[Botany • 2024] Primula shimokitana (Primulaceae) • A New Species from the Northernmost Honshu Island, Japan

Primula shimokitana Mas. Yamam.,  

in Yamamoto. 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.202407

 Researchgate.net/publication/382738761

Reexamination of the primrose on the Shimokita Peninsula, northernmost Honshu, Japan, which has been treated as Primula modesta Bisset & Moore showed that it is closely related to P. sorachiana Miyabe & Tatew., endemic to Hokkaido, based on morphology and phylogenetic investigations. However, it can be distinguished from P. sorachiana by its smaller stature, flowering scape shorter than leaves, base of bracts non-saccate, larger and fewer flowers, and shallowly parted calyx lobes. Based on the results, the plants from the Shimokita Peninsula are described as a new species, P. shimokitana Mas. Yamam. 

Keywords: Aomori Prefecture, Primula modesta, Primula sorachiana, section Aleuritia, Shimokita Peninsula

Habit and habitat of Primula shimokitana.
 A, habit at flowering. B–D, habitat [B & C. Okoppe (type locality); D. Higashidoori].

All photos taken in 2023.

Holotype and morphology of Primula shimokitana.
 A. type specimens. B, leaves. C, calyx. D, pin flower. E, thrum flower. F, scape, bracts and pedicels. G, capsules.

Primula shimokitana Mas. Yamam., sp. nov. 

Similar to P. sorachiana Miyabe & Tatew. but distinguished by multiple characteristics, including smaller stature, flowering scape shorter than the leaves, base of bracts not saccate, larger and fewer flowers per inflorescence and shallowly parted calyx lobes.

 Etymology. The epithet ‘shimokitana’ refers to the locality where the type specimen was collected: Shimokita Peninsula, Aomori Prefecture, Honshu, Japan. 

Japanese name. Shimokita-kozakura (nov.).

 Masaya Yamamoto. 2024. Primula shimokitana (Primulaceae): A New Species from the Northernmost Honshu Island, Japan. Acta Phytotax. Geobot. 75(2); 37–49. DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.202407

 Researchgate.net/publication/382738761_Primula_shimokitana_A_New_Species_from_the_Northernmost_Honshu_Island_Japan

[Botany • 2024] Henckelia arunachalensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Patkai Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India

  

 Henckelia arunachalensis   

 in Sahani, Pertin, Variya, Taram, Maity et Borah, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.678.1.7 

facebook.com: Dipu Borah

Abstract

Repeated expeditions conducted since 2018 in Arunachal Pradesh led to the collection of several taxa of Gesneriaceae, many of which are newly described. Among these, a peculiar species from the Patkai Hills of Arunachal Pradesh is described here as Henckelia arunachalensis, a species new to science. This new species is allied to Henckelia dibangensis but differs in its elliptic to obovate leaves with 9–13 pairs of lateral veins (vs ovate to ovate-elliptic with 5–8 pairs of lateral veins), erect to perpendicular cymes with 1–5 flowers (vs pendulous cymes with 1–2 flowers), broadly ovate to ovate lanceolate bracts (vs linear bracts), a leathery calyx, pale green and puberulous outside, glabrous inside (vs light green, glabrous calyx), and a purplish white corolla with white flaps (vs a pale pink corolla with no flaps). An extended taxonomic description, accompanied by photographs and ecological information, is provided.

Flora of India, Henckelia dibangensis, Himalaya, Northeast India, taxonomy, Eudicots

Henckelia arunachalensis

Vinay Kumar Sahani, Minom Pertin, Mayur H. Variya, Momang Taram, Rohan Maity and Dipankar Borah. 2024. Henckelia arunachalensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Patkai Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Phytotaxa. 678(1); 71-76. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.678.1.7

 facebook.com/DipuBorah2/posts/8889366901155770

[Botany • 2024] Ophiorrhiza gajureliana (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Ophiorrhiza gajureliana   

in Bawri, Baro, Singh et Sarma, 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s42535-024-01094-w 

 

Abstract

Ophiorrhiza gajureliana is described and illustrated here as a new taxon. It was discovered in the Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The taxon is identified using conventional taxonomic techniques by critically examining the specimens and scrutinising the relevant literature. The conservation status of the taxon is also evaluated as Critically Endangered.

Keywords: Ophiorrhiza, Critically endangered, Arunachal Pradesh, 

Ophiorrhiza gajureliana sp. nov.
a habit, b inflorescence c-e leaf (upper surface), f Single flower, g Calyx, h-i Dissected flower, j-l Leaf (lower surface), m Gynocium, n Stamen

Ophiorrhiza gajureliana Bawri and Baro sp. nov. 

Etymology: The species is named to honour Prof. Padma Raj Gajurel in recognition of his noteworthy role in botanical research in the eastern Himalayan region, India.

Amal Bawri, Daimalu Baro, Y. Disco Singh and Kuladip Sarma. 2024. Ophiorrhiza gajureliana (Rubiaceae): A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Vegetos. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s42535-024-01094-w 

[Botany • 2023] Barbacenia glaucescens & B. mellosilvae (Velloziaceae) • Two New remarkable Species from the Brazilian Espinhaço Range

 

Barbacenia glaucescens Ferreira-Junior & Andr.Cabral sp. nov. and 

B. mellosilvae Andr.Cabral & Ferreira-Junior sp. nov.,

in Cabral, Ferreira-Júnior et Menezes, 2023.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.616.3.7 

 Researchgate.net/publication/374232974

 

Abstract

Two new species of Barbacenia (Velloziaceae) from the Brazilian campo rupestre from the southern part of the Espinhaço Range are here described and illustrated. Both new species, Barbacenia glaucescens Ferreira-Junior & Andr.Cabral sp. nov. and B. mellosilvae Andr.Cabral & Ferreira-Junior sp. nov., resemble B. gentianoides Taub. ex Goethart & Henrard, and the second one also resembles B. longiflora Mart. However, both can be differentiated by a unique combination of morphological and anatomical characters. Morphological and anatomical descriptions, illustrations, photographs, phenological information, provisional risk assessments, distribution map, and taxonomic notes are provided for the new species.

Monocots, campo rupestre, critically endangered species, Pandanales, rock outcrops, taxonomy

 Barbacenia glaucescens Ferreira-Junior & Andr.Cabral sp. nov. 

B. mellosilvae Andr.Cabral & Ferreira-Junior sp. nov.

Andressa CABRAL, Carlos Alberto FERREIRA-JÚNIOR, Nanuza Luiza De MENEZES. 2023. Two New remarkable Species of Barbacenia (Velloziaceae) from the Brazilian Espinhaço Range in honor of Renato Mello-Silva.  Phytotaxa. 616(3); 279-287. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.616.3.7 [2023-09-28]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/374232974_Two_new_species_of_Barbacenia_from_the_Brazilian_Espinhaco_Range 

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Anourosorex andabata • A New Species of Anourosorex (Lipotyphla: Soricidae) from the Pleistocene of Vietnam

 

 Anourosorex andabata Lopatin, 2024

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1134/S0031030124700060 

 new.RAS.ru 

Abstract

Jaw fragments and isolated teeth of the mole shrew Anourosorex andabata sp. nov. are described from the Middle Pleistocene deposits of Tham Hai cave (Lang Son Province, northern Vietnam). This is the first fossil record of Anourosorex in Vietnam. The new species is characterized by medium size (as in Recent A. squamipes Milne-Edwards, 1872), a narrow apex of the coronoid process of the mandible and a weakly reduced (relatively long and wide) talonid of M1.

Jaw fragments of Anourosorex andabata Lopatin, 2024; Vietnam, Lang Son Province, Tam Hai Cave; Middle Pleistocene

Order Lipotyphla

Family Soricidae Fischer von Waldheim, 1817

Subfamily Soricinae Fischer von Waldheim, 1817

Tribe Anourosoricini Anderson, 1879

Genus Anourosorex Milne-Edwards, 1872

Anourosorex andabata Lopatin, sp. nov.

Etymology. Latin andabata, a gladiator who fought blind, blindfolded or wearing a closed helmet with no eye slits. The name is associated with the strong reduction of eyes in mole shrews and fights between males during the mating season (see Liao et al., 2013).

A. V. Lopatin. 2024. A New Species of Anourosorex (Soricidae, Lipotyphla) from the Pleistocene of Vietnam.  Paleontological Journal. 58; 363–370. DOI: doi.org/10.1134/S0031030124700060

Из среднеплейстоценовых отложений пещеры Там-Хай в провинции Лангшон на севере Вьетнама описаны остатки нового вида кротовых землероек Anourosorex andabata. Это первая ископаемая находка рода Anourosorex во Вьетнаме.

  new.RAS.ru/activities/news/slepoy-gladiator-iz-pleystotsena-vetnama/

[Crustacea • 2024] Cherax rayko & C. phing • Two New Species of Crayfish of the Genus Cherax (Decapoda: Parastacidae) from Western and Eastern Indonesian New Guinea

 

Cherax rayko
Cherax phing

 Lukhaup, Eprilurahman & von Rintelen, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda2040019 

  facebook.com/ChrisLukhaup

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Cherax are described and illustrated. Cherax rayko n. sp., endemic to the Bian River drainage basin in the Muting District, in the northern part of the Merauke Regency, South Papua, Indonesia, is described, figured, and compared with its closest relatives, Cherax alyciae, Lukhaup, Eprilurahman & von Rintelen, 2018, and Cherax peknyi Lukhaup & Herbert, 2008. The new species may be easily distinguished from both by the shape of the rostrum, the shape of the chelae, the shape of the scaphocerite, and the coloration. Cherax phing n. sp., endemic to the Kali Ombak River drainage basin in the western part of the Kepala Burung (Vogelkop) Peninsula, Southwest Papua, Indonesia, is described, figured, and compared with its closest relatives, Cherax pulcher Lukhaup, 2015a, Cherax boesemani Lukhaup & Pekny, 2008, Cherax wagenknechtae Lukhaup and Eprilurahman, 2022, and Cherax gherardii Patoka, Bláha & Kouba, 2015. The new species may be easily distinguished from the latter species by the shape of the chelae, rostrum, and body and by the coloration. A molecular phylogeny based on a mitochondrial gene fragment, 16S, supports the morphology-based description of the two new species, which can also be clearly distinguished by sequence differences.

Keywords: morphology; molecular phylogeny; freshwater; New Guinea; taxonomy

Cherax rayko n. sp. Bian River drainage basin in the Muting District, West Papua, Indonesia

(B) Holotype male (MZB Cru 5792), (C) Female, same data as holotype.

Cherax phing n. sp., Kali Ombak River drainage basin. 

(B) Paratype male color variation. (C) Paratype male color variation.

Cherax rayko n. sp.

Etymology. Cherax rayko n. sp. is named after Rayko Eloy Lukhaup, the son of the first author. Rayko was very present in the process of the description, providing love and understanding.

 Ecology. It is endemic to the Bian River drainage basin and its tributaries. One of the creeks harboring these crayfish is shallow (20–100 cm) with a moderate flow. The temperature is around 25–26 °C. In most parts, no water plants are present. The substrate of the creek is silt or sand and soil mostly covered with silt and detritus. Crayfish hide in short burrows in the riverbank, under larger rocks, or in detritus that is present in all the parts of the creek. The creek is surrounded by forest. To improve the knowledge of the distribution of this species, more field surveys will be necessary.

 Common name. As the common name for this crayfish, we propose the Tiger Crayfish, as it is already available under this name in the pet trade. 

Cherax phing n. sp.

Etymology. C. phing n. sp. is named in honor of Liauw Pauw Phing, a crayfish enthusiast, for his noteworthy contribution to the knowledge of the crayfish of Papua. His continuing effort to search and find unknown species is very needed work for our better understanding of the crayfish of this region.

Common name. As a common name for this crayfish, we propose the Green Hornet Crayfish, as it is already available under this name in the pet trade.  

  

 Christian Lukhaup, Rury Eprilurahman and Thomas von Rintelen. 2024. Two New Species of Crayfish of the Genus Cherax (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae) from Western and Eastern Indonesian New Guinea. Arthropoda. 2(4); 264-293. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda2040019 

  facebook.com/ChrisLukhaup/posts/10161167050708198

[Botany • 2024] Curcuma sumonii & C. wanchaii (Curcuma subg. Curcuma, Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) • A New Taxa from Thailand

 

Curcuma sumonii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Boonma & Techa 

C. wanchaii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma, 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Boonma, Ragsasilp, Maknoi, Techa, Srisuk et Souladeth, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79261-x 

(Photographs by T. Boonma).

Abstract 

This research presents the discovery of two novel taxa, Curcuma sumonii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Boonma & Techa, and C. wanchaii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma, belonging to the Curcuma subgenus Curcuma. Curcuma sumonii was collected in Sukhothai Province, Northern Thailand, while C. wanchaii was found in Kanchanaburi Province, Southwestern Thailand. Our study provides a comprehensive documentation of their morphological attributes, including detailed descriptions supported by visual aids. In addition to morphological data, we offer insights into vernacular names, ecological characteristics, phenology, traditional uses, conservation status, and distribution maps. Morphological comparison Tables 1 and 2 are provided to differentiate between these newly discovered taxa and their allied species. Furthermore, we present an identification key to facilitate the differentiation of these taxa from their allied species. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of biodiversity within the Curcuma genus and offer valuable information for further conservation efforts and taxonomic research.

Keywords: Curcuma, Critically endangered, Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai, Taxonomy, Zingiberales 

Curcuma sumonii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Boonma & Techa sp. nov.
 (A) habit in natural habitat, and (B) side view of inflorescence with flowers.

(Photographed by Surapon Saensouk).

 Curcuma sumonii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Boonma & Techa, sp. nov. 

Curcuma wanchaii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma sp. nov.
(A) inflorescences, (B) flower, (C) side and front view of anther, (D) habits in the natural habitat, growing along with Globba substrigosa King ex Baker.

(Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma).

C. wanchaii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma, sp. nov. 

  

Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma, Areerat Ragsasilp, Charan Maknoi, Chainarong Techa, Pathomthat Srisuk and Phetlasy Souladeth. 2024.  Curcuma sumonii sp. nov., and C. wanchaii sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), Two New Taxa of Curcuma subgen. Curcuma from Thailand. Scientific Reports. 14: 27541. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79261-x 

 

[Diplopoda • 2018] Nagaxytes acantherpestes, N. erecta, N. gracilis & N. spatula • The New Genus Nagaxytes gen. nov. (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), with the Description of Three New Species [A Revision of Dragon Millipedes II]

 Nagaxytes gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 
 N. erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 

in Srisonchai, Enghoff, Likhitrakarn et Panha, 2018. 

DOI:  10.5852/ejt.2018.462 

Abstract

The ‘acantherpestes’ group of dragon millipedes, formerly placed in the genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923, is revised and assigned to the new genus Nagaxytes Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. nov. Desmoxytes acantherpestes Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994 is the type species of the new genus and is redescribed as N. acantherpestes (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994) gen. et comb. nov. Three new species are described from Thailand: N. erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. and N. gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. from Kanchanaburi Province, and N. spatula Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. from Tak Province. All new species are endemic to western Thailand and all are restricted to limestone habitats. Complete illustrations of external morphological characters, an identification key, and a distribution map are provided.

Keywords: endemic; dragon millipede; new species; taxonomy; Thailand

Taxonomy

Class Diplopoda Blainville-Gervais, 1844

Order Polydesmida Pocock, 1887

Suborder Strongylosomatidea Brölemann, 1916

Family Paradoxosomatidae Daday, 1889

Subfamily Paradoxosomatinae Daday, 1889

Tribe Orthomorphini Brölemann, 1916

 General body characters of Nagaxytes Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. nov.
 N. acantherpestes (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994) gen. et comb. nov., ♂, holotype, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Hua Hin District (ZMUC 000101457).
A. Entire body. B. Anterior body part. C. Body rings 5–8, showing sternal lobe between coxae 4 and gonopods on ring 7. D. Head and antennae.

Genus Nagaxytes Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. nov.

Type species: Desmoxytes acantherpestes Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994

Diagnosis: 

The genus Nagaxytes gen. nov. is characterized by:

1. Paraterga subspiniform.

2. Metaterga with 2 rows of tubercles/cones/spines (lateral spines of posterior row very long).

3. Male femora 5 and 6 without modification.

4. Postfemoral part of gonopod conspicuous, demarcated from femur by a deep mesal sulcus and a

shallow/deep lateral sulcus.

5. Lamina lateralis obviously separated from lamina medialis.

6. Lamina medialis long and curved, apically fringed/hooked.

Etymology: ‘Naga’ is a Sanskrit and Pali word, relating to a category of snake-like spirits in Buddhist and Hindu mythology, and refers to the snake-like shape of the lamina medialis of the gonopod; ‘-xytes’ ensures harmony with Desmoxytes (and its synonym Pteroxytes Jeekel, 1980).

Included species (4): 

- N. acantherpestes (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994) gen. et comb. nov.

- N. erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov.

- N. gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov.

- N. spatula Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov.

Remarks: Srisonchai et al. (2018) proposed to subdivide Desmoxytes sensu Golovatch & Enghoff (1994) into five genera. The ‘acantherpestes’ group (= Nagaxytes) is well-defined by several distinct morphological characters (see diagnosis), especially the distinctive subspiniform paraterga and the very long lamina medialis of the gonopods. Even though the subspiniform paraterga are relatively similar to those of the ‘gigas’ group, the gonopod details are very different.

Distribution and habitat: This genus is known only from the western part of Thailand: Prachuap Khiri Khan Province (Hua Hin and Kui Buri Districts), Kanchanaburi Province (Sai Yok and Thong Pha Phum Districts) and Tak Province (Mae Sot and Umphang Districts) (Fig. 27). All four species seem to be local endemics, highly restricted to limestone habitats, and all have narrow distribution ranges. The specimens were usually found on humid rocks, rock walls, leaf litter or surface roots of trees. Some species can be found syntopically in the same habitat with other dragon millipede species.

Nagaxytes acantherpestes (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994) gen. et comb. nov. 

 

Diagnosis: Metaterga 4–19 with one row of 2+2 posterior spines (anterior row absent). Similar in this respect to N. gracilis gen. et sp. nov. but differs from this species by having paraterga shorter; degree of elevation of paraterga lower; sternal lobe between male coxae 4 subtrapeziform; lamina lateralis swollen, stout, short.

Live photographs and habitat of Nagaxytes erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov.
A. Specimen from Ban Nong Bang, Thailand (♀). B. Mating couple. C. ♂ with parasitic mites. D. Habitat.

Nagaxytes erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology The name is a Latin adjective and refers to the erect lamina lateralis of the gonopod telopodite. 

 Nagaxytes gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov., ♂, paratype (CUMZpxDGT00095).

Watercolour by R. Srisonchai and P. Kriatpraprai.

Nagaxytes gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. 

 

Etymology The name is a Latin adjective, referring to the slender lamina lateralis of the gonopod telopodite.

Distribution and habitat: Nagaxytes gracilis gen. et sp. nov. is known only from Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province. All specimens were collected on humid rocks, superficial tree roots and litter in limestone habitats. It lives in the same habitat with D. purpurosea, D. golovatchi Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 2018 and N. erecta gen. et sp. nov. (q.v.). The new species occurs in a narrow distribution area along the huge limestone range which is entirely contained within Sai Yok District. We thus consider this species to be endemic to Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.

Nagaxytes spatula Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov.  

Etymology The name is a Latin noun in apposition, referring to the spatulate lobe on the lamina lateralis.

Distribution and habitat Known only from Tak Province. Almost all specimens were seen crawling on rocks, some on leaf litter in limestone habitats. Some juveniles were collected from the leaf litter (probably in moulting chambers). In the field, the specimens blended perfectly with brown rocks and leaf litter.

Ruttapon Srisonchai, Henrik Enghoff, Natdanai Likhitrakarn and Somsak Panha. 2018. A Revision of Dragon Millipedes II: The New Genus Nagaxytes gen. nov., with the Description of Three New Species (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae).  European Journal of Taxonomy. 462; 1–44. DOI:  10.5852/ejt.2018.462

  facebook.com/Likhitrakarn/posts/10218372042919451

   

[Diplopoda • 2018] Desmoxytes aurata, D. corythosaurus, D. octoconigera, ... • A Revision of Dragon Millipedes I: Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923 (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), with the Description of Eight New Species

Desmoxytes aurata Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha,  

D. corythosaurus Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha,

D. euros Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha,  

in Srisonchai, Enghoff, Likhitrakarn et Panham 2018. 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.761.24214 

Abstract

The dragon millipede genus Desmoxytes s.l. is split into five genera, based on morphological characters and preliminary molecular phylogenetic analyses. The present article includes a review of Desmoxytes s.s., while future articles will deal with Hylomus Cook and Loomis, 1924 and three new genera which preliminarily are referred to as the ‘acantherpestes’, ‘gigas’, and ‘spiny’ groups. Diagnostic morphological characters of each group are discussed. Hylomus is resurrected as a valid genus and the following 33 species are assigned to it: H. asper (Attems, 1937), comb. n., H. cattienensis (Nguyen, Golovatch & Anichkin, 2005), comb. n., H. cervarius (Attems, 1953), comb. n., H. cornutus (Zhang & Li, 1982), comb. n., H. draco Cook & Loomis, 1924, stat. rev., H. enghoffi (Nguyen, Golovatch & Anichkin, 2005), comb. n., H. eupterygotus (Golovatch, Li, Liu & Geoffroy, 2012), comb. n., H. getuhensis (Liu, Golovatch & Tian, 2014), comb. n., H. grandis (Golovatch, VandenSpiegel & Semenyuk, 2016), comb. n., H. hostilis (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994), comb. n., H. jeekeli (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994), comb. n., H. lingulatus (Liu, Golovatch & Tian, 2014), comb. n., H. laticollis (Liu, Golovatch & Tian, 2016), comb. n., H. longispinus (Loksa, 1960), comb. n., H. lui (Golovatch, Li, Liu & Geoffroy, 2012), comb. n., H. minutuberculus (Zhang, 1986), comb. n., H. nodulosus (Liu, Golovatch & Tian, 2014), comb. n., H. parvulus (Liu, Golovatch & Tian, 2014), comb. n., H. phasmoides (Liu, Golovatch & Tian, 2016), comb. n., H. pilosus (Attems, 1937), comb. n., H. proximus (Nguyen, Golovatch & Anichkin, 2005), comb. n., H. rhinoceros (Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2015), comb. n., H. rhinoparvus (Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2015), comb. n., H. scolopendroides (Golovatch, Geoffroy & Mauriès, 2010), comb. n., H. scutigeroides (Golovatch, Geoffroy & Mauriès, 2010), comb. n., H. similis (Liu, Golovatch & Tian, 2016), comb. n., H. simplex (Golovatch, VandenSpiegel & Semenyuk, 2016), comb. n., H. simplipodus (Liu, Golovatch & Tian, 2016), comb. n., H. specialis (Nguyen, Golovatch & Anichkin, 2005), comb. n., H. spectabilis (Attems, 1937), comb. n., H. spinitergus (Liu, Golovatch & Tian, 2016), comb. n., H. spinissimus (Golovatch, Li, Liu & Geoffroy, 2012), comb. n. and H. variabilis (Liu, Golovatch & Tian, 2016), comb. n. Desmoxytes s.s. includes the following species: D. breviverpa Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 2016; D. cervina (Pocock,1895); D. delfae (Jeekel, 1964); D. des Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 2016; D. pinnasquali Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 2016; D. planata (Pocock, 1895); D. purpurosea Enghoff, Sutcharit & Panha, 2007; D. takensis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 2016; D. taurina (Pocock, 1895); D. terae (Jeekel, 1964), all of which are re-described based mainly on type material. Two new synonyms are proposed: Desmoxytes pterygota Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994, syn. n. (= Desmoxytes cervina (Pocock, 1895)), Desmoxytes rubra Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994, syn. n. (= Desmoxytes delfae (Jeekel, 1964)). Six new species are described from Thailand: D. aurata Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n., D. corythosaurus Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n., D. euros Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n., D. flabella Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n., D. golovatchi Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n., D. octoconigera Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n., as well as one from Malaysia: D. perakensis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n., and one from Myanmar: D. waepyanensis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, sp. n. The species can mostly be easily distinguished by gonopod structure in combination with other external characters; some cases of particularly similar congeners are discussed. All species of Desmoxytes s.s. seem to be endemic to continental Southeast Asia (except the ‘tramp’ species D. planata). Some biological observations (relationship with mites, moulting) are recorded for the first time. Complete illustrations of external morphological characters, an identification key, and distribution maps of all species are provided.

Keywords: aposematic, dragon millipede, new species, Southeast Asia, taxonomy

Photographs of live Desmoxytes aurata sp. n. and habitat.
A, B male paratype C female paratype D mating couple E habitat.

Photographs of live Desmoxytes corythosaurus sp. n. and habitat
A, B male paratypes C female paratype D juvenile E habitat.

Photographs of live Desmoxytes euros sp. n. and habitat.
A, B male paratypes C female paratype D juvenile E egg cluster F cluster of stadium 1 juveniles G habitat.

 Ruttapon Srisonchai, Henrik Enghoff, Natdanai Likhitrakarn and Somsak Panha. 2018. A Revision of Dragon Millipedes I: Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923, with the Description of Eight New Species (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae). ZooKeys. 761: 1-177. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.761.24214 

[Botany • 2024] Pandanus ramromensis (Pandanaceae) • A New Species from Peninsular Thailand

 

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki, 

in Callmander,Low, Poopath et Buerki, 2024. 

เตยเขารามโรม  ||  Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(2);  

Photos: M.W. Callmander & Y.W. Low

Drawn by W. Bhuchaisri.

 x.com/YeeWenLow

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki (Pandanaceae) from the summit of Khao Ram Rome (Nakhon Si Thammarat Province) in Peninsular Thailand is described here. The new species resembles Pandanus kedahensis H.St.John in its ecology and habit but differs by the dimensions of its leaves, leaf shape, syncarps and styles. The new species is provided with line drawings and field photographs, and is assigned a preliminary conservation status of Vulnerable (VU) using the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords. Endemic, Khao Ram Rome, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pandanales

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki.
A. Habit. B, C. Syncarp. D. Closeup on styles and stigmas. E. Single drupe detached. F. Basal part of a leaf. G. Median part of a leaf. H. Upper part of a leaf.

From the type Callmander et al. 1373. Drawn by W. Bhuchaisri.

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki.
A. Habit. B, C. Syncarp. D. Closeup on styles and stigmas.

From the type Callmander et al. 1373.

Photos: M.W. Callmander & Y.W. Low

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki 

Callmander, M.W., Low, Y.W., Poopath, M. and Buerki, S. 2024. Pandanus ramromensis (Pandanaceae), A New Species from Peninsular Thailand. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(2); 269 - 275.

 x.com/YeeWenLow/status/1869275908080820286

[Herpetology • 2024] Hidden on the Roof of the World: Mitochondrial Data Reveals Exceptional Genetic Diversity of Himalayan Ablepharine Skinks (Reptilia: Scincidae)

Diversity of the Asian Ablepharine skinks from mtDNA sequences:
Protoblepharus (blue), the Ablepharus sikkimensis group (yellow), the Ablepharus himalayanus group (red), and the Ablepharus ladacensis group (green).

in Bragin, Litvinchuk, Borkin, Melnikov, Skorinov, ...et Poyarkov, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2024-31-6-351-368

  Researchgate.net/publication/387296242 

  facebook.com/NickPoyarkov

Abstract

Snake-eyed, or ablepharine skinks, are common residents of the highest mountain ranges on Earth, including the Himalayas, the Tibetan Plateau, Karakoram, Pamir, and Tian Shan, colloquially known as the Roof of the World. Historically, these skinks were alternatively assigned to the genera Scincella, Ablepharus, Asymblepharus, and Himalblepharus, but recent revisions proposed to group them in only two genera, namely Protoblepharus (the eastern Himalayan taxa) and Ablepharus (all other taxa). The taxonomy of this group yet remains in a state of flux due to the limited informativeness of available phylogenies (often with little material from the Himalayan region), discrepancies in morphological patterns of variation, and the potentially high yet unconsidered degree of diversity of the group. To shed some light, we assess the mitochondrial diversity and evolution of Himalayan snake-eyed skinks based on >200 individuals sampled across Pakistan, India, Nepal, and China, representing nine out of ten Himalaya currently recognized species. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred from 2998 bp of mitochondrial sequences (12S, 16S, ND2, cyt b). Our analyses reveal a remarkably high cryptic diversity, including 14 to 16 species-level lineages within Ablepharus and four species-level lineages within Protoblepharus, which would substantially increase the number of species by at least twofold. This hidden diversity highlights the Himalayas as a center of phylogeographic diversification and endemism, likely shaped by geological and climatic factors associated with orogenesis, which now houses over half of the ablepharine skink species.

Keywords: Ablepharus; biogeography; distribution; Himalaya; Himalblepharus; lizards; mtDNA barcoding; Protoblepharus; Sphenomorphinae

Distribution of the major clades of Ablepharus: Protoblepharus (blue), the Ablepharus sikkimensis group (yellow), the Ablepharus himalayanus group (red), the Ablepharus ladacensis group (green), and the ‘core’ Ablepharus with fully or partially fused eyelids (white).
Distribution of the Ablepharine skinks in the Himalaya: Protoblepharus (blue), the Ablepharus sikkimensis group (yellow), the Ablepharus himalayanus group (red), and the Ablepharus ladacensis group (green).

Andrey M. Bragin, Spartak N. Litvinchuk, Leo J. Borkin, Daniel A. Melnikov, Dmitriy V. Skorinov, Daniel Jablonski, Rafaqat Masroor, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Zeeshan A. Mirza, Christophe Dufresnes and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2024. Hidden on the Roof of the World: Mitochondrial Data Reveals Exceptional Genetic Diversity of Himalayan Ablepharine Skinks (Reptilia: Scincidae). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 31(6); 351 – 368. DOI: doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2024-31-6-351-368

  Researchgate.net/publication/387296242_DIVERSITY_OF_HIMALAYAN_Ablepharine_SKINKS

  facebook.com/NickPoyarkov/posts/10231542599622451

[Herpetology • 2024] Herpetoreas abros • A New Species of Herpetoreas Günther, 1860 (Serpentes: Natricidae) from Yunnan, China

 

Herpetoreas abros 

 Liu, Hou, Zhou, Zuo, Yin & Rao, 2024 

 

铜壁关腹链蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d16120768 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Herpetoreas is described from Yunnan Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve, Yingjiang County, Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The new species can be separated from its congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: tail length to total length being 0.29, dorsal scales being all strongly keeled, 165 ventrals, divided cloacal plate, 89 pairs of subcaudals, 24 maxillary teeth, last two maxillary teeth being distinctly enlarged, approximately 13 white speckles presenting on anterior lateral surface of body, pale pink anterior venter, pink posterior venter, and rose red ventral tail. The genetic divergence between the new species and other species of this genus ranged from 6.7% to 13.0% in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The new taxon represents the fifth species of the genus Herpetoreas in China and the first species of this genus in Yunnan Province.

Keywords: Cyt b; morphology; systematics; taxonomy; Yunnan Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve

 Close-up views of the head of the holotype (KIZ 2024150) of Herpetoreas abros sp. nov. in life.
(A) left side; (B) right side; (C) dorsal side; (D) ventral side.

The holotype (KIZ 2024150) of Herpetoreas abros sp. nov. in life.
(A) left view; (B) right view; (C) dorsal view; (D) ventral view.

Herpetoreas abros sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Body cylindrical, snout–vent length 554 mm, total length 775 mm; tail relatively long, tail length/total length 0.29; dorsal scales in 19–19–17 rows, all strongly keeled; ventrals 165; cloacal plate divided; subcaudals 89, paired; preocular one, postoculars three; supralabials eight, third–fifth entering orbit; maxillary teeth 24, last two distinctly enlarged, separated from anterior teeth by a small diastema; upper lips white, three black vertical stripes on anterior upper lip on each side; approximately 13 white speckles on anterior lateral surface of body; anterior venter pale pink and posterior venter pink; ventral tail rose red.

Etymology: The specific epithet “abros” is a Latinized adjective in a nominative singular derived from the classical Greek word “abros” (aβρός), meaning “cute”, “handsome”, and “delicate”. The name is given in reference to the cute appearance of this species. We suggest “Cute Himalayas Keelback” as its English common name and “铜壁关腹链蛇 (Pinyin: tóng bì guān fù liàn shé)” as its Chinese common name according to its type locality.

Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Hongxin Zhou, Changsheng Zuo, Fawang Yin and Dingqi Rao. 2024. A New Species of Herpetoreas Günther, 1860 (Serpentes: Natricidae) from Yunnan, China. Diversity. 16(12); 768. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d16120768