[Fungi • 2023] Scleroderma erubescens, S. vinaceum, ... (Boletales: Sclerodermataceae) • Four New Species from Southwestern China

 (A, B) Scleroderma erubescens;
(E) S. separatum; (G) S. squamulosum;
(H, I) S. vinaceum 

Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou,

in Wu, Zhou, Qu et Ge, 2023. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d15060775 

  Researchgate.net/publication/371614300

Scale bars = 1 cm.

Abstract

The genus Scleroderma contains gasteroid basidiomycetes, which form globose spores with echinulate to reticulate ornamentation on the surface. Based on the morphological observations in combination with molecular data, four new species, S. erubescens, S. separatum, S. squamulosum, and S. vinaceum, were described from Yunnan, southwestern China. Images of fresh basidiomata and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of basidiospores are provided. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequences show that these four new taxa belong to the Scleroderma section Scleroderma.

Keywords: four new species; Boletales; ectomycorrhizal fungi; Sclerodermataceae; taxonomy

 Basidiomata of Scleroderma species.
 (A, B) Scleroderma erubescens ((A) Z. W. Ge 4356; (B) Z. W. Ge 4828, holotype).
(C–E) Scleroderma separatum ((C) Z. W. Ge 4148, holotype; (D) Z. W. Ge 5394; (E) L. R. Zhou 31).
(F, G) Scleroderma squamulosum ((F) Y. J. Hao 373, holotype; (G) L. P. Tang 821).
(H, I) Scleroderma vinaceum ((H) J. Qin 197; (I) Z. W. Ge 5651).

Scale bars = 1 cm.

Scleroderma erubescens Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Differs from the similar S. verrucosum in having smaller basidiomata that turn reddish purple to blackish red after injury, smaller basidiospores with longer spikes, a thinner peridium, and hyphae with clamp connections.

Etymology: The species epithet refers to the basidiomata turning reddish purple to blackish red when bruised.

Scleroderma separatum Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis: Differs from Scleroderma albidum in having warty, peelable squamules on the peridium, smaller basidospores, and clamp connections at the hyphae of the rhizomorphs.

 Etymology: The species epithet refers to the peelable squamules on the peridium.

Scleroderma squamulosum Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Differs from the similar species Scleroderma areolatum in having a well-developed stipe, light-colored basidiomata, and smaller basidospores, with abundant attachments.

 Etymology: “squamulosum” refers to the scattered, tiny, and thin squamules on the stipes.

Scleroderma vinaceum Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Differs from the similar species Scleroderma verrucosum in the peridium, changing color to vinaceous after damage, with a longer stipe and smaller basidiomata.

 Etymology: “vinaceum” refers to the basidiomata turning vinaceous when bruised.

 Rui Wu, Lvrong Zhou, Hua Qu and Zai-Wei Ge. 2023. Updates on Scleroderma: Four New Species of Section Scleroderma from Southwestern China. Diversity. 15(6), 775. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d15060775  [15 June 2023] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/371614300_Four_New_Species_of_Scleroderma_from_Southwestern_China

[Mollusca • 2023] Siamochlamys panhai • A New Limestone Karst‐Restricted Terrestrial Snail (Eupulmonata: Helicarionidae) from Thailand

Siamochlamys panhai Pholyotha, 

Pholyotha, Tongkerd et Sutcharit, 2023. 

DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.23.7.258814 

Abstract

A new genus and new species of helicarionid snail, Siamochlamys panhai, is described from limestone outcrops in Thailand. This new genus differs from all helicarionid genera based on morphological characters of shell, radula, and genitalia. The diagnostic characters of Siamochlamys panhai gen. et sp. nov. are depressed shell, well-polished surface, umbilicus opened, and aperture less covered by reflection of columellar margin. The genitalia exhibit a straight epiphallic caecum and small flagellum but lack a dart apparatus; radula has tricuspid central and lateral teeth and bicuspid marginal teeth. The discovery of this karst-associated land snail increases the knowledge of endemic malacofauna in Thailand, and also suggests that many taxa remain undiscovered.

Keywords: endemic, Indochina, land snail, limestones, taxonomy

Superfamily Helicarionoidea Bourguignat, 1877

Family Helicarionidae Bourguignat, 1877

Subfamily Durgellinae Godwin-Austen, 1888

Living snails and mantle extensions of Siamochlamys panhai gen. et sp. nov. paratype CUMZ14211.
A. living snail during relaxed position showing the expansion of mantles B. alcohol-preserved snailshowingshell lobes and dorsal lobes and posterior body C. dorsal view of mantle extensions (shell lobes and dorsal lobes).

Genus Siamochlamys Pholyotha gen. nov.

Etymology.− The name combines ‘Siam’,which is a former name of Thailand,chosen because this snail is restricted to the country as far as we know, and the Greek word ‘chlamys’,meaning “mantle or cloak”. Therefore, the generic name means the land snail with well-developed mantle extensions from Thailand. 

Diagnosis.− Depressed, glossy shellwith open umbilicus, straight epiphallic caecum, short flagellum, no dart apparatus, radula with tricuspidcentral and lateral teeth and bicuspid marginal teeth, andfive mantle extensions well-developed.

Siamochlamys panhai Pholyotha, sp. nov.

Arthit Pholyotha, Piyoros Tongkerd, Chirasak Sutcharit. 2023. Siamochlamys panhai, A New Limestone Karst‐Restricted Terrestrial Snail from Thailand (Eupulmonata: Helicarionidae). Tropical Natural History. Supplement 7;41-50. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.23.7.258814 

[Paleontology • 2026] Pygocephalus brymboensis • A New pygocephalomorph Crustacean from the Brymbo Fossil Forest (Moscovian), North Wales, UK and A Reassessment of the Genus Pygocephalus

Pygocephalus brymboensis 

Astrop, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2699904

Abstract

The genus Pygocephalus was one of the first groups of eumalacostracan Crustacea to explore and adapt to the new and dynamic freshwater systems created by the Earth’s earliest established rainforest in the Carboniferous. Characterized by a flattened body with a distinct carapace covering the thorax and well-developed pleon, Pygocephalus is regularly recovered from what were the braided rivers of the Carbonifeorus forests of Europe and North America. In this paper a new species of Pygocephalus, Pygocephalus brymboensis sp. nov., is described from the Moscovian of North Wales, primarily distinguished by a carapace that is slightly broader than long, a rostrum equal in length to the carapace and a unique pleural morphology. This study explores the position of P. brymboensis within Pygocephalomorpha and investigates the use of non-carapace-based morphometry as a tool for exploring morphological relationships between related taxa. The description of this species and exploration of the taxonomic history of the genus highlights the need for close examination of historical collections for the identification of subtle morphological differences, particularly in collections primarily amalgamated from multiple geographically disparate ex situ localities.

 

Keywords: Carboniferous, Crustacea, fossil forest, Pygocephalus

Systematic palaeontology

Class Malacostraca Latreille, 1802

Subclass Eumalacostraca Grobben, 1892

Order Pygocephalomorpha Beurlen, 1930

Family Pygocephalidae Brooks, 1962

Genus Pygocephalus Huxley, 1857

Type species. Pygocephalus cooperi Huxley, 1857

Other included species. Pygocephalus aisenvergi (Birshteyn, 1967); Pygocephalus dubius (Prestwich, 1840); Pygocephalus brymboensis (this study)

Diagnosis (after Schram, 1979). Carapace without hepatic spines. Females with oostegites and seminal receptacle. Telson narrows posteriorly in two abrupt steps with furcal lobes at each narrowing.

 Top: Pygocephalus brymboensis holotype BB0366 (NMW) from the Bashkirian (Brymbo, Denbighshire Coalfield) of North Wales (part and counterpart). Bottom: Inferred anatomy.

Abbreviations: Ant1, remnants of first antenna; Ant2, distal flagelliform part of 2nd antenna; B, branchial region of carapace; Ba, basis; Bc, brancial chamber; Ca, carpus; Co, coxa; cvg, cervical groove; D, remains of the digestive tract; Gntbs, gnathobase; Gs, gastric spine; H, hepatic region of the carapace; Im, ischiomerus; Mxpd, remnants of maxipilleds; Pr, propodus; Prpd, pereopod; R, rostrum; S, scaphocerite, Tel, telson; TelL, telson lobe; TelS, telson spine; U, uropod; 1–5, antennal segments; VII–XII, thoracic sternites. Dashed line = inferred reconstruction of carapace margin. 

Scale bar = 10 mm. Original image reproduced with permission of Peter Appleton.

 Artistic reconstruction of Pygocephalus brymboensis

(credit: William Norris). 

Scale bar = 5 mm.

Pygocephalus brymboensis sp. nov.

Derivation of name. From Brymbo, the Welsh village in which the host deposit resides.

 

Tim Astrop. 2026. A New pygocephalomorph Crustacean from the Brymbo Fossil Forest (Moscovian), North Wales, UK and A Reassessment of the Genus Pygocephalus. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 24(2); 2699904. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2699904 [03 Aug 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Austronaga minuta • Highly aquatic marine stem Archosaur with soft tissue preservation

Austronaga minuta Wang, Lei & Li, 2023

 

in Wang, Fraser, Spiekman, Z. Li, et C. Li, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb7528 

Artwork by Gabriel Ugueto

 

Abstract

Archosauromorpha is a dominant reptile clade that primarily occupied terrestrial ecosystems with limited secondarily aquatic invasions that are poorly known. Here we report on a well-preserved Triassic reptile representing the earliest stem-archosaur to evolve unequivocal aquatic specializations. This taxon exhibits a suite of aquatic adaptations previously unknown in stem-archosaurs, such as hyperphalangy, enhanced paddle-like forelimbs, and a loss of articulation between the sacrum and pelvis, indicating an advanced aquatic lifestyle. The fossil exhibits the oldest known stomach, liver, and intestinal preservations in reptiles. Our findings provide unexpected insights into the early aquatic diversification of Archosauromorpha during the Triassic marine ecosystem recovery and highlight a conservative gastrointestinal system in an early Mesozoic vertebrate. In the absence of clear terrestrial members of the other major Mesozoic marine reptile lineages (e.g., ichthyosaurs and sauropterygians), this discovery provides an unambiguous example of such a lineage including both decidedly terrestrial and extensively marine forms, providing tantalizing evidence for the land-to-sea transition in Triassic reptiles.

Systematic paleontology

Diapsida, Osborn, 1903.

Archosauromorpha, von Huene, 1946.

Tanysauria, Spiekman et al., 2024.

Trachelosauridae, Abel 1919 (sensu Spiekman et al., 2024).

Skeleton of the holotype of Austronaga minuta (IVPP V18579). Abbreviations are in the Supplementary Materials. Scale bars, 2 cm (A) and 1 cm (B to D).

Austronaga minuta, Wang et al., 2023.

Type specimen: Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) V18579, a complete articulated skeleton preserved on two slabs (Fig. 1).

Locality and horizon: Waina Village, Luoping County, Yunnan Province, China; Member II of Guanling Formation, middle Anisian (Pelsonian), Middle Triassic.

Emended diagnosis: A tanysaur with the following features: quadrate anteroposteriorly broad and plate-like in lateral view with concave posterior margin; 18 cervical, 24 dorsal vertebrae; tall axe-shaped neural spine on axis; cervical neural spines prominent, with convex dorsal margin and without anterodorsal or posterodorsal projections; chevrons of mid-caudal region hatchet-shaped, with prominent distal expansion and a notch at the midpoint of its ventral margin; forelimb distinctly longer than hindlimb with humerus to femur length ratio over two; hyperphalangy present in both manus and pes.

Reconstruction of the long-necked marine reptile Austronaga minuta.

Artwork by Gabriel Ugueto

Wei Wang, Nicholas C. Fraser, Stephan N. F. Spiekman, Zhiheng Li, Olivier Rieppel, Hong Lei, Torsten M. Scheyer and Chun Li. 2026. Highly aquatic marine stem Archosaur with soft tissue preservation. Science Advances. 12(31); DOI: doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb7528 [29 Jul 2026]

[Botany • 2023] Strobilanthes spathulatibracteata (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from northern Vietnam

 

Strobilanthes spathulatibracteata D.V. Hai, Z.L. Lin & Y.F. Deng, 

in Hai, Thuy, Lin et Deng, 2023.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.597.2.8 

Abstract

Strobilanthes spathulatibracteata is described as a new species from northern Vietnam. Morphologically, it resembles S. tonkinensis, but differs in its perennial undershrub habit, hirsute young stem, fragrant stem and blades, spathulate bracts and bracteoles with gland-tipped hirsute indumentum, 2-lipped calyx, 35–45 mm long corolla being puberulent outside and hirsute inside, and apically pubescent fruits. Photographs, illustrations, information on its habitat, ecology, pollen morphology and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided.

Flora of Asia, new combinations, new status, reinstatement, synonymy 

Strobilanthes spathulatibracteata D.V. Hai, Z.L. Lin & Y.F. Deng

DO VAN HAI, NGUYEN THU THUY, ZHELI LIN and YUNFEI DENG. 2023. Strobilanthes spathulatibracteata, A New Species of Acanthaceae from northern Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 597(2); 184-192. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.597.2.8 [12 May 2023]

https://vast.gov.vn/web/vietnam-academy-of-science-and-technology/tin-chi-tiet/-/chi-tiet/discovering-and-recording-a-number-of-new-species-for-science-in-kim-hy-nature-reserve-bac-kan-province-119914-871.html

[Entomology • 2023] Sympetrum thailandensis • The Genus Sympetrum Newman, 1833 (Odonata: Libellulidae) in Thailand, with Description of A New Species from northern Thailand

 

Sympetrum thailandensis 

Makbun, 2023

 

แมลงปอบ้านดอยถิ่นไทย  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5296.4.6 

  facebook.com/NoppadonMAKBUN

Abstract

The records of genus Sympetrum Newman, 1833 from Thailand were analysed. The unidentified Sympetrum sp. reported from Chiang Mai and Loei provinces in the past is confirmed as S. hypomelas (Selys, 1884) and additional provincial records of this species are also provided. Sympetrum thailandensis sp. nov. is described and figured based on the adult specimens of both sexes from Hin Tung, Muang, Nakhon Nayok province, Central Thailand. The new species belongs to infuscatum-group and is most similar to S. darwinianum (Selys, 1883). However, it is different from the congener by a combination of morphological and colouration characters. The key to species of Sympetrum known from Thailand is also presented.

Keywords: Odonata, dragonfly, Anisoptera, Sympetrum hypomelas, new record, new species

Sympetrum thailandensis sp. nov. 

NOPPADON MAKBUN. 2023. The Genus Sympetrum Newman, 1833 in Thailand, with Description of S. thailandensis sp. nov. (Odonata: Libellulidae). Zootaxa. 5296(4); 569-581. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5296.4.6  

 facebook.com/NoppadonMAKBUN2024/posts/264072712847186

[PaleoMammalogy • 2023] Pachypanthera piriyai • A new large pantherine and a sabre-toothed cat (Carnivora: Felidae) from the late Miocene hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand

Pachypanthera piriyai   

de Bonis, Chaimanee, Grohé, Chavasseau, Mazurier, Suraprasit & Jaeger, 2023

  

DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01867-4

  Researchgate.net/publication/373162644

 facebook.com/ASRUChula 

 

Abstract

We describe two large predators from the hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand: a new genus of pantherine, Pachypanthera n. gen., represented by partial mandible and maxilla and an indeterminate sabre-toothed cat, represented by a fragment of upper canine. The morphological characters of Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp., notably the large and powerful canine, the great robustness of the mandibular body, the very deep fossa for the m. masseter, the zigzag HSB enamel pattern, indicate bone-cracking capacities. The genus is unique among Felidae as it has one of the most powerful and robust mandibles ever found. Moreover, it may be the oldest known pantherine, as other Asian pantherines are dated back to the early Pliocene. The taxa we report here are the only carnivorans known from the late Miocene of Thailand. Although the material is rather scarce, it brings new insights to the evolutionary history of Neogene mammals of Southeast Asia, in a geographic place which is partly “terra incognita.”

Keywords: Asia, Felidae, New taxon, Bone cracking, Late Miocene, Sabre-toothed cat, Pantherine

Order Carnivora Bowdich, 1821

Sub-order Feliformia Kretzoi, 1945

Family Felidae Batsch, 1788

Sub-family Felinae Batsch, 1788

Pachypanthera n. gen.

Etymology: from the greek “Pachy” = thick.

 

Digital reconstruction of the mandible of Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp. (a) in comparison with the mandible of Panthera leo (UPPal CAR-5-001) (b) in occlusal view. Scale bar = 20 mm

Right maxilla of Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp. (CUF-KR-2).
a Occlusal view; b medial view; c lateral view (scale bar = 20 mm)

Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp., left hemi-mandible CUF-KR-1.
a Occlusal view (stereopair); b inferior view; c lateral view; d medial view (scale bar = 20 mm)

Pachypanthera piriyai n. sp

Origin of the name: in honor of Piriya Vachajitpan, who played a critical part in recovering the fossils.

Holotype (CUF-KR-1): left hemi-mandible with the alveoli for i1–i3, canine alveolus, remains of roots of p3, p4 and partially broken off m1 crown.

 

Locality: Khorat sand pit, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand

Age: late Miocene, 9 to 6 Ma.

 

 

L. de Bonis, Y. Chaimanee, C. Grohé, O. Chavasseau, A. Mazurier, K. Suraprasit and J.J. Jaeger. 2023. A new large pantherine and a sabre-toothed cat (Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae) from the late Miocene hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand. The Science of Nature. 110, 42. DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01867-4

 facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/688793099932089 

 Researchgate.net/publication/373162644_A_new_large_pantherine_from_the_late_Miocene_hominoid-bearing_Khorat_sand_pits

[Chilopoda • 2023] Plutogeophilus jurupariquibaba • Assessing Troglomorphic and Phylogenetically Informative Traits in Troglobionts: A New Cave-dwelling Centipede (Geophilidae) illuminates the Evolution of A Soil-dwelling Lineage

 Plutogeophilus jurupariquibaba

Bonato & Ferreira, 2023

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s13127-023-00618-7 

Abstract

Cave-dwelling species are of special interest in evolutionary biology, because (i) many share particular traits associated with the cave habitat (troglomorphic traits), and (ii) some represent relict lineages that may conserve ancestral traits or possibly transitional traits, which may provide insights into the evolution of other highly derived species. However, these different kinds of characters are hard to assess thoroughly in troglobionts belonging to little known terrestrial arthropod groups. We describe a new species of centipedes from the Areias System caves, Brazil, namely, Plutogeophilus jurupariquibaba gen.n. sp.n., which adds to the few putative troglobionts known among Chilopoda Geophilomorpha. We analyzed a suite of characters in the light of a phylogenetic analysis and by direct comparison with epigean relatives, controlling for interindividual variation and its confounding sources. We found that: (i) troglomorphic traits of P. jurupariquibaba may include large body, elongate antennae, elongate legs and claws, and possibly also elongate setae and large coxal pores; (ii) the cave-dwelling Plutogeophilus is the sister lineage of the soil-dwelling Macronicophilus, whose morphology is highly derived and whose phylogenetic position remained unclear; (iii) compared with other extant geophilids, symplesiomorphic traits and apparently intermediate traits found in Plutogeophilus provide insights on the origin of the morphology of Macronicophilus, suggesting a stepwise modification of labrum, forcipular apparatus and ultimate legs, and the derivation of the unique rounded and spiny tip of the second maxillae from a pointed claw.

Keywords: Neotropics, Chilopoda, Macronicophilus, Plutogeophilus jurupariquibaba, Transitional morphology, Troglomorphy

 Plutogeophilus jurupariquibaba gen.n. sp.n.:
a anterior part of body, dorsal view; b–c head and forcipular segment, dorsal and ventral views, respectively; d–e posterior part of body, dorsal and ventral views, respectively.

 Photos: ♂, ISLA 11879, holotype. Scale bars: 0.4 µm

Living specimen of Plutogeophilus jurupariquibaba gen.n. sp.n. in the Areias de Cima cave, 7.IV.2012 (photo by Robson Zampaulo)

 

Plutogeophilus gen.n. 

Etymology: from the ancient Greek “Ploutōn,” who was the ruler of the underworld in classical mythology.

 Plutogeophilus jurupariquibaba sp.n.

Etymology: from the Tupi-Guarani “jurupariquibaba,” which literally means “devil’s comb” and is used by Brazilian Indians to refer to centipedes.

Lucio Bonato and Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira. 2023. Assessing Troglomorphic and Phylogenetically Informative Traits in Troglobionts: A New Cave-dwelling Centipede illuminates the Evolution of A Soil-dwelling Lineage (Chilopoda: Geophilidae). Organisms Diversity & Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s13127-023-00618-7 

 

[Herpetology • 2023] Urostrophus chungarae • Total Evidence Phylogenetic Analysis of Leiosauridae (Squamata) with Focus on the ‘para-anoles’ and Description of A New Urostrophus Species from the Bolivian Andes

Urostrophus chungarae

 Carvalho, Laspiur, Klaczko, Rivas, Rodrigues, Aurélio de Sena & Céspedes, 2023

 

    DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2023.2200306 

 Researchgate.net/publication/370346025 

facebook.com/LuisRolandoRivasTorrico 

 

Abstract

Only since the late 1980s have lizard specialists begun incorporating phylogenetic information to the classification of leiosaurids. These are among the most enigmatic South American lizards, with 35 currently recognised species arranged in six genera. To evaluate their relationships, we assembled a data set based on published and novel information containing 135 morphological characters and 11,235 DNA base pairs (14 loci) for up to 52 terminals, including outgroups. We performed 13 analyses based on different optimality criteria (parsimony, maximum likelihood, and coalescent approach) and indel coding strategies (gaps coded as missing data or as a fifth state). We also evaluated the impact of phenotypic evidence on the phylogeny of leiosaurids, and investigated the level of informativeness and potential sources of topological conflict using a Quartet Sampling analysis. Phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of major leiosaurid clades, including subfamilies Enyaliinae and Leiosaurinae, and the ‘para-anoles’ clade (Urostrophus + Anisolepis). However, Urostrophus was inferred as paraphyletic, with U. vautieri forming a clade with Anisolepis. These relationships motivate the synonymization of Anisolepis Boulenger, 1885 with Urostrophus Duméril & Bibron, 1837. The monophyly of Pristidactylus and, surprisingly, of Enyalius, were also challenged, underscoring the need for additional phylogenetic work. Finally, we described Urostrophus chungarae sp. nov. from the Torotoro National Park, Potosí, Bolivia. This apparently rare leiosaurid was inferred as sister to U. gallardoi, a Chacoan species distributed in northern Argentina and southeastern Bolivia. We conclude with a revised classification of Leiosauridae and by pointing out a number of unresolved issues that require further systematic investigation.

 

Key words: Bolivian Andes, leiosaurid phylogeny, lizard systematics, new classification, quartet sampling, sp. nov., synonymy, Urostrophus chungarae

 

André L. G. Carvalho, Alejandro Laspiur, Julia Klaczko, Luis Rolando Rivas, Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues, Marco Aurélio de Sena and Ricardo Céspedes. 2023. Total Evidence Phylogenetic Analysis of Leiosauridae (Squamata) with Focus on the ‘para-anoles’ and Description of A New Urostrophus Species from the Bolivian Andes.  Systematics and Biodiversity. 21(1); 2200306. DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2023.2200306    

Researchgate.net/publication/370346025_Total_evidence_phylogenetic_analysis_of_Leiosauridae_Squamata_with_focus_on_the_para-anoles

 facebook.com/LuisRolandoRivasTorrico/posts/10226025450237237

[Botany • 2023] Gastrochilus linzhiensis (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

 

Gastrochilus linzhiensis M.K.Li, Y.Luo & Z.Xing, 

in Li, Yu, Ma, Chen, Deng, Liu, Luo et Xing, 2023. 

林芝盆距兰  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1941   

Abstract 

A new species Gastrochilus linzhiensis M.K.Li, Y.Luo & Z.Xing from Linzhi City, Xizang, China is described and illustrated here. It is morphologically similar to G. prionophyllus and G. distichus, but can be distinguished from them in having no awned leaf, smaller flowers, semicircular epichile, cushion with 2–3 round papillary projection, and conically elongated hypochile.  

Keyword: Data Deficient, Gastrochilus distichus, Gastrochilus prionophyllus, section Microphyllae

Gastrochilus linzhiensis M.K.Li, Y.Luo & Z.Xing.
A. plants and habitat; B–C. branches with inflorescence; D. inflorescence; E1–E4. flowers (E1–E2. front view; E3. side view; E4. upward view); F1–F2. sepals and petals; G1–G2. close-up of lips (G1. top view; G2. side view); G3–G5. front view of epichile; H. column and ovary; I1–I2. anther caps; J. pollinia; K. fruit. (Photos: A. by Ying-Peng Yu in Bomi; B-K. by Meng Kai Li).

Gastrochilus linzhiensis M.K.Li, Y.Luo & Z.Xing, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Gastrochilus linzhiensis is similar to G. prionophyllus H. Jiang, D.P. Ye & Q.Liu and G. distichus (Lindl.) O.Kuntze in having pendulous and branched stem with slightly twisted leaves, but differs from them by having longer stem, no awned leaf, more smaller flowers, the semicircular epichile, cushion with 2–3 round papillary projection, and conical hypochile.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘linzhiensis’ refers to the type locality where the new species occurs, Linzhi City, Xizang, China.

Vernacular name: Lin Zhi Pen Ju Lan, 林芝盆距兰

. Morphological differences between Gastrochilus linzhiensis and its two closely related species.
A1-A2. G. linzhiensis; B1- B2. G. prionophyllus; C1-C2. G. distichus.

(Photos: A1-A2. by Meng-Kai Li; B1-B2, C2.by Qiang Liu; C1. by Ji-Dong Ya).

Meng-Kai Li, Ying-Peng Yu, Peng-Yue Ma, Xue-Da Chen, Jian-Ping Deng, Qiang Liu, Yan Luo and Zhen Xing. 2023. Gastrochilus linzhiensis (Aeridinae, Vandeae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae), A New Species from Xizang, China. Taiwnaia.68(3); 314-317. taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1941 

[Herpetology • 2018] Jingophrys feii • A New Species of the Genus Megophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Yunnan Province, China

 

Jingophrys feii (Yang, Wang, and Wang, 2018)
Megophrys feii

in Yang, J. Wang et Y.-Y. Wang, 2018. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4413.2.5 

Abstract

We describe a new horned toad species of the genus Megophrys from Yingjiang County of Yunnan Province, China. The new species, Megophrys feii sp. nov., can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) body slender and small (SVL 24.3–25.1 mm in four males, 28.2–28.9 mm in two females); (2) head length about equal to head width (HDL/HDW 0.97–0.99); (3) tympanum circular and distinct; (4) maxillary teeth present; (5) vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth absent; (6) tongue round, slightly notched posteriorly; (7) tibia long (TIB/SVL 0.48–0.52 in four males, 0.54–0.55 in two females), shanks overlapping when thighs are held at right angles to the body; (8) dorsal skin distinctly granular and densely covered with small tubercles; (9) lower flanks and lateral sides of belly scattered with small but prominent, white, tubercles; (10) webbing between toes rudimentary; (11) lateral fringes on toes moderate to wide; (12) breeding males without nuptial pads and spines on fingers; (13) protruding projection posterior to cloaca present in both sexes; (14) groin and ventral thigh coloration in life not contrasting with surrounding regions; (15) the presence of an indistinct and small horn-like tubercle at the edge of the eyelid; and (16) an advertisement call with a dominant frequency of 4.74–4.91 kHz (at 18 ˚C). To date, the new species has only been found at its type locality in stream areas in montane evergreen broadleaf forests between 700–1200 m elevation.

Amphibia, Horned toad, Megophryinae, taxonomy, bioacoustics, Megophrys feii sp. nov., Yingjiang County

 Megophrys feii sp. nov.
 (A) A pair in amplexus (male holotype SYS a006524 and female paratype SYS a006526);
(B) male paratype SYS a006528 vocalizing; (C) male paratype SYS a006529.

photos by Jian-Huan YANG.

 Megophrys feii  sp. nov. 

Jian-Huan YANG, Jian WANG and Ying-Yong WANG. 2018. A New Species of the Genus Megophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Yunnan Province, China. Zootaxa. 4413(2); 325–338. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4413.2.5 

Researchgate.net/publication/324704604_A_new_species_of_Megophrys_from_Yunnan_China

https://kfbg.org/en/KFBG-blog/post/KFBG-researchers-described-FOUR-new-amphibian-species-of-the-World-from-Yunnan-China

[Entomology • 2023] Agojie rupicola • A New Genus and Endangered Species of euptychiine Butterfly (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) from isolated mountains in southeastern Brazil

Agojie rupicola 

 Zacca, Cordeiro & Gonella, 2023  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5346.1.5 

  facebook.com/DaniloPachecoCordeiro

Abstract

Agojie rupicola gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and species of Euptychiina from the campos rupestres and granitic inselbergs of eastern Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, is herein described using comparative morphology and ecological data. Diagnoses, photos, and illustrations are also provided, in addition to a discussion on the putative systematic placement of the new taxa and its conservation status. Considering the collecting points, the estimated value for the extent of occurrence (EOO) is 100.263 km2 and the area of occupancy (AOO) is 20 km2, which combined with the reduced number of localities in which the species is known to occur, and the observed continuing decline of the quality of the habitat, we recommend that A. rupicola gen. et sp. nov. should be formally assessed as Endangered based on criteria B1+2(a,biii) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The results presented here add to the increasing faunistic and floristic novelties that justify the priority for the conservation of these still scientifically underexplored Brazilian mountains.

Lepidoptera, Atlantic Forest, Campo rupestre, Conservation, Endangered species, Euptychiina, Megisto clade, Moneuptychia, Morphology, Pharneuptychia, Taxonomy

Agojie rupicola gen. et sp. nov.

Thamara ZACCA, Danilo Pacheco CORDEIRO and Paulo Minatel GONELLA. 2023. A New Genus and Endangered Species of euptychiine Butterfly from isolated mountains in southeastern Brazil (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae). Zootaxa. 5346(1); 83-93. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5346.1.5 [2023-09-15] 

  facebook.com/DaniloPachecoCordeiro/posts/6540521539329666

 Researchgate.net/publication/387049093_Placement_of_Agojie_rupicola_Zacca_2023_in_the_Euptychiina_Nymphalidae_Satyrinae_Satyrini_Phylogenetic_Tree