[Entomology • 2025] Cryptotermes mobydicki • An extraordinary New termite Species (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) from French Guiana

 Cryptotermes mobydicki Scheffrahn,

in Scheffrahn, Buček, Sillam-Dussès et Šobotník, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.166021 

Abstract

Cryptotermes mobydicki sp. nov. is described from the soldier caste. The soldier is unique among all Cryptotermes species worldwide for its very narrow, elongate head capsule terminating with an extended frontal process. The new species constitutes the sixteenth Cryptotermes species for South America. Our phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that C. mobydicki sp. nov. is most closely related to the Neotropical and Central American C. mangoldi, C. parvifrons, C. cymatofrons, C. rotundiceps, and C. cavifrons.

Key words: Amazonia, frontal process, soldier

Holotype soldier of Cryptotermes mobydicki sp. nov. (FG1240), views of head and pronotum.
 A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view; C. Oblique view; D. Ventral view. Arrows point to shallow incision of frontal process.

 Cryptotermes mobydicki Scheffrahn, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Among Cryptotermes soldiers worldwide, C. mobydicki is unique for the following characters: the head capsule is very long and narrow; the frontal flange and the frontal horns are absent; and, in dorsal view, the mandibles are greatly eclipsed by the extended frontal process (Fig. 1).

Etymology. Named after Moby Dick from Herman Melville’s classic novel. The lateral view of the soldier frontal process and elongate head (Fig. 1B) resembles the head of a sperm whale. Both organisms have mandibles eclipsed by the head, and the whale eye and soldier’s antennal socket are comparatively positioned.

 Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, Aleš Buček, David Sillam-Dussès and Jan Šobotník. 2025. Cryptotermes mobydicki (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae), An extraordinary New termite Species from French Guiana. ZooKeys. 1258: 305-311. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.166021 [06-11-2025]

[Ichthyology • 2024] Hypancistrus parkateje • A New Species of Hypancistrus Isbrücker & Nijssen 1991 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rapids of the middle Rio Tocantins

 

Hypancistrus parkateje

 Araújo, Ferreira, Monteiro & Wosiacki, 2024 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15971 

 x.com/Araujoictio

Abstract

The Hypancistrus genus is recognized in the Río Orinoco basin and Rio Xingu in the Guiana and Brazilian Shields, respectively. Some of its species are important in ornamental fishing. Despite this significance, many other undescribed species are still awaiting to be named. Here we describe a new species of Hypancistrus found on bedrock in the Rio Tocantins, representing an extension of the distribution of the genus. Also, a multigene phylogeny is presented to evaluate the taxonomic position of this species concerning congeners. The new species differs from all congeners by (1) hypertrophied odontodes on cheeks reaching beyond the cleithrum, (2) a supraoccipital crest conspicuously elevated, (3) a supraorbital crest slightly convex, (4) oblique bars on the anterior part of the body, (5) a dark E-shaped mark on the snout, (6) three oblique dark bars on the anterior part of the body and horizontal vermicular bars from the pectoral girdle to the posterior insertion of the dorsal fin, (7) a thin light gray bar on the posterior of the head extending across the branchial opening, (8) a tan background color, (9) a developed suspensorium with a diminished appendix in the metapterygoid, and (10) a dentary plate robust significantly fused with the angulo-articular bone. The molecular phylogenetic results show the new species forming a group with Hypancistrus zebra (Brazilian Shield—Rio Xingu) as a clade, a sister group of a monophyletic group consisting of all congeners from the Río Orinoco.

Keywords: armored catfish, molecular phylogeny, new taxon, rheophilic fish

Holotype of Hypancistrus parkateje, 64.5 mm SL (standard length),
Brazil, Pará, Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Rio Tocantins basin.

Hypancistrus parkateje

Felipe Araújo, Marlon Ferreira, Iann Monteiro and Wolmar Wosiacki. 2024. A New Species of Hypancistrus Isbrücker & Nijssen 1991 (Loricariidae, Siluriformes) from the rapids of the middle Rio Tocantins. Journal of Fish Biology.  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15971

  x.com/Araujoictio/status/1854503751215686100

[Entomology • 2024] Panolcus filirostris • A second species of the Genus Panolcus Gerstaecker 1860 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae: Cryptorhynchini) from French Guiana and Suriname with Taxonomic Changes in Cryptorhynchini

Panolcus filirostris

Anderson. 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5437.1.2

 

Abstract

A second species of the genus Panolcus Gerstaecker, 1860 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae: Cryptorhynchini) from French Guiana and Suriname is described and compared with Panolcus scolopax Gerstaecker, 1860. Diagnostic characters and images are provided to facilitate identification. Adults were collected in a fruit of Duguetia surinamensis R.E. Fr. (Annonaceae). The genus Panolcus is transferred from Aedemonina (Cryptorhynchini) to Cryptorhynchina (Cryptorhynchini). The type species of Thrasyomus Pascoe, 1880 is here designated as Thrasyomus tumens Pascoe, 1880 and the species Thrasyomus uniformis Champion, 1905 is transferred from the genus Thrasyomus to Eubulus Kirsch, 1869 as Eubulus uniformis (Champion, 1905), new combination.

Coleoptera, biodiversity, species discovery, weevils

female Panolcus filirostris, ventral.

 7–12. Panolcus male habitus and aedeagus images.
7, Panolcus filirostris habitus, lateral; 8, Panolcus filirostris habitus, dorsal; 9, Panolcus filirostris habitus, ventral; 10, Panolcus filirostris aedeagus, dorsal view; 11, Panolcus filirostris aedeagus, lateral view; 12, Panolcus scolopax aedeagus, dorsal view.

 Mature fruit of Duguetia surinamensis R.E. Fr. (Annonaceae) from which Panolcus filirostris specimens were collected (photograph by G. Bittencourt-Silva) 

Panolcus filirostris Anderson, new species 

Diagnosis:  Body  length  10.8–11.0  mm  in  females,  9.5–9.8  mm  in  males,  width  5.0–5.5  mm  in  females,  4.8–5.0 mm in males. Rostrum in female about twice as long as elytra, apex of rostrum reaching far beyond apex of elytra (by almost length of elytra) when in repose, of male, reaching to level of posterior margin of mesocoxae. Pronotum very strongly tubulate anteriorly in female, less so in male. Femora and tibiae proportionally slenderer in both sexes (although slightly less so in male), profemora about 4 x as long as width at base, protibiae about 7–8 x as long as maximum width. Protarsus with tarsomere 1 longer than tarsomeres 2–5 in female, shorter than tarsomeres 2–5 in male. Aedeagus with lateral margins subparallel, each with acute angle (but no tooth) at point of constriction.

Robert S. Anderson. 2024. A second species of the Genus Panolcus Gerstaecker 1860 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae: Cryptorhynchini) from French Guiana and Suriname with Taxonomic Changes in Cryptorhynchini.  Zootaxa. 5437(1); 15-20. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5437.1.2

[Ichthyology • 2024] Curculionichthys monolechis • A New Species of Curculionichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Saramacca and Marowijne River Basins, Suriname and French Guiana

Curculionichthys monolechis

 de Morais, Gamarra & Reis, 2024

DOI: 10.1643/i2023051 

 twitter.com/IchsAndHerps

 

Abstract

A new species of Curculionichthys is described from the Saramacca and Marowijne (=Maroni) River basins in Suriname and French Guiana, eastern Guiana Shield. The new species possesses five of the seven diagnostic characteristics of the genus with the most remarkable morphological trait that distinguishes it from congeners being the presence of a single rostral plate. A genetic comparison with C. karipuna, the geographically closest species, showed a minimal distance of 5% in gene coI between individuals of the two species. The geographic distribution further extends the distribution of the genus across the Guiana Shield and represents the first species of the genus described from outside Brazil.

Curculionichthys monolechis, live coloration. Saut Tampock, Tampock River basin, Maroni drainage, French Guiana. Specimen not preserved.

Image from Le Bail et al. (2000).

 twitter.com/IchsAndHerps

Curculionichthys monolechis, new species

 Etymology.— Curculionichthys monolechis is from the Greek (monos), one, single, and (lekos), plate, in reference to the single rostral plate. A noun in apposition.

Andressa de Morais, Suelen P. Gamarra, Roberto E. Reis. 2024. A New Species of Curculionichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Saramacca and Marowijne River Basins, Suriname and French Guiana. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 112(1):60-68. DOI: 10.1643/i2023051

  twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1765758157169586419

Uma nova espécie de Curculionichthys é descrita das bacias dos rios Saramacca e Marowijne (=Maroni), no leste do Escudo das Guianas, no Suriname e Guiana Francesa. A nova espécie possui cinco das sete características diagnosticas do gênero, sendo a característica morfológica mais marcante que a distingue das demais congêneres a presença de placa rostral única. A comparação genética com C. karipuna, a espécie geograficamente mais próxima, mostrou uma distância mínima de 5% entre os indivíduos das duas espécies. A distribuição geográfica da espécie estende a ocorrência do gênero no Escudo das Guianas e representa a primeira espécie descrita de fora do Brasil.

[Herpetology • 2022] Chiasmocleis jacki • A New Chiasmocleis (Anura: Microhylidae) from the eastern Guiana Shield with an amended definition of C. haddadi

 

Chiasmocleis jacki

 Fouquet, Rodrigues & Peloso, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5200.1.1

 Researchgate.net/publication/364754838

Abstract

The existence of an unnamed (candidate) species from French Guiana and the state of Amapá (Brazil) closely related to Chiasmocleis haddadi has been hypothesized in previous DNA-based studies. With an integrative use of genetic, morphological and acoustic data we confirm that these populations are indeed distinct from C. haddadi and all other known congeners. We herein describe and name this new species, and amend the definition of C. haddadi since the type-series and its original diagnosis included specimens of the new species. Geographically, the new species occurs eastward of its sister species C. haddadi from which it can be distinguished by having a larger body, a proportionally smaller eye and a distinct dorsal colouration. We suspect that the new species breeds in the leaf litter and that tadpoles undergo endotrophic development whereas co-occurring C. haddadi and C. hudsoni lay clutches in the leaf litter nearby standing water of temporary ponds where exotrophic tadpoles complete their development. This new species is a new addition to the already long list of animals being endemic to the easternmost part of the Guiana Shield, a region identified as a singular bioregion within Amazonia by previous research.

Key words: acoustics, Amazonia, Amphibia, DNA, morphology, Neotropics, taxonomy

Comparison of living specimens of the three species of the Chiasmocleis hudsoni clade occurring in the Guiana Shield (left: C. jacki sp. nov.; middle: C. haddadi; right: C. hudsoni).

Antoine Fouquet, Miguel T. Rodrigues and Pedro Peloso. 2022. A New Chiasmocleis (Anura: Microhylidae) from the eastern Guiana Shield with an amended definition of C. haddadi Peloso, Sturaro, Forlani, Gaucher, Motta, & Wheeler, 2014. Zootaxa. 5200(1); 1-23. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5200.1.1

 Researchgate.net/publication/364754838_A_new_Chiasmocleis_from_the_eastern_Guiana_Shield_with_an_amended_definition_of_C_haddadi

https://zenodo.org/record/7251958 

 www.faune-guyane.fr/index.php?m_id=1164&a=573#FN573

[Botany • 2023] Vanilla cameroniana (Orchidaceae: Vanilloideae) • A New Species from French Guiana and New Records from the Guiana Shield

 Vanilla cameroniana  

in Damián-Parizaca et Mitidieri-Rivera, 2023.

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.3.5  

 facebook.com/ADamianP

Abstract

In this study, a new species of Vanilla from French Guiana is described with detailed illustrations, photographs, and distribution. Vanilla cameroniana honors Kenneth M. Cameron, a distinguished professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, for his contributions to our understanding of the subfamily Vanilloideae. The new species is placed within Vanilla subgenus Xanata, due to its distinctive penicillate callus and lip margins connate to the column. Vanilla cameroniana can be distinguished from V. appendiculata, a morphologically similar species by the broader leaves up to 12 cm wide (vs. 5.9 cm), axillary inflorescence (vs. apical), narrow linear petals, 0.2–0.3 cm wide (vs. narrowly lanceolate, 0.5–0.8 cm), unlobed lip (vs. trilobed), and sub-quadrate apex (vs. sub-acute) with a trullate-shaped structure close to the apex made of short appendages (vs. long lombricoid appendages). Detailed morphological comparisons are provided for other superficially similar species. Additionally, based on herbarium collections V. sprucei, and V. dressleri are newly recorded from the Guiana Shield, and a geographic range expansion is proposed for Vanilla corinnae. Our findings highlight the importance of conservation efforts of fragile ecosystems such as swamps in the Guiana Shield.

 

Keywords: Monocots, fragrant clade, French Guiana, Neotropics, taxonomy, Xanata

Alexander Damián-Parizaca and Nicole Mitidieri-Rivera. 2023. Vanilla cameroniana (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), A New Species from French Guiana and New Records from the Guiana Shield.  Phytotaxa. 609(3); 222-232. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.3.5 

  facebook.com/ADamianP/posts/10161712835371803

 Researchgate.net/publication/373331753_Vanilla_cameroniana_a_new_species_from_French_Guiana

[Herpetology • 2022] Pristimantis crepitaculus • Back from the Deaf: Integrative Taxonomy Revalidates An Earless and Mute Species, Hylodes grandoculis, and Confirms A New Species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Eastern Guiana Shield

Pristimantis crepitaculus 

Fouquet, Peloso, Jairam, Lima, Mônico, Ernst & Kok, 2022

 DOI: 10.1007/s13127-022-00564-w 

Researchgate.net/publication/361326971 

Abstract

Many anuran species remain to be formally named and described in Amazonia, notably in the Guiana Shield, and particularly in megadiverse groups such as Pristimantis. Several species in the Guiana Shield region have been confused with Pristimantis marmoratus and P. ockendeni. Hylodes grandoculis, a taxon previously placed in the synonymy of P. marmoratus, may be available for one of these species. To disentangle this confusing situation, we examined the external morphology and osteology (via µ-CT scans) of the holotype of H. grandoculis, the holotype of Pristimantis marmoratus, and of recently collected material for which we also analyzed molecular, acoustic, and morphological variation. We concluded that some populations from Suriname and northern Pará, Brazil, are distinct from P. marmoratus and correspond to Pristimantis grandoculis. Other populations, from French Guiana, are closely related to P. grandoculis but their status remains ambiguous. Finally, some populations, from French Guiana and Amapá, Brazil, are conspicuously distinct from both P. marmoratus and P. grandoculis and are described herein as P. crepitaculus sp. nov. A third species, belonging to a “trans-amazon complex”, occurs in southern Suriname, Guyana, and Brazil and remains undescribed. Pristimantis grandoculis and related populations from French Guiana lack external tympanum, columella, pharyngeal ostia, vocal slits and do not vocalize. This represents a rare, perhaps unique, example of a deaf and mute species of frogs from the Amazonian lowlands.

Keywords: Amazonia, Amphibia, Morphology, Tomography

a Holotype of Pristimantis crepitaculus sp. nov. in dorsal, ventral views.
 b Hand, foot and lateral view of the head. c Photographs of the holotype in life.
 d Several photographs of additional specimens in life

Pristimantis crepitaculus sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a latinised adjective referring to the call structure of the new species, which sounds like a rattle (crepitaculum).

Antoine Fouquet, Pedro Peloso, Rawien Jairam, Albertina P. Lima, Alexander T. Mônico, Raffael Ernst and Philippe J. R. Kok. 2022. Back from the Deaf: Integrative Taxonomy Revalidates An Earless and Mute Species, Hylodes grandoculis van Lidth de Jeude, 1904, and Confirms A New Species of Pristimantis Jiménez de la Espada, 1870 (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Eastern Guiana Shield. Organisms Diversity & Evolution. DOI: 10.1007/s13127-022-00564-w

Researchgate.net/publication/361326971_integrative_taxonomy_revalidates_Hylodes_grandoculis_et_a_new_species_of_Pristimantis

[Botany • 2021] Anemopaegma kawense (Bignoniaceae) • A New Species from the Kaw Mountain (French Guiana), with Notes on related Species and A Key to the Genus in the Guianas

Anemopaegma kawense O.Lachenaud & Firetti-Legg., 

in Lachenaud, Firetti & Lohmann, 2021. 

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2021.1775

 twitter.com/PlEcEvo 

Researchgate.net/publication/352723600

Abstract

Background and aims – The genus Anemopaegma (Bignoniaceae) includes around 47 species and has its centre of diversity in Brazil. Here, we describe and illustrate a new species from French Guiana, Anemopaegma kawense, and compare it to the two most similar species, A. foetidum and A. granvillei. We further assess the conservation status of all three species.

Material and methods – Morphological descriptions are based on herbarium specimens deposited at BM, BR, CAY, INPA, K, MO, P, SPF, and U, and, in the case of the newly described species, also on field observations. The conservation status assessments follow the IUCN Red List criteria.

Key results – Anemopaegma kawense differs from both A. foetidum and A. granvillei by its densely villose twigs, longitudinally plicate leaflets with secondary veins not or hardly prominent below, and tertiary veins impressed below. It is further separated from A. foetidum by the leaflets that are villose below and the calyx that is entirely pubescent outside. On the other hand, A. kawense differs from A. granvillei by the densely lepidote outer surface of the corolla, shorter petiolules, leaflets with midrib impressed above, shorter bracts and bracteoles, inflorescence peduncle exceeding the rachis, and pedicels densely puberulous, not lepidote or only sparsely so at the apex. This species is endemic to the Kaw Mountain in north-eastern French Guiana, where it grows in low stunted forest on laterite; it is assessed as Endangered according to the IUCN criteria. New descriptions are provided for A. granvillei, which is newly reported from Suriname, and for A. foetidum, which is newly reported from French Guiana; these two species are assessed as Endangered and Least Concern, respectively. Lectotypes are designated for A. maguirei, which is here synonymised with A. foetidum, and for A. umbellatum, another synonym of that species. A key to the 12 species of Anemopaegma occurring in the Guianas is presented. impressed above (vs prominent), tendrils with trifid apices (vs simple), bracts and bracteoles ca 1 mm long (vs 2–3.5 mm long), inflorescence peduncle exceeding the rachis (vs shorter than rachis), and pedicels densely puberulous, not or sparsely lepidote at apex (vs glabrous to sparsely puberulous and densely lepidote).

Keywords: Anemopaegma, Bignoniaceae, Bignonieae, French Guiana, Guiana Shield, Kaw Mountain, new species, rainforest, Suriname, taxonomy

 

Anemopaegma kawense O.Lachenaud & Firetti-Legg. 
A. Flowering stem. B. Detail of stem indumentum. C. Detail of indumentum on lower surface of leaflet. D. Prophylls of the axillary buds. E. Tendril. F. Flower. G. Detail of base of corolla lobes, outside. H. Calyx, seen from outside. I. Detail of calyx indumentum. J. Dissected corolla, with stamens and staminode. K. Style, ovary, and disk. L. Detail of ovary (outer surface). M. Fruit. N. Seed.

From Lachenaud et al. 2134. Drawn by Klei Sousa.

Anemopaegma kawense O.Lachenaud & Firetti-Legg. 
A. Habit. B. Flowers. C. Flower, side view, and leaves seen from below. D. Seed. E. Fruiting branch with one immature and one dehisced fruit. F. Immature fruit.

From Lachenaud et al. 2134. Photographs by Olivier Lachenaud.

Anemopaegma kawense O.Lachenaud & Firetti-Legg., sp. nov. 

Diagnosis – Anemopaegma kawense resembles A. foetidum and A. granvillei in its contracted and few-flowered inflorescences, truncate calyx, minute prophylls of the axillary buds, and leaflets with pinnate venation and weakly ascending secondary veins. It differs from both species by its densely villose twigs, longitudinally plicate leaflets with secondary veins not or hardly prominent on the lower surface, and tertiary veins impressed on the lower surface (vs twigs glabrous or minutely puberulous, leaflets flat with secondary and tertiary veins prominent below). It is further separated from A. foetidum by the villose lower surface of leaflets (vs glabrous) and the calyx which is entirely pubescent outside (vs glabrous towards the apex, except for the ciliate margin). It additionally differs from A. granvillei by the following characters: corolla densely lepidote outside (vs glabrous), petiolules 1–4 mm long (vs 5–10 mm long), leaflet midrib

Olivier Lachenaud, Fabiana Firetti and Lúcia G. Lohmann. 2021. Anemopaegma kawense (Bignoniaceae), A New Species from the Kaw Mountain (French Guiana), with Notes on related Species and A Key to the Genus in the Guianas.  Plant Ecology and Evolution. 154(2);  296-306. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2021.1775

 twitter.com/PlEcEvo/status/1440579689228034054

Researchgate.net/publication/352723600_Anemopaegma_kawense_a_new_species_from_the_Kaw_Mountain_French_Guiana

[Herpetology • 2021] Synapturanus zombie, S. mesomorphus & S. ajuricaba • Comparative Osteology of the Fossorial Frogs of the Genus Synapturanus (Anura, Microhylidae) with the Description of Three New Species from the Eastern Guiana Shield

Synapturanus zombie sp. nov. from French Guiana and Brazil (Amapá), 
S. mesomorphus sp. nov. from Guyana and Venezuela,
and S. ajuricaba sp. nov. from Brazil (states of Amazonas and Pará). 

 Fouquet, Leblanc, Fabre, Rodrigues, Menin, ... et Kok, 2021

  DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.05.003 

  twitter.com/GrumpyDrFabre 

Abstract

The genus Synapturanus includes three nominal species of fossorial Amazonian frogs. A previous study combining molecular, morphological and acoustic data suggested that there may be six times more species than currently recognized. Herein we describe and name three of these new species and compare their osteology. Synapturanus zombie sp. nov. occurs in French Guiana and Amapá (Brazil), S. mesomorphus sp. nov. in Guyana and adjacent Venezuela, and S. ajuricaba sp. nov. in the northern part of the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Pará. These species are readily differentiated from congeners by a combination of external morphological characters such as body size, development of fringes on fingers and coloration, by advertisement call variables, and by osteological traits. Along with osteological reinforcement of the skull, atlas and scapular region, the reduction of the size of phalanges, more developed fringes on fingers, smaller eyes and larger body size, altogether suggest an overall increase of the fossorial habits in the easternmost species. In contrast, the relatively conserved morphology of the posterior part of the body across the genus suggests that fossoriality mostly involves the anterior part. Furthermore, the fusion of tarsal bones in the species of the western clade may indicate locomotory adaptation to more epigean habits.

Keywords: Amazonia, Amphibia, Integrative taxonomy, Morphology, Tomography

Synapturanus zombie sp. nov

Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi Nelson and Lescure, 1975.

Synapturanus sp. “Eastern Guianas” Vacher et al., 2020; Fouquet et al., 2021

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun in apposition referring to zombies, fictional undead corporeal revenants, originating from Haitian folklore and omnipresent in pop culture movies. The call of this species is only heard during and after heavy rain showers, when herpetologists are often not properly equipped, thus ending up soaked and digging with their bare hands in the mud in the midst of thunderstorms, reminiscent of zombies extracting themselves from the ground.

Synapturanus mesomorphus sp. nov

Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi Nelson and Lescure, 1975; Ernst et al., 2005.

Synapturanus salseri Kok and Kalamandeen, 2008; Cole et al., 2013.

Synapturanus sp. “Guyana” Vacher et al., 2020; Fouquet et al., 2021

Etymology: The specific epithet comes from the Greek mesos (middle, intermediate) and morphē (sort, appearance, form) and refers to the intermediate morphology of the species between the easternmost species of the eastern clade and the species of the western clade (Fouquet et al., 2021).

Synapturanus ajuricaba sp. nov. 

Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi Nelson and Lescure, 1975.

Synapturanus salseri Lima et al., 2012; Peloso et al., 2015

Synapturanus cf. salseri Menin et al., 2007.

Synapturanus sp. “Manaus” Vacher et al., 2020; Fouquet et al., 2021

Etymology: The specific name ajuricaba is used as a noun in apposition and is given as a reference to the legendary indigenous figure, Ajuricaba, a prominent leader of the Manaós indigenous people—considered extinct. They were one of the most important tribes of the Rio Negro. Ajuricaba led several incursions by the Manaós and allied groups against European settlements in the Rio Negro region. For his effort and leadership, he became one of the symbols of indigenous resistance against European colonization. Ajuricaba was eventually captured and was to be conducted to Belém, probably to be enslaved. History tells that during his transport to the capital, while still in chains, Ajuricaba and his men rebelled against captors, killing several of them. Eventually losing the battle, the survivors, including Ajuricaba, jumped into the waters of the Amazon river and were never seen again. For additional details about this important indigenous figure, see Souza (2019).

 Antoine Fouquet, Killian Leblanc, Anne-Claire Fabre, Miguel T. Rodrigues, Marcelo Menin, Elodie A. Courtois, Maël Dewynter, Monique Hölting, Raffael Ernst, Pedro Peloso and Philippe J.R. Kok. 2021. Comparative Osteology of the Fossorial Frogs of the Genus Synapturanus (Anura, Microhylidae) with the Description of Three New Species from the Eastern Guiana Shield. Zoologischer Anzeiger. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.05.003 

  twitter.com/GrumpyDrFabre/status/1394279727892996097

[Herpetology • 2021] Bothrops oligobalius • Molecular and Phenotypic Data reveal A New Amazonian Species of Pit Vipers (Serpentes: Viperidae: Bothrops)

 

Bothrops oligobalius 

Dal Vechio, Prates, Grazziotin, Graboski & Rodrigues, 2021. 

 

DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2020.1845835 

 IvanPrates.org/publications  

ABSTRACT

Recent genetic studies have found unclear species boundaries and evidence of undescribed diversity in the poorly studied jararacussu species group within Bothrops. In this contribution, we investigate phenotypic and genetic diversity in the Amazonian snake Bothrops brazili to test previous assertions of unrecognised species diversity within this taxon. Our phylogenetic results and inferences of independently evolving lineages based on molecular data recover two divergent clades within B. brazili, one restricted to areas north and another to areas south of the Amazon River. Phylogenetic relationships between these lineages and other species in the jararacussu species group reveal B. brazili to be paraphyletic, with the northern clade inferred as sister to a clade composed of Atlantic Forest taxa (B. jararacussu, B. muriciensis, B. pirajai). External morphology (number of ventral and subcaudal scales) and colouration patterns (lateral trapezoidal marks) consistently separate the two lineages of B. brazili. We therefore recognise and describe the northern lineage as a new species of Bothrops, improving our knowledge of species diversity within a medically important clade of venomous South American snakes.

KEYWORDS: Amazonia, Amazon River, Bothrops brazili, B. jararacussu, B. pirajai, B. muriciencis, species delimitation

Figure 2. Bothrops oligobalius sp. nov. from French Guiana.

Photo by Maël Dewynter.

Bothrops oligobalius sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (1) A robust body species, SVL = 245–805 mm, (2) short tail, TL = 35–113 mm; (3) 23–27 dorsals on the first third of the body; (4) 23–25 dorsals at midbody; (5) 18–21 dorsals on the last third of the body; (6) 156–164 ventrals in females (median = 160) and 154–159 in males (median = 156); (7) anal scale not divided; (8) 42–48 paired subcaudals in females (median = 44.5) and 47–52 in males (median = 48.8); (9) 9–13 lateral trapezoidal marks in each side (median = 11,01 and 11,7 on the right and left side, respectively); (10) postorbital stripe absent or poorly marked; (11) eight supralabials; (12) 10–12 infralabials; (13) second supralabial fused to the prelacunal; (14) belly checkered; (15) absence of vertebral stripe.

Figure 6. Geographic map of South America showing the distribution of Bothrops oligobalius sp. nov. (yellow) and B. brazili (red). Outlined diamonds and circles represent sites with genetic samples available. Diamonds with an inner dot indicate the type locality of each both species. The Amazonian biome is highlighted in green; the Amazon River is also indicated.
Photos: B. oligobalius sp. nov. from French Guiana, by Maël Dewynter;
B. brazili from Porto Velho, RO, Brazil, by Francisco Dal Vechio.

Etymology: The specific name derives from the Greek oligos (few) and balios (spotted, dappled). The name is a reference to the smaller number of lateral trapezoidal marks on the body compared to Bothrops brazili, a name now restricted to the populations south of the Amazon River.

 

Francisco Dal Vechio, Ivan Prates, Felipe G. Grazziotin, Roberta Graboski and Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues. 2021. Molecular and Phenotypic Data reveal A New Amazonian Species of Pit Vipers (Serpentes: Viperidae: Bothrops). Journal of Natural History. 2415-2437. DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2020.1845835  

IvanPrates.org/publications  

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[Botany • 2020] Aristolochia wankeana (Aristolochiaceae) • Floral Geometric Morphometrics unveils A New Cauliflorous Species of Aristolochia from the Guiana Shield

Aristolochia wankeana   

in Freitas, González, Poncy, et al., 2020. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.474.1.1

Abstract

Aristolochia wankeana (Aristolochiaceae), a new species from French Guiana and Guyana, is described and illustrated here. Floral traits, primarily of the shape and size of the perianth limb, examined through a morphometric geometric analysis, are diagnostic to distinguish the new species from its relatives A. cornuta and A. iquitensis. The species belongs to Aristolochia subser. Anthocaulicae, characterized by having extremely short cauliflorous racemes with scale-like, triangular subtending bracts. This is the first study that uses morphometrics for taxonomic purposes in Aristolochia, an approach that becomes promising to solve species complexes in this genus.

Keywords: floral morphometry, Flora of the Guianas, new species, Piperales, Magnoliids

Aristolochia wankeana

Joelcio Freitas, Favio González, Odile Poncy, Christian Feuillet and Anderson Alves-Araújo. 2020. Floral Geometric Morphometrics unveils A New Cauliflorous Species of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) from the Guiana Shield. Phytotaxa. 474(1); 1–14. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.474.1.1

New plant species from Amazonia region named after Dresden botanist

phys.org/news/2020-12-species-amazonia-region-dresden-botanist.html

[Herpetology • 2019] Anomaloglossus mitaraka • A New Species of Anomaloglossus (Anura: Aromobatidae) of the stepheni group

Anomaloglossus mitaraka

Fouquet, Vacher, Courtois, Deschamps, Ouboter, Jairam, Gaucher, Dubois & Kok, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4576.3.2

 twitter.com/JP_Vacher twitter.com/ISYEBsp

Abstract

Anomaloglossus is a species-rich genus of frogs endemic to the Guiana Shield that still harbors several unnamed species. Within the A. stepheni species group (which includes four valid nominal species), A. baeobatrachus has an uncertain taxonomic status, notably because the holotype was an unvouchered specimen depicted in a popular journal. Another member of this group, A. leopardus, was only superficially described, lacking information on the sex of specimens in the type series and on advertisement call. Therefore, these two taxa need clarifications in order to allow the description of the extant undescribed species. In this paper, we redescribe A. baeobatrachus based on newly collected material from the species type locality and provide information about its reproductive ecology. We also provide an amended definition of A. leopardus using newly collected material from its type locality. These two species form a clade along with a third species from the Eastern Guiana Shield, which is also described herein. The reproductive biology of A. baeobatrachus and A. stepheni is very similar. Both species have endotrophic and nidicolous tadpoles, despite being distantly related, suggesting independent evolution of this breeding mode. The new species and A. leopardus, on the other hand, have exotrophic tadpoles.

Keywords: Amphibia, Amazonia, Endemism, Endotrophy, Guiana Shield, Reproductive mode, Taxonomy

Anomaloglossus mitaraka sp. nov. male AF2878 carrying tadpoles to the water. 

Anomaloglossus mitaraka sp. nov. 

Anomaloglossus sp. “Mitaraka” Vacher et al. 2017 

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the type locality (Mitaraka, French Guiana). 

Antoine Fouquet, Jean-Pierre Vacher, Elodie A. Courtois, Chloé Deschamps, Paul Ouboter, Rawien Jairam, Philippe Gaucher, Alain Dubois and Philippe J.R. Kok. 2019. A New Species of Anomaloglossus (Anura: Aromobatidae) of the stepheni group with the Redescription of A. baeobatrachus (Boistel and de Massary, 1999), and An Amended Definition of A. leopardus Ouboter and Jairam, 2012. Zootaxa. 4576(3); 439-460. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4576.3.2

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Chez les grenouilles, s’hybrider en ayant des modes de reproduction distincts c’est possible !

inee.cnrs.fr/fr/cnrsinfo/chez-les-grenouilles-shybrider-en-ayant-des-modes-de-reproduction-distincts-cest-possible

Antoine Fouquet, Berengère Ferrier, Jordi Salmona, et al., 2019. Phenotypic and Life-history Diversification in Amazonian Frogs despite Past Introgressions. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 130; 169-180. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.09.010

[Herpetology • 2018] A Pan-Amazonian Species Delimitation: High Species Diversity within the Genus Amazophrynella (Anura: Bufonidae)

 (A–B) Amazophrynella minuta; (C–D) A. teko sp. nov.; (E–F) A. siona sp. nov.; (G–H) A. xinguensis sp. nov.;

(O) A. matses; (Q) A. javierbustamantei; (S) A. vote; (U) A. moisesii sp. nov.

Rojas, Fouquet, Ron, Hernández-Ruz, Melo-Sampaio, et al​., 2018. 

 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4941

photos by Rommel R. Rojas, Antoine Fouquet, Santiago R. Ron, Emil Hernándes-Ruz, Juan Carlos Chapparro,  Robson W. Ávila & Paulo R. Melo-Sampaio.

Abstract

Amphibians are probably the most vulnerable group to climate change and climate-change associate diseases. This ongoing biodiversity crisis makes it thus imperative to improve the taxonomy of anurans in biodiverse but understudied areas such as Amazonia. In this study, we applied robust integrative taxonomic methods combining genetic (mitochondrial 16S, 12S and COI genes), morphological and environmental data to delimit species of the genus Amazophrynella (Anura: Bufonidae) sampled from throughout their pan-Amazonian distribution. Our study confirms the hypothesis that the species diversity of the genus is grossly underestimated. Our analyses suggest the existence of eighteen linages of which seven are nominal species, three Deep Conspecific Lineages, one Unconfirmed Candidate Species, three Uncategorized Lineages, and four Confirmed Candidate Species and described herein. We also propose a phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus and discuss its implications for historical biogeography of this Amazonian group.

Amazophrynella teko sp. nov.

 Amazonella sp. Guianas (Fouquet et al., 2012a: 829, French Guiana [in part])

Amazophrynella sp. Guianas (Fouquet et al., 2012b: 68, French Guiana [in part])

Amazophrynella sp. Guianas (Rojas et al., 2015: 85, French Guiana [in part])

Amazophrynella sp1. (Fouquet et al., 2015: 365, French Guiana [in part])

Amazophrynella sp. aff. manaos (Rojas et al., 2016: 49, French Guiana [in part])

Diagnosis. An Amazophrynella with (1) SVL12.9–15.8 mm in males, 17.9–21.5 mm in females; (2) snout acute in lateral view; upper jaw, in lateral view, protruding beyond lower jaw; (3) texture of dorsal skin granular; (4) cranial crest, vocal slits and nuptial pads absent; (5) dorsum covered by abundant rounded granules; (6) abundance of granules on tympanic area, on edges of upper arms and on dorsal surface of arms; (7) ventral skin highly granular; (8) fingers slender, basally webbed; (9) finger III relatively short (HAL/SVL 0.2–0.22 mm, n = 30); (10) finger I shorter than finger II; (11) palmar tubercle protruding and elliptical; (12) hind limbs relatively short (TAL/SVL 0.48–0.49, n = 30); (13) toes slender, basally webbed; in life: (14) venter cream; small blotches on venter.

Distribution and natural history. Amazophrynella teko sp. nov. have been recorded from the district of Saint Laurent du Marioni, Saint Georges and Camopi, French Guiana, the state of Amapá, Brazil and in the southern region of Suriname (A Fouquet, pers. obs., 2017). It occurs at elevations ranging from 70 m a.s.l. to 350 m a.s.l. The species is diurnal and crepuscular but is also active at night during peak breeding period, which normally occurs at the beginning of the rainy season (January–February). This species shows a conspicuous sexual dimorphism, with males being much smaller than females. The conservation status of this species remains unknown. The habitat destruction and pollution must affect their populations; however, due to its abundance we believe that this species probably needs not be classified above Least Concern category.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the name of the Teko Amerindians who occupy the southern half of French Guiana; the area occupied by the Teko tribe also encompasses the type locality.

Amazophrynella siona sp. nov.

 Atelopus minutus: (Duellman & Lynch, 1969: 238, Sarayacu [Ecuador])

Dendrophryniscus minutus (Duellman, 1978: 120, Santa Cecilia [Ecuador])

Dendrophryniscus minutus (Duellman & Mendelson III 1995: 336, vicinities of San Jacilllo and Teniente Lopez [Peru])

Amazonela cf. minutus “western Amazonia” (Fouquet et al., 2012a: 829, “western Amazonia”, Ecuador [in part])

Amazophrynella cf. minutus “western Amazonia” (Fouquet et al., 2012a: 68, “western Amazonia”, Ecuador [in part])

Amazophrynella aff. minuta “western Amazonia” (Rojas et al., 2015: 84, “western Amazonia”, Ecuador [in part])

Amazophrynella aff. minuta (Rojas et al., 2016: 49, “western Amazonia”, Ecuador [in part])

Diagnosis. An Amazophrynella with (1) SVL 11.5–14.7 mm in males, 16.1–20.0 mm in females; (2) snout acute in lateral view; upper jaw, in lateral view, protruding beyond lower jaw; (3) texture of dorsal skin finely granular; (4) cranial crests, vocal slits and nuptial pads absent; (5) small granules from the outer edge of the mouth to upper arm; (6) ventral skin granular; (7) tiny granules on ventral surfaces; (8) fingers slender, basally webbed; (9) finger III relative short (HAL/SVL 0.20–0.21, n = 62); (10) finger I shorter than finger II; (11) palmar tubercle rounded; (12) hind limbs relatively large (TAL/SVL 0.5–0.52, n = 62); (13) toes lacking lateral fingers; in life: (14) venter reddish brown; yellow blotches on venter.

Distribution and natural history. Amazophrynella siona sp. nov. have been recorded from Ecuador, in Provinces of Orellana, Sucumbíos and Pastaza and Peru in the Province Andoas, northern Loreto Department. It occurs at elevations ranging from 200–900 m a.s.l. The species is found in the leaf litter of primary and secondary forest, terra firme or flooded forest, and swamps. It is active during the day; at night individuals rest on leaves, usually less than 50 cm above ground. It breeds throughout the year (Duellman, 1978). This species shows conspicuous sexual dimorphism, with males being much smaller than females. The amplexus is axillar. Eggs are pigmented; males call from amidst leaf litter. Duellman & Lynch (1969) reported that this species deposited its eggs in gelatinous strands 245–285 mm long, with 245–291 eggs. It can be abundant at some sites (e.g., Cuyabeno reserve; SR Ron, pers. obs., 2018) Given its large distribution range (>20,000 km2) which also includes vast protected areas and locally abundant populations, we suggest assignment this species to the Least Concern category.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the Siona, a western Tucanoan indigenous group that inhabits the Colombian and Ecuadorian Amazon. The Siona inhabit the Cuyabeno Lakes region, an area where Amazophrynella siona sp. nov. is be abundant. While working in his undergraduate thesis in the early 1990s, SRR lived with the Siona at Cuyabeno. The Siona chief, Victoriano Criollo, had an encyclopedic knowledge of the natural history of the Amazonian forest, superior in extent and detail to that of experienced biologists. His death, a few years ago, represents one of many instances of irreplaceable loss of traditional knowledge triggered by cultural change among Amazonian Amerindians.

  (C–D) Amazophrynella teko sp. nov. photo by Antoine Fouquet; 
(E–F) A. siona sp. nov. photo by Santiago R. Ron;
(G–H) A. xinguensis sp. nov. photo by Emil Hernándes-Ruz; 
(U–V) A. moisesii sp. nov. photo by Paulo R. Melo-Sampaio.

Amazophrynella xinguensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. An Amazophrynella with (1) SVL 17.0–20.0 mm in males, 22.4–26.3 mm in females; (2) snout pointed in lateral view; (3) upper jaw, in lateral view, protruding beyond lower jaw; 4) tympanums, vocal sac, parotid gland and cranial crest not evident; (5) texture of dorsal skin highly granular; (6) abundance of small tubercles on dorsum, on upper arm and on arms; (7) texture of ventral skin granular; (8) fingers I and II basally webbed; (9) finger III relative short (HAL/SVL = 0.20–0.22, n = 18); (10) thumb larger and robust; (11) finger I larger or equal than finger II, FI = 2.1 vs. FII = 2.1 in adult males, n = 5 and FI = 2.8 mm, vs. FII = 2.9 mm, in adult females, n = 13; (12) palmar tubercle ovoid; (13) toes slender, basally webbed; in life: (14) venter greyish; black dots on venter.

Distribution and natural history. Amazophrynella xinguensis sp. nov. have been recorded from State of Pará, Brazil, at three localities: PDS Virola Jatoba, municipality of Anapú, Fazenda Paraiso, municipality of Senador José Porfirio (right bank of Xingu River) and Ramal dos Cocos, municipality of Altamira (left bank of Xingu River), all of them in area of influence of the Belo Monte dam. It occurs in elevations of 86–106 m a.s.l. This species is found amidst leaf litter. The amplexus is axillar (Fig. 18C). Reproduction occurs in the rainy season in tiny puddles. Males were found hidden in the leaf litter. Tadpoles and advertisement call are unknown. The conservation status of this species remains unknown, but the recent construction of the Belo Monte hydroelectric complex on the Xingu River represents a threat to the population status of this species.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to geographic distribution of the species within the lower Xingu River basin, Brazil.

Amazophrynella moisesii sp. nov.

Dendrophryniscus minutus (Bernarde et al. 2011: 120 plate 2, Fig. d)

Amazophrynella minuta (Bernarde et al. 2013: 224, 227 plate 7 Fig. c; Miranda et al. 2015: 96)

Diagnosis. An Amazophrynella with (1) SVL 12.2–15.8 mm in males, 16.4–20.9 mm in females; (2) snout acuminate in lateral view, upper jaw, in lateral view, protruding beyond lower jaw; (3) snout length protuberant, large for the genus (SL/HL = 0.48–0.5); (4) cranial crest, vocal slits and nuptial pads absent; (5) small tubercles on upper arms and posterior area of tympanums; (6) texture of dorsal skin tuberculate; (7) texture of ventral skin highly granular (8) finger III relative large (HAL/SVL 0.23–0.25, n = 28); (9) fingers slender, basally webbed; (10) finger I shorter than finger II; (11) palmar tubercle elliptic; (12) hind limbs relatively large (TAL/SVL 0.51–0.53, n = 28); (13) toes slender basally webbed; in life: (14) venter pale yellow; small irregular dots on venter.

Distribution and natural history. Amazophrynella moisesii sp. nov. have been recorded from Brasil. State of Acre: municipalities of Cruzeiro do Sul, Mâncio Lima, Porto Walter and Tarauacá; State of Amazonas: municipality of Envira. Peru: Department of Huanuco, Panguana, Rio Llullapichis. Due to its abundance and presence in conservation units of Brazil (Floresta Estadual do Gregório, Reserva Extrativista do Alto Juruá and Parque Nacional da Serra do Divisor) we recommend the IUCN Least Concern category.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to Dr. Moisés Barbosa de Souza, a Brazilian biologist, professor and friend at the Universidade Federal do Acre (UFAC), to whom we dedicate this species in recognition of his contributions to herpetological research and amphibian conservation in the state of Acre, Brazil.

Figure 25: Confirmed candidate species (CCS) of Amazophrynella. (A–B) Amazophrynella minuta photo by Rommel R. Rojas; (C–D) A. teko sp. nov. photo by Antoine Fouquet; (E–F) A. siona sp. nov. photo by Santiago R. Ron; (G–H) A. xinguensis sp. nov. photo by Emil Hernándes-Ruz; (I–J) A. bokermanni photo by Marcelo Gordo; (K–L) A. manaos photo by Rommel R. Rojas. (M–N) A. amazonicola photo by Rommel R. Rojas. (O–P) A. matses photo by Rommel R. Rojas; (Q–R) A. javierbustamantei photo by Juan Carlos Chapparro; (S–T) A. vote photo by Robson W. Ávila; (U–V) A. moisesii sp. nov. photo by Paulo R. Melo-Sampaio.

Rommel R. Rojas, Antoine Fouquet, Santiago R. Ron, José Hernández-Ruz, Paulo R. Melo-Sampaio, Juan C. Chaparro, Richard C. Vogt, Vinicius Tadeu de Carvalho, Leandra Cardoso Pinheiro, Robson W. Avila, Izeni Pires Farias, Marcelo Gordo and Tomas Hrbek​. 2018. A Pan-Amazonian Species Delimitation: High Species Diversity within the Genus Amazophrynella (Anura: Bufonidae). PeerJ. 6:e4941  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4941