Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts

Monday, April 8, 2019

[Crustacea • 2018] Parasesarma peninsulare • Morphological and Phylogenetic Evidence for A New Species of Parasesarma De Man, 1895 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from the Malay Peninsula, previously referred to as Parasesarma indiarum (Tweedie, 1940)


 Parasesarma peninsulare 
Shahdadi, Ng & Schubart, 2018

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 66

Abstract 
A colourful crab currently referred to as Parasesarma indiarum (Tweedie, 1940) is a relatively common species in Southeast Asian mangroves and has been recorded from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The present study compares the material from Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia to the type specimens from Ambon, and recognises two species based on their morphology and genetic distances. The structure of the chelar dactylar tubercles and molecular data support the distinction of specimens originating from Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore from those of Ambon corresponding to P. indiarum sensu stricto. We here describe them as a separate species, Parasesarma peninsulare new species, and compare it with allied congeners. 

Key words. taxonomy, mangrove crab, pseudocryptic species, new species, Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia

SYSTEMATICS 
Family Sesarmidae Dana, 1851 
Genus Parasesarma De Man, 1895, 
sensu Shahdadi & Schubart, 2017 

Type species. Cancer quadratus Fabricius, 1798, 
subsequent designation by Rathbun (1918). 

Fig. 10.  Parasesarma peninsulare new species,
holotype, male (25.5 × 22.2 mm) (ZRC 2017.1075). A, dorsal habitus; B, ventral habitus.

 Parasesarma peninsulare new species

Sesarma (Chiromantes) bidens indica: Tweedie, 1936: 66. (not Sesarma bidens var. indica De Man, 1902) 
Sesarma bidens indiarum: Tweedie, 1940: 93 (part) (not Sesarma bidens indiarum Tweedie, 1940). 
Chiromantes indiarum: Tan & Ng, 1994: 82 (list).
Perisesarma indiarum: Boon et al., 2008; Huang et al., 2008; Boon et al., 2009; Ng et al., 2008: 225, fig. 162 (not Sesarma bidens indiarum Tweedie, 1940).

Etymology. This species is named after its known area of distribution, the Malay Peninsula

Fig. 14. Parasesarma peninsulare new species, colour in life.
 A–D, male; E–F, female; specimens not collected.
 A, E, dorsal habitus; B, F, ventral habitus; C, D, G, front view; H, left chela, outer view.

Distribution. Based on present material, so far known from both coasts of the Malay Peninsula, including the western coast to Thap Lamu, eastern side Chumphon (both Thailand), southward to Singapore and Batam Island (Riau Archipelago, Indonesia).

Habitat. In its distribution range, P. peninsulare new species is a relatively common species in mangroves swamps and can sometimes be found in good numbers, occasionally in partial sympatry with P. eumolpe, on muddy substrates. They are active burrowers, with burrow mouths often found within the aerial root systems of mangrove tree (Huang et al., 2008; Boon et al., 2009).




Adnan Shahdadi, Peter K. L. Ng and Christoph D. Schubart. 2019. Morphological and Phylogenetic Evidence for A New Species of Parasesarma De Man, 1895 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from the Malay Peninsula, previously referred to as Parasesarma indiarum (Tweedie, 1940). RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 66; 739–762.   lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/app/uploads/2018/01/66rbz739-762.pdf


Thursday, January 3, 2019

[Arachnida • 2018] Cyclosa bulla • A New Species of Cyclosa (Araneae: Araneidae) from Southeast Asia


Cyclosa bulla  
Tanikawa & Petcharad, 2018

  DOI: 10.2476/asjaa.67.87 

Abstract
A new species of Cyclosa is described under the name of Cyclosa bulla n. sp. using specimens collected from Thailand, Singapore and Brunei. Females of the species can be easily distinguished from other congeners by the shape of the abdomen, which has a globose posterior end. In contrast, males cannot be distinguished from those of Cyclosa bifida, which seems to be the most closely related species, even by the shape of the palpal organ. In this study, male specimens are identified by DNA barcoding.

Keywords: Cyclosa bulla, taxonomy, COI, barcoding, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei


 Cyclosa bulla n. sp. 
A, female (holotype), dorsal view; B, same, lateral view; C, paratype (male), dorsal view..
 Scales: A–C, 1 mm.

Cyclosa bulla new species 
[Thai name: Mangmoum-Taai-Klom-Cyclosa]

Diagnosis. The new species seems to be closely related to Cyclosa bifida, but females can be easily distinguished from Cyclosa bifida by the posteriorly globose abdomen (Figs. 2A–B). Males of these species cannot be separated morphologically, even by the shape of the palpal organ. Male specimens of the new species can be identified only by DNA sequencing data, e.g. mt-COI.

Etymology. The specific name is derived from the knob-like shaped posterior part of the abdomen; “bulla” is a Latin word that means “globe”. 


Akio Tanikawa and Booppa Petcharad. 2018. A New Species of Cyclosa (Araneae: Araneidae) from Southeast Asia. Acta Arachnologica. 67(2); 87-90. DOI: 10.2476/asjaa.67.87


Monday, December 10, 2018

[Arachnida • 2018] Ovia macritchie • A New Ovia Species (Araneae, Lycosidae) from Singapore, with the Transfer of Pardosa alboannulata Yin et al., 1997


Ovia macritchie
Lu, Koh, Zhang & Li, 2018

 photo:  Joseph Koh   facebook.com/JosephKoh7161 

Abstract
A new species of wolf spiders, Ovia macritchie sp. nov., is discovered in Singapore. It is closely related to O. procurva (Yu & Song, 1988), hitherto the only species of Ovia Sankaran, Malamel & Sebastian, 2017. O. macritchie also resembles Pardosa alboannulata Yin et al., 1997 from China, which is herein transferred to Ovia. All of them share a uniquely hooked terminal apophysis on the male pedipalp. Colour photos, line drawings, SEM photos and detailed descriptions are provided for both the new species O. macritchie and the newly combined species O. alboannulata.

Keywords: Araneae, Pardosa, diversity, taxonomy, copulatory organs

 Taxonomy 
Family Lycosidae Sundevall, 1833 
Subfamily Lycosinae Sundevall, 1833 

Genus Ovia Sankaran, Malamel & Sebastian, 2017


 photo:  Joseph Koh   facebook.com/JosephKoh7161  

Ovia macritchie sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the type locality, which is commonly known as the “MacRitchie Forest” within the species-rich Central Catchment Nature Reserve in Singapore. The name of this forest is becoming a catch-phrase epitomizing an evolving habit towards constructive engagement, in the spirt of mutual respect, among government agencies, the scientific community and civil society seeking to finetune a balance between safeguarding the shared natural heritage of all Singaporeans and meeting the infrastructure needs in land-scarce Singapore.


 Tian Lu, Joseph K. H. Koh, Zhi-Sheng Zhang and Shu-Qiang Li. 2018. A New Ovia Species (Araneae, Lycosidae) from Singapore, with the Transfer of Pardosa alboannulata Yin et al., 1997. Zootaxa. 4527(3); 436–450.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4527.3.12  


Wednesday, November 1, 2017

[Herpetology • 2017] Tytthoscincus temasekensis • A New Species of Swamp-dwelling Skink (Tytthoscincus) from Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia


 Tytthoscincus temasekensis
 Grismer, Wood, Lim & Liang, 2017 

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY65 

Abstract

 Tytthoscincus temasekensis is a new species of swamp-dwelling skink from Singapore and the vicinity of Tanjung Malim, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia and the third species in the swamp clade of Tytthoscincus. It is distinguished from all other species of Tytthoscincus by the combination of having two loreals; two postsupralabials; 10–12 superciliaries; four supraoculars; interparietal contacting the 2nd–4th supraoculars; a shallow, pigmented tympanum; slightly enlarged, isolated, pectoral scales; 27–29 midbody scale rows; 55–65 paravertebral scales; 54–63 ventral scales; 9–11 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; keeled, subdigital lamellae; and a dorsal pattern of light-coloured stripes and/or linearly arranged spots. The growing diversity of the swamp clade in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia begins to underscore the underappreciated contribution of swamplands to herpetological endemism and diversity as well as the need for its conservation.

 Key words. Scincidae, Tytthoscincus, Singapore, Malaysia, swamp forests, new species

Fig. 2. Tytthoscincus temasekensis sp. nov.  adult holotype (ZRC 2.6490) from Pasir Laba Road, Singapore.; juvenile paratype (ZRC 2.7111) from Upper Seletar Reservoir Park, Singapore (Photograph by Nick Baker).

TAXONOMY 

The molecular and morphological data indicate thus far that the Tytthoscincus populations from Singapore and Tanjung Malim are conspecific and well-differentiated from T. sibuensis and T. panchorensis. They are therefore described below as:

 Tytthoscincus temasekensis, new sp.

Diagnosis. Tytthoscincus temasekensis sp. nov. can be differentiated from all other species of Tytthoscincus in Peninsular Malaysia by having the combination of two loreals, two postsupralabials, 9`1 or 10`2 superciliaries, four supraoculars; interparietal contacting 2nd–4th supraoculars, a shallow, pigmented tympanum, slightly enlarged pectoral scales, 27–29 midbody scale rows, 55–65 paravertebral scales, 54–63 ventral scales, 9–11 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe, keeled, subdigital lamellae, and a dorsal pattern of light-coloured stripes and/or linearly arranged spots. All characters are scored across all other Tytthoscincus and species of Sphenomorphus suspected of being Tytthoscinus in Grismer et al. (2016a: 237) and Karin et al. (2016: 416).

Non-types. Tytthoscincus temasekensis. ZRC 2.3277 (juvenile) from North Selangor Peat Swamp kilometer marker 34 on road to Tanjung Malim, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia (approximately N 03°42.383′, E 101°09.115′; 20 m elevation) collected by NUS 1991–92 Zoology Honours Class on 17 June 1991. ZRC 2.3377 (juvenile) from North Selangor Peat Swamp kilometer marker 47 at Sungai Besar Road on road to Tanjung Malim, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia (approximately N 03°41.472′, E 101°14.062′; 15 m elevation) collected by D. S. L. Chung in April 1993. ZRC 2.7152 from the Nee Soon swamp-forest, Singapore collected by H. H. Tan and others on 23 October 1999.



  
Fig. 2. Tytthoscincus temasekensis sp. nov.   juvenile paratype (ZRC 2.7111) from Upper Seletar Reservoir Park, Singapore (Photograph by Nick Baker).; uncataloged specimen from 3 km south of the Nee Soon Swamp, Singapore (Photograph by Noel Thomas).

Distribution. Tytthoscincus temasekensis, new species, is known from lowland areas in Singapore and near Tanjung Malim, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia (Fig. 1). Natural history. Tytthoscincus temasekensis has been found in lowland dipterocarp forests but is far more common along stream banks in peat and freshwater swamp forests up to at least 37 m in elevation (Lim, 1998; Serin, 2015; Fig. 3). Specimens near Tanjung Malim were inadvertently collected while hand-netting for fishes in small streams which may indicate semi-aquatic proclivities as noted by Baker (2013) who states “An example of about 5 cm was seen among forest leaf litter at the edge of a shallow stream. It swam in a sinuous motion across the stream, coming to rest on the opposite side partly submerged, with only the front part of its head including the eyes and nostrils emerged.” ZRC 2.7111 was collected while crossing a paved road running through lowland forest. A juvenile (ZRC 2.6859) was taken from the gut of an Aheatulla mycterizans found dead on Old Upper Thomson Road.

 Etymology. The specific epithet temasekensis is derived from the word Temasek meaning ‘Sea Town’ in Old Javanese and represents the earliest recorded name of a settlement in Singapore. The suffix -ensis is Latin meaning ‘of or from a place.’ The specific epithet is in reference to the type locality being on the island of Singapore. The suggested common name is the Singapore swamp skink.


L. Lee Grismer, Perry L. Wood, Jr., Kelvin K. P. Lim and Lim J. Liang. 2017. A New Species of Swamp-dwelling Skink (Tytthoscincus) from Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia.  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY65; 574–584. 

  

Saturday, March 11, 2017

[Ornithology / Conservation • 2017] Significance of the Globally Threatened Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) Populations in Singapore: A Last Straw for the Species?


Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus 
photo: Lee Tiah Khee 

Abstract
The globally threatened Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus is one of South-East Asia’s most imperiled songbirds due to the surging demand for the species in the regional bird trade. Recently uplisted from Vulnerable to Endangered, populations of the Straw-headed Bulbul have been extirpated from Java, Thailand and possibly Sumatra while those in Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia are in decline. Intriguingly, a significant yet rarely documented population of this species persists in Singapore. A major stronghold in Singapore is Ubin Island where a population is known since the 1920s. Using a long-term citizen science dataset rarely available for South-East Asian bird species, we determined the status and population trends of the Straw-headed Bulbul in Singapore over a 10–15 year period using Poisson regression models and standardised population indices. We found that the Straw-headed Bulbul population has increased at a rate of 3.69 ± 1.21% per annum on Ubin Island, while the population on Singapore Island remained stable (0.56% per annum) from 2000 to 2016. The population trends in Singapore contrast starkly with the declines reported elsewhere in South-East Asia. We estimated the population in Singapore to be a minimum of 202 individuals, distributed over multiple forest patches. The largest subpopulation of about 110 adult individuals persists on Ubin and which alone forms between 6.5–18.3% of the estimated global population in 2016. Given this unique situation, we recommend a number of conservation measures for the Straw-headed Bulbul to better protect the species, including: (1) an expansion of the protected area network in Singapore to include Ubin as a reserve, (2) the development of an endangered species management plan and, (3) the establishment of ex-situ conservation programmes in zoological institutions and wildlife centres in the region.


Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus
photo: Francis Yap 



 Ding Li Yong, Kim Seng Lim, Kim Chuah Lim, Trixie Tan, Siyang Teo and Hua Chew Ho. 2017. Significance of the Globally Threatened Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) Populations in Singapore: A Last Straw for the Species?
 Bird Conservation International.  DOI:  10.1017/S0959270917000028

Long-term surveys reveal Singapore as the global stronghold of endangered songbird « Life Sciences « Cambridge Core Blog http://blog.journals.cambridge.org/2017/02/23/long-term-surveys-reveal-singapore-as-the-global-stronghold-of-endangered-songbird 
The tiny corner of Asia where an Endangered songbird is thriving |   @BirdLife_News

Sunday, February 12, 2017

[Entomology • 2016] Revision of the Oriental subfamily Heteropteryginae Kirby, 1896 (Phasmatodea: Areolatae: Heteropterygidae), with A Re-arrangement of the family Heteropterygidae and the Descriptions of Five New Species of Haaniella Kirby, 1904


Heteropteryx dilatata  (Parkinson, 1798)


Abstract  

The areolate Oriental family Heteropterygidae Kirby, 1893 is critically reviewed and the results of the present study contradict the arrangement suggested by Zompro (2004), but in most aspects agree with a molecular study presented by Whiting et al (2003) and a phylogenetic study presented by Bradler (2009). The family is critically discussed and new hypotheses are presented for the phylogeny and intra-familiar relationships, placing the subfamily Dataminae Rehn & Rehn, 1939 as the basalmost clade of Heteropterygidae. The subfamilies Obriminae Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1893 and Heteropteryginae Kirby, 1893 together represent the sister-group of Dataminae. Arguments and a tree are presented to support this hypothesis. New diagnoses and lists of genera are provided for all three subfamilies contained in Heteropterygidae, along with keys to distinguish between them.

        The subfamily Obriminae is critically reviewed and the distinction between the three tribes Obrimini Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1893, Eubulidini Zompro, 2004 and Miroceramiini Zompro, 2004 introduced by Zompro (2004) is shown to be poorly supported. While Obrimini sensu Zompro, 2004 is generally accepted (but now also contains genera that were placed in Eubulidini or Miroceramiini by Zompro (2004)), the tribes Eubulidini and Miroceramiini are not supported. A new arrangement is introduced, which is based on morphological characters neglected or overlooked by Zompro (2004) but were partly discussed by Bradler (2009). The genus Mearnsiana Rehn & Rehn, 1939 is removed from Miroceramiini and transferred to Obrimini. The genera Eubulides Stål, 1877Heterocopus Redtenbacher, 1906Theramenes Stål, 1875 and Stenobrimus Redtenbacher, 1906 are removed from Eubulidini and also transferred to Obrimini. Consequently, Eubulidini is synonymised with Obrimini (n. syn.). Miroceramiini is a monotypical tribe and only includes the Wallacean genus Miroceramia Günther, 1934. The new tribe Tisamenini n. trib. is established for the three basal genera Tisamenus Stål, 1875Ilocano Rehn & Rehn, 1939 and Hoploclonia Stål, 1875 all of which were placed in Eubulidini by Zompro (2004). The latter genus differs from the other two genera by the morphology of the female genitalia, which is unique amongst the entire family. Three generic groups are recognized within Obrimini, the Obrimus-group, Stenobrimus-group and Theramenes-group. Keys are presented to distinguish between the three tribes now contained in the Obriminae, i.e. Obrimini, Tisamenini n. trib. and Miroceramiini. The genus Hennobrimus Conle, 2006 is synonymised with Mearnsiana Rehn & Rehn, 1939, based on the fact that the type-species of both genera are conspecific (n. syn.). Hennobrimus hennemanni Conle, 2006, the type-species of Hennobrimus, and Trachyaretaon manobo Lit & Eusebio, 2005 are synonymised with Mearnsiana bullosa Rehn & Rehn, 1939, the type-species of Mearnsiana (n. syn.). Theramenes dromedarius Stål, 1877 from the Philippines is removed from synonymy with the Wallacean Theramenes olivaceus (Westwood, 1859) and re-established as a valid species (rev. stat.).

        The subfamily Heteropteryginae Kirby, 1896 is revised at the species-level and a new diagnosis is presented. Keys to the two genera and all 16 known species are provided along with new descriptions, differential diagnoses, lists of examined material, detailed information on the known distributions, measurements and illustrations of the insects and eggs. The intra-subfamiliar and intra-generic relationships are discussed and a cladogram is presented. Heteropteryginae contains two genera: Heteropteryx Gray, 1835 (Type-species: Phasma dilatatum Parkinson, 1798) and Haaniella Kirby, 1896 (Type-species: Phasma (Heteropteryx) muelleri de Haan, 1842). The distribution of this subfamily is restricted to Sundaland with the exception of a single species that is found in Vietnam. All other species are distributed in Borneo, Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands, Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand. Heteropteryginae contains the largest and most striking members of the entire family Heteropteryginae, some of which are amongst the heaviest insects known. The subfamily is characterized by apomorphies such as the presence of wings, having a tympanal area (= stridulatory organ) in the basal portion of the alae, straight profemora, strongly shortened tarsi, lack of rough sensory-areas on the prosternum and typically X-shaped micropylar plate of the eggs. The sister-group of Heteropteryginae is represented by the Obriminae, with which it shares a beak-like secondary ovipositor in the females and presence of a medio-apical spine on the area apicalis. Both features are synapomorphies of Heteropteryginae + Obriminae.

        The genus Haaniella Kirby, 1904 contains 16 known species, five of which are newly described herein. The genus Miniopteryx Zompro, 2004 (Type-species: Haaniella parva Günther, 1944) is synonymised with Haaniella on the basis that the distinguishing feature mentioned in the original description is a character that is frequently found throughout the genus (n. syn.). The type-species H. parva Günther, 1944 is automatically retransferred to Haaniella (rev. stat.). Haaniella aculeata n. sp. from western Sumatra is described from the male. Haaniella macroptera n. sp. from Singapore and the Johor state in southern Peninsular Malaysia is described from both sexes and the eggs. Haaniella gintingi n. sp. from Central Sumatra is described from both sexes and the eggs and Haaniella kerincia n. sp. from Western Sumatra is described from the insects only, the eggs being still unknown. One new species, Haaniella gorochovi n. sp., is the only representative of the genus and subfamily Heteropteryginae known from Vietnam and both sexes as well as the eggs are described. Haaniella erringtoniae (Redtenbacher, 1906) is endemic in Peninsular Malaysia, here removed from synonymy with H. muelleri (de Haan, 1842) and re-established as a valid species (rev. stat.). The Sumatran Haaniella glaber (Redtenbacher, 1906) is removed from synonymy with H. muelleri (Haan, 1842) and re-established as a valid species (rev. stat.). Leocrates glaber Redtenbacher, 1906 and Haaniella muelleri simplex Günther, 1944 are removed from synonymy with H. muelleri (Haan, 1842) (rev. stat.) and synonymised with H. glaber. Haaniella mecheli (Redtenbacher, 1906) and H. rosenbergii (Kaup, 1871) are removed from synonymy with H. muelleri (Haan, 1842) and re-established as valid species (rev. stat.). Haaniella erringtoniae novaeguineae Günther, 1934 and Haaniella muelleri var. b. (Haan, 1842) are synonymized with H. rosenbergii (Kaup, 1871) (n. syn.). The type-species Haaniella muelleri (Haan, 1842) is shown to be a fairly rare species that is restricted to Sumatra. All subsequent records of H. muelleri from outside Sumatra and references to captive breeding of stock originating from Peninsular Malaysia in Europe relate to H. erringtoniae (Redtenbacher, 1906). The previously unknown males and eggs of H. rosenbergii (Kaup, 1871) as well as the previously unknown females and eggs of H. parva Günther, 1944 are described and illustrated for the first time. Based on morphological characters of the insects and eggs three distinct species-groups are recognized within Haaniella. The muelleri species-group contains nine species that are distributed throughout Sumatra, the Mentawei Islands, Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. These are characterized by the smooth ventral surface of the meso- and metafemora and lemon-shaped eggs which entirely lack the setae seen in the two other species-groups. The grayii species-group comprises four species, two of which are endemic in Borneo, one endemic in Sumatra and the fourth species being the only known representative of the subfamily in Vietnam. These species are characteristic for the prominent pair of spines on the abdominal tergites II–IV of males and long apically multidentate epiproct of females. The echinata species-group contains three exceptionally Bornean species, which are characterized by the long and apically pointed subgenital plate of females, which clearly projects beyond the epiproct, as well as the sub-basal lateral tooth of the anal segment of males. The muelleri species-group is sister to the remainder two species-groups.

        Heteropteryx Gray, 1853 is a monotypical genus and only contains the type-species H. dilatata (Parkinson, 1798), which is found throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Sumatra and Northeastern Borneo. This genus differs from Haaniella by the strongly conically elevated head, which posteriorly projects over the anterior margin of the pronotum, females being bright green or yellow in colour with plain and translucent pink alae and having distinct spines on the abdominal tergites, and males having a strongly shortened mesothorax and dull pink alae. 

Lectotypes are designated for Haaniella parva Günther, 1944, Heteropteryx echinata Redtenbacher, 1906, Heteropteryx saussurei Redtenbacher, 1906 and Heteropteryx scabra Redtenbacher, 1906 to guarantee stability of these names.

        Information on the habitats, host-plants, biology, life cycle, parasitism and captive breeding of the species of Heteropteryginae is presented and a list summarising all taxonomic changes presented herein.

Keywords: Phasmatodea, Heteropterygidae, Heteropteryginae, Obriminae, Dataminae, HeteropteryxHaaniella, taxonomic revision, classification, new tribe, new species, new subspecies, new synonyms, lectotypes, keys, differentiations, descriptions, illustrations, eggs




Frank H. Hennemann, Oskar V. Conle, Paul D. Brock and Francis Seow-Choen. 2016. Revision of the Oriental subfamily Heteropteryginae Kirby, 1896, with A Re-arrangement of the family Heteropterygidae and the Descriptions of Five New Species of Haaniella Kirby, 1904. (Phasmatodea: Areolatae: Heteropterygidae).  Zootaxa. 4159(1); 1–219. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4159.1.1

Monday, December 12, 2016

[Mammalogy • 2016] Kerivoula oreias • The Identity of Vespertilio oreias Temminck, 1840 — Solving A Taxonomic Puzzle


  Kerivoula oreias  (Temminck, 1840)  

Abstract

Vespertilio oreias (generally known as Myotis oreias) has long been considered an endemic bat species to Singapore but its taxonomic status has been in doubt, and no specimens have been found since its description in 1840. Temminck formally described it based on a mounted skin (now in poor condition and accompanied by some skull fragments). The holotype was re-examined and we found it to be a composite, consisting of two separate individuals representing two distinct genera, the skin belonging to a Kerivoula whereas the skull fragments are of a Myotis. The mounted skin is accepted herewith as the name-bearing type, as the skull fragments were taken out after Temminck had published his description. Unfortunately, neither the skin nor the dental remains show enough anatomical details to identify the species unambiguously. Hence, the name Vespertilio oreias is considered a nomen dubium and the name oreias should be referred to the genus Kerivoula.

Keywords: Mammalia, Southeast Asia, Singapore, Myotis oreias, Kerivoula, holotype, nomen dubium


FIGURE 1. The mounted skin of RMNH 35407, holotype of Kerivoula oreias (Temminck, 1840) on its pedestal (ventral view). 

FIGURE 2. Head of Kerivoula cf. papillosa from Cambodia (left) and details of ear and tragus of the holotype of Kerivoula oreias RMNH 35407 (right). 


Csorba, Gábor, C. Smeenk and Benjamin P. Y.-h. Lee. 2016. The Identity of Vespertilio oreias Temminck, 1840 — Solving A Taxonomic Puzzle.
 Zootaxa. 4205(6); 564–570. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4205.6.4


Monday, July 4, 2016

[Crustacea • 2016] Coenobita lila • A New Species of Land Hermit Crab in the Genus Coenobita Latreille, 1829 (Decapoda: Anomura: Coenobitidae) from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, previously confused with C. cavipes Stimpson, 1858


Coenobita lila Rahayu, Shih & Ng, 2016 [A, B, C]
previously confused with C. cavipes Stimpson, 1858 [E]


Abstract
 A new species of land hermit crab in the genus Coenobita Latreille, 1829 (Anomura: Coenobitidae), Coenobita lila, is described from Singapore and adjacent countries. The new species has previously been confused with C. cavipes Stimpson, 1858, but they can be distinguished by the former possessing dense tubercles on the outer face of the palm of the left cheliped and the presence of a large sternal protuberance between the male fifth pereopods. Recognition of the new species is further supported by molecular data. In this study, the presence of C. cavipes in Taiwan is confirmed, and the status of C. baltzeri Neumann, 1878, is discussed.

Key words: Land hermit crab, taxonomy, Coenobita lila, new species, C. cavipesC. baltzeri, molecular data

Fig. 11. A–CCoenobita lila n. sp. A, holotype male (sl 16.7 mm) (ZRC); B, paratype ovigerous female (sl 10.8 mm) (ZRC); C, female (sl 11.8 mm) (ZRC);
 D–F, C. cavipes Stimpson, 1858, Houwan, Kenting, Pingtung, Taiwan (NCHUZOOL 13637). D, female (sl 13.8 mm); E, female (sl 13.5 mm); F, female (sl 14.9 mm). 

TAXONOMY

Family Coenobitidae Dana, 1851
Genus Coenobita Latreille, 1829

Coenobita lila n. sp.
(Figs. 1–3, 4A–C, 5A–C, 6A–C, 10, 11A–C)
Coenobita cavipes – Lim et al., 1994: 29, 1 un-numbered fig.; Ng & Sivasothi, 1999: 85, 1 un-numbered fig.; Ng et al., 2007: 69. (not Coenobita cavipes Stimpson, 1858).
Coenobita rugosus – Ng et al., 2007: 70, 71, 3 un-numbered figs. (not Coenobita rugosus H. Milne Edwards, 1837).
Coenobita purpureus – Ng et al., 2008: 107, 2 un-numbered figs. (not Coenobita purpureus Stimpson, 1858).


Etymology. The name is derived from the Latin “lila” for lilac or light purple, alluding to the live colour of adult individuals. The name is used as noun in apposition.

Habitat. Upper intertidal to 100 m inland from the beach, sometimes crowding in the supralittoral grass beds or under stones during the day. It is typically found in reef habitats, but may also occur at the edge of mangroves and other estuarine habitats. It is the only species of Coenobita found in Singapore thus far.

Distribution. Singapore; Malaysia; and Indonesia.


Rahayu, D. L,. H.-T. Shih and P. K. L. Ng. 2016. A New Species of Land Hermit Crab in the Genus Coenobita Latreille, 1829 from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, previously confused with C. cavipes Stimpson, 1858 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Coenobitidae).
 The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology.   34 (Part II): 470–488. 


Sunday, May 29, 2016

[Botany • 2016] A Revision of Aeschynanthus (Gesneriaceae) in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia




ABSTRACT
 The genus Aeschynanthus Jack is revised for Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. Four species for Singapore and fourteen species for Peninsular Malaysia are recognised, keys to the species are given, all names are typified, and detailed descriptions of all species are provided. Conservation assessments are provided for all species. Eleven names are lectotypified here and one epitype is designated.

Keywords. Conservation assessments, Didymocarpoideae, identification key, lectotypifications




Aeschynanthus albidus (Blume) Steud.
Aeschynanthus angustifolius (Blume) Steud.
Aeschynanthus dischidioides (Ridl.) D.J.Middleton
 Aeschynanthus fecundus P.Woods
 Aeschynanthus fulgens Wall. ex R.Br.
Aeschynanthus longicaulis Wall. ex R.Br
Aeschynanthus longiflorus (Blume) A.DC.
Aeschynanthus obconicus C.B.Clarke in A.DC. & C.DC.


 Aeschynanthus pulcher (Blume) G.Don
 Aeschynanthus radicans Jack
Aeschynanthus rhododendron Ridl.
 Aeschynanthus speciosus Hook.
Aeschynanthus volubilis Jack
Aeschynanthus wallichii R.Br.


D.J. Middleton. 2016. A Revision of Aeschynanthus (Gesneriaceae) in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 68(1): 1–63. 



Saturday, October 31, 2015

[Mammalogy • 2015] Rhinolophus luctoides • Surprising Genetic Diversity in Rhinolophus luctus (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) from Peninsular Malaysia: Description of a New Species Based on Genetic and Morphological Characters


Rhinolophus luctoides
Volleth, Loidl, Mayer, Yong, Müller & Heller, 2015
 DOI: 10.3161/15081109ACC2015.17.1.001

Abstract
In the family Rhinolophidae, the members of the trifoliatus clade are easily recognisable by a unique noseleaf structure and a fluffy fur. Within this group, Rhinolophus luctus is the largest species with currently six recognized subspecies, distributed from India to Bali. We investigated genetic (karyotype, mitochondrial DNA sequence) and morphological characters from a Peninsular Malaysian sample. Although the diploid number was 2n = 32 in all specimens, karyotype analysis revealed two largely different chromosomal sets, with a Y-autosome translocation present only in one of the taxa. Morphological examination revealed differences concerning size of the baculum and length of the lower toothrow. Based on these results, a new species is described [Rhinolophus luctoides] and the former subspecies distributed on the Malayan Peninsula, Rhinolophus luctus morio, is elevated to species rank, Rhinolophus morio.

 Keywords: Rhinolophus luctoidesRhinolophus morioRhinolophus trifoliatus, Y-autosome translocation, synaptonemal complex, baculum, echolocation frequency, FISH, mtDNA


INTRODUCTION

In 2005, the number of recognized species of the monotypic family Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats) was 77 (Simmons, 2005). Since then, at least 19 new species have been described on the basis of morphological differences, corroborated by molecular (12 species) and karyological (one species) data, at present resulting in a total of about 96 species (Yoshiyuki and Lim, 2005; Soisook et al., 2008; Wu et al., 2008, 2009, 2011; Zhou et al., 2009; Benda and Vallo, 2012; Taylor et al., 2012; Kerbis Peterhans et al., 2013; Patrick et al., 2013, Soisook et al., 2015). This rapid increase in species number reflects the notion that the general morphological uniformity in the genus Rhinolophus masks subtle species specific differences, which can be recognized only through detailed studies. Representative examples, where species initially have been proposed on the basis of DNA sequence divergences that were subsequently confirmed by morphological data, can be found in South Africa (Taylor et al., 2012; Jacobs et al., 2013) and South-East Asia (Patrick et al., 2013). Based on morphological features, the genus Rhinolophus is divided into 15 groups (Csorba et al., 2003). Among these, most easily recognized are the members of the R. trifoliatus group by their long, fluffy fur and a unique noseleaf structure with lateral lappets at the base of the sella. This clade, which corresponds to the subgenus Aquias Gray 1847 (Guillén-Servent et al., 2003), is distributed from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia. The mem bers of the trifoliatus group are clearly distinguished by their body size. In addition to the smallsized species R. sedulus and the medium-sized R. trifoliatus, large-sized members are found throughout the whole distributional range, from Sri Lanka to Nepal on the Indian subcontinent in the west, to the southern parts of China in the east and north, and to the Indonesian islands Java, Sumatra and Bali in the south. The first large-sized specimen from Java was described as R. luctus by Temminck in 1835.

However, quite a large number of subspecies or closely related species has been described subsequently, which were all subsumed as subspecies of R. luctus by Tate in 1943. A short summary of the complicated history of this taxon can be found in Topál and Csorba (1992). The Indian R. beddomei, formerly a subspecies of R. luctus, was elevated to species rank for the reason of a different shape of the upper canine and general size differences (Topál and Csorba, 1992). A deviating diploid chromosome number (see below) and smaller body size led Yoshiyuki and Harada (1995) to re-establish the specific rank of R. formosae Sanborn, 1939. However, there are still six different names, which have originally been designated as names for species, subspecies or races but are now all subsumed under the species name Rhinolophus luctus. Simmons (2005) accepted perniger, lanosus, spurcus as inhabitants of the northern parts of the distributional range, as well as luctus, morio and foetidus as subspecies of R. luctus, whereas geminus was considered as synonymous with luctus. The assignment of a specimen to a certain R. luctus subspecies can presently be done only by the sampling locality as distinct morphological differences have not been described.

The members of the trifoliatus clade are not only clearly separated by morphological features from their congeners, but also by a cytogenetic feature, i.e., a low diploid chromosome number (2n). Typically, the genus Rhinolophus is karyologically characterized by a high 2n with the majority of species showing a diploid number higher than 56. Apart from the exceptional case of R. hipposideros with its three karyotypic variants 2n = 54, 56 and 58 (reviewed in Volleth et al., 2013), only a small number of species with a diploid chromosome number smaller than 56 has been reported so far. According to Csorba et al. (2003) they belong to four species groups: (1) the rouxi group (R. rouxi 2n = 56, R. sinicus 2n = 36, R. thomasi 2n = 36), (2) the pearsoni group (R. pearsoni 2n = 42 and 44, R. yunanensis 2n = 46) and (3) the euryotis group (R. rufus 2n = 40) (Zhang, 1985; Zima et al., 1992; Rickart et al., 1999; Gu et al., 2003; Ao et al., 2007; Mao et al., 2007; Wu et al., 2009). The fourth group with 2n lower than 56 is the R. trifoliatus clade.

Up to now, only conventionally stained chromosomes of two R. luctus subspecies have been described. A non-differentially stained karyotype with 2n = 32, a submetacentric X and an acrocentric Y from a single male specimen assigned to R. l. perniger was reported by Harada et al. (1985) from northern Thailand. From a central Thailand province, a female specimen designated as R. l. morio with 2n = 32 was described having a karyotype similar to R. l. perniger, however, without presenting a karyotype image (Hood et al., 1988). A karyotype comprising 2n = 32 chromosomes has also been reported for R. beddomei from India (Naidu and Gururaj, 1984; Koubínová et al., 2010). Further, according to the differing diploid number of 52 (Ando et al., 1980, 1983), the former R. luctus subspecies formosae is now treated as a separate species (Yoshiyuki and Harada, 1995). The only species from the trifoliatus group for which a differentially stained karyotype has been published is the smallest species of the clade, R. sedulus, with a diploid number of 2n = 28 (Volleth et al., 2014).

During our chromosomal study of members of the trifoliatus group from Peninsular Malaysia, we were intrigued to find two distinctly different chromosomal sets among our ‘R. luctus’ sample. Initially, the discovery of an unusual sex chromosome system in the first specimen called for the investigation of additional specimens. The second individual, however, unexpectedly carried a different karyotype. In the present paper we report on morphological, karyological and mitochondrial DNA sequence differences found between these two cryptic rhinolophid species from Peninsular Malaysia. The results show that two forms exist in close geographic proximity, which according to genetic features represent distinct species.


SPECIES DESCRIPTION 

Rhinolophus luctoides sp. nov.
 Volleth, Loidl, Mayer, Yong, Müller & Heller, 2015



Etymology: The name luctoides was chosen because this species, regarding external appearance, is very similar to subspecies of R. luctus.

Habitat: Rhinolophus luctoides was found in selectively logged Dip tero carp Rain Forest at elevations higher than 600 m, 5 km NE of the Field Studies Centre (FSC) of Ulu Gombak, and in Montane Rain Forest of Gent ing Highlands and Cameron Highlands. The hab itat of the Gombak valley, where the FSC is situated, has been described in detail by Medway (1966). The surroundings of the FSC have been reported as one of the locations with the highest species richness of bats in the Old World (Sing et al., 2013).


Rhinolophus morio Gray, 1842 status revivisco

The skull dimensions of the holotype of R. morio Gray, 1842 from Singapore, deposited in the Natural History Museum London, are similar to those of the two lowland specimens collected by us in the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur (Templer Park, Rawang). Concerning the ratio of lower toothrow to mandible length, the taxon morio comes close to subspecies of R. luctus (perniger, foetidus, lanosus). However, morio differs clearly in the ratio zygomatic width to mandible length from the above mentioned subspecies. In this respect, morio resembles other genera in the trifoliatus clade, i.e. R. trifoliatus, R. sedulus and R. beddomei (Table 3). By reason of these cranial proportions and the characteristic karyotype with the unique Y-autosomal translocation (see below), we elevate the taxon morio to species rank (Rhinolophus morio stat. rev.).


Marianne Volleth, Josef Loidl, Frieder Mayer, Hoi-Sen Yong, Stefan Müller and Klaus-Gerhard Heller. 2015. Surprising Genetic Diversity in Rhinolophus luctus (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) from Peninsular Malaysia: Description of a New Species Based on Genetic and Morphological Characters.  Acta Chiropterologica. 17(1):1-20. DOI: 10.3161/15081109ACC2015.17.1.001

Sunday, September 6, 2015

[Crustacea • 2015] Notes on the Taxonomy and Ecology of Labuanium politum (De Man, 1887) (Decapoda: Sesarmidae), An Obligate Arboreal Crab on the Nipah Palm, Nypa fruticans (Arecales: Arecaceae)


 Labuanium politum from Pulau Ubin, Singapore.
Fig. 3. AH, specimens climbing and foraging on nipah leaves, ca. 2–5 m above ground.
Fig. 4. A, C, male (36.6 × 32.7 mm) (ZRC 2014.0861); E, male (36.6 × 32.7 mm) (ZRC 2014.0861); G, female (34.7 × 32.0 mm) (ZRC 2014.0861). A, in situ on nipah palm leaf; C, live specimens as photographed in the laboratory; E, G, dorsal overall views.
   Ng, Yan, Lee & Tan. 2015 || LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg

Abstract
The taxonomy of the rarely reported and poorly known arboreal sesarmid crab Labuanium politum (De Man, 1887), which is the type species of Labuanium Serène & Soh, 1970, is clarified. The species is an obligate associate of the mangrove nipah palm (Arecaceae: Nypa fruticans), hiding at the frond base during the day and feeding on the leaves at night. The species is recorded from Singapore for the first time.

Key words. Sesarmidae, Labuanium politum, taxonomy, new records, nipah palm


Habitats associated with Labuanium politum in the Loboc River, Bohol, Philippines.
Fig. 1. A, B, lower reach of the river showing nipah forest; C, base of nipah palms; D, E, Labuanium politum emerging from between the stems of the nipah palm; F, G, L. politum foraging on nipah leaves; H, L. politum male (35.5 × 32.1 mm) (ZRC 2003.0381) feeding on leaflet.
Fig. 2. A, female (37.3 × 33.5 mm) (ZRC 2003.0381); C, male (30.5 × 28.5 mm) (ZRC 2003.0381); E, frontal view; G, outer view of left chela.
  Ng, Yan, Lee & Tan. 2015 || LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg

TAXONOMY 
FAMILY SESARMIDAE DANA, 1851 

Labuanium Serène & Soh, 1970
Labuanium politum (De Man, 1887)

Fig. 1. Habitats associated with Labuanium politum in the Loboc River, Bohol, Philippines.
A, B, lower reach of the river showing nipah forest; C, base of nipah palms; D, E, Labuanium politum emerging from between the stems of the nipah palm; F, G, L. politum foraging on nipah leaves; H, L. politum male (35.5 × 32.1 mm) (ZRC 2003.0381) feeding on leaflet.
  Ng, Yan, Lee & Tan. 2015 || LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg

ECOLOGY: Arboreal crabs are well known, and a large number of species have this habit. In the Indo-West Pacific, most members of the sesarmid genera Labuanium sensu lato, Selatium Serène & Soh, 1970, and Scandarma Schubart, Liu & Cuesta, 2003, as well as some species of Parasesarma De Man, 1895, and Geosesarma De Man, 1895, occur regularly on trees (see Cumberlidge et al., 2005; Fratini et al., 2005; Godsall & Smallegange, 2011; Naruse & Ng, 2007; Ng, 1988; Schubart et al., 2003, 2009; Sivasothi, 2000; Sivasothi et al., 1993; Vannini & Ruwa, 1994; Vannini et al., 1997). These should be regarded as obligate tree-dwelling crabs. Various species of Grapsidae also have arboreal habits to varying degrees (see Fratini et al., 2005; Sivasothi, 2000; Sivasothi et al., 1993; Vannini et al., 1997). Some true freshwater crabs in Africa, South and Southeast Asia (Gecarcinucoidea) are also primarily arboreal (see Cumberlidge & Sachs, 1991; Cumberlidge et al., 2005; Ng, 1991, 1995).

......


Peter K. L. Ng, Bee Yan, Lee and H. H. Tan. 2015. Notes on the Taxonomy and Ecology of Labuanium politum (De Man, 1887) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Sesarmidae), An Obligate Arboreal Crab on the Nipah Palm, Nypa fruticans (Arecales: Arecaceae).
RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. Supplement No. 31: 216–225.