[Ichthyology • 2020] Enteromius yardiensis • A New Species of Enteromius (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae: Smiliogastrinae) from the Awash River, Ethiopia, and the Re-establishment of E. akakianus

Enteromius yardiensis 

Englmaier, Tesfaye & Bogutskaya, 2020

 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.902.39606

Abstract

In the present study, populations of small-sized smiliogastrin barbs with a thickened and serrated last simple dorsal-fin ray distributed in the Main Ethiopian Rift were analysed. An integrated approach combining genetic markers and a variety of morphological methods based on a wide set of characters, including osteology and sensory canals, proved to be very productive for taxonomy in this group of fishes. The results showed that Ethiopian Enteromius species with a serrated dorsal-fin ray are distant from the true E. paludinosus (with E. longicauda as a synonym) and the so-called E. paludinosus complex involves several supposedly valid species with two distinct species occurring in the Main Ethiopian Rift area. A new species, Enteromius yardiensis sp. nov., is described from the Afar Depression in the north-eastern part of the Northern Main Ethiopian Rift. Enteromius akakianus is resurrected as a valid species including populations from the Central Main Ethiopian Rift (basins of lakes Langano, Ziway, and Awasa). No genetic data were available for E. akakianus from its type locality. Enteromius yardiensis sp. nov. is clearly distant from E. akakianus from the Central Main Ethiopian Rift by CO1 and cytb barcodes: pairwise distances between the new species and the Ethiopian congeners were 5.4 % to 11.0 %. Morphologically, the new species most clearly differs from all examined Ethiopian congeners by three specialisations which are unique in the group: the absence of the anterior barbel, the absence of the medial branch of the supraorbital sensory canal, and few, 1–3, commonly two, scale rows between the lateral line and the anus.

Keywords: East Africa, Main Ethiopian Rift, morphology, CO1 and cytb sequences, zoogeography

Dorsal fin in Enteromius yardiensis sp. nov., paratype, NMW 99259, side channel of Awash R. at Kada Bada (site 2), 37.6 mm SL, with four unbranched rays. Arrow 1 showing first unbranched dorsal-fin ray, arrow 2 showing relative positions of tip of penultimate (3rd) unbranched dorsal-fin ray and lowermost limit of serrated part of last (4th) unbranched dorsal-fin ray.

Enteromius yardiensis sp. nov. alive, paratype, NMW 99640, Awash R. at Aditu (site 3), 35.4 mm SL.

Photograph by W. Graf.

Enteromius yardiensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Enteromius yardiensis sp. nov. belongs to a phenotypic group characterised by small size and the last unbranched dorsal-fin ray thickened and serrated. The new species is readily distinguished from its Ethiopian congeners by three unique specialisations: the absence of the anterior barbel, the absence of the medial branch of the supraorbital cephalic canal and few, 1–3, commonly two, scale rows between lateral line and anus. It further differs by posterior barbel usually shorter than half eye diameter; eye large, its diameter 24–34 % HL; snout short and pointed; lateral line complete and strongly curved; scales in the lateral series 32–35; few transversal scale rows between lateral line and pelvic-fin base (1–3); scale rows between dorsal- and pelvic-fin origins 7–10; often four unbranched dorsal-fin rays; few branched pectoral-fin rays, commonly 12 or 13; 17 or 18 abdominal vertebrae; 10–12 predorsal abdominal vertebrae; and 6–9 vertebrae between first pterygiophores of dorsal and anal fins.

 

Etymology: The species name yardiensis refers to Lake Yardi [the Lower Awash River and interconnected lakes], where the new species is abundant.

Alizarin-stained specimens showing cephalic sensory canals and infraorbitals in
A Enteromius yardiensis sp. nov. (same specimen as in Fig. 8)
B Enteromius sp. CMER, NMW 99237, Lake Ziway (site 8), 34.8 mm SL.
Arrows showing part of frontal with no canal in A and medial branch of supraorbital canal (CSO) in B.

 

Gernot K. Englmaier, Genanaw Tesfaye and Nina G. Bogutskaya. 2020. A New Species of Enteromius (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae, Smiliogastrinae) from the Awash River, Ethiopia, and the Re-establishment of E. akakianus. ZooKeys. 902: 107-150. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.902.39606

[Botany • 2020] Portulaca laljii (Portulacaceae) • A New Species from the Eastern Ghats, India

 Portulaca laljii P. Sivaramakrishna & P. Yugandhar, 

in Sivaramakrishna et Yugandhar, 2020. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2020.08.010 

Highlights

• Portulaca laljii P. Sivaramakrishna & P. Yugandhar sp. nov. (Portulacaceae), from the Eastern Ghats, India is described and illustrated along with conservation status for the first time.

• It is highly distinct in respect to morphology of vegetative and floral characters and there are no significant similarities with any of the previously described species of Portulacaceae.

• The new species is characterized by prostrate decumbent herbaceous habit, tuberous root, herbaceous stem without scaly bark, leaves narrowly lanceolate, flat with acute or sub-acute apex, leaf axis without hairs, solitary inflorescence with sessile or sub sessile flowers, pink or pinkish-orange flowers with 2-3 bracteoles, emarginated or mucronate petals, 6-7 stamen, style3 fid, globose to conical fruits with 14-20 sub-reniform seeds.

Abstract

Portulaca laljii (Portulacaceae), a new species from the Eastern Ghats (Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh), India, is described and illustrated along with conservation status. Perennial prostrate-decumbent much branched herb with tuberous fleshy roots, glabrous, stem without scaly bark, nodal axils without hairs, lanate nature of narrowly lanceolate, flat leaves, glabrous, leaf axis without hairs, solitary, bracteate flowers with very short pedicel and 2–3 bracteoles, petals with emarginate, sometimes mucronate apex, pistil with trifid style, prolate-shaped capsule, bilobular to subglobular, conspicuously beaked seeds without golden luster and with slightly elongated seed testa distinguishes it from all previously known species. A key to the species of Portulaca from India is also provided.

 Keywords: Eastern Ghats, India, New species, Portulaca L., Portulacaceae

 Portulaca laljii P. Sivaramakrishna & P. Yugandhar sp. nov.: 
 A, twig with tuberous root and flower; B, leaf base; C, leaf; D, flower bud with bract; E–G, flower; H, bracts; I, bracteoles; J, sepal; K, petals; L, stamens; M, gynoecium; N, fruit; O, dehisced fruit with seeds; P, seeds.

 Portulaca laljii P. Sivaramakrishna & P. Yugandhar sp. nov.:
A, habit; B, leaves; C, leaf base; D, flower bud with bract; E, flower; F, sepals; G, bracts; H, bracteoles; I, petals; J, stamens; K, gynoecium.

 Portulaca laljii P. Sivaramakrishna & P. Yugandhar sp. nov.:
 A–B, habit; C, flowering twig.

Portulaca laljii P. Sivaramakrishna & P. Yugandhar sp. nov.

Diagnosis. It is markedly distinct by having prostrate-decumbent herbaceous habit, tuberous root, stem herbaceous, smooth without scaly bark, leaves narrowly lanceolate, flat, acute or subacute at apex, glabrous, leaf axis without hairs, inflorescence solitary and base with hairs, flower sessile or subsessile sometimes with very short pedicel, bracteate, pentamerous with 2–3 bracteoles, pink on the back surface and pinkish-orange on the upper surface with deep pinkish orange throat, sepals light yellow and light greenish tinge at ape, petals emarginate, sometimes mucronate at apex, pink, stamen 6–7, style 3 fid, fruit prolate capsule with 14–20 bilobular to subglobular, conspicuously beaked seeds, seeds without golden luster and stellulate, isodiametric or slightly elongated seed testa.

Etymology. The specific epithet laljii honors Indian Botanist, Dr. Lal Ji Singh, Joint Director and Head office, Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair, for his significant contributions to the taxonomy of flowering plants.

  Pasupuleti Sivaramakrishna and Pulicherla Yugandhar. 2020. A New Species of the Genus Portulaca L. (Portulacaceae) from the Eastern Ghats, India. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. 13(4); 755-761. DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2020.08.010 

 

[Botany • 2020] Besleria santaclarensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from the Serranía El Pinche (Cauca), southwestern Colombia

 

Besleria santaclarensis Clavijo & Sánchez-Taborda,  

in Sánchez-Taborda, Zuluaga et Clavijo, 2020.

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.162.55891

Abstract

A new species of the genus Besleria (Gesneriaceae), endemic to the department of Cauca, Colombia, is described and illustrated here. The new species, Besleria santaclarensis Clavijo & Sánchez-Taborda, was discovered in the Regional Protective Forest Reserve “Serranía El Pinche”, Cordillera Occidental of the Colombian Andes. B. santaclarensis is distinguished by the epedunculate inflorescences, usually in the leafless axils near the base, with up to eight orange flowers, and by the magenta calyx that covers 2/3 of the corolla.

Keywords: Andes, Cauca, Choco biogeographic, Protective Forest Reserve, San Juan de Micay, taxonomy

Drawing of Besleria santaclarensis Clavijo & Sánchez-Taborda, sp. nov.

A habit B leaf detail, adaxial view C calix, lateral view D flower, frontal view E corolla, lateral view F interior view of corolla showing stamens and staminode G gynoecium with anular nectary gland H fruit, lateral view. 

Illustration by Adriana Sanín, based on the holotype Sánchez-Taborda et al. 2552.

Besleria santaclarensis Clavijo & Sánchez-Taborda, sp. nov.

 A branch showing leaf and inflorescence B inflorescence showing flower in lateral view C inflorescence showing an immature fruit D frontal view of the corolla. 

(Photographs by Jhon A. Sánchez-Taborda from the paratype).

Besleria santaclarensis Clavijo & Sánchez-Taborda, sp. nov.

   

Besleria santaclarensis is distinguished by epedunculate inflorescences, usually in the leafless axils near the base of the stem, with up to 8 glabrous orange flowers, and magenta glabrous calyx that covers 2/3 of the corolla.

 Jhon A. Sánchez-Taborda, Alejandro Zuluaga and Laura Clavijo. 2020. A New Species of Besleria (Gesneriaceae) from the Serranía El Pinche (Cauca), southwestern Colombia. PhytoKeys. 162: 71-80. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.162.55891

 

Resumen: Una nueva especie del género Besleria (Gesneriaceae), endémica del departamento del Cauca, Colombia, se describe e ilustra aquí. La nueva especie, Besleria santaclarensis Clavijo & Sánchez-Taborda, se descubrió en la Reserva Forestal Protectora Regional “Serranía El Pinche”, Cordillera Occidental de los Andes colombianos. B. santaclarensis se distingue por las inflorescencias epedunculadas, usualmente en las axilas de nudos sin hojas ubicados hacia la base, con hasta ocho flores anaranjadas por inflorescencia y cáliz magenta que cubre 2/3 de la corola.

[Paleontology • 2024] Chakisaurus nekul • A New ornithopod from the Upper Cretaceous (Huincul Formation) of northwestern Patagonia, Argentina: Implications on elasmarian postcranial Anatomy

 

Chakisaurus nekul 

 Nogueira, Rozadilla, Agnolín, Marsà, Motta & Novas, 2024

 

 DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2024.105874

 

Abstract

The aim of the present contribution is to describe the first ornithischian species from the Huincul Formation (Cenomanian-Turonian, Upper Cretaceous) at the Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, Río Negro province, Argentina. The new species, named Chakisaurus nekul gen. et sp. nov., can be comfortably included among elasmarian ornithopods. The new species shows humeral anatomy that is congruent with smaller members of the clade (e.g. Anabisetia, Notohypsilophodon), and differs from larger taxa (e.g. Talenkauen, Mahuidacursor) which show humeral features probably related with graviportal habits, such as lack of shaft torsion and a distally located deltopectoral crest. This indicates that graviportal habits were probably acquired independently in elasmarians from other large-sized taxa, such as hadrosauroids. Caudal vertebrae of the new species also show a unique combination of characters shared with other elasmarians, which are absent in previously known ornithopods. These features indicate that some elasmarians had a protonic tail posture, which is unknown in other ornithischians and was previously considered unique to derived titanosaurian sauropods. The shape of transverse processes and neural spines of caudal vertebrae indicate that at least some elasmarians had improved cursorial habilities, that were convergently acquired by selected theropod clades.

Systematic paleontology

DINOSAURIA Owen, 1842

ORNITHISCHIA Seeley, 1887

ORNITHOPODA Marsh, 1881

ELASMARIA Calvo, Porfiri & Novas, 2007

Chakisaurus nekul gen. et sp. nov.

Conclusions: 

The new genus and species Chakisaurus nekul is described here based on several juvenile and adult specimens. It constitutes the first named ornithischian from the Huincul Formation and sheds light on tail and humeral anatomy in elasmarians. Caudal anatomy of elasmarians, and ornithopods in general, is poorly known, and thus, Chakisaurus constitutes an important addition to the knowledge of this region of the ornithopod body. Furthermore, its humeral shape is very different from other ...

Rodrigo Alvarez Nogueira, Sebastián Rozadilla, Federico L. Agnolín, Jordi A. Garcia Marsà, Matias J. Motta and Fernando E. Novas. 2024. A New ornithopod from the Upper Cretaceous (Huincul Formation) of northwestern Patagonia, Argentina: Implications on elasmarian postcranial Anatomy. Cretaceous Research. 159; 105874. DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2024.105874

[Botany • 2017] Trigonostemon honbaensis (Euphorbiaceae) • A New Species from Mt. Hon Ba, Southern Vietnam

 Trigonostemon honbaensis Tagane & Yahara,  

in Tagane, Yahara, Dang, Toyama et Tran, 2017.

  Researchgate.net/publication/327069816

A new species, Trigonostemon honbaensis Tagane & Yahara (Euphorbiaceae), sp. nov., from Hon Ba Nature Reserve in Khanh Hoa Province, southern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. DNA barcoding data of the rbcL and matK regions is provided. Trigonostemon honbaensis is most similar to T. longifolius Baill. ex Müll.Arg., but distinguished by its less hairy leaves, truncate leaf base (attenuate to obtuse in T. longifolius), larger petals, shorter staminal column, and anthers lacking appendages.

Key words: Euphorbiaceae, Hon Ba Nature Reserve, new species, Trigonostemon, Vietnam

 Trigonostemon honbaensis Tagane & Yahara, sp. nov.
A, flowering branch; B, portion of abaxial surface of leave; C, top branch; D, inflorescence; E & F, staminate flowers. 

A–E: 23 February 2014. 

 Scale bars G = 10 cm; H = 5 mm; J & K = 0.5 mm.

  Shuichiro Tagane, Tetsukazu Yahara, Van-Son Dang, Hironori Toyama and Hop Tran. 2017. Trigonostemon honbaensis (Euphorbiaceae), A New Species from Mt. Hon Ba, Southern Vietnam. Acta Phytotax. Geobot. 68(1): 39–44. 

  Researchgate.net/publication/327069816_Trigonostemon_honbaensis_a_new_species_from_Mt_Hon_Ba_southern_Vietnam

[Paleontology • 2024] Osteology, Phylogenetic Affinities, and Palaeobiogeographic Significance of the bizarre ornithischian Dinosaur Ajkaceratops kozmai from the Late Cretaceous European Archipelago

 

Ajkaceratops kozmai  Ősi, Butler & Weishampel, 2010

in Czepiński & Madzia, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae048 

 facebook.com/LukaszCzepinski

artistic restoration by Edyta Felcyn-Kowalska

Abstract

At the climax of their evolutionary history in the latest Cretaceous, ceratopsian dinosaurs were among the most dominant components of North American and Asian land ecosystems. In other continental landmasses, however, ceratopsians were extraordinarily rare and the affinities of their proposed representatives often turned out to be inconclusive. Arguably the most significant evidence of Ceratopsia from outside North America and Asia is represented by Ajkaceratops kozmai from the Santonian (Upper Cretaceous) of Hungary. We provide a detailed osteological description of Ajkaceratops and highlight its bizarre anatomy. Ajkaceratops has been ‘traditionally’ interpreted to represent a Bagaceratops-like coronosaur, and its occurrence on the European islands was hypothesized to probably result from an early Late Cretaceous dispersal event from Asia. However, while the snout of Ajkaceratops may resemble that of some ceratopsians, closer inspection of the preserved elements indicates that these similarities are largely superficial. While it cannot be ruled out that Ajkaceratops represents a highly peculiar member of the clade, its placement is far from certain. Still, the discovery of Ajkaceratops exemplifies the importance and uniqueness of European dinosaur faunas.

Ceratopsia, Late Cretaceous, Ornithischia, osteology, palaeobiogeography, phylogeny

Łukasz Czepiński and Daniel Madzia. 2024. Osteology, Phylogenetic Affinities, and Palaeobiogeographic Significance of the bizarre ornithischian Dinosaur Ajkaceratops kozmai from the Late Cretaceous European Archipelago. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlae048. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae048

  facebook.com/LukaszCzepinski/posts/10234487215985879

[Entomology • 2018] Microphontes gaiophanes, M. kryphios, etc. • Taxonomic Revision of the Assassin-fly Genus Microphontes Londt, 1994 (Diptera, Asilidae)

Microphontes gaiophanes

Markee & Dikow, 2018

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.59.30684 

twitter.com/TDikow

Abstract

The genus Microphontes Londt, 1994 (Diptera: Asilidae: Brachyrhopalinae) is revised. Currently, three species are known from Namibia and western South Africa, i.e. Microphontes megoura Londt, 1994 from north-western South Africa, Microphontes safra Londt, 1994 from Namibia and Microphontes whittingtoni Londt, 1994 from western South Africa. Four new species, Microphontes ericfisheri sp. n. from the Little Karoo of South Africa, Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. from the Namib desert of Namibia and Microphontes jasonlondti sp. n. and Microphontes kryphios sp. n. from western South Africa, are described. Distribution, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots sensu Conservation International and seasonal incidence are discussed. Descriptions/redescriptions, photographs and identification keys are provided and made openly accessible in data repositories to support future studies of the included taxa. An unusual flight pattern of male Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. is discussed. A unique morphological feature on tergite 8 of Microphontes females, termed postero-paramedian T8 pores, is described, illustrated and discussed.

Keywords: Assassin fly, robber fly, cybertaxonomy, open-access, male flight behaviour, female postero-paramedian T8 pores

 

Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. (♂ Holotype, USNMENT01115122):
6 dorsal (Morphbank #861782) 7 lateral (#86178) 8 head anterior (#861787). Scale bar: 5 mm (6–7), 1 mm (8).

Microphontes ericfisheri sp. n.

Etymology: The species is named after Eric M. Fisher who is one of the most knowledgeable Nearctic and Neotropical Asilidae taxonomists, present and past, to recognise his contributions to the study of assassin flies. This species was unveiled at the 9th International Congress of Dipterology (25–30 November 2018) in Windhoek, Namibia during the Asilidae symposium organised to honour a contemporary colleague, Jason Londt and entitled, “Taxonomy and phylogeny of Asilidae – honouring 40 years of Afrotropical research by Jason Londt” on 27 November 2018.

Distribution, biodiversity hotspots, phenology and biology: Known only from the type locality in the Little Karoo of South Africa (Fig. 71). A rarely collected species known only from a single specimen and collecting event in 2015 (Table 1). The species is endemic to the Succulent Karoo biodiversity hotspot. Adult flies are active in mid summer in a winter rainfall region (Table 2). Nothing is known of the biology.

 Photographs of Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. in nature on sand dune as in Figs 1–2:
9 ♂ resting on sand (note that pro-, mes- and metathoracic legs are held sideways and up so that tarsi do not touch sand, Morphbank #861774)

Photograph by T. Dikow.

  Photographs of Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. in nature on sand dune as in Figs 1–2:
 10 ♀ resting on dry vegetation just above ground (#861777).

Photograph by T. Dikow.

Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n.

Etymology: Greek gaiophanes = earth-coloured. Refers to the beautiful earth tone colouration of this species.

Diagnosis: The species is distinguished from congeners by the more or less square abdominal tergites, the short macrosetose dorsal anepisternum, the extensively macrosetose ante- and postpronotum, the overall brown colouration and the grey pubescent female abdominal tergite 8.

 Habitat photographs: 1–2 sparsely vegetated sand dune on the eastern edge of the Namib Sand Sea N of Solitaire, Namibia (23°34'22"S, 015°48'37"E) where Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. was collected 3–4 slope of Elim Dune with Stipagostris sp. (Poaceae) on the eastern edge of the Namib Sand Sea W of Sesriem, Namibia (24°27'28"S, 015°46'37"E) where M. safra was collected. Photographs by T. Dikow.

Microphontes jasonlondti sp. n.

Etymology: The species is named after Jason G.H. Londt who is without doubt the most knowledgeable Afrotropical Asilidae taxonomist, present and past, to recognise his contributions to the study of assassin flies and who also collected the type series. This species was unveiled at the 9th International Congress of Dipterology (25–30 November 2018) in Windhoek, Namibia during the Asilidae symposium organised in his honour entitled, “Taxonomy and phylogeny of Asilidae – honouring 40 years of Afrotropical research by Jason Londt” on 27 November 2018.

Diagnosis: The species is distinguished from congeners by the only slightly transversely rectangular abdominal tergites, the general brown colouration and a long gonocoxite extending beyond midpoint of the epandrium (in lateral view) in the male terminalia.

Microphontes kryphios sp. n.

  

Etymology: Greek kryphios = hidden, secret. Refers to the fact that this species was hidden amongst the type series of M. whittingtoni.

Diagnosis: The species is distinguished from congeners by the small size with a wing length of 3–4 mm, distinctly wider than long and transversely rectangular abdominal tergites, partly macrosetose postpronotal lobes, setose dorsal and posterior anepisternum and features of the male terminalia such as the long postero-median projection on the hypandrium and shape of the gonostyli.

Seasonal incidence: 

Species of Microphontes have been collected in the Southern Hemisphere spring to summer (Table 2). M. ericfisheri sp. n. is restricted in imago flight activity to summer (December), M. gaiophanes sp. n. to spring (September), M. jasonlondti sp. n., M. kryphios sp. n., M. megoura and M. whittingtoni to early summer (November) and M. safra to late summer (February).

Biodiversity hotspots: 

Two species, M. ericfisheri sp. n. and M. whittingtoni, occur in and are endemic to the Succulent Karoo biodiversity hotspot sensu Conservation International (Fig. 72). M. jasonlondti sp. n. and M. kryphios sp. n. occur within the same hotspot, but have also been collected outside of it in the adjacent Nama Karoo biome. M. megoura occurs in and is endemic to the Cape Floristic Region biodiversity hotspot (Fig. 72). The other two species, M. gaiophanes sp. n. and M. safra, lie well outside any hotspot in the Namib Desert (Fig. 72). The unidentified specimen from Willie Nel Farm (32°10'47"S, 018°53'29"E) occurs within the Cape Floristic Region hotspot (Fig. 71).

 Amanda Markee and Torsten Dikow. 2018. Taxonomic Revision of the Assassin-fly Genus Microphontes Londt, 1994 (Insecta, Diptera, Asilidae).  African Invertebrates. 59(2): 195-237.  DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.59.30684

 twitter.com/TDikow/status/1068790226603188224

    

[Botany • 2019] Neobartsia matuy (Orobanchaceae) • A New Species from the Colombian Andes

 Neobartsia matuy  Malagón, Humberto Mend. & Uribe-Convers, 

in Malagon, Mendoza-Cifuentes, Gómez-Parra et Uribe-Convers, 2019.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.424.2.2

Abstract

A new species of Neobartsia endemic to the eastern Andes of Colombia is described, illustrated, and compared with related species. This species belongs to section Orthocarpiflorae and morphologically it is characterized by having floral bracts light green with glandular hairs, corolla yellowish green, the galea cucullate, longer than the lip, retrorsely glandular-puberulous, the lip three-lobed, glabrous and the corolla tube decurved. Currently, it is only known from two localities in the Colombian department of Boyacá, where it grows in the páramo ecosystem between 3528 and 3639 meters above sea level on rocky soil with grassy vegetation.

Keywords: Eudicots, Bartsia, Boyacá, Colombia, endemism, Orthocarpiflorae, páramo

 Neobartsia matuy.
A. Habit. B, C. Inflorescence. D. Floral bract, adaxial surface. E. Lateral view of a flower including bract, calyx and corolla. F. Lateral view of the corolla with the tube decurved. G. Lateral view of corolla, style, and ovary.

A–C from S. Gómez et al. 594 (paratype), D–G from H. Mendoza & E. Torres 22013 (Holotype). Photographers: Sofía Gómez (A–C), Humberto Mendoza (D–G).

Neobartsia matuy Malagón, Humberto Mend. & Uribe-Convers, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:—This species belongs to the sect. Orthocarpiflorae and differs from Neobartsia alba (Molau) Uribe-Convers & Tank (2016: 678), N. elachophylla (Diels) Uribe-Convers & Tank (2016: 679), N. filiformis (Wedd.) Uribe-Convers & Tank (2016: 679), N. laniflora (Benth.) Uribe-Convers & Tank (2016:680), N. laticrenata (Benth.) Uribe-Convers & Tank (2016: 680), N. orthocarpiflora (Benth.) Uribe-Convers & Tank (2016:681), N. santolinifolia (Kunth) Uribe-Convers & Tank (2016: 681), N. sericea (Molau) Uribe-Convers & Tank (2016: 682) and N. trichophylla (Wedd.) Uribe-Convers & Tank (2016: 681) by the following combination of characters: stems green, retrorsely hirsute with colorless eglandular hairs in two rows; leaves linear to lanceolate, retrorsely hirsute on the veins on both sides, hairs eglandular, margins revolute, evenly crenate with 8–9 lobes on each side; floral bracts light green with glandular hairs, lanceolate, cuneate at base; calyx light green, glandular hirsute; flowers 13–13.6 mm long (without pedicel); corolla yellowish green, tube decurved, galea cucullate longer than the lip, retrorsely glandular-puberulous, hairs yellowish green.

Distribution and habit:—Neobartsia matuy is only known from two localities in the Northeastern Andean Cordillera in the department of Boyacá (Colombia), suggesting it is endemic to a few closely distributed páramos (Figure 4). It is possible that this species is also found in the Flora and Fauna Sanctuary of Iguaque, a protected natural national area adjacent to El Valle. It grows in the páramo ecosystem between 3550 and 3639 m above sea level on rocky soil with grassy vegetation.  

 Etymology:— The specific epithet is established to honor Uribe-Convers’ parents, Maria Luisa Convers and Ernesto Uribe, whose support was invaluable during the author’s dissertation on the genus Neobartsia. His parents do not use their given names and are better known by their nicknames “Marily” and “Tuchi”, respectively, and the word “Matuy”—a combination of their nicknames—has been used for years among family and friends to refer to both of them.

 Neobartsia matuy.
 A. Stem and leaves. B. Abaxial view of leaves, detail of revolute margin. C. Adaxial view of leaf apex. D. Lateral view of the leaf base. E. Abaxial view of the leaf base. F. Adaxial view of the leaf base. G. Detail of the pubescence of stem.

 All from H. Mendoza & E. Torres 22013 (Holotype). Photos by Humberto Mendoza. 

 Neobartsia matuy.
 A. Lateral view of the calyx. B–C. Detail of the calyx indumentum. D. Frontal view of the galea and lip. E. Lateral view of the corolla, detailing of the galea indumentum. F. Filament and anther in adaxial view. G. Filament and anther in abaxial view. H. Lateral view of the ovary. I. Cross section of the ovary.

All from H. Mendoza & E. Torres 22013 (Holotype). Photos by Humberto Mendoza.

 Distribution map of Neobartsia matuy. 

Maria Del Pilar Malagon, Humberto Mendoza-Cifuentes, Sofia Gómez-Parra and Simon Uribe-Convers. 2019. Neobartsia matuy (Orobanchaceae), A New Species from the Colombian Andes.  Phytotaxa. 424(2); 87–96. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.424.2.2

 

Resumen: Una nueva especie de Neobartsia endémica a los Andes orientales de Colombia es descrita, ilustrada y comparada con especies afines. Esta especie pertenece a la sección Orthocarpiflorae y morfológicamente se caracteriza por tener brácteas florales verde claro con pelos glandulares, corola verde amarillenta, galea cuculada y mayor que el labio, glandularpubérula con pelos retrorsos, el labio con tres lóbulos, glabro y el tubo de la corola curvado. Hasta el momento, solo se conoce de dos localidades en el departamento colombiano de Boyacá, donde crece en ecosistemas de páramo entre los 3528 y 3639 metros sobre el nivel del mar, sobre suelos rocoso con vegetación herbácea.

[Crustacea • 2019] Alpheus ramosportoae • A New Western Atlantic Snapping Shrimp of the Alpheus macrocheles group (Caridea: Alpheidae) revealed by Morphological, Molecular and Color Data

  Alpheus ramosportoae 

Soledade, Terossi, Scioli, Mantelatto & Almeida, 2019

 DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2019.581

Abstract

Alpheus macrocheles (Hailstone, 1835), a species originally described from the northeastern Atlantic, has been reported from Brazil based on material from the north and northeast coasts and Espírito Santo. However, a thorough morphological comparison between Brazilian material reported as A. macrocheles and eastern Atlantic material of A. macrocheles revealed consistent differences, suggesting that the Brazilian specimens belong to an undescribed species. Alpheus ramosportoae sp. nov. is therefore now described based on material from Amapá to Pernambuco, Brazil. Morphological differences between the new species and A. macrocheles s. str. were supported by the clear divergence of 16S rRNA gene sequences (18% of genetic distance), separating the species in two distinct clades. Differences in the color pattern also were observed and illustrated.

Keywords: alpheid; new species; South-West Atlantic; Brazil; 16S.

  Alpheus ramosportoae sp. nov. from off Recife, state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil.
 A–C. Color pattern in life of the species. A. Body color pattern, lateral view. B. Coloration of major (mesial view) and minor (lateral view) chelipeds. C. Coloration of pleon, lateral view.
 D–F. Substrates where the specimens were obtained. D. Calcareous algae, sponges and sandy sediment clusters. E. External appearance of rhodolith fragments. F. Detail of a fragment of rhodolith broken in half, showing crevices from which specimens were retrieved. Scale bars: A–C = 1 mm; D–F = 2 cm.

 Alpheus ramosportoae sp. nov.

Guidomar O. Soledade, Mariana Terossi, Justin A. Scioli, Fernando Luis Mantelatto and Alexandre O. Almeida. 2019. A New Western Atlantic Snapping Shrimp of the Alpheus macrocheles group (Caridea, Alpheidae) revealed by Morphological, Molecular and Color Data. European Journal of Taxonomy. 581; 1–21. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2019.581

[Botany • 2015] Paepalanthus magistrae (Eriocaulaceae) • A New Species from Northeastern Brazil

 

Paepalanthus magistrae  Sano, F.N. Costa, Trovó & Echtern., 

in Sano, Costa, Trovó et Echternacht, 2015. 

DOI: 10.1590/2175-7860201566202 

 Researchgate.net/publication/278032202

ABSTRACT

We describe and illustrate Paepalanthus magistrae, a remarkable new species of Eriocaulaceae from Northeastern Brazil. The species is placed into Paepalanthus subsect. Dichocladus by the presence of trimerous flower, elongated dichotomous branched stem, and small rigid leaves. Within the section it may be easily distinguished by its leaves with glabrescent adaxial surface and lanose abaxial surface. As the species is narrowly distributed and known from a few populations, it is considered endangered.

Key words: Caatinga; Paepalanthoideae; Serra das Confusões National Park; taxonomy

Paepalanthus magistrae – a. branch detail; b. leaf abaxial surface; c. leaf adaxial surface; d. involucral bract abaxial surface; e. floral bract abaxial surface; f. pistillate flower; g. gynoecium; h. staminate flower; i. staminate flower with sepals removed and opened corolla

(Drawings from the holotype by Klei Sousa).

Paepalanthus magistrae – a. habit; b. habit detail. 

Scale bars – a. 2.5cm; b. 1cm. (photos from CNCFlora) 

Paepalanthus magistrae Sano, F.N. Costa, Trovó & Echtern. sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Paepalanthus magistrae differs from all the other species of P. subsect. Dichocladus by its leaves with glabrescent adaxial surface and lanose abaxial surface. It is morphologically differentiated from Paepalanthus bonsai Trovó & Sano, the most closely related species, also by its leaves with round apex, spathe tip acute, longer scapes, spherical capitula, and involucral bracts completely glabrous.

 

Etymology: The epithet magistrae - belonging to the master - is a tribute to Prof. Ana Maria Giulietti Harley, who has guided three generations of specialists in Eriocaulaceae. As in this species, she has her roots in the Caatinga. To her we offer our gratitude and our acknowledgement.

Habitat, Distribution, and Conservation: Paepalanthus magistrae is known from a few populations growing on rock crevices in mountains of Serra das Confusões, Piauí (Fig. 1). The species occurs within the Capivara National Park and is considered endangered according to criteria B1a and B2a of IUCN (2011). Additional populations may be found in the vicinities, as the area is poorly sampled.

Paulo Takeo Sano, Fabiane Nepomuceno Costa, Marcelo Trovó and Lívia Echternacht. 2015. Paepalanthus magistrae (Eriocaulaceae), A remarkable New Species in honor of Ana Maria Giulietti-Harley.  Rodriguésia. 66(2);. DOI: 10.1590/2175-7860201566202 

 Researchgate.net/publication/278032202_Paepalanthus_magistrae_a_remarkable_new_species

[Arachnida • 2019] Chaerilus agnellivanniorum • The Cave Population of Chaerilus Simon, 1877 (Scorpiones: Chaerilidae) from Palawan, Philippines, and Description of A New Species

Chaerilus agnellivanniorum 

Lourenço & Rossi, 2019

DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2018.12.001 

Abstract
The study of an important collection of scorpions, belonging to the genus Chaerilus, recently collected from a cave in the Palawan Island, Philippines, allows the clarification of the identity of this population, often misidentified with Chaerilus chapmani Vachon & Lourenço, 1985 known from caves in the Gunong Mulu National Park in Sarawak (Borneo). Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. is described from the Puerto Princesa Underground River Cave in Palawan Island based on 14 specimens, males, females, and juveniles. The new species is totally distinct morphologically from Chaerilus chapmani, a true troglobitic species. Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. may also be a true troglobitic element, but with a less marked degree of regression for several characters. Some comments on the ecology of the new species and on regional biogeography of Borneo and Palawan islands are also proposed.

Keywords: Biogeography, Cave-life, Chaerilus, Ecology, Identity

Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. 

Patronym: the name honours Dr Paolo Agnelli (MZUF) and Dr Stefano Vanni (MZUF), who organised the scientific expedition in Palawan, The Philippines.

 Wilson R. Lourenço and Andrea Rossi. 2019. The Cave Population of Chaerilus Simon, 1877 from Palawan, Philippines, and Description of A New Species (Scorpiones: Chaerilidae)  [La population cavernicole de Chaerilus Simon, 1877 à Palawan, Philippines, avec la description d’une nouvelle espèce (Scorpiones : Chaerilidae)]. Comptes Rendus Biologies. 342(1–2); 45-53. DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2018.12.001 

Résumé: L’étude d’une importante collection de scorpions appartenant au genre Chaerilus, récemment collectée dans une grotte de l’île de Palawan, aux Philippines, permet désormais de clarifier l’identité de cette population souvent incorrectement identifiée comme Chaerilus chapmani Vachon & Lourenço, 1985 connue des grottes du Gunong Mulu National Park au Sarawak (Bornéo). Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. est décrite de la grotte de Puerto Princesa, dans l’île de Palawan, à partir de 14 spécimens, mâles, femelles et juvéniles. Par sa morphologie, la nouvelle espèce est globalement distincte de Chaerilus chapmani, une véritable espèce troglobie. Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. pourrait également représenter un véritable élément troglobie, mais avec un moindre dégrée de régression pour plusieurs caractères. Des commentaires sont également ajoutés sur l’écologie de la nouvelle espèce et sur la biogéographie de Bornéo et de l’île de Palawan.

Mots clés: Biogéographie, Chaerilus, Écologie, Identité, Vie souterraine