Species New to Science

Solaropsis caperata

Silva, Mendes-Júnior & Simone, 2022

DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2022.2033333

ABSTRACT

An attempt to analyse the taxonomy of the genus Solaropsis, aiming to allocate a new species collected in Rio Cajari Extractive Reserve, Laranjal do Jari, Amapá State, Brazil, revealed that a nebula of uncertainties surrounds the genus, from the family level to the validity of several species. An initial taxonomic treatment is given for some taxa herein, resulting in modifications such as S. pellisserpentis (Gmelin, 1791) as an objective synonym of S. undata ([Lightfoot], 1786); and S. cicatricata (Beck, 1853) as the oldest name of the depression-bearing species. This taxonomic treatment is intended only to allow the description of the new species. Solaropsis caperata is, thus, introduced, having as its main distinguishing features the globose shell, strongly depressed half a whorl before the peristome, slightly convex whorls, large aperture and umbilicus, and cream colour with brown spots.

Solaropsis caperata

Fernanda S. Silva, Raimundo N.G. Mendes-Júnior and Luiz Ricardo L. Simone. 2022. A New Species of Solaropsis from Amapá , Brazil (Gastropoda: Solaropsidae) triggering uncertainty about the Genus and Redefinition of Some Species. Journal of Natural History. 56(1-4); 79-89. DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2022.2033333

Hemidactylus mahonyi &
Hemidactylus srikanthani

Adhikari, Achyuthan, Chethan Kumar, Khot, Shreeram & Ganesh, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5129.2.4

twitter.com/tiger_rahul

Abstract

The gekkonid diversity of the under-explored dry zones in Peninsular India is not yet completely inventoried, as evidenced by frequent new species descriptions. Here, we describe two new species of Hemidactylus from the dry rocky zones of Deccan Plateau viz. Hemidactylus mahonyi sp. nov. from Sandur Hills and Hemidactylus srikanthani sp. nov. from Devarayana Durga Hills, Karnataka State of Peninsular India. The new species belong to the morphologically cryptic H. murrayi Clade but differ from each other and the known congeners by a set of morphological characters and possess non-overlapping distribution ranges. Furthermore, the new species are also divergent (> 6.4% uncorrected p-distance) from their nearest related congeners, and from one another with respect to the ND2 mitochondrial gene. Recently, other new species of reptiles have been described from the two aforesaid type localities, indicating that further bio-inventories in the dry zones of peninsular India will yield more such novelties.

Keywords: Reptilia, Devarayana Durga Hills, gecko, Hemidactylus, femoral pores, ND2 gene, Sandur Hills

Holotype of Hemidactylus mahonyi sp. nov. (in life) from Sandur (Joga village), Bellary District, Karnataka, India.
Holotype of Hemidactylus srikanthani sp. nov. (in life) from Devarayana Durga Hills, Tumkur District, Karnataka, India.

Hemidactylus mahonyi sp. nov.

Etymology. Patronym named in genitive singular case, honouring Dr. Stephen Mahony, an Irish herpetologist and a decade-long friend and colleague of the last author, for his significant research contributions on Tropical Asian herpetofauna and, in particular, on the H. brookii group.

Suggested English name. Mahony’s Rock Gecko.

Hemidactylus srikanthani sp. nov.

Etymology. Patronym named in genitive singular case honouring Mr. Srikanthan Vijayraghvan, the father of the second author, for inspiring and supporting the author’s interests in nature conservation and herpetology; and financially supporting the team of authors for herpetological research projects.

Suggested English name. Srikanthan’s Rock Gecko.

Omkar D. Adhikari, N. S. Achyuthan, G. Chethan Kumar, Rahul V. Khot, M. V. Shreeram and S.R. Ganesh. 2022. Two New Species of Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Rocky Outcrops of the Deccan plateau, peninsular India. Zootaxa. 5129(2); 227-249. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5129.2.4

twitter.com/tiger_rahul/status/1519503128550273024

Researchgate.net/publication/360217973_Two_new_species_of_Hemidactylus_from_Deccan_plateau_India

in Halaclar, Rummy, Deng & Do, 2022.

DOI: 10.1016/j.palwor.2022.01.010

Abstract

A rare ichnological example of a crocodilian footprint on an Eocene crocodilian coprolite has been discovered. The enigmatic specimen, measuring 4 cm in length, was found among 100 coprolites at the Na Duong coal mine in Lang Son province, northern Vietnam. Almost all the discovered coprolites were ascribed to a potential crocodilian producer, suggesting the existence of an ancient lacustrine environment. Furthermore, neoichnological analyses of extant crocodilian footprints also corroborate the inference of a crocodilian as the producer of the footprint. We concluded that the 4-cm-long Na Duong fingerprints most likely belonged to a 2-m-long crocodilian whose IV or V finger of the right manus might have made the fingerprints. Since no other records of foot traces or trackways were identified during the fieldwork in the fall of 2018, the Na Duong fossil site should be investigated for further ichnofossil analysis.

Keywords: Na Duong fossil, coprolites, compound ichnofossil, fingerprints, Eocene, crocodilian

Kazim Halaclar, Paul Rummy, Tao Deng and Truong Van Do. 2022. Footprint on A Coprolite: A Rarity from the Eocene of Vietnam. Palaeoworld. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.palwor.2022.01.010

twitter.com/Paleontologista/status/1491045219357265920

Youngolepis praecursor Chang & Yu, 1981

in Cui, Friedman, Qiao, et al., 2022.

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30091-3

twitter.com/Friedman_Lab

artwork by Brian Choo

Abstract

Innovations relating to the consumption of hard prey are implicated in ecological shifts in marine ecosystems as early as the mid-Paleozoic. Lungfishes represent the first and longest-ranging lineage of durophagous vertebrates, but how and when the various feeding specializations of this group arose remain unclear. Two exceptionally preserved fossils of the Early Devonian lobe-finned fish Youngolepis reveal the origin of the specialized lungfish feeding mechanism. Youngolepis has a radically restructured palate, reorienting jaw muscles for optimal force transition, coupled with radiating entopterygoid tooth rows like those of lungfish toothplates. This triturating surface occurs in conjunction with marginal dentition and blunt coronoid fangs, suggesting a role in crushing rather than piercing prey. Bayesian tip-dating analyses incorporating these morphological data indicate that the complete suite of lungfish feeding specializations may have arisen in as little as 7 million years, representing one of the most striking episodes of innovation during the initial evolutionary radiations of bony fishes.

Youngolepis praecursor, specimen IVPP V28375 in dorsal view.

The palate and dorsal portion of the hyoid arch of Youngolepis praecursor.

Youngolepis praecursor Chang & Yu, 1981

Timing of divergences and rates of trait evolution in lungfishes and their close relatives.

Xindong Cui, Matt Friedman, Tuo Qiao, Yilun Yu and Min Zhu. 2022. The Rapid Evolution of Lungfish Durophagy. Nature Communications. 13: 2390. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30091-3

twitter.com/Friedman_Lab/status/1521172479632461826

highlighting feeding innovations in Youngolepis, an Early Devonian stem lungfish from China (art: Brian Choo) @NatureComms @Friedman_Lab

Duwalia perula Santos,

in Santos, Alvarado, Sääksjärvi, et al., 2019.

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zly072

Researchgate.net/publication/329370695

twitter.com/ZoolJLinnSoc

twitter.com/IlariSaaksjarvi

Abstract

The phylogeny of the ichneumonid parasitoid wasp subfamily Ateleutinae is investigated based on molecular data from five genes. A total of 36 species are included in the ingroup. Maximum likelihood analyses recovered a strongly supported monophyletic clade circumscribing the subfamily Ateleutinae. Five main clades were recovered in the subfamily, but relationships between these clades were mostly poorly supported. A new genus is identified and described: Duwalia Santos gen. nov. from Australia, which corresponds to the earliest known diverging lineage of Ateleutinae. Duwalia perula Santos sp. nov. is described and illustrated. The genus Ateleute is shown to be paraphyletic with respect to Tamaulipeca, but further studies with more intense sampling of the Neotropical fauna are needed in order to provide a comprehensive classification of the genera within this subfamily. Ateleute boitata Santos sp. nov., a morphologically aberrant species from South America, is described to highlight the morphological diversity in the genus. All Old World species of Ateleute are recovered in a single clade. Ateleute grossa is newly recorded as a parasitoid of Oiketicus kirbyi (Lepidoptera: Psychidae). Diagnoses and identification keys to the genera of Ateleutinae are provided.

Keywords: Cryptinae, Psychidae, bagworm, parasite, Duwalia, Ateleute, Tamaulipeca

Duwalia perula gen. et sp. nov.
A, female habitus. B, clypeus and mandible. C, male habitus. D, propodeum. E, ovipositor sheath. F, metasomal T1. G, ovipositor tip.

DUWALIA SANTOS, GEN. NOV.

Etymology: The genus name stems from the Australian aboriginal word ‘duwal’, meaning a short spear with two barbs, and also a name for a clan from the Dua moiety. The name is a reference to the short ovipositor of D. perula, with ridges on the dorsal valve. Duwalia is to be treated as a feminine noun.

DUWALIA PERULA SANTOS, SP. NOV.

Etymology:‘Perula’ is a Medieval Latin form for ‘pearl’, apparently derived from ‘pernula’, diminutive of ‘perna’ (the brown mussel); in reference to the type locality, Pearl Beach, in Australia. The name is to be treated as a noun in apposition.

Bernardo F. Santos, Mabel Alvarado, Ilari E. Sääksjärvi, Simon van Noort, Claire Villemant and Seán G. Brady. 2019. Molecular Phylogeny of Ateleutinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae): Systematics and Biogeography of A Widespread Parasitoid Wasp Lineage. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 185(4); 1057–1078. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zly072
Researchgate.net/publication/329370695_Molecular_phylogeny_of_Ateleutinae

A new phylogeny of the #parasitoidwasp subfamily, Ateleutinae, reveals its oldest member, the newly described 𝘋𝘶𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘢, defines relationships and highlights morphological diversity with new species. Article out now in our April issue! https://bit.ly/2v2feL2

twitter.com/ZoolJLinnSoc/status/1117008329807736832

twitter.com/IlariSaaksjarvi/status/1117062007004463105

Leptophis dibernardoi

Rufino de Albuquerque, Martins dos Santos, Borges-Nojosa & Ávila, 2022

DOI: 10.2994/SAJH-D-19-00113.1

Abstract

We describe a new species of Leptophis from the Caatinga ecoregion encompassing the semi-arid region of Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences indicate that the new species is nested deep within the L. ahaetulla complex. The new species differs from all other congeners in the following unique character combination: two dorsolateral Light Emerald Green (142) to Robin's Egg Blue (161) stripes separated from each other by Pale Buff (1) to Smoke Gray (266) vertebral stripe (continuous to tail) present; loreal scale absent; maxillary teeth 21–24; ventrals 158–177; subcaudals 137–162; black spots on head absent; supracephalic plates of head not edged with black pigment; adult color pattern lacking dark oblique bands; keels absent on first dorsal scale rows; hemipenis unilobed, capitate, with undivided sulcus spermaticus. The new species is distinguished from L. ahaetulla ahaetulla by the Light Emerald Green (142) to Robin's Egg Blue (161) (in life) dorsolateral stripes separated from each other by a Pale Buff (1) to Smoke Gray (266) vertebral stripe (at least anteriorly), and by having white to Pale Sulphur Yellow (92) scales on the first (on anterior region of body) to fourth (midbody region) scale rows [vs. Light Grass Green (109) to Light Emerald Green (142) with Yellow Ocher (14), Cinnamon-Drab (50) or Sulphur Yellow (80) vertebral stripe; second to third—occasionally the fourth—scale rows Sulphur Yellow (80), at least anteriorly], wider snout (vs. narrow), postocular stripe wider (vs. narrow), basal region of hemipenis with 10–14 spines and first row of hemipenial body with 8–9 spines (vs. 18–22 in the basal region and 5–8 in the first row). The new species differs from L. a. liocercus, which is also distributed in the Northeast Region Brazil with a small overlap in distribution, by the dorsolateral stripes (vs. dorsum unstriped), and 18–22 spines in the fourth row of the hemipenial body (vs. 11–18). Recognition of the new species is also consistent with uncorrected pairwise distances between 16S rDNA sequences.

KEYWORDS: Caatinga, color pattern, Hemipenial morphology, Leptophis ahaetulla species complex, molecular phylogeny

Leptophis dibernardoi

Nelson Rufino de Albuquerque, Fernanda Martins dos Santos, Diva Maria Borges-Nojosa and Robson Waldemar Ávila. 2022. A New Species of Parrot-Snake of the Genus Leptophis Bell, 1825 (Serpentes, Colubridae) from the Semi-Arid Region of Brazil. South American Journal of Herpetology. 23 (2), 7-24. DOI: 10.2994/SAJH-D-19-00113.1

facebook.com/152665658210585/photos/2747422715401520

Researchgate.net/publication/353394605_Molecular_phylogeny_of_Leptophis

Pesquisadores descobrem nova espécie de cobra na Caatinga

g1.globo.com/sp/campinas-regiao/terra-da-gente/noticia/2022/04/25/pesquisadores-descobrem-nova-especie-de-cobra-na-caatinga.ghtml

Theloderma hekouense

Du, Wang, Liu & Yu, 2022

Hekou Bug-eyed Frog | 河口棱皮树蛙 || DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1099.80390

Abstract

We describe a new species of Theloderma from southern Yunnan, China and northern Vietnam based on morphological and molecular evidence. Theloderma hekouense sp. nov., which had been recorded as T. rhododiscus, is the sister to T. rhododiscus. The new species differs genetically from T. rhododiscus by 4.2% and 10.7% in 16S rRNA and COI genes, respectively, and it can be morphologically distinguished from T. rhododiscus by having more densely spaced white warts on the dorsal surface, red subarticular tubercles, red metacarpal tubercles, a red metatarsal tubercle, and black dorsal and ventral surfaces in preservative. Currently the new species is only known from the China–Vietnam border regions of Yunnan and Ha Giang, while T. rhododiscus has a wide distributional range in China including Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Fujian, Jiangxi, and presumably Guizhou and eastern Yunnan. Including the new species, there are currently 10 Theloderma species in China and seven Theloderma species in Yunnan, where more species will probably be found.

Keywords: 16S rRNA, COI, southern Yunnan, Theloderma hekouense sp. nov.

Views of holotype of Theloderma hekouense sp. nov. (GXNU YU000496) in life.

Theloderma hekouense sp. nov. and T. rhododiscus
A–C dorsal and ventral views of Theloderma hekouense sp. nov. A, B holotype (GXNU YU000496) in preservative C paratype (GXNU YU000495) in life
D–F T. rhododiscus D, E topotype (GXNU YU000069) in preservative F topotype (GXNU YU000417) in life.

 Theloderma hekouense sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species was assigned to genus Theloderma by its phylogenetic position and the following morphological characters: distinct tympanum, terminal phalanx with Y-shaped distal end, intercalary cartilage between terminal and penultimate phalanges of digits, tips of digits expanded into large discs bearing circummarginal grooves, head skin not co-ossified to skull (Poyarkov et al. 2018). Theloderma hekouense sp. nov. can be distinguished from T. rhododiscus and other congeners by having a combination of the following characters: 1) small body size; 2) dorsal surface coarsely rough with large ridges and tubercles; 3) dense warts on dorsal surface; 4) absence of white markings on dorsal surface; 5) iris uniformly reddish brown; 6) discs, metacarpal tubercles, metatarsal tubercles, and subarticular tubercles red; 7) webbing between fingers, vocal sac, and vomerine teeth absent.

Habitat of Theloderma hekouense sp. nov.
A habitat at the type locality B an individual found in a water bucket that was set up in the field as potential breeding site of treefrog preferred breeding in water-filled tree holes by the authors for amphibian monitoring.

Etymology: The specific epithet is named after the type locality, Hekou County, Yunnan, China. We suggested “Hekou Bug-eyed frog” for the common English name and 河口棱皮树蛙 (Hé Kǒu Léng Pí Shù Wā) for the common Chinese name.

Lingyun Du, Jian Wang, Shuo Liu and Guohua Yu. 2022. A New Cryptic Species in the Theloderma rhododiscus complex (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from China–Vietnam Border Regions. ZooKeys. 1099: 123-138. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1099.80390

Maip macrothorax

Aranciaga Rolando, Motta, Agnolín, Manabe, Tsuihiji & Novas, 2022

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09272-z

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Abstract

Megaraptora is a theropod clade known from former Gondwana landmasses and Asia. Most members of the clade are known from the Early to Late Cretaceous (Barremian–Santonian), with Maastrichtian megaraptorans known only from isolated and poorly informative remains. The aim of the present contribution is to describe a partial skeleton of a megaraptorid from Maastrichtian beds in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. This new specimen is the most informative megaraptoran known from Maastrichtian age, and is herein described as a new taxon. Phylogenetic analysis nested the new taxon together with other South American megaraptorans in a monophyletic clade, whereas Australian and Asian members constitute successive stem groups. South American forms differ from more basal megaraptorans in several anatomical features and in being much larger and more robustly built.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Tetanurae Gauthier, 1986

Coelurosauria von Huene, 1920

Megaraptora Benson et al., 2010

Megaraptoridae Novas et al., 2013

(A), silhouette of Maip macrothorax showing the preserved bones in white. (B), reconstruction of the thoracic cavity of Maip at level of D6. (C), interpretative drawing of the excavation of Maip showing the original disposition of the bones.

Abbreviations: a, axis; c, coracoid; ind, indeterminate bone; g, gastralia; r, rib; v, vertebrae.

Maip macrothorax gen. et sp. nov.

Derivation of name. Maip is an evil entity from the Aonikenk mythology that represents “the shadow of the death” which “kills with cold wind”, and roams in the Andes mountains. The specific name, macro, derives from the Latin “big” and “thorax” refers to its wide thoracic cavity (which has, approximately, more than 1.20 m width).

Locality. Megaraptorid Site (Locality 3; see Novas et al.3), La Anita Farm, 30 km West from El Calafate city, Santa Cruz province, Argentina. Chorrillo Formation (Maastrichtian;3,37,38).

Diagnosis. Megaraptorid theropod diagnosable on the basis of the following combination of characters (autapomorphies marked by an asterisk): 1) mid-dorsal vertebrae with articular surface of parapophyses saddle-shaped (absent in Aerosteon and Murusraptor)*; 2) mid-caudal vertebrae with an accessory posterior centrodiapophyseal lamina that subdivides the postzygapophyseal-centrodiapophyseal fossa in two pneumatic fossae (absent in Aoniraptor, Aerosteon, Megaraptor, and Orkoraptor)*; 3) first dorsal rib with honey-comb internal structure on its tubercle (absent in Australovenator, Megaraptor, and Murusraptor); 4) prominent anterior projection on the coracoid (absent in Fukuiraptor, Aerosteon, and Megaraptor)*; 5) coracoid without a subglenoid ridge (subglenoid ridge present in Aerosteon)*; 6) coracoid without a posteroventral fossa (posteroventral fossa present in Fukuiraptor, Aerosteon, and Megaraptor); and 7) and coracoid with ventromedial margin forming a dorsoventrally deep articular surface for the sternum (absent in Fukuiraptor, Aerosteon, and Megaraptor)*.

Alexis M. Aranciaga Rolando, Matias J. Motta, Federico L. Agnolín, Makoto Manabe, Takanobu Tsuihiji and Fernando E. Novas. 2022. A large Megaraptoridae (Theropoda: Coelurosauria) from Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of Patagonia, Argentina. Scientific Reports. 12, 6318. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09272-z

Researchgate.net/publication/360214319_A_large_Megaraptoridae_from_Upper_Cretaceous_of_Patagonia_Argentina

facebook.com/lacevmacn/posts/389241873211217

Alexis M. Aranciaga Rolando, Matias J. Motta, Federico L. Agnolín, Makoto Manabe, Takanobu Tsuihiji and Fernando E. Novas. 20xx. The Biggest Megaraptoridae (Theropoda: Coelurosauria) of South America. DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1152394/v1

Researchgate.net/publication/357264138_The_Biggest_Megaraptoridae_of_South_America

Abstract: Megaraptorans are a theropod clade distributed in former Gondwana landmasses and Asia. Most members of the clade are known from early Cretaceous to Turonian times whereas Maastrichtian megaraptorans are known just from isolated and poorly informative remains. The aim of present contribution is to describe a partial skeleton of a megaraptorid coming from Maastrichtian beds at Santa Cruz province, Argentina. This new taxon constitutes the most informative megaraptoran from post-Turonian beds. Phylogenetic analysis nested the new taxon together with South American megaraptorans in a monophyletic clade, whereas Australian and Asian members constitute successive stem groups. South American forms differ from more basal megaraptorans in several anatomical features and in being much larger and more robustly built. It is possible that the Cenomanian-Turonian extinction of carcharodontosaurids was allowed to megaraptorans to occupy the niche of top predators in South America.

KEYWORDS: Megaraptoridae, Maastrichtian, South America, Patagonia

Desmognathus pascagoula

Pyron, O'connell, Lamb & Beamer, 2022

.DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5133.1.3

Abstract

We describe a new, narrowly endemic species of swamp-dwelling dusky salamander (Plethodontidae: Desmognathus pascagoula sp. nov.) from the Gulf Coastal Plain of southeastern Mississippi and southwestern Alabama based on linear morphometrics, mitochondrial DNA, and single nucleotide polymorphisms from 881 loci produced using genotype-by-sequencing. Some populations of the new species were historically referred to as D. auriculatus, a polyphyletic assemblage of at least three species in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain from Texas to North Carolina. Populations of D. auriculatus from the Gulf Coastal Plain in Louisiana and Mississippi were recently described as D. valentinei. The new species includes populations that were tentatively referred to D. valentinei, but we find it is morphologically, genetically, and geographically distinct. It is smaller, has a more defined dorsal color pattern, more irregular whitish “portholes” in up to three rows on the lateral surfaces of the body and tail, and a brighter orange or yellowish orange postocular stripe. At present, the new species is known from only six extant populations in the lower Pascagoula, Escatawpa, and Mobile drainages. The latter represents a distinct phylogeographic lineage. We also refer a historical collection from the northeastern side of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta to this species, suggesting a much broader range in the past. We suspect that more populations remain to be discovered in the area, and their potential species-level distinctiveness should be tested further. This discovery increases knowledge of the biodiversity in the southeastern United States Coastal Plain, a candidate region meeting the global criteria for a “biodiversity hotspot,” and underscores the amount of cryptic diversity likely remaining to be discovered and described in Nearctic salamanders.

Keywords: Amphibia, salamanders, Caudata, Desmognathus pascagoula sp. nov., Gulf Coastal Plain, Alabama, Mississippi

Desmognathus pascagoula sp. nov.

R. Alexander Pyron, Kyle A. O'connell, Jennifer Y. Lamb and David A. Beamer. 2022. A New, Narrowly Endemic Species of Swamp-dwelling Dusky Salamander (Plethodontidae: Desmognathus) from the Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi and Alabama. Zootaxa. 5133(1); 53-82. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5133.1.3

Researchers Discover New Species of Salamander From Gulf Coastal Plains Hotspot

mediarelations.gwu.edu/researchers-discover-new-species-salamander-gulf-coastal-plains-hotspot

phys.org/news/2022-05-species-salamander-gulf-coastal-plains.html

Gibellula sp.

Kuephadungphan, Petcharad, Tasanathai, Thanakitpipattana, ... et Luangsa-ard, 2022.

DOI: 10.3114/sim.2022.101.04

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Abstract

Over 80 species of hypocrealean fungi are reported as pathogens of spiders and harvestmen. Among these fungi, the genus Gibellula is highly regarded as a specialised spider-killer that has never been reported to infect other arthropods. While more than 20 species of Gibellula are known, few attempts to identify the infected spiders have been made despite the fact that the host specificity can help identify the fungal species. Here, we morphologically describe and illustrate eight new species of Gibellula and three new records from Thailand of known species along with the multi-gene phylogeny that clearly showed the segregation among the proposed species. Examination of the Gibellula-infected spider hosts identified Oxyopidae, Uloboridae and, for the first time, the ant-mimicking genus Myrmarachne.

Keywords:Gibellula; araneogenous fungus; new taxa; spider predator

Gibellula

Kuephadungphan, W.; Petcharad, B.; Tasanathai, K.; Thanakitpipattana, D.; Kobmoo, N.; Khonsanit, A.; Samson, R.A. and Luangsa-ard, J.J. 2022. Multi-locus Phylogeny unmasks Hidden Species within the Specialised Spider-parasitic Fungus, Gibellula (Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae) in Thailand. Studies in Mycology. DOI: 10.3114/sim.2022.101.04

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Thailandorchestia rhizophila

Wongkamhaeng, Dumrongrojwattana, Sumitrakij & Saetung Keetapithchayakul, 2022

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1099.82949

Abstract

During a scientific survey, a new genus of driftwood hopper was found in mangrove roots in Ko Kut District, Trat Province, Thailand. We placed this new genus,Thailandorchestia gen. nov., within the family Protorchestiidae. The new genus can be distinguished from the remaining genera by uropod 1 outer ramus with robust setae, uropod 2 outer ramus without robust setae, and pereopod 7 basis without a posterodistal lobe. The type species of Thailandorchestia gen. nov.,Thailandorchestia rhizophila sp. nov., is described herein, and an updated key to the genera of the family Protorchestiidae is provided.

Keywords: Description, Ko Kut District, marsh hopper, Talitroidea, Thailandorchestia gen. nov.

Thailandorchestia rhizophila sp. nov.

a holotype, male, 8.04 mm, THNHM-Iv- 18760

b allotype, female, 7.80 mm, THNHM-IV- 18961

c rotting mangrove log, habitat of Thailandorchestia rhizophila sp. nov.

Thailandorchestia rhizophila sp. nov. holotype, male, 8.04 mm, THNHM-Iv- 18760.

Scale bars: 1 mm.

Systematics

Order Amphipoda Latreille, 1816

Suborder Senticaudata Lowry & Myers, 2013

Family Protorchestiidae Myers & Lowry, 2020

Genus Thailandorchestia gen. nov.

Diagnosis: Protorchestiidae with maxilliped palp article 2 distomedial lobe absent. Mandible left lacinia mobilis 4-dentate. Gnathopod 2 coxal gill simple. Pereopod 4 carpus significantly shorter than carpus of pereopod 3. Pereopods 6–7 sexually dimorphic (male merus and carpus incrassate). Pereopod 7 posterodistal lobe absent. Uropod 1 peduncle distolateral robust setae present, very large (1/3–1/2 length of outer ramus); inner ramus linear, not modified; outer ramus with marginal robust setae. Uropod 2 outer ramus without marginal robust setae. Uropod 3 peduncle with 2 robust setae; ramus shorter than peduncle, linear (narrowing). Telson apically incised, with 2 robust setae per lobe.

Etymology: The generic name, Thailandorchestia gen. nov., is derived from “Thailand” in combination with the Orchestia stem.

Type locality: Mangrove forest near Ban Ao Prao Beach (11°35'40.2"N, 102°33'52.6"E), Trat Province, Thailand.

Ecological type: Driftwood hoppers (virtually confined to rotting driftwood where they live in galleries, consuming rotting driftwood and reproducing with relatively small broods).

 Thailandorchestia rhizophila sp. nov.

Diagnosis: As for the genus unless otherwise stated. Antenna 1 long, reaching from midpoint to end of article 5 of antenna 2 peduncle. Eye medium (1/5–1/3 of head length). Gnathopod 1 not sexually dimorphic, palm transverse, dactylus shorter than palm. Gnathopod 2 sexually dimorphic (male subchelate, female mitten-shaped). Pleopod 1 outer ramus subequal in length to peduncle. Pleopod 3 outer ramus longer than peduncle.

Ecology: Driftwood hoppers, living inside rotten logs and mangrove roots in the softest part under the bark. The mangrove forest is located near a small creek 50 meters from the beach. The sediment in the forest is muddy sand mixed with leaf litter.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the habitat of this amphipod, which is also found inside mangrove roots.

Habitat: Mangrove wood, inside roots and rotting logs.

Distribution: Thailand, Ko Kut District, Inner Gulf of Thailand.

Koraon Wongkamhaeng, Pongrat Dumrongrojwattana, Ratchaneewarn Sumitrakij and Tosaphol Saetung Keetapithchayakul. 2022. Thailandorchestia rhizophila sp. nov., A New Genus and Species of Driftwood Hopper (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Protorchestiidae) from Thailand. ZooKeys. 1099: 139-153. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1099.82949

Paralitherizinosaurus japonicus

Kobayashi, Takasaki, Fiorillo, Chinzorig & Hikida, 2022

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11063-5

Life reconstruction by Masato Hattori. twitter.com/dgdt2425

Abstract

The record of therizinosaurs is rich in Asian countries such as Mongolia and China. Fragmentary therizinosaur specimens have been reported from the Lower and Upper Cretaceous deposits in Japan. One of these specimens, from the lower Campanian Osoushinai Formation in Nakagawa Town of Hokkaido Prefecture, was previously identified as a maniraptoran theropod dinosaur, possibly therizinosaur, but its taxonomic status remained unresolved. This study re-examines the specimen and provides a more detailed description and attempts to resolve its taxonomic status. Our study demonstrates that it is a new taxon, Paralitherizinosaurus japonicus gen. et sp. nov., because it shows a unique combination of characters in the metacarpal I and unguals. Our phylogenetic analysis places this new taxon within an unresolved clade of Therizinosauridae in the strict consensus tree. The 50% majority-rule consensus tree shows better resolution within Therizinosauridae, showing an unresolved monophyletic clade of Paralitherizinosaurus, Therizinosaurus, Suzhousaurus, and the Bissekty form. Geometric morphometric analysis suggests that Paralitherizinosaurus unguals most closely resemble Therizinosaurus unguals in being slender and has weak flexor tubercles. This study also shows an evolutionary trend in ungual shape, which associates a decrease in mechanical advantage, development of flexor tubercle, and hypothesized output (product of mechanical advantage and development of flexor tubercle) in derived therizinosaurs, supporting the hook-and-pull function of claws to bring vegetation to its mouth. Paralitherizinosaurus is the youngest therizinosaur from Japan and the first recovered from the marine deposits in Asia. This suggests a long temporal existence of therizinosaurs at the eastern edge of the Asian continent and adaptation of therizinosaurs to coastal environments.

Life reconstruction of Paralitherizinosaurus japonicus

(Courtesy of Masato Hattori).

Map of Japan, showing the location of Nakagawa Town and other dinosaur localities (a). Two other names in red are locations of other therizinosaur materials. This figure was created by using Adobe Photoshop 21.2.0 and Adobe Illustrator 24.2.1 (https://www.adobe.com/).
A photo of the concretion containing materials ofParalitherizinosaurus japonicus gen. et sp. nov. before preparation (b).
Dark parts in the concretion are exposed bones of Paralitherizinosaurus, showing that all elements were preserved in this block. See Murakami et al.1 for stratigraphic column of the Oshoushinai Formation and the horizon of the specimen. Manual unguals and silhouette of Paralitherizinosaurus japonicus, showing recovered skeletal elements in white (c) (Courtesy of Genya Masukawa).
Life reconstruction of Paralitherizinosaurus japonicus (d) (Courtesy of Masato Hattori).

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Coelurosauria von Huene, 1920

Therizinosauria Russell, 1997

Therizinosauridae Maleev, 1954

Paralitherizinosaurus japonicus gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology:“Paralos” means by or near the sea in Greek, “therizo” means reap in Greek, and “sauros” means reptile in Latin. Specific name, “japon” refers to Japan.

Holotype: NMV-52 (NMV, Nakagawa Museum of Natural History, Japan), a partial vertebra and a partial right hand, including metacarpal I, proximal ends of unguals I and II, and nearly complete ungual III (Fig. 1c).

Horizon and locality: The Osoushinai Formation (early Campanian) of the Yezo Group in Nakagawa Town in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Diagnosis: A therizinosaurid with the following unique characters: dorsoventrally flattened metacarpal I (dorsoventral height less than half of transverse width) with no rotation of the axis of the distal end; presence of proximodorsally projecting dorsal lip in digits I and III; a shallow depression at the proximal portion of ungual III-4, connecting to the collateral groove; the presence of proximally extending ventral process; a weak flexor tubercle expressed as a small ridge.

Yoshitsugu Kobayashi, Ryuji Takasaki, Anthony R. Fiorillo, Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig and Yoshinori Hikida. 2022. New Therizinosaurid Dinosaur from the marine Osoushinai Formation (Upper Cretaceous, Japan) provides insight for Function and Evolution of Therizinosaur Claws. Scientific Reports. 12: 7207. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11063-5

twitter.com/dgdt2425/status/1521691499075088384

Peruvispira kanchanaburiensis

Karapunar, Nützel & Ketwetsuriya, 2022

DOI: 10.1080/03115518.2022.2050814

facebook.com: Kendo Chatchalerm

Abstract

Permian gastropods from Thailand have been extensively studied over the last few years. The earliest known fossil collection was recovered in 1967 but has never been figured or described. Here, we document this historically important gastropod assemblage excavated from the upper-Lower to Middle Permian Ratburi Group of Khao Mang Lat in the Ban Kao District of Kanchanaburi Province, Central Thailand. The material comprises approximately 200 specimens, almost all of which represent a new species, Peruvispira kanchanaburiensis sp. nov. (Goniasmatidae), together with a single individual of Orthonychia sp. (Orthonychiidae = Platyceratidae). This exceptionally low-diversity community is unusual in comparison to Permian gastropod faunas reported from elsewhere, and could reflect either a low temperature palaeoenvironmental setting or priority effects resulting from early establishment of planktotrophic larvae within the local habitat.

Keywords: Gastropoda, Platyceratidae, diversity, Kanchanaburi, Sibumasu Terrane

Peruvispira kanchanaburiensis

Baran Karapunar, Alexander Nützel and Chatchalerm Ketwetsuriya. 2022. A Low-diversity Peruvispira-dominated Gastropod Assemblage from the Permian Ratburi Group of Central Thailand. Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1080/03115518.2022.2050814

facebook.com/KeNdOooGeo/posts/5468794373151338

Tonoscolex kalimpongensis Ahmed & Julka,

in Ahmed, Emiliyamma, Marimuthu, Sajan & Julka, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5124.3.6

twitter.com/ZoologicalI

Abstract

Tonoscolex kalimpongensis Ahmed & Julka sp. nov. is described from Neora Valley National Park in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, India. The new species is easily distinguished by the presence of one pair of spermathecal pores at intersegmental furrow 7/8. An updated checklist of the genus Tonoscolex and an identification key to the Indian Tonoscolex species are provided as well.

Keywords: Annelida, checklist, earthworm, India, new species, taxonomy

Shakoor Ahmed, K. G. Emiliyamma, Nithyanandam Marimuthu, Sheikh Sajan and J. M. Julka. 2022. A New Species of the Genus Tonoscolex Gates, 1933 (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from India. Zootaxa. 5124(3); 375-382. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5124.3.6

twitter.com/ZoologicalI/status/1522617487040598017

Pandanus estellae

Rozefelds, Rudall, Herne, Milroy & Bridgeman, 2022

DOI: 10.1086/719431

Abstract

Premise of research. The Capella region in central Queensland has yielded diverse, three-dimensionally preserved, permineralized floras that are associated with 32–28 Ma Cenozoic volcanics. A new fossil infructescence that was recently discovered from a new locality is shown to have affinities with Pandanus Parkinson, and it is described herein as Pandanus estellae sp. nov.

Methodology. The affinities of the material were assessed according to a literature review of families that have syncarpous fruits or cones. The specimen was studied and photographed using conventional macromorphological approaches. Micro–computed tomography scanning was used to ascertain whether the internal structure of the fruit was preserved.

Pivotal results. The single infructescence consists of several basally connate segments that lack a clear phyllotactic pattern and are variable in size and shape; the external surface of each segment is irregularly pentagonal-hexagonal and strongly coalescent. Each segment is interpreted as multicarpellate. Collectively, these features allow interpretation of the fossil as syncarpous, and the morphological features support placement in the monocot family Pandanaceae. The arrangement of segments is consistent with the polydrupes that characterize most species of Pandanus, but the small size of the infructescence of P. estellae differs from fruits of modern species in the genus, which are typically much larger. The anatomy of P. estellae is not preserved. The inferred Early Oligocene age for the fossil fruit predates current estimates, which are based on molecular data and limited calibration points, by about 8–10 Myr for the split of Benstonea Callm. and Buerki from Pandanus.

Conclusions. The new species P. estellae is significant because it provides credible pre-Pleistocene evidence of the genus and is the oldest unequivocal fruit of Pandanus currently known. Its occurrence in Australia supports a Gondwanan history for the family.

Pandanus estellae sp. nov.

Andrew C. Rozefelds, Paula J. Rudall, Matt C. Herne, Anita K. Milroy and Joe Bridgeman. 2022. A Fossil Syncarpous Fruit from Australia Provides Support for a Gondwanan History for the Screw Pines (Pandanus, Pandanaceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences. 183(4); DOI: 10.1086/719431

phys.org/news/2022-05-evidence-fossil-fruit-australia-uncovers.html

Calyptommatus frontalis

Recoder, Marques-Souza, Silva-Soares, Ramiro, Castro & Rodrigues, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5129.3.3

Abstract

In the last decades, a remarkable fauna of psammophilous and fossorial squamates was discovered in sandy habitats of the semiarid Caatinga of northeast Brazil. Despite the increasing accumulation of genetic data from this unique fauna, an incomplete knowledge of its diversity still hampers a better understanding of its origins and diversification. The fossorial lizard genus Calyptommatus (Gymnophthalmidae) is endemic to sandy habitats of the Caatinga, being currently represented by four allopatric species. In this study, we used morphological and molecular data to assess population-level variation in Calyptommatus. We found a new morphotype of Calyptommatus from the state of Bahia, Brazil, readily distinguished from congeners by the presence of a frontal scale. Morphological, nuDNA and geographic data support the recognition of a new species herein described as Calyptommatus frontalis sp. nov. Nevertheless, genetic data revealed mito-nuclear+morphology discordance, with populations with frontal scales distributed in three distantly related mtDNA clades, suggesting either potential historical and/or current introgressions or incomplete lineage sorting. Further data are needed to clarify the status of the two other mtDNA clades displaying a frontal scale.

Keywords: Reptilia, Caatinga, contact zone, endemism, phylogeny, reptiles, taxonomy

Paratype of Calyptommatus frontalis sp. nov. in life
from Brejo do Poção, Buritirama, state of Bahia, northeast Brazil.

Renato Sousa Recoder, Sergio Marques-Souza, Thiago Silva-Soares, Carolina Nisa Ramiro, Thiago Marcial Castro and Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues. 2022. Morphological Variation and Genealogical Discordance in Caatinga Sand Lizards Calyptommatus Rodrigues 1991 (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) with the Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 5129(3); 374-398. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5129.3.3

Bolitoglossa cathyledecae

Ponce, Navarro, Morales & Batista, 2022

Chiriqui Fire Salamander | Salamandra de fuego chiricana || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5129.4.4

Researchgate.net/publication/360318718

Photo by Marcos Ponce.

Abstract

We describe a new species of salamander of the genus Bolitoglossa from the Cordillera de Talamanca in western Panama. The new species is distinct from its congeners by its dorsal and ventral coloration, finger and toe webbing, and a comparatively high maxillary teeth count in relation to SVL. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed an isolated phylogenetic position of the new species which is related to the B. robinsoni, B. subpalmata and B. epimela species groups, all four of which form a subclade within the subgenus Eladinea.

Keywords: Amphibia, Bolitoglossa cathyledecae sp. nov., La Amistad International Park, DNA barcoding, Eladinea, Serranía de Talamanca.

Holotype ofBolitoglossa cathyledecae sp. nov. (MHCH 3240) in life;
A–B) Details of head; C–D) Body coloration in life.

Photograph by Marcos Ponce.

Bolitoglossa cathyledecae sp. nov.

Chiriqui fire salamander,

Salamandra de fuego chiricana

Diagnosis: Assigned to genus Bolitoglossa due to having fewer than 14 costal grooves and lacking a sublingual fold, and to subgenus Eladinea based on mtDNA sequence data. Bolitoglossa cathyledecae is differentiated from all known species of the subgenus Eladinea by the combination of the following characters: (1) Unique coloration consisting of pinkish-flesh with flame-scarlet speckles, ventral salmon color; (2) Moderately small size with wide head HW/SVL=0.21; (3) moderate -sized extremities; (4) digits with moderate to extensive webbing on the hands and feet; (5) prehensile and considerably longer tail than body TL/SVL=1.5; (6) high tooth counts: premaxillary (7), maxillary teeth (78).

Etymology. The specific epithet of this beautiful new species honors Cathy Ledec, a passionate conservationist and long-time supporter of conservational organizations working to preserve the habitat of salamanders in the Neotropics.

Distribution. Bolitoglossa cathyledecae is known only from one site within the montane rain forest life zone (sensu Holdridge 1967) along the northeastern mid-elevation slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca, in the vicinity of the continental divide between Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro, within the La Amistad National Park, district Boquete, at about 1900 m above sea level.

Bolitoglossa cathyledecae sp. nov. Color variation in the paratypes.
A) Dorsum in daytime coloration (MHCH 3242);
B-C) Details of head and dorsum in daytime coloration (MHCH 3241);
D) Paratype at the moment of encounter at night (MHCH 3242).

Photographs taken by Marcos Ponce.

Marcos Ponce, Deivy Navarro, Roger Morales and Abel Batista. 2022. A New Salamander of the Genus Bolitoglossa (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from the highlands of western Panama. Zootaxa. 5129(4); 543-556. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5129.4.4

Researchgate.net/publication/360318718_A_new_Bolitoglossa_from_the_highlands_of_western_Panama

Garcinia yaatapsap K. Armstr. & P.W. Sweeney,

in Sweeney, Nwe & Armstrong, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.545.2.1

Abstract

Garcinia yaatapsap (Clusiaceae), a new species from northern Myanmar, is described and illustrated. The new species is most similar to G. stipulata and G. nujiangensis, but differs primarily by its subsessile, subcordate to cordate leaves and strongly angled branchlets (versus petiolate, cuneate leaves and terete branches in G. stipulata and G. nujiangensis).

Keywords: Dicrananthera, Discostigma, Guttiferae, Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagaing, taxonomy

Garcinia yaatapsap K. Armstr. & P.W. Sweeney,
A. Branch with staminate flowers. B. Apex of branch showing leaf bases, young leaves, and stipuliform structures. C. Part of staminate infloresence. D. Staminate flower. E. Cross section of androecium and pistillode with close-up views of stamens and an anther. F. Branch with fruits. G. View of abaxial leaf surface.

Illustration by Bobbi Angell.

Garcinia yaatapsap K. Armstr. & P.W. Sweeney,
A. Apex of branch showing leaf bases, young leaves, and stipuliform structures (indicated by arrow). B. Staminate flowers. C. Branch with fruits. D. Branch with leaves.

Scale bars: A, B = 5 mm, C = 1 cm, D = 2 cm.

Garcinia yaatapsap K. Armstr. & P.W. Sweeney, sp. nov.

Type:—MYANMAR. Sagaing Region: Hkamti District, Hkamti Township, Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Just upstream from Nam Eizu camp 1,184 m. a.s.l., 25.537833°, 95.465861°, 11 September 2016, K. Armstrong, D. Daly, P. P. Hnin, T. Y. Nwe, L. Zaw, K. Z. Aung, H. Aung 1406 (holotype NY [NY02654830]!; isotypes E!, RAF!).

Diagnosis:—Garcinia yaatapsap is similar to G. stipulata T.Anderson in Hooker (1874: 267) and G. nujiangensis C.Y.Wu & Y.H.Li in Li (1981: 494), but branchlets distinctly 4-sided and winged on angles (particularly distally) (vs. terete); leaf bases subcordate to cordate (vs. cuneate); leaves nearly sessile, petiole length to leaf blade length ratio smaller (ca. <1:25 vs. >1:16).

Distribution and Habitat:—Garcinia yaatapsap has only been collected four times in the vicinity of Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary (Fig. 3) and is likely to be endemic to this area of the upper Chindwin Basin. This species occurs from 123-184 m a.s.l. in the Kachin-Sagaing low elevation evergreen subtropical rainforest ecosystem (Armstrong et al. 2020; Murray et al. 2020), which is a lowland (ca. 100-300 m a.s.l.) evergreen closed forest ecosystem in northern Myanmar, where there is abundant rainfall (2,000+ mm) and generally moist conditions.

Etymology:—The specific epithet “yaatapsap” is the Shan-ni (Red Shan) vernacular name for the plant, which translates as “medicine to join the liver [back together]”. This epithet is constructed as a noun in apposition. Locally, a tea made from Garcinia yaatapsap is used as tonic for repairing a damaged liver due to drinking excess alcohol.

Patrick W. Sweeney, Thet Yu Nwe and Kate E. Armstrong. 2022. Garcinia yaatapsap (Clusiaceae), A New Species from northern Myanmar. Phytotaxa. 545(2); 121-127. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.545.2.1

Sepioloidea virgilioi

Sepioloidea jaelae

Santos, Bolstad & Braid, 2022

DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01247-z

australian.museum

Abstract

Members of the cephalopod family Sepiadariidae Fischer, 1882, commonly called ‘bottletail squids’, are known primarily from the Indo-Pacific and southwest Pacific. To date, only one species is known to occur in New Zealand waters: Sepioloidea pacifica (Kirk, 1882). However, researchers have long suspected the presence of additional species in the genus Sepioloidea d’Orbigny, 1845 in Férussac & d’Orbigny 1835-1848. The majority of known Sepioloidea material from New Zealand national collections was examined; both morphological and, where available, molecular characters are compared. As a result, two new species, Sepioloidea virgilioi sp. nov. and Sepioloidea jaelae sp. nov., are recognised and described. Diagnostic morphological characters include the tentacular club sucker arrangement and hectocotylus structure. Molecular data support the recognition of these two new taxa, with sampled populations of each of the three available Sepioloidea falling within three monophyletic clades following analysis of COI (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) sequence data. The minimum interspecific distance is 11.09%—far greater than the maximum intraspecific distance (1.57%). A revised diagnosis for S. pacifica sensu stricto is also provided.

Keywords: Sepiolida, Taxonomy, Southwest Pacific, DNA barcode, COI

Sepioloidea jaelae.

Left: whole organism sketch.

Upper centre and upper right: whole organism shortly after capture [credit: Rob Stewart, NIWA, New Zealand].

Lower centre: hectocotylus.

Lower right: tentacular club.

Sepioloidea virgilioi.

Left: whole organism sketch.

Upper centre: live organism [Hurst (1969)].

Upper right: preserved specimen.

Lower centre: hectocotylus. Lower right: tentacular club.

Sepioloidea virgilioi sp. nov.

Sepioloidea jaelae sp. nov.

Jaever M. Santos, Kathrin S. R. Bolstad and Heather E. Braid. 2022. Two New ‘Bottletail Squids’ (Cephalopoda: Sepiadariidae: Sepioloidea) from New Zealand, with New Observations on Sepioloidea pacifica (Kirk, 1882). Marine Biodiversity. 52: 26. DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01247-z

Deep dark dumplings: Two new bottletail squids from New Zealand

australian.museum/blog/amri-news/deep-dark-dumplings-two-new-bottletail-squids-from-new-zealand/

Curcuma vinhlinhensis D.D. Nguyen & T.A. Le,

in Nguyen, Le, Hoang, Le & Nguyen, 2022.

smujo.id/biodiv

Abstract

Curcuma sixsensesensis and Curcuma vinhlinhensis, two new species belonging to subgenus Ecomata from Coastal Central Vietnam, are described and illustrated in the present articles. The C. sixsensesensis easily gets confused with C. newmaniiŠkorni?k. in compact rhizome; short lateral inflorescence composing of a few bracts; white corolla lobes and lateral staminodes; white labellum with a yellow mid-rid band but readily distinguished in rhomboid lateral staminodes (vs. obovate) with apex acuminated (vs. rounded); labellum 3-lobed (vs. emarginated), a mid-rid band being yellow at apex half, white at the base (vs. yellow throughout); anther crest presented (vs. reduced); oblong (lightly arching) (vs. L- shaped) anther in side view with slender and inward-pointing (vs. stout and outward-facing) spurs. The second one is similar to C. pambrosima Škorni?k. & N. S. Lý in general habit and shape of the spike but differs in reduced ligule ca. 1 (vs. 4-5) mm long; lateral staminodes orange throughout (vs. yellow at apex, white at base), elliptic with round apex (vs. unequally ovate-rhomboid with acute apex); anther spurs elongate into the acute apex, outward-facing (vs. curved inward), ca. 2-3 (vs. ca. 1,5) mm long, anther crest reduced, up to 0.5 mm, 2-lobed (vs. prominent anther crest, ca. 1.5 mm apex round). Data for each described species comprises standard citation of type specimens, description, proposed species epithet etymology, data on ecology and distribution, and short taxonomic notes and morphological comparison of these new species with its allies species, a revised key to species of Curcuma sect. Ecomata in Vietnam is included.

Keywords:Curcuma sixsensesensis, C. vinhlinhensis, Khanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Zingiberaceae

Curcuma sixsensesensis D.D. Nguyen & T.A. Le:
A. habitat; B. and C. inflorescences with opening flowers;
D. habit with rhizome and young inflorescence; E. habit with a leafy shoot at late anthesis; F. ligule;
H-H”: detail of anther; I: ovary with epigynous glands; J: detail of calyx apex.

Photographed by Six Senses Ninh Van Bay team (A—E, H, G from type specimen LTA-1220);

T.A.Le (G’, H’, H”, I, J, F from specimen LTA-1220 treated alcohol)

Curcuma sixsensesensis D.D. Nguyen & T.A. Le, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: New species is similar to C. newmaniiŠkorničk. in a compact rhizome, short lateral inflorescence composed of a few bracts, white corolla lobes and lateral staminodes, white labellum with the yellow mid-rid band but readily distinguished in lateral staminodes being rhomboid (vs. obovate) with apex acuminated (vs. rounded); labellum 3-lobed (vs. emarginated), the mid-rid band being yellow at apex half, white at the base (vs. yellow throughout); anther crest presented (vs. reduced); oblong (lightly arching) (vs. L- shaped) anther in side view with slender and inward-pointing (vs. stout and outward facing) spurs.

Etymology: The specific epithet sixsensesensis is derived from Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Resort, the name of an ecology resort where the new species occur around and thanks to the resort management board for supporting our floristic investigation as long as conserving the wild environment around.

Habitat, ecology and phenology. Under the canopy of coastal semi-deciduous forests at elevations 150–200 m. The flowering period coincides with the beginning of the rainy season in Coastal Central Vietnam from August to October.

Curcuma vinhlinhensis D.D. Nguyen & T.A. Le:
A. habit; B. flower in front view; C. single flower with calyx tube D. Rhizome; E. inflorescence; F. lamia with petiole; G. ligule; H. bracts (from left: bracts at the base to the top of inflorescence); I. flower dissection (from left: calyx, dorsal and lateral corolla lobes, lateral staminode, labellum, a floral tube attached stamen, ovary and epigynous glands).

Photographed by T.A. Le

Curcuma vinhlinhensis D.D. Nguyen & T.A. Le sp. nov.

Diagnosis. similar to C. pambrosimaŠkorničk. & N.S.Lý in general habit and shape of the spike but differs in lateral staminodes being orange throughout (vs. yellow at apex, white at base), elliptic with round apex (vs. unequally ovate-rhomboid with acute apex), anther spurs conical, elongated into the acute apex, outward-facing (vs. cylindrical, curved inward), ca. 2-3 (vs. ca. 1,5) mm long, reduced anther crest up to 0.5 mm, 2-lobed (vs. prominent anther crest ca. 1.5 mm, apex round)

Etymology: The specific epithet vinhlinhensis is derived from Vinh Linh District, the hometown of the third author, where this species was first collected.

Habitat, ecology and phenology. Cultivated on Bazan soil by local people as a source of starch for traditional food in the elevation of about 0-100 m. The flowering period coincides with the beginning of the rainy season in Coastal Central Vietnam from August to October.

Danh Duc Nguyen, Tuan Anh Le, Quoc Huy Hoang, Quoc Thuong Le and Emmy Nguyen. 2022. Two New Taxa of Curcuma sect. Ecomata (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae), from coastal Central Vietnam. Biodiversitas. 23: 2512-2519. smujo.id/biodiv/article/view/10603

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[Herpetology • 2022] Desmognathus pascagoula • A New, Narrowly Endemic Species of Swamp-dwelling Dusky Salamander Genus Desmognathus (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from the Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi and Alabama

[Fungi • 2022] Multi-locus Phylogeny unmasks Hidden Species within the Specialised Spider-parasitic Fungus, Gibellula (Ascomycota: Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) in Thailand

[Crustacea • 2022] Thailandorchestia rhizophila • A New Genus and Species of Driftwood Hopper (Amphipoda: Protorchestiidae) from Thailand

[Paleontology • 2022] Paralitherizinosaurus japonicus • New Therizinosaurid Dinosaur from the marine Osoushinai Formation (Upper Cretaceous, Japan) provides insight for Function and Evolution of Therizinosaur Claws

[Paleontology • 2022] Peruvispira kanchanaburiensis • A Low-diversity Peruvispira-dominated Gastropod Assemblage from the Permian Ratburi Group of Central Thailand

[Invertebrate • 2022] Tonoscolex kalimpongensis • A New Species of the Genus Tonoscolex Gates, 1933 (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from India

[PaleoBotany • 2022] Pandanus estellae (Pandanaceae) • A Fossil Syncarpous Fruit from Australia Provides Support for a Gondwanan History for the Screw Pines

[Herpetology • 2022] Calyptommatus frontalis • Morphological Variation and Genealogical Discordance in Caatinga Sand Lizards Calyptommatus Rodrigues 1991 (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) with the Description of A New Species

[Herpetology • 2022] Bolitoglossa cathyledecae • A New Salamander of the Genus Bolitoglossa (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from the highlands of western Panama

[Botany • 2022] Garcinia yaatapsap (Clusiaceae) • A New Species from northern Myanmar

[Invertebrate • 2022] Sepioloidea jaelae & S. virgilioi • Two New ‘Bottletail Squids’ (Cephalopoda: Sepiadariidae: Sepioloidea) from New Zealand, with New Observations on Sepioloidea pacifica (Kirk, 1882)

[Botany • 2022] Curcuma sixsensesensis & C. vinhlinhensis (Zingiberaceae, sect. Ecomata) • Two New Taxa from coastal Central Vietnam