[Entomology • 2013] A systematic revision of Operclipygus Marseul (Coleoptera, Histeridae, Exosternini)

Figure 13. Operclipygus conquisitus group.
A Dorsal habitus of Operclipygus conquisitus B Dorsal habitus of Operclipygus bicolor
C Metaventrite of Operclipygus bicolor D Dorsal habitus of Operclipygus friburgius
E Ventral habitus of Operclipygus friburgius

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.271.4062

Little did we know about beetle diversity: Astonishing 138 new species in a single genus

The tropics are home to an extraordinary diversity of insect species. How great is it, exactly? We do not know, but today, researchers at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History published a study on tropical beetles that can help us progress towards an answer to this question. The paper was published in the open access, peer-reviewed journal Zookeys [doi: 10.3897/zookeys.271.4062].

Entomologists Michael Caterino and Alexey Tishechkin have named 138 new species within the genus Operclipygus (the name refers to their clamshell-like rear end), thereby increasing the size of the genus over six times. The work is based on a study of over 4000 specimens amassed from natural history museums all over the World, as well as specimens from fieldwork collected throughout Central and South America by the authors.

The lead co-author of the paper, Dr. Caterino, comments of on the significance of such biodiversity: 'We all know that forests in the tropics are disappearing. But we only have the faintest idea of how much biodiversity is disappearing with them. Studies like this are critical to seeing where the greatest diversity is, and finding out the best ways to protect it',

These beetles all belong to a family known as histerids, or 'clown beetles'. All of the newly described species are similar in appearance to a poppy seed – small, round and black. Because of their extreme abundance, however, they have an ecological importance disproportionate to their size. As voracious predators of other insects' larvae, these beetles help controlling pestiferous flies. As in some cases their menu includes fly larvae found in decomposing bodies, some researchers have been promoting their use in forensic investigations.

Since the days of Darwin, Wallace, and Bates, entomologists have both celebrated and bemoaned the overwhelming diversity of tropical insects. Modern-day scientists continue to grapple with the question of just what extent of insect biodiversity lives in the tropical parts of the World, with estimates ranging from 5 to 30 million species or more. This study is only one part of a larger revision of several related histerid genera, and it seems not to be an isolated case, with most groups revealing 5 to 6 times the species currently documented.

So while biologists have a long way to go in fully documenting the species diversity in rapidly-disappearing tropical forests, comprehensive taxonomic revisions of neglected insect groups can help to clarify the magnitude of what's at stake. This project was funded by the Advancing Revisionary Taxonomy and Systematics program of the U.S. National Science Foundation, and it clearly demonstrates what dedicated support for taxonomy can do for our understanding of global biodiversity.

Dr. Caterino closes: 'We're committed to doing our best to let people know what's out there before it's too late'.

Little did we know about beetle diversity: Astonishing 138 new species in a single genus

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-02/pp-ldw022013.php

--------------------------------

Abstract

We revise the large Neotropical genus Operclipygus Marseul, in the histerid tribe Exosternini (Histeridae: Histerinae). We synonymize 3 species, move 14 species from other genera, sink the genus Tribalister Horn into Operclipygus, and describe 138 species as new, bringing the total to 177 species of Operclipygus. Keys are provided for the identification of all species, and the majority of the species are illustrated by habitus and male genitalia illustrations. The species are diverse throughout tropical South and Central America, with only a few species extending into the temperate parts of North America. The majority of species can be recognized by the presence of a distinct stria or sulcus along the apical margin of the pygidium, though it is not exclusive to the genus. Natural history details for species of Operclipygus are scant, as most specimens have been collected through the use of passive flight interception traps. Many are probably generally associated with decaying vegetation and leaf litter, where they prey on small arthropods. But a small proportion are known inquilines, with social insects such as ants and termites, and also with some burrowing mammals, such as Ctenomys Blainville. 

The genus now includes the following species groups and species: 

Operclipygus sulcistrius group [Operclipygus lucanoides sp. n., Operclipygus schmidti sp. n., Operclipygus simplistrius sp. n., Operclipygus sulcistrius Marseul, 1870], 

Operclipygus mirabilis group [Operclipygus mirabilis (Wenzel & Dybas, 1941) comb. n., Operclipygus pustulifer sp. n., Operclipygus plaumanni sp. n., Operclipygus sinuatus sp. n., Operclipygus mutuca sp. n., Operclipygus carinistrius (Lewis, 1908) comb. n., Operclipygus parensis sp. n., Operclipygus schlingeri sp. n.], 

Operclipygus kerga group [Operclipygus kerga (Marseul, 1870), Operclipygus planifrons sp. n., Operclipygus punctistrius sp. n.], 

Operclipygus conquisitus group [Operclipygus bicolor sp. n., Operclipygus conquisitus (Lewis, 1902), Operclipygus friburgius (Marseul, 1864)], 

Operclipygus impuncticollis group [Operclipygus bickhardti sp. n., Operclipygus britannicus sp. n., Operclipygus impuncticollis (Hinton, 1935)], 

Operclipygus panamensis group [Operclipygus crenatus (Lewis, 1888), Operclipygus panamensis (Wenzel & Dybas, 1941)], 

Operclipygus sejunctus group [Operclipygus depressus (Hinton, 1935), Operclipygus itoupe sp. n., Operclipygus juninensis sp. n., Operclipygus pecki sp. n., Operclipygus punctiventer sp. n., Operclipygus sejunctus (Schmidt, 1896) comb. n., Operclipygus setiventris sp. n.], 

Operclipygus mortavis group [Operclipygus ecitonis sp. n., Operclipygus mortavis sp. n., Operclipygus paraguensis sp. n.], 

Operclipygus dytiscoides group [Operclipygus carinisternus sp. n., Operclipygus crenulatus sp. n., Operclipygus dytiscoides sp. n., Operclipygus quadratus sp. n.], 

Operclipygus dubitabilis group [Operclipygus dubitabilis (Marseul, 1889), Operclipygus yasuni sp. n.], 

Operclipygus angulifer group [Operclipygus angulifer sp. n., Operclipygus impressifrons sp. n.], 

Operclipygus dubius group [Operclipygus andinus sp. n., Operclipygus dubius (Lewis, 1888), Operclipygus extraneus sp. n., Operclipygus intermissus sp. n., Operclipygus lunulus sp. n., Operclipygus occultus sp. n., Operclipygus perplexus sp. n., Operclipygus remotus sp. n., Operclipygus validus sp. n., Operclipygus variabilis sp. n.], 

Operclipygus hospes group [Operclipygus assimilis sp. n., Operclipygus belemensis sp. n., Operclipygus bulbistoma sp. n., Operclipygus callifrons sp. n., Operclipygus colombicus sp. n., Operclipygus communis sp. n., Operclipygus confertus sp. n., Operclipygus confluens sp. n., Operclipygus curtistrius sp. n., Operclipygus diffluens sp. n., Operclipygus fusistrius sp. n., Operclipygus gratus sp. n., Operclipygus hospes (Lewis, 1902), Operclipygus ibiscus sp. n., Operclipygus ignifer sp. n., Operclipygus impositus sp. n., Operclipygus incisus sp. n., Operclipygus innocuus sp. n., Operclipygus inquilinus sp. n., Operclipygus minutus sp. n., Operclipygus novateutoniae sp. n., Operclipygus praecinctus sp. n., Operclipygus prominens sp. n., Operclipygus rileyi sp. n., Operclipygus subterraneus sp. n., Operclipygus tenuis sp. n., Operclipygus tiputinus sp. n.], 

Operclipygus farctus group [Operclipygus atlanticus sp. n., Operclipygus bidessois (Marseul, 1889), Operclipygus distinctus (Hinton, 1935), Operclipygus distractus (Schmidt, 1896) comb. n., Operclipygus farctissimus sp. n., Operclipygus farctus (Marseul, 1864), Operclipygus gilli sp. n., Operclipygus impressistrius sp. n., Operclipygus inflatus sp. n., Operclipygus latemarginatus (Bickhardt, 1920) comb. n., Operclipygus petrovi sp. n., Operclipygus plicatus (Hinton, 1935) comb. n., Operclipygus prolixus sp. n., Operclipygus punctifrons sp. n., Operclipygus proximus sp. n., Operclipygus subrufus sp. n.], 

Operclipygus hirsutipes group [Operclipygus guianensis sp. n., Operclipygus hirsutipes sp. n.], 

Operclipygus hamistrius group [Operclipygus arquus sp. n., Operclipygus campbelli sp. n., Operclipygus chiapensis sp. n., Operclipygus dybasi sp. n., Operclipygus geometricus (Casey, 1893) comb. n., Operclipygus hamistrius (Schmidt, 1893) comb. n., Operclipygus impressicollis sp. n., Operclipygus intersectus sp. n., Operclipygus montanus sp. n., Operclipygus nubosus sp. n., Operclipygus pichinchensis sp. n., Operclipygus propinquus sp. n., Operclipygus quinquestriatus sp. n., Operclipygus rubidus (Hinton, 1935) comb. n., Operclipygus rufescens sp. n., Operclipygus troglodytes sp. n.], 

Operclipygus plicicollis group [Operclipygus cephalicus sp. n., Operclipygus longidens sp. n., Operclipygus plicicollis (Schmidt, 1893)], 

Operclipygus fossipygus group [Operclipygus disconnectus sp. n., Operclipygus fossipygus (Wenzel, 1944), Operclipygus foveipygus (Bickhardt, 1918), Operclipygus fungicolus (Wenzel & Dybas, 1941), Operclipygus gibbulus (Schmidt, 1889) comb. n., Operclipygus olivensis sp. n., Operclipygus simplicipygus sp. n., Operclipygus subdepressus (Schmidt, 1889), Operclipygus therondi (Wenzel, 1976)], 

Operclipygus impunctipennis group [Operclipygus chamelensis sp. n., Operclipygus foveiventris sp. n., Operclipygus granulipectus sp. n., Operclipygus impunctipennis (Hinton, 1935) comb. n., Operclipygus latifoveatus sp. n., Operclipygus lissipygus sp. n., Operclipygus maesi sp. n., Operclipygus mangiferus sp. n., Operclipygus marginipennis sp. n., Operclipygus nicodemus sp. n., Operclipygus nitidus sp. n., Operclipygus pacificus sp. n., Operclipygus pauperculus sp. n., Operclipygus punctissipygus sp. n., Operclipygus subviridis sp. n., Operclipygus tripartitus sp. n., Operclipygus vorax sp. n.], 

Operclipygus marginellus group [Operclipygus ashei sp. n., Operclipygus baylessae sp. n., Operclipygus dentatus sp. n., Operclipygus formicatus sp. n., Operclipygus hintoni sp. n., Operclipygus marginellus (J.E. LeConte, 1860) comb. n., Operclipygus orchidophilus sp. n., Operclipygus selvorum sp. n., Operclipygus striatellus (Fall, 1917) comb. n.], incertae sedis: O. teapensis (Marseul, 1853) comb. n., Operclipygus punctulatus sp. n., Operclipygus lama Mazur, 1988, Operclipygus florifaunensis sp. n., Operclipygus bosquesecus sp. n., Operclipygus arnaudi Dégallier, 1982, Operclipygus subsphaericus sp. n., Operclipygus latipygus sp. n., Operclipygus elongatus sp. n., Operclipygus rupicolus sp. n., Operclipygus punctipleurus sp. n., Operclipygus falini sp. n., Operclipygus peregrinus sp. n., Operclipygus brooksi sp. n., Operclipygus profundipygus sp. n., Operclipygus punctatissimus sp. n., Operclipygus cavisternus sp. n., Operclipygus siluriformis sp. n., Operclipygus parallelus sp. n., Operclipygus abbreviatus sp. n., Operclipygus pygidialis (Lewis, 1908), Operclipygus faltistrius sp. n., Operclipygus limonensis sp. n., Operclipygus wenzeli sp. n., Operclipygus iheringi (Bickhardt, 1917), Operclipygus angustisternus (Wenzel, 1944), Operclipygus shorti sp. n. 

We establish the following synonymies: Phelisteroides miladae Wenzel & Dybas, 1941 and Pseudister propygidialis Hinton, 1935e = Operclipygus crenatus (Lewis, 1888); Phelister subplicatus Schmidt, 1893b = Operclipygus bidessois (Marseul, 1889). We designate lectotypes for Operclipygus sulcistrius Marseul, 1870, Phelister carinistrius Lewis, 1908, Phelister kerga Marseul, 1870, Phelister friburgius Marseul, 1864, Phelister impuncticollis Hinton, 1935, Phelister crenatus Lewis, 1888, Phelister sejunctus Schmidt, 1896, Pseudister depressus Hinton, 1935, Epierus dubius Lewis, 1888, Phelister hospes Lewis, 1902, Phelister farctus Marseul, 1864, Phelister bidessois Marseul, 1889, Phelister subplicatus Schmidt, 1893, Phelister plicatus Hinton, 1935, Phelister distinctus Hinton, 1935, Phelister distractus Schmidt, 1896, Pseudister latemarginatus Bickhardt, 1920, Phelister hamistrius Schmidt, 1893, Phelister plicicollis Schmidt, 1893, Phelister gibbulus Schmidt, 1889, Phelister subdepressus Schmidt, 1889, Phelister teapensis Marseul, 1853, Phelister pygidialis Lewis, 1908, Phelister iheringi Bickhardt, 1917, and Phelister marginellus J.E. LeConte 1860. We designate a neotype for Operclipygus conquisitus Lewis, replacing its lost type specimen.

Keywords: Histeridae, Histerinae, Exosternini, Operclipygus, myrmecophily, Neotropical region

Caterino, M.S., Tishechkin, A.K. 2013. A systematic revision of Operclipygus Marseul (Coleoptera, Histeridae, Exosternini). ZooKeys. 271: 1–401. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.271.4062

Little did we know about beetle diversity: Astonishing 138 new species in a single genus

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-02/pp-ldw022013.php

[Mammalogy / News • 2013] The birth of a rare Giant Armadillo Priodontes maximus recorded for the first time in Brazil

The birth of a rare giant armadillo has been recorded for the first time in Brazil. Researchers studying the 'vulnerable' animals first saw a male and female sharing a burrow thanks to automated camera traps. Five months later, images showed the female favouring one burrow and soon after the distinctive nose of a baby appeared in shot. The young armadillo was photographed in full as it moved to another home with its mother. "Documenting the birth of a giant armadillo is an exciting step forward to helping us better understand the biology and reproduction of this cryptic species and ultimately help us conserve it," said Dr Arnaud Desbiez, co-ordinator of the Pantanal Giant Armadillo Project.

Rare giant armadillo birth recorded

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21498108

http://www.rzss.org.uk/conservation-programmes/projects/current-projects/pantanal-conservation-and-research-initiative

Scientists document baby giant armadillo for first time

http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0219-hance-giant-armadillo-baby.html

http://www.natural-research.org/files/7113/5970/8473/Armadillo_Report.pdf

[Herpetology • 2013] Photographic Capture-Recapture Sampling for Assessing Populations of the Indian Gliding Lizard Draco dussumieri | Photographic Sampling of Gliding Lizards

Fig 1. Attributes used to differentiate Draco dussumieri individuals.

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055935

Abstract

The usage of invasive tagging methods to assess lizard populations has often been criticised, due to the potential negative effects of marking, which possibly cause increased mortality or altered behaviour. The development of safe, less invasive techniques is essential for improved ecological study and conservation of lizard populations. In this study, we describe a photographic capture-recapture (CR) technique for estimating Draco dussumieri (Agamidae) populations. We used photographs of the ventral surface of the patagium to identify individuals. To establish that the naturally occurring blotches remained constant through time, we compared capture and recapture photographs of 45 pen-marked individuals after a 30 day interval. No changes in blotches were observed and individual lizards could be identified with 100% accuracy. The population density of D. dussumieri in a two hectare areca-nut plantation was estimated using the CR technique with ten sampling occasions over a ten day period. The resulting recapture histories for 24 individuals were analysed using population models in the program CAPTURE. All models indicated that nearly all individuals were captured. The estimated probability for capturing D. dussumieri on at least one occasion was 0.92 and the estimated population density was 13±1.65 lizards/ha. Our results demonstrate the potential for applying CR to population studies in gliding lizards (Draco spp.) and other species with distinctive markings.

Sreekar R, Purushotham CB, Saini K, Rao SN, Pelletier S, et al. 2013. Photographic Capture-Recapture Sampling for Assessing Populations of the Indian Gliding Lizard Draco dussumieri. PLoS ONE 8(2): e55935. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0055935

[Cetology / Animal Behaviour • 2013] Multivariate analysis of behavioural response experiments in humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae

how these gigantic aquatic mammals behave in response the the sounds of their own voices.

DOI: 10.1242/​jeb.071498 | http://facebook.com/JExpBiol

SUMMARY

The behavioural response study (BRS) is an experimental design used by field biologists to determine the function and/or behavioural effects of conspecific, heterospecific or anthropogenic stimuli. When carrying out these studies in marine mammals it is difficult to make basic observations and achieve sufficient samples sizes because of the high cost and logistical difficulties. Rarely are other factors such as social context or the physical environment considered in the analysis because of these difficulties. This paper presents results of a BRS carried out in humpback whales to test the response of groups to one recording of conspecific social sounds and an artificially generated tone stimulus. Experiments were carried out in September/October 2004 and 2008 during the humpback whale southward migration along the east coast of Australia. In total, 13 ‘tone’ experiments, 15 ‘social sound’ experiments (using one recording of social sounds) and three silent controls were carried out over two field seasons. The results (using a mixed model statistical analysis) suggested that humpback whales responded differently to the two stimuli, measured by changes in course travelled and dive behaviour. Although the response to ‘tones’ was consistent, in that groups moved offshore and surfaced more often (suggesting an aversion to the stimulus), the response to ‘social sounds’ was highly variable and dependent upon the composition of the social group. The change in course and dive behaviour in response to ‘tones’ was found to be related to proximity to the source, the received signal level and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This study demonstrates that the behavioural responses of marine mammals to acoustic stimuli are complex. In order to tease out such multifaceted interactions, the number of replicates and factors measured must be sufficient for multivariate analysis.

KEY WORDS: behavioural response, BRS, social sounds, anthropogenic noise, humpback whales

Rebecca A. Dunlop, Michael J. Noad, Douglas H. Cato, Eric Kniest, Patrick J. O. Miller, Joshua N. Smith and M. Dale Stokes. 2013. Multivariate analysis of behavioural response experiments in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).  J Exp Biol. 216, 759-770. DOI: 10.1242/​jeb.071498

[Mammalogy] Pangolins of the World (Family Manidae) | โลกของลิ่น

Family Manidae (Pangolins)

http://www.lynxeds.com/

Pangolins of the World 

All 8 species of pangolin side by side for comparision. While varying in size and colour all eight species have scales, long curved claws for digging into termite mounds and an appetite for ants. 

ORDER PHOLIDOTA

Family Manidae | Subfamily Maninae 

Genus Manis

Subgenus Manis

Indian pangolin M. crassicaudata  ..........6.

Chinese pangolin M. pentadactyla  ..........2.

Asian giant pangolin M. paleojavanica  ............† (EX)

Subgenus Paramanis

Sunda pangolin M. javanica ..........3.

Philippine pangolin M. culionensis ..........4. 

Subgenus Smutsia

Giant pangolin M. gigantea  ...........5. 

Ground pangolin M. temmincki  ..........1. 

Subgenus Phataginus

Tree pangolin M. tricuspis  ..........8. 

Subgenus Uromanis

Long-tailed pangolin M. tetradactyla  ............7. 

---------------------------------------

1. Cape pangolin or Temminck’s Ground Pangolin Smutsia temminckii

Angola, Botswana, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

2. Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla

Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, India, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand and Viet Nam.

3. Sunda pangolin or Malayan Pangolin Manis javanica

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.

4. Philippine Pangolin Manis culionensis

 Philippines

5. Giant ground pangolin Smutsia gigantea

Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania.

6. Indian Pangolin or Thick-tailed Pangolin Manis crassicaudata

Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

7. Long tailed Pangolin or Black-bellied Pangolin Uromanis tetradactyla

Cameroon, Congo, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

8. Tree pangolin or African White-bellied Pangolin Phataginus tricuspis

Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.

http://www.lynxeds.com/es/hmw/plate/family-manidae-pangolins

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=419729811443742

[Ornithology / Animal Behaviour • 2010] Cleaner birds: an overview for the Neotropics

A tissue and blood-feeding cleaner:
the Antarctic Skua (Stercorarius antarcticus) pecks at the bloody snout of an elephant seal male.

Abstract

Several bird species feed on a variety of external parasites and epibionts, organic debris, dead and wounded tissue, clots and blood, and secretions from the body of other vertebrates (hosts or clients). We present an overview of so called cleaner birds from the Neotropics based on field records, literature, and photo survey. We found that 33 bird species in 16 families practice cleaning even if some of them do so very occasionally. The birds range from the Galápagos ground finch Geospiza fuliginosa to the widespread black vulture Coragyps atratus. Clients mostly are large herbivores such as capybaras, deer, and livestock, but also include medium-sized herbivores such as iguanas and tortoises, and carnivores such as boobies and seals - a few bird species associate with these latter marine mammals. No carnivorous terrestrial mammal client is recorded to date except for a domestic dog, from whose hair black vultures picked organic debris. Some clients adopt particular inviting postures while being cleaned, whereas others are indifferent or even disturbed by the activity of cleaner birds. Capybaras, giant tortoises, and iguanas are among the inviting clients, whereas boobies try to dislodge the 'vampire' finch Geospiza difficilis. Most of the Neotropical cleaner birds may be lumped in one broad category (omnivores that dwell in open areas and associate with large to medium-sized herbivores). A second, restricted category accommodates some species from Patagonia and the Galápagos Islands (omnivores that dwell in open areas and associate with carnivorous marine mammals, or seabirds and marine reptiles). Two still more restricted categories accommodate the following: 1) forest-dwelling cleaner birds; and 2) marine coastal cleaners. Additional records of Neotropical cleaner birds will mostly fall in the broad category.

Keywords: cleaning symbiosis, opportunistic birds, association with vertebrates, ectoparasite and tissue removal.

Cleaner | cleaning #symbiosis, #Ecology #Bird 

http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=449413955111968  

SAZIMA, I. & SAZIMA, C. 2010. Cleaner birds: an overview for the Neotropics. Biota Neotrop. 10(4): http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1676-06032010000400025

[Botany • 2012] Tribounia | ม่วงไตรบุญ (ไตรบุญเนีย) • a new genus of Gesneriaceae from Thailand; ม่วงไตรบุญ Tribounia venosa & ม่วงไตรบุญดอกใหญ่ Tribounia grandiflora

 ม่วงไตรบุญ Tribounia venosa (Barnett) D.J. Middleton 

ม่วงไตรบุญดอกใหญ่ Tribounia grandiflora D.J. Middleton

Abstract 

The new genus Tribounia is described with two species, Tribounia venosa (Barnett) D.J. Middleton, a new combination, and Tribounia grandiflora D.J. Middleton, a new species. A key to the species and conservation assessments are provided.

Keywords: Gesneriaceae; new genus; Thailand; Tribounia

ม่วงไตรบุญ (ไตรบุญเนีย ) พืชสกุลใหม่ของไทย

  Tribounia, a new genus from Thailand

ม่วงไตรบุญ (ไตรบุญเนีย  - Tribounia) พืชสกุลใหม่ในวงศ์เทียนหิน-พรมกำมะหยี่ (Family Gesneriaceae) ตั้งชื่อเพื่อเป็นเกียรติกับ ดร. ปราโมทย์ ไตรบุญ นักพฤกษศาสตร์ชาวไทย

ม่วงไตรบุญ (Tribounia) เป็นพืชล้มลุกพบขึ้นบนหินปูนทางภาคตะวันตกของประเทศไทย มี 2 ชนิด คือ ม่วงไตรบุญ Tribounia venosa (Barnett) D.J. Middleton ที่ย้ายมาจากสกุล Didymocarpus และ ม่วงไตรบุญดอกใหญ่ Tribounia grandiflora D.J. Middleton ซึ่งเป็นชนิดที่พบใหม่ พืชทั้งสองชนิดมีสถานะเป็นพืชถิ่นเดียว พบเฉพาะในประเทศไทยเท่านั้น

Tribounia | Gesneriaceae

ไม้ล้มลุก ใบเดี่ยว เรียงตรงข้าม ช่อดอกแบบช่อกระจุกซ้อน (dichasium) ออกตามซอกใบหรือปลายกิ่ง ช่วงที่ออกปลายกิ่งดูคล้ายช่อแยกแขนง กลีบเลี้ยง 5 กลีบ แยกเกือบจรดโคน ติดทน กลีบดอกสมมาตรด้านข้างรูปแตร มี 5 กลีบ กลีบดอกคู่ล่างเว้าเป็นแอ่งรองรับเกสรเพศผู้ที่สมบูรณ์ 2 อัน เกสรเพศผู้ที่เป็นหมันคู่ข้าง 2 อัน มีเกสรเพศผู้ที่ลดรูปขนาดเล็ก 1 อัน ระหว่างคู่ที่เป็นหมันหรือไม่มี รังไข่อยู่เหนือวงกลีบ เรียวยาวรูปทรงกระบอก มีก้านสั้น ๆ มี 2 คาร์เพลล์ แต่ละช่องมีพลาเซนตาตามแนวตะเข็บ 2 แนว ออวุลจำนวนมาก ก้านเกสรเพศเมียสั้น ยอดเกสรเป็นตุ่ม ผลแบบผลแห้งแตกกลางพู รูปกระสวย ไม่บิดเป็นเกลียว ห้อยลง ก้านผลยาว เมล็ดจำนวนมาก ขนาดเล็ก เป็นสันตามยาว มีปุ่มกระจาย สกุลม่วงไตรบุญเป็นสกุลใหม่ที่แยกมาจากสกุล Didymocarpus โดยมีลักษณะเด่นที่กลีบดอกคู่ล่างเว้าเป็นแอ่งรองรับเกสรเพศผู้ที่สมบูรณ์ 2 อัน ยอดเกสรเพศเมียเป็นตุ่ม ผลมีก้านยาวห้อยลง ไม่บิดเป็นเกลียว ม่วงไตรบุญเป็นสกุลที่พบเฉพาะในไทย มีสมาชิกเพียง 2 ชนิด คือ ม่วงไตรบุญ Tribounia venosa (Barnett) D.J. Middleton และ ม่วงไตรบุญดอกใหญ่ Tribounia grandiflora D.J. Middleton

หมายเหตุ  ชื่อสกุลตั้งตามชื่อ ดร. ปราโมทย์ ไตรบุญ ผู้ร่วมวิจัยพืชวงศ์ชาฤาษี (Gesneriaceae) ของประเทศไทย

ม่วงไตรบุญ, สกุล | สารานุกรมพืช

ม่วงไตรบุญ Tribounia venosa (Barnett) D.J. Middleton

ม่วงไตรบุญ เป็นพืชถิ่นเดียวของไทย พบกระจายห่าง ๆ ทางภาคเหนือ ภาคกลาง และภาคตะวันตกเฉียงใต้ ขึ้นตามเขาหินปูนเตี้ย ๆ ระดับความสูงไม่เกิน 200 เมตร 

 Tribounia, a newly described genus, is separated from the other genera of Asian Gesneriaceae by its the prominent boss, a large swelling on the dorsal surface of the corolla into which the fertile stamens protrude by strongly bent or curved filaments, combined with an exceedingly long stipe in the fruit. The genus of one new combination and one new species is an herb found on limestone rocks around Kanchanaburi in the western region of Thailand.

The genus was named to honour a dedicated Thai botanist, Dr. Pramote Triboun of the Bangkok Herbarium-BK (now at the National Science Museum of Thailand) for his contribution to the understanding of Gesneriaceae in Thailand.

ม่วงไตรบุญดอกใหญ่ Tribounia grandiflora D.J. Middleton

ม่วงไตรบุญดอกใหญ่ เป็นพืชถิ่นเดียวของไทย พบกระจายห่าง ๆ เฉพาะทางภาคตะวันตกเฉียงใต้แถบจังหวัดกาญจนบุรี ขึ้นตามเขาหินปูนเตี้ย ๆ ระดับความสูงไม่เกิน 100 เมตร 

Middleton, D.J. and M. Möller. 2012. Tribounia, a new genus of Gesneriaceae from Thailand. Taxon 61 (6): 1286-1295. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iapt/tax/2012/00000061/00000006/art00009

[Ornithology • 2013] Otus jolandae | Rinjani Scops Owl • A New Owl Species of the Genus Otus (Aves: Strigidae) from Gunung Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia

Rinjani Scops Owl | Otus jolandae 

Sangster, King, Verbelen & Trainor 2013

Rinjani Scops Owl | Otus jolandae  Sangster, King, Verbelen & Trainor 2013

Abstract

The avifauna of Indonesia is one of the richest in the world but the taxonomic status of many species remains poorly documented. The sole species of scops owl known from Lombok has long been assigned to the widespread Moluccan Scops Owl Otus magicus on the basis of superficial similarities in morphology. Field work in 2003 has shown that the territorial song of the scops owls inhabiting the foothills of Gunung Rinjani differs dramatically from that of O. magicus and is more similar to those of Rufescent Scops Owl O. rufescens and Singapore Scops Owl O. cnephaeus. Detailed comparisons of sound recordings and museum specimens with those of other scops owls in Wallacea and the Indo-Malayan region have confirmed the distinctiveness of the Lombok population. We describe Otus jolandae as a new species, the Rinjani Scops Owl. It is locally common at elevations from 25–1350 m. and occurs within Gunung Rinjani National Park. The new species is known from seven specimens collected by Alfred Everett in 1896. Otus jolandae represents the first endemic bird species from Lombok.

Map of Wallacea, a group of Indonesian islands separated by deep water straits from the Asian and Australian continental shelves, showing approximate rages of owl species and subspecies. | doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053712

Rinjani Scops Owl Otus jolandae,
Lombok, August 2008

photo: Philippe Verbelen | doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053712

Etymology: Named after GS’s wife, Dr Jolanda A. Luksenburg, a biologist at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA, who co-discovered the species in 2003 and contributed much to the field work that led to the description of Caprimulgus meesi.

Common Name: We propose the English common name ‘Rinjani Scops Owl’ and the Indonesian name ‘Celepuk Rinjani’. Both names refer to Gunung Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia and Lombok’s most impressive physical feature.

Sangster, G.; King, B. F.; Verbelen, P.; Trainor, C. R. 2013. A New Owl Species of the Genus Otus (Aves: Strigidae) from Lombok, Indonesia. PLoS ONE. 8 (2): e53712. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053712 

Rinjani Scops Owl Identified In Indonesia As New Species http://huff.to/12E4DhE via @HuffPostGreen

[Ornithology • 2004] Caprimulgus meesi • Territorial songs and species-level taxonomy of nightjars of the Caprimulgus macrurus complex (Aves: Caprimulgidae), with the description of a new species from Flores and Sumba, Indonesia

Mees's (Large-tailed) Nightjar | Caprimulgus (macrurus) meesi

Flores, Indonesia - August 5 2010 | http://www.larsfoto.se/

The Large-tailed Nightjar  Caprimulgus macrurus Horsfield, 1821, complex, as currently recognized, comprises 12 taxa which are grouped into four species based on their territorial songs. However, species limits are based on very small samples of a limited number of taxa in the complex. To further document species limits in the complex, we analysed 109 sound recordings representing all recognized taxa. Principal components analysis suggests the existence of six vocally distinct groups within the complex. Discriminant function analysis assigned 98-100% of individuals correctly to their group. Each of these groups differs diagnosably from all other groups by up to eight vocal characters, and each group is recognizable by ear. We propose to treat these six groups as species based on multiple differences in territorial songs, the lack of intermediate vocal types, the concordance of the geographic distribution of vocal types and morphology-based taxonomic boundaries and the sympatry of two groups in northeastern peninsular India without signs of intergradation. Three groups correspond to the currently recognized species C. atripennis Jerdon, 1845, C. celebensis Ogilvie-Grant, 1894, and C. manillensis Walden, 1875. ’C. macrurus’ comprises three vocally distinct species: (i) C. macrurus (s.s.), with a territorial song that is remarkably constant throughout its extensive range, (ii) C. andamanicus Hume, 1873, a population endemic to the Andaman Islands, and (iii) a previously unrecognized species from the east Indonesian islands of Flores and Sumba, which we describe in this paper. Known specimens of this new species were previously assigned to C. macrurus schlegelii A.B. Meyer, 1874, but the species differs from all other taxa in the complex by its vocalizations. Preliminary playback experiments support the recognition of these populations as a species. Finally, our acoustic data corroborate the allocation of the taxon aequabilis Ripley, 1945 to C. atripennis, of jungei Neumann, 1939 to C. celebensis, and of johnsoni Deignan, 1955 and salvadorii Sharpe, 1875 to C. macrurus.

Key words: Caprimulgus macrurus; species limits; taxonomy; geographic variation; vocalizations.

Sangster, G. and F. Rozendaal. 2004. Territorial songs and species-level taxonomy of nightjars of the Caprimulgus macrurus complex, with the description of a new species. Zoologische Verhandelingen (Leiden) Vol. 350 pp. 7–45.

http://www.repository.naturalis.nl/document/43935

Mees GF; 1977. Geographical variation of Caprimulgus macrurus Horsfield (Aves: Caprimulgidae), Zoologische Verh , Leiden. 155:: 1 - 47.

http://www.repository.naturalis.nl/document/148874

[Invertebrate / Animal Behaviour • 2013] Disposable penis and its replenishment in a simultaneous hermaphrodite | nudibranch Chromodoris reticulata

The sea slug Chromodoris reticulata sheds and regrows its penis between matings.

MATTHEW OLDFIELD/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY 

doi: 10.1038/nature.2013.12421

Sea slug loses penis after sex but grows another the next day 

: Invertebrate may discard organ like a dirty needle to avoid carrying competitors' sperm.

doi: 10.1038/nature.2013.12421

Abstract 

Although it is often thought that sexual selection is weaker in simultaneous hermaphrodites than in gonochorists, some simultaneous hermaphrodites exhibit bizarre mating behaviour. In the simultaneously hermaphroditic nudibranch Chromodoris reticulata, we found a peculiar mating behaviour, wherein the nudibranch autotomized its penis after each copulation and was able to copulate again within 24 h. To have sufficient length to be replenished for three copulations, the penis is compressed and spiralled internally. No other animal is known to repeatedly copulate using such ‘disposable penes’. Entangled sperm masses were observed on the outer surface of the autotomized penis, which is equipped with many backward-pointed spines. There is a possibility that the nudibranch removes sperm already stored in a mating partner’s sperm storage organ(s).

 Sekizawa A, Seki S, Tokuzato M, Shiga S, Nakashima Y. 2013. Disposable penis and its replenishment in a simultaneous hermaphrodite. Biol Lett. 9: 20121150. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2012.1150

[Ornithology • Conservation] ๑๓ กุมภาพันธ์ | วันรักษ์นกเงือก • Love Hornbills Day [in Thailand] | 13 February

10 Hornbills in Thai-Malay Peninsula 

 ๑๓ กุมภาพันธ์ | วันรักษ์นกเงือก ♥ 

Love Hornbills Day [in Thailand] | 13 February 

10 Hornbills in Thai-Malay Peninsula 

Clockwise from top right

- นกเงือกปากย่น Wrinkled Hornbill, Aceros corrugatus

- นกเงือกกรามช้างปากเรียบ Plain-pouched Hornbill, Rhyticeros subruficollis 

- นกเงือกกรามช้าง Wreathed Hornbill, Rhyticeros undulatus

- นกเงือกปากดำ Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus

- นกเงือกหัวแรด Rhinoceros Hornbill, Buceros rhinoceros

- นกเงือกหัวหงอก White-crowned Hornbill, Berenicornis comatus

- นกกก หรือ นกกาฮัง Great Hornbill, Buceros bicornis

- นกเงือกดำ Black Hornbill, Anthracoceros malayanus

- นกแก๊ก Oriental Pied Hornbill, Anthracoceros albirostris

- นกชนหิน Helmeted Hornbill, Rhinoplax vigil (center)

Art: http://www.hornbills.org/hornbills.htm

http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=473774672675896

นกเงือก ..ความงามแห่งป่าฮาลา-บาลา

http://paro6.dnp.go.th/Hornbill/hornbill4.htm

[Paleontology • 2013] Dinosaur lactation?

Summary

Lactation is a process associated with mammals, yet a number of birds feed their newly hatched young on secretions analogous to the milk of mammals. These secretions are produced from various sections (crop organ, oesophageal lining and proventriculus) of the upper digestive tract and possess similar levels of fat and protein, as well as added carotenoids, antibodies and, in the case of pigeons and doves, epidermal growth factor. Parental care in avian species has been proposed to originate from dinosaurs. This study examines the possibility that some dinosaurs used secretory feeding to increase the rate of growth of their young, estimated to be similar to that of present day birds and mammals. Dinosaur ‘lactation’ could also have facilitated immune responses as well as extending parental protection as a result of feeding newly hatched young in nest environments. While the arguments for dinosaur lactation are somewhat generic, a case study for lactation in herbivorous site-nesting dinosaurs is presented. It is proposes that secretory feeding could have been used to bridge the gap between hatching and establishment of the normal diet in some dinosaurs.

Key words: nesting, parenting, crop milk, crop, birds, mammals

---------------------------------

Simply titled “Dinosaur lactation?”, the commentary by University of Wollongong health scientist Paul Else speculates that a peculiar form of nurturing seen among modern birds might have originated among non-avian dinosaurs. Birds such as doves, flamingos, penguins, and petrels can produce a milky substance in their crops or other parts of their upper digestive system. The fluid contains antibodies, fat, protein, and other nourishing elements. Perhaps, Else speculates, non-avian dinosaurs fed their young a similar substance.

There is no direct evidence that dinosaurs produced “crop milk.” Else makes his case based upon the evolutionary connection between birds and dinosaurs, as well as the hypothesis that the substance would have been one way for adult dinosaurs to feed their newly-hatched young. Of all dinosaurs, Else suggests that hadrosaurs such as Maiasaura (pictured above) were the most likely to produce milk because their babies may not have been able to effectively break down plant food until they developed teeth and the proper gut flora…

Maiasaura Milk? http://on.natgeo.com/X11wRw  via @NatGeoMag

http://io9.com/5983401/did-dinosaurs-produce-milk-for-their-young

Else, P. 2013. Dinosaur lactation? Journal of Experimental Biology. 216: 347-351. doi: 10.1242/​jeb.065383

[Testudology • 2010] Distribution of the Big-Headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum, Gray 1831) in Thailand | การแพร่กระจายของเต่าปูลูในประเทศไทย

The different color morphologies of the carapaces of adult big-headed turtles;
(A1) brown, (B1) reddish-brown, (C1) olive, (D1) yellowish-brown and (E1) the new morph, dark gray; all with a squared-off front and rounded back end. The plastrons are usually (A2, D2) yellow, (B2) brownish, (C2) olive with yellowish and (E2) the new dark gray morph.
These specimens are from (A) the Mae Samard Watershed Management Unit, Mae Hong Son Province in the Salawin river basin, (B) the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak Province in the Mae Klong river Basin, (C) the Tad Mok National Park, Phetchabun Province in the Pasak river basin, (D) the Pha Daeng National Park, Chiang Mai Province in the Kok river basin and (E) the Phu Suan Sai National Park, Loei Province in the Khong river basin.

The distribution of the big-headed turtle Platysternon megacephalum, Gray 1831 in Thailand was studied from Dec. 2006 to Apr. 2009.  Mountain streams of protected and unprotected areas throughout Thailand, except in the southern peninsular region, were ground surveyed.  This study confirms the occurrence of P. megacephalum in 1 new and 9 previously reported river basins in the northeastern part of Thailand.  Among these, 22 new localities at elevations of 430-1350 m were reported.  Most P. megacephalum individuals were found at night in small, often rapidly flowing mountain streams in dry dipterocarp and montane rainforests.  The water temperature of these streams ranged 15.5-20.3°C (X = 19.04 ± 2.10°C, n = 33), pH values ranged 5.32-8.07, and water depths were 14.0-95.0 cm (X = 41.67 ± 25.30 cm, n = 33).  The turtles appeared to be most abundant at elevations of 630-720 m. Platysternon megacephalum populations face serious threats from habitat loss, human consumption, and commercial harvest of turtles.  This species urgently needs an aggressive conservation program to ensure its survival. 

Key words: Platysternon megacephalum, big-headed turtle, distribution, Thailand.

Kruewan Pipatsawasdikul, Harold K. Voris, and Kumthorn Thirakhupt. 2010. Distribution of the Big-Headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum, Gray 1831) in Thailand. Zoological Studies. 49(5): 640-650. http://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/49.5/640.pdf

[Herpetology • 2013] The Amphibians and Reptiles of Luzon Island, Philippines, VIII: the Herpetofauna of Cagayan and Isabela Provinces, northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range

Abstract

We provide the first report on the herpetological biodiversity (amphibians and reptiles) of the northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range (Cagayan and Isabela provinces), northeast Luzon Island, Philippines. New data from extensive previously unpublished surveys in the Municipalities of Gonzaga, Gattaran, Lasam, Santa Ana, and Baggao (Cagayan Province), as well as fieldwork in the Municipalities of Cabagan, San Mariano, and Palanan (Isabela Province), combined with all available historical museum records, suggest this region is quite diverse. Our new data indicate that at least 101 species are present (29 amphibians, 30 lizards, 35 snakes, two freshwater turtles, three marine turtles, and two crocodilians) and now represented with well-documented records and/or voucher specimens, confirmed in institutional biodiversity repositories. A high percentage of Philippine endemic species constitute the local fauna (approximately 70%). The results of this and other recent studies signify that the herpetological diversity of the northern Philippines is far more diverse than previously imagined. Thirty-eight percent of our recorded species are associated with unresolved taxonomic issues (suspected new species or species complexes in need of taxonomic partitioning). This suggests that despite past and present efforts to comprehensively characterize the fauna, the herpetological biodiversity of the northern Philippines is still substantially underestimated and warranting of further study.

The Amazing Amphibians and Reptiles of the Philippine Island Luzon

  — A recent study of the amphibians and reptiles of Sierra Madre Mountain Range, northeastern Luzon, reveals a preliminary enumeration of more than 100 species that contribute to the unique biodiversity of the region. At present, the Luzon region's herpetological range stands at more than 150 species. Out of these, a total of 49 amphibian species have been documented, 44 of which are native and a remarkable 32 endemic. In the world of reptiles, Luzon can boast with 106 native species, 76 of which are unique to this region.

The catalogue published in the open access journal Zookeys features a fascinating range of reptiles and amphibians, such as the beautifully coloured colubrid snake Hologerrhum philippinum, which is one of the four endemic snake genera from the region and can be recognized by the vibrant-yellow skin decoration. Another species that provokes amazement is the bizarre soft-shell turtle Pelochelys cantorii. The variety described in this study includes fascinating frogs, crocodiles, snakes, lizards and many more, offering a menagerie of shapes and colours all documented in stunning photography.

With such a great array of biodiversity, the northern Philippines has been the focus of of large numbers of new species discoveries and re-discoveries of new species in recent decades, establishing it as a major regional biodiversity hotspot. The herpetological diversity of the island may grow to as many as 90-100 (70-80% endemic) amphibian species and as many as 150-160 reptiles with the contributions of ongoing biodiversity studies in the near future. It will be a major challenge to monitor these communities through time in order to assess their responses to land use changes, climate change, resource extraction, introduced species, emerging infectious disease, and habitat degradation.

With the initial baseline information provided in the survey, tremendous opportunities exist for future studies in taxonomy, biogeography, ecology and conservation of northern Luzon's amphibians and reptiles. Conservation of Luzon's vertebrate biodiversity remains an on-going effort, challenged by rapid development,logging, mining and conversion of natural habitats into agricultural lands to provide food for a burgeoning human population.

The amazing amphibians and reptiles of the Philippine island Luzon: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130207141657.htm

Rafe Brown, Cameron Siler, Carl Oliveros, Luke Welton, Ashley Rock, John Swab, Merlijn Van Weerd, Jonah van Beijnen, Dominic Rodriguez, Edmund Jose, Arvin Diesmos. 2013. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Luzon Island, Philippines, VIII: the Herpetofauna of Cagayan and Isabela Provinces, northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range. ZooKeys. 266 (2013) : Special issue: 1-120. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.266.3982

[Ornithology • 2011] Phylogeny and Taxonomic Review of Philippine lowland scops owls Otus megalotis (Strigiformes): parallel diversification of highland and lowland clades

The three new species from top to bottom: 

Luzon Lowland Scops Owl Otus megalotis,
Visayan Lowland (Negros) Scops Owl Otus nigrorum and
Mindanao Lowland (Everett's) Scops Owl Otus everetti.

Illustration: Hector Miranda.

We constructed a phylogenetic hypothesis of the pattern of colonization of Philippine scops owls (Otus and Mimizuku). Two mitochondrial genes, ND2 and cytochrome b, were sequenced for 12 samples representing six Philippine endemic taxa: three endemic species, one of which has three endemic subspecies; and one endemic genus. Topology, branch length information, and sequence divergence were used to present the hypothesis for the pattern, direction, and sequence of island colonization events. Philippine scops owls are in two well-supported clades, consistent with at least two independent colonization routes. One route is represented by the montane clade of Otus sunia, O. longicornis, and O. mirus. The other clade is represented by three subspecies of the lowland O. megalotis. The basal position of Mimizuku gurneyi relative to the megalotis clade suggests early colonization of Mindanao. Branch lengths and sequence divergence data are congruent with the morphological differences among the megalotis races. The three races of megalotis differed in 15 of 16 morphological characters. Based on molecular and morphological evidence, we recognize the following Otus megalotis subspecies as full species: Luzon Lowland Scops Owl (O. megalotis), Mindanao Lowland Scops Owl (O. everetti), and Visayan Lowland Scops Owl (O. nigrorum). We also propose reassigning the Giant Scops Owl (Mimizuku gurneyi) to the genus Otus for phyletic consistency. 

Miranda, H C Jr, Brooks, D M and Kennedy, R S. 2011. Phylogeny and taxonomic review of Philippine lowland scops owls (Strigiformes): parallel diversification of highland and lowland clades. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. 123: 441-452.

http://www.hmns.org/files/PhilippineScopsEprint.pdf

http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/categories/articleitem.asp?item=815