[Ichthyology • 2024] Re-description of Xyliphius barbatus (Siluriformes: Aspredinidae), with comments on Osteology and Distribution

 Xyliphius barbatus Alonso de Arámburu & Arámburu, 1962, 

in Terán, Méndez-López, Benitez, Serra, Bogan et Aguilera, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.121396

Abstract

The banjo catfish, Xyliphius barbatus, belongs to the Aspredinidae family and typically inhabits the main channels of medium to large rivers in the La Plata River basin. The mimetic coloration with the substrate and the benthic lifestyle likely contribute to the challenge of sampling this species, resulting in its underrepresentation in museums and ichthyological collections. In fact, the original description of X. barbatus was based solely on two specimens. Consequently, little is known about its osteology, distribution, and phylogenetic relations. In this work, these information gaps are filled and the distributional range for X. barbatus is extended to northwestern Argentina.

Key Words: Banjo catfish, fossorial fishes, La Plata River basin, morphology, osteology

Lateral, dorsal and ventral views of Xyliphius barbatus. CI-FML 7944. San Francisco River, Bermejo River basin, Jujuy province. Scale bar: 10 mm.

CI-FML 7944. Xyliphius barbatus. Live specimen, 92.4 mm SL. San Francisco River, Bermejo River basin, Jujuy. Scale bar: 10 mm.

 Xyliphius barbatus Alonso de Arámburu & Arámburu, 1962

Diagnosis: Xyliphius barbatus is distinguishable from the remaining species of genus by the following combination of characters: (1) seven to 11 retrorse dentations on posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine (vs. six in X. anachoretes and four or five in X. magdalenae); (2) 24 to 30 dendriform papillae on inferior lip (vs. 20–22 in X. magdalenae, 30 in X. sofiae, and 22 to 27 triangular papillae, with only the lateral ones branched in X. kryptos); (3) I,3 or I,4 dorsal-fin rays (vs. I,5 in X. lepturus and X. melanopterus); (4) absence of dorsal pale band from snout tip to caudal-fin origin (vs. presence in X. anachoretes, X. magdalenae and X. melanopterus); (5) absence of a latero-dorsal band following the second row of tubercles on anterior part of body (vs. present in X. magdalenae and X. melanopterus); (6) eyes present and reduced (vs. absent in X. sofiae); (7) five to eight anal-fin rays (vs. nine in X. lepturus).

 Guillermo E. Terán, Alejandro Méndez-López, Mauricio F. Benitez, Wilson S. Serra, Sergio Bogan and Gastón Aguilera. 2024. Re-description of Xyliphius barbatus (Siluriformes, Aspredinidae), with comments on Osteology and Distribution. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(3): 1085-1097. DOI:  doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.121396

[Botany • 2024] Viola fuscopurpurea (Violaceae) • A New Species from Chongqing, China

Viola fuscopurpurea S.R.Yi & Yan S.Huang, 

Dai, Yi, Huang, Zhang et Fan, 2024.  

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04364

 

Abstract

Viola fuscopurpurea (Violaceae), a new species from Karst landform of Chongqing in China, is described and illustrated. The new species is most similar to V. fukienensis, but can be distinguished by nearly glabrous, shiny, adaxially purple blades (vs pubescent, adaxially green blades), brown seeds with conspicuous tubercles (versus yellow seeds with smooth surface), and hook-like nectaries (versus triangular nectaries), as well as by general habit. Our phylogenetic analysis, based on ITS sequences, confirms that the new species belongs to V. subsect. Rostratae, and is most closely related to V. fukienensis in the phylogeny.

Keywords: morphology, phylogeny, sect. Viola, subsect. Rostratae

Viola fuscopurpurea.
 (A) flower, (B) seeds, (C) leaf blades, (D) stamens, (E) capsule, (F) style, (G) plant, (H) Stipules.

Viola fuscopurpurea.
 (A) habitat, (B) chasmogamous flower, (C) side view of the chasmogamous flower, (D) stamens of the chasmogamous flower , (E) capsule, (F) adaxial surface of leaf blade, (G) abaxial surface of leaf blade, (H)stipules, (I) seeds, (J) side view of the cleistogamous flower, (K) stamens of the cleistogamous flower.

Viola fuscopurpurea S.R.Yi & Yan S.Huang sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A species similar to V. fukienensis W. Becker, but differs in glabrous, shiny, adaxially brownish purple blades (versus pubescens, adaxial green blades), brown seeds with conspicuous tubercles (versus yellow seeds with smooth surface), and hook-like nectaries (versus triangular nectaries).

Etymology: The epithet refers to the adaxially brownish purple blades of this species.

 

Jingmin Dai, Si-Rong Yi, Yanshuang Huang, Hong-Jing Zhang and Qiang Fan. 2024. Viola fuscopurpurea (Violaceae), A New Species from Chongqing, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04364

[Botany • 2023] Stylochaeton glaucophyllum & S. sekhukhuniense (Araceae: Aroideae) • Two New Species from South Africa

  

 Stylochaeton sekhukhuniense Struwig, S.J.Siebert & A.E.van Wyk, 

 in Struwig, Le Roux, Siebert et van Wyk. 2023. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.620.1.1

  twitter.com/NWU_UESM

Photographs: A.E. van Wyk (A, C & D) and S.J. Siebert (B).

Abstract

We are describing here Stylochaeton glaucophyllum and S. sekhukhuniense, two new species from northeastern South Africa. Both species have a restricted distribution and are endemic to the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism, Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa. The new species occur sympatrically with S. natalense, but never with one another. Stylochaeton glaucophyllum prefers norite and pyroxenite hills and mountains, whereas S. sekhukhuniense is associated with similar rock types in low-lying rocky areas. Both new species have the base of the spadix and infructescence partly below-ground and are mainly associated with open savannah. Stylochaeton glaucophyllum can be distinguished from S. sekhukhuniense in having greenish blue leaves with linear lobes while S. sekhukhuniense has green leaves with elliptic lobes. The leaves of S. glaucophyllum are longer (112–332 mm) than those of S. sekhukhuniense (44–180 mm). The petiolar sheath of S. sekhukhuniense extends into two slender, curling ligulae which are absent in S. glaucophyllum. Also included here is a key to the seven currently accepted species of Stylochaeton in southern Africa (South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Mozambique).

Key words: bushveld arum, endangered, geocarpy, Sekhukhuneland Centre of Endemism, serpentine, Stylochaetoneae, taxonomy, ultramafic soil, Zamioculcadoideae

Stylochaeton glaucophyllum Struwig, S.J.Siebert & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov.  

In habit approaching forms of S. borumense with sagittate leaf blades, but differs in the spadix having male and female flowers contiguous and the filaments not thickened (vs. male and female flowers separated by a zone of few to 10 sterile flowers and filaments thickened towards apex). Morphologically most similar to S. sekhukhuniense, differing in having a glabrous petiole (vs. scattered trichomes on petiole immediate distal to petiolar sheath); petiolar sheath not ligulate (vs. distinctly ligulate); leaf blade long, 112–332 mm (vs. shorter, 44–180 mm) with basal and apical lobes linear (vs. elliptic), greenish blue (vs. green); spadix protruding somewhat from spathe-tube (vs. entirely enclosed by spathe-tube).

Etymology:—The specific epithet is a compound word derived from the Greek glaucos = greenish blue or seagreen, dull green, passing into greyish blue + phyllon = leaf (Stearn 1992). It refers to the greenish blue color of the leaves. The generic name is treated as neuter, as this is how it was originally published (Nicolson & Mayo 1984). The local vernacular name in English for S. natalense (Fig. 1) is “bushveld arum” and in Afrikaans bosveldvarkoor. As English and Afrikaans names for the new species we propose “blue bushveld arum” and bloubosveldvarkoor, respectively.

 Stylochaeton sekhukhuniense, morphology of leaves and inflorescence. A. Basal part of leaves showing the distinctly ligulate petiolar sheaths; note hairs on the part of the petiole above the sheath. B. Petiolar sheaths with curly ligulae, viewed from above. C. Inflorescence with strongly forward curving spathe. D. Inflorescences removed from plant and soil cleaned from basal parts; viewed from different angles.

 Photographs: A.E. van Wyk (A, C & D) and S.J. Siebert (B).

 

Stylochaeton sekhukhuniense Struwig, S.J.Siebert & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov.

 In habit approaching forms of S. borumense with sagittate leaf blades, but differs in the spadix having male and female flowers contiguous and the filaments not thickened (vs. male and female flowers separated by a zone of few to 10 sterile flowers and filaments thickened towards apex). Morphologically most similar to S. glaucophyllum, differing in having scattered trichomes on petiole immediate distal to petiolar sheath (vs. glabrous); petiolar sheath distinctly ligulate (vs. not ligulate); leaf blade short, 44–180 mm (vs. longer, 112–332 mm) with basal and apical lobes elliptic (vs. linear), green (vs. greenish blue); spadix entirely enclosed by spathe-tube (vs. protruding somewhat from spathetube).

Etymology:—The specific epithet “sekhukhuniense” refers to “Sekhukhuneland”, the geographical region to which the species is endemic. The region derives its name from that of the 19th century Bapedi king, Sekhukhune I [ca. 1814–1882] (Raper et al. 2014). As English and Afrikaans names for the new species we propose the name “Sekhukhune bushveld arum” and sekhukhunebosveldvarkoor respectively

Madeleen Struwig, Precious T. Le Roux, Stefan J. Siebert, Abraham E. van Wyk. 2023. Two New Species of Stylochaeton (Araceae: Aroideae) from South Africa.  Phytotaxa. 620(1); 1-17. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.620.1.1

  twitter.com/NWU_UESM/status/1743181231192183132

  news.nwu.ac.za/researchers-discover-two-new-species-bushveld-arum-lilies

natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/unit-environmental-sciences-and-management/ecological-interactions-and-ecosystem-resiliences

[Botany • 2024] Tragopogon pashtunianus (Asteraceae: Cichoreae) • A New Species from northern Balochistan, Pakistan

Tragopogon pashtunianus N.Khan, A.Sultan & T.Khan, 

in N. Khan, Sultan, T. Khan et Ishaq, 2024. 

DOI: 10.30848/PJB2025-1(12) 

 Researchgate.net/publication/382532942 

Abstract

A new species Tragopogon is described and illustrated from Northern Balochistan, Pakistan. The new species, here described and illustrated, is found in area west of Zhob city along the Afghanistan border. It comes closest to T. leucanthus, but differs from it, beside other characters, in its narrower leaves, number of phyllaries and a shorter cypsela beak. We have amended the key to Tragopogon in the Flora Pakistan (Fasc. 222, IV) to include the new species.

Tragopogon pashtunianus N.Khan, A.Sultan & T.Khan sp. nov.

Nazar Khan, Amir Sultan, Tahir Khan and Kamran Ishaq. 2024. A New Species of Tragopogon (Cichoreae: Asteraceae) from northern Balochistan, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Botany. 57(1): DOI: DO: doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-1(12)

 facebook.com/100064560587743/posts/872462974915714

  Researchgate.net/publication/382532942_A_NEW_SPECIES_OF_TRAGOPOGON_FROM_NORTHERN_BALOCHISTAN_PAKISTAN

[Botany • 2024] Bufonia darvishii (Caryophyllaceae) • A Novel endemic Species from Zagros Mountains, Iran

 

Bufonia darvishii Zeraatkar,     

in Zeraatkar, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04440

Abstract

A new subalpine species of Bufonia sect. Longipedicellata from the Zagros Mountains in west Iran is described and illustrated here. It colonizes mountain slopes with gravelly, stony, and scree substrates in one locality of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, preferably with a western and north-west orientation, at elevations between 2700 and 3100 m a.s.l. The new species, B. darvishii, is diagnosed against the morphologically similar B. macrocarpa. The two species share similarities such as filiform and long pedicels, a lax panicle-cyme inflorescence, distribution pattern of trichomes, and long peduncles. However, the new species stands out with semi-shrub life form, its greater height, retention of the previous year's stems, cymes bearing more flowers, orbicular petals, larger petals, a broadly ovate ovary, larger sepals with more pronounced nervation, shorter pedicels, larger flowers, etc. Bufonia darvishii is proposed to be Critically Endangered (CR) following the guidelines of the IUCN.

Keywords: alpine flora, Bakhtiari, endangered species, Mount Kallar, steno-endemic species

Bufonia darvishii sp. nov. in the wild (Mount Kallar).

Bufonia darvishii sp. nov. in the wild (Mount Kallar).

Habitat (Mount Kallar).

Flower parts in (a) Flower, (b) iInner sepal, (c) outer sepal, (d) stamens, (e) pistil, (f) petals.

 Scales: (b–d, f): 1 mm. (e): 0.5 mm. (a): 2 mm.

Bufonia darvishii Zeraatkar sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A species related to Bufonia macrocarpa Ser. but exhibiting a significantly greater height (30–50 versus 20–35 cm), semi-shrub life form (versus erect chamaephyte), while retaining previous year's stems, longer leaves (up to 13 versus up to 10 mm), cymes bearing more flowers (10–25 versus mostly 3–10), orbicular petals (versus ovate or obovate), larger (3.0–3.5 mm in diameter, versus (1.5) 1.8–2.0 (3.0) × 1.5–2.0 mm), and broadly ovate ovary (versus elliptic or rounded) petals, different petal length/filament length ratio (shorter versus longer), larger sepals (2.5–3.0 × 1.0–1.6 versus 1.5–2.0 (3.0) × ca 0.8 mm) and with more pronounced nervature (7–9-veined versus 3–7-veined), shorter pedicels (up to 15 mm versus up to 30 mm), and possessing larger flower (ca 5–6 mm in diameter versus 3–4 mm).

 

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Mohammad Darvish, a desert researcher from the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, and an Iranian environmentalist who has made comprehensive and diverse efforts to preserve the environment in Iran. His environmental leadership includes the protection of ecosystems, plant and animal species, as well as the reduction of waste and pollution. He and like-minded associates are primarily directed towards recognizing and addressing how actions related to environmental protection can impact human health and well-being.

Amin Zeraatkar. 2024. Bufonia darvishii (Caryophyllaceae), A Novel endemic Species from Zagros Mountains, Iran. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04440

[Paleontology • 2024] The Axial Biomechanics of Trigonosaurus pricei (Neosauropoda: Titanosauria) and the importance of the cervical–dorsal region to Sauropod high-browser Feeding Strategy

Trigonosaurus pricei  

in Vidal, Bergqvist, Candeiro, Bandeira, ... et Pereira. 2024. 

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae087 

 x.com/PaleoVidal

Abstract

Trigonosaurus pricei is a small to medium-sized sauropod dinosaur (Sauropoda: Titanosauria) from the Late Cretaceous Bauru Group of Brazil that is known from a significant amount of recovered axial elements [four cervical vertebrae, 10 dorsal vertebrae, sacrum (MCT 1488-R), and 10 caudal vertebrae (MCT 1719-R)]. In this biomechanical work, we approach the hypothesis of the cartilaginous neutral pose and the range of motion of the axial series of Trigonosaurus. The results show that this sauropod could be capable of high elevation of the neck resulting from morphological adaptations of the cervicodorsal region on dorsal (D) vertebrae D2 and D3 (e.g. postzygapophyses of D2 positioned over the vertebral centrum and prezygapophyses of D3 over the anterior vertebral centrum). This implies that D2 articulates (cartilaginous neutral posture) with D3 only at a strong dorsally directed angle, resulting in a shift in the direction of the neck to a more elevated posture. Furthermore, the tail attributed to Trigonosaurus as a paratype could be oriented in the horizontal ‘direction’ and presented a sigmoidal ‘shape’. This work contributes generally to the understanding of variation in the body plan of sauropods and, more specifically, to the feeding strategy of small and medium-sized titanosaurs from semi-arid regions of Gondwana.

vertebrate palaeontology, Suropodomorpha, biomechanics, palaeoecology

Trigonosaurus pricei 

 Luciano S Vidal, Lílian P Bergqvist, Carlos R A Candeiro, Kamila L N Bandeira, Sandra Tavares, Stephen L Brusatte and Paulo V L G C Pereira. 2024. The Axial Biomechanics of Trigonosaurus pricei (Neosauropoda: Titanosauria) and the importance of the cervical–dorsal region to Sauropod high-browser Feeding Strategy. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 201(3); zlae087. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae087

  x.com/PaleoVidal/status/1813242552910283059

[Paleontology • 2024] Cranial Anatomy and Phylogenetic Affinities of Bolosaurus major, with new information on the unique bolosaurid feeding apparatus and evolution of the impedance-matching ear

Bolosaurus major

in Jenkins, Foster, Napoli, Meyer, Bever et Bhullar, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.25546 

  x.com/reptiliferous

Abstract

Resolving the phylogenetic relationships of early amniotes, in particular stem reptiles, remains a difficult problem. Three-dimensional morphological analysis of well-preserved stem-reptile specimens can reveal important anatomical data and clarify regions of phylogeny. Here, we present the first thorough description of the unusual early Permian stem reptile Bolosaurus major, including the first comprehensive description of a bolosaurid braincase. We describe previously obscured details of the palate, allowing for insight into bolosaurid feeding mechanics. Aspects of the rostrum, palate, mandible, and neurocranium suggest that B. major had a particularly strong bite. We additionally found B. major has a surprisingly slender stapes, similar to that of the middle Permian stem reptile Macroleter poezicus, which may suggest enhanced hearing abilities compared to other Paleozoic amniotes (e.g., captorhinids). We incorporated our new anatomical information into a large phylogenetic matrix (150 OTUs, 590 characters) to explore the relationship of Bolosauridae among stem reptiles. Our analyses generally recovered a paraphyletic “Parareptilia,” and found Bolosauridae to diverge after Captorhinidae + Araeoscelidia. We also included B. major within a smaller matrix (10 OTUs, 27 characters) designed to explore the interrelationships of Bolosauridae and found all species of Bolosaurus to be monophyletic. While reptile relationships still require further investigation, our phylogeny suggests repeated evolution of impedance-matching ears in Paleozoic stem reptiles.

Keywords: amniote, fossil, hearing, Paleozoic, reptile

 

Kelsey M. Jenkins, William Foster, James G. Napoli, Dalton L. Meyer, Gabriel S. Bever and Bhart-Anjan S. Bhullar. 2024. Cranial Anatomy and Phylogenetic Affinities of Bolosaurus major, with new information on the unique bolosaurid feeding apparatus and evolution of the impedance-matching ear. The Anatomical Record. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.25546 

  x.com/reptiliferous/status/1817907322481426897

  x.com/AnatRecord/status/1817960743381471239

[Ichthyology • 2024] Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae) • A New Species of Giraffe Catfish from Mfimi-Lukenie Basin, central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo

 

  Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae

Modimo, Bernt, Monsembula Iyaba, Mbimbi & Liyandja, 2024

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15885

 x.com/MJBernt

Abstract

A new, distinctively short-bodied giraffe catfish of Parauchenoglanis is described from the Ndzaa River, a small left-bank tributary of the Mfimi-Lukenie basin in the Central basin of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by having 29 or fewer (vs. 33 or more) total vertebrae. It can further be distinguished from all congeners, except Parauchenoglanis zebratus Sithole et al., 2023 and Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (Boulenger 1911), by having 13 or 14 (vs. 16 or more) pre-anal vertebrae. The species is endemic to the Mfimi River basin, where it has been collected mainly in blackwater tributaries.

Keywords: Congo basin, CT scan, DNA barcoding, morpholog,y Ndzaa River, Parauchenoglanis

  Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae sp. nov. 
Photographs of preserved (a) holotype (AMNH 278139 in lateral view) and (b–d) paratype (AMNH 278165, 68.1 mm standard length [SL], respectively, in dorsal, lateral, and ventral views).

Scale bar: 1 cm.

Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: P. stiassnyae is distinguished from all congeners by having 28–29 vertebrae (vs. 33 or more). P. stiassnyae is also distinguished from all congeners by the possession of 13–14 pre-anal vertebrae (vs. 15 or more) except for Parauchenoglanis zebratus (14–17) and Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (13, holotype). The new species can further be distinguished from P. cf. punctatus_L3, P. balayi, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, P. punctatus, and P. ubangensis by a narrower supraoccipital process–nuchal plate interdistance (1.4%–2.9% vs. >3% HL); from P. cf. punctatus_L3, P. guttatus, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, and P. punctatus by a wider orbital HW (64.7%–76.2% vs. 54.9%–63.9% HL); from P. guttatus, P. longiceps, and P. ubangensis by a wider mouth (37.8%–50.8% vs. 25.9%–35.7% HL); from P. guttatus, P. punctatus, P. ubangensis, and P. zebratus by a wider premaxillary toothplate (12.9%–18.6% vs. 6.6%–12.5% HL); from P. guttatus, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, and P. zebratus by a wider head (HW: 70.1%–81.1% vs. 58.9%–69.3% HL); from P. balayi and P. pantherinus by a shorter dorsal-fin spine (10.8%–16% vs. 16.1%–18.8% SL); from P. guttatus and P. pantherinus by a smaller orbital diameter (9.5%–14.2% vs. 14.4%–16.9% HL) and a wider interpectoral distance (16.7%–21.4% vs. 15.3%–16.6% SL); from P. balayi, P. ngamensis (holotype), and P. ubangensis by a shorter adipose-fin–caudal-fin interdistance (2.7%–5.2% vs. 6.2%–10.5% SL); and from P. balayi by a longer head (HL: 31.3%–35% vs. 28.1%–30.6% SL) and a narrower interorbital (IOD: 19.5%–27.1% vs. 27.3%–28% HL).

 Biology and ecology: Most specimens of P. stiassnyae were collected in forested habitats over mud and plant debris in tributaries of the Mfimi River. The rivers where specimens of P. stiassnyae have been collected are characterized by a humic, moderately acidic (pH 4.1–5.3), and dark-brown water with low conductivity (10–50 μS/cm) and low concentrations of dissolved solids (TDS: 10–30 mg/L). These observations, combined with the species body colouration, suggest that P. stiassnyae is adapted to forested habitats, muddy, humic, and dark-brown waters of the Mfimi River tributaries.

 Etymology: P. stiassnyae is named after Melanie L. J. Stiassny (MLJS) of the AMHN. MLJS is the initiator of the AMNH Congo Project that resulted in significant documentation and an improved systematic, biological, and evolutionary understanding of the Congo River basin ichthyofauna with an extensive collection deposited at the AMNH, the University of Kinshasa, and the University of Marien Ngouabi. Additionally, MLJS trained and continues to train numerous Congolese ichthyologists, including the authors of the present paper. We dedicate this species to her outstanding work and commitment to biodiscovery and conservation in the Congo River basin.

 

Myriam Y. Modimo, Maxwell J. Bernt, Raoul J. C. Monsembula Iyaba, José J. M. M. Mbimbi and Tobit L. D. Liyandja. 2024. Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae): A New Species of Giraffe Catfish from Mfimi-Lukenie Basin, central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15885

 x.com/MJBernt/status/1818665684739535207

[Botany • 2023] Schoenorchis kembangleutik (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from West Java, Indonesia

  Schoenorchis kembangleutik Yudistira & Mustaqim, 

   

in Yudistira et Mustaqim, 2023.  

DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2023.68.01.07

 Researchgate.net/publication/371971124

 Photograph by Y.R. Yudistira. 

Abstract 

Schoenorchis kembangleutik Yudistira & Mustaqim described here as new to science is an orchid species currently considered endemic to West Java. It is similar to S. pachyachris (J.J.Sm.) J.J.Sm. from Sumatra and Java but differs in having flowers with midlobe of labellum orbicular (vs oblong) with horizontal and rounded (vs pointing upwards and tapering to a point) apex, the labellum side lobes white, uncinate and retrorse at the apex (vs yellow, straight and erect at apex), and in having shorter spurs with straight base (2 vs 4 mm long, with geniculate base). A morphological description, notes on distribution, habitat and ecology, an illustration, photographs and a key to the five species of Schoenorchis of Java are provided.

Keywords: Aeridinae; Malesia; Schoenorchis kembangleutik; Flora of Indonesia; taxonomy

  Schoenorchis kembangleutik Yudistira & Mustaqim.
 a. Plant; b. leaves; c. inflorescence; d. dorsal sepals; e. petals (one petal is broken); f. lateral sepals; g. labellum and column; h. anther-cap and pollinarium.

 Photographs by Y.R. Yudistira, 2022.

  Schoenorchis kembangleutik Yudistira & Mustaqim in its natural habitat.

 Photograph by Y.R. Yudistira, 2022.

Yuda Rehata Yudistira and Wendy A. Mustaqim. 2023. A New Species of Schoenorchis (Orchidaceae) from West Java, Indonesia. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2023.68.01.07 

Researchgate.net/publication/371971124_A_new_species_of_Schoenorchis_from_Indonesia

[Paleontology • 2024] Hypnovenator matsubaraetoheorum • Early Cretaceous troodontine troodontid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Ohyamashimo Formation of Japan reveals the early Evolution of Troodontinae

Hypnovenator matsubaraetoheorum

 Kubota, Kobayashi & Ikeda, 2024

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66815-2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/382559642

Abstract

A new troodontid dinosaur, Hypnovenator matsubaraetoheorum gen. et sp. nov., is described based on an articulated postcranial skeleton recovered from the fluvial deposits of the Albian Ohyamashimo Formation of the Sasayama Group in Tambasasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Hypnovenator is distinguished from other troodontids by four autapomorphies and a combination of additional features. Our phylogenetic analysis positions Hypnovenator as the oldest and one of the most basal troodontines, forming a clade with Gobivenator mongoliensis. The discovery of Hypnovenator suggests that small-bodied maniraptorans with a sleeping posture were common not only in environments with volcanic and eolian events or alluvial systems but also in fluvial systems. Geometric morphometric analysis of manual ungual phalanges shows that manual ungual phalanges I and III of Hypnovenator exhibit considerable morphological variation but are functionally similar, which differs from those of non-troodontine troodontids, reflecting the transition of manual motion within Troodontinae. Hypnovenator also has mosaic features in the pes related to cursoriality. This study reveals that asymmetrical arctometatarsus occurred by the Albian, and some morphological changes, such as shorter digit IV than digit III and non-ungual phalanges of digits III with roller joints and digit IV with weakly ginglymoid articulation, arose during the early Late Cretaceous.

Keywords: Arctometatarsus, Geometric morphometric analysis, Sleeping posture, Theropoda, Troodontidae, Troodontinae, 

Hypnovenator matsubaraetoheorum gen. et sp. nov.
 Blocks including the forelimb, knee (A), and heel (B). (C) Reconstructed skeleton. Red and yellow colors show the confirmed and probable positions of the recovered elements, respectively (Courtesy of Genya Masukawa). (D) Left manus in medial view. (E) Left manual phalanx I-1 in dorsal view. (F) Removed fragmentary left manual phalanx II-3 (manual ungual phalanx II) for preparing the left manus. (G) Cross-section of the bent right ankle. (H) Left metatarsus in posterior view. 

 Abbreviations: as, astragalus; dp, depression; fe, femur; fi, fibula; hu, humerus; mc I, metacarpal I; mc II, metacarpal II; mc III, metacarpal III; mp I-1, manual phalanx I-1; mp I-2, manual phalanx I-2 (manual ungual phalanx I); mp II-1, manual phalanx II-1; mp II-3, manual phalanx II-3 (manual ungual phalanx II); mp III-3, manual phalanx III-3; mp III-4, manual phalanx III-4 (manual ungual phalanx III); mr, medial ridge; mt II, metatarsal II; mt III, metatarsal III; mt IV, metatarsal IV; mt V, metatarsal V; ra, radius; ti, tibia; ul, ulna. Almost all elements are from the left side. Abbreviations for elements from the right side added ‘(r)’ at the end. 

Systematic paleontology

Theropoda  

Coelurosauria 

Troodontidae 

Hypnovenator matsubaraetoheorum gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A troodontid with the following unique characters: a pair of proximodistally extended depressions on the proximodorsal surface of manual phalanx I-1; long dorsal and ventral proximal lips on manual phalanx III-2 for tight articulation with phalanx III-1; a proximodistally longitudinal medial ridge on the anterior surface of the femur proximal to the medial condyle; and distorted distal condyles with a widely convex distoventral margin on pedal phalanx III-3. Additionally, it is characterized by the following combination of two features: the thickest portion near the middle portion of the distal end of the ulna, and an angle of less than 11 degrees between the anterior edge of the cnemial crest and the anterior edge of the tibial shaft.

Locality and horizon: Hyogo Prefectural Tamba Namikimichi Central Park at Nishikosa, Tambasasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan; the early to middle Albian (112.1–106.4 Ma26) Ohyamashimo Formation of the Sasayama Group.

Etymology: The genus name derives from “hypno”, refers to “sleep” in ancient Greek, and “venator”, means “hunter” in Latin. The specific name, “matsubaraetoheorum”, honors Mrs. Kaoru Matsubara and Takaharu Ohe, who are the first discoverers of a block including a part of Hypnovenator matsubaraetoheorum holotype specimen.

 

Katsuhiro Kubota, Yoshitsugu Kobayashi and Tadahiro Ikeda. 2024. Early Cretaceous troodontine troodontid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Ohyamashimo Formation of Japan reveals the early evolution of Troodontinae. Scientific Reports. 14: 16392. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66815-2

  Researchgate.net/publication/382559642_Early_Cretaceous_troodontid_from_the_Ohyamashimo_Formation_of_Japan

[Paleontology • 2024] Rapid Volcanic Ash Entombment reveals the 3D Anatomy of Cambrian Trilobites

Artistic reconstruction of two species of trilobite an instant before burial in a flow of volcanic ash 510 million years ago.
Gigoutella mauretanica (Ortega-Hernández, Azizi, Hearing, Harvey, Edgecombe, Hafid & El Hariri, 2017)

in El Albani, Mazurier, Edgecombe, Azizi, El Bakhouch, ... et Paterson, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1126/science.adl4540

Abstract

Knowledge of Cambrian animal anatomy is limited by preservational processes that result in compaction, size bias, and incompleteness. We documented pristine three-dimensional (3D) anatomy of trilobites fossilized through rapid ash burial from a pyroclastic flow entering a shallow marine environment. Cambrian ellipsocephaloid trilobites from Morocco are articulated and undistorted, revealing exquisite details of the appendages and digestive system. Previously unknown anatomy includes a soft-tissue labrum attached to the hypostome, a slit-like mouth, and distinctive cephalic feeding appendages. Our findings resolve controversy over whether the trilobite hypostome is the labrum or incorporates it and establish crown-group euarthropod homologies in trilobites. This occurrence of moldic fossils with 3D soft parts highlights volcanic ash deposits in marine settings as an underexplored source for exceptionally preserved organisms.

Microtomographic reconstruction of the trilobite species Gigoutella mauretanica in ventral view

Gigoutella mauretanica (Ortega-Hernández, Azizi, Hearing, Harvey, Edgecombe, Hafid & El Hariri, 2017)

Abderrazak El Albani, Arnaud Mazurier, Gregory D. Edgecombe, Abdelfattah Azizi, Asmaa El Bakhouch, Harry O. Berks, El Hafid Bouougri, Ibtissam Chraiki, Philip C. J. Donoghue, Claude Fontaine, Robert R. Gaines, Mohamed Ghnahalla, Alain Meunier, Alain Trentesaux and John R. Paterson. 2024. Rapid Volcanic Ash Entombment reveals the 3D Anatomy of Cambrian Trilobites. SCIENCE. 384, 6703; 1429-1435. DOI: doi.org/10.1126/science.adl4540

 

Editor’s summary: Trilobites are probably the best known denizens of the Cambrian Period. Their distinctive fossilized external forms are well recognized from an extensive fossil record spanning the early Cambrian to the Permian extinction. The vast majority of trilobite fossils display only external morphology, however, leaving much unknown about their internal morphology. El Albani et al. describe several trilobite fossils created by rapid death and preservation due to an underwater pyroclastic flow. This preservation created three-dimensional fossils with a remarkably well-preserved anatomy. This enhanced understanding of trilobite anatomy has revealed several new features and provided key insights into crown group euarthropods. —Sacha Vignieri

 

COVER: This reconstruction of a shallow marine environment shows trilobites being rapidly engulfed by volcanic ash from an eruption that occurred more than 500 million years ago. Recently discovered trilobite fossils from Cambrian-aged rocks in Morocco have revealed three-dimensional soft-tissue anatomy, including features not previously observed in these extinct arthropods. This find highlights marine volcanic ash deposits as important sites of exceptional fossil preservation. || Image: A. El Albani

[PaleoOrnithology • 2024] Pakudyptes hakataramea • A New tiny fossil Penguin from the Late Oligocene of New Zealand and the Morphofunctional Transition of the Penguin Wing

Pakudyptes hakataramea 

 Ando, Robinson, Loch, Nakahara, Hayashi, Richards & Fordyce, 2024

DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2024.2362283 

   x.com/SHOWJI0329

 

ABSTRACT

The Late Oligocene is a period of high penguin diversity, following major changes in the marine environment at the Eocene/Oligocene boundary and prior to the emergence of crown penguins in the Miocene. Historically, a large morphological gap existed between the most crownward Platydyptes among the Oligocene penguins from New Zealand and the Early Miocene stem penguins such as Palaeospheniscus from South America. Here we describe a new species that contributes to filling this gap. Pakudyptes hakataramea gen. et sp. nov. is the earliest tiny penguin, overlapping in size with the little penguin Eudyptula minor. Its distinctive combination of a well-developed proximal end of the humerus and an archaic elbow joint provides clues to the evolution of penguin wings. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that penguin wings evolved rapidly from the Late Oligocene to the Early Miocene, together with the acquisition of morphofunctional and hydrodynamical characteristics that enable the excellent swimming ability of modern penguins. As an indicator of aquatic adaptation, bone microanatomy shows a comparable structure to that of Eudyptula. The appearance of the smallest body size and the evolution of modern wings may have led to the ecological diversity of modern penguins, which confirms the importance of Zealandia in penguin evolution.

KEYWORDS: Smallest fossil penguin, Latest Oligocene, New Zealand, phylogeny, evolution of wing

 Pakudyptes hakataramea gen. et sp. nov.

  

 

 

Tatsuro Ando, Jeffrey Robinson, Carolina Loch, Tamon Nakahara, Shoji Hayashi, Marcus D. Richards and Robert Ewan Fordyce. 2024. A New tiny fossil Penguin from the Late Oligocene of New Zealand and the Morphofunctional Transition of the Penguin Wing. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/03036758.2024.2362283  

[Special issue: Fossil vertebrates from southern Zealandia]

  x.com/SHOWJI0329/status/1818706038839033891