[Herpetology • 2020] Review of the Genus Brachytarsophrys (Anura: Megophryidae), with Revalidation of Brachytarsophrys platyparietus and Description of Brachytarsophrys orientalis, A New Species from China

 Brachytarsophrys orientalis  Y. Li, Lyu, J. Wang & Y.Y. Wang

in Li, Zhang, Lyu, ... et Wang, 2020.

DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.033

Abstract

 The genus-level recognition of monophyletic short-legged toads (Brachytarsophrys) has been recently implicated in the taxonomic debate of Megophrys sensu lato. In the present study, Brachytarsophrys is reasonably regarded as a distinct genus based on significant morphological differentiations and recent molecular analyses. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of this genus is performed, with two species groups proposed based on morphological differences and phylogenetic relationships. Particularly, Brachytarsophrys platyparietus is removed as a synonym of Brachytarsophrys carinense and considered a valid species due to significant genetic divergence and distinct morphological differences. In addition, a new species, Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov., is described based on a series of specimens collected from southeastern China. This work takes the member species of the genus Brachytarsophrys to seven, suggesting that the diversity of Brachytarsophrys is underestimated. In addition, the genus levels of other monophyletic groups within the subfamily Megophryinae are discussed.

Key words: Genus level, Megophryinae, Morphology, Phylogeny, Revision

Figure  1.  Collection localities of samples used in this study. Localities of  Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov.: 1: Huboliao Nature Reserve, Fujian; 2: Shanghang County, Fujian; 3: Jiulianshan Nature Reserve, Jiangxi.
Localities of B. popei; 4: Taoyuandong Nature Reserve, Hunan.
Localities of B. chuannanensis; 5: Hejiang County, Sichuan.
Localities of B. platyparietus; 6: Mt. Fanjing, Guizhou; 7: Mt. Jinzhong, Guangxi; 8: Shiping County, Yunnan; 9: Mt. Mopan, Yunnan; 10: Dayao County, Yunnan; 11: Yanbian County, Yunnan.
Localities of B. feae; 12: Jingdong County, Yunnan.
Localities of B. carinense; 13: Mae Surin NP., Mae Hong Son, Thailand; 14: Omkoi, Chiang Mai, Thailand; 15: Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
Localities of B. intermedia; 16: Krong Pa, Gia Lai, Vietnam. 

Figure  1.  Collection localities of samples used in this study and habitat of Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov.
A: Localities of  Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov.: 1: Huboliao Nature Reserve, Fujian; 2: Shanghang County, Fujian; 3: Jiulianshan Nature Reserve, Jiangxi. Localities of B. popei; 4: Taoyuandong Nature Reserve, Hunan. Localities of B. chuannanensis; 5: Hejiang County, Sichuan. Localities of B. platyparietus; 6: Mt. Fanjing, Guizhou; 7: Mt. Jinzhong, Guangxi; 8: Shiping County, Yunnan; 9: Mt. Mopan, Yunnan; 10: Dayao County, Yunnan; 11: Yanbian County, Yunnan. Localities of B. feae; 12: Jingdong County, Yunnan. Localities of B. carinense; 13: Mae Surin NP., Mae Hong Son, Thailand; 14: Omkoi, Chiang Mai, Thailand; 15: Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Localities of B. intermedia; 16: Krong Pa, Gia Lai, Vietnam.
B: Habitat of Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov. in Jiulianshan Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province.

Figure  3.  Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood phylogenies Numbers before slashes are Bayesian posterior probabilities, and numbers after slashes are maximum-likelihood bootstrap supports.

SYSTEMATICS

Family Megophryidae Bonaparte, 1850

Subfamily Megophryinae Bonaparte, 1850

Genus Brachytarsophrys Tian & Hu, 1983

Type species: Leptobrachium carinense Boulenger, 1889

Diagnosis: (1) Large body size, habitus thickset and stout; (2) head enormous, and extremely depressed, head width approximately twice skull length; (3) presence of transverse groove, defining head behind; (4) tympanum hidden; (5) maxillary teeth present; (6) pupil vertical; (7) upper eyelid with several conical tubercles, one elongated, forming conical or flattened horn; (8) hindlimbs short and strongly thickset, heels not meeting, separated by greater distance; (9) toes with webbing and fringes; (10) inhabits deep crevices between rocks or boulders of streams during breeding season.

Suggested common name: Short-Legged Toads (in English) / Duan Tui Chan (短腿蟾 in Chinese).

Distribution: Tropical and subtropical eastern and southeastern mainland Asia, including southern China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and northern Thailand.

Remarks: The genus Brachytarsophrys was established with designating Leptobrachium carinense Boulenger, 1889 as the type species (Tian & Hu, 1983). However, from the original literature, the examined specimen of L. carinense by Tian & Hu (1983) was collected from Jingdong, Yunnan, China, and should not be identified as B. carinense but as B. feae (Boulenger, 1886).

Brachytarsophrys carinense group

Brachytarsophrys carinense (Boulenger, 1889)

Leptobrachium carinense: Boulenger, 1889.

Megophrys carinensis: Bourret, 1942.

Brachytarsophrys carinensis: Tian & Hu, 1983; Rao & Yang, 1997.

Megophrys (Brachytarsophrys) carinensis: Dubois, 1987.

Brachytarsophrys carinense: Delorme et al., 2006.

Megophrys (Brachytarsophrys) carinense: Mahony et al., 2017.

Syntypes: BMNH and NHMW 2291.1-2 (according to Häupl & Tiedemann (1978)) and MSNG 29689 (designated lectotype by Capocaccia (1957)), collected from western slopes of Karens Mountains (800 m a.s.l.), East of Toungoo, Myanmar.

Diagnosis: Based on the original description of Boulenger (1889) and supplementary description of Taylor (1962) and Mahony et al. (2017). (1) Large body size, SVL 124.0–168.0 mm in females, 91.6–123.0 mm in males; (2) head enormous, extremely depressed, head width nearly twice skull length; (3) tongue large, feebly notched behind; (4) canthus rostralis distinct, loreal region to temporal region very oblique; (5) tympanum hidden; (6) maxillary teeth present, vomerine teeth present on two widely-separated vomerine ridges; (7) digits without subarticular tubercles, tibiotarsal articulation reaching axilla in females, commissure of mouth in males; (8) very large, flat, oval inner metatarsal tubercle; (9) toes one third webbed; (10) presence of transverse fold separating head from body; (11) upper eyelid with two to four horn-like conical tubercles; (12) oblique dermal ridge on each side of anterior part of dorsum; (13) stellate bony deposits in skin of parietal region and anterior part of dorsum; (14) single subgular vocal sac in males.

Suggested common name: Broad-Headed Short-Legged Toad (in English) / Kuan Tou Duan Tui Chan (宽头短腿蟾 in Chinese). อึ่งกรายข้างแถบ

Distribution and habitats: Currently, B. carinense is recognized from southern Myanmar and adjacent northern Thailand at elevations of 800 m and upwards. This toad hides in crevices between rocks or between the roots of shrubs during the day (Boulenger, 1889; Taylor, 1962).

Brachytarsophrys intermedia (Smith, 1921)

Megalophrys intermedius: Smith, 1921.

Megophrys intermedia: Bourret, 1942.

Brachytarsophrys intermedia: Rao & Yang, 1997.

Megophrys (Brachytarsophrys) intermedia: Mahony et al., 2017.

Diagnosis: Based on the original description of Smith (1921). (1) Medium body size, SVL 92.0 mm in one adult female, 86.0–103.0 mm in seven adult males; (2) head enormous and depressed, head width nearly twice skull length; (3) tongue feebly notched behind; (4) maxillary teeth present, vomerine teeth present on two widely-separated vomerine ridges; (5) snout round, not protruding beyond margin of lower jaw, canthus rostralis distinct; (6) loreal region to temporal region very oblique; (7) tympanum hidden; (8) presence of transverse groove behind head, separating head from body; (9) digits without subarticular tubercles, tibiotarsal articulation reaching to commissure of jaw; (10) large, flat, oval inner metatarsal tubercles; (11) toes one third to one half webbed, web extending as fringe along either side of toes; (12) paired oblique glandular folds on dorsum; (13) upper eyelid with several conical tubercles, one enlarged to form long horn.

Suggested common name: Annam Short-Legged Toad (in English) / Yue Nan Duan Tui Chan (越南短腿蟾 in Chinese).

Distribution and habitats: The species occurs in the central highlands of southern Vietnam and Laos at elevations above 900 m. Most specimens have been discovered in deep crevices between the rocks or boulders of streams. Loud, harsh male croaks can be heard at all times of the day and night (Smith, 1921).

Brachytarsophrys feae group

Brachytarsophrys chuannanensis Fei, Ye & Huang, 2001  

Suggested common name: Southern Sichuan Short-Legged Toad (in English) / Chuan Nan Duan Tui Chan (川南短腿蟾 in Chinese).

Distribution and habitats: The species is distributed in Hejiang and Junlian counties, Sichuan Province, southwestern China, at 800 to 1 400 m a.s.l.. Specimens are found in or near montane streams surrounded by lush vegetation. They usually hide in crevices between rocks or dirt burrows in streams during the day. Males emit a series of croaks at about 23:00h. The spawning season is around the middle of May (Fei & Ye, 2001).

Brachytarsophrys feae (Boulenger, 1886)

Megalophrys feae: Boulenger, 1886.

Leptobrachium feae: Boulenger, 1889.

Megophrys feae: Gee & Boring, 1929.

Brachytarsophrys feae: Rao & Yang, 1997.

Megophrys (Brachytarsophrys) feae: Mahony et al., 2017.

Holotype: MSNG 29763, female (according to Capocaccia (1957)), collected from Khakhyen Hills, East of Bhamò, Myanmar.

Diagnosis: Based on the original description of Boulenger (1886), supplementary description of Fei et al. (2009), and examined specimens. (1) Moderate body size, SVL 78.5–94.9 mm in five adult males; (2) head enormous, extremely depressed, head width approximately twice skull length; (3) tongue pyriform, feebly notched behind; (4) maxillary teeth present, vomerine teeth present on two vomerine ridges; (5) canthus rostralis indistinct, loreal region concave, temporal region oblique; (6) tympanum hidden; (7) tibiotarsal articulation reaching axilla or commissure of jaw; (8) very large, flat, oval inner metatarsal tubercle, longer than first toe; (9) toes with rudimentary webbing; (10) upper eyelid with several small tubercles, one enlarged, forming horn; (11) absence of dermal ridge on dorsum; (12) stellate bony deposits on each side of parietal region; (13) male with single subgular vocal sac, dorsal surface of first and second finger bases with black brown nuptial pad; (14) tadpole with several transversal stripes on ventral surface.

Suggested common name: Fea’s Short-Legged Toad (in English) / Fei Shi Duan Tui Chan (费氏短腿蟾 in Chinese). อึ่งกรายพม่า

Distribution and habitats: This species is currently recognized from northern Myanmar and Yunnan Province in southwestern China at 650 to 2 100 m a.s.l.. Specimens are found in montane streams, under rocks or deep burrows surrounded by moist evergreen broadleaf forests. Male individuals begin to emit a series of croaks in April. The spawning season is from May to June (Fei & Ye, 2009; this study).

Brachytarsophrys popei Zhao, Yang, Chen, Chen & Wang, 2014 (Figure 7)

Suggested common name: Pope’s Short-Legged Toad (in English) / Po Pu Duan Tui Chan (珀普短腿蟾 in Chinese).

Distribution and habitats: Brachytarsophrys popei populations occur in Taoyuangdong Nature Reserve, Hunan Province, adjacent Mt. Jinggang, Jiangxi Province, and Nanling Reserve, Guangdong Province, southeastern China, at 900 to 1 300 m a.s.l.. The species can be found under rocks in montane streams surrounded by moist subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests. Males emit a series of croaks from July to September (Zhao et al., 2014).

Brachytarsophrys platyparietus Rao & Yang, 1997 

Suggested common name: Flat-Headed Short-Legged Toad (in English) / Ping Tou Duan Tui Chan (平头短腿蟾 in Chinese).

Distribution and habitats: Currently, Brachytarsophrys platyparietus is recognized from Duodihe of Dayao County, Mt. Mopan of Xinping County, Yilong Township of Shiping County, Mt. Jinzhong of Longlin County, Mt. Fanjing of Tongren City, Yumen Township of Yanbian County, indicating its potential distribution areas, which range across central southwestern China at around 2 000 m a.s.l.. These toads inhabit montane streams surrounded by moist subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests. Some adult males have been found near batches of eggs attached to the bottom of a rock, suggesting that adult males may exhibit egg protection behavior (Figure 10).

Figure 11. General aspect of Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov. A: Dorsolateral view of adult male holotype SYS a004227 in life; B: Ventral view of holotype SYS a004227 in life; C, D: Hand and foot of holotype SYS a004227 in life.

Figure 12. Morphological differences between Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov. and B. popei A: Sole of feet in male holotype SYS a004227 of Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov.; B: Sole of feet in female paratype SYS a004486 of Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov.; C: Sole of feet in male holotype SYS a001867 of B. popei; D: Sole of feet in female paratype SYS a001875 of B. popei; E, F: Ventral view of 36th stage tadpole of Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov.

Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov. Y. Li, Lyu, J. Wang & Y.Y. Wang  

Diagnosis: Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov. is characterized by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) relatively small body size, SVL 88.6 mm in single adult female, SVL 76.8–82.7 mm in seven adult males; (2) head enormous and depressed, head width nearly 1.2 times as long as head length and nearly twice skull length; (3) tongue pyriform, feebly notched behind; (4) heels not meeting; (5) tibiotarsal articulation reaching to commissure of jaw; (6) outer metatarsal tubercle absent, inner metatarsal tubercle approximately equal to first toe; (7) smaller webbing, from distal metatarsals to basal toes, webbing formula I (1½)-(2) II (1½)-(3) III (2½)-(4) IV (4)-(2) V in males; (8) lateral fringes of males more developed than those of females, nearly one third as broad as distal toe phalanx in males; (9) absence of a transversal stripe on chest in tadpole.

Male secondary sexual characteristics: Male with single subgular vocal sac; nuptial pad on dorsal surface of first and second fingers, nuptial spines black (in preservative).

Etymology: The specific name “orientalis” refers to the distribution of the new species, which is the easternmost species within the genus Brachytarsophrys.

Suggested common name: Oriental Short-Legged Toad (in English) / Dong Fang Duan Tui Chan (东方短腿蟾 in Chinese).

Distribution and habitats: Currently, Brachytarsophrys orientalis sp. nov. is only known from the Jiulianshan Nature Reserve in Jiangxi Province and Gutian Township and Huboliao Nature Reserve in Fujian Province, China, at 200 to 700 m a.s.l.. This species is found under rocks in montane streams surrounded by moist subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests (Figure 1B). All male individuals were observed in August and emitted a series of croaks from hidden positions.

  

Yao Li, Dan-Dan Zhang, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Jian Wang, Yu-Long Li, Zu-Yao Liu, Hong-Hui Chen, Ding-Qi Rao, Zhi-Fang Jin, Chang-You Zhang and Ying-Yong Wang. 2020. Review of the Genus Brachytarsophrys (Anura: Megophryidae), with Revalidation of Brachytarsophrys platyparietus and Description of A New Species from China.  Zoological Research. 41(2); 105-122. DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.033

   

[Botany • 2019] Aspidistra corniculata (Asparagaceae, Nolinoideae) • A New Species from northern Vietnam

Aspidistra corniculata Vislobokov

in Vislobokov, Kuznetsov, Kuznetsova & Kuzmicheva, 2019. 

  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.397.1.15

Abstract

Aspidistra corniculata is described and illustrated here as a new species from northern Vietnam. In flower structure, A. corniculata resembles A. lubae, A. marasmioides, A. multiflora and A. zinaidae but possesses hornlike connective appendages in stamens that distinguish it from all the other close species.

Keywords: connective appendage, taxonomy, Tay Yen Tu, tropical forest, Monocots

Figure 1. Aspidistra corniculata Vislobokov.
A) whole plant in its natural habitat; b) flower with whitish perigone arising from the rhizome; c) flowering plant; d) rhizome with reddish purple flowers from the top down; e) rhizome with reddish purple flower from lateral view; f) particular of the flower, lateral view); g) flower, longitudinal section; h) flower, inner part; i) flower, inner part without gynoecium; j) flower, lateral view; k) gynoecium, from below; l) gynoecium, lateral view; m) perigone with stamen.

Illustration by E.A. Kuzmicheva.

Aspidistra corniculata Vislobokov, sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis: Aspidistra corniculata is morphologically similar to A. marasmioides and A. multiflora, but differs in longer partly reddish purple filaments with connective appendages, in reddish purple perigone tube and narrowly lanceolate leaf blade.

 Etymology:— The specific epithet refers to the hornlike connective appendages of stamens. 

Distribution and ecology:— The species is known only from Tây Yên Tử National Forest, where it grows along the river bank.

Nikolay A. Vislobokov, Andrey N. Kuznetsov, Svetlana P. Kuznetsova, Evgeniya A. Kuzmicheva. 2019. Aspidistra corniculata (Asparagaceae, Nolinoideae), A New Species from Vietnam.  

Phytotaxa. 397(1); 125-128.  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.397.1.15

Researchgate.net/publication/331743922_Aspidistra_corniculata_a_new_species_from_Vietnam

[Botany • 2019] Hedyotis indirae (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Western Ghats, India

Hedyotis indirae K.M.P. Kumar & P.T. Aiswarya

in Prabhukumar, Aiswarya, ... et Hareesh, 2019. 

  DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2019.1641298   

 ABSTRACT

Hedyotis indirae, a new shrubby species of Rubiaceae from Muthikulam forest of Palakkad district, Kerala is described and illustrated here. The species shows similarities with its closely allied taxa H. hirsutissima and H. beddomei, but differs in many qualitative attributes. Detailed description, phenology and distribution notes are provided along with photographs.

KEYWORDS: Elivalmala, Kerala, Muthikulam forest, Novelty, Palakkad hills

Hedyotis indirae K.M.P. Kumar & P.T. Aiswarya, sp. nov.

Etymology: The new species is named after Dr Indira Balachandran, Director, Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram, Kerala, for her outstanding contribution to the field of angiosperm taxonomy and in Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants.

Konickal Mambetta Prabhukumar, Pilathottathil Aiswarya, Raveendran Jagadeesan, Vannaratta Veettil Naveen Kumar, Chandrasseril Narayanan Sunil andVadakoot Sankaran Hareesh. 2019. Hedyotis indirae (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Western Ghats, India. Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 74(2); 275-279. DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2019.1641298  

[Paleontology • 2020] High Frequencies of Theropod Bite Marks provide Evidence for Feeding, Scavenging, and possible Cannibalism in A Stressed Late Jurassic Ecosystem

Dry season at the Mygatt-Moore Quarry showing Ceratosaurus and Allosaurus fighting over the desiccated carcass of another theropod. 
 Types of bite marks observed in the MMQ assemblage with arrows indicating features of note.

in Drumheller, McHugh, Kane, et al., 2020. 

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233115 

Illustration by Brian Engh (dontmesswithdinosaurs.com).

Abstract

Bite marks provide direct evidence for trophic interactions and competition in the fossil record. However, variations in paleoecological dynamics, such as trophic relationships, feeding behavior, and food availability, govern the frequency of these traces. Theropod bite marks are particularly rare, suggesting that members of this clade might not often focus on bone as a resource, instead preferentially targeting softer tissues. Here, we present an unusually large sample of theropod bite marks from the Upper Jurassic Mygatt-Moore Quarry (MMQ). We surveyed 2,368 vertebrate fossils from MMQ in this analysis, with 684 specimens (28.885% of the sample) preserving at least one theropod bite mark. This is substantially higher than in other dinosaur-dominated assemblages, including contemporaneous localities from the Morrison Formation. Observed bite marks include punctures, scores, furrows, pits, and striations. Striated marks are particularly useful, diagnostic traces generated by the denticles of ziphodont teeth, because the spacing of these features can be used to provide minimum estimates of trace maker size. In the MMQ assemblage, most of the striations are consistent with denticles of the two largest predators known from the site: Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus. One of the bite marks suggests that a substantially larger theropod was possibly present at the site and are consistent with large theropods known from other Morrison Formation assemblages (either an unusually large Allosaurus or a separate, large-bodied taxon such as Saurophaganax or Torvosaurus). The distribution of the bite marks on skeletal elements, particularly those found on other theropods, suggest that they potentially preserve evidence of scavenging, rather than active predation. Given the relative abundances of the MMQ carnivores, partnered with the size-estimates based on the striated bite marks, the feeding trace assemblage likely preserves the first evidence of cannibalism in Allosaurus.

Fig 3. Shed lateral tooth of Allosaurus sp. (MWC 5011) found at the Mygatt-Moore Quarry, white arrow indicates the distal denticles. Mesial denticles are present on such teeth, but were not preserved in this specimen.

 Fig 2. Types of bite marks observed in the MMQ assemblage with arrows indicating features of note.
A, striated marks produced by ziphodont tooth on an Allosaurus sp. pedal claw (MWC 7263); B, a striated score on an Allosaurus sp. vertebral centrum (MWC 8675); C, a score on an Apatosaurus sp. rib fragment (MWC 3853); D, a dense cluster of furrows on a distal Apatosaurus sp. pubis (MWC 861); E, a puncture (white arrow) and a pit (yellow arrow) on an Allosaurus sp. caudal vertebral centrum; F, a dense cluster of striated furrows Apatosaurus sp. ischium (MWC 4011). All scale bars equal 10 mm.

Fig 4. Dry season at the Mygatt-Moore Quarry showing Ceratosaurus and Allosaurus fighting over the desiccated carcass of another theropod.

Illustration by Brian Engh (dontmesswithdinosaurs.com).

Conclusions: 

The Mygatt-Moore Quarry preserves an unusually highly tooth-marked assemblage from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation. Bite marks are consistent with a theropod trace maker, and striations place the traces within the range expected for the known large-bodied theropods from the site: Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus. The largest of these traces suggests an individual that is too large to be either taxon based on existing fossils, suggesting they were produced by an even larger taxon such as Saurophaganax or Torvosaurus. While the location of traces on herbivorous dinosaurs are consistent with predation or early access to remains, bite marks found on other theropod material, more specifically Allosaurus, are concentrated on lower-economy bones, suggesting that they represent incidences of scavenging. If the trace maker is Ceratosaurus, this study represents the first incidence of this taxon feeding on another large, contemporaneous theropod. If the trace maker is Allosaurus, this study represents the first time cannibalism has been reported in this taxon and its encompassing clade, Allosauroidea. If the trace maker is a taxon not represented in the fossil assemblage (i.e., Saurophaganax or Torvosaurus), then these bite marks preserve the first indirect evidence of such a taxon in the MMQ, raising the diversity of large carnivores at the site based on bone surface modifications alone in the absence of body fossils. This seems likely for our largest striations, as they are too large to be produced by any taxon of known size in the MMQ.

Together with the high volume of other bone surface modifications, these traces suggest a depositional environment in which remains were exposed at the surface for long stretches of time, allowing more complete utilization of decaying remains than might be expected at other, contemporary sites with more rapid sediment accumulation (e.g., Carnegie Quarry-Dinosaur National Monument). Therefore, the high concentration of bone surface modifications at the MMQ may represent a true sampling of the processes that shaped the fossil site, a signal that seems to have been boosted by a recent shift to bulk collection at the locality. More detailed comparisons of bone surface modification frequencies in samples collected both before and after this change in collection protocol is ongoing, but this case study demonstrates that paleoecological analyses of these taphonomic processes are helped by more complete sampling and are actively biased by targeting of less damaged, more aesthetically-pleasing bones, as is common practice when type and exhibition specimens are preferentially collected.

Stephanie K. Drumheller, Julia B. McHugh, Miriam Kane, Anja Riedel, Domenic C. D’Amore. 2020. High Frequencies of Theropod Bite Marks provide Evidence for Feeding, Scavenging, and possible Cannibalism in A Stressed Late Jurassic Ecosystem.  PLoS ONE. 15(5): e0233115. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233115

In stressed ecosystems Jurassic dinosaurs turned to scavenging, maybe even cannibalism

phys.org/news/2020-05-stressed-ecosystems-jurassic-dinosaurs-scavenging.html

[Botany • 2020] Corybas circinatus (Orchidaceae) • A New Species from Palawan, the Philippines

Corybas circinatus 

in Tandang, Bustamante, Ferreras, et al., 2020. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.446.2.7 

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Abstract

Corybas circinatus, a new species of helmet orchid endemic to ultramafic habitats on the island of Palawan, Philippines, is hereby described and illustrated. This species is distinct in bearing a small glandular protuberance at the front of its pedicel, a 4-lobed entire labellum, and a distinctive strongly incurved dorsal sepal. The general colouration of the floral and vegetative parts is also highly characteristic, and the general lowland to mid-montane ecology of the species is unique amongst the known Philippines Corybas.

Keywords: Corybas, Diuridae, Acianthinae, helmet orchid, ultramafic, Malesia, taxonomy, Monocots

    

Danilo N. Tandang, Rene Alfred Anton Bustamante, Ulysses Ferreras, Annalee S. Hadsall, Stephanie Pym-Lyon and Alastair S. Robinson. 2020. Corybas circinatus (Orchidaceae), A New Species from Palawan, the Philippines. Phytotaxa. 446(2); 135–140. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.446.2.7

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[Herpetology • 2020] Five New Species of the Salamander Genus Chiropterotriton (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from eastern Mexico and the Status of Three Currently Recognized Taxa

(A) Chiropterotriton ceronorum sp. nov., (B) C. perotensis sp. nov., (C) C. totonacus sp. nov.,(D) C. melipona sp. nov., (E) C. casasi sp. nov. & (F) C. chiropterus.

Parra Olea​, Garcia-Castillo, Rovito, Maisano, Hanken & Wake, 2020

 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8800 

Abstract
The genus Chiropterotriton is endemic to Mexico with a geographical distribution along the Sierra Madre Oriental, the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt and the Sierra de Juárez. The recent use of molecular tools has shown that Mexico’s amphibian diversity is highly underestimated, including a large number of cryptic, unnamed species. Chiropterotriton has 18 described species including terrestrial, arboreal and cave-dwelling species. In previous molecular studies, the presence of multiple undescribed species was evident. We present a phylogenetic hypothesis based on mitochondrial data, which includes all described species and six undescribed taxa. Based on the morphological analyses and, when available, combined with molecular data, we describe five new species of the genus; Chiropterotriton casasi sp. nov., C. ceronorum sp. nov., C. melipona sp. nov., C. perotensis sp. nov. and C. totonacus sp. nov. In addition, we redescribe two others: Chiropterotriton chiropterus and C. orculus, and provide a comparable account of one additional sympatric congener. This increases the number of species in the genus to 23, which represent a considerable component of Mexican plethodontid richness.

Figure 5: Photographs of live and preserved specimens of eight species of Chiropterotriton. 
(A) Chiropterotriton ceronorum sp. nov., IBH 30988; (B) C. perotensis sp. nov., IBH 30745; (C) C. totonacus sp. nov., IBH 31031; (D) C. melipona sp. nov., IBH 30112; (E) C. casasi sp. nov., paratype, MVZ 92876; (F) C. chiropterus, CARIE 0719; (G) C. orculus, IBH 30997; (H) C. lavae, IBH 22365.

Conclusions: 

The genus Chiropterotriton, an endemic group of Mexican salamanders, has been a taxonomic challenge to researchers for many years. Previously published molecular data indicated that a number of undescribed species were present, but lack of a thorough morphological analysis had stalled the advances in the description of the diversity of this group. This article is a big step towards this goal. Herein we describe five new species of Chiropterotriton and redescribed two more, based on molecular and morphological data, increasing considerably the known diversity of the genus. However, more work is still needed for the description of several more taxa when additional data are available.

Gabriela Parra Olea​, Mirna G. Garcia-Castillo, Sean M. Rovito, Jessica A. Maisano, James Hanken and David B. Wake. 2020. Descriptions of Five New Species of the Salamander Genus Chiropterotriton (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from eastern Mexico and the Status of Three Currently Recognized Taxa. PeerJ. 8:e8800. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8800

[Botany • 2020] Heterostemma cucphuongense (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Vietnam

Heterostemma cucphuongense T.B.Tran & Rodda

in Tran, Han, Hai, ... et Rodda. 2020.   

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.148.50029

Photographs by N.Q. Dat, T.B. Tran, Thuong V.A.

Abstract

Heterostemma cucphuongense (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), a new species from Vietnam is described, illustrated and compared with the similar species Heterostemma succosum Kerr. Heterostemma cucphuongense differs from H. succosum by the morphology of the rachis of the inflorescence, the margins of the corolla lobes and the colour of the adaxial surface of the corolla.

Keywords: Ceropegieae, Cuc Phuong National Park

Figure 1. Heterostemma cucphuongense T.B.Tran & Rodda
A flowering branch B flower, view from above (adaxial) C flower, from underneath D corona, from above E ovary F pollinarium.

(Photographs by N.Q. Dat, T.B. Tran, Thuong V.A., photo edit by M. Rodda)

Heterostemma cucphuongense T.B.Tran & Rodda, sp. nov.

Diagnostic characters: This new species is similar to H. succosum Kerr, as both species have shortly pedunculate inflorescences, on which the flowers open in gradual succession (with generally a single flower open) and have relatively large rotate flowers (generally > 14 mm diam.). They are separated by the presence of a distinct rachis that develops in the inflorescence (which is absent in H. succosum); the margins of the corolla lobes are revolute (vs. flat in H. succosum), the pedicels are shorter (5–10 mm, vs. 15–30 mm in H. succosum) and by the colour of the adaxial surface of the corolla (red with white-yellow spots vs. yellow-orange with reddish-brown spots in H. succosum).

Etymology: The species is named after the type locality, Cuc Phuong National Park, in Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam.

Distribution and ecology: Heterostemma cucphuongense was only collected once, near one of the main trails in the Cuc Phuong National Park. It was found in primary evergreen forest on soils derived from degraded limestone. It was collected in flower in June.


The Bach Tran, Le Ngoc Han, Do Van Hai, Bui Hong Quang, Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Bui Thu Ha, Tran Van Hai and Michele Rodda. 2020. Heterostemma cucphuongense (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), A New Species from Vietnam.  PhytoKeys. 148: 119-124. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.148.50029

[Entomology • 2020] Chrysopa niki • A New Unexpected Species of Chrysopa Leach (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) from Cyprus with Biogeographic Remarks

Chrysopa niki

Badano & Makris, 2020

 DOI: 10.1080/00379271.2020.1756911 

photos by Christodoulos Makris. 

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Summary

Cyprus is rich in endemics; however, all but two lacewing species are shared with the mainland. Thus, the discovery of a new morphologically distinct species of chrysopid belonging to the extensively studied genus Chrysopa, Chrysopa niki n. sp., appears remarkable. While most Chrysopa species differ in relatively subtle morphological characters, the new taxon is set apart from all Western Palaearctic congeners due to a unique combination of pattern, venational, leg and genital characters. The characteristics of C. niki n. sp. suggest that it might be an endemic to Cyprus, not strictly related to other congeners, underlining the importance of the discovery. The biogeography of Cypriot Neuroptera is discussed in light of this new finding.

  

Keywords: Neuropterida, green lacewings, Mediterranean, biogeography, endemics, new species

Taxonomy

Family Chrysopidae Schneider, 1851

Subfamily Chrysopinae Schneider, 1851

Tribe Chrysopini Schneider, 1851

Genus Chrysopa Leach in Brewster, 1815

Figure 1. Chrysopa niki n. sp., live specimens, habitus. 
A, ♂ (Cyprus, Kalo Chorio, 17.VI.2016, not collected). B, ♂ paratype, pale morph (Koilani, Agia Mavri). C, ♀ paratype (Koilani, Agia Mavri).

All photos by Christodoulos Makris.

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Chrysopa niki n. sp. 

Etymology: The new species is named after Niki Makri, the daughter of one of the authors, C. Makris. The specific name is a noun in apposition.

Davide Badano and Christodoulos Makris. 2020. A New Unexpected Species of Chrysopa Leach from Cyprus with Biogeographic Remarks (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Annales de la Société entomologique de France (N.S.): International Journal of Entomology. DOI: 10.1080/00379271.2020.1756911  

 twitter.com/WBA_social/status/1265566613371334663

Résumé: Une nouvelle espèce inattendue de Chrysopa Leach de Chypre avec des remarques biogéographiques (Neuroptera : Chrysopidae). Chypre est riche en espèces endémiques, mais tous les névroptères à l’exception de deux sont partagés avec le continent. À cet égard, la découverte d’une nouvelle espèce de chrysope morphologiquement distincte appartenant au genre Chrysopa, Chrysopa niki n. sp., est remarquable. Tandis que la plupart des espèces de Chrysopa se distinguent par des caractères morphologiques relativement subtils, le nouveau taxon se differencie de tous ses congénères du Paléarctique occidental grâce à une combinaison unique de caractères de coloration, des nervures et des genitalia. Les caractéristiques de C. niki n. sp. suggèrent qu’il s’agit d’une espèce endémique de Chypre, non strictement affine d’autres congénères, soulignant l’importance du nouveau taxon. La biogéographie des névroptères chypriotes est discutée en fonction de cette découverte.

[Invertebrate • 2020] Astrolirus patricki • A New Sponge-associated Starfish (Asteroidea: Brisingida: Brisingidae) from the northwestern Pacific Seamounts

 Astrolirus patricki

 Zhang, Zhou, Xiao & Wang, 2020

 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9071

Abstract

Seamounts are important deep ocean entities that serve as reservoirs for varied types of habitats and fauna. During the Chinese cruises in the northwestern Pacific seamount areas, a new starfish species of order Brisingida, Astrolirus patricki, was found at 1,458–2,125 m depth. All specimens of the new species were observed in situ attaching on hexactinellid sponges, suggesting a possible close relationship between the two taxa. A. patricki sp. nov. is the second known species of the genus, characterized by the abutting plates in the intercostal integument, separated first pair of adambulacral plates and densely distributed proximal spines. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted for order Brisingida to incorporate the new species as well as Hymenodiscus cf. fragilis (Fisher, 1906), Freyella cf. attenuata Sladen, 1889 and two Brisinga spp., for which we present the molecular data for the first time. Phylogenetic trees suggest a close relationship between A. patricki sp. nov. with Brisinga species rather than with Hymenodiscus species, which is inconsistent with morphological taxonomy. This study highlights the distinct morphological and ecological characters of the new species and provides new data for future investigation on Brisingida phylogeny.

Figure 1: In situ photographs of  Astrolirus patricki sp. nov. (A) Holotype RSIOAS044. (B) Paratype RSIOAS028. (C) Paratype RSIOAS003. (D) Paratype RSIOAS052. (E) Paratype MBM286625.

   

Figure 2:  Astrolirus patricki sp. nov., abactinal view.
 (A) Paratype RSIOAS028. (B) Paratype RSIOAS003. (C), (D), (H), holotype RSIOAS044, (C) Abactinal surface of disk and proximal part of arms, with red arrow pointing at the madreporite body, white arrow at the interradial plate and yellow arrows at the marginal plates. The red frame indicates the proximal region of arm connecting the disk and genital region, where pedicellariae do no form regular costae. (D) Abactinal surface of arm genital area with mosaic plating, red arrows show the costae bands. (E) Paratype RSIOAS003, abactinal surface of arm genital area, red arrows show the costae bands. (F) Paratype RSIOAS052, zoom in view of the abactinal disk, showing the multiple sharp spinelets on disk plates. (G) Paratype RSIOAS052, a piece of dissected skin from abactinal disk, shot from the inner side of the skin, showing the small round disk plates. (H) Abactinal surface at the middle of arm, black arrows indicate the pedicellariae bands.

Systematics

Order Brisingida Fisher, 1928

Family Brisingidae G.O. Sars, 1875

Genus Astrolirus Fisher, 1917

Diagnosis to Genus. Intercostal integument covered by thin plates; the first pair of adambulacral plates do not touch by their interradial faces, but are separated by a pair of marginal plates; first pair of marginal plates unit closely with a large interradial plate in the interradial faces.

Astrolirus patricki sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Arms 7, robust. Intercostal integument densely covered by irregular, abutting plates. No syzygy between proximal arm plates. The first pair of adambulacral plates separated by a pair of marginal plates. A large interradial plate above the first marginal plates, visible from the abactinal side, covered by scattered spinelets. Mouth spines and proximal adambulacral spines robust, densely distributed. Suboral spines 3–4; subambulacral spines 1–2, proximal ones truncate, capitate. One lateral spine to each adambulacral plate, starting from about the 8th. A pair of gonads to each arm.

Etymology. The name is originated from the character “Patrick Star” in the famous cartoon “SpongeBob Squarepants”, who always spends time with his best friend “SpongeBob”, a benthic sponge. Since all specimens of the new species were observed in situ living on sponges (Fig. 1), it was name by Patrick to reflect this curious relationship.

Conclusions: 

The new species Astrolirus patricki sp. nov. reported in this study represents the second known species in the genus, which is distinguished from its congener by the form and organization of costae and intercostal plates as well as numbers of spines and arms. Morphological description and molecular data delimitate the new species and provide reference for future taxonomic and phylogenetic study of related species. The current phylogenetic analysis on order Brisingida indicates an intermediate position of A. patricki sp. nov. between Brisinga and Hymenodiscus, but more samples and multi-gene analysis are needed in the future to clarify the actual systematic and phylogenetic relationships among these genera.

Ruiyan Zhang, Yadong Zhou, Ning Xiao and Chunsheng Wang. 2020. A New Sponge-associated Starfish, Astrolirus patricki sp. nov. (Asteroidea: Brisingida: Brisingidae), from the northwestern Pacific Seamounts. PeerJ. 8:e9071. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9071