[Botany • 2020] Memecylon nervosum (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from South INDIA

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, 

in Vadhyar, Benjamin et Sujana, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1017/S0960428620000050

 Researchgate.net/publication/340951524

Abstract
Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, a new species of Melastomataceae from the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India, is described and illustrated. It is compared with the closely allied Memecylon heyneanum Benth. and Memecylon jambosioides Wight.

Keywords: India, Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Melastomataceae, Memecylon nervosum

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, sp. nov.
A, Plants in their naturalhabitat; B, leaf (adaxial view); C, leaf (abaxial view); D, inflorescence; E, flowers; F–J, fruit atdifferent stages of development. 

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet alludes to the presence of prominently raised lateral andintramarginal veins on the lower surface of the lamina.

 R. G. Vadhyar, J. H. F. Benjamin and K. A. Sujana. 2020. MEMECYLON NERVOSUM (MELASTOMATACEAE), A New Species from South INDIA. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 77(3); DOI: doi.org/10.1017/S0960428620000050 [27 April 2020]

 Researchgate.net/publication/340951524_MEMECYLON_NERVOSUM_A_NEW_SPECIES_from_SOUTH_INDIA

[Herpetology • 2020] Boulenophrys anlongensis • A New Species of Boulenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guizhou Province, China

 Boulenophrys anlongensis (Li, Lu, Liu & Wang, 2020)

Megophrys anlongensis Li, Lu, Liu & Wang, 2020

安龙角蟾  | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.986.57119

Abstract

A new species of the genus Megophrys is described from Guizhou Province, China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA indicated the new species as a clade clustered into the Megophrys clade. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: body size moderate (SVL 40.0–45.5 mm in males and 48.9–51.2 mm in females); vomerine teeth absent; tongue not notched behind; tympanum distinctly visible, oval; a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; two metacarpal tubercles in hand; toes with rudimentary webbing; heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level of mid-eye when leg stretched forward; in breeding males, an internal single subgular vocal sac present and brownish nuptial pads, made up of black nuptial spines, present on the dorsal base of the first two fingers.

Keywords: Molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, new species, taxonomy

Photographs of the holotype CIBAL20190531018 of Megophrys anlongensis sp. nov. in life
A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsal view of hand D ventral view of hand. E ventral view of foot.

Colour variation in Megophrys anlongensis sp. nov. 
  male CIBAL20190531017: A dorsolateral view, B ventral view; 
 female CIBAL20190531022: C dorsolateral view, D ventral view;  
female CIBAL20190811014: E dorsolateral view, F ventral view. 

Megophrys anlongensis sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis: 

Megophrys anlongensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Megophrys based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following generic diagnostic characters: snout shield-like, projecting beyond the lower jaw; canthus rostralis distinct; chest glands small and round, closer to the axilla than to midventral line; femoral glands on rear part of thigh; vertical pupils.

Megophrys anlongensis sp. nov. could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) body size moderate (SVL 40.0–45.5 mm in males and 48.9–51.2 mm in females); (2) vomerine teeth absent; (3) tongue not notched behind; (4) a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; (5) tympanum distinctly visible, oval; (6) two metacarpal tubercles on hand; (7) toes with rudimentary ...

Etymology: The specific name anlongensis refers to the known distribution of this species, Anlong County, Guizhou Province, China. We propose the common English name “Anlong horned toad”, and Chinese name “An Long Jiao Chan” (安龙角蟾).

 Shi-Ze Li, Ning-Ning Lu, Jing Liu and Bin Wang. 2020. Description of A New Megophrys Kuhl & Van Hasselt, 1822 (Anura, Megophryidae) from Guizhou Province, China. ZooKeys. 986: 101-126. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.986.57119 [Nov 2020]

[Entomology • 2020] Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni • A New Monotypic Genus of Coenagrionidae (Odonata: Zygoptera) from Colombian Amazon

 Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni

Stand-Pérez & Pérez-Gutiérrez, 2020. 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4845.4.7 

Researchgate.net/publication/344100303

Abstract

Pseudotepuibasis gen. nov. is erected for P. garrisoni sp. nov. from the Colombian Amazon (December 2015, Caquetá Department, Solano Municipality, Araracuara, Guacamayo Guard, -72.2497, -0.6308, L. Pérez leg.). Male and female of this new genus are described and illustrated, cerci of male with a ventrobasal spur for which it is considered in the tribe Teinobasini, close to Tepuibasis De Marmels, 2007 and Austrotepuibasis Machado & Lencioni, 2011, by its color pattern and cerci morphology; and close to Leptobasis Selys, 1877 and Mesoleptobasis Sjöstedt, 1918, by its genital ligula. Some notable characters of Pseudotepuibasis are a chitinized spine-like process directed posteriorly on the genital ligula, male cerci with chitinized median tooth, and thoracic color pattern.

Keywords: Odonata, Damselfly, Teinobasini, Guyana shield, tepui, integrative taxonomy, biogeography

 Habitus scan of Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni;
(A) Male holotype; (B) Female allotype. 

 Habitus of female of Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni.

Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni gen. nov. et sp. nov.

 Surroundings of habitat of Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni in rocky plateau with dwarf forest; in the background the Caquetá River.

Miguel Ángel Stand-Pérez and León Andrés Pérez- Gutiérrez. 2020. Pseudotepuibasis gen. nov., A New Monotypic Genus of Coenagrionidae from Colombian Amazon (Odonata: Zygoptera). Zootaxa. 4845(4); 576–584. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4845.4.7 

Researchgate.net/publication/344100303_Pseudotepuibasis_a_new_monotypic_genus_of_Coenagrionidae_from_Colombian_Amazon

[Entomology • 2020] Apsidophora bala & A. chandrapatyae • Two New Species of the Genus Apsidophora Diakonoff, 1973 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from Thailand

[2, 5] Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male)
[3, 6] A. bala, sp. nov. (paratype, females)
[4, 7] A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 

Pinkaew & Muadsub, 2020

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4877.3.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/346815150

Abstract

 Two new species, Apsidophora bala sp. nov. and Apsidophora chandrapatyae sp. nov., are described. Illustrations of adult and genitalia are provided. We also present a photograph of living specimen of A. chandrapatyae sp. nov. in natural resting posture. The two new taxa increase the number of described Apsidophora species to 3.

 Key words: new species, Olethreutini, Thailand

 

 Head of Apsidophora spp. 5. Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 6. A. bala, sp. nov. (paratype, female np13274) 7. A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male).

 Wing pattern of Apsidophora spp. 2. Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 3. A. bala, sp. nov. (paratype, female np6675) 4. A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male), scale bars = 2 mm.

 Male hindwing of Apsidophora spp.
8–9. Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 8. Hindwing 9. Projecting lobe
10–13. A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 10. Hindwing 11. Projecting lobe 12. Two groups of sex scales on hindwing (upperside hindwing) 13. A row of long scales (underside hindwing).

Nantasak Pinkaew and Sopita Muadsub. 2020. Two New Species of the Genus Apsidophora Diakonoff, 1973 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from Thailand. Zootaxa. 4877(3); 401–412. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4877.3.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/346815150_Two_new_Apsidophora_from_Thailand

[Botany • 2020] Strobilanthes sunhangii (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Tibet, China

 

   Strobilanthes sunhangii T. Deng, J.T. Chen & Y.F. Deng, 

in Chen, Huang, Lv, Kuang, Luo, Y.-F. Deng et T. Deng. 2020. 

双曲马蓝  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.166.58831

Abstract

A new species of Acanthaceae, Strobilanthes sunhangii, is described from Mêdog County, Tibet, China. Morphologically, the new species is closely similar to S. medogensis and S. divaricata, but S. sunhangii differs in having glabrous stems, longer spikes, glabrous rachis, double curved corolla and glabrous calyx, different stamens and style.

Keywords: Mêdog, morphological evidence, new species, Strobilanthes sunhangii

 Photograph of the holotype of  Strobilanthes sunhangii T. Deng, J.T. Chen & Y.F. Deng (KUN barcode 1345286!).

 Strobilanthes sunhangii T. Deng, J.T. Chen & Y.F. Deng
A plant showing flowering branch and leaves B flower (view from side) C pistil, ovary and style D calyx E opened corolla showing androecium (Drawn by Xiaoshuang Zhang based on the holotype of Sunhang19964).

 Strobilanthes sunhangii T. Deng, J.T. Chen & Y.F. Deng
A habitat and flowering branch B, C flowering branch and flower (view from front) D, E flower (view from side) F calyx G style H leaf adaxial surfaces I leaf abaxial surfaces.

Strobilanthes sunhangii T. Deng, J.T. Chen & Y.F. Deng, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Strobilanthes sunhangii resembles S. medogensis, but differs by its stems subterete, glabrous (vs. slightly sulcate, bifariously puberulent); spikes (7–)11–22 cm long (vs. 3–6 cm long), rachis glabrous (vs. bifariously pubescent); corolla outside and lobes pinkish-white, inside purplish-pink (vs. corolla yellowish-white, but dull purple on lobes), the tube bent to ca. 90° twice (vs. straight), lobes apices emarginate (vs. rounded); calyx 7–8 mm long, glabrous, 5-lobed to middle (vs. ca. 12 mm long, gland-tipped pubescent, 5-lobed to base), lobes ovate, equal (vs. narrowly oblong-elliptic, subequal); stamens included (vs. exserted), filaments of shorter pair ca. 2 mm long (vs. 7–8 mm long), longer pair ca. 4 mm long (vs. 9–10 mm long), anther thecae ca. 4 mm (vs. ca.1 mm); style with sparse gland-tipped trichomes (vs. glabrous).

Etymology: Strobilanthes sunhangii is named after Prof. Hang Sun (1963–) for his outstanding contributions to the flora of Himalayan regions and collecting this new species for the first time. Verucular name: The Chinese name is given as “双曲马蓝” (shuāng qū mǎ lán), referring to the double-curved corolla of the new species.

 Jun-Tong Chen, Xian-Han Huang, Zhen-Yu Lv, Tian-Hui Kuang, Jian Luo, Yun-Fei Deng and Tao Deng. 2020. Strobilanthes sunhangii (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Tibet, China. PhytoKeys. 166: 117-127. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.166.58831

[Botany • 2020] Graptopetalum sinaloensis (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Sinaloa, Mexico

Graptopetalum sinaloensis R. Vega, 

 in Vega Aviña, Vargas et Pío León, 2020.  

DOI: 10.21829/abm127.2020.1550 

  Researchgate.net/publication/345773954

ABSTRACT 

Background and Aims: The genus Graptopetalum includes about 20 species of branched or acaulescent rosette herbs that grew in little accessible semiarid environments (mountains or ravines) of Mexico and Arizona. The authors have developed continuous work to document the flora of Sinaloa and the present article reports a taxonomic novelty in the genus Graptopetalum.

Methods: In the municipality of Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, a small population of plants of the genus Graptopetalum with dry inflorescences was found in June 2013, and some plants were collected and cultivated, they flowered in March. Plants with flowers were collected from the same location in February 2014. Morphological data of wild and cultivated material were compared with that of herbarium specimens, literature, and cultivated Graptopetalum species; and it was determined that collected material is a new species for science.

Key results: The new taxon Graptopetalum sinaloensis, section Graptopetalum, is described. Its differences and similarities with the closest species are discussed. Moreover, a new and updated dichotomous key is provided for the eight species of this section.

Conclusions: Graptopetalum sinaloensis is endemic to south-central Sinaloa, Mexico. It grows in very localized areas, on rocky walls of streams and at the foot of hills, forming small populations in reduced areas of 5 to 10 m2. Graptopetalum sinaloensis differs from other Graptopetalum species from Sinaloa by its 5-merous flowers vs. G. rusbyi with 6-7-merous ones, and by its paniculate inflorescence, vs. G. occidentale with cymose ones. Additionally, the geographical distribution of the three species does not overlap.

Key words: Byrnesia, flora of Sinaloa, Graptopetalum rusbyi, Graptopetalum occidentale, Sedum, tropical deciduous forest.

Graptopetalum sinaloensis R. Vega.
A. plantas colectadas en campo (28.II.2014); B. y C. inflorescencias y planta en floración en medio silvestre (3.III.2019); D. planta sin floración registrada (7.XI.2018).

Fotos de Rito Vega-Aviña (A) y Juan Fernando Pío-León (B-D).

Graptopetalum sinaloensis R. Vega, sp. nov.

Rito Vega Aviña, Francisco Delgado Vargas and Juan Fernando Pío León. 2020. Graptopetalum sinaloensis (Crassulaceae), una nueva especie de Sinaloa, México [Graptopetalum sinaloensis (Crassulaceae), A New Species from Sinaloa, Mexico]. Acta Botanica Mexicana. 127; e1550. DOI: 10.21829/abm127.2020.1550 

 Researchgate.net/publication/345773954_Graptopetalum_sinaloensis_una_nueva_especie_de_Sinaloa_Mexico

 facebook.com/ActaBotanicaMexicana/posts/3190615780955458

[Fungi • 2020] Leucoagaricus callainitinctus • A New Species of Leucoagaricus section Piloselli (Agaricaceae) from tropical India

 

Leucoagaricus callainitinctus K.P.D. Latha, K.N.A. Raj & Manim.,

in Deepna Latha, Anil Raj et Manimohan, 2020.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.442.2.6 

 Researchgate.net/publication/341293876

Abstract

An interesting species of lepiotaceous fungi, Leucoagaricus callainitinctus sp. nov., is described from Kerala State, India based on morphology and molecular phylogeny. This species is distinguished by basidiocarps that turn dark turquoise on bruising/handling or reacting with NH4OH. A phylogenetic study was conducted based on Maximum likelihood analysis of nrITS sequences. In the phylogram, the new species nested as a distinct lineage in a group, which consisted predominantly of members of section Piloselli of the genus Leucoagaricus. A comprehensive description, photographs of the basidiocarps and the microscopic structures, comparisons with phenetically similar and phylogenetically related species and a phylogram showing the placement of the new species are provided.

Agaricales, Basidiomycota, lepiotoid fungi, phylogeny, taxonomy, Fungi

Leucoagaricus callainitinctus (CAL 1799, holotype).
A-B, D. Basidiocarps in their natural habitat; C. Basidiocarps showing their partial veil; E. Lamellae turning green when reacting with 10 % NH 4 OH.

Scale bars: A = 5 mm, B-E = 10 mm. Photos by: K. N. Anil Raj

Leucoagaricus callainitinctus sp. nov.

K. P. DEEPNA LATHA, K. N. ANIL RAJ and Patinjareveettil MANIMOHAN. 2020. Leucoagaricus callainitinctus—A New Species of Leucoagaricus section Piloselli (Agaricaceae) from tropical India. Phytotaxa. 442(2); 111–120. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.442.2.6 

 Researchgate.net/publication/341293876_Leucoagaricus_callainitinctus-a_new_species_from_tropical_India

[Herpetology • 2020] Pristimantis afrox, P. cisnerosi & P. chocoensis • Phylogenetic Relationships of the Subgenus Hypodictyon (Anura: Strabomantidae: Pristimantis) with the description of Three New Species from the Chocó Region

Pristimantis afrox

Pristimantis cisnerosi

Pristimantis chocoensis

Reyes-Puig, Yánez-Muñoz, Ortega & Ron, 2020

DOI: doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2020.91.3013

 Researchgate.net/publication/341495768

Abstract

We describe 3 new species of frogs Pristimantis, subgenus Hypodictyon from the Chocó of Colombia and Ecuador. Additionally, we present an updated phylogeny of the subgenus Hypodictyon on which we report, for the first time, the phylogenetic position of P. calcaratus, P. colomai, P. illotus, P. kuri, P. rosadoi, P. tenebrionis, and P. variabilis. We review the species content of Hypodictyon and its 2 species groups. Pristimantis afrox sp. nov. is characterized by  bearing  an  ×-shaped  scapular  fold;  an  interocular  fold  and  a  longitudinal  tubercle  in  the  interorbital  region,  toes  with  conspicuous  lateral  fringes  on  fingers  II-V;  distinctive  coloration  on  groin  and  hidden  surfaces  of  thighs  red.  Pristimantis chocoensis sp. nov. is characterized by having finger I equal or slightly shorter than II; venter and throat homogenously cream to slightly stained with brown, and black marks towards the insertion of the arm. Pristimantis cisnerosi  sp.  nov.  exhibits  strongly  convex  and  flared  nasal  bones;  protruding  nostrils  anteriorly;  dorsal  coloration  dark brown and venter scarlet; bearing conical tubercles on the upper eyelid and reduced tympanum.

Keywords: Bioregion; Terrarana; Phylogeny; Pristimantis afrox sp. nov.; Pristimantis chocoensis sp. nov.; Pristimantis cisnerosi sp. nov.

Pristimantis afrox sp.  nov. (DHMECN 6578)

 

Pristimantis cisnerosi sp. nov. (DHMECN 6683)

Pristimantis chocoensis sp. nov. (QCAZ 65560)

Carolina Reyes-Puig, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Jhael A. Ortega and Santiago R. Ron. 2020. Relaciones filogenéticas del subgénero Hypodictyon (Anura: Strabomantidae: Pristimantis) con la descripción de tres especies nuevas de la región del Chocó [Phylogenetic relationships of the subgenus Hypodictyon (Anura: Strabomantidae: Pristimantis) with the description of three new species from the Chocó región]. Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad. 91: e913013. DOI: doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2020.91.3013

 Researchgate.net/publication/341495768_Relaciones_filogeneticas_del_subgenero_Hypodictyon_Pristimantis_con_la_descripcion_de_tres_especies_nuevas_de_la_region_del_Choco

    facebook.com/rockoliina/posts/10157517252513299

 facebook.com/USFQCOCIBA/posts/10157066221636921

 twitter.com/santiak/status/1262929232445018114

Resumen: Describimos 3 nuevas especies de cutines Pristimantis del subgénero Hypodictyon de la bioregión del Chocó de Colombia y Ecuador. Además, presentamos una filogenia actualizada del subgénero Hypodictyon en la que reportamos por primera vez la posición filogenética de P. calcaratus, P. colomai, P. illotus, P. kuri, P. rosadoi, P. tenebrionis y P. variabilis. Se revisó el contenido de Hypodictyon y sus 2 grupos de especies. Pristimantis afrox sp. nov. se caracteriza por la presencia de un pliegue escapular en forma de ×; pliegue interocular y tubérculo longitudinal en la región interorbital; dedos del pie con pronunciados rebordes cutáneos basales en los dedos II-V; distintiva coloración inguinal y superficies ocultas de los muslos rojas. Pristimantis chocoensis sp. nov. posee dedo I de la mano igual o ligeramente más corto que el II; vientre y garganta homogéneamente crema a ligeramente manchados de café, pliegue interorbital, rebordes cutáneos laterales presentes, pliegue metatarsal interno y manchas negras hacia la inserción posterior del brazo. Pristimantis cisnerosi sp. nov. presenta distintivos huesos nasales fuertemente convexos y acampanados; narinas protuberantes proyectadas anteriormente; coloración dorsal café oscura y vientre café escarlata; tubérculos cónicos sobre el párpado y tímpano reducido.

Palabras clave: bioregión; terrarana; filogenia; Pristimantis afrox sp. nov.; Pristimantis chocoensis sp. nov.; Pristimantis cisnerosi sp. nov.

[Arachnida • 2020] Jingneta gen. nov., Falcileptoneta shuanglong, Jingneta caoxian, Longileptoneta gutan, ... • Taxonomic Notes on Leptonetidae (Araneae) from China, with Descriptions of One New Genus and Eight New Species

 

Jingneta caoxian Wang & Li, 

in Wang, Li et Zhu, 2020.

DOI: doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.214 

Abstract

Species of the spider family Leptonetidae Simon, 1890 from China are revised based on molecular and morphological data analyses. A new genus, Jingneta Wang & Li gen. nov., is erected, with Leptoneta cornea Tong & Li, 2008 as the type species. Twenty-two Chinese species previously assigned to the genus Leptoneta Simon, 1872 are revised, with eight transferred to Falcileptoneta Komatsu, 1970, seven transferred to Jingneta gen. nov ., five transferred to Leptonetela Kratochvíl, 1978, and one species each transferred to Longileptoneta Seo, 2015 and Masirana Kishida, 1942. Eight new species are described: i.e., Falcileptoneta shuanglong Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂), Jingneta caoxian Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), J. jingdong Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), Longileptoneta gutan Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), L. huangshan Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), L. shenxian Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀), L. yeren Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂), and L. zhuxian Wang & Li sp. nov. (♂♀). In total, 127 leptonetid species from six genera are documented from China: nine species of Falcileptoneta, nine species of Jingneta gen. nov ., 101 species of Leptonetela, six species of Longileptoneta, one species of Masirana, and one species of Rhyssoleptoneta Tong & Li, 2007. 

Keywords: Asia, Morphology, New combination, Taxonomy

Jingneta caoxian sp. nov., 

male holotype 

A: Habitus, dorsal view; B: Palpal bulb, ventral view; C: Palp, prolateral view; D: Palp, retrolateral view. 

PS: Prolateral sclerite; E: Embolus; MS: Median sclerite.

 female paratype 

A: Habitus, dorsal view; B: Habitus, ventral view; C: Internal genitalia, dorsal view. 

At: Atrium; SS: Spermathecae stalk; SH: Spermathecae.

Genus Jingneta Wang & Li gen. nov.

Type species: Leptoneta cornea Tong & Li, 2008 from China. 

Etymology: The generic name is derived from the pinyin word “Jing”, referring to Beijing City (Jing is a short name for Beijing), where the genus is distributed, and “-neta” as part of the genus Leptoneta. The gender is feminine. 

Diagnosis: Jingneta gen. nov. males are similar to those in the genus Longileptoneta, by strong spines on femur of male palp but can be distinguished by tibia with one or two horn-shaped or spine-like apophyses; cymbium branched distally, lacking transverse depression; bulb with two sclerites, prolateral sclerite absent. 

 Chun-Xia Wang, Shu-Qiang Li, Wen-Hui Zhu. 2020. Taxonomic Notes on Leptonetidae (Arachnida, Araneae) from China, with Descriptions of One New Genus and Eight New Species. Zoological Research. 41(6): 684-704. DOI: doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.214 

[Entomology • 2020] Xya leucophrys • Two New Species of the Genus Xya Latreille, 1809 (Orthoptera: Tridactyloidea: Tridactylidae) from Japan

 

Xya leucophrys

Sato & Ichikawa, 2020

  Researchgate.net/publication/349455360 

A new species of pygmy locust in the genus Xya (Tridactylidae), X. leucophrys sp. nov., is described from central Honshu, Japan.

Xya leucophrys sp. nov.

Rie Sato and Akihiko Ichikawa. 2020. A New Species of the Genus Xya Latreille, 1809 (Orthoptera: Tridactyloidea: Tridactylidae) from Japan. Japanese Journal of Systematic Entomology. 26 (2): 290–293. [December 30, 2020]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/349455360_A_New_Species_of_Xya_from_Japan

[Entomology • 2020] Xya xishangbanna & X. yunnanensis • Two New Species of the Genus Xya Latreille, 1809 (Orthoptera: Tridactyloidea: Tridactylidae) from Yunnan, China with a key to all Xya species in China

 

Xya xishangbanna

Cao, Rong & Naveed, 2020

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.947.51067 

Abstract

This contribution to the taxonomy of Xya Latreille, 1809 (Orthoptera, Tridactyloidea, Tridactylidae) adds descriptions and photographic illustrations of two new species: Xya xishangbanna sp. nov. and Xya yunnanensis sp. nov. from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China. Xya xishangbanna sp. nov. can be diagnosed by the shiny dark brown hind femora, and the epiproct with a shallow bottom of the middle “v-shaped” crack in the upper part and straight sides; Xya yunnanensis sp. nov. can be diagnosed by the compound eye bearing no narrow band along the inner margin, and the epiproct with the bottom of the side edge with a sharply angled protrusion and a narrow lower anchor-shaped base less than 1/2 the width of the upper one. Distributional information and bionomics for these two new species and photos for the habitat are given. A key to all Chinese species of Xya is provided.

Keywords: key, new species, Orthoptera, pygmy mole cricket, taxonomy, Tridactylidae, Xya

Xya xishangbanna sp. nov. 
1 body in dorsal view ♂ 2 body in lateral view ♂ 3 body in ventral view ♂ 4 body in dorsal view♀ 5 head in frontal view ♀ 6 end of abdomen in posterior view ♂ 7 gonopore in ventral view ♀.

Scale bars: 1.0 mm.

 Chengquan Cao, Hua Rong and Hassan Naveed. 2020.  Two New Species of the Genus Xya Latreille, 1809 (Orthoptera, Tridactyloidea, Tridactylidae) from Yunnan with a key to all Xya species in China. ZooKeys. 947: 103-112. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.947.51067 

[Botany • 2020] Laobambos calcareus (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae) • Discovery of the First Succulent Bamboo in A New Genus from Laos’ Karst Areas, with A Unique Adaptation to Seasonal Drought

  Laobambos calcareus  Haev., Lamxay & D.Z.Li,

 

in Haevermans, Mantuano, Zhou, Lamxay, Haevermans, Blanc et Li, 2020. 

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.156.51636 

Abstract

Lush jungle flagship species, woody bamboos (Poaceae–Bambusoideae) are famed for their synchronous flowering as well as the extensive “bamboo forests” some species can form in tropical or temperate environments. In portions of their natural distribution, Bambusoideae members developed various adaptations to seasonality in environmental parameters, such as frost or seasonal drought. A new taxon, Laobambos calcareus, described here, is extremely novel in showing the first documented case of succulence in bamboos, with its ability to seasonally vary the volume of its stem depending on the quantity of water stored. Anatomical studies presented in this paper document this specificity at the cellular level. Though no flowers or fruits are known yet, unique morphological characteristics along with an investigation of its phylogenetic affinities using molecular data show that this new taxon should belong to a new genus herein described. 

Keywords: Bambusinae, desiccation tolerance, genetic resources, xerophyte

  Laobambos calcareus
A Adult plant in habitat at the type locality during rainy season B detail of foliage leaves C detail of the waxy marks on fresh inflated culms, revealing the ridges present on the dried-state culm during the dormant period D detail of a node and a branch complement E view of base of the clump showing the greenish inflated fresh live culms, along with ridged dehydrated brown dead culms.

(Photo credit Thomas Haevermans 05/2012).

  Laobambos calcareus.
A Plant in habitat, growing in karst crevices typically along with Euphorbia antiquorum L. and Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C.Chen B leaf complement C plant in dormant state, rhizome leaves removed to show the structure D rhizome with year+1 shoot cross-section, and young shoots E petiole insertion with inner and outer ligules (view from below) F culm sheath, ventral view.

Scale bars: 1 m (A); 2 cm (B); 5 cm (C, D); 2 mm (E); 1 cm (F).

(Illustration credit Agathe Haevermans).

Laobambos Haev., Lamxay & D.Z.Li, gen. nov.

 

Type species: Laobambos calcareus Haev., Lamxay & D.Z.Li.

Laobambos calcareus Haev., Lamxay & D.Z.Li, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Similar to Bonia saxatilis var. solida in habit but differs in its succulent culms, persistent culm-sheaths, the unequal structure of its internode pattern, and the absence of culm leaf blade, auricles, or oral setae.

The generic name indicates that the new taxon is restricted to Laos, and the specific epithet emphasizes that the species is restricted to bare karstic crevices.

 Scheme detailing Laobambos calcareus culm architecture illustrating the much elongated first internode, alternate branching with branch diameter matching the diameter of adjacent culm segment, and length of branches not exceeding the total length of the culm.

(Illustration: Agathe Haevermans).

Conclusion: 

DNA sequences comparison informs us that this unique karst-restricted desiccation tolerant bamboo taxon is related to Neomicrocalamus and Temochloa (Fig. 5). However, no morphological characters unite it to these taxa and thus provides no justification for describing it as a species in one of these two sister genera. We decided to accommodate this species in a new genus to take into account its unique morphology and DNA-based phylogenetic relationships. Further work is needed as no other specimens (fertile or not) have been found in local and international herbaria such as the Paris herbarium (P), which holds a very large representative collection of bamboo specimens from this area. While its formal conservation status cannot be assessed for now due to data deficiency (it is thus tentatively rated Data Deficient), this taxon appears rare and quite restricted in range and habitat as only one population has been located by us or collaborators and thus likely belongs to one of the IUCN threat categories. Extensive fieldwork is required to try to locate other populations of this taxon as well as to collect flowering material if ever possible. Anatomical and developmental studies based on live plants are also necessary to document and understand the water storage cycle in this taxon and determine its abilities and limits in terms of desiccation tolerance. Being a wild relative of economically important tropical bamboos, further research into the adaptations of Laobambos toward desiccation tolerance may bring further breeding possibilities and genetic resources for commercial bamboo growers in seasonally dry areas hit by climate change. 

Thomas Haevermans, Dulce Mantuano, Meng-Yuan Zhou, Vichith Lamxay, Agathe Haevermans, Patrick Blanc and De-Zhu Li. 2020. Discovery of the First Succulent Bamboo (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) in A New Genus from Laos’ Karst Areas, with A Unique Adaptation to Seasonal Drought. PhytoKeys. 156: 125-137. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.156.51636 

[Botany • 2020] Stigmatodon attenuatoides (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) • A New mat-forming Species on inselbergs of southeastern Brazil

 

Stigmatodon attenuatoides D.R.Couto, Manhães & A.F.Costa, 

in Couto, Manhães et Costa, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.468.1.11  

 Researchgate.net/publication/344841259 

 

Abstract

During the taxonomic revision of the genus Stigmatodon, we found an unknown epilithic mat-forming species, morphologically close to S. belloi, on vertical granitic surfaces on inselbergs in southern Espírito Santo state, Brazil. We described and illustrated the new species, including a comparative analysis of characters that distinguish it from similar species. We also provide data on habitat, ecology, geographical distribution and evaluation about its threat of extinction according to the criteria of the IUCN.

Atlantic Forest, cliff ecosystems, conservation, granitic rocky outcrops, monocotyledonous mats, Vrieseinae, Monocots

 

Stigmatodon attenuatoides D. R. Couto, Manhães & A. F. Costa, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The epithet of this new species alludes to the resemblance between its leaves and those of Agave attenuata Salm-Dyck (1834: 303, Asparagaceae), which are green and covered by a thick layer of white epicuticular wax too. 

Dayvid Rodrigues COUTO, Vitor da CUNHA MANHÃES, Andrea Ferreira da COSTA. 2020. Stigmatodon attenuatoides (Tillandsioideae, Bromeliaceae): A New mat-forming Species on inselbergs of southeastern Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 468(1); 143–149. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.468.1.11 [2020-10-23]

 Researchgate.net/publication/344841259_Stigmatodon_attenuatoides_a_new_mat-forming_species_on_inselbergs_of_southeastern_Brazil