[Entomology • 2024] Pacifimusotima kosrena • New Genus and Species of the Musotiminae (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from the Federated States of Micronesia, including two newly combined species

Pacifimusotima kosrena Ko & Solis,  

in Ko, Solis, Lees et Dasari, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5497.1.6 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383291654

Abstract

Pacifimusotima kosrena Ko & Solis, gen. nov. & sp. nov., is described from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). We newly combine Parthenodes eugethes (Tams, 1935), comb. nov. and Parthenodes rectangulalis (Kenrick, 1907), comb. nov. in Pacifimusotima Ko & Solis. Illustrations of adults, genitalia, and brief remarks on related species are provided.

Lepidoptera, new genus, new species, new combination, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Pacific Ocean

 1−8. Adults of Pacifimusotima and Parthenodes spp.
 1a. Pacifimusotima kosrena Ko & Solis, sp. nov., holotype, male, Kosrae, Micronesia; 1b. Pacifimusotima kosrena Ko & Solis, sp. nov., paratype, female, Kosrae, Micronesia; 2. Pacifimusotima rectangulalis comb. nov., male, Chuuk, Micronesia, USNMENT01894106, USNM genitalia slide no. 116393; 3. Pacifimusotima eugethes, comb. nov., male, Apia, Samoa, USNMENT01894135;
4. Parthenodes hydrocampalis (co-type), NHMUK015666233; 5. Parthenodes parallelalis (= P. paralleloidalis), holotype, Chanchamayo, Peru, NHMUK015666232; 6. Parthenodes bisangulata, holotype, Sikkim, India, NHMUK013699575;
7. Pacifimusotima rectangulalis, comb. nov., syntype, Ekeikei, Papua New Guinea, NHMUK010919370; 8. Parthenodes nigriplaga, syntype, Khasia Hill, Meghalaya, India, NHMUK013699595.

 Head of Pacifimusotima kosrena Ko & Solis, sp. nov. 
9. Dorsal view; 10. Lateral view.   

Distribution. Micronesia (Chuuk, Kosrae), Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Borneo.

Etymology. The generic name is a combination of the prefix " Pacifi," from "Pacific Ocean," and the suffix " Musotima ," from the type genus " Musotima ". Gender is feminine.

Jae-Ho Ko, M. Alma Solis, David C. Lees, Austin Albert Dasari. 2024. Pacifimusotima Ko & Solis, New Genus and Species of the Musotiminae (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from the Federated States of Micronesia, including two newly combined species.  Zootaxa. 5497(1); 111-122. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5497.1.6

  Researchgate.net/publication/383291654_Pacifimusotima_new_genus_and_species_from_F_S_Micronesia

https://treatment.plazi.org/id/039960603437CE02FF6FDC55C1E8FEF4

[Herpetology • 2020] Varanus bennetti & V. tsukamotoi • Taxonomy of Micronesian Monitors (Reptilia: Squamata: Varanus): Endemic Status of New Species argues for Caution in Pursuing Eradication Plans

Varanus bennetti  

Weijola, Vahtera, Koch, Schmitz & Kraus, 2020

‘Bennett's Long-tailed Monitor’  DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200092

Abstract

In the light of recent phylogenetic studies, we re-assess the taxonomy and biogeography of the Varanus populations distributed in the Micronesian islands of Palau, the Western Carolines and the Marianas. Whether these populations are of natural origin or human introductions has long been contentious, but no study has fully resolved that question. Here, we present molecular and morphological evidence that monitor lizards of the Varanus indicus Group reached both Palau and the Mariana Islands sometime in the late Pleistocene and subsequently differentiated into two separate species endemic to each geographical region. One species is confined to the Mariana Islands, and for these populations, we revalidate the name V. tsukamotoi Kishida, 1929. The other species has a disjunct distribution in Palau, the Western Carolines and Sarigan Island in the Northern Marianas and is herein described as Varanus bennetti sp. nov. Both species are most closely allied to each other, V. lirungensis and V. rainerguentheri, suggesting that colonization of Micronesia took place from the Moluccas. We discuss the biogeographic distributions of both species in the light of the likely colonization mechanism and previous arguments for human introduction, and we argue that bounties for Palauan populations are ill-advised and plans for eradication of some other populations must first demonstrate that they are, in fact, introduced and not native.

Keywords: eradication, alien species, Caroline Islands, Mariana Islands, trans-marine dispersal

Figure 9. Varanus bennetti sp. nov., Rock Islands, Palau

(photo by Thibaud Aronson).

Figure 10. Varanus bennetti sp. nov., Ngarchelong, Palau

 (photo by Thibaud Aronson).

Figure 11. Subadult Varanus bennetti sp. nov., Losiep Island, Federated States of Micronesia

(photo by James Reardon).

Figure 12. Adult Varanus bennetti sp. nov., Losiep Island, Federated States of Micronesia

 (photo by James Reardon).

Varanus bennetti sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Varanus bennetti can be distinguished from all other members of Euprepiosaurus by its unique combination of (i) dorsum black and evenly speckled with yellow scales, sometimes arranged in small groups of yellow scales, (ii) tongue dark blue/grey, (iii) venter cream coloured with pale grey cross-bands, (iv) tail exceptionally long (F/SVL mean = 1.76, range = 1.60–1.89), high XY scale counts (148–160), (v) a clear yellow temporal stripe present in about half of the studied specimens, and (vi), in life, peach colouring on the throat.

 Etymology: The specific epithet is a genitive singular patronym in commemoration of the late Dr Daniel Bennett, 1966–2020, and his life-long commitment to the study and conservation of monitor lizards in Africa and Southeast Asia. As a vernacular name we suggest ‘Bennett's Long-tailed Monitor’.

  Distribution: We have examined specimens of V. bennetti from Koror, Ngeaur and Ngcheangel islands in the Palau archipelago, from Yap and Losiep islands in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and from Sarigan Island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) (figure 1). Crombie & Pregill [1999] also list this species (as Varanus cf. indicus) from an additional two islands in the Palau group: Ngeriungs and Babeldaob.

Ecology: Crombie & Pregill [1999] remarked that the monitors on Palau are decidedly terrestrial and prefer, when possible, to take refuge in terrestrial refuges rather than in trees. On Ngeaur, they are reportedly most common in the rugged limestone interior of the island [1999]. Both features are atypical for species in the V. indicus Group, which usually seek refuge in trees and attain their highest densities in coastal habitats [Weijola, 2010]. On Sarigan Island, the most common food items found in dissected lizards (n = 16) were rats (Rattus exulans), insects and lizards [Vogt, 2008]. In addition, that author found a high proportion of males among the specimens examined by him: only four of 16 specimens were females.

Figure 1. Map of the Pacific region showing the distribution of
Varanus tsukamotoi (white dots), Varanus bennetti sp. nov. (red dots),
  V. lirungensis (yellow dot) and V. rainerguentheri (green dot).

 Figure 7. Mature Varanus tsukamotoi on Guam

(photo by Peter Xiong). 

 Varanus tsukamotoi Kishida, 1929 

 Diagnosis: Varanus tsukamotoi can be distinguished from all other members of the V. indicus group by its unique combination of: (i) dorsum black and covered with evenly distributed yellow scales, (ii) tongue dark blue/grey, (iii) yellow temporal stripe usually absent, (iv) low scale counts around the head (P: 31–40), tail base (Q: 54–74) and midbody (S: 101–126), and (v) usually prominent dark pigmentation in the gular region.

 Etymology: Kishida named this species in honour of Dr Iwasaburo Tsukamoto, who supported his expedition to the South Sea Islands, and proposed ‘Saipan monitor’ and ‘Tsukamoto Ohtokage’ as the English and Japanese vernacular names. We suggest the common name ‘Mariana monitor’ as it more accurately describes the distribution of this species.

 Ecology: Dryden [1965] examined the stomach contents of 84 animals dissected on Guam. The prey items found (in order of frequency) were giant African snails (Achatina sp.), miscellaneous arthropods (insects, insect larvae and millipedes), rats (Rattus mindanensis and R. exulans), shrews (Suncus murinus), hermit crabs, earthworms, slugs, bird eggs, skink (1) (Emoia cyanurum), gecko (1) (Hemidactylus frenatus), blind snake (1) (Indotyphlops braminus), and a skink egg. Specimens removed from Cocos Island foraged at the island's dump and frequently included chicken bones in their stomachs (FK, personal observation). Wikramanayake & Dryden [1988] studied the reproductive biology of Varanus on Guam and considered males to be sexually mature at 320 mm and females at 275 mm SVL. Mature males averaged almost three times the mass of mature females. Reproduction appeared to be seasonal, with mating taking place during the early dry season (December–April) and eggs presumably hatching during the wet season (April–December).

Figure 6. Hatchling Varanus tsukamotoi on Cocos Island

(photo by Björn Lardner). 

Valter Weijola, Varpu Vahtera, André Koch, Andreas Schmitz and Fred Kraus. 2020. Taxonomy of Micronesian monitors (Reptilia: Squamata: Varanus): Endemic Status of New Species argues for Caution in Pursuing Eradication Plans. Royal Society Open Science. 7(5) DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200092

      

[Ichthyology • 2019] Prognathodes geminus • A New Species of Butterflyfish (Teleostei, Chaetodontidae) from Palau

Prognathodes geminus

Copus, Pyle, Greene & Randall, 2019

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.835.32562

Abstract

A new species of the butterflyfish genus Prognathodes (Chaetodontidae) is described from two specimens collected at a depth of 116 m off Ngemelis Island, Palau. Prognathodes geminus sp. n. is similar to P. basabei Pyle & Kosaki, 2016 from the Hawaiian archipelago, and P. guezei (Maugé & Bauchot, 1976) from the western Indian Ocean, but differs from these species in the number of soft dorsal-fin rays, size of head, body width, and body depth. There are also subtle differences in life color, and substantial differences in the mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I sequence (d ≈ 0.08). Although genetic comparisons with P. guezei are unavailable, it is expected that the genetic divergence between P. guezei and P. geminus will be even greater than that between P. geminus and P. basabei. It is named for the strikingly similar color pattern it shares with P. basabei.

Keywords: Closed-circuit rebreather, Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem, Micronesia, systematic ichthyology

Figure 2. Paratype of Prognathodes geminus (USNM 440390), collected at a depth of 116 m at Palau. Photograph by RL Pyle.

Figure 1. Holotype of Prognathodes geminus (BPBM 40857), collected at a depth of 116 m at Palau. Photograph by RL Pyle. 

Prognathodes geminus sp. n.

Diagnosis: A species of Prognathodes (sensu Smith et al. 2003) distinguished by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin soft rays 17–19; anal-fin soft rays 15; head 2.48–2.49 in SL; body depth 1.71–1.76 in SL; pelvic-fin spine length 4.18–4.46 in SL; body color white with three broad dark brown bands, the first intersecting the eye.

Distribution: Prognathodes geminus is positively known only from Palau. However, individuals of what appear to be this species were collected by aquarium-fish collector Tim Bennett in the Coral Sea at a depth of 140 m (Fenton Walsh, pers. comm.), and video taken from a depth of about 120 m in New Caledonia (and reviewed by co-author Pyle) show what appears to be a similar fish. A similar species was recently described from the Hawaiian Islands (P. basabei), but numerous deep dives by the authors and others in regions between Palau and the Hawaiian Islands have not yielded any observations of this species, nor any other members of the genus Prognathodes.

Figure 3. Holotype of Prognathodes geminus in its natural habitat at a depth of 116 m off Ngemelis, Palau. Photograph by JL Earle.

Habitat: Type specimens and other individuals observed from submersible by Patrick L Colin (pers. comm.) in Palau were seen in association with limestone outcroppings on steep slopes at depths of 110–150 m. The type specimens were collected in an area with broken limestone rubble (Figure 3).

Etymology: We name this species geminus, Latin adjective for “twin”, in reference to its similarity in color to P. basabei from the Hawaiian Islands.

    

 Joshua M. Copus, Richard L. Pyle, Brian D. Greene and John E. Randall. 2019. Prognathodes geminus, A New Species of Butterflyfish (Teleostei, Chaetodontidae) from Palau. ZooKeys. 835: 125-137. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.835.32562

[Ichthyology • 2018] Tosanoides annepatrice • A New Basslet (Perciformes, Serranidae) from Deep Coral Reefs in Micronesia

Tosanoides annepatrice 

Pyle, Greene, Copus & Randall, 2018

 DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.786.28421 

Abstract
The new species Tosanoides annepatrice sp. n. is described from four specimens collected at depths of 115–148 m near Palau and Pohnpei in Micronesia. It differs from the other three species of this genus in life color and in certain morphological characters, such as body depth, snout length, anterior three dorsal-fin spine lengths, caudal-fin length, and other characters. There are also genetic differences from the other four species of Tosanoides (d ≈ 0.04–0.12 in mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I). This species is presently known only from Palau and Pohnpei within Micronesia, but it likely occurs elsewhere throughout the tropical western Pacific.

Keywords: closed-circuit rebreather, coral-reef twilight zone, mesophotic coral ecosystems, Micronesia

Figure 1. Holotype of Tosanoides annepatrice (BPBM 40848), 80.9 mm TL, collected at a depth of 115 m off Ngaruangl Atoll, Kayangel State, Republic of Palau. Photograph by RL Pyle.
 Figure 2. Paratype of Tosanoides annepatrice (USNM 444916), 104.0 mm TL, adult male, collected at a depth of 148 m off Ahnd (Ant) Atoll, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. Photograph by BD Greene.

Tosanoides annepatrice sp. n.

Diagnosis: A species of Tosanoides (sensu Katayama and Masuda 1980) distinguished by the following combination of characters: fourth or fifth dorsal spine the longest; dorsal-fin soft rays 16–17; anal-fin soft rays 8; pored lateral-line scales 33–34; head 2.3–2.9 in SL; body depth 2.6 in SL; color in life of males: head and body rose-pink, crossed by four bright yellow stripes, the third continuing as a bright red stripe with magenta edges along the middle of the body, becoming yellow centered on base of caudal fin; dorsal fin with a very broad middle yellow stripe with magenta margin; base of anal fin colored like body anteriorly, grading broadly to magenta posteriorly; pelvic fins yellow, except for magenta last two rays; eye magenta with an uneven ring of yellow around pupil; color of immature and presumed female yellow with irregular, near-vertical, wavy red lines following scale margins; anal fin magenta anteriorly, grading posteriorly to purple, with a greenish yellow streak; pelvic fins bright magenta.
....

Figure 3. Adult male Tosanoides annepatrice alive in an aquarium, collected in Pohnpei.
Figure 5. Adult female Tosanoides annepatrice alive in an aquarium, collected in Pohnpei.

Photographs by LA Rocha.

Distribution: Tosanoides annepatrice is known on the basis of four specimens, one (the holotype) collected at a depth of 115 m in Palau, and three paratypes collected at a depth of 148 m near Pohnpei. Additional individuals have been observed at depths of ~120–150 m at Pohnpei. The species likely occurs at similar depths throughout much of Micronesia, and perhaps more broadly within the tropical western Pacific; but more exploration of habitat at appropriate depths throughout this region is necessary to determine its complete geographic range.

Habitat and Ecology: Tosanoides annepatrice has been observed and collected along steep limestone coral-reef drop-offs at depths from 115–150 m. The paratypes were collected along a small rocky crevice near the entrance to a cave, but other individuals have been seen in similar habitats not in association with caves. Most individuals of this species have been observed in groups consisting of one apparent male and several apparent females and juveniles.

Etymology: We name this species annepatrice (a noun in apposition) in honor of Anne Patrice Greene, mother of Brian D. Greene who collected all known specimens of this new species, in recognition of the support and encouragement she has consistently provided to Brian’s exploration of the deep coral reefs of Micronesia.


Richard L. Pyle, Brian D. Greene, Joshua M. Copus and John E. Randall. 2018. Tosanoides annepatrice, A New Basslet from Deep Coral Reefs in Micronesia (Perciformes, Percoidei, Serranidae). ZooKeys. 786: 139-153.  DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.786.28421

[Crustacea • 2018] Caridina variabilirostris • A New Species of Freshwater Shrimp (Decapoda: Atyidae) from Pohnpei (Micronesia)

Caridina variabilirostris 

Mazancourt, Marquet & Keith, 2018

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2018.453 

Abstract

Recently, the status of a new species of atyid shrimp from Pohnpei (Micronesia) was discussed in relation to C. brachydactyla De Man, 1908 and C. mertoni J. Roux, 1911. By combining morphological data with a phylogenetic analysis with closely related species, this species is here described as Caridina variabilirostris sp. nov. Notes on its ecological distribution are also provided. The new species is characterized by a highly variable rostrum and is present in rivers all over Pohnpei Island. The status of this new species is clarified and it is shown that neither C. brachydactyla De Man 1908 nor C. mertoni J. Roux, 1911 occur on Pohnpei Island. 

Keywords: 16S, molecular, integrative taxonomy, island, morphology. 

Class Malacostraca Latreille, 1802 

Order Decapoda Latreille, 1802 

Family Atyidae De Haan, 1849 

Genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837 

Fig. 3.Caridina variabilirostris sp. nov.,
 showing the variation in rostrum length related to the altitude (a– c), drawings made from different specimens. a, m–n. ♂, cl 3.5 mm (MNHN-IU-2018-244). a. Rostrum. m. First pleiopod. n. Second pleiopod. b. ♀, cl 5.6 mm, rostrum (MNHN-IU-2018-252). c, j, o. ♀, cl 4.0 mm (MNHN-IU-2018-253) c. Rostrum. j. Uropodial diaeresis. o. Eggs. d–i, k. ♀, cl 3.5 mm (MNHN-IU-2018-250). d. First pereopod. e. Second pereopod. f. Third pereopod. g. Dactylus of third pereopod. h. Fifth pereopod. i. Dactylus of fifth pereopod. k. Telson. l. ♀, cl 4.3 mm, pre-anal carina (MNHN-IU-2018-256). of third pereopod. h. Fifth pereopod. i. Dactylus of fifth pereopod. k. Telson. l. ♀, cl 4.3 mm, pre-anal carina (MNHN-IU-2018-256).

Fig. 5. Caridina variabilirostris sp. nov., live coloration (Photos: P. Keith)

Caridina variabilirostris sp. nov. 

Etymology: The new species is named variabilirostris for its variable rostrum length.

Habitat: This species is found among macrophytes in flowing fresh water of the rivers of Pohnpei all along the course, showing good adaptability to different temperatures and hydrological conditions. It is more abundant in higher elevations due to reduced predator pressure.

Distribution: This new species is currently known from Pohnpei Island only. 

Valentin de Mazancourt, Gerard Marquet and Philippe Keith. 2018. Caridina variabilirostris (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae), A New Species of Freshwater Shrimp from Pohnpei (Micronesia). European Journal of Taxonomy.  453; 1–16. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2018.453

   

[Ichthyology • 2018] Cryptocentrus nanus • A New Species of Dwarf Shrimpgoby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Fiji

Cryptocentrus nanus  Greenfield & Allen, 2018

Black Dwarf Shrimpgoby  ||  OceanScienceFoundation.org 

photo: Hiroshi Nagano

Abstract

A new species of alpheid-shrimp-associated goby is described from Fiji based on 9 specimens, 17.2-23.4 mm SL. Diagnostic features include an exceptionally small size at maturity, a uniform black color, possession of vomerine teeth, a rounded caudal fin, 65-81 scales in the longitudinal series, 0-15 predorsal scales, body depth at pelvic-fin origin 4.4-5.2 in SL, snout length 4.4-8.4 in HL, and caudal-peduncle depth 3.3-3.8 in HL.

Key words: taxonomy, systematics, ichthyology, coral-reef fishes, gobies, alpheid shrimp, symbiosis, Pacific Ocean, biogeography

Figure 5. Underwater photograph of small black shrimpgoby, possibly Cryptocentrus nanus, from Palau, Micronesia (photo: Hiroshi Nagano)
Figure 1. Cryptocentrus nanus, live holotype, CAS 244342, 23.4 mm SL female, Yadua Island, Fiji, aquarium photograph (photo: D.W. Greenfield). 

Cryptocentrus nanus, n. sp.

Black Dwarf Shrimpgoby

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin elements IV-I,10; anal-fin elements I,8–I,9; pectoral-fin rays 16; scales in longitudinal series 65–81; predorsal scales 0–15; anterior scales cycloid, posterior scales ctenoid; anterior part of breast, prepelvic region, and pectoral-fin base naked; head naked except on side of nape and predorsal region, where scales extend anteriorly to about level of middle of operculum; body depth at pelvic-fin origin 4.4–5.2, mean 4.8; vomerine teeth present; gill opening extending forward to a vertical at posterior edge of preoperculum or slightly anterior; dorsal-fin spines progressively longer to fourth, longest 1.6–2.7 in HL; caudal fin rounded, 2.7–3.1 in HL; pectoral fins reaching level of anus or just beyond (3.7–4.7 in SL); pelvic fins reaching posteriorly to anus (3.6–4.3 in SL); live individuals black, fins black with clear distal margins; adults mature at 23.4 mm SL or less.  

Underwater photograph of small black shrimpgoby, possibly Cryptocentrus nanus, from Palau, Micronesia.

photo: Hiroshi Nagano

Etymology: The specific epithet is from both the Latin and Greek noun nanus (dwarf), referring to the new species’ particularly small size compared to other species in the genus. It is treated as a noun in apposition.

Distribution and habitat. The new species is currently known only from Fiji, but possibly occurs also at Palau based on a photograph by Hiroshi Nagano of a similarly colored goby (Fig. 5), illustrated as Cryptocentrus D in Myers (1999: 240, Plate 152J). The habitat consists of sand bottoms in 8.2–10.7 m depth. The alpheid-shrimp partner remains unidentified, but a specimen is deposited in the fish collection of CAS as CAS 244

David W. Greenfield and Gerald R. Allen. 2018.  Cryptocentrus nanus, A New Species of Dwarf Shrimpgoby from Fiji (Teleostei: Gobiidae).  Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 30; 28-38. OceanScienceFoundation.org/josf30c.html

[Ichthyology • 2017] Pseudanthias tequila • A New Species of Anthiadine Serranid from the Ogasawara and Mariana Islands

Pseudanthias tequila 

Gill, Tea & Senou, 2017

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4341.1.5 

Abstract

Pseudanthias tequila is described on the basis of two specimens from the Ogasawara Islands. It also is recorded from the Mariana Islands on the basis of colour photographs. The species belongs to a complex that includes P. randalli (Lubbock & Allen), P. pulcherrimus Heemstra & Randall, P. flavicauda Randall & Pyle, P. oumati Williams, Delrieu-Trottin & Planes, and a potentially new species from the Line Islands. Species within the complex are distinguished on the basis of male live colouration, morphometric details and gill-raker and scale counts. Colour photos of all five species are provided.

Keywords:  Pisces, taxonomy, ichthyology, Japan, Micronesia

Male Pseudanthias tequila: A) from Ototo-jima, Chichi-jima Islands, Ogasawara Islands, Japan (KPM-NR 179391A, photo by O. Morishita); B) from Tinian, Mariana Islands (photo by N. Tsuji)
FIGURE 6. Group of Pseudanthias tequila n. sp., Tinian, Mariana Islands, Micronesia. Photo by N. Tsuji.

Pseudanthias tequila new species 

New standard Japanese name: Bonin-hanadai

English common name: Cave anthias

Pseudanthias randalli (non Lubbock & Allen, 1978); Myers & Shephard, 1980: 316 (Blue Hole, Orote Peninsula, Guam).

Pseudanthias sp.; Myers, 1988: 140 (Guam).

Pseudanthias sp. 3; Michael, 1998: 576 (colour photo; Guam).

Pseudanthias sp. B; Myers 1999: 109, pl. 35 G (colour photo; Guam).

Pseudanthias flavicauda [non Randall & Pyle, 2001]; Myers & Donaldson, 2003: 616 (list, Marianas Islands).

Pseudanthias cf randalli; Kuiter, 2004: 61, unnumbered colour figs A and B (colour photos; Palau, Saipan and Guam).

Pseudanthias cf flavicauda; Kuiter & Debelius, 2006: 298 (colour photo; Micronesia).

Diagnosis. The following combination of characters distinguishes Pseudanthias tequila from congeners: dorsal rays X,16; anal rays III,7; pectoral rays 18; third dorsal spine prolonged in males; third segmented anal-fin ray longest; lateral-line scales 46–47; no auxiliary scales on body; interopercle and subopercle with distinct serrations in adults; males in life with upper body beneath anterior part of dorsal fin purple to pink with orange-red stripe, dorsal fin greenish yellow anteriorly, posteriorly red with blue basal area, anterior part of anal fin red, and pelvic fins bright yellow.

Habitat and distribution. Pseudanthias tequila is described on the basis of two specimens from Ototo-jima, Chichi-jima Islands, Ogasawara Islands, Japan. We also record it from Guam, Saipan and Tinian in the Mariana Islands on the basis of photographs (Figure 7). Kuiter’s (2004) photograph of an individual of “Pseudanthias cf randalli”, stated to be from Palau, is referable to P. tequila. However, R.F. Myers (pers. comm.) advised us that the photograph, by Hiroyuki Kimura, is actually from Saipan. Other photographs from Palau are referrable to the closely related P. randalli (Lubbock & Allen, 1978). The original description of P. randalli also included paratypes from Palau. Pseudanthias tequila appears to be mostly found in caves on reef slopes in 40–60 m, earning it the popular name of “cave anthias”. In Saipan and Tinian, however, it occurs in the open on reef slopes dominated by Halimeda and Caulerpa algae (Figures 4B & 6).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the alcoholic beverage tequila sunrise, alluding to the vibrant life colours of the males of the species. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

 Anthony C. Gill, Yi-Kai Tea and Hiroshi Senou. 2017. Pseudanthias tequila, A New Species of Anthiadine Serranid from the Ogasawara and Mariana Islands. Zootaxa. 4341(1); 67–76. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4341.1.5

[Mammalogy • 2013] Pteropus pelagicus | Mortlock Flying Fox • Taxonomy, Distribution, and Natural History of Flying Foxes (Chiroptera, Pteropodidae) in the Mortlock Islands and Chuuk State, Caroline Islands, Micronesia

Mortlock Flying Fox Pteropus pelagicus Kittlitz, 1836

[Scanned image of Plate LIV from original description of Pteropus phaeocephalus Thomas 1882, which is presumably based on the holotype

doi: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.345.5840]

Abstract

The taxonomy, biology, and population status of flying foxes (Pteropus spp.) remain little investigated in the Caroline Islands, Micronesia, where multiple endemic taxa occur. Our study evaluated the taxonomic relationships between the flying foxes of the Mortlock Islands (a subgroup of the Carolines) and two closely related taxa from elsewhere in the region, and involved the first ever field study of the Mortlock population. Through a review of historical literature, the name Pteropus pelagicus Kittlitz, 1836 is resurrected to replace the prevailing but younger name Pteropus phaeocephalus Thomas, 1882 for the flying fox of the Mortlocks. On the basis of cranial and external morphological comparisons, Pteropus pelagicus is united taxonomically with Pteropus insularis “Hombron and Jacquinot, 1842” (with authority herein emended to Jacquinot and Pucheran 1853), and the two formerly monotypic species are now treated as subspecies — Pteropus pelagicus pelagicus in the Mortlocks, and Pteropus phaeocephalus insularis on the islands of Chuuk Lagoon and Namonuito Atoll. The closest relative of Pteropus pelagicus is Pteropus tokudae Tate, 1934, of Guam, which is best regarded as a distinct species. Pteropus pelagicus pelagicus is the only known resident bat in the Mortlock Islands, a chain of more than 100 atoll islands with a total land area of <12 km2. Based on field observations in 2004, we estimated a population size of 925–1, 200 bats, most of which occurred on Satawan and Lukunor Atolls, the two largest and southernmost atolls in the chain. Bats were absent on Nama Island and possibly extirpated from Losap Atoll in the northern Mortlocks. Resident Mortlockese indicated bats were more common in the past, but that the population generally has remained stable in recent years. Most Pteropus phaeocephalus pelagicus roosted alone or in groups of 5–10 bats; a roost of 27 was the largest noted. Diet is comprised of at least eight plant species, with breadfruit (Artocarpus spp.) being a preferred food. Records of females with young (April, July) and pregnant females (July) suggest an extended breeding season. Pteropus pelagicus pelagicus appears most threatened by the prospect of sea level rise associated with global climate change, which has the potential to submerge or reduce the size of atolls in the Mortlocks. Occasional severe typhoons probably temporarily reduce populations on heavily damaged atolls, but hunting and ongoing habitat loss are not current problems for the subspecies.

Keywords: Pteropus phaeocephalus, P. pelagicus, P. insularis, P. tokudae, Mortlock Islands, Chuuk, Micronesia, atoll, taxonomy, distribution, status, natural history, climate change, sea level rise

Buden, D.W., Helgen, K.M. and Wiles, G.J. 2013. Taxonomy, Distribution, and Natural History of Flying Foxes (Chiroptera, Pteropodidae) in the Mortlock Islands and Chuuk State, Caroline Islands. ZooKeys. 345: 97–135. doi: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.345.5840

Mortlock Flying Fox: Study Reveals New Info on World’s Least-Studied Bat

http://www.sci-news.com/biology/science-mortlock-flying-fox-bat-01505.html