[Ichthyology • 2020] Rakthamichthys gen. nov. • Osteology of ‘Monopterus’ roseni with the Description of A New Genus (Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae), and Comments on the Generic Assignment of the Amphipnous Group Species

Rakthamichthys digressus (Gopi. 2002)

in Britz, Dahanukar, Standing, Philip, Kumar & Raghavan, 2020. 

DOI: 10.23788/IEF-1163

 facebook.com/RajeevRaghavan98 

We provide a detailed description of the head and shoulder girdle osteology of the holotype of the synbranchid ‘Monopterus’ roseni Bailey & Gans. Collected from a well in Kerala, this subterranean synbranchid shows a number of unique and highly derived characters in the gill arch skeleton. In ‘Monopterus’ roseni, basibranchial 2 does not articulate with basibranchial 1, but is situated more posteriorly between the proximal ends of hypobranchials 2, with which it articulates; and ceratobranchial 2 does not articulate with hypobranchial 2, but is offset posteriorly so that the distal tip of hypobranchial 2 is situated in between the proximal ends of ceratobranchial 1 and 2. Based on these striking osteological differences and a combination of additional diagnostic characters, we erect the new genus Rakthamichthys with the type species Monopterus roseni. We also include the other two southern Indian subterranean species formerly referred to as M. indicus Eapen (= M. eapeni Talwar) and M. digressus Gopi in the new genus Rakthamichthys along with the northeast Indian M. rongsaw Britz, Sykes, Gower & Kamei. Rakthamichthys also differs genetically from the other Asian genera of synbranchids, Monopterus and Ophichthys, by an uncorrected p-distance of 18.9-23.9 % in the cox1 barcoding gene. We further resurrect the genus name Typhlosynbranchus Pellegrin for the two West African species ‘M.’ boueti and ‘M.’ luticolus. 

Rakthamichthys roseni (Bailey & Gans 1998) 

Rakthamichthys digressus (Gopi. 2002) 

 Ralf Britz, Neelesh Dahanukar, Ariane Standing, Siby Philip, Biju Kumar and Rajeev Raghavan. 2020. Osteology of ‘Monopterus’ roseni with the Description of Rakthamichthys, New Genus, and Comments on the Generic Assignment of the Amphipnous Group Species (Teleostei: Synbranchiformes). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. IEF-1163; 1-16. DOI: 10.23788/IEF-1163

 pfeil-verlag.de/publikationen/osteology-of-monopterus-roseni-with-the-description-of-rakthamichthys-new-genus-and-comments-on-the-generic-assignment-of-the-amphipnous-group-species

 facebook.com/RajeevRaghavan98/posts/10157306987080938

Researchgate.net/publication/347975439_Rakthamichthys_new_genus

Swamp eel: Blood-red subterranean dweller is newest fish genus discovered

 phys.org/news/2021-01-swamp-eel-blood-red-subterranean-dweller.html

    

[Arachnida • 2020] The Systematics and Phylogenetic Position of the Troglobitic Australian Spider Genus Troglodiplura (Araneae : Mygalomorphae), with A New Classification for Anamidae

An adult female of Troglodiplura sp. ‘MYG602’.

in Harvey, Rix, Hillyer & Huey, 2020.

DOI: 10.1071/IS20034 

 (Image by Paul Devine) museum.WA.gov.au 

Abstract

Compared with araneomorph spiders, relatively few mygalomorph spiders have evolved an obligate existence in subterranean habitats. The trapdoor spider genus Troglodiplura Main, 1969 and its sole named species T. lowryi Main, 1969 is endemic to caves on the Nullarbor Plain of southern Australia, and is one of the world’s most troglomorphic mygalomorph spiders. However, its systematic position has proved to be difficult to ascertain, largely due to a lack of preserved adults, with all museum specimens represented only by cuticular fragments, degraded specimens or preserved juveniles. The systematic placement of Troglodiplura has changed since it was first described as a member of the Dipluridae, with later attribution to Nemesiidae and then back to Dipluridae. The most recent hypothesis specifically allied Troglodiplura with the Neotropical subfamily Diplurinae, and therefore was assumed to have no close living relatives in Australia. We obtained mitochondrial sequence data from one specimen of Troglodiplura to test these two competing hypotheses, and found that Troglodiplura is a member of the family Anamidae (which was recently separated from the Nemesiidae). We also reassess the morphology of the cuticular fragments of specimens from several different caves, and hypothesise that along with T. lowryi there are four new troglobitic species, here named T. beirutpakbarai Harvey & Rix, T. challeni Harvey & Rix, T. harrisi Harvey & Rix, and T. samankunani Harvey & Rix, each of which is restricted to a single cave system and therefore severely threatened by changing environmental conditions within the caves. The first descriptions and illustrations of the female spermathecae of Troglodiplura are provided. The family Anamidae is further divided into two subfamilies, with the Anaminae Simon containing Aname L. Koch, 1873, Hesperonatalius Castalanelli, Huey, Hillyer & Harvey, 2017, Kwonkan Main, 1983, Swolnpes Main & Framenau, 2009 and Troglodiplura, and the Teylinae Main including Chenistonia Hogg, 1901, Namea Raven, 1984, Proshermacha Simon, 1909, Teyl Main, 1975 and Teyloides Main, 1985.

 

Keywords: Australasia, Avicularioidea, molecular phylogenetics, Nemesioidina, taxonomy.

Family Anamidae Simon, 1889

Subfamily Teylinae Main, 1985, stat. nov. 

Included genera: Chenistonia Hogg, 1901, Namea Raven, 1984, Proshermacha Simon, 1909, Teyl Main, 1975 and Teyloides Main, 1985. 

Subfamily Anaminae Simon, 1889

Included genera: Aname L. Koch, 1873, Hesperonatalius Castalanelli, Huey, Hillyer & Harvey, 2017, Kwonkan Main, 1983, Swolnpes Main & Framenau, 2009 and Troglodiplura Main, 1969 (the latter tentatively included; see Results and Discussion, above). 

Genus Troglodiplura Main, 1969 

Type species: Troglodiplura lowryi Main, 1969, by monotypy.

Troglodiplura lowryi Main, 1969

Troglodiplura challeni Harvey & Rix, sp. nov. 

 Etymology: This species is named for Dr Craig Challen, in recognition of his contributions to cave diving and in particular his role in the rescue of 12 students and their coach from Tham Luang Nang Non cave, Thailand, in 2018. 

Troglodiplura harrisi Harvey & Rix, sp. nov.

Etymology: This species is named for Dr Richard Harris, in recognition of his contributions to cave diving and in particular his role in the rescue of 12 students and their coach from Tham Luang Nang Non cave, Thailand, in 2018. 

Troglodiplura beirutpakbarai Harvey & Rix, sp. nov. 

Etymology: This species is named for the late Beirut Pakbara, who assisted in the rescue of 12 students and their coach from Tham Luang Nang Non cave, Thailand, in 2018, but tragically died from a resulting infection in 2019. 

Troglodiplura samankunani Harvey & Rix, sp. nov.

Etymology: This species is named for the late Saman Kunan (1980–2018), in memory of his role in the rescue of 12 students and their coach from Tham Luang Nang Non cave, Thailand, in 2018. 

An adult female of Troglodiplura sp. ‘MYG602’.

 (Image by Paul Devine museum.WA.gov.au)

Troglodiplura sp. ‘MYG602’

Mark S. Harvey, Michael G. Rix, Mia J. Hillyer and Joel A. Huey. 2020. The Systematics and Phylogenetic Position of the Troglobitic Australian Spider Genus Troglodiplura (Araneae : Mygalomorphae), with A New Classification for Anamidae. Invertebrate Systematics. 34(8); 799-822. DOI: 10.1071/IS20034

 B. Y. Main.1969. A blind mygalomorph spider from a Nullarbor Plain cave. Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Western Australia. 52: 9–11.

Rare species of cave-dwelling spiders named in honour of Thai cave rescuers

museum.WA.gov.au/about/latest-news/rare-species-cave-dwelling-spiders-named-honour-thai-cave-rescuers

[Botany • 2015] Hymenaea fariana (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) • A New Species of Hymenaea with A Revised Identification Key to the Genus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

 Hymenaea fariana R.D.Ribeiro, D.B.O.S.Cardoso & H.C.Lima 

in Ribeiro, Cardoso & Lima, 2015. 

DOI: 10.1600/036364415X686440

Researchgate.net/publication/274265247

Abstract

New species of the caesalpinioid legume genus Hymenaea (Detarieae s. str. clade) have not been discovered in the last 40 yr. This study describes and illustrates the striking new species Hymenaea fariana from the few known collections made in the Atlantic Forest biome of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. The new species has close morphological affinities to H. altissima, from which it is readily distinguished by the mainly shrubby to small tree habit and lanceolate to oblanceolate petals with a well-differentiated petal claw. An updated identification key to the Atlantic Forest species of Hymenaea is also provided.

Keywords:— Caesalpinioideae, Detarieae, Fabaceae, morphology, restinga costal forest, taxonomy.

Fig. 1. Hymenaea fariana R.D.Ribeiro, D.B.O.S.Cardoso & H.C.Lima.
A. Flowering branch. B. Bracteoles (adaxial and abaxial views). C. Floral bud. D. Petal when in floral bud. E. Flower. F. Petal from a mature flower. G. Gynoecium. H. Fruit [All from the holotype, R. D. Ribeiro et al. 825 (RB)].

Fig. 2. A. The more common shrubby habit of the new species  Hymenaea fariana. B-C. Inflorescences. D. Close-up of the flowers [All from the holotype, R. D. Ribeiro et al. 825 (RB)].

All photographs by José Eduardo Meireles.

Hymenaea fariana R. D. Ribeiro, D. B. O. S. Cardoso & H. C. Lima, sp. nov.

Etymology—The specific epithet of the new species honours Sergio Miana de Faria, a Brazilian scientist at Embrapa Agrobiologia in Serope´dica, Rio de Janeiro, who has greatly contributed to the study of nitrogen fixation in nodulating legumes.

Robson Daumas Ribeiro, Domingos Benício Oliveira Silva Cardoso and Haroldo Cavalcante de Lima. 2015. A New Species of Hymenaea (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) with A Revised Identification Key to the Genus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Systematic Botany, 40(1);151-156. DOI: 10.1600/036364415X686440

Researchgate.net/publication/274265247_A_New_Species_of_Hymenaea_from_Brazilian_Atlantic_Forest

[Botany • 2020] Rediscovery and Taxonomic Placement of Solanum polyphyllum Phil. (Solanaceae), A Narrow Endemic from the Chilean Atacama Desert

Solanum polyphyllum Phil.

in Moreira-Muñoz et Muñoz-Schick, 2020. 

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.156.53703

Abstract

Although the original description of Solanum polyphyllum Phil. was made in 1891, this species was not seen until it was re-discovered 128 years later in 2019 in the Atacama Desert. Fruits and seeds were previously unknown and a complete description is provided here. This species was not treated in the most recent monograph of Solanum sect. Regmandra, but it should be incorporated in this section due to its glabrous, sessile and entire leaves, which are decurrent onto the stem. Morphologically, S. polyphyllum is similar to S. paposanum, also of section Regmandra, but differs in the entire leaves (against margins with 4–5 acute lobes in S. paposanum) and glabrous leaves (moderately pubescent adaxially and velutinous abaxially in S. paposanum). The rediscovery of S. polyphyllum at a new locality at the same altitudinal belt as the type, re-affirms its restricted distribution and endemism and supports a potential conservation status as an endangered species.

Keywords: Chile, rediscovery, Regmandra, Solanum, Solanum polyphyllum, Solanum sect., Tarapacá Region

Figure 2. Solanum polyphyllum Phil. at an alluvial cone at the Tarapacá precordillera
A habitat B flower details C leaves D flower E calyx F fruits G seeds H habit.

Photos by A. Moreira-Muñoz, drawings by M. Muñoz-Schick.

Solanum polyphyllum Phil., Anales Museo Nacional, Botánica 2: 64, 1891

 

Distribution: Endemic to the Atacama desert of northern Chile; only known from two localities in the precordillera of Tamarugal province, Tarapacá region.

Ecology and habitat: Solanum polyphyllum grows between loose rocks of an alluvial cone on the north side of the Camiña river. It corresponds to a plant of 100 cm high, erect stems, very blue flowers and green-orange berries. The population is composed of only a dozen exemplars. The vegetation of the site is an open bush of low coverage (15%). Other species present on the site are: Cistanthe amarantoides (Phil.) Carolin ex Hershkovitz (Montiaceae), Encelia oblongifolia DC., Helogyne apaloidea Nutt. (both Asteraceae), Malesherbia tenuifolia D.Don (Passifloraceae), Huidobria fruticosa Phil. (Loasaceae), Allionia incarnata L. (Nyctaginaceae) and Exodeconus integrifolius (Phil.) Axelius (Solanaceae).

Conservation status: The limited representation in herbaria, as well as the low abundance in the field, makes the Solanum polyphyllum a candidate for threatened status. Due to its distribution in the two known locations of Compe and Pachica it is Data Deficient, pending further field work. Solanum polyphyllum potentially could be found in Isluga National Park but new surveys are required to corroborate its presence in this protected area.

 Andres Moreira-Muñoz and Melica Muñoz-Schick. 2020. Rediscovery and Taxonomic Placement of Solanum polyphyllum Phil. (Solanaceae), A Narrow Endemic from the Chilean Atacama Desert.  PhytoKeys. 156: 47-54. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.156.53703

[Fungi • 2021] Three New Species of Inosperma (Agaricales, Inocybaceae) from Tropical Africa; Inosperma africanum, I. bulbomarginatum & I. flavobrunneum

Macromorphology of: A Inosperma africanum; B Inosperma bulbomarginatum; 
& Inosperma flavobrunneum 

Aïgnon, Yorou & Ryberg

in Aïgnon, Jabeen, ... et Ryberg, 2021. 

DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.77.60084

Abstract

Here, we describe three new species of Inosperma from Tropical Africa: Inosperma africanum, I. bulbomarginatum and I. flavobrunneum. Morphological and molecular data show that these species have not been described before, hence need to be described as new. The phylogenetic placements of these species were inferred, based on molecular evidence from sequences of 28S and RPB2. Additional analysis using ITS dataset shows interspecific variation between each species. Phylogenetic analyses resolve I. flavobrunneum in Old World Tropical clade 1 with weak support, I. bulbomarginatum is sister of Old World Tropical clade 1 and I. africanum is indicated as sister to the rest of Inosperma. Complete description and illustrations, including photographs and line drawings, are presented for each species. A new combination of Inocybe shawarensis into Inosperma is also proposed.

Keywords: Ectomycorrhizal, molecular systematics, phylogeny, taxonomy, West Africa

Figure 2. Macromorphology of:
A Inosperma africanum (HLA0383) B Inosperma bulbomarginatum (MR00357) C, D Inosperma flavobrunneum (HLA0367). Scale bar: 1 cm.

 Inosperma africanum Aïgnon, Yorou & Ryberg, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Inosperma africanum is distinct from all species of Inosperma and truly outstanding by its vinaceous to red colouration.

Distribution: Currently known from Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Togo.

Ecology: Scattered in Tropical Woodlands dominated by Isoberlinia doka and I. tomentosa or gallery forests dominated by Berlina grandiflora.

Etymology: africanum, referring to the distribution in Africa.

 Inosperma bulbomarginatum Aïgnon, Yorou & Ryberg, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Inosperma bulbomarginatum differs from I. flavobrunneum by the smaller size of its basidiomata and larger basidiospores. It is phylogenetically distinct from all other undescribed African Inosperma in Old World Tropical clade 2

Distribution: Currently known from Benin and Zambia.

Ecology: Scattered in Woodland dominated by Isoberlinia doka and I. tomentosa.

Etymology: bulbomarginatum referring to the presence of a marginate bulb at the base of the stipe.

  Inosperma flavobrunneum Aïgnon, Yorou & Ryberg, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Characterised by yellow to orange-brown pileus, 7–12 × 4–7 μm smooth, thick-walled, ellipsoid basidiospores with cheilocystidia measuring 23–41 × 7–10 μm, clavate, thin-walled.

Distribution: Currently known only from Benin in Soudano-Guinean zone.

Ecology: Gregarious under Woodland dominated by Isoberlinia doka, I. tomentosa and Monotes kerstingii Gilg.

Etymology: flavobrunneum referring to yellow to dark brown pileus.

Hyppolite L. Aïgnon, Sana Jabeen, Arooj Naseer, Nourou S. Yorou and Martin Ryberg. 2021. Three New Species of Inosperma (Agaricales, Inocybaceae) from Tropical Africa. MycoKeys. 77: 97-116. DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.77.60084

[Ichthyology • 2020] Egglestonichthys fulmen • A New Species of Egglestonichthys (Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from Okinawa Island, Japan

Egglestonichthys fulmen 

Fujiwara, Suzuki & Motomura, 2020

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1006.58874

Abstract

Egglestonichthys fulmen sp. nov. (Teleostei: Gobiidae) is described on the basis of a single specimen (21.7 mm in standard length) collected from 250 m depth off Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan. The new species is characterized by the following combination of characters: anal-fin rays I, 9; pectoral-fin rays 17, lower rays not free from membrane; longitudinal scale series 25; transverse scales 8; pre-dorsal-fin scale rows 8; cheek and opercle naked; pelvic frenum absent; caudal fin lanceolate, its length 32.2% of SL; interorbital width very narrow, 1.2% of HL (much narrower than pupil diameter); no spicules or odontoid processes on outer surface of gill arches; and body whitish, upper half with broken zigzag pattern of bright yellow patches and associated scattered black melanophores in fresh specimens (melanophores retained in preserved specimens). Several characters, including pectoral-fin ray count, interorbital width, and coloration uniquely distinguish the new species from congeners.

Keywords: Deepwater, description, morphology, Ryukyu Islands, taxonomy

Figure 1. Holotype of Egglestonichthys fulmen sp. nov., OMNH-P 43993, 21.7 mm SL, Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan
A fresh coloration B preserved coloration C radiograph.

Figure 2. Sketches of head region of Egglestonichthys fulmen sp. nov. based on OMNH-P 43993, holotype, 21.7 mm SL. Note that sensory papillae have been abraded during capture
A dorsal view B lateral view C ventral view.

AN and PN indicate anterior and posterior nostrils, respectively. Arrowheads indicate anteroventral end of gill opening. Scale bar: 1 mm.

Egglestonichthys fulmen sp. nov.

  New English name: Eggleston’s Lightning Goby 

New standard Japanese name: Raitei-haze

  

Diagnosis: A species of Egglestonichthys (Fig. 1) with the following combination of characters: anal-fin rays I, 9; pectoral-fin rays 17, lower rays connected by membrane; longitudinal series scales 25; transverse scales 8; pre-dorsal-fin scale rows 8; cheek and opercle naked (Fig. 2B); pelvic frenum absent; caudal fin lanceolate, its length 32.2% of SL; interorbital width very narrow, 1.2% of HL (much narrower than pupil diameter) (Fig. 2A); no spicules or odontoid processes on outer surface of gill arches; and body whitish, upper half with broken zigzag pattern of bright yellow patches and associated scattered black melanophores in fresh specimens (melanophores retained in preserved specimens) (Fig. 1A, B).

Distribution: Currently recorded only from Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, from a depth of 250 m.

Etymology: The specific name “fulmen” is derived from Latin, meaning “lightning”, in reference to the bright yellow zigzag pattern on the upper part of the body.

 Kyoji Fujiwara, Toshiyuki Suzuki and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2020. A New Species of Egglestonichthys (Teleostei, Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from Okinawa Island, Japan. ZooKeys. 1006: 91-98. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1006.58874

[Botany • 2020] Aa tenebrosa • Aa (Orchidaceae) of Southern Central Andes: Taxonomy, Nomenclature, and A New Species with Dark Flowers

Aa tenebrosa C.M. Martın & G.J. Scrocchi

in Martín, Zanotti & Scrocchi, 2020.

DOI: 10.1600/036364420X16033962925178 

 Researchgate.net/publication/342328170

 twitter.com/UEL_conicet

Abstract 

A new species, Aa tenebrosa , from the Yungas Montane Grasslands is described, illustrated, and compared to similar species. Descriptions, brief taxonomic notes, and data on the ecology of Aa species from the Southern Central Andes (Argentina) are provided.

Keywords: Chorology; Yungas Montane Grasslands; morphological comparison

Aa tenebrosa C.M. Martın & G.J. Scrocchi sp. nov.

Etymology— From the Latin tenebra (darkness, shadow, obscurity) in reference to the colour of the flowers.

Five species of Aa were recognized for the southern central Andes: Aa achalensis, Aa fiebrigii, Aa hieronymi, Aa weddelliana, and Aa tenebrosa.

 

  Claudia M. Martín, Christian A. Zanotti and Gustavo J. Scrocchi. 2020. Aa (Orchidaceae) of Southern Central Andes: Taxonomy, Nomenclature, and A New Species with Dark Flowers.  Systematic Botany. 45(4); 760-766. DOI: 10.1600/036364420X16033962925178

  Researchgate.net/publication/342328170_Aa_of_Southern_Central_Andes

Aa (Orchidaceae) del sur de los Andes centrales: Taxonomía, nomenclatura, y una nueva especie con flores oscuras

inecoa-unju.conicet.gov.ar/aa-orchidaceae-del-sur-de-los-andes-centrales-taxonomia-nomenclatura-y-una-nueva-especie-con-flores-oscuras/

 

The new species, Aa tenebrosa, is recognized as the second dark-flowered species of the genus. The first species described with dark flowers was leucantha, endemic to the Northern Andes (Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador).

The new species is distinguished by flower segments up to 2 mm (versus more than 3 mm in leucantha), pubescent rachis (versus glabrous in A. leucantha), and totally hairy ovary (versus hairy ovary at the apex in A. leucantha).

Aa tenebrosa grows in the Montane Grasslands of the Yungas (southern Central Andes) and leucantha grows in the Páramo (northern Andes).

Five species of Aa were recognized for the southern central Andes: Aa achalensis, Aa fiebrigii, Aa hieronymi, Aa weddelliana, and Aa tenebrosa.

Descriptions, taxonomic notes and data on the ecology of Aa species from the southern central Andes are provided.

Aa (Orchidaceae) del sur de los Andes centrales: Taxonomía, Nomenclatura, y una Nueva especie con flores oscuras

La nueva especie, Aa tenebrosa, es reconocida como la segunda especie de flores oscuras de dicho género. La primera especie descripta con flores oscuras fue leucantha, endémica de Los Andes del Norte (Colombia, Venezuela y Ecuador).

La nueva especie se distingue por los segmentos florales de hasta 2 mm (versus más de 3 mm en leucantha), raquis pubescente (versus glabro en A. leucantha) y ovario totalmente piloso (versus ovario piloso en el ápice en A. leucantha).

Aa tenebrosa crece en los Pastizales Montanos de las Yungas (sur de Los Andes Centrales) y leucantha crece en el Páramo (Andes del norte).

Se reconocieron cinco especies de Aa para el sur de los Andes centrales: Aa achalensis, Aa fiebrigii, Aa hieronymi, Aa weddelliana y Aa tenebrosa.

Se proporcionan descripciones, notas taxonómicas y datos sobre la ecología de las especies Aa del sur de los Andes centrales.

Nueva especie de orquidea de las yungas, Aa tenebrosa, se encuentra entre 3500 y 3730 m.a. Es la unica especie del grupo con flores de coloración oscura. Link para la publicación, con la participación del Dr. Scrocchi

 twitter.com/UEL_conicet/status/1352678757576957952

[Entomology • 2021] Bolbelasmus (Bolbelasmus) zagrosensis • A New Species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Bolboceratidae) from Iran, Along with An Updated Key to the western Palaearctic Species of the Subgenus

  

Bolbelasmus (Bolbelasmus) zagrosensis 

Sommer, Hillert, Hrůzová & Král, 2021

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4920.3.4

Abstract

Bolbelasmus (Bolbelasmus) zagrosensis Sommer, Hillert, Hrůzová & Král, new species, from Iran is described, illustrated and compared with its congeners known from the western Palaearctic region. An updated key to the western Palaearctic species of the nominotypical subgenus is provided. New country record of B. (B.) nireus (Reitter, 1895) from Greece (island of Rhodes) is reported. Distribution of B. (B.) makrisi Miessen, 2011, B. (B.) nireus and the new species is summarized and mapped.

Keywords: Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea, Bolboceratidae, Bolboceratinae, Bolbelasmus, taxonomy, new species, distribution, Iran, Rhodes, Palaearctic region

Bolbelasmus (Bolbelasmus) zagrosensis Sommer, Hillert, Hrůzová & Král

David Sommer, Oliver Hillert, Lucie Hrůzová and David Král. 2021. Bolbelasmus (Bolbelasmus) zagrosensis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Bolboceratidae), A New Species from Iran, Along with An Updated Key to the western Palaearctic Species of the Subgenus. Zootaxa. 4920(3); 380–394. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4920.3.4

[Botany • 2020] Lost and Found: Rediscovery of Ruellia bella Craib (Acanthaceae) After Over A Century, and First Record of This Species in Myanmar

Ruellia bella Craib

in Naive & Hein, 2020. 

 DOI: 10.1002/fedr.202000026 

 english.CAS.cn 

 Abstract

A recent exploration of the Sagaing Region, Myanmar resulted in the re‐collection of Ruellia bella Craib, a long lost species previously known to be endemic to Thailand that was first described by Craib over 100 years ago. This study reports the first record of the species in Myanmar and presents an amended English description based on our newly collected material, colour photographs to aid accurate identification, and its proposed conservation status. An artificial key to the Ruellia species of Myanmar is provided below.

Keywords: Acanthaceae, lectotypification, new record, Ruellieae, tropical botany

Ruellia bella Craib.
A. Habit. B. Abaxial Leaf surface. C. Bracteole (left: adaxial surface; right: abaxial surface). D. Infructescence F. Inflorescence E. Peduncle and Calyx. G. Seeds.

photos: K.Z. Hein.

Ruellia bella Craib, 

Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 10: 366 (1918).  

Mark Arcebal K. Naive and Khant Zaw Hein. 2020. Lost and Found: Rediscovery of Ruellia bella Craib (Acanthaceae) After Over A Century, and First Record of This Species in Myanmar. Feddes Repertorium - Journal of Botanical Taxonomy and Geobotany. 131(4); 278-282. DOI: 10.1002/fedr.202000026

First record of long-lost Ruellia bella reported in Myanmar

 phys.org/news/2020-11-long-lost-ruellia-bella-myanmar.html

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[Entomology • 2021] Taxonomic Changes Resulting from A Review of the Types of Australian Anoplognathini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) housed in Swedish Natural History Collections

 

in Seidel & Reid, 2021. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4908.2.4

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Abstract

The type material of Australian Anoplognathini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) housed in Swedish natural history collections is reviewed, concerning three genera: Anoplognathus Leach, 1815, Amblyterus MacLeay, 1819, and Repsimus MacLeay, 1819. The species were described by G.J. Billberg, J.W. Dalman, L. Gyllenhal, C.J. Schönherr, O. Swartz, and C.P. Thunberg. The contemporary type material of W.S. MacLeay in the Macleay Museum, Sydney, is also examined as it has been overlooked by previous researchers. In total, type specimens for 12 species described between 1817 and 1822 were found in the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet in Stockholm the Evolutionsmuseet in Uppsala and the Macleay Museum. Five of these species are valid: Anoplognathus brunnipennis, (Gyllenhal, 1817); A. olivieri (Schönherr & Dalman, 1817); A. porosus (Dalman, 1817); Amblyterus cicatricosus (Gyllenhal, 1817); and Repsimus manicatus (Swartz, 1817). The other seven species are junior synonyms, as follows (senior synonym first): A. brunnipennis = Rutela chloropyga Thunberg, 1822 (new synonym); A. olivieri = Rutela lacunosa Thunberg, 1822 (new synonym); A. viridiaeneus (Donovan, 1805) = A. latreillei (Schönherr & Gyllenhal, 1817); A. viriditarsus Leach, 1815 = Rutela analis Dalman, 1817; and R. manicatus = Anoplognathus brownii W.J. MacLeay, 1819 = A. dytiscoides W. J. MacLeay, 1819 = Rutela ruficollis Thunberg, 1822 (new synonym). Authorship of A. latreillei and A. olivieri is corrected, as noted above. Anoplognathus brunnipennis has been misidentified for the last 60 years at least, leading to the synonymy noted above. Anoplognathus flavipennis Boisduval, 1835 (revised status), is reinstated as the oldest available name for the misidentified A. brunnipennis and the types of A. flavipennis in the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, are illustrated. Lectotypes are designated for: Anoplognathus brownii, A. flavipennis, A. dytiscoides, Melolontha cicatricosa, Rutela analis, R. brunnipennis, R. lacunosa, R. latreillei, R. manicata, R. olivieri, R. porosa, R. ruficollis, and R. chloropyga. Photographs of all type specimens examined are presented for the first time.

Keywords: Coleoptera, Australia, Sweden, history, synonymy, nomenclature, Christmas beetle, Repsimus, Anoplognathus, Amblyterus, Dalman, Gyllenhal, Swartz, Thunberg, MacLeay

 Matthias Seidel and Chris A.M. Reid. 2021. Taxonomic Changes Resulting from A Review of the Types of Australian Anoplognathini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) housed in Swedish Natural History Collections. 4908(2); 225–238. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4908.2.4

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[Herpetology • 2021] Brookesia nana • Extreme Miniaturization of A New Amniote Vertebrate and insights into the Evolution of Genital Size in Chameleons

Brookesia nana 

Glaw, Köhler, Hawlitschek, Ratsoavina, Rakotoarison, Scherz & Vences, 2021 

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80955-1 

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Abstract

Evolutionary reduction of adult body size (miniaturization) has profound consequences for organismal biology and is an important subject of evolutionary research. Based on two individuals we describe a new, extremely miniaturized chameleon, which may be the world’s smallest reptile species. The male holotype of Brookesia nana sp. nov. has a snout–vent length of 13.5 mm (total length 21.6 mm) and has large, apparently fully developed hemipenes, making it apparently the smallest mature male amniote ever recorded. The female paratype measures 19.2 mm snout–vent length (total length 28.9 mm) and a micro-CT scan revealed developing eggs in the body cavity, likewise indicating sexual maturity. The new chameleon is only known from a degraded montane rainforest in northern Madagascar and might be threatened by extinction. Molecular phylogenetic analyses place it as sister to B. karchei, the largest species in the clade of miniaturized Brookesia species, for which we resurrect Evoluticauda Angel, 1942 as subgenus name. The genetic divergence of B. nana sp. nov. is rather strong (9.9‒14.9% to all other Evoluticauda species in the 16S rRNA gene). A comparative study of genital length in Malagasy chameleons revealed a tendency for the smallest chameleons to have the relatively largest hemipenes, which might be a consequence of a reversed sexual size dimorphism with males substantially smaller than females in the smallest species. The miniaturized males may need larger hemipenes to enable a better mechanical fit with female genitals during copulation. Comprehensive studies of female genitalia are needed to test this hypothesis and to better understand the evolution of genitalia in reptiles.

Brookesia nana sp. nov. in life. 
(A–C) male holotype (ZSM 1660/2012).
(D, E) female paratype (UADBA-R/FGZC 3752).

Molecular phylogeny of specimens in the subgenus Evoluticauda (known as Brookesia minima species group), based on the nuclear CMOS gene (alignment length 847 bp, but only about 400 bp available for all samples) and inferred under the Maximum Likelihood optimality criterion (K2P + G substitution model). Values at nodes are support values from a bootstrap analysis in percent (500 replicates) and are only shown if > 50%. The tree was rooted with B. brygooi (removed for better graphical representation).

Systematics

Order Squamata Oppel, 181115.

Family Chamaeleonidae Rafinesque, 181516.

Subfamily Brookesiinae Angel, 194217.

Genus Brookesia Gray, 186517.

Subgenus Evoluticauda Angel, 1942 (resurrected herein, justification below).

Brookesia nana sp. nov

 

 Diagnosis: A diminutive chameleon species assigned to the genus Brookesia on the basis of its small body size, short tail, presence of rows of dorsolateral tubercles along vertebral column, presence of pelvic spine, and molecular phylogenetic relationships. Brookesia nana sp. nov. is distinguished by the following unique suite of morphological characters: (1) male SVL 13.5 mm, female SVL 19.2 mm; (2) male TL mm 21.6 mm, female TL 28.9 mm; (3) TaL/SVL ratio of 0.51 in male; (4) absence of lateral or dorsal spines on the tail; (5) absence of dorsal pelvic shield in sacral area; (6) presence of distinct pelvic spine; (7) pale brown dorsal colouration with slightly darker markings in life; (8) absence of apical spines on the hemipenis.

Etymology: The specific epithet is the Latin noun nana (meaning female dwarf) in the nominative singular.

Map of northern Madagascar, showing the distribution of species of the subgenus Evoluticauda (known as Brookesia minima group) in this region (only showing records verified by molecular data). Note that B. dentata, B. exarmata, and B. ramanantsoai occur further south and are not included in the map. Orange (dry forest) and green (rainforest) show remaining primary vegetation in 2003–2006.

....

Due to the old divergence and the morphological distinctness of the two clades we here suggest to consider them as different subgenera:

Subgenus Brookesia Gray, 1865 (large-bodied clade)

Type species: Chamaeleo superciliaris Kuhl, 1820.

Contents: Brookesia antakarana, B. bekolosy (attribution tentative), B. betschi, B. bonsi, B. brunoi, B. brygooi, B. decaryi, B. ebenaui, B. griveaudi, B. lambertoni, B. lineata, B. perarmata, B. stumpffi, B. superciliaris, B. therezieni, B. thieli, B. vadoni, B. valerieae.

Distribution: Madagascar.

Subgenus Evoluticauda Angel, 1942 (miniaturized clade, known as B. minima group)

Type species: Brookesia tuberculata Mocquard, 1894.

Contents: Brookesia confidens, B. dentata, B. desperata, B. exarmata, B. karchei, B. micra, B. minima, B. nana, B. peyrierasi, B. ramanantsoai, B. tedi, B. tristis, B. tuberculata.

Distribution: Northern half of Madagascar.

 

Frank Glaw, Jörn Köhler, Oliver Hawlitschek, Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Mark D. Scherz and Miguel Vences. 2021. Extreme Miniaturization of A New Amniote Vertebrate and insights into the Evolution of Genital Size in Chameleons. Scientific Reports. 11, 2522. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80955-1 

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