[Botany • 2024] Gynoxys revolutifolia (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) • A New Species from southern Ecuador

Gynoxys revolutifolia R. Arias, Espinosa-Ortega & Revilla, 

in Arias, Espinosa-Ortega, Revilla, Ansaloni et Tomasello, 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.644.3.4

 

Abstract

Gynoxys is a very diverse genus of Asteraceae with an Andean distribution from Venezuela to northern Argentina. It comprises about 130 species, 34 of which are recorded in Ecuador. In the present study, we describe Gynoxys revolutifolia, a new species occurring in Ecuador between Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe provinces. The new species is a shrub or treelet characterized by coriaceous leaves with a strongly revolute margin. After an accurate revision of the main Ecuadorian herbaria and field surveys, we provide a comprehensive comparison of G. revolutifolia with the species it was previously misidentified as. We also provide information concerning the chemical composition, distribution range and conservation status of the new species.

Keywords: Andes, Compositae, Loja, Taxonomy, Zamora-Chinchipe

Lankester Composite Dissection Plate of Gynoxys revolutifolia R. Arias, Espinosa-Ortega & Revilla
A. Flowering branch. B. Leaf: abaxial surface (left), adaxial surface (right). C. Synflorescence. D. Capitulum, front view. E. Capitulum, cross-section. F. Calycle. G. Bracteoles: abaxial surface (left), adaxial surface (right). H. Outer phyllaries: abaxial surface (left), adaxial surface (right). I. Inner phyllaries: abaxial surface (left), adaxial surface (right). J. Ray floret (pappus removed). K. Ray floret style. L. Disc floret (pappus removed). M. Disc floret style. N. Anther. O. Achene (immature). P. Pappus bristles.

Photos and preparation by N. Espinosa-Ortega based on the isotype (QCA249764).

 Gynoxys revolutifolia.
A. Habit, shrub in shrubby páramo, Cerro Toledo-Loja/Zamora Chinchipe border. (R. Ansaloni & N. Espinosa-Ortega 310).
B. Habit, treelet in elfin forest, Yangana-Cerro Toledo road, Loja (R. Ansaloni & N. Espinosa-Ortega 311).

Photos by N. Espinosa-Ortega

Gynoxys revolutifolia R. Arias, Espinosa-Ortega & Revilla, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:—The new species differs from all other congeners by having coriaceous leaves with strongly revolute margins (giving it a concave shape) and conspicuous primary and secondary veins (8–12 pairs) on both leaf surfaces, simple and T-shaped trichomes covering the abaxial side of the leaves, involucre with 8 phyllaries with ferruginous unicellular trichomes, 4–5 ray florets with limbs 10–11 mm long and 8–9(–12) disc florets. 

Etymology:—The specific epithet of the new species refers to the strong revolute leaf margins.

Ruth Arias, Nelson Espinosa-Ortega, Italo Revilla, Raffaella Ansaloni and Salvatore Tomasello. 2024. Gynoxys revolutifolia (Senecioneae, Asteraceae): A New Species from southern Ecuador.  Phytotaxa. 644(3); 211-219. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.644.3.4

[Herpetology • 2024] Cyrtodactylus thalang • A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phuket Island, Thailand with a discussion of the group’s potential biogeography

Cyrtodactylus thalang

 Grismer, Pawangkhanant, Bragin, Trofimets, Nazarov, Suwannapoom & Poyarkov, 2024

Thalang Bent-toed Gecko | ตุ๊กกายถลาง  ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5437.2.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/379778084

  facebook.com/NickPoyarkov

Abstract

Model based integrative analyses supports the recognition of a new species of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group from Phuket Island, Thailand. Cyrtodactylus thalang sp. nov. is most closely related to the sister species C. brevipalmatus from the Thai-Malay Peninsula and C. cf. brevipalmatus from Langkawi Island, Kedah State, Peninsular Malaysia. Based on the mitochondrial gene ND2, C. thalang sp. nov. bears an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 14.7% and 15.1% from C. cf. brevipalmatus and C. brevipalmatus, respectively, significantly different (p<0.05) mean values of meristic and morphometric characters, and discrete categorical morphological differences. A multiple factor analysis morphospatially statistically placed C. thalang sp. nov. well outside all other species of the brevipalmatus group. The BAYAREALIKE model of a BioGeoBEARS analysis indicated the origin of the brevipalmatus group was in western Indochina with subsequent south to north speciation along the Tenasserim Mountains followed by a west to east invasion of northern Thailand, Laos, and northwestern Vietnam northeast of the Chao Phraya Basin and north of the Khorat Plateau.

Reptilia, Indochina, phylogeny, integrative taxonomy, gecko, ND2, BioGeoBEArS

Etymology. The name of the new species is a noun in apposition and is therefore invariable; the species name “thalang” is given in reference to the historical name of Phuket Island, formerly known as Thalang (in Thai: “ถลาง”, Tha-Laang). The name also refers to the northern district of the Phuket Province, where the type locality is located. We recommend the names “Thalang Bent-toed Gecko” and “Tuk-Kai Tha-Laang” (ตุ๊กกายถลาง) as common names of the new species in English and Thai, respectively.

L. Lee Grismer, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Andrey M. Bragin, Alexey V. Trofimets, Roman A. Nazarov, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2024. A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phuket Island, Thailand with a discussion of the group’s potential biogeography.  Zootaxa. 5437(2); 193-222. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5437.2.2

  Researchgate.net/publication/379778084_A_new_species_of_the_Cyrtodactylus_brevipalmatus_group_from_Phuket_Island_Thailand

  facebook.com/NickPoyarkov/posts/10228825787423844

[Botany • 2024] Rediscovery of Rare Steno-endemic Impatiens violoides Edgew. ex Hook.f. (Balsaminaceae) from Western Himalaya, after 179 years of type collection

 

Impatiens violoides Edgew. ex Hook.f.,

in Sharma, Adamowski, Naithani et Begum. 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.644.1.6 

 twitter.com/Ashutosh_05sn

 

Abstract

Impatiens violoides Edgew. ex Hook.f. (Balsaminaceae) is a little known steno-endemic spurless balsam species that was known only from a single type collection by Edgeworth in 1844. It is rediscovered after a gap of 179 years from its type locality in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya. Augmented and detailed morphological description based on observations of living material is given along with global distribution; information on habitat and associated species, floral morphology photographs and IUCN red list assessment are also provided for the first time.

Eudicots, Balsaminaceae, endemic, Flora of India, rediscovery, taxonomy

Impatiens violoides 

Ashutosh Sharma, Wojciech Adamowski, Harsh Bardhan Naithani, S. Noorunnisa Begum. 2024. Rediscovery of Rare Steno-endemic Impatiens violoides Edgew. ex Hook.f. (Balsaminaceae) from Western Himalaya, after 179 years of type collection. Phytotaxa. 644(1); 42-48. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.644.1.6

  twitter.com/Ashutosh_05sn/status/1778792584892359141

[Entomology • 2024] Panolcus filirostris • A second species of the Genus Panolcus Gerstaecker 1860 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae: Cryptorhynchini) from French Guiana and Suriname with Taxonomic Changes in Cryptorhynchini

 

Panolcus filirostris

Anderson. 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5437.1.2

 

Abstract

A second species of the genus Panolcus Gerstaecker, 1860 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae: Cryptorhynchini) from French Guiana and Suriname is described and compared with Panolcus scolopax Gerstaecker, 1860. Diagnostic characters and images are provided to facilitate identification. Adults were collected in a fruit of Duguetia surinamensis R.E. Fr. (Annonaceae). The genus Panolcus is transferred from Aedemonina (Cryptorhynchini) to Cryptorhynchina (Cryptorhynchini). The type species of Thrasyomus Pascoe, 1880 is here designated as Thrasyomus tumens Pascoe, 1880 and the species Thrasyomus uniformis Champion, 1905 is transferred from the genus Thrasyomus to Eubulus Kirsch, 1869 as Eubulus uniformis (Champion, 1905), new combination.

Coleoptera, biodiversity, species discovery, weevils

female Panolcus filirostris, ventral.

 7–12. Panolcus male habitus and aedeagus images.
7, Panolcus filirostris habitus, lateral; 8, Panolcus filirostris habitus, dorsal; 9, Panolcus filirostris habitus, ventral; 10, Panolcus filirostris aedeagus, dorsal view; 11, Panolcus filirostris aedeagus, lateral view; 12, Panolcus scolopax aedeagus, dorsal view.

 Mature fruit of Duguetia surinamensis R.E. Fr. (Annonaceae) from which Panolcus filirostris specimens were collected (photograph by G. Bittencourt-Silva) 

Panolcus filirostris Anderson, new species 

Diagnosis:  Body  length  10.8–11.0  mm  in  females,  9.5–9.8  mm  in  males,  width  5.0–5.5  mm  in  females,  4.8–5.0 mm in males. Rostrum in female about twice as long as elytra, apex of rostrum reaching far beyond apex of elytra (by almost length of elytra) when in repose, of male, reaching to level of posterior margin of mesocoxae. Pronotum very strongly tubulate anteriorly in female, less so in male. Femora and tibiae proportionally slenderer in both sexes (although slightly less so in male), profemora about 4 x as long as width at base, protibiae about 7–8 x as long as maximum width. Protarsus with tarsomere 1 longer than tarsomeres 2–5 in female, shorter than tarsomeres 2–5 in male. Aedeagus with lateral margins subparallel, each with acute angle (but no tooth) at point of constriction.

Robert S. Anderson. 2024. A second species of the Genus Panolcus Gerstaecker 1860 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae: Cryptorhynchini) from French Guiana and Suriname with Taxonomic Changes in Cryptorhynchini.  Zootaxa. 5437(1); 15-20. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5437.1.2

[Paleontology • 2024] Titanomachya gimenezi • A New titanosaur (Sauropoda: Titanosauria) from the La Colonia Formation (Campanian-Maastrichtian), Chubut Province, Argentina

Titanomachya gimenezi

Pérez-Moreno, Salgado, Carballido, Otero & Pol, 2024

 DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2332997 

  MEF.org.ar

  twitter.com/MEFPatagonia

 ABSTRACT

Knowledge of the Campanian-Maastrichtian titanosaurian sauropods from southern South America has increased markedly in recent years. Several taxa have been reported from northern Patagonia, as well as few taxa from southern Patagonia that were described in the last years. However, titanosaurs from the end-Cretaceous of Central Patagonia are poorly known. Here we report the associated remains of a new species of a titanosaurian sauropod from the La Colonia Formation found in northern Chubut Province. Titanomachya gimenezi gen. et sp. nov. is represented by a caudal vertebra and appendicular elements. Titanomachya, is interpreted as a member of Lithostrotia, sharing derived features with saltasaurids and bearing unique characteristics in the astragalus. The astragalus morphology of Titanomachya display an intermediate form between Colossosauria and Saltasauroidea, allowing articulation between zeugopodium and autopodium with contributions from both the tibia and fibula. The type specimen is a small-sized adult, estimated at 5.8–9.8 tons. Comparative analyses reveal distinct sauropod faunas in different Patagonian regions and Brazilian formations during the Campanian – Maastrichtian. In northern Patagonia, aeolosaurines and saltasaurines predominate, while in southern Patagonia predominate colossosaurians and other large titanosaurs. The less well-known sauropod fauna from central Patagonia includes aeolosaurines, eutitanosaurs, and the addition of small-bodied saltasauroids such as Titanomachya.

KEYWORDS: Titanomachya, Saltasauridae, phylogeny, osteology, Patagonia, Upper Cretaceous

 Skeletal reconstruction of Titanomachya gimenezi. Preserved bones shown in light blue.

Reconstruction by Gabriel Lio.

Systematic palaeontology

DINOSAURIA Owen, 1842

SAUROPODA Marsh, Citation1878

NEOSAUROPODA Bonaparte, Citation1986

TITANOSAURIFORMES Salgado, Coria, and Calvo, Citation1997

TITANOSAURIA Bonaparte and Coria, Citation1993

TITANOMACHYA GIMENEZI gen. et sp. nov.

Derivation of name: The Titanomachy, in Greek mythology, is the battle fought by the Olympians against the Titans, in which the latter are defeated. Titanomachya honours that battle since it comes from the time when the titanosaurs became extinct. The specific epithet gimenezi is in honour of the late Dr. Olga Giménez, who was the first female palaeontologist that studied the dinosaurs from Chubut Province.

 

 

Agustín Pérez-Moreno, Leonardo Salgado, José L. Carballido, Alejandro Otero and Diego Pol. 2024. A new titanosaur from the La Colonia Formation (Campanian-Maastrichtian), Chubut Province, Argentina. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2332997 

  MEF.org.ar/blog/2024/04/11/descubren-en-chubut-una-nueva-especie-de-dinosaurio-que-vivio-poco-antes-de-la-gran-extincion-hace-66-millones-de-anos/

  twitter.com/MEFPatagonia/status/1778405337554456622

[Botany • 2024] Chlorohiptage vietnamensis (Malpighiaceae, Tetrapteroids) • A distinct New Genus endemic to Vietnam based on morphological and molecular data

Chlorohiptage vietnamensis T.V.Do, T.A.Le & R.F.Almeida, 

in Do, Lu, Le, Lam, Trinh, Deguine, Hoang et Almeida, 2024.

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.115623

Abstract

Background and aims – Vietnam is one of the leading diversity centres for Asian Malpighiaceae, comprising 24 accepted species and three native genera (i.e. Aspidopterys, Hiptage, and Tristellateia). During recent fieldwork towards completing the taxonomic revision of Malpighiaceae for the Flora of Vietnam, we have collected specimens from two populations that could not be placed in any of the three native genera of this family. We performed morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies to test the generic placement of those specimens.

Material and methods – We sampled 27 genera (including the Asian Acridocarpus, Aspidopterys, Brachylophon, Hiptage, Stigmaphyllon, and Tristellateia, out of a total of 75) of Malpighiaceae representing all phylogenetic clades comprising paleotropical lineages (i.e. acridocarpoids, bunchosioids, tetrapteroids, malpighioids, and stigmaphylloids), the unusual specimen recently collected in Vietnam, and the two genera of Elatinaceae as outgroups. Maximum Likelihood analysis was carried out based on a molecular matrix alignment of the internal transcribed spacer marker (ITS). Comprehensive morphological analyses were also carried out based on the collected specimens and additional herbarium specimens.

Key results – Our molecular phylogeny strongly supported the unusual specimen from Vietnam placed as sister to Hiptage in the tetrapteroid clade. Key morphological traits differing these Vietnamese specimens from Hiptage were identified related to the floral bud imbrication, shape, colour, posture of sepals and petals, length of stamen filaments, number of styles, and shape of mericarps, allowing the proposition of a new monospecific genus.

Conclusions – Chlorohiptage vietnamensis is proposed as a new monospecific genus closely related to Hiptage but differing in several key morphological traits. A complete morphological description is provided alongside photographic illustrations and notes on its conservation, distribution, ecology, etymology, and taxonomy. Additionally, an updated identification key to the genera of the tetrapteroid clade is provided.

Keywords: Asia, Hiptage, Malpighiales, systematics, taxonomy, tetrapteroid

Comparison of morphological traits of Chlorohiptage T.V.Do, T.A.Le & R.F.Almeida, gen. nov. with Hiptage and Aspidopterys.
A–D. Chlorohiptage. A. Leaves with two basal glands. B. Close up of a thyrse. C. A flower without petals showing the androecium and gynoecium structure and eglandular calyx. D. Close up of a mericarp.
E–H. Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz. E. Leaves with two basal glands and marginal glands. F. Close up of a thyrse showing glandular calyces. G. Flower showing the androecium and gynoecium structure and petal with fimbriate margins. H. Close up of mericarp.
I–K Aspidopterys tomentosa (Blume) A.Juss. I. Leaves eglandular. J. Floral bud showing eglandular calyx. K. Flower showing the androecium and gynoecium structure and petals with margin entire. L. Shape of mericarp.

 Photographed and designed by Truong Van Do, Anh Tuan Le, and Rafael Felipe de Almeida.

Photographic plate of Chlorohiptage vietnamensis T.V.Do, T.A.Le & R.F.Almeida, sp. nov.
A. Leaves with two basal glands (indicated by red arrows). B. Close up of a thyrse. C. Open flower. D. Shape of petals. E. Flower without petals showing the androecium and gynoecium structure and the eglandular calyx. F. Close up of a 3-styled gynoecium. G–I. Close up of the androecium structure. J. Immature mericarp. K. Shape of the mature mericarp.

Photographed and designed by Truong Van Do, Anh Tuan Le, and Rafael Felipe de Almeida

 (scale bars 1 mm).

Photos of Chlorohiptage vietnamensis T.V.Do, T.A.Le & R.F.Almeida, sp. nov. from the original population in the natural habitat. A. Habitat. B. Habit. C. Branch bearing thyrses. D. Close up of a thyrse. E. Branch bearing mature mericarps.

Photographed and designed by Truong Van Do and Anh Tuan Le.

Chlorohiptage T.V.Do, T.A.Le & R.F.Almeida, gen. nov.

 

Chlorohiptage vietnamensis T.V.Do, T.A.Le & R.F.Almeida, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Distinguished from Hiptage by its floral buds valvate (vs imbricate), petals pale-green to yellowish-green (vs white to yellow) with margins erose and velutine (vs dentate to fimbriate and glabrous), stamens 9 long + 1 short (vs 9 short + 1 long), styles 3 (vs 1-2), shorter than filaments of the stamens (vs longer than filaments of the stamens), mericarps with 1 lateral wing, 3-lobed (vs 3 free lateral wings).

Etymology: The name Chlorohiptage is the combination of the Greek words “chlorós” (= green) and “hiptamai” (= to fly), referring to the unique green flowers of this Hiptage look-alike new genus.

Notes: Chlorohiptage is endemic to open subtropical broad-leaved evergreen forests and limestone-steeped mountains in Central Vietnam at ca 100–250 m.

Chlorohiptage vietnamensis T.V.Do, T.A.Le & R.F.Almeida, sp. nov.

 

 Truong Van Do, Ngan Thi Lu, Anh Tuan Le, Mai Xuan Thi Lam, Xuan Thi Trinh, Jean-Philippe Deguine, Thao Thi Hoang and Rafael Felipe de Almeida. 2024. Chlorohiptage (Tetrapteroids, Malpighiaceae), A distinct New Genus endemic to Vietnam based on morphological and molecular data. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 157(2): 125-136. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.115623

[PaleoIchthyology • 2024] Toarcocephalus morlok • First Occurrence of A coccolepidid fish (?Chondrostei: Coccolepididae) from the Upper Lias (Toarcian, Early Jurassic) of southern Germany

Toarcocephalus morlok 

Cooper,  López-Arbarello & Maxwell, 2024

DOI: 10.26879/1326 

 palaeo-electronica.org  twitter.com/PalaeoE

Artwork by S. Cooper.

ABSTRACT

The non-neopterygian group †Coccolepididae, a moderately diverse predominantly freshwater family, remains an imperfectly known Mesozoic group of actinopterygians, currently classified within Chondrostei based on the presence of several acipenseriform synapomorphies. Coccolepidids first appear during the Early Jurassic in marine sediments, although their fossils are poorly known from this time, and none have yet been described from the Toarcian (Upper Lias). Here, we describe a new genus and species of coccolepidid fish, †Toarcocephalus morlok gen. et sp. nov. from the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) Posidonienschiefer Formation of Holzmaden in southern Germany. †Toarcocephalus morlok is diagnosed by a unique combination of characters including a shallow lower jaw with a massive angular, opercle and subopercle equal in size, preopercle that only borders the subopercle but does not reach the opercle; dermal skull bones strongly punctate, with externally smooth upper and lower jaw bones. Discovery of a coccolepidid at Holzmaden represents the first occurrence of the group from a Toarcian deposit, as well as the oldest record of the family in mainland Europe. Both described specimens of †T. morlok were victims of successful predation events: one individual was likely decapitated (pabulite) and the other preserved within a regurgitalite (fossilized oral ejecta). The evolution of Coccolepididae is discussed briefly in relation to a marine/freshwater origin.

Keywords: Coccolepididae; Chondrostei; Posidonienschiefer Formation; Early Jurassic; paleobiogeography; regurgitalite

 Cranial reconstruction of †Toarcocephalus morlok gen. et sp. nov. with missing regions based on reconstruction of ‘Coccolepis’ liassica in Gardiner (1960). Missing or speculative areas are indicated with a dashed line and coloured in grey.

 Abbreviations: ag = angular; an = antorbital; br = branchiostegal rays; cl = cleithrum; d = dentary; dpt = dermopterotic; dsph = dermosphenotic; esc = extrascapular; g = gular plate; hyo = hyomandibula; io.c = infraorbital sensory canal; j = jugal; msc = mandibular sensory canal; mx = maxilla; na = nasal; nar = external naris; op = opercle; poc = postorbital canal; pop = preopercle; ro = rostral; scl = supracleithrum; scr = sclerotic ring; sop= subopercle.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY 

Class ACTINOPTERYGII Cope, 1887

Subclass ?CHONDROSTEI Müller, 1845 sensu Grande and Bemis (1996)

Family †COCCOLEPIDIDAE Berg, 1940 sensu López-Arbarello et al. (2013)

†Toarcocephalus gen. nov.

†Toarcocephalus morlok gen. et sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. †Toarcocephalus morlok gen. et sp. nov. is diagnosed from all other coccolepidid fishes by the following unique combination of characters: upper and lower jaws smooth and unornamented; mandible well elongated and gracile, longer than maxilla and shallow posteriorly; angular large and lenticular; large postorbital expansion of maxilla strongly convex and twice as long as deep with a strongly recurved ventral margin; short premaxilla holding several recurved teeth that are slightly larger than those on the maxilla; skull roof very weakly tuberculated with pronounced striated ridges that are marginally serrated; subopercle trapezoidal and equal in size to opercle; preopercle slender, forming a posteroventral lobular expansion, only as tall as the subopercle and extending no further than the midpoint of the postorbital plate of the maxilla; operculum and supracleithrum mostly smooth with fine, regularly spaced punctae; supracleithrum massive, accounting for more than 80% of operculum height; large triangular dorsal process on the supracleithrum; nine branchiostegal rays, each thin, lacking distal expansions and confined to the posterior corner of the mandible; gular plate egg-shaped and placed roughly at the midpoint of the lower jaw length; elongated hyomandibula obliquely inclined forward, thin and weakly bow-shaped; ceratohyal well elongated but thin; hypohyals short and robust; sclerotic ring thin and delicate; scales weakly developed; vertebral column aspondylous, composed of simple arcocentral arches with proportionately short spines.

Etymology. Generic name chosen for its discovery in Toarcian-aged strata, with suffix -cephalus for head, denoting the diagnostic cranium. Species epithet morlok named after the savage subterranean antagonists in H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine (1895), due to their similarly grotesque appearance characterised by large eyes, a blunt face and pointed teeth.

 Palaeoart depiction of †Toarcocephalus morlok gen. et sp. nov. swimming in the twilight of the Posidonia Shale Sea.
The post-cranium is based on †‘Coccolepis’ liassica and †Coccolepis bucklandi.

Artwork by S. Cooper.

Samuel L.A. Cooper,  Adriana López-Arbarello and Erin E. Maxwell. 2024. First Occurrence of A †coccolepidid fish (?Chondrostei: †Coccolepididae) from the Upper Lias (Toarcian, Early Jurassic) of southern Germany. Palaeontologia Electronica. 27(1):a23. DOI: 10.26879/1326  

palaeo-electronica.org/content/2024/5197-new-toarcian-coccolepidid-fish

 twitter.com/PalaeoE/status/1779937780576952622

[Herpetology • 2024] Morphological and Genetic Data challenge Species and Subspecies in the Lerista microtis group (Squamata: Scincidae)

 

Morphological and Genetic Data challenge Species and Subspecies in the Lerista microtis group (Squamata: )

in Farquhar, Prates, Doughty, Rabosky et Chapple, 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5437.3.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/379820907

 twitter.com/FarquharJules

Abstract

The subspecies rank has been widely applied by taxonomists to capture infraspecific variation within the Linnaean classification system. Many subspecies described throughout the 20th century were recognised largely based on perceived variation in single morphological characters yet have since been found not to correspond to separately evolving population lineages, thus requiring synonymy or elevation to full species under lineage-based views of species. These modern lineage-based taxonomic resolutions have resulted from a combination of new molecular genetic techniques, improved geographical sampling of specimens, and more sophisticated analyses of morphological variation (e.g., statistical assessments rather than solely univariate descriptive ones). Here, we revisit the current taxonomic arrangement of species-level and subspecific taxa in the Lerista microtis (Gray) group, which is distributed along a narrow ~2000 km strip on the southern coast of Australia. From specimens of the L. microtis group, an additional species (Lerista arenicola) and two additional subspecies (L. m. intermedia and L. m. schwaneri) were described. We collected data on mensural, meristic, and colour pattern characters to explore morpho-spatial relationships among these taxa. Although our morphological analyses revealed some distinctiveness among specimens from locations assigned to each taxon, this variation is continuous along Australia’s southern coastline, assuming the form of a geographic cline rather than discrete forms. For many characters, however, spatial patterns were inconsistent with the original descriptions, particularly of the subspecies. Moreover, analysis of genome wide restriction-associated DNA loci revealed multiple instances of paraphyly among taxa, with phylogenetic clustering of specimens assigned to distinct species and subspecies. These emerging patterns provide no support for L. arenicola as a species evolving separately from L. microtis. Additionally, our findings challenge the presumed distinctiveness and coherence of the three subspecies of L. microtis. We thus synonymise L. arenicola and the L. microtis subspecies with L. microtis and provide a redescription of a single yet morphologically variable species—an arrangement that best reflects evolutionary history and the continuous nature of morphological variation across space.

Squamata, Australia, clinal variation, colour pattern, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, Reptilia, south-coast five-toed slider, subspecies, taxonomy

 Lerista microtis

Jules E. Farquhar, Ivan Prates, Paul Doughty, Daniel L. Rabosky and David G. Chapple. 2024. Morphological and Genetic Data challenge Species and Subspecies in the Lerista microtis group (Squamata: Scincidae).  Zootaxa. 5437(3); 336-362. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5437.3.2

  twitter.com/FarquharJules/status/1779769153869709772 

 Researchgate.net/publication/379820907_Morphological_and_genetic_data_challenge_species_and_subspecies_in_the_Lerista_microtis_group

 

[Botany • 2024] Camellia zijinica (Theaceae) • A New Species endemic to Danxia Landscape from Guangdong Province, China

Camellia zijinica  M.Lin, Q.L.Ye & Q.Fan,

in Lin, Ye, Zhang, Liao et Fan, 2024. 

 紫金短柱茶  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.237.114768

Photographed by Zhi-Ming Zhong, Qiang Fan and Min Lin.

 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Camellia (Theaceae), Camellia zijinica, discovered in the Danxia landscape from Guangdong Province, China, is characterized and illustrated. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genomes suggested its affinity with C. drupifera, C. oleifera and C. fluviatilis, however, it morphologically differs from all of the latter by leaf shape and size. Phonologically, it most closely resembles C. microphylla, but can be distinguished from the latter by its young branchlets glabrous (vs. densely pubescent), fewer bracteoles and sepals, diverse leaf shape, midvein raised slightly with sparsely pubescent or glabrous (vs. prominently with densely pubescent) and leaf adaxially matt (vs. vernicose) when dried. By morphological and molecular analyses, Camellia zijinica represented a distinct new species of C. sect. Paracamellia.

Key words: Camellia, Danxia landscape, morphology, new species, phylogeny

Camellia zijinica sp. nov.
A habit B, C flowering branch D leaf shape E flower in front view F flower in back view G pistil and ovary H flowering branch, showing the stamens I flowering branch, showing the bracteoles and sepals J fruits, showing young to ripe (a-c) K bracteoles, sepals and petals.

Photographed by Zhi-Ming Zhong, Qiang Fan and Min Lin.

 Camellia zijinica M.Lin, Q.L.Ye & Q.Fan, sp. nov.

  Chinese name: 紫金短柱茶

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to Zijin County of Guangdong Province, the type locality of the new species.

 

Min Lin, Qin-Liang Ye, Zhi-Jian Zhang, Wen-Bo Liao and Qiang Fan. 2024. Camellia zijinica (Theaceae), A New Species endemic to Danxia Landscape from Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys. 237: 245-255. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.237.114768

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Protemnodon viator, P. mamkurra & P. dawsonae • Systematics and Palaeobiology of Kangaroos of the late Cenozoic Genus Protemnodon (Marsupialia: Macropodidae)

Protemnodon viator 

Kerr, Camens, van Zoelen, Worthy & Prideaux, 2024

DOI: 10.11646/megataxa.11.1.1  

news.flinders.edu.au

Abstract

Species of the kangaroo genus Protemnodon were common members of late Cenozoic communities across Australia and New Guinea until their extinction in the late Pleistocene. However, since the genus was first raised 150 years ago, it has proven difficult to diagnose, as have the species allocated to it. This is due primarily to the incompleteness of the type material and a heavy reliance on cheek tooth size and slight variations in premolar form. Along with the rare association between cranial and postcranial material, this has hampered understanding of the palaeobiology of these large-bodied kangaroos. Here we review and re-diagnose Protemnodon, recognising a total of seven species and providing a hypothesis of species interrelationships. The following new synonymies are made: Protemnodon chinchillaensis is synonymised with P. otibandus and P. hopei with P. tumbuna. The following are considered nomina dubia: Protemnodon brehus, P. roechus, P. mimas, P. antaeus, and P. devisi. We reveal that the morphology of the cheek dentition is not as consistently useful for differentiating species of Protemnodon as features of the cranium and postcranial skeleton. As a whole, the species share anatomical features that reflect stability and power in the limb joints, yet they differ in body proportions, and axial and limb morphology. This we interpret as showing locomotory adaptations to different habitats. Of the three Pliocene species, Protemnodon snewini is interpreted as a medium- to high-geared hopper, suggesting proficiency in more open environments, whereas P. dawsonae sp. nov. we infer to have been a medium-geared inhabitant of eastern Australian forests and woodlands. Protemnodon otibandus, with a range extending through the woodlands and forests of eastern Australia into the rainforests of eastern New Guinea, displays adaptations to slower hopping. Its Pleistocene descendant, P. tumbuna, is convergent on the morphology of modern New Guinea forest wallabies, and was likely facultatively quadrupedal. Of the three Australian Pleistocene species, the long-necked P. anak is hypothesised to have been a large, medium-geared, eastern Australian species, and P. mamkurra sp. nov. a robust, low-geared resident of well-wooded southern Australia habitats. By contrast, P. viator sp. nov. was larger but more gracile, suggested to be a medium- to high-geared species convergent in some traits on large extant kangaroos. This and a wide inland distribution point to adeptness in open, arid environments. Protemnodon mamkurra sp. nov. and P. viator sp. nov. occupy the morphospace previously occupied by P. roechus and P. brehus. Overall, the species of Protemnodon exhibit a degree of ecomorphological variation suggestive of a broader array of ecological adaptations than hitherto envisioned.

Australia, New Guinea, Biogeography, Pliocene, Pleistocene, morphology, adaptation, Megafauna, taxonomy, Mammalia 

Australian artist Peter Schouten’s reconstruction of the extinct kangaroos Protemnodon anak (upper) and Protemnodon tumbuna (lower). Despite being closely related, the two were quite different animals in terms of their habitat and their method of hopping.

A near-complete fossil skeleton of the extinct giant kangaroo Protemnodon viator from Lake Callabonna, missing just a few bones from the hand, foot and tail.

Artist Peter Schouten’s impression of south-eastern South Australia during the Pleistocene (~500 thousand years ago) showing many of the plants and animals that lived there alongside Protemnodon.

Isaac A.R. Kerr, Aaron B. Camens, Jacob D. van Zoelen, Trevor H. Worthy and Gavin J. Prideaux. 2024. Systematics and Palaeobiology of Kangaroos of the late Cenozoic Genus Protemnodon (Marsupialia, Macropodidae). Megataxa.  11(1); 1-261. DOI: 10.11646/megataxa.11.1.1

Giant kangaroos bounce back from the past

  news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2024/04/15/giant-kangaroos-bounce-back-from-the-past/

[Herpetology • 2024] Zhangixalus thaoae • A New green treefrog Species (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Vietnam

Zhangixalus thaoae 

T. T. Nguyen, H. H. Nguyen, Ninh, Le, Bui, Orlov, Hoang & Ziegler, 2024

 

Thao’s Tree Frog | Ếch cây thảo || DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.104851

Abstract

We describe a new treefrog species from Lao Cai Province, northwestern Vietnam. The new species is assigned to the genus Zhangixalus based on a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) dorsum green, smooth; body size medium (SVL 30.1–32.2 in males); (2) fingers webbed; tips of digits expanded into large disks, bearing circum-marginal grooves; (3) absence of dermal folds along limbs; (4) absence of supracloacal fold and tarsal projection. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by: (1) dorsal surface of the head and body green without spots; (2) axilla and groin cream with a black blotch; (3) ventral cream without spot; (4) chin creamy with grey marbling; anterior part of the thigh and ventral surface of tibia orange without spots; posterior parts of thigh orange with a large black blotch; (5) ventral side of webbing orange with some grey pattern (6) iris red-bronze, pupils black; (7) finger webbing formula I1¼-1¼II1-2III1-1IV, toe webbing formula I½-½II0-1½III¼-1¾IV1¾-½V. Phylogenetically, the new species is nested in the same subclade as Z. jodiae, Z. pinglongensis, and Z. yaoshanensis, with genetic distances ranging from 3.23% to 4.68%. The new species can be found in evergreen montane tropical forests at an elevation of about 1,883 m a.s.l. This new discovery brings the number of known genus Zhangixalus species to 42 and the number of species reported from Vietnam to 10.

Key words: 16S rRNA gene, Lao Cai Province, molecular phylogeny, morphology, new species

Adult male holotype (IEBR A 5136) of Zhangixalus thaoae sp. nov., in life, from Y Ty Commune, Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province, northwestern Vietnam.

 Zhangixalus thaoae sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis: The new species is placed in the genus Zhangixalus based on some morphological characters: dorsum green and smooth; body size medium (SVL 30.1–32.2 in males); fingers webbed; tips of digits expanded into large disks, bearing circum-marginal grooves; absence of dermal folds along limbs; absence of supracloacal fold and tarsal projection (Fig. 2).

Etymology: The species is named after the first author’s wife, Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, as a token of gratitude for her understanding and strong support of his research activity. We recommend Thao’s Tree Frog as the English common name and Ếch cây thảo as the Vietnamese common name.

Tao Thien Nguyen, Huy Hoang Nguyen, Hoa Thi Ninh, Linh Tu Hoang Le, Hai Tuan Bui, Nikolai Orlov, Chung Van Hoang and Thomas Ziegler. 2024. Zhangixalus thaoae sp. nov., A New green treefrog Species from Vietnam (Anura, Rhacophoridae). ZooKeys. 1197: 93-113. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.104851