[PaleoIchthyology • 2021] Jiangxialepis retrospina • The Oldest eugaleaspiform (Galeaspida) from the Silurian Fentou Formation (Telychian, Llandovery) of Wuhan, South China

Jiangxialepis retrospina Liu, Huang, Zong & Gong, 2021; 

 interpretative drawings of A, Shuyu zhejiangensis Pan, 1986; B, Jiangxialepis retrospina gen. et sp. nov.; C, Meishanaspis lehmani Wang, 1991.

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2021.1883755 

  Researchgate.net/publication/349934424

 Abstract

A new genus of Eugaleaspidiformes (Galeaspida, Agnatha), Jiangxialepis gen. nov., is described from the Llandovery (Silurian) Fentou Formation from Wuhan, Hubei, South China. The new genus belongs to the family Shuyuidae, as evidenced by the splayed posterior supraorbital canals, absence of ‘U’-shaped median dorsal canals, and three lateral transverse canals issuing from the infraorbital canals. The new genus possesses a middle dorsal spine, which is found in eugaleaspidiforms for the first time. Jiangxialepis differs from other genera of Shuyuidae based on the following characteristics: presence of a middle dorsal spine, the anterior end of the median dorsal opening slightly disrupting the rostral margin of the head shield, large oval orbital openings, pineal opening level with the centre of the orbital opening, and seven lateral transverse canals on each side. The new genus is the first discovery of a eugaleaspidiform in the Fentou Formation, which extends the age of eugaleaspiforms to the middle Telychian and illuminates the early morphological conditions of the Eugaleaspidiformes. Cladistic analysis shows that the new genus is the most primitive group of Eugaleaspidiformes (Shuyuidae) and forms a trichotomy with Shuyu and Meishanaspis. We interpret Jiangxialepis as a sub-demersal fish that lived in the brackish waters of an estuarine-deltaic environment.

 

Keywords: Jiangxialepis, Shuyuidae, Eugaleaspiformes, Fentou Formation, Silurian, Wuhan, South China

Photographs and interpretative drawing of Jiangxialepis retrospina gen. et sp. nov.
A, internal mould of a complete head shield, BGEG-JXD-07; B, external mould of a complete head shield, BGEG-JXD-06; C, external mould of an incomplete head shield, BGEG-JXD-01; D-F, interpretative drawings of A-C, respectively; G, external mould of an incomplete head shield, BGEG-JXD-04; H, interpretative drawing of G; I, synthetic restoration.

Abbreviations: c, corneal processes; dcm, dorsal commissure; ic, inner corneal processes; ldc, lateral dorsal canal; ifc, infraorbital canal; ltc a-c , a to c lateral transverse canal; ltc 1-4 , first to fourth lateral transverse canal; md.o, median dorsal opening; md.s, median dorsal spine; orb, orbital opening; pi, pineal opening; soc 2 , posterior supraorbital canal.

 Comparison of shuyuids. A, Shuyu zhejiangensis (Liu et al. 2015); B, Jiangxialepis retrospina gen. et sp. nov.; C, Meishanaspis lehmani (modified after Gai et al. 2005).

Jiangxialepis retrospina 

 

Reconstruction of the ecological environment for the middle Telychian galeaspids from Wuhan in South China.
1, Jiangxialepis; 2, Hanyangaspis; 3, algae; 4, lingulids; 5, eurypteri.

Yi-Long Liu, Lie-Bin Huang, Rui-Wen Zong and Yi-Ming Gong. 2021. The Oldest eugaleaspiform (Galeaspida) from the Silurian Fentou Formation (Telychian, Llandovery) of Wuhan, South China. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 19(4); 253-264. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2021.1883755 

  Researchgate.net/publication/349934424_The_oldest_eugaleaspiform_Galeaspida_from_the_Silurian_Fentou_Formation_of_Wuhan_South_China

[Botany • 2021] Petrocosmea villosa (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Shan State, Myanmar

Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton, 

in Middleton, Shin et Baba, 2021. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.26492/gbs73(2).2021-14 

Researchgate.net/publication/357020889

ABSTRACT 

The new species Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton from Shan State, Myanmar is described. It is most similar to Petrocosmea kerrii Craib, P. crinita (W.T.Wang) Z.J.Qiu and P. heterophylla B.L.Burtt in Petrocosmea sect. Deinanthera but differs particularly in inflorescence structure, inflorescence indumentum and in the long calyx lobes. 

Keywords. Petrocosmea crinita, Petrocosmea heterophylla, Petrocosmea kerrii, Petrocosmea sect. Deinanthera, Shan State

Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton.
 A. Flower front view. B. Flower side view.

(Photo: S. Ruchisansakun)

Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton, sp. nov. 

Similar to Petrocosmea kerrii and P. crinita (W.T.Wang) Z.J.Qiu in the shape and colour of the corolla but differs from both in having both sessile and petiolate leaves (petiolate only in P. kerrii and P. crinita), longer calyx lobes (11–12 mm long in P. villosa, 1.5–4 mm long in P. kerrii and P. crinita) and more flowers ...

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the dense hair covering on the inflorescence.

David John Middleton, Thant Shin and Y. Baba. 2021. A New Species of Petrocosmea (Gesneriaceae) from Myanmar. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 73(2); 457-460. DOI: doi.org/10.26492/gbs73(2).2021-14 

Researchgate.net/publication/357020889_A_new_species_of_Petrocosmea_from_Myanmar

[Botany • 2021] Miconia waimiri-atroari (Melastomataceae: Miconieae) • A New Species from the Brazilian Amazon Forest

  Miconia waimiri-atroari  Meirelles & Caddah,

in Meirelles, Sartor, Chagas et Caddah, 2021.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.521.3.5

  Researchgate.net/publication/354966173

 

Abstract

Miconia waimiri-atroari is presented here as a new species from the Brazilian Amazon Forest. This new species has discolorous leaf blades, inflorescences with scorpioid branches, and petals and antesepalous stamen connectives with glandular trichomes. It has been misidentified as Miconia argyrophylla, another species from the Amazon Forest that has this same set of characters. However, the new species has cylindrical young branches (vs. quadrangular in M. argyrophylla), stellate trichomes on leaf abaxial surface (vs. arachnoid), stamens with yellow filaments that turn red in old flowers (vs. stamens with white filaments that only turn pale in old flowers), and style with glandular trichomes (vs. glabrous). At the moment, the species is only known from a small area north of Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Morphological description, illustrations, general comments and comparison to other similar species are also provided.

Albicans clade, Eudicots, Miconia argyrophylla, Neotropics, Taxonomy

  Miconia waimiri-atroari.
A: Branch with inflorescence. B: Flower. C: Style. D: Antesepalous stamen in lateral view. E: Antepetalous stamen in lateral view. F: Antesepalous stamen in ventral view. G: Petal. H: Fruit in upper view. I: Fruit in lateral view.

Drawn by Carlos Alvarez based on the MG isotype.

  Miconia waimiri-atroari.
A: Branch with leaves and inflorescence. Flower in detail, with thin arrow pointing to petal with glandular-ciliate margin, and thick arrows pointing to glandular trichome on antesepalous stamen connective. B: Inflorescence branch with buds and young flowers. C: Inflorescence branch with young and old flowers. D: Young and old flowers.

 A-B: Photos by Francisco Farroñay, C-D: Photos by Layon Oreste Demarchi.

Miconia waimiri-atroari sp. nov. 

Etymology:—The new species is named after the indigenous people of Waimiri-Atroari, whose territory is located near the BR-174, between Manaus (Amazonas) and Boa Vista (Roraima), where the species occurs. During the construction of the BR-174, mainly in the 1960’ and 1970’s, these people have suffered a massive genocide by the military government of that time, and lost part of their land to farmers, squatters and the state (Sousa et al. 2020).Besides the BR-174, the Balbina Dam and mining companies have also explored the land of the Waimiri-Atroari, contributing to population decrease from 3000 in 1972 to 350 people in 1983 (Damasio 2019). The epithet is a name in apposition. 

Julia MEIRELLES, Mariana Furlan SARTOR, Rennan Lopes CHAGAS and Mayara Krasinski CADDAH. 2021. Miconia waimiri-atroari (Miconieae, Melastomataceae): A New Species from the Brazilian Amazon Forest.  Phytotaxa. 521(3); 203-211. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.521.3.5

  Researchgate.net/publication/354966173_Miconia_waimiri-atroari_a_new_species_from_the_Brazilian_Amazon_Forest

[Botany • 2021] Aloe uigensis (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae) • A New Species from northwestern Angola

 Aloe uigensis Gideon F. Sm. & T. Lautenschl.,

in Smith et Lautenschläger, 2021. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.521.3.8

 

Abstract

A new species of Aloe, A. uigensis (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), is described from northwestern Angola. It is a non-proliferous, single-stemmed species that bears narrowly elongated, acuminate racemes with orange to pale reddish flowers. Aloe uigensis is compared to some long-known as well as recently described species of Aloe from Angola, but does not have close relatives with which it can be confused in the country.

Ambuila, inselbergs, limestone rocks, taxonomy, Uíge, Monocots

Aloe uigensis Gideon F. Sm. & T. Lautenschl. 2021, sp. nov.

Etymology:— Aloe uigensis is named for the province of Uíge in northern Angola, from where the type specimen was collected.

Gideon F. SMITH and Thea LAUTENSCHLÄGER. 2021. Aloe uigensis (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), A New Species from northwestern Angola.  Phytotaxa. 521(3); 227-231. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.521.3.8

https://tu-dresden.de/tu-dresden/newsportal/news/neue-aloe-art-entdeckt

[Entomology • 2021] Tsounkranaglenea hefferni • A New Genus and Species of Saperdini (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) from Sabah, Malaysia

Tsounkranaglenea hefferni  

Lin & Ge, 2021

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5048.2.9 

Abstract

A new saperdine species belonging to a new genus, Tsounkranaglenea hefferni gen. et sp. nov., is described from Sabah, Malaysia. The new genus differs from other genera of the tribe Saperdini by the special male sternite VII modified into a rake-shape, with the apex of the ventral plate of the median lobe unusually emarginated.

Coleoptera, New genus, Glenea, Glenea subaurata, Asia, taxonomy

Tsounkranaglenea hefferni gen. et sp. nov. 
1. Holotype, male. 2-5. Paratype, female. 2b-d, showing abdomen especially the 7th and 8th segment; 3, abdomen with genitalia removed; 4, claw of left middle tarsus; 5, claw of right middle tarsus. a, dorsal view; 4a, dorsa-lateral view; b, lateral view; 4b, back view; 2c, lateral view; 3c, ventral view; d, back view; e, frontal view.

1a, 1b, 2a: scale bar 4.0 mm; 3a-3c: scale bar 2.0 mm; others not to scale.

 6–10. Terminalia of Tsounkranaglenea hefferni gen. et sp. nov.
6, Tergite VIII; 7, sternites VIII & IX; 8. Tegmen; 9, Median lobe; 10, endophallus, showing a band of supporting armature, basal plate-like sclerites and rod-like sclerites. a, Ventral view; b, Lateral view, 7b, dorsal view; c, dorsal view; d, lateral view. 7-10, Scale bar 0.1 mm; 6, scale bar 1.0 mm.

Tsounkranaglenea gen. nov.

Diagnosis. It is mostly similar to Glenea by the lateral elytral carinae and truncate elytral apex, but can be distinguished by the elongated, bended and rake-shaped sternite VII. In fact, it differs from all other saperdine genera by the peculiar sternite VII in males. It also differs from Paraglenea Bates, 1866, Heteroglenea Gahan, 1897 (as defined in Lin, Montreuil et al, 2009) and Pareutetrapha Breuning, 1952 by the male claws of fore and hind legs simple instead of appendiculate or bifid and elytral apex truncated with sharp teeth instead of rounded or slightly truncated without sharp teeth. It also differs from Eumecocera Solsky, 1871 and Stenostola Dejean, 1835 by the elytra with lateral carinae and male claws of fore and hind legs simple instead of appendiculate or bifid. The combination of the following characters makes the new genus easily separable from other saperdine genera: prothorax without lateral tubercles, elytra with distinct lateral carinae, elytral apex truncated with long spines at outer angle, male claws with appendiculated tooth only in mesotarsi and female claws all simple, male sternite VII elongated and bended into a rake-shape.

Etymology. The generic name is a combination of a Greek word tsounkrána (τσουγκράνα) and the genus name Glenea. The Greek word “tsounkrána” refers to the shape of sternite VII in male, which looks like a rake. Gender feminine.

 Tsounkranaglenea hefferni sp. nov.

Etymology. The species is named after Mr. Daniel Heffern (Texas, USA), who offered the interesting material for this study and provided the first author some wonderful saperdine specimens from Malaysia for research.

Diagnosis. This species resembles Glenea subaurata Breuning, 1950 at first glance by the similar shape and colour. The specific differences are easily defined by the male sternite VII. Without specimens for dissection, we can not conclude whether Glenea subaurata Breuning, 1950 should be moved to the new genus Tsounkranagleneaor not. 

Mei-Ying LIN and Si-Qin GE. 2021. Tsounkranaglenea hefferni gen. et sp. nov. from Sabah, Malaysia (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae: Saperdini).  Zootaxa. 5048(2); 289-297. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5048.2.9

[Botany • 2021] Rediscovery and Expansion of the Distribution of Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade (Phyllanthaceae) in southeastern Brazil

 Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade, 

in Mendes, Athiê-Souza, Ribeiro, Gomes, Carrijo et Sales, 2021.  

 DOI: 10.15560/17.2.695 

Researchgate.net/publication/351054563

Abstract

We report here the rediscovery of Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade (Phyllanthaceae) after 50 years, as well as its occurrence in Minas Gerais State in southeastern Brazil. We provide a taxonomic diagnosis, in situ photographs, a distribution map, and a reassessment of its conservation status, which will contribute to our knowledge of this rare and endemic species as well as our ability to protect it.

Keywords: Atlantic domain, Biodiversity hotspot, Endemism, Phyllanthus subsect. Clausseniani, Southeastern Brazil, Taxonomy

 Phyllanthus itatiaiensis.
A, B. Habitat, with emphasis on the Pedra do Altar rock formation. C, D. Habitat. E. Staminate flower. F. Pistillate flower and fruits.

Photographs: Caio Baez (A, B); J. Külkamp (C-F).

 Jone Clebson Ribeiro Mendes, Sarah Maria Athiê-Souza, Rayane de Tasso Moreira Ribeiro, Caio Baez Gomes, Tatiana Tavares Carrijo and Margareth Ferreira de Sales. 2021. Rediscovery and Expansion of the Distribution of Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade (Phyllanthaceae) in southeastern Brazil. Check List. 17(2): 695-700. DOI: 10.15560/17.2.695

 Researchgate.net/publication/351054563_Rediscovery_of_Phyllanthus_itatiaiensis_Brazil

[Paleontology • 2024] Reassessment of Xenodens calminechari with A Discussion of Tooth Morphology in Mosasaurs

 

 Xenodens calminechari be considered a nomen dubium

in Sharpe, Powers et Caldwell, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.25612 

  x.com/Paleoartologist

Abstract

Xenodens calminechari is a mosasaurid taxon named by Longrich et al. (2021) based on the holotype MHNM.KH.331, a left maxilla with several teeth. This holotype was obtained nonscientifically (without technical supervision) from an area in Morocco that yields many manipulated or forged specimens. Examination of Longrich et al. (2021) reveals four tooth crowns occupy what appear to be two alveoli in MHNM.KH.331, and there is potential adhesive connecting the tooth crowns to the maxilla on their lateral sides. We argue that the articulated tooth crowns of this taxon were artificially placed in the maxilla, rendering at least two apomorphies of this taxon the product of forgery. Longrich et al. (2021)'s claims of fused tooth ‘roots' in MNHM.KH.331 are instead calcified periodontal ligament and alveolar bone that have ankylosed, resembling the typical mosasaurid condition. Differing tooth crown morphology does not preclude the referral of the teeth of this specimen to a younger ontogenetic stage of another mosasaur (possibly Carinodens) because many extant lizard species show drastic ontogenetic changes in the dentition. We argue that Xenodens calminechari represents a nomen dubium. This specimen constitutes a confluence of two persistent problems in vertebrate paleontology: material sourced from commercial excavations that has not been adequately tested for forgery, and taxa named from tooth-based holotypes that ignore the potential for intraspecific dental variation and interspecific convergence in dental characters, as are common in squamates. We suggest that Longrich et al. CT scan MHNM.KH.331, and we supply CT examples for identifying artificially added tooth crowns to Moroccan mosasaur jaws. Finally, we provide recommendations for the designation of mosasaurid holotypes.

Keywords: dentition, mosasaur, paleontology, squamate, taxonomy

(a) MHNM.KH.331, holotype of Xenodens calminechari in lateral view in matrix, photograph adapted from Longrich et al., 2021; (b) fake mosasaurid jaw (UALVP unlisted) from Morocco showing tooth crowns artificially attached to unrelated bone fragments, ‘in matrix’; (b) close-up of tooth crowns in lateral view of MHNM.KH.331, photograph adapted from Longrich et al. (2021); (d) close-up of (c) showing tooth crown-‘jaw’ intersection; (e) close-up of Halisaurus arambourgi UALVP 56123 showing forged tooth-jaw intersection.

Left maxilla of Xenodens calminechari, MHNM.KH.331: All photographs adapted from Longrich et al. (2021). (a) Maxilla in ventral view, showing irregular proposed tooth spacing in posterior tooth row; (b) close-up of (a) showing nonfusion of tooth roots due to separation of alveoli (marked by asterisks) by alveolar bone; (c) maxilla in medial view showing a disjunct arrangement of tooth crowns and resorption pits (which indicate alveolar spacing); (d) close-up of tooth crowns in medial view showing the irregular junction of tooth crowns and basal tissue; (e) close-up of tooth crowns in lateral view showing potential adhesive connecting tooth crowns to maxilla.

CT scan example for recognizing falsely attached teeth in mosasaur fossils from Morocco. (a, b) Anterior portion of left dentary of Halisaurus arambourgi UALVP 56123 from type locality of Xenodens calminechari

Issues with tooth-based holotypes in vertebrate paleontology, using three hypothetical species of mosasaurids as an example. Holotype 1 was established using an anterior adult tooth of species 2, and holotype 2 was established using a juvenile posterior tooth from species 1. Neither holotype adequately represents the anatomy of its target taxon.

Henry S. Sharpe, Mark J. Powers and Michael W. Caldwell. 2024. Reassessment of Xenodens calminechari with A Discussion of Tooth Morphology in Mosasaurs. The Anatomical Record. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.25612 

  x.com/Paleoartologist/status/1869006641993335019

[Arachnida • 2021] Nihonella chika • A New troglophilic Genus of Dwarf Spiders from Japan with a discussion on its phylogenetic position within the subfamily Erigoninae (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

Nihonella chika 

 Ballarin & Yamasaki, 2021

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.733.1215 

Researchgate.net/publication/348785578

Abstract

A new monospecific genus belonging to the family Linyphiidae Blackwell, 1859, Nihonella gen. nov., is described using an integrative taxonomic approach based on the species N. chika gen. et sp. nov. The new genus is endemic to Western Honshu, Japan, and it shows distinctive genitalic and somatic characters of other genera of the subfamily Erigoninae Emerton, 1882. Nihonella gen. nov. is found only in the twilight and transition zones of caves in Okayama and Nara Prefectures. The phylogenetic position of Nihonella gen. nov. within the subfamily Erigoninae, and its relationship as a sister clade of the species of the group of Savignia Blackwell, 1833 (sensu Millidge 1977), is discussed on the basis of both, morphological and molecular evidence.

Keywords: Caves, endemism, new species, phylogeny, subterranean environment

Habitus and habitat of Nihonella chika gen. et. sp. nov.
A. ♂, holotype (NSMT-Ar 20909), habitus, dorsal view. B. Ditto, ventral view. C. Ditto, lateral view.
D. ♀, paratype (NSMT-Ar 20910), habitus, dorsal view. E. Ditto, ventral view. F. Ditto, lateral view. G. Ditto, cephalic region, frontal view.
H. Entrance of Anatoyama Cave, type locality of the species.

Scale bar = 1 mm.

Class Arachnida Cuvier, 1812

Order Araneae Clerck, 1757

Family Linyphiidae Blackwall,1859

Subfamily Erigoninae Emerton, 1882

Nihonella gen. nov. 

Diagnosis: The new genus is distinguished from any other genera belonging to the distal Erigoninae clade by the following unique combination of somatic and genitalic characters: Femur I with 1 prolateral spine; Tibia I with 1 dorsal spine; tibial spine formula: 1.1.1.1; male palp with a well-developed distal suprategular apophysis and a hypertrophic ʻsecondaryʼ DSA (Figs 2A–B, 3A–C, 4A–E) (usually presented in Erigoninae as a simple tooth and protruding form a different side of the DSA); a well-developed and uniquely-shaped prolateral tibial apophysis, the same length as the cymbium and partially covering it (Figs 2A–C, 3A–B, D, 4E–F). The unusual chaetotaxy and unique shape of the epigyne, with anteriorly converging lateral walls and two distinct, flat, ovoid inflations of the copulatory ducts, also distinguishes the female of this genus from females of any other genera in distal Erigoninae.

Etymology: The generic name is a combination of the word ʻNihonʼ and the Latin suffix ʻ-ellaʼ. The former refers to the country of Japan where the genus is endemic; the latter is the feminine suffix of ʻ-ellusʼ commonly used in Latin to form the feminine diminutive of a noun. Name in apposition, feminine in gender

Distribution: Endemic to Western Honshu, Japan. Currently known from three caves only (Figs 1H, 6).

Nihonella chika gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the Japanese word ʻchikaʼ (地下) meaning ʻunderground, subterraneanʼ and thus refers to the habitat of the species, but it is also the pronunciation of a feminine given name in the Japanese language. Name in apposition.

Francesco Ballarin and Takeshi Yamasaki. 2021. Nihonella gen. nov., A New troglophilic Genus of Dwarf Spiders from Japan with a discussion on its phylogenetic position within the subfamily Erigoninae (Araneae, Linyphiidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 733; 1–18. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.733.1215

 Researchgate.net/publication/348785578_Nihonella_gen_nov_a_new_troglophilic_genus_of_dwarf_spiders_from_Japan

[Botany • 2021] Ceropegia heidukiae (Apocynaceae: Ceropegieae) • a morphologically intriguing and rare novelty from South Africa

Ceropegia heidukiae D.Styles & Meve, 

in Styles et Meve. 2021.

DOI:  doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.497.1.2 

PollinationResearch.wordpress.com

Abstract

A new species of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae-Stapeliinae) is described from Ngome in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This new species shares a subset of vegetative and floral characters with the long-lost C. rudatisii, but is clearly separated by its sophisticated floral morphology. Ceropegia heidukiae occurs in Northern Zululand Mistbelt Grassland, an endangered vegetation type. A comprehensive species description is provided together with information on habitat and distribution; photographs of plants in habitat are also provided. A preliminary assessment of conservation status according to IUCN criteria suggests that C. heidukiae is Critically Endangered (CR).

Eudicots, Ceropegieae, endemism, geophyte, glaucous leaves, KwaZulu-Natal, Ngome, mistbelt grassland, trap flower

Ceropegia heidukiae

David G.A. Styles and Ulrich Meve. 2021. Ceropegia heidukiae (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae)—a morphologically intriguing and rare novelty from South Africa. Phytotaxa. 497(1); 20–28. DOI:  doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.497.1.2 

PollinationResearch.wordpress.com/2021/04/21/ceropegia-heidukiae-a-morphologically-intriguing-and-rare-novelty-from-south-africa

  jeffollerton.co.uk/2021/04/23/a-spectacular-new-plant-has-been-named-to-honour-a-colleague-meet-ceropegia-heidukiae

[Botany • 2021] Lippia raoniana (Verbenaceae) • Checklist and A New Species of Lippia from the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena

in Cardoso, Neto, Trovó et Salimena, 2021. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.733.1219  

 Researchgate.net/publication/348844505

Abstract

The Diamantina Plateau is located in the central region of the Espinhaço Range, in the State of Minas Gerais, which is dominated by campo rupestre formations. We describe a new species of Lippia L., endemic to the Diamantina Plateau, and provide an annotated checklist and identification key for the 17 species of the genus occurring in the area. Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena sp. nov. is mainly distinguished by its ovate leaves with adaxial and abaxial surfaces densely covered by sessile glandular trichomes, and drupaceous fruits with two pyrenes. It is known only from two populations, and thus can be provisionally considered as Critically Endangered. Details on the species’ ecology, as well as a comparison with morphologically similar species, a distribution map, and field photographs, are provided. In this work, we also present pictures of the 17 species in their habitats, and we hope that these illustrations will help in the identification and conservation of these taxa.

Keywords: endangered species, endemism, Espinhaço Range, Lamiales, Lantaneae

Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena sp. nov.
A. Habit. B–C. Branch with inflorescence. D.  Inflorescence  frontal  view.  E-G.  Drupaceous  fruit.  E.  Overview.  F.  Longitudinal  section  showing  two pyrenes. G. Cross section showing two pyrenes and seeds.

Scale bars: E–G = 1 mm. Photos: A–D by Pedro Henrique Nobre; E–G by Nádia Silvia Somavilla.

Class Magnoliopsida Brongn.

Order Lamiales Bromhead

Family Verbenaceae J.St.-Hil.

Genus Lippia L.

Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is similar to Lippia spiraeastrum (Mart. & Schauer) T.R.S.Silva, but differs by ovate leaves (vs oblong or oblong-elliptic), slightly discolorous (vs strongly discolorous), matte adaxial surface (vs shiny), glandular abaxial surface (vs tomentose-glandular), shorter peduncle (0.8‒1.3 vs 3.2‒10.5 cm long) and slender (vs thick), ovate bracts (vs lanceolate). 

Etymology: The specific epithet is in homage to Raoni Metuktire, an important indigenous leader of Brazil, internationally known as a symbol of environmental preservation. Raoni is dedicated to the fight for the rights of native indigenous people and conservation of the tropical forest, mainly Amazonia. His legacy is a symbol of the daily struggle for Brazilian biodiversity, constantly threatened.

 

Pedro Henrique Cardoso, Luiz Menini Neto, Marcelo Trovó and Fátima Regina Gonçalves Salimena. 2021. Checklist and A New Species of Lippia (Verbenaceae) from the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil. European Journal of Taxonomy 733; 42-55. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.733.1219

 Researchgate.net/publication/348844505_a_new_species_of_Lippia_from_the_Diamantina_Plateau_MinasGerais_Brazil

[Entomology • 2021] Systematics of Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Heliodinidae) from the Andes of Northern Chile

 Helioandesia tarregai Vargas, 2021

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.731.1209

 Researchgate.net/publication/348632050

ABSTRACT

The adult stage of Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Heliodinidae) is described and illustrated from the arid western slopes of the Andes of northern Chile. The larvae of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. feed as leaf skeletonizers on Mirabilis acuta (Reiche) Heimerl (Nyctaginaceae). The mostly gray forewing of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov., ornamented with strongly bulging metallic spots, resembles that of the representatives of the mainly Nearctic Lithariapteryx Chambers, 1876. However, the latter lacks CuP in the forewing, has a single bristle in the female frenulum, and lacks a well-developed cornutus. Helioandesia gen. nov. clustered as sister to Neoheliodines Hsu, 2004 in a cladistic analysis, although no synapomorphies were found for this cluster, while Lithariapteryx was sister to Helioandesia gen. nov. + Neoheliodines based on two synapomorphies. The genetic distance between a DNA barcode sequence of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. and representatives of other genera of Heliodinidae Heinemann, 1877 was 9.0–12.5% (K2P), and a maximum likelihood analysis based on this molecular marker confirmed the placement of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. as a member of this micromoth family. This contribution represents the first confirmed record of Heliodinidae for Chile.

Keywords: Leaf skeletonizer larva, new genus, new species, South America, taxonomy

 Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov., ♂, holotype (IDEA-LEPI-2020-015).
 A. Dorsal view. B. Head, lateral. C. Basal flagellomeres of right antenna. D. Three bulging metallic spots on the basal half of forewing. E. Hair pencil from base of subcosta, ventral. Scale bar: 1 mm.

 

Helioandesia gen. nov.

Type species: Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov., designated here.

Diagnosis: Helioandesia gen. nov. can be recognized by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) presence of CuP on forewing of female and male; (2) two bristles of unequal length in the female frenulum; (3) forewing mostly gray, ornamented with strongly bulging metallic spots, (4) two triangular processes on anterior margin of tergum VIII in the male abdomen; (5) sclerotization of the widened proximal part of the ductus bursae not reaching the ostium; (6) signum with proximal portion coarser than distal portion; (7) presence of an appendix bursae; (8) slightly swollen distal end of the saccus; and (9) a well-developed cornutus on the vesica. The mostly gray forewing pattern of Helioandesia gen. nov., ornamented with strongly bulging metallic spots, resembles that of the mainly Nearctic Lithariapteryx. However, the latter lacks CuP in the forewing of female and male, has a single bristle in the female frenulum, and lacks a well-developed cornutus on the vesica. The female genitalia of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. are very similar to those of the Bolivian Lithariapteryx loriculata (Meyrick, 1932) in the shape of the transverse bridge, signum and antrum. However, H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. lacks a V-shaped mark from costa on the forewing, has a sclerotization on the distal part of the ductus bursae and has the signum on the left margin of the corpus bursae, while L. loriculata has a V-shaped mark from the costa on the forewing, lacks sclerotization on the distal part of the ductus bursae and has the signum on the middle of the ventral part of the corpus bursae. The male of L. loriculata remains unknown, impeding comparison with H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. Two bristles of unequal length in the female frenulum of Helioandesia gen. nov. resemble those of Epicroesa Meyrick, 1907, Heliodines, Lamprolophus Busck, 1900 and Philocoristis Meyrick, 1927. However, all these genera lack CuP in the forewing.

Etymology: The genus name is derived from the Greek ʻheliosʼ (sun), the root of the family name Heliodinidae, and Andes, in reference to the Andes Range, among whose amazing landscapes the type species of Helioandesia gen. nov. was discovered. The name is considered feminine in gender.

 Habitat and host plant of Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov.
 A. The type locality near Zapahuira Village at about 3400 m elevation on the western slopes of the Andes of the Parinacota Province, northern Chile. B. The host plant Mirabilis acuta (Reiche) Heimerl (Nyctaginaceae). C. Detail of the damage pattern on a leaf of the host. D. Flower of M. acuta.

  

Héctor A. Vargas. 2021. Systematics of Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Heliodinidae) from the Andes of Northern Chile. European Journal of Taxonomy. 731(1), 117–134. doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.731.1209

 Researchgate.net/publication/348632050_Systematics_of_Helioandesia_tarregai_gen_et_sp_nov_from_the_Andes_of_Northern_Chile

[Entomology • 2021] Platypleura transitiva • A New Species of Platypleura Amyot & Audinet-Serville (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Platypleurini) from Mindanao, the Philippines

Platypleura transitiva Lee, 2021

DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2021.03.003

Abstract

A new species, Platypleura transitiva sp. nov., is described from Mindanao, Philippines. This new species belongs to the tribe Platypleurini Schmidt, 1918 of the family Cicadidae Latreille, 1802 (Insecta: Hemiptera). This new species has a broader dark gray cloudy pattern on the inner half of the forewing and a broader gray part on the annal cell 2 than those of Platypleura elizabethae Lee, 2009. This species is distinguished from Platypleura dinagatensis Lee, 2016 by the shorter rostrum, narrower and lighter cloudy pattern on the forewing, absence of a central white spot on the forewing, narrower infuscation on the hind wing, and the darker anal cell 2 of the hind wing.

 

Keywords: Hamzini, Platypleura dinagatensis, Platypleura elizabethae, Platypleura transitiva, Platypleurini

Family Cicadidae, Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Cicadinae, Latreille, 1802

Tribe Platypleurini Schmidt, 1918

Genus Platypleura Amyot & Audinet-Serville, 1843

Platypleura transitiva Lee sp. nov., holotype, male, Mindanao, Philippines:
 A, dorsal habitus; B, ventral habitus; C, pygofer, slightly oblique ventral view.

scale bar: 10 mm (A)

Platypleura transitiva Lee sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name is the Latin feminine adjective transitiva meaning “transitional” in reference to its wing cloudy patterns which are transitional in shape and area among its allied species from the Philippines: dinagatensis – transitiva – elizabethae.

Young June Lee. 2021. A New Species of Platypleura Amyot & Audinet-Serville (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Platypleurini) from Mindanao, the Philippines. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. 14(2); 261-263. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2021.03.003

[Entomology • 2021] Vietanna hanoiensis • A New Genus and Species of the Subtribe Leptopsaltriina (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Leptopsaltriini) from Vietnam, with A Key to the Genera of Leptopsaltriina

Vietanna Lee & Pham, gen. nov. 
Vietanna hanoiensis Pham & Lee, 

 

in Pham et Lee, 2021.

 DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2021.07.011

Highlights: 

• Vietanna Lee & Pham gen. nov. is described.

• Vietanna hanoiensis Pham & Lee sp. nov. is described from Vietnam.

• The new genus is placed in Leptopsaltriina of Leptopsaltriini in Cicadinae.

• This new genus is morphologically similar to Tanna.

• A key to the genera of Leptopsaltriina is provided.

Abstract

Vietanna Lee & Pham, gen. nov. and Vietanna hanoiensis Pham & Lee, sp. nov. are described based on a cicada specimen from Hanoi, Vietnam and placed in the subtribe Leptopsaltriina Moulton, 1923 of the tribe Leptopsaltriini Moulton, 1923 in the subfamily Cicadinae Latreille, 1802 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae). This new genus is morphologically similar to Tanna Distant, 1905 but distinguished from Tanna by the timbal cover exposing the inner part of timbal, the male abdominal epipleurite 3 with a distinct oblique linear fold, the male abdominal sternites without tubercle-like projections, and the aedeagus bifurcate at the apex. A key to the genera of Leptopsaltriina is provided.

  

Keywords: Cicada, Taxonomy, Vietanna, Vietanna hanoiensis, Tanna

 

Thai Hong Pham and Young June Lee. 2021. A New Genus and Species of the Subtribe Leptopsaltriina (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Leptopsaltriini) from Vietnam, with A Key to the Genera of Leptopsaltriina. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 24(4); 1202-1205. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2021.07.011

 Researchgate.net/publication/353597097_A_new_genus_of_the_subtribe_Leptopsaltriina_Hemiptera_Cicadidae_from_Vietnam