[Botany • 2019] Taxonomy, Evolution and Phylogeography of the Genus Helonias (Melanthiaceae) Revisited

Helonias bullata L.

in Tanaka, 2019.

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.390.1.1

Abstract

This paper reviews the taxonomy, evolution and phylogeographic aspects of the genus Helonias L. sensu lato, including Ypsilandra and Heloniopsis (Melanthiaceae) that are basically similar in many morphological and ecological characters to Helonias sensu stricto. It includes three parts, I–III. In Part I, characters and their variation are examined to determine generic traits and diversity. In Part II, an attempt is made to taxonomically determine diversity among individuals. Taxonomic conclusions and revisions are principally the following: Helonias comprises 12 species, which are classified into two sections, H. sect. Helonias and H. sect. Heloniopsis comb. & stat. nov. Helonias sect. Helonias consists of H. bullata only; H. sect. Heloniopsis comprises two subsections, H. subsect. Ypsilandra comb. & stat. nov. and H. subsect. Heloniopsis. Helonias subsect. Ypsilandra is composed of five species previously published under the genus Ypsilandra. Helonias subsect. Heloniopsis consists of two series, H. ser. Umbellatae ser. nov., with three species from Taiwan and the Nansei Islands (incl. the Ryukyus), Japan, and H. ser. Heloniopsis, with three species from Japan, Korea and E. Russia (southern Sakhalin). Helonias yunnanensis var. mesostyla is described as a new variety from N Myanmar and SW China (NW Yunnan). The new combinations Helonias koreana (from Korea) and H. parviflora (from China) are proposed. Lectotypes for Ypsilandra parviflora, Y. thibetica, Y. yunnanensis var. micrantha, Heloniopsis breviscapa and H. grandiflora are designated. A revised typification for Sugerokia japonica is proposed, negating a previous lectotypification. Heloniopsis tubiflora is reduced to synonymy under Helonias koreana. In Part III, the evolutionary and phylogeographic aspects of Helonias are discussed, and a phylogram inferred from cladistic analysis of phenotypic characters is presented. In the phylogram, Helonias is monophyletic, while H. sect. Helonias and H. subsect. Ypsilandra are respectively paraphyletic, and H. subsect. Heloniopsis is monophyletic. Incongruence in results between morphological and DNA sequence analyses is briefly discussed.

Keywords: character evolution, breeding system, floral structure, Heloniadeae, historical biogeography, infrageneric system, life history, phenology, Monocots

Noriyuki Tanaka. 2019. Taxonomy, Evolution and Phylogeography of the Genus Helonias (Melanthiaceae) Revisited. Phytotaxa. 390(1); 1–84. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.390.1.1

[Botany • 2019] Cirsium tatakaense (Compositae) • A New Species from Taiwan

 Cirsium tatakaense  Y.H.Tseng & C.Y.Chang

in Chang, Tzeng & Tseng, 2019
 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.117.29380

Abstract

A new species of Cirsium, Cirsium tatakaense Y.H.Tseng & C.Y.Chang, from central-southern Taiwan is described and illustrated. This species is similar to C. kawakamii Hayata in leaf shape, achene and chromosome number (2n = 64), but can be readily distinguished from C. kawakamii by the narrower leaf lobes, usually higher number of florets and phyllaries, the purplish-red corolla (vs. white) and larger pollen grains. A key to the species of Cirsium in Taiwan is also presented.

Keywords: New species, Chromosome number, Cirsium tatakaense, Cirsium kawakamii, Compositae, Taiwan

Figure 1. Line drawings of Cirsium tatakaense Y.H.Tseng & C.Y.Chang
A habit B root C leaf D capitula E inner phyllary E’ middle phyllary E” outer phyllary F floret F’ floret (pappus removed) G synantherous H style branches I achene. Voucher: C. Y. Chang 1442 (TCF). 

Figure 2. Cirsium tatakaense Y.H.Tseng & C.Y.Chang
A habitat B habit C seedling D variations of leaves E inflorescences F capitula G floret; (right-side pappus removed) H achene with pappus I achene.

Cirsium tatakaense Y.H.Tseng & C.Y.Chang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Differs from C. kawakamii in having narrower leaf lobes (7.3−11.7 mm), usually more florets, (136)161−308 and phyllaries (111−199), a purplish-red corolla and larger pollen grains (34.2−42.6 × 35.2−44.7 μm).

Distribution: Endemic species of Taiwan. Cirsium tatakaense is located in open areas of cloud forests of vegetation zones from the Quercus to Abies forest zone at alt. 2000−3000 m in central-southern Taiwan (Fig. 3). Based on the geographical climatic regions and vegetation zones (Su 1984, 1985), C. tatakaense is distributed mainly in the central-west inland regions. Cirsium tatakaense has been discovered in sunny environments, such as roadsides and forest margins, concentrated on the upper portions of hills along Provincial Highway no. 18. Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Andersson (Poaceae), Rubus taitoensis Hayata (Rosaceae) and Senecio nemorensis L. var. dentatus (Kitam.) H. Koyama (Compositae) are often discovered with C. tatakaense. Sometimes, C. arisanense Kitam. and C. ferum Kitam. are found near to C. tatakaense; however, no hybrid individual between these species has been observed.

Chinese name: Ta-ta-jia-ji (塔塔加薊).

Etymology: The species epithet tatakaense derives from the type location Tataka in Nantou County.

Figure 5. Comparison of the morphological characters amongst the species of Cirsium sect. Onotrophe in Taiwan.
A Cirsium tatakaense Y.H.Tseng & C.Y.Chang B C. kawakamii Hayata C C. arisanense Kitam.: 1 leaf 2 capitula 3 inner phyllary 3’ middle phyllary 3” outer phyllary 4 floret 4’ floret (pappus removed) 5 synantherous 6 style branches 7 achene 7’ achene with pappus.

 Chih-Yi Chang, Hsy-Yu Tzeng andYen-Hsueh Tseng. 2019. Cirsium tatakaense (Compositae), A New Species from Taiwan.  PhytoKeys. 117: 119-132. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.117.29380

   

[Crustacea • 2019] Neocaridina fonticulata • A New Land-locked Freshwater Shrimp (Decapoda, Caridea, Atyidae) from Hengchun Peninsula, Taiwan

Neocaridina fonticulata  

Shih, Cai & Chiu, 2019

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.817.29332

Abstract

A new species of land-locked freshwater shrimp, Neocaridina fonticulata sp. n. (Atyidae), is described from Kenting, Hengchun Peninsula, Pingtung County, southern Taiwan. This new species can be distinguished from its congeners by rostrum structure, pereiopods, and male first and second pleopods. The molecular evidence of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) also supports the establishment of a new species. This is the third endemic species of Neocaridina known from Taiwan.

Keywords: Neocaridina fonticulata, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I, new species, morphology

Figure 4. Live colouration of Neocaridina fonticulata sp. n. (A–D) and its habitat in Kenting, southern Taiwan (E–F). Specimens were collected from the type locality on 1 July 2015 and kept in aquarium for observation and photography.

Live colouration of Neocaridina fonticulata sp. n. (A–D).
Specimens were collected from the type locality on 1 July 2015 and kept in aquarium for observation and photography. 

 Neocaridina fonticulata sp. n., its habitat in Kenting, southern Taiwan (E–F). 

 Family Atyidae De Haan, 1849

Neocaridina Kubo, 1938

Neocaridina fonticulata sp. n. 

Figure 1. Neocaridina fonticulata sp. n.:
A carapace and cephalic appendages, lateral view B telson, dorsal view C preanal carina, lateral view D right scaphocerite and antenna, ventral view E right mandible F right maxillula G right maxilla H right 1st maxilliped I right 2nd maxilliped J right 3rd maxilliped. Scale bars: 1.5 mm (A); 0.5 mm (B, E–J); 1 mm (C, D) (male, cl 3.0 mm, paratype, ZRC 2018.1013).

Diagnosis: Rostrum short, straight, slightly sloping downwards, reaching mostly to end of 1st segment of antennular peduncle, rostral formula 1–3+8–15/1–4. Pterygostomian margin armed with an indistinct spine. 1st pereiopod carpus 1.2–1.5 × as long as high; chela 2.0–2.1 × as long as broad; fingers slightly longer than palm. 2nd pereiopod carpus 1.1–1.2 × as long as chela, 3.9–4.3 × as long as high; chela 2.1–2.3 × as long as broad; fingers 1.3–1.4 × as long as palm. 3rd pereiopod with propodus straight in females, slightly incurved in males, 2.7–3.0 × as long as dactylus; dactylus terminating in two claws, 4–6 accessory spines on flexor margin, strongly incurved in males. 5th pereiopod propodus 2.7–2.8 × as long as dactylus, dactylus terminating in one claw, with 46–54 spinules on flexor margin. Endopod of male 1st pleopod extending to 0.8 × exopod length, inflated at distal ¾, pyriform, 1.7 × as long as wide, appendix interna at base of inflated part, short. Appendix masculina of male 2nd pleopod cylindrical, reaching to 0.7 length of endopod, appendix interna reaching to 0.6 length of appendix masculina. Uropodal diaeresis with 13–14 movable spinules. Eggs 1.10 × 0.68 to 1.20 × 0.75 mm in diameter.

...

Etymology: Neocaridina fonticulata is named after its known habitat, from the Latin root, fonticulus, for little spring.

Ecological notes: Specimens of the new species were collected from leaf litter layer of a small stream (Figure 4E, F) next to a spring outlet at a limestone hill. The collection site consists of concretized substrate and banks, representing the headwater of the stream. The water flow is slow, cool temperature (about 25 °C), neutral (pH 7.06–7.16), and with moderately high dissolved oxygen (7.33–7.70 mg/L). The freshwater crabs, Candidiopotamon rathbuni (De Man, 1914) and Geothelphusa ferruginea Shy, Ng & Yu, 1994, were found to be sympatric with this new species. Ovigerous females were found in July.

Distribution: Presently known only from Sheding, Kenting, southern Taiwan.

 Hsi-Te Shih, Yixiong Cai and Yuh-Wen Chiu. 2019. Neocaridina fonticulata, A New Land-locked Freshwater Shrimp from Hengchun Peninsula, Taiwan (Decapoda, Caridea, Atyidae). ZooKeys. 817: 11-23.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.817.29332

   

[Ichthyology • 2018] Epinephelus craigi • A New Species of Grouper (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) from the South China Sea

Epinephelus craigi  

 Frable, Tucker & Walker, 2018

  DOI: 10.1007/s10228-018-0669-9

Illustration by Emilie Stump.  twitter.com/Frable

Abstract

A new species of grouper, Epinephelus craigi sp. nov., from the South China Sea is described from 17 specimens (104–250 mm SL). The new species is distinguished from Epinephelus stictus (Randall and Allen 1987) with which it has historically been conflated, based on coloration, meristics, morphology, and genetics. Epinephelus craigi sp. nov. has a unique color pattern of irregular squarish, dark brown blotches interrupting lighter brown bars along the lateral midline of the body, and small dots on the dorsal surface of the body. Additionally, E. craigi sp. nov. has a longer upper jaw, shorter snout length, narrower interorbital width, and shorter caudal peduncle than E. stictus. Both E. stictus and the new species are relatively deep-water species, with the new species occurring to at least 93 m. Epinephelus craigi sp. nov. is known from the South China Sea and E. stictus is known from Western Australia and southern Indonesia, suggesting allopatric and anti-equatorial distributions. DNA sequence divergence data of the mitochondrial COI gene further supports the distinction of E. craigi sp. nov. from E. stictus.

Keywords: Epinephelus stictus, Five-bar grouper, Species description, Cytochrome oxidase I 

Composite illustration of Epinephelus craigi, based on multiple specimens and market photographs, approximately 175 mm SL.

Illustration by Emilie Stump. 

Epinephelus craigi sp. nov.

(New English name: Brokenbar Grouper; 

Chinese name in Hong Kong: Cheung-pei-paan) 

....

Etymology. The new species is named in honor of Dr. Matthew T. Craig for his significant contributions to the conservation and scientific understanding of groupers and their relatives.

Benjamin W. Frable, Sarah J. Tucker and H. J. Walker, Jr. 2018. A New Species of Grouper, Epinephelus craigi (Perciformes: Epinephelidae), from the South China Sea. Ichthyological Research.  DOI: 10.1007/s10228-018-0669-9  

twitter.com/Frable/status/1061002418102489088

[Botany • 2018] Gastrochilus deltoglossus (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae) • A New Species from Taiwan

Gastrochilus deltoglossus T.C. Hsu, S.I Hsieh, J.H. Wu & H.C. Hung

in Hsu, Hsieh, Wu & Hung, 2018. 

 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2018.63.360 

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice 

Abstract

A new species, Gastrochilus deltoglossus, is described and illustrated from Taiwan. This species is characterized by the presence of pendulous stems, leaves without awned apex, 3.5–4.0 mm tall subconical hypochile, and broadly deltoid, ciliate, adaxially sparsely short-hairy epichile that are approximately as wide as hypochile. Notes on its distribution, ecology, conservation status and taxonomic affinities are presented.

Keyword: Gastrochilus ciliaris, Gastrochilus raraensis, Orchidaceae, Taiwan, Taxonomy

Fig. 2. Line drawing of Gastrochilus deltoglossus, from J.H. Wu 525.
A–B. Flowering habits (A, bottom view; B, top view). C. Leaves. D. Inflorescence. E. Bract. F–H. Flower (F, top view; G, side view; H, front view). I. Dorsal sepal. J. Petal. K. Lateral sepal. L–N. Lip and column (L, top view; M, side view; N, front view). O–P. Anther cap (O, top view; P, bottom view). Q–S. Pollinarium (Q, top view; R, side view; S, bottom view).

Illustrated by Hsin-Chieh Hung.

Fig. 1. Morphology of Gastrochilus deltoglossus, from J.H. Wu 525.
A–C. Flowering habits. D. Leaf. E–H. Flower (E, top view; F, front view; G–H, side view). I. Dorsal sepal, adaxial view. J. Petal, adaxial view. K. Lateral sepal, adaxial view. L–N. Lip and column (L, front view; M, top view; N, side view). O–P. Anther cap (O, top view; P, bottom view). Q–S. Pollinarium (Q, top view; R, side view; S, bottom view). T. Capsules.

 Scale bars: A = 5 cm. B–D & T = 1 cm. E–N = 5 mm. O–S = 1 mm.

Gastrochilus deltoglossus T.C. Hsu, S.I Hsieh, J.H. Wu & H.C. Hung, sp. nov.

Type: TAIWAN. Nantou County: Ren'ai Township, 2000–2500 m elev., 8 Jun 2018, J. H. Wu 525 (holotype: TCF!; isotypes: TAIF!, TNM!). 

Diagnosis: This new species is similar to Gastrochilus raraensis, from which it differs in having a wider (3.0–3.5 vs. ca. 2.0 mm) saccate lip hypochile and a smaller, deltoid (vs. semiorbicular to reniform), adaxially sparsely short-hairy (vs. densely long hairy) lip epichile. It is also similar to G. ciliaris but can be differentiated on the basis of its pendulous (vs. creeping) stems, larger (3.5–4.0 vs. 2.0–3.0 mm long) tepals, much larger (3.5–4.0 mm tall and 3.0–3.5 in diam. vs. 1.5–2.0 mm tall and ca. 2.0 mm in diam.) subconical (vs. semispherical) lip hypochile with acute (vs. rounded) bottom, and obtuse (vs. rounded or emarginate) epichile. 

....

 Chinese name: 三角唇松蘭. 

Etymology: The specific epithet is a combination of “delta”, triangular, and “glossus”, tongue, derived from the characteristic deltoid lip epichile of the new species.

Gastrochilus deltoglossus T.C. Hsu, S.I Hsieh, J.H. Wu & H.C. Hung

in Hsu, Hsieh, Wu & Hung, 2018. 

DOI: 10.6165/tai.2018.63.360    facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice 

Tian-Chuan Hsu, Szu-I Hsieh, Jin-Hua Wu and Hsin-Chieh Hung. 2018. Gastrochilus deltoglossus (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae), A New Species from Taiwan. Taiwania. 63(4); 360-365. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2018.63.360  

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/2162988000589684 

        

[Botany • 2018] Striga crispata (Orobanchaceae) • A New Hemiparasitic Species from Taiwan

 Striga crispata

 S.-Z. Yang, Z.-X. Chen, C.-F. Chen & P.-H. Chen 

in Yang, Chen, Chen & Chen, 2018. 

 大武獨腳金  |   DOI: 10.6165/tai.2018.63.287 

 ABSTRACT

 A new hemiparasitic species, Striga crispata sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Tawu Township, Taitung County, Southern Taiwan. It most closely resembles the Australian species, S. parviflora (R. Brown) Benth, but can be differentiated by longer corollas that are pink or pinkish purple in color, corolla-lobes with crispate margins, and ornamented seed surface that is only covered by the primary ridge. A morphological description, line drawings, photographs, and conservation status are provided to aid identification. 

KEY WORDS: Hemiparasite, Orobanchaceae, Striga, Striga parviflora, Taiwan.  

Fig. 2. Striga crispata (Z. -X. Chen s. n., PPI 78580).
A: Habit. B: Flower, with 1-bract and 2-bracteolates. C: Corolla lobes rhombus to ovate in shape (face view). D: Fruit black or brown in color at maturity stage; calyx persistent and longer than the fruit.

Striga crispata S.-Z. Yang, Z.-X. Chen, C.-F. Chen & P.-H. Chen, sp. nov.

 大武獨腳金 

Similar to S. parviflora in having leaf of 15–25 mm long; corolla shortly lobed, lips entire at the margin, violet, but differing from S. parviflora with leaves of 7– 15 mm long; corolla deeply lobed, lips crispate at the margin, pink or pinkish purple.

....

Ecology: Striga crispata sp. nov. is only known from the type locality in Taiwan, found on the edge of streams, at altitudes 20–30 m. The host plant is Heteropogon contortus (L.) P. Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult (Poaceae) (Fig. 2), and the other congeners Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze (Orobanchaceae) are found near this new taxon. The flowering and fruiting occurs from October to November, with it withering in winter.  

 Sheng-Zehn Yang, Zi-Xuan Chen, Chien-Fan Chen and Po-Hao Chen. 2018. Striga crispata sp. nov. (Orobanchaceae), A New Hemiparasitic Species from Taiwan. Taiwania. 63(4): 287-291, 2018 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2018.63.287

[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

[Botany • 2018] Berberis morii • A New Species of Berberis Sect. Wallichianae from Taiwan

Berberis morii  Harber & C.C. Yu

in Harber, Chung & Yu, 2018.

  森氏小檗   DOI: 10.6165/tai.2018.63.235 

ABSTRACT
 In a revision of Berberis Sect. Wallichianae in Taiwan and Luzon, the Philippines, two of the authors recognized 11 species from Taiwan, including three new species. This article recognizes a further new species, Berberis morii, and places it in the same clade with other species from Taiwan. Rather than reproduce all the observations that were made there, we simply note that Taiwan is an important center of endemism of B. Sect. Wallichianae. In comparing the floral structure and overall morphology of B. morii with similar taxa from Taiwan, China and India, a series morphological differences, both qualitatively and quantitatively, were noted. Phylogenetic analysis was also used to evaluate the endemicity of B. morii.

KEY WORDS: Berberis, Cloud forest, Flora of Taiwan, Hualien, New species, Mori Ushinosuke. 

Berberis morii Harber & C.C. Yu, sp. nov. 

森氏小檗  

Type: TAIWAN: Cultivated; Hualian, Guangfu Logging Trail, ..., 1576 m, 20 March 2016, J. F. Harber & C. C. Yu 2016-01 (Holotype: HAST 141801!) 

Fig. 1. Berberis morii Harber & C.C. Yu

A. Plant in nature. B. Adventitious roots. C. Densely pruinose abaxial surface. D. Flower from plant in cultivation; abaxial view showing sepals. E. Petal with nectaries and stamen. F. Distribution of B. morii.

Fig. 3. Berberis morii Harber & C.C. Yu. 

A. Flowering branch. B. Flower, abaxial view. C. Flower, adaxial view. D. First whorl sepal. E. Inner sepals. F. Petal with pair of ovoid nectaries at base. G. Dehisced stamen. H. Stamen before dehiscence. 

Illustrations by HanYau Huang.

Distribution & habitat: eastern Taiwan, Hualien Hsien; known from only two small colonies, one on the side of Guangfu Logging Trail at 1576 m, the second at the summit of Mt. Wanwuta (Fig. 1F).

Etymology: Berberis morii is named for the Japanese ethnographer, Mori Ushinosuke, who was the first to collect plants in the area where B. morii was found. 

Julian Harber, Kuo-Fang Chung and Chih-Chieh Yu. 2018. A New Species of Berberis Sect. Wallichianae from Taiwan, Berberis morii. Taiwania. 63(3); 235-240, 2018 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2018.63.235

[Ichthyology • 2018] Dysommina orientalis • A New Species of the Genus Dysommina (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from the Western Pacific

Dysommina orientalis

Tighe, Ho & Hatooka, 2018

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4454.1.6 

Abstract

Dysommina orientalis, a new species of Ilyophine eel from off Taiwan and Japan is described and illustrated. The species had long been recognized as Dysommina rugosa in the western Pacific and is distinguished from D. rugosa by a lower number of predorsal vertebrae, a higher number of total vertebrae, shorter head length, smaller eye size, reduced vomerine dentition, and an increased number of both mandibular and maxillary teeth, as well as significant differences in DNA sequence in COI and 16S.

Keywords: Pisces, Teleostei, taxonomy, Dysommina orientalis sp. nov., distribution

Kenneth A Tighe, Hsuan-Ching Ho and Kiyotaka Hatooka. 2018. A New Species of the Genus Dysommina (Teleostei: Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from the Western Pacific. Zootaxa. 4454(1); 43–51.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4454.1.6

[Entomology • 2018] Revising the Generic Characters of Lobogonodes Bastelberger, 1909 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae), with Description of A New Species, Lobogonodes shiushioui, from Taiwan

Lobogonodes shiushioui Wu & Chang, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4433.3.2 

Abstract

The present study re-assesses the characters of the Oriental genus Lobogonodes Bastelberger, 1909 based on all 8 species, including the newly described Lobogonodes shiushioui sp. nov. and the distinct species L. dactylotypa Prout, 1940 stat. rev.. Three synapomorphic characters based on the male genitalia are proposed: the presence of a sclerotized subscaphium, the U-shaped connection between the juxta and anellus lobe and the saccus process pointed anteriorly. A new key to the species in this genus is provided.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, Cidariini, Microlygris, hair pencil, genitalia, cornutus, signum

Shipher Wu and Wei-Chun Chang. 2018. Revising the Generic Characters of Lobogonodes Bastelberger, 1909, with Description of A New Species from Taiwan (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae). Zootaxa.  4433(3); 434–444.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4433.3.2

[Entomology • 2018] Dodona formosana • A Distinct Species detected in the Dodona eugenes Species Complex: Clarification of the Taxonomic Status of the Punch Butterfly in Taiwan

Dodona formosana Matsumura, 1919 

in Wu, Lin & Hsu, 2018.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.736.22062 

Abstract

The Tailed Punch, Dodona eugenes, is widely distributed in East Asia with seven subspecies currently recognized. However, two of them, namely ssp. formosana and ssp. esakii found in Taiwan, are hard to distinguish from each other due to ambiguous diagnostic characters. In this study, their taxonomic status is clarified by comparing genitalia characters and phylogenetic relationships based on mitochondrial sequences, COI and COII (total 2211 bps). Our results show that there is no reliable feature to separate these two subspecies. Surprisingly we found that Dodona in Taiwan is more closely related to the Orange Punch, D. egeon, than to other subspecies of D. eugenes. Therefore, the following nomenclatural changes are proposed: Dodona eugenes formosana is revised to specific status as Dodona formosana Matsumura, 1919, stat. rev., and ssp. esakii is sunk to a junior synonym of Dodona formosana syn. n.

Keywords: endemism, male genitalia, Myrsinaceae, wing pattern

Figure 5. Pinned specimens of Dodona formosana and their relatives.
 A D. formosana (spp. formosana) ♂ B D. formosana (spp. formosana) ♀ C D. formosana (spp. esakii) ♂ D D. formosana (spp. esakii) ♀
E D. eu. eugenes ♂ F D. eu. venox ♂ G D. egeon ♂ H D. egeon ♀
I D. maculosa ♂ J D. maculosa ♀ K type of D. formosana (SEHU).

Systematics

Based on the evidence from genitalia morphology and phylogenetic relationships, Dodona from Taiwan should be separated from D. eugenes and regarded as a distinct species. We therefore raised the Dodona butterfly in Taiwan to full species status, Dodona formosana Matsumura 1919, stat. rev., The two previously recognized subspecies, spp. formosana, and spp. esakii, are thus recognized as synonyms (syn. n.).

Dodona formosana Matsumura, 1919, stat. rev.

....

Conclusions

The Dodona butterfly in Taiwan should be regarded as an endemic species, Dodona formosana, distinct from D. eugenes. The present work and a previous study (Callaghan 2009) both point out that Dodona eugenes, widely distributed in East Asia, is not a monophyletic species. Combining evidence from genitalia characters and molecular sequences provides effective clarification on solving species-level problem for species complex containing superficially similar species.

 Li-Wei Wu, Wen-Jie Lin and Yu-Feng Hsu. 2018. A Distinct Species, Dodona formosana, detected in the Dodona eugenes Species Complex: Clarification of the Taxonomic Status of the Punch Butterfly in Taiwan. ZooKeys. 736: 59-77.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.736.22062

[Crustacea • 2017] Acanthodromia margarita & Pariphiculus stellatus • Notes On Two Crabs (Brachyura, Dynomenidae and Iphiculidae) Collected from Red Coral Beds in northern Taiwan

Pariphiculus stellatus  Ng & Jeng, 2017

 DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.694.14871 

Abstract

Two brachyuran species of the families Dynonemidae and Iphiculidae are reported from red coral beds in northern Taiwan. The dynonemid Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899) has hitherto been reported from the Andaman Sea, Japan, and Philippines and the species is here recorded for the first time from Taiwan. A new species of iphiculid, Pariphiculus stellatus sp. n., is also described. The new Pariphiculus, which also occurs in the Philippines, is superficially similar to P. agariciferus Ihle, 1918, a species known from Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, South China Sea, Taiwan, and Vanuatu, but can be distinguished by distinct carapace, pleonal and male first gonopod features.

Keywords: Brachyuran crab, Dromioidea, East China Sea, Leucosioidea, new Pariphiculus species, taxonomy

Figure 1. Colour in life.
A, B Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899), female (17.8 × 18.3 mm) (ASIZ 75484), Taiwan C Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899), female (17.7 × 19.2 mm) (ZRC 2008.1420), Philippines
D Pariphiculus agariciferus, Ihle, 1918, male (11.9 × 12.1 mm) (ZRC 2009.471), Vanuatu E, F Pariphiculus stellatus sp. n., holotype male (27.7 × 24.5 mm) (ASIZ 75485), Taiwan. A, C, D, E overall dorsal view; B, F ventral view.

Systematics

Family Dynomenidae Ortmann, 1892

Genus Acanthodromia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880

Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899)

Family Iphiculidae Alcock, 1896

Genus Pariphiculus Alcock, 1896

Pariphiculus stellatus sp. n.

Etymology: The species is named after the prominent asteriform or “star-like” mushroom-shaped tubercles and granules on the carapace and chelipeds.

 Peter K. L. Ng and M.-S. Jeng. 2017. Notes On Two Crabs (Crustacea, Brachyura, Dynomenidae and Iphiculidae) Collected from Red Coral Beds in northern Taiwan, including A New Species of Pariphiculus Alcock, 1896. ZooKeys. 694; 135-156. DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.694.14871

New species of crab with unusual outgrowths has its name written in the stars  phy.so/423225938 via @physorg_com

[Ichthyology • 2017] Gymnocranius obesus • A New Large-eye Seabream from the Coral Triangle

Gymnocranius obesus 

Chen, Miki & Borsa, 2017

Obese Large-eye Seabream  | DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2017.08.004  

Abstract

Two previously recorded new species of the large-eye seabream genus Gymnocranius (Gymnocranius sp. D and Gymnocranius sp. E) remain undescribed. Here we describe Gymnocranius sp. E as Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. This new species is morphologically distinct from all other known species under Gymnocranius by the following combination of characters: relatively deep body, with ratio of standard length to body depth 2.2–2.4; protruding large eye, with eye diameter about equal to or slightly larger than inter-orbital width; caudal fin moderately forked; no blue spots or wavy blue lines on cheek and snout in adults; fourth transversal dark bar on flank running from the sixth spine of the dorsal fin to the origin of the anal fin; anal, caudal and dorsal fins drab with yellowish to yellow margins. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. is distinct from G. griseus, with which it has been previously confused by a relatively larger head, scales above lateral line without dark basal patch, and a smaller number of front scales on the dorsal side of the head. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. is genetically distinct from its closest known relative, Gymnocranius sp. D by 104 diagnostic nucleotide characters, which translates into a 9.6% sequence divergence at the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. reaches a length of at least 295 mm. Its distribution, from the Ryukyu Islands to Bali, including Taiwan and the Flores Sea, mostly coincides with the western half of the Coral Triangle.

Keywords: New species, Indo-West Pacific, Gymnocranius sp. D, Gymnocranius griseus

Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. 

 Previously referred to as Gymnocranius sp. E [Borsa, et al., 2013],

Gymnocranius sp. 1 [Anonymous, 2016],

Gymnocranius griseus [Chiang, et al., 2014],

and Gymnocranius grandoculis [Shao, 2016].

Diagnosis: Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. differs from its morphologically close congeners G. griseus and Gymnocranius sp. D by the number of front scales on the top of the head, and by the dark-bar patterns on flanks. While the fourth transversal dark bar in G. obesus sp. nov. runs from the basis of the sixth spine of the dorsal fin down to the origin of the anal fin, the one in G. griseus, when visible, runs down from the base of the sixth dorsal spine to the abdomen (Table 3). That in Gymnocranius sp. D descends from the sixth dorsal spine to the extremity of abdomen, before the anus (Table 3).

Along the cytochrome b gene, the following apomorphic sites have nucleotides shared by all five specimens of G. obesus sp. nov. examined so far, that are not present in G. elongatus, G. euanus, G. grandoculis, G. griseus, G. oblongus, G. satoi, G. superciliosus and Gymnocranius sp. D: Nos. 61, 108, 117, 135, 153, 165, 300, 303, 318, 375, 501, 564, 627, 630, 684, 756, 765, 816, 967, 972, and 1032. These nucleotide sites can be used for the diagnosis of G. obesus sp. nov. relative to G. griseus and Gymnocranius sp. D.

Etymology: Epithet obesus is the Latin translation of obese, a reference to the deep and relatively thick body shape of the specimens of this species. We propose the Obese Large-eye Seabream as vernacular name for G. obesus sp. nov.

Fig. 1. Type series of Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. 
A. Specimen NTUM 12079 (sample Let1006), holotype, standard length (SL) 270 mm, collected 3 October 2013 from off Fugang, Taitung, Taiwan (photographed by WJC). B. Specimen MUFS 25522, paratype, SL 295 mm, from off Anbo, Yaku-shima Island, Kagoshima prefecture, Japan (30°19′N, 130°39′E), 11 August 2008 (photographed by the MUFS fish team). C. Specimen MUFS 41271, paratype, SL 209 mm, purchased at Tomari-Fish Market (26°14′N, 127°41′E), Okinawa Island, Japan, 27 October 2012 (photographed by RM). D. Specimen MUFS 41272, paratype, SL 244 mm, purchased at the same place and same date (photographed by RM). E. Specimen NTUM 10766 (Let998), paratype, SL195 mm, from Fugang fishing port, Taiwan, 03 October 2013 (photographed by WJC). F. Specimen NTUM 10766 (Let999), paratype, SL220 mm, from Fugang fishing port, Taiwan, 03 October 2013 (photographed by WJC). G. Specimen NTUM 10766 (Let1004), paratype, SL192 mm, from Fugang fishing port, Taiwan, 03 October 2013 (photographed by WJC). H. Specimen NTUM 10766 (Let1005), paratype, SL239 mm, from Fugang fishing port, Taiwan, 03 October 2013 (photographed by WJC). 

 Wei-Jen Chen, Ryohei Miki and Philippe Borsa. 2017. Gymnocranius obesus, A New Large-eye Seabream from the Coral Triangle. Comptes Rendus Biologies. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2017.08.004 

2017. Gymnocranius obesus, un nouveau bossu blanc du Triangle de Corail. 

Résumé: Deux nouveaux bossus blancs du genre Gymnocranius, précédemment signalés comme Gymnocranius sp. D et Gymnocranius sp. E, restent non décrits. Nous décrivons ici Gymnocranius sp. E comme Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. Cette nouvelle espèce est morphologiquement distincte de toutes les autres espèces connues du genre Gymnocranius par la combinaison de caractères suivante : corps relativement haut, où le rapport de la longueur standard à la hauteur du corps est 2,2–2,4 ; œil saillant, large, dont le diamètre est approximativement égal ou légèrement supérieur à la distance interorbitaire ; nageoire caudale modérément fourchue ; pas de taches bleues ni de lignes bleues ondulées sur la joue et le museau chez les adultes ; quatrième barre transversale sombre sur le flanc allant de la base du sixième rayon de la nageoire dorsale à l’origine de la nageoire anale ; bord externe des nageoires anale, caudale et dorsale jaunâtre à jaune. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. se distingue de G. griseus, avec lequel il a été précédemment confondu, par une tête relativement plus grande, des écailles au-dessus de la ligne latérale sans patch basal sombre, et un plus petit nombre d’écailles frontales sur le dos de la tête. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. est génétiquement distinct de son plus proche parent connu, Gymnocranius sp. D, par 104 caractères nucléotidiques diagnostiques au gène mitochondrial du cytochrome b, ce qui se traduit par une divergence de séquence de 9,6 %. Gymnocranius obesus sp. nov. atteint au moins 295 mm de longueur. Sa distribution, des îles Ryukyu à Bali en passant par Taïwan et la mer de Flores, coïncide essentiellement avec la moitié ouest du Triangle de Corail.

Mots clés: Nouvelle espèce, Indo-Pacifique ouest, Gymnocranius sp. D, Gymnocranius griseus