[Herpetology • 2019] Six New Species of the Cyrtodactylus intermedius complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Cardamom Mountains and Associated Highlands of Southeast Asia

Cyrtodactylus laangensis 

Murdoch, Grismer, Wood, Neang, Poyarkov, Ngo, Nazarov, Aowphol, Pauwels, Nguyen & Grismer, 2019

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4554.1.1

Abstract

An integrative taxonomic analysis using color pattern, morphology, and 1449 base pairs of the ND2 mitochondrial gene and its five flanking tRNAs demonstrated that eight species-level lineages occur within the Cyrtodactylus intermedius complex (Cyrtodactylus intermedius sensu stricto, C. phuquocensis and related populations) of the Cardamom mountains and associated highlands that have a sequence divergence ranging 3.4–8.9%. Additionally, each lineage is discretely diagnosable from one another based on morphology and color pattern and most occur in specific geographic regions (upland areas, karst formations or islands) that prevent or greatly restrict interpopulation gene flow. Six of these lineages were masquerading under the nomen C. intermedius and are described as the following: Cyrtodactylus auralensis sp. nov. endemic to Phnom Aural, the highest mountain in Cambodia; C. bokorensis sp. nov. endemic to the Bokor Plateau, Cambodia; C. cardamomensis sp. nov. from the main block of the Cardamom mountains; C. thylacodactylus sp. nov. endemic to Phnom Dalai the northernmost peak of the Cardamom mountains; C. laangensis sp. nov. endemic to the Phnom Laang karst formation, Cambodia; and C. septimontium sp. nov. from the Bảy Núi Hills of southwest Vietnam.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus, systematics, taxonomy, new species, Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam

Cyrtodactylus intermedius from Thailand.

Photo by PJ Wood

PerryLeeWoodJr.com

facebook.com/NickPoyarkov

Cyrtodactylus septimontium from Bay Nui Seven Mountains.

facebook.com/NickPoyarkov

Matthew L. Murdoch, L. Lee Grismer, Perry L. Jr. Wood, Thy Neang, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Ngo Van Tri, Roman A. Nazarov, Anchalee Aowphol, Olivier S.G. Pauwels, Hung Ngoc Nguyen and Jesse L. Grismer. 2019. Six New Species of the Cyrtodactylus intermedius complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Cardamom Mountains and associated Highlands of Southeast Asia. Zootaxa.  4554(1); 1–62.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4554.1.1

 So six of these lineages are described in this paper and at least two others still have to be described. I have to tell that my contribution to this project was quite limited and was all about the taxonomic status of lineages found in southern Vietnam. The population from Phu Quoc was already described as a new species C. phuquocensis some time ago, so Hùng Nguyễn, Roman Nazarov and I focused on Cyrtodactylus "intermedius" occuring in mainland southern Vietnam. There is a group of small granite hills in An Giang Province of Vietnam, close to Cambodian border, and that's where the geckos live. In Vietnamese these hills are called "Bay Nui" what means "Seven Mountains", so we decided to name the new species from there "Cyrtodactylus septimontium". "Septimontium" is and adjective to "Seven Mountains" in Latin, actually historically this word reffers to the ancient Roman holiday Septimontium, the gods of Seven Hills on which Rome was build were worshiped that day...
Other new species were collected from Cambodia mostly by Neang Thy and Prof. Lee Grismer and most of them got georgaphic names from the parts of the Cardamoms where they occur - Cyrtodactylus auralensis for Phnom Aural, Cyrtodactylus bokorensis for Phnom Bokor, Cyrtodactylus cardamomensis - for the main part of Cardamom Mountains, where this species has the widest distribition compared to other members of species complex. Cyrtodactylus laangensis from Phnom Laang is quite specific since it is a karst-dwelling form and is morphologically very different from other forest-dwelling species. And finally - one new species from Phnom Dalai was named for it's amazing morphology! Cyrtodactylus thylacodactylus has very weird structures on limbs - they have deep skin pockets between fingers and toes (I guess for hiding there some glands? I wonder how their feet smell...), and they are huge! So we decided to call it "thylacodactylus" from Greek "thylakos" for "pocket" and "dactylon" - "digit". I think this name is pretty cool, reminds me of Thylacinus, Thylakoleo and other exctinct marsupials!

facebook.com/NickPoyarkov/posts/10216097407222294 

 PerryLeeWoodJr.com/2019/02/08/more-new-bent-toed-geckos/

[Herpetology • 2019] Amolops sinensis & A. yatseni • Two Cryptic Species of the Amolops ricketti group (Anura, Ranidae) from southeastern China

Amolops yatseni Lyu, Wang & Wang

in Lyu, Huang, Wang, Li, et al., 2019.

Yat-sen’s Torrent Frog  |  逸仙湍蛙  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.812.29956

Abstract

Two cryptic species, which were previously reported as Amolops ricketti, are revealed on the basis of significant morphological and genetic divergences. Amolops sinensis sp. n. from central Guangdong, northeastern Guangxi and southwestern Hunan can be distinguished by the longitudinal glandular folds on the skin of the shoulders and other character combinations. Amolops yatseni sp. n. from the coastal hills of west Guangdong can be distinguished by the dense tiny round translucent, or white, spines on the dorsal skin of the body, dorsal and dorsolateral skin of the limbs, and other character combinations. The phylogenetic interrelationships of the A. ricketti group have been inferred as (A. wuyiensis + A. ricketti) + (A. yunkaiensis + (A. albispinus + (A. sinensis sp. n. + A. yatseni sp. n.))). This work indicates that the current records of A. ricketti might be a species complex composed of multiple species, and further work is needed to figure out this puzzle.

Keywords: Amolops sinensis sp. n., Amolops yatseni sp. n., mitochondrial DNA, morphology, phylogeny, species complex, torrent frog

Figure 3. Morphological features of the adult male holotype SYS a007107 of Amolops sinensis sp. n. in life.
A Dorsolateral view B Ventral view C A longitudinal glandular folds on skin of shoulder D Beige nuptial pad and nuptial spines E Left hand F Left foot. 

Figure 4. A Juvenile SYS a004722 of Amolops sinensis sp. n. in life B Female paratype SYS a007109 in life C Male paratype SYS a005710 in life, eating an earthworm.

Amolops sinensis Lyu, Wang & Wang, sp. n.

Diagnosis: The new species was assigned to genus Amolops and further to the A. ricketti group morphologically based on the absence of dorsolateral folds, the presence of a circummarginal groove on the disk of the first finger, the absence of tarsal glands, and the presence of nuptial pads with conical nuptial spines on the first finger in males.

Amolops sinensis sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: (1) body stout and robust, SVL 40.2–46.5 (43.1±2.2, n=6) mm in adult males, 47.7–52.7 (50.5±2.0, n=5) mm in adult females; (2) dorsal body olive-brown to dark brown, with irregular light strip-shaped patches or not; (3) ventral surface creamy white or beige, with dark gray patches; (4) dorsal skin of body very rough, granular and scattered with conical tubercles and raised large warts in males; (5) vomerine teeth strong, tongue cordiform, deeply notched posteriorly; (6) absence of dorsolateral folds; (7) a longitudinal glandular fold on skin of shoulder on each side; (8) supernumerary tubercles below base of fingers III and IV indistinct; (9) heels overlapping; (10) absence of outer metatarsal tubercles and tarsal glands; (11) absence of vocal sacs; (12) nuptial pad on first finger prominent with beige spines in breeding males; and (13) white conical spines present on skin of temporal region (including tympanum in several individuals) and loreal region in breeding males.

Etymology: The specific name “sinensis” refers to “Chinese”, for this new species takes a wide distribution in southern China. We suggest its English common name “Chinese Torrent Frog” and Chinese name “Zhong Hua Tuan Wa (中华湍蛙)”.

Distribution and habits: Currently, the Chinese Torrent Frog is recognized from the Shimentai Nature Reserve and Mt. Nankun in Guangdong, Mt. Dupangling in Guangxi, and Mt. Yangming and Mt. Hengshan in Hunan, which indicates the potential distribution area of Amolops sinensis sp. n. is from central Guangdong, to northeastern Guangxi and southwestern Hunan.

Amolops sinensis sp. n. inhabits rocky, fast-flowing streams (ca 500–1300 m a.s.l.) surrounded by moist subtropical secondary evergreen broadleaved forests. All individuals were observed from April to August. Males bear nuptial spines from April to July; females bear mature light yellow oocytes from April to August. Nevertheless, much of the ecology and behavior of this species remains unknown.

Figure 6. Morphological features of the adult male holotype SYS a006807 of Amolops yatseni sp. n. in life.
A Dorsolateral view B Ventral view C Dense white conical spines on skin of temporal region, loreal region, snout, lips and chin D Nuptial pad and nuptial spines E Right hand F Left foot. 

Figure 7. A Male paratype SYS a004643 of Amolops yatseni sp. n. in life B Female paratype SYS a003981 in life, showing denser and more distinct rounded spines on dorsal skin C Habits on Shangchuan Island.

Amolops yatseni Lyu, Wang & Wang, sp. n.

Diagnosis: The new species was assigned to genus Amolops and further to the A. ricketti group morphologically based on the absence of dorsolateral folds, the presence of a circummarginal groove on the disk of the first finger, the absence of tarsal glands, and the presence of nuptial pads with conical nuptial spines on the first finger in males.

Amolops yatseni sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: (1) body stout and robust, SVL 39.3–44.7 (42.5±2.1, n=6) mm in adult males, 42.1–48.9 (46.4±2.0, n=11) mm in adult females; (2) dorsal body olive-brown or light brown, with irregular light strip-shaped patches or not; (3) ventral surface creamy white, with nebulous dark gray patches or not; (4) dorsal skin of body very rough, granular and scattered with tubercles and raised large warts, lacking warts on central back of trunk in females; (5) dense tiny round translucent, or white, spines present on dorsal skin of body, dorsal and dorsolateral skin of limbs in males, denser in females; (6) vomerine teeth strong, tongue cordiform, deeply notched posteriorly; (7) absence of the dorsolateral folds; (8) supernumerary tubercles below the base of fingers II, III and IV distinct and prominent; (9) heels just meeting; (10) absence of outer metatarsal tubercles and tarsal glands; (11) absence of vocal sacs; (12) nuptial pad on the first finger prominent with developed white conical spines in breeding males, tip of nuptial spines brown; and (13) dense white conical spines present on the skin of the temporal region (including the tympanum in several individuals), loreal region, snout, lips and chin in males during breeding season, and such spines less developed and rounded only on skin of temporal region except the tympanum and lower lips in females.

Etymology: The specific name “yatseni” refers to the founder of Sun Yat-sen University, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who was born in Cuiheng Village, Zhongshan City, about five kilometers from the type locality, Mt. Wugui. We suggest its English common name “Yat-sen’s Torrent Frog” and Chinese name “Yi Xian Tuan Wa (逸仙湍蛙)”.

Distribution and habits: Currently, the Yat-sen’s Torrent Frog is known from the Zhongshan City, as well as from Mt. Gudou, Shangchuan Island, Ehuangzhang Nature Reserve, and Yunkaishan Nature Reserve. All these localities are situated in the coastal hills of west Guangdong, indicating the potential distribution area of Amolops yatseni sp. n. is from the west border of Pearl River Delta to the Yunkai Mountains. However, the five known localities of the new species are being threatened by hydropower station construction and tourism development respectively, and surveys are needed in western Guangdong to investigate the accurate population status and the distribution of this species.

Amolops yatseni sp. n. inhabits rocky, fast-flowing streams (ca 250–1000 m a.s.l.) surrounded by moist subtropical secondary evergreen broadleaved forests (Fig. 7C). All individuals were observed from March to August when males bear nuptial spines and females bear mature oocytes. Nevertheless, much of the ecology and behavior of this species remains unknown.

Discussion: 

The species Amolops ricketti was originally described based on two specimens from Mt. Wuyi, Fujian (Boulenger 1899), and was recorded subsequently over wide area from southern China to northern and central Indochina (Bourret 1942; Liu 1950; Fei et al. 2012; Frost 2018). In this work, we have found that the recorded population of A. ricketti from central Guangdong, northeastern Guangxi and southwestern Hunan (now recognized as A. sinensis sp. n.) and from coastal hills of west Guangdong (now recognized as A. yatseni sp. n.), are markedly different from the topotype of A. ricketti from Fujian, both morphologically and genetically. This indicates that the current records of A. ricketti might be a species complex (designated here as A. ricketti sensu lato) composed of multiple species. Further surveys and studies are required to clarify the concept of A. ricketti, especially for the reported populations from southwestern China and Indochina and to determine the accurate distribution of A. sinensis sp. n. and A. yatseni sp. n.

Southwestern China has been considered as hotspot area with highest species diversity over time, while southeastern China, which suffers from more human activities, is considered as much less diverse, which may reflect the lack of biodiversity surveys over time. Recently, a number of new amphibian species were described from southeastern China (Lyu et al. 2017; Wang et al. 2017; Yuan et al. 2017; Zeng et al. 2017; Lyu et al. 2018; Wang et al. 2018a; Wang et al. 2018b; this study), to be the greatest number of new amphibian species in China in recent times. These discoveries indicate that the species diversity in southeastern China is highly underestimated. Comprehensive and careful surveys are urgently demanded to investigate the biodiversity status in this area, especially for herpetological species which are sensitive to rapid environmental changes.

 Zhi-Tong Lyu, Lin-Sheng Huang, Jian Wang, Yuan-Qiu Li, Hong-Hui Chen, Shuo Qi and Ying-Yong Wang. 2019. Description of Two Cryptic Species of the Amolops ricketti group (Anura, Ranidae) from southeastern China. ZooKeys. 812: 133-156.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.812.29956

[Ichthyology • 2018] Evidence of Cryptic Species in the Blenniid Cirripectes alboapicalis species complex, with Zoogeographic Implications for the South Pacific

Cirripectes alboapicalis 

live colors of Clade 1 from Rangitāhua - Kermadec Islands

in Delrieu-Trottin, Liggins, Trnski, et al., 2018. 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.810.28887

 (photograph by Richard Robinson (www.depth.co.nz) 

Abstract

Rapa Nui, commonly known as Easter Island (Chile), is one of the most isolated tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean. The island location of Rapa Nui makes it the easternmost point of the geographic ranges for many western Pacific fish species that are restricted to the subtropical islands south of 20°S latitude. The blenniid fish species Cirripectes alboapicalis has been thought to have one of the most extensive geographic distribution ranges among these southern subtropical fish species, extending from the southern Great Barrier Reef to Rapa Nui. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted to determine the taxonomic status of the species. The results provide genetic evidence that suggests that this formerly South Pacific-wide species comprises at least three cryptic species with allopatric geographic distributions. The analyses reveal the geographic distributions of these clades and their genetic relationships with each other, and with other species within the genus Cirripectes. The processes that culminated in the current geographic distribution of this species complex and the zoogeographic implications of this finding for the South Pacific region are discussed.

Keywords:  Austral Islands, Blenniidae, cryptic species, cytochrome oxidase I, Easter Island, endemism, French Polynesia, Gambier Islands, Kermadec Islands, mtDNA, Phylogeny, Rangitāhua, Rapa Nui

Figure 4. Pictures of specimens from the three genetic clades of this study;
 a live colors (photograph by Richard Robinson (www.depth.co.nz)) and b freshly dead colors (photograph by Carl Struthers Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa) of Clade 1 from Rangitāhua - Kermadec Islands
c Clade 2, French Polynesia from Austral - Gambier Islands (photographs by Jeffrey T. Williams)
d Clade 3 Rapa Nui (photograph by Erwan Delrieu-Trottin);
and e Cirripectes obscurus (photograph by Jeffrey T. Williams).

 Erwan Delrieu-Trottin, Libby Liggins, Thomas Trnski, Jeffrey T. Williams, Valentina Neglia, Cristian Rapu-Edmunds, Serge Planes and Pablo Saenz-Agudelo. 2018. Evidence of Cryptic Species in the Blenniid Cirripectes alboapicalis species complex, with Zoogeographic Implications for the South Pacific.  ZooKeys. 810: 127-138. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.810.28887

[Botany • 2018] Medinilla theresae (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Ultramafic Soils in the Philippines

Medinilla theresae Fernando

in Fernando, Quakenbush, Lillo & Ong, 2018. 

   DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.113.30027 

Abstract

A new species, Medinilla theresae Fernando, from ultramafic soils on Dinagat and Mindanao Islands, Philippines is described and illustrated. The species is characterized by its terrestrial erect habit, non-setose nodes, 3-plinerved, lanceolate and coriaceous leaves arranged in whorls, cauline or axillary and pendulous inflorescences, rounded flower buds, 4-merous flowers, and straight anthers. It is compared with other similar species in the Medinilla pendula Merr. complex.

Keywords: Dinagat Island, Medinilla, Melastomataceae, Mt Hamiguitan, ultramafic soils

Figure 1. Medinilla theresae Fernando
 A Habitat at type locality, dwarf forest on ultramafic soils, c. 840 m elevation, Mt Redondo with Mt Kambinliw in the background B Terrestrial, erect growth habit C Leafy branch showing leaves arranged in a whorl and secondary veins faintly visible on adaxial surface D Dried leaf showing adaxial surface with distinct pair of secondary veins E Abaxial surface of same leaf in D without the distinct pair of secondary veins.

B, D, E from Fernando 3831 (LBC), C from Fernando 4166 (LBC). Scale bars: 10 cm (B); 2 cm (C–E). All photos by Edwino S. Fernando.

Figure 2. Medinilla theresae Fernando
 A Pendulous inflorescences arising from nodes near base of main stem and showing flower buds with rounded tips B Inflorescence with buds and open flowers C Close up of open flower. A from Fernando 4166 (LBC) B, C from Fernando 3831 (LBC).

 Scale bars: 1 cm (A); 8 mm (B); 2 mm (C). All photos by Edwino S. Fernando. 

Medinilla theresae Fernando, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species is most similar to the Medinilla pendula species complex in its whorled leaves, 4-merous flowers, and pendulous inflorescences. It differs, however, in its secondary veins of leaves being distinct only on the adaxial surface, cauline or axillary inflorescences, and straight anthers.

....

Figure 3. Medinilla theresae Fernando
A Young infructescence showing light green fruits with bright red calyx rim B Mature purplish-black fruits C Seedling showing foliaceus cotyledons and first two pairs of eophylls, c. 20 weeks old, grown in nursery from seed of Fernando 3831.

A from Fernando 4217 (LBC) B from Fernando 3831 (LBC). Scale bars: 1 cm (A, B); 2 mm (C). All photos by Edwino S. Fernando.

 Figure 4. Medinilla theresae Fernando
A Habitat on Mt Hamiguitan, forest on ultramafic soils, c. 1200 m elevation B Plant on Mt Hamiguitan with branch showing node with four leaves in a whorl and a pair of pendulous inflorescences.

A photo by Edwino S. Fernando B photo by Leonard L. Co.

Distribution: Thus far, this new species is known only from Mt Redondo on Dinagat Island and Mt Hamiguitan in the Pujada Peninsula on Mindanao Island, Philippines. Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte Province, and the Pujada Peninsula form part of the same belt of the Eastern Philippine Cretaceous ophiolite and ophiolite complexes (Balce et al. 1976; Yumul et al. 2003, 2008; Tamayo et al. 2004) that are now large areas of ultramafic landscapes with metallic ore deposits (e.g., iron, nickel, chromium) and hosting a unique type of forest formation (Fernando et al. 2008).

Etymology: This beautiful new species is named in honor of Dr Theresa Mundita S. Lim, former Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, and now Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, whose dedication and commitment to protecting Philippine biodiversity is admirable. Director Lim has also been active in the international biodiversity conservation sector.

 Edwino S. Fernando, J. Peter Quakenbush, Edgardo P. Lillo and Perry S. Ong. 2018. Medinilla theresae (Melastomataceae), A New Species from Ultramafic Soils in the Philippines. PhytoKeys. 113: 145-155.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.113.30027

[Herpetology • 2018] Panaspis namibiana • A New Species of African Snake-eyed Skink (Scincidae: Panaspis) from central and northern Namibia

Panaspis namibiana 

 Ceríaco, Branch & Bauer, 2018

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4527.1.12 

Abstract

A recent molecular revision of the snake-eyed skinks of the genus Panaspis Cope, 1868 uncovered extensive cryptic diversity within the P. wahlbergi (Smith, 1849) and P. maculicollis Jacobsen & Broadley, 2000 species complexes. We here describe an unnamed central and northern Namibian lineage of the P. maculicollis group as a new species. We base the description on previously published molecular evidence and newly collected morphological, meristic and coloration data. Members of the group share a conservative morphology and the newly described species is very similar to P. maculicollis, from which it differs mostly on the basis of its coloration. This description raises the number of Panaspis recognized to 17 species and reinforces the already strong evidence that northern Namibia is a hotspot of reptile diversity.

Keywords: Reptilia, endemism, Panaspis namibiana, arid environments, cryptic species, taxonomy

Luis M. P. Ceríaco, William R. Branch and Aaron M. Bauer. 2018. A New Species of African Snake-eyed Skink (Scincidae: Panaspis) from central and northern Namibia. Zootaxa. 4527(1); 140–150. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4527.1.12

[Herpetology • 2018] Cryptic Diversity within the Megophrys major Species Group (Megophryidae) of the Asian Horned Frogs: Phylogenetic Perspectives and A Taxonomic Revision of South Asian Taxa, with Descriptions of Four New Species

Megophrys himalayana 

Mahony, Kamei, Teeling & Biju, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4523.1.1 

 instagram.com/FrogsIndia

 Abstract

The Megophrys major species group (MMSG) is composed of typically medium to large sized frogs. Within the genus, it is the most geographically widespread clade ranging from the western Himalayas to southern Indochina. In this study, we examined in detail the extent of cryptic diversity within the MMSG-Indian populations based on molecular data (up to ten genes) using multigene concatenation and coalescent-based phylogenetic techniques, species delimitation analyses and extensive morphological data.

Molecular evidence suggests a high level of hidden cryptic diversity within the MMSG, particularly within the M. major species complex (MMC), highlighting overlapping distributions, a case of potential mitochondrial transfer between two species, and tree topology discordance between phylogenetic methods and mitochondrial and nuclear data sets. Most analyses indicated distinct eastern and western clades in the MMC, and that the western clade may further divide into a northern and a southern subclade.

A detailed taxonomic review of Indian members of the Megophrys major species group is provided. Previously undocumented complex nomenclatural issues involving known species are highlighted and resolved. Megophrys monticola is taxonomically redefined for the first time as a valid species since its synonymy with M. parva in 1893. The taxonomic status of two recently described species, Xenophrys katabhako and X. sanu are discussed in light of increased molecular and morphological sampling, and are synonymised with M. monticola. Megophrys monticola and M. robusta are redescribed based on their original type specimens and recently collected material. Megophrys major is neotypified and M. robusta lectotypified to remove prevailing nomenclatural instability. Four new large sized Indian MMC species are formally described from the Northeast Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland, and Myanmar. All South Asian MMSG species are morphologically diagnosed from known congeners in the group. The geographic distributions of all taxa discussed are significantly redefined based on the revised taxonomy and extensive literature review. Morphological and molecular evidence suggests that Megophrys major sensu stricto might be endemic to Northeast India; M. glandulosa is formally removed from the Indian and Bhutan species checklists. Numerous misidentifications in literature are highlighted and corrected. In order to reduce future misidentifications of species reported from surrounding regions, high definition images of the holotypes of three Chinese species, M. glandulosa, M. medogensis and M. zhangi are provided for the first time, and a detailed description of Myanmar specimens of M. glandulosa is also given. This study provides the principle foundation for further research into the taxonomic status of the remaining, currently undescribed MMC taxa from Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Reptilia, nomenclature, molecular systematics, integrative taxonomy, morphology, conservation, natural history

Stephen Mahony, Rachunliu G. Kamei, Emma C. Teeling and S. D. Biju. 2018. Cryptic Diversity within the Megophrys major Species Group (Amphibia: Megophryidae) of the Asian Horned Frogs: Phylogenetic Perspectives and A Taxonomic Revision of South Asian Taxa, with Descriptions of Four New Species. Zootaxa. 4523(1); 1–96.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4523.1.1

 instagram.com/p/BqWj3-_AGLI

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2257286754345779

     

Deuti K, Grosjean S, Nicolas V, Vasudevan K and Ohler A. 2017. Nomenclatural puzzle in early Xenophrys nomina (Anura, Megophryidae) solved with description of two new species from India (Darjeeling hills and Sikkim). Alytes. 34:20-48.  alytes-journal.org/xenophrys-new-species-india/

[Entomology • 2018] Revision of the Ambrysus pudicus Stål Species Complex (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha: Naucoridae) with the Description of A New Species from southern Mexico

Ambrysus spicatus La Rivers, 1953

in Reynoso-Velasco & Sites, 2018. 
DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4491.1.1 

Abstract

The Ambrysus pudicus Stål species complex is revised, its species diagnosed, and an illustrated key is presented. The complex includes A. abortus La Rivers, A. amargosus La Rivers, A. funebris La Rivers, A. hungerfordi Usinger, A. parviceps Montandon, A. pudicus Stål, and A. relictus Polhemus & Polhemus. A new species, Ambrysus chinanteco, belonging to this complex is described from southern Mexico. The subspecies A. hungerfordi angularis La Rivers, A. h. spicatus La Rivers, and A. h. triunfo La Rivers are herein elevated to full species level and considered members of this species complex. The subspecies A. pudicus barberi Usinger is synonymized with the nominate subspecies. Based on specific combinations of morphological features, two subcomplexes of species are recognized within the complex. The species A. funebris is transferred from the subgenus Acyttarus La Rivers to the subgenus Ambrysus Stål. In order to fix the identity of three species in the complex, neotypes for A. amargosus and A. spicatus and a lectotype for A. pudicus are designated here. The species in the A. pudicus complex are distributed in North America from the southwestern and southern United States to northern Costa Rica. New country records from Central America are presented for A. parviceps and A. pudicus. New state records from Mexico are presented for A. abortus, A. angularis, A. hungerfordi, A. parviceps, A. pudicus, and A. spicatus.

Keywords: Hemiptera, saucer bugs, taxonomy, distribution, Cryphocricinae

 Daniel Reynoso-Velasco and Robert W. Sites. 2018. Revision of the Ambrysus pudicus Stål Species Complex (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha: Naucoridae) with the Description of A New Species from southern Mexico. Zootaxa. 4491(1); 1–64.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4491.1.1

[Crustacea • 2018] Identity of the Tree-Spider Crab, Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae), with Descriptions of Seven New Species from the Western Pacific

Parasesarma macaco

 Li, Rahayu & Ng, 2018

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4482.3.2 

Abstract

The identity of the tree-spider crab, Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869) (family Sesarmidae), which is believed to be widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, is reassessed and shown to be a species-complex with nine species, seven of which are here described as new. Parasesarma leptosoma sensu stricto is now restricted to South and East Africa; and P. limbense (Rathbun, 1914) from Sulawesi, which had been regarded as a junior synonym, is here recognized as a valid species. The following species are described as new: P. gecko n. sp. from Vanuatu, Fiji, Guam and Japan; P. macaco n. sp. from Taiwan and the Philippines; P. kui n. sp. from Taiwan; P. parvulum n. sp. from the Philippines; P. gracilipes n. sp. from Indonesian Papua; P. purpureum n. sp. from Malaysia; and P. tarantula n. sp. from Sulawesi, Indonesia. The nine species of the Parasesarma leptosoma species-complex can be separated by the different shapes of their carapaces, the form of the dactylar tubercles on the male chelipeds, proportions of their ambulatory legs and the structure of the male first gonopod.

Keywords: Crustacea, Parasesarma, tree-climbing, species-complex, new species, taxonomy

....

Superfamily Grapsoidea MacLeay, 1838
Family Sesarmidae Dana, 1851
Genus Parasesarma De Man, 1895

Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869)

Parasesarma limbense (Rathbun, 1914)

Parasesarma gecko n. sp. 

Etymology. The specific epithet alludes to the new species’ quick movements on vertical surfaces and its tendency to autotomise its appendages when handled, as also observed in the eponymous lizard. The name is used here as a noun in apposition.

 Parasesarma macaco n. sp. Pingtung (Paoli River), Taiwan

Parasesarma macaco n. sp.

Etymology. Derived from the Portuguese "macaco" meaning “monkey”. It alludes to the agility of this treeclimbing species and its habit of jumping around branches. The name is used as a noun in apposition.


Parasesarma kui n. sp. 

Etymology. Named for Mr. Ching-Fang Ku, a ranger in the Kenting National Park and specialist of land crab conservation. The type locality of P. kui n. sp., Kangkou River, is found in his home village of Kangkou.


Parasesarma gracilipes n. sp. 

Etymology. The name is derived from the Latin "gracilis" (slender) and "pes" (legs), referring to the slender ambulatory legs of the species.


Parasesarma purpureum n. sp. 

Etymology. From the Latin purpureum for “purple” with reference to the general colour of the new species.


Parasesarma parvulum n. sp. 

Etymology. The name parvulum derives from the Latin word, meaning young or small, alluding to the relative small size of the present species.


Parasesarma tarantula n. sp. 
Etymology. The name is from the old Italian common name for large spiders, tarantula. The use of the name here alludes to the tree-climbing habits of the new species, similar to many species of tarantula, some of which are also found in Sulawesi. Used as a noun in apposition.

 Jheng-Jhang Li, Dwi Listyo Rahayu and Peter K. L. Ng. 2018. Identity of the Tree-Spider Crab, Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae), with Descriptions of Seven New Species from the Western Pacific. Zootaxa. 4482(3); 451–490. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4482.3.2

[Mammalogy • 2018] A Revision of Kerivoula hardwickii and Occurrence of K. furva (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in China

 Kerivoula furva  Kuo, Soisook, Ho, Csorba, Wang & Rossiter, 2017

in Yu, Li, Csorba, et al., 2018.

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4461.1.2 
Photo: Wen-Hua Yu. 

Abstract

Although increased survey efforts using improved capture methods (particularly harp traps) have greatly expanded the quantity of Kerivoula specimens available in China, the understanding of the genus has been long constrained. After the recently published revision of the hardwickii-complex with the description of K. furva and re-evaluation of occurrence of K. titania in Taiwan, the critical overview of the previous data of Chinese Kerivoula (with the exception of K. picta, a strikingly colored and unmistakable species) is imperative. To clarify the taxonomy and distribution of the hardwickii-complex in China, 40 additional specimens collected from South China were studied through detailed morphological comparisons, multivariate statistical methods and phylogenetic inference. Our results evidently classified these specimens as K. furva instead of K. titania or K. hardwickii sensu stricto and together with the critical review of literature data indicate that all previous Chinese records of the two latter species were based on either misidentifications or outdated taxonomy. K. furva have so far been recorded in the Chinese provinces of Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Yunnan and Taiwan, but more field surveys are needed to confirm whether it could be found in other nearby provinces.

Keywords: Mammalia, distribution, species determination, woolly bats

 Kerivoula furva from Jiangxi (GZHU 14132)

Photo: Wen-Hua Yu.

 Wen-Hua Yu, Feng Li, Gábor Csorba, Zhong-Xian Xu, Xiao-Yun Wang, Wei-Jian Guo, Yu-Chun Li and Yi Wu. 2018. A Revision of Kerivoula hardwickii and Occurrence of K. furva (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in China. Zootaxa. 4461(1); 45–56.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4461.1.2

Hao-Chih Kuo, Pipat Soisook, Ying-Yi Ho, Gabor Csorba, Chun-Neng Wang and Stephen J. Rossiter. 2017. A Taxonomic Revision of the Kerivoula hardwickii complex (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) with the Description of A New Species.   Acta Chiropterologica. 19(1); 19-39.  DOI: 10.3161/15081109ACC2017.19.1.002

[Mammalogy • 2018] Multi-locus Phylogeny of the Tribe Tragelaphini (Mammalia, Bovidae) and Species Delimitation in Bushbuck: Evidence for Chromosomal Speciation Mediated by Interspecific Hybridization

in Hassanin, Houck, Tshikung,et al., 2018. 

 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.08.006  

Highlights

• Two species of bushbuck: Tragelaphus scriptus in NW Africa and T. sylvaticus in SE Africa.

• The two species have 2n = 57M/58F and 2n = 33M/34F chromosomes, respectively.

• T. scriptus is related to T. angasii with mtDNA, and to T. sylvaticus with nuDNA.

 • Mitochondrial introgressive hybridization in the common ancestor of T. scriptus.

• Evidence for chromosomal speciation after an event of interspecific hybridization.

Abstract

The bushbuck is the most widespread bovid species in Africa. Previous mitochondrial studies have revealed a polyphyletic pattern suggesting the possible existence of two distinct species.

To assess this issue, we have sequenced 16 nuclear genes and one mitochondrial fragment (cytochrome b gene + control region) for most species of the tribe Tragelaphini, including seven bushbuck individuals belonging to the two divergent mtDNA haplogroups, Scriptus and Sylvaticus. Our phylogenetic analyses show that the Scriptus lineage is a sister-group of Sylvaticus in the nuclear tree, whereas it is related to Tragelaphus angasii in the mitochondrial tree. This mito-nuclear discordance indicates that the mitochondrial genome of Scriptus was acquired by introgression after one or several past events of hybridization between bushbuck and an extinct species closely related to T. angasii. The division into two bushbuck species is supported by the analyses of nuclear markers and by the karyotype here described for T. scriptus (2n= 57M/58F), which is strikingly distinct from the one previously found for T. sylvaticus (2n= 33M/34F). Molecular dating estimates suggest that the two species separated during the Early Pleistocene after an event of interspecific hybridization, which may have mediated massive chromosomal rearrangements in the common ancestor of T. scriptus.

Keywords: Spiral-horned antelopes, species complex, introgressive hybridization, chromosomes, cytogenetics

Figure 3. Bayesian divergence times (in million years ago, Mya) estimated using the nuclear concatenation of 16 genes (A) or the mitochondrial fragment (B). Divergence times were estimated with BEAST 2.4.7 (see main text for details). Taxa other than Tragelaphini were removed from the figures. Bold values at the nodes are mean ages. Grey bars and values between brackets represent the 95% Highest Posterior Density (HPD) interval.

 Alexandre Hassanin, Marlys L. Houck, Didier Tshikung, Blaise Kadjo, Heidi Davis and Anne Ropiquet. 2018. Multi-locus Phylogeny of the Tribe Tragelaphini (Mammalia, Bovidae) and Species Delimitation in Bushbuck: Evidence for Chromosomal Speciation Mediated by Interspecific Hybridization. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. In Press.  DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.08.006 

[Herpetology • 2018] Taxonomy of Litoria graminea (Anura: Hylidae), with Descriptions of Two closely related New Species; Litoria nullicedens & L. pallidofemora

Litoria nullicedens Kraus, 2018

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4457.2.3

Abstract

I clarify the correct provenance and taxonomic identity of the poorly known canopy-dwelling frog, Litoria graminea, from New Guinea. I base my redescription upon analysis of relevant historical material as well as upon more recently obtained specimens from several localities in Papua New Guinea. Determining the correct identity of L. graminea makes clear that one recently named species (L. dux Richards & Oliver) is a junior synonym of that taxon and that additional close relatives of that species remain undescribed, two of which I describe here. The first is known from a series of localities along the southern versant of the Central Dividing Range and the Owen Stanley Mountains. The second is known from a single site in the foothills of the Owen Stanley Mountains in Central Province, Papua New Guinea. Differences among the species are largely confined to pigmentation features and the shape of the male nuptial pads. Further, I show that several morphometric and color-pattern features earlier thought to distinguish among members of this complex are encompassed by natural variation within true L. graminea, making the characters taxonomically uninformative. The two newly described species share the unusual feature of having green oral mucosa, although their bones were white in life. This coloration is presumably due to sequestration of biliverdin, as seen in a few other tropical treefrogs, but the function of this sequestration remains unknown.

Keywords: Litoria nullicedens sp. nov., Litoria pallidofemora sp. nov., Papua New Guinea, sibling species, species complex, treefrog, Amphibia


Litoria graminea (Boulenger, 1905)
Etymology. The name is a feminine Latin adjective meaning “grassy” and is no doubt in reference to the species’ green coloration.

Litoria pallidofemora, sp. nov.
Etymology. A feminine compound adjective derived from the Latin “pallidus”, meaning “pale”, and “femoris”, meaning “femoral”, in recognition of one of the diagnostic features of this species.

Portraits in life of holotype of Litoria nullicedens sp. nov. (BPBM 18440), Dorobisoro, Central Province.

Litoria nullicedens, sp. nov.
Etymology. The name is an invariant compound adjective derived from combining the Latin first-person present participle “cedo”, meaning “I yield”, and the dative of “nullus”, meaning “none” (hence, “I yield to none”), in recognition of the striking color pattern of the species among Papuan frogs.

Fred Kraus. 2018. Taxonomy of Litoria graminea (Anura: Hylidae), with Descriptions of Two closely related New Species. Zootaxa. 4457(2); 264–284. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4457.2.3

[Herpetology • 2018] First Appearance Deceives Many: Disentangling the Hemidactylus triedrus species complex Using An Integrated Approach; Hemidactylus whitakeri & H. sahgali

Hemidactylus triedrus Daudin, 1802

Hemidactylus whitakeri 
 Hemidactylus sahgali

Mirza​, Gowande, Patil, Ambekar & Patel, 2018

  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5341 

 Abstract

The gekkonid lizard genus Hemidactylus Oken is the second most species-rich genus of geckos with greatest diversity in the tropical regions of the world. Some species of the genus are commensal and widespread; however, there are several endemic lineages with restricted distribution. India is home to at least 35 species, with 20 endemic species and the number is steadily increasing with exploration of new habitats and integrated taxonomic approach including molecular data. We made investigations into the molecular and morphological variation throughout the distribution of Hemidactylus triedrus Daudin, 1802 based on fresh specimens, literature review, museum material and molecular data. Results from morphological, molecular and micro-CT based anatomical data are unequivocal and show that H. triedrus is a species complex represented by three species, H. triedrus sensu stricto and two undescribed taxa. H. subtriedrus Jerdon, 1854 syn. nov. was found to be morphologically similar to the type specimen of H. triedrus, and genetically embedded in a clade containing H. triedrus sensu stricto and is here treated as a junior synonym of H. triedrus, whereas H. lankae Deraniyagala is referred to as nomen dubium given that the types are presently not traceable and the original description is inadequate in diagnosing the taxon. The populations from western-central India and parts of Pakistan, and from southern Karnataka are distinct and diagnosable, and are herein described as two new species, respectively. Morphological and molecular data support the distinctiveness of the new species. The present work resolves a taxonomic turmoil that lasted over two centuries highlighting the need for studies that integrate morphological and molecular data.

....

Hemidactylus triedrus species group

Species included: H. triedrus, H. sahgali sp. nov., H. whitakeri sp. nov.

Definition: Members of the group grow to a medium size ranging from 45–74 mm in SVL with a rather robust habitus. Dorsum with distinct dark bands may be edged with white or lighter shade of brown. Scales on the dorsal aspect of trunk granular intermixed with large keeled sub-trihedral or trihedral tubercles arranged in 15–20 fairly regular rows. Supralabial eight to nine and infralabials seven to eight to angle of jaw. Lamellae on digit one of manus and pes range from seven to eight and on digit four of manus and pes range from 8–10. Males possess a series of 7–15 precloacal femoral pores interrupted medially by a diastema of one to three non-pored scales. A single or a pair of sub-conical to rounded post cloacal spur. Tail with usually eight keeled tubercles in a whorl on segment I, the number subsequently reduces with progression of tail segments.

Distribution: Widespread across dry zones of India and Sri Lanka and parts of Pakistan.

Figure 4: Coloration in life of Hemidactylus triedrus.
 (A) male NCBS AU703 from Nellore, (B) an uncollected female from Pondicherry, (C) uncollected juvenile from Pondicherry.

Hemidactylus triedrus Daudin, 1802

Gecko triedrus Daudin, 1802:155

Hemidactylus triedrus Lesson, 1834:311; Boulenger, 1885:133 (in part); Smith, 1935:88 (in part)

Hemidactylus subtriedrus Jerdon, 1854:467; Smith, 1935:89 syn. nov.

Hemidactylus triedrus lankae Somaweera & Somaweera, 2009:180

Hemidactylus lankae Bauer et al., 2010:350

Diagnosis: A medium sized fairly stout gecko, adults ranging 58–76 mm in SVL. Dorsum in a shade of light brown with paired, thin black edged white bands at regular intervals. Dorsal scalation on trunk, granular, intermixed with enlarged, keeled 19–20 trihedral tubercle rows arranged in fairly regular longitudinal series. Seven lamellae under digit I of pes and manus, eight to nine under digit four of manus and pes. An angular series of seven to nine precloacal femoral pores separated at mid-pelvic by a diastema of one to three non-pored scales.

Suggested common name: Southern termite hill gecko.

Natural history: A species generally associated with termite mounds. Several individuals of different age classes can be seen occupying a single mound. Individuals can be seen at the entrance of the openings of termite mounds just after dusk and will retreat in the mound with the slightest disturbance. Juveniles when disturbed will attain a posture with their bodies high and the tail is moved slowly in a curling and uncurling manner, likely to draw attention toward the tail. Several individuals were found in a single mound when the termite mound was dug, along with scorpions of the genus Heterometrus sp., and frogs of the genus Uperodon sp. Individuals also seek shelter under boulders, abandoned houses during the day emerging just after dusk. Mostly terrestrial in its habits but will climb trees too. Breeding likely takes places from February to May as hatchlings and eggs have been seen in the months of April–May in Pondicherry and Kanyakumari. Occupies areas that are dry like scrub, dominated with boulders and even in cities closer to the coast. Widely distributed from Visakhapatnam in north to Kanyakumari in south and recorded from elevation ranging from 17 to 1,913 m AMSL. Recorded from the following states/Union territories in India: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry (Fig. 6).

Figure 7: Coloration in life of Hemidactylus whitakeri sp. nov. (A) Holotype female NCBS AU712, (B) uncollected juvenile from Bangalore.

Hemidactylus whitakeri sp. nov.

Hemidactylus subtriedrus Bauer et al., 2010

Hemidactylus triedrus Bansal & Karanth, 2010

Diagnosis: A medium sized fairly stout gecko, adults ranging 45–60 mm in SVL. Dorsum in a shade of light brown with paired, thin black edged white bands at regular intervals. Dorsal scalation on trunk granular, intermixed with enlarged, keeled 16–17 sub-trihedral tubercle rows arranged in fairly regular longitudinal series on dorsum. Seven lamellae (rarely six) under digit I of pes and manus, eight to nine under digit four of manus and pes. An angular series of seven to eight precloacal femoral pores separated at a mid-pelvic by a diastema of three non-pored scales.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym honoring Romulus Earl Whitaker for his valuable contribution toward the study and conservation of reptiles of India.

Suggested common name: Whitaker’s termite hill gecko.

Natural history: The types were found moving actively at a quarry site around 20:30 h. The holotype female contains two eggs in her body cavity suggesting that this species breeds during the months of November. Several hatchlings of the new species were encountered at Kengiri near Bangalore in the month of April. Similar in its habits to H. triedrus and can be seen on termite mounds. Its distribution is not well known and known from Bangalore in the state of Karnataka and the Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu (Fig. 6).

Figure 9: Coloration in life of Hemidactylus sahgali sp. nov.
(A) Paratype female NCBS AU709, (B) an uncollected male from Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra, (C) uncollected juvenile from Pune.

Hemidactylus sahgali sp. nov.

Hemidactylus triedrus Boulenger, 1885:133 (in part); Smith, 1935:88 (in part); 

Minton, 1966:85; Bauer et al., 2010

Diagnosis: A medium sized fairly stout gecko, adults ranging 56–78 mm in SVL. Dorsum in a shade of light brown with paired, broad black edged white bands at regular intervals. Dorsal scalation on trunk, granular, intermixed with enlarged, keeled 15–16 trihedral tubercle rows arranged in fairly regular longitudinal series. Seven to eight lamellae under digit I of pes and manus, 8–10 under digit four of manus and pes. An angular series of 11–15 precloacal femoral pores separated at a mid-pelvic by a diastema of one to three non-pored scales.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym honoring Bittu Sahgal, Editor and founder of Sanctuary Asia magazine for his contribution toward conservation of wildlife.

Suggested common name: Sahgal’s termite hill gecko.

Natural history: A species associated with termite mounds as its related species H. triedrus. Found in dry open scrub areas with boulders. Seen actively moving about on the ground just after dusk. Hatchlings have been seen in the month of May. Distributed throughout the Deccan Traps, its distribution extends beyond the traps north-west into Pakistan. In India, it is recorded from the following states: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh records ranging in elevation from 11 to 1,191 m AMSL. All records of the species from Pakistan are from elevation ranging from 15 to 25 m AMSL.

Zeeshan A. Mirza​, Gaurang G. Gowande, Rishikesh Patil, Mayuresh Ambekar and Harshil Patel. 2018. First Appearance Deceives Many: Disentangling the Hemidactylus triedrus species complex Using An Integrated Approach.  PeerJ. 6:e5341  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5341