[Botany • 2024] Curcuma peninsularis (Curcuma subg. Curcuma, Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) • A Horticultural Gem Unveiled: A New Species from Peninsular Thailand

 Curcuma peninsularis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma,  

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Maknoi, Setyawan et Boonma, 2024.  

DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae10090950

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma & Ornicha Chinkam.

Abstract

The genus Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) is highly diverse and often exhibits similar morphological appearances, leading to frequent misidentifications that impact botanical practices, horticultural activities, and conservation efforts. This study addresses the taxonomic confusion surrounding the plant locally known as “Ploy Thaksin”, which was previously misidentified as Curcuma aurantiaca Zijp. To resolve this issue, we conducted a detailed morphological analysis and reviewed the protologues descriptions of its ally species, focusing on anther characteristics and other key features. Our findings reveal that “Ploy Thaksin” actually represents two distinct species: one correctly identified as C. aurantiaca found in lower Peninsular Thailand (Satun and Trang Provinces), and another species, characterized by calcarate anthers found in upper Peninsular Thailand which resemble C. sumatrana Miq., C. nepalensis M.Sabu, Kasaju, and S.Subedi, described here as a new species under the name “Curcuma peninsularis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi, and Boonma” along with the details of a description, illustration, map of distribution, vernacular name, ecology, phenology, utilization, and economic value, including the proposal of a conservation status. This study clarifies previous misidentifications and underscores the importance of precise taxonomic practices for the accurate classification and conservation of Curcuma species. The results provide valuable insights for future research and horticultural applications, enhancing the understanding of Curcuma biodiversity.  

Keywords: Curcuma; diversity; horticulture; new species; taxonomy; Thailand; Zingiberaceae

 Curcuma peninsularis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi, and Boonma sp. nov.
 (a) habit; (b) front view of flower; (c) top view of inflorescence; (d) clump-forming growth habit.

Photographs by Ornicha Chinkam and Thawatphong Boonma.

 Curcuma peninsularis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi, and Boonma sp. nov.
 (a) leaf apex on abaxial side with slightly reddish tinge; (b) reddish along the midrib both adaxial and abaxial side of leaves; (c) ligules; (d) rhizome and tuberous root with dissected part; (e) plants in a rubber plantation connected to a natural forest, Ranong Province, Peninsular Thailand.

Photographs (a–d) by Thawatphong Boonma, (e) by Ornicha Chinkam.

 Curcuma peninsularis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi, and Boonma sp. nov.
(a) front and side views of anther; (b) lateral corolla lobes; (c) dorsal corolla lobe; (d) lateral staminodes; (e) labellum; (f) bracteole; (g) habits; (h) fruit with calyx; (i) ovary with epigynous glands; (j) inflorescent with flowers.

Drawn by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma peninsularis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi, and Boonma sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is similar to C. sumatrana Miq but differentiated by its pale yellow rhizome (vs. C. sumatrana with a light purple and cream rhizome); 16–22 mm-long ligule (vs. c. 3 mm-long); 25–45 cm-long peduncle (vs. 4–18 cm-long); 25–42 × 10–12 cm thyrse (vs. 14–25 × 5.5–7 cm); 70–98 bracts per inflorescence (vs. 15–29); broadly obovate fertile bracts, dark red or dark reddish brown, with a pale green base (vs. ovate-elliptic, bright red, gradually becoming a yellowish cream base); 3.6–4.2 cm-long fused bracts (vs. 3.0–3.3 cm-long); 1.8–3 cm bracteole (vs. c. 1.3 cm-long); 5.3–5.8 cm-long flowers (vs. c. 6.5 cm-long); pubescent floral tube (vs. glabrous); pale yellowish, pubescent corolla lobe (vs. white, glabrous); pubescent lateral staminodes (vs. glabrous); pubescent filament (vs. glabrous); 1.5–2 mm-long anther spurs (vs. 3 mm-long).

 Etymology: The specific epithet “peninsularis” denotes the species’ native habitat in the Peninsular floristic region of Thailand, underscoring its geographical distribution.

Vernacular name: “Ploy Andaman” is derived from Thai, where ‘Ploy’ means ‘gem’ or ‘jewel’ and ‘Andaman’ refers to the Andaman Sea. This name highlights the beauty and uniqueness of the species, found on the peninsular side of the Andaman Sea and the islands within it. The term emphasizes the splendid inflorescence, which is likened to a jewel of the Andaman Sea. Similarly, the vernacular name “Ploy Thaksin” merges “Ploy” with “Thaksin”, which denotes the southern region of Thailand. This name emphasizes the species’ occurrence in the southern part of the country. Both names highlight the species’ connection to specific geographic locations.

Distribution: This newly described species is currently known only from Peninsular Thailand, in the Ranong and Phang-Nga Provinces.

Habitat: Curcuma peninsularis is found at the edge of the forest, at the foot of the mountain, and in former forest areas that have been converted into rubber and palm plantations. In a nearby forest, various plants in the ginger family were observed. Notable species in these areas include Globba pendula Roxb., G. ranongensis Picheans. and Tiyaw., Kaempferia pulchra Ridl., Zingiber longibracteatum Theilade, and Z. montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr.

  Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Charun Maknoi, Ahmad Dwi Setyawan and Thawatphong Boonma. 2024. A Horticultural Gem Unveiled: Curcuma peninsularis sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Peninsular Thailand, Previously Misidentified as Curcuma aurantiaca Zijp. Horticulturae. 10(9); 950. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10090950

[Entomology • 2024] Euwallacea chiangdao, E. plenilunium, etc. • New Species of Euwallacea Hopkins, 1915 Ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) from Thailand

Euwallacea chiangdao Sittichaya, Smith & Beaver, E. congruens Sittichaya, Smith & Beaver, 
E. plenilunium Sittichaya, Smith & Beaver, and E. sulcatus Sittichaya, Smith & Beaver, 

in Sittichaya, Smith, Beaver et Cognato, 2024.

DOI: 10.1649/0010-065X-78.3.397

Abstract

Four new species of Euwallacea Hopkins, 1915, Euwallacea chiangdao Sittichaya, Smith, and Beaver, new species, Euwallacea congruens Sittichaya, Smith, and Beaver, new species, Euwallacea plenilunium Sittichaya, Smith, and Beaver, new species, and Euwallacea sulcatus Sittichaya, Smith, and Beaver, new species, are described from Thailand. Habitus photographs and diagnoses are provided with differential characters to separate them from other Euwallacea species. With the inclusion of the species described and recorded herein, the diversity of Euwallacea is increased to 81 species, of which 17 occur in Thailand. A synoptic list with updated species distributions within Thailand is provided.

KEYWORDS: morphology, Oriental Region, shot hole borer, taxonomy

มอดแอมโบรเซียเชียงดาว Euwallacea chiangdao Sittichaya, Smith, and Beaver, 2024; 

มอดแอมโบรเซียละม้าย Euwallacea congruens Sittichaya, Smith, and Beaver, 2024; 

มอดแอมโบรเซียเดือนเพ็ญ Euwallacea plenilunium Sittichaya, Smith, and Beaver, 2024; 

มอดแอมโบรเซียปีกร่อง  Euwallacea sulcatus Sittichaya, Smith, and Beaver, 2024

 

Wisut Sittichaya, Sarah M. Smith, Roger A. Beaver and Anthony I. Cognato. 2024. New Species of Euwallacea Hopkins, 1915 Ambrosia Beetles from Thailand (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini). The Coleopterists Bulletin.  78(3):397-407. DOI: doi.org/10.1649/0010-065X-78.3.397

Researchgate.net/publication/383822257_New_Species_of_Euwallacea_Ambrosia_Beetles_from_Thailand

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[Entomology • 2024] Gasteruption mamburrumurl • A New Species of Gasteruption (Hymenoptera: Gasteruptiidae) with A Host Association from Northern Australia

 

Gasteruption mamburrumurl 

Parslow, Volpe & Kania, 2024

 

Mam-Burrumurl wasp  ||  DOI: 10.54102/ajt.byysx

Abstract

Here we describe the distinctive new species Gasteruption mamburrumurl sp. nov. from Leliyn (Edith Falls), Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory, Australia and document a host association with the native resin bee, Megachile micrerythrura Cockerell, 1910 (Megachilidae: Apoidea). The common name for the species is the "Mam-Burrumurl wasp".

 Live image of Gasteruption mamburrumurl sp. nov. 

photo by N. Volpe 

Taxonomy 

Gasteruptiidae Ashmead, 1900 

Gasteruptiinae Ashmead, 1900 

Gasteruption Latreille, 1796 

Gasteruption mamburrumurl sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Gasteruption mamburrumurl sp. nov. is a distinctive species that is easily distinguished from other described Australian species based on the combination of body colouration; head and metasoma black, mesosoma reddish-brown, metatibia without cream patch, and areolate-rugulose sculpturing on the mesoscutum.

Distribution. The species is known only from the holotype locality at Leliyn (Edith falls), Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. 

Etymology. In collaboration with First Nations elders and custodians of the Country in which this species was discovered, the species epithet mamburrumurl is derived from the Jawoyn language, combining the words mam meaning 'ghost' and burrumurl meaning 'wasp.' This name describes the distinctive floating searching flight pattern exhibited by these wasps. Hence, this species is commonly referred to as the “Mam-Burrumurl wasp”.

 

Ben A. Parslow, Nicholas J. Volpe and Lucyna I. Kania. 2024. A New Species of Gasteruption (Hymenoptera: Gasteruptiidae) with A Host Association from Northern Australia. Australian Journal of Taxonomy. 70: 1–7. DOI: doi.org/10.54102/ajt.byysx

  www.taxonomyaustralia.org.au/ajt/papers/j2iqgsdncv

 nit.com.au/09-09-2024/13609/mam-burrumurl-new-species-of-ghost-wasp-discovered-in-the-nt

[Herpetology • 2024] Ahaetulla longirostris • A New Long-snouted Vine Snake Species in the Genus Ahaetulla Link, 1807 (Serpentes: Colubridae: Chrysopeleinae) from India

Ahaetulla longirostris

Mirza, Pattekar, Verma, Stuart, Purkayastha, Mohapatra & Patel, 2024

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2024.04.017 

 facebook.com/snakeszeeshan

 

Abstract

A new species of long-snouted arboreal snake of the genus Ahaetulla Link, 1807, is described from the Indian states of Bihar and Meghalaya. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using three mitochondrial genes recovered the new species as a member of the A. fusca clade and as a sister the species to A. laudankia. The new species differs from its congeners in bearing an elongate rostral appendage, green or ochre dorsum, orange-brown belly, and moderately keeled vertebral dorsal scale row. This description of a new reptile species highlights the need for systematic documentation of biodiversity in the region.

Keywords: Bihar, Himalayas, Meghalaya, phylogeny, taxonomy, synonymy

 Ahaetulla longirostris sp. nov. holotype female NCBS NRC AA-0023 showing head scalation, (a) dorsal view, (b) left lateral view, (c) ventral view.

 An uncollected individual of Ahaetulla longirostris sp. nov. from Valmiki Tiger Reserve (a & b), (c) paratype male and female from Guwahati.

Ahaetulla longirostris sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A medium sized Ahaetulla with maximum TL 1,275 mm having the combination of a long dermal appendage; 193–207 ventrals, 139–163 subcaudals; dorsal scale reduction from 15 to 13 rows that occurs between 145–147 ventrals; dorsal scales of the vertebral and adjacent row on each side moderately keeled; dorsum bright green or ochre-brown throughout with a yellow hue on the lateral and ventral aspect of the head, a yellowish-white lateral stripe running the entire length of the snake from the neck; and venter bright orangish brown with a pair of pale longitudinal stripes.

Etymology. The specific epithet is taken from longus (L.) for long and rostrum (L.) for snout in reference to the very long rostral appendage.

 

 

Zeeshan A. Mirza, Soham Pattekar, Sourabh Verma, Bryan L. Stuart, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Pratyush P. Mohapatra and Harshil Patel. 2024. A New Long-snouted Vine Snake Species in the Genus Ahaetulla Link, 1807 (Colubridae: Chrysopeleinae) from India. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2024.04.017

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[Botany • 2024] Sarcolobus busbanianus & S. flavus (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae: Marsdenieae) • Phylogenetic Positions of Thai Members of Gymnema, Gymnemopsis and Sarcolobus, and Two New Sarcolobus Species uncovered by Morpho-molecular Evidence

a, b Sarcolobus busbanianus A.Kidyoo & Kidyoo,
c, d S. flavus A.Kidyoo & Kidyoo,

in M. Kidyoo, A. Kidyoo et McKey. 2024. 

 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-024-01562-z

Photographs by A. Kidyoo

Abstract  

The present study assesses the phylogenetic position of certain Thai members of Gymnema, Gymnemopsis, and Sarcolobus in relation to other known Marsdenieae species. Fifteen accessions newly sequenced from Thailand were added to the dataset of the homologous sequences of 125 accessions of Marsdenieae downloaded from GenBank. In our molecular phylogeny, almost all the delimited major clades and their relationships are largely congruent with those revealed in previous studies. The monophyly of Gymnema (including the former Jasminanthes species) and that of Sarcolobus, as presently circumscribed, are confirmed. The new accessions of these two genera from Thailand are well grouped with the members of their respective genera. Our analyses provide the first molecular evidence for recognition of Gymnemopsis, a small Asian genus that has never been included in the previous phylogenetic studies, as a distinct genus. All elements of Gymnemopsis are retrieved as a well-supported monophyletic group that is strongly supported as sister to Lygisma, another small Asian genus that most closely resembles it in growth habit, color of latex, indumentum on plant parts, corona structure and follicle traits. Combined molecular phylogenetic, morphological and ecological data also support recognition of two new Sarcolobus species from Thailand, Sarcolobus busbanianus sp. nov. and S. flavus sp. nov. Similarities and differences between these new species and their close relative, S. carinatus, are discussed. In addition, this study also reveals the first record for Thailand of Gymnema lacei. Keys to the species of Gymnemopsis (for all members of the genus), Gymnema and Sarcolobus (for Thai members of these genera) are provided.

 

Keywords: CpDNA, ITS, Mainland Southeast Asia, Marsdenia, Molecular phylogeny, Morphological taxonomy

 

Comparison of inflorescence (a, c) and floral morphology (b, d, e, f).
a, b Sarcolobus busbanianus sp. nov. 
c, d S. flavus sp. nov. 
e S. carinatus f S. globosus. 

Photographs by A. Kidyoo

Sarcolobus busbanianus A.Kidyoo & Kidyoo, sp. nov.

Etymology This species was named in honour of Assoc. Prof. Busban Na Songkhla, a senior instructor in the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, who has made important contributions to plant taxonomic knowledge in Thailand.

Sarcolobus flavus A.Kidyoo & Kidyoo, sp. nov. 

Etymology The specific epithet ‘flavus’ refers to the bright yellow color of its flowers.

Manit Kidyoo, Aroonrat Kidyoo and Doyle McKey. 2024. Phylogenetic Positions of Thai Members of Gymnema, Gymnemopsis and Sarcolobus (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Marsdenieae), and Two New Sarcolobus Species uncovered by Morpho-molecular Evidence.  Journal of Plant Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10265-024-01562-z

 

[Ichthyology • 2024] Cylix nkosi • A New Record and Species of Pygmy Pipehorse of the Genus Cylix (Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae) from South Africa and the African Continent

Cylix nkosi 

Short, Smith, Harasti & Claassens, 2024 

 Sodwana Pygmy Pipehorse ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2023053

 

Abstract

Cylix nkosi, new species, of the formerly monotypic pygmy pipehorse genus Cylix, is described on the basis of the female holotype and the male paratype collected between 14–50 m over inshore warm-tropical coral reefs from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The new taxon possesses derived characters consistent with the diagnosis of the type species Cylix tupareomanaia from Aotearoa New Zealand, including a prominent supraoccipital bone bearing a highly derived bony protuberance and the presence of distinct midventral head spines. The new species is distinguished from its congener primarily by the distinct shapes of the supraoccipital protuberance, midventral head spines, and the dorsomedial crest-like ridge on the first trunk ridge. Cylix nkosi, new species, can be further differentiated by genetic divergence in the mitochondrial COI gene from C. tupareomanaia and the morphologically similar members of the Indo-Pacific pygmy pipehorse genera Acentronura and Idiotropiscis (estimated uncorrected p-distances of 10.0% C. tupareomanaia, 16.6% A. breviperula, 20.6% A. tentaculata, 18.1% I. australe, and 18.8% I. lumnitzeri, respectively). Cylix nkosi, new species, is the first confirmed record of the genus in South Africa and the African continent. In addition, the occurrence of C. nkosi, new species, in the western Indian Ocean represents a substantial expansion of the geographical distribution of the genus beyond its original type locality in New Zealand.

Lateral view of the head of Cylix nkosi, SAMC F041935, female, holotype, highlighting positions of diagnostic characters, including the supraoccipital protuberance and medioventral conical spines on the cleithral symphysis and the first trunk ring between the pectoral-fin bases. Abbreviations: CS, cleithral spines; CSS, medioventral spine on the cleithral symphysis; DHS, double head spine; FS, frontal spine; FTRC, first trunk ring crest; LHS, lateral head spine; MVFTRS, medioventral spine on first trunk ring between the pectoral-fin bases; ORE, orbital rim extension; PLS, posterolateral spine on pectoral-fin base; SnS, snout spines; SP, supraoccipital protuberance. Scale bar = 5 mm.

Cylix nkosi in situ, SAMC F041935, female, holotype, 45.9 mm SL, 2 Mile Reef, Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 22 m depth. (A) Lateral view of the body. (B) Anterolateral view of the head highlighting the diamond-shaped supraoccipital protuberance pair on the head. Abbreviation: SP, supraoccipital protuberance. Photographs by Richard Smith.

Cylix nkosi, new species

 Common Name: Sodwana Pygmy Pipehorse  

  

Diagnosis.—Cylix nkosi differs from C. tupareomanaia in possessing a supraoccipital bone bearing a highly derived and distinct diamond-shaped bony protuberance (SP; vs. cup-like bony protuberance; Table 3) oriented anteriorly, rhombus-shaped in anterodorsal view, divided transversally into two sections by a ridge; knob-shaped midventral spine (CSS; vs. udder-shaped bony protuberance; Table 3) on the cleithral symphysis; blunt midventral spine (MVFTRS; vs. conical midventral spine; Table 3) on the first trunk ring between the pectoral-fin bases; thick dorsomedial crest-like ridge (FTRC; vs. thin and rugose crest-like ...

Cylix nkosi in situ, 2 Mile Reef, Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 22 m depth:
 (A) male, pregnant, red coloration; (B) male, pregnant, yellow coloration; (C) female, brown coloration; (D) female, brown coloration.

 Photographs © Christo van Jaarsveld (SeaXplore), used with permission.

Etymology.—The species epithet is derived from the Nguni or Zulu term for chief due to the crown-like nature of the highly derived bony protuberance on the supraoccipital bone. A noun in the genitive. New English Names: Sodwana Pygmy Pipehorse is proposed here for Cylix nkosi.

 

Graham Short, Richard Smith, David Harasti and Louw Claassens. 2024. A New Record and Species of Pygmy Pipehorse of the Genus Cylix (Teleostei, Syngnathidae) from South Africa and the African Continent. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 112(3):315-327. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2023053

[Botany • 2024] Globba corniculata, G. paschimbengalensis, G. polymorpha, etc. (Zingiberaceae) • Six New Species from the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India

 Globba corniculata Y.Ritu & V.Gowda, 
 G. paschimbengalensis Y.Ritu & V.Gowda,   
G. polymorpha Y.Ritu & V.Gowda,  

in Yadav et Gowda, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.246.118751

 

Abstract

We describe six new species in the genus Globba L.: Globba corniculata sp. nov., Globba paschimbengalensis sp. nov., Globba polymorpha sp. nov., Globba tyrnaensis sp. nov., Globba janakiae sp. nov., and Globba yadaviana sp. nov. collected from the Indian part of the Eastern Himalayas (West Bengal) and Northeast India. We provide a detailed morphological description of all six species along with photographic plates, distribution maps, and tentative conservation assessments. We also provide a dichotomous identification key for all the Indian Globba species and discuss the newly described species in relation to those that are morphologically similar to them. Finally, we highlight the taxonomic collection challenges in the ecologically sensitive Eastern Himalayas and Northeast regions of India.

Key words: Dancing girls, Ginger, Meghalaya, Mizoram, taxonomy, West Bengal

 Globba corniculata Y.Ritu & V.Gowda, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet ‘corniculata’ refers to the presence of horn-shaped structure at the base of labellum.

 Globba paschimbengalensis Y.Ritu & V.Gowda, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet refers to the Indian state of West Bengal, where this species was found.

Globba polymorpha sp. nov.
A habit B rhizome C ligule D inflorescence E flower (front view) F flower (side view) G dissected flower, br (bracteole), cl (corolla lobes), an (anther), ls (lateral staminodes), la (labellum), sty (style and stigma) H fruit.

Photographs A, D and E by Rhuthuparna SB, rest by Y. Ritu.

 Globba polymorpha Y.Ritu & V.Gowda, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet refers to the floral color variation due to bracteole color variations among individuals within the same population, which can be seen in Fig. 7A (top left and bottom left).

 Globba tyrnaensis Y.Ritu & V.Gowda, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet refers to the type locality for this species, which is at the Tyrna village, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya.

 Globba janakiae Y.Ritu & V.Gowda, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species is named in honor of Dr. E. K. Janaki Ammal. She was a pioneering Indian woman botanist who challenged the norms of caste, gender and race. She was critical about deforestation carried out to make way for development projects and advocated preservation of native plants.

 Globba yadaviana Y.Ritu & V.Gowda, sp. nov.

Etymology: This species epithet is in the memory of the late Mr. Rajesh Yadav, who was the father of the first author and was instrumental in the author’s progress in science and education.

Ritu Yadav and Vinita Gowda. 2024. Six New Species of Globba L. (Zingiberales, Zingiberaceae) from the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India. PhytoKeys. 246: 197-228. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.246.118751

[Herpetology • 2024] Limnonectes batulawensis, L. penerisanensis, L. separatus, etc. • Revision of the Limnonectes kuhlii-Like Fanged Frogs (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Malaysian Borneo

 

 Limnonectes tawauensis Matsui, Nishikawa & Shimada; 

 L. barioensis Matsui & Nishikawa;  

 L. separatus Matsui, Nishikawa & Shimada; 

 L. penerisanensis Matsui, Nishikawa & Shimada; 

 L. abanghamidi Matsui; 

L. batulawensis Matsui, Nishikawa & Eto, 

in Matsui, Nishikawa, Shimada, Eto, Hamidy, Sudin, Hossman, Gumal et Vairappan, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5358/hsj.43.226 

Abstract  

A group of fanged frogs from Southeast and East Asia has long been considered a single widespread species Limnonectes kuhlii, but occurrence in this group of many cryptic species has recently been demonstrated mainly in the continent through molecular phylogenetic analyses. This led to similar analyses of populations from other parts of the known range, and phylogenetic relationships inferred for frogs from the island of Borneo through mitochondrial and nuclear DNA resulted in the presence of nearly 20 distinct lineages. We studied morphological variation in 13 of these lineages from the Malaysian part and confirmed their taxonomically distinct statuses. We applied existing names to three of them, L. conspicillatus, L. kong, and L. mocquardi, and described 10 remaining ones as new species.

KEYWORDS: Borneo, cryptic species, new species, phylogeny, taxonomy

  Limnonectes tawauensis Matsui, Nishikawa et Shimada sp. nov.

[English name: Tawau Fanged Frog]

Limnonectes barioensis Matsui et Nishikawa sp. nov.

[English name: Bario Fanged Frog]

Limnonectes lambirensis Matsui et Nishikawa sp. nov.

[English name: Lambir Fanged Frog]

Limnonectes penerisanensis Matsui, Nishikawa et Shimada sp. nov.

[English name: Penrissen Fanged Frog]

 Limnonectes paginatanensis Matsui, Nishikawa et Shimada sp. nov.

[English name: Paginatan Fanged Frog]

male paratype of Limnonectes tawauensis sp. nov. (BOR 09232, A, B); 

female holotype of L. barioensis sp. nov. (SFC-GRB-00599 [=former KUHE 53065], C, D).  

  male holotype of Limnonectes penerisanensis sp. nov. (SFC-GRB-00604 [=former KUHE 54427], A, B) and L. paginatanensis sp. nov. (BOR 22492, C, D). 

 holotype of Limnonectes separatus sp. nov. (BOR 23415, A, B);

male L. lanjakensis sp. nov. (SFC-GRB-00608 [=former KUHE 17483], C, D).  

female holotype of Limnonectes abanghamidi sp. nov. (SFC-GRB-00610 [=former KUHE 17484], A, B) and female of L. batulawensis sp. nov. (KUHE 53536, C, D). 

Scale bar=10 mm.

Limnonectes separatus Matsui, Nishikawa et Shimada sp. nov.

[English name: Separated Fanged Frog]

Etymology: The specific epithet separatus refers to the disjunct distribution of the species in the mountain ranges of the Crocker in Sabah and Mulu in Sarawak

 Limnonectes lanjakensis Matsui et Nishikawa sp. nov.

[English name: Labang's Fanged Frog]

 Limnonectes abanghamidi Matsui sp. nov.

[English name: Abang's Fanged Frog]

 Limnonectes batulawensis Matsui, Nishikawa et Eto sp. nov.

[English name: Sarawak Mountain Fanged Frog]

Limnonectes paulyambuni Matsui, Nishikawa et Shimada sp. nov.

[English name: Paul's Fanged Frog]

Masafumi Matsui, Kanto Nishikawa, Tomohiko Shimada, Koshiro Eto, Amir Hamidy, Ahmad Sudin, Mohamad Yazid Hossman, Melvin Gumal and Charles Santhanaraju Vairappan. 2024. Revision of the Limnonectes kuhlii-Like Fanged Frogs from Malaysian Borneo (Amphibia: Anura: Dicroglossidae). Current Herpetology. 43 (2); 226-277. DOI: doi.org/10.5358/hsj.43.226 

[Herpetology • 2024] Incorporating New Datatypes to Enhance Species Delimitation: A Case Study in Rice Paddy Snakes (Homalopsidae: Hypsiscopus)

 

Hypsiscopus Rice Paddy Snakes 

in Bernstein, Murphy, Lathrop, Nguyen, Orlov et Stuart. 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5501.1.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383526819

 

Abstract

Homalopsids (Old World Mud Snakes) include 59 semiaquatic species in Asia and Australasia that display an array of morphological adaptations, behaviors, and microhabitat preferences. These attributes make homalopsids an ideal model system for broader questions in evolutionary biology, but the diversity of this understudied group of snakes is still being described. Recognized species diversity in rice paddy snakes (Hypsiscopus) has recently doubled after nearly 200 years of taxonomic stability. However, the evolutionary distinctiveness of some populations remains in question. In this study, we compare mainland Southeast Asian populations of Hypsiscopus east and west of the Red River Basin in Vietnam, a known biogeographic barrier in Asia, using an iterative approach with molecular phylogenetic reconstruction, machine-learning morphological quantitative statistics, and ecological niche modeling. Our analyses show that populations west of the Red River Basin represent an independent evolutionary lineage that is distinct in genetics, morphospace, and habitat suitability, and so warrants species recognition. The holotype of H. wettsteini, a species originally described in error from Costa Rica, grouped morphometrically with the population at the Red River Basin and eastward, and those west of the Red River Basin are referred to the recently described H. murphyi. The two species may have diversified due to a variety of geological and environmental factors, and their recognition exemplifies the importance of multifaceted approaches in taxonomy for downstream biogeographic studies on speciation scenarios.

Reptilia, China, east Asia, mud snakes, phylogenetics, systematics, red river, Vietnam

Justin M. Bernstein, Robert W. Murphy, Amy Lathrop, Sang Ngoc Nguyen, Nikolai L. Orlov and Bryan L. Stuart. 2024. Incorporating New Datatypes to Enhance Species Delimitation: A Case Study in Rice Paddy Snakes (Homalopsidae: Hypsiscopus).  Zootaxa. 5501(1); 39-55. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5501.1.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383526819_Incorporating_New_Datatypes_to_Enhance_Species_Delimitation_Hypsiscopus

[Botany • 2024] Curcuma borealis & C. retrocalcaria (Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) • Two Novel Taxa from Northern Thailand

 Curcuma borealis Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Maknoi et Boonma, 2024.

    DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae10080787

Abstract

This study introduces Curcuma borealis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma and C. retrocalcaria Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma, two newly discovered species within the Curcuma genus of the Zingiberaceae family, found in the Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai Provinces of Northern Thailand, respectively. This research aims to clarify the taxonomic identity of these species, which were initially confused with C. ecomata Craib and C. chantaranothaii Boonma and Saensouk due to similarities in flower coloration and some morphological characteristics, respectively. Detailed morphological analysis was conducted to distinguish these species. Curcuma borealis is differentiated by its unique anthers lacking appendages or projections at the base of the spurs, in contrast to the appendages or projections present in C. ecomata, while C. retrocalcaria is characterized by anther spurs folding or curving backward under the anther base and with two purple patches at the base of the labellum, distinguishing it from C. chantaranothaii. The findings highlight distinct morphological traits that set C. borealis and C. retrocalcaria apart from existing Curcuma species. The pollen morphology of the two new taxa was also studied here for the first time. This research emphasizes the importance of thorough taxonomic scrutiny for accurate species identification and contributes to our understanding of the diversity within the Curcuma genus. Accurate identification of these species is crucial for conservation efforts, underscoring the need to protect their habitats and maintain biodiversity in the region.

Keywords: Curcuma; Ecomata; new species; Thailand; Zingiberales; Zingiberaceae; Zingibereae

 

 Curcuma borealis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma sp. nov.:
 (a) inflorescence with flowers; (b) semi-side view of flower showing the anther spurs without prominent appendages or projections; (c–e) color variation in bracts and flowers; (f) natural habitat; (g) habits.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma and Payungsak Joipradit.

 Curcuma borealis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma sp. nov.:
(a) side and front view of anther; (b) habit; (c) dorsal corolla lobe; (d) lateral corolla lobes; (e) lateral staminodes; (f) labellum; (g) epigynous glands with ovary; (h) inflorescence with flowers, and new shoot with curling leaf.

Drawn by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma borealis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A new species is similar to Curcuma ecomata Craib but differentiated by its very pale yellowish-white rhizome (vs. pale brown); elliptic lamina measuring 29–43 × 13–17 cm, with a glabrous surface except for hair along the veins (vs. oblanceolate, 15–45 × 5–12 cm, finely hairy); lateral inflorescences (vs. both terminal and lateral); broadly obovate and pubescent fertile bracts (vs. ovate and glabrous); sparsely hairy corolla lobes (vs. glabrous); elliptic-rhomboid staminodes, 1.7–1.9 × 0.8–0.9 cm (vs. obliquely ovate, 1.3–1.6 × 0.6–0.9 cm); pubescent labellum (vs. glabrous with glandular hair); filament 5.5–6 mm long and c. 4 mm wide (vs. 5–7 mm long and 2.5–3 mm wide); anther spurs do not produce mucilage and lack prominent appendages or projections (vs. anther spurs mucilage-producing with prominent appendages or projections); and epigynous glands 8–8.5 mm long (vs. 7–8 mm).

Etymology: The specific epithet “borealis” is derived from the Latin word “borealis”, meaning “northern”. This name was chosen to reflect the species’ distribution exclusively in the northern regions of Thailand.

Vernacular name: “Thep Apsorn”, this name is derived from the name of Apsara, the most beautiful celestial maiden in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The name reflects the striking beauty of the species’ inflorescences and flowers, particularly when they bloom simultaneously from the lower fertile bracts. This blooming pattern, with the upper bracts still without flowers, resembles the traditional depiction of an Apsara, who is often portrayed with a flowing dress that leaves her upper body uncovered.

Curcuma retrocalcaria Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma sp. nov.:
 (a) front view of flower; (b) dorsal corolla lobe; (c) lateral corolla lobes; (d) side view of the anther; (e) dissection of the floral tube showing the epigynous glands; (f) side view of flower; (g) lateral staminodes with filament and anther; (h) labellum (i) dissection of calyx showing apex’s lobes; (j) side view of inflorescence with flower; (k) habit.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma retrocalcaria Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma sp. nov.:
 (a) habit; (b) side view of inflorescence with flower; (c) side view of anther; (d) side view of flower; (e) dorsal corolla lobe; (f) lateral corolla lobes; (g) dissection of calyx; (h) lateral staminodes; (i) Labellum; (j) dissection of the floral tube showing the epigynous glands, and semi-front view of anther.

Drawn by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma retrocalcaria Saensouk, P.Saensouk, and Boonma sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A new species closely resembles Curcuma chantaranothaii Boonma and Saensouk but can be distinguished by the following characteristics: ligule—3.5–5 mm long, apex rounded (vs. C. chantaranothaii with ligule 7–8 mm long, apex acute); staminodes—asymmetrical ovate, apex obtuse, white with a yellow dot at the base and a darker reddish spot inside (vs. rhomboid, apex acute, white with a yellow patch along the center); labellum obovate—white with a yellow band extending from the apex down to about half their length. At the base of the labellum, there are two yellow dots with a darker reddish spot inside, positioned on the side closer to the staminode. Adjacent to these dots, there are two pale purple patches (vs. labellum broadly obovate, white with an embossed yellow median band extending from tip to base, diverging at the base in a Y-shape, with two paler yellow crescent patches from the apex on each side to the half of the length); anther thecae—c. 4 mm long (vs. c. 6 mm long); anther crest—2.5–2.8 mm long, apex slightly retuse (vs. c. 0.8 mm long, apex rounded); anther spurs—c. 1 mm long, folding or curving backward under the anther base (vs. spurs c. 0.5 mm long, not folding, pointing downwards).

Etymology: The specific epithet “retrocalcaria” derives from Latin roots. The “retro” denotes “backward”, indicating the characteristic of the spurs folding or curving backward; “calcaria” is the plural form of “calcar”, meaning “spurs”. Together, “retrocalcaria” describes the unique anatomical feature of this new Curcuma species, where the spurs fold backward under the base of the anther (Figure 6 and Figure 7).

Vernacular name: “Sri Sunthon”, this name is derived from the esteemed Mr. Sunthon Aiamwilai, who introduced this undescribed species of Curcuma to the third author in 2021. Subsequently, specimens of the plant were gathered in the years that followed. In honor of Mr. Sunthon Aiamwilai’s pivotal role in the discovery of this species, it was named after him, with the prefix “Sri” conveying respect and admiration in this context. Additionally, the word “Sunthon” in Thai means “beautiful”, which is fitting as it is associated with the beauty of this species.

Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Charun Maknoi and Thawatphong Boonma. 2024. Curcuma borealis sp. nov. and C. retrocalcaria sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae): Two Novel Taxa from Northern Thailand. Horticulturae. 10(8), 787. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080787