[Botany • 2018] Lobelia hongiana (Campanulaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

Lobelia hongiana Q.F.Wang & G.W.Hu, 

in Li, Wei, Liu, Chen, Hu et Wang, 2018.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.95.20245

Abstract

Lobelia hongiana, a new species of Campanulaceae from Guangxi, South China, is described and illustrated here. This new species is most similar to L. chinensis and L. loochooensis, but differs by its elliptic-obovate or oblanceolate leaf, 2.5–3 mm long greenish-carmine hypanthium, 5 or 6 calyx lobes, purplish-white corolla, with yellowish-green blotches at the base of lower lobes, glabrous filaments, 7–8 mm long broadly obconic capsule. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has been conducted based on ITS and two chloroplast sequences (atpB and rbcL) and 14 taxa in Lobelia are included. L. hongiana is well supported as a new species by the evidence from both morphology and molecular phylogeny.

Keywords: Hypsela, Lobelia chinensis, Lobelia loochooensis, Southern China

 

Photos of Lobelia hongiana Q.F.Wang & G.W.Hu: morphology.
A Habitat B Part of one individual C A stem bearing leaves and a flower D–G Flower viewed from different orientations H–I Fruit viewed from different orientations.

Lobelia hongiana Q.F.Wang & G.W.Hu, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is distinguished from L. chinensis and L. loochooensis by its elliptic-obovate or oblanceolate leaves, usually sinuate-dentate margin; hypanthium 2.5–3 mm long, greenish-carmine; calyx lobes 5 or 6, shorter than hypanthium; corolla purplish-white, yellowish- green blotches at the base of lower lobes; glabrous filaments; broadly obconic capsule, 7–8 mm long; flowering time from May to July.

 

Distribution and ecology: The new species has been found in Huixian Wetland, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China, with only two populations. There is a high probability that L. hongiana is also distributed at adjacent areas, given its vegetative propagation traits. Its living environment is wetland and farmland.

Phenology: The new species was found in flower from May to July.

Etymology: Species epithet, “hongiana”, is in honour of Prof. De-Yuan Hong who made a significant contribution to the authors’ knowledge of Campanulaceae.

 Zhi-Zhong Li, Neng Wei, Yan Liu, Jin-Ming Chen, Guangwan Hu and Qing-Feng Wang. 2018. Lobelia hongiana (Campanulaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 95: 27-36.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.95.20245

[Herpetology • 2018] Jingophrys feii • A New Species of the Genus Megophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Yunnan Province, China

 

Jingophrys feii (Yang, Wang, and Wang, 2018)
Megophrys feii

in Yang, J. Wang et Y.-Y. Wang, 2018. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4413.2.5 

Abstract

We describe a new horned toad species of the genus Megophrys from Yingjiang County of Yunnan Province, China. The new species, Megophrys feii sp. nov., can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) body slender and small (SVL 24.3–25.1 mm in four males, 28.2–28.9 mm in two females); (2) head length about equal to head width (HDL/HDW 0.97–0.99); (3) tympanum circular and distinct; (4) maxillary teeth present; (5) vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth absent; (6) tongue round, slightly notched posteriorly; (7) tibia long (TIB/SVL 0.48–0.52 in four males, 0.54–0.55 in two females), shanks overlapping when thighs are held at right angles to the body; (8) dorsal skin distinctly granular and densely covered with small tubercles; (9) lower flanks and lateral sides of belly scattered with small but prominent, white, tubercles; (10) webbing between toes rudimentary; (11) lateral fringes on toes moderate to wide; (12) breeding males without nuptial pads and spines on fingers; (13) protruding projection posterior to cloaca present in both sexes; (14) groin and ventral thigh coloration in life not contrasting with surrounding regions; (15) the presence of an indistinct and small horn-like tubercle at the edge of the eyelid; and (16) an advertisement call with a dominant frequency of 4.74–4.91 kHz (at 18 ˚C). To date, the new species has only been found at its type locality in stream areas in montane evergreen broadleaf forests between 700–1200 m elevation.

Amphibia, Horned toad, Megophryinae, taxonomy, bioacoustics, Megophrys feii sp. nov., Yingjiang County

 Megophrys feii sp. nov.
 (A) A pair in amplexus (male holotype SYS a006524 and female paratype SYS a006526);
(B) male paratype SYS a006528 vocalizing; (C) male paratype SYS a006529.

photos by Jian-Huan YANG.

 Megophrys feii  sp. nov. 

Jian-Huan YANG, Jian WANG and Ying-Yong WANG. 2018. A New Species of the Genus Megophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Yunnan Province, China. Zootaxa. 4413(2); 325–338. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4413.2.5 

Researchgate.net/publication/324704604_A_new_species_of_Megophrys_from_Yunnan_China

https://kfbg.org/en/KFBG-blog/post/KFBG-researchers-described-FOUR-new-amphibian-species-of-the-World-from-Yunnan-China

[Botany • 2018] Magnolia kachinensis (Magnoliaceae) • A New Species from northern Myanmar

Magnolia kachinensis  S.S.Zhou, Q.Liu & Sima

in Zhou, Tan, Li, et al., 2018. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.375.1.5 

 Researchgate.net/publication/328840044

Magnoliaceae include about 350 species that are widely distributed in tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate regions of Asia and the Americas, from near sea level to 3400 m elevation (Vázquez-García et al. 2016). Numerous phylogenetic studies of Magnoliaceae in the last two decades (Law 1984, Figlar & Nooteboom 2004, Xia et al. 2008, Sima & Lu. 2012, Kim & Suh 2013, Romanov & Dilcher 2013), have ultimately led to almost universal acceptance of the classification of Figar & Nooteboom (2004), consisting of only two genera: Liriodendron Linneaus (1753: 535) with only two species, and a broad concept of Magnolia Linneaus (1753: 535) including all other species. Myanmar currently has only 21 species of Magnolia (Govaerts et al. 2017).

Keywords: Magnolia kachinensis, Magnoliaceae, Magnoliids

    

Magnolia kachinensis.
A. Habit (leaves). B. Terminal bud and adaxial view of petioles. C. Branch apex with leaves and bud. D. Apical view of flower and front view of leaf. E. Lateral view of leaf. F. Flower. G. Carpels. H. Gynoecia and pistil group. I. Stamens. J. Tepals. K. Fruit. L. Seeds.

(Photographed by Shi-Shun Zhou and Qiang Liu). 

Magnolia kachinensis S.S.Zhou, Q.Liu & Sima, sp. nov.

Distribution and habitat:— Magnolia kachinensis is currently only known from Putao County, Kachin State, Myanmar. The new species was found in rainforest near by the river, mainly composed of Beilschmiedia robusta Allen (1942: 447), Syzygium xizangense Chang & Miao (1986: 343), Altingia excelsa Noronha (1790: 9), Elaeocarpus varunua Buchanan-Hamilton ex Masters (1874: 407), Musa itinerans Cheesman (1949: 23), Musa sanguinea Hooker (1872: 5895), Melocalamus compactiflorus (Kurz) Bentham (1883: 1212).

Etymology:— Referring to the type locality, Kachin State, Myanmar.



  


Shi-Shun Zhou, Yun-Hong Tan,  Ren Li, Rui-Chang Quan, Kyaw Win Maung, Qiang Liu and Yong-Kang Sima. 2018. Magnolia kachinensis (Magnoliaceae), A New Species from northern Myanmar. Phytotaxa. 375(1); 92–98.  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.375.1.5

 Researchgate.net/publication/328840044_Magnolia_kachinensis_a_new_species_from_northern_Myanmar

   

A New Tree Species of Magnolia Found in Northern Myanmar

 http://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/201811/t20181114_201235.shtml

[Entomology • 2018] Gilen orientalis • The Unicorn Exists! A remarkable New Genus and Species of Perilissini (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from South East Asia

 Gilen orientalis

Reshchikov & Van Achterberg, 2018  

 

DOI: doi.org/10.2478/aemnp-2018-0041

Abstract 

Gilen gen. nov. (type species G. orientalis sp. nov.) from South East Asia is described and illustrated. The new taxon has a produced mid-longitudinal facial projection, which differentiates it from all other known genera of Ichneumonidae. It belongs to the tribe Perilissini in the subfamily Ctenopelmatinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) and is recorded from Laos, Northern Thailand and Vietnam.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, new genus, new species, parasitoid, facial projection, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Oriental Region

Gilen gen. nov.  

 Gilen orientalis sp. nov.

Etymology. The generic name ʻGilenʼ refers to a mythical single horned creature (Thai name: กิเลน) known in Thai and other Asian cultures. It refers to the unique mid-longitudinal facial projection. The gender is masculine.

Alexey Reshchikov and Cornelis Van Achterberg. 2018. The Unicorn exists! A remarkable New Genus and Species of Perilissini (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from South East Asia. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae. 58(2):523-529. DOI: doi.org/10.2478/aemnp-2018-0041 [November 2018]

www.biotaxa.org/AEMNP/article/view/42742

 Researchgate.net/publication/329277057_A_remarkable_new_genus_and_species_of_Perilissini_from_Southeast_Asia

[Ichthyology • 2018] Altigena malihkaia • A New Species of Labeonini (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Irrawaddy River Basin in Myanmar

 

Altigena malihkaia

Zheng, Qin & Chen, 2018

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4476.1.8 

 Researchgate.net/publication/327632900

 

Abstract

Altigena malihkaia, new species, is described from the Mali Hka River, a tributary of the Irrawaddy River in northern Myanmar. It is distinguished from all other species of the genus Altigena by having a combination of 45–49 lateral-line scales, 12–14 circumpeduncular scales, 17–20 pre-dorsal midline scales, wide head (96.8–138.5% HL), long postorbital length (64.6–81.0 % HL), and short dorsal-fin (length 21.9–26.2% SL).

Pisces, Taxonomy, Cypriniformes, Mali Hka River

 Lan-Ping ZHENG, Tao QIN and Xiao-Yong CHEN. 2018. Altigena malihkaia, A New Species of Labeonini (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Irrawaddy River basin in Myanmar. Zootaxa. 4476(1); 87–93. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4476.1.8 [2018-09-13] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/327632900_Altigena_malihkaia_a_new_species_of_Labeonini_Cyprinidae_from_the_Irrawaddy_River_basin_in_Myanmar

[Botany • 2018] Drosera albonotata (Droseraceae) • A New Pygmy Sundew from the western Wheatbelt and An updated Diagnostic Key to the Orange-flowered Pygmy Drosera of Western Australia

Drosera albonotata A.S.Rob., A.T.Cross, Meisterl & A.Fleischm.

in Robinson, Cross, Meisterl & Fleischmann, 2018. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.346.3.2  

facebook.com/AlastairRobinson

Abstract

A new species of Drosera—Drosera albonotata—from the western Wheatbelt (Western Australia) is described and illustrated. The taxon, which is largely restricted to sandy clay loam soils in Wandoo woodland and shrubland, is morphologically similar to D. miniata and D. coomallo but can be distinguished by its distinct floral features and ecology. A distribution map of the new species and its allies and a revised and updated diagnostic key to the twelve recognised orange-flowered pygmy Drosera in Western Australia are provided.

Keywords: Australia, carnivorous plants, Droseraceae, Drosera section Bryastrum, non-core Caryophyllales, Taxonomy, Eudicots

  

Drosera albonotata A.S.Rob., A.T.Cross, Meisterl & A.Fleischm.
 a—habit of a plant with two inflorescences at anthesis. b—gemma, left adaxial surface, middle lateral view, right abaxial surface. c—leaf with attached stipule as well as unifacial marginal glands, which can be relatively short-lived and not always apparent later in the season, left adaxial surface, right abaxial surface d—petiole cross-section. e—stipule, abaxial surface. f—style arm with stigma. g—gynoecium. h—petal, adaxial surface. i—sepal, abaxial surface. j—stamens, right sub-mature with intact anthers, left mature with extrorse longitudinal thecal dehiscence initiating at anther apex. k— seed. a, c, h, j from living type material prior to pressing, b from cultivated material, d–g, i from herbarium material, k from cultivated material visualised by SEM. Drawn by A. S. Robinson.

Drosera albonotata A.S.Rob., A.T.Cross, Meisterl & A.Fleischm.
Living plants photographed in situ, showing left a flowering plant, and right a mature rosette. Photographs A.S. Robinson.

Drosera albonotata A.S.Rob., A.T.Cross, Meisterl & A.Fleischm., sp. nov. 

 Type:— AUSTRALIA. Western Australia: Wandoo National Park, ....

 Diagnosis:— Drosera albonotata is similar to D. miniata from which it can be distinguished by (contrasting features in parentheses) 1) its petals, which are pandurate (broadly obcuneate-obovate to obovate-subpandurate) and bear white, basal patches on either side of the midvein that are apparent both on the adaxial and abaxial petal surfaces (basal petal patches uniformly maroon-black), with more prominent venation including secondary and tertiary branching (less prominent, mostly limited to secondary branching), 2) its anther filaments, which are black at the base graduating to maroon-purple towards the thecae (filaments entirely white), 3) its sepals, which are apically more obtuse (more ovate) and inflorescences, both of which are distally more densely glandular than those of D. miniata, 4) by its more elliptic laminae (sub-orbiculate) with an average of five Type II unifacial marginal glands (seven Type II unifacial marginal glands), the abaxial surface with a greater density of eglandular trichomes.

 

 A pollinator of Drosera albonotata, identified as a Melolonthid (Scarabaeidae) possibly in the genus Liparetrus (photograph by A.S. Robinson).

 

Etymology:— the specific epithet albonotata is derived from the Latin albus (white) and notatus (marked), a reference to the two basal marks of white on each petal, the overall effect of which is a collar of white around the floral centre. This feature is wholly absent from Drosera miniata.

Alastair S. Robinson, Adam T. Cross, Manfred E. Meisterl and Andreas Fleischmann. 2018. A New Pygmy Sundew, Drosera albonotata (Droseraceae), from the western Wheatbelt and An updated Diagnostic Key to the Orange-flowered Pygmy Drosera of Western Australia. Phytotaxa. 346(3); 221–236. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.346.3.2

facebook.com/AlastairRobinson/posts/10156315232233343

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156356181463343

 Researchgate.net/publication/358933879_New_Australian_Drosera_taxa_published_since_Allen_Lowrie's_Magnum_Opus

[Entomology • 2018] Thecobathra minuta, T. taiwanensis, ... • Taxonomic Review of the Genus Thecobathra (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) from Taiwan

 

1. Thecobathra minuta n. sp.; 2. T. pauciguttata n. sp;
3. T. taiwanensis n. sp.; 4. T. heppneri n. sp.

 Sohn, 2018

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2018.01.020

Highlights

• The Taiwanese species of Thecobathra are reviewed.

• Four new species of Thecobathra: heppneri n. sp., minuta n. sp., pauciguttata n. sp., and taiwanensis n. sp. are described.

• The female genitalia of T. basilobata are described for the first time.

• Keys to all the Taiwanese species of Thecobathra are provided.

Abstract

The Taiwanese species of Thecobathra are reviewed. Four new species of Thecobathra: T. heppneri n. sp., T. minuta n. sp., T. pauciguttata n. sp., and T. taiwanensis n. sp. are described. The female genitalia of T. basilobata are described for the first time. Keys to all the Taiwanese species of Thecobathra are provided.

 

Keywords: Lepidoptera, New species, Taiwan, Taxonomy, Thecobathra, Yponomeutidae

 Adults of Thecobathra.
1. Thecobathra minuta n. sp., holotype; 2. T. pauciguttata n. sp., holotype;
3. T. taiwanensis n. sp., holotype; 4. T. heppneri n. sp., holotype.

Scale bars = 3 mm.

Jae-Cheon Sohn. 2018. Taxonomic Review of the Genus Thecobathra (Lepidoptera, Yponomeutidae) from Taiwan. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 21(1); 374-379. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2018.01.020

[Entomology • 2018] Eumorphobotys concavuncus & E. horakae • Revision of the Genus Eumorphobotys (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Pyraustinae) with Descriptions of Two New Species

 

Eumorphobotys concavuncus & E. horakae 

Chen, Zhang & Stănescu, 2018

  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4472.3.4 

Abstract

The genus Eumorphobotys Munroe & Mutuura (1969) comprises two species that have been found in southern China. Two new species, E. concavuncus sp. n. and E. horakae sp. n., are described from southwest China. In appearance, this genus also resembles Calamochrous Lederer, 1863, Sclerocona Meyrick, 1890, Prodasycnemis Warren, 1892, and Loxoneptera Hampson, 1896. In order to evaluate the generic placement of the new taxa, the phylogeny of Eumorphobotys species and several species representing the potential related genera based on sequence data of COI, 16S rRNA, EF-1α and 28S rRNA gene regions were reconstructed and the taxonomy of these genera based on morphological characters was re-assessed. The results are as follows: (i) the monophyly of Eumorphobotys is well supported; (ii) Loxoneptera is paraphyletic. Two species of Calamochrous were recovered as terminal lineages within Loxoneptera; (iii) the clade comprising species of Loxoneptera and Calamochrous is in the sister position to Eumorphobotys with a robust support; (iv) species of Loxoneptera and Calamochrous resemble Eumorphobotys in the wing shape and the porrect labial palpus but differ in genitalia structures. The relationships of these genera are discussed; (v) two new species, E. concavuncus sp. n. and E. horakae sp. n., are described, Calamochrous obscuralis (Caradja, 1925) syn. n. is synonymized with E. eumorphalis (Caradja, 1925) based on the male genitalia and the adults and genitalia of all species (except the female of E. horakae sp. n.) are illustrated.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, Loxoneptera, identification key, systematics, genitalia, molecular phylogeny, new synonyms, China

Kai Chen, Dandan Zhang and Mihai Stănescu. 2018. Revision of the Genus Eumorphobotys with Descriptions of Two New Species (Lepidoptera, Crambidae, Pyraustinae). Zootaxa. 4472(3); 489–504.  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4472.3.4

[Botany • 2018] Sciaphila lambirensis (Triuridaceae) • A new mycoheterotrophic plant from Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia

 

Sciaphila lambirensis Suetsugu, 

in Suetsugu. 2018.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.201805

Borneo is known to harbor the greatest species diversity of the mycoheterotrophic genus Sciaphila (Triuridaceae) and is home to 11 species, including five endemics. Here, another undescribed Sciaphila species, Sciaphila lambirensis, which was discovered during a botanical survey in Lambir Hills National Park (Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia) is reported along with a detailed morphological account. Sciaphila lambirensis is similar to S. brevistyla in having six equal perianth segments with a swollen apex bearing long hairs in both staminate and carpellate flowers. However, it is easily distinguishable by the secund arrangement of the flowers and the pedicel slightly recurved at its apex. A key to the species of Sciaphila in Borneo is provided.

Key words: Lambir Hills National Park, mycoheterotrophy, new species, taxonomy 

Sciaphila lambirensis Suetsugu, sp. nov.

Kenji Suetsugu. 2018. Sciaphila lambirensis (Triuridaceae), a new mycoheterotrophic plant from Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia. Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica. 69(3); 175-180. DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.201805

[Botany • 2018] Tupistra nagarum (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Nagaland, North-eastern India

 

 Tupistra nagarum N. Odyuo, D.K. Roy & A.A. Mao, 

in Odyuo, Roy et Mao, 2018. 

DOI: doi.org/10.20324/nelumbo/v60/2018/120924 

  Researchgate.net/publication/326835471

 

Abstract

Tupistra nagarum N. Odyuo, D. K. Roy & A. A. Mao, a new species belonging to the family Asparagaceae from Nagaland, north-eastern India is described and illustrated. Its affinities to the allied species are discussed and taxonomic key is presented.

Keywords: Nagaland, India, New Species, Tupistra nagarum, Asparagaceae.

 Tupistra nagarum N. Odyuo, D.K. Roy & A.A. Mao:
A-B. Spike; C. Bract; D. Bracteole; E. Tangential section of flower; F. Sagital section of perianth; G. Frontal view of perianth tube; H. Perianth lobes; I. Pistil; J. Ovary; K. Fruit; L. Fruit, transversal section; M. Seed.

 Tupistra nagarum N. Odyuo, D.K. Roy & A.A. Mao:
A & B. Habit, in-situ; C. Rhizomatous stem.

Nripemo Odyuo, Dilip Kumar Roy and Ashiho A. Mao. 2018. Tupistra nagarum (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Nagaland, North-eastern India. Nelumbo. 60(1), 1–5. DOI: doi.org/10.20324/nelumbo/v60/2018/120924 [2018-07-19] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/326835471_Tupistra_nagarum_a_new_species_from_Nagaland_North-eastern_India

[Botany • 2018] Astragalus ihsancalisii (Fabaceae) • A New Species of Astragalus Sect. Incani from Erzurum Province, E Turkey

Astragalus ihsancalisii Dönmez & Uğurlu, 

in Dönmez et Uğurlu Aydin, 2018. 

 DOI: 10.3372/wi.48.48309

Abstract

Astragalus ihsancalisii Dönmez & Uğurlu (Fabaceae) is described as a new species from Erzurum province in E Turkey. The new species belongs to A. sect. Incani DC. and is similar and possibly related to A. glaucophyllus Bunge and A. guzelsuensis F. Ghahrem. & al. from Turkey and A. siahcheshmehensis Maassoumi & Podlech from Iran. Astragalus ihsancalisii is clearly distinguished from those three species by flower number per raceme, bract size, pedicel length, standard length and legume beak length, among other characters. Diagnostic characters are given and their taxonomic importance is discussed. Photographs of A. ihsancalisii in the field are presented. In addition, SEM micrographs of leaf and legume surfaces of the new species and A. glaucophyllus and A. guzelsuensis are provided for comparison. The conservation status of A.ihsancalisii is also assessed according to field observations.

KEYWORDS: Astragalus, biodiversity, conservation status, endemic, FABACEAE, Leguminosae, micromorphology, new species, taxonomy, Turkey

Astragalus ihsancalisii Dönmez & Uğurlu

Alı A. Dönmez and Zübeyde Uğurlu Aydin. 2018. Astragalus ihsancalisii (Fabaceae), A New Species from Erzurum Province, E Turkey. Willdenowia. 48(3); 399-404.  DOI: 10.3372/wi.48.48309

 

[Paleontology • 2025] The Re-description of Liaoningotitan sinensis Zhou et al., 2018

Liaoningotitan sinensis Zhou, Wu, Sekiya & Dong, 2018

in Shan, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19154  

Abstract 

Liaoningotitan sinensis is one of three sauropod species found in the Jehol Biota. Liaoningotitan sinensis is from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation in Liaoning, China. The discovery of Liaoningotitan sinensis was an important breakthrough for researching the diversity of giant herbivorous animals in the Jehol Biota. However, the research and analysis of Liaoningotitan sinensis are not yet complete. This study presents a comprehensive research and analysis of Liaoningotitan sinensis holotype. First, the skull, vertebrae, pelvic girdle, and appendicular elements of Liaoningotitan sinensis holotype were carefully reexamined, leading to the discovery of mosaic evolution occurring in the skull and the identification of one new autapomorphy of humerus of Liaoningotitan sinensis: the attachment point of coracobrachialis muscle on the anterior surface of the proximal end of the humerus is flat. Second, the characteristics of the Liaoningotitan sinensis holotype and other well-preserved sauropod dinosaurs were used to reconstruct the skull of Liaoningotitan sinensis. Next, Euhelopus zdanskyi was used to reconstruct the body type of Liaoningotitan sinensis holotype, the result indicating that Liaoningotitan sinensis was approximately 10 m in length. Finally, TNT software was utilized to analyze the phylogenetic position of Liaoningotitan sinensis, with the result indicating that Liaoningotitan sinensis can be classified into the Euhelopodidae.

Skull of Liaoningotitan sinensis holotype PMOL-AD00112.

Preserved elements of Liaoningotitan sinensis holotype PMOL-AD00112. 

Edited from Euhelopus zdanskyi, a preserved complete Titanosauriform dinosaur. 

Painted by Gallipus (a net ID of helper https://www.deviantart.com/yty2000) Scale bar: 1 m.

Conclusion: 

The Liaoningotitan sinensis holotype is a partial skeleton from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation, a formation famous for Jehol Biota. It displays some characteristics that suggest Liaoningotitan sinensis is a valid species that can be distinguished from other Titanosauriformes dinosaurs. This analysis classifies Liaoningotitan sinensis into Euhelopodidae, indicating that members of Euhelopodidae family inhabited this biota, which increases the known diversity of sauropod dinosaurs in the Jehol Biota. The research on the skull of Liaoningotitan sinensis holotype indicated that mosaic evolution is present in the Liaoningotitan, and it is in the transitional phase from early-diverging Titanosauriformes to late-diverging Titanosauriformes. The body type reconstruction of Liaoningotitan, which is referred to Euhelopus zdanskyi, shows that the Liaoningotitan sinensis holotype is more than 10 m long. Therefore, it is a medium-sized sauropod dinosaur. However, the unfused sacral vertebrae indicated the holotype is an immature specimen. In the end, we concluded the skull type of the Titanosauriformes. We got four types, indicating that the evolution of the Titanosauriformes may be more complex than we considered in the past.

Bingqing Shan​. 2025. The Re-description of Liaoningotitan sinensis Zhou et al., 2018. PeerJ. 13:e19154. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19154  

[Diplopoda • 2018] Nagaxytes acantherpestes, N. erecta, N. gracilis & N. spatula • The New Genus Nagaxytes gen. nov. (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), with the Description of Three New Species [A Revision of Dragon Millipedes II]

 Nagaxytes gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 
 N. erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 

in Srisonchai, Enghoff, Likhitrakarn et Panha, 2018. 

DOI:  10.5852/ejt.2018.462 

Abstract

The ‘acantherpestes’ group of dragon millipedes, formerly placed in the genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923, is revised and assigned to the new genus Nagaxytes Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. nov. Desmoxytes acantherpestes Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994 is the type species of the new genus and is redescribed as N. acantherpestes (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994) gen. et comb. nov. Three new species are described from Thailand: N. erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. and N. gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. from Kanchanaburi Province, and N. spatula Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. from Tak Province. All new species are endemic to western Thailand and all are restricted to limestone habitats. Complete illustrations of external morphological characters, an identification key, and a distribution map are provided.

Keywords: endemic; dragon millipede; new species; taxonomy; Thailand

Taxonomy

Class Diplopoda Blainville-Gervais, 1844

Order Polydesmida Pocock, 1887

Suborder Strongylosomatidea Brölemann, 1916

Family Paradoxosomatidae Daday, 1889

Subfamily Paradoxosomatinae Daday, 1889

Tribe Orthomorphini Brölemann, 1916

 General body characters of Nagaxytes Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. nov.
 N. acantherpestes (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994) gen. et comb. nov., ♂, holotype, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Hua Hin District (ZMUC 000101457).
A. Entire body. B. Anterior body part. C. Body rings 5–8, showing sternal lobe between coxae 4 and gonopods on ring 7. D. Head and antennae.

Genus Nagaxytes Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. nov.

Type species: Desmoxytes acantherpestes Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994

Diagnosis: 

The genus Nagaxytes gen. nov. is characterized by:

1. Paraterga subspiniform.

2. Metaterga with 2 rows of tubercles/cones/spines (lateral spines of posterior row very long).

3. Male femora 5 and 6 without modification.

4. Postfemoral part of gonopod conspicuous, demarcated from femur by a deep mesal sulcus and a

shallow/deep lateral sulcus.

5. Lamina lateralis obviously separated from lamina medialis.

6. Lamina medialis long and curved, apically fringed/hooked.

Etymology: ‘Naga’ is a Sanskrit and Pali word, relating to a category of snake-like spirits in Buddhist and Hindu mythology, and refers to the snake-like shape of the lamina medialis of the gonopod; ‘-xytes’ ensures harmony with Desmoxytes (and its synonym Pteroxytes Jeekel, 1980).

Included species (4): 

- N. acantherpestes (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994) gen. et comb. nov.

- N. erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov.

- N. gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov.

- N. spatula Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov.

Remarks: Srisonchai et al. (2018) proposed to subdivide Desmoxytes sensu Golovatch & Enghoff (1994) into five genera. The ‘acantherpestes’ group (= Nagaxytes) is well-defined by several distinct morphological characters (see diagnosis), especially the distinctive subspiniform paraterga and the very long lamina medialis of the gonopods. Even though the subspiniform paraterga are relatively similar to those of the ‘gigas’ group, the gonopod details are very different.

Distribution and habitat: This genus is known only from the western part of Thailand: Prachuap Khiri Khan Province (Hua Hin and Kui Buri Districts), Kanchanaburi Province (Sai Yok and Thong Pha Phum Districts) and Tak Province (Mae Sot and Umphang Districts) (Fig. 27). All four species seem to be local endemics, highly restricted to limestone habitats, and all have narrow distribution ranges. The specimens were usually found on humid rocks, rock walls, leaf litter or surface roots of trees. Some species can be found syntopically in the same habitat with other dragon millipede species.

Nagaxytes acantherpestes (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994) gen. et comb. nov. 

 

Diagnosis: Metaterga 4–19 with one row of 2+2 posterior spines (anterior row absent). Similar in this respect to N. gracilis gen. et sp. nov. but differs from this species by having paraterga shorter; degree of elevation of paraterga lower; sternal lobe between male coxae 4 subtrapeziform; lamina lateralis swollen, stout, short.

Live photographs and habitat of Nagaxytes erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov.
A. Specimen from Ban Nong Bang, Thailand (♀). B. Mating couple. C. ♂ with parasitic mites. D. Habitat.

Nagaxytes erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology The name is a Latin adjective and refers to the erect lamina lateralis of the gonopod telopodite. 

 Nagaxytes gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov., ♂, paratype (CUMZpxDGT00095).

Watercolour by R. Srisonchai and P. Kriatpraprai.

Nagaxytes gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. 

 

Etymology The name is a Latin adjective, referring to the slender lamina lateralis of the gonopod telopodite.

Distribution and habitat: Nagaxytes gracilis gen. et sp. nov. is known only from Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province. All specimens were collected on humid rocks, superficial tree roots and litter in limestone habitats. It lives in the same habitat with D. purpurosea, D. golovatchi Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 2018 and N. erecta gen. et sp. nov. (q.v.). The new species occurs in a narrow distribution area along the huge limestone range which is entirely contained within Sai Yok District. We thus consider this species to be endemic to Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.

Nagaxytes spatula Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov.  

Etymology The name is a Latin noun in apposition, referring to the spatulate lobe on the lamina lateralis.

Distribution and habitat Known only from Tak Province. Almost all specimens were seen crawling on rocks, some on leaf litter in limestone habitats. Some juveniles were collected from the leaf litter (probably in moulting chambers). In the field, the specimens blended perfectly with brown rocks and leaf litter.

Ruttapon Srisonchai, Henrik Enghoff, Natdanai Likhitrakarn and Somsak Panha. 2018. A Revision of Dragon Millipedes II: The New Genus Nagaxytes gen. nov., with the Description of Three New Species (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae).  European Journal of Taxonomy. 462; 1–44. DOI:  10.5852/ejt.2018.462

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