[Mollusca • 2019] Ganesella halabalah • Redescription of the Type Species of the Genera Ganesella Blanford, 1863 and Globotrochus Haas, 1935 (Eupulmonata, Camaenidae); with Description of A New Ganesella Species from Thailand

A, B Ganesella carinella from Keng-khoy, Saraburi A live snail and B snails aestivated under loose tree bark, and with white epiphrams attached on substrate C Ganesella rhombostoma from Klong Had, Srakeo 

(A - C shell height about 15 mm) 

Ganesella halabalah Sutcharit & Panha

in Sutcharit, Backeljau & Panha, 2019.
  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.870.36970

Abstract

The taxonomy of the speciose genus Ganesella W.T. Blanford, 1863 and the endemic genus Globotrochus Haas, 1935 is unclear since the anatomical characters of the the type species of these two genera have never been reported before. Therefore, the present paper provides the first anatomical descriptions of the reproductive apparatus, pallial system and radula of Helix capitium Benson, 1848 and Helix onestera Mabille, 1887, the respective type species of Ganesella and Globotrochus. In addition, Ganesella rhombostoma (Pfeiffer, 1861) and Ganesella carinella (Möllendorff, 1902) from Thailand are re-described, and a new species, Ganesella halabalah Sutcharit & Panha, sp. nov., from southern Thailand is described. This new species differs from all others by having a larger shell, an obtuse apex and an aperture lip with a prominent beak-like deflection.

Keywords: anatomy, Cerastidae, Indochina, Orthurethran, Southeast Asia, synonym, systematics, tree snail

Figure 1. A, B Ganesella carinella from Keng-khoy, Saraburi (shell width about 15 mm) A live snail and B snails aestivated under loose tree bark, and with white epiphrams attached on substrate
 C Ganesella rhombostoma from Klong Had, Srakeo (shell height about 15 mm) D Globotrochus onestera from Cuc Phuong, Vietnam (shell width about 15 mm).

Ganesella halabalah Sutcharit & Panha, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The dextral, large, trocoid shell with pale green to yellow colour, obtuse apex and apertural lip with prominent beak-like deflection.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the type locality Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary, Narathivat, Thailand.

Distribution: This new species is currently known from the type locality (in Narathivat, Thailand) and Gunung Tahan, Kelantan, Malaysia, which is about 150 km south of the type locality. The latter shell (Fig. 4C) was collected in 1901 in a tropical rain forest. This shell is in all aspects identical to the unique name-bearing type.

Remarks: Even though Ganesella halabalah sp. nov. is described from empty shells, its unique features mean that it cannot be confused with any other camaenid species from the area. Yet, with its trochoid shell and its prominent, beak-like apertural rostrum, G. halabalah sp. nov. does resemble a Papuininae phenotype. However, the geographic distribution of the Papuininae is largely restricted to New Guinea, Australia and Melanesia (Schileyko 2003), though excluding the Greater Sunda Islands and Indochina. Given that the Malay Peninsula is a remote area for land snail dispersal between Australasia and Indochina (Hausdorf 2000), further anatomical and molecular evidence is needed to assess an eventual relationship with Papuininae.

....

Figure 4. A–C Ganesella halabalah sp. nov. A holotype CUMZ 2608 B paratype CUMZ 2599 from the type locality and C paratype ZMB 53120 from Kelantan, Malaysia
D Ganesella perakensis, syntype MNHN-IM-2000-1964.
 E–G Globotrochus onestera E lectotype MNHN-IM-2000-32456 F holotype of “simonei Thach & Huber, 2017” MNHN-IM-2000-33206 and G specimen from Vietnam CUMZ 5218
H Globotrochus mellea, holotype RBINS/MT/ 525051.

    

 Chirasak Sutcharit, Thierry Backeljau and Somsak Panha. 2019. Re-description of the Type Species of the Genera Ganesella Blanford, 1863 and Globotrochus Haas, 1935; with Description of A New Ganesella species from Thailand (Eupulmonata, Camaenidae). ZooKeys. 870: 51-76. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.870.36970

[Gastropoda • 2019] Annotated Checklist of the Terrestrial Molluscs (Mollusca, Gastropoda) from Laos

A Atopos laidlawi B Valiguna siamensis C Prosopeas excellens
D Hemiplecta pluto E Macrochlamys callojuncta F Megaustenia malefica G, H Amphidromus fuscolabris & Amphidromus roseolabiatus

in Inkhavilay, Sutcharit, Bantaowong, et al., 2019. 

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.834.28800 

Abstract

The land area of Laos is composed of a large variety of undisturbed habitats, such as high mountainous areas, huge limestone karsts and the lower Mekong Basin. Therefore, Laos is expected to have a high species diversity, especially for the land snails. However, with respect to research on malacology, Laos is probably the least well-researched area for land snail diversity in Indochina (including Laos) over the past few centuries. The handful of species lists have never been systematically revised from the colonial period to the present, so these classifications are outdated. Herein we present the first comprehensive annotated checklist with an up-to-date systematic framework of the land snail fauna in Laos based on both field investigations and literature surveys. This annotated checklist is collectively composed of 231 nominal species (62 ‘prosobranch’ and 169 heterobranches), of which 221 nominal species are illustrated. The type specimens of 143 species from several museum collections and/or 144 species of newly collected specimens are illustrated. There are 58 species recorded as new to the malacofauna of the country, and two new replacement names are proposed as Hemiplecta lanxangnica Inkhavilay and Panha, nomen novum (Ariophantidae) and Chloritis khammouanensis Inkhavilay and Panha, nomen novum (Camaenidae). Four recently described species of the genus Amphidromus from Laos, “thakhekensis”, “richgoldbergi”, “attapeuensis” and “phuonglinhae” are synonymized with previously described species. In addition, thirteen nominal species are listed as uncertain records that may or may not occur in Laos. This annotated checklist may inspire malacologists to carry on systematic research in this region.

Keywords: Biodiversity, conservation, land snail, type specimen, Southeast Asia, new name, Indochina

Figure 55. Living snails of A Atopos laidlawi B Valiguna siamensis C Prosopeas excellens D Gudeodiscus sp. E Succenia sp. F Meghimatium bilineatum G Meghimatium pictum H Quantula weinkauffiana. All not to scale. 

  

Figure 56. Living snails of A Trochomorpha paviei B Cryptozona siamensis C Hemiplecta distincta D Hemiplecta pluto E Macrochlamys callojuncta F Megaustenia malefica G Megaustenia siamensis H Sarika despecta. All not to scale. 

Figure 57. Living snails of A Sarika resplendens B Cryptosemelus sp. C Durgella libas D Parmarion martensi E Aegista emma F Amphidromus areolatus G, H Amphidromus fuscolabris. All not to scale. 

Figure 58. Living snails of A Amphidromus roseolabiatus B Camaena illustris C Camaena suprafusca D Camaena vanbuensis E Chloritis deliciosa F Chloritis durandi G Giardia siamensis H Moellendorffia horrida. All not to scale.

 Khamla Inkhavilay, Chirasak Sutcharit, Ueangfa Bantaowong, Ratmanee Chanabun, Warut Siriwut, Ruttapon Srisonchai, Arthit Pholyotha, Parin Jirapatrasilp and Somsak Panha. 2019. Annotated Checklist of the Terrestrial Molluscs from Laos (Mollusca, Gastropoda). ZooKeys. 834: 1-166. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.834.28800

[Diplopoda • 2017] Glyphiulus subbedosae & G. semicostulifer • Two New Species of the Millipede Genus Glyphiulus Gervais, 1847 (Spirostreptida, Cambalopsidae) from Laos

Glyphiulus subbedosae [a-b] & G. semicostulifer [c] 

 Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2017

in Likhitrakarn, Golovatch, Inkhavilay, Sutcharit, Srisonchai & Panha, 2017

  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.722.21192

Abstract

Two new species of Glyphiulus are described and illustrated from northern Laos. The epigean Glyphiulus subbedosae Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, sp. n. is the second member of the granulatus-group to be found in that country and it seems to be especially similar to G. bedosae Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2007. However, it differs from the latter species by a row of several strong setae near the median marginal ridge on the paraprocts, combined with the gnathochilarium being considerably less densely setose on the caudal face, and the anterior gonopods showing a pair of smaller, apical, but larger lateral teeth on the coxosternal plate. Glyphiulus semicostulifer Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, sp. n. is the fourth member of the javanicus-group to be discovered in Laos, taken from a cave. It seems to be particularly similar to G. costulifer Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2007, but is distinguished by the more sparsely alveolate background fine structure of the metazonae, coupled with the gnathochilarium being considerably less densely setose on the caudal face, much stronger paramedian prongs and 4-segmented telopodites on ♂ coxae 1, the slightly longer and more slender apicoparamedian sternal projections on the anterior gonopods, and the much longer flagella of the posterior gonopods. An identification key to and a distribution map of Glyphiulus species in Laos are also presented.

Keywords: Cave, forest, Glyphiulus, key, Laos, map, millipede, new species

Figure 1. Habitus, live coloration.
 A, B Glyphiulus subbedosae sp. n., ♀ paratype from Kacham Waterfall, depicted not to scale
C, D Glyphiulus semicostulifer sp. n., ♀ paratype. Scale bars: 10 mm.

A, B Glyphiulus subbedosae sp. n., ♀ paratype from Kacham Waterfall, depicted not to scale 

Family Cambalidae Cook, 1895

Genus Glyphiulus Gervais, 1847

Glyphiulus subbedosae Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, sp. n.

Etymology: To emphasize the obvious similarities to G. bedosae Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2007.

Diagnosis: This new species is particularly similar to G. bedosae, with which it shares the following diagnostic characters: the presence of a row of several strong setae near the median marginal ridge on the paraprocts, combined with the gnathochilarium being considerably less densely setose on the caudal face, and the anterior gonopods showing a pair of smaller apical. It differs from G. bedosae primarily by the larger lateral teeth on the coxosternal plate. See also Key below.

Remarks: The granulatus-group currently encompasses 34 described species. The above new one is only the second species in this group to be reported from Laos. Two populations have been found, each from near a forest at a waterfall, and both show the remarkable colour pattern as described above.

C, D Glyphiulus semicostulifer sp. n., ♀ paratype. Scale bars: 10 mm.

Glyphiulus semicostulifer Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, sp. n.

Etymology: To emphasize the obvious similarities to G. costulifer Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2007.

Diagnosis: This new species is particularly similar to G. costulifer, with which it shares the following diagnostic characters: the unique carinotaxy formulae, coupled with anterior gonopod structural details. It differs from G. costulifer by the more sparsely alveolate background fine structure of the metazonae, coupled with the gnathochilarium being considerably less densely setose on the caudal face, the paramedian coxal prongs on ♂ legs 1 much stronger and their telopodites 4-segmented, the apicoparamedian sternal projections on the anterior gonopods slightly longer and more slender, and the flagella of the posterior gonopods much longer. See also Key below.

Remark: The javanicus-group is currently comprised of 23 species, including this new species, a fourth in this group to be reported from Laos.

Conclusions

Most Glyphiulus species in Laos come from caves or surrounding areas, except for G. subbedosae sp. n. found epigeically near waterfalls. Several of the cave species show troglomorphic traits such as an unpigmented tegument and ocellaria (if any), combined with elongated antennae and legs (Golovatch et al. 2011a). The above two new species, however, are pigmented and have short antennae and legs, while the epigean G. subbedosae sp. n. presents a distinct colour pattern. Such characters are rather evidence of the cave-dweller G. semicostulifer sp. n. being only a troglophile likely to occur also outside caves. Usually only a single cambalopsid species is found per cave. The single exception known so far concerns two Plusioglyphiulus species, P. bedosae Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2009 and P. pallidior Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2009, coexisting in the same cave in Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, but both these species differ so strikingly in body size that this alone strongly suggests niche segregation (Golovatch et al. 2009).

The diplopods of Laos are still poorly known, with only a small fraction of their diversity being assessed. There is little doubt that, with further progress in the study of the millipede fauna of Laos, both epigean and cavernicolous, many more novelties are to be expected. As regards the Cambalopsidae alone, we seem to have only touched the tip of the iceberg (Golovatch et al. 2007a).

 Natdanai Likhitrakarn, Sergei I. Golovatch, Khamla Inkhavilay, Chirasak Sutcharit, Ruttapon Srisonchai and Somsak Panha. 2017. Two New Species of the Millipede Genus Glyphiulus Gervais, 1847 from Laos (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Cambalopsidae). ZooKeys. 722; 1-18.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.722.21192

[Diplopoda • 2013] Tetracentrosternus theelorsuensis • The Millipede genus Tetracentrosternus Pocock, 1895 (Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae, Alogolykinae), with A Description of the First, New Species from Thailand

Tetracentrosternus theelorsuensis 

Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2013

Figure 1. Tetracentrosternus theelorsuensis sp. n., ♂ holotype. A habitus, live coloration B, D anterior part of body, lateral and dorsal views, respectively C, E, G segments 10 and 11, dorsal, ventral and lateral views, respectively F, H posterior part of body, dorsal and lateral views, respectively I, J sternal lobe between coxae 4, sublateral and subcaudal views, respectively.

   DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.358.6582

Abstract

The millipede subfamily Alogolykinae and the tribe Alogolykini are recorded in Thailand for the first time, being represented there by Tetracentrosternus theelorsuensis sp. n. While the new species has characteristics that place it in the genus Tetracentrosternus, it also shows a number of unique features that make it necessary to rediagnose this Oriental genus, as well as to key its three currently known species and map their distributions. The tribes Alogolykini and Polydrepanini, as well as the subfamily Alogolykinae are also briefly redefined.

Keywords: Millipede, Alogolykinae, Alogolykini, Tetracentrosternus, taxonomy, new species, Thailand

Systematics

Family Paradoxosomatidae Daday, 1889
Subfamily Alogolykinae Hoffman, 1963
Tribe Alogolykini Hoffman, 1963

Genus Tetracentrosternus Pocock, 1895

Type species: Tetracentrosternus subspinosus Pocock, 1895; by monotypy.

Other species include Tetracentrosternus hoffmani Golovatch, 2013 and Tetracentrosternus theelorsuensis sp. n.

Tetracentrosternus theelorsuensis sp. n. 

 Holotype: ♂ (CUMZ), Thailand, Tak Province, Umphang District, Thee Lor Sue Waterfall, 590 m a.s.l., 15°55'38"N, 98°45'13"E (converted from GPS data), 19.01.2011, leg. N. Likhitrakarn.

Paratypes: ♂ (CUMZ), same District, Mokro Subdistrict, roadside, 1, 168 m a.s.l., 16°14'14"N, 98°59'23"E, 20.01.2011, leg. N. Likhitrakarn. 5 ♀, 1 juv. (CUMZ), same District, Pa Wai Waterfall, 804 m a.s.l., 16°34'30"N, 98°50'3"E, 20.01.2011, leg. S. Panha, C. Sutcharit & N. Likhitrakarn.

Name: After Thee Lor Sue Waterfall, the type locality, which is the largest and highest waterfall in Thailand.

 Likhitrakarn, N., Golovatch, S.I. and Panha, S. 2013 The Millipede genus Tetracentrosternus Pocock, 1895 (Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae, Alogolykinae, Alogolykini), with A Description of the First, New Species from Thailand.
ZooKeys. 358: 1–10. DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.358.6582

[Diplopoda • 2016] Four Colorful New Species of Dragon Millipedes, Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923 (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), from northern Thailand; Desmoxytes des, D. breviverpa, D. takensis & D. pinnasquali

Desmoxytes pinnasquali 

 Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 2016    
DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4170.1.4

Abstract

Four new dragon millipede species of the genus Desmoxytes from northern Thailand are described and illustrated: Desmoxytes des sp. n. from Chiang Mai Province, Desmoxytes breviverpa sp. n. from Phrae Province, Desmoxytes takensis sp. n. from Tak Province and Desmoxytes pinnasquali sp. n. from Phitsanulok Province. The new species were compared with type specimens of closely related species and were all found to exhibit explicit morphological differences from these. They can be distinguished from other members of Desmoxytes by the shape of the gonopods, the sternal process between male coxae 4, the pattern of spines or tubercles on the metaterga, and the shape of the paraterga. The coloration of all new species is clearly aposematic: ranging from purple-pink to red. The new species are discussed in relation to their congeners, and a distribution map is provided.

Keywords: Myriapoda, taxonomy, aposematic, endemism

Taxonomy

Family Paradoxosomatidae Daday, 1889

Tribe Orthomorphini Brölemann, 1916

Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923

• Desmoxytes des Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha sp. n.

Etymology. The species epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the shape of the paraterga which reminds us of an ancient Egyptian flint knife (des).

• Desmoxytes breviverpa Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha sp. n.

Etymology. The name is a Latin noun in apposition, meaning “short intromittent organ”, and referring to the short, flagelliform solenomere. 

• Desmoxytes takensis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha sp. n.

Etymology. The name is Latin adjective referring to the province where the type locality occurs. 

Desmoxytes pinnasquali sp. n. — mating couple. 

• Desmoxytes pinnasquali Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha sp. n.

Etymology. The name is a Latin noun in apposition, meaning “shark fin” and referring to the shape of a process on lamina medialis. 

  

Ruttapon Srisonchai, Henrik Enghoff, Natdanai Likhitrakarn and Somsak Panha. 2016. Four Colorful New Species of Dragon Millipedes, Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923, from northern Thailand (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae).
 Zootaxa. 4170(1); 93–113.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4170.1.4

 

[Invertebrate • 2016] A Taxonomic Review of the Centipede Genus Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae) in mainland Southeast Asia, with Description of A New Species, Scolopendra cataracta

 Habitus photographs of Scolopendra species:

Figure 42. A Scolopendra cataract (Champasak, Laos, holotype CUMZ 00316)  

B Scolopendra pinguis (Colour morph 2B) C Scolopendra dawydoffi (CUMZ 00272).

Figure 9. A Scolopendra subspinipes (Singapore, CUMZ 00315) 

B Scolopendra calcarata (Thailand, CUMZ 00418) C Scolopendra japonica (Colour morph 2: Laos, CUMZ 00298).  DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.590.7950

Abstract

The centipede genus Scolopendra in mainland Southeast Asia is reviewed taxonomically based on morphological characters, informed by a molecular phylogenetic analysis using sequences from three mitochondrial and nuclear genes (COI, 16S rRNA and 28S rRNA). Eight nominal species of Scolopendra, namely S. morsitans Linnaeus, 1758, S. subspinipes Leach, 1816, S. dehaani Brandt, 1840, S. multidens Newport, 1844, S. calcarata Porat, 1876, S. japonica Koch, 1878, S. pinguis Pocock, 1891, and S. dawydoffi Kronmüller, 2012, are redescribed together with some revision of type materials. Geographical variation in each species has been compiled with reference to samples that span their distribution ranges in Southeast Asia and some parts of neighbouring areas such as East Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Africa. Comparative study of traditional taxonomic characters from external morphology provides further information to distinguish some closely related species. Scolopendra cataracta Siriwut, Edgecombe & Panha, sp. n., is described from the southern part of Laos, with additional records in Thailand and Vietnam. The phylogenetic framework for Southeast Asian Scolopendra recognizes S. calcarata + S. pinguis, S. morsitans, and a S. subspinipes group that unites the other six species as the main clades. Within the S. subspinipes group, two monophyletic groups can be distinguished by having either slender or short, thick ultimate leg prefemora and different numbers of apical spines on the coxopleuron. Scolopendra arborea Lewis, 1982, is placed in subjective synonymy with S. dehaani. A survey of external morphology of the genital segments confirms its potential for improving species identification in Scolopendra. Some observations on biology and behaviour are recorded based on field surveys in this area.

Keywords: Chilopoda, Scolopendra, systematics, distribution, phylogeny, species diversity

Scolopendra cataracta Siriwut, Edgecombe & Panha, sp. n.

http://zoobank.org/0956CB47-120F-4D98-BEA4-1FBD63713281

Type locality: Tad E-tu Waterfall, Bolaven Plateau, Pakse, Champasak, Laos (15°13'10.6"N, 105°55'31.3"E) (Fig. 54B).

Etymology: From “cataract”, meaning waterfall, for the type locality at Tad E-tu Waterfall.

Diagnosis: 18–19 antennal articles, 6 basal articles glabrous dorsally. Cephalic plate punctate. 5–6 teeth on tooth-plate. Tergites 7(14)-20 with paramedian sutures, all incomplete, present only on anterior and posterior parts. Tergite of ultimate leg-bearing segment without depression or suture. Paramedian sutures confined to anterior 15–20% of sternites. Coxopleural process with 1–3 apical+subapical spines, 0–1 dorsal spine, without lateral spine. Ultimate leg prefemora with 1–2 VL, 1–2 M, 0–2 DM and prefemoral process with 1–3 spines. Tarsal spur on legs 1–19(20).

Remarks: The paratype collected in Thailand in 2001 (NHMUK 010305528) was observed to display apparent amphibious habits. The following account is based on observations by G. Beccaloni (pers. comm., Jan. 2016). The centipede was initially observed under a rock slab beside a stream ca. 1.5 m wide and 20 cm deep. It escaped into the stream and concealed itself under a rock. After extraction from the stream it was placed in a glass container of water, in which it swam powerfully on the bottom of the container with vigorous horizontal undulating motions.

Distribution: All localities are in mainland territory. The currently known distribution (Fig. 29) is as follows: Southeast Asia: Laos (Champasak and Luang Namtha), Thailand (Surat Thani) and Vietnam (Bac Kan and Dac-To).

Figure 19. Colouration changes and patterns during developmental stages of Scolopendra dehaani:
  A Juvenile stage B Sub-adult stage C Adult stage (specimen from northern Thailand).  

Figure 20. Brooding and feeding behaviours: A Scolopendra dehaani exhibiting simple coiling with cluster of embryonic stadia (photograph by Natdanai Likhitrakarn) B Scolopendra morsitans exhibiting double coiling with post-embryonic stadia C–D Scolopendra dehaani preying on snail-eating snake Pareas carinatus D Flexibility of trunk segments during predation.

Warut Siriwut, Gregory D. Edgecombe, Chirasak Sutcharit, Piyoros Tongkerd and Somsak Panha. 2016. A Taxonomic Review of the Centipede Genus Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae) in mainland Southeast Asia, with Description of A New Species from Laos. ZooKeys.  590: 1-124. DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.590.7950

'Horrific' First Amphibious Centipede Discovered
  http://on.natgeo.com/290bO1n via @NatGeo

[Invertebrate • 2016] Tritetrabdella longiducta • A New Species of Tritetrabdella (Hirudinida: Hirudiniformes: Haemadipsidae) from northern Indochina

 Tritetrabdella longiducta 

Nakano, Jeratthitikul, Nguyen & Panha, 2016

Abstract

 A new species of the terrestrial haemadipsid genus Tritetrabdella, Tritetrabdella longiducta, from northern Indochina is described. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by the combination of triannulate somite VII, uniannulate somite XXV, three lobes of respiratory auricles in somites XXV–XXVII, 57 friction rays on caudal sucker, male gonopore (in somite XI b5/b6) and female gonopore (in somite XII b5) positions and slightly folded vaginal sac. Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA, in addition to mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I markers, confirmed that the new species forms a unique lineage among the known congeners. A key to all the species of Tritetrabdella is provided.

Key words. Hirudinida, Haemadipsidae, Tritetrabdella, phylogenetic analyses, Thailand, Vietnam

Distribution. Known only from the type locality and Ta Co, Son La Province in northern Vietnam (Fig. 1). The elevations of the localities were more than 700 m above sea level. The individual from Doi Phuka was found on soil around a decayed banana tree containing very high moisture.

Natural history. The hosts are not known because the specimens examined were collected free-living, but are presumed to include amphibians (Lai & Chen, 2010). The Vietnamese individual was collected when it was climbing the third author; therefore, mammals may also be hosts of T. longiducta.

Etymology. The specific name is a compound adjective derived from the Latin words, longus (long), and ductus (duct), referring to the fact that the common oviduct of this species nearly equals the length of its vaginal duct, a diagnostic character of the species.

Takafumi Nakano, Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Tao Thien Nguyen and Somsak Panha. 2016. A New Species of Tritetrabdella (Hirudinida: Hirudiniformes: Haemadipsidae) from northern Indochina. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 64: 105–116

http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/vol64/64rbz105-116.pdf

[Invertebrate • 2015] Desmoxytes rhinoceros & D. rhinoparva • Two New Sspecies of Dragon Millipedes, Genus Desmoxytes Chamnerlin, 1923, from Laos (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), with Redescriptions of All Four Species of Attems from Vietnam

Desmoxytes rhinoceros (Top) is found in southern Laos, whereas D. rhinoparva (Bottom) is from northern Laos

 (Credit: Animal Systematics Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University)

Abstract

Two new species of Desmoxytes are described and abundantly illustrated: D. rhinoceros sp. n. and D. rhinoparva sp. n., from southern and northern Laos, respectively. Illustrated redescriptions of all four Vietnamese Desmoxytes species proposed by Carl Attems are also provided, based on type material.

Keywords: Millipede, Desmoxytes, new species, Laos

Desmoxytes rhinoceros is found in southern Laos,

 (Credit: Animal Systematics Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University)

Likhitrakarn, Natdanai, Sergei I. Golovatch & Somsak Panha. 2015. Two New Sspecies of Dragon Millipedes, Genus Desmoxytes Chamnerlin, 1923, from Laos (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), with Redescriptions of All Four Species of Attems from Vietnam. Zootaxa. 3931(4): 483–504.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3931.4.2

Scientists have named two new species from the bizarre-looking group of dragon millipedes – the first to be discovered in Laos

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150320-meet-two-new-dragon-millipede-species-first-described-in-laos

Sergei I. Golovatch, Youbang Li, Weixin Liu, and Jean-Jacques Geoffroy. 2012. Three new cavernicolous species of dragon millipedes, genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923, from southern China, with notes on a formal congener from the Philippines (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae). Zookeys. 2012; (185): 1–17.  doi:  10.3897/zookeys.185.3082

[Mollusca • 2015] Illustrated Type Catalogue of Amphidromus Albers, 1850 in the Natural History Museum, London, and Descriptions of Two New Species; Amphidromus (Syndromus) globonevilli & A. (S.) principalis, from Thailand

Shells and live snails characteristics.
  A Living snail of Amphidromus (Syndromus) globonevilli Sutcharit and Panha, sp. n. from the type locality with a shell height of approximately 20 mm
B Living snail of A. (Syndromus) principalis Sutcharit and Panha, sp. n. from the type locality with a shell height of approximately 25 mm
C–F A. (Syndromus) globonevilli Sutcharit and Panha, sp. n. C holotype CUMZ 4925 and D–F paratypes CUMZ 4927
G–I Syntypes UMZC of A. sinensis (Benson, 1851) from China
J–L A. (Syndromus) principalis Sutcharit and Panha, sp. n. J holotype CUMZ 2543 and K, L paratypes CUMZ 2478.

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.492.8641

Abstract

The collection of the Southeast Asian tree snail genus Amphidromus Albers, 1850 at the Natural History Museum, London includes more than 100 lots of type specimens representing 85 name-bearing types, 9 paratypes and 6 paralectotypes, and one nomen nudum. Lectotypes are here designated for A. cambojiensis, A. perakensis globosus, A. columellaris gloriosa, A. maculiferus inflata, A. lepidus, A. sinistralis lutea, A. moniliferus, A. maculiferus obscura, A. sinistralis rosea and A. sinensi vicaria. In addition, the missing types of A.A. Gould were discovered and their type status is discussed. A complete catalogue of these types, including colour photographs is provided for the first time. After examining these type specimens, two new Amphidromus species, Amphidromus (Syndromus) globonevilli Sutcharit & Panha, sp. n. and Amphidromus (Syndromus) principalis Sutcharit & Panha, sp. n. were recognized and are described herein.

Keywords: Tree snails, systematics, molluscs, type specimen, Southeast Asia, NHM, taxonomy

หอยบุษราคัม 

Amphidromus (Syndromus) principalis Sutcharit & Panha, sp. n.

(แอมฟิโดรมัส พรินซิพาลิส)

Type locality: Koh Kra, about 30 km off the east coast of Pak Phanang, Nakhon Srithammarat in the Gulf of Thailand 

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin “principalis” meaning “leader” and refers to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who chaired the Plant Genetic Conservation Project as a Royal Initiation to support biodiversity in Thailand. The malacological survey on Koh Kra in 2000 was part of an expedition supported by this project.

Distribution: This new species is known only from the type locality.

Remarks: Amphidromus principalis Sutcharit & Panha, sp. n. is known only from the type locality, the granitic island. The forestation type on the island was dry evergreen forest, the snails were found crawling on the tree leaves, trunks or branches of almost all trees up to 10 m height. We also explored two other satellite islands but found no Amphidromus on these islands or any other terrestrial snails other than subulinids.

เก็บตัวอย่างมาตั้งแต่ปี พ.ศ. 2543 จากการลงสำรวจพื้นที่เกาะกระ จังหวัดนครศรีธรรมราช ซึ่งเป็นพื้นที่โครงการอนุรักษ์พันธุกรรมพืนอันเนื่องจากมาจากพระราชดำริสมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดาฯ สยามบรมราชกุมารี และได้ค้นพบหอยต้นไม้สวยงามชนิดใหม่มีสีเหลืองสดใส ซึ่งสมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดาฯ พระราชทานชื่อหอยว่า 'หอยบุษราคัม' ชื่อวิทยาศาสตร์ว่า Amphidromus principalis Sutcharit & Panha, 2015 (แอมฟิโดรมัส พรินซิพาลิส) ทั้งนี้ คำว่า 'principalis' เป็นภาษาละติน มีความหมายว่า 'of the princess' อันหมายถึงองค์สมเด็จพระเทพฯ

                      "สำหรับคุณลักษณะของหอยบุษราคัมนั้น เปลือกมีสีเหลืองแวววาวเปรียบดั่งพลอยบุษราคัมล้ำค่า และมีลายเส้นสีเหลืองเข้มพาดตั้งฉากกับแนววงเปลือก เปลือกวงสุดท้ายมีสีเหลืองเข้มกว่าวงเปลือกด้านบน ขนาดเปลือกสูง 2.5 - 3.6 เซนติเมตร (ซม.) กว้าง 1.5 - 2.0 ซม. ส่วนลำตัวสีขาวนวลถึงสีครีมไม่มีลวดลาย ชอบอาศัยอยู่บนต้นไม้ในป่าดิบชื้นตามเกาะในอ่าวไทย บริโภคสาหร่ายและไลเคนบนผิวต้นไม้ ดำรงชีวิตบนต้นไม้ตลอดชีวิต มีเปลือกเวียนทางด้านซ้ายทุกตัวทั้งประชากร ศัตรูธรรมชาติ คือนกหลายชนิดและหนู มีการผลิตเมือกจากเท้าและแมนเทิลที่ทำสีขาวใส ช่วยเคลือบผิวลำตัวให้ขาวมันแวววาว มีสารที่เป็นประโยชน์ต่อการบำรุงผิวพรรณที่ละเอียดอ่อน มีศักยภาพไปสู่อุตสาหกรรมเวชสำอางได้อีกด้วย โดยปัจจุบันพบหอยบุษราคัม ที่เกาะกระ เพียงแห่งเดียว จึงถือเป็นทรัพยากรสำคัญและมีมูลค่าแก่การอนุรักษ์บนผืนป่าในหมู่เกาะแห่งท้องทะเลไทย"

'หอยนกเหลืองแม่สอด' หรือ หอยนกขมิ้นขอบวงน้ำตาล
Amphidromus globonevilli Sutcharit & Panha, 2015 (แอมฟิโดรมัส โกลโบเนวิลไล) 

พบที่อำเภอแม่สอด จังหวัดตาก หอยชนิดนี้อาศัยเฉพาะถิ่นบนต้นไม้ตลอดชีวิต เปลือกมีสีเหลืองและใต้ขอบวงมีแถบสีน้ำตาล เปลือกวงสุดท้ายมีแถบสีน้ำตาลสองแถบตามแนววงเปลือกใกล้กับปากเปลือก ขนาดเปลือกสูง 1.8 - 2.3 ซม. กว้าง 1.2 - 1.5 ซม. ลำตัวหอยสีขาวนวลถึงสีครีม หรือน้ำตาลอ่อน

Chirasak Sutcharit, Jonathan Ablett, Piyoros Tongkerd, Fred Naggs and Somsak Panha. 2015. Illustrated Type Catalogue of Amphidromus Albers, 1850 in the Natural History Museum, London, and Descriptions of Two New Species. ZooKeys. 492: 49-105. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.492.8641 

เปิดตัว หอยบุษราคัม หอยต้นไม้ชนิดใหม่ของโลก http://www.manager.co.th/science/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9580000102060 via @ASTVScience

'หอยบุษราคัม'ชนิดใหม่-ชื่อพระราชทาน: http://www.komchadluek.net/detail/20150909/213093.html

facebook.com/BBCThai/posts/1614858705401830

[Clitellata • 2014] Four New Species of the Earthworm Genus Amynthas Kinberg, 1867 (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from Thailand, with Redescription of the Type Species

Fig. 12. Photographs of Amynthas arenulus, new species.
A, B, living specimen from the type locality showing the coloration; C, specimen from Sisaket, just after anesthesis step in 30% (v/v) ethanol showing the coloration of the ventral side.
Fig. 11. Photographs showing typical habitat types of the new species:
A, B, Amynthas arenulus, new species. A, earthen dyke around paddy field; B, casting. C, D, Amynthas longicaeca, new species. C, dipterocarp forest; D, casting. E, F, Amynthas thakhantho, new species. E, organic gardening; F, tower–like casting.

Abstract

 The type species of the genus Amynthas Kinberg, 1867 was re-investigated using type specimens from Biozentrum Grindel und Zoologisches Museum, University of Hamburg and Swedish Museum of Natural History. Also we described four new species of the genus Amynthas from Thailand, two species of the aelianus species group, namely Amynthas arenulus Bantaowong & Panha, new species, and A. longicaeca Bantaowong & Panha, new species, and two species of the corticis species group, A. thakhantho Bantaowong & Panha, new species, and A. phucheefah Bantaowong & Panha, new species, Amynthas arenulus and A. thakhantho occur in sandy habitats of dry dipterocarp and deciduous forest, respectively, and especially in the modified highland paddy fields, while the following two species, A. longicaeca and A. phucheefah occur in deciduous forest reserve areas in clay–rich topsoil.

Key words. Amynthas, Clitellata, systematics, biodiversity, Thailand

ไส้เดือนยักษ์สุรินทร์ | Amynthas arenulus Bantaowong & Panha, new species

Etymology. The specific epithet is from the Latin for a sandy place. This refers to the find-grained sandy area modified as a highland rice paddy system, which is the habitat of the new species.

Distribution. Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani.

Habitat. The species lives in the sandy top soil at about 20–30 cm depth, in a highland paddy system modified from dipterocarp forest. Some forest patches are still present near the paddy fields.

ไส้เดือนป่าเต็งรังชัยภูมิ | Amynthas longicaeca Bantaowong & Panha, new species

Etymology. This species was named after the characteristic long intestinal caeca.

Distribution. The new species is known only from the type locality. 

Habitat. Top soil at about 20 cm depth in the dipterocarp forest at elevation 660 meters of Phu Lan Kha National Park, Chaiyaphum, at pH 7, silt loam soil.

ไส้เดือนยักษ์ภูชี้ฟ้า | Amynthas phucheefah Bantaowong & Panha, new species

Etymology. This species was named after the type locality, Mt. Phu Chee Fah.

Distribution. The new species is known only from the type locality. Our collections in nearby areas have also found some earthworm species of the genus Metaphire.

Habitat. The new species exhibited swarming in October 2008 at 1,205 m asl, and most of them were juveniles. The reason is still unknown. We collected some specimens by chance. The worms emerged from the top soil of deciduous forest and tried to migrate across a road to another side of 

the mountain.

ไส้เดือนยักษ์ท่าคันโท | Amynthas thakhantho Bantaowong & Panha, new species

Etymology. This species was named after Tha Khantho, Kalasin, the type locality of the new species.

Distribution. The new species is known only from the type locality.

Habitat. Top soil at about 15 cm depth, at pH 7, loamy soil. Worms produce columnar or tower-like castings about 20 cm high and 4 cm diameter.

Ueangfa Bantaowong, Pattana Somniyam, Chirasak Sutcharit, Samuel W James and Somsak Panha. 2014. Four New Species of the Earthworm Genus Amynthas Kinberg, 1867, with Redescription of the Type Species (Clitellata: Megascolecidae). Raffles. Bull. Zool. 62: 655–670.
http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/zoology_volume_62/62rbz655-670.pdf

CU researchers discovered new species of earthworm :
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/social/436445/biologists-find-new-earthworm-species

ตื่นตา! จุฬาฯ เปิดตัวไส้เดือนพันธุ์ไทย 50 ชนิด - ปลิงควาย - ตะขาบม่วงสิมิลัน แห่งแรกในโลก http://astv.mobi/A5kj9y3

: http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1412662631&grpid&catid=19&subcatid=1903 via @MatichonOnline

[Mollusca • 2014] The Land Snail Genus Pterocyclos Benson, 1832 (Caenogastropoda: Cyclophoridae) from Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, with Descriptions of Two New Species; Pterocyclos diluvium & P. frednaggsi

Fig. 3. A–D, Shell and operculum of Pterocyclos rupestris: A, lectotype UMZC 2359.1; B, paralectotype UMZC 2359.2; C, syntype of var. 3 UMZC 2359.3; D, operculum from same lot of the paralectotype (showing top, side and bottom views).
E, F, Specimens of P. blandi from Langkawi Island, Perlis, Malaysia CUMZ 4582.
G, Holotype UMZC 1032 of P. subalatus.
H–J, Pterocyclos spaleotes: H, lectotype NMW 1955.158.01107, I, paralectotype NMW 1981.118.02705; J, topotype specimen CUMZ 4585.
K, Holotype ZMA Moll. 135622 of P. umbraticus.
L–P, Pterocyclos diluvium Sutcharit & Panha, new species: L, holotype CUMZ 4595, M, paratype CUMZ 4588, N, specimen from Gua Cenderawasih, Perlis, Malaysia CUMZ 4592; and O, P, specimens from Tam Tone-din, Kuan-Don, Satun, Thailand CUMZ 4590 showing a: O, uniform whitish shell; and P, dark brown colour patterns.
Q–S, Pterocyclos frednaggsi Sutcharit & Panha, new species: Q, holotype CUMZ 4594; R, paratype CUMZ 4581; S, specimen from Gua Pulai, Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia CUMZ 4597

Abstract

 Specimens of the operculated land snail genus Pterocyclos Benson, 1832, from Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia were investigated based on their shell characteristics. Type specimens and topotypic material were studied and compared with newly collected specimens. Two new species are described, viz. Pterocyclos diluvium Sutcharit & Panha, new species, from Tam Sumano, Patthalung, Thailand, adjacent areas in Thailand, and Malaysia, and Pterocyclos frednaggsi Sutcharit & Panha, new species, collected from Bukit Chintamani, Pahang, Malaysia, and adjacent areas in Peninsular Malaysia. Two species that hitherto were included in Pterocyclos, viz. P. blandi Benson, 1851 and P. subulatus Sykes, 1903, were retained in this genus, while two other former Pterocyclos species were re-assigned to other genera, viz. Pearsonia regelspergeri (Morgan, 1885) and Ptychopoma perrieri (Morlet, 1889). Conversely, two previously described species in other genera (Rhiostoma spaleotes Tomlin, 1932, and Cyclotus umbraticus Benthem Jutting, 1949) are here transferred to Pterocyclos, viz. P. spaleotes (Tomlin, 1932) and P. umbraticus (Benthem Jutting, 1949). To stabilise the nomenclatural status, the lectotype of Pterocyclos rupestris

Benson, 1832, and Pterocyclos spaleotes are designated herein.

Key words: Taxonomy, systematics, limestone, biodiversity, Gastropoda

Chirasak Sutcharit, Piyoros Tongkerd & Somsak Panha. 2014. The Land Snail Genus Pterocyclos Benson, 1832 (Caenogastropoda: Cyclophoridae) from Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, with Descriptions of Two New Species. Raffles. Bull. Zool. 62: 330–338.

http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/zoology_volume_62/62rbz330-338.pdf

[Mollusca • 2013] Three New Species of the Carnivorous Snail genus Perrottetia Kobelt, 1905 (Pulmonata, Streptaxidae) from Thailand

Abstract

Three new species of the streptaxid snail genus Perrottetia are described from north and northeastern Thailand, Perrottetia aquilonaria sp. n., Perrottetia dermapyrrhosa sp. n. and Perrottetia phuphamanensis sp. n. Each species is endemic to a single or a few limestone mountain ranges. The species are characterized by the morphology of their genital organs, as well as by shell characters. Perrottetia aquilonaria sp. n. has a club shaped distal penis and large penial hooks are present and penial papillae cover almost the entire penial hook portion; adjacent areas possess low reticulated folds. Perrottetia dermapyrrhosa sp. n. has a long genital atrium and the penial sheath is about two-thirds of the penis length. Penial hooks are long, scattered and sunken into deep ovate hollows; vaginal hooks are present. Perrottetia phuphamanensis sp. n. has a rounded and protruded shell periphery. The aperture is subcircular, peristome is thick and the second parietal lamella is adjacent to the first parietal lamella; a basal lamella is the smaller than in the other Thai species.

Keywords: Systematics, land snails, taxonomy, genitalia, predator

Thanit Siriboon, Chirasak Sutcharit, Fred Naggs, Somsak Panha. 2013. Three New Species of the Carnivorous Snail genus Perrottetia Kobelt, 1905 from Thailand (Pulmonata, Streptaxidae). ZooKeys. 287 (0): 41 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.287.4572

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130415172415.htm

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/thailand-snail.html