Species New to Science

ABSTRACT

An early Pliocene porpoise, Numataphocoena yamashitai from Hokkaido, Japan, is known from the holotype, a fairly well-preserved skeleton with an incomplete skull and a referred earbone. A new skull referred to Numataphocoena yamashitai found from almost the same locality as the holotype is interesting because it expands knowledge of skull morphology and improves the diagnosis of this taxon. Numataphocoena yamashitai differs from other phocoenids in having the characteristic feature in the maxilla associated with the posterior dorsal infraorbital foramen, narrower and sharper anterior part of the internal acoustic meatus, and a robust anterior process of the periotic. A new cladistic analysis places Numataphocoena yamashitai adjacent to Haborophocoena toyoshimai and Haborophocoena minutus, among a clade of early branching phocoenids, all of which are chronologically and geographically close to each other. The new skull is probably a younger individual because it is about 80% the size of that of the holotype and it shows closed but unfused sutures. Our description of this specimen helps to understand the intraspecies variation of the extinct species Numataphocoena yamashitai.

Key words: skull; Phocoenidae; phylogeny; maxillary terrace; ontogeny; intraspecies variation

CONCLUSION: 

The new referred skull (NFL 2074) of Numataphocoena yamashitai from the upper part of the Horokaoshirarika Formation (early Pliocene), Numata, Hokkaido, Japan, adds diagnostic characters of the species, recognizes variations among the species and reveals the phylogenetic position among the Phocoenidae. Our cladistic analysis places Numataphocoena yamashitai adjacent to Haborophocoena toyoshimai and Haborophocoena minutus, among a clade of early branching phocoenids, all of which are chronologically and geographically close to each other, being all from Hokkaido. Numataphocoena yamashitai differs from other phocoenids in having a maxillary terrace, narrower and sharper anterior part of the internal acoustic meatus, and a robust anterior process of the periotic. NFL 2074, which is about 80% size of the holotype, NFL 7, is probably younger than the physically mature holotype. NFL 2074 does not have a well-developed nuchal crest like the holotype skull, which is probably the result of intraspecific variation.

 Tanaka, Yoshihiro and Ichishima, Hiroto. 2016. A New Skull of the Fossil Porpoise Numataphocoena yamashitai (Cetacea: Phocoenidae) from the upper part of the Horokaoshirarika Formation (lower Pliocene), Numata Town, Hokkaido, Japan, and Its Phylogenetic Position. Palaeontologia Electronica. 19.3.49A; 1-28.  

Palaeo-Electronica.org/content/2016/1663-a-new-skull-of-numataphocoena

Abstract

A new periotic of Numataphocoena yamashitai from the upper part of the Horokaoshirarika Formation (lower Pliocene), Numata, Hokkaido, Japan shows younger ontogenetic features in comparison to the matured holotype (NFL 7). The referred specimen of N. yamashitai is smaller (approximately 90% in size) than the physically and sexually matured holotype periotic. The holotype (NFL 7) and referred specimen (NFL 2617) show several differences owing to ontogenetic changes, such as: the holotype (NFL 7) has a more strongly swollen medial part of the anterior process, blunt anterior keel, rounded anterodorsal angle, deeper and clearer anterior incisure, more rounded pars cochlearis, deeper and narrower hiatus epitympanicus rather than a flat area, longer posterior process with an extra edge posterolaterally. N. yamashitai differs from other fossil phocoenids in having a narrower and sharper anterior part of the internal acoustic meatus and a robust anterior process. Haborophocoena toyoshimai similarly has a relatively narrow internal acoustic meatus and a robust anterior process, compared with other fossil phocoenids. Between N. yamashitai and H. toyoshimai, N. yamashitai has a narrower internal acoustic meatus and a more robust anterior process. These similarities imply a close relationship between Numataphocoena and Haborophocoena. The new specimen provides diagnostic features and insight into ontogenetic variation of N. yamashitai.

 Keywords: fossil, ontogeny, periotic, Phocoenidae

Yoshihiro Tanaka. 2016. A New and Ontogenetically Younger Specimen of Numataphocoena yamashitai from the Upper Part of the Horokaoshirarika Formation (Lower Pliocene), Numata, Hokkaido, Japan. Paleontological Research. 20(2); 105-115. DOI: 10.2517/2015PR026

H. Ichishima and M. Kimura. 2000. A New Fossil Porpoise (Cetacea; Delphinoidea; Phocoenidae) from the early Pliocene Horokaoshirarika Formation, Hokkaido, Japan. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 20(3); 561-576. DOI: 10.1671/0272-4634(2000)020[0561:ANFPCD]2.0.CO;2

Abstract

A new species of the genus Corybas is proposed. It is the first record of the genus from Thailand.

Corybas ecarinatus K. Anker & G. Seidenf. sp. nov.

Ex affinitate Corybas praetermissi J. Dransf. & J. Comber (Comber 1990), a quo folia magis orbicularia, roseo-venosa, flores multo minores, discolores, sepalo postico albo, ecristato, sepalis lateralibus petalisque purpureis differt. 

ABSTRACT

A synopsis of the genus Tocantinia is provided, with two new species being described and illustrated: Tocantinia dutilhiana and Tocantinia stigmovittata. Descriptions, illustrations and data on etymology, ecology, conservation status, distribution and habitat of the species are provided. The taxonomic placement of the genus in morphological and phylogenetic aspects is discussed.

Keywords: Taxonomy, Tocantinia mira, Tocantinia dutilhiana sp. nov., Tocantinia stigmovittata sp. nov., Cerrado Biome

TAXONOMY

Tocantinia Ravenna, Onira, v. 5, n. 3, p. 9, 2000.

Type: Tocantinia mira Ravenna

Etymology: The genus name refers to Tocantins (Latinized Tocantinia), a Brazilian state where the type population of the species of the genus is located.

Distribution and habitat: The genus is found in relatively large populations as geophytes in chemically poor, shallow and sandy soils from the Cerrado Biome. It is an endemic genus of Brazil, with populations known from central Brazil in the southeast of the state of Tocantins; in the central and southern-central part of Espinhaço Mountain Range; in the central region of Minas Gerais state; and in southwestwern Bahia state.

1. Tocantinia mira Ravenna, Onira, v. 5, n. 3, p. 10, 2000, (Fig. 1A-B).

Etymology: The specific epithet of the species, “mira” (Latin mira = wonderful) possibly refers to morphological uniqueness of the species at the time it was described.

 Distribution: Species known only by the type collection, whose specimens are from a collection of a natural population at the locality in Rio Lajes, in the city of Paranã, southeastem of the Tocantins state (Brazil). The original population of the collection was not located, as well as subsequent collections of this species. 

2. Tocantinia dutilhiana Büneker, R. Bastian & C. Costa, sp. nov., (Figs. 2 A–C, 3 A–G).

 Species morphologice proxima Tocantinia mira et Tocantinia stigmovittata. A prima differt maiori longitudine scapi (usque ad 28 vs. 20.5 cm), numero bractearum inflorescentiae (2 vs. 1), minori longitudine tepalorum (6–7.9 vs. 11– 13 cm), typo stigmae (trifidi vs. capitati) et forma ovulorum (suborbiculariorum vs. clavatocapitatorum). A secunda differt minori longitudine scapi (17–28 vs. 28.5–70.9 cm), hyphanto coloris externae differentis in superiori portione durans anthesis et attingendo minorem longitudinem (pallescente et usque ad 8.5 cm vs. viridescente et usque ad 12 cm), tepalis attingendo minorem longitudinem (usque ad 7.9 vs. 10.8 cm), forma apicis tepalorum verticilli externi (acuti vel attenuati vs. rotundato-cuspitati), forma apicis tepalorum verticilli interni (acuti ad obtusi vs. rotundato-retusi) et lobis stigmaticis in anthese suberectis et plene albis (vs. lobis stigmaticis in anthese patentes et cum marginibus ornatis lineis roseo-vinaceis).

Etymology: The specific epithet honors one of the first collectors of the species specimens that were located, a professor and researcher, expert in Amaryllidaceae, Dr. Julie Henriette Antoinette Dutilh, of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (São Paulo, Brazil), which has actively contributed to the advancement of knowledge of the Brazilian Amaryllidaceae.

 Distribution: Occurs in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, in the central region of Minas Gerais state (where one population is known in the city of Várzea da Palma) and in southwestern of Bahia state. (where one population is known in the city of Caetité).

3. Tocantinia stigmovittata Büneker, R. Bastian & C. Costa, sp. nov., (Figs. 2 D–F, 4 A– F, 5). 

Species morphologice proxima Tocantinia mira et Tocantinia dutilhiana. A prima differt foliis largioribus (1–2.1 vs. 0.3–0.9 cm), scapo longiori (28.5–70.9 vs. 15–20.5 cm), numero bractearum inflorescentiae (2–3 vs. 1), hypantho attingendo maiorem longitudinem (usque ad 12 vs. 8.6 cm), minori longitudine tepalorum (7– 10.8 vs. 11–13 cm), forma apicis tepalorum verticilli interni (rotundato-retusi vs. acuti), typo stigmae (trifidi vs. capitati) et forma ovulorum (suborbicularium vs. clavato-capitatorum). A secunda differt maiori longitudine scapi (28.5– 70.9 vs. 17–28 cm), hypanto coloris externae differentis in parte superiori durante anthesis et attingendo maiorem longitudinem (viridescente et ad 12 cm vs. pallescente et usque ad 8.5 cm), tepala attingendo maiorem longitudinem (ad 10.8 vs. 7.9 cm), forma apicis tepalorum verticilli externi (rotundato-cuspidati vs. acuti vel attenuati), forma apicis tepalorum verticilli interni (rotundato-retusi vs. acuti ad obtusi) et lobis stigmaticis in anthese patentes et cum marginibus ornatis lineis roseo-vinaceis (vs. lobis stigmaticis in anthese suberectis et plene albis).

  

FIGURE 4 – Tocantinia stigmovittata Büneker, R. Bastian & C. Costa (C. Costa 05).
A – Population in habitat. B – Habit. C – Flowers viewed from above. D – Side view of the inflorescence. E – Side view of the stigma. F – Upper view of the stigma.

Etymology: The specific epithet “stigmovittata” (Latin stigma = stigma and vittatus = marked or ornamented with ribbons or bows) refers to the morphological uniqueness of the stigma of the species that has stigmatic lobes ornamented with lines (ribbons) pink-vinaceous on its margins.

 Distribution: There is only one known wild population, in the central region of Espinhaço Mountain Range in the city of Lagoa Real, in southwestern Bahia state (Brazil). Is also found growing in public gardens in the city of Caetité (Bahia), municipality that borders Lagoa Real.

Henrique Mallmann Büneker, Regis Eduardo Bastian, Kelen Pureza Soares, Calmito Miranda Costa. 2016. The Genus Tocantinia (Amaryllidaceae, Amaryllidoideae) and Two New Species from Brazil.  BALDUINIA. 53; 1-14. http://periodicos.ufsm.br/balduinia/issue/view/103

 researchgate.net/publication/305082647_The_genus_Tocantinia_Amaryllidaceae_Amaryllidoideae_and_two_new_species_from_Brazil

ABSTRACT

 A new species of Cyrtodactylus is described from Pulau Tioman, an island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The new species can be differentiated from congeners from south-east Asia in showing the following combination of characters: medium-sized Cyrtodactylus (SVL to 83.2 mm); rostral partially divided by rostral groove, contacted posteriorly by two nostrils and two semi-circular supranasals; pectoral and abdominal scales smooth, rounded, semi-circular, imbricate; no preanal groove, a distinct preanal depression; sharp boundary between small scales on posterior surface of thighs and larger ones on ventral surface of thighs; tail without lateral denticles or tubercles forming whorls or segments; supralabials (to midorbit position) 8-11; infralabials 9-11; midventral scale rows at belly to lowestrow oftubercles 36-40; lamellae undertoe IV 20-22; preanofemoral pores 19; and dorsal pattern comprises four pale yellow transverse bands, each narrower than the intervening pale brown areas, edges with dark brown, and a pale yellow nuchal loop joining posterior edges of eyes.

KEY WORDS: Systematics, Cyrtodactylus tiomanensis, new species, Sauria, Gekkonidae, Pulau Tioman, Malaysia.

Das, I. and Lim, L.J. 2000. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Pulau Tioman. Raffles Bull. Zool. 48 (2): 223-231. http://LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg/rbz/biblio/48/48rbz223-231.pdf 

A new genus and species of stereospondyl temnospondyl, Nanolcmia anatopretia, is described from the Early Triassic Arcadia Formation (Rewan Group) of Queensland, Australia. N. anatopretia has several character states that suggest it belongs to the group of derived trematosaurian stereospondyls that include the Rhytidosteidae and Brachyopoidea. These include the absence of a lacrimai, an untwisted quadrate ramus of the pterygoid, and a shallow otic notch. It is tentatively referred to the Rhytidosteidae. N. anatopretia is the third temnospondyl taxon from the Arcadia Formation to be represented by a skull less than 50 mm long. The others are the basal stereospondyl Lapillopsis nana, and juveniles of the capitosaurid Parotosuchus aliciae. Given that Lapillopsis nana and Nanolania anatopretia are not known from any larger specimens, and that the temnospondyl fauna from the Arcadia Formation has been well sampled, it is suggested that they are species that never grew large. It seems quite likely that a diverse array of small temnospondyls lived alongside the larger temnospondyls of the Triassic elsewhere in the world but have not been discovered due to biases working against the preservation and collection of small temnospondyl specimens.

Kischlat, E.-E., 2000, Tecodôncios: a aurora dos arcossáurios no Triássico, in Holz, M., and De Ros, L.F., eds., Paleontologia do Rio Grande do Sul: Porto Alegre, CIGO/UFRGS, p. 273-316.

Langer, Max C.; Ribeiro, Ana M.; Schultz, Cesar L.; and Ferigolo, Jorge 2007. The continental tetrapod-bearing Triassic of south Brazil. In Lucas, S.G.; and Spielmann, J.A. (eds.). The Global Triassic. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin, 41. Albuquerque, New Mexico: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. pp. 201–218.

http://sites.ffclrp.usp.br/paleo/pdf/Langer_et_al_2007b.pdf

Pyroraptor olympius

Allain & Taquet, 2000

Diagram showing the fossil pieces known from the Dromaeosaurid dinosaur Pyroraptor olympius.

Note: bones which are known, but not shown in the original paper, are coloured grey.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pyroraptor_fossil_01.png

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyroraptor

Allain, R. and Taquet, P., 2000, A new genus of Dromaeosauridae (Dinosauria, Theropoda) from the Upper Cretaceous of France. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 20(2), 404-407.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1671/0272-4634(2000)020[0404:ANGODD]2.0.CO;2

http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/4524106

Fig. 1. A, Plateosaurus engelhardti, Upper Triassic, Norian, Jura; B, Poekilopleuron bucklandii, Middle Jurassic, Bathonian, Calvados; C, Lexovisaurus durobrivensis, Middle Jurassic, Callovian, Calvados; D, Compsognathus longipes, Late Jurassic, Tithonian, Var; E, Genusaurus sisteronis, Early Cretaceous, Albian, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence; F, Rhabdodon priscus, Late Cretaceous, Campano-Maastrichtian, southern France; G, Pyroraptor olympius, Late Cretaceous, Campanian, Bouches-du-Rhône. Restorations by Michel Fontaine. © Éditions du MNHN 

Dinosaurs of France | Dinosaures de France

DOI: 10.1016/S1631-0683(03)00002-2

Abstract

A new genus and species of pitviper from the Annam Mountain Range, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam are described. The description is based on a single male specimen. This member of the Trimeresurus group is characterized by the presence of raised horn-like multiple supraoculars and by having the unique structure of the dorsal scales showing a keel consisting of three horn-like upraisings as well as the unique microdermatoglyphic pattern of the Oberhäutchen, which is tessellate fimbriate. First notes on its biology are provided and possible relationships of this new and striking taxon are discussed.

Keywords: Reptilia, Squamata, Serpentes, Viperidae, Crotalinae, Triceratolepidophis genus nov., Triceratolepidophis sieversorum species nov., Phong Nha Nature Reserve, Vietnam.

Ziegler, T., Herrmann, H.-W., David, P., Orlov, N.L., Pauwels, O.S.G. 2000. Triceratolepidophis sieversorum, a new genus and species of pitviper (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae) from Vietnam. Russ. Jour. Herpetol. 7(3): 199-214.

http://pauwelsolivier.com/taxaCoDescribed.html

http://www.seh-herpetology.org/files/bonnensis/233_Nguyen.pdf

Juvenile Merendon Palm-pitviper (Bothriechis thalassinus). 

Photo by Don Church, Global Wildlife Conservation.

Abstract

A new species of green, prehensile-tailed pitviper of the genus Bothriechis is described from the Atlantic slopes of eastern Guatemala and western Honduras. This species appears to be most closely related to B. bicolor of the Pacific versant of Chiapas (Mexico) and Guatemala. Several other species of Bothriechis occur on the Atlantic versant of northern Central America, including two montane species, B. aurifer and B. marchi but, with one possible exception, these are not known to be sympatric with the new species and occur in different mountain ranges. The widespread B. schlegelii occurs up to at least 900 m on the Sierra de Caral, where the lowest elevation recorded for the new species is 885 m.

Key words: Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae, Pitvipers, Bothriechis, New species, Izabal, Guatemala, Honduras.

Etymology.– The specific epithet is derived from the Greek thalassinos, meaning blue-green, in allusion to the striking coloration of this snake.

Habitat, distributon, and habits.– In Guatemala, this species occurs in Lower Montane Wet Forest (sensu Holdridge 1959) at elevations of 885-1 450 m. In Honduras, it has been recorded to occur also in Lower Montane Moist Forest (Meyer and Wilson 1985) and up to 1 730 m in the mountains east of Nueva Ocotepeque (LSU 23821).

http://robinmoore.photoshelter.com/image/I0000vnK719wGZcU

Campbell, J.A. & Smith, E.N. 2000. A new species of arboreal pitviper from the Atlantic versant of northern Central America. Revista de Biologia Tropical. 48: 1001-1013

http://www.scielo.sa.cr/scielo.php?pid=S0034-77442000000400025&script=sci_arttext

Nesolagus timminsi sp. n., based on a partial skeleton from Vietnam, differs from N. netscheri (Schlegel, 1880) from Sumatra by skull length larger, foramen lacertum smaller, P2 larger and having two folds on anterior face, m3 with two columns joined by a lingual dentine bridge. Detailed osteological description of  Nesolagus timminsi sp. n. is presented.

Distribution. – Annamite Mountains, Vietnam and Laos.

Etymology. – In honour of Mr. Robert J. Timmins, discoverer of the Annamiterabbit in Laos.

Surridge A. K., Timmins R. J., Hewitt G. M. and Bell D. J. 1999. Striped rabbit in Southeast Asia.

Nature. 400: 726. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v400/n6746/full/400726a0.html

Magnolia sirindhorniae Noot. & Chalermglin

Thailand.— NORTH-EASTERN: Loei; EASTERN: Chaiyaphum; CENTRAL: Lop Buri.

Distribution.— Endemic.

Conservation status.— NE.

Ecology.— Primary rain forest in fresh water swamp. Altitude 60–170 m. Flowering April–May; fruiting June–September.

Vernacular.— Champi sirindhorn (จำปีสิรินธร).

http://www.qsbg.org/Database/Botanic_Book%20full%20option/Search_detail.asp?Botanic_ID=1395

Magnolia  (Magnolia sirindhorniae): http://arkive.org/magnolia/magnolia-sirindhorniae 

Nooteboom, H.P.; and Chalermglin, P. 2000. New species of Magnolia from Thailand. Blumea 45: 245-247.