[Botany • 2024] Thismia perlisensis (Thismiaceae) • A New red-annulus Species of Thismia sect. Thismia from Peninsular Malaysia

Thismia perlisensis  Besi & Rusea,

in Besi, Jabar, Rahman, Saad, Ahmadni et Go, 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.675.1.1 

 

Abstract

A new species, Thismia perlisensis, found during a scientific expedition in the Perlis State Park, is described and illustrated. The new species was discovered in a wetland forest on a limestone foothill. Morphological description, photographic data including habitat, and a key to the species of the Thismia Sect. Thismia Subsect. Brunonithismia recorded from Malaysia are provided. The new species is easily distinguished from the similar species, T. arachnites, T. javanica, T. tentaculata, and T. kenyirensis by the prominent reddish dome-shaped annulus instead of ring-like with rim, deeply trilobed stigma with bifid and subulate lobes, and claviform apices of the inner tepals.

Key words: THISMIACEAE, endemism, mycoheterotrophic plants, Perlis state, Peninsular Malaysia, plant diversity, Monocots

Thismia perlisensis in the wild.

 Images by Edward Entalai Besi and Muhamad Ikhwanuddin Mat Esa.

Flower’s dissection of Thismia perlisensis.
 A. Plant. B. Flower. C. Claviform apex of an inner tepals. D. Dome-shaped annulus. E. Stamens and pistil. F. Stamens. G. Anther thecae. H. View of the supraconnectives. I, J. Pistil with stigmas straightened showing subulate lobes. B–J spirit-preserved specimens.

 Images by Edward Entalai Besi.

Thismia perlisensis Besi & Rusea sp. nov. 

 Type:—MALAYSIA. Peninsular Malaysia: Perlis State, Perlis State Park, ca. 100 m elev., 4 October 2022, E.E. Besi, M.I. Mat Esa, S.H. Tan, D. Sandin & R. Go EDW136 (holotype UPM spirit collection). 

Diagnosis:—Thismia perlisensis can be easily distinguished from the Thismia arachnites Ridley (1905: 197) and Thismia javanica J.J.Sm. (1910: 32) by the blood-red, dome-shaped annulus (vs. ring-like with rim, orange annulus), prominent trilobed stigma with 1.8 mm long, bifid and subulate lobes (vs. ovate, truncate stigma), and claviform apices of appendages of the inner tepals (vs. subulate apices of appendages of the inner tepals). 

 

Etymology:—The specific epithet is named after Perlis State, the type locality of this species.

 

Edward Entalai Besi, Qistina Anis Mad Jabar, Syamil Abd Rahman, Mohd Zulkifly Saad, Ag Shaffie Ag Ahmadni and Rusea Go. 2024. Thismia perlisensis (Thismiaceae), A New red-annulus Thismia Species from Peninsular Malaysia.  Phytotaxa. 675(1); 1-10. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.675.1.1 [2024-12-02] 

[Botany • 2024] Rhododendron tyaihyonii & R. kantoense • Unraveling Enigmatic Disjunctions: Population Genetic Analysis Points to Independent Origins of Rare Rhododendrons in the Rhododendron keiskei complex (Ericaceae)

 

  the Rhododendron keiskei complex. B–D, Morphological comparisons of:
B, Rhododendron keiskei Suzuki (1932) R. keiskei var. keiskei;
C, Rhododendron kantoense S.Sakag. & Y.Watan., nom. & stat. nov. R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum;
D, Rhododendron tyaihyonii S.Sakag., H.J.Choi & S.C.Kim, sp. nov. Rhododendron sp.

in Sakaguchi, H.-J. Choi, Yoichi, Takahashi, ..., H.-J. Choi et S.-C. Kim, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13288 

 facebook.com: Shota Sakaguchi

 — Photos: B, Shota Sakaguchi; C, Watanabe Yoichi; D, J.-C. Yang.

 

Abstract

Unraveling species boundaries is pivotal for evolutionary biology and conservation endeavors. However, it proves challenging in instances where recent speciation is intertwined with complex demographic histories and natural selection processes. The Rhododendron keiskei complex, an evergreen rhododendron distributed in East Asia, consists of a widespread variety (R. keiskei var. keiskei) and a more restricted R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum. Intriguingly, the latter is exceptionally rare yet displays a disjunction that spans approximately 1100 km. This study aimed to elucidate the evolutionary backgrounds of the enigmatic disjunctions of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum and to propose species delimitation within the species complex. An integrative approach, combining genomic data (MIG-seq and GBS-derived SNPs) with Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of leaf microstructures was adopted in this study. Phylogenetic analyses revealed significant divergence among the studied rhododendrons. Genetic demographic analyses favored the population models that assumed non-monophyly of two disjunct populations of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum indicating their independent origins. Recent gene flow between the widespread R. keiskei var. keiskei and “var. hypoglaucum” populations were limited due to geographic and habitat isolation factors, even in areas where their distributions overlap. Detailed morphological assessments detected distinctions between morphologically similar “var. hypoglaucum” populations based on leaf microstructures and flowering habits. Our study has shown that the apparent disjunctions of rare rhododendrons are more likely attributed to morphological convergence, possibly due to similar environmental selections in unrelated taxa. The finding highlights the importance of an integrative approach for resolving taxonomic challenges in plant species complexes.

Keywords: demographic modeling, disjunct distribution, East Asia, endangered species, phylogeny, species delimitation

A) Rhododendron tyaihyonii; B) R. kantoense; C) R. keiskei 

R. keiskei var. keiskei

R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum (R. kantoense nom. & stat. nov.)

Rhododendron sp. (R. tyaihyonii sp. nov.; formerly identified as var. hypoglaucum)

A, The geographic distribution of the Rhododendron keiskei complex.
B–D, Morphological comparisons of: B, R. keiskei var. keiskei; C, R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum; D, Rhododendron sp. 
E, Comparison of leaf blade morphology of three taxa, based on the voucher specimens (suppl. Table S1). Note that the leaf morphological variation of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum and Rhododendron sp. overlap. — Photos: B, Shota Sakaguchi; C, Watanabe Yoichi; D, J.-C. Yang.

Rhododendron tyaihyonii S.Sakag., H.J.Choi & S.C.Kim, sp. nov. 

Distribution: SOUTH KOREA. Jeollanam-do, Yeosu-si, Samseon-myeon. Narrowly endemic to Daesambudo Island.

Ecology: The plants are found on the northern slope of Daesambudo Island. They inhabit coastal rocky places with the evergreen woody species of Rhaphiolepis indica var. umbellata (Thunb.) H.Ohashi, Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., Camellia japonica L, Litsea japonica (Thunb.) Juss.

Etymology: The specific epithet, “tyaihyonii”, is named in honor of Chung Tyaihyon (1883–1971), known as the father of plant taxonomy in Korea and the first curator of Sungkyunkwan University Herbarium (Ha Eun Herbarium, SKK). We have a better understanding of Korean flora thanks to his work in the early to mid-1900s.

Korean name: Seom-Jin-Dal-Rae.

Japanese name: Chosen-Hikage-Tsutsuji.

English name: Tyaihyon's rhododendron.

Rhododendron kantoense S.Sakag. & Y.Watan., nom. & stat. nov. 

≡ Rhododendron keiskei var. hypoglaucum Suto & T.Suzuki in Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Formosa 22: 23. 1932 

– Holotype: JAPAN. Kanto District, Tochigi (Shimotsuke), Kanuma, Mt. Ozaku, 1 May 1931, E. Kitamura ST3902 (TAI barcode TAI 119040 [image!] [fl.]; isotype: TNS barcode TNS 55292 [image!]).

Note: Rhododendron kantoense is similar to R. tyaihyonii, the differences being: the latter has petiole 4–7 mm long; stomata type anomocytic; inflorescence with 2–6 flowers.

Distribution: JAPAN. Kanto, Prefectures of Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama and Tokyo. Endemic to the chert and limestone mountain ridges of Kanto District.

Etymology: The specific epithet “kantoense” is derived from the Kanto District, where this species is distributed.

Japanese name: Urajiro-Hikage-Tsutsuji.

Korean name: Il-bon-Huin-Jin-Dal-Rae.

English name: Kanto rhododendron.

 

Shota Sakaguchi, Hee-Joo Choi, Watanabe Yoichi, Daiki Takahashi, Shun K. Hirota, Masayuki Maki, Shoki Murakami, Taichi Harada, Nobuo Kobayashi, Yuji Kurashige, Jun-Ho Song, Hyeok-Jae Choi and Seung-Chul Kim. 2024. Unraveling Enigmatic Disjunctions: Population Genetic Analysis Points to Independent Origins of Rare Rhododendrons in the Rhododendron keiskei complex (Ericaceae). TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13288

  facebook.com/100008375208096/posts/3904914266464375

[Herpetology • 2024] Ophisops venustus • Notes on the Ophisops beddomei complex (Squamata: Lacertidae) with the description of a new allied cryptic species from western India

 

Ophisops venustus 

Patel, Vyas, Thackeray, Pal & Mirza, 2024

  

 www.taprobanica.org 

facebook.com: Thackeray Wildlife Foundation 

Abstract

The lacertid Ophisops beddomei was considered to be widely distributed in the northern and central Western Ghats, and some parts of western India. Recent studies, however, provide evidence of it being a species complex that harbours several morphologically cryptic species. In an attempt to resolve this species complex, we provide a re-description of O. beddomei sensu stricto based on type specimens and fresh material from near the type locality. Additionally, we describe a new species based on a series of 15 specimens from the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra in western India. The new species is allied to O. beddomei and can be diagnosed from all its congeners by the following suite of characters: a small-sized Ophisops (adult, SVL up to 36 mm); upper eyelid movable; supranasal fused with nasal; two frontonasals; prefrontals not in contact; enlarged tympanic scale present; 46–53 dorsal scales; 28–31 scales at mid-body; 19–21 lamellae underneath the fourth toe; six chin shields; 15–19 scales between symphysis of chin shields and ventral plates; large mental scale, extending beyond first supralabial; 8–11 femoral pores on either side interrupted by 0–1 poreless scales in males and 3–4 poreless scales in females; and subtle colour pattern differences. Molecular data for the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene further supports the distinctiveness of the new species and shows an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 8% from O. beddomei sensu stricto. These are among the only lacertids that inhabit high-elevation plateaus and deciduous forests in the Western Ghats and surrounding hill ranges. The findings also indicate that many other similar habitats may harbour as yet undescribed endemic taxa.

Key words : Endemic, hill ranges, Lacerta, plateau, Snake-eyed lizard, taxonomy

Ophisops venustus sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species was morphologically diagnosed as Ophisops based on the absence of a distinct collar, presence of a large transparent disc on the lower eyelid, and digits not fringed laterally (Boulenger 1921, Smith 1935). A small bodied Ophisops characterized by (1) snout-vent length up to 36 mm; (2) upper eyelid movable; (3) supranasal fused with nasal; (4) two frontonasals present; (5) prefrontals not in contact; (6) enlarged tympanic scale present; (7) 46–53 dorsal scales; (8) 28–31 scales at mid-body; (9) 19–21 lamellae underneath the fourth toe; (10) six chin shields, ...

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘venustus’ is a Latin first/second-declension adjective in the nominative singular given in masculine, which means ‘charming / elegant / beautiful’ refers to its elegant body colouration in life. Suggested English name is charming lacerta or charming snake-eye.

 

 

Harshil Patel, Raju Vyas, Tejas Thackeray, Saunak Pal & Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2024. NOTES ON THE Ophisops beddomei COMPLEX (SQUAMATA: LACERTIDAE) WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEW ALLIED CRYPTIC SPECIES FROM WESTERN INDIA. TAPROBANICA. 13(2); 69–81.  www.taprobanica.org/Archives/Volume-9-14-2020-26/Volume-13-Number-2-November-2024/v13i2332.html

  facebook.com/100064866994974/posts/1048883850617172

[Botany • 2024] A Taxonomic Monograph of the Eurasian holoparasitic plant Genus Lathraea L. (Orobanchaceae)

 Five species of Lathraea: 
 Lathraea squamaria, Lathraea clandestina, Lathraea japonica, Lathraea rhodopea, Lathraea purpurea

in Hatt, Tsiftsis et Thorogood, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.672.1.1 

 x.com/HattSebastian

Abstract

A taxonomic monograph is presented for Lathraea L. (Orobanchaceae), a genus of holoparasitic plants distributed across Europe and Asia. Plants in this genus are characterised by their underground stems, achlorophyllous scales with internal gland-lined cavities, and, in some species, explosive seed dehiscence. Despite their conspicuousness, no taxonomic treatment of the genus has been written since 1930. Our work draws upon extensive international field data and a comprehensive survey of herbarium specimens. Detailed descriptions are provided for each species, along with full synonymy, distribution maps, and notes on habitat, host specificity, phenology, ecology, ethnobotany and threat risk. We present evidence to consolidate Lathraea into five species, resolving taxonomic confusion. The infrageneric classification is reviewed and a key to species is provided. Species are illustrated with photographs of living and dried material.

Lamiales, Lathraea, Orobanchaceae, Lathraea squamaria, Lathraea clandestina, parasitic plants, holoparasite, Lathraea japonica, Lathraea rhodopea, Lathraea purpurea, Eudicots

 

 

Sebastian A. Hatt, Spyros Tsiftsis and Chris J. Thorogood. 2024. A Taxonomic Monograph of the Eurasian holoparasitic plant Genus Lathraea L. (Orobanchaceae). Phytotaxa. 672(1); 1-29. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.672.1.1

  x.com/HattSebastian/status/1860681185006911733

  x.com/thorogoodchris1/status/1860599541025653210

[Botany • 2024] Impatiens bungeusing (Balsaminaceae) • A New species from the Northern Gayo Plateau, Sumatra, Indonesia

 

Impatiens bungeusing Mustaqim & Ruchis.,  

in Mustaqim, Arico, Jayanthi, Andini, Pratiwi et Ruchisansakun, 2024.   

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2035 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice 

Abstract

Impatiens is a diverse genus within the Balsaminaceae family, comprising over 1,120 species. The northern Gayo Plateau of Sumatra, an island in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its rich Impatiens diversity. In this paper, we described and illustrated a new species named Impatiens bungeusing from this area. This species is most similar to Impatiens vitellina Grey-Wilson but differs in having the distinct abaxial leaf venation in a dry state (vs obscure), lateral sepals falcate-oblong (vs narrowly lanceolate), lower sepals with U-shaped spur (vs straight), broadly ovate dorsal petal (vs ovate), and ovate sub-rhomboidal upper lateral united petals (vs oblong). This discovery brings the total number of known Impatiens species in Sumatra to forty-eight.

Keyword: Ericales, herbs, Impatiens tapanuliensis, Impatiens vitellina, Malesia, limestone plant, taxonomy, Uniflorae

Morphology of Impatiens bungeusing Mustaqim & Ruchis., sp. nov.
 A. Plants in habitat. B. Living plant. C. Inflorescence. D. Flower. E. Lateral sepals. F. Dorsal petals. G. Lateral united petals. H. Lower sepal. I. Pedicel and ovary. J. Fruit.

Scale: A = 4 cm, B = 3 cm, C–D = 1 cm, E = 2 mm, F = 3 mm, G–J = 5 mm. Photographs by Wendy A. Mustaqim.

Morphology of Impatiens bungeusing Mustaqim & Ruchis., sp. nov.
  A. Plant. B. Leaves showing petiole. C. Leaves showing apex and margin. D. Inflorescence. E. Flower, frontal view. F. Flower, lateral view. G. Pedicel, lower sepal, stamens, and ovary. H. Lateral sepal. I. Dorsal petal. J. Lateral united petals.

Scale: A = 3 cm, B–D = 5 mm, E–G = 1 cm, H = 3 mm, I–J = 5 mm. 

Illustrated by Yuanito Eliazar.

Impatiens bungeusing Mustaqim & Ruchis., sp. nov. 

Type: Indonesia. Aceh Province: Aceh Tengah Regency, Jagong Jeget, ..., 2100 m asl, 11 January 2023, Mustaqim 2577 (holotype: LGS; isotype: MEDA). 

Diagnosis: Impatiens bungeusing is similar to Impatiens vitellina Grey-Wilson. However, it differs in having the distinct abaxial leaf venation in a dry state (vs obscure), flowers with lower sepal having U-shaped spur (vs straight), broadly ovate dorsal petal (vs ovate), and ovate sub-rhomboidal upper lateral united petals (vs oblong) (Table 1).

Etymology: The specific epithet "bungeusing" is derived from the Gayo language. "Bunge" means flower, and "using" means yellow, reflecting the plant's bright yellow flowers.

Wendy A. Mustaqim, Zulfan Arico, Sri Jayanthi, Wanda R. Andini, Devi Pratiwi and Saroj Ruchisansakun. 2024. Impatiens bungeusing (Balsaminaceae), A New species from the Northern Gayo Plateau, Sumatra, Indonesia. Taiwania. 69(4); 554-559. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.554  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2035

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/959589396191752

[Ichthyology • 2024] Chromis abadhah • A New Species of Damselfish (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives

 

Chromis abadhah

L.A. Rocha, Pinheiro, Najeeb, C.R. Rocha & Shepherd, 2024  

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

 

Abstract

A new species of Chromis (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) is described from four specimens collected between 95 and 110 m depth in mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Maldives, Indian Ocean. Chromis abadhah sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; pearly white body with a large black marking covering the anterior two-thirds of the anal fin. The closest DNA barcode sequence (5.1% average uncorrected genetic distance on the mitochondrial COI gene), among those available, is Chromis woodsi, a similar mesophotic species known from the coastal western Indian Ocean (Somalia to South Africa). The new species is easily distinguished from C. woodsi by having 13 dorsal spines (versus 14 in C. woodsi), the absence of a black band on the base of the tail (present in C. woodsi), and by the genetic difference.

Key words: COI, deep reefs, ichthyology, Indian Ocean, rebreather diving, taxonomy

Holotype of Chromis abadhah, CAS 248401, 68.7 mm SL, shortly after collection.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

Chromis abadhah in its natural habitat in Faadhippolhu Atoll, Maldives, at approximately 110 m depth.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

 Chromis abadhah sp. nov.

 Suggested Maldivian name: Abadhah Chromis 

Suggested English name: Perpetual Chromis

Diagnosis: The following combination of characters distinguishes Chromis abadhah sp. nov. from all of its congeners: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; body pearly white; large black marking covering anterior two-thirds of anal fin; small black spot on upper edge of pectoral-fin base; no markings on caudal peduncle.

Etymology: The work that led to the discovery of this species was funded by the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative through a Rolex Award for Enterprises to LAR. To honor this initiative, we name this species “abadhah” (pronounced aa-BAH-duh), which means “perpetual” in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives. We also hope that this species and its habitat remain perpetual. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

Luiz A. Rocha, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Ahmed Najeeb, Claudia R. Rocha and Bart Shepherd. 2024. Chromis abadhah (Teleostei, Pomacentridae), A New Species of Damselfish from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives. ZooKeys. 1219: 165-174. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

[Herpetology • 2024] Morphological Evolution and Niche Conservatism Across A Continental Radiation of Australian Blindsnakes

Australo-Papuan blindsnake genus, Anilios 

in Tiatragul, Skeels et Keogh, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpae132 

 x.com/PutterT  

Abstract  

Understanding how continental radiations are assembled across space and time is a major question in macroevolutionary biology. Here, we use a phylogenomic-scale phylogeny, a comprehensive morphological dataset, and environmental niche models to evaluate the relationship between trait and environment and assess the role of geography and niche conservatism in the continental radiation of Australian blindsnakes. The Australo-Papuan blindsnake genus, Anilios, comprises 47 described species of which 46 are endemic to and distributed across various biomes on continental Australia. Although we expected blindsnakes to be morphologically conserved, we found considerable interspecific variation in all morphological traits we measured. Absolute body length is negatively correlated with mean annual temperature, and body shape ratios are negatively correlated with soil compactness. We found that morphologically similar species are likely not a result of ecological convergence. Age-overlap correlation tests revealed niche similarity decreased with the relative age of speciation events. We also found low geographical overlap across the phylogeny, suggesting that speciation is largely allopatric with low rates of secondary range overlap. Our study offers insights into the eco-morphological evolution of blindsnakes and the potential for phylogenetic niche conservatism to influence continental scale radiations.

Scolecophidia, niche conservatism, ecological niche model, nonadaptive radiation, reptiles, speciation

Sarin Tiatragul, Alexander Skeels, J Scott Keogh. 2024. Morphological Evolution and Niche Conservatism Across A Continental Radiation of Australian Blindsnakes. Evolution. 78(11); 1854–1868. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpae132

  x.com/PutterT/status/1852174259126439987

งานวิจัยเชิงประจักษ์หลายงานที่ศึกษาในพื้นที่ที่ถูกจำกัดทางภูมิศาสตร์อย่างเช่นเกาะในมหาสมุทร บ่งชี้ว่าการสงวนชีพพิสัย (niche conservatism) เป็นหนึ่งในคุณลักษณะทั่วไปของการแตกแขนงของสายวิวัฒนาการประเภทนี้ ในงานวิจัยนี้ ผู้วิจัยได้ใช้ข้อมูลทางด้านวิวัฒนาการชาติพันธุ์จากจีโนม ข้อมูลทางด้านสัณฐาน และแบบจำลองชีพพิสัยทางสิ่งแวดล้อมของงูดินในออสเตรเลียเพื่อประเมินความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างลักษณะต่าง ๆ ของงูดินกับสิ่งแวดล้อม และบทบาทของสภาพภูมิศาสตร์กับการสงวนชีพพิสัยที่มีต่อการเกิดสปีชีส์ใหม่ของงูดินในออสเตรเลีย ซึ่งมีทั้งหมด 46 สปีชีส์ กระจายตัวในทุกชีวนิเวศของออสเตรเลียโดยอาศัยอยู่ใต้ดิน จากการประเมินพบว่าลักษณะทางสัณฐานของงูดินแต่ละชนิดในออสเตรเลียมีความแตกต่างอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ ความยาวของลำตัวมีความสัมพันธ์เชิงลบกับอุณหภูมิเฉลี่ยประจำปีของภูมิภาคต่าง ๆ และอัตราส่วนของรูปร่างมีความสัมพันธ์เชิงลบกับความแน่นของดิน จากการประเมิน Age-overlap correlation test พบว่าความคล้ายคลึงกันของชีพพิสัยลดลงเทียบกับช่วงเวลาสัมพัทธ์ของการเกิดสปีชีส์ใหม่ แต่ละวงศ์วานวิวัฒนาการของงูดินในออสเตรเลียมีการทับซ้อนทางภูมิศาสตร์ในระดับต่ำ งานวิจัยนี้ได้แสดงให้เห็นถึงกระบวนการวิวัฒนาการของงูดินในด้านสัณฐานและนิเวศวิทยาในเชิงลึก และชี้ให้เห็นถึงความสามารถของการสงวนชีพพิสัยในระดับวงศ์วานวิวัฒนาการหนึ่ง ๆ ที่มีผลต่อการแตกแขนงของสายวิวัฒนาการในระดับทวีปได้

[Herpetology • 2022] Achalinus ningshanensis • A New Species of the Genus Achalinus (Serpentes: Xenodermidae) from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China

 

Achalinus ningshanensis  Yang, Huang, Jiang, Burbrink & Huang, 

in Yang, R.Y. Huang, Jiang, Burbrink, Gong, Yu, Zhang, T.Q. Huang et S. Huang, 2022.

Ningshan odd-scaled Snake | 宁陕脊蛇指名亚种  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5190.1.5

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani14233425

Abstract

A new species of odd-scaled snake in the genus Achalinus is described from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China, based on seven female specimens. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) dorsum iridescent and uniformly dark brown in preservative, longitudinal vertebral line absent; (2) light brown beneath; (3) dotted black streak in the middle of the subcaudals absent; (4) tail length relatively short, TaL/ToL 12–16%, in females; (5) fewer subcaudals, 41–46 in females; (6) dorsal scales 23 rows throughout, strongly keeled; the outer-most rows on both sides are also keeled and slightly enlarged; (7) one loreal; (8) internasal not fused to prefrontal; (9) suture between internasals is similar in size when compared to the suture between prefrontals; (10) preocular and postocular absent; (11) 6 supralabials; (12) 5 infralabials, the first 3 (rarely 2) touching the first pair of chin shields; (13) 3 pairs of chin shields. A phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), showed that this new species forms a monophyletic group with strong support. In addition, the uncorrected p-distances between the new species and other known congeners ranged from 3.4% to 13.0%. The recognition of the new species increases the number of described Achalinus species to 21.

Reptilia, Achalinus ningshanensis sp. nov., Ningshan County, morphology, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy

 Preserved specimen of the holotype of Achalinus ningshanensis (ANU 20220001, female).

Photos by Diancheng Yang and Yuhao Xu. Scale bars: 10 mm.

Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of living Achalinus ningshanensis.
 (A1,B1): QHU 2024017, male, from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province;
(A2,B2): QHU 2023009, female, from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province.

Photos by Yuhao Xu. Scale bars are not shown. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani14233425

Achalinus ningshanensis Yang, Huang, Jiang, Burbrink and Huang, 2022

Ningshan odd-scaled Snake 

 Níng Shǎn Jǐ Shé Zhǐ Míng Yà Zhǒng (宁陕脊蛇指名亚种)

 

Yang, D.C.; Huang, R.Y.; Jiang, K.; Burbrink, F.T.; Gong, Y.A.; Yu, J.; Zhang, Y.; Huang, T.Q.; Huang, S. 2022. A New Species of the Genus Achalinus (Squamata: Xenodermidae) from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China. Zootaxa.5190(1); 127–140. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5190.1.5

 Yuhao Xu, Shun Ma, Bo Cai, Diancheng Yang, Tianyou Zhang,Tianxuan Gu,Fengcheng Zhu,Song Huang and Lifang Peng. 2024. Taxonomic Revision of Ningshan Odd-Scaled Snake, Achalinus ningshanensis (Serpentes, Xenodermidae), with Description of a New Subspecies from Western China. Animals. 14(23); 3425. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani14233425

[Crustacea • 2024] Stenasellus stygopersicus • A Second Species of Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897 (Isopoda: Stenasellidae) from sulfidic groundwater of Iran described using morphological and molecular methods

 

[A] Stenasellus stygopersicus Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini & Issartel sp. nov. in sulfidic water of Chah Kabootari Cave, Iran.
[B, C] S. tashanicus Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Fatemi, Malek-Hosseini & Kuntner, 2018 in Tashan Cave, Iran.  

 Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini, Issartel, Konecny-Dupré, Kuntner, Fatemi, Flot, Douady et Malard, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2024.968.2733

Abstract

We report on a new species of Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897 (Isopoda, Stenasellidae) from groundwater of Iran. Stenasellus stygopersicus Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini & Issartel sp. nov. inhabits the Chah Kabootari Cave that is adjacent to the Tashan Cave, the type locality of the first recorded species of Stenasellidae from Iran, Stenasellus tashanicus Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Fatemi, Malek-Hosseini & Kuntner, 2018. Both caves are fed by sulfidic groundwater and belong to the Tashan-Chah Kabootari species-rich aquifer on the Zagros Mountains. Both species are characterized by a large body size (≥ 20 mm), a female-biased sexual size dimorphism, and a distinct black-pigmented Bellonci’s organ. Stenasellus stygopersicus differs from S. tashanicus by a short and wide protopodite of pleopod I, setae set essentially along the apical margin of pleopod I exopodite, the subequal length and width of the male pleopod II protopodite, and deeply bilobed endopodites of pleopods III–V. Molecular evidence suggests that while Stenasellus stygopersicus is sister to S. tashanicus, the species are genetically distinguishable, with divergence time estimates ranging from 23 to 39.8 Ma.

Keywords: biodiversity, phylogeny, Stenasellidae, groundwater, sulfidic cave

 A. Five specimens of Stenasellus stygopersicus Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini & Issartel sp. nov. in sulfidic water of Chah Kabootari Cave, Iran.
B. A specimen of S. tashanicus Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Fatemi, Malek-Hosseini & Kuntner, 2018 in Tashan Cave, Iran. C. Another specimen of S. tashanicus, hanging on the white biofilm floating at the surface of sulfidic water in Tashan Cave, Iran.

Order Isopoda Latreille, 1816

Superfamily Aselloidea Latreille, 1802

Family Stenasellidae Dudich, 1924

Genus Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897

Stenasellus stygopersicus Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini & Issartel sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Body dorsal smooth, pleotelson being barely longer than its width (about 1.1 its width), short antennula (in males with only up to 34 segments in flagellum), barely overreaching antennal peduncle ( Fig. 3  ). Antenna with minute squama, ultimate segment of mandible palp without setae ( Fig. 3  ). Short and wide (length <width) protopodite of pleopod I, setae only along mesiodistal margin of pleopod I exopodite ( Fig. 5  ). Pleopod II protopodite subequal in length and width, exopodite segment II with only about 10 (9–11) plumose setae; endopod of pleopods III–V in males distally deeply bifurcated (i.e. bifurcation overreaches half of endopodite III–V length). A species with strongly female-biased sexual dimorphism in body size.

Etymology: The name of the new species is formed from the prefix ‘stygo’ (from ancient Greek ‘stýx’), a common prefix used to refer to groundwater dwelling animals, and the Latin word ‘persicus’ referring to Persia.

Jure Jugovic, Mohammad Javad Malek-Hosseini, Colin Issartel, Lara Konecny-Dupré, Matjaž Kuntner, Yaser Fatemi, Jean-François Flot, Christophe J. Douady and Florian Malard. 2024. A Second Species of Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897 (Isopoda, Stenasellidae) from sulfidic groundwater of Iran described using morphological and molecular methods. European Journal of Taxonomy. 968(1); 256–274. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2024.968.2733

[Paleontology • 2024] Digestive Contents and Food Webs Record the advent of Dinosaur Supremacy

  

in Qvarnström, Wernström, Wawrzyniak, Barbacka, ... et Niedźwiedzki, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08265-4

Abstract

The early radiation of dinosaurs remains a complex and poorly understood evolutionary event. Here we use hundreds of fossils with direct evidence of feeding to compare trophic dynamics across five vertebrate assemblages that record this event in the Triassic–Jurassic succession of the Polish Basin (central Europe). Bromalites, fossil digestive products, increase in size and diversity across the interval, indicating the emergence of larger dinosaur faunas with new feeding patterns. Well-preserved food residues and bromalite-taxon associations enable broad inferences of trophic interactions. Our results, integrated with climate and plant data, indicate a stepwise increase of dinosaur diversity and ecospace occupancy in the area. This involved (1) a replacement of non-dinosaur guild members by opportunistic and omnivorous dinosaur precursors, followed by (2) the emergence of insect and fish-eating theropods and small omnivorous dinosaurs. Climate change in the latest Triassic resulted in substantial vegetation changes that paved the way for ((3) and (4)) an expansion of herbivore ecospace and the replacement of pseudosuchian and therapsid herbivores by large sauropodomorphs and early ornithischians that ingested food of a broader range, even including burnt plants. Finally, (5) theropods rapidly evolved and developed enormous sizes in response to the appearance of the new herbivore guild. We suggest that the processes shown by the Polish data may explain global patterns, shedding new light on the environmentally governed emergence of dinosaur dominance and gigantism that endured until the end-Cretaceous mass extinction.

 

Martin Qvarnström, Joel Vikberg Wernström, Zuzanna Wawrzyniak, Maria Barbacka, Grzegorz Pacyna, Artur Górecki, Jadwiga Ziaja, Agata Jarzynka, Krzysztof Owocki, Tomasz Sulej, Leszek Marynowski, Grzegorz Pieńkowski, Per E. Ahlberg and Grzegorz Niedźwiedzki. 2024. Digestive Contents and Food Webs Record the advent of Dinosaur Supremacy. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08265-4

[Botany • 2022] Euphorbia xiangxiui (Euphorbiaceae, subgenus Esula) • A Remarkable New Species from Jiufeng Mountains in Fujian Province, Eastern China

Euphorbia xiangxiui N.Wei, Q.Yu, G.X.Chen & Q.F.Wang, 

in Yu, Chen, Yang, Wang, et Wei, 2022. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1600/036364422X16442668893265 

 Researchgate.net/publication/359551396

Abstract 

Euphorbia xiangxiui, a new species of Euphorbiaceae from Eastern China, supported by morphological and molecular evidence, is illustrated and described here. It can be distinguished from its closest relatives by the combination of several characters, including taller stature (up to 1.6 m), leaves of 5‐18 × 0.6‐3 cm in size, color of primary involucral leaves and cyathophylls changing from pink to rose, fading to green after fruiting, and four to six reniform-rounded concave glands. The molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on combined nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid ndhF sequences, further supports that E. xiangxiui should be placed in the East Asian Clade of Euphorbia subg. Esula sect. Helioscopia.

Keywords: Euphorbia xiangxiui; Flora of China; leafy spurges; phylogeny; taxonomy

Euphorbia xiangxiui N.Wei, Q.Yu, G.X.Chen & Q.F.Wang

  Yu, Qun; Chen, Guo-Xing; Yang, Yi; Wang, Qing-Feng and Wei, Neng. 2022. A Remarkable New Species of Euphorbia section Helioscopia (Euphorbia subgenus Esula, Euphorbiaceae) from Jiufeng Mountains in Fujian Province, Eastern China. Systematic Botany. 47(1); 259-267. DOI: doi.org/10.1600/036364422X16442668893265

  Researchgate.net/publication/359551396_A_New_Species_of_Euphorbia_Esula_from_Fujian_Eastern_China

https://www.cas.cn/syky/202204/t20220412_4831277.shtml