[Herpetology • 2024] Zhangixalus yunnanensis • A New Species of Zhangixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Yunnan, China

Zhangixalus yunnanensis 

Pan, Hou, Yu & Liu, 2024

 

 Yunnan Tree Frog | 云南树蛙  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113850

 

Abstract

We described herein Zhangixalus yunnanensis sp. nov., a new treefrog species from central and western Yunnan, China, which had previously been confused with Z. nigropunctatus, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species is sister to the clade of Z. nigropunctatus and Z. melanoleucus with strong support (100% and 73% for BI and ML, respectively). Our morphological analysis suggested that Z. yunnanensis sp. nov. is distinctly different from all known congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: black blotches on body flank and hind-limb, medium body size (SVL31.3–36.0 mm in males and 47.6–48.6 mm in females), head wider than long, iris yellowish-brown, dorsum uniformly green, vocal sac external, throat black, webbing greyish and fingers webbed one third and toes webbed half. Additionally, we revealed that the specimens ROM 38011 (Sa Pa, Vietnam) and VNMN 4099 (Son La, Vietnam) are neither Z. dorsoviridis nor Z. nigropunctatus, but probably represent one or two cryptic species of Zhangixalus pending further morphological and molecular data. Including the new species described herein, the genus Zhangixalus currently comprises 42 species, 30 of which are distributed in China with 11 species known from Yunnan. Amongst different zoogeographic regions in Yunnan, south-eastern Yunnan has the highest diversity of Zhangixalus, followed by western Yunnan and southern Yunnan. More studies are required to clarify the species diversity of this genus based on multiple lines of evidence (e.g. morphological and molecular data).

Key Words: cryptic species, treefrog, Zhangixalus, Zhangixalus nigropunctatus

Zhangixalus yunnanensis sp. nov.
Views of the holotype (GXNU YU20160340) in life and in preservative.

Photos by Guohua Yu.

 Zhangixalus yunnanensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new treefrog species is assigned to Zhangixalus by the presence of intercalary cartilage between terminal and penultimate phalanges of digits, Y-shaped distal end of terminal phalanx, tips of digits expanded into large discs bearing circum-marginal grooves, and vomerine teeth present, dermal folds along limbs not significant, tarsal projections absent, green dorsa colouration and medium body size (Jiang et al. 2019). Phylogenetically, the new species is nested within the genus Zhangixalus with strong support (100% for BI and 73% for ML).

...

Etymology: The species epithet is named for Yunnan, China, where the species was collected. We suggest the English common name “Yunnan tree frog” and the Chinese common name “Yún Nán Shù Wā (云南树蛙)”.

Yuanqiang Pan, Mian Hou, Guohua Yu, Shuo Liu. 2024. A New Species of Zhangixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Yunnan, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 183-197. DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113850

[Botany • 2024] Bulbophyllum romklaoense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species of Bulbophyllum sect. Lemniscata from northern Thailand

Bulbophyllum romklaoense Pingyot & Thawara,  

in Thawara, Pingyot, Suksathan et Ruchisansakun, 2024. 

สิงโตร่มเกล้า  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.238.114999

  plantscience.sc.Mahidol.ac.th

 

Abstract

Bulbophyllum romklaoense (B. sect. Lemniscata) from northern Thailand is described and illustrated as a species new to science. It is most similar to B. muscarirubrum and B. triste, but differs by having inflorescences with only 4–6 reddish-brown flowers, falcate-subovate lateral sepals that are connate only in the upper half along the interior margins, petals with erose to fimbriate margins and a lip with long cilia in the distal half on the lower surface. A comparison with other similar species in the section, as well as notes on ecology, phenology, conservation assessment and a key to B. sect. Lemniscata in Thailand are also provided.

Key words: Bulbophyllum sect. Lemniscata, critically endangered, Epidendroideae, Phitsanulok Province, Southeast Asia

Bulbophyllum romklaoense Pingyot & Thawara in vivo
 A habit (vegetative stage) B habit (flowering stage) C pseudobulb with inflorescence arising from the base D flower, front view E flowers, side view F lateral sepals.

Photographed by P. Suksathan.

Bulbophyllum romklaoense Pingyot & Thawara 
A habit B pseudobulb with inflorescence arising from the base C flower, front view D flower, side view (right petal and right lateral sepal removed) E floral bract F dorsal sepal G lateral sepals (flattened & indumentum removed) H petals J column, top part K lip L anther cap (from Inthakul N887-50).

Drawn by T. Pingyot.

 Bulbophyllum romklaoense Pingyot & Thawara, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Bulbophyllum romklaoense resembles B. muscarirubrum Seidenf. and B. triste Rchb.f. Bulbophyllum romklaoense differs from both by having 4–6-flowered inflorescences (vs. 10–24(–50)-flowered inflorescences in B. muscarirubrum and B. triste), falcate-subovate lateral sepals (vs. narrowly ovate lateral sepals in B. muscarirubrum and B. triste), petals with erose to fimbriate margins (vs. petals with ± entire margins in B. muscarirubrum and B. triste) and a lip with long cilia in the distal half on the lower surface (vs. lip entirely glabrous in B. muscarirubrum and B. triste). Bulbophyllum romklaoense also differs from B. triste by having a peduncle which is about as long as the rachis (vs. peduncle longer than twice as long as the rachis in B. triste).

Etymology: Named after its type locality at Ban Romklao (Romklao Village).

Nicha Thawara, Thitiporn Pingyot, Piyakaset Suksathan and Saroj Ruchisansakun. 2024. Bulbophyllum romklaoense (Orchidaceae), A New Species from Thailand. PhytoKeys. 238: 147-155. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.238.114999

นางสาวฐิติพร ปิงยศ และ ดร. ปิยเกษตร สุขสถาน จากสวนพฤกษศาสตร์สมเด็กพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ ร่วมกับ นางสาวณิชา ถาวระ และ ผศ. ดร.สาโรจน์ รุจิสรรค์สกุล ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล ตีพิมพ์กล้วยไม้สกุลสิงโตกลอกตาชนิดใหม่จากจังหวัดพิษณุโลก 

กล้วยไม้สิงโตร่มเกล้า 

Bulbophyllum romklaoense Pingyot & Thawara 

โดย B. romklaoense อยู่ใน section Lemniscata มีลักษณะดอกที่แตกต่างจากกล้วยไม้ชนิดอื่นๆมาก โดยในงานตีพิมพ์ชิ้นนี้ใช้เทียบกับ B. muscarirubrum และ B. triste ซึ่งก็ยังถือว่าหน้าตาต่างกันมากอยู่ กล้วยไม้สิงโตร่มเกล้าพบบนพื้นที่ความสูงประมาณ 1,300 ม. จากระดับน้ำทะเล โดยสถานะปัจจุบันคือ ใกล้สูญพันธุ์อย่างยิ่ง Critically Endangered (CR; B1+B2ab(iii,v)+C2a(i)) เนื่องจากไฟป่าและสภาพอากาศที่เปลี่ยนแปลงไป ปัจจุบันมีการอนุรักษ์กล้วยไม้ชนิดนี้นอกถิ่นอาศัยอยู่ที่สวนพฤกษศาสตร์สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ อ. แม่ริม จ. เชียงใหม่ และสวนพฤกษศาสตร์บ้านร่มเกล้า อ.ชาติตระการ จ.พิษณุโลก ซึ่งการค้นพบนี้ทำให้เห็นว่าป่าของไทยยังเป็นแหล่งที่มีทรัพยากรธรรมชาติอยู่มากและหลายชนิดยังไม่ถูกค้นพบ ในขณะที่สถานการณ์ป่าปัจจุบันทั้งพืนที่และสภาพป่าอยู่ในสภาพที่น่าเป็นห่วง โดยปัจจุบันสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ต่างๆทั่วประเทศได้ทำหน้าที่เป็นแหล่งรวบรวมพรรณไม้และอนุรักษ์นอกถิ่นอาศัยในอีกทางหนึ่ง อย่างไรก็ตามการอนุรักษ์ป่าที่เป็นแหล่งอาศัยจริงก็ยังคงเป็นทางเลือกที่ดีที่สุดให้แก่สิ่งมีชิวิตหายากเหล่านี้

  plantscience.sc.Mahidol.ac.th/?p=11907

[Botany • 2023] Allium sphaeronixum (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species of Allium sect. Codonoprasum from Turkey

  

Inflorescences and flower details of (A, B) Allium sphaeronixum Koçyiğit, Salmeri, Özhatay, Kaya & Brullo, 
 (C) A. staticiforme, and (E) A. myrianthum  
  

in Koçyiğit, Salmeri, Özhatay, Kaya et Brullo, 2023. 

Kartopu Soğanı  ||  DOI: 10.3390/plants12112074

   Researchgate.net/publication/370996156

Abstract

In this paper, Allium sphaeronixum, a new species of the sect. Codonoprasum from Turkey, is described and illustrated. The new species is endemic to Central Anatolia, limited to the area of Nevşehir, where it grows on sandy or rocky soil at an elevation of 1000–1300 m a.s.l. Its morphology, phenology, karyology, leaf anatomy, seed testa micromorphology, chorology, and conservation status are examined in detail. The taxonomic relationships with the closest allied species, A. staticiforme and A. myrianthum, are also highlighted and discussed.

Keywords: Anatolia; endemic; sect. Codonoprasum; karyology; leaf anatomy; taxonomy; seed micromorphology

 Inflorescences and flower details of Allium sphaeronixum (A, B),
A. staticiforme (C, D), and A. myrianthum (E, F).

 Diagnostic features of Allium sphaeronixum.
 (A) Habit. (B) Flowers. (C) Open perigon and stamens. (D) Ovary. (E) Anther. (F) Capsule. (G) Spathe valves.

 Illustration by S. Brullo based on living material from the type locality.

Allium sphaeronixum Koçyiğit, Salmeri, Özhatay, Kaya and Brullo sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Allio myriantho similis, sed scapo ad 1/2 longitudinem vaginis foliorum tecto, foliis 3-4, lamina latiore, valvis spathae inaequalibus, tepalis albo-roseis, subaequalibus, longioribus, filamentis staminorum longioribus, antheris brevioribus, ovario breviter stipitate, longiore, stylo longiore, capsula maiore.

Etymology: The specific epithet, coming from the Latin words sphaera = ball and nix = snow, refers to the globose whitish inflorescence resembling a snowball (Figure 2A).

Suggested Turkish name: The Turkish name of this species is suggested as ‘Kartopu Soğanı’.

Mine Koçyiğit, Cristina Salmeri, Neriman Özhatay, Erdal Kaya and Salvatore Brullo. 2023. Allium sphaeronixum (Amaryllidaceae), A New Species from Turkey. Plants. 12(11): 2074. DOI: 10.3390/plants12112074 

  Researchgate.net/publication/370996156_Allium_sphaeronixum_A_New_Species_from_Turkey

[Botany • 2022] Primulina fangdingii (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

Primulina fangdingii B.M. Wang, B. Pan & B.D. Lai,

in Pan, Wang, Yang, Lai et Li, 2022.

DOI: 10.1111/njb.03684

  Researchgate.net/publication/362964269

Abstract

Primulina fangdingii, a species of Gesneriaceae new to science from Guangxi, China, is corroborated by both morphological and molecular evidence. The new species is similar to P. longzhouensis in leaf shape and size, but is easily distinguished from the latter by its adaxially glabrous leaf blades, yellow corolla with reddish inner surface and yellow filaments. It is also similar to P. repanda in corolla color and corolla shape, but can be diagnosed by its fleshy small leaves with glabrous adaxial surface, glandular and eglandular pubescent pedicels, yellow filaments and annular disc. In addition, Primulina fangdingii is somewhat similar to nine other species of Primulina, including P. cordifolia, P. danxiaensis, P. xiuningensis, P. chingipengii, P. cordistigma, P. diffusa, P. jingxiensis, P. petrocosmeoides and P. sinovietnamica, in either floral or vegetative morphology. However, all these species differ from P. fangdingii by a series of morphological characters. Phylogenetic analyses with ITS and two chloroplast DNA regions (rpL32-trnL, trnL-F) revealed that P. fangdingii is sister to P. luochengensis and isolated from its morphological relatives. Primulina fangdingii is described and illustrated here, and a key to the new species and its morphological allies is provided.

Keywords: Chiritopsis, morphology, phylogeny, Primulina longzhouensis, taxonomy

Primulina fangdingii B.M. Wang, B. Pan & B.D. Lai, sp.nov.

 

Bo Pan, Bing-Mou Wang, Li-Hua Yang, Bi-Dan Lai and Peng-Wei Li. 2022. Primulina fangdingii (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.03684

  Researchgate.net/publication/362964269_Primulina_fangdingii_a_new_species_from_Guangxi_China

[Botany • 2024] Medinilla campana, M. flammea, M. purpureoviridis & M. rangkong (Melastomataceae) • Four New Species from Borneo

Medinilla campana, M. flammea, M. purpureoviridis & M. rangkong 

  C.W.Lin, 

in Lin, 2024.  

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.637.1.2 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract

Four new species of Medinilla from Borneo, M. campana, M. flammea, M. purpureoviridis and M. rangkong are described and illustrated based on morphological characteristics. Medinilla campana most resembles M. rubicunda but differs from it by having campanulate hypanthium that thickens significantly towards the distal end (vs. cupuliform and not thickened) and the anther has an underdeveloped, obtuse dorsal spur (vs. well-developed, beak-like dorsal spur). Medinilla flammea is similar to M. rubicunda, but differs in having erect to suberect habit (vs. spreading), the inner pair of lateral veins in the lamina diverges from the midrib above the base (vs. veins diverged from the base) and orange to vermilion petals (vs. white). Medinilla purpureoviridis is somewhat similar to M. laxiflora, but it can easily be distinguished from the latter by its 4-merous flowers (vs. 5-merous) and the cymose branching of approximately 3 times (vs. 5 to 9 times). In addition, the hypanthium is distally thickened (vs. not thickened in M. laxiflora). Medinilla rangkong most resembles M. sessiliflora, but differs in its cordate leaf base (vs. acute), the lateral two veins diverging from the base (vs. departing about 5 mm from the base of midvein), and the hypanthium with four minutely apiculate teeth (vs. with four conspicuous, triangular calyx lobes).

biodiversity, endemism, Malay Archipelago, taxonomy, Eudicots.

Medinilla campana (風鈴野牡丹藤), M. flammea (焰橘牡丹藤), 

M. purpureoviridis (紫青野牡丹藤), M. rangkong (犀鳥野牡丹藤)

Che-Wei LIN. 2024. Medinilla campana, M. flammea, M. purpureoviridis and M. rangkong (Melastomataceae), Four New Species from Borneo.  Phytotaxa. 637(1); 27-44. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.637.1.2 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10224945137399244

 

[Botany • 2022] Tillandsia ertonii & T. nathanii (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) • Two New Species from Brazil

  

Tillandsia ertonii  E.H.Souza & Leme,
Tillandsia nathanii E.H.Souza & Leme,

in de Souza, Cavalcante, França, Aona, Souza et Leme, 2022. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.560.1.7 

 Researchgate.net/publication/363068578

  

Abstract

The authors describe, discuss, and illustrate two new species of Tillandsia from a granitic outcrop in the municipality of Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro state, and from an inselberg located in the municipality of Belo Jardim, Pernambuco state, Brazil. The species are endemic with a restricted area of distribution, being considered critically endangered (CR) mainly due to habitat fragmentation and illegal extractivism, specifically for regional and international trade. We also present the phenology, a distribution map of the species, and compare them with morphologically similar taxa.

Key-words: Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, illegal trade, Tillandsia burle-maxii, T. mantiqueirae, Monocots

A–C: Inselberg where Tillandsia ertonii was found in Belo Jardim, Pernambuco, Brazil. A: Habitat, a steep face of granitic outcrop. B: Collecting the species showing the difficulty. C: Natural population showing the clumps of the species.
D: Overview of the granitic outcrop where Tillandsia nathanii was found in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. E: Close up of a few plants on the granite. F: Acollected plant of the species.

 Photos: A–C: E. M. Almeida; D–E: N. M. G. David.

Tillandsia ertonii E.H.Souza & Leme, sp. nov.

Tillandsia nathanii E.H.Souza & Leme, sp. nov.

Everton Hilo de Souza, Brayan P. Cavalcante, Rivã Ribeiro Do N. França, Lidyanne Y. S. Aona, Fernanda V. D. Souza and Elton M. C. Leme. 2022. Two New Species of Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) from Brazil. Phytotaxa. 560(1); 93-1030. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.560.1.7

  Researchgate.net/publication/363068578_Two_New_Species_of_Tillandsia_from_Brazil

   

[Entomology • 2024] Odontogryllodes magnus & O. undatus • A Taxonomic Review of Odontogryllodes Chopard, 1969 (Arthropoda: Gryllidae: Landrevinae)

Odontogryllodes magnus Tan, Japir & Chung,

in Tan, Muhammad, Abdullah, Japir et Chung, 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5410.2.7 

 facebook.com: Arthur Chung

 

Abstract

The taxonomy of the crickets from the genus Odontogryllodes Chopard, 1969 is reviewed. Two species new to science are described here, one from Peninsular Malaysia (part of Malay Peninsula) and another from East Malaysia (part of Borneo): Odontogryllodes undatus Tan, Muhammad & Abdullah sp. nov. from Panti Forest Reserve and Odontogryllodes magnus Tan, Japir & Chung sp. nov. from Tenompok Forest Reserve, respectively. We also present an updated key to the species of Odontogryllodes. In total, nine species are currently known.

Orthoptera, Borneo, key, Malay Peninsula, new species, Southeast Asia, taxonomy

Ming Kai Tan, Amira Aqilah Muhammad, Nurul Ashikin Abdullah, Razy Japir and Arthur Y.C. Chung. 2024. A Taxonomic Review of Odontogryllodes Chopard, 1969 (Gryllidae: Landrevinae). Zootaxa. 5410(2); 267-279. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5410.2.7

  facebook.com/100004187887445/posts/2739583902857846

[Arachnida • 2024] Ghatippus paschima • A New Species and Genus of plexippine Jumping Spider (Salticidae: Plexippini) from the Western Ghats of India

Ghatippus paschima  Marathe & Maddison,

in Marathe, Maddison & Kunte, 2024. 

  घािटस्  || DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1191.114117

Abstract

We propose a new genus of plexippine jumping spiders from the Western Ghats of India based on the new species Ghatippus paschima gen. et sp. nov. While it bears a superficial resemblance to Pancorius in body form and Hyllus in membrane-bearing embolus, our UCE phylogenomic data—the first to resolve broad relationships within the Plexippina—as well as morphological features justify its status as a new genus. In addition to the molecular data and morphological descriptions, we provide photographs of living specimens of Ghatippus paschima gen. et sp. nov. and information on their natural history.

 

Key words: Araneae, biodiversity research, classification, phylogenomics, systematics, taxonomy

Habitus of Ghatippus paschima sp. nov.
26–31 male (IBC-BP828/ AS19.4384) 32–34 male (IBC-BP833/ AS19.3805)
35–38 female, (IBC-BP834/ AS19.3814) 39, 40 (IBC-BP835/ AS19.3821).

Scale bar: 1.0 mm.

Ghatippus paschima sp. nov. genitalia (top row) and alcohol preserved types habitus (bottom row)
18 male (holotype IBC-BP817) left palp, ventral view 19 ditto, retrolateral view
20 epigyne, ventral view (paratype IBC-BP818) 21 vulva, dorsal view (paratype IBC-BP818)
22 male (holotype IBC-BP817), dorsal view 23 ditto, ventral view
24 female (paratype IBC-BP818), dorsal view 25 ditto, ventral view.

Scale bars: 0.1 mm for genitalia; 1.0 mm for bodies.

Family Salticidae Blackwall, 1841

Tribe Plexippini Simon, 1901

Subtribe Plexippina Simon, 1901

 Ghatippus Marathe & Maddison, gen. nov.

  Kannada: ಪ | Devanagari: घािटस्

 

Ghatippus paschima Marathe & Maddison, sp. nov. 

Etymology: The generic name Ghatippus gen. nov. combines the word ‘Ghat’, representing the collecting locality—the Western Ghats Mountain range—with the distinctive suffix found in several plexippine genera. The generic name is assigned to the masculine gender.

Diagnosis: The UCE phylogeny implies genetic diagnosability of Ghatippus gen. nov., but here we focus on the morphological distinctions. The membranous retrolateral edge of the embolus (Figs 2, 18) and lack of distinct epigynal coupling pockets (Figs 4, 20) differentiate Ghatippus gen. nov. from all members of clade 1 (Fig. 1) and other plexippines except Hyllus, Thyene Simon, 1885, and Vailimia Kammerer, 2006. Also, Ghatippus gen. nov. is the only plexippine reported to have a bifurcated male fang with nearly co-equal branch points (Figs 6, 12).

 Ghatippus paschima Marathe & Maddison, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet paschima, a noun in apposition, means “west” in both Sanskrit and Kannada.

 Kiran Marathe, Wayne P. Maddison and Krushnamegh Kunte. 2024. Ghatippus paschima, A New Species and Genus of plexippine Jumping Spider from the Western Ghats of India (Salticidae, Plexippini, Plexippina). ZooKeys. 1191: 89-103. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1191.114117

[Entomology • 2024] Pendleburyella eremita & P. nimba • New Species of the elusive crickets from the Genus Pendleburyella Chopard, 1969 (Arthropoda: Gryllidae: Pentacentrinae) from Sabah, Borneo

Pendleburyella eremita

Tan, Japir & Chung, 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.2.7 

 facebook.com: Arthur Chung

 

Abstract

Only one species of Pendleburyella Chopard, 1969 (Gryllidae, Pentacentrinae) was previously known to occur in Borneo: Pendleburyella eirmosa Tan, Muhammad & Wahab, 2023 from Brunei Darussalam. Here, two additional new species of crickets from the genus Pendleburyella are described from the highlands of Sabah, Borneo: Pendleburyella eremita sp. nov. from Bukit Hampuan and Pendleburyella nimba sp. nov. from Mount Trus Madi. In total, six species of Pendleburyella are currently known, three from Borneo and three from Malay Peninsula. It is likely that many more species are awaiting discovery owing to its cryptic morphology and elusive nature.

Orthoptera, key, leaf litter fauna, Southeast Asia, taxonomy

Ming Kai Tan, Razy Japir and Arthur Y.C. Chung. 2024. New Species of the elusive crickets from the Genus Pendleburyella Chopard, 1969 (Gryllidae, Pentacentrinae) from Sabah, Borneo.  Zootaxa. 5397(2); 264-272.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.2.7

  facebook.com/100004187887445/posts/2709032735912963

[Entomology • 2023] Aryalidonta itishreea • A New Genus and Species of Thoradontini (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Nepal honors the Emperor of Laughter

Aryalidonta itishreea 

Subedi & Kasalo, 2023

 

Aryal’s Ten Avatar Groundhopper | DOI: 10.3897/jor.32.94918

अर्यालको दश औतारी भुइँफड्के ||  twitter.com/KasaloNiko

Abstract

Aryal’s Ten Avatar Groundhopper, Aryalidonta itishreea gen. et sp. nov., named in honor of the late Bhairav Aryal, an iconic Nepali satirist, is a new genus and species of Tetrigidae described as a part of the tribe Thoradontini. The species is native to Nepal, a country with a rich tetrigid fauna in need of taxonomic revisions. This monotypic genus can be easily separated from other Thoradontini genera by its enlarged proximal halves of middle femora, a peculiar lateral lobe morphology (small caudal protrusion in its caudal part and a sharp lateral tip), a triangular, anteriorly narrowing vertex, and by its unique head morphology. The species was observed in its natural habitat. It was found to harbor many color variations that are cryptic in nature. It feeds on detritus, algae, lichen, and moss. Specimens heavily infested by mites were found, as well as those in interaction with wasps (possibly Eulophidae), but the nature of the latter could not be determined.

Keywords: Bhairav Aryal, ecology, Eulophidae, Gorkha, groundhopper, Himalayas, Scelimeninae

Type specimens of Aryalidonta itishreea gen. et sp. nov. in their natural habitat.
A–C. Holotype (♀); D. Paratype 1 (♂) (left) with Criotettix sp. (middle) and an individual of Aryalidonta itishreea gen. et sp. nov. (right); E. Paratype 1 (♂) in dorsolateral view; F–G. Paratype 2 (♀); H–I. Paratype 3 (♂).

Family Tetrigidae Rambur, 1838

Tribe Thoradontini Kevan, 1966

Genus Aryalidonta gen. nov.

 

Justification of the tribal assignment and the genus description.—

The herein described species shares many similarities with members of Thoradontini, the most notable of which are as follows: (i) the u- or v-shaped carinae of the vertex visible in frontal view, (ii) high-placed frontal costa bifurcation and usually low-placed antennal grooves, (iii) a vertex that is usually triangular and narrowing anteriorly, (iv) eyes adjacent to the anterior margin of the pronotum, (v) bilobate lateral lobes, (vi) wings approximately equally long as the pronotum, and (vii) nodulate surface of the pronotum. Although an overview of the material showed that the tribe requires a thorough revision, we place the new genus and species within it to allow for easier revision in the future.

The new species does not fit with the type species of any of the relevant genera and is thus described under its own genus. It is possible that the subsequent revisions will recognize more species that belong in this genus, so it is important that the genus be defined by a well-documented species.

Etymology.— Patronymic. The genus is named in honor of the late Bhairav Aryal (Nepali: भैरव अर्याल), an iconic satirist of Nepali literature popularly known as the Emperor of Laughter (Nepali: हाँस्य सम्राट). The second part of the name, -donta, derives from the Greek word “ὀδών”, meaning “tooth,” and is a reference to Bhairav Aryal’s iconic smile. The genus name is of feminine gender.

Aryalidonta itishreea sp. nov.

 Etymology.— The specific epithet is derived from the Nepali word “itishree”, which is the title of one of Bhairav Aryal’s books and translates to “The End”. The name is also a reference to the tragic end of Bhairav Aryal’s life, as well as to his unyielding belief that an end is an invitation to a new beginning. The name is Latinized with the suffix “-a” to form a noun in the nominative case and is feminine in gender.

Common name.— Aryal’s Ten Avatar Groundhopper 

(Nepali: अर्यालको दश औतारी भुइँफड्के).

Common name etymology.— Named after one of Bhairav Aryal’s masterpieces, Dash Autar (Nepali: दश औतार; English transl. Ten Avatars). The name symbolically refers to the many color forms observed among individuals of this species.

Type locality.— Amaldarchaur, Ghyalchok, Gorkha, Nepal (Nepali: अमलदारचौर, घ्याल्चोक, गोरखा, नेपाल) situated at an altitude of 465 ± 10 m asl (approximate) ...

 

Individuals of Aryalidonta itishreea gen. et sp. nov.  on different food sources.
 A. Lichen growing on the stones; B. Detritus on a desire path; C. Algal growth on the banks of a freshwater stream (Note: soft algal growth on the body surface indicated by greenish–yellow coloration); D. Moss growth on the desire path.

Variability of coloration in Aryalidonta itishreea gen. et sp. nov. 

Different Tetrigidae species found in close proximity to Aryalidonta itishreea gen. et sp. nov.  in their natural habitat.
A. Coptotettix annandalei; B. Criotettix sp. (bottom left) with Aryalidonta itishreea gen. et sp. nov. (top right);
C. Hebarditettix quadratus; D. Teredorus carmichaeli (right) with Aryalidonta itishreea gen. et sp. nov. (left);
E. Thoradonta sp. (bottom right) with Aryalidonta itishreea gen. et sp. nov. (top left); F. Xistra angusta.

Different nymphal instars of Aryalidonta itishreea gen. et sp. nov.
 (Note: the images are not on the same scale).

Madan Subedi and Niko Kasalo. 2023. Aryalidonta itishreea, A New Genus and Species of Thoradontini (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae) from Nepal honors the Emperor of Laughter. Journal of Orthoptera Research. 32(1): 63-80.  DOI: 10.3897/jor.32.94918

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[Herpetology • 2024] Dibamus deimontis • Another New Species of Dibamus Duméril & Bibron, 1839 (Squamata: Dibamidae) from Nui Chua National Park, Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam

 

 Dibamus deimontis  Kliukin, Bragin, Nguyen & Poyarkov, 

in Kliukin, Bragin, Nguyen, Le, Tran, Gorin & Poyarkov, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5406.1.4

 facebook.com: Nguyen Van Tan

Researchgate.net/publication/377895743

Abstract

A new species of dibamid lizard, Dibamus deimontis sp. nov., is described based on eight specimens collected from the highlands of Nui Chua Mountain within Nui Chua National Park, Ninh Thuan Province, southern Vietnam. Dibamus deimontis sp. nov. co-occurs with the recently described Dibamus tropcentr, but is recorded at higher elevations (670–700 m a.s.l. vs. 200–280 m a.s.l.), and in a different habitat and microhabitats than the previous species. Our study represents the first report on the near sympatric occurrence of two Dibamus species. The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: rostral, labial and nasal sutures incomplete; two to three postoculars; three to five scales on the posterior edge of infralabial; 22–25 midbody scale rows; 193–225 ventral scales; 47–55 subcaudal scales; 115 presacral and 27 tail vertebrae (in a single male specimen examined); and maximum snout-vent length 136.2 mm. We suggest this species should be considered as Vulnerable (VU) following the IUCN’s Red List categories. Our study brings the number of species in the genus Dibamus to 26; Dibamus deimontis sp. nov. is the eighth species of Dibamus recorded in Vietnam, and underlines the importance of the country as a local center of reptilian diversity in Southeast Asia.

 

 Reptilia, Dibamus deimontis sp. nov., Nui Chua Mountain, Blind Skinks, conservation, Southeast Asia. systematics. morphology. sympatric distribution, endemism

 Morphology of Dibamus deimontis sp. nov. in life.
A, B—holotype of Dibamus deimontis sp. nov. (ZMMu re- 17821, male) in life in situ; C—cloacal region of female paratype ZMMu re-17823; D—cloacal region of holotype (ZMMu re-17821, male); E—cloacal region of male paratype (VrtC NAP-13708) showing partially everted hemipenes.

Photographs by Andrey M. Bragin and Nikolay A. Poyarkov.

 Nui Chua Blind Skink 

Dibamus deimontis 

Kliukin, Bragin, Nguyen & Poyarkov, 2024

Nikita S. Kliukin, Andrey M. Bragin, Tan Van Nguyen, Son Xuan Le, Tin Trong Vo Tran, Vladislav A. Gorin, Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2024. Another New Species of Dibamus Duméril & Bibron, 1839 (Squamata: Dibamidae) from Nui Chua National Park, Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. Zootaxa. 5406(1); 87-104. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5406.1.4

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Researchgate.net/publication/377895743_new_species_of_Dibamus_from_NuiChua_NP_NinhThuan__Vietnam

[Botany • 2024] Calanthe yingjiangensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China: evidence from morphological and molecular data

 

Calanthe yingjiangensis J.L.Miao & J.W.Zhai, 

in Miao, Wang, Li, Yue, Chen, Liang, Chen, Wu, Liu et Zhai, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.636.4.4

 

Abstract

A new species of Orchidaceae, Calanthe yingjiangensis, is described from Yingjiang (Yunnan, China) based on morphology and molecular phylogenetics. This new species is like C. puberula, but it differs from the latter in its midlob of lip with an elliptic yellow spot near the base of the column and four purple veins, triangular lateral lip lobs that is much smaller than middle lobe and twisted lateral sepals. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on three plastid DNA makers (rbcL, matK and trnL-trnF) and nuclear ribosomal ITS support C. yingjiangensis as sister to C. puberula in Calanthe section Vernae.

Calanthe, Epidendroideae, phylogeny, Orchids of Yunnan, Monocots

   

Calanthe yingjiangensis J.L.Miao & J.W.Zhai, sp. nov.

Jiang-Lin Miao, Qiang Wang, Kai-Fan Li, Ma-Mai Yue, Chen Chen, Cui-Yu Liang, Lu Chen, Sha-Sha Wu, Zhong-Jian Liu and Jun-Wen Zhai. 2024. Calanthe yingjiangensis (Epidendroideae; Orchidaceae), A New Species from China: evidence from morphological and molecular data.  Phytotaxa. 636(4); 295-300. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.636.4.4

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