[Botany • 2015] Hoya yingjiangensis • A New Campanulate-flowered Species (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideaea) from Yunnan, China

Hoya yingjiangensis

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.219.3.8

Abstract

Hoya yingjiangensis (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. This species possesses a large campanulate corolla, but is distinguished from all the other species of Hoya with similar corollas by the peduncle annual, deciduous, and the inflorescence single-flowered. The provisional IUCN assessment of ‘Data Deficient’ for H. yingjiangensis is provided.

Keywords: annual deciduous, Hoya collettii, IUCN, single flower, Eudicots, China

Jingfeng Zhang, Lin Bai, Nianhe Xia and Zeqiu Peng. 2015. Hoya yingjiangensis (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideaea), A New Campanulate-flowered Species from Yunnan, China. Phytotaxa. 219(3): 283–288. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.219.3.8

首次在我国发现大钟形花冠球兰 [First discovered large bell-shaped corolla Hoya in China]

http://www.wtoutiao.com/p/hc7xdb.html

[Herpetology • 2015] Cnemaspis rajabasa • A New Species of Cnemaspis (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from southern Sumatra, Indonesia

Cnemaspis rajabasa

Amarasinghe, Harvey, Riyanto & Smith, 2015

DOI: 10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-14-00034

ABSTRACT

We describe a new species of Cnemaspis from southern Sumatra, Indonesia. The new species is the first Cnemaspis reported from Sumatra and is a large (52.6–58.7 mm in snout–vent length [SVL]) nocturnal species. A combination of the following characters distinguishes the new species from all other Southeast Asian congeners: adults reaching 58.7 mm SVL; supralabials 13 or 14; infralabials 11 or 12; tricarinate ventrals; precloacal pores absent; moderately prominent, randomly arranged, dorsal tubercles; 20 or 21 paravertebral tubercles; no tubercles on lower flanks; caudal tubercles encircling tail; subcaudals keeled; the median row of subcaudals not enlarged; two postcloacal tubercles on each side of tail base; no enlarged femoral, subtibial, or submetatarsal scales; subtibial scales keeled; 28–34 subdigital lamellae on fourth toe; dark and light caudal bands distinct in both sexes. We tentatively assign the new species to the Cnemaspis kendallii group of the Southern Sunda clade of recent phylogenetic analyses.

Key words: Cnemaspis rajabasa sp. nov., Geckoes, Lampung, Sundaland

A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Michael B. Harvey, Awal Riyanto and Eric N. Smith. 2015. A New Species of Cnemaspis (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Sumatra, Indonesia.
Herpetologica. 71(2); 160–167. DOI: 10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-14-00034

http://thasun.info/publications/

[Botany • 2011] Begonia afromigrata • Pliocene Intercontinental Dispersal from Africa to Southeast Asia highlighted by the New Species of Begonia sect. Tetraphila (Begoniaceae) from Laos and Thailand

Begonia afromigrata J.J. de Wilde
Fig. 1. Habit and morphology of Begonia afromigrata: A, upper leaf surface; B, lower leaf surface; C, male inflorescence; D, habit; E, male flower; F, androecium (top, side, and bottom view); G, female flower; H, side view of female flower and ovary.

All based on Rodda & Simonsson MR106 & M R107. || de Wilde et al. 2011

Abstract

A new Begonia species from Laos and Thailand is described. It belongs to Begonia sect. Tetraphila, along with 30 other species which are all endemic to Africa. This is the first record of any of the 65 currently accepted sections in Begonia transgressing continental borders. A dated molecular phylogeny places the split of the new Asian species from its African congeners during the late Miocene to the early Pleistocene. As the species is a hygromesophilous epiphyte limited to tropical forest, no suitable corridor for migration existed during that time and the cause of the Afro-Asian disjunction probably is a long-distance dispersal event. The discovery of Begonia afromigrata emphasises the importance of chance in the assembly of tropical floras.

Keywords: Begonia sect. Tetraphila; long-distance dispersal; phylogeny 

Habitat and ecology. – Without exception in field notes the plant is described as epiphytic, growing between 5 and 15 m above ground level. It has been noted as growing on a Spondias species (Anacardiaceae; P. Tribune, pers. comm.). Usually collected on dead trees or fallen branches in evergreen forest (more rarely deciduous forest) on limestone, between 600 m and 1900 m altitude. Found more often on tree trunks than smaller branches. Plants cultivated from cuttings always produce one or more male inflorescences first, followed later by female inflorescences.


de Wilde, J.J.F.E., Hughes, M., Rodda M. & Thomas D.C. 2011. Pliocene Intercontinental Dispersal from Africa to Southeast Asia highlighted by the New Species Begonia afromigrata (Begoniaceae). Taxon 60: 1685-1692.

ResearchGate.net/publication/233671035_Pliocene_intercontinental_dispersal_from_Africa_to_Southeast_Asia_highlighted_by_the_new_species_Begonia_afromigrata_(Begoniaceae)

 http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iapt/tax/2011/00000060/00000006/art00013

[Botany • 2014] Boesenbergia purpureorubra • A New Species of Boesenbergia (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand

Boesenbergia purpureorubra

Mood & L.M.Prince

ABSTRACT

Boesenbergia purpureorubra Mood & L.M.Prince is described and illustrated.

Boesenbergia longipes (King & Prain ex Ridl.) Schltr. is noted as a new record for Thailand

based on C. Maknoi T38 (PSU, QBG).

Keywords: Boesenbergia, Thailand, Zingiberaceae

Fig. 1. Boesenbergia purpureorubra Mood & L.M.Prince.

Ink line drawing with watercolour of the type plant. (Drawn by Linda Ann Vorobik).

Taxonomy

Boesenbergia purpureorubra Mood & L.M.Prince, sp. nov.

Boesenbergiae pulcherrimae (Wall.) Kuntze similis, planta minore c. 40 cm alta, caule breviore c. 6 cm longo pagina corrugatissima atro purpureorubro, petiolis longioribus c. 3–8 cm longis differt. 

TYPE: Cultivated in Hawaii, USA, 1 August 2014, Mood 14P19 (holotype BKF; isotype AAU). Originally from Thailand, Ranong Province, E. of Khao Niwet, 09° 57.506'N 98°39.134'E, 880 m asl, evergreen forest, 24 August 2011, Mood & Vatcharakorn 3106, cultivated as M3106 (Fig. 1-3)

Boesenbergia longipes auct. non Schltr.: Sirirugsa, Nat. Hist. Bull. Siam Soc. 40: 76

(1992). 

Distribution. Peninsular Thailand.

Ecology. This species is found in evergreen forest between 50-300 m on soils derived from granite or sandstone.

Phenology. In cultivation in Hawaii, flowering begins in late June and continues through October. Flowers open in the morning and close early the following day. Observations in the wild are similar.

Etymology. Named for the purple-red colour of the leafless sheaths and lamina underside.

 J.D. Mood, J.F. Veldkamp and L.M. Prince. 2014. A New Species and A New Record of Boesenbergia (Zingiberaceae) for Thailand. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 66(2): 207–214.

https://www.sbg.org.sg/images/4_4_Research_Gardens_Bulletin/4_4_66_2_pdf_Vol_66_Part_2_2014/4.4.66.1.10_y2014_V66P2_GBS_pg207.pdf

[Mammalogy • 2015] Rediscovery of the Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat Crateromys australis (Musser, Heaney & Rabor, 1985) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Muridae) from Dinagat Island, Philippines

Image 2. Dinagat Bushy-Tailed Cloud Rat Crateromys australis photographed during our observation by still camera (Canon EOS 300) (a) and video camera (Sony HDR-SR11) (b); N.B. general features, darker dorsal and lighter ventral pelage colours and, especially, the diagnostic bi-coloured tail.

DOI: 10.11609/JoTT.o4226.7428-35

Abstract

The Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat Crateromys australis belongs to the group of Cloud Rats, arboreal and folivorous nocturnal rodents endemic to the forests of the Philippines. The species, endemic to a small island Dinagat in the Philippines, was discovered and captured in 1975. Since then, despite repeated surveys, no specimen was found until 2012. It is listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN Red List and was even believed to be extinct. Finally, Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat was rediscovered in January 2012 and its presence confirmed on Dinagat Island. The rediscovery of this species underlines the local, national and international importance of Dinagat Island (or Dinagat-Siargao cluster of islands), as the most distinct subcentre of species endemism within the Greater Mindanao Faunal Region. Unfortunately, only one locally protected area exists on the whole island and none of the last remaining native forest habitats on Dinagat are currently protected at the national level. Mining and habitat destruction constitute a serious threat to this species. We believe that this rediscovery may provide some important and timely impetus and urgency to the need for a more rational, scientifically-based and island-wide, development program on Dinagat by also incorporating an island/region-wide biodiversity conservation strategy that would help ensure the effective, longer-term protection of the larger majority of the few remaining natural habitats in this region.

Keywords: Asian Musk Shrew­, Cloud Rat, Crateromys australis, Dinagat, Philippines, Philippine Cloud Rats Conservation Programme, Tarsier.

Citation: Řeháková, M., V. Řehák & W.L.R. Oliver. 2015. Rediscovery of the Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat Crateromys australis (Musser, Heaney & Rabor, 1985) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Muridae) from Dinagat Island, Philippines.
Journal of Threatened Taxa. 7(8): 7428–7435. DOI: 10.11609/JoTT.o4226.7428-35

http://threatenedtaxa.org/ZooPrintJournal/2015/June/o422626vi157428-7435.pdf

http://pbcfi.org.ph/cloud-rats

Dinagat bushy-tailed Cloud Rat (Crateromys australis): Two-foot-long cloud rat rediscovered after missing for forty years in the Philippines http://news.mongabay.com/2012/0417-hance_dinagatisland.html via @mongabay

http://www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=292 @EDGEofExistence

Czech Abstract: 

Velemyš dinagatská Crateromys australis patří do skupiny velemyší, stromových listožravých nočních hlodavců endemicky žijících ve filipínských lesích. Tento druh, endemit ostrova Dinagat, byl objeven a chycen v roce 1975. Přestože po něm od té doby pátralo několik expedic, byl následně objeven až v roce 2012. Je zapsán jako Kriticky Ohrožený v Červeném seznamu IUCN a byl dokonce považován za vyhynulý. Velemyš dinagatská byla znovuobjevena v lednu 2012 a tak byla prokázána její přítomnost na ostrově Dinagat. Toto znovuobjevení podtrhuje lokální, národní i mezinárodní význam ostrova Dinagat (či skupiny ostrovů Dinagat-Siargao) jako centra druhového endemismu v rámci regionu Greater Mindanao Faunal Region. Bohužel na celém ostrově existuje jen jedno lokálně chráněné území a žádný z posledních zbývajících lesních habitatů na Dinagatu není v současnosti chráněn na celonárodní úrovni. Těžba nerostných surovin a ničení prostředí představují pro tento druh výraznou hrozbu. Věříme, že znovuobjevení velemyši dinagatské může poskytnout důležitý a včasný impulz k nutnosti vytvoření racionálního, vědecky podloženého celoostrovního programu rozvoje na Dinagatu, který bude zahrnovat také ostrovní/regionální strategii ochrany biodiverzity, což by pomohlo zajistit efektivní a dlouhodobou ochranu většiny z několika málo zbývajících přírodních habitatů v této oblasti.

[Herpetology • 2015] Cnemaspis mahsuriae • A New Insular Species of Rock Gecko (Cnemaspis Boulenger) from Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia

Mashuri’s Rock Gecko | Cnemaspis mahsuriae

Grismer, Wood, Quah, Anuar, Ngadi & Ahmad, 2015

Abstract

A new, diminutive species of Rock Gecko Cnemaspis mahsuriae sp. nov. of the affinis group, is described from Gunung Raya on Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia and is differentiated from all other species in the affinis group by having a unique combination of characters including a maximum SVL of 36.6 mm; keeled subtibials and ventrals; 21–24 paravertebral tubercles; no tubercles in the lateral caudal furrows; caudal tubercles not encircling tail; no precloacal pores; 23–26 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; no white ocelli in the shoulder region; no yellow postscapular band; and faint yellow bars on the flanks. Cnemaspis mahsuriae sp. nov. is a forest-dwelling species living in close sympatry or paraptry with the insular endemic C. roticanai Grismer & Chan. The Langkawi Archipelago harbors a unique mix of Malaysian and Indochinese taxa and the frequency of new discoveries from this group of islands is increasing.

Keywords: Cnemaspis, Mashuri, Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia, new species, systematics

FIGURE 3. Upper left: Adult male Cnemaspis harimau (LSUDPC 6381) from Gunung Jerai, Kedah. Lower left: Adult male C. affinis (LSUDPC 9078) from Penang Hill, Pulau Pinang, Penang.
Upper right: Adult male holotype of Cnemaspis mahsuriae sp. nov. (LSUHC 11828) from Gunung Raya, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. Lower right: Adult female paratype of C. mahsuriae sp. nov. (LSUHC 11829) from Gunung Raya, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah.

Grismer, Wood, et al. 2015

FIGURE 1. Distribution and relationships of Cnemaspis mahsuriae sp. nov., C. harimau, and C. affinis along the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Branch lengths do not represent genetic distance.

Grismer, Wood, et al. 2015

Grismer, L. L.,Wood, P. L., Jr., Quah, E. S. H., Anuar, S., Ngadi, E. and Ahmad, N. 2015. A New Insular Species of Rock Gecko (Cnemaspis Boulenger) from Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia. Zootaxa. 3985(2): 203–218.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3985.2.2

http://zoobank.org/References/084FF87D-0190-49FE-949C-9D9245019FFA

http://PerryLeeWoodJr.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/grismer_et_al_2015_Cnemaspis_mahsuriae.pdf

http://PerryLeeWoodJr.com/2015/07/10/a-new-species-of-Cnemaspis-from-pulau-langkawi-malaysia/  @PerryLeeWoodJr

[Herpetology • 2015] The Systematics and Independent Evolution of Cave Ecomorphology in Distantly related Clades of Bent-toed Geckos (Genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827) from the Mekong Delta and Islands in the Gulf of Thailand

Distribution of species with the Cyrtodactylus condorensis and C. intermedius species complexes
FIGURE 2. General differences in body stature between the general scansorial ecomorphs (figures on the upper and lower left) and the cave-dwelling ecomorphs (figures on the upper, middle and lower right).

Upper left: Cyrtodactylus leegrismeri (LSUDPC 8228) from Hon Khoai Island, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam.
Middle left: C. leegrismeri (LSUDPC 9446) from Tho Chu Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. Lower left: C. condorensis (LSUDPC 8202) from Con Dao Island, Con Dao Province, Vietnam. 

Upper right: C. hontreensis (LSUDPC 3062) from Hon Tre Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam.
Middle right: C. grismeri (LSUDPC 3162) from Tuc Dup Hill, An Giang Province, Vietnam.
Lower right: C. eisenmani (LSUDPC 8760) from Hon Son Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam.

Grismer, Wood, Tri & Murdoch, 2015 || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3980.1.6

FIGURE 3. Hypothesized ancestral-descendant relationships depicting the independent evolution of the cave-dwelling ecomorph from the general scansorial ecomorph.

Grismer, Wood, Tri & Murdoch, 2015

Abstract

An integrative taxonomic analysis of the distantly related Cyrtodactylus condorensis and intermedius species complexes of the Mekong Delta revealed that C. paradoxus is a junior synonym of C. condorensis and that C. thochuensis is a junior synonym of C. leegrismeri. Additionally, the analysis revealed that a cave-dwelling ecomorpholgy has evolved independently early on in the evolution of both complexes (represented by C. hontreensis in the intermedius complex and C. grismeri and C. eisenmani in the condorensis complex) and cave ecomorphs exist in sympatry—but not syntopy—with general scansorial ecomorphs. Multiple, recent, cyclical, glacioeustatic driven changes in sea levels across the Sunda Shelf are hypothesized to account for the evolution and distribution of the widely separated, conspecific insular populations of C. condorensis and C. leegrismeri. The independent evolution of cave ecomorphology is proposed to have been driven by competition avoidance. Habitat islands across the Mekong Delta are an important source of endemism and in need of protection.

Keywords: Reptilia, ecomorphology, Cyrtodactylus, habitat islands, Mekong Delta, Vietnam, systematics

Distribution of species with the Cyrtodactylus condorensis and C. intermedius species complexes

Grismer, Wood, Tri & Murdoch, 2015 || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3980.1.6

Grismer, L. L., P. L. Wood, Jr., Ngo V. Tri and Matthew Murdoch. 2015. The Systematics and Independent Evolution of Cave Ecomorphology in Distantly related Clades of Bent-toed Geckos (Genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827) from the Mekong Delta and Islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Zootaxa, 3980(1): 106–126. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3980.1.6

http://zoobank.org/References/11EF386F-0773-4D85-AD52-6BEAE440205A

PerryLeeWoodJr.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/grismer_et_al_2015_mekong_cyrts.pdf

PerryLeeWoodJr.com/2015/07/01/cyrtodactylus-from-the-mekong-delta-and-the-gulf-of-thailand/
ResearchGate.net/publication/281362974_p_The_systematics_and_independent_evolution_of_cave_ecomorphology_in_distantly_related_clades_of_Bent-toed_Geckos_(Genus_Cyrtodactylus_Gray_1827)_from_the_Mekong_Delta_and_islands_in_the_Gulf_of_Thailand_p

[Ichthyology • 2015] Cobitis sakahoko • A New Species of Spined Loach (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae) from southern Kyushu Island, Japan

Cobitis sakahoko Nakajima & Suzawa, 2015
Fig. 6 Photographs of living Cobitis sakahoko sp. nov. (non-type specimen).
a Male, lateral view of head and pectoral fin, b male, dorsal view of head and pectoral fin, c male, 19 April 2014, in the type locality.

All photos by Ryu Uchiyama || DOI: 10.1007/s10228-015-0476-5

Abstract

We describe a new species of spined loach, Cobitis sakahoko, based on the holotype and nine paratypes collected from the Oyodo River system in the southern region of Kyushu Island, Japan. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characteristics: lamina circularis at the base of the pectoral fin in adult males, a rectangular plate with a neck in the mid-lower part; the upper segments of the first branched soft ray of the pectoral fin broad; snout relatively short, length 32.1–38.2% of head length; long maxillary barbel, longer than the eye diameter; prepelvic myotome number 14; and line L5 organised in 8–13 oblong or ovoid blotches.

Keywords: Cobitoidei, Freshwater fish, Cobitis sp. Oyodo form, Oyodo-shima-dojyô

Fig. 4 Male (a, c, e holotype, TKPM-P17335, 67.0 mm SL) and female (b, d, f paratype, KPM-NI31984, 65.1 mm SL) of Cobitis sakahoko sp. nov. a, b Lateral view (after fixing), c, d dorsal view (after fixing), e, f lateral view (in life)

Jun Nakajima and Yuzuru Suzawa. 2015. Cobitis sakahoko, A New Species of Spined Loach (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae) from southern Kyushu Island, Japan.
Ichthyological Research. DOI: 10.1007/s10228-015-0476-5

facebook.com/294682373885900/photos/1030094507011346

[Paleontology • 2015] Wendiceratops pinhornensis • A Centrosaurine Ceratopsid (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Oldman Formation (Campanian), Alberta, Canada, and the Evolution of Ceratopsid Nasal Ornamentation

Wendiceratops pinhornensis

   Evans & Ryan, 2015  

discovered bones in orange || doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130007

Abstract

The fossil record of ceratopsid dinosaurs between the occurrence of their proximate sister taxa in the Turonian and the beginning of their well-documented radiation from the late Campanian of North America onwards (approximately 90 and 77 Ma) is poor, with only seven taxa described from this early period in their evolution. We describe a new taxon of a highly adorned basal centrosaurine, Wendiceratops pinhornensis gen. et sp. nov., from the lower part of the Oldman Formation (middle Campanian, approximately 78-79 Ma), Alberta, Canada. Over 200 bones derived from virtually all parts of the skeleton, including multiple well-preserved specimens of the diagnostic parietosquamosal frill, were collected from a medium-density monodominant bonebed, making the new taxon one of the best-represented early ceratopsids. The new taxon is apomorphic in having epiparietals at loci 2 and 3 developed as broad-based, pachyostotic processes that are strongly procurved anterodorsally to overhang the posterior and lateral parietal rami, and an ischium with a broad, rectangular distal terminus. Although the morphology of the nasal is incompletely known, Wendiceratops is inferred to have a large, upright nasal horn located close to the orbits, which represents the oldest occurrence of this feature in Ceratopsia. Given the phylogenetic position of the new taxon within Centrosaurinae, a enlarged nasal horn is hypothesized to have arisen independently at least twice in ceratopsid evolution.

Fig 3. Skeletal reconstruction of Wendiceratops pinhornensis gen. et sp. nov.
Elements represented in the material collected from the bonebed are indicated in blue.

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130007

Systematic Palaeontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842 

Ornithischia Seeley, 1887 

Ceratopsia Marsh, 1890 

Neoceratopsia Sereno, 1986 

Ceratopsidae Marsh, 1888 

Centrosaurinae Lambe, 1915 

Wendiceratops gen. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:BEE8D424-8BB0-4​335-BFFC-701E2C8B4DB3

Diagnosis: Monotypic, as for species.

Wendiceratops pinhornensis, gen. et. sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:22F3BE83-6045-4​89D-8F2D-FE53FC08A175

Etymology: The generic name honors Wendy Sloboda, who discovered the type locality, combined with ceratops (horned-face) from the Greek, a common suffix for horned dinosaur generic names. The specific epithet refers to the Pinhorn Provincial Grazing Reserve in Alberta, Canada, where the type locality is located.

Holotype: TMP 2011.051.0009, an incomplete parietal lacking the midline bar and left ramus.

Locality, horizon and age: The type locality occurs within the boundaries of the Pinhorn Provincial Grazing Reserve, south of the Milk River, County of Forty Mile No.8, Alberta, Canada.

Fig 2. Quarry map for the South Side Ceratopsian bonebed.
This bonebed has produced all of the known Wendiceratops pinhornensis gen. et sp. nov. material to date. Elements outlined in gray were collected in 2011 and their positions are approximate relative to the more precisely mapped bones collected in 2013 and 2014 (outlined in black). Inset rose diagram denotes a slight NE-SW trend in long axis orientation for the elements over 100 mm in length. See text for comments on the taphonomy of the bonebed.

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130007

Fig 16. Life reconstruction of Wendiceratops pinhornensis gen. et sp. nov.

 Illustration by Danielle Dufault. 
 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130007

David C. Evans and Michael J. Ryan. 2015. Cranial Anatomy of Wendiceratops pinhornensis gen. et sp. nov., a Centrosaurine Ceratopsid (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Oldman Formation (Campanian), Alberta, Canada, and the Evolution of Ceratopsid Nasal Ornamentation. PLOS ONE. 10(7): e0130007. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130007

Horned dinosaur discovery sheds light on nose horn evolution in Tricerat...
http://bit.ly/1LXAVvX via @EurekAlertAAAS

Scientists Discover One Of The Oldest Horned Dinosaurs  http://n.pr/1D0JUaD via @NPRNews

  New Triceratops Cousin Unearthed https://shar.es/1qTq6k via @LiveScience

[Paleontology • 2015] Babibasiliscus alxi • A New Eocene Casquehead Lizard (Reptilia, Corytophanidae) from North America

Babibasiliscus alxi  Conrad, 2015

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127900

Abstract

A new fossil showing affinities with extant Laemanctus offers the first clear evidence for a casquehead lizard (Corytophanidae) from the Eocene of North America. Along with Geiseltaliellus from roughly coeval rocks in central Europe, the new find further documents the tropical fauna present during greenhouse conditions in the northern mid-latitudes approximately 50 million years ago (Ma). Modern Corytophanidae is a neotropical clade of iguanian lizards ranging from southern Mexico to northern South America.

Fig 1. Holotype (UWBM 89090) specimen for Babibasiliscus alxi nov. taxon.
Photographs in (A) right lateral, (B) dorsal, and (C) ventral views. Digital reconstructions derived from HRXCT in (D) left lateral view and (E) transverse section. The vertical red line in (D) indicates the plane of section in (E).

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127900

Systematic paleontology

Squamata Oppel 

Iguania Cuvier 

Corytophanidae

Babibasiliscus gen. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:CB390F92-FDDC-4​CD8-B6A5-4E4C12836686

Babibasiliscus alxi, gen. et sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:F9FB7055-76FE-4​BBB-8DD6-7B795B01BB41

Holotype: UWBM 89090; a nearly complete skull with lower jaws and parts of first two cervical vertebrae (Fig 1).

Etymology: Babi- (Shoshoni) meaning “older male cousin” and Basiliscus, a corytophanid lizard. The generic name is meant to honor the Shoshone people who originally inhabited the areas in which the specimen was discovered and to refer to the relationship of the lizard with corytophanid lizards. At the request of Christian A Sidor, the species name honors John P. Alexander, who discovered the holotype.

Locality and Age: Lucky Lizard Locality (UWBM C1046), Uinta County, Wyoming. Blacks Fork Member of Bridger Formation (Bridger B), Green River Basin, late Early Eocene, approximately 48 Ma.

Fig 5. Photographs (A-C) and line drawings (D-F) of the skulls of selected corytophanid species in left lateral view.
 (A) Corytophanes cristatus (AMNH R 16390), (B) Laemanctus serratus (photograph; AMNH R 44982), (C) Basiliscus vittatus (AMNH R 147832), (D) Laemanctus serratus (line drawing), (E) Geiseltaliellus maarius, and (F) Babibasiliscus alxi taxon nov. (UWBM 89090). Note that it is unclear whether Babibasiliscus alxi taxon nov. had a parietal crest. Reconstructed areas are represented as semi-opaque areas and/or dotted lines.

Scale bars equal 10 mm. || doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127900

Fig 7. Phylogeny of corytophanids and distribution of anoles, para-anoles, corytophanids, and some malarial infection. (A) Time-calibrated phylogeny of the corytophanid genera with representative illustrations of their skull morphologies.

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127900

Jack L. Conrad. 2015. A New Eocene Casquehead Lizard (Reptilia, Corytophanidae) from North America. PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127900

http://www.slashgear.com/babibasiliscus-alxi-jesus-lizard-ran-on-water-50-m-years-ago-02391537/

http://www.nyit.edu/box/news/nyitcom_scientist_names_new_fossil_lizard

[PaleoIchthyology • 2015] Beiduyu qijiangensis • A Late Jurassic Freshwater Fish (Ginglymodi, Lepisosteiformes) from Qijiang, Chongqing, China

Beiduyu qijiangensis
Murray, Xing,  Divay, Liu & Wang, 2015

ABSTRACT

A new ginglymodian fish Beiduyu qijiangensis, gen. et sp. nov., is described from the freshwater Upper Jurassic Suining Formation of Chongqing, China. Although the fish is not completely preserved, it is most similar to Lepidotes and Scheenstia, which were once considered to be members of the Semionotiformes but are currently considered to be basal members of the Lepisosteiformes. The new fish lacks the strong dorsal ridge scales found in the Semionotiformes but has other features such as ganoid scales with anterodorsal and anteroventral processes but a reduced dorsal peg found in these basal lepisosteiform genera. With the description of this new taxon, there are three distinct ginglymodian fishes now known from southern China, all of them from Sichuan Province.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

Division HOLOSTEI Müller, 1845 (sensu Grande, 2010)

Subdivision GINGLYMODI Cope, 1872 (sensu Grande, 2010)

Order LEPISOSTEIFORMES Hay, 1929 (sensu Lopez-Arbarello, 2012)

Included  Taxa — Lepidotes Agassiz 1832, Scheenstia Lopez-Arbarello and Sferco, 2011, and members of the Lepisosteoidei following Lopez-Arbarello, 2012.

BEIDUYU, gen. nov.

Type Species — Beiduyu qijiangensis, sp. nov.

Diagnosis — As for type and only known species.

Etymology — The generic name is a combination of Beidu, the fossil locality, and ‘yu,’ meaning ‘fish’ in Chinese.

BEIDUYU QIJIANGENSIS, sp. nov.(Figs. 2–5)

Holotype — A nearly complete fish missing part of the caudal peduncle and the anterior part of the skull. Catalog number QJGPM 1002.

Type Locality — Beidu, Qijiang, Chongqing Municipality, Sichuan Province, China.

Horizon and Age — Suining Formation, Late Jurassic age.

Etymology — The specific epithet is for Qijiang, the area from which the fossil was recovered.

Alison M. Murray, Lida Xing, Julien Divay, Juan Liu and Fengping Wang. 2015.
A Late Jurassic Freshwater Fish (Ginglymodi, Lepisosteiformes) from Qijiang, Chongqing, China.
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 35(2) DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2014.911187

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7689B0E8-BEFB-4202-B1B4-118E5A1EDEDF

ResearchGate.net/publication/273727950_A_Late_Jurassic_freshwater_fish_(Ginglymodi_Lepisosteiformes)_from_Qijiang_Chongqing_China

 Alison M. Murray, Lida Xing, Julien Divay, Juan Liu & Fengping Wang. 2015.
Correct size of the Late Jurassic freshwater fish, Beiduyu qijiangensis (Ginglymodi, Lepisosteiformes) from Qijiang, Chongqing, China,
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 35(3). DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2015.1039862

http://www.xinglida.net/pdf/Murray_et_al_2015_Beiduyu_corrigendum.pdf

ResearchGate.net/publication/277974698_Correct_size_of_the_Late_Jurassic_freshwater_fish_Beiduyu_qijiangensis_(Ginglymodi_Lepisosteiformes)_from_Qijiang_Chongqing_China

[Herpetology • 2015] Three New Species of Spiny Throated Reed Frogs (Anura: Hyperoliidae: Hyperolius) from Evergreen Forests of Tanzania; Hyperolius burgessi, H. davenporti & H. ukwiva

Figure 6 Colour in life of: (top row) Hyperolius burgessi from Nguru (left male, right female);
(second row) H. davenporti from Livingstone Mts. (left male, right female);
(third row left) H. ukwiva; (third row, right) H. spingularis from Malawi;
 (fourth row, left) H. minutissimus from Udzungwa Mts.; (fourth row, left) and H. tanneri from West Usambara.

DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1050-y

ABSTRACT 

Background

The East African spiny-throated reed frog complex (Hyperolius spinigularis, H. tanneri, and H. minutissimus) is comprised of morphologically similar species with highly fragmented populations across the Eastern Afromontane Region. Recent genetic evidence has supported the distinctiveness of populations suggesting a number of cryptic species. We analyse newly collected morphological data and evaluate the taxonomic distinctiveness of populations.

Results

We find three new distinct species on the basis of morphological and molecular evidence. The primary morphological traits distinguishing species within the Hyperolius spinigularis complex include the proportions and degree of spinosity of the gular flap in males and snout-urostyle length in females. Other features allow the three species to be distinguished from each other (genetics). We refine the understanding of H. minutissimus which can be found in both forest and grassland habitats of the Udzungwa Mountains, and provide more details on the call of this species. Further details on ecology are noted for all species where known.

Conclusions

Three new species are described and we narrow the definition and distribution of Hyperolius spinigularis and H. minutissimus in East Africa. The spiny-throated reed frogs have highly restricted distributions across the fragmented mountains of the Eastern Afromontane region. Given the newly defined and substantially narrower distributions of these spiny-throated reed frog species, conservation concerns are outlined.

Simon P Loader, Lucinda Lawson, Daniel M Portik and Michele Menegon. 2015. Three New Species of Spiny Throated Reed Frogs (Anura: Hyperoliidae) from Evergreen Forests of Tanzania. BMC Research Notes. 04/2015; 8. DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1050-y

http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/s13104-015-1050-y.pdf

ResearchGate.net/publication/275634619_Three_new_species_of_spiny_throated_reed_frogs_(Anura_Hyperoliidae)_from_evergreen_forests_of_Tanzania

[Herpetology • 2011] Gephyromantis (Phylacomantis) atsingy • A New Gephyromantis (Phylacomantis) Frog Species from the Pinnacle Karst of Bemaraha, western Madagascar

Gephyromantis pseudoasper, G. azzurrae, G. corvus 

and Gephyromantis atsingy

Crottini, Glaw, Casiraghi, Jenkins, Mercurio, Randrianantoandro, Randrianirina & Andreone, 2011
doi: 10.3897/zookeys.81.1111

Abstract

We describe a new mantellid frog of the subfamily Mantellinae from the karstic Bemaraha Plateau, western Madagascar. The new species belongs to the genus Gephyromantis, subgenus Phylacomantis, which previously included Gephyromantis azzurrae, Gephyromantis corvus and Gephyromantis pseudoasper. Gephyromantis atsingy sp. n. has a snout-vent length of 35–43 mm and is a scansorial frog living among the Tsingy de Bemaraha pinnacles and inside the caves present in the area. A morphological analysis and biomolecular comparison revealed the degree of differentiation between these four species of the Phylacomantis subgenus. The new species seems to be endemic to Tsingy de Bemaraha.

Keywords: Amphibia, Gephyromantis atsingy sp. n., Madagascar, Tsingy de Bemaraha

Gephyromantis (Phylacomantis) atsingy sp. n.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:94995B02-B47C-4275-A6BA-DD4134B51203

Etymology: The specific noun “atsingy” (pronounced: “a-tseen-jě”) is a Malagasy word. The terms “atsingy” or “tsingy” are the common names used to refer to the pointed and sharp calcareous lime stone formations and pinnacles originated through rainfall erosion. Although present in several other localities in western Madagascar (e.g.: Ankarana), the outcrops of Bemaraha are typical of this area and the specific name is therefore associated with the locality of provenience of the types.

Remark: This species has been referred to as Gephyromantis sp. aff. corvus “Bemaraha” by Glaw and Vences (2007), as Gephyromantis sp. 10 “Bemaraha” by Vieites et al. (2009), and Gephyromantis sp. aff. corvus by Bora et al. (2010).

Holotype: MRSN A5487 (NFN), subadult male, collected at Tsingy de Bemahara National Park, western Madagascar, Andamozavaky (Bekopaka commune, Antsalova district, Melaky region, Mahajanga province), 19°01.86'S, 44°46.80'E; 122 m a.s.l., collected by J. E. Randrianirina on 23 May 2003.

Figure 1. Schematic map of Madagascar with images and distribution of the four described species of the genus Gephyromantis, subgenus Phylacomantis.

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.81.1111 

Figure 2. Images of Gephyromantis atsingy sp. n.
A MRSN A5487 (NFN), subadult male (holotype) from Andamozavaky, dorsal view (photo by J. E. Randrianirina) B–C ZSM 23/2006 (FGZC 0715), adult female (paratype) from Grotte Crystal, close to Andranopasazy, dorsolateral views (photos by F. Glaw) D ZSM 23/2006 (FGZC 0715), adult female (paratype) from Grotte Crystal, close to Andranopasazy, ventral view (photo by F. Glaw) E ZSM 37/2006 (FGZC 0746), juvenile (paratype) from Grotte Anjohimbazimba (photo by F. Glaw) F–G UADBA 39099 (RBJ 627), adult male (paratype) from Andranopasazy, dorsolateral and dorsal views (photos by C. Randrianantoandro) H UADBA 39099 (RBJ 627), adult male (paratype) from Andranopasazy, ventral view, with evident and developed femoral glands of “Type 2” (photo by C. Randrianantoandro) I ZSM 107/2006 (FGZC 0886), juvenile (paratype) from Bendrao Forest (“Camp 3”), dorsolateral view (photo by F. Glaw) J MRSN A5483 (BMR 031), juvenile (paratype) from Andamozavaky, dorsolateral view (photo by J. E. Randrianirina) K–L MRSN A5487 (NFN), subadult male (holotype) from Andamozavaky, dorsal and ventral views of the preserved specimen.

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.81.1111

Angelica Crottini, Frank Glaw, Maurizio Casiraghi, Richard K.B. Jenkins, Vincenzo Mercurio, Christian Randrianantoandro, Jasmin E. Randrianirina and Franco Andreone. 2011. A New Gephyromantis (Phylacomantis) Frog Species from the Pinnacle Karst of Bemaraha, western Madagascar. ZooKeys. 81: 51-71. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.81.1111