[Mollusca • 2020] Diplommatina fusiformis, D. burapha, ... • A Review of Diplommatina Species (Gastropoda: Diplommatinidae) in eastern Thailand with the Descriptions of Five New Species

[A] Diplommatina fusiformis spec. nov. หอยกระสวยจิ๋ว,  

[B-E] D. khwantongae spec. nov. หอยกระสวยจิ๋วคณิตา, 

D. crispata khaochamaoensis Panha et al., 1998, 

  หอยกระสวยจิ๋วบูรพา D. burapha sp. n.,   

หอยกระสวยจิ๋วชฎาทอง D. chadathongae Kamtuptim, Dumrongrojwattana & Wongkamhaeng sp. nov.  

หอยกระสวยจิ๋วจันทบุรี  D. chantaburiensis sp. n. 

 in Dumrongrojwattana, Kamtuptim & Wongkamhaeng, 2020

 DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.8.e57689

Abstract

Background: Microsnails in the genus Diplommatina Benson, 1849 from eastern Thailand are revised, based on the collection of the Zoological Research Collection, Burapha University, Chonburi Province, Thailand and on recently-collected materials.

New information: Five new species, Diplommatina burapha sp. n., D. chadathongae sp. n., D. chantaburiensis sp. n., D. fusiformis sp. n. and D. khwantongae sp. n., are described as new to science. The geographic distribution of these eastern species is presented.

Keywords: Diplommatina, Diplommatinidae, taxonomy, Thailand

Four Diplommatina species from eastern Thailand. 
A) Diplommatina crispata khaochamaoensis Panha et al., 1998, B) D. burapha sp. n.,
C) D. chadathongae sp. nov. and D) D. chantaburiensis sp. n. 

Each species shows a frontal view, lateral view, dorsal view and the number of ribs per 0.5 mm on the penultimate whorl and body whorl, respectively.

Two Diplommatina species from eastern Thailand.
A) D. fusiformis spec. nov., B-E) D. khwantongae spec. nov.,
B) Holotype, C-D) Living snail. (Photos by Ms. Rattanawadee Tekavong).
Each species shows a frontal view, lateral view, dorsal view and the number of ribs per 0.5 mm on the penultimate whorl and body whorl, respectively.

  

 Pongrat Dumrongrojwattana, Chanakarn Kamtuptim and Koraon Wongkamhaeng. 2020. A Review of Diplommatina Species in eastern Thailand with the Descriptions of Five New Species. Biodiversity Data Journal. 8: e57689. DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.8.e57689

  facebook.com/BiologyBurapha/posts/1459708384224424

 สด ๆ ร้อน ๆ หอยกระสวยจิ๋วชนิดใหม่ของโลก 5 ชนิด จากภาคตะวันออก ได้แก่ 

1. หอยกระสวยจิ๋วบูรพา (Diplommatina burapha Dumrongrojwattana, Kamtuptim & Wongkamhaeng, 2020) จากจังหวัดสระแก้ว ตั้งตามภูมิภาคที่พบ คือ ภาคตะวันออกและสอดคล้องกับชื่อมหาวิทยาลัย "บูรพา"

2. หอยกระสวยจิ๋วชฎาทอง (Diplommatina chadathongae Kamtuptim et al., 2020 in Dumrongrojwattana et al., 2020) หอยชนิดนี้ตั้งชื่อเพื่อเป็นเกียรติและระลึกถึงคุณแม่ของนางสาวชนากานต์ ขำทับทิม นิสิตชั้นปีที่ 4 ภาควิชาชีววิทยา หนึ่งในผู้ร่วมงานวิจัยชิ้นนี้

3. หอยกระสวยจิ๋วจันทบุรี (Diplommatina chantaburiensis Dumrongrojwattana et al., 2020) ตั้งชื่อตามจังหวัดจันทบุรี ที่ซึ่งพบหอยกระสวยจิ๋วชนิดนี้เป็นครั้งแรก

4. หอยกระสวยจิ๋ว (Diplommatina fusiformis Dumrongrojwattana et al., 2020) ตั้งชื่อตามรูปทรงเปลือกหอยที่เป็นทรงกระสวย

5. หอยกระสวยจิ๋วคณิตา (Diplommatina khwantongae Dumrongrojwattana et al., 2020) ตั้งชื่อให้เป็นเกียรติและแสดงความระลึกถึง นางสาวคณิตา ขวานทอง หรือ พะลอย ของอาจารย์และเพื่อน ๆ ร่วมรุ่น นิสิตผู้ทำการศึกษาและค้นพบหอยกระสวยจิ๋วชนิดนี้ ผู้จากไปก่อนวัยอันควร

ผลการศึกษาครั้งนี้ ทำให้จำนวนชนิดของหอยกระสวยจิ๋วในภาคตะวันออก เพิ่มขึ้นจากเดิมที่รายงานไว้เพียง 1 ชนิด คือ หอยกระสวยจิ๋วเขาชะเมา (Diplommatina crispata khaochamaoensis) เพิ่มขึ้นเป็น 6 ชนิด

[Herpetology • 2024] Pseudogonatodes fuscofortunatus • Morphology and Molecular Systematics support A New Species of Pseudogonatodes (Gekkota: Sphaerodactylidae) from Venezuela with a remarkable telescoped skull

Pseudogonatodes fuscofortunatus  

 Schargel, Hernández-Morales, Daza, Jowers, Montes-Correa, Freitas, Sullivan, Gamble & Rivas. 2024

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae120

  x.com/ZoolJLinnSoc 

   Researchgate.net/publication/384967715

Photograph by Luis A. Rodríguez J. 

Abstract

We describe a new species of miniaturized gecko (genus Pseudogonatodes) from the Peninsula de Paria in northeastern Venezuela. Externally, the new species resembles Pseudogonatodes furvus and Pseudogonatodes manessi, from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia and the Central Coastal Range in Venezuela, respectively; however, it differs from these species in terms of molecular genetic data (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and c-mos), osteological characters, and scale counts. The new species is unique in skull osteology, and we adopt the term ‘telescoped’ from the literature to describe the overlap of bones in the snout, in particular the premaxilla fully separating the nasal bones and contacting the frontal bone. The new species is also the only known species of Pseudogonatodes with fused parietal bones. Using molecular data, we present the first phylogeny of Pseudogonatodes, including six of the nine species in the genus. The new species is sister to P. manessi, which is consistent with biogeographical patterns in the mountainous areas of northern Venezuela. The phylogenetic results also indicate that Pseudogonatodes guianensis is non-monophyletic and raise the possibility of resurrecting the name Pseudogonatodes amazonicus. However, large sampling gaps in Amazonia prevent us from rigorously assessing species limits and proposing a taxonomic change.

gecko, micro-computed tomography scan, montane forests, Peninsula de Paria, reptile, skeleton, sphaerodactyl, taxonomy

 Telescoped patern of the skull of Pseudogonatodes fuscofortunatus  (MBLUZ 1292, top), compared with Pseudogonatodes manessi (KU 182740, botom). Arrows indicate the facets that support each dorsal bone.

Colours are as follows: purple, premaxilla; cobalt blue, nasal; light blue, frontal; green, parieta

 Specimens of Pseudogonatodes from northern South America in life.
A, Pseudogonatodes fuscofortunatus female (presumably) paratype (MBLUZ 1293), Cerro El Olvido, Venezuela. B, Pseudogonatodes manessi, female, Rancho Grande, Parque Nacional Henri Pitier, Venezuela (MHNLS 17984).
C, Pseudogonatodes furvus, male topotype, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia (CBUMAG:REP:00767). D, Pseudogonatodes manessi, young specimen, from La Cumbre, Municipio Bruzual, Sierra de Aroa, Venezuela; this individual would represent the westernmost limit of the species.
E, view of Cerro Azul from Cerro El Olvido, two of the highest mountains with humid forests at the eastern end of the Paria Peninsula, Venezuela. F, undergrowth with abundant decomposing organic mater and rocks, an environment where P. fuscofortunatus lives.

Photographs: Luis A. Rodríguez J. (A), Eric N. Smith (B), Andrés C. Montes-Correa (C), Alberto Navas and Edward Camargo (D), and Gilson Rivas (E, F)

Walter E. Schargel, Cristian Hernández-Morales, Juan D. Daza, Michael J. Jowers, Andrés Camilo Montes-Correa, Mayke De Freitas, Kathryn A. Sullivan, Tony Gamble, Aaron M. Bauer and Gilson A. Rivas. 2024. Morphology and Molecular Systematics support A New Species of Pseudogonatodes (Squamata: Gekkota: Sphaerodactylidae) from Venezuela with a remarkable telescoped skull. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 202(2); zlae120. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae120

  x.com/ZoolJLinnSoc/status/1848332252054278398 

  x.com/bio_cristian/status/1846561430524317788

  Researchgate.net/publication/384967715_a_new_species_of_Pseudogonatodes_from_Venezuela

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Unveiling the Neuroanatomy of Josephoartigasia monesi and the Evolution of Encephalization in Caviomorph Rodents

 

 Josephoartigasia monesi Rinderknecht & Blanco, 2008

in Ferreira, Rinderknecht, de Moura Bubadué, Gasparetto, Dozo, Sánchez-Villagra et Kerber, 2024. 

  the Neuromy of  and the  of   in Caviomorph Rodents.  

DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02762-y

Artistic reconstruction by Márcio L. Castro  facebook.com/MarciolCastro

Abstract

Caviomorph rodents are an exceptional model for studying the effects of ecological factors and size relations on brain evolution. These mammals are not only speciose and ecologically diverse but also present wide body size disparity, especially when considering their fossil relatives. Here, we described the brain anatomy of the largest known rodent, Josephoartigasia monesi, uncovering distinctive features within this species regarding other taxa. Albeit resembling extant pacarana Dinomys branickii, J. monesi stands out due to its longer olfactory tract and well-developed sagittal sinus. Challenging the previous hypothesis that giant rodents possessed comparatively smaller brains, we found that J. monesi and another giant extinct rodent, Neoepiblema acreensis, are within the encephalization range of extant caviomorphs. This was unraveled while developing the a Phylogenetic Encephalization Quotient (PEQ) for Caviomorpha. With PEQ, we were able to trace brain-size predictions more accurately, accounting for species-shared ancestry while adding the extinct taxa phenotypic diversity into the prediction model. According to our results, caviomorphs encephalization patterns are not the product of ecological adaptations, and brain allometry is highly conservative within the clade. We challenge future studies to investigate caviomorphs encephalization within different taxonomic ranks while increasing the sampled taxa diversity, especially of extinct forms, in order to fully comprehend the magnitude of this evolutionary stasis.

 

Keywords: Adaptive regimes, Allometric trends, Brain evolution, Cranial endocast, South America, Brain Structure and Function

 

Artistic reconstruction of Josephoartigasia monesi.

Art by Márcio L. Castro

José Darival Ferreira, Andrés Rinderknecht, Jamile de Moura Bubadué, Luiza Flores Gasparetto, Maria Teresa Dozo, Marcelo R. Sánchez-Villagra and Leonardo Kerber. 2024. Unveiling the Neuroanatomy of Josephoartigasia monesi and the Evolution of Encephalization in Caviomorph Rodents.  Brain Structure and Function. 229; 971–985. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00429-024-02762-y

 facebook.com/MarciolCastro/posts/10233870342477371

[Herpetology • 2024] Brachycephalus dacnis • Among the World’s Smallest Vertebrates: A New miniaturized Flea-toad (Brachycephalidae) from the Atlantic Rainforest

Brachycephalus dacnis 

 Toledo​, Botelho, Carrasco-Medina, Gray, Ernetti, Gama, Lyra, Blackburn, Nunes & Muscat, 2024 

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18265  

 Researchgate.net/publication/385243914

Abstract 

The genus Brachycephalus includes miniaturized toadlets with two distinct morphotypes: brightly colored species with a bufoniform phenotype and smaller, cryptic species with a leptodactyliform phenotype. The diversity of leptodactyliform species is still underappreciated, and we generally lack fundamental information about their biology. Recent sampling efforts, including DNA analyses and recordings of advertisement calls, have improved our understanding of this group. In the present study, we describe a new species of Brachycephalus, one of the smallest vertebrates known. This new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of morphological, bioacoustic, and genetic data. Despite being among the smallest frogs globally (the second smallest amphibian species), it exhibits skeletal traits typical of larger frogs, such as the presence of cranial bones that are lost or fused in other miniature frogs, including other Brachycephalus. Our description underscores how new discoveries within the megadiverse fauna of the Atlantic Forest—a rich biodiversity hotspot—can provide insights into phenotypic variation, including vertebrate body size. By describing this new species, we also aim to revisit the hypothesis that the type series of B. hermogenesi includes two species, potentially including individuals of the species described here.

Brachycephalus dacnis paratype (ZUEC-AMP 25612) adult male, SVL = 7.89 mm.
(A) Dorsal view, (B) ventral view, (C) ventral view of hand, (D) ventral view of feet.

Brachycephalus dacnis paratype individuals found at the Projeto Dacnis private reserve, municipality of Ubatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil.
(A) ZUEC-AMP 25272; (B) ZUEC-AMP 25274; (C and D) ZUEC-AMP 25275 displaying mouth-gaping behavior and the same individual on top of one herpetologist’s fingertip.

Brachycephalus dacnis sp. nov.  

Diagnosis–The new species is assigned to the genus Brachycephalus because of its miniature body size, fewer phalanges and toes than a typical frog, fingers and toe tips not expanded but apically pointed, and toes lacking circumferential grooves. The new species can be diagnosed from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) “leptodactyliform” body shape; (2) adult body length (SVL) smaller than 1 cm; (3) distinct and functional toes II and V; (4) presence of vestigial fingers I and IV; (5) distinct iris; (6) absence of dark markings on the skin over the pectoral region; (7) dark black or pale brown marbled venter with small white blotches in preserved specimens; (8) and advertisement call composed of one or two multi-pulsed (3–7 pulses) note with dominant frequency between 8.01 and 8.44 kHz, note duration between 0.03–0.08 s (when isolated), up to 0.41 s (when in pairs), and absence of attenuated notes.

Etymology–The specific epithet name ‘dacnis’ honors the Projeto Dacnis private reserve and NGO that has supported biodiversity research since 2010 in the municipalities of São José dos Campos, Miracatu and Ubatuba (where the new species was discovered), state of São Paulo, Brazil. The name is used as an invariable noun in apposition to the generic name.

 Luís Felipe Toledo​, Lucas Machado Botelho, Andres Santiago Carrasco-Medina, Jaimi A. Gray, Julia R. Ernetti, Joana Moura Gama, Mariana Lucio Lyra, David C. Blackburn, Ivan Nunes amd Edelcio Muscat. 2024. Among the World’s Smallest Vertebrates: A New miniaturized Flea-toad (Brachycephalidae) from the Atlantic rainforest. PeerJ. 12:e18265 DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18265 

  Researchgate.net/publication/385243914_Aa_new_miniaturized_flea-toad_Brachycephalidae_from_the_Atlantic_rainforest

[Paleontology • 2024] Quaestio simpsonorum • A New motile animal with implications for the Evolution of axial polarity from the Ediacaran of South Australia

 

Quaestio simpsonorum 

Evans, Hughes, Hughes, Dzaugis, Dzaugis, Gehling, García-Bellido & Droser, 2024

DOI: 10.1111/ede.12491

Abstract

Fossils of the Ediacara Biota preserve the oldest evidence for complex, macroscopic animals. Most are difficult to constrain phylogenetically, however, the presence of rare, derived groups suggests that many more fossils from this period represent extant groups than are currently appreciated. One approach to recognize such early animals is to instead focus on characteristics widespread in animals today, for example multicellularity, motility, and axial polarity. Here, we describe a new taxon, Quaestio simpsonorum gen. et sp. nov. from the Ediacaran of South Australia. Quaestio is reconstructed with a thin external membrane connecting more resilient tissues with anterior-posterior polarity, left-right asymmetry and tentative evidence for dorsoventral differentiation. Associated trace fossils indicate an epibenthic and motile lifestyle. Our results suggest that Quaestio was a motile eumetazoan with a body plan not previously recognized in the Ediacaran, including definitive evidence of chirality. This organization, combined with previous evidence for axial patterning in a variety of other Ediacara taxa, demonstrates that metazoan body plans were well established in the Precambrian.

Keywords: axial polarity, chirality, Ediacara Biota, motility, symmetry

Quaestio simpsonorum gen. et sp. nov.

 

Scott D. Evans, Ian V. Hughes, Emily B. Hughes, Peter W. Dzaugis, Matthew P. Dzaugis, James G. Gehling, Diego C. García-Bellido and Mary L. Droser. 2024. A New motile animal with implications for the Evolution of axial polarity from the Ediacaran of South Australia. Evolution & Development. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/ede.12491

scientist discovers one of the earth’s earliest animals in Australian outback

https://news.fsu.edu/news/university-news/2024/10/14/florida-state-university-scientist-discovers-one-of-the-earths-earliest-animals-in-australian-outback/

[Herpetology • 2024] Gehyra corona • A New insular Species of Gehyra (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Papua New Guinea closely related to Gehyra oceanica

Gehyra corona Kraus, Vahtera & Weijola, 2024
and G. oceanica lineage M6 from nearby islands of the Bismarck Volcanic arc.

 

DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2024.2404829  

Abstract

The wide-ranging gecko Gehyra oceanica occupies numerous islands across much of the Pacific Ocean basin. Previous work has identified six divergent genetic lineages within lizards assigned to this species. During an expedition to islands off of northern New Guinea we collected lizards of this complex on Crown Island that differ from all other known Gehyra in being sexually dimorphic in colour pattern. We find this population to also be genetically divergent to the other lineages previously identified, as we do with another lineage of populations from nearby islands. Given the unique colour pattern of the Crown Island population, combined with its divergent range of precloacal-femoral pores in males and its phylogenetic uniqueness from other members of this complex, we describe this population as a new species, Gehyra corona sp. nov. currently known only from Crown Island, Papua New Guinea. The discovery of this new species and an additional divergent genetic lineage from within the G. oceanica complex highlights the need for further taxonomic revision of that species complex. It seems likely that the new species we identify will prove endemic to Crown Island, but additional islands from around the Bismarck Sea need survey to establish its full range. Given the undisturbed habitat on most of Crown Island and the low human population there, we suggest that this species’ IUCN Red List conservation status be Least Concern.  

Key words: Bismarck Volcanic Arc, Crown Island, dichromatism, endemism, gecko, sexual dimorphism, species complex

 Holotype of Gehyra corona, UMMZ 247756.
(A) dorsal view of head, (B) ventral view of head, (C) pubic region showing precloacal pore series, and (D) left foot. Scale bars = 5 mm.

Fig. 3. Portraits in life of members of Gehyra corona and G. oceanica lineage M6 from nearby islands of the Bismarck Volcanic arc.
(A) male G. corona paratype from Crown Island (UMMZ 247754), (B) female G. corona paratype from Crown Island (UMMZ 247755),
(C) G. oceanica lineage M6 from Tolokiwa Island (UMMZ 247759), and (D) G. oceanica lineage M6 from Umboi Island (UMMZ 247771).
In none of the islands near to Crown Island did we find morphotypes similar to male G. corona.

Gehyra corona sp. nov.

   

Diagnosis: An intermediately sized (adult female SVL 75–88 mm, adult male 79–95 mm) species of Gehyra having entirely undivided subterminal lamellae on all toes; 16–19 T4 lamellae; 12–15 T1 lamellae; extensive webbing between all toes; 27–32 precloacal-femoral pores in a continuous row in males; small and subequal subcaudal scales; rounded tail lacking serrations; lateral, antecubital, and popliteal skin folds absent or weakly developed; and colour pattern sexually dimorphic, with males boldly maculated with dark brown dorsally (Fig. 3A) and females grey irregularly suffused with brown and with whitish or pale-grey dots on neck and head (Fig. 3B).

Etymology: The species name is the Latin noun for ‘crown’, named for the sole island from which this species is named.

 Habitat around the type locality of Gehyra corona on Crown Island from which lizards were collected on tree trunks.

Ecology: The type series was collected active at night in disturbed low-elevation forest near (but not on) the coast (Fig. 6). All animals came from tree trunks, including on Pandanus (presumably P. tectorius) and Cocos nucifera.

Fred Kraus, Varpu Vahtera and Valter Weijola. 2024. A New insular Species of Gehyra (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Papua New Guinea closely related to Gehyra oceanica. Systematics and Biodiversity. 22(1); 2404829. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2024.2404829  

[Botany • 2024] Petrocodon paradelphinius (Gesneriaceae) • A New dazzling Species from the Limestone Area of Guangxi, China

 

Petrocodon paradelphinius F.Wen & W.C.Chou, 

in Wen et Chou, 2024. 

 飛燕石山苣苔  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2028 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

Petrocodon paradelphinius F.Wen & W.C.Chou, a new species of Gesneriaceae from the limestone area of Guangxi, Southwest China, is described and illustrated here. This new species morphologically resembles P. fangianus (Y.G.Wei) J.M.Li & Yin Z.Wang, but it can be easily distinguished from the latter by having peduncles and pedicels puberulent, corolla outside sparsely puberulent, shorter tube 18–20 mm long, orifice from throat to the interior smooth, without protuberances, and lacks nectar guides. The conservation status of P. paradelphinius can be assessed provisionally as Critically Endangered [CR B2b(ii, v) + C2(a, i)].

Keyword: Flora of Guangxi, Limestone flora, Lithophilous, new taxon, Petrocodon fangianus, Taxonomy

Photographs of Petrocodon paradelphinius F.Wen & W.C.Chou sp. nov. 
 A. Habit. B. The adaxial view of leaf. C. The abaxial view of leaf. D. The top view of cyme. E. The calyx lobes. F. The cyme after removing the corolla. G. Pistil. H. Opened corolla. I. Stamens

 (Photoed by Fang Wen).

Photographs of Petrocodon paradelphinius F.Wen & W.C.Chou sp. nov.
A. Habitat at the type location. B. The flowering plant in the field. C. The cultivated plants. D. The lateral view of corolla ca. 1 day after the flower blooms. E. The lateral view of the corolla ca. 5 days after the flower blooms.

 (photo A-B by Wei-Chuen Chou; C-E by Fang Wen).

Petrocodon paradelphinius F.Wen & W.C.Chou, sp. nov.

 飛燕石山苣苔

Diagnosis: Morphologically, Petrocodon paradelphinius F.Wen & W.C.Chou resembles P. fangianus (Y.G.Wei) J.M.Li & Yin Z.Wang in leaf blade coriaceous and shape elliptic to oblong, differs from the latter in peduncles and pedicels puberulent (vs. peduncles and pedicels puberulent and glandu-puberulent in P. fangianus, the order same as follows); corolla outside sparsely puberulent (vs. sparsely glandular puberulent), tube curved, 18–20 mm long (vs. straight, ca. 26 mm long), orifice from throat to the interior smooth, without protuberances, and lacks nectar guides (vs. orifice with two oblong, brown, glandular puberulous below the middle lobes of corolla); significant short style ca. 1.5 mm long (vs. ca. 26.5 mm long), and filaments adnate to corolla tube ca. 7 mm above the base (vs. adnate to corolla tube ca. 19 mm above the base).

Etymology: The specific epithet 'paradelphinius' of this new species is composed of two parts. The prefix 'para-' is derived from the Greek 'παρά' (para), meaning 'beside, similar, or alike,' and it is often used to indicate that two plants have similar but not identical characteristics in plant nomenclature. The latter part '-delphinius' is derived from the genus, Delphinium Linn., and has been modified to a masculine form following the pattern of the genus, Petrocodon. This epithet indicates that the new species' slender corolla tube resembles the elongated spur of flowers in Delphinium. Additionally, the new species' spreading, larger corolla lobes, and bluish-purple hues make it reminiscent of flowers in Delphinium, hence the name 'paradelphinius'.

 

Fang Wen and Wei-Chuen Chou. 2024. A New dazzling Species of Gesneriaceae, Petrocodon paradelphinius, from the Limestone Area of Guangxi, China. Taiwania. 69(4); 491-496. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.491  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2028

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/943114181172607

[Ichthyology • 2024] Microphysogobio punctatus • Redescription of Microphysogobio tungtingensis (Nichols, 1926) with the Description of A New Species of the Genus (Cypriniformes: Gobionidae) from southern China

Microphysogobio punctatus 

Sun, Tang & Zhao, 2024 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1214.127061

Abstract

Although Microphysogobio tungtingensis (Nichols, 1926) has been treated valid since it was described, its morphology remains vague, especially when comparing it with another similar species, M. elongatus (Yao & Yang, 1977). In this study, the types of both species were examined and also compared with several lots of specimens from a wide geographical range: there is no significant difference in morphology between them. Additionally, molecular evidence supported by mitochondrial gene sequence also showed low genetic distance in between. Thus, it is suggested that M. elongatus is a junior synonym of M. tungtingensis. While revising these two species, a new species, Microphysogobio punctatus sp. nov., was discovered that has a similar distribution with them both. However, it can be distinguished from its congeners by having a globular or oval shaped posterior air-bladder chamber which length 58.6%–82.8% of eye diameter; a narrow upper jaw cutting edge which less than half mouth width; a slender caudal peduncle with depth 34.6%–48.5% of length; and a six-branched-ray anal fin. This new species also has numerous small black spots on all fins which is also unique. The new species is morphologically and molecularly close to M. bicolor (Nichols, 1930).

Key words: East Asia, freshwater fish, Gobionidae, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Microphysogobio punctatus sp. nov. 
A Freshly caught from its type locality, uncatalogued
B live individual from Luzhai County, Liuzhou City, Guangxi Autonomous Region in Luoqingjiang River, collected and photographed by Dr. Fan Li
C original drawing by Zhi-Xian Sun based on individual collected from Yongfu County, Guilin City, Guangxi Autonomous Region in Xihe River.

 Microphysogobio punctatus sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: Posterior chamber of air-bladder small, globular or oval shaped, length 15.8%–26.4% of head length, and 58.6%–82.8% of eye diameter; upper jaw cutting-edge narrow, width less than half mouth width; caudal peduncle slender, depth 34.6%–48.5% of length; lateral-line scales 37–40 (mode 38, mean 39); circumpeduncular scales 12; branched anal-fin rays 6; midventral region of body scaleless only before pectoral-fin base end; all fins with numerous small black spots.

Etymology: The new species name punctatus is derived from the Latin punctum, meaning spot. The name refers to the numerous black spots on its scales and fin rays. Suggested Chinese name for this species is “斑点小鳔鮈”.

 Zhi-Xian Sun, Wen-Qiao Tang, Ya-Hui Zhao. 2024. Redescription of Microphysogobio tungtingensis (Nichols, 1926) with the Description of A New Species of the Genus (Cypriniformes, Gobionidae) from southern China. ZooKeys. 1214: 161-186. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1214.127061

[Botany • 2024] Begonia tamoiana (Begoniaceae) • A New Species from Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

  

Begonia tamoiana  

in Jacques, Moonlight et José dos Santos, 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.669.2.8

 x.com/PeterMoonlight

 

Abstract

Begonia tamoiana is a new species endemic to Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, a biome rich in endemism and species diversity, and it is described and illustrated herein. Begonia tamoiana is morphologically similar to B. magdalenensis but differs in having abaxial leaf blades with simple trichomes throughout (vs. 2-branched trichomes throughout) and ovate wings capsule (vs. triangular). A description, ecological comments, illustrations, color photographs, and a provisional IUCN conservation assessment of this species are provided. Begonia tamoiana is preliminarily classified as Vulnerable (VU) due to its very small populations and restricted distribution.

Atlantic Coastal Forest, conservation, endemism, taxonomy, Eudicots

Begonia tamoiana 

Eliane de Lima Jacques, Peter W. Moonlight and Alfredo José dos Santos Jr. 2024. Begonia tamoiana (Begoniaceae), A New Species from Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 669(2); 159-164. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.669.2.8

 x.com/PeterMoonlight/status/1848753386612523188

[Entomology • 2024] Parahirrius gen. nov., Guentheracris gen. nov. & Zvierckia gen. nov. • Revision of the polyphyletic Genus Hirrius Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae), with Descriptions of Three New Genera and insights into antennal sensilla morphology

 Hirrius Bolívar, 1887
Parahirrius Skejo, Patano et Kasalo gen. nov. 
Zvierckia Skejo, Tumbrinck et Pushkar gen. nov. 
Guentheracris Skejo, Tumbrinck et Pushkar gen. nov. 

 in Skejo, Husemann, Patano, Tumbrinck, Pushkar, Pavlović, Mohagan, Pamin et Kasalo, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5524.1.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/385090947

  facebook.com/SkejoJosip  facebook.com/NikoKasalo6

 

Abstract

Discotettiginae were recently synonymized with Scelimeninae, but the polyphyletic genus Hirrius Bolívar, 1887, with five species endemic to the Philippines and Sulawesi, remained an unsolved issue. Besides similarly widened subapical antennomeres, head and pronotum, other traits suggest that Hirrius members belong to different subfamilies.

The genus is now split into four genera, with four new species. Hirrius (Tetrigidae: incertae sedis) now includes three species, one of which is new, all endemic to Mindanao, the Philippines: H. punctatus (Stål 1877), H. mindanaensis (Günther, 1938), and H. ruber Skejo, Patano et Kasalo sp. nov. A lectotype is designated for H. punctatus, because the type series was found to contain two different species belonging to two different genera. Three new genera are described. Genus Parahirrius Skejo, Patano et Kasalo gen. nov. (Tetrigidae: incertae sedis) consists of P. parvus Skejo, Patano et Kasalo sp. nov. and P. amorosus Skejo, Patano et Kasalo sp. nov., both endemic to Mindanao. Genus Zvierckia Skejo, Tumbrinck et Pushkar gen. nov. (Scelimeninae: Discotettigini) includes Z. montana (Günther, 1937), comb. nov., Z. sarasinorum (Günther, 1937), comb nov., and Z. storozhenkoi Skejo et Tumbrinck sp. nov., all endemic to Sulawesi. Genus Guentheracris Skejo, Tumbrinck et Pushkar gen. nov. (Tetrigidae: “Asian Metrodorinae”) includes G. scrobiculata (Günther, 1937), comb. nov. from Sulawesi.

Subapical antennomeres of Zvierckia storozhenkoi sp. nov. and Phaesticus mellerborgi (Stål, 1855) were scanned for the first time and compared to Discotettix belzebuth (Serville, 1838). Zvierckia gen. nov. and Discotettix Costa, 1864, both Scelimeninae: Discotettigini members, share many features of the antennal morphology, such as many basiconic sensilla on the antennal margins giving the ridge a saw-like impression. On the other hand, antennae of Phaesticus Uvarov, 1940 contain many elongated placoid sensilla, which are fully absent in the subapical widened segments of Zvierckia gen. nov. and Discotettix.

Orthoptera, Scelimeninae, Metrodorinae, taxonomy, new taxa, new combinations, morphology, antennae, coeloconic field, basiconic sensilla, cuticular plates, elongated placoid sensilla

 

Josip Skejo, Martin Husemann, Romeo Patano Jr., Josef Tumbrinck, Taras I. Pushkar, Marko Pavlović, Alma Mohagan, Jan-Henrik Pamin and Niko Kasalo. 2024. Revision of the polyphyletic Genus Hirrius Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae), with Descriptions of Three New Genera and insights into antennal sensilla morphology.  Zootaxa. 5524(1); 1-61. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5524.1.1

Researchgate.net/publication/385090947_Revision_of_the_polyphyletic_genus_Hirrius_with_descriptions_of_three_new_genera  

  facebook.com/SkejoJosip/posts/10233182208166865

  facebook.com/NikoKasalo6/posts/8272510282847028

  facebook.com/RomeoPatano/posts/8836972809694832

  facebook.com/100002189976563/posts/8434711626611753

  x.com/KasaloNiko/status/1848408021120037046