Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution Latest 100 Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 09:51:35 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zse.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ 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
Bashimyzon cheni, a new genus and species of sucker loach (Teleostei, Gastromyzontidae) from South China https://zse.pensoft.net/article/116535/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 309-324

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.116535

Authors: Xiong Gong, E Zhang

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 20 Mar 2024 10:26:16 +0200
A new species of terrestrial foam-nesting frog of the Adenomera simonstuarti complex (Anura, Leptodactylidae) from white-sand forests of central Amazonia, Brazil https://zse.pensoft.net/article/110133/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 233-253

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.110133

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 7 Mar 2024 10:19:29 +0200
Relationships and description of a new catfish species from Chapada Diamantina, the northernmost record of Trichomycterus s.s. (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/115564/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 223-231

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.115564

Authors: Wilson J. E. M. Costa, Caio R. M. Feltrin, José L. O. Mattos, Axel M. Katz

Abstract: Psammocambeva exhibits the largest geographical distribution amongst the subgenera of Trichomycterus s.s., with its present northernmost represented by Trichomycterus tete, endemic to the upper Rio de Contas Basin in the Chapada Diamantina Region, north-eastern Brazil. Herein, we describe a new species recently collected in the Chapada Diamantina Region, but in the Rio Paraguaçu Basin, about 100 km north of the area inhabited by T. tete. A molecular phylogeny using one nuclear and two mitochondrial genes (2430 bp) supported the new species as sister to T. tete; both species are distinguished by colour patterns, morphometric data, relative position of dorsal and anal fins and osteological character states. The clade comprising the new species and T. tete, endemic to the semi-arid Caatinga biogeographical province, is supported as sister to a clade comprising species from the Rio Doce and Rio Paraíba do Sul Basins, in the Atlantic Forest biogeographical province. This study corroborated the Chapada Diamantina Region, a well-known mountainous biodiversity centre, as an important centre of endemism for trichomycterid catfishes.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 6 Mar 2024 10:14:03 +0200
A new species of Zhangixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Yunnan, China https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113850/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 183-197

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113850

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:24:36 +0200
A new species of krait of the genus Bungarus (Squamata, Elapidae) from Ratchaburi Province, western Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/116601/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 141-154

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.116601

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 30 Jan 2024 09:44:45 +0200
Two new species of the congrid eel genus Ariosoma (Anguilliformes, Congridae, Bathymyrinae) from Indian waters https://zse.pensoft.net/article/116611/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 119-128

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.116611

Authors: Paramasivam Kodeeswaran, Ayyathurai Kathirvelpandian, Dipanjan Ray, Anil Mohapatra, Thipramalai Thangappan Ajith Kumar, Chelladurai Raghunathan, Uttam Kumar Sarkar

Abstract: Two new species have been described from Indian waters, based on the materials collected from Kochi coast, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Mannar and West Bengal coast along the Bay of Bengal. Ariosoma gracile sp. nov. is described, based on five specimens collected from the landings at Kalamukku Fishing Harbour, Arabian Sea. The new species is characterised by longer tail, 55.3–58.7% TL; dorsal-fin origin above pectoral-fin base; no dark or whitish bands on dorsal surface of head, ventral extremities of lower jaw and mid-portion with minute dark pigmentation patch; anus positioned well before the middle of total length; SO canal with 4 pores; 0 or 3 pores on ST canal; pre-dorsal vertebrae 9; pre-anal vertebrae 49–54; total vertebrae 140–142. Ariosoma gracile sp. nov. is closely related to Ariosoma dolichopterum and Ariosoma emmae by sharing similar morphometrics and pre-anal vertebral counts. However, it differs by having more total pores (132–135 vs. 121–129 in A. dolichopterum, 123–126 in A. emmae); fewer pre-anal pores (43–46 vs. 47–51 in A. dolichopterum, 50–53 in A. emmae); more pre-dorsal pores (9 vs. 5–9 in A. dolichopterum, 4–6 in A. emmae). Another new species, Ariosoma kannani sp. nov. is described on the basis of two specimens (157–171 mm TL) from Gulf of Mannar and one specimen (201 mm TL) collected from Shankarpur Fish Landing Centre, West Bengal. This species is similar to Ariosoma megalops, but readily differs by having smaller eyes, smaller interorbital distance and exhibits 10.8% genetic divergence from A. megalops from the Taiwan waters.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:11 +0200
Description of a new species of Phoxinus from the Ergene River (Aegean Sea Basin) in Türkiye (Actinopterygii, Leuciscidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113467/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 101-110

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113467

Authors: Esra Bayçelebi, İsmail Aksu, Davut Turan

Abstract: Phoxinus radeki, a new species, is described from the Ergene River (Aegean Sea Basin). It is distinguished from Phoxinus species in Türkiye and the adjacent area by having the scales of the breast, scaled but separated unscaled area anteriorly, short dark rectangular blotches along the lateral line between the lateral line and belly yellowish in both males and females, body depth dorsal fin origin 16–21% SL, caudal peduncle depth 8–10% SL. Additionally, molecular results demonstrated that the new species differed from its closest congeners with a mean genetic distance value of 3.08% (min. 2.82–max. 3.29) and moderately support values in cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene partial sequences (1064 bp.). Further, the species delimitation analysis identified the new species as a single MOTU independent of other Phoxinus species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:09 +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
Population variation of Diapoma pampeana (Characiformes, Characidae, Stevardiinae) from an isolated coastal drainage in Uruguay, with new records: comparing morphological and molecular data https://zse.pensoft.net/article/112778/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 69-85

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.112778

Authors: James Anyelo Vanegas-Ríos, Wilson Sebastián Serra Alanís, María de las Mercedes Azpelicueta, Thomas Litz, Luiz Roberto Malabarba

Abstract: Diapoma pampeana was recently described to occur in the upper Negro basin in Uruguay and Brazil. An isolated population tentatively identified as D. pampeana from the Pando stream, a perturbed coastal drainage in Uruguay, is studied and compared under the light of morphological and molecular data to test if there is evidence to consider it as a separate species. New geographical records for the species are presented and included in the comparisons. The specimens analyzed were pooled into four groups: Pando, Santa Lucía, Middle Negro and Upper Negro. We analyzed 32 morphological characters using statistical procedures and recovered a COI-based phylogeny of different populations of D. pampeana to test if they may represent different species. Size-corrected PCA revealed that the Pando and Upper Negro groups are greatly diverging in both morphometric and meristic data along PC1 (mainly by the snout to dorsal-fin origin, dorsal to adipose-fin origins, number of longitudinal scales and predorsal scales). This deviating pattern was also obtained in a cluster analysis. The Santa Lucía and Middle Negro groups were found to be intermediate morphotypes. In contrast, molecular analyses revealed that the Pando and Upper Negro specimens resemble genetically and, thus, are placed together in the Neighbor-joining and Bayesian topologies, as part of a monophyletic Diapoma. We proposed that the Pando population, despite its deviating morphology observed, can be classified as D. pampeana. Therefore, this population constitutes a remarkable example of an isolated population that is morphologically divergent but genetically similar to the geographically most distant conspecific population.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:07 +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
Identification of the rare deep-dwelling goby Suruga fundicola Jordan & Snyder, 1901 (Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from the Yellow Sea https://zse.pensoft.net/article/102345/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 489-501

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102345

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 5 Oct 2023 19:08:04 +0300
Two new Oxynoemacheilus species in western Anatolia (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/102575/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 439-455

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102575

Authors: Davut Turan, Sadi Aksu, Gökhan Kalayci

Abstract: Oxynoemacheilus sakaryaensis sp. nov., is restricted to the Sakarya River basin, and O. melenicus sp. nov., is distributed in both the Sakarya River and Büyükmelen Stream. Oxynoemacheilus sakaryaensis is distinguished by having a flank plain or with numerous irregularly shaped pale brownish bars and a caudal-peduncle depth 2.8–3.2 times in its length. Oxynoemacheilus melenicus is distinguished by having a flank with 10–13 irregular shaped brownish bars or blotches and the caudal peduncle depth 1.9–2.8 times in its length. Oxynoemacheilus banarescui, O. samanticus, O. simavicus, O. fatsaensis, O. sakaryaensis, and O. melenicus are valid, which belong to the O. bergianus species group. O. melenicus and O. sakaryaensis were differentiated from all other Oxynoemacheilus species in western Anatolia by two diagnostic and unique nucleotide substitution sites in the COI barcoding region. Also, species delineation tests (ABGD, GMYC, ASAP) and phylogenetic analyses support the validity of O. melenicus and O. sakaryaensis as distinct species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 4 Oct 2023 19:06:47 +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
Taxonomic notes on the head squamation of the genus Liotyphlops Peters, 1881 (Serpentes, Anomalepididae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/102660/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 281-283

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102660

Authors: Fidélis Júnio Marra Santos

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Tue, 2 May 2023 09:40:02 +0300
A new short brown unpatterned moray eel (Anguilliformes, Muraenidae) from the southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal https://zse.pensoft.net/article/100461/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 253-260

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.100461

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 23 Mar 2023 10:47:24 +0200
DNA barcoding of the genus Alburnoides Jeitteles, 1861 (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae) from Anatolia, Turkey https://zse.pensoft.net/article/94333/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 185-194

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.94333

Authors: Halim Canoglu, Ismail Aksu, Davut Turan, Yusuf Bektas

Abstract: The present study investigated the ability of DNA barcoding to reliably identify the endemic freshwater species in Turkey, known as biodiversity hotspots. The barcode region (652 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was used to barcode 153 individuals from 13 morphologically identified species of the genus Alburnoides. Based on the Kimura two-parameter (K2P) evolution model, the average interspecific distance (0.0595) was 31-fold higher than the average intraspecific distance (0.0019). There was a clear-cut barcode gap (0.0158–0.0187) between maximum intraspecific distance (A. tzanevi and A. velioglui) and minimum nearest-neighbour distance (A. freyhofi and A. kurui) for Anatolian Alburnoides species and a common genetic threshold of 0.0158 sequence divergence was defined for species delimitation. The multiple species delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, GMYC and bPTP) revealed a total of 11 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) for 13 morphospecies. Neighbour-joining (NJ), Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) tree analysis indicated that all haplotypes were clustered into two major clades, which corresponded to eleven Alburnoides species clusters, with strong bootstrap support. Furthermore, all the specimens clustered in concurrence with the morpho-taxonomic status of the species, except for two species (A. coskuncelebii and A. emineae) that were morphologically differentiated, but showed overlap in variation for COI-based DNA barcode data with other species. Overall, present results identified that COI-based DNA barcoding is effective for species identification and cataloguing of genus Alburnoides in Turkey.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 6 Mar 2023 17:36:00 +0200
Another giant species of the microhylid frog genus Cophixalus Boettger, 1892 from the mountains of Papua New Guinea and first records of procoracoids in the genus https://zse.pensoft.net/article/97006/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 173-183

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.97006

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 1 Mar 2023 14:22:09 +0200
Species delimitation, molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography of the sweetlips fish (Perciformes, Haemulidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/96386/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 135-147

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.96386

Authors: Ehsan Damadi, Faezeh Yazdani Moghaddam, Mehdi Ghanbarifardi

Abstract: The subfamily Plectorhinchinae (sweetlips) is composed of poorly-known species with high commercially and ecologically values that exhibit phenotypic plasticity and various morphologies. Few studies have assessed the validity of sweetlips, intergeneric relationships and evolutionary survey in this subfamily, which have not yet been resolved. This study investigated the DNA sequences of (1) the mitochondrial COI gene to delimit species, and (2) two mitochondrial (COI and Cyt b), and one nuclear (RAG1) markers to infer phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary and biogeographic history. The molecular results could differentiate Diagramma punctatum from the other species, but failed to distinguish D. labiosum as a distinct species with considerably lower genetic distances for the COI (0.53%) and Cyt b (0.51%) markers. However, additional taxonomic investigations are required to shed light on this issue. All previously described nominal species of sweetlips in the northwest Indian Ocean were found to be well supported. The monophyly of Plectorhinchus is not supported and Diagramma pictum and D. punctatum should be assigned to the genus Plectorhinchus. The biogeographic history of Plectorhinchinae likely originated in the Indo-Pacific ca. 34 Ma (30–39 Ma; late Eocene/ middle Oligocene) and subsequently colonised the Western Indian Ocean and the Central Indo-Pacific. Maximum diversification within the subfamily occurred from the middle Miocene to Pliocene, coinciding with dispersal and vicariance events. Diversification was probably driven by both biological and geographical factors.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:15:02 +0200
Chromatic polymorphism in Trichomycterus albinotatus (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae), a mountain catfish from south-eastern Brazil and the role of colouration characters in trichomycterine taxonomy https://zse.pensoft.net/article/98341/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 161-171

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.98341

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:14:36 +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
Taxonomic revision and re-description of Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus (Hallowell, 1861) (Reptilia, Squamata, Scincidae) with resurrection of A. okinavensis (Thompson, 1912) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/95923/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 77-91

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.95923

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 20 Jan 2023 10:12:47 +0200
Rock island melody remastered: two new species in the Afroedura bogerti Loveridge, 1944 group from Angola and Namibia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/86299/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 435-453

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.86299

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:15:36 +0200
A new species of New Guinea Worm-Eating Snake (Serpentes, Elapidae, Toxicocalamus Boulenger, 1896) from Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90520/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 399-409

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.90520

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 5 Oct 2022 09:20:28 +0300
A new rock gecko in the Cnemaspis siamensis group (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) from Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/89591/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 345-363

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.89591

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:57:09 +0300
Redefinition of Heptapterus (Heptapteridae) and description of Heptapterus carmelitanorum, a new species from the upper Paraná River basin in Brazil https://zse.pensoft.net/article/89413/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 327-343

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.89413

Authors: Gabriel de Carvalho Deprá, Gastón Aguilera, Dario R. Faustino-Fuster, Axel M. Katz, Valter M. Azevedo-Santos

Abstract: A new diagnosis and a new classification of Heptapterus are provided and a new species, H. carmelitanorum, is described. Heptapterus is diagnosed by the following character combination: adipose fin confluent with the caudal fin; non-bifurcate caudal fin; anal-fin insertion posterior to vertical through adipose-fin insertion; 10–23 anal-fin rays; anal fin not confluent with caudal fin; and extremely elongate body, with a head length of 16.1–24.9%SL. Species included in Heptapterus are H. borodini, H. carmelitanorum, H. carnatus, H. exilis, H. hollandi, H. mandimbusu, H. mbya, H. mustelinus, H. ornaticeps, and H. qenqo. Some of the character states diagnosing H. carmelitanorum among its congeners are the anal-fin insertion less than one eye diameter posterior to a vertical through the adipose-fin insertion (vs. more than one eye diameter in all congeners); the isognathous mouth (vs. slightly to moderately retrognathous, except H. borodini); and the keel formed by ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays shallow, far from reaching anal-fin base (vs. keel formed by ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays deep, continuing almost to the anal-fin base, except in H. borodini and H. hollandi).

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 8 Sep 2022 10:46:06 +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
Mitochondrial characteristics of Pseudohynobius flavomaculatus a protected salamander in China, and biogeographical implications for the family Hynobiidae (Amphibia, Caudata) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/66578/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 263-274

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.66578

Authors: Yu Zhang, Meng Wang, Ruli Cheng, Yang Luo, Yingwen Li, Zhihao Liu, Qiliang Chen, Yanjun Shen

Abstract: Pseudohynobius flavomaculatus a provincially-protected salamander species, inhabits mountainous areas of Chongqing and surrounding provinces in China. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of P. flavomaculatus was sequenced and analyzed. The mitogenome is 16,401 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region. We performed a novel phylogenetic analysis, which demonstrated a sister relationship between P. flavomaculatus and P. jinfo. The 95% confidence interval around our new divergence date estimate suggest that Hynobiidae originated at 101.62–119.84 (mean=110.87) Ma. Species within Hynobiidae diverged successively in the Cenozoic era, and hynobiid speciation coincides primarily with geologic events. Our biogeographical inference demonstrates that nearly all early hynobiids divergences correspond to geological estimates of orogeny, which may have contributed to the notably high dN/dS ratio in this clade. We conclude that orogeny is likely a primary, dynamic factor, which may have repeatedly initiated the process of speciation in the family Hynobiidae.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 13 Jul 2022 16:16:36 +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
A new Leptobrachella species (Anura, Megophryidae) from South China, with comments on the taxonomic status of L. chishuiensis and L. purpurus https://zse.pensoft.net/article/73162/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 165-180

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.73162

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.83109

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.80418

Authors: Henrique C. Costa

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Thu, 5 May 2022 16:45:20 +0300
Gobiobotia lii, a new species of gudgeon (Teleostei, Gobionidae) from the middle Chang-Jiang Basin, central China, with notes on the validity of G. nicholsi Bănărescu & Nalbant, 1966 https://zse.pensoft.net/article/80547/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 93-107

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.80547

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.81942

Authors: K. Anne-Isola Nekaris, Vincent Nijman

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

HTML

XML

PDF

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.61064

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

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

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
A historical specimen of the Fishing Cat, Prionailurus viverrinus (Bennett, 1833) (Carnivora, Felidae) from Singapore in the zoological collection of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden https://zse.pensoft.net/article/76940/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 43-53

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.76940

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:32:25 +0200
A new slippery frog (Amphibia, Conrauidae, Conraua Nieden, 1908) from the Fouta Djallon Highlands, west-central Guinea https://zse.pensoft.net/article/76692/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 23-42

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.76692

Authors: Karla Neira-Salamea, Joseph Doumbia, Annika Hillers, Laura Sandberger-Loua, N’Goran G. Kouamé, Christian Brede, Marvin Schäfer, David C. Blackburn, Michael F. Barej, Mark-Oliver Rödel

Abstract: We describe a new species of the genus Conraua from the Fouta Djallon Highlands in Guinea. The species is recognised as distinct from nominotypical C. alleni, based on morphological evidence and is supported by a recent species delimitation analysis, based on DNA sequence data. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the unique combination of the following characters: medium body size, robust limbs, only one instead of two palmar tubercles, the first finger webbed to below the first subarticular tubercle, presence of a lateral line system, indistinct tympanum, two subarticular tubercles on fingers III and IV, venter in adults white with dark brown spots or dark brown with grey or whitish spots. The new species differs from all congeners by more than 6% in the DNA sequence of mitochondrial ribosomal 16S. We discuss isolation in Pliocene and Pleistocene forest refugia as a potential driver of speciation in the C. alleni complex. We also emphasise the importance of conserving the remaining forest fragments in the Fouta Djallon Region for the preservation of both its unique biodiversity and its valuable water sources for local people.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 19 Jan 2022 16:43:44 +0200
A new catfish of the genus Trichomycterus from the Rio Paraíba do Sul Basin, south-eastern Brazil, a supposedly migrating species (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/72392/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 13-21

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.72392

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 14 Jan 2022 11:05:05 +0200
A fantastic new species of secretive forest frog discovered from forest fragments near Andasibe, Madagascar https://zse.pensoft.net/article/73630/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 483-495

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.73630

Authors: Carl R. Hutter, Zo F. Andriampenomanana, Ginah Tsiorisoa Andrianasolo, Kerry A. Cobb, Jary H. Razafindraibe, Robin K. Abraham, Shea M. Lambert

Abstract: We describe a fantastic new species of forest frog (Mantellidae: Gephyromantis: subgenus: Laurentomantis) from moderately high elevations in the vicinity of Andasibe, Madagascar. This region has been surveyed extensively and has a remarkably high anuran diversity with many undocumented species still being discovered. Surprisingly, by exploring areas around Andasibe that lacked biodiversity surveys, we discovered a spectacular and clearly morphologically distinct species, previously unknown to science, Gephyromantis marokoroko sp. nov., documented for the first time in 2015. The new species is well characterised by a very rugose and granular dorsum, dark brown skin with bright red mottling, sparse light orange to white spots on the ventre, vibrant red eyes and femoral glands present only in males that consist of eight medium-sized granules. Bioacoustically, the new species has a quiet advertisement call that differs from related species by having a moderate call duration, 2–4 strongly pulsed notes and a slow note repetition rate. Furthermore, it has substantial differentiation in mitochondrial DNA, with pairwise distances of 7–9% to all other related species in sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA marker. Additional evidence is given through a combined four mitochondrial markers and four nuclear exons concatenated species tree, strongly supporting G. striatus as the sister species of the new species in both analyses. The discovery of this new species highlights the need for continued inventory work in high elevation rainforests of Madagascar, even in relatively well-studied regions.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 2 Dec 2021 12:13:50 +0200
Contribution to the trout of Euphrates River, with description of a new species, and range extension of Salmo munzuricus (Salmoniformes, Salmonidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/72181/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 471-482

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.72181

Authors: Davut Turan, İsmail Aksu, Münevver Oral, Cüneyt Kaya, Esra Bayçelebi

Abstract: In an effort to reveal the Euphrates trout taxonomy, the Karasu River, which is one of the eastern drainages of the river, was investigated and three independent populations were identified. Result revealed that two populations belonged to Salmo munzuricus, which was known only in Munzur River, while the other population belonged to an unnamed species. Salmo baliki, a new species, is described from the Murat River, a drainage of Euphrates River. It differs from Salmo species in adjacent water by the combination of the following characters: a grayish body; commonly one, rarely two pale black spots behind eye and on cheek; two to seven black spots on opercle; a few black spots on back and upper part of flank, missing on predorsal area; few to numerous large irregular-shaped red spots in median, upper and lower part of flank, surrounded by a large irregular-shaped white ring; the number of black and red spots not increasing in parallel with size; maxilla short and narrow; adipose-fin medium size, no or rarely one or two red spot its posterior edge; 107–118 lateral line scales; 24–28 scales rows between dorsal-in origin and lateral line; 18–22 scale rows between lateral line and anal–fin origin; maxilla length 7.7–9.1% SL in males, 8.2–9.6 in females. Finally, the genetic study of the Cyt b mitochondrial gene confirmed the morphological data, suggesting the separation of S. baliki from other Salmo species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 18 Oct 2021 11:41:23 +0300
Lost, forgotten, and overlooked: systematic reassessment of two lesser-known toad species (Anura, Bufonidae) from Peninsular India and another wide-ranging northern species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/61770/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 451-470

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.61770

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 21 Sep 2021 19:26:11 +0300
A type catalogue of the reed frogs (Amphibia, Anura, Hyperoliidae) in the collection of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (ZMB) with comments on historical collectors and expeditions https://zse.pensoft.net/article/68000/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 407-450

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.68000

Authors: Frank Tillack, Ronald de Ruiter, Mark-Oliver Rödel

Abstract: We present a commented catalogue of the type specimens of the Afro-Malagasy frog family Hyperoliidae at the herpetological collection of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (ZMB). In current publications and databases, many names based on ZMB primary types are listed as synonyms of other species, the types often declared as lost. Consequently, the respective names are often no longer considered in current taxonomic work. We traced 146 nominal taxa of the family Hyperoliidae in the ZMB collection of which currently 130 are presented by primary types (88 holotypes, 10 lectotypes and 32 taxa based on syntype series); 50 of these taxa are currently considered as valid. Primary types of nine taxa could not be located during our inventory of the collection holdings. Seven taxa are exclusively represented by secondary types (paratypes). Many of these types comprise taxa where types have been thought to be lost. As a further service to the community, we provide important details about collectors and their travel routes, as well as respective documents stored in the collection of the Department of Historical Research at ZMB. This should make it easier to potentially compare the ZMB types in future taxonomic revisions.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 10 Aug 2021 14:49:21 +0300
Description of six new species of Xenorhina Peters, 1863 from southern Papua New Guinea (Amphibia, Anura, Microhylidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/59696/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(2): 355-382

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.59696

Authors: Rainer Günther, Stephen Richards

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

HTML

XML

PDF

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.63936

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 1 Jul 2021 09:05:25 +0300
Lizards of a different stripe: phylogenetics of the Pedioplanis undata species complex (Squamata, Lacertidae), with the description of two new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/61351/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 249-272

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.61351

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 23 Apr 2021 08:05:12 +0300
A new species of day gecko (Reptilia, Gekkonidae, Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) from Sri Lanka with an updated ND2 gene phylogeny of Sri Lankan and Indian species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/60099/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 191-209

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.60099

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.61006

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 2 Mar 2021 13:27:31 +0200
No longer based on photographs alone: refuting the validity of golden-crowned langur Presbytis johnaspinalli Nardelli 2015 (Mammalia, Primates, Cercopithecidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/62235/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 141-145

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.62235

Authors: Vincent Nijman

Abstract: Increasingly, new species are being described without there being a name-bearing type specimen. In 2015, a new species of primate was described, the golden-crowned langur Presbytis johnaspinalli Nardelli, 2015 on the basis of five photographs that were posted on the Internet in 2009. After publication, the validity of the species was questioned as it was suggested that the animals were partially and selectively bleached ebony langurs Trachypithecus auratus (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812). Since the whereabouts of the animals were unknown, it was difficult to see how this matter could be resolved and the current taxonomic status of P. johnaspinalli remains unclear. I present new information about the fate of the individual animals in the photographs and their species identification. In 2009, thirteen of the langurs on which Nardelli based his description were brought to a rescue centre where, after about three months, they regained their normal black colouration confirming the bleaching hypothesis. Eight of the langurs were released in a forest and two were monitored for two months in 2014. The description of their behaviour, photographs and analysis of their cytochrome b genes confirms them as ebony langurs. There is no evidence to support the notion that the golden-crowned langur represents intermediates between melanistic and erythristic ebony langurs, nor that it represents a new species. As such, Presbytis johnaspinalli Nardelli, 2015 is a junior synonym of Trachyptihecus auratus (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812). This case underscores the importance of assembling a sufficiently varied amount of data prior to describing new species and studying the actual type specimens.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Thu, 11 Feb 2021 10:36:06 +0200
Distribution pattern and phylogeography of tree rats Chiromyscus (Rodentia, Muridae) in eastern Indochina https://zse.pensoft.net/article/57490/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 83-95

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.57490

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 3 Feb 2021 16:05:04 +0200
Consequences of parallel miniaturisation in Microhylinae (Anura, Microhylidae), with the description of a new genus of diminutive South East Asian frogs https://zse.pensoft.net/article/57968/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 21-54

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.57968

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 12 Jan 2021 14:48:51 +0200
Rock island melody: A revision of the Afroedura bogerti Loveridge, 1944 group, with descriptions of four new endemic species from Angola https://zse.pensoft.net/article/57202/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 97(1): 55-82

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.57202

Authors: William R. Branch, Andreas Schmitz, Javier Lobón-Rovira, Ninda L. Baptista, Telmo António, Werner Conradie

Abstract: Four new species of flat geckos in the Afroedura bogerti Loveridge, 1944 group are described from south-western and west-central Angola. The description of these new species significantly restricts the distribution range of typical A. bogerti, a morphologically very similar species, from which they differ genetically by 5.9–12% divergence for the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Morphologically and genetically, Angolan Afroedura are divided into two main groups: a mostly south-western coastal group and a west-central inland/highland group. These two groups are further divisible into three and two subgroups respectively, all geographically isolated, differing by a combination of the following features: colouration, average adult size, number of mid-body scale rows, number of scale rows on dorsal and ventral surface of each tail verticil and if nostril scales are in contact or not. All five Angolan species are morphologically distinguishable and in agreement with the molecular results. An updated dichotomous key to the Afroedura transvaalica group is provided. The new discovery adds to a growing number of endemic Pro-Namib reptiles described from Angola in recent years.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 12 Jan 2021 08:56:09 +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
A new species from subtropical Brazil and evidence of multiple pelvic fin losses in catfishes of the genus Cambeva (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/56247/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 715-722

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.56247

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 11 Nov 2020 08:43:16 +0200
Corrigenda: Phylogenetic relationship of catshark species of the genus Scyliorhinus (Chondrichthyes, Carcharhiniformes, Scyliorhinidae) based on comparative morphology. Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 345–395. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.96.52420 https://zse.pensoft.net/article/56272/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 637-637

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.56272

Authors: Karla D. A. Soares, Marcelo R. de Carvalho

Abstract: The genus Scyliorhinus is part of the family Scyliorhinidae, the most diverse family of sharks and of the subfamily Scyliorhininae along with Cephaloscyllium and Poroderma. This study reviews the phylogenetic relationships of species of Scyliorhinus in the subfamily Scyliorhininae. Specimens of all Scyliorhinus species were examined as well as specimens of four of the 18 species of Cephaloscyllium, two species of Poroderma, representatives of almost all other catshark (scyliorhinid) genera and one proscylliid (Proscyllium habereri). A detailed morphological study, including external and internal morphology, morphometry and meristic data, was performed. From this study, a total of 84 morphological characters were compiled into a data matrix. Parsimony analysis was employed to generate hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships using the TNT 1.1. Proscyllium habereri was used to root the cladogram. The phylogenetic analysis, based on implied weighting (k = 3; 300 replications and 100 trees saved per replication), resulted in three equally most parsimonious cladograms with 233 steps, with a CI of 0.37 and an RI of 0.69. The monophyly of the subfamily Scyliorhininae is supported as well as of the genus Scyliorhinus, which is proposed to be the sister group of Cephaloscyllium. The phylogenetic relationships amongst Scyliorhinus species are presented for the frst time. 

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Corrigenda Fri, 4 Sep 2020 08:21:46 +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
Phylogenetic relationship of catshark species of the genus Scyliorhinus (Chondrichthyes, Carcharhiniformes, Scyliorhinidae) based on comparative morphology https://zse.pensoft.net/article/52420/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 345-395

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.52420

Authors: Karla D. A. Soares, Marcelo R. de Carvalho

Abstract: The genus Scyliorhinus is part of the family Scyliorhinidae, the most diverse family of sharks and of the subfamily Scyliorhininae along with Cephaloscyllium and Poroderma. This study reviews the phylogenetic relationships of species of Scyliorhinus in the subfamily Scyliorhininae. Specimens of all Scyliorhinus species were examined as well as specimens of four of the 18 species of Cephaloscyllium, two species of Poroderma, representatives of almost all other catshark (scyliorhinid) genera and one proscylliid (Proscyllium habereri). A detailed morphological study, including external and internal morphology, morphometry and meristic data, was performed. From this study, a total of 84 morphological characters were compiled into a data matrix. Parsimony analysis was employed to generate hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships using the TNT 1.1. Proscyllium habereri was used to root the cladogram. The phylogenetic analysis, based on implied weighting (k = 3; 300 replications and 100 trees saved per replication), resulted in three equally most parsimonious cladograms with 233 steps, with a CI of 0.37 and an RI of 0.69. The monophyly of the subfamily Scyliorhininae is supported as well as of the genus Scyliorhinus, which is proposed to be the sister group of Cephaloscyllium. The phylogenetic relationships amongst Scyliorhinus species are presented for the first time.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 19 Jun 2020 08:11:17 +0300
Diamond frogs forever: a new species of Rhombophryne Boettger, 1880 (Microhylidae, Cophylinae) from Montagne d’Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar https://zse.pensoft.net/article/51372/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(2): 313-323

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.51372

Authors: Mark D. Scherz

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 15 Jun 2020 08:27:10 +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
A new species of green pit vipers of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Reptilia, Serpentes, Viperidae) from western Arunachal Pradesh, India https://zse.pensoft.net/article/48431/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 123-138

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.48431

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 15 Apr 2020 10:09:34 +0300
A new psammophilic species of the catfish genus Ammoglanis (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from the Amazon River basin, northern Brazil https://zse.pensoft.net/article/48952/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 67-72

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.48952

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

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

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:52:32 +0200
A new species of Aphyocharax Günther, 1868 (Characiformes, Characidae) from the Maracaçumé river basin, eastern Amazon https://zse.pensoft.net/article/36788/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 95(2): 507-516

DOI: 10.3897/zse.95.36788

Authors: Pâmella Silva de Brito, Erick Cristofore Guimarães, Luis Fernando Carvalho-Costa, Felipe Polivanov Ottoni

Abstract: A new species of Aphyocharax is described from the Maracaçumé river basin, eastern Amazon, based on morphological and molecular data. The new species differs from all its congeners, mainly by possessing the upper caudal-fin lobe longer than the lower one in mature males, and other characters related to teeth counts, colour pattern, and body depth at dorsal-fin origin. In addition, the new species is corroborated by a haplotype phylogenetic analyses based on the Cytochrome B (Cytb) mitochondrial gene, where its haplotypes are grouped into an exclusive lineage, supported by maximum posterior probability value, a species delimitation method termed the Wiens and Penkrot analysis (WP).

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 23 Oct 2019 08:43:06 +0300
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
A new cryptic species of Hyphessobrycon Durbin, 1908 (Characiformes, Characidae) from the Eastern Amazon, revealed by integrative taxonomy https://zse.pensoft.net/article/34069/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 95(2): 345-360

DOI: 10.3897/zse.95.34069

Authors: Erick Cristofore Guimarães, Pâmella Silva de Brito, Leonardo Manir Feitosa, Luis Fernando Carvalho Costa, Felipe Polivanov Ottoni

Abstract: Hyphessobrycon caru sp. nov. is described based on five different and independent methods of species delimitation, making the hypothesis of this new species supported by an integrative taxonomy perspective. This new species has a restricted distribution, occurring just in the upper Pindaré river drainage, Mearim river basin, Brazil. It is a member of the rosy tetra clade, which is characterized mainly by the presence of a dark brown or black blotch on dorsal fin and absence of a midlateral stripe on the body. Hyphessobrycon caru sp. nov. is distinguished from the members of this clade mainly by the shape of its humeral spot, possessing few irregular inconspicuous vertically arranged chromatophores in the humeral region, or sometimes a very thin and inconspicuous humeral spot, and other characters related to teeth count, and color pattern. The phylogenetic position of the new species within the rosy tetra clade was based on molecular phylogenetic analysis using sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit 1. In addition, a new clade (here termed Hyphessobrycon micropterus clade) within the rosy tetra clade is proposed based on molecular data, comprising H. caru sp. nov., H. micropterus, H. piorskii, and H. simulatus, and with H. caru sp. nov. and H. piorskii recovered as sister species. Our results suggest cryptic speciation in the rosy tetra clade and, more specifically, in the H. micropterus clade. We recommend the use of integrative taxonomy for future taxonomic revisions and species descriptions when dealing with species complexes and groups containing possible cryptic species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 12 Jun 2019 09:16:34 +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
A new stiletto snake (Lamprophiidae, Atractaspidinae, Atractaspis) from Liberia and Guinea, West Africa https://zse.pensoft.net/article/31488/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 95(1): 107-123

DOI: 10.3897/zse.95.31488

Authors: Mark-Oliver Rödel, Christoph Kucharzewski, Kristin Mahlow, Laurent Chirio, Olivier Pauwels, Piero Carlino, Gordon Sambolah, Julian Glos

Abstract: We describe a new stiletto snake, Atractaspis, from western Liberia and southeastern Guinea. The new species shares with morphologically similar western African Atractaspis species, A. reticulata and A. corpulenta, the fusion of the 2nd infralabial with the inframaxillary. From A. corpulenta the new species differs by a more slender body (276–288 ventrals and 19 or 20 dorsal scale rows versus 178–208 ventrals with 23–29 dorsal scale rows), a divided anal plate and divided subcaudal scales (both non-divided in A. corpulenta). The new species differs from most A. reticulata by having 19 or 20 dorsal scale rows at midbody (versus 21–23, rarely 19), and a lower ventral count (276–288 versus 304–370). The new species thus has a relatively longer tail: snout-vent-length / tail-length in the female holotype (15.7) and paratype (21.5) versus a mean of 23.6 in seven female A. reticulata. The new Atractaspis likely is endemic to the western part of the Upper Guinea forest zone and thus adds to the uniqueness of this diverse and threatened biogeographic region.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 6 Mar 2019 09:59:31 +0200
A new dwarf chameleon, genus Brookesia, from the Marojejy massif in northern Madagascar https://zse.pensoft.net/article/32818/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 95(1): 95-106

DOI: 10.3897/zse.95.32818

Authors: Mark D. Scherz, Jörn Köhler, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Frank Glaw, Miguel Vences

Abstract: We describe a new species of dwarf chameleon from the Brookesia minima species group. Brookesia tedi sp. n. occurs above 1300 m above sea level on the Marojejy massif in northeastern Madagascar. It is genetically sister to B. peyrierasi, a species occurring in lowlands around the Baie de Antongil, but is genetically strongly divergent from that species in both nuclear (c-mos) and mitochondrial (16S, ND2) genes, and morphologically in its smaller size and distinctly different hemipenis. It is the second species of the B. minima species group from Marojejy National Park, but is not known to occur in syntopy with the other species, B. karchei, due to elevational segregation.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 6 Mar 2019 09:01:08 +0200
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
Austrolebias queguay (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulidae), a new species of annual killifish endemic to the lower Uruguay river basin https://zse.pensoft.net/article/29115/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 547-556

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.29115

Authors: Wilson S. Serra, Marcelo Loureiro

Abstract: In this article we describe a new species of the annual fish genus Austrolebias from the lower Uruguay river basin. The fusion of the urogenital papilla to the first anal fin ray in males and the pigmentation pattern, indicates a close relationship with the clade formed by A. bellottii, A. melanoorus, and A. univentripinnis. The new species can be differentiated from those by the following combination of characters: presence of well-defined light bands contrasting with the sides of the body, the distal portion of the anal fin dark gray, pelvic fins dark bluish green and bases united at about 50–80% on their medial margins, pectoral fins with iridescent blue sub-marginal band, and general coloration of body bluish green. The new species can only be found in wetlands of the Queguay river, an area included in the Uruguayan protected areas system and represents so far the only annual fish species endemic to the lower Uruguay river basin.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 22 Nov 2018 15:40:21 +0200
Multigene analysis of the catfish genus Trichomycterus and description of a new South American trichomycterine genus (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/29872/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 557-566

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.29872

Authors: Axel Makay Katz, Maria Anais Barbosa, José Leonardo de Oliveira Mattos, Wilson José Eduardo Moreira da Costa

Abstract: Trichomycterus comprises about 170 valid species, but its monophyly has been challenged in the last decades. Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses comprehending mitochondrial genes COI and CYTB and nuclear genes GLYT, MYH6 and RAG2 from 71 Trichomycterinae terminal taxa and eight outgroups were performed. The analyses highly supports a clade containing Trichomycterus nigricans, the type species of the genus, and several other congeners endemic to eastern and northeastern Brazil, herein considered as the genus Trichomycterus, the sister clade the southern Brazil and adjacent areas clade; the latter clade comprises two subclades, one comprising species of the genus Scleronema and another comprising species previously placed in Trichomycterus, herein described as a new genus. Cambeva gen. n. is distinguished from all other trichomycterines by the presence of a bony flap on the channel of the maxillo-dentary ligament, the interopercle shorter than the opercle, a deep constriction on the basal portion of the antero-dorsal arm of the quadrate, absence of teeth in the coronoid process of the dentary, the maxilla shorter than the premaxilla, the cranial fontanel extending from the the medial posterior of frontal to the medial region of supraoccipital, and absence of the postorbital process of the sphenotic-prootic-pterosphenoid.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 22 Nov 2018 10:11:41 +0200
Diversity and conservation of seasonal killifishes of the Hypsolebias fulminantis complex from a Caatinga semiarid upland plateau, São Francisco River basin, northeastern Brazil (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/29718/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 495-504

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.29718

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

Abstract: A high concentration of endemic species of seasonal killifishes has been recorded for a small area encompassing the highland plateaus associated with the upper section of the Carnaúba de Dentro River drainage and adjacent drainages of the middle section of the São Francisco River basin, northeastern Brazil. The present study is primarily directed to the taxonomy of the H. fulminantis species complex in this region, and describes habitat decline and extirpation of natural killifish populations recorded in field studies between 1993 and 2017. Both morphological characters and molecular species delimitation methods using single-locus models (GMYC and bPTP) support recognition of two closely related endemic species, H. fulminantis and H. splendissimus Costa, sp. n. The new species is distinguished from other congeners of the H. fulminantis complex by having a red pectoral fin in males, well-developed filamentous rays on the tips of the dorsal and anal fins in adult males, and the second proximal radial of the dorsal fin between the neural spines of the 8th and 9th vertebrae in males. Most recent field inventories indicated possible local extinction of populations of H. fulminantis and H. splendissimus in the studied area, but additional field studies should be made in other parts of the upper Carnaíba de Dentro River basin to evaluate the current conservation status of these species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 15 Nov 2018 09:17:30 +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
Taxonomic status of Aphyocharax avary Fowler, 1913, Aphyocharax pusillus Günther, 1868 and Chirodon alburnus Günther, 1869 (Characiformes, Characidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/28201/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 393-399

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.28201

Authors: Pâmella Silva de Brito, Erick Cristofore Guimarães, Axel Makay Katz, Nivaldo Magalhães Piorski, Felipe Polivanov Ottoni

Abstract: The obscure taxonomic histories of three species of Aphyocharax (A. alburnus, A. avary and A. pusillus) are revised, based on both morphological and literature data. Aphyocharax avary is resurrected as a valid species and removed from synonymy with A. alburnus. Based on examinations of type specimens, A. alburnus is considered a junior synonym of A. pusillus.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Short Communication Wed, 15 Aug 2018 11:53:21 +0300
A new miniature cryptic species of the seasonal killifish genus Spectrolebias from the Tocantins River basin, central Brazil (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/28085/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 359-368

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.28085

Authors: Wilson J. E. M. Costa, Pedro F. Amorim

Abstract: The miniature seasonal killifish Spectrolebias costae, first described for the middle Araguaia River basin, has been also recorded from two areas in the middle Tocantins River basin, from where male specimens exhibit some differences in their colour pattern. Analyses directed to species delineation (GMYC and bPTP), using a fragment of the mitochondrial gene COI, strongly support two species, S. costae from the Araguaia River basin and a new species from the Tocantins River basin. Spectrolebias gracilis sp. n. is described on the basis of specimens collected from two localities separated by about 530 km, Canabrava River floodplains near Alvorada do Tocantins and Tocantins River floodplains near Palmeirante. Field inventories were unsuccessful in finding additional populations in the region, which is attributed to the high environmental degradation, including several large dams that have permanently inundated typical killifish habitats. Spectrolebias gracilis is member of a clade also including S. costae, S. inaequipinnatus, and S. semiocellatus, diagnosed by having the dorsal and anal fins in males with iridescent dots restricted to their basal portion, caudal fin in males hyaline, and caudal-fin base with two pairs of neuromasts. Within this clade, a single miniaturisation event is supported for the most recent common ancestor of the subclade comprising S. costae and S. gracilis, which differ from other congeners by reaching only about 20 mm standard length as maximum adult size.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 17 Jul 2018 09:49:23 +0300
New populations of two threatened species of Alsodes (Anura, Alsodidae) reveal the scarce biogeographic knowledge of the genus in the Andes of central Chile https://zse.pensoft.net/article/25189/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 349-358

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.25189

Authors: Claudio Correa, Paulo Zepeda, Nicolás Lagos, Hugo Salinas, R. Eduardo Palma, Dayana Vásquez

Abstract: High Andean environments of central Chile (32°–38°S) are inhabited by several endemic species of the genus Alsodes. Two of them, A. pehuenche and A. hugoi, have geographic distributions restricted to their type locality and surroundings. The Chilean government classifies A. pehuenche as Critically Endangered (like the IUCN) and A. hugoi as Vulnerable. In this study we report 16 new localities of Alsodes, corresponding to first order streams, located in the Andes of Chile between 35°58’ and 36°32’S (1800–2470 m). In some of these sites, adults and juveniles morphologically similar to A. pehuenche and A. hugoi were observed, as well as specimens of Alsodes that could not be identified by their external morphology. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis with mitochondrial sequences (cytochrome b) was performed to identify the new populations to species level. All populations around 36°S belong to A. pehuenche, while most of those located south of that area would be A. hugoi. The exception is Cajón de Plaza (36°23’S), where specimens with sequences of A. hugoi or A. pehuenche coexist, whose taxonomic status could not be determined. These findings imply not only a westward range extension of A. pehuenche in Chile of about 14.5 km and of A. hugoi about 100 km southward, but also that practically all the first order streams of the Andes of central Chile would be inhabited by populations of Alsodes. Both results demonstrate the scarce biogeographic knowledge of the genus in the Andes, which has important implications for its conservation at local and species levels.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 17 Jul 2018 09:46:19 +0300
Three new species of the ‘ Geophagus’ brasiliensis species group from the northeast Brazil (Cichlidae, Geophagini) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/22685/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 325-337

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.22685

Authors: José L.O. Mattos, Wilson J.E.M. Costa

Abstract: Morphological characters and phylogenetic trees generated by analyses of segments of two mitochondrial genes cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase I support recognition of three new species of the ‘Geophagus’ brasiliensis species group from coastal basins of northeast Brazil. All new species were diagnosed by exclusive morphological characters and exclusive nucleotide transformations. Geophagus rufomarginatus sp. n., from the Rio Buranhém Basin, is distinguished from all other species of the group by dorsal-fin lappets with red edges, the presence of longitudinal series of small light blue spots between the anal-fin spines and rays, and non-denticulated gill-rakers; it is closely related to G. brasiliensis and G. iporangensis. Geophagus multiocellus sp. n., from the Rio de Contas Basin, is distinguished from all other species of the group by having small pale blue spots with minute bright blue dots at their centres, that are often vertically coalesced to form short bars on the caudal fin. Geophagus santosi sp. n., from the Rio Mariana Basin, is distinguished from all other species of the group by having blue stripes parallel to the dorsal and anal fin rays on their longest portions. Geophagus multiocellus and G. santosi belong to the same clade of G. itapicuruensis. The clade composed by the Rio Paraguaçu Basin species was recovered as the sister group of the other species of the ‘G.’ brasiliensis species group.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 6 Jul 2018 08:50:43 +0300
Discovery of a rare hybrid specimen known as Maria’s bird of paradise at the Staatliches Naturhistorisches Museum in Braunschweig https://zse.pensoft.net/article/25139/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 315-324

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.25139

Authors: André Koch

Abstract: The discovery of a rare hybrid specimen of Maria’s bird of paradise (Paradisaea maria, i.e., P. guilielmi × P. raggiana augustaevictoriae) in the ornithological collection of the Staatliches Naturhistorisches Museum in Braunschweig (SNMB) is reported. Until today only six male specimens (deposited in the natural history museums in Berlin and New York) and presumably one female have been identified in collections world-wide. The male specimen in Braunschweig corresponds well in its plumage colouration with an historical illustration and photographs of the original type specimen from the 19th century housed at the Berlin collection. It shows intermediate characteristics between both parental species, viz. the Emperor bird of paradise (P. guilielmi) and the Raggiana bird of paradise (P. raggiana augustaevictoriae). In addition, we try to elucidate the circumstances how this rare specimen of hybrid origin, which formerly belonged to the natural history collection of the factory owner Walter Behrens from Bad Harzburg, came to the SNMB. Our unexpected discovery highlights the importance to maintain, support and study also smaller private natural history collections, since they may house historical voucher specimens of high scientific value.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 31 May 2018 10:55:51 +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
A distinctive new frog species (Anura, Mantellidae) supports the biogeographic linkage of two montane rainforest massifs in northern Madagascar https://zse.pensoft.net/article/21037/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(2): 247-261

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.21037

Authors: Mark D. Scherz, Oliver Hawlitschek, Jary H. Razafindraibe, Steven Megson, Fanomezana Mihaja Ratsoavina, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Molly C. Bletz, Frank Glaw, Miguel Vences

Abstract: We describe a new species of the genus Gephyromantis, subgenus Gephyromantis Vatomantis (Mantellidae, Mantellinae), from moderately high elevation (1164–1394 m a.s.l.) on the Marojejy, Sorata, and Andravory Massifs in northern Madagascar. The new species, Gephyromantis (Vatomantis) lomorinasp. n. is highly distinct from all other species, and was immediately recognisable as an undescribed taxon upon its discovery. It is characterised by a granular, mottled black and green skin, reddish eyes, paired subgular vocal sacs of partly white colour, bulbous femoral glands present only in males and consisting of three large granules, white ventral spotting, and a unique, amplitude-modulated advertisement call consisting of a series of 24–29 rapid, quiet notes at a dominant frequency of 5124–5512 Hz. Genetically the species is also strongly distinct from its congeners, with uncorrected pairwise distances ≥10 % in a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene to all other nominal Gephyromantis species. A molecular phylogeny based on 16S sequences places it in a clade with species of the subgenera Laurentomantis and Vatomantis, and we assign it to the latter subgenus based on its morphological resemblance to members of Vatomantis. We discuss the biogeography of reptiles and amphibians across the massifs of northern Madagascar, the evidence for a strong link between Marojejy and Sorata, and the role of elevation in determining community sharing across this landscape.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 15 Mar 2018 09:55:57 +0200
Ontogeny of Hemidactylus (Gekkota, Squamata) with emphasis on the limbs https://zse.pensoft.net/article/22289/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(1): 195-209

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.22289

Authors: Wessel van der Vos, Koen Stein, Nicolas Di-Poï, Constanze Bickelmann

Abstract: Squamate reptiles constitute a major component of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate diversity, encompassing many morphotypes related to ecological specialization. Specifically, Gekkota, the sister clade to most other squamates, have highly specialized autopodia, which have been linked to their ecological plasticity. In this study, a developmental staging table of the geckoHemidactylus, housed at the Museum für Naturkunde, is established. Twelve post-ovipositional stages are erected, monitoring morphological embryological transitions in eye, ear, nose, heart, limbs, pharyngeal arches, and skin structures. Ecomorphological specializations in the limbs include multiple paraphalanges, hypothesized to aid in supporting the strong muscles, that are situated adjacent to metacarpal and phalangeal heads. Furthermore, some phalanges are highly reduced in manual digits III and IV and pedal digits III, IV, and V. Development, composition, and growth of limb elements is characterized in detail via µCT, histochemistry, and bone histological analysis. Using known life history data from two individuals, we found an average lamellar bone accretion rate in the humeral diaphysis comparable to that of varanids. Various adult individuals also showed moderate to extensive remodeling features in their long bone cortices, indicating that these animals experience a highly dynamic bone homeostasis during their growth, similar to some other medium-sized to large squamates. This study of in-ovo development of the geckoHemidactylus and its ecomorphological specializations in the adult autopodia, enlarges our knowledge of morphological trait evolution and of limb diversity within the vertebrate phylum.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 9 Mar 2018 11:37:25 +0200
Description of a new species of Homonota (Reptilia, Squamata, Phyllodactylidae) from the central region of northern Paraguay https://zse.pensoft.net/article/21754/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(1): 147-161

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.21754

Authors: Pier Cacciali, Mariana Morando, Luciano Javier Avila, Gunther Koehler

Abstract: Homonota is a gecko distributed in central and southern South America with 12 species allocated in three groups. In this work, we performed molecular and morphological analyses of samples of Homonota from the central region of northern Paraguay, comparing the data with those of related species of the group: H. horrida and H. septentrionalis. We found strong molecular evidence (based on 16S, Cyt-b, and PRLR gene sequences) to distinguish this lineage as a new species. Morphological statistical analysis showed that females of the three species are different in metric characters (SVL and TL as the most contributing variables), whereas males are less differentiated. No robust differences were found in meristic characters. The most remarkable trait for the diagnosis of the new species is the presence of well-developed keeled tubercles on the sides of the neck, and lack of a white band (crescent-shaped) in the occipital area, which is present in H. horrida and H. septentrionalis. Nevertheless, in our sample, we found three specimens (one juvenile and two young adults) that exhibit the white occipital band. Thus, this character seems only reliable in adults of the new species. The new species is parapatric to H. septentrionalis, both inhabiting the Dry Chaco of Paraguay.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 28 Feb 2018 16:18:50 +0200
Resurrection and re-description of Plethodontohyla laevis (Boettger, 1913) and transfer of Rhombophryne alluaudi (Mocquard, 1901) to the genus Plethodontohyla (Amphibia, Microhylidae, Cophylinae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/14698/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(1): 109-135

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.14698

Authors: Adriana Bellati, Mark D. Scherz, Steven Megson, Sam Hyde Roberts, Franco Andreone, Gonçalo M. Rosa, Jean Noël, Jasmin E. Randrianirina, Mauro Fasola, Frank Glaw, Angelica Crottini

Abstract: The systematics of the cophyline microhylid frog genera Plethodontohyla and Rhombophryne have long been intertwined, and their relationships have only recently started to become clear. While Rhombophryne has received a lot of recent taxonomic attention, Plethodontohyla has been largely neglected. Our study is a showcase of just how complex the taxonomic situation between these two genera is, and the care that must be taken to resolve taxonomic conundrums where old material, multiple genus transitions, and misattribution of new material obfuscate the picture. We assessed the identity of the historic names Dyscophus alluaudi (currently in the genus Rhombophryne), Phrynocara laeve and Plethodontohyla laevis tsianovohensis (both synonyms of Rhombophryne alluaudi) based on an integrative taxonomic approach harnessing genetics, external morphology, osteological data obtained via micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) and bioacoustics. We show that (1) the holotype of Dyscophus alluaudi is a member of the genus Plethodontohyla; (2) the Rhombophryne specimens from central Madagascar currently assigned to Rhombophryne alluaudi have no affinity with that species, and are instead an undescribed species; and (3) Phrynocara laeve and Dyscophus alluaudi are not synonymous, but represent closely related species, whereas Plethodontohyla laevis tsianovohensis is tentatively confirmed as synonym of D. alluaudi. We resurrect and re-describe Plethodontohyla laevis, and re-allocate and re-describe Plethodontohyla alluaudi on the basis of new and historic material.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 2 Feb 2018 10:42:27 +0200
A new species of Charax (Ostariophysi, Characiformes, Characidae) from northeastern Brazil https://zse.pensoft.net/article/22106/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(1): 83-93

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.22106

Authors: Erick Cristofore Guimarães, Pâmella Silva De Brito, Beldo Rywllon Abreu Ferreira, Felipe Polivanov Ottoni

Abstract: Charax awa sp. n. is herein described from the Rio Mearim, Rio Munim and Rio Turiaçu basins, three coastal river basins of northeastern Brazil located between the Rios Gurupi and Parnaíba basins. These have a complex and still poorly known biogeographic history. This region is ecologically extremely relevant since it comprises three of the main Brazilian biomes, as well as, transition zones between them: Amazônia, Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga. Therefore, this area has faunal and floristic representatives of these three biomes, which makes it particularly relevant in terms of ecology, biodiversity and conservation. Charax awa sp. n. possesses a relatively small orbital diameter (22.1–28.5 % HL), what distinguishes it from most of its congeners, except from C. notulatus and C. caudimaculatus. It differs from C. caudimaculatus by a longer snout, and from C. notulatus by the number of scales around the caudal peduncle, as well as by the number of vertebrae. The new species herein described differs from its geographically closely distributed congeners, C. leticiae, C. niger, and C. pauciradiatus mainly by the relative horizontal orbital diameter. It is a “small-eyed” species. In addition, C. awa sp. n. can be distinguished from C. leticiae by having a maxilla extending to the vertical line posterior to the pupil, near the posterior orbital margin and by having a lower humeral spot distance. It can be distinguished from C. pauciradiatus by more scale rows from the pelvic-fin origin to the lateral line and more scale rows from the dorsal-fin origin to the lateral line and it differs from C. niger by having more transverse scale rows in space from the humeral spot to the supracleithrum. In addition, it differs from C. pauciradiatus and C. niger by the absence of bony hooks on anal and pelvic-fins rays of adult males.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 1 Feb 2018 09:14:13 +0200
Three new species of the killifish genus Melanorivulus from the Rio Paraná Basin, central Brazilian Cerrado (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/21321/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 94(1): 17-27

DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.21321

Authors: Wilson J.E.M. Costa

Abstract: Three new species of Melanorivulus are described from the upper and middle Rio Paraná Basin, central Brazilian Cerrado. These species are members of the M. pictus species group, endemic to central Brazilian plateaus and adjacent areas, and are easily diagnosed by colour pattern characters, but their relationships with other congeners of the group are still uncertain. Melanorivulus proximus sp. n., from the middle Rio Aporé drainage, and M. nigromarginatus sp. n., from the Rio Corrente drainage, are possibly more closely related to other species endemic to streams draining the slopes of the Caiapó range, whereas M. linearis sp. n., from the upper Rio Pardo drainage, middle Rio Paraná Basin, is considered more closely related to M. egens, a species also endemic to this part of the Basin. This study corroborates the high diversity of species of Melanorivulus in the central Brazilian Cerrado plateaus repeatedly reported in previous studies, indicating once more that different species are often found restricted to short segments of the same river drainage. The intense habitat loss recorded in recent years combined to the high species diversity limited to specific Cerrado freshwater ecosystems, the veredas, indicates that species of Melanorivulus endemic to this part of the Brazilian Cerrado are highly threatened with extinction.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 2 Jan 2018 14:04:00 +0200
René Maugé’s ornithological collections from Kupang Bay, West-Timor, Indonesia, August-November 1801, with special regard to type-specimens https://zse.pensoft.net/article/19964/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(2): 467-492

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.19964

Authors: Justin J. F. J. Jansen

Abstract: The French collector René Maugé (1757-1802) conducted some bird-collecting excursions when anchored in Kupang Bay, West-Timor during his time as part of the French government-funded expedition commanded by Nicolas Baudin (1754-1803). The expedition docked at Tenerife (Spanish Canary Islands), Mauritius, Australia, Timor and South Africa between 1800 and 1804. Maugé made the first collections in Timor. Specimens became dispersed after their arrival with the store-ship Le Naturaliste in Le Havre, France on 7 June 1803. Information concerning 153 specimens of 61 species was found in various documents and museums throughout Europe. Only the type-specimens are listed here and include data associated with them. Fifty-two species new to science were described from Maugé’s Timor collections, 28 of which are still taxonomically recognised today.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 16 Nov 2017 10:46:55 +0200
A new frog species of the subgenus Asperomantis (Anura, Mantellidae, Gephyromantis) from the Bealanana District of northern Madagascar https://zse.pensoft.net/article/14906/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(2): 451-466

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.14906

Authors: Mark D. Scherz, Miguel Vences, James Borrell, Lawrence Ball, Denise Herizo Nomenjanahary, Duncan Parker, Marius Rakotondratsima, Elidiot Razafimandimby, Thomas Starnes, Jeanneney Rabearivony, Frank Glaw

Abstract: A recent study on a group of rough-skinned Gephyromantis frogs from Madagascar (Anura: Mantellidae: Mantellinae) established a new subgenus, Asperomantis, with five described species and one undescribed candidate species. Based on newly collected material from the Bealanana District, we address the taxonomy of this candidate species, and reveal that it consists of two populations with low genetic and morphological divergence but considerable bioacoustic differences that are obvious to the human ear. As a result, we describe some of the specimens formerly assigned to Gephyromantis sp. Ca28 as G. angano sp. n. and assign the remaining specimens from a locality between Bealanana and Antsohihy to a new Unconfirmed Candidate Species, G. sp. Ca29. Gephyromantis angano sp. n. is a small species that strongly resembles G. asper and G. ceratophrys, but it differs from these and all other Gephyromantis species by a unique, clinking advertisement call. The new species may be highly threatened by habitat fragmentation, but at present we recommend it be treated as Data Deficient until more data are available to assess its distribution. We discuss the curious relationship between G. angano sp. n. and G. sp. Ca29, which we suspect may represent a case of incipient speciation. We also identify two additional new Unconfirmed Candidate Species of Gephyromantis based on sequence data from other specimens collected during our surveys in the Bealanana District.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:55:14 +0200
Description of two endangered new seasonal killifish species of the genus Cynolebias from the São Francisco River basin, Brazilian Caatinga (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/20906/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(2): 333-341

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.20906

Authors: Wilson J. E. M. Costa

Abstract: Two new species of Cynolebias are described from temporary pools of the Verde Grande River drainage, São Francisco basin, in the semiarid Caatinga, a phytogeographical province of northeastern Brazil. Cynolebias elegans sp. n., a member of the C. gilbertoi group, is considered as the smallest species of the genus, reaching about 38 mm of standard length; it is distinguished from all other species of the group by the long unpaired fins, relative position of anal fin and vertebrae, and morphometric data. Cynolebias gorutuba sp. n. belongs to the Cynolebias zeta-clade, a group of large species supposedly feeding on smaller sympatric seasonal killifishes; it differs from other species of the group by the female colour pattern, relative position of dorsal fin and vertebrae, and cephalic neuromast pattern. Both species herein described were not found in recent collecting trips, after their habitats had been drastically modified, and are also possibly highly endangered if not already extinct. Field data relative to gradual habitat decline in the type locality region of C. elegans indicate that after pools lose the dense vegetation that provides shelter to small species, these species such as C. elegans become exposed to larger sympatric predatory species and are extirpated. These data support the hypothesis that small seasonal killifish species specialised in living within marginal shaded areas of temporary pools are more susceptible to environmental changes than other congeners.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 12 Oct 2017 15:27:09 +0300
Reproduction and development of the asian bronze featherback Notopterus notopterus (Pallas, 1769) (Osteoglossiformes, Notopteridae) in captivity https://zse.pensoft.net/article/13341/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(2): 299-324

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.13341

Authors: Honesty Yanwirsal, Peter Bartsch, Frank Kirschbaum

Abstract: Experimental data demonstrate that the environmental factors decreasing conductivity, slight variation of temperature, and water level have no influence on gonad development or courtship behavior in Notopterus notopterus. Spawning occurs during day time at a temperature of 25–28 °C. Newly spawned 3.8–4 mm adhesive eggs are guarded by the male until hatching. The egg envelope has external spiraling ridges, which are centered round the micropyle. Hatching occurs within 168–204 hours depending on temperature and even with some variability at 27°C constant incubation temperature. Exogenous feeding then starts on day 17 with a total length of 16.2 mm and yolk-sac remnants still present. The larval period lasts until day 36. Dark brown stripes appear on the body as one of the characteristic pigment patterns of juvenile N. notopterus at day 70 with a total length of around 34 mm, replacing the dotted pigment pattern of larvae and early juveniles. Later again a spectacular color change to uniformly gold-bronze coloration occurs. The genital papilla can macroscopically be recognized at day 80. Sexual maturity of N. notopterus in captivity as indicated by courtship behavior is first observed in 30-month old specimens of both sexes of the F1 generation with a total length of around 275 mm in males and 230 mm in females, whereas this might occur at smaller size in the P generation and in natural environment. Generally, in N. notopterus the embryonic period lasts longer and the onset of the larval period starts much delayed as compared to a typical indirect or saltatory development. The larval period before onset of the juvenile period with its spectacular color changes, shows few discernible stages of morphological development. It is immediately a pterygiolarva with the jaws, branchial arches, most fins differentiated, a distinct pigmentation pattern and the mouth opened during the embryonic and free embryonic phases.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 12 Jul 2017 10:18:42 +0300
Three new species of the microhylid frog genus Choerophryne (Amphibia, Anura, Microhylidae) from Papua New Guinea https://zse.pensoft.net/article/11576/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(2): 265-279

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.11576

Authors: Rainer Günther, Stephen Richards

Abstract: We describe three new species of the microhylid frog genus Choerophryne from the mountains and foothills of southern and northeastern Papua New Guinea. All three species lack elongated snouts and all are arboreal calling from elevated perch sites between ~1 and 10 m above the forest floor. Advertisement calls and habitat preferences are described for each species. Descriptions of these three frogs brings the total number of Choerophryne recognized to 34 but numerous additional species undoubtedly remain to be discovered in poorly-surveyed mountainous regions of New Guinea.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 5 May 2017 10:40:59 +0300
Redescription of Moenkhausia megalops (Eigenmann, 1907), a widespread tetra from the Amazon basin (Characiformes, Characidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/10837/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(2): 255-264

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.10837

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

Abstract: Moenkhausia currently comprises 90 valid species and represents one of the very species-rich genera in Characidae. Most of these species need to be revised since their original descriptions are out-of-date and are uninformative. In this sense, Moenkhausia megalops is redescribed based on the examination of the holotype and additional specimens from drainages of the Amazon basin and the type locality. The species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: a conspicuous boot-shaped humeral spot, ventrally curved to anterior region of the body, followed by a second inconspicuous vertically elongated humeral spot; a dark longitudinal midlateral stripe on body extending from immediately posterior to the second humeral spot to the middle caudal-fin rays; a dark blotch on the upper caudal-fin lobe; and teeth with seven cusps on inner series of premaxilla and dentary.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Tue, 18 Apr 2017 11:16:46 +0300
Loveridge’s Angolan geckos, Afroedura karroica bogerti and Pachydactylus scutatus angolensis (Sauria, Gekkonidae): new distribution records, comments on type localities and taxonomic status https://zse.pensoft.net/article/10915/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(1): 157-166

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.10915

Authors: William R. Branch, Wulf Haacke, Pedro Vaz Pinto, Werner Conradie, Ninda Baptista, Luke Verburgt, Luis Verisimmo

Abstract: In 1944 Loveridge described two new geckos from Angola Afroedura karroica bogerti and Pachydactylus scutatus angolensis. The descriptions of both species have vague and confusing type localities and refinements are suggested based on early expedition reports historical accounts from the region and a review of cartographic material. Numerous new distribution records are reported for both species from expeditions undertaken from 1956–2016 by the authors or their colleagues. The taxonomic status of both species has changed but new material from diverse habitats altitudes and geological substrates indicates that further taxonomic adjustments are likely in order to reflect additional cryptic diversity.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 6 Mar 2017 13:52:59 +0200
Diamond in the rough: a new species of fossorial diamond frog (Rhombophryne) from Ranomafana National Park, southeastern Madagascar https://zse.pensoft.net/article/10188/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(1): 143-155

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.10188

Authors: Shea M. Lambert, Carl R. Hutter, Mark D. Scherz

Abstract: We describe a new species from the cophyline microhylid genus Rhombophryne, a group of fossorial and terrestrial frogs endemic to Madagascar. Found during herpetofaunal surveys of moist montane forest in the remote north of Ranomafana National Park, Rhombophryne nilevina sp. n. exemplifies two difficulties that hinder taxonomic progress in Malagasy cophyline frogs: micro-endemicity and highly secretive habits. Known from only two adult male specimens, this new species is nonetheless easily distinguishable from all other known Rhombophryne using morphological data, and osteological data collected here via X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography, or “micro-CT”. This species is now the largest known Rhombophryne, and the only one known from Ranomafana National Park, which will make it the southern-most member of the genus pending a forthcoming taxonomic revision involving Plethodontohyla and Rhombophryne. Pairwise distances of the mitochondrial 16s rRNA marker show a minimum genetic distance of 4.9% from other nominal Rhombophryne. We also describe recordings of an advertisement call, emitted from a burrow by the holotype. Rhombophryne nilevina sp. n. is not known to be found syntopically with other Rhombophryne, nor to be present elsewhere in Ranomafana National Park, but it probably does co-occur with a few ecologically similar Plethodontohyla species. Although the type locality is within a protected area, we suggest an IUCN listing of Data Deficient for R. nilevina sp. n., as its area of occupancy is largely undetermined within the park.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Fri, 24 Feb 2017 10:47:54 +0200
A review of the reproductive biology of the only known matrotrophic viviparous anuran, the West African Nimba toad, Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis https://zse.pensoft.net/article/10489/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(1): 105-133

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.10489

Authors: Laura Sandberger-Loua, Hendrik Müller, Mark-Oliver Rödel

Abstract: Amphibians, and anurans in particular, show the highest diversity of reproductive modes among tetrapods. Nevertheless, viviparity is scarce in anurans and its occurrence is even more often assumed rather than confirmed. Probably the best studied viviparous amphibian is the Nimba toad, Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis. During more than 40 years of research, the Nimba toad’s reproductive morphology, endocrine activity of the ovary as well as the pituitary gland, and to some extent the ecological impact (seasonality, humidity, food availability) on reproduction was examined. Due to the Nimba toad’s unique reproductive mode, summaries are usually included in reviews discussing amphibian reproduction and articles on reproductive biology often discuss the exceptional reproductive system of Nimba toads. However, to our knowledge a detailed synthesis, summarising all the different original studies on the toad’s reproduction, is so far missing. In this paper we review and summarise all available initial publications, which often have been published in French and/or are difficult to access. A short overview is given of the climatic and environmental conditions experienced by Nimba toads and the key findings supporting a “true” viviparous reproduction with matrotrophy (maternal provision of nutrition during the gestation) and pueriparity (birth of juveniles). Then foetal development (morphological, gonad and pituitary development), and the female (ovary, oviduct, pituitary and their endocrine interactions) and the male reproductive system (testes and pituitary) are reviewed. Finally, the reproductive cycle and its link to the Nimba mountains’ seasonality and ecological/ conservation implications are discussed.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Review Article Fri, 3 Feb 2017 11:08:38 +0200
Redescription of Nothobranchius lucius and description of a new species from Mafia Island, eastern Tanzania (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/11041/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(1): 35-44

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.11041

Authors: Wilson J.E.M. Costa

Abstract: Examination of specimens listed in the original description of Nothobranchius lucius revealed that they belong to two species. Nothobranchius lucius is redescribed based on the type series and other specimens collected in the type locality area, the Kibasira Swamp area, Rufiji River basin, Tanzania, at elevations between 250 and 300 m. Nothobranchius insularis sp. n. is described on the basis of specimens collected in the north part of Mafia Island, Tanzania, at about 10–15 m elevation. Nothobranchius lucius and N. insularis are considered closely related species based on the shared presence of long jaws; caudal fin, in males, with a broad dark grey to black band on its posterior margin; black dots over the whole flank, in females; metapterygoid curved, with its middle and dorsal portions separated from the sympletic by a broad interspace; and posterior process of the quadrate shorter than the ventral length of the quadrate without process. Characters useful to distinguish them include premaxillary dentition, caudal fin shape, colour pattern of flank and unpaired fins in females, fin length, and number of neuromasts of the posterior section of the anterior supraorbital series. Both species are members of a group that also includes N. elongatus, N. hengstleri, N. interruptus, N. jubbi, N. krammeri, and N. melanospilus, which are all diagnosed by the presence of two neuromasts in the anterior section of the anterior supraorbital series.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:57:48 +0200