[Entomology • 2024] Bothynus sartorei • A New Species of Bothynus Hope (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Pentodontini) from Bolivia with A Key to the Bolivian Species of Bothynus

Bothynus sartorei 

Ratcliffe & Cave, 2024

DOI: 10.12976/jib/2024.54.2.2 

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Abstract

Bothynus sartorei Ratcliffe & Cave sp. nov. is described as a new species from Arani, Cochabamba, Bolivia. The new species is compared with the similar B. minor Steinheil from Argentina and B. nyx Ratcliffe from Bolivia. A description, diagnosis for distinguishing the species, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided for the new species. A key to the Bolivian species of Bothynus Hope is presented.

Coleoptera, scarab beetle, South America, taxonomy

Brett C. Ratcliffe and Ronald D. Cave. 2024. Description of A New Species of Bothynus Hope (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Pentodontini) from Bolivia with A Key to the Bolivian Species of Bothynus. Journal of Insect Biodiversity. 54(2); 42-47. DOI: doi.org/10.12976/jib/2024.54.2.2 

 facebook.com/SartorePhoto/posts/1070213474474283

[Botany • 2024] Meriania judithiae (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) • A New Species from southeastern Ecuador

Meriania judithiae  

in Jiménez, Iturralde, Mendoza, Ocupa-Horna et Garzon-Suarez, 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.662.3.3

 

Abstract

Meriania judithiae, a new species from the southeast of Morona Santiago in Ecuador, is described and illustrated. With this new addition, the number of species of the genus increases to 33 in this country. Meriania judithiae has leaves with a attenuate base extending down the petiole as wings, multiflorous inflorescences with sub-umbellate paraclades, pink-orange campanulate flowers, the calyx with conical projections, and isomorphic stamens with connectives prolonged below the thecae. It is compared with M. cuneifolia, its most similar species which shares the distant supra-basal venation and gradually narrowing base of the leaves. In addition, the taxonomic similarities of the new entity are discussed and information about its distribution, habitat, and conservation status is provided.

lower montane forest, Morona Santiago, northern Andes, rainforest, taxonomy, Eudicots

Meriania judithiae. A. Branch with inflorescence. B. Flower with a close-up of the indumentum on the hypanthium (B1). C. Petals, abaxial (left) and adaxial (right) views. D. Flower without petals. E. Hypanthium and calyx with style. F. Ovary with style. G. Longitudinal section of the calyx, hypanthium and ovary. H. Calyx, hypanthium and ovary, top view. I. Stamen. J. Anther with connective appendage viewed from the top. K. Close-up of the connective appendage. L. Mature fruit.

 Prepared by L. Ocupa-Horna from photos by H. Garzón-Suárez and Nelson Espinosa-Ortega (B1) from the holotype.

Meriania judithiae in situ. A. Habitat of the species. B. Terminal branches with inflorescences. C and D. Detail of the inflorescences.

 Photographs by H. Garzón-Suárez.

Meriania judithiae M.M.Jiménez & H.Garzón, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. This species is most similar to Meriania cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia but differs by the sparse furfuraceous indumentum (vs. hirsute), the much shorter petioles 0.3–1.0 cm long (vs. 2.0–3.0 cm long), the leaf blades with attenuate bases extending into the petiole as wings (vs. long-cuneate), the shorter calyx lobes 0.5–1.3 mm long (vs. 8.5 mm long) each with a conical projection that does not surpass the apex of the lobe (vs. distinct claw-shaped projections extending further the lobes), and the isomorphic stamens (vs. dimorphic).  

Etymology:—The new species is named after Judith A. Steck, mother of David R. Goucher who has been actively supporting botanical research, environmental education and conservation in the south of Morona Santiago province, Ecuador. 

Marco M. Jiménez, Gabriel A. Iturralde, Johny Mendoza, Luis Ocupa-Horna, Henry X. Garzon-Suarez. 2024. A New Species of Meriania (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) from southeastern Ecuador.  Phytotaxa. 662(3); 239-250. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.662.3.3

[Entomology • 2023] Lathrobium neostygium • A New troglobiontic Rove Beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) from central Honshu, Japan

Lathrobium neostygium Senda, 2023 

  www.zobodat.at

Abstract 

A new troglobiontic species, Lathrobium neostygium sp.n. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae), is described from Gifu Prefecture, central Honshu, Japan. Photographs of the male and female habitus, of the aedeagus and of the type locality are provided. This finding represents the easternmost record of a Japanese troglobiontic species of Lathrobium GRAVENHORST, 1802. The L. nomurai species group is redefined, and a checklist of the species of this group is provided. 

Key words: Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae, Lathrobium, subterranean biodiversity, East Asia, Japan, endemic species, new species, taxonomy

 Lathrobium neostygium:
 A–B) habitus of A) male, holotype and B) female, paratype, C) abdominal ventrites of male, showing secondary sexual characters, D) type locality.

Scales: A–B: 5.0 mm, C: 2.0 mm. 

Photographs by Y. Senda (A–C) and K. Kawamura (D).

Lathrobium neostygium sp. n.

  DIAGNOSIS: The new species is similar to Lathrobium tanakai described from Kii Peninsula (WATANABE 1998) in external and aedeagal features, but differs from it in the following characteristics: 1) lateral sides of the posterior excision asymmetrically produced in the caudal margin of male abdominal ventrite VIII (feebly and symmetrically produced in L. tanakai); 2) apical projection of aedeagal dorsal sclerite comparatively robust, with rounded apex (slender, with pointed apex in L. tanakai); 3) apical projection of paramere distinctly curved dorsad at about 1/5 (slightly curved dorsad at about 1/6 in L. tanakai).

ETYMOLOGY: The epithet is a combination of the traditional Japanese geographical name “Neo” (an area in the western part of Gifu Prefecture, where the new species was collected) and the Latin adjective “stygius” (stygian, being part of the underworld). The name is used as an adjective.

Yoshihiro Senda. 2023. Lathrobium neostygium, A New troglobiontic Rove Beetle from central Honshu, Japan (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) – Koleopterologische Rundschau – 93_2023: 189 - 197. 

 www.zobodat.at/publikation_articles.php?id=529621

 x.com/_x_hibagon_x_/status/1714963855179383216

[PaleoBotany • 2023] First Recognition of the Extinct Eudicot Genus Palibinia in North America: Leaves and Fruits of Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. from the Eocene of Utah and Colorado, USA

Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. 

in Manchester, Judd et Kodrul, 2023. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jse.13011

 

Abstract

Newly investigated leafy twigs bearing axillary fruits from the Eocene Parachute Creek Member of the Green River Formation in eastern Utah, USA, have provided more information on the species previously attributed to the Proteaceae as Banksia comptonifolia R.W.Br. The leaves are simple, estipulate with short petioles, and elongate laminae with prominent angular nonglandular teeth. The laminae have a thick midvein and pinnate craspedodromous secondaries, and are distinctive in the presence of a thick, often coalified, marginal rim. Vegetative and reproductive buds occur in the axils of the leaves. These features indicate that the species belongs to Palibinia Korovin—an extinct Eudicot genus previously known only from the Paleogene of Asia and Europe. Small pedicellate ovoid fruits 1.5–2.2 mm wide are borne in fascicles of three and are seen to be capsules with four apical valves. Despite the specific epithet referring to similarity of the foliage to that of Comptonia (Myricaceae), the fasciculate inflorescence organization with axillary flowers is quite distinct from the catkins characteristic of that family. Assignment to Banksia or other Proteaceae with complex inflorescences and follicular fruits is also problematic. Additionally, MacGinitie′s transfer of the species to Vauquelinia of the Rosaceae is contradicted by the lack of stipule scars on the twig and by differences in leaf venation and floral morphology. We transfer the species to Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov., but its familial affinity within the Pentapetalae remains uncertain. This new occurrence augments records from the Paleogene of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, China, England, and Germany.

Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. leafy twigs in a slab of shale from Bonanza, UT. DMNH EPI.43698.
A, Portions of three twigs showing alternate leaves. B, Enlargement of a twig with mature leaves giving rise to a flush of new growth. C, Another portion of a twig enlarged from (A), showing the axillary position of young fruits. D, Enlargement from (C), with pedicellate axillary globose fruits. E, Enlargement from another twig in (A), showing an axillary fruit.

F–H, Individual twigs digitally extricated from the image of (A). 

Scale bars = 2 cm in (A), (F–H), 1 cm in (B, C), 5 mm in (D, E).

Systematics

Group Pentapetalae D.E. Soltis, P.S. Soltis & W.S. Judd

Order indet.

Family indet.

Genus Palibinia Korovin

Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov.

Conceptual diagrams of Palibinia twigs.
A, B, Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. twigs including axillary fruits and vegetative growth, diagram by Ashley Hamersma.
C–E, Original diagrams of Korovin (1932), slightly enhanced and reduced. C, Twig of Palibinia laxifolia Forma laxifolia showing axillary flowers or fruits. D, Forma densifolia. E, Forma lanceolata.

 

Steven R. Manchester, Walter S. Judd and Tatiana Kodrul. 2023. First Recognition of the Extinct Eudicot Genus Palibinia in North America: Leaves and Fruits of Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. from the Eocene of Utah and Colorado, USA. Journal of Systematics and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jse.13011

  x.com/AsiaPaleoFloras/status/1696603495183405158

[Herpetology • 2024] A Redescription and Range Extension of Trimeresurus caudornatus Chen, Ding, Vogel & Shi, 2020 (Serpentes: Viperidae)

Trimeresurus caudornatus Chen, Ding, Vogel & Shi, 2020

 

in Nguyen, Idiiatullina, Oo, Lee, Poyarkov, David et Vogel, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5514.3.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/384363858

Photos by Fan Gao, Spark Thomas and Kyaw Zin Htet. 

 

Abstract

The pitviper species Trimeresurus caudornatus was recently described based on only two specimens from Nabang Town, Yingjiang County, Yunnan Province, China. Here, we provide additional data on this species based on a re-examination of 19 preserved specimens, 16 specimens reported in earlier literature sources, and additional photo-documented records from northern Myanmar (Burma) and adjacent China. All new specimens were previously identified as Trimeresurus albolabris sensu lato or Trimeresurus septentrionalis sensu lato. Molecular analyses based on mitochondrial DNA supported the morphological findings in establishing conspecificity with T. caudornatus. The newly identified specimens have a pairwise distance of only 0.4–2.6% from those of the type series of T. caudornatus (based on the cytochrome b gene). Based on these findings, we confirm the presence of T. caudornatus from Myanmar and update its diagnostic characters and distribution. We suggest the species should be considered as Least Concern (LC) following the IUCN’s Red List categories. Further studies reassessing the populations of the Trimeresurus albolabris complex are required.

Reptilia, morphology, Myanmar, new record, phylogeny, taxonomy, Trimeresurus albolabris, T. salazar

  Adult Trimeresurus caudornatus alive (all uncollected and sex unknown).
(A–C) from Chuxiong, Yunnan, China (digital image DTU 652);
(D) from Pingyuan, Yingjiang, Dehong, Yunnan, China (digital image DTU 651); (E) from Mandalay, Mandalay, Myanmar (digital image DTU 653).

Photos by: Fan Gao (A–C), Spark Thomas (D), and Kyaw Zin Htet (E)

Tan Van Nguyen, Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Win Paing Oi, Justin L. Lee, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Patrick David and Gernot Vogel. 2024. A Redescription and Range Extension of Trimeresurus caudornatus Chen, Ding, Vogel & Shi, 2020 (Serpentes: Viperidae).  Zootaxa. 5514(3); 201-231. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5514.3.1

  Researchgate.net/publication/384363858_A_redescription_of_Trimeresurus_caudornatus

[Entomology • 2024] Fignya qiana, F. trigonum & F. samkosa • A Taxonomic Review of the Genus Fignya Solovyev & Witt, 2009 (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) with Descriptions of Three New Species and One New Combination

Fignya qiana sp. nov., F. trigonum sp. nov., 
F. samkosa sp. nov., F. brachygnatha (Wu & Fang, 2008)

Wu & Han, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1213.132318

Abstract

Three new species of the genus Fignya Solovyev & Witt, 2009, F. qiana sp. nov., F. trigonum sp. nov., and F. samkosa sp. nov., are described from China and Cambodia. Additionally, a new combination, F. brachygnatha (Wu & Fang, 2008), comb. nov., is proposed. The new species are illustrated with images of the adults and male genitalia, and compared with similar species. A key to all known species in the genus, along with their geographical distributions, is provided.

Key words: China, identification key, morphology, new combination, slug caterpillar moths, taxonomy, Zygaenoidea

Adults of Fignya spp.
Depositories of the specimens 1–2, 4–6 in NEFU 3 in MWM/ZSM.

Scale bars: 5 mm.

 

 Jun Wu and Huilin Han. 2024. A Taxonomic Review of the Genus Fignya Solovyev & Witt, 2009 (Lepidoptera, Limacodidae) with Descriptions of Three New Species and One New Combination. ZooKeys. 1213: 225-235. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1213.132318

[Botany • 2024] Begonia bijantiae (Begoniaceae, sect. Diploclinium) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India and notes on Begonia ovatifolia

  

Begonia bijantiae D.Borah, Taram & M.Hughes, 

in Borah, Taram, Das et Hughes, 2024.

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04493

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Abstract

Repeated expeditions conducted in Arunachal Pradesh resulted in the discovery of a unique Begonia, Begonia bijantiae D.Borah, Taram & M.Hughes, belonging to Begonia sect. Diploclinium. This species is described here based on collections made in Hunli, Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, a poorly known species, Begonia ovatifolia is illustrated with first-ever published photographs, accompanied by an expanded description based on a collection from West Kameng district of the state.

Keywords: Begonia, Eastern Himalaya, Northeast India, taxonomy, new species

Begonia bijantiae D.Borah, Taram & M.Hughes

Dipankar Borah, Momang Taram, Niku Das and Mark Hughes. 2024. Begonia bijantiae, A New Species of Begonia from Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India and notes on Begonia ovatifolia. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04493

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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] Lefua nishimurai • Integrative Taxonomy revealed A New Species of Lefua (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Fukui Prefecture, central Japan

Lefua nishimurai Katayama, 

in Katayama et Sawada, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.131002

Abstract

Eight-barbel loaches belonging to the genus Lefua have diverged into seven species in freshwaters of East Asia. Recent studies have discovered a new population in the Kuzuryu River drainage system of Fukui Prefecture, central Japan. Based on the results of the genetic analyses and morphological comparisons, we describe this population as a new species, Lefua nishimurai sp. nov. Body width, interorbital width, orbit diameter, preanal length, snout length, and the newly examined head width greatly contributed to the discrimination between L. torrentis, L. tokaiensis and L. nishimurai sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by combining the following characteristics: 1) eyes positioned dorsally on the head; 2) a narrow conspicuous longitudinal mark between the base of the outer rostral barbel and the eye; 3) small dark spots on the body, dorsal, and caudal fins; 4) a small dorsal fin and eye diameter; and 5) black spots above and below the base of the caudal fin. Based on the phylogenetic relationships of the genus, L. nishimurai sp. nov. is estimated to have diverged early from its common ancestor in central Japan. Understanding the natural history of this new species and implementing conservation measures are crucial because of its narrow, fragmented distribution and presence in vulnerable habitats.

Key Words: endangered species, freshwater fish, inland water, nemacheilid loach, nuclear phylogeny, species richness

Body coloration of the holotype of Lefua nishimurai sp. nov. (LBM 1210059189).
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view. Scale bar: 10 mm.

 Lefua nishimurai Katayama, sp. nov.

 New Standard Japanese name: Reihoku-nagare-hotoke-dojyô

Diagnosis: Lefua nishimurai sp. nov. can distinguished from all other species of Lefua by combing following features: absence of rhomboid or triangular dark blotches on middle of caudal fin base; absence of black longitudinal stripe on both body sides in mature males; absence of dusky cross bars on dorsal area of body; absence of dusky bar beside dorsal fin base; eyes located dorsally on head; narrow conspicuous longitudinal mark between base of outer rostral barbel and eye; small dorsal fin; small orbit diameter (6.3–11.2% of head length); small value of interorbital width relative to body width (28.1–39.4%); dark spots dorsally and ventrally on caudal fin base; small dark brown spots from snout to caudal peduncle; small dark spots on dorsal and caudal fins (approximately same size as eyes).

Etymology: The specific name is dedicated to Toshiaki Nishimura, who first morphologically distinguished this new species.

Comparison of body morphology and coloration of three Lefua species.
A. Kii-Shikoku Population of L. torrentis (FAKU 211486); B. Sanyo Population of L. torrentis (FAKU 211492); C. Nihonkai Population of L. torrentis (FAKU 211504);
D. L. tokaiensis (FAKU 211510); E. Lefua nishimurai sp. nov. (LBM 1210059189).

Scale bar: 10 mm.

 Yuta Katayama and Naoto Sawada. 2024. Integrative Taxonomy revealed A New Species of Lefua (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae) from Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Evolutionary Systematics. 8(2): 247-260. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.8.131002

[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 

[Entomology • 2021] Platypleura transitiva • A New Species of Platypleura Amyot & Audinet-Serville (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Platypleurini) from Mindanao, the Philippines

Platypleura transitiva Lee, 2021

DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2021.03.003

Abstract

A new species, Platypleura transitiva sp. nov., is described from Mindanao, Philippines. This new species belongs to the tribe Platypleurini Schmidt, 1918 of the family Cicadidae Latreille, 1802 (Insecta: Hemiptera). This new species has a broader dark gray cloudy pattern on the inner half of the forewing and a broader gray part on the annal cell 2 than those of Platypleura elizabethae Lee, 2009. This species is distinguished from Platypleura dinagatensis Lee, 2016 by the shorter rostrum, narrower and lighter cloudy pattern on the forewing, absence of a central white spot on the forewing, narrower infuscation on the hind wing, and the darker anal cell 2 of the hind wing.

 

Keywords: Hamzini, Platypleura dinagatensis, Platypleura elizabethae, Platypleura transitiva, Platypleurini

Family Cicadidae, Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Cicadinae, Latreille, 1802

Tribe Platypleurini Schmidt, 1918

Genus Platypleura Amyot & Audinet-Serville, 1843

Platypleura transitiva Lee sp. nov., holotype, male, Mindanao, Philippines:
 A, dorsal habitus; B, ventral habitus; C, pygofer, slightly oblique ventral view.

scale bar: 10 mm (A)

Platypleura transitiva Lee sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name is the Latin feminine adjective transitiva meaning “transitional” in reference to its wing cloudy patterns which are transitional in shape and area among its allied species from the Philippines: dinagatensis – transitiva – elizabethae.

Young June Lee. 2021. A New Species of Platypleura Amyot & Audinet-Serville (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Platypleurini) from Mindanao, the Philippines. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. 14(2); 261-263. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2021.03.003

[Entomology • 2021] Vietanna hanoiensis • A New Genus and Species of the Subtribe Leptopsaltriina (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Leptopsaltriini) from Vietnam, with A Key to the Genera of Leptopsaltriina

Vietanna Lee & Pham, gen. nov. 
Vietanna hanoiensis Pham & Lee, 

 

in Pham et Lee, 2021.

 DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2021.07.011

Highlights: 

• Vietanna Lee & Pham gen. nov. is described.

• Vietanna hanoiensis Pham & Lee sp. nov. is described from Vietnam.

• The new genus is placed in Leptopsaltriina of Leptopsaltriini in Cicadinae.

• This new genus is morphologically similar to Tanna.

• A key to the genera of Leptopsaltriina is provided.

Abstract

Vietanna Lee & Pham, gen. nov. and Vietanna hanoiensis Pham & Lee, sp. nov. are described based on a cicada specimen from Hanoi, Vietnam and placed in the subtribe Leptopsaltriina Moulton, 1923 of the tribe Leptopsaltriini Moulton, 1923 in the subfamily Cicadinae Latreille, 1802 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae). This new genus is morphologically similar to Tanna Distant, 1905 but distinguished from Tanna by the timbal cover exposing the inner part of timbal, the male abdominal epipleurite 3 with a distinct oblique linear fold, the male abdominal sternites without tubercle-like projections, and the aedeagus bifurcate at the apex. A key to the genera of Leptopsaltriina is provided.

  

Keywords: Cicada, Taxonomy, Vietanna, Vietanna hanoiensis, Tanna

 

Thai Hong Pham and Young June Lee. 2021. A New Genus and Species of the Subtribe Leptopsaltriina (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Leptopsaltriini) from Vietnam, with A Key to the Genera of Leptopsaltriina. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 24(4); 1202-1205. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2021.07.011

 Researchgate.net/publication/353597097_A_new_genus_of_the_subtribe_Leptopsaltriina_Hemiptera_Cicadidae_from_Vietnam 

[Herpetology • 2024] Cnemaspis kanyakumariensis & C. geethaiyerae • Two New Species of South Asian Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the southern tip of the Western Ghats, India

 

Cnemaspis kanyakumariensis & C. geethaiyerae

 Agarwal, Thackeray & Khandekar, 2024

DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2400730 

 facebook.com: Thackeray Wildlife Foundation

ABSTRACT

We describe two new small-bodied species of South Asian Cnemaspis from Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu State, India. The two new species [Cnemaspis kanyakumariensis and Cnemaspis geethaiyerae] are sister taxa, forming a well-supported, previously unsampled clade of South Asian Cnemaspis that we name the kanyakumariensis clade. This new clade is recovered with weak support as the sister taxon to the goaensis clade. Both the new species together can be easily distinguished from all other peninsular Indian clades by a combination of non-overlapping morphological characters such as small size with snout to vent length < 40 mm, femoral pores only present in males, presence of spine-like tubercles on flanks, and condition of the subcaudals. They can also be distinguished from each other by several characters such as the number of dorsal tubercles around the body, short vs long spine-like tubercles on flank, and the arrangement of keeled subcaudal scales. They also differ by uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 10.2 and 2.9% for ND2 and 16S, respectively. This work reveals that even the low-elevation coastal hills of southern India have ancient, endemic lineages and require protection.

 

KEYWORDS: Asia, biodiversity hotspot, dwarf geckos, granulite boulders, integrative taxonomy, relict

Cnemaspis kanyakumariensis 

 Cnemaspis geethaiyerae

Ishan Agarwal, Tejas Thackeray and Akshay Khandekar. 2024. Two New Species of South Asian Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the southern tip of the Western Ghats, India. Journal of Natural History. 58(41-44); 1803-1843. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2024.2400730

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