[Herpetology • 2025] Adhaerobufo wokomungensis • A New Species of Adhaerobufo (Anura: Bufonidae) from the Wokomung Massif, Guyana, confirms A Key synapomorphy in its sister Genus Rhaebo

 

Adhaerobufo wokomungensis

Kok & Means, 2025

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.25085

 

Abstract  

A new species of toad in the genus Adhaerobufo is described from the Wokomung Massif in the Pantepui region of Guyana, South America. The new species is morphologically similar to – and has previously been confused with – A. nasicus but is unique among Adhaerobufo in lacking a bright, conspicuous white stripe or white spots on the lower lip in adults in life, in lacking visible preorbital and pretympanic crests and in having tubercles between Fingers I-III in males and a small projecting prepollex in both sexes. An updated distribution map for A. nasicus is provided. The colour of parotoid macrogland secretions in Adhaerobufo is reported as a new diagnostic character to distinguish the genus from Rhaebo, its sister taxon.

KEYWORDS: Pantepui, parotoid macrogland secretions, systematics, taxonomy

Adhaerobufo wokomungensis sp. nov.  

Adhaerobufo nasicus (in part) Dias et al. 2024: 14

 

Etymology: Named after the type locality, the Wokomung Massif in west-central Guyana; adjective in the nominative case.

Definition and diagnosis: A bufonid of the genus Adhaerobufo as diagnosed based on 1) molecular phylogenetic evidence (Dias et al. 2024; Fig. 5), 2) white parotoid macrogland secretions (see Discussion and Fig. 1), and 3) suctorial tadpole (Dias et al. 2024). Adhaerobufo wokomungensis sp. nov. is characterised by the following morphological characters, the combination of which distinguishes it from the only two known congeners (A. ceratophrys and A. nasicus): 1) medium-sized toad with a robust body and a SVL of 41.6-45.3 mm in males (n = 2), 60.9 mm in the only known female, 2) snout pointed in dorsal view, round in lateral view, head slightly wider than long, 3) tympanum indistinct, 4) outer edge of the eyelid with rounded dermal projection, 5) low canthal crest, loreal region concave, 6) underlip lacking a bright, conspicuous white stripe or white spots in live adults, 7) preorbital, pretympanic and parietal crests absent, low supraorbital, low postorbital, low supratympanic crests present, 8) nostrils oval, directed posterolaterally, below the canthus rostralis, 9) single enlarged rictal tubercle absent, 10) choanae medium-sized, ovoid, ... 

Adhaerobufo wokomungensis sp. nov. in life.
A) Holotype (IRSNB4223, male, 45.3 mm snout-vent length), B) paratypes in situ, in amplexus (IRSNB4224, male, and IRSNB4225, female),
C) uncollected male, D) white parotoid macrogland secretions produced by the same specimen as illustrated in C. Photos D.B. Means.

Underlip condition in live Adhaerobufo nasicus (A – bright white; IRSNB15678), Adhaerobufo wokomungensis sp. nov. (B – unmarked; holotype, IRSNB4223) and Adhaerobufo ceratophrys (C – bright white; QCAZ55426). Note also the condition of the dermal projection on the outer edge of the eyelid and of the preorbital and pretympanic crests.

Photos P.J.R. Kok (A), D.B. Means (B), and courtesy Diego Quirola-BIOWEB,  https://bioweb.bio (C). Images not at scale.

Philippe J.R. Kok, D. Bruce Means. 2025. A New Species of Adhaerobufo (Amphibia, Bufonidae) from the Wokomung Massif, Guyana, confirms A Key synapomorphy in its sister Genus Rhaebo. Journal of Vertebrate Biology. 74 (25085), 25085.1-10. DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.25085 (11 November 2025)

[Herpetology • 2025] Rhinatrema koki • Re-diagnoses of rhinatrematid genera and description of A New Species of Guyanese Rhinatrema Duméril & Bibron, 1841 (Gymnophiona: Rhinatrematidae)

 

 Rhinatrema koki

Wilkinson & Bittencourt-Silva, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.25060

Abstract

We describe a new species of the rhinatrematid caecilian genus Rhinatrema Duméril & Bibron, 1841 from Guyana based on a single specimen previously confused with the type species of Rhinatrema, R. bivittatum (Guérin-Méneville, 1838), and the more recently described Guyanese endemic R. shiv Gower, Wilkinson, Sherratt & Kok, 2010. The new species is distinctive in external morphology (a substantial pale dorsal head spot, no substantial pale dorsal tail spot), cranial osteology (many more inner than outer mandibular teeth) and mitochondrial DNA sequence data. We propose revised morphological diagnoses for the constituent genera as part of a brief systematic overview of the Rhinatrematidae Nussbaum, 1977, provide a key to the species of Rhinatrema, and present improved images of the cranial osteology of R. shiv.

 

KEYWORDS: Caecilian, computed tomography, Herpetology, Neotropics, systematics, taxonomy

Systematics

Rhinatrematidae Nussbaum, 1977

Type genus: Rhinatrema Duméril & Bibron, 1841.

Diagnosis: The only caecilians with the paired m. adductores mandibulae externi extending through the upper temporal fenestra to the mid-dorsum of the cranium.

Phylogenetic definition: All caecilians more closely related to R. bivittatum than to Caecilia tentaculata.

Distribution: Northern South America.

Content: three genera, 15 species. Amazops Wilkinson, Reynolds & Jacobs, 2021; Epicrionops Boulenger, 1883a; Rhinatrema Duméril & Bibron, 1841

Rhinatrema Duméril & Bibron, 1841

Diagnosis: Rhinatrematid caecilians with fangs (enlarged maxillary and outer mandibular teeth) and the orbit entirely within the maxillopalatine.

Phylogenetic definition: All caecilians more closely related to R. bivittatum than to A. amazops or E. bicolor.

Distribution: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela.

Content: seven species (bivittatum, gilbertogili, koki sp. nov., nigrum, shiv, ron, uaiuai).

USNM 566004, holotype of Rhinatrema koki sp. nov. with head end (top), whole body (middle) and tail end (bottom). Scale bar gradations in mm.

Photo by Harry Taylor (Natural History Museum, London).

Rhinatrema koki sp. nov.,  

Rhinatrema bivittatum Frost et al. (2006)

Rhinatrema shiv Cole et al. (2013)

 

Diagnosis: A Rhinatrema with a substantial pale dorsal head spot, no substantial pale dorsal tail spot and many more inner than outer mandibular teeth.

Etymology: The species is named in honour of Philippe J.R. Kok in recognition of his outstanding scholarship and scientific endeavours that have led to substantial and important contributions to the herpetology of the Guyana Shield. The specific epithet is a noun in the genitive case, but for nomenclatural purposes is considered a noun in apposition. Borrowing from the French, we suggest the vernacular ‘Kok’s Rhinatrème’.

Mark Wilkinson and Gabriela B. Bittencourt-Silva. 2025. Re-diagnoses of rhinatrematid genera and description of A New Species of Guyanese Rhinatrema Duméril & Bibron, 1841 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Rhinatrematidae). J. of Vertebrate Biology. 74(25060):25060.1-16. DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.25060 [2 September 2025]

 

[Botany • 2024] Lorostemon roseoviridis (Clusiaceae) • A New Species from the eastern Amazonia

 Lorostemon roseoviridis  Fer.-Silva & L.Marinho,

  

in Ferreira-Silva, Marinho, Mouzinho et Hopkins, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-024-09791-1

Photo by H.D. Clarke  

 instagram.com/taxa_ufma

Abstract

During the review of the Brazilian species of Lorostemon (Clusiaceae), we verified that some specimens previously reported as L. bombaciflorus Ducke for South Guyana and the Brazilian Eastern Amazonia belong to a species still unknown to science. Here, we provide a description, taxonomic comments, illustrations, and a distribution map of Lorostemon roseoviridis Fer.-Silva & L.Marinho, a new species from eastern Amazonia.

Keywords: Diversity, Flora, Guttiferae, Lorostemon roseoviridis, Symphonieae

Open flower of Lorostemon roseoviridis.

Photo by H.D. Clarke from the holotype, H.D. Clarke 7160.

Lorostemon roseoviridis Fer.-Silva & L.Marinho, sp. nov. 

TYPE: Guyana: Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region. Acarai Mts., summit of unnamed peak, ...

Etymology. The epithet refers to the predominant colors found in the flowers and derives from the Latin roseus (pink) and viridis (green). Ducke (1935) published the first species name in the genus as "L. bombaciflorum", indicating that Lorostemon would be neuter, but Art. 62.2 (a) of the ICN (Turland et al., 2018) states that compound generic names ending in -stemon are masculine.

Silvia Larissa Ferreira-Silva, Lucas C. Marinho, Thiago M. Mouzinho and Michael J. G. Hopkins. 2024. A New Species of Lorostemon (Clusiaceae) from the eastern Amazonia. Brittonia. 76, 132–136. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-024-09791-1

 www.instagram.com/p/C85ldVlpSs5

[Entomology • 2024] Carmenta brachyclados • A Clearwing Moth (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Synanthedonini) from Guyana discovered with its hostplant indoors in Wales (United Kingdom)

  

Carmenta brachyclados Sterling & Lees, 

in Sterling, Cadet, Beasley et Lees, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/nl.47.130138 

Abstract

A new species of Sesiidae, Carmenta brachyclados Sterling & Lees, 2024 is described from adult specimens, pupal exuviae and larval borings which were accidentally transported to South Wales, United Kingdom. DNA barcoding and morphological evidence shows that this species is native to the Neotropics, where it feeds in the seedpods of the leguminous tree, Mora excelsa Benth. (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae) and that it is related to a group of seed-feeding species of clearwing moths within the genus Carmenta Edwards, 1881, naturally occurring in the Neotropics and southern Nearctic, although C. mimosa Eichlin & Passoa, 1984 has been introduced in Australia and elsewhere as a biological agent.

Carmenta brachyclados sp. nov.; 11. Holotype ♀ dorsal; 12. Holotype ♀ ventral; 13. External diagnostic characters of C. brachyclados;
14. External diagnostic characters of C. whitelyi;
15. Paratype of C. brachyclados ♀ genitalia slide number NHMUK014332461; 16. Paratype of C. brachyclados pre-genital abdomen.

Scale bars: 10 mm (11, 12, 16); 1 mm (15).

 Carmenta brachyclados Sterling & Lees, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Hindwing with branch of M3 and CuA1 very short (1/10th of distance between edge of discal cell and termen), forewing with discal spot narrow and tapering below M3 towards dorsum, exterior transparent area elongate, with moderately convex outer margin, apical area predominantly black, reaching close to branch of R4 and R5, entire area between stalks of R4 and R5 scaled black (Figs 11–13). Similar to C. whitelyi (See Similar species) but differs in length of branch of M3 and CuA1 in hindwing and in shape of discal spot and exterior transparent area (Figs 13, 14). Female genitalia with sclerotised section of ductus bursae long and thin, ductus seminalis arising at juncture of sclerotised and membranous section of ductus bursae (Fig. 15).

Etymology: The specific name is derived from brachys (gr.) short; klados (gr.) a branch. The species is named after the characteristic short branch of M3 and CuA1 in the hindwing.

Mark J. Sterling, Daisy T. Cadet, Jordan Beasley and David C. Lees. 2024. A Success for Community Science: Carmenta brachyclados sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae, Synanthedonini), A Clearwing Moth from Guyana discovered with its hostplant indoors in Wales (United Kingdom). Nota Lepidopterologica. 47: 201-218. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/nl.47.130138 

www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2024/october/new-species-of-tropical-moth-from-guyana-discovered-in-port-talbot.html

[Herpetology • 2024] Adhaerobufo gen. n. • The Remarkable Larval Morphology of Rhaebo nasicus (Werner, 1903) (Anura: Bufonidae) with the Erection of A New bufonid Genus and insights into the Evolution of Suctorial Tadpoles

  

Adhaerobufo gen. nov.
 Adhaerobufo ceratophrys (Boulenger, 1882) comb. nov.,
Adhaerobufo nasicus (Werner, 1903) comb. nov.

in Dias, Phillips, Pereyra, Means, Haas et Kok, 2024.

 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-024-00241-0

 Researchgate.net/publication/384455390

Photos by D. Bruce Means and Pedro H. Dias

Abstract

Tadpoles serve as crucial evidence for testing systematic and taxonomic hypotheses. Suctorial tadpoles collected in Guyana were initially assigned to Rhaebo nasicus through molecular phylogeny. Subsequent analysis of larval and adult morphological traits revealed synapomorphies within the clade encompassing R. nasicus and R. ceratophrys, prompting the recognition of a new genus described herein as Adhaerobufo. The new genus is distinguished from other bufonids by specific phenotypic traits including an enlarged, suctorial oral disc with distinct papillae arrangements, and the presence of certain muscles and narial vacuities at the larval stage. However, only a few adult external characteristics (e.g., enlarged eyelids, infraocular cream spot), seem to be reliably discriminative from related genera. This study underscores the significance of larval morphology in anuran systematics and offers new insights into the evolution of suctorial and gastromyzophorous larvae within bufonids.

Keywords: Evolution, Larval traits, Musculoskeletal system, Pantepui, Suctoriality, Systematics, Taxonomy

Living tadpole of  “Rhaebo” nasicus in right lateral (A), dorsal (B), and ventral (C) views.

Photos by D. Bruce Means

The tadpole of “Rhaebo” nasicus (CPI10704) at stage 38 in lateral (A), dorsal (B), and ventral (C) views.

Scale bar = 1.0 mm. Photos by Pedro H. Dias

Adhaerobufo gen. nov.

 

Type species: Bufo nasicus (Werner, 1903) comb. nov.

 

Content: Adhaerobufo ceratophrys (Boulenger, 1882) comb. nov., and Adhaerobufo nasicus (Werner, 1903) comb. nov.

Etymology: Adhaerobufo gen. nov. (gender masculine) is derived from the Latin adhaerens, meaning adherent and the Latin būfo, meaning toad. The name refers to the unique suctorial morphology of their tadpoles.

Definition and diagnosis:

Adhaerobufo gen. nov. can be differentiated from all other Bufonidae by the combination of the following characters: (1) tadpole with enlarged, suctorial, oral disc; (2) tadpole oral disc with a complete row of marginal papillae; (3) tadpole oral disc with multiple rows of submarginal papillae on the lower lip and by a single row of marginal papillae on the upper lip; (4) tadpole oral disc with an uninterrupted second anterior row of keratodonts; (5) presence of the m. interhyoideus posterior at larval stage; (6) presence of the m. rectus abdominis anterior at larval stage; (7) presence of narial vacuities in the buccopharyngeal cavity at larval stage; (8) projecting, enlarged eyelid in adults; (9) presence of an infraocular cream spot in adults, (10) sphenethmoid relatively narrow, overlapping only the medial ends of the palatines; and (11) posterior process of the prootic prominent and notched.

Kamana Creek, upstream within 100 m of Kamana Waterfall, draining Mt. Kopinang low waters where tadpoles of Adhaerobufo were collected (A) and an unnamed stream on the slopes of Maringma-tepui where tadpoles were also observed (B).
Amplexing couple of A. nasicus (C and D).

Photos by D. Bruce Means (A, C, D) and Philippe J. R. Kok (B)

Geographical distribution of Adhaerobufo gen. nov. in northwestern Guyana, eastern Venezuela and upper Amazon Basin. Inset map of South America, highlighting the geographical area occupied by the genus (A). Known distribution of A. ceratophrys and A. nasicus (B).
 Examples of macrohabitats in which the new genus is present; Kaieteur Falls in Guyana (C), uplands and highlands of western Guyana (D), and lowlands, Amazon Forest, Icá River, Brazil (E).

Shape files of the geographical distribution were downloaded from the IUCN website. 

Adult and tadpole are from A. nasicus. 

Photos by: Philippe Kok (C and D) and Pedro H. Dias (E)

Torrential environments that were colonized by suctorial/gastromyzophorous larvae of bufonids. Adult of Atelopus sp. in Tacarcuna, Colombia (A); fast flowing waters occupied by Atelopus elegans at Isla Gorgona, Colombia (B);
larvae of Ansonia guibei attached to rocks of fast flowing streams in Borneo (C and D).

Photos by Marco A. Rada (A), David Velázquez (B), and Alexander Haas (C and D)

 

Pedro Henrique dos Santos Dias, Jackson R. Phillips, Martín O. Pereyra, D. Bruce Means, Alexander Haas and Philippe J. R. Kok. 2024. The Remarkable Larval Morphology of Rhaebo nasicus (Werner, 1903) (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae) with the Erection of A New bufonid Genus and insights into the Evolution of Suctorial Tadpoles. Zoological Letters. 10: 17. DOI:  doi.org/10.1186/s40851-024-00241-0

  Researchgate.net/publication/384455390_The_remarkable_larval_morphology_of_Rhaebo_nasicus_with_the_erection_of_a_new_genus

[Herpetology • 2023] Pristimantis koki, P. kopinangae & P. kalamandeenae • Exceptional Diversity of Pristimantis Landfrogs (Anura: Terraranae) on the Wokomung Massif, Guyana, with Descriptions of Three New Species

 a) Pristimantis koki, b) P. kopinangae,
c) P. kalamandeenae, d) P. dendrobatoides,
g) P. marmoratus, h) P. pulvinatus 

  

Means, Heinicke, Blair Hedges, Macculloch & Lathrop, 2023

DOI: 10.25225/jvb.23026 

  twitter.com/ivb_cas

 Abstract

We describe three new species of landfrogs, genus Pristimantis, from near the summit of Mt. Kopinang, one of the several high points of the Wokomung Massif, a large horseshoe-shaped tepui (= mesa) in west-central Guyana. Pristimantis koki n. sp. is known from 1,067 to 1,525 m elevation. It is characterized by small-sized adults averaging 12.4 mm SVL (snout-vent length) in males and 18.4 mm in females; a pointed, depressed, elongated snout; lack of an obvious tympanum, vocal slit, or sac; and diagnostically black pigment prominently arranged around the anus fringed by light pigment. When handled, P. koki seems to emit volatile organic compounds and leaves a slightly numbing taste at the base of the human tongue. Pristimantis kopinangae n. sp. is known from three specimens collected at approx. 1,385 m elevation on the Wokomung Massif and two specimens from slightly higher in elevation on Mt. Ayanganna. About the size of most Pristimantis inhabiting the Guyana uplands and highlands (20-30 mm SVL), it is characterized by 2-3 light yellow inguinal flash-mark blotches, short broadly round snout, large eye with a blue iris, white skin of chin and areolate belly with dark brown vermiculations; and absence of a tympanum. Pristimantis kalamandeenae n. sp. is known from three specimens collected on the Wokomung Massif including an amplexing pair at approx. 1,550 m elevation. Similar in size to P. kopinangae, it is characterized by an acuminate snout, black iris, obvious tympanum, and uniform tan pigmentation dorsally after dark that becomes uniformly dark brown in daytime. Phylogenetic results show that P. koki and P. kopinangae are sister species and are members of a larger assemblage of related species endemic to the Pantepui Region within the P. unistrigatus species group. Pristimantis kalamandeenae is not closely related to these species, instead forming a clade with the P. lacrimosus species group. The three new species occur in sympatry with at least five other Pristimantis species on the Wokomung Massif, the greatest known Pristimantis species richness on a single tepui of the Guiana Shield.  

KEYWORDS: Brachycephaloidea, Craugastoridae, Pantepui, South America, Strabomantidae, systematics, tepui, volatile skin secretions

Exceptional diversity of Pristimantis (family Strabomantidae) on a single tepui;
 a) Pristimantis koki, b) Pristimantis kopinangae, c) Pristimantis kalamandeenae,
d) Pristimantis dendrobatoides, e) Pristimantis jester, f) Pristimantis saltissimus, g) Pristimantis marmoratus, h) Pristimantis pulvinatus, i) Ceuthomantis smaragdinus (family Ceuthomantidae) sympatric with all the above and similar in size and general appearance.

D. Bruce Means, Matthew P. Heinicke, S. Blair Hedges, Ross D. Macculloch and Amy Lathrop. 2023. Exceptional Diversity of Pristimantis Landfrogs (Anura: Terraranae) on the Wokomung Massif, Guyana, with Descriptions of Three New Species. Journal of Vertebrate Biology. 72(23026), 23026.1-26. DOI: 10.25225/jvb.23026  

 twitter.com/ivb_cas/status/1673974265685716994

 

[Herpetology • 2023] Paikwaophis kruki • Hiding in the Mists: Molecular phylogenetic position and Description of A New Genus and Species of Snake (Dipsadidae: Xenodontinae) from the Remote Cloud Forest of the Lost World

Paikwaophis kruki 

Kok & Means, 2023

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad082 

Researchgate.net/publication/373165659

 

Abstract

Pantepui s.l. is a remote, biodiverse region of ~400 000 km2 containing at least five endemic reptile genera and a number of ancient vertebrate lineages. Here, we describe an additional endemic snake genus and species, Paikwaophis kruki  gen. nov., sp. nov. (Dipsadidae: Xenodontinae), recently collected in the Pantepui cloud forest that sits at the base of the steep cliffs of Roraima-tepui and Wei-Assipu-tepui (table mountains of the Eastern Tepui Chain) in Guyana, South America. Multilocus molecular data strongly support Paikwaophis  gen. nov. to be most closely related to Xenopholis Peters, 1869, although both genera are strikingly different morphologically. Osteological and other phenotypic data suggest that Paikwaophis is semi-fossorial; its diet includes minute lizards. Paikwaophis is currently the only known Pantepui endemic snake genus. The immature female holotype is the only known specimen. 

Keywords: anatomy, BDNF nuDNA gene, c-mos nuDNA gene, cytb mtDNA gene, Guiana Shield, Guyana, 12S rRNA gene, 16S rRNA gene, ND4 mtDNA gene, osteology

Phylogenetic relationships of the family Dipsadidae inferred from a concatenated dataset of six genes (four mtDNA and two nuDNA genes; 3772 bp) using Bayesian inference. Statistical supports for both Bayesian and maximum likelihood (IQ-TREE) analyses are provided at nodes (see key, lower right inset). Photographs are by D.B.M. (Paikwaophis kruki) and courtesy of the Reptiles of Ecuador book project (Xenopholis scalaris).

 Three-dimensional model of the skull of the holotype of Paikwaophis kruki (RBINS 2734) based on μCT imagery. A, dorsal view. B, lateral view. C, ventral view.

Abbreviations: bo, basioccipital; bs, basisphenoid; col, columella; cp, compound bone; cps, conchal process of septomaxilla; d, dentary; ecp, ectopterygoid; exo, exoccipital; f, frontal; mx, maxillary; na, nasal; occ, occipital; p, parietal; pal, palatine; pfr, prefrontal; pmx, premaxilla; po, postorbital; pro, prootic; psp, parasphenoid rostrum; pt, pterygoid; q, quadrate; smx, septomaxilla; so, supraoccipital; st, supratemporal; su, supraorbital; v, vomer.

Family Dipsadidae Bonaparte, 1838

Subfamily Xenodontinae Cope, 1893

Paikwaophis gen. nov.

 

Type species: Paikwaophis kruki sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from the river name ‘Paikwa’ (referring to the type locality) and the Greek ‘ophis’ (meaning snake).

Generic diagnosis: Paikwaophis can be differentiated from all other Xenodontinae (and Dipsadidae) by the combination of the following morphological characters: head poorly distinct from neck; body robust, slightly wider than high; tail short, ~13% of total length in female; snout short and blunt; rostral wider than high, visible from above; undivided nasal; paired internasals; paired prefrontals; subtriangular frontal; absence of loreal; presence of minute cephalic sensory pits; eye medium in size, with vertically oval pupil, iris dark reddish orange; single supraocular; one preocular, two postoculars; three rows of temporals; chinshields medium in size, anterior chinshields projecting frontolaterally; body scales rhomboid, smooth, lacking keels or apical pits, 17 dorsal scale rows without reduction; subcaudals paired; anal entire; aglyphous, presence of a diastema; low number of teeth: 7 prediastemal maxillary teeth, 2 enlarged postdiastemal maxillary teeth, 8 pterygoid teeth, 5 palatine teeth, 12 dentary teeth; neural spines smooth, ungrooved and not laterally expanded; 175 trunk vertebrae; absence of hypapophyses on posterior vertebrae; caudal vertebrae with distinct haemapophyses; lacrimal foramen large and vertically ovoid; and postorbital bone highly reduced, free from the frontal bone.

Holotype of Paikwaophis kruki (RBINS 2734).
A, dorsal view in life (photograph by D.B.M.). B, dorsolateral view of anterior body in life (photograph by D.B.M.). C, ventral view in preservative (photograph by P.J.R.K.).

  Paikwaophis kruki  gen. nov., sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘kruki’ is a noun in the genitive case, honouring Professor Andrzej Kruk (born 1971), the current Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection at the University of Łódź, Poland, for his friendship and his influential contribution in enhancing the quality of research at the University of Łódź.

Philippe J. R. Kok and D. Bruce Means. 2023. Hiding in the Mists: Molecular phylogenetic position and Description of A New Genus and Species of Snake (Dipsadidae: Xenodontinae) from the Remote Cloud Forest of the Lost World. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlad082. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad082

  Researchgate.net/publication/373165659_a_new_genus_and_species_of_Xenodontinae_from_the_Lost_World

[Botany • 2022] Boyania kenwurdackii (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from Guyana

Boyania kenwurdackii Michelang.:

in Michelangeli, 2022. 

DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2022.32.04.04 

Researchgate.net/publication/368992943

Drawn by Bobbi Angell 

Abstract

Boyania kenwurdackii (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae) is described from moist forests in Guyana. It is the third species in the genus and most closely resembles the other species that occurs in Guyana, B. ayangannae, but differs on flower merosity, indumentum, petal and anther size and morphology. The new species is illustrated and scanning electron microscopy photographs of the seeds are provided, as well as a distribution map for both species present in Guyana.

Keywords: Neotropics, Sonerileae, Taxonomy.

 

Boyania kenwurdackii Michelang.:
 a. Flowering stem with distal leaves and inforescences, with close up of stem node; b. Young inforescence; c. Branch with old inforescence remnant; d. Inforescence remnant with persistent bracteoles; e. Petiole apex and leaf base; f. Stem node and fap. g. Young inforescence; h. Flowers and bud in lateral view, mature fower (right) with petals removed; i. Flower in longitudinal section (left) through the ovary and with petals and stamens removed, (right) through the hypanthium with petals and some stamens removed; j. Antesepalous stamens in lateral (left), dorsal (middle) and frontal (right) views

(a–f from Michelangeli 2489; g–j from K.J. Wurdack, E.A. Tripp, A. Radosavljevic & J. Ralph 5869; drawn by Bobbi Angell).

Boyania kenwurdackii Michelang. sp. nov. 

Differs from Boyania ayangannae Wurdack by the 4-merous(vs. 5-merous) flowers, hypanthia sparsely covered byminute sessile glands ( vs. densely to sparsely glandularpubescent), smaller petals (up to 3.24 mm long vs. 8–13mm long), and anthers with a bilobed ventral appendage0.15 mm long (vs. a single dorsal appendage 0.6 mm long),and the larger dorsal appendage (1.4–2.2 mm vs. 0.8–1.2mm long). 

Michelangeli F.A. 2022. A New Species of Boyania (Melastomataceae) from Guyana.  Rheedea. 32(4); 288–294. DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2022.32.04.04

 Researchgate.net/publication/368992943_A_new_species_of_Boyania_from_Guyana

[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

[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 

  twitter.com/GrumpyDrFabre/status/1394279727892996097