Latest Articles from Evolutionary Systematics Latest 86 Articles from Evolutionary Systematics https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:04:04 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Evolutionary Systematics https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/ Application of extended depth of field 3D imagery to tackle the challenges of cryptic species: a use case in the genus Betiscoides Sjöstedt, 1924 (Orthoptera, Caelifera, Lentulidae) and its taxonomic implications https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/117735/ Evolutionary Systematics 8(1): 65-90

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.117735

Authors: Daniela Matenaar

Abstract: Discovering and handling cryptic diversity among species challenges taxonomists around the world. This is particularly true for the most diverse animal class – the insects – with cryptic diversity, apart from vast species numbers, being one of the main factors that hamper the description of new species. The biodiversity hotspot Cape Floristic Region of South Africa harbors many endemic and yet undescribed insect species, inter alia, Orthoptera. In this study, extended depth of field and 3D imagery enabled for a novel assessment of the external morphological characteristics used for defining and describing the genetically highly diverse genus Betiscoides Sjösdtedt, 1924, leading to a new definition of the genus’ characteristics as well as a revision of character traits of the known species. Two new species are described and a key to all five recognized Betiscoides species is provided. Application standards are derived to enable replicable and reliable image acquisition and measuring. These findings shall contribute to promote efforts being made to establish image based taxonomic identification for researchers worldwide. High-resolution images provide the basis to train deep learning algorithms/ tools, to detect the smallest differences in highly morphologically alike species, and to implement this knowledge in global species monitoring and conservation action to prevent further species loss.

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Research Article Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:41:06 +0200
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
Venomius, a new monotypic genus of Australian orb-weaving spiders (Araneae, Araneidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/110022/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(2): 285-292

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.110022

Authors: Giullia de F. Rossi, Pedro de S. Castanheira, Renner L. C. Baptista, Volker W. Framenau

Abstract: A new monotypic Australian genus in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described, Venomius gen. nov., with V. tomhardyi sp. nov. as type species. Somatically, Venomius gen. nov. is similar to the typical leaf-curling orb-weaving spiders, such as Phonognatha Simon, 1894 or Leviana Framenau & Kuntner, 2022, due to a similar elongate cylindrical abdomen and colouration; however, the genital morphology of the new genus is very different. Most unusual are the presence of two strong macrosetae on the male pedipalp tibia. Male pedipalp sclerites are complex, with diagnostic characters including the tibial macrosetae and a keeled median and a rounded basal process on the stipes. The epigyne of females is wholly covered by the scape that has a short median process. Venomius tomhardyi gen. nov. et sp. nov. has been collected in southern Australia, from Tasmania to Western Australia, where it builds a circular, vertical orb-web. Spiders often hide in silk-lined hollows in branches of trees when disturbed during the day.

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Research Article Mon, 4 Sep 2023 10:30:09 +0300
Another new species of Dixonius (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Gia Lai Province in the Central Highlands, Vietnam https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/105850/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(2): 267-284

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.105850

Authors: Vinh Quang Luu, Jesse L. Grismer, Tuoi Thi Hoang, Matthew L. Murdoch, L. Lee Grismer

Abstract: Another new species of Dixonius, D. fulbrighti sp. nov., is described from Gia Lai Province, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, using an integrated approach based on morphological, categorical (color pattern), and mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene (ND2) and its flanking tRNAs data. Phylogenetic analyses recovered Dixonius fulbrighti sp. nov. as closely related to D. gialaiensis from Gia Lai Province and part of a clade that includes D. minhlei, D. siamensis, and D. somchanhae. Multivariate (PCA, DAPC, and MFA) and univariate (ANOVA) analyses of 15 meristic (scale counts), six morphometric (mensural), and five categorical (color pattern and morphology) characters from 44 specimens of all eight species of Dixonius from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia clearly demonstrated that Dixonius fulbrighti sp. nov. is statistically different and diagnostically distinct from all closely related species of Dixonius. This new species discovery highlights the underestimated gecko diversity and the importance of continued fieldwork in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

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Research Article Wed, 23 Aug 2023 16:04:51 +0300
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
The smallest stag beetles (Coleoptera, Lucanidae): hidden paleodiversity in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber from northern Myanmar https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/104597/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(2): 211-235

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.104597

Authors: Shûhei Yamamoto

Abstract: The fossil record of stag beetles (Lucanidae), especially in Mesozoic amber, is sparse. Four additional fossil lucanids preserved in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber from northern Myanmar are here reported. All of these species are included in the primitive subfamily Aesalinae, and have been identified as: Protonicagus mandibularis sp. nov. (tribe Nicagini); Cretognathus minutissimus gen. et sp. nov. (tribe Ceratognathini); Ceratognathini gen. et sp. indet. 1 (provisional assignment); and Ceratognathini gen. et sp. indet. 2 (provisional assignment). Except for Protonicagus mandibularis sp. nov., the stag beetles appear to be connected to the continent of Gondwana, as with the Kachin amber paleofauna. More interestingly, these species have significantly smaller bodies than the extant species, with three of them measuring less than 3 mm, which makes them the smallest known species of Lucanidae. This finding is congruent with a trend toward miniaturization in several unrelated lineages of Kachin amber beetles, and it shows hidden paleodiversity of stag beetles during the Cretaceous.

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Research Article Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:55:57 +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
Revision of Saalmulleria Mabille, 1891 (Lepidoptera, Metarbelidae) from Madagascar with the description of three new genera and fifteen new species https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/85204/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 133-182

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.85204

Authors: Ingo Lehmann, Thure Dalsgaard

Abstract: This is the first publication of any genus of Metarbelidae Strand, 1909 for Madagascar since 1891. Here, the genus Saalmulleria Mabille, 1891 is revised comprising three species including descriptions of two new species. Three new genera are presented: first, an African-Madagascan sister genus-group, namely Shimbania gen. nov. and Morondavania gen. nov. The genus Morondavania is monotypic and comprises one new species, while Shimbania comprises 13 species, of which 11 species are new to science. Lebedodes wichgrafi (Grünberg, 1910) and L. durbanica Hampson, 1910 are treated as valid species and are moved to the new genus Shimbania. Secondly, the monotypic Eberhardfischeria gen. nov. that shares one synapomorphy with Saalmulleria. The species S. dubiefi (Viette, 1974) is excluded from Saalmulleria, since it most probably represents another undescribed genus. Species of Shimbania occur along the eastern coast of the African mainland up to about 540 km inland from the Indian Ocean, with one record from the Atlantic Ocean coast in Nigeria (Central Africa). The other three genera are endemic to Madagascar.

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Research Article Wed, 3 May 2023 10:52:06 +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
Systematics of Trimeresurus popeiorum Smith, 1937 with a revised molecular phylogeny of Asian pitvipers of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 sensu lato https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/97026/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 91-104

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.97026

Authors: Zeeshan A. Mirza, H. T. Lalremsanga, Harshal Bhosale, Gaurang Gowande, Harshil Patel, Sabira S. Idiatullina, Nikolay A. Poyarkov

Abstract: The pit viper snake genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 sensu lato, is a diverse group of nocturnal serpents comprising over 61 species. The genus is morphologically heterogeneous and has been divided into several subgenera. We present an updated phylogeny of Asian pitvipers and propose a revised classification. Additionally, we revise the taxonomy of T. popeiorum Smith, 1937 and propose taxonomic changes with support from molecular and morphological data. We restrict T. popeiorum sensu stricto to northeastern India, Bangladesh, southern China, and northern Myanmar; populations beyond these areas require further assessment. We also synonymize T. yingjiangensis Chen et al., 2019 with T. popeiorum based on overlapping morphological characters, molecular data, and distribution. The findings shed new light on the taxonomy of T. popeiorum, warranting the need for assessing the population of T. popeiorum from southeast Asia.

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Research Article Fri, 24 Feb 2023 18:18:53 +0200
One new species and new records of three species of the genus Forcipomyia Meigen, 1818 (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) from West Bengal, India https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/97331/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 83-89

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.97331

Authors: Gouri Sankar Pal, Shubhranil Brahma, Niladri Hazra

Abstract: Forcipomyia (Forcipomyia) hispida, a new species from the Dooars region of West Bengal, is described and illustrated here based on morphological and molecular data. Among the three newly recorded species, Forcipomyia (Dycea) hamoni de Meillon was known from the Eastern Himalayas while F. (Euprojoannisia) calamistrata Debenham & Wirth and F. (E.) fuscimana (Kieffer) were from the Gangetic plains of West Bengal. The supplementary descriptions and illustrations of the known species are also presented here. DNA barcoding of two newly recorded species of the subgenus Euprojoannisia Brèthes is also obtained for the first time.

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Research Article Thu, 9 Feb 2023 10:03:35 +0200
Abba, a new monotypic genus of orb-weaving spiders (Araneae, Araneidae) from Australia https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/98015/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 73-81

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.98015

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

Abstract: A new monotypic genus in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described from Australia: Abba gen. nov., with Abba transversa (Rainbow, 1912) comb. nov. as the type species. It differs from all other genera in the family by somatic characters, specifically a patch of approximately five long spines on the prolateral surface of the first leg in males and an abdominal colouration with a pair of two central spots dorsally on a creamy-white surface. Specimens of A. transversa comb. nov. have been collected in Queensland and New South Wales, where the species is largely summer-mature. We also provide a genus level summary of all Australian Araneidae, currently consisting of 230 described species and eight subspecies in 46 genera.

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Research Article Mon, 16 Jan 2023 12:17:37 +0200
The range-wide mitochondrial lineage of Natrix natrix scutata (Pallas, 1771) presented in the northern Zagros Mountains https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/89662/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 67-71

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.89662

Authors: Daniel Jablonski, Marika Asztalos, Can Yılmaz, Aziz Avcı

Abstract: Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758) is a common species distributed from Central Europe to Central Asia. In this range, it forms four subspecies that include several mitochondrial evolutionary lineages. One of the lineages, the so-called mtDNA lineage 8, has a wide distribution from the Baltic area to Anatolia and Kazakhstan. In Anatolia, this lineage meets several others, however, their occurrence is unclear, especially in the south-eastern Türkiye where the species is uncommon. Obtaining one specimen from the poorly studied Hakkâri Province (Zagros part of Türkiye), we investigated its genetic affiliation (mitochondrial DNA) and basic morphology. The specimen represents a unique haplotype of the mtDNA lineage 8, closely related to populations from Georgia and northern and north-eastern Türkiye. It thus extends the occurrence of this mitochondrial lineage representing subspecies Natrix natrix scutata (Pallas, 1771) southward to the northern edge of the Zagros Mountains. Despite the phenotype polymorphism of this species, the morphological comparison also confirmed that selected characters are similar to other populations of the region.

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Research Article Tue, 3 Jan 2023 10:14:27 +0200
Five new Indian species of the genus Dasyhelea Kieffer (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) with a key to the adult males https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/90973/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 51-66

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.90973

Authors: Shubhranil Brahma, Somnath Chatterjee, Niladri Hazra

Abstract: Five new species of biting midges, Dasyhelea (Dasyhelea) incisura sp. nov., D. (D.) quasifulcillata sp. nov., D. (D.) trigona sp. nov., D. (Sebessia) falxa sp. nov. and D. (S.) folia sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on adult males. The new species are compared and contrasted to their congeners; important morphological characters are displayed. All specimens were collected from the Deltaic Proper of Gangetic West Bengal, India. An illustrated key to the adult males of the subgenera Dasyhelea s.str. and Sebessia from India is presented. Short accounts on ecological notes of the midges are also provided.

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Research Article Tue, 3 Jan 2023 10:14:27 +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
Alboglossiphonia afroalpina sp. nov. and Alboglossiphonia buniana sp. nov. – two new leech species from Africa and revision of the genus Alboglossiphonia Lukin, 1976 in Africa https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/94507/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 1-34

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.94507

Authors: Uwe Jueg

Abstract: Two new leech species from Africa are presented. The position of the eyes, the number of crop caeca and the gonopores separated by two annuli indicate that both belong to the genus Alboglossiphonia. Alboglossiphonia afroalpina sp. nov. differs from the other African species in its elongated body shape, the shape and size of the suckers and above all by the unique spotting on the dorsal side, which is not found in any other species of the genus. Alboglossiphonia afroalpina sp. nov. inhabits the alpine zones of the Mt. Kenya and Mt. Elgon massifs and represents the highest record of a leech in Africa to date, approx 4,500 m above sea level. Alboglossiphonia buniana sp. nov. differs from other species of the genus by its completely fused pairs of eyes, the shape and size of the cranial sucker and the head area and a jagged outer margin. The species is only known from Bunia in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Eleven species of the genus Alboglossiphonia are known from Africa, belonging to different zoogeographical areas. Northwest Africa is home to Alboglossiphonia hyalina (O.F. Müller, 1774) and A. iberica Jueg, 2008 as Palaearctic species. Alboglossiphonia polypompholyx Oosthuizen, Hussein & El-Shimy, 1988, A. disuqi El-Shimy, 1990 and A. levis Gouda, 2010 are restricted to the lower reaches of the Nile in Egypt. Six species exist south of the Sahara: Alboglossiphonia namaquaensis (Augener, 1936), A. disjuncta (Moore, 1939), A. conjugata (Oosthuizen, 1978), A. macrorhyncha (Oosthuizen, 1978) as well as those described here, A. afroalpina sp. nov. and A. buniana sp. nov. The examination of the three syntypes of Alboglossiphonia namaquaensis (Augener, 1936) showed that this species is identical to A. cheili (Oosthuizen 1978) and that the latter must be used as a synonym in future. Historical evidence from the Central Africa Museum in Tervuren (Belgium) from the Sciacchitano Collection and the British Museum of Natural History was examined. The systematic position of Glossiphonia verrucata Sciacchitano, 1939 was also clarified. Almost all species were photographed for the first time, most of them including their holotype. Distribution maps are presented for all species. All African Alboglossiphonia species are compared in terms of their characteristics in tabular form.

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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
Cercarial dermatitis outbreak caused by ruminant parasite with intermediate snail host: schistosome in Chana, South Thailand https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/87670/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(2): 151-173

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.87670

Authors: Duangduen Krailas, Suluck Namchote, Jirayus Komsuwan, Thanaporn Wongpim, Kitja Apiraksena, Matthias Glaubrecht, Pichaya Sonthiporn, Choopong Sansawang, Sirirat Suwanrit

Abstract: A cercarial dermatitis outbreak occurred in Chana district, Songkhla Province, South Thailand, between August and October 2020. A total of 359 cases with cercarial dermatitis were confirmed with three cases of skin biopsy. The species of potential trematodes from infected snails were investigated, and the prevalence of infestation with schistosomes was described. As part of our ongoing studies of trematode diversity in freshwater systems, using morphological traits and sequence data to differentiate species, this study aimed to provide insights into the parasite species that cause cercarial dermatitis in the outbreak area and improve our understanding of parasite species distribution. Snail samples were collected in December 2020 and September and October 2021. Five main areas of outbreaks were investigated, and snails were collected by scooping and examined for infection with cercariae. The cercariae were characterized on the basis of morphological features. We found two species of snails to be infected, viz. Indoplanorbis exustus and Bithynia siamensis siamensis, with infection rates of 2.05% (12/586) and 7.93% (23/290), respectively. Three species of trematodes were found in B. s. siamensis, viz. Gastrothylax crumenifer, Astiotrema monticellii, and Loxogenes liberum. Moreover, three species of trematodes were found in Indoplanorbis exustus, viz. Clinostomum giganticum, Echinostoma spiniferum, and Schistosoma indicum. The latter is a ruminant schistosome, which causes the outbreak of cercarial dermatitis in the area. They were genetically analyzed using the internal transcribed spacer subunit II region to confirm the species identity at generic and infrageneric levels.

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Research Article Tue, 9 Aug 2022 16:23:45 +0300
New data on Gnaphosidae (Arachnida, Araneae) of Iraq https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/87158/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(2): 143-150

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.87158

Authors: Alireza Zamani, Ghassan A. Ali Al-Yacoub, Shurooq Abdullah Najim

Abstract: New faunistic data are provided on the ground spiders (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) of Iraq. Three genera (Haplodrassus Chamberlin, 1922; Minosiella Dalmas, 1921; Odontodrassus Jézéquel, 1965) and six species (Haplodrassus dalmatensis (L. Koch, 1866); Minosiella intermedia Denis, 1958; Odontodrassus aravaensis Levy, 1999; Odontodrassus mundulus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872); Pterotricha dalmasi Fage, 1929; Zelotes fagei Denis, 1955) are reported in Iraq for the first time, and the previously unknown female of Pterotricha kovblyuki Zamani & Marusik, 2018 is described. In addition, a list of all gnaphosids reported from Iraq (16 spp.) is provided.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Jul 2022 21:19:58 +0300
A new sexannulate species of Orobdella (Hirudinea, Arhynchobdellida, Orobdellidae) from Kii-Oshima Island, Japan https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/86308/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(2): 135-142

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.86308

Authors: Takafumi Nakano

Abstract: A large-type sexannulate leech species, Orobdella ibukifukuyamai sp. nov., from Kii-Oshima Island, Japan, is described based on morphologic and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, histone H3, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, tRNACys, tRNAMet, 12S rRNA, tRNAVal, 16S rRNA, tRNALeu and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 markers showed that O. ibukifukuyamai formed a clade with the sexannulate O. okanoi Nakano, 2016 and O. yamaneae Nakano, 2016 and octannulate O. nakahamai Nakano, 2016, which are endemic to Shikoku island, Japan.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Jul 2022 16:11:16 +0300
The new Australian leaf-curling orb-weaving spider genus Leviana (Araneae, Araneidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/83573/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(2): 103-133

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.83573

Authors: Volker W. Framenau, Matjaž Kuntner

Abstract: The new Australian orb-weaving spider genus Leviana gen. nov. is described to include five species, all known from both sexes: Leviana dimidiata (L. Koch, 1871) comb. nov. (type species) (= Epeira sylvicola Rainbow, 1897 syn. nov.), L. cincinnata sp. nov., L. folium sp. nov., L. minima sp. nov. and L. mulieraria (Keyserling, 1887) comb. nov. Male pedipalp morphology, specifically the presence of a single patella spine and the median apophysis forming an arch over the radix, place Leviana gen. nov. in the informal Australian ‘backobourkiine’ clade; however, the genus differs from all other genera of this group by the presence of a spine inside the basal median apophysis arch of the male pedipalp, an epigyne that is wider than long with a scape that is approximately as long as the epigyne (but often broken off) and a lack of humeral humps on the elongate ovoid abdomen. In addition, unlike any other backobourkiine, Leviana gen. nov. incorporate a rolled leaf as retreat into the periphery of their web. Leviana gen. nov. species exhibit only a moderate sexual size dimorphism with female to male ratios between 1.3 and 1.7. Leviana gen. nov. occurs in eastern Australia from northern Queensland in the north to Victoria in the south, with a single tropical species, L. mulieraria comb. nov., spreading into northern Western Australia.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Jul 2022 16:08:30 +0300
Descriptions of two new species of Culicoides Latreille from Sundarbans, India with an adult key to the ornatus species group of the Oriental region (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/84170/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(1): 89-102

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.84170

Authors: Somnath Chatterjee, Gouri Sankar Pal, Niladri Hazra

Abstract: Two new species of biting midges, Culicoides cornatus sp. nov. and Culicoides pileus sp. nov. are described based on adults. The new species are compared to their congeners with close similarity. All specimens were collected from the Indian Sundarban Mangrove Forests, few specimens were mounted in glass slides and few were prepared for SEM study. Total 78 species under the genus Culicoides Latreille including the two new ones (6 species from ornatus species group) are described from India. An adult key of the ornatus species group from the Oriental Region is provided.

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Research Article Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:26:23 +0300
Description of a new species of leopard geckos, Eublepharis Gray, 1827 from Eastern Ghats, India with notes on Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827 https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/83290/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(1): 77-88

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.83290

Authors: Zeeshan A. Mirza, Chandrashekaruni Gnaneswar

Abstract: A recent molecular phylogenetic study of the genus Eublepharis Gray, 1827 revealed the presence of a genetically divergent lineage sister to Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827. We re-assessed the taxonomy of Eublepharis hardwickii based on museum material in light of the molecular phylogenetic study and the results support the recognization of two species distributed on either sides of the Brahmani River. A redescription of E. hardwickii is presented based on the holotype and additional museum material along-with the description of a new species, Eublepharis pictus sp. nov. from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The presence of yet another distinct lineage in such close geographical proximity in the northern Eastern Ghats highlights the significance of these relic forests and advocates the need for conservation prioritization.

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Research Article Thu, 26 May 2022 10:37:53 +0300
A new species of Langelurillus Próchniewicz, 1994 (Araneae, Salticidae, Aelurillina) from western India https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/81259/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(1): 65-70

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.81259

Authors: Rajesh V. Sanap, John T.D. Caleb

Abstract: A new jumping spider species, Langelurillus tertius sp. nov. (♂♀), is described from the Ajanta and Sathmala hill ranges of the Deccan plateau in Maharashtra (India). Detailed description, illustrations, and a map showing the distribution of all known Indian congeners are provided.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Mar 2022 09:21:31 +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
Discovery of frogs of the Stumpffia hara species group (Microhylidae, Cophylinae) on Montagne d’Ambre in northern Madagascar, with description of a new species https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/76382/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(1): 21-33

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.76382

Authors: Andolalao Rakotoarison, Frank Glaw, Safidy M. Rasolonjatovo, Jary H. Razafindraibe, Miguel Vences, Mark D. Scherz

Abstract: The stump-toed frogs of the Madagascar-endemic genus Stumpffia are mostly diminutive in size, but there is one group of comparatively large frogs within the genus, which we herein refer to as the Stumpffia hara species group. Each of the four known members of this species group is endemic to a single location of deciduous dry forest with exposed karstic limestone rock. Here, we report on the discovery of members of this species group on Montagne d’Ambre, a rainforest-covered extinct volcano in the North of Madagascar that has a rich Stumpffia fauna but has been thought to lack members of the S. hara species group until now. We found two members of the species group, one at the peak, and one in transitional and dry deciduous forest on the west and northern slopes of the mountain. The high-elevation species is new to science, and we here describe it as Stumpffia bishopi sp. nov. It occupies a highly distinct position in the phylogeny of these frogs, characterized by ≥ 9.8% uncorrected pairwise distance from all other nominal Stumpffia in a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. It is also the smallest of the members of the S. hara species group. Our genetic results show that the low-elevation species is Stumpffia megsoni, constituting a range expansion of that species and considerably expanding our understanding of its morphology and ecology. We report its advertisement call for the first time. Our results highlight the importance of continued surveys of even well-sampled localities, with special attention on the high elevation sites of northern massifs and collection of voucher specimens, and how much there still remains to understand about even the largest of Madagascar’s small frogs.

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Research Article Wed, 23 Feb 2022 17:12:11 +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 Draconarius Ovtchinnikov, 1999 (Araneae, Agelenidae) from northeastern Pakistan https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/76987/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 359-362

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.76987

Authors: Alireza Zamani

Abstract: A new species of agelenid spiders, Draconarius nathiagalicus sp. nov., is described and illustrated on the basis of two male specimens collected in Nathia Gali, northeastern Pakistan. This is the fourth species of the genus reported from this country, all belonging to the venustus species-group.

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Research Article Mon, 13 Dec 2021 14:21:43 +0200
A new species of the genus Ptyctolaemus Peters, 1864 (Squamata, Agamidae) from Sagaing, Myanmar https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/75305/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 347-357

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.75305

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Ye Htet Lwin, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: A new species of Ptyctolaemus Peters, 1864 is described from Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagaing Division, Myanmar. The new species differs from P. gularis and Ptyctolaemus aff. gularis from Tibet, China, by having relatively longer limbs and different colorations of the gular region, and it differs from P. collicristatus by having much longer limbs and a less developed nuchal crest in males. Moreover, the new species differs genetically from Ptyctolaemus aff. gularis from Tibet, China, and P. collicristatus by an uncorrected percentage distance of 23.5% and 24.8%, respectively, inferred from mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene sequences. This discovery increases the number of known Ptyctolaemus species to three.

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Research Article Fri, 10 Dec 2021 15:02:02 +0200
Taxonomic revision of the new spider genus Hortophora, the Australasian Garden Orb-weavers (Araneae, Araneidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/72474/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 275-334

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.72474

Authors: Volker W. Framenau, Renner L. C. Baptista, Francisca Sâmia M. Oliveira, Pedro de S. Castanheira

Abstract: The new genus Hortophora in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is established to include 13 species from the Australasian-Pacific region, with ten species known from Australia (five of which new to science): Hortophora biapicata (L. Koch, 1871), comb. nov. (type species) (= Araneus biapicatifera Strand, 1907, syn. nov.; = Epeira frosti Hogg, 1896, syn. nov.); H. cucullus sp. nov.; H. lodicula (Keyserling, 1887), comb. nov. (= Epeira scutigerens Hogg, 1900, syn. nov.); H. megacantha sp. nov.; H. porongurup sp. nov.; H. tatianeae sp. nov.; H. transmarina (Keyserling, 1865), comb. nov.) (also known from Papua New Guinea); H. urbana (Keyserling, 1887), comb. nov.; H. walesiana (Karsch, 1878), comb. nov. (= Epeira rhombocephala Thorell 1881, syn. nov.; = Epeira lutulenta Keyserling, 1886, syn. nov.); and H. yesabah sp. nov. The following species of Hortophora gen. nov. are recognised from the Pacific region but not revised in detail due to a lack of material, specifically mature males: Hortophora capitalis (L. Koch, 1871), comb. nov. (removed from synonymy with H. transmarina comb. nov.) from Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu; H. flavicoma (Simon, 1880), comb. nov. from New Caledonia (incl. Loyalty Islands) and H. viridis (Keyserling, 1865), comb. nov. (removed from synonymy with H. transmarina comb. nov.) from Samoa. Epeira thyridota Thorell, 1870 is here removed from synonymy with H. transmarina comb. nov. and transferred to Backobourkia Framenau, Dupérré, Blackledge & Vink, 2010, B. thyridota (Thorell, 1870), comb. nov. Hortophora gen. nov. includes medium-sized to large, nocturnal orb-weaving spiders typically with subtriangular to ovoid abdomen bearing humeral humps. The tibiae of the second leg in males is usually enlarged with numerous strong spines and an apico-ventral megaspur carrying a large spine in some species. Male pedipalps generally have an elongated, transverse median apophysis ending in a bifid tip in most species, a sinuous to straight embolus and a bubble-shaped terminal apophysis. The female epigyne scape is highly elongated and does not have a terminal pocket. Genital mutilation, i.e. breaking off the epigyne scape during copulation, is common in some species. Hortophora gen. nov. include the most frequently collected nocturnal orb-weaving spiders in Australia.

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Research Article Tue, 2 Nov 2021 13:31:50 +0200
A new species of snake of the genus Oligodon Boie in Fitzinger, 1826 (Reptilia, Serpentes) from the Western Himalayas https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/72564/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 335-345

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.72564

Authors: Zeeshan A. Mirza, Virender Kumar Bhardwaj, Harshil Patel

Abstract: A new species of Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826 is described based on specimens collected from Churah Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The new species is related to O. arnensis based on molecular as well as morphological data, however differs from it in several aspects. The new species shows a pairwise sequence divergence of 6–20% from congeners for mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Lack of pterygoid and palatine teeth of the new species suggests that the diet may largely comprise of eggs. Discovery of the new species is not surprising, as the Western Himalayas has been poorly explored in terms of its herpetofaunal diversity. Considerable genetic divergence in the sampled sequence suggests Oligodon arnensis is a species complex, likely represents multiple species and a revision of the group would be desirable.

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Research Article Tue, 2 Nov 2021 13:30:29 +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
On the systematics and the phylogenetic position of the poorly known, montane dragon-lizard species Pseudocalotes austeniana (Annandale, 1908) (Squamata, Agamidae, Draconinae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/67137/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 141-150

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.67137

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

Abstract: The montane agamid species Pseudocalotes austeniana has had a complicated taxonomic history, as the species was initially described as a member of the genus Salea Gray, 1845. Later, the species was placed in a monotypic genus Mictopholis Smith, 1935, which was erected only to include this species; however, the species was later on transferred to the genus Pseudocalotes Fitzinger, 1843, owing to the morphological similarities, and lack of strong characters to diagnose the genus Mictopholis. Nonetheless, its precise phylogenetic and systematic position has remained unresolved due to the lack of molecular sequence data. During a herpetological expedition to Arunachal Pradesh, specimens of P. austeniana were collected from the hills near the type locality. The mitochondrial 16S rRNA, ND2 and ND4, and the nuclear RAG1 regions were subjected to molecular phylogenetics. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference gene trees revealed that P. austeniana is a member of the subfamily Draconinae. The analyses showed that the genus Pseudocalotes is polyphyletic, and P. austeniana was embedded within the genus Japalura Gray, 1853 sensu stricto. We here, thus, propose to transfer the species P. austeniana to the genus Japlaura, as Japalura austeniana comb. nov. Biogeographic and evolutionary significance of the findings are discussed.

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Research Article Tue, 29 Jun 2021 08:11:30 +0300
A new species of Gonyosoma Wagler, 1828 (Serpentes, Colubridae), previously confused with G. prasinum (Blyth, 1854) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/66574/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 129-139

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.66574

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Ye Htet Lwin, Qiaoyan Wang, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: A new species of the genus Gonyosoma Wagler is described from Yunnan Province, China. The new species closely resembles G. prasinum (Blyth), but it is differentiated from the latter species by the following characters: precloacal plate divided, iris blue and inside of mouth greyish-white in life. Based on phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence data, the new species is recovered as the sister species to G. prasinum by Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses. The uncorrected pairwise distance between the new species and other species of the genus Gonyosoma ranged from 11.78% to 17.07% calculated using the mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence. This discovery increases the number of Gonyosoma species to seven.

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Research Article Tue, 22 Jun 2021 08:14:28 +0300
Echiniscidae in the Mascarenes: the wonders of Mauritius https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/59997/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 93-120

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.59997

Authors: Yevgen Kiosya, Katarzyna Vončina, Piotr Gąsiorek

Abstract: Many regions of the world remain unexplored in terms of the tardigrade diversity, and the islands of the Indian Ocean are no exception. In this work, we report four species of the family Echiniscidae representing three genera from Mauritius, the second largest island in the Mascarene Archipelago. Two species belong in the genus Echiniscus: Echiniscus perarmatus Murray, 1907, a pantropical species, and one new species: Echiniscus insularis sp. nov., one of the smallest members of the spinulosus group and the entire genus, being particularly interesting due to the presence of males and supernumerary teeth-like spicules along the margins of the dorsal plates. The new species most closely resembles Echiniscus tropicalis Binda & Pilato, 1995, for which we present extensive multipopulation data and greatly extend its distribution eastwards towards islands of Southeast Asia. Pseudechiniscus (Meridioniscus) mascarenensis sp. nov. is a typical member of the subgenus with elongated (dactyloid) cephalic papillae and the pseudosegmental plate IV’ with reduced posterior projections in males. Finally, a Bryodelphax specimen is also recorded. The assemblage of both presumably endemic and widely distributed tardigrade species in Mauritius fits the recent emerging biogeographic patterns for this group of micrometazoans.

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Research Article Fri, 9 Apr 2021 13:55:44 +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
Maratus nemo: A new wetland species of peacock spider from South Australia (Araneae, Salticidae, Euophryini) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/64922/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 71-80

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.64922

Authors: Joseph Schubert

Abstract: A new species of peacock spider, Maratus nemo sp. nov., is described from the vicinities of Mount McIntyre and Nangwarry, South Australia. Unusual among members of its genus, the new species appears to inhabit ephemeral wetland complexes on marshy vegetation in shallow water. The discovery of Maratus nemo sp. nov. is one of several recently described species attributed to the growing interest in amateur invertebrate macrophotography, with putative new species brought to attention of taxonomists through social media engagement.

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Research Article Thu, 25 Mar 2021 15:44:51 +0200
An illustrated catalogue of the type specimens of Lepidoptera (Insecta) housed in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH): Part I. superfamilies Hepialoidea, Cossoidea, and Zygaenoidea https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/62003/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 39-70

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.62003

Authors: Reza Zahiri, Gerhard Tarmann, Konstantin A. Efetov, Hossein Rajaei, Maryam Fatahi, Matthias Seidel, Birgit Jaenicke, Thure Dalsgaard, Marcy Sikora, Martin Husemann

Abstract: Zoological collections remain the main archive of animal biodiversity on Earth, and especially in times of large-scale declines of many groups represent important resources for biodiversity and conservation research. The most important individuals of these collections are the type specimens, which represent the original and unique reference for a species. While a full digitization of most museum collections currently remains utopic, lists of types are an essential resource for researchers to perform taxonomic revisions. Here, we provide an updated type catalogue of the lepidopteran superfamilies Hepialoidea, Cossoidea and Zygaenoidea deposited in the Zoological Museum of Hamburg (ZMH). In this paper, we report 259 specimens labelled as “types” belonging to 36 infrasubspecific taxa (invalid under the ICZN codes), 34 subspecies (16 of valid status) and 13 species (all of valid status). We present a full bibliography of the original descriptions and illustrations for all taxa, aiming to provide a comprehensive taxonomic guide to this collection.

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Research Article Mon, 22 Mar 2021 14:22:01 +0200
Dwarfs of the fortress: A new cryptic species of dwarf gecko of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Rajgad fort in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/62929/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 25-38

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.62929

Authors: Amit Sayyed, Vivek Philip Cyriac, Anish Pardeshi, Shauri Sulakhe

Abstract: A new species of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 is described from the Rajgad fort in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. The new species, belonging to the flaviventralis clade, is one of the smallest known Indian Cnemaspis and can be distinguished from other congeners by its genetic distinctiveness and few key morphological characters. The new species can be diagnosed from all other Indian congeners by its small body size (SVL < 27 mm), the absence of conical and spine-like tubercles on flank; heterogeneous dorsal pholidosis; presence of only femoral pores and no precloacal pores in males; weakly keeled scales on the ventral surface of neck, pectoral, abdominal region and limbs; granular scales on the tail with whorls of slightly enlarged, strongly keeled tubercles; and the absence of enlarged median subcaudal scales. The new species is currently known to inhabit the man-made historical structures from a single locality in Rajgad, Maharashtra, where it is presumed to be uncommon.

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Research Article Fri, 19 Mar 2021 08:39:22 +0200
A new species of geckos of the genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 from Arunachal Pradesh, India https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/61667/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 13-23

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.61667

Authors: Zeeshan A. Mirza, Harshal Bhosale, Faizan Ansari, Pushkar Phansalkar, Mandar Sawant, Gaurang Gowande, Harshil Patel

Abstract: We here describe a new species of bent-toed geckos from the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is widespread across the Dafla and Mishmi hills, occurring at elevations ranging from 179 m to 1400 m. The new species is recovered as sister to the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis clade based on a molecular phylogeny inferred from mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, subunit 2 gene. Intraspecific uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence (p-distance) for the new species was found to be between 0 and 5%, whereas the interspecific divergence from the closely-related congeners was between 19 and 30%. The new species can be differentiated from members of the C. khasiensis clade using a suite of morphological characters: moderate body size (SVL 64.9–81.7); 8–11 supralabials; 8–10 infralabials; 24–26 bluntly conical, feebly keeled dorsal tubercles; 50–60 paravertebral tubercles; ~38 ventral scales between ventrolateral folds; no precloacal groves; 6–10 precloacofemoral pores in a continuous series; 10–16 distal subdigital lamellae on IV of pes; subcaudal scalation of original tail without enlarged plates. This is the fourth reptile species described from Arunachal Pradesh from the expedition led by the team, and this further highlights the need for further herpetological investigations into the region.

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Research Article Thu, 28 Jan 2021 07:43:13 +0200
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
On the taxonomy and systematics of the recently described Lycodon deccanensis Ganesh, Deuti, Punith, Achyuthan, Mallik, Adhikari, Vogel, 2020 (Serpentes, Colubridae) from India https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/60570/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(2): 109-118

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.60570

Authors: Yatin Kalki, Sachin Gowda, Manu Agnivamshi, Karthik Singh, Harshil Patel, Zeeshan A. Mirza

Abstract: Lycodon deccanensis Ganesh, Deuti, Punith, Achyuthan, Mallik, Adhikari, Vogel, 2020 was recently described from the Mysore plateau of Karnataka based solely on morphology but lacking in-depth descriptions and comparisons. A scrutiny of the description reveals that the type series, of two specimens, comprise specimens of two different species along with discrepancies throughout the paper. Surveys conducted near the type locality of the species led to the discovery of additional specimens, which allow us to provide an elaborate description of the species and present data on its phylogenetic relationship with members of the genus and comments on the systematics of Lycodon of India. Results from molecular phylogenetics suggest that Lycodon deccanensis is a member of the L. aulicus clade based on molecular data for mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and shows an un-corrected p-distance (sequence divergence) of 14–17% from other members of the Lycodon aulicus clade.

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Research Article Tue, 15 Dec 2020 12:19:47 +0200
New subgenera and species of Agraeciini (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Conocephalinae) from South Asia found in historical insect collections https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/60525/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(2): 119-132

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.60525

Authors: Sigfrid Ingrisch

Abstract: Based on specimens collected in historical times and stored in the insect collections of the Natural History Museum London and the Zoological Museum Hamburg two new subgenera are established Robustacca subgen. nov. of the genus Peracca Griffini, 1897 and Indoliara subgen. nov. of the genus Liara Redtenbacher, 1891. Five new species are described: Peracca (Robustacca) nigrifrons sp. nov. from Sumatra, Liara (Acanthocoryphus) durata sp. nov. from Hongkong, Liara (Indoliara) dividata sp. nov. from South India, Pseudosubria assamensis sp. nov. from Assam and Depressacca kinabalu sp. nov. from Sabah. The species Odontoconus robustus Karny, 1923 is newly combined as Peracca (Robustacca) robustus (Karny, 1923) comb. nov. An extended and updated key to the subgenera of the genus Peracca Griffini, 1897 is provided. All specimens are deposited in the original collections.

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Research Article Tue, 15 Dec 2020 08:51:20 +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
A new species of Sacada Walker, 1862 from Thailand (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae, Pyralinae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/59893/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(2): 71-77

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.59893

Authors: Markku J. Pellinen, Reza Zahiri, Pasi Sihvonen

Abstract: A new species of Sacada from northern Thailand is described: S. chaehomensis sp. nov. Pellinen & Zahiri (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Pyralinae). Morphological characters and DNA barcode data are provided for the new species, with a morphological comparison to S. dzonguensis and S. umtasorensis, and a DNA-barcode comparison to S. ragonotalis and S. albioculalis, respectively. After this addition, the current number of valid species in the genus Sacada is 43.

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Research Article Mon, 16 Nov 2020 12:39:46 +0200
An updated checklist of type material of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) housed in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH), Germany https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/48407/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(1): 53-60

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.48407

Authors: Meik Henningsen, Gabriele Peitzner, Peter Peitzner, Martin Husemann

Abstract: We present an updated checklist of type specimens of dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera) and damselflies (Odonata: Zygoptera) housed in the collection of the Zoological Museum of Hamburg (ZMH), part of the Centrum für Naturkunde (CeNak), Hamburg, Germany. We list all types currently housed in the dry and wet collections of the museum and compare the current holdings to the previous catalogues provided by Weidner (1962, 1977). In total, the collection of the ZMH currently houses 84 type specimens belonging to 44 species (38 of which are still valid species); these include 17 holotypes, 7 syntypes, 4 lectotypes, 33 paratypes, and 23 paralectotypes. We here provide an updated list of Odonata types in the ZMH, which includes any changes in taxonomy, but also corrects mistakes of previous catalogues.

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Research Article Wed, 20 May 2020 10:07:16 +0300
Lophyrus spinosus C. Duméril & A. Duméril, 1851, a case of mistaken identity https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/49023/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(1): 45-52

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.49023

Authors: Wolfgang Denzer, Jakob Hallermann, Ulrich Manthey, Annemarie Ohler

Abstract: Lophyrus spinosus Duméril & Duméril, 1851 has been considered synonymous with Bronchocela marmorata Gray, 1845 since its original description. The name-bearing type of Lophyrus spinosus is the specimen collected by Hombron and Jacquinot (MNHN 6896) by original designation and the holotype by monotypy of Bronchocela marmorata is the specimen deposited under NHMUK 1946.8.11.16. Accordingly, these two scientific names do not share name-bearing types. Prior to the original descriptions of Lophyrus spinosus and Bronchocela marmorata Hombron & Jacquinot (1843) published a plate depicting Lophyrus spinosus, but only naming the species in French. The nomenclatural implications of this publication are discussed. Our comparison of the holotypes reveals that these two species are not identical. Therefore we resurrect Lophyrus spinosus from its synonymy with Bronchocela marmorata and show that the specimen collected by Hombron and Jacquinot actually belongs to the genus Hypsilurus. Duméril and Duméril (1851) were the first to make the name Lophyrus (= Hypsilurus) spinosus available and the authorship has to be assigned to them. Based on evidence from original travel reports and biogeography we propose that the collection locality of Lophyrus spinosus, i.e. Hypsilurus spinosus Duméril & Duméril (1851), should be corrected to Triton Bay, Kaimana, West Papua, Indonesia.

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Research Article Wed, 18 Mar 2020 14:27:01 +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
On three new species of jumping spiders of the genera Habrocestum Simon, 1876, Stenaelurillus Simon, 1886 and Tamigalesus Żabka, 1988 (Araneae, Salticidae) from Sri Lanka https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/47578/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(1): 5-19

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.47578

Authors: Nilani Kanesharatnam, Suresh P. Benjamin

Abstract: Three new species of litter-dwelling jumping spiders, Habrocestum liptoni sp. nov., Stenaelurillus ilesai sp. nov., and Tamigalesus fabus sp. nov. are described from Sri Lanka. In addition, T. munnaricus is redescribed based on the new material from Sri Lanka.

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Research Article Tue, 4 Feb 2020 14:31:33 +0200
The phylogeny of Empis and Rhamphomyia (Diptera, Empididae) investigated using UCEs including an over 150 years old museum specimen https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/49537/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(1): 21-33

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.49537

Authors: Caroline Rhodén, Emma Wahlberg

Abstract: The genera Empis Linneus, 1758 and Rhamphomyia Meigen, 1822 (Empidoidea, Empididae Latreille, 1809) are two large genera of flies commonly named dagger flies. They are widely distributed in the world with most species described from the Palearctic Region. Empis comprises about 810 described species and Rhamphomyia comprises about 610 described species, together they represent one third of the known species diversity in Empididae. Two recent studies on the phylogeny of the two genera using Sanger sequencing on a few genetic markers, did not support monophyly of them. In this study high throughput sequencing of target enriched molecular data of ultraconserved elements or UCEs was used to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of included representatives of the genera. This method has proven useful on old and dry museum specimens with high amounts of degraded DNA, which was also tested herein. For this purpose, a commercially synthesized bait kit has previously been developed for Diptera which this study was the first one to test. Three out of nine old and dry museum specimens were successfully sequenced, one with an age of at least 154 years. Higher DNA concentration yielded a greater number of reads. Analyses conducted in the study confirmed that both Empis and Rhamphomyia are non-monophyletic.

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Research Article Tue, 4 Feb 2020 12:10:15 +0200
An annotated catalogue of the scorpion types (Arachnida, Scorpiones) held in the Zoological Museum Hamburg. Part I: Parvorder Iurida Soleglad & Fet, 2003 https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/37464/ Evolutionary Systematics 3(2): 109-200

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.37464

Authors: Lionel Monod, Nadine Duperre, Danilo Harms

Abstract: Scorpions have always inspired fear and fascination because of the potency of their venoms. Although this ancient arachnid group is relatively small (ca. 2400 species) and has been continuously studied for the past century, the taxonomy is still in a state of flux and the correct identification of species often remains difficult. With more than 725 species and 9000 specimens, the Zoological Museum in Hamburg (ZMH) holds one of the largest and most significant scorpion collections in the world. This collection also contains many historical types described by Karl Kraepelin in the early 20th century. In order to contribute to a more stable scorpion taxonomy and to assist future scorpion researchers, we present an illustrated and annotated catalogue of the ZMH scorpion collections. The type specimens of 89 species belonging to 10 families are documented, imaged and assessed alongside their primary data. For practical reasons, only the taxa belonging to the parvorder Iurida Soleglad et Fet, 2003 are presented here whilst the Parvorder Buthida Soleglad et Fet, 2003 will be catalogued in a second publication.

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Research Article Tue, 10 Dec 2019 08:31:33 +0200
A new yellow-toed Platypelis species (Anura, Microhylidae, Cophylinae) from the Maroantsetra region, northeastern Madagascar https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/33417/ Evolutionary Systematics 3(1): 75-83

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.33417

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

Abstract: We describe a new species of arboreal narrow-mouthed frog, genus Platypelis, from Ambodivoangy near Maroantsetra in northeastern Madagascar. The new species, Platypelis ando sp. nov., is characterised by small body size (under 19 mm), a generally rather slender body, yellowish finger and toe tips, and a dark brown dorsal chevron. Its advertisement call is a single, moderately long, high-pitched whistle repeated at regular intervals. It is the sister species of P. ravus from Marojejy National Park, but differs from that species by considerable pairwise genetic distances (7.9%) in a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, and also in bioacoustic and morphological features, especially the absence of yellow on the posterior abdomen. It is also surprisingly similar in external appearance to Cophyla occultans and C. maharipeo, to which it is not, however, closely related; these species are most easily discerned based on their calls. Platypelis ando sp. nov. joins the ranks of several species recently described from Ambodivoangy with close affiliations to species in the nearby Marojejy National Park, that are still divergent at species level. The species qualifies as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List criteria, in line with other species recently assessed from this area, but we urge that more research be conducted in the nearby forests to extend the range of this and other species known only from Ambodivoangy.

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Research Article Wed, 26 Jun 2019 14:12:26 +0300
The genus Syrrhoe (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Synopiidae) from the North Atlantic https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/35737/ Evolutionary Systematics 3(1): 85-108

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.35737

Authors: Luisa Fuchs, Charles Oliver Coleman, Anne-Nina Lörz

Abstract: Three species of the amphipod genus Syrrhoe are described from the North Atlantic. The differences between these species are primarily the patterns of serration of the posterior margins of pleonite 3 and urosomite 1 and 2: Syrrhoe affinis has a wide convex space on the posterior margin between the epimeron 3 and the dorsal serration. In Syrrhoe crenulata and Syrrhoe anneheleneae sp. nov. there is only a small notch on the posterior margin of pleonite 3. Syrrhoe anneheleneae sp. nov., otherwise similar to S. crenulata, has an additional serration on the posterior margin of urosomite 1. The inter- and intraspecific distances analyzed from COI confirm the morphological species concept of North Atlantic Syrrhoe.

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Research Article Wed, 26 Jun 2019 10:10:19 +0300
The Brushed Jumping Spiders (Araneae, Salticidae, Jotus L. Koch, 1881) from Eastern Australia https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/34496/ Evolutionary Systematics 3(1): 53-73

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.34496

Authors: Barbara C. Baehr, Joseph Schubert, Danilo Harms

Abstract: The Australian fauna of Jumping spiders (family Salticidae) is highly diverse and includes iconic lineages such as the peacock spiders (genus Maratus Karsch, 1878) that are well-known for their vibrant colours and fascinating behaviours. Many other jumping spiders in Australia are also highly attractive but almost nothing is known about their diversity and taxonomic identity. Here, we describe and illustrate eight species of ‘brushed’ jumping spiders (genus Jotus L. Koch, 1881). Three of these were described more than 140 years ago and are redescribed and illustrated here: Jotus auripes L. Koch, 1881, J. braccatus L. Koch, 1881 and J. minutus L. Koch, 1881. Five new species are also described: Jotus albimanus sp. nov., J. fortiniae sp. nov., J. karllagerfeldi sp. nov., Jotus moonensis sp. nov., and J. newtoni sp. nov. While Jotus is a diverse and frequently observed genus in Australia, specimens are strangely rare in museum collections. A comprehensive revisionary framework including targeted field work and molecular methods will be required to fully document this charismatic and attractive group of spiders.

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Research Article Tue, 18 Jun 2019 12:56:24 +0300
Boring Amphipods from Tasmania, Australia (Eophliantidae: Amphipoda: Crustacea) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/35340/ Evolutionary Systematics 3(1): 41-52

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.35340

Authors: Lauren Elizabeth Hughes, Anne-Nina Lörz

Abstract: An overview of boring Australian Eophliantidae is provided along with the description of two new species of the genus Bircenna Chilton, 1884, B. thieli sp. nov. and B. hinojosai sp. nov. Interestingly, these species co-occur in samples of the bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum (Labillardière) Areschoug, 1854 collected in Tasmania, Australia and present a number of novel urosomite and telson structures not previously recorded. An updated key to the 16 world species is given.

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Research Article Wed, 12 Jun 2019 14:40:51 +0300
New Echiniscidae (Heterotardigrada) from Amber Mountain (Northern Madagascar) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/33580/ Evolutionary Systematics 3(1): 29-39

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.33580

Authors: Piotr Gąsiorek, Katarzyna Vončina

Abstract: A moss sample from the local biodiversity hotspot in lowland rainforest in the vicinity of Amber Mountain, Madagascar, yielded the discovery of two Echiniscus C.A.S. Schultze, 1840 species, of which one is new to science. Echiniscus succineus sp. nov. is related to other members of the spinulosus group, but differs from them by the highly complicated structure of the dorsal plates, with intricately thickened parts of the armour forming ornamented pattern. The validity of the intraporal dark rings as a taxonomic trait is discussed in the context of the recovered intraspecific variability for the new taxon. Besides, rare Echiniscus africanus Murray, 1907 is reported for the first time from the island.

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Research Article Thu, 16 May 2019 14:48:55 +0300
Generic and family transfers, and numina dubia for orb-weaving spiders (Araneae, Araneidae) in the Australasian, Oriental and Pacific regions https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/33454/ Evolutionary Systematics 3(1): 1-27

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.33454

Authors: Volker W. Framenau

Abstract: As part of a current revision of the Australasian and Pacific orb-weaving spider fauna (family Araneidae Clerck, 1757), a number new combinations are proposed in the genera Acroaspis Karsch, 1878 (3 species), Carepalxis L. Koch, 1872 (1 species), Cyclosa Menge, 1866 (5 species), and Neoscona Simon, 1864 (7 species): Acroaspis lancearia (Keyserling, 1887), comb. n., A. mamillana (Keyserling, 1887), comb. n., A. scutifer (Keyserling, 1886), comb. n., Carepalxis furcifera (Keyserling, 1886), comb. n.; Cyclosa anatipes (Keyserling, 1887), comb. n.; Cyclosa apoblepta (Rainbow, 1916), comb. n.; Cyclosa argentaria (Rainbow, 1916), comb. n.; Cyclosa lichensis (Rainbow, 1916), comb. n.; Cyclosa poweri (Rainbow, 1916), comb. n.; Neoscona decolor (L. Koch, 1871), comb. n.; Neoscona enucleata (Karsch, 1879), comb. n.; Neoscona flavopunctata (L. Koch, 1871), comb. n.; Neoscona floriata (Hogg, 1914), comb. n.; Neoscona granti (Hogg, 1914), comb. n.; Neoscona inusta (L. Koch, 1871), comb. n.; and Neoscona notanda (Rainbow, 1912), comb. n. The following two Australian species, currently placed in Araneus, are not Araneidae but comb-footed spiders (family Theridiidae Sundevall, 1833): Anelosimus dianiphus (Rainbow, 1916), comb. n. and Theridion xanthostichus (Rainbow, 1916), stat. and comb. n. The following six species are considered numina dubia as their type material is immature or otherwise unidentifiable (e.g. partly destroyed): Araneus acachmenus Rainbow, 1916; Araneus agastus Rainbow, 1916; Araneus exsertus Rainbow, 1904; Araneus suavis Rainbow, 1899; Carepalxis coronata (Rainbow, 1896); and Heurodes turritus Keyserling, 1886. Heurodes fratellus (Chamberlin, 1924) is considered a nomen dubium and Heurodes porcula (Simon, 1877) is returned to Eriovixia Archer, 1951, Eriovixia porcula (Simon, 1877). Type material of predominantly Australian species described by E. v. Keyserling (1 species), W. J. Rainbow (10 species), A. T. Urquhart (8 species), and C. A. Walckenaer (2 species) is here considered destroyed or otherwise lost. As it is impossible to identify these species from their original descriptions and considering the known spider fauna from their respective type localities, they are all considered numina dubia: Anepsia crinita Rainbow, 1893; Epeira diabrosis (Walckenaer, 1841); Epeira diversicolor Rainbow, 1893; Epeira ficta Rainbow, 1896; Epeira hamiltoni Rainbow, 1893; Epeira lacrymosa (Walckenaer, 1841); Epeira leai Rainbow, 1894; Epeira mortoni Urquhart, 1891; Epeira notacephala Urquhart, 1891; Epeira obscurta Urquhart, 1893; Epeira phalerata Urquhart, 1893; Epeira pronuba Rainbow, 1894; Epeira rara Keyserling, 1887; Epeira singulara Urquhart, 1891; Epeira sub-flavida Urquhart, 1893; Epeira similaris Rainbow, 1896 (= Araneus urquharti Roewer, 1942 replacement name); Epeira ventriosa Urquhart, 1891; and Epeira viridula Urquhart, 1891.

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Research Article Tue, 16 Apr 2019 08:54:51 +0300
The wolf spider genus Artoria in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia (Araneae, Lycosidae, Artoriinae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/30778/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(2): 169-241

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.30778

Authors: Volker W. Framenau, Barbara C. Baehr

Abstract: The wolf spider (Lycosidae Sundevall, 1833) genus Artoria Thorell, 1877 is revised for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia, to include 34 species, 21 of which are new to science: A. albopilata (Urquhart, 1893), A. alta Framenau 2004, A. beaury sp. n., A. barringtonensis sp. n., A. belfordensis sp. n., A. berenice (L. Koch, 1877), A. bondi sp. n., A. booderee sp. n., A. comleroi sp. n., A. corowa sp. n., A. equipalus sp. n., A. extraordinaria sp. n., A. flavimana Simon, 1909, A. gloriosa (Rainbow, 1920), A. grahammilledgei sp. n., A. helensmithae sp. n., A. howquaensis Framenau, 2002, A. kanangra sp. n., A. kerewong sp. n., A. lineata (L. Koch, 1877), A. maroota sp. n., A. mckayi Framenau, 2002, A. mungo sp. n., A. munmorah sp. n., A. myallensis sp. n., A. quadrata Framenau, 2002, A. slatyeri sp. n., A. strepera sp. n., A. taeniifera Simon, 1909, A. terania sp. n., A. triangularis Framenau, 2002, A. ulrichi Framenau, 2002, A. victoriensis Framenau, Gotch & Austin, 2006, and A. wilkiei sp. n. Lycosa pruinosa L. Koch, 1877, currently listed in Artoria, is considered a nomen dubium. Artoria are largely forest dwellers, although some species have preferences for more open areas such as riparian or coastal environments or grasslands. Consequently, the genus mainly occurs east and west along the Great Dividing Range, although some species can be found into the Riverina, Cobar Peneplain and Darling Riverine Plains IBRA regions to the west.

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Research Article Mon, 31 Dec 2018 12:00:38 +0200
Lost and found – Fritz Müller´s type material of Glossiphonia verrucata (Fr. Müller, 1844) (Hirudinida, Glossiphoniidae) with notes on the leech fauna of lake Tegel in Berlin (Germany) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/30793/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(2): 163-168

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.30793

Authors: Uwe Jueg, Peter Michalik

Abstract: In 1844, the famous German biologist Fritz Müller published his dissertation about the leech fauna of lakes in Berlin. This study not only addressed the occurrence of leeches in the different lakes, but also contains the description of a new species - Glossiphonia verrrucata (Fr. Müller, 1844). Unfortunately, he never mentioned how many specimens he found and where he deposited the material of his dissertation research. Thus, it came as a surprise that the material appeared in the small leech collection of the Zoological Museum of the University of Greifswald. Here, we provide an overview of the material focusing especially on the four syntypes of G. verrucata. Since this is a rarely found species, we further explored historical material from the type locality, Lake Tegel, held in other museums. Our survey revealed that the material collected by Müller is the only one known to date from the species-rich Lake Tegel, which is inhabited by 14 species of freshwater leeches.

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Research Article Fri, 30 Nov 2018 09:10:44 +0200
The spider genus Pterotricha Kulczyński, 1903 (Araneae, Gnaphosidae) in the United Arab Emirates https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/29981/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(2): 151-161

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.29981

Authors: Alireza Zamani

Abstract: Spiders of the gnaphosid genus Pterotricha Kulczyński, 1903 occurring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are surveyed on the basis of a large collection deposited in the American Museum of Natural History. Within the examined material, six species were recognized, four of which are described as new to science: P. arabica sp. n. (♂♀), P. esyunini sp. n. (♂), P. nadolnyi sp. n. (♂) and P. stevensi sp. n. (♂), and two are newly recorded for the fauna of the UAE: P. dalmasi Fage, 1929 (hitherto known from Algeria, Egypt, Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and possibly Iran) and P. kovblyuki Zamani & Marusik, 2018 (hitherto known only from Iran). Illustrations for all treated species and a map of collection localities are provided.

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Research Article Fri, 9 Nov 2018 11:03:16 +0200
New species of tube web spiders of the genus Ariadna from South Australia (Araneae, Segestriidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/29172/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(2): 137-149

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.29172

Authors: Jessica R. Marsh, Barbara C. Baehr, Richard V. Glatz, Volker W. Framenau

Abstract: Two new species in the tube-web spider genus Ariadna Audouin, 1826 (Segestriidae Simon, 1893) are described from South Australia based on morphological features of both males and females. Ariadna clavata sp. n. and Ariadna tangara sp. n. are widespread and sympatric on eastern Kangaroo Island, where they are found beneath bark, in borer holes in dead wood, and in short burrows under rocks. They have also been found in south-eastern mainland South Australia and bring the total number of described Australian Ariadna to 13 species. We showcase intraspecific variation in both species based on a significant number of specimens, including substantial size variation in females and variations in patterns of leg spination. For male Ariadna, we also establish the previously unknown functions of apophyses and spines on the metatarsi and tibiae on the first legs, which are used during mating to clasp the female.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Nov 2018 10:07:23 +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
An annotated catalogue of the types of bush-crickets and crickets (Orthoptera, Ensifera) housed in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/27030/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 115-124

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.27030

Authors: Lara-Sophie Dey, Martin Husemann

Abstract: Types represent the ultimate taxonomic information of a species and hence represent the most important specimens in museums. The entomological collections of the Zoological Museum Hamburg (now part of the Centrum für Naturkunde) hold several thousand primary types of insects. However, despite their importance currently no type database exists and catalogues have not been updated since almost 50 years and are only available in German. Following the publication of our catalogue of Caelifera types, we here present an updated catalogue for the Ensifera types held in the collection in English language. 74 species are represented as types with 105 specimens; of these 44 are name-bearing types: 36 holotypes, 3 lectotypes, 4 syntypes and 1 neotype. The remaining specimens are para- (55), paralecto- (4), allo- (1) and neoallotypes (1). Most of the species were described by Max Beier (18), Tevfik Karabak (13), Josef Redtenbacher (13) and the former curator of the collection Herbert Weidner (10). In his catalogues in 1966 and 1977 Weidner recorded types of 73 species present in the collection and an additional 65 as potentially lost in the war; 71 of the types recorded by Weidner were still present, whereas two could not be found (Xiphidium geniculare Redtenbacher, 1891; Xiphidium longipes Redtenbacher, 1891); one species recorded as lost by Weidner was found (Lezina acuminata Ander, 1938) and one species (neoallotype of Paradecolya inexspectata Chopard, 1957) and one additional type individual (paratype of Choeroparnops forcipatus Beier, 1949) are newly reported for the collection.

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Research Article Wed, 18 Jul 2018 13:11:40 +0300
An updated checklist of the amphibian diversity of Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/27020/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 89-114

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.27020

Authors: Alexander Haas, Kueh Boon-Hee, Alvinus Joseph, Masliadi bin Asri, Indraneil Das, Reto Hagmann, Loraine Schwander, Stefan Hertwig

Abstract: The current account presents the results of a 14-day amphibian survey at Maliau Basin Conservation Area (MBCA). With a total of approximately 170 man-hrs, 44 species were detected at four study sites during the field period; four more species were later discovered outside the two-week campaign. The results are compared to the results of previous surveys. Apart from adults, we present the first photographic documentation of the larval stages of Chiromantis inexpectatus and Bornean Phrynoidis juxtaspera, along with a brief tadpole description; the better-known tadpoles of four more species were recorded. The results of our expedition suggest that nine more species are present at MBCA than reported by previous studies. We present an updated list of known species in the MBCA, comprising 61 species. The species accumulation curve over the 14 days period of the core survey did not show signs of asymptotic saturation. We conclude that the definitive species number for MBCA amphibians has the potential to increase with more thorough surveys in the future.

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Research Article Fri, 13 Jul 2018 11:26:12 +0300
Phylogeography, species delimitation and population structure of a Western Australian short-range endemic mite harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones: Pettalidae: Karripurcellia) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/25274/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 81-87

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.25274

Authors: Martin Schwentner, Gonzalo Giribet

Abstract: The mite harvestmen of the genus Karripurcellia Giribet, 2003 are endemic to the tall, wet eucalypt forests of south-western Western Australia, a region known as a hotspot for biodiversity. Currently, there are two accepted species, K. peckorum Giribet, 2003 and K. sierwaldae Giribet, 2003, both with type localities within the Warren National Park. We obtained 65 COI mtDNA sequences from across the entire distributional range of the genus. These sequences, falling into two to three geographically separate groups, probably correspond to two species. Morphologically, all of the studied specimens correspond to K. peckorum, suggesting cryptic speciation within that species. A few common haplotypes occur in more than one population, but most haplotypes are confined to a single population. As a result, populations are genetically differentiated and gene flow after initial colonization appears to be very limited or completely lacking. Our study provides another example of short-range endemism in an invertebrate from the south-western mesic biome.

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Research Article Tue, 26 Jun 2018 13:43:30 +0300
Taxonomic descriptions of nine new species of the goblin spider genera Cavisternum, Grymeus, Ischnothyreus, Opopaea, Pelicinus and Silhouettella (Araneae, Oonopidae) from Sri Lanka https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/25200/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 65-80

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.25200

Authors: U.G.S.L. Ranasinghe, Suresh P. Benjamin

Abstract: Nine new species of goblin spiders are described in six different genera: Cavisternum bom n. sp., Grymeus dharmapriyai n. sp., Ischnothyreus chippy n. sp., Opopaea spinosiscorona n. sp., Pelicinus snooky n. sp., P. tumpy n. sp., Silhouettella saaristoi n. sp., S. snippy n. sp. and S. tiggy n. sp. Three genera are recorded for the first time in Sri Lanka: Cavisternum, Grymeus and Silhouettella. The first two genera are reported for the first time outside of Australia. Sri Lankan goblin spider diversity now comprises 45 described species in 13 different genera.

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Research Article Thu, 21 Jun 2018 15:01:09 +0300
A new species of Charinus (Amblypygi: Charinidae) from Ghana, with notes on West African whip spiders https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/24505/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 45-53

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.24505

Authors: Danilo Harms

Abstract: The fauna of whip spiders (Amblypygi) in Western Africa is poorly known but probably diverse. Here, I describe the new species Charinus kakum sp. n. based on female morphology, and accompanied by DNA sequence data. The species is small and differs from other African species of Charinus in the low number of pseudosegments on leg IV, female genital features, spination patterns of the pedipalp, and small body size. It was collected from wet tropical rainforest in Kakum National Park, Ghana and is only the fourth species of Charinus to be recorded from the highly diverse Western African biodiversity hotspot. With a total body length of not even 6 mm it is also one of the smallest whip spiders in the world.

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Research Article Tue, 3 Apr 2018 10:59:42 +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
An annotated catalogue of the types of short-horned grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Caelifera) housed in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/22127/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 21-30

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.22127

Authors: Lara-Sophie Dey, Martin Husemann

Abstract: Zoological collections remain the main archive of animal life on earth, especially in times of mass extinctions. The most important animals of these collections are the type specimens, which represent the original reference for a species. While a full digitization of most museum collections currently remains utopic, lists of types are an essential resource for researchers to perform taxonomic revisions. Here, we provide an updated type catalogue of the short-horned grasshoppers (Caelifera) housed in the Zoological Museum of Hamburg (ZMH), now part of the Center for Natural History Hamburg (CeNak). This collection comprises 209 type specimens belonging to 128 species: 65 holotypes, three lectotypes, one syntype and a large number of paratypes. We also list topotypes of two species for reasons of completeness but note that they have no formal status. Overall, types of 13 species were added to the collection since the last catalogues in 1968 and 1977 and several corrections to the last catalogues were made. We provide a full bibliography for these species, aiming to provide a comprehensive taxonomic guide to this collection.

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Research Article Mon, 19 Mar 2018 10:16:26 +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
Evolving toward Evolutionary Systematics https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/21550/ Evolutionary Systematics 1(1): 1-2

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.1.21550

Authors: Matthias Glaubrecht, Andreas Schmidt-Rhaesa, Martin Husemann

Abstract: Not only nature is evolving, but also museum journals with a long tradition in knowledge transfer. Founded nearly one and a half centuries ago, in the year 1884, at about the same time as quite some other museum journals around the world (Glaubrecht et al. 2008), the “Mitteilungen aus dem Hamburgischen Zoologischen Museum und Institut” looks back on a quite successful era of publishing important research contributions of scientists at or associated with Hamburg’s Natural History Museum. With new beginnings in many respect after World War II, in the year 1952 a second journal at this museum was founded, viz. the “Entomologische Mitteilungen des Zoologischen Museums Hamburg”. Now, after their founding institution has seen tremendous change over the many decades of its existence, we feel that it is also about time to make a new start with these two traditional journals, evolving them into a new era of scientific knowledge transfer, fusing both “Mitteilungen” from the Hamburg museum into one modern journal.

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Editorial Fri, 22 Dec 2017 12:11:13 +0200
Portacosa, a new genus for the south-east Australian Grey Wolf Spider (Araneae, Lycosidae, Lycosinae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/14847/ Evolutionary Systematics 1(1): 77-86

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.1.14847

Authors: Volker W. Framenau

Abstract: A new monotypic genus of Australian wolf spiders is proposed to accommodate the common south-east Australian Grey Wolf Spider, Portacosa cinerea gen. n. and sp. n. The genus includes large (total length 9.5–25.0 mm), uniformly grey-coloured wolf spiders with unique genital morphology, i.e. the ventral ridge of the tegular apophysis in the male pedipalp is comparatively sharp and situated towards its retrolateral edge, and the distinct anterior hood of the female epigyne is continuous with the inverted T-shaped median septum. Unlike most other members of the Lycosinae in Australia, the Grey Wolf Spider closes its burrow with a plug-like trapdoor. The species can be found in south-eastern mainland Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia) and Tasmania. It prefers compacted, open and often sun-exposed habitats such as road verges and river banks, but can also be found in open woodlands and grasslands.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Dec 2017 11:27:22 +0200
A new species of Mouse Spider (Actinopodidae, Missulena) from the Goldfields region of Western Australia https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/14665/ Evolutionary Systematics 1(1): 39-46

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.1.14665

Authors: Volker W. Framenau, Danilo Harms

Abstract: A new species of Mouse Spider (family Actinopodidae Simon, 1892), Missulena harewoodi, is described from near the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. It differs from all other Missulena species by the unusual light grey colouration of the abdomen in combination with small body size and shiny carapace. A phylogenetic analysis of a fragment (658 bp) of the COI barcoding gene places M. harewoodi sp. n. in a clade with four Missulena species from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, more than 900 km away. Missulena harewoodi sp. n. is one of the many species in this genus that are currently only known from a single, or a very limited number of specimen, highlighting the paucity of fauna collections in many arid regions of Australia and the difficulties in sampling these cryptic spiders.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Dec 2017 11:08:40 +0200
The Australian Lynx Spiders (Araneae, Oxyopidae, Oxyopes) of the Godeffroy Collection, including the description of a new species https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/14652/ Evolutionary Systematics 1(1): 11-37

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.1.14652

Authors: Barbara C. Baehr, Danilo Harms, Nadine Dupérré, Robert Raven

Abstract: The historical Godeffroy Collection of spiders at the Centrum für Naturkunde (CeNak) in Hamburg comprises several hundred type specimens from Australia and is an essential source for arachnologists around the world. In this paper, we re-describe and illustrate the Australian Oxyopes material from this collection. Most specimens were collected by C. F. Eduard Dämel for the Godeffroy Museum and described in 1871-1881 by pioneering arachnologist Ludwig Carl Christian Koch as part of the first monograph on Australian spiders: Die Arachniden Australiens. Twelve species are redescribed and properly illustrated for the first time: Oxyopes amoenus L. Koch, 1878, Oxyopes attenuatus L. Koch, 1878, Oxyopes elegans L. Koch, 1878, Oxyopes gratus L. Koch, 1878, Oxyopes gracilipes (White, 1849), Oxyopes macilentus L. Koch, 1878, Oxyopes molarius L. Koch, 1878, Oxyopes mundulus L. Koch, 1878, Oxyopes punctatus L. Koch, 1878, Oxyopes quadrifasciatus L. Koch, 1878, Oxyopes rubicundus L. Koch, 1878, and Oxyopes variabilis L. Koch, 1878. Oxyopes lautus L. Koch, 1878 is treated as a numen dubium because both palps are lost. The new species Oxyopes godeffroyi sp. n. is described from this historical material and was probably overlooked by Koch. An identification key for these species is provided and the history of these specimens reviewed briefly. A map shows the localities of the redescribed Oxyopes species and the general distribution of the Oxyopes species in Queensland.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Dec 2017 10:53:16 +0200
“High Tide or Low Tide”: Desis bobmarleyi sp. n., a new spider from coral reefs in Australia’s Sunshine State and its relative from Sāmoa (Araneae, Desidae, Desis) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/15735/ Evolutionary Systematics 1(1): 111-120

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.1.15735

Authors: Barbara C. Baehr, Robert Raven, Danilo Harms

Abstract: Spiders of the genus Desis Walckenaer, 1837 (Araneae: Desidae) are water-adapted spiders and live in the intertidal zone on reefs, marine debris and under rocks. Here, we describe a new intertidal species from tropical Queensland and name it after Bob Marley, whose song “High Tide or Low Tide” inspired us as it lives in a “high tide low tide” habitat. We also re-describe a close morphological relative, Desis vorax L. Koch, 1872 from Sāmoa. This species was described some 150 years ago from the Godeffroy Collection which holds the oldest major collection of Australasian and Pacific spiders, now mainly hosted in the Centre of Natural History in Hamburg (CeNak). A third species, Desis hartmeyeri Simon, 1909, was described from juvenile specimens only and is considered a nomen dubium. “None but ourselves can free our minds.” Bob Marley, Redemption Song (1980).

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Research Article Fri, 22 Dec 2017 09:25:33 +0200