[Paleontology • 2023] Dwarfism and Gigantism Drive Human-mediated Extinctions on Islands

 Sardinian Dwarf Mammoth Mammuthus lamarmorai, Sardinian Giant Otter Megalenhydris barbaricina, Deer, Sardinian Dhole Cynotherium sardous and Giant Pica.

in Rozzi, Lomolino, van der Geer, Silvestro, ... et Chase, 2023. 

science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add8606

Illustration by Peter Schouten

Abstract

Islands have long been recognized as distinctive evolutionary arenas leading to morphologically divergent species, such as dwarfs and giants. We assessed how body size evolution in island mammals may have exacerbated their vulnerability, as well as how human arrival has contributed to their past and ongoing extinctions, by integrating data on 1231 extant and 350 extinct species from islands and paleo islands worldwide spanning the past 23 million years. We found that the likelihood of extinction and of endangerment are highest in the most extreme island dwarfs and giants. Extinction risk of insular mammals was compounded by the arrival of modern humans, which accelerated extinction rates more than 10-fold, resulting in an almost complete demise of these iconic marvels of island evolution.

Illustration of Sardinian Dwarf Mammoth Mammuthus lamarmorai, Sardinian Giant Otter Megalenhydris barbaricina, Deer, Sardinian Dhole Cynotherium sardous and Giant Pica.

Artwork: Peter Schouten

 studioschouten.com.au

  

  Roberto Rozzi, Mark V. Lomolino, Alexandra A. E. van der Geer, Daniele Silvestro, S. Kathleen Lyons, Pere Bover, Josep A. Alcover, Ana Benítez-López, Cheng-Hsiu Tsai, Masaki Fujita, Mugino O. Kubo, Janine Ochoa, Matthew E. Scarborough, Samuel T. Turvey, Alexander Zizka and Jonathan M. Chase. 2023.  Dwarfism and Gigantism Drive Human-mediated Extinctions on Islands. Science. 379(6636); 1054-1059. DOI: 10.1126/science.add8606

 science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add8606

Evolutionary arenas: 

Islands often contain distinctive ecological conditions that can lead to unusual evolutionary trajectories such as dwarf mammoths and giant rats. Rozzi et al. looked across extant and extinct species from islands to determine whether these evolutionary “oddities” were more threatened and found that both dwarf and giant species were more at risk for extinction. Further, the arrival of humans, both deep in the past and in the present, accelerated their extinction. Island conditions have thus both generated these unusual species and protected them, at least until humans acquired the ability to cross oceans. —SNV

[Arachnida • 2023] Siler niser • A New Species of the Genus Siler Simon, 1889 (Araneae: Salticidae: Chrysillini) from India

Siler niser 

 Caleb, Parag & Datta-Roy, 2023 

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.99285

Abstract

A new chrysilline jumping spider species belonging to the genus Siler Simon, 1889 is described from Odisha, India. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations of the male palp and female genitalia and phylogenetic relationships of the new Siler species are presented. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the new species is sister to a clade of predominantly Southeast Asian Siler species. Furthermore, the results indicate the presence of multiple cryptic species masquerading as S. semiglaucus sensu lato. We also briefly discuss some unique behavioural observations on the newly-described species.

Key Words: Jumping spider, NISER, Odisha, phylogeny, species description, taxonomy

General habitus of Siler niser sp. nov.
A. Male habitus, dorsal view; B. Same, lateral view; C. Same, front view;
D. Female habitus, dorsal view; E. Same, lateral view; F. Same, front view.

Genus Siler Simon, 1889

Type species: Siler cupreus Simon, 1889.

Siler niser sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Siler niser sp. nov. resembles Siler semiglaucus (Simon, 1901) in general morphology and colour pattern (cf. Fig. 1A, B, D, E with images 1a, b in Kulkarni and Joseph (2015)), but can be easily distinguished by the morphology of the copulatory organs which are rather most similar to S. cupreus Simon, 1889 and S. severus (Simon, 1901): male palp with short beak-like embolus (slender and needle-like in S. cupreus and S. severus); relatively smaller RTA (smallest of all congeners, remaining below the small retrolateral tegular lobe); RTA directed anteriad in ventral view, with pointed tip and broad base in retrolateral view, ventral margin vertical, dorsal margin gradually sloping, gently curved (RTA directed retrolaterally in ventral view, thick, relatively long reaching beyond the retrolateral tegular lobe and curved in S. cupreus and S. severus) (cf. Figs 2E, F, 3A, B with illustrations on pg. 133, 135 in Prószyński (1984), figs 246, 247 in Bohdanowicz and Prószyński (1987) and figs 12, 13 in Prószyński (1985)); females can be recognised by the short and bent copulatory ducts and globular spermathecae separated by more than their radius (copulatory ducts relatively longer, almost straight and copulatory openings closely placed along the median in S. cupreus) (cf. Figs 2K, L, 3C, D with illustrations on pg. 134, 135 in Prószyński (1984) and figs 249, 251 in Bohdanowicz and Prószyński (1987)).

Etymology: The specific epithet is an acronym derived after the type locality, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) campus from where the specimens were collected. The name is treated as a noun in apposition.

Suggested common name: Glossy jumping spider.

 John T. D. Caleb, Ayush Parag and Aniruddha Datta-Roy. 2023. A New Species of the Genus Siler Simon, 1889 (Araneae, Salticidae, Chrysillini) from India. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 99(1): 209-216. DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.99285

 twitter.com/skinkomaniac/status/1634024752930070530

[Paleontology • 2023] Edowa zuniensis • A New baenid (Paracryptodira: Baenidae) and Other Fossil Turtles from the Upper Cretaceous Moreno Hill Formation (Turonian), New Mexico, USA

 Edowa zuniensis

Adrian, Smith, Kelley & Wolfe, 2023

 DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2022.105422

Highlights: 

• Edowa zuniensis is the first baenid turtle described from Turonian of North America.

• Edowa is similar to Plesiobaena antiqua from the Campanian of Montana and Alberta.

• Other Moreno Hill fossil turtle material includes Naomichelys and a trionychid.

• These turtle fossils fill a temporal gap in the middle Cretaceous Laramidian record.

• Trace fossils on Edowa suggest ectoparasitic infection and crocodile attack.

Abstract

We describe the first Turonian baenid turtle, Edowa zuniensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Moreno Hill Formation in New Mexico, which is located within a baenid temporal hiatus of approximately 12 million years. It was retrieved in a phylogenetic analysis as sister to the well understood basal baenodd (derived baenid) Plesiobaena antiqua from the Campanian of Montana and Alberta, with which it is morphologically similar. The two are sister taxa, forming a “Plesiobaena-grade” clade that is in a basal position within the derived clade Baenodda, outside of the two main clades of derived baenids, Palatobaeninae and Eubaeninae. Its occurrence in the middle Turonian Moreno Hill Formation suggests a southern Laramidian origin for Baenodda. The new site is (along with the Menefee Formation) younger and stratigraphically continuous with the Fruitland and Kirtland Formations, which are among the most productive Upper Cretaceous fossil sites in North America. New material of the endemic helochelydrid stem turtle Naomichelys is also described, as are several ichnotaxa on the type specimen of E. zuniensis gen. et sp. nov. The Moreno Hill Formation fossil turtle assemblage contains relict, derived, and immigrant components and is transitional between typical Early and Late Cretaceous faunas. Preliminary comparisons are made between the Moreno Hill Formation turtle assemblage and those of later San Juan Basin fossil sites, showing significantly greater baenid diversity in younger strata, the presence of trionychids throughout, and Naomichelys, which is also known from the younger Menefee Formation.

 

Keywords: Phylogeny, Baenidae, Paracryptodira, Naomichelys, Karethraichnus lakkos, Testudinata

  

 

 

Brent Adrian, Heather F. Smith, Kara Kelley and Douglas G. Wolfe. 2023. A New baenid, Edowa zuniensis gen. et sp. nov., and Other Fossil Turtles from the Upper Cretaceous Moreno Hill Formation (Turonian), New Mexico, USA. Cretaceous Research. 144, 105422. DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2022.105422

Discovery of 90-million-year-old turtle fossil reveals a new species

news.asu.edu/20230214-discoveries-discovery-90millionyearold-turtle-fossil-reveals-new-species

[Crustacea • 2023] Isolapotamon seowi • A New Species of potamid Crab (Brachyura: Potamidae: Potamiscinae) from Kokol Hill in western Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo

Isolapotamon seowi 

Ng, 2023

DOI:  10.1163/15685403-bja10264

Abstract

A new species of freshwater crab of the genus Isolapotamon Bott, 1968 (Potamidae) is described from western Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Isolapotamon seowi new species, is the sixth species of Isolapotamon known from Sabah, and differs from its closest congener, I. buntyae Ng, Low & Clark, 2022, from eastern Borneo, in possessing a relatively lower carapace, a more rugose dorsal carapace surface, the postorbital cristae being sharper and subparallel with the frontal margin, relatively shorter fourth ambulatory legs, and the terminal segment of the male first gonopod is gently curved with the subdistal process slightly longer than the distal projection and angled at 90° to the longitudinal axis.

Keywords: Potamidae; Potamiscinae; freshwater crab; taxonomy; new species; Southeast Asia; Sundaland 

Family Potamidae Ortmann, 1896 

Subfamily Potamiscinae Bott, 1970 sensu Yeo & Ng (2003) 

Genus Isolapotamon Bott, 1968

Isolapotamon seowi new species, holotype male (40.7 × 31.6 mm) (ZRC 2022.778), Kokol Hill, Sabah.
A, Overall dorsal view; B, dorsal view of carapace; C, frontal view of cephalothorax; D, chelae; E, left third maxilliped; F, right P5; G, anterior thoracic sternum and pleon; H, pleon.

Colour in life, Isolapotamon seowi new species.
A, Holotype male (40.7 × 31.6 mm) (ZRC 2022.778), Kokol Hill, Sabah;
B, C, paratype male (33.8 × 26.5 mm) (ZRC 2022.779), Kokol Hill, Sabah.
A, B, overall dorsal view; C, frontal view.

Photographs: Paul Y. C. Ng.

Isolapotamon seowi new species

Diagnosis.— Carapace wider than long, relatively high, dorsal surface of carapace gently convex; epigastric cristae rugose, not sharp, anterior of postorbital cristae; postorbital cristae sharp, subparallel with frontal margin; median lobe of posterior margin of epistome acutely triangular (fig. 2A-C). P5 merus relatively short, dactylus long (fig. 2A, F). Press button of male pleonal locking mechanism on submedian part of sternite 5 (fig. 3A). Male pleon distinctly triangular, lateral margins of somites 3-6 gently concave (fig. 2H). G1 gently sinuous; subterminal segment relatively long, with basal part broad, forming subrectangular structure, tapering suddenly distally, forming shelf-like feature on outer margin; terminal segment gently sinuous, curved, distal part bifurcated, subdistal projection positioned at 90° to longitudinal axis of terminal segment, slightly longer than distal projection, lobiform with rounded tip, lateral margins subparallel, laterally flattened (figs. 3B-E, 4A-F).

Etymology.— The species is named after an old friend, Francis Seow-Choen, noted gastroenterologist and an expert on phasmid insects who has published several important books on the stick insect fauna of Malaysia. An intrepid explorer, he came across the present specimens during one of his many surveys and kindly arranged for them to be passed to the author for this study.

 Peter K. L. Ng. 2023. A New Species of potamid Crab, Isolapotamon seowi (Brachyura, Potamoidea) from Kokol Hill in western Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo. Crustaceana. 96(2); 131–138. DOI:  10.1163/15685403-bja10264

[Botany • 2023] Thismia kenyirensis (Thismiaceae) • A New Species from Taman Negeri Kenyir, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

Thismia kenyirensis  Siti-Munirah & Dome, 

in Siti-Munirah & Dome, 2023.

 DOI:  10.3897/phytokeys.221.98571

Abstract

A new mycoheterotrophic species, Thismia kenyirensis Siti-Munirah & Dome from Peninsular Malaysia, is described and illustrated. Thismia kenyirensis differs from other previously described species in the following characteristics: the flower tube is completely orange, with alternating darker and paler-coloured longitudinal lines on the outer and inner surfaces, the outer tepals are ovate (petaloid), the inner tepals are narrowly lanceolate, each ending with a long appendage. According to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, T. kenyirensis is provisionally classified as Least Concern.

Keywords: Brunonithismia, lowland dipterocarp forest, rare species

Thismia kenyirensis
A plant with flower and roots B top view of flower showing tepals C top view of ovary and stigma D stamen (i, side view; ii, inner view) E outer view of three pendulous stamens F longitudinal section of ovary G style and stigma H bract I leaf.

All from FRI91122a (spirit material). 

Drawings by Mohamad Aidil Noordin.

Thismia kenyirensis
A mature plant with flowers and roots, scale in centimetres (cm) (FRI91122b) B mature plant in natural habitat (FRI91122a) C vermiform roots (FRI91122c) D young flower with mature ovary and stigma (FRI91122c).

Photos by Siti-Munirah MY (A); Dome Nikong (B–D).

Thismia kenyirensis
A bracts with ovary and pistil, lateral view B top view of stigma C flower, side view D longitudinal section of floral tube and stamens E flower, top view F annulus G stamens, outer view.

Photos by Siti-Munirah MY (A–C, E, F; All from FRI 91122b); Dome Nikong (D, G; No specimens).

 Thismia kenyirensis Siti-Munirah & Dome, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Distantly similar to Thismia hongkongensis Mar & Saunders but differs by petaloid, ovate outer tepals which are ca. 8 mm long, narrowly lanceolate-linear, ca. 8 mm long inner tepals which are not forming a lose-dome, up to 28 mm long appendages of inner tepals, orange floral tube, which lacks reticulate pattern on its inner surface and connective apex with 3 long appendages.

Distribution: Endemic to Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. Currently, the occurrence is only from the type locality, Sungai Cendana area (Map 1). In addition, T. kenyirensis was observed in two other populations in the vicinity of Tasik Kenyir. It was sighted near Sungai Saok and on the way to Gunung Gagau (Wong Pui May personal communication), both in the Tasik Kenyir region. However, there are still no specimens and GPS information to verify these findings. This means that only the occurrence of the population in Sungai Cendana has been confirmed.

Ecology: In moist shady areas of lowland dipterocarp forest on moist soil at elevations of 150–220 m a.s.l. Flowering and fruiting mostly from September to April, but also recorded to flower in June. Historically, the type locality was botanized as early as 2007. Based on the results of Lim et al. (2008), T. alba was also recorded during the survey in the Sungai Cendana area. This is in contrast to T. kenyirensis, which was not mentioned, implying that it was not seen or collected at that time. During our recent visit, we were also able to find T. alba not far from the original population of T. kenyirensis.

Etymology: The epithet refers to Lake Kenyir, Kenyir State Park (Taman Negeri Kenyir), where the species was found.

 Mat Yunoh Siti-Munirah and Nikong Dome. 2023. Thismia kenyirensis (Thismiaceae), A New Species from Taman Negeri Kenyir, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. PhytoKeys. 221: 61-72. DOI:  10.3897/phytokeys.221.98571

[Botany • 2020] Euphorbia shehbaziana (Euphorbiaceae) • A New Species from Kurdistan Iraq

Euphorbia shehbaziana S.A. Hama & S.A. Ahmad, 

in Hama & Ahmad, 2020.

DOI:  10.3100/hpib.v25iss1.2020.n9

 Abstract 

Euphorbia shehbaziana is described and illustrated as a new species from Kurdistan Iraq, and its distinguishing characters from its nearest relatives, E. denticulata and E. craspedia, are discussed.

KEYWORDS: Euphorbia, Iraq, Gmo Mt., Kurdistan

Euphorbia shehbaziana S.A. Hama & S.A. Ahmad.
A, plant; B, cyathium; C, fruit; D, seed with caruncle. Photographs by Saman A. Ahmad based on the holotype.

  

Euphorbia shehbaziana S.Y. Hama and S.A. Ahmad, sp. nov.

 Euphorbia shehbaziana is readily distinguished from its nearest woody relatives by having entire leaves, 3- to 5-rayed umbels, denticulate glands, bracteate male flowers, and rugose seeds.

Etymology: Euphorbia shehbaziana is named in honor of our mentor and friend Dr. Ihsan A. Al-Shehbaz (MO) in recognition of his devotion to promoting botany in Kurdistan Iraq.

Sakar Y. Hama and Saman A. Ahmad. 2020. Euphorbia shehbaziana (Euphorbiaceae), A New Species from Kurdistan Iraq. Harvard Papers in Botany. 25(1); 73-74. DOI:  10.3100/hpib.v25iss1.2020.n9

[PaleoEntomology • 2023] Perissoclothoda myrrhokaris • A New plesiomorphic Species of Webspinner (Embiodea: Clothodidae) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber of northern Myanmar

Perissoclothoda myrrhokaris Chen & Zhang, 2023

  DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2023.102060

Highlights: 

• New Mesozoic species is the second species which lacks a ventral bridge.

• Family Clothodidae is more primitive than all other Embiodea.

• Discovery of new species further supports that by the mid-Cretaceous a broad swath of embiodean diversity may have been in place.

Abstract

A new Mesozoic webspinner (Embiodea) is described and figured based on a moderately well-preserved male in mid-Cretaceous (earliest Cenomanian) amber from northern Myanmar. Perissoclothoda myrrhokaris gen. et sp. nov. is the second fossil representative of the putatively primitive family Clothodidae. It differs from the Cretaceous and more recent Embiodea in several plesiomorphic characters, namely a quadrate mentum, approximately oval submentum, subgenae not meet medially (thus a ventral bridge or gula is lacking), completely symmetrical terminalia, and dimerous cerci. This new find sheds further light on the diversity and morphological disparity of fossil webspinners during the Late Mesozoic.

 

Keywords: Burmese amber, Cenomanian, Clothodidae, Embioptera, New species, Taxonomy

 

Habitus of Perissoclothoda myrrhokaris Chen and Zhang, sp. nov.

Systematic palaeontology

Order: Embiodea Kusnezov, 1903.

Suborder: Clothododea Engel & Grimaldi, 2006.

Infraorder: Clothodomorpha Engel et al. 2016.

Family: Clothodidae Enderlein, 1909.

Genus: †Perissoclothoda gen. nov.

Etymology. The new generic name is derived from a combination of the Greek perisso, meaning, ‘unusual-’, and the generic name Clothoda Enderlein (itself from Greek, klotho, meaning, ‘twist’ or ‘spin’), type genus of the family. The gender of the name is feminine.

†Perissoclothoda myrrhokaris Chen and Zhang, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a combination of the Greek word of ‘myrrha’ meaning ‘an aromatic gum-resin’ and ‘kara’ meaning ‘head’.

 Xinyu Chen and Huachuan Zhang. 2023. A New plesiomorphic Species of Webspinner (Embiodea, Clothodidae) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber of northern Myanmar. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 26(2), 102060. DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2023.102060

[Entomology • 2023] Nocticola pheromosa • A New macropterous Nocticola Bolivar, 1892 (Blattodea: Nocticolidae) from Singapore

Nocticola pheromosa

Lucañas & Foo, 2023

DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2023.102062

 twitter.com/BugcatcherM

  facebook.com/ChaceFooMaosheng

Highlights: 

• The delicate cockroach genus Nocticola is reported for the first time in Singapore.

• The new species of fully-winged Nocticola sp. is described and is compared with the Bornean species.

• This represents the nineth known fully-winged species of the genus.

• A key for known macropterous species of Nocticola is provided.

Abstract

A new epigean Nocticola Bolivar, N. pheromosa n. sp., is described from Singapore. This serves as the first record of the genus in Singapore. The new species closely resembles N. adebratti Roth in Roth & McGavin, 1994 in terms of macroptery and the shape of the ocelli but differs in terms of wing venations and male genital structure. Nocticola adebratti Roth from Borneo is redescribed. A key to known macropterous Nocticola is provided.

 

Keywords: Cockroach, Epigean, Macroptery, New genus record

Nocticola pheromosa n. sp.

Etymology: named after the Lissome Ultra Beast, Pheromosa, from the Pokemon Franchise. Pheromosa is a cockroach-like Pokemon, where its design and colour may have been inspired by the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana (L.)) that has molted.

 

Cristian C. Lucañas and Foo Maosheng. 2023. A New macropterous Nocticola Bolivar, 1892 (Blattodea: Nocticolidae) from Singapore. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 26(2); 102062. DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2023.102062

 twitter.com/BugcatcherM/status/1632556104059359233

  facebook.com/ChaceFooMaosheng/posts/10158927979856338

[Entomology • 2023] Toxorhynchites domrey • A New Species of Elephant Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) from Nepenthes pitchers in Cambodia

Toxorhynchites (Toxorhynchites) domrey Maquart & Rahola, 

in Maquart, Rahola, Chhuoy, Heng, Chhum, Suor & Boyer, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2023.102064

 

Highlights: 

• A new species of Toxorhynchytes mosquito is described.

• Collected in Veun Sai Siem Pang and Kirirom National parks.

• This new species inhabits Nepenthes smilesii pitchers.

Abstract

Toxorhynchites are often nicknamed “elephant mosquitoes” due to their large size and bent proboscis. These colorful mosquitoes are generally covered with iridescent and metallic-colored scales and do not require blood feeding to perform their oogenesis since females acquire all the required proteins during their larval stages. Consequently, they are not involved in the transmission of pathogens, and are not considered to be of medical importance. This genus is comprised of 89 species worldwide, including three in Cambodia. During a survey conducted in Veun Sai Siem Pang National Park and in Kirirom National Park in 2021, several larvae of Toxorhynchites were collected inside pitchers of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes smilesii. Upon investigation, they were proven to belong to a new species, Toxorhynchites domrey sp. nov., described in the present article.

Keywords: Elephant mosquito, Biodiversity, Conservation, Pitcher plants, New species

 

Toxorhynchites (Toxorhynchites) domrey Maquart & Rahola, sp. nov.

Etymology. Noun in apposition. The species name refers to the vernacular name of the genus “elephant mosquito” and is a tribute to the Khmer designation of elephants, referred as “Dom rey” (ដំរី in Khmer).

Distribution. Cambodia, known from Veun Sai - Siem Pang National Park (Rattanakiri Province) and from Kirirom forest (Kampong Speu Province).

 Pierre-Olivier Maquart, Nil Rahola, Kalyan Chhuoy, Kimly Heng, Moeun Chhum, Kimhuor Suor and Sébastien Boyer. 2023. Description of A New Species of Toxorhynchites (Diptera: Culicidae) from Nepenthes pitchers in Cambodia. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 26(2), 102064. DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2023.102064

LSID: https://zoobank.org/6D09A56F-A509-4FE6-BE4B-B 

 

[Entomology • 2018] Cryptonympha tracheata • A New Species of Cryptonympha Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from Cerro Duida (Venezuela)

Cryptonympha tracheata 

Derka & Nieto, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4377.4.9 

 Researchgate.net/publication/322937987 

 

Abstract

The genus Cryptonympha includes three species: C. copiosa Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty, 1998; C. dasilvai Salles & Francischetti, 2004 and C. genevievae Thomas, Manchon & Glémet, 2013, known only from the nymphal stage. A description of the nymph of a fourth representative, Cryptonympha tracheata sp. n. is provided here, based on material collected in a blackwater stream on the slopes of the Cerro Duida mountain in south-western Venezuela. The nymph of the new species can be easily distinguished from the other species of the genus by very long tracheal gills II–VII, 2.5 times the length of each tergum, gill I small, nearly half length of gill IV and by posterior margin of terga with rounded spines. A complete description of the new species and a key for nymphs of all known Cryptonympha species are provided.

Keywords: Ephemeroptera, Baetidae

 

 3-5, photographs of study site.
Cryptonympha tracheata sp. n. Nymph. 6, dorsal habitus; 7, lateral view.

  maps of study site location

Cryptonympha tracheata sp. n. Nymph.
8, labrum, left d.v., right v.v.; 9, left mandible; 10, right mandible with detail of prostheca; 11, hypopharynx v.v.; 12, maxilla v.v.; 13, labium, left d.v., right v.v.; 14, fore leg; 15, fore tarsal claw; 16, posterior margin of tergum IV; 17, gill I; 18, gill IV; 19, paraproct;

scale = 0.24 mm.

Cryptonympha tracheata sp. n. 

Tomáš Derka and Carolina Nieto. 2018. A New Species of Cryptonympha Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) from Cerro Duida (Venezuela).  Zootaxa. 4377(4); 587–592. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4377.4.9 

Researchgate.net/publication/322937987_A_new_species_of_Cryptonympha_from_Cerro_Duida_Venezuela

[Ichthyology • 2021] Aborichthys uniobarensis • A New Species of River Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Aborichthys uniobarensis 

Nanda, Machahary, Tamang & Das. 2021

www.AJCB.in 

 facebook.com/DNGCZoology 

 Researchgate.net/publication/352984320

ABSTRACT 

A new species of nemacheilid loach, Aborichthys uniobarensis, is described from the Senkhi stream, upper Brahmaputra basin in Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. Aborichthys uniobarensis is distinguished from all congeners by the presence of 6–14 fused oblique bars along the dorso-lateral margin of the body, 21–28 oblique bars along the flank, vent closer to the snout tip than to the caudal fin base and caudal fin oval shaped with upper half more extended than lower. 

Key words: Cypriniformes, Eastern Himalaya, Brahmaputra River, Northeastern, India

Aborichthys uniobarensis sp. nov., EBRC/ZSI/F 12607, holotype (male), 83.9 mm;
 a, lateral, b, dorsal, and c, ventral views 

Aborichthys uniobarensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Aborichthys uniobarensis is diagnosed from all congeners by the presence of 6–14 fused oblique bars along the dorso-lateral margin of the body (vs. rarely fused). Further, it chiefly differs from all congeners by the following combination of characters: 21–28 oblique bars on the body, dorsal and ventral adipose crests low, vent closer to the snout tip than to the caudal-fn base, caudal fin oval shaped with upper half more extended than lower, and comprised of two concentric black to light brown bars in male.

Etymology: The species name is from the Latin unio means ‘fuse or meet‘, and barensis refer to vertical oblique bars along the body, in allusion to most of the paired bars dorsally fused. A noun in apposition.

Prasanta Nanda, Krima Queen Machahary, Lakpa Tamang and Debangshu Narayan Das. 2021. Aborichthys uniobarensis, A New Species of River Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Asian Journal of Conservation Biology. 10(1); 3-9. DOI: 10.53562/ajcb.ASHI9566 www.AJCB.in/archive_july_21.php

https://doi.org/10.53562/ajcb.ASHI9566

 facebook.com/DNGCZoology/posts/1359161704460360   Researchgate.net/publication/352984320_Aborichthys_uniobarensis_a_new_species_of_river_loach_from_Arunachal_Pradesh_India

[Botany • 2022] Lysionotus hagiangensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from northern Vietnam

 Lysionotus hagiangensis C.H. Nguyen & Aver., 

in Bui, Nguyen, Averyanov, Maisak & Nguyen, 2022. 

 taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1845

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Abstract

Lysionotus hagiangensis, a new species from northern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles L. chatungii and L. petelotii, but differs markedly by the character of leaf, inflorescence, corolla color, the shape of stamens, and the number of well developed staminodes. We provide detailed information, including morphological descriptions, illustrations, pictures, and information about the habitat of the new species. Lysionotus hagiangensis is confined to a small area of Cao Ma Po Commune, and further explorations are necessary for identification of its real conservation status, which is provisionally assessed now as “Data Deficient” in accordance with IUCN criteria.

Keyword: Ha Giang Province, limestone endemism, Lysionotus chatungi, L. hagiangensis, L. petelotii

    

 Lysionotus hagiangensis C.H. Nguyen & Aver.
 A. Plant. B. Leaf. C. Prophylls and internodes. D. Bracts. E. Inflorescence. F. Calyx lobes. G. Flower, frontal view. H. Section of corolla showing inner surface with stamens and staminodes. I. Glandular hairs on the adaxial surface of the corolla. J. Stamens and staminodes. K. Flowers, side and half side views. L. Pistil, base of pistil and its apex with stigma.

Photos of L. Averyanov and Cuong Huu Nguyen, 

correction and design by Cuong Huu Nguyen.

Lysionotus hagiangensis C.H. Nguyen & Aver., sp. nov.

Diagnosis. From closest Lysionotus chatungii Taram, A.P. Das & Tag, the new species differs in pubescent leaf petiole up to 3.5 cm long, solitary inflorescence at node, deltoid inflorescence bracts, subequal, green calyx lobes, spirally twisted filaments, and flower with three well developed staminodes.

Etymology. The species is named after the area of its origin.

Local name: Nở Lưng Hà Giang (Vietnamese) 

Habitat. Primary broad-leaved or mixed very humid montane forests on steep rocky slopes composed with eroded karstic limestone at elevations 1700–2000 m a.s.l. where rainy season lasting from May till September with mean temperatures 24–29°C and annual precipitation about 2500 mm (CLIMATE-DATA.ORG).

 Distribution. Northern Vietnam (Ha Giang Province, Quan Ba District, Cao Ma Po Commune, Chin Chu Lin Village, around point 23°05ʹ13.5ʺN 104°48ʹ30.2ʺE). Endemic.

  

The Doi Bui, Huu Cuong Nguyen, Leonid V. Averyanov, Tatiana V. Maisak and Sinh Khang Nguyen. 2022. A New Species of Lysionotus (Gesneriaceae) from northern Vietnam. Taiwania. 67(3); 322-325. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2022.67.322 

   facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/3118721998349608

  taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1845

[Herpetology • 2020] Amolops mahabharatensis • A New Species of Amolops Cope, 1865 (Anura: Ranidae) from Nepal and Nomenclatural Validation of Amolops nepalicus Yang, 1991

Amolops mahabharatensis 

Khatiwada, Shu, Wang, Zhao, Xie & Jiang, 2020

 Asian Herpetological Research. 11(2); 

journal.com/en/oa/darticle.aspx?type=view&id=20200201

  Researchgate.net/publication/342436598

Abstract 

A new species, Amolops mahabharatensis sp. nov., is described from Mahabharat range (middle mountain) of Nepal. The new species is a member of the A. marmoratus group and is distinguished from its congeners using morphological and molecular data. The new species is diagnosed by having numerous warts on dorsum and flanks, dorsal body greyish olive-brown/light brown, presence of vomerine teeth series, presence of a pair of subgular vocal sacs in males and tadpole with III:5+5/1+1:II – labial tooth row. In addition, evidenced by the phylogenetic and morphological analyses in this study, Amolops nepalicus is shown to be a valid species. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 16S ribosomal gene for six members of the A. marmoratus group suggested that the new species is sister to a clade containing A. nepalicus and A. panhai. The uncorrected genetic divergences between the new species and its closest congeners A. nepalicus, A. panhai and A. marmoratus based on 16S rRNA gene were 10.5%, 11.6%, and 8.6% respectively. The new species showed wide distribution in the Mahabharat range of Nepal.

 

Keywords: A. marmoratus group;  mahabharat range;  molecular phylogeny;  taxonomy

Amolops mahabharatensis sp. nov. 
Male holotype in natural habitat A. Dorsolateral view B. Ventral view.

  Female paratype in natural habitat. 

Microhabitat at Siraichuli Hill, Chitwan district, Nepal.

Amolops mahabharatensis sp. nov. 

Suggested common name: Mahabharat Torrent frog

Suggested common name in Nepali: पाहाड ी पि र्रेपाहा (Pahadi Pirre Paha)

Diagnosis: The new species is assigned to genus Amolops based on the molecular and morphological similarity (first finger with circummarginal and transverse grooves on disk and tadpoles with gastromyzophorous) of the specimens to those of other species in the A. marmoratus group. Further, the new species is assigned to the genus Amolops due to the presence of ventral sucker in tadpole (tadpoles were identified with molecular method); a major diagnostic feature (Inger, 1966). Amolops mahabharatensis sp. nov differed from other species of Amolops based on the following morphological characters: (1) male SVL (mean 37.1 mm, n=14), (2) dorsal surface granular, (3) head wider than longer, (4) distinct dorsolateral fold, (5) nuptial pad present on first finger of male (6) circummarginal grooves present on all digit discs, (7) toes fully webbed, (8) males with dual gular poaches, (9) vomerine teeth weakly developed, and (10) tadpoles with gastromyzophorous (ventral abdominal sucker) and distinct mouth parts (III:5+5/1+1:II).

Etymology: The species name is derived from the noun “Mahabharat” which refers to the foothills of Himalaya, from where this species were collected.

Janak Raj Khatiwada, Guocheng Shu, Bin Wang, Tian Zhao, Feng Xie and Jianping Jiang. 2020. Description of A New Species of Amolops Cope, 1865 (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Nepal and Nomenclatural Validation of Amolops nepalicus Yang, 1991. Asian Herpetological Research. 11(2); 71-94. DOI: 10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.190052

 ahr-journal.com/en/oa/darticle.aspx?type=view&id=20200201 

 Researchgate.net/publication/342436598_A_New_Species_of_Amolops_from_Nepal