[Entomology • 2024] Eccoptopterus formosanus & E. intermedius • Two New Species of Eccoptopterus Motschulsky, 1863 Ambrosia Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) from Taiwan and Thailand

 

Eccoptopterus formosanus Lin, Sittichaya & Smith,

in Sittichaya, Lin, Smith, Pornsuriya et Cognato, 2024.  

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1217.129707

Abstract

Two xyleborine ambrosia beetles, Eccoptopterus formosanus sp. nov. and E. intermedius sp. nov. are described from Taiwan and Thailand, respectively, based on DNA sequences (COI and CAD) and morphological characteristics. A key to the Eccoptopterus species of Southeast Asia is provided.

Key words: Ambrosia beetle, molecular, new species, Taiwan, taxonomy, Thailand, xyleborine

 Eccoptopterus Motschulsky, 1863

Eccoptopterus formosanus sp. nov.
A–E holotype female A dorsal view B lateral view C frons D posterolateral view of abdomen E declivital face;
F–I paratype male F dorsal view G lateral view H frons I posterolateral view of abdomen.

 Eccoptopterus formosanus Lin, Sittichaya & Smith, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Female, 2.56−2.64 mm long (mean = 2.61 mm; N = 4), 2.13−2.17× as long as wide (mean = 2.14×; N = 4). Medium body size, declivital armature composed of a pair of major spines on declivital summit and 2–4 minor denticles unevenly spaced on each lateral margin; protibiae slender, broadest at apical 1/3, outer margin armed with six or seven moderated socketed denticles; scutellum broadly linguiform; elytra tapering laterally.

Etymology: Formosa, the former name of Taiwan island, in reference to the collection locality of types. An adjective.

Distribution: Taiwan (Nantou County).

Eccoptopterus intermedius sp. nov.
Holotype, female, A dorsal view B lateral view C posterolateral view D frons E antenna.

 Eccoptopterus intermedius Sittichaya, Lin & Smith, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Female, 1.70−1.90 mm long (mean = 1.80 mm; N = 6), 2.03−2.38× as long as wide (mean = 2.13×; N = 6). Small body size, declivital armature composed of a pair of major spines at interstriae 3 on declivital summit and four minor spines unevenly spaced on each lateral margin, declivity covered with flattened scale-like setae; protibiae slender, broadest at apical 1/3, outer margin armed with four or five moderated socketed denticles, elytra tapering laterally.

Etymology: L. inter + medius = in the middle. The name refers to the morphological characters of the species which lie between those of E. limbus and E. spinosus. An adjective.

Distribution: Thailand (Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Tak, Ubon Ratchathani provinces).

Wisut Sittichaya, Ching-Shan Lin, Sarah M. Smith, Chaninan Pornsuriya and Anthony I. Cognato. 2024. Two New Species of Eccoptopterus Motschulsky, 1863 Ambrosia Beetle from Taiwan and Thailand (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae, Xyleborini). ZooKeys. 1217: 247-262.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1217.129707

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Romaleodelphis pollerspoecki • An archaic Dolphin from the Central Paratethys (Early Miocene, Austria)

Romaleodelphis pollerspoecki

Sanchez-Posada, Racicot, Ruf, Krings & Rössner, 2024 

DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2401503 

www.LMU.de

 

ABSTRACT

A new long-snouted homodont odontocete fossil from the Lower Miocene of Austria (ca. 22.5–22.0 Ma) is formally described and interpreted based on external skull characteristics supplemented by CT and µCT data. The specimen was found in deposits from the Central Paratethys and includes an incomplete and fragmented cranium and mandible as well as ear bones. It differs markedly from previously identified long-snouted archaic dolphins with single-rooted, homodont dentition, and thus is suggestive of a new taxon, for which the name Romaleodelphis pollerspoecki proposed. The geological context of R. pollerspoecki hints at a neritic habitat in close vicinity to estuarine environments. Romaleodelphis pollerspoecki shares key features with certain members of the so-called ‘Chilcacetus clade’ such as the widening of the premaxillae at the rostrum base and the absence of a deep lateral groove along the rostrum; however, a phylogenetic analysis reconstructs R. pollerspoecki in a polytomy with members of this ‘clade’ and a larger clade including many other taxa. To better understand the phylogenetic relationships of these taxa, comprehensive reexamination of Argryocetus and Macrodelphinus will be necessary. Measurements obtained through µCT-based internal anatomical reconstruction of the bony labyrinth indicate that R. pollerspoecki had the ability to hear specialized high-frequency signals similar to modern narrow-band high-frequency (NBHF) specialists. This work further identifies several extinct platanistoids as hearing within the NBHF spectrum, increasing the understanding of the diversity of ecological adaptations in early-diverging odontocetes and providing more examples of convergent evolution of this hearing type.

Romaleodelphis pollerspoecki, gen. et sp. nov.

 

Catalina Sanchez-Posada, Rachel A. Racicot, Irina Ruf, Michael Krings and Gertrud E. Rössner. 2024. Romaleodelphis pollerspoecki, gen. et sp. nov., An archaic Dolphin from the Central Paratethys (Early Miocene, Austria). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.  e2401503. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2401503

Archaic dolphin could hear high frequency sounds

 www.LMU.de/en/newsroom/news-overview/news/archaic-dolphin-could-hear-high-frequency-sounds.html

[Herpetology • 2024] Cyrtodactylus mamberamo • A New Species of Narrow-banded Cyrtodactylus (Gekkonidae) from northern New Guinea

 

 Cyrtodactylus mamberamo 

Oliver, Boothroyd, Tjaturadi, Riyanto, Iskandar & Richards, 2024

  

Mamberamo Basin Bent-toed Gecko ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5506.1.4 

 generasibiologi.com

photo courtesy of Chien Lee.

Abstract

We describe a new species of Cyrtodactylus from the northern lowlands and foothills of mainland New Guinea. Cyrtodactylus mamberamo sp. nov. is distinguished from all other Melanesian Cyrtodactylus except C. aaroni and C. mimikanus by the combination of moderate size (max SVL <100 mm), widened subcaudals, dorsal pattern of numerous narrow light bands with dark-brown anterior borders, and a tripartite pore arrangement in males. It differs from these two most-similar species in details of colour pattern, scalation and the number of precloacal pores. Cyrtodactylus mamberamo sp. nov. occurs at elevations between 0–870 m above sea level (a.s.l.) across a wide area spanning the Mamberamo Basin and nearby regions. It co-occurs with at most one or two other congeners. Low Cyrtodactylus alpha diversity across Melanesia emphasises beta turnover as the key factor underpinning species richness in this genus. The new species brings the total number of recognised Melanesian Cyrtodactylus to 35, with the real total certain to be over 40 species.

 

Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus mimikanus, Indonesia, Mamberamo Basin, Papua New Guinea

 Cyrtodactylus mamberamo sp. nov. from Papua Province, Indonesia; 
 uncollected specimens photo courtesy of Chien Lee.

Cyrtodactylus mamberamo sp. nov. 

Mamberamo Basin Bent-toed Gecko 

Paul M. Oliver, Nicholas Boothroyd, Burhan Tjaturadi, Awal Riyanto, Djoko T. Iskandar and Stephen J. Richards. 2024. A New Species of Narrow-banded Cyrtodactylus (Gekkonidae) from northern New Guinea.  Zootaxa. 5506(1); 79-92. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5506.1.4

  generasibiologi.com/2024/10/cyrtodactylus-mamberamo-spesies-baru-cicak-jari-lengkung-dari-papua.html

Researchgate.net/publication/384201786_A_new_species_of_Cyrtodactylus_from_northern_New_Guinea

https://zenodo.org/records/13746582

https://photos.chienclee.com/image/I0000mGFYbpExJLw

[Botany • 2024] Curcuma diversicolor (Curcuma subg. Curcuma, Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) • A New Species from northern Thailand, and Notes on C. sirirugsae

 

Curcuma diversicolor Soonthornk.,

in Soonthornkalump. 2024.

DOI: 10.5735/085.061.0136 

 facebook.com/KasetsartUniversity

 

Abstract

Curcuma diversicolor Soonthornk., a new species of subgen. Curcuma (Zingiberaceae, Zingiberoideae) from northern Thailand, is described and illustrated. It differs from its morphologically closest species C. globulifera by e.g. having larger flowers and the presence of coma bracts. Detailed descriptions based on living flowering material, images, and notes on distribution, habitat, and phenology are provided. Its conservation status is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD). In addition, notes are provided on the distribution of the recently described C. sirirugsae, and its conservation status is reassessed based on new collections.

 

 

 

Sutthinut Soonthornkalump. 2024. Curcuma diversicolor (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Northern Thailand, and Notes on C. sirirugsae. Annales Botanici Fennici. 61(1); 263-270. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.061.0136

  facebook.com/KasetsartUniversity/posts/948029994027018 

กระเจียวสรรพสี มีลักษณะพิเศษที่ยากจะพบในกระเจียวชนิดอื่นคือ ใบประดับที่มีที่สีสันหลากหลาย จึงเป็นที่มาของชื่อ กระเจียวสรรพสี และมีชื่อสามัญภาษาอังกฤษว่า Harlequin curcuma  ซึ่งสอดคล้องกับชื่อวิทยาศาสตร์คือ Curcuma diversicolor ซึ่งมีความหมายว่ามีหลายสี เช่นเดียวกัน

Researchgate.net/publication/384946440_Curcuma_diversicolor_a_New_Species_from_Northern_Thailand

[Botany • 2024] Etlingera lacerata (Zingiberaceae: Alpinieae) • A New ginger Species discovered in Mindanao Island, Philippines

 

 Etlingera lacerata Naive, 

in Naive, Ruales, Beltran, Mondejar et Rozano, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2024.09.009 

Abstract

During our continued expeditions in Mindanao Island of southern Philippines, a new species, Etlingera lacerata Naive, was discovered and is herein described and illustrated. Resembling Etlingera amomoides closely, it is easily distinguished by its turbinate spike with a tapering tip and a red labellum adorned with occasional white spots along the lacerate margin. This study includes a comprehensive species description, colored photographs, phenology, habitat details, geographical information, and a provisional conservation assessment for this new endemic Etlingera species. With this discovery, the total of known Etlingera species in the Philippines rises to 18, with 12 of them being endemic to the archipelago.

Keywords: Alpinioideae, Biodiversity, endangered, Surigao del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula

 Etlingera lacerata Naive
A, Habit; B, Detail of leafy shoot, inset: ligule; C, Inflorescence; D, Labellum top view; E, Labellum profile view; F, Spike; G, Sterile bracts; H, Fertile bracts; I, Flower; J, Ovary, epigynous gland, style and stigma; K, Stamen; L, Infructescence; M, Young fruit; N, Dissected fruit.

<scale bars: 3 cm (A, F); 2 cm (B-E, H-J); 1 cm (G, M-N); 2 mm (K)> PHOTOS: M.A.K. Naive (based on E.P. Mondejar with MAK Naive 170).

 Etlingera lacerata Naive
A, Bulbous base and inflorescence; B, Leaf sheath and ligule; C, Flower; D, Bracteole; E, Calyx; F, Corolla lobes and anther; G, Labellum; H, Ovary, epigynous gland, style and stigma; I, Stigma; J, Front view of stamen; K, Profile view of stamen; L, Detail of ovary and epigynous gland; M, Infructescence; N, Fruit; O, Dissected fruit.

<scale bars: 2 cm (C–F, H, J); 1 cm (G-I, N); 2 mm (K-L)> (based on E.P. Mondejar with MAK Naive 170).

Etlingera lacerata Naive sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. This new species is closely similar to the Bornean endemic species, Etlingera amomoides A.D.Poulsen & Mood but can be easily recognized in having these following characters: absence of raised stilt roots (vs. presence of raised stilt roots in E. amomoides), narrowly oblanceolate leaf lamina with attenuate apex (vs. strap-shaped leaf lamina with narrowly acute apex in E. amomoides), turbinate spike with tapering apex (vs. flattened ovoid spike with truncate apex in E. amomoides), narrowly obovate fertile bracts with acuminate apex (vs. elliptic fertile bracts with acute apex), obovate to narrowly obovate corolla lobes (vs. elliptic to spatulate corolla lobes in E. amomoides), red labellum white central band in the throat and occasional white spots in the margin and plicately lacerate (vs. red with central yellow and entire margin in E. amomoides), glabrous style (vs. with scattered hairs in upper part of style in E. amomoides), and apically pubescent ovary (vs. glabrous ovary in E. amomoides).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the lacerate labellum of this newly discovered endemic species.

 

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Jeco Jed J. Ruales, Darlo Novo M. Beltran, Eddie P. Mondejar and Ralph Rj E. Rozano. 2024. Etlingera lacerata (Alpinieae, Zingiberaceae), A New ginger Species discovered in Mindanao Island, Philippines. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2024.09.009 

Researchgate.net/publication/385048128_Etlingera_lacerata_a_new_species_discovered_in_Mindanao_Philippines

[Entomology • 2021] Systematics of Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Heliodinidae) from the Andes of Northern Chile

 Helioandesia tarregai Vargas, 2021

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.731.1209

 Researchgate.net/publication/348632050

ABSTRACT

The adult stage of Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Heliodinidae) is described and illustrated from the arid western slopes of the Andes of northern Chile. The larvae of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. feed as leaf skeletonizers on Mirabilis acuta (Reiche) Heimerl (Nyctaginaceae). The mostly gray forewing of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov., ornamented with strongly bulging metallic spots, resembles that of the representatives of the mainly Nearctic Lithariapteryx Chambers, 1876. However, the latter lacks CuP in the forewing, has a single bristle in the female frenulum, and lacks a well-developed cornutus. Helioandesia gen. nov. clustered as sister to Neoheliodines Hsu, 2004 in a cladistic analysis, although no synapomorphies were found for this cluster, while Lithariapteryx was sister to Helioandesia gen. nov. + Neoheliodines based on two synapomorphies. The genetic distance between a DNA barcode sequence of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. and representatives of other genera of Heliodinidae Heinemann, 1877 was 9.0–12.5% (K2P), and a maximum likelihood analysis based on this molecular marker confirmed the placement of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. as a member of this micromoth family. This contribution represents the first confirmed record of Heliodinidae for Chile.

Keywords: Leaf skeletonizer larva, new genus, new species, South America, taxonomy

 Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov., ♂, holotype (IDEA-LEPI-2020-015).
 A. Dorsal view. B. Head, lateral. C. Basal flagellomeres of right antenna. D. Three bulging metallic spots on the basal half of forewing. E. Hair pencil from base of subcosta, ventral. Scale bar: 1 mm.

 

Helioandesia gen. nov.

Type species: Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov., designated here.

Diagnosis: Helioandesia gen. nov. can be recognized by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) presence of CuP on forewing of female and male; (2) two bristles of unequal length in the female frenulum; (3) forewing mostly gray, ornamented with strongly bulging metallic spots, (4) two triangular processes on anterior margin of tergum VIII in the male abdomen; (5) sclerotization of the widened proximal part of the ductus bursae not reaching the ostium; (6) signum with proximal portion coarser than distal portion; (7) presence of an appendix bursae; (8) slightly swollen distal end of the saccus; and (9) a well-developed cornutus on the vesica. The mostly gray forewing pattern of Helioandesia gen. nov., ornamented with strongly bulging metallic spots, resembles that of the mainly Nearctic Lithariapteryx. However, the latter lacks CuP in the forewing of female and male, has a single bristle in the female frenulum, and lacks a well-developed cornutus on the vesica. The female genitalia of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. are very similar to those of the Bolivian Lithariapteryx loriculata (Meyrick, 1932) in the shape of the transverse bridge, signum and antrum. However, H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. lacks a V-shaped mark from costa on the forewing, has a sclerotization on the distal part of the ductus bursae and has the signum on the left margin of the corpus bursae, while L. loriculata has a V-shaped mark from the costa on the forewing, lacks sclerotization on the distal part of the ductus bursae and has the signum on the middle of the ventral part of the corpus bursae. The male of L. loriculata remains unknown, impeding comparison with H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. Two bristles of unequal length in the female frenulum of Helioandesia gen. nov. resemble those of Epicroesa Meyrick, 1907, Heliodines, Lamprolophus Busck, 1900 and Philocoristis Meyrick, 1927. However, all these genera lack CuP in the forewing.

Etymology: The genus name is derived from the Greek ʻheliosʼ (sun), the root of the family name Heliodinidae, and Andes, in reference to the Andes Range, among whose amazing landscapes the type species of Helioandesia gen. nov. was discovered. The name is considered feminine in gender.

 Habitat and host plant of Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov.
 A. The type locality near Zapahuira Village at about 3400 m elevation on the western slopes of the Andes of the Parinacota Province, northern Chile. B. The host plant Mirabilis acuta (Reiche) Heimerl (Nyctaginaceae). C. Detail of the damage pattern on a leaf of the host. D. Flower of M. acuta.

  

Héctor A. Vargas. 2021. Systematics of Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Heliodinidae) from the Andes of Northern Chile. European Journal of Taxonomy. 731(1), 117–134. doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.731.1209

 Researchgate.net/publication/348632050_Systematics_of_Helioandesia_tarregai_gen_et_sp_nov_from_the_Andes_of_Northern_Chile

[Botany • 2022] Curcuma lampangensis & C. sabhasrii (Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) • Two New Species from northern Thailand

Curcuma sabhasrii Saensouk, Maknoi, Wongnak & Rakarcha, 

in Rakarcha, S. Saensouk, Maknoi, Wongnak, Thammarong et P. Saensouk, 2022. 

smujo.id/biodiv/article/view/11720

Photographed by S. Rakarcha

Abstract

Curcuma lampangensis Saensouk, Maknoi & Rakarcha and C. sabhasrii Saensouk, Maknoi, Wongnak & Rakarcha, two new species of ginger family (Zingiberaceae) from northern Thailand, are described, illustrated and photographed. Additionally, the authors provide their detailed morphological descriptions, as well as illustrations, color photographs, distributions, ecology, etymology, phenology, vernacular, conservation status and its closely related species. The two new species are assignable to the Curcuma subgenus Ecomatae. Curcuma lampangensis and C. sabhasrii are endemic to Lampang and Phitsanulok provinces of northern Thailand, respectively. The morphological characteristics of C. lampangensis are compared to C. rhomba J. Mood & K. Larsen while C. sabhasrii is compared to C. peramoena Souvann. & Maknoi. Curcuma lampangensis is recognized by its glabrous on nearly all parts of the plant, creeping rhizome and the inflorescence usually arises from a new rhizome branch next to the existing pseudostem, flowers that are white to pale pink and white to pale yellow labellum with 2 dark yellow bands at the center and reddish tinge at the base. Curcuma sabhasrii is recognized by having 8-15 greenish to reddish-purple bracts, reddish-purple corolla lobes, white with reddish-purple mottling to reddish-purple staminodes and labellum which is reddish-purple with an embossed yellow path along the midrib from base to apex and reddish-purple mottling on yellow mid-band of lower half. A key to 24 species of Curcuma subgenus Ecomatae in Thailand is presented.

 

Curcuma sabhasrii Saensouk, Maknoi, Wongnak & Rakarcha:
A.–B. habitat; C.–D. inflorescences; E. habit; F. cincinnus with 4 flowers; G. rhizome and root tubers; H. ligule; I. colour of rhizome.

Photographed by S. Rakarcha

Curcuma lampangensis Saensouk, Maknoi & Rakarcha  

กระเจียวลำปาง

Curcuma sabhasrii Saensouk, Maknoi, Wongnak & Rakarcha,

 กระเจียวสรรพศรี

 Sarayut Rakarcha, Surapon Saensouk, Charun Maknoi, Mathee Wongnak, Woranart Thammarong and Piyaporn Saensouk. 2022.  Curcuma lampangensis and C. sabhasrii, Two New Species of the Family Zingiberaceae from northern Thailand. Biodiversitas. 23: 4448-4459. https://smujo.id/biodiv/article/view/11720

[Ichthyology • 2024] Vexillichthys gen. nov. • A New Genus for the Blackfin Sucker, Thoburnia atripinnis (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae)

Vexillichthys Armbruster, new genus
Vexillichthys atripinnis (Bailey 1959) 

in Armbruster, 2024. 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5536.2.8

Abstract

Thoburnia atripinnis is more closely related to Hypentelium (hogsuckers) than it is to other Thoburnia, and its presence in the Barren River of Kentucky is disjunct from that of true Thoburnia. Its unique morphology is unlike that of the easily recognized hogsuckers, making placement of the species within Hypentelium untenable; thus, a new genus is described. The new genus can be separated from all other catostomids by the presence of thin, black, prominent stripes on the body, a large black mark on the anterodist al portion of the dorsal fin, presence of pads ventrally on the leading portion of the pectoral fin, lateral laminae of the dermethmoid angled anteriorly, and the base of the lateral ethmoid narrow.

Pisces, Hypentelium, Moxostoma, Thoburnini, Taxonomy

Live specimens of Vexillichthys n. gen. atripinnis.
A. young in typical coloration (90 mm SL, Salt Lick Creek at Bugtussle Road crossing, Monroe Co., KY, ...) and
B. nuptial specimen, probably female (147 mm SL, Long Hungry Creek, at KY 1333 crossing, Allen Co., KY, ...). Specimens uncataloged.

Photos by M. Thomas.

Vexillichthys Armbruster, new genus

Type species. Moxostoma (Thoburnia) atripinne Bailey 1959

Diagnosis. Vexillichthys can be separated from all other Catostomids by the presence of well-developed, thin, black stripes on the body and a large, black mark on the anterodistal portion of the dorsal fin. Members of Hypentelium and Thoburnia may have stripes, but the stripes are faint, and the dorsal saddles are darker than the stripes (vs. the stripes darker than the saddles in Vexillichthys). Hypentelium does have dark marks in the dorsal fin, but the fin has bands or blotches instead of a single, large, black area at the anterodistal portion of the fin and the remainder of the fin hyaline. Vexillichthys can be further separated from Thoburnia by lacking a rust-colored, wide lateral stripe. Minytrema also has dark stripes, but these are composed of distinct ...

Etymology. From the Latin vexillum for flag and the Greek ichthys for fish. The dorsal fin has a flaglike pattern and the approximately thirteen alternating dark and light stripes are like the flag of the United States of America. Gender masculine.

Jonathan W. ARMBRUSTER. 2024. A New Genus for the Blackfin Sucker, Thoburnia atripinnis (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae).  Zootaxa. 5536(2); 325-335. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5536.2.8

 

[Ichthyology • 2024] Karstsinnectes daxinensis • Evolutionary History of Chinese Karst Loaches (Nemacheilidae: Karstsinnectes): New insights from Mitochondrial-based Genomes and Description of A New Species from Guangxi, China

  Karstsinnectes daxinensis Luo, Zhou & Zhou,

in T. Luo, F.-W. Luo, Lan, M.-Y. Xiao, J.-J. Zhou, Liao, N. Xiao et J. Zhou, 2024. 

Daxin Chinese Karst Loach | 大新中华喀鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.133964

 Abstract

The genus Karstsinnectes of blind fishes known as karst loaches from China was established in 2023 during a revision of the genus Oreonectes (Nemacheilidae). Six species are recorded in this study and some taxonomic progress has been made; however, the lack of genetic data for some species (e.g., K. anophthalmus) may have weakened our current understanding of Karstsinnectes. This study reassessed the phylogeny and evolutionary history of Karstsinnectes by integrating a combination of previously published and newly sequenced mitochondrial genomic data. A phylogenetic tree was developed that was able to divide Karstsinnectes into two clades corresponding to drainages and clarify the phylogenetic position of K. anophthalmus. Divergence times show that Karstsinnectes originated at the Oligocene/Miocene boundary (~22.37 Mya), with the most recent common ancestor occurring in the early Miocene (~18.87 Mya) and interspecific divergence occurring in the late Miocene. Ancestral area reconstruction suggests that the most recent common ancestor of Karstsinnectes most likely inhabited the Hongshui River basin and dispersed into the Zuojiang-Yujiang, Beipanjiang, and Youjiang river basins during the early Miocene (~18.87 Mya), middle Miocene (~12.78 Mya), and late Miocene (~6.71 Mya), respectively. The dispersal under the influence of orogenesis and a monsoon climate drove the speciation and diverse distribution of Karstsinnectes. Such findings are important for conservation considering that Karstsinnectes strictly inhabits deep caves. Additionally, the taxonomic status of the distributed Karstsinnectes population in Leiping Town, Daxin County, Guangxi, China was revised by combining genetic and morphological differences to describe this population as a new species, Karstsinnectes daxinensis Luo, Zhou & Zhou, sp. nov. The definition of the phylogenetic position of K. anophthalmus emphasizes the importance of using type locality material for the identification of cryptic species.

Key Words: Biogeography, blind fishes, Karstsinnectes anophthalmus, phylogeny, taxonomy

Lateral, dorsal, ventral views of Karstsinnectes daxinensis sp. nov. In living.

 Karstsinnectes daxinensis Luo, Zhou & Zhou, sp. nov.

 

Chresonymy: Oreonectes anophthalmus: Wang, 2022 (Leiping Town, Daxin County, Guangxi, China). Karstsinnectes anophthalmus: Luo et al. 2023, 2024; Yu et al. 2023; Ge et al. 2024; Zhao et al. 2024 (Leiping Town, Daxin County, Guangxi, China).

 

Diagnosis: Karstsinnectes daxinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of the other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) body naked and without pigmentation; (2) eyes absent; (3) dorsal-fin rays iii-7, pectoral-fin rays i-10–11, pelvic-fin rays i-5, anal-fin rays iii-5, caudal fin truncated with 13–14 branched caudal-fin rays; (4) pelvic fins slightly long, length 9.5–13.2% of SL, tip reaching the anus; (5) high and wide head (depth 6.3–9.8% of SL; wide 10.0–14.8% of SL), narrow mouth (width 6.2–7.9% of SL), long inrostral barbel length (length 7.2–12.7% of SL), and long maxillary barbel length (length 11.3–13.1% of SL).

Etymology: The specific epithet “daxinensis” refers to the type locality of the new species: Leiping Town, Daxin County, Chongzuo City, Guangxi, China. We propose the English common name “Daxin Chinese Karst Loach” and Chinese common name “Dà Xīn Zhōng Huá Kā Qiū (大新中华喀鳅).”

Tao Luo, Fang-Wei Luo, Chang-Ting Lan, Ming-Yuan Xiao, Jia-Jun Zhou, Mei Liao, Ning Xiao and Jiang Zhou. 2024.  Evolutionary History of Chinese Karst Loaches (Nemacheilidae, Karstsinnectes): new insights from Mitochondrial-based Genomes and Description of A New Species from Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(4): 1473-1486. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.133964

[Botany • 2024] Vaccinium fallax, V. gamay & V. vomicum • Three New Species of Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae) from Mindanao Island, Philippines

Vaccinium fallax M.N.Tamayo & P.W.Fritsch,

in Tamayo, Amoroso, Coritico, Penneys, Callado, Horner et Fritsch, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.647.1.2  

Researchgate.net/publication/380397768

 

Abstract

Three new species of Vaccinium endemic to the island of Mindanao, Philippines are here described and illustrated. Vaccinium fallax most closely resembles V. myrtoides, but differs by having smaller leaves, caducous bracts, shorter pedicels, a broadly obconical hypanthium, broadly triangular calyx lobes, and a deep pink and broadly urceolate corolla. It grows on exposed areas and among sulfur vents at and near the summit of Mt. Apo. Vaccinium gamay most closely resembles V. gitingense, but differs in having shorter inflorescences, early caducous inflorescence bracts, shorter pedicels, presence of clavate glands on the hypanthium, and an absence of anther spurs. It grows on exposed areas in the ultramafic forest of Mt. Hamiguitan. It is one of only two Philippine Vaccinium species possessing distinctly callose-thickened calyx lobes, the other being V. gitingense. Vaccinium vomicum most closely resembles V. carmesinum, but differs by having smaller leaves, presence of glands on the extreme end of the leaf blade base, presence of clavate glands on the hypanthium, shorter stamens, and presence of stalked glands on the dentate apex of the tubules. It grows in the mossy rainforest of Mt. Kitanglad, and it is the only Philippine species of Vaccinium with glands on the extreme end of its leaf blade base. Following IUCN guidelines, we propose a conservation status of Critically Endangered for V. fallax, Endangered for V. gamay, and Data Deficient for V. vomicum. With these discoveries, the number of Vaccinium species in Mindanao Islands increases to 22 and in the Philippines to 44. Furthermore, the Mindanao Islands can now be considered the center of Vaccinium diversity in the Philippines.

Key words: blueberries, Malesia, sulfur vents, taxonomy, ultramafic soils, Vaccinieae

Vaccinium fallax.
A. Summit area of Mt. Apo showing a vent spewing sulfur fumes. B & C. Flowering branchlet in vivo. D.Flowering branchlet showing pedicel, hypanthium, and calyx lobes.

Photos B–D from PLSPH 3735; photos by P.W. Fritsch.

Vaccinium fallax M.N.Tamayo & P.W.Fritsch, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—Vaccinium fallax most closely resembles V. myrtoides (Blume 1826: 861) Miquel (1859: 1062) but can be distinguished by having smaller leaves [0.7–2.0 × 0.25–1.0 cm vs. 1.3–2.0 (–2.5) × (0.6–) 0.7–1.3 (–1.8) cm], caducous bracts (vs. partly persistent), shorter pedicels [0.5–0.7 cm vs. 0.5–1(–1.4 cm)], a broadly obconical hypanthium (vs. cupuliform), broadly triangular calyx lobes (vs. triangular), and a deep pink (vs. pale pink) and broadly urceolate corolla (vs. narrowly cylindric-urceolate).

Etymology:—The epithet “fallax” is Latin meaning deceptive. This is in reference to its close morphological resemblance to Vaccinium myrtoides.

Vaccinium gamay.
A. Fruiting branchlets in vivo. B. Fertile branchlets with flower buds and flowers in full anthesis. C. Lateralview of inflorescence. D. Fertile branchlet showing flowers in full anthesis and immature infructescence. E. Longitudinal section of flowershowing stamens and style.

 All from J.R.C. Callado 2633; photos by J.R.C. Callado. 

Vaccinium gamay M.N.Tamayo & P.W.Fritsch, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—Vaccinium gamay most closely resembles V. gitingense Elmer (1912: 1490) but is distinguished by having shorter inflorescences (3–4 cm vs. 4–6 cm), early caducous inflorescence bracts (vs. persistent), shorter pedicels [8–9 mm vs. (7–)10–15 mm], presence of clavate glands on the hypanthium (vs. absence), and an absence of anther spurs (vs. presence).

Etymology:—The epithet “gamay” is a Cebuano word meaning small. This refers to the relatively small and dainty flowers of the new species.

Vaccinium vomicum M.N.Tamayo & P.W.Fritsch, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:—Vaccinium vomicum most closely resembles V. carmesinum M.N.Tamayo & P.W.Fritsch (2020: 174) but differs by having smaller leaves (5.0–9.0 × 1.8–5.2 cm vs. 7–15 × 0.4–9 cm), the presence of glands on the extreme end of the leaf blade base (vs. ca. 1–2 cm from the leaf blade base), the presence of clavate glands on the hypanthium (vs. absence), shorter stamens (4.5–5.5 mm long vs. 5.5–7.2 mm long), and the presence of stalked glands on the dentate apex of the tubules (vs. glandless, entire)

Etymology:—The epithet “vomicum” is Latin meaning abscess or sore. This is in reference to the conspicuous pair of glands on the extreme end of the leaf base of this species.

 Maverick N. Tamayo, Victor B. Amoroso, Fulgent P. Coritico, Darin S. Penneys, John Rey C. Callado, John D. Horner and Peter W. Fritsch. 2024. Three New Species of Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) from Mindanao Island, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 647(1); 19-33. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.647.1.2

  Researchgate.net/publication/380397768_Three_new_species_of_Vaccinium_from_Mindanao_Island_Philippines

[Invertebrate • 2024] Nesometra integra • A New Species of Feather Star (Echinodermata: Crinoidea: Comatulida: Antedonidae) from Southern Japan and Western Australia

 

Nesometra integra 

Pratama, Virgili, Reimer & Fujita, 2024 

 

カンゼンセソコヒメウミシダ  ||  DOI 10.12782/specdiv.29.255

Abstract

A new species of the genus Nesometra Virgili, Poliseno, Fujita, Pratama, Fernández-Silva, and Reimer, 2023 is described based on the specimens collected from the Amami Islands and Ogasawara Islands, Japan and Cunningham Island, Australia. Nesometra integra n. sp. is distinguished from its single congener, N. sesokonis (Obuchi, Kogo, and Fujita, 2009), by having complete proximal pinnulation and cirri with reduced medial constriction on its distal part.

Keywords: Antedonidae, Nesometra, new species, Japan, Australia, coral reef

Nesometra integra n. sp., external morphology, holotype (A–D, F: NSMT E-14402), paratype (E: NSMT E-14405).
A, Whole body, in seawater, oral view; B, schematic drawing of proximal ossicles and pinnulation, aboral view; C, close up of arm, aboral view; D, longer (left) and shorter (right) cirri, lateral view; E, first division series with first two brachials of two arms, aboral view; F, pinnules, lateral view.

Abbreviations: br1–br12, first to twelfth brachials of arm; c1–c4, first to fourth cirrals; CD, centrodorsal; IBr, first division series; Ibr1, first brachial of first division series; Ibr2ax, second brachial (axillary) of first division series; P1–P5, first to fifth exterior pinnule; Pa–Pd, first to fourth interior pinnule; PD, distal pinnule; PM, middle pinnule; p1–p5, first to fifth pinnulars; R, radial; tc, terminal claw. Orientation: Pr, proximal; Di, distal. Scale bars: A, 5mm; C–F, 1mm.

Living specimens of Nesometra integra n. sp. showing variation of coloration pattern. In situ photographs on the bottom of a coral rubble rock in Amami-Ohshima Island.
A, Paratype (NSMT E-13603), solid coloration; B, paratype (NSMT E-13604), dotted coloration.

Family Antedonidae Norman, 1865 

Subfamily Antedoninae Norman, 1865 

Genus Nesometra Virgili, Poliseno, Fujita, Pratama, Fernández-Silva, and Reimer, 2023 

[New Japanese name: Sesoko-hime-umishida-zoku] 

Nesometra integra n. sp. 

[New Japanese name: Kanzen-sesoko-hime-umishida] (Figs 1, 3–7, 9A, B)

Distribution. Japan (Ogasawara Islands and Amami Islands) and Australia (Cunningham Island). Bathymetrical range: 17.5–110m; 52–54m in the Ogasawara Islands, 17.5– 75m in the Amami Islands, 110m in Cunningham Island. 

Etymology. The specific name, integra (Latin adjective, feminine), means ‘complete’ after the adult complete proximal pinnulation of the new species compared to its congener, N. sesokonis. 

The Japanese name of the genus Nesometra, Sesoko-himeumishida-zoku (セソコヒメウミシダ属) is derived from Sesoko (瀬底), the type locality of the type species N. sesokonis, and hime-umishida-zoku (ヒメウミシダ属), the Japanese name of antedonid comatulids and the Japanese word for genus, zoku (属). The Japanese name of the new species, Kanzen-sesokohime-umishida (カンゼンセソコヒメウミシダ), is derived from kanzen (完全), means also ‘complete’ as a translation of the specific name, integra.

 

Gregorius A. Pratama, Riccardo Virgili, James D. Reimer and Toshihiko Fujita. 2024. Nesometra integra, A New Species of Feather Star (Echinodermata: Crinoidea: Comatulida: Antedonidae) from Southern Japan and Western Australia. Species Diversity. 29(2); 255-268. DOI doi.org/10.12782/specdiv.29.255

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/specdiv/29/2/29_SD23-38/_article

Researchgate.net/publication/383342175_Nesometra_integra_a_New_Species_of_Crinoidea_Japan_and_Australia

[Entomology • 2024] Euclimacia radioquaesentis • A New Species of the Mantidfly Genus Euclimacia (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) from Vietnam

 

Euclimacia radioquaesentis 

Ehlers, Li, Kirschey & Ohl, 2024

 

DOI: 10.3897/dez.71.123553 

Abstract

A new species of the family Mantispidae (Neuroptera) from Vietnam is described. Euclimacia radioquaesentis sp. nov. shows a unique colour pattern, which is distinctive within the genus. The colouration and morphology of both sexes of the new species are described in detail and illustrated. The naming of the new species is linked to a popular citizen-science event in choosing the name for this species (and three other species from different undescribed species by taxonomists of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin).

Key Words: Adaption, lacewings, mimicry, new species, parasitoid, polymorphism, sexual dimorphism, Southeast Asia, wasp mimic

 

Euclimacia radioquaesentis sp. nov. male holotype and female paratype with distribution map.
A. Habitus dorsal holotype male. Insert shows asymmetrical bifurcation between left and right costal area of fore-wings. Antecostal sutures (acs) and glabrous marks (gm) visible. The two black lines on the margin of the wing apex of the right fore-wing indicate the width of the oblique apical dark band;
B. Localities (red rhombus) in Vietnam of the radioquaesentis type series. The number in the rhombus symbol indicates the count of specimens in this locality;
C. Female paratype radioquaesentis dorsal view. The two black lines on the margin of the wing apex of the right fore-wing indicate the width of the oblique apical dark band. Scale bars: 5 mm (A, B).

Euclimacia radioquaesentis male.
A. Head frontal view. The subantennal suture (sas) is curved outwards; B. Head and thorax in dorsal view. The epicranial sutures are comprised by the frontal sutures (fs) and the coronal suture (cs). A black transversal band runs along the pronatal groove over the maculae (mc) and the pronatal humps (ph). The horizontal dashed lines indicate the three areas of the prothorax, the prozona (p1), the metazona (p2) and the pronatal base (p3);
C. Lateral view on head, thorax and forelegs.

Scale bars: 1 mm (A); 2 mm (B, C).

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758

Order Neuroptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family Mantispidae Leach, 1815

Subfamily Mantispinae Leach, 1815

Genus Euclimacia Enderlein, 1910

Type species: Euclimacia partita Enderlein, 1910: 366, by original designation.

 Euclimacia radioquaesentis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: The combination of colour characters in the new species is unique within Euclimacia. The contrast between the head and prothorax and the rest of the thorax and abdomen is striking. The prothorax and head have a distinct yellow colour, the remaining thorax is almost uniformly black. The abdomen of the male is also almost completely black with only a few brown markings. The female has a brownish abdomen with a black base. The wing colour is also unique in combination with the body colouration. The wings of E. radioquaesentis have the prominent feature of differently-coloured pterostigmata in fore and hind wing. Whereas the fore-wing pterostigma is yellow, the hind-wing pterostigma is brown. There are currently six species in Euclimacia with this diagnostic character, but these species differ distinctly in body colouration. Whereas in E. radioquaesentis sp. nov., the head and the prothorax are markedly yellow, in the other six species both parts are either ferruginous (E. rhombica Navás, 1914), reddish-brown (E. morosa (Gerstäcker, 1893); E. zonalis Navás, 1914; E. regina Esben-Petersen, 1917; E. rufocincta Handschin, 1961) or completely black (E. gerstaeckeri Banks, 1920).

Etymology: The species epithet is made up of two words ‘radio’ and ‘quaesentis’. The latter derives from Latin and means ‘searched for’. The name was chosen as part of a radio show. Citizens were invited to submit name suggestions. The most suitable was radioquaesentis – searched for on the radio.

 Sarah Ehlers, Hongyu Li, Lukas Kirschey and Michael Ohl. 2024.  A New Species of the Mantidfly Genus Euclimacia from Vietnam (Neuroptera, Mantispidae). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 71(2): 255-264. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.71.123553 

Researchgate.net/publication/385126981_A_new_species_of_Euclimacia_from_Vietnam