[Herpetology • 2019] Nucras aurantiaca • A New Nucras Gray, 1838 (Squamata: Lacertidae) from the Strandveld of the Western Cape, South Africa

Nucras aurantiaca

Bauer, Childers, Broeckhoven & Mouton, 2019

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4560.1.8 

Abstract

A striking new sandveld lizard of the Nucras tessellata group is described from the Lambert’s Bay Strandveld of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. It is sister to the clade N. livida + N. tessellata, and is phenetically most similar to N. tessellata, from which it differs in its more elongate body and possibly increased number of presacral vertebrae and patternless orange dorsal coloration. The form elegans, described as a species by Andrew Smith (1838), but treated as an infrasubspecific variant by Broadley (1972), also exhibits weak patterning, but is likely a regional color variant. Nucras aurantiaca sp. nov. is the ninth member of the genus found in southern Africa. Its discovery in the well-collected coastal Western Cape suggests that further herpetofaunal surveys are needed in this region, which is threatened by agricultural activity and tourism-related development.

Keywords: Reptilia, Sandveld lizard, Lambert’s Bay, description, molecular phylogeny

 Nucras aurantiaca sp. nov., Holotype specimen NMB R11626 from Lambert’s Bay in captivity.

Nucras aurantiaca sp. nov. 

Lambert’s Bay Sandveld Lizard

 Etymology: The specific epithet auriantiaca refers to the conspicuous, mostly unmarked orange dorsal coloration of the new species.

Aaron M. Bauer, Jackie L. Childers, Chris Broeckhoven and P. le Fras N. Mouton. 2019. A New Nucras Gray, 1838 (Squamata: Lacertidae) from the Strandveld of the Western Cape, South Africa. Zootaxa. 4560(1); 149–163.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4560.1.8

[Ichthyology • 2019] A Revised Molecular Phylogeny Reveals Polyphyly in Schistura (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae)

(A) Schistura desmotes, 38.9 mm SL, Ping River, Chiang Mai Province; (C) S. mahnerti, 71.9 mm SL, stream, Mae Khlong basin, Kanchanaburi Province;
 (E) S. aurantiaca, 39.9 mm SL, Pracham Mai River, Kanchanaburi Province.

in Sgouros, Page, Orlofske & Jadin, 2019. 

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4559.2.8

Abstract

There is a general consensus that the genus Schistura (Nemacheilidae), currently with 241 species, is not monophyletic. However, weak morphological synapomorphies and a lack of genetic data for most species of Schistura and their presumptive relatives have prevented meaningful diagnoses of species groups within this genus. To aid in deciphering evolutionary relationships, sequence data from two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and D-loop) were implemented in phylogenetic analyses for species of Schistura and other nemacheilids for which data from earlier studies and recently collected material were available. This analysis of 67 nemacheilid species, including 28 species of Schistura, provides the most comprehensive phylogeny of Nemacheilidae to date. In the phylogenetic tree for the combined data set, species of Schistura clustered in three clades. One clade contained 14 species of Schistura and Sectoria heterognathos and was sister to Homatula. A second clade of 11 species of Schistura was in a larger clade with Turcinoemacheilus kosswigi and Nemacheilus corica. The third clade contained three species, all from the Mae Khlong basin of Thailand. Taxonomic implications of these results are discussed; however, a more taxon-rich dataset and nuclear sequence data are needed before making taxonomic changes.

Keywords: Pisces, cytochrome b, D-loop, loaches, Nemacheilus

FIGURE 4. Species of Schistura included in the phylogenetic analysis; all are from Thailand.
 Clade 1: (A) S. desmotes, UF 188065, 38.9 mm SL, Ping River, Chiang Mai Province; (B) S. robertsi, UF 185741, 50.8 mm SL, Tapee River, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
Clade 2: (C) S. mahnerti, UF 188061, 71.9 mm SL, stream, Mae Khlong basin, Kanchanaburi Province; (D) S. geisleri, UF 191830, 28.0 mm SL, Wae Creek, Yan River basin, Surat Thani Province.
Clade 3: (E) S. aurantiaca, UF 188063, 39.9 mm SL, Pracham Mai River, Kanchanaburi Province; (F) S. balteata, UF 191473, 52.0 mm SL, Pilok River, Kanchanaburi Province.

Photographs by Zachary Randall and Jarred Randall. 

Katherine Sgouros, Lawrence M. Page, Sarah A. Orlofske and Robert C. Jadin. 2019. A Revised Molecular Phylogeny Reveals Polyphyly in Schistura (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae). Zootaxa. 4559(2); 349–362. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4559.2.8

[Mammalogy • 2019] Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800) • Solving A Long-standing Nomenclatorial Controversy: Designation of A Neotype for the Southern Sea Lion

Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800)

in Lucero, Rodríguez, Teta, et al., 2019.

  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4555.2.13

During almost two centuries, two available specific epithets have competed for the southern sea lions of the genus Otaria Péron, 1816 (Fig. 1), which is classically regarded as monotypic (but see below). The species distributes more or less continuously along the Atlantic coast from southern Brazil south to Cape Horn and along the Pacific from northern Peru to the west South American Pacific coast . While some researchers have argued that the correct name for this species is Phoca flavescens Shaw, 1800 (e.g., Cabrera, 1940, Rice, 1977; Rodriguez & Bastida, 1993; Teta et al., 2018), others have used P. byronia de Blainville, 1820 (e.g., Allen, 1905; Hamilton, 1934; King, 1978, Oliva, 1988; Berta & Churchill, 2012). This controversy originates from the fact that the diagnosis of the type of flavescens, the oldest epithet and as such the one that has priority, would not match the phenotypic features of the genus Otaria. This view, which favors the usage of byronia for populations of southern sea lions, was strongly defended by Oliva (1988:768), who argued that “…(1) the total length of the holotype [of flavescens]; (2) the size of the external ear; and (3) the color and length of the specimen’s fur do not correspond to any developmental stage of the species.” However, Rodríguez and Bastida (1993:378) discussed these same features reaching a very different conclusion, by indicating that “Shaw’s holotype, collected in the Strait of Magellan, could only have been a newborn pup of Otaria or Arctocephalus australis; its body size (circa 62 cm) could correspond to either species, but the uniform yellowish color is found exclusively in some molted pups of the Southern sea lion. Ear length, though not matching well with the described body length, lies within the recorded range of Otaria, but outside that for Arctocephalus australis.”

Sergio Lucero, Sara M. Rodríguez, Pablo Teta, Guillermo Cassini and Guillermo D'Elía. 2019.  Solving A Long-standing Nomenclatorial Controversy: Designation of A Neotype for the Southern Sea Lion Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800). Zootaxa. 4555(2); 296–300. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4555.2.13

[Botany • 20198] Camellia mingii (Theaceae) • A New Species of Yellow Camellias from Southeast Yunnan, China

Camellia mingii  S.X.Yang

in Liu, Fang, Liu, et al., 2019. 

 DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.393.1.4 

Abstract

Camellia mingii S.X.Yang is described and illustrated as a new species from southeast Yunnan Province, China. It is morphologically closest to C. pubipetala, but can be easily distinguished by its spiral arrangement of bracteoles and sepals; its bracteoles and sepals lunate, reniform or broadly ovate, glabrous inside and densely puberulent outside; its petals orbicular to short elliptic, puberulent on both sides; and its inner filaments puberulen to ca. 2/3 from base. Molecular analyses based on GBSSI sequences also support C. mingii as a distinct species of yellow camellia. It is ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Eudicots, endemic, Funing County, taxonomy, Theaceae

Zhen-Wen Liu, Wei Fang En-De Liu, Ming Zhoa, Yao-Feng He and Shi-Xiong Yang. 2019. Camellia mingii, A New Species of Yellow Camellias from Southeast Yunnan, China. Phytotaxa. 393(1); 47–56. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.393.1.4

[Crustacea • 2019] Clibanarius clibanarius (Herbst, 1791) • Redescription of the Little Known Hermit Crab (Decapoda: Anomura: Diogenidae), based on Material from southern India and Type Material

 Clibanarius clibanarius (Herbst, 1791)

in Tomoyuki, Reshmi, Rahayu & Kumar, 2019. 

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4555.3.6

Abstract

A little known littoral hermit crab, Clibanarius clibanarius (Herbst, 1791), is redescribed on the basis of material from southern India, supplemented by the photographs of the type material. The species appears closest to C. infraspinatus Hilgendorf, 1869, but the absence of a prominent ventral spine or protuberance on the cheliped meri immediately distinguishes C. clibanarius from C. infraspinatus. Although the species has been reported from wide areas in the Indo-West Pacific, records outside of India still needs to be verified.

Keywords: Crustacea, Clibanarius infraspinatus, Kerala, specific identity

Komai Tomoyuki, Rema Reshmi, Dwi Listyo Rahayu and Appukuttannair Biju Kumar. 2019.  Redescription of the Little Known Hermit Crab, Clibanarius clibanarius (Herbst, 1791) (Decapoda: Anomura: Diogenidae), based on Material from southern India and Type Material. Zootaxa.  4555(3); 372–384. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4555.3.6

[Herpetology • 2019] Aspidura desilvai • A New Species of Aspidura Wagler, 1830 (Squamata: Colubridae: Natricinae) from Knuckles, World Heritage Site, Sri Lanka

Aspidura desilvai

Wickramasinghe, Bandara, Vidanapathirana & Wickramasinghe, 2019

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4559.2.3 

Abstract

We describe a new species, Aspidura desilvai sp. nov., closely resembling A. trachyprocta and the last addition to the genus A. ravanai, from Knuckles massif, Matale District, of Sri Lanka. The species represents the ninth species of the genus known from Sri Lanka, and is readily distinguished from all other congeners by its colour pattern, the scale nature in the ischiadic region, and morphometric characteristics specially from its ratio between the snout to eye distance to its eye width. The species is currently known only from the type locality.

Keywords: Reptilia, Aspidura ravanai, A. trachyprocta, central highlands, Knuckles, Roughside snakes, South Asia, systematics

FIGURE 2. Dorsal aspect of Aspidura desilvai sp. nov., the holotype male (NMSL-NH 2019.01.02) in life.

Aspidura desilvai sp. nov.

Etymology. The species is named in honor of Pilippu Hewa Don Hemasiri de Silva (Dr. P. H. D. H. de Silva), a former Director (1965-1981) of the National Museums of Sri Lanka. In recognition of his tireless services to the country, while in service and through his many publications specially as the author of the book titled “Snake Fauna of Sri Lanka, with special reference to skull, dentition and venom in snakes”. The species epithet desilvai is a noun in the genitive case. 

Suggested common names. desilvage madilla, and de Silva’s Rough-Side Snake in native Sinhala language and English language respectively. [මැඩිල්ලන්]

L. J. Mendis Wickramasinghe, Imesh Nuwan Bandara,  Dulan Ranga Vidanapathirana and Nethu Wickramasinghe. 2019. A New Species of Aspidura Wagler, 1830 (Squamata: Colubridae: Natricinae) from Knuckles, World Heritage Site, Sri Lanka. Zootaxa. 4559(2); 265–280. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4559.2.3

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[Botany • 2019] Driessenia phasmolacuna (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Batang Ai, Sarawak, Borneo

Driessenia phasmolacuna C.W. Lin

in Lin, 2019. 

 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2019.64.69

Abstract

A new species, Driessenia phasmolacuna C.W. Lin, from Batang Ai, southwestern Sarawak, is described and illustrated. It belongs to a distinct group of Driessenia that have subequal or unequal leaves in each pair, often congested cymose inflorescence with many tiny flowers. Morphologically, it is similar to D. sessiliflora, but differing in its stem being 4-winged (vs. wing absent), larger laminas 18–22 × 5–7 (vs. 13–14.5 × 3.7–5) cm, much longer pedicel 3–5 (vs. 0.1–0.5) mm long, shorter bracts ca. 0.3 (vs. 1–1.5) mm long, pedicel 3–5 (vs. 0.1–0.5) mm, petal white (vs. yellowish) and ovary subequal in length to hypanthium (vs. exceeding hypanthium by one fourth) in fruit. Detailed comparison of the new species with five phenetically similar species are also presented.

Keyword: Borneo; Driessenia; Melastomataceae; New species; Sarawak; Sonerileae

Fig. 1. Driessenia phasmolacuna C.W. Lin.
 A. Habit; B, B'. Dimorphic leaves, showing extremely unequal in size and shape; C. Inflorescence on stem; D, E. Flower, face and side views; F. Longitudinal section of flower; G. Petal; H. Stamen, side view; I. Immature fruit, face view.

Fig. 2. Driessenia phasmolacuna C.W. Lin.
 A. Habit and habitat; B. Flowering branch; C, D. Smaller leaf, abaxial and adaxial surfaces; E. Petiole; F. Portion of leaf abaxial surface; G. Inflorescences on stem; H. Inflorescence; I. Longitudinal section of flower; J. Stamen; K. Immature fruits; L. Flower, face and side views.

Driessenia phasmolacuna C.W. Lin, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Driessenia phasmolacuna resembles D. sessiliflora C. Hansen (1985: 340), differing in its 4- winged internodes (vs. wing absent), larger laminas 18– 22 × 5–7 (vs. 13–14.5 × 3.7–5) cm, much longer pedicel 3–5 (vs. 0.1–0.5) mm, shorter bracts ca. 0.3 (vs. 1–1.5) mm and ovary subequal in length to hypanthium (vs. exceeding hypanthium by one fourth) in fruit.

...

Distribution and ecology: This new species is endemic to Sarawak, currently only known from Batang Ai (Fig. 3). It grows in lowland mixed dipterocarp forest, on semi-shaded sandstone cliffs at 100–250 m elevation. 

Etymology: Named after Lubok Antu, in Malay language which means ‘Ghost Pool’, where the new species was discovered.

Che-Wei Lin. 2019. Driessenia phasmolacuna (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae), A New Species from Batang Ai, Sarawak, Borneo. Taiwania. 64(1); 69-73.  DOI: 10.6165/tai.2019.64.69

    

[Paleontology • 2019] Cyamodus orientalis • A New Species of Cyamodus (Placodontia, Sauropterygia) from the early Late Triassic of south-west China

Cyamodus orientalis

Wang, Li, Scheyer & Zhao, 2019

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2018.1535455  

   twitter.com/JournalSystPal

Abstract

The Triassic eastern Tethyan faunas have continued to yield numerous specimens of marine reptile taxa in recent years. Nevertheless, compared with other sauropterygian clades, the diversity of placodonts in these faunas is low, and remains of this group are relatively rare in the fossil assemblages. Here, we report a new cyamodontoid specimen (ZMNH M8820) from the early Late Triassic of Guizhou, south-west China. This specimen is a nearly complete skeleton lacking only the forelimbs. It is distinct from other known Chinese placodonts as it features a large skull with remarkably enlarged supratemporal fenestrae and a small and less regularly arranged carapace. Interestingly, this new specimen resembles the European Cyamodus more than any Chinese cyamodontoid genera, particularly when considering the dentition and other cranial morphology. However, it differs from known Cyamodus species in some cranial features (e.g. epipterygoid fully ossified, posttemporal fenestra large, dentition derived) and the absence of a separate pelvic shield. Furthermore, based on an updated data matrix of placodonts, our phylogenetic results support the affinity of this new Chinese specimen with European Cyamodus species, and a new species, Cyamodus orientalis sp. nov., is erected here. This new material represents the first reported Cyamodus specimen in the world that preserves a three-dimensional skull with an associated postcranial skeleton and it extends the distribution of this genus into the early Carnian of the eastern Tethys. The existence of Cyamodus, a nearshore taxon, in south-west China at this time reveals greater similarity and more rapid intercommunication than previously known between western and eastern Tethyan vertebrate faunas, although the palaeobiogeographical origin and migration history of Cyamodontidae – and of other clades of placodont reptiles – are still obscure due to the scarcity of material from the northern and southern margins of the Palaeotethys.

Keywords: Placodontia, Guanling Biota, dentition, carapace, biogeography

Figure 2. Photographs and line drawings of the skull of Cyamodus orientalis sp. nov. (ZMNH M8820) in A, dorsal view; B, ventral view; C, left lateral view; D, occipital view.

Figure 1. Skeleton of Cyamodus orientalis sp. nov. (ZMNH M8820) with skull in original position.

Superorder Sauropterygia Owen, 1860 

Order Placodontia Cope, 1871 

Family Cyamodontidae Nopcsa, 1923 

Genus Cyamodus Meyer, 1863 

Type species. Cyamodus rostratus M€unster, 1839.

Cyamodus orientalis sp. nov.

Derivation of name. The species name is derived from the Latin word ‘oriens’ (East), referring to the Triassic marine reptile fauna in south China being located in the eastern Tethys, while all other known species of Cyamodus are from the western Tethys. 

Wei Wang, Chun Li, Torsten M. Scheyer and Lijun Zhao. 2019. A New Species of Cyamodus (Placodontia, Sauropterygia) from the early Late Triassic of south-west China. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.  DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2018.1535455    

 twitter.com/JournalSystPal/status/1091299793563987973  

twitter.com/JournalSystPal/status/1089891157826568192

[Herpetology • 2019] Charadrahyla sakbah • A New Species of Charadrahyla (Anura: Hylidae) from the Cloud Forest of western Oaxaca, Mexico

Charadrahyla sakbah

Jiménez-Arcos, Calzada-Arciniega, Alfaro-Juantorena, Vázquez-Reyes, Blair & Parra-Olea, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4554.2.3 

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Abstract

A new species of treefrog from the genus Charadrahyla is described from the cloud forest of western Sierra Madre del Sur of Oaxaca, Mexico. Charadrahyla sakbah sp. nov., is distinguished from the rest of the species in the genus by the large body size (81.15–85.75 mm and 67.91–73.21 mm in adult females and males respectively), axillary membrane, adult males with hypertrophied webbings between toes I and II, nuptial excrescences, one enlarged conical tubercle on either side of vent, vocal slits absent, and sexual dimorphism in the snout shape in dorsal profile (rounded and acuminate in females and males respectively). The hypertrophied webbings are a unique character among other hylids of Middle America, and are only present in C. trux, C. tecuani and the species described herein. These three species inhabit the cloud forest of the Sierra Madre del Sur, and are probably closely related. However, more detailed phylogenetic analyses are needed to define the internal relationships of the genus. The cloud forest in the Sierra Madre del Sur continues to be known for a high number of endemic species. However, the cloud forest faces several threats due to its limited distribution that make it a priority ecosystem for conservation.

Keywords: Amphibia, cloud forest, highlands, hylids, Sierra Madre del Sur

facebook.com: Alejandro Calzada Arciniega

FIGURE 2. Specimens in life of Charadrahyla sakbah.
 (A) male holotype (IBH 30989). (B) male paratype (IBH 30990). (C) Female paratype (IBH 30992). (D) Female paratype (IBH 30993). (E) Female paratype (IBH 30994). (F) Enlarged vent tubercles in ventral view of C. sakbah of male holotype (IBH 30989) in life.

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A female (not collected) of  Charadrahyla sakbah in the riverside.

 (B) Panoramic view of the Chite ku'e river. 

(C) Typical pool and waterfall where C. sakbah individuals are usually found.

 A female (not collected) of Charadrahyla sakbah in the riverside.

Charadrahyla sakbah sp. nov. 

Jiménez-Arcos, Calzada-Arciniega, Alfaro-Juantorena, Blair & Parra-Olea 

Mixteca Cloud-forest Treefrog, 

Rana arborícola de la Mixteca

Etymology. The specific epithet is taken from the Mixteco language word “sa’bah” which mean “frog”. This is recognition to the San Isidro Paz y Progreso community for their conservation efforts towards their natural and cultural resources.

Víctor H. Jiménez-Arcos, Rafael Alejandro Calzada-Arciniega, Liz A. Alfaro-Juantorena, Leopoldo Vázquez-Reyes, Christopher Blair and Gabriela Parra-Olea. 2019. A New Species of Charadrahyla (Anura: Hylidae) from the Cloud Forest of western Oaxaca, Mexico. Zootaxa. 4554(2); 371–385. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4554.2.3  

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 twitter.com/HerpMX/status/1094799660982489088
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Resumen: Se describe una nueva especie de rana arborícola del género Charadrahyla del bosque nublado de la Sierra Madre del Sur del oeste de Oaxaca, México. Charadrahyla sakbah sp. nov., se distingue del resto de las especies del género por su talla corporal grande (81.15–85.75 mm y 67.91–73.21 mm en hembras y machos adultos respectivamente), membrana axilar, machos adultos con membrana hipertrofiada entre los dedos I y II, presencia de excrecencias nupciales, un tubérculo cónico agrandado a cada lado de la cloaca, ausencia de hendiduras bucales y dimorfismo sexual en la forma de la nariz en vista dorsal (redonda y acuminada en hembras y machos respectivamente). La membrana hipertrofiada es una característica única entre otros hylidos de Mesoamérica y solo está presente en C. trux, C. tecuani y la especie descrita aquí. Estas tres especies habitan en el bosque nublado de la Sierra Madre del Sur, y probablemente estén estrechamente emparentadas. Sin embargo, son necesarios trabajos filogenéticos subsecuentes para definir con precisión las relaciones internas del género. El bosque de niebla de la Sierra Madre del Sur destaca por el alto número de especies endémicas. Sin embargo, enfrenta diversas amenazas debido principalmente a su limitada distribución, que lo convierte en un ecosistema prioritario para la conservación.

 Palabras clave: bosque mesófilo, tierras altas, hylidos, Sierra Madre del Sur

[Mollusca • 2019] Unidentia aliciae • The Formerly Enigmatic Unidentiidae in the Limelight Again: A New Species of the Genus Unidentia (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) from Thailand

Unidentia aliciae  

 Korshunova, Mehrotra, Arnold, Lundin, Picton & Martynov, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4551.5.4 

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Abstract

An integrative molecular and morphological study is presented for the family Unidentiidae. Molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted with the inclusion of all previous and newly obtained molecular data for the family Unidentiidae Millen & Hermosillo 2012. A new species of the genus Unidentia Millen & Hermosillo 2012, Unidentia aliciae sp. nov., is described from Thailand as part of an inventory of sea slugs at Koh Tao. All up-to-date available morphological data for the species of the genus Unidentia is for the first time summarized. Morphological differences among the different species of Unidentia are clarified showing that every species has its own distinguishable morphological traits. According to the new molecular and morphological data, the family Unidentiidae is re-confirmed as a well-supported taxon of the aeolidacean nudibranchs. The taxonomy and phylogeny of the Aeolidacea in the light of the family Unidentiidae is briefly discussed and necessity of a fine-scale and narrowly-defined taxa approach instead of a ‘‘superlumping’’ one is highlighted.

Keywords: Mollusca, morphological and molecular data, new species, nudibranchs, unidentiids

Unidentia aliciae 

Korshunova, Mehrotra, Arnold, et al., 2019

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 Tatiana Korshunova, Rahul Mehrotra, Spencer Arnold, Kennet Lundin, Bernard Picton and Alexander Martynov. 2019. The Formerly Enigmatic Unidentiidae in the Limelight Again: A New Species of the Genus Unidentia from Thailand (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia). Zootaxa.  4551(5); 556–570. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4551.5.4  

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[Hexapoda • 2019] Coecobrya sirindhornae • the Most Highly Troglomorphic Collembola (Entomobryidae) in Southeast Asia

Coecobrya sirindhornae

Jantarit, Satasook & Deharveng, 2019

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.824.31635

Abstract

The most highly troglomorphic Collembola of Southeast Asia, Coecobrya sirindhornae sp. n., is described from a cave in Satun province, Thai Peninsula. It is characterised by its large size, extremely elongated antennae, relatively long legs and furca, reduced macrochaetotaxy, very long and slender claw, pointed tenent hair, four sublobal hairs on outer maxillary lobe, and the absence of eyes and pigmentation. A checklist of Thai Coecobrya species and a key to the troglomorphic species of Thailand are provided. Troglomorphy and conservation of cave habitats in the area are discussed.

Keywords: new species, peninsular Thailand, subterranean environment, taxonomy, troglomorphy

Figure 1. Coecobrya sirindhornae sp. n. A–D Habitus

E–F Two morphological types of cave Coecobrya in Thailand E Coecobrya phanthuratensis Zhang & Jantarit, 2018; normal form with short antennae, appendages and small size F Coecobrya polychaeta Zhang & Nilsai, 2017; troglomorphic form with long antennae and appendages with large body size
and G Coecobrya sirindhornae sp. n., highly troglomorphic characters with extremely long antennae and appendages and also large body size.

Coecobrya sirindhornae sp. n.
 A–B Habitus, G C. sirindhornae sp. n., highly troglomorphic characters with extremely long antennae and appendages and also large body size. 

E–F Two morphological types of cave Coecobrya in Thailand 

E Coecobrya phanthuratensis Zhang & Jantarit, 2018; normal form with short antennae, appendages and small size F Coecobrya polychaeta Zhang & Nilsai, 2017; troglomorphic form with long antennae and appendages with large body size 

and G Coecobrya sirindhornae sp. n., highly troglomorphic characters with extremely long antennae and appendages and also large body size.

Taxonomy

Class Collembola Lubbock, 1873

Order Entomobryomorpha Börner, 1913

Family Entomobryidae Tömösváry, 1882

Subfamily Entomobryinae Schäffer, 1896

Genus Coecobrya Yosii, 1956

Coecobrya sirindhornae sp. n.

Figure 2. Coecobrya sirindhornae sp. n. continued.
A Distal part of Ant. II dorsally of left antenna B Ant. III organ of left side C Distal part of Ant. IV with subapical organite D Ratio of antennal length E Clypeal chaetae F Prelabral and labral chaetae G Labial palp H Outer maxillary lobe I Mandibles J Ventro-distal complex of labrum K Chaetae of labial basis and ventral chaetotaxy of head.

Figure 7. Distribution of three troglomorphic Coecobrya species in Satun caves, all located in lowland areas.

Ecology: Coecobrya sirindhornae sp. n. is restricted to the dark zone of the cave where it has been found, in the oligotrophic environment of a small chamber, on muddy ground and wet rock walls. The chamber is connected to a narrow steep hole. Small puddles are present in the chamber and water is dripping from the ceiling. Muddy ground surface is flooded during rainy season. Some individuals were found feeding on a cricket corpse. They were quick jumping and moved rapidly. The species is found only in that chamber where humidity is at saturation, and temperature is constant (23‒24 degrees Celsius). The population seems rather limited (only 26 specimens were collected from five attempts, each time one hour collecting by 2 people). Small (young) individuals were less numerous and not collected.

Etymology: This species is named to honour Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is passionately interested in natural history and plays an important role in promoting the conservation of biodiversity and the environment of Thailand.

 Sopark Jantarit, Chutamas Satasook and Louis Deharveng. 2019. Coecobrya sirindhornae sp. n., the Most Highly Troglomorphic Collembola in Southeast Asia (Collembola, Entomobryidae). ZooKeys 824: 21-44.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.824.31635

   

[Botany • 2017] Appendicula cordata (Orchidaceae) • A New Species of Appendicula section Pododesme from eastern Indonesia

Appendicula cordata Wibowo & Juswara 

in Wibowo & Juswara, 2017. 
   DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v16i2.3156

Abstract

A new species, Appendicula cordata (sect. Pododesme) from eastern Indonesia, is described and illustrated. Its habit is similar to that of Appendicula infundibuliformis J. J. Sm., but it differs in having flowers with a cordate appendage and a lip reflexed to the right. An identification key to the species of Appendicula sect. Pododesme, a distribution map, photos and line drawing are also provided.

Keywords: Appendicula, East Sumba, Flores, Indonesia, new species, section Pododesme.

Fig. 1. Plant and flower of Appendicula cordata Wibowo & Juswara spec. nov.
 A. Plant; B. Flower, front view; C. Flower bract; D. Inflorescence; E. Flower, ventral view; F. Flower in section; G. Labellum, dorsal view.

Photos by A. R. U. Wibowo.

Fig. 2. Line drawing of Appendicula cordata Wibowo & Juswara spec. nov.
A. Plant; B. Leaves, abaxial view; C. Flower, side view; D. Flower, ventral view; E. Flower, front view; F. Lip with column in section, side view; G. Floral bract; H. Lateral sepals; I. Dorsal sepal; J. Petals; K. Lip; L. Lip, flattened; M. Column; N. Pollinia; O. Anther cap, front view.

(From PEN 526, Sumba Timur – Nusa Tenggara Timur,

 drawing by A. R. U. Wibowo).

Appendicula cordata Wibowo & Juswara, spec. nov.

Etymology. From the Latin cordata (heart-shaped), referring to the heart-shaped appendage.

Notes. The habit of Appendicula cordata is similar to that of A. infundibuliformis J. J. Sm. The new species differs from that species, and all other species in sect. Pododesme, by the lip apex being twisted to the right, much like A. ovalis (Schltr.) J. J. Sm. in section Oligodesme. In addition, A. infundibuliformis has yellowish - green flower, a flat lip, and a horseshoe-shaped appendage, whereas A. cordata has white flowers with purple markings, a concave lip, and a cordate appendage. The other species in sect. Pododesme do not have long (to 16 cm), branching, pendulous inflorescences like A. cordata. 

CONCLUSION:

 A new species described from Sumba, Sumbawa and Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands shows that many new species from the under collected areas in Indonesia await discovery. This species is one of the species collected and grown ex-situ that represents small number of species from the area. This new species is distributed in Flores, Sumba, Sumbawa and Sulawesi Tengah. It is probable that its distribution is wider than this has been recorded. Thus, complete information on distribution and conservation status in nature on this newly described species and other species within the genus Appendicula are needed to finish the checklist of Orchids of Indonesia.

 Aninda Retno Utami Wibowo and Lina Susanti Juswara. 2017.   A New Species of Appendicula section Pododesme (Orchidaceae) from Indonesia. Reinwardtia. 16(2); 65-71.  DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v16i2.3156

 researchgate.net/publication/321942029_A_NEW_SPECIES_OF_APPENDICULA_FROM_INDONESIA