[Mollusca • 2020] Imeretiopsis gen. nov., Caucasopsis gen. nov., Caucasogeyeria colchis, C. chrysomallos, Imeretiopsis prometheus, Kartvelobia sinuata, Hausdorfenia shareula, ... • The Phylogeny of stygobiotic Sadlerianinae Szarowska, 2006 (Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae) from Georgia with Descriptions of Five New Genera and Twenty-one New Species [Revealing the stygobiotic and crenobiotic Molluscan Biodiversity Hotspot in Caucasus: Part I]

 5–8 Caucasogeyeria colchis sp. nov., live specimens Pirveli Balda, spring in the village
9–12 C. chrysomallos sp. nov.  

in Grego, Mumladze, Falniowski, Osikowski, Rysiewska, Palatov et Hofman, 2020.

  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.955.51983 

Abstract

The position of the southwestern Caucasus as a stygobiotic Mollusca hotspot is confirmed. Molecular data of stygobiotic gastropods revealed the diversity of subfamily Sadlerianinae Szarowska, 2006, inhabiting the subterranean environment of Georgia. In addition to the well-known endemic genera Pontohoratia Vinarski, Palatov & Glöer, 2014 and Motsametia Vinarski, Palatov & Glöer, 2014, five more genera were identified in northwestern Georgia as new to the science: Kartvelobia gen. nov., Imeretiopsis gen. nov., Caucasopsis gen. nov., Caucasogeyeria gen. nov., and Hausdorfenia gen. nov. Additionally, 21 new species were found to inhabit the studied area (Samegrelo, Imereti, Racha regions in Georgia).

Keywords: cave, biodiversity, freshwater, interstitial, mtDNA, molecular taxonomy, spring, subterranean

Caucasogeyeria specimens used for molecular and anatomical studies
 1 Caucasogeyeria chrysomallos sp. nov. 2–4 C. ignidona sp. nov. 5–8 C. colchis sp. nov., live specimens Pirveli Balda, spring in the village 9–12 C. chrysomallos sp. nov. The numbers correspond to individuals. Photograph A. Falniowski, J. Grego, A. Rysiewska.

 Jozef Grego, Levan Mumladze, Andrzej Falniowski, Artur Osikowski, Aleksandra Rysiewska, Dimitry M. Palatov and Sebastian Hofman. 2020. Revealing the stygobiotic and crenobiotic Molluscan Biodiversity Hotspot in Caucasus: Part I. The Phylogeny of stygobiotic Sadlerianinae Szarowska, 2006 (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Hydrobiidae) from Georgia with Descriptions of Five New Genera and Twenty-one New Species. ZooKeys. 955: 1-77. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.955.51983 

  

[Ichthyology • 2020] Macrognathus kris • A New, uniquely patterned Spiny Eel (Synbranchiformes: Mastacembelidae) from southern Borneo, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia

 Macrognathus kris

 Ng & Tan, 2020

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4819.1.9 

Abstract

A new species of Macrognathus of the M. aculeatus species group is described from the Kahayan River drainage in southern Borneo, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia. Macrognathus kris, new species, is distinguished from all Asian congeners in having the following unique combination of characters: rim of anterior nostril with two fimbriae and two fimbrules; 43–45 rostral tooth plates; 24–25 dorsal spines; 46–55 dorsal-fin rays; 51–59 anal-fin rays; 20–23 principal caudal-fin rays; 76–78 total vertebrae; body depth at anus 11.8–15.9% SL; color pattern consisting of light brown stripe on dorsum and 11–14 irregular pentagonal dark brown blotches on sides of body.

Synbranchiformes, Macrognathus, biodiversity, Pisces

 Macrognathus kris,
A. MZB 10978, holotype, 189.4 mm SL; B. ZRC 51203, paratype, 99.8 mm SL;
C. ZRC 51202, paratype, 227.3 mm SL; D. ZRC 51204, 370.0 mm SL.

Macrognathus kris 

Distribution. This species is currently known only from the Rungan River sub-drainage of the Kahayan River drainage in Central Kalimantan, Borneo ( Fig. 2). We hypothesize that it may occur also in neighboring sub-drainages within the Kahayan River drainage, or even in adjacent river drainages (e.g. the Mentaya River drainage). Further surveys are needed to confirm this.

Habitat. Macrognathus kris inhabits blackwater habitats associated with peat swamp forests. Sungai Panta (where some of the paratypes have been collected) is a blackwater feeder stream flowing into Rungan River, with alluvial forest and flooded forest habitats. Syntopic fish species include: Brevibora cheeya Liao & Tan, Crossocheilus pseudobagarius Duncker, Desmopuntius foerschi (Kottelat), D. johorensis (Duncker), D. rhomboocellatus (Koumans), Eirmotus cf. insignis Tan & Kottelat, Malayochela maassii (Weber & de Beaufort), Osteochilus pentalineatus Kottelat, O. spilurus (Bleeker), Striuntius lineatus (Duncker) ( Cyprinidae), Kottelatia brittani (Axelrod), ...., Betta anabatoides Bleeker, B. edithae Vierke, Luciocephalus aura Tan & Ng, Parosphromenus filamentosus Vierke, Sphaerichthys acrostoma Vierke, S. selatanensis Vierke, Trichopodus leerii (Bleeker) ( Osphronemidae), Achiroides sp. ( Soleidae), and Pao palembangensis (Bleeker) ( Tetraodontidae). The inhabitants are a mix of riverine—with mainly swamp forest and peat swamp—taxa.

Etymology. The kris is a wavy-bladed dagger carried and used by local nobility and warriors. The name is used as a noun in apposition, in allusion to the wavy or zigzag pattern on the body of the spiny eel and the general resting posture of the fish when viewed from above.

 

Heok Hee Ng and Heok Hui Tan. 2020. A New, uniquely patterned Spiny Eel (Teleostei: Mastacembelidae) from southern Borneo, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia. Zootaxa. 4819(1); 170-178. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4819.1.9 

[Botany • 2020] Spathoglottis arunachalensis (Orchidaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Spathoglottis arunachalensis J.Tsering & K.Prasad, 

in Tsering et Prasad, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.432.3.6 

 

Abstract

A new species of Spathoglottis, S. arunachalensis (Orchidaceae), from Sessa Orchid Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is described and illustrated. Morphologically, the new species is allied to S. ixioides but differs in many attributes which are discussed here. An updated key for Indian Spathoglottis is also provided for easy identification.

Orchid, Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Yellow flowered, Monocots

Spathoglottis arunachalensis sp. nov.
 A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Dorsal sepal; D. Lateral sepals; E. Petals; F. Lip; G. Pedicel with ovary, floral bract and column side view; H. Column front view; I. Pollinia.

Spathoglottis arunachalensis J.Tsering & K.Prasad 

 

Jambey TSERING and Kothareddy PRASAD. 2020. Spathoglottis arunachalensis (Orchidaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Phytotaxa. 432(3); 289–295. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.432.3.6 [2020-02-12]

[Crustacea • 2020] Alpheus samudra • A New Species of Alpheus (Decapoda: Alpheidae) from the Arabian Sea, Kerala, India

 

Alpheus samudra 

De Grave, Krishnan, Kumar & Christodoulou, 2020

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4750.2.11  

  Researchgate.net/publication/339842454

Abstract

A new species of Alpheus, A. samudra nov. sp., is described from the bycatch of trawlers operating between 275–375 m depth on the Quilon Bank (Kerala, India). The new species belongs to the brevirostris group, but can be easily distinguished from all but one species, by the extremely laterally compressed major cheliped. Alpheus samudra nov. sp. is very similar to A. leptocheles Banner & Banner, 1975 in the form of the major cheliped, but the proportions of the fingers to the palm and the shape of the fingers easily separate both species.

Crustacea, Decapoda, Alpheidae, Alpheus, new species, India

Alpheus samudra nov. sp. Colour pattern, male, non-type, recently deceased (cl 13.0 mm), Neendakara fishing port, Kollam, Kerala (photo A.B. Kumar).

Alpheus samudra nov. sp.

Sammy DE GRAVE, Apsara S. KRISHNAN, Anil KUMAR K. P. and Magdalini CHRISTODOULOU. 2020. A New Species of Alpheus (Crustacea, Decapoda, Alpheidae) from the Arabian Sea, Kerala, India. Zootaxa. 4750(2); 277–285. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4750.2.11 [2020-03-11] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/339842454_A_new_species_of_Alpheus_from_the_Arabian_Sea_Kerala_India

[Entomology • 2020] Eudicrana chingaza, E. maculata, ... • Four New Neotropical Species of Eudicrana Loew (Diptera: Mycetophilidae: Sciophilinae) from the Colombian high Andean Ecosystems, with comments on the Genus

  

[B] Eudicrana chingaza 

[C] E. maculata

[D] E. merizaldei 

Henao-Sepúlveda, Wolff & Amorim, 2020

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.988.49627

Abstract

Four new species of the sciophiline genus Eudicrana Loew are described for the Eastern and Central Andes of Colombia–Eudicrana silvaandina sp. nov., E. chingaza sp. nov., E. maculata sp. nov. and E. merizaldei. These are the first species of Eudicrana described from the extreme northern range of the Andes. The altitudinal distribution of these species in the paramos and high Andean forest ecosystems is restricted to 1750–3660 m a.s.l. and some other information on the environment is briefly discussed. A key for the Colombian species of Eudicrana is provided and a discussion is elaborated on the position of these species within the genus.

Keywords: Andean ecosystem, biology, diversity, Neotropical region, taxonomy

A Habitus of Eudicrana silvaandina sp. nov., male (holotype) B Habitus of E. chingaza sp. nov., male (holotype), terminalia detached
C Habitus of E. maculata sp. nov., male (holotype)
D Male habitus of E. merizaldei sp. nov. (holotype) E Habitus of E. merizaldei sp. nov., female.

Scale bar: 1mm

A Landscape images of the municipality of San José de la Montaña, paramo El Congo, Colombia, type locality of Eudicrana maculata sp. nov. (holotype) B Malaise trap habitat is in area covered on A
C landscape images of the municipality of Envigado, private property Nubarrones, type locality of E. merizaldei sp. nov. (holotype) D Malaise trap habitat is in area covered on C.

Carolina Henao-Sepúlveda, Marta Wolff and Dalton de Souza Amorim. 2020. Four New Neotropical Species of Eudicrana Loew (Diptera, Mycetophilidae, Sciophilinae) from the Colombian high Andean Ecosystems, with comments on the Genus. ZooKeys. 988: 129-150. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.988.49627

[Arachnida • 2020] Pholcus tongyaoi • Notes on Two closely related Spider Species of the Pholcus phungiformes species group (Araneae: Pholcidae) from Beijing, China

 

Pholcus tongyaoi  Wang & Yao,   

in Wang, Shaheen, He et Yao, 2020. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.965.56199

Abstract

The Pholcus phungiformes species group is highly diverse and currently contains 53 species. In this study, Pholcus tongyaoi Wang & Yao, sp. nov. (male, female) from Huairou District, Beijing, China is described while similar congener Pholcus lexuancanhi Yao, Pham & Li, 2012 from neighboring Haidian District (type locality) is redescribed; the female of P. lexuancanhi is described for the first time. In addition, the DNA barcode COI for the two species was obtained to estimate p-distance.

Keywords: daddy-long-leg spider, DNA barcode, morphology, Pholcinae, taxonomy

Pholcus tongyaoi sp. nov., live specimens and habitat
A, B adult and juvenile males in old house 
C, D adult male and female with egg-sac on rock walls
E, F habitat.

Photographs by T Jiang (IZCAS).

Pholcus tongyaoi Wang & Yao, sp. nov. 

 Xiang Wang, Shumaila Shaheen, Qiaoqiao He and Zhiyuan Yao. 2020. Notes on Two closely related Spider Species of the Pholcus phungiformes species group (Araneae, Pholcidae) from Beijing, China. ZooKeys. 965: 1-16. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.965.56199

[Herpetology • 2020] Nidirana occidentalis • A New Species of Nidirana from the N. pleuraden Group (Anura: Ranidae) from western Yunnan, China

Nidirana occidentalis  Lyu, Yang & Wang,

 in Lyu, Chen, Yang, ZENG, J. Wang, Zhao, Wan, Pang et Y.-Y. Wang, 2020.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4861.1.3 

 Researchgate.net/publication/344689468

 

Abstract

The Music Frog genus Nidirana was recently resurrected as a distinct genus and contains 14 species distributed in subtropical eastern and southeastern Asia. The species diversity of Nidirana is dramatically underestimated, and half of its species was described in the last five years. In this study, Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov., a new species of Music Frog from western Yunnan, China, is proposed based on morphological and molecular evidences. The new species was previously misidentified as N. pleuraden, but can be distinguished from the true N. pleuraden from eastern Yunnan, and all other congeners, by a combination of morphological characteristics, and significant divergence in the mitochondrial genes (≥ 5.1% in 16S and ≥ 8.9% in CO1). Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. is assigned to the N. pleuraden group on the basis of morphological characters, but its phylogenetic placement remains unresolved due to weak branch support. Geographically, these two species are isolated by the Red River in Yunnan, supporting the hypothesis that the Red River is an important geographical barrier that drives speciation in flora and fauna. Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. represents the second species of N. pleuraden group and the 15th species of the genus.

Amphibia, Geography, phylogeny, morphology, Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov.

  Coloration in life and variations of Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov.
A: male paratype SYS a007830; B: male paratype SYS a007831; C: female paratype SYS a007832;
1: dorsolateral view; 2: ventral view.

Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. Lyu, Yang & Wang 

 Comparisons of morphological characteristics between Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov.  
 (A, SYS a007830) and N. pleuraden (B, SYS a007717).
1: dorsolateral view; 2: close-up of the head, showing relatively larger tympanum in N. pleuraden; 3: close-up of the hand, the arrow showing presence of one supernumerary tubercle at the base of fingers IV in N. pleuraden.

 Zhi-Tong LYU, Yang CHEN, Jian-Huan YANG, Zhao-Chi ZENG, Jian WANG, Jian ZHAO, Han WAN, Hong PANG and Ying-Yong WANG. 2020. A New Species of Nidirana from the N. pleuraden Group (Anura, Ranidae) from western Yunnan, China. Zootaxa. 4861(1); 43–62. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4861.1.3 [2020-10-15]

  Researchgate.net/publication/344689468_A_new_species_of_Nidirana_from_the_N_pleuraden_group_Anura_Ranidae_from_western_Yunnan_China

[Entomology • 2020] Antillobinthus inexpectatus • A New Genus and Species of Cricket from eastern Cuba: the First Antillean True Eneopterinae (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Eneopterinae)

 

Antillobinthus inexpectatus Yong & Desutter-Grandcolas,

in Yong, Desutter-Grandcolas, Teruel & Leguin, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4858.2.7

 Researchgate.net/publication/344432682

Abstract

The occurrence of true Eneopterinae in the Antilles is recorded herein for the first time, with the description of a new genus and species herein described from eastern Cuba (Greater Antilles): Antillobinthus inexpectatus Yong & Desutter-Grandcolas, n. gen. n. sp. It is described and illustrated in detail, including color photographs of habitus, morphologically diagnostic characters and habitat. The present finding revives a biogeographical debate, as no Eneopterinae was up-to-now known from the Antilles.

Orthoptera, cricket, taxonomy, new genus, new species, distribution, Cuba, Greater Antilles

 

Antillobinthus inexpectatus Yong & Desutter-Grandcolas n. sp.,
adult male holotype (1) and adult female allotype (2),
habitus: a) dorsal; b) lateral; c) ventral.

Scale bar in millimeters.

Antillobinthus inexpectatus Yong & Desutter-Grandcolas n. sp.,
adult male holotype (3) and adult female allotype (4),
close-ups: a) head and thorax, dorsal; b) head and thorax, lateral; c) head, frontal.

Sheyla YONG, Laure DESUTTER-GRANDCOLAS, Rolando TERUEL and Elise-Anne LEGUIN. 2020. A New Genus and Species of Cricket from eastern Cuba: the First Antillean True Eneopterinae (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Eneopterinae). Zootaxa. 4858(2); 261–273. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4858.2.7

Researchgate.net/publication/344432682_A_new_genus_and_species_of_cricket_from_eastern_Cuba

[Entomology • 2020] Vietomartyria wuyunjiena & V. maoershana • Two New Vietomartyria Species (Lepidoptera: Micropterigidae) from China

[A, C-F]Vietomartyria wuyunjiena, 
[B] Vietomartyria maoershana 

 Liao, Hirowatari & Huang, 2020

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.610  

Abstract 
 Micropterigidae is a family of Lepidoptera characterized by plesiomorphic morphological characters. Presently, this family consists of more than 22 genera and is distributed throughout all biogeographic realms. Vietomartyria Hashimoto & Mey, 2000 presently consists of six species mainly from South China. Two new species of the genus, V. wuyunjiena sp. nov. and V. maoershana sp. nov., are described herein from China; adult genitalia and wing venation are illustrated. Some biological accounts of the new species are also provided. A key to all described Vietomartyria species is given.

Keywords. Micropterigidae, Vietomartyria, new species, morphology, taxonomy.

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758
Order Lepidoptera Linnaeus, 1758
Superfamily Micropterigoidea Herrich-Schäffer, 1855

Family Micropterigidae Herrich-Schäffer, 1855

Adults and habitat of Vietomartyria spp. 
A. Vietomartyria wuyunjiena sp. nov., holotype, ♂. B. Vietomartyria maoershana sp. nov., holotype, ♂.
C. One adult of V. wuyunjiena sp. nov. perching on fern. D. Habitat of V. wuyunjiena sp. nov.
E. Specimen collection of V. wuyunjiena sp. nov. by sweep net. F. One adult of V. wuyunjiena sp. nov. perching on the white curtain of a light trap.

Micropterigidae

Genus Vietomartyria Hashimoto & Mey, 2000

Vietomartyria wuyunjiena sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: The adults of this species are very similar to Vietomartyria nankunshana Hirowatari & Hashimoto, 2009 and V. nanlingana Hirowatari & Jinbo, 2009 because of their same ground color, but are separable from these two species by the dorsal process of the valva slightly curved inwardly (but almost right-angularly curved inwardly in V. wuyunjiena sp. nov.), and by tergite X slightly emarginate at the middle (but broadly emarginate in V. nankunshana and narrowly in V. nanlingana).

Etymology The specific epithet is derived from the name of the type locality, Wuyunjie National Nature Reserve.

Distribution This species is known from Wuyunjie National Nature Reserve (Taoyuan, Changde, Hunan, China).


Vietomartyria maoershana sp. nov.

Diagnosis This species is very similar to V. wuyunjiena sp. nov. and V. expeditionis, but can easily be distinguished by the following characters: paired X tergal lobes slender and digitate (slightly emarginate in V. wuyunjiena sp. nov. and broadly emarginate at the middle in V. expeditionis); basal process of valva long and pointed (absent in V. wuyunjiena sp. nov. and short obtuse in V. expeditionis); slightly curved dorsal process of gonopod (strongly curved in V. expeditionis). 

Etymology This specific epithet is derived from the name of the type locality, Mao’ershan National Nature Reserve.

Distribution This species is known from Mao’ershan National Nature Reserve (Xin’an, Guilin, China). Remarks Adults of V. maoershana sp. nov. were collected along a paved road at 1500 m a.s.l., half way up Mt Mao’ershan. Similar to V. wuyunjiena sp. nov., the adults were observed flying or perching on low shrubs and ferns in cloudy conditions and even in weak rainfall.


 Liao C.Q., Hirowatari T. and Huang G.H. 2020. Descriptions of Two New Vietomartyria species (Lepidoptera, Micropterigidae) from China. European Journal of Taxonomy. 610: 1–14. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.610  

[Botany • 2020] Macrotorus genuflexus (Monimiaceae: Mollinedioideae) • Cytogenetics, Geographic Distribution, Conservation, and a New Species of Macrotorus from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

 

Macrotorus genuflexus  Lírio & Peixoto, 

in Lírio, Peixoto, Sano et Moraes. 2020. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1600/036364420X16033962925231   

 Researchgate.net/publication/378096987

 

Abstract

A new species of Macrotorus (Monimiaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest is here described and illustrated: Macrotorus genuflexus. This species, restricted to the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve (situated in the central region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil), is the second in the genus Macrotorus. The new species description is based on morphological and cytogenetic (karyotype and genome size) comparative analyses. We also report a new record of Macrotorus utriculatus for the state of Bahia, confirming a potential distribution modelling prediction, and provide comments for the conservation of both species.

  Line drawing of Macrotorus genuflexus.  
 A. Branch with staminate flowers. B. Carpel detail. C. Pistillate flower dissected showing the inner receptacle and carpels. D. Detail of the trichomes on the abaxial face of the leaf lamina. E. Pistillate inflorescence. F. Staminate inflorescence. G. Detail of the flower dissected in longitudinal section showing the stamens. H. Internal stamen. I. External stamen. J. Multiple fruit and drupelet. K. Drupelet with section of the pericarp showing the seed.

 Illustrated by Susana F. Souza. 

Vouchers: E. J. Lírio & M. Ribeiro 1351 (A, D, F, G, H, I); 1352 (J, K); 1353 (B, C, E).

Photos of Macrotorus genuflexus.  
 A. Habit. B. Trunk. C. Branch with staminate flowers. D. Staminate inflorescence. E. Staminate flower tepals. F. Detail of staminate flower dissected in longitudinal section showing the genuflexed stamens. G. Pistillate inflorescence with lanceolate bracts. H. Cluster of fruits. I. Seed.

Photos: Elton J. Lírio (A, B, C, D, I, J); Michel Ribeiro (E, F, G, H). Vouchers: E. J. Lírio & M. Ribeiro 1351 (A, B, C, D, E, F); 1353 (H, I), 1352 (G).

 

Elton John de Lírio, Ariane Luna Peixoto, Paulo Takeo Sano, and Ana Paula Moraes. 2020. Cytogenetics, Geographic Distribution, Conservation, and a New Species of Macrotorus (Mollinedioideae, Monimiaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Systematic Botany. 45(4), 754-759. DOI: doi.org/10.1600/036364420X16033962925231 (8 December 2020). 

 Researchgate.net/publication/378096987_Mollinedia_lorencei_a_new_species_endemic_to_the_Atlantic_Forest_in_the_state_of_Bahia_Brazil

[Herpetology • 2020] Megophrys xianjuensis • A New Megophrys Kuhl & Van Hasselt (Anura: Megophryidae) from southeastern China

 

Boulenophrys Megophrys xianjuensis  

Wang, Wu, Peng, Shi, Lu & Wu. 2020

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.904.47354

Abstract

A new species of the genus Megophrys from Zhejiang Province, China is described. Molecular phylogenetic analyses supported the new taxon as an independent clade nested into the Megophrys clade and sister to M. lishuiensis. The new species could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: (1) small size (SVL 31.0–36.3 mm in male and 41.6 mm in female); (2) vomerine ridge present and vomerine teeth absent; (3) tongue not notched behind; (4) a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; (5) tympanum distinctly visible, rounded; (6) two metacarpal tubercles in hand; (7) relative finger lengths: II < I < IV < III; (8) toes with rudimentary webbing at bases; (9) heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; (10) tibiotarsal articulation reaching tympanum to eye when leg stretched forward; (11) an internal single subgular vocal sac in male; (12) in breeding male, the nuptial pads with black nuptial spines on the dorsal bases of the first and second fingers.

Keywords: Taxonomy, new species, molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, Zhejiang Province, China

 Photos of the holotype CIBXJ190503 of Megophrys xianjuensis sp. nov. in life 
A dorsal view B ventral view C ventral view of hand D ventral view of foot E dorsolateral view showing the single external subgular vocal sac (red arrow).

  Colour variation in Megophrys xianjuensis sp. nov. in life 
A, B dorsolateral view of a male (Voucher: CIBXJ190501) and a female (Voucher: CIBXJ190505), respectively C, D ventral view of CIBXJ190501 and CIBXJ190505, respectively.

Megophrys xianjuensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Megophrys xianjuensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Megophrys based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following generic diagnostic characters: snout shield-like; projecting beyond the lower jaw; canthus rostralis distinct; chest gland small and round, closer to the axilla than to midventral line; femoral gland on rear of thigh; vertical pupils.

The new species could be identified from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) small size (SVL 31.0–36.3 mm in males and 41.6 mm in female); (2) vomerine ridge present and vomerine teeth absent; (3) tongue not notched behind; (4) a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; (5) tympanum distinctly visible, rounded; (6) two metacarpal tubercles in hand; (7) relative finger lengths: II < I < IV < III; (8) toes with rudimentary webbing at bases; (9) heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; (10) tibiotarsal articulation reaching tympanum to eye when leg stretched forward; (11) an internal single subgular vocal sac in male; (12) in breeding male, the nuptial pads with black nuptial spines on the dorsal bases of the first and second fingers.

Habitats of Megophrys xianjuensis sp. nov. in the type locality, Xianju County, Zhejiang Province, China
A landscape showing mountain forests B a mountain stream where toads of the new species occur.

Distribution and habitats: Megophrys xianjuensis sp. nov. is known from the type locality, Xianju County, Zhejiang Province, China at elevations between 320–480 m a.s.l. This new species is frequently found on stones in the streams in the subtropical montane forests (Fig. 5E; Fig. 9). Six sympatric amphibian species, i.e., Amolops wuyiensis, Odorrana tianmuensis, O. graminea, O. tormota, Limnonectes fujianensis, and Quasipaa spinosa, were found.

 

Etymology: The specific epithet xianjuensis refers to Xianju County, Zhejiang Province, China, where the type locality of the species is located. We propose the common name “Xianju horned toad” in English and Xian ju Jiao Chan in Chinese.

 

 Bin Wang, Yan-Qing Wu, Jun-Wei Peng, Sheng-Chao Shi, Ning-Ning Lu and Jun Wu. 2020. A New Megophrys Kuhl & Van Hasselt (Amphibia, Megophryidae) from southeastern China. ZooKeys. 904: 35-62. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.904.47354

[Ichthyology • 2020] A Century after! Rediscovery of the ancient catfish Diplomystes Bleeker 1858 (Siluriformes: Diplomystidae) in coastal river basins of Chile and its implications for conservation.

 Diplomystes nahuelbutaensis  Arratia, 1987

in Muñoz-Ramírez, Briones, Colin, Fierro, Górski, Jara et Manosalva, 2020. 

 DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2019-0073 

 facebook.com/NeotropicalIchthyology

ABSTRACT

The ancient catfish family Diplomystidae, with seven species endemic to rivers of southern South America, represents one of the oldest branches of the diverse order Siluriformes. With most species endangered, new reports of these species become extremely valuable for conservation. Currently, it is assumed that Diplomystes species inhabit only Andean (large) basins, and that they are extinct from coastal (small) basins from which their presence have not been recorded since 1919. Here, we document new records of the family Diplomystidae in the Laraquete and Carampangue basins, two coastal basins from the Nahuelbuta Coast Range, Chile, with no previous reports. This finding represents the rediscovery of the genus in coastal basins in more than a Century. Based on analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences, the collected specimens were found to be closely related to Diplomystes nahuelbutaensis from the Andean Biobío Basin, but sufficiently differentiated to suggest that coastal basin populations are a different management unit. These populations are important because, contrary to previous thoughts, they prove these catfish can survive in small river networks, providing unique opportunities for research and conservation. The conservation category of Critically Endangered (CE) is recommended for the populations from the Laraquete and Carampangue basins.

Keywords: Management Unit; Mitochondrial DNA; Rare Species; Streams; Threatened Species

  Individuals of Diplomystes nahuelbutaensis recorded in this study and their habitat.
A. individual collected in Laraquete (Lar01); B. individual collected and released in Carampangue. C. individual collected in Laraquete (Lar02) and released;
D. Habitat of D. nahuelbutaensis in the Cabrera River, Carampangue Basin.

      

Carlos P. Muñoz-Ramírez, Raul Briones, Nicole Colin, Pablo Fierro, Konrad Górski, Alfonso Jara and Aliro Manosalva. 2020. A Century after! Rediscovery of the ancient catfish Diplomystes Bleeker 1858 (Siluriformes: Diplomystidae) in coastal river basins of Chile and its implications for conservation. Neotropical Ichthyology. 18(1); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2019-0073

  facebook.com/NeotropicalIchthyology/photos/1691834260957002 

RESUMEN: La familia de bagres Diplomystidae, con siete especies endémicas de ríos del sur de Sudamérica, es uno de los linajes mas antiguos del diverso orden Siluriformes. Al estar la mayoría de las especies amenazadas, nuevos registros de éstas son extremadamente valiosos para su conservación. Actualmente, se ha asumido que los Diplomystidos se distribuyen solo en cuencas Andinas (más grandes), y que sus especies estarían extintas en cuencas de menor tamaño como las costeras, sin registros desde 1919. En este trabajo documentamos la familia Diplomistidae en las cuencas de Carampangue y Laraquete, dos cuencas costeras de la Cordillera de Nahuelbuta, Chile, lo que representa el primer registro de esta familia en estas cuencas costeras. Además, este hallazgo representa el re-descubrimiento de la familia en cuencas costeras después de un siglo. Sobre la base de análisis de ADN mitocondrial, los especímenes colectados se relacionaron más cercanamente con poblaciones de la especie Diplomystes nahuelbutaensis presente en la cuenca del Biobío. Sin embargo, existen diferencias genéticas suficientes entre las poblaciones costeras y las del Biobío para justificar su separación como unidad de manejo distinta. Estas poblaciones costeras son importantes porque demuestran que los Diplomístidos pueden sobrevivir en cuencas de pequeño tamaño, ofreciendo oportunidades únicas para su investigación y conservación. Se recomienda la categoría de conservación En Peligro Critico de Extinción (CR) para las poblaciones de las cuencas Laraquete y Carampangue.

Palabras clave: ADN Mitocondrial; Especie Amenazada; Especie Rara; Esteros; Unidad de Manejo

[Ichthyology • 2020] Trichomycterus vitalbrazili • A New Species of Trichomycterus (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the Rio Paraíba do Sul Basin, South-eastern Brazil

 

Trichomycterus vitalbrazili Vilardo,

in Vilardo, Katz et Costa, 2020 

 DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2020.59-53 

  Researchgate.net/publication/345681406

A phylogenetic analysis using fragments of two nuclear and two mitochondrial genes strongly supported sister group relationships between a new species and Trichomycterus albinotatus, corroborated by unique colour patterns of adult specimens and juveniles, and morphology of the autopalatine bone. The new species is distinguished from its closest congener, T. albinotatus, by details of the colouration and number of branchiostegal rays. Both the new species and T. albinotatus are endemic to the Rio Paraíba do Sul basin, in the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil, but occur in distant and disjunct areas. The new species, herein described, is endemic to the upper section of the Rio Grande drainage, a right tributary of the lower Rio Paraíba do Sul, an area situated in the Órgãos Mountain Range. Trichomycterus albinotatus is endemic to an area about 200 km across, in the upper section of the Rio Preto that drains the Itatiaia Massif. However, both species are only known from localities above 1100 m asl, suggesting that they cannot survive in ecological conditions at lower altitudes. This study indicates that efforts are necessary to provide more accurate data on the species diversity and distribution of Trichomycterus in the biologically diverse and endangered Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil.

Key words: Atlantic Forest, Biodiversity, Catfish, Molecular phylogeny, Neotropics, Systematics

Trichomycterus vitalbrazili. Brazil: Rio de Janeiro State: Nova Friburgo Municipality: Rio Paraíba do Sul basin.
(a) UFRJ 12151, 88.0 mm SL (preserved holotype), left lateral view; (b) UFRJ 12151, 88.0 mm SL (live holotype), left lateral view. Caudal-fin margin of holotype is damaged, see figure 6 for correct information of caudal morphology

Trichomycterus vitalbrazili. Brazil: Rio de Janeiro State: Nova Friburgo Municipality: Rio Paraíba do Sul basin.
(a), UFRJ 12125, 24.1 mm SL (live juvenile paratype), left lateral view; (b) UFRJ 12125, 29.1 mm SL (live juvenile paratype), left lateral view; and (c) UFRJ 12125, 29.1 mm SL (live juvenile paratype), dorsal view. Arrow indicates the midline row with white spots, which is not visible in left lateral view of figure 3b due to the light angle.

Trichomycterus vitalbrazili sp. nov. Vilardo,

Diagnosis: Trichomycterus vitalbrazili is distinguished from all other congeners except T. albinotatus by the presence of a vertical row of dark brown to black spots on the caudal peduncle end, often coalesced to form a precaudal bar in live and preserved specimens (Fig. 2A–B; vs. never a similar colour pattern); two horizontal rows of white spots on the flank in live juveniles (Fig. 3A–C; vs. never a similar colour pattern); and medial margin of the autopalatine nearly straight to slightly convex (Fig. 4A; vs. concave). Trichomycterus vitalbrazili is distinguished from T. albinotatus (Fig. 5A–B) by possessing diffuse irregularly shaped dark brown blotches on the flank in adult specimens (Fig. 2A–B; vs. well-delimited dark grey to black, sometimes coalesced in larger specimens); fins with dark brown spots in adults specimens (Fig. 2A–B; vs. without spots); and eight branchiostegal rays (vs. seven)

Etymology: The name vitalbrazili was given in honour of Vital Brazil Mineiro da Campanha (1865– 1950), an important Brazilian biomedical scientist who first discovered the polyvalent anti-ophidic serum, successfully used to treat venomous snake bites, and founded the Vital Brazil Institute, where the new species was found. 

Stream tributary to the Grande river drainage, Rio Paraiba do Sul basin, inside the advanced campus of Instituto Vital Brazil in São Lourenço road, the type locality of Trichomycterus vitalbrazili.

Paulo J. Vilardo, Axel M. Katz and Wilson J. E. M. Costa. 2020. Relationships and Description of a New Species of Trichomycterus (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the Rio Paraíba do Sul Basin, South-eastern Brazil. Zoological Studies. 59(53). DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2020.59-53 (2020.10.13)

  Researchgate.net/publication/345681406_a_New_Species_of_Trichomycterus_from_the_Rio_Paraiba_do_Sul_basin_Brazil