[PaleoOrnithology • 2023] Cratonavis zhui • Decoupling the Skull and Skeleton in A Cretaceous Bird with Unique Appendicular Morphologies

 Cratonavis zhui

 Li, Wang, Stidham & Zhou, 2023

 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01921-w

Abstract

The Cretaceous is a critical time interval that encompasses explosive diversifications of terrestrial vertebrates, particularly the period when the earliest-branching birds, after divergence from their theropod ancestors, evolved the characteristic avian Bauplan that led eventually to their global radiation. This early phylogenetic diversity is overwhelmed by the Ornithothoraces, consisting of the Enantiornithes and Ornithuromorpha, whose members evolved key derived features of crown birds. This disparity consequently circumscribes a large morphological gap between these derived clades and the oldest bird Archaeopteryx. The non-ornithothoracine pygostylians, with an intermediate phylogenetic position, are key to deciphering those evolutionary transformations, but progress in their study has been hampered by the limited diversity of known fossils. Here we report an Early Cetaceous non-ornithothoracine pygostylian, Cratonavis zhui gen. et sp. nov., that exhibits a unique combination of a non-avialan dinosaurian akinetic skull with an avialan post-cranial skeleton, revealing the key role of evolutionary mosaicism in early bird diversification. The unusually elongated scapular and metatarsal one preserved in Cratonavis highlights a breadth of skeletal plasticity, stemming from their distinct developmental modules and selection for possibly raptorial behaviour. Mapped changes in these two elements across theropod phylogeny demonstrate clade-specific evolutionary lability.

   

Cratonavis zhui gen. et sp. nov.

 

Zhiheng Li, Min Wang, Thomas A. Stidham and Zhonghe Zhou. 2023. Decoupling the Skull and Skeleton in A Cretaceous Bird with Unique Appendicular Morphologies. Nature Ecology & Evolution. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01921-w

www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/975492

[Botany • 2022] Curcuma lindstromii (Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae) • A New Species from southeastern Thailand

Curcuma lindstromii Škorničk. & Soonthornk.,

in Leong-Škorničková, Soonthornkalump, Niwesrat & Lim, 2022. 

  www.NParks.gov.sg/SBG

Curcuma lindstromii Škorničk. & Soonthornk. (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae), a new species from Thailand, is described. It is compared to the morphologically closest species from Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Curcuma rhomba Mood & K.Larsen. A detailed description, a colour plate and information on its distribution, ecology, phenology and uses are provided. A provisional IUCN conservation assessment of Vulnerable is proposed for this species. A lectotype is designated for the name Curcuma stenochila Gagnep.

Keywords. Curcuma rhomba, Curcuma stenochila, Curcuma subgenus Ecomatae, gingers, lectotypification, Vulnerable, Zingibereae

Curcuma lindstromii Škorničk. & Soonthornk. cultivated at Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
A. Inflorescences (top view). B. Habit. C. Flower in bract, flower removed from bract and dissected flower (from left: floral tube with ovary, calyx and stamen attached, upper row dorsal and lateral corolla lobes, lower row labellum and two lateral staminodes. D. Inflorescence with detail of flower in front view. E. Details of ligule. F. Rhizome. G. Stamen still attached to floral tube from front, back and side view.

 Scale bar: 1 cm. 

All from the type collection, Leong-Škorničková & Lim JLS-3833. (Photos: J. Leong-Škorničková)

Curcuma lindstromii Škorničk. & Soonthornk., sp. nov. 

(subgenus Ecomatae) 

Similar to Curcuma rhomba Mood & K.Larsen in general habit, flower colour and shape, but differs by the prominently clawed labellum with dark maroon tips (vs labellum without a basal claw and without differently coloured tips in C. rhomba), staminodes with dark maroon tip (vs tip of the same colour as the rest of the staminode), anther with 3–4 mm long narrowly conical spurs, producing mucilage (vs c. 1 mm short broadly conical spurs with blunt apices, not producing mucilage).

 – TYPE: Ex culta, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden (acc. no. NN 9329), 31 August 2022, LeongŠkorničková & Lim JLS-3833 (holotype BKF (including flowers in spirit as part of a single specimen); isotypes E, QBG, SING (SING including flowers in spirit as part of a single specimen); originally collected in Thailand, Sa Kaeo Province, Aranyaprathet District, 29 August 1999, A. Lindstrom s.n.). (Fig. 1, 2)

Distribution. Only known from Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi provinces, Southeast Thailand. 

Habitat and phenology. Growing in semi-shade, in shallow mulch in limestone crevices on steep limestone cliffs in dry deciduous forests at 100–300 m above sea level. The species flowers from mid-July till September, with fruiting extending well into November.

  Eponymy. We name this species after our colleague Anders J. Lindstrom, an excellent botanist who has dedicated his life to cycad taxonomy and conservation, and to building ex situ living collections for various plant groups, including gingers, at Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. The description of this species is based on his collections made more than 20 years ago and sustained in the research living collections of Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. 

Vernacular name and uses. As the vernacular name Wan Pet Ma (ว่านเพชรม้า) is used for Curcuma stenochila Gagnep. as well as for this species, we propose Krachiao Lindstrom (กระเจียวลินด์สตรอม) [= Lindstrom’s Curcuma] for this species. No uses have been reported but the species has a good potential as an ornamental plant.

 

J. Leong-Škorničková, S. Soonthornkalump, S. Niwesrat and S.Q. Lim. 2022. Curcuma lindstromii (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae), A New Species from southeastern Thailand. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore 74(2): 243–250.  

 www.NParks.gov.sg/sbg/research/publications/gardens'-bulletin-singapore

 www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/research/publications/gardens'-bulletin-singapore/-/media/sbg/gardens-bulletin/gbs_74_02_y2022/74_02_09_y2022_v7402_gbs_pg243.ashx

facebook.com/100011002306764/posts/1760302494346477

 facebook.com/NongnoochGardenThailand/posts/3364451040439908

[Botany • 2023] Aeschynanthus reiekensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Mizoram, Northeast India

Aeschynanthus reiekensis M.Lalhlupuii, S.D.Khomdram & S.D.Yumkham, 

in Lalhlupuii, Khomdram, Yumkham, & Nampy, 2023. 

 taiwania.NTU.edu.tw

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice 

Abstract

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Aeschynanthus reiekensis is described and illustrated from the Mizoram state of Northeast India. It closely resembles A. tengchungensis W.T.Wang in having leathery, linear leaves and axillary to pseudoterminal inflorescences, but differs by its calyx characters, number of flowers per inflorescence, size of pistil and capsule and in the number of seed hilar appendages. It is also compared with two other closely allied species, A. angustissimus (W.T. Wang) W.T. Wang and A. hookeri C. B. Clarke which differs in having smaller size bracts, strongly oblique corolla mouth and tuft of hair being present inside the corolla. The pollen grains of the newly described species are monads, isopolar, small in size, prolate, circular to subangular amb and tricolporate with the exine microreticulate ornamentation. Based on the present data, the new species is provisionally assessed here as Critically Endangered (CR), according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keyword: Aeschynanthus angustissimus, Aeschynanthus hookeri, Aeschynanthus tengchungensis, Indo-Burma Hotspot

Aeschynanthus reiekensis M.Lalhlupuii, S.D.Khomdram & S.D.Yumkham
A-B. Habit; C. Leaf; D. Flowering twig; E. Calyx; F. Mature Flower G. Fully opened flower; H. Opened corolla showing maroon streaks; I. Inner corolla base showing glandular hairs; J. Stamen pairs showing fused anthers; K. Part of pistil showing glandular hairs on style; L. Ovary.

  

Aeschynanthus reiekensis M.Lalhlupuii, S.D.Khomdram & S.D.Yumkham
A. Flowering twig; B. Flower opened; C. Calyx; D. Opened corolla showing streaks; E. Stamens showing hairs with fused anthers; F. Pollen (polar view); G. Gynoecium with hairy style; H. Seeds showing apical and hilar appendages; I. Opened capsule.

Aeschynanthus reiekensis M.Lalhlupuii, S.D.Khomdram & S.D.Yumkham sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Aeschynanthus reiekensis can be easily distinguished from the morphologically most similar A. tengchungensis, in having fewer number of flowers per inflorescence (1–3), five-lobed calyx which are free or sometimes fused at base, tufts of hairs inside near the base of corolla tube, smaller capsules (23 cm long) and 2–4 seed hilar appendages. A. reiekensis also differs from the other two allied species, A. angustissimus and A. hookeri in having smaller bracts (c. 2 × 1 cm), strongly oblique corolla, and presence of tuft of glandular multicellular hairs inside the corolla.

Vernacular name: In Mizo language, Aeschynanthus are commonly known as ‘Hnahchhah’ which means ‘thick leaf’. 

Etymology: The species is named after the type locality ‘Reiek’ which is a famous mountainous tourist spot located in Mizoram state (Northeast India).  

 

Margaret Lalhlupuii, Sandhyarani Devi Khomdram, Sanatombi Devi Yumkham, Mannar Kandy Akhil and Santhosh Nampy. 2023. Aeschynanthus reiekensis, A New Species of Gesneriaceae from Mizoram, Northeast India. Taiwania. 68(1); 1-7. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2023.68.1

  taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1901

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/3279176102304196

[Entomology • 2021] Heteragrion lencionii • A New Species of Damselfly (Odonata: Zygoptera: Heteragrionidae) from Serra de Itabaiana National Park, Northeastern Brazil

Heteragrion lencionii Vilela, Farias & Santos. 2021

(d-e) Heteragrion aurantiacum Selys, 1862 from São Paulo, Brazil 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4966.4.6  

Researchgate.net/publication/351346830

 

Abstract

The Neotropical genus Heteragrion Selys, 1862 is one of the most speciose among Zygoptera. Notwithstanding, most of its species are poorly known, especially those from undersampled areas such as Northeastern Brazil. Here, we describe Heteragrion lencionii sp. nov., from protected areas of Sergipe state (Holotype ♂, Brazil, Sergipe, Areia Branca, Serra de Itabaiana National Park, -10.7484, -37.3390, 179 m, 7.xii.2020, A.B. Farias & A.E. dos Santos leg., in UFS). This is only the second Heteragrion species discovered as new for the Northeastern region of Brazil, separated from other congeners by cercus morphology and thoracic coloration pattern.

Keywords: Odonata, Damselfly, Neotropical, New species, Sergipe state, Atlantic Forest

Heteragrion lencionii sp. nov. from Sergipe, Brazil, male holotype:
(a) lateral view of habitus, (b) dorsal view of head, (c) dorsal view of thorax;
Heteragrion aurantiacum Selys, 1862 from São Paulo, Brazil: (d) dorsal view of head, (e) dorsal view of thorax.

Habitats of Heteragrion lencionii sp. nov.:
 (a) type locality at the Serra de Itabaiana National Park, (b-c) Mata do Junco Wildlife Refuge, (d) Federal Institute of Sergipe/São Cristóvão.

Heteragrion lencionii sp. nov.

Diogo Silva Vilela, Antonio Bruno Silva Farias and Jean Carlos Santos. 2021. Heteragrion lencionii (Odonata: Heteragrionidae) sp. nov. from Serra de Itabaiana National Park, Northeastern Brazil. Zootaxa. 4966(4); 476-482. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4966.4.6

  Researchgate.net/publication/351346830_Heteragrion_lencionii_sp_nov_from_Serra_de_Itabaiana_National_Park_Northeastern_Brazil

[Paleontology • 2022] Evolutionary Pressures of Aerial Insectivory reflected in anurognathid Pterosaurs

 

in Clark & Hone, 2022. 

 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13814 

archosaurmusings.wordpress.com

Artwork by Rudolf Himawan

Abstract

Across the evolution of powered flight, the ecological niche of aerial insectivore has been occupied by members of the three volant vertebrate clades—Aves and Chiroptera, and the first known volant vertebrates, pterosaurs. However, morphological and quantitative evidence to support pterosaurs exhibiting this ecology remains scant. Anurognathids are an unusual group of pterosaurs in which the skull exhibits the unique morphology of being mediolaterally expanded, so much so that their skulls may be wider than rostrocaudally long. Here, we conduct quantitative comparative cranial measurements and dental morphology in anurognathids against extant avian and chiropteran taxa, respectively, with ecologies and behaviors that are similar to predicted putative behaviors of anurognathids. Comparative analyses of both skull and dental morphology suggest anurognathid specimens in similar morphospaces as insectivorous crepuscular and nocturnal extant volant taxa. Our results support that this unique group of pterosaurs likely occupied a niche of mid-flight insectivorous capture in low-light conditions.

  

 

Alexander D. Clark and David W. E. Hone. 2022. Evolutionary Pressures of Aerial Insectivory reflected in anurognathid Pterosaurs. Journal of Anatomy. DOI: 10.1111/joa.13814

Anurognathid pterosaurs ate insects at night

 archosaurmusings.wordpress.com/2023/01/02/anurognathid-pterosaurs-ate-insects-at-night/

  twitter.com/Dave_Hone/status/1609904319934889985

[Botany • 2022] Thrixspermum obyrneanum (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from Peninsular Thailand and Malaysia

Thrixspermum obyrneanum N.Toolmal, P.T.Ong & Schuit.,

in Toolmal, Ong & Schuiteman, 2022.

เอื้องแมงมุมขาวนรา  ||  DOI: 10.15517/lank.v22i2.52253

Abstract

Thrixspermum obyrneanum (sect. Thrixspermum) is a new species described from Narathiwat Province, southern Thailand, and from Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. It is morphologically similar to T. leucarachne but differs in the much shorter sepals and petals, tepals and lip pale yellow, lateral lobes of the lip 6–7 mm long, broadly triangular to ovate, with narrowly truncate and erose apex, mid-lobe 3.0–4.7 mm long, cylindrical to broadly triangular, obtuse.

Keywords: Kelantan, Narathiwat Province, section Thrixspermum, taxonomy

Thrixspermum obyrneanum from southern Thailand.
A. Habit. B. Rachis with flower. C. Flower (lateral view). D. Dorsal sepal. E. Lateral sepal. F. Petal. G. Lip (front view). H. Lip (lateral view). I. Lip (longitudinal section). J. Lip (adaxial view, spread out).  K. Column (ventral view). L. Anther. M. Pollinia, with stipe, and viscidium. N. Stipe and viscidium.

Drawn from holotype by Phataravee Prommanut.

Thrixspermum obyrneanum, southern Thailand.
A–B. Plant habit. C–D. Flower and fruit (front view). E. Flower (close up, adaxial view). F–G. Flower (close up, oblique view). H. Flower (closed up, abaxial view).

Photographed by Nopparut Toolmal (A–H) in situ. 

Illustration assembled by Yongyuth Rattanasootr.

   

Thrixspermum obyrneanum N.Toolmal, P.T.Ong & Schuit., sp. nov.

 Diagnosis:   Thrixspermum obyrneanum differs from T. leucarachne Ridl. in the much shorter sepals and petals (2.1–4.2 vs.6.5–8.0 cm long), tepals and lip pale yellow (vs. tepals pale yellow or white, tinged with purple at the base, lip white), lateral lobes of the lip 6–7 mm long, broadly triangular to ovate, with narrowly truncate and erose apex (vs.7–8 mm long, narrowly triangular to oblong, with obtuse, unequally bilobed apex), mid-lobe 3.0–4.7 mm long, cylindrical to broadly triangular, obtuse (vs. 6–9 mm long, narrowly triangular, acute).

Distribution: Southern  Thailand  (Narathiwat, type) and Peninsular Malaysia (Kelantan) (Fig. 6).

Etymology: This species is named in honour of the late Peter O’Byrne (1955–2018), who has done much valuable work on Thrixspermum and many other groups of orchids in Southeast Asia.

เอื้องแมงมุมขาวนรา, เอื้องแมงมุมมลายู

Nopparut Toolmal, Ong Poh Teck and André Schuiteman. 2022. Thrixspermum obyrneanum (Aeridinae), A New Species from Peninsular Thailand and Malaysia.  Lankesteriana: International Journal on Orchidology. 22(2); 155–167. DOI: 10.15517/lank.v22i2.52253

Researchgate.net/publication/362955272_THRIXSPERMUM_OBYRNEANUM_A_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_PENINSULAR_THAILAND_AND_MALAYSIA

 เอื้องแมงมุมขาวนรา

Thrixspermum obyrneanum Toolmal, P.T. Ong & Schuit. 

คำระบุชนิด “obyrneanum” ตั้งเพื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ Peter O’Byrne ผู้เชี่ยวชาญพืชวงศ์กล้วยไม้ชาวอังกฤษ ซึ่งเป็นผู้บุกเบิกการศึกษาพืชสกุลเอื้องตะขาบในมาเลเซียและประเทศแถบเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ และได้มอบข้อมูลการศึกษากล้วยไม้สกุลเอื้องตะขาบทั้งหมดแก่สวนพฤกษศาสตร์คิว (KEW) กรุงลอนดอน สหราชอาณาจักร ซึ่งเป็นประโยชน์ต่อการศึกษากล้วยไม้สกุลนี้ของนักวิจัยไทยจนถึงปัจจุบัน

 ลักษณะเด่น ของ เอื้องแมงมุมขาวนรา ได้แก่ ดอกสีเหลืองอ่อน กลีบปากสีเหลืองอ่อน แต้มสีม่วงแดง มีกลิ่นหอม กลีบเลี้ยงและกลีบดอกรูปแถบ ยาว 2.1-4.2 ซม. หูกลีบปากด้านข้างรูปคล้ายสามเหลี่ยมหรือคล้ายรูปไข่ ยาว 6-7 มม. ปลายกลีบรูปตัดตรงและหยักไม่เป็นระเบียบ ปลายกลีบปากรูปทรงกระบอก ยาว 3-4.7 ซม. ปลายมน ด้านบนมีขนสีขาวหนาแน่น

พบกระจายพันธุ์เฉพาะในแถบเทือกเขาเขาสันกาลาคีรี จ.นราธิวาส ของประเทศไทย และในรัฐกลันตัน ประเทศมาเลเซีย

 เอื้องแมงมุมขาวนรา ถูกเก็บตัวอย่างครั้งแรกโดยทีมวิจัยร่วมกับนายอับดุลรอแม บากา และนายอับดุลการิม สีแป ผู้สนใจกล้วยไม้ในพื้นที่ จากเขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าฮาลา-บาลา จ.นราธิวาส เมื่อวันที่ 27 ต.ค. 2563  โดยมีตัวอย่างพรรณไม้ต้นแบบ (type specimen) ในการบรรยายชนิด คือ N.Toolmal, A.Baka, A.Seepae & W.Tanming 27102001 

 https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/2985327/

[Botany • 2022] Passiflora calicicalyx (Passifloraceae) • A New Species of Passiflora Section Decaloba from Bolivia

 Passiflora calicicalyx T. Boza & J. M. MacDougal, 

in MacDougal & Espinoza, 2022. 

DOI: 10.3417/2022304 

 ResearchGate.net/publication/359075988

Abstract

Passiflora calicicalyx T. Boza & J. M. MacDougal, a new species of Passiflora L. known only from near Cochabamba, Bolivia, is described and illustrated from photographs and dry material. The new species is similar to P. tatei Killip & Rusby but differs by being glabrescent, with glabrous ovary, and entire bracts only toward the base of the peduncle. It is placed in Passiflora subg. Decaloba (DC.) Rchb. sect. Decaloba DC.

Keywords: Bolivia, endemic, Passiflora, Passiflora tatei, Passifloraceae, subgenus Decaloba

 Passiflora calicicalyx T. Boza & J. M. MacDougal.
 -A. Habit, flowering branch. -B. Flower. -C. Flower, longitudinal section. -D. Left to right: individual coronal outer and inner filament, and petal. -E. Node with immature fruit.

Drawn from the type collection (Boza & Uzquiano 2094) by Alba L. Arbelaez.

 Passiflora calicicalyx T. Boza & J. M. MacDougal.
-A. Flower. -B. Flower, side view, with buds in background. -C. Branch with buds and open flowers, habit; note extrafloral nectaries on leaves. -D. Base of flowers, adaxial view showing cup shape where pedicel attaches; note also the carinate sepals and the small petals. -E. Transverse section of flower showing outer corona, inner corona and operculum, nectary, androgynophore and gynophore, and ovary. -F. Detail of flower showing (top downward) gynoecium, stamens, swollen base of androgynophore, operculum and inner corona, and base of outer coronal filaments fused to base of sepal.

Scale bars: A, B, D = 5 mm; C = 1 cm; E, F = 2 mm. 

Photographs of the type collection (Boza & Uzquiano 2094) in the field by Tatiana Boza.

Passiflora calicicalyx T. Boza & J. M. MacDougal, sp. nov.

Passiflora calicicalyx T. Boza & J. M. MacDougal a ceteris speciebus ad Passifloram L. subg. Decalobam (DC.) Rchb. sect. Decalobam DC. pertinentibus foliorum lobis lateralibus inter se angulum 23°–30° formantibus, corona alba vittis purpureis ornata atque androgynophoro 9–10.5 mm longo distinguitur; praecipue a specie simili P. tatei Killip & Rusby planta glabrescente, ovario glabro atque bracteis floralibus ad partem inferiorem pedunculi portatis distinguitur.  

Etymology. The species is named for its conspicuously and rather narrowly abaxially indented cup-shaped floral tube (hypanthium/floral cup/calyx tube; see Tillett, 1988), leading to a conspicuously expanded base of the androgynophore and a hidden attachment of the floral stipe (pedicel) into the flower. Literally, a chalice-shaped calyx, a play on words. 

John M. MacDougal and Tatiana Erika Boza Espinoza. 2022. Passiflora calicicalyx, A New Species in Section Decaloba (Passifloraceae) from Bolivia. Novon: A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature. 30; 13-17. DOI: 10.3417/2022304

  ResearchGate.net/publication/359075988_Passiflora_calicicalyx_a_New_Species_from_Bolivia

[PaleoOrnithology • 2022] Confuciusornis shifan • A New confuciusornithid Bird (Confuciusornithidae) with A Secondary Epiphyseal Ossification reveals Phylogenetic Changes in confuciusornithid Flight Mode

Confuciusornis shifan 

Wang, Hu, Zhang, Wang, Zhao, Sullivan & Xu, 2022

 

DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04316-6 

 ecoevocommunity.nature.com 

Artwork by Chuang Zhou

Abstract

The confuciusornithids are the earliest known beaked birds, and constitute the only species-rich clade of Early Cretaceous pygostylian birds that existed prior to the cladogenesis of Ornithothoraces. Here, we report a new confuciusornithid species from the Lower Cretaceous of western Liaoning, northeastern China. Compared to other confuciusornithids, this new species and the recently reported Yangavis confucii both show evidence of stronger flight capability, although the wings of the two taxa differ from one another in many respects. Our aerodynamic analyses under phylogeny indicate that varying modes of flight adaptation emerged across the diversity of confuciusornithids, and to a lesser degree over the course of their ontogeny, and specifically suggest that both a trend towards improved flight capability and a change in flight strategy occurred in confuciusornithid evolution. The new confuciusornithid differs most saliently from other Mesozoic birds in having an extra cushion-like bone in the first digit of the wing, a highly unusual feature that may have helped to meet the functional demands of flight at a stage when skeletal growth was still incomplete. The new find strikingly exemplifies the morphological, developmental and functional diversity of the first beaked birds.

Systematic paleontology

Avialae Gauthier, 1986

Pygostylia Chiappe, 2002

Confuciusornithidae Hou et al., 1995

Confuciusornis Hou et al., 1995

Confuciusornis shifan sp. nov.

Holotype: PMoL-AB00178, a nearly complete and mostly articulated skeleton, preserved on a single slab

Locality and horizon: Xiaotaizi Village, Lamadong Town, Jianchang County, Liaoning Province, China; second unit of Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation (119 Ma).

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the Mandarin “shifan”, meaning a paragon of all teachers, in honor of Confucius. The name also commemorates the 70th anniversary of Shenyang Normal University (Shenyang Shifan Daxue).

Renfei Wang, Dongyu Hu, Meisheng Zhang, Shiying Wang, Qi Zhao, Corwin Sullivan and Xing Xu. 2022. A New confuciusornithid Bird with A Secondary Epiphyseal Ossification reveals Phylogenetic Changes in confuciusornithid Flight Mode. Communications Biology. 5: 1398. DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04316-6

 

A new specimen illuminates the story of flight evolution in an iconic group of early birds

Confuciusornithids only lived in the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota are indeed a very unusual group of early birds. We are very lucky to encounter Confuciusornis shifan, a new member of this group. 

  ecoevocommunity.nature.com/posts/a-new-specimen-illuminates-the-story-of-flight-evolution-in-an-iconic-group-of-early-birds

[Herpetology • 2022] Tropidophis cacuangoae • A Time Relic: A New Species of Dwarf Boa, Tropidophis (Serpentes: Amerophidia: Tropidophiidae), from the Upper Amazon Basin

Tropidophis cacuangoae 

Ortega-Andrade, Bentley, Koch, Yánez-Muñoz & Entiauspe-Neto, 2022

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.854.2021  

ResearchGate.net/publication/366670011

ABSTRACT

The amerophidian snake radiation is a Late Cretaceous superfamily that encompasses two families: Aniliidae, pipe snakes, and Tropidophiidae, dwarf boas. We describe a new dwarf boa snake species, from the Tropidophiidae family, from the cloud forest in northeastern Ecuador. Tropidophis cacuangoae sp. nov. can be diagnosed from its congeners based on external and osteological morphology. The new species inhabits eastern tropical piedmont and lower evergreen montane forests, in the Amazon Tropical Rainforest biome, and is likely to be an Ecuadorian endemic. We also discuss the relationships of the new species with South American tropidophiids and provide a key to the identification of mainland South American dwarf boas.

Keywords: taxonomy, osteology, systematics, Serpentes

Geographic distribution of mainland species of Tropidophis Bibron, 1840 in South America. Note the disjunct distribution pattern, with two allopatric groups: Andes mountain range (Tropidophis cacuangoae sp. nov., T. taczanowskyi (Steindachner, 1880)) and Atlantic Forest range (T. grapiuna Curcio et al., 2012, T. preciosus Curcio et al., 2012, T. paucisquamis (Müller in Schenkel, 1901)). Inset photograph: T.  cacuangoae sp. nov. (not to scale).

 

Head views of Tropidophis cacuangoae sp. nov. in life. 
A-C. ♂, holotype (DHMECN 16725). D-F. ♀, paratype (DHMECN 15893).

Photograph credits: A-C = H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade; D-F= Danilo Medina.

 Tropidophis cacuangoae sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Tropidophis cacuangoae sp. nov. can be distinguished from all its congeners based on the following combination of characters: (1) slightly keeled dorsal scales with no apical pits, 23/22/17 or 22/23/17 rows; (2) postoculars three; (3) loreal absent, possibly fused with nasal plate; (4) temporal formula 3 + 4 + 3 or 2 + 3 + 3; (5) supralabials 8–10, with 4th and 5th in contact with eye orbit; (6) infralabials 10–11, with first two pairs in contact with anterior chinshields; (7) ventrals 162 in single male, 156 in single female; (8) subcaudals single, 33 in single male, 30 in single female, male with cloacal spines; (9) in life, dorsal background coloration light brown, with diffuse dorsolateral black blotches, gray vertebral coloration, dark brown postocular stripe and diffuse dark brown pigmentation on labials; (10) in life, ventral background coloration light orange, with large ocellar black blotches, ranging from 16–20, covering up to four ventrals each; (11) maximum SVL 271 mm in single male, and 255 mm in single female; (12) maximum tail length 49   mm in single male, 40 mm in single female; (13) vertebral scale rows 161–162 on body, 32–35 on tail; (14) nasal contacting rostral, first and second supralabials, preocular, anterior prefrontal, and internasal; (15) two pairs of prefrontals; (16) maxillary teeth 18‒21; (17) prefrontal and maxilla bones in contact; (18) dentary and angular bones in contact; (19) medial contact of exoccipitals loose; (20) small ventral ethmoidal foramen in premaxilla body; (21) cervical vertebrae two or less; (22) vomer further expanded laterally to completely encapsulate vomeronasal organ posteriorly; (23) postorbital, dorsomedial head divided in two heads.

Etymology: The specific epithet ʻcacuangoaeʼ, is a noun in genitive case, a Latinization honoring Dolores Cacuango, an Ecuadorian benchmark of feminism and human rights of the early twentieth century. She claimed the identity and rights of the Ecuadorian indigenous people, leading them to defend themselves from abuse and discrimination. Also, she demanded the teaching of Quechua and founded the first bilingual schools in Ecuador and the Ecuadorian Indigenous Federation.

H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade, Alexander Bentley, Claudia Koch, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz and Omar M. Entiauspe-Neto. 2022. A Time Relic: A New Species of Dwarf Boa, Tropidophis Bibron, 1840 (Serpentes: Amerophidia), from the Upper Amazon Basin. European Journal of Taxonomy. 854(1), 1-107. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.854.2021

  ResearchGate.net/publication/366670011_A_new_species_of_Tropidophis_from_the_Upper_Amazon_Basin

[Entomology • 2020] Ogcodes kunkunche • A New Spider Fly (Diptera: Acroceridae: Ogcodinae: Ogcodes Latreille) from Chiloé Island’s Evergreen Forest and New Distributional Records for Other Spider Flies in Chile

Ogcodes kunkunche Barahona-Segovia, 

in Barahona-Segovia, Guzmán, Barceló & Pañinao-Monsálvez, 2020. 

DOI:10.11646/zootaxa.4779.1.3 

 ResearchGate.net/publication/340949161

Abstract

Ogcodes Latreille is the largest genus of Acroceridae. They exhibit a cosmopolitan distribution and parasitize several spider families. Eleven Neotropical species are currently recognized in the genus, with five of them occurring in Chile, though distribution data is limited in this group of rarely collected flies. In this work, we describe a new species, Ogcodes kunkunche sp. nov. Barahona-Segovia from the evergreen forest of Chiloé Island, provide an identification key to the Chilean species of Ogcodes, and include novel distributional data for other species of spider flies (Acrocerinae and Ogcodinae). Based in our results, we suggest that O. kunkunche sp. nov. must be incorporated in the porteri group, due to wing vein reduction. Morphological aspects within Ogcodes, and their evolutionary implications are discussed.

Key words: Acrocerinae, Cuncos, fragmented landscape, Neotropical region, limited distribution

Ogcodes kunkunche Barahona-Segovia sp. nov.

 

Rodrigo M. Barahona-Segovia, Vicente Valdés Guzmán, Matías Barceló and Laura Pañinao-Monsálvez. 2020. A New Spider Fly (Diptera: Acroceridae: Ogcodinae: Ogcodes Latreille) from Chiloé Island’s Evergreen Forest and New Distributional Records for Other Spider Flies in Chile. Zootaxa. 4779(1); 51–64. DOI:10.11646/zootaxa.4779.1.3  

ResearchGate.net/publication/340949161_A_new_spider_fly_Ogcodes_from_Chiloe_Island_Chile

[Herpetology • 2022] Systematics of the Enigmatic and Narrowly Endemic Toad Genus Bufoides Pillai & Yazdani, 1973 (Anura: Bufonidae): Rediscovery of Bufoides kempi and expanded Description of B. meghalayanus with Notes on Natural History and Distribution

Bufoides kempi (Boulenger, 1919)

Bufoides meghalayanus (Yazdani & Chanda, 1971)

 

in Naveen, Chandramouli, Kadam, ... et Parthasarathy, 2022. 

DOI:  10.11609/jott.8040.14.12.22277-22292  

 ResearchGate.net/publication/366616198 

photos: S.R. Chandramouli & R.S. Naveen. 

Abstract

Bufoides kempi (Boulenger, 1919) known only from the two historical syntype specimens until now was rediscovered after more than a century from near its type locality in the Garo Hills, Meghalaya, northeastern India. Analysis of mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene reveals congenericity between B. kempi and B. meghalayanus with an inter-specific genetic divergence of 4.67%. Description of B. kempi is expanded based on the six male and two female specimens collected during this study. We provide the first description of calls for this genus, notes on their breeding biology and larval morphology. Additional specimens of B. meghalayanus collected during this study are described to supplement its characterization.  

Keywords: Amphibians, breeding biology, calls, Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, larval morphology, new records, syntype specimens.

Bufoides kempi (male―left & middle and female―right) in life from Eman Asakge, Garo Hills.

 left and middle: S.R. Chandramouli, right: R.S. Naveen.

 

Axillary amplexus between one female and three males of Bufoides kempi observed in a phytotelmata at Eman Asakgre, Garo Hills.

photo: R.S. Naveen

Bufoides kempi (Boulenger, 1919)

Nectophrryne kempi Boulenger, 1919

Pedostibes kempi – Barbour, 1938

Bufoides kempi – Chandramouli & Amarasinghe, 2016

Syntypes: Two specimens; an adult (29.8 mm SVL) and a subadult (17.4 mm) (ZSI 18481 a&b, respectively)

Diagnosis: (after Chandramouli & Amarasinghe 2016)

A semi-arboreal to rupicolous Bufoides from the Garo Hills diagnosed by: small to medium body size (SVL 24.1–32.36 mm); presence of irregular, non-keratinized cranial ridges (pre and post orbital); short, ovoid parotoid glands; absence of an externally visible tympanum; moderate degree of webbing between toes (two phalanges of toe IV free); partial webbing between fingers, and the presence of small, slightly dilated, rounded terminal digital discs at the tips of both fingers and toes. Dorsum black with mossy green shade along the flanks in males, females predominantly green with black reticulations; a pale white venter; eggs partially pigmented and laid in strings within water-filled tree holes (phytotelmata). 

Adult male Bufoides meghalayanus in life (dorsal and ventral views). 

photos: S.R. Chandramouli. 

Bufoides meghalayanus (Yazdani & Chanda, 1971)

Ansonia meghalayana Yazdani & Chanda, 1971

Holotype: ZSIC A 6969, an adult from Mawblang, Cherrapunji, Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. 

Diagnosis and comparison: A semi-arboreal to rupicolous Bufoides from the Khasi Hills diagnosed by: small–medium body size (SVL 31. –33.5 mm); presence of irregular, non-keratinized cranial ridges (pre and post orbital); short, elongated parotoid glands (vs. ovoid in B. kempi); absence of an externally visible tympanum; well-developed webbing between toes, with only half a phalange free of webbing on toe IV (vs. relatively poor, with two phalanges free of webbing on toe IV in B. kempi); partial, but better developed webbing between fingers than B. kempi and the presence of small, slightly dilated, rounded terminal digital discs at the tips of both fingers and toes. Dorsum black with mossy green along the flanks in males, females predominantly green with black reticulations; a dark grey venter with small white spots (vs. pale white in B. kempi). 

R.S. Naveen, S.R. Chandramouli, Gautam Kadam, S. Babu, P.V. Karunakaran, H.N. Kumara and N. Parthasarathy. 2022. Systematics of the Enigmatic and Narrowly Endemic Toad Genus Bufoides Pillai & Yazdani, 1973: Rediscovery of Bufoides kempi (Boulenger, 1919) and expanded Description of Bufoides meghalayanus (Yazdani & Chanda, 1971) (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae) with Notes on Natural History and Distribution. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 14(12); 22277-22292. DOI:  10.11609/jott.8040.14.12.22277-22292  

 ResearchGate.net/publication/366616198_Systematics_of_Bufoides

[Fungi • 2022] Russula rubiginosus (Basidiomycota: Russulales) • A New Species from Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China

Russula rubiginosus R. Q. Ji, M.L. Xie & J. J. Zhou, 

in Ji, Xie, Zhou, Meng, ... et Li, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.575.2.3 

 ResearchGate.net/publication/366092429

Abstract

Russula rubiginosus sp. nov. (Subsect. Maculatinae) associated with Quercus mongolica is described and illustrated based on phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA sequences and morphological evidence. This species is characterized by the rusty spots on the pileus and stipe, an acrid taste, a yellow spore print, smaller basidiospores, and abundant cystidia in pileipellis and stipitipellis. Furthermore, the morphological characteristics were described in detail and compared with R. globispora and R. subrubescens.

Keywords: Basidiomycota, new taxon, phylogeny, Russulales, SEM, taxonomy, Fungi

Russula rubiginosus R. Q. Ji, M.L. Xie & J. J. Zhou, sp. nov.

 

Rui-Qing Ji, Meng-Le Xie, Ji-Jiang Zhou, Li-Peng Meng, Yu Li, Zhong-Hui Zhang and Guo-Jie Li. 2022. Russula rubiginosus sp. nov. in Russula subsect. Maculatinae from Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. Phytotaxa. 575(2); 140–148. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.575.2.3

  ResearchGate.net/publication/366092429_Russula_rubiginosus_sp_nov_from_Heilongjiang_Province_Northeast_China