[Herpetology • 2023] Gephyromantis cornucopia, G. feomborona, G. mitsinjo, etc. • An Endless Harvest: Integrative Revision of the Gephyromantis boulengeri and G. blanci Complexes (Anura: Mantellidae) reveals Six New Species of Mantellid Frogs from Madagascar

in Miralles, Köhler, Glaw, Valero, Crottini, ... et Vences, 2023.

  SALAMANDRA. 59(1) 

twitter.com/ISYEB_UMR

Abstract

 The Malagasy genus Gephyromantis contains 51 species of primarily terrestrial or scansorial frogs. Although many species are morphologically weakly divergent from each other, the combination of molecular and bioacoustic evidence has led to a continuous flow of species discoveries in the last years. Previous works have notably shown the existence of numerous additional deep mitochondrial lineages of uncertain status in the nominal subgenus Gephyromantis, some of these considered as confirmed or unconfirmed candidate species, some as deep conspecific lineages. Here we use DNA sequences of one mitochondrial and one nuclear marker, as well as morphological and bioacoustic data, to conduct an integrative revision of the subgenus Gephyromantis. The analyses reveal at least 12 distinct and independent evolutionary lineages belonging to the G. blanci and G. boulengeri species complexes. Evidence for the species status of these lineages included multiple cases of syntopic occurrence without genetic admixture, as well as differences in advertisement calls or morphological differentiation without intermediate forms, suggesting reproductive isolation. We discuss the relevance of these different lines of evidence and describe six new species of Gephyromantis. 

Key words. Amphibia, Anura, Gephyromantis mitsinjo sp. n., G. kremenae sp. n., G. sergei sp. n., G. mafifeo sp. n., G. feomborona sp. n., G. cornucopia sp. n., bioacoustics, taxonomy, phylogeny.

Overview of the best Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree based on the 16S dataset. 

 

Aurélien Miralles, Jörn Köhler, Frank Glaw, Katharina C. Wollenberg Valero, Angelica Crottini, Gonçalo M. Rosa, Louis du Preez, Philip-Sebastian Gehring, David R. Vieites, Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina and Miguel Vences. 2023. An Endless Harvest: Integrative Revision of the Gephyromantis boulengeri and G. blanci Complexes reveals Six New Species of Mantellid Frogs from Madagascar. SALAMANDRA. 59(1): 1–41. 

  twitter.com/ISYEB_UMR/status/1625785075127185408

 isyeb.mnhn.fr/fr/actualites/il-reste-encore-tant-despeces-decouvrir-lexemple-des-grenouilles-de-madagascar-8928

[Botany • 2023] Alpinia nelumboides (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species of Alpinia (Subgenus Alpinia, Subsect. Catimbium) from Laos and Vietnam

  

Alpinia nelumboides Nob.Tanaka, T.T.K.Van & V.Hoang, 

  

in Tanaka, Hoang, Kieu, Khanh, Tagane, Funakoshi et Souladeth, 2023. 

ຂ່າດອກບົວ • Riềng sen  ||  DOI:  10.50826/bnmnsbot.49.1_25

 Abstract

A new species of the genus Alpinia subgenus Alpinia subsection Catimbium (Zingiberaceae), A. nelumboides is described from Laos and Vietnam. It is morphologically most similar to A. kwangsiensis, but distinguished by its large pinkish bracteoles, shorter petioles, entire margin of labellum, and larger pubescent ovoid fruits.

Keywords: Bolaven Plateau, Di Linh District, new taxon, taxonomy, Zingiberales

Floral parts of Alpinia nelumboides (holotype in Laos).
A: Front view of flower. B: Side view of flower with a bracteole. C: Dorsal corolla lobe (left), and lateral corolla lobes (right two). D: Back view of anther. E: Side view of anther with style. F: Calyx (opened out and flattened). G: Lateral staminodes. H: Adaxial side of labellum. I: Abaxial side of labellum. J: Stamen and ovary with corolla tube after corolla lobes, labellum and calyx removed (above), and ovary with epigynous glands (below).

Alpinia nelumboides Nob.Tanaka, T.T.K.Van & V.Hoang (holotype in Laos).
A: Habit. B: Infructescence. C: Young fruits and a cross section (inset). D: Ligule.

 Scale bars: 10 cm for B, 5 cm for C, and 1 cm for D.

 Alpinia nelumboides of Vietnam.
 A: Habit. B: The early stage of blooming, large showy bracteoles forming a shape reminiscent of a lotus flower. C: Sheathing bract covering an early stage of inflorescence. D: Lamina (abaxial surface). E: Rhizome. F: Ligule. G: Apex of lamina.

Alpinia nelumboides Nob.Tanaka, T.T.K.Van & V.Hoang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Alpinia nelumboides is morphologically similar to Alpinia kwangsiensis T.L.Wu & S.J.Chen in shape of inflorescence and flower coloration, but differs in having shorter petioles (1–2 cm long vs. 4–8 cm long), longer ligules (1–2.3 cm long vs. 8 mm long), longer pedicels (4–7 mm long vs. 2 mm long), almost glabrous, lustrous and pinkish white bracteoles (vs. hirsute and orange pink), deciduous calyx (vs. persistent), broadly ovate labellum with entire margin (vs. ovate and crenate margin), longer anther (1.5 cm long vs. 1 cm long), and ovoid fruits (vs. globose).

Distribution: Laos and Vietnam. Thus far Alpinia nelumboides is known only from Bolaven Plateau in Paksong District, Champasak Province, southern Laos and Lam Dong Province, Di Linh District, southern Vietnam. This species may be distributed in the southeastern part of the Indochinese Peninsula.

Etymology: the specific epithet is derived from the top view of the arrangement of large pinkish bracteoles of young flowers in inflorescence, the appearance of which bears a resemblance to a blooming Nelumbo lotus flower. 

Vernacular names: Lao name: ຂ່າດອກບົວ [Kha Dok Bua]＝ ʻຂ່າʼ (Kha) refers to the common name of the genus Alpinia in Laos; ʻດອກບົວʼ (Dok Bua) refers to the Lotus flower which is derived from the specific epithet of the new species. 

Vietnamese name: Riềng sen ＝ ʻRiềngʼ is the common name of the genus Alpinia in Vietnam, “sen” means the lotus. Both of them are proposed here.

Nobuyuki Tanaka, Viet Hoang, Van Tran Thi Kieu, Trinh Tram Nguyen Khanh, Shuichiro Tagane, Hidenobu Funakoshi and Phetlasy Souladeth. 2023. A New Species of Alpinia (Zingiberaceae: subgenus Alpinia subsect. Catimbium) from Laos and Vietnam. Bulletin of the National Museum of Nature and Science. Series B, Botany. 49(1); 25-32. DOI:  10.50826/bnmnsbot.49.1_25

 

[Botany • 2023] Petalidium konkiepense (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae) • A New Species from southern Namibia

Petalidium konkiepense  Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk, 

in Swanepoel & van Wyk. 2023. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.585.1.3

Abstract 

Petalidium konkiepense, here described as a new species, is only known from the Gariep Centre of Plant Endemism in southern Namibia, where it grows on arid hillsides and along drainage lines. Diagnostic morphological characters for P. konkiepense include the rigid, cylindrical distal stems (quadrangular when young), grey or dark brownish grey bark (white to cream when young), densely puberulent vegetative parts with widely spaced robust glandular and eglandular trichomes, and the oblanceolate leaves with prominent midrib and principal lateral veins. A comparison of some of the more prominent features to differentiate Petalidium konkiepense from its morphologically most similar relatives, P. linifolium and P. cymbiforme, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, a conservation assessment of Endangered under criteria B1 is recommended for the new species. 

Keywords: desert, endemism, flora, Gariep Centre, Ruellieae, taxonomy

Petalidium konkiepense, habitat and habit.
A. Plant in flower (right foreground) with several plants (low greyish dwarf shrubs— one marked with an asterisk—in background), growing among limestone rocks of the Nama Group (Farm Churutabis-Sonntagsbrunn 108, ||Kharas Region, Namibia).
B. Mature plant, mainly past flowering, with persistent bracteoles (Farm Soutkuil 181, ||Kharas Region, Namibia).

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium konkiepense, morphology of flowers and leaves.
A. Branchlet showing narrow leaves and violet flower. B. Flower in front view; mauve variation. C. Flower in side view, with bracteoles; mauve variation. D. Leafy shoot with flower in front view, and with bracteoles; violet variation. E. Leafy shoot with flower in lateral view, and with bracteoles; violet variation.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium konkiepense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov.

Diagnosis:—A woody dwarf shrub up to 1 m tall, morphologically most similar to Petalidium linifolium, differing by having the leaf lamina oblanceolate or rarely a few narrowly lanceolate (sensu Lindley), flat, subconduplicate to conduplicate towards the apex (vs. linear or narrowly lanceolate [sensu Lindley], flat, often recurved towards the apex), pale green or yellow-green and not glossy (vs. pale to bright green and glossy, covered with a glutinous secretion), with midrib and 1–4 principal lateral veins each side (vs. principal lateral veins absent), venation prominent both sides (vs. adaxially only), indumentum puberulent, abaxially often with widely spaced short-stalked glandular and robust long-stalked multi-cellular glandular trichomes in addition (vs. glabrous, except for short conical trichomes adaxially).

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the Konkiep River (a tributary of the Fish River) in the Gariep Centre of Plant Endemism in southern Namibia. The name “Konkiep” (also spelled “Koin kieb”, “Konkip”, or “Koanquip”) is derived from the Khoesaan language Khoekhoegowab (Alexander 1838, Sprigade & Moisel 1904, Nienaber & Raper 1983, Raper et al. 2014). Its meaning, however, is uncertain and has most probably been lost in time. It has been claimed by some authorities that “Konkiep” is an adaptation of “Goageb” (also spelled “Goangib”), which is said to mean “the swollen twin river” (Nienaber & Raper 1983, Raper et al. 2014). However, we do not find this explanation convincing as, according to probably the earliest report on the geography of the region by Alexander (1838), Goageb (as “Gnuanuip”), is the name of a tributary of the Konkiep (as “Koanquip”) River.

 

Wessel Swanepoel and Abraham E. van Wyk. 2023. Petalidium konkiepense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Namibia. Phytotaxa. 585(1); 29–38. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.585.1.3

[Botany • 2023] Theriophonum blumei (Araceae) • A New Species from Tamil Nadu, India

 Theriophonum blumei      

in Arulanandam, Soosairaj, Raja & Balaguru, 2023.

DOI: 10.1111/njb.03612 

 facebook.com/NordicJBotany

Abstract

Theriophonum blumei sp. nov., a new species is described and illustrated from Tamil Nadu, India based on morphological and leaf epidermal features. Although morphologically T. blumei appears to be similar to T. sivaganganum (Ramam. & Sebastine) Bogner having long acuminate spathe, it is different from T. sivaganganum in various aspects such as ellipsoid seed with ridged surface, spinulose and bifid stigma, filiform neuters and berries with purplish strands. T. blumei has echinate pollen sculpture and T. sivaganganum has verrucate sculpture. Added to that, molecular based (rbcL, matK, trnL-F) phylogenetic analysis also indicate that T. blumei is genetically distinct from T. sivaganganum.

Keywords: new species, Tamil Nadu, Theriophonum, matK, rbcL, SEM, trnL-F

 

Lourdusamy John Peter Arulanandam, Sebastian Soosairaj, Prakasam Raja and Balakrishnan Balaguru. 2023. Theriophonum blumei (Araceae), A New Species from Tamil Nadu, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.03612

  facebook.com/NordicJBotany/photos/5896856700429862/

[Arachnida • 2021] Pseudochthonius ramalho • The First Troglobitic Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 (Pseudoscorpiones: Chthoniidae) from the Karst Area of Serra do Ramalho, Brazil: A Threatened Species

Pseudochthonius ramalho   

 Assis, Schimonsky & Bichuette, 2021

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.40.77451

  Researchgate.net/publication/356486292

Abstract

Pseudochthonius ramalho sp. nov. is described to Gruna do Vandercir cave, in the Serra do Ramalho karst area, southwestern Bahia, Brazil. This area has an extensive limestone outcrop, with several caves, and the occurrence of potential minerals that are financially attractive for mining projects. The new species shows troglomorphic characteristics such as the depigmentation of the carapace and absence or reduction of eyes. It is a rare troglobitic species, and following the criteria of IUCN, we categorized the species as Critically Endangered – CR, IUCN criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii). According to Brazilian legislation, locations, where critically endangered species live, can be protected by law, and we consider this cave/region to be of maximal relevance for protection.

Keywords: Arachnida, Bahia State, Chthoniinae, conservation, endemic, troglobite

A Gruna do Vandercir cave B surroundings of Gruna do Vandercir cave with its dry characteristic vegetation

(Images A Adriano Gambarini B Maria Elina Bichuette).

Holotype of Pseudochthonius ramalho sp. nov. in natural habitat, at Gruna do Vandercir cave, Serra do Ramalho, Bahia.

(Image: Adriano Gambarini).

Taxonomy

Family Chthoniidae Daday, 1889

Subfamily Chthoniinae Daday, 1889

Tribe Chthoniini Daday, 1889

Genus Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892

Pseudochthonius ramalho Assis, Schimonsky & Bichuette, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Pseudochthonius ramalho sp. nov. can be identified by the following combination of characters: eyes absent (♂) or with eyes-spots (♀); the middle and distal fixed chelal finger teeth positioned two by two with 29–30 acuminate teeth and 3–4 slightly basally rounded ones, the presence of two rounded micro–denticles, along with pedipalpal fixed finger teeth in males; trichobothria ist closer to esb than to the est (ratio ist-est/ist-esb = 4.71); serrula exterior with 13 (♂) or 14 (♀) lamellae, rallum with seven blades, and coxae I and II with 3 to 5 coxal spines.

Etymology: The species is named after the region of Serra do Ramalho due to its importance regarding the speleological heritage and the unique fauna and flora diversity. The name is to be treated as a noun in apposition.

Leonardo de Assis, Diego Monteiro von Schimonsky and Maria Elina Bichuette. 2021. The First Troglobitic Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from the Karst Area of Serra do Ramalho, Brazil: A Threatened Species. Subterranean Biology. 40: 109-128.  DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.40.77451

  Researchgate.net/publication/356486292_The_first_troglobitic_Pseudochthonius_from_the_karst_area_of_Serra_do_Ramalho_Brazil

[Paleontology • 2023] Cribroconcha honggulelengensis • Allometry in Late Devonian Podocopa Ostracods (Crustacea) and its implications for Ostracod Ontogeny

Cribroconcha honggulelengensis Song & Crasquin, 2017

in the Upper Devonian Hongguleleng Formation 

of western Junggar, NW China

in Song, Huang & Qie, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1480

NIGPAS.cas.cn

 Abstract

Podocopa ostracods have abounded in various marine and non-marine habitats since the early Palaeozoic and left a diverse fossil record in strata worldwide. This is particularly useful for stratigraphic correlation and palaeoenvironmental and palaeogeographical reconstructions. However, despite being the most numerous ostracods during the Palaeozoic, their origins, evolution, ontogeny and phylogeny remain poorly defined. This paper represents the first study of morphological variation in Devonian Platycopida ostracods (an order of Podocopa) using a geometric morphometric approach. Our results identify substantial shape variation in Cribroconcha honggulelengensis Song & Crasquin from the Upper Devonian Hongguleleng Formation of western Junggar, northwest China, demonstrating a remarkable change in juveniles between stages A-3 and A-2. Using linear regressions between principal component scores from right lateral view and carapace length, we demonstrate allometric growth patterns for this species. The body plan of C. honggulelengensis developed along an ontological variable: from an ovate outline with rare pores to an oblong outline with dense and large pores. Environmental factors should play an important role in shape determination during ontogeny of C. honggulelengensis.

Ecological reconstruction and life mode interpretation of Cribroconcha honggulelengensis Song & Crasquin, 2017 in the Upper Devonian Hongguleleng Formation of western Junggar, NW China

  

Junjun Song, Bing Huang and Wenkun Qie. 2023. Allometry in Late Devonian Podocopa Ostracods (Crustacea) and its implications for Ostracod Ontogeny. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1480

Study on ontogeny of Platycopida ostracods in Late Devonian reveals the mystery of Paleozoic ostracod evolution

http://english.NIGPAS.cas.cn/new/hs/rp/202302/t20230214_327067.html

https://phys.org/news/2023-02-reveals-mystery-paleozoic-ostracod-evolution.html

[Botany • 2023] Habenaria pubescens var. nepalensis (Orchidaceae: Orchideae: Habenariinae) • A New Variety of Habenaria and New Records of Orchids from Nepal

Habenaria pubescens var. nepalensis Raskoti,

in Raskoti & Ale, 2023. 

taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1916

Abstract

A new variety of Habenaria that is Habenaria pubescens var. nepalensis (Orchidaceae) is described from Nepal, which is similar to typical Habenaria pubescens but can be distinguished by having a much more vigorous stature, a spur equal or longer than the ovary (including pedicel) and deeply bifurcated lateral lobes of the lip. A detailed description of the new variety with illustrations, photographs of dissected parts, key to the allied species and preliminary conservation status are provided. Additionally, we report four new records of orchids for the flora of Nepal.

Keyword: Habenaria pubescens var. nepalensis, new variety, Herminium, Nephelaphyllum, Zeuxine, taxonomy, Nepal

Habenaria pubescens var. nepalensis.
A, Flowering plant; B, Flower (side view); C, Flower (front view); D, Floral bract; E, Spur; F, Petal; G, Dorsal sepal; H, Lateral sepal; I, Lip; J, Column (front view); K, Column (side view); L, Pollinia

(all drawn by Neera joshi Pradhan from the holotype).

Habenaria pubescens var. nepalensis.
A, Flowering plant; B, Flower (side view); C, Flower (front view); D, Floral bract; E, Spur; F, Petal; G, Dorsal sepal; H, Lateral sepal; I, Lip; J, Column (side view); K, Column (front view); L, Pollinia

(dissected from the type specimen and all photographs by the first author).

Habenaria pubescens var. nepalensis Raskoti, var. nov. 

Diagnosis: Habenaria pubescens var. nepalensis is close to typical Habenaria pubescens Lindl., but the former differs by having a more vigorous stature, a spur equal to or longer than the ovary (including pedicel), and deeply bifurcated (vs. slightly notched) lateral lobes of the lip.

Distribution and habitat: Habenaria pubescens var. nepalensis is a terrestrial orchid on grassland slopes or at the margins of broad-leaved forest. It grows in shaded and moist areas having humus-rich soil at an elevation of around 800 m. 

Etymology: The epithet ‘nepalensis’ is derived from the name of the country Nepal where the type specimen was collected. 

Bhakta Bahadur Raskoti and Rita Ale. 2023. A New Variety of Habenaria (Orchidaceae; Orchideae; Habenariinae) and New Records of Orchids from Nepal. Taiwania. 68(1); 122-128.  DOI: 10.6165/tai.2023.68.122

  taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1916

[Herpetology • 2023] Leptobrachella dong • A New Asian Leaf Litter Toad of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from central south China

Leptobrachella dong

 Liu, Shi, Li, Zhang, Xiang, Wei & Wang, 2023

Dong Leaf Litter Toad | 侗掌突蟾  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1149.85895

Abstract

A new species of the Asian leaf litter toad genus Leptobrachella from central south China is described. Molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA and nuclear RAG1 gene sequences indicated the new species as an independent clade in the genus. The new species could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: body of medium size (SVL 29.2–34.2 mm in 15 adult males and 34.4–43.1 mm in seven adult females); distinct black spots present on flanks; toes rudimentary webbed, with wide lateral fringes; ventral belly white with distinct nebulous brown speckling on ventrolateral flanks; skin on dorsum shagreened with fine tiny granules or short ridges; iris copper above, silver below; heels overlapped when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; tibia-tarsal articulation reaches the middle eye; dorsal surface of tadpole semi-transparent light brown, spots on tail absent, keratodont row formula I: 3+3/2+2: I; call series basically consist of repeated long calls, at dominant frequency (5093 ± 412 Hz).

Keywords: China, molecular phylogenetic analyses, morphology, new species, taxonomy

Photos of the holotype CIB SSC1757 of Leptobrachella dong sp. nov. in life
A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsolateral view D ventral view of hand E ventral view of foot.

 Leptobrachella dong sp. nov.

Diagnosis: 

Leptobrachella dong sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Leptobrachella, based on molecular data and the following morphological characters: medium size, rounded finger tips, the presence of an elevated inner palmar tubercle not continuous to the thumb, presence of macroglands on body (including supra-axillary, pectoral and femoral glands), vomerine teeth absent, tubercles on eyelids and anterior tip of snout with vertical white bar (Dubois 1983; Fei et al. 2009).

Leptobrachella dong sp. nov. could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) body of medium size (SVL 29.2–32.0 mm in 15 adult males and 37.4–43.1 mm in seven adult females); (2) distinct black spots present on flanks; toes rudimentary webbed, with wide lateral fringes; (3) ventral belly white with distinct nebulous brown speckling on ventrolateral flanks; (4) skin on dorsum shagreened with fine tiny granules or short ridges; (5) heels overlapped when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; (6) tibia-tarsal articulation reaches the middle eye; (7) dorsal surface of tadpole semi-transparent light brown, spots on tail absent, keratodont row formula I: 3+3/2+2: I; (8) calls with two types, at dominant frequency (5.1 ± 0.4 kHz).

Colour variation in Leptobrachella dong sp. nov.
A dorsolateral view of the male specimen CIB LB20220311002 B dorsal view of the male specimen CIB SCC1754
C dorsal view of the female specimen CIB LB20220305005 D dorsal view of the female specimen CIB LB20220306008.

Habitats of Leptobrachella dong sp. nov. 

A landscape of the type locality Tongdao County, Hunan Province, China B a torrent mountain stream in the type locality (insert holotype CIB SSC1757 in life in the field) 

C habitat at the Congjiang County, Guizhou Province, China D habitat at the Suining County, Hunan Province, China.

Ecology notes: Leptobrachella dong sp. nov. has been found in three localities: Tongdao County and Suining County, Hunan Province and Congjiang County, Guizhou Province, China. Elevations recorded range from 620 m to 1200 m. Population from the Tongdao County inhabited a torrent stream covered by evergreen shrubs and the new species always found on the stones (Fig. 8A, B). Population from Congjiang County inhabited slow-flowing streams surrounded by evergreen broadleaf forest (Fig. 8C). Populations from Suining County, Hunan Province inhabited broad mountain stream surrounded by evergreen broadleaf forest (Fig. 8D). Tadpoles could be found at daytime and night. Gravid females were found by the streams in the type locality (2 April 2017) and Suining County (15 March 2022).

Etymology: This specific name “dong” refers to the Dong people, as the new species distributed in the concentrated area of Dong people. 

We suggest its English common name “Dong leaf litter toads” 

and Chinese name “Dong Zhang Tu Chan (侗掌突蟾)”.

Jing Liu, Shengchao Shi, Shize Li, Mengfei Zhang, Sunjun Xiang, Gang Wei and Bin Wang. 2023. A New Asian Leaf Litter Toad of the Genus Leptobrachella (Amphibia, Anura, Megophryidae) from central south China. ZooKeys. 1149: 103-134. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1149.85895

[Botany • 2019] Euphorbia pseudodidiereoides (Euphorbiaceae) • A New Species from south-central Madagascar

Euphorbia pseudodidiereoides J.-P. Castillon & Rajaovelona, 

G-H) E. didiereoides 

in Castillon & Rajaovelona, 2019. 

  Researchgate.net/publication/332511734

Abstract  

A new species of spiny, multi-stemmed spurge, Euphorbia pseudodidiereoides J.-P. Castillon & Rajaovelona, is described and illustrated here. It is known only from the Ihorombe region, south central Madagascar, and occurs on an isolated quartzite massif surrounded by vast grasslands and granite inselbergs. Its presumed nearest relative is E. didiereoides Denis ex Leandri, with which it shares many common characters, including: general V-shaped habit reminiscent of some species of the genus Alluaudia (Drake) Drake (Didiereaceae), thick stems, numerous spines, rarely solitary, densely arranged, of variable size (5-25 mm), without alignment, green pubescent leaves, elliptic with a mucronate apex, without petiole but bearing a white thick mid-vein, capitate incyathescences, and pubescent peduncle. It differs from E. didiereoides by its shorter size (0.8-1.5 m vs 2-4 m for adult individuals), recumbent branches, and an incyathescence with shorter peduncle (1.5 cm instead of 8 cm), less dense cymes with fewer cyathia (8-16 cyathia instead of 20-60), and wider, rounded, 8x8 mm cyatophylls. This new species is assessed to be Critically Endangered according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria because it is only known from a single unprotected locality, with the number of mature individuals being less than 250 and a measurable decline in local natural habitat (CR B1 ab(iii,v) + 2 ab(iii,v); C2 a(ii)).

Key words: Euphorbia, new species, Goniostema, Ihorombe, Madagascar

 A) Sobennikoffia humbertiana, 

B-F) Euphorbia pseudodidiereoides, G-H) E. didiereoides 

Euphorbia pseudodidiereoides, J.-P. Castillon & Rajaovelona, species nova 

Diagnose: Haec planta Euphorbia didieroides affinisest sed sequentibus characteribus praecipue differt :minore statura (<1,5 m) ; longis caulibus inclinatisad terram ; capitatis inflorescentiis minus densis (8-16 cyathis contra 20-60) ; cyathorum foliis latioribusrotundatisque  

 

  

Jean-Philippe Castillon and Landy Rita Rajaovelona. 2019. Euphorbia pseudodidiereoides, une nouvelle euphorbe épineuse du Centre-sud de Madagascar [A New Spiny Spurge from south-central Madagascar] Malagasy Nature. 13: 60–64.

 http://www.vahatra.mg/volume13/MN13_03_Castillon.pdf

  Researchgate.net/publication/332511734_Euphorbia_pseudodidiereoides_une_nouvelle_euphorbe_epineuse_du_Centre-sud_de_Madagascar

[Herpetology • 2018] Brachycephalus actaeus • A New Species of Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from the coast of Santa Catarina State, southern Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Brachycephalus actaeus

 Monteiro, Condez, Garcia, Comitti, Amaral & Haddad, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4407.4.2 

  Researchgate.net/publication/324483797 

Abstract

We describe a new species of Brachycephalus from municipality of São Francisco do Sul and municipality of Itapoá, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, southern Atlantic Forest. The new species is known from six localities from near sea level up to 250 meters and represents the first record of a “pumpkin-toadlet” occurring in the lowlands. Morphological traits and phylogenetic analysis of a fragment the 16S mtDNA gene place the new species in the Brachycephalus pernix group. The new species is supported by external morphology, osteology, advertisement call, and mtDNA divergence. It is characterized, among other traits by a dorsal body color dark green with a dark brown vertebral stripe, and an orange background; snout-vent length of 9.2–10.8 mm in males and 11.1–12.4 mm in females; and advertisement call short (0.02–0.03 seconds), composed of one high-frequency note (dominant frequency 6.6–7.3 kHz). We observed synchronized alternation in the emission of vocalizations among neighbor males, indicating that males of the new species are able to hear and use vocalizations to interact with each other. We provide descriptions of clutch, eggs, and juvenile and observations on parental care. The new species has not been recorded within any protected area and can be threatened by human-induced habitat loss and modification.

Keywords: Amphibia, Brachycephaloidea, elevational range, morphology, taxonomy

  Color variation in Brachycephalus actaeus sp. nov.
(A) Dorsolateral and (B) ventral views of CFBH 39864 (paratype), adult female, from municipality of Itapoá, state of Santa Catarina. (C) Dorsolateral and (D) ventral views of CFBH 39863 (paratype), adult female, from municipality of Itapoá, state of Santa Catarina. (E) Dorsolateral and (F) ventral views of CFBH 39876 (paratopotype), adult male, from municipality of São Francisco do Sul, state of Santa Catarina. (G) Dorsolateral and (H) ventral views of CFBH 39846 (paratype), adult male, from municipality of São Francisco do Sul, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

  Eggs of Brachycephalus actaeus sp. nov.
(A) Male left, CFBH 39861 (paratype) and female right, CFBH 39860 (paratype), after oviposition.
(B) Detail of the eggs of B. actaeus sp. nov.

Brachycephalus actaeus

Etymology. The specific epithet actaeus is a Latin adjective that means situated on the edge. It is derived from the Latin word acta, which was incorporated from Greek, and means shore, coast, or beach. The name is used in allusion to the typical habitat of the new species, the coastal lowlands of the Atlantic Forest. 

Juliane Petry De Carli Monteiro, Thais Helena Condez, Paulo Christiano De Anchietta Garcia, Estevão Jasper Comitti, Ivan Borel Amaral and Célio Fernando Baptista Haddad. 2018. A New Species of Brachycephalus (Anura, Brachycephalidae) from the coast of Santa Catarina State, southern Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Zootaxa. 4407(4); 483–505. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4407.4.2 

  Researchgate.net/publication/324483797_A_new_species_of_Brachycephalus_from_southern_Atlantic_Forest_Brazil

[Herpetology • 2022] Nyctibatrachus tunga • A New Cryptic Species of Nyctibatrachus (Anura: Nyctibatrachidae) with Description of its Tadpole from the central Western Ghats, India

 Nyctibatrachus tunga

Kumar, Vishwajith, Anisha, Dayananda, Gururaja & Priti, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5209.1.4

Abstract

We describe a new species of night frog belonging to the genus Nyctibatrachus from the central Western Ghats, India. Nyctibatrachus tunga sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners by a combination of (1) body size medium (SVL 37.0–40.2 mm ♂, 42.4–47.4 mm ♀), (2) head wider than long (HW 16.0–17.6 mm ♂, 17.4–20.3 mm ♀, HL 11.7–13.6 mm ♂, 13.4–15.5 mm ♀), (3) skin on dorsal and lateral surfaces with glandular folds and throat with dense glandular longitudinal folds, belly white, (4) webbing on toes medium, reaching the third subarticular tubercle on either side of fourth toe (5) presence of nuptial pad and femoral glands in adult males, (6) dorsal body color dark brown, ventrally buff colored except belly, (7) finger disc weakly developed (fd3 0.8±0.1 mm ♂, 1.0±0.1 mm ♀; fw3 0.5±0.1 mm ♂, 0.8±0.1 mm ♀), (8) toe disc moderately developed (td4 1.2±0.2 mm ♂, 1.6±0.1 mm ♀; tw4 0.8±0.1 mm ♂, 0.7±0.0 mm ♀), (9) third finger disc without dorso–terminal groove, fourth toe disc with dorso–terminal groove cover bifurcate distally. Further, molecular phylogeny based on two mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA and ND1), reveals that the new species is sister taxon to N. vrijeuni and N. shiradi. Based on the analysis of 16S rRNA, the new species is genetically divergent by 2.0% and 2.6% from N. vrijeuni and N. shiradi respectively indicating weak but consistent differences to these two species. The bioacoustic analysis also indicated that the new species differed from one of its closest congeners, N. vrijeuni by a higher dominant frequency in advertisement calls. At present, Nyctibatrachus tunga sp. nov. is known from streams within evergreen forests and coffee estates of the upper catchment areas of river Tunga in central Western Ghats.

Keywords: Amphibia, endemic frog, freshwater, night-frog, amphibian larvae, streams

 Habitat and holotype (BNHS 6102) of Nyctibatrachus tunga sp. nov.
 a–Slow flowing stream habitat of the holotype; b–Live individual of holotype; c–Dorsal view; d–Ventral view; e–Lateral profile of head; f–Ventral view of Forelimb; g–Ventral view of Hindlimb; h– third finger disc without dorso-terminal groove; i– fourth toe disc with dorso-terminal groove cover bifurcate distally; j–Schematic view of webbing in hindlimb. (Scale bar = 5mm).

 

Nyctibatrachus tunga sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the name ‘Tunga’. The species is recorded in the catchment areas of the river Tunga and the species epithet is a noun in apposition to the generic name.

Suggested common name. Tunga River Night Frog.

 

 K.S. Pavan Kumar, H.U. Vishwajith, Anand Anisha, G.Y. Dayananda, Kotambylu Vasudeva Gururaja and Hebbar Priti. 2022. A New Cryptic Species of Nyctibatrachus (Amphibia, Anura, Nyctibatrachidae) with Description of its Tadpole from the central Western Ghats, India. Zootaxa. 5209(1); 69-92. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5209.1.4

[Entomology • 2018] Aschistophleps ignisquamulata • A New Species of Aschistophleps (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) from Thailand and Laos, with A New Generic Synonymy

[1, 3, 4] Aschistophleps ignisquamulata Kallies & Štolc, 2018
 [2] A. cucphuonganae comb. nov. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4446.4.11 

 Researchgate.net/publication/326492921

Abstract

We here describe a new clearwing moth species, Aschistophleps ignisquamulata sp. nov., from northern Thailand and Laos. This striking new species differs from all other species of Osminiini in both external appearance and genitalia and displays characteristics that indicate that Pyrophleps Arita & Gorbunov is a junior subjective synonym of Aschistophleps (syn. nov.).

Keywords: Lepidoptera, south-eastern Asia, clearwing moths, pheromones, Osminiini, ignisquamulata, Pyrophleps

  1-4. Aschistophleps species and habitat.
1. Aschistophleps ignisquamulata spec. nov., holotype, Thailand. 2. A. cucphuonganae comb. nov., Vietnam.
3. A. ignisquamulata spec. nov., paratype, male genitalia. 4. Type locality of A. ignisquamulata spec. nov. in Thailand.

Aschistophleps ignisquamulata spec. nov.

Etymology. The name is derived from the Latin ignis (fire) and squamula (scale).

Axel Kallies and VladimÍr Štolc. 2018. A New Species of Aschistophleps from Thailand and Laos, with A New Generic Synonymy (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae). Zootaxa. 4446(4); DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4446.4.11

  Researchgate.net/publication/326492921_A_new_species_of_Aschistophleps_from_Thailand_and_Laos