[Botany • 2015] Chalybea brevipedunculata • A New Species of Chalybea (Blakeeae, Melastomataceae) from Cordillera del Cóndor, the Ecuador-Peru Border

Chalybea brevipedunculata 

Penneys, C. Ulloa & D. FernándezDOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.212.4.2

 Abstract

A new species, Chalybea brevipedunculata, from the Ecuador-Peru border is herein described and illustrated. It differs from all other species in the genus by having inflorescence peduncles that are shorter than their subtending leaf petioles.

Keywords: Chalybea, Melastomataceae, Andes, Cordillera del Cóndor, endemic, Ecuador, Eudicots

FIGURE 2. Inflorescences of Chalybea brevipedunculata (Neill 16913).

Photograph by D.A. Neill. 

  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.212.4.2

Chalybea brevipedunculata Penneys, C. Ulloa & D. Fernández, sp. nov.  

Type:— ECUADOR: Zamora-Chinchipe: Paquisha Cantón. Cordillera del Cóndor. The Machinaza Plateau, 2315 m, 23 Jun 2009 (fl), David Neill & Camilo Kajekai 16913 (Holotype: QCNE!; Isotypes: CAS!, MO!).

Diagnosis:— Differs from all other species of Chalybea by having inflorescence peduncles that are shorter than their subtending petioles.

Etymology:— The specific epithet refers to the short peduncles of the inflorescences, unique among all species of Chalybea. All other members of this genus have peduncles much longer than their subtending petioles. 

  David Alan Neill, Carmen Ulloa Ulloa, Darrin S. Penneys and Diana Fernández Fernández. 2015. A New Species of Chalybea (Blakeeae, Melastomataceae) from the Ecuador-Peru Border. Phytotaxa. 212(4); 264-270. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.212.4.2

ResearchGate.net/publication/280131843_A_new_species_of_Chalybea_Blakeeae_Melastomataceae_from_the_Ecuador-Peru_border

Resumen: Se describe y se ilustra una nueva especie, Chalybea brevipedunculata, procedente de la frontera entre Ecuador y Perú. Se diferencia de todas las demás especies en el género por tener el pedúnculo de la inflorescencia más corto que los pecíolos de las hojas subyacentes

[PaleoEntomology • 2016] Perissoderma triangulum & Abrderma gracilentum • New Earwigs in Protodiplatyidae (Insecta: Dermaptera) from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Northeastern China

Perissoderma triangulum 

Xing, Shih, Zhao & Ren, 2016

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4205.2.7 

Abstract

Two new genera, each with a new species, Perissoderma triangulum gen. et sp. nov. and Abrderma gracilentum gen. et sp. nov., of the family Protodiplatyidae are described from the latest Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. They are the first records of Protodiplatyidae from the latest Middle Jurassic Daohugou locality. Both new genera are assigned to Protodiplatyidae based mainly on diagnostic characters of antennae, pronotum, tegmina, tarsi and the distinct long, slender, multi-segmented cerci. We summarize the distributions and ages of all described fossil Archidermaptera and infer that the Dermaptera might have originated in Eurasia and started their diversification and migration to a worldwide distribution. The new taxon of Abrderma gracilentum gen. et sp. nov. provides one more example of an early earwig with well-preserved pentamerous tarsi on the hind leg.

Keywords: Dermaptera, Archidermaptera, new genus, new species, insect fossil, Perissoderma, Abrderma

Changyue Xing, Chungkun Shih, Yunyun Zhao and Dong Ren. 2016. New Earwigs in Protodiplatyidae (Insecta: Dermaptera) from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Northeastern China.
 Zootaxa.   4205(2);  180–188. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4205.2.7

[Herpetology • 2016] Stenocercus omari • A New Species of Iguanid Lizard, Genus Stenocercus (Squamata, Iguania), from the Central Andes in Peru

Stenocercus omari  

Venegas, Echevarría, García-Burneo & Koch,  2016

   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4205.1.4 

 Abstract

We describe a new species of Stenocercus from the montane forest of the right margin of the Marañón river in the northern portion of the Central Andes in northern Peru (Amazonas and La Libertad departments), at elevations ranging from 2300 to 3035 m. Stenocercus omari sp. nov. differs from other Stenocercus species, with the exception of S. amydrorhytus, S. chrysopygus, S. cupreus, S. johaberfellneri, S. latebrosus, S. melanopygus, S. modestus, S. ornatissimus, S. orientalis, and S. stigmosus, by having granular scales on the posterior surfaces of thighs, a conspicuous antehumeral fold and by lacking a vertebral crest. However, Stenocercus omari sp. nov. is easily distinguished from the aforementioned species, except S. orientalis, by the presence of prominently keeled dorsal head scales. The new species differs from S. orientalis by lacking a prominent oblique neck fold and by having a distinct deep postfemoral mite pocket.

Keywords: Reptilia, Amazonas department, Central Andes, clutch size, Marañón river, La Libertad department

Pablo J. Venegas, Lourdes Y. Echevarría, Karla García-Burneo and Claudia Koch.  2016. A New Species of Iguanid Lizard, Genus Stenocercus (Squamata, Iguania), from the Central Andes in Peru.
Zootaxa. 4205(1); 52–64.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4205.1.4

[Entomology • 2016] Andraca yauichui • A New Species (Bombycidae sensu lato, Lepidoptera) Endemic to mid Elevation Forests of Taiwan

Andraca yauichui 

Wu & Chang, 2016 
 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4200.4.4  

Abstract

A new endemic, montane species of the genus Andraca, Andraca yauichui sp. nov., in Taiwan is described. It can be separated well from a lower montane, notable tea tree pest A. theae (Matsumura, 1909), based on morphological characters of adult, e.g. larger wingspan size, head vertex white rather than brown, valval apex truncate rather than bifurcate, and final instar larva, e.g. the presence of a pair of white spot on lateral part of each abdominal segment and a distinct short anal horn rather than the absence of two characters. The subgeneric placement of this new species in Andraca is also discussed.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, Bombycidae sensu lato, Oberthuerinae, Oriental region, Theaceae, Symplocaceae

 Andraca yauichui sp. nov., male, Guanwu, Miaoli.

Distribution and bionomics. Endemic to Taiwan. Distributed in mid mountain ranges between 1721 to 2610 m, the adults occasionally occur from January to November. According to the breeding record by Mei-Yu Chen in mid-elevation of Central Mountain Range, Meifeng (ca. 2100 m), four final instar larvae were found on Eurya strigillosa (Theaceae) on 17th December, 2003, the emerging date of the first adult is 21th March, 2004.

Etymology. The new species is dedicated to the late Dr. Yau-I Chu, who passed in March, 2015. He published amounts of scientific papers, general books for insect knowledge in his life, so continue to profoundly affect the development of entomology in Taiwan.

Shipher Wu and Wei-Chun Chang. 2016. Andraca yauichui sp. n., A New Species Endemic to mid Elevation Forests of Taiwan (Bombycidae sensu lato, Lepidoptera).  Zootaxa. 4200(4); 515–522. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4200.4.4

[Botany • 2016] Borneocola spp. • A New Genus (Zingiberaceae) from Borneo

Floral bracts (B)  Red and coriaceous in Scaphochlamys pusilla (C) Scarious and marcescent in Borneocola petiolatus.
Variegation on labellum (E) White labellum with red streaks beside the band in Scaphochlamys concinna (F) Lilac labellum without coloured streaks beside the band in Borneocola petiolatus. 

Photographs by Y.Y. Sam.   DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.75.9837

Abstract

A new genus from Borneo, Borneocola Y.Y.Sam, is described here. The genus currently contains eight species previously classified as members of the Scaphochlamys Baker. The finding is based on the results of the morphological and molecular studies of Scaphochlamys throughout its geographical range and its closely allied sister groups, Distichochlamys M.F.Newman and Myxochlamys A.Takano & Nagam. Borneocola is nested within the tribe Zingibereae and its monophyly is strongly supported by both ITS and matK sequence data. The genus is characterised by several thin, translucent and marcescent floral bracts, absence of coloured streaks on the labellum and capitate stigma with two dorsal knobs. The genus is distributed in northwest Borneo and all species are very rare and highly endemic.

Keywords: Distichochlamys, Myxochlamys, Scaphochlamys, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Borneocola Y.Y.Sam, gen. nov.

 Diagnosis: Similar to Scaphochlamys and Myxochlamys. Borneocola has thin, translucent and marcescent floral bracts, absence of coloured streaks on labellum and two dorsal knobs on the stigma versus the coriaceous and persistent floral bracts, coloured streaks on labellum and absence of dorsal knobs on the stigma in Scaphochlamys. The mucilage on the floral bracts and the versatile anther of Myxochlamys are absent in Borneocola.

Type species: Borneocola reticosus (Ridl.) Y.Y.Sam, comb. nov.

 Gastrochilus reticosa Ridl., J. Straits Branch Roy. Asiat. Soc. 44: 195 (1905).

Morphology: The Borneocola and Scaphochlamys species look similar in their vegetative morphologies. They are mostly small-sized gingers without the conspicuous pseudostem, with one to several leaves arranged spirally and tightly on a very short stem at the base. So far, all the Borneocola species examined are unifoliate. Similarly, most of the Scaphochlamys species also bear one leaf except for several species which have leafy shoots composed of multiple leaves, for example, S. grandis, S. lanceolata, S. kunstleri, S. malaccana and S. minutiflora. The basal part of the leaves is covered with a few bladeless sheaths which are rather different for both groups in terms of their texture and colour. For Scaphochlamys, the sheaths are coriaceous, green, green with a red tinge or red and mostly persistent until the end of flowering (Figure 4A, B). On the other hand, the sheaths of Borneocola are thinner in texture with a lighter shade of green or brown. The thin sheaths normally dry up early (Figure 4C) and sometimes they are completely shredded during the time of flowering.

Figure 4.: Bladeless sheaths A Green and coriaceous in Scaphochlamys klossii (Peninsular Malaysia) B Red and coriaceous in Scaphochlamys abdullahii (Peninsular Malaysia) C Papery and marcescent in Borneocola calcicola (Sarawak).

Photographs by Y.Y. Sam.   DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.75.9837

Figure 5. A–C Floral bracts A Green and coriaceous in Scaphochlamys klossii B Red and coriaceous in Scaphochlamys pusilla C Scarious and marcescent in Borneocola petiolatus. 
 D–F Variegation on labellum D White labellum with purple lines beside the median band in Scaphochlamys malaccana E White labellum with red streaks beside the band in Scaphochlamys concinna F Lilac labellum without coloured streaks beside the band in Borneocola petiolatus.

 Photographs by Y.Y. Sam.   DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.75.9837 

The inflorescences of Borneocola and Scaphochlamys are terminal, stalked and consisted of few to many floral bracts. The differences lie in the characteristics of the floral bracts and flowers. Borneocola species have thin, translucent, early decaying and marcescent floral bracts. The colours of the bracts can be pink, pale brown, pale or light green (Figure 5A). On the contrary, the bracts of Scaphochlamys are coriaceous and sometimes hard in texture. They are usually green, green tinged red, red or reddish brown and remain fresh throughout the flowering (Figure 5B, C).
.....

Etymology: This new genus is named after the island of Borneo and -cola (Latin) means dweller or inhabitant. This is to recognise the extremely rich and unique biodiversity that is found in Borneo.

Distribution: Borneo. The genus is currently known to occur only in the northwest and possibly central Borneo. Eight species are recorded from Sarawak, Malaysia and many more are undescribed.

1. Borneocola argenteus (R.M.Sm.) Y.Y.Sam, comb. nov.

Scaphochlamys argentea R.M.Sm., Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 44: 209 (1987).

Scaphochlamys depressa Mas Izzaty, A.Ampeng & K.Meekiong, Folia Malaysiana 14(2): 19 (2013).

2. Borneocola biru (Meekiong) Y.Y.Sam, comb. nov.

Scaphochlamys biru Meekiong, Folia Malaysiana 16(1): 37 (2015).

3. Borneocola calcicola (A.D.Poulsen & R.J.Searle) Y.Y.Sam, comb. nov.

Scaphochlamys calcicola A.D.Poulsen & R.J.Searle, Gard. Bull. Singapore 57: 29 (2005).

4. Borneocola iporii (Meekiong & A.Ampeng) Y.Y.Sam, comb. nov.

Scaphochlamys iporii Meekiong & A.Ampeng, Folia Malaysiana 12(1): 19 (2011).

5. Borneocola petiolatus (K.Schum.) Y.Y.Sam, comb. nov.

Haplochorema petiolatum K.Schum. in Engler, Pflanzenr. IV, 46 (Heft 20): 90 (1904). Scaphochlamys petiolata (K.Schum.) R.M.Sm., Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 44: 210 (1987).

6. Borneocola reticosus (Ridl.) Y.Y.Sam, comb. nov.

Gastrochilus reticosa Ridl., J. Straits Branch Roy. Asiat. Soc. 44: 195 (1905).
  Boesenbergia reticosa (Ridl.) Merr., Bibl. Enum. Born. Pl. 122 (1921).
  Scaphochlamys reticosa (Ridl.) R.M.Sm., Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 44: 209 (1987).

7. Borneocola salahuddinianus (Meekiong, A.Ampeng & Ipor) Y.Y.Sam, comb. nov.

Scaphochlamys salahuddiniana Meekiong, A.Ampeng & Ipor, Folia Malaysiana 12(1): 22 (2011).

8. Borneocola stenophyllus (I.H.Ooi & S.Y.Wong) Y.Y.Sam, comb. nov.

Scaphochlamys stenophylla I.H.Ooi & S.Y.Wong, Willdenowia 44(2): 241-245 (2014).

Incompletely known species

Scaphochlamys anomala (Hallier f.) R.J.Searle, Edinburgh J. Bot. 67: 85 (2010).

Kaempferia anomala Hallier f., Bull. Herb. Boissier 6: 357 (1898).

  Gastrochilus anomalum (Hallier f.) K.Schum. in Engler, Pflanzenr. IV, 46 (Heft 20): 92 (1904). Boesenbergia anomala (Hallier f.) Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 12: 315 (1913).

Gastrochilus hallieri (Hallier f.) Ridl., J. Straits Branch Roy. Asiat. Soc. 32: 109 (1899), nom. illegit.

 Yen Yen Sam, Atsuko Takano, Halijah Ibrahim, Eliška Záveská and Fazimah Aziz. 2016. Borneocola (Zingiberaceae), A New Genus from Borneo. PhytoKeys. 75; 31-55. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.75.9837

  

[Botany • 2010] Hohenbergia mesoamericana • the First Record of the Genus (Bromeliaceae) for Mesoamerica

Hohenbergia mesoamericana

  I. Ramírez, Carnevali et Cetzal

Abstract

Hohenbergia mesoamericana I. Ramírez, Carnevali et Cetzal is proposed as new, described, and illustrated. Because the genus was previously known only from the Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil, this new species represents the first record of Hohenbergia for Mexico and Mesoamerica. The new species is morphologically similar to the Jamaican H. spinulosa Mez in having the bracts subtending the spikes far exceeding them (especially the lowermost) and green petals, but differs in several characters, including a more elongate peduncle and rachis resulting in a less dense infl orescence, shorter floral bracts, and pedicellate spikes. The conservation status of the new species is evaluated as critically endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria. 

Key words: Bromelioideae, biogeographical disjunction, conservation, IUCN criteria, Mexico, Yucatán Peninsula.

Ivón M. Ramírez-Morillo, Germán Carnevali and William Cetzal-Ix. 2010. Hohenbergia mesoamericana (Bromeliaceae), First Record of the Genus for Mesoamerica. (Hohenbergia mesoamericana (Bromeliaceae), primer registro del género para Mesoamérica). Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad. 81: 21- 26.

http://www.ejournal.unam.mx/bio/BIO81-02/BIO081000204.pdf

Resumen. Hohenbergia mesoamericana I. Ramírez, Carnevali et Cetzal se propone como especie nueva, se describe y se ilustra. El género era conocido solamente de las Antillas, Brasil, Venezuela y Colombia; por ello, este nuevo taxón representa el primer registro de Hohenbergia para Mesoamérica y México. Hohenbergia mesoamericana es morfológicamente similar a H. spinulosa Mez de Jamaica, por presentar las brácteas de las espigas muy largas (especialmente las basales) y los pétalos verdes. Sin embargo, difi ere de ella en varios caracteres, incluyendo el pedúnculo y raquis de la infl orescencia más largos, brácteas fl orales más cortas y espigas pediceladas. El estado de conservación de la especie nueva es evaluado como críticamente amenazado (CR) según los criterios del IUCN.

Palabras clave: Bromelioideae, conservación, criterios IUCN, disyunción geográfi ca, México, península de Yucatán. 

[Botany • 2014] Jailoloa halmaherensis, Manjekia maturbongsii & Wallaceodoxa raja-ampat • Three New Genera of Arecoid Palm (Arecaceae) from eastern Malesia

Fig. 7. Wallaceodoxa raja-ampat Heatubun & W. J. Baker.
A crown; B inflorescence, inset showing congested floral triads; C indumentum on petiole base; D close-up of indumentum; E fruit; F endocarp.

Photos: C.D. Heatubun |  DOI: 10.1007/S12225-014-9525-X

ABSTRACT

 Recent botanical exploration in eastern Malesia has resulted in the discovery of three spectacular palm taxa that have proved difficult to assign to genus. New evidence from molecular phylogenetic research indicates that these taxa should now be recognised as three monotypic genera. Here, we describe these genera as new to science, all of which are members of subtribe Ptychospermatinae (Areceae: Arecoideae). Jailoloa Heatubun & W. J. Baker is restricted to ultramafic vegetation in a single site in Halmahera and is Critically Endangered due to nickel mining. Manjekia W. J. Baker & Heatubun is scattered throughout the limestone vegetation of Biak Island, east of the Bird's Head Peninsula of New Guinea, and is Endangered, although parts of its distribution fall within a protected area. Wallaceodoxa Heatubun & W. J. Baker, named to mark the centenary of Alfred Russel Wallace's death, is found on Gag and Waigeo, two of the Raja Ampat Islands west of the Bird's Head Peninsula, where it is Critically Endangered due to its small and rapidly reducing population. Full morphological descriptions are provided with detailed comparisons with related genera, alongside a revised key to the genera of Ptychos-permatinae. These new genera are unexpected additions to the palm flora of Malesia, and demand urgent conservation attention.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Eastern Indonesia, Maluku, Moluccas, New Guinea, Palmae

Jailoloa halmaherensis (Heatubun) Heatubun & W. J. Baker

Manjekia maturbongsii (W. J. Baker & Heatubun) W. J. Baker & Heatubun

Wallaceodoxa Heatubun & W. J. Baker
Wallaceodoxa raja-ampat Heatubun & W. J. Baker sp. nov. 

named to mark the centenary of Alfred Russel Wallace's death, is found on Gag and Waigeo, two of the Raja Ampat Islands west of the Bird's Head Peninsula, where it is Critically Endangered due to its small and rapidly reducing population. 

Type: Indonesia, Raja Ampat Islands Regency, Waigeo Island, Waisai, Kelurahan Warmasen, behind Kantor Bupati, forest on right side of road to Pari Convention Centre Building (tanjakan gedung Pari), 15 April 2011, Heatubun et al. 1126 (holotype MAN!; isotypes BO!, K!).

ETYMOLOGY. The generic name commemorates Alfred Russel Wallace, the great English naturalist and codiscoverer of the theory of evolution by natural selection, who visited Waigeo in the Raja Ampat Islands in 1860 during his celebrated Malay Archipelago travels (Wallace 1869; van Wyhe 2013). This eponymy marks the centenary of his death on 7 November 1913. The generic name is derived by suffixing Wallace’s surname with the Greek word (-doxa) to mean “to the glory of Wallace”

Charlie D. Heatubun, Scott Zona and William J. Baker. 2014.  Three New Genera of Arecoid Palm (Arecaceae) from eastern Malesia.
 Kew Bulletin. 69(3):9525. DOI: 10.1007/S12225-014-9525-X

ResearchGate.net/publication/264976063_Three_new_genera_of_arecoid_palm_(Arecaceae)_from_eastern_Malesia

http://www.kew.org/discover/blogs/kew-science/discovering-plant-diversity-%E2%80%93-are-we-speed

http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/43125-palm-taxonomy-update-1-new-species-3-new-genera-adonidia-monotypic-again/

Charlie D. Heatubun. 2011. A New Species of Ptychosperma from Halmahera, North Moluccas . Palms. 55(4); 183–189. https://www.palms.org/palmsjournal/2011/vol55n4p183-189.pdf

[Mammalogy • 1998] A Revision of the Genus Zaglossus (Monotremata, Tachyglossidae), with Description of New Species, Zaglossus attenboroughi, and Subspecies

Zaglossus attenboroughi 

Flannery & Groves, 1998  
 DOI:  10.1515/mamm.1998.62.3.367  

Abstract

A systematic revision of monotremes of the genus Zaglossus has revealed unexpected morphological diversity. Statistical and non-metric analysis indicate that three species can be recognised: Zaglossus bruijnii (Peters and Doria, 1876), which inhabits the Vogelkop, Fak Fak and possibly the Charles Louis Mountains regions; Zaglossus bartoni Thomas, 1907, which occurs on the central cordillera between the Paniai Lakes and the Nanneau Range, as well as the Huon Peninsula; and Zaglossus attenboroughi n. sp. from the Cyclops Mountains. Four distinct subspecies of Z. bartoni can be discerned. The three subspecies inhabiting the central cordillera increase in size from east to west: Z. bartoni smeenki n. ssp. of the Nanneau Range being the smallest, the nominotypical form intermediate in size, and Z. bartoni diamondi n. ssp. the largest. Zaglossus b. clunius inhabits the Huon Peninsula.

 Flannery, T.F. and C.P. Groves. 1998. A Revision of the Genus Zaglossus (Monotremata, Tachyglossidae), with Description of New Species and Subspecies. Mammalia. 62(3); 387–390. DOI:  10.1515/mamm.1998.62.3.367 

ResearchGate.net/publication/249943683_A_revision_of_the_genus_Zaglossus_Monotremata_Tachyglossidae_with_description_of_new_species_and_subspecies

http://arts.anu.edu.au/grovco/Zaglossus.pdf

Jonathan E.M. Baillie , S amuel T. Turvey and Carly Waterman. 2009. Survival of Attenborough’s long-beaked Echidna Zaglossus attenboroughi in New Guinea. Oryx. 43(1); 146–148. DOI:  10.1017/S0030605309002269

http://www.esf.edu/efb/lomolino/courses/mammaldiversity/disc2/d.pdf

    

[Paleontology • 2016] Molecular Evidence of Keratin and Melanosomes in Feathers of the Early Cretaceous Bird Eoconfuciusornis

The fossilized remains of Eoconfuciusornis, a beaked bird with no teeth, still contains traces of its original color.

Image: Xiaoli Wang.  DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1617168113  

 Significance

We report fossil evidence of feather structural protein (beta-keratin) from a 130-My-old basal bird (Eoconfuciusornis) from the famous Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota, which has produced many feathered dinosaurs, early birds, and mammals. Multiple independent molecular analyses of both microbodies and associated matrix recovered from the fossil feathers confirm that these microbodies are indeed melanosomes. We use transmission electron microscopy and immunogold to show localized binding of antibodies raised against feather protein to matrix filaments within these ancient feathers. Our work sheds new light on molecular constituents of tissues preserved in fossils.

Abstract

Microbodies associated with feathers of both nonavian dinosaurs and early birds were first identified as bacteria but have been reinterpreted as melanosomes. Whereas melanosomes in modern feathers are always surrounded by and embedded in keratin, melanosomes embedded in keratin in fossils has not been demonstrated. Here we provide multiple independent molecular analyses of both microbodies and the associated matrix recovered from feathers of a new specimen of the basal bird Eoconfuciusornis from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota of China. Our work represents the oldest ultrastructural and immunological recognition of avian beta-keratin from an Early Cretaceous (∼130-Ma) bird. We apply immunogold to identify protein epitopes at high resolution, by localizing antibody–antigen complexes to specific fossil ultrastructures. Retention of original keratinous proteins in the matrix surrounding electron-opaque microbodies supports their assignment as melanosomes and adds to the criteria employable to distinguish melanosomes from microbial bodies. Our work sheds new light on molecular preservation within normally labile tissues preserved in fossils.

Keywords: keratinous protein, immunogold, ChemiSTEM, melanosome, Early Cretaceous

Yanhong Pan, Wenxia Zheng, Alison E. Moyer, Jingmai K. O’Connor, Min Wang, Xiaoting Zheng, Xiaoli Wang, Elena R. Schroeter, Zhonghe Zhou and Mary H. Schweitzer. 2016. Molecular Evidence of Keratin and Melanosomes in Feathers of the Early Cretaceous Bird Eoconfuciusornis. PNAS. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1617168113  

Keratin and melanosomes preserved in 130-million-year-old bird fossil http://phy.so/398952999 via @physorg_com

Feathers on This 130-Million-Year-Old Fossil Still Contain Traces of Color http://gizmodo.com/feathers-on-this-130-million-year-old-fossil-still-cont-1789217974

[Ichthyology • 2016] Lubricogobius tunicatus • A New Species of Goby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea and the First Record of L. ornatus from the East Indies

Tunicate Goby | Lubricogobius tunicatus 

Allen & Erdmann, 2016

OceanScienceFoundation.org

Abstract

A new species of goby, Lubricogobius tunicatus, is described from Milne Bay Province, eastern Papua New Guinea, on the basis of 10 adult specimens, 9.1–11.5 mm SL. Diagnostic features include 9 (rarely 10) segmented dorsal-fin rays, 6–7 segmented anal-fin rays, the presence of both anterior and posterior nostrils, the greatest body depth 3.1–3.7 in SL, overall coloration typically pale yellow to whitish (rarely brown), and an exceptionally small maximum size of about 11.5 mm SL. Lubricogobius tunicatus is most similar in appearance to L. nanus Allen, 2015, another diminutive species from Papua New Guinea that differs in having 10–11 dorsal-fin rays and 8–9 anal-fin rays. The new species is apparently invariably associated with a species of tunicate (Polycarpa sp.) on silty-sand bottoms in depths of about 20–28 m. In addition, L. ornatus Fourmanoir, 1966, originally described from Vietnam and also recorded from the Ryukyu Islands in Japan, northern Australia, and New Caledonia, is reported for the first time from the East Indies, based on two specimens collected at Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

.

Key words: ichthyology, taxonomy, systematics, coral-reef fishes, Indo-Pacific Ocean

Figure 3. Lubricogobius tunicatus, approximately 9–11 mm SL, underwater photographs taken at the type locality, Normanby Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea (G.R. Allen & M.V. Erdmann). 

Etymology. The new species is named tunicatus (Latinized adjective from tunicate) referring to its commensal host. The specific epithet is a masculine singular adjective in the genitive case.

Gerald R. Allen and Mark V. Erdmann. 2016. Lubricogobius tunicatus, A New Species of Goby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea and the First Record of L. ornatus from the East Indies. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 24; 24–34. 

http://www.OceanScienceFoundation.org/josf24c.html

  

[Botany • 2016] Tridimeris chiapensis • Phylogenetic Analyses and Morphological Characteristics support the Description of A Second Species of Tridimeris (Annonaceae) from the karst forest of southern Mexico

Tridimeris chiapensis Escobar-Castellanos & Ortiz-Rodr.

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.74.10371 

Abstract
Based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence, Tridimeris chiapensis Escobar-Castellanos & Ortiz-Rodr., sp. n. (Annonaceae), a new species from the karst forest of southern Mexico, is described and illustrated. The new species differs from Tridimeris hahniana, the only described species in the genus, in that the latter has flowers with sepals densely tomentose outside, one (rarely two) carpel(s) per flower and fruits densely covered with golden-brown hairs, while Tridimeris chiapensis has flowers with glabrous sepals outside, two to five carpels per flower and glabrous fruits. Furthermore, a shallow triangular white patch at the base of the inner petals is found in T. chiapensis, a morphological character shared with the sister genus Sapranthus but absent in T. hahniana. Geographically, both species occur allopatrically. With just one known locality and seven individuals of Tridimeris chiapensis recorded in one sampling hectare, and based on application of the criteria established by the IUCN, we conclude tentatively that the species is critically endangered.

Keywords: Dimery, Neotropical, Miliuseae, tropical rainforest





Diagnosis: Tridimeris chiapensis is phylogenetically related to Tridimeris hahniana with which it shares axillary and dimerous flowers and large and fleshy fruits. However, Tridimeris chiapensis differs in having flowers with glabrous sepals, a triangular white patch near the base of inner petals and 2-5 carpels per flower and glabrous fruits (Fig. 3), while T. hahniana has flowers with sepals densely tomentose outside, 1 or 2 carpels per flower and fruits densely covered with golden-brown hairs.

Etymology: The specific epithet is in honor of the Mexican state of Chiapas where the species was found.

Figure 3. Tridimeris chiapensis  Escobar-Castellanos & Ortiz-Rodr.
 A Dimerous flower B Large and fleshy fruits C Flower showing the pollen release and a triangular white patch at the base of the inner petals E Leafy branches.

Photographs by Marcos Escobar-Castellanos.   DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.74.10371

Andres Ernesto Ortiz-Rodriguez, Marcos Alberto Escobar-Castellanos and Miguel Angel Pérez-Farrera. 2016. Phylogenetic Analyses and Morphological Characteristics support the Description of A Second Species of Tridimeris (Annonaceae).
 PhytoKeys. 74: 79-85. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.74.10371

  

[Botany • 2010] Rubovietnamia nonggangensis • A New Species (Rubiaceae) from Guangxi, China

Rubovietnamia nonggangensis  F.J.Mou & D.X.Zhang

ABSTRACT

 A new Rubiaceae species, Rubovietnamia nonggangensis F. J. Mou & D. X. Zhang, is described and illustrated from Guangxi, China. The somatic chromosome number (2n = 22) and pollen morphology of the species are reported. The new species is characterized prominently by having dense hairs on many organs, such as young branches, leaves, and inflorescences, enlarged and foliaceous calyx lobes caducous after anthesis, and indehiscent and globose fruits with persistent yellowish annular floral disks on the apex. All morphological data support that it belongs to the genus Rubovietnamia, a genus distributed in Vietnam and southern China, currently classified in the tribe Gardenieae of the subfamily Ixoroideae.

Keywords: Chromosome number; Gardenieae; Molecular phylogeny; New species; Pollen morphology; Rubiaceae; Rubovietnamia; Rubovietnamia nonggangensis

 Feng-Juan Mou and Dian-Xiang Zhang. 2010. Rubovietnamia nonggangensis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from China. Botanical Studies (Taipei) 51:119-126.

http://ejournal.sinica.edu.tw/bbas/content/2010/1/Bot511-14.pdf

[Phycology • 2014] Gracilaria lantaensis • A New Flat Gracilaria (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) from the Andaman Coast of Thailand

Gracilaria lantaensis 

 Muangmai, Zuccarello, Noiraksa & Lewmanomont 

DOI:  10.2216/13-215.1

Collection of a flat red alga of the genus Gracilaria from the Andaman coast of Thailand was described as a new species, Gracilaria lantaensis sp. nov. based on detailed morphological characteristics and rbcL sequence analysis. This species typically grew intertidally on exposed mud-sand shores. It was characterized by its slender thalli with narrow-bladed branches, its smooth margin with a few brachlets and its reddish-pink color. Spermatangial conceptacles were of the textorii-type. Cystocarps were spherical and possessed numerous nutritive filaments at lateral and basal positions in the cystocarp cavity. Gracilaria lantaensis was morphologically similar to G. yamamotoi but differed in branching pattern and cystocarp structure. RbcL sequence data also indicated the genetic distinction between G. lantaensis and other species of Gracilaria. Gracilaria lantaensis was grouped with a major assemblage of Gracilaria species, and sister to some Indian Ocean species with denticulate margins, e.g. G. beckeri, G. capensis and G. denticulata.

Key Words: Gracilaria lantaensis sp. nov, Gracilariales, Indian Ocean, rbcL, Rhodophyta, Thailand

DIAGNOSIS: thalli solitary, flattened and erect, 2–11 cm long and 1–6 mm wide, arising from discoid hold fast with a stipe, 2–10 mm long.Blades had smooth margins with few branchlets, irregularly di- ortrichotomous branched and 250–450lm thick. Spermatangial conceptacles were scattered throughout the blade, forming shallow pits,textorii-type. Mature cystocarps were spherical, slightly rostrate and constricted at their base. Nutritive filaments mostly lateral andbasal, connecting to a thick pericarp. Carposporangia in unbranched chains. Tetrasporangia cruciately divided and scattered over the blade.


HOLOTYPE: KUMF-LT 02-016-1, collected 15 April 2012, deposited at Kasetsart University Museum of Fisheries (KUMF) (see Fig. 1).

ISOTYPES: KUMF-LT 02-016-2, KUMF-LT 02-016-3, KUMF-LT02-016-4, KUMF-LT 02-016-5, collected 15 April 2012, deposited at Kasetsart University Museum of Fisheries (KUMF).

TYPE LOCALITY: 7838054.1100N, 9981014.5100E; attached to pebbles or shells on the muddy sand area in the intertidal, 1–2 m deep, at Ao Kaw Kwang, Lanta Island, Krabi Province, Thailand (Fig. S1).

ETYMOLOGY: lantaensis refers to the locality of Lanta Island where this species is found.

Narongrit Muangmai, Giuseppe C. Zuccarello, Thidarat Noiraksa and Khanjanapaj Lewmanomont. 2014. A New Flat Gracilaria: Gracilaria lantaensis sp. nov. (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) from the Andaman Coast of Thailand.
Phycologia. 53(2); 137-145. DOI:  10.2216/13-215.1

ResearchGate.net/publication/260639251_A_new_flat_Gracilaria_Gracilaria_lantaensis_sp_nov_Gracilariales_Rhodophyta_from_the_Andaman_coast_of_Thailand

พบสาหร่ายสีแดงพันธุ์ใหม่ที่เกาะลันตา กระบี่

http://manager.co.th/Science/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000037412

[Ichthyology • 2016] Araichthys loro • A New Genus and Species of Suckermouth Armored Catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the upper rio Tapajós basin, Brazil

Araichthys loro 

 Zawadzki, Bifi & Mariotto, 2016

Abstract

Araichthys loro, a new genus and species of the suckermouth armored catfish family Loricariidae, is described from the rio Papagaio and tributaries, rio Tapajós basin, Mato Grosso State, central Brazil. Araichthys is distinguished from all other genera of the Ancistrini by features of body and head plates, odontodes of breeding males, and osteology, and by the absence of an Adipose fin. A phylogenetic analysis of morphological characters obtained Araichthys as part of a monophyletic group that also includes Pseudolithoxus, Ancistrus and Lasiancistrus based on the presence of a large gap with a strut between the anterior process of the pterotic-supracleithrum and its main body, three rows of plates at thinnest part of caudal peduncle, fleshy tentacles on snout with a sheath partially detached from odontodes, and small tentacles on pectoral fins partially detached from odontodes.

Cláudio H. Zawadzki, A. G. Bifi & S. Mariotto. 2016. Araichthys loro, A New Genus and Species of Suckermouth Armored Catfish from the upper rio Tapajós basin, Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. 27(4); 361–372.
http://www.pfeil-verlag.de/04biol/pdf/ief27_4_10.pdf

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[Herpetology • 2016] Cnemaspis tropidogaster (Boulenger, 1885) • The Re-discovery of Live Populations (Sauria, Gekkonidae) from Sri Lanka after 120 years

Cnemaspis tropidogaster (Boulenger, 1885)

  egg-nesting habitat with an adult female from Gampaha District, Sri Lanka  (not collected; Photo: W.M.S. Botejue)

Amarasinghe, Campbell, Madawala, Botejue, et al. 2016.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4200.3.5  

Abstract

Gonatodes kandianus var. tropidogaster was described by Boulenger (1885) with only “Ceylon” (=Sri Lanka) as its locality. This taxon was later assigned to the genus Cnemaspis and then recorded from many different parts of the country. Misleading taxonomic publications and muddled nomenclatural issues has since rendered its taxonomic position unclear. Recent studies have revealed, however, that Cnemaspis tropidogaster is a species complex, and the species and its types have been redescribed. Unfortunately, no live populations of this species have been recorded until now. Here we report the rediscovery of live populations of this species 120 years after its last collection date records. C. tropidogaster was rediscovered from a low elevation (50–80 m asl.) of the wet zone of Sri Lanka. The rediscovered population was attributed to C. tropidogaster on the basis of a suite of matching morphometric and meristic characters that distinguish C. tropidogaster from other Sri Lankan Cnemaspis.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cnemaspis tropidogaster; Cnemaspis kandiana, distribution, conservation, taxonomy

Amarasinghe, A. A. T., Patrick D. Campbell, Majintha B. Madawala, W. M. S. Botejue, Dinesh E. Gabadage, Anslem de Silva and D. M. S. S. Karunarathna. 2016. The Re-discovery of Live Populations of Cnemaspis tropidogaster (Boulenger, 1885) (Sauria, Gekkonidae) from Sri Lanka after 120 years.   Zootaxa. 4200(3); 395–405. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4200.3.5

  

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