[Botany • 2018] A Review of Sedum section Gormania (Crassulaceae) in western North America

 Sedum laxum subsp. laxum, Sedum moranii,  
 Sedum citrinum, Sedum kiersteadiae, Sedum patens, Sedum rubiginosum, et al. ...

in Zika, Wilson, Brainerd, et al., 2018. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.368.1.1 

Abstract

Sedum section Gormania was restricted to Oregon, Nevada and California in the western United States. After extensive field work from 2011 to 2016, we revised 17 members of the group using floral and vegetative characters, resulting in the acceptance of four new taxa in California. A serpentine endemic from the mountains of western Tehama County was recognized as S. rubiginosum. It was separated from S. kiersteadiae by its dense rosettes, overlapping stem leaves and non-apiculate corolla. A serpentine endemic from low elevation canyons in Del Norte County was described as S. patens. It was distinguished from S. laxum by its white spreading petals and yellow anthers. A plant of high elevation, serpentine and non-serpentine sites in Siskiyou County was circumscribed as S. marmorense; it differed from S. oregonense in its sepals and inflorescence with a thick granular waxy deposit, and leaves in dense rosettes. Sedum paradisum was segregated from S. obtusatum, raised to species level, and divided into two subspecies. Plants of the northern Sierra Nevada were newly defined as S. paradisum subsp. subroseum, separable with nodding young flowering shoots and a disjunct range in Butte, Plumas and Sierra counties. Sedum flavidum and Sedum eastwoodiae were removed from S. laxum sensu stricto, and raised to species rank, based on floral characters. We clarified the concept of S. obtusatum subsp. retusum, and restored it to the rank of species as S. sanhedrinum; it was restricted to Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, and Tehama counties, California. Sedum flavidum and S. oregonense as defined here showed more morphological variation than previously understood. Finally, we remarked on hybridization and cleistogamy observed in the field.

Keywords: Sedum, new species, California, Eudicots

Figure 10. The petal tips erect and acuminate, essentially parallel to the floral axis.
A–D. Sedum laxum subsp. laxum. A–B. Curry Co., Oregon (Wilson & Otting CWG-240). C–D. Josephine Co., Oregon (Zika 25655). E. Sedum moranii, Josephine Co. (Zika 25631).
Figure 11. Petal tips narrow in the distal half; the petals strongly spreading to slightly reflexed.
A. Sedum citrinum, Del Norte Co., California (Zika 26620 & Brainerd). B. Sedum kiersteadiae, Trinity Co., California (Zika 26294). C. Sedum patens, Del Norte Co. (Zika 26609 & Brainerd). D. Sedum rubiginosum, Tehama Co., California (Zika 25522 & J.K. Nelson).
Figure 12. Variation in the width of the distal half of the petal in Sedum flavidum.
 A. Narrow-petaled extreme, Humboldt Co., California (Wilson 18112). B–D. Variation within a population, Trinity Co. (Zika 25922 & J.K. Nelson). B. Narrow-petaled extreme. C. Slightly narrowed petals. D. Typical broad petals. E. Slightly narrowed petals, Trinity Co., California (CWG-102a).
 Figure 13. Distal half of the petals broad and ascending.
A. Sedum flavidum, Trinity Co., California (J.K. Nelson JKN-12-2). B. Sedum i, Nevada Co., California (Zika 26271). C. Sedum oregonense, Del Norte Co., California (Otting CWG-122). D. Sedum paradisum subsp. i, Plumas Co., California (Wilson, Janeway & Zika CWG-14). 

Figure 14. Cultivated individuals often had petals more widely spreading than in the wild. A–B. Sedum flavidum corollas, Humboldt Co., California (Brainerd & Otting CWG-103). A. Ascending petals, wild plants. B. Spreading petals, cultivated plants.C–D. Sedum laxum subsp. laxum corollas, Del Norte Co., California. C. Erect petals, wild plants (Brainerd & Otting CWG-107). D. Ascending petals, cultivated plants (Brainerd & Otting CWG-104). E–F. Sedum sanhedrinum corollas, Tehama Co., California. E. Erect petals, wild plants (Zika 26244). F. Ascending petals, cultivated plants, Tehama Co. (J.K. Nelson JKN-2).

Figure 15. The color of the petals, anthers, filaments, and carpels often changed after anthesis.
 A. Sedum albomarginatum, after anthesis petals turned orange-brown; Butte Co., California (Zika 25867). B. Sedum flavidum, buds deep pink especially along the keel, faded to white at anthesis, then aged to a uniform deep pink; Humboldt Co., California (Wilson, Otting, & Darington CWG-118). C. Sedum laxum subsp. laxum, after anthesis green carpels turned dark red, red anthers turned white; Del Norte Co., California (Zika 25936). D. Sedum paradisum subsp. subroseum, after anthesis green carpels turned dark red, yellow anthers turned white; Plumas Co., California (Wilson, Zika & Janeway CWG-15). E. Sedum rubiginosum, after anthesis red-based yellow petals turned pallid; Tehama Co., California (Zika 26234).

 Figure 16. Some taxa occasionally produced paler flowers in cultivation. A–B. Sedum laxum subsp. laxum. A. Pink petals, wild plants, Del Norte Co., California (Zika 25927). B. Fresh white petals with faint pink background, turning darker pink with age, cultivated, from Josephine Co., Oregon (Zika 25487). C–D. Sedum paradisum subsp. paradisum, Shasta Co., California. C. Yellowish petals, fading pinkish-orange, wild plants (Zika 25924). D. White petals, cultivated (Lindstrand III & Van Susteren NSR-07).

Taxonomic Treatment

1. Sedum albomarginatum Clausen (1975: 424). 

2. Sedum citrinum Zika (2014: 112). 

3. Sedum eastwoodiae (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 31) Berger (1930: 451).

4. Sedum flavidum (Denton 1978: 233) B.L. Wilson & Zika, comb. nov., stat. nov.

Sedum laxum (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 29) Berger (1930: 451) subsp. flavidum Denton (1978: 233) (basionym). Sedum laxum (Britton) A.Berger var. flavidum (Denton) Ohba (2007: 889).

5. Sedum kiersteadiae B.L.Wilson & R.E.Brainerd in Wilson et al. (2014: 9).

6. Sedum laxum (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 29) Berger (1930: 451)

6a. Sedum laxum (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 29) Berger (1930: 451) subsp. heckneri (Peck 1937: 121) Clausen (1942: 39). 

Sedum heckneri Peck (1937: 121). Sedum laxum (Britton) A.Berger var. heckneri (M.Peck) Ohba (2007: 889). 

6b. Sedum laxum (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 29) Berger (1930: 451) subsp. laxum. 

 Sedum laxum (Britton) A.Berger subsp. latifolium Clausen (1942: 38). Sedum laxum (Britton) A.Berger var. latifolium (R.T.Clausen) Ohba (2007: 890). 

7. Sedum marmorense Otting & R. E. Brainerd, sp. nov.  

 Species Sedum oblanceolatum proxima sed differt foliis basalibus rosulatis obovatis, a Sedum oregonensis rosulis densissimis et inflorescentiis granularibus ceraceisque.

Etymology:— Sedum marmorense, or Marble Mountains stonecrop, was named for the Marble Mountains and for the marble substrate on which it sometimes grows.

8. Sedum moranii Clausen (1942: 40).

 Cotyledon glandulifera Henderson (1930: 26). 

Sedum glanduliferum (L.F.Hend.) Peck (1941: 134). 

Gormania glandulifera (L.F.Hend.) Abrams (1944: 343).

9. Sedum oblanceolatum Clausen (1975: 404). 

10. Sedum obtusatum Gray (1868: 342). 

 Gormania obtusata (A.Gray) Britton in Britton & Rose (1903: 29). 

Cotyledon obtusata (A.Gray) Fedde in Schumann & Fedde (1904: 827). 

Echeveria obtusata (A.Gray) Nelson & Macbride (1913: 476). 

Figure 38. Sedum oregonense.
A. Habit, with numerous branched sterile shoots, Josephine Co., Oregon (Zika 25657). B–D. Stem leaves, varied from much longer than wide to ± as long as wide, truncated or slightly clasping at base. Colors varied from red to pink, orange, purplish, green or gray. B. Zika 25657. C. Linn Co., Oregon (Zika 25962). D. Clackamas Co., Oregon (Zika 25964). E. Loose rosettes, with easily visible internodes between leaves of the sterile shoots, slightly glaucous, Del Norte Co., California (Otting CWG-122). F. Nodding or arching young inflorescences, pre-anthesis, Lane Co., Oregon (Zika 27948). G–I, K. Inflorescences, varied from flat-topped to capitate or cylindrical. J–K. Flowers, petals typically white, rarely pale yellow, petals ascending, anthers yellow, Josephine Co. G. Del Norte Co. (Zika 25928). H–I, K. Josephine Co. H, K. Zika 25657. I–J. Brainerd & Otting CWG-243.

11. Sedum oregonense (Watson 1882: 373) Peck (1941: 361). 

Cotyledon oregonensis Watson (1882: 373). 

Gormania watsonii Britton in Britton & Rose (1903: 29). 

Echeveria watsonii (Britton) Nelson & Macbride (1913: 476). 

Sedum watsonii (Britton) Tidestrom in Dayton (1927: 119, as “watsoni”).

12. Sedum paradisum (Denton 1978: 236) Denton ex B. L. Wilson, stat. nov. 

Sedum obtusatum Gray (1868: 342) subsp. paradisum Denton (1978: 236) (basionym). Sedum obtusatum A.Gray var. paradisum (Denton) Ohba (2007: 889).

12a. Sedum paradisum (Denton 1978: 236) Denton ex B. L. Wilson subsp. paradisum.  

12b. Sedum paradisum (Denton 1978: 236) Denton ex B. L. Wilson subsp. subroseum B. L. Wilson & Zika, subsp. nov.

 Species nostra Sedum paradisum subsp. paradisum aemulans, differt axe inflorescentiae juvenili nutante, a Sedum obtusatum subsp. obtusatum floribus albis postea saepe pallide erubescentibus recedens.

Etymology:— Sedum paradisum subsp. subroseum, or Plumas stonecrop, was named for its flowers, which usually turned pinkish and with age gave the entire inflorescence a rosy appearance.

13. Sedum patens Zika, sp. nov.

Species insignis Sedum laxum eximie affinis sed petalis niveis apicibus patentibus necnon antheris luteis notabilis.

Etymology:— Sedum patens, or Smith River stonecrop, was named for the widely spreading petals.

Figure 43. Sedum rubiginosum, Tehama Co., California.
 A–C. Habitat, rocky serpentine slopes. A. Photo: J.K. Nelson (Zika 25522 & J.K. Nelson). B. Wilson & Coberly CWG-10. C. Zika 26238. D–E. Flowering shoots (Zika 25522 & J.K. Nelson). F. Dense rosettes (Zika 26234). G. Oblong overlapping ascending stem leaves, faintly glaucous, with truncated bases (Zika 26238). H. Cylindrical inflorescence in early anthesis, flowers dense (Zika 25522 & J.K. Nelson). I–K. Flowers, petals narrow, acute, spreading, reddish towards base, anthers dark red. I. Typical narrow petals (Zika 25522 & J.K. Nelson). J. Unusually broad petals (Zika 26238). K. Relatively short sepals (Zika 26234).

14. Sedum rubiginosum Zika & B. L. Wilson, sp. nov. 

 Differt haec species a Sedum kiersteadiae rosulis foliorum densis, floribus numerosioribus, sine vel reduci mucrone abaxiali subterminali, necnon foliis caulinis numerosis imbricatisque. 

Etymology:— Sedum rubiginosum, or Tedoc stonecrop, was named for the reddish colors found in the fresh and aged petals, as well as the rusty red anthers.

Figure 45. Sedum sanhedrinum. 
A. Habit, showing large rosette leaves and ascending stem leaves, Mendocino Co., California (Zika 26629 & Brainerd). B–D. Variation in stem leaves, spreading to ascending, broadly to narrowly obovate, bases truncated, slightly glaucous, green to purple or pink. B. Zika 26629 & Brainerd. C–D. Mendocino Co. (Zika 26633 & Brainerd). E. Dense and small rosette leaves, Tehama Co., California (Zika 26244). F. Capitate inflorescence, with dense flowers, Lake Co., California (Wilson & Otting CWG-231); inflorescences were also cylindrical (e.g., Fig. 45D, type) or flat-topped. G–K. Variation in flowers, corolla color pale yellow, orangeyellow, or bright yellow, faded to pink, orange-brown, pale brown, or yellow-brown, white or dull red; anthers yellow or, rarely, dull orange-red, faded to pink, reddish, white, or dull yellow; sepals elongated after anthesis. G. Tehama Co. (Wilson & Otting CWG-234). H. Zika 26629 & Brainerd. I. Zika 26633 & Brainerd. J–K. Petals erect, tips acute to blunt, Tehama Co. (Zika 25970).

15. Sedum sanhedrinum Berger (1930: 451). 

Gormania retusa Rose in Britton & Rose (1903: 31). 

Cotyledon retusa (Rose) Fedde in Schumann & Fedde (1904: 828). 

Sedum laxum (Britton in Britton & Rose 1903: 29) Berger (1930: 451) subsp. retusum (Rose) Clausen (1942: 39). 

Sedum obtusatum Gray (1868: 342) subsp. retusum (Rose) Clausen (1975: 375). 

Peter F. Zika, Barbara L. Wilson, Richard E. Brainerd, Nick Otting, Steve Darington, Brian J. Knaus and Julie Kierstead Nelson. 2018.  A Review of Sedum section Gormania (Crassulaceae) in western North America. Phytotaxa. 368(1); 1–61. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.368.1.1

[Botany • 2018] Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species of Vanoverberghia from the Philippines

Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata  Docot & Ambida

in Ambida, Alviar, Co, Concepcion, Banag & Docot, 2018. 

DOI:  10.3767/blumea.2018.63.02.07 

Abstract 

A new species from the Philippines, Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata, is described and illustrated here. The new species is most similar to Vanoverberghia sepulchrei from which it differs in its leaves with oblong to narrowly elliptic lamina, unevenly truncate ligule apex, glabrous and red floral bracts, red calyx, white or pink corolla tube and lobes, and absence of spots on the style.

Keywords: Philippines; Vanoverberghia; Zingiberaceae; least concern; new species

Fig. 1 Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida.
a. Habit; b. ligule; c. inflorescence; d. leaf apex; e. flower at anthesis; f. mature fruit; g. flower (all from type locality).

— Scale bars = 1 cm. — Photos by R.V.A. Docot. 

Abbreviations: an: anther; br: bracts; ca: calyx; dc: dorsal corolla lobes; fl: flower; lc: lateral corolla lobes; la: labellum; nc: nectaries (epigynous glands); ov: ovary; pe: pedicel; sg: stigma.

Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida, sp. nov. 

Similar to Vanoverberghia sepulchrei Merr. but differs in the shape of the lamina (oblong to narrowly elliptic not oblong only), shape of the ligule apex (unevenly truncate not rounded), surface and colour of the floral bracts (glabrous and red not pubescent and white), colour of the calyx (red not pinkish white), colour of the corolla tube and lobes (white or pink not white only), and absence of spots on the style. 

— Type: R.V.A. Docot 0123 (holo PNH no. 256337; iso E, NY, SING, USTH), Philippines, Luzon, Quezon, Tayabas, Barangay Lalo, Mount Banahaw, ..., 1432 m, 12 Nov. 2017. 

 Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the red floral bracts.

Vernacular names — Akbab (Igorot language), Bagombong (Tagalog), and Tagbak (Bisaya). 

Fig. 3 Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida.
a. Mountain Province; b. Ifugao ; c. Negros Occidental; d. Antique

(a, c: without voucher; b: D.N. Tandang & R.T. Angeles s.n.; d: R.V.A. Docot 0118).

 — Photos by: a. H. Funakoshi; b. D.N. Tandang; c. P.B. Pelser; d. R.V.A. Docot.

Map 1 Distribution of Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida (★),
V. sasakiana Funak. & H.Ohashi (◆) and V. sepulchrei Merr. (■).

Distribution & Habitat — Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata is endemic to the Philippines and occurs in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Ifugao, Quezon, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Rizal, and Sorsogon. It inhabits montane forests along streams and ravines from 1000–1600 m.

Notes — Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata and V. sepulchrei both occur in the provinces of Ifugao and Mountain Province. The population of the new species in these two provinces which are located more northerly, however, are quite distinct from the populations distributed more southerly by having pink corolla tube and lobes (vs white) (Fig. 3a, b). Since only the colour of the corolla tube and lobes was found to be different, this study cannot warrant the populations from Ifugao and Mountain Province to be recognized as a separate species nor a variety.

J.H.B. Ambida, A.M.A. Alviar, P.S.A. Co, F.G.M. Concepcion, C.I. Banag and R.V.A. Docot. 2018. A New Species of Vanoverberghia (Zingiberaceae) from the Philippines.  Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plant. DOI:  10.3767/blumea.2018.63.02.07

    

[Entomology • 2018] Schizodactylus salweenensis | จิ้งโกร่งหาดทรายสาละวิน • First Record of the Family Schizodactylidae (Orthoptera: Ensifera) from Thailand, with the Description of A New Species

Schizodactylus salweenensis 

Dawwrueng, Panitvong, Mooltham, Meebenjamart & Jaitrong, 2018

จิ้งโกร่งหาดทรายสาละวิน  ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4472.1.2 

Abstract

A new species of dune cricket in the family Schizodactylidae, Schizodactylus salweenensis sp. nov. is described from Salween River, Mae Hong Son Province, northwestern Thailand based on both males and females. The Schizodactylidae is recorded for the first time in Thailand. The new species is most similar to Schizodactylus tuberculatus Ander, 1938 and Schizodactylus burmanus Uvarov, 1935 in the morphology of male subgenital plate, but mainly differs in the shape of subgenital plate apex, and the spurs of hind tibiae. The type series was collected from sand dunes along the river. This cricket reaches adulthood during the rainy season.

Keywords: Orthoptera, Schizodactylus, Salween River, Thailand, new species

Family Schizodactylidae Blanchard, 1845

Subfamily Schizodactylinae Blanchard, 1845

Genus Schizodactylus Brullé, 1835

 Type species: Gryllus monstrosus Drury, 1770

Schizodactylus salweenensis sp. nov. in-situ: lateral view. 

Schizodactylus salweenensis Dawwrueng, Panitvong, Mooltham, Meebenjamart et Jaitrong, sp. nov.

Etymology. The new species is named after the Salween River where it was collected. We would also like to propose the English common name as Salween Dune Cricket, Thai common name as จิ้งโกร่งหาดทรายสาละวิน. 

Pattarawich Dawwrueng, Nonn Panitvong, Kanin Mooltham, Pongpipat Meebenjamart and Weeyawat Jaitrong. 2018. First Record of the Family Schizodactylidae (Orthoptera: Ensifera) from Thailand, with the Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 4472(1); 60–70.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4472.1.2

[Herpetology • 2018] Ptychadena mutinondoensis • A New Grass Frog (Anura: Ptychadenidae) with Rupicolous Tadpoles from northern Zambia

Ptychadena mutinondoensis 

Channing & Willems, 2018

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4462.3.3 

facebook.com: Herpetological Association of Africa

Abstract

We describe a new species of Ptychadena from Mutinondo Wilderness in northern Zambia. It has rupicolous tadpoles that develop in a film of water. The species is distinguished on morphology, advertisement call and DNA sequences from other grass frogs and was found to be most closely related to P. broadleyi. It has no contrasting longitudinal bands on the posterior thigh, the foot is longer than half SVL, it has no light triangle on the snout, three phalanges of the fourth toe free of web and the snout has no skin folds. The species should be considered Near Threatened in terms of the IUCN Red List criteria given its limited extent of occurrence and population size.

Keywords: Amphibia, Ptychadena mutinondoensis sp. nov., rupicolous tadpole, Mutinondo, Zambia

FIGURE 3. A—Lateral view of holotype of Ptychadena mutinondoensis (ZMB 88379). B—Sharp snout of Ptychadena mutinondoensis (ZMB 88380) compared to C—snout of Ptychadena broadleyi (ZMB 88389).

 Scale bars = 10 mm.

Ptychadena mutinondoensis sp. nov. Channing and Willems
Mutinondo Grass Frog

Etymology. The species is named for the Mutinondo Wilderness area.

Alan Channing and Frank Willems. 2018. A New Grass Frog with Rupicolous Tadpoles from northern Zambia (Anura: Ptychadenidae). Zootaxa. 4462(3);  349–366. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4462.3.3

 facebook.com/144176885638420/photos/1909489442440480

[Ichthyology • 2018] Lanlabeo duanensis • A New Genus and Species of Labeonin Fish (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from southern China

Lanlabeo duanensis

Yao, He & Peng, 2018

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4471.3.7 

Abstract

Lanlabeo, a new genus of fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae, is described from the Pearl River drainage basin in Guangxi Province, southern China. This new genus is distinguished from all other genera of the cyprinid tribe Labeonini by a combination of morphological and phylogenetic characters. It differs morphologically from all other Asian labeonins in its uniquely modified oromandibular morphology. For example, this genus has a frenum connecting the upper jaw and lower lip at the corner of the mouth, regularly arranged papillae densely scattered over the ventral margin of the rostral cap, a vestigial upper lip, a rostral cap overlying the upper jaw and with a fimbriate posterior margin, and a lower lip divided into two lateral fleshy lobes and one central plate. These two lateral fleshy lobes are small and translucent, and the median lobe of the lower lip is large and has papillae regularly arranged in many transverse rows. In the lower jaw, the dentary is transversely L-shaped in ventral view because its anterior part forms a right-angle turn and its transverse branch is anterioposteriorly expanded. In addition, analyses of four nuclear gene datasets indicate that this new genus forms a highly divergent lineage within the Labeonini, and that Lanlabeo is closely related to the genus Ptychidio. Therefore, based on morphometric differences and phylogenetic relationships, we describe this new genus herein as Lanlabeo, containing the new species Lanlabeo duanensis.

Keywords: Pisces, Taxonomy, Cypriniformes, Pearl River drainage basin, Guangxi Province

Min Yao, You He and Zuo-Gang Peng. 2018. Lanlabeo duanensis, A New Genus and Species of Labeonin Fish (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from southern China. Zootaxa.  4471(3); 556–568. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4471.3.7

[Diplopoda • 2018] Polydrepanum fissum • A New Species of and A New Transfer from the Millipede Genus Polydrepanum Carl, 1932 (Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae) from the Eastern Ghats of India

Polydrepanum fissum 

Sankaran & Sebastian, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4471.1.8 

Abstract

A new species of Polydrepanum Carl, 1932, is described and illustrated in detail from the Eastern Ghats of India: Polydrepanum fissum sp. nov. One new combination of species misplaced in Polydrepanum is established: Telodrepanum implicatum (Carl, 1941) comb. nov.. All the nominal Polydrepanum spp. are keyed and the known distribution of the genus is mapped.

Keywords: Myriapoda, Eastern Ghats, India, key, new combination, taxonomy

 Field photograph of Polydrepanum fissum sp. nov.

Photo: Jimmy Paul.

Order Polydesmida Pocock, 1887
Suborder Strongylosomatidea Brölemann, 1916

Family Paradoxosomatidae Daday, 1889
Subfamily Alogolykinae Hoffman, 1963
Tribe Polydrepanini Jeekel, 1968

Genus Polydrepanum Carl, 1932

Polydrepanum fissum sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the bifurcated solenophore tip of the new species. Latin fissum = split, neuter.

Pradeep M. Sankaran and Pothalil A. Sebastian. 2018. A New Species of and A New Transfer from the Millipede Genus Polydrepanum Carl, 1932 (Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae, Polydrepanini). Zootaxa. 4471(1); 169–178.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4471.1.8

[Herpetology • 2018] Mannophryne molinai • A New Mannophryne (Amphibia, Aromobatidae) from Sierra de Aroa, northwestern Venezuela: Unveiling Species Diversity in Collared Frogs through Morphological and Bioacoustic Evidence

Mannophryne molinai 

Rojas-Runjaic, Matta-Pereira & Marca, 2018

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4461.4.1 

 twitter.com/RojasRunjaic 

Abstract

Species diversity in collared frogs of the genus Mannophryne is presumed to be underestimated due to the paucity of external morphology characters, but combining morphology with bioacoustics and other lines of evidence has shown to be useful in delimiting species of this group. Herein we describe a new species of Mannophryne from Sierra de Aroa in northwestern Venezuela. The new species is morphologically similar to M. herminae but is readily recognized by its strikingly different advertisement call. It also can be distinguished from all its congeners by the unique combination of its small body size, general color pattern, basal toe webbing, and advertisement call consisting of long trills of single tonal notes emitted at a rate of 2–3 notes/s. Additionally, to facilitate future diagnosis of undescribed species related to M. herminae, we amend the definition of the latter, describe in detail its advertisement call, and redefine its known distribution range. The new species increases the number of described species of Mannophryne to 20.

Keywords: Amphibia, Anura, Aromobatinae, Coastal Range, Cordillera de la Costa, Dendrobatoidea, Integrative taxonomy

FIGURE 4. Female and male paratype specimens of Mannophryne molinai sp. nov. in life.
 (a) Dorsolateral and (b) ventral views of the paratype female MHNLS 21337; (c) dorsolateral and (d) ventral views of the paratype male MCP 13924 (exMHNLS 21336).

Photos: F.J.M. Rojas-Runjaic

 twitter.com/RojasRunjaic

Mannophryne molinai sp. nov.
 Suggested common name in English: Sierra de Aroa Collared Frog
Suggested common name in Spanish: sapito acollarado de la Sierra de Aroa

Etymology. The specific epithet “molinai” is a patronymic honoring the late César Ramón Molina Rodríguez (1960–2015) (Fig. 8), a prominent Venezuelan herpetologist, colleague, and friend. César made great contributions to the knowledge of the diversity and conservation of Venezuelan amphibians and reptiles, materialized in nearly a hundred scientific papers, and several conservation strategies, action plans and projects. His dedication to the training of numerous students through the teaching of herpetology in classrooms, field courses, and mentoring of theses, evidenced his passion for the amphibians and reptiles, and his commitment with the development of the study of the Venezuelan herpetofauna (Hernández 2015). César also had particular interest by the collared frogs; his PhD thesis was about the ecology of a population of Mannophryne from the valley of Caracas in Venezuela, and he co-authored the description of M. orellana, M. urticans and M. vulcano (Barrio-Amorós et al. 2010a). We make a posthumous recognition to his admirable work and friendship, naming this new species in his memory. The name “molinai” is used as a masculine singular noun, in the genitive case.


Fernando J.M. Rojas-Runjaic, Miguel Eduardo Matta-Pereira and Enrique La Marca. 2018. Unveiling Species Diversity in Collared Frogs through Morphological and Bioacoustic Evidence: A New Mannophryne (Amphibia, Aromobatidae) from Sierra de Aroa, northwestern Venezuela, and An Amended Definition and Call Description of M. herminae (Boettger, 1893).  Zootaxa. 4461(4);451–476. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4461.4.1 

 twitter.com/RojasRunjaic/status/1032473631513870337

Resumen: Se presume que la diversidad de especies en sapitos acollarados del género Mannophryne está subestimada debido a la escasez de caracteres de morfología externa; no obstante, la combinación de morfología, bioacústica y otras líneas de evidencia ha demostrado ser eficiente para la delimitación de especies en este grupo. Aquí se describe una nueva especie de Mannophryne procedente de la sierra de Aroa en el noroccidente de Venezuela. La nueva especie se asemeja en su morfología a M. herminae, no obstante, se distingue fácilmente de esta por su vocalización de advertencia notablemente diferente. También se distingue de todos sus congéneres por la combinación única de su tamaño corporal pequeño, su patrón de coloración, la palmeadura basal entre los dedos pediales, y su llamado de advertencia consistente en series extensas de notas tonales individuales emitidas a una tasa de 2–3 notas/s. Adicionalmente, con la finalidad de facilitar el diagnóstico futuro de otras especies aún no descritas y relacionadas con M. herminae, se enmienda la definición de esta, se describe en detalle su vocalización de advertencia y se redefine su distribución conocida. Con esta nueva especie, el número de especies descritas de Mannophryne asciende a 20.

[Herpetology • 2018] Calamaria albiventer (Gray, 1835) • Identification and A New Record from Penang Island of the Rare Redbellied Reed Snake (Serpentes: Calamariinae)

Calamaria albiventer (Gray, 1835)

in Quah, Lim, Leong & Anuar, 2018
 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 66 

Abstract

 Calamaria albiventer (Gray, 1835) is rediscovered at its type locality on Penang Hill on Penang Island, Malaysia after a six-decade absence of recorded sightings in the country. The species is known from only six locations in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra. A description of the new specimen is provided along with the first ever illustrations of the species in life and observations of its natural history. An updated taxonomic key to the Calamaria species of Peninsular Malaysia is included. 

Key words: Squamata, Colubridae, historical, taxonomy, systematics, herpetofauna, taxonomic key

Fig. 1. Calamaria albiventer (USMHC 2390) in life from Penang Hill, Penang Island.
A, Dorsal view; B, Ventral view.

 Photographs by Evan Quah [A–B].

Natural history. Almost nothing is known about the natural history of this species across its range (David & Vogel, 1996). In Peninsular Malaysia, C. albiventer is found in the lowlands as well as at higher elevations. Batchelor’s (1958) specimen from Asahan, Malacca, was collected in secondary forest near a reservoir. Flower (1899) collected a specimen on Penang Hill at 2,000 ft in the month of March 1898. The new specimen was found in hill dipterocarp forest (Fig. 2A) and it was crawling on the forest floor among the leaf litter at approximately 1700 hours, three hours before sunset. Conditions were damp from rains the night before. At the time of collection, USMHC 2390 had captured an earthworm, but it released the prey when it became startled when approached. This vermivorous diet is similar to that of other Calamaria species such as C. lumbricoidea, C. pavimentata, and C. schlegeli that have been observed feeding on earthworms as well (Malkmus et al., 2002; Tan & Yeo, 2013; Baker, 2014; Stuebing et al., 2014; Evan S.H. Quah, pers. obs.). Calamaria albiventer is expected to behave similarly to other species of Calamaria in being a secretive, terrestrial snake that hides beneath surface objects and leaf litter during the day and predominantly active at night (Malkmus et al., 2002; Stuebing et al., 2014). Nothing is known about the breeding biology of this species but it likely lays eggs like other members of the genus (Malkmus et al., 2002; Stuebing et al., 2014). On Penang Hill it occurs in sympatry with C. lumbricoidea, C. pavimentata, C. schlegeli, and Pseudorabdion longiceps (Evan S.H. Quah, pers. obs.). Based on a published checklist, this species would also occur with those same three Calamaria species on Bukit Larut along with other fossorial snakes including Collorhabdium williamsoni, P. longiceps, and Macrocalamus chanardi (Grismer et al., 2010).

Evan S. H. Quah, Kelvin K.P. Lim, Eric H.H. Leong and Shahrul Anuar M.S. 2018. Identification and A New Record from Penang Island of the Rare Redbellied Reed Snake (Calamaria albiventer) (Gray, 1835) (Serpentes: Calamariinae). RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 66;  486–493.

 lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/app/uploads/2018/01/66rbz486-493.pdf

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[Herpetology • 2018] A Molecular Phylogenetic Hypothesis for the Asian Agamid Lizard Genus Phrynocephalus Reveals Discrete Biogeographic Clades Implicated by Plate Tectonics

Phrynocephalus mystaceus (Pallas, 1776)

in Macey, Schulte, Ananjeva, et al., 2018. 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4467.1.1 

Abstract 

Phylogenetic relationships of the agamid lizard genus Phrynocephalus are described in the context of plate tectonics. A near comprehensive taxon sampling reports three data sets: (1) mitochondrial DNA from ND1 to COI (3’ end of ND1, tRNAGln, tRNAIle, tRNAMet, ND2, tRNATrp, tRNAAla, tRNAAsn, tRNACys, tRNATyr, and the 5’ end of COI) with 1761 aligned positional sites (1595 included, 839 informative), (2) nuclear RAG-1 DNA with 2760 aligned positional sites (342 informative), and (3) 25 informative allozyme loci with 213 alleles (107 informative when coded as presence/absence). It is hypothesized that Phrynocephalus phyletic patterns and speciation reflect fault lines of ancient plates now in Asia rejuvenated by the more recent Indian and Arabian plate collisions. Molecular estimates of lineage splits are highly congruent with geologic dates from the literature. A southern origin for the genus in Southwest Asia is resolved in phylogenetic estimates and a northern origin is statistically rejected. On the basis of monophyly and molecular evidence several taxa previously recognized as subspecies are recognized as species: P. hongyuanensis, P. sogdianus, and P. strauchi as “Current Status”; Phrynocephalus bannikovi, Phrynocephalus longicaudatus, Phrynocephalus turcomanus, and Phrynocephalus vindumi are formally “New Status”. Phylogenetic evaluation indicates a soft substrate habitat of sand for the shared ancestor of modern Phrynocephalus. Size diversity maximally overlaps in the Caspian Basin and northwestern Iranian Plateau. The greatest species numbers of six in sympatry and regional allopatry are found in the southern Caspian Basin and southern Helmand Basin, both from numerous phylogenetic lineages in close proximity attributed to tectonic induced events.

 Key words: Reptilia, Squamata, Agamidae, Phrynocephalus, Asia, biogeography, evolution, phylogenetics, tectonics, mitochondrial DNA, RAG-1, allozyme

Phrynocephalus mystaceus illustrating false enlarged mouth with red capillary-beds. 

 J. Robert Macey, James A. Schulte, II, Natalia B. Ananjeva, Erik T. V. Dyke, Yuezhao Wang, Nikolai L. Orlov, Soheila Shafiei, Michael D. Robinson, Tatjana Dujsebayeva, Gabriel S. Freund, Clayton M. Fischer, David Liu and Theodore J. Papenfuss. 2018. A Molecular Phylogenetic Hypothesis for the Asian Agamid Lizard Genus Phrynocephalus Reveals Discrete Biogeographic Clades Implicated by Plate Tectonics. Zootaxa. 4467(1); 1–81.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4467.1.1

[Entomology • 2018] The Neotropical Species of Clistopyga (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae). Part II: the Clistopyga isayae species group, with the Description of Seven New Species

Clistopyga crassicaudata 

Palacio, Bordera, Sääksjärvi & Díaz, 2018

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4442.1.5  

Abstract

The New World Clistopyga isayae species group is revised. Seven species are described as new: Clistopyga crassicaudata sp. nov., C. isayae sp. nov., C. kalima sp. nov., C. nigriventris sp. nov., C. panchei sp. nov., C. splendida sp. nov. and C. taironae sp. nov. An illustrated identification key to all species of the group is provided. The Clistopyga isayae species group is composed entirely of previously undescribed species mainly from Andean forests of tropical South America.

 Keywords: Hymenoptera, South America, taxonomy, parasitoid wasps, new species, key, Amazonia, Andes, spiders

Clistopyga crassicaudata sp. nov., ♀ holotype.

A new wasp species unknown to science differs from other parasitoid wasps due to its massive stinger. The new species named Clistopyga crassicaudata was discovered in the western Amazonia.

photo: Kari Kaunisto

Clistopyga crassicaudata Sääksjärvi, Bordera & Palacio sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific name refers to the distinctly thickened ovipositor apex.


Clistopyga isayae Díaz, Bordera & Palacio sp. nov. 

Etymology. This species is named in honor of Mérida Isaya, wife of Francisco Díaz, coauthor of this paper.


Clistopyga kalima Palacio sp. nov. 

Etymology. This species is named in honour of the Precolombine indigenous tribe of Kalimas, who lived in the territory that today is the type locality, Valle del Cauca (Colombia).


Clistopyga nigriventris Palacio sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific name refers to the entirely black tergites of metasoma that distinguish this species from all the other members of the isayae species-group.


Clistopyga panchei Palacio sp. nov.

Etymology. This species is named in honor of the Precolombine indigenous tribe of Panches, who lived in the territory that today is the type locality, Cundinamarca (Colombia).


Clistopyga splendida Palacio & Bordera sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific name refers to the beautiful colour patterns of this species.


Clistopyga taironae Palacio, Bordera & Díaz sp. nov. 

Etymology. This species is named in honour of the Precolombine indigenous tribe of Taironas, who lived in the territory that today is the type locality, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Magdalena (Colombia).

Edgard Palacio, Santiago Bordera, Ilari E. Sääksjärvi and Francisco Díaz. 2018.  The Neotropical Species of Clistopyga (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae). Part II: the C. isayae species group, with the Description of Seven New Species. Zootaxa. 4442(1); 101–121. DOI:10.11646/zootaxa.4442.1.5

 researchgate.net/publication/326127930_The_Neotropical_species_of_Clistopyga_Part_II_the_C_isayae_species_group

twitter.com/UniTurku/status/1014751029672464384

twitter.com/ilarisaaksjarvi/status/1012973133920391168

Santiago Bordera, Ilari Eerikki Sääksjärvi, Carol Castillo, Edgard Palacio and Alejandra González-Moreno. 2016. The Neotropical species of Clistopyga (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae). Part I. The C. chaconi species group, with the description of eleven new species. European Journal of Taxonomy. 206, 1–37. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2016.206

New wasp species with a giant stinger discovered in Amazonia sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180705113933.htm

Turkulaistutkija löysi valtavalla pistimellä varustetun hyönteislajin – suomenkielinen nimi puuttuu  ts.fi/uutiset/paikalliset/4005173/Turkulaistutkija+loysi+valtavalla+pistimella+varustetun+hyonteislajin++suomenkielinen+nimi+puuttuu

[Entomology • 2018] Cephalaeschna yanagisawai • A New Species of Cephalaeschna (Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) from northern Vietnam

 Cephalaeschna yanagisawai 

Sasamoto & Lien, 2018

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4471.2.5 

Abstract

A new aeshnid species, Cephalaeschna yanagisawai sp. nov. from northern Vietnam (Hoang Lien National Park, Lai Chau Province, ..., 1900~2000 m a.l.s.), is described and illustrated. This species can be differentiated from the other species of the genus by body maculation, the morphology of the male anal appendages, and female postero-ventral S10 tergite projecting posteriorly, which is a rare feature in the genus.

Keywords: Odonata, Cephalaeschna yanagisawai, Hoang Lien, Lai Chau Province

Akihiko Sasamoto and Van Vu Lien. 2018. Description of A New Species of Cephalaeschna (Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) from northern Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4471(2); 334–340. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4471.2.5

[Herpetology • 2018] Boana caiapo • A New Species of the Boana albopunctata Group (Anura: Hylidae) from the Cerrado of Brazil

Boana caiapo

Pinheiro, Cintra, Valdujo, Silva, Martins, Silva & Garcia, 2018

  DOI: 10.2994/SAJH-D-17-00040.1 

Abstract

We describe a new species of Boana endemic to the Araguaia-Tocantins Basin in the center of the Brazilian Cerrado that was previously confused with species of the B. pulchella group. The new species is tentatively included in the B. albopunctata group on the basis of morphological and bioacoustics traits. The new species is characterized by a rounded head in dorsal view, dorsal color pattern consisting of three longitudinal beige stripes separated by two dark-brown stripes, posterior surfaces of thighs purple with dark-brown spots, and absence of a calcar appendage. Males have a pulsed advertisement call, with the end of the first note possessing an uncountable number of pulses. The new species differs from species of the B. pulchella group by the presence of a slip of the m. depressor mandibulae of scapular origin, presence of anterolateral processes of the hyoid, and curved dentigerous processes of vomers.

Keywords: Amphibia, Bioacoustics, Neotropics, Systematics, Taxonomy

Boana caiapo sp. nov.  Holotype (MZUSP 138987) 

Figure 4. (A) Dorsal and (B) ventral views of the holotype of Boana caiapo sp. nov. (MZUSP 138987). 

Scale bar = 10 mm.

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Boana caiapo sp. nov. 

Hypsiboas aff. leucocheilus—Valdujo et al. (2012).

Etymology The holotype and topotypic paratypes were collected in lakes and backwaters of small rivulets in the Caiapó River Basin. The Caiapó River originates in the municipality of Caiapônia, Goiás, Brazil, and flows into the Araguaia River between the municipalities of Aragarças and Montes Claros de Goiás. Caiapônia was founded between 1940 and 1950, when the Kayapó Indians inhabited the region. Probably both the city and the river have the origin of their names based on the presence of this tribe in the region. Kayapó is a Tupi Guarani term that means man similar to monkey. Like the name of the tribe, it is probably related to some of their rituals, in which men dance using monkey masks. The name “caiapo” is used as a noun in apposition.

Paulo D. P. Pinheiro, Carlos E. D. Cintra, Paula H. Valdujo, Hélder L. R. Silva, Itamar A. Martins, Nelson Jorge da Silva Jr. and Paulo C. A. Garcia. 2018. A New Species of the Boana albopunctata Group (Anura: Hylidae) from the Cerrado of Brazil. South American Journal of Herpetology. 13(2); 170-182. DOI: 10.2994/SAJH-D-17-00040.1

twitter.com/UFMG/status/1035553920842645506

 twitter.com/ccostah/status/1035519176134348800

Resumo: Descrevemos aqui uma nova espécie de Boana endêmica da Bacia do Araguaia-Tocantins, no Cerrado Central brasileiro, e previamente confundida com espécies do grupo de B. pulchella. A nova espécie é tentativamente incluída no grupo de B. albopunctata com base em caracteres morfológicos e de canto. É caracterizada por ter cabeça arredondada em vista dorsal; padrão de coloração dorsal composto por três faixas longitudinais de cor bege intercaladas por outras duas de tom marrom-escuro; superfície posterior das coxas roxa, com pontos marrom-escuro; apêndice calcâneo ausente. Machos apresentam o canto pulsado, cujos pulsos da porção final da primeira nota são incontáveis. A nova espécie se separa do grupo de B. pulchella pela presença da origem ao nível escapular do m. depressor mandibulae, presença do processo antero-lateral do hióide e processos dentígeros dos vômeres maiores e curvados.

[Botany • 2018] Linaria qartobensis (Plantaginaceae) • A New Linaria Species from the southern Iberian Peninsula

Linaria qartobensis  

Blanca, Cueto, J. Fuentes, L. Sáez & R. Tarifa

in Blanca, Cueto, Fuentes, et al., 2018. 

 DOI:  10.1111/njb.01914 

 twitter.com/NordicJBotany

Linaria qartobensis, from southern Iberian Peninsula, is here newly described, illustrated and compared with its morphologically closest relatives from L. sect. Supinae: L. ricardoi and L. orbensis. The new species is characterized by longer calyx lobes, corolla and spur, violet corolla with yellow-orangish palate, big and globose capsule, and seeds with black and prominently white-tuberculate disc and subentire wing. Linaria qartobensis is an endemic species growing on marly deposits from the Guadalquivir river basin, in the Córdoba province (Andalusia, Spain).

 Keywords: Antirrhineae, endemic plants, Iberian Peninsula, taxonomy

Linaria qartobensis Blanca, Cueto, J. Fuentes, L. Sáez & R. Tarifa sp. nov.

Etymology The specific epithet refers to the original iberian or phoenician name for the city of Córdoba (Qart-Oba), much predating the roman name Corduba, the homonym of the province where the species is found.

Gabriel Blanca, Miguel Cueto, Julián Fuentes, Llorenç Sáez and Rubén Tarifa. 2018. Linaria qartobensis sp. nov. (Plantaginaceae) from the southern Iberian Peninsula. Nordic Journal of Botany.  36(8) DOI:  10.1111/njb.01914  

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