[Ichthyology • 2024] Aulopus chirichignoae • A New flagfin (Aulopiformes: Aulopidae) from the eastern Pacific Ocean

 

Aulopus chirichignoae

Béarez, Zavalaga, Miranda, Mennesson, Campos-Leónand & Jiménez-Prado, 2024 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5458.1.6  

 

Abstract

A new species of the Aulopidae is described from the waters of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Aulopus chirichignoae sp. nov. was previously confused with Aulopus bajacali Parin & Kotlyar, 1984, but it differs from this species by a significantly marked elongation of the dorsal fin rays in males (absent in females), a smaller head, modal differences in dorsal and anal ray counts (15 vs 14 and 11 vs 12, respectively), a higher number of vertebrae (50–51 vs 47–49), and color differences, especially on the dorsal fin. DNA barcoding analysis supported the status of new species, evidencing a 4.2% and 2.8% divergence with Aulopus filamentosus (Bloch, 1792) and A. bajacali, respectively. A sequence of an Aulopus sp., collected in the Tropical Eastern Pacific, matches the new species with only a 0.4% divergence, indicating that Aulopus chirichignoae sp. nov. is distributed at least as far north as the Paramount Seamount at 3°20.35’N, ca. 400 km north of the Galápagos Islands.

Pisces, new species, fish, taxonomy, Peru, Ecuador, Tropical Eastern Pacific, DNA barcode

Aulopus chirichignoae sp. nov. 

Philippe BÉAREZ, Fabiola ZAVALAGA, Junior MIRANDA, Marion I. MENNESSON, Sarita CAMPOS-LEÓN and Pedro JIMÉNEZ-PRADO. 2024. Aulopus chirichignoae, A New flagfin from the eastern Pacific Ocean (Teleostei, Aulopiformes, Aulopidae). Zootaxa. 5458(1); 108-118. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5458.1.6  

[Botany • 2025] Dictyanthus reflexiflorus (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Mexico

Dictyanthus reflexiflorus  Lozada-Pérez, E.B. Cortez & Martínez-Ambriz, 

in Lozada-Pérez, Cortez, Perez-Garcia, GONZÁLEZ et Martínez-Ambriz, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.3.1 

Abstract

A new species of Dictyanthus from the state of Michoacan, Mexico, is described and illustrated Dictyanthus reflexiflorus sp. nov. It grows in tropical deciduous forests located in the municipality of Tacámbaro. A phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data (plastid regions trnL-trnF and rps 16) was conducted to explore the relationship of the new species. Results place the new species in Dictyanthus. The morphological characters that support this relationship are the presence of uncinate hairs and a reticulate corolla. The species has unique characteristics within the genus, such as a reflexed corolla and the tube 10-lobed closely pressed to the side of the gynostegium. A key to distinguish Dictyanthus reflexiflorus from congeners in Mexico is included.

Asclepiadoideae, endemic, Gonolobinae, Michoacán, phylogeny, Eudicots

Dictyanthus reflexiflorus.
 A. Plant with inflorescences. B. Close-up of branch showing mixed indumentum. C. Close-up of thichomes. D. Colleters at base of leaf-blade. E. Inflorescence. F. Close-up of the indument of the abaxial surface of the corolla. G. Gynostegium with style-head. H. Gynostegial corona lobe in posterior view. I. Gynostegial corona lobe in frontal view. J. Pollinarium. Arrows showing the corolla lobes.

Illustrations by Ericka B. Cortez, based on Lozada-Pérez et al. 3835.

Dictyanthus reflexiflorus.
 A-C. Plant and inflorescences with mature flowers. D. Side view of corolla and gynostegium. E. Dried flower. F. Flower fixed in alcohol. G. Vertical section of corona and gynostegium. (GC: Gynostegial corona, G: Style head, black arrows = tube lobes, gray arrows = corpuscle and blue arrows = keels).

Photos by María de la Luz Perez-Garcia and Lucio LozadaPérez.

Dictyanthus reflexiflorus Lozada-Pérez, E.B. Cortez & Martínez-Ambriz, sp.nov. 

Dictyanthus reflexiflorus shares a climbing habit with D. altatensis (Brandegee) Stevens (2000: 243) but differs from it by the reflexed corolla 10-lobed at base and inflorescence with peduncles 3–4 mm long (vs. corolla rotate, without lobes at the base and inflorescence with peduncles 4–8 cm long).

Etymology:—The epithet reflexiflorus refers to the reflexed corolla, a distinctive feature that is unique in Dictyanthus. 

Lucio LOZADA-PÉREZ, Ericka B. CORTEZ, Maria De La Luz PEREZ-GARCIA, César Ramiro Martínez GONZÁLEZ and Emmanuel MARTÍNEZ-AMBRIZ. 2025. Dictyanthus reflexiflorus (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) A New Species from Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 682(3); 199-213. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.3.1 

 

[Botany • 2025] Prosthechea sanchezii • Clarification of Prosthechea guttata (Orchidaceae) and Description of An “old” New Prosthechea Species from southern Mexico and Guatemala

Prosthechea sanchezii  Salazar, R.Jiménez & T.L.Vieira,

in Salazar, Jiménez-Machorro, Vieira, Velasco-Gutiérrez, Maldonado, Salinas, Santiago et Hágsater, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3599 

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Abstract

Background: Epidendrum guttatum A.Rich. & Galeotti, based on specimens collected by Galeotti in Mexico in 1840, was predated by E. guttatum L. and replaced by Encyclia guttata Schltr. and subsequently by superfluous Epidendrum maculosum Ames, F.T.Hubb. & C.Schweinf.

Questions: The study aimed to show that the concept of Prosthechea guttata of recent authors was based on a misinterpretation of its type material, resulting in the application of the name to a different, undescribed species.

Studied species: Prosthechea guttata (Schltr.) Christenson and P. sanchezii Salazar, R.Jiménez & T.L.Vieira.

Study site and dates: Southern Mexico and Guatemala, 2004-2024.

Methods: Study of type material and its comparison with recent collections; field work; documental and herbarium research.

Results: The identity of Epidendrum guttatum A.Rich. & Galeotti (now Prosthechea guttata) is clarified, showing that recent authors have misinterpreted that morphologically distinctive species restricted to the Sierra Madre del Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico, confusing it with an undescribed species distributed east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico and in Guatemala. The latter is proposed here as a new species, Prosthechea sanchezii, distinguished from genuine P. guttata, and all other Prosthechea species, mainly by the echinate-warty crests on the outer surface of the sepals.

Conclusions: Prosthechea guttata and P. sanchezii are two distinct species historically confused but easily distinguished by morphological attributes, each distributed on opposite sides of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

Keywords: Epidendrum guttatum, Oaxaca, Prosthechea maculosa, Prosthechea sanchezii, Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Sierra Madre del Sur

A. Isolectotype of Epidendrum guttatum A.Rich. & Galeotti (W-R catalogue No. 117, reproduced by courtesy of the Herbarium of the Naturhis-torisches Museum Wien, Vienna, Austria). B. Close-up of the inflorescence of the specimen in A.
C. Prosthechea guttata in situ on a lichen-covered rock (from Velasco et al. 3038). D. Inflorescence of another plant of P. guttata (from Velasco et al. 2355).
E. Inflorescence of Prosthechea ochracea (from Pérez García s.n.). F. Inflorescence of Prosthechea panthera (from Hágsater 12607).

Photographs by Tiago L. Vieira (A-B), Kenia Velasco (C-D), and Gerardo A. Salazar (E-F).

Prosthechea sanchezii.
A. Flowering plant. B. Inflorescence. C. Close-up of flowers at the apex of the inflorescence. D. Flower, front view. E. Flower, back view. F. Floral dissection. G. Column, dorsal, side, and ventral views (left to right). H. Column, ventral view, after removal of anther and pollinarium. I. Anther, top and bottom views, the latter showing the four pollinia and caudicles.

Photographs by Gerardo A. Salazar (A-D, from Salazar et al. 5761) and Rolando Jiménez-Machorro (E-I, from Leleu sub Jiménez 860).

Prosthechea sanchezii Salazar, R.Jiménez & T.L.Vieira, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Similar to Prosthechea ochracea (Lindl.) W.E.Higgins, differing in the sepals with echinate-warty crests on the outer surface, the warts irregularly conical to uncinate, and the orangish ochre to greenish-orange flowers turning deep orange as the flower ages, the sepals and petals with sparse, irregular wine-red spots on their inner surface.

Etymology. The specific epithet honors our late friend and colleague Luis Martín Sánchez Saldaña (1966-2017), who for over 20 years was curator and researcher of Herbarium AMO, Mexico City, with a special interest in the systematics of the Epidendrum difforme Jacq. group.

Gerardo A. Salazar, Rolando Jiménez-Machorro, Tiago L. Vieira, Kenia Velasco-Gutiérrez, Mayra L. Maldonado, Julian Duarte Salinas, Elizabeth Santiago and Eric Hágsater. 2025. Clarification of Prosthechea guttata (Orchidaceae) and Description of An “old” New Prosthechea Species from southern Mexico and Guatemala.  Botanical Sciences. 103(1); 295-310. DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3599

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[Entomology • 2024] Pseumenes siangensis • A New Species of Potter Wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from Northeast India

Pseumenes siangensis

Benny Femi, Ranjith & Priyadarsanan, 2024 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v49i3.1268 

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Abstract

Pseumenes Giordani Soika, 1935 is a small genus of potter wasps occurring in Oriental, Australian and Palearctic Regions. Only one species, Pseumenes depressus (de Saussure, 1855) is known so far from India. A new species, Pseumenes siangensis sp. nov. from Arunachal Pradesh, is described. The morphological affinities of the new species are discussed. The new species is compared with the closely related P. depressus as well as P. laboriosus. Since P. depressus is similar to P. laboriosus, comparisons were made between P. laboriosus and P. siangensis sp. nov. The apical teeth of the propodeum are medium sized and blunt in P. siangensis sp. nov. (long and sharp in P. laboriosus); the posterior part of the first tergite is densely punctate in the middle P. siangensis sp. nov. (almost impunctate in P. laboriosus). The clypeus without a median black spot in P. siangensis sp. nov. (with median black spot in P. laboriosus).

Eastern Himalayas, new description, taxonomy, morphological affinities

Pseumenes siangensis sp. nov., holotype, female
A) habitus, lateral view; B) head, anterior view; C) head, dorsal view; D) head, lateral view. 

Pseumenes siangensis sp. nov.

E. Benny Femi, A.P. Ranjith and D.R. Priyadarsanan. 2024. Description of A New Species of Potter Wasp (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) from Northeast India. ENTOMON. 49(3); 465–470. DOI: doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v49i3.1268

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[Botany • 2025] Aschistanthera phucanhensis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from Phu Canh Nature Reserve, Hoa Binh province, Northwest Vietnam

 

Aschistanthera phucanhensis  C.W. Lin, K.S. Nguyen & D.B. Tran, 

in Phung, Lin, Kieu, Tran, Q. H. Nguyen et K. S. Nguyen, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.3.9 

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Abstract

A detailed description and illustrations are provided for the new species, Aschistanthera phucanhensis, from Phu Canh Nature Reserve in Hoa Binh province, Northwest Vietnam, are presented in this work. This marks the second known species within the genus. The novel species is differentiated from its related species, the type species of this genus, A. cristanthera, by several characteristics. These include the adaxial lamina surface being hirsute-hispid (vs. glabrous), with suprabasal veins (vs. basal), the hypanthium and sepals are covered with red hirsute-hispid or gland-tipped hirsute-hispid (vs. absent hairs), and the anther ventral cleft is cordate (vs. ventral cleft totally absent). According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, A. phucanhensis is assessed to be data deficient (DD).

Aschistanthera cristanthera, endemics, plant diversity, taxonomy, new taxa, Eudicots

Van Khoa PHUNG, Che Wei LIN, Thi Duong KIEU, Duc Binh TRAN, Quang Huy NGUYEN and Khang Sinh NGUYEN. 2025. Aschistanthera phucanhensis (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), A New Species from Phu Canh Nature Reserve, Hoa Binh province, Northwest Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 682(3); 281-287. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.3.9

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[Entomology • 2025] Psen fronistriatus & P. scabrosus • Two New Species of Psen Latreille, 1796 (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Crabronidae) from China, with A Key to Psen Species of China

Psen fronistriatus 

Deng, Ma & Li, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1224.133244  

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Psen Latreille, 1796, namely Psen fronistriatus sp. nov. and Psen scabrosus sp. nov. are described and illustrated from China. A key to the Chinese species of Psen is also provided.

Key words: Crabronidae, digger wasps, key, taxonomy

Psen fronistriatus sp. nov., holotype ♀
 A habitus, dorsal view B habitus, lateral view C head, frontal view D antennae E head, pronotum and scutum, dorsal view F scutellum, metanotum and propodeum, dorsal view G thorax, lateral view H propodeum, posterior view I left wing J pygidial plate, dorsal view.

Scale bars: 1 mm.

Psen fronistriatus sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from two Latin words: froni - (= frons) and -striatus (= striate), referring to the upper frons weakly striate.

 Psen scabrosus sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name from Latin word: scabrosus (= scabrous), referring to the head and thorax with large, scabrous punctures.

 Yao Deng, Li Ma, Qiang Li. 2025. Two New Species of Psen Latreille, 1796 (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Crabronidae) from China, with A Key to Psen Species of China. ZooKeys. 1224: 87-108. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1224.133244  

[Herpetology • 2025] A Roadmap for Harlequin Frog Systematics (Anura: Bufonidae: Atelopus), with a partial Revision of Amazonian Species related to Atelopus spumarius

  Atelopus harlequin

in Lötters, Böning, Bailon, Castañeda ... et Plewnia, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5571.1.1

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Abstract

Harlequin frogs, genus Atelopus, are a species-rich group of bufonid anurans from the Neotropics with more than 100 species. For nearly four decades now, this group has suffered from massive population declines. Almost all species are threatened with extinction, and many populations and several species are considered extinct or possibly extinct. This results in a limited sampling available for studies on harlequin frog systematics, especially in terms of molecular genetic information. However, efficient conservation of harlequin frogs requires an improved taxonomy. This is further complicated through the circumstance that many Atelopus species are relatively poor in external morphological characters combined with a high level of intra-specific character variation (e.g. coloration and body size). At the same time, cryptic diversity exists with well differentiated species (supported by osteology and molecular genetics) almost indistinguishable by external morphology. We compiled the largest dataset to date for mitochondrial (12S, 16S, cyt b) and nuclear (POMC, RAG1) markers and present a phylogeny (likelihood and Bayesian inference methods) including 152 samples from 104 populations scattered over the entire geographic range of the genus. Four allo- or parapatric main clades are distinguished: I. Sierra Nevada; II. Venezuelan-Andean; III. Andean-Chocó-Central American (with the ignescens and the varius-longirostris clades); and IV Amazonian (containing the tricolor and the flavescens-spumarius clades). The phylogenetic relationships within these clades remain to be resolved. Taxonomic implications included both splitting and lumping, but taxonomic action is here only taken for populations related to A. spumarius from western Amazonia. Besides redescriptions of A. spumarius sensu stricto and A. colomai, we describe two new species based on morphology, skull osteology and bioacoustics. Additional yet understudied populations from Amazonia may be allocated to these species or may represent additional undescribed taxa.

 Amphibia, Anura, amphibian crisis,  cryptic diversity, Neotropics, integrative taxonomy

  Atelopus harlequin sp. nov.

 Atelopus histrionicus sp. nov.

 

 

Stefan LÖTTERS, Philipp BÖNING, Salvador BAILON, Jose Daniel Barros CASTAÑEDA, Renaud BOISTEL, Alessandro CATENAZZI, Juan C. CHAPARRO, Germán CHÁVEZ, Angel CHUJUTALLI, LAURENT COEN, LUIS A. COLOMA, ANDREW J. CRAWFORD, Jaime CULEBRAS, JUAN CARLOS CUSI MARTÍNEZ, JUAN MANUEL DAZA, IGNACIO DE LA RIVA, DENISE J. ELLWEIN, RAFFAEL ERNST, SANDRA V. FLECHAS, ANTOINE FOUQUET, JUAN MANUEL GUAYASAMIN, CHRISTOPHER HEINE, RAFAEL F. JORGE, ALISHA JUNG, KARL-HEINZ JUNGFER, NATHALIE KAFFENBERGER, HENRIK KREHENWINKEL, ENRIQUE LA MARCA, MARGARITA LAMPO, GUIDO F. MEDINA RANGEL, LUDVIG ORSEN, DANIEL J. PALUH, JOSÉ LUIS PÉREZ GONZALEZ, JONATHAN PERRIN, AMANDA B. QUEZADA RIERA, JUAN PABLO REYES-PUIG, Bernardo Roca-Rey ROSS, DANIELA C. RÖSSLER, LUIS ALBERTO RUEDA SOLANO, DAVID SALAZAR-VALENZUELA, JOSEFA CELSA SEÑARIS VAZQUEZ, MORGANE SOWINSKI, ANDREA TERÁN-VALDEZ, ANGIE TOVAR-ORTIZ, MICHAEL VEITH, PABLO VENEGAS, RUDOLF VON MAY, TIMM WEITKAMP and AMADEUS PLEWNIA. 2025. A Roadmap for Harlequin Frog Systematics, with a partial Revision of Amazonian Species related to Atelopus spumarius. Zootaxa.  5571(1); 1-76. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5571.1.1  

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[Herpetology • 2025] Deep Cryptic Diversity in the Craugastor podiciferus Species Group (Anura: Craugastoridae) of Isthmian Central America revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear data

 (A) Craugastor aenigmaticus (UCR 22961) from Cerro Arbolado, Puntarenas, CR, (B) C. blairi (SMF 104032) from Fortuna, PA, (C) C. sagui (SMF 104018) from La Nevera, PA,
 (D) C. zunigai (UCR 20389) from Potrero Grande, Puntarenas, CR, (E-F) C. podiciferus (UCR 23155, 23159) from Caribbean slopes of Cerro Kamuk, Limón, CR,
 (J) Craugastor sp. Pico Blanco (UCR 24466) from Escazú, San José, CR, (K) Craugastor sp. Chumacera (UCR 23011) from Chumacera, San José, CR, (L) Craugastor sp. Siola (UCR 23169) from Siola, Limón, CR, 
(M) C. bransfordii from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (O) C. underwoodi from Cascajal, San José, CR, (V) C. rearki from Siquirres, Limón, CR.

in Arias, Crawford, Hertz et Olea,. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18212

Abstract 

The Craugastor podiciferus Species Group contains eleven species of terraranan frogs distributed from eastern Honduras to eastern Panama. All species have remarkable color pattern polymorphisms, which may contribute to potential taxonomic problems. We performed exhaustive sampling throughout the geographic distribution of the group to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history of all named species based on two mitochondrial markers and nuclear ddRAD loci. We also implemented various species delimitation methods to test for the presence of unconfirmed candidate species within the group. Molecular phylogenetic analyses showed that the group contains four major clades. All currently named species are supported by molecular data, yet species richness within the group is clearly underestimated. Species delimitation was discordant between the mitochondrial and nuclear datasets and among analytical methods. Adopting a conservative approach, we propose that the C. podiciferus species group contains at least 12 unconfirmed candidate species. Ancestral area reconstruction showed that the group originated and diversified in the highlands of the Talamancan montane forest ecoregion of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Photographs in life of Craugastor podiciferus species complex.
 (A) Craugastor aenigmaticus (UCR 22961) from Cerro Arbolado, Puntarenas, CR, (B) C. blairi (SMF 104032) from Fortuna, PA, (C) C. sagui (SMF 104018) from La Nevera, PA, (D) C. zunigai (UCR 20389) from Potrero Grande, Puntarenas, CR, 
(E-F) C. podiciferus (UCR 23155, 23159) from Caribbean slopes of Cerro Kamuk, Limón, CR, (G) Craugastor sp. Monte Verde (UCR 24613) from Monte Verde, Puntarenas, CR, (H) Craugastor sp. San Gerardo (CRARC 0247) from San Gerardo, Guanacaste, CR,
(I) Craugastor sp. Fila Costeña (UCR 23028) from Quebradas, San José, CR, (J) Craugastor sp. Pico Blanco (UCR 24466) from Escazú, San José, CR, (K) Craugastor sp. Chumacera (UCR 23011) from Chumacera, San José, CR, (L) Craugastor sp. Siola (UCR 23169) from Siola, Limón, CR, 
 (M) C. bransfordii from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (N) Craugastor sp. Fila Carbon (UCR 23127) from Amubri, Limón, CR, (O) C. underwoodi from Cascajal, San José, CR, (P) Craugastor sp. Quebradas from Fila Costeña, Puntarenas, CR,
(Q) Craugastor sp. Vereh (UCR 23040) from Vereh, Cartago, CR, (R) Craugastor sp. Panama (SMF 104010) from Rambala. PA, (S) C. stejnegerianus (UCR 22976) from Palmar Norte, Puntarenas, CR, (T) C. gabbi (UCR 22998) from San Vito, Puntarenas, CR,
(U) C. persimilis from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (V) C. rearki from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (W) Craugastor sp. Neilly (UCR 22985) from Río Claro, Puntarenas, CR, and (X) Craugastor sp. Quepos (UCR 24612) from Montes de Oca, San José CR.

Photos by E. Arias (A, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, N, Q, S, T, W, and X), Andreas Hertz (B,C, and R), Eduardo Boza-Oviedo (D and O), Brian Kubicki (H, M, U, and V), and Raby Nuñez (P).

Conclusions: 

The diversity within the Craugastor podiciferus Species Group is vastly underestimated, as revealed by the presence of several undescribed species recovered from the phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses. An exhaustive morphological review of the genetic lineages may show morphological characteristics that would allow for the differentiation of the molecular lineages. Comprehensive studies are needed on habitat use, acoustics, behavior, and other data to corroborate and better understand the taxonomy of all lineages revealed here.

Based on our mitochondrial and nuclear analyses, morphological evidence, and previous information we recovered 23 lineages, 11 with names and 12 unconfirmed candidate species. Based on our results, we propose the following changes:

• We restrict C. podiciferus to populations of Cordillera Volcánica Central from Costa Rica and the Cordillera de Talamanca of Costa Rica and western Panama. In the Cordillera de Talamanca, C. podiciferus is restricted to the Caribbean slopes.

 •Craugastor polyptychus is referred to as a junior synonym of C. bransfordii.

 • Craugastor rearki is resurrected to include wide-ranging populations from the Caribbean versant of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.

 • Craugastor lauraster is referred to as a junior synonym of the older name, C. rearki.

Finally, we want to highlight the need to continue exploring remote areas in the ICA, especially in the Talamanca Mountain Range. The fieldwork performed in this area has resulted in the discovery of several new species or new records for the region. Therefore, more fieldwork and laboratory work are necessary to improve the knowledge of biodiversity in this region to perform informed strategies of conservation.

Erick Arias, Andrew J. Crawford, Andreas Hertz and Gabriela Parra Olea​. 2025. Deep Cryptic Diversity in the Craugastor podiciferus Species Group (Anura: Craugastoridae) of Isthmian Central America revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear data. PeerJ. 13:e18212. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18212

[Herpetology • 2024] Cyrtodactylus borgattaorum • A New granite cave dwelling endemic species of the Cyrtodactylus intermedius group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hon Son Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam

 

Cyrtodactylus borgattaorum  

 Tran, Lam, T. M. N. Nguyen, N. T. Nguyen, T. T. P. Nguyen, Smith, V. D. H. Nguyen & Grismer, 2024

 HonSon  vince, . . 5543(4); 485-512. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5541.4.4 

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Abstract

During field work on Hon Son Island, we discovered a new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus inferred from genetic and morphological evidence. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial gene ND2, delimit Cyrtodactylus borgattaorum sp. nov. as a new species in the C. intermedius group and the strongly supported sister species of C. phuquocensis in both Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses. The new species is distinguished from all other members of the intermedius group by having the combination of 12 supralabials; 10 or 11 infralabials; 22 or 23 small, rounded, smooth, paravertebral tubercles; 12 rows of small, rounded, smooth, longitudinally arranged body tubercles; 35–39 ventrals; 8–10 expanded subdigital lamellae, 12 or 13 unexpanded subdigital lamellae, and 21 or 22 total subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; 21 or 22 enlarged femorals; 8 or 9 enlarged precloacals; 8 or 9 precloacal pores in males; three rows of enlarged post-precloacals; postcloacal tubercles; enlarged femorals and enlarged precloacals not continuous; proximal femorals nearly same size of distal femorals; body tubercles smooth, greatly reduced; no pocketing between digits on the hands and feet; two dark-colored pigmented blotches on top of head; four dark-colored dorsal bands lacking lightened centers, thinner than light-colored interspaces between bands, bordered by prominent white tubercles; no dark body markings in light-colored interspaces between bands; limbs bearing white tubercles; and six dark-colored and light-colored caudal bands. Cyrtodactylus borgattaorum sp. nov. lives in syntopy with Cyrtodactylus eisenmanae which is the first record of syntopy between granite cave dwelling Cyrtodactylus.

Reptilia, integrative taxonomy, bent-toed gecko, Gulf of Thailand, phylogeny, insular endemism, Southeast Asia

Cyrtodactylus borgattaorum sp. nov.

Cyrtodactylus eisenmanae, another endemic Cyrtodactylus species from the island. This one lives in syntopy with C. borgattaorum.
The third Cyrtodactylus species found on Hon Son, C. condorensis. This one is not cave adapted and spends more time above ground.

Thinh Gia TRAN, Ngon Quang LAM, Truong Minh Nhat NGUYEN, Nga Thi NGUYEN, Thao Thi Phuong NGUYEN, Jacob SMITH, Vu Dang Hoang NGUYEN, L Lee GRISMER. 2024. A New granite cave dwelling endemic species of the Cyrtodactylus intermedius group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hon Son Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. Zootaxa. 5543(4); 485-512. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5541.4.4

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L. Lee GRISMER and Jacob SMITH. 2023. Additions to the herpetofauna of Hon Son Island, Rach Gia Bay, Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam with a discussion of syntopy between the granite cave-adapted Bent-toed Gecko Cyrtodactylus eisenmanae and a new Cyrtodactylus of uncertain taxonomic status.   Zootaxa. 5346(3); 307-316. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5346.3.4 [2023-09-19] https://zenodo.org/records/8390157 

[Herpetology • 2023] Identity of the Holotype and Type Locality of Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) (Colubridae: Natricinae), with notes on the morphology and natural history of the species in southwestern China

 

Rhabdophis leonardi  (Wall, 1923)

 in Yang, Savitzky, Gower, Deepak, Mori, ... et Zhu, 2023.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10032 

 Researchgate.net/publication/370470860

(photos by S. Yang, G. Zhu, W. Tang, Xu from Huangcao Village & L. Ding)

Abstract

The original description of Natrix leonardi (currently Rhabdophis leonardi) by Frank Wall in 1923, based on a specimen from the “Upper Burma Hills,” lacked important morphological details that have complicated the assignment of recently collected material. Furthermore, although the holotype was never lost, its location has been misreported in one important taxonomic reference, leading to further confusion. We report the correct repository of the holotype (Natural History Museum, London), together with its current catalog number. We also describe key features of that specimen that were omitted from the original description, and provide new details on the morphology of the species, including sexual dichromatism unusual for the genus, based upon specimens from southern Sichuan, China. Rhabdophis leonardi is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: 15 or 17 DSR at midbody and 6 supralabials; distinct annulus around the neck, broad and red in males, and narrow and orange with a black border in females; dorsal ground color light green or olive; some lateral and dorsal scales possessing black edges, the frequency of black edges gradually increasing from anterior to posterior, forming irregular and ill-defined transverse black bands; eye with prominent green iris; black ventral spots with a red edge, most numerous at midbody but extending halfway down the length of the tail. In southwestern China, this species is frequently found at 1730–2230 m elevation. It has been documented to prey upon anuran amphibians, including toads. A recently published phylogenetic analysis showed this species to be deeply nested with the genus Rhabdophis, as a member of the R. nuchalis Group. That analysis also revealed the existence of two closely related but geographically distinct subclades in the molecular analysis, one of which may represent an unnamed taxon.

Keywords: distribution, morphology, Natricidae, Sinlum Kaba, snakes, systematics

Photos of the holotype of Rhabdophis leonardi, BMNH 1946.1.12.86 (female). Top row (left to right), details of head in dorsal, right lateral, ventral, and left lateral views. Center row (left to right), dorsal and ventral views of entire specimen. Bottom row (left to right), details of posterior body and tail in dorsal (2 views), ventral, and left lateral views. (photos by Kevin Webb, Photo Unit, Natural History Museum, London).

Photos of Rhabdophis leonardi in life.
(a) Male (SICAU201705031) (photo by Shijun Yang); (b) Female (SICAU201705027) (photo by Guangxiang Zhu);
(c) offspring of SICAU201705027, incubated in laboratory (SICAU201707021) (photo by Wenjiang Tang); (d) out-of-focus photo of R. leonardi consuming a toad in the field (photo by Mr. Xu from Huangcao Village, Panzhihua City, China);
(e, f) individual (not collected) from the West Mountain of Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (photos by Li Ding).

Shi-Jun Yang, Alan H. Savitzky, David J. Gower, V. Deepak, Akira Mori, Rahul Khot, Jing-Song Shi, Li Ding, Mian Hou, Hai-Yuan Xu, Qin Wang and Guang-Xiang Zhu. 2023. Identity of the Holotype and Type Locality of Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) (Colubridae: Natricinae), with notes on the morphology and natural history of the species in southwestern China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10032 

 Researchgate.net/publication/370470860_Identity_of_the_holotype_of_Rhabdophis_leonardi_Wall_1923_Colubridae_Natricinae

[Entomology • 2024] Metapocyrtus inangsabong, M. lumad & M. uphagpula • Three New Mimetic Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from Mt. Candalaga, Davao de Oro, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Metapocyrtus inangsabong Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov., 
Metapocyrtus lumad Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov., and 
Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) uphagpula Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov.

in Obrial, Agbas, Medina et Cabras, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5541.4.2 

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Abstract

Three new species of Metapocyrtus: Metapocyrtus inangsabong Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov., Metapocyrtus lumad Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov., and Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) uphagpula Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Short ecological notes on the species’ habitat, mimicry with other weevils and beetles, and the association between Nepenthes candalaga and Pachyrhynchini in the Philippines are also presented.

Coleoptera, Biodiversity, endemic, new species, mimicry, Pachyrhynchini, weevils, Nepenthes

  

Metapocyrtus inangsabong Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov., 

Metapocyrtus lumad Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov.,

Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) uphagpula Cabras, Obrial & Agbas 

Graden G. OBRIAL, Daven JAYSON D. AGBAS, Milton Norman D. MEDINA and Analyn A. CABRAS. 2024. Three New Mimetic Weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae) from Mt. Candalaga, Davao de Oro, Mindanao Island, Philippines.  Zootaxa. 5543(4); 438-454. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5541.4.2

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