[Arachnida • 2025] Typhochlaena chapadensis • A New Species of tiny arboreal Tarantula of the Genus Typhochlaena C. L. Koch, 1850 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from the State of Bahia, Brazil

Typhochlaena chapadensis 

Bertani, Antunes & Gallão, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.1.6

 

Abstract

The genus Typhochlaena C. L. Koch, 1850 comprises five species of tiny arboreal theraphosids found exclusively in Brazil. Some species have a colored, eye-catching pattern which make them an object of desire to the pet market, and two species were included in the Red Book of Threatened Brazilian Fauna by the Brazilian government. Typhochlaena was recovered as the sister group of the remaining aviculariines in phylogenetic analyses, as the genus retains several plesiomorphies and represents a distinct and old divergent clade. Therefore, it is important to obtain information about their species concerning distribution, habits and biology to aid in protecting their populations and species. Herein, we describe Typhochlaena chapadensis sp. nov., from the Brazilian State of Bahia, in the Chapada Diamantina region. The new species is closely related with T. curumim Bertani, 2012 but can be distinguished by the shape of the male palpal bulb, color pattern and geographic distribution.

Araneae, Animal trafficking, Aviculariinae, Chapada Diamantina, Mygalomorphae, pet trade

Typhochlaena chapadensis sp. nov.

 

Rogério BERTANI, Vinicius S. ANTUNES and Jonas E. GALLÃO. 2025. A New Species of tiny arboreal Tarantula of the Genus Typhochlaena C. L. Koch, 1850 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from the State of Bahia, Brazil. Zootaxa. 5660(1); 102-110. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.1.6 [2025-07-08]

[Paleontology • 2025] The Osteology, Taxonomy, and Phylogenetic Placement of Seeleyosaurus guilelmiimperatoris (Plesiosauroidea: Microcleididae) from the Lower Jurassic Posidonia Shale of Germany

 

Seeleyosaurus guilelmiimperatoris (Dames, 1895) 

Sachs, Madzia, Marx, Roberts, Hampe et Kear, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.25620 

Researchgate.net/publication/389208223

Abstract

Seeleyosaurus guilelmiimperatoris is an early-diverging plesiosauroid from the lower Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) of the Posidonienschiefer Formation (Posidonia Shale) of Holzmaden, southwestern Germany. It is known from almost complete skeletons of two osteologically mature individuals, the holotype and a referred specimen that was largely destroyed during World War II. Although well-preserved and substantially complete, the anatomy of Seeleyosaurus and its taxonomic and phylogenetic significance remain insufficiently understood. Here, we provide a complete osteological description of the taxon. Seeleyosaurus guilelmiimperatoris can be diagnosed based on a unique combination of characters, including one autapomorphy: the tall and basally constricted neural spines of the posterior cervical, pectoral, and dorsal vertebrae which have a sinusoidal shape in lateral view. Our study supports the validity of the plesiosauroid taxon Plesiopterys wildi, which was considered a junior synonym of Seeleyosaurus in a previous joint assessment of the taxa. Our phylogenetic evaluation places S. guilelmiimperatoris among Microcleididae, in congruence with previous studies. However, in contrast to earlier phylogenetic reconstructions, our analyses, which take into account numerous changes to the character matrix, reconstruct S. guilelmiimperatoris as falling within the Microcleidus clade. While we admit that Seeleyosaurus might potentially be considered a species of Microcleidus, we refrain from promoting this nomenclatural change pending an osteological and taxonomic reassessment of Microcleidus spp. as well as other, potentially closely related forms, such as Lusonectes sauvagei.

Keywords: Plesiosauria, Microcleididae, Seeleyosaurus, Toarcian, Lower Jurassic, Germany

Skeleton of the referred specimen of Seeleyosaurus guilelmiimperatoris (SMNS 12039). (a) initial slab mount with original skull and unaltered paddles (from Fraas, 1910a, plate 6). (b) cast of the modified skeleton with modeled skull and arranged paddles (SMNS collection). Scale equals 50 cm.

Seeleyosaurus (left) and Thaumatosaurus, now Meyerasaurus (right)

as depicted in Water reptiles of the past and present (1914)

Sven Sachs, Daniel Madzia, Miguel Marx, Aubrey J. Roberts, Oliver Hampe and Benjamin P. Kear. 2025. The Osteology, Taxonomy, and Phylogenetic Placement of Seeleyosaurus guilelmiimperatoris (Plesiosauroidea, Microcleididae) from the Lower Jurassic Posidonia Shale of Germany. The Anatomical Record. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.25620 [21 February 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/389208223_The_osteology_taxonomy_and_phylogenetic_placement_of_Seeleyosaurus_from_the_Lower_Jurassic_Posidonia_Shale_of_Germany

[Paleontology • 2025] Huashanosaurus qini • A New Eusauropod Dinosaur from the Lower and Middle Jurassic Wangmen Formation of Ningming County, Guangxi, South China

 

Huashanosaurus qini 

Mo, Zhou, Fu, Xiong, Hu & Xu, 2025

  

  https://www.geojournals.cn

Abstract

We report a new eusauropod dinosaur, Huashanosaurus qini gen. et sp. nov., based on a partial skeleton recovered from a bed in the Lower to Middle Jurassic Wangmen Formation (Fm.) from Huqiu Quarry near Mingjiang River, Ningming County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. The new taxon can be diagnosed by the following autapomorphies: posterior process of the ulna hook-shaped; the cross-section of the proximal part of the ulna crescent-shaped; groove structure present at the posterodistal surface of the fibula. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that H. qini is later-diverging than the Middle Jurassic Shunosaurus. Previous work showed that the Wangmen Fm. is early Early Jurassic in age whereas the new eusauropod discovery indicates that the Wangmen Fm. is probably somewhat younger Early–Middle Jurassic in age. The find increases the diversity of Jurassic eusauropods in China.

Key words: vertebrate paleontology, eusauropoda, Wangmen Formation, Early–Middle Jurassic, Guangxi

Huashanosaurus qini gen. et sp. nov.

MO Jinyou, ZHOU Xiuzhen, FU Qiongyao, XIONG Duo, HU Minhang and XU Xing. 2025. A New Eusauropod Dinosaur from the Lower and Middle Jurassic Wangmen Formation of Ningming County, Guangxi, South China. [J]. ACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA (English edition). 99(4): 909-924. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.15331 

 https://www.geojournals.cn/dzxbcn/dzxbcn/article/abstract/2025endzxb04001

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Acarechimys hunikuini • A New Late Miocene stem Octodontoid (Rodentia: Caviomorpha: Octochinchilloi) from the Solimões Formation (Brazil): Paleobiogeographic Implications

 

Acarechimys hunikuini

 Fontoura, Boivin, Marivaux, Antoine, Stutz, Negri, Ribeiro & Kerber, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2382822 

www.UFSM.br  x.com/KerberLeonardo

Artwork by Márcio L. Castro

ABSTRACT

Caviomorphs are the neotropical hystricognathous rodents (Ctenohystrica: Hystricognathi: Caviomorpha). Octodontoidea are today the richest and most speciose clade of caviomorphs. Their fossil record also reveals a wide array of extinct species, including Acarechimys, a taxon with a widespread South American distribution and extensive temporal range. This genus comprises at least five species documented in deposits ranging from the late Oligocene to the Middle Miocene. Here, we report the discovery of a new species of Acarechimys from Upper Miocene deposits of the Envira River (PRE06 outcrop), situated in the Acre State, western Brazilian Amazonia. The new species differs from the other species of the genus in having lower molars with a strong posterior arm of the metaconid, the presence of a mesostylid (usually prominent) and a neomesolophid forwardly directed and connected to the metalophulid I on m1 but not on m2–3, and the absence of posterior arm of the protoconid. This taxon represents the youngest known species of the Acarechimys lineage to date. Its occurrence in Western Amazonia strengthens support for the hypothesis that South American rodent lineages survived longer during the Neogene at low latitudes than in the southern regions of the continent.

Acarechimys hunikuini

Emmanuelle Fontoura, Myriam Boivin, Laurent Marivaux, Pierre-Olivier Antoine, Narla S. Stutz, Francisco Ricardo Negri, Ana Maria Ribeiro and Leonardo Kerber. 2024. A New Late Miocene stem Octodontoid (Rodentia: Caviomorpha: Octochinchilloi) from the Solimões Formation (Brazil): Paleobiogeographic Implications. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 44(1); e2382822. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2382822 [23 Aug 2024]

Pesquisadora da UFSM descreve nova espécie de mamífero extinto

Acarechimys hunikuini recebeu esse nome em homenagem a tribo indígena Huni Kuin que vive na região em que o fóssil foi encontrado

https://www.UFSM.br/2024/08/23/pesquisadora-da-ufsm-descreve-nova-especie-de-mamifero-extinto

 x.com/KerberLeonardo/status/1826936584203043251

[Herpetology • 2025] Atractus nemosophis & A. xaxi • A First Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Approach to Sleepyhead Snakes from Venezuela (Dipsadidae: Atractus), with the Description of Two New Andean Species

[H] Atractus xaxi 
[A-F] Atractus nemosophis 

Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Prudente, Bazó, Navarrete, Camargo-Sillet, Ortiz, Correa, Guerrero & Urra, 

in Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Prudente, Bazó, Navarrete, Carmargo-Sillet, Ortiz, Correa, Guerrero et Urra, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s13127-025-00682-1 

Researchgate.net/publication/394217023_A_first_phyloge 

  facebook.com/FernandoRojasRunjaic

Abstract

This study constitutes the first evolutionary investigation that adds Venezuelan species of sleepyhead snakes of the genus Atractus, the most diverse and with the largest number of species with a restricted distribution area above 1000 m asl, whose estimated divergence occurred 21–22 MY. In this context, phylogenetic analyses using a combination of mitochondrial (16S, Cytb, ND4) and nuclear (RAG1, NT3) markers within the framework of maximum likelihood and Bayesian models, as well as morphological and meristic data, support the recognition of two new species that inhabit montane semideciduous forests and cloud forests between 1800 and 2200 m asl: A. nemosophis sp. nov. a polymorphic species related to A. meridensis, instead, A. xaxi sp. nov. exhibits a uniform dorsal pattern very closely with A. mariselae and A. mijaresi, respectively. Finally, we provide new data on the diversity and distribution of the Atractus from the cordillera de Mérida, including a dichotomous key and a novel perception of their conservation status when considered the most diverse and dominant snakes of the Andean Mountain landscapes. Atractus nemosophis sp. nov. and Atractus xaxi sp. nov. should be included in the Vulnerable category according to criteria Ac and B2 (i,ii,iii,iv).

Keywords: Cryptozoic and semifossorial snakes, Northern Andes, Cordillera de Mérida, Montane semideciduous forests and cloud forests, Taxonomy and conservation

Images of Atractus nemosophis sp. nov. in life. Holotype MZUC 47720: dorsal view of the body and head, showing the black vertebral line and a very attenuated light band behind the parietals; ventral view of the body and tail, displaying a reddish pattern with three spots on each scale, forming incomplete longitudinal lines (A–B). MZUC 47729: dorsal view of the body and head, exhibiting a grayish-brown pattern with an interrupted white line between the 1st and 3rd dorsal scale rows and a whitish surface heavily pigmented with black (C–D). MZUC 47726 and MZUC 47718: reddish pattern with a black vertebral line and a strongly pigmented orange belly (E–G). MZUC 47735: olive-brown pattern with a black vertebral line, with supralabials and the ventral surface of the head showing a yellowish hue 
(H). Image of Atractus xaxi sp. nov. in life: head and dorsum of the body entirely black (© Daniel Quihua)

Atractus nemosophis sp. nov. Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Prudente, Bazó, Navarrete, Camargo-Sillet, Ortiz, Correa, Guerrero & Urra.  

Etymology. The specific name is an adjective derived from the Greek words “nemos,” which means forest or wood with pasture for cattle, and ophis m., which means “snake” (Brown, 1956), to refer to the place where it was found, which originally corresponds to a semicaducifolious forest Andean montane (Ataroff & Sarmiento, 2004), but currently they have been transformed, giving rise to new novel landscapes called anthromes (Ellis et al., 2010).

Atractus xaxi sp. nov. Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Prudente, Bazó, Navarrete, Camargo-Sillet, Ortiz, Correa, Guerrero & Urra. 

Etymology. The word “xaxi” is a toponym of the first indigenous settlers of the area (the Chamas tribes) and that, with the arrival of the Spanish people, was transformed morphologically to be known today as “Jají” (Gordones-Rojas & Meneses-Pacheco, 2004). The town is one of the oldest in Mérida state, Venezuela, founded in 1580.

Luis Felipe Esqueda, Fernando J.M. Rojas-Runjaic, Ana Prudente, Santos Bazó, Luis Fernando Navarrete, Edward Carmargo-Sillet, Juan Carlos Ortiz, Claudio Correa, Pablo Guerrero and Félix Urra . 2025. A First Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Approach to Sleepyhead Snakes from Venezuela (Dipsadidae: Atractus), with the Description of Two New Andean Species. Organisms Diversity & Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s13127-025-00682-1 [01 August 2025] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/394217023_A_first_phylogenetic_and_taxonomic_approach_to_Atractus_from_Venezuela

  facebook.com/groups/mhnls/permalink/24476601345296834 

Palabras clave: Andes septentrionales, Northern Andes, Cordillera de Mérida, Bosques semicadufolios montanos y bosques nublados, Taxonomía y conservación

[PaleoIchthyology • 2024] Diandongichthys ocellatus • A New basal ginglymodian Fish (Neopterygii: Holostei: Ginglymodi) from the Middle Triassic (Anisian) Luoping Biota, Yunnan, China

 Diandongichthys ocellatus 

Xu & Ma, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad144

Abstract

Ginglymodians (e.g. gars) are a group of holostean fishes with a rich fossil history in the Mesozoic. The resolution of interrelationships among extinct ginglymodians is central to the problem of understanding the origin of this clade. Here, a new fossil ginglymodian, Diandongichthys ocellatus gen. et sp. nov., is described based on 13 well-preserved specimens from the Early-Middle Triassic (Anisian) marine deposits exposed in Luoping, eastern Yunnan, China. The discovery documents one of the oldest and smallest ginglymodians hitherto known from the Middle Triassic, with a maximum standard length of 41 mm. Diandongichthys, although displaying several synapomorphies of ginglymodians, retains some primitive states with respect to other early ginglymodians (e.g. a short snout without anterior infraorbitals, a maxilla ending below the orbit, and a median gular); consequently, it is nested at the base of the Ginglymodi in this phylogenetic study. Besides body shape, some autapomorphies on the cranial bones and caudal fin easily distinguish Diandongichthys from other members of this clade. The discovery provides new insights into the origin and early diversification of ginglymodian fishes.

China, Middle Triassic, neopterygian, osteology, phylogeny

 Diandongichthys ocellatus gen. et sp. nov., holotype (IVPP V25610).  

Systematic palaeontology

Actinopterygii Cope, 1887,

Neopterygii Regan, 1923,

Holostei Müller, 1844 (sensuGrande, 2010)

Ginglymodi Cope, 1872 (sensuGrande, 2010)

Diandongichthys gen. nov.

 

Etymology: The generic epithet ‘Diandong’, the Chinese Pingyin for the eastern Yunnan, and the Greek suffix ‘ιχθύς’, ichthys, fish.

Geographical distribution and age: Luoping, Yunnan, China; Pelsonian, Anisian, Middle Triassic.

 

Diandongichthys ocellatus sp. nov. 

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘cyclotus’ refers to the nearly rounded profile of the caudal fin.

 

Locality and horizon: Luoping, Yunnan, China; Second (Upper) Member of Guanling Formation, Pelsonian (∼244 Mya), Anisian, Middle Triassic (Zhang et al. 2009).

Diagnosis: A small-sized ginglymodian distinguished from other members of the clade by the following combination of features (autapomorphies, those unique among ginglymodians, identified with an asterisk): frontal about three times as long as parietal; parietal nearly square; large pores for supraorbital sensory canal in frontal situated very close to lateral margin of this bone (*); three supraorbitals; eight infraorbitals; three suborbitals; quadrate exposed in lateral view (uncovered by cheek bones); operclular length nearly equal to ...

 

Guang-Hui Xu and Xin-Ying Ma. 2024. A New basal ginglymodian Fish (Holostei: Neopterygii) from the Middle Triassic (Anisian) Luoping Biota, Yunnan, China. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 201(3) zlad144. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad144 [16 October 2023] 

https://www.ivpp.ac.cn/xwdt/tpxw/202311/t20231114_6932882.html

http://english.ivpp.cas.cn/multimedia

[Botany • 2025] Rhodospatha rubrinervis • An overlooked Morphological Feature in the Genus Rhodospatha (Araceae: Monsteroideae: Anepsiadeae) revealed through international collaboration, with the Description of A New endemic Species from Costa Rica

 

Rhodospatha rubrinervis M.Cedeño, O.Cubero & O.Ortiz,

in Cedeño-Fonseca, Cubero-Vásquez, Ortiz, Rodríguez-Arias, Serna-Sánchez, Trujillo-Trujillo, Jiménez, Zuluaga et Hay, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.260.154762

Abstract

A recent floristic survey in the Pacific slope of the Talamanca Mountain (Costa Rica), has revealed a new species of Rhodospatha, characterised by a bracteolate inflorescence. We describe and fully illustrate Rhodospatha rubrinervis from the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve. A detailed taxonomic description, as well as its distribution, ecology, phenology and conservation assessment are provided, along with a comparative discussion of its morphological affinities with R. forgetii and R. wendlandii. In addition, we present a brief discussion on the presence of a bracteole in Rhodospatha, a morphological character that, although illustrated by H.W. Schott 160 years ago, has not previously been described in detail.

Key words: Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, Monsteroideae, Pérez Zeledón, Talamanca, taxonomy

Rhodospatha rubrinervis. 
 A. Developing inflorescence; B. Spadix in female anthesis; C. Inflorescence with spathe, in female anthesis; D. Inflorescence with open spathe (back view); E. Stylar plate with stigma (left) and one stamen (right); F. Fertile flower, in lateral view; G. Bracteole at the apex of the peduncle; H. Portion of spadix with stigmas in female anthesis; I. Pre-adult plant; J. Portion of adult plant; K. Mature infructescence; L. Seeds; M. Spadix with pink sterile region at the apex; N. Juvenile plant; O. Transversal section of the ovary with two locules.

Photos A–D, I, J, K, L by O. Cubero; E–H, K–O M by M. Cedeño. O. Cubero 005 (USJ).

Rhodospatha rubrinervis.
A. Adult plant with inflorescence in male anthesis without spathe; B. Portion of the petiole with green punctuations and persistent petiolar sheath; C. Mid-rib convex abaxially and primary lateral veins with bright pink colour up to the middle; D. Geniculum dark purple; E. Abaxial surface light green with lilac and white punctuations; F. Longitudinal section of ovary showing 30 ovules per locule along axile placentas. Photos A by O. Cubero; B–E by M. Cedeño; F by A. Serna.

 Rhodospatha rubrinervis M.Cedeño, O.Cubero & O.Ortiz, sp. nov.

Etymology. The species epithet “rubrinervis” refers to the distinctive reddish colouration of the mid-rib and primary lateral veins. This striking venation not only serves as a key diagnostic character in the field, but also highlights the aesthetic appeal and uniqueness of the species within the genus Rhodospatha.

 Marco Cedeño-Fonseca, Oscar Cubero-Vásquez, Orlando O. Ortiz, Marilyn Rodríguez-Arias, Maria Alejandra Serna-Sánchez, Edwin Trujillo-Trujillo, José Esteban Jiménez, Alejandro Zuluaga and Alistair Hay. 2025. An overlooked Morphological Feature in the Genus Rhodospatha (Araceae, Monsteroideae, Anepsiadeae) revealed through international collaboration, with the Description of A New endemic Species from Costa Rica. PhytoKeys. 260: 185-199. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.260.154762

[Mollusca • 2025] Clostophis udayaditinus • First Rrecord of the Microsnail Genus Clostophis Benson, 1860 (Eupulmonata: Pupilloidea: Hypselostomatidae) from Cambodia, with Description of A New Species

Clostophis udayaditinus Sutcharit & Panha,

in Sutcharit, Thi, Chantha, Chourn, Sophea, Jeratthitikul, Pholyotha, Siriwut, Srisonchai et Panha, 2025. 

Journal of Conchology. 45(3); 

 facebook.com/ASRUChula

Abstract

 Specimens of a new species of hypselostomatid microsnail, Clostophis udayaditinus Sutcharit & Panha, n. sp., were collected from the limestone hills area in Battambang Province, western Cambodia. Besides being a species new to science, this discovery represents a new country record for the genus. The new species differs from all other congeners by its concave-conical shell, with apertural dentition four in number, and hooked parietal and columellar lamellae. Living snails were found crawling on the walls in a cave, and the snails have a colourless, semitransparent soft body.

Key words. Angkor Kingdom, endemic species, limestone, pulmonates, taxonomy

Clostophis udayaditinus n. sp.  from the type locality.
A–C, paratype CUMZ 14466 of living snails crawling on wet tissue paper (three snails at different angles; all shell widths about 1.3 mm). D, light microscope image of paratype CUMZ 14467 with enlarged aperture at different angles.

 Abbreviations: c = columellar lamella, ip = infraparietal lamella, p = parietal lamella, pl = palatal plica.

Clostophis udayaditinus n. sp. from Battambang, Cambodia.
A, holotype CUMZ 14441 with enlarged aperture at different angles, and enlarged columellar lamella and palatal plica, and B, C, protoconch. D, paratype CUMZ 14446 from the type locality.

 Abbreviations: c = columellar lamella, ip = infraparietal lamella, p = parietal lamella, pl = palatal plica.

Family Hypselostomatidae Zilch, 1959 

Clostophis Benson, 1860

 Type species. Clostophis sankeyi Benson, 1860, by monotypy. 

Remarks. Until now, the genus Clostophis has been known to be widely distributed from Peninsular Malaysia to Myanmar, mainland Indochina, and southern China (Páll-Gergely et al. 2020; Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi 2022; MolluscaBase Eds 2024). There are 20 species known from Cambodia, including the new species, described here.

Clostophis udayaditinus Sutcharit & Panha, n. sp. 

Diagnosis. Shell concave-conical, with long, descending tuba and expanded peristome. Apertural dentition four: consisting of one hooked parietal lamella, one small infraparietal lamella, one large, strong palatal plica, and one hooked columellar lamella. Umbilicus wide.

Etymology. The species name udayaditinus is from “udayadit-”, and the suffix “-inus”, meaning possession or belonging to. This name is a memorial to King Udayadityavarman II, who ruled the Angkor Kingdom around 1100 A.D. He also ordered the building of the Bannan Temple (Higham 2014), which became the name of the hill—the type locality of this new species.

Chirasak Sutcharit, Sothearen Thi, Nasak Chantha, Phyroum Chourn, Chhin Sophea, Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Arthit Pholyotha, Warut Siriwut, Ruttapon Srisonchai and Somsak Panha. 2025. First Rrecord of the Microsnail Genus Clostophis Benson, 1860 (Eupulmonata: Pupilloidea) from Cambodia, with Description of A New Species. Journal of Conchology. 45(3); DOI. doi.org/10.61733/jconch/4538  [23 February 2025] 

 facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/1067704748707587

[Botany • 2025] Rhipidoglossum fischerianum (Orchidaceae: Angraecinae) • A New Species from the Western Rift Valley (Africa)

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum A.R.Macedo & Farminhão, 

in Macedo, Trovó, Stévart et Farminhão. 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.155517

 

Abstract

Background and aims – Rhipidoglossum is the third most species-rich epiphytic orchid genus in continental Tropical Africa, containing at least 53 species. As part of an ongoing taxonomic revision, a new species endemic to the Western Rift Valley was identified. The novelty was previously confused with R. adoxum and R. globulosocalcaratum. Here, we aim to clarify the diagnostic traits and geographic distribution of these three species.

Material and methods – We applied standard herbarium taxonomic practices to a geographically representative sampling of dry and spirit specimens identified as R. adoxum and R. globulosocalcaratum, and conducted a thorough review of regional floras and field photographs to compile all available information on the novelty. A synoptic table, distribution map, and the risk of extinction based on IUCN Red List conservation status accompany the description and illustration of this new species.

Key results – Rhipidoglossum fischerianum sp. nov., R. globulosocalcaratum, and R. adoxum can be distinguished from each other based on stem size, leaf apex, perianth, and rostellum morphology. Rhipidoglossum fischerianum is endemic to the lower montane forests in the Western Rift, whereas R. globulosocalcaratum is restricted to the Guineo-Congolian forests, and newly recorded from Cameroon and Uganda. Rhipidoglossum adoxum is found in montane forests of Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan. The new species is preliminarily assessed as Vulnerable (VU). The name R. globulosocalcaratum is here lectotypified.

Conclusion – This new species increases the diversity of Rhipidoglossum in the Western Rift to 16 species, of which 10 are endemic or near-endemic to the region. It highlights the relevant role of ongoing taxonomic work and the preservation of the Western Rift forests, which harbour high levels of unique biodiversity.

Keywords: Afromontane, African biogeography, Afrotropical biodiversity, Albertine Rift, East African Rift Valley, Ethiopian Highlands, IUCN, lectotypification, root gall, Virunga mountains

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum.
A. Habit. B. Stem apex with two inflorescences. C. Leaf. D. Flower: frontal view. E. Flower: lateral view. F. Dorsal sepal. G. Lateral sepals. H. Petals. I. Lip: superior view. J. Lip: inferior view. K. Column: lateral view. L. Column: frontal view. M. Anther cap: frontal view. N. Anther cap: posterior view. O. Pollinaria. P. Fruit.

 Illustration from B. Dumbo 17 (holotype, BRLU). Drawn by Roger Andriamiarisoa.

Watercolour of Rhipidoglossum fischerianum [BR0000006800420].
Prepared by Gilbert Delepierre, December 1991.

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum.
A. Habit. B. Habit with close-up of a root gall (J. Farminhão & B. Dumbo 233, BRLU). C. Habit (Gisenyi). D. Inflorescences (Cyamudongo Forest, from holotype B. Dumbo 17, BRLU). E. Flower: inferior view, showing spur (Gishwati Forest, unvouchered).

Photographs by João Farminhão (A, B), Eberhard Fischer (C, E), and Bonny Dumbo (D).

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum A.R.Macedo & Farminhão, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Rhipidoglossum fischerianum is most similar to R. globulosocalcaratum and R. adoxum, but can be distinguished by the following characteristics: leaves dark green, linear-falcate with acute apex (vs light green, narrowly oblong with unequally bilobed apex in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs dark green, linear-falcate with unequally bilobed apex in R. adoxum); inflorescences with fewer flowers, 3–5 (vs 4–9 in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs 8–11 in R. adoxum); larger lateral sepals, widely ovate, 3–3.3 × 1.5–1.7 mm (vs widely elliptic to subcircular, 2.1–2.2 × 1.7–1.8 mm in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs triangular to widely deltate, 2.3–2.5 × 0.8–0.9 mm in R. adoxum); lip subcircular, markedly concave and bowl-shaped, spreading (vs transversally elliptic, convex, decurved in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs ovate, concave, decurved in R. adoxum); a lemon anther cap with a small pointed zenithal projection (vs pale yellow anther cap rounded at the zenith in both species); oblong viscidia with acute extremities, enclosed onto the sides of the rostellum (vs ellipsoid viscidia and rounded extremities, enclosed onto the sides of the rostellum in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs subcircular, exposed laterally to the rostellum midlobe in R. adoxum).

Arthur Macedo, Marcelo Trovó, Tariq Stévart and João Farminhão. 2025. A New Species of Rhipidoglossum (Orchidaceae, Angraecinae) from the Western Rift Valley (Africa). Plant Ecology and Evolution. 158(2): 248-259. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.155517

[Botany • 2025] Jaltomata veracruzana (Solanaceae: Solanoideae: Solaneae) • A New Species from the mountain cloud forests of Veracruz, Mexico

 

Jaltomata veracruzana  

in Martínez‑Flores, Burgos‑Hernández, Martínez-Domínguez et Nicolalde-Morejón, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.712.2.4

x.com/LiliMtzD

Abstract

A new species from the state of Veracruz, Mexico, previously identified as Jaltomata bohsiana, is described as Jaltomata veracruzana. This species occurs in the mountain cloud forest of the Sierra de Chiconquiaco. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of a black to blackish calyx when in flower, pubescence sparse, corolla with light-purple veins, green pedicels, and ovate-deltoid leaves with sinuate to sinuate-toothed margins, acute apex, and attenuated-truncated base. A preliminary conservation assessment is provided for this new species based on IUCN Red List guidelines. We provide a detailed comparison of this new species with all Jaltomata species distributed in Mexico, including a full description, illustrations, taxonomic notes, comparative table, and an identification key for the genus in Mexico.

conservation status, endemism, Jaltomata, montane cloud forest, Neotropics, Sierra Madre Oriental, Solanaceae, taxonomy, Eudicots

Ma. Mercedes MARTÍNEZ-FLORES, Mireya BURGOS-HERNÁNDEZ, Lilí MARTÍNEZ-DOMÍNGUEZ and Fernando NICOLALDE-MOREJÓN. 2025. Jaltomata veracruzana (Solaneae, Solanoideae, Solanaceae), A New Species from the mountain cloud forests of Veracruz, Mexico. Phytotaxa. 712(2); 141-155. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.712.2.4 [2025-07-30]

 x.com/LiliMtzD/status/1951793803121361007

[Paleontology • 2025] Istiorachis macarthurae • The Origins of Neural Spine Elongation in iguanodontian dinosaurs and the Osteology of A New sail-back styracosternan (Ornithischia: Iguanodontia) from the Lower Cretaceous Wealden Group of England

Istiorachis macarthurae  

Lockwood, Martill & Maidment, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70034 

Original artwork by James Brown.

Abstract

The Wealden Group of southern England was deposited during the late Berriasian to early Aptian interval. It records a critical time in the development of iguanodontian dinosaur diversity, which increased from low levels during the Jurassic to higher levels in the Aptian and Albian. A new iguanodontian dinosaur, Istiorachis macarthurae gen. et sp. nov. from the Wessex Formation (Wealden Group) of the Isle of Wight, exhibits hyperelongation of the dorsal and caudal neural spines, suggesting that it possessed a possible sail structure. Ancestral state reconstruction for the relative height of dorsal neural spines in iguanodontians demonstrates that modest elongation began with Ankylopollexia in the Late Jurassic and elongation became established during the Berriasian stage of the Early Cretaceous, albeit with widely disparate values. Hyperelongation of neural spines occurred more sporadically throughout the Cretaceous, being recorded most often in the Barremian and early Aptian. Possible explanations for neural spine elongation in Ankylopollexia include biomechanical advantage, perhaps related to greater mass and a locomotory shift towards quadrupedalism, and visual signalling driven either by sexual selection or species recognition, or both. The function of elongate neural spines was probably pluralistic and differed in different taxa. No single explanation fully supports the variation seen throughout the Cretaceous.

Keywords: Iguanodontia, diversity, sexual signalling, Isle of Wight, ossified tendons, Barremian

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

DINOSAURIA Owen 1842

ORNITHISCHIA Seeley 1888

ORNITHOPODA Marsh 1881

IGUANODONTIA Baur 1891

ANKYLOPOLLEXIA Sereno 1986

STYRACOSTERNA Sereno 1986

Genus Istiorachis nov.

Derivation of name: The name is derived from the Ancient Greek words ἱστίον (istion), meaning a sail, and ῥάχις (rachis), the spine or backbone. It refers to the probable sail-back appearance of the dinosaur.

Istiorachis macarthurae sp. nov.

 

Derivation of name: The species name honours Dame Ellen MacArthur, an English sailor who in 2005 set a world record for the fastest solo non-stop voyage around the world on her first attempt and who also founded the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust for young people on the Isle of Wight.

Holotype: MIWG 6643 is a partial skeleton composed of the following elements: one cervical vertebra, eight dorsal vertebrae, three dorsal rib heads, a partial sacrum, seven caudal vertebrae, both pubes and both ischia.

Location & horizon: MIWG 6643 was excavated by the late Mr Nicholas Chase from the ‘Black Band’ (bed L11 in Stewart 1978), a plant debris bed cropping out c. 100 m east of Grange Chine, lying above the Grange Chine Sandstone in the Wessex Formation. The site is a c. 1.5-m-thick bed that has occasionally yielded dinosaur remains, including IWCMS 1997.550, the holotype specimen of the tyrannosauroid theropod Eotyrannus lengi (Hutt et al. 2001; Naish & Cau 2022). Unfortunately the excavation site was poached and an unknown amount of the skeleton was taken before collection could be completed.

Diagnosis: Istiorachis macarthurae differs from all other iguanodontians by possessing one autapomorphy, namely two anterior parasagittal tuberosities present on the ventral surface of a posterior dorsal vertebra, marking a change from vertebrae with a ventral keel to a flat surface. A posterior cervical vertebra has a damaged anteroventral process at the base of the neural spine, potentially representing a second autapomorphy. Istiorachis macarthurae also possesses the following features, which, although not unique to the taxon, occur in a unique character combination. An interpostzygapophyseal fossa and tubular cavity is located between the origin of the postzygapophyses and above the neural canal: a similar fossa is also seen in ...

Istiorachis macarthurae gen. et sp. nov. (MIWG 6643). Life restoration.
Original artwork by James Brown.

Istiorachis macarthurae gen. et sp. nov. holotype (MIWG 6643).
Skeletal reconstruction. Scale bar represents 500 mm.

 

Jeremy A. F. Lockwood, David M. Martill and Susannah C. R. Maidment. 2025.  The Origins of Neural Spine Elongation in iguanodontian dinosaurs and the Osteology of A New sail-back styracosternan (Dinosauria, Ornithischia) from the Lower Cretaceous Wealden Group of England. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70034 [21 August 2025]