[Funga • 2024] Favolaschia imbricata, F. miscanthi & F. sinarundinariae (Agaricales: Mycenaceae) • Three New Species from South China

 Favolaschia imbricata 
 Favolaschia miscanthi 
Favolaschia sinarundinariae

Q.Y. Zhang, L.S. Bian, F. Wu & Y.C. Dai, 

in Q.-Y. Zhang, Liu, Li, X. Zhang, Dai, Wu et Bian, 2024.

DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.104.117310

Abstract

The genus Favolaschia within the family Mycenaceae is characterised by the gelatinous basidiomata with poroid hymenophore and most species inhabit monocotyledonous plants. In this study, many samples covering a wide geographic range in China were examined morphologically and phylogenetically using concatenated ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-nLSU sequence data. Three new species clustering in Favolaschia sect. Anechinus, namely Favolaschia imbricata, F. miscanthi and F. sinarundinariae, are described. Favolaschia imbricata is characterised by imbricate basidiomata with pale grey to greyish colour when fresh and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 7–9 × 5–6.8 µm; F. miscanthi is characterised by satin white basidiomata when fresh, broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 7.5–10 × 5.5–7 µm and inhabit rotten Miscanthus; F. sinarundinariae is characterised by greyish-white basidiomata when fresh, dark grey near the base upon drying, broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores measuring 7–9 × 5–7 µm and inhabit dead Sinarundinaria. The differences amongst the new species and their morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are discussed. In addition, an updated key to 19 species of Favolaschia found in China is provided.

Key words: New taxa, phylogeny, taxonomy, wood-decaying fungi

Basidiomata and microscopic structures of Favolaschia imbricata
A, B basidiomata (Dai 24702, holotype) C basidiospores D hymenium in trama E basidia and basidioles F tramal hyphae G cheilocystidia at dissepiment edge H hyphae of pileipellis.

Scale bars: 5 mm (A, B); 10 µm (C–H).

 Favolaschia imbricata Q.Y. Zhang, L.S. Bian, F. Wu & Y.C. Dai, sp. nov.

 Favolaschia miscanthi Q.Y. Zhang, L.S. Bian, F. Wu & Y.C. Dai, sp. nov.

Basidiomata and microscopic structures of Favolaschia sinarundinariae
 A, B basidiomata (A Dai 26123, holotype B Dai 26116) C basidiospores D hymenium in trama E basidia and basidioles F tramal hyphae G cheilocystidia at dissepiment edge H hyphae and terminal cells of pileipellis.

Scale bars: 1 cm (A, B); 10 µm (C–H).

 Favolaschia sinarundinariae Q.Y. Zhang, L.S. Bian, F. Wu & Y.C. Dai, sp. nov.

 

Qiu-Yue Zhang, Hong-Gao Liu, Wan-Ying Li, Xin Zhang, Yu-Cheng Dai, Fang Wu and Lu-Sen Bian. 2024. Three New Species of Favolaschia (Mycenaceae, Agaricales) from South China. MycoKeys. 104: 71-89. DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.104.117310

[Part of: Taxonomy and secondary metabolites of wood-associated fungi]

[Herpetology • 2024] Pristimantis asimus • Similar looking Sisters: A New sibling Species in the Pristimantis danae group (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the southwestern Amazon Basin

Pristimantis asimus 

Köhler, Glaw, Aguilar-Puntriano, Castroviejo-Fisher, Chaparro, De la Riva, Gagliardi-Urrutia, Gutiérrez, Vences & Padial, 2024

 

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.119143

Abstract

We describe a new frog species that is the sibling of Pristimantis reichlei. These two sister species inhabit the Amazonian lowlands and adjacent foothills of the Andes, from central Bolivia to central Peru. Pristimantis reichlei occurs from central Bolivia to southern Peru (Alto Purús National Park), while the new species occurs from northern Bolivia (Departamento Pando) to Panguana in central Peru (Departamento Huánuco), at elevations between 220 and 470 m a.s.l. In spite of their morphological crypsis, these siblings occur in syntopy without evidence of interbreeding (in the Alto Purús area) and are recovered as reciprocally monophyletic. Their uncorrected pairwise genetic distances in the 16S rRNA gene range from 9.5–13.5%, and their advertisement calls differ in both qualitative and quantitative traits. Moreover, our study found uncorrected pairwise distances within the new species of up to 5.0% and up to 9.3% within P. reichlei. We therefore cannot rule out the possible existence of hybrids or additional species-level lineages hidden in this complex. Furthermore, we found another potential pair of sibling species composed of P. danae and an unnamed lineage, with divergences of 9.4% in the 16S gene, whose in-depth analysis and taxonomic treatment are pending future revision. With the new nominal species, the Pristimantis danae species group now includes 20 species, distributed across the upper Amazon basin and in the eastern Andes, from western Brazil to Bolivia and Peru. Our study, together with an increasing number of other studies, indicates that sibling species are far from being rare among Amazonian amphibians and that species resolution remains low even for groups that have received considerable attention in recent years.

Key Words: Amphibia, bioacoustics, integrative taxonomy, morphology, molecular genetics, systematics, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru

Male holotype of Pristimantis asimus sp. nov. (MUSM 41241, FGZC 5342) from Panguana, Departamento Huánuco, Peru, in life (SVL 30.6 mm):
a. Dorsolateral view; b. Dorsal view (showing posterior thighs coloration); c. Ventral view.

Paratypes of Pristimantis asimus sp. nov. in life (dorsolateral and ventral views):
a. ZSM 1985/2008 (FGZC 3388; SVL 30.6 mm); b. ZSM 1986/2008 (FGZC 3389; SVL 28.4 mm); c. MUSM 29074 (FGZC 3273; SVL 28.3 mm), all from the type locality Panguana, Huánuco, Peru; d. CM 158600, from Río Sepahua, Ucayali, Peru.

 Pristimantis asimus sp. nov.

Definition: A medium-sized species of the Pristimantis danae species group (based on molecular relationships and morphological similarity), with 27.7‒30.6 mm SVL in adult males (n = 7), and 37.9 mm SVL in adult females (n = 1), characterized by: (1) skin on dorsum finely shagreened, lacking enlarged tubercles or warts; throat smooth, venter areolate; discoidal fold inconspicuous; dorsolateral folds absent; upper eyelid lacking tubercles and granules; posterior surfaces of thighs smooth; (2) tympanic membrane and annulus distinct, slightly higher than long, their length less than half of eye diameter; supratympanic fold prominent, curved, slightly covering upper edge of tympanic annulus; (3) head slightly longer than wide; snout subacuminate in dorsal view, bluntly rounded in lateral profile; canthus rostralis straight in dorsal view, slightly ...

Etymology: The specific epithet is a Latinized adjective derived from the Greek άσημος (ásimos), meaning ‘inconspicuous, nameless’. It refers to the morphologically cryptic nature of the new species and the fact that it has been associated with different species names in the past, missing its status as a separate species to be named.

 Jörn Köhler, Frank Glaw, César Aguilar-Puntriano, Santiago Castroviejo-Fisher, Juan C. Chaparro, Ignacio De la Riva, Giussepe Gagliardi-Urrutia, Roberto Gutiérrez, Miguel Vences and José M. Padial. 2024. Similar looking Sisters: A New sibling Species in the Pristimantis danae group from the southwestern Amazon Basin (Anura, Strabomantidae). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(2): 565-582. DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.119143

[Botany • 2024] Zingiber locbacense (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Lam Dong Province, Southern Vietnam

Zingiber locbacense D.D. Nguyễn & C.W. Lin, 

in Nguyễn et Lin, 2024.  

DOI: 10.5735/085.061.0118 

  facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract

Zingiber locbacense D.D. Nguyễn & C.W. Lin sp. nova (Zingiberaceae) is described and illustrated from southern Lam Dong Province, south Vietnam. It is morphologically similar to Z. collinsii in several characters, from which it differs by having inflorescences with pink bracts and a rounded apex, shorter bracteoles, smaller corolla lobes, and the flowering period that occurs from March to early May. All known occurrences of Z. locbacense are in non-protected areas, and there is a hydroelectric power station being developed in a neighbouring area. Hence we assess the conservational status of Z. locbacense as Endangered (EN).

Zingiber locbacense D.D. Nguyễn & C.W. Lin sp. nova

 

Danh Đức Nguyễn and Che-Wei Lin. 2024. Zingiber locbacense (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Lam Dong Province, Southern Vietnam.  Annales Botanici Fennici 61(1), 123-130. DOI: 10.5735/085.061.0118

   facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10225337840736582

[Botany • 2023] Corydalis mianxianensis (Papaveraceae, sect. Cheilanthifoliae) • A New Species from limestone cliffs in central China, and Notes on the Shaanxi Record of C. saxicola

Corydalis mianxianensis D.Wang, 

in D. Wang, Xu, Li, Sun et L. Wang, 2023. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.3.6 

  Researchgate.net/publication/373360688

Abstract

Corydalis mianxianensis, a new species of C. sect. Cheilanthifoliae Lidén (Papaveracae), is described from Qinling-Daba mountains and adjacent Minshan mountains, central China. It is similar to C. moupinensis Franch., but it differs from the latter in racemes with 30–50(–70) flowers, spur being much shorter than limb of upper petal, and arcuate to strongly contorted fruits. These two species are also much different in stigma and ecology as well. In addition, we confirmed that the record of C. saxicola G.S.Bunting in Shaanxi Province as documented in the Chinese floras was a misidentification of this new species.

Eudicots, chasmophytes, Corydalis sect. Cheilanthifoliae, Minshan Mountains, Qinling-Daba mountains, taxonomy

 Habitat, habit and morphology of Corydalis mianxianensis (D. Wang et al. 210003).
A. habitat; B. inflorescence; C. fruits; D-G. flower showing the lateral view (D), front view (E), adaxial view of flower showing the apex of upper petal (F) and abaxial view of flower showing the apex of lower petal (G).

 

Corydalis mianxianensis D.Wang 

Dong Wang, Xiaodong Xu, Niya Li, Qian Sun and Liang Wang. 2023. Corydalis mianxianensis (Papaveraceae), A New Species from limestone cliffs in central China, and Notes on the Shaanxi Record of C. saxicola G.S.Bunting. Phytotaxa. 609(3); 233-239. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.3.6 

  Researchgate.net/publication/373360688_Corydalis_mianxianensis_a_new_species_from_central_China

 www.bilibili.com/read/cv26246550    勉县黄堇

[Botany • 2023] Krenakanthus ribeiranus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) • A “hairy situation” in Minas Gerais, Brazil: A striking New Species of Krenakanthus covered with uniseriate trichomes

 

 Krenakanthus ribeiranus 

in Leme, Gonella, Couto, Fernandez, De Carvalho, De Almeida et Mariath, 2023. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.619.1.2

    Researchgate.net/publication/374443908 

   facebook.com/PauloGonella

 

Abstract

A new species of Krenakanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described based on plants discovered through collaborative citizen science. Krenakanthus ribeiranus and its only congener K. roseolilacinus are endemic to the “João Pinto Center of Biodiversity”, a still poorly explored region with Campos Rupestres and associated vegetation in the Rio Doce Valley, in eastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The unusual combination of morphological characters of K. ribeiranus, highlighted by plant delicacy and almost all leaf and flower parts covered by uniseriate, hair-like trichomes, is illustrated and discussed in comparison with K. roseolilacinus, including leaf and seed anatomy, as well as pollen morphology. This micro-endemic species is assessed as Critically Endangered, reinforcing the need for strategy to protect the biodiversity of the region. The morphology of the new species validates and strengthens the diagnostic flower characters used in the circumscription of Krenakanthus, suggesting as secondary diagnostic characters the habit, stature, and leaf conformation.  

Keywords: Monocots, anatomy, Campos Rupestres, Cryptanthoid complex, João Pinto Center of Biodiversity, morphology, uniseriate trichomes

 Krenakanthus ribeiranus (J.C.S. Ribeiro 001):
 A. General aspect of the shaded rocky habitat alongside creeks at the type locality. B–D. Subpopulations at the type locality composed of individuals growing on organic-rich, shallow soils accumulated on sandstone rock surfaces among mosses.  

Photos: J.C.S. Ribeiro.

  

 A–F.  Krenakanthus ribeiranus (J.C.S. Ribeiro 001):
A Habit in three stages of flower development. B. Habit, highlighting an individual in fruit stage. C. Small-sized aspect of the leaf rosette in an adult individual. D. Frontal view of the fan blade-like corolla. E. Lateral view of the corolla. F. Abundant seedlings growing not far from mother-plants.

Photos: J.C.S. Ribeiro.

Krenakanthus ribeiranus (J.C.S. Ribeiro 001; A, C, F–G, I, K, M) and K. roseolilacinus (Leme 8922; B, D–E, H, J, L, N):  
 A–B. Frontal view of the corolla. C–D. Petals and stamens. E. Petal. F. Pistil and the stamens, highlighting the unequal filaments. G–H. Sepals. I–J. Fruits. K–L. Anthers. M–N. Stigma.

 Bars = 5 mm (C–E, J). Bars = 2 mm (F–I). Bars = 1 mm (K–N). 

  Photos: A. J.C.S. Ribeiro. B–N. E. Leme.

Elton M. C. Leme, Paulo M. Gonella, Dayvid R. Couto, Eduardo P. Fernandez, Jordano D. T. De Carvalho, Pedro S. De Almeida and Jorge E. A. Mariath. 2023. A “hairy situation” in Minas Gerais, Brazil: A striking New Species of Krenakanthus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) covered with uniseriate trichomes. Phytotaxa. 619(1); 39-62. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.619.1.2

  Researchgate.net/publication/374443908_A_new_species_of_Krenakanthus_from_MinasGerais_Brazil  

  facebook.com/PauloGonella/posts/6830864266972514

   

[Botany • 2023] Ardisia anamalaiana (Primulaceae: Myrsinoideae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India

Ardisia anamalaiana V.Ravich., Murug. & P.S.S.Rich., 

in Ravichandran, Maruthakkutti et Paulraj, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.03646

Abstract

Ardisia anamalaiana is a new species described from Anamalai Hills, the southern Western Ghats of India. The new species is morphologically similar to A. gardneri C.B.Clarke, but differs in its leaves, petiole, inflorescence, bract, flower and pedicel. Ardisia anamalaiana is described and illustrated in detail. Morphological comparison between the new species and related taxa, a key to the genus Ardisia from the Western Ghats, colour photographs and conservation status is also provided.

Keywords: Acrardisia, Anamalai Hills, endemic, Myrsinoideae, Tamil Nadu, taxonomy

 

Vellingiri Ravichandran, Murugesan Maruthakkutti and Selva Singh Richard Paulraj. 2023. Ardisia anamalaiana (Primulaceae), A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. 2023(2); e03646. DOI: 10.1111/njb.03646

Researchgate.net/publication/366011543_Ardisia_anamalaiana_a_new_species_from_southern_Western_Ghats_India

[Botany • 2022] Begonia parvibracteata (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New Species from Guangxi of China

Begonia parvibracteata X.X.Feng, R.K.Li & Z.X.Liu,

in Feng, X.-F. Huang, Y.-N. Huang, Liu, Li, Zhou, Guo, Chen et Tian, 2022. 

小苞秋海棠  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.214.90004

Abstract

The previously reported begonias in a limestone forest of Guangxi mainly belong to Begonia sect. Coelocentrum Irmscher. In this article, we described and illustrated a new species in sect. Platycentrum (Klotzsch) A.DC., Begonia parvibracteata X.X.Feng, R.K.Li & Z.X.Liu, which was discovered in a karst forest of south-western Guangxi. The begonia shows high morphological similarity to B. subhowii S.H. Huang and B. psilophylla Irmscher, but differs from the latter two in its narrower oblique-ovate asymmetric leaf blade, 4 (occasionally 6) tepals of pistillate flower and smaller membranous inflorescence bracts. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on ITS sequence data, supports the new species as monophyletic and distinct from B. subhowii and B. psilophylla. Considering its narrow distribution and the disturbance of human activities, the conservation status of new taxon is evaluated as “Vulnerable” (VU B1, B2 ab (i, iv, v), D2) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: ITS, morphology, new taxon, southern China, taxonomy

 Begonia parvibracteata 
A хabit B staminate inflorescence C, D front and back views of staminate flower E lateral view of staminate flower F stamen G, H front and back views of pistillate flower with 4 tepals I front view of pistillate flower with 6 tepals J cross section of ovary K styles and stigmas L stigmas M abaxial view of capsule showing wings N lateral view of capsule showing two shorter wings.

drawn by Yunxiao Liu 

Habitat and morphology of Begonia parvibracteata
 A habitat B flowering plant C creeping rhizome D shoot top with stipule E leaf blade (adaxial) F, G leaf blade (abaxial) H erect stem with inflorescence I, J young inflorescence and bract; K, L front and back views of staminate flower with 4 tepals M lateral view of staminate flower N stamens O, P front and back views of pistillate flower with 4 tepals Q front view of pistillate flower with 6 tepals R cross section of ovary S stigmas T, U immature capsule V dried mature capsule

 (Photos by Z.X. Liu).

 Begonia parvibracteata X.X.Feng, R.K.Li & Z.X.Liu, sp. nov.

 Chinese name: 小苞秋海棠

Diagnosis: 

Begonia parvibracteata morphologically resembles B. subhowii and B. psilophylla in rhizome and leaf characters. However, it has narrowly oblique-ovate asymmetric leaf blades, 4 (rarely 6) tepals in pistillate flowers and small (6–8 × 3–5 mm) bracts in inflorescences. These characters differ from the widely ovate leaf blades, 5 (rarely 6) tepals of pistillate flowers, and distinctly large bracts in inflorescences of B. subhowii. B. parvibracteata is dissimilar to B. psilophylla in its 4 (rarely 6) tepals in pistillate flowers and asymmetric, narrowly oblique-ovate leaf blade.

Begonia parvibracteata forms a monophyletic group clustered with B. cucurbitifolia in the phylogenic tree, but the latter has nearly symmetric, 3–4 lobed leaf blade, 5-tepaled pistillate flower, definitely differing from the new species.

Etymology: The specific epithet “parvibracteata” refers to the short small bracts of the new species. The Chinese name is given as “小苞秋海棠” (Begonia with small inflorescence bracts).

Xin-Xin Feng, Xiao-Feng Huang, Yu-Ni Huang, Zhi-Xian Liu, Ren-Kun Li, Jin-Ye Zhou, Wei Guo, Xiao-Yan Chen and Dai-Ke Tian. 2022. Begonia parvibracteata, A New Species in Begonia sect. Platycentrum (Begoniaceae) from Guangxi of China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. PhytoKeys. 214: 27-38.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.214.90004

[Botany • 2024] Vaccinium dehongense (Ericaceae) • A New Species from western Yunnan, China

Vaccinium dehongense  Y.H.Tong, 

in Tong, Ye et Ni, 2024.  

滇西越橘  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.242.121623

 

Abstract

Vaccinium dehongense (Ericaceae), a new species from Yingjiang County of Yunnan Province, China is described and illustrated. This new species belongs to Vaccinium sect. Epigynium and is most similar to V. vacciniaceum, but differs from the latter in the subsessile leaves, the inflorescence usually developing at leafless nodes, the shorter pedicels and the filaments being ca. 1/3 length of the stamens. Since the type locality of this new species is very near the border between China and Myanmar, it is probably also distributed in the adjacent area of Myanmar. As no population assessment of this species in its whole distribution area is made, it is best to assign a conservation status of ‘Data Deficient’ (DD) for this species.

Key words: Morphology, taxonomy, Vaccinieae, Yingjiang County

Vaccinium dehongense
A habitat, the red arrow indicating this species B habit C flowering branchlets D inflorescences E infructescences with immature fruits F part of an inflorescence, showing bracts and bracteoles G flower with corolla removed H stamens, adaxial, lateral and abaxial view I ovary cross-section, showing pseudo-10-locular ovary.

Scale bars: 5 mm (F–G); 3 mm (H–I). Photographs by Yi-Hua Tong.

 Vaccinium dehongense Y.H.Tong, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This new species is morphologically similar to V. vacciniaceum, especially its subspecies, V. vacciniaceum subsp. glabritubum P. F. Stevens (with a glabrous internal corolla surface), in having pseudo-verticillate leaves with a serrate margin and a rounded leaf base, glandular-setulose twigs with scattered lenticels, elongate racemose inflorescences with many flowers, narrowly triangular bracts and bracteoles and a glabrous internal corolla surface, but can be distinguished by subsessile (vs. with 1–4 mm long petioles) leaves, the inflorescences usually developing at leafless nodes (vs. axils of leaves), shorter pedicels (6–7.5 mm vs. 7–13 mm) and filaments being ca. 1/3 length of the stamens (vs. ca. 1/2).

Etymology: The species epithet is derived from the type locality, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture. Its Chinese name is given as 滇西越橘 (Pinyin: diān xī yuè jú).

 Yi-Hua Tong, Xing-Er Ye and Jing-Bo Ni. 2024. Vaccinium dehongense (Ericaceae), A New Species of Vaccinium sect. Epigynium from western Yunnan, China.  PhytoKeys. 242: 31-37. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.242.121623

[Paleontology • 2024] Ophiactis hex • Fossil Evidence for the ancient link between clonal fragmentation, Six-fold Symmetry and an epizoic lifestyle in asterozoan echinoderms (Echinodermata: Asterozoa: Ophiuroidea)

  Ophiactis hex 

Thuy, Numberger-Thuy, Härer, Kroh, Winkler & Schweigert, 2024

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2832

 

Abstract

Asexual reproduction by means of splitting, also called fissiparity, is a common feature in some asterozoan groups, especially in ophiactid brittle stars. Most fissiparous brittle stars show six instead of the usual five rays, live as epibionts on host organisms, and use clonal fragmentation to rapidly colonize secluded habitats and effectively expand the margins of their distribution area. While the biology and ecology of clonal fragmentation are comparatively well understood, virtually nothing is known about the evolution and geological history of that phenomenon. Here, we describe an exceptional fossil of an articulated six-armed brittle star from the Late Jurassic of Germany, showing one body half in the process of regeneration, and assign it to the new species Ophiactis hex sp. nov. Phylogenetic inference shows that the fossil represents the oldest member of the extant family Ophiactidae. Because the Ophiactis hex specimen shows an original six-fold symmetry combined with a morphology typically found in epizoic ophiuroids, in line with recent fissiparous ophiactid relatives, we assume that the regenerating body half is an indication for fissiparity. Ophiactis hex thus shows that fissiparity was established as a means of asexual reproduction in asterozoan echinoderms by the Late Jurassic.

Keywords: Ophiuroidea, late Jurassic, fissiparous, phylogeny, Ophiactidae

  Ophiactis hex sp. nov., holotype SMNS 70508; from the Nusplingen Lithographic Limestone (Nusplingen Formation), Beckeri Zone, Ulmense Subzone, late Kimmeridgian, Late Jurassic, Nusplingen, Germany.
 Light photographs of the complete specimen exposing the dorsal side 

Systematic palaeontology

Class Ophiuroidea Gray, 1840

Superorder Ophintegrida O'Hara et al., 2017

Order Amphilepidida O'Hara et al., 2017

Superfamily Ophiactoidea Ljungman, 1867

Family Ophiactidae Matsumoto, 1915

Genus Ophiactis Lütken, 1856

Ophiactis hex sp. nov.

 Species diagnosis: Small ophiactid with six arms, dorsal side of disc with a dense cover of granules and spinelets; lateral arm plates with outer surface covered by small tubercles arranged in a faint vertical striation; arm spines large and slightly flattened; distalmost arm segments with at least one hook-shaped arm spine.

  Etymology: Species name (used as noun in apposition) referring to Hex, the organic/inorganic/magical super-computer of Terry Pratchett's Unseen University, capable of thinking the unthinkable.

 

Ben Thuy, Lea D. Numberger-Thuy, Jürgen Härer, Andreas Kroh, Viola Winkler and Günter Schweigert. 2024. Fossil Evidence for the ancient link between clonal fragmentation, Six-fold Symmetry and an epizoic lifestyle in asterozoan echinoderms. Proc. R. Soc. B. 291: 20232832. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2832

[Herpetology • 2024] Takydromus guilinensis • A New Species of the Genus Takydromus (Squamata: Lacertidae) from Northeastern Guangxi, China

Takydromus guilinensis

Guo, Hu, Chen, Zhong & Ji, 2024

DOI 10.3390/ani14101402

Abstract

During our collecting trip to Guangxi in 2016, we collected ten specimens of the genus Takydromus from the suburb of Guilin, northeastern Guangxi, South China, and found that they did not belong to any currently known species. Here, we described this new species, Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov., based on morphological and mitochondrial DNA (CO1 and cyt b) data. This new species is a sister taxon to T. intermedius with a p-distance of 0.070 in CO1 and 0.080 in cyt b. These two p-distances exceed not only the minimum value (0.067) between T. septentrionalis and T. stejnegeri but also the minimum value (0.079) between T. intermedius and T. yunkaiensis. Morphologically, this new species differs from other currently recognized Takydromus species from the same clade, more evidently in the longitudinal rows of dorsal scales, transverse rows of scales at the mid-body and mensural variables. The description of Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. increases the total number of Takydromus species to 25, of which 16 can be found in China. Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. is currently known only from Guilin, Guangxi, South China, where it is sympatric with the other four Takydromus species (T. septentrionalis, T. kuehnei, T. sexlineatus and T. intermedius).

Keywords: Lacertidae; molecular phylogenetic analysis; morphology; South China; Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov.; taxonomy

A gravid female Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. 

Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. 
  Close-up views of the adult female holotype (WZU R20160406) from the suburb of Guilin.
(A): dorsal view of the body; (B): ventral view of the body; (C): lateral view of the head; (D): ventral view of the head; (E): dorsal view of the head; (F): ventral view of the posterior part of the body, showing inguinal pores.

Photo by Kun Guo.

Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. A new small oviparous Takydromus species distinguished from all other currently known congeneric species with the following mensural and meristic characters. First, SVL 39.4–46.7 mm in adult males and 42.8–52.4 mm in adult females. Second, dorsal ground color brown; ventral surface white. Third, skull flattening (HL/HW = 1.8–2.0). Fourth, 32–36 longitudinal rows of dorsal scales. Fifth, 27–33 transverse rows of scales at the mid-body.

the locality where 10 specimens of Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. were collected.  

Etymology. The specific epithet is a Latinization of Guilin City, Guangxi, China.

 Kun Guo, Yong-Hao Hu, Jian Chen, Jun Zhong and Xiang Ji. 2024. A New Species of the Genus Takydromus (Squamata: Lacertidae) from Northeastern Guangxi, China. Animals. 14(10), 1402. DOI 10.3390/ani14101402

Simple Summary: The genus Takydromus (Squamata: Lacertidae) currently comprises 24 species distributed in East (Eastern Palearctic) and Southeast (Oriental) Asia. Of these 24 species, 15 can be found in China, 8 only in the Chinese mainland and adjacent countries or regions, 6 only in Taiwan and 1 (T. kuehnei) on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Here, we described a new Takydromus species from the suburb of Guilin, northeastern Guangxi, South China, based on morphological and mitochondrial DNA data. From the phylogeny reconstructed with a mitochondrial DNA fragment (CO1 and cyt b), we know that the new species differs from its congeners and that it is a sister taxon to T. intermedius. Morphologically, the new species can be diagnosed from other Takydromus species from the same clade. Based on the above multiple lines of evidence, we suggest that this lacertid lizard from Guilin should be named as a new species, Takydromus guilinensis sp. nov. The discovery of this species increases the total number of Takydromus species to 25, of which 16 can be found in China.

[Ichthyology • 2024] Sinocyclocheilus guiyang • A New troglobitic Sinocyclocheilus species (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the upper Yangtze River Basin in Guizhou, South China

Sinocyclocheilus guiyang

 Shao, Cheng, Lu, Zhou & Zeng, 2024

贵阳金线鲃 | Guiyang Golden-line Barbel  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.119520

Abstract

Sinocyclocheilus guiyang, a new troglobitic species from a subterranean tributary of the upper Yangtze Basin in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China is described in the present study. The new species is distinguishable from its congeneric species by a combination of the following characters: tip of maxillary barbel reaching to posterior edge of orbit; forehead horn absent; eye absent (or highly reduced) and tip of pectoral fins not significantly extending beyond the base of the pelvic fin. Molecular evidence, based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene, further supports the validity of the species and also reveals its close relationship with S. cyphotergous, S. multipunctatus, S. punctatus and S. sanxiaensis. In addition, the new species faces a high risk of extinction, underscoring the urgency for habitat protection measures within its limited range.

Key Words: cavefish, conservation, morphology, phylogenetic analysis, Yangtze River

Sinocyclocheilus guiyang, IHB 202012250001, holotype, 124.0 mm SL; China: Guizhou Province: Guiyang City: Qingzhen County: Yangtze River Basin.
 A. Lateral view; B. Lateral, dorsal and ventral view of head; C. Micro-CT graph and reconstructed pharyngeal dentition; D. Live photo. Scale bar: 1 cm.

Intraspecific morphological variations of Sinocyclocheilus guiyang.
 A. Individual with no eyes; B. Individual with highly reduced eyes, partially covered with skin; C. Individual with dorsal pigment; D. Individual without pigment. Note that individuals of both colouration types share the presence of dark stripes on the dorsal-posterior part of the head and a gold stripe along the mid-line from the nape to the dorsal-fin origin.

 Sinocyclocheilus guiyang sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Sinocyclocheilus guiyang is distinguishable from all other congeners by a combination of the following characters: tip of maxillary barbel not reaching to posterior edge of preoperculum, horn-like structure in forehead absent, eye absent or highly reduced, pectoral fin not significantly extending beyond base of pelvic fin. The major diagnostic characters for S. guiyang and related species are summarised in Table 3.

...

Etymology: The location of the subterranean stream where this new species was first collected: Guiyang City, the capital of Guizhou Province, is directly utilised as a specific epithet. The common name proposed for the new species is ‘贵阳金线鲃’ (Guiyang Golden-line Barbel).

Habitat of Sinocyclocheilus guiyang.
 A. The pool of a subterranean stream where S. guiyang was collected; B. S. guiyang in situ.

 Wei-Han Shao, Guang-Yuan Cheng, Xiao-Long Lu, Jia-Jun Zhou and Zhi-Xuan Zeng. 2024. Description of A New troglobitic Sinocyclocheilus (Pisces, Cyprinidae) species from the upper Yangtze River Basin in Guizhou, South China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(2): 515-529. DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.119520 

[Diplopoda • 2024] Hyleoglomeris bomba, H. dracosphaera, H. krasoon, etc. • Six New Species of the Pill Millipede Genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910 (Glomerida: Glomeridae) in Thailand revealed by DNA-barcoding

 

Hyleoglomeris dracosphaera Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha,

in Likhitrakarn, Jeratthitikul, Sapparojpattana, Siriwut, Srisonchai, Jirapatrasilp, Seesamut, Poolprasert, Panha et Sutcharit, 2024.  

DOI: 10.1163/18759866-bja10062 

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Abstract

Thai species of the pill millipede genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910 are reviewed, and an annotated catalogue is provided. Six new species from Thailand are described and illustrated based on morphological characteristics and molecular analyses: H. dracosphaera sp. n., H. nigromaculata sp. n., H. suwannakhuhensis sp. n., H. bomba sp. n., H. tongkerdae sp. n., and H. krasoon sp. n. They are morphologically similar, yet all can be separated based on their characteristic colour patterns, telopod structures and geographic distributions. Genetic differences in the dna barcode region confirm their full species statuses, with interspecific coi p-distances ranging from 9.01% to 16.51% dissimilarity. We also propose the following new synonym: H. hongkhraiensis Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2015 = H. cavicola Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2015 syn. n. This is based on the low genetic divergence observed between these two taxa (2.34% coi p-distance). A new distribution map of and a key to all Hyleoglomeris species presently known to occur in Thailand are also provided.

Keywords: Hyleoglomeris; key; millipede; new species; taxonomy; Thailand

Hyleoglomeris dracosphaera Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, sp. n.

Name. To emphasize the orange body which, when rolled up into a sphere, resembles Dragon Balls, the magical artifacts in the Japanese manga and anime series Dragon Ball; adjective in feminine gender.

Hyleoglomeris nigromaculata Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, sp. n.

Name. To emphasize the dark spots on the dorsum, adjective in feminine gender.

Hyleoglomeris suwannakhuhensis Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, sp. n.

Name. To emphasize the type locality [Nong Bua Lamphu Province, Suwannakhuha District], adjective in feminine gender.

Hyleoglomeris bomba Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, sp. n.

Name. To emphasize the body coloration with contrasting black and yellow bands, resembling the typical color pattern of a bumblebee of the genus Bombus, a noun in feminine gender.

Hyleoglomeris tongkerdae Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, sp. n.

Name. To honour Assistant Professor Dr. Piyoros Tongkerd, malacologist and lecturer at the Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University, who participated in collecting many millipede specimens, including the type series of this new species.

Hyleoglomeris krasoon Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, sp. n.

Name. To emphasize the word “krasoon” from the compound word “kingkeu krasoon” which means “pill millipede” in Thai, a noun in apposition.

 

Natdanai Likhitrakarn, Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Pichsinee Sapparojpattana, Warut Siriwut, Ruttapon Srisonchai, Parin Jirapatrasilp, Teerapong Seesamut, Pisit Poolprasert, Somsak Panha, and Chirasak Sutcharit. 2024. Six New Species of the Pill Millipede Genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910 (Diplopoda, Glomerida, Glomeridae) in Thailand revealed by DNA-barcoding.  Contributions to Zoology. DOI: 10.1163/18759866-bja10062

  Researchgate.net/publication/380220558_Six_new_species_of_Hyleoglomeris_in_Thailand

  facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/848704337274297

 

กิ้งกือกระสุนส้มดราก้อนบอลล์ 𝐻𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑒𝑟𝑎 Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, 2024 

(draco = dragon มังกร, sphaera = sphere ทรงกลม) 

ค้นพบที่ถ้ำผาท่าพล อ.เนินมะปราง จ.พิษณุโลก 

กิ้งกือกระสุนน้อยลายจุดดำ 𝐻𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑖𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑎 Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, 2024 

ค้นพบที่นอกถ้ำเวฬุวัน อ.ด่านช้าง จ.สุพรรณบุรี

กิ้งกือกระสุนน้อยสุวรรณคูหา 𝐻𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑎𝑘ℎ𝑢ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑠 Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, 2024 

ค้นพบที่นอกถ้ำในวัดถ้ำภูผาธรรมสถิต อ.สุวรรณคูหา จ.หนองบัวลำภู

กิ้งกือกระสุนน้อยลายผึ้ง 𝐻𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑚𝑏𝑎 Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, 2024 

ค้นพบที่นอกถ้ำในวัดถ้ำพระผาคอก อ.เวียงชัย จ.เชียงราย

กิ้งกือกระสุนน้อยทองเกิด 𝐻𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑑𝑎𝑒 Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, 2024 

ตั้งชื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ ผศ.ดร.ปิโยรส ทองเกิด อาจารย์จากหน่วยปฏิบัติการซิสเทแมติกส์ของสัตว์ ภาควิชาชีววิทยา คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย ค้นพบที่บ้านท่าลี่ อ.แม่เมาะ จ.ลำปาง

กิ้งกือกระสุนน้อยกระสุน 𝐻𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑘𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑛 Likhitrakarn, Sutcharit & Panha, 2024 

ตั้งชื่อตามคำไทย “กระสุน” ที่ใช้เรียกกิ้งกือกลุ่มนี้ ค้นพบที่วัดถ้ำน้ำผ่าผางาม อ.แม่พริก จ.ลำปาง