[Paleontology • 2020] Oryctorhynchus bairdi • A New Rhynchosaur (Reptilia, Archosauromorpha) from the Upper Triassic of Eastern North America

 Oryctorhynchus bairdi

Sues, Fitch & Whatley, 2020

DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2020.1771568 

 facebook.com: Adam Fitch

ABSTRACT

This paper provides a description and analysis of cranial remains of a rhynchosaur from the Upper Triassic Evangeline Member of the Wolfville Formation of Nova Scotia, Canada. This material, primarily comprising jaw elements, represents the first definitive record of Late Triassic rhynchosaurs from eastern North America. All cranial bones can be assigned to Hyperodapedontinae. The dentition of the Nova Scotian hyperodapedontine differs from those of Hyperodapedon and Isalorhynchus. The maxilla apparently did not have more than two lateral rows and two medial rows of teeth. The teeth of the lateral row closest to the single groove dividing the maxillary tooth plate are more than twice as large as those of the medial row closest to the groove. The lateral and medial tooth-bearing portions of the maxilla become increasingly crest-like during ontogeny. The dentary lacks a lingual row of teeth. Based on this combination of features, the hyperodapedontine material from the Evangeline Member is assigned to a new taxon, Oryctorhynchus bairdi, gen. et sp. nov., which is the sister species to an unnamed hyperodapedontine taxon from Wyoming. This clade was recovered as the sister taxon to Hyperodapedon spp. in the phylogenetic analysis. The late Carnian or earliest Norian tetrapod assemblage from the Evangeline Member represents a mixture of faunal elements from a wide paleolatitudinal range, suggesting a more cosmopolitan distribution for continental tetrapods during the early Late Triassic than previously assumed.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY 

REPTILIA Laurenti, 1768 

DIAPSIDA Osborn, 1903, sensu Benton, 1985 

ARCHOSAUROMORPHA Huene, 1946, sensu Benton, 1985 

RHYNCHOSAURIDAE Cope, 1871, sensu Dilkes, 1998

HYPERODAPEDONTINAE Lydekker, 1885, sensu Schultz, Langer, and Montefeltro, 2016 

ORYCTORHYNCHUS BAIRDI, gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology— From Greek oryktos, dug, mined, alluding to the inferred digging habits of rhynchosaurs and the derivation of the name ‘Minas Basin’ from the French ‘les mines,’ and Greek rhynchos, snout. The specific epithet honors the late Donald Baird for his pioneering work on Triassic tetrapods from Nova Scotia.

Hans-Dieter Sues, Adam J. Fitch and Robin L. Whatley. 2020. A New Rhynchosaur (Reptilia, Archosauromorpha) from the Upper Triassic of Eastern North America. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e1771568. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2020.1771568

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[Ichthyology • 2020] Vanderhorstia vandersteene • A New Species of Shrimpgoby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea

Vanderhorstia vandersteene

 Allen, Erdmann & Brooks, 2020

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3959464 

 oceansciencefoundation.org

Abstract

A new species of gobiid fish, Vanderhorstia vandersteene, is described from the East Cape region of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea on the basis of five specimens 17.5-32.2 mm SL. Diagnostic features include dorsal-fin elements VI-I,10-12; the fourth dorsal-fin spine filamentous, reaching the base of about the fifth to seventh segmented dorsal-fin ray when adpressed; anal-fin rays I,11; pectoral-fin rays 16-18; lateral scales 35-37; transverse scales 10; body scales mostly ctenoid, except cycloid scales anterior to the level of about the second-dorsal-fin origin, as well as on the pectoral-fin base, prepelvic region, and the lower side between the pectoral-fins and pelvic fins; scales absent on the head, including medially and anteriorly on the predorsal region; the caudal fin lanceolate with an elongate, median filament; color in life light neon blue with a wavy yellow-orange stripe from the upper operculum to the upper caudal-fin base, prominent yellow-orange bars, bands, and spots on the head and upper sides, a pair of yellow stripes on the second dorsal fin, and yellow streaks and bands on the caudal fin. We include a key to the Vanderhorstia species with low lateral-scale counts (less than 45).

Vanderhorstia vandersteene, freshly collected paratype, female, 27.2 mm SL, East Cape region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea (Mark V. Erdmann). 

Vanderhorstia vandersteene, live holotype, male, 32.2 mm SL, East Cape region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea (Mark V. Erdmann).

Vanderhorstia vandersteene, live paratype, female, 27.2 mm SL, East Cape region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea (Mark V. Erdmann). 

Vanderhorstia vandersteene, n. sp. 

Electric Shrimpgoby

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin elements VI-I,10–12, fourth dorsal-fin spine filamentous, reaching base of about fifth to seventh segmented dorsal-fin ray when adpressed; anal-fin elements I,11; pectoral-fin rays 16–18; lateral scales 35–37; transverse scales 10; body scales mostly ctenoid, except cycloid scales anterior to level of about second dorsal-fin origin, on pectoral-fin base, prepelvic region, and lower side between pectoral and pelvic fins; scales absent on head, including medially and anteriorly on predorsal region; caudal fin lanceolate with an elongate median filament; color in life light neon blue with wavy yellow-orange stripe from upper operculum to upper caudal-fin base; prominent yellow-orange bars, bands, and spots on head and upper sides; a pair of yellow stripes on second dorsal fin and yellow streaks and bands on caudal fin.

Etymology. The new species is named vandersteene, which is treated as a noun in apposition for the combined surnames of Rob Vanderloos and Roger Steene, two highly esteemed underwater photographers who have contributed greatly to our knowledge of the reef fishes of Milne Bay and who have been loyal diving companions over the course of three decades of exploration of the region. It is a pleasure to name this stunning new species in their honor.

Distribution and habitat. The new species is currently known only from the type locality, situated on the East Cape Peninsula of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, about 28 km northeast of the town of Alotau. The habitat consists of a relatively steep outer reef slope with fish occupying burrows on black volcanic sand/ rubble substrates. About 20 individuals were observed in an area that occupied about 600 m2 . Solitary individuals were encountered that were invariably associated with an unidentified snapping shrimp of the genus Alpheus that share the burrows, a symbiotic relationship found in all Vanderhorstia spp.

Gerald R. Allen, Mark V. Erdmann and William M. Brooks. 2020. Vanderhorstia vandersteene, A New Species of Shrimpgoby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 35, 65-75. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3959464

  oceansciencefoundation.org/josf35h.html

twitter.com/CoralReefFish/status/1287868661282160640

[Entomology • 2020] Termitotrox icarus • A New Termitophilous Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Myanmar with Observations of Carrying Behavior by Host Termites

Termitotrox icarus 

Kakizoe, Liang, Myint & Maruyama, 2020

DOI: 10.37520/aemnp.2020.27

Abstract

 A new species of scarab beetle, Termitotrox icarus sp. nov., is described from central Myanmar, being the third representative of the genus Termitotrox Reichensperger, 1915 from the Indo-Chinese Subregion of the Oriental Region. The majority of the type series was collected from the walls of fungus garden chambers built in the nests of the termite Odontotermes proformosanus Ahmad, 1965. Termitotrox icarus sp. nov. can be easily distinguished from the known Termitotrox as it possesses wing-shaped trichomes on the elytra, the more elongate habitus shape in dorsal view, the basomedian section of pronotum not protruding backwards, a pair of distinct costae on the pronotal basomedian section strongly developed, a median costa on anterior pronotal margin strongly developed, the elytral striae narrower than interstriae, the lack of trichomes at the base of elytral sutural stria, and a mid-range body length of 1.5–1.9 mm. The ‘carrying behavior’ by the host termites is reported for the first time for Termitotrox and a strategy for the dispersal of flightless termitophilous scarabs is hypothesized.

Key words: Coleoptera, Aphodiinae, Termitotrogini, Blattodea, Termitidae, Macrotermitinae, new species, egg gigantism, phoresy, termite association, Indo-Chinese Subregion, Oriental Region

alive specimen of Termitotrox icarus sp. nov. walking on the wall of fungus garden chamber

Termitotrox icarus sp. nov.

Diagnosis. This species is similar to T. cupido and T. venus in having wing-shaped trichomes on the elytral base, but it is easily distinguished from these species because of the following combination of characters: a) the more elongate habitus shape in dorsal view, b) the basomedian section of pronotum not protruding backwards, c) a pair of distinct costae on the pronotal basomedian section are strongly developed, d) a median costa on anterior pronotal margin is strongly developed, e) the elytral striae narrower than interstriae, e) the lack of trichomes at the base of elytral sutural stria, and f) a size intermediate between the two aforementioned species (1.5–1.9 mm) vs. 1.2 mm in T. cupido and 2.4 mm in T. venus.

Etymology. In Greek mythology, Icarus was the son of Daedalus. He is famous for having approached the sun with wings made of feathers and wax, which melted and gradually became smaller, thus eventually causing his falling into the sea. The name refers to the smaller elytral wing-shaped trichomes compared to the other known species of the genus having wing-shaped trichomes (i.e., Termitotrox cupido and T. venus). Noun in apposition. 

Symbiotic host. Odontotermes proformosanus Ahmad, 1965 (identifi ed by Dr. Yoko Takematsu). 

Remarks. In some female specimens, we observed a single giant egg (Figs 21 and 22). We randomly chose 20 females and dissected them, 17 of them had one single egg while the others did not bear any egg.

Carrying behavior by host termite Odontotermes proformosanus Ahmad, 1965 to Termitotrox icarus sp. nov. (observed in laboratory).

Behavioral observations. In laboratory-based observations, we recorded multiple instances of host termite minor workers carrying T. icarus sp. nov. individuals with their mandibles (Figs 18 and 19, and S1). The beetle constantly exposed its antennae and legs and frequently moved its legs. In each instance, the carrying period was about 5 minutes. This behavior was also observed multiple times in the field. However, nutrient exchange (trophallaxis) between the termite and beetle was not observed during either fi eld or laboratory observations. 

Kakizoe Showtaro, Liang Wei-Ren, Myint Khin Mar and Maruyama Munetoshi. 2020. Termitotrox icarus sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): A New Termitophilous Beetle from Myanmar with Observations of Carrying Behavior by Host Termites. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae. 60(2); 427-436. DOI: 10.37520/aemnp.2020.27

 twitter.com/tuyamagu/status/1288302054637625344

twitter.com/ActaEntomol/status/1288180013511172103/

kyushu-u.ac.jp/ja/researches/view/476

     

[Botany • 2020] Artocarpus rubrosoccatus & A. montanus • Two New Species of Artocarpus (Moraceae) from Thailand and Vietnam

Artocarpus rubrosoccatus  E.M. Gardner, A. Chaveerach, and N.J.C. Zerega

in Gardner, Chaveerach, Sudmoon & Zerega, 2020. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.453.3.8 

Abstract

Recent taxonomic work on Artoarpus has revealed two undescribed species from Thailand and Vietnam. Artocarpus rubrosoccatus, endemic to peninsular Thailand, resembles A. lacucha but is distinguished by its deep red clavate staminate inflorescences. Artocarpus montanus is found in the montane regions of southern and central Vietnam, and perhaps also in Thailand. This species resembles the vegetative parts of A. lowii and A. excelsus, but A. montanus differs in its longer syncarp processes and its geographic distribution. The vast majority of Artocarpus species are found in tropical lowlands, and A. montanus, along with A. excelsus, represent the only known members of the genus that are restricted to montane habitats. The provisional conservation assessment of both new species is Near Threatened, because although their known areas of occupancy are restricted, both occur in protected areas.

Keywords: Eudicots, Moraceae, Artocarpus, Thailand, Vietnam, crop wild relatives

FIGURE 1. Drawing of Artocarpus rubrosoccatus showing (A) leafy shoot with staminate inflorescences; (B) staminate flower and peltate bract; (C) pistillate inflorescence and flower; and (D) syncarp.

Drawn by EMG from S. Gardner et al. ST1738 (A, D), S. Phusomsaeng 196 (B), and S. Gardner & P. Sidisunthorn ST2740 (C).

FIGURE 3. Artocarpus rubrosoccatus, showing (A) habit, (B) leafy shoot with young pubescent leaves, (C) immature staminate inflorescences, (D) bark slash with exudate, (E) leaf margin, (F–G) syncarps, and (H) syncarp on leafy shoot.

Photographs by NJCZ; voucher N. Zerega 517 deposited at CHIC and KKU.

Artocarpus rubrosoccatus E.M. Gardner, A. Chaveerach, and N.J.C. Zerega, sp. nov. 

Differt ab A. lacucho Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. inflorescentiis masculis clavatis rubris profundis.—Differs from Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. in the deep red clavate staminate inflorescences.

Etymology:—The epithet comes from the Latin rubro-(red) and soccus (slipper, antecedent of the English “sock”) and may be loosely translated “red-socked”, referring to the staminate inflorescences that resemble a pair of feet in red socks.

Vernacular name:— Ma-hat khang-khok. ?มะหาดคลองสก 

     

Artocarpus montanus E.M. Gardner and N.J.C. Zerega, sp. nov. 

Differt ab A. lowii King et A. excelso F.M. Jarrett syncarpii processis longiis.—Differs from Artocarpus lowii King and A. excelsus F.M. Jarrett in the longer syncarp processes.

Etymology:— The epithet reflects the montane habitat of Artocarpus montanus.

Elliot M. Gardner, Arunrat Chaveerach, Runglawan Sudmoon and Nyree J.C. Zerega. 2020. Two New Species of Artocarpus (Moraceae) from Thailand and Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 453(3); 265–274. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.453.3.8

      

[Crustacea • 2020] Renocila bijui • A New Species of Renocila Miers, 1880 (Isopoda: Cymothoidae), A Fish Parasitic Isopod from Andaman Island, India

Renocila bijui 

Aneesh, Bruce, Nashad, Bineesh & Hatha, 2020

 DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2020.1761028 

  twitter.com/bineesh73371715

ABSTRACT

Renocila bijui sp. nov., parasitizing the coral reef fish Acanthurus triostegus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Andaman Island, India is described and illustrated. Renocila bijui sp. nov., the first definitive record of the genus from India, is characterized by: rectangular body; truncate frons without a ventral posteriorly directed rostrum; antenna longer and narrower than antennula; pereonite 7 posterolateral angle acute, pleon is 0.8 width of pereon; pleotelson broadly truncate, with prominent median longitudinal carina; pereopods 1–3 each with produced process on the posterodistal angle of basis, gradually increasing the length from 1–3; and pereopods 1–3 inferior margins of articles all without a process or lobe, though ischium carinate. A key to the 17 world species of Renocila is provided. Renocila limbata (Schioedte & Meinert, 1884) and R. periophthalma Stebbing, 1900 are not included since both species lack the description for the adult female.

KEYWORDS: Renocila, Indian Ocean, fish parasite, Cymothoidae, Indian exclusive economic zone

Renocila bijui sp. nov.

Panakkool Thamban Aneesh, Niel L. Bruce, Musaliyarakam Nashad, Kinattumkara Bineesh and Abdulla A. Mohamed Hatha. 2020. A New Species of Renocila Miers, 1880 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cymothoidae), A Fish Parasitic Isopod from Andaman Island, India. Marine Biology Research.  DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2020.1761028 

  twitter.com/bineesh73371715/status/1288509881771634688

twitter.com/keralabio/status/1288711631669727232

[Crustacea • 2020] Homolodromia rajeevani • A New Species of Deep-water Crab of the Genus Homolodromia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Homolodromiidae) from the northern Indian Ocean

Homolodromia rajeevani

Padate, Cubelio & Jayachandran, 2020

DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2020.1735641 

 twitter.com/cmlre_kochi

ABSTRACT

Homolodromia rajeevani, a new species of deep-water homolodromiid sponge crab, is described from the northern Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea, depth 957 m, and Bay of Bengal, 645 m), and is the first record of the genus from the area. This species resembles the western Indian Ocean species, namely, Homolodromia bouvieri Doflein, 1904, in having 2 terminal spines on the propodi of the last two pereopods, but can be easily distinguished from the latter species by the inflated carapace, simple long setae on carapace and appendages, slender pseudo-rostral spines separated by a U-shaped base, and a slender arched dactylus of cheliped with maximum elevation at proximal part which bears broadly circular depressions with sparse setae. The most diagnostic character is the higher number of spines on the occlusal surfaces of propodal thumbs and dactyli of the pseudochela of the last two pereopods as compared to H. bouvieri. A key for the identification of the species under the genus Homolodromia is also provided.

KEYWORDS: Homolodromia, taxonomy, new species, northern Indian Ocean, deep-water

Colour in life. Homolodromia rajeevani sp. nov., holotype male (IO/SS/BRC/00174).

Family Homolodromiidae Alcock, 1899
Genus Homolodromia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880
Homolodromia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880: 32.

Type species: Homolodromia paradoxa A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 by monotypy. 

Homolodromia rajeevani sp. nov. 

Etymology: The specific epithet rajeevani is in honour of the distinguished scientist and Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Dr. Madhavan Nair Rajeevan who has been the guiding force in the deep-sea research programmes of CMLRE.

Vinay P. Padate, Sherine Sonia Cubelio and K. V. Jayachandran. 2020. Description of A New Species of Deep-water Crab of the Genus Homolodromia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 from the northern Indian Ocean (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Homolodromiidae). Marine Biology Research. DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2020.1735641 k

 twitter.com/cmlre_kochi/status/1268853441549516800
facebook.com/cmlrekochi/photos/2976070175818782

[Botany • 2020] Plagiostachys lourdesiae (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Mindanao, Philippines

Plagiostachys lourdesiae Docot

in Docot, 2020.

  DOI: 10.1111/njb.02806 

Abstract

A new species, Plagiostachys lourdesiae, from Mindanao, Philippines is described here. Plagiostachys escritorii, which also occurs in Mindanao, is the most closely related species. The new species differs from P. escritorii in its petiolate lamina, lax inflorescence, red and strongly curved upward labellum, and globose to subglobose maroon fruit. A colour plate, notes on its distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status as well as a key to Plagiostachys species in the Philippines are provided.

Keywords: non-mucilaginous, Plagiostachys escritorii, vulnerable

Plagiostachys lourdesiae Docot sp. nov. 

Etymology: The specific epithet is chosen in honor of the accomplished scholarly writer and chair Emeritus of Far Eastern University, Dr. Lourdes R. Montinola. She has continued the legacy of her father and founder of FEU, Dr. Nicanor Reyes Sr., in developing quality education in the Philippines as well as dedication in preserving Philippine heritage, culture and arts.

Rudolph Valentino A. Docot. 2020. Plagiostachys lourdesiae (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Mindanao, Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany.  DOI: 10.1111/njb.02806

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[Herpetology • 2020] Rediscovery, New Island Record, and Clarification of the Geographic Distribution of Oligodon perkinsi (Taylor, 1925) (Squamata, Colubridae), A poorly Known Endemic Snake from the Palawan Faunal Region of western Philippines

Oligodon perkinsi (Taylor, 1925)

in Supsup & Carestia, 2020. 

DOI: 10.15560/16.4.877

Abstract

Snakes of the genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 are rarely observed and infrequently collected in the Philippines. Here we report the rediscovery and first documentation of Oligodon perkinsi (Taylor, 1925) after nearly 60 years. Our observation extends the species distribution to Busuanga, an island located north of Culion (type locality) and on the western side of the archipelago.

Keywords: Busuanga, Calamian Islands, range extension, reptiles

Oligodon perkinsi from Busuanga Island, Philippines.
 A. Live photograph; note the clouded eye, indicating the specimen was about to shed.
B, C. The same specimen in preservative (CES.Pal.0011): (B) ventrum; (C)  dorsum.

Map of the Philippines showing the hypothesized distributional range of the six recognized species of Oligodon (left panel) and the occurrence records of Oligodon perkinsi (right panel). Previous records are indicated by black circles and our new record from Busuanga Island is marked by red square. Question marks indicate the unconfirmed and questionable records of O. perkinsi from Calauit and Coron Islands.

Christian E. Supsup and Uldarico V. Carestia Jr. 2020. Rediscovery, New Island Record, and Clarification of the Geographic Distribution of Oligodon perkinsi (Taylor, 1925) (Squamata, Colubridae), A poorly Known Endemic Snake from the Palawan Faunal Region of western Philippines. Check List. 16(4): 877-881. DOI: 10.15560/16.4.877

[Mammalogy • 2020] Microcebus jonahi • Ecology and Morphology of Mouse Lemurs (Microcebus spp.) in A Hotspot of Microendemism in northeastern Madagascar, with the Description of A New Species

 Microcebus jonahi 

Schüßler, Blanco, Salmona, Poelstra, Andriambeloson, Miller, Randrianambinina, Rasolofoson, Mantilla‐Contreras, Chikhi, Louis, Yoder & Radespiel, 2020

 Jonah's Mouse Lemur | Microcèbe de Jonah || DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23180

Illustration by Stephen D. Nash/IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group; Photo by D. Schüßler.

Highlights: 

- Two pairs of Microcebus species occur in partial sympatry.

- Morphological distinctiveness supports genomic species delimitation in cryptic lemurs.

- High plasticity in reproductive schedules in a lineage of habitat generalists detected.

Abstract

Delimitation of cryptic species is increasingly based on genetic analyses but the integration of distributional, morphological, behavioral, and ecological data offers unique complementary insights into species diversification. We surveyed communities of nocturnal mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.) in five different sites of northeastern Madagascar, measuring a variety of morphological parameters and assessing reproductive states for 123 individuals belonging to five different lineages. We documented two different non‐sister lineages occurring in sympatry in two areas. In both cases, sympatric species pairs consisted of a locally restricted (M. macarthurii or M . sp. #3) and a more widespread lineage (M. mittermeieri or M. lehilahytsara). Estimated Extents of Occurrence (EOO) of these lineages differed remarkably with 560 and 1,500 km2 versus 9,250 and 50,700 km2, respectively. Morphometric analyses distinguished unambiguously between sympatric species and detected more subtle but significant differences among sister lineages. Tail length and body size were most informative in this regard. Reproductive schedules were highly variable among lineages, most likely impacted by phylogenetic relatedness and environmental variables. While sympatric species pairs differed in their reproductive timing (M. sp. #3/M. lehilahytsara and M. macarthurii/M. mittermeieri), warmer lowland rainforests were associated with a less seasonal reproductive schedule for M. mittermeieri and M. lehilahytsara compared with populations occurring in montane forests. Distributional, morphological, and ecological data gathered in this study support the results of genomic species delimitation analyses conducted in a companion study, which identified one lineage, M. sp. #3, as meriting formal description as a new species. Consequently, a formal species description is included. Worryingly, our data also show that geographically restricted populations of M. sp. #3 and its sister species (M. macarthurii) are at high risk of local and perhaps permanent extinction from both deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

Keywords: conservation, cryptic species, evolution, habitat use, phenotype, sympatry

 Systematics

Order: Primates (Linnaeus 1758)

Suborder: Strepshirrini (É. Geoffroy 1812)

Family: Cheirogaleidae (Gray 1873)

Genus: Microcebus (É. Geoffroy 1828)

 Microcebus jonahi species nova

 

Figure 7: Outer morphology of  Microcebus jonahi.
 (a) Drawing of an adult individual; (b) Habitus of adult female (paratype individual BD1); (c–e) Close‐ups of adult male (holotype B34).

Illustration copyright by Stephen D. Nash/IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group; used with permission. 

Photos by D. Schüßler.

  Habitat information: M. jonahi individuals were captured at altitudes between 42 and 356 m a.s.l. Out of the 25 captured individuals, six were caught in near‐primary forest (= low degradation) with a rather continuous canopy and five were captured in highly degraded forests with discontinuous canopy cover and strong regrowth of early successional trees. The majority of individuals (N  = 14) were captured in 2–4 m high stands of the perennial Madagascar cardamom (Aframomum angustifolium), sometimes intermixed with trees along the forest edges. At Antanambe (Figure 1), a total of 39 individuals were sighted of which 35 were found in forest habitats of different degradation stages. No M. jonahi were sighted in treeless secondary vegetation except for dense Aframomum angustifolium habitats. It currently inhabits one protected area (Mananara‐Nord NP) and a community managed forest area around the village of Ambavala (Schüßler et al., 2018).

Diagnosis: 

M. jonahi can be distinguished from other taxa in northeastern Madagascar by morphometric features and genomic distinctiveness. Compared with its closest relative, M. macarthurii, M. jonahi is longer, has a shorter tail, wider ears, a larger head width and a shorter head length. In addition, M. jonahi can be differentiated from M. macarthurii by its ventral coloration which is rather whitish (Figure 6), but distinctly yellowish orange in M. macarthurii (Radespiel et al., 2008; Radespiel & Raveloson, unpublished data).

Moreover, it can be easily distinguished from the sympatric, small‐bodied M. lehilahytsara (at Ambavala) by its higher body mass, larger body size, and longer tail length. Finally, M. jonahi can be differentiated from its southern geographical neighbor, M. simmonsi, by its shorter ear length and its larger inter‐ and intraorbital distances. M. jonahi could be unambiguously distinguished from the other four taxa in this study across all analyses of nuclear RADseq data (Poelstra et al., 2020). However, it may not be reliably distinguished from M. macarthurii based solely on mitochondrial sequences, likely due to some introgression from M. jonahi into M. macarthurii in the past (Poelstra et al., 2020).

Etymology: M. jonahi is named in honor of Malagasy primatologist Professor Jonah Ratsimbazafy. He has dedicated his life's work to the conservation of Malagasy lemurs. With both national and international outreach to the scientific community (e.g., GERP, IPS, LemursPortal), to the public of Madagascar (e.g., by initiating the World Lemur Festival), and to the political leaders of Madagascar, he serves as an inspirational role model for young Malagasy students and scientists. He provides hope for the future of Madagascar and for its iconic lemurs during very challenging times.

Vernacular name: English name: Jonah's mouse lemur, French name: Microcèbe de Jonah, German name: Jonah's Mausmaki.

Map depicting the study region with confirmed species occurrences (Hotaling et al., 2016; Kappeler et al., 2005; Louis et al., 2006; Radespiel et al., 2008, 2012; Weisrock et al., 2010). New sampling locations for this study are indicated with “*” and forest cover in 2017/2018 was derived from Vieilledent et al. (2018) and Schüßler et al. (2020). NP, National Park; SNR, Special Nature Reserve; SR, Special Reservehide.

Dominik Schüßler, Marina B. Blanco, Jordi Salmona, Jelmer Poelstra, Jean B. Andriambeloson, Alex Miller, Blanchard Randrianambinina, David W. Rasolofoson, Jasmin Mantilla‐Contreras, Lounès Chikhi, Edward E. Louis Jr., Anne D. Yoder and Ute Radespiel. 2020. Ecology and Morphology of Mouse Lemurs (Microcebus spp.) in A Hotspot of Microendemism in northeastern Madagascar, with the Description of A New Species. American Journal of Primatology. DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23180

    

[Herpetology • 2020] Revising the Taxonomy of Proceratophrys Miranda‐Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura: Odontophrynidae) from the Brazilian Semiarid Caatinga: Morphology, Calls and Molecules support A Single Widespread Species

Proceratophrys cristiceps (Müller, 1884 “1883”)

in Mângia, Oliveira, Santana, et al., 2020.  

DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12365 

 twitter.com/SarahMangiaBio

 

Abstract

Recently, Proceratophrys cristiceps was redescribed along with the description of two species from the Caatinga biome: P. aridus and P. caramaschii. However, only a small fraction of the populations related to such species in Northeastern Brazil was examined, and most populations of central Caatinga were not contemplated in this analysis. Comparisons were also based exclusively on external morphology, precluding a more accurate delimitation of such taxa in the light of multiple characters. Such geographic paucity and reliance in only one data source caused the species status of most central Caatinga populations to be uncertain. Thus, the revision of Proceratophrys populations from the Caatinga biome is of utmost importance to establish a solid taxonomic background and to test the validity of the described species. Based on morphologic, morphometric, acoustic, and multilocus genetic data, we define the range of inter‐ and intrapopulation variation in the parameters we analyzed, establishing which ones are useful as diagnostic characters for Proceratophrys in the Caatinga. We found no evidence supporting P. aridus and P. caramaschii as distinct species and thus place them as junior synonyms of P. cristiceps. Our results reinforce the importance of using multiple lines of evidence to avoid taxonomic instability.

Keywords: acoustic, molecular, morphology, Proceratophrys aridus, Proceratophrys caramaschii, Proceratophrys cristiceps, synonymization

(a) Sample localities for morphological (circles, triangles and squares) and molecular (dotted) data.
(b) Sample localities for morphological (circles, triangles and squares) and acoustic (dotted) data.

Inter‐ and intrapopulational chromatic variation in Proceratophrys from Caatinga.
(a–e) Individuals from Parque Nacional Serra das Confusões, Piauí State (P. cristiceps ). (f–i) individuals from Jaguaribe municipality, Ceará State (P. cristiceps ). (j–m) individuals from Macaíba municipality, Rio Grande do Norte State (P. cristiceps). (n) individual from Aquiraz municipality, Ceará State (P. caramaschii new synonymy). (o) individuals from Milagres municipality, Ceará State (P. aridus new synonymy). (p, q) individuals from Parque Nacional de Ubajara, Ceará State (P. caramaschii new synonymy). (r) Paraipaba, Ceará State (P. cristiceps).

Photographs: D.J. Santana (f–m); I. Joventino (n, o, r); S. Mângia (a–e, p–q)

Proceratophrys cristiceps (Müller, 1884 “1883”)

Ceratophrys cristiceps Müller, 1883

Stombus cristiceps Miranda‐Ribeiro, 1920

Proceratophrys cristiceps Lynch, 1971

Proceratophrys aridus Cruz et al., 2012, S. Am. J. Herpetol., 7:118.

 Proceratophrys caramaschii Cruz et al., 2012 

 

Sarah Mângia, Eliana Faria Oliveira, Diego José Santana, Ricardo Koroiva, Fernando Paiva and Adrian Antonio Garda. 2020. Revising the Taxonomy of Proceratophrys Miranda‐Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura: Odontophrynidae) from the Brazilian Semiarid Caatinga: Morphology, Calls and Molecules support A Single Widespread Species. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12365

twitter.com/SarahMangiaBio/status/1285197459027832832

     

[Botany • 2020] Dalea rubriflora • A New Outstanding Species and A New Section of Dalea (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae) from central Mexico

Dalea rubriflora A.E. Estrada, J. Martínez-Ramírez, A. Mares & Ocampo

in Castillón, Ramírez, Mares-Guerrero & Ocampo, 2020. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.454.2.6

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Dalea rubriflora A.E. Estrada, J. Martínez-Ramírez, A. Mares & Ocampo as a new species from central Mexico. According to the morphology of its flower, this new species is included in a new section within subgenus Parosela because the shape of its keel, the innermost petals (which make the flower valvate) coherent along their external (dorsal) outer margins. However, this new species and new section have striking differences with the rest of the previously described taxa of subgenus Parosela, highlighting 1) the persistent red color of the flowers, not found in any section and species of Dalea, 2) the stamens are joined in a very long staminal column which are protruded from the keel petals for almost a third of its length, and 3) the blades of the epistemonous petals are not auriculated, instead, are truncated in the keel and absent in the wings. These main features, associated with more particular characteristics of other sections, allow us to recognize Rubriflorae as a new section and Dalea rubriflora as a new species into the subgenus Parosela.

Keywords: Eudicots, Central Mexico, Leguminosae, sect. Rubriflorae, Sierra del Laurel, Zacatecas

Figure 2. Dalea rubriflora, A) Habit. B) Inflorescence showing its bracts, red flowers, and protruded stamens.

Figure 1. Dalea rubriflora, A) Flowering habit. B) Leaf stipules. C) Bracts, left side, adaxial view, with the apex curved inward; right side, abaxial view, with the apex straight D) Whole calyx showing glandiform spurs, one on each side at the base of each tooth. E) Whole flower showing the stamens protruding 3–5 mm from keel. F) Banner front view (left) and profile (right). G) Wing. H) Keel. I) Stamens. J) Gynoecium.

Dalea sect. Rubriflorae A.E. Estrada, sect. nov. 

Type:— Dalea rubriflora A.E. Estrada, J. Martínez-Ramírez, A. Mares & Ocampo.

Etymology:— The name Rubriflorae of this monotypic section is derived from the red color (permanent ruby red color, even when dried) of its flowers. We added a key to recognize and to differentiate sect. Rubriflorae from the sections recognized by Barneby (1964).

Dalea rubriflora A.E. Estrada, J. Martínez-Ramírez, A. Mares & Ocampo, sp. nov.

Morphologically similar to Dalea viridiflora S. Watson (1886: 448) in growth form and single terminal spiked inflorescences; however, D. rubriflora has higher number of leaflets (11–16 vs. 7–11 pairs), much longer peduncles (11.5 cm long vs. 0.5–4 cm long), caducous bracts (persistent in D. viridiflora), and longer flower structures (calyx, banner, wings, keel, staminal tube, filaments, and anthers). 

Distribution and habitat:— As far as known, there is only one collection of Dalea rubriflora. The species was found in an oak forest with elevation of 2590 m in an area locally known as “Sierra del Laurel” (Fig. 3). More collection efforts are needed to know the actual distribution of the species, although it is likely to occur in the neighboring areas of the states of Aguascalientes and Jalisco. 

Etymology:— The epithet of the species refers to the characteristic and permanent red color of its flowers (Fig. 2). To our knowledge, this is the only species in the genus Dalea whose petals are completely red and keep this color even when the petals are dry. The banner has a yellow spot on its central part, but when the material is dried changes to white, although the rest of the banner remains red on both, inner and outer surfaces.

Eduardo Estrada Castillón, Julio Martínez Ramírez, Andrés Alejandro Mares-Guerrero and Gilberto Ocampo. 2020.  A New Outstanding Species and A New Section of Dalea (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae) from central Mexico. Phytotaxa. 454(2); 145–152. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.454.2.6