[Herpetology • 2025] Ranitomeya aquamarina • An Amazonian Hidden Gem: A New Metallic-colored Species of Ranitomeya (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from Juruá River Basin forests, Amazonas State, Brazil

 

Ranitomeya aquamarina

Mônico, Koch, Dayrell, Moravec & Lima, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1236.146533 

Abstract  

The genus Ranitomeya has 16 known species, and the last of them was described 13 years ago. The forests of the Juruá River basin are known for their enormous vertebrate diversity, despite being one of the least sampled regions in the entire Amazonia. Our recent expeditions to the region resulted in the discovery of a Ranitomeya species with blue-green dorsal stripes and quite peculiar behavior. Here, it is described as a new species using morphological, morphometric, advertisement call, natural history, and genetic data. This new species is strongly nested within the R. vanzolinii clade, with interspecific p-distances ranging from 2.94 to 3.91%, and it was confirmed in all the delimitation methods used. It differs from its closest relatives mainly by (i) its size (male SVL 15.4–17.7 mm, n = 8; female SVL 17.3–18.5 mm, n = 5), (ii) its unique color pattern that is metallic pale yellowish green to metallic pale turquoise-green dorsal stripes pattern, limbs metallic chrome with dark carmine spotting), (iii) presence of a conspicuous sulfur yellow spot on the dorsal surface of the thighs, (iv) tadpoles with posterior tooth rows P1 > P2 > P3 in all stages, head translucent brownish and lack of emarginate lateral papillae, and (v) its advertisement call (composed of 21–45 notes, call duration of 647–1,424 ms, note rate of 28–36 notes/s and dominant frequency of 4,996–6,288 Hz).

Key words: Advertisement call, Amphibia, biodiversity, integrative taxonomy, morphology, phylogeny

Adult individuals of Ranitomeya aquamarina sp. nov. in natural posture
A holotype, male INPA-H 47568 B paratype, female INPA-H 47569
C paratype, male MPEG 45223 D paratype, male INPA-H 47570 E Paratype, female MPEG 45222.

Photographs A.T. Mônico.

  

 Ranitomeya aquamarina sp. nov.

 

Chresonymy. Ranitomeya sp. Envira – Twomey et al. (2023); 

Ranitomeya aff. sirensis – Lima et al. (2024).

Vernacular names.  Suggested English name: Metallic poison frog.

Suggested Spanish name: Rana venenosa metálica.

Suggested Portuguese name: Rãzinha-venenosa-metalizada.

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘aquamarina’ is a Latin adjective that means “pale blue-green”, referring to the coloration of the dorsal-lateral stripes of the new species. Another aspect that led us to use this epithet was the metallic blue and greenish tones of the stripes, which resemble seawater. Additionally, aquamarine is a gemstone, which philosophically conveys the value of this discovery.

 Alexander Tamanini Mônico, Esteban Diego Koch, Jussara Santos Dayrell, Jiří Moravec and Albertina Pimentel Lima. 2025. An Amazonian Hidden Gem: A New Metallic-colored Species of Ranitomeya (Anura, Dendrobatidae) from Juruá River Basin forests, Amazonas State, Brazil. ZooKeys. 1236: 51-83. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1236.146533 

[Paleontology • 2025] Jinchuanloong niedu • A New eusauropod (Dinosauria: Sauropodomorpha) from the Middle Jurassic of Gansu, China

 

Jinchuanloong niedu 

N. Li, Zhang, Ren, D. Li & You, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03210-5

Abstract

Sauropod dinosaurs were gigantic quadrupedal herbivores. They range from Early Jurassic to Late Cretaceous and have been found on all continents. The rich sauropod faunas in the Middle and Late Jurassic of China are mainly from southern or western China. Here, we describe a non-neosauropod eusauropod from the Middle Jurassic Xinhe Formation of Gansu Province, northwestern China, based on an associated partial skeleton that includes a nearly complete skull with mandible, the five anteriormost cervical vertebrae appressed with the skull and the posterior 29 articulated caudal vertebrae. It can be diagnosed as a new taxon Jinchuanloong niedu gen. et sp. nov. based on several cranial and postcranial autapomorphies. In Jinchuanloong, the posterior margin of the external naris lies in front of the posterior margin of the antorbital fenestra, similar to that in basal eusauropods, and the base of the maxillary ascending process presents a foramen, similar to that in neosauropods. The finding of Jinchuanloong adds diversity and helps elucidate the evolution of the sauropods in East Asia.

Keywords: Dinosauria, Sauropoda, Eusauropoda, Jurassic, China

Skull of Jinchuanloong niedu (JCMF0132) in left lateral view.

Abbreviations: a, aperture; an, angular; aof, antorbital fenestra; d, dentary; en, external naris; f, frontal; fo, foramen; inf, infratemporal fenestra;j, jugal; l, lacrimal; m, maxilla; n,nasal; o, orbit; p, parietal; pf, prefrontal; pm, premaxilla; po, postorbital; pop, paraoccipital process; q, quadrate; qj, quadratojugal; sa, surangular; snf, subnarial foramen; sq, squamosal.

Jinchuanloong niedu gen. et sp. nov.

Horizon and locality: Jinchuan District, Jinchang City, Gansu Province, northwest of China; lower part of the Xinhe Formation (late Bathonian).

Diagnosis: Jinchuanloong can be diagnosed by a suite of unique character combinations (autapomorphies are marked by *): (1) in lateral view, there is a small foramen at the base of the nasal process of the maxilla *. (2) The anterodorsal surface of the prefrontal bears a small round aperture near the bifurcation (Figs. 2 and 5) *. (3) In lateral view, the postorbital is very robust. The ratio of the anteroposterior length to the dorsoventral height of the posterior process of the postorbital of Jinchuanloong is 0.9 *. (4) The posteroventral process of the jugal contributes 22% of the ventral margin of the infratemporal fenestra; The dorsal process of the jugal contacts the lacrimal and has a small contribution to the antorbital fenestra (Fig. 2).

Etymology: The genus name ‘Jinchuan’ refers to the region where the specimens were found; ‘loong’ is Mandarin Chinese for ‘dragon’. ‘Nie’, the Mandarin Chinese for ‘nickel’; ‘du’, the Mandarin Chinese for ‘city’, reflecting that Jinchuan (Jinchang) is a city famous for its rich nickel resources.

Ning Li, Xiaoqin Zhang, Xinxin Ren, Daqing Li and Hailu You. 2025. A New eusauropod (Dinosauria, Sauropodomorpha) from the Middle Jurassic of Gansu, China. Scientific Reports. 15: 17936. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03210-5 [23 May 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Mappianthus kachinensis (Icacinaceae) • A New woody climber from Kachin State, Myanmar

 

Mappianthus kachinensis Utteridge & K.Armstr.,

in Utteridge, Aung, Wheatcroft, Plummer et Armstrong. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2025.53.1.04

Drawn by Andrew Brown.

Abstract

Mappianthus kachinensis, a new species currently only known from Kachin State, Putao District, northern Myanmar, is described and illustrated. A detailed description along with etymology, conservation status, and a line illustration are provided for a new species. The genus is still poorly known, and this discovery increases the number of species in Mappianthus to at least three. Problems with species delimitation in the genus are also briefly discussed.

Keywords: Icacinales, Iodes, Mappia, China, Borneo, new taxon, taxonomy

Mappianthus kachinensis Utteridge & K.Armstr.:
A. Habit of flowering stem; B. Detail of main stem showing warty lenticels; C. Leaf node with one peduncle; D. Node with branched tendril; E. Branch of inflorescence showing denser indumentum below flowers; F & G. Hydrated flowers; H. Fruit, side view; J. Fruit on inflorescence.

A–C, F & G from Armstrong et al. 1318; D & E: from Armstrong et al. 1142; H & J from Armstrong et al. 1034. Drawn by Andrew Brown.

Mappianthus kachinensis Utteridge & K.Armstr., sp. nov.

Recognised in the genus Mappianthus by the combination of the following characters: glabrous to sparsely hairy on the vegetative parts, chartaceous, ovate leaves with relatively long petioles to 2.5 cm long, the staminate inflorescence with a peduncle to 6.5 cm long, and the glabrous oblongoid fruits.

Timothy M. A. Utteridge, Mu Mu Aung, Hannah Wheatcroft, Jack Plummer and Kate E. Armstrong. 2025. Mappianthus kachinensis (Icacinaceae), A New woody climber from Kachin State, Myanmar. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 53(1); 25–32. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2025.53.1.04

https://x.com/timutteridge/status/1922144930262139210

[Botany • 2022] Pitcairnia mineira (Bromeliaceae: Pitcairnioideae) • A New rheophytic Species from the Espinhaço Range, Brazil

  Pitcairnia mineira B.M.Carvalho & Forzza,   

in Carvalho et Forzza, 2022.

DOI: doi.org/10.1590/0102-33062021abb0377  

 Researchgate.net/publication/365631461

 

ABSTRACT

Pitcairnia is a species-rich genus with about 400 species distributed mainly in the Neotropics. We propose and diagnose a new rheophytic species of Pitcairnia, P. mineira, found in campos rupestres vegetation in the Southern Espinhaço Province (Minas Gerais State). We provide a description, including anatomical characters, illustration, distribution map, photographs, preliminary conservation assessment and comments on the distribution, habitat, phenology, and taxonomy of the new species. We also include an identification key to all species of Pitcairnia in the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Keywords: campos rupestres; Pitcairnioideae; Brazilian flora; endemism; leaf anatomy

  Pitcairnia mineira B.M.Carvalho & Forzza.
A. Habit. B. Leaf. C. Sheath. D. Infructescence. E. Floral bract. F. Flower. G. Immature fruit. H. Sepal. I. Petal. J. Fruit with floral bract. K-L. Seeds.

Drawn by Maria Alice de Rezende. (A-E, G, J-L based on RB00515365 and F, H, I based on RB00815370). 

  Pitcairnia mineira B.M.Carvalho & Forzza in cultivation at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Flower with floral bract.

Photos by Nara Vasconcellos, RBvb00575749, 

available at Jabot (http://jabot.jbrj.gov.br/. 14 Aug. 2021).

Pitcairnia mineira B.M.Carvalho & Forzza, sp. nov. 

Pitcairnia mineira is most similar to P. bradei Markgr., but differs by the following: thin peduncle, 0.3-0.5 cm in diam. (vs. 1-2 cm in diam.); lepidote peduncle, floral bracts and sepals (vs. glabrescent peduncle, floral bracts and sepals); erect to erect-patent flowers post-anthesis (vs. patent flowers post-anthesis); red calyx and corolla (vs. yellow-orange calyx and greenish-yellow corolla); narrow-elliptical petals with obtuse to rounded apex (vs. oblanceolate petals with acute apex); and ovary more than 1/2 inferior (vs. ovary more than 1/2 superior).

Etymology: The species was named Pitcairnia mineira because it was collected in the state of Minas Gerais, which is one of the main center of diversity and endemism of the Bromeliaceae, especially in the Espinhaço Range.

Brenda de Moura Carvalho and Rafaela Campostrini Forzza. 2022. Pitcairnia mineira (Bromeliaceae): A New rheophytic Species from the Espinhaço Range, Brazil. Acta Bot. Bras. 36; DOI: doi.org/10.1590/0102-33062021abb0377  

 Researchgate.net/publication/365631461_Pitcairnia_mineira_A_new_species_from_the_Espinhaco_Range_Brazil

[Botany • 2025] Diastema calcicola (Gesneriaceae) • A New lithophytic Herb from southern Ecuador and northern Peru

 

 Diastema calcicola J. L. Clark and Moonlight,

in Clark et Moonlight, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04701 

  Researchgate.net/publication/390205962

 facebook.com/NordicJBotany

Abstract

Recent field expeditions in southern Ecuador and herbarium research resulted in the discovery of a new species of Diastema (Gesneriaceae). Diastema calcicola J. L. Clark and Moonlight, is described from limestone outcrops in northern Peru and the Cordillera del Cóndor in southern Ecuador. The new species is a lithophytic herb with unbranched shoots and an erect racemose inflorescence. Based on IUCN guidelines, a preliminary conservation assessment as ‘Vulnerable' (VU) is provided for D. calcicola.

Keywords: Cordillera del Cóndor, Diastema, Ecuador, Gesneriaceae, Peru, taxonomy

Field images of Diastema calcicola sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae).
(A) Front view of mature fruit, (B) dorsolateral view of mature fruit, (C) racemose inflorescence, (D) lateral view of mature flower, (E) front view of corolla, (F) habit.

(A) from J. L. Clark 10810; (B) from J. L. Clark 15080; (C)-(F) from J. L. Clark 16242. Photos by J. L. Clark.

 Diastema calcicola J. L. Clark and Moonlight, 

John L. Clark and Peter W. Moonlight. 2025. Diastema calcicola (Gesneriaceae), A New lithophytic Herb from southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04701 [26 March 2025]

 facebook.com/NordicJBotany/posts/1249801750482385

  Researchgate.net/publication/390205962_Diastema_calcicola_a_new_lithophytic_herb_from_Ecuador_and_Peru

[Arachnida • 2024] Vigdisia praesidens, gen. et sp. nov. • A perilous Malagasy triad: A Spider and An Ant compete for Termite Food

 

 Vigdisia praesidens Agnarsson, Kuntner, Yu & Gregorič, 

in Gregorič, Yu, Ravelojaona, Agnarsson et Kuntner, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2024.2373185 

 Researchgate.net/publication/382253438

ABSTRACT

Ants and termites are insect groups that make up most of the insect biomass in tropical ecosystems. Due to their social structure and abundance, they are some of the most bountiful prey available to other invertebrates such as spiders. However, ants and termites possess dangerous defense strategies, thus limiting their accessibility to general predators. Here, we report on an unexpected finding of a three-way predator-prey-kleptoparasite interaction in Madagascar among a termite Nasutitermes sp. (prey), a previously unknown theridiid spider Vigdisia praesidens gen. nov., sp. nov. (predator), and an ant Pheidole spinosa (kleptoparasite). Our field observations suggest that the spiders are able to detect a damaged termite nest from a distance to disperse onto it and prey on its residents. Kleptoparasitic ants also arrive on the scene to steal from the spiders their termite prey. Both the spider and the ant seem to possess some degree of behavioural prey specialisation for Nasutitermes termites. The here described ecological interaction warrants further study to better understand the exploitation of signals by such phylogenetically diverse arthropods.

KEYWORDS: Heterospecific competition, opportunistic predation, prey specialisation, kleptoparasitism, alarm signals, stenophagy, spider web

 Vigdisia praesidens with two termites wrapped. 
Camp Mantella, Marojejy National Park, Madagascar, 30. March 2022. 

Family Theridiidae Sundevall, 1833. 

Subfamily Spintharinae Simon, 1894.

Vigdisia Agnarsson, Kuntner, Yu & Gregorič, new genus

Vigdisia praesidens Agnarsson, Kuntner, Yu & Gregorič, new species

Etymology: The genus name, feminine in gender, honors Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former president of Iceland (1980-1996) and the first democratically elected female pre-sident in the world. Vigdís shares the spider ́s elegance and wits.  

 

Matjaž Gregorič, Kuang Ping Yu, Jeremia Ravelojaona, Ingi Agnarsson and Matjaž Kuntner. 2024. A perilous Malagasy triad: A Spider (Vigdisia praesidens, gen. and sp. nov.) and An Ant compete for Termite Food. New Zealand Journal of Zoology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2024.2373185 [14 Jul 2024]

  Researchgate.net/publication/382253438_Vigdisia_praesidens_gen_et_sp_nov_and_an_ant_compete_for_termite_food

https://www.newspeciespodcast.net/all-episodes/a-new-malagasy-spider-with-matja-gregori

[Botany • 2025] Lonicera lanzhouensis (Caprifoliaceae) • A New Species from Gansu, Northwest China

 

Lonicera lanzhouensis  Shun Liu & Yu J. Wang,

in Liu et Wang, 2025. 

兰州忍冬  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.256.142365

Abstract

Lonicera lanzhouensis (Caprifoliaceae), a new species from Lanzhou City, Gansu province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to L. webbiana in that it has a bilabiate corolla and a long peduncle. It differs by narrowly lanceolate leaves (vs. ovate to ovate-lanceolate), yellow-green corolla at the beginning and reddish-purple when mature (vs. purple-red) and long involucral bracts (vs. short). The new species is supported by the genetic differentiation and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and the combined sequences of chloroplast psbA-trnH and matK fragments.

Key words: Lonicera lanzhouensis, molecular phylogeny, new species, taxonomy

Lonicera lanzhouensis
A habitat B whole individual C adaxial surface of leaf D abaxial surface of leaf E corolla at different stages F fruit.

 Lonicera lanzhouensis Shun Liu & Yu J. Wang, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet indicates its type locality, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.

Chinese name. Lanzhou rendong (兰州忍冬).

Shun Liu and Yu-Jin Wang. 2025. Lonicera lanzhouensis (Caprifoliaceae), A New Species from Gansu, Northwest China. PhytoKeys. 256: 83-90. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.256.142365

[Paleontology • 2025] Traskasaura sandrae • A Name for the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia: A Strange New elasmosaur Taxon from the Santonian of Vancouver Island

 

Traskasaura sandrae

O’Keefe, Smith, Clark, Otero, Perella & Trask, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2025.2489938 

Abstract

The first elasmosaurid skeleton from the Haslam Formation (Upper Santonian) of the Nanaimo Group (Late Cretaceous) on Vancouver Island was first described in 2002, and has recently been declared the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia. Since then, additional fossils have been recovered: an isolated right humerus and a well-preserved, osteologically immature skeleton comprising thorax, girdles and limbs. The Haslam material can now support further taxonomic assessment, and we erect the species Traskasaura sandrae based on it. Traskasaura possesses a strange mosaic of features. The mandible is plesiomorphic as seen in Libonectes: relatively narrow with large teeth and a broad symphysis. The skull therefore lacks any of the radical oral cavity adaptations seen in basal aristonectines. The neck of the Haslam animal is also plesiomorphic, with at least 36 preserved cervical vertebrae having vertebral length indices (VLIs) over 100 (the total number of cervicals is not known). The centra lack the anteroposterior compression and midline longitudinal constriction characteristic of derived aristonectines, yet the cervical ribs trend forward – a condition known only in derived aristonectines and Vegasaurus. The autapomorphic coracoid of Traskasaura differs greatly from any known elasmosaurid; the cardiform recess is reduced and posteriorly located, with some similarities to that of Aristonectes quiriquinensis. The humerus is autapomorphic, possessing a relatively straight shaft, pronounced ventral camber and an articular facet on the leading edge that makes a 90° angle with the radial facet. Taken together, these features document a new genus, with a plesiomorphic axial skeleton, but with several convergent appendicular adaptations with derived aristonectines. A revised phylogenetic analysis of Elasmosauridae recovered the new taxon in a basal position. Therefore, the postcranial adaptations shared with derived aristonectines appear to be convergent.

Keywords: elasmosaur, Haslam Formation, plesiosaur, Santonian

Sauropterygia Owen, Citation1860

Order Plesiosauria de Blainville, Citation1835

Family Elasmosauridae Cope, Citation1869

Traskasaura sandrae gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The genus is named in honour of Michael and Heather Trask, who discovered the holotype specimen along the banks of the Puntledge river in 1988, and the Greek word saûros, lizard; the Latin conjugation is feminine. The species name sandrae honours Sandra Lee O’Keefe (née Markey), Pacific Northwest native and, like Elizabeth Nicholls, a valiant warrior in the fight against breast cancer. In loving memory.

F. Robin O’Keefe, Elliott Armour Smith, Robert O. Clark, Rodrigo A. Otero, Anna Perella and Patrick Trask. 2025. A Name for the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia: A Strange New elasmosaur Taxon from the Santonian of Vancouver Island. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 23(1); 2489938. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2025.2489938 [22 May 2025] 

[Mollusca • 2025] Flapjack Octopods of Australia (Cephalopoda: Cirrata: Opisthoteuthidae), Part II northwestern Australia and adjacent waters: Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis & Insigniteuthis extensa comb. nov.

Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis

Verhoeff, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.54102/ajt.c46g9

Abstract

Herein the flapjack octopods (Opisthoteuthidae) of northwestern Australia in addition to adjacent Indonesian waters are examined. Three species are identified, all distinct from taxa recorded off southern and southeastern Australia in the preceding Part I contribution. A new species in genus Opisthoteuthis, O. carnarvonensis sp. nov., is described from five specimens collected off northwestern Australia. Opisthoteuthis cf. philipii is described from off northwestern Australia (single specimen) and Indonesian waters (seven specimens). Lastly, a partial re-description is provided for O. extensa, which is transferred to genus Insigniteuthis (comb. nov.) and has its range extended to Java and northwestern Australia, the male of I. extensa is shown to be comparable to I. dongshaensis in enlarged sucker configuration. A key is proposed to enable the identification of Opisthoteuthidae globally.

Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Opisthoteuthid with 70–78 suckers per arm of adult, a DESF of 6–10 enlarged suckers on all arms of males, located between the ~28–38th sucker, DESF sucker ⌀ < PESF sucker ⌀, and arms with web nodules; with dark brown−red aboral pigmentation and areolar spots on head and along arms. Internally with digestive gland bilobed, 7 or 8 lamellae per gill, AGC2 and 3 combined only half AG1 greatest dimensions, and with intestine approximately equal to oesophagus in length.

Etymology: Specific epithet ‘carnarvonensis’ is in reference to the Carnarvon Canyon Marine Park, from where the type material was collected, the Latin adjectival suffix ‘-ensis’ (=originating in) added to form an adjective.

 Tristan Joseph Verhoeff. 2025. Flapjack Octopods of Australia (Cephalopoda: Cirrata: Opisthoteuthidae), Part II northwestern Australia and adjacent waters.  Australian Journal of Taxonomy. 92: 1–28. DOI: doi.org/10.54102/ajt.c46g9 [13/5/2025]

[Botany • 2025] Begonia blaan (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from the Island of Mindanao, southern Philippines

 

Begonia blaan Naive, 

in Naive, Occeña et Espeja, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04838

   

Abstract

A new species to science, Begonia blaan Naive sp. nov., discovered by a citizen scientist and posted on Facebook, is herein described and illustrated. This species closely resembles B. quercifolia but can be distinguished by its sparsely scabrid stem, falcately ovate and glabrous stipules, deciduous floral bracts, and 2-flowered, pedunculate pistillate flowers. Below, we provide a detailed description, color plates, and information on phenology, habitat, geographical distribution, and a preliminary conservation assessment.  

Keywords: Blaan tribe, endangered, endemic, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat

Begonia blaan Naive sp. nov.

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Ceferino M. Occeña III, Bryll L. Espeja. 2025. Begonia blaan (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia), A New Species from the Island of Mindanao, southern Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04838 [20 May 2025]

[PaleoMammalogy • 2025] Eophyseter damarcoi • A New Pliocene Sperm Whale (Odontoceti: Physeteridae) from Vigliano D’Asti, Piedmont, Northwest Italy

 

 Eophyseter damarcoi 

Bisconti, Daniello, Stecca & Carnevale, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.54103/2039-4942/22338

Abstract

A new sperm whale species is described from the late Zanclean (Early Pliocene) of Piedmont, northwest Italy, based on a partial vertebral column and parts of the forelimb. The new taxon, Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov., is characterized by elongated vertebral centra in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column, wider and higher articular facets for the occipital condyles in the atlas, elliptical and dorsoventrally compressed posterior articular facet of the axis-bearing block, ulna with posteriorly convex margin. These characters distinguish Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov.from other physeteroids and show that the vertebral proportions are differently arranged with respect to those of the extant sperm whale species. A phylogenetic analysis was performed to understand the relationships of Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov. by adding 20 postcranial characters to a previous character x taxon matrix; it revealed that E. damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov. forms a clade with P. macrocephalus. A taphonomic analysis suggested that the carcass of the holotype specimen of Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov. was exploited by sharks and colonized by barnacles and molluscs; however, a quick burial prevented its total destruction by other invertebrates, as usual in the cetacean fossil record from the Pliocene of Piedmont.

Keywords: Italy; Physeteridae; Phylogeny; Eophyseter; Physeteroidea; Piedmont; Pliocene; Postcranial skeleton.

Reconstruction of the sperm whale Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov sp. nov. (MGPTPU 13864, holotype). 
 B) Piero Damarco, to whom Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov. is dedicated, applying the final touch to the skeleton MGPT-PU 13864 on display in Asti.

Class MAMMALIA Linnaeus, 1758 

Order Cetacea Brisson, 1762 

Clade Neoceti Fordyce & Muizon, 2001 

Parvorder Odontoceti Flower, 1867 

Superfamily Physeteroidea Gray, 1868 

Family Physeteridae Gray, 1821 

Genus Eophyseter gen. nov.

Etymology: Eo is a Greek word (ήώς) that means dawn, meaning ancestral, old. Physeter derives from the Greek φυσώ meaning blower. Diagnosis of genus: Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov. shows a unique morphology of the atlas, in the axis-bearing cervical block, in the proportions of the vertebral column and in the ulna. 

Diagnostic characters are the following: (1) the atlas is characterized by articular facets for the occipital condyles that protrude dorsally to the body of the vertebra and reach the height of the superior surface of the neural arch; (2) the articular surface for occipital condyles are comparatively wider than those of all the other physeteroids in which the atlas is preserved, and their ventromedial portion is comparatively longer; (3) in the axis-bearing cervical block, the epiphysis of the 7th cervical vertebra is dorsoventrally compressed and transversely widened to form showing an elliptical outline (it is transversely narrow and rounder in all the other physeteroids in which the axis-bearing block is preserved); (4) the lengths of the vertebral centra are comparatively more elongated than those of physeterids in which the vertebral column is known; in particular, in a long portion of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column, the lengths of the centra are almost equal to the corresponding widths and heights (this pattern contrasts with that of extant sperm whales in which the length values are lower than those of heights and widths); (5) the posterior border of the ulna is posteriorly convex rather than being straight or concave as in other physeterids in which the ulna is preserved.

Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov.

Etymology: The patronymic damarcoi is to honor Piero Damarco (Fig. 2B) who coordinated and executed extensive preparation of the specimen and who dedicated his life to the discovery and curation of the fossil treasures of Piedmont, Northwest Italy

 

Michelangelo Bisconti, Riccardo Daniello, Riccardo Stecca and Giorgio Carnevale. 2025. A New Pliocene Sperm Whale from Vigliano D’Asti, Piedmont, Northwest Italy. RIVISTA ITALIANA di PALEONTOLOGIA e STRATIGRAFIA. 131(1): 139-175. DOI: doi.org/10.54103/2039-4942/22338

[PaleoIchthyology • 2025] Britosteus amarildoi • A New early diverging lepisosteid Fish (Lepisosteiformes) from the Late Cretaceous of southeastern Brazil

Britosteus amarildoi

Martinelli, Marinho, Panzeri, Bogan, Iori, Lopes, Neto, Fonseca, Basilici, Vega & Ribeiro, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2024.105325 

 www.UFTM.edu.br 

Highlights: 

• New genus and species of Lepisosteiform fish from Late Cretaceous Bauru Group.

• It represents an early diverging lepisosteid.

• It comes from continental settings, contributing to fill the temporal gap between Early and Late Cretaceous forms.

• The new taxon is not included within the most common genera Lepisosteus and Atractosteus.

Abstract

The Bauru Group in Brazil is renowned for its rich and diverse fossil record from Late Cretaceous age, which includes a variety of vertebrates such as fishes, anurans, turtles, squamates, mesoeucrocodylians, and dinosaurs. In this study, we present compelling evidence for the existence of a distinct taxon of Lepisosteidae at a paleontological site bearing rocks of the Upper Cretaceous Adamantina Formation (Bauru Group). Based on several specimens, we erect a new genus and species of lepisosteiform fish: Britosteus amarildoi gen. et sp. nov. This discovery provides valuable insights into the anatomical features of this new form, contributing to our understanding of the diversity of Late Cretaceous fishes in Brazil. Historically, Lepisosteiformes had a broader geographic distribution than observed today, but our knowledge of their evolution and diversity remains limited. This is particularly true for the gaps in data between the Early and Late Cretaceous periods. The identification of Britosteus amarildoi gen. et sp. nov. contributes to fill this significant gap, establishing it as an early diverging member of Lepisosteidae and underscoring the complexity of its evolutionary history in South America. By illuminating the anatomical and taxonomic characteristics of this new taxon, we enhance our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of lepisosteiform fishes during a crucial period in the continent's ancient past.

 Britosteus amarildoi gen. et sp. nov.

 

Agustín G. Martinelli, Thiago da Silva Marinho, Karen M. Panzeri, Sergio Bogan, Fabiano V. Iori, João de Magalhães Lopes, Francisco Macedo Neto, Pedro H. Fonseca, Giorgio Basilici, Nahuel Vega and Luiz Carlos Borges Ribeiro. 2025. A New early diverging lepisosteid Fish (Lepisosteiformes) from the Late Cretaceous of southeastern Brazil. Journal of South American Earth Sciences. 152, 105325. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2024.105325 [1 February 2025]   www.UFTM.edu.br 

Novo peixe fóssil é descoberto no Triângulo Mineiro e amplia conhecimento sobre fauna do Cretáceo

  www.UFTM.edu.br/ultimas-noticias/5880-novo-peixe-fossil-e-descoberto-no-triangulo-mineiro-e-amplia-conhecimento-sobre-fauna-do-cretaceo

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] New insights on the enigmatic Otters from the Late Miocene of Tuscany: Tyrrhenolutra maremmana nov. comb. (Carnivora: Mustelidae: Lutrinae), with A Phylogeny of bunodont otters

 Tyrrhenolutra maremmana Hürzeler, 1987

in Faggi, Bartolini-Lucenti et Rook, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.54103/2039-4942/22479 

Artwork by Sara Scheggi

Abstract

Otters, subfamily Lutrinae (Mustelidae), are predators that thrive in aquatic environments, and have a semiaquatic to fully aquatic lifestyle. While modern otters are found across the globe, their fossil history is limited, primarily documented by fragmented dentognathic remains. In this work, we report on and describe new dental remains of a medium-sized Lutrinae from the Late Miocene of Baccinello and Casteani (Tuscany), improving the poor fossil record of the subfamily in Europe. Tyrrhenolutra helbingi Hürzeler, 1987 is a poorly known species, described on some dental remains from the Baccinello mines and a few other localities. Considering its peculiar morphology, it has often been overlooked in the scientific literature. Description of the material stored at the Naturhistorisches Museum, Basel and Museo di Geologia e Paleontologia dell’Università di Firenze offers new insights on the intraspecific variability and dental morphology of this taxon. The comparative study of these findings highlights several morphological and biometrical similarities between T. helbingi and Paludolutra maremmana Hürzeler, 1987, which allow us to redefine these taxa as Tyrrhenolutra maremmana nov. comb. We carried out a total-evidence cladistic analysis seeking support for morphometric and morphological similarities between T. “helbingi” and “P.” maremmana. The resulting parsimony analyses support the synonymy, excluding a close relationship of T. maremmana with Paludolutra of Italy and Spain, as previously thought. Furthermore, we confirm a long-forgotten hypothesis identifying Limnonyx Crusafont Pairó, 1950 as the possible continental ancestor of Tyrrhenolutra.

Keywords: Neogene; Baccinello; Carnivora; mustelid; taxonomy; cladistic.

Mandibles of Tyrrhenolutra maremmana nov. com. from Baccinello V1, Casteani and Montebamboli.
A-C) NMB.Bac.54, left and right hemimandible with right p2-m1 and left p2-m1, A: right buccal view; B: occlusal view; C: left buccal view.
D-F) NMB.Bac.52, left hemi-mandible with p2-m2, D: buccal view (mirrored); E: occlusal view; F: lingual view (mirrored).
G-H) NMB.Bac.55, right hemimandible fragment with c-p4, G: buccal view; H: occlusal view; I: lingual view.
J-K) IGF 11756c, left mandible with p2, m1 and m2, J: buccal view (mirrored); K: occlusal view; L: lingual view (mirrored).
M-O) MSNUP N.1, right mandible fragment with c, p3, p4, M: buccal view; N: occlusal view; O: lingual view.

Restoration of Tyrrhenolutra maremmana based on the cranial material from the Late Miocene of Tuscany.

 Artwork by Sara Scheggi

ANDREA FAGGI, SAVERIO BARTOLINI-LUCENTI and LORENZO ROOK. 2024. New insights on the enigmatic Otters from the Late Miocene of Tuscany: Tyrrhenolutra maremmana nov. comb. (Lutrinae, Mustelidae, Carnivora), with A Phylogeny of bunodont otters. Rivista Italiana di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia (Riv. It. Paleontol. Strat. - Research in Paleontology and Stratigraphy). 130(2); 259-284. DOI: doi.org/10.54103/2039-4942/22479 [July 2024]

[Arachnida • 2025] Loxosceles galianoa • A New large violin Spider from Argentina, with a Discussion on the homology and Evolution of female genital structures in Loxosceles (Araneae: Sicariidae)

Loxosceles galianoa

Magalhaes, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1071/IS24079 

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Abstract

Violin spiders are an old, diverse genus of spiders, which includes medically significant species. Among its members, the Neotropical laeta group is particularly notable, as it includes the largest spiders of the genus, such as Loxosceles laeta (Nicolet). In this paper, I describe a new species belonging to this group, Loxosceles galianoa, sp. nov., from male and female specimens collected in the dry Argentinean north-west. The new species is the southernmost native member of the laeta group, and its phylogenetic placement is confirmed by a novel phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data and a taxon sampling including members of all Loxosceles species groups. The morphology of the endogyne of the new species prompted me to survey and characterise the morphological diversity of the female genitalia in Loxosceles. I review the homologies of the parts of the female genitalia in this genus. I argue that an enlarged uterus externus with a narrowed opening is synapomorphic for the laeta species group, whereas in the lineage containing the rufescens and gaucho groups the uterus externus may be sclerotised and bear numerous deep transversal ridges. I here hypothesise that Loxosceles is an example of a clade where female genital morphology is more diverse and has accumulated more morphological novelties than that of males. The geographic origin of the medically significant Loxosceles laeta is briefly discussed. Although this species is commonly referred as the ‘Chilean recluse spider’, I here argue that this species most likely originated in Peru and has been introduced to other South American countries by human action. The type material of Loxosceles accepta Chamberlin, 1920 is examined and illustrated. Loxosceles gaucho Gertsch, 1967 is newly recorded from Argentina and Paraguay.

Keywords: endogyne, genitalia, Loxosceles laeta, morphology, recluse spider, Scytodoidea, Synspermiata, taxonomy.

Ivan L. F. Magalhaes. 2025. A New large violin Spider from Argentina, with a Discussion on the homology and Evolution of female genital structures in Loxosceles (Araneae: Sicariidae). Invertebrate Systematics. 39, IS24079. DOI: doi.org/10.1071/IS24079 [13 May 2025] 

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