[Entomology • 2019] Colacus rubrofemoratus • A New Species of Colacus Ohaus, 1910 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from the Mata Seca Biotope of Brazil, and Notes on Colacus morio Ohaus, 1910

Colacus rubrofemoratus 

Sobral, Morais, & Grossi, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4695.2.5

Abstract

In this contribution, Colacus rubrofemoratus Sobral, Morais, & Grossi new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Agaocephalini) is described and illustrated based on male specimens found in a transitional area of Caatinga, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado in Brazil. In addition, the female of Colacus morio Ohaus, 1910 is redescribed, a distribution map for the genus is provided, and a new key to the species of Colacus is presented.

Keywords: Coleoptera, Agaocephalini, rhinoceros beetles, Scarabaeoidea, taxonomy

Rafael Sobral, José W. De Morais and Paschoal C. Grossi. 2019. A New Species of Colacus Ohaus, 1910 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from the Mata Seca Biotope of Brazil, and Notes on Colacus morio Ohaus, 1910. Zootaxa. 4695(2); 159–167.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4695.2.5

[Botany • 2019] Karawata gen. nov. • A New Genus of Bromeliaceae Endemic to Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Karawata J.R. Maciel and G. Sousa, gen. nov.

A. Karawata depressa, inflorescence. B. K. gustavoi, inflorescence. C. K. multiflora, Typical inflorescence.
E. K. nigribracteata, inflorescence. F. K. hostilis, inflorescence. G. K. depressa, details of flower and floral bracts.

in Maciel, Sousa, Wanderley, et al., 2019. 

DOI: 10.1600/036364419X15620113920572

Photos: G. Sousa (A) and J. R. Maciel (B, C., E., F.). 

twitter.com/JR_Maciel

Abstract

Phylogenetics work revealed that Aechmea subg. Chevaliera is not a monophyletic group. Seven species previously assigned to the subgenus form a clade with strong statistical support and in sister position to morphologically distinct members of other genera. We present morphological and phylogenetic evidence to segregate these seven species in a new genus named Karawata, which requires the following new combinations: Karawata depressa, Karawata gustavoi, Karawata hostilis, Karawata multiflora, Karawata nigribracteata, Karawata prasinata, and Karawata saxicola. Description of the new genus and its seven species, as well as a key for identification, distribution maps, and illustrations are provided.

Fig. 5. Morphological aspects of Karawata.
A. Karawata depressa, inflorescence. B. K. gustavoi, inflorescence. C–D. K. multiflora. C. Typical inflorescence. D. Green inflorescence. E. K. nigribracteata, inflorescence. F. K. hostilis, inflorescence. G. K. depressa, details of flower and floral bracts. H. K. nigribracteata details of flower and floral bracts.

Photos: G. Sousa (A) and J. R. Maciel (B–H).

Karawata J.R. Maciel and G. Sousa, gen. nov. 

TYPE SPECIES: Karawata multiflora (L.B. Sm.) J.R. Maciel and G. Sousa.

Etymology:— The name Karawata refers to the vernacular name used to identify bromeliad plants by local people in Brazil, particularly species of subgenus Chevaliera, from which the Karawata species were segregated. The word is from Tupi (Karawatã or karawatá), a language largely used by native people before the colonization of Brazil.

Karawata depressa (L.B. Sm.) J.R. Maciel and G. Sousa, comb. nov. 

Aechmea depressa L.B. Sm. Arq. Bot. Estado Sao Paulo 3: 54. 1941. 

Chevaliera depressa L.B. Sm. and Kress. Phytologia 66: 78. 1989.

Karawata gustavoi (J.A. Siqueira and Leme) J.R. Maciel and G. Sousa, comb. nov. 

Aechmea gustavoi J.A. Siqueira and Leme. Selbyana 22: 147(-149; Fig. 2). 2001.  

Karawata hostilis (E. Pereira) J.R. Maciel and G. Sousa, comb. nov. 

Aechmea hostilis E. Pereira. Bradea 1: 277. 1972. 

Chevaliera hostilis (E. Pereira) L.B. Sm. and W.J. Kress. Phytologia 66: 78. 1989.

Karawata multiflora (L.B. Sm.) J.R. Maciel and G. Sousa, comb. nov. 

Aechmea multiflora L.B Sm. Contr. Gray Herb. 117: 4. 1937. 

Chevaliera multiflora (L.B. Sm.) L.B. Sm. and W.J.Kress. 

Karawata nigribracteata (J.R. Maciel, Louzada and M. Alves) J.R. Maciel and G. Sousa, comb. nov. 

Aechmea nigribracteata J.R. Maciel, Louzada and M. Alves. Phytotaxa 188: 233. 2014.  

Karawata prasinata (G. Sousa and Wanderley) J.R. Maciel and G. Sousa, comb. nov.

 Aechmea prasinata G. Sousa and Wanderley. Feddes Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 125: 39. 2015. 

Karawata saxicola (L.B. Sm.) J.R. Maciel and G. Sousa, comb. nov. 

Aechmea saxicola L.B. Sm. Arq. Bot. Estado Sao Paulo 2: 118. 1950. 

Chevaliera saxicola (L.B.Sm.) L.B.Sm. and W.J.Kress. Phytologia 66: 78. 1989.

Jefferson Rodrigues Maciel, Gardene Maria de Sousa, Maria das Graças Lapa Wanderley, Georg Zizka and Marccus Alves. 2019. A New Genus of Bromeliaceae Endemic to Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Systematic Botany. 44(3); 519-535. DOI: 10.1600/036364419X15620113920572

 twitter.com/AmSocPlantTaxon/status/1167044228943241217

twitter.com/JR_Maciel/status/1163828330690437120

Researchgate.net/publication/335399432_A_new_genus_of_Bromeliaceae_endemic_to_Brazilian_Atlantic_Forest

[Herpetology • 2019] Luetkenotyphlus fredi • Phylogenetic Systematics of the Neotropical Caecilian Amphibian Luetkenotyphlus (Gymnophiona: Siphonopidae) including the Description of A New Species from the Vulnerable Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Luetkenotyphlus fredi

Maciel, Castro, Sturaro, Silva, Ferreira, Santos, Risse-Quaioto, Barboza, Oliveira, Sampaio & Schneider, 2019

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2019.07.001  

Abstract

Luetkenotyphlus brasiliensis has been described 168 years ago, being the only known species of that genus up till date. However, the diversity of caecilian amphibians surprises once again, with the discovery of a new species of Luetkenotyphlus from remnants of the critically threatened Atlantic Forest, in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Herein we describe the new species on the basis of its morphology but also present a molecular phylogeny based on three genes (12S, 16S and COI) including more taxa of Siphonopidae together in a same phylogeny than the previous studies. Our phylogeny did not support the monophyly of Siphonops as currently defined, because Siphonops insulanus was recovered within Luetkenotyphlus, forming a monophyletic group, sister to a clade of three Siphonops spp. We have examined a specimen of S. insulanus from the type locality (Ilha de São Sebastião, São Paulo, Brazil) revealing a shorter premaxillary-maxillary tooth series in comparison to Siphonops. Based on our results, we also allocated S. insulanus to Luetkenotyphlus in order to avoid paraphyly.

 Keywords: Neotropical region, Molecular phylogeny, Taxonomy, Caecilians, Siphonops

Fig. 5. Holotype of Luetkenotyphlus fredi sp. nov. (MPEG 41560) a few minutes after euthanasia. Left, dorsal view of the body. Right, ventral view of the body.

Luetkenotyphlus fredi sp. nov.

Etymology. The name of the species is depicted in honor of Dr. Carlos Frederico Duarte Rocha (Fred Rocha), for his important contributions to the knowledge of the herpetofauna worldwide and to its intense efforts for the conservation of the Atlantic forest.

 Adriano Oliveira Maciel, Thiago M. de Castro, Marcelo José Sturaro, Izadora Emanuelle Costa Silva, Jordana Guimarães Ferreira, Rafael dos Santos, Bárbara Risse-Quaioto, Bruno Alenkine Barboza, Jane C.F. Oliveira, Iracilda Sampaio and Horacio Schneider. 2019. Phylogenetic Systematics of the Neotropical Caecilian Amphibian Luetkenotyphlus (Gymnophiona: Siphonopidae) including the Description of A New Species from the Vulnerable Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Zoologischer Anzeiger. 281; 76-83.  DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2019.07.001 

 researchgate.net/publication/334274997_Phylogenetic_systematics_of_the_Luetkenotyphlus 

    

[Ichthyology • 2019] Leptopanchax sanguineus • A New Species of Cynopoeciline Killifish (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae), possibly Extinct, from the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil

Leptopanchax sanguineus  

Costa, 2019

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.867.34034 

Abstract

Specimens found between 1985 and 1988 in the Magé River Basin, south-eastern Brazil were misidentified as L. splendens. The recent rediscovery of other specimens in the Estrela River Basin near the type locality of L. splendens has clarified the species’ concept, making it possible to recognise the Magé River Basin specimens as a new species. The new species is herein described as Leptopanchax sanguineus sp. nov. and is distinguished from all other cynopoecilines by a unique colour pattern in males, including red bars with sinuous margins. It was collected in a well-preserved, temporary shallow swampy area within dense moist forest, but since 1990 the species has not been found again. Leptopanchax sanguineus sp. nov. is one of three species of cynopoeciline killifishes living in lowland moist forests of the coastal plains of Rio de Janeiro State, where the greatest diversity of endemic cynopoecilines is concentrated. Each of these species has been recorded a single time in the last 30 years, a surprisingly low record attributable to intense deforestation during the last several decades resulting in small fragmented lowland moist forests of today. This study indicates that seasonal killifishes adapted to uniquely live in this kind of habitat should be regarded with special concern in studies evaluating conservation priorities.

Keywords: Biodiversity, conservation, moist tropical forest, systematics, taxonomy

Figure 2. Male fin morphology and life colour patterns in Leptopanchax.
A coloured pencil drawing illustrating Leptopanchax sanguineus sp. nov. in life, about 20 mm SL B L. splendens, UFRJ 6902, 22.7 mm SL
C L. aureoguttatus, UFRJ 6331, 22.3 mm SL D L. itanhaensis, UFRJ 6453, 20.7 mm SL
E L. citrinipinnis, UFRJ 8899, 20.6 mm SL F L. opalescens, UFRJ 8986, 20.2 mm SL.

Leptopanchax sanguineus sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Leptopanchax sanguineus differs from other cynopoecilines, except L. splendens, by the presence of red bars on the whole flank in males (vs. absence); uniquely in L. sanguineus, the bars are broad, wider than the interspace width (vs. narrow, half interspace width or less) and have sinuous margins (vs. straight). Leptopanchax sanguineus is further distinguished from L. splendens by having 15 dorsal-fin rays (vs. 12–14), 6 pelvic-fin rays (vs. 5), 27 scales on the longitudinal series and 9 on the transverse series (vs. 24–25 and 7, respectively), 29 vertebrae (vs. 26–27), pelvic fin tip posteriorly reaching the anal fin in males (vs. reaching urogenital papilla), pelvic-fin bases medially separated, in close proximity (vs. medially united), absence of filamentous rays on the caudal fin (vs. short filamentous rays on the posterior margin of the caudal fin in males), presence of a golden stripe on the distal margin of the dorsal fin in males (vs. white stripe), absence of contact organs on the male pectoral fin (vs. presence) and absence of the dermosphenotic bone (vs. presence). Leptopanchax sanguineus also differs from L. splendens and all other cynopoecilines by the presence of a small red spot on the posterior portion of the iris (vs. spot absent).

Etymology: The name sanguineus, from the Latin, meaning blood-coloured, is an allusion to the predominantly red colouration in males, unique among Neotropical killifishes.

Figure 4. Habitat of Leptopanchax sanguineus sp. nov. in 1988.

 Wilson J. E. M. Costa. 2019. Description of A New Species of Cynopoeciline Killifish (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae), possibly Extinct, from the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil.  ZooKeys. 867: 73-85. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.867.34034

Abstract: A recent collection of the seasonal killifish found Leptopanchax splendens c. 5 km from the type locality, 74 years after its last record. The species was historically common in its type locality, the Estrela River basin in south‐eastern Brazil, until 1950, after which it was not encountered and thought to have become extinct due to widespread deforestation and urbanization in the region. Despite the rediscovery, this study finds that other recently published reports of L. splendens are misidentifications.

Wilson J. E. M. Costa, José L. O. Mattos and Pedro F. Amorim. 2019. Rediscovery of Leptopanchax splendens (Cyprinodontiformes: Aplocheilidae): A Seasonal killifish from the Atlantic Forest of south‐eastern Brazil that was recently considered extinct. Journal of Fish Biology.  DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13898

[Entomology • 2019] Neoceroplatus betaryiensis • the First Record of A Bioluminescent Fungus-gnat (Diptera: Keroplatidae) in South America

Neoceroplatus betaryiensis Falaschi, Johnson & Stevani

in Falaschi, Amaral, Santos, Domingos, Johnson, et al., 2019. 

  nature.com/articles/s41598-019-47753-w

Abstract

Blue shining fungus gnats (Diptera) had been long reported in the Waitomo caves of New Zealand (Arachnocampa luminosa Skuse), in stream banks of the American Appalachian Mountains (Orfelia fultoni Fisher) in 1939 and in true spore eating Eurasiatic Keroplatus Bosc species. This current report observes that similar blue light emitting gnat larvae also occur nearby the Betary river in the buffer zone of High Ribeira River State Park (PETAR) in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, where the larvae were found when on fallen branches or trunks enveloped in their own secreted silk. The new species is named Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. (Diptera: Keroplatidae: Keroplatinae: Keroplatini) based on a morphological analysis. Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. larvae emit blue bioluminescence that can be seen from their last abdominal segment and from two photophores located laterally on the first thoracic segment. When touched, the larvae can actively stop its luminescence, which returns when it is no longer being agitated. The in vitro bioluminescence spectrum of N. betaryiensis nov. sp. peaks at 472 nm, and cross-reactivity of hot and cold extracts with the luciferin-luciferase from Orfelia fultoni indicate significant similarity in both enzyme and substrate of the two species, and that the bioluminescence system in the subfamily Keroplatinae is conserved.

Figure 1: Different locations and habitats where larvae of Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. were photographed.
(A) Decaying log where larvae were collected. (B) Larvae on the surface of the log surrounded by a web-like mucus. (C) Association of a larva with a Favolus brasiliensis (Fr.) Fr. mushroom raised in a terrarium. (D) Photo of a typically translucid N. betaryiensis sp. nov. (E) Details of the larva head and (F) last abdominal segment.

Figure 2: Life cycle of Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. (A) Pupal stage. (B) Emerged adult female. (C) Emerged adult male.

Figure 3: Bioluminescence of Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. larvae.
(A) Light emission under illumination and (B) in the dark. (C) Detailed view of the two photophores located laterally on the first thoracic segment.

Neoceroplatus betaryiensis Falaschi, Johnson & Stevani nov. sp.

Diagnosis and comments: Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. can be distinguished from the other Neotropical Neoceroplatus¸ especially from N. dissimilis, its closest species, by the shape of the genitalia, particularly the gonostylus (Figs S3E, S4B,C) and the absence of spines in the gonostylus as appears in N. paicoenai.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the Betary brook, in whose banks the specimens were collected.

Conclusion: 

Here we report the discovery of the first bioluminescent species of fungus-gnats of the family Keroplatidae in the Neotropical region. Similar to the Palearctic and Oriental Keroplatus species, N. betaryiensis also lives under dead logs and is probably sporophagous. The bioluminescence is blue, and likely shares the same luciferin-luciferase system of the North-American Orfelia fultoni, and possibly of the Palearctic Keroplatus spp. These findings show how Neotropical biodiversity is still poorly known, despite being recognized as the most diverse biogeographic region on the planet. Unfortunately, the anthropic pressure on natural areas has been increasing, causing disturbances in different habitats, with damage in megadiverse countries such as Brazil. These threats affect especially small invertebrates, which have been extinguished at a much faster rate than their discovery and description. This reinforces the need for conservation policies for areas such as the Betary Reserve, a place that provides new taxa for science, the Keroplatidae being one of them.

Rafaela L. Falaschi, Danilo T. Amaral, Isaias Santos, Adão H. R. Domingos, Grant A. Johnson, Ana G. S. Martins, Imran B. Viroomal, Sérgio L. Pompéia, Jeremy D. Mirza, Anderson G. Oliveira, Etelvino J. H. Bechara, Vadim R. Viviani and Cassius V. Stevani. 2019. Neoceroplatus betaryiensis nov. sp. (Diptera: Keroplatidae) is the First Record of A Bioluminescent Fungus-gnat in South America. Scientific Reports. volume 9, 11291. nature.com/articles/s41598-019-47753-w

twitter.com/flygirlNHM/status/1158473527433076738

twitter.com/rlfalaschi/status/1158575717988409344

[Herpetology • 2019] Glaucomastix itabaianensis • Phylogeography of the Endangered Sand Dune Whiptail Lizard Glaucomastix abaetensis with the Description of A New Species

Glaucomastix itabaianensis

 Rosário, Santos, Arias, Rocha, Reis, Carvalho & Rodrigues, 2019

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4624.4.1

Abstract

Several species of Glaucomastix lizards have been described over the past decade, most of these inhabit inland Brazil. Glaucomastix abaetensis is a threatened whiptail endemic to Brazilian coastal “restinga” (sandy habitats) from Bahia State to Sergipe, with a distribution limited by riverine barriers. In order to investigate the differentiation and relationships in G. abaetensis, we integrated phylogeographic analysis, Bayesian species delimitation and morphological data to detect geographical patterns and historical events responsible for its present distribution. We recovered two highly divergent clades along its range, one of them unnamed. Glaucomastix itabaianensis sp. nov. has a a yellowish green tail, 13–16 scales in the lateral flank, 22–33 scales around tail, 28–35 femoral pores and usually four supraocular scales with the smaller one disposed posteriorly. Our results retrieved the monophyly of Glaucomastix, with G. venetacauda and G. cyanurus being sister species to a clade formed by G. littoralis and G. abaetensis. Divergence between Glaucomastix abaetensis and the new species occurred roughly 2.39 Myr ago; posterior shallow genetic divergences occurred mainly in Pleistocene. Finally, we present data on the conservation of this clade of whiptail lizards.

Keywords: Reptilia, Bayesian species delimitation, Brazil, Brazilian Atlantic Forest, restinga, Teiidae

Glaucomastix itabaianensis sp. nov. 

Igor Rios do Rosário, Rodrigo Marques Lima dos Santos, Federico Arias, Carlos Frederico Duarte Rocha, Eduardo José dos Reis, Celso Morato de Carvalho and Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues. 2019. Phylogeography of the Endangered Sand Dune Whiptail Lizard Glaucomastix abaetensis (Dias, Rocha & Vrcibradic, 2002) with the Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 4624(4); 451–477. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4624.4.1

[Arachnida • 2019] The Mosaic Tiled Harvestmen — Taxonomic Review of Gonyleptellus Roewer, 1930 (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae)

Gonyleptellus angeloi

 Ázara & Kury, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4623.2.1 

Abstract

The genus Gonyleptellus Roewer, 1930 is revised and reordered; a new species Gonyleptellus angeloi sp. nov. is described from Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, three additional species are transferred from other genera and one species is removed, resulting in five species in this genus. The following nomenclatural acts are proposed herein: Gonyleptes pustulatus Sørensen, 1884 is transferred from Gonyleptes to Gonyleptellus; Gonyleptes cancellatus Roewer, 1917 and Progonyleptoides pustulosus Mello-Leitão, 1935, both currently under the synonymy of Gonyleptellus bimaculatus (Sørensen, 1884), are revalidated and transferred to Gonyleptellus. Stephanocranion bimaculatus Mello-Leitão, 1931, previously considered a junior synonym of Gonyleptes cancellatus Roewer, 1917, and thereby previously carried under the synonymy of Gonyleptes bimaculatus Sørensen, 1884, is here unlinked with the former but kept under the synonymy of the latter (of which it is also a junior secondary homonym). Stephanocranion serrulatum Mello-Leitão, 1940, currently under the synonymy of G. bimaculatus, is newly synonymized with P. pustulosus. Stephanocranion bufoninus Mello-Leitão, 1949 (currently combined under Gonyleptellus) is considered a junior subjective synonym of Discocyrtus crenulatus Roewer, 1913. The male of Gonyleptellus bimaculatus is described for the first time. The genus Gonyleptellus is restricted to the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil. A key and a map for all the five valid species are presented.

Keywords: Opiliones, Arachnida, taxonomy, Neotropics, Brazil, Atlantic Forest

 Ludson Neves de Ázara and Adriano Brilhante Kury. 2019. The Mosaic Tiled Harvestmen — Taxonomic Review of Gonyleptellus Roewer, 1930 (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae: Gonyleptinae). Zootaxa. 4623(2); 201–238. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4623.2.1

[Herpetology • 2017] Dendropsophus nekronastes • The 100th: An Appealing New Species of Dendropsophus (Anura: Hylidae) from northeastern Brazil

Dendropsophus nekronastes  

 Dias, Haddad, Argôlo & Orrico, 2017

 DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0171678 

Abstract
We describe a new species of the Dendropsophus leucophyllatus Group from the Atlantic Forest of the southern region of State of Bahia, Brazil. It can be distinguished from all species of the D. leucophyllatus Group on the basis of morphological characters (especially its unique dorsal pattern and snout in dorsal view), advertisement calls and divergence in mitochondrial DNA gene sequences. The inclusion of D. anceps on the group remains controversial but our phylogenetic analyses do not recover the new species as sister to syntopic species of the D. leucophyllatus Group (with or without D. anceps). These results also highlight the palimpsest that is past relation between the Atlantic and Amazon forests.

  Fig 4. Dendropsophus nekronastes sp. nov. in life.
(A, C) Color variation between day and (B, D, E) night. Vouchers: A) not identified; C) MZUESC 9979; D) MZUESC 9983; B) and E) not collected.

Photos A) and C) Iuri R. Dias; B), D) and E) Juliana A. de Jesus.

Dendropsophus nekronastes sp. nov.

Diagnosis: We assign Dendropsophus nekronastes to the D. leucophyllatus Group based on the presence of the glandular pectoral patches—the putative synapomorphy of the group—and the results of the phylogenetic analysis indicate that new species is nested in the group. The species can be diagnosed by the following combination of character states: (I) SVL 24.1–28.9 mm in males (n = 24) and 31.8–35.4 mm in females (n = 2); (II) short snout (approximately 30% of HL), truncated in lateral view and mucronate in dorsal view; (III) tympanum rounded, tympanic ring distinct, except for the dorsal margin; (IV) canthus rostralis straight and loreal region nearly vertical; (V) dorsum dark brown with white markings consisting of a triangular head blotch connected to dorsolateral stripes that cover the eyelid and extend to the posterior third of body (composing an inverted U-shape, see Fig 2); (VI) a medial white line that extends from the interorbital area to the sacral region; (VII) wide white suborbital marking, as long as eye diameter; (VIII) two nearly transverse white bars in the forelimbs, one in the arm, from the arm insertion point to arm midpoint, and the other from the elbow to the wrist; (IX) shank with a regular dorsal white stripe covering nearly all its surface, from the knee to heel; (X) nuptial pads present, glandular, small, covering only the medial area above the prepollex; (XI) red iris, pupil black, elliptical, and horizontal; (XII) axillary membrane extending to the half of the arm (when positioned transversally to the body); (XIII) pectoral glands present, well-marked, oval, present in both males and females; (XIV) vomerine teeth present; and (XV) advertisement call composed of a series of 1–3 pulsed notes, average duration of 0.305 s and dominant frequency ranging between 4478.0–4823.4 Hz.

Etymology: The specific name is by the two Greek words nekro- (death) + -nastes (inhabitant; dweller). The name is given in allusion to the collection site of the specimens in a pond near a cemetery.

Geographic distribution: Dendropsophus nekronastes sp. nov. is known only from two ponds at its type-locality, municipality of Almadina, southern State of Bahia, Brazil (Fig 1).

Natural history: Dendropsophus nekronastes call in temporary ponds, usually in the surrounding shrubs between 30 and 150 cm of height. Syntopical congeners are D. branneri, D. elegans (MZUESC 10186–10194) and D. anceps (MZUESC 9960–9964). Other species calling at the sites were Hypsiboas albomarginatus, H. crepitans, H. faber, Phyllomedusa burmeisteri, P. rohdei, Physalaemus erikae, Scinax juncae, Sphaenorhynchus pauloalvini and S. prasinus.

Iuri Ribeiro Dias, Célio Fernando Baptista Haddad, Antônio Jorge Suzart Argôlo and Victor Goyannes Dill Orrico. 2017. The 100th: An Appealing New Species of Dendropsophus (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) from northeastern Brazil. PLoS ONE. 12(3): e0171678. DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0171678

[Herpetology • 2018] Multiple Connections between Amazonia and Atlantic Forest shaped the Phylogenetic and Morphological Diversity of Chiasmocleis Mehely, 1904 (Microhylidae: Gastrophryninae)

Chiasmocleis schubarti  Bokermann, 1952

in de Sá, Tonini, Huss, et al., 2018. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.10.021 

 twitter.com/MCZHarvard

Highlights: 

• Comprehensive phylogeny of the most species-rich genus of Neotropical microhylids.

• Species discovery analysis suggests a high number of cryptic species.

• Small-sized species evolved independently three times in the clade and miniaturized species form a clade restricted to Amazonia.

• Miniaturization results in loss of digits, phalanges, and pectoral girdle elements.

• Biogeography of Chiasmocleis was shaped by multiple connections between Amazonia and Atlantic Forest.

Abstract

Chiasmocleis is the most species-rich genus of Neotropical microhylids. Herein, we provide the first comprehensive multilocus phylogeny for the genus, including all but 3 of the 34 recognized species and multiple individuals per species. We discuss cryptic speciation, species discovery, patterns of morphological evolution, and provide a historical biogeographic analysis to account for the current distribution of the genus. Diversification of Chiasmocleis from other New World microhylids began during the Eocene, app. 40 mya, in forested areas, and current diversity seems to be a product of recurrent connections between the Atlantic Forest and Amazonia. Small-sized species evolved independently three times in Chiasmocleis. Furthermore, the extremely small-bodied (i.e. miniaturized) species with associated loss of digits, phalanges, and pectoral girdle cartilages evolved only once and are restricted to Amazonia. Using the phylogeny, we recognized three subgenera within Chiasmocleis: Chiasmocleis Méhely, 1904, Relictus subg. nov., and Syncope Walker, 1973. The recognition of the subgenus Syncope informs future research on patterns of miniaturization in the genus, and the subgenus Relictus highlights isolation of an endemic and species-poor lineage to the Atlantic Forest, early (about 40 mya) in the history of Chiasmocleis.

 Keywords: Phylogeny, Chiasmocleis, Species discovery, Morphology, Miniaturization, Biogeography

female Chiasmocleis schubarti has scars on its back from males trying to initiate amplexus.

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 Rafael O. de Sá, João Filipe Riva Tonini, Hannahvan Huss, Alex Long, Travis Cuddy, Mauricio C. Forlani, Pedro L.V. Peloso, Hussam Zaher and Célio F.B. Haddad. 2018. Multiple Connections between Amazonia and Atlantic Forest shaped the Phylogenetic and Morphological Diversity of Chiasmocleis Mehely, 1904 (Anura: Microhylidae: Gastrophryninae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 130; 198-210. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.10.021

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[Herpetology • 2018] Brachycephalus mirissimus • A New Species of Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from southern Brazil

Brachycephalus mirissimus  

Pie, Ribeiro, Confetti, Nadaline & Bornschein, 2018

   DOI:  10.7717/peerj.5683 

Abstract 

A new miniaturized frog of the genus Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae) is described from Morro Santo Anjo in the municipality of Massaranduba, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Specimens were collected from the leaf litter between 470 and 540 above sea level. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners by the combination of the following characters: (1) body robust and bufoniform; (2) size snout-vent length 9.9–11.7 mm for males and 10.0–12.9 mm for females; (3) smooth dorsum; (4) general color (in life) orange with white dots and stripe in the middle of the head and along its vertebral column; (5) iris completely black; (6) advertisement call composed of note groups; (7) isolated notes with 1–3 pulses; and (8) short isolated notes (0.002–0.027 s). An estimate of the male density of the new species is also presented. Phylogenetic information indicates that the new species is part of the southernmost clade of Brachycephalus, which includes Brachycephalus fuscolineatus, B. albolineatus, and B. boticario. The severe anthropogenic impacts in and around the type locality indicate that immediate actions should be taken to ensure the long-term preservation of the new species.

Figure 2: Drawings of the holotype of Brachycephalus mirissimus.
 Holotype of Brachycephalus mirissimus (MHNCI 10793), adult male: (A) dorsal view of the body; (B) lateral view of the head; (C) ventral view of right hand; (D) ventral view of right foot. Drawing by Verônica R. Apolônio.  

 Figure 3: Holotype of Brachycephalus mirissimus (MHNCI 10793), adult male, in life in lateral (A), dorsal (B) and ventral view (C).
Notice in C, from the left to right, two white arrows indicated the presence of the linea masculinea, a pair of bands of fibrous connective tissue present only in males of the species and the vocal sac.

Black bar in C = 5 mm. Photographs by Luiz F. Ribeiro. 

Brachycephalus mirissimus sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Brachycephalus mirissimus is a member of the genus Brachycephalus based on its position in a phylogenetic tree (Fig. 5). B. mirissimus is a member of the B. pernix group, as defined by Ribeiro et al. (2015) and modified above, by having a bufoniform body shape and linea masculina (Figs. 3C and 4H). B. mirissimus is distinguished from all of the species in the genus by the following combination of characters: (1) body robust and bufoniform; (2) size SVL 9.9–11.7 mm for males and 10.0–12.9 mm for females (Table 1); (3) smooth dorsum (Figs. 3 and 4); (4) general color (in life) orange with white dots and stripe in the middle of the head and along its vertebral column (Figs. 3 and 4); (5) iris completely black (Fig. 3A); (6) advertisement call composed of note groups; (7) isolated notes with 1–3 pulses; and (8) short isolated notes (0.002–0.027 s).

Figure 4: Variation in coloration of paratypes of Brachycephalus mirissimus.
(A–F) dorsal view; (G and H) ventral view.
(A) MHNCI 10802; (B) MHNCI 10799; (C) MHNCI 10803; (D) MHNCI 10794;
 (E) MHNCI 10801; (F) MHNCI 10800; (G) MHNCI 10796; (H) MHNCI 10803. Notice in H the white arrow indicated the linea masculinea. Black bar in H = 5 mm.

Photographs by Luiz F. Ribeiro.

Figure 6: Map indicating the location of the type locality of Brachycephalus mirissimus (yellow dot), as well as other species of the genus that are found in the region (state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil) (indicated clockwise): B. mirissimus, B. fuscolineatus, B. boticario and B. albolineatus.

 Original photographs by Luiz F. Ribeiro. 

Map data by Google.

Phylogenetic relationships. The phylogenetic analysis of species of the B. pernix species group places B. mirissimus as part a clade which includes B. fuscolineatus and B. boticario (Fig. 5), which are the southernmost species of the genus and are distributed in the region of the new species (Fig. 6).

Figure 8: Vegetation at the type locality of Brachycephalus mirissimus, at 535 m above sea level, characterized by high-elevation forest (Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana).
(A) The middle and low strata of the forest, evidencing the habitat of Brachycephalus mirissimus in the leaf litter.
(B) General view of the Morro Santo Anjo’s forest.

 Photographs by Luiz F. Ribeiro 

Figure 8: Vegetation at the type locality of Brachycephalus mirissimus, at 535 m above sea level, characterized by high-elevation forest (Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana).
(A) The middle and low strata of the forest, evidencing the habitat of Brachycephalus mirissimus in the leaf litter. (B) General view of the Morro Santo Anjo’s forest.
Figure 9: Impacts at the type locality of Brachycephalus mirissimus.
 In (A) Morro Santo Anjo with plantation of Pinus sp. along the slope. In (B) forest boundary with palm plantation of Archontophoenix alexandrae.

Photographs by Luiz F. Ribeiro.

Habitat, abundance, and distribution. We recorded B. mirissimus calling throughout the day under the leaf litter, but with more intense vocal activity in the morning and later in the day. We did not hear the species throughout the study area, as it showed a patchy distribution, and it is not homogeneously abundant in these patches. In the patch where it appeared particularly abundant, we heard 14 males in 202 m2, resulting in one calling male per 14.5 m2.

The species is known from the type locality (Fig. 6), where it was found in a patchy distribution between 470 and 540 m a.s.l. in montane forest (Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana; Fig. 8) that reaches about 18–28 m in height. We did not find the species in montane forest with a lower canopy (<10 m), which was in a very steep terrain. We estimate its “actual” extent of occurrence to be 56.8 ha (calculated excluding forested areas in very steep terrains). That estimate resulted in three in-line polygons, distant from each other by 190 and 60 m, which became isolated due to replacement of the original vegetation by Eucalyptus sp., Pinus sp. and palm plantations of Archontophoenix alexandrae H. Wendl. & Drude (Fig. 9; areas encompassed by polygons are 28.3, 23.1, and 5.4 ha). The historical extent of occurrence (i.e., before the deforestation) taken the above criteria, resulted in a continuous polygon of 111.8 ha.

...

Remarks. The type locality of B. mirissimus is 17.4 km distant in a straight line from the type locality of B. albolineatus, 18.9 km distant from the type locality of B. fuscolineatus, and 19.5 km distant from the type locality of B. boticario.

Marcio R. Pie, Luiz F. Ribeiro, André E. Confetti, Mário J. Nadaline and Marcos R. Bornschein​. 2018. A New Species of Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from southern Brazil.  PeerJ. 6:e5683.  DOI:  10.7717/peerj.5683

[Herpetology • 2018] Adelophryne michelin • Diversity of Miniaturized Frogs of the Genus Adelophryne (Anura: Eleutherodactylidae: Phyzelaphryninae): A New Species from the Atlantic Forest of northeast Brazil.

Adelophryne michelin  

Lourenço-de-Moraes, Dias, Mira-Mendes, Oliveira, Barth, Ruas, Vences, Solé & Bastos, 2018

  DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0201781 

Abstract

The number of species of frogs in the South American genus Adelophryne has increased in recent years, and it has become apparent that this group contains a substantial amount of undescribed diversity. Currently the genus contains nine described species and five candidate species. Here we describe the tenth species of the genus Adelophryne from the municipality of Igrapiúna, southern Bahia state, Brazil. The new species is characterized by its small body size, indistinct tympanum, and two phalanges in the finger IV. The species of the genus are distributed in three groups, Northern Amazonia Clade, Northern Atlantic Forest Clade and Southern Atlantic Forest Clade. The new species is phylogenetically related to species of the Northern Atlantic Forest Clade of Adelophryne and restricted to forested habitat, as typical for other Adelophryne. The species is restricted to the pristine forests in the type locality, and we consider its conservation status as Near Threatened. New morphological and molecular data of other Adelophryne species are presented, extending the distribution of Adelophryne sp. 2, Adelophryne sp. 4, Adelophryne mucronata and Adelophryne glandulata. However, a more comprehensive revision of the diversity and phylogenetic position of most Adelophryne species is needed, and the evolutionary relationships of A. meridionalis and A. pachydactyla remain unknown.

Adelophryne michelin sp. nov.

Adelophryne sp. (Mira-Mendes et al. [2018])

Etymology: The name “michelin” honors the Reserva Ecológica Michelin that has been supporting our researches for more than 10 years in the municipality of Igrapiúna, Bahia. The name is used as an invariable noun in apposition to the generic name.

Common name: Michelin Flea Frog or rãzinha-pulga-da-Michelin (in Portuguese).

Diagnosis: The new species is included in the subfamily Phyzelaphryninae because of the molecular evidence and by the presence of apically pointed digits; its leaf litter habitat; its terminal digits either barely or not expanded, and the SVL not exceeding 23 mm in SVL. In addition to the results of molecular analysis, the generic assignment of Adelophryne michelin sp. nov. is based on the possession of a head narrower than body, cranial crests absent, small size, with subdigital pad and mucronate tip on the fingers and toes, toes III and IV with discs and mucronate tips, and terminal phalanges of toes and fingers T-shaped.

The new species can be distinguished from species in the genus Phyzelaphryne by the absence of subarticular tubercles on fingers, for presenting indistinct tympanum, and reduction of the phalanges in the Finger IV. Phyzelaphryne has subarticular tubercles, distinct tympanum and no reduction of the phalanges.

The new taxon is diagnosed by the following combination of character states: (1) snout–vent length smaller than 11.5 mm (males 7.6–9.1 mm, N = 7; females 10.0–11.4 mm, N = 12); (2) tympanum indistinct without visible membrane; (3) tympanic annulus absent; (4) dentigerous processes of vomers present; (5) fingers without terminal discs, with mucronate tips, terminal phalanges T-shaped; (6) toes with terminal discs or circumferential grooves and mucronate tips; (7) terminal phalanges of toes T-shaped and sharply reduced; (8) Finger I shorter than Finger II; (9) Finger IV with two phalanges; (10) Toe III longer than Toe V; (11) subarticular tubercles absent on the fingers and toes (subdigital pads present); (12) belly skin smooth; (13) dorsum skin smooth; (14) anal flap absent.

Fig 4. Adult individuals of Adelophryne michelin sp. nov. in life (A) female paratype MBML 10498 and (B) paratype but not identified. Individual (A) showing an unusual bluish coloration and (B) showing common coloration.

Fig 5. Phylogenetic relationship of genus Adelophryne through 16S mitochondrial rRNA fragment gene (798 bp). Bayesian Posterior Probabilities and Maximum Likehood Bootstrap values are indicated above and below the branches. Asterisk = ≥ 0.99 and values below 0.50 are not shown (see methods for analysis details).

Abbreviations are: NAFC = Northern Atlantic Forest Clade; NAMC = Northern Amazonia Clade and SAFC = Southern Atlantic Forest Clade representing the clades proposed by Fouquet et al. [9]. The paratype of Adelophryne glandulata (MZUESC 12180) has number MH304347 in the tree. Photos not to scale.

Geographic distribution: Adelophryne michelin sp. nov. is known only from the type locality, at the Reserva Ecológica Michelin (REM), municipality of Igrapiúna, Bahia—Brazil (Fig 6).

Natural history, ecology and status conservation: Adelophryne michelin sp. nov. occurs in the leaf litter of primary forest. Two large ovarian eggs (2.0 mm) were found in one female of Adelophryne michelin sp. nov. (ZUFG 10697). We dissected five specimens of Adelophryne michelin sp. nov. one specimens there was nothing (ZUFG 10696) and four specimens revealed ants in their stomachs (ZUFG 10695 and 10697, MZUESC 17506, MBML10498). Beetles were found in stomachs of A. glandulata and ants were also found in A. glandulata [8] in A. gutturosa [5] and in A. mucronata [6]. We recorded a new population of A. mucronata and A. sp. 2 (sensu Fouquet et al. [9]), both species living sympatrically and syntopically with A. michelin sp. nov. in the REM.

Adelophryne michelin sp. nov has only been recorded at the type locality, in the Atlantic Forest biome of southeast Bahia, being restricted to well preserved forests. Based on the forest remnants size of landscape its area of occupancy is <500 km². As such, this new species can be included under criterion B2a of IUCN Red List [28]. Because we do not have data on habitat decline [11] or population data, we felt unable to fit the species into a threat category given that at least two of three conditions of criterion "B" need to be fulfilled for including a species into a threat category. Thus, we suggest that Adelophryne michelin sp. nov. should be listed as Near Threatened (NT) under the criterion B2a.

 Ricardo Lourenço-de-Moraes, Iuri R. Dias, Caio V. Mira-Mendes, Renan M. de Oliveira, Adriane Barth, Danilo S. Ruas, Miguel Vences, Mirco Solé and Rogério P. Bastos. 2018. Diversity of Miniaturized Frogs of the Genus Adelophryne (Anura: Eleutherodactylidae): A New Species from the Atlantic Forest of northeast Brazil.   PLoS ONE. 13(9): e0201781.  DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0201781