[Invertebrate • 2020] Anguillosyllis (Annelida: Syllidae) from Multiple Deep-water Locations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

June 15, 2020, 1:14 am

≫ Next: [Entomology • 2020] Revision of the Nepalese Genus Microplinthus Zherichin, 1987 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae), with Description of 25 New Species

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Anguillosyllis acsara  Maciolek, 2020    DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4793.1.1

Abstract

Numerous specimens belonging to the syllid genus Anguillosyllis Day were collected during several deep-sea studies conducted between 1970 and 2011 in depths ranging from 180 to nearly 5000 m. These quantitative studies demonstrated that members of this genus are not as uncommon as once thought but can be among the 10 most common infaunal species at some deep-sea locations. Study areas included Georges Bank (New England), the North, Mid, and South Atlantic Continental Slope and Rise (east coast of North America), the Gulf of Mexico (off Louisiana), off San Francisco, California, the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (Pacific Ocean), the South China Sea (off Brunei), the abyssal plain in the South Atlantic Ocean, and Antarctica (Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea). Sixteen new species are described, bringing the total number of described Anguillosyllis species to 20; one additional species that cannot be fully characterized is also noted. The new species include eight with palps that are entirely or partially free (Anguillosyllis aciculata n. sp., A. acsara, n. sp., A. carolina n. sp., A. denaria n. sp., A. hadra, n. sp., A. hampsoni n. sp., A. taleola n. sp., and A. truebloodi n. sp.) and eight species with completely fused palps (A. andeepia n. sp., A. blakei n. sp., A. bruneiensis n. sp., A. elegantissima n. sp., A. enneapoda n. sp., A. hessleri n. sp., A. inornata n. sp., and A. sepula n. sp.). Type specimens of A. palpata (Hartman) from off Cape Horn and A. pupa (Hartman) from off New England were examined; A. capensis Day from South Africa and A. lanai Barroso, Paiva, Nogueira & Fukuda from Brazil are discussed. All adult Anguillosyllis have a fixed number of setigers, either 8, 9, 10, or 11, with 11 setigers being the most common. Species differ in the number of setigers, degree of fusion of the palps, degree of development of parapodial lobes, structure and number of internal and external glands, number of setae in anterior setigers, shape and size of proventricle, and annulation of the dorsum. All species for which the anal cirri had not been lost were found to have four, including two long, thin, ventromedial ones and two shorter, usually oval, lateral ones. Reproduction is poorly known in the genus; the present study shows eggs are found in the posterior (post-proventricle) setigers of most species and enter the parapodia from the coelom of several specimens; egg diameters generally ranged from 50–85 µm with A. sepula n. sp. having eggs up to 120 µm, the largest reported for the genus.

 Keywords: Annelida, ANDEEP, Antarctica, Atlantic Continental Slope and Rise, benthos, Borneo, Brunei, Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, deep-sea, Georges Bank, New England, SF-DODS, South China Sea

Anguillosyllis acsara n. sp. Holotype (USNM 1480212)

Nancy J. Maciolek. 2020.  Anguillosyllis (Annelida: Syllidae) from Multiple Deep-water Locations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Zootaxa. 4793(1); 1-73. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4793.1.1

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[Entomology • 2020] Revision of the Nepalese Genus Microplinthus Zherichin, 1987 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae), with Description of 25 New Species

June 15, 2020, 1:29 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2020] Revision of the Costa Rican Species of Myoxanthus (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae)

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Microplinthus newarorum Meregalli, 2020  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4794.1.1

Abstract

The Nepalese genus Microplinthus Zherichin, 1987 is revised. The following 25 new species are described (type locality in parentheses): M. annapurnae (Annapurna Himal, Rambrong Danda), M. arunensis (Khandbari Distr., forest S. Mansimgma), M. brevipennis (Manaslu Himal, Bhara Pokhari), M. durga (W Pokhara, near Ghorepani), M. franzi (Kaligandakhi valley, between Lethe and Tukuche), M. ganesha (Ganesh Himal, Rupchet), M. godawaricus (Kathmandu, Phulchowki), M. gupta (Helambu Himal, upper Chipling), M. helambuensis (Central Nepal, between Mulkharka and Thare Pati), M. jaegeri (W Pokhara, Mt. Panchase), M. karnalicus (Karnali Distr. 5 km E Charta), M. kaskianus (Kaski Distr., above Pothana), M. kaumarya (Karnali Distr., Gotichaur valley), M. khandbariensis (Khandbari Distr., above Seduwa), M. koshianus (Koshi Prov., SW Chichilla), M. letheensis (Kaligandakhi valley, between Lethe and Tukuche), M. longipennis (Manaslu Himal, Bhara Pokhari lekh), M. messneri (Panchtar Distr., Dhorpar Kharka), M. newarorum (Phulchowki Distr., Lalitpur), M. phulchowkianus (Kathmandu, Phulchowki), M. rugosus (Solokhumbu Distr., Lamiura Danda), M. schmidti (Manaslu Himal, Dudh Pokhari lekh), M. sherpa (Khandbari Distr., Bakan), M. tamanus (Rolwaling Himal, upper Simigau), M. yeti (Hinku Distr., Drangka Khola bridge). A key for the identification of all species of Microplinthus is given. A phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters of the species referable to the genera Falsanchonus, Microniphades and Microplinthus was carried out, implementing Bayesian Inference and Maximum Parsimony. Results indicate that the genera Falsanchonus and Microniphades are paraphyletic and are here treated as junior synonyms of Microplinthus.

Keywords: Coleoptera, Phylogeny, new species, taxonomic revision, Himalayan fauna, weevils, synonymy, species discovery

Microplinthus newarorum, Holotype ♂.

Massimo Meregalli. 2020. Revision of the Nepalese Genus Microplinthus Zherichin, 1987 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae), with Description of 25 New Species. Zootaxa. 4794(1); 1–63. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4794.1.1

[Botany • 2020] Revision of the Costa Rican Species of Myoxanthus (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae)

June 15, 2020, 1:37 am

≫ Next: [Arachnida • 2020] Thunberga gen. nov. • A New Genus of Huntsman Spiders (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae) from Madagascar

≪ Previous: [Entomology • 2020] Revision of the Nepalese Genus Microplinthus Zherichin, 1987 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae), with Description of 25 New Species

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Myoxanthus sp. in Rojas-Alvarado & Karremans, 2020.  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.448.1.1

Abstract

The ten Costa Rican species of Myoxanthus are discussed, described and illustrated based mainly on native living material. A key for the species, notes on history, ecology, diagnostic features, taxonomy and distribution maps are included. Each species is illustrated with a line drawing and a Lankester composite dissection plate. Photographs of the morphological variation of flowers and lips are provided. The identity of M. exasperatus is clarified and recircumscribed to include M. speciosus. Myoxanthus parahybunensis is reconsidered, and a lectotype is selected.

Keywords: Dresslerella, Echinosepala, Flora of Costa Rica, Pleurothallids, taxonomy

Gustavo Rojas-Alvarado and Adam P. Karremans. 2020. Revision of the Costa Rican Species of Myoxanthus (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae). Phytotaxa. 448(1); 1–70. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.448.1.1

[Arachnida • 2020] Thunberga gen. nov. • A New Genus of Huntsman Spiders (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae) from Madagascar

June 15, 2020, 1:58 am

≫ Next: [Diplopoda • 2020] Haasea Verhoeff, 1895 (Chordeumatida, Haaseidae)—A Genus of Tumultuous History and Chaotic Records—Redefinition, Revision of Taxonomy and Geographic Distributions, with Descriptions of Two New Species from Austria and Serbia

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Thunberga sp. Jäger, 2020. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4790.2.3 senckenberg.de

Abstract

A new genus of the family Sparassidae is described from Madagascar: Thunberga gen. nov. It can be distinguished from other genera of the Heteropodinae by its different cheliceral dentition and eye arrangement as well as by its uniquely dotted prosoma. Four species are transferred to the new genus: T. hildebrandti (Järvi, 1912) comb. nov. (from Rhitymna Simon, 1897a), T. malagassa (Strand, 1907) comb. nov. (from Olios Walckenaer, 1837), T. nossibeensis (Strand, 1907) comb. nov. (from Olios), T. septifer (Strand. 1908) comb. nov. (from Olios, elevated to species rank). T. hildebrandti comb. nov. is recognised as junior synonym of T. nossibeensis comb. nov. One species is described for the first time: Thunberga greta spec. nov. (female, Madagascar). The systematic placement within the family and the character “anterior epigynal pocket” are discussed.

Keywords: Araneae, Taxonomy, systematics, copulatory organs, transfers, first description, Africa

Thunberga nossibeensis – the type and by far the largest species of the entire genus. photo: Rémy Eudeline.

Thunberga gen. nov. 

Type species. Thunberganossibeensis (Strand, 1907) comb. nov. 

Etymology. Named after Greta Thunberg (*2003 in Sweden), a young and courageous climate activist fighting against global warming, ignorant stakeholders and for a better future on our planet. In fact, global warming and other issues caused by humans affect all parts of the nature including Madagascar’s nature in general and its spider fauna in particular. Gender is feminine.

Species included.Thunberga greta spec. nov., T. malagassa (Strand, 1907) comb. nov., T. nossibeensis (Strand, 1907) comb. nov., T. septifer (Strand, 1908) comb. nov.

 Natural History. Nothing is known so far about the natural history of species of this new genus. No information on labels were available either. Roger (2018: fig. 20d) published a photo of a spider most likely belonging to Thunberga gen. nov. If so, it might well be that those spiders are nocturnal hunters in the foliage (Roger mentions ylang-ylang trees in Combani). 

Distribution. Madagascar and neighbouring islands (St. Marie, Nosy Be) (Fig. 47), most likely occurring also on Mayotte (see Roger 2018: fig. 20d).

Peter Jäger. 2020. Thunberga gen. nov., A New Genus of Huntsman Spiders from Madagascar (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae). Zootaxa. 4790(2); 245–260. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4790.2.3

A spider named Greta 

New species of spiders described in honour of Swedish climate activist

senckenberg.de/en/pressemeldungen/a-spider-named-greta/

[Diplopoda • 2020] Haasea Verhoeff, 1895 (Chordeumatida, Haaseidae)—A Genus of Tumultuous History and Chaotic Records—Redefinition, Revision of Taxonomy and Geographic Distributions, with Descriptions of Two New Species from Austria and Serbia

June 15, 2020, 8:59 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2020] Rhombophryne ellae • Diamond Frogs Forever: A New Species of Rhombophryne Boettger, 1880 (Microhylidae, Cophylinae) from Montagne d’Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar

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Haasea  sp. in Antić & Akkari, 2020.   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4798.1.1

Abstract

In this paper we revise the chordeumatidan genus Haasea Verhoeff, 1895 for the first time and describe two new species viz., H. gruberi sp. nov. and H. makarovi sp. nov. discovered in Austria and Serbia, respectively. A new terminology is proposed to standardize the description of the gonopod structures in the genus. Type material obtained from several institutions was examined and documented herein, whereby lectotypes are designated. We clarified the taxonomic status of a few taxa and consider the species H. norica (Verhoeff, 1913) and H. guidononveilleri Makarov, 2008 as a junior subjective synonyms of H. cyanopida (Attems, 1903) and H. vidinensis (Strasser, 1973a), respectively. The following subspecies or varieties, viz., Orobainosoma filicis ossiacum Verhoeff, 1939b, Orobainosoma flavescens vornatscheri Verhoeff, 1935, Orobainosoma hungaricum orientale Tabacaru, 1965, and Orobainosoma inflatum var. aspidiorum Verhoeff, 1929 are here regarded as junior subjective synonyms of their nominal taxa. The taxonomic relationships within the genus Haasea are discussed and an identification key to its 17 species is presented, based on number of body segments and gonopod structures.

                Maps showing species occurences based on historical and recent records are presented to understand their respective geographic ranges. H. flavescens is now deleted from the list of species in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Italy as these records were based on misidentified material. H. inflata is deleted from the fauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whereas H. hungarica is newly recorded from Austria, Serbia and Slovenia.

Keywords: Myriapoda, Haasea gruberi sp. nov., H. makarovi sp. nov., new synonymies, lectotypes, identification key, gonopod structures, SEM, distribution maps, taxonomy, millipedes, Central Europe, the Alps, the Carpathians, the Balkans

Dragan Antić and Nesrine Akkari. 2020. Haasea Verhoeff, 1895—A Genus of Tumultuous History and Chaotic Records—Redefinition, Revision of Taxonomy and Geographic Distributions, with Descriptions of Two New Species from Austria and Serbia (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida, Haaseidae). Zootaxa. 4798(1); 1-77. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4798.1.1

[Herpetology • 2020] Rhombophryne ellae • Diamond Frogs Forever: A New Species of Rhombophryne Boettger, 1880 (Microhylidae, Cophylinae) from Montagne d’Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar

June 16, 2020, 12:50 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2020] Loxostigma puhoatense (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from North Central Vietnam

≪ Previous: [Diplopoda • 2020] Haasea Verhoeff, 1895 (Chordeumatida, Haaseidae)—A Genus of Tumultuous History and Chaotic Records—Redefinition, Revision of Taxonomy and Geographic Distributions, with Descriptions of Two New Species from Austria and Serbia

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Rhombophryne ellae  Scherz, 2020 DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51372   markscherz.com

Abstract

Although taxonomic progress on the frogs of Madagascar is currently proceeding at an unprecedented pace, the goal of completing the amphibian inventory of this hyper-diverse island is still far off. In part this is because more new species continue to be discovered at a high rate, in some cases within well-studied areas. Here, I describe Rhombophryne ellae sp. nov., a new species of diamond frog discovered in Montagne d’Ambre National Park in northern Madagascar in 2017. This new species is highly distinctive in having orange flash-markings on its hindlimbs (not known from any described species of Rhombophryne), and large, black inguinal spots (larger than in all other described Rhombophryne species). It is separated from all named species of Rhombophryne by a substantial uncorrected pairwise distance in the 16S rRNA mitochondrial barcode marker (> 7%) and is most closely related to an undescribed candidate species from Tsaratanana in northern Madagascar. Rhombophryne ellae sp. nov. adds another taxon to the growing list of cophyline microhylids that have red to orange flash-markings, the function of which remains unknown and which has clearly evolved repeatedly in this radiation. The discovery of such a distinctive species within a comparatively well-studied park points toward the low detectability of semi-fossorial frogs and the role of inclement weather in increasing that detectability.

Key Words: Amphibia, Anura, micro-CT, molecular genetics, osteology Rhombophryne ellae sp. nov., systematics, taxonomy

Figure 2. The holotype of Rhombophryne ellae sp. nov. in life. a. In dorsolateral view; b. In dorsal view; c. In ventral view; d. In posterior view showing the orange flash-markings on the thighs and the distinctive inguinal spots; e. On leaf litter.

         

Rhombophryne ellae sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Rhombophryne ellae sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Rhombophryne based on its plump body shape, presence of vomerine and maxillary teeth, curved clavicle, knob-shaped terminal phalanges, and phylogenetic relationships. It is distinguished by the following unique combination of characters: (1) adult or subadult female SVL 24.9 mm, (2) distinctly enlarged inner metatarsal tubercle, (3) absence of superciliary spines, (4) orange flash-markings on its posterior thighs in life, and (5) presence of large and distinct black inguinal spots.

....

Natural history, distribution, and conservation status: 

The holotype was collected at 892 m a.s.l. in rainforest on Montagne d’Ambre during the day actively jumping away from trampling feet during moderate to heavy rain brought about by Cyclone Ava. Its gut contents included three whole ants and one ant head, seemingly belonging to two different species (one of the whole ants is diminutive), the head of a jumping spider (Salticidae), and the elytra and other body parts of a beetle. Nothing more is known of the ecology of this species, though it is probable that its reproductive mode and ecology is similar to other litter-dwelling Rhombophryne species (Scherz et al. 2016a). As the species is known from a single individual, its Red List status cannot be confidently estimated. However, the syntopically occurring Stumpffia species have been suggested to be Near Threatened due to their small range and presumed micro-endemicity within a well-protected forest, and this likely applies to R. ellae sp. nov. as well.

Etymology: It is with great pleasure that I dedicate this charming little frog to my partner, Dr Ella Z. Lattenkamp, in appreciation of her love, support, and infinite patience, and in celebration of the completion of her PhD.

Rhombophryne ellae was captured just as Cyclone Ava [December 2017] began to make itself felt across Madagascar with high winds and heavy rain. The camp where Dr. Scherz and his team were based became flooded, with rivers running through the kitchen and sleeping area. Miserable weather for humans, but a time of increased activity for some of the more elusive amphibians of the forest.

 Mark D. Scherz. 2020. Diamond Frogs Forever: A New Species of Rhombophryne Boettger, 1880 (Microhylidae, Cophylinae) from Montagne d’Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 96(2): 313-323. DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51372

twitter.com/MarkScherz/status/1272568561635143680

markscherz.com/archives/4598

Shining like a diamond: A new species of diamond frog from northern Madagascar

eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-06/pp-sla061520.php

      

[Botany • 2020] Loxostigma puhoatense (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from North Central Vietnam

June 16, 2020, 3:20 am

≫ Next: [Arachnida • 2020] Forty-seven New Species of Sinopoda (Sparassidae: Heteropodinae) from Asia with A Considerable Extension of the Distribution Range to the South and Description of A New Species Group

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2020] Rhombophryne ellae • Diamond Frogs Forever: A New Species of Rhombophryne Boettger, 1880 (Microhylidae, Cophylinae) from Montagne d’Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar

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Loxostigma puhoatense N.D. Do, N.S. Ly, D.H. Nguyen & T.H. Le in Lý, Nguyễn, Lê, ... et Maciejewski, 2020.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.151.49473

Abstract

Loxostigma puhoatense N.D. Do et al., sp. nov., a new species of Gesneriaceae, is described and illustrated from Pu Hoat Nature Reserve, Nghe An Province, Vietnam. This species is morphologically similar to L. dongxingensis and L. damingshanensis in the plant habit, indumentum system of vegetative and reproductive characters, shape of leaf blades, calyx, pistil but differs from the latter two by the abaxially reddish-purple leaf blade with pubescent along veins, lateral veins 11–19, shorter white to pale yellowish-white corolla (3.7–3.8 cm long) with purple-spotted and glabrous inside, longer abaxial stamens in 2–2.1 cm, shorter and densely glandular-puberulent ovary in 1–1.2 cm, and sparsely glandular-puberulent style. Data on distribution, ecology, phenology, and vernacular of the new species are provided.

Keywords: Briggsia, Didymocarpus, Gesneriaceae, Loxostigma, taxonomy, Vietnam

Figure 1. Loxostigma puhoatense (from the holotype). A mature plant with flowers B a part of stem C inflorescence D dorsal view of flower E opened flower showing stamens F gynoeciums G detail of stigma (from dry specimen) H infructescence I seeds. Drawn by Ba-Vuong Truong from Do Ngoc Dai, Nguyen Danh Hung, Le Thi Huong, DHH 1021.

Figure 2. Loxostigma puhoatense.  A plant in natural habitat B apical part of flowering plant showing inflorescences (with flowers and young fruits) and leaves C inflorescence D abaxial leaf E adaxial leaf F flower (from below) G flower (top view) H flower (front view) I longitudinal section with upper lip removed J stamens with gynoecium and calyxes K dried fruits. Photos by Ngoc-Dai Do, plate by Ngoc-Sam Ly.

Loxostigma puhoatense N.D. Do, N.S. Ly, D.H. Nguyen & T.H. Le, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species is most similar to L. dongxingensis and L. damingshanensis in the plant habit, indumentum system of stem, leaves, shape of leaf blades, calyx and pistil but differs from the latter two in the leaf blade with abaxially reddish-purple and number of lateral veins, longer peduncle, shorter white to pale yellowish-white corolla with purple-spotted inside, longer abaxially stamens that are lower adnate above corolla tube base, shorter and glandular-puberulent ovary, and sparsely glandular-puberulent style.

Distribution and habitat: Loxostigma puhoatense is currently known from a single population with eight mature plants, in tropical evergreen broad-leaf forests, Pu Hoat Nature Reserve, Nghe An Province. More data is needed to determine conservation status. It is an epiphytic plant (Fig. 2A), growing on the surface of Ficus sp. (Moracaeae), and is associated with fern (e.g. Asplenium nidus L. (Aspleniaceae), epiphytic herbs (e.g. Aeschynanthus acuminatus Wall. ex A. DC. (Gesneriaceae), Pothos chinensis (Raf.) Merr. (Araceae) and is dominated by Beilschmiedia ferruginea H.Liu, Cinnamomum polyadelphum (Lour.) Kosterm., C. tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T.Nees & Eberm., Lithocarpus balansae (Drake) A. Camus, Syzygium grande (Wight) Walp., S. odoratum (Lour.) DC., Gordonia axillaris (Roxb. ex Ker Gawl.) Endl…

Etymology: The specific epithet “puhoatense” is derived from the type locality.

Vernacular name: Vietnamese language: Xuyến thư pù hoạt

     

 Ngọc-Sâm Lý, Danh-Hùng Nguyễn, Thị-Hương Lê, Minh-Hợi Trần, Ngọc-Đài Đỗ, Bá-Vương Trương and Stephen Maciejewski. 2020. Loxostigma puhoatense (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from North Central Vietnam. PhytoKeys. 151: 49-57. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.151.49473

[Arachnida • 2020] Forty-seven New Species of Sinopoda (Sparassidae: Heteropodinae) from Asia with A Considerable Extension of the Distribution Range to the South and Description of A New Species Group

June 16, 2020, 7:23 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2020] Cnemaspis magnifica • A New Large-bodied, Rupicolous Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) allied to Cnemaspis heteropholis Bauer, 2002 from the Central Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

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Sinopoda sp.  in Grall & Jäger, 2020.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4797.1.1

Abstract

Up to current knowledge, the spider genus Sinopoda Jäger, 1999 is distributed in South-, East- and Southeast-Asia. New material treated in this paper include new records from Brunei, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Forty-seven new Sinopoda species are described: S. aenyk spec. nov. (female; Laos), S. arboricola spec. nov. (male, female; Malaysia), S. assamensis spec. nov. (female; India), S. bifurca spec. nov. (male, female; China), S. bispina spec. nov. (male; Myanmar), S. caeca spec. nov. (female; Laos), S. chiangmaiensis spec. nov. (male, female; Thailand), S. cornuta spec. nov. (male, female; Indonesia), S. deminutiva spec. nov. (male; Laos), S. emei spec. nov. (female; China), S. empat spec. nov. (male; Malaysia), S. flexura spec. nov. (female; Indochina), S. hainan spec. nov. (male; China), S. hanya spec. nov. (male; Malaysia), S. incisura spec. nov. (female; China), S. inthanon spec. nov. (male; Thailand), S. kalaw spec. nov. (female; Myanmar), S. kambaiti spec. nov. (male; Myanmar), S. kamouk spec. nov. (female; Laos), S. kieo spec. nov. (female; Laos), S. kinabalu spec. nov. (male; Malaysia), S. konglor spec. nov. (female; Laos), S. kyee spec. nov. (female; Myanmar), S. lebar spec. nov. (female; Indonesia), S. longicymbialis spec. nov. (male, female; Thailand), S. lot spec. nov. (female; Thailand), S. maculata spec. nov. (female; Malaysia), S. mat spec. nov. (female; Vietnam), S. matang spec. nov. (male, female; Malaysia), S. nanphagu spec. nov. (female; Myanmar), S. parva spec. nov. (male; Malaysia), S. phathai spec. nov. (female; Thailand), S. phiset spec. nov. (female; Thailand), S. phom spec. nov. (male, female; Thailand), S. reinholdae spec. nov. (female; Malaysia), S. rotunda spec. nov. (female; China), S. ruam spec. nov. (female; Thailand), S. silvicola spec. nov. (male, female; China), S. sulawesia spec. nov. (male, female; Indonesia), S. tawau spec. nov. (female; Malaysia), S. thieu spec. nov. (female; Vietnam), S. tibang spec. nov. (female; Indonesia), S. tilmanni spec. nov. (male, female; Malaysia), S. tralinh spec. nov. (female; Vietnam), S. tuber spec. nov. (female; Malaysia), S. unicolor spec. nov. (female; Thailand) and S. wayala spec. nov. (female; China). The female of S. exspectata Jäger & Ono, 2001 and the males of S. scurion Jäger, 2012 and S. steineri Jäger, 2012 are described for the first time. Males of S. tengchongensis Fu & Zhu, 2008 and S. triangula Liu et al., 2008 and females of S. crassa Liu et al., 2008 and S. licenti (Schenkel, 1953) are redescribed. In addition to the okinawana-group, a second species-group is diagnosed, the chiangmaiensis-group, which includes S. chiangmaiensis spec. nov., S. lot spec. nov. and S. phathai spec. nov. All three species occur in north-western Thailand. Twenty new species are described from caves, some of which have distinct cave adaptations: S. caeca spec. nov. is the second known eyeless huntsman spider, S. kamouk spec. nov. has two remnants of eyes without pigments, S. empat spec. nov. has four remnants of eyes without pigmentation and S. tralinh spec. nov. has all eight eyes but without pigments. All other new species herein described have eight functional eyes.

Keywords: Araneae, huntsman spiders, taxonomy, cave adaptation, Southeast Asia

 Elena Grall and Peter Jäger. 2020. Forty-seven New Species of Sinopoda from Asia with A Considerable Extension of the Distribution Range to the South and Description of A New Species Group (Sparassidae: Heteropodinae). Zootaxa. 4797(1); 1-101. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4797.1.1

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[Herpetology • 2020] Cnemaspis magnifica • A New Large-bodied, Rupicolous Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) allied to Cnemaspis heteropholis Bauer, 2002 from the Central Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

June 16, 2020, 7:40 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2020] Heterostemma carnosum (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Papua New Guinea

≪ Previous: [Arachnida • 2020] Forty-seven New Species of Sinopoda (Sparassidae: Heteropodinae) from Asia with A Considerable Extension of the Distribution Range to the South and Description of A New Species Group

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Cnemaspis magnifica  Khandekar, Thackeray, Pal & Agarwal, 2020  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4801.1.2

Abstract

We describe a new large-bodied, rupicolous Cnemaspis from near Sakleshpur in the Central Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. Cnemaspis magnifica sp. nov. is allied to C. heteropholis and can be diagnosed from all other Indian Cnemaspis by the absence of spine-like scales on flank; heterogeneous dorsal pholidosis, presence of only femoral pores in males, homogenous dorsal pholidosis of tail with small, smooth, regularly arranged, flattened, subimbricate scales, without whorls of enlarged tubercles, median row of sub-caudals enlarged and smooth. The new species differs from its closest congener C. heteropholis in body size, the number of longitudinal ventral scales, number of lamellae under digit I and IV of manus and pes, and subtle colour pattern differences; besides 9.1 % uncorrected ND2 sequence divergence. We provide the first description of topotypic male of C. heteropholis along with data on its distribution and natural history. The discovery of Cnemaspis magnifica sp. nov. with minimal field survey effort indicates the need for further herpetological exploration in the region.

Keywords: Reptilia, Biodiversity hotspot, cryptic species, dwarf geckos, nocturnal, taxonomy, Western Ghats

Cnemaspis magnifica sp. nov.

Akshay Khandekar, Tejas Thackeray, Saunak Pal and Ishan Agarwal. 2020. A New Large-bodied, Rupicolous Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) allied to Cnemaspis heteropholis Bauer, 2002 from the Central Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. Zootaxa. 4801(1); 57–84. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4801.1.2

[Botany • 2020] Heterostemma carnosum (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Papua New Guinea

June 18, 2020, 12:50 am

≫ Next: [Ichthyology • 2020] Resurrection of Ophichthus zophistius (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae), with A Revised Diagnosis of O. altipennis

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2020] Cnemaspis magnifica • A New Large-bodied, Rupicolous Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) allied to Cnemaspis heteropholis Bauer, 2002 from the Central Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

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Heterostemma carnosum Rodda in Rodda, 2020.   taiwania.ntu.edu.tw   facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

The new species, Heterostemma carnosum is described, illustrated and compared with the similar species Heterostemma dalzellii. The two species differ in peduncle, pedicel and corolla size as well as in leaf shape.

Keywords: Ceropegieae, Crater Mountain, Papuasia

Fig. 1. Heterostemma carnosum Rodda.  A. flowering branch; B. flower, view from above; C. flower, side view; D. pollinarium; E. follicle; F. seed. (Based on the holotype, drawing by Loh Xiang Yun).

Heterostemma carnosum Rodda, sp. nov.

 Similar to H. dalzellii Hook., as both species have flowers with a rotate corolla, papillose inside, and a compressed-globose sessile corona. They are separated by the length of the peduncle (10–25 mm in H. carnosum, vs < 5 mm in H. dalzellii), pedicel (12–15 mm in H. carnosum vs < 7 mm in H. dalzellii and flower (corolla 2.5–3 cm diameter in H. carnosum vs < 1.5 cm in H. dalzellii).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the fleshy leaves and corolla (Latin carnosus = fleshy) that is an unusual feature in a genus that usually has species with thin leaves and corollas. 

Distribution and ecology. Heterostemma carnosum is only known from one specimen collected East of Haia Village, within Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Papua New Guinea. Based on the label information, Heterostemma carnosum was collected in hill forest with some anthropogenic disturbance at the margins of an old garden. 

Michele Rodda. 2020. Heterostemma carnosum (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), A New Species from Papua New Guinea. Taiwania. 65(3); 326-328.  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=1690  

facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/photos/2587301091491704

[Ichthyology • 2020] Resurrection of Ophichthus zophistius (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae), with A Revised Diagnosis of O. altipennis

June 18, 2020, 1:01 am

≫ Next: [Paleontology • 2020] Antarcticoolithus bradyi • A Giant Soft-shelled Egg from the Late Cretaceous of Antarctica

≪ Previous: [Botany • 2020] Heterostemma carnosum (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Papua New Guinea

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Ophichthus altipennis (Kaup 1856) in Hibino & McCosker, 2020.   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4801.2.7

Abstract

Pisoodonophis zophistius Jordan and Snyder 1901 is redescribed as a valid species of Ophichthus Ahl 1789 based on 46 specimens including the holotype. Although this name has been synonymized under Ophichthus altipennis (Kaup 1856), the former can be distinguished from the latter by a relatively acute snout (vs. strongly acute), presence of irregular obscure bars on the body (vs. bars absent), 11–13 predorsal and 61–63 preanal vertebrae (vs. 8–9 and 52–58, respectively) and 10–14 predorsal and 59–64 preanal lateral-line pores (vs. 7–9 and 55–61, respectively), dorsal-fin origin usually above or behind the pectoral-fin insertion (vs. anterior to the insertion), and tail broad and tapered slowly (vs. becoming slender and tapered rapidly). Furthermore, Ophichthys intermedius Regan 1905 and Microdonophis fasciatus Chu, Wu and Jin 1981 are junior synonyms of O. zophistius, and Ophichthus melanochir Bleeker 1864 is that of O. altipennis.

Keywords: Pisces, Pisoodonophis zophistius, Validity, Microdonophis fasciatus, Synonymy, Elopomorpha

Yusuke Hibino and John E. McCosker. 2020. Resurrection of Ophichthus zophistius (Actinopterygii: Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae), with A Revised Diagnosis of O. altipennis. Zootaxa. 4801(2); 328–342. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4801.2.7

 

[Paleontology • 2020] Antarcticoolithus bradyi • A Giant Soft-shelled Egg from the Late Cretaceous of Antarctica

June 18, 2020, 2:03 am

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2020] Hemiphyllodactylus bonkowskii & H. ngocsonensis • Two New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam

≪ Previous: [Ichthyology • 2020] Resurrection of Ophichthus zophistius (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae), with A Revised Diagnosis of O. altipennis

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Antarcticoolithus bradyi   Legendre, Rubilar-Rogers, Musser, et al., 2020   DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2377-7 Illustration: Francisco Hueichaleo

Abstract

Egg size and structure reflect important constraints on the reproductive and life-history characteristics of vertebrates. More than two-thirds of all extant amniotes lay eggs. During the Mesozoic era (around 250 million to 65 million years ago), body sizes reached extremes; nevertheless, the largest known egg belongs to the only recently extinct elephant bird, which was roughly 66 million years younger than the last nonavian dinosaurs and giant marine reptiles. Here we report a new type of egg discovered in nearshore marine deposits from the Late Cretaceous period (roughly 68 million years ago) of Antarctica. It exceeds all nonavian dinosaur eggs in volume and differs from them in structure. Although the elephant bird egg is slightly larger, its eggshell is roughly five times thicker and shows a substantial prismatic layer and complex pore structure. By contrast, the new fossil, visibly collapsed and folded, presents a thin eggshell with a layered structure that lacks a prismatic layer and distinct pores, and is similar to that of most extant lizards and snakes (Lepidosauria). The identity of the animal that laid the egg is unknown, but these preserved morphologies are consistent with the skeletal remains of mosasaurs (large marine lepidosaurs) found nearby. They are not consistent with described morphologies of dinosaur eggs of a similar size class. Phylogenetic analyses of traits for 259 lepidosaur species plus outgroups suggest that the egg belonged to an individual that was at least 7 metres long, hypothesized to be a giant marine reptile, all clades of which have previously been proposed to show live birth. Such a large egg with a relatively thin eggshell may reflect derived constraints associated with body shape, reproductive investment linked with gigantism, and lepidosaurian viviparity, in which a ‘vestigial’ egg is laid and hatches immediately.

A diagram showing the fossil egg Antarcticoolithus bradyi, its parts and size relative to an adult human.The giant egg has a soft shell. This is shown in dark gray in the drawing, with arrows pointing to its folds and surrounding sediment shown as light gray.

Systematic palaeontology

Reptilia Laurenti, 1768 (sensu Modesto and Anderson, 2004)

Sauria Macartney, 1802 (sensu Rieppel and deBraga, 1996)

Oofamily, incertae sedis

Antarcticoolithus bradyi, oogen. and oospec. nov.

Etymology. Antarctic, referring to the continent where the specimen was discovered, Antarctica; oolithus, from Ancient Greek ōión for egg and líthos for stone; bradyi, from the Ancient Greek bradús for delayed or tardy, reflecting the 160 years between the description of the first Mesozoic egg from shallow marine deposits, Testudoflexoolithus bathonicae (Buckman, 1860), and that of this new ootaxon.

Holotype. SGO.PV 25.400, an almost complete fossil egg with infilled sediment (Fig. 1), permanently reposited at the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Santiago, Chile.

Locality and horizon. Late Cretaceous (roughly 68 Myr) of the López de Bertodano Formation (unit Klb; Supplementary Methods), Seymour Island, Antarctica.

Diagnosis.Antarcticoolithus bradyi is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: large size (29 cm × 20 cm, preserved length × width); eggshell thickness at least 700 μm and layered with a smooth undulating exterior surface; comparatively thin calcareous layer (roughly 100 μm); and complete lack of shell units and pores.

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An artist’s interpretation of a mosasaur, an extinct marine reptile that scientists think may have laid the egg. An adult mosasaur is shown next to the egg and a hatchling. Illustration: Francisco Hueichaleo

Lucas J. Legendre, David Rubilar-Rogers, Grace M. Musser, Sarah N. Davis, Rodrigo A. Otero, Alexander O. Vargas and Julia A. Clarke. 2020. A Giant Soft-shelled Egg from the Late Cretaceous of Antarctica. Nature.  DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2377-7

Egg from Antarctica is Big and Might Belong to an Extinct Sea Lizard

news.utexas.edu/2020/06/17/egg-from-antarctica-is-big-and-might-belong-to-an-extinct-sea-lizard 

facebook.com/MauricioAlvarez904108/posts/3005603219561318

uchile.cl/noticias/164365/descubren-en-antartica-el-huevo-mas-grande-de-era-de-los-dinosaurios

      

[Herpetology • 2020] Hemiphyllodactylus bonkowskii & H. ngocsonensis • Two New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam

June 18, 2020, 8:10 pm

≫ Next: [Botany • 2020] Ceratopteris shingii (Pteridaceae) • A New Species of Ceratopteris with Creeping Rhizomes from Hainan, China

≪ Previous: [Paleontology • 2020] Antarcticoolithus bradyi • A Giant Soft-shelled Egg from the Late Cretaceous of Antarctica

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Hemiphyllodactylus bonkowskii  Nguyen, Do, Ngo, Pham, Pham, Le & Ziegler, 2020  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4801.3.5

Abstract

We describe two new species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus on the basis of a new collection of geckos from limestone karst forest of Hoa Binh Province, northwestern Vietnam. Hemiphyllodactylus bonkowskii sp. nov. from Hang Kia—Pa Co Nature Reserve and Hemiphyllodactylus ngocsonensis sp. nov. from Ngoc Son—Ngo Luong Nature Reserve can be distinguished from each other and from their congeners by genetic distinction and morphological differences in circumnasal scales, chin scales, precloacal and femoral pores, cloacal spurs, dorsal scales, ventral scales, digital lamellae formula, and color pattern. In phylogenetic analyses, both new species are nested in a clade that includes H. dushanensis, H. flaviventris, H. hongkongensis, H. huishuiensis, H. kiziriani, H. serpispecus, and H. zugi. In terms of pairwise genetic distance, the two new species are at least 7.5%–8.5% divergent from other described species based on a fragment of the ND2 gene.

Keywords: Reptilia, Hemiphyllodactylus, limestone karst, molecular phylogeny, new species, ND2 mitochondrial gene, taxonomy, Hang Kia—Pa Co, Ngoc Son—Ngo Luong

The male holotype of Hemiphyllodactylus bonkowskii sp. nov. (IEBR 4689)

Hemiphyllodactylus bonkowskii sp. nov.

Distribution. Hemiphyllodactylus bonkowskii sp. nov. is currently known from the type locality in Hang Kia– Pa Co NR, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam (Fig. 1). 

Etymology. We name the new species in honour of Prof. Dr. Michael Bonkowski from the Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Germany for his support of our biodiversity research in limestone karst forests in Vietnam and Laos. For the common names we suggest Bonkowski’s Slender Gecko (English) and Thạch sùng dẹp bonkowski (Vietnamese).

Hemiphyllodactylus ngocsonensis sp. nov.

Distribution. Hemiphyllodactylus ngocsonensis sp. nov. is currently known from the type locality in Ngoc Son—Ngo Luong NR, Lac Son District, Hoa Binh Province, northwestern Vietnam (Fig. 1).

Etymology. Specific epithet ngocsonensis is a toponym in reference to the type locality of the species. For the common names we suggest Ngocson Slender Gecko (English) and Thạch sùng dẹp ngọc son (Vietnamese).

Truong Quang Nguyen, Quyen Hanh Do, Hanh Thi Ngo, Anh Van Pham, Cuong The Pham, Minh Duc Le and Thomas Ziegler. 2020. Two New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4801(3); 513–536. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4801.3.5

[Botany • 2020] Ceratopteris shingii (Pteridaceae) • A New Species of Ceratopteris with Creeping Rhizomes from Hainan, China

June 18, 2020, 8:09 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2020] Dendropsophus bilobatus • A New Species of Dendropsophus (Anura, Hylidae) from southwestern Amazonia with A Green Bilobate Vocal Sac

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2020] Hemiphyllodactylus bonkowskii & H. ngocsonensis • Two New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam

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Ceratopteris shingii  in Zhang, Yu, Shao, et al., 2020. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.449.1.3

Abstract

A new species of fern, Ceratopteris shingii (Pteridaceae), was identified and characterized. It is endemic to Hainan Province, China. Ceratopteris shingii shares similar morphological characters with C. thalictroides but can be easily distinguished by its creeping rhizomes. In addition, molecular evidence indicated that the new species is sister to other Ceratopteris species.

Keywords: Ceratopteris, taxonomy, morphology characters, molecular evidence, Pteridophytes

Rui Zhang, Jun-Hao Yu, Wen Shao, Wei-Qing Wang, Hui Shang, Xi-Long Zheng and Yue-Hong Yan.  2020. Ceratopteris shingii, A New Species of Ceratopteris with Creeping Rhizomes from Hainan, China. Phytotaxa. 449(1); 23–30. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.449.1.3

[Herpetology • 2020] Dendropsophus bilobatus • A New Species of Dendropsophus (Anura, Hylidae) from southwestern Amazonia with A Green Bilobate Vocal Sac

June 18, 2020, 8:44 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2020] Phylogenomics of Monitor Lizards and the Role of Competition in Dictating Body Size Disparity

≪ Previous: [Botany • 2020] Ceratopteris shingii (Pteridaceae) • A New Species of Ceratopteris with Creeping Rhizomes from Hainan, China

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Dendropsophus bilobatus  Ferrão, Moravec, Hanken & Lima, 2020 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.942.51864  Photographs: Albertina Pimentel Lima.

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that species diversity of the South American frog genus Dendropsophus is significantly underestimated, especially in Amazonia. Herein, through integrative taxonomy a new species of Dendropsophus from the east bank of the upper Madeira River, Brazil is described. Based on molecular phylogenetic and morphological analyses, the new species is referred to the D. microcephalus species group, where it is differentiated from its congeners mainly by having a green bilobate vocal sac and an advertisement call comprising 1–4 monophasic notes emitted with a dominant frequency of 8,979–9,606 Hz. Based on intensive sampling conducted in the study area over the last ten years, the new species is restricted to the east bank of the upper Madeira River, although its geographic range is expected to include Bolivian forests close to the type locality.

Keywords: Amphibia, advertisement call, Amazonian biodiversity, Dendropsophus microcephalus species group, Dendropsophus bilobatus sp. nov., integrative taxonomy, morphology, upper Madeira River

Figure 4. Dendropsophus bilobatus sp. nov. from the Jaci-Parana River, a tributary of the east bank of the upper Madeira River, municipality of Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil, in life.  A, B Holotype, INPA-H 41300, SVL = 18.8 mm, Jaci-Novo sampling site. C–E Adult male, INPA-H 41303, SVL = 19.9 mm, Jaci-Novo sampling site. F Adult male, INPA-H 41301, SVL = 18.9 mm, Jaci-Direito sampling site. Note the inflated translucent greenish bilobate vocal sac (A, C, D). Photographs: Albertina Pimentel Lima.

Dendropsophus bilobatus sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A species of the Dendropsophus microcephalus species group, distinguished from other species of Dendropsophus by the following combination of characters: (1) small size, SVL 18.8–20.8 mm (N = 8) in males (females unknown), head slightly wider than body; (2) snout short, truncate in dorsal and lateral views; (3) tympanum evident, round, about one third of eye diameter, tympanic annulus distinct anteriorly, ventrally and partly posteriorly; supratympanic fold barely evident; (4) dentigerous processes of vomers small, barely prominent, and separated medially between posterior halves of choanae; (5) skin on dorsal surfaces smooth; (6) tarsal fold and tubercles on outer edge of tarsus absent; ulnar folds and tubercles absent; (7) axillary membrane extensively developed; (8) fingers about half webbed; toes about three-fourths webbed; (9) bifid distal subarticular tubercle under fourth finger; (10) pectoral glands absent; (11) generally darker coloration of the loreal-tympanic region contrasts sharply with the lighter dorsal head coloration, one or two white spots below the eye; (12) in life, ground coloration of dorsum light brown; head greenish brown laterally; flanks ventrally and posteriorly a translucent pinkish white without chromatophores; hidden surfaces of thighs yellow without melanophores; (13) in life, throat green in males; belly yellowish-white in pectoral and central parts, translucent pinkish-white in posterior and lateral parts; ventral surfaces of thighs translucent pinkish white; (14) in life, iris pale to dark brown with barely visible tiny brown veins, iris periphery dark brown to black; bones white; (15) advertisement call consisting of 1–4 notes (usually 1–2 notes), emitted regularly in series of 7–35 calls; high-pitched, monophasic, pulsed notes (3–8 pulses) with a duration of 12–24 ms and a dominant frequency of 8,979–9,606 Hz.

Distribution and natural history: 

Our research team has sampled frogs at more than 150 permanent sampling sites distributed on both banks of the upper Madeira River and along the Purus-Madeira Interfluve. Yet, we have only observed Dendropsophus bilobatus in the lowland ombrophilous open forest on the east bank of the upper Madeira River. This area is close to the border between Brazil and Bolivia, and we expect that the new species also occurs in Bolivian lowland ombrophilous open forest, as do other anuran species that are known exclusively from the east bank of the upper Madeira River (e.g., Hydrolaetare caparu [Jansen, Gonzales-Álvarez & Köhler, 2007] and Hamptophryne alios [Wild, 1995]; Simões et al. 2011, Ferrão et al. 2014).

To date, specimens of Dendropsophus bilobatus have been observed only in the rainy season (early November to late March), which coincides with the species’ breeding season. Calling males were observed in flooded areas connected to rivers of moderate (Jaci-Parana River) to large size (Madeira River). Males typically call in a large chorus while perched on leaves and tiny trunks that range in height from just a few centimeters above the water surface to ~ 2 m high. Males start calling in the crepuscule (~ 18:00 hs) and call activity has been observed at least to approximately midnight. When call activity ends remains unknown. Amplexus has not been observed. Other sympatric frogs include Rhaebo guttatus (Schneider, 1799), Boana cinerascens (Spix, 1824), B. lanciformis (Cope, 1871), Scinax sp. 6 (sensu Ferrão et al. 2016) and an uncollected Scinax with an advertisement call that resembles that of S. garbei (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926).

Etymology: The specific name bilobatus is derived from the Latin noun bilobate. The name refers to the characteristic bilobate shape of the vocal sac of males of the new species.

 Miquéias Ferrão, Jiří Moravec, James Hanken and Albertina Pimentel Lima. 2020. A New Species of Dendropsophus (Anura, Hylidae) from southwestern Amazonia with A Green Bilobate Vocal Sac. ZooKeys. 942: 77-104. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.942.51864

     

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[Herpetology • 2020] Phylogenomics of Monitor Lizards and the Role of Competition in Dictating Body Size Disparity

June 21, 2020, 9:10 pm

≫ Next: [Crustacea • 2020] Richerius marqueti • A New Freshwater Crab of the Family Hymenosomatidae MacLeay, 1838 (Decapoda, Brachyura) and An Updated Review of the Hymenosomatid Fauna of New Caledonia

≪ Previous: [Herpetology • 2020] Dendropsophus bilobatus • A New Species of Dendropsophus (Anura, Hylidae) from southwestern Amazonia with A Green Bilobate Vocal Sac

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Varanus spp. in Brennan, Lemmon, Lemmon, Portik, et al., 2020.  DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syaa046    twitter.com/Keogh_Lab

Abstract

Organismal interactions drive the accumulation of diversity by influencing species ranges, morphology, and behavior. Interactions vary from agonistic to cooperative and should result in predictable patterns in trait and range evolution. However, despite a conceptual understanding of these processes, they have been difficult to model, particularly on macroevolutionary timescales and across broad geographic spaces. Here we investigate the influence of biotic interactions on trait evolution and community assembly in monitor lizards (Varanus). Monitors are an iconic radiation with a cosmopolitan distribution and the greatest size disparity of any living terrestrial vertebrate genus. Between the colossal Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis and the smallest Australian dwarf goannas, Varanus length and mass vary by multiple orders of magnitude. To test the hypothesis that size variation in this genus was driven by character displacement, we extended existing phylogenetic comparative methods which consider lineage interactions to account for dynamic biogeographic history and apply these methods to Australian monitors and marsupial predators. Incorporating both exon-capture molecular and morphological datasets we use a combined evidence approach to estimate the relationships among living and extinct varaniform lizards. Our results suggest that communities of Australian Varanus show high functional diversity as a result of continent-wide interspecific competition among monitors but not with faunivorous marsupials. We demonstrate that patterns of trait evolution resulting from character displacement on continental scales are recoverable from comparative data and highlight that these macroevolutionary patterns may develop in parallel across widely distributed sympatric groups.

Keywords: comparative methods, phylogenetics, Varanus, trait evolution, character displacement

Figure 2. Body size among Varanus species varies across multiple orders of magnitude. Bar plots at tips of the tree show total length of sampled monitor lizards broken down into snout-vent length (SVL) and tail length. The smallest monitor species Varanus sparnus reaches just over 200 mm long from snout to tail tip and may weigh only 20 g, while the largest living species Varanus komodoensis can reach well over 2 meters long (2000+ mm) and top the scales at 100 kg (100,000 g). By all accounts, the recently extinct Varanus priscus was even larger than the Komodo dragon and may have reached over 4 m long (Wroe 2002; Conrad et al. 2012). Inset map shows a rough global distribution of monitor lizards and the extinct relative Saniwa ensidens. Colored circles at nodes indicate primary distribution of the major clades of Varanus and correspond to distributions on the map (blue–North America; green–Africa and the Middle East; light orange–Indian Subcontinent; dark orange–Indochina and China; red–Sundaland and Wallacea; purple–AustraloPapua).

     

Ian G. Brennan, Alan R. Lemmon, Emily Moriarty Lemmon, Daniel M. Portik, Valter Weijola, Luke Welton, Stephen C. Donnellan and J.Scott Keogh. 2020. Phylogenomics of Monitor Lizards and the Role of Competition in Dictating Body Size Disparity. Systematic Biology. syaa046. DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syaa046  

 twitter.com/Keogh_Lab/status/1274177215790383104/

[Crustacea • 2020] Richerius marqueti • A New Freshwater Crab of the Family Hymenosomatidae MacLeay, 1838 (Decapoda, Brachyura) and An Updated Review of the Hymenosomatid Fauna of New Caledonia

June 22, 2020, 4:25 am

≫ Next: [Mammalogy • 2020] Faecal DNA to the Rescue: Shotgun Sequencing of Non-invasive Samples reveals Two Subspecies of Southeast Asian Primates (Presbytis femoralis group) to be Critically Endangered Species

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Richerius marqueti  Guinot & Mazancourt, 2020 DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.671

Abstract

A new genus and species, Richerius marqueti gen. et sp. nov., of a crab of the family Hymenosomatidae MacLeay, 1838 are described from the inland waters of New Caledonia based on several specimens collected in two streams at altitudes of 180 m and 500 m, respectively. Richerius marqueti gen. et sp. nov. was compared to the other freshwater species known in New Caledonia, Odiomaris pilosus (A. Milne-Edwards, 1873), and to species of Amarinus Lucas, 1980, a genus comprising many freshwater species in New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, but never recorded in New Caledonia. The barcode fragment of the COI mitochondrial gene was sequenced for seven specimens of R. marqueti gen. et sp. nov., and all sequences were deposited in GenBank. A brief and updated review of the New Caledonian marine and freshwater hymenosmatid fauna is provided.

Keywords: Richerius marqueti; new genus; new species; New Caledonia; COI

Fig. 5. Richerius marqueti gen. et sp. nov., holotype, ♂, New Caledonia, South Province, Pouéo River, tributary of the Néra, Bouïrou village, Bourail township, 180 m a.s.l., Valentin de Mazancourt and Gérard Marquet leg., 28 Sep. 2016, 4.9 × 5.0 mm (MNHN-IU-2014-21500). A. Type locality, stream where several specimens of the species were collected. B–D. Views of the holotype in vivo: dorsal (B), ventral (C) and frontal (D).

Infraorder Brachyura Latreille, 1802

Subsection Heterotremata Guinot, 1977

Superfamily Hymenosomatoidea MacLeay, 1838

Family Hymenosomatidae MacLeay, 1838

Subfamily Odiomarinae Guinot, 2011

Genus Richerius gen. nov.

Diagnosis: Carapace circular to oval, width only slightly exceeding length; dorsal carapace surface not strongly outlined by grooves; only gastrocardiac and thoracic grooves well defi ned, not reaching antero- and posterolateral margins; carapace rim continuous across behind rostrum. Rostrum broadly rounded, spade-shaped, slightly defl exed but not ending in narrow triangular tip extending between antennules. Proepistome represented by ventral expansion of rostrum (and not rostrum itself). Antennules obliquely folded along hollowed ventral parts of rostrum, entirely hidden dorsally. Antennae well separated from antennules, at least at their bases; urinary article at level of moderately developed epistome. Proepistome represented by ventral expansion of rostrum (and not rostrum itself). Lower orbital margin with one conspicuous knob, not visible dorsally. Mxp3 gaping at level of ischion/merus junction; merus and ischium broad, short, about subequal.

....

Etymology:The genus name is in honour of Bertrand Richer de Forges for his lifetime commitment to carcinology, especially of New Caledonia, for having always been an excellent and untiring researcher, and for his friendship. 

Richerius marqueti gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology:The species name is in honour of Gérard Marquet, who made extensive collections of freshwater crustaceans for more than 30 years in the Indo-Pacific islands and in particular in New Caledonia where he collected the new species here described, for his friendship and his constant enthusiasm in the field as well as in the laboratory.

Danièle Guinot and Valentin de Mazancourt. 2020. A New Freshwater Crab of the Family Hymenosomatidae MacLeay, 1838 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura) and An Updated Review of the Hymenosomatid Fauna of New Caledonia. European Journal of Taxonomy. 671; 1-29. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.671

[Mammalogy • 2020] Faecal DNA to the Rescue: Shotgun Sequencing of Non-invasive Samples reveals Two Subspecies of Southeast Asian Primates (Presbytis femoralis group) to be Critically Endangered Species

June 22, 2020, 8:08 pm

≫ Next: [Herpetology • 2020] Granite Boulders Act As Deep‐time Climate Refugia: A Miocene Divergent Clade of Rupicolous Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Mysore Plateau, India, with Descriptions of Three New Species

≪ Previous: [Crustacea • 2020] Richerius marqueti • A New Freshwater Crab of the Family Hymenosomatidae MacLeay, 1838 (Decapoda, Brachyura) and An Updated Review of the Hymenosomatid Fauna of New Caledonia

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Robinson’s banded langur  Presbytis robinsoni   in Ang, Roesma, Nijman, et al., 2020.  DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66007-8    Photo: Andie Ang. twitter.com/PrimateWatching

Abstract

A significant number of Southeast Asian mammal species described in the 19th and 20th century were subsequently synonymized and are now considered subspecies. Many are affected by rapid habitat loss which creates an urgent need to re-assess the conservation status based on species boundaries established with molecular data. However, such data are lacking and difficult to obtain for many populations and subspecies. We document via a literature survey and empirical study how shotgun sequencing of faecal DNA is a still underutilized but powerful tool for accelerating such evaluations. We obtain 11 mitochondrial genomes for three subspecies in the langur genus Presbytis through shotgun sequencing of faecal DNA (P. femoralis femoralis, P. f. percura, P. siamensis cf. cana). The genomes support the resurrection of all three subspecies to species based on multiple species delimitation algorithms (PTP, ABGD, Objective Clustering) applied to a dataset covering 40 species and 43 subspecies of Asian colobines. For two of the newly recognized species (P. femoralis, P. percura), the results lead to an immediate change in IUCN status to Critically Endangered due to small population sizes and fragmented habitats. We conclude that faecal DNA should be more widely used for clarifying species boundaries in endangered mammals.

Three subspecies of Presbytis femoralis; clockwise from East Sumatran banded langur P. f. percura (1), Raffles’ banded langur P. f. femoralis (2), to Robinson’s banded langur P. f. robinsoni (3). Photos: Andie Ang.

Resurrection of Presbytis femoralis, P. percura and P. robinsoni 

Based on multiple species delimitation methods, high genetic divergence, placement in the mitochondrial phylogenies, as well as distinct morphological differences, we here resurrect the three species of P.femoralis from their current subspecific status (Table 2). The newly circumscribed Raffles’ banded langur P. femoralis is now only known from southern Peninsular Malaysia (states of Johor and Pahang) and Singapore. The East Sumatran banded langur P. percura only occurs in Riau Province of east-central Sumatra. Lastly, Robinson’s banded langur P. robinsoni has the widest distribution and ranges from northern Peninsular Malaysia (states of Kedah and Perak) through southern Thailand (provinces of Surat Thani, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan) to southern Myanmar (Tanintharyi Region). These changes to species status mean that Presbytis now comprises 19 species.

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Presbytis siamensis siamensis and Presbytis s. cana  (images: Lee Zan Hui & Andie Ang).

white-thighed langur Presbytis siamensis  photo: Lee Zan Hui

Conclusions: 

We here demonstrate the value of non-invasive faecal samples for addressing taxonomic questions that are of significant conservation importance. Based on mitochondrial DNA (mitogenomes, cyt-b and d-loop), we resurrect three species within the Presbytis femoralis group. The new species limits also led to a change in the conservation status of P. femoralis and P. percura which now have to be considered Critically Endangered. We further urge researchers to include the collection of non-invasive faecal samples into their field protocols.

Andie Ang, Dewi Imelda Roesma, Vincent Nijman, Rudolf Meier, Amrita Srivathsan and Rizaldi. 2020. Faecal DNA to the Rescue: Shotgun Sequencing of Non-invasive Samples reveals Two Subspecies of Southeast Asian Primates to be Critically Endangered Species. Scientific Reports. 10, 9396. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66007-8  

twitter.com/PrimateWatching/status/1270653838647717890

     

[Herpetology • 2020] Granite Boulders Act As Deep‐time Climate Refugia: A Miocene Divergent Clade of Rupicolous Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Mysore Plateau, India, with Descriptions of Three New Species

June 22, 2020, 7:26 pm

≫ Next: [PaleoIchthyology • 2020] Tanyrhinichthys mcallisteri • A Long-rostrumed Pennsylvanian Ray-finned Fish (Actinopterygii) and the Simultaneous Appearance of Novel Ecomorphologies in Late Palaeozoic Fishes

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Cnemaspis bangara, C. graniticola &  C. yelagiriensis    Agarwal, Thackeray, Pal & Khandekar, 2020  DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12391  Photos by: Tejas Thackeray.

Abstract

We describe a divergent clade and three new rupicolous species of dwarf geckos of the genus Cnemaspis from the Mysore Plateau, southern India. Cnemaspis bangara sp. nov., C. graniticola sp. nov., and C. yelagiriensis sp. nov. differ from each other by 9%–18% uncorrected ND2 sequence divergence and other South Asian Cnemaspis by 17%–33% and are morphologically distinguishable from all regional congeners and each other. The new species are known from only granite boulders in montane habitats (>1,000 m asl.), just 60–120 km straight‐line distance apart from each other. A fossil‐calibrated timetree and ancestral area reconstructions indicate South Asian Cnemaspis originated in Western Ghats forests with initial divergence in the Paleocene‐Eocene making it perhaps the oldest Indian squamate clade. Cnemaspis that occur in Peninsular India in the dry zone outside the Western Ghats form three independently derived clades that occur in significantly warmer and drier habitats than those in the Western Ghats. The discovery of a Miocene divergent clade from rocky hills on the southern edge of the Mysore Plateau reveals these habitats as novel, long‐term climate refugia. This adds to the body of work revealing ancient origins of taxa in the Indian dry zone and supports the Mysore Plateau as an important and overlooked hot spot of lizard biodiversity.

Keywords: biogeography, dwarf geckos, microrefugia, systematics, tropics

 Cnemaspis bangara sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is the Kannada word for gold, used as a noun in apposition. The name is given for the yellow tail tip of the species and that the type locality of the species is just 27 km straight‐line distance from the largest gold mine in India, Kolar Gold Fields.

Suggested Common Name: Golden banded dwarf gecko.

 Cnemaspis graniticola sp. nov.

Etymology: The species is named for the granite rock formations upon which it lives.

Suggested common name: Granite dwarf gecko or Horsley dwarf gecko.

 Cnemaspis yelagiriensis sp. nov

Etymology: The specific epithet is a toponym for Yelagiri hills in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu, the type and only known locality for this species.

Suggested common name: Yelagiri dwarf gecko.

Habitat photograph of (a) Cnemaspis bangara sp. nov. near Aadima Theatre, Paparajanahalli village, near Kolar, Kolar District, Karnataka, (b) C. graniticola sp. nov. in Horsley Hills, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, and (c) C. yelagiriensis sp. nov. in Yelagiri Hills, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India.

Ishan Agarwal, Tejas Thackeray, Saunak Pal and Akshay Khandekar. 2020. Granite Boulders Act As Deep‐time Climate Refugia: A Miocene Divergent Clade of Rupicolous Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Mysore Plateau, India, with Descriptions of Three New Species. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12391

South Asian Cnemaspis has a Paleocene–Eocene origin in Western Ghats forests. Discovery of a novel Miocene divergent clade and three new rupicolous species of dwarf geckos that are endemic to montane (>1,000 m asl.) granite boulder habitats. Rocky hills on southern edge of Mysore Plateau are novel, long‐term climate refugia. Adds to body of work revealing ancient origins of Indian dry zone taxa.

sanctuarynaturefoundation.org/article/three-new-species-of-geckos-described-from-southern-india

[PaleoIchthyology • 2020] Tanyrhinichthys mcallisteri • A Long-rostrumed Pennsylvanian Ray-finned Fish (Actinopterygii) and the Simultaneous Appearance of Novel Ecomorphologies in Late Palaeozoic Fishes

June 23, 2020, 1:51 am

≫ Next: [Botany • 2020] Rhynchotechum nirijuliense (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Northeast India

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Tanyrhinichthys mcallisteri  Gottfried 1987 in Stack, Hodnett, Lucas & Sallan, 2020.  DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa044  penntoday.upenn.edu  twitter.com/JackStack9

Abstract

The Carboniferous radiation of fishes was marked by the convergent appearance of then-novel but now common ecomorphologies resulting from changes in the relative proportions of traits, including elongation of the front of the skull (rostrum). The earliest ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) with elongate rostra are poorly known, obscuring the earliest appearances of a now widespread feature in actinopterygians. We redescribe Tanyrhinichthys mcallisteri, a long-rostrumed actinopterygian from the Upper Pennsylvanian (Missourian) of the Kinney Brick Quarry, New Mexico. Tanyrhinichthys has a lengthened rostrum bearing a sensory canal, ventrally inserted paired fins, posteriorly placed median fins unequal in size and shape, and a heterocercal caudal fin. Tanyrhinichthys shares these features with sturgeons, but lacks chondrostean synapomorphies, indicating convergence on a bottom-feeding lifestyle. Elongate rostra evolved independently in two lineages of bottom-dwelling, freshwater actinopterygians in the Late Pennsylvanian of Euramerica, as well as in at least one North American chondrichthyan (Bandringa rayi). The near-simultaneous appearance of novel ecomorphologies among multiple, distantly related lineages of actinopterygians and chondrichthyans was common during the Carboniferous radiation of fishes. This may reflect global shifts in marine and freshwater ecosystems and environments during the Carboniferous favouring such ecomorphologies, or it may have been contingent on the plasticity of early actinopterygians and chondrichthyans.

Keywords: North America, convergence, skull, vertebrate palaeontology, species redescription, Carboniferous, fish, palaeoecology, Palaeozoic, taxonomy

Figure 15. Comparison of the two broad structural forms of elongate rostra in Palaeozoic actinopterygians. A, Tanyrhinichthys, which bears an elongate rostrum that is a lengthened snout-like structure above the mouth. B, a representative saurichthyiform (Saurichthys madagascariensis Piveteau, 1945), which bears an elongate rostrum that is a lengthened mouth (after Kogan & Romano, 2016, fig. 11B).

Jack Stack, John-Paul Hodnett, Spencer G. Lucas and Lauren Sallan. 2020. Tanyrhinichthys mcallisteri, A Long-rostrumed Pennsylvanian Ray-finned Fish (Actinopterygii) and the Simultaneous Appearance of Novel Ecomorphologies in Late Palaeozoic Fishes. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlaa044. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa044

 twitter.com/JackStack9/status/1275081772988903425 

300-million-year-old fish resembles a sturgeon but took a different evolutionary path

penntoday.upenn.edu/news/300-million-year-old-fish-resembles-sturgeon-took-different-evolutionary-path