A new of species of the Agama lionotus Boulenger, 1896 complex (Squamata: Agamidae) from northern Kenya

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4920 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-553
Author(s):  
PATRICK K. MALONZA ◽  
STEPHEN SPAWLS ◽  
BRIAN FINCH ◽  
AARON M. BAUER
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Northern Kenya ◽  
Body Coloration ◽  
Identification Of Species ◽  
Desert Areas ◽  
High Diversity ◽  
Northern Frontier

Kenya has a high diversity of agamid lizards and the arid northern frontier area has the highest species richness. Among the Kenyan agama species, Agama lionotus has the widest distribution, occurring from sea level to inland areas in both dry and moist savanna as well as desert areas. This species mostly prefers rocky areas, both in granitic/metamorphic and volcanic rocks, although it also makes use of tree crevices as well as man-made structures. Recently in Marsabit, northern Kenya, a small-sized agama species, distinct from A. lionotus, was collected within a rocky lava desert area. This new species is characterized by its small size (mean SVL ~83 mm) as compared to typical A. lionotus (mean SVL ~120 mm). Past studies have shown the value of adult male throat coloration for the identification of species within the A. lionotus complex. Herein we also highlight female dorsal color pattern, which is a key character for distinguishing the new species from others in the group, including the similar A. hulbertorum. As in A. lionotus, displaying adult males have an orange to yellow head, a vertebral stripe, a bluish body coloration and an annulated white/blue tail. But the most diagnostic character is the coloration of females and non-displaying males, which exhibit a series of regular pairs of dark spots along the vertebrae as far posterior as the tail base. In addition, females have a pair of elongated orange or yellow marks on the shoulders and another on the dorsolateral margins of the abdomen. This study shows that more cryptic species in the Agama lionotus complex may still await discovery. The new species was found inhabiting dark desert lava rocks but should additionally be present in suitably similar sites in the northern frontier area. This underscores the need to re-examine populations of Agama lionotus from different microhabitats in this country. 

Description of a new genus and two new species of killifish (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae) from West Africa, with a discussion of the taxonomic status of Aphyosemion maeseni Poll, 1941

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2294 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
RAINER SONNENBERG ◽  
ECKHARD BUSCH
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Monophyletic Group ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Adult Males

The phylogeny of the West African genus Archiaphyosemion was studied with mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences. The results of the combined dataset presented here did not support a monophyletic group. After the exclusion of the type species of the genus, A. guineense, the remaining species form a well-supported monophyletic group. Based on these molecular results and supported by morphological data, we suggest a new name for this group, Nimbapanchax, new genus. Additionally, based on a recent collection in Guinea, two new Nimbapanchax species were described. The taxon Nimbapanchax leucopterygius, new species, is described for a nothobranchiid fish formerly misidentified as Archiaphyosemion maeseni (Poll, 1941). Nimbapanchax melanopterygius, new species, is described from the Mount Nimba region in southeastern Guinea. Both new Nimbapanchax species are clearly distinguished from their congeners by the coloration pattern of adult males. The results of the DNA data support the assumption based on color pattern and morphological characters that the new described species are sister taxa. The type of Aphyosemion maeseni Poll, 1941 was reexamined and transferred to the genus Epiplatys, a decision based on diagnostic morphological characters.

Hemibates koningsi spec. nov: a new deep-water cichlid (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4312 (1) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
FREDERIC DIETER BENEDIKT SCHEDEL ◽  
ULRICH KURT SCHLIEWEN
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Lake Tanganyika ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Variable Number ◽  
Gill Rakers ◽  
Body Coloration ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Vertical Bars ◽  
Pharyngeal Jaw

Hemibates koningsi, new species, is described from southern Lake Tanganyika (Republic of Zambia) as the second species of Hemibates Regan, 1920. Males of the new species are easily distinguished from H. stenosoma (Boulenger, 1901) based on their adult color pattern, i.e. black vertical bars on the anterior flanks part and posterior horizontal bands on a silvery-whitish body coloration vs. an anterior flank color pattern of black blotches of variable number, size and shape and posterior horizontal bands. Males and females of the new species are further distinguished by their longer lower pharyngeal jaw (37.6–38.2% HL vs. 27.8–32.5% HL) with a characteristically curved keel, which is straight or only slightly curved towards the tips in H. stenosoma. The new species has on average fewer gill rakers on the first gill arch than its only congener (33–37 vs 35–43). 

scholarly journals Unexpectedly high diversity in a small basin: A taxonomic revision of Eurycheilichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), with descriptions of seven new species

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto E. Reis
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Color Variation ◽  
Limited Area ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Plate Morphology ◽  
High Diversity

ABSTRACT A taxonomic revision of Eurycheilichthys is provided, and seven new species are described in addition to the two previously known species in this genus: E. pantherinus from the upper rio Uruguay, and E. limulus from the upper rio Jacuí. The genus is diagnosed based on the uniquely derived presence of seven branched pectoral-fin rays, and on the possession of reduced filamentous gill rakers in the oral surface of the hyobranchial skeleton, and presence of a distinct fleshy flap along the posterodorsal margin of the pectoral-fin spine in adult males. The seven new species are described from tributaries to the rio Taquari basin, itself a tributary to the rio Jacuí in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. The new species are diagnosed based on color variation, abdominal plate morphology, lip size, parieto-supraoccipital shape, the number of dermal plates, the number of teeth, and body proportions. The high diversity and degree of species endemism in a limited area are discussed and compared to other fish groups. Genetic sequences (GenSeq) of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, distribution maps, an identification key, and illustrations are presented for all species.

Two new species of Cnemidophorus (Squamata: Teiidae) of the C. ocellifer group, from Bahia, Brazil

Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 3022 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
FEDERICO ARIAS ◽  
CELSO MORATO DE CARVALHO ◽  
MIGUEL TREFAUT RODRIGUES ◽  
HUSSAM ZAHER
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Northwestern Part ◽  
Temporal Region ◽  
Dorsal Part ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
The Third ◽  
Bluish Green ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
The Right

Two new species of Cnemidophorus are described from the right bank of the São Francisco river, in the northwestern part of state of Bahia, Brazil. Both species are assigned to the Cnemidophorus ocellifer group and are distinguished from all other congeners on the basis of lepidosis and color pattern. One of them, Cnemidophorus cyanurus, shares with the species of the subgroup of C. littoralis (C. abaetensis, C. littoralis and C. venetacaudus), a bluish green tail, spurs on the heels of males, 6–7 supraciliaries, a high number of femoral pores (27–45), a row of enlarged scales in the dorsal part of the humerus, and 8 to 10 rows of ventral scales. The second species, Cnemidophorus nigrigula, shares with the C. ocellifer subgroup (composed of C. ocellifer, C. mumbuca, C. jalapensis and C. confusionibus) a low number of femoral pores (14– 21), enlarged scales in the temporal region posterior to the third subocular, 5 supraciliaries, 6 to 8 rows of ventral scales, and a brown tail color. It is also characterized by males being conspicuously larger than females and by females retaining the juvenile color pattern, which is lost in adult males. The latter characteristic has not been reported in any species of the C. ocellifer group before now. The two new species occur sympatrically at Santo Inácio.

scholarly journals A new species of Leiostracus from Bahia, Brazil (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Orthalicidae)

2014 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-42
Author(s):  
Rodrigo B. Salvador ◽  
Daniel C. Cavallari
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Land Snails ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Basal Region ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
The City ◽  
Axial Band ◽  
A New Species ◽  
High Diversity

A remarkable new species of pulmonate snail was recently collected in a small Atlantic Rainforest fragment near the city of Canavieiras, state of Bahia, Brazil, an area known for a high diversity of land snails. It is described herein as Leiostracus fetidus sp. nov. and can be easily identified by its color pattern of irregular brown to black axial stripes on a white to yellow background, a reddish axial band "separating" the white peristome from the rest of the shell and a broad brown spiral band surrounding the umbilical region. Other diagnostic features include a relatively small size, a proto columellar fold and two very weak folds delimiting the basal region of the aperture. This discovery is a reminder of how little this fauna is known and also an alarm for proper conservation of these forest fragments.

Three new species of seasonal killifishes of the Simpsonichthys antenori species group (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from the rio São Francisco basin, Brazil

Zootaxa ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 1306 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
WILSON J.E.M. COSTA
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Slender Body ◽  
Central Portion ◽  
Black Stripe ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Identification Of Species ◽  
Three New Species ◽  
Urogenital Papilla

Three new species of the Simpsonichthys antenori group from the upper sections of eastern drainages of the middle rio São Francisco, serra do Espinhaço, are described. Simpsonichthys janaubensis, new species, from the rio Gorutuba floodplains, upper rio Verde Grande drainage, shares a derived color pattern of anal fin in males with S. flavicaudatus and S. flagellatus, but differs from them in having a more slender body, a shorter anal-fin base, and a distinctive color pattern of the dorsal fin in males. Simpsonichthys mediopapillatus, new species, from the rio São Domingos drainage, a part of the upper rio Verde Grande drainage, is similar to S. ghisolfii in having a long urogenital papilla and a light orangish-yellow subdistal stripe on the anal fin in males, and it is distinguished from all congeners in having a median neuromast on the posterior rostral series. Simpsonichthys macaubensis, new species, from the upper rio Paramirim drainage, differs from other species of the S. antenori group by a combination of features, including presence of contact organs on the flank in males, dorsal and anal-fin filaments reaching central portion of caudal fin in males, urogenital papilla short in males, and anal fin yellow, with a distal black stripe and iridescent dots over the entire fin in males. A key for identification of species of the S. antenori group is provided.

Galeus priapus sp. nov., a new species of sawtail catsharks (Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae) from New Caledonia

Zootaxa ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 1813 (1) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
BERNARD SÉRET ◽  
PETER R. LAST
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New Caledonia ◽  
The Body ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Body Coloration ◽  
Caudal Margin ◽  
A New Species

Galeus priapus sp. nov. is described from specimens collected on the slopes of the seamounts and ridges of southern New Caledonia and Vanuatu. It is the first Galeus species recorded in these areas. G. priapus is characterised by the presence of a conspicuous crest of enlarged denticles on the dorsal caudal margin, the absence of similar crest on ventral caudal margin, and extremely long and slender claspers in adult males that extend posteriorly to the anal-fin origin. The body coloration, which is plain greyish brown with large dark blotches on dorsal and caudal fins and their bases, closely resembles its sibling G. gracilis, a northern Australian and Indonesian species. An identification key to Indo-Pacific Galeus species is provided.

Rivulus kayapo n. sp. (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae): a new killifish from the serra dos Caiapos, upper rio Araguaia basin, Brazil

Zootaxa ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 1368 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
WILSON J.E.M. COSTA
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Caudal Fin ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Fin Rays ◽  
Identification Of Species

Rivulus kayapo, new species, a member of the Rivulus punctatus species group from the rio Caiapó drainage, upper rio Araguaia basin, is described. It is similar to R. pinima by the absence of bars on the caudal fin and flank in both sexes, in having longitudinal rows of red dots along the entire flanks in both sexes, and in having longitudinally elongated white mark above the caudal spot in females. Rivulus kayapo differs from R. pinima in having more caudal-fin rays, the dorsal-fin origin more posteriorly placed, and fewer scales in the longitudinal and transverse series; and differs from all congeners of the R. punctatus species group by possessing a unique reticulate color pattern on the flanks in males. A key for identification of species of Rivulus from the rio Araguaia-Tocantins basin is provided.

A new, toxic species of Colostethus (Anura: Dendrobatidae: Colostethinae) from the Cordillera Central of Colombia

Zootaxa ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 1555 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
TARAN GRANT
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Cloud Forest ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Cordillera Central ◽  
Toxic Species ◽  
Riparian Species ◽  
Golden Yellow ◽  
A New Species

A new species of Colostethus is described from cloud forest in the Cordillera Central of Colombia at approximately 2100–2500 m above sea level. It is a riparian species not known to occur more than a few meters from the water’s edge. Specimens were collected in grassy vegetation and on and beneath rocks along streams and pools, in both primary forest and in or at the edge of forest clearings. Most specimens were collected during the day, but several were observed to be active at night. The new species differs from other species of Colostethus in lacking pale oblique lateral and ventrolateral stripes, possessing a pale dorsolateral stripe, lacking or having at most rudimentary toe webbing, and possessing a marbled or reticulated ventral color pattern. Adult males of the new species possess a swollen third finger and a gray or black throat. In life, the new species possesses bright lemonor golden-yellow flash marks on the axilla, groin, belly, and concealed surfaces of the thigh and shank, and bluish-white ventral coloration, and it exudes a milky secretion from the skin. The aqueous extract of the skin is toxic, but additional samples are required to determine the nature of the toxic compound(s).

A survey of marine fungi on wood in South Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-478
Author(s):  
Sally C. Fryar ◽  
Kevin D. Hyde ◽  
David E. A. Catcheside
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Marine Fungi ◽  
New Records ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Species Assemblages ◽  
Substrate Type ◽  
Geographic Locations ◽  
Mangrove Wood ◽  
High Diversity

AbstractA survey of driftwood and mangrove wood in South Australia revealed a high diversity of marine fungi. Across eight sites there were 43 species of marine fungi, of which 42 are new records for South Australia, 11 new records for Australia and 12 taxa currently of uncertain status likely to be new species. Sites had distinctive species compositions with the largest difference attributable to substrate type (beach driftwood vs. mangrove wood). However, even between mangrove sites, species assemblages were distinctly different with only the more common species occurring at all mangrove sites. More intensive surveys across a broader range of habitats and geographic locations should reveal significantly more species.

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