[Most Recent Entries] [Calendar View]
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
| Time | Event | ||||||||||
| 1:04a | [Paleontology • 2025] Breagnathair elgolensis • Mosaic Anatomy in an early Fossil Squamate
Abstract Squamates (lizards and snakes) comprise almost 12,000 living species, with wide ecological diversity and a crown group that originated around 190 million years ago. Conflict between morphology and molecular phylogenies indicates a complex pattern of anatomical transformations during early squamate evolution, which remains poorly understood owing to the scarcity of early fossil taxa. Here we present Breugnathair elgolensis gen. et sp. nov., based on a new skeleton from the Middle Jurassic epoch (167 million years ago) of Scotland, which is among the oldest relatively complete fossil squamates. Breugnathair is placed in a new family, Parviraptoridae, an enigmatic group with potential importance for snake origins, that was previously known from very incomplete remains. It displays a mosaic of anatomical traits that is not present in living groups, with head and body proportions similar to varanids (monitor lizards) and snake-like features of the teeth and jaws, alongside primitive traits shared with early-diverging groups such as gekkotans. Phylogenetic analyses of multiple datasets return conflicting results, with parviraptorids either as early toxicoferans (and potentially stem snakes) or as stem squamates that convergently evolved snake-like dental and mandibular traits related to feeding. These findings indicate high levels of homoplasy and experimentation during the initial radiation of squamates and highlight the potential importance of convergent morphological transformations during deep evolutionary divergences.
Pan-Squamata Gauthier & de Queiroz, 2020 Parviraptoridae new family Included taxa. Parviraptor estesi (type genus), Diablophis gilmorei, Portugalophis lignites and Breugnathair elgolensis gen. et sp. nov., as well as the holotype and at least some specimens referred to the nomen dubium Eophis underwoodi, from the Middle Jurassic of Kirtlington. ... Breugnathair elgolensis gen. et sp. nov. Etymology. breug-nathair (brjiag Nahɪrj; adapted from Scottish Gaelic): false snake; specific name comes from the locality of discovery, north of the village of Elgol on the Strathaird Peninsula of the Isle of Skye. Holotype. NMS (National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK) G.2023.7.1, a disarticulated partial skeleton from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian, 166 Ma) Kilmaluag Formation of the Elgol Coast SSSI14, collected in 2015 under permit from NatureScot, with permission from the landowner John Muir Trust. Diagnosis. Parviraptorid that differs from Early Cretaceous Parviraptor estesi in having proportionally narrower parietals that bear a nuchal shelf and lack a deep ventral concavity between the base of the postparietal process and the base of the supratemporal process; differs from Late Jurassic Portugalophis lignites by having shorter interdental ridges and more sharply recurved tooth crowns; and differs from Late Jurassic Diablophis gilmorei in the less bulbous morphology of tooth bases, and substantially more recurved crowns. ... Roger B. J. Benson, Stig A. Walsh, Elizabeth F. Griffiths, Zoe T. Kulik, Jennifer Botha, Vincent Fernandez, Jason J. Head and Susan E. Evans. 2025. Mosaic Anatomy in an early Fossil Squamate. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09566-y [01 October 2025]   | ||||||||||
| 6:45a | [Herpetology • 2025] Odorrana feii • A New Species of the Genus Odorrana (Anura: Ranidae) from Guizhou Province, China.
Abstract Based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetics, a new species of the genus Odorrana from Xiuwen and Jinsha counties, Guizhou Province, China, is described. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI gene sequences supported the new species as a sister species to O. lipuensis. The uncorrected p-distances of 16S rRNA and COI genes between the new species and its closest congeners were 2.6% and 4.4%, respectively. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) medium body size (SVL 37.0–39.0 mm in males and 49.4–52.2 mm in females); (2) tympanum distinctly visible, greater than one-half the diameter of the eye; (3) dorsolateral folds absent in males; (4) relative finger lengths: I < II < IV < III; (5) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the nostril when the leg is stretched forward; (6) bands on the dorsal surface of the hindlimb clear; and (7) vocal sacs absent in males. Key Words: molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, new species, Odorrana
Odorrana feii sp. nov. Diagnosis. Odorrana feii sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Odorrana based upon molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following morphological characters: (1) dorsum is mostly green; (2) tips of digits dilated, tapering, disks with circum-marginal grooves or lateroventral grooves, and vertical diameter longer than horizontal diameter in the disks; (3) supernumerary tubercle below the base of fingers III and IV; (4) feet fully webbed to disks, without tarsal fold; (5) dorsal skin smooth, dorsolateral folds absent or fine (Fei et al. 2009; Li et al. 2018). Odorrana feii sp. nov. is distinguished from congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) having medium body size (SVL 37.0–39.0 mm in males and 49.4–52.2 mm in females); (2) tympanum distinctly visible, greater than one-half the diameter of the eye; (3) dorsolateral folds absent in males; (4) relative finger lengths: I < II < IV < III; (5) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the nostril when the leg is stretched forward; (6) bands on the dorsal surface of hind-limb clear; and (7) vocal sacs absent in males. Etymology. The specific epithet ‘Feii’ is in commemoration of Fei Liang, a renowned Chinese herpetological taxonomist who made significant contributions to the study of the genus Odorrana. For the common English name “Fei’s Odorous Frog” and Chinese name “Fei Shi Chou Wa (费氏臭蛙)”. Shize Li, Lang Mu, Jiahao Jing, Jing Liu, Yanlin Cheng, Bin Wang. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Odorrana (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 1949-1964. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.161151 | ||||||||||
| 10:08a | [Botany • 2025] Bonamia minima (Convolvulaceae) • A New Species from Brazil, with notes on leaf anatomy and pollen morphology
Abstract A new species of Convolvulaceae, Bonamia minima A.L.C. Moreira & Faria, is described and illustrated based on a collection made in 2012 from a region of high diversity in the Central Plateau of Brazil, in campo rupestre. The new species is most similar to B. austinii A.L.C.Moreira & Sim.-Bianch., the only congener with which it shares the combination of sericeous indumentum and bifurcate trichomes on the leaves. It can be distinguished from this species mainly by characteristics of the gynoecium, presenting a completely glabrous ovary. Details of its habitat, distribution, phenology, conservation status, and micromorphological aspects of the leaf and pollen are provided, along with a comparison to the most similar species. Keywords: Campo rupestre, Cerrado, Neotropical biodiversity, Savannah, subshrub, Taxonomy
Bonamia minima A.L.C. Moreira & Faria, sp. nov. Closely related to B. austinii A.L.C. Moreira &
Sim.-Bianch. (Moreira et al. 2018) (Fig. 2, 3) by
presenting short elliptic petiolate leaf and axillary
inflorescence with white corolla but differing by
its glabrous ovary, style with equal size and stigma
fully globose. Bonamia austinii has an ovary with a
hairy apex, styles of different sizes and globose to
reniform stigmas. Etymology: The specific epithet minima, derived from the Latin minimus, refers to the small size of the plant compared to other species of the genus. Its total size does not exceed 20 cm in height, with its delicate leaves measuring approximately 2.2 cm. Moreira A.L.C., Faria J.E.Q., Cunha Neto I.L., Mata L.R. and M.R.V. Zanatta. 2025. Bonamia minima (Convolvulaceae): A New Species from Brazil, with notes on leaf anatomy and pollen morphology. Rheedea. 35(2):51-61. https://rheedea.in/journal/ftH8cFXW DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2025.35.02.01 [30-Jun-2025] | ||||||||||
| 10:51a | [Mammalogy • 2025] Pipistrellus etula • Taxonomic Revision of African pipistrelle-like Bats (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) with A New Species from the West Congolean Rainforest
Abstract The taxonomic conundrum of pipistrelle-like or pipistrelloid bats remains one of the unsolved challenges posed by African Chiroptera. Historically, their cryptic morphology has led to a frequently confused classification and cast doubt on taxonomic arrangements at both genus and species levels. While molecular analyses and extensive reviews of specimens housed in collections worldwide have clarified many systematic relationships among pipistrelloid bats, some species still require validation, leaving gaps in our overall understanding of the systematics of the group. The Congo rainforest, one of Africa's least explored regions, remains underrepresented in systematic studies of pipistrelloid bats. In this study, we combine the use of two mitochondrial genes and cranial morphometric analyses to provide an updated perspective on African pipistrelloid bats, focusing on new material from Equatorial Guinea sampled over multiple years. We confirm the placement of Af. musciculus and Af. crassulus within the genus Afropipistrellus. The former was previously included in Hypsugo, while the latter lacked generic confirmation. Additionally, we describe a new species of Pipistrellus from Bioko Island, Central Africa, uncovered during systematic bat surveys in the region. Further surveys in the Congo rainforest are needed to unveil African bat diversity and its phylogenetic relationships fully. Africa, baculum, Chiroptera, genus revision, Mammalia, mitochondrial DNA, morphometrics, systematics, taxonomy 
Family Vespertilionidae Gray, 1821 Tribe Pipistrellini Tate, 1942 Genus Pipistrellus Kaup, 1829 Pipistrellus etula Torrent et al., sp. nov. Bioko pipistrelle Etymology: ‘etula’ means island or nation in the language of the original Bubi people of Bioko Island. Laura Torrent, Javier Juste, Inazio Garin, Joxerra Aihartza, Desiré L Dalton, Mnqobi Mamba, Iroro Tanshi, Luke L Powell, Sara Padidar, Juan Luis Garcia Mudarra, Leigh Richards and Ara Monadjem. 2025. Taxonomic Revision of African pipistrelle-like Bats with A New Species from the West Congolean Rainforest. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 204(2); zlaf020, DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf020 [13 June 2025] | ||||||||||
| 1:46p | [Entomology • 2025] Omoplax hisasuei, O. inugusu & O. hisasuei • An Illustrated Key to the Lace Bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) from “Oriental Galapagos” the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, with Descriptions of Three New Species of the endemic Genus Omo
Abstract The lace bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, which are known as “Oriental Galapagos”, are taxonomically revised. The following eight species belonging to the two endemic genera, Acanthomoplax Souma & Kamitani, 2021 (Tinginae, Tingini) or Omoplax Horváth, 1912 (Tinginae, Tingini) are recognized from the islands: A. tomokunii Souma & Kamitani, 2021, O. desecta (Horváth, 1912), O. hisasuei sp. nov., O. inugusu sp. nov., O. karubei Souma, 2022, O. kobugashi sp. nov., O. majorcarinae Guilbert, 2001, and O. mukojimensis Souma, 2022. In previous studies published in the 2020s, O. inugusu sp. nov. and O. kobugashi sp. nov. were misidentified as O. majorcarinae, while O. majorcarinae, re-diagnosed in the present study, was confused with O. desecta. Host plants for seven of the eight species, excluding O. mukojimensis, were revealed based on field and captive observations. Five of these seven species—A. tomokunii, O. hisasuei sp. nov., O. inugusu sp. nov., O. kobugashi sp. nov., and O. majorcarinae—feed on evergreen lauraceous trees. An illustrated key is also provided to identify all eight lace bug species from the Ogasawara Islands. Moreover, differences in host plants and distribution ranges of the eight endemic species are also discussed. Future research directions necessary for the conservation of endemic lace bugs are proposed. Key words: Allopatric distribution, East Asia, endemic taxa, host plant, Lauraceae, phytophagous insect, oceanic island, Oceanian Region
Jun Souma. 2025. An Illustrated Key to the Lace Bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) from “Oriental Galapagos” (the Ogasawara Islands, Japan), with Descriptions of Three New Species of the endemic Genus Omoplax Horváth, 1912. ZooKeys. 1250: 243-284. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1250.160064 | ||||||||||
| 2:02p | [Herpetology • 2025] Calamaria synergis • A New Species of the Genus Calamaria (Serpentes: Calamariidae) from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China
Abstract A new species of reed snake, Calamaria synergis sp. nov., is described based on two specimens collected from Mountain Jinuo, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a unique combination of morphological characters, including eight enlarged maxillary teeth; rostral higher than wide; prefrontal shorter than frontal and contacting the first two supralabials; mental not in contact with anterior chin shields; single preocular and postocular; four supralabials, with the 2nd and 3rd contacting the eye; five infralabials; five scales surrounding the paraparietal; ventrals 161–166; subcaudals 20–23, paired; dorsal scales reduced to six rows at the tail base and further to four rows near the terminal subcaudals; tail relatively short (6.6–9.2% of total length), abruptly tapering at the tip; dorsum blackish-brown with a distinct pale nuchal ring; two outermost dorsal scale rows pale khaki with upper margins darkened; ventral surface uniform pale khaki. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene places the new species as sister to C. andersoni and C. yunnanensis, from which it differs by an uncorrected p-distance of 8.7% and 7.9%, respectively. Calamaria synergis sp. nov. is currently known only from tropical evergreen forests of Xishuangbanna at elevations around 1,050 m asl. We propose its conservation status as Data Deficient (DD) following the IUCN Red List categories. Key words: Calamaria synergis sp. nov., morphology, Mountain Jinuo, phylogenetics, taxonomy
Calamaria synergis sp. nov. Diagnosis. Calamaria synergis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: eight enlarged maxillary teeth; rostral higher than wide; prefrontal shorter than frontal and contacting the first two supralabials; mental not in contact with anterior chin shields; single preocular and postocular; four supralabials, with the 2nd and 3rd contacting the eye; five infralabials; five scales surrounding the paraparietal; ventrals 161–166; subcaudals 20–23, paired; dorsal scales reduced to six rows at the tail base and further to four rows near the terminal subcaudals; tail relatively short (6.6–9.2% of total length), abruptly tapering at the tip; dorsum blackish-brown with a distinct pale nuchal ring; two outermost dorsal scale rows pale khaki with upper margins darkened; ventral surface uniform pale khaki. Etymology. The specific name synergis is a Latin noun given in the apposition, derived from the Greek synergos (συνεργός), meaning “working together”. It emphasises that the resolution of the taxonomic status of the new species is the outcome of coordinated international scientific cooperation. The name is given in reference to both the collaborative effort involved in describing this new species and the broader need for joint action to address the complex taxonomic problems within the genus Calamaria in the future. We suggest the following common names: “Mountain Jinuo reed snake” (English), “基诺两头蛇” (Chinese), “Rắn mai gầm hiệp lực” (Vietnamese), and “Цзинхунская карликовая змея” (Tszinhunskaya karlikovaya zmeya, Russian).  Tierui Zhang, Yuhao Xu, Tan Van Nguyen, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Gernot Vogel, Xinge Wang and Song Huang. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Calamaria H. Boie in F. Boie, 1827 (Squamata, Calamariidae) from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China. ZooKeys. 1253: 255-275. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1253.161412  | ||||||||||
| 2:10p | [Herpetology • 2025] Ingerophrynus chrysolophus • A Taxonomic Revision of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex (Anura: Bufonidae) with the Description of A New Species from Thailand
Abstract A review of the taxonomic status of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex, based on morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular data, revealed a new species from southern Thailand, which we describe as Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus sp. nov. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: parotoid elongate, narrow, and sharply raised; warts on flanks less elevated than those of dorsum; cranial crests not thickened behind eyes; lores vertical; tympanum distinct, its diameter slightly exceeding two-thirds of eye length; tibia short; first finger longer than second; tip of third toe not reaching median subarticular tubercle of fourth toe; subarticular tubercles not enlarged; tarsal spine bases small; nuptial pads present; venter with low warts; ground color of flanks and dorsum light brown; dark brown stripes along the midline of the back; cranial ridges well-developed, bright orange. Phylogenetic analysis of the mtDNA fragment, including the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND1 gene sequences (up to 4,479 bp), confirms the placement of the new species as a sister of Ingerophrynus parvus s. str. (p-distance 5.37%). The genetic distinctiveness of Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus sp. nov. and I. parvus s. str. is further confirmed by not sharing haplotypes of three nuclear genes (POMC, BDNF, and RAG1). Bioacoustic analysis revealed stable differences between the male advertisement calls of the two species. Furthermore, ecological modeling shows that the new species is allopatric with respect to I. parvus s. str.; their ranges are likely separated by a biogeographical boundary of the Kangar-Pattani Line. The new species is currently known from low- to mid-elevations (ca. 65–1,000 m a.s.l.) in tropical forests of southern and western Thailand, southern Myanmar, and southwest Cambodia. We suggest the new species be considered Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red List criteria. Our study further underscores the urgent need for intensified integrative taxonomic research of the genus Ingerophrynus to clarify the taxonomy of wide-ranging species complexes and to elaborate effective conservation measures. Key Words: Asia, integrative taxonomy, Kangar-Pattani Line, morphology, systematics
Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus Arkhipov, Pawangkhanant, Sarker, Nguyen, Suwannapoom, Smith & Poyarkov, sp. nov. Diagnosis. A member of the genus Ingerophrynus with the following combination of morphological characters: a medium-sized species (SVL 30.3–35.7 mm in males, 34.0–42.4 mm in females); head large and wide (HL/HW 0.81–0.98 in males, 0.80–0.96 in females); parotoid elongate, narrow, and sharply raised; parotoid not continuous with an oblique row of conspicuously enlarged warts; warts on flanks less elevated than those of dorsum; cranial crests not thickened behind eyes; lores vertical; tympanum distinct, its diameter slightly exceeding two-thirds of eye length (TD/ED 0.53–0.64 in males, 0.51–0.77 in females); tibia relatively short (TIL/SVL 0.40–0.44 in males, 0.39–0.43 in females); males with a subgular vocal sac; no tarsal ridge or tibial gland; first finger longer than second; tip of third toe not reaching median subarticular tubercle of fourth toe; subarticular tubercles not enlarged; tarsal spine bases small; nuptial pads present; venter with low warts; ground color of flanks and dorsum light brown; dark brown stripes along the midline of the back; cranial ridges well-developed, bright orange. Etymology. The species name “сhrysolophus” is a Latinized adjective in the nominative singular, masculine gender, derived from the Ancient Greek words “χρυσός” or “chrysos,” meaning “gold,” and “λόφος” or “lophos,” meaning “crest” or “ridge.” The species name is given in reference to the characteristic golden-orange coloration of supratympanic crests in the new species. We suggest the following common names for the new species: Golden-crested Dwarf Toad (in English), Khang kok khrae hua tong (คางคกแคระหัวทอง, in Thai), and Zlatogrebnistaya shlemonosnaya zhaba (Златогребнистая шлемоносная жаба, in Russian).     Dmitriy V. Arkhipov, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Goutam Sarker, Vladislav A. Gorin, Andrey M. Bragin, Tan Van Nguyen, Amir Hamidy, Mohd Abdul Muin, Nia Kurniawan, Rafe M. Brown, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Eric Smith and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2025. A Taxonomic Revision of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) with the Description of A New Species from Thailand. Herpetozoa. 38: 271-297. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e165173  | ||||||||||
| 2:56p | [Herpetology • 2025] Ptenopus adamanteus, P. circumsyrticus, P. sceletus, ... • Singing on Key: An integrative Taxonomic Revision of Barking Geckos (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement call
Abstract Barking geckos, Ptenopus Gray, 1866 are burrowing geckos that occur across the xeric regions of southern Africa. They possess unique vocal abilities, with males producing loud advertisement calls to attract females. The taxonomy of the genus has remained stable for six decades, with three recognised species: Ptenopus garrulus (Smith, 1849), P. kochi Haacke, 1964, and P. carpi Brain, 1962. Within P. garrulus, two subspecies have been recognised since 1935: the nominotypical form (P. g. garrulus) and P. g. maculatus Gray, 1866. A recent phylogenetic analysis of the genus found that it contains eight to ten putative species. We used an integrated taxonomic approach to delimit a total of nine species, including evidence from phylogenetics, ecology, calls, and morphology. Ptenopus g. maculatus is elevated to full species, thereby restricting the geographic range of P. garrulus sensu stricto to the greater Kalahari. Additionally, four new species are named which were previously included in ‘P. g. maculatus’: Ptenopus adamanteus sp. nov. from the southern Namib Desert, P. circumsyrticus sp. nov. from the central Namib Desert, P. kenkenses sp. nov. from the northern Nama Karoo, and P. australis sp. nov. from southern Nama Karoo. As a result, the range of P. maculatus sensu stricto is restricted to the central northern Namib Desert. Furthermore, one new species previously included in P. carpi is named P. sceletus sp. nov. from the Skeleton Coast (northern coastal Namib Desert), thereby restricting the range of P. carpi sensu stricto to a small strip of coastal Namib Desert between the Swakop and Kuiseb rivers. The Namib Desert is the centre of diversity for the genus Ptenopus, containing seven of the nine species including the oldest divergent lineages. Two species-level keys are provided: a morphological key and a unique bioacoustic key to the advertisement calls. Keywords: Bioacoustics, mate selection, phylogeography, substrate specificity, systematics
Ptenopus adamanteus sp. nov. Ptenopus australis sp. nov. Ptenopus circumsyrticus sp. nov. Ptenopus kenkenses sp. nov. Ptenopus sceletus sp. nov. Ptenopus maculatus (raised from a subspecies)  François S. Becker, Graham J. Alexander, Krystal A. Tolley. 2025. Singing on Key: An integrative Taxonomic Revision of Barking Geckos (Gekkonidae: Ptenopus) with six additional species and keys for morphology and advertisement calls. Vertebrate Zoology. 75: 277-323. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e153514 | ||||||||||
| 2:56p | [Paleontology • 2025] Macromyzon siluricus • The First Leech Body Fossil predates estimated hirudinidan origins by 200 million years
Abstract Clitellata is a major annelid clade comprising oligochaetes (e.g., earthworms) and hirudineans (e.g., leeches). Due to their scant fossil record, the origins of clitellates, particularly Hirudinea, are poorly known. Here, we describe the first leech body fossil, Macromyzon siluricus, gen. et sp. nov., from the Brandon Bridge Formation (Waukesha Lagerstätte). This fossil, which is preserved in exceptional detail, possesses several hirudinean soft-tissue synapomorphies–including a large sucker at the posterior end and sub-divided segments–and phylogenetic analyses resolve Macromyzon siluricus as a stem leech. Its age, 437.5–436.5 Ma, is consistent with early age estimates for the origin of clitellates, and predates molecular-clock-based estimates of hirudinidan origins by at least 200 million years. These findings suggest that the earliest true leeches were marine and that, contrary to prevailing hypotheses, were unlikely to have fed on vertebrate blood.
Phylum: Annelida, Lamarck 1809 Class: Clitellata, Michaelson 1919 Subclass: Hirudinea, Lamarck 1818 Genus: Macromyzon gen. nov. Macromyzon siluricus sp. nov. Etymology: Macromyzon (gender: masculine), from Greek, makros, “large” + myzon, “sucker” in reference to the large caudal appendage. The specific epithet refers to the Silurian age of the fossil. Locality: Waukesha Lime and Stone Company, west quarry, north of State Highway 164, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA. Stratigraphic occurrence: Lower part of the Brandon Bridge Formation (Silurian: Llandovery, Telychian; Mikulic & Kluessendorf, 1999). Diagnosis: Hirudinean having a vermiform-sublanceolate shape, truncated anteriorly, width expanding toward posterior, reaching maximum width slightly anterior of margin. Posterior margin approximately twice the width of anterior margin. Body segmented, with regularly spaced, sexannulate divisions. Posterior terminates in a large caudal sucker. The genus is monospecific; the diagnosis applies to both genus and species. Danielle de Carle, Rafael Eiji Iwama, Andrew J. Wendruff, Loren E. Babcock and Karma Nanglu. 2025. The First Leech Body Fossil predates estimated hirudinidan origins by 200 million years. PeerJ. 13:e19962. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19962 [October 1, 2025] | ||||||||||
| 3:08p | [Ichthyology • 2025] Filistriatus gen. nov. • Unlocking the Genomic Potential of Historical and Formalin-fixed Specimens: Phylogenetic insights from Museum-preserved Threadfin Fishes (Teleostei: Polynemidae)
Abstract DNA sequencing continues to revolutionize our understanding of biodiversity, ecology, and evolution. While analyzing sequence data allows us to address countless questions, most of the world’s vertebrate museum specimens have been historically inaccessible for genetic sampling. This is partially due to the absence of modern genetic samples and/or the impact formalin has on DNA during the preservation of specimen vouchers. Recent studies have shown successful extraction of DNA from historic museum specimens using additional chemicals and/or exposing the sample(s) to heat, with these advances enhancing the possibility of capturing genomic information from type specimens, characterizing genetic diversity within species complexes, and incorporating rare samples into phylogenetic analyses. However, questions remain about the reliability of these data and utility of historic DNA in modern phylogenetic analyses. In this study, we use a commercial extraction kit that targets formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples to successfully extract DNA from historic museum specimens of threadfin fishes (Teleostei: Polynemidae). These specimens represent rare, genetically uncharacterized taxa that have yet to be included in a phylogenetic analysis. Low-depth shotgun sequencing is then used to sequence mitochondrial loci from the historic samples. The resulting sequence data are assembled, validated, and incorporated into a newly generated mitochondrial dataset that is simultaneously analyzed with a previously published ultraconserved-element dataset to construct a phylogenetic framework. We then explore new and previously described morphological variation within this new evolutionary framework for threadfins, identifying several shared characters that warrant revision of the generic-level classification. These findings add to the growing body of literature that demonstrates sequencing historical DNA from museum specimens and analyzing these data with complementary datasets of molecular markers from modern genetic samples can provide reliable and comprehensive assessments of biodiversity, ecology, and evolution across fishes and other vertebrates.
Taxonomic modifications to the Polynemidae Filistriatus gen. nov. Girard Diagnosis: a genus of small-to-moderately-sized threadfins differentiated from all other genera of the Polynemidae by the following combination of characters: 7–9 dark stripes along the longitudinal scale rows above the lateral line, 7–9 faint stripes along the longitudinal scale rows below the lateral line, reduced lateral pore of the supraorbital canal, reduced sensory canal commissure on the dorsal surface of the frontal, 5–6 free pectoral-fin rays, and 54–72 lateral-line scales. Type species: Polynemus sexfilis Valenciennes 1831 Included species: Polydactylus bifurcus Motomura, Kimura & Iwatsuki 2001, Polydactylus plebeius (Broussonet 1782), Polydactylus sexfilis (Valenciennes 1831), Polydactylus siamensis Motomura, Iwatsuki & Yoshino 2001. Etymology: the generic name refers to the thread-like fin rays of the pectoral fin and the diagnostic stripes along the lateral flanks [fili (Latin) = thread and striatus (Latin) = striped]. Gender masculine. Remarks: “Polydactylus” siamensis was characterized by several longitudinal dark stripes along the flank, 5 pectoral filaments, and 54–58 lateral-line scales (Motomura, Iwatsuki & Yoshino, 2001). Although we could not sample this taxon in this study, the species has the diagnostic characters of Filistriatus. The species is also reassigned to the new genus. Matthew G. Girard and Kevin R. Chovanec. 2025. Unlocking the Genomic Potential of Historical and Formalin-fixed Specimens: Phylogenetic insights from Museum-preserved Threadfin Fishes (Teleostei: Polynemidae). PeerJ. 13:e20029. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20029 [September 30, 2025] | ||||||||||
| 3:19p | [Ichthyology • 2025] Sternarchorhynchus guayaberensis • A New Species of Sternarchorhynchus (Gymnotiformes: Apteronotidae) from the Guayabero River, Orinoco Basin, Colombia, with Comments on the Phylogeny of the Genus
Abstract Sternarchorhynchus guayaberensis is a new species described from tributaries of the Guayabero River, upper Guaviare River drainage, Orinoco River basin in Colombia. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by the following unique combination of characters: presence of a narrow, lightly colored stripe on the mid-dorsal region of head and body; anal fin dusky; 5–8 dentary teeth in the outer row; scales along mid-dorsal region of body sparse, hidden by overlying skin; 8–9 scales above lateral line at mid-body; lateral line reaching posteriorly to base of caudal fin; 26–29 anterior unbranched anal-fin rays; 172–186 total anal-fin rays; 17–19 caudal-fin rays; 16 precaudal vertebrae; as well as several morphometric proportions: distance from snout to anus (11.4–16.5% of LEA), preanal distance (14.1–20.5% of LEA), head length (21.4–28.0% of LEA), distance from posterior naris to snout (10.9–12.3% of HL), head width (19.5–21.6% of HL), pectoral-fin length (28.7–37.4% of HL), head depth at eye (27.1–31.4% of HL), head depth at nape (39.6–41.9% of HL), interocular width (5.7–6.8% of HL), and postocular distance (37.9–40.5% of HL). Sternarchorhynchus guayaberensis, new species, is most similar in general appearance to S. mendesi, a species with a restricted distribution in the Gulf of Paria basin, in northeastern Venezuela. A total evidence phylogenetic analysis recovered the new species within a clade including S. higuchii and S. mendesi, as successive sister species to a well-supported clade composed of S. marreroi and the sister pair of S. guayaberensis, new species, and S. yepezi. Sternarchorhynchus higuchii and S. mendesi exhibit a putatively narrow distribution, in common with S. guayaberensis, new species, while S. marreroi and S. yepezi are widely distributed in the Orinoco River basin.
Sternarchorhynchus guayaberensis, new species Luz Eneida Ochoa, Juan Gabriel Albornoz-Garzón and Carlos DoNascimiento. 2025. A New Species of Sternarchorhynchus (Gymnotiformes: Apteronotidae) from the Guayabero River, Orinoco Basin, Colombia, with Comments on the Phylogeny of the Genus. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 113(3):540-551. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024068 [26 September 2025] Sternarchorhynchus guayaberensis es una especie nueva descrita para tributarios del río Guayabero, cuenca alta del río Guaviare, cuenca del rio Orinoco en Colombia. La especie nueva se distingue de todos sus congéneres por la siguiente combinación única de caracteres: presencia de una franja estrecha clara sobre la región mediodorsal de la cabeza y el cuerpo; aleta anal oscura; 5–8 dientes en la hilera externa del dentario; escamas a lo largo de la región mediodorsal del cuerpo dispersas, ocultas por piel sobrepuesta; 8–9 escamas encima de la línea lateral en la mitad del cuerpo; línea lateral alcanzando posteriormente la base de la aleta caudal; 26–29 radios anteriores simples de la aleta anal; 172–186 radios totales de la aleta anal; 17–19 radios de la aleta caudal; 16 vértebras precaudales; así como también varias proporciones morfométricas: distancia desde el hocico al ano (11.4–16.5% de LFA), distancia preanal (14.1–20.5% de LFA), longitud de la cabeza (21.4–28.0% de LFA), distancia desde la narina posterior al hocico (10.9–12.3% de LC), ancho de la cabeza (19.5–21.6% de LC), longitud de la aleta pectoral (28.7–37.4% de LC), altura de la cabeza a nivel del ojo (27.1–31.4% de LC), altura de la cabeza a nivel de la nuca (39.6–41.9% de LC), ancho interocular (5.7–6.8% de LC) y distancia postocular (37.9–40.5% de LC). Sternarchorhynchus guayaberensis es más similar en apariencia general a S. mendesi, una especie con una distribución restringida a la cuenca del Golfo de Paria, en el nororiente de Venezuela. Un análisis filogenético de evidencia total recuperó la especie nueva dentro de un clado incluyendo S. higuchii y S. mendesi, como especies hermanas sucesivas de un clado bien soportado compuesto por S. marreroi y el par hermano de S. guayaberensis y S. yepezi. Sternarchorhynchus higuchii y S. mendesi exhiben una distribución putativamente estrecha, en común con S. guayaberensis, mientras que S. marreroi y S. yepezi están ampliamente distribuidas en la cuenca del río Orinoco. |
| << Previous Day |
2025/10/02 [Calendar] |
Next Day >> |