[Paleontology • 2026] Alnashetri cerropoliciensis • Argentine Fossil rewrites Evolutionary History of a baffling Dinosaur Clade

Alnashetri cerropoliciensis Makovicky, Apesteguía & Gianechini, 2012

in Makovicky, Mitchell, Meso, Gianechini, Cerda et Apesteguía, 2026.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10194-3

Abstract

Alvarezsauroids are an enigmatic clade of predominantly small-bodied theropod dinosaurs that are known mainly from the Jurassic to Cretaceous periods of Asia and South America. Late Cretaceous alvarezsauroids possess specialized forelimbs adapted for digging, minute supernumerary teeth and heightened sensory capacities, and are interpreted as myrmecophagous. They are hypothesized to exhibit evolutionary miniaturization coupled to their dietary specialization. Fragmentary South American taxa are traditionally arrayed as a paraphyletic grade with respect to the Late Cretaceous Asian subclade Parvicursorinae, invoking dispersal to explain their disjunct distributions. Here we describe a skeleton of the alvarezsauroid Alnashetri cerropoliciensis representing to our knowledge the most complete and smallest South American taxon to date. We also recognize two alvarezsauroids among historic taxa from the Northern Hemisphere. Phylogenetic analysis recovers Alnashetri among basal non-alvarezsaurids, rendering South American taxa polyphyletic. Combined with the new taxa recognized here, our biogeographical analyses infer a Pangaean ancestral distribution for Alvarezsauroidea, with vicariance dominating the early history of the clade. The early branching position of Alnashetri among larger-bodied relatives revises best-fit models of body size evolution in alvarezsauroids—we find no support for evolutionary miniaturization but, rather, find support for repeated evolution within a narrow body size range.

 

Peter J. Makovicky, Jonathan S. Mitchell, Jorge G. Meso, Federico A. Gianechini, Ignacio Cerda and Sebastian Apesteguía. 2026. Argentine Fossil rewrites Evolutionary History of a baffling Dinosaur Clade.  Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10194-3 [25 February 2026]

 x.com/NatureJapan/status/2031626177027387582

[Paleontology • 2025] Novel Report of An Osteogenic Tumor in a late Jurassic Mamenchisaurid from Thailand

 

A reconstruction of a mamenchisaurid with a pathology evident in its left forelimb. 

in Kaikaew, Suteethorn et Chinsamy, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/joa.14266 

Artwork by Kmonvich Lawan.

Abstract

Here we report on an osseous abnormality and multiple fractures in an ulna of a subadult basal Eusauropod (Mamenchisauridae) from the Late Jurassic Phu Kradueng Formation in Thailand. The anatomical deformities were studied using a multi-method approach that included an assessment of its gross morphology, computed tomography (CT), and osteohistology to aid in its diagnosis. The intracortical lesion in the bone is irregularly shaped, has well-defined margins with scattered irregular bony trabeculae especially in its center, and it is surrounded by sclerotic bone and spiculated periosteal reactive tissue. The analysis of the radiology and the histopathological characteristics indicates that the lesion in the ulna is an osteogenic tumor, although we are unable to confidently commit to a more specific diagnosis. CT scan data indicated that the multiple fractures evident in the ulna occurred postmortem and are unrelated to the pathology. This is the first report of an osteogenic tumor in a basal Eusauropoda.

Keywords: bone tumor, Eusauropod, lesion, neoplasm, periosteal reactive

Mamenchisaurid ulna PN14-108.
 (a) Gross external morphology of the ulna in lateral view. (b) Gross external morphology of the ulna in medial view. The box shows close-up images of the external area that connects intracortically. (c) A 3D reconstruction in posterior view based on CT data and virtual thin sections showing the pathologic bone. PL1 indicates a sagittal view, whereas P1–P3 indicates cross-sectional views. Scale bar equals 100 mm.

A reconstruction of a mamenchisaurid with a pathology evident in its left forelimb.

Artwork by Kmonvich Lawan.

CONCLUSIONS: 

The paleopathology in the ulna of the 150-million-year-old mamenchisaurid from Thailand is identified as having an osteogenic tumor in the posterior metaphysis of the bone. Using a combination of anatomical observations, CT scan data, and osteohistology of the afflicted region of the ulna, we can rule out several pathologies (such as osteosarcoma, osteomyelitis, intraosseous abscess, stress fracture, and hemangioma), but the nature of the specific pathology in the mamenchisaurid remains elusive. Definitive diagnoses of a bone pathology in modern animals can sometimes be extremely challenging (e.g., Maxie, 2015), especially because different bone tumors often have similar characteristics (e.g., Thompson & Dittmer, 2017). Thus, here we prefer to err on the side of caution, fully aware that we do not even have soft tissue to assist in the diagnosis. The osteohistological data permitted the identification of the individual as a subadult, that is, an individual that had passed its most rapid phase of growth but was still growing. In addition, using both the CT scan data and the histological sections, we were able to identify the fractures in the bone as unrelated to the pathologic response and likely caused by taphonomic damage to the bone. Overall, our findings contribute to knowledge of dinosaur paleopathologies and shed insight into the biology of basal sauropods.

 

Siripat Kaikaew, Suravech Suteethorn and Anusuya Chinsamy. 2025. Novel Report of An Osteogenic Tumor in a late Jurassic Mamenchisaurid from Thailand. Journal of Anatomy. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/joa.14266 [24 April 2025]

 

An isolated posterior cervical vertebra of a sauropod discovered at Phu Dan Ma (Kalasin Province, northeastern Thailand) is the first informative postcranial specimen from the Phu Kradung Formation, a Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous continental unit. The vertebra is referred to the family Mamenchisauridae, otherwise mainly known from China. In addition, spatulate teeth from the same formation and a mid−dorsal vertebra from the Upper Jurassic Khlong Min Formation of southern Thailand are reassigned to this family. The occurrence of mamenchisaurids in the earliest Cretaceous of Thailand supports a hypothesis of geographical isolation of Central, Eastern, and Southeast Asia during the Late Jurassic. It also suggests that the main changes in their dinosaur assemblages occurred during the Early Cretaceous, rather than at the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary.

Key words: Dinosauria, Mamenchisauridae, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Thailand.

Suravech Suteethorn, Jean Le Loeuff, Eric Buffetaut, Varavudh Suteethorn and Kamonrak Wongko. 2012. First evidence of a mamenchisaurid dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Phu Kradung Formation of Thailand. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 58 (3): 459–469. DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.2009.0155

[Paleontology • 2025] New Information on Bonapartenykus (Theropoda: Alvarezsauridae) from the Allen Formation (middle Campanian-lower Maastrichtian) of Río Negro Province, Patagonia, Argentina clarifies the Patagonykinae body plan

MPCN-PV 738, cf. Bonapartenykus ultimus Agnolín, Powell, Novas & Kundrát, 2012

in Meso, Choiniere,  Baiano, Brusatte, ... et Pittman, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308366  

Artwork by Abel G. Montes.

Abstract

Alvarezsauria is a group of morphologically distinctive, medium- to small-sized later-diverging coelurosaurian theropod dinosaurs, whose record ranges from the Late Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous. This clade had a widespread distribution in Laurasia in what is now Europe, Asia, and North America, although there are also several Cretaceous taxa from Gondwana in what is now Argentina that all belong to the family Alvarezsauridae. Although alvarezsaurid taxonomic diversity and anatomical knowledge has expanded over the last decade, alvarezsaurid internal phylogenetic relationships remain highly debated. In this contribution, we describe new alvarezsaurid material and review previously reported alvarezsaurid specimens from the middle Campanian—lower Maastrichtian Allen Formation discovered at the Salitral Ojo de Agua locality in Río Negro province, Patagonia, Argentina. Although these specimens were collected at different times without precise original provenance information, here we gathered X-ray diffraction data of the associated sediments that now suggests that all of these specimens come from the same site and stratigraphic level as the holotype of the alvarezsaurid Bonapartenykus ultimus. Based on this new provenance information and the morphological similarity of the considered specimens, here we tentatively refer them to the genus Bonapartenykus. These newly referred specimens add to the record of this genus and shed light on the body plan of the alvarezsaurid clade Patagonykinae by permitting a more complete reconstruction of the neck, pectoral girdle, hindlimb, and tail.

Systematic paleontology

Theropoda Marsh, 1881.

Coelurosauria Huene, 1920.

Alvarezsauria Bonaparte, 1991.

Alvarezsauridae Bonaparte, 1991.

Patagonykinae Agnolín, Powell, Novas, Kundrát, 2012.

cf. Bonapartenykus ultimus Agnolín, Powell, Novas, Kundrát, 2012.

Location of the MPCN-PV 738 locality.
A, South America showing the extent of the Cuenca Neuquina (Neuquén Basin) in Argentina. B, Cuenca Neuquina showing the location of the MPCN-PV 738 locality in Río Negro province. C, generalised stratigraphic section outcrop of the Allen and others formations in the area of discovery. D, skeletal reconstruction of MPCN-PV 738.

Life reconstruction of an individual of MPCN-PV 738.

Artwork by Abel G. Montes.

Jorge Gustavo Meso, Jonah Nathaniel Choiniere, Mattia Antonio Baiano, Stephen Louis Brusatte, Juan Ignacio Canale, Leonardo Salgado, Diego Pol and Michael Pittman. 2025.  New Information on Bonapartenykus (Alvarezsauridae: Theropoda) from the Allen Formation (middle Campanian-lower Maastrichtian) of Río Negro Province, Patagonia, Argentina clarifies the Patagonykinae body plan. PLoS ONE. 20(1): e0308366. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308366  

[Entomology • 2012] Sinoneurorthus yunnanicus • A spectacular New Species and Genus of Nevrorthidae (Insecta: Neuroptera) from China, with Phylogenetic and Biogeographical Implications

 Sinoneurorthus yunnanicus Liu, H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck, 2012 

 DOI: 10.1080/01650424.2012.718086

  Researchgate.net/publication/263520254

DOI: 10.3897/dez.64.13028  Photo H. Li

Abstract

A new species and genus of Nevrorthidae, Sinoneurorthus yunnanicus n. gen. et n. sp., from Yunnan Province, China, is described. The generic status of the new genus is discussed based on the genital morphology. The phylogenetic and biogeographical relevance of the new genus and its implications on the whole family are discussed.

Keywords: Nevrorthidae, taxonomy, China, phylogeny, biogeography

Sinoneurorthus yunnanicus Liu, H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck, female holotype, China, Yunnan

Photo H. Li DOI: 10.3897/dez.64.13028  

  Nature images of Sinoneurorthus yunnanicus n. sp. and its habitat:
(3) living female; (4) streams near the collecting site; (5) waterfall above the collecting site.

Xingyue Liu, Horst Aspöck and Ulrike Aspöck. 2012. Sinoneurorthus yunnanicus n. gen. et n. sp. – A spectacular New Species and Genus of Nevrorthidae (Insecta: Neuroptera) from China, with Phylogenetic and Biogeographical Implications. Aquatic Insects: International Journal of Freshwater Entomology. 34(2); 131-141. DOI: 10.1080/01650424.2012.718086

  Researchgate.net/publication/263520254_Sinoneurorthus_yunnanicus_n_gen_et_n_sp_-_a_new_species_and_genus_of_Neuroptera_from_China

Ulrike Aspöck, Horst Aspöck and Xingyue Liu. 2017. The Nevrorthidae, mistaken at all times: phylogeny and review of present knowledge (Holometabola, Neuropterida, Neuroptera). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 64(2): 77-110. DOI: 10.3897/dez.64.13028

[Diplopoda • 2012] Sphaerobelum truncatum • A New Species of the Giant Pill-millipede Genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924 (Sphaerotheriida: Zephroniidae) from northern Thailand, with An Extensive Description and Molecular Characters

Sphaerobelum truncatum   Wongthamwanich, 

in Wongthamwanich, Panha, Sierwald, Wesener et Thirakhupt, 2012.

 ResearchGate.net/publication/258242225

Abstract

As a first step towards an inventory of the giant pill-millipedes in Thailand, a new species of the genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924, Sphaerobelum truncatum n. sp. is described from Nan Province, northern Thailand. A determination key is presented for all five known Sphaerobelum species. Clear morphological differences between S. truncatum n. sp. and the other four Sphaerobelum species were found on the anterior telopods. For the first time in Sphaerobelum, the partial mitochondrial COI gene was sequenced for S. truncatum n. sp. and compared with distance, maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods to those of species from other giant pill-millipede genera. Sphaerobelum truncatum n. sp. was found to differ from all other analyzed giant pill-millipedes, including species of Zephronia Gray, 1832, by 22–30%, including numerous amino acid changes, supporting the separate status of Sphaerobelum among other giant pill-millipede genera. Maximum likelihood and parsimony analyses support the placement of Sphaerobelum in the Zephroniidae. Figures of all relevant structures of Sphaerobelum truncatum n. sp. are provided to allow the use of these characters in future descriptions of species of the family Zephroniidae.

Key words: giant pill-millipede, new species, arthropod, taxonomy, Thailand 

Taxonomy

Family Zephroniidae Gray, 1843

Subfamily Zephroniinae Gray, 1843

Tribe Zephroniini Jeekel, 2001

Comment. We follow Jeekel’s (2001) classification of Zephroniidae. No phylogenetic analysis of the family Zephroniidae was ever undertaken, so any subfamilial or tribal affiliations of Sphaerobelum would be premature.

Genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924

 

Type species. Sphaerobelum clavigerum Verhoeff, 1924

Other species included. S. hirsutum Verhoeff, 1924; S. bicorne Attems, 1938; S. separatum Attems, 1953, S. truncatum n. sp.

Diagnosis. Males of Sphaerobelum species can be distinguished from all other giant pill-millipede genera in the world by the distally swollen process of the second joint of the posterior telopod. 

Sphaerobelum truncatum n. sp., Digital photographs,
A: paratype in habitat; B: paratype, living specimen volvated; C: paratype, ventral view, arrow points to locking carina of anal shield; D: eye field and Tömösváry organ. 

A-C: Photographs not to scale. Scale bars = 1 mm.

Sphaerobelum truncatum Wongthamwanich, n. sp.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a Latin adjective, meaning terminating abruptly, and refers to the truncated state of the lateral end of the third podomere on the anterior telopods (Fig. 11C).

   Nattarin Wongthamwanich, Somsak Panha, Petra Sierwald, Thomas Wesener and Kumthorn Thirakhupt. 2012. A New Species of the Giant Pill-millipede Genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924 from northern Thailand, with An Extensive Description and Molecular Characters (Diplopoda: Sphaerotheriida: Zephroniidae). Zootaxa. 3220; 29–43.

 mapress.com/zootaxa/2012/f/zt03220p043.pdf

ResearchGate.net/publication/258242225_A_new_species_of_Sphaerobelum_from_northern_Thailand

[Invertebrate • 2022] Yoda demiankoopi • A New Species of Deep-sea torquaratorid enteropneust (Hemichordata): A Sequential Hermaphrodite with Exceptionally Wide Lips

Yoda demiankoopi

Holland, Hiley & Rouse, 2022

 DOI: 10.1111/ivb.12379 

Abstract

Specimens of a new species of torquaratorid acorn worm (Hemichordata, Enteropneusta) were video recorded and subsequently collected at abyssal depths in the eastern North Pacific at sites ranging from Oregon to northern Mexico. These worms are described here as Yoda demiankoopi n. sp. by molecular and morphological methods. The new species differs from its only described congener, Yoda purpurata, in three ways. First, the lips are extremely wide and indented by a deep ciliary groove for ingesting substrate and conveying it to the mouth. Second, a connective tissue bulge of unknown significance runs mid-dorsally along the hepatic and posthepatic regions of the intestine. Third, the posthepatic intestine is strikingly sinuous and packed with gut contents presumably undergoing digestion for extended periods between infrequent defecations. Yoda demiankoopi n. sp. is hermaphroditic, a character so far known only for the genus Yoda in the entire class Enteropneusta. The gonads of each adult worm comprise hundreds of ovaries (each containing a single oocyte) and hundreds of testes located just beneath the dorsal epidermis of the anterior trunk and associated genital wings. In any given animal, at any given time, gametes of only one sex or the other become fully mature. Thus, the worm is a sequential hermaphrodite, alternately spawning purely as a female or purely as a male.

Keywords: deep-sea, Enteropneusta, Hemichordata, hermaphroditism, Torquaratoridae

Yoda demiankoopi n. sp.
(A) Living holotype SIO-BIC H51. (B) Specimen SIO-BIC H50, showing lateroventral folds (lf), genital wings (gw), and most posterior gill pores (arrowhead).
(C) Dorsal view of holotype soon after reaching the deck; arrow indicates dark hepatic intestine; arrowhead indicates mid-dorsal connective tissue bulge. Broken-off proboscis is at top right. (D) Ventral view of foregoing with ciliary groove (arrowhead) on ventral side of lip.

 Images 4A and 4B captured by Schmidt Ocean Institute's ROV SuBastian on cruise FK210726. Images owned by SOI. 

Scale bars: A = 5 cm; B = 1 cm; C,D = 2 cm

Yoda demiankoopi n. sp. Holland, Hiley & Rouse 2022

 

Diagnosis: This species of Yoda has the proboscis, collar, and genital wings with a deep brownish purple color, which continues with fading intensity along the posterior body. Neck ridges and nuchal protuberances are absent. The collar has extremely wide, non-tapered lips. The posthepatic intestine, in the last third of the body, shows a marked sinuosity. Adults are simultaneous hermaphrodites.

Etymology of species name: Latin masculine genitive noun demiankoopi. The name commemorates Dr. Demian Koop of the University of Sydney, a passionate developmental biologist and exceptional scientist whose very untimely death in 2021 has been keenly felt by his friends and colleagues all over the world.

Nicholas D. Holland, Avery S. Hiley and Greg W. Rouse. 2022. A New Species of Deep-sea torquaratorid enteropneust (Hemichordata): A Sequential Hermaphrodite with Exceptionally Wide Lips. Invertebrate Biology. 141(3); e12379. DOI: 10.1111/ivb.12379 

 

“BIZARRE” YODA ACORN WORM MAKES TOP 10 MARINE SPECIES LIST

https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/bizarre-yoda-acorn-worm-makes-top-10-marine-species-list

[Paleontology • 2022] Reappraisal of the largest ctenochasmatid Moganopterus zhuiana Lü et al. 2012 (Pterosauria: Ctenochasmatidae)

Moganopterus zhuiana Lü et al., 2012 

in Gao, Jiang, Xu, et al., 2022. 

 vertpala.ac.cn 

Moganopterus zhuiana Lü et al., 2012 was erected as a member of the Boreopteridae, which was questioned by different researchers shortly after the publication. Although the new assignment to the Ctenochasmatidae is widely accepted by pterosaur researchers, some characteristics still require a detailed description. Here, the holotype of this taxon is restudied, and some ambiguous characteristics are re-identified. The diagnosis of this taxon has been revised as the following: a large ctenochasmatid pterosaur, which can be distinguished from other members of this clade by a single autapomorphy: an elongated rod-like parietal crest that extends posterodorsally, forming an angle of about 15° with the ventral margin of the skull. This taxon can be further distinguished from other ctenochasmatids on the basis of the following combination of characteristics: straight occlusal surfaces of the upper and low jaws; presence of a low premaxillary crest confined anterior to the nasoantorbital fenestra; rostrum about two thirds of the skull length; nasoantorbital fenestra occupying slightly more than 20% of the skull length; about 100 slender teeth; and a mid-cervical length/width ratio of about 7. The wingspan of M. zhuiana has been re-estimated according to a simple regression equation for wingspan versus skull length in ctenochasmatids. It confirms that M. zhuiana, although smaller than previous thought, is still the largest known ctenochasmatid. When comparing the sizes of ctenochasmatids in the Jurassic and Cretaceous, ctenochasmatids showed a rough tendency to increase their sizes.

Key words: Liaoning, Jiufotang Formation, Moganopterus zhuiana, largest ctenochasmatid

Photographs and reconstruction of the holotype of Moganopterus zhuiana (HGM 41HIII-0419) from Jianchang, Liaoning
A. slab A; B. slab B; C. the reconstruction of the upper and lower jaws.

GAO Dian-Song, JIANG Shun-Xing, XU Li, CHENG Xin, YANG Li-Li, JIA Song-Hai and WANG Xiao-Lin. 2022. Reappraisal of the largest ctenochasmatid Moganopterus zhuiana Lü et al., 2012. VERTEBRATA PALASIATICA. 60(3); 197-211. vertpala.ac.cn/EN/10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.220111

 DOI: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.220111

http://www.vertpala.ac.cn/EN/2096-9899/home.shtml

   

摘要：朱氏莫干翼龙(Moganopterus zhuiana)由吕君昌等于2012年建立,并将其归入北方翼龙科(Boreopteridae), 这一分类在发表后不久就受到了不同研究者的质疑。之后,尽管关于莫干翼龙归入梳颌翼龙科(Ctenochasmatidae)的观点已被大部分翼龙研究者所接受,但是很多特征还需要详细的描述。通过对朱氏莫干翼龙的正型标本进行详细观察,对一些较为模糊的特征进行了重新确认。将其鉴定特征修改为：一种大型的梳颌翼龙类成员,具有一个与其他成员不同的自有裔征——一长棍状额骨嵴向后背侧延伸,并与头骨腹面形成15°夹角。同时莫干翼龙还具有以下的特征组合可以区别于其他梳颌翼龙类成员：平直的上下颌咬合面;低矮的前上颌骨嵴位于鼻眶前孔之前;吻端约占头骨长度的2/3; 鼻眶前孔占头骨长度略大于20%; 100枚细长的牙齿;中部颈椎的长宽比约为7。依据梳颌翼龙类翼展和头骨长度的线性关系,重新推测了莫干翼龙的翼展。新的推测结果证实,虽然比最初推测的小了很多,但莫干翼龙仍然是已知的个体最大的梳颌翼龙类成员。对比侏罗纪和白垩纪的梳颌翼龙类,这一种类的体型大致存在一个增大的趋势。

关键词: 辽宁, 九佛堂组, 朱氏莫干翼龙, 最大的梳颌翼龙类

Lü Junchang; Pu Hanyong; Xu Li; Wu Yanhua; Wei Xuefang (2012). "Largest Toothed Pterosaur Skull from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Western Liaoning, China, with Comments On the Family Boreopteridae". Acta Geologica Sinica. 86 (2): 287–293. DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-6724.2012.00658.x

[Botany • 2012] Amomum nilgiricum (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Western Ghats, India

  Amomum nilgiricum VP.Thomas & M.Sabu

in Thomas, Sabu & Prabhu Kumar, 2012. 

  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.8.2152

Abstract

A new species of Amomum Roxb. from Western Ghats of Kerala is illustrated and described. Amomum nilgiricum VP.Thomas & M.Sabu, sp. nov. shows similarity with Amomum masticatorium Thwaites in having long drying ligule with an acuminate apex, pubescent anther and echinate capsules, but differs in clump forming habit with non-stoloniferous rhizomes, tomentose lamina beneath, long corolla tube, obovate to rhomboid labellum with clefted apex and without any colour design, emarginate anther crest and reduced staminodes. Detailed description, illustration, photographs, conservation status, and distributional details are provided.

Keywords: Amomum, Zingiberaceae, Western Ghats, Kerala, India

Figure 2.  Amomum nilgiricum VP.Thomas & M.Sabu
A habit B ligules C inflorescence D rhizome with inflorescences E bract F bracteole G flower with a bract H calyx I corolla lobes J stigma K ovary with epigynous glands and style L stamen M labellum N infructescence.

Amomum nilgiricum VP.Thomas & M.Sabu, sp. nov.

Etymology: the specific epithet nilgiricum indicates the place of collection Nilgiri Hills, a part of Western Ghats.

 

V. P. Thomas, M. Sabu and K.M. Prabhu Kumar. 2012. Amomum nilgiricum (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Western Ghats, India. PhytoKeys. 8: 99-104. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.8.2152

[Herpetology • 2020] Revising the Taxonomy of Proceratophrys Miranda‐Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura: Odontophrynidae) from the Brazilian Semiarid Caatinga: Morphology, Calls and Molecules support A Single Widespread Species

Proceratophrys cristiceps (Müller, 1884 “1883”)

in Mângia, Oliveira, Santana, et al., 2020.  

DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12365 

 twitter.com/SarahMangiaBio

 

Abstract

Recently, Proceratophrys cristiceps was redescribed along with the description of two species from the Caatinga biome: P. aridus and P. caramaschii. However, only a small fraction of the populations related to such species in Northeastern Brazil was examined, and most populations of central Caatinga were not contemplated in this analysis. Comparisons were also based exclusively on external morphology, precluding a more accurate delimitation of such taxa in the light of multiple characters. Such geographic paucity and reliance in only one data source caused the species status of most central Caatinga populations to be uncertain. Thus, the revision of Proceratophrys populations from the Caatinga biome is of utmost importance to establish a solid taxonomic background and to test the validity of the described species. Based on morphologic, morphometric, acoustic, and multilocus genetic data, we define the range of inter‐ and intrapopulation variation in the parameters we analyzed, establishing which ones are useful as diagnostic characters for Proceratophrys in the Caatinga. We found no evidence supporting P. aridus and P. caramaschii as distinct species and thus place them as junior synonyms of P. cristiceps. Our results reinforce the importance of using multiple lines of evidence to avoid taxonomic instability.

Keywords: acoustic, molecular, morphology, Proceratophrys aridus, Proceratophrys caramaschii, Proceratophrys cristiceps, synonymization

(a) Sample localities for morphological (circles, triangles and squares) and molecular (dotted) data.
(b) Sample localities for morphological (circles, triangles and squares) and acoustic (dotted) data.

Inter‐ and intrapopulational chromatic variation in Proceratophrys from Caatinga.
(a–e) Individuals from Parque Nacional Serra das Confusões, Piauí State (P. cristiceps ). (f–i) individuals from Jaguaribe municipality, Ceará State (P. cristiceps ). (j–m) individuals from Macaíba municipality, Rio Grande do Norte State (P. cristiceps). (n) individual from Aquiraz municipality, Ceará State (P. caramaschii new synonymy). (o) individuals from Milagres municipality, Ceará State (P. aridus new synonymy). (p, q) individuals from Parque Nacional de Ubajara, Ceará State (P. caramaschii new synonymy). (r) Paraipaba, Ceará State (P. cristiceps).

Photographs: D.J. Santana (f–m); I. Joventino (n, o, r); S. Mângia (a–e, p–q)

Proceratophrys cristiceps (Müller, 1884 “1883”)

Ceratophrys cristiceps Müller, 1883

Stombus cristiceps Miranda‐Ribeiro, 1920

Proceratophrys cristiceps Lynch, 1971

Proceratophrys aridus Cruz et al., 2012, S. Am. J. Herpetol., 7:118.

 Proceratophrys caramaschii Cruz et al., 2012 

 

Sarah Mângia, Eliana Faria Oliveira, Diego José Santana, Ricardo Koroiva, Fernando Paiva and Adrian Antonio Garda. 2020. Revising the Taxonomy of Proceratophrys Miranda‐Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura: Odontophrynidae) from the Brazilian Semiarid Caatinga: Morphology, Calls and Molecules support A Single Widespread Species. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12365

twitter.com/SarahMangiaBio/status/1285197459027832832

     

[Entomology • 2012] Anzomyia gen. nov. • A New Genus of Australian and New Zealand Horse Fly (Diptera: Tabanidae: Pangoniinae), including the Description of Three New Species

Anzomyia chrysomallis Lessard

in Lessard & Yeates, 2012. 

 DOI: 10.1163/187631212X637526

  twitter.com/BrytheFlyGuy

Abstract

A new genus of Australian and New Zealand horse fly, Anzomyia Lessard, gen.n., is described, with its type species Anzomyia anomala (Mackerras) originally placed in the Scaptia (Walker, 1850) subgenus Pseudoscione (Lutz, 1918). The new genus Anzomyia is diagnosed and illustrated, along with the description of three new species. A taxonomic key is also provided to include all known species. The three new species are Anzomyia chrysomallis Lessard, sp.n. and Anzomyia pegasus Lessard, sp.n. from Australia, and Anzomyia herculensis Lessard, sp.n. from New Zealand.

Keywords: Scaptia; Pseudoscione; Copidapha; anomala; descriptive taxonomy; morphology

Systematics 

Family: Tabanidae 

Subfamily: Pangoniinae 

Tribe: Scionini 

Genus: Anzomyia Lessard, gen.n.

Etymology: The name is derived from the Greek myia, fly, combined with the Australian and New Zealand distribution of the genus.

Species included: Anzomyia anomala (Mackerras); Anzomyia chrysomallis Lessard, sp.n.; Anzomyia herculensis Lessard, sp.n.; Anzomyia pegasus Lessard, sp.n.

Anzomyia chrysomallis Lessard, sp.n. 

Etymology: This specific epithet is derived from the Greek chrysos, gold, and mallos, wool, and refers to the distinct golden yellow hairs covering the species. 

Anzomyia pegasus Lessard, sp.n. 

Etymology: This specific epithet is a latinised derivation of the winged horse Pegasos from Greek mythology, and refers to the projecting face of the species resembling the elongated nose of a horse. 

Anzomyia herculensis Lessard, sp.n.

Etymology: This specific epithet refers to the type locality, Mt Hercules in New Zealand.

 Bryan D. Lessard and David K. Yeates. 2012. Anzomyia (Diptera: Tabanidae: Pangoniinae: Scionini): A New Genus of Australian and New Zealand Horse Fly, including the Description of Three New Species.  Insect Systematics & Evolution.  43(2); 101–116. DOI: 10.1163/187631212X637526  

twitter.com/BrytheFlyGuy/status/1263750638455803904

[Botany • 2012] Rhododendron rawatii (Ericaceae) • A New Species from the Western Himalaya, India

Rhododendron rawatii  I. D. Rai & B. S. Adhikari

in Rai & Adhikari, 2012.

   DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.71.1.3

 ABSTRACT

A new species of Rhododendron, R. rawatii is illustrated and described from the Western Himalaya. The species is sporadically found in the subalpine-timberline zone of Uttarakhand state. Fascicled white cottony hairs on the abaxial surface in between lateral veins of leaves, bright pink and shine-less corolla and comparatively large calyx with hairy margins distinguish the new species from its nearest ally R. fulgens. The populations of the species were found in two geographically distinct localities in the Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand state. The distinguishing morphological characters, affinities with other species and various ecological aspects of the new species are discussed here.

Rhododendron rawatii I. D. Rai & B. S. Adhikari sp. nov. 

Etymology:— The epithet rawatii acknowledges Prof. Gopal Singh Rawat, one of the leading phytotaxonomists and ecologists of India.

 Ishwari Datt Rai and Bhupendra S. Adhikari. 2012. Rhododendron rawatii (Ericaceae), A New Species from the Western Himalaya, India. PHYTOTAXA. 71(1):10-16   DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.71.1.3

researchgate.net/publication/235666968_Rhododendron_rawatii_Ericaceae_a_new_species_from_the_Western_Himalaya_India

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[Herpetology • 2017] Rediscovery of the Enigmatic Mountain Dragon, Japalura yulongensis (Sauria: Agamidae), with Notes on Its Natural History and Conservation

 Japalura yulongensis Manthey, Denzer, Hou & Wang, 2012 

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4318.2.8 

Abstract

Mountain Dragons of the genus Japalura Gray 1853 have gained increasing systematic attention recently as a result of the availability of new, vouchered collections and a resurgence of interest in Indochinese agamid diversity. This is particularly true for the J. flaviceps Barbour, Dunn 1919 complex from southwest China. However, many species of the complex are still known from few historical specimens only, and little is known about their general biology and conservation status. As one of such understudied members of the complex, Japalura yulongensis Manthey, Denzer, Hou, and Wang 2012 was described on the basis of seven historical specimens from the type locality in northwest Yunnan, PR China in 1914. Little was known at the time of the general biology and conservation status of the species, and the species has not been documented in the wild since the original description. Herein, we report the re-discovery of this secretive species based on a series of newly collected specimens from the vicinity of the type locality. We provide the first accounts of body coloration in life and microhabitat preferences, expand upon what is known of the species’ morphological variation and ecology, revise the morphological diagnosis of the species, and offer suggestions on its IUCN conservation status and protection status in China.

Keywords: Reptilia, conservation, endemism, Hengduan Mountains, Japalura flaviceps

Kai Wang, Jinlong Ren, Ke Jiang, Zhiyong Yuan, Jing Che and Cameron D. Siler. 2017. Rediscovery of the Enigmatic Mountain Dragon, Japalura yulongensis (Reptilia: Sauria: Agamidae), with Notes on Its Natural History and Conservation.
  Zootaxa. 4318(2); 351–363.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4318.2.8

ResearchGate.net/publication/319524893_Rediscovery_of_the_enigmatic_Mountain_Dragon_Japalura_yulongensis_Reptilia_Sauria_Agamidae_with_notes_on_its_natural_history_and_conservation