Wednesday, May 8, 2024

[Herpetology • 2024] Trachylepis attenboroughi, T. ovahelelo, T. vunongue, etc. • The Trachylepis (Squamata: Scincidae) of Angola : An Integrative Taxonomic Review with the Description of Seven New Species

 
 1. Trachylepis albilabris; 2. T. albopunctata; 3. T. ansorgii.
4. Trachylepis attenboroughi, sp. nov.; 8. Trachylepis bouri, sp. nov.; 13. T. hilariae, sp. nov.;
18. T. ovahelelo, sp. nov.; 19. T. suzanae, sp. nov.; 
 22. T. vunongue, sp. nov.; 25. T. wilsoni, sp. nov. 
Ceríaco,  Marques, Parrinha, Tiutenko, Weinell, Butler & Bauer, 2024

Drawings by Arthur Tiutenko.

Abstract
The genus Trachylepis is currently represented by 21 species in Angola, most of them part of nomenclaturally and taxonomically challenging species complexes. In this study we present an integrative taxonomic revision of the genus in Angola and describe seven new species: Trachylepis attenboroughi, sp. nov., Trachylepis bouri, sp. nov., Trachylepis hilariae, sp. nov., Trachylepis ovahelelo, sp. nov., Trachylepis suzanae, sp. nov., Trachylepis vunongue, sp. nov., and Trachylepis wilsoni, sp. nov. As result of our taxonomic revisions, 25 valid Trachylepis species are now confirmed from Angola. A phylogenetic analysis using a combination of mitochondrial (16S, ND2) and nuclear (RAG1) markers, as well as morphological data, supports the recognition of the new species. In addition, data support the revalidation of Trachylepis albopunctata (Bocage, 1867), Trachylepis notabilis (Peters, 1879), and Trachylepis ansorgii (Boulenger, 1907). We also provide a redefinition of Euprepes anchietae Bocage, 1866, which we synonymize with Trachylepis maculilabris (Gray, 1845). Given that the type material for Trachylepis albopunctata, T. angolensis, and T. anchietae has been lost or destroyed, we designate neotypes for the purpose of nomenclatural stability. The description of the new species and the revision and revalidation of previously described Angolan species contribute to a better understanding of the taxonomy and biogeography of the genus, as well as to the general biogeographic patterns and evolution of the Angolan fauna.
 
Keywords: Skinks, Angola, Classification, Squamata, Trachylepis attenboroughi, Trachylepis bouri, Trachylepis hilariae, Trachylepis ovahelelo, Trachylepis suzanae, Trachylepis vunongue, Trachylepis wilsoni


 1. Trachylepis albilabris; 2. T. albopunctata; 3. T. ansorgii.
4. Trachylepis attenboroughi, sp. nov.; 5. T. bayonii; 6. T. binotata; 7. T. bocagii.
8. Trachylepis bouri, sp. nov.; 9, T. chimbana; 10. T. damarana; 11. T. hoeschi; 12. T. huilensis; 13. T. hilariae, sp. nov.; 14. T. laevis. 
Drawings by Arthur Tiutenko.

  15. Trachylepis maculilabris; 16. T. notabilis.  
17. Trachylepis occidentalis; 18. T. ovahelelo, sp. nov.; 19. T. suzanae, sp. nov.; 20. T. punctulata; 21. T. raymondlaurenti.  
 22. T. vunongue, sp. nov.; 23. T. sulcata; 24. T. wahlbergi; 25. T. wilsoni, sp. nov. 
Drawings by Arthur Tiutenko.



Luis M. P. Ceríaco, Mariana P. Marques, Diogo Parrinha, Arthur Tiutenko,  Jeffrey L. Weinell, Brett O. Butler and Aaron M. Bauer. 2024. The Trachylepis (Squamata: Scincidae) of Angola : An Integrative Taxonomic Review with the Description of Seven New Species. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 465. hdl.handle.net/2246/7345
  twitter.com/redgcko7/status/1762174590745280730

  

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[Botany • 2023] Krenakanthus ribeiranus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) • A “hairy situation” in Minas Gerais, Brazil: A striking New Species of Krenakanthus covered with uniseriate trichomes

 
 Krenakanthus ribeiranus 

in Leme, Gonella, Couto, Fernandez, De Carvalho, De Almeida et Mariath, 2023. 
 
Abstract
A new species of Krenakanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described based on plants discovered through collaborative citizen science. Krenakanthus ribeiranus and its only congener K. roseolilacinus are endemic to the “João Pinto Center of Biodiversity”, a still poorly explored region with Campos Rupestres and associated vegetation in the Rio Doce Valley, in eastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The unusual combination of morphological characters of K. ribeiranus, highlighted by plant delicacy and almost all leaf and flower parts covered by uniseriate, hair-like trichomes, is illustrated and discussed in comparison with K. roseolilacinus, including leaf and seed anatomy, as well as pollen morphology. This micro-endemic species is assessed as Critically Endangered, reinforcing the need for strategy to protect the biodiversity of the region. The morphology of the new species validates and strengthens the diagnostic flower characters used in the circumscription of Krenakanthus, suggesting as secondary diagnostic characters the habit, stature, and leaf conformation.  

Keywords: Monocots, anatomy, Campos Rupestres, Cryptanthoid complex, João Pinto Center of Biodiversity, morphology, uniseriate trichomes

 Krenakanthus ribeiranus (J.C.S. Ribeiro 001):
 A. General aspect of the shaded rocky habitat alongside creeks at the type locality. B–D. Subpopulations at the type locality composed of individuals growing on organic-rich, shallow soils accumulated on sandstone rock surfaces among mosses.  
Photos: J.C.S. Ribeiro.


  


 A–F.  Krenakanthus ribeiranus (J.C.S. Ribeiro 001):
A Habit in three stages of flower development. B. Habit, highlighting an individual in fruit stage. C. Small-sized aspect of the leaf rosette in an adult individual. D. Frontal view of the fan blade-like corolla. E. Lateral view of the corolla. F. Abundant seedlings growing not far from mother-plants.
Photos: J.C.S. Ribeiro.

Krenakanthus ribeiranus (J.C.S. Ribeiro 001; A, C, F–G, I, K, M) and K. roseolilacinus (Leme 8922; B, D–E, H, J, L, N):  
 A–B. Frontal view of the corolla. C–D. Petals and stamens. E. Petal. F. Pistil and the stamens, highlighting the unequal filaments. G–H. Sepals. I–J. Fruits. K–L. Anthers. M–N. Stigma.
 Bars = 5 mm (C–E, J). Bars = 2 mm (F–I). Bars = 1 mm (K–N). 
  Photos: A. J.C.S. Ribeiro. B–N. E. Leme.


Elton M. C. Leme, Paulo M. Gonella, Dayvid R. Couto, Eduardo P. Fernandez, Jordano D. T. De Carvalho, Pedro S. De Almeida and Jorge E. A. Mariath. 2023. A “hairy situation” in Minas Gerais, Brazil: A striking New Species of Krenakanthus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) covered with uniseriate trichomes. Phytotaxa. 619(1); 39-62. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.619.1.2

   

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[Herpetology • 2024] Dixonius chotjuckdikuli • A New micro-endemic, Limestone-dwelling Leaf-toed Gecko (Gekkonidae: Dixonius) from Phetchaburi Province, western Thailand


Dixonius chotjuckdikuli 
Donbundit, Sumontha, Suthanthangjai, Suthanthangjai & Pauwels, 2024

  Khao Ebid Leaf-toed Gecko | จิ้งจกดินเขาอีบิด  ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5447.4.5 
photo: Nonn Panitvong  facebook.com/NonnP
facebook.com: Natthaphat Chotjuckdikul
 
Abstract
We describe Dixonius chotjuckdikuli sp. nov. from Khao Ebid (Mount Ibit), Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province, western Thailand. The new, limestone-dwelling species differs from all currently recognized species of Dixonius by the following combination of morphological characters and pattern: maximal known snout-vent length of 45.6 mm, 18 (rarely 16) longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; 31 to 34 paravertebral scales; 18 (rarely 16) longitudinal rows of ventral scales across the abdomen; 20 to 22 interciliary scales; 5 or 6 precloacal pores in males, no pores in females; a marked canthal stripe extending beyond the shoulder; and a blotched dorsal pattern in males, females and juveniles. This description brings the number of Dixonius species to 17, among which seven species are endemic to Thailand.

Reptilia, Gekkota, morphology, taxonomy, Southeast Asia



 Dixonius chotjuckdikuli sp. nov.

 
Nattasuda Donbundit, Montri Sumontha, Maneerat Suthanthangjai, Winai Suthanthangjai and Olivier S. G. Pauwels. 2024. Another New micro-endemic, Limestone-dwelling Leaf-toed Gecko (Gekkonidae: Dixonius) from Phetchaburi Province, western Thailand.  Zootaxa. 5447(4); 531-546. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5447.4.5
  facebook.com/NonnP/posts/10228658137611337
facebook.com/UNOHO/posts/10168906646615357

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[Botany • 2024] Leopoldia nigdeensis (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae) • The Last Missing Species born of A Confusing Puzzle: A New Species from Türkiye


 Leopoldia nigdeensis  Eker & Eroğlu, 

in Eker et Eroğlu, 2024. 
‘Niğde Morbaşı’  ||  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.635.1.3 
 
Abstract
The concept of Muscari massayanum (=Leopoldia massayana), previously treated by Davis & Stuart in the Flora of Turkey, was found to be a mixed species assemblage and included the species Muscari erdalii (=Leopoldia erdalii) and Muscari erzincanicum (=Leopoldia erzincanica), which arose from this confusion. However, in the latest evaluations by the authors of this article, the last missing piece of the confusing puzzle has been put forward in this study. Thus, a new species Leopoldia nigdeensis from Anatolia is described in this study. The new species is morphologically partly similar to Leopoldia massayana, L. erzincanica, L. oztasii, L. tenuiflora and L. erdalii, but differs from all of them with clear features in flower, fruit and seed characteristics.

Anatolia, Bolkar Mountains, Leopoldia erzincanica, Leopoldia massayana, new taxon, Niğde, seed, taxonomy, Monocots



Leopoldia nigdeensis Eker & Eroğlu
‘Niğde Morbaşı’


İsmail Eker and Hüseyin Eroğlu. 2024. The Last Missing Species born of A Confusing Puzzle: Leopoldia nigdeensis (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), A New Species from Türkiye. Phytotaxa. 635(1); 59-74. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.635.1.3
  facebook.com/IsmailEker946/posts/10161421875598817

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[PaleoOrnithology • 2024] Ardenna buchananbrowni • A New Diving Pliocene Ardenna Shearwater (Procellariiformes: Procellariidae) from New Zealand


Ardenna buchananbrowni 
 Tennyson, Salvador, Tomotani & Marx, 2024


 Abstract
We report a new species of shearwater, Ardenna buchananbrowni sp. nov., from the Pliocene of New Zealand. It is both the smallest and oldest known diving member of the genus, demonstrating that this now abundant form of shearwater has had a long presence in southern oceans. Ardenna buchananbrowni sp. nov. is among the few extinct shearwaters described from the Southern Hemisphere and adds to an increasingly diverse seabird assemblage in the Pliocene of the region.

Keywords: biogeography; fossil; Piacenzian; Procellariiformes; Tangahoe Formation; Taranaki; Waipipian



Systematic Palaeontology
Order Procellariiformes Fürbringer, 1888
  
The present fossils belong to Procellariiformes because of their straight, deeply grooved beaks, prominent dorsally opening nostrils, enlarged nasal glands above the eyes, and long, narrow wing bones.
  
Family Procellariidae Leach, 1820
  
The present fossils belong to Procellariidae because of their intermediate size (Diomedeidae are larger, Oceanitidae and Hydrobatidae smaller), gracile beaks, and dorsally projecting nostrils.
  
Genus Ardenna Reichenbach, 1853
Type species: Procellaria gravis O’Reilly, 1818.
  
Ardenna buchananbrowni sp. nov. 


 Alan J. D. Tennyson, Rodrigo B. Salvador, Barbara M. Tomotani and Felix G. Marx. 2024. A New Diving Pliocene Ardenna Shearwater (Aves: Procellariidae) from New Zealand. Taxonomy. 4(2), 237-249. DOI: 10.3390/taxonomy4020012 

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[Invertebrate • 2024] Oneirophanta brunneannulata, O. idsseica & O. lucerna • Three New Species and One New Record of Deimatidae (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Synallactida) discovered in the South China Sea and the Mariana Fore-arc Area using integrative taxonomic methods

  

Oneirophanta lucerna  
 Oneirophanta brunneannulata  

Xiao & Zhang, 2024

Abstract
Deep-sea holothurian specimens were collected during five scientific expeditions (2018–2023) using the submersible vehicle ‘Shenhaiyongshi’. Our examination of specimens of Deimatidae from the South China Sea and the Mariana fore-arc area revealed three new species, which were described as Oneirophanta idsseica sp. nov., Oneirophanta brunneannulata sp. nov., and Oneirophanta lucerna sp. nov. These species were distinguished from each other and from congeners by the arrangement, and number of ventrolateral tube feet and ossicle types. We also reported Oneirophanta mutabilis mutabilis Théel, 1879 for the first time from the Mariana fore-arc area, and we recorded Deima validum validum for the second time from the South China Sea. The taxonomy of these new species and new records is discussed, and a phylogenetic analysis based on a concatenated dataset of 16S and COI genes was conducted. Additionally, the inter- and intraspecific genetic divergences we calculated among deimatid species. The results support the assignment of these new species to the genus Oneirophanta and their separation from congeners. A description of the main morphological characters of Oneirophanta species is also provided. The data were collected from geographically diverse areas and suggest that species of Deimatidae were abundant in the Pacific Ocean and occupied a wide range of depths.

Key words: COI, deep-sea, morphology, Oneirophanta, phylogeny, sea cucumber, SEM, taxonomy

Oneirophanta lucerna sp. nov. (Holotype IDSSE-2023-0208-HS02)
A, B in situ images C dorsal view D ventral view.
 Scale bars: 5 cm.


Yunlu Xiao and Haibin Zhang. 2024. Three New Species and One New Record of Deimatidae (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea, Synallactida) discovered in the South China Sea and the Mariana fore-arc area using integrative taxonomic methods. ZooKeys. 1195: 309-335. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1195.115913

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[Invertebrate • 2019] Ophiopsila xmasilluminans • Brittle Stars from A Submarine Cave of Christmas Island, northwestern Australia, with Description of A New Bioluminescent Species (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) and Notes on Its Behaviour


Ophiopsila xmasilluminans
Okanishi, Oba & Fujita, 2019

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 67: 

 Abstract
 Three species of ophiuroids are reported from a shallow water submarine cave on Christmas Island in northwestern Australia, including a new bioluminescent species, Ophiopsila xmasilluminans, which is described herein on the basis of 15 specimens. This new species occurs on sandy bottoms in the cave with disc buried and arms extended above the substratum. This species possesses a disc entirely covered by thick skin with small and delicate embedded scales and granules; 3 oral papillae, basically flat, fan-shaped but sometimes innermost or middle papilla spiniform; diamond shaped oral shield with rounded edges, as long as wide; long and flat arm spine; inner tentacle scale narrow, flat and long, arms approximately 18 times the disc diameter. We describe bioluminescence and burying behaviour, which suggest adaptation to submarine cave environments. Also reported herein is a rarely encountered species, Ophiomora elegans, based on a single specimen. Ophiomora elegans was previously known only from southern Mozambique, the east coast of Africa and the Ryukyu Islands. We also include a new record of Ophioconis claviculata, which was previously known only from the Ryukyu Islands. 

Key words: brittle star, endemism, new species, submarine cave, bioluminescence, Christmas Island

 Ophiopsila xmasilluminans new species, living, anesthetised
(A: one paratype, RUMF-ZE-00152), in situ (B, C: specimens not collected):
A, aboral view; B, with buried disc and extended arms; C, an excavated specimen.


  

Ophiopsila xmasilluminans new species

Diagnosis. Disc surface entirely covered by thick skin with embedded small and delicate scales and granules; 3 oral papillae, basically as scales, but sometimes spiniform for one on innermost or middle position; diamond-shaped oral shield with rounded edges, as long as wide; long and flat arm spines, 6 in maximum number; inner tentacle scale narrow, flat and long; arms approximately 18 times longer than disc diameter.

Etymology. The specific name is an adjective in apposition formed as a compound of the island name “xmas” and the Latin participle, illuminans, meaning “lighting”, referring to its sampling locality name (Christmas Island) and luminescence. 
Common Japanese name. Dohkutsu-hikari-kumohitode. 

Distribution. Known only from the type locality, a submarine cave called as “Thunderdome Cave”, northern coast of Christmas Island, northwestern Australia, approximately 10 m depth (type locality, Fig. 1). Tan et al (2014) noted that Ophiopsila pantherina [= this new species] was also found at “Thundercliff Cave”, which is located near Thunderdome Cave. However, specimens of this species were only collected from Thunderdome Cave by the last author (Yoshihisa Fujita). 

Habitat. All type specimens of Ophiopsila xmasilluminans new species were collected in sandy bottoms in the submarine cave, with buried disc and arms extended into the water (Fig. 2B).


 Masanori Okanishi, Yuichi Oba and Yoshihisa Fujita. 2019. Brittle Stars from A Submarine Cave of Christmas Island, northwestern Australia, with Description of A New Bioluminescent Species Ophiopsila xmasilluminans (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) and Notes on Its Behaviour. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 67: 421–439. DOI 10.26107/RBZ-2019-0034


南の島のクリスマスイルミネーション？クリスマス島（豪）の海底洞窟から新種の光るクモヒトデを発見！ （大場裕一教授ら） 中部大学の研究活動 中部大学 www3.chubu.ac.jp/research/news/25228/

      

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[Botany • 2024] Indigofera jintongpenensis (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae: Indigofereae) • A New Species from Yunnan, southwest China

 

 Indigofera jintongpenensis Huan C.Wang, L.Yao & X.L.Zhao,

in Yao, Yang, Zhao, Q.-P. Wang et H.-C. Wang. 2024. 

Abstract
Indigofera jintongpenensis, a new species of the subfamily Papilionoideae of Fabaceae, is described and illustrated from Yunnan, southwest China. The new species is characterised by having a prostrate habit, flexible stems and branches, as well as spreading, sub-basifixed, asymmetrically 2-branched trichomes covering the entire plant, discoid calyx, and racemose inflorescences 6–8-flowered, short, 1–2 (–3.5) cm in length, apparently shorter than the leaf. A distribution map and comparison of morphological diagnostic characters with its morphologically similar species are provided. Additionally, a preliminary conservation assessment of I. jintongpenensis is proposed following IUCN criteria.

Key words: Endemism, Indigofereae, Jintongpen Mountain, mat-forming, short inflorescence, taxonomy

Indigofera jintongpenensis sp. nov.
 A habit B a portion of branchlet showing adaxial surface of leaflets C leaves (abaxial) D branchlet E stipules F leaves and inflorescence G inflorescence H legume.

 Indigofera jintongpenensis Huan C.Wang, L.Yao & X.L.Zhao, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Indigofera jintongpenensis is most morphologically similar to I. balfouriana Craib, but it clearly differs from the latter by its habit being prostrate (vs. erect), much-branched stems and branches flexible, leaves usually 7–13-foliolate (vs. 5–9-foliolate), stipules usually 5–7 mm (vs. 3–6 mm) long, inflorescences racemose, 1–2 (–3.5) cm (vs. 2–6 cm) long, 6–8-flowered, legumes 1.5–2.5 cm (vs. 2.5–4.0 cm) long, endocarp not blotched (vs. blotched).


 Lan Yao, Yan Yang, Xue-Li Zhao, Qiu-Ping Wang and Huan-Chong Wang. 2024. Indigofera jintongpenensis (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae, Indigofereae), A New Species from Yunnan, southwest China. PhytoKeys. 241: 91-101. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.241.120230

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[Botany • 2020] Meriania baumgratziana (Melastomataceae) • Taxonomic Notes in Meriania from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, including A New Species, a resurrected one and a new synonym


Meriania baumgratziana  R.Goldenb. & Michelang., 

in Goldenberg, Meyer et Michelangeli, 2020. 

Abstract
We present a new species, a new synonym, the resurrection of a species that has been synonymized before, updates on the distribution of three species, and lectotypifications for two species of Meriania from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Meriania baumgratziana is a new species apparently restricted to montane areas in the western portion of the state of Rio de Janeiro. It can be recognized by the sessile to subsessile leaves, these lanceolate, elliptic lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, with cordate to cordulate, amplexicaul bases (seldom narrowly round), the abaxial surface in young leaves with the union of the primary and the inner pair of secondary veins with a membrane forming pocket domatia, these with trichomes emerging from the inside, then in older leaves the membranes frequently enlarged, globular, these hypertrophied structures sometimes caducous, or easily removed by friction, and by the pendulous inflorescences with 4-merous flowers. Meriania paratyensis Chiavegatto & Baumgratz is synonymized under M. sanchezii R.Goldenb., which in turn is resurrected from what we understand as a mistaken synonymy under M. paniculata DC. We present a discussion and illustrations of leaves and fruits, in order to explain these changes and compare all these three species, plus a fourth similar species, M. glabra (DC.) Naudin. The distributions of Meriania calyptrata (Naudin) Triana and M. sanchezii are updated, the former with the inclusion of specimens collected in the western tip of the state of Rio de Janeiro (it was previously recorded only for eastern São Paulo), and the latter in the exactly opposite way, with new records from Rio de Janeiro added to the previously known specimens from São Paulo. Finally, lectotypes are designated for Meriania calyptrata and M. glabra (DC.) Naudin (this superseding a previous, unnecessary designation of a neotype).

Keywords: Eudicots, Melastomataceae, Meriania, Taxonomy, Atlantic Forest



Photos of living plants of Meriania baumgratziana.
 A. Fertile branch with the pendulous infrutescence. B. Leaves, adaxial surfaces. C. Leaves, abaxial surfaces D. Partial infrutescence. E. Flowers
 (A–E by Fabian Michelangeli, from Goldenberg 2660; 
F by Fernando Costa Pinheiro, from Pinheiro 367).


Renato Goldenberg, Fabrício S. Meyer and Fabián A. Michelangeli. 2020. Taxonomic Notes in Meriania (Melastomataceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, including A New Species, a resurrected one and a new synonym. Phytotaxa. 453(3); 218–232. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.453.3.4

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[Arachnida • 2020] Isometrus kovariki • A New Species of Isometrus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from southern India


Isometrus kovariki
Sulakhe, Dandekar, Mukherjee, Pandey, Ketkar, Padhye & Bastawade, 2020


A new species of Isometrus (Buthidae) is described from India using integrated taxonomic approach. Isometrus kovariki sp. n. is closely related to I. thurstoni, and differs in morphological features and raw genetic divergence of more than 9%.

Isometrus kovariki sp. n., male holotype, in vivo habitus.

Isometrus kovariki sp. n.  


Shauri Sulakhe, Nikhil Dandekar, Shomen Mukherjee, Malay Pandey, Makarand Ketkar, Anand Padhye and Deshabhushan Bastawade. 2020. A New Species of Isometrus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from southern India. Euscorpius - Occasional Publications in Scorpiology. No. 310.   Researchgate.net/publication/341489428_A_new_species_of_Isometrus_from_southern_India

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[Herpetology • 2020] Micryletta dissimulans • A New Species of Micryletta (Anura: Microhylidae) from southern Thailand


 Micryletta dissimulans 
Suwannapoom, Nguyen, Pawangkhanant, Gorin, Chomdej, Che & Poyarkov, 2020

Camouflaged Paddy Frog | อึ่งจิ๋วลายพราง  ||  Researchgate.net/publication/343597445

Abstract
We report on a new species, Micryletta dissimulans sp. nov., from the lowland forests of southern Thailand, which is described based on molecular and morphological evidence. The new species is characterized by a combination of the following characters: small body size (20.3–22.4 mm in males, 24.4–26.7 mm in females); slender body habitus; head longer than wide; snout rounded in dorsal and lateral view; eye length equal to snout length; tibiotarsal articulation reaching to tympanum; dorsal surface slightly granulated to shagreened; supratympanic fold indistinct, ventrally edged in black with large black spot behind eye; outer metatarsal tubercle absent; dorsum reddish-brown with merging irregular-shaped brown blotches edged in beige, no black spots on dorsum; body flanks brown with large black spots edged in whitish mottling, two large black blotches in axillary and inguinal areas on each side; lateral sides of head black, with white patches on lips absent, whitish mottling on tympanum and axillary region; ventral surface pinkish to bluish-gray, translucent, laterally with dark-brown marbled pattern, medially immaculate; throat in males dark-gray with sparse white mottling laterally; iris copper-orange. The new species is divergent from all other congeners in 16S rRNA gene sequences (5.0%–7.4%). To date, Micryletta dissimulans sp. nov. is only known from a single locality in Saba Yoi District, Songkhla Province, Thailand, at an elevation of 120 m a.s.l., but is also expected to occur in neighboring parts of Malaysia. We suggest Micryletta dissimulans sp. nov. be considered as a Data Deficient (DD) species following the IUCN’s Red List categories (IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2019).

Keywords: Thai-Malay Peninsula, Indochina, Kangar-Pattani line, Micryletta dissimulans sp. nov, Micryletta sumatrana, Micryletta steinegeri, Micryletta lineata, Biodiversity, Taxonomy, mtDNA

      



A: Distribution of the genus Micryletta (grey shading) and location of examined populations. For locality info see Supplementary Table S1. A dot in the center of icon denotes the type locality of a species; empty circle denotes locality not included in molecular analysis; star denotes the type locality of Micryletta dissimulans sp. nov. in Saba Yoi District, Songkhla Province, southern Thailand.
C: Holotype of  Micryletta dissimulans sp. nov. (AUP01690), adult male, in life in dorsolateral view. D: Same specimen in ventral view.
Photos by N.A. Poyarkov, P. Pawangkhanant, J.H. Yang and Eki Aprilia Resdiyanti Devung.

B: Phylogenetic BI tree of Micryletta reconstructed on the base of 569 bp of partial 16S rRNA sequences. Values on the branches correspond to BI PP/ML BS, respectively; black and white circles correspond to well-supported and moderately supported nodes, respectively. 
Photos by N.A. Poyarkov, P. Pawangkhanant, J.H. Yang and Eki Aprilia Resdiyanti Devung.


Micryletta dissimulans sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: The new species is assigned to the genus Micryletta Dubois, 1987 based on the following morphological attributes: body size small; vomerine teeth absent; tympanum small, rounded, externally visible; subarticular tubercles on fingers and toes very prominent; three well-developed metacarpal tubercles; distinct supernumerary palmar and metatarsal tubercles posterior to base of digits; first finger not reduced; and webbing on fingers and toes absent (Alhadi et al., 2019; Das et al., 2019; Dubois, 1987; ...

Etymology: The specific epithet “dissimulans” is a Latin adjective in the nominative case, feminine gender, derived from the Latin verb “dissimulo” meaning “to hide” or “to conceal”, and is given in reference to the iconic “Frog Skin” camouflage pattern, resembling the characteristic mottled and disruptive dorsal pattern of the new species. The name is also given in reference to the new species being concealed for a long time until its recent discovery. We recommend “Camouflaged Paddy Frog” as the common English name and “Eung Jiew Lay Prang” (อึ่งจิ๋วลายพราง) as the common Thai name of the new species.

  

Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Tan Van Nguyen, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Vladislav Gorin, Siriwadee Chomdej, Jing Che, Nikolay Poyarkov. 2020. A New Species of Micryletta (Amphibia: Microhylidae) from southern Thailand. Zoological Research. DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.139
 zoores.ac.cn/article/doi/10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.139 facebook.com/NickPoyarkov/posts/10220703091801530  Researchgate.net/publication/343597445_A_new_species_of_Micryletta_from_southern_Thailand
 

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