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

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  Rhynchotechum nirijuliense Taram & D.Borah


in Taram & Borah, 2020. 
 Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 72(1)
Abstract
A new species of Rhynchotechum (Gesneriaceae), Rhynchotechum nirijuliense Taram & D.Borah, is described from Nirijuli of Papum Pare district in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. The new species is compared to Rhynchotechum ellipticum and R. calycinum. A detailed description, colour photographs and notes on the distribution and ecology of the new species are provided.




Fig. 1.  Rhynchotechum nirijuliense Taram & D.Borah.
A. Habitat and habit. B. Adaxial surface of leaf. C. Abaxial surface of leaf. D–F. Inflorescences, showing the axillary arrangement of the cymes. G. Side view of a branch of the inflorescence. H. Dissected floral parts. I. Fruit. (Photos: D. Borah)

Rhynchotechum nirijuliense Taram & D.Borah, sp. nov.

Rhynchotechum nirijuliense is most similar to R. ellipticum in plant height, arrangement and shape of leaves, young parts woolly pubescent, reduced or absent peduncle and narrowly triangular calyx lobes, and to R. calycinum in overall leaf shape, denticulate lamina margin, inflorescence length and villous branches, but differs from both in the generally shorter petiole, more numerous secondary veins, more villous calyx lobes, longer style and larger berries (see Table 1).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the place where the new species was found.

Notes. Rhynchotechum is an Asian genus and half of the species are distributed in India (mostly Northeast India). Characters such as inflorescence size, style length and shape of the berries are very useful in the delimitation of species (Anderson & Middleton, 2013). Apart from the new species described here, the other species of Rhynchotechum found in the state are R. ellipticum, R. calycinum, R. parviflorum, R. vestitum and R.obovatum.


M. Taram and D. Borah. 2020. Rhynchotechum nirijuliense (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Northeast India. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 72(1); 125–129. DOI: 10.26492/gbs72(1).2020-12



[Herpetology • 2020] Phyllodytes magnus • A New Large Canopy-dwelling Species of Phyllodytes Wagler, 1930 (Anura, Hylidae) from the Atlantic Forest of the State of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil

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Phyllodytes magnus
Dias, Novaes-e-Fagundes, Neto, Zina, Garcia, Recoder, Vechio, Rodrigues & Solé, 2020


Abstract 
The known diversity of treefrogs of the genus Phyllodytes has rapidly increased in recent years, currently comprising 14 species. Recent field work in the Atlantic Rainforest of the state of Bahia lead to the discovery of a new large species of Phyllodytes which is herein described based on multiple evidence including morphological, acoustical and genetic data. Phyllodytes sp. nov. is one of the largest species within the genus and presents immaculate yellowish dorsum and limbs. The advertisement call of the species is composed of 7–31 notes (half pulsed/pulsatile-half harmonic) with frequency-modulated harmonics. Phyllodytes sp. nov. has a karyotype of 2n = 22 chromosomes, as also found in other species of the genus. Genetic distance values of the 16S mitochondrial rRNA among Phyllodytes sp. nov. and its congeners range between 6.4 to 10.2%. The description of another new species for this state reinforces the need for further taxonomic work with Phyllodytes in this region that has been revealed as a priority area for research and conservation of this genus.

Figure 3: Phyllodytes magnus sp. nov. (A, B, C, D), P. maculosus (E) and P. kautskyi (F) in life. Phyllodytes magnus sp. nov, holotype (MZUESC 18264) in (A) dorsal and (C) ventral view and paratype (MZUESC 18265) in (B) dorsal and (D) ventral view. In (E) P. maculosus and (F) P. kautskyi.

Phyllodytes magnus sp. nov.
Phyllodytes kautskyi—(Freitas, 2015)
Phyllodytes cf. kautskyi—(Freitas et al., 2018)
  
Diagnosis. — A large species (SVL 36.4 to 41.1 mm in males, n = 3) characterized by (1) snout mucronate in dorsal view, acute in profile; (2) mandible with two anterior large odontoids on each side in adults; (3) adults males with dorsum of body and limbs immaculate, uniformly pale yellow; (4) dorsal skin granular; (5) ventral skin cream and evenly granular, lacking distinct rows of tubercles; (6) a row of tubercles along lateral surface of forearm and tarsus; (7) tubercle subarticular from second segment of finger IV single and rounded shape; (8) canthus rostralis immaculate; (9) tympanum size corresponding to 6.6–7.1% of SVL; (10) advertisement call consisting of a series of 7–31 composite notes (half pulsed/pulsatile–half harmonic).

Etymology. — The specific epithet is an adjective from Latin meaning “great” or “large” (Lewis & Short, 1891), and refers to the large size of the adult males collected from this species, which are among the largest known in the genus.


Geographic Distribution and Natural history. — Phyllodytes magnus is known from three localities from the Atlantic Rainforest of Bahia (Fig. S5). Calls of this species have also been heard in the municipalities of Almadina, Ilhéus, Igrapiúna and Camacan, state of Bahia, but as no vouchers or recordings were obtained, these records need to be confirmed.

Although one specimen of Phyllodytes magnus was in a ground bromeliad, most calling males were in canopy bromeliads. At Parque Estadual da Serra do Conduru, Phyllodytes magnus is syntopic with four congeners (P. maculosus, P. megatympanum, P. melanomystax and P. praeceptor), although apparently less abundant than its relatives. In an area of 52 ha we heard only five males in a one-night search. All were calling from epiphytic giant bromeliads of the genus Hohenbergia with diameter superior to 1.50 m and at heights between 3.10 m and 11.30 m (x = 7.72 m ± 3.56 m). We found a male of Phyllodytes melanomystax in the same bromeliad where we collected the paratype MZUESC 18265, though in a different axil.


Conclusions: 
Almost 60% (nine species) of the known diversity of Phyllodytes can be found in the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, the region with the highest concentration of representatives of this genus. Over half of these species are endemic to the state: P. wuchereri, P. praeceptor, P. megatympanum, P. amadoi and P. magnus, the latter three are known from a few localities or only from the type locality (Cruz, Marciano & Napoli, 2014; Marciano-Jr, Lantyer-Silva & Solé, 2017; Vörös, Dias & Solé, 2017; this study). The high diversity of Phyllodytes in this part of the central corridor of the Atlantic Forest (Carnaval et al., 2009) is not unique. Other genera like Adelophryne (Fouquet et al., 2012; Lourenço-de Moraes et al., 2018), Adenomera (Fouquet et al., 2014), Gastrotheca (Teixeira-Jr et al., 2012) or the gymnophthalmid lizard genus Leposoma (Rodrigues et al., 2013), to cite a few, have their highest species diversity in this part of the biome. The high diversity of Phyllodytes and endemism brings support to this pattern and highlights the evolutionary importance of this area. Furthermore, together with the scarce available biological information and habitat specificity (bromeliads), it makes the Atlantic Forest of the state of Bahia a priority area for research and conservation of Phyllodytes.





Iuri R. Dias, Gabriel Novaes-e-Fagundes, Antonio Mollo Neto, Juliana Zina, Caroline Garcia, Renato Sousa Recoder, Francisco Dal Vechio, Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues and Mirco Solé. 2020. A New Large Canopy-dwelling Species of Phyllodytes Wagler, 1930 (Anura, Hylidae) from the Atlantic Forest of the State of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. PeerJ. 8:e8642. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8642

[Herpetology • 2020] Cnemaspis avasabinae • A New Species of South Asian Cnemaspis (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Eastern Ghats, India

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Cnemaspis avasabinae
Agarwal, Bauer & Khandekar, 2020 


Abstract
We describe a new species from within the South Asian clade of the polyphyletic gekkonid genus Cnemaspis from the Velikonda Range, in the Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India. The new species is the smallest known Indian gekkonid and can be diagnosed from all Indian congeners by its small body size (SVL <29 mm), the absence of spine-like scales on flank, heterogeneous dorsal pholidosis, presence of precloacal pores and no femoral pores in males, tail with enlarged, strongly keeled, conical tubercles forming whorls, median row of sub-caudals smooth and slightly enlarged, and a distinct colour pattern. This is the 12th species of Cnemaspis to be described from outside the Western Ghats and is the first endemic from the Velikonda region of the Eastern Ghats. The new species is only known from its type locality, a lowland riparian habitat (<200 m asl.) in dry evergreen forest at the base of a ~1200 m asl. peak. This discovery extends the range of the genus in peninsular India by ~130–150 kilometres to the northeast and suggests the genus is likely to be even more widely distributed than understood. The new species is clearly allied to C. mysoriensis, C. otai and C. yercaudensis with which it shares superficial colour pattern and similar body size, but is the first species from outside the Western Ghats in which males lack femoral pores.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cnemaspis avasabinae sp. nov., dwarf geckos, peninsular India, tropics, taxonomy



Cnemaspis avasabinae sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet “avasabinae” honors Ava Sabin of the Sabin family, philanthropic supporters of herpetofaunal conservation.
Suggested Common Name. Sabin’s Nellore dwarf gecko


Ishan Agarwal, Aaron M. Bauer and Akshay Khandekar. 2020.  A New Species of South Asian Cnemaspis (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Eastern Ghats, India. Zootaxa. 4802(3); 449–462. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4802.3.3


[Crustacea • 2020] Lacunicambarus mobilensis & L. freudensteini • Two New Species of Burrowing Crayfish in the Genus Lacunicambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Alabama and Mississippi

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 Lacunicambarus mobilensis 
Glon, Adams, Loughman, Myers, Taylor & Schuster. 2020


Abstract
While sampling for the Rusty Gravedigger, Lacunicambarus miltus, Taylor et al. (2011) found one or more potentially undescribed burrowing crayfish species in the genus Lacunicambarus inhabiting the area between the Pascagoula River and Mobile Bay in southern Alabama and Mississippi. Molecular analyses by Glon et al. (2018) confirmed that samples from this area were genetically distinct from other Lacunicambarus crayfishes. These findings prompted a dedicated sampling trip in January 2020. We used morphological and molecular analyses to investigate the specimens we collected and, based on our results, we describe two new crayfish species: the Lonesome Gravedigger, L. mobilensis sp. nov. and the Banded Mudbug, L. freudensteini sp. nov. Lacunicambarus mobilensis sp. nov. is sister to the Rusty Gravedigger, L. miltus, while L. freudensteini sp. nov. is sister to the Painted Devil Crayfish, L. ludovicianus. Both new species are currently known from a small number of sites in southern Alabama and Mississippi and may require conservation attention. In addition, we provide an updated key to Lacunicambarus crayfishes that includes these new species.

Keywords: Crustacea, miltus, ludovicianus, mobilensis, freudensteini, painted, devil, crayfish, rusty, lonesome, gravedigger, banded, mudbug, taxonomy, systematics



Lacunicambarus mobilensis sp. nov. 


Mael G. Glon, Susan B. Adams, Zachary J. Loughman, Greg A. Myers, Christopher A. Taylor and Guenter A. Schuster. 2020. Two New Species of Burrowing Crayfish in the Genus Lacunicambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Alabama and Mississippi. Zootaxa. 4802(3); 401–439. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4802.3.1

[Entomology • 2020] Neophisis (Indophisis) montealegrei • Taxonomy and Bioacoustics of Meconematinae (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Laguna, Luzon, Philippines

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Neophisis (Indophisis) montealegrei 
Tan, Jin, Baroga-Barbecho & Yap, 2020


Abstract
Katydids from the subfamily Meconematinae sing at ultrasonic frequencies. Owing that many of them are nocturnal, elusive and low in abundance (since they are predatory), there is a dearth of information on these katydids and their bioacoustics, especially for species in the understudied yet mega-diverse Southeast Asia. Recent orthopteran surveys in Laguna, Luzon Island in the Philippines led to the discovery of two interesting Meconematinae katydids. Based on the collection, we describe a new species of Phisidini: Neophisis (Indophisis) montealegrei sp. nov. We also describe the male for the first time and redescribe the female of Asiophlugis philippina. The ultrasonic calling songs of both Meconematinae are also recorded, analysed and described here.

Keywords: Orthoptera, Asiophlugis, new species, Phisidini, Southeast Asia, stridulation, ultrasonic frequencies



Neophisis (Indophisis)montealegrei new species

Etymology. This species is named after a renowned Orthopterist, Fernando Montealegre-Zapata, who has made immense contribution to the bioacoustics of katydids.


 Ming Kai Tan, Xing-Bao Jin, Jessica B. Baroga-Barbecho and Sheryl A Yap. 2020. Taxonomy and Bioacoustics of Meconematinae (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Laguna (Philippines: Luzon). Zootaxa. 4732(4); 527–544. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4732.4.2


[Botany • 2020] Rehderodendron microcarpum • Taxonomic Reassessment of Rehderodendron gongshanense (Styracaceae) based on Herbarium Specimens and Field Observations

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Rehderodendron microcarpum K.M.Feng ex T.L.Ming 

in Zhao, Fritsch, Fan & Liao, 2020. 

Abstract
Since its publication in 1988, Rehderodendron gongshanense (Styracaceae) has been considered endemic to Gongshan County, Yunnan Province, China and northern Myanmar. Based on morphological data from detailed field observations and examination of herbarium specimens, we demonstrate that R. gongshanense is actually a synonym of R. microcarpum, a species until now neglected taxonomically. We provide an updated description of Rmicrocarpum that accommodates the variation in the newly expanded concept of the species, along with comments on distribution and ecology, conservation status, specimens cited, and images of the living plants.

Keywords: Rehderodendron microcarpum, synonymy, taxonomy, Eudicots


Rehderodendron microcarpum.
Flowers opening before leaves expand, panicle densely stellate-tomentose.

Rehderodendron microcarpum K.M.Feng ex T.L.Ming (1983: 410). 
Type:—CHINA. Yunnan: Gongshan County, Dulong River, Dudu Village, open forest, ca. 1400 m, 14 September 1956, P.Y. Mao 451 (holotype KUN0026252!, isotypes KUN1293804!, KUN0026253!, KUN0026251!). 
= Rehderodendron gongshanense Y.C.Tang (1988: 350), syn. nov. 
Type:—CHINA. Yunnan: Gongshan County, Dulongjiang, Qinlangdang Village, in evergreen broad-leaved forest, ca. 1500 m, 11 August 1982, Exped. Qinghai-Xizang 9227 (holotype PE00027882!, isotypes KUN0774015!, KUN0774014!, PE00027880!, PE00028881!).


Distribution, ecology, and phenology:— Rehderodendron microcarpum has been documented as distributed in Gongshan, northwestern Yunnan Province in Southwest China, and Kachin State in northern Myanmar. It grows as a deciduous tree in montane monsoon forests at 500–2500 m a.s.l. It is known to flower in March and April, and fruit in June through October


Notes:— Some morphological characters of Rehderodendron microcarpum exhibit a high level of variation. The number of ribs varies from 5 to 12, and pubescence on the abaxial surface of the leaf blade varies from moderately dense to nearly glabrous. Floral characters, however, are relatively stable (panicles densely stellate-tomentose, style densely pubescent). The flowers of R. microcarpum are very similar to those of R. truongsonense P.W.Fritsch, W.B.Liao & W.Y.Zhao in Zhao et al. (2019: 159). These two species share such features as a pubescent style and filaments that are connate to the middle or distally beyond. However, R. microcarpum differs from R. truongsonense in its deciduous habit (versus evergreen), and longer inflorescence and pedicels. All other species of Rehderodendron have a glabrous style and filaments that are connate merely to just beyond the base. Therefore, R. microcarpum is easily distinguished from other species of Rehderodendron by the combination of its deciduous habit, a densely pubescent style, and filaments that are connate to the middle or distally beyond.


 Wan-Yi Zhao, Peter W. Fritsch, Qiang Fan and Wen-Bo Liao. 2020. Taxonomic Reassessment of Rehderodendron gongshanense (Styracaceae) based on Herbarium Specimens and Field Observations. Phytotaxa. 450(1); 1–7. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.450.1.1

[Herpetology • 2020] Phrynopus remotum • A New Species of Frog (Terrarana, Strabomantidae) from the Peruvian Andean Grasslands

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Phrynopus remotum  
Chávez​, García Ayachi & Catenazzi, 2020


Abstract 
We describe a new, medium-sized species of terrestrial frog of the genus Phrynopus from a single locality in the central Andes of Peru (Departamento de Huánuco) at 3,730 meters of elevation. Phylogenetic analyses supported Phrynopus remotum sp. nov. as an independent lineage, sister to most of its congeners. The new species is morphologically distinguishable by the presence of small tubercles on upper eyelids and heels, an areolate venter, and the absence of dorsolateral folds or ridges. This species inhabits the highlands adjacent to the Marañón Dry valley. The only sympatric amphibian species recorded is the marsupial frog Gastrotheca peruana.


Figure 3: Holotype of Phrynopus remotum sp nov. in life.
Dorsal and ventral view of the holotype in life (CORBIDI 20533, SVL =28.7 mm). 

Figure 5: Paratypes of Phrynopus remotum sp nov. in life.
 Dorsal (left column) and ventral (right column) views of the paratypes:
(A–B) CORBIDI 20531 (SVL =23.3 mm); (C–D) CORBIDI 20532 (SVL =19.3 mm).

Phrynopus remotum sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A species of Phrynopus having the following combination of characters: (1) Skin on dorsum shagreened with scattered low subconical tubercles, skin on venter areolate; discoidal fold absent, thoracic fold absent; postocular fold absent, dorsolateral folds absent; (2) tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus absent; (3) snout short, rounded in dorsal view, curved anteroventrally from lateral view; (4) upper eyelid with small rounded tubercles; width of upper eyelid 1.9–2 mm; (5) dentigerous process of vomers present, oblique; (6) vocal slits and nuptial pads absent; (7) Finger I slightly shorter than Finger II; tips of digit bulbous, rounded, lacking discs; (8) fingers without lateral fringes; (9) ulnar and tarsal tubercles absent; (10) heels with one or two small rounded tubercles, inner tarsal fold absent; (11) inner metatarsal tubercle rounded, about 1.3 times as large as ovoid outer metatarsal tubercle; supernumerary plantar tubercles absent; (12) toes without lateral fringes, basal webbing absent, Toe V slightly shorter than Toe III, toe tips bulbous, lacking discs; (13) in life, dorsum saffron yellow, brownish-orange or dark brown with dark brown or black blotches, dark spots on flanks; throat, chest and venter yellowish-white with dark brown blotches or spots, groin grayish-white with liver brown or dark brown spots and blotches; iris olive gray with fine dark brown reticulations; (14) SVL 19.3 and 23.3 mm in two males, and 28.7 mm in a single female.

Etymology. The specific name remotum is the neutral form derived from the Latin word “remotus”, in reference to the long journey required to reach the type locality of this species. This journey consisted of more than 30 h traveling through roadways, hiking trails and steep slopes of rocky mountains. 

Figure 6: Habitat of Phrynopus remotum sp nov. in the Puna grasslands of the central Pruvian Andes (Huánuco Department).

Distribution, natural history, and conservation status. This species is known only from the type locality at 3,700 m a.s.l. in the eastern Andean slopes of Central Peru (Fig. 1). The habitat is a transitional area between wet grasslands and some remaining patches of cloud forest and bushes. We found all specimens around 12:30 pm under stones surrounded by moss and lichens, alongside a temporary stream bordering a wet grassland. The only sympatric amphibian found was Gastrotheca peruana, which was frequently spotted under stones and also beneath the moss; however none of these frogs were found sharing a stone with P. remotum sp. nov. We noticed heavy presence of livestock (Fig. 6). Local people annually burn the grassland to trigger regrowth of grass plants (Festuca, Stipa spp.) and to open new pasture grounds for cattle. Despite these threats (Catenazzi & von May, 2014), the paucity of data on the geographic distribution of this species prevents assessment of its threat status. Therefore, we recommend the Category Data Deficient for the IUCN Red List. Future surveys should document the range of the species and assess the importance of threats.


Germán Chávez​, Luis Alberto García Ayachi and Alessandro Catenazzi. 2020. A New Species of Frog (Terrarana, Strabomantidae, Phrynopus) from the Peruvian Andean Grasslands. PeerJ. 8:e9433. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9433

      

[Ichthyology • 2020] Protomelas krampus • A New Paedophagous Cichlid (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from Lake Malawi

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Protomelas krampus 
Dierickx & Snoeks, 2020

Abstract
A new paedophagous species of ProtomelasProtomelas krampus sp. nov., is described from Lake Malawi. It has been found in Lukoma Bay in Tanzania, near Mara Point in Mozambique, and at Otter Point, Chizumulu, the Likoma Islands and Mazinzi Reef in Malawi. This species is placed in the genus Protomelas based on its melanin pattern, which comprises a continuous midlateral stripe. A morphometric study was done to compare this species with its congeners and similar species of Hemitaeniochromis and Caprichromis. It differs from most congeners by having only one inner tooth row. Furthermore, P. krampus sp. nov. differs from P. insignis, P. spilopterus, H. brachyrhynchus, H. urotaenia, Caprichromis liemi and C. orthognathus by its shorter premaxillary pedicel, shorter prepectoral distances and dentition. It also differs largely in its melanin pattern from the paedophagous species C. liemi, C. orthognathus, Diplotaxodon greenwoodi and Naevochromis chrysogaster, as well as H. brachyrhynchus and H. urotaenia. Protomelas krampus sp. nov. has been observed to ram mouth-brooding cichlids from above to feed on their eggs or larvae.

Keywords: Cichliformes; East Africa; mouth-brooding cichlids; Mozambique; trophic ecology

Taxonomy
 Class Actinopterygii Klein, 1885
Order Cichliformes Betancur et al., 2013

Family Cichlidae Bonaparte, 1840
Subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae Fowler, 1934
Tribe Haplochromini Poll, 1986

Genus Protomelas Eccles & Trewavas, 1989

Protomelas Eccles & Trewavas, 1989: 40
(type species: Chromis kirkii Günther, 1894, 
by original designation).

Photograph of live specimen of Protomelas krampus sp. nov. (specimen not preserved; length unknown)
(photo: Ad Konings).

Fig. 4. Photographs of preserved specimens of Protomelas krampus sp. nov. A. Holotype (RMCA 99- 041-P-4768). B. Paratype (RMCA 99-041-P-4767). Melanin pattern strongly faded.
Fig. 5. Photograph of preserved paratype (RMCA 99-041-P-4767) of Protomelas krampus sp. nov., shortly after preservation.

Protomelas krampus sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Protomelas krampus sp. nov. differs from most species of Protomelas, i.e., P. annectens (Regan, 1922), P. fenestratus (Trewavas, 1935), P.kirkii (Günther, 1894), P. labridens (Trewavas, 1935), P. macrodonEccles, 1989, P. marginatus (Trewavas, 1935), P. pleurotaenia (Boulenger, 1901), P. similis (Regan, 1922), P. spilonotus (Trewavas, 1935), P. taeniolatus (Trewavas, 1935), P. triaenodon (Trewavas, 1935) and P. virgatus (Trewavas, 1935), by having only one inner tooth row, whereas the other species have two rows.
....

 Etymology: The specific name, ʻkrampusʼ, is a noun in apposition and was chosen in reference to the European folklore character Krampus. This demon puts naughty children in a bag and takes them away, which is reminiscent of a paedophagous behaviour. The goat-like appearance of Krampus also implicitly refers to the head-butting behaviour of the species. The same implicit reference to this behaviour is also found in the genus name Caprichromis of other paedophagous species of Lake Malawi.

Fig. 7. Distribution map of Protomelas krampus sp. nov. Red star = holotype; red dot = paratype; green triangles = possible sightings by Konings (2016); orange square = possible sighting by McKaye & Kocher (1983); yellow diamond = possible sighting by Stauffer (pers. comm.). Inset: map of Africa with indication of area of Lake Malawi.

Geographical distribution (Fig. 7): The specimens of P. krampus sp. nov. were found in Lukoma Bay (11°22.50′ S, 34°52.00′ E), south of Mbamba Bay, Lake Malawi (Tanzania) and at rocks just south of Mara Point (12°11.34′ S, 34°41.73′ E), Aldeia Mala, Lake Malawi (Mozambique), at depths of 32.5–33.2 m. Three others specimens that also may belong to this species were caught near Otter Point (14°03′ S, 34°49′ E), Mangochi, Lake Malawi (Malawi), at a depth of 7–20 m (McKaye & Kocher 1983). It has also been observed near Chizumulu and Likoma Islands (Konings 2016) and Mazinzi Reef (Stauffer, pers. comm.). Hence the species has a confirmed distribution in the central-eastern part of the lake, but it may also occur in the southern part.

 Ecology: The behaviour and ecology of specimens most likely belonging to this species have been observed by McKaye & Kocher (1983) and Konings (1989, 2016). They observed this species feeding on eggs and fry while stealing them from mouth-brooding females of other cichlid species. The paedophage rams these females from above on the snout and the brooding females may release some eggs or larvae upon this impact. The brood can then be snatched by P. krampus sp. nov. The inclined position of the mouth enables the fish to immediately grab the brood since it is already in a good position relative to the prey after ramming from above (Konings 1989, 2016).


Katrien Dierickx and Jos Snoeks. 2020. Protomelas krampus, A New Paedophagous Cichlid from Lake Malawi (Teleostei, Cichlidae). European Journal of Taxonomy. 672: 1–18. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.672   


[Herpetology • 2020] Second Specimen of the Rare Bornean Snake Xenophidion acanthognathus (Serpentes: Xenophidiidae) and Confirmation as A Distinct Species from X. schaeferi

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Xenophidion acanthognathus Günther & Manthey, 1995

in Fukuyama, Hossman & Nishikawa, 2020.
 Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 68

Abstract
We report a second specimen of Xenophidion acanthognathus, collected from Lambir Hills National Park, Malaysian Borneo. We investigate the taxonomic status and relationship between this species and its only other congener X. schaeferi, as possible synonymy was suggested. Morphological and genetic analysis confirmed that X. acanthognathus and X. schaeferi are heterospecific. Here, we provide a detailed morphological description and novel natural history observations of this rare species. 

Key words. cyt b, Southeast Asia, Squamata, Sundaland, taxonomy, Xenophidion

....

Snakes of the family Xenophidiidae consist of one genus, Xenophidion Günther & Manthey, 1995, which includes two species: X. acanthognathus Günther & Manthey, 1995, and X. schaeferi Günther & Manthey, 1995, both of which are rare and enigmatic snakes. 
...


Interspecific comparisons: 
Xenophidion acanthognathus can be differentiated from its sister species, X. schaeferi by the following characteristics: larger number of ventrals (181–185 vs. 176–178); larger number of subcaudals (51–55 vs. 43–45); and shorter tail (SVL/tail length = 4.20–4.52 vs. 4.69–4.84).

Fig. 2. The live juvenile of Xenophidion acanthognathus (SRC 00961).

Fig. 1. The juvenile Xenophidion acanthognathus (SRC 00961) trying to escape under the bark in situ. 

Fig. 3. Ventral colouration of Xenophidion acanthognathus (SRC 00961) in life. Scale bar = 10 mm. 
Fig. 4. A, right-lateral; B, dorsal; C, ventral; and D, left-lateral aspects of the head of Xenophidion acanthognathus (SRC 00961). Scale bar = 10 mm. 

Natural history. The new specimen (SRC 00961) was found moving slowly on the trunk of a tree ca. 20 cm above the ground in a lowland dipterocarp forest, at 2117 h (Figs. 1, 5). The air temperature at the site was 24.7°C and it had not rained for several days except for a very light rain during the day, thus the ground was dry. When the first author spotted the snake under the beam of his flashlight, it tried to escape under the bark (Fig. 1). The holotype of the species was collected under moss covering a rock, 10 m from a stream, at 0815 h (Günther & Manthey, 1995). One photographed individual was found lying vertically on a damp, mossy log, at 2015 h (Rowntree et al., 2017). The only known food item of the species is a skink (Sphenomorphus sp.) that was found in the gut of the holotype (Wallach & Günther, 1998).


DISCUSSION: 
 The results of our study demonstrate that Xenophidion acanthognathus and X. schaeferi are sufficiently distinct morphologically and genetically to warrant specific status. With the acquisition of a second specimen of X. acanthognathus, this study is the first to examine the intraspecific variation within the species. However, additional specimens of both species are still needed to clarify their interspecific and intraspecific morphological variations. Genetic material of Xenophidion from Sumatra is also urgently needed to clarify its taxonomic status and phylogenetic placement. The distribution of the genus that is spread across Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, and presumably Sumatra reflects the connection between these land masses until 400 kya as indicated by recent biogeographical and geological studies (Husson et al., 2019; Sarr et al., 2019). In addition, Xenophidion was shown to be closely related phylogenetically to the family Bolyeridae that is found only in the Mauritius (Lawson et al., 2004; Figueroa et al., 2016). Only a few genera of reptiles show similar relictual distributions in Sundaland like Xenophidion, such as the cat gecko, Aeluroscalabotes, which is the most basal linage and the only genus distributed in Sundaland in the family Eublepharidae, and the false gharial, Tomistoma, which is the sister species of Gavialis in South Asia (Willis et al., 2007; Jonniaux & Kumazawa, 2008). Comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analyses of these taxa may provide new insights into the biogeographical history of Sundaic fauna.

 Inger & Voris (2001) regarded X. acanthognathus as fossorial or secretive, but Quah et al. (2018) discussed the possible ecological niche of the genus and suggested that they may be of semiaquatic or semi-scansorial habit, and not burrowers. Our observation of the new specimen crawling on the trunk of a tree may support the hypothesis of Quah et al. (2018) that they are semi-scansorial by nature. Although many herpetological surveys were conducted in Malay Peninsula and Borneo, this genus has only been documented six times. It is possible that the extremely low encounter rate in the field with members of this genus is related to their low density as suggested by Günther & Manthey (1995), or may be due to specialised ecological habits. Further observations are essential to understand the natural history of the genus.


Ibuki Fukuyama, Mohamad Yazid Hossman and Kanto Nishikawa. 2020. Second Specimen of the Rare Bornean Snake Xenophidion acanthognathus (Xenophidiidae, Serpentes, Reptilia) and Confirmation as A Distinct Species from X. schaeferiRaffles Bulletin of Zoology. 68; 214–219.

    

[Cnidaria • 2020] There are Three Species of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa: Discomedusae) in the Benguela Upwelling Ecosystem, not Two; Chrysaora fulgida, C. africana & C. agulhensis

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 Chrysaora agulhensis
Ras, Neethling, Engelbrecht, Morandini, Bayha, Skrypzeck & Gibbons, 2020


Abstract
Chrysaora (Pèron & Lesueur 1810) is the most diverse genus within Discomedusae, and 15 valid species are currently recognised, with many others not formally described. Since Chrysaora fulgida (Reynaud 1830) was first recognised as occurring off the south west (SW) coast off South Africa, the species has been variously synonymised with Chrysaora hysoscella (Linnaeus 1767) and Chrysaora africana (Vanhöffen 1902). Using DNA evidence alongside multivariate tools to analyse quantitative morphometric and meristic data, as well as information from the cnidome, we unambiguously separate C. fulgida from C. hysoscella; we resurrect C. africana as a valid species and recognise a new species, Chrysaora agulhensis sp. nov. Full descriptions of C. fulgida, C. africana and C. agulhensis sp. nov. are provided. The species have different geographical patterns of distribution around the region, with restricted areas of overlap: C. agulhensis sp. nov. is found along the southern coast of South Africa and over the Agulhas Bank, C. fulgida extends from Cape Point in South Africa to southern Angola, and C. africana can be found from southern Namibia northwards to the Gulf of Guinea. The species can be readily separated in the field by a combination of tentacle/lappet number and shape, colour patterns and the form of the oral arms.

Keywords: Coelenterata, Agulhas Bank, Benguela upwelling region, Namibia, New species, Pelagiidae, Scyphozoa, Taxonomy

SYSTEMATICS
Subclass DISCOMEDUSAE Haeckel, 1880

Order SEMAEOSTOMEAE L. Agassiz, 1862
FAMILY Pelagiidae Gegenbaur, 1856

GENUS Chrysaora Péron and Lesueur, 1810

 Chrysaora agulhensis sp. nov. collected at Whale Rock during November 2012
side-view of a larger specimen in situ displaying deep purple colouration of the central apex, long trailing oral arms and ribbon-like tentacles. 

 Chrysaora agulhensis sp. nov.

 Diagnosis. Chrysaora of medium size; 32 rounded marginal lappets, four per octant; no more than 24 persistent tentacles; tentacles laterally flattened with pronounced bases, and ribbon-like; oral arms longer than bell, folded spirally at base; characteristic star shape pattern on exumbrella surface always visible, created by the radial pattern of deep maroon/purple triangles; white spots scattered across the surface of the exumbrella; mouth becomes substantially larger as organism grows. Lappets with network of gastrovascular canals. Oral arms spirally arranged basally.

Distribution. Range stretches from Table Bay along the west coast of South Africa towards Port Elizabeth along the south east coast of South Africa (Agulhas Bank): endemic.

Etymology. “agulhensis” referring to its distribution across the Agulhas Bank along the South coast of South Africa.

    


V. Ras, S. Neethling, A. Engelbrecht, A.C. Morandini, K.M. Bayha, H. Skrypzeck and M.J. Gibbons. 2020. There are Three Species of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa: Discomedusae) in the Benguela Upwelling Ecosystem, not Two. Zootaxa. 4778(3); 401-438. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4778.3.1

UWC researcher discovers new jellyfish species

[Arachnida • 2020] Loureedia phoenixi • A New and easternmost Species of Loureedia (Aranei: Eresidae) from Iran

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Loureedia phoenixi  
Zamani & Marusik, 2020


Abstract 
A new species, Loureedia phoenixi sp.n., is described and illustrated on the basis of two male specimens from Alborz Province of Iran and its distribution is mapped based on the type locality and photographic records. These records represent the easternmost distribution limit of the genus.

Taxonomy: 
Family Eresidae C.L. Koch, 1845 

Genus Loureedia Miller, Griswold, Scharff, Řezáč, Szűts et Marhabaie, 2012


Loureedia phoenixi sp.n., Tehran Province: Pardisan Park.
 (photo: A. Zamani) 

Loureedia phoenixi sp.n. 

DIAGNOSIS. The new species differs from congeners by the prolateral arm of the conductor (Pa) which is pointed and almost the same length as the retrolateral arm of the conductor (Ra). The conductor arms are not as pointed and retrolateral arm is distinctly longer than the prolateral one in other species (cf. Figs 3f and 3g–i).

ETYMOLOGY. The new species is named after the American actor, producer and animal rights activist Joaquin Phoenix in recognition of his praised portrayal of the title character in the 2019 movie “Joker” and as a reference to the male abdominal pattern of the new species, which resembles the famous facial makeup of this character. 





Alireza Zamani and Yuri M. Marusik. 2020. A New and easternmost Species of Loureedia (Aranei: Eresidae) from Iran. Arthropoda Selecta. 29(2); 239–243. DOI: 10.15298/arthsel.29.2.09


[Arachnida • 2020] First Record of Synagelides Strand, 1906 (Araneae: Salticidae) from Sri Lanka: Description of Four Endemic Species from Tropical Wet Forest of the Island

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Synagelides rosalindae  
Kanesharatnam & Benjamin, 2020


Abstract
Synagelides Strand, 1906 is recorded for the first time in Sri Lanka. Four new species are described and illustrated:S. hortonensis sp. nov., S. lakmalii sp. nov., S. rosalindae sp. nov. andS. orlandoi sp. nov. A key to the four new species is given.

Keywords: Araneae, Arachnida, Biodiversity, ground spiders, leaf litter, threatened species

Synagelides rosalindae sp. nov. male from Kodigala Summit.

Nilani Kanesharatnam and Suresh P. Benjamin. 2020. First Record of Synagelides Strand, 1906 (Araneae: Salticidae) from Sri Lanka: Description of Four Endemic Species from Tropical Wet Forest of the Island. Zootaxa. 4790(1); 43–56.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4790.1.2

The world’s a stage for these four new jumping spiders from Sri Lanka

[PaleoMammalogy • 2020] Mukupirna nambensis • A New Family of Diprotodontian Marsupials from the latest Oligocene of Australia and the Evolution of Wombats, Koalas, and their Relatives (Vombatiformes)

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Mukupirna nambensis
 Beck, Louys, Brewer, Archer, Black & Tedford, 2020

Reconstruction by Peter Schouten.

Abstract
We describe the partial cranium and skeleton of a new diprotodontian marsupial from the late Oligocene (~26–25 Ma) Namba Formation of South Australia. This is one of the oldest Australian marsupial fossils known from an associated skeleton and it reveals previously unsuspected morphological diversity within Vombatiformes, the clade that includes wombats (Vombatidae), koalas (Phascolarctidae) and several extinct families. Several aspects of the skull and teeth of the new taxon, which we refer to a new family, are intermediate between members of the fossil family Wynyardiidae and wombats. Its postcranial skeleton exhibits features associated with scratch-digging, but it is unlikely to have been a true burrower. Body mass estimates based on postcranial dimensions range between 143 and 171 kg, suggesting that it was ~5 times larger than living wombats. Phylogenetic analysis based on 79 craniodental and 20 postcranial characters places the new taxon as sister to vombatids, with which it forms the superfamily Vombatoidea as defined here. It suggests that the highly derived vombatids evolved from wynyardiid-like ancestors, and that scratch-digging adaptations evolved in vombatoids prior to the appearance of the ever-growing (hypselodont) molars that are a characteristic feature of all post-Miocene vombatids. Ancestral state reconstructions on our preferred phylogeny suggest that bunolophodont molars are plesiomorphic for vombatiforms, with full lophodonty (characteristic of diprotodontoids) evolving from a selenodont morphology that was retained by phascolarctids and ilariids, and wynyardiids and vombatoids retaining an intermediate selenolophodont condition. There appear to have been at least six independent acquisitions of very large (>100 kg) body size within Vombatiformes, several having already occurred by the late Oligocene.

Cranium of holotype and only known specimen of Mukupirna nambensis gen. et. sp. nov. (AMNH FM 102646).
(a) Cranium in ventral view, (b) rostral region of right side of cranium in ventromedial view, (c) posterior region of right side of cranium in ventromedial view. I1a, alveolus for first upper incisor; I2a, alveolus for second upper incisor; I3a, alveolus for third upper incisor; C1a, alveolus for upper canine; gf, glenoid fossa; oc, occipital condyle; P3, third upper premolar; pgp, postglenoid process. Scale bar = 5 cm.


       

Selected postcranial elements of holotype of Mukupirna nambensis gen. et. sp. nov. (AMNH FM 102646).
 (a) ribs, (b) caudal vertebrae, (c) right scapula, (d) left humerus, (e) left ulna, (f) left femur, (g) left tibia, (h) left fibula, (i) phalanges, (j) left carpals and metacarpals, (k) left tarsals and metatarsals. Scale bar = 5 cm.

Systematic palaeontology

Order Diprotodontia Owen, 1866 New Definition 
 Suborder Vombatiformes Woodburne, 1984 New Definition
Infraorder Vombatomorphia Aplin and Archer, 1987 New Definition

Superfamily Vombatoidea Kirsch, 1968 New Definition

Family Mukupirnidae

Included taxa: Mukupirna nambensis new species

Mukupirna nambensis gen. et. sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis: differs from known members of Wynyardiidae in possessing a P3 that lacks a posterolingual cusp (=”hypocone”), less well-developed selenodonty, a less well-developed masseteric process, palatal vacuities entirely enclosed by the palatines, a proportionately longer deltopectoral crest and broader distal end of the humerus (Epicondylar index = 0.4422), a proportionately longer olecranon of the ulna (Index of Fossorial Ability = 0.4223), and a much larger body size (estimated body mass based on postcranial measurements = 143–171 kg); differs from vombatids in lacking bilobate molars (molars are only slightly bilobate in Nimbavombatus, Rhizophascolonus and Warendja, but strongly bilobate in other vombatids); differs from all vombatids except Nimbavombatus in retaining three upper incisors and the upper canine; differs from Nimbavombatus in larger size, more bicuspid P3, and palatal vacuities entirely enclosed by the palatines; differs from vombatids known from postcranial remains in lacking a laterally extensive deltopectoral crest of the humerus; differs from hypselodont vombatids in having closed premolar and molar roots; differs from known members of Thylacoleonidae in retaining only a single upper premolar (P3), with this tooth not as elongate or bladelike, lacking a marked reduction in molar size posteriorly, having a proportionately longer deltopectoral crest and broader distal end of the humerus, and having a proportionately longer olecranon of the ulna; differs from known members of Phascolarctidae in lacking strongly selenodont molars, having a less well-developed masseteric process, a proportionately longer deltopectoral crest and broader distal end of the humerus, and a proportionately longer olecranon of the ulna; differs from known members of Ilariidae in lacking posterobuccal and lingual cusps on P3, in lacking strongly selenodont molars, and in lacking a well-developed masseteric process; differs from known members of Diprotodontidae and Palorchestidae in lacking a molariform P3, molars not strongly bilophodont, in lacking a well-developed masseteric process, and in retaining palatal vacuities. Mukupirna nambensis cannot be compared directly with Marada arcanum (the only known representative of the vombatiform family Maradidae), because Mu. nambensis is only known from the cranium and upper dentition whereas Ma. arcanum is known only from the lower dentition, and it is possible that they represent the same taxon or are closely related (see the supplementary information).

Holotype: AMNH FM 102646 (previously, QMAM 16824), a badly crushed cranium (preserved length = 197 mm; dorsal surface not preserved) with left and right P3-M4, and associated partial postcranial skeleton comprising vertebrae, ribs, left and right scapulae, left humerus, left ulna, left radius, left and right femora, left tibia, left fibula, and parts of the autopodia. The adult dentition is fully erupted, except possibly for M4, which does not appear to be in line with the occlusal surfaces of M1-3 (although this may be the result of post-mortem displacement); the molars are only lightly worn. In the postcranium, most fracturing has occurred at the epiphyseal plates. Collectively this suggests that this individual was probably a late subadult or young adult.

Etymology: The generic name is from the words muku (“bones”) and pirna (“big”) in the Dieri (Diyari) language traditionally spoken in the area around Lake Eyre and refers to the large size of the animal. The species name nambensis is after the Namba Formation in which the only known specimen was found.

Type Locality and Age: Lake Pinpa Site C, Namba Formation, Lake Frome area, South Australia. The Namba Formation has been correlated with the Etadunna Formation, which has been estimated to be 26-24 Ma old (i.e. latest Oligocene) on the basis of isotopic, foraminiferal, magnetostratigraphic and radiometric (Rb-Sr dating of illite) data. More recently, the Etadunna Formation has been proposed to be 26.1-23.6 Ma old based on a best-fit age-model of magnetostratigraphic data. The Pinpa Local Fauna is the oldest of the three distinct faunal units recovered from stratigraphic levels in the Namba Formation, and has been correlated with the oldest faunal zone (Zone A) of the Etadunna Formation, which has been dated as 25.3-24.9 Ma old (chrons 7An and 7Ar) based on magnetostratigraphy25. In summary, available evidence suggests a probable age of between approximately 26 and 25 MYA for the Pinpa Local Fauna.




Robin M. D. Beck, Julien Louys, Philippa Brewer, Michael Archer, Karen H. Black and Richard H. Tedford. 2020. A New Family of Diprotodontian Marsupials from the latest Oligocene of Australia and the Evolution of Wombats, Koalas, and their Relatives (Vombatiformes). Scientific Reports. 10, 9741. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66425-8

       

[Entomology • 2020] Ustyurtia zygophyllivora & U. charynica • Ustyurtiidae, A New Family of Urodoidea (Lepidoptera) with Description of A New Genus and Two Species from Kazakhstan, and Discussion on Possible Affinity of Urodoidea to Schreckensteinioidea

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Ustyurtia zygophyllivora Kaila, Heikkilä & Nupponen

in Kaila, Nupponen, ... et Heikkilä, 2020.

Abstract
Ustyurtiidae Kaila, Heikkilä & Nupponen, a new family of Urodoidea is introduced. The family is based on the genus Ustyurtia Kaila, Heikkilä & Nupponen, gen. n. The genus includes the type species U. zygophyllivora Kaila, Heikkilä & Nupponen, sp. n. and U. charynica Kaila, Heikkilä & Nupponen, sp. n., both from Kazakhstan. These two species, in particular the immature stages, have morphological attributes apomorphic of Urodoidea. The close affinity is also supported by DNA data based on several markers. We consider this new family warranted due to its sister group position to the remaining Urodoidea and a number of significant morphological differences in wing venation, male genitalia and the structure of the cocoon, apomorphic for Ustyurtiidae on the basis of an earlier published phylogeny. All other recognized genera of Urodoidea belong to the family Urodidae. The closest relatives and phylogenetic position of Urodoidea are not firmly established, but Urodoidea and Schreckensteinioidea have morphological similarities which, in the light of genetic analyses appear synapomorphic and possibly uniting these groups, rather than homoplasious as assumed earlier. The affinities of these superfamilies are discussed.

Keywords: Ditrysia; phylogenetics; morphology; Zygophyllum; Ustyurtia

Ustyurtia zygophyllivora, a moth species new to science that did not belong to any known Lepidoptera family.

Fig. 6. Adults of Ustyurtia zygophyllivora sp. n. in their natural posture, a. male; b. female.

The caterpillars of Ustyurtia zygophyllivora have distinct warning coloration, an indication of their toxicity.

Ustyurtia zygophyllivora sp. n., a. larva in lateral view, displaying the elongate prolegs; b. larva in dorsal aspect. Explanations of abbreviations: D1–2 = dorsal setae 1 and 2, SD = subdorsal setal group, L1–3 = lateral setae, D2 = dorsal seta 2, A8 = segment 8 of abdomen, L1–2 = lateral setae 1 and 2, V = ventral setal group; c. cocoon and pupal exuvia.

Ustyurtiidae Kaila, Heikkilä & Nupponen fam. n.

 Ustyurtia Kaila, Heikkilä & Nupponen, gen. n.

Type species: Ustyurtia zygophyllivora Kaila, Heikkilä & Nupponen, sp. n.

Diagnosis. Ustyurtia is distinguished from all other urodid genera by the stalked Rs3 and Rs4 and the absence of an accessory cell in the forewing. Male genitalia are distinctive from all other urodid genera by the immobile, basally fused valvae, the long, curved, strongly sclerotized uncus, and the vinculum that is prolonged to form a long and slender saccus. The structure of the cocoon is similarly meshed as in other Urodidae. Yet unlike in others, it is densely filled with silk that forms a stiff layer, and has longitudinal ribs that cephalically separate the cocoon into several lobes during adult eclosion. In addition, the male is distinguished from Urodus Herrich-Schäffer, 1854, Wockia Heinemann, 1870 and Incawockia Heppner, 2010 by the absence of a costal hair-pencil in the hind wing. Spiladarcha Meyrick, 1913 and Anomalomeuta Sohn, 2013 have small black dots of raised scales along the upper side of the forewing veins, which are absent from Ustyurtia. From Geoesthia Sohn, 2014, Anomalomeuta, Incawockia, Spiladarcha, and Wockia it also differs by the absence of a patch of raised scales on the forewing median line. From Anchimacheta Walsingham, 1914 and Glaucotunica Sohn, 2014 Ustyurtia differs by the male genitalia, the absence of a bilobed uncus in the latter being one of the most conspicuous differences.

Etymology. The generic name alludes to the geographical origin of the type species, the Ustyurt plateau in southwestern Kazakhstan.


Fig 7: a–d. Ustyurtia zygophyllivora sp. n., a. male holotype; b. male paratype; c. female paratype; d. ovipositor;
e–f. Ustyurtia charynica, sp. n. male. e. holotype, f. paratype.

Ustyurtia zygophyllivora Kaila, Heikkilä & Nupponen sp. n.

Diagnosis. The adult of U. zygophyllivora is very unlike other members of Urodoidea, in being rather narrow-winged and stout-bodied, and the female with a relatively large abdomen and a conspicuous ovipositor. Rather, its appearance resembles that of species of Brachodidae. The forewing is grey, with a pattern of a brownish grey outwardly angled fascia at the basal ⅓ of the wing, and a fused pair of small spots of the same colour at distal ¾ of wing. The male differs from other urodoids in having strongly capsulated genitalia with the valvae immobile and without strong setae or spines. The female genitalia lack a large dilation at base of the ductus seminalis, typical of most representatives of other urodoid genera. Separation of U. zygophyllivora and U. charynica is explained in the diagnosis of U. charynica. The larva possesses the family synapomorphies of Urodidae listed above, and elaborated below. In outer appearance it is colourful with black ground colour and large, black pinacula that are surrounded with circles, and laterally with a broad, orange longitudinal line. The cocoon is shaped as an upturned boat, mesh-structured, densely filled with silk that forms a stiff layer, and with longitudinal ribs that cephalically separate the cocoon into lobes during adult eclosion.

Distribution. SW Kazakhstan. The species is known only from three sites in a restricted area along shores of a large salt lake located in southern Ustyurt plateau.

Biology. The species inhabits gypsum deserts by shores of a salt lake (Fig. 12). Caterpillars appear in early spring, beginning of April in average year, and pupate no later than early May. The larva feeds on Zygophyllum spp. (Zygophyllaceae), preferring flowers at least in early instars. Zygophyllum turcomanicum Fischer ex Kar. and Z. pinnatum Cham. were verified as hosts in the field. Larvae are most active during the hottest time of the day in the early afternoon; they stay exposed all the time. Pupation takes place in a cream-coloured cocoon attached to a stem or branch of the host. Adult males fly at daylight, from early afternoon to late evening. The moth flies rapidly rather short distances (appr. 10 m) close to the soil surface. Its behavior resembles that of a pyralid moth Ratasa alienalis (Eversmann, 1844). Wings of the female are full-sized, but due to the large abdomen the female is probably capable of flying only very short distances, if at all.
Etymology. The species name refers to its larval host plant, Zygophyllum spp.


Ustyurtia charynica Kaila, Heikkilä & Nupponen sp. n.

Diagnosis. Only the male of Ustyurtia charynica is known. It is distinguished from the male of U. zygophyllivora by the wing pattern, male genitalia and DNA barcodes. The forewings of U. charynica are almost unicolourous dark grey with paler grey peppering with a pair of dark grey spots at ¾ wing length barely visible; these markings as well as a dark, outwards angled fascia at ⅓ wing length, are distinctive in the considerably paler U. zygophyllivora. The base of the uncus is narrower in U. charynica than in U. zygophyllivora. The uncus is also somewhat dorsally directed in U. zygophyllivora, unlike in U. charynica. In dorsal aspect the tegumen is narrower in U. charynica than in U. zygophyllivora. The apex of the ventral margin of the valva is blunter and less tapered in U. charynica than in U. zygophyllivora.

Distribution. SE Kazakhstan, Charyn.

Biology. The specimens were swept in the forenoon at a rocky steppe slope with sparse vegetation. Zygophyllum sp. was present at the collecting site.

Etymology. The species name refers to its geographical origin, the Charyn canyon in southeastern Kazakhstan.

Fig. 12. Host-plant and habitat of Ustyurtia zygophyllivora sp. n.,
a. Zygophyllum pinnatum. b. and c. Gypsum desert of Onere along the southern shore of the salt lake, Ustyurt Nature Reserve, SW Kazakhstan.

The habitat of the Ustyurtia zygophyllivora species is the extremely arid and rugged gypsum desert in Kazakhstan.

Conclusions: 
The newly described family Ustyurtiidae shares most traits specific to Urodidae (Urodoidea), yet differs in some significant ways from other constituent genera. This, along with its position based on molecular analyses, supports its status as a distinct family of Urodoidea and the sister group relationship between Ustyurtiidae and Urodidae. The only molecular analyses that include both Schreckensteinioidea and Urodoidea give a signal, yet weak, that these superfamilies might be closely related. This view is supported by a number of shared immature characters. However, we deem the current evidence not sufficient to unite these superfamilies, pending on better coverage of immature stages of more urodoid genera or stronger molecular support.


Lauri Kaila, Kari Nupponen, Pavel Yu. Gorbunov, Marko Mutanen and Maria Heikkilä. 2020. Ustyurtiidae, A New Family of Urodoidea with Description of A New Genus and Two Species from Kazakhstan, and Discussion on Possible Affinity of Urodoidea to Schreckensteinioidea (Lepidoptera).  Insect Systematics & Evolution. 51(3); 444–471. DOI:  10.1163/1876312X-00002209
Finnish researchers discover a new moth family bit.ly/2PXeksy via @helsinkiuni @EurekAlert

[Herpetology • 2020] Dryophytes flaviventris • Yellow Sea mediated segregation between North East Asian Dryophytes Species

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Dryophytes flaviventris Borzée & Min

in Borzée, Messenger, Chae, ... et Min, 2020.
Yellow-bellied Treefrog  | 노랑배청개구리 | 黄腹雨蛙  ||  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234299 

Abstract
While comparatively few amphibian species have been described on the North East Asian mainland in the last decades, several species have been the subject of taxonomical debates in relation to the Yellow sea. Here, we sampled Dryophytes sp. treefrogs from the Republic of Korea, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China to clarify the status of this clade around the Yellow sea and determine the impact of sea level change on treefrogs’ phylogenetic relationships. Based on genetics, call properties, adult morphology, tadpole morphology and niche modelling, we determined the segregated status species of D. suweonensis and D. immaculatus. We then proceeded to describe a new treefrog species, D. flaviventris sp. nov., from the central lowlands of the Republic of Korea. The new species is geographically segregated from D. suweonensis by the Chilgap mountain range and known to occur only in the area of Buyeo, Nonsan and Iksan in the Republic of Korea. While the Yellow sea is the principal element to the current isolation of the three clades, the paleorivers of the Yellow sea basin are likely to have been the major factor for the divergences within this clade. We recommend conducting rapid conservation assessments as these species are present on very narrow and declining ranges.


Fig 1. Summary map including ranges, call properties and a phylogenetic tree including the three focal clades of this study: Dryophytes suweonensis and Dryophytes flaviventris sp. nov. and D. immaculatus.
Ranges are drawn based on [Fei, et al., 2012; Borzée et al., 2017; Xie, 2017] and the base layer was created in ArcMap 10.6 (desktop.arcgis.com; ESRI, Redlands, USA). Sampling localities are also included. The waveforms are not bound to axes but are shown to highlight the difference in the number of pulses in the three species. The dark-blue line is the sea shore 21,000 years BP (redrawn from [Li, et al., 2014]) and the dotted lines are paleorivers [Yoo, et al., 2016].

Fig 3. Genetic structures of the Dryophytes immaculatus group. Phylogenetic tree based on ddRAD-seq polymorphic loci, highlighting the divergence of D. immaculatus from the other clades 1.02 mya, and the split between D. suweonensis and D. flaviventris c. 0.97 mya. The estimated divergence time (in mya) is illustrated, together with a 95% confidence interval bar and the posterior probabilities (BEAST2) for each clade.


Fig 10. Dryophytes flaviventris sp. nov.,
holotype (A, B, C), different individuals in life (D) and in amplexus (E).
The pictures of live individuals highlight the yellow coloration based on which the name was selected. The scale bar is for the holotype only.

Dryophytes flaviventris sp. nov. Borzée and Min, 2019

Etymology: 
We name this new species Dryophytes flaviventris sp. nov. The specific name “flaviventris” is a masculine noun used in apposition and based on the Latin words “flavus” (yellow) and “ventris”, the genitive singular of venter (belly). The species name refers to the strong yellow marking on males, and the yellow hues on females (Fig 10). We suggest the English vernacular name “Yellow-bellied Treefrog”, the Korean common name 노랑배청개구리and the Chinese common name 黄腹雨蛙.

We recommend D. flaviventris, D. suweonensis and D. immaculatus to be collectively referred as the “Dryophytes immaculatus group” based on the seniority of the species description [Boettger, 1888], in opposition to the D. japonicus group [Hua et al., 2009; Duellman et al., 2016]. To clarify the distinction with the other clades, we recommend the use of “Chinese immaculate treefrog” for D. immaculatus (无斑雨蛙 in Chinese and민무늬청개구리 in Korean) as a way to distinguish with populations of D. japonicus occurring in the country [Fei et al., 2012], and for which taxonomy is yet unresolved [Dufresnes, et al., 2016]. The taxonomy of D. suweonensis is now likely to be stable, 수원청개구리 in Korean and 水原雨蛙 in Chinese.


Amaël Borzée, Kevin R. Messenger, Shinhyeok Chae, Desiree Andersen, Jordy Groffen,Ye Inn Kim, Junghwa An, Siti N. Othman, Kyongsin Ri, Tu Yong Nam, Yoonhyuk Bae, Jin-Long Ren, Jia-Tang Li, Ming-Feng Chuang, Yoonjung Yi, Yucheol Shin, Taejoon Kwon, Yikweon Jang and Mi-Sook Min. 2020. Yellow Sea mediated segregation between North East Asian Dryophytes Species. PLoS ONE. 15(6): e0234299. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234299



[Herpetology • 2020] Sphenomorphus phuquocensis • A New Species of Sphenomorphus (Squamata: Scincidae) from Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam with A Discussion of Biogeography and Character State Evolution in the S. stellatus group

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Sphenomorphus phuquocensis
Grismer, Nazarov, Bobrov & Poyarkov, 2020

Phu Quoc Island Forest Skink  | Thằn lằn Phê-nô Phú Quốc ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4801.3.3 

Abstract
An integrative taxonomic analysis of the Sphenomorphus stellatus group recovered a newly discovered museum specimen from Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam as a new species most closely related to S. preylangensis from Phnom Chi in central Cambodia, approximately 175 km to the northeast. Most notably, Sphenomorphus phuquocensis sp. nov. lacks the derived condition of having black dorsal stripes that diagnose S. annamiticus—the sister species to S. preylangensis plus S. phuquocensis sp. nov. A BioGeoBEARS analysis recovered the ancestor of the S. stellatus group to likely have ranged across forested regions on an exposed Sunda Shelf from southwestern Indochina to Peninsular Malaysia prior to diverging into northern and southern lineages separated by the Gulf of Thailand. Episodic fluctuations in sea levels and concomitant changes in the physiography of the Mekong Delta contributed to the fragmented distribution within and between species of the northern lineage. Sphenomorphus phuquocensis sp. nov. represents the second species of reptile endemic to Phu Quoc Island.

Keywords: Reptilia, Phylogenetic systematics, Indochina, Cambodia, Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve

FIGURE 1. Known distribution and localities for Sphenomorphus annamiticus, S. praesignis,S. phuquocensis sp. nov., S. preylangensis, and S. stellatus. Stars represent type localities.
Peninsular Malaysia: 1 = Bukit Larut, Perak; 2 = Cameron Highlands, Pahang; 3 = Fraser’s Hill, Pahang; 4 = Genting Highlands, Pahang; 5 = Gunung Tahan, Pahang; 6 = Gunung Lawit, Terengganu; 7 = Gunung Tebu, Terengganu. Thailand: 8 = Khao Wang Hip, Nakon Si Thammarat Province; 9 = Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chantaburi Province; 24 = Phu Wiang, Khon Kean Province. Cambodia: 10 = Chum Noab, Koh Kong Province; 11 = Bokor National Park, Kampot Province; 21 = Phnom Chi, Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kampong Thom Province. Vietnam: 12 = Ma Da, Dong Nai Province; 13 = Cat Tien, Dong Nai Province; Dalat, Annam, Lam Dong Province; 15 = Thac Nham, Kon Tum Province; 16 = Buon Luoi Village, Gia Lai Province; 17 = Tram Lap Village, Gia Lai Province; 18–20 = Mang Canh Village and vicinity, Kon Tum Province; 22 = Phuc-Son, Annam (now Phuoc Son District, Quang Nam Province); 23 = K Bang, Gia Lai Province; 25 = Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province.

FIGURE 2. Head scale nomenclature and their positional relationship and size illustrated by the adult female Sphenomorphus phuquocensis sp. nov. ZMMU R-11518 (SVL = 60.8 mm) from the type locality of Phu Quoc National Park, Vietnam. A) dorsal view and B) right lateral view.
Terminology is adapted from Taylor (1935). AL = anterior loreal, Cs = chinshield; F = frontal, Fn = frontonasal, Fp = frontoparietal, IL = infralabial, Ip = interparietal, M = mental, N = nasal, Nu = nuchal, P = parietal, Pf = prefrontal, PL = posterior loreal, Pm = postmental, Pr = preocular, Prs = presubocular, PT = primary temporal, Psl = postsupralabial, R = rostral, Sl = supralabial, So = supraocular, ST = secondary temporal, TT = tertiary temporal, UPT = upper pretemporal, LPT = lower pretemporal, * = superciliary and # = postsubocular. Illustration by NAP.

FIGURE 5. Holotype of Sphenomorphus phuquocensis sp. nov. (ZMMU R-11518) from Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam.

Sphenomorphus phuquocensis sp. nov. 

Distribution.Sphenomorphs phuquocensis sp. nov. is presently known only from a single specimen collected in montane forest of Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam (Fig. 1).


 Etymology. The specific epithet “phuquocensis” is a Latinized toponymic adjective given in reference to the type locality of the new species – Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. Suggested Common Names: Phu Quoc Island Forest Skink (English); Thằn lằn Phê-nô Phú Quốc (Vietnamese).

FIGURE 3. Maximum clade credibility BEAST tree depicting the relationships of species of the Sphenomorphus stellatus group.

FIGURE 6. A. Sphenomorphus stellatus (LSUHC 13483) from Bukit Larut, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia (photograph by L. L. Grismer).
B. S. preylangensis from Phnom Chi, Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia (photograph by Neang Thy).
C. S. annamiticus (LSUDPC 4854) from Mang Canh Village,Kon Plong districts, Kon Tum Province, Vietnam, Vietnam (photograph by RAN).
D. S. praesignus (LSUDPC 8002) from Gunung Tebu, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia (photograph by L. L. Grismer).


L. Lee Grismer, Roman A. Nazarov, Vladimir V. Bobrov and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2020.  A New Species of Sphenomorphus (Squamata: Scincidae) from Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam with A Discussion of Biogeography and Character State Evolution in the S. stellatus group. Zootaxa. 4801(3); 461–487.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4801.3.3

[Herpetology • 2020] An Enigma No More: An Integrated Taxonomic Revision of Aenigmetopia Malloch (Diptera: Sarcophagidae: Miltogramminae) reveals Novel Phylogenetic Placement and Four New Species

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Aenigmetopia sp.
Johnston, Wallman, Szpila & Pape, 2020.


Abstract
Aenigmetopia Malloch is the only endemic genus of miltogrammine flesh flies (Diptera : Sarcophagidae) in Australia and, until now it has been known from a single species, A. fergusoni Malloch. This study constitutes the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of Aenigmetopia. Four new species, Aenigmetopia amissa, sp. nov., A. corona, sp. nov., A. kryptos, sp. nov. and A. pagoni, sp. nov., are described through the integration of molecular and morphological data and characters for genus- and species-level diagnoses are given. Aenigmetopia is included in a molecular phylogenetic analysis for the first time and the genus emerges as the sister taxon to Metopia Meigen, in agreement with morphological evidence.

Keywords: DNA barcoding, flesh flies, phylogenetics.


Nikolas P. Johnston, James F. Wallman, Krzysztof Szpila and Thomas Pape. 2020. An Enigma No More: An Integrated Taxonomic Revision of Aenigmetopia Malloch reveals Novel Phylogenetic Placement and Four New Species (Diptera : Sarcophagidae : Miltogramminae). Invertebrate Systematics. 34(5); 519-534. DOI: 10.1071/IS19051  

[Crustacea • 2020] New Records of Decapod Crustaceans (Malacostraca: Decapoda) from Kuwait

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Polyonyx obesulus Miers, 1884

in Al-Kandari, Anker, Hussain, et al., 2020. 

Abstract
Seventeen species of shrimp-like decapod crustaceans (infraorders Caridea, Axiidea and Gebiidea) and two species of porcelain crabs (infraorder Anomura) are recorded for the first time from Kuwait, some of them also representing new records for the Arabian Gulf. The new records from Kuwait are: (1) Alpheus edamensis De Man, 1888; (2) Alpheus edwardsii (Audouin, 1826); (3) Alpheus macrodactylus Ortmann, 1890; (4) Alpheus maindroni Coutière, 1898; (5) Arete indicus Coutière, 1903; (6) Athanas parvus De Man, 1910; (7) Synalpheus gracilirostris De Man, 1910 [all Alpheidae]; (8) Latreutes mucronatus (Stimpson, 1860) [Hippolytidae]; (9) Thor paschalis (Heller, 1862) [Thoridae] (10) Periclimenella pettithouarsii (Audouin, 1826); (11) Anchistus custos (Forskål, 1775); (12) Urocaridella pulchella Yokes & Galil, 2006 [all Palaemonidae]; (13) Chlorocurtis jactans (Nobili, 1904) [Chlorotocellidae]; (14) Upogebia carinicauda (Stimpson, 1860); (15) Upogebia octoceras Nobili, 1904 [Upogebiidae]; (16) Balsscallichirus masoomi (Tirmizi, 1970), (17) Michaelcallianassa indica Sakai, 2002 [Callianassidae]; (18) Raphidopus persicus Ng, Safaie & Naser, 2012 and Polyonyx obesulus Miers, 1884 [Porcellanidae]. Most of these taxa have been previously recorded from other parts of the Arabian Gulf, mainly from the coasts of Iran and the United Arab Emirates, except for A. maindroni and U. pulchella, which are recorded from the Arabian Gulf for the first time. Most species are shown in colour photographs, some for the first time. In addition, the presence of Synalpheus quinquedens Tattersall, 1921 (Alpheidae), previously known from Kuwait based only on a questionable record in a popular field guide, is confirmed based on a single collected and preserved specimen.

Keywords: Crustacea, Caridea, Gebiidea, Axiidea, Porcellanidae, shrimp, ghost shrimp, mud shrimp, porcelain crab, new records, Kuwait, Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean


Polyonyx obesulus Miers, 1884 (MNHN-IU-2019-3186):
male from Failaka Island, Kuwait, with partly opened host sponge.

Photograph by A. Anker. 


Manal Al-Kandari, Arthur Anker, Sumaiah Hussain, Zainab Sattari and Sammy De Grave. 2020. New Records of Decapod Crustaceans from Kuwait (Malacostraca: Decapoda). Zootaxa. 4803(2); 251–280. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4803.2.2

[Herpetology • 2020] Liolaemus qalaywa • An Endemic New Species of Andean Lizard of the Genus Liolaemus(Iguania: Liolaemidae) from southern Peru and Its Phylogenetic Position

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Liolaemus qalaywa
Chaparro, Quiroz, Mamani, Gutiérrez, Condori, Riva, Herrera-Juárez, Cerdeña, Arapa & Abdala, 2020

 Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 14(2)

Abstract
Integrative evidence of several external morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA (12S, cyt-b) are used to place a new species of Andean lizard of the genus Liolaemus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) in the Liolaemus montanus group and as sister group of the clade formed by L. signifer. The new species is characterized by a unique combination of morphometric characteristics, scalation, and color pattern. The L. montanus group now contains seventeen species in southern Peru, distributed along the eastern and western slopes of the Andes. 

Keywords: Andes, Apurimac, Eulaemus, Puna, reptile, systematics, taxonomy



Liolaemus qalaywa sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. We assign L. qalaywa sp. nov. to the L. montanus group because it presents a blade-like process on the tibia, associated with the hypertrophy of the tibial muscle tibialis anterior (Abdala et al. 2019b; Etheridge 1995) and based on molecular phylogeny (Fig. 1). The species of the L.montanus group differ from those of the L. boulengeri group by the complete absence of patches of enlarged scales in the posterior part of the thigh (Abdala 2007). Compared to the species of the L.montanus group, L. qalaywa sp. nov. is a robust lizard differing by its larger size (max SVL = 96.06 mm) from L. andinus, L. audituvelatus, L. balagueri, L. cazianiae, L. chiribaya, L. duellmani, L. eleodori, L. erguetae, L. erroneus, L. etheridgei, L. evaristoi, L. fabiani, L. famatinae, L. fttkaui, L. foxi, L. gracielae
..... 

Etymology. The specifc epithet Qalaywa, refers to the Quechua word for the Liolaemus lizards from the high Peruvian Andes. 


Juan C. Chaparro, Aarón J. Quiroz, Luis Mamani, Roberto C. Gutiérrez, Peter Condori, Ignacio De la Riva, Gabriela Herrera-Juárez, José Cerdeña, Luis P. Arapa and Cristian S. Abdala. 2020. An Endemic New Species of Andean Lizard of the Genus Liolaemus from southern Peru (Iguania: Liolaemidae) and Its Phylogenetic Position. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 14(2); 47–63.  

 Resumen.— Utilizamos evidencia integradora de varios caracteres morfológicos externos y análisis flogenéticos moleculares de ADN mitocondrial (12S, cyt-b) que ubican una nueva especie del género Liolaemus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) en el grupo de Liolaemus montanus y como grupo hermano del clado formado por L. signifer. La nueva especie se caracteriza por una combinación única de patrón morfométrico, escamación y color. El grupo montanus del género Liolaemus en Perú contiene diecisiete especies, distribuidas a lo largo de la vertiente oriental y occidental de los Andes en el sur del país. 
Palabras clave. Andes, Apurímac, Eulaemus, Puna, reptiles, sistemática, taxonomía

[Entomology • 2020] Toleria vietnamica • A New Species of the Genus Toleria Walker, 1865 [“1864”] (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) from Vietnam, with A Catalogue of Asian Cissuvorini

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Toleria vietnamica
Gorbunov & Arita, 2020


Abstract
A new clearwing moth species, Toleria vietnamica sp. nov. from Ba Bể National Park, Bẳc Kan Province, North Vietnam is described and illustrated. An annotated catalogue of Asian members of the tribe Cissuvorini is added to this paper. The catalogue contains the following information: the references to the original descriptions, information on name-bearing types, complete bibliographies of the presented taxa, distribution and available data on host plants. The type series of the new species is deposited in the collection of National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba (formerly Natural Science Museum Tokyo).


Keywords: Lepidoptera, clearwing moths, distribution, host plant, systematic, taxonomy

Female (holotype) of Toleria vietnamica sp. nov.
 upside. Sesiidae picture № 0159–2018. Alar expanse 29.0 mm

Toleria vietnamica sp. nov.

Etymology. This new species is named after Vietnam, the terra typica.


Oleg G. Gorbunov and Yutaka Arita. 2020. A New Species of the Genus Toleria Walker, 1865 [“1864”] from Vietnam, with A Catalogue of Asian Cissuvorini (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae). Zootaxa. 4802(2); 349–360. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4802.2.8

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