[Arachnida • 2024] Microtityus adriki • On one of the smallest Amazonian scorpions: A New Species of Microtityus Kjellesvig-Waering, 1966 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Brazil, with amended Diagnosis and potential Distribution Analysis for the Genus

 Microtityus (Microtityus) adriki 

Moreno-González, Bertani & Carvalho, 2024

  sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/zoosystema 

 Researchgate.net/publication/380095877

A new scorpion species, Microtityus adriki n. sp., is described based on adult specimens collected in Cantá, state of Roraima (RR), northern Brazil. Microtityus adriki n. sp. is the second species of Microtityus Kjellesvig-Waering, 1966 known from Brazil and is one of the smallest scorpion species (12.39-19.47 mm) in the Amazonian region. In this study, we propose an amended generic diagnosis and a specific diagnosis, describe the male hemispermatophore of Microtityus, give the sequence of COI barcode, and present a potential distribution analysis for the genus. The morphology of the male hemispermatophore of Microtityus differs from that of other Neotropical buthid genera, except for the number of lobes (three lobes), which is a character state shared with several genera. The potential distribution model generated by MaxEnt suggests high environmental suitability for the genus in the Antilles and northern South America, with scattered high suitability in several regions of Central America. However, the model did not indicate high suitability in areas where Brazilian species occur (i.e., Microtityus adriki n. sp. and Microtityus vanzolinii Lourenço & Eickstedt, 1983), and this could be explained by a sampling bias. Therefore, future studies, including extensive sampling, are required to better understand the biogeographic processes behind the distribution of this genus.

KEYWORDS: scorpion, biogeography, MaxEnt, microbuthids, niche, Roraima, new species

 Microtityus (Microtityus) adriki n. sp.:
 A, B, ♂ paratype (MZSP 76548): dorsal (A); ventral (B);
C, D, ♀ holotype (MZSP 76547): dorsal (C); ventral (D).

Scale bars: 5 mm.

 Microtityus (Microtityus) adriki n. sp., live habitus:
A, B, females, on leaf litter.

photos: Rogério Bertani.

Jairo A. MORENO-GONZÁLEZ, Rogério BERTANI and Leonardo S. CARVALHO. 2024. On one of the smallest Amazonian scorpions: A New Species of Microtityus Kjellesvig-Waering, 1966 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Brazil, with amended Diagnosis and potential Distribution Analysis for the Genus. ZOOSYSTEMA. 46(10); 245-268.  

  sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/zoosystema/46/10

 Researchgate.net/publication/380095877_a_new_species_of_Microtityus_from_Brazil

  twitter.com/RogerioBertani/status/1783615072452968901

[Botany • 2024] Vaccinium dehongense (Ericaceae) • A New Species from western Yunnan, China

Vaccinium dehongense  Y.H.Tong, 

in Tong, Ye et Ni, 2024.  

滇西越橘  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.242.121623

 

Abstract

Vaccinium dehongense (Ericaceae), a new species from Yingjiang County of Yunnan Province, China is described and illustrated. This new species belongs to Vaccinium sect. Epigynium and is most similar to V. vacciniaceum, but differs from the latter in the subsessile leaves, the inflorescence usually developing at leafless nodes, the shorter pedicels and the filaments being ca. 1/3 length of the stamens. Since the type locality of this new species is very near the border between China and Myanmar, it is probably also distributed in the adjacent area of Myanmar. As no population assessment of this species in its whole distribution area is made, it is best to assign a conservation status of ‘Data Deficient’ (DD) for this species.

Key words: Morphology, taxonomy, Vaccinieae, Yingjiang County

Vaccinium dehongense
A habitat, the red arrow indicating this species B habit C flowering branchlets D inflorescences E infructescences with immature fruits F part of an inflorescence, showing bracts and bracteoles G flower with corolla removed H stamens, adaxial, lateral and abaxial view I ovary cross-section, showing pseudo-10-locular ovary.

Scale bars: 5 mm (F–G); 3 mm (H–I). Photographs by Yi-Hua Tong.

 Vaccinium dehongense Y.H.Tong, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This new species is morphologically similar to V. vacciniaceum, especially its subspecies, V. vacciniaceum subsp. glabritubum P. F. Stevens (with a glabrous internal corolla surface), in having pseudo-verticillate leaves with a serrate margin and a rounded leaf base, glandular-setulose twigs with scattered lenticels, elongate racemose inflorescences with many flowers, narrowly triangular bracts and bracteoles and a glabrous internal corolla surface, but can be distinguished by subsessile (vs. with 1–4 mm long petioles) leaves, the inflorescences usually developing at leafless nodes (vs. axils of leaves), shorter pedicels (6–7.5 mm vs. 7–13 mm) and filaments being ca. 1/3 length of the stamens (vs. ca. 1/2).

Etymology: The species epithet is derived from the type locality, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture. Its Chinese name is given as 滇西越橘 (Pinyin: diān xī yuè jú).

 Yi-Hua Tong, Xing-Er Ye and Jing-Bo Ni. 2024. Vaccinium dehongense (Ericaceae), A New Species of Vaccinium sect. Epigynium from western Yunnan, China.  PhytoKeys. 242: 31-37. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.242.121623

[Botany • 2024] Zingiber locbacense (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Lam Dong Province, Southern Vietnam

Zingiber locbacense D.D. Nguyễn & C.W. Lin, 

in Nguyễn et Lin, 2024.  

DOI: 10.5735/085.061.0118 

  facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract

Zingiber locbacense D.D. Nguyễn & C.W. Lin sp. nova (Zingiberaceae) is described and illustrated from southern Lam Dong Province, south Vietnam. It is morphologically similar to Z. collinsii in several characters, from which it differs by having inflorescences with pink bracts and a rounded apex, shorter bracteoles, smaller corolla lobes, and the flowering period that occurs from March to early May. All known occurrences of Z. locbacense are in non-protected areas, and there is a hydroelectric power station being developed in a neighbouring area. Hence we assess the conservational status of Z. locbacense as Endangered (EN).

Zingiber locbacense D.D. Nguyễn & C.W. Lin sp. nova

 

Danh Đức Nguyễn and Che-Wei Lin. 2024. Zingiber locbacense (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Lam Dong Province, Southern Vietnam.  Annales Botanici Fennici 61(1), 123-130. DOI: 10.5735/085.061.0118

   facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10225337840736582

[Paleontology • 2024] Ophiactis hex • Fossil Evidence for the ancient link between clonal fragmentation, Six-fold Symmetry and an epizoic lifestyle in asterozoan echinoderms (Echinodermata: Asterozoa: Ophiuroidea)

  Ophiactis hex 

Thuy, Numberger-Thuy, Härer, Kroh, Winkler & Schweigert, 2024

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2832

 

Abstract

Asexual reproduction by means of splitting, also called fissiparity, is a common feature in some asterozoan groups, especially in ophiactid brittle stars. Most fissiparous brittle stars show six instead of the usual five rays, live as epibionts on host organisms, and use clonal fragmentation to rapidly colonize secluded habitats and effectively expand the margins of their distribution area. While the biology and ecology of clonal fragmentation are comparatively well understood, virtually nothing is known about the evolution and geological history of that phenomenon. Here, we describe an exceptional fossil of an articulated six-armed brittle star from the Late Jurassic of Germany, showing one body half in the process of regeneration, and assign it to the new species Ophiactis hex sp. nov. Phylogenetic inference shows that the fossil represents the oldest member of the extant family Ophiactidae. Because the Ophiactis hex specimen shows an original six-fold symmetry combined with a morphology typically found in epizoic ophiuroids, in line with recent fissiparous ophiactid relatives, we assume that the regenerating body half is an indication for fissiparity. Ophiactis hex thus shows that fissiparity was established as a means of asexual reproduction in asterozoan echinoderms by the Late Jurassic.

Keywords: Ophiuroidea, late Jurassic, fissiparous, phylogeny, Ophiactidae

  Ophiactis hex sp. nov., holotype SMNS 70508; from the Nusplingen Lithographic Limestone (Nusplingen Formation), Beckeri Zone, Ulmense Subzone, late Kimmeridgian, Late Jurassic, Nusplingen, Germany.
 Light photographs of the complete specimen exposing the dorsal side 

Systematic palaeontology

Class Ophiuroidea Gray, 1840

Superorder Ophintegrida O'Hara et al., 2017

Order Amphilepidida O'Hara et al., 2017

Superfamily Ophiactoidea Ljungman, 1867

Family Ophiactidae Matsumoto, 1915

Genus Ophiactis Lütken, 1856

Ophiactis hex sp. nov.

 Species diagnosis: Small ophiactid with six arms, dorsal side of disc with a dense cover of granules and spinelets; lateral arm plates with outer surface covered by small tubercles arranged in a faint vertical striation; arm spines large and slightly flattened; distalmost arm segments with at least one hook-shaped arm spine.

  Etymology: Species name (used as noun in apposition) referring to Hex, the organic/inorganic/magical super-computer of Terry Pratchett's Unseen University, capable of thinking the unthinkable.

 

Ben Thuy, Lea D. Numberger-Thuy, Jürgen Härer, Andreas Kroh, Viola Winkler and Günter Schweigert. 2024. Fossil Evidence for the ancient link between clonal fragmentation, Six-fold Symmetry and an epizoic lifestyle in asterozoan echinoderms. Proc. R. Soc. B. 291: 20232832. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2832

[Herpetology • 2024] Takydromus guilinensis • A New Species of the Genus Takydromus (Squamata: Lacertidae) from Northeastern Guangxi, China

Takydromus guilinensis

Guo, Hu, Chen, Zhong & Ji, 2024

DOI 10.3390/ani14101402

Abstract

During our collecting trip to Guangxi in 2016, we collected ten specimens of the genus Takydromus from the suburb of Guilin, northeastern Guangxi, South China, and found that they did not belong to any currently known species. Here, we described this new species, Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov., based on morphological and mitochondrial DNA (CO1 and cyt b) data. This new species is a sister taxon to T. intermedius with a p-distance of 0.070 in CO1 and 0.080 in cyt b. These two p-distances exceed not only the minimum value (0.067) between T. septentrionalis and T. stejnegeri but also the minimum value (0.079) between T. intermedius and T. yunkaiensis. Morphologically, this new species differs from other currently recognized Takydromus species from the same clade, more evidently in the longitudinal rows of dorsal scales, transverse rows of scales at the mid-body and mensural variables. The description of Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. increases the total number of Takydromus species to 25, of which 16 can be found in China. Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. is currently known only from Guilin, Guangxi, South China, where it is sympatric with the other four Takydromus species (T. septentrionalis, T. kuehnei, T. sexlineatus and T. intermedius).

Keywords: Lacertidae; molecular phylogenetic analysis; morphology; South China; Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov.; taxonomy

A gravid female Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. 

Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. 
  Close-up views of the adult female holotype (WZU R20160406) from the suburb of Guilin.
(A): dorsal view of the body; (B): ventral view of the body; (C): lateral view of the head; (D): ventral view of the head; (E): dorsal view of the head; (F): ventral view of the posterior part of the body, showing inguinal pores.

Photo by Kun Guo.

Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. A new small oviparous Takydromus species distinguished from all other currently known congeneric species with the following mensural and meristic characters. First, SVL 39.4–46.7 mm in adult males and 42.8–52.4 mm in adult females. Second, dorsal ground color brown; ventral surface white. Third, skull flattening (HL/HW = 1.8–2.0). Fourth, 32–36 longitudinal rows of dorsal scales. Fifth, 27–33 transverse rows of scales at the mid-body.

the locality where 10 specimens of Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. were collected.  

Etymology. The specific epithet is a Latinization of Guilin City, Guangxi, China.

 Kun Guo, Yong-Hao Hu, Jian Chen, Jun Zhong and Xiang Ji. 2024. A New Species of the Genus Takydromus (Squamata: Lacertidae) from Northeastern Guangxi, China. Animals. 14(10), 1402. DOI 10.3390/ani14101402

Simple Summary: The genus Takydromus (Squamata: Lacertidae) currently comprises 24 species distributed in East (Eastern Palearctic) and Southeast (Oriental) Asia. Of these 24 species, 15 can be found in China, 8 only in the Chinese mainland and adjacent countries or regions, 6 only in Taiwan and 1 (T. kuehnei) on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Here, we described a new Takydromus species from the suburb of Guilin, northeastern Guangxi, South China, based on morphological and mitochondrial DNA data. From the phylogeny reconstructed with a mitochondrial DNA fragment (CO1 and cyt b), we know that the new species differs from its congeners and that it is a sister taxon to T. intermedius. Morphologically, the new species can be diagnosed from other Takydromus species from the same clade. Based on the above multiple lines of evidence, we suggest that this lacertid lizard from Guilin should be named as a new species, Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. The discovery of this species increases the total number of Takydromus species to 25, of which 16 can be found in China.

[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. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.619.1.2

    Researchgate.net/publication/374443908 

   facebook.com/PauloGonella

 

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

  Researchgate.net/publication/374443908_A_new_species_of_Krenakanthus_from_MinasGerais_Brazil  

  facebook.com/PauloGonella/posts/6830864266972514

   

[Botany • 2023] Hippeastrum euryphyllum (Amaryllidaceae: Hippeastreae) • A microendemic Species from northeastern Argentina: New Combination, Description, Taxonomic Identity and Distribution

Hippeastrum euryphyllum  (Ravena) W.A. Medina & Roitman,

in Florentín, Medina, Salas et Roitman, 2023. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.625.2.8 

  facebook.com/GermanRoitman5

  twitter.com/Florentin_JE

 

Abstract

As part of a series of taxonomic and floristic studies of the endemic vascular flora from Corrientes-Argentina, here we focus our attention on the genus Hippeastrum (Amaryllidaceae). Two species Hippeastrum angustifolium Pax, and Hippeastrum striatum (Lam.) H.E. Moore are cited for Corrientes, Argentina. However, another related taxon, Amaryllis euryphylla Ravenna, a microendemic species from Paraje Tres Cerros, is also recognized for the province. After a detailed study of all original available material, numerous herbarium specimens, and new field collections, we perform a new combination of Amaryllis euryphylla under the genus Hippeastrum as H. euryphyllum. In addition, photographs in its habitat, comments on the geographic distribution and identification key for Hippeastrum species from Corrientes are provided.

Hippeastrum, description, distribution, nomenclature, taxonomy, Monocots 

 

Hippeastrum euryphyllum (Ravena) W.A. Medina & Roitman, comb. nov.

Basionym: Amaryllis euryphylla Ravena (2003: 11).  

Javier E. Florentín, Walter A. Medina, Roberto M. Salas and German Roitman. 2023. Hippeastrum euryphyllum (Amaryllidaceae), A microendemic Species from northeastern Argentina: New Combination, Description, Taxonomic Identity and Distribution.  Phytotaxa. 625(2); 220-226. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.625.2.8

  twitter.com/Florentin_JE/status/1722415611626573934

  facebook.com/GermanRoitman5/posts/10162018491498357

[Arachnida • 2024] Austrarchaea andersoni • A New Species of Pelican Spider (Araneae: Archaeidae) from the Whitsunday Hinterland of central-eastern Queensland

Austrarchaea andersoni Rix,  

in Rix et Harvey, 2024

DOI: 10.54102/ajt.8sf6i

Abstract

Pelican spiders of the genus Austrarchaea Forster & Platnick, 1984 (family Archaeidae) are well represented in the tropical rainforests of central-eastern and north-eastern Queensland, with nine species currently described. However, this monophyleytic tropical fauna remains poorly documented relative to other lineages of Archaeidae from subtropical and temperate regions south of the St Lawrence Gap, with numerous additional species likely still unnamed. Here, we describe a new species from the Central Mackay Coast bioregion of central-eastern Queensland. Like other Australian Archaeidae, it is a short-range endemic taxon, known only from upland rainforest habitats in the Whitsunday hinterland near Airlie Beach. We show its clear morphological affinities to a closely related species from Eungella National Park, and further provide live habitus images and habitat information.

Austrarchaea andersoni Rix, sp. nov. from Conway National Park:
1, paratype female (QMB S124037) cephalothorax and abdomen, lateral view; 2, holotype male (QMB S124036) cephalothorax and abdomen, lateral view; 3, holotype male chelicerae and accessory setae, lateral view; 4, 5, paratype female (QMB S124039) internal genitalia, cleared (4, postero-ventral view; 5, antero-dorsal view). Abbreviations: AS, accessory setae; BL, book lung cover; GP, genital plate; SP, spermathecae. Scale bar = 1.0 mm (1, 2).

Live habitus and habitat images of Austrarchaea andersoni Rix, sp. nov.:
 12–14, paratype female (QMB S124037) from Conway National Park; 15, 16, holotype male (QMB S124036) from Conway National Park; 17, paratype male (QMB S124043) from Conway National Park; 18–20, rainforest habitat at the type locality, start of Whitsundays Great Walk, Conway National Park. Images 12–14 by G. Anderson (used with permission); 15–20 by M. Rix.

 Family ARCHAEIDAE Koch & Berendt, 1854

 Genus Austrarchaea Forster & Platnick, 1984

Austrarchaea andersoni Rix, sp. nov. 

(Whitsunday Hinterland Pelican Spider)

Etymology: This species is named in honour of Dr Greg Anderson, Honorary Research Fellow at Queensland Museum, for his substantial contributions to arachnology, and for first collecting this species at Conway National Park in 2023.

  

Michael G. Rix and Mark S. Harvey. 2024. A New Species of Pelican Spider (Araneae: Archaeidae) from the Whitsunday Hinterland of central-eastern Queensland. Australian Journal of Taxonomy. 64: 1–7. DOI: 10.54102/ajt.8sf6i

[Crustacea • 2023] Stoliczia setoiyenica • A New Species of Freshwater Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from southern Thailand

 Stoliczia setoiyenica

 Tan, Lheknim & Ng, 2023

 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5360.4.4 

twitter.com/ZhiWanTan

 

Abstract

A new species of freshwater crab is described from southern Thailand, near the border with Peninsular Malaysia. Species of Stoliczia are characterised by their relatively flat carapace, a third maxilliped exopod that possesses no or a very short flagellum, and a conical male gonopod terminal segment that lacks or only has a very low dorsal fold. Stoliczia setoiyenica, new species, most closely resembles S. perlensis and S. kedahensis from northern Peninsula Malaysia but can be easily distinguished from congeners by differences in carapace and male gonopod morphology. Comparisons to the two known Thai Stoliczia species, S. panhai and S. ekavibhathai, are also provided for completeness.

Crustacea, Satun Province, Isthmus of Kra, Potamoidea, taxonomy

Stoliczia setoiyenica, new species

 Zhi Wan Tan, Vachira Lheknim, and Peter K. L. Ng. 2023. Stoliczia setoiyenica, A New Species of Freshwater Crab from southern Thailand (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae).  Zootaxa. 5360(4); 531-544. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5360.4.4

 twitter.com/ZhiWanTan/status/1786297840156995868

[Entomology • 2024] Ravenna nivea ssp. ngiunmoiae • A peculiar Insular Race of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) endemic to Yinggeling Mountain of Hainan, suggesting heterogeneous geological history of Mountain Formation of the Island

  

 Ravenna nivea ssp. ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu,  

 

in Hsu​, Lo et Lin. 2024. 

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17172

Abstract 

A peculiar population of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) was discovered from the Yinggeling Mountain Mass of central Hainan. Its wing pattern and COI barcode data show considerable distinction from other geographic populations of R. nivea, including that of Bawangling, approximately only 40 km away and also located in Hainan. The p-distance value of the COI barcode between the Yinggeling and Bawangling populations was 1.1%, considerably higher than the value (0.6%) between Bawangling population and populations in eastern China, where the subspecific name howarthi Saigusa, 1993 applies. The population is regarded as a distinct subspecies ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu, subsp. nov. The distinctness and high degree of COI haplotype diversity of R. nivea found in Hainan and Taiwan suggest continental islands may serve as glacial refugees for the butterfly and other organisms during previous glaciations, and the presence of the relict populations of montane butterflies like R. nivea may provide useful clues towards a better understanding of the geological history of mountain formation within islands.

Adults of Ravenna nivea.
(A) ssp. howarthi Saigusa, male, upperside, Bawangling, Hainan. (B) Undersides. (C) Same, female, upperides. (D) Undersides.
(E) ssp. ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu, subsp. nov., paratype, male, upperside, Yinggeling, Hainan. (F) Undersides. (G) Same, holotype, female, upperside. (H) Undersides.

Adults of Ravenna nivea ssp. ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu, subsp. nov., Yinggeling, Hainan. 
paratype, male, (E) upperside, (F) Underside. 
holotype, female,(G) upperside. (H) Underside.

 

Yu-Feng Hsu​, Yik Fui Philip Lo and Rung-Juen Lin. 2024. Discovery of A peculiar Insular Race of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) endemic to Yinggeling Mountain of Hainan, suggesting heterogeneous geological history of Mountain Formation of the Island. PeerJ. 12:e17172 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17172

[Entomology • 2024] Itara mindanao & I. tenompok • New Species of Itara (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Itarinae) and Descriptions of Calling Songs from Mindanao and Sabah

 Itara (Bornitara) tenompok Tan, Japir & Chung,

in Tan, Grumo, Gono, Bahoy, Rivera, Nuñeza, Japir et Chung, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5424.1.3

 facebook.com: Arthur Chung

 

Abstract

A new species of Itara (Phormincter) is described from Mindanao in the Philippines: Itara (Phormincter) mindanao Tan, Grumo, Gono & Bahoy, sp. nov. This represents the first record of this subgenus in the Philippines, having previously known only from Borneo, Java, Malay Peninsula and Sumatra; as well as only the second species of Itara known from the Philippines and the first from Mindanao Island. The male calling song of the holotype was also recorded and is described here. Additionally, the male calling song of another congener, Itara (Singitara) singularis Gorochov, 1997 from Sabah, is described here. A new species of Itara (Bornitara) is also described from Sabah in Borneo: Itara (Bornitara) tenompok Tan, Japir & Chung, sp. nov.

 Orthoptera, acoustics, Borneo, East Malaysia, Gryllidae, Philippines

Ming Kai Tan, Kim C. Grumo, Alfredo III A. Gono, Daphne Cayle M. Bahoy, Rodrin R. Rivera, Olga Macas Nuñeza, Razy Japir and Arthur Y.C. Chung. 2024. New Species of Itara (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Itarinae) and Descriptions of Calling Songs from Mindanao and Sabah.  Zootaxa. 5424(1); 61-79. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5424.1.3

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[Entomology • 2024] Arixyleborus halabala, A. vellus, etc. • Four New Species of Arixyleborus Hopkins, 1915, ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) from Thailand and Malaysian Borneo

Arixyleborus halabala, A. longicauda, A. vellus & A liratus 

Sittichaya, Beaver & Smith, 2024

. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5446.1.3 

 facebook.com: Wisut Sittichaya

Researchgate.net/publication/380166473

 

Abstract

Four new species, Arixyleborus halabala Sittichaya, Beaver & Smith sp. nov., Arixyleborus longicauda Sittichaya, Beaver & Smith sp. nov., Arixyleborus vellus Sittichaya, Beaver & Smith sp. nov. are described from Thailand, and Arixyleborus liratus Sittichaya, Beaver & Smith sp. nov. from Thailand and East Malaysia (Sabah). With the inclusion of the species described here, the diversity of Arixyleborus is increased to 46 species, of which 20 occur in Thailand. A synoptic list with distributions and habitat types is provided.

Coleoptera, diversity, Oriental region, Thai fauna, Malaysia, Sabah, new species.

  

Wisut Sittichaya, Roger A. Beaver, Sarah M. Smith. 2024. Four New Species of Arixyleborus Hopkins, 1915, ambrosia Beetles from Thailand (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini). Zootaxa. 5446(1); 65-76. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5446.1.3

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Researchgate.net/publication/380166473_Four_new_species_of_Arixyleborus_ambrosia_beetles_from_Thailand

[Paleontology • 2024] Early Jurassic Origin of Avian Endothermy and Thermophysiological Diversity in Dinosaurs

 a dromaeosaur  in the snow. 

in Chiarenza, Cantalapiedra, Jones, Gamboa, Galván,  Farnsworth, Valdes, Sotelo et Varela, 2024.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.051 

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Artwork: Davide Bonadonna

Highlights: 

• Warm-blooded dinosaurs flourished in varied climates

• Dinosaur groups adapted differently to climate, suggesting diverse thermophysiologies

• Endothermy in theropods and possibly ornithischians evolved by the Early Jurassic

• Sauropod niche conservatism suggests higher thermal sensitivity and poikilothermy

Summary

A fundamental question in dinosaur evolution is how they adapted to long-term climatic shifts during the Mesozoic and when they developed environmentally independent, avian-style acclimatization, becoming endothermic. The ability of warm-blooded dinosaurs to flourish in harsher environments, including cold, high-latitude regions, raises intriguing questions about the origins of key innovations shared with modern birds, indicating that the development of homeothermy (keeping constant body temperature) and endothermy (generating body heat) played a crucial role in their ecological diversification. Despite substantial evidence across scientific disciplines (anatomy, reproduction, energetics, biomechanics, osteohistology, palaeobiogeography, geochemistry, and soft tissues), a consensus on dinosaur thermophysiology remains elusive. Differential thermophysiological strategies among terrestrial tetrapods allow endotherms (birds and mammals) to expand their latitudinal range (from the tropics to polar regions), owing to their reduced reliance on environmental temperature. By contrast, most reptilian lineages (squamates, turtles, and crocodilians) and amphibians are predominantly constrained by temperature in regions closer to the tropics. Determining when this macroecological pattern emerged in the avian lineage relies heavily on identifying the origin of these key physiological traits. Combining fossils with macroevolutionary and palaeoclimatic models, we unveil distinct evolutionary pathways in the main dinosaur lineages: ornithischians and theropods diversified across broader climatic landscapes, trending toward cooler niches. An Early Jurassic shift to colder climates in Theropoda suggests an early adoption of endothermy. Conversely, sauropodomorphs exhibited prolonged climatic conservatism associated with higher thermal conditions, emphasizing temperature, rather than plant productivity, as the primary driver of this pattern, suggesting poikilothermy with a stronger dependence on higher temperatures in sauropods.

 

Keywords: Dinosauria, Ornithischia, Sauropodomorpha, Theropoda, Aves, thermophysiology, phylogenetic comparative methods, climate, warm-blooded, cold-blooded

The artist's impression shows a dromaeosaur, a type of feathered theropod, in the snow. 

Artwork: Davide Bonadonna/Universidade de Vigo/UCL

 

 Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza, Juan L. Cantalapiedra, Lewis A. Jones, Sara Gamboa, Sofía Galván,  Alexander J. Farnsworth, Paul J. Valdes, Graciela Sotelo and Sara Varela. 2024. Early Jurassic Origin of Avian Endothermy and Thermophysiological Diversity in Dinosaurs. Current Biology. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.051

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