[PaleoIchthyology • 2024] Macroprosopon hiltoni • A Long-snouted marine Bonytongue (Teleostei: Osteoglossidae) from the early Eocene of Morocco and the Phylogenetic Affinities of Marine osteoglossids

Macroprosopon hiltoni

 Capobianco, Zouhri & Friedman, 2024

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae015

 twitter.com/acapomorphic

 life reconstruction by Sky Jung

 

Abstract

Osteoglossid bonytongues (arapaimas, arowanas, and relatives) are extant tropical freshwater fishes with a relatively abundant and diverse fossil record. Most osteoglossid fossils come from a 25-million-year interval in the early Palaeogene, when these fishes were distributed worldwide in both freshwater and marine environments. Despite their biogeographic and palaeoecological relevance, and a relative abundance of well-preserved material, the evolutionary relationships between these Palaeogene forms and extant bonytongues remain unclear. Here we describe a new genus of bonytongue from early Eocene marine deposits of Morocco, represented by an articulated, three-dimensionally preserved skull with associated pectoral girdle. This taxon is characterized by an elongated snout, contrasting with the short jaws usually found in marine representatives of the clade. A revision of morphological characters in bonytongues allows us to place this new genus, together with other marine and freshwater Eocene taxa, within crown osteoglossids and closely related to extant arapaimines. The discovery of the new Moroccan taxon hints at a previously underestimated eco-morphological diversity of marine bonytongues, highlighting the diverse trophic niches that these fishes occupied in early Palaeogene seas.

computed tomography, fish, fossil evidence, Palaeogene, phylogeny, Osteoglossoidei

Macroprosopon hiltoni

Alessio Capobianco, Samir Zouhri and Matt Friedman. 2024. A Long-snouted marine Bonytongue (Teleostei: Osteoglossidae) from the early Eocene of Morocco and the Phylogenetic Affinities of Marine osteoglossids. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlae015. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae015

 twitter.com/acapomorphic/status/1780939719259357327

  

[Paleontology • 2024] Vasuki indicus • Largest known madtsoiid Snake (Ophidia: Madtsoiidae) from warm Eocene period of India suggests intercontinental Gondwana dispersal

Vasuki indicus

Datta & Bajpai, 2024

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58377-0

Nix Illustration (CC BY-NC 4.0) (modified Madtsoiidae illustration)

Abstract

Here we report the discovery of fossils representing partial vertebral column of a giant madtsoiid snake from an early Middle Eocene (Lutetian, ~ 47 Ma) lignite-bearing succession in Kutch, western India. The estimated body length of ~ 11–15 m makes this new taxon (Vasuki indicus gen et sp. nov.) the largest known madtsoiid snake, which thrived during a warm geological interval with average temperatures estimated at ~ 28 °C. Phylogenetically, Vasuki forms a distinct clade with the Indian Late Cretaceous taxon Madtsoia pisdurensis and the North African Late Eocene Gigantophis garstini. Biogeographic considerations, seen in conjunction with its inter-relationship with other Indian and North African madtsoiids, suggest that Vasuki represents a relic lineage that originated in India. Subsequent India-Asia collision at ~ 50 Ma led to intercontinental dispersal of this lineage from the subcontinent into North Africa through southern Eurasia.

 

Systematic paleontology

Squamata Oppel, 1811

Ophidia Brongniart, 1800

Madtsoiidae (Hoffstetter 1961) McDowell, 1987

Vasuki indicus gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: Generic name after the well-known Hindu mythical serpent ‘Vāsuki’ around the neck of Lord Shiva; specific name is for the country of origin i.e., India.

Holotype: IITR/VPL/SB 3102-1-21; a partial vertebral column representing the precloacal region

Horizon and locality: Naredi Formation; Panandhro Lignite Mine, district Kutch, Gujarat state, western India.

Diagnosis: Vasuki exhibits a unique combination of the following characters: presence of prominent paracotylar foramina (shared with Madtsoiidae); middle-sized cotyle (shared with Madtsoiidae); median prominence on ventral margin of centrum (shared with Madtsoiidae); prezygapophyseal process absent; high angle of synapophysis with horizontal in anterior view (avg. 71.5°); MTV diapophysis level with dorsoventral midpoint of neural canal (shared with Madtsoia madagascariensis, Madtsoia camposi, Wonambi barriei and Adinophis); prezygapophyseal buttress succeeded posteriorly by elliptical fossa (shared with Madtsoia pisdurensis); deep V-shaped embayment (shared with Gigantophis garstini and Madtsoia pisdurensis); oval precloacal cotyle (shared with Gigantophis garstini and Madtsoia pisdurensis); transversely wide vertebrae (shared with Gigantophis garstini and Madtsoia pisdurensis); neural spine posteriorly canted (shared with Gigantophis garstini and Madtsoia pisdurensis); broad hemal keel with posterior process (shared with Gigantophis garstini and Madtsoia pisdurensis); strongly notched anterior zygosphenal margin; endozygantral foramen present (shared with Madtsoia madagascariensis, Powellophis and Gigantophis garstini).

Autapomorphies: exceptionally large vertebrae [centrum length (cL): 37.5–62.7 mm and prezygapophyseal width (prW): 62.4–111.4 mm]; neural spine cross-section spade-shaped; poorly developed hemal keel which remains dorsal to the parapophyses; chisel-shaped posterior process of the hemal keel.

 

Debajit Datta and Sunil Bajpai. 2024. Largest known madtsoiid Snake from warm Eocene period of India suggests intercontinental Gondwana dispersal. Scientific Reports. 14, 8054. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58377-0

 www.scientificamerican.com/article/this-nearly-50-foot-snake-was-one-of-the-largest-to-slither-the-earth 

[Ichthyology • 2024] Careproctus io • A New Snailfish (Scorpaeniformes: Liparidae) from the Western North Pacific, with Comments on Generic Limits

 

 Careproctus io 

Kai, Morikawa & Misawa, 2024

DOI: 10.12782/specdiv.29.111 

Researchgate.net/publication/379567236

 twitter.com/Species_Divers 

Abstract

The new snailfish Careproctus io is described on the basis of three specimens collected from the western North Pacific, off northeastern Honshu Island, Japan. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by the following characters: vertebrae 40–42; dorsal-fin rays 36 or 37; anal-fin rays 30; pectoral fin deeply notched with 28 or 29 rays, lower lobe reaching to anal-fin origin; large pelvic disk 34.2%–34.5% HL (10.3%–10.9% SL); teeth strongly trilobed on both jaws, inner teeth weakly trilobed or shouldered; cephalic pore pattern 2-6-7-2, chin pores paired; gill slit above pectoral-fin base; body bright red, non-variegated in life. Species of Careproctus Krøyer, 1862 typically have fewer pectoral-fin rays than anal-fin rays, although some recently-described species, including the present new species, have similar ray counts in both fins. The relationships between such counts, as well as pelvic disk size, are investigated for various snailfish, genera, and the generic limits of Careproctus discussed.

Keywords: Actinopterygii, Scorpaeniformes, Careproctus, COI, pelvic disk size

Schematic drawing of Careproctus io, holotype, FAKU 148130, 37.3mm SL.
A, Lateral and ventral views of head; B, teeth; C, pectoral girdle.

 Abbreviations: C, coracoid; DR, distal radials; F, interradial fenestra; MX, maxillary pores; N, nasal pores; PM, preoperculo-mandibular pores; PR, proximal radials; S, scapula; SP, suprabranchial pores. Scale bars: B, 0.25mm; C, 1.0mm.

 

Holotype of Careproctus io, FAKU 148130, 37.3mm SL.
A, Micro-CT scan image of head; B, fresh condition.

Careproctus io sp. nov.

[New standard Japanese name: Mini-kon’nyakuuo]

 

Diagnosis. A species of Careproctus with the following combination of characters: vertebrae 40–42; dorsal-fin rays 36 or 37; anal-fin rays 30; pectoral fin with 28 or 29 rays, deeply notched, lower lobe reaching to anal-fin origin; large pelvic disk 34.2%–34.5% HL (10.3%–10.9% SL); teeth strongly trilobed on both jaws, inner teeth weakly trilobed or shouldered; cephalic pore pattern 2-6-7-2, chin pores paired; gill slit above pectoral-fin base; body bright red, non-variegated in life.

Etymology. The specific name is a noun in apposition after Io, a Greek mythological character who wandered the world without rest, due to the unsettled phylogenetic position of the new species (see under Remarks). The standard Japanese name “Mini” reflects its small body size.

Yoshiaki Kai, Eisuke Morikawa and Ryo Misawa. 2024. Careproctus io (Teleostei: Liparidae), a New Snailfish from the Western North Pacific, with Comments on Generic Limits. Species Diversity. 29(1); 111-117. DOI: 10.12782/specdiv.29.111

  twitter.com/Species_Divers/status/1777499063937851717

Researchgate.net/publication/379567236_Careproctus_io_a_New_Snailfish_from_the_Western_North_Pacifi

[Botany • 2024] Casearia septandra (Salicaceae) • A New tree Species from the Mountains of Guinea, West Africa

Casearia septandra Breteler & Baldé, 

in Breteler et Baldé, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-024-10166-8 

 twitter.com/KewBulletin

Summary

In the synopsis of Casearia Jacq. in West and Central Africa (Breteler 2008), only a single, poor collection (Adam 3972), identified as C. prismatocarpa Mast., was recorded from the mountains of Guinea. More recently, some other flowering and fruiting specimens of Casearia have been collected from the same region as Adam’s specimen and together they represent a new species. It is illustrated and named herein as Casearia septandra, its distribution is mapped and conservation status assessed as Endangered, according to the IUCN criteria. A key to the four Casearia species of the Upper Guinea region of West Africa is presented.

Key Words: endangered, endemic, montane rainforest, taxonomy, woody plant

Casearia septandra. A leafy branchlet; B fruits; C dehisced fruit.

A – B from Baldé 1001; C from C. A. Couch et al. 550.

photos: A – B © A. Baldé; C © X. van der Burgt

Casearia septandra Breteler & Baldé sp. nov.

F. J. Breteler and A. Baldé. 2024. Casearia septandra (Salicaceae), A New tree Species from the Mountains of Guinea, West Africa. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-024-10166-8

  twitter.com/KewBulletin/status/1779796247424950603

[Arachnida • 2024] Sinahahnia eyu, S. fanjingshan & S. yintiaoling • A New Genus and Three New Species of Hahniidae (Araneae) from China

Sinahahnia eyu 

Wang & Zhang, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.119935

Abstract

A new genus of comb-tailed spider (Hahniidae), Sinahahnia gen. nov., is described based on three new species from the high-altitude areas of China: Sinahahnia eyu sp. nov. (♂♀, Chongqing and Hubei), S. fanjingshan sp. nov. (♂♀, Guizhou), and S. yintiaoling sp. nov. (♀, Chongqing). Digital images, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided.

Key words: Comb-tailed spider, description, morphology, taxonomy, Wuling Mountains

Living male specimen of Sinahahnia eyu sp. nov.

 (photo by Qian-Le Lu).

Sinahahnia eyu sp. nov.
 A, C–E holotype male B, F, G paratype female A male habitus, dorsal view B female habitus, dorsal view C left male palp, ventral view D same, retrolateral view E same, dorsal view F epigyne, ventral view G same, dorsal view.

Family Hahniidae Bertkau, 1878

 Sinahahnia gen. nov. 

Type species: Sinahahnia eyu sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic name is a compound noun derived from the Latin sinae (= the Chinese) and ‘-Hahnia’.

Diagnosis: Species of Sinahahnia gen. nov. resemble those of Troglohnia in having a similar slender embolus, large and membranous median apophysis, short and strong patellar apophysis, and long, spiral copulatory ducts, but they differ by the long embolus originating at a 6-o’clock position (vs 3-o’clock in Troglohnia), the large membranous median apophysis originating from the prolateral part of the tegulum (vs retrolateral in Troglohnia), RTA not bifurcated (vs bifurcated in Troglohnia) (Figs 2A–C, 3C–E, 5A–C, 6C–E cf. Chu et al. 2023: figs 3C, 10A, B, 12A, B, 15A, B), and the peanut-shaped or spherical spermathecae of the epigyne (vs oval in Troglohnia) (Figs 2E, 3G, 4C, 5E, 6G, 7B, 8C cf. Chu et al. 2023: figs 11B, 13B, 14B, 16B).

 Sinahahnia eyu sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the Chinese word ‘e’ and ‘yu’, E is an abbreviated name for Hubei and Yu is an abbreviated name for Chongqing.

 Sinahahnia fanjingshan sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the type locality [Fanjingshan Nature Reserve in Guizhou, China]; it is a noun in apposition.

 Sinahahnia yintiaoling sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the type locality [Yintiaoling Nature Reserve, in Chongqing, China]; it is a noun in apposition.

  Lu-Yu Wang and Zhi-Sheng Zhang. 2024. A New Genus and Three New Species of Hahniidae (Araneae) from China. ZooKeys. 1197: 249-259. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.119935

[Crustacea • 2024] Indochinamon datii • A New Species of the Genus Indochinamon Yeo & Ng, 2007 (Brachyura: Potamoidea: Potamidae) and a new country record from Northern Vietnam

Indochinamon datii 

Dang, Hoang & Do, 2024

    

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5437.4.8

Abstract

A new species of freshwater crab, Indochinamon datii n. sp. is described from Xuan Son National Park, Phu Tho Province, Northern Vietnam. The new species external morphology is most similar to I. kimboiense (Dang, 1967) and I. bavi Naruse, Nguyen & Yeo, 2011. However, it can be distinguished from the other species by characters of the carapace, telson and male first gonopod. Indochinamon malipoense Zhang & Sun in Zhang, Pan, Hao & Sun, 2020 is also recorded for the first time in Vietnam.

Crustacea, Xuan Son National Park, Phu Tho Province, new record, taxonomy, Potamiscinae, Indochinamon malipoense, Indochinamon ahkense, karsts

 Indochinamon datii n. sp.

Khai Dang, Anh Tram Hoang and Cuong Do. 2024. A New Species of the Genus Indochinamon Yeo & Ng, 2007 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Potamoidea: Potamidae) and a new country record from Northern Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5437(4); 560-570. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5437.4.8

[Botany • 2024] Thaigardenia (Rubiaceae: Gardenieae) • A New Genus distributed from Thailand to South China

T. similis (Craib) K.M.Wong & L.Neo comb. nov., 
T. collinsiae (Craib) K.M.Wong, Teerawat. & Sungkaew comb. nov.,

Thaigardenia Sungkaew, Teerawat., Chamch. & K.M.Wong, gen. nov.

 

in Sungkaew, Arthan, Teerawatananon, Chamchumroon, Neo et Wong, 2024. 

DOI:10.20531/tfb.2024.52.1.04

Photos: D. Prathumthong, A. Teerawatananon and K.M. Wong.

Abstract

Identified as Gardenia over a century ago, three known species from Thailand to south China differ considerably from typical members of that genus, from which growth habits, aspects of branch architecture and corolla shape set them apart. They form a new genus, here named Thaigardenia, the species of which are scrambling to thicket-forming shrubs to sometimes treelets or small trees. They have typically unequal (asymmetric) development of each internode that offsets what began as opposite pairs of axillary buds (and potential axillary branches) from subtending leaf axils at the same level, and small infundibular corollas with insignificant tubular bases. In contrast, typical Gardenia are non-scrambling shrubs or trees, often have extra-axillary buds or branches that consistently continue to develop at the same level (i.e., remaining opposite); and showy hypocrateriform (salverform) corollas with elongate tubular bases. The unequal development of different sides of an internode that brings an initially opposite pair of axillary buds (branches) to different levels, so that they do not appear paired subsequently, is, as far as is known, unique and unknown in other Rubiaceae or opposite-leaved plants; this shared feature is a key synapomorphic character for species of the newly recognised genus.

Keywords: Branch architecture, Gardenia, hypocrateriform, infundibular

Open flower (inset) and fruiting twig of Thaigardenia similis (Craib) K.M.Wong & L.Neo, showing narrowly triangular lobes on a short calyx tube.

Photos: D. Prathumthong (flower) and A. Teerawatananon.

Thaigardenia Sungkaew, Teerawat., Chamch. & K.M.Wong, gen. nov.

Thaigardenia is a new genus of the Rubiaceae, allied to Gardenia J.Ellis, differing in the species being shrubs with a scrambling to thicket-forming habit or small trees with crooked sympodial trunks (vs Gardenia s.s. which are mostly trees with monopodial trunks or non-thicket forming bushes), developing extra-axillary buds and branches at different distances from a leaf-pair at the same node on stems and branches (sometimes these extra-axillary buds more than one per leaf axil) (vs with extra-axillary buds and branches always at the same level, and solitary buds in Gardenia), broad-triangular stipules fused along their edges (vs typical Gardenia spp. with stipules fused into a cylindric sheath split slightly on one side), infundibular corolla with insignificant tubular bases much shorter than the inflated upper portion (vs hypocrateriform corollas with relatively long basal tubes with a hardly widened uppermost portion in Gardenia), and pollen issued as tetrads. 

Type: Thaigardenia collinsiae (Craib) K.M.Wong, Teerawat. & Sungkaew.

Etymology.— The name Thaigardenia refers to Thailand, where studies into the taxonomy of this group were initiated, and where the generic type can be abundantly found, as well as Gardenia, the genus in which its species were earlier placed. Thailand has been eponymously included in the nomenclature of two other plant genera: Thaia Seidenf. (Orchidaceae) (Seidenfaden, 1975) and Thailentadopsis Kosterm. (Leguminosae) (Kostermans, 1977), both of which continue to be in use (Lewis & Schrire, 2003; Xiang et al., 2012).

Thaigardenia cambodiana (Pit.) K.M.Wong & Chamch., comb. nov.

Thaigardenia collinsiae (Craib) K.M.Wong, Teerawat. & Sungkaew, comb. nov.

Thaigardenia similis (Craib) K.M.Wong & L.Neo, comb. nov.

Incompletely understood taxon: Thaigardenia ‘Nhatrang’ 

Sarawood Sungkaew, Watchara Arthan, Atchara Teerawatananon, Voradol Chamchumroon, Louise Neo and Khoon Meng Wong. 2024. Thaigardenia (Rubiaceae: Gardenieae), A New Genus distributed from Thailand to South China.  Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 52(1), 25–43. DOI:10.20531/tfb.2024.52.1.04

[Botany • 2024] Begonia dakrongensis (Begoniaceae) • A New Species from Dakrong Nature Reserve, Quang Tri Province, Central Vietnam

 

Begonia dakrongensis C.H. Nguyen, T.A. Le & C.W. Lin,

in Nguyen, Le, Ha et Lin, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.645.1.8 

facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract

A new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae), B. dakrongensis, from Central Vietnam is described and illustrated. B. dakrongensis resembles B. abbreviata in its rhizomatous habit, short cymose-paniculate inflorescence with congested bracts, 4-tepaled staminate flowers, and 5-tepaled pistillate flowers. However, the new species markedly differs by having obtriangular-spathulate to oblong-obovate or widely obovate lamina (vs. ovate to broadly ovate), not oblique or nearly so (vs. oblique), widely obovate anthers (vs. narrowly obovate), and trigonous-globose ovary (vs. trigonous-ellipsoid).

endemism, Plant Diversity, Plant Taxonomy, Quang Tri Province, Dakrong Nature Reserve, Eudicots 

Cuong Huu Nguyen, Anh Tuan Le, Van Bac Ha and Che Wei Lin. 2024. Begonia dakrongensis (Begoniaceae), A New Species from Dakrong Nature Reserve, Quang Tri Province in Central Vietnam. Phytotaxa 645(1); 85-90. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.645.1.8

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10225217318643605

[Paleontology • 2024] A Reassessment of the historical Fossil Findings from Bahia State (Northeast Brazil) reveals A diversified Dinosaur Fauna in the Lower Cretaceous of South America

faunal components of the Marfim Formation (Valanginian–Hauterivian), the Recôncavo Basin during Lower Cretaceous

Tietasaura derbyiana

Bandeira, Navarro, Pêgas, Brilhante, Brum, de Souza, da Silva & Gallo, 2024

 

DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2318406  

 Researchgate.net/publication/379778273

ABSTRACT

Supposed dinosaur remains were collected between 1859 and 1906 in the Lower Cretaceous Recôncavo Basin (Northeast Brazil). Since these materials remained undescribed, and most were considered lost. Recently, some of these historical specimens were rediscovered in the Natural History Museum of London, providing an opportunity to revisit them after 160 years. The specimens come from five different sites, corresponding to the Massacará (Berriasian-Barremian) and Ilhas (Valanginian-Barremian) groups. Identified bones comprise mainly isolated vertebral centra from ornithopods, sauropods, and theropods. Appendicular remains include a theropod pedal phalanx, humerus, and distal half of a left femur with elasmarian affinities. Despite their fragmentary nature, these specimens represent the earliest dinosaur bones discovered in South America, enhancing our understanding of the Cretaceous dinosaur faunas in Northeast Brazil. The dinosaur assemblage in the Recôncavo Basin resembles coeval units in Northeast Brazil, such as the Rio do Peixe Basin, where ornithopods coexist with sauropods and theropods. This study confirms the presence of ornithischian dinosaurs in Brazil based on osteological evidence, expanding their biogeographic and temporal range before the continental rifting between South America and Africa. Additionally, these findings reinforce the fossiliferous potential of Cretaceous deposits in Bahia State, which have been underexplored since their initial discoveries.

KEYWORDS: Recôncavo Basin, Massacará Group, Ilhas Group, Ornithischia, Sauropoda, Theropoda

  

  

 Paleontographical reconstruction of the hypothetical paleoenvironment of the Recôncavo Basin during Lower Cretaceous: A, faunal components of the Marfim Formation (Valanginian–Hauterivian); B, faunal components of the Pojuca Formation (Hauterivian–Barremian). The Salvador Formation is partially synchronous with both units, sharing coeval components.

Artwork by Matheus Gadelha.

Dinosauria Owen Citation1842

Ornithischia Seeley Citation1888

Genasauria Sereno Citation1986

Neornithischia Cooper Citation1985

Cerapoda Sereno Citation1986

Ornithopoda Marsh Citation1881

Elasmaria Calvo et al. Citation2007

Tietasaura gen. nov. 

Etymology: The generic epithet is a combination of Tieta (nickname for Antonieta in Portuguese) and -saura (σαύρα), the genitive form of -saurus and meaning lizard in ancient Greek. The name Tieta honours the main character from the homonymous novel ‘Tieta do Agreste’ by the famous author Jorge Amado, who was born in Bahia and lived in Salvador City. The name Antonieta further means ‘priceless’, alluding to the value of Tietasaura derbyiana sp. nov. as the first nominal ornithischian species from Brazil.

 

Tietasaura derbyiana sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is an eponym honouring Orville A. Derby (1851–1915), founder and the first director from Brazilian Mineralogical and Geological Commission (Serviço Geológico e Mineralógico do Brasil, nowadays SGB), being also the former director of the National Museum of Rio de Janeiro (MN) and one of the pioneers of palaeontology in the Recôncavo Basin. Despite all tragedies in his life and the blatant lack of governmental support, Derby valiantly fought for the scientific progress of the Brazilian geosciences.

Holotype: NHM-PV R.3424, represented by a distal half of a small left femur.

Diagnosis: Small sized elasmarian ornithopod exhibiting an unique combination of character states on the femur (putative autapomorphies marked with an asterisk): presence of a marked anterior linea muscularis followed by several longitudinal striae converging distally towards the intercondylar extensor groove; broad but shallow intercondylar extensor groove; stout supracondylar ridges that extends medially; fibular supracondylar ridge sinuous and bearing a lateral fossa*; hemispherical distal femoral condyles in the posterior view, being the tibial condyle twice as large as fibular condyle; distinct prominent crest in the median margin of the tibial condyle*; fibular condyle with straight lateral margin and continuous in the distal view, lacking an indentation formed by a condyloid (rectangular) process; presence of an offset condylid, medial to the fibular condyle; broad and deep intercondylar flexor fossa, subtriangular in shape and much extending into the diaphysis.

Type locality and horizon: The holotype of Tietasaura derbyiana was recovered at a beach near the Plataforma Station (Locality 3), Salvador City, Bahia State. The shale facies outcropping in this locality are associated with the Valanginian – Hauterivian Marfim Formation (Ilhas Group, Recôncavo Basin).

...

 

Kamila L. N. Bandeira, Bruno A. Navarro, Rodrigo V. Pêgas, Natan S. Brilhante, Arthur S. Brum, Lucy G. de Souza, Rafael C. da Silva and Valéria Gallo. 2024. A Reassessment of the historical Fossil Findings from Bahia State (Northeast Brazil) reveals A diversified Dinosaur Fauna in the Lower Cretaceous of South America. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2318406    Researchgate.net/publication/379778273_fossil_findings_from_Bahia_NE_Brazil

[Diplopoda • 2024] Scolopocryptops longisetosus • Taxonomic Re-appraisal of Scolopocryptops quadristriatus (Verhoeff, 1934) (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Scolopocryptopidae) and A Description of A New Species from Japan and Taiwan

Scolopocryptops longisetosus 

Jonishi & Nakano, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.119297

Abstract

Centipedes of the genus Scolopocryptops Newport, 1844 are blind species mostly described from the New World and East Asia. In this study, a Japanese species, S. quadristriatus (Verhoeff, 1934), which is characterised by four longitudinal keels on the tergites, is re-described, based on the likely holotype preserved in the Zoologische Staatssammlung München and specimens newly collected from near the type locality. In addition, S. longisetosus sp. nov., a new species that bears tergal keels like S. quadristriatus, is described from the Ryukyu Islands in Japan and Taiwan. Although the presence of four keels on tergites is unique to these two species, phylogenetic analyses using nuclear and mitochondrial markers showed that S. longisetosus sp. nov. is not sister to S. quadristriatus. The obtained phylogeny indicates that the tergal longitudinal keels evolved in parallel within Scolopocryptops or that the presence of keels represents a plesiomorphic character of the clade containing these species.

Key Words: molecular phylogeny, nomenclature, plesiomorphic character, Ryukyu Islands, tergal keels

Scolopocryptops longisetosus sp. nov., holotype, ♂ (KUZ Z5107: A, C–E) and non-type specimen from Yonaguni Island, ♂ (KUZ Z5124: B).
A, B. Cephalic plate and tergite 1, dorsal view; C. Distal part of article 2, article 3 and pretarsus of left second maxilla, medial view; D. Article 3 and pretarsus of left second maxilla, lateral view; E. Head, ventral view. Abbreviations: am — anterior margin of forcipular coxosternite; bs — basal suture on forcipular trochanteroprefemoral process; db — dorsal brush on article 3 of second maxilla; ds — dorsal spur on article 2 of second maxilla; pt — pretarsus of second maxilla; ptr — process of forcipular trochanteroprefemur. Scale bars: 1 mm (A, B, E); 0.2 mm (C, D).

Scolopocryptops longisetosus sp. nov., paratype, ♂ (KUZ Z5119: B), non-type specimen from Yonaguni Island, ♂ (KUZ Z5124: C) and habitat near the type locality. 
 A. Habitat (laurel tree forest) on Okinawa Island; B, C. Live specimen, dorsal view. Scale bars: 10 mm.

 Scolopocryptops longisetosus sp. nov.

 Suggested Japanese name: Kuromadara-akamukade

Diagnosis: Antenna with sparse hairs and setae of various lengths dorsally on two basal articles, subsequent articles densely covered with long setae and minute setae. Cephalic plate with complete lateral marginal sulci. Tergites lacking paramedian sutures, tergites 5–20 with four longitudinal keels and median depression bordered by paramedian keels.

 

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the Latin compound adjective, “longus” (long) and “setosus” (hairy), referring to the long antennal setae of this new species.

 Taro Jonishi and Takafumi Nakano. 2024. Taxonomic Re-appraisal of Scolopocryptops quadristriatus (Verhoeff, 1934) and A Description of A New Species from Japan and Taiwan (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha, Scolopocryptopidae). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(2): 405-423. DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.119297

[Funga • 2024] Cystolepiota flavolamellata (Agaricales: Verrucosporaceae) • A New Species from Southeast Asia

 Cystolepiota flavolamellata Salichanh, Sysouph., & Luangharn, 

in Salichanh, Sysouphanthong, Thongklang et Luangharn. 2024.  

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.645.1.2 

  facebook.com/LaoMushrooms

 

Abstract

We present Cystolepiota flavolamellata a new species discovered in the tropical regions of Thailand and Laos. Morphological characters and multigene phylogenetic analyses, which encompass ITS, LSU, rpb2, and tef1 sequences, distinguish this species. Cystolepiota flavolamellata exhibits the following unique set of characteristics: basidiomata covered with light brown to brown granules or large pyramidal squamules; free yellowish white to light yellow lamellae; broadly ellipsoid to oblong-amygdaliform to ovoid basidiospores; absence of pleurocystidia; variably shaped cheilocystidia, i.e., oblong, clavate with or without appendicular apex, conical to utriform, fusiform; an epithelium for the pileus and stipe covering; and presence of clamp connections. Molecular analyses based on multiple genes confirm its separation from other known and sequenced Cystolepiota species.

 fungi, fungal diversity, litter-inhabiting fungi, taxonomy 

 Cystolepiota flavolamellata Salichanh, Sysouph., & Luangharn

Thaviphone Salichanh, Phongeun Sysouphanthong, Naritsada Thongklang and Thatsanee Luangharn. 2024. Cystolepiota flavolamellata (Verrucosporaceae, Agaricales), A New Species from Southeast Asia.  Phytotaxa 645(1); 18-28. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.645.1.2

   facebook.com/LaoMushrooms/posts/2188537051491792

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

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

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

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.644.3.4

 

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by N. Espinosa-Ortega

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

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

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

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