[Herpetology • 2024] Neblinaphryne imeri • A New Species of Neblinaphryne (Anura: Brachycephaloidea: Neblinaphrynidae) from Serra do Imeri, Amazonas State, Brazil

 

 Neblinaphryne imeri 

Fouquet, Moraes, Grant, Recoder, Camacho, Ghellere, Barutel & Rodrigues, 2024

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5514.1.5  

  Researchgate.net/publication/384327978

Abstract

The highlands of the Guiana Shield (Pantepui) in northern South America harbor a unique fauna and flora. However, this diversity remains poorly documented, as many Pantepui massifs remain little explored or unexplored, mainly because their access is very challenging. Considering amphibians, 11 genera are endemic or sub-endemic to Pantepui, and one of them, Neblinaphryne, is monospecific and was recently described from the Neblina massif, at the border between Brazil and Venezuela. We recently undertook an expedition in the nearby, previously uninventoried Imeri massif and discovered a new species of this genus. We describe this new species herein as Neblinaphryne imeri sp. nov., combining molecular, external morphological, acoustic, osteological and myological data. The new species shares with the other Neblinaphryne species (N. mayeri) minuscule septomaxillae and pointed terminal phalanges, confirming the morphological diagnostic characters of the genus. Nevertheless, the new species can promptly be distinguished from N. mayeri by having the head wider than long, a distinct color pattern, and prominent tubercles on the eyelid and humeral region, as well as osteological and genetic differences. These two species are likely endemic to their respective massifs, providing a striking new example of speciation by isolation within Pantepui, which was possibly mediated by climate and elevation, as previously hypothesized for many other lineages endemic to this region.

Amphibia, Amazonia, Amphibian, Biodiversity, Frog, Guiana Shield, Pantepui, Taxonomy, Systematics

Neblinaphryne imeri 

 

Antoine FOUQUET, Leandro J.C.L. MORAES, Taran GRANT, Renato RECODER, Agustín CAMACHO, José Mário GHELLERE, Alexandre BARUTEL and Miguel Trefaut RODRIGUES. 2024. A New Species of Neblinaphryne (Anura: Brachycephaloidea: Neblinaphrynidae) from Serra do Imeri, Amazonas state, Brazil. Zootaxa. 5514(1);73-90. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5514.1.5 [2024-09-25] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/384327978_A_new_species_of_Neblinaphryne_from_Serra_do_Imeri_Amazonas_state_Brazil

https://jornal.usp.br/uspnews/a-new-species-of-frog-appears-in-the-upper-amazon/

[Ichthyology • 2024] Hypancistrus parkateje • A New Species of Hypancistrus Isbrücker & Nijssen 1991 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rapids of the middle Rio Tocantins

 

Hypancistrus parkateje

 Araújo, Ferreira, Monteiro & Wosiacki, 2024 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15971 

 x.com/Araujoictio

Abstract

The Hypancistrus genus is recognized in the Río Orinoco basin and Rio Xingu in the Guiana and Brazilian Shields, respectively. Some of its species are important in ornamental fishing. Despite this significance, many other undescribed species are still awaiting to be named. Here we describe a new species of Hypancistrus found on bedrock in the Rio Tocantins, representing an extension of the distribution of the genus. Also, a multigene phylogeny is presented to evaluate the taxonomic position of this species concerning congeners. The new species differs from all congeners by (1) hypertrophied odontodes on cheeks reaching beyond the cleithrum, (2) a supraoccipital crest conspicuously elevated, (3) a supraorbital crest slightly convex, (4) oblique bars on the anterior part of the body, (5) a dark E-shaped mark on the snout, (6) three oblique dark bars on the anterior part of the body and horizontal vermicular bars from the pectoral girdle to the posterior insertion of the dorsal fin, (7) a thin light gray bar on the posterior of the head extending across the branchial opening, (8) a tan background color, (9) a developed suspensorium with a diminished appendix in the metapterygoid, and (10) a dentary plate robust significantly fused with the angulo-articular bone. The molecular phylogenetic results show the new species forming a group with Hypancistrus zebra (Brazilian Shield—Rio Xingu) as a clade, a sister group of a monophyletic group consisting of all congeners from the Río Orinoco.

Keywords: armored catfish, molecular phylogeny, new taxon, rheophilic fish

Holotype of Hypancistrus parkateje, 64.5 mm SL (standard length),
Brazil, Pará, Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Rio Tocantins basin.

Hypancistrus parkateje

Felipe Araújo, Marlon Ferreira, Iann Monteiro and Wolmar Wosiacki. 2024. A New Species of Hypancistrus Isbrücker & Nijssen 1991 (Loricariidae, Siluriformes) from the rapids of the middle Rio Tocantins. Journal of Fish Biology.  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15971

  x.com/Araujoictio/status/1854503751215686100

[Herpetology • 2022] Chiasmocleis jacki • A New Chiasmocleis (Anura: Microhylidae) from the eastern Guiana Shield with an amended definition of C. haddadi

 

Chiasmocleis jacki

 Fouquet, Rodrigues & Peloso, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5200.1.1

 Researchgate.net/publication/364754838

Abstract

The existence of an unnamed (candidate) species from French Guiana and the state of Amapá (Brazil) closely related to Chiasmocleis haddadi has been hypothesized in previous DNA-based studies. With an integrative use of genetic, morphological and acoustic data we confirm that these populations are indeed distinct from C. haddadi and all other known congeners. We herein describe and name this new species, and amend the definition of C. haddadi since the type-series and its original diagnosis included specimens of the new species. Geographically, the new species occurs eastward of its sister species C. haddadi from which it can be distinguished by having a larger body, a proportionally smaller eye and a distinct dorsal colouration. We suspect that the new species breeds in the leaf litter and that tadpoles undergo endotrophic development whereas co-occurring C. haddadi and C. hudsoni lay clutches in the leaf litter nearby standing water of temporary ponds where exotrophic tadpoles complete their development. This new species is a new addition to the already long list of animals being endemic to the easternmost part of the Guiana Shield, a region identified as a singular bioregion within Amazonia by previous research.

Key words: acoustics, Amazonia, Amphibia, DNA, morphology, Neotropics, taxonomy

Comparison of living specimens of the three species of the Chiasmocleis hudsoni clade occurring in the Guiana Shield (left: C. jacki sp. nov.; middle: C. haddadi; right: C. hudsoni).

Antoine Fouquet, Miguel T. Rodrigues and Pedro Peloso. 2022. A New Chiasmocleis (Anura: Microhylidae) from the eastern Guiana Shield with an amended definition of C. haddadi Peloso, Sturaro, Forlani, Gaucher, Motta, & Wheeler, 2014. Zootaxa. 5200(1); 1-23. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5200.1.1

 Researchgate.net/publication/364754838_A_new_Chiasmocleis_from_the_eastern_Guiana_Shield_with_an_amended_definition_of_C_haddadi

https://zenodo.org/record/7251958 

 www.faune-guyane.fr/index.php?m_id=1164&a=573#FN573

[Botany • 2023] Vanilla cameroniana (Orchidaceae: Vanilloideae) • A New Species from French Guiana and New Records from the Guiana Shield

 Vanilla cameroniana  

in Damián-Parizaca et Mitidieri-Rivera, 2023.

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.3.5  

 facebook.com/ADamianP

Abstract

In this study, a new species of Vanilla from French Guiana is described with detailed illustrations, photographs, and distribution. Vanilla cameroniana honors Kenneth M. Cameron, a distinguished professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, for his contributions to our understanding of the subfamily Vanilloideae. The new species is placed within Vanilla subgenus Xanata, due to its distinctive penicillate callus and lip margins connate to the column. Vanilla cameroniana can be distinguished from V. appendiculata, a morphologically similar species by the broader leaves up to 12 cm wide (vs. 5.9 cm), axillary inflorescence (vs. apical), narrow linear petals, 0.2–0.3 cm wide (vs. narrowly lanceolate, 0.5–0.8 cm), unlobed lip (vs. trilobed), and sub-quadrate apex (vs. sub-acute) with a trullate-shaped structure close to the apex made of short appendages (vs. long lombricoid appendages). Detailed morphological comparisons are provided for other superficially similar species. Additionally, based on herbarium collections V. sprucei, and V. dressleri are newly recorded from the Guiana Shield, and a geographic range expansion is proposed for Vanilla corinnae. Our findings highlight the importance of conservation efforts of fragile ecosystems such as swamps in the Guiana Shield.

 

Keywords: Monocots, fragrant clade, French Guiana, Neotropics, taxonomy, Xanata

Alexander Damián-Parizaca and Nicole Mitidieri-Rivera. 2023. Vanilla cameroniana (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), A New Species from French Guiana and New Records from the Guiana Shield.  Phytotaxa. 609(3); 222-232. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.3.5 

  facebook.com/ADamianP/posts/10161712835371803

 Researchgate.net/publication/373331753_Vanilla_cameroniana_a_new_species_from_French_Guiana

[Herpetology • 2023] Allobates ripicolus & A. vicinus • Two New Species of Allobates of the trilineatus clade (Anura: Aromobatidae) from the Eastern Guiana Shield

Allobates ripicolus 

Fouquet, Ferrão & Jairam, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5297.4.4 

  twitter.com/FerraoMiqueias

 

Abstract

The actual diversity of anurans occurring in Amazonia remains only partly described. This is notably the case of the species of the genus Allobates despite a fast rate of species description in this genus during the last decade. This increasing taxonomic effort has been particularly facilitated by the availability of DNA sequences throughout the region. These data suggest for instance the existence of three lineages in the Guiana Shield that may correspond to unnamed species. We examined morphology and calls of these putative species and compared them to related nominal species, which confirmed that two of these lineages not only differ genetically but also morphologically and bioacoustically. These two species are thus named and described herein. Allobates vicinus sp. nov. from northern Suriname forms a clade with another candidate species from southern Suriname and Northern Pará, (Brazil) and with A. granti that occurs in French Guiana. Allobates ripicolus sp. nov. occurs throughout the eastern Guiana Shield and is nested within the A. tapajos complex which otherwise occurs in southeastern Amazonia and comprises A. tapajos and A. kamilae, along with three additional candidate species.

Keywords:  Amphibia, acoustics, Amazonia, morphology, Neotropics, taxonomy  

Allobates vicinus sp. nov. 

Allobates ripicolus sp. nov.

 

Antoine Fouquet, Miquéias Ferrão, Rawien Jairam. 2023. Two New Species of Allobates of the trilineatus clade (Anura: Aromobatidae) from the Eastern Guiana Shield.  Zootaxa. 5297(4); 533-561. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5297.4.4  

 twitter.com/FerraoMiqueias/status/1666172881959567360

[Herpetology • 2022] Pristimantis guianensis • A New Species of Rain Frog (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Guiana Shield and Amended Diagnosis of P. ockendeni (Boulenger, 1912)

Pristimantis guianensis

 Mônico, Ferrão, Chaparro, Fouquet & Lima, 2022

 DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e90435

 twitter.com/FerraoMiqueias

Abstract

Pristimantis is already the most speciose genus among vertebrates, yet the current number of species remains largely underestimated. A member of the P. unistrigatus species group from the Guiana Shield has been historically misidentified as P. ockendeni, a species described from southern Peru. We combined mitochondrial (16S and COI) and nuclear (RAG1) loci, external morphology, skull osteology (μ-CT scan), vocalization (advertisement and courtship calls), geographic distribution and natural history data to differentiate the Guiana Shield populations from P. ockendeni, and describe them as a new species. The new species is crepuscular and nocturnal and inhabits the understory of unflooded (terra firme) forests in Brazil, Guyana and Suriname. It is phylogenetically related to P. arda­lonychus, P. martiae and undescribed species from Brazilian Amazonia. The new species notably differs from P. ockendeni and its congeners in the P. unistrigatus species group occurring in the Guiana Shield by the combination of the following characters: absence of dentigerous processes of vomers, presence of vocal slits in males, body size (SVL 16.2–20.7 mm in males and 21.4–25.7 mm in females), advertisement call (call with 4–6 notes, call duration of 158–371 ms and dominant frequency of 3,466–4,521 Hz) and translucent groin coloration in life. To facilitate the recognition and description of cryptic species previously hidden under the name P. ockendeni, we provide an amended diagnosis of this taxon based on external morphology and advertisement call of specimens recently collected nearby the type locality and additional localities in southwestern Amazonia.

Keywords: Amazonia, Amphibia, Brachycephaloidea, integrative taxonomy, natural history, Terrarana

Males of Pristimantis guianensis sp. nov. in life.
A Holotype INPA-H 43918 (SVL 17.7 mm); B Paratype MPEG 44188 (SVL 18.4 mm); C Paratopotype INPA-H 44250 (SVL 17.6 mm); D Paratype INPA-H 43939(SVL 17.6 mm); E Paratype MPEG 44185 (SVL 17.9 mm); F Paratopotype MPEG 44181 (SVL 17.8 mm); G Paratype INPA-H 43928 (SVL 17.9 mm); H Paratype INPA-H 43931 (SVL 17.7 mm); and I Paratype INPA-H 43926 (SVL 16.9 mm).

Photographs: A.T. Mônico, except (C) E.D. Koch.

Pristimantis guianensis sp. nov. natural history and breeding aspects. A Example of habitat used by the new species; B calling male (INPA-H 43942); C amplectant pair (female INPA-H 43943, male INPA-H 43944), from RFAD, Manaus, Amazonas; D suspended litter spawning about 1 m above the ground, the two clutches are at different stages (left, more developed; right, recent oviposition), from São João da Baliza municipality, Roraima, Brazil.

 Photographs: A.T. Mônico, except (B) I.Y. Fernandes.

Pristimantis guianensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is characterized by the following unique combination of characters: (1) dorsal skin shagreened, frequently with distinctly tubercles, with or without W-shaped on scapular region; (2) tympanum visible, tympanic membrane poorly differentiated, tympanum diameter 24–34% of eye diameter and annulus partially visible externally; supratympanic black band; (3) snout subacuminate to sub-rounded in dorsal view and rounded in in lateral profile, loreal region concave; (4) upper eyelid tubercles present; dark bar between the eyes, and three oblique black streaks below the eye; cranial crests absent; (5) nostril ovoid, slightly protuberant, directed laterally; interorbital distance 29–37% of head width; (6) tongue cordiform to ovoid; (7) absence of dentigerous processes of vomers (Fig. 7); (8) males with vocal slits, vocal sac median to subgular; nuptial pads absent; (9) Finger I slightly more shorter than II; finger discs ovoid to expanded (finger disc I less expanded compared to finger disc II, III and IV); (10) fingers without lateral fringes; (11) three to five enlarged ulnar tubercles, barely visible in fixed specimens (easily visible in individuals when in life); (12) tibia length 48–56% of SVL; (13) heel tubercle absent; tarsal tubercles aligned, ovoid to elliptical; tarsal fold short, barely visible; (14) thenar tubercle ovoid to elliptical; small palmar tubercle ill-defined, less than 30% of thenar tubercle; (15) toes without lateral fringes; rudiment of web absent; (16) toes I and II almost of the same size; toes discs ovoid (toe disc I and II, especially) to expanded (III, IV and V); (17) belly skin smooth to areolate, and ventral region of the femur externally areolate; (18) in life, translucent groin with small, scattered dark melanophores and absence of bright colored blotches or marks; (19) in life, iris is dichromatic, brown lower part and cream upper part; (20) SVL in adult males of 16.2–20.7 mm (n = 43) and in females of 21.4–25.7 mm (n = 13); and (21) advertisement call with average call duration of 232 ± 42 ms, inter-note interval of 44 ± 5 ms (68 ± 11 ms), minimum frequency of 2,827–3,695 Hz, maximum frequency of 4,333–6,688 Hz and dominant frequency of 3,466–4,521 Hz.

...

Etymology: The specific epithet “guianensis” refers to the region of occurrence of the new species, widely distributed in the western Guiana region (the lowlands of the eastern part of the Guiana Shield).

 Alexander Tamanini Mônico, Miquéias Ferrão, Juan Carlos Chaparro, Antoine Fouquet and Albertina Pimentel Lima. 2022. A New Species of Rain Frog (Anura: Strabomantidae: Pristimantis) from the Guiana Shield and Amended Diagnosis of P. ockendeni (Boulenger, 1912). Vertebrate Zoology. 72: 1035-1065. DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e90435

 twitter.com/FerraoMiqueias/status/1590779694584107015

[Ichthyology • 2022] Sternopygus sabaji • A New Species of Sternopygus (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the Atlantic Coast of the Guiana Shield

Sternopygus sabaji 

Torgersen & Albert, 2022

DOI: 10.1643/i2022013 

 twitter.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract

Sternopygus sabaji, new species, is described from the Atlantic drainages of the Guiana Shield region of South America using traditional methods of morphometrics and meristics and microcomputed tomography (µCT) scans for osteological analysis. The new species is diagnosed from all other species of Sternopygus by the lack of dentition on the anteroventral surface of the endopterygoid and by the possession of a wider mouth. It further differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: reduced humeral spot with low-contrast and poorly defined margins, possession of a light-colored mid-lateral stripe along posterior portion of lateral line, possession of 1–3 dark saddle-like markings along dorsum of smaller individuals, and a relatively low precaudal vertebrae count. This work provides the first description of a species of Sternopygus that is endemic to the Guiana Shield, joining S. astrabes and S. macrurus in elevating the species richness of the clade in that region to three species and the total number of valid Sternopygus to ten species.

Sternopygus sabaji, holotype, ANSP 208090 (374 mm TL).
 (A) Full body view; (B) closeup of head. Position of anus and urogenital papilla indicated by arrow.

Scale bar = 1 cm.

Paratype specimen of Sternopygus sabaji ANSP 189018 (146 mm TL).
(A) Specimen with live coloration, photo taken after collection in 2007.
 (B) Same specimen with preserved coloration photographed in 2021.

Scale bar = 1 cm. Photo of specimen with live coloration by Mark Sabaj.

Sternopygus sabaji, new species

Etymology.—This species is named in honor of Dr. Mark Henry Sabaj, of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, for his many contributions to the exploration and understanding of Neotropical aquatic diversity. The authors also acknowledge his role in collecting and photographing the specimens of the type series and his help to the authors in obtaining specimen loans for this study. 

Distribution.— Sternopygus sabaji is known from the Marowijne (Maroni) and Essequibo drainage basins where it is found sympatrically with S. macrurus and possibly another undescribed member of the genus (Fig. 10).

 

 

Kevin T. Torgersen and James S. Albert. 2022. A New Species of Sternopygus (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the Atlantic Coast of the Guiana Shield. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 110(4), 714-727. DOI: 10.1643/i2022013 

 twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1589645981225582592

[Botany • 2022] Utricularia elephanthoides (Lentibulariaceae) • A New Species from the Guayana Shield

Utricularia elephanthoides J.R. Grande,

in Grande Allende, 2022. 

DOI: 10.21829/abm129.2022.2049  

  Researchgate.net/publication/361119050

Abstract:

Background and Aims: Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) includes ca. 240 carnivorous species of cosmopolitan distribution. The Guayana Shield has 48 species, about 20% of the world total. Of the 35 groups into which the genus is divided, Utricularia sect. Orchidioides is one of the best known and studied, as it usually has large and striking flowers. In this paper, the identity of one of the species in this section, present in the Guayana Shield, is clarified. Methods: The taxonomic literature, herbarium material, and photographs of cultivated plants from the study area (Bolívar and Amazonas states of Venezuela, in the central portion of the Guayana Shield) available on the internet, were reviewed. Additionally, and for comparative purposes, material from the most closely related species (Utricularia asplundii, U. jamesoniana and U. uxoris) was also reviewed.

Key results: Utricularia elephanthoides sp. nov., which is characterized by the photosynthetic organs with an acute apex, upper lip of the corolla shallowly tetralobulate, applied to the lower lip, and spur ≤1.5 times the length of the lower lip of the corolla, is described and illustrated. This new species, together with Utricularia asplundii, U. jamesoniana and U. uxoris, forms a natural group with relatively small flowers and deeply trilobulate lower corolla lobe, which is named here “U. jamesoniana complex”. A table of morphological characters, a key and two maps are presented, by means of which these four species can be compared and differentiated.

Conclusions: The Guayanan populations of Utricularia sect. Orchidioides with a deeply trilobulate lower corolla lip and a spur with basal (conical) and apical (subulate) portions of similar length should be assigned to the new concept (U. elephanthoides), so far only known from Venezuela. This species is part of the “Utricularia jamesoniana” complex, which is monophyletic and widely distributed in the Neotropics.

Key words: Guayana, Pantepui, tepui, Utricularia sect. Orchidioides, Venezuela.

Utricularia elephanthoides J.R. Grande.
A. habit; B. flower at anthesis; C. upper lip of corolla; D. lower lip of corolla; E. calyx; F. spur; G. trap or utricle; H. bract (center) and bracteoles (left and right); I. scale of the peduncle.

 (A and G-I: based on the holotype; A (flower) and B: based on Welge and Teichert, 2003-2004; C-F: based on F. Cardona 851 (VEN)).

Utricularia elephanthoides J.R. Grande, sp. nov.  

Etymology: the epithet “elephanthoides” (from Greek ἐλέφας, elephant; ἄνθος, flower; -ειδής, similar) alludes to the curious morphology of the flowers, which resemble the head of a proboscis.

José Ramón Grande Allende. 2022. Utricularia elephanthoides (Lentibulariaceae), especie nueva del Escudo Guayanés. [Utricularia elephanthoides (Lentibulariaceae), A New Species from the Guayana Shield]. Acta botánica mexicana. 129[Epub 30-Jun-2022]. DOI: 10.21829/abm129.2022.2049  

  Researchgate.net/publication/361119050_Utricularia_elephanthoides_especie_nueva_del_Escudo_Guayanes

 

[Herpetology • 2022] Pristimantis crepitaculus • Back from the Deaf: Integrative Taxonomy Revalidates An Earless and Mute Species, Hylodes grandoculis, and Confirms A New Species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Eastern Guiana Shield

Pristimantis crepitaculus 

Fouquet, Peloso, Jairam, Lima, Mônico, Ernst & Kok, 2022

 DOI: 10.1007/s13127-022-00564-w 

Researchgate.net/publication/361326971 

Abstract

Many anuran species remain to be formally named and described in Amazonia, notably in the Guiana Shield, and particularly in megadiverse groups such as Pristimantis. Several species in the Guiana Shield region have been confused with Pristimantis marmoratus and P. ockendeni. Hylodes grandoculis, a taxon previously placed in the synonymy of P. marmoratus, may be available for one of these species. To disentangle this confusing situation, we examined the external morphology and osteology (via µ-CT scans) of the holotype of H. grandoculis, the holotype of Pristimantis marmoratus, and of recently collected material for which we also analyzed molecular, acoustic, and morphological variation. We concluded that some populations from Suriname and northern Pará, Brazil, are distinct from P. marmoratus and correspond to Pristimantis grandoculis. Other populations, from French Guiana, are closely related to P. grandoculis but their status remains ambiguous. Finally, some populations, from French Guiana and Amapá, Brazil, are conspicuously distinct from both P. marmoratus and P. grandoculis and are described herein as P. crepitaculus sp. nov. A third species, belonging to a “trans-amazon complex”, occurs in southern Suriname, Guyana, and Brazil and remains undescribed. Pristimantis grandoculis and related populations from French Guiana lack external tympanum, columella, pharyngeal ostia, vocal slits and do not vocalize. This represents a rare, perhaps unique, example of a deaf and mute species of frogs from the Amazonian lowlands.

Keywords: Amazonia, Amphibia, Morphology, Tomography

a Holotype of Pristimantis crepitaculus sp. nov. in dorsal, ventral views.
 b Hand, foot and lateral view of the head. c Photographs of the holotype in life.
 d Several photographs of additional specimens in life

Pristimantis crepitaculus sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a latinised adjective referring to the call structure of the new species, which sounds like a rattle (crepitaculum).

Antoine Fouquet, Pedro Peloso, Rawien Jairam, Albertina P. Lima, Alexander T. Mônico, Raffael Ernst and Philippe J. R. Kok. 2022. Back from the Deaf: Integrative Taxonomy Revalidates An Earless and Mute Species, Hylodes grandoculis van Lidth de Jeude, 1904, and Confirms A New Species of Pristimantis Jiménez de la Espada, 1870 (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Eastern Guiana Shield. Organisms Diversity & Evolution. DOI: 10.1007/s13127-022-00564-w

Researchgate.net/publication/361326971_integrative_taxonomy_revalidates_Hylodes_grandoculis_et_a_new_species_of_Pristimantis

[Ichthyology • 2021] Characidium kalunga • A New Species of Characidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil

  Characidium kalunga 

Melo, Bouquerel, Masumoto, França & Netto-Ferreira, 2021

ni.bio.br/1982-0224-2020-0152

Abstract​ 

A new species of Characidium is described from the tributaries of the rio Tocantinzinho, rio Tocantins basin, located in the southern portion of the Chapada dos Veadeiros, at about 1,200 meters of elevation, Goiás, Brazil. The new species can be diagnosed by an unusual combination of two apomorphic features present in distinct clades of Characidium, the presence of a scaleless isthmus in allied to with a single row of dentary teeth. Additionally, the new species has a unique color pattern of inconspicuous vertical bars disconnected from the dorsal midline, forming seven to nine square blotches along body sides, and the presence of a dark saddle-shaped mark at the dorsal-fin base. Osteologically, it can be diagnosed by having the first and second anal-fin proximal radials fused and contacting the third hemal spine, which is branched. The new species also has a peculiar, unusual variation of fin-ray counts among its congeners.

Keywords: Cerrado, Characidium stigmosum, Endemism, Rio Tocantins basin, Taxonomy.

FIGURE 1: Characidium kalunga in lateral (top), ventral (middle) and dorsal (bottom) views, holotype, MZUSP 125824, 40.5 mm SL, rio Almécegas at Cachoeira de Almécegas, Chapada dos Veadeiros, Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil.

Characidium kalunga, new species

Diagnosis. Characidium kalunga can be distinguished from its cis-Andean congeners, except C. alipioi Travassos, 1955, C. amaila Lujan, Agudelo-Zamora, Taphorn, Booth & López-Fernández,2013, C. boavistae Steindachner, 1915, C. bolivianum Pearson, 1924, C. crandellii Steindachner, 1915, C. duplicatum Ambruster, Lujan & Bloom, 2021, C. cricarense Malanski Sarmento-Soares, Silva-Malanski, Lopes, Ingenito & Buckup, 2019, C. declivirostre Steindachner, 1915, C. fasciatum Reinhardt, 1867, C. gomesi Travassos, 1956, C. grajahuense Travassos, 1944, C. hasemani Steindachner, 1915, C. helmeri Zanata, Sarmento-Soares & Martins-Pinheiro, 2015, C. iaquira Zanata, Ohara, Oyakawa & Dagosta, 2020, C. japuhybensis Travassos, 1949, C. kamakan Zanata & Camelier, 2015, C. lauroi Travassos, 1949, C. macrolepidotum (Peters, 1868), C. oiticicai Travassos, 1967, C. pterostictum Gomes, 1947, C. purpuratum Steindachner, 1882, C. schubarti Travassos, 1955, C. tamata Agudelo-Zamora, Tavera, Murillo & Ortega-Lara, 2020, C. timbuiense Travassos, 1946, C. travassosi Melo, Buckup & Oyakawa, 2016, C. vidali Travassos, 1967, and C. wangyapoik Ambruster, Lujan & Bloom, 2021, by lacking scales on the isthmus (vs. isthmus completely scaled), from C. alipioi, C. amaila, C. boavistae, C. bolivianum, C. crandellii, C. cricarense, C. declivirostre, C. fasciatum, C. gomesi, C. grajahuense, C. hasemani, C. helmeri, C. iaquira, C. japuhybensis, C. kamakan, C. lauroi, C. macrolepidotum, C. oiticicai, C. pterostictum, C. purpuratum, C. schubarti, C. tamata, C. timbuiense, C. travassosi, C. vidali by having a single row of dentary teeth (vs. dentary teeth in two rows, internal row with minute conical teeth), and from C. duplicatum and C. wangyapoik by having the scalelles are extending from isthums to anterior margin of cleithra (vs. scalelles extending on isthmus, area between pectoral fins and part of belly to level of pelvic fins). It can be further distinguished from its congeners, except C. heirmostigmata da Graça & Pavanelli, 2008, C. papachibe Peixoto & Wosiacki, 2013, C. satoi Melo & Oyakawa, 2015, and C. serrano Buckup & Reis, 1997, by having vertical bars on body that are disconnected dorsally, and from those species by having the bars on body as deep as wide, forming blotches two to four scales wide (vs. blotches vertically elongated, and of one scale width in C. heirmostigmata, C. papachibe, and C. serrano, or blotches forming oval dots, V-shaped, W-shaped, or diamond-shaped marks along and ventral to the lateral line in C. satoi), and bars not obliquely oriented (vs. bars oblique in C. heirmostigmata, C. papachibe, and C. serrano), and from all congeners by the presence of a saddle mark at the base of the second to eighth dorsal-fin rays. Osteologically, C. kalunga is diagnosed by having the first and second anal-fin proximal radials fused and contacting the third hemal spine (vs. separated and intercalated with the hemal spines), and by the third hemal spine branched (vs. all hemal spines unbranched).

FIGURE 6: Underwater photography of Characidium kalunga in the rio Preto, at the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil (not collected).

Ecological notes. Characidium kalunga is a bottom dweller species, known from localities with elevation of about 1,200 meters. It inhabits rivers with fast flowing, cold, black water with rocky bottom, characterized by the presence of many rapids, canyons, and relatively large waterfalls, alternating with pools with sandy bottom. Those rivers are often impacted by sudden water flow increase caused by precipitation runoff in the watershed. The Cerrado vegetation is restricted to the margins, with no aquatic plants present in the river channel (Fig. 8).

Etymology. The specific name honors the Comunidade Quilombola Kalunga, a resilient community of Afro-Brazilians that lives in the Chapada dos Veadeiros area, helping to protect its natural resources. Kalunga also means a sacred place in the African Bantu language. A noun in apposition.

 

Marcelo R. S. Melo, Bárbara B. Bouquerel, Flávia T. Masumoto, Rayane S. França and André L. Netto-Ferreira. 2021. A New Species of Characidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil.  Neotropical Ichthyology. 19(2) ni.bio.br/1982-0224-2020-0152 

[Herpetology • 2021] Synapturanus zombie, S. mesomorphus & S. ajuricaba • Comparative Osteology of the Fossorial Frogs of the Genus Synapturanus (Anura, Microhylidae) with the Description of Three New Species from the Eastern Guiana Shield

Synapturanus zombie sp. nov. from French Guiana and Brazil (Amapá), 
S. mesomorphus sp. nov. from Guyana and Venezuela,
and S. ajuricaba sp. nov. from Brazil (states of Amazonas and Pará). 

 Fouquet, Leblanc, Fabre, Rodrigues, Menin, ... et Kok, 2021

  DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.05.003 

  twitter.com/GrumpyDrFabre 

Abstract

The genus Synapturanus includes three nominal species of fossorial Amazonian frogs. A previous study combining molecular, morphological and acoustic data suggested that there may be six times more species than currently recognized. Herein we describe and name three of these new species and compare their osteology. Synapturanus zombie sp. nov. occurs in French Guiana and Amapá (Brazil), S. mesomorphus sp. nov. in Guyana and adjacent Venezuela, and S. ajuricaba sp. nov. in the northern part of the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Pará. These species are readily differentiated from congeners by a combination of external morphological characters such as body size, development of fringes on fingers and coloration, by advertisement call variables, and by osteological traits. Along with osteological reinforcement of the skull, atlas and scapular region, the reduction of the size of phalanges, more developed fringes on fingers, smaller eyes and larger body size, altogether suggest an overall increase of the fossorial habits in the easternmost species. In contrast, the relatively conserved morphology of the posterior part of the body across the genus suggests that fossoriality mostly involves the anterior part. Furthermore, the fusion of tarsal bones in the species of the western clade may indicate locomotory adaptation to more epigean habits.

Keywords: Amazonia, Amphibia, Integrative taxonomy, Morphology, Tomography

Synapturanus zombie sp. nov

Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi Nelson and Lescure, 1975.

Synapturanus sp. “Eastern Guianas” Vacher et al., 2020; Fouquet et al., 2021

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun in apposition referring to zombies, fictional undead corporeal revenants, originating from Haitian folklore and omnipresent in pop culture movies. The call of this species is only heard during and after heavy rain showers, when herpetologists are often not properly equipped, thus ending up soaked and digging with their bare hands in the mud in the midst of thunderstorms, reminiscent of zombies extracting themselves from the ground.

Synapturanus mesomorphus sp. nov

Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi Nelson and Lescure, 1975; Ernst et al., 2005.

Synapturanus salseri Kok and Kalamandeen, 2008; Cole et al., 2013.

Synapturanus sp. “Guyana” Vacher et al., 2020; Fouquet et al., 2021

Etymology: The specific epithet comes from the Greek mesos (middle, intermediate) and morphē (sort, appearance, form) and refers to the intermediate morphology of the species between the easternmost species of the eastern clade and the species of the western clade (Fouquet et al., 2021).

Synapturanus ajuricaba sp. nov. 

Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi Nelson and Lescure, 1975.

Synapturanus salseri Lima et al., 2012; Peloso et al., 2015

Synapturanus cf. salseri Menin et al., 2007.

Synapturanus sp. “Manaus” Vacher et al., 2020; Fouquet et al., 2021

Etymology: The specific name ajuricaba is used as a noun in apposition and is given as a reference to the legendary indigenous figure, Ajuricaba, a prominent leader of the Manaós indigenous people—considered extinct. They were one of the most important tribes of the Rio Negro. Ajuricaba led several incursions by the Manaós and allied groups against European settlements in the Rio Negro region. For his effort and leadership, he became one of the symbols of indigenous resistance against European colonization. Ajuricaba was eventually captured and was to be conducted to Belém, probably to be enslaved. History tells that during his transport to the capital, while still in chains, Ajuricaba and his men rebelled against captors, killing several of them. Eventually losing the battle, the survivors, including Ajuricaba, jumped into the waters of the Amazon river and were never seen again. For additional details about this important indigenous figure, see Souza (2019).

 Antoine Fouquet, Killian Leblanc, Anne-Claire Fabre, Miguel T. Rodrigues, Marcelo Menin, Elodie A. Courtois, Maël Dewynter, Monique Hölting, Raffael Ernst, Pedro Peloso and Philippe J.R. Kok. 2021. Comparative Osteology of the Fossorial Frogs of the Genus Synapturanus (Anura, Microhylidae) with the Description of Three New Species from the Eastern Guiana Shield. Zoologischer Anzeiger. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.05.003 

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