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

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

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

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

  Researchgate.net/publication/387296242 

  facebook.com/NickPoyarkov

Abstract

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

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

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

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

  Researchgate.net/publication/387296242_DIVERSITY_OF_HIMALAYAN_Ablepharine_SKINKS

  facebook.com/NickPoyarkov/posts/10231542599622451

[Herpetology • 2024] Herpetoreas abros • A New Species of Herpetoreas Günther, 1860 (Serpentes: Natricidae) from Yunnan, China

 

Herpetoreas abros 

 Liu, Hou, Zhou, Zuo, Yin & Rao, 2024 

 

铜壁关腹链蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d16120768 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Herpetoreas is described from Yunnan Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve, Yingjiang County, Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The new species can be separated from its congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: tail length to total length being 0.29, dorsal scales being all strongly keeled, 165 ventrals, divided cloacal plate, 89 pairs of subcaudals, 24 maxillary teeth, last two maxillary teeth being distinctly enlarged, approximately 13 white speckles presenting on anterior lateral surface of body, pale pink anterior venter, pink posterior venter, and rose red ventral tail. The genetic divergence between the new species and other species of this genus ranged from 6.7% to 13.0% in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The new taxon represents the fifth species of the genus Herpetoreas in China and the first species of this genus in Yunnan Province.

Keywords: Cyt b; morphology; systematics; taxonomy; Yunnan Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve

 Close-up views of the head of the holotype (KIZ 2024150) of Herpetoreas abros sp. nov. in life.
(A) left side; (B) right side; (C) dorsal side; (D) ventral side.

The holotype (KIZ 2024150) of Herpetoreas abros sp. nov. in life.
(A) left view; (B) right view; (C) dorsal view; (D) ventral view.

Herpetoreas abros sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Body cylindrical, snout–vent length 554 mm, total length 775 mm; tail relatively long, tail length/total length 0.29; dorsal scales in 19–19–17 rows, all strongly keeled; ventrals 165; cloacal plate divided; subcaudals 89, paired; preocular one, postoculars three; supralabials eight, third–fifth entering orbit; maxillary teeth 24, last two distinctly enlarged, separated from anterior teeth by a small diastema; upper lips white, three black vertical stripes on anterior upper lip on each side; approximately 13 white speckles on anterior lateral surface of body; anterior venter pale pink and posterior venter pink; ventral tail rose red.

Etymology: The specific epithet “abros” is a Latinized adjective in a nominative singular derived from the classical Greek word “abros” (aβρός), meaning “cute”, “handsome”, and “delicate”. The name is given in reference to the cute appearance of this species. We suggest “Cute Himalayas Keelback” as its English common name and “铜壁关腹链蛇 (Pinyin: tóng bì guān fù liàn shé)” as its Chinese common name according to its type locality.

Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Hongxin Zhou, Changsheng Zuo, Fawang Yin and Dingqi Rao. 2024. A New Species of Herpetoreas Günther, 1860 (Serpentes: Natricidae) from Yunnan, China. Diversity. 16(12); 768. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d16120768 

[Botany • 2024] Neottia motuoensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Neottieae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

 

Neottia motuoensis X.H. Jin, 
 

in Wen, Ye, Lin, Li, Song et Jin, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.645.2.8 

 Researchgate.net/publication/380028952

 

Abstract

Neottia motuoensis (Neottieae, Orchidaceae), a new species from Motuo, Xizang Autonomous Region, China, was described and illustrated. Neottia motuoensis is similar to N. yunnanensis, but differs from it by having lip with side lobes at the base, disk with a pair of fleshy calli between lateral lobes, lobelets of the labellum short and rounded.

Monocots, China, Taxonomy, Neottia yunnanensis, Orchidaceae

Habitat of Neottia motuoensis sp. nov. 

(Photographed by Xiaohua Jin)

Morphological characters of Neottia motuoensis sp. nov. 
 A: Flowering plant. B: Tepals (a: Dorsal sepal b: Petals c: Lateral sepal d: Lip). C–E: Flower, side view (Photographed by Chao Ye) F: Lateral lobes G: Column.
Notes: Red arrows on D refer to auricles at the base; red arrows on B refer to irregular tooth from base extending to the sinus between lobes.

Neottia motuoensis X.H. Jin, sp. nov.

HAIXIA WEN, CHAO YE, DONGLIANG LIN, JIANWU LI, XIQIANG SONG and XIAOHUA JIN. 2024. Neottia motuoensis (Neottieae, Orchidaceae), A New Species from Xizang, China.  Phytotaxa. 645(2); 186-189. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.645.2.8 [2024-04-23]  

Researchgate.net/publication/380028952_Neottia_motuoensis_a_new_species_from_Xizang_China

[Paleontology • 2024] Baalemys mansillai • A New chelid Turtle with an ornamented bony shell (Pleurodira: Chelidae) from the Portezuelo Formation (Upper Cretaceous) of Patagonia, Argentina

Baalemys mansillai 

Sarda & Maniel, 2024

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2024.2437832 

ABSTRACT

We describe Baalemys mansillai gen. et sp. nov. a chelid turtle, based on an articulated shell from the Portezuelo Formation of the Baal locality, northern shore of Barreales lake, Neuquén Province, Argentina. Baalemys mansillai gen. et sp. nov. is distinguished from other chelids by its oval shape, moderate size, distinctive granulated ornamentation, narrow nuchal plate, first hexagonal neural with short posterolateral margins, a second neural plate that is a regular hexagon, and a posterior lobe that is longer than both the anterior lobe and the bridge. This unique combination of features supports the establishment of a new genus and species. Baalemys mansillai gen. et sp. nov was discovered in the Baal locality with sauropod dinosaurs, theropod dinosaurs, crocodiles, pelomedusoid turtles and other genera of chelids; a similar biota was identified in other localities of the Portezuelo Formation. The identification of Baalemys mansillai gen. et sp. nov. significantly adds to our knowledge of the diversity of pleurodiran turtles from the Portezuelo Formation, the Neuquén Basin, and the broader Patagonian region.

KEYWORDS: Chelidae, Pleurodira, Cretaceous, Portezuelo Formation, Turtles

 Baalemys mansillai gen. et sp. nov.

M. Sarda and I.J Maniel. 2024. A New chelid Turtle with an ornamented bony shell (Pleurodira: Chelidae) from the Portezuelo Formation (Upper Cretaceous) of Patagonia, Argentina. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2024.2437832  

 

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

Diaphanes uvaparanagama Wijekoon, 

in Wijekoon et Wegiriya, 2024.

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology. 13(2); 

 Researchgate.net/publication/386457258 

 facebook.com: Chandana Wijekoon

ABSTRACT 

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

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

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

Family: Lampyridae Rafinesque, 1815 

Subfamily: Lampyrinae Rafinesque, 1815 

Genus: Diaphanes Motschulsky, 1853

Diaphanes uvaparanagama Wijekoon sp. nov. 

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

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

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

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

 Researchgate.net/publication/386457258_A_new_species_of_Diaphanes_from_Sri_Lanka

 facebook.com/ChandanaWijekoon3/posts/9493375230675802

[Paleontology • 2024] Early–middle Permian Mediterranean gorgonopsian suggests an equatorial origin of therapsids

a gorgonopsian from the island of Mallorca, western Mediterranean

in Matamales-Andreu, Kammerer, Angielczyk, Simões, Mujal, Galobart et Fortuny, 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54425-5  

Reconstruction by Henry Sutherland Sharpe

Abstract

Therapsids were a dominant component of middle–late Permian terrestrial ecosystems worldwide, eventually giving rise to mammals during the early Mesozoic. However, little is currently known about the time and place of origin of Therapsida. Here we describe a definitive therapsid from the lower–?middle Permian palaeotropics, a partial skeleton of a gorgonopsian from the island of Mallorca, western Mediterranean. This specimen represents, to our knowledge, the oldest gorgonopsian record worldwide, and possibly the oldest known therapsid. Using emerging relaxed clock models, we provide a quantitative timeline for the origin and early diversification of therapsids, indicating a long ghost lineage leading to the evolutionary radiation of all major therapsid clades within less than 10 Myr, in the aftermath of Olson’s Extinction. Our findings place this unambiguous early therapsid in an ancient summer wet biome of equatorial Pangaea, thus suggesting that the group originated in tropical rather than temperate regions.

Systematic palaeontology

Synapsida Osborn, 190313

Therapsida Broom, 190514

Gorgonopsia Seeley, 189415

Gorgonopsia indet.

Most relevant elements of DA21/17-01-01 and silhouette showing their positions

 Life reconstruction of the gorgonopsian from Mallorca in a floodplain setting.

Reconstruction by Henry Sutherland Sharpe

 Rafel Matamales-Andreu, Christian F. Kammerer, Kenneth D. Angielczyk, Tiago R. Simões, Eudald Mujal, Àngel Galobart and Josep Fortuny. 2024. Early–middle Permian Mediterranean gorgonopsian suggests an equatorial origin of therapsids. Nature Communications. 15: 10346. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54425-5  

[PaleoMammalogy • 2023] Tavridia gromovi • A New Antelope (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) from the Lower Pleistocene of the Taurida Cave in the Crimea

 Tavridia gromovi 

Vislobokova, 2023

 DOI: doi.org/10.1134/S0031030123040147 

наука.рф/news/

Abstract

A new form of small antelope is described from the Lower Pleistocene of the Taurida Cave in the Crimea. A new genus and species Tavridia gromovi is identified from a fragment of the skull roof with a horn core and the lower jaw. This small antelope differed from all known forms in the morphological features of the horn cores and the dental system. Based on the combination of characters, it is assigned to the tribe Antilopini (Eurasia and Africa, Middle Miocene to Recent). The discovery of T. gromovi in the Crimea testifies to the significant diversity of this group of antelopes in the middle of the Early Pleistocene.

Keywords: Tavridia gromovi gen. et sp. nov., Antilopini, Early Pleistocene, the Crimea, Taurida Cave

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

Family Bovidae Gray, 1821

Subfamily Antilopinae Gray, 1821

Tribe Antilopini Gray, 1821

Genus Tavridia Vislobokova, gen. nov.

Etymology. From the Taurida Cave locality.

 

Tavridia gromovi Vislobokova, sp. nov.

Etymology. Named in honor of V.I. Gromov, the outstanding Russian researcher of the Quaternary.

 

I. A. Vislobokova. 2023. A New Antelope Tavridia gromovi gen. et sp. nov. (Artiodactyla, Bovidae) from the Lower Pleistocene of the Taurida Cave in the Crimea. Paleontological Journal. 57; 463–472.  DOI: doi.org/10.1134/S0031030123040147 

 

НАЙДЕННУЮ В КРЫМУ ДРЕВНЮЮ АНТИЛОПУ НАЗВАЛИ В ЧЕСТЬ ТАВРИДЫ

https://xn--80aa3ak5a.xn--p1ai/news/novuyu-gazelepodobnuyu-antilopu-nashli-v-krymu/

[Ichthyology • 2024] Gobiodon cobenjaminsis & G. bicalvolineatus • Two New Species of Gobiodon (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from the Indo-Pacific, with Notes on South Pacific and Indian Ocean populations of Gobiodon spadix

 Gobiodon cobenjaminsis
 Gobiodon bicalvolineatus 

Hildebrandt, Froehlich, Brodnicke, Klanten, Møller & Wong, 2024 

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 72: 

photographed by G. Barrall and P. Munday in Munday et al. (1999).

Abstract

The gobiid genus Gobiodon contains small, cryptic coral dwelling fishes that are particularly diverse but difficult to identify. Herein we name and provide formal descriptions for two new species of Gobiodon, G. bicalvolineatus and G. cobenjaminsis, previously known as Gobiodon sp. B and Gobiodon sp. C respectively. Additionally, we provide new information on the South Pacific Ocean population of the recently described G. spadix, and a revised description of the genus Gobiodon. Both G. bicalvolineatus and G. cobenjaminsis are small, highly specialised and cryptic members of the genus found in limited geographic ranges in Papua New Guinea (PNG). On the basis of colouration, G. bicalvolineatus is diagnosed in having a light blue-green base colouration with red vertical bars on the face, red spots and lighter diagonal bars on the dorsal surface of the head, and thin unbroken horizontal lines along the length of the body. It has only been recorded inhabiting Acropora caroliniana in the Bootless Bay area of PNG. Gobiodon cobenjaminsis is light orange-brown in colour with pale vertical bars on the face, black edges on all fins except pectoral fins, and a black spot on the upper opercular margin. It has been recorded inhabiting Acropora elseyi in the Kimbe Bay area of PNG. We also provide morphological confirmation that the individuals previously referred to as Gobiodon sp. D observed in PNG and the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are conspecific with the recently described G. spadix, along with additional measurements, characters, and habitat ecology. The latter includes their host preference for Acropora divaricata in the GBR and slight variation in morphometrics. The study utilises an interdisciplinary approach combining morphological characters, meristic and morphometric measurements, molecular genetics, and multivariate-statistical analysis of morphometric data to provide these descriptions and aid in the identification of these species. 

Key words. taxonomy, Gobiodon, coral goby, Gobiodon bicalvolineatus, Gobiodon cobenjaminsis, Gobiodon spadix

Infraclass Teleostei 

Order Gobiiformes 

Family Gobiidae 

Genus Gobiodon Bleeker, 1856

Etymology. The commonly accepted source for Gobiodon comes from the Latin ‘gobius’ meaning gudgeon and the Greek ‘odous’ meaning teeth.

 Gobiodon cobenjaminsis.
live colouration photographed by G. Barrall in Munday et al. (1999).
 Gobiodon bicalvolineatus, holotype, AMS I.51465-001.
live specimen colouration photographed by P. Munday in Munday et al. (1999).

Gobiodon bicalvolineatus, new species 

English name: Speckle-Lined Coral Goby

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin rays VI, I,10; anal-fin rays I,9–10; head and majority of body naked with some squamation on caudal peduncle; body slightly laterally compressed (body depth at pelvic-fin origin 40.6–45.3% SL), typically dorsal ventrally symmetrical, head rounded; mouth small with pronounced recurved lips; groove between isthmus and interopercle present; caudal peduncle relatively deep (15.5–18.6% SL); caudal fin long (22.1–29.3% of SL). Post symphysial teeth absent, triangular dentary with various sizes of jaw dentition. Elongate cheek papillae length exceeding width. Adults with blue-green base colouration and red markings on the face and body. Facial markings as vertical bars on cheek, small spots on dorsal surface of head and unbroken horizontal lines along the length of the body beginning post pectoral fin (Fig. 2).

 Etymology. The name is derived from the Latin for ‘two,’ ‘bald’ and ‘lined’, representing the two pale patches at the back of the head imitating baldness and the prominent lined pattern on the body.

Gobiodon cobenjaminsis, new species 

English name: Russet Coral Goby

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin rays VI, I,10; anal-fin rays I,10; head and body naked; obvious groove between the isthmus and interopercle; body compressed and deep (depth at pelvic fin origin 39.4–45.0% of SL); head rounded in adults; dorsal fins fused with membrane. Caudal peduncle relatively deep (15.5–18.7% of SL); caudal fin long (22.2–29.3% of SL). Post symphysial teeth absent, dentary elongate and recurved; teeth of two to three various sizes in several rows. Cheek papillae elongate. Adult orange-brown in colour with black margins on all fins except pectoral fins. Black spot on the upper opercular margin (Fig. 5). Fins lighter in colour than body, with lighter oblique patch on cheek and 3–4 lighter bands on facial area.

Etymology. The name was chosen with the Latin “co” for ‘with’ or ‘together’ and the “benjaminsis”, with the “-sis” component derived from the Greek for a process or action, to honour the actions of the Benjamin family under the request of the specimen collector Phil Munday, especially Max Benjamin. This is due to their contribution in research, field station set-up, and marine conservation in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, that resulted in the observation and collection of this species.

Gobiodon spadix Sato & Motomura, 2024 

English Name: Akane Coral Goby 

Japanese Name: Akane koban-haze 

 Courtney A. Hildebrandt, Catheline Y. M. Froehlich, Ole B. Brodnicke, O. Selma Klanten, Peter R. Møller and Marian Y. L. Wong. 2024. Two New Species of Gobiodon (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Indo-Pacific, with Notes on South Pacific and Indian Ocean populations of Gobiodon spadix. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 72: 488–510

[Botany • 2024] Pandanus ramromensis (Pandanaceae) • A New Species from Peninsular Thailand

 

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki, 

in Callmander,Low, Poopath et Buerki, 2024. 

เตยเขารามโรม  ||  Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(2);  

Photos: M.W. Callmander & Y.W. Low

Drawn by W. Bhuchaisri.

 x.com/YeeWenLow

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki (Pandanaceae) from the summit of Khao Ram Rome (Nakhon Si Thammarat Province) in Peninsular Thailand is described here. The new species resembles Pandanus kedahensis H.St.John in its ecology and habit but differs by the dimensions of its leaves, leaf shape, syncarps and styles. The new species is provided with line drawings and field photographs, and is assigned a preliminary conservation status of Vulnerable (VU) using the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords. Endemic, Khao Ram Rome, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pandanales

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki.
A. Habit. B, C. Syncarp. D. Closeup on styles and stigmas. E. Single drupe detached. F. Basal part of a leaf. G. Median part of a leaf. H. Upper part of a leaf.

From the type Callmander et al. 1373. Drawn by W. Bhuchaisri.

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki.
A. Habit. B, C. Syncarp. D. Closeup on styles and stigmas.

From the type Callmander et al. 1373.

Photos: M.W. Callmander & Y.W. Low

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki 

Callmander, M.W., Low, Y.W., Poopath, M. and Buerki, S. 2024. Pandanus ramromensis (Pandanaceae), A New Species from Peninsular Thailand. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(2); 269 - 275.

 x.com/YeeWenLow/status/1869275908080820286

[Botany • 2024] Heliconia longipedunculata (Heliconiaceae) • A New Species of Heliconia from Colombia: A Proposal Based on Different Characters

Heliconia longipedunculata  

  

in Alzate-Guarín, Sepúlveda-Nieto et Ramírez, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1600/036364424X17267811220425 

 noticias.uniquindio.edu.co 

Abstract

Heliconia (Heliconiaceae) is a genus of giant rhizomatous herbs that have bright and striking bract inflorescences. The family consists of one genus and about 194 species that occur naturally in the tropical regions of the world, concentrating their greatest diversity and endemism in the Andean foothills and the Pacific region of Colombia, with approximately 120 species of the total registered for the world. Within the species of this genus there is high morphological variation, which sometimes makes clear identification of Heliconia specimens difficult. So is the case of Heliconia platystachys Baker, which contains two morphologically distinct groups of plants distinguished by the size and color of the bracts, the floral bracts, the mucilage that covers the flowers, and the shape of the staminodium. These structures of floral biology such as staminodium are of great taxonomic value in the study of the species within the genus Heliconia. The main goal of this work was to study Heliconia populations, which are found on the western slope of the Central Cordillera of Colombia at elevations between 970 and 1200 m, for which the morphoanatomical and palynological attributes were analyzed. We want to explore in this work whether the variation exhibited by these populations and their distribution allows us to postulate the occurrence of a new species with sufficient evidence for its separation.

KEYWORDS: Andes, floral morphology, morphometry, species key, staminode, taxonomy

Heliconia longipedunculata  

 

Fernando Alzate-Guarín, María del Pilar Sepúlveda-Nieto, and Diego Ramírez. 2024. A New Species of Heliconia from Colombia: A Proposal Based on Different Characters. Systematic Botany. 49(3); 515-521. DOI: doi.org/10.1600/036364424X17267811220425

 

Una nueva especie de Heliconia fue registrada desde la Uniquindío

  noticias.uniquindio.edu.co/noticias/publicaciones/4736

facebook.com/novataxcol/posts/955904739893116

[Botany • 2024] Talbotiella couteronii (Leguminosae: Detarioideae) • A New gregarious Tree Species from Cameroon

 

Talbotiella couteronii  Sonké, M.Simo & Burgt,

 

in Sonké, Simo-Droissart, Bidault, Ngoula et van der Burgt. 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.133256

Abstract

Background and aims – For some time now, the forests of the Sanaga basin in Cameroon have been threatened by the construction of numerous hydroelectric dams. In anticipation to this construction work, botanical surveys were carried out, resulting in the discovery of many species new to science. One of these certainly belongs to the genus Talbotiella in Leguminosae.

Material and methods – This study is based on morphological observations on herbarium specimens, through detailed examination of 28 specimens of the new tree species as well as specimens of existing species of Talbotiella.

Key results – Talbotiella couteronii is described and illustrated. The new species resembles Talbotiella batesii but has fewer leaflets, 5–10 pairs; an inflorescence usually with fewer flowers, 5–12; and flowers with longer pedicels, 10–20 mm long. Talbotiella couteronii is endemic to Cameroon, where it is restricted to the middle Sanaga basin in the Central Region and the Littoral Region. It occurs gregariously in periodically flooded riverine forests. Talbotiella couteronii is preliminarily assessed as Endangered following the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. The genus Talbotiella now consists of 10 species; of which six species are endemic to Cameroon. A comparative table summarizes the main vegetative characteristics of the 10 species. This treatment also includes an update of the description of T. bakossiensis.

Keywords: Cameroon, conservation, Endangered species, IUCN Red List assessment

Talbotiella couteronii. A. Flowering branch. B. Infructescence with two pods; two seeds. C. Flower with a single bract, two bracteoles, four sepals and 10 stamens. D. Stipule. E. Leaflet lower side, with two glands. F. Leaf upper side, with nine pairs of leaflets.

A, E, F drawn from Sonké & Ngoula 7886 (K); B from Sonké & Ngoula 7889 (K); C from Sonké & Ngoula 7887 (K); D from Sonké & Ngoula 7888 (K). Drawing by Xander van der Burgt.

Talbotiella couteronii.
A. Opened flowers. B. Twig with inflorescences. C. Young leaves with stipules. D. Infructescence with two fruits. E. Immature fruits and five unripe seeds.

A from Sonké & Ngoula 7888; B from Sonké & Ngoula 7886; C from Sonké & Ngoula 7895; D, E from Sonké & Ngoula 7889.

Talbotiella couteronii Sonké, M.Simo & Burgt, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: This species closely resembles T. batesii, from which it differs by the number of bud scales (11–17 vs 3–5), narrower stipules (9–15 × 1–1.5 mm vs 13–15 × 2–2.5 mm) that are glabrous on both surfaces (vs pubescent outside along the midrib), usually fewer leaflets ((5–)6–9(–10) pairs vs 9–13 pairs), looser inflorescence with longer pedicels (10–20 mm vs 3–8.5 mm) and usually fewer flowers (5–12 vs 10–18), larger ovary (4–6 × 2–3 mm vs 1.5–3.5 × 1–1.3 mm), and larger seeds (14–21 × 10–15 × 2–3 mm vs 9–10 × 9–10 × 2–3 mm).

Etymology: This new species is named after Dr Pierre Couteron (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France) in recognition for his constant support to the first author.

 Bonaventure Sonké, Murielle Simo-Droissart, Ehoarn Bidault, Fernandez Ngoula, Xander M van der Burgt. 2024. Talbotiella couteronii (Leguminosae: Detarioideae), A New gregarious Tree Species from Cameroon. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 157(3): 407-416. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.133256

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

 

 Anourosorex andabata Lopatin, 2024

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1134/S0031030124700060 

 new.RAS.ru 

Abstract

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

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

Order Lipotyphla

Family Soricidae Fischer von Waldheim, 1817

Subfamily Soricinae Fischer von Waldheim, 1817

Tribe Anourosoricini Anderson, 1879

Genus Anourosorex Milne-Edwards, 1872

Anourosorex andabata Lopatin, sp. nov.

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

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

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

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

[Botany • 2024] Aphelandra almanegra (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from the dry forests of the Cauca River canyon in Antioquia department, Colombia

 

Aphelandra almanegra   

in Gallego et Wood, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.652.3.2  

www.KEW.org 

Abstract

Aphelandra almanegra, a new species from tropical dry forest in Antioquia department, Colombia, is described, illustrated and mapped. Notes are given on its geographical distribution, phenology, conservation status and taxonomic affinities. It is compared with its morphologically closest relative Aphelandra pulcherrima, which differs by its habit, indumentum and various inflorescence characters. This species is restricted to dry forests of the Cauca River canyon, in the northwest of Colombia, a highly degraded and threatened ecosystem.

Endemism, Inter Andean Valleys, Vulnerable species, Eudicots

 

Pablo C. GALLEGO and John R.I. WOOD. 2024. Aphelandra almanegra (Acanthaceae), A New Species from the dry forests of the Cauca River canyon in Antioquia department, Colombia.  Phytotaxa. 652(3); 208-216. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.652.3.2

Kew's Top 10 New Species of 2024

  www.KEW.org/read-and-watch/top-10-species-2024

  www.TheGuardian.com/environment/2024/dec/19/toadstool-with-teeth-ghost-palm-plant-finds-2024

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

 

Diploexochus spinatus

Cardoso, Bastos-Pereira & Ferreira, 2023

DOI: 10.1590/2358-2936e2023008 

 facebook.com/JournalNauplius

Abstract

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

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

 

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

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

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

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