[Herpetology • 2016] Cyrtodactylus varadgirii • A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) collegalensis (Beddome, 1870) complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Western India

Cyrtodactylus varadgirii 

Agarwal, Mirza, Pal, Maddock, Mishra & Bauer, 2016

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4170.2.7   

Abstract

A new species of Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) from the C. collegalensis complex is described based on a series of specimens from western and central India. Morphological and molecular data support the distinctiveness of the new form, which can be diagnosed from other Cyrtodactylus (including other Geckoella) species by its small body size (snout to vent length to 56 mm), the absence of precloacal and femoral pores, no enlarged preanal or femoral scales, and a dorsal scalation consisting wholly of small, granular scales. The new species is most closely related to C. collegalensis, C. speciosus and C. yakhuna, from which it differs by the presence of a patch of enlarged roughly hexagonal scales on the canthus rostralis and beneath the angle of jaw, its relatively long limbs and narrow body, and a dorsal colour pattern of 4–6 pairs of dark spots.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus, Geckoella, Geckoella speciosus, India, cyt b, ND2

Agarwal, Ishan, Zeeshan A. Mirza, Saunak Pal, Simon T. Maddock, Anurag Mishra and Aaron M. Bauer. 2016. A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) collegalensis (Beddome, 1870) complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Western India.
Zootaxa. 4170(2): 339–354.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4170.2.7

[Botany • 2014] Haniffia santubongensis • A New Haniffia Species (Zingiberaceae) and A New Generic record from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

 Haniffia santubongensis  

 S.Y. Wong & P.C. Boyce    
 DOI: 10.1186/s40529-014-0051-9

Abstract

Background

Haniffia Holttum is a genus of three described species of terrestrial gingers hitherto restricted to Peninsular Thailand and various localities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Results

With generic placement confirmed using nrITS, trnK and matK plastid sequence data, Haniffia santubongensis S.Y. Wong & P.C. Boyce is described as a taxonomically novel species representing a new generic record for Borneo, to where it is endemic to Mount Santubong, Kuching Division, NW Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. An identification key to all species is given and H. santubongensis is illustrated from living plants.

Conclusion

Haniffia santubongensis is the fourth species of Haniffia so far described, and the first occurring on sandstone.

Keywords: Haniffia santubongensis; Mount Santubong; Phylogeny; Taxonomy

Figure 2. Haniffia santubongensis S.Y. Wong & P. C. Boyce.
A. Plant in habitat. B. Detail of ligule; note the blackish colour of the free portion. C. Inflorescence. D. Single flower; note the bifid tips to the lateral staminodes and the yellow callus in the middle of the labellum. E. Infructescence. F. Detail of single fruit; note the semi-glossy slightly warty surface, and the prominent floral remains.

DOI: 10.1186/s40529-014-0051-9

Sin Yeng Wong, Im Hin Ooi and Peter C Boyce. 2014. A New Haniffia Species (Zingiberaceae) and A New Generic record from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.
Botanical Studies. 55:51  DOI: 10.1186/s40529-014-0051-9

[Paleontology • 2016] Jeddaherdan aleadonta • The First Iguanian Lizard from the Mesozoic of Africa

Jeddaherdan aleadonta 

Apesteguía, Daza, Simões&  Rage, 2016 

DOI:  10.1098/rsos.160462 

Abstract

The fossil record shows that iguanian lizards were widely distributed during the Late Cretaceous. However, the biogeographic history and early evolution of one of its most diverse and peculiar clades (acrodontans) remain poorly known. Here, we present the first Mesozoic acrodontan from Africa, which also represents the oldest iguanian lizard from that continent. The new taxon comes from the Kem Kem Beds in Morocco (Cenomanian, Late Cretaceous) and is based on a partial lower jaw. The new taxon presents a number of features that are found only among acrodontan lizards and shares greatest similarities with uromastycines, specifically. In a combined evidence phylogenetic dataset comprehensive of all major acrodontan lineages using multiple tree inference methods (traditional and implied weighting maximum-parsimony, and Bayesian inference), we found support for the placement of the new species within uromastycines, along with Gueragama sulamericana (Late Cretaceous of Brazil). The new fossil supports the previously hypothesized widespread geographical distribution of acrodontans in Gondwana during the Mesozoic. Additionally, it provides the first fossil evidence of uromastycines in the Cretaceous, and the ancestry of acrodontan iguanians in Africa.

KEYWORDS: Acrodonta, biogeography, Cretaceous, Gondwana, phylogeny, Squamata

Figure 1. The estimated silhouette of the skull of MNHN.F.MRS51.1 is based on Uromastyx aegyptia (FMNH 78661).

Scale bar equals 5 mm.    DOI:  10.1098/rsos.160462 

Systematic palaeontology

Squamata Oppel, 1811

Iguanomorpha Sukhanov, 1961

Iguania, Cope, 1864

Acrodonta, Cope, 1864

†Jeddaherdan gen. nov.

Type species: †Jeddaherdan aleadonta sp. nov.

Included species: †Jeddaherdan aleadonta

  Etymology: Jeddaherdan refers to its close relationships with Uromastyx, meaning in the Amazigh berber language from Morocco, grandfather (jeddi) of Uromastyx (aherdan); ‘aleadonta’, meaning ‘dice teeth’ in reference to the cube-like dentition.

 Holotype: MNHN.F.MRS51.1: isolated left partial mandible with teeth (figures 1 and 3).

  Type locality and stratigraphy: Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) beds from the Kem Kem region of Southeastern Morocco, Gara Tabroumit (figure 2). These deposits have superbly preserved fossils, including fishes, amphibians, crocodyliforms and dinosaurs [56–59].The expeditions carried on by René Lavocat (1909–2007) resulted in hundreds of specimens collected from 1948 to 1951, preserved in the collections of the MNHN. They belong to the three Kem Kem localities worked by Lavocat, (Gara Tabroumit, Kouah Trick and Gara Sbaa). The material described herein was among the fossils collected from the first locality, and had been originally misinterpreted as a fish jaw in the collection. No specific data for the age of Gara Tabroumit is available, so the age for the specimen can range between the base of the Cenomanian to the Early Turonian (ca 90–100.5 MYA).

Life reconstruction of Jeddaherdan aleadonta.

PaleoArt: Jorge González. 

Sebastián Apesteguía, Juan D. Daza, Tiago R. Simões and Jean Claude Rage. 2016. The First Iguanian Lizard from the Mesozoic of Africa.
 Royal Society Open Science.  DOI:  10.1098/rsos.160462 

[Ichthyology • 2016] Schistura notasileum • A New River Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the main channel of the upper Mekong in Yunnan

Schistura notasileum   

Endruweit, Yang & Liu, 2016
 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4168.3.13  

Abstract

Nemacheilid loaches are a common element of fish assemblages of Southeast Asian streams. In particular, streams in tropical and subtropical regions with a gravelly to rocky substrate and a swift current are typically inhabited by several species of nemacheilid loaches. Up to six different species are reported to occur syntopically (Kottelat 1990). The vast majority of these loaches are allocated within the diverse genus Schistura, which accommodates about 200 valid species (Kottelat 2012). River loaches of the genus Schistura are defined as having the mouth moderately arched; the lower lip medially notched, not forming lateral labial pads; air bladder without a secondary chamber, and a maximum size between 25 mm and 120 mm SL (Kottelat 1990).

Numerous species of Schistura are reported from the Mekong drainage. The upper part of the Mekong, referred to as Lancangjiang in Chinese, shelters merely 10 species of Schistura, namely S. amplizona, S. bannaensis, S. breviceps, S. conirostris, S. kengtungensis, S. kloetzliae, S. latifasciata, S. macrocephalus, S. porthos, and S. sexnubes (Zhu 1989; Kottelat 1990, 2000, 2001; Chen et al. 2005; Endruweit 2011, 2014a, 2014b). This may be due to the rather complex taxonomy of this group of fishes as well as to unfavorable climatic conditions, since a large part of the upper Mekong lies in temperate to alpine regions with low water temperatures. At higher elevations, Schistura are gradually replaced by Triplophysa. Eight of the 10 species of Schistura inhabiting the Lancangjiang are distributed in the very south of Yunnan Province, subtropical Xishuangbanna and adjacent Puer Prefecture (Zhu 1989; Kottelat 1990, 2001; Chen et al. 2005; Endruweit 2011, 2014b). The remaining two species were reported from the temperate Lincang Prefecture (Zhu 1989; Endruweit 2014a). During a recent ichthyofaunistic survey of the Mekong basin in Dali Prefecture, which is located north of Lincang Prefecture, 10 specimens of Schistura were obtained from baited traps left over night in the Mekong main channel. River loaches of the genus Schistura were hitherto unknown from the Mekong so far upstream. These specimens, which could not be allocated to any species reported from the Mekong or adjacent drainages, are herein described. 

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

Distribution. Known only from the type locality.

Ecology. The type series of Schistura notasileum was obtained by using baited traps that were left over night in a water depth of about 10 m on the ground of the Mekong main channel. Coexisting fish species were Triplophysa brevicauda, Schizopyge lissolabiata, Schizothorax lantsangensis, Abbottina rivularis, Pseudorasbora parva, and Glyptothorax zanaensis. The turbid, green-brownish, slowly moving water had a temperature of 11 ºC, a pH of 8.3, and a conductivity of 510 µS/cm. Schistura notasileum was absent in typical Schistura habitats like small gravelly tributaries or along the banks of the main channel.

Etymology. Named after the kingdom of Nanzhao that was centered in Dali and flourished during the 8th and 9th centuries. The specific epithet is derived from the Greek notio vasileio, a transcription of Southern Kingdom or Nanzhao; latinized; a noun in apposition. 

Marco Endruweit, Junxing Yang and Shuwei Liu. 2016. A New River Loach from the main channel of the upper Mekong in Yunnan (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae).
Zootaxa. 4168(3); 594–600. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4168.3.13

facebook.com/israquarium/photos/1177427712323826

[Invertebrate • 2016] A Mountain of Millipedes V: Three New Genera, Casuariverpa scarpa, Yia geminispina & Utiliverpa decapsulatrix, of Odontopygidae from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Odontopygidae)

Yia geminispina Enghoff, 2016

Fig. 5. Yia geminispina gen. et sp. nov., holotype. A. Part of midbody showing the characteristic course of the suture and the position of the ozopore (highlighted in red on one body ring). B–D. Left gonopod coxa. B. Anterior-mesal view. C. Posterior view. D. Mesal view, close-up. E. Limbus. 

Abbreviations: cu = cucullus, lp = lateral coxal process, mf = metaplical flange, mp = metaplica, ms = metaplical shelf, msp = metaplical spine, pp = proplica, prl = proplical lobe. Scales: A = 1 mm; B–D = 0.1 mm; E = 0.005 mm.  DOI:  10.5852/ejt.2016.221

Abstract

 Three new genera of Odontopygidae are described, all based on new species from the

Udzungwa mountains, Tanzania, and all monotypic: Casuariverpa gen. nov. (type species: C. scarpa gen. et sp. nov.), Yia gen. nov. (type species: Y. geminispina gen. et sp. nov.), and Utiliverpa gen. nov. (type species: U. decapsulatrix gen. et sp. nov.). Similarities and differences between the new genera and other genera are discussed.

Keyword. Eastern Arc, taxonomy, new genera, new species.

Class Diplopoda Blainville-Gervais, 1844
Order Spirostreptida Brandt, 1833

Family Odontopygidae Attems, 1909
Subfamily Archepyginae Manfredi, 1939
Tribe Prionopetalini Hoffman, 1991


• Casuariverpa gen. nov
 Etymology: From Latin Casuaria, “cassowary”, and “verpa”, penis. Refers to the shape of the solenomere tip which is somewhat reminiscent of the head profile of the Australian cassowary (Casuarius casuarius (Linnaeus, 1758)). Gender feminine.
Casuariverpa scarpa gen. et sp. nov. 
Etymology: The name is a noun in apposition and refers to the Udzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve.


• Yia gen. nov. 
Etymology: The name is an artificial word and refers to the row of Y- and I-shaped spikes on the gonopod telomere (Fig. 6F). To be treated as feminine.
Yia geminispina gen. et sp. nov.
Etymology: The name is a composite Latin noun in apposition meaning “twin spine” and refers to the pair of long spines on the telomere.


• Utiliverpa gen. nov. 
Etymology: From Latin utilis: useful, and verpa: penis. Refers to the shape of the solenomere which resembles a very useful instrument: a bottle-opener. Gender feminine.
Utiliverpa decapsulatrix gen. et sp. nov.  
Etymology: The name is a Latin noun meaning “remover of capsules”, cf. etymology of genus.

Henrik Enghoff. 2016. A Mountain of Millipedes V: Three New Genera of Odontopygidae from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Odontopygidae). European Journal of Taxonomy. 221: 1–17. DOI:  10.5852/ejt.2016.221

[Paleontology • 2016] Rativates evadens • A New Ornithomimid Theropod from the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta, Canada

Rativates evadens 

McFeeters, Ryan, Schröder-Adams & Cullen, 2016 

 DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2016.1221415 

ABSTRACT

A partial ornithomimid skeleton, ROM 1790, from the lower Dinosaur Park Formation (upper Campanian) of Alberta was previously referred to Struthiomimus altus, but lacks diagnostic characters of that species. It is here described as the holotype of a new species, Rativates evadens, gen. et sp. nov., diagnosed by the form of the maxilla-jugal contact, the reduction of the mid-caudal neural spines, the convex fusion of the left and right ischial shafts, the straight-edged distal end of the third metatarsal, and possibly the relatively enlarged medial condyle of the tibia. A histological section of the femur confirms that the type specimen is not a juvenile, despite its relatively small size (approximately 50% the size of large individuals of Struthiomimus altus). Phylogenetic analysis recovers Rativates as a member of a derived ornithomimid clade that includes Ornithomimus, Struthiomimus, and the Asian taxa Anserimimus and Qiupalong. Fusion of the proximal tarsals to the tibia in some ornithomimid specimens was observed to be more complete than previously recognized, increasing the suite of features that these non-avian dinosaurs share homoplastically with birds.

Rativates evadens  

Illustration: Andrey Atuchin 

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

THEROPODA Marsh, 1881

ORNITHOMIMOSAURIA Barsbold, 1976

ORNITHOMIMIDAE Marsh, 1890

RATIVATES, gen. nov.

Etymology—Latin ‘ratis’ meaning raft, in reference to the ratite birds; and Latin ‘vates’ meaning seer or foreteller. The name Rativates (‘ræt-aɪ-veɪ-tiz’) alludes to the paradox of an ‘ostrich mimic’ that existed before ostriches.

Diagnosis—As for the type species, R. evadens.

RATIVATES EVADENS, sp. nov.

Etymology— Latin ‘evadere’ meaning to evade, in reference to this swift-footed dinosaur’s ability to evade predators in the Late Cretaceous, as well as recognition as a new species in the 80 years following the discovery of the holotype.

Holotype— ROM 1790, incomplete skull and postcranial skeleton.

Type Locality— Quarry no. Q028 (Currie and Koppelhus, 2005) in the lower Dinosaur Park Formation (upper Campanian) near Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada.

.....

CONCLUSIONS : 

A new ornithomimid, Rativates evadens, is described on the basis of a partial skull and skeleton collected in 1934 from the lower Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta. Previous referrals of the type specimen ROM 1790 to Struthiomimus altus are unjustified. Rativates evadens is diagnosed by a suite of derived cranial, axial, and appendicular characters, despite regions of the skeleton (primarily the posterior skull, forelimbs, and distal caudals) critical to taxonomic and phylogenetic placement of other ornithomimids being unknown. The phylogenetic relationships of R. evadens, S. altus, and O. edmontonicus remain unresolved, but the consensus tree is consistent with the hypothesis of these species representing a single radiation of derived ornithomimids that entered Laramidia during the Campanian. Rativates evadens is among the oldest named ornithomimid species in North America and increases the diversity of approximately contemporaneous ornithomimid taxa in the lower part of the Dinosaur Park Formation. Reevaluation of previously collected material from other Upper Cretaceous formations in North America may identify additional overlooked ornithomimid species.

Bradley McFeeters, Michael J. Ryan, Claudia Schröder-Adams and Thomas M. Cullen. 2016. A New Ornithomimid Theropod from the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta, Canada. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2016.1221415 

    

An international group of researchers led by Bradley McFeeters, currently a Ph.D. student at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, has announced the discovery of a new ostrich-mimic dinosaur, Rativates evadens, from the lower Dinosaur Park Formation near Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta. The new species lived about 76 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous Period. Research describing the new species is published online in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

Congratulations to Brad McPheeters & Curator Dr. Michael Ryan on co-describing a new dinosaur! Welcome, #Rativates!  ‏@CMNHVertPaleo  cmnh.org/announcements/rativates-evadens

New Ostrich-Mimic Dinosaur From Alberta Named for Its Ability to Evade Predators

http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/new-ostrich-mimic-dinosaur-from-alberta-named-for-its-ability-to-evade-predators-2160496.htm

[Diplopoda • 2016] Four Colorful New Species of Dragon Millipedes, Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923 (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), from northern Thailand; Desmoxytes des, D. breviverpa, D. takensis & D. pinnasquali

Desmoxytes pinnasquali 

 Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 2016    

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4170.1.4

Abstract

Four new dragon millipede species of the genus Desmoxytes from northern Thailand are described and illustrated: Desmoxytes des sp. n. from Chiang Mai Province, Desmoxytes breviverpa sp. n. from Phrae Province, Desmoxytes takensis sp. n. from Tak Province and Desmoxytes pinnasquali sp. n. from Phitsanulok Province. The new species were compared with type specimens of closely related species and were all found to exhibit explicit morphological differences from these. They can be distinguished from other members of Desmoxytes by the shape of the gonopods, the sternal process between male coxae 4, the pattern of spines or tubercles on the metaterga, and the shape of the paraterga. The coloration of all new species is clearly aposematic: ranging from purple-pink to red. The new species are discussed in relation to their congeners, and a distribution map is provided.

Keywords: Myriapoda, taxonomy, aposematic, endemism

Taxonomy

Family Paradoxosomatidae Daday, 1889

Tribe Orthomorphini Brölemann, 1916

Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923

• Desmoxytes des Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha sp. n.

Etymology. The species epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the shape of the paraterga which reminds us of an ancient Egyptian flint knife (des).

• Desmoxytes breviverpa Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha sp. n.

Etymology. The name is a Latin noun in apposition, meaning “short intromittent organ”, and referring to the short, flagelliform solenomere. 

• Desmoxytes takensis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha sp. n.

Etymology. The name is Latin adjective referring to the province where the type locality occurs. 

Desmoxytes pinnasquali sp. n. — mating couple. 

• Desmoxytes pinnasquali Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha sp. n.

Etymology. The name is a Latin noun in apposition, meaning “shark fin” and referring to the shape of a process on lamina medialis. 

  

Ruttapon Srisonchai, Henrik Enghoff, Natdanai Likhitrakarn and Somsak Panha. 2016. Four Colorful New Species of Dragon Millipedes, Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923, from northern Thailand (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae).  Zootaxa. 4170(1); 93–113.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4170.1.4

 facebook.com/groups/122260101128398/posts/1207995165888214/

 

[Herpetology • 2016] Hynobius unisacculus • A New Species of Salamander of the Genus Hynobius (Caudata, Hynobiidae) from South Korea

Hynobius unisacculus 

Min, Baek, Song, Chang & Poyarkov, 2016

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4169.3.4  

Abstract

We describe a new species of lentic-breeding Hynobius salamander from the Naro Islands, near the village of Bongrae-myeon, Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, on the basis of results of morphological, ecological and genetic analyses. Hynobius unisacculus sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological attributes: (1) comparatively small size (adult SVL up to 61 mm; range 38.3–60.3 mm in males and 37.5–59.9 mm in females); (2) relatively slender short limbs; tips of fore- and hindlimbs adpressed on body never meeting, but separated by a large gap (gap of -3.0 to -1.5 costal folds in males and -3.5 to -1.5 in females); (3) comparatively short tail (TL/SVL ratio in adult males varying from 0.54–0.98, in adult females from 0.55 to 0.89), tail flattened and with a low dorsal fin extending to the posterior one-third of tail length; (4) usually 11 (occasionally 12) costal grooves; (5) in adults, dark brown dorsum with indistinct bronze or dark copper spots, lighter greyish-white or pinkish belly; (6) well developed fifth toe; (7) comparatively shallow vomerine tooth series with 13–23 vomerine teeth; (8) small, pigmented ova, located in one, occasionally two, strings in a small, curved egg sac with folded envelope, lacking distinct mucous stalks or whiptail-like structures on both ends. The molecular differentiation among Korean Hynobius is high; Hynobius unisacculus sp. nov. is genetically highly divergent from the morphologically similar H. leechii, H. yangi and H. quelpaertensis: pairwise distances are 9.7%, 9.1% and 8.0% of sequence divergence at the COI mtDNA gene respectively, and 10.9%, 10.9% and 9.4% of sequence divergence at the cyt b mtDNA gene, respectively. At present, the new species is known from coastal areas and offshore islands in southeastern part of Jeollanam-do in South Korea. We suggest the species should be considered as Vulnerable (Vu2a) in accordance with IUCN’s Red List categories. Our study supports the presence of undiagnosed taxonomic diversity among Korean Hynobius.

 Keywords: Amphibia, Hynobius unisacculus sp. nov., H. leechii, H. quelpaertensis, H. yangi, egg sacs, lentic-breeding species, mtDNA, morphology

Mi-Sook Min, Hae-Jun Baek, Jae -Young Song, Min Ho Chang and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. Jr. 2016. A New Species of Salamander of the Genus Hynobius (Amphibia, Caudata, Hynobiidae) from South Korea. Zootaxa. 4169(3); 475–503. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4169.3.4

[Herpetology • 2016] Placosoma limaverdorum • A New Species of Lizard Placosoma Tschudi, 1847 (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from the Relictual Forest Mountains of the State of Ceará, Brazil

Placosoma limaverdorum 

Borges-Nojosa, Caramaschi & Rodrigues,  2016 

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4169.1.8 

Abstract

A new species of Placosoma Tschudi, 1847, until now restricted to the Atlantic Forest areas of southeastern Brazil is described based on specimens obtained about 1700 km north to the current distribution of the genus. Placosoma limaverdorum spec. nov. is apparently endemic to three “brejos-de-altitude”, relictual forest mountains surrounded by dry Caatingas, in the State of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. It differs from their congeners by the presence of an undivided transparent palpebral disk, a divided nasal scale with a central nostril, a deep tympanic recess, a distinctive and thin light vertebral stripe on the dorsal surface of the head, body and tail, femoral pores present only in males (21–26), preanal pores absent and additionally by having 21–24 rows of transverse ventral scales, 34–38 dorsals, dorsal, lateral and ventral scales smooth, dorsal scales quadrangular, longer than wide, except in the neck region, where they are wider than long.

Keywords: Reptilia, Placosoma limaverdorum spec. nov., Brejos-de-altitude, Northeastern Brazil

Etymology. The species honors Prof. Dr. José Santiago Lima-Verde, an important collaborator of herpetological studies in the State of Ceará, who started the Herpetological Collection of the Universidade Federal do Ceará (CHUFC) and the Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia da UFC (NUROF-UFC). This description is also a tribute to the agronomist Wilson Luiz Lima-Verde, owner of the cottage (Sítio Olho d’Água dos Tangarás) where the holotype was obtained.

Distribution and natural history. The type series of Placosoma limaverdorum indicate that the species occurs in the forested mountains of Serra de Baturité (4o05’–4o40’S/38o30’–39o10’W), and Serra de Maranguape (3o54’–4o03’S/38o32’–38o40’W) in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil from where it is apparently endemic (Figure 4). Another record, although without voucher (P.C.M.D. Mesquita, personal information and photo) confirm its occurrence at Serra da Aratanha (3º55’–3º58’S/38º38’–38º36’W), another nearby forest region. These areas, the called “brejos de altitude”, are forest islands isolated in the semiarid Caatingas. Placosoma limaverdorum was always found inside the forest. Most specimens were spotted on the leaf litter of the primary and secondary vegetation, or in banana plantations (Lima 2005), in sympatry with the gymnophthalmids Leposoma baturitensis Rodrigues & Borges, 1997, Colobosauroides cearensis Cunha, Lima-Verde & Lima, 1991 and Stenolepis ridleyi Boulenger, 1887. Two specimens were found in tree trunks, one on a central part of the trunk of a thin tree, about 1.3 m high, and the other in a vertical branch, about 1.2 m from the ground, between epiphytes and lichens. Three specimens were taken from the stomach contents of the snake Drymoluber dichrous (Peters, 1863) from Serra de Maranguape (Borges-Nojosa & Lima 2001).

 Diva Maria Borges-Nojosa, Ulisses Caramaschi and Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues. 2016. A New Species of Lizard Placosoma Tschudi, 1847 (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from the Relictual Forest Mountains of the State of Ceará, Brazil.
Zootaxa.  4169(1); 160–170. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4169.1.8

ResearchGate.net/publication/308306181_A_new_species_of_lizard_Placosoma_Tschudi_1847_Squamata_Gymnophthalmidae_from_the_relictual_forest_mountains_of_the_State_of_Ceara_Brazil

[Ichthyology • 2016] Sinobatis andamanensis • A New Legskate (Rajiformes: Anacanthobatidae) from the Andaman Sea (northeastern Indian Ocean)

Sinobatis andamanensis 

 Last & Bussarawit. 2016

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4168.1.9

Abstract

A new legskate, Sinobatis andamanensis sp. nov. is described from a small collection of specimens taken off Phuket (Thailand) during an exploratory survey of the Andaman Sea. It is the first species of Sinobatis and the only legskate known from the northern Indian Ocean. Sinobatis andamanensis sp. nov. has an especially long and narrowly pointed snout (preorbital length exceeding 23% TL) with an interorbital distance 7–9.5 in snout length (up to 6.7 in other Sinobatis species). Molecular data are unavailable for most members of the genus, but based on morphology it shares with S. caerulea bluish dorsal and ventral surfaces when fresh and a long ventral head (length 36–42% TL). As well as differing in several morphometric differences, Sinobatis andamanensis sp. nov. seems to be a much smaller legskate (males adult from 186 mm DW vs. still immature at 540 mm DW in S. caerulea). Sinobatis bulbicauda also has an expanded posterior tail, but S. andamanensis sp. nov. differs from that species in having a narrower disc (width at anterior orbit 3.7–4.9 vs. 5.2–7.8 times mouth width) and anterior pelvic-fin lobes (base width 2.7–5.0 vs. 1.7–3.2 in distance between pelvic-fin origins), and shorter and less-conical tooth cusps and fewer vertebrae (total centra 126–133 vs. 148–171).

Keywords: Pisces, Anacanthobatidae, Sinobatis andamanensis, new species, legskate, Andaman Sea, northeastern Indian Ocean

Peter R. Last and Somchai Bussarawit. 2016. A New Legskate, Sinobatis andamanensis (Rajiformes: Anacanthobatidae), from the Andaman Sea (northeastern Indian Ocean).
 Zootaxa.  4168(1); 161–170. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4168.1.9

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[Herpetology • 2016] Stripes, Jewels and Spines: Further Investigations Into the Evolution of Defensive Strategies in A Chemically Defended Gecko Radiation (Strophurus, Diplodactylidae)

Figure 1. (A) Phylogenetic reconstruction of Strophurus species-level relationships with representative photographs of each species in life (size standardized), as well as maps of the geographic distributions of the four major clades and a general map indicating the modern extent of the Australian arid zone. A solid, black circle indicates nodal support values ≥70% for maximum likelihood bootstraps (BS) and ≥0.95 for Bayesian inference posterior probabilities (PP). A white circle represents PP ≥0.95, but BS <70%.

DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12181

Abstract
The geckos in the genus Strophurus (Diplodactylidae) are one of only two squamate lineages with specialized caudal defensive glands. Many species in this genus also have distinctive caudal ornamentation combined with bright and/or contrasting colour pattern elements on the iris, tail and especially the lining of the mouth that are hypothesized to be adaptations for specialized (e.g. deimatic) defensive functions. We present the first multilocus, phylogenetic analysis of the biogeography and evolution of all recognized taxa of Strophurus. Contrary to previous phenotypic and ecological assessments, our phylogenetic analyses delineate four divergent lineages. Three lineages are relatively small (snout-vent length [SVL] 40–60 mm), species-poor (<5 recognized taxa), cryptically coloured (either striped or spotted) and lack precloacal pores (a secondary sexual trait) and putative deimatic elements. In contrast, the remaining lineage is comparatively species rich (at least 14 taxa), attains a larger body size (SVL 60–90 mm), possesses precloacal pores and shows extensive variation in caudal ornamentation and often bright and/or contrasting eye, tail and mouth colouration. The three less diverse lineages have smaller distributions and tend to be associated with spinifex (e.g. Triodia) hummock grasses or rocks, whereas the fourth lineage is much more widespread (including multiple biomes) and consistently reported to utilize more exposed diurnal microhabitats on shrubs and trees. Biogeographical analyses also indicate that – in contrast to many other Australian radiations – the arid biome is the ancestral area of occupation for Strophurus, with multiple inferred shifts into surrounding sclerophyll and monsoon biomes. This study emphasizes that – independent of caudal defensive glands – it appears to be a shift in microhabitat use that correlates with the accumulation of bright and contrasting colouration elements, secondary sexual characters and the widest geographic distribution.

Figure 1. (A) Phylogenetic reconstruction of Strophurus species-level relationships with representative photographs of each species in life (size standardized), as well as maps of the geographic distributions of the four major clades and a general map indicating the modern extent of the Australian arid zone. A solid, black circle indicates nodal support values ≥70% for maximum likelihood bootstraps (BS) and ≥0.95 for Bayesian inference posterior probabilities (PP). A white circle represents PP ≥0.95, but BS <70%. And (B) gene networks for phased haplotype sequences from two nuDNA markers, RAG-1 and PRLR. Subclades are distinguished by colour: yellow, taeniatus group; brown, wilsoni group; orange, elderi group; and green, strophurus group. Red stars indicate lineages we interpret as representing possible mitochondrial introgression (see text).

Figure 2. Time-calibrated cladogram illustrating relationships within sampled Pygopodoidea and coloured by ancestral reconstruction of habitat. Bayesian posterior probabilities ≥0.95 subtending each node are noted with an asterisk. Species-specific character states for all traits for which we performed ancestral state reconstruction are symbolized by dots. For single-state traits, a black dot indicates presence; for multistate traits, dots are either black or white (and in one instance, blue or orange), representing the character state (see text for details). Inset photographs illustrate some of the scored traits. The top panel displays variation in caudal adornment (left to right: lacking adornment and either lacking [Strophurus michaelseni] or possessing bright/contrasting colouration [S. taenicauda]; with adornment [tubercles: S. strophurus; prominent spines: S. williamsi, S. wellingtonae] and variations of bright/contrasting colour elements), and the bottom panel variation in iris colour/pattern and oral mucosa colour (L to R: ‘normal’ pink oral mucosa [Diplodactylus vittatus], iris with fine reticulations and orange oral mucosa (S. jeanae) and blue oral mucosa with irises that are brightly coloured and with either boldly contrasting patches or reticulated [S. wellingtonae and S. taenicauda, respectively]). The Strophurus clade is indicated, and the colours below the names of the species indicate the major group to which they belong (see Fig. 1).

Conclusions

Our phylogenetic analyses delineate four eco-morphologically divergent lineages within the chemically defended Australian gecko genus Strophurus that show differing patterns of taxonomic diversity. The three less diverse lineages generally lacking putative deimatic colour elements tend to be associated with spinifex hummock grasses or rocks, while the fourth lineage is consistently reported to utilize more exposed diurnal microhabitats on shrubs and trees. Thus, we suggest that it is this shift in microhabitat use that correlates with an accumulation of bright and contrasting colour elements, the possession of secondary sexual characters, and an extensive geographic distribution.

Stuart V. Nielsen, Paul M. Oliver, Rebecca J. Laver, Aaron M. Bauer and Brice P. Noonan. 2016. Stripes, Jewels and Spines: Further Investigations Into the Evolution of Defensive Strategies in A Chemically Defended Gecko Radiation (Strophurus, Diplodactylidae). Zoologica Scripta.  45(5); 481–493. DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12181
ResearchGate.net/publication/303376643_Stripes_jewels_and_spines_Further_investigations_into_the_evolution_of_defensive_strategies_in_a_chemically_defended_gecko_radiation_Strophurus_Diplodactylidae

[Herpetology • 2016] Hidden Diversity within the Lizard Genus Liolaemus: Genetic vs Morphological Divergence in the L. rothi complex (Squamata: Liolaeminae)

Highlights

• We study the level of molecular vs. morphological divergence within a lizard species complex

• We detected strong genetic divergence, but morphological differences are not that clear

• Differential selection pressures was detected implying some level of morphological stasis

Abstract

Currently, Liolaemus is the second most species-rich reptile genus in the world (257 species), and predictions of its real diversity suggest that it may be the most diverse genus. Originally, Liolaemus species were described as widely distributed and morphologically variable taxa, but extensive sampling in previously unexplored geographic areas, coupled with molecular and more extensive morphological studies, have discovered an unexpectedly high number of previously undetected species.

Here, we study the level of molecular vs. morphological divergence within the L. rothi complex, combining a total of 14 loci (2 mitochondrial and 12 nuclear loci) for 97 individuals, as well as morphological data (nine morphometric and 15 color pattern variables), that represent all six described species of the L. rothi complex, plus two candidate species. We use the multi-coalescent species delimitation program iBPP and resolve strong differences in molecular divergence; and each species is inferred as an independent lineage supported by high posterior probabilities. However, morphological differences are not that clear, and our modeling of morphological characters suggests differential selection pressures implying some level of morphological stasis. We discuss the role of natural selection on phenotypic traits, which may be an important factor in “hiding” the real diversity of the genus.

Keywords: natural selection; species tree; iBPP; divergence times; Patagonia

Melisa Olave, Luciano J. Avila, Jack W. Sites Jr and Mariana Morando. 2016. Hidden Diversity within the Lizard Genus Liolaemus: Genetic vs Morphological Divergence in the L. rothi complex (Squamata: Liolaeminae).
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.  DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.09.009 

[Crustacea • 2016] Cambarus (Jugicambarus) adustus • A New Species of Crayfish from northeastern Kentucky delimited from the Cambarus (J.) aff. dubius species complex

Dusky Mudbug | Cambarus (Jugicambarus) adustus 

 Thoma, Fetzner, Stocker & Loughman, 2016  

FIGURE 4. Cambarus (Jugicambarus) adustus, new species, from the type locality showing natural coloration.

 locality: roadside ditch serving as a tributary to Big Branch of Salt Lick Creek, NE of Glen Springs, Lewis County, Kentucky.

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4162.1.9

Abstract

A new species of burrowing crayfish, Cambarus (Jugicambarus) adustus, is described from Lewis County in northeastern Kentucky, USA. The new species is most similar morphologically to C. dubius. Cambarus adustus coloration differs from C. dubius by lacking red, orange and blue hues, and instead is brown over the entire body surface. Morphological differences between C. dubius and C. adustus exist in the form I male gonopod, with C. adustus possessing a caudal knob, while C. dubius does not. In addition, the lateral carapace of C. adustus is distinctly tuberculate, whereas in C. dubius the carapace lacks extensive tuberculation. Cambarus (J.) adustus appears to have an extremely small geographic range (~19.5 km2), and as such we suggest its consideration for both state and federal levels of protection.

Keywords: Crustacea, Appalachian Mountains, Cambaridae, Cambarus, crayfish, Decapoda, new species

Life history. Collections have been made in May, June, August, September, and October. First form males, second form males, and females have been observed in all months sampled. No ovigerous females or young-of year have been observed.

Crayfish associates. Cambarus thomai and Cambarus ortmanni are found burrowing in adjacent areas. In streams of the area there is a member of the Orconectes subgenus Procericambarus present. It is not clear if these populations represent an undescribed species or are just a geographic variant of Orconectes raymondi Thoma and Stocker 2009.

Relationships. Cambarus adustus is assigned to the subgenus Jugicambarus based on the presence of a cristiform row of tubercles on the mesial margin of the chelae. It appears to be most closely related to C. dubius, C. pauleyi, and other members of the C. aff. dubius complex. It is hypothesized that the species had become established in the preglacial Portsmouth River prior to the onset of the Quaternary. Cambarus adustus displays a caudal knob similar to, but smaller than, Cambarus bouchardi Hobbs 1970. This character state is not thought to reflect a close relationship between the two species.

Etymology. The species epithet (adustus = L. brown) is chosen to recognize the overall coloration of this species. The suggested vernacular name is Dusky Mudbug.

Conservation status. Cambarus (J.) adustus, new species, is narrowly distributed, with a current extent of occurrence of 19.5 km2  in Lewis County, Kentucky. It is best classified as Endangered following Taylor et al. (2007), Endangered (B2ab(iii), ver. 3-1) using IUCN criteria (IUCN 2001), G1 using NatureServe. It should be listed as S1 by the state of Kentucky, and Endangered by the USFWS.

Range and specimens examined. This species has only been found in Lewis County, Kentucky in the Quicks Run, Salt Lick Creek and the eastern edge of Cabin Creek basins. Adjacent areas in Kentucky and Ohio have been searched but no other populations have been found. Taylor and Schuster (2004) did not report C. dubius from Lewis County, KY. Their closest record was a single site reported from Rowan County, KY in the Licking River basin.

Roger F. Thoma, James W. Jr. Fetzner, G. Whitney Stocker and Zachary J. Loughman. 2016. Cambarus (Jugicambarus) adustus, A New Species of Crayfish from northeastern Kentucky delimited from the Cambarus (J.) aff. dubius species complex.
 Zootaxa. 4162(1); 173–187. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4162.1.9