[Herpetology • 2016] Mitochondrial Introgression via Ancient Hybridization, and Systematics of the Australian Endemic Pygopodid Gecko genus Delma

Fig. 3. Geographic distributions and interspecific relationships within major species groups:
(A) Delma australis group and D. concinna, image of Delma hebesa from Fitzgerald River National Park, WA;
(B) ‘inornate’ group, and image of Delma nasuta from Pannawonica, WA;
(C) D. mitella, and morphologically similar D. fraseri and D. plebeia groups, image of Delma fraseri from Kalbarri, WA;
(D) northwestern Australia group and D. labialis, image of Delma borea from El Questro Station, WA.
 (E) shows extent of the Australian arid zone in grey, and proposed Miocene shrubland corridors adapted from Cracraft (1986), with image of potential vegetative corridor, Acacia and Eucalyptus canopy with tussock grass and shrubby understory from near Kellerberrin, WA. All photos courtesy of Ryan Ellis.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2015.10.005

Highlights

• Molecular phylogenetic methods identify four major species groups within Delma.

• Multiple instances of hybridization belie previous phylogenetic assessment.

• Most species lineages are young, diverging <10 MYA, during Miocene aridification.

• Further work towards understanding species boundaries in Delma is necessary.

Abstract

Of the more than 1500 species of geckos found across six continents, few remain as unfamiliar as the pygopodids – Family Pygopodidae (Gray, 1845). These gekkotans are limited to Australia (44 species) and New Guinea (2 species), but have diverged extensively into the most ecologically diverse limbless radiation save Serpentes. Current phylogenetic understanding of the family has relied almost exclusively on two works, which have produced and synthesized an immense amount of morphological, geographical, and molecular data. However, current interspecific relationships within the largest genus Delma Gray 1831 are based chiefly upon data from two mitochondrial loci (16s, ND2). Here, we reevaluate the interspecific relationships within the genus Delma using two mitochondrial and four nuclear loci (RAG1, MXRA5, MOS, DYNLL1), and identify points of strong conflict between nuclear and mitochondrial genomic data. We address mito-nuclear discordance, and remedy this conflict by recognizing several points of mitochondrial introgression as the result of ancient hybridization events. Owing to the legacy value and intraspecific informativeness, we suggest the continued use of ND2 as a phylogenetic marker. Results identify strong support for species groups, but relationships among these clades, and the placement of several enigmatic taxa remain uncertain. We suggest a more careful review of Delma australis and the ‘northwest Australia’ clade. Accurately assessing and addressing species richness and relationships within this endemic Australian Gekkotan genus is relevant for understanding patterns of squamate speciation across the region.

Keywords: Mitochondrial capture; Introgression; Biogeography; Pygopodidae; Gekkota

Ian G. Brennan, Aaron M. Bauer and Todd R. Jackman. 2016. Mitochondrial Introgression via Ancient Hybridization, and Systematics of the Australian Endemic Pygopodid Gecko genus Delma.  Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 94, Part B; 577–590. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2015.10.005

[Paleontology • 2015] Eggshell Porosity Provides Insight on Evolution of Nesting in Dinosaurs

Abstract

Knowledge about the types of nests built by dinosaurs can provide insight into the evolution of nesting and reproductive behaviors among archosaurs. However, the low preservation potential of their nesting materials and nesting structures means that most information can only be gleaned indirectly through comparison with extant archosaurs. Two general nest types are recognized among living archosaurs: 1) covered nests, in which eggs are incubated while fully covered by nesting material (as in crocodylians and megapodes), and 2) open nests, in which eggs are exposed in the nest and brooded (as in most birds). Previously, dinosaur nest types had been inferred by estimating the water vapor conductance (i.e., diffusive capacity) of their eggs, based on the premise that high conductance corresponds to covered nests and low conductance to open nests. However, a lack of statistical rigor and inconsistencies in this method render its application problematic and its validity questionable. As an alternative we propose a statistically rigorous approach to infer nest type based on large datasets of eggshell porosity and egg mass compiled for over 120 extant archosaur species and 29 archosaur extinct taxa/ootaxa. The presence of a strong correlation between eggshell porosity and nest type among extant archosaurs indicates that eggshell porosity can be used as a proxy for nest type, and thus discriminant analyses can help predict nest type in extinct taxa. Our results suggest that: 1) covered nests are likely the primitive condition for dinosaurs (and probably archosaurs), and 2) open nests first evolved among non-avian theropods more derived than Lourinhanosaurus and were likely widespread in non-avian maniraptorans, well before the appearance of birds. Although taphonomic evidence suggests that basal open nesters (i.e., oviraptorosaurs and troodontids) were potentially the first dinosaurs to brood their clutches, they still partially buried their eggs in sediment. Open nests with fully exposed eggs only became widespread among Euornithes. A potential co-evolution of open nests and brooding behavior among maniraptorans may have freed theropods from the ground-based restrictions inherent to covered nests and allowed the exploitation of alternate nesting locations. These changes in nesting styles and behaviors thus may have played a role in the evolutionary success of maniraptorans (including birds).

The nests of most dinosaurs, including duck-billed hadrosaurs, consisted of eggs covered under mounds of vegetation and dirt. The vegetation mound is not represented in this illustration to display the eggs. (Art by Julius T. Csotonyi.)

RoyalTyrrellMuseum.wordpress.com  @RoyalTyrrell 

A duckbill dinosaur (left) next to its eggs buried in the ground, and a birdlike oviraptorid dinosaur (right) incubating its eggs in an open nest.

Illustration: Julius Csotonyi   DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142829

The nest of a birdlike dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of China.

photo: Kohei Tanaka

A diagram of an archosaur eggshell with high porosity (A) and low porosity (B). Thin slices of the eggs show Caiman latirostris (C), living open nester Pavo cristatus (D), and nonavian dinosaur Troodon formosus (E).

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142829

Fig 7. Evolution of nest types among archosaurs.
(A) Phylogeny of archosaurs with inferred nest types based on eggshell porosity and taphonomic evidence. Covered nests are the primitive condition for dinosaurs; open nests and brooding behavior were present among non-avian maniraptoran theropods but may have first appeared earlier. Although the eggs of early open nesters were still partially covered by substrate, open nests with fully exposed eggs likely arose among Euornithes. (B) Phylogeny of Neornithes with inferred nest types based on eggshell porosity (Emeidae) and literature (other birds). Open nests with fully exposed eggs are the primitive condition for modern birds, although secondary reversal to partial egg burial occurred independently in several clades.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142829

Kohei Tanaka, Darla K. Zelenitsky and François Therrien. 2015. Eggshell Porosity Provides Insight on Evolution of Nesting in Dinosaurs. PLoS ONE.   DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142829

Fossilized Eggshells Provide Insight into the Evolution of Nesting  https://royaltyrrellmuseum.wordpress.com/2015/11/26/fossilized-eggshells-provide-insight-into-the-evolution-of-nesting/

Missing link between dinosaur nests and bird nests  http://news.sciencemag.org/paleontology/2015/11/missing-link-between-dinosaur-nests-and-bird-nests

Buried or Open? Ancient Eggshells Reveal Dinosaur Nesting Behaviors   https://shar.es/1cJX5D via @LiveScience

[Herpetology • 2015] Alpine –Himalayan Orogeny drove correlated Morphological, Molecular, and Ecological Diversification in the Persian Dwarf Snake (Squamata: Serpentes: Eirenis persicus)

Figure 1. Different morphs of the Eirenis persicus species group:
A, persicus morph from Dasht-e Arjan, Fars province, south-western Iran (photo by F. Hidary); B, walteri morph from Dehbakri, Kerman province, south-eastern Iran (photo by R. Nazarov); C, new morph from Sisakht, Yasuj province, central Zagros mountains, Iran (photo by H. Esmaeili); D, persicus morph from Kafir Kot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan (photo by R. Masroor).

DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12342

The Persian dwarf snake Eirenis (Pseudocyclophis) persicus (Anderson, 1872) has a wide distribution range in south-western Asia. This species group was comprehensively studied here using traditional biometry, geometric morphometrics, ecological niche modelling, and genetics. Our analyses revealed that E. persicus is split into two clades. A western clade, bearing at least two different species: E. persicus, distributed in south-western Iran, and an undescribed species from south-eastern Turkey and western Iran. The eastern clade consists of at least three species: Eirenis nigrofasciatus, distributed across north-eastern Iraq, and western and southern Iran; Eirenis walteri, distributed across eastern Iran, southern Turkmenistan, and western and southern Pakistan, and Eirenis angusticeps, distributed in north-eastern Pakistan. Ecological niche modelling revealed that the distribution of the species in the western clade are mainly affected by winter precipitation, and those in the eastern clade are mainly affected by the minimum temperature of the coldest month. A molecular clock analysis revealed that the divergence and diversification of the E. persicus species group mainly correspond to Eocene to Pliocene orogeny events subsequent to the Arabia–Eurasia collision. This study confirms that specimens with the unique morphology of having 13 dorsal scale rows on the anterior dorsum, occurring in the Suleiman Mountains in central Pakistan, can be referred to Eirenis mcmahoni (Wall, 1911). However, at this moment we have insufficient data to evaluate the taxonomy of this species.

Keywords: cytochrome b; niche modelling; geometric morphometrics; nigrofasciatus; phylogeny; Pseudocyclophis; taxonomy; walteri

Figure 1. Different morphs of the Eirenis persicus species group:
A, persicus morph from Dasht-e Arjan, Fars province, south-western Iran (photo by F. Hidary); B, walteri morph from Dehbakri, Kerman province, south-eastern Iran (photo by R. Nazarov); C, new morph from Sisakht, Yasuj province, central Zagros mountains, Iran (photo by H. Esmaeili); D, persicus morph from Kafir Kot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan (photo by R. Masroor).

DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12342

Mahdi Rajabizadeh, Zoltán T. Nagy, Dominique Adriaens, Aziz Avci, Rafaqat Masroor, Josef Schmidtler, Roman Nazarov, Hamid Reza Esmaeili and Joachim Christiaens. 2015. Alpine –Himalayan Orogeny drove correlated Morphological, Molecular, and Ecological Diversification in the Persian Dwarf Snake (Squamata: Serpentes: Eirenis persicus). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12342

Persian dwarf snake consists of six species, scientists discover http://phy.so/367500314   via @physorg_com

Persian dwarf snake consists of six species, scientists discover https://www.ugent.be/en/news/bulletin/persian-dwarf-snake-consists-of-six-species-scientists-discover via @ugent

Rajabizadeh, Mehdi; Josef F. Schmidtler, Nikolai Orlov,Gholamreza Soleimani 2012. Review of Taxonomy and Distribution of the Eirenis medus group (Chernov, 1940) (Ophidia: Colubridae) with Description of a New Species of the Genus Eirenis from Kerman Province, Southeastern Iran. Russ. J. Herpetol. 19 (4): 307-313

http://www.zsm.mwn.de/her/pdf/Rajabizadeh_et_al_2012_Eirenis_kermanensis.pdf

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/484

[Botany • 2015] Selaginella chuweimingii • A New Lycophyte Species (Selaginellaceae) from central Yunnan, China

Selaginella chuweimingii Xin M. Zhou, Z. R. He, Liang Zhang & Li Bing Zhang

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.231.3.6

Abstract

A new lycophyte species, Selaginella chuweimingii, from central Yunnan, China is described and illustrated. Selaginella chuweimingii is similar to S. sinensis in the habit and the morphology of strobili and sporophylls, but the new species can easily be distinguished from the latter by having ovate or oblong-ovate ventral leaves, extremely asymmetrically dorsal leaves, and oblong-ovate to ovate-lanceolate axillary leaves. Also the new species has lamellate ornamentation on megaspore surfaces and less prominent verrucae and ridges on microspore surfaces. The two species are further separated in geographical distribution with the new species occurring in central Yunnan Province while S. sinensis in northern and eastern China.

Keywords: Articulate group, megaspores, microspores, sporangial arrangement, Selaginella sinensis, Bryophytes, China

Xin-Mao Zhou, Zhao‐Rong He, Liang Zhang and Li-Bing Zhang. 2015. Selaginella chuweimingii (Selaginellaceae) sp. nov. from Yunnan, China. PHYTOTAXA. 231(3): 283–288.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.231.3.6

ResearchGate.net/publication/283336570_Selaginella_chuweimingii_(Selaginellaceae)_sp._nov._from_Yunnan_China

[Herpetology • 2015] Dixonius taoi • A New Species of Dixonius (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phu Quy Island, Vietnam

Dixonius taoi

Botov, Trung, Truong, Bauer, Brennan & Ziegler, 2015

FIGURE 3. Dorsolateral view of Dixonius taoi sp. n. from Phu Quy Island, Vietnam. Adult male holotype (A: IEBR A.2014.26) and adult female paratype with partially regenerated tail (B: IEBR A2014.27).

Photos: Phùng Mỹ Trung. || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4040.1.4

Abstract

We describe a new species of Dixonius on the basis of five specimens from Phu Quy Island, Binh Thuan Province, in southern Vietnam. The new species can be distinguished from congeners based on molecular and morphological differences. Diagnostic features are: small size (SVL up to 44 mm); 7 or 8 supralabials; 11 or 12 rows of keeled tubercles on dorsum; 21–23 ventral scale rows; 5 or 6 precloacal pores in males; a canthal stripe running from rostrum through the eye and terminating behind the head; second pair of postmentals about one third to one half size of first pair; ground color of dorsum brown, with one or two rows of light yellow or orange spots in one or two rows along flanks, and irregular bands or a reticulated network of dark marks on dorsum. This is the fifth species of Dixonius known to occur in Vietnam. 

Keywords: Reptilia, Dixonius taoi sp. nov., coastal forest, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Binh Thuan Province, southern Vietnam, South China Sea


Etymology. The new species is named in honor of our colleague and friend Dr. Nguyen Thien Tao from the Vietnam National Museum of Nature in Hanoi, in recognition of his numerous and groundbreaking scientific contributions towards a better understanding of the herpetofauna of Vietnam.

Distribution. Phu Quy Island, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam (Fig. 4).

FIGURE 3. Dorsolateral view of Dixonius taoi sp. n. from Phu Quy Island, Vietnam. Adult male holotype (A: IEBR A.2014.26) and adult female paratype with partially regenerated tail (B: IEBR A2014.27).

Photos: Trung My Phung. || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4040.1.4

Natural history. The type series were found in secondary forest just above sea level (Fig. 5). The predominant vegetation, which is interspersed with large volcanic stones, consists of small prickly shrubs and species of the families Pandanaceae, Ebenaceae, and Fabaceae. The geckos were collected during a rainy night, when they had left their shelters between stones and shrubs. A few specimens were found in the small shrubs in agricultural lands. Most of the forests in this area have been destroyed, and only a few small patches are left along the coast.

Botov, Andreas, Trung M. Phung, Truong Q. Nguyen, Aaron M. Bauer, Ian G. Brennan and Thomas Ziegler. 2015. A New Species of Dixonius (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phu Quy Island, Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4040(1): 48–58. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4040.1.4

Loài thằn lằn mới phát hiện trong đêm mưa

Trong cơn mưa nặng hạt, giữa đêm tối mịt mùng, nhà nghiên cứu Phùng Mỹ Trung lặng lẽ tìm kiếm ở đám cây bụi nằm sát biển và điều kỳ diệu đã đến - anh tìm ra loài mới thằn lằn chân ngón tạo.

http://vnexpress.net/tin-tuc/khoa-hoc/trong-nuoc/loai-than-lan-moi-phat-hien-trong-dem-mua-3309826.html

[Botany • 2015] Cycas chenii • A New Species (Cycadaceae) from China, and its Phylogenetic Position

Fig. 1. Cycas chenii X. Gong & W. Zhou sp. nov.
A, Whole plant and habitat. B, Female cone. C, Male cone. D, Megasporophylls andseed. E, Seedlings and female plant.

DOI: 10.1111/jse.12153

Abstract

Cycas chenii X. Gong & W. Zhou sp. nov., a new species of Cycas L., is described and illustrated here. The morphological and karyomorphological comparisons are made between C. chenii and the closely related taxa for defining its taxonomical status as a new species. Moreover, the phylogenetic position of C. chenii within 16 Cycas species is determined using DNA sequences of two plastid regions, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers, and two nuclear regions. Cycas chenii is readily distinguished from the related C. guizhouensis K. M. Lan & R. F. Zou by an acaulescent stem. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that C. chenii is a distinct group related to C. guizhouensis in the Section Stangerioides. The distribution and conservation status of C. chenii are also discussed.

Keywords: China; Cycas chenii; new species; phylogenetic position

Wei Zhou, Meng-Meng Guan and Xun Gong. 2015. Cycas chenii (Cycadaceae), A New Species from China, and its Phylogenetic Position. Journal of Systematics and Evolution. 53(6); 489–498. DOI: 10.1111/jse.12153

ResearchGate.net/publication/273523726_Cycas_chenii_(Cycadaceae)_a_new_species_from_China_and_its_phylogenetic_position

ResearchGate.net/publication/282645565_Species_delimitation_genetic_diversity_and_population_historical_dynamics_of_Cycas_diannanensis_(Cycadaceae)_occurring_sympatrically_in_the_Red_River_region_of_China

[Botany • 2014] Three New Species of Annonaceae from West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo; Cyathocalyx tsukayae, Mitrephora imbricatarum-apicum & Orophea sagittalis

Fig. 1. A: Flower of Cyathocalyx tsukayae. About ×1/3. B: Fruit of C. tsukayae. About ×1/4.
C: branch with flower of Mitrephora imbricatarum-apicum. Scale = 1 cm. D: Closeup of flower of M. imbricatarum-apicum. Note recurved outer petals, and imbricate, but not cohering apexes of inner petals. Scale = 1 mm.
E: Flower of Orophea sagittalis. Scale = 1 mm. 

Three new species of Annonaceae; Cyathocalyx tsukayae, Mitrephora imbricatarum-apicum and Orophea sagittalis, are described based on materials newly collected from Betung-Kerihun National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. 

Keywords: Annonaceae, biodiversity, Borneo, Cyathocalyx, Mitrephora, new species, Orophea, West Kalimantan, wet tropics

Fig. 1. A: Flower of Cyathocalyx tsukayae. About ×1/3. B: Fruit of C. tsukayae. About ×1/4. C: branch with flower of Mitrephora imbricatarum-apicum. Scale = 1 cm. D: Closeup of flower of M. imbricatarum-apicum. Note recurved outer petals, and imbricate, but not cohering apexes of inner petals. Scale = 1 mm. E: Flower of Orophea sagittalis. Scale = 1 mm. F: Nectary pattern of adaxial surface of inner petal of slightly immature flower (pickled material). Scale = 1 mm.

Hiroshi Okada. 2014. Three New Species of Annonaceae from West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. Acta Phytotax. Geobot. 65(1): 17–24.  http://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/110009816919/en

[Herpetology • 2015] Calotes minor || A Taxonomic Mystery for More than 180 Years: The Identity and Systematic Position of Brachysaura minor (Hardwicke & Gray, 1827)

Calotes minor (Hardwicke & Gray, 1827)

photo: V. Deepak  

Deepak, Vyas, Giri & Karanth. 2015. VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY. 65(3): 371–381.  senckenberg.de

Abstract

Brachysaura is a monotypic genus of agamid lizard found in the Indian subcontinent; the identity and systematic position of B. minor has been long debated, and it has at times been subsumed into Agama, Charasia and Laudakia, with some authors suggesting affinities to Calotes. We constructed nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenetic trees including Brachysaura and allied agamid genera to resolve its phylogenetic position. We also compared osteology and external morphology with the genera Agama, Calotes and Laudakia. Hemipenial morphology was compared with Calotes and some other agamids from South Asia. Both nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenies demonstrate that Brachysaura is nested within the widespread South and Southeast Asian genus Calotes, with which it also shares certain external morphological, osteological and hemipenial characters. Adaptations to ground dwelling in Brachysaura minor has resulted in unique modifications to its body plan, which is likely why generic allocation has been long confused. This study also highlights the need for an integrated systematic approach to resolve taxonomic ambiguity in Asian agamids.

Key words: Brachysaura, Calotes, genus, habit, morphology.

Notes on distribution

Brachysaura minor was considered to be one of the widespread species of agamid in the Indian subcontinent. However, most recent and confirmed records on the distribution of B.minor are from western and central India (see Ingle et al. 2012; Khan & Kumar 2010). The record of this species from Angul, Odisha by Chakraborty & Gupta (2009) is that of Psammophilus cf. blanfordianus. The voucher specimen (ZSI 25833) is deposited at the Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta. We identified this specimen as Psammophilus cf. blanfordianus based on the small scales on the body and strong fold in the shoulder region. Additionally, Brachysaura minor have plate like scales between the eye and above tympanum, which is missing in this specimen. The only record of B. minor from eastern part of the subcontinent is the type locality (Chittagong). Previous authors have raised their doubts about the occurrence of B. minor in Chittagong (see Khan & Kumar 2010). We also suspect this record is erroneous as the habitat at Chittagong is forested with high rainfall compared to open grassland in semi-arid and arid regions of western and central India. While rest of the areas where they occur have mean annual rainfall between 200–1500 mm, Chittagong has more than 2500 mm mean annual rainfall (Fig. 7). Interestingly, the closest sister species to Brachysaura minor, Calotes jerdoni is distributed in North Eastern India, Myanmar and Bhutan (Smith 1935, Uetz & Hošek 2015).

Fig. 7. Rainfall pattern in the India sub-continent and the distribution of Brachysaura minor.
Red triangle: type locality of B. minor, black triangle: location where Blyth’s specimens were collected; black circles are place where we collected the samples, green circles previous records.

Taxonomic implications

Subsuming Brachysaura into Calotes warrants reassessment of diagnostic characters for the genus Calotes. This is because many of the characters used to differentiate between Pseudocalotes, Calotes and Bronchocela are body ratios (Hallermann & Bӧhme 2000). However B. minor is unique among Calotes in that it has body ratios that are very different from other Calotes spp. This study shows that there are unique hemipenial characters that can be used to diagnose the genus Calotes. Though the osteology of agamids is well documented in Moody (1980), it requires extensive revision in the light of new advances in agamid taxonomy. Further studies are required on both hemipenis and osteology to resolve taxonomic ambiguities and for a better understanding of the evolutionary relationships within Draconinae.

The inclusion of genus Brachysaura to Calotes will not have much taxonomic implications for Brachysaura minor, which becomes Calotes minor (Hardwicke & Gray 1827). Although Gray (1845) listed Agama minor in the synonymy of Calotes minor but the latter is a different agamid, presently considered as Oriocalotes paulus (Günther 1864, Smith 1935, Ananjeva et al. 2011). The specimens of O. paulus referred by Gray (1845) under C. minor were misidentified and they were not types of the new species. The interpretation by Smith (1935) was wrong, which was corrected by Wermuth (1967). Thus the name Calotes minor is not preoccupied and is available for Brachysaura minor. 

Conclusions

Convergence in morphological characters driven by its ground dwelling habits probably caused confusion in the genus allocation of Brachysaura minor. This highlights the need to revise diagnostic characters for the genus Calotes. The genus Trapelus and Bufoniceps are the only Agaminae found in Western India. Therefore our finding also limits the distribution of members of Agaminae to the arid regions ( <  500 mm rainfall) of Western India. 

V. Deepak, Raju Vyas, V. B. Giri and K. Praveen Karanth. 2015. A Taxonomic Mystery for More than 180 Years: The Identity and Systematic Position of Brachysaura minor (Hardwicke & Gray, 1827). VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY. 65(3): 371–381

http://www.senckenberg.de/files/content/forschung/publikationen/vertebratezoology/vz65-3/07_vertebrate_zoology_65-3_deepak_371-381.pdf

[Herpetology • 2015] Ghatixalus magnus • A Novel Third Species of the Western Ghats Endemic Genus Ghatixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae), with Description of its Tadpole

Ghatixalus magnus Abraham, Mathew, Cyriac, Zachariah, Raju & Zachariah, 2015  

ResearchGate.net  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4048.1.6

Abstract

The Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot is a recognized center of rhacophorid diversity as demonstrated by several recent studies. The endemic genus Ghatixalus is represented by two species from two separate high-elevation regions within the Ghats. Here, we describe a third species that can be distinguished by morphological and larval characters, as well as by its phylogenetic placement.

Keywords: Amphibia, Rhacophoridae, Ghatixalus, New species, Tadpole, Western Ghats, India

Abraham, Robin K., Jobin K. Mathew, Vivek P. Cyriac, Arun Zachariah, David Raju & Anil Zachariah. 2015. A Novel Third Species of the Western Ghats Endemic Genus Ghatixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae), with Description of its Tadpole.
 Zootaxa. 4048(1): 101–113.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4048.1.6
ResearchGate.net/publication/284458655_A_novel_third_species_of_the_Western_Ghats_endemic_genus_Ghatixalus_(Anura_Rhacophoridae)_with_description_of_its_tadpole

facebook.com/HerpAsia/photos/407495326113097

   

[Herpetology • 2015] A Reappraisal of The Rhacophorid Bush Frog Raorchestes flaviventris (Boulenger, 1882), with An Evaluation of The Taxonomic Status of R. emeraldi Vijayakumar, Dinesh, Prabhu and Shankar, 2014

FIGURE 1. Raorchestes flaviventris (Boulenger, 1882) (in life); A. male from Valparai; B. male from Kadalar.

ResearchGate.net DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4048.1.5

Abstract

Raorchestes flaviventris, a species of rhacophorid bush frog described from the Western Ghats by George Albert Boulenger in 1882, has never been reported from the region since its description. However, we herewith report a record of the species after almost 132 years and redescribe the species and also clarify confusions that prevailed over the taxonomic status of the species and its closely-related congeners, along with shedding light on literature regarding its distribution. Also, the recently described R. emeraldi Vijayakumar et al., 2014, which we suggest to be the same species, becomes a junior subjective synonym of R. flaviventris.

Keywords: Amphibia, Raorchestes flaviventris, rediscovery, Western Ghats, India

FIGURE 5. Map showing distribution range (marked by blue outline) of Raorchestes flaviventris in the Western Ghats.

Abraham, Robin K., Anil Zachariah & Vivek P. Cyriac. 2015. A Reappraisal of The Rhacophorid Bush Frog Raorchestes flaviventris (Boulenger, 1882), with An Evaluation of The Taxonomic Status of R. emeraldi Vijayakumar, Dinesh, Prabhu and Shankar, 2014.
 Zootaxa. 4048(1): 90–100. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4048.1.5

ResearchGate.net/publication/284458507_A_reappraisal_of_the_rhacophorid_bush_frog_Raorchestes_flaviventris_(Boulenger_1882)_with_an_evaluation_of_the_taxonomic_status_of_R._emeraldi_Vijayakumar_Dinesh_Prabhu_and_Shankar_2014

[PaleoEnvironment • 2015] Sawfishes and Other Elasmobranch Assemblages from the Mio-Pliocene of the South Caribbean (Urumaco Sequence, Northwestern Venezuela)

Fig 11. Restoration of diverse sharks and rays in coastal lagoon-estuarine at late Miocene times in Urumaco.
 (A) Sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon sp., (B) Hammerhead shark Sphyrna cf. zygaena, (C) Bull shark Carcharhinus leucas, (D) “Big tooth” Carcharocles megalodon, (E) Tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier, (F) Spotted eagle ray Aetobatus cf. narinari, (G) Eagle ray Myliobatis sp., (H) Guitarfish Rhynchobatus sp., (I) Sawfish Pristis sp., (J) Stingray cf. Dasyatis.

Artwork by Jorge Gonzalez. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139230 

Abstract

The Urumaco stratigraphic sequence, western Venezuela, preserves a variety of paleoenvironments that include terrestrial, riverine, lacustrine and marine facies. A wide range of fossil vertebrates associated with these facies supports the hypothesis of an estuary in that geographic area connected with a hydrographic system that flowed from western Amazonia up to the Proto-Caribbean Sea during the Miocene. Here the elasmobranch assemblages of the middle Miocene to middle Pliocene section of the Urumaco sequence (Socorro, Urumaco and Codore formations) are described. Based on new findings, we document at least 21 taxa of the Lamniformes, Carcharhiniformes, Myliobatiformes and Rajiformes, and describe a new carcharhiniform species (†Carcharhinus caquetius sp. nov.). Moreover, the Urumaco Formation has a high number of well-preserved fossil Pristis rostra, for which we provide a detailed taxonomic revision, and referral in the context of the global Miocene record of Pristis as well as extant species. Using the habitat preference of the living representatives, we hypothesize that the fossil chondrichthyan assemblages from the Urumaco sequence are evidence for marine shallow waters and estuarine habitats.

Conclusion: 

The lithologies of the Urumaco sequence are characterized by substantial variation, indicating the complexity and heterogeneity of these geologic units. Both fossils and the sedimentology document terrestrial and marine facies, including transitional paleoenviroments, and consequently a fauna tolerant to these environments. The elasmobranch fauna from the Urumaco sequence (Socorro-Urumaco-Codore formations), with almost 21 taxa, is associated principally with estuarine coastal lagoon and very shallow marine waters. The presence of elasmobranchs in association with others marine, freshwater and terrestrial vertebrates which provide seemingly contradictory signals for a palaeoenvironmental reconstruction is consistent across the larger stratigraphic sequence. This pattern is not the result of taphonomic processes, but instead proof of mixed coastal marine and fluvial-estuarine hydrographic environments during the Miocene. At the same time, the presence in the Urumaco sequence of abundant aquatic/semiaquatic vertebrates, phylogenetically close to extant groups that occur today in the Orinoco and the Amazon drainage system, support the highly debated hypothesis of a paleo-hydrographic fluvial, lacustrine or wetland complex drainage flowing along the northwestern coast of the Miocene Falcón basin into the proto-Caribbean.

Jorge D. Carrillo-Briceño, Erin Maxwell, Orangel A. Aguilera, Rodolfo Sánchez and Marcelo R. Sánchez-Villagra. 2015. Sawfishes and Other Elasmobranch Assemblages from the Mio-Pliocene of the South Caribbean (Urumaco Sequence, Northwestern Venezuela). PLoS ONE. DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0139230

[Ichthyology • 2015] Lubricogobius nanus • A New Species of Goby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from eastern Papua New Guinea

Tiny Goby || Lubricogobius nanus Allen, 2015

Abstract

A new species of goby, Lubricogobius nanus, is described from near Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea on the basis of four adult specimens, 9.5–10.9 mm SL. Diagnostic features include 10–11 segmented dorsal-fin rays, 8–9 segmented anal-fin rays, the presence of both anterior and posterior nostrils, a low fleshy keel mid-dorsally and mid-ventrally on the caudal peduncle, a mid-lateral row of widely-spaced sensory papillae on the side of the body, approximately 15 scattered sensory papillae on the middle portion of the caudal fin, body depth 3.2–3.4 in SL, mainly brown coloration with yellow fins, and an exceptionally small size (<11 mm SL). Photographs and comparative morphological data are presented for the other four members of the genus, including L. dinah, L. exiguus, L. ornatus, and L. tre.

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, mud-slope fishes, Indo-Pacific, western Pacific Ocean.

Allen, G.R. 2015. 2015. Lubricogobius nanus, A New Species of Goby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from eastern Papua New Guinea.  Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 17: 1–11.

http://www.oceansciencefoundation.org/josf/josf17a.pdf

Lubricogobius dinah J. E. Randall & Senou, 2001 (Dinah's goby)

Lubricogobius tre Prokofiev, 2009

[Herpetology • 2014] Tylototriton liuyangensis • A New Species of the Genus Tylototriton (Urodela: Salamandridae) from Northeastern Hunan Province, China

Tylototriton liuyangensis  Yang, Jiang, Shen & Fei, 2014

DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1245.2014.00001

ABSTRACT

We describe a new species from the family Salamandridae from northeastern Hunan Province of China based on morphological and molecular genetic evidences. The new species, Tylototriton liuyangensis,is a member of the T. asperrimus group,and shares a number of similarities with T. wenxianensis and T. broadoridgus.The dorsal surface of the new Tylototriton species is completely black,with nodule-like warts distributed evenly along the lateral margin of dorsal body,and there is no transverse striae between the warts.There are several diagnostic characters of the new species that differ from those of T. wenxianensis and T. broadoridgus as follows: (1) the interorbital space (IOS) is comparatively wide; (2) there is a bony ridge present on the dorsal head surface,running along the upper eyelids; (3) the space between axilla and groin (AGS) is comparatively large,with the mean male AGS approximately equal to 50%of the snout-vent length (SVL) and the mean female AGS being 53%of SVL; and (4) there is a small genital armature on the anterior angle of labial folds present inside the anal fissure of adult males during the breeding season.The result from the molecular phylogenetic analysis of the genus Tylototriton (including the type specimen of the new species)based on the complete DNA sequence of the mitochondrial ND2 gene(1035 bp)indicated that the new species was similar to T. wenxianensis, T. dabienicus, and T. broadoridgus, but formed an independent clade.This result was consistent with the morphological analysis above, supporting that the Liuyang Population represented a distinct species.

Key words: new species, Tylototriton liuyangensis, Salamandridae, taxonomy, Liuyang Daweishan Provincial Nature Reserve of Hunan Province in China

 YANG Daode, JIANG Jianping, SHEN Youhui and  FEI Dongbo. 2014. A New Species of the Genus Tylototriton (Urodela: Salamandridae) from Northeastern Hunan Province, China. ASIAN HERPETOLOGICAL RESEARCH. 5(1):1-11. DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1245.2014.00001

ResearchGate.net/publication/278393438_A_New_Species_of_the_Genus_Tylototriton_(Urodela_Salamandridae)_from_Northeastern_Hunan_Province_China

[Arachnology • 2015] Iandumoema smeagol • A New Highly Specialized Cave Harvestman (Arachnida, Opiliones, Gonyleptidae) from Brazil and The First Blind Species of The Genus Iandumoema

Iandumoema smeagol  Pinto-da-Rocha, Fonseca-Ferreira & Bichuette, 2015
[upper] Iandumoema smeagol sp. n. Live male specimen foraging in its natural habitat, showing detail of the pale yellowish coloration.  [lower] Karst relief of Monjolos regions and map of the study area at Monjolos municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.537.6073

Abstract

A new species of troglobitic harvestman, Iandumoema smeagol sp. n., is described from Toca do Geraldo, Monjolos municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Iandumoema smeagol sp. n. is distinguished from the other two species of the genus by four exclusive characteristics – dorsal scutum areas with conspicuous tubercles, enlarged retrolateral spiniform tubercle on the distal third of femur IV, eyes absent and the penial ventral process slender and of approximately the same length of the stylus. The species is the most highly modified in the genus and its distribution is restricted only to caves in that particular area of Minas Gerais state. The type locality is not inside a legally protected area, and there are anthropogenic impacts in its surroundings. Therefore, Iandumoema smeagol sp. n. is vulnerable and it must be considered in future conservation projects.

Keywords: Endemism, troglobitic, limestone, Espinhaço Supergroup, Minas Gerais state

Figure 12. Iandumoema smeagol sp. n. Live male specimen foraging in its natural habitat, showing detail of the pale yellowish coloration.

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.537.6073

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the hobbit named Smeagol, created by J.R.R. Tolkien, being the original name of Gollum – the dweller of the caves located below the Misty Mountains of Middle-earth of the Lord of the Rings book.

Distribution and natural history

The occurrence of Iandumoema smeagol sp. n. in the limestone caves of Bambuí Group, more specifically in the boundaries of Serra do Espinhaço Plateau (Figure 1) shows that this region must be the eastern boundary distribution of the genus, the quartzite and the high altitudes of Serra do Espinhaço being the possible barriers. The results show that the genus Iandumoema only occurs in the northern Minas Gerais state, occupying an area of ca. 8,000 km2, and is restricted to hypogean environments, being exclusive to caves. This distribution range corroborates those presented by Hara and Pinto-da-Rocha (2008). Most specimens were collected in the aphotic zone of Toca do Geraldo cave; and only one individual was recorded in the Lapa do Santo Antônio cave. The minimum distribution range for Iandumoema smeagol sp. n. (or occurrence area) is of 4.6 km2. The specimen collected in the Lapa do Santo Antônio cave was on the rocky substrate, at the twilight zone and close to the entrance (less than 50 m away). In four visits at Toca do Geraldo, the opilionids were observed on the walls (rocky substrate) and few on the silt substrate, always close to water bodies (drainage or pools). Despite the observed guano piles (of hematophagous bats), not one individual was observed close to them. The adults show solitary habits; on one occasion, one individual was feeding in litter, apparently scavenging carcasses of invertebrates (Figure 12). In two occasions, active juveniles were observed on the walls while the adults showed a behavior comparatively more sedentary. In the four occasions, a total of 14 individuals were observed including adults and juveniles, always close to the cave stream, showing a low abundance. Apparently, the cave does not have dry galleries and/or conduits, showing high relative humidity of the air (ca. 80%) and temperature amplitude between 22 and 24 °C.

Figure 1. a map of the study area at Monjolos municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil b Karst relief of Monjolos regions c entrance of Toca do Geraldo cave, a limestone cave of Bambuí Geomorphological Unit.

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.537.6073

Troglomorphisms and conservation remarks

As a result of their faunistic singularities and high endemism, hypogean environments are considered fragile. Besides their unique faunistic composition, the singularity of cave habitats is related to the presence of relicts, many times represented by troglobitic species. Gallão and Bichuette (2015) observed this tendency in a small area (24 km2) located at Chapada Diamantina, northeastern Brazil (at least 23 troglobitic species, most of them relict ones). Troglobitic species have unique sets of autapomorphies, such as eyes and melanistic pigmentation reductions allied to other troglomorphisms, such as pedipalps elongation in opilionids and other arachnids. A possible endemism in a karst area, which is threatened, was observed for Iandumoema smeagol sp. n. in addition to the accentuated autapomorphies. Projects for the installation of small hydroelectric dams and limestone extraction for cement production represent potential impacts on the immediate environment (M. E. Bichuette and R. Fonseca-Ferreira, pers. obs.). Moreover, the extent of occurrence area of the species (4.6 sq.km.) allied to the deforestation in the cave surroundings must place this species in a threatened category considering the IUCN criteria (Vulnerable, VU or Endangered, EN). Long-term studies focusing population biology and distribution of I. smeagol sp. n. are urgent and fundamental to establish an effective conservation policy, including the creation of protected area(s).

Ricardo Pinto-da-Rocha, Rafael Fonseca-Ferreira and Maria Elina Bichuette. 2015. A New Highly Specialized Cave Harvestman from Brazil and The First Blind Species of The Genus: Iandumoema smeagol sp. n. (Arachnida, Opiliones, Gonyleptidae). ZooKeys. 537: 79-95. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.537.6073