[Ichthyology • 2023] Badis limaakumi • A New Species of badid fish (Percomorpha: Badidae) from Nagaland, Northeast India

Badis limaakumi  Praveenraj, 2023

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5351.3.5

 

Abstract

Badis limaakumi, a new species of Badis from Nagaland, Northeast India is distinguished from all its congeners by the following combination of characters: a large (>60 mm SL) and slender body (23.2–28.0% of SL), presence of an opercular blotch at the base of the opercular spine, absence of blotches on the sides and fins, as well as on the cleithrum, and greater number of lateral-line scales.

Keywords: Pisces, new species, Badis assamensis, Badis blosyrus, Milak River, Brahmaputra

Jayasimhan Praveenraj. 2023. Badis limaakumi, A New Species of badid fish from Nagaland, Northeast India (Teleostei: Percomorpha: Badidae).  Zootaxa. 5351(3); 371-379. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5351.3.5

[Ichthyology • 2023] Liobagrus geumgangensis • A New Species of Torrent Catfish (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from Korea

Liobagrus geumgangensis 

Kim, Yun & Park, 2023

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1180.105233

 

Abstract

In a recent survey of populations of the Korean torrent catfish Liobagrus, a distinctive species was discovered from the Geum River and its tributaries flowing into the western coast of Korea, and here described as a new species, L. geumgangensis sp. nov. It is distinguishable from other congeners by a combination of the following characters: I, 8 pectoral fin-rays; 52–56 caudal-fin rays; a relatively short occiput to dorsal-fin origin distance (6.9–9.8% SL); a short pelvic-fin insertion to anal-fin origin distance (11.9–17.3% SL); a long dorsal-fin base (10.6–13.5% SL); 8–9 gill rakers; 5–8 serrations on the pectoral fin; the body and fins are dark yellow, the margins of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are dark brown, but the outermost rim is faintly yellow. Analysis of the cytb gene also confirmed that L. geumgangensis is a monophyletic lineage distinct from other congeners.

Key words: Catfishes, cytb, DNA, geographical speciation, key, morphometrics, taxonomy

Liobagrus geumgangensis sp. nov. holotype (CNUC 39103), 70.7 mm SL, male, Geum River, Namyang-myeon, Cheongyang-gun, South Korea;
 lateral (A), dorsal (B) and ventral (C) views.

Amblycipitidae Day, 1873

 Liobagrus geumgangensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Liobagrus geumgangensis can be distinguished from other species in the genus by the length of the upper and lower jaws, and the presence or absence of serrations on the posterior edge of the pectoral fin, which are representative characteristics of the genus Liobagrus. Liobagrus geumgangensis has a longer upper than lower jaw and serrations on the posterior edge of the pectoral fin. Species that share these characteristics with L. geumgangensis are as follows: L. mediadiposalis, L. somjinensis, L. hyeongsanensis, L. huaiheensis and L. pseudostyani. This new species can be distinguished by the relatively large number of serrations (5–8) on the posterior edge of the pectoral fin (vs. 4–6 in L. mediadiposalis and L. somjinensis, 2–3 in L. hyeongsanensis, L. huaiheensis and L. pseudostyani). It can be further differentiated from L. huaiheensis and L. pseudostyani by the subtruncate caudal fin (vs. rounded). Liobagrus geumgangensis is distinguished from its geographically closest congeners L. mediadiposalis and L. somjinensis by the following combination of characteristics: the body and fins are dark yellow, and the margins of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are dark brown, but the outermost rim is faintly yellow (vs. broad yellowish outer margin of the fins in L. mediadiposalis and crescent-shaped band in the middle of the caudal fin in L. somjinensis); pectoral fin rays I, 8 (vs. both I, 7); caudal fin rays 52–56 (vs. both 57–61); a relatively short occiput to dorsal-fin origin (6.9–9.8% SL vs. 10.3–13.3% in L. mediadiposalis and 9.7–13.0 in L. somjinensis); a short pelvic-fin origin to anal-fin origin (11.9–17.3% SL vs. 15.3–20.9% in L. mediadiposalis and 13.3–18.7% in L. somjinensis); a long dorsal-fin base (10.6–13.5% SL vs. 7.7–10.4% in L. mediadiposalis and 8.8–11.3% in L. somjinensis); and 8–9 gill rakes (vs. 7–11 in L. mediadiposalis and 7–9 in L. somjinensis) (Figs 1, 2).

...

Etymology: Named after the Geum River (Geumgang in Korean), the type locality. We propose the Korean name Geumgang-Jagasari for this species.

Liobagrus mediadiposalis (A), CNUC 39153, 97.0 mm SL; male, Nakdong River, Sancheong-gun, South Korea
and L. somjinensis (B), CNUC 39170, 99.4 mm SL, male, Somjin River, Namwon-si, South Korea.

Su-hwan Kim, Seung-woon Yun and Jong-young Park. 2023. A New Species of Torrent Catfish, Liobagrus geumgangensis (Teleostei, Siluriformes, Amblycipitidae), from Korea. ZooKeys. 1180: 317-332. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1180.105233

[Paleontology • 2023] Garumbatitan morellensis • New Sauropod Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of Morella (Spain) provides New insights on the Evolutionary History of Iberian Somphospondylan Titanosauriforms

 Garumbatitan morellensis 

Mocho, Escaso, Gasulla, Galobart, Poza, Santos-Cubedo, Sanz & Ortega, 2023

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad124 

 twitter.com/PD_Mocho

 

Abstract

A new somphospondylan titanosauriform from the Lower Cretaceous of Spain is described from the remains found at the Sant Antoni de la Vespa site (upper Barremian Arcillas de Morella Formation) located in Morella. Garumbatitan morellensis gen. et sp. nov. is diagnosed by 11 autapomorphies and eight local autapomorphies; and our phylogenetic analyses suggest that Garumbatitan morellensis might correspond to an early-branching somphospondylan. The presence of several somphospondylan traits in Garumbatitan morellensis supports the somphospondylan hypothesis. The phylogenetic distribution of some titanosauriform and somphospondylan novelties in the femur (markedly developed lateral bulge, high shaft eccentricity, linea intermuscularis cranialis, and trochanteric shelf) is discussed. The tarsus and pes of Garumbatitan morellensis are distinctive, being characterized by the loss of the calcaneum, relative slenderness of the metatarsals II, III, and IV when compared to the retracted metatarsals I and V, three pedal phalanges in digit IV, and reduced ungual III. The sauropod fauna of the Iberian Peninsula during the Hauterivian–Aptian shows a complex phylogenetic mosaic, including forms with Laurasian affinities, mainly titanosauriforms (Soriatitan, Garumbatitan, and possibly Tastavinsaurus and Europatitan), and Gondwanan affinities, the rebbachisaurid Demandasaurus. Faunal exchange during the Early Cretaceous between the Europe, North America, East Asia, and Africa is plausible.

Keywords: Sauropodomorpha, vertebrate palaeontology, phylogenetic systematics, Dinosauria, Mesozoic, Europe, palaeobiogeography

Pedro Mocho, Fernando Escaso, José M Gasulla, Àngel Galobart, Begoña Poza, Andrés Santos-Cubedo, José L Sanz and Francisco Ortega. 2023. New Sauropod Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of Morella (Spain) provides New insights on the Evolutionary History of Iberian Somphospondylan Titanosauriforms. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlad124, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad124

  twitter.com/PD_Mocho/status/1707309642731110845

[Entomology • 2023] Loboscelidia barbata, L. convexa, L. glabra, L. piriformis, etc. • Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Loboscelidia Westwood, 1874 (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae: Loboscelidiinae) from Vietnam

 

Loboscelidia spp.

Hisasue, Pham & Mita, 2023

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.877.2203

 kyushu-u.ac.jp 

  twitter.com/antparasitoid

ABSTRACT

The taxonomy of Loboscelidiinae in Vietnam is revised, with 16 new species being described: Loboscelidia bachmaensis sp. nov., L. barbata sp. nov., L. cilia sp. nov., L. convexa sp. nov., L. cucphuongensis sp. nov., L. cuneata sp. nov., L. do sp. nov., L. flavipes sp. nov., L. glabra sp. nov., L. komedai sp. nov., L. mediata sp. nov., L. parallela sp. nov., L. piriformis sp. nov., L. squamosa sp. nov., L. vang sp. nov. and L. vietnamensis sp. nov. In total, 24 species of Loboscelidia are recognized in the fauna of Vietnam. Keys to Indo-Chinese male and world female of Loboscelidia are provided. A brief observation of the foraging behavior of L. squamosa sp. nov. is also reported. Host-carriage and subsequent host egg burying are considered primary nesting behaviors of solitary wasps.

Keywords: Loboscelidiinae, taxonomy, Oriental Region, parasitoid, foraging behavior

16 new species have been added to the group, Loboscelidia, based on their unique physical characteristics. Scale bar = 0.5 mm

A series of photos captures the moment a captive female wasp from the species Loboscelidia squamosa lays her egg inside a stick insect egg before carrying and burying it in the soil. This marks the first time that this parasitic behavior has been observed.

photos: Yu Hisasue, Kyushu University

Yu Hisasue, Thai-Hong Pham and Toshiharu Mita. 2023. Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Loboscelidia Westwood, 1874 (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae: Loboscelidiinae) from Vietnam.  European Journal of Taxonomy.  887(1); 1–68. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.877.2203

16 strange new parasitoid wasp species discovered in Vietnam

A field survey in Vietnam searching for Loboscelidia, a rare group of parasitoid wasps, has increased the total known number of species worldwide by 30% and uncovered their unique egg-burying behavior.

 kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/268

  twitter.com/antparasitoid/status/1706277383136026640

[Diplopoda • 2018] Antheromorpha pumatensis • On the Millipede Genus Antheromorpha Jeekel, 1968 (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae) from Vietnam, with A Description of A New Species

 Antheromorpha  pumatensis 

A.D. Nguyen, S. G. Nguyen & Le, 2018

  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 66 

Abstract

 The genus Antheromorpha Jeekel, 1968 is reviewed for the Vietnam fauna. A total of four species have been recorded in Vietnam, including a new species, Antheromorpha pumatensis, new species from Nghe An Province. Two other species, A. paviei (Brölemann, 1896) and A. festiva (Brölemann, 1896) are recorded for the first time in Vietnam. The phylogenetic relationship between Antheromorpha species and several orthomorphinine members is analysed based on fragments of the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes. Antheromorpha is closely related to the two genera Orthomorpha and Nesorthomorpha. An identification key to species is also provided.

 Key words. Diplopoda, millipede, Paradoxosomatidae, Antheromorpha, new species, molecular phylogeny, Vietnam

 Antheromorpha pumatensis, new species, from Pu Mat National Park, habitus. No scale.

 Antheromorpha pumatensis, new species from Pu Mat National Park.
 Anterior part of body, dorsal (A); lateral (B) and ventral view (C); Midbody part, dorsal (D) and lateral view (E); posterior part of body, dorsa (F); lateral (G) and ventral view (H); Epiproct, dorsal (I) and ventral view (K); hypoproct, ventral view (J); sternum 5th, subventral view (L).

Anh D. Nguyen, Son G. Nguyen and Son X. Le. 2018. On the Millipede Genus Antheromorpha Jeekel, 1968 (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae) from Vietnam, with A Description of A New Species.  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 66; 96–109. 

lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/app/uploads/2018/01/66rbz096-109.pdf

Researchgate.net/publication/323336945_On_the_millipede_genus_Antheromorpha_from_Vietnam

[Botany • 2019] Nepeta azadkouhensis (Lamiaceae) • A New Alpine-subnival Species from the Central Alborz of Iran

 

Nepeta azadkouhensis Saberamoli,

in Saberamoli, Balali, Asri et Afsharzadeh, 2019. 

Nepeta azadkouhensis (), A  395(2); 129–133. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.395.2.6  

Researchgate.net/publication/340827738

Abstract

Nepeta azadkouhensis (Lamiaceae), a new species from Mazandaran province in northern Iran is described and illustrated. This taxon is similar to N. natanzensis and N. monocephala with terminal capitate inflorescences, tubular and curved corolla tubes as well as tubular calyces glabrous inside. It differs from N. natanzensis in corollas pink-purple, bracts and bracteoles smaller, as well as calyx with shorter teeth and a regular throat. It differs from N. monocephala in tall stems, procumbent to ascending and leaves arranged all along the stem. The new species is found in the alpine-subnival zone on scree at an elevation of 3700 to 3800 m.

Keywords: Alborz Mountain, Azadkouh Summit, Taxonomy, Nomenclature, Eudicots

Nepeta azadkouhensis Saberamoli, sp. nov.

Siroos Saberamoli, Gholam Reza Balali, Younes Asri and Saeed Afsharzadeh. 2019. Nepeta azadkouhensis (Lamiaceae), A New Alpine-subnival Species from the Central Alborz of Iran. Phytotaxa. 395(2); 129–133. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.395.2.6

  Researchgate.net/publication/340827738_Nepeta_azadkouhensis_new_alpine-subnival_species_from_the_Central_Alborz_of_Iran

[Botany • 2019] Microlicia longirostrata (Melastomataceae: Microlicieae) • A New Species from Goiás in central Brazil

 Microlicia longirostrata Romero, Fontelas & Versiane,

in Romero, Fontelas, Versiane et De-Paula, 2019. 

DOI: 10.1600/036364419X15562052252180 

 Researchgate.net/publication/344492571

Photos: R. Romero

Microlicia longirostrata (Melastomataceae), a new species from Goiás, is described and illustrated, and a discussion on leaf anatomy is also provided. The new species resembles M. consimilis and M. psammophila, but differs from them in having an indumentum with both short-stalked, spherical, glandular trichomes and long-stalked, glandular emergences, polysporangiate anthers and antesepalous stamens with a very long beak (2‐2.5 mm long), and annular collenchyma on the adaxial region of the midrib.

Keywords: Endemism; Microlicieae; Niquelândia; leaf anatomy; savanna

 Microlicia longirostrata Romero, Fontelas & Versiane.
A. Flowering branch. B. Leaf abaxial surface, with detail of the apex. C. Flower bud. D. Flower. E. Hypanthium and sepals. F. Petal. G. Small stamen (antepetalous). H. Large stamen (antesepalous). I. Gynoecium. J. Capsule. K. Seed.

(A-J: Fontela et al. 142).

 Microlicia longirostrata from Goiás.
 A. Habitat. B. Habit. C. Detail of the branches and leaves. D. Flower bud.

(Photos: R. Romero).

Microlicia longirostrata R.Romero, Fontelas & Versiane, sp.nov.

Etymology—The specific epithet refers to the long length (2–2.5 mm long) of the rostrum on the larger (antesepalous) stamens. 

Rosana Romero, Jean Corrêa Fontelas, Ana Flávia Alves Versiane and Orlando Cavalari De-Paula. 2019. Microlicia longirostrata, A New Species of Melastomataceae from Goiás in central Brazil.  Systematic Botany. 44(2); 349-354. DOI: 10.1600/036364419X15562052252180

  Researchgate.net/publication/344492571_Microlicia_longirostrata_a_New_Species_of_from_Goias_in_Central_Brazil

[PaleoMammalogy • 2023] New Specimens of middle Eocene omomyines (Primates, Omomyoidea) from the Uinta Basin of Utah and the Tornillo Basin of Texas, with Clarification of the Generic Status of Ourayia, Mytonius, and Diablomomys

Artist's reconstruction of the two species described in the paper—Mytonius williamsae (L) and Diablomomys dalquesti (R)—in Big Bend country in West Texas 44 million years ago in the middle Eocene. The volcano on the skyline is a reminder of the active volcanism that was occurring in this part of Texas during the Eocene and Oligocene epochs.

Image: Randwulph. 

in Kirk, Dunn, Rodwell & Townsend, 2023.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2023.103425

 University of Texas at Austin UTexas.edu

 

Abstract

In the middle Eocene, multiple lineages of North American omomyoids independently evolved body masses greater than 500 g. Most of these large-bodied omomyoids are known from small sample sizes, which has contributed to a lack of consensus regarding their alpha taxonomy. Here, we describe new Uintan omomyine specimens from the Uinta Basin of Utah and the Tornillo Basin of Texas. These new samples expand the hypodigms of Diablomomys dalquesti, Mytonius hopsoni, and Ourayia uintensis, and favor the recognition of new species of Mytonius and Ourayia based on specimens from the Tornillo Basin. These samples support the recognition of Diablomomys as a valid genus distinct from Omomys, Ourayia as a valid genus distinct from Macrotarsius, and Mytonius as a valid genus distinct from Ourayia. Although Diablomomys and Omomys co-occur in the late Uintan of the Tornillo Basin, Ourayia and Mytonius are time-successive taxa with a wide distribution across multiple Laramide basins. The data presented here reinforce the conclusion that the Uintan was a time period in which omomyines diversified to include a large number of taxa with body masses above Kay's threshold and frugivorous–folivorous diets. These data also provide evidence that North American primate faunas exhibited a shifting pattern of regional endemism during the middle Eocene. By the early Uintan, primate faunas from Southern California were already quite distinct from primate faunas of the central Rocky Mountains or Trans-Pecos Texas. By the late Uintan, primate faunas in all three regions demonstrated greater provincialism, with Trans-Pecos Texas and Southern California both exhibiting a large number of endemic primate taxa and sharing only a single primate genus (Macrotarsius) in common. This increase in primate endemism across the Uintan may be tied to changes in paleohabitats associated with the larger trend toward decreasing temperatures from the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum to the Eocene/Oligocene transition.

 

Keywords: Primate, Haplorhine, Omomyid, Devil's Graveyard Formation, Laramide Basin, Uintan NALMA

Artist's reconstruction of the two species described in the paper—Mytonius williamsae (L) and Diablomomys dalquesti (R)—in Big Bend country in West Texas 44 million years ago in the middle Eocene. The volcano on the skyline is a reminder of the active volcanism that was occurring in this part of Texas during the Eocene and Oligocene epochs.

Image: Randwulph. Credit: University of Texas at Austin

 

E. Christopher Kirk, Rachel H. Dunn, Benjamin Rodwell and K. E. Beth Townsend. 2023. New Specimens of middle Eocene omomyines (Primates, Omomyoidea) from the Uinta Basin of Utah and the Tornillo Basin of Texas, with Clarification of the Generic Status of Ourayia, Mytonius, and Diablomomys. Journal of Human Evolution. 183, 103425. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2023.103425

 news.UTexas.edu/2023/09/21/2-new-species-of-ancient-primates-identified-that-resembled-lemurs/

https://phys.org/news/2023-09-species-ancient-primates-resembling-lemurs.html

[Herpetology • 2023] Lygodactylus kibera, L. mirabundus, L. leopardinus, etc. • Integrative Revision of the Lygodactylus gutturalis (Bocage, 1873) (Squamata: Gekkonidae) Complex unveils extensive Cryptic Diversity and Traces its Evolutionary History

 (A–D) Lygodactylus leopardinus sp. nov. in life and habitat from type locality at Équateur Province, DRC.
(F–I) L. gamblei sp. nov. in life and photo of habitat from type locality at Tanganyika Province, DRC. 

 Lobón-Rovira, Bauer, Pinto, Trape, Conradie, Kusamba, Júlio, Cael, Stanley, Hughes, Behangana, Masudi, Pauwels & Greenbaum, 2023

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad123 

 twitter.com/JLobonRovira

Abstract

Lygodactylus is the most speciose gekkonid group in Africa, with several additional, candidate species already identified from previous studies. However, in mainland Africa, several groups remain only partially resolved, and there are several taxonomic inconsistencies. Lygodactylus gutturalis was described from Guinea-Bissau in the 1870s and since then, the species has been recorded from West to East Africa, and it is widely distributed through different biomes and ecoregions. However, this taxon has never been studied in detail. In this work, we use an integrative approach, including molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphometrics, skull osteology, and biogeography to provide the first systematic revision of the L. gutturalis species complex. The L. gutturalis complex is a subgroup within the L. picturatus group and includes nine well-differentiated species. We elevate Lygodactylus gutturalis dysmicus to full species status, recognize Lygodactylus depressus as the sister species to L. gutturalis, describe five new species (Lygodactylus kibera sp. nov., Lygodactylus karamoja sp. nov., Lygodactylus mirabundus sp. nov., Lygodactylus leopardinus sp. nov., and Lygodactylus gamblei sp. nov.), and propose an additional candidate species that requires further research. Also, in order to shed light on some taxonomic inconsistencies between the L. gutturalis and Lygodactylus angularis groups, we revisit the L. angularis group, within which we elevate Lygodactylus angularis heeneni and Lygodactylus angularis paurospilus to full species status. The L. gutturalis subgroup diversified during the Late Miocene (between 5–15 Mya), probably as a consequence of multiple vicariant events driven by the expansion of the African savannahs and the establishment of climatic refugia.

Keywords: Africa, biogeography, climatic refugia, CT-scan, Gekkonidae, Miocene, phylogeny, systematics

Geographical distribution of the Lygodactylus gutturalis complex in Africa, on a hybrid map of the major vegetation divisions (Sayre et al. 2013) and 1 arc-second elevation map across tropical Africa (NASA 2000). Different colours depict records of different species within the L. gutturalis subgroup; see inset for explanations of symbols. White circles denote records of L. cf. gutturalis that cannot be assigned to any of the nominate taxa. Black stars represent the type localities of each nominate taxon within the L. picturatus subgroup (1– L. picturatus, 1S– L. picturatus sudanensis, 1U– L. picturatus ukerewensis, 2– L. inexpectatus, 3– L. keniensis, 4– L. kimhowelli, 5– L. manni, 6– L. mombasicus, 7– L. scorteccii, 8– L. tsavoensis, 9– L. wojnowskii, 10– L. williamsi).

Specimens of L. gutturalis in life from (A–C) Guinea Bissau

Photographs by J.F.T. (A–C and F).

LYGODACTYLUS GUTTURALIS S.S. (Bocage, 1873)

LYGODACTYLUS DYSMICUS Perret, 1963

LYGODACTYLUS DEPRESSUS Schmidt, 1919

Specimens of Lygodactylus kibera sp. nov. in life or freshly euthanized from (A) Mpishi (holotype: UTEP 22566), near Kibira National Park, Bubanza Province, Burundi, (B) N'Komo River (UTEP 22586), South Kivu Province, DRC, and (C) Bujumbura city, Bujumbura Mairie Province (UTEP 22576), Burundi. Photo of habitat at (D) Mpishi, Bubanza Province, Burundi.

Photographs by E.G. (A–C) and C.K. (D).

LYGODACTYLUS KIBERA SP. NOV.

Etymology: The name ‘kibera’ derives from the word ‘kibira’ or ‘kibera’ in Kinubi—a Sudanese Arabic-based creole language spoken in some regions of Burundi, Kenya, and Uganda—that means ‘forest’, the main habitat type associated with the species.

Specimens of Lygodactylus karamoja sp. nov. in life from (A–B) Agoro Town (holotype: UTEP 22590), Imatong Foothills and (D–E) Nakapiripirit (UTEP 22594), Mount Kadam, Northern Region, Uganda. Photo of habitat at (C) Imatong Foothills, and (F) Mount Kadam, Northern Region, Uganda.

Photographs by D.F.H.

LYGODACTYLUS KARAMOJA SP. NOV.

Etymology: The name ‘karamoja’ is a noun in apposition and refers to the Karamoja region in north-eastern Uganda where many individuals of this species have been found. The species is named in honour of this arid region, which is occupied by the Karamojong people who are mostly nomadic pastoralists related to the Maasai in Kenya.

LYGODACTYLUS MIRABUNDUS SP. NOV.

Etymology: The name ‘mirabundus’ is a Latin adjective that means ‘astonishing or surprising’. The species is only known from a unique location in a transition zone between dry savannah and the Congolian Rainforest.

A–B, Holotype (UTEP 22577) and (C–D) paratype (UTEP 22596) of Lygodactylus leopardinus sp. nov. in life and photo of habitat from (E) type locality at Balolombo Village, Busira River, Équateur Province, DRC.
F–G, Holotype (UTEP 22587) and (H–I) paratype (UTEP 22584) of L. gamblei sp. nov. in life and photo of habitat from (J) type locality at Manono, Tanganyika Province, DRC. Photographs by E.G.

LYGODACTYLUS LEOPARDINUS SP. NOV.

Etymology: The name ‘leopardinus’ is an adjective referring to the leopard-like dorsal pattern present in males of this species.

LYGODACTYLUS GAMBLEI SP. NOV.

Etymology: We name this new species after the American evolutionary biologist and herpetologist Tony Gamble of Marquette University, in recognition of his substantial contributions to the evolutionary biology of geckos. The name is a patronym formed in the genitive case.

Conclusion: 

We provide a complete integrative approach for the L. gutturalis subgroup, which revealed cryptic diversity that we rectified with the description of five new taxa, the revalidation of another, and the tentative proposal of one additional candidate species, all previously considered to be conspecific. We also revisited the L. angularis group to revalidate two additional taxa. As a consequence of this work, we elevate the number of recognized Lygodactylus species from 82 to 90. Moreover, the morphological variation found within L. angularis suggests a more extensive cryptic diversification within this group that requires further investigation. Additional work in some regions of Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania may lead to the description of additional species. Diversification events during the Late Miocene (between 5–15 Mya) are likely linked to the expansion of African savannahs and the establishment of climatic forest refugia. This suggests that the L. gutturalis group is the result of a non-adaptative radiation, a consequence of multiple vicariance events during the Miocene that fragmented and prevented genetic connectivity between morphologically and ecologically similar taxa.

Javier Lobón-Rovira, Aaron M Bauer, Pedro Vaz Pinto, Jean-Francois Trape, Werner Conradie, Chifundera Kusamba, Timóteo Júlio, Garin Cael, Edward L Stanley, Daniel F Hughes, Mathias Behangana, Franck M Masudi, Olivier S G Pauwels and Eli Greenbaum. 2023. Integrative Revision of the Lygodactylus gutturalis (Bocage, 1873) Complex unveils extensive Cryptic Diversity and Traces its Evolutionary History. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlad123. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad123 

 twitter.com/JLobonRovira/status/1706220569740398951

[Botany • 2023] Most of the World's Largest Flowers (Genus Rafflesia) are now on the Brink of Extinction

Map showing the diversity in the genus Rafflesia across the Malesian Floristic Region.
 Photos/illustrations credits: Indonesia (Rafflesia arnoldii, R. bengkuluensis – AB Tobias; R. gadutensis – Septian Andriki; R. hassletii – Jeremy Holden; R. micropylora – Jan Vrsovsky; R. patma – BRIN; R. rochussenii – BBTN Gede Pangarango);
 Malaysia (Rafflesia azlanii, R. cantleyi, R. kerrii, R. tiomanensis – Siti-Munirah MY; R. pricei, R. keithii – CJ Thorogood; R. tuan-mudae – Anthonia Chia);
Philippines (Rafflesia aurantia, R. lobata, R. manillana, R. mixta – drawn by ABT based on photos of Danilo S. Balete, Renee Galang, SINP PAMO and CENRO Tubod; R. banaoana, R. consueloae, R. baletei, R. banahawensis, R. panchoana – AB Tobias; R. leonardi – Erwin Agbayani; R. mira – Celine Murillo; R.speciosa – PL Malabrigo; R. schadenbergiana – Ramil Alcala; R. verrucosa – Sidic Nobair);

Base map by Gerald Eduarte.

in Malabrigo, Tobias, Witono, Mursidawati, Susatya, ... et Thorogood, 2023.

DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10431

Abstract

 Societal Impact Statement: 

Rafflesia is the genus that contains the world's largest flowers. Despite their global appeal, most of the 42 known species are now at risk of extinction. Urgent action is needed to protect these remarkable flowers. A combined approach to conservation is recommended, including a greater level of habitat protection and support for local community action groups. Rafflesia is a suitable new icon for conservation in the Asian tropics.

Summary: 

The genus Rafflesia, which includes the world's largest flowers, has aroused curiosity among scientists for centuries and features prominently in local culture across Southeast Asia. The plant has long been used in ethnobotanical medicine and, more recently, as a source of revenue from ecotourism. But despite its acclaim, Rafflesia remains poorly understood in many respects. Taxonomy is disputed, new species are described each year, and the plant has proven recalcitrant to cultivation. This has hindered conservation, and most of the 42 known species are now severely threatened, yet only one is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We estimate that 60% of Rafflesia species face a severe risk of extinction (equivalent to Critically Endangered [CR]). Moreover, we predict that at least 67% of known habitats fall outside protected areas, exacerbating their vulnerability. Alarmingly, recent observations suggest taxa are still being eradicated before they are even known to science. We present recent scientific discoveries and probable extinctions and highlight case studies of conservation success, with a focus on the role of local people. We propose a multi-pronged conservation approach combining strengthened taxonomy, ex situ propagation, ecotourism, and an extension of protected areas. We suggest action devolved to local communities and awareness campaigns linked to social media networks will be crucial outside of protected jurisdictions. Finally, we propose to establish Rafflesia as a new icon for plant conservation in the Asian tropics. A combined approach might just save some of the world's most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost.

Keywords: conservation, ethnobotany, Flora, Malesiana, parasitic plants, threatened species

Map showing the diversity in the genus Rafflesia across the Malesian Floristic Region.
 Photos/illustrations credits: Indonesia (Rafflesia arnoldii, Rafflesia bengkuluensis – AB Tobias; Rafflesia gadutensis – Septian Andriki; Rafflesia hassletii – Jeremy Holden; Rafflesia micropylora – Jan Vrsovsky; Rafflesia patma – BRIN; Rafflesia rochussenii – BBTN Gede Pangarango);
Malaysia (Rafflesia azlanii, Rafflesia cantleyi, Rafflesia kerrii, Rafflesia tiomanensis – Siti-Munirah MY; Rafflesia pricei, Rafflesia keithii – CJ Thorogood; Rafflesia tuan-mudae – Anthonia Chia);
Philippines (Rafflesia aurantia, Rafflesia lobata, Rafflesia manillana, Rafflesia mixta – drawn by ABT based on photos of Danilo S. Balete, Renee Galang, SINP PAMO and CENRO Tubod; Rafflesia banaoana, Rafflesia consueloae, Rafflesia baletei, Rafflesia banahawensis, Rafflesia panchoana – AB Tobias; Rafflesia leonardi – Erwin Agbayani; Rafflesia mira – Celine Murillo; Rafflesia speciosa – PL Malabrigo; Rafflesia schadenbergiana – Ramil Alcala; Rafflesia verrucosa – Sidic Nobair);

Base map by Gerald Eduarte.

 

Pastor Malabrigo Jr., Adriane B. Tobias, Joko Witono, Sofi Mursidawati, Agus Susatya, Mat Yunoh Siti-Munirah, Adhityo Wicaksono, Reza Raihandhany, Sarah Edwards and Chris J. Thorogood. 2023. Most of the World's Largest Flowers (Genus Rafflesia) are now on the Brink of Extinction. PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET. DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10431

[Botany • 2019] Fritzschia cordifolia (Melastomataceae: Marcetieae) • A New Endangered Species from Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Fritzschia cordifolia R.Romero, D.Nunes & M.J.R.Rocha, 

in Romero, da Silva, De-Paula et da Rocha, 2019. 

DOI:  10.1600/036364419X15620113920707

Abstract 

During a field expedition to the Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, we found a new species of Fritzschia, a genus endemic to campos rupestres from the Espinhaço Range. Fritzschia cordifolia has cordate and succulent leaves with an apical gland, petals with glandular-ciliate margin, campanulate hypanthium, and antesepalous stamens with ventral appendages with deltoid lobes. The presence of seeds with a crested testa is reported here for the first time in Fritzschia. A description and illustration of the new species is provided, as well as its conservation status and its geographical distribution.

KEYWORDS: Brazilian flora, Campos rupestres, endemic, SEM images, Serra do Cipó, taxonomy

Fritzschia cordifolia R.Romero, D.Nunes & M.J.R.Rocha

Rosana Romero, Diego Nunes da Silva, Orlando Cavalari De-Paula and Maria José Reis da Rocha. 2019. A New Endangered Species of Fritzschia Cham. (Melastomataceae, Marcetieae) from Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Systematic Botany. 44(3); 664-669. DOI:  10.1600/036364419X15620113920707

Researchgate.net/publication/315850095_Fritzschia_furnensis

[Botany • 2022] Epidendrum olorteguii (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae) • A New Peruvian Species belonging to the Epidendrum incomptum Group

Epidendrum olorteguii Damián, Hágsater & Mitidieri, 

in Damian, Hágsater et Mitidieri. 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.552.1.9  

 Researchgate.net/publication/361450627

Abstract

A new species of Epidendrum from the northern Peruvian department of Amazonas belonging to the Incomptum group is described and illustrated. Epidendrum olorteguii is similar to E. tamaense but is easily distinguished by having the flowers green to yellow or rarely ivory white, the sepals lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, the petals narrowly elliptic, acuminate, and the lip trilobed, with lateral lobes prominent, transversely sub-rectangular, basal corners narrowly rounded, distal corner widely rounded and the mid-lobe with two obliquely triangular lobes, the sides involute, the apex with a short, thickened, narrowly triangular, reflexed apiculus. Information on its distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status are provided. On the other hand, E. olorteguii is also compared with three morphologically similar species, E. incomptum, E. tamaense and E. ornis.

Keywords: Andes, Bongara, Yambrasbamba, Epidendrum tamaense, Monocots

 Comparison of Epidendrum olorteguii Damián, Hágsater & Mitidieri and E. tamaense Foldats. Plate (A) based on Sergio Olortegui s.n (USM), Plate (B) adapted from Icones Orchidacearum (Hagsater 2006).
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Flower. D. Dissected perianth. E. Labellum. F. Ovary in longitudinal section. G. Detail of the column in ventral view.

Illustrators: A: Nicole Mitideri. B: Rolando Jimenez.

 Lankester Composite Dissection Plate (LCDP) of Epidendrum olorteguii Damián, Hágsater & Mitidieri.
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Flower. D. Dissected perianth. E. Labellum and column in lateral view. F. Ovary and column in longitudinal section. G. Detail of the column, dorsal and ventral view. H. Anther cap and Pollinarium. I. Detail of the floral bract.

Plate by A. Damián based on Sergio Olortegui & Alexander Damián 5050.

Epidendrum olorteguii Damián, Hágsater & Mitidieri, sp. nov.

Alexander Damian, Eric Hágsater and Nicole Mitidieri. 2022. A New Peruvian Species of Epidendrum (Laeliinae: Orchidaceae) belonging to the Epidendrum incomptum group. Phytotaxa. 552(1); 99-106. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.552.1.9

   Researchgate.net/publication/361450627_A_new_Peruvian_species_of_Epidendrum