Species New to Science

Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis

Schingen, Le, Ngo, Pham, Ha, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2016

DOI: 10.1016/j.zoolgart.2016.06.001

Abstract

The Crocodile lizard Shinisaurus crocodilurus, the only living representative of the family Shinisauridae, is a habitat specialist adapted to remote freshwater habitats within evergreen broadleaf forests. Its current distribution is restricted to few small and isolated remnant occurrences in South China and North Vietnam. Multiple anthropogenic threats such as massive habitat destruction and unsustainable over-collection for the international pet trade brought the species to the brink of extinction. We herein employed an integrative taxonomic approach including comprehensive molecular comparisons based on fragments of mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b, partial ND6, and partial tRNA-Glu) in concert with in-depth morphological and ecological analyses in order to determine the status of the extant populations. Based on molecular, morphological, and ecological differences, we herein describe a new subspecies, Shinisaurus crocodilurusvietnamensis ssp. n., from Vietnam. Our findings emphasize the importance of improved in situ conservation measures in both countries, as both China and Vietnam harbor unique Crocodile lizard forms. We also recommend additional ex situ conservation measures, i.e., separate conservation breeding management of the subspecies in order to maintain genetic integrity and adjust husbandry conditions according to detected differences in ecological niche occupation.

Keywords: Conservation units; Ecology; Molecular biology; Morphology; New subspecies; Shinisauridae

Fig. 7. Male holotype (IEBR 3806) ofShinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n. in life.

Photo: C.T. Pham.

DOI: 10.1016/j.zoolgart.2016.06.001

Taxonomic Account

Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n.

Holotype: Adult male, IEBR 3806 (TYT2012.1SC), collected on 02 July 2012 at an elevation of 407 m in Son Dong District, Bac Giang Province, Vietnam by Cuong The Pham (Fig. 7).

Diagnosis: Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n. differs from the nominate form Shinisaurus c. crocodilurus from China by the following combination of morphological characters: a relatively lower ratio of head height (HH) to head length (HL) and cheek height (CHa) to head length (lower head and cheek); a relatively higher ratio of eye-naris distance (EN) to head length and lower ratios of eye-eye distance to head length and internares distance to head length (snout longitudinally elongated and transversely narrower); and a relatively smaller ratio of orbital diameter (Or) to head length. For further morphological, molecular and ecological separation of the new subspecies from the nominate form see also the section “Comparisons”.

Etymology: The subspecies is named after the country of origin.

Distribution: Currently, Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n. is only known from small and isolated sites in Quang Ninh and Bac Giang provinces, Northeast Vietnam (see Fig. 6).

Natural History: Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n. is adapted to granitic freshwater streams within the evergreen broadleaf forest, with moderate annual temperatures without large fluctuations. For more detailed information see van Schingen, Pham, et al. (2015).

Fig. 3. Variation in color patterns of Vietnamese Shinisaurus crocodilurus:
A: Adult male from Dong Son-Ky Thuong NR, Quang Ninh Province; B-D: Adult males from Yen Tu NR, Quang Ninh Province; E-G: Adult males from Tay Yen Tu NR, Bac Giang Province; H, J-L: Adult females from Tay Yen Tu NR; I: Adult female from Dong Son-Ky Thuong NR.

Photos: M. van Schingen. DOI: 10.1016/j.zoolgart.2016.06.001

Mona van Schingen, Minh Duc Le, Hanh Thi Ngo, Cuong The Pham, Quynh Quy Ha, Truong Quang Nguyen and Thomas Ziegler. 2016. Is there more than one Crocodile Lizard? An Integrative Taxonomic Approach Reveals Vietnamese and Chinese Shinisaurus crocodilurus Represent Separate Conservation and Taxonomic Units. [Gibt es mehr als eine Krokodilschwanzechse? Ein integrativer taxonomischer Ansatz zeigt, dass vietnamesische und chinesische Shinisaurus crocodilurus separate Schutz-, sowie taxonomische Einheiten darstellen]. Der Zoologische Garten. DOI: 10.1016/j.zoolgart.2016.06.001

Two new species, Caulokaempferia kayinensis Picheans. & Sangnark and C. monensis Picheans. & Sangnark (Zingiberaceae), are described. This is the first report of the genus from Myanmar. The sessile inflorescence of C. kayinensis, hidden in the uppermost two leaf sheaths, is unique among the yellow-flowered group of the genus. The long ligule, ovate bract, and the bract-formation on inflorescence are characteristic of C. monensis. Full descriptions, together with ink line-drawings with water-color and photographic illustrations, of these new taxa are given.

Key words: Caulokaempferia, Caulokaempferia kayinensis, Caulokaempferia monensis,

Kayin State, Mon State, south Myanmar, Zingiberaceae.

Supatthra Sangnark, Sittichoke Prasarn, Boonmee Phokham, Pornpimon Wongsuwan and Chayan Picheansoonthon. 2016. The Genus Caulokaempferia (Zingiberaceae) in Myanmar Part 1: Two New Species from South Myanmar. J. Jpn. Bot. 91: 133–140.
http://www.jjbotany.com/pdf/JJB_091_issue03_cover.pdf

Halichoeres gurrobyi Victor. 2016

Blacksaddle Wrasse | OceanScienceFoundation.org

Abstract

The new labrid fish species, Halichoeres gurrobyi n. sp., is described from specimens collected in Mauritius, in the southwestern Indian Ocean. The new species is part of the yellow-striped initial-phase species complex of Halichoeres, comprising several species found in the Indo-Pacific, including the type species for the genus Halichoeres Rüppell. Two of the closest relatives of H. gurrobyi also occur in Mauritius, i.e. H. zeylonicus (the southwestern Indian Ocean [SWIO] genovariant) and the rare deep-reef H. pelicieri. The initial-phases of these species are similar and have been confused, but DNA barcoding clearly shows three distinct DNA lineages in the SWIO and helps resolve the diagnostic characters. The terminal-phase (TP) male of the new species is unknown. The new species is 9% divergent in the sequence of the mtDNA-barcode marker COI (minimum interspecific divergence, pairwise; 9.6% K2P distance) from its nearest relative, H. pelicieri. A neighbor-joining tree of COI mtDNA sequences is presented for the species complex.

Key words: coral-reef fishes, ichthyology, new species, taxonomy, systematics, wrasse, Africa, DNA barcoding.

Halichoeres gurrobyi, n. sp.

Blacksaddle Wrasse

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin rays IX,11 (12); anal-fin rays III,11; pectoral-fin rays 13; lateral-line scales 27 (+1 on caudal-fin base), single small pore per scale; suborbital pores 6–7; gill rakers 19–21; a single pair of large, projecting, and slightly recurved canine teeth anteriorly in each jaw, the lowers curving forward and fitting between uppers when mouth closed, second canines about half size of first, followed by rows of mostly caniniform teeth, no canine posteriorly at corner of mouth; elongate body, body depth 4.5–5.0 in SL; body width 1.7–2.3 in depth; caudal fin slightly rounded to truncate in IP; color pattern of IP comprises yellow stripes on a pale background, on holotype three lateral stripes and a fourth along dorsal-fin base, on paratype two midlateral stripes plus dorsalfin base stripe; large black blotch on caudal peduncle and caudal-fin base, saddle-like in paratype and larger specimens; small black spot at upper rim of pectoral-fin base; fins translucent except yellow band along distal dorsal fin and posterior margin of caudal fin. Colors of TP male unknown.

Etymology. Named for Chabiraj (Yam) Gurroby, in recognition of his 35 years of efforts in observing and collecting the fishes of Mauritius. He operates Ornamental Marine World Ltd. with his children Mohesh and Meneeka Gurroby.

Distribution. The new species is described from specimens from Mauritius only.

Benjamin C. Victor. 2016. Halichoeres gurrobyi, A New Labrid Fish (Teleostei: Labridae) from Mauritius in the southwestern Indian Ocean, with a review of the H. zeylonicus species complex. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 22, 10–27. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.57088

http://www.oceansciencefoundation.org/josf/josf22b.pdf

Calciavis grandei Nesbitt & Clarke, 2016

A Green River Formation lithornithid Calxavis grandei standing by the shores of the Eocene Fossil Lake (~ 50 Ma) with a small rallid in the background.

Art by Velizar Simeonovski. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2246/6664

Abstract

Fossil remains of Paleogene Palaeognathae are poorly documented and are exceedingly rare. One group of palaeognaths, the lithornithids, is well represented in the Paleogene of North America. Nevertheless, few specimens of the same species are known from each of those Paleogene geologic units. Here, we report five new partial skeletons of lithornithids from the Fossil Butte Member of the Green River Formation (early Eocene) of Wyoming. One spectacularly preserved specimen is identified as the holotype of a new species, Calciavis grandei, gen. et sp. nov., and fully described. Preserved soft tissues (e.g., feathers, pes scales) surround the nearly articulated and complete skeleton. A second well-preserved but disarticulated skeleton is referred to this new taxon. We conclude that there are only two lithornithid taxa in the Green River Formation after careful comparisons with the other known taxon from the same geological unit, Pseudocrypturus cercanaxius. Morphological data generated from the new taxon and other Green River Formation lithornithid specimens were integrated into a osteology-only phylogenetic data set containing stem avians as outgroups and extinct and extant members of Palaeognathae (Tinamidae, ratites) and Neognathaes (Anseriformes, Galliformes, Neoaves), unnamed lithornithid specimens, and the following named lithornithid taxa: Lithornis plebius, Lithornis promiscuus, Lithornis celetius, Paracathartes howardae. We find a monophyletic Lithornithidae (containing Calciavis grandei, Pseudocrypturus cercanaxius, Lithornis plebius, Lithornis promiscuus, Lithornis celetius, Paracathartes howardae) as the sister taxon of Tinamidae at the base of Palaeognathae and also recover a monophyletic Ratitae in the morphology-only analysis. A Lithornithidae-Tinamidae relationship, which could imply a broad Northern Hemisphere distribution in the Paleogene for this total group retracted to the present day Neotropical distribution after the Eocene, is weakly supported in our analysis and is also supported by other lines of evidence such as eggshell morphology. Relationships among flightless palaeognaths and assessment of character homology in this group remain problematic. Indeed, when the morphological analyses were constrained to enforce topologies recovered from all recent analyses of molecular sequence data and retroelement insertions, Lithornithidae is no longer recovered with Tinamidae, which is nested within the now paraphyletic ratites, but remains at the base of Palaeognathae. Thus, regardless of the position of Tinamidae, Lithornithidae is recovered at the base of the clade. However, evidence that many, if not all, of these "ratite" lineages independently evolved similar morphologies related to large size and flight loss suggests that the proposed position of the Lithornithidae remains tentative. Significant morphological variation within Lithornithidae should be captured in inclusive future analyses through use of species terminals.

A Lithornithid skull from the Green River Formation of Wyoming.

Photo by Sterling Nesbitt.

A nearly complete skeleton of Calciavis grandei, a close relative of ostriches, kiwis, and emus.

Photo by Rick Edwards of the American Museum of Natural History.

Nesbitt, Sterling J. and Clarke, Julia A. 2016. The Anatomy and Taxonomy of the Exquisitely preserved Green River Formation (early Eocene) Lithornithids (Aves) and the Relationships of Lithornithidae. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 406. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2246/6664 Supplemental Material: 10.5531/sd.sp.25

Well-preserved fossils show ostrich relatives lived in North America 50 million years ago http://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2016/07/science-ostrichrelativenew.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160705122003.htm

http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/calciavis-grandei-kiwi-relatives-north-america-04002.html

Amazonspinther dalmata

Bührnheim, Carvalho, Malabarba & Weitzman, 2008

DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252008000400016

ABSTRACT

Amazonspinther dalmata, a new miniature characid from the streams of rio Purus and rio Madeira, right bank tributaries of the rio Amazonas, is described as a new genus and species of the subfamily Cheirodontinae. The unique characters of the new genus and species are the three remarkable black blotches on the base of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, the anteriormost proximal radial of the anal fin with an anteriorly extended lamina entering the abdominal cavity, and the extremely elongate caudal peduncle. The reduced number of ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays (7-9), and the hemal spines of only posterior one, two, or sometimes three caudal vertebrae directly articulating with the ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays further diagnoses the new taxon from remaining genera of the tribe Cheirodontini. The results of a phylogenetic analysis strongly support a close relationship between A. dalmata and Spintherobolus in the tribe Cheirodontini on the basis of fifteen unambiguous synapomorphies. Ten of these characters, previously hypothesized as exclusive synapomorphies for Spintherobolus, were now also identified in Amazonspinther, such as the pattern of exposed neuromasts on the head, the presence of a second pseudotympanum anterior to the first pleural rib, and the nearly discoidal coracoid bone. A discussion about the phylogenetic position of the closely related fossil †Megacheirodon to Spintherobolus and Amazonspinther is also provided. Convergent characters shared between Amazonspinther and the characid Priocharax are discussed in relation to miniaturization. Biogeographical implications of the diversification of Amazonspinther, Spintherobolus, and Megacheirodon lineages are discussed.

Key words: Phylogeny, Biogeography, Miniaturization, Spintherobolus, Priocharax.

Amazonspinther, new genus

Diagnosis. Amazonspinther is diagnosed among all characid species by the autapomorphic presence of three conspicuous black blotches on the base of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins (ch. 43; Fig. 1).

Amazonspinther is diagnosed among all genera of the Cheirodontinae by two uniquely derived characters, the anteriormost proximal radial of the anal fin with an anteriorly extended lamina entering the abdominal cavity, between the distal portions of the 12th to 14th pleural ribs (ch. 44; Fig. 2) (vs. short anteriorly extended lamina, not entering the abdominal cavity and not between pleural ribs), and by the extremely elongate caudal peduncle, corresponding to 27.3-30.2% of SL. Caudal peduncle length is comparatively short in cheirodontines, ranging from 11.0 to 19.6% of SL. Spintherobolus papilliferus has an elongate caudal peduncle (21.3-27.0% of SL), but shorter than that observed for Amazonspinther.

Among all genera of the tribe Cheirodontini, Amazonspinther is diagnosed by two features: a small number of ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays (7-9 vs. 11-28; Malabarba, 1998:205-207, 209, ch. 42; Weitzman & Malabarba, 1999:8-9, ch. 5; 11-16 in Spintherobolus species) (Fig. 3); and hemal spines of one, two, or sometimes three posterior caudal vertebrae directly articulating with the ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays (Fig. 3; vs. hemal spines of at least the four posterior caudal vertebrae directly articulating with the ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays).

Etymology. Amazon, in reference to the Amazon basin, and spinther from the Greek spinther, masculine, meaning sparks, fire, in reference to both the closely related genus Spintherobolus and to the appearance of the yellow neuromasts of the head, also observed in Spintherobolus (Fig. 4).

Amazonspinther dalmata, new species

Etymology. The epithet refers to the Portuguese word "dalmata", in allusion to the color pattern of the skin of the dogs of the Dalmatian breed which resembles the color of A. dalmata. The origin of this word is linked to the Dalmatia region currently in Croatia, where the dog breed was possibly developed. A noun in apposition.

Distribution. Amazonspinther dalmata is known from small streams of middle rio Purus (rio Açuá) and middle and lower rio Madeira basins, State of Amazonas, Brazil (Fig. 8).

Ecological notes. The holotype of Amazonspinther dalmata was collected syntopically with several characid species, such as Axelrodia lindeae, Iguanodectes spp., Microschemobrycon geisleri, Tyttocharax madeirae, Gnathocharax steindachneri, Phenacogaster beni, Hemigrammus sp., Knodus sp., and with the crenuchids Odontocharacidium aphanes, Elachocharax pulcher, Ammocryptocharax elegans, and Microcharacidium sp. The type locality was characterized by possessing slow current, muddy substratum, and silty, turbid water. There was abundant riparian vegetation, and the maximum depth was 1.3 m (Fig. 9). The site of collection in the tributary of rio Purus (MCP 37572) had perceptible current, some submerged vegetation, transparent water, sandy and muddy substratum, riparian vegetation, and a maximum depth of 1 m.

Cristina M. Bührnheim, Tiago P. Carvalho, Luiz R. Malabarba and Stanley H. Weitzman. 2008. A New Genus and Species of Characid Fish from the Amazon Basin - the Recognition of A Relictual Lineage of Characid Fishes (Ostariophysi: Cheirodontinae: Cheirodontini). Neotrop. ichthyol. 6(4); DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252008000400016

RESUMO: Amazonspinther dalmata, um novo caracídeo miniatura de igarapés dos rios Purus e Madeira, afluentes da margem direita do rio Amazonas, é descrito como um novo gênero e nova espécie da subfamília Cheirodontinae. Os caracteres únicos ao novo gênero são as manchas pretas conspícuas na base das nadadeiras dorsal, anal e caudal, o radial proximal mais anterior da nadadeira anal com uma lâmina estendida anteriormente entrando na cavidade abdominal e o pedúnculo caudal extremamente alongado. Caracteres adicionais que diagnosticam o novo táxon dos demais gêneros da tribo Cheirodontini incluem o número reduzido de raios procorrentes caudais (7-9) e os espinhos hemais de somente uma, duas, ou às vezes três das vértebras caudais, diretamente articulados com os raios procorrentes caudais ventrais. Os resultados de uma análise filogenética suportam fortemente uma relação de proximidade entre A. dalmata e Spintherobolus na tribo Cheirodontini com base em quinze sinapomorfias não ambíguas. Dez destes caracteres foram previamente propostos como sinapomorfias exclusivas de Spintherobolus, mas agora são reconhecidos também em Amazonspinther, e.g. o padrão de distribuição de neuromastos expostos na cabeça, o segundo pseudotímpano anterior à primeira costela pleural e o coracóide aproximadamente discóide. Uma discussão a respeito da posição filogenética do fóssil †Megacheirodon, proximamente relacionado a Spintherobolus e Amazonspinther, também é fornecida. Caracteres convergentes entre Amazonspinther e o caracídeo Priocharax são discutidos com relação à miniaturização. Implicações biogeográficas da diversificação das linhagens Amazonspinther, Spintherobolus e Megacheirodon são discutidas.

Dendrobium roseiodorum A.Sathapattayanon, T.Yukawa & T.Seelanan c, Dendrobium kontumense Gagnep.; g, Dendrobium ochraceum de Wild.

DOI: 10.3767/000651910X499240

Abstract

In the course of revisionary work of Dendrobium section Formosae, we found some misinterpretations of Dendrobium kontumense. Dendrobium schildhaueri is placed as a synonym of D. kontumense and Dendrobium roseiodorum, a new species from Vietnam, is described.

Key words: Dendrobium roseiodorum, new species, Orchidaceae, Vietnam

Dendrobium roseiodorum A.Sathapattayanon, T.Yukawa & T.Seelanan, sp. nov.— Fig. 1, 2a, b

Dendrobium ochraceum de Wild. affine, sed petalis ellipticis-rhombicis, labello aureo-aurantiaco, et disco labelli verrucoso diversum. — Typus: Hort. Tsukuba Botanical Garden accession number 118269 (holo TNS; iso BCU), Vietnam, sine loc., 15 September 2008.

Dendrobium kontumense auct. non. Gagnep.; Schildhauer (2002) 369; Vestweber (2004) 38; Yukawa (2004) 23, f. 3–4.

Distribution — Vietnam (Khanh Hoa Province and Lâm Dong Province).

Habitat & Ecology — Recorded on boulders or tree branches; 1000–1200 m altitude. Flowering: September to November (in natural habitat), July to December (in cultivation).

Etymology — The specific epithet refers to the rose-like floral scent of the new species.

Fig. 2 a, b. Dendrobium roseiodorum A. Sathapattayanon, T. Yukawa & T. Seelanan (holotype). a. flowers; b. lip, note the verrucose calli on the disc.

— c, d. Dendrobium kontumense Gagnep. c. flower; d. lip.

— g, h. Dendrobium ochraceum de Wild. g. flower; h. lip, note the obliquely elliptic side lobes of the lip and the verrucose calli on the veins

(a, b: Hort. Tsukuba Botanical Garden accession number 144309; c, d: A. Sathapattayanon 408; e, f: Poilane 18280; g, h: Hort. Tsukuba Botanical Garden accession number 122822).

A. Sathapattayanon, T. Yukawa andT. Seelanan. 2016. Dendrobium roseiodorum (Orchidaceae): A New Species from Vietnam.
Blumea. 55; 75–79. DOI: 10.3767/000651910X499240

http://repository.naturalis.nl/document/565069

ขิงนกข่อ | Elettariopsis biphylla

S.Saensouk & P.Saensouk

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.159.1.4

Abstract

A new species of Elettariopsis from Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, Bung Khla District, Bueng Kan Provice, Thailand is described as a new species. The new species is similar to E. monophylla (Gagnep.) Loesener (1930: 603), but differs in having two leaves and dark red veins in parts of the labellum, in the length of the petioles, the tall pseudostem and the apex of the anther-crest. Differences are pointed out in Table 1. The species is locally rare occurring in lowland Phuwou forest. It is described and illustrated below.

Keywords: Elettariopsis, Zingiberaceae

Elettariopsis biphylla S.Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov.(Figs. 1–6)

The species has two distinctive leaves and dark red veins in parts of the labellum. The morphological characters of Elettariopsis biphylla are similar to those of E. monophylla but it differs in its two leaves, dark red veins in parts of the labellum and length of petioles, the pseudostem and the apex of the anther crest.

Type:—THAILAND. Bueng Kan Province: Bung Khla District, Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, levation 140 m.,May 2013, Saensouk 400 (holotype BK!, isotypes BKF!, KKU!, QSBG!).

S. Saensouk and P. Saensouk. 2014. Elettariopsis biphylla, A New Species of Zingiberaceae from Thailand. Phytotaxa. 159(1): 023–025. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.159.1.4

http://www.kpi.msu.ac.th/upload/ag_tor_ref_bymst/ag_20_in_2.2.1.1_7_242(2557).pdf

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1205876242775165

Oreonectes shuilongensis

Deng, Xiao, Hou & Zhou, 2016
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4132.1.13

Abstract

This study examined the morphological and phylogenetic characteristics of Oreonectes shuilongensis sp. nov. The genus Oreonectes is distributed only in southwestern China and northern Vietnam. Sixteen specimens of cavefish were captured in the Shuilong Township in Guizhou Province of China and identified as a new species of Oreonectes (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae). Maximum likelihood was used to construct phylogenetic trees based on data for Nemacheilidae species accessible on GenBank. Molecular phylogenetic analyses showed that O. shuilongensis is closely related to O. platycephalus from which it is distinguished by having 6 vs. 5 branched anal rays, ratio of body length to body height 7.0–7.9 vs. 5.6–7.0, ratio of head length to distance between eyes 3.5–4.9 vs. 2.0–2.4, naked vs. scaly body, densely distributed fine black stains except on abdomen, and semitransparent body. Oreonectes shuilongensis is the only species of the genus not distributed in Guangxi Province. This study has contributed to the overall knowledge about the distribution of Oreonectes.

Keywords: Pisces, Nemacheilidae, Oreonectes, new species, cave fishes, Guizhou

Habitat. The species inhabits an underground river flowing in a cave. The cave, which opens near a hilltop, is approximately 150–200 m in length. The underground river is near the bottom of the cave and is approximately 15m long and 0.15–0.85 m wide. Its flow is gentle and clear, and the average depth of the water is 0.40 m. This new species was observed at depths of 0.01–0.40 m. In the underground river, the only other aquatic organisms found were small shrimps.

Etymology. The specific epithet is based on the Chinese name “Shuilong,” which is the name of the township where the specimens were collected.

Discussion:

Sequences for cytb were analyzed for several genera and species of nemacheilids using Mage 5.05 to elucidate relationships. The result showed Oreonectes to be genetically distant from all other genera (Fig. 4). The genetic distance between O. shuilongensis and O. platycephalus was 0.789, and the difference in the cytb sequences between O. shuilongensis and O. platycephalus was 15%, which was much higher than the genetic distance between several species (0.02–0.16) of Schistura. The results are consistent with the morphological data supporting O. shuilongensis as a separate species.
The genus Oreonectes is distributed in subterranean rivers in the karst land of the southwestern region of China. Oreonectes platycephalus is distributed across a wide area, mainly in Hong Kong, Guangdong, which belongs to the Pearl River system; and Guangxi, northern Vietnam, which belongs to the Red River system. The other 15 species are all distributed in the karst areas of Guangxi. O. shuilongensisis is distributed only in Guizhou Province and is the first species of the genus Oreonectes not distributed in Guangxi. The present findings contribute to the overall knowledge about the distribution of Oreonectes.

H. Deng, N. Xiao, X. Hou and J. Zhou. 2016. A New Species of the Genus Oreonectes (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Guizhou, China. Zootaxa. 4132(1); 143–150. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4132.1.13

ResearchGate.net/publication/304128976_A_new_species_of_the_genus_Oreonectes_Cypriniformes_Nemacheilidae_from_Guizhou_China

Pseudocalotes drogon, P. rhaegal & P. viserion

Grismer, Quah, Wood, Anuar, Muin, Davis, Murdoch, Grismer, Cota & Cobos, 2016

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4136.3.3

Abstract

An integrative taxonomic analysis is used to delimit and describe three new species of Pseudocalotoes from the sky island archipelago of the Banjaran (=mountain range) Titiwangsa of Peninsular Malaysia. Pseudocalotes drogon sp. nov., from Fraser’s Hill, Pahang is basal to the sister species P. larutensis from Bukit Larut, Perak in the Banjaran Bintang and the new species P. rhaegal sp. nov. from Cameron Highlands, Pahang. Pseudocalotes drogon sp. nov. is differentiated from all other species of Psuedocalotes by having the combination of a flat rostrum; seven postrostrals; an interparietal; 11 circumorbitals; five canthals; 7–10 superciliaries; one scale between the rostral and nasal; nine supralabials; eight infralabials; 10 postnasal-suborbital scales; four postmentals; five or six sublabials; five or six chinshields; 47 smooth, wide, gular scales; weak transverse gular and antehumeral folds; two enlarged scales between the ear and eye; enlarged upper and lower posttemporals; a single enlarged supratympanic; no enlarged postrictals; three large scales bordering the dorsal margin of the ear opening; large pretympanic scales; eight scales in the nuchal crest not separated by a gap; enlarged vertebral scales extending to the tip of the tail; keeled and non-plate-like scales on flanks; 51 midbody scales; midventrals smaller than dorsals; 19 subdigital lamellae on the fourth finger; 23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; preaxial scales on third toe enlarged and spinose; subdigital lamellae not unicarinate; HW/HL 0.52; HL/SVL 0.31; no elbow or knee patches; and a male dewlap color of lime-green bearing a central yellow spot. Pseudocalotes rhaegal sp. nov. is differentiated from all other Psuedocalotes by having the combination of a convex rostrum; 6–8 postrostrals; an interparietal; nine or 10 circumorbitals; five canthals; 7–10 superciliaries; one or two scales between the rostral and nasal scales; eight or nine supralabials; seven or eight infralabials; 11 or 12 postnasal-suborbital scales; four postmentals; four or five chinshields; 40–45 smooth, wide, gular scales; no transverse gular fold; a weak antehumeral fold; three or four enlarged scales between the ear and eye; an enlarged upper and lower posttemporal; an enlarged supratympanic; no enlarged postrictals; no large scales bordering the upper margin of the ear opening or in the pretympanic region; 6–8 enlarged nuchal crest scales not separated by a gap; enlarged vertebral scales extending to the base of the tail; weakly keeled, non-plate-like scales on the flanks; 52–58 midbody scales; midventrals smaller than dorsals; 19–21 subdigital lamellae on the fourth finger; 22–26 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; preaxial scales on the third enlarged and rounded; subdigital lamellae not unicarinate; HW/HL 0.50–0.54; HL/SVL 0.28–0.30; no elbow or knee patches; and female dewlap color yellow bearing a purple base.

The analyses also indicated that the new species, P. viserion sp. nov. from Genting Highlands, Pahang in the southern section of the Banjaran Titiwangsa is the sister species of P. flavigula from Cameron Highlands 121 km to the north and can be separated from all other species of Psuedocalotes by having the combination of three postrostrals; 10 circumorbitals; four or five canthals; 5–7 superciliaries; rostral and nasals in contact; supralabials contacting the nasal; six or seven supralabials; six or seven infralabials; two or three postmentals; 47 or 48 smooth, flat, gular scales; three chinshields; weak transverse gular and antehumeral folds; two enlarged scales between the ear and eye; an enlarged upper and lower posttemporal; an enlarged supratympanic; no enlarged postrictals; 7–9 nuchal crest scales lacking gaps and not extending beyond midbody; weakly keeled and plate-like scales on the flanks; 35–38 midbody scales; ventrals smaller than dorsals; 22 or 23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth finger; 26 or 27 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; preaxial scales on the third toe not modified; subdigital scales not unicarinate; HW/HL 0.62; no white marking below the eye; dewlap in males yellow; and no elbow or knee patches. Pseudocalotes rhaegal sp. nov. most likely occurs in syntopy with P. flavigula in Tanah Rata at Cameron Highlands and its discovery adds to a growing body of literature detailing the recent descriptions of several new, upland, closely related, sympatric species in Peninsular Malaysia.

Another new population referred to here as Pseudocalotes sp. nov. from the Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary, Betong District, Yala Province, Thailand is discussed. The discovery and description of these three new Pseudocalotes from the upland regions of Peninsular Malaysia continues to underscore the remarkably high herpetological diversity and ecological complexity in this sky island archipelago that is still underestimated, unappreciated, and unprotected.

Keywords: Reptilia, Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Agamidae, Pseudocalotes, new species, uplands

Grismer, L. L., Quah, E. S. H., Wood, P. L., Jr., Anuar, S., Muin, A., Davis, H. R.,

Murdoch, M. L., Grismer, J. L., Cota, M. and Cobos, A. J. 2016. Dragons in the Mist: Three New Species of Pseudocalotes Fitzinger (Squamata: Agamidae) from the Sky Island Archipelago of Peninsular Malaysia. [Targaryen Dragons in the Mist: three new species of Pseudocalotes Fitzinger (Squamata: Agamidae) across the sky island archipelago of Peninsular Malaysia.] Zootaxa. 4136(3); DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4136.3.3

ResearchGate.net/publication/304994205_Dragons_in_the_Mist_three_new_species_of_Pseudocalotes_Fitzinger_Squamata_Agamidae_from_the_sky_island_archipelago_of_Peninsular_Malaysia

The little known draconine agamid lizard Calotes andamanensis Boulenger, 1891, was rediscovered from the Andaman Islands (India). The authors present morphometric and meristic data from six specimens originating from three islands of the Andaman Archipelago, and thereby add information to the description of the type specimen. The lizard's external morphology suggests that its generic assignment to Calotes in its present definition can-not be maintained and that this species should better be included in the genus Pseudocalotes.

Key words: reptilia, squamata, sauria, Agamidae, Calotes, Pseudocalotes andamanensis, lizard, systematics, taxonomy, Andaman Islands, Nicobar Islands, India, Indo-China

Harikrishnan Surendran and Karthikeyan Vasudevan. 2013. Rediscovery of Calotes andamanensis Boulenger, 1891, and Assessment of its Generic Allocation.
Herpetozoa. 26(1/2):3-13.

researchgate.net/publication/255179403_Rediscovery_of_Calotes_andamanensis_Boulenger_1891_and_assessment_of_its_generic_allocation

FIG. 3.— Dorsal aspect of the bodies of five species of arboreal toads collected from southern and Southeast Asia:
(A) holotype of Rentapia hosii BMNH 1947.2.19.29; (B) holotype of R. everetti BMNH 1947.2.18.27; (C) holotype of Rentapia rugosa (junior synonym of R. everetti) FMNH 81297; (D) a syntype of Pedostibes tuberculosus BMNH 1947.2.22.70; (E) a voucher specimen of Bufoides meghalayanus (WII uncatalogued); and (F) a syntype of Nectophryne kempi (ZSI 18481A).

In each panel, bar 5 5 mm.
Chandramouli& Amarasinghe. 2016. DOI 10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-15-00053

Abstract

We reassessed the taxonomic status of an Asian genus of arboreal bufonids, Pedostibes, based on examination of preserved material of the two species currently attributed to this genus. Analysis of their morphological, morphometric, and geographic distribution data revealed that Pedostibes tuberculosus, the type species of this genus from the Western Ghats, southwestern India, is morphologically distinct from the geographically separated member, P. kempi, which is distributed in northeastern India. Hence, the generic nomen Pedostibes is restricted to the type species, rendering it a monotypic genus from the Western Ghats of peninsular India. A re-examination and detailed comparisons of the types of P. kempi with other bufonid genera revealed morphological similarities with another geographically proximate toad, Bufoides meghalayanus, from northeastern India. Hence, this taxon is formally transferred herein to Bufoides with a redescription. The composition of the recently described Southeast Asian toad genus Rentapia is reevaluated and the name-bearing type specimens of the currently ascribed taxa are redescribed. A detailed examination of the types of Rentapia everetti and R. rugosa revealed morphological congruence coupled with geographic sympatry. Hence, the latter nomen is synonymized with R. everetti in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature principle of priority.

Keywords: Arboreal anuran, Morphometric analyses, Northeastern India, Western Ghats

S.R. Chandramouli and A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe. 2016. Taxonomic Reassessment of the Arboreal Toad Genus Pedostibes Günther 1876 (Anura: Bufonidae) and Some Allied Oriental Bufonid Genera.
Herpetologica. 72(2): 137-147. DOI 10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-15-00053

ResearchGate.net/publication/303599489_Taxonomic_Reassessment_of_the_Arboreal_Toad_Genus_P_Gunther_1876_Anura_Bufonidae_and_Some_Allied_Oriental_Bufonid_Genera

ABSTRACT

The systematic position of the agamid genus Coryphophylax (Squamata: Agamidae) is given as monotypic and endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, India. After having surveyed intensively in thirteen different Islands and examined several individuals in the Andamans group of islands, we describe a second species of Coryphophylax from the lowland rainforests of the South Andaman Island. Coryphophylax brevicaudus sp. nov. is differentiated from its congener, C. subcristatus (Blyth, "1860" 1861) by its smaller size, relatively shorter tail, presence of nuchal and dorsal crests in both sexes, midbody scale row counts and colour pattern. The new species lives in sympatry with C. subcristatus. The taxonomic history and systematic status of the genus Coryphophylax are discussed, and the need for continued surveys in the Islands is emphasized.

Key words: Squamata, Iguania, Agamidae, Coryphophylax brevicaudus sp. nov., Andaman Islands, India

Harikrishnan S., Karthikeyan Vasudevan, S.R. Chandramouli, B.C. Choudhary, Sushil Kumar Dutta and Indraneil Das. 2012. A New Species of Coryphophylax Fitzinger in: Steindachner, 1867 (Sauria: Iguania: Agamidae) from the Andaman Islands, India.

Zootaxa. 3451:31-45.

ResearchGate.net/publication/255291590_A_new_species_of_Coryphophylax_Fitzinger_in_Steindachner_1867_(Sauria_Iguania_Agamidae)_from_the_Andaman_Islands_India

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2012/f/z03451p045f.pdf

facebook.com/novataxa/photos/409724819080882

Hypostomus leucophaeus

Zanata & Pitanga, 2016

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4137.2.4

Abstract

A small-bodied new species of Hypostomus is described from the rio Itapicuru basin, Bahia, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from most congeners mainly by having the lower caudal-fin lobe distinctly longer than the upper lobe and absence of conspicuous dark spots on posterior half of body. It differs particularly from congeners occurring in northeastern coastal Brazilian drainages and the rio São Francisco basin by having the anterior portion of the abdomen completely plated and the posterior portion plated only on a narrow median line, leaving large lateral areas naked, dark spots on anterior portion of trunk similar in size or slightly larger than those on head, absence of conspicuous spots on posterior half of trunk and caudal fin, and absence of keels on head and trunk.

Keywords: Pisces, Hypostominae, taxonomy, Northeastern Brazil, Coastal drainages

A.M. Zanata and B.R. Pitanga. 2016. A New Species of Hypostomus Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from rio Itapicuru basin, Bahia State, Brazil.
Zootaxa. 4137(2); 223-232. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4137.2.4

Hypselobarbus keralaensis

Arunachalam, Chinnaraja & Mayden, 2016

IJIchthyol.org

Abstract

Hypselobarbus kurali (Menon & Rema Devi, 1995) consists of multiple species with similarity in the colour pattern of the tip of their caudal fins being orange and black. This complex of species possesses two pairs of barbels. Inspection of collections of H. kurali from the senior author’s samples from various streams/rivers of Western Ghats covering the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka revealed that an additional species has gone unrecognized. This new species, Hypselobarbus keralaensis, is diagnosed from its likely closest relative H. kurali by having fewer transverse breast scale rows (16 vs. 21-23) and fewer pre-anal scale rows (38-39 vs. 43-46).

Keywords: Cyprinidae, Hypselobarbus keralaensis sp. n, Taxonomy.

Fig.1. Hypselobarbus keralaensis Arunachalam, Chinnaraja & Mayden, 2016
(A) Hypselobarbus keralaensis sp. n. MSUMNH 95, Holotype, 176.65 mm SL, Thodaiyar stream, Karamana River basin, collected by M. Arunachalam and team, 10 November, 2001, (B) Hypselobarbus keralaensis sp. n. showing the anal fin structure and (C) gill-raker of Hypselobarbus keralaensis sp. n.

IJIchthyol.org

Diagnosis:Hypselobarbus keralaensis sp. n. is distinguished from H. curmuca by two pairs of barbels (vs. one pair), fewer upper transverse scale rows (8.5 vs. 9.5-10), fewer circumferential scale rows (32-33 vs. 39-40), fewer circumpeduncular scale rows (18 vs. 20-21), more transverse breast scale rows (16 vs. 10-11), a shorter upper jaw length (26.31-31.51 vs. 38.85-43.05 %HL) and longer prenasal length (33.60-44.58 vs.26.57-31.48 %HL). It is distinguished from H. kolus in having two pairs of barbels (vs. one pair), fewer upper transverse scale rows (8.5 vs. 9.5-10), fewer lower transverse scale rows (6.5 vs. 7.5-9), fewer circumpeduncular scale rows (18 vs. 20-21), more transverse breast scale rows (16 vs. 12-14), longer snout (46.51-53.89 vs. 34.3-42.76 %HL), longer pre-nasal length (33.60- 44.58 vs. 22.61-33.18 %HL) and presence of orange and black on caudal tip (vs. absence of color pattern). It is distinguished from H. dubius in having a weaker dorsal spine (vs. strong), fewer lateral lines scale rows (41 vs. 42-45) and more transverse breast scale rows (16 vs. 9-11). The species is distinguished from H. micropogon in having a weaker dorsal spine (vs. strong), more transverse breast scale rows (16 vs. 8- 12), and more circumferential scale rows (32-33 vs. 26-29). It is distinguished from H. nilgiriensis in having a weaker dorsal spine (vs. strong), fewer pre anal scale rows (38-39 vs. 41-45) and fewer circumferential scale rows (32-33 vs. 34-35). It is distinguished from H. periyarensis in having fewer lateral line scale rows (41 vs. 43-44), fewer predorsal scale rows (13-14 vs. 17-18), more transverse breast scale rows (16 vs. 10-13), and the morphometric features of having a shorter distance between occiput and dorsal fin origin (23.74-25.13 vs. 30.12-34.75 %SL), shorter dorsal origin to pectoral insertion (25.54-27.63 vs. 33.25-37.45 %SL) and longer snout (46.51-53.89 vs. 35.45-38.34 %HL).

Coloration: Dorsal half of body greyish, lighter on the sides and venter; deep black bar behind opening of operculum. Base of the scales above and below the lateral line with dark spots. Tips of caudal tinged black (Figs.1 and 2).

Distribution: This species is currently known from three rivers in Kerala.

Etymology: The new species is named after the state of Kerala as specimens were collected from south and north Kerala.

Muthukumarasamy ARUNACHALAM, Sivadoss CHINNARAJA AND Richard Lee MAYDEN. 2016. Description of A New Species of Hypselobarbus from Kerala region of Western Ghats, peninsular India (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Iranian Journal of Ichthyology. 3(2): 73–81. http://IJIchthyol.org/index.php/iji/article/view/3-2-1

facebook.com/israquarium/photos/1118126571587274

Tillandsia leucopetala

H. Büneker, R. Pontes & L. Witeck DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.202.2.6

Abstract

Tillandsia leucopetala H. Büneker, R. Pontes & L. Witeck is an endemic saxicolous new species from Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. It is described, illustrated and data about its geographic distribution and ecology are provided.

Keywords: Taxonomy, Tillandsia subg. Anoplophytum, Tillandsia tenuifolia complex

Henrique Mallmann Büneker, Rodrigo Corrêa Pontes, Leopoldo Witeck-Neto and Kelen Pureza Soares. 2016. Tillandsia leucopetala, A New Species of Bromeliaceae from Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Phytotaxa. 202(2); 143-148. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.202.2.6

researchgate.net/publication/273692842_Tillandsia_leucopetala_a_new_species_of_Bromeliaceae_from_Rio_Grande_do_Sul_southern_Brazil

Billolivia moelleri

D.J.Middleton sbg.org.sg

ABSTRACT

The new species Billolivia moelleri D.J.Middleton from Núi Chúa National Park

in Ninh Thuận Province in Vietnam is described. A provisional IUCN conservation assessment

and a new key to the species of Billolivia are provided.

Keywords: Billolivia, Gesneriaceae, new species, Vietnam

Billolivia moelleri D.J.Middleton sp. nov.

Similar to Billolivia violacea D.J.Middleton & H.J.Atkins in the violet corolla lobe tips and the presence of a calyx tube but differing in the leaf margins being more coarsely dentate, in the dark purple lines in the corolla, and in the corolla being smaller overall. It also shows similarities to Billolivia vietnamensis D.J.Middleton & Luu in the overall corolla size and in the purple lines in the corolla but that species has the calyx divided to the base and the corolla lobes are white.

TYPE: Vietnam, Ninh Thuận Prov., Ninh Hải Dist., Vĩnh Hải Commune, Núi Chúa National Park, trek from Kiền Kiền village to Núi Chúa peak, 758 m, 11°44’27.4”N

Etymology. The species is named in honour of Dr Michael Möller of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for his contribution to our understanding of the Gesneriaceae in Asia, including as a co-author on the paper in which the genus Billolivia was first described.

D.J. Middleton, J. Leong-Škorničková and Q.B. Nguyễn. 2014. A New Species of Billolivia (Gesneriaceae) from Vietnam. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 66(2): 189–194.

https://www.sbg.org.sg/images/4_4_Research_Gardens_Bulletin/4_4_66_2_pdf_Vol_66_Part_2_2014/4.4.66.1.08_y2014_V66P2_GBS_pg189.pdf

Billolivia tichii Lưu, Q.D.Nguyễn & N.L.Vũ

FIGURE 1. Billolivia tichii. A. Habit. B. Petioles. C. Abaxial lamina. D. Adaxial lamina. E. Inflorescence. F. Flowers, side view. G. Corolla lobes, dorsal view. H. Longisection of corolla. I. Stamen.

Photos: Phạm Hữu Nhân, Nguyễn Quốc Đạt, Nguyễn Thiện Tịch and Đặng Minh Trí.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.219.2.9

Abstract

The genus Billolivia D.J.Middleton in Middleton et al. (2014a: 255) of the Gesneriaceae was recently established with five species, namely B. longipetiolata (Middleton et al. 2014a: 256), B. minutiflora (Middleton et al. 2014a: 258), B. poilanei (Middleton et al. 2014a: 260), B. vietnamensis (Middleton et al. 2014a: 261) and B. violacea (Middleton et al. 2014a: 262). The sixth taxon of the genus, B. moelleri, was described shortly after in Middleton et al. (2014b: 189). Our continued search for the genus in southern Vietnam has gathered several other possible new taxa that are under examination. In this paper, we describe one of them as a new species from Bidoup-Núi Bà National Park.

Keywords: Gesneriaceae, Billolivia, new species, Eudicots, Vietnam

FIGURE 1. Billolivia tichii.
A. Habit. B. Petioles. C. Abaxial lamina. D. Adaxial lamina. E. Inflorescence. F. Flowers, side view. G. Corolla lobes, dorsal view. H. Longisection of corolla. I. Stamen.

Photos: Phạm Hữu Nhân, Nguyễn Quốc Đạt, Nguyễn Thiện Tịch and Đặng Minh Trí.

Billolivia tichii Lưu, Q.D.Nguyễn & N.L.Vũ, sp. nov. (Fig. 1)

Allied to Billolivia longipetiolata in having generally long pubescent petioles, coarsely dentate leaf margins and similar flower shape but it differs in having obovate to elliptic leaves, ellipsoid calyx, purple lines on the corolla throat and the base of lobes and red dot in the middle of filaments.

Type :— VIETNAM. Lâm Đồng Province: Lạc Dương District, Đạ Chais Commune, Bidoup-Núi Bà National Park, W slope of Gia Rích mountain ridge, 18 November 2014, Lưu Hồng Trường, Nguyễn Quốc Đạt, Phạm Hữu Nhân, Nguyễn Thế Văn LUU, DAT, NHAN &

VAN 1106 (holotype SGN!; isotypes SGN!, VNM!, DLU!, HNU!, HN!, VNMN!).

Ngọc Long Vũ, Hữu Nhân Phạm, Thế Văn Nguyễn, Hong Truong Luu. 2015. Billolivia tichii (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 219(2): 190–194. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.219.2.9

ResearchGate.net/publication/279866012_Billolivia_tichii_Gesneriaceae_a_new_species_from_Vietnam

http://www.botanyvn.com/cnt.asp?param=news&newsid=1613&lg=en

Billolivia kyi

Lưu& Tran

ABSTRACT

Billolivia kyi is described as a new species from Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park, Vietnam. The new species is distinct from B. poilanei in having long petioles, coarsely dentate leaf margins, sparsely pubescent pedicels, ovate calyx lobes not persistent on fruits and large fruits with persistent connate part of the calyx and from all the other known Billolivia species in having dark red to purple flowers with a yellow patch on the corolla throat and adaxially sparsely and abaxially densely pubescent laminas.

Hong Truong Luu, Huu Nhan Pham, Gioi Tran, Thi Thuy Dung Ngo, Nhat Lam Dinh and That Minh Ton. 2015. Billolivia kyi (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Vietnam.
ANNALES BOTANICI FENNICI. 52(5-6): 362-364. DOI: 10.5735/085.052.0515

ResearchGate.net/publication/281550562_Billolivia_kyi_Gesneriaceae_a_New_Species_from_Vietnam

Musa haekkinenii

N.S.Lý & Haev.
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.75.1.3

Abstract

A new banana species, Musa haekkinenii, is described from northern Vietnam. It differs notably from a well-known ornamental species, M. coccinea, by inflorescence features and leaf blade shape and especially the habit, shape, size and color of the male bracts of the inflorescences and male bud shape. A mixed watercolor and ink plate is provided for the new taxon and an identification key to species of Musa sect. Callimusa is included, along with a note comparing the morphology of the seven Indo-Chinese species.

Keywords: Botanical art, Callimusa, Indochina, Red River

FIGURE 1. Musa haekkinenii N.S.Lý & Haev.
A—habit; B—cross-section of petiole; C—old leaf base; D—old leaf apex; E—young leaf base; F—young leaf apex; G—young female inflorescence; H—male inflorescence with many persistent bracts; I—inner surface of male bract; J—outer surface of male bract; K—male flower, ventral view; L—male flower, dorsal view; M—compound tepal; N—free tepal; O—female flower: ovary, compound tepal, free tepal, filaments, style and stigma; P—lateral view of male flower; Q—close-up of filaments, anthers, style, and stigma of male flower; R—un-fertilized fruit with persistent perianth.

Scale bars: A = 50 cm; B = 1 cm; C–F = 20 cm; G = 10 cm; H = 5 cm; I–S = 2 cm. Based on dried materials, spirit materials (P) and photos of TH–508 and Lý–518.

Musa haekkinenii N.S.Lý & Haev., sp. nov.

Similar to M. coccinea, but differs by its leaf shape and size (lamina oblong-elliptic, c. 112 × 40 cm, one side pointed and the other rounded at base, the apex truncate vs. oblong, c. 100 × 25 cm, rounded on both base and apex), persistentnon-withering male bracts on the inflorescence axis that are denser and longer (up to 40 bracts, each 7.5–9.2 × 2–3 cm vs. c. 20 bracts c. 7 × 3 cm), and differences in the shape, color and habit of male bracts (ovate, bright orange-red, recurving downward to touch the erect axis vs. ovoid, deep scarlet, ascending).

Type:— VIETNAM. Phú Thọ Province: Phú Thọ District, Phú Hộ Commune, 21°27’11”N, 105°15’16”E, 54 m, 19 November 2008, T. Haevermans et al. 508 (Holotype P! (incl. spirit material), isotypes VNM!, H!).

Distribution and habitat:— Musa haekkinenii is known only from cultivated material, which bore flowers and infructescences with unfertilized fruits when it was observed and collected in December 2008 and December 2010. The prevailing climate in areas where the cultivated plants were growing is monsoon tropical, with an annual average rainfall ranging from 1560 mm (Sơn La) to 1850 mm (Phú Thọ) and an annual average temperature from 18.5°C in Sơn La to 23.1°C in Phú Thọ (Nguyễn et al. 2000).

Conservation status:— This species is so far known only as cultivated plants in Phú Thọ and Sơn La province. Because no data are available on its distribution in the wild, Musa haekkinenii is provisionally considered as Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN (2001) Red List criteria and categories.

Etymology:— Our new species is named in honor of Markku Häkkinen, a world expert on banana taxonomy and associate researcher at the Botany Unit, Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Finland. He has made remarkable contributions during more than 30 years of study on Musaceae and has conducted many collecting trips to Southeast Asia. The diacritic sign on the letter “ä” in his family name has been transliterated into Latin as “ae”, as recommended in Article 60.4 of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (McNeill et al. 2006), in spite of this being a latinisation of that letter from Germanic, not Fenno-Ugric languages.

Vernacular name:— This species is locally referred to as Chuối rừng hoa đỏ, “Chuối rừng” meaning wild banana and “hoa đỏ” meaning red inflorescence.

Ngoc-Sam Lý, C.-K. Lê, T.-D. Trieu, Agathe Haevermans, Porter P. Lowry II and Thomas Haevermans. 2013. A Distinctive New Wild Banana Species (Musa, Musaceae) from northern Vietnam. Phytotaxa 75:33-42. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.75.1.3

researchgate.net/publication/250927727_A_distinctive_new_wild_banana_species_Musa_Musaceae_from_northern_Vietnam

FIGURE 5 – Tocantinia stigmovittata Büneker, R. Bastian & C. Costa in habitat.

ABSTRACT

A synopsis of the genus Tocantinia is provided, with two new species being described and illustrated: Tocantinia dutilhiana and Tocantinia stigmovittata. Descriptions, illustrations and data on etymology, ecology, conservation status, distribution and habitat of the species are provided. The taxonomic placement of the genus in morphological and phylogenetic aspects is discussed.

Keywords: Taxonomy, Tocantinia mira, Tocantinia dutilhiana sp. nov., Tocantinia stigmovittata sp. nov., Cerrado Biome

TAXONOMY

Tocantinia Ravenna, Onira, v. 5, n. 3, p. 9, 2000.

Type: Tocantinia mira Ravenna

Etymology: The genus name refers to Tocantins (Latinized Tocantinia), a Brazilian state where the type population of the species of the genus is located.

Distribution and habitat: The genus is found in relatively large populations as geophytes in chemically poor, shallow and sandy soils from the Cerrado Biome. It is an endemic genus of Brazil, with populations known from central Brazil in the southeast of the state of Tocantins; in the central and southern-central part of Espinhaço Mountain Range; in the central region of Minas Gerais state; and in southwestwern Bahia state.

1. Tocantinia miraRavenna, Onira, v. 5, n. 3, p. 10, 2000, (Fig. 1A-B).

Etymology: The specific epithet of the species, “mira” (Latin mira = wonderful) possibly refers to morphological uniqueness of the species at the time it was described.

Distribution: Species known only by the type collection, whose specimens are from a collection of a natural population at the locality in Rio Lajes, in the city of Paranã, southeastem of the Tocantins state (Brazil). The original population of the collection was not located, as well as subsequent collections of this species.

Tocantinia dutilhiana Büneker, R. Bastian & C. Costa – in habitat with urban area of Caetité (Bahia) behind.

Photo by Exupério Ledo Silva

2. TocantiniadutilhianaBüneker, R. Bastian & C. Costa, sp. nov., (Figs. 2 A–C, 3 A–G).

Species morphologice proxima Tocantinia mira et Tocantinia stigmovittata. A prima differt maiori longitudine scapi (usque ad 28 vs. 20.5 cm), numero bractearum inflorescentiae (2 vs. 1), minori longitudine tepalorum (6–7.9 vs. 11– 13 cm), typo stigmae (trifidi vs. capitati) et forma ovulorum (suborbiculariorum vs. clavatocapitatorum). A secunda differt minori longitudine scapi (17–28 vs. 28.5–70.9 cm), hyphanto coloris externae differentis in superiori portione durans anthesis et attingendo minorem longitudinem (pallescente et usque ad 8.5 cm vs. viridescente et usque ad 12 cm), tepalis attingendo minorem longitudinem (usque ad 7.9 vs. 10.8 cm), forma apicis tepalorum verticilli externi (acuti vel attenuati vs. rotundato-cuspitati), forma apicis tepalorum verticilli interni (acuti ad obtusi vs. rotundato-retusi) et lobis stigmaticis in anthese suberectis et plene albis (vs. lobis stigmaticis in anthese patentes et cum marginibus ornatis lineis roseo-vinaceis).

FIGURE 3 – Tocantinia dutilhiana Büneker, R. Bastian & C. Costa (C. Costa 10).
A – Population in habitat (Photo by Exupério Ledo Silva). B – Growing habit. C – Population in habitat with urban area of Caetité (Bahia) behind (Photo by Exupério Ledo Silva). D – Side view of the inflorescence. E – Flower viewed from above. F – Side view of the stigma. G – Immature fruit.

Etymology: The specific epithet honors one of the first collectors of the species specimens that were located, a professor and researcher, expert in Amaryllidaceae, Dr. Julie Henriette Antoinette Dutilh, of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (São Paulo, Brazil), which has actively contributed to the advancement of knowledge of the Brazilian Amaryllidaceae.

Distribution: Occurs in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, in the central region of Minas Gerais state (where one population is known in the city of Várzea da Palma) and in southwestern of Bahia state. (where one population is known in the city of Caetité).

3. Tocantinia stigmovittata Büneker, R. Bastian & C. Costa, sp. nov., (Figs. 2 D–F, 4 A– F, 5).

Species morphologice proxima Tocantinia mira et Tocantinia dutilhiana. A prima differt foliis largioribus (1–2.1 vs. 0.3–0.9 cm), scapo longiori (28.5–70.9 vs. 15–20.5 cm), numero bractearum inflorescentiae (2–3 vs. 1), hypantho attingendo maiorem longitudinem (usque ad 12 vs. 8.6 cm), minori longitudine tepalorum (7– 10.8 vs. 11–13 cm), forma apicis tepalorum verticilli interni (rotundato-retusi vs. acuti), typo stigmae (trifidi vs. capitati) et forma ovulorum (suborbicularium vs. clavato-capitatorum). A secunda differt maiori longitudine scapi (28.5– 70.9 vs. 17–28 cm), hypanto coloris externae differentis in parte superiori durante anthesis et attingendo maiorem longitudinem (viridescente et ad 12 cm vs. pallescente et usque ad 8.5 cm), tepala attingendo maiorem longitudinem (ad 10.8 vs. 7.9 cm), forma apicis tepalorum verticilli externi (rotundato-cuspidati vs. acuti vel attenuati), forma apicis tepalorum verticilli interni (rotundato-retusi vs. acuti ad obtusi) et lobis stigmaticis in anthese patentes et cum marginibus ornatis lineis roseo-vinaceis (vs. lobis stigmaticis in anthese suberectis et plene albis).

FIGURE 4 – Tocantinia stigmovittata Büneker, R. Bastian & C. Costa (C. Costa 05).
A – Population in habitat. B – Habit. C – Flowers viewed from above. D – Side view of the inflorescence. E – Side view of the stigma. F – Upper view of the stigma.

Etymology: The specific epithet “stigmovittata” (Latin stigma = stigma and vittatus = marked or ornamented with ribbons or bows) refers to the morphological uniqueness of the stigma of the species that has stigmatic lobes ornamented with lines (ribbons) pink-vinaceous on its margins.

Distribution: There is only one known wild population, in the central region of Espinhaço Mountain Range in the city of Lagoa Real, in southwestern Bahia state (Brazil). Is also found growing in public gardens in the city of Caetité (Bahia), municipality that borders Lagoa Real.

Henrique Mallmann Büneker, Regis Eduardo Bastian, Kelen Pureza Soares, Calmito Miranda Costa. 2016. The Genus Tocantinia (Amaryllidaceae, Amaryllidoideae) and Two New Species from Brazil. BALDUINIA. 53; 1-14. http://periodicos.ufsm.br/balduinia/issue/view/103

researchgate.net/publication/305082647_The_genus_Tocantinia_Amaryllidaceae_Amaryllidoideae_and_two_new_species_from_Brazil

[O gênero Tocantinia (Amaryllidaceae, Amaryllidoideae) e duas novas espécies para o Brasil].

RESUMO: É fornecida uma sinopse de informações sobre o gênero Tocantinia, sendo descritas e ilustradas duas novas espécies para este: T. dutilhiana e T. stigmovittata. São fornecidas descrições, ilustrações e dados sobre etimologia, ecologia, status de conservação, distribuição e habitat das espécies. É discutido o posicionamento taxonômico do gênero sob aspectos morfológicos e filogenéticos.

Palavras-chave: Taxonomia, Tocantinia mira, Tocantinia dutilhiana sp. nov., Tocantinia stigmovittata sp. nov., Bioma Cerrado

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