[Entomology • 2024] Eburnocauda saxatilis gen. et sp. nov. • Systematics and Biology of A Cave Cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae) from Australian Granite Pseudokarst

Eburnocauda saxatilis 

 Iannello & Beasley-Hall, 2024.  

 

www.taxonomyaustralia.org.au/ajt/papers/pijuu7mqmi 

Abstract

Cave crickets (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae) are a globally-distributed group of insects found in cool, dark habitats of high relative humidity. In Australia, eight genera are described and several are known only from cave environments, though a far greater diversity likely remains undiscovered both underground and in forest habitats. Here, we use molecular and morphological evidence to describe Eburnocauda saxatilis gen. et sp. nov. Beasley-Hall & Iannello from Britannia Creek Cave (BCC), a granite cave system found in Victorian wet sclerophyll forest. Eburnocauda saxatilis sp. nov. is sympatric with an undescribed species of Cavernotettix Richards, 1966 and males can be easily identified by their extremely elongate styli. BCC experiences periodic flooding and is accessible year-round to recreational caving groups, who often directly disturb cricket populations via accidental trampling. We consider these threats, paired with the extremely restricted known range of Eburnocauda saxatilis sp. nov., justification for this species to receive conservation listing. We discuss the phylogenetic placement of Eburnocauda gen. nov. and the conservation implications of its establishment as a new genus.

Top row: Location of Britannia Creek Cave (BCC) in Victoria (a) and typical mesic forest around BCC, dominated by mountain ash (b).
Bottom row: a typical small entrance at BCC formed by granite boulders (c) and male Eburnocauda saxatilis gen. et sp. nov. on a cave wall with elongate styli visible below the cerci (d).

Images © Sascha Grant (CC BY-NC-ND licence) and Silvana Iannello.

Eburnocauda Beasley-Hall & Iannello, gen. nov.

Type species: Eburnocauda saxatilis Beasley-Hall & Iannello sp. nov.

 Diagnosis. Eburnocauda can be distinguished from other rhaphidophorids by the extremely robust and long styli projecting from the male subgenital plate, reaching over half the length of the cerci. Eburnocauda also bears, on average, two ventral linear spines on either side of the fore and mid tibiae (prolaterally and retrolaterally); except for Parvotettix Richards, 1968 (which lacks these spines), all other Australian genera have at least three. 

Etymology. From the Latin eburno (ivory) and cauda (tail), alluding to the tusk-like styli found on the posterior of males. It is a feminine noun in the nominative singular case.

Eburnocauda saxatilis Beasley-Hall & Iannello sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis. A medium-sized cave cricket with diagnostic features as per the monotypic genus and an adult body length of 12–14 mm. Currently only known from the Highlands – Southern Fall bioregion of Victoria, Australia.

Etymology. From Latin saxatilis, meaning that which lives amongst rocks. It is a feminine adjective in the nominative singular case

S. Iannello and P. G. Beasley-Hall. 2024. Systematics and Biology of Eburnocauda gen. nov., A Cave Cricket from Australian Granite Pseudokarst (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae). Taxonomy Australia. 73: 1–9. DOI: doi.org/10.54102/ajt.pm9ob www.taxonomyaustralia.org.au/ajt/papers/pijuu7mqmi 

  x.com/PBeasleyHall/status/1851026221058179155

[Crustacea • 2024] Melita panda • A New Species of Melitidae (Amphipoda) from Japan

Melita panda

Tomikawa, Yamato & Ariyama, 2024 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1212.128858

Abstract

A new intertidal species of the melitid amphipod, Melita panda, from the Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, is identified and described. Melita panda sp. nov. differs from the similar M. koreana and M. nagatai by its black-and-white body color, well-developed anterodistal projection of the male gnathopod 1 propodus, and telson armature. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear 28S rRNA and mitochondrial COI genes support that M. panda sp. nov. is closely related to M. koreana and M. nagatai.

Key words: Intertidal zone, Melita panda, molecular phylogeny, morphology, systematics, taxonomy, Wakayama

Family Melitidae Bousfield, 1973

Genus Melita Leach, 1814

Melita panda sp. nov. holotype, male 6.0 mm (NSMT-Cr 32141), habitus, lateral view.

Melita panda sp. nov.

   New Japanese name: Panda-melita-yokoebi

   

Diagnosis: Head with eyes; antennal sinus incised. Pleonites and urosomites lacking dorsal teeth. Epimeral plate 3 with weakly pointed posterodistal corner. Urosomite 2 with 3 dorsolateral robust setae on each side without distinct teeth. Antenna 1 with 4-articulate accessory flagellum. Maxilla 1 with inner plate bearing 7 plumose setae. Gnathopod 1 with basis and ischium bearing small palmate setae. Male gnathopod 1 with anterodistal projection on propodus forming rounded hood, covering almost all of dactylus, propodus with 3 and 1 robust setae on posterior margin and at the base of anterodistal projection, respectively. Male gnathopod 2 with subquadrate propodus setaceous on medial surface, angle between posterior and palmar margins of propodus being approximately 140°. Female coxa 6 hooked with anterior lobe 1.2 times deeper than width of coxa. Uropod 3 with 1-articulate outer ramus. Telson longer than its width.

Etymology: The species name “panda” is derived from its black-and-white body coloration, which resembles that of the giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca.

 Ko Tomikawa, Shigeyuki Yamato and Hiroyuki Ariyama. 2024. Melita panda, A New Species of Melitidae (Crustacea, Amphipoda) from Japan. ZooKeys. 1212: 267-283. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1212.128858

[Herpetology • 2024] Micryletta thongphaphumensis • Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Micryletta (Amphibia: Microhylidae), with Description of A New Species from Thailand

 Micryletta thongphaphumensis Cao, Suwannapoom, Kilunda, Wu & Che,

in Cao, Suwannapoom, Kilunda, Gao, Wu, Wu et Che, 2024.

Thong Pha Phum Paddy Frog  | อึ่งจิ๋วทองผาภูมิ  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.129398

Abstract

The genus Micryletta is widely distributed in South China and Southeast Asia. Although significant progress has been made in the diversity and taxonomy of this genus over the past few years, the distribution range and taxonomy of some species still remain controversial, especially in M. inornata sensu lato. Consequently, limitations at national borders have resulted in a lack of comparative research on species from different countries. To resolve the classification dispute, assess species diversity, and determine the distribution range of Micryletta, a series of specimens were collected from the Yunnan Province of China and Thailand during herpetological surveys from 2009 to 2020. Subsequent analyses based on morphological and molecular data revealed a distinct and previously unknown lineage from western Thailand, which we formally describe as a new species. Furthermore, our study confirms that M. ‘inornata’, previously known from Mengla, Yunnan, was actually M. menglienica, and further extends its distribution range to Thailand and Laos. In addition, our findings extend the latitudinal distribution of M. inornata and M. subaraji northward into southern Thailand. Notably, this study brings the total number of known species in the genus Micryletta from 13 to 14, with the count rising from three to six species in Thailand and from one to three in Laos. Our study further confirms that species diversity within the genus Micryletta is underestimated and emphasizes the important role that international collaborations play in taxonomy. Intensifying field surveys in other regions (e.g., Myanmar, Vietnam, and Guangxi of China) will be extremely necessary in the future to clarify any taxonomic questions and reevaluate the distribution range of these species.

Key Words: Distribution range, diversity, Micryletta, M. inornata sensu lato, new species

Adult male holotype (KIZ 024670) of Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view of left side; C. Lateral view of right side.

Photos by Jing Che.

Micryletta thongphaphumensis Cao, Suwannapoom, Kilunda, Wu & Che, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Micryletta based on the following combination of morphological traits: small body size; absence of vomerine teeth; tympanum small and externally visible; subarticular tubercles on fingers and toes prominent; three well-developed metacarpal tubercles; absence of webbing between fingers and toes (Dubois 1987; Fei et al. 2009). The new species differs from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: medium-sized within the genus (SVL 21.3–25.6 mm in males, n = 5; 24.4–29.7 mm in females, n = 4; Table 3); snout truncate in dorsal view; tympanum distinct; supratympanic fold absent; a black streak extending from tip of the snout to crotch; upper lip white; tibiotarsal articulation adpressed limb reaching level of tympanum; lack of webbing between fingers and toes; relative finger lengths: I < II < IV < III; relative toe lengths: I < II < V < III < IV; outer metatarsal tubercle absent; ventral skin of body and limbs smooth; brown marbling patterns on dorsal limbs; dorsal orange-brown with black spots (Fig. 4).

...

 

Etymology: The specific name is a Latinized toponymic adjective in neuter gender derived from ‘‘Thong Pha Phum’’ in reference to the type locality Thong Pha Phum District in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.

Suggested common name: We propose “Thong Pha Phum Paddy Frog” as the common English name.

 

expand article infoYu-Yang Cao, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Felista Kasyoka Kilunda, Wei Gao, Chun-Lian Wu, Yun-He Wu and Jing Che. 2024. Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Micryletta (Amphibia, Microhylidae), with Description of A New Species from Thailand. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(4): 1361-1373. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.129398

[Botany • 2024] Alysicarpus littoralis (Fabaceae: Desmodieae) • A New Species from southern Thailand

 

Alysicarpus littoralis Satthaphorn & Leerat., 

in Satthaphorn et Leeratiwong. 2024. 

ถั่วลิสงนาสมุย  ||  www.QSBG.or.th/journal

 

Abstract

Alysicarpus littoralis Satthaphorn & Leerat. (Fabaceae, Desmodieae), a species confined to Samui Island, Surat Thani province, southern Thailand, is described and illustrated as a species new to science. Initially identified as A. vaginalis (L.) DC., the re-examination of morphological characters revealed distinctions of A. littoralis such as the length of inflorescence internode, length of calyx lobes, the colour of corolla and the type of pods at maturity. The newly proposed species is sometimes similar to A. monilifer (L.) DC. And A. ovalifolius (Schumach.) J. Léonard as it exhibits moniliform pods and lax inflorescence, respectively. The conservation status of the new species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR, B2(bii+ciii)) following IUCN conservation guidelines since populations are surrounded by human disturbances. A morphological description, line drawing and updated key to species of Alysicarpus in Thailand are presented.

Keywords: coastal area, Desmodieae, Papilionoideae, Samui Island, Surat Thani

Line drawings of Alysicarpus littoralis:
 A. habit with inflorescences and infructescences; B. flowers; C. calyx; D. standard; E. wing petal; F. keel petal; G. diadelphous stamens; H. pistil; I. moniliform pod; J. article with reticulation (side view of an article); K. septum between articles (top view of an article); L. seed.

Drawn by J. Satthaphorn from the dried specimen, Leeratiwong 21-1634.

Alysicarpus littoralis:
 A. habit; B. inflorescence with two-tone-coloured corolla; C. close-up flowers; D. moniliform pods.

Photos by C. Leeratiwong.

 Alysicarpus littoralis Satthaphorn & Leerat., sp. nov.

 Type: Thailand, Surat Thani, Ko Samui, Bo Phut, Ban Bo Phut, 20 m alt., 3 Jan. 2021, Leeratiwong 21-1634 (holotype PSU!; isotypes BKF!, KKU!). Figs. 1–2. 

Diagnosis.— Alysicarpus littoralis superficially resembles A. vaginalis in its herbaceous habit, unifoliolate leaves, pseudoracemose inflorescence, valvate calyx and erect loment pods (Fig. 3). However, A. littoralis is distinguishable by longer petiolules (1–1.5 mm long vs ca. 0.3 mm long in A. vaginalis), longer inflorescence internodes (8–12 mm long and lax-flowered vs 2–5 mm long and compact-flowered), longer calyx lobes (3–5 mm long vs 2.3–3 mm long), two-tone-coloured corolla (orangish-yellow standard but pink wings vs monotone-coloured-pink to purple in all petals) and moniliform pods with barrel shaped articles at maturity (vs terete pods with cylindrical articles).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to its habitat which can be found in coastal areas.

Vernacular.— Thua lisong na samui (ถั่วลิสงนาสมุย). 

Jiratthi Satthaphorn and Charan Leeratiwong. 2024. Alysicarpus littoralis, A New Species of Alysicarpus (Fabaceae) from Thailand. THAI JOURNAL OF BOTANY. 16 (1): 41–52.  

 www.QSBG.or.th/journal/showarticle_en.aspx?type=article&id=373

[Botany • 2024] Pothos deleonii (Araceae: Potheae) • A New Species from Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines

  Pothos deleonii M.P.Medecilo-Guiang & D.Cabactulan,

 in Medecilo-Guiang et Cabactulan. 2024.  

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.247.130721

Abstract

A new species of Pothos is described and illustrated. This species is very similar to Pothos philippinensis (sheathing and leaf morphology) but differs by the inflorescence and flowers. It is closely related also to P. kingii by the deep purple inflorescence, but differs in having longer peduncle, broadly ovate-concave to cucullate spathe (which is deep wine-red when fresh to purplish-black when senescing), and the spadix that is 7/10th the entire length of the spathe.

Key words: Allopothos, Araceae, aroid diversity, critically endangered, endemic, Pothos philippinensis

Line drawing of Pothos deleonii
A whole plant B leaf phyllotaxy C venation pattern D Inflorescence E detail of spadix 

 Scale bars: 10 mm (B); 15 mm (D); 5 mm (E).

Pothos deleonii M.P Medecilo-Guiang and D. Cabactulan
A habit with flowering branch B leaf apex C leaf base D venation pattern E inflorescence F detail of spadix.

 Pothos deleonii M.P.Medecilo-Guiang & D.Cabactulan, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: This new species is morphologically similar to Pothos philippinensis based on vegetative characters but differs by the purplish peduncle, dark wine red to purplish black spathe and pendulous peduncle and acuminate to caudate (vs. acuminate to apiculate) leaf apex. P. deleonii is closest to R. kingii and P. atropurpurascens M. Hotta by having a purple cylindrical spadix but differs from 2 later species by having a much longer, purplish green to dark purple peduncle, 16–18 cm long (vs 5 cm long in P. kingii and 8 cm in P. atropurpurascens) broadly ovate spathe, subsessile spadix and 7/10 the entire length of the spathe, bigger diameter of flowers (2 mm) and flower orientation.

Maria Melanie P. Medecilo-Guiang and Derek Cabactulan. 2024. Pothos deleonii (Araceae, Potheae, Pothoideae), A New Species from Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. PhytoKeys. 247: 183-190. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.247.130721

 

[Botany • 2024] Primula meishanensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China

 Primula meishanensis K.Huang & Z.X.Fu,

in T. Li, Chen, B. Li, Hua, C. Luo, H. Luo, Liang, Yue, Xi, Huang et Fu. 2024.

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.248.127117

Abstract

Primula meishanensis K.Huang & Z.X.Fu, sp. nov., a new species of Primulaceae from Meishan City, Sichuan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The morphological data and phylogenetic analysis, based on the complete chloroplast genome, suggest that Primula meishanensis is a separate species closely related to Primula dejuniana. The complete chloroplast genome of Primula meishanensis was 152,175 bp and the complete chloroplast genome of Primula dejuniana was 151,988 bp. The new species differs from the latter by the solitary scape, the length of petiole, acute leaf blade apex and pin flower. The distribution map, morphological comparison of related species and conservation status of the new species are also provided.

Key words: Morphological characters, new species, Primula sect. Petiolares, taxonomy

 Primula meishanensis sp. nov. A plant and roots B roots C petioles D, E leaves F pin flower G thrum flower H scape and bract

 (Photos by Xinyu Chen).

 Primula meishanensis sp. nov. A–C habitat D–H flowers I, J fruit

(Photos A, B, D, E by Zhixi Fu and C, F–J by Ke Huang).

 Primula meishanensis K.Huang & Z.X.Fu, sp. nov.

 Tingyu Li, Xinyu Chen, Bo Li, Donglai Hua, Can Luo, Huixian Luo, Yun Liang, Jieli Yue, Xiaodan Xi, Ke Huang and Zhixi Fu. 2024. Primula meishanensis (Primulaceae), A New Species from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 248: 73-90. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.248.127117

[Botany • 2024] Perilimnastes aura (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from Dak Cheung Plateau, Sekong province, Southern Laos

Perilimnastes aura  

in Souvannakhoummane, Lamxay, Lanorsavanh et Liu. 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.670.1.8

facebook.com: ແກ້ວອຸດອນ ສຸວັນນະກຸມມານ 

Abstract

Perilimnastes aura, a species found in Sekong province, Laos, is described as new. Its habit and morphology of leaves, inflorescences, flowers, and capsules match all diagnostic features of Perilimnastes. It most closely resembles P. suberalata in the quadrangular stems, unequal leaves, and glabrescent, oblanceolate to broadly elliptic leaf blade, but differs in the acute leaf apex (vs. acuminate), 1–3-flowered inflorescence (vs. 1-flowered), quadrangular hypanthium (vs. obtusely quadrangular) and broadly triangular, 1.8–2.2 mm long calyx lobes (vs. linear, 8–10 mm long). Information on habitat, ecology, and a preliminary assessment of the conservation status are also provided for the new species.

Phyllagathis, new description, new taxa, evergreen mountains, taxonomy, Eudicots

Perilimnastes aura sp. nov.

Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Vichith Lamxay, Soulivanh Lanorsavanh and Ying Liu. 2024. Perilimnastes aura (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae), A New Species from Dak Cheung Plateau, Sekong province, Southern Laos. Phytotaxa. 670(1); 77-82. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.670.1.8

ພືດຊະນິດໃຫມ່ຂອງໂລກ, ຖີ່ນກຳເກີດຈາກພູພຽງດັກຈຶງ, ແຂວງເຊກອງ. 

 facebook.com/Baffaloricefield/posts/8797821660277526

[Ichthyology • 2024] Chaetostoma sacramento • The Ornate Rubbernose Pleco (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Chaetostoma), A New Species from the Ucayali River Basin, Peru

Chaetostoma sacramento 

 Meza-Vargas, Ramirez & Lujan, 2024 

 

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.118522

Abstract

A new species in the rubbernose catfish genus Chaetostoma is described from the Aguaytia, Pisqui and Palcazu Rivers, which drain the Pampa de Sacramento Region in the Ucayali River drainage of central Peru. The new species is distinguished from congeners, except C. anomalum, C. branickii, C. dorsale, C. leucomelas, C. microps, C. nudirostre, C. palmeri and C. thomsoni by having distinct, white, variably-shaped spots or vermiculations ½–2× nostril diameter on dark grey to black background on the head (vs. spots absent or black on light-coloured background). The new species is distinguished from C. anomalum, C. branickii, C. dorsale, C. microps, C. nudirostre and C. thomsoni by having highly variable, distinct white spots, vermiculations or bands ½–10× nostril diameter on the body, from C. leucomelas by having dorsal and caudal fin indistinctly and variably-patterned with zero to four bands (vs. dorsal and caudal fin consistently having five or more uniform bands) and from C. palmeri by having two predorsal plates (vs. three), supraoccipital excrescence present (vs. absent) and pelvic-fin insertion slightly posterior to dorsal-fin insertion (vs. pelvic-fin insertion at middle of dorsal-fin base). Species delimitation analyses of the COI and Cytb genes further support the recognition of this new species.

Key Words: Amazon, Andes, Chaetostoma clade, freshwater, molecular, Neotropical, taxonomy

Live holotype of Chaetostoma sacramento MUSM 72045, 65.1 cm, collected from the Yamino River, a tributary of the Aguaytía River. Photos by D. Faustino.

 Chaetostoma sacramento sp. nov.

Chaetostoma sp. nov. Ucayali: Lujan et al. (2015b) [molecular phylogeny].

Diagnosis: Chaetostoma sacramento can be diagnosed from all congeners, except C. anomalum, C. branickii, C. dorsale, C. leucomelas, C. microps, C. nudirostre, C. palmeri and C. thomsoni by having distinct, white, variably-shaped spots or vermiculations ½–2× nostril diameter on grey to brown background on the head (vs. spots absent or black on light-coloured background). Chaetostoma sacramento is distinguished from C. anomalum, C. branickii, C. dorsale, C. nudirostre and C. thomsonii by having highly variable, small to large distinct white spots, vermiculations or bands on the body (vs. spots, vermiculations or bands absent or black on light-coloured background), from C. anomalum by having adipose fin fully formed (vs. rudimentary), from C. dorsale by having uniformly brown adipose fin (vs. adipose fin with black spot), from C. leucomelas by having golden spots across the dorsal fin rays (vs. light bands), from C. microps by having eight branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. nine), from C. nudirostre by having curved cheek odontodes (vs. strait), from C. palmeri by having two predorsal plates (vs. three), excrescence present (vs. absent) and pelvic-fin insertion slightly posterior of dorsal-fin insertion (vs. pelvic-fin insertion at middle of dorsal-fin base).

Etymology: The species epithet sacramento refers to the plain (pampa) in central Peru between the Huallaga and Ucayali Rivers, approximately delimited by the Pisqui River in the north and Palcazu River in the south. Chaetostoma sacramento is currently known exclusively from this region, known as the Pampa de Sacramento, which occupies a valley between Huánuco and Ucayali provinces that is part of the Peruvian subandean belt and surrounds Boqueron del Padre Abad in the Cordillera Azul. The Pampa de Sacramento was first encountered by Europeans on 21 June 1726, by an expedition led by Don Juan Nunez Lobo and was christened Pampa del Sacramento to commemorate the Catholic ceremony of the Corpus Christi. Subsequent Franciscan missionaries highlighted the rich ethnic diversity of this region (IBC 2016). A noun in apposition.

 Vanessa Meza-Vargas, Jorge L. Ramirez and Nathan K. Lujan. 2024. The Ornate Rubbernose Pleco (Siluriformes, Loricariidae, Chaetostoma), A New Species from the Ucayali River Basin, Peru. Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(4): 1387-1400. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.118522

[Herpetology • 2024] Boulenophrys lichun • A New Boulenophrys Species (Anura: Megophryidae) from the coastal hills of eastern Fujian Province, China

Boulenophrys lichun 

Lin, Chen, Li, Peng, Zeng & Wang, 2024 

 

Lichun Horned Toad | 立春角蟾  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1216.130017

Abstract

A new species of the genus Boulenophrys is described from the coastal hills of eastern Fujian Province, China. The new taxon can be distinguished from all recognized congeners by a combination of discrete morphological character state differences and genetic divergences in the combined mitochondrial 16S + CO1 genes. We also provide a map showing the distribution pattern of Boulenophrys species in Fujian and a provincial-specific key, which will aid their conservation by helping the local authorities accurately identify species during field identifications and data collection efforts.

Key words: Boulenophrys lichun sp. nov., conservation actions, distribution pattern, diversity, Horned Toads, identification, new species, provincial key, taxonomy

Boulenophrys lichun sp. nov. in life
The male holotype (GEP a214, A–C) and the female paratype (GEP a215, D–F)  

 Boulenophrys lichun sp. nov.

Lichun Horned Toad (in English) 

 lì chūn jiǎo chán (立春角蟾 in Chinese)

Diagnosis: (1) small size (SVL 33.5–37.0 mm in five adult males, SVL 47.1 mm in a single adult female); (2) canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched posteriorly; (3) tympanum distinct; (4) vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth present; (5) dorsal skin rough and highly granular, discontinuous X-shaped ridge on center of dorsum, discontinuous dorsolateral ridges present, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with discontinuous transverse ridges and tubercles, ventral skin with dense raised tubercles; (6) outer margin of upper eyelid with a small horn-like prominent tubercle, supratympanic fold distinct and narrow, curving posteroventrally to above arm; (7) two metacarpal tubercles distinct, inner one observably enlarged; relative finger lengths I < II < IV < III; distinct subarticular tubercle at base of each finger; (8) heels not meeting when hindlimbs folded; tibio-tarsal articulation reaching shoulder to posterior corner of eye; (9) toes without webbing and lateral fringes, inner metatarsal tubercle long ovoid, outer one absent, relative toe length I < II < V < III < IV; (10) dorsal surface yellowish-brown with irregular dark-brown patches, and dark-brown triangular marking between eyes, dorsal limbs and digits light brown with dark-brown transverse bands; and (11) dense nuptial spines on dorsal bases of fingers I and II in breeding adult males, subgular vocal sac present in males.

Etymology: The specific name lichun is derived from Chinese Pinyin Lì Chūn, i.e. 立春 in Chinese, which means the beginning of spring, the first of the 24 solar terms (24节气) of China. The specific name refers to the breeding season of the new species which begins around this period. The song of the new species heralds the spring of a year. The type specimens of the new species were also collected on “Lichun” of the Year 2024.

 Shi-Shi Lin, Hong-Hui Chen, Yuan-Hang Li, Zhao-Ning Peng, Zhao-Chi Zeng and Jian Wang. 2024. A New Boulenophrys Species (Anura, Megophryidae) from the coastal hills of eastern Fujian Province, China. ZooKeys. 1216: 1-15. DOI doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1216.130017

[Botany • 2024] Hechtia chamelensis (Bromeliaceae: Hechtioideae) • A New Species from the Pacific Lowlands in Mexico

Hechtia chamelensis Magaña & I. Ramírez, 

in Ramírez-Morillo, Ramírez-Diaz, Magaña Rueda, Tapia-Muñoz et Martínez. 2024.  

 DOI: 10.17129/botsci.3404 

 Researchgate.net/publication/378353472

Abstract

Background: Hechtia is characterized by its terrestrial, succulent rosettes, dioecy, and unisexual, dimorphic flowers, mainly fragrant. The paucity and fragmentary herbarium material limit the species recognition but living material reveals diagnostic characters to delimitate them.

Hypothesis: Hechtia species are circumscribed by a combination of vegetative and floral characters of both sexes. If the new taxon does not share morphological characters with other species, it will be described as new.

Taxon: Hechtia.

Study site and dates: Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, Jalisco, 1985-2023.

Methods: Field collected, cultivated as well as herbarium material of the new taxon were analyzed and compared to other species from the Pacific Lowlands and adjacent areas, particularly flowers of both sexes, fruits, and seeds. Conservation status using IUCN criteria is reported for the new species.

Results: Specimens of Hechtia chamelensis have been misidentified as H. laevis and H. reticulata (both described from fruiting, fragmentary specimens) but the fruit and seed features of both taxa do not match those of the new species. H. chamelensis is known from the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve and it is characterized by strict sympodial growth pattern, green leaves with red hues, shiny and glabrous above, white lepidote below, panicles usually simple to (rarely staminate ones) 2-divided, staminate flowers pinkish to pale white, pistillate with pale green to white petals.

Conclusions: Vegetative and reproductive features as well as geographical distribution allow the recognition of H. chamelensis as a new species native from Jalisco, Mexico.

Keywords: Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, conservation, endemic, floral dimorphism

Hechtia chamelensis;
 A) Infructescence, note its length of the infructescence when growing on shady places, Dr. Pablo Carrillo-Reyes (right)and Dr. William Cetzal (left) on the picture; B) same species with shorter infructescence (pointed by an arrow) when growing on exposed places, thisindividual is a few meters from the previous one; C) details of the origin of the inflorescence (terminal or central); D) details of adaxial surface of theleaves, color of foliar blade and spines.

Photographs: I. Ramírez-Morillo. 

Hechtia chamelensis
 A) pistillate inflorescence; B) a branch with pistillate flowers in anthesis; C) staminate inflorescence; D) a branch withstaminate flowers; E) a comparison of staminate and pistillate flowers.

Photographs: A-B and E: I. Ramírez, C: G. Carnevali, D: C. Ramírez-Díaz. 

Hechtia chamelensis in bloom;
A) staminate inflorescence; B) staminate flowers; C) pistillate inflorescence; D) pistillate flower; E) fruits.

Illustration by Alberto Guerra 

based on photographs provided by Ivón M. Ramírez-Morillo.

Hechtia chamelensis Magaña & I. Ramírez, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. This new species differs from Hechtia reticulata in the following characters: fruits 5-6 per each 5 cm length (vs. 8-2 fruits), reticulate (vs. smooth), seeds ca. 1 mm long (vs. 3 mm), inflorescence branches 10-15 cm long vs. 10-12 (-25) cm long). H. laevis has branches with many fruits (40-50 in each 5 cm length) while H. chamelensis only has 5-6 fruits in each 5 cm length, primary inflorescence branches have no stipe nor primary bracts (vs. 2.5-4cm long in H. chamelensis and primary bracts triangular, long-acuminate, 3-4.5 cm long, 4-10 mm wide, longer to equaling the length of the stipe). The new taxon also shows staminate flowers 6-8 mm long, 7-9 mm diameter, petal sapically white, basally pink, widely spread; pistillate flowers 3 mm long, ca. 1 mm diameter; with white petals and sepals basally green apically brown, adnate to the ovary.

 

Ivón Ramírez-Morillo, Claudia J. Ramírez-Diaz, Patricia Magaña Rueda, José Luis Tapia-Muñoz and Ricardo Rivera Martínez. 2024. The official presentation to science of A New Species of Hechtia (Bromeliaceae: Hechtioideae) from the Pacific Lowlands in Mexico. Botanical Sciences. 102(2); 586-597. DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3404  

  Researchgate.net/publication/378353472_a_new_species_of_Hechtia_from_the_Pacific_Lowlands_in_Mexico

[Herpetology • 2024] Scinax ritaleeae • A New Species of the Scinax granulatus Group (Anura: Hylidae: Hylinae: Scinaxini) from Northeastern Brazil

  

Scinax ritaleeae

Marinho, Faivovich, Haddad & Araujo-Vieira, 2024

DOI: 10.1643/h2024012 

 x.com/IchsAndHerps

We describe a new species in the Scinax granulatus group from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil and include the new species in an updated phylogenetic hypothesis for the group. The new species differs from all other species in the S. granulatus group by a combination of characters, such as a weakly bilobate vocal sac, moderately developed pre- and postaxial webbing of Toe IV, and advertisement call features. The newly described taxon is more similar with S. tropicalia, a species that is not closely related; both can be distinguished by the red-colored iris in the new species and differences in pulse rate of the call. The new species was recovered as the sister taxon of a clade including all other species of the S. granulatus group. However, the low support of some internal clades suggests that the knowledge about relationships in this group is still incomplete.

 

Holotype of Scinax ritaleeae, new species (CFBH 47526, SVL 33.8 mm), in life.
(A) Anterolateral view, (B) belly, thighs, and legs in ventral view; flank and groin in ventrolateral view, (C) left thigh in posterior view.

Scinax ritaleeae, new species 

Etymology.— Rita Lee Jones de Carvalho, known as Rita Lee, was a Brazilian rock singer whose lyrics criticized the conservative, far-right, military dictatorship of the Brazilian government, which lasted from 1964 to 1985. She was a feminist activist, an ally of the LGBTQIAPN+ movement, and an environmentalist. Notably, Rita Lee is famous for her musical compositions and for her red-dyed hair, the latter trait considered unusual in her time. The reddish blotches in the iris of the new species are also an uncommon characteristic when compared to its congeners in the S. granulatus group. In this sense, we propose the new species epithet honoring the Queen of Brazilian rock music.

Pedro Marinho; Julián Faivovich; Célio F. B. Haddad and Katyuscia Araujo-Vieira. 2024. A New Species of the Scinax granulatus Group (Hylinae: Scinaxini) from Northeastern Brazil. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 112(3); 398–417. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2024012

  x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1844068182996525457

[Mammalogy • 2024] Callosciurus concolor & Tamiops barbei • Lost in Synonymy: Integrative Species Delimitation reveals Two unrecognized Species of Southern Asian Tree Squirrels (Rodentia: Sciuridae: Callosciurinae)

  

 the skins of (A) Callosciurus caniceps (NHMUK 41.1817, lectotype);
live images of (B) C. caniceps caniceps taken by Natthaphat Chotjuckdikul (Te’) in Bangkok, Thailand;
(C) C. caniceps bimaculatus taken by Pattaraporn Vangtal in Railay Bay Beach, Krabi, Thailand; and
(D) C. concolor taken by Cheong Weng Chun in Fraser’s Hill, Pahang, Malaysia.

in Hinckley, Maldonado, Tamura, Leonard & Hawkins, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.74.e133467

Abstract

We present a comprehensive integrative taxonomic review of Callosciurus caniceps and Tamiops mcclellandii as they are currently defined. This review combines published molecular evidence, craniodental morphometrics, pelage and bacular variation, evaluations of potential hybrid zones using museum specimens and citizen science photographs, and, for C. caniceps, bioacoustic evidence. Our findings lead to the recognition of two species that had been lost in synonymy and highlight future perspectives on species delimitation in Sciuridae. By comparing phenotypic differentiation across climatic and vegetation transitions and contextualizing our results with the evolutionary history of our study systems, we provide insights into distribution, ecogeographical patterns, and speciation drivers in Southeast Asian vertebrates.

Keywords: Baculum, bioacoustics, biodiversity, citizen science, Mammalia, morphometrics, Southeast Asia, speciation, taxonomy

Taxonomic revision: 

Based on our findings, which unite molecular phylogenetic (Hinckley et al. 2023a), morphological evidence described below and in previous studies (Pocock 1923; Moore and Tate 1965; Hayashida et al. 2006), and bioacoustic data (in C. caniceps sensu lato), we conclude that the populations of Callosciurus caniceps sensu lato inhabiting Sundaland, and Tamiops mcclellandii sensu lato populations to the east of the Himalayas and Arakan range, should be recognized as distinct species. We revalidate the specific status of Callosciurus concolor (Blyth, 1855) and Tamiops barbei (Blyth, 1847), as these names represent the earliest descriptions of these separately evolving lineages. Additionally, we provide emended diagnoses and detailed species comparisons for both taxa and their sister species.

Dorsal and ventral views of the skins of (A) Callosciurus caniceps (NHMUK 41.1817, lectotype); live images of (B) C. caniceps caniceps taken by Natthaphat Chotjuckdikul (Te’) in Bangkok, Thailand; (C) C. caniceps bimaculatus taken by Pattaraporn Vangtal in Railay Bay Beach, Krabi, Thailand; and (D) C. concolor taken by Cheong Weng Chun in Fraser’s Hill, Pahang, Malaysia.

Callosciurus caniceps (Gray, 1842)

Common name: Northern gray-bellied squirrel

กระรอกปลายหางดำเหนือ

Callosciurus concolor (Blyth, 1855)

Common name: Southern gray-bellied squirrel

กระรอกปลายหางดำใต้

Tamiops mcclellandii (Horsfield, 1839)

Common name. Himalayan striped squirrel

กระเล็นขนปลายหูสั้น

Tamiops barbei (Blyth, 1847)

Common name. Southeast Asian striped squirrel

กระเล็น

 Arlo Hinckley, Jesús E. Maldonado, Noriko Tamura, Jennifer A. Leonard and Melissa T. R. Hawkins. 2024. Lost in Synonymy: Integrative Species Delimitation reveals Two unrecognized Species of Southern Asian Tree Squirrels (Rodentia: Sciuridae: Callosciurinae). Vertebrate Zoology. 74: 683-707. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.74.e133467