[Botany • 2021] Rhododendron kuomeianum (Ericaceae, sect. Rhododendron) • A New Species from northeastern Yunnan (China), based on Morphological and Genomic Data

Rhododendron kuomeianum Y.H. Chang, J. Nielsen & Y.P. Ma,

in Chang, Yao, Neilsen, Liu, Zhang et Ma, 2021.   

DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2021.04.003 

 Researchgate.net/publication/351276252

Abstract

Rhododendron kuomeianum Y.H. Chang, J. Nielsen & Y.P. Ma, a new species of Rhododendron (Ericaceae) within subsect. Maddenia in sect. Rhododendron from Yiliang County, NE Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to R. valentinianum, but it can be easily distinguished by its sparse scales on the abaxial surface of the leaf blade, fewer flowers per inflorescence and white corolla with pale red margins. There are also differences in the widths of calyx lobes, leaf blade shape and indumentum characteristics of the petiole between the new species and Rhododendron linearilobum. We confirmed that R. kuomeianum is a new species closely related to R. valentinianum and R. changii with phylogenomic studies of 10 species within this subsection based on restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) data. These phylogenomic analyses also clarified additional taxonomic problems in this subsection previously raised by morphological analysis. Our findings make a strong case for using next-generation sequencing to explore phylogenetic relationships and identify new species, especially in plants groups with complicated taxonomic problems.

 

Keywords: Rhododendron, New species, RAD-seq, Phylogenetic position

 Illustrations of Rhododendron kuomeianum Y.H. Chang, J. Nielsen & Y.P. Ma sp. nov.
(A) habit; (B) corolla; (C) dissected corolla; (D) inflorescence bud; (E) flower bud; (F) stamen; (G) pistil and calyx; (H) leaf adaxial surface; (I) leaf abaxial surface; (J) distribution of scales on the adaxial surface of the leaf blade; (K) single scale on the abaxial surface of leaf blade; (L) capsule.

 Drawn by R.M. Zhang. 

 Rhododendron kuomeianum Y.H. Chang, J. Nielsen & Y.P. Ma sp. nov.
(A–B) plant and habitat; (C–D) leaf; (E) inflorescence bud; (F) corolla anatomy; (G) fruit.

Scale bar = 1 cm.

 

Rhododendron kuomeianum Y.H. Chang, J. Nielsen & Y.P. Ma sp. nov. 

 国楣杜鹃【guó méi dù juān】

Type. CHINA. Yunnan: Yiliang County Xiaocaoba Nature Reserve, ....

Diagnosis. Rhododendron kuomeianum resembles R. valentinianum in having a broadly elliptic to obovate leaf blade, dense rusty-yellow setae on the petiole, and a funnelform-campanulate corolla. It differs from R. valentinianum in having a white corolla with pale red margins (versus light to bright yellow), fewer flowers (1–2) per inflorescence (versus 2–4), and sparser distribution of scales on the abaxial surface of the leaf blade (1–2 × scales diameter apart) (versus 0.5 × scales diameter apart) (Table 1).

Etymology. The new species Rhododendron kuomeianum was named after Professor Kuo Mei Feng, a botanist and horticulturalist from the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, to honor his great contribution to research on the genus Rhododendron in China. In pinyin, the Chinese name is “Guó méi dù juān”.

 Yu-Hang Chang, Gang Yao, Jens Neilsen, De-Tuan Liu, Lu Zhang and Yong-Peng Ma. 2021. Rhododendron kuomeianum (Ericaceae), A New Species from northeastern Yunnan (China), based on Morphological and Genomic Data. Plant Diversity. 43(4); 292-298. DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2021.04.003

  Researchgate.net/publication/351276252_Rhododendron_kuomeianum_a_new_species_from_northeastern_Yunnan_China

[Herpetology • 2023] Hemachatus nyangensis • Museum DNA reveals A New, potentially extinct Species of Rinkhals (Serpentes: Elapidae: Hemachatus) from the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe

Hemachatus nyangensis

Reissig, Major, Renk, Barlow, Paijmans, Morris, Hofreiter, Broadley & Wüster,

in Major, Renk, Reissig, Paijmans, Morris, Hofreiter, Barlow, Broadley et Wüster, 2023.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291432

Abstract

Genetic information plays a pivotal role in species recognition and delimitation, but rare or extinct animals can be difficult to obtain genetic samples from. While natural history wet collections have proven invaluable in the description of novel species, the use of these historical samples in genetic studies has been greatly impeded by DNA degradation, especially because of formalin-fixation prior to preservation. Here, we use recently developed museum genomics approaches to determine the status of an isolated population of the elapid snake genus Hemachatus from Zimbabwe. We used multiple digestion phases followed by single strand sequencing library construction and hybridisation capture to obtain 12S and 16S rDNA sequences from a poorly preserved tissue sample of this population. Phylogenetic and morphological analyses in an integrated taxonomic framework demonstrate that the Zimbabwean rinkhals population represents an old and highly distinct lineage, which we describe as a new species, Hemachatus nyangensis sp. nov. Our phylogenetic dating analysis is compatible with venom spitting having evolved in response to the threat posed by early hominins, although more data are required for a robust test of this hypothesis. This description demonstrates the power of museum genomics in revealing rare or even extinct species: Hemachatus from Zimbabwe are only known from a small area of the Eastern Highlands known for high endemism. No living specimens have been seen since the 1980s, most likely due to dramatic land-use changes in the Eastern Highlands, suggesting that the species could be extinct. In view of its recognition as a highly distinct lineage, urgent action is required to determine whether any populations survive, and to safeguard remaining habitat.

(A and B) Hemachatus nyangensis sp. nov. specimen in life, displaying defensive hooding posture. (C and D) Miombo woodland and grassland habitat of H. nyangensis sp. nov.

Hemachatus nyangensis sp. nov.

Reissig, Major, Renk, Barlow, Paijmans, Morris, Hofreiter, Broadley, and Wüster.

Suggested common name: Nyanga rinkhals.

Diagnosis: Distinguishable from its relative Hemachatus haemachatus, for which we propose the common name “Southern Rinkhals” and which occurs in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, by its isolated distribution in eastern Zimbabwe. Morphologically, Haemachatus nyangensis sp. nov. generally has overall lower body scale counts than its southern relative: it usually has fewer nape scale rows (16–18 instead of 17–19), midbody scale rows (commonly 17–19 vs usually 19) (Fig 3), fewer subcaudal scales in both females (30–37 vs 35–40 in H. haemachatus) and males (34–38 vs 35–46) and generally fewer ventral scales in both females (126–130 vs 129–148) and males (119–124 vs 117–138) (Table 3). The new species is genetically diagnosable through differences in the 12S and 16S mitochondrial sequence. The description of this species means that the genus Hemachatus is no longer monotypic.

Etymology: The specific epithet nyangensis means “from Nyanga” in Latin and is chosen to reflect the distribution of the species in the Nyanga district of Zimbabwe, the only area in which it has been documented. 

Tom Major, Pia Renk, Jens Reissig, Johanna L. A. Paijmans, Ellie Morris, Michael Hofreiter, Axel Barlow, Donald G. Broadley and Wolfgang Wüster. 2023. Museum DNA reveals A New, potentially extinct Species of Rinkhals (Serpentes: Elapidae: Hemachatus) from the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. PLoS ONE. 18(9): e0291432. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291432

[Herpetology • 2023] Achalinus sheni • A New cryptic Achalinus Peters, 1869 (Serpentes: Xenodermidae) Species from Hunan Province, China

  

Achalinus sheni

Ma, Xu, Qi, Wang, Tang, Huang & Jiang, 2023

Shen’s Odd-scale Snake  |  沈氏脊蛇  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1181.109462

 Photo by Yu-Hao Xu.

Abstract

A new species, Achalinus sheni sp. nov., from central Hunan Province is described, based on the results of molecular systematics and morphological characters according to five specimens. Our molecular phylogeny inferred from the mitochondrial CO1 gene fragment revealed that this new species is most closely related to A. yunkaiensis, but a considerable amount of genetic divergence exists between them (p-distance ranging from 5.8% to 6.4%) and much distinct genetic divergence exists compared with other known Achalinus species (p-distance ranging from 10.4% to 15.8%), supporting its validity. Morphologically, it can be distinguished from its congeners by: (1) dorsal scales strongly keeled, 23 rows throughout the body, the outmost row smooth and significantly enlarged; (2) tail relatively short, TaL/TL 0.183 ~ 0.224; (3) the suture between internasals subequal to the suture between prefrontals; (4) loreal one, subrectangular, LorH/LorL 0.53 ~ 0.57; (5) ventrals 161–170, anal entire, subcaudals 55–61, not paired; (6) the length of supraocular equal to or longer than the length of upper anterior temporal; and (7) vertebral line inconspicuous and subcaudal streak absent. Currently, 27 species of Achalinus are known in the world, amongst which 20 species are distributed in China. Moreover, a key to species of the genus Achalinus is provided in this study.

Key words: Identification key, molecular systematics, morphological characters, snake, taxonomy

Achalinus sheni
Paratype (ANU20230013, adult male) in life.

 Photo by Yu-Hao Xu.

 

 Achalinus sheni sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (1) dorsal scales strongly keeled, 23 rows throughout the body, the outmost row smooth and significantly enlarged ; (2) tail relatively short, TaL/TL 0.183 ~ 0.224; (3) the suture between internasals subequal to the suture between prefrontals; (4) loreal one, subrectangular, LorH/LorL 0.53 ~ 0.57; (5) ventrals 161–170, anal entire, subcaudals 55–61, not paired; (6) the length of supraocular equal to or longer than the length of upper anterior temporal; (7) vertebral line inconspicuous and subcaudal streak absent.

Etymology: The species name “sheni” is named for the memories of the Chinese herpetologist, Prof. You-Hui Shen (沈猷慧), who worked in Hunan Normal University and made great contributions to the herpetological research of China, particularly in Hunan Province where the new species is found. We suggest “Shen’s Odd-scale Snake” or “Shen’s Burrowing Snake” as its English name and “沈氏脊蛇” (Shěn Shì Jǐ Shé) as its Chinese name.

 

Shun Ma, Yu-Hao Xu, Shuo Qi, Ying-Yong Wang, Shan-Shan Tang, Song Huang and Jian-Ping Jiang. 2023. Discovery of A New cryptic Achalinus Peters, 1869 (Serpentes, Xenodermidae) Species from Hunan Province, China. ZooKeys. 1181: 9-27. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1181.109462

[Diplopoda • 2023] Sphaerobelum turcosa • A New Jewel-like Species of the Pill-millipede Genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924 (Sphaerotheriida: Zephroniidae) from northeastern Thailand

 Sphaerobelum turcosa Srisonchai & Pimvichai,  

in Srisonchai, Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit, Backeljau et Pimvichai, 2023.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1181.109076

Abstract

A new species of the giant pill millipede genus Sphaerobelum is described: Sphaerobelum turcosa sp. nov. from the northeastern part of Thailand. Species delimitation is based on morphological characters and COI sequence data. The new species can be clearly discriminated from congeners by its greenish-blue body color, the face mask-like appearance of the thoracic and anal shields jointly when rolled up, and the combination of the following four characters: (1) the coxa of the second leg laterally with a sharp and long process, (2) the tarsi of legs 4–21 with 6–7 ventral spines, (3) the anterior telopods consisting of four conspicuous telopoditomeres, and (4) the immovable, slender (not strongly humped) and distally curved finger of the posterior telopods without a membranous spot. The interspecific COI sequence divergence between the new species and other Sphaerobelum species ranges from 17% to 23% (mean 20%). The intergeneric COI sequence divergence between the new species and Zephronia species ranges from 18% to 21% (mean 20%). The relationships among Sphaerobelum and Zephronia species based on the COI sequence data were not resolved in this study. Sphaerobelum turcosa sp. nov. is restricted to limestone habitat in Loei province and is probably endemic for the Thai fauna.

Key words: Biodiversity, limestone karst, soil fauna, Southeast Asia, taxonomy

Family Zephroniidae Gray, 1843

Subfamily Zephroniinae Gray, 1843

Tribe Zephroniini Gray, 1843

Genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924

Sphaerobelum turcosa sp. nov.
 A–C ♂ holotype D, E ♀ paratype A first left coxa with stigmatic plate B coxa of second leg with gonopore C ninth right leg D coxa and prefemur of second leg with vulva E subanal plate.

Scale bars: 0.5 mm.

Habitus, live coloration.  Sphaerobelum turcosa sp. nov., ♀ paratype
 A, E sublateral views B–D enrolled, sublateral, lateral, dorsal views, respectively.

Scale bars: 5 mm.

 Sphaerobelum turcosa Srisonchai & Pimvichai, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Coxal process on leg 2 sharply projecting, tarsi of legs 4–21 with 4/5/6/7/8 ventral spines. Similar in these respects to S. lachneeis, S. schwendingeri and S. laoticum, but S. turcosa sp. nov. differs from them by the combination of several characters, viz. body yellow contrasting to dominant greenish-blue color (vs. dark green/black); mesal margin of femur with teeth (vs. without teeth); vulva board and large, covering mesal 2/3 of coxa (vs. narrower, covering mesal 1/3 or half of coxa); anterior telopod consisting of 4 conspicuous telopoditomeres (vs. 3 telopoditomeres); immovable fingers of posterior telopod slender (vs. strongly humped and swollen).

Etymology: The specific name is a Latin adjective, meaning ‘turquoise, greenish-blue mineral,’ and refers to the general body color of living specimens.

Ruttapon Srisonchai, Natdanai Likhitrakarn, Chirasak Sutcharit, Thierry Backeljau and Piyatida Pimvichai. 2023. A New Jewel-like Species of the Pill-millipede Genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924 (Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida, Zephroniidae) from Thailand.  ZooKeys. 1181: 41-57. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1181.109076

[Botany • 2019] Hippeastrum peruvianum (Amaryllidaceae: Hippeastreae) • A New Species from Northern Peru

Hippeastrum peruvianum  Meerow & Campos-Rocha, 

in Meerow et Campos-Rocha. 2019. 

DOI: 10.3417/2018330

 twitter.com/MuseoHNUNMSM

Abstract

A new species of Hippeastrum Herb. (Amaryllidaceae) from the department of Amazonas, Peru, is described and illustrated here. Hippeastrum peruvianum Meerow & Campos-Rocha features floral morphology unique among the other species of the genus occurring in the country. It has similarities with H. miniatum (Ruiz & Pav.) Herb. and H. reginae (L.) Herb. but is distinguished readily by its larger flowers, distinct coloration pattern, and trifid stigma. The new species is known only from the type collection by Paul C. Hutchison in 1958. It was determined as H. miniatum in error and has apparently been widely cultivated, especially in California, either under that name or erroneously considered a hybrid. We additionally observe that H. ugentii Ochoa, described from Peru and later transferred to Crinum L., is the naturalized South African species C. moorei Hook. f.

KEYWORDS: Amaryllidaceae, Amaryllioideae, Andes, Crinum, endemic species, Geophyte, Hippeastreae, Hippeastrum, Peru

 

Alan William Meerow and Antonio Campos-Rocha. 2019. Hippeastrum peruvianum (Amaryllidaceae), a New Species from Northern Peru, and Notes on a Naturalized Species of Crinum First Described as Hippeastrum. Novon: A J. for Botanical Nomenclature. 27(2);75-80. DOI: 10.3417/2018330

 twitter.com/MuseoHNUNMSM/status/1288138912867725313

[Botany • 2017] Corydalis hualongshanensis (Papaveraceae, sect. Fumarioide) • A New Species from Shaanxi, China

Corydalis hualongshanensis D. Wang, 

in Wang, Xu et Liu, 2017.

化龙山黄堇  ||  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.307.2.7 

 Researchgate.net/publication/317118339

Abstract

A new species, Corydalis hualongshanensis (Papaveraceae), is described from southern Shaanxi, China. This new species is distinct in Corydalis sect. Fumarioide Lidén. It is most similar to C. fargesii Franch., but differs in having papillose-hairs that are finely distributed on the peduncle, the pedicel, the apical part of outer petal, and the surface of fruit. It is also similar to C. pseudofargesii H.Chuang and C. shennongensis H.Chuang, but differs from the former by its entire bracts and nectary that is about 2/3–4/5 length of spur, and from the latter by its spur that is two times as long as petal lobe. An identification key to the four species is provided.

Keywords: IUCN, southern Shaanxi, taxonomy, Eudicots

 A-G: Habit and morphology of Corydalis hualongshanensis.
A. habit; B. inflorescence; C. fruit; D. sepal; E. the apical part of outer petal; F. Fruit;
G.1-8: 1. bract; 2. spur and nectary; 3. lower petal (left: adaxial view, right: abaxial view); 4. inner petal (left: adaxial view, right: abaxial view); 5. stamens (left: abaxial view, right: adaxial view); 6. pistil; 7. stigmas; 8. seed.

 Photo credits: D. Wang.

Corydalis hualongshanensis D.Wang, sp. nov.

Dong Wang, Xiaodong Xu and Ping Liu. 2017. Corydalis hualongshanensis, A New Species of Corydalis sect. Fumarioides (Papaveraceae) from Shaanxi, China. Phytotaxa. 307(2); 153-158. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.307.2.7

  Researchgate.net/publication/317118339_Corydalis_hualongshanensis_a_new_species_from_Shaanxi_China

[Crustacea • 2022] Floresorchestia amphawaensis & F. pongrati • Two New Species of the Genus Floresorchestia (Amphipoda, Talitridae) from Amphawa Estuary, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand

FA. Floresorchestia amphawaensis sp. nov.  
FP. F. pongrati sp. nov.  
Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram, Thailand. 

Suklom, Keetapithchayakul, Rahim & Wongkamhaeng, 2022

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.83749

Scale bars: 1 mm 

Abstract

Two new species of Floresorchestia (Crustacea: Amphipoda) are described from Amphawa Estuary, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. Floresorchestia amphawaensis sp. nov. is a riparian-hoppers living near agricultural and urban areas, being distinguished by the following character states: left mandible lacinia mobilis 4-dentate; gnathopod 2 palm reaching about 34%; telson as broad as long, with four robust setae per lobe. Floresorchestia pongrati sp. nov. are described as riparian-hoppers living in the moist area near Mae Klong canal banks with a unique left mandible lacinia mobilis 5-dentate; gnathopod 2 palm reaching 30% and telson with seven robust setae per lobe. The status and the problem of diagnostic character states of the genus Floresorchestia are discussed.

Key Words: Floresorchestiinae, riparian-hoppers, Southeast Asia, Talitridae

Male habitus of Floresorchestia spp. 
FA. Floresorchestia amphawaensis sp. nov. holotype, male, 7.8 mm (THNHM-lv-18763), Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram, Thailand; 
FP. F. pongrati sp. nov. holotype, male, 10 mm (THNHM-lv-19369), Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram, Thailand.

 Scale bars: 1 mm (FA, FP).

Anotai Suklom, Tosaphol Saetung Keetapithchayakul, Azman Abdul Rahim and Koraon Wongkamhaeng. 2022. Two New Species of the Genus Floresorchestia (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) from Amphawa Estuary, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 98(2): 285-303.  DOI:  10.3897/zse.98.83749

[Botany • 2021] Begonia sohoton, B. tarangban et B. burabod (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • Three New Species from Samar Island, the Philippines

Begonia sohoton, Begonia tarangban et Begonia burabod

Rubite, C.Justo, P.Villaseñor & C.W.Lin

in Rubite, Justo, Villaseñor, Angeles, Tandang et Lin, 2021. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.516.3.5 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

Researchgate.net/publication/354152204

 

Abstract

The geographic location, climatic, and soil conditions of Samar Island render a mosaic of varied habitats which harbor numerous endemic, rare, and endangered species of plants. The island province is one of the centers of plant endemism in the Philippines. Included in this rich biodiversity of flora are members of genus Begonia of the family Begoniaceae. In 2018, researchers of the University of the Philippines found in the island three unknown Begonia species. With rhizomatous habits, persistent stipules, protandrous inflorescences, four-tepaled flowers, three winged capsules and bifid placenta, the three species are clearly members of Begonia section Baryandra. Studies of literature, herbarium specimens, and living plants support the recognition of the three new species: Begonia sohoton, Begonia tarangban and Begonia burabod.

Keywords: Eudicots, endemic species, limestone forest, Samar Island Natural Park, taxonomy

 

Rosario Rivera Rubite, Celeena Aimeree de Guzman Justo, Patricka Coliflores Villaseñor, Marjorie D. delos Angeles, Danilo N. Tandang and Che-Wei Lin. 2021. Three New Species of Begonia (section Baryandra, Begoniaceae) from Samar Island, the Philippines. Phytotaxa. 516(3); 263–274. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.516.3.5

  facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10220332937897139

Researchgate.net/publication/354152204_Three_new_species_of_Begonia_from_Samar_Island_the_Philippines

[Botany • 2023] Primulina malingheensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from A Karst Area in Guizhou Province, China

Primulina malingheensis X.X. Bai, F. Wen & Y.L. Zhou, 

 in Zhou, Wen, Li, Wang et Bai, 2023. 

DOI: 10.5735/085.060.0109

 Abstract 

Primulina malingheensis X.X. Bai, F. Wen & Y.L. Zhou, a new species of Gesneriaceae from a karst area in Guizhou Province, China, is described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles P. leei in the shape of leaves and flowers but differs especially in the densely pubescent and sparsely villous leaf indumentum and much larger, ovate bracts.

   

Yu-Lu Zhou, Fang Wen, Quan-Yuan Li, Qiu Wang and Xin-Xiang Bai. 2023. Primulina malingheensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from A Karst Area in Guizhou Province, China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 60(1); 61-65. DOI: 10.5735/085.060.0109

https://weibo.com/1284887857/MxNnfwXkl

 Researchgate.net/publication/369156969_Primulina_malingheensis_a_New_Species_from_Guizhou_China

[Diplopoda • 2012] Sphaerobelum truncatum • A New Species of the Giant Pill-millipede Genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924 (Sphaerotheriida: Zephroniidae) from northern Thailand, with An Extensive Description and Molecular Characters

Sphaerobelum truncatum   Wongthamwanich, 

in Wongthamwanich, Panha, Sierwald, Wesener et Thirakhupt, 2012.

 ResearchGate.net/publication/258242225

Abstract

As a first step towards an inventory of the giant pill-millipedes in Thailand, a new species of the genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924, Sphaerobelum truncatum n. sp. is described from Nan Province, northern Thailand. A determination key is presented for all five known Sphaerobelum species. Clear morphological differences between S. truncatum n. sp. and the other four Sphaerobelum species were found on the anterior telopods. For the first time in Sphaerobelum, the partial mitochondrial COI gene was sequenced for S. truncatum n. sp. and compared with distance, maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods to those of species from other giant pill-millipede genera. Sphaerobelum truncatum n. sp. was found to differ from all other analyzed giant pill-millipedes, including species of Zephronia Gray, 1832, by 22–30%, including numerous amino acid changes, supporting the separate status of Sphaerobelum among other giant pill-millipede genera. Maximum likelihood and parsimony analyses support the placement of Sphaerobelum in the Zephroniidae. Figures of all relevant structures of Sphaerobelum truncatum n. sp. are provided to allow the use of these characters in future descriptions of species of the family Zephroniidae.

Key words: giant pill-millipede, new species, arthropod, taxonomy, Thailand 

Taxonomy

Family Zephroniidae Gray, 1843

Subfamily Zephroniinae Gray, 1843

Tribe Zephroniini Jeekel, 2001

Comment. We follow Jeekel’s (2001) classification of Zephroniidae. No phylogenetic analysis of the family Zephroniidae was ever undertaken, so any subfamilial or tribal affiliations of Sphaerobelum would be premature.

Genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924

 

Type species. Sphaerobelum clavigerum Verhoeff, 1924

Other species included. S. hirsutum Verhoeff, 1924; S. bicorne Attems, 1938; S. separatum Attems, 1953, S. truncatum n. sp.

Diagnosis. Males of Sphaerobelum species can be distinguished from all other giant pill-millipede genera in the world by the distally swollen process of the second joint of the posterior telopod. 

Sphaerobelum truncatum n. sp., Digital photographs,
A: paratype in habitat; B: paratype, living specimen volvated; C: paratype, ventral view, arrow points to locking carina of anal shield; D: eye field and Tömösváry organ. 

A-C: Photographs not to scale. Scale bars = 1 mm.

Sphaerobelum truncatum Wongthamwanich, n. sp.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a Latin adjective, meaning terminating abruptly, and refers to the truncated state of the lateral end of the third podomere on the anterior telopods (Fig. 11C).

   Nattarin Wongthamwanich, Somsak Panha, Petra Sierwald, Thomas Wesener and Kumthorn Thirakhupt. 2012. A New Species of the Giant Pill-millipede Genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924 from northern Thailand, with An Extensive Description and Molecular Characters (Diplopoda: Sphaerotheriida: Zephroniidae). Zootaxa. 3220; 29–43.

 mapress.com/zootaxa/2012/f/zt03220p043.pdf

ResearchGate.net/publication/258242225_A_new_species_of_Sphaerobelum_from_northern_Thailand

[Diplopoda • 2019] Antheromorpha nguyeni • A New Species and A New Record of the Southeast Asian Millipede Genus Antheromorpha Jeekel, 1968 (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae) from Vietnam

Antheromorpha nguyeni 

Likhitrakarn, Golovatch, Semenyuk & Panha, 2019

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.832.32596

Abstract

Antheromorpha nguyeni sp. n. is described and illustrated from Kon Ka Kinh National Park, southern Vietnam. The new species is distinguished by a peculiar colour pattern showing a uniformly black-brown body contrasting with yellow-brown paraterga and epiproct, as well as in the pointed gonopodal process being unusually short, only approximately half as long as the solenophore. In addition, an identification key to all 13 presently known species, all mapped, is given. A new record of A. festiva is provided from southern Vietnam.

Keywords: Antheromorpha, millipede, new species, Orthomorphini, taxonomy, Vietnam

 

Antheromorpha nguyeni sp. n., ♂ holotype.
A habitus, live coloration; B, C anterior part of body, dorsal and lateral views, respectively D, E segments 10 and 11, dorsal and lateral views, respectively F, G, H posterior part of body, dorsal, ventral and lateral views, respectively I, J sternal cones between coxae 4, subcaudal and sublateral views, respectively.

Natdanai Likhitrakarn, Sergei I. Golovatch, Irina Semenyuk and Somsak Panha. 2019. A New Species and A New Record of the Southeast Asian Millipede Genus Antheromorpha Jeekel, 1968 (Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae) from Vietnam. ZooKeys. 832: 77-89.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.832.32596

[Botany • 2023] Illicium gansuense (Schisandraceae) • An unexpected New Tree Species from Gansu, China

Illicium gansuense Z.F.Bai & Xue L. Chen, 

in Bai, Zhang, Chen et Zhang, 2023. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.230.102754

Abstract

We describe the newly-discovered species Illicium gansuense (Schisandraceae), discovered in the Yuhe area of Giant Panda National Park, Gansu, China. Morphologically, I. gansuense resembles I. ternstroemioides and I. arborescens. However, the new species can be distinguished by its smaller leaf size, the larger number of tepals, tepal margin ciliate, and distinct flowering and fruiting seasons.

Key words: Austrobaileyales, basal angiosperms, Gansu, Giant Panda National Park, Illiciaceae, Yuhe area

Illicium gansuense Z.F.Bai & Xue L. Chen
A flowering branch B adaxial and abaxial leaf surface C flower D tepals E removal of tepals showing gynoecium and stamens F, G stamens, dorsal and ventral views H carpel I fruiting branch J, K fruits L seed.

(Drawn by Jianlu Bai based on type specimen).

Illicium gansuense Z.F.Bai & Xue L. Chen
A flower at front view B flower at side view C the largest tepals D all parts of flower E stamen F follicle G fruit at front view H fruit at side view I seed. Photographed by Zengfu Bai.

Illicium gansuense Z.F.Bai & Xue L. Chen 
A habitat B, C flowering branch D bark.

 Illicium gansuense Z.F.Bai & Xue L.Chen, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Illicium gansuense is similar to I. ternstroemioides and I. arborescens in overall form, leaf characters, red flowers, location, and population density. Illicium gansuense can be distinguished from I. ternstroemioides and I. arborescens based on leaf-blades size (7–12 × 1.8–3.5 cm in I. gansuense vs. 7–13 × 2–5 cm in I. ternstroemioides vs. 6–12 × 2–4.5 cm in I. arborescens), tepal number and pubescence (10–17 tepals with ciliate margins vs. 10–14 tepals with glabrous margins vs. 14–21 tepals with glabrous margins), number of carpels (10–13 vs. 12–14 vs. 12–16), number and size of the stamens (23–27, 2–3 mm long vs. 22–30, 1.8–3.4 mm long vs. 39–41, 2–3 mm long), and ovary length (1–1.5 mm long vs. 1.3–2.5 mm long vs. 1–1.8 mm long). (Table 1).

Zengfu Bai, Zhihua Zhang, Xuelin Chen and Ji Zhang. 2023. An unexpected New Tree Species from Gansu, China: Illicium gansuense (Schisandraceae). PhytoKeys. 230: 301-307. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.230.102754

[Herpetology • 2023] Leptobrachella wumingensis • A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella Smith 1925 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guangxi, China

Leptobrachella wumingensis 

in Chen, Peng, Li et Yu, 2023. 

 Wuming Leaf Litter Toad | 武鸣掌突蟾  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1178.106038

Abstract

A new species of Leptobrachella, L. wumingensis sp. nov., was described from the Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Wuming District, Nanning City, Guangxi, China based on morphological, molecular and bioacoustic data. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S mtDNA fragments revealed that the new species is closely related to L. damingshanensis. Uncorrected p-distances between the new species and all homologous DNA sequences available for the 16S gene of Leptobrachella are greater than 7.1%. Morphologically, L. wumingensis sp. nov. differs from its congeners in several ways, including a medium body size (SVL 26.0–26.7 mm in males, 30.6–34.8 mm in females), lack of toe webbing and lateral fringes, shagreened and granular dorsal surface, pale brown dorsum with darker brown markings, iris bicolored, with the upper half copper and fading to silver in the lower half, and the presence of small irregular black spots and tangerine tubercles on the flanks. Furthermore, we found the new species to have two types of advertisement calls and relatively high dominant frequencies, making it distinct from its congeners.

Key words: Bioacoustics, molecular analyses, morphological characters, sympatric species, taxonomy

Morphological characters of Leptobrachella wumingensis sp. nov. (NNU 01058)
A dorsal view B ventral view C, D lateral view E ventral view of hand F ventral view of foot.

 Leptobrachella wumingensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Leptobrachella wumingensis sp. nov. is classified under Leptobrachella based on specific morphological features, including its relatively small body size, presence of an inner metacarpal tubercle, macro-glands on the supra-axillary and femoral glands, lack of vomerine teeth, and a whitish vertical bar on the anterior tip of the snout, according to previous studies (Dubois 1983; Lathrop et al. 1998; Delorme et al. 2006; Matsui 2006). Leptobrachella wumingensis sp. nov. can be differentiated from other species in its genus by a combination of the following characters: (1) medium size (SVL 26.0–26.7 mm in males, 30.6–34.8 mm in females); (2) absence of toe webbing and lateral fringes; (3) shagreened and granular dorsal surface; (4) pale brown dorsum with darker brown markings; (5) iris bicolored, with the upper half copper and fading to silver in the lower half; (6) presence of small irregular black spots and tangerine tubercles on the flanks; and (7) two types of advertisement callings and high dominant frequencies.

Leptobrachella wumingensis sp. nov.
A dorsolateral view of NNU 01086 B dorsolateral view of NNU 01059
C dorsolateral view of NNU 00285 D NNU 201907009 in habitat (photo taken in situ)
E NNU 00283 in habitat (photo taken in situ) F eggs (NNU 01059).

 

Etymology: The specific name ‘wumingensis’ is derived from the type locality, Wuming District, Nanning City, Guangxi, China. The proposed common name in English is Wuming Leaf Litter Toad, and in Chinese, it is called Wu Ming Zhang Tu Chan (武鸣掌突蟾).

 

Wei-Cai Chen, Wan-Xiao Peng, Peng Li and Gui-Dong Yu. 2023. A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella Smith 1925 (Amphibia, Anura, Megophryidae) from Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1178: 1-16. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1178.106038