[Mammalogy • 2021] Uncovering Species Boundaries through Qualitative and Quantitative Morphology in the Genus Dasyprocta (Rodentia, Caviomorpha), with Emphasis in D. punctata and D. variegata

in Teta & Reyes-Amaya, 2021. 

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab101 

 facebook.com/PabloTeta

 

Abstract

The genus Dasyprocta Illiger, 1811 includes at least 13 species of medium-sized caviomorph rodents, widely distributed from Mexico to northern Argentina. Despite being abundant, largely diurnal, and easily identifiable by their external traits, the taxonomy of this genus remains poorly understood. In this work, we reviewed the taxonomy of Dasyprocta along the Andes and adjoining lowland areas of the western Neotropics, including samples from Mexico to northern Argentina, with emphasis on two species largely confounded—sometimes considered as synonyms—during the last century: D. punctata Gray, 1842 and D. variegata Tschudi, 1845. In the construction of our taxonomic hypotheses, we use a purely morphological approach, emphasizing qualitative and quantitative cranial features and external traits (color patterns). The results of multivariate statistical analysis and differences in color patterns support the species-level validity of D. punctata and D. variegata. Within this latter nominal form, we also include those populations from northern Argentina and eastern Bolivia that recently were referred to D. azarae. Based on our results, D. punctata (including bellula, callida, candelensis, chiapensis, chocoensis, colombiana, dariensis, isthmica, nuchalis, richmondi, underwoodi, yucatanica, and zuliae) extends from southern Mexico to Colombia, Ecuador, northernmost Peru, and western Venezuela, while D. variegata (including azarae, boliviae, and yungarum) is distributed from south–central Peru and southwestern Brazil to Bolivia and northwestern Argentina.

Keywords: agouti, Cavioidea, Caviomorpha, Dasyprocta, Dasyproctidae, taxonomy

Pablo Teta and Nicolás Reyes-Amaya. 2021. Uncovering Species Boundaries through Qualitative and Quantitative Morphology in the Genus Dasyprocta (Rodentia, Caviomorpha), with Emphasis in D. punctata and D. variegata. Journal of Mammalogy. gyab101. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab101

  facebook.com/groups/192466010712/posts/10166509851580713/

El género Dasyprocta Illiger, 1811 incluye al menos 13 especies de roedores caviomorfos de tamaño mediano, ampliamente distribuidas desde México hasta el norte de Argentina. A pesar de ser abundantes, mayormente diurnas y fácilmente identificables por sus rasgos externos, la taxonomía de este género sigue siendo poco clara. En este trabajo, revisamos la taxonomía de Dasyprocta a lo largo de los Andes y tierras bajas adyacentes del Noeotrópico occidental, incluyendo muestras desde México hasta el norte de Argentina, con énfasis en dos especies largamente confundidas (a veces consideradas sinónimos) durante el siglo pasado: D. punctata Gray, 1842 y D. variegata Tschudi, 1845. En generar nuestra hipótesis taxonómica utilizamos exclusivamente métodos morfológicos, enfatizando características craneales cualitativas y cuantitativas, así como rasgos externos (patrones de color). Los resultados del análisis estadístico multivariado y las diferencias en los patrones de color respaldan la distinción a nivel de especie entre D. punctata y D. variegata. Dentro de esta última forma nominal incluimos las poblaciones del norte de Argentina y este de Bolivia que fueron referidas recientemente como D. azarae. Según nuestros resultados, D. punctata (incluyendo bellula, callida, candelensis, chiapensis, chocoensis, colombiana, dariensis, isthmica, nuchalis, richmondi, underwoodi, yucatanica y zuliae) se extiende desde el sur de México hasta Colombia, Ecuador, norte de Perú y oeste de Venezuela, mientras que D. variegata (incluyendo azarae, boliviae y yungarum) se distribuye desde el centro-sur de Perú y el suroeste de Brasil hasta Bolivia y el noroeste de Argentina.

agouti, Cavioidea, Caviomorpha, Dasyprocta, Dasyproctidae, taxonomía

[Botany • 2021] Cymbilabia sourioudongii (Araceae) • A New Species from Lao PDR

Cymbilabia sourioudongii Souvann. & Lanors.,

in Souvannakhoummane, Lanorsavanh, et al., 2021. 

ເອື້ອງຊໍ່ມ່ວງ  ||  Rheedea.in  

photos a–c by S. Lanorsavanh; d–e by P. Rakthai

Researchgate.net/publication/355355529

Abstract

Cymbilabia sourioudongii, a new species of epiphytic orchid is described and illustrated from Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area of Laos PDR. 

Keywords: Illegal orchid trade, New species, Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area, Vandopsis.

Cymbilabia sourioudongii Souvann. & Lanors.
a. Plant in habitat; b. Flowering plant; c. Flower in habitat; d. Flower of plant growing in nursery; e. Flower–lateral view;
f. Flowers of Cymbilabia undulata (Lindl.) D.K.Liu & M. H.L.

Scale bars 2 cm. 

(a–c from S. Lanorsavanh & Souvannakhoummane SL1982; d–f from cultivated plants; 

photos a–c by S. Lanorsavanh; d–e by P. Rakthai; f by W. Buddhawong).

Cymbilabia sourioudongii Souvann. & Lanors., sp. nov. 

 Similar to C. undulata but differs in having a more compact habit, narrowly elliptic-oblong to lanceolate leaves that are 2–3.7 cm long and 0.8–1.7 cm wide (vs. oblong, 9–15 cm long and 1.5–3 cm wide), smaller sepals and petals that are 7–18 mm long and 3–8 mm wide (vs. 24–40 mm long and 8–14 mm wide), a shorter labellum that is 5–9 mm long, which has semi-orbiculate side lobes (vs. 15–20 mm long with sub-ovate to triangular side lobes), a verrucose epichile (vs. muricate with papillae).

Habitat: Growing on small trees and boulders in full sun in mixed semi-deciduous broad-leaved and coniferous forest at around 1100 m elevation. 

Distribution: Cymbilabia sourioudongii is so far known only from the type locality in Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area in Bolikhamxai province, central Laos.

 Etymology: The name for this species honors His Excellency Dr. Sourioudong Sundara, Vice Minister of Education and Sport, Lao PDR, who is an experienced scientific researcher of Lao PDR.

Vernacular name: Ueang Sor Mouang ເອື້ອງຊໍ່ມ່ວງ (Purple flower orchid).  

Souvannakhoummane K., Lanorsavanh S., Rakthai P., Kumar P. and S.W. Gale. 2021. Cymbilabia sourioudongii (Orchidaceae), A New Species from Lao PDR. RHEEDEA: Journal of the Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy. 31(3); 186–190. Rheedea.in/journal/eT2qVxA1

 facebook.com/335371220741671/photos/904803750465079

ທີມງານນັກຄົ້ນຄວ້າ ວິທະຍາສາດ ຈາກມະຫາວິທະຍາໄລແຫ່ງຊາດ ທີ່ໄດ້ຄົ້ນພົບ ດອກເຜີ້ງຊະນິດໃໝ່ຂອງໂລກ ຄົ້ນພົບຢູ່ເຂດປ່າສະຫງວນແຫ່ງຊາດ ພູເຂົາຄວາຍ ຢູ່ ສປປ ລາວ ໄດ້ໃຫ້ກຽດ ນໍາເອົາ ຊື່ຂອງທ່ານ ປອ. ສຸລິອຸດົງ ສຸນດາລາ (Dr. Sourioudong Sundara), ອາດີດ ອາຈານສອນ ແລະ ນັກຄົ້ນຄວ້າ  ທາງດ້ານ ວິທະຍາສາດ Biotechnology ຢູ່ມະຫາວິທະຍາໄລແຫ່ງຊາດ ຜູ້ນໍາພາທີມນັກສຶກສາ ຄົ້ນຄວ້າກ່ຽວກັບດອກເຜິ້ງປ່າ, ປະຈຸບັນ ເປັນ ຮອງລັດຖະມົນຕີກະຊວງສຶກສາທິການ ແລະ ກິລາ, ມາຕັ້ງເປັນຊື່ວິທະຍາສາດດອກເຜິ້ງຊະນິດໃໝ່ຂອງໂລກ ໃນຊື່ Cymbilabia sourioudongii Souvann. & Lanors.

 twitter.com/PhaKhaoL/status/1449927818830180355

Researchgate.net/publication/355355529_Cymbilabia_sourioudongii_a_new_species_from_Lao_PDR

[Botany • 2021] Symplocarpus koreanus (Araceae: Orontioideae) • A New Species based on Morphological and Molecular Data from Korea

Symplocarpus koreanus J. S. Lee, S. H. Kim & S. C. Kim,

in Lee, Kim, Kim, et al., 2021.

한국앉은부채 || DOI: 10.11110/kjpt.2021.51.1.1 

 Artwork by Soyoung Lee. instagram.com/SoYoungLi

Abstract

Symplocarpus koreanus (Araceae; Orontioideae) from Korea is described as new. Symplocarpus koreanus has long been considered to be conspecific with S. renifolius in Japan, but phylogenetic, morphological, and cytological data indicate its taxonomic distinction. Compared to S. renifolius, S. koreanus has a much smaller spathe and more spherical spadix with fewer, smaller flowers. Previous phylogenetic studies also suggested that S. koreanus is more closely related to nonthermogenic S. nipponicus than to S. renifolius in Japan. Like its nonthermogenic sister species, S. nipponicus, in Korea and Japan, S. koreanus is diploid (2n = 2x = 30), while S. renifolius in Japan is tetraploid (2n = 4x = 60). A detailed species description, geographical distribution, major morphological differences between the species and a dichotomous key to the species in eastern Asia are provided.

Keywords: Araceae, Orontioideae, Symplocarpus koreanus, Korean endemic, Korean skunk cabbage

Symplocarpus koreanus J. S. Lee, S. H. Kim & S. C. Kim.
A. Habit. B. Details of roots. C. Young plant. D. Flowering habit. E, F. Spathe and spadix. G. Pistillate phase spadix with stipe. H. Staminate phase spadix with stipe. I. Flower with four stamens. J–L. Infructescence. M. Seeds.

 Artwork by Soyoung Lee. instagram.com/SoYoungLi

Symplocarpus koreanus J. S. Lee, S. H. Kim & S. C. Kim, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet, koreanus, is based on the name of the country of origin, Korea. 

Vernacular name: Han-guk-an-jeun-bu-chae (한국앉은부채). 

English colloquial name: Korean skunk cabbage. 

Joon Seon Lee, Seon-Hee Kim, Yongsung Kim, Youl Kwon, JiYoung Yang, Myong-Suk Cho, Hye-Been Kim, Sangryong Lee, Masayuki Maki and Seung-Chul Kim. 2021. Symplocarpus koreanus (Araceae; Orontioideae), A New Species based on Morphological and Molecular Data. Korean J. Pl. Taxon. 51(1): 1−9. DOI: 10.11110/kjpt.2021.51.1.1

 instagram.com/p/CUfM52ev9dR 

[Ichthyology • 2021] Cetopsorhamdia hidalgoi • A New Species of Cetopsorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Upper Amazon River Basin

 

Cetopsorhamdia hidalgoi

Faustino-Fuster & de Souza, 2021

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14914 

instagram.com/LesleydeSouza

 

Abstract

A new species of Cetopsorhamdia is described from material collected on rapid inventories and ichthyological expeditions in the Amazon region of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The new species can be differentiated from all other species of Cetopsorhamdia by the colouration pattern on fins, number of vertebrae, number of ribs, level insertion of dorsal fin, number of rays on dorsal and pectoral fin, osteological characters and several other morphometric characters. The new species is distributed along tributaries of the upper Amazon River basin in Peru, Colombia and Ecuador.

Keywords: fresh water, Neotropical, taxonomy, three-barbel catfish

Cetopsorhamdia hidalgoi. MUSM 69550, holotype, 30.7 mm LS, Peru, Loreto, Requena, Tapiche River tributary to Ucayali River basin.
 (a) Lateral view, (b) dorsal view and (c) ventral view. Black arrow indicates the urogenital papillae.

Scale bar = 1 cm

Cetopsorhamdia hidalgoi new species

Etymology: Named in honour of the authors’ colleague and friend Max Hidalgo, professor, and curator of the Ichthyology Department at the Museo de Historia Natural in the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (MUSM) for his devotion and dedication to Peru Ichthyology. Hidalgo collected the holotype, in addition to many specimens of the type series on expeditions including several rapid inventories in Peru that have led to the creation of multiple conservation areas.

 Geographic distribution: C. hidalgoi is known from the Ucayali, Marañón, Napo and Orteguaza rivers tributaries of the Upper Amazon River in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia and from the Madre de Dios River tributary of the Madeira River basin in Peru (Figure 6).

 Ecology: Found in clearwater streams with modest flow, substrate often with submerged leaves and sand.

Dario R. Faustino-Fuster and Lesley S. de Souza. 2021. A New  Species of Cetopsorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Upper Amazon River basin. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14914

 instagram.com/p/CVLoGeXrPmM 

[Botany • 2021] Curcuma aruna & C. pitukii • Two New Species of Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) from northern Thailand

Curcuma pitukii Maknoi, Saensouk, Rakarcha & Thammar.,

 

in Maknoi, Saensouk. ... et Thammarong, 2021.

 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d220937

Abstract

 Curcuma aruna and C. pitukii, two new species from northern Thailand, are described, illustrated, and photographed. They are endemic to Sukhothai and Lampang Provinces, northern Thailand, and the morphological characteristics of two new species are compared with their closest species, C. flaviflora, C. eburnea, and C. pierreana. Two new species, C. aruna and C. pitukii are assignable to Curcuma subgenus Ecomata. C. aruna is recognized by leaves ovate with thin chartaceous, fertile bracts 6–12, it’s glabrous on nearly all parts of the plant, flowers yellow and labellum yellow with 2 darker yellow bands in the center. C. pitukii is recognized by bracts 20–40 with purplish white to purple, corolla lobes purplish white to pale purple, staminodes white, and labellum white with an embossed yellow path along the midrib from base to apex. A detailed description, distribution, ecology, etymology, preliminary conservation status, and photographs of two new species are provided. A key to 20 species of Curcuma subgenus Ecomata in Thailand is presented.

Keywords: Curcuma flaviflora, C. eburnea, C. pierreana, Lampang, subgenus Ecomata, Sukhothai, taxonomy, Zingiberales

Curcuma aruna Maknoi & Saensouk:
A. and B. habit; C. inflorescence; D. flower in front view; E. flower in side view; F. flower dissection (from left: abaxial of bract, adaxial of bract, calyx, floral tube with stamen, ovary with epigynous gland, lateral staminode, labellum, dorsal and lateral corolla lobes).

 Photographed by C. Maknoi (A, C from type location); S. Rakarcha (B, D–F from cultivation)

Comparison of Curcuma aruna and C. flaviflora.
C. flaviflora: A. habit; B. inflorescence; C. corolla tube with ovary, calyx, and stamen; E. flower dissection (from left: lateral staminode, labellum, stamen in front view, and stamen in side view).
 C. aruna: D. corolla tube with ovary, calyx and stamen; F. flower dissection (from left: lateral staminode, labellum, stamen in front view and stamen in side view).

Photographed by W. Pongamornkul (A, B from Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, N. Thailand); S. Rakarcha (C, E from Maknoi 356 (QBG); D, F from cultivation)

Curcuma aruna Maknoi & Saensouk, sp. nov. 

subgenus Ecomata 

This species is similar to C. flaviflora in early flowering habits, short peduncle, no coma and yellow flowers. The leaves of C. aruna are ovate and glabrous on both surfaces, instead of leaves elliptic to oblanceolate and pubescent on both surfaces in C. flaviflora. The length of the corolla tube of C. aruna is shorter than in C. flaviflora (2.3–2.8 cm long in C. aruna vs 3.8–4.2 cm in C. flaviflora). The staminodes of C. aruna are obovate, whilst those of C. flaviflora are ovate to elliptic. The staminodes of C. aruna are larger than those of C. flaviflora (2.2–2.6 × 1.4–1.6 cm in C. aruna vs 2.0 × 1.2 cm in C. flaviflora).

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species is “aruna”, which means “dawn” in Thai, refer to flower color resemble the color of the dawn and name of God of the Dawn in Thai mythology. The name of the type locality province “Sukhothai” means the dawn of happiness also.

Vernacular name: Krachiao Arun - กระเจียวอรุณ 

(Krachiao in Thai means Curcuma and arun means dawn in Thai). 

Curcuma pitukii Maknoi, Saensouk, Rakarcha & Thammar.: 
A. habit; B. inflorescence; C. close up flowers; D. inflorescence (top view); E. rhizome and roots (inset: detail of rhizome and root tubers); F. leaf.

Photographed by S. Rakarcha.

Curcuma pitukii Maknoi, Saensouk, Rakarcha & Thammar., sp. nov. 

subgenus Ecomata 

Curcuma pitukii is most similar to Curcuma eburnea Škorničk., Suksathan & Soonthornk. by its terminal inflorescence, the number of bracts, without coma bracts, and small filiform anther spurs. The leaves of C. pitukii are densely puberulent on the adaxial surface, but the leaves of C. eburnea are glabrous on the adaxial surface. C. pitukii has purplish white to purple bracts, whilst C. eburnea has cream-white or pale greenish bracts. The length of the calyx of C. pitukii is longer than in C. eburnea (14–18 mm long in C. pitukii vs 8–10 mm long in C. eburnea). The length of the corolla tube of C. pitukii is shorter than in C. eburnea (2.2–3 cm long in C. pitukii vs 3.5 cm long in C. eburnea). The corolla lobes of C. pitukii are purplish white to pale purple and sparsely puberulent at the apex, but in C. eburnea they are pure white and glabrous. The length of the filament of C. pitukii is longer than in C. eburnea (5–8 mm long in C. pitukii vs 2 mm long in C. eburnea). The length of the anther of C. pitukii is shorter than in C. eburnea (2.5–4 mm long in C. pitukii vs 8–9 mm long in C. eburnea).

Etymology: The specific epithet “pitukii” is named in honor of “Mr. Pituk Punyajun”, a supporter and backup plant taxonomists in Thailand for over 25 years and who first found the plant.

Vernacular: Cho Muang Pituk - ช่อม่วงพิทักษ์ 

(Cho in Thai name means inflorescence, Muang means purple, and Pituk is the first name of Mr.Pituk Punyajun). 

Charun Maknoi, Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Sarayut Rakarcha and Woranart Thammarong. 2021. Two New Species of Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand. Biodiversitas. 22; 3910-3921. DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d220937

[Botany • 2021] Dichaea andina (Orchidaceae: Zygopetalinae) • A New Species of Dichaea from the Andes of Colombia

  

Dichaea andina Alomía & Sambin,

in Alomía, Sambin, Otero & Stevenson, 2021. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.521.1.4

Photographs by Y.A. Alomía.

Abstract

A new species of Dichaea sect. Dichaea from the Andean forests in Colombia is described and illustrated based on living material. Dichaea andina is compared with the morphologically similar D. lagotis and D. pendula, from which it can be distinguished by a number of vegetative and floral and features. Dichaea andina differs from D. lagotis in the broadly anchoriform lip, the hypochile transversely subrounded and the epichile transversely narrowly elliptic, briefly apiculate. Similarly, it differs from D. pendula in the caespitose habit, the leaves without cross-venation, and the inflorescence straight produced below the foliage, among other features. Ecological information for the new species is also provided.

Keywords: Andes Mountain Range, Cloud Andean forests, Colombia, Cymbidieae, ITS, Section Dichaea, Taxonomy, Monocots

Dichaea andina Alomía & Sambin.
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Ovary, column and lip, lateral view. D. Floral bract and bracteole. E. Column in lateral and ventral views. F. Dissected perianth. G. Fruit entire and cross section. H. Anther cap and pollinarium in dorsal and ventral views.

Drawing by Y.A. Alomía based on the plant that served as type (Y.A. Alomía 216-ANDES).

Dichaea andina Alomía & Sambin.
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Ovary, column and lip, lateral view. D. Floral bract and bracteole. E. Column in lateral and ventral views. F. Perianth. G. Fruit, entire and cross section. H. Anther cap and pollinarium in dorsal and ventral views.

Photographs by Y.A. Alomía based on the plant that served as type (Y.A. Alomía 216-ANDES).

Dichaea andina Alomía & Sambin.
A. Plant in situ. B. Flower emerging below foliage. C. Flower recently pollinated. D. Muricate fruit.

Photographs by Y.A. Alomía.

Dichaea andina Alomía & Sambin, sp. nov. 

Dichaea andina differs from D. lagotis Reichenbach (1876: 112) in the broadly anchoriform lip (vs. sagittate), with the hypochile transversely subrounded (vs. subquadrate) and the epichile transversely narrowly elliptic, briefly apiculate (vs. oblong acute). It differs from D. pendula (Aublet 1775: 819) Cogniaux (1903: 182) in the caespitose plants (vs. plants not caespitose), the leaves without cross-venation (vs. with cross-venation), and the inflorescence straight, produced under the foliage (vs. geniculated, above the foliage).

Etymology:— The specific epithet is designated for two purposes: first, to honor the Andean forests (Andes mountain range) and second, in recognition of the Universidad de Los Andes, for the academic and institutional support it provided to the first author during her doctoral studies.

 

Yasmin A. Alomía, Aurelien Sambin, J. Tupac Otero and Pablo R. Stevenson. 2021. A New Species of Dichaea (Orchidaceae: Zygopetalinae) from the Andes of Colombia. Phytotaxa. 521(1); 39-47. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.521.1.4

[Botany • 2021] Saurauia abbreviata (Actinidiaceae) • You ‘Sau’ Me! A New Species and A Rediscovery in the Genus Saurauia from Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Saurauia abbreviata K.R.Mazo 

in Mazo, Mansibang, Aribal & Tamayo, 2021

DOI: 10.36253/jopt-10712

 facebook.com/KeanRoeMazo 

Photo by Kean Roe Mazo, Illustrated by Jayson Mansibang.

Abstract

A new species and a rediscovery in the genus Saurauia (Actinidiaceae) from Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao island, Philippines are presented here. The new species, Saurauia abbreviata, closely resembles Saurauia lanaensis Merr. but can be differentiated by having longer petioles, uniformly setose adaxial leaf surface, longer and wider leaves, more lateral veins, 3 styles, and a 3(–4)-locular ovary. This discovery raises the current number of recognized Saurauia in the Philippines to 57 following an 87-year gap in the taxonomic study of this genus in the country. S. longipedicellata Merr. is also rediscovered after almost a century. A lectotype is here assigned for this name selected among the syntypes. Photographs, ecological notes, and an amended description are also provided to aid taxonomic identification.

Keywords: Actinidia, Actinidiaceae, endemism, Philippines, taxonomy

Saurauia abbreviata K.R.Mazo sp. nov.
A. Habit; B. Leaf (adaxial view); C. Leaf (abaxial view); D. Inflorescence; E. Outer sepal; F. Inner sepal; G. Petal and stamens; H. Pistil; I. Cross section of the ovary; J. Stamen (anterior view); K. Stamen (posterior view); L. Fruit (remnant sepal removed).

Illustrated by Jayson Mansibang.

Saurauia abbreviata K.R.Mazo sp. nov.
A & B. Inflorescence; C. Leaf (abaxial view); D. Leaf (adaxial view); E. Abaxial leaf setae (close up); F. Adaxial leaf setae (close up).

Photos by Kean Roe Mazo.

Saurauia abbreviata K.R.Mazo, sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis: Saurauia abbreviata closely resembles Saurauia lanaensis Merr. by having densely setose branchlets, abaxially setose leaves, small, axillary, cymose inflorescence; setaceous sepals; short sepals and petals. How-ever, the new species can be differentiated by having longer petioles (1.5–4.0 cm vs. 1.0–1.5 cm), uniformly setose adaxial leaf surface (vs. glabrous), longer and wider leaves (20–42 cm long × 9.5–17 cm wide vs. 11–20 cm long × 3.0–6.0 cm wide), more lateral veins (14–25 pairs vs. 10–12 pairs). In terms of floral characters, S. lanaensis has slightly larger petals and sepals vs. S. abbreviata. Notably, the older inflorescences in S. abbreviata forms a slightly thick woody rachis from which new flowers emerge after the senescence of the older ones—a characteristic not known to occur in S. lanaensis.

Etymology: The specific epithet abbreviata is derived from the Latin word “ brevis” (short) in reference to the very short or shortened inflorescences and flower dimensions of the new species—character combinations which are very rarely observed among Philippine Saurauia species.

Saurauia longipedicellata Merr.,

 Philipp. J. Sci. 20, 1922: 407

Kean Roe F. Mazo, Jayson A. Mansibang, Lowell G. Aribal and Maverick N. Tamayo. 2021. You ‘Sau’ Me! A New Species and A Rediscovery in the Genus Saurauia (Actinidiaceae) from Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 76(2); 203-212. DOI: 10.36253/jopt-10712

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Abstrak. Usa ka bag-ong species ug nadiskobrehan pag-usab sa genus nga Saurauia (Actinidiaceae) gikan sa Zamboanga Peninsula, isla sa Mindanao, Philippines ang gipresentar dinhi. Ang bag-ong species, Saurauia abbreviata, nahisama pag-ayo sa Saurauia lanaensis Merr. apan ang bag-ong species adunay labi ka taas nga mga petioles, uniformly setose ang ilalom nga dahon, mas taas ug mas lapad nga dahon, labi pang mga lateral veins, 3 styles, ug 3(–4)-locular nga obaryo. Ang nadiskobrehan nagdugang sa kadaghanon sa mga giila nga Saurauia sa Pilipinas ngadto sa 57 human sa 87 ka tuig nga gintang sa taxonomic nga pagtuon sa kini nga genus sa nasud. Ang Saurauia longipedicellata Merr. nadiskobrehan usab pagkahuman sa hapit usa ka gatus ka tuig. Ang tipipikasyon gihimo dinhi aron mapalig-og ang ngalan. Mga litrato, mga notang ekolohikal, ug giusab nga hulagway alang sa maong species makita usab dinhi.

[Botany • 2021] Oreocharis reticuliflora (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from southeastern Sichuan, China

Oreocharis reticuliflora Li H. Yang & X.Z. Shi, 

in Yang & Shi, 2021.

 DOI: 10.1111/njb.03322

Researchgate.net/publication/355212134

 

Abstract

Based on morphological observation and literature consultation, a new species of Oreocharis (Gesneriaceae), O. reticuliflora Li H. Yang & X.Z. Shi, is described and illustrated. This new species resembles O. auricula, but differs by its conspicuous and reticular secondary veins, corolla with a network of violet stripes on each lip lobe, glandular-pubescent ovary, shorter capsule and being densely brown woolly on the abaxial leaf surface, outside of bracts and calyx lobes. A detailed morphological description and photographic illustration of the new species are presented.

Keywords: Flora of Sichuan, morphology, new taxon, taxonomy

Figure 1. Oreocharis reticuliflora Li H. Yang & X.Z. Shi, sp. nov.
(A) habit, (B) front view of flower, (C) side view of flower, (D, G) opened corolla showing stamens and staminodes, (E) inflorescence, (F) pistil and calyx. Red arrows show the staminode.

Photo credit: Li-Hua Yang.

Figure 2. Holotype of Oreocharis reticuliflora Li H. Yang & X.Z.Shi, sp. nov.

Figure 3. Oreocharis reticuliflora (A-C, E-G) and O. auricula (D, H-J).
(A) Habitat, (B) fruit, (C-D) habit, (E, H) front view of flower, (F, I) side view of flower, (G, J) abaxial leaf surface.

Photo credit: Li-Hua Yang.

Oreocharis reticuliflora Li H. Yang & X.Z. Shi, sp. nov.

A species that mainly differs from Oreocharis auricula (S. Moore) C.B. Clarke by its conspicuous and reticular secondary veins on the abaxial leaf surface (versus inconspicuous), corolla with a network of violet stripes on each lip lobe (versus without such color pattern), glandular-pubescent ovary (versus glabrous), shorter capsule (ca 2 cm long versus ca 4.5 cm long) and by being densely brown woolly on the abaxial leaf surface, outside of bracts and calyx lobes (versus sparely brown villous).

Etymology: The specific epithet, reticuliflora, is derived from the Latin words, reticulum and flora, referring to the network of violet stripes on corolla limb of this new species.

 Vernacular name: In Chinese mandarin ‘Wang Wen Ma Ling Ju Tai' (网纹马铃苣苔).

Figure 4. The species with similar leaves of Oreocharis reticuliflora.
(A) O. benthamii var. reticulata, (B) O. maximowiczii, (C) O. tubiflora,
(D) O. flavida, (E) O. dasyantha, (F) O. sinohenryi,
(G) O. jasminina, (H) O. xiangguiensis, (I) O. chienii.

Photo credit: (A-G) Li-Hua Yang; (H-I) Peng-Wei Li.

    

 Li-Hua Yang and Xi-Zuo Shi. 2021. Oreocharis reticuliflora (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from southeastern Sichuan, China. Nordic Journal of Botany.  DOI: 10.1111/njb.03322

Researchgate.net/publication/355212134_Oreocharis_reticuliflora_a_new_species_from_Sichuan_China

[Herpetology • 2021] Micryletta melanops • A New Species of Micryletta (Anura: Microhylidae) from the Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam

 

Micryletta melanops 

Poyarkov, Nguyen, Yang & Gorin, 2021

 Black-eyed Paddy Frog | Nhái bầu mắt đen || DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.228  

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We report a new species of the genus Micryletta from the montane evergreen forest in the Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, Lam Dong Province, Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam, based on molecular and morphological evidence. The new species is diagnosed by a combination of the following morphological characters: body size small (snout-vent length (SVL) 22.4 mm, single female); iris uniform black; snout nearly truncate in dorsal view, slightly rounded in profile; tibiotarsal articulation of adpressed limb reaching level of eye; dorsal surface smooth; supratympanic fold present, prominent; outer metatarsal tubercle absent; tips of toes very weakly dilated into small discs; finger webbing absent, toe webbing rudimentary; dorsal surfaces of head and body orange-red with small irregularly shaped dark-brown patches; dorsal surface of limbs pale dark brown with small reddish speckles; body flanks dark brown anteriorly fading to grayish brown posteriorly with brown spots in groin area; lateral sides of head immaculate blackish brown without white patches; coloration of ventral surfaces immaculate dark gray. The new species is divergent from all other congeners in 16S rRNA gene sequences (2.6%–5.8%). Following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, we propose the new species be listed as Data Deficient (DD).

Micryletta melanops sp. nov. 

Chresonymy: Micryletta cf. inornata  — Poyarkov [Paiarkov] & Vassilieva (2011):
186–187, 211, Fig. 5.26.

Diagnosis: The new species is assigned to the genus Micryletta Dubois, 1987 based on the following morphological attributes: body size small; vomerine teeth absent; tympanum small, rounded, externally visible; subarticular tubercles on fingers and toes very prominent; three well-developed metacarpal tubercles; distinct supernumerary palmar and metatarsal tubercles posterior to base of digits; first finger not reduced; webbing on fingers absent and on toes rudimentary (Alhadi et al., 2019; Das et al., 2019; Dubois, 1987; Munir et al., 2020; Poyarkov et al., 2018; Yang & Poyarkov, 2021).

Micryletta melanops sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners based on a combination of the following morphological characters: body size small (SVL 22.4 mm, single female); iris uniform black; snout truncate in dorsal view, nearly truncate in profile; tibiotarsal articulation of adpressed limb reaching eye level; dorsal surface smooth; supratympanic fold present, prominent; outer metatarsal tubercle absent; tips of toes weakly dilated into small discs; finger webbing absent, toe webbing rudimentary between toes II–III and III–IV; coloration of dorsal surfaces on head and body orange-red with small irregularly shaped brown patches; dorsal surface of limbs pale dark brown with small reddish speckles; flanks dark brown anteriorly, fading to grayish brown posteriorly with brown spots in groin area; lateral sides of head blackish brown, lacking white patches; coloration of ventral surfaces immaculate dark gray; tadpoles with distinct yellow blotches across tail and fin.

Etymology: Specific epithet “melanops” is an adjective in the nominative case derived from the Ancient Greek “melanos” for “black” and “ops” for “eye” and is given in reference to the characteristic uniform black iris coloration found in the new species.

 We recommend “Black-eyed Paddy Frog” for the common English name and “Nhái bầu mắt đen” for the common Vietnamese name of the new species.

Iris coloration in eleven species of the genus Micryletta.
A – Micryletta aishani (Sagaing, Myanmar); B – M. dissimulans (Songkhla, Thailand); C – M. erythropoda (Dak Lak, Vietnam); D – M. hekouensis (Yunnan, China);
E – M. immaculata (Hainan, China); F – M. inornata (North Sumatra, Indonesia); G – M. lineata (Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand); H – M. nigromaculata (Hai Phong, Vietnam);
 I – M. steinegeri (Taiwan, China); J – M. sumatrana (South Sumatra, Indonesia); K – Micryletta melanops sp. nov. (Lam Dong, Vietnam).  

 A: Distribution of Micryletta genus (gray) and location of examined populations. For locality information, see Supplementary Table S1. Dot in center of an icon denotes type locality of a species; star denotes type locality of Micryletta melanops sp. nov. in Bidoup-Nui Ba NP, Lam Dong Province, southern Vietnam.
 C: Holotype of Micryletta melanops sp. nov. (ZMMU A7583), adult female, in life in dorsolateral view.
D: Tadpole of Micryletta melanops sp. nov. (ZMMU NAP-01381-5) (Gosner stage 37) in lateral view.

Photos by N.A. Poyarkov, J.H. Yang, P. Pawangkhanant, Chung-Wei You, and Eki Aprilia Resdiyanti Devung.

Phylogenetic relationships of Micryletta genus 
B: Consensus BI tree showing genealogical relationships of Micryletta derived from analysis of 1 036 bp of 16S rRNA sequences. Values at nodes correspond to BPP/UFB, respectively; black circles represent nodes with BPP and UFB support >0.95 and 95%, respectively; white circles represent nodes with BPP support >0.90 only or UFB >90% only; nodes lacking circles are not supported. Values in brackets after specimen IDs correspond to locality numbers.

Photos by N.A. Poyarkov, J.H. Yang, P. Pawangkhanant, Chung-Wei You, and Eki Aprilia Resdiyanti Devung.

Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Tan Van Nguyen, Jian-Huan Yang and Vladislav A. Gorin. 2021. A New Species of Micryletta (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae) from the Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam. Zoological Research. 42(6); 726-733. DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.228

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[Herpetology • 2021] Ichthyophis benjii • A New Striped Species of Ichthyophis Fitzinger, 1826 (Gymnophiona: Ichthyophiidae) from Mizoram, northeast India

Ichthyophis benjii  

 Lalremsanga, Purkayastha, Biakzuala, Vabeiryureilai, Muansanga & Hmar, 2021

  amphibian-reptile-conservation.org 

Photos by H.T. Lalremsanga

Abstract

A new species of striped Ichthyophis is described from Mizoram State of northeast India. For its distinguishing features, Ichthyophis benjii sp. nov. has narrow (W/S >5) irregular faint lateral yellow stripes extending immediately from corner of the mouth to the level of the posterior vent, not contacting the disc, barely or not visible on the collars ventrally, patchy in the trunk region; known to attain lengths greater than 400 mm, 26 < L/W < 30; head V-shaped, short (L/H > 24); TAs (tentacular apertures) more than twice as far from nares as from eyes (TN/TE > 2); C2 (second collar) noticeably longer than C1 (frst collar). It differs from all other striped congeners, except for I. tricolor and I. multicolor, in having an indistinct pale yellowish lateral stripe that is bordered by a darker ventrolateral longitudinal stripe immediately above the pale venter on each side. It differs from I. tricolor and I. multicolor in having more AGs (annular grooves) 388–422 counted dorsally; and in having 118–124 vertebrae vs. < 120 (I. tricolor) or > 125 (I. multicolor). An analysis of mitochondrial 16s rRNA shows Ichthyophis benjii sp. nov. to be a sister taxon to I. multicolor with an uncorrected p-distance of 0.055. At present, due to the lack of data on the population status and range of distribution, we propose the species be considered as Data Defcient (DD) under the IUCN Red List criteria. 

Keywords. 16s rRNA, caecilian, conservation, Data Defcient, Ichthyophis benjii sp. nov., Indo-Burma 

 Holotype (MZMU 1479) of Ichthyophis benjii sp. nov. in life from Durtlang.

Photo by H.T. Lalremsanga.

Ichthyophis benjii sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Ichthyophis with narrow (W/S > 5) irregular faint lateral yellow stripes extending from immediately behind CMs to the level of the posterior of vent, not contacting the disc, barely or not visible on the collars ventrally, patchy in the trunk region; known to attain lengths greater than 400 mm, 26 < L/W < 30; head more V-shaped than U-shaped in dorsal view, short (L/H > 24); TAs more than twice as far from nares as from eyes (TN/TE > 2); without distinctive moustache-like stripes between snout tip and TAs; and C2 noticeably longer than C1. Ichthyophis benjii sp. nov. differs from all other striped congeners in having a markedly less prominent pale yellowish lateral stripe, bordered by a darker ventrolateral longitudinal stripe immediately above the pale venter on each side. It can be differentiated from I. tricolor and I. multicolor in having much higher AGs of 385–422 and 383–423 counted dorsally and ventrally, respectively.

Etymology. The species epithet “benjii” is dedicated in memory of Benjamin Lalremsanga (1988–2020, nephew of Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga) who used to actively assist the author(s) in their herpetofaunal surveys. 

Suggested English common name: Benji’s Caecilian

Paratypes of Ichthyophis benjii sp. nov. in life: (A) MZMU 1462 from Chhinga Veng, (B) MZMU 1481 from Tanhril, (C) MZMU 2025 from Gosen,
and (D) I. multicolor MZMU 1740 from Tuirini Bridge, Aizawl District.

Photos by H.T. Lalremsanga.

Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Lal Biakzuala, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Lal Muansanga and Gospel Zothanmawia Hmar. 2021. A New Striped Species of Ichthyophis Fitzinger, 1826 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Ichthyophiidae) from Mizoram, northeast India. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 15(2) [Taxonomy Section]: 198–209 (e288). 

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