[Ichthyology • 2021] Blackwater Diving: An Exciting Window Into the Planktonic Arena and Its Potential to Enhance the Quality of Larval Fish Collections

Images of live larvae of:

(A) Eustomias, USNM 447021, 30 mm. (B) Aristostomias, USNM 447051, 24 mm. 

(C) Phtheirichthys lineatus, USNM 447055, 17 mm. (D) Ariosoma fasciatum, USNM 446991, 35 mm.

(A) Himantolophus albinares, USNM 447045, 4 mm. (B) Gigantactis vanhoeffeni, USNM 447056, 7 mm.
(C) Melanocetus johnsonii, USNM 447048, 5 mm. (D) Pseudogramma brederi, USNM 446998, 9 mm.

(A) Eutaeniophorus, USNM 447049, 44 mm (with head close-up image). (B) Malacosarcus macrostoma, USNM 447046, 13 mm. 

(C) Luciobrotula, USNM 447052, 24 mm. (D) Bathymicrops cf. regis, USNM 447054, 19 mm.

in Nonaka, Milisen, et al., 2021. 

DOI: 10.1643/i2019318

twitter.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract

“Blackwater diving,” or nighttime SCUBA diving in epipelagic environments, has become highly popular in recent years because lay participants encounter animals that are difficult and expensive to observe through other methods. These same observations can be priceless for researchers working with these species, so an interface between the scientific communities and recreational divers would be mutually beneficial. In this paper, we describe one such interface through the photography, collection, and DNA barcoding of larval fishes from the island of Hawaii. The images and videos from this activity provide an exciting window into the epipelagic environment and the way larval fishes appear and swim within it. Blackwater diving allows us to see the often-elaborate appendages and other specializations of these larvae as they appear in situ, prior to extensive net and fixation damage. However, blackwater diving remains an almost exclusively recreational pursuit, particularly popular among underwater photographers, who have little interest in (or object to) collecting specimens for scientists. Nonetheless, a logical next step is careful hand collection of specimens for scientific study. Growing numbers of recreational divers around the world have access to an otherwise expensive-to-research habitat. Here we present, for the first time, in situ and post-fixation photos of larval fishes that were hand collected and fixed in 95% ethanol by blackwater divers operating out of Kona, Hawaii, with DNA barcode identifications congruent with morphology and pigmentation where possible. With the right motivation, blackwater diving could augment research in the pelagic ocean and significantly enhance natural history collections and our knowledge of the larvae of marine fishes.

  

Images of live (left column) and fixed (right column) larvae of:
 (A) Eustomias, USNM 447021, 30 mm.
(B) Aristostomias, USNM 447051, 24 mm.
(C) Phtheirichthys lineatus, USNM 447055, 17 mm.
(D) Ariosoma fasciatum, USNM 446991, 35 mm.

Images of live (left column) and fixed (right column) larvae of:
(A) Eutaeniophorus, USNM 447049, 44 mm (with head close-up image).
(B) Malacosarcus macrostoma, USNM 447046, 13 mm.
(C) Luciobrotula, USNM 447052, 24 mm.
(D) Bathymicrops cf. regis, USNM 447054, 19 mm.

Ai Nonaka, Jeffrey W. Milisen, Bruce C. Mundy and G. David Johnson. 2021. Blackwater Diving: An Exciting Window Into the Planktonic Arena and Its Potential to Enhance the Quality of Larval Fish Collections. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 109(1); 138-156. DOI: 10.1643/i2019318

twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1376943516480339973

   

[Ichthyology • 2021] Redescription of the Guiana Shield Darter Species Characidium crandellii and C. declivirostre (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) with Descriptions of Two New Species: Characidium duplicatum & C. wangyapoik

Characidium crandellii Steindachner, 1915; C. declivirostre Steindachner, 1915; 

Characidium duplicatum & C. wangyapoik 

 Armbruster, Lujan & Bloom, 2021

 DOI: 10.1643/i2019299 

  twitter.com/IchsAndHerps 

  twitter.com/DrNathanLujan 

Abstract  

Based on collections made in the western Guiana Shield over the last 21 years, Characidium crandellii and C. declivirostre are redescribed and two similar species are described from Guyana. These species all have enlarged paired fins with three to four rays thickened ventrally on the pectoral fin and two rays thickened on the pelvic fin. The species can be separated from all other Characidium and Melanocharacidium by having the venter unscaled from the isthmus to the pelvic origin. Characidium crandellii is found in the Essequibo and Takutu River systems and in an isolated population above Tencua Falls in the Ventuari River and the upper Paragua River (Orinoco River basin). Characidium declivirostre is found throughout the right-bank, shield tributaries of the Orinoco River system and in the upper Negro River. Characidium duplicatum, new species, appears to be rare but widely distributed in the Essequibo River system. Characidium wangyapoik, new species, is only known from the upper Ireng River, Branco River basin, along the border between Brazil and Guyana.

Characidium crandellii Steindachner, 1915

Characidium declivirostre Steindachner, 1915

Characidium duplicatum, new species

Distribution.—(Fig. 9) Found throughout the Essequibo River basin, but has been rarely encountered during our surveys. Most locations are in the lower Potaro and Kuribrong, but two localities are in the upper Essequibo upstream of the mouth of the Kuyuwini River.

Etymology.—Duplicatum is Latin for double and is a neuter adjective. In reference to the presence of two unbranched anal-fin rays.

 

Characidium wangyapoik, new species

Distribution.—(Fig. 9) Characidium wangyapoik is only known from the upper Ireng River basin (Amazon River) along the Brazil/Guyana border (known as the Rio Mau in Brazil). Specimens were collected from below Orinduik Falls to the upper falls on the Ireng and its equal tributary, the Sukwabi River, but not above the Uluk Tuwuk or Wotawanda falls of the upper Ireng and Sukwabi Rivers (see Lujan et al., 2020, for a more detailed map and description of this area).

Etymology.—Wangyapoik is the Patamona word for the species, and it is used as a noun in apposition. Wang means ‘honey' and yapoik means ‘seated,’ perhaps in reference to the yellowish color. The Patamona also refer to the species by the English common name of “fallsfish.”

Jonathan W. Armbruster, Nathan K. Lujan and Devin D. Bloom. 2021. Redescription of the Guiana Shield Darter Species Characidium crandellii and C. declivirostre (Crenuchidae) with Descriptions of Two New Species. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 109(1); 102-122. DOI: 10.1643/i2019299 

  twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1376589176653680647

  twitter.com/DrNathanLujan/status/1376935828862173187

[Arachnida • 2021] Lassenia newelli • A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Enigmatic Tanaupodidae (Actinotrichida: Trombidiformes, Parasitengona) — Description of A New Species of Lassenia and A New Host Record

 Larva of Lassenia newelli sp. nov., attached to adult alate small hazel aphid (Myzocallis coryli).

Mąkol & Featherstone, 2021 

DOI: 10.11158/saa.26.4.10 

 twitter.com/AlanWatsonFeat1 

Abstract

A new tanaupodid mite, Lassenia newelli sp. nov. is described based on a larva parasitising the aphid Myzocallis coryli (Goeze, 1778) (Aphididae) in Scotland, Great Britain. It is the ninth species of Lassenia known from the larval stage, the second host association for the genus and the first one for which the specific affiliation of both the parasite and its host is provided. The finding contributes to the taxonomy and biology of Tanaupodidae which have been considered to form one of the basal clades of Parasitengona. The discovery of elongate seta on the dorsal surface of tarsus III in L. newelli, a characteristic also shared by the monotypic Amphotrombium, supports the hypothesis of possible links between the tanaupodids and amphotrombiids as early derivative taxa of parasitengone mites.

Keywords: Lassenia, larva, host, aphid, , Great Britain

Larva of Lassenia newelli sp. nov., attached to adult alate small hazel aphid (Myzocallis coryli).
 lateral aspect.

 Larva of Lassenia newelli sp. nov., attached to adult alate small hazel aphid (Myzocallis coryli).
 dorsal aspect. 

Lassenia newelli sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Larva. Anterior plate, encompassing the bases of ASens, well separated from the remaining part of scutum. fD = 20, fV = 6. fSt = 0-0. Anal sclerites with two setae, each. Two setae on palp femur. fCx = 2-2-1. Genu I with two solenidia. Lateral claws on tarsi simple.

Etymology: The specific epithet is given to commemorate Irwin M. Newell (1916–1979), Professor of Zoology, for his contribution to the taxonomy and ecology of mites.

     

Joanna Mąkol and Alan Watson Featherstone. 2021. A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Enigmatic Tanaupodidae (Actinotrichida: Trombidiformes, Parasitengona) — Description of A New Species of Lassenia and A New Host Record. Systematic & Applied Acarology. 26(4); 801–808. DOI: 10.11158/saa.26.4.10  

twitter.com/AlanWatsonFeat1/status/1376490646760984581

 

[Herpetology • 2021] Novel Reproductive Behavior in An Asian Frog: Sex‐reversed Inguinal Amplexus [Leptobrachella laui; Megophryidae]

Leptobrachella laui (Sung, Yang, and Wang, 2014)

in Sung, Lee, Ng, et al., 2021. 

 DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3407

Abstract

Amphibians exhibit diverse reproductive behaviors, including nine documented types of amplexus, the behavior in which male and female frogs position themselves for courtship, oviposition, and fertilization. All known forms of amplexus involve the male on top of or in line horizontally (cloacal apposition) with the female. Here, we report a novel form of amplexus observed in Lau’s leaf litter toad (Leptobrachella laui; Megophryidae) in Hong Kong, China. Termed “sex‐reversed inguinal amplexus,” the female climbs on top of a male and the male transports the female to a concealed breeding site. We were unable to determine whether this was the amplectant position in which frogs engaged during oviposition or solely during courtship and prior to oviposition, but there are a number of possible evolutionary drivers that may have given rise to this behavior, including limiting suitable oviposition sites or strong competition for males among females. Further research will be necessary to understand the evolutionary origins of this novel reproductive behavior.

Keywords: amphibian, amplexus, behavioral ecology, Leptobrachella laui, Megophryidae, oviposition

A pair of Lau’s leaf litter toads (Leptobrachella laui) in sex‐reversed inguinal amplexus, in which a female is on top of a male, in Hong Kong, China in March 2017.

 

Yik‐Hei Sung, Wing‐Ho Lee, Ho‐Nam Ng, Martha L. Crump and Nancy E. Karraker. 2021. Novel Reproductive Behavior in An Asian Frog: Sex‐reversed Inguinal Amplexus. Ecosphere - Naturalist. DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3407

 

Lingnan University scholar discovers novel reproductive behaviour in native frog species

 prnewswire.com/news-releases/lingnan-university-scholar-discovers-novel-reproductive-behaviour-in-native-frog-species-301246791.html

  twitter.com/BritishHerpSoc/status/1377882238923067392

 ln.edu.hk/lingnan-touch/101/saving-lives-in-the-wild-how-prof-sung-yik-hei-evolved-from-hobbyist-to-conservation-biologist

[Herpetology • 2020] Cnemaspis stellapulvis • A New Cryptic Cnemaspis Strauch (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from An isolated Granite Hill on the Mysore Plateau, Karnataka, India

Cnemaspis stellapulvis

 Khandekar, Thackeray & Agarwal, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4845.4.3 

 facebook.com/AkshayKhandekarAK

Abstract

We describe a cryptic new species of the Cnemaspis mysoriensis complex from an isolated rocky hillock near Yadiyur, Mandya District of south Karnataka, India. Cnemaspis stellapulvis sp. nov. can be diagnosed from all other peninsular Indian congeners by its small body size (SVL <32 mm), presence of spine-like tubercles on the flanks, heterogeneous dorsal pholidosis, two or three femoral pores on each thigh separated on either side by eight poreless scales from a continuous series of two precloacal pores in males, tail with enlarged, strongly keeled, conical tubercles forming whorls, median row of sub-caudals smooth and slightly enlarged, and a distinct colour pattern. The new species can be diagnosed from members of C. mysoriensis clade by the number of femoral and precloacal pores and number of poreless scales separating these series, the number of dorsal tubercles rows at mid-body, the number of ventral scales across the belly at mid-body and subtle colour pattern differences; besides 13.4–21.4 % uncorrected ND2 sequence divergence. In this paper, we define the Cnemaspis mysoriensis clade and provide a diagnosis and comparison against peninsular Indian congeners. We also provide major diagnostic characters for members of the C. mysoriensis clade. The discovery of yet another endemic species of Cnemaspis from one of the many isolated granite rocky hills on Mysore Plateau highlights the possibilities of presence of many more cryptic undescribed species.

Keywords: Reptilia, dwarf geckos, endemic, granite boulders, microrefugia, ND2, South Asian Cnemaspis, systematics

Cnemaspis stellapulvis sp. nov.

Akshay Khandekar, Tejas Thackeray and Ishan Agarwal. 2020. A New Cryptic Cnemaspis Strauch (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from An isolated Granite Hill on the Mysore Plateau, Karnataka, India. Zootaxa. 4845(4); 509–528. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4845.4.3

  facebook.com/AkshayKhandekarAK/posts/3181266778638660

[Herpetology • 2021] Kataphraktosaurus ungerhamiltoni • Discovery of An Additional Piece of the Large Gymnophthalmid Puzzle: A New Genus and Species of Stream Spiny Lizard (Gymnophthalmidae: Cercosaurinae) from the western Guiana Shield in Venezuela

Kataphraktosaurus ungerhamiltoni 

Rojas-Runjaic, Barrio Amorós, Señaris, De la Riva & Castroviejo-Fisher, 2021

 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4950.2.4 

 twitter.com/RojasRunjaic

Researchgate.net/publication/350471802

Abstract

Gymnophthalmids are a highly diverse group of Neotropical lizards and its species richness is still in process of discovery. The incorporation of molecular evidence and a noticeable increase in taxon and geographic sampling in systematic studies has led to the description of numerous new genera and species of gymnophthalmids (particularly in Cercosaurinae) in recent years. Herein we describe a new genus and species of cercosaurine lizard with crocodile-like morphology, from the Venezuelan Guiana Shield on the basis of molecular phylogenetic and morphological evidence. Kataphraktosaurus gen. nov. can be readily distinguished from all other genera of Cercosaurinae by a unique combination of morphological characters that includes heterogeneous dorsal scalation with enlarged and strongly keeled scales forming two paravertebral rows, ventral and subcaudal scales imbricated and strongly keeled, large and symmetrical cephalic scales, absence of postmental scale, palpebral disc translucent and divided, tail slightly compressed, all digits clawed, and only six femoral pores (three at each hindlimb) inserted in a clump of small scales. This genus is described as monotypic and only contains Kataphraktosaurus ungerhamiltoni sp. nov., which is known from one specimen and diagnosed by the same set of aforementioned characters. The secretive habits of this species and the remoteness of the locality may explain its singleton situation. Following the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s criteria, we categorized the new species as Data Deficient.

Keywords: Reptilia, Amazonia, biodiversity, Neotropics, Orinoco basin, phylogeny, reptile, systematics, taxonomy

FIGURE 7. Male holotype of Kataphraktosaurus ungerhamiltoni gen. nov., sp. nov. (MHNLS 19960) in life
 (a). Western slope of Serranía del Cuao seen from the Cuao River (b) and Tobogán del Cuao in Caño Bejuco (c), Amazonas state, Venezuela. Photos: F.J.M. Rojas-Runjaic.

Kataphraktosaurus ungerhamiltoni sp. nov.

FIGURE 1. Map of Venezuela indicating the geographic position of Caño Bejuco (yellow pentagon), near Tobogán del Cuao, Autana municipality, Amazonas state, Venezuela, type locality of Kataphraktosaurus ungerhamiltoni gen. nov., sp. nov.

FIGURE 3. Some Cercosaurinae lizards with crocodile-like morphology:
(a) Centrosaura apodema, from La Alfombra, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica; (b) Echinosaura brachycephala, from Mindo, Pichincha, Ecuador;
(c) Echinosaura horrida, from Puerto Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador; (d) Gelanesaurus flavogularis, from Archidona, Napo, Ecuador;
(e) Neusticurus arekuna, from Chivatón, Bolívar, Venezuela; (f) Neusticurus medemi, from Las Pavas, Amazonas, Venezuela;
(g) Potamites ecpleopus, from Juami river, Amazonas, Brazil; (h) Potamites erythrocularis, from Inambari, Madre de Dios, Peru.

Photos: C.L. Barrio-Amorós (a–f), F.J.M. Rojas-Runjaic (g), and G. Chávez (h).

Fernando J.M. Rojas-Runjaic, César L. Barrio Amorós, J. Celsa Señaris, Ignacio De la Riva and Santiago Castroviejo-Fisher. 2021. Discovery of An Additional Piece of the Large Gymnophthalmid Puzzle: A New Genus and Species of Stream Spiny Lizard (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae: Cercosaurinae) from the western Guiana Shield in Venezuela. Zootaxa. 4950(2); 296–320.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4950.2.4  

Researchgate.net/publication/350471802_a_new_genus_and_species_of_stream_spiny_lizard_from_the_western_Guiana_Shield_in_Venezuela

 twitter.com/RojasRunjaic/status/1376722648785375240

[Botany • 2020] Impatiens bakthangensis (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species from Sikkim, India

Impatiens bakthangensis Chhetri, Sherpa & Gogoi 

in Gogoi, Sherpa & Chhetri, 2020.

DOI: 10.1111/njb.02872 

Researchgate.net/publication/344669897

 

Abstract

Impatiens bakthangensis sp. nov. a new species of Impatiens is described from the Bakthang area of Gangtok, East district of Sikkim (northeast India). With its distinctly bucciniform lower sepals, the new species is similar to I. duclouxii and I. discolor with which it has previously been confused, but differs in several floral characters. Detailed descriptions, distribution and discussion of ecology are provided, along with colour photographs.

Keywords: balsams, East Sikkim, eastern Himalaya, new taxa

Impatiens bakthangensis sp. nov.
(A) plants in habitat, (B) and (G) flower buds, (C1) and (E) flowers (lateral view), (C2) flowers (fronto‐lateral view), (C3) dorso‐lateral view of flower, (D) bract, (F1) lateral sepals upper pair, (F2) lateral sepals lower pair, (H) lateral united petals (dorsal view), (I) dorsal petal, (J) lower sepal, (K) lateral united petals (ventral view), (L) androecium, (M) capsule, (N) seeds, (O) fusiform fasciculate roots of the plant.

Impatiens bakthangensis Chhetri, Sherpa & Gogoi sp. nov.

 

Rajib Gogoi, Norbu Sherpa and Geetamani Chhetri. 2020. Impatiens bakthangensis sp. nov. (Balsaminaceae): A New Species from Sikkim, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. 38(10); DOI: 10.1111/njb.02872

 twitter.com/NordicJBotany/status/1333426153244209155

Researchgate.net/publication/344669897_Impatiens_bakthangensis_a_new_species_from_Sikkim_India 

[Paleontology • 2021] Sinomacrops bondei • A New Anurognathid Pterosaur (Anurognathidae: Batrachognathinae) from the Jurassic of China and Comments on the Group

Sinomacrops bondei  

Wei, Pêgas, Shen, Guo, Ma, Sun & Zhou,. 2021

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11161

Paleoart courtesy of Zhao Chuang

Abstract 

Anurognathids are an elusive group of diminutive, potentially arboreal pterosaurs. Even though their monophyly has been well-supported, their intrarelationships have been obscure, and their phylogenetic placement even more. In the present work, we present a new genus and species from the Middle-Late Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation, the third nominal anurognathid species from the Jurassic of China. The new species provides new information concerning morphological diversity for the group. Furthermore, we provide a new phylogenetic analysis incorporating into a single data set characters from diverging phylogenetic proposals. Our results place them as the sister-group of Darwinoptera + Pterodactyloidea, as basal members of the Monofenestrata.

Systematic Paleontology

Pterosauria Owen, 1842

Novialoidea Kellner, 2003

Breviquartossa Unwin, 2003

Monofenestrata Lü et al., 2009

Anurognathidae Kuhn, 1937

Batrachognathinae Kellner et al., 2010

Definition. The most inclusive clade containing Batrachognathus volans but not Anurognathus ammoni (Kellner et al., 2010).

Synapomorphies. Humeral deltopectoral crest reduced (less wide than humeral shaft; and less wide than proximodistally long), humeral deltopectoral crest subrectangular, ulnar crest of humerus rounded, humeral/femoral length ratio over 1.60, tibial/femoral length ratio over 1.70.

Included species. Batrachognathus volans and Sinomacrops bondei gen. et sp. nov.

Figure 2: Sinomacrops bondei tax. nov., holotype (JPM-2012-001) overview.
(A) Photograph; and (B) schematic drawing.

Abbreviations: ca, caudal vertebrae; co, coracoid; cv, cervical vertebrae; d, dentary; fe, femur; fi, fibula; hu, humerus; mcIV, metacarpal IV; pip, puboischiadic plate; prap, preacetabular process of the illium; rd, radius; sca, scapula; sk, skull; ul, ulna; wp, wing phalanx. Scale bar equals 20 mm.

Sinomacrops bondei gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. The generic name is a combination of Sino, macro and ops; which are Ancient Greek for China, large, and eyes/face, respectively. This is in reference to both the large eyes and the broad faces that are typical of anurognathids, and to the Chinese origin of the new species. The specific epithet honors paleontologist Niels Bonde, for his many scientific contributions and being an inspiration for us.

Locality and horizon. Mutoudeng, Qinglong County of Hebei Province. Daohugou Beds (Callovian-Oxfordian 164-158 Ma) of the Tiaojishan Formation (see Liu, Zhao & Liu 2006; Liu et al., 2006; Gao & Shubin, 2012).

Diagnosis. The new taxon exhibits two autapomorphies: first three maxillary alveoli closely spaced, and tibiotarsus twice as long as the femur.

Figure 14: Life reconstruction of Sinomacrops bondei.

Paleoart courtesy of Zhao Chuang, 

reproduced with permission.

Phylogenetic analysis results.
Strict consensus tree showing the phylogenetic relationships of Sinomacrops bondei and anurognathids. Dashed line indicates result exclusive to the semi-strict consensus tree.

Conclusions: 

JZMP-2107500095 represents a new anurognathid, here named Sinomacrops bondei (Fig. 14). It is the second anurognathid from the Tiaojishan Formation, and the first anurognathid specimen to exhibit a skull exposed in lateral view. In our new phylogenetic analysis, it is recovered as the sister-group of Batrachognathus volans, with which it comprises the Batrachognathinae. All other taxa were recovered as closer to Anurognathus. The exclusion of Luopterus mutoudengensis from the genus Dendrorhynchoides is corroborated. Vesperopterylus lamadongensis is recovered as the sister-group of Anurognathus ammoni, with Jeholopterus ningchengensis as their successive sister-group.

 

Some previous interpretations of anurognathid morphology and systematics have relied on limited available information. With time and new specimens being discovered, new data have been provided and new interpretations were presented. For this reason, each new specimen is crucial for the understanding of the group. The present information available leads us to interpret anurognathids as basal members of the Monofenestrata, as the sister-group of Darwinoptera + Pterodactyloidea.

Xuefang Wei, Rodrigo Vargas Pêgas, Caizhi Shen, Yanfang Guo, Waisum Ma, Deyu Sun and Xuanyu Zhou​. 2021. Sinomacrops bondei, A New Anurognathid Pterosaur from the Jurassic of China and Comments on the Group.  PeerJ. 9:e11161. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11161

[Arachnida • 2017] Lycosa aragogi • A New Species of Burrowing Wolf Spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae: Lycosa) from Iran

Lycosa aragogi

Nadolny & Zamani, 2017

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4286.4.13

With over 2400 species in 123 genera, Lycosidae is one of the largest spider families (WSC 2017). For over two hundred years, the type genus Lycosa Latreille, 1804 have accumulated large-sized wolf spiders from all over the world. Thus, with 218 nominal species, this genus is distributed in all zoogeographical regions (WSC 2017). Almost none of the species currently classified in Lycosa appear to be related to the type species—L. tarantula (Linnaeus, 1758); hence, the genus is polyphyletic and should be divided into several genera. This process has been already started; for example, in Australia and New Zealand where many of large wolf spiders have been removed from Lycosa (Roewer 1955, 1959, 1960; Vink 2002; Framenau & Baehr 2016). Also, some Holarctic, Neotropic and Afrotropic species were transferred from Lycosa to other genera (for a complete list of references see WSC 2017). In the Palaearctic, Lycosa is represented by 60 species (WSC 2017) and remains almost unrevised. From the southern Palaearctic, Saharo-Gobian desert region (Yemel’yanov 1974), 36 species of Lycosa have been recorded to date, 6 of which are poorly described (WSC 2017).

Keywords: Araneae, Lycosidae, Lycosa

FIGURES 3–6. Live and preserved habitus of the holotype of Lycosa aragogi sp. nov.:
 3–5 general appearance, dorsal, frontal, and ventral; 6 prosoma, lateral.

Lycosa aragogi sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Lycosa aragogi sp. nov. differs from other species of the genus by having two well-developed anterior epigynal pockets and a deep incision between them (Fig. 1, indicated by arrow).

Remarks. According to taxonomic characters for Lycosidae proposed by Zyuzin (1990), L. aragogi sp. nov. belongs to subfamily Lycosinae Simon, 1898: this species has large size, high cephalic area of carapace and setae on epigynal septum. Based on the morphology of male copulatory organs, Dondale (1986) divided Lycosinae into Lycosa and Trochosa groups. A similar subdivision was made by Zyuzin (1990, 1993) based on both male and female morphology. He divided Lycosinae into two tribes: Lycosini Sundevall, 1833, characterised by non-anchor-shaped epigynal septum and Trochosini Zyuzin, 1990, characterised by anchor-shaped epigynal septum. According to this character, L. aragogi sp. nov. should belong to the Lycosini. As reported by Dondale (1986), representatives of the Lycosa group include Alopecosa Simon, 1885, Arctosa C.L. Koch, 1847, Hygrolycosa Dahl, 1908, Lycosa, Melocosa Gertsch, 1937 and Varacosa Chamberlin & Ivie, 1942. Zyuzin (1993: 699) proposed to include in Lycosini “members of Lycosa s.str. with their very peculiar genitalia, and some allied species referred to ‘Allocosa’, ‘Hogna’ and probably Metatrochosina (Roewer, 1959-1960, figs 124, 126, 129, 219, 304-305, 517)”. In general, the structure of vulva of L. aragogi sp. nov. is similar to those of L. praegrandis and L. tarantula (Fig. 2; Logunov 2010: fig. 27), by having massive folds (invaginations), which are perhaps copulatory ducts. We placed L. aragogi sp. nov. in Lycosa on the basis of structures of vulva and shape of septum, which is not anchor-shaped. Still, presence of anterior epigynal pockets distinguishes L. aragogi sp. nov. from L. praegrandis and L. tarantula. To our opinion, L. aragogi sp. nov. has quite peculiar structure of epigyne and probably should belong to a separate new genus. This problem could be solved after studying the copulatory organs of the males. 

Etymology. This species is named after Aragog, the famous fictional spider from “Harry Potter” book series by J.K. Rowling, in a reference to the similarities between this species and the animatronic puppet version of the character used in the film “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”, which is actually based on a wolf spider.

Comments. The habitat was a mountainous area with xerophyte vegetation, mostly consisting of Astragalus sp. The specimen was collected from inside its burrow, which was made in a stony slope. Somatic characters (carapace profile, scopula and spinules on legs) of L. aragogi sp. nov. are equivalent to structural and functional features of burrowing wolf spiders, as proposed by Zyuzin (1990).
 

Anton A. Nadolny and Alireza Zamani. 2017. A New Species of Burrowing Wolf Spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae: Lycosa) from Iran. Zootaxa. 4286(4); 597–600.   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4286.4.13

[Botany • 2021] Three New Species of Erycibe (Convolvulaceae) from Malesia

Erycibe sangiheensis Kochaiph. & Utteridge

in Kochaiphat, Traiperm & Utteridge, 2021.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.494.1.6 

 twitter.com/TimUtteridge 

Abstract

As part of a comprehensive review of the genus Erycibe (Convolvulaceae) in South-East Asia, three new species are described and illustrated: Erycibe sangiheensis Kochaiph. & Utteridge sp. nov. from Sangihe Island, North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia and two from Borneo (E. trichocarpa Kochaiph. & Utteridge sp. nov. and E. brunneopilosa Kochaiph. & Utteridge sp. nov.). A distribution map, line drawings and preliminary IUCN conservation assessments are provided for all three species.

Keywords: Borneo, Erycibeae, South-East Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, taxonomy, Solanales, Eudicots

 

Erycibe brunneopilosa Kochaiph. & Utteridge sp. nov.

Erycibe trichocarpa Kochaiph. & Utteridge sp. nov. 

 

  Phongsakorn Kochaiphat, Paweena Traiperm and Timothy M. A. Utteridge. 2021. Three New Species of Erycibe (Convolvulaceae) from Malesia. Phytotaxa. 494(1); 103–112. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.494.1.6

  twitter.com/TimUtteridge/status/1377175529317494793

[Botany • 2021] Cymbidium xichouense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China: Evidence from Morphological and Molecular Data

Cymbidium xichouense  X.Y.Xu, C.C.Ding & S.R.Lan 

G. Flower of C. qiubeiense.

in Xu, Ding, Hu, ... et Lan, 2021. 

西畴兰 || DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.484.3.4 

 Researchgate.net/publication/349411531

Abstract

A new species of Cymbidium (Orchidaceae), Cymbidium xichouense, from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological evidence and molecular analyses. The new orchid is morphologically similar to C. qinbeiense, but it has several morphological features that distinguish it from C. qiubeinense and all other recognized species in Cymbidium. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid DNA (matK) were conducted, and the results also supported the status of C. xichouense as a new species, which is sister to C. qiubeiense.

Keywords: Cymbidium, Chinese orchids, Cymbidieae, Cymbidiinae, Cymbidium section Jensoa, Cymbidium xichouense, orchids of Yunnan, Monocots

FIGURE 2. Cymbidium xichouense. A. Habit. B. Base of inflorescence. C. Floral morphology. D. Flower, front view. E. Flower, side view. F. Lip and column, side view.

G. Flower of C. qiubeiense.

Cymbidium xichouense X.Y.Xu, C.C.Ding & S.R.Lan sp. nov.

 (西畴兰)  

Etymology:— Referring to the area in Yunnan Province where the species was found, derived from the Chinese Xichou.

 

Xinyu Xu, Chang-Chun Ding, Wenqi Hu, Xia Yu, Yu Zheng, Diyang Zhang, Xingyu Liao, Xuedie Liu, Zhong-Jian Liu and Siren Lan. 2021. Cymbidium xichouense (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae), A New Species from China: Evidence from Morphological and Molecular Data.  Phytotaxa. 484(3); 291-297. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.484.3.4  

Researchgate.net/publication/349411531_Cymbidium_xichouense_a_new_species_from_China