Species New to Science

Gracilaria khanjanapajiae

Saengkaew, Muangmai, Bulan & Zuccarello, 2022

DOI: 10.1080/00318884.2022.2062189

ABSTRACT

Taxonomy and diversity of the Gracilariaceae has been increasingly investigated by using integrated morphological and genetic approaches. The Indo-Pacific is likely a hotspot for diversity of these macroalgae. Collections of flattened Gracilaria samples from Natai beach, Andaman coast of Thailand, were morphologically and genetically analysed. Our results clearly indicated the presence of a new species, G. khanjanapajiae sp. nov., in Thailand. In comparison to other known Indo-Pacific flattened species, G. khanjanapajiae can be distinguished by its dentate blade margin, deep spermatangial conceptacles (verrucosa-type) and numerous lateral and basal nutritive filaments within mature cystocarps. This new species resembles G. srilankia in having similar branching pattern and male reproductive structures, but differs in blade margin features. Phylogenetically, G. khanjanapajiae was more closely related to G. spinulosa from Taiwan than other Thai and Indian Ocean species. This present study highlights the continuing discovery of Gracilaria diversity and distribution in the tropical Indo-Pacific.

KEYWORDS: Agarophyte, Phylogeny, rbcL, Seaweed, Systematics, Taxonomy

Gracilaria khanjanapajiae sp. nov.

Jantana Saengkaew, Narongrit Muangmai, Jakaphan Bulan and Giuseppe C. Zuccarello. 2022. Gracilaria khanjanapajiae sp. nov. (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) from the Andaman Coast of Thailand. Phycologia. DOI: 10.1080/00318884.2022.2062189

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Minervarya charlesdarwini (Das, 1998),

in Garg, Chandrakasan, Gokulakrishnan, ... et Biju, 2022.

Charles Darwin’s minervaryan frog || DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e79496

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Abstract

Since the description of Charles Darwin’s frog as Rana charlesdarwini in 1998, its generic placement has been a taxonomic enigma. Subsequent studies first transferred this species to the dicroglossid genus Limnonectes, and then considered it as a ceratobatrachid of the genus Ingerana, which has since been moved to the family Dicroglossidae. However, recent works have doubted this generic placement and also suggested the possibility of its sister relationship with the genus Liurana, within Ceratobatrachidae. Nonetheless, there have been no detailed investigations to ascertain the generic placement of this taxon by confirming its phylogenetic position or using integrative taxonomic approaches. Here, we provide the first molecular assessment of Ingerana charlesdarwini based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA and reveal that it is nested in the dicroglossid genus Minervarya. A member of the Minervarya andamanensis species group, Minervarya charlesdarwinicomb. nov. is sister taxon to M.andamanensis and shows relatively shallow genetic distances (2.8–3.6%) in the 16S gene. Both species are widely distributed, occur sympatrically, and exhibit high morphological variations, leading to long-standing confusions with other dicroglossid frogs reported from the region. Our combined morphological and molecular studies on dicroglossid frogs sampled across the known ranges of these species suggest that reports of Limnonectes doriae (Boulenger, 1887) and L. hascheanus (Stoliczka, 1870) from the Andamans are misidentifications of the former two, pointing to the absence of genus Limnonectes from the Andaman Islands. Our study also reveals the novel record of Minervarya agricola from the Andamans, a species that appears to have been confused with Fejervarya limnocharis and Minervarya keralensis in the literature and misidentified museum specimens, and is found to be widely distributed across these islands. We further find another congener from the Nicobar group of Islands, M. nicobariensis, to be closely related to M. charlesdarwini. Similar to the case of Andaman dicroglossids, our work emphasises on the need for further studies to ascertain the taxonomic identities and generic placement of Minervarya and Limnonectes species reported from the Nicobars.

Key words: Amphibia, Ingerana, integrative taxonomy, island biogeography, Limnonectes, sympatric species

Morphological variation in skin colouration and markings observed among individuals of Minervarya charlesdarwini in the Andaman Islands.
A–N Dorsolateral views. A SDBDU 2021.4212 (♂). B–C SDBDU 2019.4059 (♀). D Not preserved. E SDBDU 2019.4006 (♂). F SDBDU 2019.3975 (♂). G SDBDU 2021.4212 (♂). H SDBDU 2019.4005 (♀). I SDBDU 2019.3968 (♀). J SDBDU 2019.4004 (♂). K SDBDU 2021.4213 (♀). L SDBDU 2020.4165 (♀). M SDBDU 2019.3946 (♀). N SDBDU 2021.4214 (♀).

Photographs: S. D. Biju, G. Gokulakrishnan & Sonali Garg.

Minervarya charlesdarwini (Das, 1998), comb. nov.

Charles Darwin’s minervaryan frog

Distribution: Minervarya charlesdarwini is endemic to the Andaman Archipelago of India, where we find it to be widely distributed in all the major groups of islands: North and Middle Andamans (North Andaman Is., Interview Is., Middle Andaman Is., Baratang Is., and Long Is.), South Andamans (South Andaman Is., Neil Is., Havelock Is., Boat Is., Red Skin Is., Alexandra Is., Rutland Is., and Tarmugli Is.), up to the Little Andaman Island. This species has been observed between elevations of nearly sea level up to 600 m asl (Fig. 2; Table 2).

Morphological variation in skin colouration and markings observed among individuals of Minervarya andamanensis. A–J Dorsolateral views.
A SDBDU 2021.4206 (♀). B SDBDU 2021.4207 (♀).
C–D Not preserved (♂). E SDBDU 2020.4179 (♀). F SDBDU 2010.4178a (♀). G SDBDU 2019.4011 (♂). H SDBDU 2020.4155 (♂). I Not preserved (♂). J SDBDU 2019.3956 (♂).

Photographs: S. D. Biju, G. Gokulakrishnan & Sonali Garg.

Minervarya andamanensis (Stoliczka, 1870)

Andamanese minervaryan frog

Distribution: Minervarya andamanensis is endemic to the Andaman Archipelago of India, where we find it to be widely distributed in all the major groups of islands: North and Middle Andamans (North Andaman Is., Landfall Is., East Is., Paget Is., Interview Is., Smith Is., Long Is., North Passage Is., North Reef Is., Baratang Is., and Middle Andaman Is.), South Andamans (South Andaman Is., Boat Is., Alexandra Is., Tarmugli Is., Rutland Is., Neil Is., and Havelock Is.), down to the Little Andaman Island. This species has been observed between elevations of sea level up to nearly 400 m asl (Fig. 2; Table 2).

Morphological variation observed among individuals of Minervarya nicobariensis in Nicobar Islands (all males).
A SDBDU 2021.4250. B SDBDU 2021.4249.

Morphological variation observed among individuals of Minervarya agricola.
A Not preserved (♂). B SDBDU 2020.4151 (♂).

Photographs: S. D. Biju, G. Gokulakrishnan and Sonali Garg.

Minervarya agricola (Jerdon, 1853) from Andaman Islands

Distribution. Minervarya agricola is a widely distributed species of South and Southeast Asia, being found in India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and southern China (Garg and Biju 2021). In the Andaman Archipelago of India, we provide new reports of this species from all the major groups of islands: North and Middle Andamans (North Andaman Is., Baratang Is., and Middle Andaman Is.), South Andamans (South Andaman Is., Neil Is., and Havelock Is.), up to the Little Andaman Island. This species has been observed between elevations of sea level up to elevations of nearly 130 m asl (Fig. 2; Table 2).

Sonali Garg, Sivaperuman Chandrakasan, G. Gokulakrishnan, C. Gopika, Indraneil Das and S. D. Biju. 2022. The Curious Case of Charles Darwin’s Frog, Rana charlesdarwini Das, 1998: Phylogenetic Position and Generic Placement, with Taxonomic insights on Other Minervaryan Frogs (Dicroglossidae: Minervarya) in the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago. Vertebrate Zoology. 72: 169-199. DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e79496

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Burmagomphus chaukulensis Joshi, Ogale & Sawant,

in Joshi, Sawant, Ogale & Kunte, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5133.3.6

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Abstract

We describe a new species of dragonfly, Burmagomphus chaukulensis sp. nov., based on four males and two females from Chaukul, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra located in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot of India. The newly described species is diagnosed from its congeners by a combination of following characters: the shape of male caudal appendages (prominent lateral spines on cerci) and the lateral thoracic markings (stripe on mesepisternum reduced and pointed anteriorly). Additionally, B. chaukulensis is unique in terms of the shape of hamuli, strongly angulated with spines at both sides. An updated identification key to Indian Burmagomphus spp. is also provided.

Key words: Burmagomphus, laidlawi, cauvericus, endemic, Sindhudurg, Western Ghats, endemic species, new species description, species discovery, taxonomic keys

Burmagomphus chaukulensis sp. nov.

Shantanu Joshi, Dattaprasad Sawant, Hemant Ogale and Krushnamegh Kunte. 2022. Burmagomphus chaukulensis, A New Species of Dragonfly (Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidae) from the Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India. Zootaxa. 5133(3); 413-430. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5133.3.6

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Andrias jiangxiensis

Lu, Wang, Chai, Yi, Peng, Murphy, Zhang & Che,

in Chai, Lu, Yi, Dai, Weng, ... et Che, 2022.

Jiangxi Giant Salamander | 江西大鲵 || DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.101

Abstract

Effective conservation of threatened biota relies on accurate assessments and scientific guidance. As an unfortunate example, Chinese giant salamanders (Andrias, CGS) remain critically endangered in nature. Misguided conservation efforts, e.g., commercial propagation and releasing of millions of likely non-indigenous or interspecific hybrids, have further compromised conservation initiatives. Limited information on wild populations of CGS poses a significant conservation challenge. Following 18-month long field monitoring, we now report the discovery of a wild population of CGS in a closed nature reserve in Jiangxi Province, China. Genomic assessments reveal its genetic distinctiveness and do not detect genetic admixture with other species. Based on morphological and molecular evidences, we describe this CGS as a new species Andrias jiangxiensis sp. nov. This is the only known species of CGS today with a genetically pure, reproducing, in situ population. This discovery emphasizes the important role that closed nature reserves play in protecting species, and the necessity of integrating long-term field monitoring and genetic assessments. It sets a new pathway for discovering and conserving endangered species, especially for those biotas that are similarly being extirpated by anthropogenic translocations and overexploitation.

Key words: Conservation, Human translocation, Genetic homogenization, Field monitoring, Taxonomy

Andrias jiangxiensis sp. nov. Ontogenetic variation in coloration pattern
A: Coloration of dorsum with spotted pattern in a juvenile with body length of ~20 cm.
B: Coloration of dorsum having larger patch patterns in an adult with body length over 50 cm.

Photos by Mu-Rong Yi.

Andrias jiangxiensis sp. nov. Lu, Wang, Chai, Yi, Peng, Murphy, Zhang, and Che

Diagnosis: Andrias jiangxiensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) head length almost equal to width; (2) head and lower jaw relatively smooth, with small tubercles arranged irregularly; (3) lateral neck fold discontinuous with body fold at forelimb insertion; (4) finger III distinctly longer than finger I; and (5) dorsum red-brown or yellow-brown in life, with large, irregular black patches.

Etymology: The specific epithet “jiangxiensis” refers to the type locality of the new species in Jiangxi, China. It denotes the endemicity of the new species to Jiangxi based on our detailed population surveys. We suggest Jiangxi Giant Salamander as its English common name, and 江西大鲵 (Pinyin: Jiāng Xī Dà Ní) as its Chinese common name.

The habitat ofAndrias jiangxiensis sp. nov. in Daqi Mountain, Jing’an County, Jiangxi, China
A, B: Summer (A) and winter (B) scene of 8–10 meters-wide stream with excellent vegetation coverage.
C: A breeding cave for A. jiangxiensis sp. nov. found in a backwater bay of the stream. Red arrow indicates the exit of the cave.
D: Enlarged area near the exit of the cave. Dashed circles in cyan indicate six larvae of A. jiangxiensis sp. nov., and the ones in white indicate the co-occurring shrimps and fishes.

Photos by Mu-Rong Yi.

Jing Chai, Chen-Qi Lu, Mu-Rong Yi, Nian-Hua Dai, Xiao-Dong Weng, Ming-Xiao Di, Yong Peng, Yong Tang, Qing-Hua Shan, Kai Wang, Huan-Zhang Liu, Hai-Peng Zhao, Jie-Qiong Jin, Ru-Jun Cao, Ping Lu, Lai-Chun Luo, Robert W. Murphy, Ya-Ping Zhang and Jing Che. 2022. Discovery of A Wild, Genetically Pure Chinese Giant Salamander creates New Conservation Opportunities. Zoological Research. 43(3): 469-480. DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.101

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Wurfbainia yingyongii Kaewsri,

in Kaewsri & Sangvirotjanapat, 2022.

DOI: 10.24823/EJB.2022.369

ABSTRACT

Six new species are described from Thailand: Wurfbainia ellipticarpa, W. geostachyoides, W. globosa, W. longiflora, W. parviflora and W. yingyongii. A line drawing and photographs, information on phenology, distribution, ecology and etymology, and a proposed IUCN conservation category are provided for each species. A key to the species of Wurfbainia in Thailand is also provided.

Keywords: Amomum, Cardamom, Ginger, Flora, Taxonomy

Wurfbainia yingyongii Kaewsri, sp. nov.
A, Young leafy shoot; B, pseudostem base; C, ligule; D, leaves; E, inflorescence; F, infructescence; G, fruit (cross-section).

All photographs of the type collection (Kaewsri 001), taken by W. Kaewsri.

W. Kaewsri and S. Sangvirotjanapat. 2022. Six New Species of Wurfbainia (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand. EDINBURGH JOURNAL OF BOTANY. 79; Article 369 (1–23). DOI: 10.24823/EJB.2022.369

Poecilocharax callipterus

Ohara, Pastana & Camelier, 2022

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac026

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Abstract

Crenuchinae is a subfamily of the fish family Crenuchidae distributed in the Amazon Basin with pronounced sexual dimorphism and exuberant colour patterns. Recent fieldwork in the tributaries of the Rio Aripuanã drainage, a large tributary of the Rio Madeira (Amazon Basin), resulted in the discovery of two distinctive, undescribed species of the crenuchin genus Poecilocharax, which are formally described herein, combining morphological and molecular data. These are the first representatives of Crenuchinae discovered after a gap of 57 years and the first records of Poecilocharax from the tributaries of the right bank of the Rio Amazonas draining the Brazilian crystalline shield. Based on a taxonomic review including all species of the subfamily, we provide an expanded morphological diagnosis for Crenuchinae. This now includes characteristics related to the lateral-line canals of head and body, the number of dorsal-fin rays and sexually dimorphic traits. In addition, we review previous characteristics used to diagnose Crenuchus and Poecilocharax, providing comments on their polarity and distribution across the subfamily. A dichotomous key is provided for the first time for species of Crenuchinae.

Amazon, COI gene, DNA, freshwater fishes, lateral line, phylogeny, taxonomy, tetras

Poecilocharax callipterus

Poecilocharax rhizophilus

Willian M. Ohara, Murilo Pastana and Priscila Camelier. 2022. The Monophyly of Crenuchinae and Description of Two New Species of Poecilocharax (Teleostei: Crenuchidae) based on Phenotypic and Genotypic Evidence. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlac026. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac026

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Pangio pathala

Sundar, Arjun, Sidharthan, Dahanukar & Raghavan, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.1.9

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Abstract

A second subterranean species of Pangio is described from an old dug-out well in Kerala, Southern India. The new species, Pangio pathala is unique within the genus in possessing the highest number (27) of caudal vertebrae. Pangio pathala is distinguished from P. bhujia, the only subterranean Pangio species known so far, in having four pectoral-fin rays (vs. three), five anal-fin rays (vs. six), 67 vertebrae (40 abdominal and 27 caudal vertebrae) (vs. 62–63), and a raw genetic distance of 8.1–8.7% in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene. This paper also provides an additional record of Pangio bhujia from a location 40 km south of the type locality.

Keywords: Pisces, freshwater fish, groundwater, Taxonomy, Western Ghats

Pangio pathala

Remya L. Sundar, C.P. Arjun, Arya Sidharthan, Neelesh Dahanukar and Rajeev Raghavan. 2022. A New Diminutive Subterranean Eel Loach Species of the Genus Pangio (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from Southern India. Zootaxa. 5138(1); 89-97. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.1.9

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Herpetoreas murlen

Lalremsanga, Bal, Vogel & Biakzuala, 2022

Murlen Keelback Snake || salamandra-journal.com

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Abstract

A new species of the genus Herpetoreas is described from Murlen National Park, Mizoram, northeastern India, based on morphological differences and molecular evidence inferred from the mitochondrial cytochrome b and 16S rRNA genes. The new taxon represents the seventh nominal species in the genus Herpetoreas, out of which three species, i.e., H. pealii, H. platyceps and H. xenura, have been recorded from northeastern India as well. An updated taxonomic key to the species of Herpetoreas is provided. Our phylogenetic reconstructions of selected natricine and colubrine snakes from Mizoram state, northeastern India, also contribute to the systematics and known distribution of the little known species Gongylosoma scriptum, and corroborate its taxonomic placement into the subfamily Colubrinae. Moreover, the first molecular based identifications for Liopeltis stoliczkae and Sibynophis collaris from Mizoram are presented.

Key words: Serpentes, Amphiesma, Hebius, Herpetoreas sp. n., Liopeltis, Mizoram, Murlen National Park, Sibynophis, taxonomy.

Herpetoreas murlen sp. n.

Holotype (MZMU2041) in life (A–C).

Head of an uncollected individual in dorsolateral view (D).

Herpetoreas murlen sp. n.

Diagnosis. Herpetoreas murlen sp. n. is diagnosable by the following morphological characters (based on the holotype, male; Figs. 3–6): 1) TaL/TL 0.23; 2) two PVe, 179 Ve, and 78 paired Sc; 3) As divided; 4) nine IL, with the first four contacting the AG, and the fourth and fifth contacting the PG; 5) eight SL, the third to fifth contacting the eye, the seventh largest; 6) Tem 1+1; 7) two PrO, and three PoO; 8) dorsal scales in 19:19:17 rows, distinctly keeled, those in the first row feebly keeled; 9) internasal scales sub-triangular; 10) scales on posterior part of head and temporal region smooth; 11) the everted hemipenes bilobate near the tip; sulcus spermaticus bifurcated just beneath the crotch; weakly developed apical naked area at the crotch and invisible from the asulcate face; numerous small spines present, increasing in size distally, and a distinct basal hook present (Fig. 6).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the type locality, Murlen National park, Champhai District, Mizoram, India. We propose as common names, Murlen Keelback Snake (English) and Murlen-Wassernatter (German).

Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Amit Kumar Bal, Gernot Vogel and Lal Biakzuala. 2022. Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses of lesser known Colubrid Snakes reveal A New Species of Herpetoreas (Squamata: Colubridae: Natricinae), and New insights into the Systematics of Gongylosoma scriptum and its allies from northeastern India. SALAMANDRA. 58(2): 101–115

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mizorambulletin.com/2022/05/16/mizoram-new-snake-species-discovered-and-named-after-murlen-national-park

Phenacorhamdia suia

Silva, Ochoa & Castro, 2022

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0143

ni.bio.br/1982-0224-2021-0143

Photographed by Dario Faustino-Fuster.

Heptapteridae is a diverse group of catfishes composed of 231 valid species endemic to the Neotropical region, recognized in two subfamilies: Rhamdiinae and Heptapterinae. Phenacorhamdia is a Heptapterinae member and currently has 13 valid species broadly distributed throughout the main river basins of South America. Here we described a new species of Phenacorhamdia from the Xingu River basin. Morphological data were obtained from 30 specimens under 23 morphometric measures and 6 meristic counts. The new species differs from congeners based on the exclusive combination of the following diagnostic characters: atypical mottled colored body and all fins with interradial membranes mottled pigmented; multicuspid teeth; maxillary barbel reaching pectoral-fin origin; lacking a short extension of the first pectoral-fin ray; caudal fin lobes extremely elongated and pointed; and 43−45 total vertebrae.

Keywords: Amazon River basin, Brazilian Shield, Catfishes, Taxonomy.

Phenacorhamdia suia, MNRJ 24850, holotype, 81.8 mm SL,
Brazil, Mato Grosso State, São Félix do Araguaia, upper Xingu River basin.

Photographed by Dario Faustino-Fuster.

Phenacorhamdia suia, new species

Diagnosis. Phenacorhamdia suia differs from all congeners by having an atypical mottled colored body (Figs. 1−2) (vs. uniformly counter-shaded, without mottled pattern; with a longitudinal dark brown stripe along the dorsal half of the body in P. unifasciata), and by having all fins with interradial membranes pigmented and mottled (vs. fins with interradial membranes hyaline). Additionally, P. suia differs from all congeners, except P. taphorni by having multicuspid teeth (vs. conical teeth) (Fig. 3). The new species differs from some of its congeners by maxillary barbel reaching pectoral-fin origin (vs. maxillary barbel reaching the end of adpressed pectoral fin in P. anisura, P. boliviana, P. nigrolineata, and P. tenebrosa; reaching half the length of pectoral fin in P. tenuis; surpassing pectoral fin in P. provenzanoi and P. taphorni; reachingpelvic-fin origin in P. macarenensis); lacking a short extension of the first pectoral-fin ray (vs. present in P. anisura, P. macarenensis, P. nigrolineata, P. provenzanoi, and P. taphorni), by caudal fin deeply forked with extremely elogated and pointed lobes (vs. moderately pointed in P. hoehnei; rounded in P. somnians); and by having 43−45 total vertebrae (vs. 39 in P. taphorni; 41 in P. hoehnei; 41−42 in P. tenebrosa;46−47 P. unifasciata; 47−48 in P. provenzanoi; 53−55 in P. tenuis).

Etymology. The specific name “suia” refers to the Suias indigenous people who, since the 90’s, have stood out in the fight to protect the Suiá-Missu River environment and for recovery of their traditional lands outside the limits of Xingu park. A noun in apposition.

Gabriel S. C. Silva, Luz E. Ochoa and Íthalo S. Castro. 2022. New Species of Phenacorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Xingu River Basin. Neotrop Ichthyol. 20(2); e210143. DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0143

ni.bio.br/1982-0224-2021-0143

Resumo: Heptapteridae é um grupo diverso de bagres neotropicais composto por 231 espécies válidas, endêmicas da região Neotropical, divididas em duas subfamílias: Rhamdiinae e Heptapterinae. Phenacorhamdia é um membro de Heptapterinae e atualmente possui 13 espécies válidas amplamente distribuídas pelos principais rios da América do Sul. Aqui nós descrevemos uma nova espécie de Phenacorhamdia da bacia do rio Xingu. Dados morfológicos foram obtidos de 30 espécimes, 23 medidas morfométricas e seis contagens merísticas. A nova espécie é diferenciada de suas congêneres com base na seguinte combinação de características: um atípico corpo manchado com as membranas interradiais de todas as nadadeiras manchadas; dentes multicuspidados; barbilhão maxilar atingindo a origem da nadadeira peitoral; ausência de uma curta extensão do primeiro raio da nadadeira peitoral; lóbulos da nadadeira caudal extremamente alongados e pontiagudos, e 43−45 vértebras.

Palavras-chave: Bacia do rio Amazonas; Bagres; Escudo Brasileiro; Taxonomia

Begonia tjiasmantoi Ardi & D.C.Thomas

in Ardi & Thomas, 2020.

DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v19i1.3848

Researchgate.net/publication/342532790

A new species, Begonia tjiasmantoi Ardi & D.C.Thomas is described from Mamasa, West Sulawesi, Indonesia. The species is endemic to West Sulawesi and belongs to Begonia section Petermannia. A provisional conservation assessment indicates a Critically Endangered status.

Keywords: new species, critically endangered, conservation assessment, a new species, endangered status

Begonia tjiasmantoi Ardi & D.C.Thomas.
A. Habit; scale bar: 5 cm. B. Stipule; scale bar: 5 mm. C.Male inflorescence; scale bar: 10 mm. D. Male inflorescence and female flower; scale bar: 10 cm. E. Male flower, front and side view; scale bar: 5 mm. F. Female flower, front view; scale bar: 5 mm. G. Infructescence; scale bar: 10 mm. H. Ovary cross-section, axile placentation and bilamellate placentae; scale bar: 2 mm.

A–H from WI 562. Photos: W.H. Ardi.

Begonia tjiasmantoi Ardi & D.C.Thomas spec.nov.

§ Petermannia.

Begonia tjiasmantoi has a rhizomatous stem, male and female flowers with yellow tepals and male flowers with relatively few stamens (22‒24). This character combination differentiates it from other Sulawesi Begonia species. The rhizomatous growth habit of Begonia tjiasmantoi is similar to the growth habit of the orange-tepalled B. ignita C.W.Lin & C.I.Peng, but B. tjiasmantoi can be differentiated by its strongly asymmetric, ovate toelliptic leaves (8–11 × 3.5–5.5 cm); cymose-paniculate male inflorescence with subumbellate partial inflorescences with up to 6 flowers; yellow male flower tepals that are relatively small (6–8 ×7.5–8.5 mm) and have few stamens (22–24);female flowers with shorter pedicels (3–4 mm), 5(–6) yellow tepals, and a cylindrical seed-bearing part of the fruit. Begonia ignita has symmetric or subsymmetric cordiform leaves that are larger (7–12 × 6.5–11 cm); racemose-cymose male inflorescence with monochasial partial inflorescences with up to 3 flowers; orange male flower tepals that are larger in size (10–15 × 9–11mm), more stamens (35–45); female flowers with longer pedicels (6–13 mm), 4 (or rarely 2, 3 or 5)orange tepals, and an ellipsoid seed-bearing part of the fruit.

Etymology. The species epithet refers to Wewin Tjiasmanto, the Chairmain of the Tjiasmanto Conservation Fund, who has generously supported the Sulawesi Begonia Project.

Wisnu Handoyo Ardi and Daniel C. Thomas. 2020. Begonia tjiasmantoi, A New Species from West Sulawesi. Reinwardtia. 19(2); 61‒65. DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v19i1.3848

Researchgate.net/publication/342532790_BEGONIA_TJIASMANTOI_A_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_WEST_SULAWESI

Henckelia khasiana Nampy & Akhil,

in Nampy, Akhil & Vishnu, 2021.

DOI: 10.3989/ajbm.2570

ABSTRACT

A new species of Henckelia (Gesneriaceae) is here described and illustrated. It is morphologically most similar to H. oblongifolia but differs in having lanceolate calyx lobes, two prominent longitudinal flaps on the inner surface of the corolla tube, bilobed stigma and tomentose capsules. A detailed description of the new species with colour photographs, affinities and a comparison with related species is given. Based on the present data, the new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Conservation status, East Khasi Hills, Mawsynram, Meghalaya, taxonomy

Henckelia khasiana Nampy & Akhil sp. nov.
: a, habit; b & c, flower; d, calyx; e, calyx lobe outer (left) and inner (right) surfaces; f, corolla split open showing longitudinal flaps; g, stamens; h, staminodes; i, pistil; j, stigma; k, capsules; l, seeds.

[based on Nampy & Vishnu 156840].

Henckelia khasiana Nampy & Akhil, sp. nov.

It is similar to Henckelia oblongifolia (Roxb.) D.J.Middleton & Mich.Möller because of its general appearance, flower colour and yellow lines on the corolla throat, but differs in the shape of the calyx lobes (lanceolate vs. deltoid), the corolla tube (two prominent longitudinal flaps on the in-ner side vs. without longitudinal flaps), the stigma (bilobed vs. obdeltoid) and capsules (tomentose vs. pubescent).

Etymology. -The specific epithet is derived from the floristically rich Khasi hills in Meghalaya, where the type locality Mawsynram is situated.

Santhosh Nampy, Mannar K. Akhil and Mohan Vishnu. 2021. Henckelia khasiana, A New Species of Gesneriaceae from India. Anales Del Jardín Botánico De Madrid. 78(1); e105. DOI: 10.3989/ajbm.2570

Evolutionary Relationships of Anglerfishes (Lophiiformes)

in Hart, Arnold, Alda, Kenaley, ... et Chakrabarty, 2022.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107459

Highlights

• The evolutionary history of anglerfishes is unclear.

• We constructed molecular phylogenies of Lophiiformes using UCE loci.

• We recovered novel topologies for the Ceratioidei deep-sea anglerfishes.

• Three new frogfish families were proposed and Antennariidae was re-evaluated.

• We resolved relationships among frogfishes but deep-sea anglers remain uncertain.

Abstract

The macroevolutionary consequences of evolving in the deep-sea remain poorly understood and are compounded by the fact that convergent adaptations for living in this environment makes elucidating phylogenetic relationships difficult. Lophiiform anglerfishes exhibit extreme habitat and predatory specializations, including the use of a fin-spine system as a luring device and unique reproductive strategies where parasitic males attach and fuse to females. Despite their notoriety for these odd characteristics, evolutionary relationships among these fishes remain unclear. We sought to clarify the evolutionary history of Lophiiformes using data from 1000 ultraconserved elements and phylogenomic inference methods with particular interest paid to the Ceratioidei (deep-sea anglerfishes) and Antennarioidei (frogfishes and handfishes). At the suborder level, we recovered similar topologies in separate phylogenomic analyses: The Lophioidei (monkfishes) are the sister group to the rest of the Lophiiformes, Ogcocephaloidei (batfishes) and Antennarioidei (frogfishes) form a sister group, and Chaunacioidei (coffinfishes) and Ceratioidei (deep-sea anglerfishes) form a clade. The relationships we recover within the ceratioids disagree with most previous phylogenetic investigations, which used legacy phylogenetic markers or morphology. We recovered non-monophyletic relationships in the Antennarioidei and proposed three new families based on molecular and morphological evidence: Histiophrynidae, Rhycheridae, and Tathicarpidae. Antennariidae was re-evaluated to include what was known as Antennariinae, but not Histiophryninae. Non-bifurcating signal in splits network analysis indicated reticulations among and within suborders, supporting the complicated history of the Lophiiformes previously found with morphological data. Although we resolve relationships within Antennarioidei, Ceratioidei relationships remain somewhat unclear without better taxonomic sampling.

Keywords: Phylogenomics, UCEs, Target capture, Next-generation sequencing, Deep sea

Pamela B. Hart, Rachel J. Arnold, Fernando Alda, Christopher P. Kenaley, Theodore W. Pietsch, Destinee Hutchinson and Prosanta Chakrabarty. 2022. Evolutionary Relationships of Anglerfishes (Lophiiformes) reconstructed using Ultraconserved Elements. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 171; 107459. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107459

Nephoanthus nubigenus C.W. Lin, Luu & T.C. Hsu

in Lin, Hsu, Luu, Yang & Li, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.547.1.6

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Abstract

A new genus, Nephoanthus, is established based on morphological and molecular data. It comprises two species distributed in montane forests of central to southern Vietnam and Hainan Island: the type species N. prostratus and a new species N. nubigenus. Nephoanthus is morphologically similar to Phyllagathis but phylogenetically remote from the type species of Phyllagathis in the analyses of both plastid genome and nrITS sequences. Nephoanthus is genetically associated to but significantly morphologically distinct from Driessenia, Heteroblemma, Medinilla and Tigridiopalma. A detailed morphological comparison of Nephoanthus and related taxa is provided.

Keywords: Asia, biodiversity, endemism, taxonomy, phylogeny, morphology, Eudicots

Nephoanthus prostratus (C.Hansen) C.W. Lin & T.C. Hsu

Nephoanthus nubigenus C.W. Lin, Luu & T.C. Hsu

Che-Wei Lin, Tian-Chuan Hsu, Hong Truong Luu, Tsung-Yu Aleck Yang and Chia-Wei Li. 2022. Nephoanthus (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae), A New Genus segregated from Phyllagathis s.l., with A New Species from Southern Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 547(1); 66-76. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.547.1.6

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Varanus citrinus

Pavón-Vázquez, Esquerré, Fitch, Maryan, Doughty, Donnellan & Scott Keogh, 2022

DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107516

photo by Jules E. Farquhar. twitter.com/FarquharJules

Highlights

• We used single nucleotide polymorphisms mitochondrial sequences, and morphological data to infer the evolutionary history of ridge-tailed monitor lizards.

• We identified nine populations which we propose belong to four species.

• The geographic distribution of the populations and admixture patterns reflect the aridification of Australia and highlight the importance of rocky escarpments as mesic refugia.

• We identified and described a new species from a region that has been recognized as a historical refugium in northern Australia.

Abstract

Genomic data are a powerful tool for the elucidation of evolutionary patterns at the population level and above. The combined analysis of genomic and morphological data can result in species delimitation hypotheses that reflect evolutionary history better than traditional taxonomy or any individual source of evidence. Here, we used thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms, mitochondrial sequences, and comprehensive morphological data to characterize the evolutionary history of the ridge-tailed monitors in the Varanus acanthurus complex (V. acanthurus, V. baritji, and V. storri), a group of saxicolous lizards with a wide distribution in Australia, the driest vegetated continent. We found substantial genetic structure in the group and identify nine geographically clustered populations. Based on admixture patterns and species delimitation analyses we propose a taxonomic scheme that differs from current taxonomy. We consider V. acanthurus as monotypic, synonymize V. baritji with V. a. insulanicus (as a redefined V. insulanicus), elevate the subspecies of V. storri to full species (V. storri and V. ocreatus), and describe a new species from a previously identified center of endemism. The relationships among the species remain unresolved, likely as a result of fast speciation. Our study highlights the capability of large datasets to illuminate admixture patterns, biogeographic history, and species limits, even when phylogeny is not completely resolved. Furthermore, our results highlight the impact that the Cenozoic aridification of Australia had on saxicolous taxa and the role of mesic rocky escarpments as refugia. These habitats apparently allowed the persistence of lineages that became sources of colonization for arid environments.

Keywords: Aridification, Australia, morphometrics, phylogeography, refugia, species delimitation

Geographic distribution of species in the Varanus acanthurus complex. Only localities with sequenced or morphologically examined individuals are mapped. Lines indicate state/territory borders.

Photographs by Stephen M. Zozaya.

Varanus citrinus
probably female from Cape Crawford, NT.

photo by Jules E. Farquhar.

twitter.com/FarquharJules

Varanus citrinus sp. n.

Etymology. The Latin specific epithet is treated as an adjective. Citrinus means “related to lemon trees”, and refers to the bright yellow throats of males of the new species. We propose the common names “Gulf Ridge-tailed Monitor” or “Gulf Ridge-tailed Goanna”.

Carlos J. Pavón-Vázquez, Damien Esquerré, Alison J. Fitch, Brad Maryan, Paul Doughty, Stephen C. Donnellan and J. Scott Keogh. 2022. Between A Rock and A Dry Place: Phylogenomics, Biogeography, and Systematics of Ridge-tailed Monitors (Squamata: Varanidae: Varanus acanthurus complex). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. In Press, 107516. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107516

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Dendrobium fuscifaucium Souvann. & Kumar,

in Souvannakhoummane, Kumar & Phonepaseuth, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.541.3.8

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Abstract

Dendrobium fuscifaucium is described here as a new species from Laos PDR. This species was found at a local nursery and was claimed to have been collected from the limestone mountains of Kasi District (Vientiane Province). Detailed description and comparison, comparison with its allied species, D. hekouense, D. luoi and D. wangliangii is provided, along with flowering phenology and information on habitat. Multiple attempts have failed to locate this species in the wild.

Keywords: orchid trade, new taxa, section Dendrobium, epiphytic, taxonomy, Monocots

Dendrobium fuscifaucium Souvann. & Kumar,
A–C. Habit. D. Flower, side view. E. Flower, front view. F. Sepals, petals and column. G. Labellum. H. Anther cap, dorsal view. I. Anther cap, ventral view. J. Anther cap, posterior view.

All from (KS1400) by K. Souvannakhoummane.

Dendrobium fuscifaucium Souvann. & Kumar,
A. Habit. B. Flower, front view. C. Flower, side view. D. Flower, ventral view. E. Young fruit. F. Sepals, petals and column. G. Labellum. H. Anther cap, dorsal view. I. Anther cap, ventral view. J. Anther cap, posterior view. K. Pollinium.

All drawn from live plant (KS1400) by K. Souvannakhoummane.

Dendrobium fuscifaucium Souvann. & Kumar, sp. nov.

Etymology:— Refering to dark brown colour on the disc of the labellum.

Vernacular name:— ເຜິ້ງຊັອກໂກແລັດ [Ueang Sok Ka Lat,

chocolate-lipped dendrobium]

Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Pankaj Kumar and Phongphayboun Phonepaseuth. 2022. Dendrobium fuscifaucium (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Dendrobieae), A New Laotian Species only known in cultivation. Phytotaxa. 541(3); 285-290. DOI:

10.11646/phytotaxa.541.3.8

ດອກເຜິ້ງຊະນິດໃໝ່ຂອງໂລກ

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Sacacosuchus cordovai

Salas-Gismondi, Ochoa, Jouve, Romero, Cardich, Perez, DeVries, Baby, Urbina & Carré, 2022

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0380

twitter.com/Diana_Ochoa_

Researchgate.net/publication/360520366

Abstract

The evolution of crocodylians as sea dwellers remains obscure because living representatives are basically freshwater inhabitants and fossil evidence lacks crucial aspects about crocodylian occupation of marine ecosystems. New fossils from marine deposits of Peru reveal that crocodylians were habitual coastal residents of the southeastern Pacific (SEP) for approximately 14 million years within the Miocene (ca 19 to 5 Ma), an epoch including the highest global peak of marine crocodylian diversity. The assemblage of the SEP comprised two long and slender-snouted (longirostrine) taxa of the Gavialidae: the giant Piscogavialis and a new early diverging species, Sacacosuchus cordovai. Although living gavialids (Gavialis and Tomistoma) are freshwater forms, this remarkable fossil record and a suite of evolutionary morphological analyses reveal that the whole evolution of marine crocodylians pertained to the gavialids and their stem relatives (Gavialoidea). This adaptive radiation produced two longirostrine ecomorphs with dissimilar trophic roles in seawaters and involved multiple transmarine dispersals to South America and most landmasses. Marine gavialoids were shallow sea dwellers, and their Cenozoic diversification was influenced by the availability of coastal habitats. Soon after the richness peak of the Miocene, gavialoid crocodylians disappeared from the sea, probably as part of the marine megafauna extinction of the Pliocene.

Keywords: Gavialoidea, longirostrine ecomorphs, biogeography, phylogenetics, marine crocodylians

Phylogenetic position of Sacacosuchus cordovai and other marine taxa (represented by their skulls) recovered within and outside the Crocodylia, with ancestral range reconstructions provided by S-DIVA.

Photograph and schematic drawing of the skulls of Sacacosuchus cordovai gen. et sp. nov. from Sacaco at different ontogenetic stages. Adult specimen (holotype: MUSM 162) in dorsal (a), ventral (b), right lateral (e) and occipital (f) views. Sub-adult specimen (MUSM 161) in dorsal (c), ventral (d), left lateral (g; inverted) and occipital (h) views. Juvenile specimen (MUSM 160) in dorsal (i) view.

ba, basioccipital; bs, basisphenoid; CH, choana; cq, cranioquadrate foramen; ec, ectopterygoid; ec.mx, maxilla surface for ectopterygoid; EN, external naris; eo, exoccipital; f, frontal; fcp, foramen carotideum posterior; IF, incisive foramen; ITF, infratemporal fenestra; j, jugal; j.la, lacrimal surface for jugal; j.mx, maxilla surface for jugal; l, lacrimal; ls, laterosphenoid; m5, m9, m14, maxillary tooth positions; mx, maxilla; n.pm, premaxilla surface for nasal; na, nasal; OR, orbit; p, parietal; pa, palatine; pa.mx, maxilla surface for palatine; pf, prefrontal; pm, premaxilla; p3, p4, premaxillary tooth positions; po, postorbital; pt, pterygoid; q, quadrate; qj, quadratojugal; qj.q, quadrate surface for quadratojugal; s, shelf; so, supraoccipital; sq, squamosal; STF, supratemporal fenestra; SOF, suborbital fenestra; v, foramen vagus; xii, foramen for hypoglossal nerve.

All photographs to the same scale. Scale bar equals 5 cm.

Crocodyliformes Hay, 1930

Crocodylia Gmelin, 1789

Longirostres (Cuvier, 1807)

Gavialidae (Adams, 1854)

Sacacosuchus cordovai gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Sacaco after the rich fossiliferous area from where most remains were found; cordovai after colleague and Prof. Jesús Córdova, to honour his brave and unconditional support to develop palaeontology in Peru.

Rodolfo Salas-Gismondi, Diana Ochoa, Stephane Jouve, Pedro E. Romero, Jorge Cardich, Alexander Perez, Thomas DeVries, Patrice Baby, Mario Urbina and Matthieu Carré. 2022. Miocene Fossils from the southeastern Pacific shed light on the last Radiation of Marine Crocodylians. Proc. R. Soc. B. 289: 20220380. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0380

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Researchgate.net/publication/360520366_Miocene_fossils_from_the_southeastern_Pacific

Nervilia hemratii S.W.Gale, Tetsana & Suddee,

in Gale, Tetsana & Suddee, 2022.

ว่านแผ่นดินเย็นเห็มรัตน์ || DOI: 10.1007/s12225-022-10024-5

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Summary

A new one-flowered species of Nervilia section Linervia is described and illustrated based on material collected in Kanchanaburi Province, southwest Thailand. The white and magenta-spotted labellum and glabrous, angular leaf immediately identify N. hemratii S.W.Gale, Tetsana & Suddee as yet another member of the taxonomically challenging Nervilia adolphi/punctata species alliance, with the purple streaks on the leaf rendering it practically indistinguishable from N. infundibulifolia Blatt. & McCann in the vegetative state. However, the new species differs in the outline and coloration of its labellum, which bears two pubescent ridges on the hypochile and a third on the epichile.

Key Words: Cryptic species, Nervilia adolphi/punctata alliance, species complex, taxonomy

Stephan W. Gale, Naiyana Tetsana and Somran Suddee. 2022. Studies in Asian Nervilia (Orchidaceae) VIII: N. hemratii, another New Member of Section Linervia from Thailand. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-022-10024-5

ว่านแผ่นดินเย็นเห็มรัตน์

Nervilia hemratii S.W. Gale, Tetsana & Suddee sp. nov.

วงศ์ Orchidaceae

กล้วยไม้ดินชนิดใหม่ของโลก ใน section Linervia จากภาคตะวันตกของประเทศไทย ตีพิมพ์ออนไลน์ในวารสาร Kew Bulletin DOI 10.1007/s12225-022-10024-5 เมื่อ 14 พฤษภาคม 2022

กล้วยไม้ดิน สูงประมาณ 12 ซม หัวใต้ดินทรงกลม สีขาวแกมน้ำตาล ใบสีเขียวเป็นมัน เส้นใบสีม่วงเข้ม ใบรูปห้าเหลี่ยม ปลายแหลม โคนรูปหัวใจ ขอบเรียบ ช่อดอกตั้งตรง ยาวประมาณ 10 ซม กลีบเลี้ยงและกลีบดอกสีเขียว มีแต้มสีน้ำตาลแกมม่วง กลีบปากรูปไข่กลับ กลางกลีบมีแถบสีเหลือง ล้อมด้วยแต้มสีม่วง ซึ่งกล้วยไม้ชนิดที่เพิ่งค้นพบใหม่นี้ลักษณะใบคล้ายกับ Nervilia infundibulifolia Blatt & McCann ซึ่งมีการกระจายพันธุ์ที่กว้างกว่า

การดำเนินโครงการวิจัยความหลากหลายของพันธุ์พืชในระบบนิเวศเขาหินปูนประเทศไทย ได้สำรวจพรรณไม้ในพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติเอราวัณ อ.ศรีสวัสดิ์ จ.กาญจนบุรี พบตัวอย่างกล้วยไม้ที่มีเฉพาะใบจึงนำมาปลูกเลี้ยงในเรือนเพาะชำ เมื่อถึงฤดูออกดอกพบว่าเป็นชนิดที่ไม่สามารถระบุชนิดได้ จึงส่งให้ผู้เชี่ยวชาญในกล้วยไม้สกุล Nervilia นี้ช่วยตรวจสอบ พบว่าเป็นพืชชนิดใหม่ของโลก จึงได้รายงานลงในวารสารระดับนานาชาติ

ทั้งชื่อไทยและคำระบุชนิด ตั้งเพื่อเป็นเกียรติให้ นายจันดี เห็มรัตน์ เจ้าหน้าที่ประจำกลุ่มงานพฤกษศาสตร์ป่าไม้ (หอพรรณไม้) ผู้ปฏิบัติงานจัดการตัวอย่างพรรณไม้และช่วยงานภาคสนามมาอย่างเข้มแข็งตั้งแต่ยุค ศ. ดร.เต็ม สมิตินันทน์ มีความเชี่ยวชาญในการสังเกต จำแนกพรรณไม้กลุ่มต่าง ๆ ในภาคสนามเป็นอย่างดี

งบประมาณดำเนินโครงการวิจัยความหลากหลายของพันธุ์พืชในระบบนิเวศเขาหินปูนประเทศไทย สนับสนุนโดย สำนักวิจัยการอนุรักษ์ป่าไม้และพันธุ์พืช กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช

ขอบคุณเจ้าหน้าที่อุทยานแห่งชาติเอราวัณ ที่อำนวยความสะดวกในงานภาคสนามเป็นอย่างดี และขอบคุณทีมงานสำรวจพรรณไม้เขาหินปูนที่ร่วมมือกันอย่างแข็งขัน

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Oligodon melaneus Wall, 1909

in Das, Gower, Narayanan, Pal, ... et Deepak, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.4.4

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Abstract

We report the rediscovery of Oligodon melaneus 112 years after its original description and document the third, and only non-type, specimen for the species. The new specimen was found 267 km east of the type locality (Tindharia, West Bengal state) from Assam state, India. We designate a lectotype for the species, and provide an extended description of a freshly collected male specimen. Phylogenetic analyses of 16s and cytb mitochondrial genes provide support for O. melaneus being closely related to the widespread South Asian endemic O. arnensis.

Keywords: Reptilia, Colubridae, Northeast India, phylogeny, rediscovery, Reptilia Serpentes, systematics, taxonomy

Oligodon melaneus Wall, 1909

Abhijit Das, David J. Gower, Surya Narayanan, Saunak Pal, Bitupan Boruah, Sanjay Magar, Sanjib Das, Soumabrata Moulick and V. Deepak. 2022. Rediscovery and Systematics of the rarely encountered Blue-bellied Kukri Snake (Oligodon melaneus Wall, 1909) from Assam, India. Zootaxa. 5138(4); 417-430. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.4.4

twitter.com/DeepakVeerappan/status/1527164652983144448

Begonia kimlongii T.S. Hoang, V. C. Nguyen & C.W. Lin,

in Nguyen, Hoang, Lin & Nguyen, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.547.2.7

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Abstract

Begonia kimlongii is described as a new species endemic to Vietnam, from the montane forests of Dak Lak Province. It is mostly similar with Begonia cucphuongensis but can be distinguished by the oblanceolate to obovate leaves, terminal inflorescence with dimorphic bracts and 5-tepaled pistillate flowers. Using IUCN criteria, B. kimlongii is proposed to be Data Deficient (DD).

Keywords: biodiversity, endemism, taxonomy, Eudicots

Begonia kimlongii

Van Canh Nguyen, Thanh Son Hoang, Che-Wei Lin and Van Khuong Nguyen. 2022. Begonia kimlongii (B. sect. Petermannia, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Dak Lak, Central Highlands, Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 547(2); 193-200. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.547.2.7

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Maomingosuchus acutirostris

Massonne, Augustin, Matzke, Weber & Böhme, 2022

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2022.2054372

Abstract

Maomingosuchus acutirostris sp. nov. is a new tomistomine crocodile from the middle–upper Eocene deposits (late Bartonian–Priabonian age, 39–35 Ma) of the Na Duong Basin in northern Vietnam. M. acutirostris can be differentiated from the type species Maomingosuchus petrolicus by having an acute anterior tip of the premaxilla. Both species differ from another Maomingosuchus from Krabi (Thailand) by differences in the surangular–dentary suture and maxillary alveoli. According to our phylogenetic results, M. acutirostris seems to be the sister species to the group M. petrolicus + Krabi-Maomingosuchus. The close relationship between those three tomistomines is supported in the present phylogenetic analysis by three synapomorphies. In our phylogenetic analysis, Maomingosuchus was retrieved in a basal position forming the sister group to Paratomistoma + Gavialosuchus + Melitosaurus + Tomistoma, including the extant Tomistoma schlegelii. This phylogeny indicates three different dispersal events of Tomistominae from Europe towards eastern Asia: 1) for the stem lineage of Maomingosuchus, no later than the late Eocene; 2) for the stem lineage of Penghusuchus pani + Toyotamaphimeia machikanensis, no later than the early–middle Miocene; and (3) for the stem lineage of T. schlegelii, during the Neogene.

Keywords: Eocene, Crocodylia, Asia, phylogeny, biogeography

Maomingosuchus acutirostris sp. nov.

Tobias Massonne, Felix J. Augustin, Andreas T. Matzke, Erich Weber and Madelaine Böhme. 2022. A New Species of Maomingosuchus from the Eocene of the Na Duong Basin (northern Vietnam) sheds new light on the Phylogenetic Relationship of Tomistomine Crocodylians and their Dispersal from Europe to Asia. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2022.2054372

Previously unknown crocodile species lived in Asia 39 million years ago

myscience.org/news/wire/previously_unknown_crocodile_species_lived_in_asia_39_million_years_ago-2022-uni-tuebingen

phys.org/news/2022-05-previously-unknown-crocodile-species-asia.html

[Phycology • 2022] Gracilaria khanjanapajiae (Rhodophyta: Gracilariales) • A New Species from the Andaman Coast of Thailand

[Herpetology • 2022] Minervarya charlesdarwini • The Curious Case of Charles Darwin’s Frog, Rana charlesdarwini Das, 1998: Phylogenetic Position and Generic Placement, with Taxonomic insights on Other Minervaryan Frogs (Dicroglossidae: Minervarya) in the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago

[Entomology • 2022] Burmagomphus chaukulensis • A New Species of Dragonfly (Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidae) from the Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India

[Herpetology • 2022] Andrias jiangxiensis • Discovery of A Wild, Genetically Pure Chinese Giant Salamander (Urodela: Cryptobranchidae) creates New Conservation Opportunities

[Botany • 2022] Wurfbainia ellipticarpa, W. geostachyoides, W. parviflora, etc. • Six New Species of Wurfbainia (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand

[Ichthyology • 2022] Poecilocharax callipterus & P. rhizophilus • The Monophyly of Crenuchinae and Description of Two New Species of Poecilocharax (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) based on Phenotypic and Genotypic Evidence

[Ichthyology • 2022] Pangio pathala • A New Diminutive Subterranean Eel Loach Species of the Genus Pangio (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from southern India

[Herpetology • 2022] Herpetoreas murlen • Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses of lesser known Colubrid Snakes reveal A New Species of Herpetoreas (Serpentes: Colubridae: Natricinae), and New insights into the Systematics of Gongylosoma scriptum and its allies from northeastern India

[Ichthyology • 2022] Phenacorhamdia suia • A New Species of Phenacorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Xingu River Basin

[Botany • 2020] Begonia tjiasmantoi (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from West Sulawesi, Indonesia

[Botany • 2021] Henckelia khasiana (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Meghalaya, India

[Ichthyology • 2022] Evolutionary Relationships of Anglerfishes (Lophiiformes) reconstructed using Ultraconserved Elements

[Botany • 2022] Nephoanthus prostratus & N. nubigenus (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Genus segregated from Phyllagathis s.l., with A New Species from Southern Vietnam

[Herpetology • 2022] Varanus citrinus • Between A Rock and A Dry Place: Phylogenomics, Biogeography, and Systematics of Ridge-tailed Monitors (Varanidae: Varanus acanthurus complex)

[Botany • 2022] Dendrobium fuscifaucium (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Dendrobieae) • A New Species from Laos

[Paleontology • 2022] Sacacosuchus cordovai • Miocene Fossils from the southeastern Pacific shed light on the last Radiation of Marine Crocodylians

[Botany • 2022] Nervilia hemratii (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Nervilieae) • A New Species (Sect. Linervia) from southwest Thailand [Studies in Asian Nervilia (Orchidaceae) VIII]

[Herpetology • 2022] Rediscovery and Systematics of the rarely encountered Blue-bellied Kukri Snake Oligodon melaneus Wall, 1909 (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Assam, India

[Botany • 2022] Begonia kimlongii (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Dak Lak, Central Highlands, Vietnam

[Paleontology • 2022] Maomingosuchus acutirostris • A New Species of Maomingosuchus from the Eocene of the Na Duong Basin (northern Vietnam) sheds new light on the Phylogenetic Relationship of Tomistomine Crocodylians and their Dispersal from Europe to Asia