Species New to Science

Highlights

• Support Deinonychosauria as sister taxon to birds and Anchiornithinae as early birds

• Powered flight potential evolved ≥3 times: once in birds and twice in dromaeosaurids

• Many ancestors of bird relatives neared thresholds of powered flight potential

• Broad experimentation with wing-assisted locomotion before theropod flight evolved

Summary

Uncertainties in the phylogeny of birds (Avialae) and their closest relatives have impeded deeper understanding of early theropod flight. To help address this, we produced an updated evolutionary hypothesis through an automated analysis of the Theropod Working Group (TWiG) coelurosaurian phylogenetic data matrix. Our larger, more resolved, and better-evaluated TWiG-based hypothesis supports the grouping of dromaeosaurids + troodontids (Deinonychosauria) as the sister taxon to birds (Paraves) and the recovery of Anchiornithinae as the earliest diverging birds. Although the phylogeny will continue developing, our current results provide a pertinent opportunity to evaluate what we know about early theropod flight. With our results and available data for vaned feathered pennaraptorans, we estimate the potential for powered flight among early birds and their closest relatives. We did this by using an ancestral state reconstruction analysis calculating maximum and minimum estimates of two proxies of powered flight potential—wing loading and specific lift. These results confirm powered flight potential in early birds but its rarity among the ancestors of the closest avialan relatives (select unenlagiine and microraptorine dromaeosaurids). For the first time, we find a broad range of these ancestors neared the wing loading and specific lift thresholds indicative of powered flight potential. This suggests there was greater experimentation with wing-assisted locomotion before theropod flight evolved than previously appreciated. This study adds invaluable support for multiple origins of powered flight potential in theropods (≥3 times), which we now know was from ancestors already nearing associated thresholds, and provides a framework for its further study.

Keywords: flight origins, powered flight, early birds, paravians, feathered dinosaurs, wing loading, specific lift, coelurosaurs, theropods, phylogeny

Rui Pei, Michael Pittman, Pablo A. Goloboff, T. Alexander Dececchi, Michael B. Habib, Thomas G. Kaye, Hans C.E. Larsson, Mark A. Norell, Stephen L. Brusatte and Xing Xu. 2020. Potential for Powered Flight Neared by Most Close Avialan Relatives, but Few Crossed Its Thresholds. Current Biology. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.06.105

twitter.com/PalaeoPittman/status/1291535509596979200

Arachnopathes ericoides (Pallas, 1766)
Cirrhipathes anguina (Dana, 1846)
Antipathes lentipinna Brook, 1889

in Terrana, Bo, Opresko & Eeckhaut, 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4826.1.1

Abstract

Antipatharians, also known as black corals, represent a small group of anthozoan hexacorallians found in all oceans of the world. They are generally considered a deep-water taxon; however, some of the most diverse communities are known from tropical shallow waters. With a few poorly detailed exceptions, shallow-water black corals from the Indian Ocean and especially those from Madagascar are mostly unknown. In this study, we report for the first time a highly diverse black coral assemblage of the Western Indian Ocean thriving in shallow waters and upper mesophotic depths (10–52 m depth) along the SW coast of Madagascar. A total of 22 species belonging to six genera (Antipathes, Arachnopathes, Cirrhipathes, Cupressopathes, Myriopathes and Stichopathes) and two families (Antipathidae and Myriopathidae) are described, of which 20 are found in the northern pass of the Great Reef of Toliara, thus representing the most diverse site of the areas investigated. Most of the shallow-water species from the Indian Ocean were originally described more than a century ago, sometimes without being reported again until now. All the descriptions herein rely solely on morphology and include detailed in situ pictures and scanning electron microscope images, in addition to range expansions for many species.

Keywords: Animalia, Antipathidae, Myriopathidae, Indian Ocean, taxonomy, Toliara

Antipathes lentipinna Brook, 1889 specimen INV.131337. (a) Entire colony in situ. (b) Detailed view of the branching pattern in situ. (c) Detailed view of the contracted and expanded polyps in situ.
Antipathes cf. pseudodichotoma Silberfeld, 1909 specimen INV.131364. (a, b) Entire colony measuring about 25 cm in height.
Antipathes cf. virgata sensu Esper, 1788 specimen INV.131349. (a) Entire colony. (b–c) Close-up views of the branching pattern and the polyps.

Family Antipathidae Ehrenberg, 1834

Genus Antipathes Pallas, 1766

Antipathes flabellum Pallas, 1766
Antipathes hypnoides (Brook, 1889)
Antipathes cf. pseudodichotoma Silberfeld, 1909
Antipathes cf. virgata Esper, 1788

Genus Arachnopathes Milne Edwards, 1857

Arachnopathes ericoides (Pallas, 1766)

Genus Cirrhipathes de Blainville, 1834

Cirrhipathes anguina (Dana, 1846)
Cirrhipathes densiflora Silberfeld, 1909
Cirrhipathes cf. indica Summers, 1910
Cirrhipathes rumphii van Pesch, 1910
Cirrhipathes cf. spiralis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Genus Stichopathes Brook, 1889

Stichopathes cf. diversa (Brook, 1889)
Stichopathes cf. maldivensis Forster Cooper, 1903

Arachnopathes ericoides (Pallas, 1766) specimen INV.131342. (a) In situ colony in lateral view. (b) The same colony seen from above. (c) Close-up view of the branchlets on a distal branch.
Cirrhipathes anguina (Dana, 1846) (a–h) In situ pictures showing the wide range of phenotypes that the species can present (a—INV.131378; b—INV.131369; c—INV.131373; d—INV.131379; e—INV.131360; f—INV.131359; g— INV.131362; h—INV.131363). All these phenotypes have the same spine morphology.
Myriopathes cf. stechowi (Pax, 1932) INV.131335. (a) Entire colony in situ. (b) Close-up view of the branching pattern in situ. (c) Detailed view of the pinnulation.

Family Myriopathidae Opresko, 2001

Genus Myriopathes Opresko, 2001

Myriopathes cf. myriophylla (Pallas, 1766)
Myriopathes cf. stechowi (Pax, 1932)
Myriopathes cf. ulex (Ellis & Solander, 1786)

Genus Cupressopathes Opresko, 2001

Cupressopathes abies (Linnaeus, 1758)
Cupressopathes cf. pumila (Brook, 1889)

Lucas Terrana, Marzia Bo, Dennis M. Opresko and Igor Eeckhaut. 2020. Shallow-water Black Corals (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Hexacorallia: Antipatharia) from SW Madagascar. Zootaxa. 4826(1); 1-62. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4826.1.1

Beckhoplia elkeae Dombrow,

in Dombrow & Colville, 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4823.1.1

Abstract
Fifteen years after establishing the genus Beckhoplia Dombrow, 2005 a large amount of new material collected has warranted a critical review of the established species and a revision of the genus. From this process, we describe fifteen new species from the Northern Cape Province and Western Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa: Beckhoplia bicolor Dombrow, new species, B. caliginosa Dombrow, new species, B. castanea Dombrow, new species, B. dolichiocnemis Dombrow, new species, B. elkeae Dombrow, new species, B. fusca Dombrow, new species, B. gifbergensis Dombrow, new species, B. nigra Dombrow, new species, B. nigrofasciata Dombrow, new species, B. nigrosetosa Dombrow, new species, B. pallidibrunnea Dombrow, new species, B. pulchra Dombrow, new species, B. pumilla Dombrow, new species, B. setosa Dombrow, new species and B. suturalis Dombrow, new species. Two cryptic species complexes within the species B. colvillei Dombrow, 2005 and B. occidentalis Dombrow, 2005 were detected. A revised key of the genus and observations about its biogeography are given. Important details of the morphological characters of the body and the parameres of the species are illustrated and their distributions are mapped. We also provide habitat and host plant information.

Keywords: Coleoptera, Greater Cape Floristic Region, monkey beetles, Northern Cape Province, taxonomy, Western Cape Province

Holger E. Dombrow and Jonathan F. Colville. 2020. Review of the Genus Beckhoplia Dombrow, 2005 with the Description of Fifteen New Species from South Africa and Observations on Its Biogeography (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Hopliini). Zootaxa. 4823(1); 1-64. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4823.1.1

Microlicia windischii Versiane, D.Nunes & R. Romero

in Versiane, Nunes da Silva & Romero, 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.455.1.2

twitter.com/AnaFVersiane

Abstract
Microlicia windischii is a new species described from Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, and Serra Ricardo Franco State Park, Mato Grosso, Brazil. We provide a detailed description of the new species and comparisons with its morphological relatives M. acuminata, M. arenariifolia, M. consimilis, M. juniperina, and M. multicaulis. Microlicia windischii is characterized by the linear-oblong leaf blades and subisomorphic stamens with concolorous and polysporangiate anthers. We also include an identification key for the four species of Microlicia from Mato Grosso and propose to synonymize M. souzae-limae under M. helvola.

Keywords: Bolivian Cerrado, endemism, Huanchaca, Microlicieae, Neotropics, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Serra Ricardo Franco, Eudicots

Microlicia windischii

Ana Flávia Alves Versiane, Diego Nunes da Silva and Rosana Romero. 2020. A New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) from Bolivia and Brazil, A New Synonym, and An Identification Key for the Genus in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 455(1); 9–20. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.455.1.2

twitter.com/AnaFVersiane/status/1292237252224061440

Cyrtodactylus houaphanensis Schneider, Luu, Sitthivong, Teynié, Le, Nguyen & Ziegler,

and 22 Cyrtodactylus taxa occurring in Laos.

in Schneider, Luu, Sitthivong, et al., 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4822.4.3

facebook.com/AlexandreTeynie

facebook.com/SitthivongSaly

Abstract

Two new Cyrtodactylus species are described from Houaphan and Luang Prabang provinces in Laos based on morphological and molecular data. Cyrtodactylus houaphanensis sp. nov. differs from all other Cyrtodactylus in the C. wayakonei species group by at least 3.3 % genetic divergence in the COI gene and can be diagnosed in morphology as follows: SVL 75.8 mm; supralabials 9 or 10; infralabials 8 or 9; ventral scales 35; dorsal tubercles in 20 rows at midbody; precloacal pores 6 in the male; femoral pores absent; subcaudals enlarged; five irregular, brown bands between limb insertions. The new species morphologically resembles C. chauquangensis and revealed to be a sister taxon to C. puhuensis according to our genetic analyses, from which it mainly differs in the absence of enlarged femoral scales. Cyrtodactylus ngoiensis sp. nov. differs from other closely related congeners by at least 11.6 % genetic divergence in the COI gene and can be diagnosed in morphology as follows: maximum SVL 95.3 mm; supralabials 6–9; infralabials 8–11; ventral scales 38–43; dorsal tubercles in 15–21 rows at midbody; enlarged femoral scales present; precloacal pores 7 in the male, 7 pitted scales in females; femoral pores 14 in the male, absent in females; five bright yellowish transverse dorsal bands; subcaudals enlarged. The new species is shown to be a member of the C. wayakonei species group, but morphologically resembles C. dumnuii from Thailand. According to our phylogenetic analyses, it is a basal taxon to a clade comprising C. spelaeus, C. chauquangensis, C. vilaphongi, C. cucphuongensis, C. puhuensis, C. houaphanensis, C. otai and C. bobrovi. Based on a new record of C. bansocensis from central Laos, which represents the first recorded female we provide a redescription of C. bansocensis including expanded diagnosis. In addition, an updated identification key for the Cyrtodactylus known from Laos is provided.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus houaphanensis sp. nov., Cyrtodactylus ngoiensis sp. nov., C. bansocensis, molecular phylogeny, new record, taxonomy, Houaphan Province, Khammouane Province, Luang Prabang Province

Nicole Schneider, Vinh Quang Luu, Saly Sitthivong, Alexandre Teynié, Minh Duc Le, Truong Quang Nguyen and Thomas Ziegler. 2020. Two New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from northern Laos, including New Finding and Expanded Diagnosis of C. bansocensis. Zootaxa. 4822(4); 503–530. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4822.4.3

facebook.com/AlexandreTeynie/posts/3322671041132919

facebook.com/LaosBiodiverysity/posts/4668032109877251

facebook.com/SitthivongSaly/posts/3060329840729168

Hemiandrus spp.

in Trewick, Taylor-Smith & Morgan-Richards, 2020.

DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2020.1790396

twitter.com/Phoenix_Massey

ABSTRACT
Wētā (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae) are a well-recognised component of New Zealand nocturnal ecology, but much of the diversity remains undescribed and only partly characterised. Species of Hemiandrus conceal themselves during the day in soil burrows and most are infrequently encountered, however, one taxon is notorious in some South Island vineyards. We demonstrate that this wētā at unusually high density in some vineyards in the Awatere valley is also found in North Island forests (Hemiandrus bilobatus). Here we use morphological and genetic data to identify the wine wētā and examine its ecology in vineyards. We also describe four new species which belong to the same ground wētā clade as the wine wētā. We provide mtDNA analysis and diagnostic morphological characters to distinguish six Hemiandrus species that are characterised by adult females having an extremely short ovipositor and maternal care.

KEYWORDS: Anostostomatidae, diet, ground wētā, Hemiandrus, systematics, vineyard, wine wētā

Phylogeny of the short-ovipositor clade of Hemiandrus ground wētā based on mitochondrial COI (757bp) DNA sequences, representing two described and four new species. ...

Hemiandrus bilobatus the wine wētā feeding on young vine leaf, the seaward Awatere valley near Blenheim, New Zealand

Hemiandrus bilobatus on grape vine sleeve, Awatere.

Modification of sternite 6 (S6) in adult females of two described short-ovipositor Hemiandrus ground wētā.
Hemiandrus bilobatus: A–B, Awatere (GW1160); C, Mana (GW652); D, Awatere (GW1225). Hemiandrus pallitarsis: E–F, Karori Wellington with typical S6 (GW1140); G–H, Karori with unusual additional S5 modification (GW1139).

Hemiandrus taygete sp. nov.
Etymology: The golden horns of the doe, into which the Pleiad Taygete was transformed by Artemis, resemble the sternite lobes of females in this species.

Hemiandrus sterope sp. nov.
Etymology:Sterope (lightning), one of the Pleiades sisters. The males of this species produce the most rapid premating drumming of all species of this genus studied (Gwynne 2004).

Hemiandrus merope sp. nov.
Etymology:Merope, faintest of the Pleiades (sometimes referred to as the ‘lost Pleiad’ because she was at first not seen by astronomers or charted like her sister stars). The female of this species has the faintest (missing) structures on her sixth sternite.

Hemiandrus celaeno sp. nov.
Etymology. Celaeno, the dark one of the Pleiades sisters.

Steven A. Trewick, Briar Taylor-Smith and Mary Morgan-Richards. 2020. Ecology and Systematics of the Wine Wētā and Allied Species, with Description of Four New Hemiandrus Species. New Zealand Journal of Zoology. DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2020.1790396

twitter.com/Phoenix_Massey/status/1292994940776017925

Curimatopsis sabana

Melo, 2020

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2020-0002

twitter.com/BrunFMelo

ABSTRACT
A new species of Curimatopsis is described from the highlands of the western Guiana Shield in the río Carapo and río Paragua, tributaries of the río Caroni in the Orinoco basin, southeastern Venezuela. The new species belongs to the Curimatopsis macrolepis clade due to its possession of a long lower jaw that projects past the anterior margin of the upper jaw, and separate first and second hypurals. The new species is diagnosed from remaining species of the Curimatopsis macrolepis clade by having a small-sized inconspicuous dark spot on the midlateral surface of the caudal peduncle, by details of body and fin pigmentation, and by additional morphometric characters. The distribution of C. macrolepis in the Amazon and Orinoco basins is updated based on the examination of museum specimens.

Keywords: Gran Sabana; Guiana Shield; Ostariophysi; Teleostei

FIGURE 1: Curimatopsis sabana, AMNH 274996, holotype, 36.5 mm SL, female, Venezuela, Bolívar, río Paragua, río Caroni, Orinoco basin (top). AUM 36458, paratype, 43.5 mm SL, male, Venezuela, Bolívar, río Paragua, río Caroni, Orinoco basin (bottom).

FIGURE 4: Species of the Curimatopsis macrolepis clade:
A-B) C. macrolepis, LBP 22425, rio Solimões, Letícia, Colombia;
C) C. jaci, female, MZUSP 121197, holotype, rio Cristalino, upper Tapajós basin; D) C. jaci, male, MZUSP 116668, paratype, rio São Benedito, upper Tapajós basin;
E) C. maculosa, LBP 13907, paratype, middle rio Tapajós; F) C. melanura, MPEG 15335, holotype, rio Nhamundá;
G) Curimatopsis sabana, female, AMNH 274996, holotype, río Caroni basin; H) C. sabana, male, AUM 36458, paratype, río Caroni basin.

Photos by Bruno Melo (A-E, G-H) and Guilherme Dutra (F).

Curimatopsis sabana, new species

Diagnosis.Curimatopsis sabana belongs to the C. macrolepis clade (C. jaci Melo, Oliveira, 2017, C. maculosa Melo, Vari, Oliveira, 2016, C. macrolepis, and C. melanura Dutra, Melo, Netto-Ferreira, 2018) and can be easily diagnosed from species of the C. evelynae clade (C. cryptica Vari, 1982, C. evelynae, C. guaporensis Melo, Oliveira, 2017, C. myersi Vari, 1982, and C. pallida Melo, Oliveira, 2017) by having a longer lower jaw that projects past the anterior margin of the upper jaw (vs. lower jaw shorter and not overlapping the upper jaw), and by separate (vs. fused) first and second hypurals. Within the C. macrolepis clade, C. sabana is diagnosed from C. melanura by the absence (vs. presence) of the dark pigmentation on the entire lower lobe of the caudal fin. It differs from C. jaci by the absence (vs. presence) of a distinctly reticulate color pattern on the flanks of females. It is diagnosed from C. maculosa by the possession of a round spot of black pigmentation, sometimes very faint, on the midlateral surface of the caudal peduncle (vs. a small posteriorly pointed spot overlapping the posterior midlateral scales), by the absence (vs. presence) of a gap of two or three scales separating the pigmentation of the midlateral stripe and the dark spot on caudal peduncle, by a deeper body, 34.1-39.9% of SL (vs. 26.0-31.6% of SL), and deeper caudal peduncle, 13.7-17.4% of SL (vs. 9.0-13.7% of SL). It differs from C. macrolepis by the possession of a circular and weakly pigmented spot on the caudal peduncle (vs. horizontally elongated and strongly pigmented dark spot on caudal peduncle). Finally, it differs from C. microlepis by 26-28 (vs. 57-63) scales in the longitudinal series from the supracleithrum to the hypural joint.

FIGURE 2: Map of northern South America showing the collection localities of species of the Curimatopsis macrolepis clade in the Orinoco and Amazon basins. Note the distribution of Curimatopsis sabana in highlands of the Guiana Shield. T = type locality.

FIGURE 3: Habitat of Curimatopsis sabana, AUM 36458, a drying pool of the río Paragua, tributary of the río Caroni. Photograph by J.W. Armbruster.

Distribution. Curimatopsis sabana is only known from the Carapo and Paragua rivers, which are tributaries of the río Caroni, itself a right-bank tributary of the río Orinoco basin, in the western Guiana Shield in Venezuela (Fig. 2). Various specimens were collected in the region of the río Carapo, near Cerro Guaiquinima (4 km along the river, 300-310 m asl), and one specimen was collected in a drying pool of the lower río Paragua (272 m asl) (Fig. 3). The distribution suggests that C. sabana is restricted to higher elevations of the western Guiana Shield.

Etymology. The specific name sabana refers to the Gran Sabana, a major ecoregion in the western Guiana Shield of southeastern Venezuela, which encompasses the río Caroni basin. A noun in apposition.

Bruno F. Melo. 2020. New Species of Curimatopsis from the río Caroni, Orinoco basin, Venezuela, with Comments on C. macrolepis (Characiformes: Curimatidae). Neotrop. ichthyol. 18(2). DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2020-0002

twitter.com/BrunFMelo/status/1275078044630151170

RESUMO: Uma nova espécie de Curimatopsis é descrita da porção oeste do Escudo das Guianas dos ríos Carapo e Paragua, tributários do río Caroni, bacia do Orinoco no sudeste da Venezuela. A nova espécie pertence ao clado Curimatopsis macrolepis por possuir uma maxila inferior longa que se projeta além da margem anterior da maxila superior e primeiro e segundo hipurais separados. A nova espécie é diagnosticada das demais espécies do clado Curimatopsis macrolepis por possuir uma mácula escura pequena, inconspícua na superfície lateral do pedúnculo caudal, por detalhes de pigmentação do corpo e nadadeiras, e por dados morfométricos adicionais. A distribuição geográfica de C. macrolepis nas bacias do rio Amazonas e río Orinoco é atualizada baseada na análise de espécimes depositados em museus.
Palavras-chave: Gran Sabana; Escudo das Guianas; Ostariophysi; Teleostei

Atelopus manauensis

Jorge, Ferrão & Lima, 2020

DOI: 10.3390/d12080310

twitter.com/FerraoMiqueias

photo: Leandro Moraes

Abstract
We used integrative taxonomy to describe a new species of Atelopus from the lowlands of Central Amazonia in the region of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The new species is geographically isolated from the southernmost species of Atelopus of the Guiana Shield. Atelopus manauensis species nova (sp. nov.) is characterized by the combination of the following characteristics: male snout-vent length range (SVL = 19.1–26.4 mm; n = 11); dorsal and lateral skin smooth; ventral surface entirely white or white with cream-colored gular region; fingers and toes lacking subarticular tubercles and fringes. The advertisement call of the new species has a call duration of 689–840 ms, contains 15–26 pulses, is emitted at an average pulse rate of 25.5 pulses per second, and has a dominant frequency ranging 3088–3610 Hz. The genetic divergence between the new species and its morphologically most similar congeners (A. spumarius and A. pulcher) is greater than 4%. Atelopus manauensis sp. nov. is closely related to species of the A. hoogmoedi complex inhabiting the Guiana Shield. The new species has a small geographic distribution (approximately 4500 km2) in a landscape that is strongly threatened by the growth of Manaus, the largest city in Brazilian Amazonia. The new species is considered critically endangered and in need of urgent conservation measures.

Keywords: conservation; genetics; integrative taxonomy; morphology; vocalization

Atelopus manauensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A small species of Atelopus; adult males SVL 19.1–26.4 mm (n = 11), adult females 27.9–28.8 mm (n = 2); interdigital webbing covering all of Finger I and a phalange of Finger II and rudimentary between other fingers; absence of serrated fringe on the sides of Finger III (Figure 4A,B); first phalange of Toe I atrophied, completely hidden in skin of the foot (similar to a callus), with no visible phalanges (Figure 5A,B); subarticular tubercles absent from hand and foot; palmar tubercles round and visible and plantar tubercles oval and poorly defined; the interdigital webbing reaches half of the third phalange of Toe IV and half of the first phalange of Toe V; in life, dorsum light brown to reddish brown with light yellow or light green reticulation network (Figure 6A–D); ventral surface of feet, hands, half of the posteroventral portion of thighs and half or all of the posteroventral portion of the cloacal region red (Figure 6E–H); throat, chest, and central portion of belly white or whitish cream without spots in males, spotted in females; advertisement call consisting of a single multipulsed note with a call duration of 689–840 ms consisting of 15–26 pulses, with a dominant frequency of 3088–3610 Hz and bandwidth of 633–915 Hz (Figure 7A,B). Morphometric measurements of the holotype and type series are shown in Table 4.

Etymology: The specific epithet manauensis refers to the location of the occurrence of the new species, municipality of Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil.

Distribution map for species of Atelopus used in the calculations of genetic distances and phylogenetic inferences, with colored circles representing species distributed to the west of Amazonia, on eastern and western versants of the Andes and Andean highlands; the squares representing species distributed in the Guiana Shield, and the green diamond a candidate species distributed on the south bank of the Amazon River, municipality of Anapu, state of Pará, Brazil. ...

Rafael F. Jorge, Miquéias Ferrão and Albertina P. Lima. 2020. Out of Bound: A New Threatened Harlequin Toad (Bufonidae, Atelopus) from the Outer Borders of the Guiana Shield in Central Amazonia Described through Integrative Taxonomy. Diversity. 12(8), 310. DOI: 10.3390/d12080310

twitter.com/FerraoMiqueias/status/1292882361563123713

Eudyptes atatu Thomas, Tennyson, Scofield & Ksepka

in Thomas, Tennyson, ... et Ksepka, 2020.

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1497

twitter.com/KsepkaLab

Life reconstruction: twitter.com/GiovaFavazzi

Abstract

New Zealand is a globally significant hotspot for seabird diversity, but the sparse fossil record for most seabird lineages has impeded our understanding of how and when this hotspot developed. Here, we describe multiple exceptionally well-preserved specimens of a new species of penguin from tightly dated (3.36–3.06 Ma) Pliocene deposits in New Zealand. Bayesian and parsimony analyses place Eudyptes atatu sp. nov. as the sister species to all extant and recently extinct members of the crested penguin genus Eudyptes. The new species has a markedly more slender upper beak and mandible compared with other Eudyptes penguins. Our combined evidence approach reveals that deep bills evolved in both crested and stiff-tailed penguins (Pygoscelis) during the Pliocene. That deep bills arose so late in the greater than 60 million year evolutionary history of penguins suggests that dietary shifts may have occurred as wind-driven Pliocene upwelling radically restructured southern ocean ecosystems. Ancestral area reconstructions using BioGeoBEARS identify New Zealand as the most likely ancestral area for total-group penguins, crown penguins and crested penguins. Our analyses provide a timeframe for recruitment of crown penguins into the New Zealand avifauna, indicating this process began in the late Neogene and was completed via multiple waves of colonizing lineages.

Keywords: New Zealand, Bayesian phylogeny, penguin, Pliocene, Eudyptes, ancestral area

Eudyptes atatu sp. nov. showing key diagnostic features. Holotype specimen NMNZ S.046318 showing (a) right lateral view of skull and block with (c) mandible and (d) postcranial elements. (b) Right lateral view of Snares crested penguin Eudyptes robustus NMNZ OR.023746 for comparison. Referred material of E. atatu including (e) S.046315 dorsal view of skull, (f) CM 2017-62-8-1 left lateral view of skull, (g) NMNZ S.046320 right humerus caudal view, and (h) dorsal and (i) plantar views of NMNZ S.046319 right tarsometatarsus. Ano, apertura nasale ossea (naris). Clh, crista lateralis hypotarsi (lateral hypotarsal crest); Co, coracoid; Cmh, crista medialis hypotarsi (medial hypotarsal crest); F*, frontal with wide shelf bordering the salt gland fossa; Fte*, fossa temporalis (temporal fossa) that is relatively deep; Fvpl, foramen vasculare proximale lateralis (medial proximal vascular foramen); Fvpm, foramen vasculare proximale mediale (medial proximal vascular foramen); Hu, humerus; Ic, incisura capitus (capital incisure); Imp, impressio musculus pectoralis (pectoral muscle impression); Mr, ramus mandibula (mandibular ramus); Oj*, os jugale (jugal bar) showing distinct curvature; Op, os palatinum (palatine); Ma, articular end of mandible; Mr*, mandibular ramus that is relatively narrow at midpoint; Ra, radius; Sc, scapula; Sldl, sulcus longitudinalis dorsalis lateralis (lateral dorsal longitudinal sulcus); Sldm*, sulcus longitudinalis dorsalis medialis (medial dorsal longitudinal sulcus) which is moderately deep; St, sternum; Tmtc, tuberositas musculus tibialis cranialis (tuberosity for cranial tibial muscle); Tv, tuberculum ventral (ventral tubercle); Ve, vertebra. Asterisks denote diagnostic characters. Photographs (a)–(e), (g)–(i) from Jean-Claude Stahl at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, photograph (f) from R. Paul Scofield at Canterbury Museum.

Systematic palaeontology

Aves Linnaeus, 1758

Sphenisciformes Sharpe, 1891

Spheniscidae Bonaparte, 1831

Eudyptes Vieillot, 1816

Eudyptes atatu sp. nov. Thomas, Tennyson, Scofield and Ksepka.

Etymology. From Te reo Māori, ata tū (‘dawn’), referencing the stem position within Eudyptes and the earliest recorded appearance of Eudyptes in New Zealand.

Type locality and horizon. Late Pliocene (Piacenzian) Tangahoe Formation in the southern Taranaki region of the North Island of New Zealand. ...

Daniel B. Thomas, Alan J. D. Tennyson, R. Paul Scofield, Tracy A. Heath, Walker Pett and Daniel T. Ksepka. 2020. Ancient Crested Penguin Constrains Timing of Recruitment into Seabird Hotspot. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1497

twitter.com/KsepkaLab/status/1293552337747935234

twitter.com/AlbanyBiology/status/1293362834135367680

twitter.com/GiovaFavazzi/status/1293475137988120576

Magnolia ottoi A. Vázquez, Tribouillier & Archila

in Vázquez-García, Tribouillier-Navas, Archila & Véliz-Pérez, 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.455.3.1

facebook.com/inicio1914

Abstract

A new species of Magnolia subsect. Talauma (“jomcoj”), Magnolia ottoi, is described and illustrated. The conservation status of this new species is proposed as critically endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria. An identification key and a map with the distribution of the new species and other species of Magnolia subsect. Talauma from Guatemala and neighboring areas (Honduras and Chiapas, México) is also presented. Our field research also unveiled the Mayan Q’eqchi’ ancestral taxonomic knowledge which differentiates magnolias of two different subsections, Magnolia and Talauma, based on wood quality and properties. They consistently distinguished them as “coj” and “jomcoj” respectively.

Keywords: Magnolia subsect. Talauma, Magnolia steyermarkii, Magnolia quetzal, Magnolia ottoi, Magnolia atlantida, Magnolia cochranei, Magnolia lacandonica, Magnolia perezfarrerae, Mayan Q’eqchi’, Magnoliids

FIGURE 2. Magnolia ottoi. Material from the holotype, except O, collected by Otto Alvarado (recorded by Tribouillier & Archila MG007). A. Sepals. B. Outer petals. C. Inner petals. D. Stamens. E. Gynoecium. F–G. Spathaceous bracts. H. Leaf. I. Inner fleshy petal, top view. J. Inner fleshy petal, side view. K. Developing gynoecium. L. Icon of M. ottoi (with flattened whorls). M. Bract of inner floral bud. N. Fruit pubescence. O. Fruit, P. Fruit axis, without seeds. Photographs by Fredy Archila.

FIGURE 3. Magnolia ottoi. A. Fruit in the process of drying. Material collected by Otto Alvarado (recorded by Tribouillier & Archila MG-007). B. Inner side of the Fruit during dehiscence. C. Dorsal side of fruit. D. Carpels splitting and leaving the fruit axis with seeds still attached. E. Seed with red sarcotesta. Photographs by Fredy Archila.

Magnolia ottoi A. Vázquez, Tribouillier & Archila sp. nov.

Type: GUATEMALA. Baja Verapaz: Purulhá. 2 km south of Purulhá, 1600 m, moist-subtropical cloud forest, July 2015 (fl), Otto Alvarado (recorded by Tribouillier & Archila MG-005) (holotype BIGU; Isotype IBUG).

Magnolia ottoi is similar in leaf shape to M. steyermarkii but it differs from the latter in the size of its leaves (leaf length to width ratio: 1.83–2.22 vs. 1.50–1.76) and flowers (20.2–22.2 cm vs. 12.0–13.0 cm in diameter) and the number of bracts (2 vs. 1); stamens (102–108 vs. 75–78) and carpels (38–50 vs. 30–32). Also the carpels of M. ottoi are beaked vs. acute in M. steyermarkii

Etymology and ethnobotany:— The species epithet honors Otto Alvarado, collector of the species. The ancestral Mayan (Q’eqchi ‘) understanding of Magnoliaceae includes recognizing species of different sections classifying them as Coj (sect. Magnolia) and Jomcoj (sect. Talauma). When visiting one of the ranches one of the companions proceeded to show us two wood planks indicating that the trees of the subsect. Magnolia (Coj) had a high-quality wood, while the trees of the subsect. Talauma (Jomcoj) was considered bad wood for construction because its fibers are not strong enough and it was easily cracked, so they rather use them as firewood for cooking.

Distribution and ecology:— Magnolia ottoi is endemic to Purulhá, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala (Fig. 1). Only known from the type locality. Although 5 km from the type locality, in the Biotope of the Quetzal Mario Dary-Rivera, Fredy Archila and Erick Tribouillier observed several juvenile plants of Magnolia, these had very large leaves and possibly correspond to this new species. The only known trees (3) inhabit very humid forests at three different elevations 1550– 1650 m, pp 2284 mm, t 16–230 C; wavy topography. Common species include: Liquidambar styraciflua Linnaeus (1753: 999), Persea donnell-smithii Mez (1892: 113), Pinus pseudostrobus Brongniart (1828: 46), Persea schiedeana Nees von Esenbeck (1836: 130), Rapanea ferruginea (Ruiz López & Pavón 1798: 280) Mez (1901: 429), Clethra spp., Morella cerífera (L.) Small (1903: 337), Eurya seemanniana Pittier (1922: 480), Pouteria viridis (Pittier 1914: 84) Cronquist (1946: 290) and Magnolia archilana A.Vázquez, Tribouill. & Véliz in Vázquez-García et al. (2019: 222). Flowering in March, and fruiting from March to April.

FIGURE 1. Distribution of species of Magnolia sect. Talaumain Guatemala and adjacent countries.

J. Antonio Vázquez-García, Erick Tribouillier-Navas, Fredy Archila and Mario Esteban Véliz-Pérez. 2020. Magnolia ottoi (Magnoliaceae) A New Species from Purulhá, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala: Conservation and Mayan Q’eqchi ‘ Ethnotaxonomy. Phytotaxa. 455(3); 187–195. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.455.3.1

Researchgate.net/publication/343602821_Magnolia_ottoi_a_new_species_from_Purulha_Baja_Verapaz_Guatemala

facebook.com/inicio1914/posts/10219305320038663

Begonia beijnenii Y.P. Ang, Tandang, Rubite & R. Bustamante

in Ang, Tandang, Rubite & Bustamante, 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.455.3.2

facebook.com/phtaxa facebook.com/iamraab

Abstract

In our study, a distinctive new species of Begonia from an unexplored region of Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan, Begonia beijnenii, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to section Baryandra. It is morphologically most similar to B. hughesii, in having a 3-winged ovary with a cucullate wing and an abortive abaxial locule, tomentose petioles, and leaves that are adaxially glabrous and abaxially subglabrous. However, B. beijnenii distinctly differs by being comparatively smaller in size. It is only known from its type locality and vicinity. Comparisons with two variegated species of Palawan: B. cleopatrae and B. gironellae are also provided to aid in identification. B. beijnenii is hereby proposed to be Vulnerable (VU) D1, based on guidelines by IUCN.

Keywords: Begonia cleopatrae, Begonia gironellae, Begonia hughesii, endemic, Eudicots, Malesia, taxonomy

Yu Pin Ang, Danilo N. Tandang, Rosario R. Rubite and Rene Alfred Anton Baena Bustamante. 2020. Begonia beijnenii (Begoniaceae, section Baryandra), A New Species of Begonia from San Vicente, Palawan, the Philippines. Phytotaxa. 455(3); 196–204. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.455.3.2

facebook.com/phtaxa/photos/2986793058116905

facebook.com/iamraab/posts/601239397434122

Pleuranthodium sagittatum Lofthus & A.D.Poulsen.

in Lofthus, Newman, Jimbo & Poulsen, 2020.

DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2020.65.02.01

Photos by Axel Dalberg Poulsen. twitter.com/AxelGinger

Abstract

Three species of Pleuranthodium were encountered and collected during a survey of gingers at Mount Wilhelm, Chimbu Province, Papua New Guinea. Based on new material, the only previously known Pleuranthodium from this area, P. piundaundense, is described in more detail highlighting new diagnostic characters and its known distribution range is expanded based on identification of older specimens at Edinburgh from two other provinces. Two species so far only known from Mount Wilhelm could not be identified after studying all protologues, types and material from several herbaria. These are here described as new species, Pleuranthodium corniculatum and P. sagittatum. A key with both floral and vegetative characters is provided to all three species. Pleuranthodium corniculatum is distinct in having apical appendages on the calyx, and P. sagittatum has a wrinkled calyx. All species are described and illustrated, and conservation assessments are made.

Keywords: Chimbu; Pleuranthodium corniculatum; Pleuranthodium piundaundense; Pleuranthodium sagittatum; Zingiberaceae; taxonomy

Pleuranthodium corniculatum Lofthus & A.D.Poulsen.
a. Habit (Thomas Mundua demonstrating the size of the plant); b. bases of leafy shoots and new shoot;
e. inflorescence; j. infructescence. — Photos by Axel Dalberg Poulsen.

Pleuranthodium corniculatum Lofthus &A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.

This species is distinguished from Pleuranthodium piundaundense (P.Royen) R.M.Sm. by having a dark reddish brown calyx with at least 2 appendices at the apex, dark reddish brown corolla lobes and a pale yellow-green labellum with reddish centre (vs pale yellow-green calyx lacking appendices, pale orange-yellow corolla lobes and an orange labellum). The lamina has strigose hairs on the veins beneath while the other species on Mt Wilhelm are glabrous.

Etymology. The epithet is derived from the Latin diminutive, corniculata, describing the presence of small horn-like structures, in this case on the apex of the calyx.

Pleuranthodium piundaundense (P.Royen) R.M.Sm.

— Photo by Axel Dalberg Poulsen.

twitter.com/AxelGinger

Pleuranthodium piundaundense (P.Royen) R.M.Sm.

Etymology. The epithet refers to the Piundaunde valley with the two lakes Piunde (c. 3600 m) andAunde (c. 3700 m) on the slopes of Mt Wilhelm above the type locality.

Pleuranthodium sagittatum Lofthus & A.D.Poulsen.

— Photo by Axel Dalberg Poulsen. twitter.com/AxelGinger

Pleuranthodium sagittatum Lofthus & A.D.Poulsen.
close up of spike.

— Photo by Axel Dalberg Poulsen.

twitter.com/AxelGinger

Pleuranthodium sagittatum Lofthus & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.

Similar to P. piundaundense in its yellow-orange flowers but differs by the shorter leafy shoots (1.6–1.8 m vs 3–4.1 m), the calyx being pale red and distinctly wrinkled (vs. pale yellow-green and smooth) and entire apex of the labellum (vs bilobed with a 3 mm incision).

Etymology. The epithet is derived from the Latin sagitta, which means arrow and refers to the vernacular name anger keneh yaundo that indicates the resemblance between the spike and an arrowhead.

Ethnobotany — During the collecting of the type of this species the local guide, William Banda, gave the information that this species is called anger keneh yaundo in the Kuman language. This vernacular name is also used for P. piundaundense (see above), which has a similar pointed spike and the leafy shoots are similarly used for the construction of bush hut walls.

Ø. Lofthus, M.F. Newman, T. Jimbo and A.D. Poulsen. 2020. The Pleuranthodium (Zingiberaceae) of Mount Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2020.65.02.01

twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/1293954334514962432

twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/801638512680280064

Sitana dharwarensis

Ambekar, Murthy & Mirza, 2020

DOI: 10.20363/BZB-2020.69.2.157

Abstract
A new species of fan-throated lizard of the genus Sitana Cuvier, 1829 is described from northern Karnataka, India. The new species is similar to members of the clade of Sitana spinaecephalus Deepak et al., 2016, however, can be distinguished based on morphological as well as molecular data. Sitana dharwarensis sp. nov. differs from its sister species, S. laticeps Deepak & Giri, 2016 in bearing a much larger dewlap. Data from micro-CT scan of the cranium and jaws further add support to the distinctness of the new species. The rivers, namely Krishna and Tungabhadra, likely act as a biogeographic barrier for terrestrial lizard species.

Key words. Reptilia, mtDNA, molecular phylogeny, micro-CT scan, taxonomy.

Fig. 4. Sitana dharwarensis sp. nov., holotype, ♂ (NCBSAL142) dewlap in life.

Fig. 3. Sitana dharwarensis sp. nov., holotype, ♂ (NCBS-AL142) in life.

Sitana dharwarensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Sitana dharwarensis sp. nov. is a large sized species in relation to members of the Sitana spinaecephalus clade, males reaching SVL of 52 mm. Dewlap large, coloration in breeding males cream to off-white, extending up to 47% of the trunk. Parietal bone with a subtle indentation on the anterior border, maxillary bone short in its length and covers a smaller area of the snout, squamosal long and slender gradually tapering at both ends in a sharp tip and, quadrate robust and stout.

Sitana dharwarensis sp. nov. differs from most known species within the genera Sitana and Sarada Deepak et al., 2016 in bearing a white colored moderately large dewlap (vs. dewlap in shades of red, blue and black in Sarada spp., Sitana visiri Deepak, 2016, S. attenboroughii Sadasivan et al., 2018, S. marudhamneydhal Deepak et al., 2016, S. bahiri Amarasinghem et al. 2015, S. devakai Amarasinghe et al., 2015). The new species is similar to S. laticeps and S. spinaecephalus in sharing a white dewlap. It differs from S. laticeps in bearing a much larger dewlap, dewlap extending to about 47% of the trunk (vs. 29% in S. laticeps, 45% in S. spinaecephalus). Sitana dharwarensis sp. nov. further differs from S. laticeps in bearing a subtle indentation on the anterior border of parietal (vs. a deep indentation in S. laticeps, Fig. 2), the maxillary bone is short and covers a smaller area of the snout (vs. much longer and covering a larger area of the snout in S. laticeps), the squamosal is long and slender gradually tapering at both ends in a sharp tip (vs. squamosal short, abruptly ending in a blunt tip at both ends), quadrate is robust and stout (vs. slender inS. laticeps, Fig. 2).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the Dharwar Craton where the species is distributed.

Mayuresh Ambekar, Arya Murthy and Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2020. A New Species of Fan-throated Lizard of the Genus Sitana Cuvier, 1829 (Squamata: Agamidae) from northern Karnataka, India. Bonn zoological Bulletin. 69(2); DOI: 10.20363/BZB-2020.69.2.157

Bubastes barkeri

Bílý & Hanlon, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4832.1.1

Abstract

Taxonomic revision of the genus Bubastes Laporte & Gory, 1836. Thirteen new species are described: Bubastes barkeri sp. nov. (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria), B. deserta sp. nov. (South Australia), B. dichroa sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. flavocaerulea sp. nov. (New South Wales, Queensland), B. hasenpuschi sp. nov. (Queensland),B. iridiventris sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. iris sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. macmillani sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. magnifica sp. nov. (Queensland, New South Wales), B. michaelpowelli sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. pilbarensis sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. remota sp. nov. (Northern Territory) and B. viridiaurea sp. nov. (Western Australia). The following seventeen new synonyms are proposed: Bubastes thomsoni Obenberger, 1928, syn. nov. = B. australasiae Obenberger, 1922, B. olivina Obenberger, 1920, syn. nov. = Neraldus bostrychoides Théry 1910, B. boisduvali Obenberger, 1941, syn. nov. = B. erbeni Obenberger, 1941, B. borealis Obenberger, 1941, syn. nov. = B. globicollis Thomson, 1879, B. laticollis Blackburn, 1888, syn. nov. = B. globicollis Thomson, 1879, B. simillima Obenberger, 1922, syn. nov. = B. globicollis Thomson, 1879, B. obscura Obenberger, 1922, syn. nov. = B. inconsistans Thomson, 1879, B. septentrionalis Obenberger, 1941, syn. nov. = B. inconsistans Thomson, 1879, B. viridicupraea Obenberger, 1922, syn. nov. = B. inconsistans Thomson, 1879, B. blackburni Obenberger, 1941, syn. nov. = B. kirbyi Obenberger, 1928, B. chapmani Obenberger, 1941, syn. nov. = B. kirbyi Obenberger, 1928, B. aenea Obenberger, 1922, syn. nov. = B. niveiventris Obenberger, 1922, B. saundersi Obenberger, 1928, syn. nov. = B. odewahni Obenberger, 1928, B. occidentalis Blackburn, 1891, syn. nov. = B. sphaenoida Laporte & Gory, 1836, B. persplendens Obenberger, 1920, syn. nov. = B. sphaenoida Laporte & Gory, 1836, B. splendens Blackburn, 1891, syn. nov. = B. sphaenoida Laporte & Gory, 1836 and B. strandi Obenberger, 1920, syn. nov. = B. suturalis Carter, 1915. Neotype is designated and redescribed for Bubastes cylindrica W. J. Macleay, 1888 and lectotypes are designated for Bubastes thomsoni Obenberger, 1928 and B. leai Carter, 1924. Morphological characters of the genus are presented and all species are illustrated (incl. historical types) and a key is provided for all species of the genus.

Svatopluk Bílý and Mark Hanlon. 2020. A Revision of the Genus Bubastes Laporte & Gory, 1836 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Zootaxa. 4832(1); 1-75. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4832.1.1

Melittia pyroptella Kallies, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4833.1.1

Abstract

In this study, the clearwing moths (Sesiidae) of Australia, New Guinea and the Pacific Islands are reviewed. A total of 58 species belonging to 18 genera are recognized as native to this region. This includes the following new species and genera:Lophocnema mackeyi spec. nov. (Australia), Oligophlebia insurgia spec. nov. (New Guinea), Micrecia capillaria spec. nov. (New Guinea), Micrecia kuukuyau spec. nov. (Australia), Micrecia hawkei spec. nov. (Australia), Lamellisphecia sanguinea spec. nov. (New Guinea), Specodoptera hiltoni spec. nov. (New Guinea),Specodoptera hiltoni hibernia spec. nov., ssp. nov. (New Guinea), Aegerosphecia rufea spec. nov. (New Guinea), Melittia flanneryi spec. nov. (New Guinea), Melittia pyroptella spec. nov. (Australia), Archaeosesia milleri gen. nov. et spec. nov. (New Guinea), Nokona kungkay spec. nov. (Australia),Nokona bipora spec. nov. (New Guinea),Pseudosesia muyuae spec. nov. (New Guinea), Pseudosesia sumoensis spec. nov. (New Guinea), Pseudosesia sepikensis spec. nov. (New Guinea), Paranthrenella terminalia spec. nov. (New Guinea), Paranthrenella brandti spec. nov. (New Guinea),Paranthrenella lelatensis sp. nov. (New Guinea). Furthermore, 35 new combinations and each four new generic and species synonyms are introduced, while two genera and three species are resurrected from synonymy. Each 4 taxa at the species and genus levels are considered new synonyms. Six species are listed that originally derive from Africa, Europe, Northern Africa or Central America and were introduced into Australia or some of the Pacific Islands accidentally or deliberately.

Melittia pyroptella spec. nov.

Axel Kallies. 2020. The Clearwing Moths (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) of Australia, New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. Zootaxa. 4833(1); 1-64. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4833.1.1

Acanthosaura liui

Liu, Hou, Mo & Rao, 2020

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.959.54601

Abstract

A new species of Acanthosaura from Yunnan, China, is described based on morphological and genetic data. The new species can be separated from all other species of the genus by having a different shape of the black eye patch, a different coloration of the postorbital and occipital spines and nuchal crest, and a different color of the gular pouch. Genetically, uncorrected sequence divergences of COI between the new species and investigated congeners ranged from 16.12% to 24.11%. The conservation status of the new species is also discussed.

Keywords: endangered, Honghe, lizard, taxonomy

Figure 3. Adult male holotype (KIZL2020001) of Acanthosaura liui sp. nov. in life.
A dorsal view of the head B dorsal view of the body C lateral view of the head D lateral view of the body E ventral view of the head F ventral view of the body.

Figure 4. Adult female paratype (KIZL2020002) of Acanthosaura liui sp. nov. in life.
A dorsal view of the head B dorsal view of the body C lateral view of the head D lateral view of the body E ventral view of the head F ventral view of the body.

Figure 6. Comparison of four different types of eye patch.
A Acanthosaura liui sp. nov. (from Jianshui, Yunnan, China) B A. cf. lepidogaster (from Trung Khanh, Cao Bang, Vietnam)
C A. tongbiguanensis (from Yingjiang,Yunnan, China) D A. nataliae (from Gia Lai, Vietnam).

Figure 7. Comparison of the colors of tongue and inside of the mouth.
A Acanthosaura liui sp. nov. (from Jianshui, Yunnan, China) B A. cf. lepidogaster (from Trung Khanh, Cao Bang, Vietnam) C A. tongbiguanensis (from Yingjiang, Yunnan, China).

Acanthosaura liui sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Body size medium (SVL 85.1–95.9 mm), postorbital and occipital spines present; relatively developed gular pouch; scales on flanks randomly intermixed with medium and large scales; nuchal crest gradually developed posteriorly, first nuchal crest spine shortest and last nuchal crest spine longest; diastema between nuchal and dorsal crests present; dorsal crest underdeveloped, composed of enlarged, pointed scales beginning at shoulder region and decreasing regularly in size; tail 1.47–1.77× SVL; number of subdigital lamellae on the fourth finger 16–18 and the fourth toe 22–25; black nuchal collar present; black eye patch extending from nostril through orbit posteriorly and downwards through tympanum and then posteriorly and upwards meeting diamond-shaped black nuchal collar on nape; black oblique folds anterior to forelimb insertions present and not meeting black nuchal collar; anterior nuchal crest spines and dorsal sides of postorbital and occipital spines light colored, posterior nuchal crest spines and ventral sides of postorbital and occipital spines black; gular pouch light blue; tongue and inside of mouth yellow.

Etymology: The specific epithet is dedicated to the renowned herpetologist Prof. Chengzhao Liu (30.9.1900–9.4.1976), in recognition of his great contributions to herpetological research in China.

Figure 8. Live Acanthosaura liui sp. nov. in the field.
A an adult male asleep on a branch B an adult male asleep on dead leaves
C an adult female asleep on a branch D an adult male on the ground.

Distribution: After our extensive field investigation, Acanthosaura liui sp. nov. is only recorded in Jianshui County, Gejiu City, and Shiping County, Honghe Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China.

Natural history: The specimens of Acanthosaura liui sp. nov. were all found at night while they were asleep on trees beside rivers. At the type locality, we found seven other species of reptiles, namely Hebius atemporale (Bourret, 1934), Ophiophagus hannah (Cantor, 1836), Oreocryptophis porphyraceus (Cantor, 1839), Pareas margaritophorus (Jan, 1866), Ptyas major (Günther, 1858), P.nigromarginata (Blyth, 1854), and Sphenomorphus indicus (Gray, 1853), and three species of amphibians, namely Hyla annectans (Jerdon, 1870), Nidirana pleuraden (Boulenger, 1904), and Polypedates megacephalus Hallowell, 1861.

Figure 10. A Habitat of Acanthosaura liui sp. nov. at the type locality. B Large tracts of farmland surrounding the habitat of Acanthosaura liui sp. nov.
C Large tracts of reforestation with exotic trees surrounding the habitat of Acanthosaura liui sp. nov. D Many individuals of Acanthosaura liui sp. nov. died under the wheels on the highways passing through the habitat of Acanthosaura liui sp. nov.

Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Mingzhong Mo and Dingqi Rao. 2020. A New Species of the Genus Acanthosaura (Squamata, Agamidae) from Yunnan, China, with Comments on its Conservation Status. ZooKeys. 959: 113-135. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.959.54601

Arcotheres ocularius

Tomoyuki, Kawai & Ng, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4822.2.5

Abstract

The pinnotherid crab, Pinnothera obesa Dana, 1852, was originally described on the basis of material from Fiji, but its taxonomic status has long been obscure because the original description and figures are too brief and schematic by modern standards and the types are also lost. Examination of newly collected material from Fiji revealed the presence of two intertidal pinnotherid species assignable to the genus Arcotheres Manning, 1993, one of which is herein identified with Dana’s taxon. A neotype is designated for Arcotheresobesus n. comb. in the interest of nomenclatural stability, and a detailed redescription is given. Arcotheres obesus is morphologically similar to A. exiguus (Bürger, 1895) and A. rotundatus (Bürger, 1895), and differentiating characters are discussed. The species is also reported from Peninsular Malaysia. The second species is new to science, here described as Arcotheres ocularius, and is most similar to A. palaensis (Bürger, 1895) and A. arcophilus (Bürger, 1895). The new species is also recorded from Lombok, Indonesia. Arcotheres obesus and A. ocularius n. sp. are associated with bivalve mollusks of the genera Gafrarium spp. (Veneridae) and Anadara spp. (Arcidae), respectively.

Keywords: Crustacea, Arcotheres ocularius, neotype, redescription, synonym

Arcotheres ocularius

Komai Tomoyuki, Kei Kawai and Peter K.L. Ng. 2020. On the Identity of the poorly known Pea Crab, Pinnothera obesa Dana, 1852, and Description of A New Species of Arcotheres Manning, 1993 from the Southwest Pacific (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae). Zootaxa. 4822(2); 221–247. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4822.2.5

Platymantis navjoti

Diesmos, Scheffers, Mallari, Siler & Brown, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4830.3.6

Abstract
We describe a new species of frog of the genus Platymantis Günther (subgenus Tirahanulap), from the east-central regions of the Philippines. It belongs to the the previously-defined P. hazelae Group) based on morphological and bioacoustic datasets. The new species is phenotypically and ecologically most similar to members of Tirahanulap, an assemblage of small-bodied arboreal frogs inhabiting montane forests of the central and northern islands of the Philippine archipelago. The new species represents the first taxon in the Cloud Frog species known from the biogeographically unique Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex. Particularly susceptible to local extirpation following deforestation, all known species of Tirahanulap are important indicator species for environmental and conservation assessments, making this new species not only an exceptional addition to Philippine biodiversity but also an important symbol for conservation initiatives in the region.

Keywords: Amphibia, endemism, forest conservation, Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex, Platymantishazelae Group, protected areas, Shrub Frogs

Arvin C. Diesmos, Brett R. Scheffers, Neil Aldrin D. Mallari, Cameron D Siler and Rafe M. Brown. 2020. A New Forest Frog of the Genus Platymantis (Amphibia: Anura: Ceratobatrachidae: subgenus Tirahanulap) from Leyte and Samar islands, eastern Philippines. Zootaxa. 4830(3); 573–591. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4830.3.6

twitter.com/AmphSpecWorld/status/1294233931680821249

Dendrochilum ignisiflorum M.N.Tamayo & R.Bustam.

in Tamayo, Pranada & Bustamante, 2020.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.455.4.1

facebook.com/phtaxa

facebook.com: Rene Alfred Anton Bustamante

Abstract

Dendrochilum ignisiflorum is hereby described and illustrated as a new species of orchid endemic to Luzon Island, Philippines. The species resembles D. vanoverberghii by having petiolate leaves, channelled petioles, labellum of the same size, and the erect to suberect incurved column but distinct by the sub-globose or broadly ellipsoid pseudobulb, 3 distinct leaf veins, barely spreading flowers, lanceolate and revolute dorsal sepal, and the absence of callus in the labellum.

Keywords: Bokod, Malesia, Mt. Komkompol, sect. Acoridium, subg. Platyclinis, Monocots

FIGURE 2. Dendrochilum ignisiflorum M.N.Tamayo & R.Bustam., sp. nov.
Flowers (A. Anterior view; A’. Anterior view (spread); A”. Lateral view); B. Flattened labellum; C. Lateral sepal; C’. Petal; C”. Dorsal sepal; D. Lateral view of column; E. Leaf; F. Plant habit; G. Bract.

(All from M.N. Tamayo 0196). Illustration by M.N. Tamayo.

FIGURE 1. Dendrochilum ignisiflorum M.N.Tamayo & R.Bustam., sp. nov.
A. Habitat on the mossy forest summit of Mt. Komkompol, Bokod, Benguet (UARBRR); B. Leaf abaxial surface; C. Plant habit in situ; D. Closer view of the flower including the labellum and column; E. Pseudobulbs; F. Anterior view of the inflorescence; G. Lateral view of the inflorescence.

Photos: A, C, by M.N. Tamayo; B, D-G by M.A.K. Pranada. (All from M.N. Tamayo 0196).

Dendrochilum ignisiflorum M.N.Tamayo & R.Bustam., sp. nov.

subg. Platyclinis

Type:— PHILIPPINES. Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region, Benguet Province, Municipality of Bokod, Mt. Komkompol (UARBRR) mossy forest, at ca. 2300 m elevation, 08 March 2020, M.N. Tamayo 0196 (Holotype: PNH!; Isotypes: NLUH!; PUH!).

Diagnosis:— Dendrochilum ignisiflorum is most similar to D. vanoverberghii by having petiolate leaves, channelled petioles, labellum of the same size, and the erect to suberect incurved column. However, the new species is distinct by the sub-globose or broadly ellipsoid pseudobulb (vs. fusiform to ellipsoid), 3 distinct leaf veins (vs. 1 distinct), barely spreading flowers (vs. spreading), 1-veined sepal and petal (vs. 3-veined), lanceolate and revolute dorsal sepal (vs. oblong and spreading), yellow to bright orange labellum (vs. red), absence of callus (vs. present), broadly lunate sidelobes (vs. broadly and falcately oblong) and a 3-pronged midlobe (vs. transversely rectangular).

Etymology:—The epithet ‘ignisiflorum’ is a combination of the Latin words ignis (fire); flores (flowers). Hence, the name directly translates to ‘fire flowers’ as depicted by its barely spreading yellow to bright orange flowers.

Distribution and Habitat:— Exposed ridges and mossy forest summit within the bounds of Mt. Komkompol (UARBRR), Municipality of Bokod, Benguet ca. 2300 m elevation.

Maverick N. Tamayo, Mc Andrew K. Pranada and Rene Alfred Anton Bustamante. 2020. Dendrochilum ignisiflorum (Coelogyninae, Arethuseae, Orchidaceae), A New Species from Luzon Island, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 455(4); 240–244. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.455.4.1

facebook.com/phtaxa/photos/3000730516723159

facebook.com/groups/philippineplants/?post_id=3258261937585784

Blastopathes medusa

Horowitz, Brugler, Bridge & Cowman, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4821.3.7

twitter.com/JeremyHorowitz3

twitter.com/BlackCoralLab

Abstract

Blastopathes medusa gen. nov., sp. nov., is described from Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, based on morphological and molecular data. Blastopathes, assigned to the Antipathidae, is a large, mythology-inspiring black coral characterized by clusters of elongate stem-like branches that extend out at their base and then curve upward. Colonies are not pinnulate and contain single branches, which could represent new branch cluster formations. Morphological and molecular (mitochondrial DNA and targeted capture of nuclear loci) evidence supporting the establishment of a new genus is discussed. This is the first study to utilize the target capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and exonic loci to elucidate phylogenetic relationships among black corals and to identify and place a new genus and species.

Keywords: taxonomy, systematics, ultraconserved elements, targeted capture, igrN, phylogeny, Kimbe Bay

FIGURE 2. Comparison A-B, branching characteristics of Allopathesdenhartogi and Blastopathes medusa (A from A. denhartogi holotype RMNH Coel. 31293, B from Blastopathes medusa holotype MTQ G74904); comparison C-D, spine characteristics of A. denhartogi and B. medusa (C from A. denhartogi schizoholotype USNM 1014577, D from B. medusa holotype MTQ G74904).

FIGURE 5. Blastopathes medusa holotype (MTQ G74904):
A, branch cluster on stem; B, branch cluster on branch; C, branchlet on branch.

FIGURE 8. Blastopathes medusa paratypes:
A-C, in-situ images of colonies showing branch clusters (A from paratype MTQ G74911; B from paratype NMAG 1893; C from paratype MTQ G74913); D, paratype (MTQ G74912): section of terminal branch showing eight rows of compressed spines; E, paratype (NMAG 1893): section of branch showing polyp density and tentacle lengths.

Jeremy Horowitz, Mercer R. Brugler, Tom C.L. Bridge and Peter F. Cowman. 2020. Morphological and Molecular Description of A New Genus and Species of Black Coral (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Hexacorallia: Antipatharia: Antipathidae: Blastopathes) from Papua New Guinea. Zootaxa. 4821(3); 553–569. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4821.3.7

Researchgate.net/publication/343389767_a_new_genus_and_species_of_black_coral_Blastopathes_from_Papua_New_Guinea

twitter.com/JeremyHorowitz3/status/1290093215786438669

twitter.com/BlackCoralLab/status/1290123902044209157

[Paleontology • 2020] Potential for Powered Flight Neared by Most Close Avialan Relatives, but Few Crossed Its Thresholds

[Cnidaria • 2020] Shallow-water Black Corals (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia: Antipatharia) from SW Madagascar

[Entomology • 2020] Review of the Genus Beckhoplia Dombrow, 2005 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Hopliini) with the Description of Fifteen New Species from South Africa and Observations on Its Biogeography

[Botany • 2020] Microlicia windischii • A New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) from Bolivia and Brazil, A New Synonym, and An Identification Key for the Genus in Mato Grosso, Brazil

[Herpetology • 2020] Cyrtodactylus houaphanensis & C. ngoiensis • Two New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from northern Laos, including New Finding and Expanded Diagnosis of C. bansocensis

[Entomology • 2020] Ecology and Systematics of the Wine Wētā and Allied Species (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae), with Description of Four New Hemiandrus Species

[Ichthyology • 2020] Curimatopsis sabana • A New Species of Curimatopsis (Characiformes: Curimatidae) from the río Caroni, Orinoco basin, Venezuela, with Comments on C. macrolepis

[Herpetology • 2020] Atelopus manauensis • Out of Bound: A New Threatened Harlequin Toad (Bufonidae, Atelopus) from the Outer Borders of the Guiana Shield in Central Amazonia Described through Integrative Taxonomy

[PaleoOrnithology • 2020] Eudyptes atatu • Ancient Crested Penguin (Aves, Sphenisciformes) Constrains Timing of Recruitment into Seabird Hotspot

[Botany • 2020] Magnolia ottoi (Magnoliaceae) • A New Species from Purulhá, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala: Conservation and Mayan Q’eqchi ‘ Ethnotaxonomy

[Botany • 2020] Begonia beijnenii (Begoniaceae, section Baryandra) • A New Species of Begonia from San Vicente, Palawan, the Philippines

[Botany • 2020] The Pleuranthodium (Zingiberaceae) of Mount Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea

[Herpetology • 2020] Sitana dharwarensis • A New Species of Fan-throated Lizard of the Genus Sitana Cuvier, 1829 (Squamata: Agamidae) from northern Karnataka, India

[Entomology • 2020] A Revision of the Genus Bubastes Laporte & Gory, 1836 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

[Entomology • 2020] The Clearwing Moths (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) of Australia, New Guinea and the Pacific Islands

[Herpetology • 2020] Acanthosaura liui • A New Species of the Genus Acanthosaura (Squamata, Agamidae) from Yunnan, China, with Comments on its Conservation Status

[Crustacea • 2020] Arcotheres ocularius • On the Identity of the poorly known Pea Crab, Pinnothera obesa Dana, 1852, and Description of A New Species of Arcotheres Manning, 1993 from the Southwest Pacific (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae)

[Herpetology • 2020] Platymantis navjoti • A New Forest Frog of the Genus Platymantis (Anura: Ceratobatrachidae: subgenus Tirahanulap) from Leyte and Samar islands, eastern Philippines

[Botany • 2020] Dendrochilum ignisiflorum (Orchidaceae: Coelogyninae) • A New Species from Luzon Island, Philippines

[Cnidaria • 2020] Blastopathes medusa • A New Genus and Species of Black Coral (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia: Antipatharia: Antipathidae) from Papua New Guinea