A new species of Phrynobatrachus (Amphibia: Anura: Phrynobatrachidae) from the Northern Mountains of Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Using integrative approaches, a new large-bodied species of Phrynobatrachus is described from a series of 48 specimens from the montane forests of the West Usambara and North Pare Mountains of Tanzania. The most distinguishing morphological feature separating Phrynobatrachus ambanguluensis sp. nov from similar species is the markedly overhanging and pointed upper jaw and snout. Mitochondrial 16S rRNA indicates that the new species differs from all other species with published sequence data by a minimum distance of 4.75% and is sister to P. krefftii, with which it has been confused in the past. The new species is known from two forest reserves and is of high conservation concern given these areas are highly impacted by anthropogenic change.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E0C82A87-47A5-426B-978D-96D27FA7A3B7     

Vocalizations of the Brazilian torrent frog Hylodes heyeri (Anura: Hylodidae): Repertoire and influence of air temperature on advertisement call variation

In this study we analysed the acoustic activity of Hylodes heyeri in areas of Atlantic Forest, in southern Brazil. Observations were made in November 2001 and from January to April 2002, at Estação II Instituto Agronômico do Paraná, municipality of Morretes, State of Paraná. Males displayed three different vocalizations: advertisement calls, territorial calls, and courtship calls. Temporal and spectral parameters of advertisement and territorial calls were analysed, along with call intensity. The duration of the advertisement call showed a negative correlation with air temperature, with males decreasing the duration of advertisement calls at higher temperatures. Male body size was not correlated with any of the acoustic parameters. Details on habitat use, distances to nearest vocalizing neighbour, and daily calling activity are also included.     

Reproductive aspects of Leptodactytus hylaedactylus (Anura: Leptodactylidae), a member of the Leptodactylus marmoratus species group,with a description of tadpoles and calls

In this paper we describe some aspects of the reproductive biology of Leptodactylus hylaedactylus from open areas of Central Amazonia, Brazil. We describe the calling site, reproductive season, daily pattern of calling activity, chamber structure, vocalizations and tadpole morphology. Males of Leptodactylus hylaedactylus called amidst grasses and bushes in open and urban areas, throughout the year, and a greater number of males were heard in the period from 16:00 to 20:00 h. The eggs are deposited in underground chambers, which are spherical or elliptical. Larval development occurs inside the chambers. Two types of vocalizations were detected, the advertisement and the territorial call. The advertisement call of the species studied herein differs from other calls described for L. hylaedactylus from other localities of Brazil, but is very similar to that described from Peru. Tadpole morphology is similar to that described from individuals in French Guiana.     

The advertisement calls of three South American poison frogs (Amphibia: Anura: Dendrobatidae), with comments on their taxonomy and distribution

The advertisement calls of three species of dendrobatid frogs from Bolivia and Peru are described. For each species we present a characteristic audiospectogram and oscillogram. We also provide numerical information about the spectral and temporal features of the calls. Our recordings of these species are compared with previously described calls of the same species from other locations. Comparisons between the calls of three different populations of Colostethus from Peru and Bolivia support their conspecificity. Characteristics of the call of a Peruvian population of Epipedobates differ from those of E. hahneli, suggesting that further taxonomic research is needed. The distribution of the genus Colostethus and Epipedobates in Bolivia is reassessed.     

Tardigrades from the Tsinling Mountains,central China with descriptions of two new species of Echiniscidae (Tardigrada)

A checklist of 63 species of tardigrades from the Tsinling Mountains is given in this paper. Thirty‐seven species of tardigrades that had never been found in the Tsinling Mountains were reported here. Twenty of them are new records for the mountains, 15 of them are new records for China, two of them are new to science. Pseudechiniscus pilatoi sp. n. is similar to Pseudechiniscus quadrilobatus Iharos, 1969 Iharos, G. 1969. Einige Angaben zur Tardigradenfauna Vietnams.. Opuscula Zoologica, Budapest, 9(2): 273–277.  [Google Scholar]. It differs from P. quadrilobatus in different cuticular sculpture, in the joints of paired‐plates, near the dorsal median line, uplifting but not protruding backward, and in lacking notches on terminal plate. Echiniscus marleyi sp. n. differs from E. canadensis Murray in having filaments D; it differs from E. mediantus Marcus in lacking filaments C but in having filaments D; it differs from E. spinulosus (Doyère) in lacking teeth B, C, E, and in having filaments D instead of teeth D.     

Integrative taxonomic analysis reveals a new species of Leptobrachium (Anura: Megophryidae) from north-eastern Cambodia and central Vietnam

ABSTRACT

Species boundaries within the red-eyed Leptobrachium of southern Indochina have been uncertain. Leptobrachium pullum and L. mouhoti from upper and lower elevations, respectively, of the Langbian Plateau of southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia differ in body size but have relatively low interspecific mitochondrial DNA divergence, leading to speculation that these might represent a single species with an elevational cline in body size. The recent discovery of an allopatric high-elevation population of red-eyed Leptobrachium on the Kon Tum Plateau (= Central Highlands) of north-eastern Cambodia and central Vietnam has been referred to both species, and to a putatively undescribed species. We examine variation in morphology of adults and tadpoles, mitochondrial DNA, 11 nuclear genes and advertisement calls, and show corroborating lines of evidence for the existence of three species of red-eyed Leptobrachium in southern Indochina. Although the three species are reciprocally monophyletic in mitochondrial DNA, their shallow mitochondrial DNA divergences are not mirrored by morphology, advertisement calls, or – in part – nuclear DNA, and probably reflect past mitochondrial introgression rather than recent speciation. The Central Highlands taxon is described herein as a new species.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CE6650AF-D9FB-40F4-8A2E-9B4E23AAC205     

Spatial and temporal organization in three syntopic species of the Scinax ruber group (Anura: Hylidae) in the Atlantic rainforest,southeastern Brazil

Coexistence of anuran species might lead to acoustic interference among communications, especially where species are closely related. This problem might be minimized through resource partitioning. To test this idea, we analysed calling with respect to temporal and physical space usage in three syntopic, closely related species (Scinax cuspidatus, Scinax aff. hayii and Scinax aff. x-signatus) in a temporary pond in the Atlantic rainforest. The chorus attendance of each species resulted from a different combination of factors in the rainy season. Although there was some temporal overlap of daily activity among species, peak activity time differed, particularly between the two species whose calls were most similar. Although all three species tend to aggregate in open microhabitats, their coexistence is apparently facilitated by differential use of vertical strata and organization of calling sites near the sites of conspecifics. Together, these factors apparently reduce acoustic interference among heterospecific calls.     

Two new species of Clinocentrus Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Argentina,with notes on South American species

The Argentine species of the genus Clinocentrus Haliday are revised. Two new species are described, Clinocentrus mamull sp. nov. and Clinocentrus roigi sp. nov., which represent the southernmost records of the genus in South America. Additionally Clinocentrus nigripectus Enderlein is redescribed and a key to known South American species is provided.     

Reproductive behaviour and development dynamics of Odontophrynus cordobae (Anura,Cycloramphidae)

We provide detailed information on breeding sites, release call, satellite behaviour, courtship, and embryonic and larval development of Odontophrynus cordobae. Field observations were carried out during two breeding seasons (2004–2005 and 2008–2009). Clutches were raised in captivity (artificial ponds) to analyse the development of embryos and tadpoles. Breeding sites were represented by streams and their backwaters, as well as temporary and permanent ponds of varying sizes. Operational sex ratio was male-biased varying between 0.154 and 0.25. Acoustic activity started about 8–10 pm and ended between 2 and 4 am the next day. Distance among calling males was approximately three metres. Male satellite behaviour was observed. Amplexus attempts among males were common. Release calls were structurally similar although shorter than advertisement calls. Courtship and formation of amplexus were documented.     

Some copepods parasitic on elasmobranch fishes from the Peruvian coast,with the description of two new species of Eudactylina van Beneden, 1853 (Eudactylinidae) and four new records

Six species of copepods parasitic on elasmobranch fishes from the Peruvian coast has been recorded. Two of them, Eudactylina peruensis and E. myliobatidos parasitic on Rhinobatos planiceps (Rhinobatidae) and Myliobatis chilensis (Myliobatidae), are considered new species. New geographical and host records for Pseudocharopinus narcinae Pillai, Pseudocharopinoides myliobatidos Castro and Baeza, Perissopus oblongus (Wilson) and Trebius latifurcatus (Wilson) are included, as also is a checklist of copepod species parasitic on elasmobranch fishes from the coast of the South American Pacific.     

Recent and fossil species of Characodoma Maplestone, 1900 (Bryozoa) from the Mediterranean with description of two new species

Three species of Characodoma Maplestone, 1990 from the Mediterranean are discussed here. Two, C. rostratum and C. reclinatum are described as new from Pleistocene bathyal sediments of Southern Italy. The third, C. mamillatum (Seguenza, 1880) was already known from Tertiary-to-Quaternary sediments of Southern Italy. It has been recognized as the senior synonym of C. bifurcatum (Waters, 1918). Stratigraphical, geographical and ecological distributions of all the species are discussed. Morphological studies, principally of C. mamillatum, provide useful information about the life habit of these species.     

First record of the genus Tanaostigma (Hymenoptera,Chalcidoidea, Tanaostigmatidae) from the Afrotropical region with description of three new species

ABSTRACT

The genus Tanaostigma is newly recorded from the Afrotropical region and three new species are described: Tanaostigma lasallei van Noort sp. nov. (South Africa), Tanaostigma mulu van Noort sp. nov. (Kenya) and Tanaostigma ukumbusho van Noort sp. nov. (Kenya). We provide comprehensive images of the holotypes and an illustrated identification key to the African species. New country distribution records are provided for Tanaostigmodes tambotis Prinsloo & LaSalle, 1995. All images presented here as well as supplementary images and online keys are available on www.waspweb.org

www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:61D1A59D-3702-480A-B146-73067C29CD82     

A new species of Caraiboscia Vandel, 1968 from South America,and a type species for Colombophiloscia gen. n. (Crustacea: Oniscidea: Crinocheta)

The South American genera Caraiboscia Vandel, 1968 and Colombophiloscia gen. n. are examined to establish their phylogenetic relationships in the light of their life histories. A new species is described in the genus Caraiboscia, whereas the latter genus replaces the name Colombophiloscia Vandel, 1968 which is an unavailable name since no type species was chosen by Vandel (1968). The taxa are described in detail and apomorphic characters supporting a sister group relationship are given. The adaptive value of these characters is discussed with respect to their life history and the probability of a convergent evolution.     

Tedania (Porifera: Demospongiae: Poecilosclerida) from the Mexican Pacific with the description of two new species

Two new species of Tedania (Porifera: Demospongiae: Poecilosclerida) are described from the Mexican Pacific. Tedania (Tedania) tropicalis sp. nov. is an encrusting to massive sponge having ectosomal tylotes with microspined heads, choanosomal styles and onychaetes. Tedania (Tedania) fulvum sp. nov. is a thinly encrusting sponge having ectosomal tylotes with smooth heads, choanosomal styles and onychaetes. Tables for all the Tedania (subgenera Tedania and Tedaniopsis) and Trachytedania species described worldwide are included. We suggest that species of Tedania and Trachytedania bearing ectosomal diactinal spicules (excluding Tedania (Stylotedania)) can be separated in two main groups: those having choanosomal monactinal spicules and those with choanosomal diactinal spicules.

www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5B212DC3-3827-44D5-8E63-3E652BCB29E6     

Further new species within the freshwater amphipod genus Paramelita (Crangonyctoidea: Paramelitidae) from South Africa

Four new species within the crangonyctoid amphipod genus Paramelita are described from material collected from small streams in the southwestern Cape, South Africa. Two of the species are large, with robust second antennae which exceed the first in length, especially in adult males. The third species is recognized by its slender pereopods and its densely setose second antennae, and the fourth by its small size and relatively short, slender, unmodified second antennae. All of these species have an unmodified pereopod 3, and lack teeth, spines, ridges or lobes on antenna 2, features common to many of the known Paramelita species. Morphological similarities between the four new species and 19 previously known species of Paramelita are discussed.     

Earthworms from Argentinean Patagonia with description of two remarkable new species (Oligochaeta: Acanthodrilidae,Lumbricidae and Megascolecidae)

Endemic species of the Southern South American earthworm genera Chilota Michaelsen, 1899 Michaelsen, W. 1899. Terricolen (Nachtrag). Erg Hamb Magalhaen Sammelreise., 1: 1–28.  [Google Scholar] and Yagansia Michaelsen, 1899 Michaelsen, W. 1899. Terricolen (Nachtrag). Erg Hamb Magalhaen Sammelreise., 1: 1–28.  [Google Scholar] were thought to be missing from Argentinean Patagonia. A recent collecting trip to the Andean-Patagonian forest region of Argentina resulted in the discovery of the very first endemic Chilota and Yagansia species in Argentina: Chilota intercisetus sp. nov. and Yagansia traful sp. nov.     

Advertisement calls of Neotropical poison frogs (Amphibia: Dendrobatidae) of the genera Colostethus,Dendrobates and Epipedobates,with notes on dendrobatid call classification

The advertisement calls of the following Neotropical poison frog species (Dendrobatidae) are described: Colostethus brunneus, Dendrobates imitator yurimaguensis, D. leucomelas and two populations referable to Epipedobates boulengeri. Oscillograms, audiospectrograms and measurements of vocalizations are provided. Advertisement calls of C. brunneus are similar to possible related species, while D. leucomelas vocalizations deviate from suggested phylogenetic relatives. Advertisement calls of D. imitator yurimaguensis do not differ from those of D. i. imitator ; the validity of the former is doubted. Bioacoustics provide evidence that E. boulengeri could probably comprise a complex of at least two species. Five formerly suggested call types are re-defined using measurable characters. As far as possible, the 71 dendrobatid frog species for which advertisement calls have been described are allocated.