesis that Pentaceratops and Anchiceratops are closely related. This stepwise change of morphologic characters observed in chasmosaurine taxa that do not overlap stratigraphically is supportive of evolution by anagenesis. Recently published hypotheses that place Pentaceratops and Anchiceratops into separate clades are not supported. This phylogenetic relationship demonstrates unrestricted movement of large-bodied taxa between hitherto purported northern and southern provinces in the late Campanian, weakening support for the hypothesis of extreme faunal provincialism in the Late Cretaceous Western Interior.

Subtle differences in the frill shape distinguish between different species of chasmosaurine ceratopsids.

Illustration: Robert Boessenecker

Systematic Paleontology

DINOSAURIA Owen, 1842, sensu Padian & May, 1993

ORNITHISCHIA Seeley, 1887, sensu Sereno, 1998

CERATOPSIA Marsh, 1890, sensu Dodson, 1997

CERATOPSIDAE Marsh, 1888, sensu Sereno, 1998

CHASMOSAURINAE Lambe, 1915, sensu Dodson, Forster & Sampson, 2004

Pentaceratops sternbergii (Osborn, 1923)

Type specimen - AMNH 6325 (Osborn, 1923), nearly complete skull, missing the mandible and the posterior half of the parietal and squamosals.

Referred specimens - AMNH 1624, nearly complete skull, missing mandible and the medial part of the parietal; AMNH 1625, nearly complete frill, missing anterior end of the parietal and right squamosal, and most of the left squamosal. Referred to as cf. Pentaceratops sternbergii.

Locality and Stratigraphy - AMNH 6325, 1624, and 1625 were all collected by C.H. Sternberg in 1922 and 1923 from the Fruitland Formation, San Juan Basin, New Mexico (Figs. 1 and 2; see Supporting Information 1 for discussion).

Figure 4: Navajoceratops sullivani holotype SMP VP-1500 parietal.
Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views. Cross section of median bar (mb) illustrated on dorsal view. Ep1 mostly removed during extraction or preparation (see Fig. S4 for original extent). em, median embayment of the posterior bar; ep, epiparietal loci numbered by hypothesized position (no epiossifications are fused to this specimen); f, parietal fenestra; L-lr/R-lr, Left/Right lateral rami of the posterior bar; te, tapering lateral edges of the median bar.

Scalebar = 10 cm. Reconstruction adapted from Lehman (1998).

Navajoceratops sullivani gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology - Navajoceratops, “Navajo horned face”, after the Navajo people indigenous to the San Juan Basin; sullivani, after Dr. Robert M. Sullivan, leader of the SMP expeditions to the San Juan Basin that recovered the holotype.

Holotype - SMP VP-1500; parietal, squamosal fragments, fused jugal-epijugal, other unidentified cranial fragments. Collected in 2002 by Robert M. Sullivan, Denver W. Fowler, Justin A. Spielmann, and Arjan Boere.

Diagnosis - Can be distinguished from aff. Pentaceratops n. sp. by the following characters: Lateral rami of the parietal posterior bar meet medially at a more acute angle (~60°, rather than 87 or 88°; KUVP 16100, MNA Pl.1747, respectively). Median embayment of the parietal posterior bar especially deep, extending anterior to the posteriormost extent of the parietal fenestrae (which consequently overlap anteroposteriorly slightly with ep2).

Figure 5: Terminocavus sealeyi holotype NMMNH P-27468 parietal.
Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views. Paired ep1 are deflected dorsally. em, median embayment of the posterior bar; ep, epiparietal loci numbered by hypothesized position (no epiossifications are fused to this specimen); f, parietal fenestra; lb, lateral bar; L-lr/R-lr, Left/Right lateral rami of the posterior bar; mb, median bar; te, tapering lateral edges of the median bar.

Scalebar = 10 cm. Reconstruction adapted from Lehman (1998).

Terminocavus sealeyi gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology - Terminocavus, “coming to the end of (or “last stop for”, as in a train terminus) the cavity” after the nearly-closed parietal embayment; sealeyi after Paul Sealey who discovered the holotype specimen.

Holotype - NMMNH P-27468; parietal, partial squamosal, jugal, epijugal, partial quadratojugal, partial sacrum, vertebral fragments. Collected in 1997 by Paul Sealey.

Diagnosis - Differs from Navajoceratops holotype SMP VP-1500 by the following characters: Posterior bar flattened and plate-like (i.e., not bar-like). Lateral rami of the parietal posterior bar strongly expanded anteroposteriorly both medially and laterally. Maximum anteroposterior thickness of the posterior bar ~35% of the parietal maximum width (compared with <30% in Navajoceratops and ~19–30% in aff. Pentaceratops n. sp.). Median embayment of the posterior bar narrower and more notch-like. Parietal fenestrae subrounded rather than subangular.

.....

Conclusions:

Description of the new taxa Navajoceratops sullivani and Terminocavus sealeyi, and the fragmentary Taxon C, provides critical stratigraphic and morphologic links between the Campanian Pentaceratops, and the Maastrichtian Anchiceratops, reinstating the phylogenetic hypothesis originally postulated by Lehman (1993, 1998). Combined with significant revision of other chasmosaurine taxa, this reveals a deep split of the Chasmosaurinae into Chasmosaurus and Pentaceratops clades. Morphological divergence from similar basal forms suggests the clades diverged from a common ancestor probably in the early Campanian.

Analysis of paleogeographic maps suggest that high sea level in the Santonian through to middle Campanian may have acted as an agent of vicariance, separating an ancestral chasmosaurine population into northern and southern subpopulations which over time led to divergence and speciation. This lends support to recent hypotheses of latitudinally arrayed differences in terrestrial faunal composition (e.g., Lehman, 1987, 1997, 2001), but stops short of supporting basinal-level endemism in the middle to late Campanian (e.g., Sampson et al., 2010).

Description of the new material places San Juan Basin chasmosaurines as among the best documented of their clade, second only to Triceratops in number of specimens and quality of accompanying data.

Although this work presents significant revision of many chasmosaurine taxa, much reanalysis and redescription remains. Inclusion of more recently described taxa and separation of problematic taxa and specimens (see Supporting Information 1) will be attempted in forthcoming manuscripts based on Fry (2015) and Fowler & Freedman Fowler (2017).

Denver W. Fowler and Elizabeth A. Freedman Fowler. 2020. Transitional Evolutionary Forms in Chasmosaurine Ceratopsid Dinosaurs: Evidence from the Campanian of New Mexico. PeerJ. 8:e9251. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9251

TWO NEW TRANSITIONAL SPECIES FILL IN MISSING LINKS IN THE EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF HORNED DINOSAURS

http://dickinsonmuseumcenter.com/badlands_research-2020newceratopsids/

A Plusioglyphiulus boutini Mauriès, 1970, ♂ from Prasat Phnom Totong Temple B Plusioglyphiulus biserratus sp. nov., ♀ paratype C Plusioglyphiulus khmer sp. nov., ♂ paratype.

Likhitrakarn, Golovatch, Thach, Chhuoy, Ngor, Srisonchai, Sutcharit & Panha, 2020

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.938.51234

All pictures by R. Srisonchai, not taken to scale.

Abstract

Two new species of Plusioglyphiulus are described from southern Cambodia. Plusioglyphiulusbiserratus sp. nov. is clearly distinguished from all congeners by the shape of the telopodites of the posterior gonopods which are distinctly serrate laterally and by the anterior gonopods showing only a pair of single, smooth and curved coxosternal processes. Plusioglyphiulus khmer sp. nov. is distinguished by having most crests on the collum being complete and male legs 1 showing long, prominent, one-segmented telopodites, coupled with the oblong-subtrapeziform, membranous, posterior gonopods with a small bifid process at about a third of the telopodite length. Notes on the variation of Plusioglyphiulus boutini Mauriès, 1970 are also given, including a colour photograph of fresh, live material. A key to all four species of Plusioglyphiulus currently known to occur in Cambodia is also presented.

Keywords: cave, diplopod, forest, Indochina, key

Order Spirostreptida

Family Cambalopsidae Cook, 1895

Genus Plusioglyphiulus Silvestri, 1923

Plusioglyphiulus dubius (Attems, 1938)

Plusioglyphiulus boutini Mauriès, 1970

Figure 1. Habitus, live coloration
A Plusioglyphiulus boutini Mauriès, 1970, ♂ from Prasat Phnom Totong Temple B Plusioglyphiulus biserratus sp. nov., ♀ paratype C Plusioglyphiulus khmer sp. nov., ♂ paratype.

All pictures by R. Srisonchai, not taken to scale.

Plusioglyphiulus biserratus sp. nov.

Name: To emphasize the telopodites of the posterior gonopods being clearly serrate apicolaterally; adjective.

Diagnosis: This new species is distinguished from all congeners by its anterior gonopod structure: in having only a pair of single coxosternal processes (cxp) (Fig. 3H, I) it is especially similar to that observed in P. hoffmani Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2009, but both these species differ in cxp being smooth and distally curved in P. biserratus sp. nov. vs serrate and suberect in P. hoffmani. The posterior gonopods of P. biserratus sp. nov. are unique in showing laterally fringed/serrate telopodites (te), both elongate and membranous (Fig. 3J, K), and ♂ legs 1 with very long, slender and one-segmented telopodites (Fig. 3D, E).

Plusioglyphiulus khmer sp. nov.

Name: To emphasize “khmer”, referring to the main people of Cambodia; a noun in apposition.

Diagnosis: This new species differs from all congeners by all crests on the collum being undivided, mostly complete (Fig. 5B) and male legs 1 with very long and one-segmented telopodites (Fig. 5D, E), as well as by the presence of 2+2 paramedian, characteristically long, slender, coxosternal processes of the anterior gonopods, a shorter and only apically curved posterior (cxp1) pair, and a longer, mesally micropapillate and regularly curved anterior (cxp2) one (Fig. 5H, I); the posterior gonopods are oblong-subtrapeziform, membranous, each with a small apical spike (d) and a bifid process (k) at about 1/3 telopodite length on anterior face (Fig. 5J, K).

Conclusions:

According to the latest catalogue of the Diplopoda of Cambodia (Likhitrakarn et al. 2015), and considering two new Plusioglyphiulus described above, the millipede fauna of the country currently comprises only 21 species from 15 genera, 12 families, and eight orders. In addition, all new records came from only the southern parts of Cambodia. The collecting localities for the millipedes in Cambodia are still very few, especially when compared to the neighboring countries such as Thailand (more than 300 reported localities) (i.e. Likhitrakarn et al. 2011; Pimvichai et al. 2016; Srisonchai et al. 2018).

Finally, as regards the present knowledge of the Cambalopsidae, we seem to have only touched the tip of the diversity iceberg of the family (Golovatch et al. 2007b). Cambalopsids are especially diverse and common in karst areas, where they are usually associated with bat guano in caves (Golovatch 2015). There is little doubt that many additional new species of Diplopoda, including Cambalopsidae, can be expected to be revealed by future explorations in Cambodia, especially in the limestone karsts of the country.

Natdanai Likhitrakarn, Sergei I. Golovatch, Phanara Thach, Samol Chhuoy, Peng Bun Ngor, Ruttapon Srisonchai, Chirasak Sutcharit and Somsak Panha. 2020. Two New Species of the Millipede Genus Plusioglyphiulus Silvestri, 1923 from Cambodia (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida). ZooKeys. 938: 137-151. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.938.51234

แสดทักษิณา Winitia thailandana Chaowasku & Aongyong

in Chaowasku, Aongyong, Damthongdee, et al., 2020.
DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.659
facebook.com/MartySiamocananga

Abstract

The generic status of Winitia Chaowasku (Annonaceae Juss., Miliuseae Hook.f. & Thomson) is reaffirmed by an extensive phylogenetic reconstruction using seven plastome regions (matK, ndhF, rbcL, ycf1 exons; trnL intron; psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF intergenic spacers) and including, among others, seven accessions of Winitia plus two accessions of its sister group, Stelechocarpus Hook.f. & Thomson. The results disclosed a maximally supported clade of Winitia, as well as of Stelechocarpus. The sister relationship of the two genera is still rather poorly supported and the branch uniting them is very short, whereas the branches leading to Winitia and to Stelechocarpus are relatively long, corresponding to their considerable morphological differences. Additionally, in Miliuseae there is a particular indel of eight continuous base pairs in the trnL-trnF intergenic spacer potentially diagnostic for generic discrimination, i.e., members in the same genus possess the same indel structure (absence or presence of a gap), and this indel differentiates Winitia from Stelechocarpus. Winitia cauliflora (Scheff.) Chaowasku appears polyphyletic and Winitia longipes (Craib) Chaowasku & Aongyong comb. nov. based on Stelechocarpus longipes Craib is consequently proposed. Furthermore, our phylogenetic data support a new species, Winitia thailandana Chaowasku & Aongyong sp. nov. from southern Thailand, which is described and illustrated. A key to genera in the sageraeoid clade (Sageraea-Winitia-Stelechocarpus) and a key to the four species of Winitia are provided.

Keywords: identification key; Malmeoideae; phylogenetics; systematics; taxonomy

Taxonomy

Order Magnoliales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl

Family Annonaceae Juss., nom. cons.

Tribe Miliuseae Hook.f. & Thomson

Genus Winitia Chaowasku

Winitia longipes (Craib) Chaowasku & Aongyong comb. nov.

≡ Stelechocarpus longipes Craib, The Journal of the Natural History Society of Siam 6: 43 (Craib 1923).

Type: THAILAND · Khao Rum [Nakhon Si Thammarat Prov.]; fl; Native Collector s.n. (Herb. Eryl Smith 643); holotype: K[K000382080]; isotype: BK.

(A-B) Flowers of Winitia thailandana Chaowasku & Aongyong sp. nov. Flower.

(lower) Flowers of Winitia cauliflora (Scheff.) Chaowasku and

Winitia longipes (Craib) Chaowasku & Aongyong comb. nov.

Fig. 4. Flowers and floral organs of Winitia thailandana Chaowasku & Aongyong sp. nov.

A–B. Flower. C. Flower with petals removed. D. Stamen, abaxial (above) and adaxial (below) sides. E. Back side of flower, showing sepals (abaxial side).

A, B from Gardner & Sidisunthorn ST0817 (L), photographs by S. Gardner; C–E from Aongyong 9 (CMUB).

Winitia thailandana Chaowasku & Aongyong sp. nov.

Diagnosis:Morphologically similar to Winitia expansa, differs by having a non-glaucous appearance on the petal adaxial surface (glaucous in W. expansa) and shallow pits on the adaxial surface of the inner petals (no pitted structures in W. expansa). Moreover, its inflorescences are mostly clustered on large roots and at the unswollen base of trunks, whereas the inflorescences of W. expansa are mostly clustered at the swollen base of trunks.

Etymology: Named after Thailand, a country where this species is endemic.

Tanawat Chaowasku, Kithisak Aongyong, Anissara Damthongdee, Hathaichanok Jongsook and David M. Johnson. 2020. Generic Status of Winitia (Annonaceae, Miliuseae) Reaffirmed by Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis, Including A New Species and A New Combination from Thailand. European Journal of Taxonomy. 659; 1–23. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.659

แสดทักษิณาWinitia thailandana Chaowasku & Aongyong พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลก พบที่เขาหินปูนจังหวัดสุราษฎร์ธานีเท่านั้น ดอกมีความคล้ายชมพูภิรมย์Winitiaexpansa Chaowasku ซึ่งพบที่จังหวัดพัทลุง นอกจากนี้ยังพบว่างำเงาะจากประเทศไทย แตกต่างจากตัวอย่างต้นแบบของชื่อ Winitiacaulifloraจึงได้ชื่อใหม่ว่า Winitialongipes (Craib) Chaowasku & Aongyong ซึ่งย้ายมาจากสกุล Stelechocarpus

facebook.com/MartySiamocananga/posts/3774204322596802

Lysmata sp.

in Pachelle, Carvalho, Alves & Anker, 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4789.1.2

Abstract

The present study is a taxonomic revision of the species of the shrimp genus Lysmata Risso, 1816 from Brazil, based on literature records and specimens deposited mostly in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP). A total of eleven species are included, these being L. ankeri Rhyne & Lin, 2006, L. bahia Rhyne & Lin, 2006, L. grabhami (Gordon, 1935), L. intermedia (Kingsley, 1878), L. cf. jundalini Rhyne, Calado & Santos, 2012, L. lipkei Okuno & Fiedler, 2010, L. moorei (Rathbun, 1901), L. rathbunae Chace, 1970, L. uncicornis Holthuis & Maurin, 1952, L. vittata (Stimpson, 1860) and L. wurdemanni (Gibbes, 1850). The material from São Paulo recently reported as L. jundalini by Terossi et al. (2018) is re-identified as L. intermedia, based on a re-analysis of their voucher specimens. On the other hand, a single non-ovigerous specimen from Espírito Santo without a photographic voucher, is tentatively identified as L. cf. jundalini. The importance of some morphological characters often used in the taxonomy of Lysmata is discussed in the light of the present material. Several species are illustrated, some with new locality or state records along the Brazilian coast. Doubtful literature records are commented and an updated taxonomic key for the Brazilian species of Lysmata is provided.

Keywords: Decapoda, Lysmata, South-West Atlantic, peppermint shrimp, cleaner shrimp, ornamental species, aquarium trade

Paulo P.G. Pachelle, Leina Carvalho, Douglas F.R. Alves and Arthur Anker. 2020. A Revision of the Brazilian Species of Lysmata Risso, 1816 (Decapoda: Caridea: Lysmatidae), with Discussion of the Morphological Characters used in their Identification. Zootaxa. 4789(1); 55–90. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4789.1.2

Platypelis laetus

Rakotoarison, Scherz, Köhler, Ratsoavina, Hawlitschek, Megson, Vences & Glaw, 2020

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.47088

Abstract

We describe a new species of arboreal microhylid frog, genus Platypelis, from northeastern Madagascar and report the expansion of distribution ranges of two other species. Platypelis laetus sp. nov. is small to medium-sized (24.3–25.6 mm snout-vent length) compared to other Platypelis, exhibits a greenish colored throat and was found in bamboo forest of the Sorata Massif. Its advertisement call consists of a single short tonal note repeated at regular intervals in long call series. Based on DNA sequences of a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, the new species was placed in a clade with Platypelis olgae from the Tsaratanana Massif, and with two other, unconfirmed candidate species from the Sorata Massif and from Andravory, herein named Platypelis sp. Ca12 and Ca13. Molecular divergences among these lineages were substantial, amounting to 7.6‒8.1% uncorrected 16S p-distance to the closest nominal species, P. olgae, from which the new species is also distinguished by a lack of allele sharing in the nuclear RAG-1 gene. We also provide new records of Platypelis alticola and P. tsaratananaensis from the Sorata Massif, supported by molecular analysis. This confirms a wider distribution of these two species that previously were considered to be endemic to the Tsaratanana Massif. However, their populations in Sorata were characterized by a certain degree of genetic differentiation from Tsaratanana populations suggesting they require more detailed taxonomic assessment.

Key Words: Amphibia, Anura, Cophylinae, distribution, Microhylidae, molecular genetics, Platypelis laetus sp. nov., Platypelisalticola, Platypelistsaratananaensis, Sorata, systematics

Figure 3. Photographs in life of Platypelis laetus sp. nov. from the Sorata massif:
a–c ZSM 5652/2012 (FGZC 3761), holotype; d, e ZSM 5651/2012 (FGZC 3588), paratype; f, g ZSM 5653/2012 (FGZC 3762), paratype; h Eggs and embryos found in the same bamboo hole with the specimens ZSM 5652/2012 and ZSM 5653/2012.

Platypelis laetus sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Assigned to the genus Platypelis in the microhylid subfamily Cophylinae based on enlarged terminal discs on fingers and toes, absence of nuptial pads, and molecular phylogenetic relationships. The species can be identified among other cophylines by the combination of the following character states: (1) medium-sized species (adult male SVL 24.3–25.6 mm); (2) manus with second finger slightly shorter than fourth and pes with third toe much shorter to very slightly shorter than fifth; (3) males with prepollical tubercle but lacking a finger-like prepollex as typical for Anodonthyla; (4) throat greenish in life; (5) chest and anterior belly translucent gray, with distinct white spotting that is absent on the posterior belly; (5) absence of red color on limbs and ventral side.

Distribution: The species is known only from the Sorata Massif, northern Madagascar, at elevations of 1339‒1541 m above sea level (Fig. 2).

Natural history: Platypelislaetus sp. nov. occurs in rainforest on the Sorata Massif, but most of the specimens were collected in the bamboo forest of the massif. The holotype was calling from a bamboo hole at about 5 m above the ground. The bamboo node was occupied by another specimen, was water-filled, and contained 35 whitish eggs and embryos, probably of this species, in at least two different developmental stages (Fig. 3h). Another male was found on a palm tree at around 4 m above the ground. Calling occurred around dusk.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a masculine Latin adjective meaning “happy”. The new species is so named in reflection of the joy and happiness of the first author to get to work on the cophyline microhylid frogs of Madagascar.

Andolalao Rakotoarison, Mark D. Scherz, Jörn Köhler, Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina, Oliver Hawlitschek, Steven Megson, Miguel Vences and Frank Glaw. 2020. Frogs of the Genus Platypelis from the Sorata Massif in northern Madagascar: Description of A New Species and Reports of Range Extensions. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 96(1): 263-274. DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.47088

Tillandsia dichromantha Hern.-Cárdenas, López-Ferr. & Espejo.

in Hernández-Cárdenas, Espejo-Serna, López-Ferrari & Lara-Godínez, 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.447.2.1

Abstract

Tillandsia dichromantha, a new species from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, is described and illustrated. The proposed taxon is compared with T. achyrostachys and T. ilseana, species with which it has some similarities. Images and a distribution map are included.

Keywords: Endemic, Monocots, Poales

FIGURE 1. Tillandsia dichromantha Hern.-Cárdenas, López-Ferr. & Espejo.
A. Habitat in San Juan Mixtepec, Oaxaca. B. Habitat in Santos Reyes Tepejillo, Oaxaca. C. Plant at the type locality. D. Detail of the spike. E. Flower. F. Floral bract. G. Sepals. H. Petals. I. Stamens. J. Pistil.

(Photographs A–C by R. Hernández-Cárdenas; D–J by A. Espejo-Serna).

Tillandsia dichromantha Hern.-Cárdenas, López-Ferr. & Espejo, sp. nov.

The new species is similar to Tillandsia ilseana and T. achyrostachys but differs in the height of the flowering plants (45–55 vs. ± 100, and 24–45 cm), the number of spikes (6–9 vs. (4)9–15, and one), the ecarinate and conspicuosly nerved floral bracts (vs. carinatesmooth, and ecarinate-conspicuosly nerved), the floral bracts width (1.3–1.6 vs. 0.7–0.8, and 1.6–2.3 cm), the sepals size (2.3–2.5 × 0.5–0.6 vs. ±2.8 × 0.8–0.9, and 2.7–2.9 × 0.6–0.7 cm), the petal color (violet + green-chartreuse vs. very pale violet [T. ilseana], and chartreuse green [T. achyrostachys]), and in the style length (6–6.5 vs. 5.5–6, and 4.5–5 cm).

FIGURE 3. A–B. Tillandsia dichromantha Hern.-Cárdenas, López-Ferr. & Espejo. A. Holotype. B. Paratype.
C. Herbarium specimen of T. achyrostachys E. Morren ex Baker, coll. A. Mendoza R. 1397 (UAMIZ).
D. Isotype of T. ilseana W. Till, Halbritt. & Zecher, coll. E.& I. Zecher 8/80 (UAMIZ).

FIGURE 2. Distribution map of Tillandsia dichromantha Hern.-Cárdenas, López-Ferr. & Espejo.

Distribution and habitat:— Tillandsia dichromantha is only known from Oaxaca (Figure 2): the Sierra Madre del Sur in the municipalities of San Juan Mixtepec; and Santos Reyes Tepejillo, in the district of Juxtlahuaca, where it grows epiphytically on Quercus spp. and Acacia sp. in dry oak (Quercus) forests, Pinus forests, and tropical deciduous forests with species of Arecaceae, Ipomoea species, Bursera species, and Juniperus species (Figures 1A–B). Tillandsia dichromantha grows among other Tillandsia species like T. achyrostachys, T. dugesii Baker (1887: 278), T. recurvata L. (1762: 410), and T. usneoides L. (1762: 411). Plants of T. dichromantha inhabit localities between 1,730 and 1,960 m elevation and blooms from December to January. It should be mentioned that we found only three individuals during all the visits to the zone along a year, so probably the plants are scarce.

Etymology:— The specific epithet refers to the bicolorous petals, violet and chartreuse green, that distinguish this new species.

Rodrigo Alejandro Hernández-Cárdenas, Adolfo Espejo-Serna, Ana Rosa López-Ferrari and Sofía Ana Lucrecia Lara-Godínez. 2020. Tillandsia dichromantha (Tillandsioideae; Bromeliaceae), A New Species from the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. Phytotaxa. 447(2); 81–87. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.447.2.1

Green Peafowl Pavo muticus

in Shwe, Sukumal, Oom, ... et Savini, 2020.

DOI: 10.1017/S0030605319000267

photo: Niti Sukumal

oryxthejournal.org

Abstract

Low intensity subsistence agriculture is generally believed to be less damaging to wildlife than intensive farming. As Myanmar is undergoing rapid modernization, subsistence farming may shift to intensive agriculture, resulting in increased threats to species of conservation concern such as the green peafowl Pavo muticus. Here we investigate habitat use of the green peafowl in a low intensity agricultural landscape surrounding a small forest fragment in southern Shan State, Myanmar. The forest belongs to Nan Kone Buddha Monastery and the green peafowl is protected from hunting in the area on the basis of religious beliefs. We established three survey transects with a total length of 3,414 m. During February 2016–January 2017 we conducted surveys twice daily for 4 consecutive days every month, walking all transects in both directions in the mornings and afternoons and recording visual and auditory peafowl encounters. We estimated peafowl density to be 2.63 animals/km2 in the less disturbed western part of the study area and 1.13 animals/km2 in the eastern part, which had higher levels of human disturbance. The peafowl's habitat use was significantly non-random, with forest patches being the most utilized habitat, followed by croplands. Within a 300 m buffer zone around the forest patch, the order of habitat preference was crop > scrub > fallow, with crop significantly preferred over the other two habitats. We conclude that preserved isolated forest blocks adjacent to community-managed agricultural areas are important for green peafowl conservation, and discuss the implications for long-term conservation management of the species.

Keywords: Agriculture, Buddhist monastery, compositional analysis, green peafowl, fragmented forest, Myanmar, Pavo muticus, Shan plateau

Nay Myo Shwe, Niti Sukumal, Khin Maung Oom Simon Dowell, Stephen Browne and Tommaso Savini. 2020. Importance of Isolated Forest Fragments and Low Intensity Agriculture for the Long-term Cconservation of the Green Peafowl Pavo muticus. Oryx. First View. DOI: 10.1017/S0030605319000267

Conservation in unexpected places: communities and the green peafowl

oryxthejournal.org/blog/conservation-in-unexpected-places-communities-and-the-green-peafowl/

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Researchgate.net/publication/274070223_PEAFOWLS_SPECIES_AND_THEIR_MUTATIONS

Caridina tricincta

Do, Rintelen & Dang, 2020

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 68

Abstract

Two new species of freshwater shrimp in the family Atyidae, Caridina tricincta and C. pacbo, are described from the provinces of Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang, and from the province of Cao Bang, respectively, all in northern Vietnam. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by distinct characteristics of the rostrum, first and second pereopods, and male first and second pleopods. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) genes also support the distinctiveness of the new species from all other examined species.

Key words: Caridea, Caridina tricincta, Caridina pacbo, taxonomy, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Cao Bang

TAXONOMY

Family Atyidae De Haan, 1849

Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837

Fig. 4. Caridina tricincta, new species. A, in situ photograph (by Nguyen Anh Tuan) at a stream of Khau Tinh Commune, Na Hang District, Tuyen Quang Province;
B, live individuals collected in Lac Nong Commune, Bac Me District, Ha Giang Province.

Caridina tricincta, new species

Habitat. This species was found in a stream with mixed sand, gravel, and rock substratum, and clear flowing water from the forest (Fig. 4A).

Etymology. The name ‘tricincta’ (L. tri – three; cinctus –belt or girdle) refers to the three characteristic transverse stripes on the body of live specimens of this species. Used as an adjective.

Caridina pacbo, new species

Habitat. This new species was found in a streamlet with mixed sand, gravel, and bedrock substratum, and clear flowing water from the forest (Fig. 7).

Etymology. The new species is named ‘pacbo’ after the type locality name: Pac Bo, Ha Quang, Cao Bang Province, northeast Vietnam. The name is used as a noun in apposition.

Fig. 8. Live colouration of Caridina pacbo, new species.
Fig. 7. Habitat of Caridina pacbo, new species, in Pac Bo village, Truong Ha Commune, Ha Quang District, Cao Bang Province.

Van Tu Do, Thomas von Rintelen and Van Dong Dang. 2020. Descriptions of Two New Freshwater Shrimps of the Genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) from northern Vietnam. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 68; 404–420.

Inlethelphusa acanthica (Kemp, 1918)

in Ng, Mar & Yeo, 2020.

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 68

Abstract

The potamid freshwater crab, Inlethelphusa acanthica (Kemp, 1918), is endemic to Inle Lake, in Shan state, Myanmar, and was hitherto known only from the types and several small specimens collected in the 1930s. The species, the type of Inlethelphusa Yeo & Ng, 2007, is redescribed from a good series of fresh specimens. The taxonomy of the species is discussed and variations in the armature of the carapace anterolateral margin, male pleon, chela, as well as the male first gonopod structure are documented. Significantly, the male first gonopod of smaller specimens has the terminal segment straight and more cylindrical, with the tip truncate or weakly bifurcated, in contrast to that of larger males, which is more elongate, with the distal part gently curved upwards and the tip sharp.

Key words: Decapoda, freshwater crab, redescription, variation, diagnostic characters, wetland conservation

Fig. 8. Inlethelphusa acanthica (Kemp, 1918), female (40.4 × 28.5 mm) (ZRC 2019.1794). Colour in life. Photograph: P.Y.C. Ng.

TAXONOMY

Family Potamidae Ortmann, 1896

Subfamily Potamiscinae Bott, 1970 sensu Yeo & Ng, 2004

Inlethelphusa Yeo & Ng, 2007

Type species.Potamon (Potamon) acanthicum Kemp, 1918,

by monotypy.

Diagnosis. Carapace broader than long, relatively low; dorsal surface gently convex; epigastric cristae low, distinct, not sharp, anterior to postorbital cristae, distinctly separated from postorbital cristae by groove; postorbital cristae low, blunt, not confluent with epibranchial teeth; external orbital angle well developed, separate from rest of anterolateral margin by deep cleft; epibranchial tooth well developed, spiniform; anterolateral margins prominently serrated, with anterior serrations larger; antennular fossae subrectangular, broad; epistome posterior margin with low but distinct median tooth; endostomial ridge absent. Third maxilliped with long exopod, with long flagellum. Ambulatory legs short; merus without subdistal spine on dorsal margin. Suture between male thoracic sternites 2 and 3 distinct; thoracic sternite 8 completely separated by a longitudinal medial line; sternopleonal cavity almost reaching imaginary line joining anterior edges of cheliped bases; male pleon triangular. G1 subterminal segment with distal third bent outward, appears neck-like, being distinctly tapered or constricted; G1 terminal segment slender, elongate, tubular to tapering, tip truncate or sharp, upcurved, dorsal flap absent. G2 longer than G1, distal segment distinctly less than half length of basal segment.

Inlethelphusa acanthica (Kemp, 1918) (Figs. 1–8)

Potamon (Potamon) acanthicum Kemp, 1918: 85, fig. 2, pl. 24 figs. 3, 4.

Lobothelphusa acanthia – Bott, 1970: 150; Yeo & Ng, 1999: 640.

Inlethelphusa acanthica – Yeo & Ng, 2007: 283, fig. 6; Ng et al., 2008: 163.

Ecological notes. Kemp (1918: 89) notes that this “is apparently the only crab that makes its way into the central region of the Inle Lake, on the bottom of which it is occasionally found. It is more abundant among the roots of the floating islands at the edge of the lake, and also frequents small hill-streams.” The series of recent specimens (ZRC 2018.1370) were from the centre of the lake and were collected in the nets of fishermen. Two other specimens (ZRC 2018.0736) were from small streams flowing into Inle Lake. Nothing else is known about its ecology. This potamid species occupies a lacustrine niche in northern Indochina that, in other parts of Southeast Asia, is normally filled by crabs of the family Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904. The chelae of I. acanthica are gaped in large males and females (Fig. 3D, E), similar to those of the analagous lentic gecarcinucids found in swamps and lakes in Thailand and Cambodia, and are not specifically adapted for feeding on molluscs (see Ng & Naiyanetr, 1993; Ng, 1995). In ancient lakes in Sulawesi, molluscivorous species have large molariform teeth at the base of the gaping fingers (see Chia & Ng, 2006; Schubart & Ng, 2008), while there is no evidence of incipient development or evolution of any such molariform teeth in I. acanthica.

Peter K. L. Ng, Win Mar and Darren C. J. Yeo. 2020. On the Taxonomy of the Endemic Inle Lake Crab, Inlethelphusa acanthica (Kemp, 1918) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Potamidae) of Myanmar. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 68; 453–463.

Gymnosiphon syceorosensis Nickrent

in Nickrent, 2020.

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.146.48321

Abstract

A new holomycoheterotrophic member of Burmanniaceae, Gymnosiphon syceorosensis, is described from Mt. Hamiguitan located on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. This species differs from the recently named G. philippinensis from Cebu in a number of quantitative and qualitative characters. Phenetic (neighbor-joining) and phylogenetic (maximum parsimony) analyses of characters from Asian and Australian Gymnosiphon species were conducted and diagnostic taxonomic features were discussed. This new species appears to be most closely related to G. affinis J.J. Sm. from New Guinea but differs in a number of floral features including inner perianth lobe shape, stamen position in floral tube, and anther connective shape.

Keywords: Dioscoreales, Mindanao, monocot, Mt. Hamiguitan, mycoheterotroph

Figure 3. Gymnosiphon syceorosensis sp. nov.
A upper portion of the plant with a young fruit in the central position of the bifid cyme. The entire plant was ca. 10 cm high B closer view of the flower buds and young fruit C underground portion of the plant (fixed in alcohol) showing short rhizome with scale leaves, exogenous roots, and basal part of aerial stem D closer view of stem scale leaves E base of aerial stem where it emerges from the soil.

Photos A, B, D, E by Michael Galindon. Photo C by DLN.

Gymnosiphon syceorosensis Nickrent

Diagnosis: Similar to G. affinis J.J. Sm. s. str. but differing in the outer perianth lobe color (white and violet vs. pure white), inner perianth lobe shape (cuneate vs. obovate), stamen position in floral tube (just below inner lobe vs. below middle of perianth), connective shape (elliptical vs. quadrangular), and connective apex (not apiculate vs. apiculate).

Distribution, habitat, and conservation: Gymnosiphon syceorosensis is only known from the type collected in the tropical upper montane rainforest of Mt. Hamiguitan, Mindanao. The plant was found along the trail at 1184 m elevation, ca. 1 air km south of the summit of Mt. Hamiguitan. The substrate was predominantly ultramafic. This forest has the highest number of endemic and threatened plant species among the five vegetation types surveyed by Amoroso and Aspiras (2011). The habitat where this plant was found also contained other mycoheterotrophs such as Burmannia lutescens (a new record for this species for the Philippines) and Sciaphila sp. (Triuridaceae). Association of different mycoheterotrophs in one local area was mentioned by Schlechter (1913) and Pelser et al. (2019). This phenomenon may reflect the ecological requirements of the fungi or the association of different plant species with one fungus (Maas-van de Kamer 1998). The latter seems to be supported for Burmanniaceae where that family as well as Gentianaceae and Triuridaceae have been found associated with Glomerales and Diversisporales (Hynson and Bruns 2010). Because only one population of G. syceorosensis was discovered, no estimation of its abundance or overall distribution can me made. It, like most Gymnosiphon species, is likely rare in nature, but because it is inconspicuous, it is likely undercollected. Until further work can be undertaken to determine how many populations of G. syceorosensis exist, the conservation status of this species should at this time be considered Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN (2019). Note that the DD category does not imply that the taxon is not threatened.

Etymology: The specific epithet commemorates the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. The word “hagímit” is Cebuano for “a small tree of primary forest with rough leaves: Ficus sp.” (Wolff 1972). Apparently the “g” and “m” consonants were switched (a common occurrence in Cebuano), thereby producing “hamigit”. Adding the suffix “-an” which mean “a place of” gives hamigitan, i.e. “a fig tree place” or “a place with a fig tree”.

When constructing the specific epithet for Gymnosiphon, the goal was to express “from fig-mountain”. Fig-tree is translated to Latin as “syce” (συκη, feminine) and mountain as “oros” (όρος, masculine), thus giving “syceoros” (Stearn 1992). Using one of the recommended adjectival endings for geographic epithets with a masculine termination yields “syceorosensis”.

It should be pointed that generic names derived from Greek that end in “-on” are often interpreted as neuter, however, according to ICN Art. 62.2, compound generic names take the gender of the last word in the nominative case in the compound. In this example, the Greek word element -siphon (σίφων) is masculine, thus the gender for all specific epithets of Gymnosiphon should be masculine. The type species was originally published by Blume (1827) as G. aphyllum (neuter), but this should be corrected to G. aphyllus (masculine).

Daniel L. Nickrent. 2020. Gymnosiphon syceorosensis (Burmanniaceae), the Second New Species for the Philippines. PhytoKeys. 146: 71-87. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.146.48321

Michaelmoelleria vietnamensis F. Wen, Z.B. Xin & T.V. Do

in Wen, Xin, Fu, Li, Su, et al., 2020.
DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.146.49731

Photos by Fang Wen.

Abstract

Michaelmoelleria, a new genus from southern Vietnam is described with a single species, M. vietnamensis. The new genus is morphologically most similar to Deinostigma and Tribounia but it differs from the latter two by having four fertile stamens. Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and plastid trnL-F intron spacer (trnL-F) DNA sequence data from the new genus and eighty-seven species representing 42 genera within tribe Didymocarpeae are used to resolve its generic placement. The molecular evidence reveals that it is most closely related to Cathayanthe rather than Deinostigma and Tribounia. The chromosome number is counted as 2n = 36 that further clarified its distinction comparing to the related genera within tribe Didymocarpeae. A global conservation assessment is also performed and classifies Michaelmoelleria vietnamensis as Critically Endangered (CR).

Keywords: Cathayanthe, cliff-dwelling, Deinostigma, Didymocarpoideae, flora of Vietnam, IUCN, phylogeny, Tribounia

Figure 1. Photos of the new genus, Michaelmoelleria, the population in natural habitat.Michaelmoelleria vietnamensis F.Wen, Z.B.Xin & T.V.Do
A habitat along the La stream B habit C plants in flower D frontal view of flower in natural habitat E lateral view of flower in natural habitat.

Photos by Fang Wen, arranged by Wen-Hua Xu.

Figure 4. Photos of new genus, Michaelmoelleria F. Wen, Y.G. Wei & T.V. Do.
Michaelmoelleria vietnamensis F. Wen, Z.B. Xin & T.V. Do
A flowering potted plant in GCCC’s greenhouse B frontal view of the corolla and the corolla tube C different angles of a lateral view of corolla and corolla tube (I) D different angles of lateral view of the corolla and the corolla tube (II) E cyme F bracts (above: adaxial surface; below: abaxial surface) G calyx lobes H lateral view of flower and bud I calyx lobes (the left three: adaxial calyx lobes surfaces; the right two: abaxial calyx lobes surfaces) J opened corolla showing stamens and staminode K our fertile anthers L pistil and calyx M stigma.

Photos by Fang Wen, arranged by Wen-Hua Xu.

Michaelmoelleria F. Wen, Y.G. Wei & T.V. Do, gen. nov.

Diagnosis: Michaelmoelleria resembles monotype genus Cathayanthe, but differs from the latter by leaf blade glabrous (vs. sericeous to pubescent in Cathayanthe, same as order followings); calyx actinomorphic (vs. zygomorphic); fertile stamens 4 (vs. 2), stigma 2, both developed ligulate (vs. 1, subcapitate, divided on 1 side); capsule long linear (vs. fleshly, narrowly ellipsoid). The new genus is also morphologically similar to Deinostigma and Tribounia, but is easily distinguished from both by having corolla tube narrowly curving to zigzag infundibuliform-tubular, and bent at about 90° angle in the middle of corolla tube (vs. infundibuliform in Deinostigma; of a narrow lower tube which widens into an infundibuliform & upper tube which has a prominent boss on the dorsal surface in Tribounia, same as order followings), fertile stamens number 4 (vs. 2; 2) and stigma 2-lobed, lobes often gathering together (vs. upper lip usually vestigial and only lower lip developing, broad, flat and weakly 2-lobed; capitate).

Type and only known species: Michaelmoelleria vietnamensis F. Wen, Z.B. Xin & T.V. Do, sp. nov.

Etymology: Michaelmoelleria was named in honor of Prof./Dr. Michael Möller from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. He is a well-known botanist studying Old World Gesneriaceae, especially in Africa (Madagascar) and Asia (China), and mentor of the senior author from the 1990s to the present. “Michaelmoeller-” (means “Michael Möller”) stands for his full name. “moeller” is the English modification of the German family name, “Möller”. Initially, we planned to use “Moelleria” as the genus name. However, this name was used in different places three times. They are Moelleria Cleve (Bacillariophyta, incertae sedis) [non Moelleria Scop. (Spermatophyta, Flacourtiaceae) (≡ Iroucana Aubl.)]; [nec Moelleria Bres. (Fungi, Clavicipitaceae) (≡ Moelleriella Bres.)] [nec Moelleria (Freng.) Freng. (Bacillariophyta, Naviculaceae)] (Blanco and Wetzel 2016). Thus, to prevent confusion with those mentioned above, three existing and existed “Moelleria”, we consider that using the variant of Dr. Michael Möller’s full name, “Michaelmoeller”, to name this new genus to be most appropriate.

Distribution and habitat: Endemic to southern Vietnam, under broadleaved forests in a montane granite area at 140–200 m altitude.

Michaelmoelleria vietnamensis F. Wen, Z.B. Xin & T.V. Do, sp. nov.

Etymology: The genus is named for the famous botanist, Dr. / Prof. Michael Möller, from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the species is named for Vietnam, which holds the first discovered and only known location for the species.

Figure 6. Photos of Deinostigma W.T.Wang & Z.Y.Li (A–E) and Tribounia D.J.Middleton (F–I),
the morphologically similar genera and species of Michaelmoelleria F.Wen, Y.G.Wei & T.V.Do (M. vietnamensis F.Wen, Z.B.Xin & T.V.Do)

A Deinostigma eberhardtii (Pellegr.) D.J.Middleton & H.J.Atkins B D. tamiana (B.L.Burtt) D.J.Middleton & H.J.Atkins C D. cycnostyla (B.L.Burtt) D.J.Middleton & H.J.Atkins D D. cicatricosa (W.T.Wang) D.J.Middleton & Mich.Möller E D. cyrtocarpa (D.Fang & L.Zeng) Mich.Möller & H.J.Atkins
F–G Tribounia venosa (Barnett) D.J.Middleton H–I T. grandiflora D.J.Middleton.

A–E photos by Fang Wen F–I photos by David Middleton, arranged by Wen-Hua Xu.

Fang Wen, Zi-Bing Xin, Long-Fei Fu, Shu Li, Lan-Ying Su, Stephen Maciejewski, Zhang-Jie Huang, Truong Van Do and Yi-Gang Wei. 2020. Michaelmoelleria (Gesneriaceae), A New Lithophilous Dwelling Genus and Species with Zigzag Corolla Tube from southern Vietnam. PhytoKeys. 146: 89-107. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.146.49731

Overoraptor chimentoi

Motta, Agnolín, Egli & Novas, 2020

DOI: 10.1007/s00114-020-01682-1

twitter.com/CTyS_UNLaM conicet.gov.ar

llustration: Gabriel Lio twitter.com/Gabrielluislio

Abstract

The fossil record of basal paravians in Gondwana is still poorly known, being limited to the Cretaceous unenlagiids from South America and the problematic Rahonavis from Madagascar. Here we report on a new paravian from the Cenomanian-Turonian (Late Cretaceous) of Río Negro province, NW Patagonia, Argentina. The new taxon exhibits a derived bird-like morphology of the forelimbs (e.g., robust ulna with prominent, anteriorly oriented, and proximally saddle-shaped radial cotyle and wide medial flange on metacarpal I) and a plesiomorphic foot with a raptorial pedal digit II. Phylogenetic analysis recovers the new taxon in a monophyletic clade with Rahonavis, being the sister group of the remaining Avialae and more derived than other non-avian dinosaurs. Both exhibit derived forelimb traits in opposition with their plesiomorphic hind limbs. The position of the new taxon and Rahonavis as stem avialans indicates that Gondwanan basal paravians are represented by two different clades, at least. The new taxon probably constitutes a previously unknown grade in the avian-line theropods in which some flight-related adaptations of the forelimbs are present in cursorial taxa. The present discovery sheds light on the acquisition of flight-related traits in non-avian dinosaurs and on the still poorly known paravian radiation in Gondwana.

Keywords: Theropoda, Paraves, South America, Upper Cretaceous

Fig. 1: Silhouette of Overoraptor chimentoi gen. et sp. nov. (MPCA-Pv 805) showing selected skeletal elements.
(a) Pelvic girdle elements including fragments of ilium in lateral (top) view and left pubis in medial (left) view, (b) right scapula in dorsal (top) and lateral (bottom) views, (c) mid-caudal vertebra in left lateral view, (d) right ulna in lateral (bottom) and proximal (top) views, (e) right metacarpal I in dorsal (top), medial, ventral, and distal (bottom) views, (f) right manual phalanx I-1 and manual ungual of digit I in medial view, (g) left pedal phalanx II-2 and left pedal ungual of digit II in medial view, (h) left metatarsal II in lateral (left), dorsal (right), and distal (bottom) views, (i) left pedal phalanx I-1 and pedal ungual of digit I in medial view, (j) left metatarsal III in dorsal (right), lateral (left) and distal (bottom) views.

Abbreviations: a anterior, acr acromion, cg collateral groove, cp collateral pit, ft flexor tubercle, gf glenoid fossa, ip ischium pedicle of ilium, l lateral, lc lateral crest, lr lateral ridge, lvc lateroventral crest, ldc laterodorsal crest, mvc medioventral crest, rp radial process of ulna, sra surface for radial articulation, tc bump representing the m. tibialis cranialis insertion, tsb tapered scapular blade, pa pubic apron, pr protuberance, pt proximal tubercle, vh ventral heel. Scale bar equals 50 cm in the silhouette; 4 cm in a, b, d, h, and j; and 2 cm in c, e, f, g, and i

Systematic paleontology

DINOSAURIA Owen, 1842

SAURISCHIA Seeley, 1888

THEROPODA Marsh, 1881

MANIRAPTORA Gauthier, 1986

PARAVES Sereno, 1997

Overoraptor chimentoi gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Overo from “overo” the Spanish word meaning piebald, in reference to the coloration of the O. chimentoi bones, which consists of a pattern of light and dark spots, and raptor from the Latin for thief. The species name chimentoi honors its discoverer, the paleontologist Dr. Roberto Nicolás Chimento.

Diagnosis: The new taxon differs from other paravians in the following combination of characters (autapomorphies are marked by an asterisk): posterior caudal centra with a complex system of lateral longitudinal ridges and concavities (also present in Buitreraptor and Rahonavis); scapula with a medially deflected distal end*; acromial process reduced and ridge-like*; robust ulna; radial cotyle of ulna saddle-shaped and prominent; metacarpal I with extensive medioventral crest*; metatarsal II with longitudinal lateroventral crest on distal half, ending distally in a posterior tubercle* (present on both specimens); metatarsal III distal end non-ginglymoidal (also present in Pamparaptor); metatarsal III distal end dorsoventrally deeper than transversely wide*; and strongly dorsally displaced collateral pits on pedal phalanx II-2.

Matías J. Motta, Federico L. Agnolín, Federico Brissón Egli and Fernando E. Novas. 2020. New Theropod Dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of Patagonia sheds light on the Paravian Radiation in Gondwana. The Science of Nature. 107, 24. DOI: 10.1007/s00114-020-01682-1

twitter.com/CTyS_UNLaM/status/1268578684669243392

conicet.gov.ar/preparandose-para-despegar

nationalgeographicla.com/ciencia/2020/06/argentina-nueva-especie-de-dinosaurio-overoraptor

ctys.com.ar/index.php?idPage=20&idArticulo=4044

paleonerdish.wordpress.com/2020/05/29/introducing-overoraptor-a-new-theropod-dinosaur-from-the-upper-cretaceous-of-patagonia/

twitter.com/Gabrielluislio/status/1268318931460059136

ຂະຍຸ Laonastes aenigmamus Jenkins, Kilpatrick, Robinson & Timmins, 2005

in Khotpathoom, Vu, Bhumpakphan, et al., 2020.

DOI: 10.1007/s42991-020-00039-5

facebook.com/ThananhKhotpathoom

Abstract

The Laotian rock rat or Kha nyou (Laonastes aenigmamus) is a small mammal species that was discovered in Central Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in 1996. After this discovery, the Laotian rock rat was recognized as a living fossil of the family Diatomyidae, other members of which have been extinct more than 11 million years. Previous studies have been limited to the taxonomy of the species, but information on its behavior and ecology is still lacking. Our study on home range size and movement distances of the Laotian rock rat was conducted using radio tracking in Mouang-doy village, Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area, central Lao PDR. We equipped four live-trapped Laotian rock rats (3 males and 1 female) with radio collars between December 2009 and January 2011. Radio-collared animals were tracked every thirty minutes and for at least five consecutive days per month. The averaged home ranges of the Laotian rock rat in the dry season and in the wet season were 1.69 ha (SD = 0.53; n = 4) and 1.49 ha (SD = 0.46; n = 3), respectively, and were not significantly different. The home ranges of radio-collared Laotian rock rats overlapped among individuals, and overlapped area between pairs of animals ranged from 30.21 to 75.89%. The mean daily movement distances were 1602 m (SD = 150.13; n = 3 individuals) and 1578 m (SD = 52; n = 3 individuals) for the dry season and the wet season, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. This study also indicated that the Laotian rock rat is cathemeral. We would suggest additional studies to better understand the behavioral ecology of the Laotian rock rats, especially with regards to the comparison between sexes and social organization.

Keywords: Kha nyou, Laonastes aenigmamus, Phou Hin Poun, Laos

Thananh Khotpathoom, Thinh Tien Vu, Naris Bhumpakphan, Ronglarp Sukmasuang and Sara Bumrungsri. 2020. Using Radiotelemetry to Identify the Home Range and Daily Movement of A “Living Fossil”: the Laotian Rock Rat (Laonastes aenigmamus). Mammalian Biology. DOI: 10.1007/s42991-020-00039-5

ຫນູ ຂະຍຸ ເປັນສັດ ປະເພດກັດແຫ້ນ ແຕ່ກີນພືດເປັນຫລັກ ແລະ ພວກມັນຈະກະຈາຍ ຢູ່ສະເພາະແຕ່ ໃນເຂດພູຫີນປູນ. ມັກທີ່ແຫ້ງ ແລະ ສະອາດ ມີຂອບເຂດ ຫາກີນບໍ່ກ້ວາງ (ປະມານ ເຮັກຕາປາຍ ໃນຮອບຫນຶ່ງປີ) ແລະ ຈະອອກຫາກີນ ຕະຫລອດ ທັງເວັນ ແລະຄືນ ຂຶ້ນກັບ ທ້ອງຂອງພວກມັນຫວ່າງຍາມໃດ ຊຶ່ງຈະຄ້າຍໆກັບສັດ ກິນພືດ ໂດຍທົ່ວໄປ ເພາະພວກມັນ ຄື ສັດກີນພືດ ແລະ ຄ້ຽວເອື້ອງ ນັ້ນເອງ.

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Juchuysillu arenalesensis

Croft & Anaya, 2020

DOI: 10.5710/AMGH.11.01.2020.3271

Illustration: Velizar Simeonovski

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Abstract

We describe a new interatheriid notoungulate, Juchuysillu arenalesensis gen. et sp. nov., based on six partial upper and lower dentitions from the early to middle Miocene Nazareno Formation of southern Bolivia. A specimen is also referred to J. arenalesensis from the early middle Miocene (Langhian) locality of Cerdas, Bolivia (ca. 100 km to the northwest). The new species is distinguished by its very small size (ca. 15% smaller than Protypotherium minutum) and the unique combination of shallow ectoloph sulci on P3-4, length of M1 > M2 > M3, trapezoidal upper molars, and absence of a buccal talonid sulcus on m3. A second, larger interatheriid species is present at Nazareno but is not represented by remains sufficiently complete for a more precise identification. A phylogenetic analysis indicates that J. arenalesensis represents a unique lineage within Interatheriinae that diverged after Protypotherium sinclairi but before Miocochilius anomopodus, Caenophilus tripartitus, Miocochilius federicoi, and several species of Protypotherium, including Protypotherium australe. Juchuysillu arenalesensis is one of two small (< ca. 3 kg) typotheres at Nazareno; its body mass is estimated at 1.1 kg. An updated faunal list for the Nazareno Formation includes 19 species of mammals pertaining to seven orders and 15 families; fragmentary turtle (Testudinidae?) and bird (Phorusrhacidae) remains are also present. The precise age of Nazareno Formation vertebrates is unknown, but the presence of at least three notoungulate species shared with Cerdas suggests a similar (∼16–15 Ma) age for the fossil-bearing levels.

Darin A. Croft and Federico Anaya. 2020. A New Typothere Notoungulate (Mammalia: Interatheriidae), from the Miocene Nazareno Formation of Southern Bolivia. Ameghiniana. 57(2); 189-208. DOI: 10.5710/AMGH.11.01.2020.3271

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Tridacna elongatissima Bianconi, 1856

in Fauvelot, Zuccon, Borsa, Grulois, ... et Bouchet, 2020.

DOI: 10.1111/jbi.13797

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JournalofBiogeographyNews.org

Abstract

Aim:

The unique biodiversity in the Red Sea is the result of complex ecological and evolutionary processes driven by Pleistocene climatic change. Here we investigate the species diversity, phylogenetic relationships and phylogeographical patterns of giant clams in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and the Red Sea to explore scenarios of marine speciation in this under‐studied region.

Location: Mozambique Channel, Madagascar, and the Mascarene Islands (WIO); the Farasan Islands (Red Sea).

Taxon: Giant clams of the genus Tridacna (Cardiidae: Tridacninae).

Methods:

Giant clams were sampled as complete organisms or through underwater biopsies. Nuclear (28S ) and mitochondrial (16S and COI ) DNA sequences were subjected to Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses to generate a phylogenetic hypothesis for all known species within the genus Tridacna . Bayesian inference with molecular and fossil calibration was used to infer their colonization history.

Results:

From the 10 genetically distinct clades recovered from the analyses of 253 sequenced specimens, five distinct Tridacna lineages were sampled, three of which were endemics of the WIO and the Red Sea. Each lineage corresponded to a distinct species, except one grouping the two formerly known WIO endemics, T. lorenzi and T. rosewateri. This lineage clustered with two other well‐supported lineages: the Red Sea endemic T. squamosina, and a previously unrecognized lineage, restricted to the WIO, for which we resurrect the long‐forgotten name T. elongatissima Bianconi, 1856. For the two other species sampled (T. maxima and T. squamosa), contrasting phylogeographical patterns were observed.

Main conclusions:

Our data confirm the validity of the species T. rosewateri, a WIO endemic genetically indistinguishable from T. lorenzi, which should be considered a junior synonym. The phylogenetic placement of the newly resurrected T. elongatissima provides insights into the probable origin of T. squamosina, which split from its sister species no later than 2 Ma, likely during Middle Pleistocene glacial periods. Two scenarios are discussed. Our results also suggest that T. maxima invaded the Red Sea more recently and that contemporary gene flow between Red Sea and WIO T. maxima is highly restricted. The deep Red Sea partition observed in T. squamosa suggests a much older divergence and raises the question of a possible cryptic lineage.

Keywords: biodiversity, biogeographical barriers, cardiidae, population genetics, Red Sea, species distribution, systematics

Figure 6: Shells of endemic WIO Tridacna species.
(a‐d) Tridacna rosewateri Sirenko & Scarlato, 1991, Saya de Malha Bank, including a‐b. Paratype ZISP N10569, L 191 mm and c‐d. Holotype ZISP N10568, L 149 mm.
(e,f) Tridacna lorenzi K. Monsecour, 2016, Mauritius, Cargados Carajos Shoals, St. Brandon, holotype MNHN‐IM‐2000–30800, L 225 mm.
(g‐l) Tridacna elongatissima Bianconi, 1856. (g‐i) Mozambique, lectotype MZB 009876, L 198 mm (photo: Antonio Bonfitto). (j‐l) South Madagascar, Atimo Vatae stn TF20, MNHN‐IM‐2009–33486, L 175 mm

Tridacna elongatissima from Masoala Cape, northeast Madagascar.

Giant clam endemic of the south Western Indian Ocean.

(Photo by Serge Andréfouët)

Tridacna elongatissima Bianconi, 1856. (g‐i) Mozambique, lectotype MZB 009876, L 198 mm (photo: Antonio Bonfitto). (j‐l) South Madagascar, Atimo Vatae stn TF20, MNHN‐IM‐2009–33486, L 175 mm

Cécile Fauvelot, Dario Zuccon, Philippe Borsa, Daphné Grulois, Hélène Magalon, Florentine Riquet, Serge Andréfouët, Michael L. Berumen, Tane H. Sinclair‐Taylor, Pauline Gélin, Faustinato Behivoke, Jan Johan ter Poorten, Ellen E. Strong and Philippe Bouchet. 2020. Phylogeographical Patterns and A Cryptic Species provide New Insights Into Western Indian Ocean Giant Clams Phylogenetic Relationships and Colonization History. Journal of Biogeography. DOI: 10.1111/jbi.13797

The forgotten giants of the Western Indian Ocean reefs

JournalofBiogeographyNews.org/2020/05/10/the-forgotten-giants-of-the-western-indian-ocean-reefs

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Squalus shiraii

Viana & Carvalho, 2020

Shirai’s Spurdog || DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51962

Abstract

A new species of deep-water dogfish shark, Squalus shiraii sp. nov., is described herein as endemic to the tropical waters off Southern Japan. This species has been largely misidentified with S. mitsukurii. However, morphological, meristic and morphometric evidence support it to be a separate and undescribed species. Squalus shiraii sp. nov. differs from this species by having body brown in colour dorsally, caudal fin with ventral and dorsal tips markedly tapered and broadly white, dermal denticles uniscuspidate and lanceolate and larger number of precaudal (91–94) and total vertebrae (120–123) (vs. body dark grey to black; caudal fin with ventral and dorsal tips rounded and not white in colour; denticles tricuspidate and rhomboid; 86–90 precaudal and 116–117 total vertebrae). Squalus shiraii sp. nov. is also clearly separated from other Japanese congeners which are herein revisited to include six species, based on the examination of over 150 specimens caught from Japanese waters that were available in ichthyological collections: S. mitsukurii, S. japonicus, S.acutirostris, S. brevirostris and S. suckleyi. Squalus mitsukurii, S. japonicus and S. brevirostris are re-described in detail and the neotype of S. japonicus is herein designated. Squalus acutirostris is treated as a valid species with occurrences in Japan, China and Taiwan and, thus, a provisional diagnosis is given, as well as an updated diagnosis of S. suckleyi. A key to Squalus species from the North-western Pacific Ocean is given and main morphological differences between S. shiraii sp. nov. and the closest related species are discussed.

Key Words: taxonomy, species diversity, elasmobranch, Squalus, North-western Pacific Ocean

Figure 1. Squalus shiraii sp. nov.: lateral (A–C) and ventral (D, E) views; first (F) and second (G) dorsal fins; pectoral (H) and caudal (I) fins.
HUMZ 149389 (holotype), adult male, 590 mm TL (A, D, F–I); HUMZ 80329 (paratype),
adult female, 770 mm TL (B); HUMZ 80330 (paratype),
juvenile male, 365 mm TL (C, E). Scale bars: 50 mm (A–E); 20 mm (F–I).

Squalus shiraii sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Single values correspond to the holotype and range to paratypes, respectively. A Squalus species that is separated from its regional congeners by: first dorsal fin conspicuously upright (vs. first dorsal fin prone); pectoral-fin posterior margin falcate (vs. not falcate); upper and lower caudal lobes markedly slender with dorsal and ventral caudal tips pointed and broadly white (vs. upper and lower caudal lobes wide with dorsal and ventral caudal tips rounded and greyish in colour); dermal denticles lanceolate, except for S. brevirostris (vs. tricuspidate); smaller claspers with clasper outer length 3.3%, 3.3%–3.4% TL and clasper inner length 6.3%, 5.9%–6.3% TL (vs. 4.5%–4.9% TL, 6.9%–8.4% TL for S. mitsukurii vs. 4.8%, 4.3%–5.6% TL and 7.5%, 7.2%–9.1% TL for S. japonicus; vs. 3.9%, 3.9%–5.1% TL and 7.1%, 7.0%–8.1% TL for S.brevirostris). Squalus shiraii sp. nov. further differentiates from S. mitsukurii by more elongate eyes, its length 4.9%, 4.4%–4.9% TL (vs. 3.6%, 3.1%–4.0% TL) and smaller fifth gill slit, its length 1.7%, 1.7%–2.1% TL (vs. 2.3%, 2.2%–2.6% TL). It is separated from S. japonicus and S. brevirostris by prenarial length 5.5%, 5.4%–5.6% TL (vs. 5.9%, 5.9%–6.8% TL for S. japonicus vs. 4.0%, 3.8%–4.3% TL for S. brevirostris) and width of first dorsal-fin spine 0.9%, 0.9%–0.9% TL (vs. 0.7%, 0.5%–0.8% TL for S. japonicus vs. 0.7%, 0.5%–0.7% TL for S. brevirostris). Squalus shiraii sp. nov. further differs from S. japonicus by shorter snout, its preorbital length 7.9%, 7.4%–7.9% TL (vs. 8.7%, 8.7%–9.3% TL for S. japonicus), smaller preoral length 10.4%, 9.4%–10.4% TL (vs. 10.7%, 10.7%–12.2% TL), larger first dorsal fin, its base length 7.7%, 7.7%–8.7% TL and first dorsal-fin posterior margin length 9.2%, 9.0%–9.3% TL (vs. 6.7%, 6.6%–7.5% TL and 7.8%, 6.7%–8.6% TL for S. japonicus) and wider pectoral fin, its posterior margin length 10.0%, 10.0%–11.7% TL (vs. 8.6%, 7.8%–9.2% TL). It is separated from S. brevirostris by wider internarial space, its width 4.8%, 4.1%–4.8% TL (vs. 3.6%, 3.4%–3.8% TL for S. brevirostris), smaller second dorsal fin with inner margin length 3.6%, 3.2%–4.1% TL (vs. 5.0%, 4.8%–5.7% TL), shorter pectoral-fin inner margin, its length 7.3%, 7.3%–8.3% TL (vs. 10.3%, 9.8%–11.2% TL) and narrower caudal fin, its width at caudal fork 6.4%, 5.7%–6.4% TL (vs. 6.6%, 6.6%–7.3% TL). Squalus shiraii is distinguished from S. formosus regardless of maturity by having more elongate precaudal (78.3%, 78.6%–80.5% TL), pre-second (60.5%, 61.1%–63.4% TL) and pre-first (30.5%, 29.6%–31.2% TL) dorsal length (vs. 77.6%–78.3% TL, 59.4%–59.7% TL and 28.1%–29.0% in S. formosus).

Etymology: This species is named after Dr. Shigeru M. Shirai, Japanese ichthyologist from Tokyo University of Agriculture, for his valuable contributions to Systematics of Squaliformes.

Vernacular: Shirai’s Spurdog; Hiretaka-tsunozame (Japanese).

Geographical distribution: This species is apparently a Japanese endemic, occurring in the shallow waters of the upper continental slope off Southern Japan in the North-western Pacific Ocean at 310–390 m depth (Fig. 8A).

Sarah T. F. L. Viana and Marcelo R. de Carvalho. 2020. Squalus shiraii sp. nov. (Squaliformes, Squalidae), A New Species of Dogfish Shark from Japan with Regional Nominal Species Revisited. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 96(2): 275-311. DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51962

Pareas menglaensis

Wang, Che, Liu, Li, Jin, Jiang, Shi & Guo, 2020

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.939.49309

Abstract

The Asian snail-eating snakes Pareas is the largest genus of the family Pareidae (formerly Pareatidae), and widely distributed in Southeast Asia. However, potential diversity remains poorly explored due to their highly conserved morphology and incomplete samples. Here, on basis of more extensive sampling, interspecific phylogenetic relationships of the genus Pareas were reconstructed using two mitochondrial fragments (cyt b and ND4) and two nuclear genes (c-mos and Rag1), and multivariate morphometrics conducted for external morphological data. Both Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses consistently showed that the genus Pareas was comprised of two distinct, monophyletic lineages with moderate to low support values. Based on evidences from molecular phylogeny and morphological data, cryptic diversity of this genus was uncovered and two new species were described. In additional, the validity of P. macularius is confirmed.

Keywords: Molecular, morphology, new species, snakes, southeast Asia, systematics

Figure 4. Holotype of Pareas menglaensis sp. nov. (YBU 14124).
General view(A); dorsal (B), ventral (C), lateral (D) and frontal (E) views of the head; dorsal (F) and ventral (G) views of the median body.

Pareas menglaensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (1) prefrontal separating from orbit; (2) three chin-shield pairs, anterior pair smaller than other two; (3) 9–13 rows of mid dorsal scales keeled; (4) three rows of mid dorsal scales enlarged; (5) single loreal, not bordering orbit; (6) two preoculars, 2–3 suboculars, single postocular; (7) 9–11 temporals (3+3+3, 3+4+4, or 3+4+3); (8) seven supralabials, not bordering orbit; (9) 7–8 infralabials; (10) 3–5 maxillary teeth; (11) cloaca undivided; (12) dorsal scales in 15 rows throughout; (13) 176–177 ventral scales; (14) 65–79 subcaudals, paired.

Etymology: The specific species is named after the type locality, Mengla County, Yunnan, China. We suggest the common name “Mengla Snail-eating Snake” in English and “Mengla Dun-tou-she” (勐腊钝头蛇) in Chinese.

Distribution: This species is currently known only from the type locality Mengla County, Yunnan, China, with low mountain evergreen broad-leaved forest and a tropical monsoon climate type. It is expected to be found in the surrounding low mountainous areas and in neighboring Laos and Myanmar.

Figure 5. Holotype of Pareas mengziensis sp. nov. (YBU 14252).
Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) of general views; dorsal (C), ventral (D), and lateral (E) views of the head.

Pareas mengziensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (1) solid black marking on back of head extending along whole dorsal of body; (2) single preocular; (3) postocular fused with subocular; (4) loreal not bordering orbit; (5) temporals 2+3+3; (6) prefrontal bordering orbit; (7) three rows of mid dorsal scales slightly enlarged; (8) 3–7 rows of mid dorsal scales keeled; (9) 6–7 supralabials; (10) 8–9 infralabials; (11) 6–7 maxillary teeth; (12) cloaca undivided; (13) ventral scales 167–173; (14) subcaudals 54–61, paired.

Etymology: The new species is named after the type locality Mengzi City, Yunnan Province, China. We suggest the common name “Mengzi Snail-eating Snake” in English and “Mengzi Dun-tou-she (蒙自钝头蛇)” in Chinese.

Distribution: This species is currently known only from the type locality Mengzi City, Yunnan, China, in deciduous broad-leaved forest with a subtropical monsoon climate. It is expected to be located in the surrounding plateau regions.

Ping Wang, Jing Che, Qin Liu, Ke Li, Jie Qiong Jin, Ke Jiang, Lei Shi and Peng Guo. 2020. A Revised Taxonomy of Asian Snail-eating Snakes Pareas (Squamata, Pareidae): Evidence from Morphological Comparison and Molecular Phylogeny. ZooKeys. 939: 45-64. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.939.49309

Magallanodon baikashkenke

Goin, Martinelli, Soto-Acuña, Vieytes, Manríquez, Fernández, Pino, Trevisan, Kaluza, Reguero, Leppe, Ortiz, Rubilar-Rogers & Vargas, 2020

publicaciones.mnhn.gob.cl

Illustration: Mauricio Alvarez facebook.com: Mauricio Alvarez

Abstract

We describeMagallanodon baikashkenke gen. et. sp. nov., a new gondwanatherian mammal from the Late Cretaceous of the Magallanes Region in southern Chile (Río de Las Chinas Valley, Estancia Cerro Guido, north of Puerto Natales city, Última Esperanza Province). The mammal-bearing layer is placed within the Late Campanian-Early Maastrichtian levels of the Dorotea Formation (Magallanes/ Austral Basin). The new remains constitute the southernmost record of a Mesozoic gondwanatherian mammal, as well as the first Mesozoic mammal from Chile. This taxon is comparable in size to the hypsodont-toothed Gondwanatherium (Late Cretaceous) and Sudamerica (Early Paleocene) but with noticeably brachyodont molariforms supported by four to five roots. As in other gondwanatherians, it has at least one hypertrophied, rodent-like incisor in the upper jaw. The new taxon is here diagnosed and described, and is regarded as a possible ferugliotheriid (?Ferugliotheriidae). If confirmed, it would represent the largest known taxon for this family. Its molariform occlusal crown pattern, after wear, resembles that of other gondwanatherians, particularly ferugliotheriids and that of the sudamericid Gondwanatherium. This adds new evidence on the phylogenetic proximity of ferugliotheriid and sudamericid gondwanatherians. An analysis of the enamel microstructure of the upper incisor of Magallanodon was performed demonstrating several crucial similarities with the pattern shown by Gondwanatherium (Sudamericidae). We discuss the significance of Magallanodon for understanding the acquisition, within gondwanatherians, of a lophed molariform pattern. Finally, we discuss the significance of the new finding in the context of southern biotas, including those of Patagonia and Antarctica.

Keywords: Gondwanatheria, Mammalia, Molariforms, Campanian-Maastrichtian, Dorotea Formation, Magallanes/Austral Basin, Chile.

Figure 4. Magallanodon baikashkenke gen. et sp. nov., holotype specimen CPAP 5916, first lower left molariform.
SEM image in occlusal view (A) and photographs in occlusal (B), radicular (C), labial (D), lingual (E), mesial (F), and distal (G) views.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

MAMMALIA Linnaeus 1758

GONDWANATHERIA Mones 1987

?FERUGLIOTHERIIDAE Bonaparte 1986

Genus Magallanodon nov.

Type Species: Magallanodon baikashkenke sp. nov.

Magallanodon baikashkenke sp. nov.

Derivation of name: The generic name comes from the Magallanes Region in Southern Chile, and odontos, Greek for “tooth”. The specific name derives from the Tehuelchian terms bai (grandfather) and kashkenke (valley). Grandfather’s Valley is the aboriginal name for the current valley of the Río de Las Chinas, where the type locality is placed.

Holotype specimen: CPAP5916, first lower left molariform (mf1; Figs. 3, 4).

Hypodigm: The type and specimens CPAP 5906, an upper right mesial incisor (Figure 5), and the molariforms CPAP 3223 and CPAP 3224, a left and a right ?MF4, respectively (Figure 6).

Diagnosis: Large-sized gondwanatherian (mesio-distal length of mf1=8.34 mm; see Table 1) which can be distinguished from other gondwanatherians by the following combination of features: brachyodont molariforms with four to five roots; molariforms with distinct transverse lophs which in unworn condition are formed by multiple rounded adjacent cuspules; mesial lower molariform crown with four main lobes, the mesial one D-shaped, the second formed by a longitudinal ridge, and the third and fourth V/U-shaped in occlusal view, all of them separated by continuous labio-lingual grooves that open on the lingual wall of the crown as deep furrows; the lobes define seven cuspules on the labial margin of the crown of mf1; distalmost upper molariforms with two lobes divided by a transverse groove that starts in the labial edge and does not reach the lingual side; presence of islets on the worn occlusal surface of the lobes; distalmost upper molariforms with crown distal width ¾ smaller than the mesial width.

CONCLUSION:

We describe the first Mesozoic mammal for Chile, discovered in the Upper Cretaceous Dorotea Formation (Magallanes/Austral Basin) at the Río de Las Chinas Valley, Estancia Cerro Guido, Última Esperanza Province, Magallanes Region, southern Chile. It is based on isolated teeth (one incisor and three molariforms) that represent a new genus and species, Magallanodon baikashkenke, included into the allotherian clade Gondwanatheria. Based on its gross occlusal morphology and brachyodont molariforms it is tentatively referred to ?Ferugliotheriidae, which at the moment was endemic for northern Patagonia, Argentina. The relatively large size of this species coupled with its large, hypsodont incisors and brachyodont molariforms highlight the ecological disparity of this group during the Late Cretaceous. This new gondwanatherian record also represents the southernmost for the Cretaceous, but the occurrence of members of this clade in the Antarctic Peninsula during the middle to late Eocene, supports a long-lasting presence in southern latitudes since at least the near end of the Mesozoic.

Francisco J. Goin, Agustín G. Martinelli, Sergio Soto-Acuña, Emma C. Vieytes, Leslie M.E. Manríquez, Roy A. Fernández, Juan Pablo Pino, Cristine Trevisan, Jonatan Kaluza, Marcelo A. Reguero, Marcelo Leppe, Héctor Ortiz, David Rubilar-Rogers and Alexander O. Vargas. 2020. First Mesozoic Mammal from Chile: the Southernmost Record of A late Cretaceous Gondwanatherian. Boletín del Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Chile. 69(1); 5-31. publicaciones.mnhn.gob.cl/668/w3-article-96021.html

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Resumen: Primer mamífero Mesozoico de Chile: el registro más austral de un gondwanaterio del Cretácico tardío. Se describe a Magallanodon baikashkenke gen. et. sp. nov., un nuevo mamífero gondwanaterio del Cretácico tardío de la Región de Magallanes, en el sur de Chile (Valle del Río de Las Chinas, Estancia Cerro Guido, norte de Puerto Natales, Provincia de Última Esperanza). Las capas portadoras se ubican entre los niveles del Campaniano tardío-Maastrichtiano temprano de la Formación Dorotea (Cuenca de Magallanes/Austral). Los nuevos restos constituyen el registro más austral de un mamífero gondwanaterio del Mesozoico, como así también el primer mamífero Mesozoico conocido para Chile. El nuevo taxón es comparable en tamaño a las formas hipsodontes Gondwanatherium (Cretácico tardío) y Sudamerica (Paleoceno temprano), pero con molares notoriamente braquidontes soportados por cuatro a cinco raíces. Como en otros gondwanaterios, posee al menos un incisivo superior rodentiforme en la serie superior. Se diagnostica y describe brevemente el nuevo taxón, considerado tentativamente como un ferugliotérido (Ferugliotheriidae). De confirmarse esta asignación, este nuevo taxón representaría el miembro de mayor tamaño para la familia. El patrón oclusal de los molariformes, con el desgaste, se semeja también al de otros gondwanaterios, en particular al de los ferugliotéridos y al del sudamerícido Gondwanatherium, agregando en consecuencia más evidencias en favor de la proximidad filogenética entre ambas familias. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de la microestructura del esmalte del incisivo superior de Magallanodon; como resultado, se encontraron varias similitudes importantes con el patrón existente en Gondwanatherium (Sudamericidae). Se discute la significación de Magallanodon en la adquisición, entre los gondwanaterios, de un patrón molariforme caracterizado por la presencia de lofos transversos. Finalmente, se discute la significación del nuevo hallazgo en el contexto de las biotas australes, incluyendo aquellas de Patagonia y Antártica.

Palabras claves: Gondwanatheria, Mammalia, Molariformes, Campaniano-Maastrichtiano, Formación Dorotea, Cuenca de Magallanes/Austral, Chile.

Dannychaeta tucolus

Chen, Parry, Vinther, Zhai, Hou & Ma, 2020

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2384-8

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Abstract

The phylum of annelids is one of the most disparate animal phyla and encompasses ambush predators, suspension feeders and terrestrial earthworms. The early evolution of annelids remains obscure or controversial, partly owing to discordance between molecular phylogenies and fossils. Annelid fossils from the Cambrian period have morphologies that indicate epibenthic lifestyles, whereas phylogenomics recovers sessile, infaunal and tubicolous taxa as an early diverging grade. Magelonidae and Oweniidae (Palaeoannelida1) are the sister group of all other annelids but contrast with Cambrian taxa in both lifestyle and gross morphology. Here we describe a new fossil polychaete (bristle worm) from the early Cambrian Canglangpu formation that we name Dannychaeta tucolus, which is preserved within delicate, dwelling tubes that were originally organic. The head has a well-defined spade-shaped prostomium with elongated ventrolateral palps. The body has a wide, stout thorax and elongated abdomen with biramous parapodia with parapodial lamellae. This character combination is shared with extant Magelonidae, and phylogenetic analyses recover Dannychaeta within Palaeoannelida. To our knowledge, Dannychaeta is the oldest polychaete that unambiguously belongs to crown annelids, providing a constraint on the tempo of annelid evolution and revealing unrecognized ecological and morphological diversity in ancient annelids.

Holotype specimen YKLP 11382 of Dannychaeta tucolus.
Part imaged using direct light. d, Anterior region of the part.

Scale bars = 2 mm.

Dannychaeta tucolus, YKLP 11383b. Abdominal region within a dwelling tube.

Scale bars = 4 mm.

Annelida Lamarck, 1809

Palaeoannelida Weigert & Bleidorn, 2016

Magelonidae Cunningham & Ramage, 1888

Dannychaeta tucolus gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. Danny refers to Danny Eibye-Jacobsen, for his contributions to our understanding of early annelids; chaeta (Latin), bristle; tubus (Latin), tube; colus (Latin), dwelling in.

Holotype. YKLP 11382 part and counterpart (YKLP, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Palaeobiology)

Horizon and locality. Canglangpu Formation, Cambrian stage, Hongjingshao Member (around 514 million years ago), at southwest of Guanshan reservoir, Chenggong, Kunming, China.

Diagnosis. Elongated, slender polychaetes with organic dwelling tubes. Head with anteriorly tapering spade-shaped prostomium, with paired palps attached ventrolaterally near the mouth. Body heteronomously segmented, with a wider thorax containing at least eight chaetigers. Parapodia with lateral lamellae in the posterior part of the abdomen. Abdominal parapodia biramous, unknown in thorax. Capillary chaetae in both rami, occurring in tight parallel bundles.

Life reconstruction showing Dannychaeta tucolus living in buried tubes.

Artwork by R. Nicholls.

Hong Chen, Luke A. Parry, Jakob Vinther, Dayou Zhai, Xianguang Hou and Xiaoya Ma. 2020. A Cambrian Crown Annelid Reconciles Phylogenomics and the Fossil Record. Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2384-8

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Phestilla viei Mehrotra, Caballer & Chavanich

in Mehrotra, Arnold, Wang, Chavanich, Hoeksema & Caballer, 2020.

DOI: 10.1007/s12526-020-01050-2

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Abstract

The validity and position of the Indo Pacific genus Phestilla Bergh, 1874 (Fionoidea: Trinchesiidae) have been subject of some controversy as a result of several recent studies, which have sequentially synonymized or re-established it. At present, the genus includes eight valid species, the most of them described in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and all but one feeding on scleractinian corals of four genera: Porites Link, 1807 (Poritidae), Tubastraea Lesson, 1830, Dendrophyllia Blainville, 1830 (Dendrophylliidae) and Montipora Blainville, 1830 (Acroporidae). The discovery of an unknown Phestilla species feeding on Pavona explanulata (Lamarck, 1816) (Agariciidae) in Koh Tao, Thailand, motivates this work, in which this new species is described providing morphoanatomical and molecular characters. In addition, its systematic position and ecological significance as coral parasite are discussed.

Keywords: Fionoidea, Trinchesiidae, Ecto-parasite, Phestilla Bergh, 1874, Pavona explanulata (Lamarck, 1816), Camouflage

Fig. 1 Phestilla viei Mehrotra, Caballer & Chavanich sp. nov. on Pavona explanulata.
a Living specimen (28 mm long) in dorso-lateral view with low symbiont density; b Specimen (23 mm long) camouflaged among the coral; c Living specimen (17 mm long) in lateral view; d Two specimens with low symbiont density with their egg masses. Durusdinium sp. associated to Phestilla viei sp. nov; e General view of a section of a single ceras; f Durusdinium sp. in the ceras matrix; g Details of the symbiont cells

Systematics

Order Nudibranchia Cuvier, 1814 (in Blainville 1814).

Superfamily Fionoidea Gray, 1857.

Family Trinchesiidae Nordsieck, 1972.

Genus Phestilla Bergh, 1874.

Phestilla viei Mehrotra, Caballer & Chavanich sp. nov.

Phestilla sp.: Fritts-Penniman 2016: 116, Fig. 3.1 E.

Phestilla sp. 2: Gosliner et al. 2008: 372; Gosliner et al. 2015: 357.

Tenellia sp. 83: Gosliner et al. 2018: 300.

?Tenellia D4: Fritts-Penniman et al. 2020: Fig. 1G.

Derivatio nominis:Phestilla viei Mehrotra, Caballer & Chavanich sp. nov. is named in honor of Mr. Vie Panyarachun for his years of facilitating citizen science and contributions in curating records of sea slug diversity in Thai waters, and his continued efforts as a marine naturalist.

Rahul Mehrotra, Spencer Arnold, Adam Wang, Suchana Chavanich, Bert W. Hoeksema and& Manuel Caballer. 2020. A New Species of Coral-feeding Nudibranch (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from the Gulf of Thailand. Marine Biodiversity. 50: 36. DOI: 10.1007/s12526-020-01050-2

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A New Species of Coral-Eating Nudibranch

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