[Herpetology • 2024] Dibamus elephantinus • A New Species of Blind Skink of the Genus Dibamus Duméril et Bibron, 1839 (Squamata: Dibamidae) from Cambodia

Dibamus elephantinus

 Kliukin, Bragin, Thy, Gorin ... et Poyarkov, 2024 

 

 https://istina.msu.ru/publications/article/723221169  

 facebook.com/NickPoyarkov

Abstract

We describe a new species of blind skink of the genus Dibamus Duméril et Bibron, 1839 based on five specimens collected from Bokor National Park, Kampot Province, southern Cambodia. Dibamus elephantinus sp. n. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: snout-vent length (SVL) up to 129.3 mm; tail length comprises 17–22% of SVL; rostral suture incomplete; nasal and labial sutures complete; single postocular; three scales at the posteromedial edge of first infralabial; two scales at the posterior edge of second infralabial; the medial sublabial scale enlarged; 19 midbody scale rows; 22 transverse scale rows just posterior to head; 17–19 transverse scale rows just anterior to vent; 178–202 ventral scales; 46–52 subcaudal scales; relative size of frontal to frontonasal (FSW/FNSW) 127–136%; relative size of interparietal to surrounding scales (IPW/NSW) 111–140%; in males hindlimbs longer than head length (HLL/HL 74–78%); the light colored band on the body may be present or absent. We provide an osteological description of the new species based on micro-CT data. Genetically and morphologically Dibamus elephantinus sp. n. is most closely related to D. dalaiensis inhabiting the western part of the Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia. The new species inhabits montane evergreen forests of Damrei Range (also known as Elephant Mountains) at elevations of ca. 1000 m a. s. l. Our study brings the number of species in the genus Dibamus to 27; Dibamus elephantinus sp. n. is the second species of Dibamus to be recorded from Cambodia.

Dibamus elephantinus sp. n.

 

Nikita S Kliukin, Andrey Bragin, Neang Thy, Vladislav Gorin ... and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2024. A New Species of Blind Skink of the Genus Dibamus Duméril et Bibron, 1839 (Squamata, Dibamidae) from Cambodia [Новый вид червеобразных ящериц рода Dibamus Duméril et Bibron, 1839 (Squamata, Dibamidae) из Камбоджи].  Зоологический журнал. 103(11): 97–120. DOI: 10.31857/S0044513424110077 https://istina.msu.ru/publications/article/723221169 

  facebook.com/NickPoyarkov/posts/10231568842998519

  Researchgate.net/publication/387377678_A_new_species_of_Dibamus_from_Cambodia

[Entomology • 2024] Diaphanes uvaparanagama • A New Species of the Genus Diaphanes (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae) from Sri Lanka

Diaphanes uvaparanagama Wijekoon, 

in Wijekoon et Wegiriya, 2024.

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology. 13(2); 

 Researchgate.net/publication/386457258 

 facebook.com: Chandana Wijekoon

ABSTRACT 

A new species, Diaphanes uvaparanagama Wijekoon sp. nov., from a freshwater-associated habitat in Uva province, Intermediate Zone, Sri Lanka, is described using males and reliably associated larvae. Males of this species are distinguished by a transparent pronotum and elytra with bright red thoracic terga and mesocutellum, pale yellow abdominal ventrites, and medial restricted photogenic organs. The conical-shaped photogenic organs challenge the traditional generic diagnosis of Diaphanes using light organ morphology. 

Key words: Diaphanes, fireflies, new records, Sri Lanka

Diaphanes uvaparanagama (Male);
A Pronotum (dorsal). B. Elytra (dorsal). C. Head & Antennae. D Thorax & Legs; E. Abdomen (ventrites I-VIII). G. Light organ in ventrite VII & VII. (Scale bar = 1mm) (Note: natural colors are faded in alcohol specimens)

Family: Lampyridae Rafinesque, 1815 

Subfamily: Lampyrinae Rafinesque, 1815 

Genus: Diaphanes Motschulsky, 1853

Diaphanes uvaparanagama Wijekoon sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Male: 10–11 mm long, distinguished from other recorded Diaphanes by the transparent pronotum and elytra with vivid red thoracic terga and mesocutellum, distinctly pale yellow abdominal ventrites (I - VIII), black legs except the pale yellow femora, LO in both V6 and V7 are median restricted, conical-shaped and milky white (Figs. 2 - 5) 

Larvae: 28.0–30.0 mm long, black dorsum with distinct white vertical spotted lines, pale yellow spots on posterior margin of each segment and outer margin of entire body, mid sagittal line clear, body elongated rather wide, first abdominal segment less longer than others (Figure 6). 

Etymology: This species is named for the area “Uvaparanagama,” where the first specimen was found. This area is located in Welimada, Uva Province, Sri Lanka. We use the name Uvaparanagama as a noun in apposition to preserve the original language. 

W. M. C. D. Wijekoon and H. C. E. Wegiriya. 2024. A New Species of the Genus Diaphanes (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae), D. uvaparanagama Wijekoon, from Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Conservation Biology. 13(2); 

 Researchgate.net/publication/386457258_A_new_species_of_Diaphanes_from_Sri_Lanka

 facebook.com/ChandanaWijekoon3/posts/9493375230675802

[Herpetology • 2024] Oligodon zhangfujii • A New Species of Kukri Snake Genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Xizang, China

 Oligodon zhangfujii 

 Jiang, Wu, Huang, Ren, Gao, Lyu & L, 2024  

DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2024.0058

Abstract

A new species of the Kukri snake genus Oligodon is described from Mêdog County in the eastern Himalayas of China. The species, named Oligodon zhangfujii sp. nov., can be distinguished from all known congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: (1) 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows; (2) six supralabials, third and fourth entering orbit; (3) one loreal present; (4) seven infralabials, first to fourth in contact with anterior chin shields; (5) 173 ventral scales and 47 pairs of subcaudal scales; (6) cloacal plate divided; (7) hemipenis single, shallowly bilobed, with large calcareous spines and a calyx area, sulcus spermaticus single; and (8) eight maxillary teeth. Phylogenetic analyses based on two mitochondrial genes revealed that this species occupies an independent phylogenetic position, distinct from the eight recognized species groups within the genus, and represents a sister taxon to the clade comprising the O. theobaldi and O. cinereus groups. The description is based on a single road-killed individual. As such, ecological data for the species remain sparse, underscoring the need for additional field surveys across the eastern Himalayan region.

Morphological features of adult male holotype CIB 121710 of  Oligodon zhangfujii sp. nov. as a fresh carcass.

Photos by Jun-Jie Huang.

Habitat of Oligodon zhangfujii sp. nov. in Beibeng Township, Mêdog County, Xizang, China. Photo by Ru-Xue Li. Inset on bottom right shows first observation of fresh road-killed specimen CIB 121710.

Photo by Di-Hao Wu.

Oligodon zhangfujii sp. nov.

Ke Jiang, Di-Hao Wu, Jun-Jie Huang, Jin-Long Ren, Zong-Yuan Gao, Zhi-Tong Lyu and Jia-tang Li. 2024. Description of A New Species of Kukri Snake (Serpentes: Colubridae: Oligodon) from Xizang, China. Asian Herpetological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2024.0058

[Botany • 2024] Aeschynanthus chayangtajoensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Aeschynanthus chayangtajoensis   

in Chowlu, Shenoy, Ray et Kabeer, 2024.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.678.1.6

 

Abstract

Aeschynanthus chayangtajoensis, a new species of Gesneriaceae from East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to A. acuminatus, A. moningerae and A. pedunculatus, in habit, shape and texture of leaves, inflorescence, and seeds with single hilar appendage, but differs from all by gibbous corolla base, completely glabrous gynoecium and much smaller fruit. A detailed description of the new species with color photographs and a comparison table of similar species are provided. The new species is evaluated and provisionally assessed as ‘Critically Endangered (CR)’ according to IUCN Red List Criteria.

LIPSTICK PLANT, INDIAN HIMALAYAN REGION, AESCHYNANTHUS SECT. HAPLOTRICHIUM, EUDICOTS

Krishna CHOWLU, Akshath SHENOY, Ajit RAY and Althaf Ahamed KABEER. 2024. Aeschynanthus chayangtajoensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India.  Phytotaxa. 678(1); 65-70. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.678.1.6

[Crustacea • 2023] Diploexochus spinatus & D. obscurus • Cave-dwellers Diploexochus (Isopoda, Armadillidae): New Species and New Records of the Genus from Brazil

 

Diploexochus spinatus

Cardoso, Bastos-Pereira & Ferreira, 2023

DOI: 10.1590/2358-2936e2023008 

 facebook.com/JournalNauplius

Abstract

Two new species of Diploexochus are described. Diploexochus spinatus sp. nov. from Lapa do Honorato cave, located in the municipality of Iuiu, and Diploexochus obscurus sp. nov. from Água Escura I cave, located in the municipality of Carinhanha, both in the southwest of Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. Both species are likely to occur in caves due to anthropogenic impacts in the surrounding area (such as deforestation) and/or looking for the stable microclimatic conditions found in the subterranean realm. Additionally, D. echinatus is recorded in a cave in the municipality of Rurópolis, Pará State, northern Brazil. These represent the first records of the genus for subterranean environments.

Keywords: Bahia; cave species; Neotropics; terrestrial isopods; Woodlice

 

Diploexochus spinatus sp. nov.
A, Karstic area surrounding Honorato cave; B, Honorato cave; C, Tapera D’água cave;
D, Diploexochus spinatus sp. nov. from Honorato cave; E, D. spinatus sp. nov. from Tapera D’água cave.

Diploexochus obscurus sp. nov.
A, Karstic area surrounding Água Escura I cave; B, entrance of Água Escura I cave; C, conduit where the specimens were found;
D, live specimen of Diploexochus obscurus sp. nov. in lateral view; E, live specimen of D. obscurus sp. nov. in dorsal view.

Giovanna Monticelli Cardoso, Rafaela Bastos-Pereira and Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira. 2023. Cave-dwellers Diploexochus (Isopoda, Armadillidae): New Species and New Records of the Genus from Brazil.  Nauplius. 31; DOI: 10.1590/2358-2936e2023008 

 facebook.com/JournalNauplius/posts/562280135917760

[Botany • 2024] Allium dinaricum (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species of Allium sect. Codonoprasum from the Balkan Peninsula based on morphology and karyology

Allium dinaricum  Bogdanović, Anačkov, Ćato, Borovečki-Voska, Salmeri & Brullo, 

in Bogdanović, Anačkov, Ćato, Borovečki-Voska, Salmeri et Brullo, 2024. 

  DOI: doi.org/10.3372/wi.54.54302

 Abstract  

Allium dinaricum (Amaryllidaceae), a new species of A. sect. Codonoprasum from the NW Balkan Peninsula is described and illustrated. It is a late summer flowering geophyte occurring in several localities of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, where it usually grows in rupestrian calcareous stands from the coastal to mountain belts. The morphological traits, karyology (2n = 2x = 16), leaf anatomy, seed micromorphology and ecology of the new species are provided. Possible taxonomic relationships with other species occurring mainly in the E Mediterranean are also examined.

KEYWORDS: Allium, Allium dinaricum, Allium sect. Codonoprasum, Amaryllidaceae, Balkan Peninsula, Balkans, karyology, morphology, new species, taxonomy

Allium dinaricum – A: rupestrian growth habitat; B, D: inflorescences; C: habit.

 A–D: Krk Island, Surbova, 9 Sep 2023, photographs by S. Bogdanović.

Allium dinaricum Bogdanović, Anačkov, Ćato, Borovečki-Voska, Salmeri & Brullo, sp. nov. 

Holotype: Croatia, Mt Velebit, above Velike Brisnice, in calcareous rocky crevices along mountain path, ..., c. 800 m, 13 Sep 2023, S. Bogdanović & V. Lopac s.n. 

(ZAGR 78944!; isotypes: B!, BUNS!, CAT!, ZA!, ZAGR!).

– Allium fuscum var. gracile Anačkov, Takson. Horol. Roda Allium Srbiji: 132. 2009, nom. inval., not effectively published (Turland & al. 2018: Art. 30.9 and 32.1(a)).

Diagnosis — Allium dinaricum is similar to A. fuscum but differs from the latter in having outer bulb tunics slightly fibrous (vs coriaceous), stems often geminate (vs single), leaf cross-section semi-circular (vs flat), leaf blade narrower, with 2 prominent ribs, spathe valves usually shorter and erect (vs longer and divaricate or reflexed), inflorescence few-flowered (vs many-flowered), tepals smaller, outer stamen filaments shorter, annulus shorter, anther apex apiculate (vs rounded), and ovary smaller.

Etymology — The specific epithet refers to the Dinaric Alps, where the new species is distributed.

Sandro Bogdanović, Goran Anačkov, Sebastian Ćato, Ljiljana Borovečki-Voska, Cristina Salmeri, Salvatore Brullo. 2024. Allium dinaricum (Amaryllidaceae), A New Species of A. sect. Codonoprasum from the Balkan Peninsula based on morphology and karyology. Willdenowia. 54(2-3), 183-196. DOI: doi.org/10.3372/wi.54.54302 (30 October 2024)  

 

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

 

 Anourosorex andabata Lopatin, 2024

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1134/S0031030124700060 

 new.RAS.ru 

Abstract

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

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

Order Lipotyphla

Family Soricidae Fischer von Waldheim, 1817

Subfamily Soricinae Fischer von Waldheim, 1817

Tribe Anourosoricini Anderson, 1879

Genus Anourosorex Milne-Edwards, 1872

Anourosorex andabata Lopatin, sp. nov.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Curcuma sumonii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Boonma & Techa 

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

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

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

(Photographs by T. Boonma).

Abstract 

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

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

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

(Photographed by Surapon Saensouk).

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

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

(Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma).

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

  

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

 

[Botany • 2020] Alocasia yunqiana (Araceae) • A New Species from Tongbiguan Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province [Taxonomic Notes on the Alocasia-Colocasia Clade in China I]

Alocasia yunqiana Z.X.Ma, Y.F.Li & J.T.Yin,

in Ma, Li, Dao, Yang, Liu et Yin, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.460.4.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/345780755

Abstract

A new Alocasia species, Alocasia yunqiana, is described and compared with its morphologically related taxa. The novelty is characterized by an oblong-naviculiform-shaped spathe-limb that is strongly hooded and slightly glaucous to glossy during its entire anthesis, a spadix with a sterile interstice and an appendix that are much shorter and thinner than the staminate zone, as well as the dimorphic synandroidia. Detailed information containing description, colored plates and illustration are provided herein.

Keywords: Aroideae, Pistia clade, Colocasia-Alocasia clade, flora of China, plant taxonomy, Monocots

Alocasia yunqiana Z.X.Ma, Y.F.Li & J.T.Yin, sp. nov.

运气海芋

Zhengxu MA, Yifan LI, Baohui DAO, Wanliu YANG, Bing LIU and Jian-Tao YIN. 2020. Taxonomic Notes on the Alocasia-Colocasia Clade (Araceae) in China I: Alocasia yunqiana, A New Species from Tongbiguan Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province.  Phytotaxa. 460(4); 277–284. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.460.4.5 

  Researchgate.net/publication/345780755_Alocasia_yunqiana_a_new_species_from_Yunnan_CHINA 

天南星科海芋属植物添新成员

http://cnian.org.cn/h-nd-23095.html

[Botany • 2024] Primulina serina (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from northern Guangxi, China

 

Primulina serina F.Wen & W.C.Chou, 

金翅报春苣苔

in Mai, Chou et Wen, 2024. 

Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(2); 

A new species of Primulina Hance (Gesneriaceae), P. serina F.Wen & W.C.Chou from northern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to P. versicolor F.Wen, B.Pan & B.M.Wang, but can be easily distinguished by its smaller bracts. In its natural habitat, this species exists only in two subpopulations, and they occupy an area of less than 40 m2 and, following IUCN guidelines, this new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

Keywords. Lamiales, morphology, Primulina versicolor, taxonomy 

Primulina serina F.Wen & W.C.Chou.
A. Habitat. B. Habit. C. Abaxial (right) and adaxial (left) surface of leaves. D. Flowering cyme. E. Indumentum on peduncle. F. Adaxial view of bracts. G. Pedicels. H. Corolla front (middle) and side views (left and right). I. Purple erect glandular hairs on corolla. J. Calyx lobes, dissected showing the abaxial surfaces. K. Opened corolla, showing stamens (anthers and filaments) and staminodes. L. Pistil (left), style and stigma (middle), and ovary plus calyx (right).

 (Photos: W.C. Chou, F. Wen & D.C. Meng)

Primulina serina F.Wen & W.C.Chou, sp. nov. 

The new species is most similar in leaf characteristics to Primulina versicolor F.Wen, B.Pan & B.M.Wang but differs by its lanceolate to narrowly ovate (vs broadly ovate or sub-rounded) bracts 3–3.5 × 1–1.2 mm (vs 50–55 × 44–50 mm).

Etymology. Primulina serina is named after the canary (Serinus canaria) owing to its exquisite yellow flowers. The specific epithet “serina” is derived from the Latin word “citrinus”, meaning “lemon yellow”, reflecting the canary’s bright yellow plumage. 

Vernacular name. 金翅报春苣苔 (Jīn Chì Bào Chūn Jù Tái).

G.D. Mai, G.D., Chou, W.C. and Wen, F. 2024. Primulina serina, A New Species of Gesneriaceae from northern Guangxi, China. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(2); 285 - 291. 

[Botany • 2024] Pleurothallis markgruinii (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species from the Northwestern Ecuador

 

Pleurothallis markgruinii Baquero & M.F.Monteros,  

Baquero, Monteros, Iturralde Jimenez et Dueñas. 2024.    

 journals.RBGE.org.uk/EJB/article/view/2032   

 Researchgate.net/publication/385907281 

Abstract

Pleurothallis markgruinii, a particularly tall species for the genus, is described as new to science and an illustration provided. The new species is most similar to Pleurothallis gargantua and shares with that species its large size, reaching 1 m tall, but differs in the much smaller flowers with a deeply concave dorsal sepal, narrower petals, and a synsepal with strongly revolute margins that form an elongated, triangular shape. Comprehensive field research has shown Pleurothallis markgruinii to have a restricted geographical range in the northwest Andes of Ecuador, and it is assessed as Critically Endangered.

Keywords: Carchi, Dracula Reserve, New orchid species, Reserva youth land trust

Composite dissection plate for Pleurothallis markgruinii Baquero & M.F.Monteros, sp. nov.
 A, Habit; B1, flower, frontal view; B2, flower, lateral view; C, dissected perianth; D1, lip and column, lateral view; D2, lip and column, dorsal view with magnified image showing the rugulose-verrucose texture of the lip; E, capsule, dorsal view. Photographs: Marco F. Monteros.

Pleurothallis markgruinii Baquero & M.F. Monteros, sp. nov.

This new species is most similar to Pleurothallis gargantua in the large size of the plants (up to 1 m tall) and the large flowers (among the largest in the genus, between 5.6 and 10 cm long) borne at the base of a large (up to 30 cm long) ovate leaf, but it differs from that species in its considerably smaller flowers, 6.1 cm (vs 10.5 cm long when ...

Etymology. Named in memory of Mark Gruin, horticulturist, curator at Zoo America, and benefactor at the Rainforest Trust, who devoted the bulk of his life’s work to protecting nature and supporting budding conservationists.

L. E. Baquero, M. F. Monteros, G. A. Iturralde, M. M. Jimenez and R. Dueñas. 2024. PLEUROTHALLIS MARKGRUINII, A NEW PLEUROTHALLIDINAE(ORCHIDACEAE) FROM NORTHWESTERN ECUADOR. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 81; DOI: 10.24823/ejb.2024.2032   journals.RBGE.org.uk/EJB/article/view/2032 

   Researchgate.net/publication/385907281_PLEUROTHALLIS_MARKGRUINII_A_NEW_SPECIES_from_NW_ECUADOR

Pleurothallis markgruinii, una especie con plantas particularmente largas dentro del género se describe e ilustra aquí como nueva para la ciencia. La nueva especie es similar a Pleurothallis gargantua y comparte con esta las grandes plantas que alcanzan 1 m en longitud, pero se diferencia en las flores mucho más pequeñas con el sépalo dorsal muy cóncavo, pétalos más estrechos, y un sinsépalo con márgenes fuertemente revolutos que le dan una forma alargada y triangular. Investigación de campo exhaustiva muestra que Pleurothallis markgruinii tiene una distribución restringida, al noroeste de los Andes en Ecuador y es evaluada como en peligro crítico.

[Botany • 2024] Cyrtandra samarensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from the limestone forests of Samar Island, Philippines

Cyrtandra samarensis Tandang & M.D.Angeles,

in delos Angeles, Tandang et Schneider, 2024. 

Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 81; 

journals.rbge.org.uk/EJB 

Abstract

A species new to science of the megadiverse genus Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae) and endemic to the limestone forest of Samar Island Natural Park, Philippines, is described. It is distinct in its hairy bracts at the base of the adaxial surface and its long pendulous  umbelliform inflorescences that comprise either solitary flowers or branches carrying two clusters of 7–9 diminutive flowers. A conservation assessment following the Red List criteria of the IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee is proposed, and a line drawing and photographs of the species are provided. 

Keywords: Karst landscape, megadiverse genus, taxonomy

Cyrtandra samarensis Tandang & M.D.Angeles, sp. nov.
 A, Habit; B, infructescence; C, leaf apex; D, inflorescence (anterior view); E, inflorescence (lateral view); F, bracts (variable shapes); G, calyx (expanded); H, corolla (dissected anterior view); I, anthers (lateral view); J, anthers (front view); K, gynoecium with disc.

Drawn from MD delos Angeles 376, and selected field photographs, by Danilo N. Tandang.

Cyrtandra samarensis Tandang & M.D.Angeles, sp. nov.
A, Habit; B, habitat; C, single flower (front view); D, mature fruits; E, cross-section of fruit, showing seeds.

Photographs: Danilo Tandang (A and D) and Marjorie delos Angeles (B, C and E).

Cyrtandra samarensis Tandang & M.D.Angeles, sp. nov.

Cyrtandra samarensis is distinct from other known Cyrtandra species from the Philippines by a combination of its hairy bracts, long pendulous inflorescence, clustered and diminutive umbelliform inflorescence, and small, white, globose, fleshy berry. Morphologically, it is similar to Cyrtandra umbellifera Merr. but differs in its glabrous stem except for a brownish setose tip (vs glabrous), glabrous calyx (vs pubescent), densely hairy bracts with prominent tuft of hairs on ...

M. D. delos Angeles, D. N. Tandang, H. Schneider. 2024. CYRTANDRA SAMARENSIS (GESNERIACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM THE LIMESTONE FORESTS OF SAMAR ISLAND, PHILIPPINES. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 81; https://journals.rbge.org.uk/ejb/article/view/1987 [2024-07-03]

[Ichthyology • 2022] Moema juanderibaensis • A New Species of the Seasonal Killifish Genus Moema (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from the Piraí watershed in the Southwest Amazon Basin

 

Moema juanderibaensis

 Drawert, 2022 

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2022-0067  

   Researchgate.net/publication/366335860

 

Abstract

Moema, a genus of the Rivulidae family, currently comprises 20 valid species. Most of these species inhabit temporary pools in the Amazon basin and only one species is found in the upper Paraguay basin. A new member of this genus from the upper Río Madeira drainage is here described. Males of the new species differ from all congeners by the combination of a color pattern consisting of oblique, sometimes chevron-like, irregular rows of red and light blue double-dots on body; dark yellowish to golden pectoral fins with no visible markings; and a stripe pattern on the ventral section of caudal fin with a very narrow black marginal line, intermittent or even absent. The existence of infrageneric species groups within Moema, the geographic distribution and taxonomic aspects of the species present in the Ríos Mamoré and Iténez/Guaporé rivers drainages, and the observation of intraspecific aggression between males and amphibious lifestyle in the new species are discussed.

Keywords: Bolivian Amazon basin; New species; Rivulids; Taxonomy; Temporary water bodies

 

Moema juanderibaensis, MNKP 16539, holotype, male, 41.9 mm SL
(24 days after collection, left side),
Bolivia, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa del Sara.

Moema juanderibaensis, MNKP 16539, holotype, male, 41.9 mm SL
(2 days after collection, right side),
Bolivia, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa del Sara.

Moema juanderibaensis, new species

Diagnosis. Moema juanderibaensis differs from congeners by a unique combination of the following characters on males: pattern of oblique, sometimes chevron-like, irregular rows of red and light blue double-dots on flanks; dark yellowish to golden pectoral fin with no visible markings (dots or spots); and ventral part of caudal-fin stripe pattern with very narrow black marginal line, intermittent or even absent (vs. never in this combination). The new species is distinguished from Moema apurinan, M. beucheyi, M. funkneri, M. hellneri, M. heterostigma, M. nudifrontata, M. pepotei, M. piriana, M. portugali, M. quiii, M. schleseri, and M. staecki by the oblique arrangement of red and light blue double-dots on flanks (vs. flank color pattern arranged in horizontal lines or rows of dots). It differs from M. manuensis, M. obliqua, M. peruensis, M. rubrocaudata, M. schleseri, and M. wischmanni by the presence of red dots on flanks mostly arranged in oblique, sometimes chevron-like, rows (vs. absence of dots, or arranged in vertical rows or randomly distributed). It is distinguishable from M. boticarioi, M. kenwoodi, and M. obliqua by the absence of dots, spots or any other markings on pectoral fins of males (vs. presence of dark reddish-brown dots, few dark green dots or longitudinally elongated dark brown spots); from M. claudiae by the absence of black humeral blotch in males (vs. presence); and from M. schleseri by the ground color of pectoral fins (brown-yellowish to golden vs. hyaline) and color pattern of ventral section of caudal fin (thin black marginal line, sometimes intermittent and inconspicuous or even absent, and broad deep orange to red stripe vs. ventralmost black stripe broad, and orange stripe with dark red dots). Additionally, it is also distinguished from M. boticarioi by the absence of brown dots or other marks on dorsum (vs. dorsum with brown dots).

Etymology. Named juanderibaensis in reference to the name of the ranch “Juan Deriba” where the type locality is situated. An adjective.

Heinz Arno Drawert. 2022. A New Species of the Seasonal Killifish Genus Moema (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from the Piraí watershed in the Southwest Amazon basin.   Neotrop. ichthyol. 20(4). DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2022-0067   

  Researchgate.net/publication/366335860_A_new_species_of_Moema_from_the_Pirai_watershed_in_the_SW_Amazon_basin

Resumen: Moema, un género de la familia Rivulidae, actualmente comprende 20 especies válidas. La mayoría de estas especies habitan en charcos temporales de la cuenca amazónica y solo una especie se encuentra en la cuenca alta del Río Paraguay. Un nuevo miembro de este género de la cuenca alta del Río Madeira es descrito aquí. Los machos de la especie nueva se diferencian de todos los congéneres por la combinación de un patrón de color de filas irregulares oblicuas, a veces en forma de chevrón, de puntos dobles rojos y azul claro en el cuerpo; aletas pectorales de color amarillento oscuro a dorado sin marcas visibles; y un patrón de rayas en la sección ventral de la aleta caudal con una línea marginal negra muy estrecha, intermitente o incluso ausente. Se discute la existencia de grupos infragenéricos de especies dentro de Moema, la distribución geográfica y aspectos taxonómicos de las especies presentes en el drenaje de los Ríos Mamoré e Iténez/Guaporé, y la observación de agresión intraespecífica entre machos y estilo de vida anfibio en la nueva especie.

Palabras clave: Cuenca amazónica de Bolivia; Cuerpos de agua temporales; Nueva especie; Rivúlidos; Taxonomía

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

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

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

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

  Researchgate.net/publication/387296242 

  facebook.com/NickPoyarkov

Abstract

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

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

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

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

  Researchgate.net/publication/387296242_DIVERSITY_OF_HIMALAYAN_Ablepharine_SKINKS

  facebook.com/NickPoyarkov/posts/10231542599622451