[Herpetology • 2024] Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit • A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus Group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Surat Thani Province, Thailand Underscores This Group’s Remarkable Diversity on the Thai-Malay Peninsula

Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit

 Termprayoon, Rujirawan, Grismer & Aowphol, 2024

 

ตุ๊กกายกาญจนดิษฐ์  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani14223226

Abstract

An integrative taxonomic study recognized a new species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus group from Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, Southern Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial ND2 gene revealed a new species, Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov., that is closely related to C. lekaguli. The new species differs from its sister lineage by bearing mean genetic divergence of 4.53% and significant differences in both mensural and morphometric characters (p < 0.05). Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. can be differentiated from the remaining members of the C. pulchellus species group because of its genetic divergence of ≥7.99% and a combination of differences in body size: 11–15 supralabial and 10–12 infralabial scales, 29–35 paravertebral tubercles, 18–23 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles, 32–37 rows of ventral scales, 20–23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe, 32–37 femoroprecloacal pores in adult males, and four or five dark body bands; weak tuberculation on body; absence of tubercles in the ventral body fold, absence of precloacal pores in females, and absence of scattered pattern of white tubercles on dorsum; presence of precloacal groove depression; and maculated white caudal bands. Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. is currently known from its type locality.

Keywords: bent-toed gecko; genetic; Southeast Asia; taxonomy

 Live specimen of the adult male holotype of Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01091) from the type locality in Pa Ron Subdistrict, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand.

 Specimens of  Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. from the type locality show variation in coloration and body pattern.
(A) Adult male specimen (ZMKU R 01092) in preservative, (B) live adult female specimen (ZMKU R 01094),
(C) an individual from its habitat (not collected) showing four dark dorsal bands with an irregular pattern on the 3rd band, and (D) a juvenile (not collected) bearing four dark body bands and having light yellow color on the body with a white tail tip.

Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other species of the C. pulchellus group by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 92.5–101.1 mm in adult males (n = 4), 108.2–108.5 mm in adult females (n = 2); (2) 11–15 supralabial and 10–12 infralabial scales; (3) weak tuberculation on body; (4) no tubercles on ventral surfaces of forelimbs, gular region, or in ventrolateral body folds; (5) 29–35 paravertebral tubercles; (6) 18–23 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; (7) 32–37 rows of ventral scales; (8) 20–23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; (9) 32–37 femoroprecloacal pores in adult males; (10) absence of precloacal pores in adult females; (11) deep precloacal groove in males; (12) absence of scattered pattern of white tubercles on dorsum; (13) four or five dark dorsal body bands; (14) light caudal bands in adults infused with dark pigmentation; and (15) posterior portion of tail in hatchlings and juveniles white.

Etymology: The specific epithet kanchanadit refers to the type locality in Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand.

Suggested common name: Kanchanadit Bent-toed Gecko ตุ๊กกายกาญจนดิษฐ์.

Habitat of Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. at the type locality Phet Phanomwat Waterfall, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province. (A) Waterfall and (B) outcrop along the stream bank.

Photographs by Siriporn Yodthong.

 Korkhwan Termprayoon, Attapol Rujirawan, Larry Lee Grismer and Anchalee Aowphol. 2024. A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus Group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Surat Thani Province, Thailand Underscores This Group’s Remarkable Diversity on the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Animals. 14(22), 3226. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani14223226

Simple Summary: This study discovered a new Cyrtodactylus population from Phet Phanomwat Waterfall in Southern Thailand. It has genetic divergences pertaining to mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene of ≥3.97% from its sister lineage, C. lekaguli, and bearing ≥ 7.99% genetic divergence from the congeners in the C. pulchellus group. This population can be separated from C. lekaguli by its morphologically significant differences. Based on the molecular and morphological evidence, this population is described as a new species, Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. The discovery of this new species increases the total number of Cyrtodactylus species to 377, of which 57 occur in Thailand.

[Ichthyology • 2024] Pollimyrus ibalazambai, P. krameri, ... • Morphometric Synthesis of Pollimyrus (Osteoglossiformes: Mormyridae) with the Description of Four New Species

 

 Pollimyrus ibalazambai 
Pollimyrus krameri 
 Pollimyrus weyli 

Dierickx, Lunkayilakio, Bills & Vreven, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15983

Abstract

Mormyridae, a species-rich family endemic to Africa, remains taxonomically understudied. This has been the case for the genus Pollimyrus Taverne, 1971, which hinders further understanding of the distribution, ecology, and conservation of its species. Therefore, an in-depth morphometric comparison of all currently valid species is carried out using most of the available type specimens. Species delineations were re-evaluated, and four species new to science described: Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov. (the Luki River, the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov. (the Lugenda River, Mozambique), Pollimyrus vanneeri sp. nov. (the Kouilou-Niari River, the Republic of the Congo), and Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov. (the Buzi River, Mozambique). In this study, Pollimyrus guttatus is confirmed to belong to Pollimyrus, whereas Pollimyrus eburneensis and Cyphomyrus plagiostoma seem more similar to species allocated to other genera. No or only little morphological differences were found between the type series of several species, which could indicate the need for synonymization of these species (Pollimyrus cuandoensis with Pollimyrus marianne and Pollimyrus nigripinnis with Pollimyrus pulverulentus). As such 20 species are currently morphologically identifiable in the genus Pollimyrus. The present study highlights the critical need for further synthetic efforts and new collecting efforts across Africa for this and other Mormyridae genera.

Keywords: morphology, Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov., Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov., Pollimyrus vanneeri sp. nov., Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov., taxonomy

 

Class Actinopterygii Klein, 1885

Order Osteoglossiformes Berg, 1940

Family Mormyridae Bonaparte, 1831

Subfamily Mormyrinae Bonaparte, 1831

Genus Pollimyrus Taverne, 1971

Pollimyrus Taverne, 1971: 140 

(type species: Mormyrus isidori Valenciennes, 1847, by original designation).i

Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring Professor Dr. Armel Ibala Zamba (1975–) (Université Marien Ngouabi, the Republic of the Congo) for his contributions to African ichthyology and his work in the Luki River basin (DRC) within the framework of his PhD (2005–2010).

Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring Professor Dr. Bernd Kramer (1943–) (University of Regensburg, Germany) for his contributions to ichthyology and study of weakly electric fish, southern African Mormyridae in particular.

Photograph of dead, but not yet fixed, holotype specimen of Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov. (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity [SAIAB] 73892: 45.6 mm SL [standard length]) from the Lugenda River (by R.B., August 22, 2003).
Photograph of dead, but not yet fixed, holotype of Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov. (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity [SAIAB] 67639: 51.43 mm SL [standard length]) from the Mussapa River (by R.B., September 27, 2002).
Photograph of a live type specimen of Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov. from the Luki River, near the Kimbozi Bridge (by S.W.L., Mbisa-Congo I, August 10, 2016).

Pollimyrus vanneeri sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring Professor Dr. Wim Van Neer (1954–) (Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium) for his contributions to ichthyoarchaeology in Europe and northern Africa.

Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring the late Professor Dr. Olaf L.F. Weyl (1972–†2020) (SAIAB) for his contributions to African ichthyology and his work in the Buzi River system within the framework of his PhD, expanding the collections housed at SAIAB and increasing the understanding of the biodiversity in the region.

 

Katrien Dierickx, Soleil Wamuini Lunkayilakio, Roger Bills and Emmanuel Vreven. 2024. Morphometric Synthesis of Pollimyrus (Teleostei, Mormyridae) with the Description of Four New Species. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15983

[Botany • 2024] Lorostemon roseoviridis (Clusiaceae) • A New Species from the eastern Amazonia

 Lorostemon roseoviridis  Fer.-Silva & L.Marinho,

  

in Ferreira-Silva, Marinho, Mouzinho et Hopkins, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-024-09791-1

Photo by H.D. Clarke  

 instagram.com/taxa_ufma

Abstract

During the review of the Brazilian species of Lorostemon (Clusiaceae), we verified that some specimens previously reported as L. bombaciflorus Ducke for South Guyana and the Brazilian Eastern Amazonia belong to a species still unknown to science. Here, we provide a description, taxonomic comments, illustrations, and a distribution map of Lorostemon roseoviridis Fer.-Silva & L.Marinho, a new species from eastern Amazonia.

Keywords: Diversity, Flora, Guttiferae, Lorostemon roseoviridis, Symphonieae

Open flower of Lorostemon roseoviridis.

Photo by H.D. Clarke from the holotype, H.D. Clarke 7160.

Lorostemon roseoviridis Fer.-Silva & L.Marinho, sp. nov. 

TYPE: Guyana: Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region. Acarai Mts., summit of unnamed peak, ...

Etymology. The epithet refers to the predominant colors found in the flowers and derives from the Latin roseus (pink) and viridis (green). Ducke (1935) published the first species name in the genus as "L. bombaciflorum", indicating that Lorostemon would be neuter, but Art. 62.2 (a) of the ICN (Turland et al., 2018) states that compound generic names ending in -stemon are masculine.

Silvia Larissa Ferreira-Silva, Lucas C. Marinho, Thiago M. Mouzinho and Michael J. G. Hopkins. 2024. A New Species of Lorostemon (Clusiaceae) from the eastern Amazonia. Brittonia. 76, 132–136. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-024-09791-1

 www.instagram.com/p/C85ldVlpSs5

[Botany • 2024] Begonia triquetra (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New subpeltate-leaved Species from limestone hills in Son La province, Northwestern Vietnam

Begonia triquetra  T.P. Anh, C.W. Lin, K.S. Nguyen, & B.H. Quang,
 

 in Anh, N. T. Thanh, Quang, Binh, T. X. Thanh, Le, Nguyen et Lin. 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.674.3.5 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract

Begonia triquetra, a new species endemic to the limestone karst regions of Son La province in Northwestern Vietnam, is described and illustrated here. This new species resembles B. xenos in its suberect habit, subpeltate lamina, 4-tepaled staminate flowers, and 2-locular ovary. However, B. triquetra differs significantly from B. xenos in having triangular (vs. terete) cross section of petiole, entire (vs. slightly crenulate) staminate tepals, and zygomorphic (vs. actinomorphic) androecium with 18–24 (vs. 52–85) stamens. Notes on ecology and conservation status are preliminarily provided to the new species.

biodiversity, endemism, Indochina, plant conservation, taxonomy, Eudicots

Begonia triquetra  T.P. Anh, C.W. Lin, K.S. Nguyen, & B.H. Quang sp. nov.

Tran Thi Phuong Anh, Nguyen Thi Thanh, Bui Hong Quang, Tran Duc Binh, Trinh Xuan Thanh, Anh Tuan Le, Khang Sinh Nguyen and Che Wei Lin. 2024. Begonia triquetra (sect. Platycentrum, Begoniaceae), A New subpeltate-leaved Species from limestone hills in Son La province, Northwestern Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 674(3); 281-287. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.674.3.5

  facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10227405915437157

[Botany • 2024] Hoya sungwookii (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from southern Vietnam

Hoya sungwookii  Aver., Vuong, Nhan et V. C. Nguyen,

in Tran, V.C. Nguyen, Averyanov, Truong, Dang, V.K. Nguyen, Maisak, Q.B. Nguyen et Krupkina, 2024. 

turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/15065

Photos by Van Canh Nguyen and Ba Vuong Truong

Abstract

A new species, Hoya sungwookii, discovered in southern Vietnam near Nha Trang Town (Khanh Hoa Province) is described and illustrated. It belongs to the type section of the genus and is distinguished from the morphologically closest H. oblongacutifolia (= H. graveolens) in glabrous pedicels, smaller flower 1.1–1.4 cm across, greenish ciliate calyx, corolla abaxially light green, small green to dark green corona 4.5–5 mm in diameter, 1.6–1.8 mm tall, small, 2–2.2 mm long, corona segments, and short corona segment inner angle, not exceeding anthers. Additionally, data on ecology, phenology, distribution of newly described species are presented, as well as its evaluated conservation status and color illustrations. Taking into consideration our new data, the genus in Vietnam currently includes 45 species.

Keywords: Asclepioideae, Eastern Indochina, endemism, flora, Hoya oblongacutifolia, Hoya sect. Hoya, Khanh Hoa Province, plant conservation, plant diversity, plant taxonomy

Hoya sungwookii:
A – plant in natural habitat in locus classicus; B – fresh flattened flowering plant; C – flattened shoot of plant in cultivation; D – intact inflorescences; E – spotted and uniform green leaves, adaxial and abaxial side; F – separated inflorescence; G – separated flowers, side view; H – pedicels with calyx and ovary; I – calyx and ovary; J – flower, frontal view; K – corolla, view from below; L–N – corona, views from above, from side, and from below; O – sagittal section of corona and ovary.

Photos by Van Canh Nguyen and Ba Vuong Truong from plant used for the preparation of the holotype specimen VNM 00070356, photo correction and design by L. Averyanov and T. Maisak.

Hoya sungwookii Aver., Vuong, Nhan et V. C. Nguyen, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. The new species is morphologically closest to Hoya oblongacutifolia, from which it differs in glabrous pedicels, smaller flower 1.1–1.4 cm across, greenish ciliate calyx, corolla abaxially light green, small green to dark green corona 4.5–5 mm in diameter, 1.6–1.8 mm tall, small corona segments, 2–2.2 mm long, and short corona segment inner angle, not exceeding anthers

Etymology. The species is named after Mr. Um Sung Wook, who first found this plant in nature and kindly shared his discovery for our study.

 

T. T. N. Tran, V. C. Nguyen, Leonid V. Averyanov, B. V. Truong, V. S. Dang, V. K. Nguyen, Tatyana V. Maisak, Q. B. Nguyen and Lyudmila I. Krupkina. 2024. New Species, Hoya sungwookii (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), from southern Vietnam. Turczaninowia. 27(1); 72-80. DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.27.1.10 http://turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/15065

 Researchgate.net/publication/381368990_Hoya_sungwookii_from_southern_Vietnam

[Botany • 2024] Petrocodon leveilleanus • Re-discovery and Taxonomic Clarification of Oreocharis leveilleana (Gesneriaceae) in Guizhou, China, over 100 years

Petrocodon leveilleanus (Fedde) X.X.Bai & F.Wen,

in Xiong, He, Zhou, Wen et Bai, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.242.115955

Abstract

Oreocharis leveilleana Fedde was collected in Ta-pin in 1910 and published in 1911. The collected location was verified within western Luodian County, Guizhou Province, China. However, there have been no records of the species’ collection for more than 100 years since then. After extensive investigations by our research team on the type locality and its surrounding areas, we found that it is widely distributed in western Luodian County and eastern Wangmo County, Guizhou Province, China. During further research on the original literature, type specimens and type locality of O. leveilleana, the taxonomic position of O. leveilleana, which was once treated as a synonym of O. auricula (S.Moore) C.B.Clarke, was found to have a taxonomic problem. Through morphological research combined with geographical distribution analysis, it has been determined that it should belong to the genus Petrocodon Hance and it is the same species as P. coccineus (C.Y.Wu ex H.W.Li) Yin Z.Wang. According to the regulations and suggestions of the 2018 "International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants (Shenzhen Code)", we propose and confirm a new combination – Petrocodon leveilleanus (Fedde) X.X.Bai & F.Wen and treat P. coccineus as a synonym of the new combination. Due to its unique bright red flowers within Petrocodon, its original Chinese name has been retained.

Key words: Oreocharis, Petrocodon, Petrocodon coccineus, new combination, synonym

Petrocodon leveilleanus
A plant B bracts C leaves D corolla E peduncle F dissected flower G Pistil H Sepals

(photographs by Xin-Xiang Bai).

 Petrocodon leveilleanus (Fedde) X.X.Bai & F.Wen, comb. nov.

 

Oreocharis leveilleana Fedde, Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 10: 64. 1911. 

– O. esquirolii H.Lév., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Berlin. 9: 447. 1911 [non Léveillé (1911b: 329)]. 

Type: China, Guizhou: Ta-pin, March 1910, Joseph Henri Esquriol 2051 (E: holotype, E00067459).

= Petrocodon coccineus (C.Y.Wu ex H.W.Li) Yin Z.Wang, J. Syst. Evol. 49(1): 60. 2011. syn. nov. 

– Calcareoboea coccinea C.Y.Wu ex H.W.Li, Acta Bot. Yunnan. 4(3): 243. 1982. 

Type: China, Yunnan: Xichou, Gankou, 26 May 1964, C.S. Wang 463 (KUN: holotype, KUN1219117).

Chinese Vernacular name: 朱红苣苔 (Zhū Hóng Jù Tái).

Distribution and habitat: Luodian County, Wangmo County, Libo County and Zhenning County of Guizhou Province, as well as in the southeastern Yunnan Province and the southwestern and northern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China and northern Vietnam. The species grow on wet rocks under the forest canopy at an elevation of 500–1500 m.

 Xiao-Kai Xiong, Song-Tao He, Yu-Lu Zhou, Fang Wen and Xin-Xiang Bai. 2024. Re-discovery and Taxonomic Clarification of Oreocharis leveilleana (Gesneriaceae) in Guizhou, China, over 100 years. PhytoKeys. 242: 21-29. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.242.115955

[Botany • 2024] Chayamaritia sirindhorniana (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Northeastern Thailand

 

Chayamaritia sirindhorniana D.J.Middleton, Tetsana & Suddee, 

in Middleton, Tetsana, Puudjaa, Kerdkaew et Suddee, 2024.   

คำหยาดศรีสิรินธร  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2024.52.2.14 

Abstract

The new species Chayamaritia sirindhorniana (Gesneriaceae) is described from materials collected in Loei Province in Northeastern Thailand. As it is currently only known from the type locality, further exploration of the region is needed to assess its conservation status.

Keywords: Chayamaritia, Didymocarpoideae, Loei, new species

Chayamaritia sirindhorniana D.J.Middleton, Tetsana & Suddee

Chayamaritia sirindhorniana D.J.Middleton, Tetsana & Suddee, sp. nov.

Similar to Chayamaritia smitinandii (B.L.Burtt) D.J.Middleton in general appearance but differs in having the calyx completely covered by patent villous hairs except for the apex, lobes obtuse or rounded at apex (calyx densely appressed pubescent including at the apex, lobes acute or acuminate at apex in C. smitinandii), the corolla outside light purple, inside dark purplish red with 2 ventral yellow lines, distally light purple on lower lip (deep purple throughout, inside with 2 ventral yellow lines, distally deep to slightly paler purple on lower lip in C. smitinandii).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for her dedication to, and encouragement of, the Flora of Thailand Project.

David J. Middleton, Naiyana Tetsana, Pachok Puudjaa, Orathai Kerdkaew, Somran Suddee. 2024. A New Species of Chayamaritia (Gesneriaceae) from Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 52(2), 102–104. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2024.52.2.14 

  ‘คำหยาดศรีสิรินธร’ พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลกนามพระราชทาน เทิดพระเกียรติกรมสมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดาฯ

 คำหยาดดอกม่วงเทิดพระเกียรติ ‘กรมสมเด็จพระเทพรัตนฯ’ ที่ทรงสนับสนุนโครงการพรรณพฤกษชาติประเทศไทย เผย ‘นักพฤษศาสตร์กรมอุทยานฯ’ ค้นพบร่วมกับทีมเจ้าหน้าที่ลาดตระเวนเขตรักษาพันธุ์ฯ ภูค้อ-ภูกระแต อ.หนองหิน จ.เลย ขึ้นบนเขาหินทราย ชี้เป็นพืชหายากควรค่าอนุรักษ์ เหตุประชากรขนาดเล็กพื้นที่จำเพาะ ...

[Botany • 2024] Barkeria wixarika (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Laeliinae) • A New Species from Nayarit, Mexico

  

Barkeria wixarika 

in León-Peralta, Jones, Reynaud et Pérez-García. 2024. Barkeria 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.674.3.3

  facebook.com/hemisferioscoordinados

Abstract

Barkeria wixarika is described from Nayarit, Mexico. This new species is morphologically similar to B. uniflora but distinct in its flowering phenology, inflorescence type, petal shape, column morphology, and geographic distribution. Detailed comparisons with related species, including digital plates along with a map highlighting the distribution of the novel species in relation to others are presented. Finally, an updated identification key for Barkeria is provided.

Barkeria barkeriola, B. uniflora, microendemism, Río Santiago-Aguamilpa basin, Monocots

Barkeria wixarika 

Cekouat E. León-Peralta, Jason Jones, Sergio Reynaudand Eduardo A. Pérez-García. 2024. Barkeria wixarika (Laeliinae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae), A New Species from Nayarit, Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 674(3); 265-274. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.674.3.3 

 facebook.com/hemisferioscoordinados/posts/28553800674219537

[Invertebrate • 2024] Erinaceusyllis simonlledoi • A New Species of Erinaceusyllis (Annelida: Syllidae) discovered at A Wood-fall in the eastern Clarion-Clipperton zone, central Pacific Ocean

Erinaceusyllis simonlledoi 

Nilsson, Wiklund, Glover, Bribiesca-Contreras & Dahlgren, 2024  

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2024.104415

Highlights: 

• A novel polychaete species was discovered on an abyssal wood-fall.

• Its high abundance on degraded wood displays a tolerance to sulfidic environments.

• Morphology and genetics support placement in Erinaceusyllis of the family Syllidae.

• This constitutes the first finding of abundant syllids on a natural wood-fall.

• Sulfide-tolerant syllids in the East Pacific may originate from the same lineage.

Abstract

In the deep sea, organic falls provide temporary localized enrichments of organic matter to the otherwise nutrient-poor abyssal seafloor. Areas where organic falls land become ephemeral patches of increased biodiversity. Often rich in opportunistic species which are tolerant to the sulfidic environment formed from anaerobic breakdown of organic matter. On a wood-fall at abyssal depths in the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone, the novel species Erinaceusyllis simonlledoi (Annelida: Syllidae) was discovered in high abundance. This study entails the first description of a novel syllid species found in high density on a naturally occurring organic fall. Phylogenetic position was investigated using three genetic markers (16S, 18S, COI) and morphology was studied through light- and scanning electron microscopy. Genetic data and morphological analysis supported placement in the syllid genus Erinaceusyllis. Distinguishing features were lack of eyes, dorsal brooding of one egg per egg-bearing segment, lack of visible papillae across the body, incomplete fusion of palps, bidentate chaetae, as well as pyriform antennae and tentacular cirri. Erinaceusyllis simonlledoi sp. nov. is highly similar to a species found on hydrothermal vents belonging to the closely related genus Sphaerosyllis. The similarity between the two species, as well as findings of unspecified Sphaerosyllis species in various types of sulfidic habitats evoke questions of a possible syllid lineage adapted to sulfidic environments.

Previous article in issue

 Keywords: Erinaceusyllis, Sphaerosyllis, Wood-falls, Sulfidic habitats, Clarion-Clipperton zone, Abyssal zone

 The piece of wood on which Erinaceusyllis simonlledoi sp. nov. was discovered. In situ image during collection.

Photo: University of Gothenburg.

 Full body light microscopy images of Erinaceusyllis simonlledoi sp. nov. 
 A – Holotype NHM_9029 dorsal view, chaetigers 13–16 on left side removed for DNA extraction. B – NHM_9029 ventral view. C – Paratype NHM_9081A dorsal view. D – Paratype NHM_9070B lateral view, left side. E – NHM9073 dorsal view, 3 posterior chaetigers and pygidium removed for DNA extraction.

 Scale bar: 100 μm. la – lateral antenna; ma – median antenna; tc – tentacular cirrus; dc – dorsal cirrus; ac -anal cirrus; px – pharynx; pr – proventricle.

Systematics

Phylum: Annelida Lamarck, 1802.

Class: Polychaeta Grube, 1850.

Family: Syllidae Grube, 1850.

Genus: Erinaceusyllis San Martín, 2005

Species: Erinaceusyllis simonlledoi sp. nov.

Etymology: The species is named in honor of Dr. Erik Simon Lledo, a member of the group of scientists onboard the Maersk Launcher on the NORI-D 5E biodiversity baseline research expedition of November–December 2021.

Christian L. Nilsson, Helena Wiklund, Adrian G. Glover, Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras and Thomas G. Dahlgren. 2024. A New Species of Erinaceusyllis (Annelida: Syllidae) discovered at A Wood-fall in the eastern Clarion-Clipperton zone, central Pacific ocean. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. 214, 104415. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2024.104415

 

[Botany • 2024] Orobanche dagestanica (Orobanchaceae) • A New Species from the Greater Caucasus

Orobanche dagestanica Ó.Sánchez, Piwow., Fateryga, Svirin & Murtaz., 

in Piwowarczyk, Sánchez Pedraja, Fateryga, Svirin et Murtazaliev, 2024.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.653.1.5 

 facebook.com: Renata Piwowarczyk 

 

Abstract

A new, probably endemic species, Orobanche dagestanica is described from Dagestan in Russia (the Greater Caucasus). The species grows in alpine shale scree slopes, and is a parasite of the roots of species from the genus Lophiolepis (Asteraceae). Based on morphological and phylogenetic data, the newly-described species belongs to Orobanche subsect. Curvatae, and specifically to O. ser. Krylowianae, however it is distinct from all other taxa in this group. A detailed description, diagnosis, illustrations, a comparison with related species, as well as phylogenetic analysis are provided.

Curvatae, Krylowianae, holoparasites, Dagestan, Lophiolepis, Cirsium, taxonomy, Eudicots

 

  

Renata Piwowarczyk, Óscar Sánchez Pedraja, Alexander V. Fateryga, Sergey A. Svirin and Ramazan A. Murtazaliev. 2024. Orobanche dagestanica (Orobanchaceae): A New Species from the Greater Caucasus.  Phytotaxa. 653(1); 67-78. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.653.1.5

  facebook.com/RenataPiwowarczyk752/posts/4239460512947040

[Herpetology • 2024] Leptobrachella dayaoshanensis • A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Dayaoshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China

 Leptobrachella dayaoshanensis  Chen, Yu, Meng & Qin,

in Yu, Qin, Meng, Li, Peng & Chen, 2024  

大瑶山掌突蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.121027

Abstract

A new species of the Asian leaf litter toad genus Leptobrachella, L. dayaoshanensis sp. nov., is described based on phylogenetic analysis, morphological characters, and bioacoustic data. This species occurs in the Dayaoshan National Nature Reserve located in Jinxiu County, Guangxi, China. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this new species is closely related to L. verrucosa, as demonstrated by phylogenetic trees. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) medium size (mean snout–vent length (SVL) of 27.9 ± 0.7 mm, range 26.6–28.9 mm in males; 34.4 mm in female); (2) rough dorsal surface featuring small, raised tubercles and ridges; (3) flanks adorned with irregular black spots and creamy white glands; (4) creamy white ventral surface with sparse light-brown spots and irregular tiny textures; (5) brown throat and chest; (6) rudimentary toe webbing; (7) wide lateral fringes on toes; (8) distinct continuous ventrolateral glandular line; (9) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the midpoint of eye when the leg is extended forward; (10) heels that do not meet when thighs are appressed at right angles to body; (11) bicolored iris, with the upper half being copper and gradually transitioning to silver in the lower half; and (12) advertisement calls consisting of two model types, with dominant frequencies of 4.2–6.8 kHz at 21.0 °C. The new species has a breeding season that occurs from March to April and is found in evergreen forests at elevations between 1,000 and 1,600 m.

Key words: Bioacoustics, cryptic diversity, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

 

The holotype of Leptobrachella dayaoshanensis sp. nov.
 A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsolateral view D calling in the field E ventral view of hand F ventral view of foot.

 Leptobrachella dayaoshanensis Chen, Yu, Meng & Qin, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Leptobrachella dayaoshanensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) medium size (SVL mean 27.9 ± 0.7 mm, range 26.6–28.9 mm in males; 34.4 mm in female); (2) dorsal surface rough with small, raised tubercles and ridges; (3) flanks with irregular black spots and creamy-white glands; (4) ventral surface creamy-white with sparse, light-brown spots and irregular, tiny textures; (5) brown throat and chest; (6) rudimentary toe webbing; (7) wide toes lateral fringes; (8) distinct continued ventrolateral glandular line; (9) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the midpoint of eye when the leg is pressed forward; (10) heels not meeting when thighs are appressed at right angles to body; (11) bicolored iris, with upper half copper, gradually transitioning to silver in lower half; and (12) advertisement calls consisting of two types models, with dominant frequencies of 4.2–6.8 kHz (21.0 °C).

Etymology: The species name dayaoshanensis refers to the type locality, Mount Dayaoshan. The suggested English name is Dayaoshan Leaf Litter Toad, and the Chinese name is Da Yao Shan Zhang Tu Chan (大瑶山掌突蟾).

 

 Gui-Dong Yu, Kun Qin, Tao Meng, Peng Li, Wan-Xiao Peng and Wei-Cai Chen. 2024. A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Amphibia, Anura, Megophryidae) from Dayaoshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1219: 105-122. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.121027

[Botany • 2024] Wedelia figueiredoana (Asteraceae: Heliantheae) • A winged cypselae New Species of Wedelia for Brazil

Wedelia figueiredoana V.R.Bueno,

in Bueno, Rodrigues, Sousa, Souza, Marzinek et Marques, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.249.135699

Abstract

We describe one new species from Ceará state, Brazil: Wedelia figueiredoana. It is morphologically associated with W. bonplandiana, but distinguished by 0.25–1.05 cm leaf blade width (vs. 1.5–2.6 cm), linear to narrow oblong leaf blade (vs. elliptic to spatulate), 3-seriate involucre (vs. 2-seriate), and cypselae 3.9–4 mm long (vs. 6–7 mm). An anatomical analysis of cypselae is provided, and we propose a more accurate terminology to describe similar wings to Wedelia species. We also provide a scientific illustration of the new species, photos of habitat, a map of its geographic occurrence, and its taxonomic affinities are discussed with a taxonomic key to the Wedelia species with the apically pronounced wings in the cypselae.

Key words: Auricular projections, Cerrado, Compositae, fruit anatomy

Wedelia figueiredoana sp. nov.
A linear blade leaf B head (top view) C flowering branch D head and phyllaries (side view) E habit.

Wedelia figueiredoana sp. nov. habitat
A enclaves of Cerrado B Wedelia figueiredoana in the ferrugineous soil C floral visitor in the W. figueiredoana D prostrate habit E solitary herbaceous individual of W. figueiredoana.

 Wedelia figueiredoana V.R.Bueno, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Wedelia figueiredoana morphologically resembles W. bonplandiana by 0.25–1.05 cm leaf blade width (vs. 1.5–2.6 cm), linear to narrow oblong leaf blade (vs. elliptic to spatulate), 3-seriate involucre (vs. 2-seriate), and cypselae 3.9–4 mm long (vs. 6–7 mm).

Etymology: The epithet “figueiredoana” is in honor of Dr. Marlene Feliciano Figueiredo, born in 1963, a dedicated educator at Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú (UVA). Her dynamic engagement in teaching, research, and outreach, notably the Pensando Verde project, has left an indelible mark. Noteworthily, she was pivotal in founding and curating the Herbário Francisco José de Abreu Matos–HUVA (1998–2004), a vital botanical resource in Northwest Ceará. In botanical research, Figueiredo specializes in phanerogam taxonomy, floristics, ethnobotany, and seed germination ecophysiology, fostering a deep understanding of Northwestern Ceará’s intricate flora through her mentorship.

Vinicius R. Bueno, Leonardo S. Rodrigues, Francisco Diego Sousa, Izaías C. Souza, Juliana Marzinek and Danilo Marques. 2024. Wedelia figueiredoana (Asteraceae, Heliantheae), A winged cypselae New Species of Wedelia for Brazil. PhytoKeys. 249: 37-49. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.249.135699