[Entomology • 2026] Attenboroughnculus tau • A New Genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Chile and A Key to the World Genera

Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad,

in De Ketelaere, Pullar et Broad, 2026.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2663058 

ABSTRACT

A new genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is described: Attenboroughnculus De Ketelaere and Broad, gen. n. a monotypic genus for Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad, sp. n. collected in central Chile. This is the fourth genus and fourth described species of Pedunculinae and the second from the Neotropics. Each of the four known genera is defined by putative apomorphies, included in an identification key, and photos of each are provided.

KEYWORDS: Austral, Darwin wasps, Gondwanan, new species, South America, taxonomy, Sir David Attenborough

Attenboroughnculus De Ketelaere and Broad, gen. n.

  

Etymology: 

This unique genus from Chile has been named after Sir David Attenborough ahead of his 100th birthday, celebrating the broadcaster and biologist’s highly distinctive contribution to our understanding of the natural world. David Attenborough has featured Chile’s diverse, extreme landscapes in several documentaries, emphasising the unique environmental challenges and ecological resilience of species within the country.

Sir David has also filmed several scenes with parasitoid wasps, famously termed the ‘bodysnatcher wasp’ by the broadcaster in the Trials of Life, first broadcast in 1990. He has used his work to reveal the intimate, unseen or overlooked within nature. This resonates in the discovery of this species in an unsorted drawer within the collections of the Natural History Museum, London.

In 2023 Sir David revealed a new bronze quote outside the Natural History Museum, London, reading: The future of the natural world, on which we all depend, is in our hands. We are using this opportunity to echo this message through the naming of this new genus of tiny wasp.

We hope to inspire global scientists to take another look in their collections to see if there is something small that could contribute to our collective understanding and therefore the future of our natural world. The name is a concatenation of ‘Attenborough’ and ‘Pedunculus’.

Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad, sp. n.

Etymology: Named after the large, capital ‘T’ marking on the second metasomal tergite, with ‘tau’ being the Greek for ‘T’. A noun in apposition.

Augustijn De Ketelaere, Jennifer Pullar and Gavin R. Broad. 2026. The Description of A New Genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Chile and A Key to the World Genera. Journal of Natural History. 60(21-24); 1167-1180. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2663058 [07 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Valeriana umbellifera (Caprifoliaceae) • A New saxicolous endemic Taxon from Central Chile Mountains

 

Valeriana umbellifera A. Cádiz-Véliz, A.E. Villarroel & Nic. García, 

Cádiz-Véliz, García, Villarroel et Zúñiga-Acevedo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.741.1.6  

 Researchgate.net/publication/400718107

Abstract

Valeriana, comprissing approximately 436 species, represents a successful evolutionary radiation within Dipsacales, with an important center of diversification in South America. In Chile, 46 species are currently recognized, 41.3% of which are endemic; two are reported as Endangered and one is probably extinct. The genus is mainly represented by herbaceous species, a calyx that is entire or modified into a pappus, a gamopetalous and pentamerous corolla, an inferior ovary, and an achene as indehiscent dry fruit. During botanical surveys in mountainous areas of Central Chile, specimens of a Valeriana restricted to crevices of steep rocky walls were found. Examination of herbarium material and relevant literature confirmed that it corresponds to a previously undescribed species, here named Valeriana umbellifera. This taxon is characterized by its perennial herbaceous habit, strictly saxicolous ecology, fleshy and glossy leaves arranged in a rosette, and a capituliform inflorescence with an umbel-like appearance. Its phylogenetic position was evaluated using molecular markers within the framework of previous analyses of Valeriana species from the southern Andes. According to IUCN criteria, we propose that the species be categorized as Endangered (EN) due to its restricted distribution, fragmented populations, and threats. The restricted distribution and ecological specialization of this new species underscore the conservation importance of rocky microhabitats in Central Chile, which are increasingly threatened by human activities. 

Taxonomy, Andean flora, IUCN Red List, Mediterranean hotspot, Plant conservation, Phylogenetics, rock outcrops, Eudicots

Valeriana umbellifera.
(A) Habitat; (B) Rhizome; (C) Habit -Cerro Poqui-; (D) Stem; (E) Basal leaves; (F) Detail of basal leave; (G) Petiole; (H) Upper leaves; (I) Bracteoles; (J) Capituliform inflorescence; (K, L) Detail of flowers (female); (M) Dry inflorescence; (N) Achene.

Photographs by A.E. Villarroel, N. García and A. Cádiz-Véliz.

Valeriana umbellifera A. Cádiz-Véliz, A.E. Villarroel & Nic. García, sp. nov.

ARÓN CÁDIZ-VÉLIZ, NICOLÁS GARCÍA, ALEJANDRO E. VILLARROEL, PAULA ZÚÑIGA-ACEVEDO. 2026. Valeriana umbellifera (Caprifoliaceae): A New saxicolous endemic Taxon from Central Chile mountains.  Phytotaxa. 741(1); 57-70. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.741.1.6 [2026-02-12]

 Researchgate.net/publication/400718107_Valeriana_umbellifera_a_new_saxicolous_endemic_taxon_from_Central_Chile_mountains

[Paleontology • 2026] Gondwananectes osvaldoi • A new Middle Jurassic marine reptile from Gondwana clarifies the origin of Cryptoclidia, the most successful group of plesiosaurs

Gondwananectes osvaldoi

Otero, Acuña, Vargas, Rojas, Ortiz & Aguirrezabala, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70068 

 x.com/ThePalAss

Abstract 

Cryptoclidia (Plesiosauria, Plesiosauroidea) was a major clade of marine reptiles that originated during the Jurassic. The early evolution of Cryptoclidia is documented by records of Cryptoclididae from the Middle Jurassic (174.7–165.1 Ma) and onwards in Europe, the Caribbean and South America. However, the origin of Cryptoclidia itself has remained obscure. Only some traits shared with Cryptoclidia are found in the Toarcian (184.2–174.7 Ma) taxa Plesiopterys wildi and Franconiasaurus brevispinus, from southern Europe. Here we describe a small-bodied sub-adult skeleton belonging to a new plesiosaurian taxon from the Middle Jurassic (c. 170 Ma) of the Atacama Desert (former southwestern Gondwana). The new taxon has single-headed ribs in its axial skeleton, and its combination of novel and ancestral features place it as the sister taxon of Cryptoclidia. The lower Bajocian stage, the phylogenetic position of the new taxon, as well as its palaeogeographic occurrence, point to an older origin and dispersal of Cryptoclidia ancestors, reinforcing the notion that an early Caribbean corridor between the Pacific and Tethyan realms was already functional during the Middle Jurassic.

Keywords: marine reptile, plesiosaurian, phylogeny, Middle Jurassic, Gondwana, palaeogeography

Gondwananectes osvaldoi

 

Rodrigo A. Otero, Sergio Soto Acuña, Alexander O. Vargas, Jennyfer Rojas, Héctor Ortiz, Guillermo Aguirrezabala. 2026. A new Middle Jurassic marine reptile from Gondwana clarifies the origin of Cryptoclidia, the most successful group of plesiosaurs. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70068 [08 March 2026] 

x.com/ThePalAss/status/2031413080001823092

[Arachnida • 2026] Urophonius andinus • First total evidence dated Phylogeny of the Scorpion Genus Urophonius (Scorpiones: Bothriuridae), with New Insights into the Transition to Winter Activity, and the Description of the First highland Andean Species of the Genus

Urophonius andinus 

Ojanguren-Affilastro, Santibáñez-López, Alfaro, Ramírez, Iuri, Mattoni & Pizarro-Araya, 2026. 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70032

Abstract 

This study presents the first total evidence dated phylogenetic analysis of the scorpion genus Urophonius, integrating 115 morphological characters and five molecular markers (28S, 18S, H3, 16S, COI). Our comprehensive phylogenetic framework provides novel insights into the genus' diversification timeline and evolutionary processes. Additionally, we described Urophonius andinus n. sp. from the central Chilean Andes, a high-altitude species found at 2400 m.s.a.l., representing the highest elevational record for the genus. This new species is placed within the granulatus species group, characterized by a spring–summer activity period.

Keywords: Andes, new species, highland, Scorpiones, total evidence dated phylogeny, Urophonius, winter activity

Urophonius andinus n. sp. 

Andrés A. Ojanguren-Affilastro, Carlos Eduardo Santibáñez-López, Fermín M. Alfaro, Martín J. Ramírez, Hernán A. Iuri, Camilo I. Mattoni and Jaime Pizarro-Araya. 2026. First total evidence dated Phylogeny of the Scorpion Genus Urophonius (Bothriuridae), with New Insights into the Transition to Winter Activity, and the Description of the First highland Andean Species of the Genus. Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70032 [17 March 2026]

 

[Arachnida • 2025] Pseudotyrannochthonius rucapillan • Elusive, Rare, or simply Underexplored? A New Species of Pseudotyrannochthonius Beier, 1930 (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) from a Chilean Lava Tube

Pseudotyrannochthonius rucapillan 

 Prado & Ferreira, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.13156/arac.2025.20.2.317 

  Researchgate.net/publication/394047327

 Abstract  

A new pseudoscorpion species, Pseudotyrannochthonius rucapillan sp. nov., from a lava tube cave in Chile, is described. This species exhibits distinct characteristics that differ from other congeneric species, including variations in chelal and cheliceral dentition and measurements. In addition, we provide ecological remarks on the new species, possible threats, and a key to Pseudotyrannochthonius species in Chile.

KEYWORDS: cave dwelling, South America, taxonomy

Type locality and habitat of Pseudotyrannochthonius rucapillan sp. nov.
A Villa Rica volcanic landscape; B main cave entrance sur-roundings;
C live male holotype; D Villa Rica cave interior, showing altered interior. 

Pseudotyrannochthonius rucapillan sp. nov.

Etymology: Named after the type location Villarrica Volcano, referred to as Rucapillán in the Mapuche local language. The name should be treated as a noun in apposition.

Guilherme C. Prado and Rodrigo L. Ferreira. 2025. Elusive, Rare, or simply Underexplored? A New Species of Pseudotyrannochthonius Beier, 1930 (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) from a Chilean Lava Tube. Arachnology. 20(2); 317-322. DOI: doi.org/10.13156/arac.2025.20.2.317 (7 July 2025) 

  Researchgate.net/publication/394047327_A_new_species_of_Pseudotyrannochthonius_from_a_Chilean_lava_tube

[PaleoIchthyology • 2025] Pochitaserra patriciacanalae & Dasyatis manuelcamposi • Diving into the Past: A New Assemblage of Neogene elasmobranch Microfossils from the eastern Pacific of South America

  

Pochitaserra patriciacanalae 
 Dasyatis manuelcamposi

 Villafaña, Campos-Medina, Chávez-Hoffmeister, S. Araya, B. Araya, Ledezma, Hernandez, Ramos-Rojas, Bolomey, Tejo, Vera, Campoy, Arotaipe, Bugueño, Antiquera & Rivadeneira, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70043 

  x.com/VillafanaJA

Abstract

The fossil record of chondrichthyans from the Pacific coast of South America is rich and diverse, with the Bahía Inglesa Formation distinguished as one of the most important in the region. Despite the extensive fossil record of cartilaginous fish in the Bahía Inglesa Formation, studies focused on microremains of this group of fish are non-existent. This study describes for the first time a new locality of fossil microremains from the Upper Miocene of northern Chile. Over 300 kg of sediment was extracted at the study locality to examine and identify chondrichthyan fossils smaller than 1 cm. Here, 19 chondrichthyan taxa from the Upper Miocene of Bahía Inglesa are reported: five were identified at the species level, seven at the genus level, three at the family level, and four at the superorder level. Notably, this includes the first record of Sympterygia for the Americas, the first record of Dipturus for the Neogene, and the first mention of Rhinobatos for the Neogene of South America. At the species level, the first description of the basking shark Cetorhinus maximus for South America and the leopard shark Triakis semifasciata in any locality worldwide is provided. Additionally, a new species of ray from the genus Dasyatis and a new genus and species of sawshark from the family Pristiophoridae are proposed. In this research we present the largest number of chondrichthyan microremains collected and described from fossiliferous localities in Chile.

Keywords: shark, ray, teeth, Neogene, Bahía Inglesa, Chile

 Dasyatis manuelcamposi sp. nov. 

Pochitaserra gen. nov. 

 Pochitaserra patriciacanalae gen. et sp. nov. 

 

 

Jaime A. Villafaña, Jorge Campos-Medina, Martín F. Chávez-Hoffmeister, Selene Araya, Benjamin Araya, Leandro Ledezma, Yusse Hernandez, Héctor A. Ramos-Rojas, Jorge Bolomey, Matias Tejo, Francisca Vera, Ana N. Campoy, Rosmery Arotaipe, Yara Bugueño, Bianca Antiquera, Marcelo M. Rivadeneira. 2025. Diving into the Past: A New Assemblage of Neogene elasmobranch Microfossils from the eastern Pacific of South America. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70043 [07 November 2025]

  x.com/VillafanaJA/status/1986881449820029029

[Diplopoda • 2023] Anaulacodesmus panterae & A. picassovallebuonai • Two New Species of Anaulacodesmus Attems, 1898 (Polydesmida: Dalodesmidae) from temperate forest fragments in southern Chile

 

  Anaulacodesmus panterae

Parra-Gómez, Pérez-Schultheiss, Means & Ivanov, 2023

DOI: doi.org/10.35249/rche.49.3.23.15 

 Researchgate.net/publication/373545657

Abstract

Two new endemic species of Anaulacodesmus Attems, 1898, a genus of millipede native to Chile, are described. Anaulacodesmus panterae sp. nov. and Anaulacodesmus picassovallebuonai sp. nov. were discovered in fragments of Valdivian temperate forest in southern Chile. These species can be separated from the rest of the congeners based on their larger size and gonopodal characters. A. panterae from Valdivia (Los Ríos Region), has distally swollen gonopods, a trait it shares with A. dahli Chamberlin, 1957 and a A. enkrates (Attems, 1898). Anaulacodesmus picassovallebuonai sp. nov., from Temuco and Lake Villarrica (La Araucanía Region), is morphologically similar to A. bifidus Golovatch, 2014 with which it shares the bifid structure of the telopodite. Detailed descriptions and character illustrations are provided for both species.

Keywords: Diplopoda, millipedes, Neotropics, South America, taxonomy

  Anaulacodesmus panterae sp. nov., paratypes, female and male.

 Scale: 4.0 mm. 

  Anaulacodesmus panterae sp. nov.
 A. Habitat. B-C. Habitus. 

Antonio Parra-Gómez, Jorge Pérez-Schultheiss, Jackson C. Means and Kaloyan Ivanov. 2023. Two New Species of Anaulacodesmus Attems, 1898 (Polydesmida: Dalodesmidae) from temperate forest fragments in southern Chile. REVISTA CHILENA DE ENTOMOLOGÍA. 49(3); 557-569. DOI: doi.org/10.35249/rche.49.3.23.15 [August 2023] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/373545657_Two_new_species_of_Anaulacodesmus_from_temperate_forest_fragments_in_southern_Chile

[Entomology • 2025] Glorita iris • A New Species of Oecophoridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) from the coastal mountain range of Purranque (Osorno), Chile

Glorita iris 

 Urra, 2025

  

DOI: doi.org/10.35249/rche.51.3.25.06 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Glorita Urra, 2013 is described; diagnostic characters for the species and photographs of adult male and the genital structures are provided.

Key words: Light trap; Microlepidoptera; moth; taxonomy; Valdivian forest.

Glorita iris sp. nov.

 Francisco Urra. 2025. Glorita iris, nueva especie de Oecophoridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) de la cordillera de la costa de Purranque (Osorno), Chile [Glorita iris, A New Species of Oecophoridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) from the coastal mountain range of Purranque (Osorno), Chile]. Revista Chilena De Entomología. 51(3); DOI: doi.org/10.35249/rche.51.3.25.06

 www.biotaxa.org/RCE/article/view/87522

   

Se describe una nueva especie del género Glorita Urra, 2013; se entregan caracteres diagnósticos para la especie, fotografías del adulto macho y de las estructuras genitales.

Keywords: Bosque valdiviano, microlepidópteros, polilla, taxonomía, trampa de luz

[Paleontology • 2025] Diverse Dinosaur Tracks from the Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous Chacarilla Formation of Quebrada de Arcas, northeast Chile: Evidence of high ichnodiversity in an arid palaeoenviroment

 

 Paleoartistic reconstruction of the Quebrada de Arcas. 

in Gesualdi, Belvedere, Yurac, ... et Meyer, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2025.113088

Illustration by Joschua Knüppe.

 

Highlights: 

• New track-bearing surfaces are found in the Chacarilla Fm. in Quebrada des Arca.

• Five morphotypes: one of sauropod and four for different size theropod tracks are defined.

• Huge theropod tracks have been found and identified.

Abstract

We report diverse dinosaur tracks from siltstone to fine-grained sandstone facies of the Chacarilla Formation, Quebrada de Arcas of northeast Chile. Track-bearing surfaces were studied using 3D modelling and false-colour depth maps, derived from UAV photographs. Five morphotypes are identified based on morphology and morphometric criteria. Morphotype I comprises rounded tracks with a consistent narrow-gauge and resembles the sauropod ichnogenus, Parabrontopodus; diplodocids or titanosaurids are probable trackmakers. Morphotype II is assigned to the theropod ichnotaxon Abelichnus astigerrae and comprises some of the largest theropod tracks ever recorded from South America with a maximum footprint length of 51 cm; the trackmaker was most likely a large carcharodontosaurid, such as Giganotosaurus carolinii. Morphotype III is an indeterminate theropod track, which shows a distinctive and prominent metatarsal impression, but does not closely match any ichnotaxon although it bears some morphometrical affinity to Changpeipus carbonicus. The Morphotypes IV and V both belong to small-sized theropod trackmakers, and resemble Grallatoridae and Kayentapus-like forms, respectively. Additional theropod material cannot be assigned to specific morphotypes or trackmakers, due to poor preservation. Our findings show the existence of three distinct size classes (small, medium and large) of theropod morphotypes and point to a high ichnodiversity at the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition in the subtropical arid environments of Gondwana.

Keywords: Dinosaur tracks, Abelichnus astigerrae, Chacarilla Formation, Gondwana, Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary

 Sedimentary structures in the Chacarilla Fm. Ripple marks (a, d, e), planar lamination (a, c), microbial mats from surface QA12 (b), Ophiomorpha (f) and cross-section dinosaur tracks (c).

Scale bars are: 50 cm in (a), 18 cm in (b), 25 cm in (c), 10 cm in (d, e, f).

 Paleoartistic reconstruction of the Quebrada de Arcas.

 Illustration by Joschua Knüppe.

 

Vincenzo Gesualdi, Matteo Belvedere, Marko Yurac, Dorothee Hippler, Nejla Hurem, Christian Salazar, Javiera Mendez and Christian A. Meyer. 2025. Diverse Dinosaur Tracks from the Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous Chacarilla Formation of Quebrada de Arcas, northeast Chile: Evidence of high ichnodiversity in an arid palaeoenviroment. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 113088; In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2025.113088 [9 June 2025]

[Arachnida • 2025] Brachistosternus pehuenche • A New scorpion Species (Scorpiones: Bothriuridae) from the upper Maule Valley, in the southern Chilean Andes

 

 Brachistosternus pehuenche  

Ojanguren-Affilastro, Alfaro, Iuri, Camousseigt-Montolivo & Pizarro-Araya, 2025

.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.146451

Abstract

Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov. (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae) is described from the Mauline Andean forests of the northern Chilean Patagonia, located within the upper basin of the Maule Valley. Its unique geography and the discovery of this partial isolation, as a result of the surrounding higher altitudes, support the role of this valley as a biodiversity hotspot, fostering a variety of endemic epigean arthropods. The discovery of this third endemic scorpion species highlights the area’s ecological uniqueness. The species is most similar to Brachistosternus negrei, a species found in the southern Chilean forests, but distinct morphological traits, such as pigmentation patterns and metasomal structures, clearly separate the two. This study underscores the ecological value of the Maule Valley, which, despite its high endemism, remains unprotected and is subject to significant anthropogenic pressures, including agriculture, hydropower projects, and international transit routes. The need for conservation initiatives in this region is critical to preserve its exceptional biodiversity. This work not only adds to the taxonomy of Brachistosternus but also raises fundamental questions about the processes driving endemism in the Andes and the broader implications for the conservation of montane ecosystems.

Key Words: Area of endemism, Bothriuridae, Chile, Mauline woods, new species, Scorpiones

 Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov., habitus.
A. Male, dorsal aspect; B. Male, ventral aspect;
C. Female, dorsal aspect; D. Female, ventral aspect. Scale bar: 1 cm.

 Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov. (Scorpiones; Bothriuridae). 

A. Preying on an adult of Athlia rustica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae); B. Climbing on branches of Lobelia sp. (Campanulaceae) in a hunting position for flying insects; C. Male, living specimen.

  Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov. is most similar to B. negrei, which is the only Brachistosternus species occurring in nearby areas of the south-central Chilean woods. Both species can be easily distinguished by several morphological characters. Brachistosternus pehuenche, on one hand, has tergites that bear two lateral spots, with pigment occupying most of the posterior lateral margins and leaving a median unpigmented stripe (Figs 4A, C, 5A); B. negrei, on the other hand, has five spots on each segment, one antero-median, two lateral, and two postero-submedian, in some cases connected by faint reticulate pigment (Fig. 5E). The metasomal segments I–IV of B. pehuenche bear two VL narrow stripes and a VM wide stripe (the VM stripe can be very faint or absent in segments I–III) (Fig. 5B), whereas in B. negrei there are two VL stripes and two VSM stripes (VSM stripes can be faint or absent in segments I–III) (Fig. 5F). The paired dorsal glands of metasomal segment V of males, or Androvestigia, are medium-sized in B. pehuenche, occupying from a third to almost the entire posterior half of the segment (Fig. 5C), whereas in B. negrei these glands are small, occupying between 10 to 25 percent of the dorsal surface of the segment (Fig. 5G). Metasomal segment V is more granular ventrally in B. pehuenche than in B. negrei, with some granules even forming a slight ventro-median carinae in the former (Fig. 5D), whereas in B. negrei there is no VM carina at all, and ventral granules are more sparse and smaller (Fig. 5H).

Etymology: The specific epithet “pehuenche” is a noun in apposition referring to the Pehuenche International Pass between Argentina and Chile, in the northern Patagonia, where this and other endemic scorpion species have been collected. Pehuenche is also the name of the indigenous people of this area, belonging to the Mapuche cultural group.

 

  Andrés A. Ojanguren-Affilastro, Fermín M. Alfaro, Hernán A. Iuri, Bernardino Camousseigt-Montolivo and Jaime Pizarro-Araya. 2025. Description of Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov. (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae), A New scorpion Species from the upper Maule Valley, in the southern Chilean Andes. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(3): 969-981. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.146451

[Paleontology • 2025] The First gravid ichthyosaur from the Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous): a complete Myobradypterygius hauthali von Huene, 1927 excavated from the border of the Tyndall Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park, southernmost Chile

  

Myobradypterygius hauthali von Huene, 1927 

in Pardo-Pérez, Malkowski, Zambrano, Lomax, Martín, Kaluza, Ortíz, Andrés Marín, Villa-Martínez, Yurac, Cáceres, Zegers, Delgado, Scapini, Astete et Maxwell, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2445705

  facebook.com/UdeMagallanes 

  facebook.com: Mauricio Alvarez

ABSTRACT

Ichthyosaurs were pelagic marine reptiles with a global distribution through most of the Mesozoic. Cretaceous Ichthyosauria are mostly known from the northern hemisphere, although findings from the southern hemisphere have been reported from Australia, Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand. Despite these findings that have contributed to knowledge of the clade, there is still a dearth of information about the evolution, phylogenetics, and ecology of Cretaceous ichthyosaurs from the Southernmost Pacific margin of Gondwana. A Lower Cretaceous locality next to the Tyndall Glacier, inside Torres del Paine National Park, southernmost Chile, has yielded 87 ichthyosaur skeletons to date. Most of the specimens recorded from this area are complete and articulated, however, they are affected by recent weathering and the constant erosion. Here we describe a complete platypterygiine ichthyosaur, which we provisionally assign to Myobradypterygius hauthali von Huene, 1927. The specimen was excavated from the border of the glacier in Patagonia during March and April 2022 and corresponds to the first complete excavated ichthyosaur from Chile. This specimen additionally preserves gastrointestinal contents and is the only Hauterivian (131 Ma) ichthyosaur documented to date containing the articulated skeleton of a preserved fetus. This research increases the knowledge of the paleobiology of the species. In addition to morphology, it contributes information regarding paleoecology and paleopathology, diet, and reproduction in M. hauthali, a taxon potentially restricted to the Pacific margin of Gondwana.

 

  

 

Judith M. Pardo-Pérez, Matthew Malkowski, Patricio Zambrano, Dean R. Lomax, Cristina Gascó Martín, Jonatan Kaluza, Héctor Ortíz, Andrés Pérez Marín, Rodrigo Villa-Martínez, Marko Yurac, Miguel Cáceres, Aymara Zegers, Javiera Delgado, Francisca Scapini, Catalina Astete and Erin E. Maxwell. 2025. The First gravid ichthyosaur from the Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous): a complete Myobradypterygius hauthali von Huene, 1927 excavated from the border of the Tyndall Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park, southernmost Chile. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2445705. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2445705 [25 Feb 2025]

  facebook.com/UdeMagallanes/posts/1037390385075772

  facebook.com/DeanRLomax/posts/1176590717805230

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[Ichthyology • 2020] A Century after! Rediscovery of the ancient catfish Diplomystes Bleeker 1858 (Siluriformes: Diplomystidae) in coastal river basins of Chile and its implications for conservation.

 Diplomystes nahuelbutaensis  Arratia, 1987

in Muñoz-Ramírez, Briones, Colin, Fierro, Górski, Jara et Manosalva, 2020. 

 DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2019-0073 

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ABSTRACT

The ancient catfish family Diplomystidae, with seven species endemic to rivers of southern South America, represents one of the oldest branches of the diverse order Siluriformes. With most species endangered, new reports of these species become extremely valuable for conservation. Currently, it is assumed that Diplomystes species inhabit only Andean (large) basins, and that they are extinct from coastal (small) basins from which their presence have not been recorded since 1919. Here, we document new records of the family Diplomystidae in the Laraquete and Carampangue basins, two coastal basins from the Nahuelbuta Coast Range, Chile, with no previous reports. This finding represents the rediscovery of the genus in coastal basins in more than a Century. Based on analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences, the collected specimens were found to be closely related to Diplomystes nahuelbutaensis from the Andean Biobío Basin, but sufficiently differentiated to suggest that coastal basin populations are a different management unit. These populations are important because, contrary to previous thoughts, they prove these catfish can survive in small river networks, providing unique opportunities for research and conservation. The conservation category of Critically Endangered (CE) is recommended for the populations from the Laraquete and Carampangue basins.

Keywords: Management Unit; Mitochondrial DNA; Rare Species; Streams; Threatened Species

  Individuals of Diplomystes nahuelbutaensis recorded in this study and their habitat.
A. individual collected in Laraquete (Lar01); B. individual collected and released in Carampangue. C. individual collected in Laraquete (Lar02) and released;
D. Habitat of D. nahuelbutaensis in the Cabrera River, Carampangue Basin.

      

Carlos P. Muñoz-Ramírez, Raul Briones, Nicole Colin, Pablo Fierro, Konrad Górski, Alfonso Jara and Aliro Manosalva. 2020. A Century after! Rediscovery of the ancient catfish Diplomystes Bleeker 1858 (Siluriformes: Diplomystidae) in coastal river basins of Chile and its implications for conservation. Neotropical Ichthyology. 18(1); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2019-0073

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RESUMEN: La familia de bagres Diplomystidae, con siete especies endémicas de ríos del sur de Sudamérica, es uno de los linajes mas antiguos del diverso orden Siluriformes. Al estar la mayoría de las especies amenazadas, nuevos registros de éstas son extremadamente valiosos para su conservación. Actualmente, se ha asumido que los Diplomystidos se distribuyen solo en cuencas Andinas (más grandes), y que sus especies estarían extintas en cuencas de menor tamaño como las costeras, sin registros desde 1919. En este trabajo documentamos la familia Diplomistidae en las cuencas de Carampangue y Laraquete, dos cuencas costeras de la Cordillera de Nahuelbuta, Chile, lo que representa el primer registro de esta familia en estas cuencas costeras. Además, este hallazgo representa el re-descubrimiento de la familia en cuencas costeras después de un siglo. Sobre la base de análisis de ADN mitocondrial, los especímenes colectados se relacionaron más cercanamente con poblaciones de la especie Diplomystes nahuelbutaensis presente en la cuenca del Biobío. Sin embargo, existen diferencias genéticas suficientes entre las poblaciones costeras y las del Biobío para justificar su separación como unidad de manejo distinta. Estas poblaciones costeras son importantes porque demuestran que los Diplomístidos pueden sobrevivir en cuencas de pequeño tamaño, ofreciendo oportunidades únicas para su investigación y conservación. Se recomienda la categoría de conservación En Peligro Critico de Extinción (CR) para las poblaciones de las cuencas Laraquete y Carampangue.

Palabras clave: ADN Mitocondrial; Especie Amenazada; Especie Rara; Esteros; Unidad de Manejo

[Arachnida • 2025] Pseudocleobis elongatus, P. atacamensis, P. lalackama, P. puna, etc. • Unveiling High solifuge Diversity: Review of the Genus Pseudocleobis Pocock, 1900 (Solifugae: Ammotrechidae) in Chile with the description of nine new species

 

(A) Pseudocleobis lalackama n. sp. (B) P. elongatus n. sp. (D) P. atacamensis n. sp.

(A) P. escuadra n. sp., male. (B) P. cakalovici n. sp., male. (D) P. cakalovici n. sp., female.

in Iuri, Ojanguren-Affilastro, Maury, Alfaro, Camousseigt-Montolivo et Pizarro-Araya, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309776  

Abstract

The Pseudocleobis from Chile are revised. Pseudocleobis morsicans (Gervais, 1849) and P. chilensis Roewer, 1934 are considered species inquerenda. Pseudocleobis andinus (Pocock, 1899) is removed from the Chilean fauna, and its previous records are considered misidentifications. Pseudocleobis alticola Pocock, 1900 is recorded from Chile for the first time. Nine new species are described, Pseudocleobis elongatus n. sp., P. atacamensis n. sp., P. puna n. sp., P. krausi n. sp., P. choros n. sp., P. lalackama n. sp., P. mumai n. sp., P. cekalovici n. sp. and P. escuadra n. sp. The species can be distinguished by the male chelicera morphology. We discuss the relationship of Chilean Pseudocleobis with other species of the genus, based on morphology. This work increases the number of known Chilean solifuge species by almost 70%, revealing the high degree of diversification of this group in Chile.

Live male specimens of some Chilean Pseudocleobis species.
 (A) Pseudocleobis lalackama n. sp. (B) Pseudocleobis elongatus n. sp.
(C) Pseudocleobis krausi n. sp. (D) Pseudocleobis atacamensis n. sp.

Live specimens of some Chilean Pseudocleobis species.
(A) Pseudocleobis escuadra n. sp., male. (B-C) Pseudocleobis cakalovici n. sp., male. (D) P. cakalovici n. sp., female.

Habitat of some Pseudocleobis Pocock, 1900 in Chile.
 (A) Paposo, Antofagasta region (Coastal Desert enviroment). (B) Pan de Azúcar national park, Atacama region (Coastal Desert enviroment).
(C) Caleta El Cobre, Antofagasta region (Coastal Desert-Absolute Desert ecotone). (D) Nevados Tres Cruces national park, near Paso San Francisco, Atacama region (High Andean environment).
(E). Rivera Río Volcán, Metropolitan región (Central Andes environment). (F) Fundo La Escuadra, Maule region (Central Andes environment).

 Hernán Augusto Iuri, Andrés Alejandro Ojanguren-Affilastro, Emilio A. Maury, Fermín M. Alfaro, Bernardino Camousseigt-Montolivo and Jaime Pizarro-Araya. 2025. Unveiling High solifuge Diversity: Review of the Genus Pseudocleobis Pocock, 1900 (Ammotrechidae) in Chile with the description of nine new species. PLoS ONE. 20(1): e0309776. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309776