[Botany • 2016] Floral Specialization for Different Pollinators and Divergent Use of the Same Pollinator Among Co-occurring Impatiens Species (Balsaminaceae) from Southeast Asia

Researchers have presented their results on specialization in pollination techniques in flowers of the genus Impatiens. For two months in 2014, they have studied 7 co-occurring species of the genus Impatiens in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

 science.naturalis.nl 

 Ruchisansakun, Tangtorwongsakul, Cozien, et al. 2016.

DOI: 10.1111/boj.12427

Floral variation among closely related species is thought to often reflect differences in pollination systems. Flowers of the large genus Impatiens are characterized by extensive variation in colour, shape and size and in anther and stigma positioning, but studies of their pollination ecology are scarce and most lack a comparative context. Consequently, the function of floral diversity in Impatiens remains enigmatic. This study documents floral variation and pollination of seven co-occurring Impatiens spp. in the Southeast Asian diversity hotspot. To assess whether floral trait variation reflects specialization for different pollination systems, we tested whether species depend on pollinators for reproduction, identified animals that visit flowers, determined whether these visitors play a role in pollination and quantified and compared key floral traits, including floral dimensions and nectar characteristics. Experimental exclusion of insects decreased fruit and seed set significantly for all species except I. muscicola, which also received almost no visits from animals. Most species received visits from several animals, including bees, birds, butterflies and hawkmoths, only a subset of which were effective pollinators. Impatiens psittacina, I. kerriae, I. racemosa and I. daraneenae were pollinated by bees, primarily Bombus haemorrhoidalis. Impatiens chiangdaoensis and I. santisukii had bimodal pollination systems which combined bee and lepidopteran pollination. Floral traits differed significantly among species with different pollination systems. Autogamous flowers were small and spurless, and did not produce nectar; bee-pollinated flowers had short spurs and large floral chambers with a wide entrance; and bimodally bee- and lepidopteran-pollinated species had long spurs and a small floral chamber with a narrow entrance. Nectar-producing species with different pollination systems did not differ in nectar volume and sugar concentration. Despite the high frequency of bee pollination in co-occurring species, individuals with a morphology suggestive of hybrid origin were rare. Variation in floral architecture, including various forms of corolla asymmetry, facilitates distinct, species-specific pollen-placement on visiting bees. Our results show that floral morphological diversity among Impatiens spp. is associated with both differences in functional pollinator groups and divergent use of the same pollinator. Non-homologous mechanisms of floral asymmetry are consistent with repeated independent evolution, suggesting that competitive interactions among species with the same pollination system have been an important driver of floral variation among Impatiens spp.

Keywords: autogamy; bee pollination; butterfly pollination; floral asymmetry; nectar robbing; nectar spur; pollen placement; sympatry; tropics

Figure 3. Impatiens flowers, showing variation in colour and shape and floral visitors:

 I. muscicola (A); 
I. santisukii pollinated by Polytremis lubricans lubricans (B) and Bombus haemorrhoidalis (C);
I. racemosa pollinated by B. haemorrhoidalis (D);
I. chiangdaoensis pollinated by Notocrypta curvifascia (E) and visited by a nectar-robbing B. haemorrhoidalis (F);
 I. psittacina pollinated by B. haemorrhoidalis (G);
  I. kerriae pollinated by B. haemorrhoidalis (H) and visited by Apis cerana (I), Macroglossum belis (J), and Aethopyga gouldiae (K).
  I. daraneenae pollinated by an unknown bee species (Apidae) (L).

Black arrow in (A) indicates the typical position of the shed anthers onto the lower lateral united petals, facilitating autonomous self-pollination. All other arrows indicate pollen placement sites on visiting bee species (C, D, G, H, L). Scale bar in (A) represents 1 mm, all other scale bars represent 10 mm.

DOI: 10.1111/boj.12427

Saroj Ruchisansakun, Pornpimon Tangtorwongsakul, Ruth J. Cozien, Erik F. Smets FMLS and Timotheüs van der Niet. 2016. Floral Specialization for Different Pollinators and Divergent Use of the Same Pollinator Among Co-occurring Impatiens Species (Balsaminaceae) from Southeast Asia. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 181(4); 651–666.  DOI: 10.1111/boj.12427

In a study in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, researchers (including 4  from Naturalis) have presented their results on specialization in pollination techniques in flowers of the genus Impatiens. For two months in 2014, they have studied 7 co-occurring species of the genus Impatiens (see video) in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Impatiens develops diff. floral shapes to specialize in pollination techniques + avoid competition! Blog+video science.naturalis.nl/en/about-us/news/onderzoek/flowers-impatiens-genus-and-their-specialization-pollination-techniques/?platform=hootsuite

 twitter.com/Naturalis_Sci/status/926074487338098690

    

[Entomology • 2017] Macrosaccus coursetiae • A New Species of Macrosaccus (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae: Lithocolletinae) from Arizona, USA

Macrosaccus coursetiae   

Eiseman & Davis, 2017

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4358.2.11 

Abstract

A sixth species of Macrosaccus (Gracillariidae), M. coursetiae sp. nov., is described. The larvae are leafminers of Coursetia glandulosa (Fabaceae). The parasitoid Chrysocharis walleyi (Eulophidae) has been reared from the leaf mines; a table summarizing the host records for this wasp is presented.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, Chrysocharis walleyi, Coursetia glandulosa, Eulophidae, Fabaceae, leafminer

adult Macrosaccus coursetiae. Live specimen in resting position

Etymology. The specific name is derived from the generic name of the host plant, Coursetia DC. The speciesgroup name of the moth is a latinized noun in genitive singular, gender feminine. It is combined with the generic name Macrosaccus of which the gender is masculine. Since the species-group name coursetiae is a noun in apposition its ending does not need to agree in gender with the generic name with which it is combined and must not be changed to agree in gender with the generic name (ICZN Art. 34.2.1).

Charles S. Eiseman and Donald R. Davis. 2017. A New Species of Macrosaccus (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae: Lithocolletinae) from Arizona, USA. Zootaxa. 4358(2); 385–392. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4358.2.11

 researchgate.net/publication/321346671_A_new_species_of_Macrosaccus_Lepidoptera_Gracillariidae_Lithocolletinae_from_Arizona_USA

[Crustacea • 2017] Pleistacantha kannu • A New Large Oregoniid Spider Crab of the Genus Pleistacantha Miers, 1879 (Brachyura, Majoidea), from the Bay of Bengal, India

Pleistacantha kannu

 Ng, Ravinesh & Ravichandran, 2017

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.716.21349 

Abstract

A new species of deep-water oregoniid spider crab of the genus Pleistacantha Miers, 1879, is described from the Indian Ocean. The species is distinct in possessing a prominently inflated carapace in which the median parts of the branchial regions almost meet. It can also be distinguished from its closest congeners, P. moseleyi (Miers, 1885), P. pungens (Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason and Alcock 1891), and P. ori Ahyong & Ng, 2007, in its more elongate and less spinose chelipeds and ambulatory legs, shorter third maxilliped, trapezoidal male pleon and a male first gonopod which is relatively stout with a short subdistal dorsal papilla.

Keywords: deep-water, Indian Ocean, new species, Oregoniidae, Pleistacantha, taxonomy

Figure 1. Pleistacantha kannu sp. n., colour in life. A holotype male (cl 106.2 mm, cw 87.0 mm) (CASAU), India B paratype ovigerous female (cl 84.4 mm, cw 71.5 mm) (CASAU), India. 

Systematics

Family Oregoniidae Garth, 1958

Genus Pleistacantha Miers, 1879

Type species: Pleistacantha sanctijohannis Miers, 1879, by original designation.

Pleistacantha kannu sp. n.

?Pleistacantha adenicus Kazmi 1997  (nomen nudum).

Diagnosis: Carapace broadly pyriform, postrostral carapace length equal to or slightly longer than carapace width (ratio 1.0–1.1) (Figs 2A, B, 4C, D); dorsal carapace surface with short spines with relatively wider bases (Figs 2A, B, 4C, D, 5C, D); gastric regions strongly swollen (Figs 2A, B, 4C, D, 5C, D); branchial regions strongly swollen laterally and dorsally; medially separated by narrow space, area without spines, spines on margins of regions overlapping (Figs 2A, B, 4C, D, 5C, D); posterior carapace margin convex (Fig. 4C); rostrum relatively short; gently divergent, directly obliquely laterally, not curving upwards (Figs 2A, B, 4C, D, 5C, D, 6E); interantennular spine short, tip bifurcated with shallow concavity between short processes (Figs 6E, F); lateral margins of posterior margin of epistome strongly concave (Fig. 7G, H); ischium of third maxilliped short (Fig. 7I); adult male cheliped elongate, merus and chela slender (Figs 2A, 8F); surface of adult male chela mostly smooth, proximal part with short tubercles or granules, without long spines (Figs 2A, 8E, F); male anterior thoracic sternum relatively broad; surface with numerous blunt and sharp tubercles, never spines (Fig. 9E); male pleon transversely wide; distinctly trapezoidal; surface with numerous blunt and sharp tubercles, never spines (Fig. 9F); G1 relatively stout; distal part gently curved; subdistal dorsal papilla short (Fig. 10K–M).

Etymology: Name after the late Professor T. Kannupandi, an influential crustacean worker from the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology in Annamalai University. The name, a shortened version of his family name, is used as a noun in apposition.

 Peter K. L. Ng, Raveendhiran Ravinesh and S. Ravichandran. 2017. A New Large Oregoniid Spider Crab of the Genus Pleistacantha Miers, 1879, from the Bay of Bengal, India (Crustacea, Brachyura, Majoidea). ZooKeys. 716: 127-146.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.716.21349

[Herpetology • 2017] Cyrtodactylus tanim • Morphological and Genetic Evidence for A New Karst Specialist Lizard from New Guinea (Cyrtodactylus: Gekkonidae)

Cyrtodactylus tanim 

 Nielsen & Oliver, 2017 

DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170781 

Abstract

Exposed limestone karst landscapes, especially in the tropics, are often home to distinctive and specialized biotas. Among vertebrates, a particularly large number of karst-associated lizard taxa have been described, but for the vast majority, evidence of specific adaptions to karst is lacking. A number of studies, however, have provided evidence of consistent morphological trends in lizards that use complex, three-dimensional, saxicoline habitats such as those that typify karst areas. Here we combine morphological and genetic data to test whether a newly discovered gecko from an extremely rugged karst area in New Guinea shows morphological trends matching those observed in other lizards associated with complex rock habitats such as karst and caves. Consistent with predictions, the new species' head is flatter and narrower than similar-sized relatives, and it has proportionally larger eyes and longer limbs. These trends indicate this taxon represents the second documented instance of karst specialization in a New Guinean vertebrate, and suggest morphological traits to test for evidence of specialized ecological associations in the many karst-associated Cyrtodactylus taxa from Southeast Asia.

KEYWORDS: Cyrtodactylus, ecological diversity, gecko, morphometric analysis, specialization

Figure 7. Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp. in life. Paratypes SJR14637 (a,b) and NMV75961 (c) displaying juvenile coloration.

Photographs: Paul M. Oliver. 

Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp.  

 Diagnosis: Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp. can be distinguished from all other Melanesian and (Wallacean) Cyrtodactylus by the following unique combination of characters: moderate size (SVL to 96.7 mm) and slender, with a relatively narrow head (HW/SVL 0.17–0.19), mid-dorsal tubercles in 14–16 longitudinal rows at midpoint of body, ventrolateral fold without enlarged tubercles, subcaudal scales not transversely widened, pores in a tripartite series, precloacal pores obvious and of moderate number (15–17), femoral pores minute and numerous (31–30 per limb, 66–76 total), and dorsal colour pattern on torso consisting of six to nine semi-distinctly defined, alternating dark-brown bands or blotches, on a medium-brown background.

Distribution and natural history: Currently known from three sites spanning an elevation from approximately 540 to 1075 m.a.s.l. in near-impenetrable limestone country just east of Kaiangabip Village, Western Province, Papua New Guinea. Similar limestone country is widespread, but difficult to access, along the southern edge of the Central Cordillera, and this species is likely to have a wider range than is currently known.

A similar, moderately sized Cyrtodactylus with many dark-brown dorsal bands was seen—but not collected—in limestone areas in the north of Gulf Province. If this is also Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp., then it will have a range spanning over 300 km.

Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp. was collected in hill forest and lower montane forest where it was quite common, especially at higher elevations. Along a ridge of lower montane forest at approximately 1100 m.a.s.l. (figure 8), up to 10 specimens could reliably be seen over several hours of spotlighting on a single night. They were most commonly seen perched at relatively low heights (less than 3 m above substrate) on limestone faces, or on nearby small trees, roots, or lianas. Two eggs are visible in paratypes (NMV75958 and NMV75959) at varying stages of development.

Above 1000 m.a.s.l. Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp. was the only gecko present, but at the two lower elevation sites (less than 900 m.a.s.l.) it occurred sympatrically with C. capreoloides and C. serratus. No habitat segregation with the former was obvious. Cyrtodactylus serratus appeared to be much rarer (six specimens in three weeks) and was observed at greater heights in the forest strata (e.g. on lianas or in larger forest trees more than 3 m above the ground), suggesting this much larger species is more arboreal than Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp.

Figure 8. Habitat of Cyrtodactylus tanim n. sp.: lower montane forest on karst basement in Western Province, Papua New Guinea. Photograph: Paul M. Oliver. 

 Etymology: ‘Tanim’, ‘Tanem’ or ‘Tanemkan’ is the ‘tokples’ name that Faiwol speakers from western Papua New Guinea gave specifically for Cyrtodactylus geckos, both on this survey, and earlier surveys undertaken by Fred Parker around Wangbin and Migalsimbip Villages in 1969 (personal communication). Incidentally, several local people including experienced hunters, showed distaste for Cyrtodactylus geckos, and were reluctant to touch, hold, or in the case of large specimens even look at them.

Stuart V. Nielsen and Paul M. Oliver. 2017. Morphological and Genetic Evidence for A New Karst Specialist Lizard from New Guinea (Cyrtodactylus: Gekkonidae).  Royal Society Open Science.  DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170781

 twitter.com/StuartVNielsen/status/931188894615457793

[Botany • 2017] Peucedanum guvenianum • A New Species (Apiaceae) from West Anatolia, Turkey

Peucedanum guvenianum Yıldırım & H.Duman

Yildirim & Duman, 2017. DOI: 10.3906/bot-1701-56 

Abstract

Peucedanum guvenianum Yıldırım & H.Duman is described as a species new to science. It is endemic to the West Anatolia region of Turkey. It is known from a single locality in İzmir Province. P. guvenianum shows similarities to P. longifolium, P. ruthenicum, and P. vourinense. Diagnostic morphological characters are discussed and compared with those of closely related taxa. It is easily distinguished from related species especially by its stem 130-220 cm tall, distinctly striate, densely branched from below the middle to upper part; basal leaves 28-40 cm long and 20-70 cm wide; bracts linear-lanceolate and erect; petals emarginate at apex; mericarp 7.2-14 x 4.3-8 mm, oblong to oblong-orbicular, ±± two times longer from pedicel.

Peucedanum guvenianum Yıldırım & H.Duman sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: P. guvenianum is related to P. ruthenicum, P. longifolium, and P. vourinense. It differs from these species especially by its stem 130–220 cm tall, distinctly striate, densely branched from below the middle to upper part (not maximum to 120 cm tall, slightly striate, slightly or densely branched from above the middle); basal leaves 28–40 cm long and 20–70 cm wide (not 5–30 long and 10–20 wide); bracts linear-lanceolate and erect (not filiform and deflexed); petals emarginate at apex (not without emarginate apex or slightly emarginate at apex); mericarp 7.2–14 × 4.3–8 mm, ±two times longer from pedicel (not 4.5–9 × 3–4 mm, ±equal or slightly shorter).

Etymology: The new species was named in honor of Turkish botanist Prof Dr Güven Görk, who is an expert on the flora of Turkey. The Turkish name of this species is given as “Eferezenesi”, according to the guidelines of Menemen et al. (2013).

Figure 2. Peucedanum guvenianum: A- Habitus; B- flowers and umbel; C- immature fruits; D- mature fruits; E- stages of budding to mature fruit.

Distribution and ecology: Peucedanum guvenianum is locally endemic to İzmir Province, West Anatolia. It is an element belonging to the Mediterranean floristic region. The new species grows in the maquis vegetation and opening Pinus brutia area, between 220 and 270 m a.s.l. in the triangle of the Seferihisar, Menderes, and Gümüldür districts in İzmir. Species growing in the near vicinity include Arbutus andrachne L., Arbutus unedo L., Asparagus acutifolius L., Centranthus calcitrapa (L.) Dufr., Cerotonia siliqua L., Cistus creticus L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, Lavandula stoechas L. subsp. stoechas, Lavetera puctata All., Lonicera caprifolium L., Lupinus micranthus Guss., Origanum onites L., Osyris alba L., Phillyrea latifolia L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Satureja thymbra L., and Verbascum rupicola (Hayek et Siehe) Hub.-Mor

Hasan Yildirim and Hayri Duman. 2017. Peucedanum guvenianum (Apiaceae), A New Species from West Anatolia, Turkey.  Doga, Turkish Journal of Botany. 41(6); 600-608.  DOI: 10.3906/bot-1701-56

http://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/botany/issues/bot-17-41-6/bot-41-6-7-1701-56.pdf

ResearchGate.net/publication/321295957_Peucedanum_guvenianum_Apiaceae_a_new_species_from_West_Anatolia_Turkey

Turkish scientists discover new plant species endemic to Izmir http://sabahdai.ly/wotaR9

[Herpetology • 2017] Cnemaspis purnamai • A New Species of Rock Gecko of the Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Belitung Island, Indonesia

Cnemaspis purnamai

Riyanto, Hamidy, Sidik & Gunalen, 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4358.3.12 

Abstract

A new species of rock gecko of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch is described from Belitung Island, Indonesia. The new species is differentiated from all other species in the Southern Sunda clade (sensu Grismer et al. 2014a) by having a unique combination of characters including: (1) a maximum SVL of 54.1 mm, (2) five or six postmental scales, (3) enlarged submetacarpal scales on the first finger, (4) enlarged submetatarsal scales on the first toe, (5) keeled ventral scales, (6) absence of precloacal pores, (7) absence of enlarged femoral scales, (8) absence of shield-like subtibial scales, (9) caudal tubercles encircling the tail, (10) an interrupted median row of enlarged keeled subcaudals, (11) presence of a distinct furrow on the lateral surface of the tail (12) 22–24 lamellae beneath fourth toe, and (13) two postcloacal tubercles on each side of the tail base.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cnemaspis, Belitung Island, Indonesia, new species

Awal Riyanto, Amir Hamidy, Irvan Sidik and Danny Gunalen. 2017.  A New Species of Rock Gecko of the Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Belitung Island, Indonesia. Zootaxa. 4358(3); 583-597. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4358.3.12

[Botany • 2017] Oberonia aureolabris • A New Species (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae) from western Java, Indonesia

Oberonia aureolabris Geiger

 DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.329.2.8 

Abstract

Oberonia aureolabris sp. nov. from western Java is described, having been studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. It is distinguished by a panduriform inflated disc, relatively short and widely separated epichile lobes on the lip, more or less equal length of the floral bracts over the entire floriferous portion of the inflorescence and orange colour.

Keywords: Orchidaceae, Malaxideae, Oberonia, Monocots

FIGURE 1. Oberonia aureolabris.
A. Habit (scale bar = 10 cm). B. Portion of inflorescence (scale bar = 10 mm). C. Enlarged portion of B (scale bar = 1 mm). D. Lateral view of flower showing inflated sac (scale bar = 1 mm). E. Frontal view of flower showing lateral lobes and fine serrations towards base (scale bar = 1 mm). 

B–C: z-stacked on stereomicroscope. D–E: z-stacked on compound microscope. (Photographs of the material that became the type.)

Oberonia aureolabris Geiger, sp. nov.  

This new species is similar to Oberonia rufilabris Lindley (1838: t. 8A), but with an orange flower, lip with panduriform inflated disc, one pair of long lateral lobes in middle of lip, epichile unequally trifid, large outer lobes 25–30% as long as lip and a minute lobe in midline.

Etymology:— aureo, Latin for golden/orange; -labris, Latin for lip. Referring to the golden coloured lip and similarity to O. rufilabris.

Daniel L. Geiger. 2017. Studies on Oberonia 2 (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae): Oberonia aureolabris, A New Species Discovered in Cultivation. Zootaxa. 329(2); 173–179.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.329.2.8

[PaleoIchthyology • 2017] Eoanabas thibetana • Fossil Climbing Perch and Associated Plant Megafossils indicate A Warm and Wet Central Tibet During the late Oligocene

Eoanabas thibetana

Wu, Miao, Chang, Shi & Wang, 2017

  DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00928-9  IVPP.cas.cn 

Abstract

Understanding the Tibetan Plateau’s palaeogeography and palaeoenvironment is critical for reconstructing Asia’s climatic history; however, aspects of the plateau’s uplift history remain unclear. Here, we report a fossil biota that sheds new light on these issues. It comprises a fossil climbing perch (Anabantidae) and a diverse subtropical fossil flora from the Chattian (late Oligocene) of central Tibet. The fish, Eoanabas thibetana gen. et sp. nov., is inferred to be closely related to extant climbing perches from tropical lowlands in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It has osteological correlates of a labyrinth organ, which in extant climbing perches gives them the ability to breathe air to survive warm, oxygen-poor stagnant waters or overland excursion under moist condition. This indicates that Eoanabas likewise lived in a warm and humid environment as suggested by the co-existing plant assemblage including palms and golden rain trees among others. As a palaeoaltimeter, this fossil biota suggests an elevation of ca. 1,000 m. These inferences conflict with conclusions of a high and dry Tibet claimed by some recent and influential palaeoaltimetry studies. Our discovery prompts critical re-evaluation of prevailing uplift models of the plateau and their temporal relationships with the Cenozoic climatic changes.

Systematic Palaeontology  

Teleostei Müller, 1845

Anabantiformes sensu Wiley and Johnson, 2010

Anabantoidei sensu Lauder and Liem, 1983

Anabantidae Bonaparte, 1839

Eoanabas thibetana gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. The generic name combines ‘Eo-’ (Greek, early/primeval) with ‘Anabas’, the type genus of Anabantidae from tropical Asia. The specific name refers to Tibet, China.

Holotype. IVPP V 22782, a complete skeleton, part and counterpart (Fig. 1a,b).

Paratypes. Sixteen specimens are designated as paratypes (Supplementary Information).

Locality and Horizon. Jiangnongtangga (type locality) and Songwori in south Nima Basin and Dayu in Lunpola Basin in central Tibet (Supplementary Figs 1 and 2). Middle-upper part of Dingqing Formation, late Oligocene (Chattian) (ca. 26~23.5 Ma)6, 20, 26.

Diagnosis. A labyrinth fish displaying anabantid characteristics including a posterior notch of the opercle bounded by spines, a V-shaped strut on inner side of opercle and six to nine anal-fin spines. It shares with Asian anabantids the following derived characters: broad infraorbitals 3–5 completely covering the cheek, a sensory canal pore just behind sphenotic/pterotic junction and pelvic plate lying flat; and it shares with African anabantids some derived characters, e.g., sensory canal opening in between the infraorbitals, supraorbital commissure of the sensory canal absent and male postocular contact organ present.

Figure 1 A new fossil climbing perch, Eoanabas thibetana gen. et sp. nov. from the upper Oligocene of central Tibet. It resembles its extant tropical relatives in having a labyrinth organ for air breathing and postocular contact organ in male fishes for stimulating the female during a mating clasp.
(a) Photograph and (b) line drawing of holotype (IVPP V22782a), image horizontally rotated. (c) Photograph and (d) line drawing of the head of IVPP V18412a, red area in (d) representing muscular attachment facet.

Abbreviations: alm, attachment facet of levator operculi muscle; Cbr1, ceratobranchial of first gill arch; op.st, V-shaped struts on inner side of opercles.

Figure 2 Fossil climbing perch, Eoanabas thibetana gen. et sp. nov. from the upper Oligocene of central Tibet.
(a) Line drawing of the head of IVPP V18414a. (b) Photograph of IVPP V18414a. (c) Photograph of IVPP V18581a. (d) Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of relics of labyrinth organ in (c), arrows pointing the pores on the lamellae. (e) Computerized tomography of labyrinth organ (lateral view) of Anabas testudineus (OP 435). (f) Cleared and stained head showing the labyrinth organ and associated structures of Anabas testudineus (collection no. OP 432). (g) Cleared and stained specimen of Anabas testudineus (collection no. OP 433). (h) Osteological restoration of Eoanabas, purported male; not to scale.

Images in (c), (d) are horizontally rotated. Abbreviations: br, branchiostegal rays; hp1, hypural 1; m., muscle; php, parhypural.

Feixiang Wu, Desui Miao, Mee-mann Chang, Gongle Shi and Ning Wang. 2017. Fossil Climbing Perch and Associated Plant Megafossils indicate A Warm and Wet Central Tibet During the late Oligocene. Scientific Reports. 7, Article number: 878.  DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00928-9 
ResearchGate.net/publication/316090334_Fossil_climbing_perch_and_associated_plant_megafossils_indicate_a_warm_and_wet_central_Tibet_during_the_late_Oligocene

IVPP.cas.cn/xwdt/tpxw/201706/t20170605_4807953.html

Feixiang Wu, Dekui He, Mee-mann Chang and Desui Miao. 2017. New light on the paleobiogeography of the labyrinth fishes. RESEARCH & KNOWLEDGE. 3(2); 63-64. DOI: 10.14456/randk.2017.29
 rk.msu.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/14-Feixiang.pdf

[Entomology • 2017] Polommatus (Agrodiaetus) australorossicus • A New Butterfly Species from south Russia revealed through Chromosomal and Molecular Analysis of the Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) damonides complex (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

[upper] Polommatus (Agrodiaetus) australorossicus 

Lukhtanov & Dantchenko, 2017

[lower] Polyommatus  (A.)  shamil (Dantchenko, 2000)

 DOI:  10.3897/CompCytogen.v11i4.20072 

Abstract

Finding a new species is a rare event in easy-to-see and well-studied organisms like butterflies, especially if they inhabit well-explored areas such as the Western Palaearctic. However, even in this region, gaps in taxonomic knowledge still exist and here we report such a discovery. Using a combined analysis of chromosomal and molecular markers we demonstrate that Polyommatus blue populations from Daghestan (South Russia), previously identified as P. aserbeidschanus, represent in fact a new species which is described here as P. australorossicus sp. n. We also show that the enigmatic Polyommatus damonides described as a form of Polyommatus damone and later considered as an entity similar to P. poseidon or P. ninae is conspecific with a taxon previously known as P. elbursicus. As a result of our study, we propose several taxonomic changes within the P. damonides species complex and suggest the following new combinations: P. damonides elbursicus Forster, 1956, comb. n. and P. damonides gilanensis Eckweiler, 2002, comb. n.

Keywords: Ancestral polymorphism, biodiversity, chromosomes, chromosomal fusion/fission, COI, cryptic species, DNA barcoding, incomplete lineage sorting, inverted meiosis, karyosystematics, molecular phylogenetics, mitochondrial introgression, phylogeography, speciation

Figure 9. Specimens of Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) australorossicus sp. n. and P. (A.) shamil. Both samples collected in Gunib (Russia, Caucasus, Daghestan, Gimrinsky Range, 1600-1800 m), 14 August 1997, by A. Dantchenko.
 a, b upperside (a) and underside (b) of the holotype of Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) australorossicus sp. n. DK-27-97, n=23; arrow indicates basal black spot
c, d upperside (c) and underside (b) of the paratype of Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) shamil, CCDB-17947_B11, DK-97-18, n=17, 2n=34. Bar = 10 mm. 

Polommatus (Agrodiaetus) australorossicus sp. n.

Diagnosis: Phenotypically P. (A.) australorossicus sp. n. is practically indistinguishable from allopatric closely related P. ninae, P. aserbeidschanus and P. lukhtanovi but the ground colour of the underside of the hindwings is grey in the new species, with ocherous tint, not light or dark brown. The new species differs from sympatric (syntopic and synchronous) P. shamil (Fig. 9c, d) by specific structure of costal area of the forewings in males (Fig. 10). The submarginal row of spots on the forewing underside is more blurred (Fig. 9b), not sharp and clear visible as in P. shamil (Fig. 9d). Additionally, basal black spots are usually present on the underside of the forewings in P. (A.) australorossicus (Fig. 9b); however, this character is not constant.

Habitat and biology: Stony steppe and dry meadows from 1500 up to 2000 m a.s.l. Flight period: mid-July to end of August, in a single generation. The new species flights syntopically and synchronously with P. shamil but on average about one decade earlier. Host plant is preliminary determined as Astragalus buschiorum (Fabaceae). Hibernation as first instar larvae.

 Vladimir A. Lukhtanov and Alexander V. Dantchenko. 2017. A New Butterfly Species from south Russia revealed through Chromosomal and Molecular Analysis of the Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) damonides complex (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae). Comparative Cytogenetics. 11(4); 769-795.  DOI:  10.3897/CompCytogen.v11i4.20072

New butterfly species discovered in Russia with an unusual set of 46 chromosomes https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171127105922.htm

[Entomology • 2017] Taxonomic and Biogeographic Revision of the New Guinean genus Ophiotettix Walker, 1871 (Tetrigidae: Metrodorinae: Ophiotettigini trib. nov.), with the Descriptions of 33 New Species

Ophiotettix storozhenkoi, O. filiforma, O. pulcherrima, et al

Tumbrinck & Skejo, 2017

 bib.irb.hr/904156

Long-headed pygmy grasshoppers (genus Ophiotettix Walker, 1871) from the New Guinean region (New Guinea and adjacent islands) are taxonomically and biogeographically reviewed. For Ophiotettix and the morphologically similar genera Paraspartolus Günther, 1939, Spartolus Stål, 1877 and Threciscus Bolívar, 1887 a new tribe is erected, Ophiotettigini trib. nov. This tribe is close to Clinophaestini Storozhenko, 2013, which is placed here also under Metrodorinae. Bufonidinae syn. rev. are regarded to be synonymous with Batrachideinae, not Cladonotinae, as previously considered. Statuses of currently known taxa of Ophiotettix are reviewed. The genus now includes 40 species, seven of them previously described: O. buergersi Bolívar, 1929, O. cygnicollis Walker, 1871, O. limosina (Snellen van Vollenhoven, 1865), O. lorentzi Bolívar, 1929, O. modesta Bolívar, 1929 stat. rev., O. scolopax Bolívar, 1929, O. westwoodi Bolívar, 1929 stat. rev. 33 new species are described and illustrated, namely: O. amberiana sp. nov., O. bewana sp. nov., O. bomberaiensis sp. nov., O. brevicollis sp. nov., O. cheesmanae sp. nov., O. depressa sp. nov., O. filiforma sp. nov., O. flyriveriensis sp. nov., O. fritzpahli sp. nov., O. hansscholteni sp. nov., O. imbiana sp. nov., O. kaitani sp. nov., O. karimuiensis sp. nov., O. katharinae sp. nov., O. luce sp. nov., O. meggy sp. nov., O. mountnokensis sp. nov., O. parvicollis sp. nov., O. projecta sp. nov., O. pulcherrima sp. nov., O. pushkari sp. nov., O. quateorum sp. nov., O. rebrinae sp. nov., O. roesleri sp. nov., O. rohwedderi sp. nov., O. sanguinea sp. nov., O. schapinae sp. nov., O. stallei sp. nov., O. storozhenkoi sp. nov., O. subbrevicollis sp. nov., O. telefominensis sp. nov., O. tenuis sp. nov., and O. toxopei sp. nov. An annotated identification key to species is provided. Antennal morphology (especially morphology of five apical segments) is diagnostically important in the taxonomy of this group and provides the best morphological character for species delimitation. Function of modified antennae is not fully understood. Differences between species exist also in head morphology, facial colouration, and morphometrics. Pygmy Giraffhoppers are a diverse group occupying most biogeographical regions of New Guinea North of the Central range, while only few species inhabit areas south of the central range.

 Keywords: Orthoptera, Tetrigidae, pygmy grasshoppers, Discotettiginae, New Guinea, taxonomy, new species, widened antennal segments, long head, horn

Josef Tumbrinck and Josip Skejo. 2017.   Taxonomic and Biogeographic Revision of the New Guinean genus Ophiotettix Walker, 1871 (Tetrigidae: Metrodorinae: Ophiotettigini trib. nov.), with the Descriptions of 33 New Species. In: Telnov, D., Barclay, M.V.L. & Pauwels, O.S.G. [Ed.] Biodiversity, Biogeography and Nature Conservation in Wallacea and New Guinea. 3; 525-580.   bib.irb.hr/904156

ResearchGate.net/publication/320878250_Taxonomic_and_biogeographic_revision_of_the_New_Guinean_genus_Ophiotettix_Tetrigidae_Metrodorinae_Ophiotettigini_trib_nov 

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[Paleontology • 2017] The Squamation of the Eocene stem-Basilisk Geiseltaliellus maarius (Squamata: Iguanidae: Corytophaninae) from Messel, Germany

Geiseltaliellus maarius  Smith, 2009

life reconstruction by J. Eberhardt & A. Vogel  (SMF)

Smith, 2017. SALAMANDRA. 53(4) 

Abstract

 An exceptional new specimen of the stem-basilisk Geiseltaliellus maarius from the middle Eocene of Messel, Germany, preserves details of the squamation of this extinct species. The dorsum and extremities were covered by small, rhomoidal scales, about 0.2 mm in size in most places; somewhat larger scales were present on the lower extremities and on the head. Scales of the venter were arranged in transverse rows, unlike in extant Polychrus and Laemanctus. There is some evidence that the scales on the extremities possessed keels, as in extant basilisks and Polychrus. Keratin appears to be preserved in places. The “Oberhäutchen” is nearly featureless, probably the result of postmortem microbial decomposition; scale organs were not observed. Overall, the body of G. maarius possessed a fine, homogeneous squamation most similar to Basiliscus. Possible sexual dimorphism in the form of the parietal crest raises the prospect of a projecting median keel composed of skin in male G. maarius, although direct evidence on this point is currently lacking. The squamation of the tail is discussed in light of the pseudoautotomy shown by this species. 

Key words: Fossils, Corytophanidae, Eocene, scales, keratin.

Figure 1. Skeleton with skin shadows of Geiseltaliellus maarius, SMF ME 11380a (part).
 (A) Detail of temple region of head. (B) Detail of throat or shoulder region. (C) Detail of right lower leg scales (over tibia and fibula). (D) Detail of left lower leg scales (torn downward and preserved around toe). (E) Detail of digit IV of left pes. Scale bar is 5 mm.

Figure 8. Reconstruction of the squamation of male Geiseltaliellus maarius from Messel.

Juliane Eberhardt (SMF) drew the life reconstruction, colored by Anika Vogel (SMF). 

 K. T. Smith. 2017. The Squamation of the Eocene stem-basilisk Geiseltaliellus maarius (Squamata: Iguanidae: Corytophaninae) from Messel, Germany. SALAMANDRA. 53(4); 519–530.  

http://www.salamandra-journal.com/index.php/home/contents/2017-vol-53/1879-smith-k-t/file