[Botany • 2024] Sonerila quangnamensis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from the Truong Son Mountain Range, Vietnam

Sonerila quangnamensis K.S.Nguyen, H.H. Truong, Aver. & C.W.Lin, 

in Nguyen, Truong, Tran, Averyanov et Lin, 2024.

Sơn linh quảng nam  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2003 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana 

Abstract

Sonerila quangnamensis, a new species from Truong Son Mountain Range, Vietnam, is described and illustrated here. Like S. plagiocardia, S. quangnamensis has obliquely ovate leaves, which are unequal in size within each pair. However, S. quangnamensis is obviously distinct in several characters: the cross-section of its stems and petioles is terete (vs. 4-winged), the adaxial surface of its leaves is covered with hispidulous-pilose (vs. puberulous), the hypanthium is unribbed (vs. 6-ribbed), and its anthers are uniformly yellow (vs. purple to purplish-pink, yellow-tinged towards the base).

Keyword: biodiversity, endemism, Indochina, Sonerila plagiocardia, Sonerila montana, taxonomy

  

Sonerila quangnamensis K.S.Nguyen, H.H. Truong, Aver. & C.W.Lin.
A. Habit; B, B'. Portion of leaf, abaxial and adaxial surfaces; C, C'. Flower, front and side views; D. Bract; D'. Leaf-like bract; E. Longitudinal section of ovary; F, F'. Stamens, ventral and lateral views; G. Style and stigma.

Sonerila quangnamensis K.S.Nguyen, H.H. Truong, Aver. & C.W.Lin.
A, B. Habits; C. Stem, also showing petioles; D. Petiole; E, F. Portion of leaf, adaxial surface; G, H. Portion of leaf, abaxial surface; I. Inflorescence (flowers fall off), showing leaf-like bract; J. Inflorescence, also showing longitudinal section of ovary; K. Flower; L. Longitudinal section of ovary, also showing bracts (pointed out by the red arrow); M. Longitudinal section of an immature fruit; N. Infructescence; O. Mature fruit, top view, P. same, lateral view.

Photo A by H.H. Truong.

Sonerila quangnamensis K.S.Nguyen, H.H.Truong, Aver. & C.W.Lin, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Resembling S. plagiocardia in its obliquely ovate foliage, S. quangnamensis clearly differs in several key characteristics. It has terete (vs. 4-winged) stems and petioles, hispidulous-pilose (vs. puberulous) adaxial leaf surface, unribbed (vs. 6-ribbed) hypanthium, and uniformly yellow (vs. purple to purplish-pink, yellow-tinged towards the base) anthers.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to its type locality, Quang Nam province. The Vietnamese name “Sơn linh quảng nam” is proposed.

 

Khang Sinh Nguyen, Hoang Hap Truong, Van Tien Tran, Leonid V. Averyanov and Che Wei Lin. 2024. Sonerila quangnamensis (Tribe Sonerileae, Melastomataceae), A New Species from the Truong Son Mountain Range, Vietnam. Taiwania.  69(3); 288-293. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.288

  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2003

  facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10225657264161968

[Entomology • 2020] Aenetus maiasinus, A. trigonogrammus, etc. • Four New Species of Splendid Ghost Moths (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae: Aenetus) from Australia and Papua New Guinea

Aenetus simonseni Beaver & Moore,  A. trigonogrammus Beaver & Moore,    

 A. maiasinus Beaver & Moore,  A. albadamanteum Beaver & Grehan,

in Beaver, Moore, Grehan, Velasco-Castrillón et Stevens, 2020. 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4809.3.2

 Researchgate.net/publication/342786018

 x.com/ento_ethan 

 

Abstract

Four new Aenetus Herrich-Schäffer species are described from northern Australasia; Aenetus simonseni sp. nov. from the top-end of the Northern Territory, Australia, A. maiasinus sp. nov. from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, A. trigonogrammus sp. nov. from south-eastern Queensland, Australia, and A. albadamanteum sp. nov. from eastern Papua New Guinea. Aenetus simonseni sp. nov. and A. maiasinus sp. nov. appear to belong to the tegulatus-group of species (sensu Grehan et al. 2018), A. trigonogrammus sp. nov. is part of the splendens-group of species (sensu Simonsen 2018), while A. albadamanteum sp. nov. shares morphological similarities with A. hampsoni (Joicey & Noakes, 1914), A. crameri Viette, 1956, and A. toxopeusi Viette, 1956, from New Guinea, and A. cohici Viette, 1961 from New Caledonia. The four new species are illustrated and compared with superficially similar species in morphology and, for two species, molecular (mtDNA COI gene) sequences.

Lepidoptera, Aenetus albadamanteum, Aenetus maiasinus, Aenetus simonseni, Aenetus trigonogrammus, Australasia, biogeography, COI, DNA Barcodes, taxonomy

Ethan P. Beaver, Michael D. Moore, John R. Grehan, Alejandro Velasco-Castrillón and Mark I. Stevens. 2024. Four New Species of Splendid Ghost Moths (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae: Aenetus) from Australia and Papua New Guinea.  Zootaxa. 4809(3); 449–474. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4809.3.2

 x.com/ento_ethan/status/1281152409134235648 

 Researchgate.net/publication/342786018_Four_new_species_of_Aenetus_from_Australia_and_Papua_New_Guinea

[Entomology • 2024] Anisandrus bolavenensis • A New Species of ambrosia Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) from Laos

Anisandrus bolavenensis 

 Sittichaya & Smith, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e130023

 

Abstract

Background: The ambrosia beetle genus Anisandrus Ferrari, 1867, is a member of the bark and ambrosia beetle subfamily Scolytinae, Tribe Xyleborini. Currently, it is comprised of 40 species of which four species were recorded in Laos.

New information: A new species, Anisandrus bolavenensis sp. nov. is described from the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos. With the inclusion of the species described and recorded here, the diversity of Anisandrus is increased to 41 species, of which five occur in Laos. New distribution records, a synoptic list and a key to the Anisandrus of Laos PDR are presented.

Anisandrus bolavenensis sp. nov. holotype female
A dorsal view; B lateral view; C postero-lateral view; D pronotum; E frons; F antenna; G pro- and mesotibiae.

Anisandrus bolavenensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: 

2.4 mm long (n = 1); 1.71× as long as wide. Small and stout species. Pronotal anterior margin slightly angularly projecting, median pair of asperities on anterior margin not prominent; elytral disc broadly convex, strongly shiny, without a saddle-like impression, declivity appears more obliquely sloped as compared to many other Anisandrus species, declivital summit unarmed, declivity flat from interstriae 1–3, declivity unarmed, densely covered with interstrial setae, setae very long, 3–4× as long as interstrial width; striae distinctly impressed; strial punctures shallow, 2× larger than those of disc, striae with fine recumbent, hair-like setae, setae 2–2.5× as long as diameter of punctures, setae pointing inward to declivital medial suture.

This species is similar to A. auco, A. cryphaloides and A. tanaosi. It can be distinguished from ...

Etymology: Bolavenensis, in reference to the collection locality of the holotype, Bolaven Plateau, Lao People's Democratic Republic. Noun in apposition.

Biology: The holotype was collected from a newly fallen (leaves still green) small branch of Symplocos sp. (Symplocaceae).

Wisut Sittichaya and Sarah M. Smith. 2024. Anisandrus bolavenensis sp. nov. (Col.: Curculionidae, Scolytinae, Xyleborini), A New ambrosia Beetle from Laos. Biodiversity Data Journal. 12: e130023. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e130023

[Botany • 2024] Peliosanthes meghalayensis (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Meghalaya, NE India

Peliosanthes meghalayensis D.Borah & N.Tanaka,

in Borah et Tanaka, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2024.152569 

 facebook.com/DipuBorah2

 

Highlights

• Peliosanthes meghalayensis, a new species from Wari Chora gorge in Meghalaya, NE India, described and illustrated.

• Similar to P. pumila from Khasia, NE India, but differs chiefly by knobby rhizome, broader leaf blades, closer transversal veinlets, slightly larger cernuous flowers, and pistils with 6 distinct ridges.

• P. subspicata, a rare plant is rediscovered in Assam, NE India, known only by old collections made in NE India and Bangladesh in the 19th century.

• Supplemental description and illustration based on living collections provided.

• P. bipiniana treated as conspecific with P. subspicata.

Abstract

Peliosanthes meghalayensis, a new species from Wari Chora gorge in Meghalaya, NE India, is described and illustrated. It is similar to P. pumila from Khasia, NE India, in its small habit and having flowers fewer than 10, but differs chiefly by the knobby rhizome, broader leaf blades with closer transversal veinlets, slightly larger cernuous flowers, and pistils with 6 distinct ridges. On the other hand, in Assam, NE India, we rediscovered P. subspicata, which had been known only by old collections made in NE India and Bangladesh in the 19th century. We supplementarily describe and illustrate it based on living collections. We treated P. bipiniana as conspecific with P. subspicata.

 

Keywords: Peliosanthes, Northeast India, New species, Taxonomy, Morphology, Synonymy

 Peliosanthes meghalayensis D.Borah & N.Tanaka, sp. nov.

Dipankar Borah and Noriyuki Tanaka. 2024. Peliosanthes meghalayensis (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Meghalaya, NE India, and synonymization of P. bipiniana with P. subspicata. Flora. 317, 152569. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.flora.2024.152569

  facebook.com/DipuBorah2/posts/7898976000194870

[Botany • 2024] Catasetum queirozii (Orchidaceae: Catasetinae) • A New Species from the Brazilian Amazon

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

in D.R.P. Krahl, Schmal, Chiron, Silva, A.H. Krahl et Cantuária, 2024.

DOI: 10.1590/1809-4392202301801 

  Researchgate.net/publication/377256790

 

ABSTRACT

This study presents a new orchid species of the genus Catasetum belonging to the group of species with symmetrical and parallel antennae. It was found in terra-firme and floodplain forests in the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Pará. We provide a formal description of the new species, images, and notes on distribution, habitat, phenology, flower visitors and preliminary conservation status. We compare it with C. cristatum and C. barbatum, both sympatric and morphologically most similar to the new species. It was preliminarily classified in the Endangered (EN) category according to IUCN criteria based on the extent of occurrence, area of occupation, number of occurrence locations and the risks that the known populations are exposed to (deforestation and predatory collection).

KEYWORDS: Amazonas; dense ombrophilous forest; epiphyte; orchids; Pará; taxonomy

  Catasetum queirozii sp. nov.
A - habit; B - flower in front and side view; C - floral bracts; D - perianth; E - lip in front view; F - lip in lateral view; G - column in ventral and lateral view; H - anther cap and pollinarium.

Credit: A.H. Krahl.

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

 

Diagnosis: Catasetum queirozii is similar to C. cristatum and C. barbatum, however it differs in its petals with a narrowly elliptical shape and a narrower lip, entire, oblong with a sparsely ciliated margin, with a globular concentration of fimbriae of thick consistency at the apex and the glabrous proximal surface.

Etymology: The specific epithet is given in honor to the agronomist, orchidist and orchid enthusiast Sérgio Alberto Queiroz Costa who has been developing an admirable research work on orchids in the Amazon. He was also the first to call our attention to the true identity of the taxon proposed in this paper.

Dayse Raiane Passos KRAHL, Philippe SCHMAL, Guy CHIRON, João Batista Fernandes da SILVA, Amauri Herbert KRAHL and Patrick de Castro CANTUÁRIA. 2024. Catasetum queirozii (Orchidaceae: Catasetinae): A New Species from the Brazilian Amazon. Acta Amazonica. 54(1) DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1809-4392202301801 

  Researchgate.net/publication/377256790_Catasetum_queirozii_a_new_species_from_the_Brazilian_Amazon

Catasetum queirozii (Orchidaceae: Catasetinae): uma nova espécie da Amazônia brasileira

RESUMO: Este estudo apresenta uma nova espécie de orquídea do gênero Catasetum, do grupo de espécies cujas antenas são simétricas e paralelas. Foi encontrada em florestas de terra-firme e igapó nos estados do Amazonas e Pará, Brasil. Fornecemos uma descrição formal da nova espécie, imagens e comentários referentes à distribuição, habitat, fenologia, visitantes florais e estatus de conservação. A comparamos com C. cristatum e C. barbatum, que ocorrem em simpatria e são morfologicamente mais semelhantes à nova espécie. Ela foi preliminarmente classificada na categoria Em Perigo (EN) segundo os critérios da UICN, com base na extensão de ocorrência, área de ocupação, número de localidades de ocorrência e os riscos a que as populações conhecidas estão expostas (desmatamento e coleta predatória).

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Amazonas; floresta ombrófila densa; epífita; orquídeas; Pará; taxonomia

[Paleontology • 2024] Jurassic Fossil Juvenile reveals prolonged Life History in early Mammals

in Panciroli, Benson, Fernandez, Fraser, Humpage, Luo, Newham et Walsh, 2024.

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07733-1 

 x.com/gsciencelady

Abstract

Living mammal groups exhibit rapid juvenile growth with a cessation of growth in adulthood. Understanding the emergence of this pattern in the earliest mammaliaforms (mammals and their closest extinct relatives) is hindered by a paucity of fossils representing juvenile individuals. We report exceptionally complete juvenile and adult specimens of the Middle Jurassic docodontan Krusatodon, providing anatomical data and insights into the life history of early diverging mammaliaforms. We used synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography imaging of cementum growth increments in the teeth to provide evidence of pace of life in a Mesozoic mammaliaform. The adult was about 7 years and the juvenile 7 to 24 months of age at death and in the process of replacing its deciduous dentition with its final, adult generation. When analysed against a dataset of life history parameters for extant mammals5, the relative sequence of adult tooth eruption was already established in Krusatodon and in the range observed in extant mammals but this development was prolonged, taking place during a longer period as part of a significantly longer maximum lifespan than extant mammals of comparable adult body mass (156 g or less). Our findings suggest that early diverging mammaliaforms did not experience the same life histories as extant small-bodied mammals and the fundamental shift to faster growth over a shorter lifespan may not have taken place in mammaliaforms until during or after the Middle Jurassic.

Krusatodon 

 

Elsa Panciroli, Roger B. J. Benson, Vincent Fernandez, Nicholas C. Fraser, Matt Humpage, Zhe-Xi Luo, Elis Newham and Stig Walsh. 2024. Jurassic Fossil Juvenile reveals prolonged Life History in early Mammals. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07733-1

  x.com/gsciencelady/status/1816127777407385636

[Entomology • 2020] Bulasconotus scaccarius • A New Species of cylindrical Bark Beetle (Coleoptera: Zopheridae: Colydiinae) from Vanuatu establishes in Hawaii

Bulasconotus scaccarius 

Bernard & Gillett, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4809.3.12 

 Researchgate.net/publication/342762932

Abstract

We describe Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov., a new species of cylindrical bark beetle (Zopheridae: Colydiinae: Synchitini), elevating the number of described species in its genus to two. Despite discovering this species in Hawaii, we suspect, based on collections and survey data, that it is endemic to the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu and has only recently arrived in Hawaii. Evidence of the diet of closely related genera indicates that the new species may be a predator of ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), conceivably posing a risk to those that are endemic to Hawaii.

Keywords: Coleoptera, Colydiidae, invasive species, Melanesia, New Hebrides, Oahu, Tenebrionoidea

 Micrograph of Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov. collected by Josef and Marie Sedlacek on Vanuatu's Malekula Island in 1967, depicting coloration of A) dorsal and B) ventral aspects.

Scale bars: 1 mm.

 Known locations of Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov. in A) the Vanuatu archipelago, scale bar: 100 km; and B) Oahu in the Hawaiian archipelago, scale bar: 50 km. C) Living B. scaccarius sp. nov. among entrance tunnels and frass of Hawaiian ambrosia beetles (Xyleborus lanaiensis) on Hawaiian trees (Planchonella sandwicensis) from the Honouliuli Forest Reserve on Oahu, scale bar: 1 mm.

Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is the adjective form of the nominative singular noun scaccarium, meaning a chessboard, in reference to the chequered pattern on the elytra. This name thereby conforms to article 11.9.1.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Because the adjective suffix agrees with the masculinity of the generic name, the binomial name also conforms to article 31.2 even though the eponym is neuter.

Jared Bernard, Conrad P. D. T. Gillett. 2020. A New Species of cylindrical Bark Beetle (Zopheridae: Colydiinae) from Vanuatu establishes in Hawaii.  Zootaxa. 4809(3); 593–599. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4809.3.12

  Researchgate.net/publication/342762932_A_new_species_of_bark_beetle_establishes_in_Hawaii

[Botany • 2024] Eriotheca paganuccii (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae) • A New endangered Species from Montane Forests in the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, northeastern Brazil

 

Eriotheca paganuccii Carv.-Sobr., A.C.Mota & Dorr,

in Carvalho-Sobrinho, da Mota et Dorr, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.243.125708 

Abstract

A new species of Eriotheca (Bombacoideae, Malvaceae) from montane wet forests in the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. It is known from only three populations situated between 750 m and 850 m in elevation on mountain summits and categorized as Endangered (EN) based on IUCN criteria. Eriotheca paganuccii is distinct from all congeners by the combination of coriaceous to strongly coriaceous leaves and remarkable few-seeded, globose to subglobose woody capsules that contain scanty kapok and the largest seeds known in the genus to date. The affinities of E. paganuccii to morphologically similar species as well as the importance of obtaining phenologically complete collections are discussed.

Key words: Bahian southern Atlantic Forest, ‘Bombacaceae’, ‘embiruçú’, endemism, plant taxonomy

Eriotheca paganuccii
A vegetative branch from the top of the tree canopy B details of a leaflet also from the top of the tree canopy C leafless branch with umbelliform cymes D flower bud (note the glands on receptacle) E flower at anthesis (note the unilaterally apiculate petals) F staminal tube (detached from the receptacle and slightly pulled up) G gynoecium H globose woody capsules before dehiscence I capsule with one valve detached showing scanty kapok and large seeds J dehisced fruit with marcescent calyx, exposing the columella and remaining kapok after seed dispersal K seeds relative to a fruit valve L angulate, striated seeds; each seed with two plane and one concave sides.

A, B, I–L drawn from J.G. Carvalho-Sobrinho 4040, C–G drawn from J.G. Carvalho-Sobrinho & A.C. Mota 4022.

Habitat and morphological aspects ofEriotheca paganuccii 
A crown of E. paganuccii individuals in the canopy B detail of leaves at the top of the tree canopy showing smaller, more rigid leaves that are comprised of 1–2 leaflets oriented upward C bark of E. paganuccii D leaves with less exposure to the sun that have 5 leaflets, which are larger, less rigid, and patent (not oriented upward) unlike those in the canopy E flower at anthesis F seeds relative to a fruit valve and scanty kapok.

 

Eriotheca paganuccii Carv.-Sobr., A.C.Mota & Dorr, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Similar to Eriotheca obcordata A.Robyns due to its absence of buttresses, obcordate leaflets, oblong to oblanceolate flower buds, oblanceolate petals, and stamens c. 80 in number, but differing in its caducous (vs. often persistent) bracteoles, larger calyces (7 × 7–9 mm vs. 5–5 mm), globose to subglobose (vs. obovoid) capsules, scanty (vs. abundant) kapok, seed number (c. 10 vs. numerous) per fruit, seed size (10–19 mm vs. 5–7 mm) long, and marcescent, lignified calyces that often split into patent lobes (in herbarium collections, at least).

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Luciano Paganucci de Queiroz, a distinguished Brazilian taxonomist who was the first to collect this new species and one of the first to promote and undertake floristic efforts on Serra da Jiboia, Bahia, its type-locality.

Jefferson Carvalho-Sobrinho, Aline C. da Mota, Laurence J. Dorr. 2024. Eriotheca paganuccii (Bombacoideae, Malvaceae), A New endangered Species from Montane Forests in the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. PhytoKeys. 243: 215-230. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.243.125708

[Paleontology • 2024] Propterodacylus frankerlae • A pterosaurian connecting link from the Late Jurassic of Germany

 

 Propterodacylus frankerlae

Spindler, 2024

 palaeo-electronica.org 

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ABSTRACT

Based on a unique and extraordinarily preserved complete skeleton, the “Painten pro-pterodactyloid” is formally described and named as Propterodactylus frankerlae, gen. nov., spec. nov. As previously shown, it has a nearly perfect mix of plesiomorphic rhamphorhynchoid-grade, wukongopterid, and derived pterodactyloid traits. Due to its lack of autapomorphies, Propterodactylus is a sufficient intermediate taxon that closes the greatest knowledge gap regarding the evolution of pterosaur morphology. Non-pterodactyloid features include interlocking caudal vertebrae and a functional fifth pedal toe. Derived features such as the nasoantorbital fenestra, a short tail, or initially elongated cervicals and metacarpals appear ancient within the spectrum of Pterodactyloidea. Other early Monofenestrata appear more autapomorphic. However, the late juvenile or subadult status of the described specimen suggests that the rostrum, neck, and extremities might have been even more elongated when fully grown. Despite the otherwise intermediate, transitional osteology, details of dentition types appear mosaic-like in early Monofenestrata. While the remainder of the skeleton of Propterodactylus fits into known evolutionary trends, its dentition implies a significant role of varying dietary adaptation throughout the pterodactyl transition.

Keywords: new genus; new species; Pterosauria; evolution; dentition

 Specimen DMA-JP-2011/006, holotype of Propterodacylus frankerlae, gen. nov., sp. nov.
(A) under daylight condition; (B) under UV (365 nm),

by courtesy of Helmut Tischlinger. Scale bars equal 5 cm.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

Order Pterosauria Owen, 1842 (for a rejection of Pterosaurii Kaup, 1834 see Seeley, 1870, 1891)

Clade Monofenestrata Lü, Unwin, Jin, Liu, and Ji, 2010

Propterodactylus gen. nov. 

Remarks. The intermediate status is underlined by a lack of apparent autapomorphies. Tischlinger and Frey (2013) listed several plesiomorphic and apomorphic traits. Similarities with the derived Pterodactyloidea comprise the skull shape and short tail. Plesiomorphies shared with e.g., Wukongopteridae, which preclude Propterodactlyus from Pterodactyloidea, are the functional fifth toe and long caudal zygapophyses. Intermediate conditions apply to the cervical elongation, metacarpal elongation, and reduced fifth toe.

Etymology. The genus name refers to the informal designation as a pro-pterodactyloid in the literature, meaning a supposed forerunner (ancient Greek προ- for “before”) of the iconic Pterodactylus (latinized form of Greek πτερόν plus δάκτυλος for “wing digit”) and at the same time a forerunner of the Pterodactyloidea in general.

 Propterodactylus frankerlae, gen. nov., spec. nov. 

Etymology. The epithet honours Petra Hahn, née Frankerl (1966 - 2019), the wife of Stephan Hahn, who found the specimen in 2011 during the scientific excavation.

Frederik Spindler. 2024. A pterosaurian connecting link from the Late Jurassic of Germany. Palaeontologia Electronica. 27(2):a35. DOI: 10.26879/1366

  facebook.com/PalaeoElectronica/posts/935140075082933

 palaeo-electronica.org/content/2024/5213-pterosaurian-connecting-link

[Botany • 2022] Kalanchoe dineshii (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India

 Kalanchoe dineshii Syam Radh & Nampy, 

in Radh Sasi et Nampy, 2022. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3989/ajbm.2591

  Researchgate.net/publication/367398840

ABSTRACT

A new species of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae), K. dineshii Syam Radh & Nampy, is described and illustrated. The new species occurs in the Mathikettan Shola National Park in southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India, and it is only known from the Idukki district. It is morphologically most similar to K. bhidei, but distinguished from the latter by its small stature (30-40 cm high), obovate to obtrullate sessile leaves adnate to stem in the basal ¼th, and widely ovate calyx lobes. Information is also given on the distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status of the new taxon.

Keywords: Idukki district, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Western Ghats, taxonomy

 

 Kalanchoe dineshii Syam Radh & Nampy, sp. nov.:
 a, stem basally showing leaf scars and new shoots; b, flowering twig; c, leaves adnate to stem in the basal ¼ th ; d, involucral bract; e, floral bract; f, flower; g, calyx lobe; h, corolla lobe showing a caudate apex; i, corolla cut opened; j, gynoecium; k, nectar scale [from: S. Syam Radh & S. Nampy 137816; illustration: S. Syam Radh].

  Kalanchoe dineshii Syam Radh & Nampy, sp. nov.:
 a, flowering branch; b & c, leaves adnate to stem in the basal ¼ th and the undulate to incised margins distally; d, branch of the inflorescence; e, bract; f, flower; g, calyx split opened; h, corolla lobe showing the caudate apex; i, corolla cut opened; j, gynoecium showing the nectar scales at the base; k, carpel; l, stigma; m, nectar scale [from: S. Syam Radh & S. Nampy 137816; photos: S. Syam Radh].

Syam Radh Sasi and Santhosh Nampy. 2022. Kalanchoe dineshii (Crassulaceae), A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India. Anales del Jardín Botánico de Madrid. 79(2); e127. DOI: doi.org/10.3989/ajbm.2591

  Researchgate.net/publication/367398840_Kalanchoe_dineshii_a_new_species_from_southern_Western_Ghats_India

[Entomology • 2024] Panorpa dimaluo, P. maershana, P. sicaura, P. vajra, ... • Taxonomy of the Panorpa issikiana Species Group (Mecoptera: Panorpidae), with Descriptions of Twenty New Species

  

Panorpa sp.

in Wang et Zhao, 2024. 

  www.biotaxa.org/AEMNP/article/view/85774 

Abstract

Twenty undescribed species of Panorpa Linnaeus, 1758 from southwestern China share some morphological similarities such as basally constricted male abdominal segment VII, loss of median process in male gonostyli, and greatly developed female laterotergites IX with the little-known species Panorpa issikiana Byers, 1970. Therefore, the P. issikiana species group is established to include these species, with descriptions of the new species, a checklist, keys to the species, and a distributional map provided. These new species are: P. chenyandongi Wang sp. nov., P. dalangba Wang sp. nov., P. dimaluo Wang sp. nov., P. huadianba Wang & Zhao sp. nov., P. jinfo Wang sp. nov., P. jizushana Wang sp. nov., P. leiqilongi Wang sp. nov., P. luojishana Wang sp. nov., P. maershana Wang sp. nov., P. meihuashana Wang sp. nov., P. niaodiaoshana Wang sp. nov., P. shengyingfeng Wang & Zhao sp. nov., P. shimianensis Wang sp. nov., P. sicaura Wang sp. nov., P. vajra Wang sp. nov., P. vajroides Wang & Zhao sp. nov., P. weixiensis Wang sp. nov., P. wenhai Wang sp. nov., P. wolongensis Wang sp. nov., and P. yucheni Wang sp. nov. All of them are distributed in southwestern China, including Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan. In addition, their systematic positions are briefly discussed. The historical problems of P. issikiana, the systematic position of this group in the genus Panorpa, and the relationships among its members are also discussed.

P. vajroides Wang & Zhao sp. nov., male

 P. shengyingfeng Wang & Zhao sp. nov., male

Panorpa huadianba Wang & Zhao sp. nov., male

 Panorpa issikiana

Ji-Shen Wang, Can-Jun Zhao. 2024. Taxonomy of the Panorpa issikiana Species Group, with Descriptions of Twenty New Species (Mecoptera: Panorpidae). Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae. 64(1); 79-106.   www.biotaxa.org/AEMNP/article/view/85774 

[Ichthyology • 2022] Sciadonus alphacrucis • A New Species of the rare deep-sea Genus Sciadonus Garman, 1899 (Ophidiiformes: Bythitidae) from off Brazil, with a discussion of the evolution of troglomorphism and miniaturization in the aphyonid clade

Sciadonus alphacrucis  

  Melo, Gomes, Møller & Nielsen, 2022

 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr.2021.103684

 

Highlights: 

• A new species of the rare genus Sciadonus is discovered from Brazilian waters.

• Highly specialized reproductive apparatus enables internal fertilization and viviparity in a deep-sea fish.

• The depletion of sunlight resulted on convergent evolution of troglomorphic traits in deep-sea fishes and cave fishes.

• Human activities of oil and natural gas exploration, fisheries and littering may be impacting rare deep-sea species.

Abstract

A new species of the rare, deep-sea genus Sciadonus Garman, 1899 (Bythitidae) is described based on two specimens obtained by the Brazilian R/V Alpha Crucis on the continental slope off São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil, western South Atlantic. It differs from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: body pale lacking dark pigmentation except for on female claspers; a pair of dermal tissue flaps anteriorly on lower jaw; pelvic-fin rays present; precaudal vertebrae 39 or 40 and total vertebrae 74 or 75. The key to the species of Sciadonus is updated. A discussion of the presence and differentiation between troglomorphic and miniature characteristics among the species in the aphyonid clade is provided and compared with other bythitids.

 

Keywords: Aphyonid clade, Continental slope, Western South Atlantic, R/V Alpha Crucis

 Sciadonus alphacrucis sp. n. ; western South Atlantic, São Paulo State, off Ilhabela, 794 m depth
 MZUSP 125949, holotype, female, 82.7 mm SL
 MZUSP 125950, paratype, male, 60.3 mm SL.

Order Ophidiiformes Berg, 1937.

Family Bythitidae Gill, 1861.

 

 Sciadonus alphacrucis n. sp.  

Etymology: The specific name honors the Brazilian R/V Alpha Crucis. A noun in apposition.

Marcelo Roberto Souto de Melo, Amand Alves Gomes, Peter Rask Møller and Jørgen G. Nielsen. 2022. A New Species of the rare deep-sea Genus Sciadonus Garman, 1899 (Teleostei, Bythitidae) from off Brazil, with a discussion of the evolution of troglomorphism and miniaturization in the aphyonid clade. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. 180, 103684. DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr.2021.103684

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