Species New to Science

the dolphins from the Upper Marine Molasse chasing a group of eurhinodelphinids: Kentriodon (foreground), a squalodelphinid (background, left) and a physeterid (background, right).

in Aguirre-Fernández, Jost & Hilfiker, 2022.

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13251

Life restoration by Jaime Chirinos.

Abstract

The Swiss Upper Marine Molasse (OMM) documents a transgression event dated to around 21 to 17 million years in which dolphin and other vertebrate remains have been reported. We revised the whole cetacean (whales and dolphins) OMM assemblage available in main collections, focusing on the identification and interpretation of periotics (bone that contains the inner ear). Periotics are rare, but they provide the richest taxonomic information in the sample and hint to environmental associations. Micro-computerized tomography allowed the reconstruction of bony labyrinths for comparisons and environmental interpretations. Three families are represented by periotics: Kentriodontidae, Squalodelphinidae and Physeteridae. The cetacean taxonomic composition of the Swiss OMM reinforces biogeographical patterns reported for the Mediterranean and Paratethys during the Burdigalian at a regional scale and the Calvert cetacean fauna of the northwest Atlantic at oceanic scale.

Life restoration of the dolphins from the Upper Marine Molasse chasing a group of eurhinodelphinids: Kentriodon (foreground), a squalodelphinid (background, left) and a physeterid (background, right).

Artwork: Jaime Chirinos.

Gabriel Aguirre-Fernández, Jürg Jost and Sarah Hilfiker. 2022. First Records of extinct kentriodontid and squalodelphinid Dolphins from the Upper Marine Molasse (Burdigalian Age) of Switzerland and A Reappraisal of the Swiss Cetacean Fauna. PeerJ. 10:e13251. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13251

sci-news.com/paleontology/upper-marine-molasse-cetaceans-10823.html

Curcuma achrae Saensouk & Boonma,

in Saensouk, Boonma & Saensouk, 2022.

ขมิ้นทอง || Rheedea. 32(1); rheedea.in

photos by Thawatphong Boonma

facebook.com/SuraponSaensouk

Abstract

Curcuma achrae Saensouk & Boonma, a new species of Curcuma subgenus Ecomata (Zingiberaceae) from Nakhon Nayok province, Central Thailand is described and illustrated along with photographs, notes on its distribution and habitat. A revised identification key to 68 species of the genus Curcuma in Thailand is also presented.

Keywords: Curcuma flaviflora, C. xanthella, Nakhon Nayok province, Taxonomy.

Curcuma achrae Saensouk & Boonma:
a. Habit–oblique top view; b. Flower–side view; c. Lateral staminodes; d. Labellum; e. Flower– front view; f. Stamen–side view; g. Dorsal corolla lobe; h. Lateral corolla lobes; i. Floral tube with ovary, calyx, and front view of stamen; j. Bract; k. Bracteole; l. Calyx; m. Ovary with epigynous glands; n. Inflorescence with flowers, rhizome, and tuberous roots

(from T. Boonma 24; drawn by Thawatphong Boonma).

Curcuma achrae Saensouk & Boonma:
a. Plants in natural habitat; b. Pseudostem–top view; c. Pseudostem–side view; d. Distal part of sheathing bract–side view; e. Young inflorescence–side view; f. Anthesis in natural habitat

(a–c in September 2019; d in late April 2020; f. e & f in late March 2020, 2021 respectively;

photos by Thawatphong Boonma).

Curcuma achrae Saensouk & Boonma:
a. Flower, (upper row) dorsal corolla lobe and lateral corolla lobes, (lower row) two lateral staminodes, labellum, calyx, cross-section of flower, ovary with epigynous glands, bracteole, flower bud, and bract; b. Reddish V-shaped patch at base of staminode; c. Stamen–side, oblique side, front and back view; d. Inflorescence with rhizome, spike varied in sizes and colours–side view; e. Inflorescence–oblique top view; f. Close up flower–front view

(photos by Thawatphong Boonma).

Curcuma achrae Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.

Similar to Curcuma xanthellaŠkornik. but differs. C. achrae having pubescent petioles (vs. glabrous), green with a reddish tinge (vs. green); adaxially sparsely hairy leaves with fine hairs along the midrib (vs. glabrous on both surfaces); fertile bracts connate in the lower 1/7 (vs. connate in the lower 1/4), apex mucronate (vs. narrowly acute); base of labellum white, middle and apical part golden yellow, with embossed two golden yellow median band running along the midrib from tip to base and divided into two Y-shaped patches at base (vs. base of labellum white to light yellow, middle and apical part warm yellow, with two yellow-orange swollen bars running across the center); staminodes irregularly ovate, apex acute, golden yellow gradually fades to pale yellow at base, with reddish V-shaped or triangle patch at base of staminodes (vs. staminodes irregularly oblong, apex obtuse, bright warm yellow without red patch); anther appear almost straight (vs. anther appear as L-shaped), spurs c. 3 mm long (vs. spurs c. 6 mm long), crest 3–4 mm long with apex acute to rounded or slightly truncate (vs. crest not obvious).

Habitat: Occurring at elevations of 60–152 m, growing in sandy loam soil at the boundary, close to the watercourse, in semi-open area in a deciduous forest.

Distribution: Curcuma achrae is known from the southwestern part of the Sankamphaeng mountain range in Mueang Nakhon Nayok district, Nakhon Nayok province, Central Thailand (Fig. 4).

Etymology: The specific epithet “achrae” is chosen to honour Assistant Professor Dr. Achra Thammathaworn (botanist of Khonkaen University), who is a specialist in botany and teacher of many Thai botanists.

Vernacular name: Khamin Thong -- ขมิ้นทอง.

Surapon Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma and Piyaporn Surapon Saensouk. 2022. Curcuma achrae (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Central Thailand. Rheedea. 32(1); 30-45. DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2022.32.01.03

rheedea.in/journal/uoK37rVU

facebook.com/SuraponSaensouk /posts/5512734705426770

Cacajao amuna

Silva, Amaral, Roos, Bowler, Röhe, Sampaio, Janiak, Bertuo, Santana, Souza Silva, Rylands, Gubili, Hrbek & Boubli, 2022

DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107509

twitter.com/Felipe_SilvaE

Cacajao amuna

Kanamari White Uakari

twitter.com/Felipe_SilvaE

Highlights

• We revised the taxonomic classification of bald-headed uakaris, genus Cacajao.

• The use of a single mitochondrial marker did not recover the shallower relationships.

• ddRADseq phylogenetic analyses retrieved five lineages of bald-headed uakaris.

• We proposed a taxonomic arrangement with five species of bald-headed uakaris.

• A new species is described based on molecular and morphological information.

Abstract

Bald uakaris, genus Cacajao, are Amazonian primates currently classified as one species and four subspecies based on the patterns of pelage coloration. In this study, we test if their current taxonomy is represented by the phylogenetic relationship of the main lineages retrieved from molecular data. We included, for the first time, all bald uakari taxa in a mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and genome-wide (ddRAD) phylogenetic analyses. We also examined the pattern of pelage colouration in specimens from zoological collections. Having determined the number of lineages using Maximum Likelihood and the species tree using coalescent analyses, we test their divergence time using a Bayesian approach. While the cytochrome b analysis only recovered two clades, the ddRAD analysis supported the reciprocal monophyly of five lineages of bald uakaris, with all clades including only individuals with distinct and exclusive diagnostic phenotypic characters. We found that species diversification in Cacajao occurred during the last 300 Kya and may have been influenced by the formation of rivers and flooded forests in western Amazonia. We propose that the four bald uakari subspecies currently recognised can be upgraded to species level and we describe the white uakaris from the basin of the Rio Tarauacá as a new species.

Keywords: Amazon rainforest, Neotropical primates, Phylogenetic Species Concept, Pitheciinae, species delimitation

Cacajao calvus (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1847) – White Bald Uakari

Cacajao rubicundus (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire and Deville, 1848) – Red Bald Uakari

Cacajao ucayalii Thomas, 1928 – Ucayali Bald Uakari

Cacajao novaesi Hershkovitz, 1987 – Novaes’ Bald Uakari

Cacajao amuna sp. n.

Etymology: The new species is named in tribute to the Amuna-dyapas, a Kanamari subgroup of the Kanamaris do Rio Juruá Indigenous Territory (TI Kanamaris do Rio Juruá), on the right bank of the Rio Taraucá. “Amuna” is a Katukina vocative that means “uakari monkey”. We suggest the common name “the Kanamari White Uakari”.

Felipe Ennes Silva, João Valsecchi do Amaral, Christian Roos, Mark Bowler, Fabio Röhe, Ricardo Sampaio, Mareike Cora Janiak, Fabrício Bertuol, Marcelo Ismar Santana, José de Souza Silva Júnior, Anthony B. Rylands, Chrysoula Gubili, Tomas Hrbek, Allan D. McDevitt and Jean P. Boubli. 2022. Molecular Phylogeny and Systematics of Bald Uakaris, Genus Cacajao Lesson, 1840 (Primates: Pitheciidae), with the Description of A New Species. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. In Press, 107509. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107509

Researchgate.net/publication/360634154_Molecular_phylogeny_and_systematics_of_Cacajao

twitter.com/Felipe_SilvaE/status/1527652647972524033

Trimeresurus mayaae

Rathee, Purkayastha, Lalremsanga, Dalal, Biakzuala, Muansanga & Mirza, 2022

Maya’s Pit Viper || DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268402

facebook.com/MailJayaditya

facebook.com/SnakesZeeshan

photos by H. T. Lalremsanga & J. Purkayastha.

Abstract

A new cryptic species of green pit viper is described from northeast India, based on specimens collected from the state of Mizoram and Meghalaya. The new species is a member of the subgenus Viridovipera and is sister to Trimeresurus medoensis based on molecular data for mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, whereas resembles Trimeresurus gumprechti morphologically. A combination of characters helps delimit the new species from its congeners. Description of the new species highlights the need for dedicated surveys across northeast India to document its reptilian diversity, as this represents the third new species of the genus to be described in the past three years.

Trimeresurus mayaae sp. nov. in life

(a) holotype male NCBS NRC-AA-0012,

(b) uncollected male ,

photos by Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga & Jayaditya Purkayastha.

Trimeresurus mayaae sp. nov.

Trimeresurus stejnegeri in part Malhotra & Thorpe 2004: 230

Trimeresurus yunnanensis in part Malhotra & Thorpe 2004: 230

Trimeresurus gumprechti David & Mathew 2005: 87

Diagnosis: A species of the genus Trimeresurus, characterized by (1) hemipenes short and strongly spinose; (2) body green in both males and females; (3) interstitial skin black; (4) moderate size, with maximum total length of 750mm; (5) conspicuous bicolored postocular stripe in males, thin and white below, wide and bright red above, faint white or no postocular stripe present in female (6) vivid, wide bicolored ventrolateral stripe, deep red below/white above in males, extending along the lower half of the tail, white in females; (7) eyes rust coloured in males, green in females; (8) tail mostly rusty or reddish-brown (9) V: 157–162; SC: 54–67 in males and V: 153; SC: 54–55 in females; (10) first supralabial distinct from nasal; (11) 19 or 21 dorsal scale rows at midbody, moderately keeled; (12) snout covered with rather enlarged juxtaposed scales; (13) internasals never in contact, separated by 1–2 scale; (14) supraoculars narrower than internasals, separated by 9–10 smooth cephalic scales.

Etymology: The species epithet is an eponym honouring late Maya Singh Rathee, mother of Yashpal Singh Rathee. English name: Maya’s Pit Viper.

Yashpal Singh Rathee, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Siddharth Dalal, Lal Biakzuala, Lal Muansanga and Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2022. A New Cryptic Species of Green Pit Viper of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Serpentes, Viperidae) from northeast India. PLoS ONE. 17(5): e0268402. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268402

facebook.com/SnakesZeeshan/posts/10160638226071424

facebook.com/MailJayaditya/posts/10224107114398145

Ancistrus luzia

Neuhaus, Britto, Birindelli & Sousa, 2022

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0129

Researchgate.net/publication/359404174

Abstract

A new Ancistrus species is described from Tapajós and Xingu river basins. It is distinguished from its congeners by the singular body color pattern, consisting of dark vermiculated stripes almost all over the body, and also by combination of features as a narrow head, large internostril distance, and absence of rows of enlarged odontodes on the lateral plates. In addition, the new species is distinguished from congeners that inhabit the rio Tapajós basin by the presence of a fully-developed adipose fin (vs. adipose fin absent in Ancistrus parecis and A. tombador, and vestigial adipose fin or absent in A.krenakarore). It differs from A. ranunculus, also from the rio Xingu, by the color pattern, smaller body size, smaller gill opening, and narrower cleithral width. The new taxon adds a new record to the list of species shared among the Xingu and Tapajós basins.

Keywords: Amazon; Brazilian Shield; Bristlenose pleco; Hypostominae; Taxonomy

Lateral view of Ancistrus luzia, MNRJ 35505, 71.6 mm SL, rio Curuá, Xingu basin.
A. Preserved specimen. B. Specimen in life.

Ancistrus luzia, new species

Ancistrus L 159. ―Stawikowski, 1994:145 [DATZ magazine, new imports from Brazil, figs. 6 and 7].

Ancistrus sp. “lineolatus”. ―Ohara et al., 2017:259 [identification guidebook from Teles Pires].

Diagnosis. Ancistrus luzia is distinguished from its congeners, except A. claro Knaack, 1999 and A.centrolepis Regan, 1913, by the singular body color pattern, consisted of dark-vermiculated stripes on head, dorsal and lateral plates of trunk (vs. body uniformly colored or with light or dark spots or blotches over head or dorsal and lateral plates of trunk). Ancistrus luzia is distinguished from A. claro by its narrower head (head width 30.8–35.1% vs. 35.2–38.2% HL) and greater internostril distance (18.7–23.7% vs. 14.9–17.0% HL), and from A. centrolepis by the absence of rows of greatly enlarged odontodes on the lateral plates (vs. presence of one to three rows of enlarged odontodes on the lateral plates). Juveniles of A. leucostictus (Günther, 1864) might show lines similar to A. luzia, but color changes to light, large spots as specimens grow. In addition, the new species is distinguished from its congeners that inhabit the Tapajós basin by the presence of adipose fin fully developed (vs. adipose fin absent in A. parecis Fisch-Muller, Cardoso, da Silva & Bertaco, 2005, A. tombador Fisch-Muller, Cardoso, da Silva & Bertaco, 2005, and vestigial adipose fin or absent in A. krenakarore de Oliveira, Rapp Py-Daniel & Zuanon, 2016). Ancistrus luzia differs from A. ranunculus Muller, Rapp Py-Daniel & Zuanon, 1994, the only described species from the rio Xingu, by the smaller body size in adults, smaller gill opening (HL/interbranchial distance equals to 1.7 to 2.0 vs. 2.3 to 3.9) and narrower cleithral width (SL/cleithral width equals to 2.8–3.2 vs. 2.1–2.9).

Color pattern of juvenile specimens of Ancistrus luzia.
A, B. MZUSP 99877, 33.2 mm SL, from rio Teles Pires basin.
C, D. MNRJ 35504, 37.5 mm SL, from the rio Curuá, rio Xingu basin.

Etymology. Named after “Luzia” (Lapa Vermelha IV Hominid 1), a female Homo sapiens skeleton and one of the oldest human remains found in the Americas (11,000–11,500 years before present), in 1974 and 1975 during excavations coordinated by the French archaeologist Annette Lamin-Emperaire (1917–1977) from the site of Lapa Vermelha IV, Lagoa Santa region, municipality of Pedro Leopoldo, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Neves et al., 1999). The skeleton is deposited at Museu Nacional Biological Anthropology collection (catalogue number 01959), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, and was recovered again after the fire that hit the institution on September 2, 2018 by Museu Nacional Rescue team, becoming a symbol of institutional hope and resilience. A noun in apposition.

Emanuel B. Neuhaus, Marcelo R. Britto, José Luís O. Birindelli and Leandro M. Sousa. 2022. A New Species of Ancistrus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Tapajós and Xingu Basins, Brazil. Neotrop. ichthyol. 20(1) • DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0129

Researchgate.net/publication/359404174_A_new_species_of_Ancistrus_from_Tapajos_and_Xingu_basins_Brazil

Resumo:Uma nova espécie de Ancistrus é descrita das bacias dos rios Tapajós e Xingu. Distingue-se de suas congêneres pelo padrão de colorido único, que consiste em listras vermiculadas escuras em quase todo o corpo, e também pela combinação de características como cabeça estreita, maior distância entre as narinas e ausência de séries de grandes odontódeos nas placas laterais. Adicionalmente, a nova espécie pode ser diferenciada de suas congêneres da bacia do rio Tapajós pela presença de uma nadadeira adiposa totalmente desenvolvida (vs. nadadeira adiposa ausente em Ancistrus parecis e A. tombador, nadadeira adiposa vestigial ou ausente em A. krenakarore). Ela difere de A. ranunculus, a única outra espécie do rio Xingu, pelo padrão de colorido, menor tamanho corporal, menor abertura branquial e menor largura entre os cleitros. O novo táxon adiciona um novo registro à lista de espécies compartilhadas entre as bacias do Xingu e Tapajós.

Palavras-chave: Amazônia; Cascudo; Escudo Brasileiro; Hypostominae; Taxonomia

Clematis pseudotubulosa B. K. Park,

in Park, Kim, Chung, ... et Jang, 2022.

DOI: 10.11110/kjpt.2022.52.1.35

Abstract

Clematis pseudotubulosa (Ranunculaceae), a new species from Gyeonggi-do in the Republic of Korea, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to C. takedana but differs in its leaves, which are always ternate with shallowly lobed leaflets (vs. 1-pinnate with deeply lobed three to five leaflets), and its oblong-shaped flower buds (vs. ovoid), larger flowers (vs. smaller flowers), and pantoporate pollen (vs. tricolpate). A detailed species description, geographical distribution, and an identification key for all species of Clematis that occur in Korea are also provided.

Keywords: Clematis, interspecific hybridization, new species, Ranunculaceae

Holotype specimen of Clematis pseudotubulosa B. K. Park
(27 Aug 2019. J.-S. Kim kjs19046 KB).

Illustration of Clematis pseudotubulosa B. K. Park.
A. Plant. B. Adaxial surface of the leaflet. C. Abaxial surface of the leaflet. D. Polar view of the flower. E. Equatorial view of the flower. F. Sepal. G. Stamen. H. Pistil. I. Fruit.

Illustrations by Hee Soo Kim.

Photographs of Clematis pseudotubulosa B. K. Park.
A. Plant. B. Lignified stem. C. Herbaceous stem. D–F. Leaf (E, adaxial surface; F, abaxial surface). G. Inflorescence. H. Peduncle. I. Pedicel. J. Flower. K–L. Sepal (L, adaxial surface; M, abaxial surface). N. Stamen. O–P. Pistil. Q. Aggregated achenes. R. Achene. S. Seed.

Clematis pseudotubulosa B. K. Park, sp. nov

Vernacular name: Deong-gul-jo-hui-pul (덩굴조희풀)

English colloquial name: Creeping hyacinth-flower clematis

Distribution: Clematis pseudotubulosa is restricted to the Korean Peninsula (South Korea, including Hwaseong-si and Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do) (Fig. 4).

Beom Kyun PARK, Jin-Seok KIM, Gyu Young CHUNG, Jung-Hyun KIM, Dong Chan SON and Chang-Gee JANG. 2022. Clematis pseudotubulosa (Ranunculaceae), A New Species from Korea. Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy. 52(1); 35-44. DOI: 10.11110/kjpt.2022.52.1.35

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

Swertia pahalgamensis

in Islam, Khuroo & Nawchoo, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.547.2.8

Abstract

Swertia pahalgamensis (Gentianaceae), a new species from Kashmir Himalaya, India is described here with photographic illustrations. The new species resembles with Swertia thomsonii in some morphological characters, but differs clearly in having basal leaves elliptic-spathulate with acute apices, petals yellowish green, ovate, sub-obtuse apices, nectar guides with prominent bluish straight lines, nectaries viscous, sub-confluent, round to cushion-shaped, number, size and orientation of fimbriae, anthers oblong, seeds oval-round with wider wings.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Flora, Himalaya, Kashmir, New species, Swertia, Taxonomy, Eudicots

Tajamul Islam, Anzar Ahmad Khuroo, and Irshad A Nawchoo. 2022. Swertia pahalgamensis (Gentianaceae), A New Species from Kashmir Himalaya, India. Phytotaxa. 547(2); 201-207. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.547.2.8

Boesenbergia igorota Tad-o & Napal.,

in Tad-o, Alafag & Napaldet, 2022.

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw

facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

Recent botanical explorations in the province of Benguet, Philippines have resulted in the discovery of a new ginger species, namely Boesenbergia igorota Tad-o & Napal., which is described and illustrated here, including the information on its phenology, ecology, conservation status, distribution, habitat, and surrounding floral species.

Keyword: Boesenbergia alba, Cordillera Central Range, critically endangered, Igorot women, morphometrics, flora

Boesenbergia igorota Tad-o & Napal., sp. nov.
A, bract; B, bracteole; C, anther; D, stigma, E, dorsal corolla lobe; F, G, lateral corolla lobes; H, I, lateral staminodes; J, labellum; K, ovary and epigynous gland; L, fruit; M, Calyx, N, seed; O, bulbil; P, rhizome.

All drawn from the type, R.V. Tad-o et al. 0091 (PNH: 258695), by R.V. Tad-o

Boesenbergia igorota Tad-o & Napal., sp. nov.
A, B, C, Habit showing the habitat and rhizomes; D, bulbils arising from the leaf axil; E, flowers; F, pseudostem and petiole; G, H, leaf (lateral and ventral views); I, leaf sheath showing the absence of ligules.

Scale bars, 1 cm.

All photographs of the type, R.V. Tad-o et al. 0091 (PNH: 258695),

taken by R. V. Tad-o and J.I. Alafag.

Boesenbergia igorota Tad-o & Napal., sp. nov.

This new species is similar to Boesenbergia alba (K. Larsen & R.M. Smith) Mood & L.M. Prince but differs by its smaller stature at 4–18 cm (vs. 30–60 cm tall), cordate to narrowly ovate lamina (vs. narrowly linear lamina), absence of ligule (vs. present bilobed ligule), lavender labellum with white patch tinged with light yellow at the throat (vs. white labellum with yellow patch at the throat), bidentate anther crest and lavender at both apices (vs. 4-dentate and yellowish).

Etymology. The species name igorota is used as an adjectival epithet to refer to Igorot women, thus it should conform to the gender of the genus Boesenbergia. Coincidentally, ‘igorota’ is the cultural term for Igorot women in the locality. Igorot refers collectively to the indigenous tribes living in the mountainous region of the Cordillera Central Range (CCR) and along its boundaries. This new Boesenbergia species possesses simple yet elegant beauty and can thrive in a harsh environment. Such traits reflect Igorot women and their resourcefulness and resiliency to provide for their children and family amidst the harsh and physically demanding conditions of their mountain home.

This species is a tribute to them:

Cordillera Central Range, majestic mountains towering to the skies

Endowed with unique flora and fauna, a naturalist paradise

And home of the Igorots, people both indigenous and courageous

Willing and daring to carve a living along the rugged slopes

Central to Igorot families are the women, affectionately called Igorota

Simply beautiful but much willing and industrious to toil the land

To care for their children and families, working from dawn to dusk

Allow us then, as a tribute, paint these good qualities in Boesenbergia igorota

Rene Vincent B. Tad-o, Joanna I. Alafag and Jones T. Napaldet. 2022. Boesenbergia igorota (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from the Cordillera Central Range, Northern Philippines. Taiwania. 67(3); 311-317. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2022.67.311

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=1843

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Masdevallia purocafeana M. F. Monteros & Baquero,

in Monteros, Mogrovejo, Iturralde & Baquero, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.547.3.1

Photographs & Illustration by Marco F. Monteros.

Abstract

A new species of Masdevallia genus is described here. Masdevallia purocafeana is immediately recognized by having conspicuously broad, echinate, and strongly reflexed lateral sepals. It is compared to Masdevallia alexandri but differs by having an oblong, shallowly concave, yellow-green dorsal sepal variegated with purple towards the apex, oblong petals light pink suffused with yellow and spotted with purple, and ovoid-ovate, reflexed light pink lip, dotted with pale light red.

Keywords: EcoMinga, mining, Pleurothallidinae, Reserva Río Manduriacu, Rodrigoa

Illustration of Masdevallia purocafeana M. F. Monteros & Baquero.
A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Column and lip lateral view. E1. Lip dorsal view. E2. Lip ventral view. E3. Lip extended dorsal view.

Drawn by Marco F. Monteros from the plant that served as the type.

Photographs of Masdevallia purocafeana M. F. Monteros & Baquero.
A. Habitat. B. Plant with flower lateral view in situ. C. Plant with flower frontal view in situ.

Photographs by Marco F. Monteros.

Masdevallia purocafeana M. F. Monteros & Baquero, sp. nov.

Masdevallia purocafeana is similar to Masdevallia alexandri Luer (1980: 347) from which it differs by the ovate dorsal sepal with a reflexed tail at the apex (vs. suborbicular dorsal sepal, with an erect tail at the apex), the echinate, widely obovate lateral sepals 5–6 mm wide (vs. glabrous, obovate-oblong, 3 mm wide sepals), the oblong, not angular, petals with the apex irregularly truncate and unequal (vs. spatulate, multangular petals with an obtuse shortly apiculate apex) and the ovoid-ovate lip with three longitudinal calli on the disc (vs. oblong-subpandurate lip, the disc with a low pair of calli).

Etymology:—This species is named in honor of Puro Coffee, an organic coffee company in the United Kingdom that has made significant donations to the UK-based World Land Trust, which has financed land purchases for Fundación EcoMinga’s Manduriacu reserve where this species was discovered. Puro Coffee has played a major role in facilitating support for this reserve, thereby protecting many locally endemic species of plants and animals.

Marco F. Monteros, Adriana L. Mogrovejo, Gabriel A. Iturralde and Luis E. Baquero. 2022. Masdevallia purocafeana, A New Species of Orchidaceae from Cordillera del Toisán, northwestern Ecuador. Phytotaxa.. 547(3); 223-231. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.547.3.1

Resumen: Se describe una nueva especie del género Masdevallia. Masdevallia purocafeana se reconoce inmediatamente por tener sépalos laterales conspicuamente anchos, equinados y fuertemente reflexos. Se compara con Masdevallia alexandri, pero se diferencia por tener un sépalo dorsal oblongo, ligeramente cóncavo, de color amarillo verdoso variegado con púrpura hacia el ápice, pétalos oblongos de color rosa claro teñidos de amarillo, punteados de púrpura, y un labelo ovoide-ovado, reflexo de color rosa claro, punteado con rojo claro pálido.

Macromia siamensis

Makbun, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5133.3.2

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Abstract

Macromia siamensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on male specimens collected from Ban Luang, Chom Thong, Chiang Mai province, Thailand. Macromia siamensis sp. nov. shares the hammer-shaped tip of posterior hamulus with M. amphigena Selys, 1871, M. sombui Vick, 1988, M. cydippe Laidlaw, 1922, M. vangviengensis Yokoi et Mitamura, 2002, M. clio Ris, 1916, M. malleifera Lieftinck, 1955, and M. macula Zhou, Wang, Shuai & Liu, 1994, but it differs from all of the mentioned species by a set of coloration characters including antehumeral stripe, abdominal pattern and facial markings.

Keywords: Odonata, dragonfly, Odonata Macromia, new species, checklist

Macromia siamensis sp. nov.

Noppadon Makbun. 2022. Macromia siamensis, A New Species from North Thailand (Odonata: Anisoptera: Macromiidae). Zootaxa. 5133(3); 346-354. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5133.3.2

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[ข่าว] แมลงปอมาโครสยาม (Macromia siamensis)

แมลงปอชนิดใหม่ของไทยในปี 65!

แมลงปอมาโครเป็นแมลงปอขนาดปานกลางถึงใหญ่ อกและท้องมักจะมันวาวสีดำสลับเหลือง มักพบบินเหนือผิวน้ำไปมาตามลำธาร ทั่วโลกพบทั้งหมด 81 ชนิด ส่วนในประเทศไทยนั้นพบ 18 ชนิด (รวมชนิดที่ไม่สามารถระบุชนิดได้) กระจายทั่วประเทศ และแมลงปอมาโครสยาม (Macromia siamensis) ถือเป็นแมลงปอมาโครชนิดที่ 19 ของประเทศไทยครับ

แมลงปอมาโครสยามมีลักษณะเด่นคือ มีลักษณะและขนาดของลายสีเหลืองตามส่วนหัว อก และท้องที่ใหญ่ไม่เหมือนกับแมลงปอมาโครชนิดอื่น ๆ ที่พบในประเทศไทย นอกจากนี้ ด้านบนของปล้องท้องปล้องที่ 10 นูนขึ้นเล็กน้อย และลักษณะโครงสร้างอวัยวะเพศ (hamulus) ใต้ปล้องที่ 2 มีปลายคล้ายกับค้อนก็ต่างกับชนิดอื่น ๆ เช่นกันครับ

ชื่อชนิดของแมลงปอมาโครสยาม ตั้งขึ้นเพื่อเป็นเกียรติให้กับกลุ่มสยามเอ็นซิส (siamensis.org) ที่คอยสนับสนุนและช่วยเหลือการศึกษาแมลงปอของประเทศไทยของผู้บรรยายมาโดยตลอด และยังตั้งชื่อตามประเทศที่พบเจอแมลงปอชนิดใหม่นี้ครั้งแรกนั่นคือ สยาม ชื่อเก่าของประเทศไทยนั่นเองครับ แมลงปอชนิดใหม่นี้พบได้เพียงในจังหวัดเชียงใหม่เท่านั้น สถานภาพปัจจุบันค่อนข้างน่าเป็นห่วง เพราะไม่ได้มีการพบเห็นมาหลายปีแล้วหลังจากค้นพบ ซึ่งอาจเกิดจากการเปลี่ยนแปลงของสภาพอากาศและสภาพพื้นที่ครับ

Thanatosdrakon amaru

Ortiz David, González Riga & Kellner, 2022

DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2022.105228

unidiversidad.com.ar

Abstract

The largest pterosaur discovered in South America and one of the largest flying vertebrates in the world is described. Thanatosdrakon amaru gen. et sp. nov. is a new azhdarchid found in the upper-most levels of the Plottier Formation (upper Coniacian–lower Santonian, Neuquén Basin), Mendoza, Argentina. Two specimens were identified, the holotype (UNCUYO-LD 307) and the paratype, with an estimated wingspan of ∼ 7 m and ∼ 9 m, respectively. The cladistic analysis, based on 216 characters and 97 taxa, recovered Thanatosdrakon deeply nested within Azhdarchidae. Relationships within this clade are well resolved and the clade Quetzalcoatlinae presents two well-defined sister-groups: (Arambourgiania, Mistralazhdarcho, Aerotitan, Hatzegopteryx, Albadraco) + (Cryodrakon, Thanatosdrakon, Quetzalcoatlus ssp.). Thanatosdrakon is the oldest taxon of the clade Quetzalcoatlinae so far. It is represented by several well-preserved axial and appendicular bones in three dimensions. Some of these elements have never been described in giant azhdarchids (e.g. complete norarium, dorsosacral vertebrae and caudal vertebra) and this allows to expand the knowledge about the anatomy of this diverse group of pterosaurs. Finally, from a paleoecological point of view, Thanatosdrakon was found in floodplain deposits of ephemeral meandering systems indicating that this large flying species inhabited continental environments.

Keywords: Thanatosdrakon, Azhdarchidae, Neuquén Basin, Plottier Formation, Upper Cretaceous, Argentina

Thanatosdrakon amaru gen. et sp. nov.

Leonardo D. Ortiz David, Bernardo J. González Riga and Alexander W.A. Kellner. 2022. Thanatosdrakon amaru, gen. et sp. nov., A Giant Azhdarchid Pterosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of Argentina. Cretaceous Research. 137, 105228. 105228. DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2022.105228

Thanatosdrakon amaru: el pterosaurio más grande de Sudamérica

El descubrimiento, liderado por el investigador de la UNCUYO y de Conicet Leonardo Ortiz David, brinda información novedosa sobre la evolución de estos vertebrados voladores que alcanzaron 9 metros de envergadura y convivieron con los dinosaurios durante el Cretácico.

unidiversidad.com.ar/thanatosdrakon-amaru-el-pterosaurio-mas-grande-de-sudamerica

Dendrobium dedeksantosoi Metusala,

in Metusala, Saputra, Trimanto & Nisyawati, 2021.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.528.5.1

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Abstract

Dendrobium dedeksantosoi, a new species of Dendrobium section Spatulata (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) from Maluku Islands, Indonesia, is described and illustrated. The flower of this new species is morphologically most similar to Dendrobium busuangense, but differs in having different shape and size of petals and lip as well as a different length ratio between column and column-foot.

Keywords: morphology, Dendrobium busuangense, lowland, Monocots

Dendrobium dedeksantosoi Metusala,
A—B, inflorescence (from different plants). C, flower, front view.

Photos by Destario Metusala.

Dendrobium dedeksantosoi Metusala, sp. nov.

Etymology:— named after Dedek Setia Santoso, an Indonesian orchid grower as well as philanthropists who shows a great concern in the orchid conservation, especially through breeding and cultivation activities of the Dendrobium section Spatulata.

Destario Metusala, Reza Saputra, Trimanto and Nisyawati. 2021. A New Species of Dendrobium Section Spatulata from Maluku, Indonesia. Phytotaxa. 528(5); 269-278. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.528.5.1 [2021-12-23]

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Pachygenium laurense C.M. Martín & Szlach.,

in Martin, Morales, Dudek & Szlachetko, 2022.

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13433

photos by Claudia M. Martín

Abstract

Background: Pachygenium embraces a group of terrestrial species formerly placed in Pelexia sensu lato. The genus currently comprises some 60 species, most of which are known from the southern parts of Brazil and Paraguay, with few species distributed in the Andean countries—only four species have been recorded from Argentina so far. In Jujuy Province, Argentina a new species of Pachygenium was found during our fieldwork. The aim of this article was to provide morphological and molecular evidence for its membership in this genus.

Methods: Materials from specimens were collected in the field and examined by classical taxonomic and molecular biological techniques, e.g., PCR and sequencing DNA. Phylogenetic reconstruction was performed by maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference.

Results: Pachygenium laurense from Argentina is described and illustrated based on morphological evidence and its taxonomic position was confirmed by phylogenetic analyses. A new combination for Pachygenium gutturosa is also proposed. A key for identification is provided for the Pachygenium species occurring in Argentina.

Conclusion: Pachygenium laurense is the fifth species of the genus recorded from Argentina.

Pachygenium laurense C.M. Martín & Szlach., in situ.
(A) Habitat. (B) Leaves. (C) Inflorescence buds (photos by Claudia M. Martín).

Floral structures of Pachygenium laurense C.M. Martín & Szlach.
(A) (E) Inflorescence, lateral view (B) Inflorescence, top view. (C) Flower, front view. (D) Flower, lateral view

(photos by Claudia M. Martín).

Drawing of Pachygenium laurense C.M. Martín & Szlach.
(A) Habit. (B) Flower, lateral view. (C) Dorsal sepal. (D) Lateral sepals. (E) Petal. (F) Lip. (G) Pollinarium. (H) Gynostemium, front and back view

(drawn by Adriana M. Morales).

Pachygenium laurenseC.M. Martín & Szlach. sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Species leafless at anthesis, with very characteristic arrangements of the flowers in inflorescence, ecallose, undivided lip, and narrow, slender gynostemium.

Etymology: The name of the species refers to the place where it was collected for the first time (Estancia Las Lauras).

Pachygenium gutturosa (Rchb.f.) Szlach., Dudek & C.M. Martín, comb. nov.

Claudia M. Martin, Adriana Marisel Morales, Magdalena Dudek and Dariusz L. Szlachetko. 2022. Pachygenium laurense (Orchidaceae, Spiranthinae), A New Orchid Species from Argentina—Morphological Evidence and Phylogenetic Reconstruction. PeerJ. 10:e13433 . DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13433

Eublepharis pictus

Mirza & Gnaneswar, 2022.

Painted Leopard Gecko || DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.83290

twitter.com/SnakesZeeshan

E. hardwickii juvenile (uncollected) in its natural habitat.

Photo by Supriya Samanta

Abstract

A recent molecular phylogenetic study of the genus Eublepharis Gray, 1827 revealed the presence of a genetically divergent lineage sister to Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827. We re-assessed the taxonomy of Eublepharis hardwickii based on museum material in light of the molecular phylogenetic study and the results support the recognization of two species distributed on either sides of the Brahmani River. A redescription of E. hardwickii is presented based on the holotype and additional museum material along-with the description of a new species, Eublepharis pictus sp. nov. from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The presence of yet another distinct lineage in such close geographical proximity in the northern Eastern Ghats highlights the significance of these relic forests and advocates the need for conservation prioritization.

Key Words: Biodiversity, conservation, Eastern Ghats, leopard gecko, Sauria, Taxonomy

Map of east India showing the distribution of Eublepharis hardwickii (black circles) and Eublepharis pictus sp. nov. (blue rhombus).
Locality details for E. hardwickii (black numbers) 1. Chittagong, 2. Aushgram, 3. Chaibasa, 4. Barajamda, 5. Balasore;
E. pictus sp. nov. (blue numbers) 1. Visakhapatnam, 2. Jaypore, 3. Kapilash, 4. Kandhamal, 5. Khurda, 6. Angul.

Image of E. pictus sp. nov. by Gnaneshwar C. H.

 Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827

Diagnosis: A medium sized Eublepharis reaching SVL of 140 mm, with 24 rows of flat, tubercle-like moderately keeled scales across the dorsum intermixed with much smaller scales, a single pale band between the nuchal loop and caudal constriction; smooth subdigital lamellae on digit IV of pes 17; 16 precloacal pores in an angulate series lacking a diastema.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym honoring Major-General Thomas Hardwicke (1756–1835) of the Bengal army of the East India Company.

Eublepharis hardwickii juvenile (uncollected) in its natural habitat. Photo by Supriya Samanta a,
b. Eublepharis pictus sp. nov. in life from Visakhapatnam (uncollected). Photo by Zeeshan A. Mirza; c. Habitat near Visakhapatnam where Eublepharis pictus sp. nov. was observed (not collected). Photo by Zeeshan A. Mirza.

 Eublepharis pictus sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A medium sized Eublepharis reaching SVL of 117 mm (max.), with 23–26 rows of large flat, tubercle-like moderately keeled scales across the dorsum intermixed with much smaller scales, a single pale band between the nuchal loop and caudal constriction; smooth subdigital lamellae on digit IV of pes 19; 17–18 precloacal pores in an angulate series lacking a diastema.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘pictus’ is a Latin word that means ‘painted’ referring to the colouration of the species in life. Suggested common name ‘Painted leopard gecko’.

Zeeshan A. Mirza and Chandrashekaruni Gnaneswar. 2022. Description of A New Species of Leopard Geckos, Eublepharis Gray, 1827 from Eastern Ghats, India with Notes on Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827. Evolutionary Systematics. 6(1): 77-88. DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.83290

twitter.com/SnakesZeeshan/status/1529887024412790787

Gephyromantis fiharimpe, G. matsilo,
G. oelkrugi & G. portonae

Vences, Köhler, Crottini, Hofreiter, Hutter, du Preez, Preick, Rakotoarison, Rancilhac, Raselimanana, Rosa, Scherz & Glaw, 2022

DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e78830

twitter.com/MarkScherz

Abstract

The subgenus Laurentomantis in the genus Gephyromantis contains some of the least known amphibian species of Madagascar. The six currently valid nominal species are rainforest frogs known from few individuals, hampering a full understanding of the species diversity of the clade. We assembled data on specimens collected during field surveys over the past 30 years and integrated analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded genes of 88 individuals, a comprehensive bioacoustic analysis, and morphological comparisons to delimit a minimum of nine species-level lineages in the subgenus. To clarify the identity of the species Gephyromantis malagasius, we applied a target-enrichment approach to a sample of the 110 year-old holotype of Microphryne malagasia Methuen and Hewitt, 1913 to assign this specimen to a lineage based on a mitochondrial DNA barcode. The holotype clustered unambiguously with specimens previously named G. ventrimaculatus. Consequently we propose to consider Trachymantis malagasia ventrimaculatus Angel, 1935 as a junior synonym of Gephyromantis malagasius. Due to this redefinition of G. malagasius, no scientific name is available for any of the four deep lineages of frogs previously subsumed under this name, all characterized by red color ventrally on the hindlimbs. These are here formally named as Gephyromantis fiharimpe sp. nov., G. matsilo sp. nov., G. oelkrugi sp. nov., and G. portonae sp. nov. The new species are distinguishable from each other by genetic divergences of >4% uncorrected pairwise distance in a fragment of the 16S rRNA marker and a combination of morphological and bioacoustic characters. Gephyromantis fiharimpe and G. matsilo occur, respectively, at mid-elevations and lower elevations along a wide stretch of Madagascar’s eastern rainforest band, while G. oelkrugi and G. portonae appear to be more range-restricted in parts of Madagascar’s North East and Northern Central East regions. Open taxonomic questions surround G. horridus, to which we here assign specimens from Montagne d’Ambre and the type locality Nosy Be; and G. ranjomavo, which contains genetically divergent populations from Marojejy, Tsaratanana, and Ampotsidy.

Keywords: Amphibia, Anura, archival DNA, Mantellidae, new species, phylogeography

Gephyromantis horridus (Boettger, 1880)

Gephyromantis ranjomavo Glaw and Vences, 2011

Gephyromantis striatus (Vences, Glaw, Andreone, Jesu and Schimmenti, 2002)

Gephyromantis marokoroko Hutter, Andriampenomanana, Andrianasolo, Cobb, Razafindraibe, Abraham and Lambert, 2022

Gephyromantis malagasius (Methuen and Hewitt, 1913)

Gephyromantis matsilo sp. nov. (lineage A) in life in dorsolateral view.
Specimen from Ambodiriana probably corresponding to tissue sample PSG 1015.

Gephyromantis matsilo sp. nov. (lineage A)

Etymology: The species epithet is derived from the Malagasy adjective matsilo (spiny) and refers to the spiny tubercles on the dorsum of this frog. The name is used as a noun in apposition.

Gephyromantis fiharimpesp. nov. (lineage B) in life
Adult male from Ranomafana, photographed 2003.

Gephyromantis fiharimpe sp. nov. (lineage B)

Etymology: The species epithet is derived from the Malagasy words fihary (gland) and fe (leg) which written together become fiharim-pe according to Malagasy grammar. The name makes reference to the tibial gland of the species, and is used as a noun in apposition.

Gephyromantis oelkrugi sp. nov. (lineage C) from the type locality, Ambodivoangy, in life.
Adult male holotype (ZSM 314/2010, field number FGZC 4220)

Gephyromantis oelkrugi sp. nov. (lineage C)

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym for Christopher Roland Oelkrug in recognition of his support for biodiversity research and nature conservation through the BIOPAT initiative.

Gephyromantis portonae sp. nov. (lineage D) in life
Specimen ACZCV 1358 from Betampona.

Gephyromantis portonae sp. nov. (lineage D)

Etymology: The specific epithet is a matronym for Ingrid Porton, our dear friend and colleague. Ingrid is a primatologist and Vice-Chair of Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, and this honor is a recognition of her continuous support to the study of the unique biodiversity of Betampona Strict Natural Reserve, and her overall commitment to the conservation of Malagasy ecosystems.

Miguel Vences, Jörn Köhler, Angelica Crottini, Michael Hofreiter, Carl R. Hutter, Louis du Preez, Michaela Preick, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Loïs Rancilhac, Achille P. Raselimanana, Gonçalo M. Rosa, Mark D. D. Scherz and Frank Glaw. 2022. An Integrative Taxonomic Revision and Redefinition of Gephyromantis (Laurentomantis) malagasius based on Archival DNA Analysis reveals Four New mantellid Frog Species from Madagascar. Vertebrate Zoology. 72: 271-309. DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e78830

twitter.com/MarkScherz/status/1529874935786643459

Fordiophyton tereticaule S.Jin Zeng & N.H.Xia,

in Zeng, Tong & Xia, 2022.

圆茎异药花 || DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.197.82670

Abstract

A new species, Fordiophyton tereticaule, from China, is described and illustrated here based on morphological and molecular evidence. It is morphologically similar to F. faberi in having erect stems, slightly oblique and membranous leaf blades, broadly ovate to suborbicular bracts, and oblong petals, but differs by the terete stems, densely puberulous petioles, and elliptic leaf blades. Our phylogenetic analyses based on plastid genome and nrITS data indicate that this new species is clustered with four Fordiophyton species of Yunnan but placed far apart from F. faberi. An updated key to the genus is also provided.

Keywords: phylogeny, Sonerileae, taxonomy, Yunnan

Fordiophyton tereticaule S.Jin Zeng & N.H.Xia
A flowering plants B part of stem with a pair of petioles C a pair of leaves
D cymose inflorescence with flower buds E cymose inflorescence, oblique view F an opening flower, front view
G an opening flower, side view H infructescence, side view I young fruits, top view.

Fordiophyton tereticaule S.Jin Zeng & N.H.Xia
A fruiting branch B part of stem with one petiole C part of leaf blade, adaxial view D cymose inflorescence with opening flowers E calyx lobe F petal G longer stamen, front view (left) and side view (right) H shorter stamen, front view (left) and back view (right).

Drawn by Ding-Han Cui.

 Fordiophyton tereticaule S.Jin Zeng & N.H.Xia, sp. nov.

Verbatim name: 圆茎异药花

Diagnosis: Similar to F. faberi in having erect stems, membranous leaf blades, and oblong petals, but differs by the terete (vs. quadrangular) stems, densely puberulous (vs. green and glabrous or shortly setose near leaf blade base) petioles, and elliptic (vs. broadly lanceolate, oblong, ovate, or rarely lanceolate) leaf blades.

Distribution and habitat: Fordiophyton tereticaule is only known from Malipo County, Yunnan, China. It grows in broad-leaved evergreen forests at elevations of 1260–1540 m.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the terete stem.

Si-Jin Zeng, Yi-Hua Tong and Nian-He Xia. 2022. Fordiophyton tereticaule (Melastomataceae), A New Species from China. PhytoKeys. 197: 59-69. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.197.82670

Isotrema putalengense Luu, Q.B.Nguyen & H.C.Nguyen,

in Nguyen, Nguyen, ... & Luu. 2022.

Phòng kỷ Pu Ta Leng || DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.197.73596

Abstract

Isotrema putalengense Luu, Q.B.Nguyen & H.C.Nguyen is described as a new species from northern Vietnam. It looks most morphologically like I. wardianum but is distinguishable by a combination of different leafy and floral characters. Morphological comparison between the new plant and closest species is provided. In addition, combinations of two recently described Aristolochia species are made, namely Isotrema vuquangense (T.V.Do) Luu, Q.B.Nguyen & H.C.Nguyen and Isotrema yachangense (B.G.Huang, Yan Liu & Y.S.Huang) Luu, Q.B.Nguyen & H.C.Nguyen.

Keywords: Aristolochia, Isotrema vuquangense, Isotrema yachangense, Pu Ta Leng Mountain, Siphisia

Isotrema putalengense Luu, Q.B.Nguyen & H.C.Nguyen
A habit B leaf C leaf lamina, adaxial surface D leaf lamina, abaxial surface E flower, side view F flower, front view G bracteole H perianth, longitudinal dissection I utricle, inside J ovary, cross section K gynostemium, side view L stigma, view from above M stem, cross section.
Photographs by Hieu Cuong Nguyen from SH992 at the type locality.

Isotrema putalengense Luu, Q.B.Nguyen & H.C.Nguyen, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is most morphologically similar to I. wardianum in the shape of leaves and flowers but differs in having densely brown villous (vs. abaxially light brown villous) bracteoles, flowers on old woody stems (vs. in axils of leafy shoots), basally truncate perianth limb that is ovoid in front view and with purple apex (vs. basally obtuse, oblong in front view and with yellow apex), indistinct (vs. distinct) utricle from lower tube, U-shaped (vs. V-shaped) tube notch and internally black purple (vs. purple) tube.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the type locality, Pu Ta Leng Mountain which is part of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and located about 30 km northwest of Vietnam’s highest Mt. Fan Si Pan.

Common and vernacular names: Putaleng’s pipevine

(Vietnamese name: Phòng kỷ Pu Ta Leng).

New combinations for some species of Isotrema

As a result of their study, Zhu et al. (2019a) has already transferred almost all species of Aristolochia subgenus Siphisia to Isotrema. Another four combinations were made for later described species (Wang et al. 2020a). Following this generic concept, here we propose new combinations for the other taxa of the subgenus that were described recently.

Isotrema vuquangense (T.V.Do) Luu, Q.B.Nguyen & H.C.Nguyen, comb. nov.

≡ Aristolochia vuquangensis T.V.Do. Phytotaxa 500 (1): 41. 2021.

 Isotrema yachangense (B.G.Huang, Yan Liu & Y.S.Huang) Luu, Q.B.Nguyen & H.C.Nguyen, comb. nov.

≡ Aristolochia yachangensis B.G.Huang, Yan Liu & Y.S.Huang. PhytoKeys 153: 51. 2020.

Quoc Binh Nguyen, Hieu Cuong Nguyen, Duc Binh Tran, Phuong Hanh Nguyen and Hong Truong Luu. 2022. Isotrema putalengense, A New Species of Aristolochiaceae from northern Vietnam and Two New Combinations in Isotrema. PhytoKeys. 197: 71-79. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.197.73596

Sivatupaia ramnagarensis

Sehgal, Singh, Gilbert, Patel, Campisano, ... & Singh, 2022

DOI: 10.1017/jpa.2022.41

twitter.com/APSGeo002

Abstract

The fossil record of treeshrews, hedgehogs, and other micromammals from the Lower Siwaliks of India is sparse. Here, we report on a new genus and species of fossil treeshrew, specimens of the hedgehog Galerix, and other micromammals from the middle Miocene (Lower Siwalik) deposits surrounding Ramnagar (Udhampur District, Jammu and Kashmir), at a fossil locality known as Dehari. The treeshrew from Dehari (Sivatupaia ramnagarensis n. gen. n. sp.) currently represents the oldest record of fossil tupaiids in the Siwaliks, extending their time range by ca. 2.5–4.0 Myr in the region. Dietary analyses suggest that the new tupaiid was likely adapted for a less mechanically challenging or more frugivorous diet compared to other extant and fossil tupaiids. The occurrence of Galerix has only been recently documented from the Indian Siwaliks and the Dehari specimens help establish the likely presence of a relatively large Siwalik Galerix species in the Ramnagar region. In addition to the new treeshrew and hedgehogs, new specimens of the rodents Kanisamys indicus, Sayimys sivalensis, and Murinae indet. from Dehari help confirm that age estimates for the Ramnagar region are equivalent to the Chinji Formation in Pakistan, most likely corresponding to the middle to upper part of the Chinji Formation.

Sivatupaia ramnagarensis n. gen. n. sp.

Ramesh Kumar Sehgal, Abhishek Pratap Singh, Christopher C. Gilbert, Biren A. Patel, Christopher J. Campisano, Keegan R. Selig, Rajeev Patnaik and Ningthoujam Premjit Singh. 2022. A New Genus of Treeshrew and Other Micromammals from the middle Miocene Hominoid Locality of Ramnagar, Udhampur District, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Journal of Paleontology. First View. DOI: 10.1017/jpa.2022.41

twitter.com/APSGeo002/status/1530355738010263552

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

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