[Botany • 2023] Begonia barosma (Begoniaceae, sect. Coelocentrum) • A New Species from Limestone Karsts across Sino-Vietnamese Border

Begonia barosma X.X. Feng, Y.N. Huang & Z.X. Liu, 

in Feng, Chen, Liu, Huang, Liu, Li, Zhao et Guo, 2023.

醉香秋海棠  || taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1946

ABSTRACT

 Begonia barosma, a new species in Begonia sect. Coelocentrum Irmscher (Begoniaceae) from limestone karsts across Sino-Vietnamese border is described in detail. It shows high similarities to the adjacently distributed B. lanternaria Irmscher, but differs from it in fleshy, relatively flat leaf blade with different pattern of variegation, sparsely pilose on abaxial surface of outer tepals. The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ITS supports that the new species is a monophyletic lineage, separating from B. lanternaria Irmscher. Considering its small population size, narrow distribution, and disturbance by human activities, its conservation status is categorized as “Vulnerable (VU B1, B2 ab (iv, v), C2 a (i), D2)” according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. 

KEY WORDS: Begonia lanternaria, China, Guangxi, ITS, limestone karst, morphology, new taxon, Sino-Vietnamese Border.

 Begonia barosma 
A. Habitat; B. Stipules; C. Abaxial leaf blade; D1-D3. Bracts; E. Front view of staminate flower showing 4 tepals; F. Back view of staminate flower showing 4 tepals; G. Lateral view of staminate flower; H. Androecium; I. Stamen; J. Front and back views of pistillate flower; K. Lateral view of pistillate flower; L. Cross section of ovary; M. Style; N, O. Stigma; P. Capsule.

drawn by Yun Xiao Liu.

Habitat and morphology of Begonia barosma. 
A. Habit and Habitat; B. Flowering plant; C. Creeping rhizome; D. Petiole; E. Adaxial leaf blade; F. Lateral leaf blade; G-J. Abaxial leaf blade showing relatively flat surface; K. Juvenile leaf; L. Stipules; M. Inflorescence; N,O. Bracts; P. Front and back views of staminate flower; Q. Stamens; R. Front and back views of pistillate flower; S. Lateral view of pistillate flower; T. Style and stigma; U. Cross sections of ovary; V. Mature capsule; W. Dry capsule showing placenta (Photos: Z.X. Liu).

Begonia barosma X.X. Feng, Y.N. Huang & Z.X. Liu, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Begonia barosma morphologically resembles B. lanternaria in rhizome and flower characters. However, it differs from the latter in having fleshy, relatively flat leaf blade which is adaxially blackish-green along main veins, randomly silver white between the veins, abaxailly purple-red and densely pilose along main veins, pale green between the veins. In addition, the new species also can be distinguished from B. lanternaria in sparsely pilose on abaxial surface of outer tepals. 

Etymology: The specific epithet “barosma” refers to the extreme sweet smell of the flower during blooming season. Vernacular name: 醉香秋海棠

Xin-Xin Feng, Yan-Man Chen, Jian-Xun Liu, Yu-Ni Huang, Zhi-Xian Liu, Ren-Kun Li, Tong Zhao and Wei Guo. 2023. Begonia barosma, A New Species in Begonia sect. Coelocentrum (Begoniaceae) from Limestone Karsts across Sino-Vietnamese Border. Taiwania. 68(2); 349-354 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2023.68.349

  taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1946

[Paleontology • 2023] Kuruxuchampsa dornellesi & Pinheirochampsa rodriguesi • New rhadinosuchine proterochampsids from the late Middle-early Late Triassic of southern Brazil enhance the Diversity of Archosauriforms

Pinheirochampsa rodriguesi

Paes-Neto, Lacerda, Ezcurra, Raugust, Trotteyn, Soares, Schultz, Pretto, Francischini & Martinelli, 2023

DOI: 10.1002/ar.25294 

 twitter.com/voltairearts 

 twitter.com/AnatRecord

Abstract

Proterochampsidae is a clade of non-archosaurian archosauriforms restricted to the Middle to the Late Triassic of the Ischigualasto-Villa Unión Basin of Argentina and the Santa Maria Supersequence of Brazil. A reappraisal of proterochampsid specimens from the Brazilian Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone (AZ) of the Pinheiros-Chiniquá Sequence (late Ladinian-early Carnian) is presented here. One of the specimens was preliminary assigned to Chanaresuchus sp., whose type species comes from the Massetognathus-Chanaresuchus AZ of the Chañares Formation of Argentina. However, our revision indicates that it differs from Chanaresuchus, being more closely related to the middle-late Carnian Rhadinosuchus gracilis. We therefore propose the new taxon, Pinheirochampsa rodriguesi, to reallocate this specimen. Additionally, we present a revision of other putative Chanaresuchus occurrences in Brazil, including the only known specimen described for the Santacruzodon AZ (Santa Cruz do Sul Sequence; early Carnian), also proposing it as a new taxon: Kuruxuchampsa dornellesi. Both new species are characterized, among other features, by transverse expansion of the anterior end of the rostrum, similar to the condition present in Rhadinosuchus, but absent in Chanaresuchus, Gualosuchus, Pseudochampsa, and non-rhadinosuchine proterochampsids. These two new species expand the growing knowledge of the non-archosaurian archosauriform diversity during the Middle-Late Triassic in South America and enhance faunal and chronological comparisons between approximately coeval geological units between Argentina and Brazil.

Pinheirochampsa rodriguesi

Kuruxuchampsa dornellesi

Voltaire D. Paes-Neto, Marcel B. Lacerda, Martín D. Ezcurra, Tiago Raugust, María J. Trotteyn, Marina B. Soares, Cesar L. Schultz, Flávio A. Pretto, Heitor Francischini and Agustín G. Martinelli. 2023. New rhadinosuchine proterochampsids from the late Middle-early Late Triassic of southern Brazil enhance the Diversity of Archosauriforms. The Anatomical Record. DOI: 10.1002/ar.25294

  twitter.com/voltairearts/status/1698780552042631334

  twitter.com/AnatRecord/status/1695074792720965716

[Botany • 2023] Begonia cangyuanensis (Begoniaceae: sect. Stolonifera) • A New stoloniferous Species of Begonia from Yunnan, China

Begonia cangyuanensis  

in Ding, Quan, Zeng, Zhao et Tan, 2023. 

 DOI: 10.1111/njb.03890

 

Abstract

Begonia cangyuanensis, a new species of Begonia sect. Stolonifera Begoniaceae from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is similar to B. dioica in its tuberous habit with red stolons between tubers. However, it significantly differs in having two bracteoles under the ovary and four tepals of the female flower. A detailed description, photographs, and a comparison with allied species are provided.

Keywords: Begonia sect. Stolonifera, bracteole, stolon, taxonomy, tuberous herb

  

 

Hong-Bo Ding, Dong-Li Quan, Xiao-Dong Zeng, Jin-Chao Zhao and Yun-Hong Tan. 2023. A New stoloniferous Species of Begonia Begoniaceae from Yunnan, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.03890

https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/life/202305/t20230508_330358.shtml

[Botany • 2023] Agapetes lihengiana (Ericaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

Agapetes lihengiana Bin Yang & Y.H.Tan,  

in Yang, Wang, Yue, Ma, Yang, Ma, Gong, Zuo et Tan, 2023.

 taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1947

ABSTRACT

 Agapetes lihengiana Bin Yang & Y.H.Tan (Ericaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to Yunnan, China. It is morphologically similar to A. epacridea Airy Shaw and A. trianguli Airy Shaw, but clearly differs in having flowers with shorter pedicel and white corolla with 5 vertical pink stripes, and conspicuous secondary veins on the abaxial surface of leaf blades. A detailed description, colour plates, and notes on the new species are provided. 

KEY WORDS: Agapetes, Agapetes epacridea, Agapetes trianguli, Agapetes pensilis, Floristic exploration, Yingjiang, Taxonomy.  

Agapetes lihengiana Bin Yang & Y.H.Tan.
A. fruiting branch; B. tubers and roots; C. leafy branch (adaxial view); D. leafy branch (abaxial view); E. part of fruiting branch; F & G. flowering branch; H. flowers; I. dissection of flower (I1. hypanthium; I2. opened corolla; I3. stamens; I4. style; I5. calyx limb and disk; I6. cross-section of ovary).

(Photographed by B. Yang)

Agapetes lihengiana Bin Yang & Y.H.Tan, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Agapetes lihengiana is morphologically similar to A. epacridea and A. trianguli in having spirally alternate leaves no more than 1.5cm long and 1cm wide, and branchlets densely covered with spreading setae, but can be clearly distinguished from the former by its leaf blade with an acute or apiculate apex (vs. leaf blade apex with a 1–1.5 mm long pungent mucro), secondary veins conspicuous (vs. obscure), and shorter pedicel (ca.1 mm vs. 4–5 mm); and from the latter by its white corolla with five vertical pink stripes (vs. blood red), shorter pedicel (ca.1 mm vs. 3–4 mm), and shorter anther (5 mm vs.7.5 mm) (Table 1). 

Etymology: The specific epithet is named in honor of Prof. Heng Li of Kunming Institute of Botany, who has made great contributions to our knowledge of the flora of Gaoligong Mountains in China. 

Chinese name: Li Heng Shu Luo Bo 李恒树萝卜.

Bin Yang, Li-Yan Wang, Ma-Mai Yue, Xing-Da Ma, Yong-Jing-Wen Yang, Jun-Na Ma, Qiang-Bang Gong, Yun-Juan Zuo and Yun-Hong Tan. 2023. Agapetes lihengiana (Ericaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. Taiwania. 68(2); 355-358. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2023.68.355

  taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1947

https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/life/202309/t20230904_335598.shtml

[Ichthyology • 2023] Iniistius bakunawa • A New Species of Razor Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) from the Philippines and Western Australia

Iniistius bakunawa

 Sorgon, Tea, Meren & Nañola, 2023

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71 

Eclipse-spot Razor Wrasse  ||  twitter.com/FishGuyKai

Abstract. 

Iniistius bakunawa, new species, is described on the basis of nine specimens consisting of the holotype and six paratypes collected from fish markets in the islands of Panay, Cebu, Bohol, and Jolo in the Philippines, and two paratypes from the Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia. The new species is distinctive in having a pale yellowish to jade green body with a large concentric black and white ellipsoid ocellus on the posteriormost edge of its dorsal fin. Aside from live colouration details, the new species is readily diagnosed from congeners in having the following combination of characters: 7 horizontal rows of scales on cheek; gill rakers 4–6 + 8–11 = 12–17; gill rakers short, bearing teeth; and tubed lateral line scales 23–26. Assignment of the new species to the genus Iniistius is accompanied with a brief discussion of the currently inadequate diagnosis of the genus from Xyrichtys.

Key words. coral reefs, fish markets, Labridae, Novaculini, taxonomy, systematics 

Iniistius bakunawa, new species, KAUM-I. 80684, paratype, 172.0 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines. Freshly dead specimen showing colouration in life

 Photograph by H. Motomura 

Iniistius bakunawa, new species, A–C, freshly dead specimens showing colouration in life; and D–F, X-rays.
A, USNM 435404, paratype, 162.4 mm SL, Cebu Island, Philippines; B, USNM 437745, paratype, 155.1 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines; C, USNM 437747, paratype, 158.8 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines;
D, CSIRO H 1488-1, paratype, 129.8 mm SL, off northwest Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia; E, CSIRO H 1506-1, paratype, 144.5 mm SL, off northern Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia; F, KAUM-I. 80684, paratype, 172.0 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines.

Photographs by J.T. Williams. X-rays provided by K. Parkinson.

Iniistius bakunawa, new species 

Eclipse-spot Razor Wrasse

Iniistius sp. (Fukui, 2017): 184 (colour photograph of specimen from Panay Island, Philippines [reproduced here in Fig. 1A; KAUM-I. 80684]).

Diagnosis. A species of Iniistius distinct from all congeners based on the following combination of characters and live colouration details: 7 horizontal rows of scales on cheek; gill rakers 4–6 + 8–11 = 12–17; gill rakers short, bearing teeth; pored lateral line scales 19–20 + 4–6 = 23–26; 2 scales dorsoanteriorly on opercle; body yellowish to jade green; posteriormost dorsal fin with a large black centred white ellipsoid ocellus.

Etymology. The specific epithet is given after Bakunawa, a serpentine or draconic figure in Visayan mythology believed to be responsible for causing an eclipse by devouring the moon. The common name is given after the black centred white ellipsoidal ocellus on the posterior dorsal fin. The name bakunawa is treated as a noun in apposition. 

Species of Iniistius are known by a variety of common names, including razor wrasse, cleaver wrasse, and razorfish. The first two names are sometimes used for other novaculin species in the genera Novaculops and Xyrichtys, whereas razorfish is sometimes used for Centriscus and Aeoliscus (Sygnathiformes; Centriscidae; also known as shrimpfish). To maintain consistent terminology with other members of the Novaculini and to avoid confusion with the Centriscidae, we recommend razor wrasse as the preferred common name when referring to species in the genus Iniistius.

 

Kent Elson S. Sorgon, Yi-Kai Tea, Jasmin C. Meren and Cleto L. Nañola Jr. 2023. Iniistius bakunawa, A New Species of Razor Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) from the Philippines and Western Australia. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71; 511–519.

  twitter.com/FishGuyKai/status/1698616150752727488

[Botany • 2023] Wrightia vietnamensis (Apocynaceae) • A New Species from Vietnam

Wrightia vietnamensis  Hazell & D.J.Middleton, 

in Hazell, Baines, Nguyen, Francis et Middleton, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10133-9

 

Summary

A new species of Wrightia (Apocynaceae) from Vietnam, Wrightia vietnamensis Hazell & D.J.Middleton, is described and illustrated. Seed was collected on a Vietnamese led international collaborative expedition and grown on in the Temperate House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. When it matured and flowered, it was found to be an undescribed species. The species is currently only known from one karst limestone locality. This restricted distribution conforms to regional patterns of speciation and endemism in the genus whereby species restricted to karst limestone have very restricted distributions and those found on other soil types have wider distributions.

Key Words: Bat Dai Son, karst limestone, taxonomy.

Wrightia vietnamensis.
A habit; B twig and base of leaf; C twig showing opposite leaves and terminal inflorescence; D dissected flower; E corona; F synorganisation of gynoecium and androecium; G anthers from the front and back; H pistil.

 Drawn by Jessica Frances. 

Wrightia vietnamensis.
A habitat; B bark; C habit and flower; D fruit.

photos: A, D Richard Baines; B, C Emily Hazell.

Wrightia vietnamensis Hazell & D.J.Middleton, sp. nov. 

RECOGNITION. Similar to Wrightia kwangtungensis Tsiang in its antepetalous corona lobes toothed at the apex and having free carpels but differs in its glabrous inflorescence (pubescent in W. kwangtungensis), usually longer sepals ((2 –) 3.6 – 5.5 mm long in W. vietnamensis, c. 2 mm in W. kwangtungensis), shorter alternipetalous corona lobes (2 – 3 mm long in W. vietnamensis, c. 5.2 mm long in W. kwangtungensis).

DISTRIBUTION. Vietnam. Ha Giang Province: Bat Dai Son, 766 m.

 

HABITAT. Temperate and humid montane hillside, in wet, thin soil with high humus content over karst limestone. The surrounding vegetation is characterised by Rhododendron, Callicarpa and Trichosanthes spp.

 

ETYMOLOGY. The species is named after the country in which it was first collected.

 

Emily C. Hazell, Richard A. Baines, Van Dzu Nguyen, Jessica V. Francis and David J. Middleton. 2023. Wrightia vietnamensis (Apocynaceae), A New Species from Vietnam.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10133-9

[Botany • 2020] Impatiens longlinensis (Balsaminaceae) • Ignored Biodiversity in Acid Soil Islands in Karst Areas, South China: A New Critically Endangered Species

Impatiens longlinensis S.X.Yu,

 in Xue, Xia, Lidén, Xu, Lu, Chen, Li et Yu, 2020. 

DOI: 10.1600/036364420X16033962925222 

Researchgate.net/publication/347681552

Abstract 

The karst area in South China is notable for its fragile vegetation and unique flora with many narrow endemic species, and is one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots in the world. However, the biodiversity of acid soil areas scattered in the karst area have previously been underestimated. With a recent increase of new discoveries of plants and animals, the conservation of biodiversity in these acid soil areas has become urgent. This study deals with a new species, Impatiens longlinensis. The new species is similar to I. yui and I. lasiophyton in having pubescence, two lateral sepals, funnelform lower sepal, and linear capsule. But it can be distinguished by having orbicular to obovate dorsal sepals and oblong to elliptic lower and upper lobes of lateral united petals. Moreover, molecular data and micro-morphological evidence also support that the species is new to science. The new species is only known from a valley near the summit of Mt. Jinzhongshan within an area of less than 5 km2. Based on the Red List categories and criteria developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the threat posed by exploitation for tourism development, we categorize it as Critically Endangered (CR).

 Impatiens longlinensis S.X.Yu, sp. nov.

 Habitat and morphology of Impatiens longlinensis, I. yui, and I. lasiophyton.
A-E. Impatiens longlinensis. A. Habitat. B. Flowering individual. C. Flower in front view. D. Flower in lateral view. E. Flower in dorsal view.
F-H. I. yui. F. Flower in front view. G. Flower in lateral view. H. Flower in dorsal view.
I-K. I. lasiophyton. I. Flower in front view. J. Flower in lateral view. K. Flower in dorsal view.

Photos: A-E, I-K by S. X. Yu; F-H by Y. S. Chen.

 

Tian-Tian Xue, Chang-Ying Xia, Magnus Lidén, Wei-Bin Xu, Zhao-Cen Lu, Hai-Ling Chen, Shu-Wan Li and Sheng-Xiang Yu. 2020. Ignored Biodiversity in Acid Soil Islands in Karst Areas, South China: Impatiens longlinensis (Balsaminaceae), A New Critically Endangered Species. Systematic Botany. 45(4); 891-899. DOI: 10.1600/036364420X16033962925222 

Researchgate.net/publication/347681552_Impatiens_longlinensis_a_New_Critically_Endangered_Species_from_South_China

[Herpetology • 2023] Liolaemus kulinko • A New Species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) from the hot deserts of northern Patagonia, Argentina

 Liolaemus kulinko 

Abdala, Chafrat, Chaparro, Procheret, Valdes, Lannutti, Perez & Quinteros, 2023

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.890.2257

ABSTRACT

A new species of Liolaemus is described from southwest of the town of Añelo, Neuquén Province, Argentina. Integrative evidence methodology of external morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA (cyt-b) is used to place the new species to the species group of Liolaemus boulengeri. The new species is phenotypically close to L. mapuche. The new Liolaemus is medium to large in size (males 77.64–83.98 mm, females 72.88–78.58 mm), with evident sexual dichromatism. Genetic distances of the mtDNA (cyt-b) between the new species and its closest relative species are greater than 3% (L. cuyanus 7.48–12.02%; L. josei 7.56–9.60%; L. puelche 8.23–9.93%; L. mapuche 8.51–9.79%). Molecular and morphological phylogenetic results show L. mapuche as the sister species of the new one. The new species is larger than L. mapuche. Dorsal and ventral scales are more numerous in the new species than in L. mapuche, precloacal pores in females are present in L. mapuche and absent in the new species. It has strict psammophilic habits, using sand mounds and sheltering, under Alpataco (Neltuma alpataco) bushes. The L. boulengeri group now contains 75 species distributed in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

 

Keywords: Boulengeri group, Liolaemus, Neuquén, Phylogeny, Taxonomy

Details of Liolaemus kulinko sp. nov., holotype (MPCN-H-469) (SVL 79.93 mm, tail 112.35 mm).
A,  C.  Dorsal  and  ventral  views  of  the  body.  B,  E–F.  Lateral,  ventral  and  dorsal  views  of  the  head.  D.  Ventral view of precloacal pores.

Photographs: P. Chafrat

 

Liolaemus kulinko sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Liolaemus kulinko sp. nov. belongs to the section of Liolaemus montanus Koslowsky, 1898 of the Liolaemus boulengeri group (Abdala 2007; Abdala et al. 2021c) because it has a patch of enlarged scales on the posterior aspect of the thigh (Etheridge 1995; Abdala 2007) (Fig. 1D). Within the group of L. boulengeri it belongs to the clade of L. melanops, subclade of L. goetschi, and L. cuyanus complex because it has light blue scales on the flanks of the body and tail, a black margin on the posterior border of the paravertebral spots, four to six scales in contact with mental scale (Fig. 1E), presence of a melanic gular ring, evident scapular spots, and the same body shape and similar lepidosis (Abdala 2007; Abdala et al. 2012b, 2021c). It differs from the species of the clades of L. anomalus and L. darwinii by having posterior teeth with crowns of expanded edges and four to six scales in contact with mental scale. It also differs from the species of the clade L. anomalus (Abdala & Juárez Heredia, 2013) (Liolaemus acostai Abdala & Juárez-Heredia, 2013, L. anomalus, L. ditatadi Cei, 1983, L. lentus Gallardo, 1966, L. millcayac Abdala & Juárez-Heredia, 2013, L. pipanaco Abdala & Juárez-Heredia, 2013 and L. pseudoanomalus Cei, 1981) by having less developed palpebral strap or ‘comb’, males with a greater number of precloacal pores, a greater relationship between snout–vent length (SVL) and the tail length (TL). ...

  

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘kulinko’ means ‘aguada’ in the language of the Mapuche, a group of indigenous inhabitants of south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina, including parts of Patagonia, and refers to the place where the species lives, “Aguada Pichana”.

Cristian S. Abdala, Pablo Anselmo Chafrat, Juan C. Chaparro, Iván Ezequiel Procheret, Julián Valdes, Vanina Lannutti, Laura Perez and Sebastián Quinteros. 2023. A New Species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) from the hot deserts of northern Patagonia, Argentina. European Journal of Taxonomy. 890(1), 136–164. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.890.2257

[Herpetology • 2023] On the Occurrence of Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) in Vietnam and Laos, with Preliminary Comments on the Taxonomy and Distribution of the Complex of Rhabdophis nuchalis (Serpentes: Natricidae)

Members of the Rhabdophis nuchalis species complex in life:
A, R. nuchalis from Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China; B, R. leonardi from Hkakarborazi NP, Kachin State, Myanmar;
C, R. pentasupralabialis from Jiulong, Sichuan Province, China; D, R. chiwen from Xiling Xueshan, Dayi, Sichuan Province, China;
E, R. swinhonis from Taiwan Island; F, R. guangdongensis from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.

Photos by Li Maoliang (A), Thet Zanw Naing (B), Hou Mian (C), Li Jianong (D), Chung Wei You (E), Lu Zhuo-Yu (F).

in Nguyen & David, 2023. 

 DOI: 10.30906/1026-2296-2023-30-4-224-236 

 Researchgate.net/publication/373514158

  facebook.com/TanNguyen91VN  

 

Abstract

The species Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) is recorded for the first time from Vietnam (Lao Cai Province) based on the re-examination of specimens deposited in the collections of the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Paris) which were formerly identified as Rhabdophis nuchalis. Furthermore, we also re-evaluate the taxonomy and distribution of species of the complex Rhabdophis nuchalis group and we provide an updated identification key to species of this complex. 

 

Keywords: Rhabdophis nuchalis; taxonomy; distribution; new records; Lao Cai Province; Laos

Distributions of species of the Rhabdophis nuchalis complex of species (except Rhabdophis swinhonis, endemic to Taiwan Island, China). Numbers indicate the different localities where the species have been recorded (See Appendix I for the details of localities). Notes: dot in the center of an icon indicates the type locality; ?, the identification requires additional verification.

 

Range of Rhabdophis leonardi in Vietnam and Laos.
Vietnam: Sa Pa, Lao Cai (MNHN 1935.0071): dorsal view of body (A); ventral view of body (B), lateral of head (C); dorsal of head (D); Ta Sua NR., Bac Yen, Son La “uncollected” (E).
Laos: Phou Samsum Mountain, Xiangkhoang Province, unpreserved specimen (F).

Photos by Patrick David (A – D); Maya Nguyen (E); Anne Lottier (F)

Members of the Rhabdophis nuchalis species complex in life:
A, R. nuchalis from Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China; B, R. leonardi from Hkakarborazi NP, Kachin State, Myanmar; C, R. pentasupralabialis from Jiulong, Sichuan Province, China; D, R. chiwen from Xiling Xueshan, Dayi, Sichuan Province, China; E, R. swinhonis from Taiwan Island; F, R. guangdongensis from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.

Photos by Li Maoliang (A), Thet Zanw Naing (B), Hou Mian (C), Li Jianong (D), Chung Wei You (E), Lu Zhuo-Yu (F).

Tan Van Nguyen and Patrick David. 2023. On the Occurrence of Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) in Vietnam and Laos, with Preliminary Comments on the Taxonomy and Distribution of the Complex of Rhabdophis nuchalis (Squamata: Serpentes: Natricidae). Russian Journal of Herpetology.  30(4); 224-236. DOI: 10.30906/1026-2296-2023-30-4-224-236

Researchgate.net/publication/373514158_On_the_Occurrence_of_Rhabdophis_leonardi_in_Vietnam_and_Laos

  facebook.com/TanNguyen91VN/posts/1991157551265489 

[PaleoEntomology • 2023] Archeogastrinus kachinensis • A New Genus of praeaulacid Wasp (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea) from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber (Myanmar)

 

Archeogastrinus kachinensis 

Jouault & Rosse-Guillevic, 2023

 DOI: 10.1016/j.annpal.2023.102599 

 Researchgate.net/publication/369659028

  twitter.com/JouaultCorentin

 

Abstract

The diversity of praeaulacid wasps in Kachin amber is relatively poorly documented. Here, a new genus and species of praeaulacid wasp are described and illustrated from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber as Archeogastrinus kachinensis gen. et sp. nov., and placed in the subfamily Praeaulacinae. This new genus is distinguishable from the other Praeaulacidae because of its particular tibial spurs formula 1-2-2; its forewings with a long and thin pterostigma, a 1-M longer than 1-Rs, a 1-Rs longer than its distance to pterostigma, a crossvein 2r-rs aligned (or nearly) with 2rs-m and originating near the middle of pterostigma, a 2rs-m present, a cell 3rm long, a 1cu-a postfurcal to 1-M, a vein 2-M distinct; its hind wings cu-a reaching Cu distad M + Cu fork; and its metasoma with a first segment petiole-like (i.e., long and thin) and ventrally inflated in its distal half. The position of the genus Mesevania is briefly discussed, as well as the validity of the genus Paleosyncrasis, both described from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber.

Archeogastrinus kachinensis gen. et sp. nov. 

Corentin Jouault and Simon Rosse-Guillevic. 2023. A New Genus of praeaulacid wasp (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea) from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber (Myanmar) Un nouveau genre de guêpe praeaulacide (Hymenoptera : Evanioidea) de l’ambre du Crétacé moyen du Kachin (Myanmar). Annales de Paléontologie. 109(1); 102599. DOI: 10.1016/j.annpal.2023.102599

  Researchgate.net/publication/369659028_A_new_genus_of_praeaulacid_wasp_from_K_Kachin_amber

  twitter.com/JouaultCorentin/status/1641744161417093120

Résumé: La diversité des guêpes praeaulacides dans l’ambre du Kachin est mal documentée. Ici, un nouveau genre et une nouvelle espèce de guêpe praeaulacide sont décrits de l’ambre du Crétacé moyen de Kachin et nommée Archeogastrinus kachinensis gen. et sp. nov. Ce nouveau taxon est placé dans la sous-famille des Praeaulacinae et se différencie des autres Praeaulacidae grâce à sa formule d’épines tibiales particulière 1-2-2 ; son aile antérieure avec un ptérostigma long et fin, une 1-M plus longue que 1-Rs, une 1-Rs plus longue que la distance qui la sépare du ptérostigma, une veine transversale 2r-rs alignée (ou presque) avec 2rs-m et commençant proche du milieu du ptérostigma, une 2rs-m présente, une cellule 3rm longue, une 1cu-a distale à la fourche de M + Cu ; et un metasoma avec un premier segment ressemblant à un pétiole (c.a.d. long et fin) et gonflé ventralement dans sa moitié distale. La position du genre Mesevania est rapidement discutée, ainsi que la validité du genre Paleosyncrasis, tous deux décrits de l’ambre du Crétacé moyen du Kachin.

[Ichthyology • 2023] Betta andrei • A New Species of Black Water Fighting Fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Singkep Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia

 

Betta andrei

Tan, 2023

a, B. waseri, d, B. spilotogena and j, B. andrei. 

  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71

Abstract

 A new species of Betta from the B. waseri group is described based on a single specimen from Singkep Island. It appears to be closely allied to B. spilotogena. Betta andrei, new species, differs from B. spilotogena in having a different throat pattern, comprised of a black lower jaw, continuous with a large pitcher-like pattern on throat, ending with a protruding segment on buccal membrane (vs. isolated teardrop shaped black mark on throat); opercle uniform brown with dark brown spots along posterior margin; faint black transverse bars on the dorsal- and caudal-fin interradial membranes; absence of a dark distal border on anal fin. 

Keywords. Betta, new species, Indonesia, peat swamp, biodiversity

Betta andrei, ZRC 64279, 50.7 mm SL:
topmost – live fish; second from top – freshly preserved fish with white background; third from top – freshly preserved fish with black background; bottom – radiograph.

Composite of head region of Betta andrei (ZRC 64279, 50.7 mm SL),
showing oblique (top) and ventral (bottom) views.

Betta andrei, new species 

Diagnosis. Betta andrei can be distinguished from other members of the B. waseri group in having the following combination of characters: black lower jaw, continuous with large black pitcher-shaped mark on throat, ending with a protrusion on buccal membrane (see Figs. 2–3); opercle uniform brown with dark brown mottling along posterior margin, operculum without lower distal margin black; faint black transverse bars on the dorsal and caudal fin interradial membranes; absence of a dark distal border on anal fin.

Etymology. This species is named for Andre Chandra, an intrepid fish collector and enthusiast, who rendered much assistance to the author in procuring specimens and information; fishy discussions and good meals. A noun in the genitive.

Stream in which the holotype of Betta andrei was collected (Photograph: Andre Chandra).

Schematic diagrams of throat pattern of the Betta waseri group in chronological order of discovery: a, B. waseri, b, B. hipposideros, c, B. tomi, d, B. spilotogena, e, B. chloropharynx, f, B. renata, g, B. pi, h, B. pardalotos, i, B. omega, and j, Betta andrei.

 

Tan Heok Hui. 2023. A New Species of Black Water Fighting Fish from Singkep Island (Teleostei: Osphronemidae).  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71: 491–495. 

 

    

[Paleontology • 2023] The Rhabdodontidae (Dinosauria: Ornithischia), An enigmatic Dinosaur Group endemic to the Late Cretaceous European Archipelago

From left to right: 

Mochlodon suessi from eastern Austria (the smallest member of the group), 
Rhabdodon priscus from southern France (the largest member of the group), and 
Transylvanosaurus platycephalus from western Romania (the most recently named member of the group).

 in Augustin, Ősi & Csiki-Sava, 2023.

DOI: 10.3897/fr.26.108967

Abstract

The Rhabdodontidae was one of the most important dinosaur groups inhabiting the Late Cretaceous European Archipelago. Currently, the clade comprises nine species within six genera, which have been found in southern France, northern Spain, eastern Austria, western Hungary and western Romania, ranging from the Santonian to the late Maastrichtian. Phylogenetic analyses consistently place the Rhabdodontidae at the very base of the iguanodontian radiation, whereas the in-group relationships of rhabdodontids are relatively poorly understood; nevertheless, the clade seems to have had a rather complicated biogeographical history. Generally, rhabdodontids were small- to medium-sized, probably habitually bipedal herbivores, characterised by a rather stocky build and a comparatively large, triangular skull. Several lines of evidence suggest that they were presumably gregarious animals, as well as selective browsers that fed on fibrous plants and occupied different ecological niches than sympatric herbivorous dinosaur clades. Moreover, the sympatry of at least two rhabdodontid taxa was rather common and can be explained, at least in some instances, by niche partitioning. While rhabdodontids disappeared prior to the K/Pg extinction event in Western Europe, they survived close to the end of the Cretaceous in Eastern Europe, where they were amongst the last non-avian dinosaurs still present before the end of the Cretaceous. In this paper, we provide an overview of the rhabdodontid taxonomic history, diversity, phylogenetic relationships and palaeobiogeographic history, as well as palaeoecology and extinction. In addition, we also highlight still open questions on each of these topics and suggest potential future research directions.

Key Words: Iguanodontia, Late Cretaceous European Archipelago, palaeobiogeography, palaeoecology, Rhabdodontidae, taxonomy

Life reconstructions and size comparison of three rhabdodontids.
From left to right: Mochlodon suessi from eastern Austria (the smallest member of the group), Rhabdodon priscus from southern France (the largest member of the group), and Transylvanosaurus platycephalus from western Romania (the most recently named member of the group).

Also shown is the silhoutte of a human (1.8 m tall) for scale.

Reconstruction by Peter Nickolaus

    Felix J. Augustin, Attila Ősi and Zoltán Csiki-Sava. 2023. The Rhabdodontidae (Dinosauria, Ornithischia), An enigmatic Dinosaur Group endemic to the Late Cretaceous European Archipelago. Fossil Record. 26(2): 171-189. DOI: 10.3897/fr.26.108967