Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution Latest 100 Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 03:10:02 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zse.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Four new species and one newly-recorded species of the genus Opopaea Simon, 1892 (Araneae, Oonopidae) from southern China, with a key to Chinese species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/120305/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(2): 325-347

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.120305

Authors: Yang Zhou, Dongju Bian, Zizhong Yang, Zhisheng Zhang, Yanfeng Tong, Shuqiang Li

Abstract: Five species of the genus Opopaea Simon, 1892 from southern China are recognised, including four new species: Opopaea mangun Tong & Li, sp. nov., Opopaea taibao Tong & Yang, sp. nov., Opopaea wenshan Tong & Zhang, sp. nov. and Opopaea yuhuang Tong & Li, sp. nov. from Yunnan and one newly-recorded species: Opopaea foveolata Roewer, 1963 from Hainan. Detailed diagnoses, descriptions and photomicroscopy images of new species are provided, based on specimens of both sexes. A key to species of the genus Opopaea from China is provided.

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Research Article Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:46:49 +0200
Taxonomic revision of Phoxinus minnows (Leuciscidae) from Caucasus, with description of a new narrow-ranged endemic species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/115696/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 291-308

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.115696

Authors: Oleg N. Artaev, Ilya S. Turbanov, Aleksey A. Bolotovskiy, Aleksandr A. Gandlin, Boris A. Levin

Abstract: Taxonomic revision of Phoxinus from the Caucasus revealed two distinct species. One species, P. colchicus, was known from eastern drainage of Black Sea, but was recorded also in the middle reach of the Kuban (Sea of Azov basin), for the first time. The Kuban population represents a genetically unique sub-lineage of P. colchicus. Its ancestors might have colonized the Kuban system through the event of ancient river capture. Another species inhabits only the Adagum River basin in the lower Kuban and represents a new narrow-ranged endemic species – Phoxinus adagumicus sp. nov. According to mtDNA phylogeny (COI and cytb), P. adagumicus sp. nov. represents deeply divergent and one of the two early branched lineages of the genus Phoxinus being distant to other species (min. p-distance = 0.074) including geographical neighbors – P. chrysoprasius from Crimean Peninsula and P. colchicus from the Caucasus. The new species differs from most Phoxinus species by frequently occurring single-row pharyngeal teeth (modal formula 5–4). The narrow geographic range (ca. 55 km in length and 15–20 km in width) and high anthropogenic load on local water systems suggests the new species is under threat and needs protection.

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Research Article Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:02:22 +0200
Bashimyzon cheni, a new genus and species of sucker loach (Teleostei, Gastromyzontidae) from South China https://zse.pensoft.net/article/116535/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 309-324

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.116535

Authors: Xiong Gong, E Zhang

Abstract: Bashimyzon, new genus, is here established for Erromyzon damingshanensis, and a new species of the genus is described from the You-Jiang of the Pearl River (=Zhu-Jiang in mandarin Chinese) basin in Guangxi Province, South China. This new genus has a small gill opening above the pectoral-fin base and short pectoral fins extending backwards short of pelvic-fin insertions, both characters combined to separate it from all currently-recognized gastromyzontid genera except Erromyzon and Protomyzon, but differs from the two genera in having a larger gap between the posterior edge of eye and the vertical through the pectoral-fin insertion and very small fleshy lobes posterior to the maxillary-barbel bases. It is further distinct from its most similar genus Erromyzon in having a relatively larger gill opening, fewer branched pectoral-fin rays folded against body, and more posteriorly placed pectoral fins with a shorter fin base. Bashimyzon cheni, new species, and B. damingshanensis, the single congeneric species, differ in number of lateral-line pored scales, body coloration, and cephalic contour, and also in substantial genetic divergence.

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Research Article Wed, 20 Mar 2024 10:26:16 +0200
A survey of the genus Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Araneae, Oonopidae) from Xishuangbanna, China, with descriptions of five new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/117968/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 255-277

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.117968

Authors: Chenxue Song, Yanfeng Tong, Dongju Bian, Shuqiang Li

Abstract: Five new species and three known species of the genus Orchestina Simon, 1882 are recorded from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province: O. clavulata Tong & Li, 2011 (♂), O. colubrina Liu, Henrard & Xu, 2019 (♂♀), O. concava Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂), O. menglun Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂), O. subclavulata Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂), O. truncatula Tong & Li, 2011 (♂♀), O. wengnan Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂) and O. xui Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀). The males of O. colubrina Liu, Henrard & Xu, 2019 is described for the first time. An identification key to species of the genus Orchestina from Xishuangbanna is provided.

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Research Article Fri, 8 Mar 2024 16:25:48 +0200
A new species of terrestrial foam-nesting frog of the Adenomera simonstuarti complex (Anura, Leptodactylidae) from white-sand forests of central Amazonia, Brazil https://zse.pensoft.net/article/110133/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 233-253

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.110133

Authors: Bryan da Cunha Martins, Alexander Tamanini Mônico, Cianir Mendonça, Silionamã P. Dantas, Jesus R. D. Souza, James Hanken, Albertina Pimentel Lima, Miquéias Ferrão

Abstract: By using integrative taxonomy, we describe a new species of terrestrial foam-nesting frog of the genus Adenomera from white-sand forests of the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, Central Amazonia, Brazil. Within the A. andreae clade, the new species belongs to the A. simonstuarti complex where it is sister to the lineage from the lower Juruá River. The new species is assigned to the genus Adenomera by having adult SVL smaller than 34.1 mm, by its lack of fringing and webbing between toes and by the absence of spines on the thumb of adult males. It differs from other Adenomera by the following combination of characters: antebrachial tubercle absent; toe tips flattened or slightly flattened, with visible expansions; nearly solid, dark-coloured stripe on underside of forearm; single-note advertisement call; notes formed by 11–21 incomplete pulses; call duration varying between 100 and 199 ms; fundamental frequency 1,765–2,239 Hz; dominant frequency 3,448–4,349 Hz; and endotrophic tadpoles with spiracle present and labial teeth absent. Over the last decade, we have inventoried many permanent sampling modules in ombrophilous forests in the Manaus Region and in the Purus-Madeira interfluve, but the new species was found only in the white-sand forest from West Negro-Solimões Interfluve. Adenomera sp. nov. may be endemic to, or at least a specialist in, this environment.

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Research Article Thu, 7 Mar 2024 10:19:29 +0200
A survey of Pholcus spiders (Araneae, Pholcidae) from the Qinling Mountains of central China, with descriptions of seven new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/116759/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 199-221

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.116759

Authors: Lan Yang, Chang Fu, Yaxuan Zhang, Qiaoqiao He, Zhiyuan Yao

Abstract: We report 18 spider species of the genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805 from a survey in the Qinling Mountains of central China. They belong to four species groups and include seven species new to science: Pholcus jiaozuo Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀) in the taishan species group; P. luonan Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀), P. luoyang Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀), P. lushan Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀), P. shangluo Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀), P. weinan Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀) and P. yuncheng Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀) in the yichengicus species group. Detailed diagnoses, descriptions, photomicroscopy images and DNA barcodes of all new species are provided. Our study will make a significant contribution to understanding species diversity and zoogeography of the region.

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Research Article Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:33:23 +0200
A new species of Zhangixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Yunnan, China https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113850/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 183-197

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113850

Authors: Yuanqiang Pan, Mian Hou, Guohua Yu, Shuo Liu

Abstract: We described herein Zhangixalus yunnanensis sp. nov., a new treefrog species from central and western Yunnan, China, which had previously been confused with Z. nigropunctatus, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species is sister to the clade of Z. nigropunctatus and Z. melanoleucus with strong support (100% and 73% for BI and ML, respectively). Our morphological analysis suggested that Z. yunnanensis sp. nov. is distinctly different from all known congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: black blotches on body flank and hind-limb, medium body size (SVL31.3–36.0 mm in males and 47.6–48.6 mm in females), head wider than long, iris yellowish-brown, dorsum uniformly green, vocal sac external, throat black, webbing greyish and fingers webbed one third and toes webbed half. Additionally, we revealed that the specimens ROM 38011 (Sa Pa, Vietnam) and VNMN 4099 (Son La, Vietnam) are neither Z. dorsoviridis nor Z. nigropunctatus, but probably represent one or two cryptic species of Zhangixalus pending further morphological and molecular data. Including the new species described herein, the genus Zhangixalus currently comprises 42 species, 30 of which are distributed in China with 11 species known from Yunnan. Amongst different zoogeographic regions in Yunnan, south-eastern Yunnan has the highest diversity of Zhangixalus, followed by western Yunnan and southern Yunnan. More studies are required to clarify the species diversity of this genus based on multiple lines of evidence (e.g. morphological and molecular data).

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Research Article Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:24:36 +0200
Integrative description of a new species of Dugesia (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae) from southern China, with its complete mitogenome and a biogeographic evaluation https://zse.pensoft.net/article/114016/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 167-182

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.114016

Authors: Ying Zhu, JiaJie Huang, Ronald Sluys, Yi Liu, Ting Sun, An-Tai Wang, Yu Zhang

Abstract: A new species of freshwater flatworm of the genus Dugesia from Guangdong Province in China is described through an integrative approach, including molecular and morphological data, as well as mitochondrial genome analysis. The new species, Dugesia ancoraria Zhu & Wang, sp. nov., is characterised by: (a) a highly asymmetrical penis papilla, provided with a hunchback-like dorsal bump; (b) a short duct between seminal vesicle and ejaculatory duct; and (c) a postero-ventral course of the ejaculatory duct, which opens to the exterior at the subterminal, ventral part of the penis papilla. The molecular phylogenetic tree obtained from the concatenated dataset of four DNA markers (18S rDNA, ITS-1, 28S rDNA, COI) facilitated determination of the phylogenetic position of the new species, which shares a sister-group relationship with a small clade, comprising D. notogaea Sluys & Kawakatsu, 1998 from Australia and D. bengalensis Kawakatsu, 1983 from India. The circular mitogenome of the new species is 17,705 bp in length, including 12 protein coding genes, two ribosomal genes, and 22 transfer RNAs. Via analysis of gene order of mitochondrial genomes, the presently available pattern of mitochondrial gene rearrangement in the suborder Continenticola is discussed.

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Research Article Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:39:57 +0200
A new species of krait of the genus Bungarus (Squamata, Elapidae) from Ratchaburi Province, western Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/116601/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 141-154

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.116601

Authors: Akrachai Aksornneam, Attapol Rujirawan, Siriporn Yodthong, Yik-Hei Sung, Anchalee Aowphol

Abstract: We described a new species of elapid snake genus Bungarus from the Tenasserim Mountain Range in Ratchaburi Province, western Thailand. Bungarus sagittatus sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners by having the combination of 15 dorsal scale rows; 215–217 ventral scales; 48–56 undivided subcaudal; prefrontal suture 2.4–2.6 times length of internasal suture; anterior chin shields larger than posterior chin shields; head of adult uniform black while juvenile black with small dim white patches on temporal and parietal areas; dorsal body black, with 25–31 white narrow bands, white and black bands at midbody covering 1.5–3.0 and 4.5–6.0 vertebral scales, respectively; dorsal body black bands not intruding ventrals or intruding ventrals less than 0.5 times of width of outer dorsal scales; ventral surface of body immaculate white; ventral side of tail white with a row of dark brown triangular patches on middle pointing posteriorly; tail relatively long, tail length/total length 0.140–0.143. Genetically, the new species has uncorrected pairwise divergences of ≥ 8.29% of the mitochondrial cytochrome b from other Bungarus species. Currently, the new species is only known from the type locality.

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Research Article Tue, 30 Jan 2024 09:44:45 +0200
Supplemental re-description of a deep-sea ascidian, Fimbrora calsubia (Ascidiacea, Enterogona), with an inference of its phylogenetic position https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113132/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 129-140

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113132

Authors: Naohiro Hasegawa, Natsumi Hookabe, Yoshihiro Fujiwara, Naoto Jimi, Hiroshi Kajihara

Abstract: Fimbrora Monniot & Monniot, 1991, a macrophagous ascidian genus within the family Ascidiidae Adams & Adams, 1858, is currently monotypic, represented by F. calsubia Monniot & Monniot, 1991, a species previously recorded from the bottom of the South Pacific at depths of 1000–1860 m. The taxonomic status of Fimbrora has remained ambiguous because characteristics in its branchial papillae and neural-gland opening are incompletely known in previous studies, while these traits are essential for distinguishing other ascidiid genera. So far, no nucleotide sequence representing F. calsubia is available. In this study, we collected a single specimen of F. calsubia at a depth of 2027 m, about 400 km off the Pacific coast of Honshu, Japan. This is the deepest record, as well as the first report from the North Pacific, for the species. Our examination indicates that Fimbrora is morphologically similar to another ascidiid genus, Psammascidia Monniot, 1962, by having only secondary branchial papillae in the pharynx. Our phylogenetic analysis, based on the 18S ribosomal RNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I genes, along with those of 27 ascidian species available in public databases, showed that F. calsubia was more closely related to Ascidia zara Oka, 1935, Phallusia fumigata (Grube, 1864) and Phallusia mammilata (Cuvier, 1815) than to Ascidia ceratodes (Huntsman, 1912), Ascidiella aspersa (Müller, 1776) and Ascidiella scabra (Müller, 1776). Our results also indicated that acquisitions of macrophagous feeding by deep-sea members happened independently at least three times in the evolutionary history of the entire Ascidiacea.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:12 +0200
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic position of the giant deep-sea oyster Neopycnodonte zibrowii Gofas, Salas & Taviani, 2009 https://zse.pensoft.net/article/115692/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 111-118

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.115692

Authors: Matteo Garzia, Daniele Salvi

Abstract: The giant deep-sea oyster Neopycnodonte zibrowii Gofas, C. Salas & Taviani, 2009 is a keystone deep-sea habitat builder species. Discovered about fifteen years ago in the Azores, it has been described and assigned to the genus Neopycnodonte Fischer von Waldheim, 1835 based on morphological features. In this study, we generated DNA sequence data for both mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and nuclear (ITS2 and 28S) markers based on the holotype specimen of N. zibrowii to establish a molecular phylogenetic framework for the systematic assessment of this species and to provide a reliable (i.e., holotype-based) reference sequence set for multilocus DNA barcoding approaches. Molecular data provide compelling evidence that the giant deep-sea oyster is a distinct species, rather than a deep-water ecophenotype of Neopycnodonte cochlear (Poli, 1795), with extremely high genetic divergence from any other gryphaeid. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses place the giant deep-sea oyster within the clade “Neopycnodonte/Pycnodonte” with closer affinity to N. cochlear rather than to P. taniguchii Hayami & Kase, 1992, thus supporting its assignment to the genus Neopycnodonte. Relationships within this clade are not well supported because mitochondrial variation is inflated by saturation that eroded phylogenetic signal, implying an old split between taxa within this clade. Finally, the set of reference barcode sequences of N. zibrowii generated in this study will be useful for a wide plethora of barcoding applications in deep-sea biodiversity surveys. Molecular validation of recent records of deep-sea oysters from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea will be crucial to clarify the distribution of N. zibrowii and assess the phenotypic variation and ecology of this enigmatic species.

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Short Communication Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:10 +0200
A new species of land snail, Xanthomelon amurndamilumila, from the North East Isles off Groote Eylandt (= Ayangkidarrba), Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia (Stylommatophora, Camaenidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113243/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 61-68

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113243

Authors: Frank Köhler, Richard C. Willan, Adam J. Bourke, Paul Barden, Michael Shea

Abstract: This paper introduces Xanthomelon amurndamilumila sp. nov., a newly-discovered land snail species inhabiting the North East Isles, offshore from Groote Eylandt (= Ayangkidarrba), north-western Gulf of Carpentaria, in the Northern Territory, Australia. Specimens of this species were first collected during the 2021 Bush Blitz expedition to Groote Eylandt, a large offshore archipelago previously unexplored for land snails. The taxonomic status of the new species was established through a comprehensive analysis of comparative morphology and mitochondrial genetics: X. amurndamilumila forms a maximally supported clade closely related to X. arnhemense and is characterised by a unique combination of morphological characteristics, including smaller shell size, distinctive sculpture of collabral ridges and specific features of its reproductive anatomy. The genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationships suggest historical isolation. While the discovery of X. amurndamilumila sp. nov. enriches our understanding of land snail diversity in the Northern Territory, its conservation status is of concern on North East Island because of habitat degradation caused by feral deer.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:06 +0200
Pilsbrylia, a dextral-shelled door snail from South America (Gastropoda, Clausiliidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/110105/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 9-14

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.110105

Authors: Rodrigo B. Salvador, Abraham S. H. Breure

Abstract: The land snail genus Pilsbrylia Hylton Scott, 1952 has been recently shown to not belong to the superfamily to which it was originally assigned (i.e., the Orthalicoidea), instead pointing out a relationship with the Clausilioidea. In this study, we included the type species of the genus in a multi-marker molecular phylogenetic framework to reassess its family-level classification. Our results show that Pilsbrylia belongs to family Clausiliidae (known as ‘door snails’) and more specifically, to subfamily Peruiniinae. This family is unique among stylommatophorans for consisting almost exclusively of animals with sinistral (left-handed) shells, whilst Pilsbrylia has a “typical” dextral shell.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:02 +0200
A new species of Ditha (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae, Tridenchthoniinae) from the Western Ghats of India, with an identification key for the genus https://zse.pensoft.net/article/110020/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 1-8

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.110020

Authors: Kyung-Hoon Jeong, Danilo Harms, Jithin Johnson

Abstract: A new species of the pseudoscorpion genus Ditha Chamberlin, 1929, is described from Kerala State, India. A detailed morphological description, diagnostic features, and illustrations of Ditha (Paraditha) shivanparaensis Jeong, Harms & Johnson, sp. nov. are provided. The current distribution of all the known Ditha species is mapped, and an identification key for the genus is provided.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:01 +0200
A new species of Cerapus (Amphipoda, Senticaudata, Ischyroceridae) from Mae Klong Estuary, with a discussion on their nesting and types of mating behaviour https://zse.pensoft.net/article/107974/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 557-574

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.107974

Authors: Chanikan Katnoum, Tosaphol Saetung Keetapithchayakul, Azman Abdul Rahim, Koraon Wongkamhaeng

Abstract: The first representative of the genus Cerapus in the Gulf of Thailand, Cerapus rivulus sp. nov., is described from specimens sampled from Mae Klong Estuary, the inner Gulf of Thailand. The main identifying characteristics of this new amphipod species are pereonites 1 and 2 without constriction; male gnathopod propodus palm transverse with long posterior defining tooth and well-developed anterodistal recurved tooth adjacent to propodus articulation; pereopod 6 coxa without fine fringe setae ventrally, basis with setae on posterior margin; and telson with deep cleft. An updated identification key for the 25 known species in the genus is also presented. A discussion on their nesting and types of mating behaviour is provided.

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Research Article Mon, 4 Dec 2023 10:41:34 +0200
A new freshwater species of Gnorimosphaeroma (Crustacea, Isopoda, Sphaeromatidae) from Chichi-jima Island, Ogasawara Islands, Japan https://zse.pensoft.net/article/108032/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 545-556

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.108032

Authors: Ko Tomikawa, Junpei Yoshii, Akari Noda, Chi-Woo Lee, Tetsuro Sasaki, Naoya Kimura, Noboru Nunomura

Abstract: This study describes Gnorimosphaeroma rivulare sp. nov. from a stream on Chichi-jima Island, Ogasawara Islands, Japan. This is the second freshwater species of Gnorimosphaeroma and the third Sphaeromatidae from oceanic islands. Gnorimosphaeroma rivulare sp. nov. is morphologically similar to G. boninense Nunomura, 2006, G. naktongense Kwon & Kim, 1987 and G. saijoense Nunomura, 2013. However, G. rivulare sp. nov. differs from these species in various morphological features, such as the shape of pleotelson and pereopod 2, relative length of antennule peduncular articles and pleopod 3 rami, number of setae on maxillula and maxilliped, and setation on pereopod 3. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that G. akanense is sister to G. saijoense, and together they are sister to G. hokurikuense. This three taxa clade is sister to G. rivulare sp. nov. with G. iriei basal to them all. Our analysis concludes that G. boninense from Haha-jima Island, Ogasawara Islands is only distantly related to G. rivulare and may represent an independent colonization event.

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Research Article Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:05:31 +0200
A new species of free-living marine nematode, Fotolaimus cavus sp. nov. (Nematoda, Oncholaimida, Oncholaimidae), isolated from a submarine anchialine cave in the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan https://zse.pensoft.net/article/109097/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 519-533

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.109097

Authors: Daisuke Shimada, Keiichi Kakui, Yoshihisa Fujita

Abstract: Fotolaimus cavus sp. nov. was described from a submarine anchialine cave called Akuma-no-yakata on the Shimoji Island, Miyako Island Group, Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan. This is the first free-living marine nematode isolated from a submarine cave in Japan, and the third species of the genus Fotolaimus. This new species differs from its congeners by its small body size, wide amphids, long buccal cavity, long conico-cylindrical tail, and proximally curved gubernaculum. We provide amended dichotomous keys to genera in the subfamily Oncholaiminae and species in Fotolaimus. We also analyzed partial DNA sequences encoding ribosomal small subunit RNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I from Fotolaimus cavus sp. nov. and six other species of Oncholaimidae collected from Japanese waters. The phylogenetic tree based on the ribosomal small subunit RNA sequences using maximum likelihood analysis suggested a close relationship between Fotolaimus and Wiesoncholaimus as well as Oncholaimus. The topology of the tree was similar to those from previous studies; however, it suggested a new phylogenetic position of Adoncholaimus as a sister clade for Viscosia and Oncholaimus.

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Research Article Mon, 6 Nov 2023 16:42:21 +0200
Identification of the rare deep-dwelling goby Suruga fundicola Jordan & Snyder, 1901 (Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from the Yellow Sea https://zse.pensoft.net/article/102345/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 489-501

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102345

Authors: Changting An, Ang Li, Huan Wang, Busu Li, Kaiying Liu, Hongyue Sun, Shufang Liu, Zhimeng Zhuang, Richard van der Laan

Abstract: During the 2022 R/V cruises in the Yellow Sea, four goby specimens (51.2‒63.5 mm) were captured by using an Agassiz trawl at a water depth of about 70 meters. These specimens were identified as Suruga fundicola, mainly by the morphometric characters. Their identification was further confirmed by a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 12S and COI mtDNA genes. Considering that the four specimens were in good condition and that the original description is brief, a detailed description of the specimens is given. Moreover, the present study presents a preliminary analysis of its phylogenetic position within the Acanthogobius-lineage (Gobiidae). The discovery of this goby in the Yellow Sea enriches our knowledge of the fish diversity and distribution of this region, and sheds some light on the ecological habitat of these gobies.

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Research Article Thu, 5 Oct 2023 19:08:04 +0300
Revision of the genus Oxyarcturus (Isopoda, Valvifera, Antarcturidae), with a description of a new deep-sea species from Argentina https://zse.pensoft.net/article/106667/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 457-472

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.106667

Authors: Emanuel Pereira, Daniel Roccatagliata, Brenda L. Doti

Abstract: A new antarcturid isopod, Oxyarcturus holoacanthus sp. nov., is fully described based on seven specimens collected in the Mar del Plata submarine canyon at 2950 m depth, during the “Talud Continental III” expedition on board the Argentinian RV “Puerto Deseado”. Oxyarcturus holoacanthus sp. nov. is closely related to O. spinosus (Beddard, 1886), from which it can be distinguished by the body spine pattern. The penial plate, a novel character for the genus Oxyarcturus, as well as for the family Antarcturidae, is described in detail. The species O. dubius (Kussakin, 1967) and O. beliaevi (Kussakin, 1967) are considered as incertae sedis until further morphological and molecular data can clarify their taxonomic position. An update of the geographic and bathymetric records of the genus Oxyarcturus is provided.

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Research Article Wed, 4 Oct 2023 19:06:47 +0300
Illustrated catalogue of sphaeromatoid isopods (Crustacea, Malacostraca) in the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/103682/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 375-389

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.103682

Authors: Valiallah Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Jean-Marc Gagnon

Abstract: Zoological collections are major treasures representing the history of animal biodiversity on Earth and are an important resource for biodiversity and conservation research. The Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) has one of the oldest crustacean collections in North America. Here, we provide an illustrated catalogue of the superfamily Sphaeromatoidea Latreille, 1825, deposited in the Canadian Museum of Nature’s Crustacea Collection (CMNC). In this paper, we report 18 species, belonging to 3 families and 14 genera. The majority of species belong to the family Sphaeromatidae with 16 species, followed by the Ancinidae and the Tecticipitidae each with one species. We present a bibliography of the original description, current taxonomic status, the type locality, geographic distribution, and an updated illustration for all species.

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Research Article Wed, 5 Jul 2023 09:17:50 +0300
A new species of slender flatworm in the genus Eucestoplana and a record of E. cf. cuneata (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida) from the Okinawa Islands, Japan, with an inference of their phylogenetic positions within Cestoplanidae https://zse.pensoft.net/article/102604/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 363-373

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102604

Authors: Aoi Tsuyuki, Yuki Oya, Hiroshi Kajihara

Abstract: In this study, we describe a new species of elongated marine flatworm, Eucestoplana ittanmomen sp. nov., collected from the intertidal zone of the Okinawa Islands, Japan. Eucestoplana ittanmomen sp. nov. is distinguished from other congeners based on the following characteristics: i) its translucent body lacking coloration, ii) its dome-shaped penis sheath, iii) the absence of cilia on the inner wall of the male atrium except outside the penis sheath, and iv) the presence of an adhesive organ at the posterior end of the body. Additionally, we report the occurrence of E. cf. cuneata (Sopott-Ehlers & Schmidt, 1975) in Japan; E. cuneata has previously been documented in the Galapagos and Fiji Islands. We conducted phylogenetic analyses to infer the positions of the two Eucestoplana species within Cestoplanidae using a concatenated dataset comprising partial 18S and 28S rDNA sequences from E. cf. cuneata and E. ittanmomen sp. nov. from Japan, as well as four known Cestoplana species with sequences available in public databases. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that Cestoplana and Eucestoplana were reciprocally monophyletic. Furthermore, the genetic distance of the 16S rDNA sequences supported the genetic independence of the two sister species, E. cf. cuneata and E. ittanmomen sp. nov.

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Research Article Wed, 5 Jul 2023 09:17:22 +0300
Diversity of Sand Snakes (Psammophiidae, Psammophis) in the Horn of Africa, with the description of a new species from Somalia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/101943/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 345-361

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.101943

Authors: Jiří Šmíd, Sergio Matilla Fernández, Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi, Tomáš Mazuch

Abstract: The biological diversity of the Horn of Africa is one of the least studied in the world. Yet the Horn supports rich communities of species that are mostly endemic to the region. Here we study the diversity of Sand Snakes (Psammophis) in East Africa, their phylogeny and systematics. Previous studies have unveiled several cryptic and potentially undescribed species of Psammophis that occur in the Horn and their taxonomic status has remained unclear to this day. We used sequence data from two mitochondrial and one nuclear genes to reconstruct the phylogeny of the genus, in which we included newly obtained samples of six different Psammophis species from Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt. Our aim was to assess the status of some of the undescribed species, examine the level of intraspecific genetic variation within individual species, improve our understanding of the species distributions, and contribute to the taxonomy of the genus. Our results confirm the existence of two undescribed species, one in eastern Somalia, which we formally describe as new, and one in southern Ethiopia that we refer to as Psammophis cf. sudanensis in accordance with previous studies. Further, we provide first genetic data for the nominotypical subspecies of P. punctulatus and confirm the species status for its subspecies P. trivirgatus. In addition, we provide new genetic data for P. tanganicus from Ethiopia and Somalia, and range extension records for P. rukwae from Eritrea and Ethiopia and for P. aegyptius from Somalia. Our findings contribute considerably to our understanding of the diversity and distribution of Psammophis in East Africa.

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Research Article Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:04:45 +0300
A survey of Dysderella Dunin, 1992 (Araneae, Dysderidae), with a new species from Iran https://zse.pensoft.net/article/104613/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 337-344

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.104613

Authors: Alireza Zamani, Yuri M. Marusik, Tamás Szűts

Abstract: The dysderid spider genus Dysderella Dunin, 1992 is surveyed. The genus currently comprises two species: D. caspica (Dunin, 1990) from Azerbaijan and North Caucasus and D. transcaspica (Dunin & Fet, 1985) from Turkmenistan and north-eastern Iran. Herein, D. elburzica sp. nov. is described based on male specimens collected in Tehran Province, northern Iran. All three species are illustrated and their distributions are mapped.

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Research Article Wed, 7 Jun 2023 11:02:03 +0300
A review of the genus Sernokorba Kamura, 1992 (Araneae, Gnaphosidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/103061/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 325-335

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.103061

Authors: Nikolett Gallé-Szpisjak, Róbert Gallé, Tamás Szűts

Abstract: The gnaphosid spider genus Sernokorba Kamura, 1992 is reviewed. While Sernokorba pallidipatellis (Bösenberg and Strand 1906) and Sernokorba fanjing Song, Zhu & Zhang, 2004, occur in the Far East and the Japanese archipelago, Sernokorba tescorum (Simon, 1914) is known from Europe. We here describe a fourth species, Sernokorba betyar sp. nov. (male and female) from the forest steppe vegetation in southern Hungary in Central Europe. Digital images, comparative drawings (except for S. fanjing) and a distribution map are provided for all the species, and an identification key is compiled. The cheliceral dentation as diagnostic character and its interpretation are discussed.

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Research Article Fri, 2 Jun 2023 16:11:18 +0300
Kangaraneus, a new genus of orb-weaving spider from Australia (Araneae, Araneidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/101417/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 307-323

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.101417

Authors: Pedro de S. Castanheira, Volker W. Framenau

Abstract: A new Australian genus in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described, Kangaraneus gen. nov., with K. arenaceus (Keyserling, 1886) comb. nov. (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia) as the type species and also including two other species: Kangaraneus amblycyphus (Simon, 1908) comb. nov. (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia) and K. farhani sp. nov. (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania). The new genus is included in the informally termed Australasian ‘backobourkiine’ clade due to the presence of its putative synapomorphies, specifically a single patellar macroseta on the male pedipalp and its median apophysis forming an arch over the radix. It includes medium-sized orb-weaving spiders (total length 3–12 mm) with distinct humeral humps on the almost triangular abdomen. Therefore, within the backobourkiines, it is somatically most similar to Novakiella Court & Forster, 1993 but differs considerably in male genitalic characters, including a C-shaped median apophysis with an acute tip. Genitalia are most similar to those in Quokkaraneus Castanheira & Framenau, 2023 from which the new genus differs by the lack of the white colouration and the shape of the abdomen.

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Research Article Wed, 31 May 2023 18:12:51 +0300
A new species of Anatextrix Kaya, Zamani, Yağmur & Marusik, 2023 (Araneae, Agelenidae, Textricini) from southern Türkiye, with a remarkable morphology of the male palpal femur https://zse.pensoft.net/article/103893/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 299-305

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.103893

Authors: Rahşen S. Kaya, Alireza Zamani, Ersen Aydın Yağmur, Yuri M. Marusik

Abstract: Anatextrix monstrabilis sp. nov. (Araneae: Agelenidae) is described and illustrated, based on male and female specimens collected from Adana Province, Türkiye. The new species has an L-shaped male palpal femur bearing multiple apophyses, which is a rare trait in spiders. Anatextrix monstrabilis sp. nov. is the second species of the recently described genus Anatextrix Kaya, Zamani, Yağmur & Marusik, 2023, currently known only from southern Türkiye.

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Research Article Thu, 25 May 2023 14:40:41 +0300
A new genus of river snails, Dalipaludina (Gastropoda, Viviparidae), endemic to the Yunnan Plateau of SW China https://zse.pensoft.net/article/102586/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 285-297

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102586

Authors: Le-Jia Zhang, Li-Na Du, Thomas von Rintelen

Abstract: A new genus of viviparid snail, Dalipaludina gen. nov., from the Yunnan Plateau of China is described within an integrative taxonomic framework based on data from the mitochondrial COI marker and morphology. Dalipaludina can be distinguished from all other viviparid genera by a unique combination shell, operculum and radula characters. Four species are assigned here to the new genus, Dalipaludina delavayana comb. nov., Dalipaludina oxytropoides comb. nov., Dalipaludina occidentalis comb. nov., and Dalipaludina pyramidella comb. nov., and one species is newly assigned to Margarya, Margarya dianchiensis comb. nov. The four species of Dalipaludina are allopatrically distributed in shallow water lentic habitats at high altitude regions of the Yunnan Plateau.

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Research Article Thu, 11 May 2023 09:46:47 +0300
Taxonomic notes on the head squamation of the genus Liotyphlops Peters, 1881 (Serpentes, Anomalepididae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/102660/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 281-283

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102660

Authors: Fidélis Júnio Marra Santos

Abstract: The only head scales which are consistent for Liotyphlops taxonomy are the rostral, prefrontal, and frontal scales. Subdivisions and nomenclature of scales posterior to the prefrontal, frontal, nasal and above supralabials two, three and four should be avoided.

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Short Communication Tue, 2 May 2023 09:40:02 +0300
First record of the false violin spider of the family Drymusidae (Araneae, Synspermiata, Scytodoidea) from Venezuela, with the description of a new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/99227/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 273-280

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.99227

Authors: Osvaldo Villarreal, David Chamé-Vázquez

Abstract: Drymusa huberi sp. nov. is described and illustrated, based on both sexes with specimens collected in a tropical dry forest in Yaracuy State, Venezuela. This new species constitutes the first record of the family Drymusidae for this Neotropical country and fills the distribution gap of the family in the north of South America. Furthermore, we provide the first identification key for all species of Drymusa Simon, 1892.

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Research Article Wed, 29 Mar 2023 17:32:35 +0300
A new deep-sea species of Elliptiolucina Cosel & Bouchet, 2008 (Bivalvia, Lucinida, Lucinidae) from cold seep of the South China Sea https://zse.pensoft.net/article/101795/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 261-271

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.101795

Authors: Yingyi Jiao, Minxiao Wang, Yang Guo, Junlong Zhang

Abstract: The increasing discoveries of new species of the family Lucinidae in the last two decades indicated a surprising diversity of chemosynthetic lucinids in the deep sea, especially in the Indo-West Pacific. However, only a few records have been reported from the South China Sea. A new lucinid species Elliptiolucina subovalis sp. nov. is here reported from a deep-sea cold seep site of the South China Sea. The new species is distinct from its congeners by possessing a strong anterior lateral tooth on the right valve and anterior tapering, subrectangular-oval shells. Sequences of three genes (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and CytB) were used to analyze its relationships with other species in the subfamily Myrteinae and confirm its taxonomic placement. The result supports the monophyly of Myrteinae but also demonstrates the polyphyly of Elliptiolucina. The new species has a close relationship with E. williamsae and Rostrilucina garuda, but is not closely related to congener E. ingens. By comparing morphological characters, we suggest that E. ingens should not belong to the genus Elliptiolucina. The basal two of three deep-sea clades recognized in Myrteinae may indicate the deep-sea origin of this subfamily. Our results add to the known diversity of deep-sea lucinids and molecular information for poorly studied Myrteinae and highlight the necessity of further investigation on deep-sea lucinids of the South China Sea.

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Research Article Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:37:57 +0300
A new short brown unpatterned moray eel (Anguilliformes, Muraenidae) from the southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal https://zse.pensoft.net/article/100461/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 253-260

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.100461

Authors: Paramasivam Kodeeswaran, Ganesan Kantharajan, Anil Mohapatra, T. T. Ajith Kumar, Uttam Kumar Sarkar

Abstract: Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis sp. nov., a new species of short brown unpatterned moray, is described, based on four specimens ranging from 272–487 mm total length collected from the trawl bycatch landings at Mudasalodai fish landing centre, off Cuddalore coast, Tamil Nadu, southeast coast of India. The new species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: origin of dorsal fin at middle of rictus and gill opening, anus just before mid-body, series of lines of small dark spots present on head and a single line of black spot-on mid-line of body, jaw pores with white rim, anal-fin margin whitish, 3 pre-dorsal vertebrae, 56–59 pre-anal vertebrae and 139–150 total vertebrae. The new species differs from its known Indian water congeners by having series of lines of small dark spots present on the head and a single line of black spots on the mid-line of the body (vs. absent in all the three congeners in India), serrated teeth (vs. smooth), jaw pores with white rim (vs. black to brown in others) and higher vertebral count (139–150 vs. 134–138 in others). Our morphological and molecular analyses show that the new species forms a distinct clade from its congeners and these data support the status as a new species.

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Research Article Thu, 23 Mar 2023 10:47:24 +0200
Phylogenetic revision of Echinolaophonte Nicholls (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae T. Scott) including the establishment of two new genera and two new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90114/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 217-252

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.90114

Authors: Sung Joon Song, Sang-kyu Lee, Mijin Kim, Kai Horst George, Jong Seong Khim

Abstract: The record of a new species of Echinolaophonte Nicholls, 1941 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) from Jeju Island (Korea) formed the basis for a detailed and exhaustive phylogenetic revision of the genus. Comparison of all 15 species currently assigned to Echinolaophonte (including the new Korean species) revealed that its current composition cannot be maintained. The phylogenetic relationships within Echinolaophonte were elucidated through the analysis of 135 morphological characters and the inclusion of four outgroups. As a result, four species were removed from Echinolaophonte and placed in two new genera: Parechinolaophonte gen. nov. for E. tropica Ummerkutty, 1970 and Pseudechinolaophonte gen. nov. for E. minuta Cottarelli & Forniz, 1991, E. mordoganensis Kuru, Sönmez & Karaytug, 2019 and E. veniliae Cottarelli, Forniz & Bascherini, 1992. Echinolaophonte longantennata Apostolov, 1990 had to be excluded from the analysis, due to the fragmentary and imprecise description. Accordingly, the phylogenetic relationships of the ten species remaining in Echinolaophonte are clarified. The new Korean species is described as Echinolaophonte musa sp. nov. Furthermore, the subspecies E. armiger f. briani Lang, 1965 is elevated to species rank as E. briani Lang, 1965. A detailed phylogenetic discussion is provided and a key to the species of Echinolaophonte is given.

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Research Article Mon, 20 Mar 2023 10:51:28 +0200
A new species of the genus Siler Simon, 1889 (Araneae, Salticidae, Chrysillini) from India https://zse.pensoft.net/article/99285/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 209-216

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.99285

Authors: John T. D. Caleb, Ayush Parag, Aniruddha Datta-Roy

Abstract: A new chrysilline jumping spider species belonging to the genus Siler Simon, 1889 is described from Odisha, India. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations of the male palp and female genitalia and phylogenetic relationships of the new Siler species are presented. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the new species is sister to a clade of predominantly Southeast Asian Siler species. Furthermore, the results indicate the presence of multiple cryptic species masquerading as S. semiglaucus sensu lato. We also briefly discuss some unique behavioural observations on the newly-described species.

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Research Article Thu, 9 Mar 2023 14:09:36 +0200
First record and description of three new species in the land snail genus Diplommatina Benson, 1849 (Caenogastropoda, Diplommatinidae) from Satun Province, Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/99030/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 195-207

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.99030

Authors: Tuangthong Boonmachai, Elizabeth A. Bergey, Nattawadee Nantarat

Abstract: The micro land snail genus Diplommatina (family Diplommatinidae) is widely distributed in Southeast Asia and includes many endemic species. Three new species of Diplommatina are described from Satun Province in southern Thailand. Diplommatina bulonensis sp. nov., D. laemsonensis sp. nov. and D. prakaiphetensis sp. nov. are distinguished from other species in the genus by their shell size and shape, the number of radial ribs on the penultimate whorl, the number of whorls, and features of the peristome. The agreement between phylogenetic tree based on analyses of COI and 16S sequences and comparative morphology support the delineation of these new species which, when compared to related species, belong to well-differentiated clades. The K2P distance between any of the three new species and other Diplommatina species included in the molecular phylogenetic analysis was at least 5.5% in COI and 3.9% in 16S. Two of the three new species (D. prakaiphetensis sp. nov. and D. bulonensis sp. nov.) are apparently endemic to Prakaiphet Hill and Bulon Pai Island, respectively. Additionally, we documented a new regional record for D. naiyanetri in Satun Province. These new species and records contribute to the knowledge of Thailand’s land snail biodiversity and highlight the need of conservation protections for regional karst habitats.

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Research Article Tue, 7 Mar 2023 19:02:05 +0200
Another giant species of the microhylid frog genus Cophixalus Boettger, 1892 from the mountains of Papua New Guinea and first records of procoracoids in the genus https://zse.pensoft.net/article/97006/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 173-183

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.97006

Authors: Rainer Günther, Chris Dahl, Stephen J. Richards

Abstract: A new arboreal species of the microhylid genus Cophixalus Boettger, 1892 is described from montane rainforest on Papua New Guinea’s central cordillera. With a male SUL exceeding 44.0 mm, the new species is among the largest members of the genus; the only other Papuan species known to reach this size is C. riparius Zweifel, 1962. The new species differs from C. riparius in a small number of mensural characters and by its distinct advertisement call, a single explosive ‘bark’ uttered singly or in rapid series. In contrast, calls of C. riparius recorded near the type locality are a series of drawn out, rasping croaks. Calls of the two species are analysed and compared. The two species also appear to have different ecologies, with the new species found only high in trees, while C. riparius is often encountered in vegetation on or near the forest floor. Examination of osteological features revealed the presence of cartilaginous procoracoids in both species, representing the first records of procoracoids in the speciose genus Cophixalus. Lack of procoracoids is traditionally considered an important diagnostic character for defining Cophixalus but both species also lack clavicles, a character considered diagnostic for Cophixalus and a key feature distinguishing the genus from the closely related Oreophryne Boettger, 1895. Because preliminary published genetic data indicate that they are nested within Cophixalus, we retain both species in that genus until a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Cophixalus and related genera, particularly Oreophryne, is completed.

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Research Article Wed, 1 Mar 2023 14:22:09 +0200
Chromatic polymorphism in Trichomycterus albinotatus (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae), a mountain catfish from south-eastern Brazil and the role of colouration characters in trichomycterine taxonomy https://zse.pensoft.net/article/98341/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 161-171

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.98341

Authors: Wilson J. E. M. Costa, José Leonardo O. Mattos, Pedro F. Amorim, Beatrizz O. Mesquita, Axel M. Katz

Abstract: Colouration is an important tool for systematists inferring species limits and phylogenetic relationships of teleost fishes, but the use of colouration variation in trichomycterine catfish systematics has generated some controversy. We first report and describe the occurrence of four, geographically disjunct colour morphs in Trichomycterus albinotatus, endemic to south-eastern Brazil, as well as ontogenetic colouration change in each morph. A phylogenetic analysis using a cytb fragment (1098 bp) for 23 specimens representing all colour morphs and four outgroups did not support any correlation between colour morphs and lineages, with different colour morphs sharing identical haplotypes. This study indicated that young adult specimens found in lighter habitats had white and brown to black spots on the flank, whereas similar-sized specimens inhabiting darker habitats had white spots inconspicuous or absent and dark brown or black spots expanded. Individuals above about 65 mm SL of all populations had flank white marks less conspicuous or absent and cryptic habits during daylight, contrasting with smaller individuals with white marks and actively swimming above the substrate. Literature data indicate that ontogenetic colouration and habit changes occur in different trichomycterid lineages. Our data thus show that colouration may be problematic in taxonomical studies, although often being consistently used to diagnose species and clades. We conclude that colouration should not be discarded a priori as evidence of trichomycterine relationships and species limits, but should be used with caution in systematic studies, being necessary additional evidence, such as osteological characters or molecular data.

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Research Article Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:14:36 +0200
Four new species of coral- and rock-boring polychaetes Daylithos (Annelida, Flabelligeridae) from the Pacific Ocean https://zse.pensoft.net/article/97944/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 149-159

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.97944

Authors: Naoto Jimi, Toshihiko Fujita, Sau Pinn Woo

Abstract: Four new species of Daylithos (Flabelligeridae, Annelida) are described, based on specimens collected from rocks and corals of Japan and Malaysia. Daylithos, contains one species, D. parmatus, currently reported from Japan. However, the specimens described in previous reports were unable to be located and thus deemed lost. Therefore, it was unclear whether the specimens described as D. parmatus in those studies were, indeed, the species. In Malaysia, D. parmatus has also been known as popular species from corals. The specimens collected from Langkawi (Malaysia) showed clearly different characters from D. parmatus and other congeners. In this study, we describe four new species, Daylithos japonicus, D. amamiensis, D. sugashimaensis and D. langkawiensis, based on newly-collected specimens from several part of Japan and Malaysia. These new species can be discriminated from other congeners by body colour, presence of eyes, shape of dorsal shield, length of caruncle and arrangement of neurochaetae. We have also provided mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences of the new species.

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Research Article Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:14:11 +0200
Taxonomic revision and re-description of Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus (Hallowell, 1861) (Reptilia, Squamata, Scincidae) with resurrection of A. okinavensis (Thompson, 1912) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/95923/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 77-91

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.95923

Authors: Tomohisa Makino, Takafumi Nakano, Taku Okamoto, Tsutomu Hikida

Abstract: The scincid lizard Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus (Hallowell, 1861) has been recognized as a single species widely distributed in the Osumi, Tokara, Amami, and Okinawa Groups of the Ryukyu Archipelago, southern Japan. However, a recent molecular phylogenetic study suggested that this skink should be divided into two species: one distributed in the Osumi to Amami Groups, and another distributed in the Okinawa Group. For A. pellopleurus, two extant syntypes collected from an island of the Amami Group were confirmed. Therefore, we identified the species in the Osumi to Amami Groups as A. pellopleurus sensu stricto by designating one of the syntypes as the lectotype for this species. For the species in the Okinawa Group, we resurrected A. okinavensis (Thompson, 1912), of which the type locality is on Okinawajima Island in the Okinawa Group. Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus and A. okinavensis can be differentiated by the following characteristics: usually separated frontonasal and frontal, 8–14 subdigital scales on the fourth toe (mode = 11), and usually two or three pairs of dorsal median scale rows with black stripes in A. pellopleurus; usually fused frontonasal and frontal, 10–16 subdigital scales on the fourth toe (mode = 13), and usually no stripe on the dorsal scales or a pair of dorsal median scale rows with black stripes in A. okinavensis.

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Research Article Fri, 20 Jan 2023 10:12:47 +0200
Can you find me? A new sponge-like nudibranch from the genus Jorunna Bergh, 1876 (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Discodorididae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/95222/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 63-75

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.95222

Authors: Yara Tibiriçá, Jenny Strömvoll, Juan Lucas Cervera

Abstract: The nudibranch diversity of the western Indian Ocean is comparatively one of the least studied in the world. In this paper a sponge-like Discodoridae nudibranch Jorunna liviae sp. nov. is described. The description is based on integrative anatomy, including molecular analysis of two genes (the mitochondrial COI and the nuclear H3), dissections, electron microscopy (SEM) of buccal elements, micro tomography of the spicule’s arrangements and ecological observations. This study provides the first ever molecular data of Jorunna species from the western Indian Ocean, helping to fill the gap to further understand this apparent paraphyletic genus.

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Research Article Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:09:20 +0200
A freshwater mussel species reflects a Miocene stream capture between the Mekong Basin and East Asian rivers https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90784/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 29-43

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.90784

Authors: Ekaterina S. Konopleva, Ivan N. Bolotov, Ilya V. Vikhrev, Khamla Inkhavilay, Mikhail Yu. Gofarov, Alexander V. Kondakov, Alena A. Tomilova, Yulia E. Chapurina, Tu Van Do, John M. Pfeiffer, Manuel Lopes-Lima, Arthur E. Bogan

Abstract: Freshwater mussels belonging to the genus Cristaria Schumacher, 1817 (Bivalvia: Unionidae) are widespread from Mongolia to Indochina while the range of one species, C. plicata (Leach, 1814), covers two biogeographic subregions, i.e., East Asian (Amur River to Vietnam) and Sundaland (Mekong River basin). We present here a taxonomic revision of the nominal taxon Anodonta bellua Morelet, 1866 which was described from the Mekong (Lake Tonle-Sap, Cambodia) but is currently considered a synonym of C. plicata. We obtained molecular data for newly collected Cristaria representatives from the Mekong’s tributaries in Laos, which were found as a divergent species-level phylogenetic clade within the genus that is distant from C. plicata. Nevertheless, comparative morphological and morphometric studies did not reveal any significant differences between these two congeners. Our time-calibrated biogeographic modeling reveals that the split between Cristaria bellua (Mekong) and C. clessini (East Asia) probably occurred in the mid-Miocene (15.8 Ma) and may reflect an ancient stream capture between the Mekong Basin and East Asian rivers.

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Research Article Fri, 6 Jan 2023 17:46:09 +0200
Rock island melody remastered: two new species in the Afroedura bogerti Loveridge, 1944 group from Angola and Namibia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/86299/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 435-453

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.86299

Authors: Werner Conradie, Andreas Schmitz, Javier Lobón-Rovira, François S. Becker, Pedro Vaz Pinto, Morgan L. Hauptfleisch

Abstract: Newly collected material from northern Namibia’s Otjihipa Mountains and west-central Angola allowed us to revisit the Afroedura bogerti Loveridge, 1944 group. The employment of additional gene markers, including nuclear markers, allowed us to identify two new species in the group and infer species boundaries and potential speciation events in Afroedura from southwestern Africa. The new Namibian material is recovered as a sister species to A. donveae, from which it differs mostly by the colour of the iris (copper versus black) and dorsal colouration. Material from the first elevational gradient of the escarpment in Benguela Province, Angola was found to be more closely related to A. bogerti than A. wulfhaackei. The differences between these two species are more subtle, although the new species exhibits higher mid-body scale rows (79.5 versus 74.8), different dorsal colouration and supranasal scales always in contact (versus 57% in contact).

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Research Article Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:15:36 +0200
A new cryptic species of land snail from the Northern Territory, Australia (Stylommatophora, Camaenidae, Parglogenia) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/93851/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 427-433

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.93851

Authors: Frank Köhler, Michael Shea

Abstract: Parglogenia cobourgensis sp. nov., a new species of camaenid land snail is described from Cobourg Peninsula, Top End of the Northern Territory in Australia. This new species has a shell that is identical to the type species of the genus, Parglogenia pelodes, which also occurs in the Top End. However, both species clearly differ in their reproductive anatomy and are also well-differentiated in terms of mitochondrial phylogenetics. A single specimen of a Parglogenia species from Croker Island, West Arnhem Land, is hypothesized to represent a third species based on details of its reproductive anatomy. However, only a single historical specimen was available for study. We therefore refrain from formally naming this species because of the incomplete information at hand. Helix subgranosa Le Guillou, 1842, a nominal species previously placed in Parglogenia, is synonymized with Xanthomelon durvillii (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841).

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Research Article Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:09:29 +0200
A new species of New Guinea Worm-Eating Snake (Serpentes, Elapidae, Toxicocalamus Boulenger, 1896) from Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90520/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 399-409

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.90520

Authors: Jackson R. Roberts, Bulisa Iova, Christopher C. Austin

Abstract: We describe a new species of New Guinea Worm-Eating Snake (Elapidae: Toxicocalamus) from a specimen in the reptile collection of the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery. Toxicocalamus longhagen sp. nov. can be easily distinguished from other species of this genus by the presence of paired subcaudals, a preocular scale unfused from the prefrontal scale, a prefrontal distinct from the internasal scale that contacts the supralabials, a single large posterior temporal and two postocular scales. The new taxon is currently known only from one specimen, which was collected from Mt. Hagen Town in Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea in 1967. The new species was originally identified as T. loriae, but the unique head scalation and postfrontal bone morphology revealed through micro-computed tomography scanning easily distinguish the new species from T. loriae sensu stricto. This is the first species of this genus described from Western Highlands Province.

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Research Article Wed, 5 Oct 2022 09:20:28 +0300
An unexpected occurrence: discovery of the genus Cybaeopsis Strand, 1907 in Europe with the description of a new species from Italy (Arachnida, Araneae, Amaurobiidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90858/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 377-385

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.90858

Authors: Francesco Ballarin, Paolo Pantini

Abstract: We report on the unexpected finding of a new species of the genus Cybaeopsis Strand, 1907, C. lodovicii sp. nov. from the Northern Apennine Mountains in Italy. This is the first documented record of a Cybaeopsis species in Europe. Other currently known species of this genus have been previously recorded in North America, the Russian Far-East and Japan. The new species is illustrated and described based on both sexes. Another species from Portugal, Cybaeopsis theoblicki (Bosmans, 2021) comb. nov., recently described in the genus Callobius Chamberlin, 1947, is hereby transferred to Cybaeopsis on the basis of morphological characters. An updated key to the European genera of Amaurobiidae is provided.

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Research Article Tue, 20 Sep 2022 18:29:50 +0300
A new rock gecko in the Cnemaspis siamensis group (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) from Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/89591/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 345-363

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.89591

Authors: Attapol Rujirawan, Siriporn Yodthong, Natee Ampai, Korkhwan Termprayoon, Akrachai Aksornneam, Bryan L. Stuart, Anchalee Aowphol

Abstract: We describe a new species of the gekkonid genus Cnemaspis from Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province of western Thailand. Molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene and flanking tRNAs, revealed that Cnemaspis auriventralis sp. nov. is nested within the C. siamensis group and is closely related to C. huaseesom, but has uncorrected pairwise genetic divergences of 12.12–27.92% from all other species in the C. siamensis group. The new species is also distinguished from other species in the C. siamensis group by having the combination of snout-vent length 36.7–38.6 mm in males (N = 3), 32.9–36.9 mm in females (N = 2); eight to ten supralabials; seven to nine infralabials; ventral scales smooth; six or seven precloacal pores in males; 16–17 paravertebral tubercles linearly arranged; tubercles on the lower flanks present; lateral caudal furrows present; no caudal tubercles in the lateral furrows; ventrolateral caudal tubercles present anteriorly; caudal tubercles not encircling tail; subcaudals smooth bearing a single median row of enlarged smooth scales; two postcloacal tubercles on each side; no shield-like subtibial scales; subtibial scales smooth; no enlarged submetatarsal scales; 23–27 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; sexually dimorphic for dorsal and ventral colour pattern; prescapular marking absent; gular marking absent; and yellow colouration in life of all ventral surfaces of head, body and tail in adult males. The new species is currently known only from upland karst habitat at its type locality.

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Research Article Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:57:09 +0300
A new genus of Pseudospirobolellidae (Diplopoda, Spirobolida) from limestone karst areas in Thailand, with descriptions of three new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90032/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 313-326

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.90032

Authors: Piyatida Pimvichai, Henrik Enghoff, Somsak Panha, Thierry Backeljau

Abstract: A new genus of the millipede family Pseudospirobolellidae, Siliquobolellus gen. nov., is described from limestone mountains in Thailand, based on three new species, viz. Siliquobolellus amicusdraconis gen. et sp. nov. from Uthaithani Province, Siliquobolellus constrictus gen. et sp. nov. from Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and Siliquobolellus prasankokae gen. et sp. nov. (type species) from Lampang Province. The descriptions are based on gonopod morphology and mitochondrial DNA data (COI barcodes). The COI barcodes grouped the three new species in a well-supported Siliquobolellus gen. nov. clade. The mean interspecific COI sequence divergence among the three new species was 12% (range: 8–15%). The mean intergeneric COI sequence divergence between Siliquobolellus gen. nov., Coxobolellus Pimvichai, Enghoff, Panha & Backeljau, 2020, and Pseudospirobolellus Carl, 1912 was 19% (range: 14–23%). Three conspicuous gonopodal synapomorphies differentiate Siliquobolellus gen. nov. from other pseudospirobollellid genera: (1) the telopodital part of the posterior gonopod forms a deep concavity, (2) the telopodite of the anterior gonopod is directed distad and does not reach the tip of the coxal part of the anterior gonopod, and (3) the tip of the anterior gonopod coxa is narrowed, curving mesad. As such, the monophyly of the new genus is well supported by both morphological and mitochondrial DNA data. A distribution map and an identification key to the species are provided.

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Research Article Fri, 19 Aug 2022 11:09:44 +0300
Pycnogonida (Arthropoda) from Museu de Ciências Naturais, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil https://zse.pensoft.net/article/83671/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 305-312

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.83671

Authors: Rudá Amorim Lucena, Martin Lindsey Christoffersen

Abstract: Five species were identified in the studied collection: Colossendeis megalonyx Hoek, 1881, first record for Uruguay, Ascorhynchus corderoi du Bois-Reymond Marcus, 1952 and Pallenopsis candidoi Mello-Leitão, 1949, with extended ranges, Pallenopsis patagonica (Hoek, 1881), a species complex recently analysed with molecular data and Ammothea tetrapoda, recorded previously for Uruguayan waters. Our study clarifies records based on morphology, provides new data on distributions and species ranges and correlates species with ecological conditions.

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Research Article Wed, 20 Jul 2022 13:23:54 +0300
On the edge of the Shivaliks: An insight into the origin and taxonomic position of Pakistani toads from the Duttaphrynus melanostictus complex (Amphibia, Bufonidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/79213/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 275-284

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.79213

Authors: Daniel Jablonski, Rafaqat Masroor, Sylvia Hofmann

Abstract: The common Asian toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) complex has a wide distribution ranging from western foothills of the Himalaya to the easternmost range of the Wallacea, with the evidence of human-mediated introductions to some other areas. In the entire distribution range, the complex is formed by several evolutionary clades, distributed mostly in South-East Asia with unresolved taxonomy. In the northwestern edge of its distribution (Pakistan), the name D. melanostictus hazarensis (Khan, 2001) has been assigned to local populations but its biological basis remained, so far, understudied and unvalidated. Therefore, we re-evaluated the available genetic data (mitochondrial and nuclear) to show the relationships between Pakistani populations (including the type locality of D. m. hazarensis) and others from across the range. Our results showed that Pakistani populations are associated with one, deeply diverged, well-supported and widely distributed clade (so-called Duttaphrynus sp. 1 according to 16S, or clade B based on tRNAGly-ND3), that has already been detected in previous studies. This clade is further distributed in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia and is characterized by a low level of genetic variability. This further suggests that both natural, as well as potential human-mediated dispersal, might have played an important role in setting up the current phylogeographic and distribution pattern of this clade. The clade is deeply divergent from other clades of the complex and represents a taxonomically unresolved entity. We here argue that the clade Duttaphrynus sp. 1/B represents a distinct species for which the name Duttaphrynus bengalensis (Daudin, 1802) comb. nov. is applicable, while the description of D. m. hazarensis does not satisfy the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Jul 2022 16:17:13 +0300
A new brackish tanaidacean, Sinelobus kisui sp. nov. (Crustacea, Peracarida, Tanaidacea), from Japan, with a key to Sinelobus species and barcode information from two loci https://zse.pensoft.net/article/84818/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 245-256

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.84818

Authors: Kyoko Hirano, Keiichi Kakui

Abstract: We describe the new brackish tanaidid species Sinelobus kisui sp. nov. from Hagi, Yamaguchi, Japan. Sinelobus kisui is similar to S. barretti and S. vanhaareni in having antennal article 2 with one outer distal seta, the dorsodistal crotchet on pereopods 2 and 3 carpi shorter than half propodus length, and pereopodal carpi 2–6 with five distal crotchets, but differs from them in having (1) the inner of two ventro-subdistal circumplumose setae on the maxillipedal endite longer than the outer; (2) the maxillipedal endite with one mid-inner spiniform seta; (3) the pereopod-1 propodus with one middle setulate seta; and (4) the pleopod-1 protopod lacking inner plumose setae. Our study confirmed that character states of the chelipeds in strongly dimorphic males are useful in Sinelobus taxonomy. We determined partial sequences for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI; cox1) and 18S rRNA (18S) genes in S. kisui for future DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analyses. Morphological and/or molecular data reveal that S. kisui also occurs in Kagawa and Osaka, Japan. A key to species in Sinelobus is provided.

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Research Article Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:18:21 +0300
Rediscovery, redescription and identity of Pristimantis nebulosus (Henle, 1992), and description of a new terrestrial-breeding frog from montane rainforests of central Peru (Anura, Strabomantidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/84963/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 213-232

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.84963

Authors: Jörn Köhler, Ernesto Castillo-Urbina, César Aguilar-Puntriano, Miguel Vences, Frank Glaw

Abstract: The taxonomic status of the strabomantid frog species Pristimantis nebulosus (Henle, 1992), originating from the southern Cordillera Azul in central Peru, is investigated based on examination of the holotype and its comparison with freshly collected topotypic material. Following current standards, we provide a redescription of the holotype. It is in a rather poor state and exhibits certain damages and preservation artifacts, conditions that have hampered an allocation of this nominal taxon to any known living population of Pristimantis in the past. Our detailed specimen-to-specimen comparison provided morphological evidence for the conspecifity of the holotype and freshly collected topotypes. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on the mitochondrial 16S gene fragment places P. nebulosus in the P. conspicillatus species group, being closely related to P. bipunctatus and an undescribed candidate species from the Cordillera de Carpish. From both, P. nebulosus differs by considerable divergence in the 16S gene (p-distance 4.1–6.2%). Based on the specimens available, we provide an updated diagnosis for P. nebulosus, compare it to other species in the P. conspicillatus group and describe its advertisement call. In addition, we describe and name the closely related candidate species from the Cordillera de Carpish. It is sister to P. bipunctatus and P. nebulosus, but differs from both mainly by its tuberculate dorsal skin (versus shagreen) and divergence in the 16S gene (3.3–4.1%). We briefly discuss cryptic species diversity in the P. conspicillatus and P. danae species groups and provide justification for the description of a singleton species.

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Research Article Fri, 24 Jun 2022 18:43:53 +0300
Taxonomy of the genus Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) with a description of a new species from Brazil https://zse.pensoft.net/article/85212/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 181-199

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.85212

Authors: Hector Manuel Osorio Gonzalez-Filho, Rafael Fonseca-Ferreira, Antonio Domingos Brescovit, José Paulo Leite Guadanucci

Abstract: The genus Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 was proposed based on specimen samples from Monte Roraima, Guyana, and allocated in the family Barychelidae. However, the most recent cladistic analysis transferred Cyrtogrammomma to Theraphosidae. Herein, we amended the diagnosis and description of C. monticola, providing a redescription of the male, and new illustrations, including the description of a new cuticular structure consisting of thick and stiff setae on dorsal metatarsi I and II of females. Moreover, we diagnose, describe and illustrate a new species of Cyrtogrammomma from northeastern Brazil: C. frevo sp. nov. In addition, we provide an identification key, new distribution records of the genus in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Pará, and Pernambuco, in Brazil, and the first record for the genus in caves.

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Research Article Fri, 17 Jun 2022 12:49:59 +0300
A new Leptobrachella species (Anura, Megophryidae) from South China, with comments on the taxonomic status of L. chishuiensis and L. purpurus https://zse.pensoft.net/article/73162/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 165-180

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.73162

Authors: Jian Wang, Shuo Qi, Ke-Yuan Dai, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Hong-Hui Chen, Yuan-Qiu Li, Yong-You Zhao, Yun-Ze Wang, Ying-Yong Wang

Abstract: A new species of Leaf Litter Toad, Leptobrachella shimentaina sp. nov., is described from the Shimentai and Luokeng nature reserves of northern Guangdong Province, southern China. The new taxon can be distinguished from all recognized congeners by a combination of discrete morphological character state differences relating to its small body size (SVL 26.4–28.9 mm in six adult males, 30.1 and 30.7 mm in two adult females); a number of apparently fixed color pattern character differences (including eye coloration and color pattern features from dorsal, ventral, and dorsolateral surfaces of its head, body, limbs, and ventrum); the morphological and discrete characteristics of the external phenotype (the skin texture of dorsum and ventrum, the presence of supra-axillary and ventrolateral glands, the wide dermal fringes and rudimentary webbing on toes, and the uninterrupted longitudinal ridges under toes). Two samples of this new species previously were proposed as representing a new, unnamed species. We now substantiate this claim by providing diagnostic comparisons of discrete character differences. In addition, we also discuss taxonomic uncertainty surrounding the identity of two congeners, L. chishuiensis and L. purpurus, which we interpret as indicative of taxonomic inflation in the species-rich subfamily Megophryidae.

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Research Article Fri, 3 Jun 2022 08:45:37 +0300
Phylogenetic relationships of a new catfish of the genus Trichomycterus (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from the Brazilian Cerrado, and the role of Cenozoic events in the diversification of mountain catfishes https://zse.pensoft.net/article/83109/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 151-164

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.83109

Authors: Wilson J. E. M. Costa, José Leonardo O. Mattos, Wagner M. S. Sampaio, Patrícia Giongo, Frederico B. de Almeida, Axel M. Katz

Abstract: The Brazilian Cerrado highlands shelter the headwaters of the three largest South American hydrographic basins, where a great species diversity is concentrated, but some biological groups are still insufficiently known. The focal taxa of this study are trichomycterid catfishes of the subgenus Cryptocambeva, genus Trichomycterus, endemic to mountain areas of south-eastern Brazil. The primary objective of this study is to test through a molecular phylogeny if a new species collected in streams of the upper Rio Paraná basin draining the Serra da Canastra is sister to T. macrotrichopterus, endemic to the upper Rio São Francisco at another facet of the Serra da Canastra, as suggested by morphological data. The analysis corroborated sister group relationships between these two species, besides supporting four main clades in Cryptocambeva, each of them endemic to distinct mountain regions. A time-calibrated analysis supported the divergence timing between the new species and T. macrotrichopterus at the Pliocene, which is chronologically compatible with the final period of intense fluvial configuration re-arrangement, when São Francisco headwater streams were captured by the Paraná basin. The new species herein described is similar to T. macrotrichopterus and distinguished from all other species of Cryptocambeva by having a long pectoral-fin filament. These two species are distinguished from each other by characteristics of the latero-sensory system, colour pattern and bone morphology.

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Research Article Mon, 23 May 2022 12:07:58 +0300
Clarifying the type locality of Liotyphlops wilderi (Garman, 1883) (Serpentes, Anomalepididae), with comments on other reptiles from São Cyriaco, Minas Gerais https://zse.pensoft.net/article/80418/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 129-136

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.80418

Authors: Henrique C. Costa

Abstract: The snake species Typhlops wilderi (today Liotyphlops wilderi) was described in 1883 based on specimens from São Cyriaco, in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The name of this type locality has been cited in different ways in the literature, making its geographic location confusing. Solving this question is an important issue for future taxonomy and systematic studies. After searching for information on the collector of the type series of L. wilderi (John Casper Branner) using the Google Scholar database, I found that São Cyriaco was a gold mining company located in the current municipality of Alvorada de Minas. Besides elucidating the type locality of L. wilderi, I searched for reptile specimens collected by Branner, deposited in collections registered at the VertNet Portal and SpeciesLink, and personally examined the extant material from Minas Gerais.

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Short Communication Thu, 5 May 2022 16:45:20 +0300
A new genus of Australian orb-weaving spider with extreme sexual size dimorphism (Araneae, Araneidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/82649/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 137-149

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.82649

Authors: Volker W. Framenau, Pedro de S. Castanheira

Abstract: The new Australian orb-weaving spider genus Mangrovia in the family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described. It is characterised by extreme sexual size-dimorphism (eSSD) with females (total length 8–10 mm) ca. 3 to 5 times larger than males (2.5–3 mm). Whilst Mangrovia shares with the informal Australian ‘backobourkiine’ clade a single seta on the male pedipalp patella, the genus is probably more closely related to the ‘zealaraneines’ or associated genera. In addition to eSSD and the single patellar spine, the genus is characterised by a distinct subterminal embolus branch in males. The new genus includes two species: the type species Mangrovia albida (L. Koch, 1871) comb. nov. (= Epeira fastidiosa Keyserling, 1887, new syn.) from Queensland and Mangrovia occidentalis sp. nov. from Western Australia. Both species are apparently coastal and occur in mangroves, but also in riparian woodland. Spiders were found resting in rolled-up leaves adjacent to their orb-web.

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Research Article Thu, 5 May 2022 13:36:28 +0300
Taxonomy and natural history of Cavernocypris hokkaiensis sp. nov., the first ostracod reported from alpine streams in Japan https://zse.pensoft.net/article/80442/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 117-127

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.80442

Authors: Mizuho Munakata, Hayato Tanaka, Keiichi Kakui

Abstract: We describe the cypridoidean ostracod Cavernocypris hokkaiensis sp. nov. from riverbed sediments in an alpine stream at an elevation of ca. 1850 m in the Taisetsu Mountains, Hokkaido, Japan. This species differs from congeners in having (1) the outer surface of the carapace smooth, with sparse, tiny setae, but without shallow pits; (2) the carapace elongate rather than triangular in lateral view; (3) the antennula consisting of seven podomeres; (4) first palpal podomere of maxillula with five dorsodistal and one ventro-subdistal setae; (5) the fifth limb lacking setae b and d; and (6) the fifth limb lacking a vibratory plate. We provided the key to the Cavernocypris species. We determined partial sequences for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI; cox1) and 18S rRNA (18S) genes in C. hokkaiensis. Our sample contained only females, and we obtained a partial 16S rRNA sequence for the endosymbiotic bacterium Cardinium from C. hokkaiensis, indicating the possibility that this ostracod species reproduces parthenogenetically. Our field survey and observations of captive individuals suggested that C. hokkaiensis may be endemic to the Taisetsu Mountains, with a low population density, narrow distributional range, and slow maturation to sexual maturity.

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Research Article Tue, 5 Apr 2022 14:27:25 +0300
A new neotenous genus and species, Deltanthura palpus gen. et sp. nov. (Isopoda, Anthuroidea, Paranthuridae) from Japan, with a revised key to the genera in Paranthuridae https://zse.pensoft.net/article/81772/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 109-115

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.81772

Authors: Shoki Shiraki, Michitaka Shimomura, Keiichi Kakui

Abstract: We describe a new paranthurid isopod genus and species, Deltanthura palpus gen. et sp. nov., collected from a depth of 805–852 m off the southern coast of Mie prefecture, Japan. Deltanthura is similar to Pseudanthura Richardson, 1911 in having a triangular pleotelson, acute mandible with a 3-articulate palp, a maxillipedal endite, and a tapering uropodal exopod, but differs in having eyes and neotenous characters (reduced pereonite 7 and pereopods 7 lacking). Deltanthura and four paranthurid genera (Califanthura Schultz, 1977, Colanthura Richardson, 1902, Cruranthura Thomson, 1946, and Cruregens Chilton, 1882) share neotenous characters, but in Deltanthura the mandible is acute, with a 3-articulate palp and maxillipedal endites are present. Califanthura minuta Kensley & Heard, 1991 may belong in Deltanthura as they share the triangular pleotelson and tapering uropodal exopod, but we refrain from transferring it to Deltanthura as its description lacks the other diagnostic characters of Deltanthura. We provide a revised key to all genera in Paranthuridae Menzies & Glynn, 1968.

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Research Article Thu, 31 Mar 2022 08:30:11 +0300
Gobiobotia lii, a new species of gudgeon (Teleostei, Gobionidae) from the middle Chang-Jiang Basin, central China, with notes on the validity of G. nicholsi Bănărescu & Nalbant, 1966 https://zse.pensoft.net/article/80547/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 93-107

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.80547

Authors: Xiao Chen, Man Wang, Liang Cao, E Zhang

Abstract: Gobiobotia lii is described from the Qi-Shui, a stream tributary on the northern bank of the middle Chang-Jiang mainstem in Hubei Province and Lake Dongting in Hunan Province, central China. The new species is distinguished from all other congeneric species by possessing a combination of the following characters: a naked region of the abdomen adjacent to the ventral mid-line extending to the vent and the vertebral count (4+31–32). The validity of G. lii is confirmed by its monophyletic nature recovered in a phylogenetic analysis, based on the cyt b gene and its significant sequence divergence with sampled congeneric species. Critical notes were given on the species recognition of historically documented eight-barbel gudgeons co-existing in Lake Dongting. Gobiobotia nicholsi Bănărescu & Nalbant, 1966 should be a valid species distinct from G. filifer (Garman, 1912) and both G. pappenheimi Kreyenberg, 1911 and G. boulengeri (=Xenophysogobio boulengeri (Tchang, 1929)) have an erroneous record from the Lake.

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Research Article Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:27:56 +0300
A new genus name for pygmy lorises, Xanthonycticebus gen. nov. (Mammalia, primates) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/81942/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 87-92

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.81942

Authors: K. Anne-Isola Nekaris, Vincent Nijman

Abstract: Lorisiformes are nocturnal primates from Africa and Asia with four genera, with two (Arctocebus and Loris), three (Perodicticus) and nine (Nycticebus) recognised species. Their cryptic lifestyle and lack of study have resulted in an underappreciation of the variation at the species and genus level. There are marked differences between the pygmy slow loris Nycticebus pygmaeus and the other Nycticebus species and, in the past, several authors have suggested that these may warrant recognition at the generic level. We here combine morphological, behavioural, karyotypical and genetic data to show that these contrasts are, indeed, significantly large and consistent. We propose Xanthonycticebus gen. nov. as a new genus name for the pygmy slow lorises and suggest a common name of pygmy lorises. Based on analysis of complete mitochondrial DNA sequences, we calculate the divergence of pygmy from slow lorises at 9.9–10.0%. The median date, calculated for the divergence between Xanthonycticebus and Nycticebus, is 10.5 Mya (range 4.9–21.0 Mya). Xanthonycticebus differs from Nycticebus by showing sympatry with other slow loris species, by habitually giving birth to twins, by showing seasonal body mass and whole body coat colour changes (absent in other species living at similar latitudes) and a multi-male, multi-female social system. Pygmy lorises are easily recognisable by the absence of hair on their ears and more protruding premaxilla. Xanthonycticebus is threatened by habitat loss and illegal trade despite legal protection across their range and all slow lorises are listed on appendix 1 of CITES. The suggested nomenclatural changes should not affect their legal status.

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Short Communication Wed, 23 Mar 2022 17:19:04 +0200
A new species of Phalotris (Serpentes, Colubridae, Elapomorphini) from Paraguay https://zse.pensoft.net/article/61064/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 77-85

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.61064

Authors: Paul Smith, Jean-Paul Brouard, Pier Cacciali

Abstract: A new species of Phalotris from the nasutus group, Phalotris shawnella sp. nov., is described. It can be distinguished from the other members of the group by having the following combination of characters: 1) fifth supralabial in contact with parietal, 2) vertebral stripe present, 3) yellowish nuchal collar (2 or 3 dorsal scales long), 4) dull reddish color of head, 5) broad, solidly or near solidly dark, lateral bands, 6) red-orange ventral scales lightly and irregularly spotted with black mainly on the posterior half of the body and 7) a bilobed, extremely asymmetrical hemipenis, with enlarged, curved, lateral spines. The species is only known from a recent specimen collected in the Cerrado zone of northeastern Paraguay at Rancho Laguna Blanca, San Pedro department, and two photographic records of live specimens from this and an additional locality. Limited ecological data based on observations of a captive individual, and a wild record, are provided, and a conservation assessment is performed for this extremely limited range Paraguayan endemic snake.

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Research Article Mon, 7 Mar 2022 17:06:58 +0200
A historical specimen of the Fishing Cat, Prionailurus viverrinus (Bennett, 1833) (Carnivora, Felidae) from Singapore in the zoological collection of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden https://zse.pensoft.net/article/76940/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 43-53

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.76940

Authors: Wan F. A. Jusoh, Marcus A. H. Chua, Piet A. J. Bakker, Pepijn Kamminga, Danièle Weiler, Kees Rookmaaker, Martyn E. Y. Low

Abstract: The Fishing Cat is not a species known to inhabit Singapore. However, a historical specimen stated to have come from Singapore in 1819 and attributed to Pierre-Médard Diard (RMNH.MAM.59688) is now housed at Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands. Two hundred years after it was obtained, the mounted skin and skull of this specimen, including specimen labels, were photographed and digitally catalogued. Four sets of annotations from labels and a document detailing records and a receipt of specimens sent by Diard to Leiden are presented to ascertain the specimen’s identity, followed by a historical account of Diard based on a reconstruction of the timeline of key events of Singapore’s natural history. Subsequently, the specimen is examined to confirm its taxonomic identity using comparative morphometrics with other museum specimens, and data associated with the specimen are analysed to determine the origins of this specimen. We conclude that the current evidence does not allow confirmation of the specimen’s status as having been collected in Singapore or being obtained from the pet trade. If the specimen was an imported specimen, it would point towards a trade in rare and large animals in Singapore and the region from as early as 1819. Presently, the specimen remains one of the few extant zoological specimens obtained in Singapore in 1819 and the only one currently known outside of England.

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Research Article Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:32:25 +0200
A new catfish of the genus Trichomycterus from the Rio Paraíba do Sul Basin, south-eastern Brazil, a supposedly migrating species (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/72392/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 13-21

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.72392

Authors: Wilson J. E. M. Costa, Axel M. Katz

Abstract: A new species of the catfish genus Trichomycterus is described from the Rio Paraíba do Sul, south-eastern Brazil. This species exhibits some morphological character states that are unique amongst congeners, including a robust opercle and a long interopercle with numerous odontodes (50–60 opercular and 90–100 interopercular), a black bar on the basal portion of the caudal fin and a dark brown flank with a well delimited dorsal yellow stripe. It also exhibits some morphological traits that are uncommon amongst congeners, such as the presence of nine pectoral-fin rays. The presence of a shallow hyomandibular outgrowth and a ventrally expanded pre-opercular ventral flap suggests that this species is closely related to T. melanopygius, T. pradensis and T. tete. The new species also differs from T. melanopygius, T. pradensis and T. tete by having an emarginate caudal fin and a single median supra-orbital pore S6. Anecdotal evidence suggests that T. largoperculatus and T. pradensis have migratory habits, a condition not previously reported for eastern South American trichomycterines.

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Research Article Fri, 14 Jan 2022 11:05:05 +0200
Grismadox gen. nov., a new Neotropical genus of ant-resembling spiders (Araneae, Corinnidae, Castianeirinae), including the description of two new species from Bolivia and Paraguay https://zse.pensoft.net/article/76677/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 1-11

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.76677

Authors: Brogan L. Pett, Gonzalo D. Rubio, Robert Perger

Abstract: A new genus and two new species of ant-resembling castianeirine spiders are described from the Neotropics. Grismadox gen. nov. comprises four species: Grismadox baueri sp. nov., and Grismadox mazaxoides (Perger & Duperré, 2021) comb. nov. from Bolivia, and Grismadox karugua sp. nov. (type species) and Grismadox mboitui (Pett, 2021) comb. nov. from Paraguay. All species are diagnosed and the new species are described and illustrated. Available ecological data suggests that all four species are primarily epigeal and inhabit Grassland and savannah type habitats.

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Research Article Fri, 7 Jan 2022 13:25:55 +0200
Lost, forgotten, and overlooked: systematic reassessment of two lesser-known toad species (Anura, Bufonidae) from Peninsular India and another wide-ranging northern species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/61770/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 451-470

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.61770

Authors: Karan Bisht, Sonali Garg, A. N. D. Akalabya Sarmah, Saibal Sengupta, S. D. Biju

Abstract: We rediscovered two species of toads, Bufo stomaticus peninsularis and Bufo brevirostris, which were described from Peninsular India 84 and 101 years ago, respectively, but have not been reported since. Because the name-bearing types of both species are either damaged or lost, we provide detailed redescriptions, morphological comparisons, and insights into phylogenetic relationships with closely related members of the genus Duttaphrynus sensu lato, based on new material from the type locality of each species. We clarify and validate the identity of D. brevirostris, which was rediscovered from multiple localities in the Malenadu and adjoining coastal regions of Karnataka. We also demonstrate that Bufo stomaticus peninsularis, which was considered a synonym of Duttaphrynus scaber, is a distinct species. Bufo stomaticus peninsularis differs from Duttaphrynus scaber morphologically and genetically, and is more closely related to members of the Duttaphrynus stomaticus group. We also clarify the identity of the namesake species of the Duttaphrynus stomaticus group, which is reported widely in India and neighbouring countries, but lacks sufficient taxonomic information due to its brief original description and reportedly untraceable type material. We located and studied the complete syntype series of D. stomaticus, probably for the first time in over a century, and we report on the status of available specimens, provide detailed description of a potential type, compare it to related species, and clarify the species’ geographical range. Our molecular analyses suggest that D. stomaticus is minimally divergent from, and possibly conspecific with, D. olivaceus. Our analyses also clarify its relationship to the closely-related D. peninsularis comb. nov., with which it was previously confused. Finally, our study provides other insights into the phylogenetic relationships and genetic differentiation among various species of Duttaphrynus toads.

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Research Article Tue, 21 Sep 2021 19:26:11 +0300
Three new species of the spider genus Nopsma (Araneae, Caponiidae, Nopinae) from Colombia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/69089/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 383-392

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.69089

Authors: Alexander Sánchez-Ruiz, Leonel Martínez, Alexandre B. Bonaldo

Abstract: Three new Colombian species of the spider genus Nopsma Sánchez-Ruiz, Brescovit & Bonaldo, 2020 are described and illustrated: Nopsma leticia sp. nov. (male) from Amazonas department, Nopsma macagual sp. nov. (male) from Caquetá department and Nopsma paya sp. nov. (male and female) from Putumayo department. The collection data of the holotype of Nopsma florencia Sánchez-Ruiz, Brescovit & Bonaldo are corrected. Additionally, an updated identification key for all species of the genus and a distribution map for the Colombian species are included.

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Research Article Tue, 13 Jul 2021 08:15:44 +0300
Idiomysis bumbumiensis sp. nov., a new mysid species (Mysida, Mysidae, Anisomysini) from Southeast Asia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/68486/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 345-354

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.68486

Authors: Ja’afar Nurshazwan, Shozo Sawamoto, Azman bin Abdul Rahim

Abstract: We provide a detailed description, including illustrations, of a new species of mysid belonging to the genus Idiomysis W. M. Tattersall, 1922 from Pulau Bum Bum, Sabah, Malaysia. The presence of two segments of antennal scale, a shorter endopod of uropod than the exopod and a pair of minute spines at the apex of the telson distinguishes Idiomysis bumbumiensis sp. nov. from all other species in the genus. The present species is the seventh member of the genus Idiomysis and it is the first described in Southeast Asia. It is also the third species of tribe Anisomysini discovered in Malaysian waters. We include an updated dichotomous key of all Idiomysis species.

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Research Article Fri, 9 Jul 2021 16:35:18 +0300
Description of six new species of Xenorhina Peters, 1863 from southern Papua New Guinea (Amphibia, Anura, Microhylidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/59696/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 355-382

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.59696

Authors: Rainer Günther, Stephen Richards

Abstract: We describe six new species of the microhylid frog genus Xenorhina from the southern slopes of Papua New Guinea’s central cordillera and adjacent lowlands, based on a combination of morphological (including osteology) and bioacoustic features. All of the new species are fossorial or terrestrial inhabitants of tropical rainforest habitats and belong to a group of Xenorhina having a single, enlarged odontoid spike on each vomeropalatine bone. Advertisement calls and habitat preferences are described for each species, one of which is amongst the smallest hitherto members of the genus. Description of these six species brings the total number of Xenorhina known to 40 and emphasises the importance of the high-rainfall belt that extends along the southern flanks of New Guinea’s central cordillera as a hotspot of Melanesian amphibian diversity.

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Research Article Fri, 9 Jul 2021 10:06:29 +0300
Uncovering the herpetological diversity of small forest fragments in south-eastern Madagascar (Haute Matsiatra) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/63936/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 315-343

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.63936

Authors: Francesco Belluardo, Darwin Díaz Quirós, Javier Lobón-Rovira, Gonçalo M. Rosa, Malalatiana Rasoazanany, Franco Andreone, Angelica Crottini

Abstract: Madagascar has historically suffered from high fragmentation of forested habitats, often leading to biodiversity loss. Neverthless, forest fragments still retain high levels of biological diversity. The Haute Matsiatra Region (south-eastern Madagascar) hosts the renowned Andringitra National Park and several surrounding isolated forest fragments embedded in a matrix of human-dominated landscape. During a herpetological survey conducted in the Region, we visited a total of 25 sites. We applied a molecular taxonomic approach to identify the collected material and generate new reference sequences to improve the molecular identification of Malagasy herpetofauna. We identified a total of 28 amphibian and 38 squamate taxa and provided a systematic account for each one of them. Nine of the identified taxa are candidate species, amongst which one was newly identified. We extended the known distributional range of 21 taxa (nine amphibians and 12 squamates). Although the largest forest fragments hold a higher number of species, we also detected a relatively high herpetological diversity in small patches. Our results highlight the importance of investigating small forest fragments to contribute to a better understanding of the patterns of diversity and distribution of the amphibians and reptiles of Madagascar.

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Research Article Thu, 1 Jul 2021 09:05:25 +0300
Integrative descriptions of two new Macrobiotus species (Tardigrada, Eutardigrada, Macrobiotidae) from Mississippi (USA) and Crete (Greece) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/65280/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 281-306

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.65280

Authors: Matteo Vecchi, Daniel Stec

Abstract: In this paper, we describe two new Macrobiotus species from Mississippi (USA) and Crete (Greece) by means of integrative taxonomy. Detailed morphological data from light and scanning electron microscopy, as well as molecular data (sequences of four genetic markers: 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2 and COI), are provided in support of the descriptions of the new species. Macrobiotus annewintersae sp. nov. from Mississippi belongs to the Macrobiotus persimilis complex (Macrobiotus clade B) and exhibits a unique egg processes morphology, similar only to Macrobiotus anemone Meyer, Domingue & Hinton, 2014, but mainly differs from that species by the presence of eyes, granulation on all legs, dentate lunulae on legs IV, and of bubble-like structures within the tentacular arms that are present on the distal portion of the egg processes. Macrobiotus rybaki sp. nov. from Crete belongs to the Macrobiotus clade A and is most similar to Macrobiotus dariae Pilato & Bertolani, 2004, Macrobiotus noemiae Roszkowska & Kaczmarek, 2019, Macrobiotus santoroi Pilato & D’Urso, 1976, and Macrobiotus serratus Bertolani, Guidi & Rebecchi, 1996, but differs from them mainly in the morphological details of its egg processes and chorion reticulation, but also by a number of morphometric characters. In light of the specific morphology of the egg processes of Macrobiotus annewintersae sp. nov. and Macrobiotus anemone, that are equipped with tentacular arms instead of proper terminal disc, we also provide an updated definition of the Macrobiotus persimilis complex.

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Research Article Wed, 19 May 2021 11:20:32 +0300
Myrmecotypus mazaxoides sp. nov. – a new ground-dwelling, carpenter ant-resembling sac spider species from the Bolivian orocline, with indirect evidence for species-specific mimicry (Araneae, Corinnidae, Castianeirinae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/64766/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 273-280

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.64766

Authors: Robert Perger, Nadine Dupérré

Abstract: A new ant-resembling spider species of the subfamily Castianeirinae, Myrmecotypus mazaxoides sp. nov., from the Sub-Andean area of the Bolivian orocline is described. Adults of M. mazaxoides sp. nov. resemble the carpenter ant Camponotus cf. melanoticus Emery, 1894 and were observed on the ground of savanna-like habitats close to the entrances of formicaries of this ant. This study is the first to report a ground-dwelling species of Myrmecotypus O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1894; all the other species are arboreal.

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Research Article Thu, 13 May 2021 14:53:37 +0300
Lizards of a different stripe: phylogenetics of the Pedioplanis undata species complex (Squamata, Lacertidae), with the description of two new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/61351/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 249-272

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.61351

Authors: Jackie L. Childers, Sebastian Kirchhof, Aaron M. Bauer

Abstract: The lacertid genus Pedioplanis is a moderately speciose group of small-bodied, cryptically-colored lizards found in arid habitats throughout southern Africa. Previous phylogenetic work on Pedioplanis has determined its placement within the broader context of the Lacertidae, but interspecific relations within the genus remain unsettled, particularly within the P. undata species complex, a group largely endemic to Namibia. We greatly expanded taxon sampling for members of the P. undata complex and other Pedioplanis, and generated molecular sequence data from 1,937 bp of mtDNA (ND2 and cyt b) and 2,015 bp of nDNA (KIF24, PRLR, RAG-1) which were combined with sequences from GenBank resulting in a final dataset of 455 individuals. Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses recover similar phylogenetic results and reveal the polyphyly of P. undata and P. inornata as presently construed. We confirm that P. husabensis is sister to the group comprising the P. undata complex plus the Angolan sister species P. huntleyi + P. haackei and demonstrate that P. benguelensis lies outside of this clade in its entirety. The complex itself comprises six species including P. undata, P. inornata, P. rubens, P. gaerdesi and two previously undescribed entities. Based on divergence date estimates, the P. undata species complex began diversifying in the late Miocene (5.3 ± 1.6 MYA) with the most recent cladogenetic events dating to the Pliocene (2.6 ± 1.0 MYA), making this assemblage relatively young compared to the genus Pedioplanis as a whole, the origin of which dates back to the mid-Miocene (13.5 ± 1.8 MYA). Using an integrative approach, we here describe Pedioplanis branchi sp. nov. and Pedioplanis mayeri sp. nov. representing northern populations previously assigned to P. inornata and P. undata, respectively. These entities were first flagged as possible new species by Berger-Dell’mour and Mayer over thirty years ago but were never formally described. The new species are supported chiefly by differences in coloration and by unique amino acid substitutions. We provide comprehensive maps depicting historical records based on museum specimens plus new records from this study for all members of the P. undata complex and P. husabensis. We suggest that climatic oscillations of the Upper Miocene and Pliocene-Pleistocene era in concert with the formation of biogeographic barriers have led to population isolation, gene flow restrictions and ultimately cladogenesis in the P. undata complex.

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Research Article Fri, 23 Apr 2021 08:05:12 +0300
A new species of Cybaeus L. Koch, 1868 (Araneae, Cybaeidae) with simple genitalia from central Japan is the sister species of C. melanoparvus Kobayashi, 2006 with elongated genitalia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/64473/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 223-233

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.64473

Authors: Yusuke Sugawara, Yoh Ihara, Takafumi Nakano

Abstract: Spiders of the genus Cybaeus L. Koch, 1868 exhibit two major centers of diversity: Western North America and Japan. Several Japanese Cybaeus possess an elongated embolus in the male palp and elongated tubular spermathecae in the female genitalia. Here we describe Cybaeus koikei sp. nov. from central Honshu, Japan, which has an unelongated embolus and bulbous spermathecae. Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear and mitochondrial gene markers clearly support the monophyly of C. koikei sp. nov. and Cybaeus melanoparvus Kobayashi, 2006, a species with elongated genitalia. Both species share a similar habitus and a cluster of robust setae on the lateral surface of the male palpal patella. The latter is considered a synapomorphy for C. koikei sp. nov. and C. melanoparvus. A supplementary description of the spermathecae of C. melanoparvus is also provided.

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Research Article Wed, 7 Apr 2021 17:01:22 +0300
A new species of day gecko (Reptilia, Gekkonidae, Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) from Sri Lanka with an updated ND2 gene phylogeny of Sri Lankan and Indian species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/60099/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 191-209

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.60099

Authors: Suranjan Karunarathna, Anslem De Silva, Dinesh Gabadage, Madhava Botejue, Majintha Madawala, Kanishka D.B. Ukuwela

Abstract: A new day gecko of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 is described from the intermediate bioclimatic zone (Haputale Forest and Idalgashinna Forest in Badulla District) of Sri Lanka. The new species belongs to the Cnemaspis kandiana clade and was recorded from granite caves and abandoned buildings within forested areas. The region in which these habitats are located, receives relatively high annual rainfall (2500–3500 mm) and has fairly cool, moist and well-shaded conditions. The new species is medium in size (30.2–32.9 mm SVL) and can be differentiated from all other Sri Lankan Cnemaspis by the presence of small subcaudals, heterogenous dorsal scales, smooth pectoral and ventral scales, 7 or 8 supralabials and infralabials, 143–159 ventral scales, 15–17 belly scales, 95–103 mid-body scales, 122–132 paravertebrals, 3 pre-anal pores, 4 or 5 femoral pores and 17 or 18 lamellae on 4th toe. The species described herein is categorised as Critically Endangered (CR) under the IUCN Red List Criteria. The major threats for the new species are habitat loss due to expansion of commercial-scale agriculture and illicit forest encroachments. Therefore, we recommend relevant authorities to take immediate conservation action to ensure the protection of these forest areas in Haputale and Idalgashinna along with the buffer zone in the near future.

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Research Article Thu, 25 Mar 2021 08:33:01 +0200
Filling distribution gaps: Two new species of the catfish genus Cambeva from southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/61006/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 147-159

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.61006

Authors: Wilson J. E. M. Costa, Caio R. M. Feltrin, Axel M. Katz

Abstract: The fauna and flora of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest have been intensively inventoried since the 19th century, but some components of this rich biota are still poorly known, and some areas have been poorly sampled. Recent studies on a rich collection of mountain catfishes of the genus Cambeva have revealed a high diversity of species still undescribed in the region. Here we provide formal descriptions for two of these species, found in areas inserted in a broad gap of the presently known genus distribution. The first one is endemic to small coastal river basins of Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil; it is tentatively placed in an intrageneric clade, also including C. castroi, C. davisi, C. guareiensis and C. zonata, by all sharing the presence of a flat small process on the dorsal margin of the quadrate, laterally overlapping metapterygoid and situated just posterior to the syncondrial joint between the metapterygoid and the quadrate. Phylogenetic relationships of the second new species, endemic to the Rio Itajaí-Mirim basin, are still obscure, but it shares a derived morphology of the mesethmoid with some species of the C. balios group. Although species of Cambeva have little external morphological variation when compared to other trichomycterine groups, the present study once more shows the importance of recording and using osteological characters to diagnose externally similar trichomycterine species.

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Research Article Tue, 2 Mar 2021 13:27:31 +0200
Distribution pattern and phylogeography of tree rats Chiromyscus (Rodentia, Muridae) in eastern Indochina https://zse.pensoft.net/article/57490/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 83-95

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.57490

Authors: Alexander E. Balakirev, Alexei V. Abramov, Viatcheslav V. Rozhnov

Abstract: The study combines available data on species distribution in eastern Indochina to investigate the phylogeographical genetic and morphological diversity of tree rats (Chiromyscus, Rodentia, Muridae) and to specify their natural ranges. We examined the diversity and distribution of tree rats over its range, based on recent molecular data for mitochondrial (Cyt b, COI) and nuclear (IRBP, RAG1 and GHR) genes. The study presents the most complete and up-to-date data on the distribution and phylogeography of the genus in eastern Indochina. As revealed by mitochondrial genes, C. langbianis splits into at least four coherent geographically-distributed clades, whereas C. thomasi and C. chiropus form two distinctive mitochondrial clades each. Chiromyscus langbianis and C. chiropus show significant inconsistency in nuclear genes, whereas C. thomasi shows the same segregation pattern as can be traced by mitochondrial markers. The Northern and Southern phylogroups of C. thomasi appear to be distributed sympatrically with northern phylogroups of C. langbianis in most parts of eastern Indochina. The mitochondrial clades discovered are geographically subdivided and divergent enough to suspect independent subspecies within C. langbianis and C. thomasi. However, due to the insufficiency of obvious morphological traits, a formal description is not carried out here. The processes of recent fauna formation, species distribution patterns, dispersion routes and possible natural history in Indochina are discussed.

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Research Article Wed, 3 Feb 2021 16:05:04 +0200
A new representative of the genus Bryocyclops Kiefer, 1927 from a karst cave in north-eastern Thailand (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Cyclopidae) and comments on the generic affinities https://zse.pensoft.net/article/52354/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 97-109

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.52354

Authors: Santi Watiroyram

Abstract: The seventh Thai species of Bryocyclops Kiefer, 1927 – Bryocyclops jayabhumi sp. nov. – was found in a karst cave in the Chaiyaphum Province of north-eastern Thailand. The new species differs from all previously-known species by the absence of an inner seta on the proximal endopod of the first four swimming legs. Bryocyclops jayabhumi sp. nov. is most similar to B. maholarnensis Watiroyram, Brancelj & Sanoamuang, 2015 – the monotypic species of Group VII, which was previously described from Thailand. However, the new species differs from B. maholarnensis by having the following characteristics: i) posterior margin of urosomites serrated; ii) anal operculum triangular with acute-tip; iii) P1–P4 Enp-1 without an inner seta; iv) armature on the female P2–P3 Enp-2 and P4 Enp; v) a transformed spine on the male P3 Enp-2. In this study, the generic affinity of the genus Bryocyclops Kiefer, 1927 is discussed and redefined, based on the available literature concerning its principle morphology to fill the present knowledge gap about the characteristics of the genus.

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Research Article Wed, 3 Feb 2021 14:27:47 +0200
Consequences of parallel miniaturisation in Microhylinae (Anura, Microhylidae), with the description of a new genus of diminutive South East Asian frogs https://zse.pensoft.net/article/57968/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 21-54

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.57968

Authors: Vladislav A. Gorin, Mark D. Scherz, Dmitriy V. Korost, Nikolay A. Poyarkov

Abstract: The genus Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 includes 52 species and is one of the most diverse genera of the family Microhylidae, being the most species-rich taxon of the Asian subfamily Microhylinae. The recent, rapid description of numerous new species of Microhyla with complex phylogenetic relationships has made the taxonomy of the group especially challenging. Several recent phylogenetic studies suggested paraphyly of Microhyla with respect to Glyphoglossus Günther, 1869, and revealed three major phylogenetic lineages of mid-Eocene origin within this assemblage. However, comprehensive works assessing morphological variation among and within these lineages are absent. In the present study we investigate the generic taxonomy of Microhyla–Glyphoglossus assemblage based on a new phylogeny including 57 species, comparative morphological analysis of skeletons from cleared-and-stained specimens for 23 species, and detailed descriptions of generalized osteology based on volume-rendered micro-CT scans for five species–altogether representing all major lineages within the group. The results confirm three highly divergent and well-supported clades that correspond with external and osteological morphological characteristics, as well as respective geographic distribution. Accordingly, acknowledging ancient divergence between these lineages and their significant morphological differentiation, we propose to consider these three lineages as distinct genera: Microhyla sensu stricto, Glyphoglossus, and a newly described genus, Nanohyla gen. nov.

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Research Article Tue, 12 Jan 2021 14:48:51 +0200
The operculate micro land snail genus Dicharax Kobelt & Möllendorff, 1900 (Caenogastropoda, Alycaeidae) in Thailand, with description of new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/59143/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 1-20

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.59143

Authors: Parin Jirapatrasilp, Barna Páll-Gergely, Chirasak Sutcharit, Piyoros Tongkerd

Abstract: This study reviews the Dicharax species in Thailand. Altogether ten Dicharax species are reported, four of which are new to science and described herein. They are Dicharax borealis Jirapatrasilp & Páll-Gergely sp. nov., Dicharax burchi Jirapatrasilp & Páll-Gergely sp. nov., Dicharax panhai Jirapatrasilp & Páll-Gergely sp. nov. and Dicharax pongrati Jirapatrasilp & Tongkerd sp. nov. Alycaeus davisi Godwin-Austen, 1914 is regarded as a junior subjective synonym of Alycaeus cucullatus Theobald, 1870 (= D. cucullatus) based on a similar depressed-conical shell shape, a long sutural tube and a sharp swelling behind the peristome. Furthermore, the type locality of Alycaeus pratatensis Panha & Burch, 1997 (= D. pratatensis) had to be amended. Most important characters to distinguish Dicharax species are the general shell shape and relative lengths of teleoconch regions, whereas the spiral striation of R1, the shape of swelling of R3, the outer peristome crenulation and protrusion, and the exterior opercular sculpture show large intraspecific variability.

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Research Article Tue, 5 Jan 2021 09:10:13 +0200
First records of Pseudozeuxidae and Metapseudinae (Metapseudidae) (Crustacea, Tanaidacea) in Southwestern Atlantic, with descriptions of two new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/56097/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 723-745

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.56097

Authors: Juliana Lopes Segadilha, Cristiana Silveira Serejo

Abstract: Based on specimens collected from eulittoral zone in rocky shores of northeast of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) on 2017, two new tanaidaceans species from two different suborders are described: Apseudomorpha brasiliensis sp. nov. (Apseudomorpha, Metapseudidae) and Pseudozeuxo fischeri sp. nov. (Tanaidomorpha, Pseudozeuxidae). Diagnostic characters of Apseudomorpha brasiliensis are mandible palp article-2 and article-3 with six and nine finely penicillate setae on inner margin, respectively; pereopod-1 carpus and propodus with two and four ventral spines, respectively; pleonites 2 and 5 with pleura having long distal seta; uropod exopod shorter than endopod articles 1–2 combined, endopod four-articled. Pseudozeuxo fischeri is characterized by pereopods 1–3 coxa with long seta about half as long as basis; pereopods 2–3 carpus with ventrodistal seta; propodus with two ventral setae; pereopods 4–6 propodus with two ventral spines and one seta; uropod endopod two- and exopod one-articled. This is the first record of the family Pseudozeuxidae and the metapseudid subfamily Metapseudinae from the Southwestern Atlantic (Brazil). Remarks on their associations with macroalgae and identification keys to world species of Apseudomorpha and Pseudozeuxo are provided.

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Research Article Thu, 19 Nov 2020 16:09:48 +0200
A new species from subtropical Brazil and evidence of multiple pelvic fin losses in catfishes of the genus Cambeva (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/56247/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 715-722

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.56247

Authors: Wilson J. E. M. Costa, Caio R. M. Feltrin, Axel M. Katz

Abstract: A third pelvic-less species of Cambeva from river basins draining the Geral mountain range in southern Brazil is described. It is distinguished from other congeners lacking pelvic fin and girdle, C. pascuali and C. tropeiro, by having six pectoral-fin rays, 20–23 dorsal procurrent caudal-fin rays, 15–20 opercular and 25–30 interopercular odontodes and a different colour pattern consisting of flank dark brownish-grey with two irregular horizontal rows of small pale yellow grey marks. Whereas available molecular evidence indicates that C. pascuali is more closely related to C. zonata, a species with well-developed pelvic fin, and C. tropeiro is more closely related to C. balios, another species also with well-developed pelvic fin; osteological data strongly suggest that the new species herein described is more closely related to C. diatropoporos than to other congeners. Therefore, this study indicates that the pelvic fin and pelvic-fin support have been lost independently in each of these three species of Cambeva, which corresponds to 11% of all describe species. This result highly contrasts with the closely-related trichomycterine genera Trichomycterus, in which only one in 50 species lost pelvic fin and girdle (0.2%) and Scleronema with all the nine included species having well-developed pelvic fin. These data suggest a stronger tendency to losing pelvic fin in Cambeva, but factors favouring this evolutionary event are still unknown.

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Research Article Wed, 11 Nov 2020 08:43:16 +0200
A new species of the genus Smacigastes Ivanenko & Defaye, 2004 (Tegastidae, Harpacticoida, Copepoda) from the Onnuri Vent Field in the Indian Ocean https://zse.pensoft.net/article/54507/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 699-714

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.54507

Authors: Jong Guk Kim, Jimin Lee

Abstract: The genus Smacigastes Ivanenko & Defaye, 2004 (Harpacticoida, Copepoda) is the most primitive genus in the family Tegastidae Sars, 1904, occurring in deep-sea chemosynthetic environments, such as hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, whale falls and wood falls. Our exploration of the Onnuri Vent Field, the sixth active hydrothermal vent system in the Central Indian Ridge, resulted in the discovery of a new species in the genus Smacigastes. A detailed morphological analysis of S. pumila sp. nov. reveals that it most resembles S. barti Gollner, Ivanenko & Martínez Arbizu, 2008, described from a hydrothermal vent in the East Pacific Ridge; the new species can be distinguished from the existing species by the 8-segmented female antennule, the absence of an abexopodal seta on the antennary basis, the mandibular exopod represented by a single seta and the exopod of the first leg with five setae. This is the first record of Smacigastes in the Indian Ocean. A dichotomous key to species of the genus Smacigastes worldwide is provided.

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Research Article Fri, 9 Oct 2020 11:35:04 +0300
New insights gained from museum collections: Deep-sea barnacles (Crustacea, Cirripedia, Thoracica) in the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, collected during the Karubar expedition in 1991 https://zse.pensoft.net/article/55733/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 649-698

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.55733

Authors: Pipit Pitriana, Diana S. Jones, Laure Corbari, Kristina von Rintelen

Abstract: An examination of the deep-sea barnacles (Cirripedia, Thoracica) collected by the Karubar expedition to Indonesia (1991) and deposited in the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, identified 40 species contained in three families of stalked and five families of acorn barnacles. Information on these species is presented, including descriptions, updated distributions and images to aid species identification. Thirty of the species, treated herein, are new records for the Indonesian Kei Islands and Tanimbar Island, which increases the total number of species recorded from Kei Islands, Aru Island and Tanimbar Island to 40. This study demonstrates the value of museum collections as a resource in biodiversity science.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:37:48 +0300
A new troglobite species of Habeastrum Simone, 2019 from Brazil, and support for classification in Diplommatinidae (Mollusca, Caenogastropoda) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/53880/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 639-647

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.53880

Authors: Luiz Ricardo L. Simone, Daniel Caracanhas Cavallari, Rodrigo Brincalepe Salvador

Abstract: The genus Habeastrum Simone, 2019 was recently described based on empty shells, counting with two troglobite species. Conchological features allowed a preliminary classification in the caenogastropod family Diplommatinidae, but this family allocation was left open to future studies. Herein, we present a detailed anatomical study of newly acquired specimens, confirming the classification in Diplommatinidae. These new specimens, from Minas Gerais state, SE Brazil, belong to a new troglobite species described herein, Habeastrum strangei sp. nov. The present records extend the genus distribution ca. 1,100 km east-northeast.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Sep 2020 09:34:40 +0300
An illustrated catalogue of Rudolf Sturany’s type specimens in the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Austria (NHMW): more Red Sea species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/54707/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 571-576

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.54707

Authors: Paolo G. Albano, Sara-Maria Schnedl, Anita Eschner

Abstract: Rudolf Sturany published a series of papers describing multiple gastropods and bivalves from the Red Sea collected during the expeditions of the vessel “Pola” between 1895 and 1898. In a less known paper, he introduced the genus Levanderia (Galeommatidae) and described three more species from the Red Sea: Drillia levanderi, Levanderia erythraeensis and Raeta jickelii. We here list and illustrate their type material, provide the original description, a translation into English and curatorial and taxonomic comments.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Sep 2020 10:49:38 +0300
Pseudechiniscus in Japan: re-description of Pseudechiniscus asper Abe et al., 1998 and description of Pseudechiniscus shintai sp. nov. https://zse.pensoft.net/article/53324/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 527-536

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.53324

Authors: Katarzyna Vončina, Reinhardt M. Kristensen, Piotr Gąsiorek

Abstract: The classification and identification of species within the genus Pseudechiniscus Thulin, 1911 has been considered almost a Sisyphean work due to an extremely high homogeneity of its members. Only recently have several contributions made progress in the taxonomy feasible through their detailed analyses of morphology and, crucially, by the re-description of the ancient, nominal species P. suillus (Ehrenberg, 1853). Herein, we focus on the Japanese representatives of this genus: P. asper, a rare species originally described from Hokkaido, and a new species P. shintai. Both taxa belong to the widespread suillus-facettalis complex. Detailed descriptions entailing DNA barcoding of four markers and illustrations of the ventral pillar patterns are indispensable for an accurate delineation of species within this genus.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Sep 2020 10:31:11 +0300
Revision of the deep-water spider crab genus, Scyramathia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, with the description of a new species from the Mediterranean and notes on Rochinia A. Milne-Edwards, 1875, and Anamathia Smith, 1885 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Epialtidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/48041/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 537-569

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.48041

Authors: Bee Yan Lee, Bertrand Richer De Forges, Peter K. L. Ng

Abstract: The taxonomy of the deep-water spider crabs of the genus Scyramathia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, is revised and four extant species are recognised from the Atlantic and western Indian Ocean: S. carpenteri (Norman, in Thomson 1873) (type species), S. umbonata (Stimpson, 1871), S. hertwigi Doflein, in Chun 1900, and S. tenuipes sp. nov. Scyramathia tenuipes sp. nov. from the Mediterreanean is easily distinguished from its congeners by its slender and elongate ambulatory legs. All species are diagnosed and figured. The taxonomy of two allied genera from the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Rochinia A. Milne-Edwards, 1875, and Anamathia Smith, 1885, are also treated and their type species redescribed and figured.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Sep 2020 08:34:08 +0300
Novel integrative data for two Milnesium Doyère, 1840 (Tardigrada: Apochela) species from Central Asia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/52049/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 499-514

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.52049

Authors: Witold Morek, Bartłomiej Surmacz, Łukasz Michalczyk

Abstract: Tardigrada are a phylum of microscopic animals inhabiting a variety of ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial, being recognised for their remarkable abilities to withstand tough environmental conditions. The order Apochela groups exclusively carnivorous species, with the vast majority representing the genus Milnesium Doyère, 1840. Representatives of this genus are characterised by simplified morphology, therefore possessing an extremely limited set of taxonomically meaningful morphological traits. Nevertheless, the taxonomy of Milnesium is mostly based on classical data: observations and measurements in light microscopy with the majority of descriptions lacking integrative data, most importantly DNA barcodes, but also scanning electron microscopy photographs and developmental variability analysis. Hence, re-descriptions that include novel integrative data are urgently needed. In this contribution, we provide new taxonomic data for two species described from Central Asia, Milnesium almatyense (a single population) and Milnesium reductum Tumanov, 2006 (five populations): morphometrics, DNA barcodes, SEM observations and description of developmental variability. As a result, we amend the description of both species and reveal phylogenetic relationships of those species and other sequenced congeners. The integrative data confirm the validity of the two species and include them in the growing set of Milnesium species associated with DNA sequences.

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Research Article Tue, 4 Aug 2020 14:15:34 +0300
Genetic evidence for the recognition of two allopatric species of Asian bronze featherback Notopterus (Teleostei, Osteoglossomorpha, Notopteridae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/51350/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 449-454

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51350

Authors: Sébastien Lavoué, Siti Zafirah Ghazali, Jamsari Amirul Firdaus Jamaluddin, Siti Azizah Mohd Nor, Khaironizam Md. Zain

Abstract: The fish genus Notopterus Lacepède, 1800 (Notopteridae) currently includes only one species, the Asian bronze featherback Notopterus notopterus (Pallas, 1769). This common freshwater species is widely distributed in the Oriental region, from the Indus basin in the west, the Mekong basin in the east and Java Island in the south. To examine the phylogeographic structure of N. notopterus across its range, we analysed 74 publicly available cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences, 72 of them determined from known-origin specimens, along with four newly-determined sequences from Peninsular Malaysian specimens. We found that N. notopterus is a complex of two allopatric species that diverge from each other by 7.5% mean p-distance. The first species is endemic to South Asia (from Indus basin to Ganga-Brahmaputra system), whereas the distribution of the second species is restricted to Southeast Asia. The exact limit between the distributions of these two species is not known, but it should fall somewhere between the Ganga-Brahmaputra and Salween basins, a region already identified as a major faunal boundary in the Oriental region. The name N. notopterus is retained for the Southeast Asian species, while the name Notopterus synurus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) should be applied to the South Asian species. A comparative morphological study is needed to reveal the degree of morphological differentiation between the two species.

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Short Communication Wed, 1 Jul 2020 16:18:03 +0300
A systematic revision of the bats (Chiroptera) of Honduras: an updated checklist with corroboration of historical specimens and new records https://zse.pensoft.net/article/51059/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 411-429

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51059

Authors: Manfredo Alejandro Turcios-Casco, Hefer Daniel Ávila-Palma, Richard К. LaVal, Richard D. Stevens, Eduardo Javier Ordoñez-Trejo, José Alejandro Soler-Orellana, Diego Iván Ordoñez-Mazier

Abstract: During the last century, survey efforts for mammals in Honduras have been few and most distributional and conservation assessments of bats have been based on historical records. Taxonomy of many records has changed. Moreover, a number of supposed Honduran occurrences are based on records from bordering countries without confirmation by a Honduran voucher. Therefore, the list of bats of Honduras lacks precision. Here, we update the number of species in the country, including taxonomic changes not reflected in recent works and new records based on museum specimens. The known number of species for Honduras is 113 with seven expected (Cormura brevirostris, Lampronycteris brachyotis, Mesophylla macconnelli, Molossus coibensis, M. pretiosus, Thyroptera discifera and Trinycteris nicefori), based on records in adjoining countries. We provide a new record for Honduras of Natalus lanatus. We confirm the presence of Cynomops greenhalli and Diaemus youngii and clarify the taxonomic status of Artibeus intermedius, Chiroderma gorgasi, Eumops ferox, Gardnerycteris keenani, Lasiurus frantzii, Myotis pilosatibialis, Molossus and Pteronotus species, and Tonatia bakeri. We recommend a reassessment of the conservation status of the bats of Honduras considering recent changes and that a number of species (e.g. Choeronycteris mexicana) have not been observed since their reports in historical records. This requires an update of the taxonomic identification keys for Honduras. The updated checklist below demonstrates the high biodiversity of Honduran bats but is also an example of how poorly many groups have been studied since they were first recorded in the country.

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Research Article Tue, 23 Jun 2020 16:01:10 +0300
Diamond frogs forever: a new species of Rhombophryne Boettger, 1880 (Microhylidae, Cophylinae) from Montagne d’Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar https://zse.pensoft.net/article/51372/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 313-323

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51372

Authors: Mark D. Scherz

Abstract: Although taxonomic progress on the frogs of Madagascar is currently proceeding at an unprecedented pace, the goal of completing the amphibian inventory of this hyper-diverse island is still far off. In part this is because more new species continue to be discovered at a high rate, in some cases within well-studied areas. Here, I describe Rhombophryne ellae sp. nov., a new species of diamond frog discovered in Montagne d’Ambre National Park in northern Madagascar in 2017. This new species is highly distinctive in having orange flash-markings on its hindlimbs (not known from any described species of Rhombophryne), and large, black inguinal spots (larger than in all other described Rhombophryne species). It is separated from all named species of Rhombophryne by a substantial uncorrected pairwise distance in the 16S rRNA mitochondrial barcode marker (> 7%) and is most closely related to an undescribed candidate species from Tsaratanana in northern Madagascar. Rhombophryne ellae sp. nov. adds another taxon to the growing list of cophyline microhylids that have red to orange flash-markings, the function of which remains unknown and which has clearly evolved repeatedly in this radiation. The discovery of such a distinctive species within a comparatively well-studied park points toward the low detectability of semi-fossorial frogs and the role of inclement weather in increasing that detectability.

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Research Article Mon, 15 Jun 2020 08:27:10 +0300
Small is beautiful: the first phylogenetic analysis of Bryodelphax Thulin, 1928 (Heterotardigrada, Echiniscidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/50821/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 217-236

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.50821

Authors: Piotr Gąsiorek, Katarzyna Vončina, Peter Degma, Łukasz Michalczyk

Abstract: The phyletic relationships both between and within many of tardigrade genera have been barely studied and they remain obscure. Amongst them is the cosmopolitan Bryodelphax, one of the smallest in terms of body size echiniscid genera. The analysis of newly-found populations and species from the Mediterranean region and from South-East Asia gave us an opportunity to present the first phylogeny of this genus, which showed that phenotypic traits used in classical Bryodelphax taxonomy do not correlate with their phyletic relationships. In contrast, geographic distribution of the analysed species suggests their limited dispersal abilities and seems to be a reliable predictor of phylogenetic affinities within the genus. Moreover, we describe three new species of the genus. Bryodelphax australasiaticus sp. nov., by having the ventral plate configuration VII:4-4-2-4-2-2-1, is a new member of the weglarskae group with a wide geographic range extending from the Malay Peninsula through the Malay Archipelago to Australia. Bryodelphax decoratus sp. nov. from Central Sulawesi (Celebes) also belongs to the weglarskae group (poorly visible ventral plates VII:4-2-2-4-2-2-1) and is closely related to the recently described Bryodelphax arenosus Gąsiorek, 2018, but is differentiated from the latter by well-developed epicuticular granules on the dorsum. Finally, a new dioecious species, Bryodelphax nigripunctatus sp. nov., is described from Mallorca and, by the reduced ventral armature (II/III:2-2-(1)), it resembles Bryodelphax maculatus Gąsiorek et al., 2017. The latter species, known so far only from northern Africa, is recorded from Europe for the first time. A taxonomic key to the genus members is also presented.

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Research Article Wed, 27 May 2020 08:16:12 +0300
A new genus for Pericera septemspinosa Stimpson, 1871 and Pericera heptacantha Bell, 1836 (Crustacea, Brachyura, Majoidea), based on morphology and molecular data https://zse.pensoft.net/article/50360/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 205-216

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.50360

Authors: Jessica Colavite, Amanda M. Windsor, William Santana

Abstract: A new genus of majoid spider crab, Pohleus gen. nov. is established for Pericera septemspinosa Stimpson, 1871 and Pericera heptacantha Bell, 1836, based on morphology and molecular data from the partial sequences of the 12S and 16S mitochondrial genes and the 18S small subunit rRNA nuclear locus. The species are re-described and illustrated, based on material from several localities of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans. The carapace, antennal and pterygostomial spines, male thoracic sternum and first gonopods are distinctive characters, distinguishing Pohleus gen. nov. from species assigned to Macrocoeloma Miers, 1879, where P. septemspinosus and P. heptacanthus are currently included.

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Research Article Wed, 20 May 2020 17:45:09 +0300
A new species of Pereionotus (Amphipoda, Senticaudata, Phliantidae) from Pulau Tinggi, Sultan Iskandar Marine Park, Malaysia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/50744/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 195-203

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.50744

Authors: NurFara-Syakira binti Feirulsha, Azman bin Abdul Rahim

Abstract: A new species of Pereionotus Spence Bate & Westwood, 1861 from Pulau Tinggi, Sultan Iskandar Marine Park (SIMP) is described and the first record of the genus from Malaysia. It was collected from Kg. Tg. Balang, Pulau Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia (2°16'59.5"N, 104°07'21.9"E) and can be distinguished by having wide and dorsally truncate carinae of pereonites 2–7, maxillipedal palp as long as the outer plate, lacking additional robust seta in the middle of propodi of pereopods 1–4, and the absence of short robust setae on the anterodistal corner of merus and carpus of pereopods 6–7. An updated identification key for the 11 known species in the genus is also presented.

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Research Article Fri, 15 May 2020 09:51:27 +0300
Description of Longidorus bordonensis sp. nov. from Portugal, with systematics and molecular phylogeny of the genus (Nematoda, Longidoridae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/49022/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 175-193

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.49022

Authors: Carlos Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez, Margarida Teixeira Santos, Maria Lurdes Inácio, Jonathan D. Eisenback, Manuel Mota

Abstract: The genus Longidorus currently comprises 176 species of polyphagous plant ectoparasites, including eight species that vector nepoviruses. Longidorus is one of the most difficult genera to accurately identify species because of the similar morphology and overlapping measurements and ratios among species. Sequences of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-genes are a powerful level-species diagnostic tool for the genus Longidorus. From 2015 to 2019, a nematode survey was conducted in vineyards and agro-forest environments in Portugal. The populations of Longidorus spp. were characterized through an integrative approach based on morphological data and molecular phylogenetic analysis from rRNA genes (D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S, ITS1, and partial 18S), including the topotype of L. vinearum. Longidorus bordonensis sp. nov., a didelphic species recovered from the rhizosphere of grasses, is described and illustrated. Longidorus vineacola, with cork oak and wild olive as hosts, is also characterized. This is the first time that L. wicuolea, from cork oak, is reported for Portugal. Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic trees for these three molecular markers established phylogenetic relationships among the new species with other Longidorus spp. Phylogenetic trees indicated that i) L. bordonensis sp. nov. is clustered together with other Longidorus spp. and forms a sister clade with L. pini and L. carpetanensis, sharing a short body and odontostyle length, and elongate to conical female tail, and ii) all the other species described and illustrated are phylogenetically associated, including the topotype isolate of L. vinearum.

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Research Article Tue, 5 May 2020 08:25:57 +0300
Mitochondrial discordance in closely related Theridion spiders (Araneae, Theridiidae), with description of a new species of the T. melanurum group https://zse.pensoft.net/article/49946/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 159-173

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.49946

Authors: Marc Domènech, Luís C. Crespo, Alba Enguídanos, Miquel A. Arnedo

Abstract: The incorporation of molecular data into current taxonomic practise has unravelled instances of incongruence among different data sets. Here we report a case of mitochondrial discordance in cobweb spiders of the genus Theridion Walckenaer, 1805 from the Iberian Peninsula. Morphological examination of samples from a country-wide bioinventory initiative revealed the existence of a putative new species and two nominal species belonging to the Theridion melanurum species group. The morphological delineation was supported by the molecular analysis of a nuclear marker but was at odds with the groups circumscribed by a mitochondrial marker. The causes of this discordance remained uncertain, once sample and sequencing errors and the existence of pseudogenes were discarded. The full sorting observed in the alleles of the more slowly evolving nuclear marker ruled out incomplete lineage sorting, while the geographic patterns recovered were difficult to reconciliate with ongoing hybridization. We propose that the apparent incongruence observed is most likely the result of old introgression events in a group with high dispersal abilities. We further speculate that endosymbiont-driven cytoplasmatic incompatibility could be involved in the fixation of mitochondrial haplotypes across species barriers. Additionally, we describe the new species T. promiscuum sp. nov., based on the presence of diagnostic morphological traits, backed up by the nuclear data delimitation. Our study contributes yet another example of the perils of relying on single methods or data sources to summarise the variation generated by multiple processes acting through thousands of years of evolution and supports the key role of biological inventories in improving our knowledge of invertebrate biodiversity.

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Research Article Mon, 4 May 2020 10:06:51 +0300
A new species of green pit vipers of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Reptilia, Serpentes, Viperidae) from western Arunachal Pradesh, India https://zse.pensoft.net/article/48431/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 123-138

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.48431

Authors: Zeeshan A. Mirza, Harshal S. Bhosale, Pushkar U. Phansalkar, Mandar Sawant, Gaurang G. Gowande, Harshil Patel

Abstract: A new species of green pit vipers of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 is described from the lowlands of western Arunachal Pradesh state of India. The new species, Trimeresurus salazar, is a member of the subgenus Trimeresurus, a relationship deduced contingent on two mitochondrial genes, 16S and ND4, and recovered as sister to Trimeresurus septentrionalis Kramer, 1977. The new species differs from the latter in bearing an orange to reddish stripe running from the lower border of the eye to the posterior part of the head in males, higher number of pterygoid and dentary teeth, and a short, bilobed hemipenis. Description of the new species and T. arunachalensis Captain, Deepak, Pandit, Bhatt & Athreya, 2019 from northeastern India in a span of less than one year highlights the need for dedicated surveys to document biodiversity across northeastern India.

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Research Article Wed, 15 Apr 2020 10:09:34 +0300
A new marine tardigrade genus and species (Arthrotardigrada, Styraconyxidae) with unique pockets on the legs https://zse.pensoft.net/article/49676/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 115-122

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.49676

Authors: Shinta Fujimoto, Naoto Jimi

Abstract: A marine heterotardigrade Cyaegharctus kitamurai gen. et sp. nov. (Arthrotardigrada, Styraconyxidae) is described from Daidokutsu, a submarine cave off Iejima island, Okinawa Islands, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. It is easily distinguished from all other styraconyxids by its pocket organs (putative sensory structures) on all legs in addition to the usual leg sensory organs. Its combination of other character states, such as the dorso-ventrally flattened body, ovoid primary clavae, conical secondary clavae, large terminal anus, internal digits with proximal pads and peduncles, external digits with developed peduncles and all digits with three-pointed claws in adult female, supports the erection of a new genus and species.

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Research Article Mon, 23 Mar 2020 15:37:38 +0200
Taxonomy and distribution of enigmatic “helicoid” Polygyratia Gray, 1847 (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/51047/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 91-101

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51047

Authors: Rodrigo Brincalepe Salvador, Daniel Caracanhas Cavallari

Abstract: Herein, we present a taxonomic revision of the genus Polygyratia Gray, 1847, with a new systematic placement in Scolodontidae and containing only the species Polygyratia polygyrata (Born, 1778). We offer an updated morphological description and geographical distribution, based on museum specimens and occurrence data gathered from literature and online database iNaturalist. We synonymise P. charybdis Mörch, 1852 with P. polygyrata. The species is known only from Atlantic Forest areas in Bahia state, eastern Brazil. We exclude three other species from the genus Polygyratia, classifying them as: Systrophia (Systrophia) heligmoida (d’Orbigny, 1835) and S. (Entodina) reyrei (Souverbie, 1858), based on conchological features; and S. (E.) pollodonta (d’Orbigny, 1835), though tentatively, based on scant published data. Finally, we present the first report of S. (S.) heligmoida (d’Orbigny, 1835) from Brazil.

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Research Article Fri, 13 Mar 2020 13:25:48 +0200
Descriptions of three new species of jumping-spiders, genus Arnoliseus (Araneae, Salticidae), from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with comments on their genital morphology and a key to species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/46509/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 73-90

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.46509

Authors: Renner Luiz Cerqueira Baptista, Pedro de Souza Castanheira, Gabriel Assunção Oliveira, André Wanderley do Prado

Abstract: New data on the jumping-spider genus Arnoliseus are presented. Three new species from the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro state are described, based on both sexes: Arnoliseus carioca sp. nov. from the city of Rio de Janeiro, and Arnoliseus hastatus sp. nov. and Arnoliseus falcatus sp. nov. from the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu. The genus’ genital morphology is discussed in detail and new English terminology for their structures is created. An identification key for all Arnoliseus species is given.

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Research Article Mon, 24 Feb 2020 08:43:10 +0200
A new psammophilic species of the catfish genus Ammoglanis (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from the Amazon River basin, northern Brazil https://zse.pensoft.net/article/48952/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 67-72

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.48952

Authors: Elisabeth Henschel, Pedro H. N. Bragança, Filipe Rangel-Pereira, Wilson J. E. M. Costa

Abstract: Ammoglanis obliquus sp. nov., a minute catfish species reaching a maximum adult size of 15.5 mm, is described from the Rio Preto da Eva drainage in the central Brazilian Amazon. It is distinguished from all of its congeners in possessing an exclusive combination of character states, including the presence and number of premaxillary and dentary teeth, number of interopercular and opercular odontodes, presence of cranial fontanel, number of dorsal-fin rays, number of anal-fin rays, number of caudal-fin rays, number of pelvic-fin rays, number of pectoral-fin rays, absence of pelvic splint, antorbital morphology, and absence of supraorbital and autopalatine morphology. It is considered to be a member of a clade also including A. pulex and A. amapaensis due to the unique oral, antorbital, and autopalatine morphology. Ammoglanis obliquus is regarded as more closely related to A. pulex than to any other congener, as both species exhibit a similar colour pattern, an absence of the metapterygoid, and the presence of two finger-like projections on the chin region.

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Research Article Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:52:32 +0200