[Herpetology • 2018] Lankanectes pera • A New Frog Species (Anura, Nyctibatrachidae) from Rapidly Dwindling Cloud Forest Streams of Sri Lanka

Lankanectes pera  

Senevirathne, Samarawickrama, Wijayathilaka, Manamendra-Arachchi, Bowatte, Samarawickrama & Meegaskumbura, 2018

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4461.4.4 

Abstract

The monotypic genus Lankanectes, considered an evolutionary long branch with India’s Nyctibatrachus as its sister lineage, is represented by L. corrugatus, a species widely distributed within the wet zone of Sri Lanka up to 1500 m asl, where it inhabits a variety of lotic and lentic habitats. Here, following an integrative taxonomic approach using DNA-based phylogenies, morphology, morphometry, and ecological niche models, we describe a new species — Lankanectes pera sp. nov. The new species is distinguished from its sister species mainly by its tuberculated throat and absence of dark patches on venter, throat, manus and pes. The uncorrected genetic distances between the two Lankanectes species for a fragment of the non-coding mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene is 3.5–3.7%. The new species has a very restricted climatic distribution with a total predicted area of only 360 km2 (vs. 14,120 km2 for L. corrugatus). Unlike L. corrugatus, which prefers muddy substrates and marshy areas, the new species is observed inhabiting only pristine streams flowing through canopy covered montane forests in the highest reaches of the Knuckles Mountain range. The specialized new species will need immediate conservation attention due to its restricted distribution (montane isolate), specialized habit of inhabiting clear mountain streams, and small population size.

Keywords: Amphibia, Ecological niche models, General lineage concept, Knuckles Mountains, Montane-isolate

Lankanectes pera sp. nov. in life, SVL 22.40 mm; Dorsolateral view

Lankanectes pera, sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet pera is applied as a noun in apposition. It is a reference to the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, affectionately referred to as “Pera” by its alumni. 

Distribution: Lankanectes pera sp. nov. is restricted to streams flowing through the montane forests on highest peaks of the Knuckles Mountain range—1100 m asl, in Dothalugala and Bamabarella and Riverston regions.

 Gayani Senevirathne, V.A.M.P.K. Samarawickrama, Nayana Wijayathilaka, Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi, G. Bowatte, D.R.N.S. Samarawickrama and Madhava Meegaskumbura. 2018. A New Frog Species from Rapidly Dwindling Cloud Forest Streams of Sri Lanka—Lankanectes pera (Anura, Nyctibatrachidae).  Zootaxa. 4461(4); 519–538. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4461.4.4

Researchgate.net/publication/327173994_A_new_frog_species_from_rapidly_dwindling_cloud_forest_streams_of_Sri_Lanka

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[Mammalogy • 2018] A Revision of Kerivoula hardwickii and Occurrence of K. furva (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in China

 Kerivoula furva  Kuo, Soisook, Ho, Csorba, Wang & Rossiter, 2017

in Yu, Li, Csorba, et al., 2018.

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4461.1.2 
Photo: Wen-Hua Yu. 

Abstract

Although increased survey efforts using improved capture methods (particularly harp traps) have greatly expanded the quantity of Kerivoula specimens available in China, the understanding of the genus has been long constrained. After the recently published revision of the hardwickii-complex with the description of K. furva and re-evaluation of occurrence of K. titania in Taiwan, the critical overview of the previous data of Chinese Kerivoula (with the exception of K. picta, a strikingly colored and unmistakable species) is imperative. To clarify the taxonomy and distribution of the hardwickii-complex in China, 40 additional specimens collected from South China were studied through detailed morphological comparisons, multivariate statistical methods and phylogenetic inference. Our results evidently classified these specimens as K. furva instead of K. titania or K. hardwickii sensu stricto and together with the critical review of literature data indicate that all previous Chinese records of the two latter species were based on either misidentifications or outdated taxonomy. K. furva have so far been recorded in the Chinese provinces of Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Yunnan and Taiwan, but more field surveys are needed to confirm whether it could be found in other nearby provinces.

Keywords: Mammalia, distribution, species determination, woolly bats

 Kerivoula furva from Jiangxi (GZHU 14132)

Photo: Wen-Hua Yu.

 Wen-Hua Yu, Feng Li, Gábor Csorba, Zhong-Xian Xu, Xiao-Yun Wang, Wei-Jian Guo, Yu-Chun Li and Yi Wu. 2018. A Revision of Kerivoula hardwickii and Occurrence of K. furva (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in China. Zootaxa. 4461(1); 45–56.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4461.1.2

Hao-Chih Kuo, Pipat Soisook, Ying-Yi Ho, Gabor Csorba, Chun-Neng Wang and Stephen J. Rossiter. 2017. A Taxonomic Revision of the Kerivoula hardwickii complex (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) with the Description of A New Species.   Acta Chiropterologica. 19(1); 19-39.  DOI: 10.3161/15081109ACC2017.19.1.002

[Herpetology • 2018] On Rhinella gildae (Anura: Bufonidae): Phylogenetic Relationship, Morphological Variation, Advertisement and Release Calls and Geographic Distribution

Rhinella gildae Vaz-Silva, Maciel, Bastos & Pombal 2015

in Ávila, Pansonato, Perez, Carvalho, Roberto, et al., 2018.  

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4462.2.9 

Abstract

Anurans in the Rhinella margaritifera group have a long history of taxonomic confusion, mainly by morphological similarity between species and lack of acoustic and genetic data for many of the 19 described species. Herein, we presented data for Rhinella gildae based on recently collected specimens from its type locality. We provide patterns of morphological variation, measurements, advertisement and release calls and infer the phylogenetic position of R. gildae. The species geographical distribution was updated, occurring in two Amazonian localities in Maranhão state, and Cerrado areas in Maranhão and Tocantins states and also in a rainforest enclave inside Caatinga domain in Ceará state.

Keywords: Amphibia, bioacoustics, morphology, Rhinella margaritifera

Robson Waldemar Ávila, André Pansonato, Renata Perez, Vinicius Tadeu de Carvalho, Igor Joventino Roberto, Drausio Honorio Morais, Alexandre Pinheiro de Almeida., Rommel Rojas, Marcelo Gordo and Izeni Pires Farias. 2018.  On Rhinella gildae Vaz-Silva, Maciel, Bastos & Pombal 2015 (Anura: Bufonidae): Phylogenetic Relationship, Morphological Variation, Advertisement and Release Calls and Geographic Distribution. Zootaxa. 4462(2); 274–290. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4462.2.9

[Herpetology • 2018] Origin and Hidden Diversity within the Poorly Known Pseudalsophis Galápagos Snake Radiation (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)

 live specimens of the Galápagos snakes: 
(5) Pseudalsophis thomasi sp. nov. yellow morph from Santiago Island, (6) Pseudalsophis thomasi sp. nov. brown morph from Santiago Island, (7) Pseudalsophis hephaestus sp. nov. from Santiago Island, (8) Pseudalsophis steindachneri from Santa Cruz Island, (9) Pseudalsophis slevini from Pinzón Island, (10) Pseudalsophis darwini sp. nov. from Tortuga Island. 

Zaher, Yánez-Muñoz, Rodrigues, Graboski, Machado, et al., 2018

   DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2018.1478910 

 twitter.com/JorgeBritoM

Abstract

Galápagos snakes are among the least studied terrestrial vertebrates of the Archipelago. Here, we provide a phylogenetic analysis and a time calibrated tree for the group, based on a sampling of the major populations known to occur in the Archipelago. Our study revealed the presence of two previously unknown species from Santiago and Rábida Islands, and one from Tortuga, Isabela, and Fernandina. We also recognize six additional species of Pseudalsophis in the Galápagos Archipelago (Pseudalsophis biserialis from San Cristobal, Floreana and adjacent islets; Pseudalsophis hoodensis from Española and adjacent islets; Pseudalsophis dorsalis from Santa Cruz, Baltra, Santa Fé, and adjacent islets; Pseudalsophis occidentalis from Fernandina, Isabela, and Tortuga; Pseudalsophis slevini from Pinzon, and Pseudalsophis steindachneri from Baltra, Santa Cruz and adjacent islets). Our time calibrated tree suggests that the genus Pseudalsophis colonized the Galápagos Archipelago through a single event of oceanic dispersion from the coast of South America that occurred at approximately between 6.9 Ma and 4.4 Ma, near the Miocene/Pliocene boundary. 

Key words: Dipsadidae, divergence time estimation, island speciation, molecular phylogeny, Pseudalsophis, Serpentes

   

Figure 4. Photographs of live specimens of the Galápagos snakes:
Pseudalsophis hoodensis from Española Island (4.1), Pseudalsophis biserialis from San Cristóbal Island (4.2), Pseudalsophis occidentalis from Fernandina Island (4.3), Pseudalsophis dorsalis from Santa Fé Island (4.4), Pseudalsophis thomasi sp. nov. yellow morph from Santiago Island (4.5), Pseudalsophis thomasi sp. nov. brown morph from Santiago Island (4.6), Pseudalsophis hephaestus sp. nov. from Santiago Island (4.7), Pseudalsophis steindachneri from Santa Cruz Island (4.8), Pseudalsophis slevini from Pinzón Island (4.9), Pseudalsophis darwini sp. nov. from Tortuga Island (4.10). 

Pseudalsophis thomasi sp. nov.

ETYMOLOGY: A patronym honouring Robert A. Thomas for expanding our knowledge of the systematics and taxonomy of New World snakes.

Pseudalsophis hephaestus sp. nov.

ETYMOLOGY: From the Greek Ἥφαιστος (Hephaestus), name of the son of Zeus and Hera, God of fire and volcanoes (but also of blacksmiths, carpenters, and artisans), in allusion to the volcanic environment in which this species lives.

Pseudalsophis darwini sp. nov. 

ETYMOLOGY: The specific name, a noun in the genitive case, honours Charles Darwin for his invaluable contribution to our knowledge of the Galápagos Archipelago and to Science.

Figure 9. Phylogenetic and morphological diversification of Pseudalsophis in the Galápagos Archipelago.
 (9.1) depicts the phylogeny mapped onto the Archipelago’s map. Silhouettes represent the continental (green); large insular (blue), and small insular (red) morphotypes recognized in this study, and their occurrences in the islands. Question marks indicate populations that are known to occur in a specific island but were not sampled for genetic material.  

Hussam Zaher, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Miguel T. Rodrigues, Roberta Graboski, Fabio A. Machado, Marco Altamirano-Benavides, Sandro L. Bonatto and Felipe G. Grazziotin. 2018.  Origin and Hidden Diversity within the Poorly Known Galápagos Snake Radiation (Serpentes: Dipsadidae). Systematics and Biodiversity.  DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2018.1478910   

twitter.com/JorgeBritoM/status/1032385664686247936

[Paleontology • 2018] Eorhynchochelys sinensis • A Triassic Stem Turtle with An Edentulous Beak

Eorhynchochelys sinensis 

Li, Fraser, Rieppel & Wu, 2018

  DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0419-1 

Abstract

The early evolution of turtles continues to be a contentious issue in vertebrate palaeontology. Recent reports have suggested that they are diapsids but the position of turtles within Diapsida is controversial and the sequence of acquisition of turtle synapomorphies remains unclear. Here we describe a Triassic turtle from China that has a mixture of derived characters and plesiomorphic features. To our knowledge, it represents the earliest known stem turtle with an edentulous beak and a rigid puboischiadic plate. The discovery of this new form reveals a complex early history of turtles.

Fig. 1: The holotype of Eorhynchochelys sinensis (SMMP 000016).
 Complete articulated skeleton, as preserved.

Reptilia Laurenti, 1768

Pantestudines Joyce, Parham and Gauthier, 200414

Eorhynchochelys sinensis gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. Eo- (dawn), rhyncho- (beak), chelys (turtle): the earliest turtle with a beak; sinensis, from China. ("Ay-oh-rink-oh-keel-is")

Holotype. Sanya Museum of Marine Paleontology (SMMP) 000016 in Hainan Province, China, an articulated specimen displaying the postcranium in dorsal view, and the skull in ventral view (the skull and pelvis were prepared from both sides).

Locality. Heshangjing of Baiyuncun, Xinpuxiang, Guanling District, Guizhou Province, southwestern China.

Horizon. The upper unit of the lower part of the Wayao Member of the Falang Formation, approximately 8.5 m above the top of the Zhuganpo Member; Late Triassic (Carnian age).

Diagnosis. A stem pantestudine of large size; proportionately small skull broadly triangular in outline; supratemporal fenestra closed; infratemporal fenestra partially open; edentulous beak; pleurodont tooth implantation; teeth on parabasisphenoid; 12 dorsal vertebrae; neural spines with disc-like dorsal tables in cervical vertebra 8 to caudal 5; dorsal ribs 1 through 10 horizontally (anteroposteriorly) broadened, T-shaped in cross-section; rigid puboischiadic plate with median ventral keel; and ischium with posterior elongation.

....

 

Chun Li, Nicholas C. Fraser, Olivier Rieppel and Xiao-Chun Wu. 2018. A Triassic Stem Turtle with An Edentulous Beak. Nature. 560; 476–479. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0419-1

230-million-year-old turtle fossil deepens mystery of reptile's origins  nature.com/articles/d41586-018-06012-0

Fossil turtle didn't have a shell yet, but had the first toothless turtle beak  phys.org/news/2018-08-fossil-turtle-didnt-shell-toothless.html via @physorg_com

   

[Entomology • 2018] Review of the Family Coccidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) in Laos

Coccus celatus De Lotto, 1960

in Choi,  Soysouvanh, Lee & Hong, 2018
DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4460.1.1 

Abstract

The family Coccidae Fallén, 1814 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha), known as soft scale insects, is represented in Laos by 26 species. This includes 15 new country records: Ceroplastes cirripediformis (Comstock, 1881), C. floridensis Comstock, 1881, Coccus capparidis (Green, 1904), C. celatus De Lotto, 1960, C. formicarii (Green, 1896), C. gymnospori (Green, 1908), C. latioperculatum (Green, 1922), Drepanococcus cajani (Maskell, 1891), Eucalymnatus tessellatus (Signoret, 1873), Megapulvinaria maxima (Green, 1904), Paralecanium expansum (Green, 1896), Pulvinaria floccifera (Westwood, 1870), P. psidii Maskell, 1893, Saissetia miranda (Cockerell & Parrott in Cockerell, 1899), and S. oleae (Olivier, 1791). An identification key to adult females of all the soft scale species known from Laos is provided, together with diagnoses, photographs and host information. The economic importance of each species is also discussed.

Keywords: Hemiptera, scale insect, soft scale insect, new country records, taxonomy

Coccus celatus De Lotto, 1960; population of females in life.

Jinyeong Choi,  Pheophanh Soysouvanh, Seunghwan Lee and Ki-Jeong Hong. 2018. Review of the Family Coccidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) in Laos. Zootaxa. 4460(1); 1-61. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4460.1.1

[Ichthyology • 2018] Barbus anatolicus • A New Barbel (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak River Drainages in northern Anatolia

Barbus anatolicus

Turan, Kaya, Geiger & Freyhof, 2018

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4461.4.5 

Abstract
Barbus anatolicus, new species, is described from the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak River drainages in the southern Black Sea basin. It is distinguished from other Barbus species in the Middle East by having 58–71 total lateral line scales, a moderately ossified last simple dorsal-fin ray, serrated along about 70–80% of its posterior margin, many small irregular shaped black or brown spots, smaller or as large as scales, often forming large, dark-brown blotches on the head, back and flank in adults and juveniles, and a concave posterior dorsal-fin margin. In addition, DNA barcode data reject the hypothesis that it belongs to one of the other species of the B. barbus species group. Barbus bergi from Bulgaria and adjacent Turkey is treated as synonym of B. tauricus. Barbus tauricus was previously believed to be restricted to the Crimean Peninsula but is found to be widespread in the Black Sea basin.

Keywords: Pisces, freshwater fish, Middle East, taxonomy, morphology, cytochrome oxidase I

FIGURE 4. Barbus anatolicus, from the top,
 FSJF 3104, 136 mm SL; Turkey: Yeşilırmak River drainage;
 FSJF 2902, paratype, 236 mm SL; Turkey: Kızılırmak River.

Barbus anatolicus, new species

Etymology. The name of the species is derived from Anatolia. An adjective. 

  

Davut Turan, Cüneyt Kaya, Matthias Geiger and Jörg Freyhof. 2018. Barbus anatolicus, A New Barbel from the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak River Drainages in northern Anatolia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).  Zootaxa. 4461(4); 539–557.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4461.4.5

[Arachnida • 2018] Antillobisium tomasi • A New Antillobisium Species (Pseudoscorpiones: Bochicidae) from Cuba, with Biogeographical and Ecological Remarks on the Genus

Antillobisium tomasi

 Díaz, Zaragoza & Iborra, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4464.3.5 

Abstract

A new troglobitic species of the genus Antillobisium is described from Sancti Spiritus province, Cuba. Antillobisium tomasi n. sp. is the third known species of the genus and is well characterized by its large size and extremely slender appendages. Biogeographical and ecological considerations on the genus are given.

Keywords: Arachnida, Cave, hypogean, karst, pseudoscorpions, relict, troglobitic

 Superfamily Neobisioidea Chamberlin, 1930 

Family Bochicidae Chamberlin, 1930 

Subfamily Bochicinae Chamberlin, 1930 

Genus Antillobisium Dumitresco & Orghidan, 1977

A. vachoni Dumitresco & Orghidan, 1977 

A. mitchelli Dumitresco & Orghidan, 1977

 Antillobisium tomasi n. sp., male habitus.

Antillobisium tomasi n. sp.

Etymology. The species is named after the Cuban biospeleologist and arachnologist Tomás Michel Rodríguez, who collected the holotype.

 René Barba Díaz, Juan A. Zaragoza and Germán López Iborra. 2018. A New Antillobisium Species (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones: Bochicidae) from Cuba, with Biogeographical and Ecological Remarks on the Genus. Zootaxa. 4461(3); 399–410.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4464.3.5

Resumen: Se describe una nueva especie troglobia del género Antillobisium de la provincia de Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. Antillobisium tomasi n. sp. es la tercera especie conocida del género y está bien caracterizada por su gran tamaño y por sus artejos extremadamente esbeltos en comparación con las otras. Se dan consideraciones biogeográficas y ecológicas sobre el género.

[Botany • 2018] Thismia kelantanensis (Thismiaceae) • A New Species from Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

Thismia kelantanensis  Siti-Munirah

in Siti-Munirah, 2018. 

   DOI: 10.1007/s12225-018-9767-0 

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Summary

A new species of Thismiaceae, Thismia kelantanensis Siti-Munirah, found in deep forest in the state of Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia, is described and illustrated. Thismia kelantanensis is characterised by its mitriform inner tepals, so falls within section Sarcosiphon. This species closely resembles T. clavigera (Becc.) F. Muell. from Malaysia (Sarawak and Langkawi) and Thailand and T. betung-kerihunensis Tsukaya & H. Okada from Kalimantan, Indonesia. However, it differs in flower shape, colour, the warty claviform appendages and the mitriform hood-shaped forms in six parts on its mitre.

Key Words: Dioscoreales, Malesia, mycoheterotroph, new species, taxonomy, Titiwangsa Range 

Fig. 1. Thismia kelantanensis Siti-Munirah.
 A plant habit with mature flower; B flower; C involucral bracts and young bud; D roots E tip of claviform appendages; F warty claviform appendages; G view from above; H filament ribbon-shaped; J – K mitre; L double hoodshaped overlay; M pendulous stamen.

Photos: M. Y. Siti-Munirah.

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Thismia kelantanensis Siti-Munirah sp. nov. 

Distribution: Malaysia: Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan.

Etymology: The epithet refers to the state, Kelantan, where it was found.

Siti-Munirah Mat Yunoh. 2018. Thismia kelantanensis (Thismiaceae), A New Species from Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. Kew Bulletin. September 2018, 73:42.  DOI: 10.1007/s12225-018-9767-0

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[Herpetology • 2018] Boophis masoala • Eye and Webbing Colouration As Predictors of Specific Distinctness: A Genetically Isolated New Treefrog Species of the Boophis albilabris Group from the Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Madagascar

 Boophis masoala

 Glaw, Scherz, Prötzel & Vences, 2018

 SALAMANDRA. 54(3)

Abstract

 We describe a large and distinctive new treefrog species with blue webbing from the west coast of the Masoala peninsula in northeastern Madagascar. Boophis masoala sp. n. is morphologically similar to the other species of the Boophis albilabris group but can be distinguished from them easily by several chromatic characters of the eyes. Despite its similar morphology, it is genetically highly differentiated (10.5–13.3% pairwise p-distance in a segment of the 16S rRNA gene) from all other species in the B. albilabris group including the morphologically most similar Boophis praedictus. Both species share the blue webbing between toes and are distributed on the Masoala peninsula, but so far were not found in close sympatry. Although we recorded the new species only from the unprotected areas near the coast, we are confident that it also occurs within the adjacent Masoala National Park. We discuss the importance of eye colouration as a predictor of specific distinctness in the genus Boophis and that of webbing colouration as taxonomic characters of large treefrogs. Based on a micro-CT scan we provide a comprehensive description of the osteology of the new species, which is the first for any Boophis species, and furthermore describe its distress call which consists of three distinct sections corresponding to (1) the starting phase with closed mouth, (2) the opening of the mouth and (3) the final section with an open mouth. 

Key words: Amphibia, Anura, Mantellidae, Boophis masoala sp. n., biogeography, distress call, osteology

Boophis masoala sp. n. 

Diagnosis: Assigned to the genus Boophis based on the presence of an intercalary element between ultimate and penultimate phalanges of fingers and toes (verified by external and osteological examination), enlarged terminal discs of fingers and toes, lateral metatarsalia separated by webbing, absence of outer metatarsal tubercle, molecular phylogenetic relationships (Fig. 1), and overall similarity to other Boophis species. Assigned to the Boophis albilabris group based on the following combination of characters: large size (snout–vent length of holotype 82.4 mm); well developed webbing between fingers; presence of vomerine teeth; presence of a white line along upper lip; molecular phylogenetic relationships; and overall morphological similarity to B. praedictus and B. albilabris.

....

Figure 3. Boophis masoala sp. n.:
 (A) Holotype in dorsolateral and (B) ventral view.
Two additional individuals were sampled and sequenced but not collected: (C) ZSM-DNA 00289 and (D) ZSM-DNA 00290, both representing different colour morphs.

Habitat and habits: The holotype was discovered at night perching on branches ca. 3 meters above the ground, in close proximity (ca. 30 m) to the sea shore, but not close to any other water body. Another individual was discovered at night in a tree, ca. 4–5 m above the ground at the edge of the trail that leads from the shore to the EcoLodge, just above a small stream and likewise not more than ca. 50 m distance from the shore. The third individual was found in the same area, but only ca. 2 m above the ground.

....

Etymology: The specific epithet masoala is used as a noun in apposition and is composed of the Malagasy words ‘maso’ (meaning eye) and ‘ala’ (meaning forest), and is usually translated as ‘eye of the forest’ (e.g. Rübel 2003). In contrast to many other new Boophis species (e.g. B. feonnyala, meaning ‘voice of the forest’) which we noticed first by their distinctive advertisement calls, we discovered B. masoala by its large eyes shining many meters in the torchlight at night, and we did not hear its advertisement calls (in the dry season). In addition, its eye colour turned out to be species-specific, allowing us to distinguish B. masoala from all other species. The specific name furthermore refers to the known distribution of the new species, which might be endemic to the Masoala peninsula. 

Available names: The problems with the identity of the Boophis albilabris holotype were extensively discussed in Glaw et al. (2010) and since then, no new data have become available that would challenge its attribution to the widespread species which occurs mostly at higher elevations of eastern Madagascar. Since the type locality of B. albilabris (‘eastern Imerina’) is in central eastern Madagascar, where B. masoala most likely does not occur, conspecificity of B. masoala and B. albilabris can be excluded with very high probability.

  

Frank Glaw, Mark D. Scherz, David Prötzel and Miguel Vences. 2018. Eye and Webbing Colouration As Predictors of Specific Distinctness: A Genetically Isolated New Treefrog Species of the Boophis albilabris Group from the Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Madagascar. SALAMANDRA. 54(3); 163–177. 

Researchgate.net/publication/327075241_a_genetically_isolated_new_treefrog_species_of_the_Boophis_albilabris_group_from_the_Masoala_peninsula_northeastern_Madagascar

  

[Botany • 2018] Silvorchis vietnamica (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae, Vietorchidinae) • A New Miniature Mycotrophic Species from southern Vietnam

Silvorchis vietnamica Aver., Dinh & K.S. Nguyen

in Averyanov, Nguyen, Nguyen, Dinh & Maisak, 2018. 

 DOI: 10.1111/njb.01883 

Abstract

A second species of Silvorchis, until now considered to be a presumably extinct monotypic genus endemic to western Java has been discovered in southern Vietnam. The species, here named as Silvorchis vietnamica, is described and illustrated, with data on its distribution, ecology, phenology and estimated conservation status. A key for identification of the two known species of the genus is also provided. The taxonomic affinities and phylogenetic placement of the newly discovered plant are briefly discussed.

Keywords: Flora of Vietnam, plant diversity, Silvorchis

Silvorchis J. J. Sm. 

(Smith 1907, p. 2, Comber 1990, p. 60) 

Type: S. colorata J. J. Sm. 

2 species in western Java and southern Vietnam.

Silvorchis colorata J. J. Sm. 

(Smith 1907, p. 3, Comber 1990, p. 60)

 Described from Java.  

Distribution, habitat and conservation status: Small achlorophyllous terrestrial herb. Only found once in western Java and only known from the type specimen. Endemic. Humid evergreen montane forests. Around 1600 m a.s.l. 

 Presumably ‘Extinct’ (EX).

Figure 1. Silvorchis vietnamica sp. nov. Flowering plant in its natural habitat.

Photos by Van Dzu Nguyen and Quang Diep Dinh,
correction and design by L. Averyanov.

Silvorchis vietnamica Aver., Dinh & K.S. Nguyen sp. nov.

Etymology: Species name refers to country of its origin.

Leonid V. Averyanov, Van Dzu Nguyen, Khang Sinh Nguyen, Quang Diep Dinh and Tatiana V. Maisak. 2018. Silvorchis vietnamica (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae, Vietorchidinae), A New Miniature Mycotrophic Species from southern Vietnam. Nordic Journal of Botany.  e01883. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01883

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Researchgate.net/publication/318861665_Present_data_on_Vietnam_orchid_inventory

[Botany • 2018] Eight New Species of Polystichum (subg. Haplopolystichum; Dryopteridaceae) from Limestone Caves in Guangdong and Yunnan, China, with Reference to Species Diversity in the Karst Terrains at High Elevations in Subtropical Areas

Polystichum deltatum

in Han, Liu & Zhang, 2018. 

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.365.2.3 

Abstract

Eight new fern species of Polystichum subg. Haplopolystichum (Dryopteridaceae) are described and illustrated from Guangdong and Yunnan provinces, southern and southwestern China, respectively. These eight species include P. deltatum, P. gejiuense, P. malipoense, P. oblongipinnarum, P. pingbianense, P. rectum, and P. superum from Yunnan, and P. hanmengqii from Guangdong. Four of the eight species are described from high elevations (around 2000 m) demonstrating that the limestone areas at high elevations in subtropical areas are species-rich and deserve special conservation attention. All eight species are so far known only from single caves; they are all classified as Critically Endangered (CR) following IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: Pteridophytes, Guangdong, high elevations, limestone caves, Polystichum subg. Haplopolystichum, Yunnan

Meng-Qi Han, Yan Liu and Li-Bing Zhang. 2018. Eight New Species of Polystichum (subg. Haplopolystichum; Dryopteridaceae) from Limestone Caves in Guangdong and Yunnan, China, with Reference to Species Diversity in the Karst Terrains at High Elevations in Subtropical Areas. Phytotaxa. 365(2); 145–168. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.365.2.3