[Paleontology | Ichnotaxa • 2012] Rivavipes giganteus • Giant Eocene bird footprints from northwest Washington, USA

Diatryma – slow-walking herbivore

Illustration: http://marlinpeterson.com/portfolio/illustrations/

Abstract

Tridactyl bird footprints preserved in Lower Eocene sandstone of the Chuckanut Formation in Whatcom County, Washington, USA, were made by a species of giant ground bird that walked along the subtropical lowland riverbank. The morphology and age of the tracks suggest the track maker was Diatryma (? = Gastornis). Although these birds have long been considered to be predators or scavengers, the absence of raptor-like claws supports earlier suggestions that they were herbivores. The Chuckanut tracks are herein named as Rivavipes giganteus ichnogenus and ichnospecies nov., inferred to belong to the extinct family Gastornithidae.

Keywords: Chuckanut Formation; Diatryma; Gastornis; ichnofossils 

Eocene Big Bird Not so Scary, After All | @WiredScience http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/11/eocene-big-bird-not-so-scary-after-all/

Diatryma – Scientist Postulate that this “Terror Bird” may not Have Been So Terrible

http://blog.everythingdinosaur.co.uk/blog/_archives/2012/11/24/diatryma-scientist-postulate-that-this-terror-bird-may-not-have-been-so-terrible.html

Mustoe, G., Tucker, D., Kemplin, K. 2012. Giant Eocene bird footprints from northwest Washington, USA. Palaeontology. 55, 6: 1293-1305 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-4983.2012.01195.x

[Herpetology • 2012] Molecular evidence that the deadliest sea snake Enhydrina schistosa (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae) consists of two convergent species

The deadliest sea snake is actually two look-alike species 

Sea snakes have some of the most potent venoms of any snake, but most of the 60 or so species are docile, rare, or sparing with their venom. The beaked sea snake (Enhydrina schistosa) is an exception. It lives throughout Asia and Australasia, has a reputation for being aggressive, and swims in estuaries and lagoons where it often gets entangled in fishing nets. Unwary fishermen get injected with venom that’s more potent than a cobra’s or a rattlesnake’s. It’s perhaps unsurprising that this one species accounts for the vast majority of injuries and deaths from sea snake bites.

>>> http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/

..............

Abstract

We present a striking case of phenotypic convergence within the speciose and taxonomically unstable Hydrophis group of viviparous sea snakes. Enhydrina schistosa, the ‘beaked sea snake’, is abundant in coastal and inshore habitats throughout the Asian and Australian regions, where it is responsible for the large majority of recorded deaths and injuries from sea snake bites. Analyses of five independent mitochondrial and nuclear loci for populations spanning Australia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka indicate that this ‘species’ actually consists of two distinct lineages in Asia and Australia that are not closest relatives. As a result, Australian “E. schistosa” are elevated to species status and provisionally referred to Enhydrina zweifeli. Convergence in the characteristic ‘beaked’ morphology of these species is probably associated with the wide gape required to accommodate their spiny prey. Our findings have important implications for snake bite management in light of the medical importance of beaked sea snakes and the fact that the only sea snake anti-venom available is raised against Malaysian E. schistosa.

Highlights ► We present a striking case of phenotypic convergence within viviparous sea snakes. ► Enhydrina schistosa is distributed throughout the Asian and Australian seas. ► We analysed five independent mitochondrial and nuclear loci. ► Enhydrina schistosa consists of two independent lineages in Australia and Asia.

Keywords: Convergent evolution; Molecular phylogenetics; Cryptic species; Sea snakes; Venom

Ukuwela, de Silva, Mumpuni, Fry, Lee & Sanders. 2012. Molecular evidence that the deadliest sea snake Enhydrina schistosa (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae) consists of two convergent species. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2012.09.031

The deadliest sea snake is actually two look-alike species http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2012/11/20/the-deadliest-sea-snake-is-actually-two-look-alike-species/

[Herpetology • 2012] Differences among Populations of the Mekong Mud Snake Enhydris subtaeniata (Serpentes: Homalopsidae) in Indochina

 This study examines between-population variation of the Mekong Mud Snake,  Enhydris subtaeniata (Bourret, 1934) in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam, and relates the observed patterns to previously published patterns based on molecular data.  Enhydris subtaeniata were collected from six representative locations throughout its range that encompassed three important river drainage basins: the Chao Phraya, the Middle Mekong and the Lower Mekong.  Data on size, sexual size dimorphism, scalation,
reproductive biology and diet were used to explore biogeographical patterns revealed by a previously published phylogenetic and population genetic analysis. In several cases the size and reproductive characteristics mirrored the genetic differences and habitat differences associated with the sampled locations.

Keywords: Freshwater snake, biogeography, sea levels, Mekong River, Chao Phraya River, Khorat Basin


2012. Differences among Populations of the Mekong Mud Snake (Enhydris subtaeniata: Serpentes: Homalopsidae) in Indochina
http://www.biology.sc.chula.ac.th/TNH/TNH%2012_2/5-HAROLD%20K.pdf
http://www.biology.sc.chula.ac.th/TNH/vol12%20no2.html


Lukoschek, V., Osterhage, J. L., Karns, D. R., Murphy, J. C. and Voris, H. K. 2011, Phylogeography of the Mekong mud snake (Enhydris subtaeniata): the biogeographic importance of dynamic river drainages and fluctuating sea levels for semiaquatic taxa in Indochina. Ecology and Evolution. doi:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.29

Karns, D. R., Lukoschek, V., Osterhage, J., Murphy, J, C., and Voris, H. K. 2010 Phylogeny and biogeography of the Enhydris clade (Serpentes: Homalopsidae). Zootaxa, 2452. 18-30. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/z02452p030f.pdf
http://herpnation.com/hn-blog/the-mekong-mud-snake

[Herpetology • 2007] Enhydris vorisi • A review of Enhydris maculosa (Blanford, 1879) and the description of a related species (Serpentes, Homalopsidae) from Ayeyarwady River Delta. Myanmar

photo: http://flic.kr/p/bsoESw

Enhydris vorisi

A homalopsid snake endemic to the Ayeyarwady River Delta.

Murphy, John C. 2007. A review of Enhydris maculosa (Blanford, 1879) and the description of a related species (Serpentes, Homalopsidae). Hamadryad 31 (2): 281-287

[Herpetology • 2005] Enhydris gyii | Kapuas Mud Snake • A new species of Enhydris (Colubridae: Homalopsinae) from the Kapuas River System, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Kapuas Mud Snake

Enhydris gyii Murphy, Voris & Auliya, 2005

Abstract

A new species of homalopsine water snake of the genus Enhydris is described from Kalimantan, Indonesia on the basis of three specimens. It differs from its close relative Enhydris doriae (Peters, 187 1) in the number of scale rows at midbody, a higher number of lower labials and ventral scales, plate like temporal scales, and a distinctive color pattern.

Etymology: Named after the late Burmese herpetologist Ko Ko Gyi, Professor at Rangoon University, and the first zoologist to revise the entire subfamily Homalopsinae in the 20th century.

 Murphy, J.C.; H.K. Voris & Auliya, M. 2005. A new species of Enhydris (Serpentes: Colubridae: Homalopsinae) from the Kapuas River System, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Raffels Bulletin of Zoology. 53 (2): 271-275 http://archive.fieldmuseum.org/research_collections/zoology/pdf/murphy_voris_auliya_2005.pdf

 ‘Chameleon' snake can turn white in minutes 

A new species of snake capable of rapidly changing colour has been discovered deep in the forests of Borneo. Two specimens of the Kapuas mud snake (Enhydris gyii) were discovered in the swampy forests of Indonesia's Betung Kerihun National Park.

The half-metre-long venomous snake is normally brown with an iridescent sheen, but can turn white. It is not yet known whether the snake can become other colours too, or what exactly causes the change.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9417-chameleon-snake-can-turn-white-in-minutes.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapuas_mud_snake

[Herpetology • 2005] งูสายรุ้งลาย | Enhydris chanardi | Chanard’s Mud Snake • A new Thai Enhydris (Colubridae: Homalopsinae)

งูสายรุ้งลาย | Chanard’s Mud Snake

Enhydris chanardi Murphy & Voris 2005

photo: http://mirrorwild.com/

Head scales of preserved Chanard's Mud Snake

(photo: John C. Murphy | http://bangkokherps.wordpress.com/)

Murphy, J.C., and H.K. Voris 2005. A new Thai Enhydris (Serpentes: Colubridae: Homalopsinae). Raffles Bulletin of Zooogy 53(1):143-147. http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/rbz/biblio/53/53rbz143-147.pdf

[Herpetology • 2002] ตุ๊กกายถ้ำตะวันออก | Cyrtodactylus sumonthai | Sumontha's Bent-toed Gecko • A New Species of Cave-dwelling Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Rayong Province, southeastern Thailand

Living specimen of adult male Cyrtodactylus sumonthai, sp. nov. (IRSNB 2624, holotype) from Khao Wong, Rayong Province, eastern Thailand. Note the slender habitus, elongate tail and digits and banded color pattern. Photo by Lawan Chanhome

A new species of the gekkonid lizard genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 is described on the basis of material collected in limestone caves at Khao Wong, Rayong Province, Thailand. It is characterized by a slender body, elongate tail and digits, small number (12) of rows of dorsal tubercles, and enlarged patch of precloacal scales bearing only two precloacal pores. The new species is the second tropical Asian  Cyrtodactylus believed to be largely associated with cave environments and is the twelfth species of the genus thus far recorded from Thailand. 

Key words: Cyrtodactylus sumonthai, sp. nov.; Gekkonidae; description; cave-dwelling 

Living specimen of juvenile Cyrtodactylus sumonthai, sp. nov. (IRSNB 2626, paratype) from Tham Tao, Khao Wong, Rayong Province, Thailand. Note the conspicuous differences between the juvenile and adult color patterns. The specimen was approximately two weeks old when photographed, but was not preserved until it died at approximately seven weeks of age. Photo by Lawan Chanhome.

Etymology.– The specific epithet is a partonym honoring Mr. Montri Sumontha of the Ranong Marine Fisheries Station, who collected the type series of the new species. 

Distribution and Natural History.– Cyrtodactylus sumonthai is known only from a single mountain, Khao Wong in Rayong Province, southeastern Thailand, which is riddled with limestone caves.

Bauer, A.M., Pauwels, O.S.G. & Chanhome, L. 2002. A New Species of Cave-dwelling Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Thailand. Natural History Journal of Chulalongkorn University, 2 (2): 19-29

http://www.thaiscience.info/Article%20for%20ThaiScience/Article/5/Ts-5%20a%20new%20species%20of%20cave-dwelling%20cyrtodactylus%20(squamata-%20gekkonidae)%20from%20thailand.pdf

Facebook: http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=435199103200120

CITES CoP16 | 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties @ Bangkok, Thailand

 CITES CoP16 @ Bangkok, Thailand 

16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP16) 

3-14 March 2013 

http://CITESCoP16Thai.com/

Proposals for amendment of Appendices I and II

http://CITES.org/eng/cop/16/prop/index.php

การประชุมภาคี อนุสัญญาว่าด้วยการค้าระหว่างประเทศ

ซึ่งชนิดสัตว์ป่าและพืชป่าที่ใกล้สูญพันธุ์ ครั้งที่ 16

3 - 14 มีนาคม 2556

http://thailogolover.blogspot.com/2012/11/2013-cites-cop16-bangkok-thailand.html

[News 2012] Sunda Stink-badger, Mydaus javanensis | Mystery animal in Borneo not such a mystery after all, or is it?

Mystery animal in Borneo not such a mystery after all, or is it? 

The animal was indeed a Sunda Stink-badger, or Mydaus javanensis, one of only two member of the skunk family Mephitidae, outside the Americas. For a long time this species was placed as a member of the mustelid family – to which all real badgers belong - but DNA and morphological studies strongly supports their relationship to the American skunks

#Borneo #Beaboar #Sarawak http://news.mongabay.com/2012/1120-mystery-beast-borneo.html  via @Mongabay 

Villagers mystified by strange animal  http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/11/15/villagers-mystified-by-strange-animal/

[Testudology • 2004] Malayemys macrocephala & M. subtrijuga | Geographic variation and systematics in the south-east Asian turtles of the genus Malayemys (Testudines: Bataguridae)

Malayemys macrocephala (Gray, 1859) from the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong river basins, coastal areas of south-eastern Thailand, and the Malay Peninsula

Malayemys subtrijuga (Schlegel and Müller, 1844)  from the Mekong River Basin

Geographic variation was studied in the south-east Asian turtles of the genus Malayemys (Testudines: Bataguridae). Discriminant function analysis of head-stripe and shell characters reveals a clear pattern of geographic variation that is consistent with the topography of south-east Asia and the poor dispersal abilities of these turtles. Two phenotypically and morphologically distinct groups of Malayemys occur allopatrically in lowland areas of mainland south-east Asia, and my data concludes that each should be recognized as a distinct species. Turtles from the Mekong River Basin retain the name Malayemys subtrijuga (Schlegel and Müller, 1844), whereas those from the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong river basins, coastal areas of south-eastern Thailand, and the Malay Peninsula are assigned the name Malayemys macrocephala (Gray, 1859).  Malayemys macrocephala has four or fewer nasal stripes (99%) and an infraorbital stripe that is relatively wide at the loreal seam (98% of InfSW/HW=0.07-0.18) and does not extend or extends only slightly superior to the loreal seam (96%). Conversely, M. subtrijuga has six or more nasal stripes (89%) and an infraorbital stripe that is relatively narrow at the loreal seam (92% of InfSW/HW=0.02-0.06), extends completely superior to the loreal seam (96%), and usually joins the supraorbital stripe (64%). Female M. macrocephala also have relatively longer AnL and relatively shorter Vert5L and PecL than M. subtrijuga. Similarly, male M. macrocephala have relatively longer PPLL and AbdL, relatively shorter Pleu1L and PecL, and greater RLatK values than M. subtrijuga. Both species are potentially threatened by overcollection and habitat destruction, and should be protected as separate taxa of concern. In addition, discriminant function analysis of shell and head-stripe characters suggests that M. subtrijuga on Java are derived by human intervention primarily from the Mekong River Basin.

Keywords: Testudines, systematics, Mekong, Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, Malayemys subtrijuga, Malayemys macrocephala.

Brophy, T. R. 2004. Geographic variation and systematics in the south-east Asian turtles of the genus Malayemys (Testudines: Bataguridae). Hamadryad. 29:63-79. 

http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1057&context=bio_chem_fac_pubs

[Testudology • 2011] Interspecific hybridization between Mauremys reevesii and Mauremys sinensis: Evidence from morphology and DNA sequence data

Figure 1. Specimen images of the three suspected hybrids (Hy1, Hy2, Hy3) and the putative parental species (pp1: Mauremys sinensis; pp2: Mauremys reevesii) 

Turtle hybrids have been found in some taxa, but so far, studies on interspecific hybridization between Mauremy reevesii and  Mauremy sinensis have not been reported. Recently, we obtained three specimens (Hy1, Hy2, Hy3) with unusual morphological characteristics from pet trade Market, which are suspected to be hybrids rather than new species, because they were morphologies intermediate between M. reevesii and  M. sinensis. In further study, we analyzed two aspects; morphological characteristics and molecular data, separately. The morphological characteristics showed that the pattern of the carapace, the plastron and neck stripes of the three specimens was between that of M. reevesii and M. sinensis (the morphological features of Hy1 and Hy2 have more resemblance with those of  M. sinensis, and those of Hy3 have more resemblance with those of M. reevesii). In molecular analyses, two mitochondrial genes (12S, cytb) and two nuclear genes (RAG-1, R35) were respectively cloned from each suspected specimen. One sequence was obtained for each mitochondrial gene, while two different sequences were obtained for each nuclear gene. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that mitochondrial genes sequences from each suspected specimen clustered into the corresponding sequences of their putative female parents, while the two pairs nuclear parental alleles sequences were strongly paraphyletic, for they were included in two different genetic lineages (M. reevesii and  M. sinensis). Therefore, we concluded that the three suspected specimens are hybrids (Hy1 and Hy2:  M. reevesii ♂ ×  M. sinensis ♀ ; Hy3: M. sinensis ♂ ×  M. reevesii ♀). It is the first report that interspecies hybridization of M. reevesii and M. sinensis can cross completely. 

Key words: Mauremys reevesii, Mauremys sinensis, hybridization, morphology, DNA sequence.  

Xingquan Xia, Ling Wang, Liuwang Nie, Zhengfeng Huang, Yuan Jiang, Wanxing Jing and 

Luo Liu. 2011. Interspecific hybridization between Mauremys reevesii and Mauremys sinensis: Evidence from morphology and DNA sequence data. African Journal of Biotechnology. 10(35), 6716-6724. 

http://www.academicjournals.org/ajb/PDF/pdf2011/13Jul/Xia%20et%20al.pdf

[Testudology • 2005] On the hybridisation between two distantly related Asian turtles (Testudines: Sacalia × Mauremys)

Fig. 1. Sacalia quadriocellata × Mauremys reevesii hybrids. A) Living specimen in the care of JFP showing head coloration including detail of “eye spots” and malar region; B) same specimen in ventral view; C) The specimen sequenced in this study (MVZ 241502) in ventral view.

Abstract

This is the first report of a hybridisation between Sacalia and Mauremys (Bataguridae). New data and a review of the literature show that 19 batagurid hybridisations are documented. Many more undoubtedly exist, but have not been documented and reported. Most hybrids are members of the Cuora + Mauremys clade and 17 of 19 reported hybrids have at least one member from this clade. The Sacalia × Mauremys hybridisation reported here is only the third hybridisation between a species of the Cuora + Mauremys clade and a species outside of that clade.

Key words. Bataguridae: Mauremys, Sacalia; hybrids.

Buskirk, James R.; Parham, James F. & Feldman, Chris R. 2005. On the hybridisation between two distantly related Asian turtles (Testudines: Sacalia × Mauremys). Salamandra. 41: 21-26.

http://wolfweb.unr.edu/~ophis/Feldman_Lab/Publications_files/Buskirk%2605-SAL.pdf

[Testudology • 2004] An Ocadia sinensis x Cyclemys shanensis hybrid (Testudines: Geoemydidae)

Fig: The captive bred Ocadia sinensis x Cyclemys shanensis hybrid, September 2003 (11 months old). The roofed, distinctly tricarinate shell and the serrated posterior marginals resemble Cyclemys spp. The neck and facial stripes as well as the plastral pattern are similar to O. sinensis. The plastral pattern was more contrasting as a hatchling and has faded during growth. Photos: F. Höhler.

Abstract

A captive bred Ocadia sinensis x Cyclemys shanensis hybrid is described. Its hybrid status was confirmed by a comparison of a 1036 bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene with the putative mother (C. shanensis) and genomic ISSR fingerprinting. This is the first report of an intergeneric hybrid between very distantly related geoemydid turtles. All previous geoemydid intergeneric hybrids have been crossings within or between two sister clades containing the currently accepted genera (Chinemys, Mauremys, Ocadia) and (Cuora, Pyxidea).

Key words: Cyclemys, Ocadia, testudines, intergeneric hybrid.

Schilde, Maik, Dana Barth and Uwe Fritz 2004. An Ocadia sinensis x Cyclemys shanensis hybrid (Testudines: Geoemydidae). Asiatic Herpetological Research. 10: 120-125

http://www.asiatic-herpetological.org/Archive/Volume%2010/10_11.pdf

[Entomology • 2010] Eocorythoderus incredibilis • A new genus and species of flightless, microphthalmic Corythoderini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) from Angkor Wat, Cambodia, associated with Macrotermes termites

Eocorythoderus incredibilis new genus and new species. 

Top, Adult beetle being carried by a worker termite

Abstract

Eocorythoderus incredibilis, a new genus and new species, of Corythoderini is described. This new species was found in fungus gardens of Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen, 1858) in Angkor Wat, Cambodia. The new taxon is a flightless, microphthalmic species and the first corythoderine associated with Macrotermes Holmgren, 1910. The beetles were observed being carried by worker termites. Eocorythoderus is probably closely related to the genera Corythoderus Klug, 1845 and Paracorythoderus Wasmann, 1918 (also Corythoderini). Some character states shared with the distantly-related termitophilous scarab genus Termitotrox Reichensperger, 1915 (Termitotrogini) are noted, and proposed as convergent. 

Key words: Termitophile, fungus garden, Odontotermes, Oriental region, convergence

Eocorythoderus new genus

Type species. Eocorythoderus incredibilis new species, here designated.

Etymology.  A combination of  Eos, the Greek goddess of the dawn, and Corythoderus, the type genus of 

Corythoderini, in reference to the new taxon having the eastern-most distribution of the genera in the tribe. Gender: masculine.  

Maruyama, Munetoshi. 2012. A new genus and species of flightless, microphthalmic Corythoderini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) from Cambodia, associated with Macrotermes termites. Zootaxa. (3555): 83-88.

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/list/2012/3555.html

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2012/f/zt03555p088.pdf

[Entomology • 2010] Cheleion malayanum • A new genus and species from the Malaysian Peninsula and a revised phylogeny of Stereomerini (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Aphodiinae), with notes on assumedly termitophilic aphodiines

Abstract

A new genus and species of Stereomerini, Cheleion malayanum gen. n. and sp. n., are described based on a single specimen from the Malacca peninsula in Malaysia. It is the first stereomerine found on the mainland of the Asian continent. A key to genera of Stereomerini and a phylogenetic estimate of the stereomerines using 24 species representing 7 tribes of Aphodiinae based on 53 morphological characters. The phylogenetic analysis places the new species within the tribe Stereomerini as a sister to the monophyletic group including Adebrattia, Austaloxenella, Bruneixenus, Pseudostereomera and Stereomera. A survey is given of the various taxa of Aphodiinae that are termite and/or ant inquilines, or have been presumed to be so based on morphology, and their phylogeny is discussed.

Keywords: termite association, Aphodiinae tribes, synechthran morphology

Cheleion gen. n.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:CC1002E4-849C-437A-BAEF-678474600B59

Type species. Cheleion malayanum sp. n., here designated.

Etymology. Genus name after the ancient Greek name for shell; gender is neuter.

Vårdal, H. & Forshage, M. 2010. A new genus and species and a revised phylogeny of Stereomerini (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Aphodiinae), with notes on assumedly termitophilic aphodiines. ZooKeys, 34, 55–76. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.34.264