Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution Latest 68 Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:15:54 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zse.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Is Garra rezai (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) a species known only from two widely disjunct areas in the Tigris drainage? https://zse.pensoft.net/article/118766/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(2): 349-356

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.118766

Authors: Cüneyt Kaya, Haydar Birol Imre, Irmak Kurtul

Abstract: Garra rezai was recently described from two geographically distant areas in the Tigris drainage: upper Yanarsu River (eastern Türkiye) and Bouein-Sofla Creek (Iran). In the scope of this study, we aimed to ascertain the distribution ranges of G. rezai and its morphologically most similar congener G. rufa in Türkiye by examining 1165 specimens from 73 lots, which were collected between 1957 and 2023 and currently curated in two broad fish collections. To achieve this, we focused on two important diagnostic morphological characters which distinguish these two species: scales on predorsal mid-line between dorsal-fin origin and nape, and branched dorsal-fin rays. The results revealed that G. rufa is a widely distributed species in the Tigris-Euphrates catchment, while G. rezai is regionally widespread, with populations identified in at least six different regions within the Tigris catchment. Additionally, G. rezai is documented for the first time in the upper Euphrates. Furthermore, we identified the drainage areas where G. rezai co-exists with G. rufa.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:47:11 +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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:02:22 +0200
Taxonomic study of four closely-related species of the Pholcus yichengicus species group (Araneae, Pholcidae) from China’s Qinling Mountains: An integrated morphological and molecular approach https://zse.pensoft.net/article/115633/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 279-289

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.115633

Authors: Lan Yang, Qiaoqiao He, Zhiyuan Yao

Abstract: Four morphologically similar species of the Pholcus yichengicus species group, occurring in geographic proximity of China’s Qinling Mountains, were recognised, based on morphology and four methods of molecular species delimitation. They comprise two new species, namely Pholcus ankang sp. nov. and P. baoji sp. nov. and two previously described species: P. ovatus Yao & Li, 2012 and P. taibaiensis Wang & Zhu, 1992. Their DNA barcodes were obtained to estimate p-distances and K2P distances. In addition, an identification key for the four closely-related species is presented.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:57:37 +0200
The trouts of the Marmara and Aegean Sea drainages in Türkiye, with the description of a new species (Teleostei, Salmonidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/112557/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 87-99

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.112557

Authors: Davut Turan, Esra Bayçelebi, Sadi Aksu, Münevver Oral

Abstract: The taxonomic status of native trout species of the Marmara and Aegean Sea drainages is evaluated and three species, Salmo duhani, S. coruhensis and S. brunoi sp. nov., are recognized. Salmo brunoi, a new species, is described from the Nilüfer River, a tributary of the Susurluk River. It is distinguished by a general brownish body color in life; few black spots (fewer than 60) on the body, generally scattered on the back and the upper part of the flank, rarely in the median part; few (fewer than 40) and small (smaller than pupil) red spots on the body, scattered on the median part and lower half of the flank; a number of black and red spots not increasing with size in both sexes; a long adipose fin (adipose-fin height 8–9% SL); a short distance between adipose-fin and caudal-fin (12–14% SL); and a short anal fin (anal-fin height 12–15% SL). Salmo brunoi sp. nov. is separated from the rest of the Marmara and Aegean trouts of Anatolia based on genome-wide distributed 187.385 unlinked SNP markers. According to the best of the authors’ knowledge, whole genome data is used for the first time here to characterize a new species of trout.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:08 +0200
First occurrence of the genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813 (Pleurobranchida, Nudipleura, Heterobranchia) in British waters, with the description of a new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113707/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 49-59

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113707

Authors: Martina Turani, Leila Carmona, Peter J. Barry, Hayden L. Close, Ross Bullimore, Juan Lucas Cervera

Abstract: In the north-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, the pleurobranchid genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813 is represented by two species, Pleurobranchaea meckeli (Blainville, 1825) and Pleurobranchaea morosa (Bergh, 1892). The former is a well-known species distributed from northern Spain to Senegal and the Mediterranean Sea, while the second is a poorly-described species. In this contribution, species delimitation analyses (ABGD and COI/16S p-distances) identified a third undescribed Pleurobranchaea species from samples collected in south-western UK waters and the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Spain). This new species, Pleurobranchaea britannica sp. nov., is also supported by several morphological synapomorphies. The British specimens constitute the first occurrence of the genus Pleurobranchaea in UK waters.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:05 +0200
Mammalian type material from Cameroon in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin https://zse.pensoft.net/article/110878/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 503-517

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.110878

Authors: Paul Taku Bisong, Jason Dunlop, Catarina Madruga

Abstract: Historical data, combined with current data on species distribution, are a valuable resource for tracking changes in biodiversity and can potentially be applied to developing models in conservation biology and designing and assessing conservation strategies. Historical data supporting current knowledge on the natural history of the African continent are primarily held in Western museums. The Zoologisches Museum Berlin (ZMB), which is today part of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN), is the primary source of reference for zoological collections from former German colonial territories including Cameroon. Here, we document for the first time a catalogue of the type material in the mammal collection of the MfN from the point of view of a geographical region. The type collection includes 91 type specimens identified in the catalogues as originating from German ‘Kamerun’ and which correspond to 31 described species, of which 12 are currently accepted (valid) species names. Of the 31 described species, 21 are represented by holotypes, three para-holotype series, one para-lectotype series and six syntype series. We hope that this first analysis of zoological objects, based on geographical location, will lead to similar research on other geographical locations of collection. This could provide more information on the provenance of collections and on colonial collecting practices, as well as contribute to the accessibility of collections in Western museums.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:48:41 +0300
A new freshwater amphipod (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) from the Fakıllı Cave, Düzce Türkiye: Gammarus kunti sp. nov. https://zse.pensoft.net/article/108048/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 473-487

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.108048

Authors: Murat Özbek, Hazel Baytaşoğlu, İsmail Aksu

Abstract: Aquatic species (such as fish, amphipods, isopods, hirudineans etc.) adapted to environmental conditions can live in caves connected to groundwater. The species of Niphargus and Gammarus are the most commonly encountered amphipods in caves. Türkiye is very rich in terms of karst areas and is home to more than 2000 known caves. Fakıllı Cave, located in Düzce Province in the Western Anatolian Region, has a length of 1071 m. A new amphipod species belonging to the Gammarus genus has been identified from the cave and named as Gammarus kunti sp. nov. Some of the characteristic features of the newly-identified species can be listed as “Medium-large size; smooth body, well-developed and reniform eyes; non-prolonged extremities; antennal gland cone is straight and long; second antenna with setose peduncular and flagellar segments; medial palmar spine present; posterior margin of pereopod 3 densely setose; anterior margins of pereopods 6 and 7 armed with spines only; epimeral plates not pointed”. Although the mentioned features are generally seen in epigean species, the members of this species were sampled from the dark zone of the Fakıllı Cave. The partial sequences of the COI (573 bp) and 28S (914 bp) genes of the newly-described species, Gammarus kunti sp. nov., were generated. The pairwise genetic distances between the new species, Gammarus kunti sp. nov. and other species ranged from a minimum of 16.23% (G. tumaf) to a maximum of 28.27% (G. roeselii) for the COI gene and a minimum of 0.88% (G. tumaf) to a maximum of 6.81% (G. balcanicus) for the 28S gene. Phylogenies generated by the NJ and ML methods, based on the combined data, assigned the new species as an independent lineage with high support values. In addition, the ASAP method identified the new species as a single MOTU independent of other species. G. tumaf and G. baysali are the sister taxa of G. kunti sp. nov. Detailed descriptions and drawings of the extremities of the male holotype and the female allotype are given and the morphology of the newly-identified species is compared with its relatives.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 4 Oct 2023 19:06:47 +0300
Stenotanais (Crustacea, Tanaidacea) from the Santos Basin: the first described species of the family Akanthophoreidae off the Brazilian coast https://zse.pensoft.net/article/103003/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 423-437

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.103003

Authors: Juliana Lopes Segadilha, Graham Bird, Marcos Tavares

Abstract: Benthic samples collected from depths ranging between 686 and 2410 m along the Brazilian continental upper slope from Rio de Janeiro State to Santa Catarina State (23°S to 27°S) yielded a wealth of tanaidacean material, including two new species of Stenotanais. This is the first described species of the family Akanthophoreidae from Brazilian waters. Stenotanais leonardoi sp. nov. has a combination of unique characters including the uropod basal article longer than the pleotelson and the exopod somewhat wider than the endopod, longer than the endopod article-1 (0.7 times endopod length) and supporting two flat and wide terminal setae. Stenotanais uropedon sp. nov. is recognisable by its oar-shaped uropod endopod, with article-2 large, broad and flattened and the short exopod, only 0.3 times the endopod length. An identification key to the species of Stenotanais is given. These two species bring the total number of described akanthophoreids to 56 species and that of all tanaidaceans in Brazilian waters to 66 species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 4 Oct 2023 19:06:47 +0300
Diversity of the genus Tropodiaptomus Kiefer, 1932 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae) in Thailand, with the description of two new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/105511/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 399-422

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.105511

Authors: Thanida Saetang, Supiyanit Maiphae

Abstract: Tropodiaptomus is a genus of diaptomid copepods with 10 species currently recorded in Thailand. A recent study on DNA taxonomy revealed putative new species among specimens collected from freshwater habitats throughout Thailand. This study examined the morphological characteristics and confirmed the taxonomic status of the two putative new species of Tropodiaptomus. Results showed that the two new taxa were different from other species in the genus Tropodiaptomus. These two new species, T. pedecrassum sp. nov. and T. longiprocessus sp. nov., were described and illustrated based on material collected from a swamp in northern Thailand and a pond in western Thailand, respectively. They were distinguished from their congeners by the length of the spinous process on the antepenultimate segment of the adult male right antennule, the number of lobes and serration pattern on the inner margin of the adult male left P5, and the shape and supplementary process on the surface structures of basis and distal exopod segments of the adult male right P5. These discoveries increased the number of records of this genus in Thailand to 12 species. A pictorial key to all species is provided, and their ecological and biogeographical distributions are updated and discussed.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 5 Jul 2023 09:18:46 +0300
First report of a histozoic Henneguya (Cnidaria, Endocnidozoa) infecting a synbranchid potamodromous fish from South America: Morphostructural and biological data https://zse.pensoft.net/article/105770/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 391-397

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.105770

Authors: Patrick D. Mathews, Omar Mertins, Luis L. Espinoza, Julio C. Aguiar, Tiago Milanin

Abstract: In this study, a Henneguya myxosporean species is described to infect an ecological, biological, and evolutionary important fish from Amazon biome. The myxosporean was found in the skin of only one specimen of marbled swamp eel, Synbranchus marmoratus caught in a small stream from Peruvian Amazon floodplain. Mature myxospores have ovoid shape from the valvular view, measuring 32.2 ± 0.6 μm (31.6–32.8) in total length, 21.5 ± 0.3 μm (21.2–21.8) in spore body length, 11.7 ± 0.5 μm (11.2–12.2) in width and 10.6 ± 0.9 μm (9.7–11.5) in thickness. Non-bifurcate caudal appendage, measuring 10.7 ± 0.4 μm (10.3–11.1) in length. Two polar capsules elongated aubergine in shape, equal in size and measuring 4.9 ± 0.2 μm (4.7–5.1) in length and 3.1 ± 0.5 μm (2.6–3.6) in width. Polar tubules coiled in 7–8 turns. This is the first report of a Henneguya species parasitizing a fish of the order Synbranchiformes from Amazon basin and the first to describe this parasite infecting a potamodromous fish from South America.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 5 Jul 2023 09:18:18 +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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:04:45 +0300
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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 7 Mar 2023 19:02:05 +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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:14:11 +0200
First molecular identification of the trematode Maritrema bonaerense Etchegoin & Martorelli, 1997 (Plagiorchiida, Microphallidae) from its intermediate hosts, the gastropod Heleobia australis (d’Orbigny, 1835) (Littorinimorpha, Cochliopidae) and the crab Neohelice granulata (Dana, 1851) (Decapoda, Varunidae) in Argentina https://zse.pensoft.net/article/91381/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 117-121

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.91381

Authors: Lorena Martinez, Carmen Gilardoni, Cintia Medina, Juan José Lauthier, Florencia Cremonte, Jorge Etchegoin

Abstract: The genus Maritrema Nicoll, 1907 (Platyhelminthes, Trematoda, Plagiorchiida, Microphallidae) comprises cosmopolitan species that predominantly parasitize birds. Although approximately 65 species have been described worldwide, including 6 for Argentina, molecular data referring to Maritrema species are still scarce worldwide, especially in South America. Unfortunately, this lack of references for nucleotide sequences is an obstacle to understanding the taxonomy and life cycles of trematodes, and impedes advancing our studies on the phylogeny and geographical distribution of these parasites. For that reason, we performed the molecular study of developmental stages of Maritrema bonaerense: cercariae (collected from the snail first intermediate host Heleobia australis, inhabiting Mar Chiquita lagoon) and metacercariae (collected from the crab second intermediate host Neohelice granulata, inhabiting Mar Chiquita lagoon and San Antonio Oeste, Argentina). The accordance between the ITS2 sequence of M. bonaerense cercaria from the snail H. australis and the sequences of metacercariae from the crab N. granulata was 100%, supporting previous findings of the life cycle of M. bonaerense based on morphological data. All Maritrema species are included in a monophyletic and well-supported clade. Maritrema bonaerense grouped more closely with Maritrema gratiosum. These findings contribute to the knowledge of digeneans in coastal marine ecosystems.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:14:39 +0200
Filling the gap: Noteworthy herpetological discoveries in North West Province, South Africa https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90181/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 101-116

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.90181

Authors: Krystal A. Tolley, Nicolas S. Telford, Buyisile G. Makhubo, R. John Power, Graham J. Alexander

Abstract: The North West Province, South Africa, is centrally situated in southern Africa and is characterised by savannah with a mesic, temperate climate in the east and a hot, arid climate in the west. While the eastern region is fairly well-documented for herpetofauna, the arid central and western regions are poorly surveyed. Given that the Province has been targeted by the national government for development of infrastructure, the overall deficiency of biodiversity data could result in impact assessments that are not well-informed. We, therefore, carried out herpetofaunal surveys over two years (2019–2020) in the North West Province to improve knowledge on the distributions of reptiles and amphibians. Our surveys added a total of 578 new records to an earlier baseline of 1340 records. In addition, over 300 records were added to a citizen-science platform in connection with our surveys. As compared to the previous 100 years, our surveys increased the herpetofaunal dataset by 68% in just two years, increased geographic coverage by 20% and brought the total number of species with accurate records for the Province to 102 reptiles and 23 amphibians. We also recorded range extensions for five reptile species and confirmed the presence of Dendroaspis polylepis (Black Mamba) in the west where it had been last recorded in 1996. Our surveys resulted in a significant increase in biodiversity data for the Province and provided a better foundation for spatial planning that accounts for biodiversity and the maintenance of ecological function.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:13:36 +0200
A contribution on the morphometrics of the thick-clawed crayfish Pontastacus pachypus (Rathke, 1837) (Decapoda, Astacoidea, Astacidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/98291/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 93-100

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.98291

Authors: Aiman Imentai, Martin Bláha, Lukáš Veselý, Jiří Křišťan, Tomas Policar

Abstract: The thick–clawed crayfish Pontastacus pachypus (Rathke, 1837) is an endangered, and the least known, crayfish species in Europe. Currently, detailed information regarding the morphology, ecology and reproduction of thick–clawed crayfish is outdated. This study presents, for the first time, detailed photographs of the thick-clawed crayfish, and updated information on distinctive morphological characters and morphometric analysis. New specifications of the carapace and appendage morphological characteristics were established as: 1) the rostrum is long, sharply pointed and has three pairs of distinctive sub-apical lateral spines, 2) two well–developed pairs of post–orbital ridge on the carapace are ended by prominent spine; 3) each finger of chelae ends with a black sharp tip. Among the 18 morphometric indices, carapace width to the total length (CPW/TL), abdomen width to the total length (ABW/TL) and claw height to the claw width (CLH/CLW) clearly differentiate P. pachypus from the other representatives of Astacus genus (A. colchicus and A. astacus) and P. leptodactylus (P<0.05). Comparison of individual indices between P. pachypus and P. leptodactylus revealed that almost all indices differed significantly except head length to the total length (HEL/TL) and rostrum length to the total length (ROL/TL). This study contributes to the identification of the thick–clawed crayfish for the purpose of conservation and protection of its localities.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:53:03 +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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:09:20 +0200
Additions to the distribution of Sudanese scorpions https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90875/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 45-53

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.90875

Authors: Manal Siyam, Jason A. Dunlop, František Kovařík, Abubakr Mohammad

Abstract: Six species of scorpion (Arachnida: Scorpiones) are documented from eighteen localities in seven different states within the Republic of the Sudan. Combining this new data with historical records in the Sudan Natural History Museum and the published literature enables the first provisional distribution maps for Sudanese scorpions. New state records could be added for three medically significant species: Androctonus amoreuxi (Audouin, 1826) from Khartoum, North Kordofan and North Darfur, Leiurus quinquestriatus (Ehrenberg, 1829) from Kassala, River Nile, White Nile and North Darfur, and Parabuthus abyssinicus (Pocock, 1901) from Kassala. Among the less venomous species, we offer new state records for Buthacus leptochelys (Ehrenberg, 1829) in White Nile State, for Compsobuthus werneri (Birula, 1908) in North Kordofan, White Nile and Kassala States and for Orthochirus olivaceus (Karsch, 1881) in River Nile, Northern and Kassala States. Further information about the taxonomy, distribution and toxicity of Sudanese scorpions is presented.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 6 Jan 2023 17:47:42 +0200
A new freshwater amphipod (Amphipoda, Gammaridae), Gammarus tumaf sp. nov. from the Gökgöl Cave, Türkiye https://zse.pensoft.net/article/89957/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 15-27

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.89957

Authors: Murat Özbek, İsmail Aksu, Hazel Baytaşoğlu

Abstract: A new amphipod species belonging to the genus Gammarus is described from the Gökgöl Cave, Zonguldak Province, Türkiye. The newly-identified species is relatively small (13 mm) and is a member of the Gammarus pulex-group by the presence of numerous long setae along the posterior margins of pereopods 3 and 4. The specimens were sampled from a shallow pond located in the dark zone (about 1 km inside the entrance) of the cave. Minute eyes, setose (both peduncle and flagellar segments) second antenna, slightly swollen flagellar segments of the second antenna, setose pereopods 3 and 4 and relatively short endopod/exopod ratio of the third uropod are the character combination of the newly-identified species in addition to lacking body pigmentation. The molecular phylogeny, based on the concatenated dataset (28S+COI, 1495 bp) indicated that the new species was resolved from the other Gammarus species by high bootstrap (NJ: 100, ML: 100). In addition to Gammarus tumaf sp. nov., mtDNA COI and nuclear DNA 28S gene data of Gammarus baysali Özbek et al., 2013 were recorded for the first time. The newly-identified species was well-differentiated from the genetically closest species, G. baysali, with genetic distance of 12.22% and 0.55% for the COI and 28S genes, respectively. Detailed descriptions and drawings of the extremities of the holotype male were given and the morphology of the newly-identified species is compared with its relatives.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 6 Jan 2023 17:24:38 +0200
Taxonomic review of the Chondrostoma (Teleostei, Leuciscidae) species from inland waters of Turkey: an integrative approach https://zse.pensoft.net/article/91275/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 1-13

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.91275

Authors: Fahretti̇n Küçük, Yılmaz Çi̇ftçi, Sali̇m Serkan Güçlü, Ayşe Gül Mutlu, Davut Turan

Abstract: The genus Chondrostoma (Leuciscidae: Leuciscinae), composed of small to medium-sized fish with a scraper feeding characteristic, is distributed in the West and Middle East, Caucasus, Europe and Northern Mediterranean drainages. This genus spreads across Anatolia and Thrace, with the exception of Göksu and Eşen rivers in Turkey’s Mediterranean basin. It is also difficult to understand the systematics of Chondrostoma, which is complicated morphologically. Therefore, in this study, an identification key was made by evaluating external morphology, osteology (some jaw bones and 5th ceratobrachial) and molecular features together. A total of 13 valid species have been so far recorded from Turkish inland waters, among which are C. beysehirense, C. ceyhanensis, C. colchicum, C. cyri, C. holmwoodii, C. kinzelbachi, C. meandrense, C. nasus, C. regium, C. smyrnae, C. toros, C. turnai and C. vardarense. Our molecular data showed that C. angorense (Kızılırmak and Sakarya rivers) is a synonym of C. colchicum (Çoruh and Yeşilırmak rivers). In addition, C. angorense was morphologically similar to C. colchicum. Therefore, we explored the systematic position of C. vardarense (from Meriç River) and C. nasus (from Simav River) in this study.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 6 Jan 2023 17:21:39 +0200
A new species of crayfish of the genus Cherax from Indonesian New Guinea (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/94753/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 411-425

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.94753

Authors: Christian Lukhaup, Rury Eprilurahman

Abstract: A new species of the genus Cherax is described and illustrated. Cherax wagenknechtae sp. nov., endemic to the Beraur and Klasabun River drainages in the western part of the Kepala Burung (Vogelkop) peninsula, West Papua, Indonesia, is described, figured and compared with its closest relatives, Cherax pulcher Lukhaup, 2015. The new species may be easily distinguished from Cherax pulcher by the shape of the chelae, rostrum and body, and coloration.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 24 Oct 2022 10:16:59 +0300
Two new species of the genus Floresorchestia (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) from Amphawa Estuary, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/83749/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 285-303

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.83749

Authors: Anotai Suklom, Tosaphol Saetung Keetapithchayakul, Azman Abdul Rahim, Koraon Wongkamhaeng

Abstract: Two new species of Floresorchestia (Crustacea: Amphipoda) are described from Amphawa Estuary, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. Floresorchestia amphawaensis sp. nov. is a riparian-hoppers living near agricultural and urban areas, being distinguished by the following character states: left mandible lacinia mobilis 4-dentate; gnathopod 2 palm reaching about 34%; telson as broad as long, with four robust setae per lobe. Floresorchestia pongrati sp. nov. are described as riparian-hoppers living in the moist area near Mae Klong canal banks with a unique left mandible lacinia mobilis 5-dentate; gnathopod 2 palm reaching 30% and telson with seven robust setae per lobe. The status and the problem of diagnostic character states of the genus Floresorchestia are discussed.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:37:31 +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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 13 Jul 2022 16:17:13 +0300
Rediscovery after 25 years – first photographic documentation and DNA barcoding of the deep-sea pycnogonid species Ascorhynchus hippos Turpaeva, 1994 (Chelicerata, Pycnogonida, Ascorhynchidae) from the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench https://zse.pensoft.net/article/84864/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 257-262

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.84864

Authors: Lisa Wolf, Roland R. Melzer, Tobias Lehmann

Abstract: The female specimen of Ascorhynchus hippos Turpaeva, 1994 was collected in 2015 during the Russian-German deep-sea expedition SokhoBio (Sea of Okhotsk Biodiversity Studies) at the abyssal western slope of the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench at a depth of 4469 m using a camera-epibenthic sledge. It is the first record of this species since the discovery of one female holotype and one male paratype in 1990. Ascorhynchus hippos is easily distinguishable from its congeners by the two prominent tubercles above the chelifore insertions, the absence of the eye tubercle and eyes, and the tubercles on the mid-dorsal trunk segments and the lateral processes. Here we present the first photographic documentation of all three known specimens of A. hippos and the COI barcode of the new specimen is also provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 6 Jul 2022 16:38:50 +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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 24 Jun 2022 18:43:53 +0300
Paracapoeta, a new genus of the Cyprinidae from Mesopotamia, Cilicia and Levant (Teleostei, Cypriniformes) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/81463/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 201-212

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.81463

Authors: Davut Turan, Cüneyt Kaya, İsmail Aksu, Yusuf Bektaş

Abstract: The molecular and morphological studies carried out within the scope of this study revealed that the scrapers, known as the Mesopotamian group, belong to a different genus. The Paracapoeta gen. nov., from the Mesopotomia and Levant, is distinguished from Capoeta and Luciobarbus species by the presence of a strong ligament between the base of the last simple and the first branched rays of the dorsal-fin (vs. no or a very weak ligament). The Paracapoeta further differs from Capoeta by the last simple dorsal-fin ray strongly ossified in adult specimens (more than 75%, vs. less than 75%). The Paracapoeta further differs from Luciobarbus by the lower lip with horny layer (vs. fleshy lips). The molecular phylogeny based on the combined dataset (COI + Cytb, 1312 bp.) showed that the genus Paracapoeta was recovered from the other groups in the subfamily Barbinae with high bootstrap and posterior probability values (BP: 94%, PP: 0.96). Also, Paracapoeta and Capoeta are well differentiated by an average genetic distance of 8.02±0.78%. The morphological and molecular findings have largely overlapped each other. Besides, Capoeta turani is treated as a synonym of Capoeta erhani.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:02:35 +0300
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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 7 Mar 2022 17:06:58 +0200
Pliocene-Pleistocene dispersal bring along low inter species diversity between Vimba species based on multilocus analysis https://zse.pensoft.net/article/76937/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 65-75

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.76937

Authors: Gökhan Kalaycı

Abstract: This study investigates phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationships of Vimba species using mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) (1023 bp) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding region (652 bp) genes. Ninety-one samples from 36 populations for the cyt b gene and 67 samples from 20 populations for the COI were analyzed. We identified 29 haplotypes and calculated overall haplotype diversity as Hd: 0.907 ± 0.015 for cyt b. We also identified 13 COI haplotypes and calculated overall haplotype diversity as 0.826 ± 0.026 for this marker. The phylogenetic analysis of Vimba species reveals the presence of four clades, based on concatenated cyt b and COI sequences. The first and second clade consist of Vimba vimba Western lineage, and Vimba vimba Caspian lineage, while the third and fourth clade consist of Vimba mirabilis and Vimba melanops. Based on haplotype network analyses and phylogeographic inferences, the Vimba genus is monophyletic, and its species dispersed in the Pleistocene era.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 25 Feb 2022 10:04:28 +0200
New records and a new cave-dwelling species of Agoristenidae (Arachnida, Opiliones) from Colombia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/78202/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 55-63

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.78202

Authors: Andrés F. García, Alex González Vargas, Miguel Gutiérrez Estrada

Abstract: Three species of Avima are recorded for the first time from Colombia (La Guajira department): A. venezuelica Soares & Avram, 1981, A. troglobia (Pinto-da-Rocha, 1996), and A. wayuunaiki Sp. nov. Complementary and new descriptions of the species are offered and scanning electron microscopy photographs of the male genitalia of A. troglobia are given.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:08:36 +0200
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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 9 Jul 2021 16:35:18 +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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 1 Jul 2021 09:05:25 +0300
Molecular diagnostic based on 18S rDNA and supplemental taxonomic data of the cnidarian coelozoic Ceratomyxa (Cnidaria, Myxosporea) and comments on the intraspecific morphological variation https://zse.pensoft.net/article/64769/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 307-314

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.64769

Authors: Fabricio B. Sousa, Tiago Milanin, André C. Morandini, Luis L. Espinoza, Anai Flores-Gonzales, Ana L.S. Gomes, Daniele A. Matoso, Patrick D. Mathews

Abstract: Ceratomyxa amazonensis is a cnidarian myxosporean originally described with strongly arcuate crescent-shaped myxospores, absence of vegetative stages and infecting Symphysodon discus, an important Amazonian ornamental fish in the aquarium industry. As part of a long-term investigation concerning myxosporeans that infect discus fish Symphysodon spp. from different rivers of the Amazon Basin, thirty specimens of S. discus collected from Unini River were examined. Plasmodial vegetative stages therefrom were found freely floating in the bile of gall bladders from eighteen fish. Mature myxospores were slightly crescent-shaped, measuring 4.72 ± 0.1 (4.52–4.81) μm in length, 24.2 ± 0.4 (23.9–25.3) μm in thickness with polar capsules 2.31 ± 0.1 (2.29–2.33) μm in length and 2.15 ± 0.1 (2.13–2.17) μm in width. Strong morphological differences were observed between the newly isolated myxospores obtained and the previously described C. amazonensis; however, molecular assessment, based on 18S rDNA, revealed a high similarity (99.91%), with only a single nucleotide base change. This study provides new data, expanding the original description of the species with a discussion on differences in myxospore-morphology in the context of intraspecific morphological plasticity.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:15:16 +0300
Demography reveals populational expansion of a recently extinct Iberian ungulate https://zse.pensoft.net/article/61854/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 211-221

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.61854

Authors: Giovanni Forcina, Kees Woutersen, Santiago Sánchez-Ramírez, Samer Angelone, Jean P. Crampe, Jesus M. Pérez, Paulino Fandos, José Enrique Granados, Michael J. Jowers

Abstract: Reconstructing the demographic history of endangered taxa is paramount to predict future fluctuations and disentangle the contributing factors. Extinct taxa or populations might also provide key insights in this respect by means of the DNA extracted from museum specimens. Nevertheless, the degraded status of biological material and the limited number of records may pose some constraints. For this reason, identifying all available sources, including private and public biological collections, is a crucial step forward. In this study, we reconstructed the demographic history based on cytochrome-b sequence data of the Pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica), a charismatic taxon of the European wildlife that became extinct in the year 2000. Moreover, we built a database of the museum specimens available in public biological collections worldwide and genotyped a privately owned 140-year-old trophy from the Spanish Pyrenees to confirm its origin. We found that the population of the Pyrenean ibex underwent a recent expansion approximately 20,000 years ago, after which trophy hunting and epizootics triggered a relentless population decline. Our interpretations, based on the genetic information currently available in public repositories, provide a solid basis for more exhaustive analyses relying on all the new sources identified. In particular, the adoption of a genome-wide approach appears a fundamental prerequisite to disentangle the multiple contributing factors associated with low genetic diversity, including inbreeding depression, acting as extinction drivers.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 1 Apr 2021 09:59:37 +0300
The discovery of a microbialite-associated freshwater fish in the world’s largest saline soda lake, Lake Van (Turkey) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/62120/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 181-189

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.62120

Authors: Mustafa Akkuş, Mustafa Sarı, F. Güler Ekmekçi, Baran Yoğurtçuoğlu

Abstract: Lake Van is the largest saline soda lake in the world and one of the world’s few endorheic lakes of greater than 3,000 km2 surface area. Despite its huge size, no fish species have so far been known to permanently occur in this lake due to its extreme environmental conditions. Here, we report the discovery of a fish population that permanently inhabits some of the unique microbialites of the lake, at a maximum depth of 13 m and about 500 m offshore. We tested whether this is an undescribed species or a new occurrence of a known species. A molecular and morphological examination showed that the newly discovered fish represents an isolated population of Oxynoemacheilus ercisianus, the only nemacheilid loach native to the freshwater tributaries of the Lake Van endorheic basin. Our further hypotheses on the prediction that (a) stream fishes would have a more anterior placement of fins than lake fishes were supported; but, that (b) stream fishes would be more slender bodied than their lake conspecifics was not supported. The lake dwelling population also shows very small sequence divergence (0.5% K2P distance) to its stream dwelling conspecific in the mtDNA-COI barcode region. The notable morphological difference with minute molecular divergence implies that the newly discovered population might have lost its link to freshwater during desiccation and transgressional phases of the Lake Van, and has adapted to a life on the microbialites.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:29:23 +0200
A new chameleon of the Trioceros affinis species complex (Squamata, Chamaeleonidae) from Ethiopia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/57297/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 161-179

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.57297

Authors: Thore Koppetsch, Petr Nečas, Benjamin Wipfler

Abstract: A new species of chameleon, Trioceros wolfgangboehmei sp. nov., inhabiting the northern slopes of the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia, is described. It differs from its Ethiopian congeners by a combination of the following features: presence of a prominent dorsal crest with a low number of enlarged conical scales reaching along the anterior half of the tail as a prominent tail crest, a casque raised above the dorsal crest, heterogeneous body scalation, long canthus parietalis, rugose head scalation, high number of flank scales at midbody and unique hemipenial morphology. Based on morphological characteristics, phylogenetic discordances of previous studies and biogeographical patterns, this new species is assigned to the Trioceros affinis (Rüppell, 1845) species complex. An updated comprehensive key to the Trioceros found in Ethiopia is provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:28:20 +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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 19 Nov 2020 16:09:48 +0200
Distribution and diversity of fish from Seyhan, Ceyhan and Orontes river systems https://zse.pensoft.net/article/55837/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 747-767

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.55837

Authors: Esra Bayçelebi

Abstract: In this study, the current ichthyofauna of the Seyhan, Ceyhan and Orontes River drainages were presented and actual taxonomic positions of the species were assessed. Sixty-seven species belonging to 32 genera and 17 families of fishes were reported from these river drainages in Turkey and Syria. Acanthobrama centisquama and Tinca tinca could not be observed in the study area and Alburnus sellal and Esox lucius are recorded for the first time respectively in the Lake Gölbaşı (connected to the Ceyhan River) and Seyhan River.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 19 Nov 2020 10:57:11 +0200
Review of Macropodia in the Black Sea supported by molecular barcoding data; with the redescription of the type material, observations on ecology and epibiosis of Macropodia czernjawskii (Brandt, 1880) and notes on other Atlanto-Mediterranean species of Macropodia Leach, 1814 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Inachidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/48342/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 609-635

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.48342

Authors: Vassily A. Spiridonov, Ulyana V. Simakova, Sergey E. Anosov, Anna K. Zalota, Vitaly A. Timofeev

Abstract: Macropodia czernjawskii (Brandt, 1880), described from the Black Sea, was ignored in the regional faunal accounts for more than a century, although it was recognised in the Mediterranean. Instead, M. longirostris (Fabricius, 1775) and M. rostrata (Linnaeus, 1761) were frequently listed for the Black Sea. We selected a lectotype and redescribed the species on the basis of the type series from the Crimean Peninsula and the new material collected in the Black Sea. Historical and new collections, as well as the analysis of publications, indicate that M. czernjawskii is the only Macropodia species occurring in the Black Sea. Molecular barcode (COI gene marker) data show that M. czernjawskii is a species well-diverged from other studied species of the group. Furthermore, M. parva van Noort & Adema, 1985 has very low genetic distances from M. rostrata and M. longipes A. Milne-Edwards & Bouvier, 1899 is indistinguishable from M. tenuirostris (Leach, 1814), using COI sequences. The respective synonimisations, supported by morphological data, are proposed. M. czernjawskii is a Black Sea – Mediterranean endemic occurring also in the neighbouring Atlantic coastal zone of the Iberian Peninsula and occupying shallower depth, compared to other Mediterranean species of Macropodia. As an upper subtidal inshore species, it is particularly specialised in self-decoration and stimulates abundant epibiosis, providing masking and protection. The bulk of epibiosis consists of algae and cyanobacteria. Amongst the 25 autotrophic eukaryote taxa, identified to the lowest possible level, green chlorophytes Cladophora sp. and calcareous rhodophytes Corallinales gen. sp. were most commonly recorded. Non-indigenous red alga Bonnemaisonia hamifera Hariot, first officially recorded at the Caucasian coast of the Black Sea in 2015, was present in the epibiosis of M. czernjawskii in Crimea as early as 2011.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 1 Sep 2020 09:33:37 +0300
A guild classification system proposed for anuran advertisement calls https://zse.pensoft.net/article/38770/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 515-525

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.38770

Authors: Mike Emmrich, Miguel Vences, Raffael Ernst, Jörn Köhler, Michael F. Barej, Frank Glaw, Martin Jansen, Mark-Oliver Rödel

Abstract: Zoologists have widely acknowledged the utility of classification systems for characterising variation in anuran egg and clutch types, tadpole morphotypes, embryonic and tadpole development, amplexus types and reproductive modes. These classification systems have facilitated unambiguous communication between researchers, often working in completely different fields (e.g. taxonomy, ecology, behaviour), as well as comparisons among studies. A syntactic system, classifying anuran call guilds, is so far lacking. Based on examination of the calls of 1253 anuran species we present a simple, easy to use dichotomous key and guild system for classifying anuran advertisement calls – the call type most frequently emitted by anurans and studied by researchers. The use of only three call elements, namely clearly-defined calls, notes, and pulses, plus presence or absence of frequency modulation, allows assigning all currently known anuran advertisement calls to one of eight distinct call guilds defined here. This novel toolkit will facilitate comparative studies across the many thousand anuran species, and may help to unravel drivers of anuran call evolution, and to identify ecological patterns at the level of acoustic communities.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 1 Sep 2020 08:12:37 +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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 23 Jun 2020 16:01:10 +0300
Taxonomic assessment and distribution of fishes in upper Kura and Aras river drainages https://zse.pensoft.net/article/52241/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 325-344

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.52241

Authors: Cüneyt Kaya, Esra Bayçelebi, Davut Turan

Abstract: In the present study, the actual fish fauna of the upper Kura and Aras river drainages in Turkey were re-examined. The distribution and latest taxonomic status of the species were assessed. The study area comprises the upper part of Kura and Aras river drainages, in Turkey. Overall, 32 sampling sites were prospected between 2004–2018 to inventory fish species in the area and a total of 33 species were recognized, five of which are recorded for the first time from the Turkish part of upper Aras river drainage, namely Alburnus hohenackeri, Blicca bjoerkna, Gobio artvinicus, Neogobius fluviatilis and Rhodeus amarus.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 15 Jun 2020 09:55:07 +0300
Squalus shiraii sp. nov. (Squaliformes, Squalidae), a new species of dogfish shark from Japan with regional nominal species revisited https://zse.pensoft.net/article/51962/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 275-311

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51962

Authors: Sarah T. F. L. Viana, Marcelo R. de Carvalho

Abstract: A new species of deep-water dogfish shark, Squalus shiraii sp. nov., is described herein as endemic to the tropical waters off Southern Japan. This species has been largely misidentified with S. mitsukurii. However, morphological, meristic and morphometric evidence support it to be a separate and undescribed species. Squalus shiraii sp. nov. differs from this species by having body brown in colour dorsally, caudal fin with ventral and dorsal tips markedly tapered and broadly white, dermal denticles uniscuspidate and lanceolate and larger number of precaudal (91–94) and total vertebrae (120–123) (vs. body dark grey to black; caudal fin with ventral and dorsal tips rounded and not white in colour; denticles tricuspidate and rhomboid; 86–90 precaudal and 116–117 total vertebrae). Squalus shiraii sp. nov. is also clearly separated from other Japanese congeners which are herein revisited to include six species, based on the examination of over 150 specimens caught from Japanese waters that were available in ichthyological collections: S. mitsukurii, S. japonicus, S. acutirostris, S. brevirostris and S. suckleyi. Squalus mitsukurii, S. japonicus and S. brevirostris are re-described in detail and the neotype of S. japonicus is herein designated. Squalus acutirostris is treated as a valid species with occurrences in Japan, China and Taiwan and, thus, a provisional diagnosis is given, as well as an updated diagnosis of S. suckleyi. A key to Squalus species from the North-western Pacific Ocean is given and main morphological differences between S. shiraii sp. nov. and the closest related species are discussed.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 10 Jun 2020 10:47:53 +0300
At the edge of extinction: a first herpetological assessment of the proposed Serra do Pingano Rainforest National Park in Uíge Province, northern Angola https://zse.pensoft.net/article/51997/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 237-262

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51997

Authors: Raffael Ernst, Thea Lautenschläger, Makaya Futuro Branquima, Monique Hölting

Abstract: We systematically assess the herpetofaunal diversity of the Serra do Pingano Forest Ecosystem (SPFE) and additional localities throughout the northern Angolan province of Uíge during four independent Rapid Assessment (RA) field campaigns held between 2013 and 2019. These assessments represent the first systematic surveys of amphibians and reptiles from the province, and thus we provide the first province-wide species list. We collected data on the status and current threats to amphibians and reptiles in the proposed Serra do Pingano Rainforest National Park and were able to document 33 species of reptiles from Uíge province. Of the 33 species recorded from the province, 10 species are exclusively found in the SPFE. Amphibian surveys yielded 47 amphibian species from the province. These include 14 new country records and additional records that may represent undescribed species. This raises the amphibian count for Angola to at least 133 species, which includes 18 species exclusively found within the SPFE. Species-richness estimators indicate that more species should be detected if survey efforts are intensified. The species composition in the SPFE is unique and consists of a high proportion of forest specialists with restricted ranges and species found nowhere else in the country. This emphasizes today’s paramount importance of the SPFE, which is threatened by increasing agricultural encroachment and uncontrolled timber extraction and charcoal production. These principal factors need to be controlled and/or abandoned in already impacted areas. Conservation strategies should particularly consider the strict protection of remaining intact forests and both lentic and lotic aquatic systems. They are not only crucial for safeguarding a significant number of species that depend on these habitats for reproduction; they also provide key ecosystem services to the local population. Angola, and Uíge province in particular, is at a crossroads concerning decisions and trade-offs among utilization, conservation, and preservation of its forests and, thus, substantial parts of the country’s biodiversity. The establishment of a National Protected Area in the Serra do Pingano Ecosystem is therefore a necessary and urgently needed first step towards protecting Angola’s national biodiversity heritage.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 5 Jun 2020 10:06:54 +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.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 4 May 2020 10:06:51 +0300
Guide to image editing and production of figures for scientific publications with an emphasis on taxonomy https://zse.pensoft.net/article/49225/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 139-158

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.49225

Authors: Marcus Bevilaqua

Abstract: Figures for scientific publications go through various stages from the planning, to the capturing of images, to the production of finished figures for publication. This guide is meant to familiarise the reader with the main image-editing software used by professional photographers. The guide’s focus is on digital photo editing and the production of figures using Adobe Photoshop to produce publication-quality figures for scientific publications. This guide will be of fundamental use for the academic public, especially taxonomists and others who work with images. Besides, it should be useful for anyone interested in becoming familiar with the basic tools of image editing.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 4 May 2020 08:13:35 +0300
A revision of the extant species of Theodoxus (Gastropoda, Neritidae) in Asia, with the description of three new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/48312/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 25-66

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.48312

Authors: Arthur F. Sands, Peter Glöer, Mustafa E. Gürlek, Christian Albrecht, Thomas A. Neubauer

Abstract: Asia contains a high species diversity of the freshwater gastropod genus Theodoxus. Recent molecular and morphological reviews of this diversity have uncovered a number of yet undescribed species while suggesting the urgent revision of several others. Moreover, some of these studies have indicated a number of species previously not recorded for this continent. Despite the advancements, a taxonomic revision and an update on the distribution of Theodoxus spp. in Asia is still pending. Here, we construct the most robust phylogeny of Theodoxus up to now and review original descriptions, type material, recent taxonomic revisions, compendia, and species lists to provide a comprehensive checklist of all known extant Asian Theodoxus spp. Our checklist also provides descriptions for three recently discovered and yet undescribed species (Theodoxus gurur Sands & Glöer, sp. nov., Theodoxus wesselinghi Sands & Glöer, sp. nov., and Theodoxus wilkei Sands & Glöer, sp. nov.), as well as shows the need to synonymise several previously described morphospecies. The present revision recognizes 14 extant Theodoxus spp. for Asia. Some of these species are widespread, while others are endemic to just a single location. Based on the revised and new distribution data, we provide updates and new assessments of species conservation statuses.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 3 Feb 2020 09:09:17 +0200
A new species in the genus Heteromysoides (Crustacea, Mysida, Mysidae) from Songkhla Lagoon, southern Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/39214/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 95(2): 535-542

DOI: 10.3897/zse.95.39214

Authors: Rofiza Yolanda, Shozo Sawamoto, Vachira Lheknim

Abstract: A new mysid, Heteromysoides songkhlaensis, is reported from shallow water in the Songkhla Lagoon, southern Thailand. The new species is closely similar to H. nana in having a triangular rostrum and the eyestalk without a process at the anteromesial corner. However, the new species can be readily distinguished from H. nana by three setae on the inner margin and five setae on distal margin of the second segment of the mandibular palp; the carpopropodus of the fifth and sixth thoracic endopod of the new species is composed of four articles, and the telson of the new species is distally rounded, shorter than the sixth abdominal somite, and 1.3 times longer than its basal width; the spines on the telson form elongated spines from the distal to posterior margin. The new species also resembles H. dennisi, H. simplex, and H. stenoura; however, it differs by (1) the presence of a rounded distal margin of telson, and (2) absence of a sharp process on the distolateral corner of the eyestalk.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 29 Oct 2019 15:55:28 +0200
The paleoichthyofauna housed in the Colección Nacional de Paleontología of Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México https://zse.pensoft.net/article/35435/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 95(2): 429-452

DOI: 10.3897/zse.95.35435

Authors: Kleyton Magno Cantalice, Alejandra Martínez-Melo, Violeta Amparo Romero-Mayén

Abstract: Fishes are a paraphyletic group composed by craniates except for the four-limbed clade Tetrapoda. This group was the only vertebrate representative until the Devonian but now comprises almost half of the vertebrate species, dominating nearly all aquatic environments. The fossil record is the key to understand the ancient paleobiodiversity and the patterns that lead the modern fish fauna, and paleontological collections play a fundamental role in providing accommodation, maintenance, and access to the specimens and their respective metadata. Here we present a systematic checklist of fossil fishes housed in the type collection of the Colección Nacional de Paleontología which is located at the Instituto de Geología of Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Currently housed in the type collection are 14 chondrichthyan specimens, belonging to two superorders, five orders, seven families, 10 genera, and five nominal species, and 361 osteichthyan specimens, belonging to eight orders, nine families, nine genera, and 26 nominal species. These fossils come from 32 localities and 15 geological units, which range temporally from the Jurassic to the Pleistocene. The paleoichthyofauna housed in the type collection of the Colección Nacional de Paleontología is remarkable for its singularity and reveals new insights about the origin and diversification of many groups of fishes. The recovery and curation of this fossil material indicates that knowledge of Mexican fossil fish diversity and its role in understanding lower vertebrate evolution are just emerging and reaffirms the importance of the biological and paleontological collections to the future biodiversity research.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 30 Aug 2019 10:05:43 +0300
Tadpoles of three western African frog genera: Astylosternus Werner, 1898, Nyctibates Boulenger, 1904, and Scotobleps Boulenger, 1900 (Amphibia, Anura, Arthroleptidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/32793/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 95(1): 133-160

DOI: 10.3897/zse.95.32793

Authors: Frederic Griesbaum, Mareike Hirschfeld, Michael F. Barej, Andreas Schmitz, Mariam Rohrmoser, Matthias Dahmen, Fabian Mühlberger, H. Christoph Liedtke, Nono L. Gonwouo, Joseph Doumbia, Mark-Oliver Rödel

Abstract: Herein, we describe the tadpoles of six Astylosternus species, A. fallax, A. cf. fallax, A. laurenti, A. montanus, A. perreti, A. ranoides, and Scotobleps gabonicus, and redescribe the tadpoles of A. batesi, A. diadematus, A. laticephalus, A. occidentalis, A. rheophilus, and Nyctibates corrugatus. All Astylosternus tadpoles are adapted to torrent currents and share a long, oval body, slightly flattened in lateral view, with very long muscular tails with narrow fins. The jaws are massive, serrated, and often show a tooth-like medial projection (fang) in the upper jaw. Body proportions of Astylosternus tadpoles are extremely similar. The best characters to distinguish species might be life coloration and potentially the shape of labial papillae. The tadpole of Scotobleps gabonicus is similar to Astylosternus and differs only slightly by a narrower body with a shorter and rounder head. The upper jaw of Scotobleps carries two or three lateral fangs instead of one medial one. The tadpole of Nyctibates corrugatus is easily distinguishable from the other two genera on the basis of their very long, eel-shaped body and tail and the bluish-black color.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 5 Apr 2019 10:09:26 +0300
Phylogeny and species delimitation based on molecular approaches on the species of the Australoheros autrani group (Teleostei, Cichlidae), with biogeographic comments https://zse.pensoft.net/article/31658/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 95(1): 49-64

DOI: 10.3897/zse.95.31658

Authors: Felipe Polivanov Ottoni, José L. O. Mattos, Axel M. Katz, Pedro H.N. Bragança

Abstract: Three distinct and independent molecular-based species delimitation analyses were performed among the species and populations included within the Australoheros autrani group, based on sequences of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome b: a tree-based method proposed by Wiens and Penkrot (WP), a Character-based DNA Barcoding (CBB) and coalescent species delimitation method termed the Bayesian Implementation of the Poisson tree processes (bPTP). The congruence of WP and CBB delimited 11 independent lineages (species), while the bPTP delimited just nine lineages. We did not favour any of the methods, and we considered the possibility of two slightly variant scenarios. A time-calibrated phylogenetic analysis is proposed based on the predominant congruence of the results of these three species delimitation methods herein applied. The monophyly of the A. autrani species group was highly supported with maximum node support value and diagnosed by 11 nucleotide substitutions. The sister clade of the A. autrani species group is the clade comprising A. sp. Timbé do Sul and A. minuano. The phylogenetic analysis supports three main clades within the A. autrani species group, supported by maximum node support value, with the Southern Mata Atlântica clade as the most basal clade. Divergence time estimates indicate that the diversification of the Australoheros originated during the early Neogene, but only in the late Neogene did the processes of diversification in the southeast and north regions occur. Diversification within the Australoheros autrani species group occurred synchronically for the three main clades during the beginning of the Quaternary. It is demonstrated that molecular characters are valuable tools for species recognition, particularly in speciose groups with inconspicuous or difficult to record morphological characters. The resulting phylogeny of the Australoheros autrani group is highly compatible with the geological and biogeographic scenarios proposed for the Neogene and Quarternary shaping of the extant river basins of eastern Brazil. Despite the origin of the A. autrani group being dated to the late Miocene, species level diversification occurred in the Pleistocene and was probably driven by headwater capture events and sea-level fluctuations.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 13 Feb 2019 09:43:21 +0200
Herpetological surveys in two proposed protected areas in Liberia, West Africa https://zse.pensoft.net/article/31726/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 95(1): 15-35

DOI: 10.3897/zse.95.31726

Authors: Mark-Oliver Rödel, Julian Glos

Abstract: In March and April 2018 we surveyed amphibians and reptiles in two Proposed Protected Areas (PPAs) in Liberia. In the Krahn-Bassa Proposed Protected Area (KBPPA) in eastern Liberia 36 species of amphibians and 13 species of reptiles were recorded. In the Foya Proposed Protected Area (FPPA) in western Liberia 39 species of amphibians and 10 species of reptiles were recorded. The encountered herpetological communities in both sites were typical for West African rainforests. However, some species indicated disturbances, in particular at the edges of the study areas, the surrounding villages and plantations, and old artisanal gold mining sites within forests. Of particular conservation interest was the discovery of a high percentage of typical rainforest specialists with ranges restricted to the western part of the Upper Guinea rainforest biodiversity hotspot. Outstanding discoveries in KBPPA were two new species of puddle frogs, and the first country record for the arboreal, parachuting lizard Holaspis guentheri. Remarkable records in FPPA comprise a new species of stiletto snake, a new puddle frog and records of various frog species typically breeding in undisturbed rainforest streams, such as Odontobatrachus natator and Conraua alleni. Both study areas comprise an important proportion of the remaining rainforests in the Upper Guinea forest zone. The new discoveries indicate that within this biogeographic area, southeastern and western Liberian rainforest may still hold various undiscovered species and species of conservation concern. Further surveys in KBPPA and FPPA and nearby forests should clarify the distribution and conservation status of the new taxa. This study also emphasizes that the western part of the Liberian forests comprise at least partly a herpetofauna which differs from that of the East of the country. The recorded threatened amphibian species are all specialized on relatively undisturbed rainforests and they all have only small geographic ranges. The remaining parts of undisturbed or little disturbed forests thus have high importance for the long-term survival of these species. In conclusion the study areas have a high conservation potential and should be urgently protected from any further forest loss degradation and uncontrolled hunting.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 4 Feb 2019 09:22:13 +0200
Exploring the evolutionary potential of parasites: Larval stages of pathogen digenic trematodes in their thiarid snail host Tarebia granifera in Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/28793/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 425-460

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.28793

Authors: Nuanpan Veeravechsukij, Suluck Namchote, Marco T. Neiber, Matthias Glaubrecht, Duangduen Krailas

Abstract: Minute intestinal flukes from several distinct families of endoparasitic platyhelminths are a medically important group of foodborne trematodes prevalent throughout Southeast Asia and Australasia. Their lifecycle is complex, with freshwater snails as primary intermediate hosts, with infecting multiple species of arthropods and fish as second intermediate hosts, and with birds and mammals including humans as definitive hosts. In Southeast Asian countries, the diversity of snail species of the Thiaridae which are frequently parasitized by trematode species is extremely high. Here, the thiarid Tarebia granifera in Thailand was studied for variation of trematode infections, by collecting the snails every two months for one year from each locality during the years 2004–2009, and during 2014–2016 when snails from the same localities were collected and new localities found. From ninety locations a total of 15,076 T. granifera were collected and examined for trematode infections. With 1,577 infected snails the infection rate was found to be 10.46 %. The cercariae were categorized into fifteen species from eight morphologically distinguishable types representing several distinct families, viz. (i) virgulate xiphidiocercariae (Loxogenoides bicolor, Loxogenes liberum and Acanthatrium histaense), (ii) armatae xiphidiocercariae cercariae (Maritreminoides caridinae and M. obstipus); (iii) parapleurophocercous cercariae (Haplorchis pumilio, H. taichui and Stictodora tridactyla); (iv) pleurophocercous cercariae (Centrocestus formosanus); (v) megarulous cercariae (Philophthalmus gralli); (vi) furcocercous cercariae (Cardicola alseae, Alaria mustelae and Transversotrema laruei); as well as (vii) echinostome-type cercariae, and (viii) gymnocephalous-type cercariae. In addition, a phylogenetic marker (internal transcribed spacers 2, ITS2) was employed in generic and infrageneric level classifications of these trematodes, using sequences obtained from shed cercariae isolated from T. granifera specimens of the second study period collected in various regions in Thailand. We obtained ITS2 sequences of cercariae from nine species (of seven types): Loxogenoides bicolor, Loxogenes liberum, Maritreminoides obstipus, Haplorchis taichui, Stictodora tridactyla, Centrocestus formosanus, Philophthalmus gralli, as well as from one species each of echinostome cercariae and gymnocephalous cercariae. Thus, this analysis combines the parasites’ data on morphology and geographical occurrence with molecular phylogeny, aiming to provide the groundwork for future studies looking into more details of the parasite-snail evolutionary relationships.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 8 Nov 2018 14:40:22 +0200
The smallest ‘true chameleon’ from Madagascar: a new, distinctly colored species of the Calumma boettgeri complex (Squamata, Chamaeleonidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/27305/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 409-423

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.27305

Authors: David Prötzel, Shea M. Lambert, Ginah Tsiorisoa Andrianasolo, Carl R. Hutter, Kerry A. Cobb, Mark D. Scherz, Frank Glaw

Abstract: On a recent expedition to eastern Madagascar, we discovered a distinct new species of the genus Calumma that we describe here using an integrative approach combining morphology, coloration, osteology and molecular genetics. Calumma roaloko sp. n. has a dermal rostral appendage and occipital lobes, and belongs to the C. boettgeri complex, within the Madagascar-endemic phenetic C. nasutum species group. It is readily distinguished from other species of the C. boettgeri complex by a characteristic two-toned body coloration and small body size with a snout-vent length of 45.6 mm in an adult male. The osteology of the skull, with a prominent maxilla and broad parietal, is similar to the closest related species, C. uetzi. Analysis of uncorrected genetic distances within the C. nasutum group using the mitochondrial gene ND2 shows a minimum pairwise distance of 11.98% to C. uetzi from the Sorata massif and Marojejy National Park >500 km north of the type locality of C. roaloko sp. n.. Given an apparently small range (potentially <300 km2), located entirely outside of any nationally-protected areas, we recommend this new species be classified as Endangered under criterion B1ab(iii) of the IUCN Red List. The discovery of clearly distinct species like C. roaloko sp. n. in an area of Madagascar that is comparatively thoroughly surveyed highlights the critical role of continued field surveys for understanding the true extent of Madagascar’s spectacular biodiversity.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 19 Oct 2018 14:49:49 +0300
Unrecognized biodiversity in a world’s hotspot: three new species of Melanorivulus (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from tributaries of the right bank of the Rio Paraná basin, Brazilian Cerrado https://zse.pensoft.net/article/24406/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 263-280

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.24406

Authors: Matheus V. Volcan, Francisco Severo-Neto, Luis Esteban K. Lanés

Abstract: The genus Melanorivulus presents a wide geographical distribution in the Neotropical region. Among Melanorivulus, the M. pictus species group has currently 18 species distributed in the Brazilian Cerrado, mainly in the upper Rio Paraná basin, with some species occurrences in the upper Rio Araguaia and Tocantins. In the present study, we describe three new Melanorivulus species, belonging to the M. pictus species group from different drainages of the right bank of the Rio Paraná basin in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. These new species are easily distinguished from the others by their unique colour patterns. Melanorivulus interruptus is distinguished from all species of the M. pictus group by the presence of oblique chevron-like red bars interrupted, mainly on the midline of the flank in males; while M. ivinhemensis by the yellow colouration of the caudal fin with thin red bars arranged only in the median region of the fin in males. Melanorivulus amambaiensis is distinguished from all species of the M. pictus species group by having an orange anal fin or sometimes more reddish-orange with distal margin grey or dark grey and chevron-like bars along the body, distinctly branched ventrally forming an inverted Y-shape in males. The high diversity of the Melanorivulus species with high levels of endemism demands the development of conservation strategies to avoid the loss of their vulnerable habitats in the Cerrado biome. We expect presence of more species of the M. pictus species group also along the lower reaches of the tributaries of the Rio Paraná. Additionally a dichotomic identification key of the M. pictus species group is provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 18 Apr 2018 11:32:19 +0300
Complementary anatomy of Actinocyclus verrucosus (Nudibranchia, Doridoidea, Actinocyclidae) from Indo-Pacific https://zse.pensoft.net/article/14518/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 237-246

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.14518

Authors: Patricia Oristanio V. Lima, Luiz Ricardo L. Simone

Abstract: The last review of the genus Actinocyclus consider only two valid species for the genus: Actinocyclus verrucosus Ehrenberg, 1831 (type species of the genus) and Actinocyclus papillatus (Bergh, 1878), both with a geographical distribution in the Indo-Pacific. The anatomy of these species is still unknown, except for some scanty anatomical information. A detailed anatomical study of Actinocyclus verrucosus is performed, including inedited structures such as digestive system, odontophore muscles and circulatory system, beyond complementary information on the commonly studied structures, in order to clarify the taxonomy and distribution.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 15 Mar 2018 09:40:13 +0200
A new species of Eisothistos (Isopoda, Cymothoida) and first molecular data on six species of Anthuroidea from the Peninsular Malaysia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/23000/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(1): 73-81

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.23000

Authors: Melvin Chew, Azman bin Abdul Rahim, Nurul Yuziana binti Mohd Yusof

Abstract: A new species of expanathurid (Eisothistos tiomanensis sp. n.) is described and illustrated. It was collected from Pulau Tioman, Malaysia and can be distinguished by the unique bipartite shape of its uropodal exopod. Accalathura borradailei, Apanthura pariensis, A. stocki, Expanathura corallis and Mesanthura quadrata in the Malaysian waters are recorded for the first time. Additionally, six sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes are presented. These are the first molecular evidence of anthuroids from the waters of Malaysia.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 25 Jan 2018 10:11:11 +0200
A new genus of Parastenocarididae (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from the Tocantins River basin (Goiás, Brazil), and a phylogenetic analysis of the Parastenocaridinae https://zse.pensoft.net/article/11602/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(1): 167-187

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.11602

Authors: Paulo H.C. Corgosinho, Nikolaos V. Schizas, Daniel Previattelli, Carlos E. Falavigna da Rocha, Edinaldo Nelson dos Santos-Silva

Abstract: Eirinicaris antonioi gen. et sp. n. (Parastenocaridinae) is described from the Brazilian rocky savannas, an ecosystem under heavy anthropogenic pressure. The subfamily is distributed worldwide, with representatives in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. This is the first time a non-RemaneicarisParastenocaridinae is described from a Neotropical region indicating that Parastenocaridinae species were already present in a vast geographical area, before the split of the Gondwana. The new taxon is included within the subfamily Parastenocaridinae based on the following characters: 1) segments 5, 6, and 7 of the male antennules forming a functional unit for clasping the female; 2) segment 7 with small process at the inner margin, forming an incipient “pocket-knife” structure with segment 6; 3) last segment pointing medially when closed; 4) the endopod of female leg 3 one-segmented and spiniform, without distal seta; 5) the apophysis and terminal seta of the exopod of male leg 3 are fused; 6) the genital field is rectangular and much broader than the height in the female; 7) the group of three lateral setae I, II, and III of the furca and the dorsal seta are situated at the same level in the female; and 8) the basis of leg 1 has an inner seta. The new taxon can be distinguished from all other Parastenocaridinae genera by the unique sexually dimorphic telson and furca. In the male, the dorsal seta is inserted at the midlength of the furca and setae I, II, and III are displaced anteroventrally. A phylogenetic analysis of the subfamily Parastenocaridinae is given based on the description of the type species of each genus and available descriptions of all Parastenocaridinae species. Eirinicaris gen. n. is the sister taxon of a clade formed by Kinnecaris and Monodicaris, sharing with them the long male and female leg 5 with a long spiniform process, and with Kinnecaris, a distal pore on the spiniform process.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 10 Mar 2017 10:09:10 +0200
Diversity and taxonomy of Vietnamese Pollicaria (Gastropoda, Pupinidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/10794/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(1): 95-104

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.10794

Authors: Russell L. Minton, Phillip M. Harris, Ernest North, Do Van Tu

Abstract: Species in the genus Pollicaria (Gastropoda: Pupinidae) are conspicuous members of the southeast Asian land snail fauna. Originally erected in 1856, both the genus and its constituent species have been reorganized multiple times with the most recent treatment published in 2013. Collections of Vietnamese Pollicaria during 2014 and 2015 raised questions of the utility of currently used diagnostic shell characters and identification keys in species identification. An examination of the authors’ collections, combined with museum specimens, suggested that at least three species of Pollicaria occur or have historically occurred in Vietnam. It is suggested that P. rochebruni is a senior synonym of P. crossei and treat both taxa as conspecific. A second species, P. mouhoti, was believed to only occur in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. A possible third species, based only on previous karyotypic work, is discussed. Our data further suggest that shell features such as color and size lack consistent utility in species-level identifications in Pollicaria.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 3 Feb 2017 11:14:16 +0200
The diversity of acorn barnacles (Cirripedia, Balanomorpha) across Thailand’s coasts: The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/10769/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(1): 13-34

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.10769

Authors: Ashitapol Pochai, Sutin Kingtong, Woranop Sukparangsi, Salinee Khachonpisitsak

Abstract: The acorn barnacle is a sessile crustacean, inhabiting the intertidal areas of tropical and temperate regions worldwide. According to current practices on Cirripedia morphology, shell, opercular valves, and arthropodal characters including cirri and mouthparts are used as a tool for taxonomic classification, and using these characteristics the present study aimed to provide better resolution for the barnacle diversity and geographical distribution within coastlines of Thailand: the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. A total of ten species belonging to three families (Chthamalidae, Tetraclitidae, and Balanidae) were identified in this study. Subsequently, five species were newly recorded for the first time from Thailand’s coasts: Newmanella spinosus Chan & Cheang, 2016, Euraphia hembeli Conrad, 1837, Euraphia depressa (Poli, 1795), Tetraclita kuroshioensis Chan, Tsang & Chu, 2007, and Tetraclita singaporensis Chan, Tsang & Chu, 2007. The others, already mentioned in previous records, include: Tetraclita squamosa (Bruguière, 1789), Chthamalus malayensis Pilsbry, 1916, Amphibalanus amphitrite (Darwin, 1854), Amphibalanus reticulatus (Utinomi, 1967), and Megabalanus tintinnabulum (Linnaeus, 1758). Interestingly, acorn barnacles along the Andaman Sea occur abundantly, and are much higher in number of species (up to 8 species) than those found in the Gulf of Thailand’s coast (up to 6 species). This biased trend of species’ preferences is possibly due to the differences in oceanographic nature between two coastlines and the history of barnacle colonization.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 11 Jan 2017 16:42:11 +0200
A new species of Moenkhausia (Characiformes, Characidae) from the Içá River, Amazon Basin, northern Brazil https://zse.pensoft.net/article/10049/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 92(2): 203-209

DOI: 10.3897/zse.92.10049

Authors: Valter M. Azevedo-Santos, Ricardo C. Benine

Abstract: A new species of the genus Moenkhausia is described from the Içá River, Amazon Basin. Moenkhausia britskii sp. n. is most similar to M. grandisquamis and M. xinguensis. From these two species it is readily distinguished by the pigmentation pattern of the humeral spot. Moenkhausia britskii further differs from M. xinguensis by the pattern of radii on the scales, which curve upward and downward (vs. scales with straight radii). Discussions on the putative relationship of the new species with M. grandisquamis and M. xinguensis, and on the peculiar upward and downward arched scale radii are provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 18 Oct 2016 10:08:49 +0300
Redescription of the deep-sea colonial ascidian Synoicum molle (Herdman, 1886): first record since its original finding during the Challenger Expedition https://zse.pensoft.net/article/9521/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 92(2): 181-185

DOI: 10.3897/zse.92.9521

Authors: Tamara Maggioni, Anabela Taverna, Marcos Tatián

Abstract: The colonial ascidian Synoicum molle (Herdman, 1886) was recorded for the first time after its original description. The slope area where S. molle was discovered during the Challenger Expedition (1872-1876), located at the mouth off Río de La Plata (Argentine Sea), still remains highly underexplored. During a series of deep-sea prospections along the SW Atlantic (A.R.A. Puerto Deseado, August 2012), 7 colonies of S. molle were collected few km from the type locality. The finding permitted to perform, for the first time, a complete morphological description of this species. The proper identification of marine species, especially deep-sea organisms, has implications for the general knowledge of biodiversity, a necessary tool for the conservation and study of ecosystem benefits that marine environments provide.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Fri, 14 Oct 2016 11:30:39 +0300
Exploration into the hidden world of Mozambique’s sky island forests: new discoveries of reptiles and amphibians https://zse.pensoft.net/article/9948/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 92(2): 163-180

DOI: 10.3897/zse.92.9948

Authors: Werner Conradie, Gabriela Bittencourt-Silva, Hanlie M. Engelbrecht, Simon P. Loader, Michele Menegon, Cristóvão Nanvonamuquitxo, Michael Scott, Krystal A. Tolley

Abstract: We carried out a survey of reptiles and amphibians within Afromontane forest and woodland slopes of three inselbergs in northern Mozambique (Mount Mabu, Mount Namuli, and Mount Ribáuè). A total of 56 species (22 amphibians and 34 reptiles) were recorded during the current survey. Our findings substantially increase the number of herpetofaunal species recorded from these mountains (Mount Ribáuè 59%, Mount Mabu 37%, and Mount Namuli 11% of the total species), including one new country record and several putative new species. An updated checklist of the herpetofauna of these mountains is presented.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 26 Sep 2016 13:13:45 +0300
Life on the beach for a sand crab (Emerita rathbunae) (Decapoda, Hippidae): parasite-induced mortality of females in populations of the Pacific sand crab caused by Microphallus nicolli (Microphallidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/8256/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 92(2): 153-161

DOI: 10.3897/zse.92.8256

Authors: Juan Violante-González, Scott Monks, Guadalupe Quiterio-Rendon, Sergio García-Ibáñez, Edvino Larumbe-Morán, Agustín A. Rojas-Herrera

Abstract: Parasites, by definition, can affect mortality of their host, making parasitism an important biotic determinant of animal population dynamics and community structure. Reduction in the number of larger, reproductive age females in populations of the Pacific sand crab, Emerita rathbunae (Decapoda, Hippidae), was observed in studies of the helminth community of this host. The aim of this study was to determine if high abundance of the metacercaria of the trematode, Microphallus nicolli (Microphallidae), causes mortality in this host. Females of E. rathbunae were collected from four sandy beaches in Guerrero State, Mexico, and helminths were collected from each crab. An analysis of variance (Anova) was applied to these data in order to identify differences in abundance between sizes of crabs, and an analysis of covariance (Ancova) was applied to identify differences in the abundance of metacercariae between locations. Parasite-related mortality was inferred by a decrease in abundance in older hosts. Linear and polynomial regressions of mean abundance of helminths (log x+1 transformed data) vs. cephalothorax length of crabs were significant for the four populations of E. rathbunae, indicating increased mortality of older, more heavily infected female crabs and resultant removal from the population. Encapsulation and melanization of cysts by crabs was observed, indicating that an immune response by crabs also killed a portion of the cysts from subsequent exposures. Mortality of hosts through behavioral modification favoring transmission of highly infected crabs was suggested as the driving force behind this process.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 8 Sep 2016 10:46:41 +0300
No longer single! Description of female Calumma vatosoa (Squamata, Chamaeleonidae) including a review of the species and its systematic position https://zse.pensoft.net/article/6464/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 92(1): 13-21

DOI: 10.3897/zse.92.6464

Authors: David Prötzel, Bernhard Ruthensteiner, Frank Glaw

Abstract: Calumma vatosoa is a Malagasy chameleon species that has until now been known only from the male holotype and a photograph of an additional male specimen. In this paper we describe females of the chameleon Calumma vatosoa for the first time, as well as the skull osteology of this species. The analysed females were collected many years before the description of C. vatosoa, and were originally described as female C. linotum. According to external morphology, osteology, and distribution these specimens are assigned to C. vatosoa. Furthermore we discuss the species group assignment of C. vatosoa and transfer it from the C. furcifer group to the C. nasutum group. A comparison of the external morphology of species of both groups revealed that C. vatosoa has a relatively shorter distance from the anterior margin of the orbit to the snout tip, more heterogeneous scalation at the lower arm, a significantly lower number of supralabial and infralabial scales, and a relatively longer tail than the members of the C. furcifer group. These characters are, however, in line with the species of the C. nasutum group. In addition the systematic position of C. peyrierasi also discussed, based on its morphology.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 8 Jan 2016 10:42:29 +0200
Leaping towards a saltatorial lifestyle? An unusually long-legged new species of Rhombophryne (Anura, Microhylidae) from the Sorata massif in northern Madagascar https://zse.pensoft.net/article/4979/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 91(2): 105-114

DOI: 10.3897/zse.91.4979

Authors: Mark D. Scherz, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Oliver Hawlitschek, Miguel Vences, Frank Glaw

Abstract: The Madagascar-endemic microhylid genus Rhombophryne consists of a range of partly or completely fossorial frog species. They lead a poorly known, secretive lifestyle, and may be more diverse than previously thought. We describe a new species from the high altitude forests of the Sorata massif in north Madagascar with unusual characteristics for this genus; R. longicrus sp. n. has long, slender legs, unlike most of its fossorial or semi-fossorial congeners. The new species is closely related to R. minuta, a much smaller frog from the Marojejy massif to the southeast of Sorata with similarly long legs. We discuss the morphology of these species relative to the rest of the genus, and argue that it suggests adaptation away from burrowing and toward a more saltatorial locomotion and an accordingly more terrestrial lifestyle. If this is the case, then these frogs represent yet more ecological diversity within the already diverse Cophylinae. We recommend an IUCN Red List status of Endangered B1ab(iii) for R. longicrus sp. n., because it is known only from a single site in a forested area of roughly 250 km2, which is not yet incorporated into any protected area.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 16 Jul 2015 14:05:28 +0300