[Botany • 2025] A Synopsis of the Genus Jacquemontia (Convolvulaceae) in the Indo-Pacific with the Description of One New Species, Jacquemontia mohotaniensis

 Jacquemontia mohotaniensis Staples & Butaud,

in Staples, Butaud et Halford, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.2984/78.2.3 

Abstract 

Examination of specimens from the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, disclosed the presence of an undescribed species of Jacquemontia Choisy from the uninhabited island of Mohotani: the new species Jacquemontia mohotaniensis is described here and its conservation status is proposed as critically endangered. To place this novelty in context, a review of the native and naturalized Indo-Pacific taxa of Jacquemontia is provided; 14 names are accounted for and some taxonomic problems are highlighted for future study. New combinations are made for two Australian species, J. distigma (Benth.) Halford and J. flexuosa (Spreng.) Halford; a second step typification is provided for the latter name to stabilize the nomenclature.

KEYWORDS: biodiversity, Oceania, Marquesas, French Polynesia, Australia

 Jacquemontia mohotaniensis growth habit and plant parts.
(A) Habit showing flowers with fully reflexed corolla lobes and exserted genitalia; (B) flower with erect corolla lobes; (C) fruits, lateral view; (D) fruits, apical view, note 8 valves; (E) seeds in adaxial and abaxial views, note palisade of stiff hairs along margins and ventral keel, scale = 2 mm.

Photos A–D, J.-F. Butaud from living plants in DIREN; 

photo E, G. Staples, voucher: Butaud 4587 (A).

Jacquemontia mohotaniensis Staples & Butaud, sp. nov.

 TYPE: French Polynesia. Society Islands: ...

 DIAGNOSIS: Jacquemontia mohotaniensis resembles most closely J. paniculata but differs from that species in the larger flowers, 1.5–1.8 cm long and up to 1.9 cm in diameter, the corolla subsalverform, 5-lobed, pure white, with exserted stamens and stigmas (Figure 1). The unequal sepals, the outer 2 larger and covering the inner, narrowly ovate-elliptic and 6–8 mm long 2–2.5 mm broad (Figure 2) serve to distinguish this new species from all other known Jacquemontia.

G. Staples, Jean-François Butaud and David A. Halford. 2025. A Synopsis of the Genus Jacquemontia (Convolvulaceae) in the Indo-Pacific with the Description of One New Species. Pacific Science 78 (2), 153-163. DOI: doi.org/10.2984/78.2.3 (6 January 2025) 

[Entomology • 2024] Hylaeus chuukensis, H. aureaviridis, H. derectus, H. navai, etc. • Canopy Specialist Hylaeus Bees (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) highlight Sampling Biases and resolve Michener’s Mystery

Hylaeus (P.) navai Dorey, Davies & Parslow, 

Mount Tomanivi is Fiji's highest peak at 1,324 m above sea level. It is home to unique bee species, although it has yet to be specifically sampled for new Hylaeus bees. 

photo: James Dorey Photography

in Dorey, Davies, Magnacca, Schwarz, Gilpin, ... et Parslow, 2024. 

 DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2024.1339446

Large parts of the Pacific were thought to host low bee diversity. In Fiji alone, our recent estimates of native bee diversity have rapidly increased by a factor of five (from 4 to >22). Here, we show how including sampling of the forest canopy has quickly uncovered a new radiation of Hylaeus (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) bees in Fiji. We also show that Hylaeus are more common across the Pacific than previously thought and solve one of Charles Michener’s mysteries by linking the previously enigmatic French Polynesian Hylaeus tuamotuensis to relatives in Fiji. We use systematic techniques to describe eight new Hylaeus species in Fiji (n = 6), French Polynesia (n = 1), and Micronesia (n = 1), and discuss impressive dispersal events by this genus. These clades also double the number of Hylaeus dispersals out of Australia from two to four. Our discovery highlights the severe impact of bee sampling methods on ecological interpretations and species discovery, specifically that canopy sampling is needed to correctly assess forest bee diversity even where there is a very long record of sampling. It further highlights the potential for forests to host higher-than-anticipated diversity and conservation value. This has broad methodological and regulatory impacts for land managers seeking to make choices about pollination services and diversity. The new species are Hylaeus (Euprosopoides) chuukensis Dorey, Davies, and Parslow; H. (Prosopisteron) albaeus Dorey, Davies, and Parslow; H. (P.) apertus Dorey, Davies, and Parslow; H. (P.) aureaviridis Dorey, Magnacca, and Parslow; H. (P.) breviflavus Magnacca; H. (P.) derectus Dorey, Davies, and Parslow; H. (P.) navai Dorey, Davies, and Parslow; and H. (P.) veli Dorey, Davies, and Parslow.

 

James B. Dorey, Olivia K. Davies, Karl N. Magnacca, Michael P. Schwarz, Amy-Marie Gilpin, Thibault Ramage, Marika Tuiwawa, Scott V. C. Groom, Mark I. Stevens and Ben A. Parslow. 2024. Canopy Specialist Hylaeus Bees highlight Sampling Biases and resolve Michener’s Mystery. Front. Ecol. Evol. 12; DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2024.1339446

[This article is part of the Research Topic: Opportunities and Challenges for Wild Bee Conservation]

[Ichthyology • 2023] Terelabrus toretore • A New Species of Striped Hogfish (Perciformes: Labridae) from Tahiti, with Range Extensions for Two Congeners

Terelabrus toretore

 Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Siu & Rocha, 2023

 

  ZoolStud.sinica.edu.tw

  twitter.com/SteinhartBart

A new labrid fish, Terelabrus toretore sp. nov., the fifth species within the genus, is herein described from two specimens collected at a depth of 140 m from a mesophotic coral ecosystem in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. is characterized by having 43–44 scaled rows in longitudinal series; 42 pored lateral-line scales; 5+10 gill rakers; 10 scale rows below the lateral line; 8 posterior branches on the main supratemporal sensory canal; a relatively long snout (snout length 9.6–9.7% SL), and a coloration consisting of a yellow caudal fin and a wide, red, mid-lateral stripe with no blotching, the space above which is white anteriorly, becoming predominantly yellow from beneath the dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. In addition to describing this new species, we document the first record of Terelabrus rubrovittatus from the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the first record of Terelabrus zonalis from Australia, along with the first description of its coloration. We present a molecular phylogeny of the genus based upon mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA sequences.

Key words: Biogeography, Ichthyology, Mesophotic coral ecosystems, Taxonomy, Teleostei

Underwater photograph of Terelabrus toretore (specimen not collected):
 Tahiti at 125 m depth,

photo by L.A. Rocha 

Terelabrus toretore sp. nov.
Underwater photograph (specimen not collected): Tahiti at 125 m depth;
Coloration of freshly dead paratype CASICH 247319 (SL 44.3 mm).

Terelabrus toretore Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Siu and Rocha sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other four members of the genus by the following characters: 43–44 scaled rows in longitudinal series; 42 pored lateral-line scales; 5 + 10 gill rakers; 10 scale rows below lateral line; a relatively long snout (snout length 9.6–9.7% SL); 8 posterior branches on the main supratemporal sensory canal, and a coloration consisting of a yellow caudal fin, and a wide, red, mid-lateral stripe with no blotching, the space above which is white anteriorly, becoming yellow from beneath the dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. 

Etymology: The species name, toretore, is the Tahitian word for striped and is used in reference to the body color pattern. To be used as a noun in apposition. 

 Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Tyler A. Y. Phelps, Gilles Siu and Luiz A. Rocha. 2023. Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. (Perciformes: Labridae), A New Species of Striped Hogfish from Tahiti, with Range Extensions for Two Congeners. Zool Stud. 62:08. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2023.62-08.

  ZoolStud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/62/62-08.html

  twitter.com/SteinhartBart/status/1642188481282867205

[Crustacea • 2023] Tuerkayana latens • A New Species of Land Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinidae) from French Polynesia, with A Discussion on the Phylogeny of the Genus

Tuerkayana latens  

 Ng & Shih, 2023 

  zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw 

 twitter.com/ZooStudies

The taxonomy of the gecarcinid land crab Tuerkayana rotundum (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) is revised. The taxon, the type species of the genus, occurs from the western Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, and varies substantially in colour and various morphological features, but the male first gonopod structure is constant and the extensive genetic data from mitochondrial 16S rDNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and control region markers confirms the recognition of one wide-ranging species. Specimens from Tuamotu in French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island, however, differ in having a smoother and slightly more swollen carapace, and significantly, the male first gonopod structure is distinctly different. The genetic data also supports their differentiation. As such, this material is here recognised as a new species, Tuerkayana latens n. sp.

Key words: Land crabs, Gecarcinidae, Tuerkayana latens, New species, Systematics, phylogeny, 16S rDNA, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, Control region, South Pacific, Tuamotu Islands, Pitcaim Islands.

Tuerkayana latens n. sp., holotype male (52.8 × 42.7 mm) (MNHN-IU-2011-5594), French Polynesia

Tuerkayana latens n. sp.

Diagnosis: Frontal region covered with small granules; epigastric, epibranchial and anterior part of mesobranchial regions with scattered low granules and low striae, surface appears relatively smoother; mesogastric, metagastric regions smooth; posterior part of meso-, metabranchial regions with few oblique striae and granules; epigastric regions prominent, margin relatively sharp; postorbital cristae strong, separated from epigastric by shallow concavity; external orbital tooth broadly triangular, margin confluent with anterolateral margin, separated by small cleft (Figs. 3A, B, 7D). Merus of third maxilliped subovate, as long as wide (Fig. 7C). Surfaces of adult chelae with low granules on margins, punctate to rugose (Fig. 9D). Ambulatory legs short; ratios of maximum length to maximum width of third and fourth ambulatory meri 2.5, 2.4, respectively; surfaces covered with striae, appears rugose; dorsal margin of merus rugose, uneven; lateral margins of propodus, dactylus lined with strong, stiff spines or setae (Figs. 3A, 10D, H). Male pleon relatively broad; somite 6 wider than long, lateral margins strongly convex (Figs. 8G). Adult G1 almost straight, when viewed from ventral perspective; distal part curved at angle of about 45° from vertical; distal part of outer margin forming gentle shelf–like structure; base of the distal part not obviously tapering, with outer margin gently curving to meet truncate tip in dorsomesial view, in ventral view, outer margin almost straight, with flange wide, distinctly developed (Fig. 11D, G, L).

Etymology: The species name is from the Latin word “latens”, for hidden and concealed; alluding to how the taxon has eluded formal discovery until now. 

Colours in life of Tuerkayana rotundum (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824).
A, male (47.8 × 37.8 mm) (ZRC 2008.506), Panglao Philippines; B, male (37.6 × 29.0 mm) (ZRC 2012.103), Vanuatu;
C, male (37.0 × 28.4 mm) (ZRC 2012.103), Vanuatu; D, male, New Caledonia (specimen not collected);
E, male (57.6 × 44.5 mm) (ZRC 2013.1074), North Keeling Island, Cocos-Keeling Islands; F, male, Blowholes, Christmas Island (specimen not collected).

Peter K. L. Ng and Hsi-Te Shih. 2023. Tuerkayana latens, A New Species of Land Crab from French Polynesia, with A Discussion on the Phylogeny of the Genus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinidae). Zool Stud. 62:10. DOI:10.6620/ZS.2023.62-10. zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/62/62-10.html

 twitter.com/ZooStudies/status/1641826621094260736

[PaleoOrnithology • 2021] Gallirallus astolfoi • An Extinct New Rail Species (Aves: Rallidae) from Rapa Island, French Polynesia

Gallirallus astolfoi 

 Salvador, Anderson & Tennyson, 2021

DOI: 10.3390/taxonomy1040032  

twitter.com/Kraken_Scholar

 twitter.com/GiovaFavazzi 

Abstract

A new species of rail, Gallirallus astolfoi sp. nov., is described from Rapa Island (Rapa Iti), French Polynesia. The holotype (and single known specimen) is a left tarsometatarsus recovered from Tangarutu Cave. This rail species was apparently endemic to Rapa Iti and potentially flightless. It became extinct after human colonisation of the island.

Keywords: endemic species; flightlessness; Gallirallus astolfoi sp. nov.; Holocene; Rapa Iti

  Left tarsometatarsus (holotype, NMNZ S.044399) of Gallirallus astolfoi sp. nov. in different views:
 (A) anterior, (B) caudal, (C) lateral, (D) medial, (E) proximal, (F) distal.

 

Family Rallidae

Genus Gallirallus Lafresnaye,1841

Gallirallus astolfoi sp. nov.

 

rail (cf. Gallirallus): Tennyson & Anderson, 2012: 108.

 

Holotype: NMNZ S.044399 (left tarsometatarsus; A. Anderson col. 21/vii/2002).

Type locality: French Polynesia, Rapa Island (Rapa Iti), Tangarutu Cave, Section S1 (30–40 cm).

Diagnosis: Tarsometatarsus small (ca. 34.5 mm long), of delicate appearance, with narrow and shallow shaft, and narrow trochleae (particularly the trochlea metatarsi II).

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Astolfo, one of Charlemagne’s fictional paladins. In the epic Orlando Furioso, Astolfo becomes trapped on a remote island because of the sorceress Alcina.

Conclusions: 

Gallirallus astolfoi sp. nov. from Rapa Iti is the seventh extinct species in the genus to be described from French Polynesia (Table 1), excluding the potential undescribed one mentioned above. Excluding the volant G. philippensis, the species geographically closest to G. astolfoi sp. nov. is G. steadmani from Tubuai, ca. 700 km NW from Rapa Iti. As new specimens continue to be discovered and described, the scenario of a multitude of endemic rail species across the Pacific Islands is becoming more evident, offering further evidence in support of the above-mentioned hypothesis [8,30]. Likewise, the list of species extinct after human contact during the past millennia is becoming more extensive, adding to the corpus of data on the demise of insular faunas.

 

 Rodrigo B. Salvador , Atholl Anderson and Alan J. D. Tennyson. 2021. An Extinct New Rail (Gallirallus, Aves: Rallidae) Species from Rapa Island, French Polynesia. Taxonomy. 2021, 1(4), 448-457. DOI: 10.3390/taxonomy1040032

  twitter.com/Kraken_Scholar/status/1519072985763569664

  twitter.com/GiovaFavazzi/status/1519044580595073024

[Phycology • 2021] Brilliantia kiribatiensis • A New Genus and Species of Cladophorales (Chlorophyta) from the remote Coral Reefs of the Southern Line Islands, Pacific Ocean

 Brilliantia kiribatiensis

Leliaert, Kelly, Janouškovec, Fox, Johnson, ... et Smith, 2021

 

DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13230 

twitter.com/FLeliaer 

ABSTRACT

The marine green alga Brilliantia kiribatiensis gen. et sp. nov. is described from samples collected during two expeditions (2009, 2013) from the coral reefs of the Southern Line Islands, Republic of Kiribati, Pacific Ocean. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences of the large- and small-subunit rDNA and the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region revealed that Brilliantia is a member of the Boodleaceae (Cladophorales), containing the genera Apjohnia, Boodlea, Cladophoropsis, Chamaedoris, Phyllodictyon and Struvea. Within this clade it formed a distinct lineage, sister to Struvea elegans, but more distantly related to the bona-fide Struvea species (including the type S. plumosa). Brilliantia differs from the other genera by having a very simple architecture forming upright, unbranched, single-celled filaments attached to the substratum by a rhizoidal mat. Cell division occurs by segregative cell division only at the onset of reproduction. Based on current sample collection, B. kiribatiensis seems to be largely restricted to the Southern Line Islands, although it was also observed on neighboring islands, including Orona Atoll in the Phoenix Islands of Kiribati, and the Rangiroa and Takapoto Atolls in the Tuamotus of French Polynesia. This discovery highlights the likeliness that there is still much biodiversity yet to be discovered from these remote and pristine reefs of the central Pacific.

Keywords: 18S nuclear ribosomal DNA, Chlorophyta, Cladophorales, molecular phylogeny, Siphonocladales, Ulvophyceae

 Brilliantia kiribatiensis gen. et sp. nov. 

 

Frederik Leliaert, Emily L. A. Kelly, Jan Janouškovec, Michael D. Fox, Maggie D. Johnson, Farran M. Redfern, Taati Eria, Andreas F. Haas, Enric Sala, Stuart A. Sandin and Jennifer E. Smith. 2021. Brilliantia kiribatiensis, A New Genus and Species of Cladophorales (Chlorophyta) from the remote Coral Reefs of the Southern Line Islands, Pacific Ocean. Journal of Phycology. DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13230

 twitter.com/FLeliaer/status/1470125887387541504

[Crustacea • 2021] Parasesarma daviei • Conspicuous Genetic Similarity within A Widely Distributed and Newly Described Species of Parasesarma De Man, 1895 (Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from Western Pacific Oceanic Islands, with Notes on the allied P. calypso Group

Parasesarma daviei

Shahdadi, Schubart & Mendoza, 2021

 

DOI: 10.1071/IS20046 

 twitter.com/Mendoza_JCE 

Abstract

Some brachyuran crab species of the Western Pacific appear to be widespread throughout the region and distributed across a large geographic area, without obvious phylogeographic structuring. In the present study, we describe a new species of Parasesarma that appears to be restricted to Western Pacific islands (so far Guam, Palau, Vanuatu, Fiji, Wallis and New Caledonia). Comparisons of partial sequences of the COX1 gene show that individuals of this species, though from relatively isolated and widely separated islands, are monophyletic and, surprisingly, genetically uniform. These results give credence to the hypothesis that these oceanic islands serve as ‘stepping stones’ for the current-mediated dispersal and genetic homogenisation of coastal–littoral marine species. Morphologically, the new species differs most significantly from similar congeners in the tuberculation pattern of the chelar dactyli, whereas genetically it is markedly divergent from other morphologically similar species of Parasesarma, with a minimum COX1 p-distance of 6.9%. With such evidence, the new species is here formally described as Parasesarma daviei sp. nov. It is the fifth species of Parasesarma reported from oceanic islands of the Western Pacific. Compared to other congeners, P. daviei sp. nov. shows a close relationship with a clade including P. calypso. Therefore, P. calypso (De Man, 1895), and three of its former subspecies or varieties were subjected to a closer examination and are here rediagnosed and illustrated. In consequence, we suggest full species status for P. kuekenthali (De Man, 1902), P. lanchesteri (Tweedie, 1936), and P. ellenae (Pretzmann, 1968).

Keywords: COX1, Fiji, Guam, Loyalty Islands, Palau, Parasesarma daviei, Vanuatu, Western Pacific.

 Parasesarma daviei sp. nov.

 

Adnan Shahdadi, Christoph D. Schubart and Jose Christopher E. Mendoza. 2021. Conspicuous Genetic Similarity within A Widely Distributed and Newly Described Species of Parasesarma De Man, 1895 from Western Pacific Oceanic Islands, with Notes on the allied P. calypso Group (Crustacea : Brachyura : Sesarmidae). Invertebrate Systematics. 35(5) 542-569. DOI: 10.1071/IS20046

  twitter.com/Mendoza_JCE/status/1411141703361171456 

[Entomology • 2021] Rhyncogonus duhameli • The Missing Link: Rhyncogonus Sharp (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae) in the Gambier Islands, French Polynesia

 

 Rhyncogonus duhameli  

Ramage, 2021

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4908.3.5

Abstract

The genus Rhyncogonus Sharp, 1885, is represented in French Polynesia by 65 species found in the Austral, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu archipelagos. Hitherto unknown from the fifth archipelago of French Polynesia, the Gambier Islands, a new species of Rhyncogonus has been discovered by the botanist Jean-François Butaud on Motu Teiku, a small island never previously investigated for plants and insects. Rhyncogonus duhameli sp. nov. is here described and illustrated.

Keywords: Coleoptera, French Polynesia, Motu Teiku, new species, taxonomy

 Rhyncogonus duhameli sp. nov. 

Thibault Ramage. 2021. The Missing Link: Rhyncogonus Sharp in the Gambier Islands (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Rhyncogonini). Zootaxa. 4908(3); 409–416. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4908.3.5

[Ichthyology • 2020] Lepadichthys conwayi • A New Species of Lepadichthys (Teleostei, Gobiesocidae) from the Central South Pacific and Comments on the Taxonomic Status of Lepadichthys springeri Briggs, 2001

Lepadichthys conwayi

 Fujiwara & Motomura, 2020

DOI: 10.1643/CI2020036

Abstract

Lepadichthys conwayi, new species, is described on the basis of 42 specimens (13.0–42.0 mm in standard length [SL]) collected from the central South Pacific and characterized by the following combination of characters: head sensory canal pores well developed, including 2 nasal, lacrimal and postorbital, and 3 preopercular pores; 13–16 (modally 15, rarely 16) dorsal-fin rays; 11–14 (12, rarely 14) anal-fin rays; 27–30 (28) pectoral-fin rays; 8 or 9 (9), 8–11 (9), and 8–11 (9) gill rakers on first to third arches, respectively; upper end of gill membrane level with base of 7th to 10th (usually 9th) pectoral-fin ray in lateral view; disc length and width 15.0–17.1 (mean 16.0) and 11.1–16.1 (13.9) % SL, respectively, disc length plus disc width 27.8–33.2 (30.0) % SL; dorsal and anal fins with very weak membranous connections to (rarely separated from) caudal fin, posteriormost points of membranes usually just short of or just reaching vertical through caudal-fin base, otherwise very slightly beyond fin base; dorsal- and anal-caudal membrane lengths 3.4–7.1 (4.8) and 3.0–6.0 (4.8) % of caudal-fin length, respectively; black stripe on snout tip through eye to posterior region of head. In addition, examination of the type specimens of Lepadichthys springeri Briggs, 2001 revealed them to be conspecific with L. misakius (Tanaka, 1908), a valid species recently resurrected from the synonymy of L. frenatus Waite, 1904. Accordingly, L. springeri is regarded as a junior synonym of L. misakius.

Fresh coloration of Lepadichthys conwayi, new species.
 (A) USNM 423325, holotype, 39.3 mm SL, Raivavae Island, Austral Islands; 
(B) USNM 404728, paratype, 33.2 mm SL, Totegegie Island, Gambier Islands; 
(C) USNM 422862, paratype, 26.4 mm SL, same as holotype; 
(D) USNM 423420, paratype, 37.8 mm SL, Tubuai Island, Austral Islands; 
(E) USNM 423414, paratype, 31.3 mm SL, same as USNM 423420. 

(A–C) Lateral views. (D) Dorsal view. (E) Ventral view. 

Photos by J. Williams.

Lepadichthys conwayi, new species  

Conway’s Clingfish

Distribution.—Currently known only from the Cook Islands, the Austral and Gambier Islands (French Polynesia), and Pitcairn Islands in the central South Pacific (Fig. 8).

 Etymology.—The specific name conwayi is in recognition of Dr. Kevin Conway for his recent contributions to the systematics of clingfishes. The name is used as a noun in the genitive case.

 

Kyoji Fujiwara and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2020. A New Species of Lepadichthys from the Central South Pacific and Comments on the Taxonomic Status of Lepadichthys springeri Briggs, 2001 (Gobiesocidae). Copeia. 108(4); 833-846. DOI: 10.1643/CI2020036

[Crustacea • 2020] Taxonomic Study of the Freshwater Shrimps Genus Atyoida Randall, 1840 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) in Polynesia with A Revalidation of A. tahitensis Stimpson, 1860

Atyoida pilipes (Newport 1847)

in Lorang, de Mazancourt, Marquet & Keith, 2020.

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4751.1.3

Abstract

Numerous specimens of Atyoida were collected in Polynesia during specific samplings led by the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (MNHN, Paris) from 1983 to 2017. In the context of an integrative taxonomy, all the Polynesian specimens were morphologically and genetically studied. The molecular study proved that the specimens were split in two different clades separated by 7% genetic distance (16S) and geographically structured that can be considered as two distinct species. In this article, A. tahitensis Stimpson, 1860 from Eastern Polynesia is re-validated as a distinct species from A. pilipes (Newport 1847) from Vanuatu to Marquesas archipelago. The morphological study, besides coloration patterns (Body blackish on its back, ornamented on its flanks with numerous bluish dots and longitudinal stripes for A. tahitensis; orange-yellow back as well as the antennular peduncle, telson and uropods with the flanks whitish ornamented with numerous blue-black patterns of various shapes for A. pilipes), did not allow us to find characters to distinguish easily the two species. Detailed re-descriptions and the geographical distribution of these two species are given and a neotype deposited in the MNHN (Paris) is designated for A. tahitensis.

Keywords: Crustacea, Taxonomic, Atyidae, Atyoida

Camille Lorang, Valentin de Mazancourt, Gérard Marquet and Philippe Keith. 2020. Taxonomic Study of the Freshwater Shrimps Genus Atyoida Randall, 1840 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) in Polynesia with A Revalidation of A. tahitensis Stimpson, 1860. Zootaxa. 4751(1); 55–74. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4751.1.3

[Invertebrate • 2020] Revision of Leocrates Kinberg, 1866 and Leocratides Ehlers, 1908 (Annelida, Errantia, Hesionidae)

Lamprophaea cornuta Salazar-Vallejo, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4739.1.1

Abstract

Leocrates Kinberg, 1866 and Leocratides Ehlers, 1908 are two genera of hesionid errant annelids (Hesionidae, Hesioninae) whose species have 16 chaetigers (21 segments). Leocrates species are free living in rocky or mixed bottoms, whereas Leocratides species are usually symbiotic with hexactinellid sponges. Marian Pettibone revised both genera as part of the R/V Siboga Expedition monographs 50 years ago, and most of her ideas have remained unchallenged regarding synonymy for genera and species. For example, she included three genera as junior synonyms of Leocrates: Lamprophaes Grube, 1867, Tyrrhena Claparède, 1868, and Dalhousia McIntosh, 1885, and from 21 nominal species, she regarded only eight as valid. In this revision, all material available was studied, and different morphological patterns were noted in nuchal organs lobes, pharynx armature, and chaetal features. Leocratides species belong to a single pattern; however, in Leocrates several patterns were detected. Three patterns are present for nuchal organs lobes: barely projected posteriorly (horizontal C-shaped), markedly projected posteriorly (U-shaped), and with lateral transverse projections (L-shaped). In the pharynx, upper jaws were noted as single, fang-shaped, or as double, T-shaped structures, whereas the lower jaw can be single, fang-shaped, or a transverse plate. Neurochaetal blades can be bidentate with guards approaching subdistal tooth, unidentate without guards, or with guards hypertrophied projected beyond distal tooth. The combinations of these features are regarded as different genera and consequently, Leocrates is restricted (including Tyrrhena), but Dalhousia, and Lamprophaea (name corrected) are reinstated, and three new genus-group names are proposed: Paradalhousia n. gen., Paralamprophaea n. gen., and Paraleocrates n. gen. Further, the standardization of morphological features allowed several modifications and the recognition of novelties. Thus, four type species were redescribed, four others were reinstated, 10 were newly combined, and 18 from different World localities are described as new. The new species are Lamprophaea cornuta n. sp. from the French Polynesia, L. ockeri n. sp. from the Hawaiian Islands, L. paulayi n. sp. from the Red Sea, L. pettiboneae n. sp. from the Marshall Islands, L. pleijeli n. sp. from La Réunion, L. poupini n. sp. from the French Polynesia, Leocrates ahlfeldae n. sp. from India, L. harrisae n. sp. from the Revillagigedo Islands, L. mooreae n. sp. from New Caledonia, L. reishi n. sp. from the Marshall Islands, L. rizzoae n. sp. from the Seychelles Islands, L. rousei n. sp. from Papua New Guinea, L. seidae n. sp. from the French Polynesia, Leocratides jimii n. sp. from Madagascar, Paralamprophaea bemisae n. sp. from the Maldives, P. crosnieri n. sp. from Madagascar, P. leslieae n. sp. from Kiribati, and P. meyeri n. sp. from the French Polynesia. However, Leocrates japonicus Gustafson, 1930 is a nomen nudum. Keys are included for identifying all hesioninae genera, and for all species in all the included genera.

Keywords: Annelida, nuchal organs, pharynx, notacicular lobes, neurochaetal blades

Lamprophaea cornuta n. sp. Living specimen, dorsal view. 

photo: Gustav Paulay

Lamprophaea cornuta n. sp. from the French Polynesia

Etymology: The specific epithet is made after the Latin adjective cornutus (-a, -um) meaning horned, or provided with horns. The name indicates the posterolateral prostomial squarish projections resembling small horns, and it is in feminine for matching the genus gender ( ICZN 1999, Art. 31.2).

Sergio I. Salazar-Vallejo. 2020. Revision of Leocrates Kinberg, 1866 and Leocratides Ehlers, 1908 (Annelida, Errantia, Hesionidae). Zootaxa. 4739(1); 1-114. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4739.1.1

[Botany • 2019] Pandanus papateaensis (Pandanaceae) • A New Threatened Species from the Uplifted Atoll Makatea (Tuamotu, French Polynesia)

Pandanus papateaensis Butaud, F. Jacq & Callm.

in Butaud, Jacq & Callmander, 2019. 

 DOI: 10.15553/c2019v742a3

The new species Pandanus papateaensis Butaud, F. Jacq & Callm. (Pandanaceae) is described from the uplifted atoll of Makatea located in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. The new species can be distinguished from other Polynesian species by its completely fused drupes with usually two seminal chambers and by its reddish-brown to dark-purple pileus, which totals more than one third of the total length of the drupe. Pandanus papateaensis is known from a few subpopulations located on the edge of the central plateau and it occurs in sympatry with Pandanus tectorius Parkinson. The species is known by less than 80 individuals and its sustainability is threatened by a phosphate mining project, which could have a significant impact on two of the three subpopulations. Based on the latter evidence, the new species is assigned a preliminary “Endangered” [EN] status following IUCN Red list Categories and Criteria. A regulatory protection status is thus recommended for this new species, as well as for the exceptional natural vegetation formations of this atoll, which is threatened by 50 years of intense phosphate mining without any current restoration programs to compensate for the damage caused.

Keywords: PANDANACEAE, Pandanus, French Polynesia, Tuamotu, Makatea, Atoll, Phosphate, New species, Taxonomy

Pandanus papateaensis Butaud, F. Jacq & Callm., spec. nova

Etymologie. – L’épithète spécifique est basé sur «Papatea», une des anciennes dénominations de l’atoll de Makatea et signifiant en tahitien «rocher blanc». 

Etymology. - The specific epithet is based on "Papatea", one of the ancient denominations of Makatea Atoll and in Tahitian meaning "white rock".

Jean-François Butaud, Frédéric Jacq and Martin W. Callmander. 2019. Pandanus papateaensis (Pandanaceae): une nouvelle espèce menacée de l’atoll soulevé de Makatea (Tuamotu, Polynésie française) [Pandanus papateaensis (Pandanaceae): A New Threatened Species from the Uplifted Atoll Makatea (Tuamotu, French Polynesia)]. Candollea. 74(2): 137–144. DOI: 10.15553/c2019v742a3

 In French, English and French abstracts. 

Researchgate.net/publication/335235023_Pandanus_papateaensis_une_nouvelle_espece_menacee_de_Polynesie_francaise

 twitter.com/ScnatCH/status/1168903620366090242 

[Crustacea • 2019] Corralliogalathea joae, C. minuta & C. parva • High Morphological Similarity Coupled with High Genetic Differentiation in New Sympatric Species of Coral-reef Squat Lobsters (Decapoda: Galatheidae)

(A, B) Coralliogalathea humilis (Nobili, 1905), Saudi Arabia.

 C, Coralliogalathea joae sp. nov., Papua New Guinea. 

D, Coralliogalathea megalochira (Nobili, 1906), French Polynesia.

in Rodríguez-Flores, Macpherson, Buckley & Machordom, 2019. 

DOI:  10.1093/zoolinnean/zly074  

 twitter.com/ZoolJLinnSoc

Abstract

The genus Coralliogalathea of the family Galatheidae is easily differentiated from other genera in the family by its small size, the presence of three to four small lateral teeth on the rostrum and the lack of the first pair of gonopods in males. The genus currently consists of only a single species, Coralliogalathea humilis, which lives in close association with corals in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Using material collected across its distribution, we analysed both morphological characters and molecular markers (COI, 16S, 28S and 18S) to investigate cryptic species diversity, phylogenetic relationships within the genus, and the phylogenetic position of Coralliogalathea within the family Galatheidae. Our results support the validity of the two species previously synonymized with C. humilis and three new sympatric species found in Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. Although these species are distinguishable only by subtle morphological characters, they are highly dissimilar genetically and constitute relatively deep divergent lineages. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses of Galatheoidea resolved Coralliogalathea as an ancient genus within the superfamily that most probably diversified during the Eocene.

Keywords: Coralliogalathea, molecular data, morphology, new species, squat lobsters

Figure 5. A, Coralliogalathea humilis (Nobili, 1905), Saudi Arabia, ovigerous female, 2.1 mm, UF37156. B, Coralliogalathea humilis (Nobili, 1905) Saudi Arabia, ovigerous female, 2.0 mm, UF36158. C, Coralliogalathea joae sp. nov., Papua New Guinea, ovigerous female, 2.3 mm, MNHN-IU-2014-2383. D, Coralliogalathea megalochira (Nobili, 1906), French Polynesia, ovigerous female, 1.3 mm, UF15764. E, Coralliogalathea megalochira (Nobili, 1906), French Polynesia, male, 2.1 mm, UF15806. F, Coralliogalathea megalochira (Nobili, 1906), French Polynesia, male, 1.5 mm, UF23930.

Paula C. Rodríguez-Flores, Enrique Macpherson, David Buckley and Annie Machordom. 2019. High Morphological Similarity Coupled with High Genetic Differentiation in New Sympatric Species of Coral-reef Squat Lobsters (Crustacea: Decapoda: Galatheidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 185(4); 984–1017. DOI:  10.1093/zoolinnean/zly074 

  twitter.com/ZoolJLinnSoc/status/1114087352064991233

[Crustacea • 2019] Apseudomorpha drummi & Cryptapseudes mamua • Two New Apseudomorphan Species (Tanaidacea: Metapseudidae) from Mo‘orea Island (Society Islands, French Polynesia) with Taxonomic Keys

Apseudomorpha drummi

Morales-Núñez, Heard & Bird, 2019

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4564.1.8

Abstract

Previous information on the taxonomy and distribution of the crustacean order Tanaidacea occurring within the widely-dispersed Polynesian Archipelago has been limited to four nominal species, Apseudes rikiteanus Nobili, Apseudes seurati Nobili, Zeuxo seurati (Nobili) and Tanzanapseudes polynesiensis Müller. Based on specimens collected between 2009 and 2011 from coastal waters of Mo‘orea Island (Society Islands, French Polynesia), two new metapseudid tanaidaceans, Apseudomorpha drummi and Cryptapseudes mamua, are described. Keys to the identification of species currently placed within the genera Apseudomorpha Guţu and Cryptapseudes Băcescu are provided.

Keywords: Crustacea, Tanaidacea, Metapseudidae, Apseudomorpha, Cryptapseudes, Taxonomy, Pacific Ocean

FIGURE 9. Digital image of Apseudomorpha drummi sp. nov. paratype male (UF Arthropoda 49369). Male, TL 1.6 mm. 

 Andrés G. Morales-Núñez, Richard W. Heard and Graham J. Bird. 2019. Two New Apseudomorphan Species (Crustacea: Tanaidacea: Metapseudidae) from Mo‘orea Island (Society Islands, French Polynesia) with Taxonomic Keys. Zootaxa. 4564(1); 213–247.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4564.1.8

[Entomology • 2017] Society Islands Beach Bum Black Flies, Simulium (Inseliellum) (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Simulium (Inseliellum) littopyga, Simulium (Inseliellum) littosocius,
Simulium (Inseliellum) littosodalis

Craig  & Evenhuis, 2017

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4311.3.3 

Abstract

Aspects of the body of work on the Central and Western Pacific black fly Simulium (Inseliellum) are briefly reviewed. Female adults collected from beaches in Tahiti and Raiatea are described as Simulium (Inseliellum) littopyga n. sp., Simulium (Inseliellum) littosocius n. sp. and Simulium (Inseliellum) littosodalis n. sp.. Immature stages of the three species are not associated.

Keywords: Diptera, Simuliidae, Simulium, Inseliellum, Society Islands, new species

Simulium (Inseliellum) littopyga Craig & Evenhuis, n. sp.

Etymology. In reference to inhabiting beaches; deriving from litto [= “beach”] + pyga [= “rump”]; hence a “beach bum” of sorts. The name is treated as a noun in apposition.

 Distribution. Known only from Tahiti.

Simulium (Inseliellum) littosocius Craig & Evenhuis, n. sp. 

Etymology. In reference to the association with beaches; deriving from litto [= "beach"] + socius [= “companion”]; hence a second “beach bum” of sorts. The name is treated as a noun in apposition. 

Distribution. Known from Tahiti and Raiatea.

Simulium (Inseliellum) littosodalis Craig & Evenhuis, n. sp.

Etymology. In reference to occurring with other beach simuliids; deriving from litto [= “beach”] + sodalis [= “comrade”, “crony”]; hence a third “beach bum” of sorts. The name is treated as a noun in apposition.

Distribution. Known only from Tahiti. 

FIGURE 42. Type locality of Simulium littosodalis. Tahiti Nui, North Road, PK 42.7. 17 July 2006.

Image N. Evenhuis. 

   

Douglas A. Craig and Neal L. Evenhuis. 2017. Society Islands Beach Bum Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae).  Zootaxa.  4311(3);  373–388. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4311.3.3