[Herpetology • 2014] Limnonectes hikidai • Description of A New Species of Limnonectes (Dicroglossidae, Anura) from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Limnonectes hikidai 

Matsui & Nishikawa, 2014

ABSTRACT 

A Southeast Asian dicroglossid frog, long known as Limnonectes laticeps, has recently been synonymized with L. khasianus. The Bornean population of this species is very divergent acoustically from some conspecific populations from the continent. Furthermore, in the mtDNA phylogeny, the Bornean population is nested in a clade with Bornean populations of the L. kuhlii complex, and not with the continental L. khasianus, which is close to L. tweediei and L. macrognathus. Because the Bornean population is also divergent morphologically from a continental population and the syntypes of Rana laticeps, we describe it as a new species.

 Masafumi Matsui and Kanto Nishikawa. 2014. Description of A New Species of Limnonectes from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo (Dicroglossidae, Anura). Current Herpetology. 33(2):135-147. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.5358/hsj.33.135

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265088770_Description_of_a_new_species_of_Limnonectes_from_Sarawak_Malaysian_Borneo_(Dicroglossidae_Anura)

[Ichthyology • 2014] Macropharyngodon pakoko | Pakoko Wrasse • A New Species of Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) Endemic to the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

FIGURE 1. Male (top) and female (bottom) color patterns of Macropharyngodon pakoko:
top USNM 409153, 72 mm SL, male, holotype; bottom USNM 409154, 60.0 mm SL, female, paratype.

FIGURE 2. Radiograph of holotype of Macropharyngodon pakoko

FIGURE 4. Juvenile color patterns of: A Macropharyngodon pakoko, 35 mm SL,
 from Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Photographs by Jeffrey T. Williams.

Abstract

A new species of wrasse, Macropharyngodon pakoko, is described from the Marquesas Islands, bringing the total number of species of the genus Macropharyngodon to 12. Macropharyngodon pakoko was found at depths from 0-42 m and is endemic to the Marquesas Islands. Macropharyngodon pakoko is similar to M. meleagris, which is widely distributed from the central and western Pacific to Cocos-Keeling in the Indian Ocean, but differs genetically and in several coloration characters: males with irregularly curved black humeral blotch with incomplete iridescent blue border; inverted irregular “U”- shaped band on the cheek; a small black spot at the upper base of the pectoral fin; and background color of the body greenish with faint bluish black spots on each scale. Females lack black pigment on the chest posterior to the ventral attachment of the gill membranes; reddish black blotches on the body are widely spaced, particularly on the head where they are more reddish and half the size of those on body; caudal fin with small, bright yellow spots arranged in narrow vertical bands with pale interspaces; pelvic fins pale with three reddish yellow cross-bands; a small black spot at the upper base of the pectoral fin; and small reddish spots along the base of the anal fin. Juveniles have irregular black blotches on the body, a small black spot instead of an ocellus posteriorly on the dorsal fin and lack large black spots and ocellus on the anal fin.

Keywords: wrasse, Macropharyngodon pakoko, French Polynesia, Marquesas Islands, endemic

Etymology: The specific epithet pakoko refers to the famous Marquesan warrior Pakoko, the last chieftain who led the Marquesan resistance to the French during his time (died in 1984). He is still celebrated in the Marquesas and an important figure in the community. The common name Pakoko Wrasse derives from the species epithet. The name is treated as a noun in apposition.

Delrieu-Trottin, Erwan, Jeffrey T. Williams & Serge Planes. 2014. Macropharyngodon pakoko, A New Species of Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) Endemic to the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Zootaxa. 3857(3): 433–443.

http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3857.3.6

[Crustacea • 2014] Geosesarma bintan & G. raj • Two New Species of Land-dwelling Crabs of the Genus Geosesarma De Man, 1892 (Brachyura: Thoracotremata: Sesarmidae) from Bintan Island, Indonesia

Fig. 4. Geosesarma raj, new species, holotype, male, 11.8 × 10.9 mm (MZB Cru 3814, ex ZRC 2007.0676), Bintan Island.

Colour in life (Photograph by: T. M. Leong).

Abstract

 Specimens of land-dwelling sesarmid crabs from two localities in Bintan Island (Riau Archipelago, Indonesia) belong to two new species of the genus Geosesarma De Man, 1892, and are here described. One higher altitude species (Geosesarma raj, new species) is characterised by bright colours in life, elongated ambulatory legs and the absence of an exopodal flagellum on the third maxillipeds. A lowland species (Geosesarma bintan, new species) is characterised by duller coloration, proportionately shorter legs, and the presence of an exopodal flagellum on the third maxillipeds. The gonopod structures of both species are also diagnostic. The two new species are compared with their closest congeners from Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. With these two descriptions, 51 species are now known in Geosesarma.

Keywords: Taxonomy, morphology, fresh water, land, crabs, Sesarmidae, Bintan, Indonesia, Geosesarma

Christoph D. Schubart & Peter K. L. Ng. 2014. Two New Species of Land-dwelling Crabs of the Genus Geosesarma De Man, 1892 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Thoracotremata: Sesarmidae) from Bintan Island, Indonesia. Raffles. Bull. Zool. 62: 615–619.

http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/zoology_volume_62/62rbz615-619.pdf

[Ornithology • 2014] Evolution of Sweet Taste Perception in Hummingbirds by Transformation of the Ancestral Umami Receptor

A ruby-throated hummingbird Archilochus colubris feeds on mimosa flowers.

Photograph by George Grall newswatch.nationalgeographic.com

ABSTRACT

Sensory systems define an animal's capacity for perception and can evolve to promote survival in new environmental niches. We have uncovered a noncanonical mechanism for sweet taste perception that evolved in hummingbirds since their divergence from insectivorous swifts, their closest relatives. We observed the widespread absence in birds of an essential subunit (T1R2) of the only known vertebrate sweet receptor, raising questions about how specialized nectar feeders such as hummingbirds sense sugars. Receptor expression studies revealed that the ancestral umami receptor (the T1R1-T1R3 heterodimer) was repurposed in hummingbirds to function as a carbohydrate receptor. Furthermore, the molecular recognition properties of T1R1-T1R3 guided taste behavior in captive and wild hummingbirds. We propose that changing taste receptor function enabled hummingbirds to perceive and use nectar, facilitating the massive radiation of hummingbird species.

......

 The makings of a powerful sweet tooth

The main attraction of nectar, a hummingbird favorite, is the sweet taste of sugar. Oddly, though, birds lack the main vertebrate receptor for sweet taste, TIR2. Baldwin et al. show that a related receptor, TIR1-T1R3, which generally controls savory taste in vertebrates, adapts in hummingbirds to detect sweet (see the Perspective by Jiang and Beauchamp). This repurposing probably allowed hummingbirds to specialize in nectar feeding and may have assisted the evolution of the many and varied hummingbird species seen today.

 ......

Maude W. Baldwin, Yasuka Toda, Tomoya Nakagita, Mary J. O'Connell, Kirk C. Klasing, Takumi Misaka, Scott V. Edwards and Stephen D. Liberles. 2014. Evolution of Sweet Taste Perception in Hummingbirds by Transformation of the Ancestral Umami Receptor. Science. 345(6199); 929-933. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1255097

Scientists Solve Mystery of How Hummingbirds Taste Sweetness

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/08/21/scientists-solve-mystery-of-how-hummingbirds-taste-sweetness

How hummingbirds evolved to detect sweetness

http://phys.org/news/2014-08-hummingbirds-evolved-sweetness.html

[Mollusca • 2014] ‘Charopa’ lafargei • A New, presumed narrowly Endemic Species (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Charopidae) from Peninsular Malaysia

 ABSTRACT 

‘Charopa’ lafargei spec. nov. is described. It is apparently restricted to the isolated limestone hill Gunung Kanthan in Peninsular Malaysia. The hill is scheduled for quarrying by the Lafarge Malaysia cement company, which has a high likelihood of resulting in the extinction of the species.

 Mohammad Effendi Marzuki and Jaap Jan Vermeulen. 2014. 'Charopa' lafargei (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Charopidae), A New, presumed narrowly Endemic Species from Peninsular Malaysia. Basteria. 78 (1-3): 31-34.

researchgate.net/publication/264423130_'Charopa'_lafargei_(Gastropoda_Pulmonata_Charopidae)_a_new_presumed_narrowly_endemic_species_from_Peninsular_Malaysia

 news.mongabay.com/2014/0824-dimitrova-lafarge-snail.html

[Primate • 2014] Conservation Genetics of the Philippine Tarsier [Tarsius syrichta]: Cryptic Genetic Variation Restructures Conservation Priorities for an Island Archipelago Primate

Figure 1. Phylogeographic relationships of Tarsius syrichta (see Appendix S1 for taxonomic summary) estimated from a combined, partitioned, RAxML ML analysis of mitochondrial (12S, CytB, ND2) gene fragments. Black circles at nodes correspond to ML bootstraps ≥70% and Bayesian PP ≥95%.

Brown, et al. 2014 | doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104340.g001

Abstract

Establishment of conservation priorities for primates is a particular concern in the island archipelagos of Southeast Asia, where rates of habitat destruction are among the highest in the world. Conservation programs require knowledge of taxonomic diversity to ensure success. The Philippine tarsier is a flagship species that promotes environmental awareness and a thriving ecotourism economy in the Philippines. However, assessment of its conservation status has been impeded by taxonomic uncertainty, a paucity of field studies, and a lack of vouchered specimens and genetic samples available for study in biodiversity repositories. Consequently, conservation priorities are unclear. In this study we use mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to empirically infer geographic partitioning of genetic variation and to identify evolutionarily distinct lineages for conservation action. The distribution of Philippine tarsier genetic diversity is neither congruent with expectations based on biogeographical patterns documented in other Philippine vertebrates, nor does it agree with the most recent Philippine tarsier taxonomic arrangement. We identify three principal evolutionary lineages that do not correspond to the currently recognized subspecies, highlight the discovery of a novel cryptic and range-restricted subcenter of genetic variation in an unanticipated part of the archipelago, and identify additional geographically structured genetic variation that should be the focus of future studies and conservation action. Conservation of this flagship species necessitates establishment of protected areas and targeted conservation programs within the range of each genetically distinct variant of the Philippine tarsier.

Figure 2. DISTRUCT visualization of STRUCTURE analyses (A) assigning individuals to major population groupings (genetically distinct evolutionary lineages) for Philippine tarsier demes (K = 2 and 3 populations).
Mindanao faunal region (B; see Fig. 1, inset) with sampling (17 sites, 66 individuals) labeled with letters corresponding to full localities listed in Appendix S2, protected areas shaded red. SplitsTree gene network (C; numbers at internodes = ML bootstrap replicates), and results of GMYC analyses (red asterisks denote lineages delineated by the Yule-coalescent), with numbers at tips corresponding to individual samples in Structure plots (A) and cluster shading corresponding to islands on map (B).
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104340.g001

Rafe M. Brown, Jennifer A. Weghorst, Karen V. Olson, Mariano R. M. Duya, Anthony J. Barley, Melizar V. Duya, Myron Shekelle,Irene Neri-Arboleda, Jacob A. Esselstyn, Nathaniel J. Dominy, Perry S. Ong, Gillian L. Moritz, Adrian Luczon, Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, Arvin C. Diesmos and Cameron D. Siler. 2014. Conservation Genetics of the Philippine Tarsier: Cryptic Genetic Variation Restructures Conservation Priorities for an Island Archipelago Primate. 

PLoS ONE. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0104340.g001

twitter: @CSilerLab

[Mammalogy • 2014] The Reds and the Yellows: A Review of Asian Chrysopteron Jentink, 1910 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Myotis)

Myotis (Chrysopteron) formosus

ABSTRACT 

Chrysopteron Jentink, 1910 is 1 of the 7 subgenera of Myotis Kaup, 1829 recognized by Tate that traditionally comprises Asian and African species characterized by conspicuously parti-colored wing membranes. Definition of Myotis subgenera has long challenged taxonomists and prior to the present study the systematic status of numerous forms within Chrysopteron remained unclear. Following examination of material (including available type specimens) in 21 European, North American, and Asian collections, and using morphological (external, cranial, and dental characters) and genetic data, we evaluate the validity of the Chrysopteron subgenus, revise the taxonomy of the named Asian forms, and review their distinguishing characters, distribution, and taxonomic history. We argue that Chrysopteron is an available name for a monophyletic “Ethiopian clade” recovered with high support in our analyses, which comprises species characterized by striking reddish or yellowish dorsal fur that strongly differentiates them from congeners. We also determine that M. formosus sensu lato contains several morphologically distinct forms, some of which occur in sympatry and some in widely separated localities.
A morphological key is provided for all Asian species of Chrysopteron revealed by our study: M. bartelsi Jentink, 1910 (Java and Bali), M. formosus (Hodgson, 1835) (Afghanistan, India, Nepal, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam), M. hermani Thomas, 1923 (Sumatra, Thailand, and Malaysia), M. rufoniger (Tomes, 1858) (Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Laos, and Vietnam), M. rufopictus (Waterhouse, 1845) (Philippines), and M. weberi (Jentink, 1890) (Sulawesi).

Keywords: identification key, mouse-eared bats, phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy

Myotis formosus

archive.zo.NTU.edu.tw

Gábor Csorba, Cheng-Han Chou, Manuel Ruedi, Tamás Görföl, Masaharu Motokawa, Sigit Wiantoro, Vu Dinh Thong, Nguyen Truong Son, Liang-Kong Lin and Neil Furey. 2014. The Reds and the Yellows: A Review of Asian Chrysopteron Jentink, 1910 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Myotis). Journal of Mammalogy. 95(4): 663-678. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1644/13-mamm-a-200

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264858380_The_reds_and_the_yellows_a_review_of_Asian_Chrysopteron_Jentink_1910_(Chiroptera_Vespertilionidae_Myotis)

BUMRUNGSRI, S., D. L. HARRISON, C. SATASOOK, A. PRAJKUKJITR, S. THONG-AREE, AND P. J. J. BATES. 2006. A review of bat research in Thailand with eight new species records for the country. Acta Chiropterologica. 8:325–359.

http://bioff.forest.ku.ac.th/PDF_FILE/JAN_2011/Bat_of_Thailand_version2007_FULL.pdf

[Herpetology • 2014] Boophis ankarafensis • A New Species of the Boophis rappiodes group (Anura, Mantellidae) from the Sahamalaza Peninsula, northwest Madagascar, with Acoustic Monitoring of its Nocturnal Calling

Boophis ankarafensis

Penny, Andreone, Crottini, Holderied, Rakotozafy, Schwitzer & Rosa, 2014

Abstract

A new species of treefrog of the Boophis rappiodes group (Anura, Mantellidae) is described from the Sahamalaza – Iles Radama National Park in northwest Madagascar. This new species is green in colour with bright red speckling across its head and dorsum; similar in morphology to other species of this group including: B. bottae, B. rappiodes, B. erythrodactylus and B. tasymena. The new species can be distinguished by its advertisement call and by a genetic divergence of more than 4.9% in the analysed mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragment. Its call consists of two note types: a trill and a click; although similar sounding to B. bottae, the trill note of the new species has a faster pulse rate while the click note is predominantly two-pulsed rather than three. All individuals were detected from the banks of two streams in Ankarafa Forest. The new species represents the only member of the B. rappiodes group endemic to Madagascar’s western coast, with the majority of other members known from the eastern rainforest belt. Despite its conspicuous call, it has not been detected from other surveys of northwest Madagascar and it is likely to be a local endemic to the peninsula. The ranges of two other amphibian species also appear restricted to Sahamalaza, and so the area seems to support a high level of endemicity. Although occurring inside a National Park, this species is highly threatened by the continuing decline in the quality and extent of its habitat. Due to these threats it is proposed that this species should be classified as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: Amphibia, Boophis ankarafensis sp. n., Sahamalaza – Iles Radama National Park, advertisement call, conservation

Figure 2. Life colouration of Boophis ankarafensis sp. n.:
A Rostral view of a male paratype (MRSN A6975) B Dorsal view of the same male
C Female specimen in resting position on a leaf (specimen not collected) D Dorso-lateral view of the holotype with day-time colouration (MRSN A6973).

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.435.7383

 Etymology: The term ankarafensis is a specific epithet deriving from the species’ terra typica, the Ankarafa Forest. The name is used as an adjective in the nominative singular.
Holotype: MRSN A6973, adult male (Fig. 2D and Fig. 3D) collected at Ankarafa Forest (Sahamalaza Peninsula, north-western Madagascar), 14°22.85'S, 47°45.52'E; ca 140 m a.s.l., transitional forest, 26 January 2013, leg. G. M. Rosa.

Figure 3. Breeding activity of Boophis ankarafensis sp. n.:
A Paratype MRSN A6976 B–C Vocalising males sitting on leaves and on a branch (specimens not collected)
D Male holotype MRSN A6973 and female A6974 E Couple in axillary amplexus.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.435.7383

Samuel Penny, Franco Andreone, Angelica Crottini, Marc Holderied, Lovasoa Rakotozafy, Christoph Schwitzer and Gonçalo Rosa. 2014. A New Species of the Boophis rappiodes group (Anura, Mantellidae) from the Sahamalaza Peninsula, northwest Madagascar, with Acoustic Monitoring of its Nocturnal Calling activity. ZooKeys. 435: 111-132. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.435.7383

A new species of endemic treefrog from Madagascar

eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-08/pp-ans081814.php

[Herpetology • 2014] Sound Communication and Social Behavior in an Amazonian River Turtle Podocnemis expansa

 adult Giant South American river turtle Podocnemis expansa.
The turtle is the largest member of the side-necked turtle family and grows up to nearly 3 feet in length.

photo: C. Ferrara/Wildlife Conservation Society

Abstract

The social behavior of turtles during the nesting season can be attributed to a series of functions such as reducing predation, increasing hatchling survivorship, and information exchange between nesting females. However, the mechanism(s) used to remain in a group during the different phases of nesting behavior has yet to be explained. The objective of this study is to document the sounds produced by Giant South American River Turtle, Podocnemis expansa, during the nesting period, and identify how acoustic mechanisms might facilitate social behavior and group aggregation during this period. From September 2009 to October 2011, the sound repertoire of P. expansa was identified during the nesting period, which begins with the migration of the turtles from the flooded forests to the nesting beaches and terminates when the hatchlings emerge and the females migrate with the hatchlings to the flooded forests. Sounds were recorded when the turtles were active in different behavioral patterns (1) migrating; (2) aggregating in front of the nesting beaches before basking; (3) nesting at night; (4) waiting in the water without nesting or after they have nested; and (5) waiting for the arrival of the hatchlings. We observed six types of sound in the recordings of turtles made during the nesting period. These data indicate that this species is social, and that sound plays an important role in the synchronization of the activities of groups during the nesting season.

Keywords: Giant South American River Turtle, Migration, Nesting, Underwater vocalizations

Camila Rudge Ferrara, Richard C. Vogt, Renata S. Sousa-Lima, Bruno M.R. Tardio and Virginia Campos Diniz Bernardes. 2014. Sound Communication and Social Behavior in an Amazonian River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa). Herpetologica. 70(2):149- 156.
DOI: 10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-13-00050R2

Scientists study 'talking' turtles in Brazilian Amazon

 Turtles are well known for their longevity and protective shells, but it turns out these reptiles use sound to stick together and care for young. Scientists working in the Brazilian Amazon have found that Giant South American river turtles actually use several different kinds of vocal communication to coordinate their social behaviors, including one used by female turtles to call to their newly hatched offspring in what is the first instance of recorded parental care in turtles.

http://sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140814191526.htm

http://squamates.blogspot.com/2014/08/vocal-communication-in-amazon-river.html

[Ichthyology • 2014] Esox aquitanicus | Aquitanian pike | brochet aquitain • Morphological and Molecular Evidence of Three Species of Pikes Esox spp. (Actinopterygii, Esocidae) in France, including the Description of A New Species

  

Fig. 3. Holotype of Esox aquitanicus MNHN 2013-1246, 372 mm SL,
coloration alive (a), and after fixation in formalin (b).

Abstract

This integrative taxonomy study of French pikes compares morphological characters and molecular sequence data (mitochondrial COI and nuclear Plagl2 genes). In addition to the expected E. lucius, DNA sequences and morphology both support a new species in France, E. aquitanicus sp. nov. from the Charente to the Adour drainages. It is characterized by a color pattern of sides with narrow 1–1.5-scale-wide oblique vertical bands, conferring it a marbled coat, a snout only 0.9 times larger than the postorbital length, an anal fin basis 1.1–1.2 times larger than the caudal peduncle length, 101 to 121 lateral scales, 53 to 57 vertebrae, as well as 24 diagnostic sites in the COI gene and 3 in the Plagl2 gene. Partial COI sequences (131 bp) from modern and historical specimens indicate also the presence of E. cisalpinus and E. lucius during the 19th century in Lake Geneva. Morphological and molecular data points to a possible hybridization between E. lucius with both other local pike species, representing a risk for them. Their endangerment status should be evaluated rapidly in order to take conservation measures.

Keywords: Esox aquitanicus; Esox cisalpinus; New species; Integrative taxonomy; Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1; Pleiomorphic adenoma gene-like 2; France

Etymology: The specific name aquitanicus is the adjective of Aquitania referring to the region of southwestern France, Aquitaine, where the species was discovered. For this reason, the vernacular name chosen is “Aquitanian pike” (“brochet aquitain” in French).

Gaël Pierre Julien Denysa, Agnès Dettaib, Henri Persatc, Mélyne Hautecœura and Philippe Keitha. 2014. Morphological and Molecular Evidence of Three Species of Pikes Esox spp. (Actinopterygii, Esocidae) in France, including the Description of A New Species [Évidence morphologique et moléculaire de trois espèces de brochets Esox spp. (Actinopterygii, Esocidae) en France, dont la description d’une nouvelle espèce] Comptes Rendus Biologies. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.crvi.2014.07.002

[Herpetology • 2014] Anatomy, Histology, and Systematic Implications of the Head Ornamentation in the Males of Four Species of Limnonectes (Anura: Dicroglossidae)

Figure 1. Appearance of caruncles in dorsal (top row), lateral (middle row), and frontal (bottom row) views of the four species of Limnonectes; Limnonectes dabanus (Smith, 1922), Limnonectes gyldenstolpei (Andersson, 1916), Limnonectes macrognathus (Boulenger, 1917), and Limnonectes plicatellus (Stoliczka, 1873)

Only the dorsal images are to scale. Scale bar: 1 cm. 

DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12171

ABSTRACT

The males of four species of the Asian frog genus Limnonectes [Limnonectes dabanus (Smith, 1922a), Limnonectes gyldenstolpei (Andersson, 1916), Limnonectes macrognathus (Boulenger, 1917), and Limnonectes plicatellus (Stoliczka, 1873)] exhibit remarkable ornamentation in the form of a swollen, or cap-like, structure (caruncle) on the top of their heads. These caruncles vary in their appearance among species, and neither their function nor their actual systematic value is known. We compared their anatomy via dissections, morphometrics, radiography, and histology, and analysed the available mitochondrial DNA sequences as well as new data to place these species within the context of a larger phylogenetic hypothesis for Limnonectes. Despite the externally different morphology, the underlying histological structure is virtually identical. Beneath skin that is densely packed with mucous glands lies a pad of connective tissue overlaying the parietal bone. The actual function of the caruncle, however, remains enigmatic. In addition to the presence of the caruncle, independent evidence from osteological characters and molecular data support the monophyly of a clade comprising of L. dabanus, L. gyldenstolpei, L. macrognathus, and L. plicatellus. The caruncles are therefore interpreted as a robust autapomorphy for this clade, and suggest that the subgenus Elachyglossa should be restricted to the four species in question.

Keywords: Elachyglossa; functional morphology; integrative taxonomy; Limnonectes dabanus; Limnonectes gyldenstolpei; Limnonectes macrognathus; Limnonectes plicatellus; phylogeny; Ranoidea; Southeast Asia

Figure 2. Head of a male Limnonectes gyldenstolpei, mediosagittally split. The actual specimen is shown on the left, whereas the right-hand image shows the H&E stained surface of the corresponding view. Note the flap-like caudad curve of the posterior margin of the caruncle (ca).

 Abbreviations: br, brain; ca, caruncle; to, tongue. Scale bar: 1 cm. 

DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12171

Figure 6. Simplified phylogram demonstrating the relationships among the caruncle-bearing Limnonectes, within the context of the genus Limnonectes and the Limnonectes kuhlii complex, based on a Bayesian analysis of 16S mtDNA sequences. Numbers above branches are Bayesian posterior probabilities.

  Fejervara limnocharis (Gravenhorst, 1829), Hoplobatrachus rugulosus (Wiegmann, 1834), and Occidozyga laevis (Günther, 1858) were used to root the tree (not shown).
DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12171

Markus Lambertz, Timo Hartmann, Shannon Walsh,  Peter Geissler and David S. McLeod. 2014. Anatomy, Histology, and Systematic Implications of the Head Ornamentation in the Males of Four Species of Limnonectes (Anura: Dicroglossidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.  DOI:  10.1111/zoj.12171

researchgate.net/publication/264499740_Anatomy_histology_and_systematic_implications_of_the_head_ornamentation_in_the_males_of_four_species_of_Limnonectes

200708 'KhaoChong' Herpetofauna |  facebook.com/pskhun

[Herpetology • 2014] Mexican Amber Anole Anolis electrum within A Phylogenetic Context: Implications for the Origins of Caribbean Anoles

Figure 1. The hindlimb and abdomen of Anolis electrum (UCMP 68496), as revealed by high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT; A,) and light microscopy (B). The specimen mainly comprises an air-filled void in the amber that outlines the right hindlimb, left hindtoe IV, and part of the abdomen.
(A) Skeleton and air-filled voids, in ventral view, are rendered opaque: the skeleton and mineralized skin are false-coloured white, the skin is false-coloured green, and an ant also preserved as an air-filled void is false-coloured brown. A yolk sac scar is clearly visible on the ventral side of the abdomen. The isolated left hindtoe IV lies on the ventral surface of the limb.
 (B) The limb and abdomen are clearly visible through the amber.

  DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12159

Abstract

Anoles are well-known examples of adaptive radiation and convergent evolution. Their phylogenetic relationships have been intensely studied, but their fossil record remains fairly poor, limiting our understanding of their evolutionary history. We present new data on Anolis electrum Lazell, 1965, the first discovered fossil anole and sole vertebrate described from Mexican amber, using X-ray computed tomography. We inferred the phylogenetic relationships of A. electrum and comment on its use in estimating the age of Anolis origins, which has significant relevance in explaining the presence of anoles on Caribbean islands. Anolis electrum is represented by two pieces of amber containing parts of the same individual. Partial squamation and skeleton details are well preserved, although only ten characters commonly used in phylogenetic analyses could be scored. The lack of informative characters resulted in A. electrum being inferred in 14 different places within four recognized subclades – Dactyloa, cristatellus series, darlingtoni series, and Norops – one of which corresponds to previously suggested close relationships. Results fail to support a suggested age estimation of 130 Myr for Anolis; consequently, the hypothesis of overwater dispersal as the explanation for the occurrence of anoles on Caribbean islands remains the most robust hypothesis.  

Keywords: Anolis electrum; Mexican amber; phylogenetics; X-ray computed tomography

Figure 1. The hindlimb and abdomen of Anolis electrum (UCMP 68496), as revealed by high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT; A, C, D) and light microscopy (B). The specimen mainly comprises an air-filled void in the amber that outlines the right hindlimb, left hindtoe IV, and part of the abdomen. (A) Skeleton and air-filled voids, in ventral view, are rendered opaque: the skeleton and mineralized skin are false-coloured white, the skin is false-coloured green, and an ant also preserved as an air-filled void is false-coloured brown. A yolk sac scar is clearly visible on the ventral side of the abdomen. The isolated left hindtoe IV lies on the ventral surface of the limb. (B) The limb and abdomen are clearly visible through the amber. (C) Close-up of the ventral view of the right foot and ant, showing details of the toepad lamellae. (D) Close-up of the dorsolateral view of the right hindfoot (excluding the ant) and the isolated left hindtoe IV, showing details of the limb and supradigital scales.

DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12159

Figure 2. The head, forelimbs, and partial body of Anolis electrum (UCMP 68497), as revealed by light microscopy
(A) and high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT; B, C). (B) The head and body comprises few skeletal elements obscured by mineralized soft tissue. An air-filled void surrounding the left forelimb reveals scale details from midway along the humerus to the digits. In the right forelimb, the humerus, ulna, radius, metacarpals, and phalanges of all five foretoes are preserved. (C) The skull dissected from the mineralized soft tissue shown in right lateral (left) and dorsal (right) views. For illustration purposes the skull is false-coloured by bone or bone complexes, in which sutures are not visible: green, frontal and postorbital; red, jugal and maxilla; purple, pterygoid and ectopterygoid; blue, dentary, coronoid, and surangular; yellow, parietal; and turquoise, quadrate. Abbreviations: cr, coronoid; d, dentary; ect, ectopterygoid; f, frontal; hu, humerus; j, jugal; mx, maxilla; par, parietal; pto, postorbital bar; ptr, pterygoid; q, quadrate; ra, radius; su, surangular; ul, ulna. | DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12159

María del Rosario Castañeda, Emma Sherratt and Jonathan B. Losos. 2014. The Mexican Amber Anole, Anolis electrum, within A Phylogenetic Context: Implications for the Origins of Caribbean Anoles. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1111/zoj.12159

The Fossil Species Anolis electrum Gets an X-ray Makeover
anoleannals.org/2014/08/14/the-fossil-species-anolis-electrum-gets-an-x-ray-makeover

[BioGeography / Ornithology • 2013] On the Origin of Pantepui Montane Biotas: A Perspective Based on the Phylogeny of Aulacorhynchus toucanets

Tepui Toucanet or Whitely's toucanet Aulacorhynchus whitelianus

illustration: John Gerrard Keulemans
Catalogue of the Birds in the British Museum. Volume 19 | en.wikipedia.org

ABSTRACT 

To understand the origin of Pantepui montane biotas, we studied the biogeography of toucanets in the genus Aulacorhynchus. These birds are ideal for analyzing historical relationships among Neotropical montane regions, given their geographic distribution from Mexico south to Bolivia, including northern Venezuela (Cordillera de la Costa), and the Pantepui. Analyses were based on molecular phylogenies using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences. Topology tests were applied to compare alternative hypotheses that may explain the current distribution of Aulacorhynchus toucanets, in the context of previous hypotheses of the origin of Pantepui montane biotas. Biogeographic reconstructions in RASP and Lagrange were used to estimate the ancestral area of the genus, and an analysis in BEAST was used to estimate a time framework for its diversification. A sister relationship between the Pantepui and Andes+Cordillera de la Costa was significantly more likely than topologies indicating other hypothesis for the origin of Pantepui populations. The Andes was inferred as the ancestral area for Aulacorhynchus, and the group has diversified since the late Miocene. The biogeographic patterns found herein, in which the Andes are the source for biotas of other regions, are consistent with those found for flowerpiercers and tanagers, and do not support the hypothesis of the geologically old Pantepui as a source of Neotropical montain diversity. Based on the high potential for cryptic speciation and isolation of Pantepui populations, we consider that phylogenetic studies of additional taxa are important from a conservation perspective.

Figure 1. Geographic distribution of species in Aulacorhynchus.
Subspecies in the Aulacorhynchus prasinus complex are shown as independent evolutionary units following Puebla-Olivares et al. and Bonaccorso et al.; taxonomy of South American species, other than A. prasinus, follows Remsen et al.

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067321.g001

Figure 3. Ancestral area reconstruction for species in the genus Aulacorhynchus.
Colors indicate geographic areas and combinations of up to two areas, and roman numerals indicate nodes of interest.
 A: Bayesian Binary MCMC Analysis in RASP; pie charts indicate the marginal probability of each area at nodes of interest; nodal support expressed as Bayesian posterior probabilities are showed above pie charts, with asterisks indicating Bayesian posterior probabilities = 1.00.
B: Dispersal-Extinction-Cladogenesis analysis in Lagrange; numbers above splits indicate their relative probability; for simplicity, only splits summing ≥70 relative probability are shown.

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067321.g003

 Elisa Bonaccorso and Juan M Guayasamin. 2013. On the Origin of Pantepui montane biotas: A Perspective Based on the Phylogeny of Aulacorhynchus toucanets. PLoS ONE. 8(6):e67321. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0067321 

researchgate.net/publication/248385863_On_the_Origin_of_Pantepui_montane_biotas_A_Perspective_Based_on_the_Phylogeny_of_Aulacorhynchus_toucanets

[Paleontology • 2014] Caiuajara dobruskii • Discovery of a Rare Pterosaur Bone Bed in a Cretaceous Desert with Insights on Ontogeny and Behavior of Flying Reptiles

three ontogenetic (growth) stages of the new pterosaur Caiuajara dobruskii
The skeletons of both adults and juvenile Caiuajara have bony protrusions in front of their eyes and crests on their heads.

 ILLUSTRATION Maurilio Oliveira/Museu Nacional-UFRJ

Abstract

A pterosaur bone bed with at least 47 individuals (wing spans: 0.65–2.35 m) of a new species is reported from southern Brazil from an interdunal lake deposit of a Cretaceous desert, shedding new light on several biological aspects of those flying reptiles. The material represents a new pterosaur, Caiuajara dobruskii gen. et sp. nov., that is the southermost occurrence of the edentulous clade Tapejaridae (Tapejarinae, Pterodactyloidea) recovered so far. Caiuajara dobruskii differs from all other members of this clade in several cranial features, including the presence of a ventral sagittal bony expansion projected inside the nasoantorbital fenestra, which is formed by the premaxillae; and features of the lower jaw, like a marked rounded depression in the occlusal concavity of the dentary. Ontogenetic variation of Caiuajara dobruskii is mainly reflected in the size and inclination of the premaxillary crest, changing from small and inclined (~115°) in juveniles to large and steep (~90°) in adults. No particular ontogenetic features are observed in postcranial elements. The available information suggests that this species was gregarious, living in colonies, and most likely precocial, being able to fly at a very young age, which might have been a general trend for at least derived pterosaurs.

Systematic Paleontology

Pterosauria Kaup, 1834

Pterodactyloidea Plieninger, 1901

Azhdarchoidea Nessov, 1984

Tapejaridae Kellner, 1989

Tapejarinae Kellner, 1989 sensu Kellner & Campos 

Caiuajara dobruskii gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Combination of Caiuá and Tapejara, the internal specifier of the Tapejarinae; species honors Alexandre Dobruski, who with his son, João Dobruski, found the new site back in 1971.

Type locality, horizon and age: Cruzeiro do Oeste, Paraná State, Brazil; Bauru Basin, Caiuá Group, Goio-Erê Formation, Upper Cretaceous

Paulo C. Manzig, Alexander W. A. Kellner, Luiz C. Weinschütz, Carlos E. Fragoso, Cristina S. Vega, Gilson B. Guimarães, Luiz C. Godoy, Antonio Liccardo, João H. Z. Ricetti and Camila C. de Moura. 2014. Discovery of a Rare Pterosaur Bone Bed in a Cretaceous Desert with Insights on Ontogeny and Behavior of Flying Reptiles. PLOS ONE. 9(8): e100005. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100005

Bones from nearly 50 ancient flying reptiles discovered

 A stash of buried bones in Brazil has allowed scientists to identify a new species of flying dinosaur that soared in the skies 66 to 100 million years ago, a study said Wednesday.

http://phys.org/news/2014-08-stash-bones-reveals-species-dinosaur.html

New Flying Reptile Found in"Unprecedented" Pterosaur Boneyard

Forty-seven pterosaur skeletons unearthed at Brazilian site  http://on.natgeo.com/1r9D7uu via @NatGeo

[Herpetology • 2014] A Review of Northern Peruvian Glassfrogs (Centrolenidae), with the Description of Four New Remarkable Species

Centrolene charapita 

Twomey, Delia & Castroviejo-Fisher. 2014

ABSTRACT 

Peru is well known for amphibian diversity and endemism, yet there have been relatively few field studies of glassfrog (Centrolenidae) diversity in this country. Research in Colombia and Ecuador indicates that centrolenid diversity is higher in the northern Andes. However, part of this trend appears to be due to sampling effort. We conducted fieldwork throughout northern Peru, and based on phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences, combined with bioacoustic and morphological analyses of new and available material we now recognize 33 species from the country (versus 30 species prior to this work). Field surveys led to the discovery of four remarkable species: Centrolene charapita new species is a large, ornamented glassfrog that appears to be sister to Ce. geckoideum; Chimerella corleone new species represents the second- known member of the genus Chimerella; Cochranella guayasamini new species is the second-known member of the genus with humeral spines; and Hyalinobatrachium anachoretus new species occurs in the cloud forest of the east-Andean versant in Peru. In addition to the new species described here, we provide new country records, new localities including range extensions of up to 875 km, information on diagnostic characters and phylogenetic relationships, call and larval descriptions, and observations on natural history for several Peruvian centrolenids. Our results also revealed several taxonomic problems concerning species of the genus Rulyrana, and we conclude that R. croceopodes and R. tangarana are junior synonyms of R. saxiscandens. By implication of our phylogenetic analyses, we recognize the following new com- binations: Espadarana audax new combination, Espadarana durrelorum new combination, and Espadarana fernandoi new combination.

Keywords: Amphibians, Bioacoustics, Biodiversity, Integrative taxonomy, New species, Phylogenetics, Peru

Chimerella spp. 

Cochranella guayasamini

Hyalinobatrachium anachoretus

 Evan Twomey, Jesse Delia and Santiago Castroviejo-Fisher. 2014. A Review of Northern Peruvian Glassfrogs (Centrolenidae), with the Description of Four New Remarkable Species. Zootaxa. 3851(1):1-87. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3851.1.1

researchgate.net/publication/264622878_A_review_of_Northern_Peruvian_glassfrogs_%28Centrolenidae%29_with_the_description_of_four_new_remarkable_species

[Herpetology • 2014] Insights into Himalayan Biogeography from Geckos: A Molecular Phylogeny of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae)

Fig. 1. Map of the circum-Himalayan region showing sampling locations of Himalayan and Indo-Burmese Cyrtodactylus.
Numbered localities are referenced in Table 1; multiple samples of a species are numbered serially; colors correspond to clades marked in Fig. 2: Blue = Clade F, brown = Clade E, cyan = Clade A, green = Clade B, orange = Clade N, pink = Clade L, purple = Clade G, red = Clade H, yellow = Clade M. Major rivers are marked by a bold line and capitalized text, areas used in ancestral area reconstruction delineated by dotted lines and river courses, labelled with underlined text (refer to methods for definitions). The Indo-Gangetic Flood Plains (dotted arrows indicate the extent) lie south of the Himalayas and the Garo-Rajmahal Gap separates the Shillong Plateau and Rajmahal Hills. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)

DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2014.07.018

Highlights

• Species diversity vastly underestimated – 16 potentially new Cyrtodactylus from the Himalayas and NE India.

• Diversification within Cyrtodactylus tracks the India–Asia collision and subsequent geological events.

• A number of geographically concordant clades are resolved within Indo-Burmese Cyrtodactylus.

ABSTRACT  

The India–Asia collision profoundly influenced the climate, topography and biodiversity of Asia, causing the formation of the biodiverse Himalayas. The species-rich gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus is an ideal clade for exploring the biological impacts of the India–Asia collision, as previous phylogenetic hypotheses suggest basal divergences occurred within the Himalayas and Indo-Burma during the Eocene. To this end, we sampled for Cyrtodactylus across Indian areas of the Himalayas and Indo-Burma Hotspots and used three genes to reconstruct relationships and estimate divergence times. Basal divergences in Cyrtodactylus, Hemidactylus and the Palaearctic naked-toed geckos were simultaneous with or just preceded the start of the India–Asia collision. Diversification within Cyrtodactylus tracks the India–Asia collision and subsequent geological events. A number of geographically concordant clades are resolved within Indo-Burmese Cyrtodactylus. Our study reveals 17 divergent lineages that may represent undescribed species, underscoring the previously undocumented diversity of the region. The importance of rocky habitats for Cyrtodactylus indicates the Indo-Gangetic flood plains and the Garo-Rajmahal Gap are likely to have been important historical barriers for this group.

Fig. 3. Bayesian timetree of Cyrtodactylus showing ML ancestral range reconstructions with probabilities from BBM analysis shown diagonally below and to the left of key nodes (pie charts). Blue bars at nodes represent 95% HPD, branches are colored by distributional area (areas shown in Fig. 1, details in methods). Timing of major geological events indicated in top row, distributions of Cyrtodactylus clades relative to major rivers indicated on branches.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2014.07.018

 Ishan Agarwal, Aaron M Bauer, Todd R Jackman and K Praveen Karanth. 2014. Insights into Himalayan Biogeography from Geckos: A Molecular Phylogeny of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.  DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2014.07.018