[Entomology • 2018] Review of the Genus Trichactia Stein (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the Palaearctic Region, with the Description of A New Species, Trichactia meridiana, from Iran and the East Mediterranean

Trichactia meridiana Ziegler & Gilasian

in Gilasian, Ziegler & Parchami-Araghi, 2018. 

   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4526.2.6 

Abstract

The genus Trichactia Stein, 1924 (Diptera: Tachinidae) is newly recorded from Iran and its Palaearctic species are reviewed. The new species Trichactia meridiana Ziegler & Gilasian, sp. nov. is described from Iran and the East Mediterranean. An identification key to the three known Palaearctic species of Trichactia, photographs of all species and illustrations of their male terminalia are provided. Intraspecific variation between different geographical populations of T. meridiana sp. nov. is discussed.

Keywords: Diptera, identification key, Middle East, new records, taxonomy, Tachininae

 Ebrahim Gilasian, Joachim Ziegler and Mehrdad Parchami-Araghi. 2018. Review of the Genus Trichactia Stein (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the Palaearctic Region, with the Description of A New Species from Iran and the East Mediterranean. Zootaxa. 4526(2); 207–220. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4526.2.6

[Entomology • 2018] Taxonomic Revision of the Western Palaearctic Bees of the Subgenus Pseudomegachile (Hymenoptera, Apiformes, Megachilidae, Megachile)

Megachile foersteri Gerstaecker, 1869 

in Dorchin & Praz, 2018.

  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4524.3.1  

Abstract
The subgenus Pseudomegachile Friese of the large genus Megachile Latreille is revised for the Western Palaearctic region, Iran, and the Arabian Peninsula. Twenty species are recognized, of which five are new: Megachile blepharis Dorchin & Praz from Israel, M. plumigera Dorchin & Praz from Oman and the United Arab Emirates, M. syriaca Dorchin & Praz from Syria and Turkey, M. yezidica Dorchin & Praz from Turkey and Iran, and M. maxschwarzi Dorchin & Praz from Iran and Central Asia. The following new synonymies are proposed: M. inermis Radoszkowski 1893 (as well as the replacement name M. mitis Cockerell 1899), M. albifasciata Rebmann 1970 and M. transgrediens Rebmann 1970 are placed in synonymy with M. saussurei Radoszkowski 1874; M. tuberculata Radoszkowski 1893 (as well as the replacement name M. tuberculosa Dalla Torre 1896) is placed in synonymy with M. seraxensis Radoszkowski 1893; M. rubripes Morawitz 1875 and M. persica Rebmann 1972 are placed in synonymy with M. flavipes Spinola 1838; M. stolzmanni Radoszkowski 1893 and M. flavidula Rebmann 1970 are placed in synonymy with M. tecta Radoszkowski 1888. Lectotypes are designated for M. cinnamomea Alfken 1926, M. nilotica Pérez 1897, M. inermis, M. seraxensis, M. tuberculata, M. farinosa Smith 1853, M. derasa Gerstäcker 1869, M. erythrocnemis Alfken 1930 and M. xanthocnemis Alfken 1938. An identification key is provided, a phylogenetic hypothesis including most species in the subgenus is presented, and the biology of the species is briefly summarized.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Apiformes, Arabian, Chalicodoma, dauber bees, Mediterranean, mason bees, nesting biology, phylogeny, pollen host, trap nest

 Achik Dorchin and Christophe J. Praz. 2018. Taxonomic Revision of the Western Palaearctic Bees of the Subgenus Pseudomegachile (Hymenoptera, Apiformes, Megachilidae, Megachile). Zootaxa. 4524(3); 251–307. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4524.3.1

[Mammalogy • 2018] Systematics, Distribution and Ecological Analysis of Rodents in Jordan

Acomys russatus lewisi  Atallah, 1967

in Amr, Abu Baker, Qumsiyeh & Eid, 2018.

  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4397.1.1 

Abstract

Distributional and ecological data were given to all rodents of Jordan. The rodent fauna of Jordan consists of 28 species with 20 genera in eight families (Cricetidae, Dipodidae, Gliridae, Hystricidae, Muridae, Myocastoridae, Sciuridae,and Spalacidae), including four introduced species.Keys for families and species were provided, along with diagnosis for each species and cranial illustrations for most species. Habitat preference and zoogeographic affinities of rodents in Jordan were analyzed, as well as their status and conservation.Threat categories and causes of threats on the rodents of Jordan were also analyzed.

        The distribution of rodents in Jordan represents a reflection of their global distribution ranges and habitat preferences. Species associated with the temperate forest of northern Jordan includes Sciurus anomalus and two wood mice, Apodemus mystacinus and A. flavicollis, while non-forested areas are represented by Nannospalax ehrenbergi and Microtus guentheri. Strict sand dwellers include Gerbillus cheesmani and G. gerbillus. Petrophiles associated with sandstone or black lava deserts are exemplified by Acomys russatus, A. r. lewsi, H. indica and S. calurus. Others including: Jaculus jaculus, G. nanus, G. henleyi, Meriones crassus, and M. libycus are all desert-adapted species with wider ranges of distribution where scarce vegetation, wadibeds, and marabs with clay, loess, or gravel surfaces provide foraging grounds and shelter. A single species, Gerbillus dasyurus, exhibits a wide range of distribution over diverse habitat types.

        The rodent fauna of Jordan consists of assemblages of different zoogeographical affinities. Nine, three, and seven were restricted or had most of its range within the Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, and Saharo Arabian, respectively. Sciurus anomalus, Apodemus sp., Nannospalax ehrenbergi, and Microtus guentheri reached their most southern range of distribution in the Mediterranean regions of Jordan. The distribution of Gerbillus cheesmani extends from Asian deserts in India westwards into the Arabian Peninsula crossing Jordan as its most western range of distribution. Typical rodents of Saharo-Arabian affinities are represented by desert jerboas, gerbils, and jirds. North African species such as G. andersoni, G. gerbillus reached their most eastern distribution in southern Jordan. Both G. henleyi and G. nanus are widely-distributed species across North Africa reaching as far as India to the east, representing most northern outpost for these two species. Sekeetamys calurus is a nearly endemic to the Eastern Mediterranean region within southern Jordan and Sinai. Relicts are represented by Eliomys melanurus and Acomys russatus lewisi.

        Several threats affecting the rodent biodiversity in Jordan were identified including habitat loss and degradation, human disturbance and related activity, legislative and public awareness. The global conservation status of the rodents of Jordan according to the IUCN Red List include 22 species as least concern, one as near threatened (Allactaga euphratica), and one as data deficient (Nannospalax ehrenbergi). According to the regional assessment, one species is critically endangered, three species are considered endangered, one vulnerable.

Keywords: Mammalia, biodiversity, habitat preference, Jordan, rodents, zoogeography

Acomys russatus lewisi Atallah, 1967 

Zuhair S. Amr, Mohammad A. Abu Baker, Mazin Qumsiyeh and  Ehab Eid. 2018.  Systematics, Distribution and Ecological Analysis of Rodents in Jordan. Zootaxa. 4397(1);  1-94.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4397.1.1

[Entomology • 2018] Socoflata gen. nov. • described for Two New Planthopper Species (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae) from the Mountains in Socotra Island

 Socoflata histrionica

 Stroiński, Malenovský & Świerczewski, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4379.3.3 

Abstract

A new genus of flatid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae) is described from the island of Socotra (Yemen): Socoflata gen. nov., for Socoflata aurolineata sp. nov. and Socoflata histrionica sp. nov. (type species). Habitus, male and female external and internal genital structures of the new species are illustrated and diagnosed. Both Socoflata species are abundant and syntopic in the evergreen montane woodland and dwarf shrubland at high elevations in the Hagher mountains in central Socotra and are likely endemics of this area.

Keywords: Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea, systematics, taxonomy, Afrotropical region

 Adam Stroiński, Igor Malenovský and Dariusz Świerczewski. 2018.  Socoflata gen. nov., described for Two New Planthopper Species from the Mountains in Socotra Island (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae).  Zootaxa. 4379(3); 388–406.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4379.3.3

[Botany • 2018] Hydnora arabica • A New Species (Aristolochiaceae) from the Arabian Peninsula and A Key to Hydnora

 Hydnora arabica Bolin & Musselman

in Bolin, Lupton & Musselman, 2018.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.338.1.8 

Abstract

The plant parasite Hydnora arabica (Aristolochiaceae) is described from the Arabian Peninsula. This species was previously identified as Hydnora africana in Oman. It can be separated from other Hydnora taxa primarily by its terete rhizome, red to orange inner perianth tube color, and tepal lobe margins entirely covered with dense strigose setae. In Oman, Hydnora arabica is known to parasitize two leguminous trees: Acacia tortilis and the introduced Pithocellobium dulce, but may parasitize additional Fabaceae. At least eleven synonyms or subspecific varieties of H. abyssinica are described in the literature, all from east or southern Africa. These synonyms are discussed in light of new observations of morphology including tepal margin ornamentation. A new key for Hydnora is proposed.

Keywords: parasitic plant, Hydnoraceae, Magnoliids

FIGURE 2. A) Hydnora arabica flower emerging from soil. White osmophores apparent on tepal apices; B) Excavated mature H. arabica flower, flower bud, and growth tip of rhizome; C) Cross section of terete rhizomes and growth tip of rhizome covered in numerous tubercle-like lateral appendages

(Fig 1A–C: J. Bolin, S. Al Rahbi, L. Musselman, JFB2014OM3);  

Hydnora arabica Bolin & Musselman, sp. nov. 
 Diagnosis: — Hydnora arabica is similar to Hydnora abyssinica, but can be distinguished by having red to orange inner perianth tube color and tepal lobe margins entirely covered with dense strigose setae.

Distribution:—Known from southern Oman (Dhofar region) and Yemen. Collected from an elevation of 200 to 680 m (Fig. 1).

Habitat and Ecology:—Hydnora arabica is an obligate root parasite of Fabaceae that is visible above the soil surface only when flowering (Fig. 2). Most of our collections in Oman occurred on Acacia tortilis and the same host was reported from Yemen (Al-Fatimi 2015). Interestingly, in a small Dhofar settlement approximately 16 km NE of Mirbat, adjacent to Ayn Ayuoon south of Jebel Samhan, we were directed to a robust H. arabica population associated with and below the non-native Pithocellobium dulce (5 m high) in the settlement courtyard and goat yard. No other potential host trees were within 50 meters, thus P. dulce was likely the host plant. The villagers mentioned that the goats fed in the nearby wadi where H. arabica was abundant and were the likely vector of Hydnora seeds into the settlement. Interestingly, in Madagascar, the same introduced host P. dulce was a common host of H. esculenta (Bolin and Musselman 2013).
....

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the distribution of H. arabica on the Arabian Peninsula.

Vernacular Name:— Thesiger reported the vernacular name as dhanuna on herbarium material from the 1940s. Miller and Morris (1998) give the Jibbali name xamleg and the Dhofari Arabic names khamlayyeh and khumla’ah. We can confirm that Jibbali settlers in Dhofar that knew the plant well as a potential food item in fruit used the name xamleg. From Yemen in the districts of Lawdar and Dathina that use the plant the Arabic local names of nabeekh, fateekh, and tarateef (Al-Fatimi et al. 2015) are used.

Conservation Status:— In the Dhofar region of Oman, dried rhizomes of H. arabica were common in most wadi beds with an abundance of its common host Acacia tortilis, though fresh flowering material was difficult to locate due to its infrequent flowering and primarily hypogeous habit. Based on our observations, the conservation status of H. arabica in southern Oman is secure. However, H. abyssinica is reported as rare in Saudi Arabia (Collenette 1999) and we have little basis to comment on H. arabica abundance in Yemen.

FIGURE 2. A) Hydnora arabica flower emerging from soil. White osmophores apparent on tepal apices; B) Excavated mature H. arabica flower, flower bud, and growth tip of rhizome; C) Cross section of terete rhizomes and growth tip of rhizome covered in numerous tubercle-like lateral appendages (Fig 1A–1C: J. Bolin, S. Al Rahbi, L. Musselman, JFB2014OM3); D) Dried berry and flower from previous season, numerous dark spherical seeds inside broken fruit (from J. Bolin, D. Lupton, L. Musselman, S. Al Rahbi, JFB2014OM1). Scale bars A) = 1 cm; B) 4 cm; C) 2 cm; D) 1 cm.

Jay F. Bolin, Darach Lupton and Lytton J. Musselman. 2018. Hydnora ­arabica (Aristolochiaceae), A New Species from the Arabian Peninsula and A Key to Hydnora. Phytotaxa. 388(1); 99–108. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.338.1.8

[Botany • 2017] Carex socotrana • A New Endemic Species (Cyperaceae) from Socotra Island

 Carex socotrana  Rěpka & Maděra

in Řepka, Maděra, Čermák & Forrest, 2017.  
 @CMEPorg  ||  DOI: 10.3417/D-16-00004   

ABSTRACT

We describe Carex socotrana Rěpka & Maděra, a new endemic species found in the Hajhir Mountains on Socotra Island. It differs from the morphologically similar African continental species C. steudneri Boeckeler in having a shorter stem, smaller leaf length and width, completely smooth leaf blades and margins, and pistillate scales without a whitish membranous margin and with distinctive awns at the apex. The spike clusters are smaller and more scattered on the stem, and the perigynium and its beak are smaller than in C. steudneri. So far only one small and one large population have been found near the highest mountain peak, Mount Scand. The new taxon is 1370 km from the closest known site of C. steudneri.

Keywords: Carex, Cyperaceae, IUCN, Socotra

Radomír Řepka, Petr Maděra, Martin Čermák and Alan Forrest. 2017. Carex socotrana, A New Endemic Species from Socotra Island. Novon: A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature. 25(4); 467–472.  DOI: 10.3417/D-16-00004 

ResearchGate.net/publication/321198484_Carex_socotrana_a_New_Endemic_Species_from_Socotra_Island

 twitter.com/CMEPorg/status/934055316542640128

[Herpetology • 2018] Asaccus arnoldi • Systematics, Biogeography and Evolution of Asaccus gallagheri (Squamata, Phyllodactylidae) with the Description of A New Endemic Species from Oman

Asaccus arnoldi

 Simó-Riudalbas, Tarroso, Papenfuss, Al-Sariri & Carranza, 2018

  DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2017.1403496 

Abstract

The Hajar Mountains are the highest mountain range in eastern Arabia. Despite being classified as a mountain desert, it is considered one of the top biodiversity hotspots of Arabia. As a result of its relatively old geological origin, complex topography, environmental heterogeneity and geographic isolation from other mountain ranges, its fauna and flora have diversified significantly producing high levels of endemicity, particularly amongst reptiles. Several genetic studies indicate that this diversity may still be underestimated, especially within some groups containing morphologically similar species like the nocturnal geckos of the genus Asaccus. These have radiated extensively on both sides of the Gulf of Oman, in the Hajar Mountains and the Zagros Mountains of south-west Asia, and are a good example of the faunal affinities between these two mountain ranges. In the present work, we analyse A. gallagheri, the smallest species of the Arabian radiation, using an unprecedented sampling across its entire distribution range and an integrative approach combining morphological, macroecological and multilocus molecular data with the objective of clarifying its systematics and phylogeography. The results support the presence of two allopatric species within A. gallagheri that split approximately 6 Ma. The newly discovered species is endemic to the Eastern Hajars and is described herein mainly on the basis of its smaller size and high genetic divergence from A. gallagheri. The molecular analyses also uncovered remarkable levels of genetic diversity within both species. The present study highlights the diversity of the genus Asaccus in south-east Arabia and stresses its relevance from a conservation point of view.

Key words: Arabia, biogeography, endemicity, geckos, Hajar Mountains, hypervolumes, species delimitation, taxonomy

Fig. 3. View of the type locality and general appearance in life of Asaccus arnoldi sp. nov.
1) Holotype of A. arnoldi sp. nov. (male; voucher code BMNH.2008.961);
2) Rocky sides of Wadi Bani Khalid in 2016;
3) Female (above) and male (below) A. arnoldi sp. nov. with the characteristic dimorphic tail colouration.

All photographs taken by Salvador Carranza.

Asaccus Dixon and Anderson, 1973
Asaccus arnoldi sp. nov.

Asaccus arnoldi sp. nov.

Etymology. The species epithet ‘arnoldi’ is a genitive Latin noun to honour the British herpetologist, Dr E.Nicholas Arnold, for his life-long dedication and contribution to Arabian herpetology, including the description of the little-known gecko Asaccus gallagheri 45 years ago.  

Marc Simó-Riudalbas, Pedro Tarroso, Theodore Papenfuss, Thuraya Al-Sariri and Salvador Carranza. 2018. Systematics, Biogeography and Evolution of Asaccus gallagheri (Squamata, Phyllodactylidae) with the Description of A New Endemic Species from Oman. Systematics and Biodiversity.  DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2017.1403496

 ResearchGate.net/publication/321831031_Systematics_biogeography_and_evolution_of_Asaccus_gallagheri_Squamata_Phyllodactylidae_with_the_description_of_a_new_endemic_species_from_Oman
facebook.com/MarcSimoRiudalbas/posts/10214933978605446

    

[Entomology • 2017] Araboplia lorisi • A New Genus and Species of Rutelinae from Saudi Arabia (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae), with Comments on the Subtribe Popilliina

Araboplia lorisi

Uliana & Sabatinelli, 2017

 DOI:  10.5852/ejt.2017.373 

Abstract

Araboplia lorisi gen. et sp. nov. of Scarabaeidae Latreille, 1802 Rutelinae MacLeay, 1819, is described based on a single male specimen from the Arabian Peninsula, and compared with the closest Palaearctic genera. Araboplia gen. nov. is placed in the tribe Anomalini C.E. Blanchard, 1851 subtribe Popilliina Ohaus, 1918. This decision is due to its similarity with other Popilliina genera but lacks strong characters-based evidence, due to the poor definition of the Popilliina itself, which is discussed.

Keywords: Scarabaeoidea; Arabian Peninsula; new taxa; Anomalini; Popilliina

Figs 1–3. Araboplia lorisi gen. et sp. nov., habitus. 1. Dorsal view. 2. Ventral view. 3. Lateral view.

Class Hexapoda Blainville, 1816

Order Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family Scarabaeidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Rutelinae Macleay, 1819

Tribe Anomalini Streubel, 1839

Subtribe Popilliina Ohaus, 1918

Araboplia gen. nov.

 Type species: Araboplia lorisi gen. et sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis: Within Popilliina, it is most close to the genus Dicranoplia Reitter, 1903, from which it is distinct by the following characters states (on male): clypeus simple, not raised; peculiar shape of the anterior claw; spur of the anterior tibia short and blunt.

Etymology: The name of the genus is derived from the area of occurrence of the species (the Arabian Peninsula) and the suffix –oplia, for assonance with other genera of Rutelinae including Dicranoplia Reitter, 1903, the closest genus.

Araboplia lorisi gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is dedicated by MU to his father, Loris Uliana, with thanks for his constant encouragement and support of his interest in natural sciences and love for insects during the years of his youth. In addition, the two subjects are alike in being covered with white hairs.

Marco Uliana and Guido Sabatinelli. 2017. Araboplia lorisi New Genus and Species of Rutelinae from Saudi Arabia (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae), with Comments on the Subtribe Popilliina. European Journal of Taxonomy. 373: 1–12.   DOI:  10.5852/ejt.2017.373

[Herpetology • 2017] Ptyodactylus ruusaljibalicus • Cryptic Diversity in Ptyodactylus (Reptilia: Gekkota) from the northern Hajar Mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates uncovered by An Integrative Taxonomic Approach

Ptyodactylus ruusaljibalicus 

 Simó-Riudalbas, Metallinou, de Pous, Els, Jayasinghe, Péntek-Zakar, Wilms, Al-Saadi & Carranza, 2017

 Ruus al Jibal Fan-footed Gecko,  الأقدام مروحية الجبال رؤوس وزغة  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180397 

Abstract

The Hajar Mountains of south-eastern Arabia form an isolated massif surrounded by the sea to the east and by a large desert to the west. As a result of their old geological origin, geographical isolation, complex topography and local climate, these mountains provide an important refuge for endemic and relict species of plants and animals. With 19 species restricted to the Hajar Mountains, reptiles are the vertebrate group with the highest level of endemicity, becoming an excellent model for understanding the patterns and processes that generate and shape diversity in this arid mountain range. The geckos of the Ptyodactylus hasselquistii species complex are the largest geckos in Arabia and are found widely distributed across the Arabian Mountains, constituting a very important component of the reptile mountain fauna. Preliminary analyses suggested that their diversity in the Hajar Mountains may be higher than expected and that their systematics should be revised. In order to tackle these questions, we inferred a nearly complete calibrated phylogeny of the genus Ptyodactylus to identify the origin of the Hajar Mountains lineages using information from two mitochondrial and four nuclear genes. Genetic variability within the Hajar Mountains was further investigated using 68 specimens of Ptyodactylus from 46 localities distributed across the entire mountain range and sequenced for the same genes as above. The molecular phylogenies and morphological analyses as well as niche comparisons indicate the presence of two very old sister cryptic species living in allopatry: one restricted to the extreme northern Hajar Mountains and described as a new species herein; the other distributed across the rest of the Hajar Mountains that can be confidently assigned to the species P. orlovi. Similar to recent findings in the geckos of the genus Asaccus, the results of the present study uncover more hidden diversity in the northern Hajar Mountains and stress once again the importance of this unique mountain range as a hot spot of biodiversity and a priority focal point for reptile conservation in Arabia.

Fig 1. Geographical distribution and phylogenetic relationships of the two species from the Hajar Mountains. 

 

Fig 5. View of the common habitat in the mountainous Ruus al Jibal and general appearance in life of Ptyodactylus ruusaljibalicus sp. nov.
  (A) Rocky habitat in the type locality on the 23rd of April 2013. (B) Holotype of P. ruusaljibalicus sp. nov. (voucher code NHMUK2013.347) including a detail of the cloacal tubercles at the tail base.

 All photographs taken by Salvador Carranza. 

Taxonomy

Despite the high level of crypsis between the populations from the Ruus al Jibal and P. orlovi in the characters studied here, the results of the two mitochondrial and four nuclear gene fragments analysed (Figs 1B, 1C and 2) clearly show that these two lineages have been evolving independently for a long time. As a result of that, and based also on a few morphological traits (see diagnosis below, Tables 1 and 2 and S3 Table), we describe this unnamed population from the extreme northern part of the Hajar Mountain range as a new species.

Family Phyllodactylidae

Genus Ptyodactylus Goldfuss, 1820

Ptyodactylus ruusaljibalicus sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name “ruusaljibalicus” is an adjective that refers to Ruus al Jibal, that means “Heads of the Mountains”, where all the specimens that belong to this species have been found to date and from where the species is probably endemic.

Diagnosis. A large size species of the genus Ptyodactylus characterized by the following combination of characters: (1) large size with a maximum recorded SVL of 90.01 mm for males and 85.94 mm for females (only one female known); (2) head narrow with elongated snout; (3) 12–13 infralabials and 12–14 supralabials; (4) dorsum with 9–11 irregular longitudinal rows of round, enlarged and slightly keeled tubercles; (5) absence of enlarged tubercles on the dorsal side of the extremities; (6) four prominent cloacal tubercles at the tail base (two on each side); (7) 9–11 subdigital scales on the 4th finger and 10–11 under the 4th toe; (8) 18–22 terminal lamellae under the 4th finger and 20–22 under the 4th toe; (9) in life, uniform light grey dorsum, some specimens with dark brown transverse bands that extended onto the tail. Underside of body and tail ivory-white.

Distribution and ecology. Despite intensive sampling across the Hajar Mountain range and other areas in Arabia carried out between 2004 and 2014, Ptyodactylus ruusaljibalicus sp. nov. has only been found in the Ruus al Jibal region, from the Musandam Peninsula to the Dibba region in the UAE. It can be therefore considered endemic to this distinctive geographical area (Fig 1A). The northernmost and southernmost localities lie approximately 26 km northwest and 58 km south-west of the type locality, respectively. The minimum distance between Ptyodactylus ruusaljibalicus sp. nov. and P. orlovi is 23 km by air. Ptyodactylus ruusaljibalicus sp. nov. inhabits cliffs and cave fissures, rocks and boulders at different heights. The species is mainly nocturnal, although some specimens were out in the shade during the day.

Proposal of common names.

English: Ruus al Jibal fan-footed gecko

Arabic: الأقدام مروحية الجبال رؤوس وزغة

Marc Simó-Riudalbas, Margarita Metallinou, Philip de Pous, Johannes Els, Sithum Jayasinghe, Erika Péntek-Zakar, Thomas Wilms, Saleh Al-Saadi, Salvador Carranza. 2017. Cryptic Diversity in Ptyodactylus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from the northern Hajar Mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates uncovered by An Integrative Taxonomic Approach.
 PLoS ONE. 12(8): e0180397. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180397

    

[Ichthyology • 2017] Review of Red Sea Xenisthmus Snyder (Gobioidei: Xenisthmidae), with Description of A New Species; Xenisthmus oligoporus

Xenisthmus oligoporus Gill, Bogorodsky & Mal, 2017
Xenisthmus balius Gill & Randall, 1994 
Xenisthmus polyzonatus (Klunzinger, 1871)

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.2.4

Abstract

Three species of the xenisthmid genus Xenisthmus Snyder are recorded from the Red Sea. Xenisthmus polyzonatus (Klunzinger), the only described species previously known from the Red Sea, is reported on the basis of eight specimens from Egypt, Eritrea and Saudi Arabia. Xenisthmus oligoporus new species is described from four specimens, 17.7–25.0 mm SL, from Sudan and Saudi Arabia. It is distinguished from all other congeners in having a reduced number of cephalic sensory pores and 14–15 segmented rays in the second dorsal fin. Xenisthmus balius Gill & Randall is newly recorded from the Red Sea on the basis of 13 specimens from Eritrea, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The new specimens of this species are described and compared with previously known specimens, the holotype and eight paratypes from the Arabian (= Persian) Gulf. All three species are described in detail and illustrated with colour photographs. An identification key to the species is also provided.

Keywords: Pisces, Arabian Gulf, taxonomy, key to species

Xenisthmus oligoporus new species

 Few-pored wriggler

Diagnosis. Xenisthmus oligoporus is distinguished from congeners in having a reduced number of cephalic sensory pores (lacking pores A, I, J, K, P and Q) and in having 14–15 segmented rays in the second dorsal fin.

Etymology. The specific epithet is from the Greek oligos (few) and poros (hole) and alludes to the relatively low number of sensory pores on the head. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

Habitat and distribution. Known from sandy areas adjacent to reefs in 6–13 m. The species is currently known from Duba, Saudi Arabia, south to the Farasan Archipelago (Figure 3).

Xenisthmus balius Gill & Randall, 1994 

Freckled wriggler

Diagnosis. A species of Xenisthmus with the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays VI + I,13 (rarely I,14); anterior rim of posterior nostril raised, without well-developed flap; scales of body mainly cycloid; head and body pale, with reticulate mottling dorsally.

Habitat and distribution. Xenisthmus balius was previously known only from Jana Island, Saudi Arabia, in the Arabian Gulf. We newly record this species from the Red Sea on the basis of 13 specimens collected in Eritrea, Egypt and Saudi Arabia (Figure 3). It has been collected from sandy areas adjacent to coral rubble and reefs in 1.5– 17 m.

Xenisthmus polyzonatus (Klunzinger, 1871) 

Bullseye wriggler

Diagnosis. A species of Xenisthmus with the following combination of characters: second dorsal-fin rays usually I,11 (rarely I,12); anal-fin rays I,10–11; tongue rounded to truncate; and posterior nostril with well-developed anterior flap.

Anthony C. Gill, Sergey V. Bogorodsky and Ahmad O. Mal. 2017. Review of Red Sea Xenisthmus Snyder (Teleostei: Gobioidei: Xenisthmidae), with Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 4286(2);  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4286.2.4

  

[Herpetology • 2017] A Phylogeny of Open-habitat Lizards (Squamata: Lacertidae: Ophisops) Supports the Antiquity of Indian Grassy Biomes

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DOI: 10.1111/jbi.12999 

Abstract

Aim: India is dominated by tropical grassy biomes (TGBs), traditionally considered seres or degraded forest, with low diversity relative to the restricted, ancestral wet zone. It is unclear if Indian grasslands and other open habitats are anthropogenically derived or native, old-growth habitats; without a clear timescale of grassland evolution. One way to understand grassland evolution is to study the diversification in taxa restricted to open habitats. We use a dated phylogeny of Ophisops to address questions related to the origin, diversification and inter-relationships of Indian and Saharo-Arabian Ophisops, and ultimately the origin of Indian grasslands and open habitats.

Location: The Indian subcontinent; the Saharo-Arabian Realm.

Methods: We generated up to 2736 base pairs of aligned sequence data (one mitochondrial, two nuclear genes) for Indian lacertids and reconstructed phylogenetic relationships using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. We use a fossil-calibrated timetree, diversification analyses and ancestral area reconstructions to test the hypotheses of origin and relationships with Saharo-Arabian Ophisops.

Results: Ophisops is strongly supported as monophyletic, with a basal split into a large-bodied (LBC) and small-bodied clade (SBC). The Saharo-Arabian species are nested within the Indian species in the LBC. Species diversity in Indian Ophisops is grossly underestimated, with 26–47 candidate species. Ophisops began diversifying in the late Oligocene with significant rate shifts in the late Miocene-Pliocene and Pleistocene within the SBC.

Main conclusions: Our results are consistent with an ancient origin of grassland taxa and TGBs in India. Ophisops is a dramatic example of overlooked cryptic diversity outside forests, with ~30 species where five were known. Ophisops dispersed into India from the Saharo-Arabian Realm in the Oligocene with a back dispersal in the Middle Miocene, a novel biogeographical pattern. Diversification in the SBC of Ophisops increased 8-fold during the global C4 grassland expansion. Indian TGBs are old-growth ecosystems that need urgent conservation attention.

Habitats of Ophisops leschenaultii species complex, Tumkur District, Karnataka. 

  

Ishan Agarwal and Uma Ramakrishnan. 2017. A Phylogeny of Open-habitat Lizards (Squamata: Lacertidae: Ophisops) Supports the Antiquity of Indian Grassy Biomes.  Journal of Biogeography. DOI: 10.1111/jbi.12999

How lizards revealed the millennia-old evolution story of India’s grasslands

scroll.in/magazine/836758/how-lizards-revealed-the-ancient-evolution-story-of-indias-grasslands via @scroll_in

  

  

[Crustacea • 2017] Coleusia janani • A New Species of Leucosiid Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Leucosiidae) from the Arabian Gulf

 Coleusia janani 

Giraldes, Al-Maslamani & Smyth, 2017 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4250.4.9 

Abstract

The Indo-West Pacific genus Coleusia Galil 2006, was recently described and now comprises seven species. We describe a new species from the western Arabian Gulf, Coleusia janani n. sp. The new species is closely related to the congener C. biannulata (Tyndale-Biscoe & George, 1962), and can be distinguished from other species at these genus congeners mainly by the straight upward apical shape of the male first pleopod (G1). An updated identification key to the species of Coleusia, as well as an overview of the geographical distribution of the species included in the genus are also presented.

  

Keywords: Crustacea, marine biodiversity, Qatar, taxonomy

Systematics

Family Leucosiidae Samouelle, 1819

Subfamily Leucosiinae Samouelle, 1819

Genus Coleusia Galil, 2006

Coleusia janani sp. nov.  

FIGURE 1. Coleusia janani n. sp., holotype male (carapace length 13.6 mm) (ESCMC 00161). Dorsal view of carapace, colours in life. 

Type locality. Arabian Gulf; off Qatar.

Etymology. In recognition of the Qatar University Oceanographic RV Janan used in the collection of the present material.

Distribution. Currently only known from the type locality.

Ecology. Offshore zones with sandy mixed substrates of gravel and mud; depth between 22 and 27 m. Material collected with water temperature that varied between 27 and 28°C and salinity between 39 and 41 ppt. 

 Bruno Welter Giraldes, Ibrahim Al-Maslamani and David Smyth. 2017. A New Species of Leucosiid Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Leucosiidae) from the Arabian Gulf.

    Zootaxa.  4250(4); 389–395.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4250.4.9

[Herpetology • 2017] Diversification in Arid Mountains: Biogeography and Cryptic Diversity of Pristurus rupestris rupestris in Arabia

 Pristurus r. rupetris of the high altitude robust morphotype.
  Panoramic view of Wadi Sareen, a Protected Area that includes the only known locality of one of the new species discovered in this study.

ibe.upf-csic.es  DOI: 10.1111/jbi.12929  

Abstract

Aim

To understand the patterns of genetic, geographical and morphological diversification in the Arabian gecko subspecies Pristurus rupestris rupestris, and to discuss the various processes that generate and shape diversity in arid mountain ranges.

Location

Hajar Mountains, south-eastern Arabian Peninsula.

Methods

We sampled 466 individuals across the entire range of P. r. rupestris in the Hajar Mountains and sequenced one mitochondrial gene for all the samples, and one extra mitochondrial and four nuclear genes for a subset of 75 specimens. A total of 155 individuals were characterized morphologically. Multilocus coalescent-based methods were used for species delimitation, for phylogenetic inference of species trees and to investigate the diversification dynamics. Multivariate statistics were used to analyse morphological data.

Results

Our molecular methods revealed 14 candidate species hidden within the subspecies P. r. rupestris. Diversification started c. 15 Ma, but most of the lineages have evolved in the last 7 Ma of the mountains’ orogeny, producing a mosaic of allopatric taxa. Secondary interchange has occurred between high and low elevation lineages, and along the mountain chain between unrelated lineages formerly separated by mountain blocks. Morphological variation between the 14 candidate species is slight, but a high elevation robust morphotype is identified.

Main conclusions

Our results support the notion that mountain ranges constitute important centres of diversification in arid regions, and also act as ‘species pumps’ into surrounding areas. We also demonstrate that arid mountains may constitute important reservoirs of cryptic diversity, even in common and widespread species. This, and previous evidence, suggest that the Hajar Mountains are a biological hotspot and an important reservoir of diversity. We therefore suggest that these mountains should be a priority focal point for conservation in Arabia.

Keywords: allopatry; Arabia; arid mountains; biodiversity; biogeography; cryptic species; diversification; evolution; systematics

Photo 1: Pristurus r. rupetris of the high altitude robust morphotype.

photo: S. Carranza.  

Photo 2: Panoramic view of Wadi Sareen, a Protected Area that includes the only known locality of one of the new species discovered in this study.

photo: S. Carranza. 

Joan Garcia-Porta, Marc Simó-Riudalbas, Michael Robinson and Salvador Carranza. 2017. Diversification in Arid Mountains: Biogeography and Cryptic Diversity of Pristurus rupestris rupestris in Arabia.  Journal of Biogeography. DOI: 10.1111/jbi.12929 

Researchgate.net/publication/313243310_Diversification_in_arid_mountains_biogeography_and_cryptic_diversity_of_Pristurus_rupestris_rupestris_in_Arabia

The Hidden Biodiversity of Reptiles https://www.ibe.upf-csic.es/home/-/asset_publisher/T2caeLMECPvW/content/id/7612754

https://twitter.com/IBE_Barcelona/status/828557813920235521

Scientists uncover 14 new gecko species within a single subspecies - Oman
 http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Scientists-uncover-14-new-gecko-species-within-a-single-subspecies-4ykk