Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution Latest 100 Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:49:39 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zse.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Taxonomic study of four closely-related species of the Pholcus yichengicus species group (Araneae, Pholcidae) from China’s Qinling Mountains: An integrated morphological and molecular approach https://zse.pensoft.net/article/115633/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 279-289

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.115633

Authors: Lan Yang, Qiaoqiao He, Zhiyuan Yao

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

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Research Article Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:57:37 +0200
A survey of the genus Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Araneae, Oonopidae) from Xishuangbanna, China, with descriptions of five new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/117968/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 255-277

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.117968

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.110133

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

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

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Research Article Thu, 7 Mar 2024 10:19:29 +0200
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.

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Research Article Wed, 6 Mar 2024 10:14:03 +0200
A survey of Pholcus spiders (Araneae, Pholcidae) from the Qinling Mountains of central China, with descriptions of seven new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/116759/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 199-221

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.116759

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113850

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.114016

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

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

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Research Article Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:39:57 +0200
Updated taxonomy and new insights into the evolutionary relationships of the genus Sporonchulus Cobb, 1917 (Nematoda, Mononchida) after the study of two Vietnamese species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/118675/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 155-166

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.118675

Authors: Tam T. T. Vu, Anh D. Nguyen, Thi Mai Linh Le, Reyes Peña-Santiago

Abstract: Two known species of the genus Sporonchulus, namely S. ibitiensis and S. vagabundus, collected from natural areas of Vietnam, are characterized, including descriptions and illustrations of both species, as well as SEM observations and molecular (18S-, 28S rDNA) analyses of S. ibitiensis. The identity of the two species is discussed, with detailed comparison with previously known populations. The taxonomy of the genus is updated, presenting a diagnosis, list of species, key to their identification, and a compendium of their main morphometrics. An integrative analysis, combining morphological data with a cladistic approach and the first molecular study for a representative of Sporonchulus, better supports a narrow relationship of this genus with Mononchidae than with Mylonchulidae members, however further research should be conducted to elucidate its phylogeny.

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Research Article Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:43:30 +0200
A new species of krait of the genus Bungarus (Squamata, Elapidae) from Ratchaburi Province, western Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/116601/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 141-154

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.116601

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113132

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

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

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:12 +0200
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.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:11 +0200
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic position of the giant deep-sea oyster Neopycnodonte zibrowii Gofas, Salas & Taviani, 2009 https://zse.pensoft.net/article/115692/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 111-118

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.115692

Authors: Matteo Garzia, Daniele Salvi

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

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Short Communication Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:10 +0200
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.

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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.

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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.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:07 +0200
A new species of land snail, Xanthomelon amurndamilumila, from the North East Isles off Groote Eylandt (= Ayangkidarrba), Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia (Stylommatophora, Camaenidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113243/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 61-68

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113243

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

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

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:06 +0200
First occurrence of the genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813 (Pleurobranchida, Nudipleura, Heterobranchia) in British waters, with the description of a new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113707/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 49-59

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113707

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

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

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:05 +0200
Additions to the knowledge on the genus Phintella Strand, 1906 (Araneae, Salticidae, Chrysillini) from India https://zse.pensoft.net/article/113049/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 31-48

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113049

Authors: Puthoor Pattammal Sudhin, John T. D. Caleb, Souvik Sen

Abstract: Four new species of the chrysilline genus Phintella – P. dentis sp. nov. (♂♀), P. handersoni sp. nov. (♂♀), P. luna sp. nov. (♀) and P. rajbharathi sp. nov. (♂) – are described from India. Additionally, the unknown female of Phintella platnicki Sudhin, Sen & Caleb, 2023 is described and new distributional data are provided for this species. Notes on the type locality and distribution of P. accentifera (Simon, 1901) are provided along with clarification on the identity of other non-type materials. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and a distributional map are also given.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:04 +0200
Morphological and molecular support for Amphithrax verrucosus (H. Milne Edwards, 1832) and Amphithrax aculeatus (Herbst, 1790) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura) as valid species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/109192/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 15-30

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.109192

Authors: Nadeshinie Parasram, William Santana, Yvonne Vallès, Amanda М. Windsor, Henri Vallès

Abstract: The large degree of morphological variations, particularly amongst juveniles, has led to inconsistencies in the literature regarding the taxonomic status of Amphithrax aculeatus (Herbst, 1790) and Amphithrax verrucosus (H. Milne Edwards, 1832). As a result of recent biodiversity sampling initiatives in Barbados, West Indies, multiple specimens of Amphithrax aculeatus and A. verrucosus have been collected. This has prompted us to undertake a thorough reassessment of their morphological and molecular characteristics. Moreover, morphological differences in the carapace, antennae, chelipeds, pereopods and the male first gonopod (G1) supports A. aculeatus and A. verrucosus as separate species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on newly-generated sequences of the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and ITS-1 genes also shows that A. verrucosus is a separate species and sister taxa to A. aculeatus. The total number of species within the genus Amphithrax is now brought to eleven. However, our molecular analysis also shows that the taxonomic placement of Amphithrax armatus (Saussure, 1853) within Amphithrax is questionable.

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Research Article Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:03 +0200
Pilsbrylia, a dextral-shelled door snail from South America (Gastropoda, Clausiliidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/110105/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(1): 9-14

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.110105

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.110020

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.107974

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.108032

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

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

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Research Article Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:05:31 +0200
The Caucasus is neither a cradle nor a museum of diversity of the land snail genus Helix (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Helicidae), while Crimea is home to an ancient lineage https://zse.pensoft.net/article/110610/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 535-543

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.110610

Authors: Ondřej Korábek, Igor Balashov, Marco T. Neiber, Frank Walther, Bernhard Hausdorf

Abstract: The Caucasus and the adjacent Pontic Mountains in north-eastern Anatolia are home to numerous endemic land snail genera and species. The diversity of the region is the result of both intra-regional speciation and the persistence of relict lineages. The same seemed to be true for the genus Helix, which has been present in the Greater Caucasus since the Miocene. In the Caucasus region, there are three Helix species. Helix buchii (Pontic Mountains and Georgia) and Helix albescens (southern Ukraine to northern Lesser Caucasus) are both separated by deep splits from the major Helix clades in the mitochondrial phylogeny. In contrast, Helix lucorum belongs to the Anatolian radiation of Helix. At least part of its intraspecific diversification may have occurred in north-eastern Anatolia and the adjacent parts of the Caucasus. Here, we report new evidence suggesting that the Caucasus and the Pontus regions were less important as a refugium of ancient Helix lineages or as a diversification centre than previously hypothesised. Helix lucorum probably diversified more westwards, while H. buchii is a less ancient lineage than previously thought. Helix albescens had its long-term refugium on the Crimean Peninsula in southern Ukraine, not in the Caucasus. The Caucasus is close to the eastern limit of the distribution range of the genus and, although the fossil record shows that Helix was present there as early as the Miocene, the current diversity of the genus there is the result of much later colonisation.

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Research Article Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:10:18 +0200
A new species of free-living marine nematode, Fotolaimus cavus sp. nov. (Nematoda, Oncholaimida, Oncholaimidae), isolated from a submarine anchialine cave in the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan https://zse.pensoft.net/article/109097/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 519-533

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.109097

Authors: Daisuke Shimada, Keiichi Kakui, Yoshihisa Fujita

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

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Research Article Mon, 6 Nov 2023 16:42:21 +0200
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.

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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.

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Research Article Thu, 5 Oct 2023 19:08:04 +0300
A new freshwater amphipod (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) from the Fakıllı Cave, Düzce Türkiye: Gammarus kunti sp. nov. https://zse.pensoft.net/article/108048/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 473-487

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.108048

Authors: Murat Özbek, Hazel Baytaşoğlu, İsmail Aksu

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

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Research Article Wed, 4 Oct 2023 19:06:47 +0300
Revision of the genus Oxyarcturus (Isopoda, Valvifera, Antarcturidae), with a description of a new deep-sea species from Argentina https://zse.pensoft.net/article/106667/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 457-472

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.106667

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

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

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Research Article Wed, 4 Oct 2023 19:06:47 +0300
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.

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.103003

Authors: Juliana Lopes Segadilha, Graham Bird, Marcos Tavares

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.105511

Authors: Thanida Saetang, Supiyanit Maiphae

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.105770

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

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

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Research Article Wed, 5 Jul 2023 09:18:18 +0300
Illustrated catalogue of sphaeromatoid isopods (Crustacea, Malacostraca) in the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/103682/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 375-389

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.103682

Authors: Valiallah Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Jean-Marc Gagnon

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102604

Authors: Aoi Tsuyuki, Yuki Oya, Hiroshi Kajihara

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.101943

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.104613

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.103061

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.101417

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.103893

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102586

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102660

Authors: Fidélis Júnio Marra Santos

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.99227

Authors: Osvaldo Villarreal, David Chamé-Vázquez

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.101795

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.100461

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.90114

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.99285

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.99030

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

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

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Research Article Tue, 7 Mar 2023 19:02:05 +0200
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.97944

Authors: Naoto Jimi, Toshihiko Fujita, Sau Pinn Woo

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

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Research Article Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:14:11 +0200
Two new Stenaelurillus species (Araneae, Salticidae, Aelurillina) from Western Ghats, India https://zse.pensoft.net/article/97985/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 123-133

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.97985

Authors: Puthoor Pattammal Sudhin, Souvik Sen, John T. D. Caleb

Abstract: Two new species – Stenaelurillus megamalai sp. nov. (♂♀) from the colorful group and Stenaelurillus neyyar sp. nov. (♂♀) from the black and white group – are described from the southern Western Ghats of India. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, as well as the distribution maps are provided. New distributional data for three other species, Stenaelurillus albus Sebastian, Sankaran, Malamel & Joseph, 2015, S. arambagensis (Biswas & Biswas, 1992) and S. wandae Logunov, 2020 are also provided.

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Research Article Thu, 2 Feb 2023 15:11:23 +0200
First molecular identification of the trematode Maritrema bonaerense Etchegoin & Martorelli, 1997 (Plagiorchiida, Microphallidae) from its intermediate hosts, the gastropod Heleobia australis (d’Orbigny, 1835) (Littorinimorpha, Cochliopidae) and the crab Neohelice granulata (Dana, 1851) (Decapoda, Varunidae) in Argentina https://zse.pensoft.net/article/91381/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 117-121

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.91381

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.90181

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.98291

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

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

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Research Article Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:53:03 +0200
Taxonomic revision and re-description of Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus (Hallowell, 1861) (Reptilia, Squamata, Scincidae) with resurrection of A. okinavensis (Thompson, 1912) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/95923/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 77-91

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.95923

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.95222

Authors: Yara Tibiriçá, Jenny Strömvoll, Juan Lucas Cervera

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

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Research Article Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:09:20 +0200
Possible causes of amphi-Atlantic distribution of Orchestia gammarellus (Pallas, 1776) (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) in the North Atlantic: a review https://zse.pensoft.net/article/95980/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 55-62

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.95980

Authors: David J. Wildish, John H. McDonald

Abstract: Hypotheses concerning the modern distribution of Orchestia gammarellus (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) and its causes in the North Atlantic are discussed. The synanthropic dispersal hypothesis of Henzler and Ingólfsson (2008) considers O. gammarellus as originating on the eastern shore of the North Atlantic and being transported by humans to Iceland and the western Atlantic shore (Newfoundland and the Maritime Provinces of Canada). The Eocene and natural dispersal hypothesis of Myers and Lowry (2020) proposes a geologically earlier origin of O. gammarellus when the west and east shores of the North Atlantic were still connected. Present day amphi-Atlantic distribution was explained by vicariance, with the vicariant event causing separation of O. gammarellus being continental drift drawing apart the west and east shores of the North Atlantic. A post-glacial natural dispersal hypothesis proposed herein, involves transport on ice floes or in driftwood from European shores to Iceland and the Atlantic Provinces of Canada. The small genetic distances amongst populations found by Henzler and Ingólfsson (2008) at the COI gene are inconsistent with the Eocene vicariance hypothesis. On evolutionary grounds, we question Myers and Lowry’s (2020) designation of the Icelandic and Canadian populations as a new species of Orchestia. Existing molecular and morphological data are insufficient to distinguish between human-aided dispersal and natural rafting.

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Review Article Mon, 9 Jan 2023 09:45:13 +0200
Additions to the distribution of Sudanese scorpions https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90875/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 45-53

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.90875

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

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

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Research Article Fri, 6 Jan 2023 17:47:42 +0200
A freshwater mussel species reflects a Miocene stream capture between the Mekong Basin and East Asian rivers https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90784/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 29-43

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.90784

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

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

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Research Article Fri, 6 Jan 2023 17:46:09 +0200
A new freshwater amphipod (Amphipoda, Gammaridae), Gammarus tumaf sp. nov. from the Gökgöl Cave, Türkiye https://zse.pensoft.net/article/89957/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(1): 15-27

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.89957

Authors: Murat Özbek, İsmail Aksu, Hazel Baytaşoğlu

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.91275

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

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

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Research Article Fri, 6 Jan 2023 17:21:39 +0200
Rock island melody remastered: two new species in the Afroedura bogerti Loveridge, 1944 group from Angola and Namibia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/86299/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 435-453

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.86299

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.93851

Authors: Frank Köhler, Michael Shea

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

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Research Article Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:09:29 +0200
A new species of crayfish of the genus Cherax from Indonesian New Guinea (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/94753/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 411-425

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.94753

Authors: Christian Lukhaup, Rury Eprilurahman

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

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Research Article Mon, 24 Oct 2022 10:16:59 +0300
A new species of New Guinea Worm-Eating Snake (Serpentes, Elapidae, Toxicocalamus Boulenger, 1896) from Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90520/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 399-409

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.90520

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

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

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Research Article Wed, 5 Oct 2022 09:20:28 +0300
Multigene phylogeny of the Indo–West Pacific genus Enosteoides (Crustacea, Decapoda, Porcellanidae) with description of a new species from Australia https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90540/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 387-397

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.90540

Authors: Alexandra Hiller, Bernd Werding

Abstract: The porcellanid genus Enosteoides Johnson, 1970, currently containing six species, was raised in the 1970s to contain aberrant Indo–West Pacific forms of the diverse and cosmopolitan genus Porcellana Lamarck, 1801. Here, we describe the most aberrant form as Enosteoides spinosus sp. nov., from the northeast and northwest coasts of Australia and present results on phylogenetic reconstructions of the genus, based on an 1,870 bp alignment of concatenated DNA sequences of three mitochondrial and one nuclear gene. The new species is peculiarly spiny and has a higher morphological affinity to the type species of the genus, E. ornatus (Stimpson, 1858), than to the other congeneric species. Our molecular results indicate that Enosteoides is not monophyletic. The new species and E. ornatus are encompassed in a clade, which does not share immediate common ancestry with the clade containing the other species of Enosteoides. This clade is more closely related to species of Porcellana and Pisidia. Relatively large interspecific genetic distances between and within the two clades, as compared to distances estimated in American pairs of species on each side of the Panama Isthmus, suggest ancient divergence, probably followed by extinction events or low speciation rate. Relatively large intraspecific distances between Australian populations of the new species of Enosteoides from geographically distant locations suggest some level of phylogeographic structure.

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Research Article Tue, 4 Oct 2022 17:53:13 +0300
An unexpected occurrence: discovery of the genus Cybaeopsis Strand, 1907 in Europe with the description of a new species from Italy (Arachnida, Araneae, Amaurobiidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90858/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 377-385

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.90858

Authors: Francesco Ballarin, Paolo Pantini

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

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Research Article Tue, 20 Sep 2022 18:29:50 +0300
Phylogenetic position of the relict South American genus Idiopyrgus Pilsbry, 1911 (Gastropoda, Truncatelloidea), with the description of two new cave species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90797/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 365-375

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.90797

Authors: Rodrigo B. Salvador, Fernanda S. Silva, Maria E. Bichuette

Abstract: Idiopyrgus is a relict genus of freshwater snails from Brazil traditionally classified in the family Pomatiopsidae. Herein, we use molecular data from newly acquired specimens to test that classification through Bayesian inference phylogenetic analysis. We conclude that Idiopyrgus belongs in the Gondwanan family Tomichiidae, together with the African genus Tomichia and the Australian genus Coxiella. Furthermore, we reassess currently synonymized genus- and species-level names in Idiopyrgus. The genera Hydracme and Aquidauania are considered synonymous with Idiopyrgus. The species I. brasiliensis and I. pilsbryi are restored as accepted species; I. walkeri is considered a taxon inquirendum. Two new species from caves in Bahia state are described herein: Idiopyrgus adamanteus sp. nov. and Idiopyrgus minor sp. nov.

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Research Article Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:58:27 +0300
A new rock gecko in the Cnemaspis siamensis group (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) from Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/89591/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 345-363

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.89591

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

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

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Research Article Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:57:09 +0300
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).

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Research Article Thu, 8 Sep 2022 10:46:06 +0300
A new genus of Pseudospirobolellidae (Diplopoda, Spirobolida) from limestone karst areas in Thailand, with descriptions of three new species https://zse.pensoft.net/article/90032/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 313-326

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.90032

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.83671

Authors: Rudá Amorim Lucena, Martin Lindsey Christoffersen

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

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Research Article Wed, 20 Jul 2022 13:23:54 +0300
Two new species of the genus Floresorchestia (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) from Amphawa Estuary, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand https://zse.pensoft.net/article/83749/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 285-303

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.83749

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

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

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Research Article Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:37:31 +0300
On the edge of the Shivaliks: An insight into the origin and taxonomic position of Pakistani toads from the Duttaphrynus melanostictus complex (Amphibia, Bufonidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/79213/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 275-284

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.79213

Authors: Daniel Jablonski, Rafaqat Masroor, Sylvia Hofmann

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

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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.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Jul 2022 16:16:36 +0300
Rediscovery after 25 years – first photographic documentation and DNA barcoding of the deep-sea pycnogonid species Ascorhynchus hippos Turpaeva, 1994 (Chelicerata, Pycnogonida, Ascorhynchidae) from the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench https://zse.pensoft.net/article/84864/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 257-262

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.84864

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

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

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Short Communication Wed, 6 Jul 2022 16:38:50 +0300
A new brackish tanaidacean, Sinelobus kisui sp. nov. (Crustacea, Peracarida, Tanaidacea), from Japan, with a key to Sinelobus species and barcode information from two loci https://zse.pensoft.net/article/84818/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 245-256

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.84818

Authors: Kyoko Hirano, Keiichi Kakui

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

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Research Article Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:18:21 +0300
Addition to the known diversity of Chinese freshwater planarians: integrative description of a new species of Dugesia Girard, 1850 (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/83184/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 233-243

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.83184

Authors: Yi Liu, Xiao-Yu Song, Zhong-Yin Sun, Wei-Xuan Li, Ronald Sluys, Shuang-Fei Li, An-Tai Wang

Abstract: The present paper describes a new species of freshwater flatworm of the genus Dugesia from Guizhou province, China, based on an integrative approach, combining morphological, histological and molecular information. This new species, Dugesia gemmulata Sun & Wang, sp. nov., is characterized by the ventral part of the most posterior section of the bursal canal being provided with a voluminous, ellipsoidal muscular swelling; sac- or egg-shaped seminal vesicle situated near the ventral body surface in anterior portion of the penis bulb; postero-dorsal wall of seminal vesicle communicating with a narrow duct that first runs almost vertically but then shows a postero-dorsally directed loop before connecting with a small diaphragm; an ejaculatory duct opening terminally or subterminally; an asymmetrical penis papilla, with its dorsal lip being provided with a bump; oviducts opening asymmetrically into female copulatory apparatus, with the left oviduct opening into the common atrium and the right oviduct opening into the vaginal section of the bursal canal. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species belongs to a clade comprising species from the Australasian and Oriental regions, while it shares a sister-group relationship with D. umbonata Song & Wang, 2020, a species characterized by a muscular swelling on the dorsal side of its bursal canal.

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Research Article Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:17:31 +0300
Rediscovery, redescription and identity of Pristimantis nebulosus (Henle, 1992), and description of a new terrestrial-breeding frog from montane rainforests of central Peru (Anura, Strabomantidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/84963/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 213-232

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.84963

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.81463

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

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

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Research Article Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:02:35 +0300
Taxonomy of the genus Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) with a description of a new species from Brazil https://zse.pensoft.net/article/85212/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 181-199

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.85212

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.73162

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.83109

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.80418

Authors: Henrique C. Costa

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.82649

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.80442

Authors: Mizuho Munakata, Hayato Tanaka, Keiichi Kakui

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.81772

Authors: Shoki Shiraki, Michitaka Shimomura, Keiichi Kakui

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.80547

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

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.81942

Authors: K. Anne-Isola Nekaris, Vincent Nijman

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

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.61064

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

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

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Research Article Mon, 7 Mar 2022 17:06:58 +0200
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.

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.78202

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

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

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Research Article Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:08:36 +0200
A historical specimen of the Fishing Cat, Prionailurus viverrinus (Bennett, 1833) (Carnivora, Felidae) from Singapore in the zoological collection of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden https://zse.pensoft.net/article/76940/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(1): 43-53

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.76940

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

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

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Research Article Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:32:25 +0200
A new 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.

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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.

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

DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.76677

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

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

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Research Article Fri, 7 Jan 2022 13:25:55 +0200
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.

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Research Article Thu, 2 Dec 2021 12:13:50 +0200