Latest Articles from Evolutionary Systematics Latest 27 Articles from Evolutionary Systematics https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:59:28 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Evolutionary Systematics https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/ Systematic revision of the Eyelash Palm-Pitviper Bothriechis schlegelii (Serpentes, Viperidae), with the description of five new species and revalidation of three https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/114527/ Evolutionary Systematics 8(1): 15-64

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.114527

Authors: Alejandro Arteaga, R. Alexander Pyron, Abel Batista, Jose Vieira, Elson Meneses Pelayo, Eric N. Smith, César L. Barrio Amorós, Claudia Koch, Stefanie Agne, Jorge H. Valencia, Lucas Bustamante, Kyle J. Harris

Abstract: We present a taxonomic review and systematic revision of the Eyelash Palm-Pitviper Bothriechis schlegelii (Berthold, 1846) based on examination of 400 museum specimens, a phylogeographic analysis of 818 locality records, and 80 individuals sampled for molecular characters. We find morphological and phylogenetic support for five new species of Bothriechis Peters, 1859, which we describe here based on their unique combination of molecular, meristic, hemipenial, and color pattern characteristics. They are: B. klebbai sp. nov., B. rasikusumorum sp. nov., B. khwargi sp. nov., B. rahimi sp. nov., and B. hussaini sp. nov. Finally, we revalidate the names B. nigroadspersus (Steindachner, 1870), B. nitidus (Günther, 1859), and B. torvus (Posada Arango, 1889a), and provide a redescription of B. schlegelii.

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Research Article Thu, 8 Feb 2024 10:41:45 +0200
Two new species of the spider genus Loxosceles (Araneae, Sicariidae) from the Ecuadorian Andes https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/107213/ Evolutionary Systematics 8(1): 1-14

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.107213

Authors: Nadine Dupérré, Danilo Harms, Verónica Crespo-Pérez, Elicio Tapia

Abstract: Two new species of the spider genus Loxosceles (Araneae: Sicariidae) from the Ecuadorian Andes are described: Loxosceles guayllabamba sp. nov. (male, female) and Loxosceles binfordae sp. nov. (male, female). Both species are part of the second most speciose “laeta” group, which include twenty-four described species. Only three species are known to occur on mainland Ecuador, and one species in the Galapagos. The synonymy of L. alicea under L. rufescens is rejected, detailed SEM of the female internal genitalia and a map of all the species from mainland Ecuador are presented.

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Research Article Wed, 10 Jan 2024 18:27:19 +0200
A new species of Ninia (Serpentes, Colubridae) from western Ecuador and revalidation of N. schmidti https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/112476/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(2): 317-334

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.112476

Authors: Alejandro Arteaga, Kyle J. Harris

Abstract: We describe a new species of Ninia Baird & Girard, 1853 endemic to the cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador. The new species has previously been confused with N. atrata (Hallowell, 1845) and N. teresitae (Angarita-Sierra and Lynch 2017) but is genetically most closely related to a third species of Ninia endemic to the Chocoan–Tumbesian transition area of western Ecuador. We revalidate the name N. schmidti (Jan, 1862), designate a neotype, and provide a diagnosis of the taxon and a description of its hemipenial morphology based on new material. The new and revalidated species can easily be identified from one another and from other trans-Andean South American Ninia based on ventral and subcaudal scale counts, hemipenial morphology, and coloration of the supralabials, throat, and belly. Finally, we remove N. atrata from the herpetofaunal list of Ecuador.

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Research Article Thu, 7 Dec 2023 15:22:09 +0200
A new species of groundsnake genus Atractus Wagler, 1828 (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) from the Peruvian Andes revealed by unequivocal morphological characters https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/102578/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(2): 257-266

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.102578

Authors: Paulo R. Melo-Sampaio, Pablo J. Venegas

Abstract: Based on an exhaustive revision of external morphological characters we describe a new species of Atractus from the humid montane forest of the Andes of northern Peru, Cajamarca department, occurring at elevations of 1641 to 2161 m. This new species was misidentified as A. gigas in the literature and for more than a decade represented the southernmost record of the that species. In the absence of molecular data and limited by a small sample, we use some underreported characters in the genus Atractus such as the presence of apical pits. Thus, the combination of apical pits as well as other characters mentioned in the literature (i.e., head scutellation and number of subcaudals) distinguishes the Peruvian population from A. gigas, and strongly supports the morphological separation of this taxon from the rest of its congeners.

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Research Article Wed, 9 Aug 2023 17:49:05 +0300
A new species of spiny-backed tree frog, genus Osteocephalus (Anura, Hylidae), from the Yanachaga Chemillén National Park in central Peru https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/102360/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(2): 237-251

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.102360

Authors: Pablo J. Venegas, Luis A. García-Ayachi, Eduardo Toral, José Malqui, Santiago R. Ron

Abstract: We describe a new species of Osteocephalus Fitzinger, 1843 using morphological traits of adult frogs and its larvae, as well as molecular evidence. The new species occurs in the premontane forest of the Cordillera del Yanachaga in the Andes of central Peru, at elevations between 1000 and 1150 m a.s.l. It belongs to the Osteocephalus mimeticus species group and is the sister species of O. mimeticus. It is most similar to three species with predominantly dark irises, tuberculate dorsal skin, and brown dorsal coloration: O. festae Peracca, 1904, O. mimeticus Melin, 1941, and O. verruciger Werner, 1901. Of these three species, the most similar is O. mimeticus. However, the new species can be easily distinguished from O. mimeticus by having a cream or creamy-tan venter with a well-defined pattern of brown chocolate blotches and flecks (venter cream, tan, or brown without marks in O. mimeticus). The tadpoles of O. vasquezi sp. nov. are strikingly different from the tadpoles of O. mimeticus by having a larger oral disk with nine lower labial tooth rows (only six in O. mimeticus). Tadpoles of the new species and those of O. festae are unique among Osteocephalus by belonging to the suctorial ecomorphological guild as shown by their large oral disks. Our time tree suggest that the new species diverged from its sister species at the beginning of the Pleistocene, ~2.5 million years ago.

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Research Article Thu, 6 Jul 2023 19:32:48 +0300
A third species of glassfrog in the genus Chimerella (Anura, Centrolenidae) from central Peru, discovered by an integrative taxonomic approach https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/102950/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(2): 195-209

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.102950

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

Abstract: We studied the taxonomic status of glassfrogs collected in Departamento Huánuco, central Peru, which in the field were tentatively allocated to Chimerella, one of the twelve genera currently recognized in the family Centrolenidae. Detailed analyses of their morphology, bioacoustics, and molecular genetics supported their generic allocation and provided evidence for them representing a divergent and unnamed evolutionary lineage within Chimerella. We herein describe this lineage as a new species, being mainly distinguished from the two other known congeners, C. corleone and C. mariaelenae, by details of colouration in life and preservative, substantial differences in advertisement call, and differentiation in mitochondrial markers (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, cytochrome b) and a nuclear-encoded marker (Rag-1). The new species is the southernmost distributed species in the genus and was found in a swampy habitat at the bank of the Río Patay Rondos, a tributary of the Río Monzon, in rainforest at the Andean-Amazon foothills at 798 m above sea level. Aspects of species delimitation within Chimerella and related future research are briefly addressed and discussed.

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Research Article Tue, 16 May 2023 19:01:14 +0300
Rising from the ashes: A new treefrog (Anura, Hylidae, Scinax) from a wildfire-threatened area in the Amazon lowlands of central Peru https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/102425/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 183-194

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.102425

Authors: Germán Chávez, Wilmar Aznaran, Luis A. García-Ayachi, Alessandro Catenazzi

Abstract: We describe a new species of tree frog from the middle Ucayali River, Peru. Scinax pyroinguinis sp. nov. is known from two males found in a patch of Amazon rainforest at 160 masl. Externally, the new species is similar to those in the Scinax rostratus group but it differs from all members by having a rounded head from dorsal view without proboscis or pointed tubercle on the tip of the snout, large conical tubercles on upper eyelids and heels, and bright orange blotches and spots on groins, posterior surface of thighs, and shanks. Genetic analysis supports our morphological study and confirms S. pyroinguinis sp nov as a new species, being tentatively the most basal member of the S. rostratus group. The new species is only known from the type locality that is currently threatened by habitat loss caused by wildfires.

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Research Article Tue, 9 May 2023 15:36:09 +0300
A new species of Microteiid Lizard (Gymnophthalmidae, Cercosaurini, Selvasaura) from a remote area in the Peruvian Andes https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/99118/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 123-132

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.99118

Authors: Germán Chávez, Luis A. García-Ayachi, Alessandro Catenazzi

Abstract: We describe a new species of Selvasaura lizard from the western slopes of the eastern Andes of central Peru. Among other characters, the new species differs from congeners in having keeled dorsal scales and more transverse rows of scales on dorsum. We present a phylogeny as additional evidence supporting delimitation of the new species.

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Research Article Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:37:18 +0300
Malleusocoris, a new South American genus of Myodochini (Hemiptera, Rhyparochromidae) with modified antennae, along with some new synonymies and new combinations for misplaced taxa https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/100968/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 117-122

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.100968

Authors: Pablo M. Dellapé, María C. Melo

Abstract: The new monotypic genus Malleusocoris is described to accommodate the new species M. minimus sp. nov. from Argentina and Brazil. Its relationship with other genera of the tribe Myodochini (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) is discussed. Moreover, the taxonomic allocation of Ptochiomera chilensis Spinola, 1852 and Plociomera annulicollis Berg, 1894 are discussed. Ptochiomera chilensis Spinola, 1852 is considered a junior synonym of Bergidia polychroma (Spinola, 1852) (Ozophorini); and Plociomera annulicollis Berg, 1894 is transferred to the genus Neopamera Harrington, 1980.

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Research Article Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:39:39 +0300
A new species of frog (Terrarana, Strabomantidae, Phrynopus) from the Peruvian Andean Grasslands https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/96258/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 105-116

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.96258

Authors: Germán Chávez, Luis A. García-Ayachi, Alessandro Catenazzi

Abstract: We describe a new terrestrial frog from the puna grasslands adjacent to the Mantaro dry valley in southern Peru. Phrynopus apumantarum sp. nov. is similar in appearence to P. bufoides but is differentiable by lacking discoidal fold and enlarged warts on dorsum, lacking a prominent post ocular fold and having canthal and post ocular stripe. Lastly, we propose to place the new species under the Vulnerable (VU) category of the IUCN Red List, due its small distribution and habitat loss recorded at the type locality.

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Research Article Thu, 16 Mar 2023 17:04:04 +0200
Revisiting the South American Acanthocephalini (Hemiptera, Coreidae): Spilopleura Stål (status novum) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/94403/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 35-50

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.94403

Authors: Leonela Olivera, María Cecilia Melo, Pablo M. Dellapé

Abstract: The family Coreidae is composed of some of the larger terrestrial Heteroptera, with showy colors and expansions on the legs, the antenna or the pronotum. Among the Neotropical fauna, the tribe Acanthocephalini Stål, including 18 genera, is recognized by the strongly deflexed juga, and the conspicuously projecting tylus. In the same work in which Stål established the tribe, he described two new subgenera to the genus Acanthocephala Laporte (currently synonymized under it): A. (Metapodius) (replaced for Metapodiessa Kirkaldy) and A. (Spilopleura). In the present work, the subgeneric name Spilopleura is removed from synonymy under Acanthocephala and elevated to generic rank, and the species A. parensis (Dallas) and A. ochracea Montandon are transferred therein. The genus Spilopleura status nov. and both included species are redescribed and illustrated, including characters from male and female genitalia; and a distributional map is given with the first records of the species from Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, and Peru.

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Research Article Tue, 3 Jan 2023 10:14:27 +0200
Five new species of the long-jawed orb-weaving spider genus Tetragnatha (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) in South America, with a key to the species from Argentina and Brazil https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/91418/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(2): 175-210

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.91418

Authors: Pedro de Souza Castanheira, Renner Luiz Cerqueira Baptista, Francisca Sâmia Martins Oliveira

Abstract: Five new species in the long-jawed orb-weaving spider genus Tetragnatha Latreille, 1804 are described from South America: Tetragnatha amazonica sp. nov. (Venezuela); T. cristata sp. nov. (Argentina and Brazil); T. didorata sp. nov. (Brazil); T. oncognatha sp. nov. (Brazil); and T. pradoi sp. nov. (Argentina and Brazil). A key to the 21 species of Tetragnatha from Argentina and Brazil is provided, completing the revision of the genus for these countries. The female of T. cladognatha Bertkau, 1880 is redescribed and a neotype is proposed, and its male is described for the first time. Additionally, we update the taxonomic status of the following six South American species: Tetragnatha labialis Nicolet, 1849 and T. americana Simon, 1896 are considered new junior synonymies of T. nitens (Audouin, 1826); and Tetragnatha bishopi Caporiacco, 1947, T. linearis Nicolet, 1849, T. similis Nicolet, 1849 and T. sternalis Nicolet, 1849 are proposed as nomina dubia due to missing or juvenile type-material.

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Research Article Fri, 21 Oct 2022 10:54:12 +0300
A new species of Mindomys (Rodentia, Cricetidae) with remarks on external traits as indicators of arboreality in sigmodontine rodents https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/76879/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(1): 35-55

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.76879

Authors: Jorge Brito, Claudia Koch, Nicolás Tinoco, Ulyses F. J. Pardiñas

Abstract: The diversity of the oryzomyine rat Mindomys (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae, Oryzomyini), is doubled here with the description of a new species from the remote Cordillera de Kutukú (Ecuador). The novel form can be easily differentiated from Mindomys hammondi –type species of the genus– by a large set of anatomical traits including, among others, larger jugals, parietal “wings” extending to zygomatic roots, larger otic capsules, well-exposed petrosals, narrow zygomatic plates almost without upper free borders, foramen magnum caudally oriented, larger molars, and accessory root of first upper molar present. Until now, the records of Mindomys were restricted to western Andean foothills. The material from Kutukú highlights an Amazonian species and reinforces the valuable biological significance of isolated mountain ranges in eastern Ecuador. Since Mindomys shows some external traits classically related to arboreal life, here we present a brief reappraisal of this poorly explored topic. A partially neglected anatomical system in sigmodontine studies, the fore feet, encloses crucial information reflecting arboreality.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:08:19 +0200
A needle in a haystack: Integrative taxonomy reveals the existence of a new small species of fossorial frog (Anura, Microhylidae, Synapturanus) from the vast lower Putumayo basin, Peru https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/80281/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(1): 9-20

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.80281

Authors: Germán Chávez, Michelle E. Thompson, David A. Sánchez, Juan Carlos Chávez-Arribasplata, Alessandro Catenazzi

Abstract: We describe a new species of microhylid frog of the genus Synapturanus from the lower Putumayo basin in Loreto, Perú. Specimens inhabited the soils of stunted pole forests growing on peat. The new species is distinguished from other species of Synapturanus through morphology, genetics, and acoustic characteristics. This species differs from most nominal congeners by having a head flat in lateral view (vs convex in the rest of species), a characteristic only shared by S. rabus and S. salseri. The new species can be distinguished from S. rabus and S. salseri by a combination of morphological characters and by having an advertisement call with a note length of 0.05–0.06 seconds (vs 0.03 seconds in S. rabus) and a dominant frequency ranging from 1.73 to 1.81 kHz (vs 1.10–1.47 kHz in S. salseri). Principal component analyses of 12 morphological characters and three acoustic variables further support differences between the new species and its described and undescribed congeners.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:51:53 +0200
Taxonomic notes on Barinas: a new generic synonym, a new cave-dwelling species, and new records from Colombia (Arachnida, Opiliones, Agoristenidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/78123/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(1): 1-7

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.78123

Authors: Andrés F. García, Daniela Ahumada-C.

Abstract: Barinas guanenta sp. nov. is described from a cave in Santander, central Andes of Colombia. The new species is recognized by the pedipalps and chelicerae entirely pale yellow and without variegated pattern, the areas I-IV with variegated coloration pattern and the straight stylus of the penis. The monotypic genus Vimina González-Sponga, 1987 is synonymized with Barinas, resulting in Barinas virginis (González-Sponga, 1987) comb. nov. New records of Barinas piragua Ahumada-C. & García, 2020 in La Guajira, Northern Colombia, are given. A key for the species of Barinas is given together with an updated distribution map.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:49:15 +0200
A new species of wood lizard (Hoplocercinae, Enyalioides) from the Río Huallaga Basin in Central Peru https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/69227/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 263-273

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.69227

Authors: Pablo J. Venegas, Germán Chávez, Luis A. García-Ayachi, Vilma Duran, Omar Torres-Carvajal

Abstract: We report the discovery of a new species of Enyalioides from the premontane forest of the Río Huallaga basin in central Peru. The most similar and phylogenetically related species are E. binzayedi and E. rudolfarndti. However, the new species differs from E. binzayedi (state of character in parentheses) by having dorsal scales strongly keeled on paravertebral region and feebly keeled or smooth elsewhere (prominent medial keel on each dorsal scale), more dorsals in transverse row between dorsolateral crests at midbody 26–39, x̄ = 30.44 (22–31, x̄ = 27.57), and a conspicuous posteromedial black patch in the gular region of males (absent). Contrarily, adult males of the new species and E. rudolfarndti are readily distinguished by having a conspicuous posteromedial black patch in the gular region, absent in E. rudolfarndti, and by lacking a conspicuous orange blotch (faint if present) on the antehumeral region, as in E. rudolfarndti. We also present an updated molecular phylogenetic tree of hoplocercines, which strongly supports both referral of the newly discovered species to Enyalioides and its status as distinct from those recognized previously.

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Research Article Wed, 25 Aug 2021 14:41:38 +0300
An illustrated catalogue of the type specimens of Lepidoptera housed in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH): Part II. superfamily Papilionoidea https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/63435/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 193-261

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.63435

Authors: Reza Zahiri, Vazrick Nazari, Hossein Rajaei, Martin Wiemers, Maryam Fatahi, Matthias Seidel, Thure Dalsgaard, Martin Husemann

Abstract: We provide an updated catalogue of the type material of the lepidopteran superfamily Papilionoidea deposited in the Zoological Museum of Hamburg (ZMH). We report 414 specimens labelled as “types” belonging to nine species (all of valid names), 74 subspecies (44 valid names and 30 synonyms), 59 invalid infrasubspecific names under the ICZN code, and 23 specimens of 16 “in litteris” (= unavailable) names. Out of the 414 specimens labelled as “types”, 171 specimens are primary types (8 holotypes/lectotypes and 163 syntypes) and 80 are secondary types; 120 specimens are infrasubspecific and hence invalid and are considered as “original specimens”; and 43 specimens are treated here as “Non-type” specimens (topotype). We present a full bibliography of the original descriptions and illustrations for all of these taxa, aiming to provide a comprehensive taxonomic guide to this collection.

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Research Article Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:05:11 +0300
A new species of Chalepides Casey, 1915 (Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae, Cyclocephalini) from the Pantanal of Brazil https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/70944/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 189-192

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.70944

Authors: Brett C. Ratcliffe, Matthias Seidel

Abstract: Chalepides pantanalensis Ratcliffe & Seidel is described as a new species from the Pantanal region in Brazil. A description, diagnosis for distinguishing the species, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided. The new species is morphologically compared with C. howdenorum Joly & Escalona and C. osunai Joly & Escalona.

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Research Article Thu, 5 Aug 2021 18:48:21 +0300
An elusive new species of gymnophthalmid lizard (Cercosaurinae, Selvasaura) from the Andes of northern Peru https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/68520/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 177-187

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.68520

Authors: Lourdes Y. Echevarría, Pablo J. Venegas, Luis A. García-Ayachi, Pedro M. Sales Nunes

Abstract: We describe a new species of Selvasaura from the montane forests of the eastern slopes of the Andes in northern Peru, based on external and hemipenial morphological characters and previous phylogenetic analyses. The new species can be differentiated from the other two Selvasaura species in having keeled dorsal scales usually flanked by longitudinal striations, in adults and juveniles; adult males with a yellow vertebral stripe bordered by broad dark brown stripes on each side and a unilobed hemipenis surrounded by the branches of the sulcus spermaticus. The description of the new species contributes information about new states of diagnostic characters of Selvasaura and natural history.

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Research Article Tue, 27 Jul 2021 08:24:11 +0300
A new cryptic species of the Pristimantis lacrimosus group (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/62661/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 151-175

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.62661

Authors: Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo, Santiago R. Ron

Abstract: With 566 species, the neotropical genus Pristimantis is the most speciose vertebrate genus. As a result of its striking diversity, taxonomic reviews remain a challenge. Herein, we present an updated phylogeny of the Pristimantis lacrimosus group and describe a new species from Llanganates and Sangay National Parks. We also report, for the first time, the phylogenetic position of Pristimantis degener, P. eugeniae, P. katoptroides, and P. petersi. Based on our phylogeny, we add two species to the Pristimantis lacrimosus group. Through the integration of molecular and bioacoustic evidence, we describe a new species which was hidden under “Pristimantis petersi”. Pristimantis petersioides sp. nov. is most closely related to Pristimantis petersi and an undescribed species from Peru. It can be distinguished from P. petersi by its advertisement call and large genetic differences (uncorrected p-genetic distances 7.9% to 8.4% for gene 16S). Moreover, the new species and P. petersi are not sister species. We suggest assigning the new species to the Endangered Red List category because it has a small distribution range with deforestation as result of agriculture and other anthropogenic influences.

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Research Article Fri, 23 Jul 2021 08:15:27 +0300
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder: Cruciform eye reveals new species of direct-developing frog (Strabomantidae, Pristimantis) in the Amazonian Andes https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/63674/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 81-92

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.63674

Authors: Germán Chávez, Luis A. García-Ayachi, Alessandro Catenazzi

Abstract: We describe a new species of frog from the eastern slopes of the Andes in central Peru. Pristimantis sira sp. nov. has a distinctive crossing mark on the iris and no tympanum. The new species is closely related to P. antisuyu Catenazzi & Lehr, 2018, P. cruciocularis Lehr, Lundberg, Aguilar & von May, 2006, and P. erythroinguinis Catenazzi & Lehr, 2018, but is easily differentiable by lacking colour blotches on groins. Pristimantis sira sp. nov. inhabits the mountain forests from 1550 to 2200 m a.s.l., inside a national reserve threatened by illegal mining.

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Research Article Fri, 9 Apr 2021 11:56:25 +0300
A new vine snake (Reptilia, Colubridae, Oxybelis) from Peru and redescription of O. acuminatus https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/60626/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 1-12

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.60626

Authors: Robert C. Jadin, Michael J. Jowers, Sarah A. Orlofske, William E. Duellman, Christopher Blair, John C. Murphy

Abstract: The Brown Vine Snake, Oxybelis aeneus, was until recently considered a single species, distributed from southern Arizona through the Neotropics into southeastern Brazil. However, newly conducted research restructured the species with a substantial taxonomic revision, recognizing five additional taxa (i.e. O. koehleri, O. microphthalmus, O. potosiensis, O. rutherfordi, O. vittatus) in this species complex. This revision focused on populations in North America, Central America, and northern South America while neglecting the southern portion of its distribution. Here, we examine the taxonomic history of the complex and use it along with specimen data to resurrect O. acuminatus from southeastern Brazil. Finally, we describe a new species from the Peruvian Amazon based on morphological characters. This work increases the species diversity of the O. aeneus complex to eight, and we expect further increases in biodiversity discoveries with continued exploration of the New World vine snakes.

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Research Article Thu, 14 Jan 2021 08:47:54 +0200
Four new species of Stenocercus Duméril & Bibron, 1837 (Squamata, Iguania) from the Department of Amazonas in northeastern Peru https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/57578/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(2): 79-108

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.57578

Authors: Pablo J. Venegas, Luis A. García-Ayachi, Juan C. Chávez-Arribasplata, Germán Chávez, Iván Wong, Antonio García-Bravo

Abstract: The tropical Andes are known to be the richest and most diverse place on earth. This mountainous region covers almost one third of the Peruvian territory, and its herpetofauna remains poorly known. The lizard genus Stenocercus Duméril & Bibron, 1837 contains 69 species and most of them occur in the tropical Andes, although some exist as high as 4000 m a.s.l. The examination of newly collected material from the Andes of northern Peru in the Department of Amazonas reveals four new species of Stenocercus which we describe below. Of these four new species, three inhabit the ecoregion of Peruvian Yungas at elevations of 1460 to 2370 m a.s.l., and one the Marañón dry forest ecoregion at elevations of 1340 to 1470 m a.s.l. Additionally, we provide new data about coloration, natural history and distribution of the poorly known S. aculeatus O’Shaughnessy, 1879; and discuss the identity of some populations of S. prionotus Cadle, 2001 and S. scapularis Boulenger, 1901.

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Research Article Wed, 18 Nov 2020 09:17:52 +0200
Rare or misidentified? On the external identification of the neglected Artibeus inopinatus Davis & Carter, 1964 (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in Honduras https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/49377/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(1): 35-43

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.49377

Authors: Manfredo Alejandro Turcios-Casco, Hefer Daniel Ávila-Palma, Eduardo Javier Ordoñez Trejo, José Alejandro Soler Orellana, Diego Iván Ordoñez Mazier, David Eduardo Meza-Flores, Alejandro Velásquez

Abstract: For years, the identification of Artibeus species has been controversial due to the overlap of morphometric characteristics between species. From February 2015 to September 2019, we sampled 25 sites in 10 departments of Honduras, and captured 81 Artibeus individuals using mist-nets. We determined the morphometric measurements that may be helpful in the identification of adult individuals of the Honduran Fruit-eating Bat, Artibeus inopinatus, in the field. We analyzed 648 morphometric measurements using a linear discriminant analysis, and determined that the forearm length, third metacarpal length, the length of the second phalanx of digit III, and body length are the main characteristics for the external identification of A. inopinatus.

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Research Article Thu, 20 Feb 2020 09:26:04 +0200
An updated diagnosis of the rare Amphisbaena slateri Boulenger, 1907, based on additional specimens (Squamata, Amphisbaenia, Amphisbaenidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/28059/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(2): 125-135

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.28059

Authors: Henrique C. Costa, Luke J. Welton, Jakob Hallermann

Abstract: Amphisbaena slateri is a rare species of worm lizard from Peru and Bolivia, known only from three specimens. We found two additional specimens of this taxon, housed at the herpetological collections of the Zoological Museum (Cenak), Universität Hamburg, and the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute, updating its known geographic distribution and morphological variation. We also discovered an unpublished manuscript by late Carl Gans reporting the finding of the Hamburg specimen, which we reproduce here with the permission of his family. Amphisbaena slateri can be identified by a combination of characters including counts of annuli, segments, and pores, the shape of head scales and color pattern. Basic morphological data is given for all species of Amphisbaenia known for Bolivia and Peru to aid in the identification of specimens from those countries.

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Research Article Wed, 19 Sep 2018 09:49:46 +0300
Raising the Dead: Rediscovery and redescription of some lost spider types (Araneae) described by Eugène Simon https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/24122/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 1-20

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.24122

Authors: Nadine Dupérré, Danilo Harms

Abstract: In this paper, we are redescribing type material from the Zoological Museum in Hamburg that was thought to be lost. These specimens were described in 1902 by Eugène Simon from material collected in Southern Patagonia and Fireland but the species were subsequently considered nomina dubia, or simply not considered at all. The rediscovery of this material leads to the revalidation of two genera and four species. The genera Clitistes and Zilephus are reinstated and the species Clitistes velutinus Simon, 1902 (Dictynidae), Zilephus granulosus Simon, 1902, Minyriolus australis Simon, 1902 (both Linyphiidae), and Lycosa michaelseni Simon, 1902 (Lycosidae) are redescribed. To avoid further confusion, we designate lectotypes for: Linyphiidae: Minyriolus australis Simon, 1902, Gongylidiellum uschuaiense Simon, 1902, Neriene fuegiana Simon, 1902, Clitistes velutinus Simon, 1902, Zilephus granulosus Simon, 1902; Amphinectidae: Rubrius radulifer Simon, 1902; Hahniidae: Hahnia michaelseni Simon, 1902, Bigois antarctica Simon, 1902 and Lycosidae: Lycosa michaelseni Simon, 1902. For all prior nomina dubia and newly designated lectotypes, the type specimens are re-described and properly illustrated for the first time.

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Research Article Mon, 19 Mar 2018 13:26:09 +0200
The goblin spiders (Araneae, Oonopidae) of the OTONGA Nature Reserve in Ecuador, with the description of seven new species https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/14969/ Evolutionary Systematics 1(1): 87-109

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.1.14969

Authors: Nadine Dupérré, Elicio Tapia

Abstract: The goblin spiders (Araneae, Oonopidae) of the Otonga Nature Reserve in the Chocó region of Ecuador are reviewed. A total of 1034 adult specimens were collected in 2014 and 23 morphospecies in eight different genera were identified from these collections. We describe seven new species: one in the genus Niarchos Platnick & Dupérré: Niarchos normani sp. n.; three in Scaphidysderina Platnick & Dupérré: Scaphidysderina chirin sp. n., S. lubanako sp. n., S. tsaran sp. n.; two in Bipoonops Bolzern: Bipoonops lansa sp. n., B. pilan sp. n.; and one in Reductoonops Platnick & Berniker: Reductoonops berun sp. n. The males of Niarchos baehrae Platnick & Dupérré, 2010 and Orchestina yanayacu Izquierdo, 2017 are described here for the first time. Natural history and collecting data are given for all morphospecies collected, including Niarchos barragani Platnick & Dupérré, 2010, Scaphidysderina cotopaxi Platnick & Dupérré, 2011, Scaphidysderina pinocchio Platnick & Dupérré, 2011, Orchestina otonga Izquierdo, 2017, Orchestina santodomingo Izquierdo, 2017, Orchestina truncata Wunderlich, 2004, Reductoonops otonga Platnick & Berniker, 2014, Reductoonops pichincha Platnick & Berniker, 2014, Paradysderina fusiscuta Platnick & Dupérré, 2011, Scaphiella pich Platnick & Dupérré, 2010 and Tinadyserina otonga Platnick et al., 2013. The data show that oonopid spiders are a major element of the arachnofauna present in the Chocó neotropical forests.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Dec 2017 16:10:20 +0200