[Herpetology • 2023] Ninia guytudori • A New Species of Ninia (Serpentes: Colubridae) from western Ecuador and Revalidation of N. schmidti

Ninia schmidti (Jan, 1862)

Ninia guytudori Arteaga & Harris, 2023

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.112476

Abstract

We describe a new species of Ninia Baird & Girard, 1853 endemic to the cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador. The new species has previously been confused with N. atrata (Hallowell, 1845) and N. teresitae (Angarita-Sierra and Lynch 2017) but is genetically most closely related to a third species of Ninia endemic to the Chocoan–Tumbesian transition area of western Ecuador. We revalidate the name N. schmidti (Jan, 1862), designate a neotype, and provide a diagnosis of the taxon and a description of its hemipenial morphology based on new material. The new and revalidated species can easily be identified from one another and from other trans-Andean South American Ninia based on ventral and subcaudal scale counts, hemipenial morphology, and coloration of the supralabials, throat, and belly. Finally, we remove N. atrata from the herpetofaunal list of Ecuador.

Key Words: Dipsadidae, coffee snakes, snake, Squamata, taxonomy

Dorsal and lateral views of the head in two species of Ninia:
(a, b) Ninia guytudori sp. nov. JMG 1327; (c, d) N. guytudori sp. nov. SC 005;
(e, f) N. schmidti comb. nov. SC 095; (g, h) N. schmidti comb. nov. SCA 1374.

Lateral views of some specimens of Ninia from western Ecuador in life:
(a) N. schmidti comb. nov. SCA 1446 from Buenaventura Reserve, El Oro province;
(b) Ninia guytudori sp. nov.  from Santa Lucía Cloud Forest Reserve, Pichincha province.

Photos by Jose Vieira.

 Ninia guytudori sp. nov.

Proposed standard English name: Tudors’s Coffee-Snake.

Proposed standard Spanish name: Culebra cafetera de Tudor.

Diagnosis: Ninia guytudori sp. nov. is placed in the genus Ninia, as diagnosed by Dunn (1935), based on phylogenetic evidence (Fig. 1). The species is diagnosed based on the following combination of characters: (1) 19/19/19 keeled dorsals; (2) two postoculars or none in SC 005; (3) loreal 1.6–1.7 × longer than high; (4) temporals 1+2; (5) seven or eight supralabials, usually fourth and fifth contacting orbit; (6) seven or eight infralabials, first four or five contacting chin shields; (7) two rows of chin shields; (8) two or three preventrals; (9) 130–138 ventrals in males, 144 in the single female; (10) 48–51 subcaudals in males, 44 in the single female; (11) dorsal ground color uniformly black with a white nuchal collar that connects to a white lip band forming a bridle (Fig. 6); (12) ventral surfaces uniformly immaculate white (Fig. 3b); (13) 181–243 mm SVL in males, 183 mm in the single female; (14) 30–58 mm CL in males, 35 in the single female.

Photographs of some specimens of Ninia guytudori sp. nov. in life:
(a) from Río Manduriacu Reserve, Imbabura province; (b) from Santa Lucía Cloud Forest Reserve, Pichincha province.

Photos by Jose Vieira.

Alejandro Arteaga and Kyle J. Harris. 2023. A New Species of Ninia (Serpentes, Colubridae) from western Ecuador and Revalidation of N. schmidti. Evolutionary Systematics. 7(2): 317-334. DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.112476

[Arachnida • 2022] Nemesia shenlongi • A New Trapdoor Spider Species (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Nemesiidae) from southern Spain that exhibits an as yet unknown Defence Strategy

Nemesia shenlongi 

Pertegal, Sánchez García, Molero-Baltanás & Knapp, 2022 

   ZoologicalBulletin.de

Researchgate.net/publication/363588465

Abstract

 The description of the new trapdoor spider species Nemesia shenlongi sp. n. is provided, together with details of its habitat and burrow structure. The spider uses a round ball made of soil particles and saliva to plug part of its burrow and leave an isolated chamber for protection. The ball differs from all known ‘burrow-blocking structures’ produced by Nemesiidae, for example, Nemesia manderstjernae Koch, 1871, and N. fagei (Frade & Bacelar, 1931), in that it is not packed in silk and is not attached to the burrow wall. The new species is compared with morphologically similar Nemesia spp. as well as with N. fagei. 

Keywords. Ecology, Nemesiidae, phenology, taxonomy, trapdoor spiders, western Mediterranean. 

Nemesia shenlongi sp. n., ♀, paratype (MNCN 20.02/20441).
a. Living specimen. b. Carapace, dorsal. c. Maxillae; labiumand sternum, ventral. d. Spinnerets, ventral. e. Spermathecae, ventral.

 Scale bars: b = 5 mm; c–d = 1 mm; e = 0.5 mm. 

Nemesia shenlongi sp. n. 

Etymology. The species is named after the wish-granting mythological dragon, Shenlong, that can be summoned by collecting all seven Dragon Balls.

 

Cristian Pertegal, Iñigo Sánchez García, Rafael Molero-Baltanás & Stephen Knapp. 2022. Description of A New Trapdoor Spider Species from southern Spain that exhibits an as yet unknown Defence Strategy (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Nemesiidae). Bonn Zoological Bulletin. 71; 109-118. DOI: 10.20363/bzb-2022.71.2.109 

  ZoologicalBulletin.de/articles/online-first

Researchgate.net/publication/363588465_Description_of_a_new_trapdoor_spider_species_from_southern_Spain

 twitter.com/AracnidoTaxa/status/1574568433756282887

Descripción de una especie nueva de araña trampera del sur de España que presenta una estrategia de defensa hasta ahora desconocida (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Nemesiidae) Resumen. Se aporta la descripción morfológica de la nueva especie de araña trampera Nemesia shenlongi sp. n. junto a detalles de su hábitat y la estructura de su madriguera. Esta araña utiliza una bola que fabrica con partículas de suelo y saliva para bloquear parte de su madriguera y dejar una cámara aislada donde protegerse. La bola difiere de todas las ‘estructuras de bloqueo de madrigueras’ conocidas que la familia Nemesiidae fabrica, por ejemplo, Nemesia manderstjernae Koch, 1871, y N. fagei (Frade & Bacelar, 1931), en que no está envuelta en seda y no está unida a la pared de la madriguera. La nueva especie se compara con otras especies morfológicamente similares, así como con N. fagei, que muestra un comportamiento similar. 

Palabras clave. Arañas tramperas, ecología, fenología, Mediterráneo occidental, Nemesiidae, taxonomía.

[Arachnida • 2022] Sinopoda bigibba, S. bogil & S. pantherina • Taxonomic Study on Sinopoda Jäger, 1999 (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae), with Three New Species from Korea

 B Sinopoda bogil sp. nov.

C Sinopoda bigibba sp. nov., from Taean-gun

D, E Sinopoda pantherina sp. nov., from Geoje-si

Chae, Lee & Kim, 2022

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1114.85493

Abstract

The genus Sinopoda Jäger, 1999 is a group of huntsman spiders (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae), and currently seven species have been reported in Korea. In this study, three new species are described from Korea, Sinopoda bigibba sp. nov., Sinopoda bogil sp. nov., and Sinopoda pantherina sp. nov.; Sinopoda jirisanensis Kim & Chae, 2013 is revalidated with neotype designation, and had been formerly synonymized with Sinopoda forcipata (Karsch, 1881). Additionally, all previous records of Sinopoda stellatops Jäger & Ono, 2002 and S. forcipata from Korea are deemed misidentifications of S. jirisanensis and S. bogil sp. nov., respectively.

Keywords: Biodiversity, huntsman spiders, Northeast Asia, revalidation, taxonomy

Family Sparassidae Bertkau, 1872

Subfamily Heteropodinae Thorell, 1873

Genus Sinopoda Jäger, 1999

Type species: Sarotes forcipatus Karsch, 1881

Live statements of Sinopoda spp.
A, B Sinopoda bogil sp. nov. (A male, dorsal view B female, dorsal view) C Sinopoda bigibba sp. nov., dorsal view of paratype female from Taean-gun D, E Sinopoda pantherina sp. nov., from Geoje-si (D dorsal view of juvenile female E dorsal view of adult female).

Scale bars: 5.0 mm (A, B).

 Sinopoda bigibba sp. nov. 

  

Etymology: The specific epithet bigibba is a compound word of the prefix bi- for two and the Latin adjective gibbus, -a, -um meaning humped, derived from the form of female glandular appendages (Figs 1E, G, 2E).

 Sinopoda bogil sp. nov. 

Etymology: The specific epithet bogil is derived from the type locality, Is. Bogildo; noun.

 Sinopoda pantherina sp. nov.

 

Etymology: The specific epithet pantherina is derived from the Latin adjective pantherinus, -a, -um, meaning leopard-like, originating from the coloration pattern of live specimens (Fig. 13D, E).

Junho Chae, Jun-Gi Lee and Sam-Kyu Kim. 2022. Taxonomic Study on Sinopoda Jäger, 1999 (Araneae, Sparassidae, Heteropodinae), with Three New Species from Korea. ZooKeys. 1114: 77-104. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1114.85493

twitter.com/JGLee_Aranea/status/1551849431028273153

[Ichthyology • 2022] Revalidation of the Genus Ichthyocoris Bonaparte, 1840 (Blenniiformes: Blenniidae)

(A) Ichthyocoris atlantica, Morocco, Ouerrha River;
(B) I. economidisi, Greece, Lake Trichonis; 
(C) I. fluviatilis, Spain, Jerea River (Ebro drainage).

in Duquenne-Delobel, Doadrio & Denys, 2022. 

DOI: 10.3897/aiep.52.79458

 (photos: I. Doadrio & R. Covain) 

Abstract

Combtooth blennies belonging to the genus Salaria were known to have marine and freshwater species. However, recent molecular studies highlighted this genus as paraphyletic, clearly distinguishing both marine and freshwater species. In this paper, we revalidate the genus Ichthyocoris, which corresponds to the freshwater species: Ichthyocoris atlantica (Doadrio, Perea et Yahyaoui, 2011), new combination, Ichthyocoris economidisi (Kottelat, 2004), new combination, and Ichthyocoris fluviatilis (Asso y del Rio, 1801), new combination. It is distinguishable by the presence of brownish bars on the flanks not contrasted with black dots conferring a marble coat, a dorsal fin slightly notched between spined and soft rays (except for I. atlantica), 16–18 dorsal-fin soft rays, 16–20 anal-fin soft rays, 34–38 vertebrae, 8–9 circumorbital pores, 8–11 preopercular pores, and 3 supratemporal pores. The genus Salaria corresponds to the marine species Salaria basilisca (Valenciennes, 1836) and Salaria pavo (Risso, 1810).

Keywords: combtooth blennies, generic concept, integrative taxonomy, Salaria

Lateral view of Ichthyocoris spp.:
 I. atlantica, MNCN 280135, 61 mm SL, Morocco, Ouerrha River (Sebou drainage) at Ouazzane

(A; photo credits: I. Doadrio); 

I. economidisi, MHNG 2641.89, holotype, 60.8 mm SL, Greece, Lake Trichonis east of Panetolio

(B; photo credits: R. Covain);

I. fluviatilis, 89 mm SL, Spain, Jerea River (Ebro drainage) at Virués

(C; photo credits: I. Doadrio).

Family Blenniidae

 Ichthyocoris Bonaparte, 1840 

Type species: Salarias varus Risso, 1827.

Synonyms: Salariopsis Vecchioni, Ching, Marrone, Arculeo, Hundt et Simons, 2022 

Included species: 

Three species: 

Ichthyocoris atlantica (Doadrio, Perea et Yahyaoui, 2011), new combination; 

Ichthyocoris economidisi (Kottelat, 2004), new combination; 

Ichthyocoris fluviatilis (Asso y del Rio, 1801), new combination.

Diagnosis: Ichthyocoris is distinguishable from Salaria by the presence of brownish bars on the flanks not contrasted with black dots conferring a marble coat (Fig. 1) (vs. brownish bars on the flanks very contrasted with blue stripes and dots conferring a marbled coat; Fig. 2); dorsal-fin slightly notched between spined and soft rays (Fig. 1) except for I. atlantica (vs. not notched; Fig. 2); 16–18 dorsal-fin soft rays (vs. 21–27); 16–20 anal-fin soft rays (vs. 20–28); 34–38 vertebrae (vs. 38–44); 8–9 circumorbital pores (vs. 6–7); 8–11 preopercular pores (vs. 6–8); 3 supratemporal pores (vs. 2) (Table 1).

Distribution: Ichthyocoris is present in drainages of the Mediterranean basin, in catchments of the Atlantic coast in Morocco and Spain as well as in the Black Sea.

 Emma Duquenne-Delobel, Ignacio Doadrio and Gaël P. J. Denys. 2022. Revalidation of the Genus Ichthyocoris Bonaparte, 1840 (Actinopterygii: Blenniiformes: Blenniidae). Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria. 52(1): 35-41. DOI: 10.3897/aiep.52.79458

[Entomology • 2022] The Damselfly Genus Megaloprepus (Odonata: Pseudostigmatidae): Revalidation and Delimitation of Species-level Taxa including the Description of Megaloprepus diaboli, A New Species from Central America

Megaloprepus caerulatus (Drury, 1782)

in copulation wheel on Barro Colorado Island (Panama) 

highlighting the sexual dimorphism.

in Feindt & Hadrys, 2022. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5115.4.2

Abstract

As the longest-winged odonate species of the extant world, Megaloprepus caerulatus (Drury, 1782) has received attention by many entomologists. While the behavior and ecology of this species has been subject of intense studies, biogeography and species status throughout its distributional range in old-growth Neotropical forests are less well known. For tropical forests, this information is a sine qua non when estimating the impact of degradation and climate change. Recent population genetic analyses, quantitative morphometric, and traditional taxonomic studies rediscovered a complex composed of cryptic species within the genus Megaloprepus Rambur, 1842—up until now still regarded as a monotypic genus. Here we introduce one new species Megaloprepus diaboli sp. nov. from the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica and from the central Caribbean coast of Honduras and Guatemala. The holotype is from the Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica, and was deposited at the National Museum of Costa Rica. Aside from M. caerulatus, two formerly described and later refused species within the genus were reevaluated and consequently raised to species status: Megaloprepus latipennis Selys, 1860 is found in the northeastern regions of Mesoamerica and Megaloprepus brevistigma Selys, 1860 in South America east of the Andes. Morphological descriptions of selected specimens (holotype of M. diaboli, lectotype of M. latipennis, and the mature males of M. brevistigma and M. caerulatus) are provided. Diagnostic features of the four species are illustrated, discussed, and summarized in a key to adult males.

 

Keywords: Odonata, Megaloprepus, cryptic species, new species, new species states, Neotropics 

 

Left hindwings of the four Megaloprepus species.
The metallic blue wing band proximal of the pseudostigma was integrated to visualize its variation, whereas the additional matte white band of M. caerulatus could not be pictured (but see Fig. 6). The scale bar indicates 1 cm.

Megaloprepus caerulatus in copulation wheel on Barro Colorado Island (Panama) highlighting the sexual dimorphism.

Megaloprepus caerulatus (Drury, 1782)

 

Range. The nominal species M. caerulatus has a high number of records. Its distribution covers in Central America the Southern Caribbean coast of Nicaragua (Indio Maíz Biological Reserve), the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica (National Park Tortuguero, Biological Research Station La Selva, Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve) and Barro Colorado Island. In South America it occurs in the Northern part of Colombia at the Caribbean side, and on the Pacific side of the Andes ranging from Colombia to Peru (West of the Andes). 

Megaloprepus diaboli Feindt & Hadrys sp. nov.

Etymology. This species was named after the common name for damselflies in Latin America: ‘Caballitos del Diablo’. It was given in the hope to raise attention for Odonates and their highly endangered habitats in the Neotropics to support their conservation.

Range. Observed distributional range is old-growth rainforests of the Peninsula de Osa, the southern West Coast of Costa Rica, at the Atlantic Coast of Honduras, Atlántida Province (e.g. Pico Bonito National Park) and the Atlantic Coast of Guatemala between Morales and Puerto Barrios.

Megaloprepus latipennis (Selys, 1860)

Range. Megaloprepus latipennis occurs in the southern, tropical parts of Mexico, in particular in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve (Veracruz), Chiapas and Oaxaca, the northern parts of Guatemala such as the National Park Laguna Lachua (Coban, Alta Verapaz, close to Chiapas in Mexico) and the western Guatemala such as the Río Bravo region. 

Megaloprepus brevistigma Selys, 1860

Range. All M. brevistigma specimens were located at the east side of the Andes leading towards the Amazon Basin. In Colombia museum samples from Bogota were assigned to M. brevistigma and M. caerulatus, which allows the assumption of possible overlapping regions.

Conclusion:

 The present study of the Neotropical damselfly genus Megaloprepus supports the historical hypothesis that Megaloprepus is not a monotypic genus. Although most research on Megaloprepus has been carried out in Costa Rica and Panama, some distinct behavioral characters may be applicable to all four species within the entire range of the genus. In addition to the same ecological niche, one important feature shared is the sensitivity to heat and consequently low dispersal abilities over open areas. This behavioral pattern in combination with increasing forest fragmentation of old-growth forests in the Neotropics results in restricted distributional ranges and geographic isolation. Consequently, the conservation status of the four species should be re-evaluated, also by considering regional/local endemism. 

Wiebke Feindt and Heike Hadrys. 2022. The Damselfly Genus Megaloprepus (Odonata: Pseudostigmatidae): Revalidation and Delimitation of Species-level Taxa including the Description of One New Species. Zootaxa. 5115(1); 487-510. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5115.4.2

Conservation genomics: Speciation of the Neotropical damselfly species Megaloprepus caerulatus – as a model for insect speciation in tropical rainforests

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/304104391.pdf

[Ornithology • 2022] Fregetta lineata (Peale, 1848) is A Valid Extant Species Endemic to New Caledonia

Fregetta lineata (Peale, 1848)

 in Bretagnolle, Flood, Gaba & Shirihai, 2022.  

DOI: 10.25226/bboc.v142i1.2022.a6 

 twitter.com/BirdCaledonia 

Abstract

We present evidence that confirms the streaked Fregetta lineata is a valid extant species that breeds on New Caledonia and endorse the vernacular name New Caledonian Storm Petrel. We review taxonomic deliberations over the historic five ‘Pealea’ streaked storm petrel specimens. Three belong to the recently rediscovered New Zealand Storm Petrel F. maoriana. We study six biometrics of the other two identical-looking specimens, one from Samoa, the other from the Marquesas Islands, a third ‘new’ specimen collected off Brisbane, and other Fregetta taxa. Results of Principal Component Analyses, Discriminant Analyses, and a review of phylogenetic relationships between Fregetta storm petrels, F. lineata and F. maoriana, lead us to conclude that the three specimens represent a single taxon, F. lineata. Furthermore, F. lineata is clearly separated from F. maoriana, White-bellied Storm Petrel F. grallaria and Black-bellied Storm Petrel F. tropica. We further conclude that storm petrels photographed at sea, off New Caledonia and in the Coral Sea, are F. lineata. We then redescribe F. lineata from at-sea observations, photographs taken at sea, and study of the three museum specimens. Criteria for in-hand and at-sea identification are presented. We report the first breeding record, from New Caledonia, a grounded fledgling presumably disoriented by onshore artificial lights. We explore likely breeding locations and conservation issues.

Comparison of ‘streaked’ White-bellied Storm Petrel Fregetta g. grallaria with New Zealand Storm Petrel F. maoriana and New Caledonian Storm Petrel F. lineata.

(A) White-bellied Storm Petrel, Lord Howe Island, Australia, April 2019 (David Newell, birdlifephotography.org.au). (B) White-bellied Storm Petrel, Lord Howe Island, February 2017 (Mark Lethlean, birdlifephotography.org.au). (C) White-bellied Storm Petrel, Lord Howe Island, date unknown (Jack Shick, lhirodenteradicationproject.org/plants-animals/birds).

 (D) New Zealand Storm Petrel, Hauraki Gulf, North Island, New Zealand, November 2018 (Hadoram Shirihai, © Tubenoses Project).

(E) New Caledonian Storm Petrel, off Nouméa, New Caledonia, January 2020 (Hadoram Shirihai, © Tubenoses Project). (F) New Caledonian Storm Petrel, off Nouméa, New Caledonia, January 2020 (Hadoram Shirihai, © Tubenoses Project).

Rarely, individuals of all populations of F. grallaria have limited fine streaking, for example (A) and (B), narrow and close to feather shafts, never in rows of oval dapples characteristic of F. lineata, for example (E) and (F), or forming straighter lines characteristic of F. maoriana (D). A few extreme examples of F. g. grallaria from Lord Howe possess broader flanks streaking, e.g. (C), but never covering the whole belly.

Comparison of underparts and underwing patterns of New Caledonian Storm Petrel Fregetta lineata (n = 30), off Nouméa, New Caledonia, January 2020 (top row)
and New Zealand Storm Petrel F. maoriana (n = 43), Hauraki Gulf, North Island, New Zealand, November 2018 (bottom row).

New Caledonian Storm Petrel Fregetta lineata, off Nouméa, New Caledonia, January 2020

 (Hadoram Shirihai, © Tubenoses Project)

New Caledonian Storm Petrel Fregetta lineata

New Caledonian Storm Petrel Fregetta lineata, Port Bouraké, New Caledonia, 26 September 2014; the first documented fledgling; note traces of down on head, stripes on belly diagnostic of F. lineata, narrow white fringes on dorsal feathers and upperwing (the latter most typical of F. grallaria)

(photographer unknown, images supplied by L. Renaudet)

Vincent Bretagnolle, Robert L. Flood, Sabrina Gaba and Hadoram Shirihai. 2022. Fregetta lineata (Peale, 1848) is A Valid Extant Species Endemic to New Caledonia. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club, 142(1):111-130. DOI: 10.25226/bboc.v142i1.2022.a6

  twitter.com/BirdCaledonia/status/1502441975701643264

 

[Herpetology • 2021] Leptopelis diffidens • A New Species of Leptopelis (Anura, Arthroleptidae) from the south-eastern slope of the Ethiopian Highlands, with Notes on the Leptopelis gramineus Species Complex

 Leptopelis diffidens sp. nov., Harenna Forest (holotype, ZSM 81/2019) 

 Leptopelis montanus nom. nov., Gaysay Grasslands, Bale Mountains (not collected)

Tiutenko & Zinenko, 2021. 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1023.53404

 

Abstract

A new ground-dwelling species of treefrog in the genus Leptopelis is described from the Harenna Forest in south-eastern Ethiopia. The description is based on morphology and acoustics and is supported by molecular data. The new species has a small body size, and the digital discs on fingers and toes are significantly more conspicuous than in other semi-fossorial members of the L. gramineus complex. It occupies forest habitats at lower altitudes and is separated ecologically and geographically from high-altitude species of the complex. One of them, a parapatric cryptic species from Bale and Arsi Mountains, is resurrected from synonymy of L. gramineus and given a new name, L. montanus. Genetic barcoding of specimens from both populations showed that they belong to two distinct lineages that had been revealed by recent phylogenetic research. To confirm the geographic separation of the studied populations, the collection area of L. gramineus types was verified through analysis of the diary and the final report of the 2nd expedition of V. Bottego, and through matching of the route described in it with modern maps. The type locality of L. gramineus sensu stricto is restricted to Gamo Gofa, Ethiopia. Following the results of recent phylogenetic studies, the range of L. gramineus is limited to west of the Great Rift Valley. An identification key to the named Ethiopian species of the genus is provided.

Keywords: Bale Mountains, Ethiopia, Harenna Forest, Leptopelis diffidens sp. nov., Leptopelis montanus nom. nov., Leptopelis rugosus, Pseudocassina ocellata, Pseudocassina rugosa

Figure 3. Adult females of three species of the Leptopelis gramineus complex in life, shown to the same scale
A Leptopelis diffidens sp. nov., Harenna Forest (holotype, ZSM 81/2019)
B Leptopelis montanus nom. nov., Gaysay Grasslands, Bale Mountains (not collected)
C L. sp. ‘Shewa’, Menz-Guassa (not collected).

Leptopelis diffidens sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Medium-sized (SVL of males ca. 24–29 mm, females ca. 35–40 mm) ground-dwelling and burrowing frog with robust body, relatively wide and short head, and short limbs. Terminal phalanges of toes and fingers expanded to small, but distinct discs. Only base phalanges of toes II–IV with broad web; on toe V the web extends along phalanges 1 and 2. The rest of toe phalanges with feeble fringe. Fingers are free of web or fringe. Light-brown or light olive-green from above; either no dorsal pattern, or three indistinct broad longitudinal bands (one vertebral and two dorsolateral) present that are slightly darker than the ground colour. Males with pectoral glands. Advertisement call: quiet, high-pitched singleton ‘quack’, repeated at intervals of ca. 20 seconds.

Etymology: The Latin adjective diffidens (used here in nominative singular) means diffident, anxious, shy, mistrustful. This name refers to the behaviour of this frog that appears even more cryptic and defensive than L. gramineus from other populations. The vocalisation of a male is so quiet that the animal is very difficult to locate and to spot. When approached, at a distance of only 5 m, it stops calling and remains silent until the disturber has gone away or has not moved for at least 10 minutes. As a vernacular name for this species, we propose ‘Harenna Burrowing Treefrog’.

...

In accordance with Article 50 and Paragraph 3 of Article 60 of ICZN, we establish a substitute name Leptopelis montanus nom. nov. for Leptopelis ocellatus (Ahl, 1924) to resolve its homonymy with Leptopelis ocellatus (Mocquard, 1902).

 

 Etymology: The new specific name montanus (living in mountains, montane) refers to the fact that this species ranges into afromontane areas up to elevation of almost 4000 m a.s.l., thus being a Leptopelis with probably the highest altitudinal distribution. The name is an adjective in nominative singular.

a map showing the distribution of the Leptopelis gramineus species complex members:
L. gramineus (filled circle), L. sp. ‘Shewa’ (empty circle), L. montanus nom. nov. (empty triangle), L. diffidens sp. nov. (filled square), L. sp. ‘Borana/Sidamo’ (empty diamond).
Type localities of the described species are marked with a cross.

Figure 10. Habitats of three species of the Leptopelis gramineus complex
A, B Habitats of Leptopelis diffidens sp. nov. in the Harenna Forest – Segoba glade and Manyate village
C habitat of Leptopelis montanus nom. nov. in the Web Valley, Bale Mountains
D habitat of L. sp. ‘Shewa’ in Menz-Guassa.

    

Arthur Tiutenko and Oleksandr Zinenko. 2021. A New Species of Leptopelis (Anura, Arthroleptidae) from the south-eastern slope of the Ethiopian Highlands, with Notes on the Leptopelis gramineus Species Complex and the Revalidation of A previously Synonymised Species. ZooKeys 1023: 119-150. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1023.53404

    

[Mammalogy • 2021] A New Species of Long-eared Brown Bat of the Genus Histiotus (Chiroptera) and the Revalidation of Histiotus colombiae

 

Histiotus cadenai Rodríguez-Posada, Ramírez-Chaves & Morales-Martínez, 

in Rodríguez-Posada, Morales-Martínez, ... et Calderón-Acevedo, 2021. 

DOI: 10.15446/caldasia.v43n2.85424 

  twitter.com/DMMoralesMar 

The South American bats of the genus Histiotus comprises between four and eight species, but their taxonomy has been controversial and the limits between species and their distribution are not well understood. In Colombia, Histiotus humboldti and H. montanus colombiae have been recorded, but undescribed species has been suggested. We evaluated the species richness and distribution of Colombian Histiotus using morphological, molecular, and acoustic traits. Our results evidence three species in Colombia, the two previously recorded taxa and a new species from the Cordillera Central of Colombia and northern Ecuador that we describe here. We also revalidated H. colombiae as a full species. H. humboldti is widely distributed in the Colombian and Ecuadorean Andes and can be sympatric with the other two species. H. colombiae is restricted to the Colombian Cordillera Oriental. Finally, we highlight the potential hidden diversity within Histiotus in the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, the need to resolve the evolutionary relationships of the genus, and its implications to the understanding of the processes that have structured the Andean mammal fauna.

Keywords: Andes, Cytochrome b, echolocation calls, morphometry, Vespertilionidae

 

Histiotus cadenai Rodríguez-Posada, Ramírez-Chaves and Morales-Martínez, new species 

Cadena´s Long-Eared bat.

Etymology. The species epithet honors the Colombian pioneering mammalogist Alberto Cadena-García. He trained several generations of researchers currently working around the world on topics such as biology and conservation of mammals, continuing his legacy for new generations of biologists.

 

Miguel E. Rodríguez-Posada, Darwin M. Morales-Martínez, Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves, Daniela Martínez-Medina and Camilo A. Calderón-Acevedo. 2021. Una nueva especie de murciélago pardo de orejas largas del género Histiotus (Chiroptera) y revalidación de Histiotus colombiae [A New Species of Long-eared Brown Bat of the Genus Histiotus (Chiroptera) and the Revalidation of Histiotus colombiae]. CALDASIA. 43(2) DOI: 10.15446/caldasia.v43n2.85424

Researchgate.net/publication/349725085_A_new_species_of_Histiotus_and_the_revalidation_of_Histiotus_colombiae

  twitter.com/DMMoralesMar/status/1367285893153894401

 twitter.com/CamiloAndresAC/status/1367293198381572103

  facebook.com/IZBDLab/posts/296583985225450

Los murciélagos suramericanos del género Histiotus comprenden entre cuatro y ocho especies, pero su taxonomía ha sido controversial y los límites entre sus especies y sus áreas de distribución no son bien entendidos. En Colombia, se han registrado a Histiotus humboldti y a H. montanus colombiae, pero se ha propuesto que hay especies por descubrir. Evaluamos la riqueza de especies de murciélagos Histiotus colombianos incluyendo caracteres morfológicos, moleculares y acústicos. Nuestros resultados evidencian la presencia de tres especies en Colombia, los dos taxones previamente registrados y una especie nueva de la Cordillera Central de Colombia y el norte de Ecuador que describimos aquí. Además, revalidamos H. colombiae a nivel de especie. H. humboldti presenta la distribución más amplia en los Andes colombianos y ecuatorianos, y puede estar en simpatría con las otras dos especies. H. colombiae es sólo conocida de la Cordillera Oriental de Colombia. Finalmente, resaltamos la diversidad potencial no descrita de Histiotus en los Andes peruanos y bolivianos, la necesidad de resolver las relaciones evolutivas del género y sus implicaciones en el entendimiento de los procesos que han estructurado la fauna Andina de mamíferos.

Palabras clave: Andes, Vespertilionidae, Citocromo b, ecolocalización, Morfometría 

[Herpetology • 2021] A Phantom on the Trees: Integrative Taxonomy Supports A Reappraisal of Rear-fanged Snakes Classification (Dipsadidae: Philodryadini)

Chlorosoma dunupyana 

Melo-Sampaio, Passos, Martins, Jennings, Moura-Leite, ... et Souza, 2021

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2020.10.008   

 twitter.com/PRMeloSampaio 

photo: Germán Chávez  twitter.com/GermnChvez4

 

Abstract

The Neotropics harbour a spectacular amount of biodiversity, but many of these species remain to be discovered and placed into the tree of life. In the neotropical snake genus Philodryas, the systematics of these rear-fanged snakes has been controversial and debated in recent years. Here, we combine published datasets with new morphological (scale microdermatoglyphics, osteology, pholidosis and genital features) and molecular (mitochondrial and nuclear) data to reassess the phylogenetic positioning of rear-fanged snakes within the tribe Philodryadini. We identified putative synapomorphies and pronounced morphological variation in hemipenial features. Our results suggested a need to reclassify many species in order to clarify some relationships within the Philodryas radiation. We also redefined Philodryadini by resurrecting three genera and naming a newly discovered species.

Keywords: Male genitalia, Microdematoglyphics of dorsal scales, Molecular phylogeny, Osteology, Philodryadinii systematics, Soft anatomy

Fig. 1. Phylogenetic relationships of Xenodontinae snakes estimated under a Bayesian framework based on six genes. Posterior probabilities and bootstrap values are separated by slash respectively. Clade A: Philodryas; Clade B: Chlorosoma viridissimum + C. laticeps and C. dunupyana; Clade C: Xenoxybelis; Clade D Pseudablabes; Clade E: Tropidodryadini; Clade F: Philodryadini.

 

Order Squamata Oppel, 1811

Family Dipsadidae Bonaparte, 1838

Subfamily Xenodontinae Bonaparte, 1838

  Genus Pseudablabes Boulenger, 1896 status revalidated

Pseudablabes agassizii (Jan, 1863)

Pseudablabes patagoniensis (Girard, 1858) comb. nov. 

We tentatively include Pseudablabes arnaldoi (Amaral, 1932) comb. nov. in this genus based on overall external similarities (e.g., colour pattern, pholidosis and general habitus), but mainly by sharing unique similarities of hemipenial morphology (Fig. 2).

Fig. 3. Live specimens of Chlorosoma:

 Chlorosoma laticeps [Photo: Arthur Abegg] 

& C. viridissimum (UFAC-RB 359) from Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil.

 Genus Chlorosoma Wagler, 1830 status revalidated

 

Chlorosoma viridissimum (Linnaeus, 1758)

Chlorosoma laticeps (Werner, 1900) comb. nov.

 Genus Xenoxybelis Machado, 1993 status revalidated

Xenoxybelis argenteus (Daudin, 1803) 

Xenoxybelis boulengeri (Procter, 1923)

Chlorosoma dunupyana sp. nov., Adult male paratype (CORBIDI 19094).

Fig. 8. Dorsal (A), lateral (B) and ventral views (C) of the holotype of Chlorosoma dunupyana sp. nov. (UFAC-RB 345) from Parque Zoobotânico, Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil.

Chlorosoma dunupyana sp. nov. 

Taeniophallus brevirostris: 

(non Peters 1863) Silva et al., 2012:169.

 Etymology: From the Panoan speakers Katukina/Kashinawa Indigenous words dunu (= snake) + pyanã (= venomous) (see Souza et al. 2002), used herein in reference to well-developed Duvernoy’s gland and rear-fang in the posterior portion of maxillary of the newly discovered snake.

Paulo R. Melo-Sampaio, Paulo Passos, Angele R. Martins, W. Bryan Jennings, Julio C. Moura-Leite, Sérgio A. A. Morato, Pablo J. Venegas, Germán Chávez, Nathocley M. Venâncio and Moisés B. Souza. 2021. A Phantom on the Trees: Integrative Taxonomy Supports A Reappraisal of Rear-fanged Snakes Classification (Dipsadidae: Philodryadini).  Zoologischer Anzeiger.  290; 19-39. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2020.10.008

  twitter.com/PRMeloSampaio/status/1339442749762908161

 twitter.com/GermnChvez4/status/1334132584389939203

 twitter.com/wb_jennings/status/1333466306348281864

[Entomology • 2020] Revalidation of Vareuptychia Forster, 1964, Description of Vanima gen. nov., and notes on Euptychia cleophes Godman & Salvin, 1889 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

Vanima labe (Butler, 1870) 
Vanima Zacca, Casagrande & Mielke

in Zacca, Casagrande, Mielke, ... et Lamas, 2020. 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4858.1.1

Abstract

Vareuptychia Forster, 1964 stat. rest. is revalidated and comprises two species, V. similis (Butler, 1867) comb. rest. and V. themis (Butler, 1867) comb. nov. Vanima Zacca, Casagrande & Mielke gen. nov. is described to contain Euptychia labe Butler, 1870 (the type species), E. palladia Butler, 1867 and E. lesbia Staudinger, [1886]. The taxonomy of these two genera was initially revised based on morphological and distributional data, and subsequently tested and supported with a Maximum Likelihood analysis using four genes (COI, GAPDH, RpS5 and EF1-a). Lectotypes are designated for Euptychia similis Butler, 1867, E. themis Butler, 1867, E. undina Butler, 1870 and E. lesbia Staudinger, [1886]. No DNA sequences were obtained for Euptychia cleophes Godman & Salvin, 1889 but its transfer to Megisto Hübner, [1819] is supported by morphological evidence. For all taxa treated in this study, a taxonomic catalog, diagnosis, (re)description and illustrations of adults, venation and genitalia are provided, as well as comments on intraspecific variation, sexual dichromatism, ecology and distribution maps.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, Amazon rainforest, Central America, Cissia, dry forests, Euptychiina, integrative taxonomy, Megisto, phylogeny

Thamara Zacca, Mirna M. Casagrande, Olaf H. H. Mielke, Blanca Huertas, Marianne Espeland, André V. L. Freitas, Keith R. Willmott, Shinichi Nakahara and Gerardo Lamas. 2020. Revalidation of Vareuptychia Forster, 1964, Description of Vanima gen. nov., and notes on Euptychia cleophes Godman & Salvin, 1889 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae). Zootaxa. 4858(1); 1–34. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4858.1.1