[Mollusca • 2024] Grandinenia jiangjilini • A New Species of Grandinenia Minato & Chen, 1984 (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Clausiliidae: Garnieriinae) from Guangxi, China

Grandinenia jiangjilini  Chen, Lin, Wu & Ouyang,

in Chen, Jiang, Lin, Xie, Dai, Wu et Ouyang, 2024.

江氏斜管螺  || DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.126340

 Abstract

A molecular phylogenetic study was conducted on genus Grandinenia, based on COI and 16S sequences. A total of eight out of 26 species in the genus, as well as three unidentified species were sequenced. Phylogenetic results supported the monophyly of Grandinenia and the validity of all sampled species and subspecies. A new species, Grandinenia jiangjilini Chen, Lin, Wu & Ouyang, sp. nov., from Guangxi, southern China is identified and described, based on morphological comparison and molecular phylogeny. The discovery indicates that the inflated-fusiform shell is not isolated in genus Grandinenia and the species diversity of the genus still remains to be explored.

Key Words: Door snails, karst landscape, phylogeny, taxonomy

Grandinenia jiangjilini sp. nov. and two congeners.
A. Grandinenia jiangjilini sp. nov., holotype (23_NCU_XPWU_YG01); B. G. mirifica; C. G. ignea.

Living specimens of Grandinenia.
A, B. Grandinenia jiangjilini sp. nov.; C. G. gastrum; D. G. mirifica.

Family Clausiliidae Gray, 1855

Subfamily Garnieriinae Boettger, 1926

Genus Grandinenia Minato & Chen, 1984

 Grandinenia jiangjilini Chen, Lin, Wu & Ouyang, sp. nov.

Different diagnosis: Shell entire (vs. decollated in G. ardouiniana (Heude, 1885), G. gabijakabi Grego & Szekeres, 2014, G. gastrum (Nordsieck, 2005), G. mirifica (Chen & Gao, 1982), G. pallidissima Nordsieck, 2010, G. pseudofuchsi (Nordsieck, 2005), G. rex Nordsieck, 2007, G. rutila Nordsieck, 2016, G. schomburgi (Schmacker & Boettger, 1890), G. takagii (Chang, 2004), G. umbra (Chang, 2004)), hardly decollated, inflated-fusiform (vs. slender-fusiform in all other congeners, except G. mirifica), light yellowish-brown, semitranslucent; teleoconch with broad, blunt and sparse wrinkles (ribs) (vs. without or with thin and dense ribs in all other congeners); peristome not reflected; inferior lamella lower in front than within; penial caecum present (vs. absent in G. fuchsi (Gredler, 1883), G. pseudofuchsi, G. takagii and G. mirifica).

Etymology: The species is named after Mr Ji-Lin Jiang who first discovered the new species and assisted in the field survey.

Vernacular name: 江氏斜管螺 (Pinyin: jiāng shì xié guǎn luó).

Zhong-Guang Chen, Jiao Jiang, Ran-Xi Lin, Guang-Long Xie, Yu-Ting Dai, Xiao-Ping Wu and Shan  Ouyang. 2024. A New Species of Grandinenia Minato & Chen, 1984 (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Clausiliidae, Garnieriinae) from Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(3): 913-922. DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.126340

[Botany • 2024] Guapurium caipirinha (Myrtaceae) • A New Species of jaboticaba from Brazil with pentamerous flowers

Guapurium caipirinha 

 in Braga, Ferreira da Silva, Melo, Tiburcio, Pereira da Silva, Ferreira, Lacerda et Lorenzi, 2024. 

   DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.652.3.3  

  Researchgate.net/publication/381253781

Abstract

Guapurium caipirinha (Myrtaceae) is a new species of jaboticaba from Minas Gerais state, Southeastern Brazil, which morphologically resembles Plinia oblongata, from which it differs in being a shrub or treelet 1–4 m height, with exclusively pentamerous flowers, and membranous epicarp with very sweet pulp. A detailed morphological description, etymology and vernacular names, information on history, phenology, conservation, habitat and taxonomic notes, a distribution map, and images of living plants and the type specimen are provided.

jaboticaba, Myrtaceae, Myrtales, Plinia, Guapurium, Eudicots  

João Marcelo Alvarenga Braga, Diego Ferreira da Silva, Eugenio Arantes de Melo, Hélio Caixeta Tiburcio, Adelício Pereira da Silva, Rodrigo Borges Ferreira, Marco Túlio Côrtes de Lacerda and Harri Lorenzi. 2024. Guapurium caipirinha (Myrtaceae), A New Species of jaboticaba from Brazil with pentamerous flowers.  Phytotaxa. 652(3); 217-226. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.652.3.3   

 Researchgate.net/publication/381253781_Guapurium_caipirinha_a_new_species_of_jaboticaba_from_Brazil_with_pentamerous_flowers  

[Herpetology • 2024] Xenophrys apatani • On A New Species of Xenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India with Comments on the earlier erroneous report as X. maosonensis (Bourret, 1937)

 Xenophrys apatani 

Saikia, Sinha, Shabnam, et al., 2024. 

The Maoson horned frog, Xenophrys maosonensis (Bourret, 1937) was originally described as Megophrys longipes maosonensis from Vietnam having distribution in China. Saikia et al. (2019) reported its occurrence from Arunachal Pradesh as a first country record for India with the inclusion of genetic data and morphological descriptions. They arrived at the species-specific identity based on the NCBI BLAST search of molecular sequence data of 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA which showed homology search of 95.4 – 97.5% similarity with X. maosonensis and ‘selective phylogeny’. However, the earlier genetic difference of ca. 4.6% – 2.5 % (12S and 16S, respectively) with X. maosonensis sensu stricto vis-à-vis the specimen from Arunachal Pradesh, India; coupled with the huge biogeographic barrier of ca. 1600 kms. aerial distance between the two localities, makes it very unlikely of such a disjunct distribution of the species. This warranted a re-evaluation on the specific identity of the specimen from India. Now, based on comprehensive phylogeny (including 142 sequences) of the subfamily Megophryinae, the earlier erroneously reported X. maosonensis from India is described here as a species new to science as Xenophrys apatani sp. nov. based on integrative taxonomic approach. Interestingly now, the proposed new species is exhibiting 4.4% to 5.5% genetic distance with the X. maosonensis sensu stricto from Vietnam. Additionally, morphological character differences between the congeneric species reported from India and of X. maosonensis sensu stricto with the proposed new species is provided. A discussion on the biogeographic distribution of Xenophrys in India is made.

 Xenophrys apatani sp. nov. 

Bhaskar Saikia, Bikramjit Sinha, A. Shabnam, et al. 2024. On A New Species of Xenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India with Comments on the earlier erroneous report as X. maosonensis (Bourret, 1937). Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 124 (Special issue of ATS 2024); 21-40. DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v124/i1S/2024/172712

Researchgate.net/publication/381854987_a_new_species_of_Xenophrys_from_Tale_Wildlife_Sanctuary_Arunachal_Pradesh_India

[Herpetology • 2024] Uropeltis caudomaculata • A New Species of Uropeltis Cuvier, 1829 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae) from the eastern escarpment of the southern Western Ghats, India

Uropeltis caudomaculata

Gower, Das, Deepak, Gerard & Narayanan, 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5477.3.4 

 facebook.com/SandeepDas9655

 

Abstract

A new species of the uropeltid (‘shieldtail’) snake genus Uropeltis is described based on eight specimens from the southern part of peninsular India’s Western Ghats. Uropeltis caudomaculata sp. nov. is phenotypically and genetically most similar to U. pulneyensis (Beddome, 1863), but differs primarily in having more ventral scales and in being restricted to the eastern escarpment of the Western Ghats between Meghamalai and approximately 15 km East of Munnar rather than in the Palani Hills, as well as differing in DNA nucleotide sequences. From verified records, we consider U. pulneyensis to be known thus far only from the Palani Hills, and we designate a lectotype for the species. Reconsideration of the holotype of Silybura guentheri Beddome, 1878 from Meghamalai leads us to conclude that it should be removed from the subjective junior synonymy of U. pulneyensis and be considered a distinct though very poorly known species, Uropeltis guentheri comb. nov.

Reptilia, shieldtail, snake, Silybura guentheri, taxonomy, Uropeltis pulneyensis

 

Uropeltis caudomaculata sp. nov. 

David J. Gower, Sandeep Das, V. Deepak, Jason D. Gerard and Surya Narayanan. 2024. A New Species of Uropeltis Cuvier, 1829 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae) from the eastern escarpment of the southern Western Ghats, India.  Zootaxa. 5477(3); 333-357. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5477.3.4

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[Botany • 2024] Aeschynanthus maoi (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

  

Aeschynanthus maoi Debta & A.Shenoy, 

in Debta, Shenoy, Akhil et Nampy. 2024.   

DOI: 10.1007/s12228-024-09790-2 

Researchgate.net/publication/381986872

   facebook.com/AkshathShenoy9

Abstract

Aeschynanthus maoi, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Lower Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to A. wardii and A. bracteatus, but differs from the former by its small (3–5 mm long) boat-like bracts, narrowly ovate or triangular calyx lobes, 1–8 flowered inflorescences, and turbinate staminodes. It differs from the latter by caducous green bracts, short peduncles (0.2–0.8 cm long), and narrowly ovate or triangular green calyx lobes. A detailed description of the new species with color photographs and a comparison to similar species are provided. The new species is evaluated for risk of extinction and provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Aeschynanthus wardii, lipstick plant, Lower Dibang Valley, northeast India, sect. Haplotrichium

Aeschynanthus maoi Debta & A.Shenoy

 

 

Manas Ranjan Debta, Akshath Shenoy, Mannar Kandy Akhil and Santhosh Nampy. 2024. Aeschynanthus maoi, A New Species of Gesneriaceae from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Brittonia. DOI: 10.1007/s12228-024-09790-2

 Researchgate.net/publication/381986872_Aeschynanthus_maoi_a_new_species_from_Arunachal_Pradesh_India

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[Ichthyology • 2024] Microdous hanlini • A New Species of the fine-toothed Sleepers (Gobiiformes: Odontobutidae) from Guangxi, China

 

Microdous hanlini Wang, He & Li,

in Wang, Wei, He et Li, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5477.3.6

Abstract

Microdous (Gobiiformes: Odontobutidae) is a genus of freshwater sleepers distributed in southern China and Vietnam. There are two described species in this genus, M. chalmersi widely distributed in Hainan Island and Guangxi province of China and M. amblyrhynchos with a very restricted distribution range in Baise, Guangxi. It has been reported that M. chalmersi of Guangxi might be a cryptic species, which is different from M. chalmersi of Hainan. Here, we describe the cryptic species from Guangxi as a new species, Microdous hanlini, and compare it with the other species of Microdous. Microdous hanlini can be distinguished from M. chalmersi by its wider head (head width/head length = 0.51–0.58 vs. 0.48–0.53 in M. chalmersi) and wider interorbital width (interorbital width/head length = 0.15–0.19 vs. 0.09–0.13 in M. chalmersi). Microdous hanlini can be distinguished from M. amblyrhynchos by its longer snout, (snout length/head length = 0.29–0.35 vs. 0.26–0.28 in M. amblyrhynchos); slenderer head (head width/head length = 0.51–0.58 vs. 0.61–0.65); and protruding eyes (vs. not protruding). Phylogenetics analyses based on partial sequence of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene (~1500 bp) showed that M. hanlini, M. chalmersi and M. amblyrhynchos formed reciprocal monophyletic clades and M. hanlini is more closely related to M. amblyrhynchos than to M. chalmersi. Genetic distance between the three species is greater than the interspecific distance between some species of Odontobutis.

Key words: Odontobutidae, skin teeth, freshwater sleepers, taxonomy, cryptic species

Microdous hanlini sp. nov., SOU1801015–8, holotype, 112.0 mm standard length, Du’an, Guangxi.
A lateral B ventral C dorsal.

Microdous hanlini Wang, He & Li, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The species M. hanlini can be distinguished from M. chalmersi (Nichols & Pope, 1927) by the following characteristics: wider head, head width/head length = 0.51–0.58 (vs. slender head, head width/ head length = 0.48–0.53); wider interorbital width, interorbital width (bone)/head length = 0.15–0.19 (vs. slender head and narrow interorbital width, interorbital width (bone)/head length = 0.09–0.13). The species can be distinguished from M. amblyrhynchos by the following characteristics: snout pointed, snout length/head length ratio 0.29–0.35 (vs. blunt snout, snout length/head length ratio 0.26–0.28); slenderer head, head width/ head length = 0.51–0.58, (vs. head width/head length =0.61–0.65); eye large and protruding outward (vs. eye not protruding) (Fig. 3, Table 1). The species M. hanlini can be distinguished from Sineleotris saccharae by absence of dark band under eye. The species M. hanlini can be distinguished from Sineleotris namxamensis by the following characteristics: lateral scale rows 40-43 (vs. 36-39); transverse scale rows 14-16 (vs. 12-14). These distinguishing features showed no difference between male and female individuals of M. hanlini (Table 2.)

...

Etymology. The species name is named after Prof. Hanlin Wu in honor of his significant contributions to the study of the gobiiform fishes of China.

Fangxin WANG, Mulan WEI, You HE and Chenhong LI. 2024. Microdous hanlini (Gobiiformes: Odontobutidae), A New Species of the fine-toothed Sleepers from Guangxi, China.  Zootaxa. 5477(3); 367-379. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5477.3.6

[Ichthyology • 2024] Poropuntius anlaoensis • Taxonomic Revision of the Southeast Asian Brook Barb Genus Poropuntius Smith, 1931 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) with Description of A New Species from Vietnam

 

Poropuntius anlaoensis Hoàng, Phạm & Trần,

in Hoang, Pham, Tran, Durand, Wu, Pfeiffer, Chen et Page, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1204.120873

Abstract

Molecular data from samples encompassing 22 nominal species of Poropuntius indicate that the species-level diversity in the genus has been vastly overestimated, likely due to inadequate taxon and geographic sampling and reliance on morphological characters that vary intra-specifically. The latter includes discrete mouth morphologies related to alternate feeding strategies (ecomorphs) within populations. One new species is described, Poropuntius anlaoensis Hoàng, Phạm & Trần, sp. nov., and 17 synonyms of six valid species names of Poropuntius, P. krempfi, P. alloiopleurus, P. huangchuchieni, P. laoensis, P. kontumensis, and P. deauratus, are recognised. Additional taxonomic changes in this widespread and generally poorly known genus are likely as more molecular and morphological data become available.

Key words: Cypriniformes, molecular systematics, phylogeny, Poropuntius anlaoensis sp. nov.

Poropuntius anlaoensis Hoàng, Phạm & Trần, sp. nov.

 Huy Duc Hoang, Hung Manh Pham, Ngan Trong Tran, Jean-Dominique Durand, Ling Wu, John Pfeiffer, Xiao-Yong Chen and Lawrence M. Page. 2024. Taxonomic Revision of the Southeast Asian Brook Barb Genus Poropuntius Smith, 1931 (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) with Description of A New Species from Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1204: 191-198. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1204.120873

[Botany • 2024] Pinguicula tlahuica (Lentibulariaceae) • A New endemic Species and Species Richness Distribution of the Genus Pinguicula in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico

Pinguicula tlahuica López-Pérez & Zamudio, 

in López-Pérez, Zamudio, Munguía-Lino et Rodríguez, 2024. 

DOI: 10.17129/botsci.3485

 Artwork by Fatima Bracamontes 

Abstract

Background: The genus Pinguicula harbors 110 species, of which 53 are distributed in Mexico. The formation of the Mexican mountains has favored the Pinguicula diversification. Pinguicula specimens collected in the State of México, along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) do not correspond with any known species.

Questions: Do the collected specimens belong to a new species? What is its conservation status? How many Pinguicula species are there along the TMVB and how do they differentiate? How is the Pinguicula species richness distributed?

Studied species: Pinguicula.

Study site and dates: TMVB, 2005-2023.

Methods: Based on herbarium specimens and recently collected material, a morphological analysis and description were made. Conservation status was assessed following IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Herbarium specimens and digital records of Pinguicula from the TMVB were examined to generate a list and key. We analyzed the richness distribution of Pinguicula by states, vegetation types, elevation ranges, and grid cells.

Results: Pinguicula tlahuica is proposed as a new species. It is distinguished by the linear-spatulate summer leaves. The new species falls into the Endangered (EN) category. Along the TMVB, 16 species of Pinguicula are distributed. The State of México, Hidalgo and Michoacán, and the pine-oak forest were the richest. Pinguicula appeared between 759-3,427 m asl. The grid cell analyses revealed different areas with high richness.

Conclusions: Along the TMVB, the Pinguicula species richness centered on the Eastern and Western sectors. Pinguicula crassifolia, P. michoacana, P. tlahuica, and P. zamudioana are endemic to the TMVB.

Keywords: butterworts, carnivorous plants, diversification, Mexican Transition Zone, Pinguicula section Orcheosanthus

Pinguicula tlahuica.
A) Summer rosette. B) Flowering winter rosette. C) Summer leaves. D) Winter leaves. E) Stipitate glands on the leaf. F) Flower frontal view. G) Flower lateral view. H) Fruit.

 Illustrated by Fatima Bracamontes 

based on type material (J. López-Pérez & G. Munguía-Lino 641).

Pinguicula tlahuica.
A) Habitat. B) Flower frontal view. C-D) Winter rosette with flowers. E) Sterile winter rosette. F) Summer rosette. G) Transition among winter and summer leaves.

 A-G by Jorge López-Pérez.

Pinguicula tlahuica López-Pérez & Zamudio, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Pinguicula tlahuica is morphologically similar to P. moranensis Kunth in the form and size of the flow-ers, but it is distinguished from it by: the oblong to oblong-spathulate winter leaves; linear-spatulate summer leaves, 7.0-14.5 × 0.5-1.7 cm; blooming with winter rosette.

Etymology. The specific epithet honors the Tlahuica ethnical people. The tlahuicas inhabit some villages in Ocuilan de Arteaga, State of México (Álvarez Fabela 2006).

 

Mexico Jorge David López-Pérez, Sergio Zamudio, Guadalupe Munguía-Lino, Aarón Rodríguez. 2024. A New endemic Species and Species Richness Distribution of the Genus Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae) in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico. Botanical Sciences. 102(3), 995-1008. DOI: 10.17129/botsci.3485

  facebook.com/100063883189278/posts/928738855932212

  facebook.com/100064928642854/posts/869792735195007

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[Botany • 2024] Polylepis rocio-rojasii (Rosaceae) • A New Species from the Bosque de Proteccion Pui-Pui, Peru

 

Polylepis rocio-rojasii

  

in Gamarra et Valdivia, 2024.

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.655.1.8

 

Abstract

A new species of Polylepis (Rosaceae) from the Humid Puna of the Bosque de Proteccion Pui-Pui in Junin, Peru, is described and illustrated. The new species was found at 3800 m elevation, in small patches or forest relicts of the natural protected area, growing in open areas highly exposed to wind and abundant fog, along with other shrubby species, mainly Chusquea tessellata (Poaceae). It is very similar to Polylepis canoi but differs by trifoliolate leaves with larger leaflets, lanuginose abaxially, and rounded to ovoid achenes, smaller than those of P. canoi. We also present details on its geographic distribution, ecological notes, and an assessment of the conservation status of the new species.

Exfoliating rhytidomes, Geological formations, National Service of Protected Natural Areas, Tropical Andes, Sericeaee, Sericeus, Stipular sheath, Eudicots

Polylepis rocio-rojasii

Luis Valenzuela Gamarra and María Isabel Villalba Valdivia. 2024. A New Species of Polylepis (Rosaceae) from the Bosque de Proteccion Pui-Pui, Peru.  Phytotaxa. 655(1); 97-104. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.655.1.8

[Herpetology • 2024] Thamnophis ahumadai • A New Species of Thamnophis (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Jalisco, Mexico, with A Discussion on the Phylogeny, Taxonomy, and Distribution of Snakes related to Thamnophis scalaris

Thamnophis ahumadai 

C. I. Grünwald, Mendoza-Portilla, A. J. Grünwald, Montaño-Ruvalcaba, Franz-Chávez, García-Vázquez & Reyes-Velasco, 2024

 

 Ahumada’s Alpine Garter Snake | Culebra Listonada de Montaña de Ahumada ||  DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e122213

Abstract

Garter snakes in the genus Thamnophis from Mexico have a long and convoluted taxonomic history. From 2015 to 2022, we conducted a comprehensive sampling of Mexican Thamnophis species, aiming to link molecular phylogenies with the recognized species related to T. scalaris in the highlands of Mexico. Here, we present an analysis of mitochondrial DNA to resolve the status of two enigmatic highland Thamnophis populations. Our research resulted in the identification and morphological characterization of a previously undescribed Thamnophis species from the state of Jalisco in western Mexico. We also clarify the identity and relationships of several previously enigmatic populations of Thamnophis. This work presents new data for Thamnophis phylogenetics from the Mexican highlands and offers a framework for future conservation efforts.

Key Words: Adelophis, conservation, errans, godmani, pine-oak woodland, Mexican Transverse Ranges, scaliger

Thamnophis ahumadai sp. nov. holotype (INIRENA 2933) from the vicinity of Cumbre de Guadalupe, in the Municipio de Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico.

Thamnophis ahumadai sp. nov. paratypes.
 A. Male (INIRENA 2932) from same locality as holotype; B. Male (INIRENA 2936) from 2.5 km SE of Atemajac de Brizuela, Municipio de Atemajac de Brizuela, Jalisco, Mexico; C. Male (MZFZ 4595) from 4.2 km airline ESE of Cumbre de Guadalupe, Municipio de Tomatlán, Jalisco, Mexico; D. Male (INIRENA 2935) from 2.5 km SE of Atemajac de Brizuela, Municipio de Atemajac de Brizuela, Jalisco, Mexico; E. Male (MZFZ 4593) from Cumbre de Guadalupe, Municipio de Talpa de Allende, Jalisco, Mexico.

 Thamnophis ahumadai sp. nov.

 

Proposed standard English name: Ahumada’s Alpine Garter Snake.

Proposed standard Spanish name: Culebra Listonada de Montaña de Ahumada.

Diagnosis: A relatively small Garter Snake, with a maximum of 565 mm SVL and 705 TotL; head narrow, scarcely wider than neck, with a short muzzle (INK + PFK = 3.0 mm); tail long in length, 31–36% of SVL and 23–27% of TotLin males, 25–26% of SVL and 20–21% of TotLin females; internasals wider than long; frontal 2–2.25 times longer than wide; loreal slightly longer than wide; one preocular; 2–4 postoculars; temporals 1 + 2; 7 supralabials, third and fourth entering orbit; 9–10 infralabials, first four in contact with anterior chinshields; anterior chinshields shorter than posterior. Dorsal scales always in 19-17-17 rows, strongly keeled except for the outermost row, which is smooth; ventral scales in males 134–142, in females 139–141; subcaudals in males 61–69, in females 54–55; anal scale undivided. Dorsal pattern consists of a pale mid-vertebral stripe restricted to the mid-dorsal row and a pale lateral stripe on second scale row. One or two rows of dark brown or black dorso-lateral spots, usually in one row on the anterior third of the dorsum, then divided into two rows along the remaining posterior two thirds. Ventral coloration dark, pale anteriorly, becoming progressively darker until dark gray or black posteriorly.

Etymology: A patronym honoring Iván Trinidad Ahumada-Carrillo (1984–), who has made many contributions to diverse areas in herpetology, including extensive studies of the herpetofauna of Jalisco and Zacatecas. Iván collected the first specimen of this new species in the Sierra Cacoma (MZFZ 4593) and pointed out its distinctiveness from typical T. scalaris and T. errans.

 

Christoph I. Grünwald, María del Carmen G. Mendoza-Portilla, André J. Grünwald, Carlos Montaño-Ruvalcaba, Héctor Franz-Chávez, Uri O. García-Vázquez and Jacobo Reyes-Velasco. 2024. A New Species of Thamnophis (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Jalisco, Mexico, with A Discussion on the Phylogeny, Taxonomy, and Distribution of Snakes related to Thamnophis scalaris. Herpetozoa. 37: 157-179. DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e122213

Resumen: Las culebras del género Thamnophis de México tienen una historia taxonómica larga y complicada. De 2015 a 2022, realizamos un muestreo integral de las especies de Thamnophis de México, con el objetivo de conciliar la filogenética molecular con las delimitaciones de especies establecidas en el complejo relacionado con T. scalaris en las tierras altas de México. Aquí presentamos un análisis del ADN mitocondrial para resolver las trayectorias evolutivas y el estado de dos enigmáticas poblaciones de Thamnophis de las tierras altas. Nuestra investigación resultó en la identificación y caracterización morfológica de una especie de Thamnophis no descrita previamente del estado de Jalisco en el oeste de México. También aclaramos la identidad y las relaciones de varias poblaciones de Thamnophis previamente enigmáticas. Este trabajo presenta nuevos datos para nuestra comprensión de la filogenética de Thamnophis del altiplano mexicano y ofrece un marco para futuros esfuerzos de conservación.

[Botany • 2024] Orophea chalermprakiat (Annonaceae: Malmeoideae) • A New Species from Satun UNESCO Global Geopark, southern Thailand

 Orophea chalermprakiat Damth., Chanthamrong & Chaowasku, 

in Damthongdee, Chanthamrong, Promsiri, Tongsang, Jaisamut, Wiya, Sinbumroong et Chaowasku, 2024.  

“เฉลิมพระเกียรติ” DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.658.3.8

Orophea Blume (1825: 18) (Annonaceae) consists of about 62 species distributed collectively from the Indian subcontinent through mainland Southeast Asia and southern China to the Southeast Asian islands (not further to the east than the Moluccas; Kessler 1988). It is a member of Miliuseae, the largest tribe of Malmeoideae (Chatrou et al. 2012). The genus is primarily characterised by the presence of (1) dissimilar petal whorls, the inner petals being usually longer, clawed toward the base and usually connivent at anthesis, (2) reduced number of stamens and carpels per flower and (3) loosely arranged stamens with a minute connective prolongation not covering the thecae (Damthongdee et al. 2021). Furthermore, most species of Orophea possess varying shapes of glands inside the inner petals (Kessler 1988, Leonardía & Kessler 2001). The genus has been subdivided into two subgenera: Orophea and Sphaerocarpon Kessler (1988: 13). Members of O. subg. Orophea possess generally percurrent tertiary leaf venation and ellipsoid-cylindrical to cylindrical monocarps (± moniliform when multi-seeded), whereas members of O. subg. Sphaerocarpon exhibit generally reticulate tertiary leaf venation and globose (rarely shortly oblongoid) monocarps (Damthongdee et al. 2021). In Thailand, there are eight species, including the recently described O. sichaikhanii Damthongdee, Aongyong & Chaowasku (2021: 308). In this study, we describe a new species of O. subg. Sphaerocarpon from Satun UNESCO Global Geopark, Satun Province, southern Thailand. The indumentum terminology of Hewson (1988) was used. Floral organs were studied and measured from material in spirit.

  Holotype of Orophea chalermprakiat (Chaowasku 219, CMUB).

 Orophea chalermprakiat.
 A. Inflorescence and flower. B. Close-up of (A) in upright position, showing stamens surrounding carpels. C. Inner petal, adaxial (left) and abaxial (right) sides. D. Outer petal, adaxial (left) and abaxial (right) sides. E. Flower with petals and stamens removed, showing adaxial side of sepals and carpels on torus. F. Same as (E) but in bottom view, showing abaxial side of sepals. G. Infructescence and submature monocarps. H. Seed.

 A–F from Chaowasku 219 (CMUB), G–H from Chaowasku 223 (CMUB). C–F from spirit material. Photographs by A. Damthongdee (A, G).

Orophea chalermprakiat Damth., Chanthamrong & Chaowasku, sp. nov. 

 Type:—THAILAND. Satun Prov.: La-ngu Distr., (holotype: CMUB003998801; isotypes: BK, CMUB, PBM, QBG). 

The new species is morphologically most like O. sichaikhanii but differs from it by having pilose-villous young twigs and petioles, shorter petioles, rounded to subcordate (rarely obtuse) leaf bases, shorter flowering pedicels, longer inner petal claws, lower number of carpels per flower and longer monocarp stipes (Table 1).

...

Distribution:—Endemic to Satun Province, southern Thailand. 

Habitat and phenology:—Evergreen forests in a limestone sink, ca. 25 m. Flowering and fruiting material collected in November.

Etymology:—Derived from a Thai royal term meaning “honour”, the specific epithet honours King Rama X of Thailand [Phra Wachiraklao Chao Yu Hua] on the auspicious occasion of his 72nd (6th cycle) birthday anniversary (28 July 2024). 

Anissara Damthongdee, Kithisak Chanthamrong, Suwannee Promsiri, Banchong Tongsang, Thani Jaisamut, Chattida Wiya, Aroon Sinbumroong and Tanawat Chaowasku. 2024. Orophea chalermprakiat (Annonaceae; Malmeoideae), A New Species from southern Thailand.  Phytotaxa. 658(3); 296-300. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.658.3.8

[Botany • 2024] Ruellia kalungae (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae) • A New Species from Goiás state, Brazil

Ruellia kalungae  G.V.R.Mendonça & M.J.Silva, 

in Mendonça et da Silva, 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.635.1.6 

facebook.com/ogutiGustavo

 

Abstract

Taxonomic studies about Ruellia from Goiás state, Brazil, ongoing, revealed a new species, R. kalungae, that it is here described and illustrated, and systematically positioned. The novel species is similar to Ruellia nitens in the subshubby erect habit, leaves light green and corolla infundibuliform. However, it differs from the latter by several characters related specially to the shapes and indument of the leaves, bracts and capsules, inflorescence type, aspect and size of the calyx lacinia, presence de bracteoles, and number and shape of the seeds.

Cerrado, Conservation, Cerradicola, taxonomy, Eudicots

Ruellia kalungae

 

Gustavo Vieira Rodrigues Mendonça and Marcos José da Silva. 2024. A New Species of Ruellia L. (Ruellieae, Acanthaceae) from Goiás state, Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 635(1); 98-104. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.635.1.6

 facebook.com/ogutiGustavo/posts/10231787775102387

 

[Botany • 2024] Eugenia guapiassuana (Myrtaceae) • A remarkable New tree Species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

 Eugenia guapiassuana  T.Fern., M.T.C.Lacerda & J.M.A.Braga, 

 in Fernandes, Prieto, Lacerda, Bünger et Braga, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10159-z 

 x.com/KewBulletin

Summary

This study proposes a new species of Eugenia sect. Phyllocalyx from Atlantic Forest remnants in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. The new taxon, Eugenia guapiassuana, is proposed based on literature survey, examination of herbarium material and field work. We herein provide a morphological description, including comments on fruit taste, along with information on distribution, habitat, phenology, vernacular name, taxonomy and conservation status. Figures showing fresh and dry material and a map of the occurrence records are also presented. Eugenia guapiassuana is morphologically similar to E. involucrata and E. superba, and these species are contrasted in the discussion. Following an assessment, the conservation status of Eugenia guapiassuana is provisionally determined as Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iii)].

Key Words: Cereja-de-guapiaçu, Eugenia sect. Phyllocalyx, fruit tree, Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu, threatened species

Morphology of Eugenia guapiassuana.
A leaf adaxial surfaces with puberulent indument; B leaf abaxial surface; C leafy shoots, adaxially cinereous, sericeous, abaxially glabrous and vinaceous; D inflorescences developing along with leafy shoots; E flower bud at early stages of development; F pre-anthetic flower; G flowers at anthesis; H flower from below, showing the cordiform bracteoles; J post-anthetic flower, after stamens fall; K detail of the thick, verrucose pedicel in fruit, swollen at base and apex; L mature fruit with persistent trichomes concentrated on the transition with the calyx (arrowed); M mature fruits.

A – J from Fernandes 1218; K – M from Fernandes 1268. Phtots: Thiago Fernandes.

Eugenia guapiassuana T.Fern., M.T.C.Lacerda & J.M.A.Braga sp. nov. 

ETYMOLOGY. The epithet is a tribute to Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA), an outstandingly important area for the conservation of Atlantic Forest biodiversity, close to which the new species was found. Guapiaçu (latinised Guapiassu) is treated as an institutional name and adjectivised as guapiassuana. The Tupi indigenous word Guapiaçu (= large headwaters) is the name of the main river crossing the Reserve.

Thiago Fernandes, Pablo Viany Prieto, Marco Túlio Côrtes de Lacerda, Mariana Bünger and João Marcelo Alvarenga Braga. 2024. Eugenia guapiassuana (Myrtaceae), A remarkable New tree Species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.  Kew Bulletin. 79; 233–241. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-023-10159-z

  x.com/KewBulletin/status/1770380970530836545

[Botany • 2023] Catasetum krahlii (Orchidaceae: Catasetinae) • A New and threatened Species from the Brazilian Amazon

Catasetum krahlii D.R.P.Krahl, Cantuária, J.B.F.Silva & Chiron, 

 in Krahl, Oliveira, Silva, Chiron et Cantuária, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1590/1677-941X-ABB-2022-0258 

 Researchgate.net/publication/372978737

 

Abstract

In the present study we propose a new Catasetum taxon belonging to the group of species with symmetrical and converging antennae. It was found in a vegetation of “terra firme” and “campinarana” in the central Brazilian Amazon. A detailed description of the taxon is given as well as a photograph plate and comments relating to distribution, habitat, phenology and conservation status. It is compared to C. rivularium and C. barbatum which are sympatric species and somewhat similar to the new taxon. Furthermore, we present a key to Catasetum species with symmetrical and convergent antennae occurring in the Brazilian Amazon.

Keywords: Amazon basin; biodiversity; Manaus; orchid; epiphyte; taxonomy

Catasetum krahlii.
 A - Habit. B - Inflorescence. C - Floral bract. D-E - Flower. F - Floral segments. G-I - Lip. J-K - Column. L - Anther cap. M - Pollinarium. 

Photos by A.H. Krahl.

Catasetum krahlii.
A - Habit. B - Inflorescence. C - Floral bract. D - Flower. E - Floral segments. F-H - Lip. I - Column. J - Anther cap. K - Pollinarium.

 Ilustration by M.F. Negrão.

Catasetum krahlii D.R.P.Krahl, Cantuária, J.B.F.Silva & Chiron, sp. nov. 

 

Catasetum krahlii Catasetum rivularium Barbosa Rodrigues similis est, ambae species antennas symmetricas convergentesque efficientes, sed labello oblongo (versus triangulare), labelli callo basale acuto unguiforme (versus cylindrico apice laciniato), fimbriis in labelli apice conjunctis (versus liberis), differt.

Etymology: the specific epithet is given in honor of M.Sc. Amauri Herbert Krahl, a Brazilian botanist who specialized in Orchidaceae from Brazilian Amazon and described many species from the region. Moreover, he was the collector of the type and paratype specimens.

Dayse Raiane Passos Krahl, Miguel Sena de Oliveira, João Batista Fernandes da Silva, Guy Chiron, Patrick de Castro Cantuária. 2023. Catasetum krahlii (Orchidaceae, Catasetinae): A New and threatened Species from the Brazilian Amazon. Acta Bot. Bras. 37. DOI: 10.1590/1677-941X-ABB-2022-0258 

 Researchgate.net/publication/372978737_Catasetum_krahlii_a_new_and_threatened_species_from_the_Brazilian_Amazon