Species New to Science

Oryporan insolitus

Pinheiro, Silva‐Neves & Da‐Rosa, 2021

DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1355

Illustration: Márcio L. Castro.

Abstract

Procolophonoidea was the only parareptile clade to survive the end‐Permian mass extinction, and they experienced a major adaptive radiation during the Triassic. The flourishing of procolophonoid lineages in highly stressful post‐extinction environments may be, at least in part, a result of their early adaptations to herbivory, which would eventually become the most common feeding strategy in later representatives of the group. Although procolophonoids are comparatively diverse in the South African Lystrosaurus declivis Assemblage Zone, only the Gondwanan widespread taxon Procolophon trigoniceps has been thus far reported in South American deposits of similar age. Here, we present a new procolophonid genus and species from the Lower Triassic Sanga do Cabral Formation of Brazil. Oryporaninsolitus gen. et sp. nov. combines typical adaptations suggestive of herbivory with primitive character states that are peculiar to early procolophonoids. Accordingly, phylogenetic analysis places the new species as an early‐diverging procolophonid, thus far the phylogenetically earliest to develop apparent adaptations for herbivory. Character optimization shows that the bulbous, labiolingually expanded molariforms of most procolophonids (usually interpreted as indicative of high‐fibre herbivory) were co‐opted from an insectivorous dentition. The new taxon also highlights the diversity of feeding habits displayed by Early Triassic procolophonoids, which was probably crucial for the survival of the clade in post‐extinction disaster communities.

Keywords: Gondwana, Parareptilia, Lower Triassic, feeding ecology, phylogeny

PARAREPTILIA Olson, 1947

PROCOLOPHONOIDEA Romer, 1956

PROCOLOPHONIDAE Lydekker, 1890

Genus ORYPORAN nov.

Type and only known species: Oryporaninsolitus gen. et sp. nov.

Derivation of name: In the indigenous Guaraní Language (Mbyá dialect), the epithet Oryporan can be translated as beautiful (porã) smile (ory), in reference to the well‐preserved, smile‐like tooth series of the holotype. Pronounced ‘Oh‐ree-pow‐ran’.

Oryporaninsolitus sp. nov.

Derivation of name: Latin. Insolitus, meaning rare, unusual.

Holotype: UFSM 11443 (Figs 2, 3), an incomplete skull with the mandible still in occlusion.

Type locality: Bica São Tomé locality (Da‐Rosa et al. 2009), São Francisco de Assis municipality, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

Type horizon: The Bica São Tomé fossil site is probably the most prolific outcrop thus far known from the Sanga do Cabral Formation. This sedimentary unit is considered to be Induan or Olenekian (Lower Triassic) mainly based on the abundant occurrences of the Gondwanan widespread procolophonid Procolophon trigoniceps. As such, the Sanga do Cabral Formation is probably correlated to the upper Katberg Formation of the Karoo Basin (Lystrosaurus declivis Assemblage Zone, South Africa) (Botha & Smith 2006; Dias‐da‐Silva et al. 2006, 2017). The outcrop is characterized by fine sandstone red beds, intercalated with coarse sandstones and intraformational conglomerates. Besides P. trigoniceps and Oryporan insolitus gen. et sp. nov., the Bica São Tomé site has already yielded the archosauromorphs Teyujagua paradoxa and Elessaurus gondwanoccidens (Pinheiro et al. 2016, 2020; De‐Oliveira et al. 2020), the capitosauroid temnospondyl Tomeia witecki (Eltink et al. 2016), and several as yet unpublished specimens. For a thorough description of the Sanga do Cabral Formation and Bica São Tomé geology and deposition environment, see Da‐Rosa et al. (2009) and Dias‐Da‐Silva et al. (2017).

Diagnosis: Oryporan insolitus gen. et sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other known procolophonids based on the following combination of characters (autapomorphies are designated with an asterisk(*)): at least 12 maxillary teeth; 12 dentary teeth; dentition is not inset from the maxillary surface; anterior maxillary teeth are D‐shaped in cross‐section*; maxillary and dentary molariforms are bulbous, labiolingually expanded and bicuspid, lacking labiolingual ridges; anterior dentary teeth are blunt and well‐spaced from each other*; maxillary molariform labial cusps are higher than their lingual counterparts; dentary molariform lingual cusps are higher than their labial counterparts*.

Felipe L. Pinheiro, Eduardo Silva‐Neves and Átila A. S. Da‐Rosa. 2021. An Early‐diverging Procolophonid from the lowermost Triassic of South America and the Origins of Herbivory in Procolophonoidea. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1355

twitter.com/FeliPinheir/status/1366263015558029312

Garra ceylonensis

in Sudasinghe, Dahanukar, Raghavan, ... et Meegaskumbura, 2021.

DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa221

twitter.com/HiranyaSud

Abstract

Despite exhibiting multiple morphological adaptations to living in swiftly flowing water (rheophily), Garra ceylonensis is one of the most widely distributed freshwater fish in Sri Lanka. It is thus an ideal organism to reconstruct the evolutionary history of a widespread, yet morphologically specialized, freshwater fish in a tropical-island setting. We analysed the phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationships of G. ceylonensis based on two mitochondrial and one nuclear genes. G. ceylonensis is shown to be monophyletic, with a sister-group relationship to the Indian species Garra mullya. Our results suggest a single colonization of Sri Lanka by ancestral Garra, in the late Pliocene. This suggests that the Palk Isthmus, which was exposed for most of the Pleistocene, had a hydroclimate unsuited to the dispersal of fishes such as Garra. G. ceylonensis exhibits strong phylogeographic structure: six subclades are distributed as genetically distinct populations in clusters of contiguous river basins, albeit with two exceptions. Our data reveal one or more Pleistocene extirpation events, evidently driven by aridification, with relict populations subsequently re-colonizing the island. The phylogeographic structure of G. ceylonensis suggests inter-basin dispersal largely through headwater capture, likely facilitated by free-swimming post-larvae. The Peninsular-Indian species G. mullya comprises two genetically distinct parapatric clades, which may represent distinct species.

Keywords: biogeography, dispersal, freshwater fish, Labeoninae, phylogeny, Pleistocene, torrent fish

Garra ceylonensis Bleeker, 1863

Hiranya Sudasinghe, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rajeev Raghavan, Tharani Senavirathna, Dipeshwari J Shewale, Mandar S Paingankar, Anjalie Amarasinghe, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Lukas Rüber and Madhava Meegaskumbura. 2021. Island Colonization by A ‘Rheophilic’ Fish: the Phylogeography of Garra ceylonensis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in Sri Lanka. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. blaa221. DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa221

twitter.com/HiranyaSud/status/1359782960258514944

Elachistocleis nigrogularis

Jowers, Othman, Borzée, Rivas, Sánchez-Ramírez, Auguste, Downie, Read & Murphy, 2021

DOI: 10.1007/s13127-021-00487-y

twitter.com/RenoirJAuguste

herpetologytt.blogspot.com

Abstract

Over the last two decades, molecular work on the reptile and amphibian fauna of the island of Trinidad (West Indies) has revealed the presence of cryptic species and island endemics resulting in the re-description of species for northern South America. In this study, we assess the taxonomy of a population of Elachistocleis sp. formerly assigned to the invalid species E. ovalis, and E. surinamensis, both present in Trinidad and throughout South America. We conduct phylogenetic, morphological, and call characteristic analyses to assess their taxonomy and discuss the phylogeography and evolutionary history of the genus. We find an Andean origin of the genus dating to the Oligocene and two sister clades within Elachistocleis with a Mid-Miocene divergence, coinciding with marine incursions at the time. We discuss their likely dispersal throughout South America following the dry-out of the Pebas mega-wetland system and attempt to find the routes of expansions, probably aided through the Amazon basin and hydrological systems towards the north and east. We find that each of the species is highly divergent and recovered in both sister clades, and we time the colonization of each Trinidad population at 2.1 and 0.5 million years ago, arriving from different regions (Venezuela and Guyana) facilitated by sea-level drops at the time. Lastly, we select a neotype for E. surinamensis from Trinidad to stabilize the nomenclature and describe the frog formerly considered E. ovalis in Trinidad as Elachistocleis nigrogularis sp. nov.

Keywords: South America, Trinidad, dispersal, phylogeography, diversity, Microhylids

Elachistocleis nigrogularis sp. nova

Etymology: E. nigrogularis is from the Latin nigro for black and gula for gular region and refers to the black vocal sac of the male and the black pigmented gular region of the female.

Natural history: The holotype was collected at pools in a construction site; large chorus of several other species were present (Elachistocleis sp., Scinax ruber, Dendropsophus microcephalus, D. goughi, Engystomops pustulosus, Boana xerophylla, Leptodactylus fuscus, L. validus).

Michael J. Jowers, Sites N. Othman, Amael Borzée, Gilson A. Rivas, Santiago Sánchez-Ramírez, Renoir J. Auguste, J. Roger Downie, Morley Read and John C. Murphy. 2021. Unraveling Unique Island Colonization Events in Elachistocleis Frogs: Phylogeography, Cryptic Divergence, and Taxonomical Implications. Organisms Diversity & Evolution. DOI: 10.1007/s13127-021-00487-y

twitter.com/RenoirJAuguste/status/1364644888491491332

herpetologytt.blogspot.com/2021/02/a-new-species-of-frog-re-described-from.html

Ninjatitan zapatai

Gallina, Canale & Carballido, 2021

ameghiniana.org.ar

ctys.com.ar twitter.com/emanuel_pujol

Illustration: Jorge Gonzalez facebook.com/PaleoartbyJorgeGonzalez

Abstract

The titanosaur sauropod record of Patagonia, mainly recovered from Upper Cretaceous strata, is probably the richest worldwide. Here we present a new sauropod dinosaur, Ninjatitan zapatai gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Cretaceous Bajada Colorada Formation (Berriasian–Valanginian) of north Patagonia (Neuquén Province, Argentina), from which postcranial remains are preserved. The anatomical analysis and comparisons performed in this specimen evidence strong affinity with titanosaur sauropods. This assumption is corroborated with the inclusion of the new taxon in an updated phylogenetic data matrix. The cladistic analyses indicate that Ninjatitan could be considered the earliest known titanosaur sauropod. The combination of features such as the presence of procoelous anterior caudal centra, the pneumatized neural arch of anterior caudal vertebrae, and the posterodorsal border of the scapular acromion near the glenoid level supports its titanosaur affinities. The presence of a basal titanosaurian sauropod in the lowermost Cretaceous of Patagonia supports the hypothesis that the group was established in the Southern Hemisphere and reinforces the idea of a Gondwanan origin for Titanosauria. The Bajada Colorada sauropod fauna represents one of the most diverse and unique associations from the lowermost Cretaceous worldwide recorded.

Keywords: Sauropoda, Titanosauria, Lower Cretaceous, Patagonia

Pablo Ariel Gallina, Juan Ignacio Canale and José Luis Carballido. 2021. The Earliest Known Titanosaur Sauropod Dinosaur. Ameghiniana. 58(1); 35–51. DOI: 10.5710/AMGH.20.08.2020.3376

ameghiniana.org.ar/index.php/ameghiniana/article/view/3376

The earliest titanosaur in the world was discovered in Patagonia

Paleontologists present in society Ninjatitan zapatai, a new titanosaur from Patagonia that passes into the hall of fame among these colossi that walked on Earth for being the oldest of its group. This animal, about 20 meters in length, lived 140 million years ago, which demonstrates that these gigantic dinosaurs were originated at the beginning of the Cretaceous period.

ctys.com.ar/index.php?idPage=20&idArticulo=3797

twitter.com/emanuel_pujol/status/1366055546428788742

facebook.com/PaleoartbyJorgeGonzalez/posts/2162067083929973

Tamarro insperatus

Sellés, Vila, Brusatte, Currie & Galobart, 2021

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83745-5

Abstract

A characteristic fauna of dinosaurs and other vertebrates inhabited the end-Cretaceous European archipelago, some of which were dwarves or had other unusual features likely related to their insular habitats. Little is known, however, about the contemporary theropod dinosaurs, as they are represented mostly by teeth or other fragmentary fossils. A new isolated theropod metatarsal II, from the latest Maastrichtian of Spain (within 200,000 years of the mass extinction) may represent a jinfengopterygine troodontid, the first reported from Europe. Comparisons with other theropods and phylogenetic analyses reveal an autapomorphic foramen that distinguishes it from all other troodontids, supporting its identification as a new genus and species, Tamarro insperatus. Bone histology shows that it was an actively growing subadult when it died but may have had a growth pattern in which it grew rapidly in early ontogeny and attained a subadult size quickly. We hypothesize that it could have migrated from Asia to reach the Ibero-Armorican island no later than Cenomanian or during the Maastrichtian dispersal events.

Geographic and geological location of Sant Romà d’Abella site. Geographic location of the Tremp Syncline in the southern Pyrenean region (A). Geological map of the eastern part of the Tremp Syncline with the location of the Sant Romà d’Abella site (B). Landscape view of the fossil site (C) with a detailed picture showing the close spatial relationship between the troodontid metatarsal (MCD-7073) and axial elements of Pararhabdodon isonensis (D). Stratigraphic section at Sant Romà d’Abella area with the precise position of the fossiliferous Sant Romà d’Abella site (E).

The European troodontid Tamarro insperatus (MCD-7073) gen. et sp. nov. from the uppermost Maastrichtian of the Tremp Group, Tremp Basin, Southern Pyrenees. Photographic and interpretative ilustrations of the right second metatarsal in anterior (A-A’), lateral (B-B’), posterior (C–C’), medial (D-D’), and distal (F-F’) views. Scheme illustrating the gradual transition of the articular surface–grey arrow–for the accommodation of the metatarsal III (E). Detail of the distal end of the metatarsal II in anterior view showing the anterior contact surface of the metatarsal III (G). Detail of the articular surface of the metatarsal IV in the posterodistal part of the second metatarsal (H) ant anterior; f foramen; lat lateral; lc medial condyle; mc, lateral condyle; II–III contact between the second and third metatarsals; II–IV contact between the second and fourth metatarsals; plr plantar ridge; s sulcus.

Systematic palaeontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Coelurosauria Huene, 1914

Maniraptora Gauthier, 1986

Troodontidae Gilmore 1924

? Jinfengopteryginae Turner, Makovicky, and Norell, 2012

Tamarro insperatus gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Tamarro, Catalan word referring to a small and elusive fantastic creature from the regional (Pallars county) folklore. Insperatus, from the Latin word for “unexpected”, in reference to the unexpected discovery of the specimen.

Holotype: MCD-7073, a partial right metatarsal II.

Diagnosis: Tamarro insperatus is a mid-sized basal troodontid distinguished by the following unique combination of characters (* marks potential autapomorphies): metatarsal II with marked plantar ridge; small foramen on the lateral surface of the plantar ridge of the metatarsal II*; sub-arctometatarsalian condition with the metatarsal III restricted to the plantar margin on its proximal part.

Type locality and age: Sant Romà d’Abella locality (Pallars Jussà, Catalonia); upper part of the Talarn Formation of the Tremp Group. The site is correlated with the C29r magnetochron14, latest Maastrichtian age.

Conclusions:

The discovery of the new basal troodontid Tamarro insperatus at the very end of the Cretaceous in Europe represents the first evidence of bones of Troodontidae in Europe. Both phylogenetic and osteohistological results support the basal nature of the new taxon, most likely as a representative of the Asian clade Jinfengopteryginae. The histological analysis also has provided evidence for a mature individual with a high growth rate, which allowed the animal to attain subadult body size in a very short time. This growth strategy is similar to other basal troodontids, such as the Asian Mei long.

The fragmentary, yet controversial, record of troodontid-like teeth from Europe together with the likely Asian affinity of Tamarro, confirm that troodontids could have reached the ancient European Archipelago during the Late Cretaceous. Furthermore, the relatively large size of Tamarro insperatus compared with its closest phylogenetic relatives suggests it would be the largest among jinfengopterygines.

Albert G. Sellés, Bernat Vila, Stephen L. Brusatte, Philip J. Currie and Àngel Galobart. 2021. A Fast-growing Basal Troodontid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the latest Cretaceous of Europe. Scientific Reports. 11: 4855. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83745-5

Triplocania pains

Neto, Aldrete, Rafael & Ferreira, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4938.5.2

Abstract

Four species of Triplocania are described and illustrated (T. brancoi n. sp., T. ferratilis n. sp., T. pains n. sp., and T. zairae n. sp.), all based on male specimens collected in caves of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. An identification key is presented to the Brazilian species of Triplocania, based on males, together with information on both sexes and distributions.

Keywords: Psocoptera, taxonomy, neotropics, psocids

Alberto Moreira Da Silva Neto, Alfonso N. García Aldrete, José Albertino Rafael and Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira. 2021. Checklist and Identification Key to Brazilian Species of Triplocania Roesler (Psocodea: ‘Psocoptera’: Psocomorpha: Ptiloneuridae), with Four New Cave-dwelling Species. Zootaxa. 4938(5); 537–558. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4938.5.2

Tricalysia elmar Cheek

in Cheek, Causon, et al., 2020.

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2020.1661

twitter.com/PlEcEvo

Abstract

Background and aims – This paper reports a further discovery in the context of a long-term botanical survey in the Cross River-Sanaga interval of west-central Africa, focussing on species discovery and conservation.

Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study the material collected. The relevant collections are stored in the Herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London and at the Institute of Research in Agronomic Development – National Herbarium of Cameroon.

Key results – Species new to science recently discovered from the cloud (submontane) forests of the Cameroon Highlands in Cameroon are reviewed. Most of these species are rare, highly localised, and threatened by habitat destruction. These discoveries increase the justification for improved conservation management of surviving habitat. Tricalysia elmar Cheek (Coffeeae-Rubiaceae) is described as an additional cloud forest species new to science. Its taxonomic position is discussed, and it is compared with similar species of the genus. Restricted so far to four locations, Mt Kupe, Bali Ngemba, Lebialem and Nta Ali, its conservation status is assessed as Endangered (EN B1+2ab(iii)) according to the 2012 criteria of IUCN.

Keywords: accrescent floral disc, conservation, Cross-Sanaga Interval, submontane forest, Tropical Important Plant Areas

Tricalysia elmar Cheek.
A. Habit. B. Domatia on leaf abaxial surface. C. Stipules. D. Inflorescence with calyculi, foliar and stipular lobes, flower bud, open flower and flower after corolla drop. E. Corolla lobe tip showing scattered hairs. F. Calyx and 3rd order (distal) calyculus. G. Longitudinal section of flower showing disc, ovary, and base of style. H. Stamens, outer face with anther lobe bases (left) and inner face (right). I. Fruits in situ. J. Fruit apex showing calyx surrounding accrescent disc.

Scale bars: A = 5 cm; B, H, F, G = 2 mm; C, J = 5 mm; D, I = 1 cm; E = 500 μm. A–H from Cheek7619 (K); I–J from Etuge1735 (K), all drawn by Andrew Brown.

Tricalysia elmar Cheek, sp. nov.

Diagnosis – Similar to Tricalysia ferorum Robbr. of Sect. Probletostemon (K.Schum.) Robbr. in the large, conspicuous, dome-like accrescent disc in the fruit, differing in the entire, united distal calyculus (distal bracts not free) and the glabrous style and anthers (not hairy); differing from all species of Sect. Tricalysia in the dome-like accrescent disc in the fruit.

Etymology – Named (indeclinable word in apposition; art. 23.1 and 23.2 of the code, Turland et al. 2018) for Prof. Elmar Robbrecht (1946–) of the Meise Botanic Garden and Herbarium, Belgium, the noted global specialist in Rubiaceae who monographed and laid the systematic foundations for all future research on the genus Tricalysia.

Martin Cheek, Isla Causon, Barthelemy Tchiengue and Eden House. 2020. Notes on Tricalysia elmar sp. nov. (Rubiaceae, Coffeeae), and Cloud Forest of the Cameroon Highlands. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 153(1); 167-176. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2020.1661

twitter.com/PlEcEvo/status/1280049747512963073

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Cyrtodactylus zhenkangensis

Liu & Rao, 2021

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1021.60402

Abstract

A new species of Cyrtodactylus is described on the basis of five specimens collected from the karst formations of Zhenkang County, Yunnan Province, China. Cyrtodactylus zhenkangensis sp. nov. is recognized by having a unique combination of morphological characters, the most diagnostic being: 12–15 enlarged femoral scales on each thigh; 2–5 femoral pores on each thigh in males, 0–3 pitted scales on each thigh in females; eight or nine precloacal pores in a continuous row or separated by one poreless scale in males, 7–9 pitted scales in females; subcaudals enlarged, arranged alternately as single and double on anterior and mostly single at middle and posterior; dorsal surface of head with obvious reticulations. Phylogenetic analyses show that the new species is a member of the C. wayakonei species group and a sister taxon to a clade consisting of C. wayakonei and C. martini based on Maximum Likelihood analyses and Bayesian Inference and differs from its congeners by at least 12.0% genetic divergence in a fragment of the COI gene.

Keywords: Bent-toed gecko, Cyrtodactylus wayakonei, karst-dwelling, taxonomy, Zhenkang

Figure 4. The holotype (KIZL20200049) of Cyrtodactylus zhenkangensis sp. nov. in life
A dorsal view B lateral view.

Figure 5. The paratypes of Cyrtodactylus zhenkangensis sp. nov. in life
A subadult male (KIZL2020046) B subadult female (KIZL2020047)
C adult female (KIZL2020048) D adult female (KIZL2020050).

Cyrtodactylus zhenkangensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Cyrtodactylus zhenkangensis sp. nov. differs from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: medium size (SVL 78.1–87.4 mm); ventrolateral folds present with interspersed tubercles; 12–15 enlarged femoral scales on each thigh; 2–5 femoral pores on each thigh in males, 0–3 pitted scales on each thigh in females; eight or nine precloacal pores in a continuous row or separated by one poreless scale in males, 7–9 pitted scales in females; two or three postcloacal tubercles on each side; 18–21 lamellae under finger IV, 21–23 lamellae under toe IV; subcaudals enlarged, arranged alternately as single and double on anterior and mostly single at middle and posterior; dorsal surface of head with obvious, light-colored reticulations; eight or nine irregular transverse bands on the dorsum of body.

Etymology: The name refers to Zhenkang County, where the new species was found.

Figure 7. Habitat of Cyrtodactylus zhenkangensis sp. nov. at the type locality in Zhenkang County, Yunnan Province, China.

Distribution: The new species is currently known only from the type locality in Zhenkang County, Yunnan Province, China.

Natural history: All specimens were found at night between 19:00 and 21:00 on limestone cliffs of the karst formations. The surrounding habitat was primary forest with a stream nearby. No eggs or juveniles were found.

Shuo Liu and Dingqi Rao. 2021. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Yunnan, China. ZooKeys. 1021: 109-126. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1021.60402

Tricalysia lophocarpa O.Lachenaud & Sonké

in Lachenaud, Stévart & Sonké, 2020.

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2020.1670

twitter.com/PlEcEvo

Abstract

Background and aims – The genus Tricalysia A.Rich. (Rubiaceae), regarded here in the strict sense (i.e., excluding Empogona Hook.f.), includes 77 species in tropical Africa, Madagascar and the Comoros. In the current paper, three new species from Atlantic Central Africa are described and illustrated; their conservation status is also assessed.

Material and methods – This paper is based on a study of herbarium collections from BR, BRLU, K, LBV, P, WAG and YA. Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied. The conservation status assessments follow the IUCN Red List criteria.

Results – Tricalysia lophocarpa O.Lachenaud & Sonké is endemic to Gabon and is best recognised by its fruits with 8–10 narrow longitudinal ribs. Tricalysia obovata O.Lachenaud & Sonké is endemic to Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni) and may be recognised by its obovate leaves with rounded base, glabrous stems, and sessile flowers with included style and half-exserted anthers. Tricalysia wilksii O.Lachenaud & Sonké occurs in Gabon and southwestern Republic of Congo, and may be recognised by its glabrous stems and leaves, the latter with crypt domatia, its linear calyx teeth equalling or exceeding the tube in length, and its shortly pedicellate fruits. The three species are assessed respectively as Near-threatened (T. lophocarpa), Critically Endangered (T. obovata) and Vulnerable (T. wilksii).

Keywords: Tricalysia, Rubiaceae, Coffeeae, new species, taxonomy, Central Africa, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo

Tricalysia lophocarpa O.Lachenaud & Sonké.
A. Fruiting stem. B. Stipule. C. Detail of the domatia. D. Inflorescence. E. Flower. F. Longitudinal section of flower. G. Fruit, side view. H. Fruit, viewed from above.

A–C, G–H from Moungazi 1545; D–F from J.J. de Wilde & de Wilde-Bakhuizen11799.

Drawn by O. Lachenaud

Tricalysia lophocarpa O.Lachenaud & Sonké, sp. nov.

Diagnosis – Ramulis breviter pubescentibus, foliis ellipticis parvis, floribusque parvis et sessilibus T. pallenti Hiern si-milis, sed differt fructibus longitudinaliter 8–10-costatis (nec laevibus), calyci lobis 0.5–1 mm longis (nec 0.1–0.5 mm), stylo glabro (nec pubescente), foliisque domatiis cryptiformibus (nec foveolatis) munitis et subtus in sicco minute granulosis (nec laevibus).

Etymology – The name lophocarpa refers to the ribbed fruits, the most diagnostic character of the species.

Tricalysia obovata O.Lachenaud & Sonké, sp. nov.

Diagnosis – Foliis obovatis basi rotundatis et ut caulibus glaberrimis, floribusque parvis et sessilibus T. amplexicauli Robbr. et T. pedunculosae (N.Hallé) Robbr. var. walkerianae(N.Hallé) Robbr. similis, sed ab ambabus conspicue differt foliis minoribus 8.5–10.7 cm longis (nec 14–35 cm) et sub-tus in sicco laevibus (nec granulosis), floribusque stylo in-cluso (nec exserto) et antheris pro parte inclusis (nec omnino exsertis).

Etymology – The species name refers to the obovate leaves.

Tricalysia wilksii O.Lachenaud & Sonké, sp. nov.

Diagnosis –Foliis ellipticis basi acutis et glabris domatiis exceptis, calycisque lobis linearibus tubo aequantibus vel ex-cedentibus T. obstetrici N.Hallé similis, sed differt fructibus pedicellatis pericarpio tenue (nec sessilibus pericarpio inc-rassato), ovario dense pubescente (nec glabro), bracteolis in cupula breviora (0.8–1.3 mm, nec 1.5–2 mm) connatis, stipu-lis glabris (nec pubescentibus), foliisque nitidis et subtus in sicco laevibus (nec opacis et in sicco granulosis).

Etymology – The species name commemorates the British botanist Christopher Morris Wilks (13 July 1947–2 November 2008), a specialist of Central African trees, and one of the collectors of this plant.

Olivier Lachenaud, Tariq Stévart and Bonaventure Sonké. 2020. Three New Species of Tricalysia (Rubiaceae) from Atlantic Central Africa. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 153(2); 257-266. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2020.1670

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Oxynoemacheilus amanos

Kaya, Yoğurtçuoğlu & Freyhof, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4938.5.3

twitter.com/Jorg_Freyhof

Abstract

Oxynoemacheilus amanos, new species, is described from İncesu spring in the upper Hupnik drainage, a northern tributary of the lower Orontes in Turkey. It is distinguished from the other Oxynoemacheilus species in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea basin by possession of an incomplete lateral line with 23–45 pores, terminating between the vertical through the dorsal fin origin and the anus, 10–13 pores in the infraorbital canal, a deeply emarginate caudal fin, no suborbital groove in the male, and a series of irregularly shaped and set dark-brown bars on the flank, not connected to saddles on the back.

Keywords: Pisces, Freshwater fish, taxonomy, Middle East, Amanos mountains, Hatay

Cüneyt Kaya, Baran Yoğurtçuoğlu and Jörg Freyhof. 2021. Oxynoemacheilus amanos, A New Nemacheilid Loach from the Orontes River Drainage (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Zootaxa. 4938(5); 559–570. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4938.5.3

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Raorchestes keirasabinae

Garg, Suyesh, Das, Bee & Biju,. 2021

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10791

Abstract

The genus Raorchestes is a large radiation of Old World tree frogs for which the Western Ghats in Peninsular India is the major center for origin and diversification. Extensive studies on this group during the past two decades have resolved long-standing taxonomic confusions and uncovered several new species, resulting in a four-fold increase in the number of known Raorchestes frogs from this region. Our ongoing research has revealed another five new species in the genus, formally described as Raorchestes drutaahu sp. nov., Raorchestes kakkayamensis sp. nov., Raorchestes keirasabinae sp. nov., Raorchestes sanjappai sp. nov., and Raorchestes vellikkannan sp. nov., all from the State of Kerala in southern Western Ghats. Based on new collections, we also provide insights on the taxonomic identity of three previously known taxa. Furthermore, since attempts for an up-to-date comprehensive study of this taxonomically challenging genus using multiple integrative taxonomic approaches have been lacking, here we review the systematic affinities of all known Raorchestes species and define 16 species groups based on evidence from multi-gene (2,327 bp) phylogenetic analyses, several morphological characters (including eye colouration and pattern), and acoustic parameters (temporal and spectral properties, as well as calling height). The results of our study present novel insights to facilitate a better working taxonomy for this rather speciose and morphologically conserved radiation of shrub frogs. This will further enable proper field identification, provide momentum for multi-disciplinary studies, as well as assist conservation of one of the most colourful and acoustically diverse frog groups of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

Raorchestes drutaahu sp. nov.

Fast-calling Shrub Frog

Etymology. The species name is derived from Sanskrit ‘druta’ (meaning fast) and ‘ahu’ (meaning call), referring to the fast-pulsatile calls of the new species. The species epithet drutaahu is treated as an invariable noun in apposition to the generic name.

Distribution and natural history. Raorchestes drutaahu sp. nov. is endemic to the Western Ghats and currently known only from elevations ranging between 1,000 to 1,450 m asl at two localities: Kadalar in Idukki district (south of Palghat gap) and Siruvani in Palakkad district (north of Palghat gap). The species has been observed in forest areas, either on grassland-shola fringes or fragmented forest patches near plantations. Individuals were located on leaves of short shrubs at heights of 0.5–1.5 m.

Raorchestes kakkayamensis sp. nov.

Kakkayam Shrub Frog

Etymology. The species is named after the place Kakkayam, where the type series was collected.

Distribution and natural history. Raorchestes kakkayamensis sp. nov. is endemic to the Western Ghats and currently known only from its type locality (Kakkayam) in Kozhikode district, north of Palghat gap in Kerala State. The species was observed inside a primary forest patch and adjoining secondary forest areas at an elevation of 750 m asl. Individuals were located on the ground leaf litter or found perching on vegetation 1–3 m high.

Raorchestes keirasabinae sp. nov.

Keira’s Shrub Frog

Etymology. The species is named after a young nature lover Keira Sabin, in appreciation of the long-time support and commitment of the Andrew Sabin Family Foundation towards amphibian research and conservation around the world. The species epithet keirasabinae is treated as a noun in the genitive case.

Distribution and natural history. Raorchestes keirasabinae sp. nov. is endemic to the Western Ghats and currently known from elevations of 100–1,000 m asl south of Palghat gap. It has been observed at Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (Chathankod-Makki, Ponmudi, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary) in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts, and Periyar Tiger Reserve in Idukki district of Kerala State. Since the species inhabits the highest canopy layers and cannot be located easily, it could have a wider geographical range in the Western Ghats regions south of Palghat gap, both in Kerala and the adjoining State of Tamil Nadu. The vocalisations of this species have not been recorded and analysed.

Figure 16: Raorchestes chromasynchysi species group. (A) Phylogenetic relationships and major morphological characters for members of the group: (1) adult size range (male SVL 20–35 mm, female SVL 27–37 mm); (2) dorsum with a horny ridge extending from the snout tip to the vent; (3) presence of lingual papillae; (4) foot webbing moderate to large, up to or well beyond the second subarticular tubercle on either side of toe IV. (B and C) Male calls in members of the group: Calling individual, followed by a call oscillogram (above) and spectrogram (below) for R. chromasynchysi and R. silentvalley (1 s section showing a single call for each species). (D and E) Adult male, followed by a call oscillogram (above) and spectrogram (below) for R. ravii and R. sanjappai sp. nov. (0.1 s section showing a single call for each species). (F) Adult male of R. vellikkannan sp. nov. (call not studied). (G–K) Eye colour and pattern in five members of the group. (L) Geographical distribution of members of the group; species range colours on the map correspond to the square colours indicated alongside each species label in (B)–(F).

Raorchestes sanjappai sp. nov.

Sanjappa’s Shrub Frog

Etymology. The species is named after Dr. M. Sanjappa, a renowned Indian Botanist and former Director of the Botanical Survey of India. The species name is in appreciation of his taxonomic contributions as well as generous support to SDB during the initial phases of his research career. The species epithet sanjappai is treated as a noun in the genitive case.

Distribution and natural history. Raorchestes sanjappai sp. nov. is endemic to the Western Ghats and currently known only from an altitude of about 750 m asl at its type locality (Periya) that lies north of Palghat gap in the Wayanad district of Kerala State. The species was observed inside secondary forests and individuals were located on vegetation up to 3 m high during the breeding season.

Raorchestes vellikkannan sp. nov.

Silver-eyed Shrub Frog

Etymology. The species name is derived from Malayalam (the language of Kerala State where the type series were collected) ‘velli’ (meaning silver) and ‘kannu’ (meaning eye) referring to the silver colour of the iris in this species. The species epithet vellikkannan is treated as an invariable noun in apposition to the generic name.

Distribution and natural history. Raorchestes vellikkannan sp. nov. is endemic to the Western Ghats and currently known only from its type locality (Singappara, Siruvani) and surrounding regions of the Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad district of Kerala State, north of Palghat gap. This species was observed inside primary forests and individuals were found on vegetation up to 4 m high during the breeding season. The vocalisations of this species have not been recorded and analysed.

Figure 23: Ungrouped species. (A) Phylogenetic position of two ungrouped species, Raorchestes echinatus and R. indigo.
(B–E) R. echinatus: (B) Dorsolateral view.(C) Lateral view. (D) Posterior view of thighs. (E) Eye colour and pattern.
(F–I) R. indigo: (F) Dorsolateral view. (G) Lateral view. (H) Posterior view of thighs. (I) Eye colour and pattern.
(J) Geographical distribution of R. echinatus and R. indigo.

Sonali Garg, Robin Suyesh, Sandeep Das, Mark A. Bee and S. D. Biju. 2021. An Integrative Approach to Infer Systematic Relationships and Define Species Groups in the Shrub Frog Genus Raorchestes, with Description of Five New Species from the Western Ghats, India. PeerJ. 9:e10791. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10791

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Histiotus sp.

Rodríguez-Posada, Morales-Martínez, Ramírez-Chaves, Martínez-Medina & Calderón-Acevedo, 2021.

DOI: 10.15446/caldasia.v43n2.85424

twitter.com/DMMoralesMar

The South American bats of the genus Histiotus comprises between four and eight species, but their taxonomy has been controversial and the limits between species and their distribution are not well understood. In Colombia, Histiotus humboldti and H. montanus colombiae have been recorded, but undescribed species has been suggested. We evaluated the species richness and distribution of Colombian Histiotus using morphological, molecular, and acoustic traits. Our results evidence three species in Colombia, the two previously recorded taxa and a new species from the Cordillera Central of Colombia and northern Ecuador that we describe here. We also revalidated H. colombiae as a full species. H. humboldti is widely distributed in the Colombian and Ecuadorean Andes and can be sympatric with the other two species. H. colombiae is restricted to the Colombian Cordillera Oriental. Finally, we highlight the potential hidden diversity within Histiotus in the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, the need to resolve the evolutionary relationships of the genus, and its implications to the understanding of the processes that have structured the Andean mammal fauna.

Keywords: Andes, Cytochrome b, echolocation calls, morphometry, Vespertilionidae

Miguel E. Rodríguez-Posada, Darwin M. Morales-Martínez, Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves, Daniela Martínez-Medina and Camilo A. Calderón-Acevedo. 2021. Una nueva especie de murciélago pardo de orejas largas del género Histiotus (Chiroptera) y revalidación de Histiotus colombiae [A New Species of Long-eared Brown Bat of the Genus Histiotus (Chiroptera) and the Revalidation of Histiotus colombiae]. CALDASIA. 43(2) DOI: 10.15446/caldasia.v43n2.85424

Researchgate.net/publication/349725085_A_new_species_of_Histiotus_and_the_revalidation_of_Histiotus_colombiae

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Los murciélagos suramericanos del género Histiotus comprenden entre cuatro y ocho especies, pero su taxonomía ha sido controversial y los límites entre sus especies y sus áreas de distribución no son bien entendidos. En Colombia, se han registrado a Histiotus humboldti y a H. montanus colombiae, pero se ha propuesto que hay especies por descubrir. Evaluamos la riqueza de especies de murciélagos Histiotus colombianos incluyendo caracteres morfológicos, moleculares y acústicos. Nuestros resultados evidencian la presencia de tres especies en Colombia, los dos taxones previamente registrados y una especie nueva de la Cordillera Central de Colombia y el norte de Ecuador que describimos aquí. Además, revalidamos H. colombiae a nivel de especie. H. humboldti presenta la distribución más amplia en los Andes colombianos y ecuatorianos, y puede estar en simpatría con las otras dos especies. H. colombiae es sólo conocida de la Cordillera Oriental de Colombia. Finalmente, resaltamos la diversidad potencial no descrita de Histiotus en los Andes peruanos y bolivianos, la necesidad de resolver las relaciones evolutivas del género y sus implicaciones en el entendimiento de los procesos que han estructurado la fauna Andina de mamíferos.

Palabras clave: Andes, Vespertilionidae, Citocromo b, ecolocalización, Morfometría

Paroedura rennerae

Miralles, Bruy, Crottini, Rakotoarison, Ratsoavina, Scherz, Schmidt, Köhler, Glaw & Vences, 2021

DOI: 10.3897/vertebrate-zoology.71.e59495

twitter.com/MarkScherz

Abstract

The Paroedura bastardi clade, a subgroup of the Madagascan gecko genus Paroedura, currently comprises four nominal species: P. bastardi, supposedly widely distributed in southern and western Madagascar, P. ibityensis, a montane endemic, and P. tanjaka and P. neglecta, both restricted to the central west region of the island. Previous work has shown that Paroedura bastardi is a species complex with several strongly divergent mitochondrial lineages. Based on one mitochondrial and two nuclear markers, plus detailed morphological data, we undertake an integrative revision of this species complex. Using a representative sampling for seven nuclear and five mitochondrial genes we furthermore propose a phylogenetic hypothesis of relationships among the species in this clade. Our analyses reveal at least three distinct and independent evolutionary lineages currently referred to P.bastardi. Conclusive evidence for the species status of these lineages comes from multiple cases of syntopic occurrence without genetic admixture or morphological intermediates, suggesting reproductive isolation. We discuss the relevance of this line of evidence and the conditions under which concordant differentiation in unlinked loci under sympatry provides a powerful approach to species delimitation, and taxonomically implement our findings by (1) designating a lectotype for Paroedura bastardi, now restricted to the extreme South-East of Madagascar, (2) resurrecting of the binomen Paroedura guibeae Dixon & Kroll, 1974, which is applied to the species predominantly distributed in the South-West, and (3) describing a third species, Paroedura rennerae sp. nov., which has the northernmost distribution within the species complex.

Keywords: Madagascar, new species, phylogenetics, species delimitation, sympatry, taxonomy.

Figure 4. Multilocus phylogenetic trees (full dataset concatenated, nDNA and mtDNA concatenated trees), with haplotype networks reconstructed for each of the nuclear markers (after phasing). Photo credits: AM (Paroedura rennerae sp. nov., P. picta, both from Kirindy), MV (P. ibityensis from Itremo), FG and JK (P. neglecta and P. tanjaka, both from Bemaraha), FG and MV (P. bastardi from Berenty, and P. guibeae from Tranoroa).

Figure 9. Holotype of Paroedura rennerae sp. nov. (ZSM 849/2010, from Kirindy CNFEREF).
The four top photographs are of the living specimen, whereas the bottom picture shows the preserved specimen after nine years in 70% ethanol (pictures by Aurélien Miralles).

Paroedura rennerae sp. nov.

Remarks: This species was previously named P. sp. aff. bastardi Ca01 “Marofandilia/Miandrivazo” by Cocca et al. (2018) and Paroedura bastardi by Aprea et al. (2013) and Köhler et al. (2019; partim).

Diagnosis:

Paroedura rennerae sp. nov. is characterized by the unique combination of the following characters: (1) presence of prominent dorsal tubercles arranged in regular longitudinal rows, (2) presence of three broad light crossbands on the dorsum in juveniles and subadults, (3) spines on the tail, (4) nostril separated from rostral scale by prenasal, and (5) a curly-bracket shaped marking in the occipital region.

Paroedura rennerae sp. nov. can be distinguished from most other currently recognized Paroedura species by the presence of only three broad light crossbands on the dorsum in juveniles and subadults (the first one between forelimbs, the second one at midbody, and the third one between hindlimbs) versus four light crossbands in all other species except those of the P. bastardi clade (P. bastardi, P. guibeae, P. ibityensis, P. neglecta, and P. tanjaka, which all have three crossbands) and P. oviceps and P. vahiny (in which the juvenile coloration is still unknown). It can be distinguished from P. gracilis by larger dorsal scales, absence of a white tip to the original tail, absence of a raised vertebral ridge on the dorsum and shorter forelimbs, which do not extend forward beyond tip of snout; from P. masobe by much smaller eyes and absence of a dorsal row of paired spines on the tail; from P. fasciata, P. homalorhina, P. hordiesi, P. vahiny, and P. spelaea by presence of spines on the original tail (versus absence); from P. gracilis, P. homalorhina, P. kloki, P. maingoka, P. masobe, P. oviceps (from its type locality Nosy Be), P. picta, P. spelaea, most P. tanjaka, and P. vahiny by the presence of prominent dorsal tubercles arranged in regular longitudinal rows (versus rather irregular rows of dorsal tubercles).

Within the P. bastardi clade, the species can easily be distinguished from P. tanjaka and P. neglecta by the absence of contact between the nostril and the rostral scale (versus presence). It can be distinguished from P. ibityensis by larger maximum SVL (> 70 mm versus 61 mm). In comparison with P. bastardi sensu novo and P. guibeae, the new species can be distinguished by the presence of a very sharp and contrasting dark transverse pattern, evoking the shape of a thin curly-bracket ({) , in the occipital region and delimiting the skull from the neck. Moreover, Paroedura rennerae sp. nov. is unambiguously larger in size than P. guibeae (adult SVL > 70 mm versus < 60 mm in P. guibeae), and its dorsal tubercles are more prominent. It also lacks striped fingers (versus striped in P. guibeae), and the light patch on its head lacks concave anterior edge and central vacuity in juveniles (versus both present in P. bastardi).

Etymology: This new species, elegant and prickly, is dedicated to Susanne Renner, eminent botanist and evolutionary biologist, and Professor Emeritus of the University of Munich, in recognition of her substantial contributions to taxonomy and her invaluable collaboration in the framework of the “Taxon-omics” priority program of the German Research Foundation, DFG.

Habitat, habits, and distribution: Paroedura rennerae is reliably known from five localities, some of them relatively distant from each other, suggesting this species is widely distributed in the central/southern region of Madagascar. In the dry forest of Kirindy CNFEREF, specimens have been observed on vertical surfaces (tree trunks, wooden walls of the CNFEREF camp huts), around 1 to 2 m above the ground. Like other members of the P. bastardi species complex, it is quick to bite when handled. In Anja, several specimens have been collected on granitic boulders. ZSM 779/2009 was found in a large cavity below two large granitic boulders, in a quite humid environment. In this cavity, ZSM 779/2009 and other individuals were found on the walls. In Isalo, specimens belonging to this species were found at two sites (Zahavola and Namazaha Valley). These individuals were found within the canyons of the sandstone Massif in shaded areas and in close proximity to a small cave or a small waterfall, again in quite humid microhabitats. Two additional 16S sequences confirm the presence of this species also in Marofandilia and Miandrivazo (GU129005 and GU128989, Aprea et al. 2013). All specimens have been observed at night or near dusk.

Aurélien Miralles, Teddy Bruy, Angelica Crottini, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina, Mark D. Scherz, Robin Schmidt, Jörn Köhler, Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences. 2021. Completing A Taxonomic Puzzle: Integrative Review of Geckos of the Paroedura bastardi Species Complex (Squamata, Gekkonidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 71: 27-48. DOI: 10.3897/vertebrate-zoology.71.e59495

twitter.com/MarkScherz/status/1365425480497823746

Micaria sp.

Booysen & Haddad, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4940.1.1

Abstract

The genus Micaria Westring, 1851 (Araneae, Gnaphosidae) is a group of small (1.85–5 mm) ant-like spiders that can be distinguished from other gnaphosids by their piriform gland spigots that are similar in size to the major ampullate gland spigots. According to the World Spider Catalog, there are 105 species of Micaria in the world, of which only three species are known from the African part of the Afrotropical Region, namely M. chrysis (Simon, 1910), M. tersissima Simon, 1910 and M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923). The objectives of this study were to revise Micaria in the Afrotropical Region, providing new and updated records for each of the species, evaluating the relationships between them using COI barcoding data, and providing information on their biology, mimetic relationships and feeding ecology. These objectives were met by collecting fresh material from the KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Northern Cape and Free State provinces in South Africa. Fresh material of M. tersissima and M. chrysis were collected from their type localities, Komaggas and Port Nolloth (Northern Cape Province), respectively, for identification and DNA analyses. COI sequences generated, together with those sourced from Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) and GenBank, were aligned using the CulstalW alignment algorithm in the Mega X software, and molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed using MrBayes for Bayesian Inference (BI) and RaxML for maximum likelihood (ML) analyses. Morphological examination of the collected and voucher material yielded 17 new species for the Afrotropical Region, namely M. basaliducta sp. nov. (♀, ♂, South Africa), M. bimaculata sp. nov. (♀, ♂, Mauritania), M. bispicula sp. nov. (♀, ♂, Namibia, South Africa), M. durbana sp. nov. (♀, ♂, South Africa, Zambia), M. felix sp. nov. (♀, ♂, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe), M. gagnoa sp. nov. (♀, ♂, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Mozambique, Tanzania), M. koingnaas sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), M. lata sp. nov. (♂, Namibia, South Africa), M. laxa sp. nov. (♀, South Africa), M. mediospina sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), M. parvotibialis sp. nov. (♀, ♂, Senegal), M. plana sp. nov. (♀, ♂, Ethiopia), M. quadrata sp. nov. (♀, Ethiopia), M. quinquemaculosa sp. nov. (♀, ♂, Namibia, South Africa), M. rivonosy sp. nov. (♀, ♂, Madagascar), M. sanipass sp. nov. (♂, South Africa) and M. scutellata sp. nov. (♂, South Africa). Furthermore, both sexes of M. beaufortia, as well as the male of M. tersissima, are redescribed. Both sexes of M. chrysis are described for the first time, as this species was only known from a juvenile. Of the previously known species, M. beaufortia (Botswana, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe) and M. chrysis (Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania) are widespread in the Afroptropics, while M. tersissima is only known from South Africa. Both the Bayesian inference and the maximum likelihood analysess recovered Micaria (sensu lato) as monophyletic with the inclusion of the subopaca group. The pulicaria species group was recovered as polyphyletic in both the BI and ML analyses. Four Afrotropical species, as well as the M. rossica Thorell, 1875/M. foxi Gertsch, 1933 group, formed a clade sister to M. formicaria (Sundevall, 1831). Eight of the Afrotropical species now have COI barcoding data uploaded to BOLD.

Ruan Booysen and Charles Haddad. 2021. Revision and Molecular Phylogeny of the Spider Genus Micaria Westring, 1851 (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) in the Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa. 4940(1); 1–82. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4940.1.1

Brachyhypopomus degy

Dutra, Peixoto, Ochoa, Ohara, de Santana, Menezes & Datovo, 2021

DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2021.1877844

twitter.com/DavideFishes

Abstract

A new species of the bluntnose knifefish genus Brachyhypopomus Mago-Leccia is described from headwaters of upper Rio Juruena, and upper Rio Machado, Amazon basin, Brazil. The new species differs from all congeners by the absence of a small independent ossification of the Weberian complex located posterodorsally to the supraoccipital. It can be additionally distinguished from its congeners by a set of characters in combination that includes: absence of accessory electric organ over the opercular region, absence of a prominent pale uninterrupted middorsal stripe on body, presence of scales on the entire middorsal region of body, dorsal rami of the recurrent branch of anterior lateral-line nerve not externally visible, presence of a dark suborbital stripe, and possession of 8–10 scale rows above the lateral line. The phylogenetic position of the new species is inferred by its inclusion in a total-evidence matrix with data from morphology, mitochondrial genes, and nuclear genes of all species. The new species is apparently restricted to upland tributaries of the Chapada dos Parecis, more than 500 m high. Comments on the occurrence of fish species in multiple independent basins at Chapada dos Parecis are also provided.

Key words: Bayesian inference, biodiversity, electric fishes, maximum parsimony, neotropical fauna, taxonomy

Brachyhypopomus degy

Guilherme Moreira Dutra, Luiz Antônio Wanderley Peixoto, Luz Eneida Ochoa, Willian Massaharu Ohara, Carlos David de Santana, Naércio Aquino Menezes and Aléssio Datovo. 2021. A New Species of Amazonian Bluntnose Knifefish Brachyhypopomus (Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae), with Comments on Its Phylogenetic Position. Systematics and Biodiversity. DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2021.1877844

twitter.com/DavideFishes/status/1366898192663654404

Bopopia parviflora Munzinger & J.R.Morel

in Morel, Duminil & Munzinger, 2021.

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.736.1253

ABSTRACT

A new genus of Gesneriaceae, Bopopia Munzinger & J.R.Morel gen. nov., is described from New Caledonia. The genus is based on Bopopia parviflora Munzinger & J.R.Morel gen. et sp. nov., a new species collected during an expedition on Mt Katalupaik, in the North Province of New Caledonia’s main island. Originally considered as a species of Coronanthera, our phylogenetic analysis – including 19 species within Coronanthereae and two individuals of B. parviflora gen. et sp. nov., and using three molecular markers (nuclear rDNA ITS, and chloroplast regions trnL-trnF and trnE-trnT) – showed that the new species is not close to Coronanthera in subtribe Coronantherinae, but belongs to subtribe Negriinae where it is sister to Depanthus. From that genus Bopopia gen. nov. differs in floral symmetry (zygomorphic vs actinomorphic) and the number of stamens (4 vs 5). From the other genera of Negriinae the new genus differs in the white corolla and its indeterminate thyrse with 3 to 5 levels of branching. The morphological circumscription of the subtribe Negriinae is amended to include Bopopia gen. nov. Two keys are provided, one to the subtribes in the tribe Coronanthereae, and one to the genera in subtribe Negriinae. Following the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, the conservation status of B. parviflora gen. et sp. nov. is provisionally assessed as Endangered (EN).

Keywords: Gesneriaceae, Gesnerioideae-Coronanthereae-Negriinae, La Planète Revisitée, New Caledonia, Grande Terre, Mt Katalupaik, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy

Fig. 3. Bopopia parviflora Munzinger & J.R.Morel gen. et sp. nov.
A. Habit. B. Upper part of stem and axillary inflorescences C. Adaxial side of leaf. D. Trunk. E. Magnified leaf showing leaf teeth (or hydathodes?). F. Flower in lateral view. G. Abaxial side of leaf.

Scale bar: F = 1 mm. Photographs taken by Jérôme Munzinger.

Fig. 5. Bopopia parviflora Munzinger & J.R.Morel gen. et sp. nov.
A. Part of plant showing opposite leaves and axillary inflorescences. B. Flower in lateral view. C. Calyx cut open to show the gynoecium. D. Longitudinal section of corolla, showing stamens (lobes unrolled). E. Top view of connate anthers.

Scale bars: A = 20 mm; B–D = 1 mm; E = 0.4 mm. Drawn from photographs taken by Jérôme Munzinger and parts of the specimen Munzinger et al. 7980 preserved in alcohol.

Genus Bopopia Munzinger & J.R.Morel gen. nov.

Type species Bopopia parviflora Munzinger & J.R.Morel gen. et sp. nov.,

by present designation.

Diagnosis: Bopopia gen. nov. differs from other genera of Coronanthereae in its inflorescence: an axillary indeterminate thyrse with ultimate axes being pair-flowered cymes and inferior axes being indeterminate thyrses with three to five levels of branching (vs 3-flowered cymes or solitary flowers); it differs from Depanthus in floral symmetry (zygomorphy vs actinomorphy), stamen number (4 vs 5); from Negria in inserted (vs exserted) stamens, and connate (vs free) anthers; from Lenbrassia in bilobed (vs spatulate) stigma.

Etymology: The genus is named after the land and people of Bopope (Pŵpŵp), in the vicinity of Mt Katalupaik.

Bopopia parviflora Munzinger & J.R.Morel gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Bopopia parviflora gen. et sp. nov. is similar to Coronanthera clarkeana Schltr., C.deltoidifolia Vieill. ex C.B.Clarke, C. pinguior C.B.Clarke and Depanthus glaber in its glabrous adaxial leaf surface but differs in its unique inflorescence structure within the tribe and also vegetatively in leaf measurements, blade, apex and base shape, margin (entire vs serrate), and abaxial indumentum, as well as petiole length and indumentum ( Table 2).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the small flowers as compared to other Gesneriaceae known from New Caledonia.

Jérémie Morel, Jérôme Duminil and Jérôme Munzinger. 2021. Bopopia, A New Monotypic Genus of Gesneriaceae (Gesnerioideae, Coronanthereae) from New Caledonia. European Journal of Taxonomy. 736(1), 82-101. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.736.1253

Ceropegia longicaudata Phonep. & Rodda.

in Phonepaseth & Rodda, 2021.

ດອກຈິນດາພູເຂົາຄວາຍ || taiwania.ntu.edu.tw

Abstract

A newly discovered species from central Laos, Ceropegia longicaudata, is here described and illustrated. It is compared with the morphologically similar species Ceropegia cochleata Kidyoo. Ceropegia longicaudata displays clear differences in the leaf pubescence and venation, length of the corolla lobe tips, colour of corolla lobe, and shape of staminal corona lobes. Ceropegia cochleata is newly recorded for the Flora of Laos. A key to the now three species of Ceropegia in Laos is also provided.

Keyword: Ceropegia cochleata, Ceropegia laotica, Ceropegieae, Khammouan, new species, Phoukhaokhouay National Protected Area

Ceropegia longicaudata Phonep. & Rodda.
A. habit; B. open flower; C. longitudinal section of corolla; D. young flower bud; E. corona top view; F. corona side view; G. Pollinarium.

Drawn by P. Phonepaseuth from P005 (FOF).

Ceropegia longicaudata Phonep. & Rodda.
A. habitat; B. habit; C. leaves adaxial and abaxial side; D. tuber; E. flower bud and open flower; F. longitudinal section of corolla; G. corona top view; H. corona from underneath; I. corona side view; J. pollinarium; K. dry flower (specimen).

Photos by P. Phonepaseuth from P005 (FOF)

Ceropegia longicaudata Phonep. & Rodda, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Ceropegia longicaudata is similar to C. cochleata in having tuberous rootstock and linear lanceolate laminas. It can be separated by glabrous leaves without distinct nerves (vs. pubescent with distinct nerves in C. cochleata), longer corolla lobe tips (25–30 mm in C. longicaudata vs. 15–20 mm in C. cochleata), colour of corolla lobe completely bright green (vs. basally green with reddish brown apex), and staminal corona lobes distally with recurved diverging apices (vs. straight and converging).

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘longicaudata’ refers to long corolla lobes that characterize this species.

Distribution. Only known from Phoukhaokhouay National Protected Area, in Laos. It is found at two locations, the type locality in Vientiane Province (Fig, 5), and from a locality 25–30 km eastwards, in Bolikhamxay Province, where it was photographed by Bertrand Laville in 2016 (theceropegiablog.wordpress.com/2016/02/22/anew-locality-for-Ceropegia-cochleata).

Ecology and habitat. This species rooted in very thin soils over large sandstone boulders growing together with grasses. The plants were climbing over grasses in open areas partially exposed, at 270–300 m a.s.l. Flowering August–September.

Vernacular name. ດອກຈິນດາພູເຂົາຄວາຍ ‘Dok Chinda Phoukhaokhouay’ [Phoukhaokhouay jewelry flower] (proposed here).

Phongphayboun Phonepaseth and Michele Rodda. 2021. Taxonomic Study of Ceropegia L. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) for The Flora of Laos: One New Species and One New Record from central Laos. Taiwania. 66(1); 93-100.

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=1740

Amorphophallus calcicolus

in Tamayo, Magtoto, Sumalinog, et al., 2021.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.489.2.12

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Abstract

Amorphophallus calcicolus from the forest over karst of Bohol island, Central Visayas, Philippines is hereby described and illustrated. The species is closely related to A. longispathaceus but distinct in having shorter leaves, smaller male zone, depressed disk-shaped ovary, longer styles, ovoid or irregularly shaped warts inside the spathe base, and shallowly 2–3-lobed stigma. Due to anthropogenic factors and a relatively confined distribution, it is hereby proposed as Critically Endangered (CR) following IUCN guidelines.

Keywords: aroids, karst, Loboc watershed, Malesia, monocots, taxonomy

Maverick N. Tamayo, Liezel M. Magtoto, Melchor S. Sumalinog Jr., Tomas D. Reyes Jr. and Celia M. Austria. 2021. Amorphophallus calcicolus (Thomsonieae, Araceae), A New Species from the Bohol Island, Central Visayas, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 489(2); 229–235. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.489.2.12

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Mantidactylus (Ochthomantis) ambony

Scherz, Rasolonjatovo, Köhler, Rancilhac, Rakotoarison, Raselimanana, Ohler, Preick, Hofreiter, Glaw & Vences, 2020

Mantidactylus (Ochthomantis) ambreensis Mocquard, 1895

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75431-9

twitter.com/MarkScherz

Abstract

Taxonomic progress is often hindered by intrinsic factors, such as morphologically cryptic species that require a broad suite of methods to distinguish, and extrinsic factors, such as uncertainties in the allocation of scientific names to species. These uncertainties can be due to a wide variety of factors, including old and poorly preserved type specimens (which contain only heavily degraded DNA or have lost important diagnostic characters), inappropriately chosen type specimens (e.g. juveniles without diagnostic characters) or poorly documented type specimens (with unprecise, incorrect, or missing locality data). Thanks to modern sequencing technologies it is now possible to overcome many such extrinsic factors by sequencing DNA from name-bearing type specimens of uncertain assignment and assigning these to known genetic lineages. Here, we apply this approach to frogs of the Mantidactylus ambreensis complex, which was recently shown to consist of two genetic lineages supported by concordant differentiation in mitochondrial and nuclear genes. These lineages co-occur on the Montagne dʼAmbre Massif in northern Madagascar but appear to have diverged in allopatry. We use a recently published bait set based on three mitochondrial markers from all known Malagasy frog lineages to capture DNA sequences from the 127-year-old holotype of Mantidactylus ambreensis Mocquard, 1895. With the obtained sequences we are able to assign the name M. ambreensis to the lowland lineage, which is rather widespread in the rainforests of northern Madagascar, leaving the microendemic high-elevation lineage on Montagne d’Ambre in north Madagascar in need of description. We describe this species as Mantidactylus ambony sp. nov., differing from M. ambreensis in call parameters and a smaller body size. Thus, using target enrichment to obtain DNA sequence data from this old specimen, we were able to resolve the extrinsic (nomenclatural) hindrances to taxonomic resolution of this complex. We discuss the broad-scale versatility of this ‘barcode fishing’ approach, which can draw on the enormous success of global DNA barcoding initiatives to quickly and efficiently assign type specimens to lineages.

Preserved holotypes of Mantidactylus (Ochthomantis) ambony sp. nov. (adult female, ZSM 2078/2007) and Mantidactylus ambreensis (adult female, MNHN 1893.241) in dorsal and ventral views.

Individuals of Mantidactylus(Ochthomantis) ambony sp. nov. from Montagne dʼAmbre in life, in dorsolateral (left) and ventral (right) views.
(A,B) female holotype (ZSM 2078/2007);
(C,D) adult male paratype (ZFMK 57417, call voucher).

Mantidactylus (Ochthomantis) ambony sp. nov

Natural history: As for M. ambreensis, this species is rheophilous and mostly terrestrial by day, sitting on the ground, on rocks, wood, lichen, or hiding under rocks, always in close proximity to streams. The species is semi-arboreal by night, often found on elevated spots above the water level (once recorded at up to 2 m height), and sitting on substrates like leaves, rocks, dead wood, and plant stems. Its soft calls are emitted sporadically, and often from rather concealed positions.

Etymology: The species epithet ‘ambony’ (pronounced am-BOO-nee) is a Malagasy word meaning ‘above’, in reference to this species’ distribution at higher elevation compared to that of M. ambreensis. It is used as an invariable noun in apposition.

Distribution and conservation status: Mantidactylus ambony sp. nov. is apparently microendemic to mid- to high-elevation areas of Montagne d’Ambre (recorded elevational range 940–1375 m a. s. l.[Rasolonjatovo, et al. 2020]). In the absence of current or immediate future threats to habitat integrity we suggest an IUCN conservation status of Near Threatened for this species despite its small extent of occurrence, as we have recently proposed for syntopic Stumpffia species[Rakotoarison, et al., 2017].

Mark D. Scherz, Safidy M. Rasolonjatovo, Jörn Köhler, Loïs Rancilhac, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Achille P. Raselimanana, Annemarie Ohler, Michaela Preick, Michael Hofreiter, Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences. 2020. ‘Barcode Fishing’ for Archival DNA from Historical Type Material Overcomes Taxonomic Hurdles, Enabling the Description of A New Frog Species. Scientific Reports. 10: 19109. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75431-9

Researchgate.net/publication/345382906_a_new_frog_species

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twitter.com/MarkScherz/status/1368633099601510402

Lagenandra wayambae Madola, K. Yakandawala, D. Yakandawala & Karunaratne

in Madola, Yakandawala, Yakandawala & Karunarathne, 2021.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.489.2.10

WYB.ac.lk

Abstract

A new species of Lagenandra (Araceae), is described and illustrated from Walauwewaththa Wathurana freshwater swamp forest, Bulathsinghala, Sri Lanka. Here we describe the new species asLagenandra wayambae Madola, K. Yakandawala, D. Yakandawala and Karunaratne and provide a detailed description, drawing and colour photographs. We compare the morphology of L. wayambae with that of similar members of Lagenandra and conduct an assessment of its conservation status. A taxonomic key to the Sri Lankan Lagenandra is presented for easy identification. Recognizing a new endemic member enhances the number of Sri Lankan species to nine. According to the IUCN red data category guidelines L. wayambae qualifies for Critically Endangered category under Criterion B1ab (ii,iii,v) + B2ab (ii,iii,v).

Keywords: Biodiversity conservation, Critically endangered, Endemic, Ornamental aquatic plants, Monocots

Indrakheela Madola, Kapila Yakandawala, Deepthi Yakandawala and Senani Karunarathne. 2021. Lagenandra wayambae (Araceae), A New Endemic Species from A Freshwater Swamp Forest of Sri Lanka. Phytotaxa. 489(2); 216–222. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.489.2.10

A New Rare Aquatic Plant Species “Lagenandra wayambae” Discovered by Wayamba University

WYB.ac.lk/a-new-rare-aquatic-plant-species-lagenandra-wayambae-discovered-by-wayamba-university

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