[Paleontology • 2026] Acutodon villeveyracensis • A New pan-shinisaur Lizard (Anguimorpha) from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France)

Acutodon villeveyracensis 

Jansen, Augé, Garcia, Otero & Valentin, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2636649 

Artwork by Olivier Jansen

ABSTRACT

The Chinese crocodile lizard (Anguimorpha, Pan-Shinisaurus Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is an endangered species inhabiting the lowland rainforests of southeastern China and northern Vietnam. The evolutionary history of this clade remains poorly understood, as only five fossil species and a few fossil specimens are described from the Lower Cretaceous of China and the Cenozoic of Europe and North America, revealing a considerable gap in the fossil record. A new anguimorph, Acutodon villeveyracensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the lower Campanian (Upper Cretaceous) locality of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France), corresponding to a freshwater subtropical paleoenvironment. The species is attributed to a pan-shinisaur anguimorph based on a toothed maxilla sharing multiple characters with the extant Sh. crocodilurus and its fossil relatives, notably tall, tapered, and recurved teeth, with mesiodistally constricted tooth bases lacking basal infoldings but possessing medial resorption pits, and a posteromedially shifted anterior superior alveolar foramen. This Cretaceous record is the oldest in Europe for pan-shinisaur lizards. It pre-dates the occurrence of this clade in Europe by around 30 Myr, raising questions about the paleobiogeographic history of pan-shinisaur lizards.

Acutodon villeveyracensis holotype and unique material (UP.VIL.2010.55). Photographs, virtual reconstruction, and interpretative drawings of the maxilla in A, labial; B, lingual; C, occlusal; and D, dorsal views. Note that the posteriormost tooth was lost after CT scanning.

Abbreviations: asaf, anterior superior alveolar foramen; ce, cutting edge; cl, crista lateralis; ct, crista transversalis; fp, facial process; lf, labial foramina; lic, lamina intercristalis; lpp, lateral premaxillary process; lr, lacrimal recess; mpp, medial premaxillary process; ps, palatal shelf; rp, resorption pit; sds, supradental shelf. Scale bar equals 10 mm.

Details of the teeth of Acutodon villeveyracensis holotype and unique material (UP.VIL.2010.55) from the virtual reconstruction.
A, morphology in anterior view; B, section in median plane; C, section in horizontal plane.

Abbreviations: asaf, anterior superior alveolar foramen; c, cement; cl, crista lateralis; ct, crista transversalis; d, dentine; lf, labial foramen; lpp, lateral premaxillary process; m, maxilla; mpp, medial premaxillary process; ps, palatal shelf; t1–t4, teeth numbered from front to back. Scale bar equals 2 mm.

SQUAMATA Oppel, 1811

ANGUIMORPHA Fürbringer, 1900

PAN-SHINISAURUS sensu Smith and Gauthier, 2013

ACUTODON gen. nov.

ACUTODON VILLEVEYRACENSIS, gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis—Large anguimorph lizard characterized by the following combination of characters: the teeth are tall, thin, and possess a tapered apex; anterior teeth are strongly posteriorly recurved, but the most posterior teeth are straight; the teeth lack striations and basal infoldings; the base of the teeth expands lingually but is strongly anteroposteriorly compressed, and is covered in a thin layer of cementum; the crowns have a faint cutting edge, restricted to the most apical portion; medial resorption pits are ...

Etymology—‘acutus’ (Latin), sharp, pointed, piercing, and thin; ‘ὀδόντος’ (Greek), teeth; the genus name refers to the tapered, sharp, and thin teeth of this new genus; ‘villeveyracensis’ (Latin) from the locality of Villeveyrac, department of Hérault, France, where this new lizard taxon has been found.

Acutodon villeveyracensis
Paleoartistic reconstruction of the new genus and species of pan-shinisaur lizard from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France). Original artwork by Olivier Jansen.

Olivier Jansen, Marc Augé, Geraldine Garcia, Olga Otero and Xavier Valentin. 2026. A New pan-shinisaur Lizard (Anguimorpha) from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2636649  [20 May 2026]

[Paleontology • 2025] Mandocaris polyphaga • A New caridean Shrimp Fossil (Caridea: Acanthephyridae) with exceptionally preserved organs from the Middle Jurassic of La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France

Mandocaris polyphaga

Lagrange, Audo, Odin, De Grave, Fernandez, Dollman & Charbonnier, 2025

www.app.pan.pl

We used propagation phase contrast synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography (PPC-SRμCT) on an exceptionally preserved fossil caridean from the Callovian of the La Voulte-sur-Rhône Konservat-Lagerstätte. The tomographic data reveal the shape of the mandible and pereiopodal epipods allowing the description of a new genus and species of Acanthephyridae (Caridea) shrimp, Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. Most organs are exceptionally preserved in either mineral denser to X-ray than matrix, interpreted to be sulfides, or in mineral of lower density than the matrix, interpreted as carbonate/phosphate such as fluorapatite. We herein propose a taphonomic scenario for the preservation of M. polyphaga gen. et sp. nov.: it died from unknown causes not caused by an injury, as no wound is visible, falling on the sediment/water interface, it laid on its right side, and was probably covered by sediments and/or a microbial mat, thus quickly becoming entombed in the anoxic zone of the sedimentary column. Once there, many anatomic structures were replaced by phosphates. Sulfides precipitated concomitantly or quickly afterwards, probably aided by both internal and external source of metal ions. The importance of the external source of metal ions (hydrothermalism) is clear due to the prevalence of sulfides in the ventral side of the specimen, an area more permeable due to its abundance in thin membranes prone to decay. The loss of integrity thereafter led to sediment invading the body cavity, thus obliterating a few ventral anatomic details, including some pereiopodal muscles, part of the hepatopancreas, most of the gills, and possibly reproductive organs. The nodule was then formed, closing the system, and protecting the specimen from further diagenetic degradation.

Key words: Crustacea, Caridea, synchrotron, tomography, anatomy, Konservat-Lagerstätte, Callovian, Middle Jurassic.

Overview of the caridean shrimp Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. (holotype, MNHN.F.A58277) from the Callovian (Middle Jurassic) of La Voulte, France.
Specimen in right lateral (A1) and dorsal (A2) views. Cephalothorax in right lateral view (A3). 3D reconstruction of the holotype in right lateral view (A4), exposing the organs (A5). Abbreviations: a, branchiocardiac groove; a1, antennula; a2, antenna; b1, hepatic groove; e1e, cervical groove; hc, hepatic carina; hs, hepatic spine; mxp3, third maxilliped; phc, posterior hepatic carina; P1–5, pereiopods 1–5; pl1–4, pleopods 1–4; s1–6, pleonites 1–6. White arrows point to the front of the animal.

Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. 

 

Flavien Lagrange, Denis Audo, Giliane P. Odin, Sammy De Grave, Vincent Fernandez, Kathleen Dollman, and Sylvain Charbonnier. 2025. A New caridean Shrimp Fossil with exceptionally preserved organs from the Middle Jurassic of La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 70(4); 775-794. DOI: 10.4202/app.01275.2025

https://www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app012752025.html

[Paleontology • 2025] Mirasaura grauvogeli • Triassic Diapsid shows early Diversification of Skin Appendages in Reptiles

  

Mirasaura grauvogeli

Spiekman, Foth, Rossi, Martín, Slater, Enright, Dollman, Serafini, Seegis, Grauvogel-Stamm, McNamara, Sues & Schoch, 2025

  

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09167-9

Abstract

Complex integumentary appendages such as avian feathers and mammalian hair play a principal role in tetrapod evolution, with critical functions in insulation, sensation, display and flight. Although feathers and hair originated in the stem-lineages of birds and mammals, respectively, their underlying gene regulatory network has much deeper amniote roots. The early evolution of amniote integumentary appendages, however, remains poorly understood because of the absence of fossil evidence. Here we present Mirasaura grauvogeli, a small-sized diapsid from the Middle Triassic epoch (about 247 million years ago) with a distinctive crest formed by elongate integumentary appendages extending serially along its back, similar to those of the poorly understood Triassic reptile Longisquama. Despite its superficially bird-like skull, Mirasaura is not closely related to avemetatarsalians but instead belongs to the exclusively Triassic reptilian clade Drepanosauromorpha. Melanosomes preserved in its integumentary appendages are consistent in geometry with melanosomes of feathers but not those of reptilian skin or mammalian hair. Nevertheless, the morphology of the integumentary appendages and phylogenetic placement of Mirasaura indicate that they are not structurally homologous to feathers or other integumentary appendages in living amniotes. Our findings show that complex integumentary appendages are not restricted to avemetatarsalians and mammaliaforms among amniotes and evolved in a lineage basal to all extant reptiles, challenging our understanding of the evolution of the reptilian integument.

Systematic palaeontology

Diapsida Osborn, 1903

Drepanosauromorpha Renesto, Spielmann, Lucas & Spagnoli, 2010

  The anatomy of Mirasaura grauvogeli.
a, The holotype SMNS 97278, preserving the skull, partial postcranial skeleton and crest. b, Skull of SMNS 97278 under ultraviolet (UV) light. c, Skull reconstruction of SMNS 97278 based on the synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomographic scan (mirrored). d, SMNS 97280, largely complete isolated crest. e, SMNS 97286, two overlapping integumentary appendages preserving distinct rugae. f, SMNS 97281, associated integumentary appendages. g, SMNS 97279, preserving a partial skull and impressions of a crest and a largely complete postcranial skeleton under UV light. h, Skeletal drawing of Mirasaura, based on the skull reconstruction of SMNS 97278, the postcranial anatomy of SMNS 97279 and the crests of SMNS 97278, SMNS 97281 and SMNS 97280.

Mirasaura grauvogeli gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. mirus (Latin): wonderful or marvellous; saura (Latin): reptile. The species name honours Louis Grauvogel, who extensively excavated the Grès à Voltzia localities and discovered Mirasaura.

Holotype. SMNS 97278 (Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart, Germany), an articulated skull and poorly preserved postcranium, including a largely complete crest.

 

Locality and horizon. Lower unit (Grès à meules) of the Grès à Voltzia Formation (early Anisian, early Middle Triassic), Vosges mountains, eastern France, (see Supplementary Information for geological context).

Diagnosis. Mirasaura grauvogeli is a drepanosauromorph distinguished by the following combination of character states (autapomorphies among non-saurian diapsids are marked with an asterisk*): elongate integumentary appendages extending dorsally from the anterior part of the trunk; long, narrow snout; dome-like skull roof; anterior portions of the jaws completely edentulous*; dorsoventrally low maxilla; frontal strongly constricted anteriorly; forward-facing orbits; transversely wide parietal; elongate, barrel-shaped trunk; seven cervical vertebrae; 24 dorsal vertebrae*; hypapophyses on cervical vertebrae; cervical ribs and gastralia absent; moderately elongate caudal haemal spines; narrow and elongate scapular blade; carpals lacking proximal elongation; ilium with tall, anterodorsally oriented blade; and large, curved pedal unguals.

 

Stephan N. F. Spiekman, Christian Foth, Valentina Rossi, Cristina Gascó Martín, Tiffany S. Slater, Orla G. Bath Enright, Kathleen N. Dollman, Giovanni Serafini, Dieter Seegis, Léa Grauvogel-Stamm, Maria E. McNamara, Hans-Dieter Sues and Rainer R. Schoch. 2025. Triassic Diapsid shows early Diversification of Skin Appendages in Reptiles. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09167-9 [23 July 2025]

[Paleontology • 2025] Cheilophis periplanetes • Another Wanderer from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum? A New Species of the North American Snake Genus Cheilophis Gilmore, 1938 (Serpentes: Constrictores) from the early Eocene of France

Cheilophis periplanetes

Georgalis & Mennecart, 2025

  sciencepress.MNHN.fr 

We here document new snake vertebral material from the early Eocene (MP 10) of Cuis, France, that we describe as a new species of Cheilophis Gilmore, 1938, a genus that was so far exclusively known from the Paleocene and Eocene of North America. The new taxon bears several anatomical features with the type, and so far, only known species of Cheilophis from North America. However, there are also important differences that allow us to recognize it as a new congeneric species. If our identification is correct, this first observed occurrence of Cheilophis from France adds another shared terrestrial vertebrate genus between Europe and North America, reinforcing biogeographic hypotheses about dispersals between the two landmasses around the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM).

Keywords: Serpentes, vertebral morphology, dispersals, Paleogene, new species

SERPENTES Linnaeus, 1758

ALETHINOPHIDIA Nopcsa, 1923

CONSTRICTORES Oppel, 1811 (sensu Georgalis &Smith, 2020)

Cheilophis periplanetes n. sp.

Etymology. The new species epithet is from the greek word 'periplanetes', which means “wanderer”, reflecting the potential wandering that occurred during the dispersals among North America and Europe.

 

Georgios L. GEORGALIS and Bastien MENNECART. 2025. Another Wanderer from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum? A New Species of the North American Snake Genus Cheilophis Gilmore, 1938 from the early Eocene of France. Comptes Rendus Palevol. 24 (16) 317-331. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/cr-palevol2025v24a16 [25 June 2025]

  sciencepress.MNHN.fr/en/periodiques/comptes-rendus-palevol/24/16

This article is a part of the thematic issue: Snakes from the Cenozoic of Europe – towards a macroevolutionary and palaeobiogeographic synthesis.

https://x.com/DrGeorgalis/status/1937876893199478842

[Paleontology • 2025] Obelignathus septimanicus • Exploring the Diversity and Disparity of rhabdodontomorph Ornithopods from the Late Cretaceous European Archipelago

  

Obelignathus septimanicus  Buffetaut & Le Loeuff, 1991

in Czepiński et Madzia, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98083-z  

 facebook.com/LukaszCzepinski 

  x.com/DanielMadzia

 Artwork by Edyta Felcyn-Kowalska

Abstract

The origin and early diversification of ornithopods, a major clade of ornithischian dinosaurs, remain poorly understood, with conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses regarding rootward neornithischian relationships. Some topological stability is inferred near the basal divergence of Iguanodontia, though the ingroup relationships remain unclear. For instance, Rhabdodontidae, a clade of Late Cretaceous European ornithopods ‘traditionally’ considered to include eight to nine species, presents significant taxonomic challenges. We explore the diversity and disparity of European Rhabdodon-lineage iguanodontians. We assembled a novel dataset comprising morphological and morphometric data obtained from rhabdodontomorph dentaries, which are abundant, well-preserved in the majority of the taxa, and distinctive. Special attention is given to Rhabdodon septimanicus, a poorly known taxon from the upper Campanian to lower Maastrichtian of southern France, established based on a particularly robust dentary bone that has been subjected to conflicting taxonomic interpretations. Our restudy of the specimen, combined with a multivariate and phylogenetic assessment, shows that this taxon is a clear morphological outlier among European rhabdodontomorphs, providing a basis for its assignment to a new genus, Obelignathus. Although further large-scale studies, especially detailed osteological descriptions, are needed to clarify the taxonomic significance of certain European rhabdodontomorphs, our results indicate that the group exhibits greater diversity than currently recognized, with several sympatric taxa co-occurring, at least in southern France and possibly also in Romania.

Obelignathus septimanicus gen. et comb. nov. holotype, MDE D30 from the ‘Grès à Reptiles’ Formation of Montouliers, southern France.
Photographs and photogrammetric models of the right dentary in dorsal (A), anterior (B), medial (C), and lateral (D) views.

Life restoration of Obelignathus septimanicus gen. et comb. nov. in the Late Cretaceous environment recorded in the ‘Grès à Reptiles’ Formation, with a pair of dromaeosaurid dinosaurs in the background.

 Artwork by Edyta Felcyn-Kowalska (CC BY 4.0).

 

Łukasz Czepiński and Daniel Madzia. 2025. Exploring the Diversity and Disparity of rhabdodontomorph Ornithopods from the Late Cretaceous European Archipelago. Scientific Reports. 15: 15209. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98083-z [30 April 2025]

  facebook.com/LukaszCzepinski/posts/10238804784762400

  x.com/DanielMadzia/status/1917550382626267474

  

[Botany • 2024] Phelipanche cingularum (Orobanchaceae) • A New Species from southern France

 

Phelipanche cingularum Croze, Carlón, J.-M.Tison, Michaud, J.Molina & Moreno Mor., 

in Croze, Carlón Ruiz, Tison, Michaud, Molina et Moreno Moral. 2024. 

Phélipanche des vires  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.653.1.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/381394062  

 facebook.com/CBNMediterraneen

photos by T. Croze.

Abstract

A new species of Phelipanche has been discovered in various steep places in southern France at meso- and supra-mediterranean levels. It is always parasitic on Brassicaceae, almost exclusively on Hesperis laciniata, a plant that had never been reported as host for any Orobanchaceae previously. The new species, named Phelipanche cingularum for its rocky ledge (cingula) habitat, is described and illustrated. Diagnostic characters against up to 16 presumably related species are given. We also present the results of molecular analyses well-supporting its independence. The distribution and the unusual ecology of the plant are considered and illustrated, and its conservation status is evaluated.

Cévennes, conservation, Liguro-Provençal Pre-alps, Mediterranean, molecular phylogeny, Provence, taxonomy, Eudicots

Phenological stages.

photos by T. Croze.

Phelipanche cingularum Croze, Carlón, J.-M.Tison, Michaud, J.Molina & Moreno Mor., sp. nov.

Etymology:—the specific epithet is from a feminised late Latin form (genitive of cingula) derived of the classical Latin cingulum (belt), having given place to several words applied in southern France to grassy fringes surrounding limestone cliffs along its base or in ledges. It refers to the peculiar ecology of the plant grows on small flat rocky areas,or « vires » in French.

French name:—Phélipanche des vires. 

 

Thomas Croze, Luis Carlón Ruiz, Jean-Marc Tison, Henri Michaud, James Molina, Gonzalo Moreno Moral. 2024. Phelipanche cingularum (Orobanchaceae), A New Species from southern France. Phytotaxa. 653(1); 1-19. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.653.1.1

  Researchgate.net/publication/381394062_Phelipanche_cingularum_a_new_species_from_southern_France

  facebook.com/CBNMediterraneen/posts/871926318289785

[PaleoIchthyology • 2024] Graulia branchiodonta • The most detailed anatomical reconstruction of a Mesozoic coelacanth

Graulia branchiodonta

Manuelli, Mondéjar Fernández, Dollman, Jakata & Cavin, 2024

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312026 

Abstract

Although the split of coelacanths from other sarcopterygians is ancient, around 420 million years ago, the taxic diversity and the morphological disparity of the clade have remained relatively low, with a few exceptions. This supposedly slow evolutionary pace has earned the extant coelacanth Latimeria the nickname “living fossil”. This status generated much interest in both extinct and extant coelacanths leading to the production of numerous anatomical studies. However, detailed descriptions of extinct taxa are made difficult due to the quality of the fossil material which generally prevents fine comparisons with the extant Latimeria. Here we describe a new genus and species of coelacanth, Graulia branchiodonta gen. et sp. nov. from the Middle Triassic of Eastern France, based on microtomographical imaging using synchrotron radiation. Through exquisite 3D preservation of the specimens, we reconstructed the skeletal anatomy of this new species at an unprecedented level of detail for an extinct coelacanth, and barely achieved for the extant Latimeria. In particular, we identified a well-developed trilobed ossified lung whose function is still uncertain. The skeletal anatomy of G. branchiodonta displays the general Bauplan of Mesozoic coelacanths and a phylogenetic analysis resolved it as a basal Mawsoniidae, shedding light on the early diversification of one of the two major lineages of Mesozoic coelacanths. However, despite its exquisite preservation, G. branchiodonta carries a weak phylogenetic signal, highlighting that the sudden radiation of coelacanths in the Early and Middle Triassic makes it currently difficult to detect synapomorphies and resolve phylogenetic interrelationships among coelacanths in the aftermath of the great Permo-Triassic biodiversity crisis.

Graulia branchiodonta gen. et sp. nov.
Photographs of the specimens in laterodorsal view.
(A) MHNG GEPI V5787, holotype. (B) MHNG GEPI V5788.

Systematic paleontology

Class OSTEICHTHYES Huxley, 1880

Subclass SARCOPTERYGII Romer, 1955

Infraclass ACTINISTIA Cope, 1891

Order COELACANTHIFORMES Huxley, 1861

Suborder LATIMERIOIDEI Schultze, 1993

Family MAWSONIIDAE Schultze, 1993

Graulia branchiodonta gen. et sp. nov. 

Holotype: MHNG GEPI V5787, complete specimen

Diagnosis: Mawsoniid coelacanth characterized by the following association of characters: anteromedial process of the posterior parietal present; one pair of lateral extrascapulars; few pores at the sutural contact with bones enclosing the supraorbital sensory canal.; the presence of anterior branches of the supratemporal commissure; a preoperculum with an anterior blade-like portion; a simple anterior end of the lachrymojugal; the infraorbital sensory canal running at the anterior margin of the postorbital; long teeth on the ceratobranchial tooth plates; denticles on the rays of the first dorsal fin and on the first rays of the dorsal lobe of the caudal fin; tri-lobed unpaired lung; scales ornamented with pointed small tubercles. Only known species, same diagnosis as for the genus.

Locality: Sarraltroff, 57400 Moselle, Grand Est, France.

Etymology: The genus name Graulia refers to the Graoully, Graouli or Graully, a mythical dragon from the folklore of Lorraine, the region of France where the specimens were found. The species name branchiodonta, from the greek βράγχια “gills” and ὀδούς, ὀδόντος “tooth” refers to the large teeth found on the ceratobranchials.

Graulia branchiodonta gen. et sp. nov., interpretative body reconstructions and detailed skull drawings in lateral view.
(A) body profile. (B) lateral view of skull and pectoral girdle. (C) lateral view of skull and pectoral girdle with neurocranium highlighted. (D) lateral view of skull and pectoral girdle with palate and hyobranchial skeleton highlighted.

 

Luigi Manuelli, Jorge Mondéjar Fernández, Kathleen Dollman, Kudakwashe Jakata and Lionel Cavin. 2024.   The most detailed anatomical reconstruction of a Mesozoic coelacanth. PLoS ONE. 19(11): e0312026. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0312026 

[Botany • 2024] Schiedea waiahuluensis (Caryophyllaceae) • An enigmatic New Species from Kaua'i, Hawaiian Islands and the first species discovered by a drone collection system

Schiedea waiahuluensis  W.L.Wagner, Weller, B.Nyberg, & A.K.Sakai,
  

in Wagner, Weller, Sakai, Nyberg et Wood, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.247.130241

Abstract

During a survey by the National Tropical Botanical Garden drone team, an enigmatic Schiedea was observed in December 2021on steep, rocky cliff faces of the Waiahulu Valley in the Waimea Canyon of Kaua'i. Subsequently, another survey was conducted in March 2022 and, by use of a remotely controlled cutting device suspended below the drone, the first herbarium specimen was collected, as well as a seed collection of an undescribed cliff-dwelling species of Schiedea. Detailed study of the collections and plants grown at the University of California, Irvine greenhouse showed that it had enlarged, somewhat whitish sepals similar to those of cliff-dwelling S. attenuata (the sole species in sect. Leucocalyx), yet differed significantly from all other species in the genus. It also shares with S. attenuata a woody habit, hermaphroditic flowers, coloured nectar and styles 5 to 7 or 8. We describe it here as S. waiahuluensis given the only known localities are on the cliffs of this valley and place it in an enlarged sect. Leucocalyx. With the discovery of this new species, there are 36 species in this Hawaiian endemic genus.

Key words: Caryophyllaceae, conservation, drone exploration, Hawaiian Islands, Kaua'i, Schiedea

 

Schiedea waiahuluensis 
A drone collected specimen Nyberg BN 023 with endemic Mirid on upper right bud B habit of plant in native habitat Williams AMW820, photo by Ben Nyberg
C seed William AMW 821, photo by seedsofhawaii.org D flower of drone collected specimen, Nyberg BN 023, photo by KR Wood.

Collecting Schiedea waiahuluensis via drone
A population accessed on rope, with drone in background William AMW821, photo by Adam Williams B collecting arm hanging from drone, photo by Ben Nyberg C drone collecting arm with specimen, Nyberg BN023 photo by Ben Nyberg.

Schiedea waiahuluensis habitat
A Waiahulu branch of Waimea Canyon, drone photo, by Ben Nyberg
B non-collected individual, drone photo by Ben Nyberg.

 Schiedea waiahuluensis W.L.Wagner, Weller, B.Nyberg, & A.K.Sakai, sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific epithet refers to the Waiahulu cliff region of Waimea Canyon, Kaua'i, the only known location where the new species is found.

Warren L. Wagner, Stephen G. Weller, Ann K. Sakai, Ben Nyberg and Kenneth R. Wood. 2024. Schiedea waiahuluensis (Caryophyllaceae), An enigmatic New Species from Kaua'i, Hawaiian Islands and the first species discovered by a drone collection system. PhytoKeys. 247: 111-121. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.247.130241

[Paleontology • 2024] Caletodraco cottardi • A New Furileusaurian Abelisaurid (Theropoda: Abelisauridae) from the Cenomanian Chalk of Normandy (North-Western France)

Caletodraco cottardi

Buffetaut, Tong, Girard, Hoyez & Párraga, 2024

 

 www.mdpi.com/2813-6284/2/3/9

Abstract

An articulated group of skeletal elements comprising a sacrum, both ilia and a first caudal vertebra, plus an isolated tooth found in immediate proximity to the bones, from the lower Cenomanian Chalk at Saint-Jouin-Bruneval (Seine-Maritime, Normandy, France) is described and attributed to a new genus and species of abelisaurid theropod, Caletodraco cottardi, on the basis of several characters of the sacrum and pelvis. The peculiar shape of the transverse process of the first caudal vertebra shows that Caletodraco cottardi differs from majungasaurine abelisaurids previously described from Europe, such as Arcovenator escotae, and belongs to the Furileusauria, a group of derived abelisaurids hitherto recognized only from South America. The presence of a furileusaurian abelisaurid in the Cenomanian of Normandy suggests that the biogeographical history of the Abelisauridae in Europe was more complex than hitherto admitted. Several previously described European abelisaurids, such as the Albian Genusaurus sisteronis, may in fact belong to the Furileusauria.

Keywords: Dinosauria; Theropoda; Abelisauridae; Cenomanian; Normandy

  Holotype specimen of Caletodraco cottardi, MHNH 2024.1.1., in dorsal (A,A’), left lateral (B,B’) and ventral (C,C’) views, with explanatory drawings. Front is at left.

Abbreviations: ai: anterior wing of ilium; bf: brevis fossa; cv: centrum of first caudal vertebra; d: depression; dmi: dorsal margin of ilium; li: left ilium; ns: fused neural spines of sacral vertebrae; pdp: posterodorsal process of ilium; s: sacrum; tpc: transverse process of first caudal vertebra; tps: transverse processes of sacral vertebrae.

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Ceratosauria Marsh, 1884

Abelisauridae Bonaparte and Novas, 1985

Brachyrostra Canale et al., 2009

Furileusauria Filippi et al., 2016

Caletodraco cottardi, n.g., n.sp.

Diagnosis: a large abelisaurid theropod showing furileusaurian characteristics, including a straight dorsal margin of the ilium and a distally expanded and crescent-shaped tip of the dorsally orientated transverse process of the first caudal vertebra, with a convex distal margin, differing from previously known furileusaurians by the following autapomorphy: distinctive shape of the transverse process, with a short anterior spine and a rounded and expanded fan-shaped semicircular posterodistal margin.

Locus typicus: cliffs along the English Channel at Saint-Jouin-Bruneval, Seine-Maritime, Normandy (NW France).

 

Derivatio nominis: genus name from the Caleti (or Caletes), a Celtic tribe that inhabited the Pays de Caux [Streiff. 1952]), the part of Normandy on the coast of which the fossil was found, and draco, Latin for dragon. The species is dedicated to Mr Nicolas Cottard, who discovered the specimen in the course of his systematic research on the stratigraphy and paleontology of the Chalk of Normandy and donated it to the Muséum d’histoire naturelle du Havre.

Conclusions: 

The discovery of Caletodraco cottardi shows that dinosaur remains, although exceedingly rare, do occur in the Chalk of the Anglo-Paris basin and that a careful search for fossil vertebrates in these marine formations can yield surprising and important results. The new taxon leads to a reassessment of the fossil record of abelisaurids in Europe, showing that, contrary to what could previously be assumed, majungasaurines were not the only abelisaurid subgroup present in that geographical area, since Caletodraco cottardi apparently belongs to the Furileusauria, a highly derived clade of Abelisauridae. C. cottardi is one of the earliest known Furileusauria and its occurrence in Europe leads to reconsider the biogeographical history of this group of theropods, hitherto known from South America.

 Eric Buffetaut , Haiyan Tong, Jérôme Girard, Bernard Hoyez and Javier Párraga. 2024. Caletodraco cottardi: A New Furileusaurian Abelisaurid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Cenomanian Chalk of Normandy (North-Western France). Foss. Stud. 2(3), 177-195; DOI: 10.3390/fossils2030009

  www.mdpi.com/2813-6284/2/3/9

[Arachnida • 2024] Typhlonesticus angelicus & T. santinellii • Two New Subterranean Typhlonesticus (Araneae: Nesticidae) from the Alps with Notes on their Ecology, Distribution and Conservation

[A, D] Typhlonesticus angelicus sp. nov., [B, F] T. morisii (Brignoli) and [C, H] T. santinellii sp. nov. 

in Isaia, Nicolosi, Infuso et Ribera, 2024.

 DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e106948

Abstract

The spider genus Typhlonesticus Kulczyński, 1914 (Araneae: Nesticidae) includes seven species, most of which exhibiting strict preference for caves, abandoned mines and other subterranean habitats. In Italy the genus is represented by two species: T. morisii (Brignoli, 1975), an extremely narrow endemic species from SW-Alps with a very high level of subterranean adaptation and T. idriacus (Roewer, 1931), showing a much wider distribution in NE-Italy and poor adaptations to subterranean life. Our recent biospeleological surveys in the Alps lead to the discovery of new populations of highly troglomorphic Typhlonesticus that proved to belong to two new species based on morphological and molecular data. Considering the rarity of these new species, we provide general information on their ecology and distribution, including a comparative analysis of troglomorphic traits in Typhlonesticus in relation to biogeographic factors. Information on the conservation status, useful for assessing their extinction risk based on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines, is also provided.

Keywords: Alpine subterranean fauna, Biogeography, Endemic species, Extinction risk, Systematics, Troglomorphism

Live specimens of Typhlonesticus angelicus sp. nov. (A male), T. morisii (Brignoli) (B female) and T. santinellii sp. nov. (C female) in their natural habitats.
The entrance of Grotta superiore delle Camoscere [Pi 250], type locality of T. angelicus sp. nov. (D), the military bunker of Sotterranei di Vernante, type locality of T. morisii (Brignoli) (E, F);
the walls of “Galleria del Pozzo’’ within the mining complex of Gorno, type locality of T. santinellii sp. nov. (G); the entrance of Murdosso cave [Lo BG 7407], where the first female of T. santinellii sp. nov. was collected during the unblocking operations of the cave conducted by the local speleological groups “Underland” and “I Tassi” (H).

Family Nesticidae Simon, 1894

Genus Typhlonesticus Kulczyński, 1914

 Typhlonesticus angelicus Isaia and Ribera, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species is dedicated to Angelo Morisi (1943–2016) beloved Piedmontese natural scientist, expert in reptiles, amphibians, cave-dwelling invertebrates, freshwater macroinvertebrates, fishes and lichens. Angelo was a kind-hearted, altruist and caring natural scientist, pioneer of the biospeleological research in Piedmont, and first collector of several rare troglobiont species that still carry his name, including Typhlonesticus morisii, sister species of T. angelicus sp. nov. The specific epithet is in form of adjective and conjugates the name of Angelo and the features of benevolent immortal beings with a translucent body of light, barely visible to the human eye.

  Typhlonesticus santinellii Isaia and Ribera, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species is dedicated to the speleologist Roberto “Robertone” Santinelli, who first collected the female specimen in Murdosso cave, allowing the diagnosis of the new species. Noun in genitive.

Conclusions: 

Combining morphological and genetic evidence, we revealed the existence of two new species of Typhlonesticus, the oldest evolutionary lineage of Nesticid spiders in Europe. The new species are characterised by a high level of adaptation to the subterranean environment, confirming the extraordinary richness of subterranean diversity in the Alps. Using a trait-based approach, we inferred how highly troglomorphic Typhlonesticus are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, and in particular we interpreted their isolation and their small distribution ranges as critical conditions amplifying their extinction risk, especially from a global warming perspective. We particularly address this issue by recommending further studies focusing on the thermal tolerance of these species, aiming at understanding their possible response to increasing global temperatures.

  Marco Isaia, Giuseppe Nicolosi, Alessandro Infuso and Carles Ribera. 2024. Two New Subterranean Typhlonesticus (Araneae: Nesticidae) from the Alps with Notes on their Ecology, Distribution and Conservation. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 81: 801-818. DOI:  10.3897/asp.81.e106948

[Entomology • 2024] Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae • A New osmiine Bee (Hymenoptera: Anthophila: Megachilidae) with a spectacular Geographic Disjunction

Hoplitis onosmaevae

Aubert, Müller & Praz, 2024

  DOI: 10.3897/alpento.8.118039

Abstract

A new osmiine bee species, Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae sp. nov. (Megachilidae), is described. So far, this species is exclusively known from the Mercantour National Park in the southwestern French Alps and from mountainous ranges in Turkey and northern Iraq, two areas separated by at least 2000 km. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes revealed that H. onosmaevae is closely related to H. adunca (Panzer, 1798), H. benoisti (Alfken, 1935) and H. manicata (Morice, 1901). Hoplitis onosmaevae is presumably narrowly oligolectic and harvests pollen only on flowers of Onosma L. (Boraginaceae). It has a particularly long proboscis, which is probably an adaptation to collect nectar from the long-tubed flowers of this plant genus. The females collect pollen by buzzing the Onosma flowers, a rare behavior in megachilid bees. The species nests in insect burrows in dead wood, similar to H. adunca and H. manicata but unlike other closely related representatives of the subgenus Hoplitis, suggesting a single origin of nesting in dead wood and hollow stems in this lineage. In France, H. onosmaevae inhabits alpine steppe-like habitats close to forests and appears to be extremely local, since only two populations are currently known. The conservation status of this extremely rare bee species in Europe is discussed.

Key Words: Anthophila, Apiformes, Hoplitis, Onosma, osmiine bees, buzzing, conservation, France, Iraq, Turkey

Hoplitis onosmaevae sp. nov., foraging habitat and behaviour (France, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, 23.6.2020). 15. Foraging habitat with patch of the host plant, Onosma tricerosperma subsp. fastigiata; 16. Male resting on stone between two patrolling flights, with unfolded proboscis; 17. Male resting on stone between two patrolling flights; 18. Female on a flower of Onosma tricerosperma subsp. fastigiata; 19. Female concentrating nectar with widely open mandibles.

Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae Aubert, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: In most species of Hoplitis (Hoplitis), the length of the proboscis is at most one-third as long as the body. Only H. linguaria, H. holmboei, H. homalocera and H. semilinguaria have a longer proboscis, which reaches about half of the body length. Hoplitis onosmaevae possesses an even longer proboscis, which is approximately as long as the body (Fig. 3). In both sexes of H. holmboei and H. homalocera, the vertex is comparatively short (ocelloccipital distance less than two ocellar diameters) and, when seen in front view, not elevated behind ocelli, but regularly rounded across its width; in H. onosmaevae the vertex is longer (ocelloccipital distance about ...

Etymology: The species epithet onosmaevae refers to the assumed close association with plants of the genus Onosma (see section on pollen hosts below) and to Maëva Gardenat, to whom the first author wishes to dedicate this species.

 Matthieu Aubert, Andreas Müller and Christophe Praz. 2024. A New osmiine Bee with a spectacular Geographic Disjunction: Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Anthophila, Megachilidae). Alpine Entomology. 8: 65-79. DOI: 10.3897/alpento.8.118039

Résumé: Une nouvelle espèce d’abeille appartenant à la tribu des Osmiini, Hoplitis onosmaevae sp. nov. (Megachilidae), est décrite. Elle est à ce jour connue du Parc national du Mercantour dans le Sud des Alpes françaises et de zones montagneuses de Turquie et du Nord de l’Irak, deux aires distantes de plus de 2000 km. Des analyses phylogénétiques de gènes mitochondriaux et nucléaires indiquent que cette nouvelle espèce est apparentée à H. adunca (Panzer, 1798), H. benoisti (Alfken, 1935) et H. manicata (Morice, 1901). Hoplitis onosmaevae est certainement oligolectique, spécialisée pour la récolte du pollen sur les fleurs d’Onosma L (Boraginaceae). Elle est caractérisée notamment par un proboscis très allongé, qui est probablement une adaptation à la collecte du nectar dans les fleurs de ce genre botanique. Les femelles en exploitent le pollen en les faisant vibrer («buzzing»), comportement rare au sein de la famille des Megachilidae. Il a été observé que cette nouvelle espèce nidifie dans des galeries existantes dans le bois mort, à l’instar de H. adunca et de H. manicata, mais contrairement à d’autres représentants du sous-genre Hoplitis, ce qui suggère une origine unique de l’emploi du bois mort et des tiges creuses en tant que substrat de nidification au sein de ce groupe. En France, H. onosmaevae semble extrêmement localisée : elle n’a été trouvée que sur deux stations, correspondant à des habitats d’altitude d’affinité steppique, non loin de boisements. Son statut de conservation en Europe est discuté.