[Mollusca • 2022] Pilsbryoconcha mekongiana, P. hoikaab, etc. • Phylogeny and Biogeography of Indochinese Freshwater Mussels in the Genus Pilsbryoconcha Simpson, 1900 (Bivalvia: Unionidae) with Descriptions of Four New Species

Pilsbryoconcha mekongiana Jeratthitikul & Prasankok, 
P. hoikaab Jeratthitikul & Prasankok,  
P. acuta Jeratthitikul & Prasankok,
& P. kittitati Jeratthitikul & Prasankok

in Jeratthitikul, Paphatmethin, Sutcharit, Ngor, Inkhavilay & Prasankok, 2022

 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24844-9 

 facebook.com/EkgachaiJeratthitikul 

Abstract

The body of knowledge regarding the classification and evolution of freshwater mussels in the family Unionidae (Bivalvia) in Indochina has recently increased. However, the taxonomic revision of all extant taxa in the region is still ongoing. In this study, the genus Pilsbryoconcha was revised based on an integrative analysis of shell morphology, biogeography, and molecular data. Multi-locus phylogeny indicated the availability of eight species within the genus. Four previously recognized species are P. exilis (Lea, 1838), P. schomburgki (Martens, 1860) stat. rev., P. linguaeformis (Morelet, 1875), and P. carinifera (Conrad, 1837), while four other species are described herein as P. acuta sp. nov., P. mekongiana sp. nov., P. kittitati sp. nov., and P. hoikaab sp. nov. In addition, the neotype of P. carinifera is also designated to clarify its long taxonomic ambiguity. Divergent time estimation and historical biogeography analysis revealed that Pilsbryoconcha originated in the area now called the Khorat Plateau around the middle of the Eocene (mean age = 43.12 Mya), before its range was expanded across Indochina through a series of complex geomorphological changes of river systems, which also led to diversification of the genus.

Shells of Pilsbryoconcha species.
(a,b) P. exilis, (a) syntype USNM 86726, Java, (b) specimen MUMNH-UNI2792, Sa Kaeo, Thailand; (c,d) P. schomburgki, (c) holotype NHMUK 1859.5.23.8, Siam, (d) specimen MUMNH-UNI 2810, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand; (e,f) P. carinifera, (e) specimen ANSP 56519, ‘India’, (f) neotype MUMNH-UNI2823, Sa Kaeo, Thailand; (g,h) P. linguaeformis, (g) holotype NHMUK 1893.2.4.614, Battambang, Cambodia, (h) specimen MUMNH-UNI2636, Pursat, Cambodia;
(i) P. mekongiana sp. nov. holotype MUMNH-UNI0843, Bueng Kan Thailand; (j) P. hoikaab sp. nov. holotype MUMNH-UNI0305, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand; (k) P. acuta sp. nov. holotype MUMNH-UNI1510, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand; (l) P. kittitati sp. nov. holotype MUMNH-UNI0372, Udon Thani, Thailand.

 Scale bar = 10 mm. Image: USNM collection database [a], D. Graf and K Cummings, https://mussel-project.uwsp.edu [c]; P. Callomon [e], and NHMUK collection database under a CC0 1.0 license [g].

Pilsbryoconcha schomburgki (Martens, 1860)

Type locality: Siam [Thailand].

Anodonta (Lamproscapha) schomburgki Martens, 1860: 1522. 

Pilsbryoconcha carinifera (Conrad, 1837)

Pilsbryoconcha linguaeformis (Morelet, 1875) 

Type locality: Cambodje [Cambodia].

Anodonta linguaeformis Morelet, 1875: 329, pl. 14, Fig. 523. 

Pilsbryoconcha expressa (Martens, 1900)

Type locality: See Danau-Baru, Indragiri, Sumatra.

Anodonta expressa Martens, 1900: 12–1347. 

Pilsbryoconcha mekongiana Jeratthitikul & Prasankok sp. nov.

 

Type materials: Holotype: MUMNH-UNI0843 (length 106.2 mm, height 52.5 mm, width 18.8 mm); THAILAND: Tributary of Mekong River at Khok Kong Mueang District, Bueng Kan Province; 18°20′17.4"N, 103°45′44.7"E. Paratypes: 4 shells, MUMNH-UNI0840, UNI0841, UNI0842 and UNI0844; THAILAND: same collection data as for holotype.

 

Etymology: The specific name is from its type locality, the Mekong River.

Diagnosis: The new species is most similar to P. hoikaab sp. nov. but can be distinguished by having a longer shell, and a more rounded posterior end. It also bears a set of unique fixed nucleotide substitutions in COI gene fragment (Table 2).

Distribution: Tributaries of Mekong River in Sakon Nakhon Basin, Thailand (Fig. 4).

Pilsbryoconcha hoikaab Jeratthitikul & Prasankok sp. nov.

 

Type materials: Holotype: MUMNH-UNI0305 (length 92.3 mm, 47.3 height mm, width 15.3 mm); THAILAND: Kam River at Na Khu, Na Kae District, Nakhon Phanom Province; 16°57′29.2"N, 104°30′16.3"E. Paratype: 1 shell, MUMNH-UNI0306; THAILAND: same collection data as for holotype.

Etymology: The specific name ‘hoikaab - หอยกาบ’ means ‘unionids or freshwater mussels’ in the Thai language.

Diagnosis: This species resembles P. mekongiana sp. nov., but it can be distinguished by its shorter shell and more truncated posterior margin with a somewhat pointed posterior end. It can also be distinguished from the congeners by fixed nucleotide substitutions in the COI gene fragment (Table 2).

Distribution: Songkhram River and tributaries of the middle Mekong River in Thailand and Laos (Fig. 4).

Pilsbryoconcha acuta Jeratthitikul & Prasankok sp. nov.

 

Type materials: Holotype: MUMNH-UNI1510 (length 83.6 mm, height 39.1 mm, width 16.1 mm); THAILAND: Dom Yai River at Pho Sai, Phibun Mangsahan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province; 15°13′51.9"N, 105°09′25.4"E. Paratype: 1 shell, MUMNH-UNI1509; THAILAND: same collection data as for holotype.

 

Etymology: The specific name ‘acuta’ is from the Latin word meaning ‘sharp or pointed’, which refers to the pointed posterior end, the diagnostic character of this new species.

Diagnosis: Shell elongated, pointed posterior end and yellowish periostracum. It can also be distinguished from the others by fixed nucleotide substitutions in the COI gene fragment (Table 2).

Distribution: Mun River in Thailand, tributaries of Mekong River in southern Laos (Fig. 4), and probably Vietnam7.

Remarks: Specimens from Vietnam identified as ‘Pilsbryoconcha lemeslei’ in Bolotov et al. (2020) are phylogenetically placed in this new species.

Pilsbryoconcha kittitati Jeratthitikul & Prasankok sp. nov.

 

Type materials: Holotype: MUMNH-UNI0372 (length 90.7 mm, height 40.4 mm, width 21.3 mm); THAILAND: Unnamed pond near Nong Ya Sai, Wang Sam Mo District, Udon Thani Province; 16°58′47.4"N, 103°20′13.4"E. Paratype: 1 shell, MUMNH-UNI0374; THAILAND: same collection data as for holotype.

Etymology: This species name is dedicated to our colleague, Mr. Kittitat Wisittikoson, who collected these specimens.

Diagnosis: More elongated shell outline, more laterally inflated, and dorsal margin almost parallel with ventral margin. It is also unique in its fixed nucleotide substitutions in the COI gene fragment (Table 2).

Distribution: Known only from the type locality.

 

Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Siwanon Paphatmethin, Chirasak Sutcharit, Peng Bun Ngor, Khamla Inkhavilay and Pongpun Prasankok. 2022. Phylogeny and Biogeography of Indochinese Freshwater Mussels in the Genus Pilsbryoconcha Simpson, 1900 (Bivalvia: Unionidae) with Descriptions of Four New Species. Scientific Reports. 12: 20458. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24844-9

facebook.com/EkgachaiJeratthitikul/posts/9291204900896915

เปเปอร์หอบกาบชนิดใหม่ของปีนี้ เป็นความร่วมมือจากนักวิจัยจากหลายสถาบันและหลายประเทศ Streptaxis LA Unidentata Siwanon Paphatmethin ศึกษาหอยกาบสกุล Pilsbryoconcha (ชื่อสกุล แปลว่า เปลือกหอยของ Pilsbry- มากจาก ชื่อคน Henry Augustus Pilsbry นักสังขวิทยาชาวอเมริกา +concha แปลว่า shell หรือ เปลือกหอย) หอยกาบสกุลนี้พบได้ทั่วไปในเกือบทุกแหล่งน้ำ ทั้งแม่น้ำ หรือบ่อน้ำที่มนุษย์ขุดขึ้นมา การจำแนกด้วยสัณฐานของเปลือกแบ่งออกเป็น 4 ชนิด แต่จากการใช้ DNA มาช่วยจัดจำแนก พบทั้งหมด 8 ชนิด ในภูมิภาคอินโดจีน ในจำนวนนี้ เป็นชนิดใหม่ 4 ชนิด ดังนี้ 1. P. mekongiana พบตามลำน้ำที่เชื่อมกับแม่น้ำโขงตอนกลาง 2. P. hoikaab พบในลุ่มแม่น้ำสงคราม 3. P. acuta (acuta แปลว่า แหลม หรือ ยื่น ตั้งตามลักษณะของส่วนปลายเปลือกที่ยื่นออกแหลม) พบทั่วไปในลุ่มน้ำมูล น้ำชี และ 4. P. kittitati (ตั้งชื่อเพื่อเป็นเกียรติแก่คุณ กิตติทัต Kittitat Wisittikoson ผุู้เก็บตัวอย่างหอยชนิดนี้) พบเพียงที่เดียวบริเวณต้นน้ำของแม่น้ำปาว นอกจากนี้ยังยุบชนิด P. compressa ไปอยู่ใต้ชนิด P. exilis และตั้ง Neotype ของ P. carinifera อีกด้วย งานศึกษานี้พิมพ์ในวารสาร Scientific Report.

[Fungi • 2022] Gerronema baishanzuense, G. microcarpum & G. zhujian (Agaricales: Porotheleaceae) • Updated Taxonomy on Gerronema with Three New Taxa and One New Record from China

Gerronema baishanzuense Q. Na, H. Zeng & Y.P. Ge, 

 Gerronema microcarpum Q. Na, H. Zeng & Y.P. Ge, 

in Na, Hu, Zeng, Song, Ding, Cheng & Ge, 2022. 

 DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.89.79864

Abstract

Only three Gerronema (Porotheleaceae) species have been previously recorded in China. Here, we report collections of a fourth species in China: G. nemorale Har. Takah., which is widely distributed in Chinese temperate to subtropical zones. We also formally describe three new species, collected from Anhui, Fujian, and Zhejiang provinces: G. baishanzuense sp. nov., G. microcarpum sp. nov., and G. zhujian sp. nov. Furthermore, we include the results of a phylogenetic analysis of Porotheleaceae based on a multi-locus (ITS + nLSU) dataset. The results, which indicate that Gerronema is polyphyletic, support the taxonomic recognition of the three new species. Morphological descriptions, photographs, line drawings, and comparisons with closely related taxa are presented for the new and newly recorded species. A key to the seven species of Gerronema in China is also provided.

Keywords: new taxon, polygenes, taxonomy, white-spored

Fresh basidiomata of Gerronema baishanzuense Q. Na, H. Zeng & Y.P. Ge
a–e FFAAS0359 (Holotype) f–g FFAAS0360 h–i FFAAS0361 j–k FFAAS0362 l–m FFAAS0363 n–o FFAAS0366.

Scale bars: 10 mm (a–o). 

Photographs a–e by Qin Na; f–g by Junqing Yan h–i by Liangliang Qi j–o by Yupeng Ge.

 Gerronema baishanzuense Q. Na, H. Zeng & Y.P. Ge, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Pileus dark brown at center, covered with dark brown fibrillose or pubescent. Stipe densely pruinose when young. Cheilocystidia present. Pileus trama with visible dark brown hyphae and coarse excrescences.

 

Etymology: Refers to the type locality.

Fresh basidiomata of Gerronema microcarpum Q. Na, H. Zeng & Y.P. Ge.
a FFAAS0365 b FFAAS0372 c–d FFAAS0375 e FFAAS0373 (Holotype) f–g FFAAS0374 h–i FFAAS0371.

Scale bars: 10 mm (a–i). 

Photographs a, e–i by Yupeng Ge; b by Junqing Yan; c–d by Qin Na.

 Gerronema microcarpum Q. Na, H. Zeng & Y.P. Ge, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Basidiomata distinctly small. A pileus a bit slimy when moist. Stipe light yellow, base turning to light brown with age. Cheilocystidia common in clavate with rounded apex, rarely fusiform. Pileipellis occasionally with coarse excrescences.

Etymology: Refers to the small basidiomata.

Fresh basidiomata of Gerronema zhujian Q. Na, H. Zeng & Y.P. Ge.
 a–b FFAAS0364 c–d FFAAS0376 (Holotype) e–f FFAAS0370.

Scale bars: 10 mm (a–f). 

Photographs a–b, e–f by Liangliang Qi c–d by Junqing Yan.

 Gerronema zhujian Q. Na, H. Zeng & Y.P. Ge, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Pileus fuscous and densely covered with tiny, deep brown fur or scales, distinctly radially striped with darkened lines. Stipe white, upper part slight brown when old. Cheilocystidia present. Pileipellis without coarse excrescences.

 

Etymology: The name refers to the centrally depressed, umbilicate basidiocarps, which resemble an eye or a loudspeaker; zhujian is a mythical one-eyed Chinese creature who is usually very noisy, like a walking loudspeaker.

 Qin Na, Yaping Hu, Hui Zeng, Zhizhong Song, Hui Ding, Xianhao Cheng and Yupeng Ge. 2022. Updated Taxonomy on Gerronema (Porotheleaceae, Agaricales) with Three New Taxa and One New Record from China. MycoKeys. 89: 87-120. DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.89.79864

[Botany • 2022] Amorphophallus dumboi (Araceae) • A New Species from Eastern D.R. Congo, and A New Record of the Genus from Rwanda

Amorphophallus dumboi Eb.Fisch., B.Dumbo & L.Dumbo, 

in Fischer, Dumbo & Dumbo, 2022. 

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.93804

Abstract

Background and aims – A new species of Amorphophallus (Araceae) is described from D.R. Congo in connection with preparing the family treatment for the Flore d’Afrique centrale. Another species is recorded for the first time from Rwanda.

Methods – Standard herbarium practices were applied.

Key results – Amorphophallus dumboi sp. nov. is related to A. margretae. The differences between these species are discussed and distribution maps for the taxa are presented. Both species are range-restricted in the Albertine Rift and preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered. Amorphophallus mayoi is for the first time recorded for Rwanda. The taxon, originally described as a subspecies of A. calabaricus, is raised here to specific rank.

Keywords: Albertine Rift, Amorphophallus dumboi, Amorphophallus mayoi, Central Africa, endemism, taxonomy

 Amorphophallus dumboi Eb.Fisch., B.Dumbo & L.Dumbo.
 A. Inflorescence. B–C. Detail of spadix showing staminate (above) and carpellate zone (below). D. Carpellate flowers. E–G. Ornamentation on inner side of spathe.

Scale bars: 5 cm (A), 5 mm (B–C), 1 mm (D–G).

 Photographs taken at the type locality on 10 Dec. 2018 by Bonny Dumbo (A), and in the laboratory by Eberhard Fischer (B–G).

Amorphophallus dumboi Eb.Fisch., B.Dumbo & L.Dumbo. 
A–B, D. Habit with inflorescences showing the third author for comparison. C. Leaf, showing the third author for comparison. E. Base of plant showing roots and upper part of tuber. F. Leaf. G. Inflorescence.

Scale bars: 20 cm (A–D), 1 cm (E), 5 cm (F–G). 

Photographs taken at the type locality on 10 Dec. 2018 by Bonny Dumbo. 

Amorphophallus dumboi Eb.Fisch., B.Dumbo & L.Dumbo, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Amorphophallus dumboi differs from A. margretae in the leaves and inflorescences that appear at the same time on the same tuber (leaves appear after inflorescence in A. margretae), the peduncle about 4 times the length of the spathe (peduncle not exceeding 2 times the length of the spathe in A. margretae), and the inner base of spathe with irregular rounded to elongate smallpox-like projections of 0.2–1 mm in length, between and on the veins (inner base of spathe smooth, with shallowly elevated dark veins in A. margretae).

Distribution: Only known from the rainforests in the southern part of Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (Fig. 5A).

Habitat: Transitional montane rainforest at Mulolo, partially submerged along small stream, 1108 m, together with numerous ferns and Impatiens species.

Etymology: Named after Dumbo Kilundo (1 January 1930−18 September 2020), one of the most knowledgeable botanists from D.R. Congo, despite that he never received formal training. Born in Kisanga (Mulolo), Shabunda, he went to the Institut de Recherche Scientifique en Afrique Centrale (IRSAC) at Lwiro, today Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles (CRSN). There he worked first with A.R. Christiaensen and later with G. Troupin. He made major contributions to the knowledge of the Flora of Central Africa, first for the IRSAC, later as Head of Irangi Forest Reserve and for the Herbarium of Lwiro.

 

 Eberhard Fischer, Bonny Dumbo and Landry Dumbo. 2022. A New Species of Amorphophallus (Araceae) from Eastern D.R. Congo, and A New Record of the Genus from Rwanda. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 155(3): 333-342. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.93804

twitter.com/plecevo/status/1563099534388916224

 

[Botany • 2022] Kaempferia napavarniae & K. sakonensis (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) • Two New Species from Thailand

Kaempferia sakonensis Saensouk, P. Saensouk & Boonma 

 

in Saensouk, Saensouk & Boonma, 2022.

   smujo.id/biodiv/article/view/11446

(Drawn by Thawatphong Boonma)

Abstract

Two new species of Kaempferia L., namely Kaempferia napavarniae Saensouk, P. Saensouk & Boonma, and Kaempferia sakonensis Saensouk, P. Saensouk & Boonma, are discribed here. The production of terminal inflorescences, covered by leaf sheaths, makes both species fall into the subgenus Kaempferia. The first species were found only in Nakhon Sawan Province, Northern Thailand, and the second species were found only in Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand. Living specimens and spirit specimens of both new species were compared to the existing allied species, but they differed and were never reported in taxonomic treatment before. Thus, we claimed both of them as new species to science .... The descriptions with their illustrations, ecology, etymology, distributions, and a revised key to species of Kaempferia subgenus Kaempferia in Thailand for facilitating identification are also prepared.

Keywords: Kaempferia roscoeana, Kaempferia larsenii, Kaempferia maculifolia, Nakhon Sawan, Kaempferia pardi, Sakon Nakhon, taxonomy, Zingiberales

Kaempferia napavarniae Saensouk, P. Saensouk & Boonma sp. nov. (A) Top view of flowers and leaves, (B) Oblique-side view of flowers and leaves, (C) top view,
 (D) K. roscoeana Wall.– top view, (E) K. koratensis Picheans. – top view, (F) K. pardi Larsen K. & Jenjitt. – oblique view, (G) K. maculifolia Boonma & Saensouk – top view.

(Photographs A–B by Surapon Saensouk; C–G and Design by Thawatphong Boonma)

Kaempferia napavarniae Saensouk, P. Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov. 

– subgenus Kaempferia

Diagnosis: The new species is similar to K. roscoeana Wall. but differs in having pubescent leaf sheaths (vs. glabrous leaf sheath); leaf adaxially green with several deep dark green spots, pubescent on both surfaces (vs. leaf adaxially green with mottled dark green, glabrous on both surfaces); bracts triangular and pubescent (vs. oblong and glabrous); calyx 2.5–2.9 cm long, apex mucronate, sparsely hairy (vs. c. 2 cm long, apex bifid, glabrous); anther crest broadly ovate, c. 5.5 × 5 mm(vs. ovate, c. 1.5 × 1.5 mm); epigynous glands c. 10 mm long (vs. c. 3 mm long).

Ecology: It grows in sandy loam soil, well-drained, in the mixed-deciduous forest, at an elevation 200–300 m above sea level.

Etymology: The specific epithet “napavarniae” is chosen to honor Associate Professor Dr. Napavarn Noparatnaraporn, who is a specialist in Biodiversity in Thailand.

Kaempferia sakonensis Saensouk, P. Saensouk & Boonma sp. nov. (A) – top view of flower and leaves, (B) – top view of flowers,
K. larsenii Sirirugsa (C) – oblique view of flower, (D) – oblique view of leaves with red along the veins variant, (E) – top view of flower,
K. albomaculata Jenjitt. & K.Larsen (nom. nud.) (F) – oblique view of flowers and leaves, (G) – top view.

(Photographs A–E by Surapon Saensouk; F–G and design by Thawatphong Boonma)

Kaempferia sakonensis Saensouk, P. Saensouk & Boonma sp. nov. 
(A) Bract, (B) Bracteole (C) Side view of habit, (D) Calyx, (E) Anthercrest (each lobe rounded and truncate), side and front view of the anther, (F) Ovary and epigynous glands, (G) Labellum, (H) Staminodes, (I) Corolla lobes.

(Drawn by Thawatphong Boonma)

Kaempferia sakonensis Saensouk, P. Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov. 

 – subgenus Kaempferia

 Diagnosis: The new species is similar to K. larsenii Sirirugsain having leafless sheaths sparsely hairy (vs. glabrous); leaf sheaths pubescent (vs. glabrous); petiole sessile (vs. 1 cm long); ligule emarginate, 2.5–3.2 mm long, each lobe apex rounded to truncate, pubescent (vs. broadly triangular, c. 1 mm long, each lobe apex acute, glabrous); number of leaves 2 (vs. 2–4 leaves); lamina ovate, elliptic, or obovate, 12–17 × 4.5–8cm, apex mucronate, base attenuate, upper surface dark red, midrib dark red, lower surface dark red, upper surface glabrous, lower surface pubescent (vs. elliptic-linear to linear, 6–9 × 0.5–1 cm, apex acute, base cuneate, upper surface green or green with various shade of reddish tinged along the veins, midrib green or red, lower surface paler green, both surfaces glabrous); peduncle c. 1 cm long (vs. sessile); bracts lanceolate, 3.5–5 × 0.8–1.5 cm, apex mucronate, mucro c. 1–1.4 mm long, pubescent (vs. linear, c. 3 cm × 0.3 cm, apex acute, glabrous); bracteoles 2.3–3.4 cm long (vs. c. 1.5 cm long); calyx 3.5–3.7 cm long, apex mucronate, white with reddish tinge at apex (vs. c. 3 cm long, apex bifid, white); corolla lobe 2.1–2.4 × 0.38–0.5 cm (vs. c. 1.4 cm × 0.25 cm); dorsal corolla lobe apex mucronate (vs. apex blunt); lateral staminodes 1.67–1.75 × 1.1–1.2 cm (vs. c. 1.4 × 0.7 cm); labellum bilobed, deeply divided about 3/5 of the length, each lobe asymmetrical obcordate or broadly obovate, 2.1–2.2 × 1.55–1.76 cm, pale purple with white at the base, dark purple at sinus to base (vs. bilobed, divided to the base, each lobe obovate, c. 1.7 × 0.7 cm, purplish pink with white at base); filament subsessile, c. 1 mm long (vs. sessile); anther c. 5 mm long (vs. c.2 mm long); anther thecae c. 3 mm long (vs. c.1 mm long); anther crest suborbicular c. 5 × 5 mm, apex emarginate (vs. obovate, c. 3.7 × 2.7 mm, apex rounded); ovary 3.5–4 × 2.5–3 mm (c. 3 × 1 mm); epigynous glands c. 4 mm long (c. 2.5 mm long).

Ecology: It grows in sandy loam soil, well-drained, in the deciduous forest, at an elevation 200–400 m above sea level.

Etymology: The specific epithet is named according to the province name of their natural habitat in Akat Amnuay District, Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand.

 Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk and Thawatphong Boonma. 2022. Two New Species of Kaempferia Subgenus Kaempferia (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) from Thailand. Biodiversitas. 23: 4343-4354. 

  smujo.id/biodiv/article/view/11446

[Botany • 2022] Nepenthes harauensis (Nepenthaceae) • A New Species from West Sumatra, Indonesia

Nepenthes harauensis Hernawati, R.Satria & Chi.C.Lee,

in Hernawati, Satria & Lee, 2022. 

DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v21i1.4306 

 facebook.com/Robhy01 

Abstract

 A new species of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae) from the Harau region of West Sumatra is described as Nepenthes harauensis Hernawati, R.Satria & Chi.C.Lee. This species shares specific characteristics with both N. bongso and N. singalana but is unique in its thickly coriaceous and petiolate leaves, which are elliptic-oblong and have a distinctly peltate tendril insertion.

Keywords: Harau, Nepenthaceae, Nepenthes, Sumatra.

Nepenthes harauensis Hernawati, R.Satria & Chi.C.Lee.
A. Population of N. harauensis in the habitat. B. Habit of the short shoots. C. Leaf apex showing peltate tendril insertion. D. Lower pitcher. E. Upper pitcher. F. Male inflorescence. G. Fruits. H. Glandular zone on the lid.

From Nepenthes-Team Padang (Hernawati, Havid, Ihsan) NPT 220921-1. 

Photos by Robi Satria and Havid Ramadhan.

Nepenthes harauensis Hernawati, R.Satria & Chi.C.Lee. spec. nov.

Nepenthes harauensis has several morphological characteristics similar to N. bongso, but the pitcher shape is more like the N. singalana. The most prominent distinguishing character is the thick and stiff coriaceous leaf structure, the peltate tendril insertion, and the sheath-like petiole, which clasps the stem for ¾– ½ of its circumference.

Distribution. Nepenthes harauensis is only known from the type locality in Harau, West Sumatra, Indonesia. 

 

Etymology. The specific name refers to the place “Harau,” a sub-district of Lima Puluh Kota Regency.

 Hernawati Hernawati, Robi Satria and Ch'ien C. Lee. 2022. Nepenthes harauensis, A New Species of Nepenthaceae from West Sumatra. Reinwardtia. 21(1); 19‒23. DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v21i1.4306

  facebook.com/Robhy01/posts/1726965557661542

ABSTRAK — Jenis baru Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae) dari kawasan Harau Sumatra Barat dipertelakan sebagai Nepenthes harauensis Hernawati, R.Satria & Chi.C.Lee. Jenis ini mempunyai kemiripan karakter morfologi dengan N. bongso dan N. singalana tetapi memiliki keunikan dalam tekstur daun yang tebal dan kaku, berbentuk jorong yang melonjong, mempunyai tangkai daun dan memiliki sisipan sulur yang jelas menyerupai perisai. 

Kata kunci: Harau, Nepenthaceae, Nepenthes, Sumatra. 

  

[Botany • 2022] Viola shiweii (Violaceae) • A New Species from Karst Forest in Guizhou, China

 Viola shiweii Xiao C. Li & Z. W. Wang,

in Li, Wang, Wang, Ge, ... et Zhong, 2022. 

世纬堇菜  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.196.83176

Abstract

Viola shiweii Xiao C. Li & Z. W. Wang (Violaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China, is described, based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species is morphologically most similar to V. kwangtungensis Melchior in its glabrous lateral petals and stoloniferous habit, but can be distinguished by its obtuse teeth along the leaf margin, its abaxially greyish-green leaf blade and its broader and entire sepals with a distinct basal appendage.

Keywords: Morphology, phylogeny, sect. Plagiostigma, subg. Viola

 Viola shiweii sp. nov.
 A flower side view B flower front view C habit D stipule E capsule F stamens and pistil.

 Viola shiweii sp. nov.
A petals, sepals, stamens and pistils B, G flower in front view and detail of a longitudinal section in side C, H basal leaf adaxially and abaxially D cleistogamous flowers E capsule and seeds F margin teeth I stipule J leaves on stolons.

 Viola shiweii Xiao C. Li & Z. W. Wang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: The new species is morphologically most similar to V. kwangtungensis Melchior in its glabrous lateral petals and stoloniferous habit, but can be distinguished by its obtuse teeth along the leaf margin, its abaxially pale green leaf blade and its broader and entire sepals with a distinct basal appendage.

 

Distribution and habitat: The species was observed to grow on dry and partially shaded limestone, around the karst forest edge, at 700–900 m elevation.

Etymology: The specific name epithet “shiweii” was proposed in memory of Deng Shi-wei (191?-1936), who dedicated his life to the exploration of the flora of Guizhou. The Chinese name is given as “世纬堇菜”.

 Xiao-Chen Li, Zheng-Wei Wang, Qi Wang, Bin-Jie Ge, Bin Chen, Ping Yu and Xin Zhong. 2022. Viola shiweii, A New Species of Viola (Violaceae) from Karst Forest in Guizhou, China. PhytoKeys. 196: 63-89. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.196.83176

[Paleontology • 2022] Daspletosaurus wilsoni • A Transitional Species of Daspletosaurus Russell, 1970 (Theropoda: Tyrannosauridae) from the Judith River Formation of eastern Montana, USA

Daspletosaurus wilsoni

 Warshaw​ & Fowler, 2022 

DOI:  10.7717/peerj.14461 

 twitter.com/DF9465 

Illustration: Andrey Atuchin & Badlands Dinosaur Museum

Abstract 

Here we describe a new derived tyrannosaurine, Daspletosaurus wilsoni sp. nov., from Judithian strata (~76.5 Ma) intermediate in age between either of the previously described species of this genus. D. wilsoni displays a unique combination of ancestral and derived characteristics, including a cornual process of the lacrimal reduced in height relative to D. torosus and more basal tyrannosaurines, and a prefrontal with a long axis oriented more rostrally than in D. horneri and more derived tyrannosaurines. The description of this taxon provides insight into evolutionary mode in Tyrannosaurinae, lending strength to previous hypotheses of anagenesis within Daspletosaurus and increasing the resolution with which the evolution of this lineage can be reconstructed. Cladistic phylogenetic methods, stratigraphy, and qualitative analysis of the morphology of relevant taxa supports an anagenetic model for the origin of morphological novelty in this genus, highlighting the predominance of anagenetic evolution among contemporary dinosaur lineages.

The new species (Daspletosaurus wilsoni, 76.5 Ma) is transitional in form and age between D. torosus (77 Ma) and D. horneri (75.6 Ma). This suggests that Daspletosaurus underwent linear evolution - where one form evolves into the next without splitting or branching.

by Dickinson Museum Center

The new specimen, "Sisyphus", is one of four tyrannosaur skeletons recently collected by Badlands Dinosaur Museum. Here the four tyrannosaurs dispute ownership of the fresh carcass of a Centrosaurus.

by Rudolf Hima & Badlands Dinosaur Museum.

Tyrannosaurinae Matthew & Brown, 1922 (sensu Sereno, McAllister & Brusatte, 2005)

Daspletosaurus Russell, 1970

Daspletosaurus wilsoni sp. nov.

Diagnosis: D. wilsoni can be assigned to Daspletosaurus based on the following characteristics: extremely coarse subcutaneous surface of the maxilla with no elevated ridges or corresponding fossae (Carr et al., 2017; Voris et al., 2020); cornual process of the postorbital approaching the laterotemporal fenestra (Carr et al., 2017); dorsal postorbital process of the squamosal terminating caudal to the rostral margin of the laterotemporal fenestra (Carr et al., 2017; Voris et al., 2019); and extremely coarse symphyseal surface of the dentary (Voris et al., 2020).

...

Etymology: wilsoni, Latinization of “Wilson,” after John Wilson, the discoverer of the holotype specimen.

Conclusions: 

D. wilsoni sp. nov., a stratigraphic and morphological intermediate between D. torosus and D. horneri, is hypothesized to represent a transitional form along an anagenetic lineage linking both previously named species of Daspletosaurus. This finding, in concert with previous identifications of anagenesis in contemporary dinosaur lineages, emphasizes the explanatory power of anagenesis in the production of evolutionary trends among dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous Western Interior (Scannella et al., 2014; Freedman Fowler & Horner, 2015; Fowler & Fowler, 2020; Wilson, Ryan & Evans, 2020). Indeed, as anagenesis continues to be identified among fossil lineages, the predominant relative frequency of strictly cladogenetic evolutionary models (e.g., punctuated equilibria; Eldredge & Gould, 1972) must eventually come under scrutiny. Future explorations of evolutionary mode in fossil taxa, including further tests of the hypotheses presented here, will be important in this regard, and have the potential to refine understanding of the pattern and process of dinosaur evolution.

 

 

Elías A. Warshaw​ and Denver W. Fowler. 2022. A Transitional Species of Daspletosaurus Russell, 1970 from the Judith River Formation of eastern Montana.  PeerJ. 10:e14461. DOI:  10.7717/peerj.14461

  twitter.com/DF9465/status/1596149970779897862

 phys.org/news/2022-11-species-tyrannosaur-daspletosaurus-wilsoni-hints.html

[Arachnida • 2022] Afraflacilla miajlarensis & A. kurichiadensis • Description of Two New Species of the Genus Afraflacilla Berland et Millot, 1941 (Araneae: Salticidae) from India

 (1–6) Afraflacilla miajlarensis Tripathi, Jangid, Prajapati et Siliwal,
 (7–9) A. kurichiadensis Sudhin, Nafin et Sudhikumar,:

1–3 — female, 4–9 — male.

 in Sudhin, Nafin, Tripathi, Jangid, Prajapati, Siliwal et Sudhikumar, 2022. 

 DOI: 10.15298/arthsel.31.3.09

Researchgate.net/publication/363917787 

 facebook.com/RishikeshTripathi75

ABSTRACT

Two new species of jumping spiders, Afraflacilla miajlarensis sp.n. and Afraflacilla kurichiadensis sp.n. are described from India. Detailed morphological description, diagnostic features and illustration of the species are given. The current distribution records of the genus in India are mapped as well.

KEY WORDS: Aranei, jumping spiders, taxonomy, distribution, Thar Desert, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

General appearance of Afraflacilla miajlarensis sp. n. (1–6) and Afraflacilla kurichiadensis sp. n. (7–9): 1–3 — female, 4–9 — male.

Afraflacilla miajlarensis Tripathi, Jangid, Prajapati et Siliwal, sp. n.

HABITAT. Found in arid regions of Thar Desert, with Lasiurus scindicus and Cenchrus biflorus dominated vegetation.

ETYMOLOGY. The specific epithet is a noun derived from the name of the type locality (Miajlar) from where the species was collected.

Afraflacilla kurichiadensis Sudhin, Nafin et Sudhikumar, sp. n.

HABITAT. Occurs in the moist deciduous forests of Western Ghats. 

ETYMOLOGY. The specific epithet is an adjective derived from the name of the forest range (Kurichiad) from where the species was collected.

 

Puthoor Pattammal Sudhin, Karunnappilli Shamsudheen Nafin, Rishikesh Tripathi, Ashish Kumar Jangid, Dhruv A. Prajapati, Manju Siliwal and Ambalaparambil Vasu Sudhikumar. 2022. Description of Two New Species of the Genus Afraflacilla Berland et Millot, 1941 (Araneae: Salticidae) from India. Arthropoda Selecta. 31(3); 326–334. DOI: 10.15298/arthsel.31.3.09

Researchgate.net/publication/363917787_two_new_species_of_Afraflacilla_from_India

  facebook.com/RishikeshTripathi75/posts/5794399560612167

[Paleontology • 2022] The Ontogenetic Growth of Anhangueridae (Pterosauria: Pterodactyloidea) Premaxillary Crests as revealed by A Crestless Anhanguera Specimen

Anhanguera sp. 

in Duque, Pinheiro et Barreto, 2022. 

DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2022.2116984  

  Researchgate.net/publication/364323587 

Digital painting by Matheus Fernandes Gadelha.

ABSTRACT

The Anhangueridae are a clade of toothed pterodactyloid pterosaurs, known from their characteristic anteriorly expanded premaxillae and conspicuous rostral sagittal premaxillary and dentary crests. Most known anhanguerids come from the Lower Cretaceous Romualdo Formation within the Araripe Basin of northeast Brazil. With four currently valid genera and several specimens referred to the clade, anhanguerids are the most abundant and diverse tetrapod group in the Romualdo Formation. However, some studies suggest this diversity may be overestimated, as many taxa have been diagnosed based on subtle differences in their premaxillary crests, a structure argued to be either ontogenetically variable or sexually dimorphic. Here we describe an anterior fragment of a gracile pterosaur rostrum that possesses the single diagnostic feature of Anhanguera (fifth and sixth pairs of dental alveoli smaller than the fourth and seventh), but lacks a sagittal crest. The affinities of the new fossil among other toothed pterosaurs were tested through both cladistic and geometric morphometric approaches, which allow referral of the new specimen to Anhanguera. The absence of a crest in the new specimen of Anhanguera suggests that this structure varies in terms of ontogeny and/or sex, and that perhaps it was influenced by sexual selection.

 Artistic reconstruction based on specimen DGEO-CTG-UFPE 8283.
A, skull of a young individual; B, reconstructed skull of an ontogenetically advanced individual.

Scale bar equals 100 mm. 

Digital painting by Matheus Fernandes Gadelha.

Rudah Ruano C. Duque, Felipe L. Pinheiro and Alcina Magnólia Franca Barreto. 2022. The Ontogenetic Growth of Anhangueridae (Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea) Premaxillary Crests as revealed by A Crestless Anhanguera Specimen. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 42(1);  e2116984. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2022.2116984 

   Researchgate.net/publication/364323587_The_ontogenetic_growth_of_Anhangueridae_premaxillary_crests

 

[Ichthyology • 2022] Clarias monsembulai • A New Species of Air-Breathing Catfish (Siluriformes: Clariidae: Clarias) from Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo

  B, Clarias monsembulai Bernt & Stiassny, 2022
A, Clarias buthupogon Sauvage, 1879

 

 DOI: 10.1206/3990.1 

  digitallibrary.AMNH.org 

Abstract

A new species of air-breathing catfish, Clarias monsembulai, is described from Congo River tributaries within and bordering the Salonga National Park (Democratic Republic of the Congo). The new taxon is recognized by its exceptionally long, white barbels, which lend a superficial resemblance to Clarias buthupogon, from which it differs in characters of the cleithrum and pigmentation patterning. We suggest placement of this species into the subgenus Clarioides but note the current dearth of morphological data to unite members of this group. We additionally discuss the validity of the subspecies Clarias angolensis macronema.

Lateral view of Clarias monsembulai new species, holotype AMNH 244176, 226 mm SL. Luilaka River at Ilenge, Salonga National Park. Scale bar = 1 cm.

Exposed cleithrum (demarcated by dashed line) of A, Clarias buthupogon, AMNH 227571, 162 mm SL and B, Clarias monsembulai, AMNH 244162, 183 mm SL. Scale bar = 1 cm

Clarias monsembulai, new species

 

Diagnosis: Clarias monsembulai can be distinguished from all congeners, with the exception of C. buthupogon, by its exceptionally long maxillary barbels (60% of standard length or greater) vs. maxillary barbels less than 60% SL (usually considerably less). It differs from C. buthupogon in the absence of fine, pale spots over the surface of the body and by an exposed bony surface of the cleithrum reaching 14%–20% of head length (vs. cleithrum deeply imbedded in soft tissue with only a narrow bony ridge visible externally). Clarias monsembulai can be further differentiated from C. angolensis, the species with which it shares closest phenotypic similarity, by longer nasal barbels (37%–51% SL vs. 22%–34% SL), longer internal mandibular barbels (29–37% SL vs. 16–27% SL), longer external mandibular barbels (45%–57% SL vs. 24%–40% SL); and by the coloration of maxillary barbels which are white or cream-colored distally over more than half of their length (vs. brown or gray over more than half their length).

Distribution: The species is currently known only from the Momboyo, Luilaka, Salonga, and Yenge river systems within the Cuvette Centrale of the middle Congo River Basin (fig. 6). However additional collecting throughout the region will likely extend this range (E. Decru, personal commun.).

Etymology: Named in honor of Raoul Monsembula Iyaba (professor of biology, University of Kinshasa) for collecting the type series of this species, and in recognition of his substantial contributions to central African ichthyology.  

 Maxwell J. Bernt and Melanie L.J. Stiassny. 2022. A New Species of Air-Breathing Catfish (Clariidae: Clarias) from Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. American Museum Novitates, (3990); 1-20. DOI: 10.1206/3990.1 

  digitallibrary.AMNH.org/handle/2246/7304

  greenpeace.org/africa/en/press/52281/say-hi-to-clarias-monsembulai-new-fish-species-discovered-in-the-congo-river