Species New to Science

Sorbus cibagouensis H. Peng et Z. J. Yin
(A) wild plant & (B) flower.

Photographed by Z. Mingxu. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01253

Abstract

Sorbus cibagouensis sp. nov. (Rosaceae subfam. Rosaceae), a new taxon from Cibagou National Nature Reserve, Zayü County, southeastern Xizang (Tibet), China, is described and illustrated. It is related to S. monbeigii (Cardot) Balakr., but primarily differs in the number of styles (S. cibagouensis = 5; S. monbeigii = 4) and the shape of stipules and leaves (S. cibagouensis: stipules caducous, small, with entire margin, leaflets in 9–11 pairs; S. monbeigii: stipules persistent, large, serrate, leaflets in 6–8 (–10) pairs).

Sorbus cibagouensis H. Peng et Z. J. Yin

(A) wild plant, (B) flower, (C) type specimen.

Photographed by Z. Mingxu. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01253

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the type locality, Cibagou National Nature Reserve.

Zhijian Yin, Mingxu Zhao, Fanglin Tang, HongYan Sun and Hua Peng. 2017. Sorbus cibagouensis sp. nov. (Rosaceae) from Zayü County, southeastern Xizang, China.
Journal of Botany. 35(1); 58–62. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01253

ResearchGate.net/publication/312924312_Sorbus_cibagouensis_sp_nov_Rosaceae_from_Zayu_County_southeastern_Xizang_China

http://kmy.forestry.gov.cn/portal/kmy/s/1741/content-950985.html

http://www.qqnalp.com/tech/4530358.html

Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus

photo: Lee Tiah Khee

SingaporeBirdGroup.wordpress.com BirdLife.org

blog.journals.cambridge.org DOI: 10.1017/S0959270917000028

Abstract

The globally threatened Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus is one of South-East Asia’s most imperiled songbirds due to the surging demand for the species in the regional bird trade. Recently uplisted from Vulnerable to Endangered, populations of the Straw-headed Bulbul have been extirpated from Java, Thailand and possibly Sumatra while those in Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia are in decline. Intriguingly, a significant yet rarely documented population of this species persists in Singapore. A major stronghold in Singapore is Ubin Island where a population is known since the 1920s. Using a long-term citizen science dataset rarely available for South-East Asian bird species, we determined the status and population trends of the Straw-headed Bulbul in Singapore over a 10–15 year period using Poisson regression models and standardised population indices. We found that the Straw-headed Bulbul population has increased at a rate of 3.69 ± 1.21% per annum on Ubin Island, while the population on Singapore Island remained stable (0.56% per annum) from 2000 to 2016. The population trends in Singapore contrast starkly with the declines reported elsewhere in South-East Asia. We estimated the population in Singapore to be a minimum of 202 individuals, distributed over multiple forest patches. The largest subpopulation of about 110 adult individuals persists on Ubin and which alone forms between 6.5–18.3% of the estimated global population in 2016. Given this unique situation, we recommend a number of conservation measures for the Straw-headed Bulbul to better protect the species, including: (1) an expansion of the protected area network in Singapore to include Ubin as a reserve, (2) the development of an endangered species management plan and, (3) the establishment of ex-situ conservation programmes in zoological institutions and wildlife centres in the region.

Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus

photo: Francis Yap

Ding Li Yong, Kim Seng Lim, Kim Chuah Lim, Trixie Tan, Siyang Teo and Hua Chew Ho. 2017. Significance of the Globally Threatened Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) Populations in Singapore: A Last Straw for the Species?
Bird Conservation International. DOI: 10.1017/S0959270917000028

ResearchGate.net/publication/309423215_Significance_of_the_globally_threatened_Straw-headed_Bulbul_Pycnonotus_zeylanicus_populations_in_Singapore_a_last_straw_for_the_species

Long-term surveys reveal Singapore as the global stronghold of endangered songbird « Life Sciences « Cambridge Core Blog http://blog.journals.cambridge.org/2017/02/23/long-term-surveys-reveal-singapore-as-the-global-stronghold-of-endangered-songbird

The tiny corner of Asia where an Endangered songbird is thriving | @BirdLife_News

http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/tiny-corner-asia-where-endangered-songbird-thriving

https://SingaporeBirdGroup.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/singapore-the-global-stronghold-of-the-straw-headed-bulbul/

Sudanonautes tiko

Mvogo Ndongo, Schubart, Rintelen, Tamesse & Cumberlidge, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.1.8

Abstract

A new species of freshwater crab of the genus Sudanonautes Bott, 1955, is described from the tropical rainforests of Edea and Tiko in southern Cameroon, Central Africa. Sudanonautes tiko n. sp. is recognized by a unique combination of characters of the carapace, thoracic sternum, chelipeds, and male first gonopod, and by distinct mtDNA sequences for two loci (COI and 16S rRNA). A diagnosis, illustrations, and a tree of phylogenetic relationships based on mtDNA sequences are provided, along with a comparison to similar species from the region. Brief notes are provided on the ecology of the new species and of three other species of Sudanonautes collected during this study.

Keywords: Crustacea, Central Africa, new species, taxonomy, freshwater decapod

Pierre A. Mvogo Ndongo, Christoph D. Schubart, Thomas Von Rintelen, Joseph L. Tamesse and Neil Cumberlidge. 2017. Morphological and Molecular Evidence for A New Species of Freshwater Crab of the Genus Sudanonautes Bott, 1955 (Brachyura: Potamoidea: Potamonautidae) from Cameroon, with Notes on Its Ecology.
Zootaxa. 4242(1); 161-173. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.1.8

Scytalopus alvarezlopezi

Stiles, Laverde& Cadena, 2017

Tatamá Tapaculo | DOI: 10.1642/AUK-16-205.1

ABSTRACT

We describe Scytalopus alvarezlopezi from the Western Andes of Colombia. The new species forms part of a distinctive clade of Scytalopus tapaculos (Rhinocryptidae) that also includes S. robbinsi from Ecuador and S. stilesi and S. rodriguezi, which occur on the Central and Eastern Andes of Colombia. S. alvarezlopezi is easily diagnosable from its near relatives by its song and mitochondrial DNA; differences in plumage exist but are more subtle. The species inhabits dense understory vegetation on the floors and lower slopes of ravines in cloud forest at elevations of 1,300 to 2,100 m. On the Pacific slope, its altitudinal distribution is sandwiched between those of S. chocoensis (below) and S. vicinior (above); the latter in turn is replaced higher up by S. spillmanni and S. latrans, but S. alvarezlopezi also occurs at ∼2,000–2,100 m on eastern slopes just below the low ridgeline. All of the latter species are distinguished by vocal and plumage characters. Marked sexual differences in plumage exist in stilesi, but females have yet to be collected for alvarezlopezi and rodriguezi. We consider that S. alvarezlopezi is not threatened at present, but could be potentially vulnerable due to its restricted distribution; it is endemic to Colombia.

Keywords: Colombia, endemic species, new species, ecology, vocalizations

FIGURE 1. (A, B) Two views of the paratype of Scytalopus alvarezlopezi upon capture at Cerro Montezuma, Mpo. Pueblo Rico, Dpto. Risaralda, Colombia, April 2, 2015. Note the overall dark coloration with blurry, dark rufous barring on the flanks and crissum. (C) The striking pattern of the mouth lining of the paratype. The tongue, commissure, and center of the mandible are white, the lateral portions of the mandible are black. The mouth lining has not been described for any other tapaculo, but might provide a useful character for distinguishing species.

Photos by J. Heavyside.

@AukJournal DOI: 10.1642/AUK-16-205.1

Etymology. We take pleasure in naming this species in honor of Humberto Alvarez-López, the ‘‘dean of Colombian ornithology,’’ for his many contributions to the knowledge and study of this country’s birds over nearly half a century. Humberto was professor of ornithology at the Universidad del Valle for nearly 4 decades and helped train several of Colombia’s foremost ornithologists and conservationists; in 1979 he founded in Cali the first local ornithological society in Colombia, an example soon followed by other cities in the country, and long edited and wrote for its journal. His book Introducción a las Aves de Colombia, published in 1979, was instrumental in making the observation of birds accessible to students and the public at large in Colombia, and arguably spearheaded the development of field ornithology in the country. In 1987 Humberto was president of the third Neotropical Ornithological Congress, the only one to be held in Colombia. He painstakingly translated Hilty’s monumental Guide to the Birds of Colombia into Spanish and was a founding member of the Asociación Colombiana de Ornitología, serving for more than 10 years as president and member of its governing body, where his sage advice on difficult matters often has been decisive. ¡Muchas gracias, ‘‘Maestro’’!

We suggest the English name of Tatamá Tapaculo for S. alvarezlopezi because the majority of localities for this species are in the middle sector of the Western Andes near the border between Risaralda and Choco Departments, in ´ which the most prominent and best-known mountain is Cerro Tatamá, the center of Tatama´ National Park; Cerro Montezuma is in the park’s buffer zone, Pisones is also within ~7 km of the park boundary, and CDC and OLR have found this species in several sites within the park itself.

F. Gary Stiles, Oscar Laverde-R. and Carlos Daniel Cadena. 2017. A New Species of Tapaculo (Rhinocryptidae: Scytalopus) from the Western Andes of Colombia. [Una nueva especie de tapaculo (Rhinocryptidae: Scytalopus) de la Cordillera Occidental de Colombia] The Auk. 134(2); 377-392. DOI: 10.1642/AUK-16-205.1

ResearchGate.net/publication/314162705_A_new_species_of_tapaculo_Rhinocryptidae_Scytalopus_from_the_Western_Andes_of_Colombia

B.C. student helps discover new bird species in Colombia http://www.cbc.ca/1.4009260

https://twitter.com/AukJournal/status/837013981403344896

RESUMEN: Describimos Scytalopus alvarezlopezi de la cordillera Occidental de los Andes colombianos. Esta nueva especie forma parte de un clado bien definido de tapaculos del género Scytalopus (Rhinocryptidae) que también incluye a S. robbinsi de Ecuador y S. stilesi y S. rodriguezi, las cuales están presentes en las cordilleras Central y Oriental de los Andes colombianos. S. alvarezlopezi es fácilmente diagnosticable en comparación con sus parientes por sus vocalizaciones y ADN mitocontrial; también hay diferencias en plumaje pero son más sutiles. La especie habita en el sotobosque denso de los fondos y lados de barrancos en bosque nuboso entre elevaciones de 1,300 y 2,100 m. Sobre la vertiente del Pacífico, la distribución altitudinal de alvarezlopezi está entre las de chocoensis (hacia abajo) y vicinior (hacia arriba); más arriba, vicinior es reemplazado por spillmanni y S. latrans; sin embargo, alvarezlopezi alcanza localmente elevaciones de 2,100 m o más sobre la vertiente oriental de algunos filos bajos justo por debajo de la cima. Todas estas especies se distinguen por vocalizaciones y plumaje. Existen differencias en plumaje entre los sexos de stilesi, pero aun falta recolectar hembras de rodriguezi y alvarezlopezi. Consideramos que actualmente S. alvarezlopezi no está amenazado, pero debido a su distribución restringida, potencialmente podría considerarse vulnerable; es una especie endémica a Colombia.

Palabras clave: Colombia, ecología, especie endémica, nueva especie, vocalizaciones

Diaphenchelys dalmatian

Hibino, Satapoomin & Kimura, 2017

DOI: 10.1007/s10228-017-0578-3

Abstract

A new species of moray eel, Diaphenchelys dalmatian is described based on five specimens [289.8–503.0 mm total length (TL)] collected from the western coast of peninsular Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. It can be easily distinguished from Diaphenchelys pelonates McCosker and Randall 2007, another species of the genus Diaphenchelys McCosker and Randall 2007, by its coloration (ground color white with brown dalmatian-like spots vs. brown with pale vermiculate pattern). The present new species also differs from D. pelonates in its longer tail (62.0–64.6% TL vs. 59.6–61.5%), fewer infraorbital pores along upper lip (three vs. four), fewer mandibular pores (five vs. six or seven), and fewer vertebral counts (preanal vertebrae 43–46 vs. 55–58; total 126–131 vs. 153–155). Diaphenchelys is closely similar to the genus Strophidon McClelland 1844 in the shape of neurocranium, the elongate body, low vertical fins, eye location, jaw shape, and presence of inner mandibular teeth. However, both differ in the vertebral counts (126–155 in Diaphenchelys vs. 164–208 in Strophidon) and coloration (prominent pattern vs. uniform).

Keywords: Muraenidae, Diaphenchelys, Thailand, Strophidon, Dalmatian

Fig. 1 Fresh condition of Diaphenchelys dalmatian sp. nov.
a PMBC 27945, holotype, 503.0 mm TL, off Phuket, Thailand; b THNHM-F 12483, paratype, 461.8 mm TL, off Chantha Buri Province, Thailand

Diagnosis. A species of Diaphenchelys with the following combination of characters: tail 62.0–64.6% TL; three infraorbital pores along upper lip; five mandibular pores; ground color of body white, with numerous brown dalmatian-like spots dorsolaterally; predorsal vertebrae 6–9, preanal vertebrae 43–46 and total 126–131; MVF 7-45-128.

Distribution and ecological note. Known from the western coast of peninsular Thailand (Andaman Sea, marginal sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean) and the Gulf of Thailand. Although the collecting depth and environment of the present specimens are unclear, the holotype is strongly considered to be from the muddy bottom <100 m depth because it was collected with Gymnothorax mccoskeri Smith and Böhlke 1997, Ophichthus cephalozona (Bleeker 1864), Muraenesox cinereus (Forsskål 1775), and some apogonid and leiognathid fishes generally collected from shallow coastal water (Smith and Böhlke 1997; Allen and Erdmann 2012; Kimura 2013; Shibukawa 2013).

Etymology. The scientific name, dalmatian, is a noun in apposition, representing its similar appearance to that breed of speckled dog.

Yusuke Hibino, Ukkrit Satapoomin and Seishi Kimura. 2017. A New Species of the Genus Diaphenchelys (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) from Thailand.
Ichthyological Research. DOI: 10.1007/s10228-017-0578-3

Pediobius foliorum (Geoffroy, 1785)

Cao, Salle & Zhu, 2017.
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4240.1.1

Abstract

The Chinese species of Pediobius Walker, 1846 are treated in this paper, resulting in 34 species, of which 5 are newly described: P. bisulcatus Cao & Zhu sp. n., P. elongatus Cao & Zhu sp. n., P. petiolapilus Cao & Zhu sp. n., P. prominentis Cao & Zhu, sp. n., and P. tortricida Cao & Zhu, sp. n. Nine species are also newly recorded from China: P. anomalus (Gahan, 1920), P. bethylicidus Kerrich, 1973, P. bruchicida (Rondani, 1872), P. cassidae Erdös, 1958, P. claviger (Thomson, 1878), P. erionotae Kerrich, 1973, P. phragmitis Bouček, 1965, P. saulius (Walker, 1839), and P. tetratomus (Thomson, 1878). Four new synonyms are proposed: P. illiberidis Liao, 1987 under P. pyrgo (Walker, 1839) syn. n., P. planiceps Sheng & Kamijo, 1992 under P. inexpectatus Kerrich, 1973 syn. n., P. sinensis Sheng & Wang, 1994 under P. facialis (Giraud, 1863) syn. n., and P. songshaominus Liao, 1987 under P. yunanensis Liao, 1987 syn. n. The species-group concept is used to compare similar species, of which eight are recognized in China including two newly recognized groups: the cassidae-group and the crassicornis-group. One species complex, the P. eubius complex, is also recognized. An updated checklist of the Chinese species of Pediobius is provided, with species-group placement. New host records for Pediobius species from China are summarized in a table and valid species possibly present in China but not included in this study in another table. A key to all known females and males of Chinese Pediobius is also provided.

Keywords: Myriapoda, Entedoninae, taxonomy, new species, new synonyms, new records, key, biology, distribution, species group

Pediobius foliorum (Geoffroy, 1785), female, body in lateral view (to show antenna)

Huan-Xi Cao, John La Salle and Chao-Dong Zhu. 2017. Chinese Species of Pediobius Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).
Zootaxa. 4240(1); 1-71. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4240.1.1

ResearchGate.net/publication/313056135_Chinese_species_of_Pediobius_Walker_Hymenoptera_Eulophidae

Platychelys oberndorferi Wagner, 1853

Life reconstruction represents Platychelys oberndorferi as a fast ram feeder and emphasizes the resemblance of this taxon with the extant matamata (Chelus fimbriatus) and snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina and Macrochelys temminckii).

Artwork by P. Röschli. DOI: 10.1038/srep42376

Abstract

Modern turtles are composed of two monophyletic groups, notably diagnosed by divergent neck retraction mechanisms. Pleurodires (side-necked turtles) bend their neck sideways and protect their head under the anterior margin of the carapace. Cryptodires (hidden-necked turtles) withdraw their neck and head in the vertical plane between the shoulder girdles. These two mechanisms of neck retraction appeared independently in the two lineages and are usually assumed to have evolved for protective reasons. Here we describe the neck of Platychelys oberndorferi, a Late Jurassic early stem pleurodire, and find remarkable convergent morphological and functional similarities with modern cryptodires. Partial vertical neck retraction in this taxon is interpreted to have enabled fast forward projection of the head during underwater prey capture and offers a likely explanation to the functional origin of neck retraction in modern cryptodires. Complete head withdrawal for protection may therefore have resulted from an exaptation in that group.

Figure 3: Life reconstruction of Platychelys oberndorferi in its palaeoenvironment.
This reconstruction represents Platychelys oberndorferi as a fast ram feeder and emphasizes the resemblance of this taxon with the extant matamata (Chelus fimbriatus) and snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina and Macrochelys temminckii).

Artwork by P. Röschli. DOI: 10.1038/srep42376

Figure 2: Neck mobility in Platychelys oberndorferi.
(a) Only-known complete individual of Platychelys oberndorferi from the Late Jurassic of Eichstätt, Germany (undescribed; coll. Stefan Schäfer, Puchheim, Germany), illustrating the peculiar morphology of this species [photo by H. Tischlinger]. The biomechanichal reconstructions
(b–e) represent specimen NMB So.596, for which the shell, two cervical vertebrae, and one caudal vertebra are known (elements in white). Other parts of the skeleton (elements in grey) where either derived from other specimens or reconstructed based on adjoining elements (see Methods). (b) Maximal protraction of the neck. (c) Neutral position of the neck (maximum overlap of zygapophyses). (d) Probable maximal retraction of the neck. (e) Extreme hypothesis of maximal retraction of the neck (see Biomechanical analysis). Reconstructions by P. Röschli.

Jérémy Anquetin, Haiyan Tong and Julien Claude. 2017. A Jurassic Stem Pleurodire Sheds Light on the Functional Origin of Neck Retraction in Turtles.
Scientific Reports. 7, 42376. DOI: 10.1038/srep42376

Mystery of how the turtle's neck evolved may be solved by 150m-year-old fossil https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/feb/16/mystery-of-how-the-turtles-neck-evolved-may-be-solved-by-150m-year-old-fossil

Pristimantis leopardus

Rivera-Correa, Jiménez-Rivillas & Daza, 2017

Photo: J. Fang DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.2.6

Abstract

Pristimantis, distributed throughout the New World tropics, is the most speciose vertebrate genus. Pristimantis presents an enormous morphological diversity and is currently divided into several demonstrably non-monophyletic phenetic species groups. With the purpose of increasing our understanding of Pristimantis systematics, we present the first phylogenetic analysis using molecular evidence to test the monophyly and infer evolutionary relationships within the Pristimantisleptolophus group, an endemic group of frogs from the highlands of the Colombian Andes. Our phylogenetic reconstruction recovers the group as monophyletic with high support, indicating general concordance between molecular data and morphological data. In addition, we describe a new polymorphic species lacking conspicuous tubercles, a regular attribute among species of the P. leptolophus species group and endemic from the Páramo de Sonsón complex (Antioquia, Colombia). The phylogenetic position of the new species is inferred and other systematic implications in the light of our results are discussed.

Keywords: Amphibia, Antioquia, Brachycephaloidea, Cordillera Central, molecular phylogenetics, morphology, Páramo de Sonsón

FIGURE 8. Microhabitat, Pristimantis leopardus sp. nov. on the bract of Bromelia sp.

Etymology. The specific epithet corresponds to the Latin noun leopardus and it refers to the spotted and striped pattern observed in the new species, which resembles color patterns the American felid genus Leopardus, known in Spanish as tigrillos or ocelotes.

Mauricio Rivera-Correa, Carlos Jiménez-Rivillas and Juan M. Daza. 2017. Phylogenetic Analysis of the Neotropical Pristimantis leptolophus Species Group (Anura: Craugastoridae): Molecular Approach and Description of A New Polymorphic Species. Zootaxa. 4242(2); 313–343. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.2.6

Figure 1.: Habitus photographs.
B Eutrichodesmus deporatus sp. n., a male ecological photo from Cave Tham Pathok, sublateral view C E. paraster sp. n., male holotype (SMF) from Cave Tham Long Puang, lateral view D E. parvus sp. n., male paratype (ZFMK) from Cave Tham Nam Long, lateral view.

Liu, Golovatch & Wesener, 2017
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.660.11780

Abstract

Laos has large areas of primary forest with a largely unexplored fauna. This is evidenced by millipedes, class Diplopoda, with fewer than 60 species being recorded from the country. In the widespread Southeast Asian “Star Millipede” genus Eutrichodesmus Silvestri, 1910 (family Haplodesmidae), only two of 49 recorded species have been found in Laos. Four new species of Star Millipedes are here described from caves in Laos: Eutrichodesmus steineri Liu & Wesener, sp. n., E. deporatus Liu & Wesener, sp. n., E. paraster Liu & Wesener, sp. n. and E. parvus Liu & Wesener, sp. n.. A fifth species, for which only a female is available, remains unnamed. The defensive glands (ozopores) are found to be strongly or entirely suppressed in two of the new species, E. deporatus Liu & Wesener, sp. n. and E. paraster Liu & Wesener, sp. n., both troglobionts, which is new to the family. All of the Star Millipedes were collected during Northern Lao-European Cave Project faunal surveys conducted by the Senckenberg Museum, Frankfurt. A key to the six species of Eutrichodesmus currently known to occur in Laos is provided.

Keywords: Millipede, reduced ozopores, biodiversity, taxonomy, cave adaptation, Laos

Figure 1.: Habitus photographs. A Eutrichodesmus steineri sp. n., male paratype (SMF) from Cave Tham Dout, ventrolateral view B E. deporatus sp. n., a male ecological photo from Cave Tham Pathok, sublateral view C E. paraster sp. n., male holotype (SMF) from Cave Tham Long Puang, lateral view DE. parvus sp. n., male paratype (ZFMK) from Cave Tham Nam Long, lateral view.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.660.11780

Weixin Liu, Sergei Golovatch and Thomas Wesener. 2017. Four New Species of the Millipede Genus Eutrichodesmus Silvestri, 1910 from Laos, Including Two with Reduced Ozopores (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Haplodesmidae). ZooKeys. 660: 43-65. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.660.11780

Brownlowia latifiana R.C.K.Chung

[upper] Fruiting leafy twigs.

[lower] Inflorescence with young flower buds (left and centre), opened flower (centre) and mature flower bud (right).

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.298.2.3

Abstract

A new species, Brownlowia latifiana (Malvaceae-Brownlowioideae), endemic to Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia, is described and illustrated. This new species has most of its morphological characters that are related to those of the genus Jarandersonia. Therefore, a standard morphological taxonomic revision and morphometric analysis were carried out to assess the status of Brownlowia latifiana. Results of the morphometric analysis based on morphological characters showed that Brownlowia latifiana is embedded within the clades of Brownlowia but distanced from the clades Jarandersonia. Brownlowia formed a distinct clade in the clustering tree well separated from the Jarandersonia. A distribution map and a conservation assessment using the IUCN Red List categories and criteria are provided.

Keywords: Conservation, endemic, flora, Malaysia, taxonomy, Malvaceae, Eudicots

FIGURE 6. Brownlowia latifiana R.C.K.Chung.
A. Flowering leafy twigs. B. Fruiting leafy twigs. C. Inflorescence with young flower buds (left and centre), opened flower (centre) and mature flower bud (right). D. Inflorescence with opened flowers and mature flower buds.

Brownlowia latifiana R.C.K.Chung, sp. nov.

Type:— PENINSULAR MALAYSIA. Terengganu: Dungun, Jerangau Forest Reserve, buffer zone by the stream of Compartment 95, 65 m altitude, 21 July 2009 (flowers and fruits), Y.C. Chan & C.L. Lim FRI 65055 (holotype KEP [barcode 246218]; isotypes A, K).

Brownlowia latifiana is closely related to B. argentata and B. tersa in leaf texture, type of indumentum and other flower and fruit characters. However, the former differs from the latter, B. argentata and B. tersa, by its narrowly elliptic leaves (vs. ovate to broadly ovate or lanceolate), glabrous beneath (vs. densely covered with scales), 10−20 pairs lateral veins (vs. 4−10), large transversely ellipsoid fruits (vs. small depressed obovoid), absence of androgynophore (vs. presence and elongated to 6 mm long, 3 mm thick), persistent calyx lobes (vs. absent), and thick fruit stalk (vs. thin stalk). The main morphological differences between these three species are shown in Table 3.

.....

Etymology:— This species is named after the current Director-General of Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Dato’ Dr Abd. Latif bin Mohmod, for his contributions in securing fund of RM7.6 million for the Project of Safeguarding the Forest Plant Diversity of Peninsular Malaysia under the Ninth Malaysian Plan; successfully in acquiring the ownership of FRIM land area of 544.3 ha from the Selangor State Government in 2007; and in obtaining the recognition for FRIM as the Natural Heritage Site in 2009 and the National Heritage in 2012.

Distribution and habitat:— This species is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia, known from Jerangau Forest Reserve and Sg. Jerangau in Dungun, Terengganu. It occurs in undulating and riverine areas of lowland dipterocarp forest on clay sandy and alluvial soils at about 65 m elevation.

FIGURE 6. Brownlowia latifiana.
A. Flowering leafy twigs. B. Fruiting leafy twigs. C. Inflorescence with young flower buds (left and centre), opened flower (centre) and mature flower bud (right). D. Inflorescence with opened flowers and mature flower buds. E& F. Infructescences with young fruits.

R. C. K. Chung and E. Soepadmo. 2017. Brownlowia latifiana (Malvaceae-Brownlowioideae), A New Species from Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia.

Phytotaxa. 298(2); 134–146. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.298.2.3

Alpinia newmanii N.S. Lý

DOI: 10.1111/njb.01429

Abstract

Alpinia newmanii, a new species from central Vietnam, is described and illustrated. A morphological comparison with the most closely related species and a key to the species of Alpinia subsection Catimbium in Vietnam are provided.

Figure 1. Alpinia newmanii sp. nov. (A) habit, (B) leaves with young and ripe inflorescence, (C) pseudo-stem and detail of ligules, (D) rhizome and its internal coloration, (E) young inflorescence with unopened sheathing bracts, (F) inflorescence in nature, (G) close-up of flower, (H) dissection (from left): fl oral tube with anther in side view, labellum, corolla lobes, calyxes (the left one is in alcohol material), bracteoles and flower (scale bar in cm), (I) detail of ovary with epigynous glands, cross-section of ovary (below), stamens in front and side views (from left, anther in front view is in alcohol material, scale bar in mm), (J) ripe fruits and seeds (scale bar in mm). Photos by Ngọc-Sâm Lý .

Alpinia newmanii N.S. Lý sp. nov. (subsection Catimbium)

Etymology: The specific epithet is chosen in honour of Dr Mark Fleming Newman, a ginger specialist at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (E), for his remarkable contributions to the study of Indochinese gingers.

Ngọc-Sâm Lý. 2017. Alpinia newmanii sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae) from central Vietnam. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01429

[upper] Sigalegalephrynus mandailinguensis from Gunung Sorikmarapi,
[lower] Sigalegalephrynus minangkabauensis from Gunung Kunyit,
Sumatera Utara Province, Sumatra, Indonesia

Smart, Sarker, Arifin, Harvey, Sidik, Hamidy, Kurniawan & Smith, 2017

DOI: 10.1655/Herpetologica-D-16-00041

Abstract:

We describe a new genus and two new species of toads from the Sumatran volcanoes Gunung Sorikmarapi and G. Kunyit, in the provinces of Sumatera Utara and Jambi, respectively. The new taxa can be distinguished from other genera, and each other, based on genetic differentiation, morphology, and advertisement call structure. We employ both nuclear and mitochondrial data to provide a phylogenetic hypothesis of relationships for the bufonid genera of the Sunda Shelf. While broadly corroborating previous studies, our results also shed light on the phylogenetic position of Pseudobufo. The new genus, Duttaphrynus, and Pseudobufo are basal to other Sunda Shelf genera in our phylogenies.

Keywords: Barisan Range, Bufonidae, Molecular phylogenetics, Sunda Shelf, Taxonomy

Sigalegalephrynus gen. nov.

Type species.— Sigalegalephrynusmandailinguensis by present designation.

Etymology.— The generic name is derived from the name given by the indigenous Batak people of the Toba region in Sumatera Utara to life-sized wooden puppets called Sigale Gale. These puppets are used during the papurpur sepata funerary festivals to placate the spirits of the dead who have left no children behind. The suffix is derived from the masculine and Latinized Greek noun for toad, phrynos. The new genus, with a relatively large size compared with most arboreal toads in the region, lanky hands, and a wood-brown complexion, is evocative of the Sigale Gale.

Common name.— Puppet Toads.

Content.— Our phylogenetic analyses indicate the presence of two species within the new genus: S. mandailinguensis Smart et al.; and S. minangkabauensis Smart et al.

[Left] Lateral view of the adult male holotype of Sigalegalephrynus mandailinguensis from Gunung Sorikmarapi, Sumatera Utara Province, Sumatra (MZB 25736).
[right] Lateral view of the holotype of Sigalegalephrynus minangkabauensis from Gunung Kunyit, Sumatera Utara Province, Sumatra (MZB 25738).

DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES

• Sigalegalephrynus mandailinguensis sp. nov.

Etymology.— The specific epithet is an adjective referring to the Mandailing Batak ethnic region and Kabupaten (regency) where the new species was found.

Common name.— Mandailing Puppet Toads.

Distribution and natural history.— Sigalegalephrynus mandailinguensis is known only from rainforests on the slopes of Gunung Sorikmarapi in southern Sumatera Utara.....

• Sigalegalephrynus minangkabauensis sp. nov.

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the Minangkabau or Minang ethnic group inhabiting the region where the new species was found.

Common name.— Minangkabau Puppet Toads.

Distribution and natural history.— Sigalegalephrynus minangkabauensis is known only from Gunung Kunyit from an elevation of 1428 m (Fig. 4).

Utpal Smart, Goutam C. Sarker, Umilaela Arifin, Michael B. Harvey, Irvan Sidik, Amir Hamidy, Nia Kurniawan and Eric N. Smith. 2017. A New Genus and Two New Species of Arboreal Toads from the Highlands of Sumatra with a Phylogeny of Sundaland Toad Genera. Herpetologica. 73(1); 63-75. DOI: 10.1655/Herpetologica-D-16-00041

Abstrak (Indonesian): Kami mendeskripsikan satu marga baru dan dua jenis baru kodok dari wilayah gunung api di Provinsi Sumatera Utara (Gunung Sorik Merapi) dan Provinsi Jambi (Gunung Kunyit). Takson baru ini dapat dibedakan satu sama lain maupun dengan marga kodok lainnya berdasarkan perbedaan genetik, morfologi, dan struktur suara panggilan kodok tersebut. Kami menggunakan data DNA mitokondria dan DNA inti kodok-kodok dari famili Bufonidae yang terdapat di wilayah Paparan Sunda untuk membuat hipotesis filogenetik mengenai hubungan kekerabatan antar marga kodok tersebut. Secara umum, hasil penelitian yang kami peroleh mendukung hasil penelitian-penelitian sebelumnya. Di samping itu, kami juga menemukan untuk pertama kalinya bahwa posisi filogenetik Pseudobufo dan marga baru berada di bagian paling dasar dari seluruh marga katak di daerah Paparan Sunda, dengan pengecualian pada marga Duttaphrynus.

Vegasaurus molyi

O'Gorman, Salgado, Olivero & Marenssi, 2015

DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2014.931285

ABSTRACT

A new elasmosaurid, Vegasaurus molyi, gen. et sp. nov., from Vega Island, James Ross Archipelago, Antarctica, is described. The holotype and only specimen of this species (MLP 93-I-5-1) was collected from the lower Maastrichtian Cape Lamb Member of the Snow Hill Island Formation. Vegasaurus molyi is the only Antarctic elasmosaurid and one of only a few Late Cretaceous elasmosaurids from the Southern Hemisphere whose postcranial anatomy is well known. Vegasaurus molyi is distinguished from other elasmosaurids by the following combination of characters: cervical region with 54 vertebrae with elongated centra, dumbbell-shaped articular faces and lateral ridge present in the anterior and middle parts of the neck but absent in the posterior-most cervical vertebrae; scapula with ventral ramus bearing a strong ridge in the anteromedial corner of its dorsal surface; ilium shaft with expanded distal end, divided into two parts forming an angle of 140 opening anteriorly; and humerus with anterior knee and prominent posterior projection with accessory posterior articular facet. Preliminary phylogenetic analysis places V. molyi within a clade that includes the Late Cretaceous Wedellian aristonectine elasmosaurids, Aristonectes and Kaiwhekea. This indicates a close relationship between Aristonectinae and non-Aristonectinae Late Cretaceous Weddellian elasmosaurids and suggests a Weddellian origin for the Aristonectinae

José Patricio O'Gorman, Leonardo Salgado, Eduardo B. Olivero and Sergio A. Marenssi. 2015. Vegasaurus molyi, gen. et sp. nov. (Plesiosauria, Elasmosauridae), from the Cape Lamb Member (Lower Maastrichtian) of the Snow Hill Island Formation, Vega Island, Antarctica, and Remarks on Wedellian Elasmosauridae.
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 35(3); e931285. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2014.931285

ResearchGate.net/publication/277558187_Vegasaurus_molyi_gen._et_sp._nov._(Plesiosauria_Elasmosauridae)_from_the_Cape_Lamb_Member_(lower_Maastrichtian)_of_the_Snow_Hill_Island_Formation_Vega_Island_Antarctica_and_remarks_on_Wedellian_Elasmosauridae

Hallan una nueva especie de plesiosaurio en la Antártida

La nueva especie de plesiosaurio, bautizada como Vegasaurus molyi, vivió hace aproximadamente 70 millones de años y alcanzó los 6,7 metros de longitud. Sus restos se encontraron en la Isla Vega y, tras arduas tareas de rescate, se obtuvo su esqueleto casi completo.

ctys.com.ar/index.php?idPage=20&idArticulo=3139

diarioelpeso.com/anteriores/2015/10072015/CMT_100715_NuevaEspeciePlesiosaurioAntartida.php

Helmablatta louisrothi

Vidlička, Vršanský, Kúdelová, Kúdela, Deharveng & Hain, 2017

Holotype (Vn 06 253), male, ventral view of head and pronotum.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4232.3.5

Abstract

The new, small cavernicolous species Helmablatta louisrothi gen. et sp. n. (Nocticolidae) from the Tan-Phu cave (Vietnam) is one of the most morphologically interesting cockroaches. The extremely modified upstanding tergal gland composite from three tergites and may serve for gripping the female head during copulation. This presumption is supported by the presence of a central big hook on tergite 8. Furthermore, both wing pairs are uncommonly adapted to help releasing sex pheromones without raising the wings. Histone 3 DNA-based maximum likelihood analyses indicate a recent origin and close phylogenetic relationship between Nocticola spp. and Helmablatta sp.—consistent with the Quaternary age of the source lava tubes.

Keywords: Blattaria, cave, lava tube, tergal gland

FIGURE 2. Male of helmet cockroach Helmablatta louisrothi sp. n. (Holotype Vn 06 253):
head and pronotum, side view.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4232.3.5

Helmablatta Vidlička, Vršanský et Deharveng, gen. n.

Etymology. Helmablatta after the shape of tergal gland, suggesting helmet (Slavic “helma”) and cockroach genus name Blatta.

Type species: Helmablatta louisrothi Vidlička, Vršanský et Deharveng, sp. n. designated below by monotypy.

Diagnosis. Differing from all living and fossil cockroach species in the presence of body modifications, mainly feature of tergal gland, tergal unpaired growth and excisions on both wing pairs.

Cavernicolous. Spelaeoblatta-like. Male: Small, pale, eyes present but reduced. Tegmina abbreviated, lacking venation (only Sc allusively visible), apical half sinuous. Hind wings partly reduced, lacking venation, deep incision in apex. Abdomen short, abdominal tergal gland very well developed, composite of the three segments, T3-T5. Tergite 8 with large central anteriorly incurved hook. Legs long, coxae and femora robust, pulvilli and arolia absent, tarsal claws simple, symmetrical. Anteroventral margin of front femur with alternate large and small spines irregularly disposed and a large distal spine.

Helmablatta louisrothi Vidlička, Vršanský et Deharveng, sp. n.

Etymology. New cockroach species is named in honour of Louis M. Roth (*1918–†2013), one of the greatest “cockroachologist” of the 20th century who published the latest revision of Nocticolidae.

.....

Helmet cockroachHelmablattalouisrothi sp. n., CT 3D representation.

Ľubomír Vidlička, Peter Vršanský, Tatiana Kúdelová, Matúš Kúdela, Louis Deharveng and Miroslav Hain. 2017. New Genus and Species of Cavernicolous Cockroach (Blattaria, Nocticolidae) from Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4232(3); 361–375. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4232.3.5

ResearchGate.net/publication/313814608_New_genus_and_species_of_cavernicolous_cockroach_Blattaria_Nocticolidae_from_Vietnam

Translucent helmeted cockroach looks like an alien with a halo

NewScientist.com/article/2123999-translucent-helmeted-cockroach-looks-like-an-alien-with-a-halo

ส้มกุ้งตะนาวศรี | Begonia tenasserimensis Phutthai & M. Hughes

DOI: 10.3767/000651917X695083

Abstract

Begonia tenasserimensis sp. nov. belongs to Begonia sect. Parvibegonia and is endemic to the hills of the Tenasserim Range, based on specimens from Peninsular Thailand and Tenasserim Division in Myanmar. The species is restricted to karst limestone and has been assessed as Vulnerable according to IUCN criteria.

Keywords: Southeast Asia; limestone; taxonomy

Fig. 1 Begonia tenasserimensis Phutthai & M.Hughes.
b. Adaxial and abaxial leaf lamina; c. inflorescence; d. staminate flower; e. glandular hairs on ovary; f. pistillate flower; g. maturing capsule with persistent tepals.

— Photos by T. Phutthai.

DOI: 10.3767/000651917X695083

Begonia tenasserimensis Phutthai & M. Hughes, sp. nov.

Begonia tenasserimensis is vegetatively similar to and shares the presence of persistent tepals when the fruit matures with B. crenata Dryand., but differs from that species in having an acutely lobed leaf lamina with 3 main veins (vs unlobed with 5 main veins) and a shortly spinose dentate leaf margin (vs crenate), pistillate flowers with 5 tepals (vs 6) and staminate flowers with lanceolate inner tepals (vs broadly elliptic), and a more branched inflorescence.

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘tenasserimensis’ is derived from the Tenasserim Range to where the species is endemic.

T. Phutthai and M. Hughes. 2017. A New Species of Begonia section Parvibegonia (Begoniaceae) from Thailand and Myanmar. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: 10.3767/000651917X695083

ส้มกุ้งตะนาวศรี Begonia tenasserimensisPhutthai & M. Hughes พบในเขตจังหวัดระนอง สตูล และเขตเทือกเขาตะนาวศรี สาธารณรัฐแห่งสหภาพเมียนมา
เป็นพืชถิ่นเดียวของไทยและเมียนมา สถานภาพเสี่ยงต่อการสูญพันธุ์

Xyliphius sofiae

Sabaj, Carvalho & Reis, 2017

DOI: 10.1643/CI-16-456

Xyliphius sofiae, new species, is described based on a unique specimen exhibiting four autapomorphies: eyes absent vs. present (though reduced); color pale, lacking pigment vs. head and body darkly pigmented; branchiostegal rays five vs. four; and unculiferous tubercles on posterior body distributed evenly vs. enlarged unculiferous tubercles typically arranged in five distinct rows above pelvic-fin base to posterior end of caudal peduncle. In addition, the pectoral fin of X. sofiae, new species, has one ossified proximal radial vs. two in congeners (except X. magdalenae, not examined). Xyliphius sofiae, new species, differs from all congeners except X. lepturus by snout tip elongated and narrowly rounded vs. short and broadly rounded, often with small median notch; fifth ceratobranchial relatively narrow with elongate acicular teeth vs. broadly expanded, leaf-shaped, with shorter and broader, conical teeth; anterior limits of branchial apertures separated by distance less than length of aperture vs. greater than length of aperture; anal-fin rays modally nine vs. seven; and lateral line extending onto base of caudal-fin rays vs. finishing in hypural region. Based on the single specimen collected in the main channel of the Río Amazonas near Iquitos, Peru, we describe the osteology of X. sofiae, new species, using a non-invasive technique: high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT). We consider Xyliphius lombarderoi Risso and Risso, 1964, a species based on a unique holotype that is now lost, to be a subjective junior synonym of X. barbatus Alonso de Arámburu and Arámburu, 1962. Variable characteristics are summarized for the seven species of Xyliphius treated here as valid, and their distributions are plotted based on a comprehensive review of museum specimens.

Fig. 1. Holotype of Xyliphius sofiae, ANSP 182322, 44.1 mm SL, R´ıo Amazonas in vicinity of Iquitos, Loreto, Peru.
(A–C) Alcohol preserved (scale bar = 5 mm). (D) Live.

Photos by M. Sabaj. facebook.com/israquarium

Xyliphius sofiae Sabaj, Carvalho and Reis, new species

Distribution and habitat.— Xyliphius sofiae is known from a single locality in the Amazon River near the town of Iquitos, Peru (Fig. 10). The specimen was collected using a large floating net stretched between two canoes and dragged downstream through the water column.

Etymology.— In honor of the daughter of first author on the specific epithet, for inspiring wisdom in her father.

Tiago P. Carvalho, Roberto E. Reis and Mark H. Sabaj. 2017. Description of A New Blind and Rare Species of Xyliphius (Siluriformes: Aspredinidae) from the Amazon Basin Using High-Resolution Computed Tomography. Copeia. 105(1); 14-28. DOI: 10.1643/CI-16-456

Se describe la especie nueva Xyliphiussofiae basado en un único ejemplar que exhibe cuatro autoapomorfias: ojos ausentes vs. presente (aunque muy reducidos); color pálido, ausencia de pigmento vs. cabeza y cuerpo con pigmentación oscura; cinco radios branquiostegales vs. cuatro; y tubérculos en la parte posterior del cuerpo distribuidos uniformemente vs. tubérculos dispuestas típicamente en cinco filas visibles sobre la región entre la base de la aleta pélvica hasta el pedúnculo caudal. Además, la aleta pectoral de X. sofiae tiene un radial proximal osificado vs dos en sus otros congéneres (no observado en X. magdalenae). Xyliphius sofiae se diferencia de todos sus congéneres, excepto X. lepturus, por la punta del hocico alargado y estrechamente redondeada vs. corto y ampliamente redondeado, a menudo con una pequeña muesca mediana; quinto ceratobranquial relativamente estrecho con los dientes aciculares alargados vs. ampliamente expandidos, en forma de hoja, con dientes cónicos y más amplios; límites anteriores de las aberturas branquiales separadas por la distancia menor que la longitud de la abertura vs. mayor que la longitud de la abertura; los radios de la aleta anal de forma modal nueve vs. siete y la linea lateral extendiendose posteriormente hasta la aleta caudal vs. linea lateral extendiendose posteriormente hasta los hipurales. El único espécimen de X. sofiae depositado en colecciones de museos fue colectado en el canal principal del Río Amazonas cerca de Iquitos, Peru y describimos su osteología utilizando técnicas no invasivas: tomografía computarizada en alta resolución. Xyliphius lombarderoi Risso and Risso, 1964, especie descrita solamente basado en el holotipo que está perdido, es considerado como sinónimo junior de X. barbatus Alonso de Arámburu y Arámburu, 1962. Se resumen características variables de las siete especies de Xyliphius tratadas aquí como válidos, y sus distribuciones se representan gráficamente basadas en una extensiva revisión de especímenes en museos.

Cyrtodactylus tambora

Riyanto, Mulyadi, McGuire, Kusrini, Febylasmia, Basyir & Kaiser, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.3.5

Abstract

We describe the sixth species of bent-toed gecko from the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. This species was first collected on the banks of the Oi Marai River on the low northern slopes of Gunung (Mount) Tambora on Sumbawa Island. The new species is differentiated from Greater Sunda Islands (including Sulawesi) and Lesser Sunda Islands congeners by having the following unique combination of characters: (1) two scales between the second pair of postmentals in contact with the first pair; (2) dorsal surface of antebrachium tuberculate; (3) no tubercles on dorsal surface of brachium; (4) dorsal surfaces of thigh and crus tuberculate; (5) 18 irregularly aligned, longitudinal rows of keeled tubercles at midbody; (6) 26–27 paravertebral tubercles; (7) 40 ventral scales between indistinct ventrolateral folds; (8) 16–17 fourth-toe subdigital scales; (9) a continuous enlarged precloacal and femoral scales present, with the enlarged femoral scales arranged in three rows; (10) males with five to six precloacal pores, with four larger pores situated in a short groove; (11) femoral pores absent in both sexes; (12) lack of transversely enlarged subcaudal scales; and (13) 7–9 irregular, paired black blotches on the body.

Keywords: Reptilia, Gekkonidae, Cyrtodactylus, new species, Lesser Sunda Archipelago, Tambora, Sumbawa, Indonesia

Cyrtodactylus tambora sp. nov.,
Photographs in life of an adult male holotype (MZB.Lace.13298) from the northern slopes of Mount Tambora, Sumbawa Island, Indonesia.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.3.5

Cyrtodactylus tambora sp.nov.
English common name: Tambora Bent-toed Gecko
Indonesian common name: Cicak Jari-Lengkung Tambora

Etymology. The species name tambora is a noun used in apposition. It is used not only to identify the collection locality, but also to commemorate the large eruption of Gunung Tambora in 1815, which no doubt significantly realigned the local natural world on its slopes.

Riyanto, Awal, Mulyadi, Jimmy A. McGuire, Mirza D. Kusrini, Febylasmia, Irfan H. Basyir & Hinrich Kaiser. 2017. A New Small Bent-toed Gecko of the Genus Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Lower Slopes of Mount Tambora, Sumbawa Island, Indonesia.
Zootaxa. 4242(3); 517–528. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.3.5

Abstract

Quantifying the relationship between form and function can inform use of morphology as a surrogate for ecology. How the strength of this relationship varies continentally can inform understanding of evolutionary radiations; for example, does the relationship break down when certain lineages invade and diversify in novel habitats? The 75 species of Australian honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) are morphologically and ecologically diverse, with species feeding on nectar, insects, fruit, and other resources. We investigated Meliphagidae ecomorphology and community structure by (1) quantifying the concordance between morphology and ecology (foraging behavior), (2) estimating rates of trait evolution in relation to the packing of ecological space, and (3) comparing phylogenetic and trait community structure across the broad environmental gradients of the continent. We found that morphology explained 37% of the variance in ecology (and 62% vice versa), and we uncovered well-known bivariate relationships among the multivariate ecomorphological data. Ecological trait diversity declined less rapidly than phylogenetic diversity along a gradient of decreasing precipitation. We employ a new method (trait fields) and extend another (phylogenetic fields) to show that while species in phylogenetically clustered, arid-environment assemblages are similar morphologically, they are as varied in foraging behavior as those from more diverse assemblages. Thus, although closely related and similar morphologically, these arid-adapted species have diverged in ecological space to a similar degree as their mesic counterparts.

Keywords: community assembly, ecomorphology, functional traits, interspecific competition, phylogenetic community structure, phylogenetic niche conservatism.

Eliot T. Miller, Sarah K. Wagner, Luke J. Harmon and Robert E. Ricklefs. 2016. Radiating Despite A Lack of Character: Ecological Divergence Among Closely Related, Morphologically Similar Honeyeaters (Aves: Meliphagidae) Co-occurring in Arid Australian Environments. American Naturalist. 189; E14–E30. DOI: 10.1086/690008.

Birds fly, whales swim, cheetahs run, and amoebae ooze (not very fast)

http://www.eeb.cornell.edu/lovette/?p=1725

Birds Evolve Their Behavior Without Changing Their Bodies: The Case Of Australia’s Honeyeaters

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/birds-evolve-their-behavior-without-changing-their-bodies-the-case-of-australias-honeyeaters/

Pelodytes hespericus

Díaz-Rodríguez, Gehara, Márquez, Vences, Gonçalves, Sequeira,Martínez-Solano & Tejedo, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4243.1.1

Abstract

Parsley frogs (Pelodytes) comprise the only genus in the family Pelodytidae, an ancient anuran lineage that split from their closest relatives over 140 million years ago. Pelodytes is a Palearctic group restricted to Western Eurasia including three extant species: the eastern species P. caucasicus, endemic to the Caucasus area, and two closely related species inhabiting Western Europe: the Iberian endemic P. ibericus and the more widespread P. punctatus. Previous studies based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers have revealed the existence of two additional lineages of Parsley frogs in the Iberian Peninsula, which have been flagged as candidate species. Here, we integrate novel molecular, morphological and bioacoustical data to assess the differentiation of the four western Parsley frog lineages. Species trees and Bayesian population assignment analyses based on nuclear markers confirm previous studies and concordantly delineate four parapatric lineages with narrow hybrid zones. Mitochondrial divergence is low (< 2% pairwise distances in the 16S rRNA gene), in line with previously reported low mitochondrial substitution rates in non-neobatrachian frogs. Based on concordance between mitochondrial and nuclear markers, we conclude that four species of Parsley frogs occur in Western Europe: Pelodytes punctatus, distributed from northern Italy to northeastern Spain; Pelodytes ibericus, inhabiting southern Spain and southern Portugal; Pelodytes atlanticus sp. nov., from the Portuguese Atlantic coast; and Pelodytes hespericus sp. nov., occurring in central and eastern Spain. However, bioacoustical and morphological differentiation of these species is low, with no obvious and qualitative diagnostic characters allowing full species discrimination. Differences in the relative size of metacarpal tubercles exist but this character is variable. Pelodytes ibericus and Pelodytes atlanticus are smaller than the other two species, and P. ibericus has shorter limbs and various distinctive osteological characters. Bioacoustically, the pattern by which two different note types are combined in advertisement calls separates P. hespericus from the remaining species. Despite these differences, we emphasize that the taxonomic status of all four western Parsley frogs requires additional investigation, especially the patterns of genetic admixture across contact zones. While a status of separate species best conforms to the currently available data, alternative hypotheses are also discussed.

Keywords: Amphibia, Pelodytidae, cryptic species, species delimitation, population assignment, Pelodytes punctatus, Pelodytes ibericus, Pelodytes atlanticus sp. nov., Pelodytes hespericus sp. nov.

Taxonomy

Pelodytes punctatus (Daudin, 1802)
Common Parsley frog

Pelodytes ibericus Sánchez-Herráiz, Barbadillo, Machordom, and Sanchiz, 2000
Iberian Parsley Frog

Pelodytes atlanticus sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet atlanticus is a genitive adjective derived from the name of Titan Atlas who, according to the ancient greek mythology, lived beyond the strait of Gibraltar and refers to the species’ exclusive distribution along the Atlantic coast of Portugal.

Pelodytes hespericus sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name is a latinized adjective derived from the name Hesperides (Ἑσπερίδες), Nymphs of the fading sun and daughters of the Titan Atlas, in allusion to an Iberian mythological garden. The Hesperian Massif also takes its name from the same etymology, meaning “western” in ancient greek, referring to its position in the Mediterranean sea.

FIGURE 12. Dorsal view of living Pelodytes hespericus sp. nov., male paratype JDR 2012-2.

Díaz-Rodríguez, Jesús, Marcelo Gehara, Roberto Márquez, Miguel Vences, Helena Gonçalves, Fernando Sequeira, Iñigo Martínez-Solano & Miguel Tejedo. 2017. Integration of Molecular, Bioacoustical and Morphological Data Reveals Two New Cryptic Species of Pelodytes (Anura, Pelodytidae) from the Iberian Peninsula.
Zootaxa. 4243(1); 1–41. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4243.1.1

Highlights

• Inter-specific relationships within Allagoptera are revealed.

• Recent origin of Cerrado and Restinga species.

• Specialization to dry habitats over time.

• Morphological adaptation to dry habitats found.

Abstract

Species expansions into new habitats are often associated with physiological adaptations, for instance when rain forest lineages colonize dry habitats. Although such shifts have been documented for the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado), little is known about the biogeographic origin of species occupying an extreme South American habitat type, the coastal dunes (Restinga). We examined the formation of this poorly known, endangered habitat by reconstructing the evolutionary history of two endemic species. Due to the proposed recency and uniqueness of this habitat, we hypothesized that Restinga species of the palm genus Allagoptera to be recently evolved and to present derived morphological characters. To detect habit shifts in absolute time, we used one plastid and nine nuclear genes to reconstruct the phylogenetic and biogeographic history of Allagoptera. We used light microscopy and stable isotope analysis to explore whether morphological adaptations occurred concomitantly with habitat shifts. Phylogenetic relationships were well supported and we found ancestral lineages of Allagoptera to be widely distributed throughout habitats that are currently occupied by extant species. Over the last ca. 7 Ma Allagoptera has shifted its preference to increasingly dry habitats. Coincident with the colonization of the Cerrado and Restinga, morphological adaptations also evolved, including subterranean stems that are fire-resistant and long underground stem and root systems that facilitate water access. We did not find differences in metabolic pathway or modifications to pollen morphology when compared to other palm lineages. Assuming that the evolutionary history of Allagoptera is indicative of the habitat in which it occurs, our results infer a recent origin for Cerrado species. Although little is known about the formation of the Restinga habitat, our results also suggest a longer history than currently proposed; with an origin of Restinga habitats dating back to the Late Pliocene.

Keywords:Allagoptera; Arecaceae; Attaleinae; Cerrado; diversification; Palmae; Restinga; South America

Christine D. Bacon, Monica Moraes R., Carlos Jaramillo and Alexandre Antonelli. 2017.

Endemic Palm Species shed light on Habitat Shifts and the Assembly of the Cerrado and Restinga Floras. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.03.013

[Botany • 2017] Sorbus cibagouensis sp. nov. (Rosaceae) from Zayü County, southeastern Xizang, China

[Ornithology / Conservation • 2017] Significance of the Globally Threatened Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) Populations in Singapore: A Last Straw for the Species?

[Crustacea • 2017] Sudanonautes tiko • Morphological and Molecular Evidence for A New Species of Freshwater Crab of the Genus Sudanonautes Bott, 1955 (Brachyura: Potamoidea: Potamonautidae) from Cameroon, with Notes on Its Ecology

[Ornithology • 2017] Scytalopus alvarezlopezi • A New Species of Tapaculo (Rhinocryptidae: Scytalopus) from the Western Andes of Colombia

[Ichthyology • 2017] Diaphenchelys dalmatian • A New Species of the Genus Diaphenchelys (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) from Thailand

[Entomology • 2017] Chinese Species of Pediobius Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

[Paleontology • 2017] A Jurassic Stem Pleurodire, Platychelys oberndorferi, Sheds Light on the Functional Origin of Neck Retraction in Turtles

[Herpetology • 2017] Phylogenetic Analysis of the Neotropical Pristimantis leptolophus Species Group (Anura: Craugastoridae): Molecular Approach and Description of A New Polymorphic Species, Pristimantis leopardus, from the Cordillera Central of Colombia

[Diplopoda • 2017] Four New Species of the Millipede Genus Eutrichodesmus Silvestri, 1910 (Polydesmida, Haplodesmidae) from Laos, Including Two with Reduced Ozopores

[Botany • 2017] Brownlowia latifiana • A New Species (Malvaceae: Brownlowioideae) from Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

[Botany • 2017] Alpinia newmanii sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae) from central Vietnam

[Herpetology • 2017] Sigalegalephrynus mandailinguensis & Sigalegalephrynus minangkabauensis • A New Genus and Two New Species of Arboreal Toads from the Highlands of Sumatra with a Phylogeny of Sundaland Toad Genera

[Paleontology • 2015] Vegasaurus molyi, gen. et sp. nov. (Plesiosauria, Elasmosauridae), from the Cape Lamb Member (Lower Maastrichtian) of the Snow Hill Island Formation, Vega Island, Antarctica, and Remarks on Wedellian Elasmosauridae

[Entomology • 2017] Helmablatta louisrothi • A New Genus and Species of Cavernicolous Cockroach (Blattaria, Nocticolidae) from Vietnam

[Botany • 2017] Begonia tenasserimensis | ส้มกุ้งตะนาวศรี • A New Species of Begonia section Parvibegonia (Begoniaceae) from Thailand and Myanmar

[Ichthyology • 2017] Xyliphius sofiae • A New Blind and Rare Species of Xyliphius (Siluriformes: Aspredinidae) from the Amazon Basin, Peru

[Herpetology • 2017] Cyrtodactylus tambora • A New Small Bent-toed Gecko of the Genus Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Lower Slopes of Mount Tambora, Sumbawa Island, Indonesia

[Ornithology • 2016] Radiating Despite A Lack of Character: Ecological Divergence Among Closely Related, Morphologically Similar Honeyeaters (Aves: Meliphagidae) Co-occurring in Arid Australian Environments

[Herpetology • 2017] Pelodytes atlanticus & P. hespericus • Integration of Molecular, Bioacoustical and Morphological Data Reveals Two New Cryptic Species of Pelodytes (Anura, Pelodytidae) from the Iberian Peninsula

[Botany • 2017] Endemic Palm Species (Allagoptera spp.) shed light on Habitat Shifts and the Assembly of the Cerrado and Restinga Floras