[Mammalogy • 2023] Hipposideros kingstonae • Solving the Taxonomic Identity of Hipposideros cineraceus sensu lato (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in the Thai-Malay Peninsula, with the Description of A New Species

  Hipposideros kingstonae 

Wongwaiyut, Karapan, Saekong, Francis, Guillén-Servent, Senawi, Khan, Bates, Jantarit & Soisook, 2023

ค้างคาวหน้ายักษ์เล็กสีเขม่า  ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5277.3.1 

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Abstract

A new species of small Hipposideros in the bicolor group is described based on specimens from Thailand and Malaysia. It can be distinguished from other small Hipposideros in Southeast Asia by a combination of external, craniodental, and bacular morphology, as well as echolocation call frequency. The new species has a distinct rounded swelling on the internarial septum of the noseleaf, with a forearm length of 35.3–42.6 mm, greatest skull length of 15.94–17.90 mm, and a call frequency of maximum energy of 132.3–144.0 kHz. Although clearly different in morphology, the new species forms a sister clade with H. kunzi and H. bicolor in the phylogenetic trees based on mitochondrial DNA. In addition, this study reports echolocation and genetic data, with a confirmed record of H. einnaythu from Thailand for the first time. The new species most closely resembles H. einnaythu. However, it differs in the details of the noseleaf and craniodental morphology, and it has a genetic distance of 9.6% and 10.4% based on mitochondrial COI and ND2, respectively. It is currently documented from five localities: two in peninsular Thailand, at Hala Forest in Yala Province, and Phru To Daeng Swamp Forest in Narathiwat Province, one from peninsular Malaysia at Krau Wildlife Reserve in Pahang, and another two in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo at Gunung Kinabalu, and near Madai Caves. However, it is likely that many previous records of “H. cineraceus” from Borneo refer to this species. Most records of the species are from lowland evergreen rainforest, though one record from Sabah was at 1800m. The roosting sites for this new species are currently unknown. Future research with a combination of data such as genetics, echolocation and morphology would be necessary to further determine the species geographic distribution in Southeast Asia.

Key words: Chiroptera, Hipposideridae, Malaysia, new species, phylogeny, Southeast Asia, taxonomy, Thailand

External appearance, ear and noseleaf of Hipposideros kingstonae sp. nov.;
 ♂ PSUZC-MM2014.164 (holotype), from Narathiwat, Thailand 

External appearance, ear and noseleaf of Hipposideros kingstonae sp. nov.
 ♀ PSUZC-MM.2014.165, from Yala, Thailand.  

 

 

Hipposideros kingstonae sp. nov. 

[= H. cineraceus-B (Kingston et al., 2006; Murray et al., 2012; 2018)]

ค้างคาวหน้ายักษ์เล็กสีเขม่า 

Diagnosis. This is a small Hipposideros with a FA of 35.3–42.6 mm and GTL of 15.94–17.90 mm. The sides of the anterior part of the noseleaf are slightly concave; the anterior border has a deep V-shaped median notch and is somewhat angular in appearance. The internarial septum is large, rounded, and distinctly swollen from the middle to the top. The lateral leaflet is absent. The dorsal pelage is dark brown, with the individual hairs creamy-white from the base to the mid-part. The ventral pelage is orange-brown; the hairs are dark brown at the tip, and paler at base. The baculum is very small, 0.5 mm in length, with short but distinct distal prongs. The constant frequency (CF) element of the echolocation call is 141.0–144.0 kHz in the Thai-Malay Peninsula individuals and 132.3-141.4 kHz in the Bornean individuals.

Etymology. The species is named in honour of Tigga Kingston, who as the chair and founder of the Southeast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit (SEABCRU), spearheads the global bat research community in understanding diversity and promoting bat conservation.

Comparison of noseleaf between
(a) Hipposideros kingstonae sp. nov., ♂PSUZC-MM2014.164 (holotype), from Narathiwat, Thailand; (b) H. einnaythu, ♂PS150305.11, from Tanintharyi, Myanmar;
(c) H. cf. saevus, from West Java, Indonesia; (d) H. cf. cineraceus,♂PS180409.3, from Songkhla, Thailand;
(e) H. kunzi, ♀PS180613.4, from Narathiwat, Thailand; and (f) H. bicolor, ♀PS180613.8, from Narathiwat, Thailand.

Photographs by Pipat Soisook.

Hipposideros einnaythu

 ค้างคาวหน้ายักษ์เล็กพม่า

 

Phuttita Wongwaiyut, Sunate Karapan, Puchit Saekong, Charles M. Francis, Antonio Guillén-Servent, Juliana Senawi, Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan, Paul J. J. Bates, Sopark Jantarit and Pipat Soisook. 2023. Solving the Taxonomic Identity of Hipposideros cineraceus sensu lato (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in the Thai-Malay Peninsula, with the Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 5277(3); 401-442. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5277.3.1

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ม.สงขลานครินทร์ พบค้างคาวชนิดใหม่ของโลก! 🦇🦇

📣 New bay species alert ‼️ from Thai-Malay Peninsula and Borneo 🔔[Eng below]

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นักศึกษาและนักวิจัยจากคณะวิทยาศาสตร์ และพิพิธภัณฑสถานธรรมชาติวิทยา ๕๐ พรรษา สยามบรมราชกุมารี ม.สงขลานครินทร์ และกรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่าและพันธุ์พืช พร้อมด้วยนักวิจัยค้างคาวจาก 7 สถาบันทั่วโลก ร่วมกับศึกษาและรายงานการค้นพบและตั้งชื่อค้างคาวชนิดใหม่ของโลก ในวงศ์ค้างคาวหน้ายักษ์ที่สำรวจพบจากป่าฮาลา-บาลา และป่าพรุโต๊ะแดง จังหวัดนราธิวาส รวมทั้งตัวอย่างจากประเทศมาเลเซียด้วย ทีมวิจัยให้ชื่อว่า “𝐻𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑒” เพื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ Dr. Tigga Kingston ผู้ก่อตั้งหน่วยวิจัยและอนุรักษ์ค้างคาวแห่งเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ (Southeast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit: SEABCRU) และผู้นำเครือข่ายความหลากหลายของค้างคาวโลก (GBatNet - Global Union of Bat Diversity Networks)  ให้ชื่อภาษาไทยว่า ค้างคาวหน้ายักษ์เล็กสีเขม่า ตามลักษณะของสีขน ค้างคาวชนิดนี้พบเพียงสองพื้นที่ในไทยเท่านั้น กับอีก 1 แห่งในคาบสมุทรมลายูของประเทศมาเลเซีย และอีก 2 พื้นที่ในรัฐซาบะฮ์ ดินแดนของมาเลเซียบนเกาะบอร์เนียว แต่คาดว่าจะพบการกระจายของค้างคาวชนิดนี้กว้างมากขึ้นในอนาคต หากมีการศึกษาเพิ่มเติม

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นอกจากนี้การศึกษาครั้งนี้ยังได้รายงานพบค้างคาวชนิด “𝐻𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠 𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑎𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑢”  หรือ ค้างคาวหน้ายักษ์เล็กพม่า เป็นครั้งแรกในประเทศไทย (New country Record) จากบริเวณกลุ่มป่าแก่งกระจาน จังหวัดเพชรบุรี ซึ่งก่อนหน้านี้พบการกระจายเพียงในประเทศพม่าเท่านั้น

 🎉🥳🎊

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We are pleased to introduce a new bat species to science from Southeast Asia, 𝐻𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑒, named after Dr Tigga Kingston, leader and founder of the Southeast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit (#SEABCRU) and the Global Union of Bat Diversity Networks (#GBatNet). This paper brought together scientists from 7 institutions, with specimens, samples and data from around the world to reveal the cryptic diversity of a very confusing complex of small roundleaf bats. The new species is currently known from Thai-Malay Peninsula and Borneo - but future revision may prove that it is widespread in Southeast Asia.

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Besides the new species, the paper also reports the presence of 𝐻𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠 𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑎𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑢 (previously known only from Myanmar) in Thailand for the first time!

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Many congratulations PSU student and staff, and all authors !!!

[Arachnida • 2023] Luthela asuka, L. beijing & L. kagami • Systematic Notes on Three New Luthela (Mesothelae: Heptathelidae) Spiders from China

[E, F]  Luthela kagami Wei & Lin, 

[C, D, H, I]  L. beijing Wei & Lin,

 

in Wei, Wang & Lin, 2023.

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1159.90120

Abstract

Three new segmented trapdoor spider species belonging to the family Heptathelidae Kishida, 1923, i.e., Luthela asuka sp. nov. (♂♀, Sichuan), L. beijing sp. nov. (♂♀, Beijing), and L. kagami sp. nov. (♂♀, Sichuan), are described from China. Their phylogenetic position and relationships within Heptathelidae are tested and assessed using a combination available COI data downloaded from GenBank with new DNA sequences obtained in this study. The results show that the new species form a clade with eight known and one undescribed species of Luthela. High-definition illustrations of the male palps and female genitalia, diagnoses, and DNA barcodes are provided for these three new species, and their distributions are mapped.

Keywords: Burrowing spider, COI, heptathelids, molecular analysis, new species, taxonomy

New species of Luthela
 A, B, G Luthela asuka sp. nov. from Longquanyi District, Chengdu
C, D, H, I L. beijing sp. nov. from Zizhuyuan Park, Beijing
E, F L. kagami sp. nov. from Guihua Township, Pengzhou City
A, C, E male habitus, dorsal view B, D, F female habitus, dorsal view G female haibitus, ventral view H living female, dorsal view I burrow, vertical section, with red arrow pointing to the spider.

Photographs by Chao Wu (H, I). Scale bars: 5.00 mm.

 Luthela asuka Wei & Lin, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is from “Asuka Langley Soryu”, a fictional character wearing a red combat suit from the animation “Evangelion” (by the Japanese creator Hideaki Anno), refers to the body color; noun (name) in apposition.

 Luthela beijing Wei & Lin, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet derives from the type locality; noun in apposition.

 Luthela kagami Wei & Lin, sp. nov.

 

Etymology: The specific epithet is from “Hiiragi Kagami”, a fictional character from the comic “Lucky Star” (written and illustrated by the Japanese cartoonist Yoshimizu Kagami) with haircut similar to “Asuka Langley Soryu” (see Etymology of Luthela asuka sp. nov.); the name refers to the great similarity between these two new species; noun (name) in apposition.

 Mian Wei, Shuqiao Wang and Yucheng Lin. 2023. Systematic Notes on Three New Luthela (Mesothelae, Heptathelidae) Spiders from China, with their descriptions. ZooKeys. 1159: 151-168. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1159.90120

 

[Botany • 2023] Argyreia subrotunda (Convolvulaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

Argyreia subrotunda Q.R.Liu & M.L.Zhang, 

in Zhang, He et Liu, 2023. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.225.100646

Abstract

Argyreia subrotunda, a new species from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species resembles A. fulvocymosa and A. wallichii, but differs from these in the flowers with an entire or shallowly lobed corolla, as well as smaller elliptic bracts, lax flat-topped cymes and shorter corolla tubes. An updated key to the species of Argyreia from Yunnan province is also provided.

Keywords: Argyreia subrotunda, flora of Yunnan, morphology, new taxon, taxonomy

Argyreia subrotunda Q.R.Liu & M.L.Zhang, sp. nov.
A stem with leaves and inflorescences B bract (outside) C bract (inside) D sepals from outer (left) to innermost (right) E opened corolla showing mid-petaline bands F opened corolla with stamens G pistil H fruit with persistent sepals I seed (adaxial surface) J seed (lateral surface).

All drawn by Quan-Ru Liu from voucher specimens M. L. Zhang BNU2021YN074 (BNU!) 

(A–G), X. B. Guo BNU2021YN081 (BNU!) (H–J).

Argyreia subrotunda Q.R.Liu & M.L.Zhang, sp. nov.
 A plant habit B inflorescence C flower in frontal view D fruit with persistent sepals E seeds: adaxial surface (left); lateral surface (right).

Scale bar: 5 mm. 

Photographs A–C, E by Mao-Lin Zhang, D by Xi-Bing Guo.

 Argyreia subrotunda Q.R.Liu & M.L.Zhang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: A. subrotunda is unique, a small-flowered type with an entire or shallowly lobed corolla as well as exserted stamens and pistils (included in dry specimens), smaller elliptic bracts, and outer sepals ovate-circular. It is similar to A. wallichii in indumentum features (whitish tomentose) and fruit types (red globose berry), but differs by its smaller elliptic bracts (vs. ovate-oblong), lax flat-topped cymes (vs. compact capitate) and shorter corolla tubes (2–2.5 cm vs. 4–5 cm). Additionally, A. subrotunda is similar to A. fulvocymosa in leaf shape (broadly ovate-circular to nearly circular) and inflorescence (flat-topped cymes), but the latter is covered with densely yellowish villus and has a distinctly 5-lobed corolla, which is very easy to distinguish (Table 1).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the leaf shape, which is near-round.

Chinese name: 近圆叶银背藤

 (Jìn Yuán Yè Yín Bèi Téng).

 Mao-Lin Zhang, Yi He and Quan-Ru Liu. 2023. A New Species of Argyreia (Convolvulaceae) from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 225: 199-209.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.225.100646

[Paleontology • 2023] Computed Tomography and Three-dimensional Reconstruction of the Skull of the Stem Tetrapod Crassigyrinus scoticus

Crassigyrinus scoticus Watson, 1929

in Porro, Rayfield & Clack, 2023.

 DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2023.2183134  

  twitter.com/LauraBPorro

Image by Bob Nicholls 

ABSTRACT

The early tetrapod Crassigyrinus scoticus was a large aquatic predator known from the lower- to mid-Carboniferous (upper Tournasian to upper Visean/lower Serpukovian, approximately 350–330 Ma) of Scotland and Canada. Crassigyrinus is enigmatic in terms of its phylogenetic position due to its unusual morphology, which features a mixture of primitive and derived characters. Previous reconstructions, based on five incomplete and deformed specimens, have suggested a dorsoventrally tall skull with a short and broad snout, large orbits and external nares, and an extended postorbital region. In this study, we scanned four specimens using computed tomography and segmented imaging data to separate bone from matrix and individual bones from each other. Based on these data, we present a revised description of the upper and lower jaws, including sutural morphology and abundant new anatomical information. Damage was repaired and the skull retrodeformed to create a hypothetical three-dimensional reconstruction of the skull of Crassigyrinus that is dorsoventrally flatter than earlier reconstructions, yet still morphologically unique amongst early tetrapods. Overall skull shape, the size and distribution of the teeth, sutural morphology, and the specialized anatomy of the jaw joint and mandibular symphysis all suggest that Crassigyrinus was a powerful aquatic predator capable of hunting and subduing large prey.

CONCLUSIONS: 

The results presented here supplement and amend previous descriptions of C. scoticus, including new information on skull anatomy, sutural morphology, and a detailed description of the jaw joint and mandibular symphysis. Computed tomography and 3D visualization permitted a new 3D reconstruction of the upper and lower jaws of C. scoticus. The reconstructed cranium is dorsoventrally flatter than previous attempts and features a vaulted palate and enormous subtemporal fossae; the new lower jaw is less curved than earlier reconstructions, and the jaw joint is anteromedially tilted rather than transversely oriented. Evidence from skull anatomy, sensory systems, tooth size, shape and distribution, sutural morphology, and the shape and orientation of the jaw joint and mandibular symphysis are used to predict the feeding mechanism and ecology in this unusual stem tetrapod, hypotheses that will be tested further using biomechanical modeling.

Laura B. Porro, Emily J. Rayfield and Jennifer A. Clack. 2023. Computed Tomography and Three-dimensional Reconstruction of the Skull of the Stem Tetrapod Crassigyrinus scoticus Watson, 1929. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2183134. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2023.2183134  

  twitter.com/LauraBPorro/status/1653359347143983105

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2023/may/crushed-scottish-fossils-reconstructed-reveal-ancient-predators-skull.html

[Botany • 2023] Camellia suddeeana (Theaceae) • A New Species from northern Thailand

Camellia suddeeana D.Wei Zhao, 

in Zhao, 2023.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.594.3.7  

 Researchgate.net/publication/370328018

Photos by Wittawat Kiewbang (BKF) and Dongwei Zhao. 

 

Abstract

Camellia suddeeana, a new species endemic to northern Thailand that was previously misidentified as C. tenii, is described and illustrated here. It is similar to C. szemaoensis and C. hainingii for sharing the subsessile flower with white petals and distinct styles, but can be distinguished from the former by its glabrous abaxial surface of the sepals, ovary and seeds, leaves without cork-warts and a different flowering period, and from the latter by leaves without cork-warts and the longer styles. Based on its morphology, C. suddeeana may be placed in C. sect. Heterogena or C. sect. Furfuracea according to the classifications proposed by Ming and Chang, respectively.

Keywords: camellias, morphology, taxonomy, Eudicots

Camellia suddeeana D.Wei Zhao
A: branchlet; B–D: flowers; E: flower without petals and androecium; F: fragment of a dry flower, withsome sepals removed to show gynoecium; G: dry carpels and seeds.

A–E: the plant of S. Suddee et al. 4981 (type); F: Chermsirivathana1185 (BKF, paratype); G: niyomdham 4925 (BKF, paratype). 

The bars indicate 2 cm (in A and G) and 5 mm (in B–F). 

Photos A–E were taken by Wittawat Kiewbang (BKF) and F–G by Dongwei Zhao. 

Camellia suddeeana D.Wei Zhao sp. nov.

Etymology. Camellia suddeeana is named after the leading collector of its type, Dr. Somran Suddee at BKF. ItsChinese name is proposed as “泰北山茶” because it generally occurs in the northern Thailand.

 

Dongwei Zhao. 2023. Camellia suddeeana (Theaceae), A New Species from Thailand. Phytotaxa. 594(3); 232-236. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.594.3.7 

  Researchgate.net/publication/370328018_Camellia_suddeeana_a_new_species_from_Thailand

[Botany • 2023] Drypetes stevartii (Putranjivaceae) • A Matter of Warts: A Taxonomic Treatment for Drypetes verrucosa and A New cauliflorous Species from Cameroon and Nigeria

Drypetes stevartii Sonké & Quintanar,  

in Quintanar, Sonké, Simo-Droissart, Barberá, Libalah et Harris, 2023. 

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.102004

Abstract

Background and aims – Specimens of a new tree species in the genus Drypetes (Putranjivaceae) distributed in Cameroon and eastern Nigeria, D. stevartii, were associated with D. verrucosa, another tree species endemic to Gabon, due to its warty fruits and to the overall morphological resemblances of both species.

Material and methods – The present study is based on the study of 20 gatherings of D. verrucosa and 26 gatherings of D. stevartii. Morphological observations on herbarium specimens belonging to the new species and D. verrucosa were carried out in order to describe them.

Key results – This treatment includes the detailed descriptions of these two species, the typification of their names, a comparative table summarizing their main morphological differences, an identification key, photographs of both, as well as information about their distribution, habitat, and phenology. Preliminary IUCN Red List assessments show that both D. verrucosa and D. stevartii are ‘Near Threatened’ species.

Keywords: Central Africa, conservation, dioecy, fruit dispersal, herbarium, isothiocyanates, IUCN Red List assessments, pollination, taxonomy

Drypetes stevartii Sonké & Quintanar.
A. Branchlet and leaves. B. Female inflorescence. C. Male inflorescence. D. Infructescences on the trunk. E. Infructescence with ripe fruits. F. Infructescence with immature fruits.

A, C from Sonké 7097; B from Sonké 7096; D from Sonké 7127 (type); E from Sonké 6975; F from Sonké 7094. Photographs A–F by Bonaventure Sonké, E by Murielle Simo-Droissart.

Drypetes stevartii Sonké & Quintanar, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Haec species a Drypete verrucosa Pierre ex Hutch. stipulis 1.9–2.2 mm longis anguste triangularibus caducis, petiolis (2.6–)3–4.6(–5.1) mm longis confertim subtiliter rugosis, laminis foliorum (6.5–)7–11.1(–13.7) cm longis ad basim plerumque obliquis aliquando asymmetricis subter pubescentibus imprimis in nervis, inflorescentiis in truncum et ramorum principalium positis constantibus ex 1–7(–18) floribus, pedicello florum masculinorum (9.2–)14.7–20 mm longo, sepalis florum masculinorum 4.7–4.9 mm longis, disco florum masculinorum 3.1–3.3 mm diametro aliquantum exili sparsim pubescenti, staminibus 19–20, filamento 1.5–1.6 mm longo, anthera 2.2–2.4 mm longa anguste ellipsoidea sparsim pubescenti, pedicello florum femininorum 5.5–6.2 mm longo, sepalis florum femininorum 2.6–3.2 mm longis, disco florum femininorum 2.1–2.4 mm diametro glabro, fructibus (18–)20–29(–31) × 17–23(–25) mm late ovoideis, exocarpio 1–3 mm lato phymatodeo brunneo diluto luteolo tum aurantiacescenti vel rubescenti differt.

Distribution and chorology: Cameroon (Centre, East, Littoral, and West Regions) and eastern Nigeria (Adamawa) (Fig. 2). Lower Guinea subcentre of endemism (White 1979).

Etymology: According to the wishes of Bonaventure Sonké, the collector of the type specimen, we have named this new species after the botanist Tariq Stévart (b. 1974, Coordinator, West and Central Africa Program, Missouri Botanical Garden, Africa & Madagascar Department), in recognition of his helpful collaboration to our research on Drypetes and especially of his constant support to the second and third authors.

Alejandro Quintanar, Bonaventure Sonké, Murielle Simo-Droissart, Patricia Barberá, Moses Libalah and David J. Harris. 2023. A Matter of Warts: A Taxonomic Treatment for Drypetes verrucosa (Putranjivaceae, Malpighiales) and A New cauliflorous Species from Cameroon and Nigeria, D. stevartii. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 156(2): 160-173. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.102004

[Herpetology • 2023] Guibemantis razandry, G. razoky & G. fotsitenda • An Initial Molecular Resolution of the mantellid Frogs of the Guibemantis liber complex (Anura: Mantellidae) reveals Three New Species from northern Madagascar

 

[A-B, E-F] Guibemantis razandry

[A-H] Guibemantis razoky 

 Koppetsch, Pabijan, Hutter, Köhler, Gehring, Rakotoarison, Ratsoavina, Scherz, Vieites, Glaw & Vences, 2023

DOI:  10.3897/vz.73.e94063

Abstract

The small arboreal frog Guibemantis liber (Anura: Mantellidae) has served as an example for the existence of deep conspecific lineages that differ by a substantial amount in mitochondrial DNA but are similar in morphology and bioacoustics and thus are assigned to the same nominal species. During fieldwork in northern Madagascar, we identified additional such lineages and surprisingly, observed close syntopy of two of these at various sites. In-depth study based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 338 specimens of G. liber sensu lato from across its range, sequences of four nuclear-encoded markers for 154‒257 of these specimens, a phylogenomic dataset obtained by the FrogCap target capture approach, and additional mitochondrial genes for representatives of most mitochondrial lineages, as well as bioacoustic and morphological comparisons, revealed concordant differentiation among several lineages of the G. liber complex. We identify nine lineages differing by 5.3‒15.5% in cytochrome b and 2.4‒10.1% in the 16S rRNA gene, and find that several of these lack or have only limited allele sharing in the nuclear-encoded genes. Based on sympatric or parapatric occurrence without genetic admixture, combined with differences in bioacoustic and morphological characters, we scientifically name three lineages from northern Madagascar as new species: G. razoky sp. nov., G. razandry sp. nov., and G. fotsitenda sp. nov. Of these new species, G. razoky sp. nov. and G. razandry sp. nov. show widespread syntopy across northern Madagascar and differ in body size and advertisement calls. Guibemantis fotsitenda sp. nov. is sister to G. razandry sp. nov., but appears to occur at lower elevations, including in close geographic proximity on the Marojejy Massif. We also detected subtle differences in advertisement calls among various other mitochondrial lineages distributed in the Northern Central East and Southern Central East of Madagascar, but the status and nomenclatural identity of these lineages require further morphological and bioacoustic study of reliably genotyped individuals, and assignment of the three available names in the complex: Rhacophorus liber Peracca, 1893, Gephyromantis albogularis Guibé, 1947, and Gephyromantis variabilis Millot and Guibé, 1951. We discuss the identity and type material of these three nomina, designate a lectotype for Gephyromantis variabilis from Itremo, and flag the collection of new material from their type localities, Andrangoloaka and Itremo, as paramount for a comprehensive revision of the G. liber complex.

Keywords: Amphibia, Anura, bioacoustics, FrogCap, morphology, Pandanusicola, phylogeography, taxonomy

 

Specimens of Guibemantis razandry sp. nov. in life, in dorsal and ventral views.
A, B Male holotype ZSM 293/2005 (field number FGZC 2851) from Marojejy.
C, D Male specimen from Marojejy, photographed in 2016 (not collected).
E, F Specimen from Bemanevika, probably a (maybe subadult) female, assigned to the species by color pattern only, photographed in 2010 (not collected).

Guibemantis razandry sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species corresponds to the mitochondrial lineage NE1 as defined herein, and to the candidate species Guibemantis sp. Ca21 according to Perl et al. (2014). It is assigned to the subgenus Pandanusicola of the genus Guibemantis based on presence of intercalary elements between ultimate and penultimate phalanges of fingers and toes (verified by external examination), small body size, moderate to weakly expressed webbing between toes, connected lateral metatarsalia, the presence of both inner and outer metatarsal tubercles, femoral glands in males, absence of nuptial pads, small body size (SVL 24.4‒25.9 mm in reliably sexed males and 22.8 mm in one female), and molecular phylogenetic relationships. Within Pandanusicola, the new species is distinguished from all species except G. liber and G. tasifotsy by femoral glands type 1 (vs. type 2) as defined by Glaw et al. (2000), thus possessing many small gland granules in a relatively diffuse field covering most of the thigh ventrally, and by its probable breeding in open swamps (vs. phytotelmic breeding in Pandanus leaf axils). It can be distinguished from G. tasifotsy by its different brownish color pattern lacking a green dorsal and lateral coloration with a series of distinct white blotches along the lower flanks and its strongly different advertisement call, consisting of a pulsatile note with numerous pulses being largely fused (vs. a trill-like note containing 3–7 distinctly separated pulses). The new species differs from all G. liber lineages occurring in the Northern and Southern Central East of Madagascar by its high DNA divergence, with > 5% uncorrected pairwise distance in the mitochondrial 16S gene and 20 diagnostic positions in the analyzed fragment of the cytochrome b gene (see Appendix 2 for a list of diagnostic sites), as well as probably by a somewhat smaller snout-vent length. For a distinction from the other two new species described herein, see below.

Etymology: The name is derived from the Malagasy word razandry meaning smaller (younger) sibling, and makes reference to the fact that this species is the smaller-sized relative of the syntopic larger-sized species of the G. liber complex described in the following. The name is used as a noun in apposition to the genus name.

Specimens of Guibemantis razoky sp. nov. in life, in dorsal and ventral views.
 A, B Male holotype ZSM 1746/2010 (field number ZCMV 12515) from Bemanevika.
C, D Female paratypes ZSM 1744/2010 (field number ZCMV 12513),
E, F ZSM 1745/2010 (field number ZCMV 12514) from Bemanevika.
G, H Male paratype from Montagne d’Ambre (ZSM 878/2003) (shown in Lehtinen et al. 2012 as G. liber).

Guibemantis razoky sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species corresponds to the mitochondrial lineages NOR+NCENTR as defined herein. It is assigned to the subgenus Pandanusicola of the genus Guibemantis based on presence of intercalary elements between ultimate and penultimate phalanges of fingers and toes (verified by external examination), moderate to weakly expressed webbing between toes, connected lateral metatarsalia, the presence of both inner and outer metatarsal tubercles, femoral glands in males, absence of nuptial pads, moderately small body size (SVL 26.5‒33.9 mm in males and 29.8‒32.8 mm in females), and molecular phylogenetic relationships. Within Pandanusicola, the new species is distinguished from all species except G. liber, G. razandry, and G. tasifotsy by femoral glands type 1 (vs. type 2) as defined by Glaw et al. (2000), thus possessing many small gland granules in a relatively diffuse field covering most of the thigh ventrally, and by its probable breeding in open swamps (vs. phytotelmic breeding in Pandanus leaf axils). It can be distinguished from G. tasifotsy by its different brownish color pattern lacking a green dorsal and lateral coloration with series of distinct white blotches along the lower flanks, and its different advertisement call, namely a short click-like note of 20–117 ms duration and 2598–3010 Hz dominant frequency (vs. a longer trill-like note of 147–516 ms duration and higher dominant frequency; Lehtinen et al. 2012). The new species differs from all G. liber lineages occurring in the Northern and Southern Central East of Madagascar by its high DNA divergence > 2.4% in the mitochondrial 16S gene, by a larger SVL, and differences in the advertisement call. It differs from G. razandry (described above) by larger SVL, different advertisement call, and a molecular 16S divergence >5.5%. It also differs from G. liber and G. razandry by 3 and 41 diagnostic positions in the analyzed fragment of the cytochrome b gene, respectively (see Appendix 2 for a list of diagnostic sites). For a distinction from the third new species described herein, see below.

Etymology: The name is derived from the Malagasy word razoky meaning larger (elder) sibling, and refers to the fact that this species is the larger-sized relative of the syntopic G. razandry. The name is used as a noun in apposition to the genus name.

Guibemantis fotsitenda sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species corresponds to the mitochondrial lineage NE2 as defined herein. It is assigned to the subgenus Pandanusicola of the genus Guibemantis based on presence of intercalary elements between ultimate and penultimate phalanges of fingers and toes (verified by external examination), small body size, moderate to weakly expressed webbing between toes, connected lateral metatarsalia, the presence of both inner and outer metatarsal tubercles, femoral glands in males, absence of nuptial pads, small body size (SVL 25.1‒26.0 mm in males; female size unknown), and molecular phylogenetic relationships. Within Pandanusicola, the new species is distinguished from all species except G. liber, G. razandry, G. razoky, and G. tasifotsy by femoral glands type 1 (vs. type 2) as defined by Glaw et al. (2000), thus possessing a large number of small gland granules in a relatively diffuse field covering most of the thigh ventrally, and by its probable breeding in open swamps (vs. phytotelmic breeding in Pandanus leaf axils). It can be distinguished from G. tasifotsy by its different brownish color pattern lacking a green dorsal and lateral coloration with series of distinct white blotches along the lower flanks. The new species differs from all G. liber lineages occurring in the Northern Central East and Southern Central East of Madagascar by its high DNA divergence > 5% in the mitochondrial 16S gene, and probably by a somewhat smaller snoutvent length. Guibemantis razoky (see above) has a larger body size (26.5–33.9 mm in males, vs 25.1–26.0 mm in males of G. fotsitenda). Guibemantis razandry (see above) is the closest relative of G. fotsitenda sp. nov., and no obvious morphological differences between these two species are known, despite their clear divergence in mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded DNA in near-sympatry. The new species differs from G. liber, G. razandry, and G. razoky by 23, 23, and 50 diagnostic positions in the analyzed fragment of the cytochrome b gene, respectively (see Appendix 2 for a list of diagnostic sites).

Etymology: The name is derived from the Malagasy words fotsy meaning white, and tenda meaning throat, referring to the white throat (vocal sac) typical for this and other species of the G. liber complex. The name is used as a noun in apposition to the genus name.

Thore Koppetsch, Maciej Pabijan, Carl R. Hutter, Jörn Köhler, Philip-Sebastian Gehring, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina, Mark D. Scherz, David R. Vieites, Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences. 2023. An Initial Molecular Resolution of the mantellid Frogs of the Guibemantis liber complex reveals Three New Species from northern Madagascar. Vertebrate Zoology. 73: 397-432. DOI:  10.3897/vz.73.e94063

[Ichthyology • 2023] Corydoras maclurei • A New Species of Corydoras (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the rio Madre de Dios Basin, Peruvian Amazon, with Comments on Corydoras aeneus Identity

Corydoras maclurei

Tencatt, de Carvalho Gomes & Evers, 2023

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0023 

Abstract

A new species of Corydoras is described from tributaries to the rio Araza, an affluent of the rio Inambari, itself a tributary to the rio Madre de Dios, rio Madeira basin in the Peruvian Amazon. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following features: (I) absence of contact between the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital and the nuchal plate, (II) a single, large conspicuous dark brown or black blotch on anterodorsal portion of flank; blotch somewhat rounded to roughly diamond shaped, and (III) absence of dark blotches on fins. General comments on the identity of Corydoras aeneus are also provided.

Keywords: Corydoradinae; Corydoras sp. CW16; Osteology; Rio Madeira basin; Taxonomy

Corydoras maclurei, holotype, MUSM 70671, 37.0 mm SL,
Camanti District, Quispicanchi Province, Cusco Region, Peru, small stream tributary to the rio Araza, a bigger affluent of the rio Inambari, itself a tributary to the rio Madre de Dios, rio Madeira basin.

Uncatalogued aquarium specimens of Corydoras maclurei (not measured) showing variations of the color pattern in life:
specimens can variably present greyish orange (A) or reddish orange (B) ground color of body. In C, the detail of a conspicuously reddish orange dorsal fin. Anterior portion of first dorsolateral body plate typically with orange (D) or yellow (E) bright patch. Photographs (D) and (E) by Ian Fuller.

Uncatalogued aquarium specimen of Corydoras maclurei (A) showing its typical color pattern in life (lateral view),
collected in its type-locality (B), a small stream tributary to the rio Araza, rio Madre de Dios basin, rio Madeira basin in Peru.

Corydoras maclurei, new species

Diagnosis. Corydoras maclurei can be distinguished from its congeners, except for C. difluviatilis Britto & Castro, 2002, C. flaveolus Ihering, 1911, C. gladysae, C. gracilis Nijssen & Isbrücker, 1976, C. hastatus Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888, C. hephaestus Ohara, Tencatt & Britto, 2016, C. latus, C. melanotaenia Regan, 1912, C. micracanthus Regan, 1912, C. nanus, C. petracinii, C pygmaeus Knaack, 1966, and C. undulatus Regan, 1912, by the absence of contact between the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital and the nuchal plate (vs. bones in contact). The new species can be distinguished from C. difluviatilis, C. flaveolus, C. gladysae, C. gracilis, C. hastatus, C. hephaestus, C. latus, C. melanotaenia, C. micracanthus, C. nanus, C. petracinii, C pygmaeus, and C. undulatus by having just a single, large conspicuous dark brown or black blotch on anterodorsal portion of flank; ...

Etymology: Corydoras maclurei is named in honor of Robert “Rob” McLure, dear friend and renowned Corydoradinae breeder. Rob has been the main English-language reviewer of the first author’s publications, in addition to providing valuable information and live photos of several species of Corydoradinae. A genitive noun.

Luiz Fernando Caserta Tencatt, Vandergleison de Carvalho Gomes and Hans-Georg Evers. 2023. A New Species of Corydoras (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the rio Madre de Dios Basin, Peruvian Amazon, with Comments on Corydoras aeneus Identity.  Neotrop. ichthyol. 21 (2); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0023   

 

Resumo: Uma espécie nova de Corydoras é descrita de tributários do rio Araza, um afluente do rio Inambari, por sua vez um tributário do rio Madre de Dios, bacia do rio Madeira na Amazônia peruana. A espécie nova pode ser distinguida de suas congêneres pelas seguintes características: (I) ausência de contato entre o processo posterior do parieto-supraoccipital e a placa nucal, (II) uma única e conspícua mancha marrom escura a preta na porção anterodorsal do flanco; mancha algo arredondada a aproximadamente em forma de diamante, e (III) ausência de manchas escuras nas nadadeiras. Comentários gerais sobre a identidade de Corydoras aeneus são também fornecidos.

Palavras-chave: Bacia do rio Madeira; Corydoradinae; Corydoras sp. CW16; Osteologia; Taxonomia

[Entomology • 2023] Microdytes jeenthongi, M. maximiliani, M. ubonensis, etc. • A Review of Microdytes J. Balfour-Browne, 1946 (Coleoptera:, Dytiscidae) from Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia with Descriptions of Five New Species and New Records

[2, 7] Microdytes eliasi Wewalka & Okada, [3, 8] M. jeenthongi Okada & Wewalka,
[4, 9] M. maximiliani Wewalka & Okada,
[5, 10] M. sekaensis Okada & Wewalka, [6, 11] M. ubonensis Okada & Wewalka

in Okada, Jaitrong & Wewalka, 2023.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1159.99218

Scale bar: 1.0 mm.

Abstract

The diving beetle genus Microdytes J. Balfour-Browne, 1946 in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia is reviewed, and five new species are described: Microdytes eliasi Wewalka & Okada, sp. nov. (Thailand, Cambodia), M. jeenthongi Okada & Wewalka, sp. nov. (Thailand), M. maximiliani Wewalka & Okada, sp. nov. (Laos, China), M. sekaensis Okada & Wewalka, sp. nov. (Thailand, Laos), M. ubonensis Okada & Wewalka, sp. nov. (Thailand, Laos). Two species are the first country records: M. balkei Wewalka, 1997 (Laos, Cambodia) and M. wewalkai Bian & Ji, 2009 (Laos). For 12 and 8 species, the first provincial records from Thailand and Laos, respectively, are given. A checklist, a key to the 25 known Microdytes species from these countries, and habitus images and illustrations of diagnostic characters are provided. Distribution maps of the recorded species are presented, and species distribution patterns are also briefly discussed.

Keywords: Diving beetles, faunistics, key to species, Southeast Asia, taxonomy, zoogeography

Habitus of
2 Microdytes eliasi sp. nov., female, paratype 3 M. jeenthongi sp. nov., male, holotype 4 M. maximiliani sp. nov., male, holotype 5 M. sekaensis sp. nov., male, holotype 6 M. ubonensis sp. nov., male, holotype. Scale bar: 1.0 mm.

Variation of markings of
7 Microdytes eliasi sp. nov. 8 M. jeenthongi sp. nov. 9 M. maximiliani sp. nov. 10 M. sekaensis sp. nov. 11 M. ubonensis sp. nov. Scale bar: 1.0 mm.

Ryohei Okada, Weeyawat Jaitrong and Günther Wewalka. 2023. A Review of Microdytes J. Balfour-Browne, 1946 from Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia with Descriptions of Five New Species and New Records (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae). ZooKeys. 1159: 87-119. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1159.99218

[Botany • 2023] Symplocos sisparensis (Symplocaceae) • A New Species from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India

Symplocos sisparensis  B. Karthik, Murug., Anusuba, Premkumar & R. Tharani,

in Karthik, Murugesan, Anusuba, Premkumar et Tharani, 2023. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.589.1.8 

 Researchgate.net/publication/369388763

Abstract

Symplocos sisparensis, a new species of Symplocaceae has been collected from Mukurthi National Park in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR). The new species is morphologically similar to Symplocos foliosa Wight, however it is differing from by its habit, branchlets, leaves, calyx lobes, style and fruit characters. Therefore, the new species is described with detailed description, phenology, distribution (including map) along with photographic plates and illustration to facilitate easy identification of this species in the field.

Keywords: Eudicots, Mukurthi, Nilgiri hills, Symplocaceae, Tamil Nadu, Western Ghats

Symplocos sisparensis    
 A. A Twig; B & C. Leaf abaxial & adaxial view; D. Inflorescence; E. Flower bud with bracteole; F. Calyx lobes; G. Petal; H & I. Flower adaxial & abaxial view; J. Glands on disk; K. Androecium; L. Style -hairy; M. Gynoecium; N. Fruit.

Symplocos sisparensis B. Karthik, Murug., Anusuba, Premkumar & R. Tharani, sp. nov.

B. Karthik, M. Murugesan, V. Anusuba, M. Premkumar and R. Tharani. 2023. Symplocos sisparensis (Symplocaceae), A New Species from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India. Phytotaxa. 589(1); 83-90. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.589.1.8

  Researchgate.net/publication/369388763_Symplocos_sisparensis_a_new_species_from_the_Nilgiri_Biosphere_Reserve_India

[Entomology • 2023] Medeopteryx alacauda, M. incisura, M. isaanensis & M. maehongsonensis • Description of Four New Medeopteryx Ballantyne (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) Species from Thailand and their phylogenetic placements based on mitochondrial DNA

  Medeopteryx alacauda, M. incisura, 
 Medeopteryx isaanensis, M. maehongsonensis 

Sriboonlert, Swatdipong & Sartsanga, 

in Sriboonlert, Swatdipong, Sartsanga, Prommarit, Chittavichai,  Jusoh et Wonnapinij, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2023.102084 

 twitter.com/WanFAJusoh

Highlights: 

• Four new species of Medeopteryx fireflies from Thailand are reported.

• Detailed descriptions and a key to these four new species are provided.

• Phylogenetic analyses revealed close relationship among four Luciolinae genera.

Abstract

Four new species of fireflies from Thailand have been discovered and identified. These new species belong to the genus Medeopteryx Ballantyne, a firefly genus originally assigned based on species found only in Australia and New Guinea. This discovery adds four more species to the existing 21 species members of this genus. This report presents the first fully described species of Medeopteryx from Thailand. Detailed descriptions of Medeopteryx alacauda sp. nov., Medeopteryx maehongsonensis sp. nov., Medeopteryx incisura, sp. nov. and Medeopteryx isaanensis, sp. nov. are provided along with a key to the species of this genus. Phylogenetic trees of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and concatenated 13 mitochondrial protein coding genes were constructed to analyse the relationship among these new Medeopteryx species and other related firefly taxa. The phylogenetic trees revealed a close relationship of four Luciolinae genera (i.e. Pteroptyx, Inflata, Medeopteryx and Trisinuata) grouped into one monophyletic clade which was sister to the remaining genera of this subfamily. The results from these analyses suggest a further taxonomic revision for this group of Luciolinae.

Keywords: Fireflies, Medeopteryx, Inflata, Phylogeny, Taxonomy, cytochrome oxidase I

Medeopteryx alacauda Sriboonlert, Swatdipong, and Sartsanga sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name refers to an outline of T8 posterior margin of the male which resemble bat wing outline (Latin ala = wing, cauda = extreme part/tail).

Remarks. Med. alacauda sp. nov. was found in two different habitats. One was an open forest on the mountain with small running stream in Chiang Mai province. Another habitat was a reservoir with much less vegetations than the first locality.

Medeopteryx incisura Sriboonlert, Swatdipong, and Sartsanga, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name derives from the slit light organ characteristic on V7 of this species (Latin incisura = slit).

Remarks. Medeopteryx incisura sp. nov. was collected using a sweep net in a rubber tree plantation on the Thung Phen canel, Chantaburi province.

...

Medeopteryx isaanensis Sriboonlert, Swatdipong, and Sartsanga, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name refers to the region [i-saan = northeastern Thailand] the specimens were collected from.

Remarks. Med. isaanensis (pronounced: ee-săhn-en-sis) sp. nov. was collected using a sweep net at the reservoir in the northeastern Thailand. It is important to note that this Med. isaanensis can be found in the same region as I. indica, a species that is widespread across Thailand (Ballantyne et al. 2015; personal observation).

...

Medeopteryx maehongsonensis Sriboonlert, Swatdipong, and Sartsanga, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name derives from Mae Hong Son province, the sampling locality of the holotype specimen.

Remarks. Med. maehongsonensis sp. nov. was collected using a sweep net. This species was found in two localities, 180 km apart in Mae Hong Son province, northern Thailand. Flash pattern has not been observed for this species.

...

Ajaraporn Sriboonlert, Akarapong Swatdipong, Channarong Sartsanga, Kamonchat Prommarit, Thanyaporn Chittavichai, Wan F.A. Jusoh and Passorn Wonnapinij. 2023. Description of Four New Medeopteryx Ballantyne (Coleoptera, Lampyridae, Luciolinae) Species from Thailand and their phylogenetic placements based on mitochondrial DNA.  Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 26(2); 102084. DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2023.102084 

 twitter.com/WanFAJusoh/status/1652151185133154304