[Herpetology • 2023] Cyrtodactylus thongphaphumensis • A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus Group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the uplands of western Thailand

Cyrtodactylus thongphaphumensis 

Grismer, Rujirawan, Chomdej, Suwannapoom, Yodthong, Aksornneam & Aowphol, 2023

ตุ๊กกายทองผาภูมิ  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1141.97624

Abstract

An integrative systematic analysis recovered a new species of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group from the uplands of Thong Pha Phum National Park, Kanchanaburi Province in western Thailand. Cyrtodactylus thongphaphumensis sp. nov. is deeply embedded within the brevipalmatus group, bearing an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 7.6–22.3% from all other species based on a 1,386 base pair segment of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene (ND2) and adjacent tRNAs. It is diagnosable from all other species in the brevipalmatus group by statistically significant mean differences in meristic and normalized morphometric characters as well as differences in categorical morphology. A multiple factor analysis recovered its unique and non-overlapping placement in morphospace as statistically significantly different from that of all other species in the brevipalmatus group. The description of this new species contributes to a growing body of literature underscoring the high degree of herpetological diversity and endemism across the sky-island archipelagos of upland montane tropical forest habitats in Thailand, which like all other upland tropical landscapes, are becoming some of the most imperiled ecosystems on the planet.

Keywords: Bent-toed gecko, genetics, Indochina, integrative taxonomy, montane forests, morphology

Adult male holotype of Cyrtodactylus thongphaphumensis sp. nov. ZMKU R 00953 (field no. AA 06933) from Thong Pha Phum National Park, Pilok Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.
 A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsal view of head and ventral view of pelvic region D dorsal view of tail and E ventral view of tail in preservative F holotype in life.

 Cyrtodactylus thongphaphumensis sp. nov.

 Suggested Common Name: Thong Pha Phum Bent-toed Gecko, 

ตุ๊กกายทองผาภูมิ

Diagnosis: Cyrtodactylus thongphaphumensis sp. nov. can be separated from all other species of the brevipalmatus group by the combination of having 12–14 supralabials, 8–10 infralabials, 30–36 paravertebral tubercles, 19–21 rows of longitudinally arranged tubercles, 30–34 longitudinal rows of ventrals, 150–173 transverse rows of ventrals, 8–10 expanded subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe, 11–14 unexpanded subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe, 20–24 total subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; seven or eight expanded subdigital lamellae on the fourth finger, 10–12 unexpanded subdigital lamellae on the fourth finger, 18–20 total subdigital lamellae on the fourth finger; 12–16 total number of enlarged femoral scales, 12–16 total number of femoral pores in males; 15 precloacal pores in males; 15–17 enlarged precloacals; enlarged femorals and enlarged precloacals not continuous; proximal femorals smaller than distal femorals; small tubercles on forelimbs and flanks; large dorsolateral caudal tubercles and wide ventrolateral caudal fringe; ventrolateral caudal fringe composed scales of different size; tail square in cross-section; maximum SVL 76.6 mm; 3–5 dark transverse body bands (Table 5).

...

Distribution: Cyrtodactylus thongphaphumensis sp. nov. is currently known only from the type locality at Thong Pha Phum National Park, Pilok Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand (Fig. 1).

Etymology: The specific epithet thongphaphumensis is in reference to the type locality of Thong Pha Phum National Park.

L. Lee Grismer, Attapol Rujirawan, Siriwadee Chomdej, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Siriporn Yodthong, Akrachai Aksornneam and Anchalee Aowphol. 2023. A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus Group (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from the uplands of western Thailand.  ZooKeys. 1141: 93-118. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1141.97624

[Botany • 2023] Allium sunhangii (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species of Allium sect. Brevidentia from Southern Pamir-Alay, Uzbekistan

 Allium sunhangii F.O.Khass., Tojibaev & Yusupov, 

in Khassanov, Pulatov, Asatulloev, Ergashov, Tojibaev & Yusupov, 2023.

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.219.96464

Abstract

A new species, Allium sunhangii sp. nov., of the Middle Asiatic section Brevidentia F.O.Khass. & Iengal., (subgenus Allium, tribe Allioideae, Amaryllidaceae) is described. The species is a small plant from the Babatag Ridge in the Surkhandarya province of Uzbekistan. It is morphologically close to Allium brevidens Vved. in having initially dark violet filaments and three-cuspidate inner filaments, but differs by its small size and visibly unequal tepals as well as in the phylogenetic analysis based on ITS data.

Keywords: Allium, Brevidentia, Middle Asia, new taxon, phylogeny, taxonomy

 Allium sunhangii F.O.Khass., Tojibaev & Yusupov, 
A–A1 whole and longitudinal section of flower with teeth B view of single flower C cross section of pistil D–D1 bulb tunic and bulb E general view of species without leaves.

A1–A2 inflorescence and general view of growing  Allium sunhangii 
B1–B2 Zarkasa peak and habitat landscape.

 

 Allium sunhangii F.O.Khass., Tojibaev & Yusupov, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species is most similar to Allium brevidens Vved. (Fig. 1), from which it differs in a more compact habit, remaining small spathe with a short beak, unequal tepals and strongly exserted, dark violet filaments (Fig. 2).

Etymology: Allium sunhangii is named after Prof. Sun Hang, one of the leading botanists at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, who actively promotes several projects within Central Asia.

 

Furkat O. Khassanov, Sardorjon Pulatov, Temur Asatulloev, Ibrokhimjon Ergashov, Komiljon Sh. Tojibaev and Ziyoviddin Yusupov. 2023.  Allium sunhangii – A New Species from Section Brevidentia F.O.Khass. & Iengal. (Amaryllidaceae) from Southern Pamir-Alay, Uzbekistan. PhytoKeys. 219: 35-48.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.219.96464

[Botany • 2023] Cryptocoryne esquerionii (Araceae) • A remarkable New Species discovered by A Citizen Scientist in Zamboanga Peninsula, southwestern Philippines

Cryptocoryne esquerionii Naive & Wongso, 

in Naive, Reagan, Wongso & Jacobsen, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.03892

 facebook.com/ArciiNaive 

Abstract

A species new to science, Cryptocoryne esquerionii Naive & Wongso from the island of Mindanao is herein described and illustrated. It differs significantly from all other Cryptocoryne species by its yellow, colliculate spathe with a long acuminate apex. A detailed description, colour plates, phenology, geographical distribution information and a provisional conservation status are provided. The discovery of this new endemic species further highlights the importance of the citizen science in exploring and conserving the Philippine biodiversity.

Keywords: aroids, Cryptocoryne, Mindanao, Philippines, Zamboanga del Norte

 

Cryptocoryne esquerionii Naive & Wongso

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Joseph T. Villanueva Reagan, Suwidji Wongso and Niels Jacobsen. 2023. Cryptocoryne esquerionii (Araceae), A remarkable New Species discovered by A Citizen Scientist in Zamboanga Peninsula, southwestern Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. e03892. DOI: 10.1111/njb.03892

 facebook.com/ArciiNaive/posts/882120626270888

[Botany • 2021] Androsace azizsancarii (Primulaceae) • A New Species from northeastern Anatolia, Turkey

 Androsace azizsancarii Sefalı, 

in Sefali, 2021. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.03208

 Researchgate.net/publication/353420061

Abstract

Androsace azizsancarii (Primulaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from Bayburt Province in northeastern Anatolia, Turkey. Diagnostic morphological characteristics, a full description and a distribution map are provided. The new species is morphologically closest to Androsace albana, A. multiscapa and A. villosa, but it is easily distinguished from these species by indumentum, leaf, flower and seed characters.

Keywords: Bayburt, Flora of Turkey, new species, taxonomy

 Androsace azizsancarii sp. nov.
 (A-D) habitus in flowering time, (E-F) indumentum of late period, (F) habitus in early fruiting time, (G-H) nonflowering rosettes, (I) basal leaves, (J) leaf indumentum, (K) habitat.

Androsace azizsancarii Sefalı sp. nov.

Etymology: Androsace azizsancarii was named in honor of Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar, who is the Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2015. The Turkish name of this species was chosen as ‘Sancarınca’

Abdurrahman Sefali. 2021. Androsace azizsancarii sp. nov. (Primulaceae): A New Species from northeastern Anatolia, Turkey. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.03208

 Researchgate.net/publication/353420061_Androsace_azizsancarii_a_new_species_from_northeastern_Anatolia_Turkey

[Entomology • 2023] Brachinepticula melania & B. colombica • Collecting in the Northern Andean Páramo revealed Purple Iridescent Pygmy Moths of the little known Andean Endemic Brachinepticula (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae)

 Brachinepticula melania Remeikis, Mey & Stonis, 

in Stonis, Remeikis, Dobrynina & Mey, 2023. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5227.3.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/366906148

Abstract

This paper describes two new species of Brachinepticula Stonis & Diškus: B. melania Remeikis, Mey & Stonis, sp. nov. and B. colombica Remeikis, Mey & Stonis, sp. nov. Both the new species were collected in the Northern Andean Páramo (Cundinamarca, Colombia). Since the specimens were caught at night-time with a light trap, the host plants remain unknown. The examination of the morphology of the male genitalia of B. melania and female genitalia of B. colombica revealed a highly distinctive new taxa of pygmy moths and broadened our knowledge of the morphology and distribution of the recently described endemic genus Brachinepticula Diškus & Stonis. The examination of the new findings also allowed us updating the diagnosis of Brachinepticula. The new species were illustrated with photographs of the genitalia, adults, and habitats.

Keywords:  Lepidoptera, Colombia, leaf miners, new species, pygmy moths, the Andes

  Male adult of Brachinepticula melania Remeikis, Mey & Stonis, sp. nov.,
holotype, Colombia, Cundinamarca, Parque Ecológico Matarredonda, Páramo de Cruz Verde, 3300 m (MfN / ICN)

Collecting locality in Colombian páramo.
1-4, Brachinepticula melania Remeikis, Mey & Stonis, sp. nov., habitat, Cundinamarca, Parque Ecológico Matarredonda, Páramo de Cruz Verde, 3300 m;
5- B. colombica sp. nov., habitat, Cundinamarca, Fómeque, Finca La Laja (near Parque Ecológico Matarredonda, Páramo de Cruz Verde), 3200 m

Jonas R. Stonis, Andrius Remeikis, Viktorija Dobrynina, Wolfram Mey. 2023. Collecting in the Northern Andean Páramo revealed Purple Iridescent Pygmy Moths of the little known Andean Endemic Brachinepticula (Nepticulidae). Zootaxa. 5227(3); 328-340. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5227.3.2

  Researchgate.net/publication/366906148_pygmy_moths_of_Andean_endemic_Brachinepticula 

[Herpetology • 2022] Guarocuyus jaraguanus • A New Genus and Species of Caribbean Forest Lizard (Diploglossidae: Celestinae) from southern Hispaniola

Guarocuyus jaraguanus

Landestoy, Schools & Hedges, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5219.3.1

  

Abstract

A new genus and species of Caribbean forest lizard of the subfamily Celestinae Schools & Hedges are described. This new taxon is known only from two small adjacent keys in the Laguna de Oviedo of the Parque Nacional Jaragua in the Barahona Peninsula, Dominican Republic, at the southernmost region of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The genus Guarocuyus gen. nov. is genetically more closely related to the clade containing Celestus Gray, Comptus Schools & Hedges, and Panolopus Cope; nevertheless, we compare it to all celestine genera. Morphologically, it differs from other celestines by having an interdigital web on three toes and by having the widest ear opening. Additionally, the species Guarocuyus jaraguanus sp. nov. has some ecological attributes that when combined, appear to be unique, including nocturnal habits, a semiprehensile tail, and a facultatively arboreal lifestyle. We note sexual dimorphism in the new species and in two other celestines, Caribicus darlingtoni (Cochran) and the poorly known Celestus macrotus Thomas & Hedges, and report a range extension of the latter species into the Dominican Republic. We also discuss several scale topography conditions considered of taxonomic value for the group.

Keywords: Reptilia, Neoanguimorpha, Anguidae, Celestus, Hispaniola, Barahona Peninsula

Guarocuyus jaraguanus sp. nov. 

Miguel A. Landestoy T., Molly Schools and S. Blair Hedges. 2022. A New Genus and Species of Caribbean Forest Lizard (Diploglossidae; Celestinae) from southern Hispaniola. Zootaxa. 5219(3); 201-226. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5219.3.1  

  facebook.com/grupojaragua/posts/10160254741339770

[Herpetology • 2023] Taxonomic Revision and Re-description of Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus (Hallowell, 1861) (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) with Resurrection of A. okinavensis (Thompson, 1912)

 Ateuchosaurus okinavensis (Thompson, 1912)

in Makino, Nakano, Okamoto & Hikida, 2023.

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.95923

Abstract

The scincid lizard Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus (Hallowell, 1861) has been recognized as a single species widely distributed in the Osumi, Tokara, Amami, and Okinawa Groups of the Ryukyu Archipelago, southern Japan. However, a recent molecular phylogenetic study suggested that this skink should be divided into two species: one distributed in the Osumi to Amami Groups, and another distributed in the Okinawa Group. For A. pellopleurus, two extant syntypes collected from an island of the Amami Group were confirmed. Therefore, we identified the species in the Osumi to Amami Groups as A. pellopleurus sensu stricto by designating one of the syntypes as the lectotype for this species. For the species in the Okinawa Group, we resurrected A. okinavensis (Thompson, 1912), of which the type locality is on Okinawajima Island in the Okinawa Group. Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus and A. okinavensis can be differentiated by the following characteristics: usually separated frontonasal and frontal, 8–14 subdigital scales on the fourth toe (mode = 11), and usually two or three pairs of dorsal median scale rows with black stripes in A. pellopleurus; usually fused frontonasal and frontal, 10–16 subdigital scales on the fourth toe (mode = 13), and usually no stripe on the dorsal scales or a pair of dorsal median scale rows with black stripes in A. okinavensis.

Key Words: lectotypification, morphological diagnosis, Ryukyu Archipelago, scalation

Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views of head scalation of Ateuchosaurus okinavensis (KUZ R77462). See Fig. 4 legend for abbreviations of scale names.

Photograph of a live individual of Ateuchosaurus okinavensis collected at Urasoe Park in Urasoe City, Okinawajima Island (38 m above sea level).

Ateuchosaurus okinavensis (Thompson, 1912)

  Suggested Japanese name: Okinawa-Hime-Tokage

Emended diagnosis: An Ateuchosaurus species characterized by the following: usually fused FrNa and frontal; a pair of frontoparietals that do not contact each other; eight SuCis; anteroposteriorly reduced parietals separated from SuO and pretemporal by EcP; no distinct nuchals; usually six InLas; body size medium (SVL ca. 42–70 mm); widely separated forelimb and hindlimb when appressed; usually 26 or 28 MSRs (mode = 28, 25–28); 54–64 (mode = 59) and 55–67 DMSs (mode = 58) in male and female, respectively; 10–16 TIVs (mode = 13); 10 preanals not enlarged; usually no black stripe on dorsal scale row or one pair of DSRBS; a karyotype of 2n = 28 (Ota et al. 1998).

Tomohisa Makino, Takafumi Nakano, Taku Okamoto and Tsutomu Hikida. 2023. Taxonomic Revision and Re-description of Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus (Hallowell, 1861) (Reptilia, Squamata, Scincidae) with Resurrection of A. okinavensis (Thompson, 1912). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 99(1): 77-91. DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.95923

[Botany • 2023] Commelina danxiaensis (Commelinaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

 

 Commelina danxiaensis Q.Fan, Long Y.Wang & W.Guo, 

in Wang, Zhao, Chen, Huang, ... et Fan, 2023.

丹霞鸭跖草  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.218.91199

Abstract

Commelina danxiaensis (Commelinaceae), a remarkable new species from Mount Danxia, Guangdong Province, China, is described and illustrated. This species is similar to C. communis in inflorescences and flowers but readily distinguishable in its nearly erect stems, larger flowers, and different petal colouration.

Keywords: Commelinales, morphology, Mount Danxia, phylogeny, taxonomy

 Commelina danxiaensis Q.Fan, Long Y.Wang & W.Guo, sp. nov.

A habitat B involucral bract C inflorescence D flower E fertile, sterile stamens and pistil F fruit in transverse section G seed.

 Commelina danxiaensis Q.Fan, Long Y.Wang & W.Guo, sp. nov.
A habitat, growing on top of the Danxia landform B habit, plants ascending C–E leaf-blade, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate F leaf-sheaths, with pubescence G–H flower I inflorescence J spathe K fruit in transverse section, 2 seeds per valve L seed.

 Scale bars: 1 cm (D, E, G, I, J); 3 mm (K, L).

 Commelina danxiaensis Q.Fan, Long Y.Wang & W.Guo, sp. nov.

Chinese name. 丹霞鸭跖草 [dān xiá yā zhǐ cǎo]

 

Diagnosis: Commelina danxiaensis is morphologically similar to C. communis due to their diffuse stems, lanceolate leaf-blades and approximate floral forms. However, it differs in its ascending stems (Fig. 4B), tomentose leaf-blades and sheaths (Fig. 4C–F), and sky-blue lateral petals with a white basal third (Fig. 4G).

Distribution and habitat: Commelina danxiaensis is only known from the type locality, Mount Danxia, Renhua County, Guangdong Province, China. Only two populations have been found, with several hundred individuals. It grows on dry mountaintops of the Danxia formation at elevations of 100–350 m.

 Long-Yuan Wang, Wan-Yi Zhao, Zai-Xiong Chen, Wei-Cheng Huang, Ming-Yan Ding, Jin-Chu Luo, Wen-Bo Liao, Wei Guo and Qiang Fan. 2023. Commelina danxiaensis (Commelinaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China. PhytoKeys. 218: 117-126. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.218.91199

[Ichthyology • 2023] Horaglanis populi • Evolution in the Dark: Unexpected Genetic Diversity and Morphological Stasis in the Blind, Aquifer-dwelling Catfish Horaglanis (Siluriformes: Clariidae)

Horaglanis populi

Raghavan, Sundar, Arjun, Britz & Dahanukar, 2023

 

DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e98367 

 twitter.com/LabRajeev 

Abstract

The lateritic aquifers of the southern Indian state of Kerala harbour a unique assemblage of enigmatic stygobitic fishes which are encountered very rarely, only when they surface during the digging and cleaning of homestead wells. Here, we focus on one of the most unusual members of this group, the catfish Horaglanis, a genus of rarely-collected, tiny, blind, pigment less, and strictly aquifer-residing species. A six-year exploratory and citizen-science backed survey supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis reveals novel insights into the diversity, distribution and population structure of Horaglanis. The genus is characterized by high levels of intraspecific and interspecific genetic divergence, with phylogenetically distinct species recovered above a 7.0% genetic-distance threshold in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene. Contrasting with this deep genetic divergence, however, is a remarkable stasis in external morphology. We identify and describe a new cryptic species, Horaglanis populi, a lineage that is the sister group of all currently known species. All four species are represented by multiple haplotypes. Mismatch distribution reveals that populations have not experienced recent expansions.

Keywords: Cryptic species, groundwater, Kerala, molecular ecology, stygobitic, subterranean

A Horaglanis populi in life. B Typical laterite rock showing tiny pores. C Homestead lateritic dug-out well in Kerala – habitat of Horaglanis.

Horaglanis populi holotype (KUFOS.F.2022.101, 32.5 mm standard length) in A life and B–F immediately after preservation.
A, B Lateral view; C ventral view; D dorsal view; E lateral view of head; F ventral view of head.

Horaglanis populi, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A species of Horaglanis as evidenced by the absence of eyes and pigment, a blood-red body in life, a highly reduced pectoral fin in which only a shortened spine is present, an elongate body with long dorsal and anal fins extending to the base of the caudal peduncle, and four pairs of well-developed barbels. Genetically, Horaglanis populi forms a distinct clade, the sister group to the other three congeners (Fig. 2), from which it differs by a genetic uncorrected p distance of 13.8–17.4% in the COI gene, and between 12.3–14.0% in the cyt b gene. Specifically, H. populi differs from all three known species in the barcoding gene (Supplementary Table S4) in positions 106 (C vs. T), 115 (T vs. C), 142 (T vs. C), 171 (G vs. A), 183 (T vs. C), 216 (A vs. C or T), 234 (C vs. T), 237 (G vs. A), 265 (T vs. G), 270 (C vs. A), 312 (A vs. C or T), 324 (A vs. C), 325 (T vs. C) 330 (G. vs. A or T), 350 (G vs. T), 363 (T vs. G), 421 (C vs. G), 448 (C vs. T), 481 (G vs. T), 489 (C vs. T), 496 (A vs. G), 517 (c vs. T), 528 (G vs. T), 533 (G vs. A), 538 (A vs. C), 539 (A vs. G), 542 (T vs. C), 565 (T vs. A), 576 (G vs. T or C), 597 (A vs. C), 618 (C vs. T), 633 (G vs. A) and 636 (C vs. T).

Etymology: The species name populi, genitive of the Latin noun populus = people, honours the invaluable contributions made by interested members of the public in the southern Indian state of Kerala, helping to document the biodiversity of subterranean and groundwater systems, including the discovery of this new species.

Rajeev Raghavan, Remya L. Sundar, C.P. Arjun, Ralf Britz and Neelesh Dahanukar. 2023. Evolution in the Dark: Unexpected Genetic Diversity and Morphological Stasis in the Blind, Aquifer-dwelling Catfish Horaglanis. Vertebrate Zoology. 73: 57-74. DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e98367

  twitter.com/LabRajeev/status/1618264051393650693

[Botany • 2022] Mammillaria morentiniana (Cactaceae) • A New Endemic Species from San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Mammillaria morentiniana  Gonz.-Zam., D. Aquino, J. Mohl & Dan. Sánchez,

in González-Zamora, Aquino, Mohl & Sánchez, 2022.

DOI: 10.3372/wi.52.52305 

Abstract  

We describe a new endemic densely spined Mammillaria from San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The new species, named M. morentiniana, is distinctive by the presence of a globose to shortly cylindric stem with several glabrous, reddish central spines, radial spines that protrude from the plant like white needle-bristles, and small flowers with pale yellow, lanceolate tepals. We compare it with similar and sympatric species of M. ser. Stylothelae. We include data about habitat and the preliminary status of conservation of the new taxon.

KEYWORDS: Cactaceae, Cacteae, Mammillaria, Mammillaria ser. Stylothelae, Mexico, morphology, multivariate statistics, new species, species delimitation

Morphology of Mammillaria morentiniana during dry and rainy seasons.
– A: plant flowering in habitat; B: stem and roots; C: stems during dry season covered by radial spines resembling white needle-bristles; D: stems during rainy season showing hydrated and expanded tubercles; E: close-up of tubercle and areole bearing six central spines; F: plant bearing red and claviform fruits; G: flower in longitudinal section, outside and inside views; H: seeds.

 – Scale bars: A = primary graduations of 1 cm, secondary graduations of 1 mm; B = 10 mm; E = graduations of 0.5 mm; G = 10 mm; H = 1 mm.

Mammillaria morentiniana Gonz.-Zam., D. Aquino, J. Mohl & Dan. Sánchez, sp. nov.  

Holotype: Mexico, San Luis Potosí, Santa María del Río, 2056 m, 28 Aug 2019, P. González-Zamora 11 (IBUG 215375; isotype: SLPM).

Diagnosis — Mammillaria morentiniana is distinguishable from M. bocasana, M. crinita and M. nana by the presence of more than 4 central spines (mean = 5), and differs from M. schwarzii, which presents, on average, 7 thinner central spines (Supplemental content online; Fig. 2). Mammillaria morentiniana bears fewer than 32 straight radial spines (mean = 24.49), whereas M. schwarzii bears more than 32 straight radial spines (mean = 38.98). Mammillaria morentiniana has completely red central spines and black, non-arillate seeds, whereas M. bocasana has red central spines with a yellow base and reddish brown, arillate seeds. Mammillaria morentiniana has glabrous spines and straight radial spines, whereas M. crinita has pubescent spines and tortuous or straight radial spines. Mammillaria morentiniana differs from the sympatric M. nana because the latter has tuberous roots and 0 or 1 pubescent central spines.

 

Etymology — The specific epithet is dedicated to the Morentín family from Colima, Mexico. Don Marco and Doña Laura spent their lives preserving the flora in W Mexico. They inspired the first author to observe and admire the local and xerophytic flora.

Comparison of the stem (left), areole, central and radial spines (right) in the populations of Mammillaria ser. Stylothelae included in the analysis.
– A: Mammillaria sp.; B: M. bocasana (bocasana_SLP); C: M. bocasana (bocasana_SLP2);
D: M. crinita (c_crinita_QRO); E: M. crinita (c_crinita_QRO2); F: M. crinita (c_crinita_GTO); G: M. crinita subsp. leucantha (c_leucantha); H: M. crinita subsp. wildii (c_wildii);
I: M. nana (nana); J: M. schwarzii (schwarzii).

– Scale bars: A–E, G, I, J = graduations of 1 mm; F, H = 10 mm.

Pedro González-Zamora, David Aquino, Jonathan Mohl and Daniel Sánchez. 2022. A New Endemic Species of Mammillaria (Cactaceae) from San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Willdenowia. 52 (3); 359-372. DOI: 10.3372/wi.52.52305 

 

[Herpetology • 2023] Litoria hastula • A New Species of Torrent-breeding Treefrog (Anura: Pelodryadidae) from the mountains of Papua, Indonesia, with New Records and Observations of Litoria dorsivena (Tyler, 1968)

Litoria hastula 

Oliver, Iskandar & Richards, 2023

  DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e91111

photographs by S.J. Richards.

Abstract

The mountains of New Guinea are home to species-rich but poorly understood communities of stream or torrent-breeding pelodryadid treefrogs. Here we describe a new species of moderately sized torrent-breeding Litoria from the mountains of Papua Province, Indonesia. The new species is most similar to Litoria dorsivena but differs from that species in aspects of body size, skin texture and especially the shape of the snout. Based on recent collections, we also present new data on the distribution and colour in life of L. dorsivena. Both species show marked sexual size dimorphism when compared to most other pelodryadid treefrogs, and the colour pattern of the new species may also vary between males and females. The torrent-breeding treefrogs of New Guinea remain poorly known and, given declines of ecologically similar pelodryadids in Australia, should be a priority group for taxonomic research and population monitoring.

Keywords: Cryptic extinction risk, New Guinea, sexual size dimorphism, taxonomy

Colouration of Litoria hastula sp. nov. in life:
A lateral view of adult male paratype SAMA R72334; B hidden coloration in thighs of male paratype SAMA R72335; C lateral view of adult female paratype MZB Amph.32872; D ventral view of adult female paratype MZB Amph.32872.

All photographs by S.J. Richards.

Litoria hastula sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A species of Litoria that can be distinguished from all congeners by the following unique combination of characters: moderate size and strong sexual size dimorphism (4 adult males 30.4–31.8 mm SVL, one adult female 48.9 mm SVL); snout moderately long (EN/IN 0.69–0.80), with sharply acuminate tip and with concave dorsal surface; canthus rostralis nearly straight, sharply defined; limbs moderately long (TL/SVL 0.55–0.60); finger webbing moderate, not extending beyond third phalanx between Finger 3 and Finger 4; toe webbing extensive, extending to penultimate phalanx between all digits except Toe 1 and Toe 2; dorsal skin relatively smooth with scattered small tubercles; heel with 2–3 distinct conical tubercles; vomeropalatines prominent; vocal slits present in males; dorsal colouration predominately light to mid-brown with scattered darker-brown spots and or blotches; venter largely buff with little to no pattern; and advertisement calls produced in series of 5–7 calls, each comprising a single short note that is unpulsed or slightly pulsatile but may become longer, with discrete pulses, in terminal calls of the series.

Etymology: Latin, “little spear’, combining spear “hasta” with the diminutive suffix “-ula” in reference to the elongate and sharply pointed snout of the species.

Details of habitat at the type locality for Litoria hastula sp. nov.:
 A dense and very mossy mid-montane forest, and B small fast-flowing rocky stream. The type series was collected from low vegetation along this stream at night.

 All photographs by S.J. Richards.

Paul M. Oliver, Djoko T. Iskandar and Stephen J. Richards. 2023. A New Species of Torrent-breeding Treefrog (Pelodryadidae: Litoria) from the mountains of Papua, Indonesia, with New Records and Observations of Litoria dorsivena (Tyler, 1968). Vertebrate Zoology. 73: 127-139. DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e91111

[Mollusca • 2023] Systematic Revision of the Snorkel Snail Genus Rhiostoma Benson, 1860 (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Cyclophoridae) with Descriptions of New Species

 

Live snails of the species group I 

A Rhiostoma haughtoni specimen CUMZ 10048/2 from Dhammathat Cave, Myanmar 

B–D Rhiostoma samuiense B specimen CUMZ 3989 from Samui Island, Surat Thani C specimen CUMZ 3996 from Perlis, Malaysia (topotype of Rhiostoma chupingense) D specimen CUMZ 4713 of “proboscis” morphotype from Surat Thani 

E, F copulation pair of Rhiostoma samuiense specimen CUMZ 4713 from Surat Thani shows unsuccessfully transferred spermatophore (female on the right in E and on the left in F)

Live snails of the species group II 

A Rhiostoma housei specimen CUMZ 3987 from Ao Manow, Prachuap Khiri Khan 

B Rhiostoma hainesi from Khao Soi Dao, Chanthaburi B without breathing device  

D Rhiostoma jalorensis specimen CUMZ 3994 from Wat Tham Sue, Krabi. 

in Tongkerd, Tumpeesuwan, Inkhavilay, Prasankok, ... et Sutcharit, 2023.

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1142.90097

All figures are not to scale.

Abstract

The snorkel snail genus Rhiostoma Benson, 1860 is comprised of terrestrial cyclophorid snails with wide-ranging species diversity and radiation in Southeast Asia. The typical characters of the genus are a depressed shell, a detached and descending portion of the last whorl with a distinctive peristomal breathing device attached, and a calcareous cup-shaped operculum. Herein, we have revised the systematics of extant species based on shell morphology combined with COI barcoding. From these thirty recognised species, twelve are described as new to science: R. ? amarapuraense sp. nov., R. anceyi sp. nov., R. breviocollar sp. nov., R. ebenozostera sp. nov., R. cheliopegma sp. nov., R. furfurosum sp. nov., R. gnomus, sp. nov., R. lannaense sp. nov., R. laoense sp. nov., R. platymorpha sp. nov., R. rhothonotaphrosa sp. nov., and R. tigrina sp. nov. All conchological characters are provided via illustrations of type specimens and living snails, and descriptions of the shells and radulae. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial COI gene sequences strongly supports the designated morphospecies and a monophyletic Rhiostoma, confirming that all pterocyclinid snails with a calcareous, cup-shaped operculum belong to the same clade. A high intra-specific divergence was observed in R. jalorensis and R. housei populations from locations in close proximity, suggesting a lower dispersal and higher level of isolation. The low inter-specific divergence found in R. hainesi, R. samuiense, R. asiphon, and R. rhothonotaphrosa sp. nov. supports their recent diversification and local adaptation, and is congruent with their marked morphological differences. Finally, nine formerly Rhiostoma-placed species were reclassified into either the genus Cyclotus or the genus Opisthoporus.

Keywords: DNA barcoding, endemic, Indochina, limestones, operculum, Prosobranchia, taxonomy

 

Live snails of the species group I 
A Rhiostoma haughtoni specimen CUMZ 10048/2 from Dhammathat Cave, Myanmar B–D Rhiostoma samuiense B specimen CUMZ 3989 from Samui Island, Surat Thani C specimen CUMZ 3996 from Perlis, Malaysia (topotype of Rhiostoma chupingense) D specimen CUMZ 4713 of “proboscis” morphotype from Surat Thani E, F copulation pair of Rhiostoma samuiense specimen CUMZ 4713 from Surat Thani shows unsuccessfully transferred spermatophore (female on the right in E and on the left in F), and the red arrows indicate a spermatophore illustrated in Fig. 7D.

All figures are not to scale.

Live snails of the species group II
A Rhiostoma housei specimen CUMZ 3987 from Ao Manow, Prachuap Khiri Khan B, C Rhiostoma hainesi from Khao Soi Dao, Chanthaburi B without breathing device and C with long breathing device D Rhiostoma jalorensis specimen CUMZ 3994 from Wat Tham Sue, Krabi. All figures are not to scale.

Photographs: P. Tongkerd (B, C).

 

Piyoros Tongkerd, Sakboworn Tumpeesuwan, Khamla Inkhavilay, Pongpun Prasankok, Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Somsak Panha and Chirasak Sutcharit. 2023. Systematic Revision of the Snorkel Snail Genus Rhiostoma Benson, 1860 (Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda, Cyclophoridae) with Descriptions of New Species. ZooKeys. 1142: 1-144. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1142.90097

[Entomology • 2023] Parampelomyia yukawai • Another New Gall Midge Genus (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) associated with Vitaceae, with Description of A New Species developing in Flower Buds of the Porcelain Berry in Japan

Parampelomyia yukawai Elsayed and Tokuda,

in Elsayed, Ichita & Tokuda, 2023.

DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e86898

photographs by A. K. Elsayed  twitter.com/Ayman77_77 

Abstract

We describe a gall midge Parampelomyia yukawai Elsayed and Tokuda gen. nov. sp. nov. belonging to the subtribe Schizomyiina (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Asphondyliini) based on an integrative taxonomic study. This species forms barely-swollen flower bud galls on the porcelain berry Ampelopsis brevipedunculata var. heterophylla (Vitaceae) in Japan. The new genus is distinguishable from all known schizomyiine genera by tarsomere I lacking a ventroapical extension, the bulbous base of the protrusible portion of the ovipositor, the fused and sclerotized female cerci, the bidentate gonostylus, and the larval terminal abdominal segment that bears two corniform, two asetose and six setose papillae. The new genus is compared with and separated from the similar genera Schizomyia and Ampelomyia morphologically and phylogenetically.

Keywords: Ampelopsis, Asphondyliini, grape, Schizomyiina, phylogeny, integrative taxonomy

Parampelomyia yukawai sp. nov. 
 A Flower bud gall on Ampelopsis brevipedunculata var. heterophylla (Vitaceae). B Mature larva in a cut-open flower bud. C Freshly emerged female. D Freshly emerged male.

(photographs by A. K. Elsayed)

Parampelomyia Elsayed and Tokuda, 2023, gen. nov.

 

Parampelomyia yukawai Elsayed and Tokuda, sp. nov.

Derivatio nominis: The generic name is composed of the Latinized Greek word, para, meaning near to, and the grape-associated gall midge genus name Ampelomyia.

Ayman Khamis Elsayed, Tadao Ichita and Makoto Tokuda. 2023. Parampelomyia, Another New Gall Midge Genus (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) associated with Vitaceae, with Description of A New Species developing in Flower Buds of the Porcelain Berry in Japan. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 81: 165-177. DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e86898

  twitter.com/Ayman77_77/status/1618785419583447040