A new turtle: Chelus orinocensis

The mata mata turtle is a large (45 cm, up to 15 kg) freshwater turtle found in South America, mostly in the in the Amazon and Orinoco basins.  They have a very distinct look and are therefore available in the exotic pet trade, quite expensive to obtain. 

These turtles are carnivorous and predominantly feed at night in muddy water with limited visibility. However, they have very good eyesight with eyes that reflect light, similar to other nocturnal reptiles. 

The species name of the new discovery refers to the Orinoco drainage as its core distribution range. 

For the experts: The matamata is one of the most charismatic turtles on earth, widely distributed in northern South America. Debates have occurred over whether or not there should be two subspecies or species recognized due to its geographic variation in morphology. Even though the matamata is universally known, its natural history, conservation status and biogeography are largely unexplored. In this study we examined the phylogeographic differentiation of the matamata based on three mitochondrial DNA fragments (2168 bp of the control region, cytochrome oxidase subunit I, and the cytochrome b gene), one nuclear genomic DNA fragment (1068 bp of the R35 intron) and 1661 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Our molecular and morphological analyses revealed the existence of two distinct, genetically deeply divergent evolutionary lineages of matamatas that separated in the late Miocene (approximately 12.7 million years ago), corresponding well to the time when the Orinoco Basin was established. As a result of our analyses, we describe the genetically and morphologically highly distinct matamata from the Orinoco and Río Negro Basins and the Essequibo drainage as a species new to science (Chelus orinocensis sp. nov.). Chelus fimbriata sensu stricto is distributed in the Amazon Basin and the Mahury drainage. Additionally, the analyses revealed that each species displays phylogeographic differentiation. For C. orinocensis, there is moderate mitochondrial differentiation between the Orinoco and the Río Negro. For C. fimbriata, there is more pronounced differentiation matching different river systems. One mitochondrial clade was identified from the Amazon, Ucayali, and Mahury Rivers, and another one from the Madeira and Jaci Paraná Rivers. The C. orinocensis in the Essequibo and Branco Rivers have haplotypes that constitute a third clade clustering with C. fimbriata. Phylogenetic analyses of the R35 intron and SNP data link the matamatas from the Essequibo and Branco with the new species, suggesting past gene flow and old mitochondrial introgression. Chelus orinocensis is collected for the pet trade in Colombia and Venezuela. However, neither the extent of the harvest nor its impact are known. Hence, it is crucial to gather more information and to assess its exploitation throughout its distribution range to obtain a better understanding of its conservation status and to design appropriate conservation and management procedures.

A new fish: Lestidium longilucifer

Barracudinas (family Paralepididae) are long and slender fish with large eyes, and a pointed snout with fang-like teeth. They look a little like to barracudas but are not related to those. They lack a swim bladder and - rarely found in vertebrates - they are hermaphrodites. Barracudinas can be found at depths of 2000 m, but they are mostly found somewhere between 200 and 1000 m. 

Our new species is one of three that were found in the Indo-West Pacific. Its name is a  combination of the Latin words longus and lucifer, referring to a long luminescent duct that extends well forward of the eye.

For the experts: Three new species of the genus Lestidium with complete lateral line are described from the Indo-west Pacific Ocean. Lestidium longilucifer sp. nov., from Western Australia and Taiwan, belongs to the Lestidium atlanticum species complex and can be separated from other congeners by having 41–43 prehaemal vertebrae, 85–88 total vertebrae and 126–146 total lateral-line scales; and body proportions. Lestidium australis sp. nov. from eastern Australia and Lestidium rofeni sp. nov. from Taiwan and the Philippines together with Lestidium prolixum form the L. prolixum species complex. These three species can be separated from each other by a combination of different fin positions, vertebral formula, number of lateral-line scales and pigmentation.

Three new moths: Caryocolum messneri, Caryocolum lamai, Caryocolum habeleri

Three of the world's most famous alpinists (Reinhold Messner, Peter Habeler and David Lama - all Austrians) have been honoured by naming some newly discovered alpine moth species after them. They were discovered and described by my Austrian colleague Peter Huemer. 

The species belong to the large moth family Gelechiidae (4500 species) which is a group of usually rather small animals with narrow, fringed wings. Gelechiidae caterpillars mostly feed on various parts of plants, sometimes causing galls or mines. Many species are agricultural pests but some of them are actually used as biocontrol agents for invasive plant species.

For the experts: The taxonomy of the Palaearctic Caryocolum schleichi species group is revised, leading to a largely new species concept. Initially described as four different species (C. schleichi, C. arenariella, C. dianthella, C. improvisella), these taxa were later considered as subspecies. Recently the taxon C. arenariella was re-instated to species level without, however, revision of the remaining three subspecies. Analysis of DNA barcodes of the mtCOI (Cytochrome c Oxidase 1) gene of all four validly described taxa showed an unexpected pattern of genetic diversity. Careful re-examination of morphological traits, particularly male and female genitalia, fully supported this pattern, leading to the re-instatement of C. dianthella sp. rev. and C. improvisella sp. rev. as valid species and the description of three new species, all of them occurring in the Alps: C. messneri sp. nov. (Italy, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Greece), C. lamai sp. nov. (Italy, France) and C. habeleri sp. nov. (France, Switzerland, Germany). All species are described in detail and the adults and genitalia of both sexes are illustrated.

A new snake: Trimeresurus salazar

These are the days for Harry Potter fans among taxonomists and naturalists. Another animal has been described using the name of a character in JK Rowling's famous books: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’s co-founder, Salazar Slytherin.

Green pit vipers of the genus Trimeresurus are venomous serpents, with rather diverse looking species and varying life styles. They can be found  across east and Southeast Asia. This new species was found in Arunachal Pradesh, a state in India that borders Buthan and Myanmar.

For the experts: A new species of green pit vipers of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 is described from the lowlands of western Arunachal Pradesh state of India. The new species, Trimeresurus salazar, is a member of the subgenus Trimeresurus, a relationship deduced contingent on two mitochondrial genes, 16S and ND4, and recovered as sister to Trimeresurus septentrionalis Kramer, 1977. The new species differs from the latter in bearing an orange to reddish stripe running from the lower border of the eye to the posterior part of the head in males, higher number of pterygoid and dentary teeth, and a short, bilobed hemipenis. Description of the new species and T. arunachalensis Captain, Deepak, Pandit, Bhatt & Athreya, 2019 from northeastern India in a span of less than one year highlights the need for dedicated surveys to document biodiversity across northeastern India.

A new fungus: Chroogomphus pakistanicus

Chroogomphus fungi are economically very important because of their association with pine trees, some medicinal properties (potential antibiotic) and because they are edible. According to an online wild mushroom cookbook they are excellent when dried, have a firm chewy texture but almost no flavor. This means you can put them in any dish without worrying about overpowering them - there's nothing to overpower! They make an excellent textural addition, though, a little crunchy, a little rubbery, very pleasant. Use them in tomato sauce as a meat substitute, or in a spicy Thai curry. You can't go wrong, because you can't taste them.

Our new species was found in the Kumrat valley in  the North of Pakistan, hence the species name.

For the experts: With only three published reports, the genus Chroogomphus (Boletales, Gomphidiaceae) is poorly studied in Pakistan. During recent sampling events in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province, Pakistan, several collections of Chroogomphus were made, representing undescribed taxa. Based on morphological and molecular data, two new species are described: Chroogomphus pakistanicus and C. pruinosus. We present a description and illustrations for both taxa. A molecular phylogenetic reconstruction, based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1–5.8S–ITS2) barcode region, shows that C. pakistanicus and C. pruinosus are placed in two different subgenera of Chroogomphus (subg. Chroogomphus and subg. Siccigomphus, respectively).

Two new pseudoscorpions: Tyrannochthonius eua & Nesocheiridium onevai

Pseudoscorpions are a type of arachnid, meaning that they are not insects, but are closely related to spiders. They are cryptic animals, living amongst leaf-litter, under rocks, within compost piles, under bark and within decaying wood, in caves, and in various vertebrate nests. We know little about these tiny organisms and they are sometimes referred to as ‘neglected cousins’ of the spiders. They are named “Pseudo” scorpions because they have pincers that resemble scorpions, but do not have a tail and stinger. They can be found anywhere from a tree canopy, to somewhere in your home where they feed on the larvae of some household pests. They can also be found in leaf litter, where they feed on other tiny arthropods. Males use chemicals known as pheromones, and a fancy dancing behaviour, to attract females to mate. These arachnids construct a silken cocoon which they use to protect themselves during the winter. Pseudoscorpions occur all over the planet. Both new species were named after the Polynesian islands on which they were found. 

For the experts: The genera Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929 and Nesocheiridium Beier, 1957 are recorded from the Tonga Islands, Polynesia, for the first time. Tyrannochthonius eua sp. nov. is described from the island of Eua. Nesocheiridium onevai sp. nov. is described from the island of Onevai. This is the first discovery of a representative of the genus Nesocheiridium in more than 60 years. The holotype of the type species, Nesocheiridium stellatum Beier, 1957, is redescribed, allowing a better understanding of this poorly known genus. The genus Nesocheiridium is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: integument coarsely granulate, dorsally granulo-reticulate; vestitural setae either relatively long, with a leaf-like outline, or arcuate with a small spine; cucullus short; only 10 abdominal tergites visible in dorsal view; cheliceral rallum of four blades; venom apparatus present in both chelal fingers; fixed chelal finger with granulate swelling mesally and seven trichobothria; trichobothria ib and ist located distad of granulate swelling; eb and esb situated close together at the base of the finger; moveable chelal finger with two trichobothria.

A new plant: Hanceola suffruticosa

The family Lamiaceae is commonly known as the mint or sage family. Many of the plants are aromatic in all parts and include widely used herbs such as basil, rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, and lavender. The family is rather large with about 7000 species and the genus Hanceola is fairly small with eight known species. These species are only known from evergreen forests in Southern China. The new species was found in the same region but also in Vietnam and differs from all other Hanceola species by having a base that is woody and does not die down each year. This trait is called suffrutescent and was used to derive the name of the new species.

For the experts: Hanceola is a genus of eight herbaceous species previously thought to be endemic to southern China. However, H. suffruticosa, a new species described here from China and Vietnam, differs from all other species of Hanceola by its subshrubby habit. It is also distinct in its shallowly bicrenate laminae and densely purplish glandular puberulent inflorescences. The morphological description, illustrations, and distribution of the new species are presented. A key to all species of Hanceola is also provided.

A new frog: Raorchestes rezakhani

Bush frogs belong to a genus of frogs in the family Rhacophoridae. These frogs can be found in South and Southeast Asia and among the most spectacular members of this group are some so-called flying frogs. Well, the expression gliding frog is perhaps better, as they have the ability to achieve gliding flight. Our new species is not known to be a glider but nevertheless is a new exciting find in Bangladesh. By the way these little guys are tiny, just about 2cm length as adults.

This new species was named after a pioneer in the field of wildlife research in Bangladesh, Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan.

For the experts: Raorchestes is a speciose genus of bush frogs with high diversity occurring in the Western Ghats of India. Relatively fewer species have been recorded across India, through Bangladesh, southern China, into Vietnam and Peninsular Malaysia. Many bush frogs are morphologically cryptic and therefore remain undescribed. Here, a new species, Raorchestes rezakhani sp. nov., is described from northeastern Bangladesh based on morphological characters, genetics, and bioacoustics. The 16S rRNA gene distinguished this species from 48 known species of this genus. Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses indicated that the new species was most similar to R. tuberohumerus, a species found in the Western Ghats, and to R. gryllus, a species found in Vietnam. Bioacoustics indicated that their calls were similar in pattern to most Raorchestes species, although number of pulses, duration of pulses, pulse intervals and amplitude differentiated it from a few other species. It is suggested that northeastern India, Bangladesh, northern Myanmar, and southern China represent important, relatively unexplored areas that could yield additional species of Raorchestes. Since many remaining habitat patches in Bangladesh are under severe threat from deforestation, efforts should be made to protect these last patches from further degradation.

A new spider: Lycosa aragogi

This one is for Harry Potter fans.

There are about 2400 species of Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) on Earth. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including our homes. Spiderlings of this group are known for a behaviour called ballooning. They move through the air by releasing one or more silk threads to catch the wind, causing them to become airborne. As a consequence, wolf spiders have wide distributions.

This new wolf spider species was named after Aragog, the famous fictional spider from the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling. The authors state that there are similarities between this new species and the animatronic version used in the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

For the experts: With over 2400 species in 123 genera, Lycosidae is one of the largest spider families (WSC 2017). For over two hundred years, the type genus Lycosa Latreille, 1804 have accumulated large-sized wolf spiders from all over the world. Thus, with 218 nominal species, this genus is distributed in all zoogeographical regions (WSC 2017). Almost none of the species currently classified in Lycosa appear to be related to the type species—L. tarantula (Linnaeus, 1758); hence, the genus is polyphyletic and should be divided into several genera. This process has been already started; for example, in Australia and New Zealand where many of large wolf spiders have been removed from Lycosa (Roewer 1955, 1959, 1960; Vink 2002; Framenau & Baehr 2016). Also, some Holarctic, Neotropic and Afrotropic species were transferred from Lycosa to other genera (for a complete list of references see WSC 2017). In the Palaearctic, Lycosa is represented by 60 species (WSC 2017) and remains almost unrevised. From the southern Palaearctic, Saharo-Gobian desert region (Yemel’yanov 1974), 36 species of Lycosa have been recorded to date, 6 of which are poorly described (WSC 2017).

A new gecko: Cyrtodactylus phnomchiensis

Geckos have a number of unique features that distinguish them from other lizards. They use sounds in social interactions with other geckos. They lack eyelids which is why they often lick their eyes to keep them clean and moist. However, they are probably best known for their specialized toe pads that enable them to climb smooth and vertical surfaces, and even cross indoor ceilings with ease.

This new species was collected in Cambodia at Phnom Chi (a mountain) in the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kampong Thom Province, hence the name Cyrtodactylus phnomchiensis.

For the experts: Cyrtodactylus phnomchiensis sp. nov. is described from Phnom Chi, an isolated mountain in Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia. The new species is recognized by having a unique combination of morphological characters, including snout-vent length 76.1–80.7 mm; paravertebral tubercles 31–36; ventral scales 45–54; enlarged femoral scales 0–8, without pores; enlarged precloacal scales 7–10, bearing pores 4–5 in males, pits 1–7 in females; the posterior border of nuchal loop unbroken and pointed, bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by a broad yellow or yellowish white band; and yellow spots on top of head. The new species also represents a divergent mitochondrial DNA lineage within the C. irregularis complex that is closely related to C. ziegleri, but the phylogenetic relationships among the new species and two divergent mitochondrial subclades within C. ziegleri are not resolved based on available sequence data. Cyrtodactylus phnomchiensis sp. nov. is the only member of the C. irregularis complex known to occur west of the Mekong River. The new species may be endemic to Phnom Chi, and likely faces imminent conservation threats.

A new lizard: Iguana melanoderma

Iguanas are herbivorous lizards that live in the tropical areas of the Americas. They can get up to 1.8m long. The name Iguana comes from the word iwana derived from a Caribbean indigenous language (Taino). There are a good number of Lizards that are named Iguana but there are only two species of the genus Iguana known to science. This new one represents the third one. Its name was chosen to emphasize the dark skin of the new species, melano means black and derma means skin. It was found on the Lesser Antilles Islands Saba and Montserrat.

For the experts: The Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, is inhabited by three Iguana species: the Lesser Antillean iguana Iguana delicatissima, which is endemic to the northernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles, the introduced common iguana from South America, Iguana iguana iguana, represented also by the two newly described endemic subspecies Iguana iguana sanctaluciae from Saint Lucia and Iguana iguana insularis from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, and the introduced Iguana rhinolopha from Central America. Drawing on both morphological and genetic data, this paper describes the Iguana populations from Saba and Montserrat as a new species, Iguana melanoderma. This species is recognized on the basis of the following combination of characteristics: private microsatellite alleles, unique mitochondrial ND4 haplotypes, a distinctive black spot between the eye and tympanum, a dorsal carpet pattern on juveniles and young adults, a darkening of body coloration with aging (except for the anterior part of the snout), a black dewlap, pink on the jowl, the high number of large tubercular nape scales, fewer than ten medium sized–triangular dewlap spikes, high dorsal spikes, and lack of horns on the snout. This new melanistic taxon is threatened by unsustainable harvesting (including for the pet trade) and both competition and hybridization from escaped or released invasive alien iguanas (I. iguana iguana and I. rhinolopha) from South and Central America, respectively. The authors call for action to conserve Iguana melanoderma in Saba and Montserrat and for further research to investigate its relationship to other melanistic iguanas from the Virgin Islands and coastal islands of Venezuela.

A new millipede: Trachyjulus magnus

Millipedes are often found under mulch, dead leaves, or under piles of grass clipping. They thrive in places where the soil stays damp. There they eat dead leaves and decaying wood particles. In the fall, millipedes often migrate. They move out of their normal habitat. Colleagues suspect they may be trying to get ready for winter. However, they have also been seen migrating after a heavy rain has flooded their habitat. During these migrations, millipedes often find their way into our homes.

A good number of millipede species are well adapted to live in caves and so is our new species which was found in a cave in Southern Thailand. Its scientific name was chosen to indicate that it has the largest body size of all species known in the genus Trachyjulus. 

For the experts: A new, giant species of Trachyjulus from a cave in southern Thailand is described, illustrated, and compared to morphologically closely related taxa. This new species, T. magnus sp. nov., is much larger than all other congeners and looks especially similar to the grossly sympatric T. unciger Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2012, which is widespread in southern Thailand. Phylogenetic trees, both rooted and unrooted, based on a concatenated dataset of the COI and 28S genes of nine species of Cambalopsidae (Trachyjulus, Glyphiulus, and Plusioglyphiulus), strongly support the monophyly of Trachyjulus and a clear-cut divergence between T. magnus sp. nov. and T. unciger in revealing very high average p-distances of the COI gene (20.80–23.62%).

A new fungus: Ochraceocephala foeniculi

You've probably eaten fennel at some time in your life. Not everybody likes this vegetable although it is pretty versatile and rather healthy. The entire plant (including seeds) is edible. It's origin is in the mediterranean region and is one of Italy's most popular vegetables. In fact 85% of the world's fennel comes from Italy. Several diseases caused by fungi are known for fennel and researchers have just discovered and described a new one: Ochraceocephala foeniculi. This new fungus was named after the scientific name of fennel.

For the experts: A new disease of fennel is described from Sicily (southern Italy). Surveys of the disease and sampling were conducted during spring 2017 and 2018 in Adrano and Bronte municipalities (Catania province) where this crop is widely cultivated. Isolations from the margin of symptomatic tissues resulted in fungal colonies with the same morphology. Pathogenicity tests with one isolate of the fungus on 6-month-old plants of fennel reproduced similar symptoms to those observed in nature. Inoculation experiments to assess the susceptibility of six different fennel cultivars to infection by the pathogen showed that the cultivars ‘Narciso’, ‘Apollo’, and ‘Pompeo’ were more susceptible than ‘Aurelio’, ‘Archimede’, and ‘Pegaso’. Phylogenetic analyses based on a matrix of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit (LSU), and the small subunit (SSU) rDNA regions revealed that the isolates represent a new genus and species within the Leptosphaeriaceae, which is here described as Ochraceocephala foeniculi gen. et sp. nov. This study improves the understanding of this new fennel disease, but further studies are needed for planning effective disease management strategies. According to the results of the phylogenetic analyses, Subplenodomus iridicola is transferred to the genus Alloleptosphaeria and Acicuseptoria rumicis to Paraleptosphaeria.

A new grass: Poa magellensis

The Apennine Mountains are a beautiful mountain range along the length of the peninsular Italy.  Embedded in a really nice area of the Central Apennine in the Abruzzo region lies the Majella National Park. Colleagues did plant collections in this park and found a new meadow-grass species living on fairly high altitude (2700m).

The scientists names the new species after the region they found it (Magellan Mountains). 

For the experts: A new species, Poa magellensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on collections from the Majella Mountains in Central Apennine, Italy. It is morphologically similar to P. ligulata Boiss., but can be distinguished by green leaves, the basal ones adaxially lightly scabrous or sparsely hairy, longer ligules particularly in the upper leaves, panicles denser with primary branches sub-erect to erect, glumes with broader scarious margin, more acute glumes and lemmas, lemmas and paleas longer, rachilla hairy, calluses usually with a crown of hairs or shortly webbed, caryopses longer. A distribution map of the species is also presented.

A new moth: Stamnodes fergusoni

The Geometridae are a large family of moths (~23000 species). Their name is derived from the Ancient Greek geo for the earth, and metron for measure, which makes it earth-measurer. This refers to the looping fashion in which their larvae move. In English they are also called inchworm for the very same reason. Stamnodes fergusoni was found in Texas and named after the late Douglas C. Ferguson, renewed expert for geometrid moths of North America. He was in the process of describing this species before he passed away.

For the experts: Stamnodes fergusoni sp. nov. occurs from extreme southeastern Arizona through southern New Mexico east into western Texas, USA. Identity of the new species can be reliably determined by external features, genitalic characters, and COI haplotypes. Larvae are believed to be specialists on Salvia pinguifolia and S. ballotiflora. The adult and larval stages and male and female genitalia are illustrated, available DNA barcode data that support the recognition of the new Stamnodes are reviewed, and its life history briefly characterized.

A new frog: Leptobrachella suiyangensis

After a longer hiatus I am using the COVID-19 induced home isolation for a new attempt at this  blog that highlights new species that share this planet with us. They all have little stories to tell. My goal is only to quickly introduce them to a larger public. Enjoy!

Litter frogs (Family Megophryidae) are live in South East Asia. They are mostly famous for their elaborate camouflage which makes many of them look like dead leaves. A widely known species is the long nosed horned frog. Our new species was found during an expedition to montane evergreen forest in China. The species name refers to the location this species was found, Taibai Town in Suiyang County of Guizohu Province.

For the experts: This study describes a new species of the genus Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella suiyangensis sp. nov. from the Huoqiuba Nature Reserve, Suiyang County, Guizhou Province, China, based on morphological data and phylogenetic analyses (16S rRNA mtDNA). The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by the molecular divergence and by a combination of morphological characters, including body size, dorsal and ventral patterns, dorsal skin texture, size of the pectoral and femoral glands, degree of webbing and fringing on the toes and fingers, dorsum coloration, and iris coloration in life. Currently, the genus Leptobrachellacontains 75 species, 21 of which are found in China, including seven species reported from Guizhou Province. The uncorrected sequence divergence percentage between Leptobrachella suiyangensis sp. nov. and all homologous DNA sequences available for the 16S rRNA gene was found to be >4.7%. The new record of the species and its relationships with others in the same genus imply that species distribution, habitat variation, environmental adaptation, and diversity of the genus Leptobrachella in southwest China need to be further investigated.