[Entomology • 2024] Gonatopus tagoi • Taxonomy of Japanese Gonatopus (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae), with Description of A New Species

  

 Gonatopus tagoi 

Mita, 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5506.1.7

Abstract

A new species of Gonatopus, G. tagoi sp. nov., is described from Japan. Previously uncertain species, Agonatopus gracilis Esaki & Hashimoto, 1932 is redescribed based on newly collected females. Currently A. gracilis is included in Gonatopus, however, the name Gonatopus gracilis is preoccupied by Kieffer, 1905. Therefore, Gonatopus gigantostratiotes nom. nov. is provided as a replacement name. An updated key to the females of Japanese Gonatopus is given.

Hymenoptera, Chrysidoidea, key, new replacement name, parasitic wasp, redescription

Toshiharu MITA. 2024. Taxonomy of Japanese Gonatopus (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae), with Description of A New Species.  Zootaxa. 5506(1); 113-121. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5506.1.7

[Botany • 2024] Cynanchum pingtaoi (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Cynanchum pingtaoi S.Jin Zeng, G.D.Tang & Miao Liao, 

in Liao, S.-J. Zeng, L.-Y. Zeng, Yin, Yan, Zhang et Tang, 2024.

秉滔大花藤  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.241.111499

Abstract

Cynanchum pingtaoi S.Jin Zeng, G.D.Tang & Miao Liao, sp. nov. (Apocynaceae) from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular evidence. Its deeply cordate to reniform leaves and campanulate, large flowers show that it is a member of former Raphistemma Wall., which has been included in Cynanchum L.. It is different from all former Raphistemma species by the broadly ovate corolla lobes, purple-red corolla and connivent corona tip slightly exceeding the corolla throat. Meanwhile, Cynanchum longhushanense G.D.Tang & Miao Liao, nom. nov. is proposed as replacement name for Raphistemma brevipedunculatum Y.Wan, which was considered a synonym of Cynanchum hooperianum (Blume) Liede & Khanum but is here reinstated as a distinct species because of significant morphological differences.

Key words: Cynanchum hooperianum, Cynanchum longhushanense, Cynanchum pingtaoi, morphology, phylogeny, Raphistemma, taxonomy

Cynanchum pingtaoi S.Jin Zeng, G.D.Tang & Miao Liao
 a habitat b inflorescence and leaf c inflorescence d flower buds e top view of flower f bracteoles at base of pedicel g side view of flower h corolla and corona separation, showing gynostegium, corona and corolla lobes (outer surface: upper right hand corner; inner surface: to the left of the outer surface) i pollinarium from dry specimen j young seeds k longitudinally opened half follicle showing seed arrangement l follicle, different views to show the three ribs m transverse section through follicle n follicle and leaves.

 All photos based on Si-Jin Zeng & Lin-Ya Zeng SJ4825 (IBSC).

 Cynanchum pingtaoi S.Jin Zeng, G.D.Tang & Miao Liao, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis: Cynanchum pingtaoi resembles C. longhushanense, differing by its broadly ovate corolla lobes (vs. oblong), the purple-red inner surface of the corolla (vs. white), and the corona-scales apex connivent, slightly exceeding the corolla throat (vs. corona-scales apex connivent, not exceeding the throat of the corolla).

Etymology: The specific epithet pingtaoi honors the eminent botanist Ping-Tao Li (李秉滔), who is an expert in the Apocynaceae.

Chinese name: Bingtao Dahuateng (秉滔大花藤).

 Miao Liao, Si-Jin Zeng, Lin-Ya Zeng, Hai-Jun Yin, Mao-Lin Yan, Cai-Fei Zhang and Guang-Da Tang. 2024. A New Species and A replacement name in Cynanchum (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadeae) from China. PhytoKeys. 241: 49-63. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.241.111499

[Botany • 2023] Ceropegia strophanthiflora (Apocynaceae: Ceropegieae, sect. Chamaesiphon) • A magnificent and rare New Species from South Africa at the Brink of Extinction

 

Ceropegia strophanthiflora  Heiduk & D.Styles, 

in Heiduk et Styles, 2023. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.632.1.2

Abstract

We describe a novel species of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae), C. strophanthiflora, from inland of Mtubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The new species is placed in section Chamaesiphon where it appears to be vegetatively and floristically most similar to C. rehmannii (formerly Brachystelma foetidum). Ceropegia strophanthiflora can, however, be readily distinguished from this species by its strikingly colourful greenish-yellow flowers with bright purple markings and purplish-pink vibratile hairs fringing the corolla lobe bases. Most remarkable, however, are the unusually long, slender and twisted corolla lobes much reminiscent of flowers known in Strophanthus; hence the name C. strophanthiflora. There are no other known South African species exhibiting such flamboyant flowers. Concerningly, this spectacular new species may be at the brink of extinction as only very little habitat remains which is under severe anthropogenic threat.

Brachystelma tanzaniense, a species with long and slender corolla lobes from Tanzania, is transferred to Ceropegia section Chamaesiphon under the proposed new name C. dodomaensis. Moreover, the blocking name for this transfer, C. tanzaniensis, is reduced to a synonym of C. cordiloba for which we designate a lectotype. 

Keywords: Brachystelma, Chamaesiphon, Ceropegieae, Coal mining, Critically Endangered, KwaZulu-Natal, nomen novum, Zululand Coastal Thornveld, Zululand Lowveld, Eudicots  

Ceropegia strophanthiflora Heiduk & D.Styles, sp. nov.

Etymology: —The specific epithet ‘strophanthiflora’ refers to the unusually long, caudate and twisted, reflexed corolla lobes reminiscent of flowers found in the genus Strophanthus.

Annemarie Heiduk and David G.A. Styles. 2023. Ceropegia strophanthiflora (Apocynaceae—Asclepiadoideae)—A magnificent and rare New Species from South Africa at the Brink of Extinction. Phytotaxa. 632(1); 27-37. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.632.1.2

https://mastodon.green/@plazi_species/111940773735643786 

[Botany • 2019] Primulina chingipengii • Molecular Systematics of Chiritopsis-like Primulina (Gesneriaceae): One New Species, One New Name, Two New Combinations, and New Synonyms

Primulina chingipengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung, 

 

in Xu, Chang, Huang et Chung, 2019. 

 DOI: 10.1186/s40529-019-0266-x

Abstract

Background: The Gesneriaceae genus Chiritopsis, confined almost exclusively to cave or cave-like microhabitats of limestone karsts of southern China, was described to distinguish it from Chirita by much smaller flowers and generally miniature plant sizes in the former genus. However, molecular phylogenetic analyses showed that Chiritopsis is polyphyletic and its species delimitation has been problematic. To understand how many times Chiritopsis-like species have evolved from within the recircumscribed Primulina and to further clarify their species identification, we sampled all but two recently described species of Chiritopsis-like Primulina and reconstructed their phylogenetic relationship based on DNA sequences of nuclear ITS and chloroplast trnL-F and trnH-psbA.

Results: With 182 accessions of 165 taxa of Primulina sampled, our analyses placed the 40 accessions of 25 taxa of Chiritopsis-like Primulina in 17 unrelated positions, indicating at least 17 independent origins of the traits associated with caves or cave-like microhabitats. Of the 17 clades containing Chiritopsis-like Primulina, Clade 1 is composed of P. bipinnatifida, P. cangwuensis, P. jianghuaensis, P. lingchuanensis, and P. zhoui, as well as additional samples that show variable and overlapping morphology in leaf shapes. Clade 10 includes P. cordifolia, P. huangii, and P. repanda, while Primulina repanda var. guilinensis is not placed within Clade 10. Primulina glandulosa var. yangshuoensis is not placed in the same clade of P. glandulosa.

Conclusions: Based on our data, P. cangwuensis, P. jianghuaensis, and P. lingchuanensis are proposed to synonymize under P. bipinnatifida, with P. zhoui treated as a variety of P. bipinnatifida. Primulina repanda var. guilinensis is transferred as P. subulata var. guilinensis comb. nov. and Primulina pseudoglandulosa nom. nov. is proposed for P. glandulosa var. yangshuoensis. One new species is named P. chingipengii to honor the late Dr. Ching-I Peng (1950–2018).

 

Keywords: Convergent evolution, Flora of China, Limestone cave flora, Primulina chingipengii, Primulina subulata var. guilinensis, Primulina pseudoglandulosa, Sino-Vietnamese limestone karst (SVLK), Taxonomy

Primulina chingipengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung.
 a habit, b enlarged part of blade, c flower, d corolla opened showing stamens and staminodes, e calyx, pistil and disc, f capsule. (Drawn by Han-Yao Huang based on the holotype)

Primulina chingipengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung.
a habitat, b habit, c flower (face view), d flower (side view), e upper surface of leaf, f lower surface of leaf, g opened corolla showing stamens and staminodes, h pistil and calyx.

All taken from type locality (W.-B. Xu et al. 13158)

Primulina chingipengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Primulina chingipengii is similar to P. cordifolia (Fig. 2h–k) in corolla shape, differing by the leaf blade carnose, broadly ovate, cordate to suborbicular, 2–3 × 1.2–2 cm, densely pubescent on both surfaces, base broadly cuneate, round to cordate in the former species.

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Dr. Ching-I Peng (1950–2018), the late Research Fellow of Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, for his tremendous contribution to our knowledge of the East Asian flora and systematics of Asteraceae, Ludwigia, Begonia, and Sino-Vietnamese karst flora (Chung 2018).

Notes: Primulina chingipengii is similar to P. cordifolia in corolla shape, but it is easily distinguished from the latter by the leaf blades. Phenologically, P. chingipengii and P. cordifolia are also different. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that P. chingipengii is placed in a strongly supported clade also including P. albicalyx B.Pan & LiH.Yang, P. carinata Y.G.Wei, F.Wen & H.Z.Lü, P. fengshanensis F.Wen & YueWang, and P. pseudoeburnea (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber (Fig. 4b); however, only P. chingipengii possesses Chiritopsis-like corolla in this clade.

Wei-Bin Xu, Hsuan Chang, Jie Huang and Kuo-Fang Chung. 2019. Molecular Systematics of Chiritopsis-like Primulina (Gesneriaceae): One New Species, One New Name, Two New Combinations, and New Synonyms. Botanical Studies. 60, 18. DOI: 10.1186/s40529-019-0266-x

[Herpetology • 2021] Leptopelis diffidens • A New Species of Leptopelis (Anura, Arthroleptidae) from the south-eastern slope of the Ethiopian Highlands, with Notes on the Leptopelis gramineus Species Complex

 Leptopelis diffidens sp. nov., Harenna Forest (holotype, ZSM 81/2019) 

 Leptopelis montanus nom. nov., Gaysay Grasslands, Bale Mountains (not collected)

Tiutenko & Zinenko, 2021. 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1023.53404

 

Abstract

A new ground-dwelling species of treefrog in the genus Leptopelis is described from the Harenna Forest in south-eastern Ethiopia. The description is based on morphology and acoustics and is supported by molecular data. The new species has a small body size, and the digital discs on fingers and toes are significantly more conspicuous than in other semi-fossorial members of the L. gramineus complex. It occupies forest habitats at lower altitudes and is separated ecologically and geographically from high-altitude species of the complex. One of them, a parapatric cryptic species from Bale and Arsi Mountains, is resurrected from synonymy of L. gramineus and given a new name, L. montanus. Genetic barcoding of specimens from both populations showed that they belong to two distinct lineages that had been revealed by recent phylogenetic research. To confirm the geographic separation of the studied populations, the collection area of L. gramineus types was verified through analysis of the diary and the final report of the 2nd expedition of V. Bottego, and through matching of the route described in it with modern maps. The type locality of L. gramineus sensu stricto is restricted to Gamo Gofa, Ethiopia. Following the results of recent phylogenetic studies, the range of L. gramineus is limited to west of the Great Rift Valley. An identification key to the named Ethiopian species of the genus is provided.

Keywords: Bale Mountains, Ethiopia, Harenna Forest, Leptopelis diffidens sp. nov., Leptopelis montanus nom. nov., Leptopelis rugosus, Pseudocassina ocellata, Pseudocassina rugosa

Figure 3. Adult females of three species of the Leptopelis gramineus complex in life, shown to the same scale
A Leptopelis diffidens sp. nov., Harenna Forest (holotype, ZSM 81/2019)
B Leptopelis montanus nom. nov., Gaysay Grasslands, Bale Mountains (not collected)
C L. sp. ‘Shewa’, Menz-Guassa (not collected).

Leptopelis diffidens sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Medium-sized (SVL of males ca. 24–29 mm, females ca. 35–40 mm) ground-dwelling and burrowing frog with robust body, relatively wide and short head, and short limbs. Terminal phalanges of toes and fingers expanded to small, but distinct discs. Only base phalanges of toes II–IV with broad web; on toe V the web extends along phalanges 1 and 2. The rest of toe phalanges with feeble fringe. Fingers are free of web or fringe. Light-brown or light olive-green from above; either no dorsal pattern, or three indistinct broad longitudinal bands (one vertebral and two dorsolateral) present that are slightly darker than the ground colour. Males with pectoral glands. Advertisement call: quiet, high-pitched singleton ‘quack’, repeated at intervals of ca. 20 seconds.

Etymology: The Latin adjective diffidens (used here in nominative singular) means diffident, anxious, shy, mistrustful. This name refers to the behaviour of this frog that appears even more cryptic and defensive than L. gramineus from other populations. The vocalisation of a male is so quiet that the animal is very difficult to locate and to spot. When approached, at a distance of only 5 m, it stops calling and remains silent until the disturber has gone away or has not moved for at least 10 minutes. As a vernacular name for this species, we propose ‘Harenna Burrowing Treefrog’.

...

In accordance with Article 50 and Paragraph 3 of Article 60 of ICZN, we establish a substitute name Leptopelis montanus nom. nov. for Leptopelis ocellatus (Ahl, 1924) to resolve its homonymy with Leptopelis ocellatus (Mocquard, 1902).

 

 Etymology: The new specific name montanus (living in mountains, montane) refers to the fact that this species ranges into afromontane areas up to elevation of almost 4000 m a.s.l., thus being a Leptopelis with probably the highest altitudinal distribution. The name is an adjective in nominative singular.

a map showing the distribution of the Leptopelis gramineus species complex members:
L. gramineus (filled circle), L. sp. ‘Shewa’ (empty circle), L. montanus nom. nov. (empty triangle), L. diffidens sp. nov. (filled square), L. sp. ‘Borana/Sidamo’ (empty diamond).
Type localities of the described species are marked with a cross.

Figure 10. Habitats of three species of the Leptopelis gramineus complex
A, B Habitats of Leptopelis diffidens sp. nov. in the Harenna Forest – Segoba glade and Manyate village
C habitat of Leptopelis montanus nom. nov. in the Web Valley, Bale Mountains
D habitat of L. sp. ‘Shewa’ in Menz-Guassa.

    

Arthur Tiutenko and Oleksandr Zinenko. 2021. A New Species of Leptopelis (Anura, Arthroleptidae) from the south-eastern slope of the Ethiopian Highlands, with Notes on the Leptopelis gramineus Species Complex and the Revalidation of A previously Synonymised Species. ZooKeys 1023: 119-150. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1023.53404

    

[Porifera • 2021] Mycale Species of the Tropical Indo-West Pacific (Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida)

Mycale (Arenochalina) euplectellioides (Row, 1911)

in van Soest, Aryasari & de Voogd, 2021.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4912.1.1

Abstract

The species of the cosmopolitan sponge genus Mycale occurring in the tropical Indo-West Pacific region and adjacent subtropical waters are reviewed taxonomically. Specimens incorporated in the collections of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center form the basis of this comprehensive study, supplemented by (type) specimens borrowed from or examined in other institutions. Specimens available numbered 351, belonging to 44 species, including 14 species new to science, Mycale (Aegogropila) prognatha sp.nov., Mycale (Carmia) amiri sp.nov., Mycale (Carmia) fungiaphila sp.nov., Mycale (Carmia) monomicrosclera sp.nov., Mycale (Carmia) tenuichela sp.nov., Mycale (Carmia) tubiporicola sp.nov., Mycale (Carmia) tydemani sp.nov., Mycale (Mycale) asigmata sp.nov., Mycale (Mycale) grandoides sp.nov., Mycale (Mycale) sundaminorensis sp.nov., Mycale (Naviculina) mascarenensis sp.nov., Mycale (Paresperella) sceptroides sp.nov., Mycale (Paresperella) seychellensis sp.nov., Mycale (Zygomycale) sibogae sp.nov. Three species, indicated by the designation ‘aff.’, were not definitely assigned to known or new species due to uncertainty of their identity. The genus Kerasemna, previously considered a junior synonym of Mycale, was revived as an additional subgenus Mycale (Kerasemna). One species, previously assigned to the genus Desmacella as D. lampra De Laubenfels is here reassigned to Mycale, subgenus at present undecided. Additionally, species previously reported from the region but not represented in our collections are briefly characterized and discussed. We propose new names Mycale (Mycale) mauricei nom.nov. for Mycale macrochela Burton (junior primary homonym of Mycale fistulata var. macrochela Hentschel) and Mycale (Mycale) bouryesnaultae nom.nov. for Mycale (Mycale) fibrosa Boury-Esnault & Van Beveren (junior primary homonym of Mycale (Aegogropila) adhaerens subsp. fibrosa Koltun). Keys to the species of each subgenus occurring in the region are provided. The opportunity of having studied this comprehensive set of species and specimens from the tropical Indo-West Pacific is taken to review and discuss the morphological and biogeographical data gathered so far on the genus Mycale. The genus currently comprises approximately 255 accepted species, with highest diversity focused in tropical Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific regions as well as in warm-temperate Mediterranean-Atlantic regions.

Keywords: Porifera, Sponges, taxonomy, new species, Indonesia, Western Indian Ocean, biogeography

Mycale (Arenochalina) euplectellioides (Row, 1911)

 

Rob W.M. van Soest, Ratih Aryasari and Nicole J. de Voogd. 2021. Mycale Species of the Tropical Indo-West Pacific (Porifera, Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida). Zootaxa. 4912(1); 1-212. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4912.1.1

[Botany • 2019] Checklist to the Elatostema (Urticaceae) of Vietnam including 19 New Records, Ten New Combinations, Two New Names and Four New Synonyms

representative Elatostema species in Vietnam:
 (A) E. crassiusculum; (C) E. hookerianum; (G), E. obtusum; (H) E. ramosum; (J) E. fengshanense; (K) E. austrosinense.

in Fu, Monro, Do, et al., 2019. 

 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6188 

Abstract 

Elatostema (Urticaceae) comprises several hundred herbaceous species distributed in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania. The greatest species richness occurs on limestone karst in Southeast Asia. Taxonomic revisions of Elatostema are largely out of date and contradict each other with respect to the delimitation of Elatostema and Pellionia. Most herbaria in SE Asia and worldwide contain significant amounts of unidentified material. As part of a broader revision of Elatostema in SE Asia, we present an updated checklist for Vietnam based on field visits, a review of specimens in herbaria worldwide, a review of type material and nomenclature. We recognize 77 taxa (75 species and two infraspecific taxa) of Elatostema in Vietnam, 23 of which were previously ascribed to Pellionia. Nineteen of these are new records for the country, i.e., E. attenuatoides, E. austrosinense, E. backeri, E. brunneinerve, E. crassiusculum, E. crenatum, E. fengshanense, E. glochidioides, E. malacotrichum, E. nanchuanense, E. oblongifolium, E. obtusum, E. oppositum, E. pergameneum, E. prunifolium, E. pseudolongipes, E. pycnodontum, E. salvinioides and E. xichouense. We place E. baviensis in synonymy of E. platyphyllum, E. colaniae in synonymy of E. myrtillus, P. macroceras in synonymy of E. hookerianum, and P. tetramera in synonymy of E. dissectum for the first time. Fourteen taxa (18% of all the recognized taxa) are endemic to Vietnam, which makes Elatostema one of the richest genera for endemic species in this country; this level of endemism is comparable to levels observed in Orchidaceae. Our checklist suggests that the highest diversity and endemism of Elatostema occurs in northern Vietnam, and that there is the greatest floristic similarity of northern Vietnam to SW China. The relationship among floristic regions is also investigated. We could find no records of Elatostema for 33 out of 63 provincial units of Vietnam, including all the southernmost provinces. We propose that further studies on the diversity of Elatostema in central and southern Vietnam are severely needed.

Figure 3: Plate I of representative Elatostema species in Vietnam:
(A) E. crassiusculum; (B) E. glochidioides; (C) E. hookerianum; (D) E. prunifolium; (E), E. arcuatobracteatum; (F), E. retrohirtum; (G), E. obtusum; (H) E. ramosum; (I) E. integrifolium; (J) E. fengshanense; (K) E. austrosinense; (L) E. malacotrichum.

Conclusions: 

This study combines taxonomic and field expertise from China, Russia, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. It has strongly benefited from the availability of type images online which has accelerated the process of identification and the evaluation of taxon names. Ongoing research to document the floras of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam provides a huge opportunity for the taxonomy of Elatostema. Once combined with the completed Flora of China and Flora Malesiana accounts our updated checklist for Vietnam will fill a significant knowledge gap for this species-rich genus and lay the foundations for a global checklist. This fourth checklist for Vietnam not only doubles estimates of the diversity of the genus, it also identifies major knowledge gaps for the country, i.e., central Vietnam and, most notably, southern Vietnam. We propose that greater sampling effort of the flora of central Vietnam and southern Vietnam will result in a number of new additions to the flora of the country.

Long-Fei Fu, Alex Monro, Truong Van Do, Maxim S. Nuraliev, Leonid V. Averyanov, Fang Wen, Zi-Bing Xin, Tatiana V. Maisak, Andrey N. Kuznetsov, Svetlana P. Kuznetsova, Khang Sinh Nguyen and Yi-Gang Wei​. 2019. Checklist to the Elatostema (Urticaceae) of Vietnam including 19 New Records, Ten New Combinations, Two New Names and Four New Synonyms.  PeerJ. 7:e6188. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6188

[Botany • 2019] Eulophia lagaligo (Orchidaceae) • A New Name for An Overlooked Species of Eulophia from Wallacea

Eulophia lagaligo Metusala

in Metusala, 2019. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.415.4.6

Eulophia bicolor described by Blume is an illegitimate name for a species that has generally been considered synonymous with E. nuda. The former should be recognized as a distinct species, as it differs in having different spur characteristics, a narrower column, and an anther cap with an elongated protuberance. It is here given a new name, E. lagaligo.

Keywords: Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Monocots

FIGURE 2. Eulophia lagaligo. A, inflorescence. B—C, flower (B, oblique view; C, side view). D—F, flattened sepals and petal (D, lateral sepal; E, petal; F, dorsal sepal). G, section through lip and column without anther-cap. H, anther-cap. I, flattened lip. J, column and column-foot without anther-cap (ventral view). K, plant. L, pseudobulb. Drawn from RIO 43 by Destario Metusala.

FIGURE 1. Eulophia lagaligo. A, inflorescence. B—C, flower (B, front view; C, side view). D—E, anther cap with an elongated protuberance. Photos by Destario Metusala.

Eulophia lagaligo Metusala, nom. nov.

Replaced name: Eulophia bicolor Blume (1859: 151), nom. illeg. (non Dalzell, 1851).

 Type:—INDONESIA. Timor, Zippelius s.n. (holotype: L!—photo seen, barcode L0061229). Heterotypic synonym: Eulophia bicolor Blume var. celebica Smith (1922: 71). (Syntype: L!, barcode L0061231). 

Diagnosis:— Eulophia lagaligo is morphologically close to Eulophia nuda, but differs in having a downwards-pointing spur formed by the lip and the column-foot (versus a backwards-pointing spur formed by the column-foot only, Fig. 4), a narrower column (2–2.5 versus 4–5 mm wide), and an anther cap with an elongated, horn-like protuberance (versus an anther cap with two short protuberances, Fig. 5).

...

Distribution:— The distribution of Eulophia lagaligo so far appears to be restricted to two islands in Wallacea. During the expedition in 2008, living plants were found in relatively open habitat in Cani Sirenreng, South Sulawesi at 100–600 m. Previous records of this taxon are from Gunung Pasangmalambe, South Sulawesi (Smith 1922) and Timor Island, Lesser Sunda islands (Blume 1859). 

 Etymology:— The specific epithet refers to La Galigo, a 14th century poetic text in the ancient language of the Bugis people from South Sulawesi, which has been recognized by UNESCO as Memory of the World documentary heritage, and is one of the most voluminous literary work in the world.

Destario Metusala. 2019. A New Name for an Overlooked Species of Eulophia (Orchidaceae) from Wallacea. Zootaxa. 415(4); 217–224. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.415.4.6

[Invertebrate • 2018] Diversity and Evolution of the Stygobitic Speleonerilla nom. nov. (Nerillidae, Annelida) with Description of Three New Species from Anchialine Caves in the Caribbean and Lanzarote

Speleonerilla saltatrix (Worsaae et al. 2004)
 Speleonerilla Worsaae, Sterrer & Iliffe, 2018

in Worsaae, Gonzalez, Kerbl, Nielsen, Jørgensen, et al., 2018. 

  DOI:  10.1007/s12526-018-0906-5 

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Abstract

Anchialine caves have revealed a variety of highly adapted animals including several records of nerillid annelids. However, only one stygobitic lineage, Speleonerilla nom. nov. (previously known as Longipalpa), seems obligate to this environment. We here provide new information on this lineage including the description of three new species, two new records, and the first phylogeny of the genus. All species have been collected from the water column of anchialine caves in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canary Islands, contrary to their benthic and interstitial nerillid relatives. New species were described combining light, scanning electron, and confocal laser scanning microscopy and named after traditional dances from their corresponding countries. Speleonerilla isa sp. n. is morphologically the most divergent species, characterized by the presence of nine segments, two pairs of spermioducts, and parapodial cirri present on all segments. Speleonerilla calypso sp. n. and S. salsa sp. n. are mainly distinguished from S. saltatrix by the presence of one additional pair of nephridia and are diagnosed based on unique combinations of characters including the specific arrangements of trunk ciliation, parapodial cirri, and number of chaetae. Two additional records from anchialine caves in Northeast Cuba and México were not described due to limited available material. Phylogenetic analyses of four molecular markers recovered the East Atlantic S. isa as sister to a clade containing the West Atlantic species, the interrelationship of which did not further reflect the geographical distances within the Caribbean. Evolutionary adaptations are discussed, such as the long ciliated palps and pygidial lobes of Speleonerilla used for swimming and their high tolerance to changing salinities when apparently feeding on bacteria in the halocline of the anchialine cave systems.

Keywords: Interstitial, Cave fauna, Meiofauna, Troglomorphism, Stygofauna 

Drawing of Speleonerilla saltatrix (Worsaae et al. 2004),

scale bar 100 μm

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Family Nerillidae Levinsen, 1883

Genus Speleonerilla Worsaae, Sterrer & Iliffe, 2018. 

Speleonerilla is new replacement name for Longipalpa Worsaae, Sterrer & Iliffe, 2004 

[preoccupied: Longipalpa Pagenstecher, 1900 (Insecta: Lepidoptera) (see Pagenstecher,1900)].  

  

Remarks: A new generic name, Speleonerilla nov. nom., is here proposed in order to eliminate the homonymy between the genera Longipalpa Pagenstecher, 1900, junior synonymy of Bytharia Walker, 1865 (Geometridae, Lepidoptera) (see Walker, 1865) and Longipalpa Worsaae, Sterrer and Iliffe, 2004 (Nerillidae, Annelida).

....

Speleonerilla calypso sp. n.

Etymology: The species is named after the dance calypso, which originated in Trinidad & Tobago and later spread to other Caribbean Islands, including the Bahamas.

Speleonerilla salsa sp. n.

Etymology: The species is named after the dance salsa, the musical roots of which lie in Eastern Cuba.

Speleonerilla isa sp. n.

Etymology: The species is named after the Canarian traditional folk dance “isa” from Lanzarote.

Katrine Worsaae, Brett C. Gonzalez, Alexandra Kerbl, Sofie Holdflod Nielsen, Julie Terp Jørgensen, Maickel Armenteros, Thomas M. Iliffe and Alejandro Martínez. 2018. Diversity and Evolution of the Stygobitic Speleonerilla nom. nov. (Nerillidae, Annelida) with Description of Three New Species from Anchialine Caves in the Caribbean and Lanzarote. Marine Biodiversity  DOI:  10.1007/s12526-018-0906-5 

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[Crustacea • 2017] Revision of Family Megacalanidae (Copepoda: Calanoida)

Elenacalanus princeps (Brady, 1883).

photo: David Shale, UK.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4229.1.1

Abstract

The Megacalanidae were revised based on new and archived material. Taxonomic confusion that has existed in the family is discussed and a method is suggested for stabilising names. A detailed examination of the morphology of this family, using the light microscope, has added further useful characters that distinguish genera and species. The added, hitherto undescribed species include character states incompatible with aspects of previous generic definitions (e.g. presence or absence of setae on the maxillule coxal endite). Nevertheless, the cladistic and molecular analyses confirmed that there are at least four monophyletic clades mostly with high bootstrap support. These clades represent already defined genera, one of which [Elenacalanus nom. nov. (nomen novum)] replaces the preoccupied name Heterocalanus Wolfenden, 1906. Four previously described species have been re-assigned to Elenacalanus in new combinations: E. princeps (Brady, 1883), E. eltaninae (Björnberg, 1968), E. sverdrupi (Johnson, 1958) and E. inflatus (Björnberg, 1968). Eleven new species are described: three Megacalanus, one Bradycalanus, six Bathycalanus, and one Elenacalanus nom. nov. Bradycalanus pseudotypicus enormis Björnberg, 1968 has been raised to species status based on genetic data although it can be only be distinguished morphologically from Br. typicus by its large size. All four genera are differentially diagnosed and keys are provided to the genera and species. We confirm that all male right antennules are geniculate in the Megacalanidae. Thirteen males are known. Of these males, eight are newly described (Megacalanus frosti n. sp., M. ericae n. sp., M. ohmani n. sp., Bathycalanus bradyi (Wolfenden, 1905a), Ba. dentatus n. sp., Ba. milleri n. sp., Ba. unicornis Björnberg, 1968, and Elenacalanus tageae n. sp.). We cannot be absolutely certain that the correct males have been assigned to the appropriate female so our decisions await testing with new data. The cladistic analysis provides the first morphology-based phylogeny. This scheme served as a working hypothesis which was tested and corroborated using the newly gathered molecular data. Vertical and horizontal distributions are summarised.

Keywords: Crustacea, Megacalanus, Bradycalanus, Bathycalanus, Elenacalanus nom. nov., key, morphology, genes, phylogeny, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, bathypelagic, abyssopelagic, Megacalanus frosti n. sp., M. ericae n.sp., M. ohmani n. sp., Bradycalanus abyssicolus n. sp., Bathycalanus dentatus n. sp., Ba. milleri n. sp., Ba. tumidus n. sp., Ba. adornatus n. sp., Ba. pustulosus n. sp., Ba. bucklinae n. sp., Elenacalanus tageae n. sp.

Janet M. Bradford-Grieve, Leocadio Blanco-Bercial and Geoffrey A. Boxshall. 2017. Revision of Family Megacalanidae (Copepoda: Calanoida). 

Zootaxa. 4229(1); 1–183. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4229.1.1

[Botany • 2016] Lifting the Curtain on Our Knowledge of New Guinean Benstonea (Pandanaceae)

FIGURE 2. A–B. Benstonea ihuana. C. Benstonea rostellata. D. Benstonea papuana. E. Benstonea permicron.

A. Photo: P. Homot. B. Photo: T. Laman. C. From Heatubun1253 (Photo: C. Heatubun). D. Heatubun et al. 1017 (Photo: C. Heatubun). E. Mustaqim et al. 1529 (Photo: W. Mustaqim) 

Abstract

New Guinea is one of the centres of diversity of Benstonea (Pandanaceae), a genus distributed from India to Fiji. Ten species were previously recognised on this island and further field observations, accompanied by the study of available herbarium material have brought new insights into species delimitations within a group of caespitose species with a solitary terminal infructescence. The taxonomical identity of Benstonea odoardoi is elucidated and is considered here as a synonym of Benstonea lauterbachii. Three new combinations and a new name—based on names of Pandanus species previously treated as synonyms of Benstonea odoardoi—are proposed for four distinct species belonging to this group of caespitose species and restricted to Indonesian New Guinea and Papua New Guinea. Finally, Pandanus bintuniensis is here considered as a synonym of Benstonea permicron.

 Key words: taxonomy, Indonesian New Guinea, Pandanus, Papua New Guinea

Benstonea odoardoi is a synonym of the large tree B. lauterbachii

• Benstonea lauterbachii (Schumann & Warburg in Warburg 1900: 81) Callmander & Buerki in Callmander et al.(2012: 335).

Three new combinations, a new name and a new synonymy within caespitose species of Benstonea with solitary terminal syncarps

• Benstonea eumekes (H. St. John ex B.C. Stone) Callm. & Buerki, comb. nov. 

• Benstonea ihuana (Martelli) Callm. & Buerki, comb. nov.

• Benstonea rostellata (Merr. & L.M. Perry) Callm. & Buerki, comb. nov.

• Benstonea papuana Callm. & Buerki, nom. nov.

 Martin W Callmander, Ary P Keim, Charlie D. Heatubun, Peter Homot and Sven Buerki. 2016. Lifting the Curtain on Our Knowledge of New Guinean Benstonea (Pandanaceae).
Phytotaxa. 275(2); 168-174. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.275.2.8

ResearchGate.net/publication/308355975_Lifting_the_curtain_on_our_knowledge_of_New_Guinean_Benstonea_Pandanaceae

[Ichthyology • 2010] Microcobitis • a New Genus Name for Cobitis misgurnoides Rendahl, 1944 (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from river basins in Central Vietnam

Microcobitis, new genus, is established with Cobitis misgurnoides Rendahl, 1944 as type species. It is diagnosed by having the lower lip developed into four barbel-like lobes, adult males bearing a lamina circularis at the base of the second pectoral-fin ray, suborbital spine in a groove under the eye and not covered by skin, a pre-epiphysal fontanel between the frontal bones, a cartilaginous epiphysal bar, and the absence of body swellings in males.

Etymology. The name is derived from the Greek word ‘micros’, small, used as prefix here, and the generic name Cobitis, the type genus of Cobitidae, in which Microcobitis was originally placed due to the similar shape of the lamina circularis in males. Gender feminine.

Distribution. Presently reported from river basins in Central Vietnam. Microcobitis has also been reported to occur in some tributaries of the Mekong in Laos on the western slope of the Annamite range (M. Kottelat, pers. comm.).

Bohlen, J. and Harant, R. 2010. Microcobitis, a New Genus Name for Cobitis misgurnoides (Teleostei: Cobitidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters 21(4): 295-300.

http://www.pfeil-verlag.de/04biol/pdf/ief21_4_02.pdf

[Paleontology • 2014] ชาละวัน ไทยแลนดิคัส • Chalawan thailandicus • A Large pholidosaurid in the Phu Kradung Formation of north-eastern Thailand; former 'Sunosuchus' thailandicus

Chalawan thailandicus (Buffetaut & Ingavat 1984)
Chalawan gen. nov. Martin, Lauprasert, Buffetaut, Liard & Suteethorn 2013
syn: Sunosuchus thailandicus Buffetaut & Ingavat 1984

illustration: satorsaurus.deviantART.com

ชาละวัน ไทยแลนดิคัส Chalawan thailandicus

ซูโนซูคัส ไทยแลนดิคัส Sunosuchus thailandicus

Abstract

In the early 1980s, the remains of a large crocodilian, consisting of a nearly complete lower jaw, were referred to a distinct species of Sunosuchus, S. thailandicus. The specimen was recovered from a road-cut near Nong Bua Lamphu, north-eastern Thailand, in the upper part of the continental Phu Kradung Formation, and then considered Early to Middle Jurassic in age. Since then, this age has been revised and most of the formation is now considered Early Cretaceous, although a Late Jurassic age is possible for its lowermost part. Here, we report for the first time cranial elements associated with mandibular remains assignable to ‘S’. thailandicus. An attribution to Pholidosauridae is proposed on the basis of premaxillary morphology, and the original referral of this taxon to the goniopholidid Sunosuchus is discarded. A new genus name Chalawan now designates the originally described material of S. thailandicus. Nevertheless, the newly described specimen shares a characteristic with both ‘traditional’ Goniopholididae and Pholidosauridae: the presence of a depression located on the lateral wall of the maxilla and jugal. A phylogenetic analysis confirms the inclusion of both Goniopholididae and Pholidosauridae into a common clade, Coelognathosuchia tax. nov. Although the new Thai skull is much fragmented, its original shape is reconstructed and is compared with other pholidosaurid genera, namely Elosuchus, Meridiosaurus, Oceanosuchus, Pholidosaurus, Sarcosuchus and Terminonaris. The presence of the genus Sunosuchus being highly questionable in Thailand, it cannot be used as evidence to link the Chinese and Indochinese blocks. Instead, the recognition of a freshwater pholidosaurid in a continental formation of the Indochinese block suggests that early in their evolutionary history, these crocodilians, already known from Europe, Africa and South America, were more widely distributed along the northern margin of the Tethys than previously recognized.

Keywords: crocodilia; Coelognathosuchia; Pholidosauridae; Mesozoic; Phu Kradung Formation; Thailand

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

This published work and the nomenclatural act it contains have been registered in Zoobank: http://zoobank.org/References/EC1507EB-0C95-48A0-B675-56141C9393FC

Order CROCODILIA Gmelin, 1789

Suborder COELOGNATHOSUCHIA tax. nov.

Derivation of name. In reference to the depression or concavitylocated on the posterodorsal surface of the maxilla, close or par-ticipating to the jugal. The name translates from the Greek jοιkος (concave), cmάhος (jaw) andrο~tvος (crocodile).

Diagnosis. Coelognathosuchia is characterized by the fol-lowing combination of features: presence of a depressionon the posterodorsal region of the rostrum (autapomorphic), located either fully on the maxilla or on both themaxilla and jugal; subcircular supratemporal fenestrae larger than orbits; maximum frontal width as wide or widerthan the diameter of one orbit; anterior process of nasal excluded from posterior margin of external nares; in dorsalview, marked notch at the premaxillary–maxillary junction;reduced or absent antorbital fenestra; more or less developed spine at anterolateral corner of postorbital; exoccipitaland quadrate not in contact posterior to otic area; pendu-lous quadrate medial hemicondyle; posteroventrally pro-jected retroarticular process; insertion for m. pterygoideusposterior restricted to medial margin of angular.

Definition. The sister group to the most derived neosuchians (Bernissartia fagesiiand Eusuchia), incorporatingthe family Pholidosauridae and all taxa more closelyrelated to it than to Bernissartia fagesiiand Eusuchia. Under the present phylogenetic hypothesis, the family Goniopholididae is paraphyletic.

Family PHOLIDOSAURIDAE Zittel and Eastman, 1902 

Derivation of name: ชาละวัน, Chalawan, a gigantic crocodile in the epic story of the crocodile hunter Khrai Thong written by King Rama II (1768–1824).

Type species: Sunosuchus thailandicus Buffetaut and Ingavat, 1980; CAS42-20 in Sirindhorn Museum, Kalasin province (formerly TF1370 in DMR, Bangkok); a nearly complete mandible lacking only a part of the right ramus from the Phu Kradung Formation near Nong Bua Lamphu, north-eastern Thailand.

Referred specimen: PRC102-143, Skull and mandibular elements of a single individual comprising parts of the rostrum, braincase and skull table as well as various parts of the mandible from Kham Phok, Mukdahan Province.

Type locality: Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Bua Lam Phu Province.

Type stratum: Phu Kradung Formation.

Jeremy E. Martin, Komsorn Lauprasert, Eric Buffetaut, Romain Liard and Varavudh Suteethorn. 2013. A Large pholidosaurid in the Phu Kradung Formation of north-eastern Thailand. Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1111/pala.12086

Buffetaut, E.; and Ingavat, R. 1984. The lower jaw of Sunosuchus thailandicus, a mesosuchian crocodilian from the Jurassic of Thailand. Palaeontology. 27 (1): 199–206.