Abdominal Scutum Research Articles

A new extinct shad from Poland in the light of clupeiform diversity and distribution within the Paratethys during the Oligocene

The Order Clupeiformes Bleeker, 1859 comprises herrings, anchovies, sprats, sardines, and shads. The fossil record of this group is rich within the Paratethys. Here we describe a new clupeiform fish, †Sanalosa janulosa gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Oligocene of the Carpathian Basin, Poland. This new genus has a unique combination of characters (lower jaw articulation located under the posterior part of the orbit; abdominal scutes well developed with 3 to 5 in the gular region, 11–14 prepelvic scutes associated with ribs, 11–12 postpelvic scutes; several striae on the frontals; an opercle with 6–12 thin radial ridges; a horizontal ramus of the preopercle shorter than the vertical one; 42–44 vertebrae; 8–10 supraneurals; a dorsal fin with 18–22 rays, and an anal fin with 21–23 rays), supporting recognition of a new genus and species within the Family Alosidae Svetovidov, 1952. Similarities and differences between fossil and extant genera of the Clupeiformes are discussed to shed more light on their relationship. Moreover, the palaeobiogeography, diversity and distribution of Oligocene clupeiform fishes in the Paratethys are presented and discussed.

How to perform an electrocardiogram in an awake pond slider turtle (Trachemys scripta): a comparative study of five noninvasive methodologies.

To compare multiple noninvasive ECG methods in pond sliders based upon repeatability, ability to recognize standard waveforms, and measurability. The study was performed from November 2023 through January 2024. Ten healthy adult pond turtles were enrolled in the study. ECG tracings were obtained using 4 previously reported and 1 novel ECG methodology, using adhesive patches applied to the prehumeral fossae and abdominal scutes. The 50 ECG tracings were blinded by method and turtle, randomized for evaluation by 4 observers, and assessed for quality on a scale from 0 to 3. Interobserver and intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients for all tracings were 0.84 and 0.97, respectively, indicating an almost perfect agreement. The average score amongst the observers for each tracing was then averaged by method, ranging from 0.875 to 2.15. The novel method demonstrated a collective average of 2.15 and was the highest scoring method for 8 of 10 turtles. Electrocardiogram utilizing methods that apply adhesive patches to the prehumeral fossae and either the abdominal scutes of the plastron or prefemoral fossae in pond turtles can be performed to produce recognizable waveforms. Diagnostic tools, such as ECGs, are imperative to enhance veterinary care in nonconventional species, particularly with the rising trend of exotic pets worldwide.

A New Genus of Prodidominae Cave Spider from a Paleoburrow and Ferruginous Caves in Brazil (Araneae: Prodidomidae)

A new monotypic genus of Prodidominae, Paleotoca gen. n., is proposed to include one cave species collected in a paleoburrow and ferruginous caves from Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Paleotoca diminassp. n. (♂♀). The new genus is closely related to other Neotropical Prodidominae by sharing the classic claw tuft clasper. Paleotoca gen. n. is diagnosed by the absence of a dorsal abdominal scutum, a ventral parallel rows of strong spines on the tibia and metatarsus I–II, a lack of a conductor, a discrete median apophysis on the bulb and a bifid retrolateral tibial apophysis in the male palp, a posterior extension that is beak-shaped, and folds of a copulatory duct ventrally visible in the female epigyne. Like other Prodidominae species from caves, P. diminassp. n. is a troglobitic spider with morphological characteristics that indicate specialization to live in subterranean environments, including reduction in cuticular pigments, eye loss, heavy spination and trichobothria.

A new clupeoid genus from the Oligocene of Central Paratethys (Menilite Formation, Poland)

The Suborder Clupeoidei Bleeker, 1859 comprises mostly marine fishes, which form large schools feeding on plankton. The fossil record of the suborder in the Late Paleogene reveals that clupeoids were abundant in the Western, Central, as well as Eastern Paratethys. Clupeoid descriptions from the Polish Outer Carpathians (SE Poland, Central Paratethys) remain incomplete due to usage of ‘collective species’, taxonomical inaccuracies, and lack of clear links between extinct and extant representatives. In this paper we present a new clupeoid, † Beksinskiella gen. nov., from the Oligocene of the Outer Carpathians, Poland. The new genus encompasses the nominal species † Maicopiella longimana (Heckel, 1850). † Beksinskiella gen. nov. has a unique combination of characters (skull roof with frontoparietal striae; smooth opercle; 6–7 branchiostegal rays; 42–48 vertebrae; dorsal and anal fins with 21–23 rays; the last two rays of the anal fin being elongated, and the presence of a complete series of abdominal scutes with the postpelvic ones poorly developed), supporting recognition of a new genus of the Suborder Clupeoidei. Similarities and differences between fossil and extant genera of Cluepoidei are discussed to shed light on their relationship.

A new clupeoid genus from the Oligocene of Central Paratethys (Menilite Formation, Poland)

The Suborder Clupeoidei Bleeker, 1859 comprises mostly marine fishes, which form large schools feeding on plankton. The fossil record of the suborder in the Late Paleogene reveals that clupeoids were abundant in the Western, Central, as well as Eastern Paratethys. Clupeoid descriptions from the Polish Outer Carpathians (SE Poland, Central Paratethys) remain incomplete due to usage of ‘collective species’, taxonomical inaccuracies, and lack of clear links between extinct and extant representatives. In this paper we present a new clupeoid, † Beksinskiella gen. nov., from the Oligocene of the Outer Carpathians, Poland. The new genus encompasses the nominal species † Maicopiella longimana (Heckel, 1850). † Beksinskiella gen. nov. has a unique combination of characters (skull roof with frontoparietal striae; smooth opercle; 6–7 branchiostegal rays; 42–48 vertebrae; dorsal and anal fins with 21–23 rays; the last two rays of the anal fin being elongated, and the presence of a complete series of abdominal scutes with the postpelvic ones poorly developed), supporting recognition of a new genus of the Suborder Clupeoidei. Similarities and differences between fossil and extant genera of Cluepoidei are discussed to shed light on their relationship.

Armigatus felixi sp. nov. An Albian double armored herring (Clupeomorpha, Ellimmichthyiformes) from the Tlayúa lagerstätte, Mexico

Armigatus felixi sp. nov. is described and named here based on three almost complete specimens from the shallow marine Albian deposits of the Tlayúa Quarry, near Tepexi de Rodríguez, Puebla, Mexico. This second species of Armigatus from America shows the features of the superorder Clupeomorpha and order Ellimmichthyiformes, a series of abdominal scutes as well as the mesoparietal condition and a series of predorsal scutes lateroposteriorly expanded, respectively. Also, this species shows the most outstanding feature of Armigatus, its predorsal scute series is incomplete, which was previously considered as diagnostic and now is present at least other three of its nominal species. In the new species and A. carrenoae show the last predorsal scutes exhibit a subtriangular shape in which a middle spine is protruding backward. Additionally, the new species differs from other nominal specie of Armigatus because its pelvic fin opposes the last part of the predorsal region of the trunk, and its anal and dorsal fins distinctively have 21 and 14 rays respectively. A phylogenetic study suggests that Armigatus is a paraphyletic genus, and its seven nominal species are scattered into the family Armigatidae. In this hypothesis, the Mexican Albian species, A. felixi sp. nov. and A. carrenoae are sister species separated from the Cenomanian Lebanese species, A. alticorpus and A. brevissimus that also are sister species. These last four species noticeably share a peculiar set of characters, as the incomplete predorsal scutes series, a relative low number of predorsal scutes (8–9), and the presence of the osteoglossid tooth patch in the parasphenoid, which reveal that these might be more close related. In the other nominal species of Armigatus, A. dalmaticus, A. namourensis, and probably A. oligodentatus, the predorsal scutes series is complete as in the other ellimmichthyiforms, supporting the idea that these must be allocated in another genus; however, the morphology and relationships of Mexican and Lebanese species deserve an accurate study that goes beyond the present study; therefore, for the moment no nominal species of Armigatus is taxonomically reassigned.

Four new species of Parajapyx (Diplura: Parajapygidae) from Mexico with redescription of Parajapyx isabellae aztecus Silvestri.

Four new Mexican Parajapyx species are described: P. silvestrii sp. nov. differs from P. adisi Pagés by the presence of one ma macroseta on mesoscutum, metascutum and abdominal scutum I; P. pagesi sp. nov. differs from P. grassianus Silvestri in the arrangement and number of macrosetae on all abdominal scuta; P. brunocondei sp. nov. is characterized by the unique feature of 50 glandular setae on the subcoxal organs and femur with one macroseta; P. yunyanorum sp. nov. differs from P. reymi Pagés by having some reduced macrosetae on the mesoscutum and metascutum and one lp macroseta lacking on abdominal II to VII scuta. A redescription of P. isabellae aztecus Silvestri, 1948 is presented including additional characters not previously reported, such as complete body chaetotaxy and descriptions of leg III, antennae and cercus. An identification key is presented for Mexican species of Parajapyx.

A Different Perspective on Sex Dimorphism in the Adult Hermann's Tortoise: Geometric Morphometry.

Eastern Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) is a subspecies of Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) found in Albania. Gender determination is one of the crucial elements in determining the population dynamics in all species. Female and male adult tortoises look different, but these differences can be difficult to distinguish in captivity or when their sex indicators are deformed or injured. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use indirect and non-invasive methods such as geometric morphometric analysis to determine the sex of adult tortoises. For the geometric morphometry, 17 female and 23 male Hermann's tortoises were collected and photographed from the hills and mountains around the Tirana district of Albania between August and October 2019. Sexes were discriminated based on geometric morphometry, and plastron shape was a better indicator than carapace shape. In addition, abdominal, femoral and anal scutes on the plastron and the ratio of femoral to pectoral suture lengths were important for the sex distinction. Females had a larger plastron than males; this may have been supported by fecundity selection, because a large plastron suggests more volume in which to store eggs. The femoral and anal scutes were larger in male tortoises, and serve as a stronger base during mating. This study was conducted for adults only, and future studies are needed to determine if these indicators also apply to hatchlings and juveniles.

Description and phylogenetic positioning of a new species of Heteropachylus Roewer, 1913 (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae, Heteropachylinae)

ABSTRACT Heteropachylus Roewer is the type genus of Heteropachylinae Kury, endemic to the Atlantic forest, Brazil. Heteropachyline males bear free tergites at least partially fused to dorsal scutum, besides other sexually dimorphic features common in gonyleptids as a higher ratio of maximum widths of abdominal scute and carapace and stronger armature of legs IV than females. We newly describe Heteropachylus thelydrias sp. nov. from Bahia, Brazil, in which males look like females regarding the shape of dorsal scute and armature of legs IV. Although the presence of polymorphic males is reported to this subfamily with morphs which may have variable sexually dimorphic features, our species appears to lack strongly developed males. Expanding on previous cladistic proposals, we investigated its phylogenetic positioning and found H. thelydrias sp. nov. as sister to a clade containing the remaining species of Heteropachylus (3 MPTs, 316 steps, CI 0.42, RI 0.60). The synapomorphies for Heteropachylus were armature of ocularium, the ectal armature of pedipalp tibia, calcaneus I lighter than astragalus, glans without digitiform dorsal process, and ventral plate with distal border distinctly concave. Although the branch support was low, we refrained from describing a new genus as it would not reflect the phylogenetic information we found. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B707C01F-B905-4637-A6DF-7597B6C8FC13

Morphological variation among the species of Armigatus (Teleostei, Clupeomorpha, Ellimmichthyiformes) and new material of Armigatus alticorpus from the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) of Hakel, Lebanon

The clupeomorph genus Armigatus is an extinct group of fish which comprises five species of small marine fishes described from the Late Cretaceous Tethys Sea. Of the five species, A. alticorpus is the least well known and least studied species. The most recent cladistic analyses of the group exclude A. alticorpus due to a lack of sufficient information for the taxon. Here we report new material of Armigatus from the Cenomanian of Hakel, Lebanon. The mass mortality slab preserves multiple clupeomorph fishes including specimens of two species of Armigatus, A. namourensis and A. alticorpus, which have previously been known only from Namoura, Lebanon. The good preservation of skull elements and caudal skeletons of the A. alticorpus specimens provides necessary information for inclusion of this species in a phylogenetic analysis. Results of the phylogenetic reassessment of A. alticorpus indicate that the species had close affinities to the two younger species of the genus, A. oligodentatus and A. dalmaticus. The three species together (A. alticorpus (A. oligodentatus + A. dalmaticus)) belong to a separate lineage from their sister-clade, (A. brevissimus + A. namourensis). Comparative examination of the multiple specimens of each species enabled us to establish a set of morphological traits which allow a more reliable delimitation of the species of Armigatus; this includes number of abdominal scutes, vertebrae, predorsal bones, as well as position of the dorsal fin.

Scombroclupea javieri sp. nov., an enigmatic Cenomanian clupeomorph fish (Teleostei, Clupeomorpha) from the marine deposits of the Cintalapa Formation, Ocozocoautla, Chiapas, southeastern Mexico

Scombroclupea javieri sp. nov. is erected based on the description of well-preserved specimens collected in the lower Cenomanian marine outcrop at the El Chango quarry, near Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, Chiapas State, southeastern Mexico. This new species shows the distinctive feature of the superorder Clupeomorpha, the presence of the abdominal scute series, as well as the diagnostic characters of Scombroclupea, as the lack of the dorsal scutes and the presence of two supramaxillae, the comb-like dentition in the maxilla, the horizontal laminae in the anterior caudal vertebrae, the flat epineurals and epipleural in caudal region of the trunk, and the finlets present along the anal fin, and differs from the other three nominal species of this genus in meristic data of the fins and vertebrae. Scombroclupea was previously thought as an incertae sedis members of the order Clupeiformes; however, S. javieri displays two primitive features never recorded before in this clupeomorph order and commonly observed in the order Ellimmichthyiformes, this new species has a large beryciform foramen piercing the anterior ceratohyal and its parietal bones are sutured to each other. The review of specimens of S. occidentalis and S. macrophthalma confirms that these species share the presence of a large beryciform foramen in the anterior ceratohyal. These characters make it difficult to include Scombroclupea as a member of any of the orders Clupeiformes and Ellimmichthyiformes. This record of Scombroclupea, the oldest in America and the second in México, widens the geographical Cenomanian distribution of the genus along the Tethys Sea, from Middle East to southern North America.

Cladolasma ailaoshan, a new species of the genus Cladolasma Suzuki, 1963 from China (Opiliones, Nemastomatidae, Ortholasmatinae).

The fourth species of the Asian genus Cladolasma, C. ailaoshan sp. n. is described from specimens collected in Yunnan Province, China. The new species is distinct from C. parvulum Suzuki, 1963 and C. angka (Schwendinger & Gruber, 1992) in lacking enlarged, dorsally-directed tubercles on the abdominal scutum; and from C. damingshan Zhang & Zhang, 2013 in having keels around the eyes and in the position of the eyes. Differences in male genital structures between the Chinese species are small, while there are more differences with the Japanese species.

Paraclupea seilacheri sp. nov., un arenque de doble armadura (Clupeomorpha, Ellimmichthyiformes) de las calizas albianas de la cantera Tlayúa, Puebla, México

Paraclupea seilacheri sp. nov. is described in this paper. This ellimmichthyiform fish from the Albian deposits of the Tlayúa quarry, near Tepexi de Rodríguez, Puebla, central Mexico, shows the diagnostic characters of the superorder Clupeomorpha (the otophysic connection, commissure of the supratemporal sensory canal passing through parietals, and the abdominal scute series), order Ellimmichthyiformes (parietals in contact to each other along the midline of the skull; a beryciform foramen in the anterior ceratohyal; three epurals in the caudal skeleton; and a series of predorsal scutes), and family Paraclupeidae (predorsal scutes with increasing sizes in anterioposterior order and postpelvic abdominal scutes with a strong ventral spine). Additionally, the characters of this new Mexican fish are distinctive and support the creation of a new species of the genus Paraclupea, these include a diamond shaped body moderately high; 18 predorsal scutes strongly ornamented with radiating ridges; most posterior predorsal scutes are subrectangular, wider than long; the abdominal scutes are spatula-like; the dorsal process of posttemporal bone is hypertrophied; and the second uroneural is short and distally reaches the end of the first uroneural. The present finding introduces the second species of the genus Paraclupea; a significative increase in the geographical distribution of this genus in the Northern Hemisphere, from eastern China to the southern North America; and the third North American Cretaceous paraclupeid after Tycheroichthys dunveganensis and Scutatoclupea applegatei.

Phylogenetic position of the rainbow sardine Dussumieria (Dussumieriidae) and its bearing on the early evolution of the Clupeoidei

The fish family Dussumieriidae (suborder Clupeoidei), commonly called round herrings, is traditionally considered to be a key taxon for understanding the evolution of the Clupeoidei because some of its morphological characteristics have been interpreted as being either derived or primitive, such as the nearly complete absence of abdominal scutes. Recent molecule-based studies showed that the Dussumieriidae is likely not a monophyletic group. None of those studies, however, included the genus Dussumieria (rainbow sardines) which is the type genus of the family Dussumieriidae. Herein, we investigated the phylogenetic position of Dussumieria within the Clupeoidei, using a dataset of complete mitogenomic sequences, including five newly determined using high-throughput sequencing technology. In the inferred phylogenetic reconstructions, the Dussumieriidae was never recovered as monophyletic, and Dussumieria was not exclusively related to any other of the three dussumieriid genera. Although the position of Dussumieria is not fully resolved, this genus represents a major evolutionary lineage within the Clupeoidei, along with the Engraulidae, Pristigasteridae, Clupeinae, Etrumeus, and two unnamed clades, one containing the Chirocentridae and Spratelloidinae and the other containing the Ehiravinae, Dorosomatinae, and Alosinae. Our results allow some comments regarding the early evolution of the Clupeoidei. In particular, they strongly support the hypothesis that the W-shaped pelvic scute does not represent a good phylogenetic character within the Clupeoidei as either it is primitive or, alternatively, it has independently evolved several times.

Amazoonops, a new genus of goblin spiders (Araneae: Oonopidae) from the Brazilian Amazon.

The new genus Amazoonops is proposed for a group of species from the Brazilian Amazon that belong to the Varioonops group, which is presently composed by Varioonops Bolzern & Platnick, Ponsoonops Bolzern and Bipoonops Bolzern. In these genera, female lacks the dorsal abdominal scutum, have a reduced abdominal post-epigastric scutum, and the male palp has unfused cymbium and tegulum. The incomplete abdominal epigastric scutum of females and the sternal surface covered with deep pits in both sexes are considered as putative synapomorphies of the new genus. Five new species are described, four from the state of Pará (Amazoonops almeirim sp. nov., A. cachimbo sp. nov., A. caxiuana sp. nov. and A. juruti sp. nov.) and one from the state of Amazonas (A. ducke sp. nov.). Females of A. almeirim sp. nov. and A. ducke sp. nov. are unknown.

Review of terminology for the outline of dorsal scutum in Laniatores (Arachnida, Opiliones).

In many Opiliones (notably the Laniatores) the five most anterior opisthosomal tergites are fused with the carapace forming the so called dorsal scutum (DS) (Latreille 1804; Simon 1879; Hadži 1942) with a highly variable shape arising from multiple factors, such as differential development of musculature (especially of coxa IV), internal organs and influence of appendages (Loman 1903; Winkler 1957). The different degrees of fusion of the tergites were first studied by Hadži (1942), who proposed a terminology for them. This terminology was adopted and enhanced by Kratochvíl (1958) and Martens (1978). A shield formed by the fusion of the carapace with abdominal tergites I to V is called scutum magnum (Hadži 1942). The shield formed by the fusion of carapace with abdominal tergites I to VII is called scutum complexum (Kratochvíl 1958) and occurs in the males of Heteropachylinae Kury, 1994 (Kury 1994) and Paralolidae Kratochvíl, 1958 (Kratochvíl 1958). Finally, the scutum completum (Hadži 1942) is formed by the complete fusion of the carapace and abdominal scutum, formed by tergites I to VIII, and occurs in the Sandokanidae (Martens 1978). In this paper we focus on the different forms of the scutum magnum.

The Goblin Spiders of the New GenusVolborattella(Araneae: Oonopidae) from Madagascar

A new genus of goblin spider from Madagascar, Volborattella Saucedo and Ubick, is proposed and its five included species newly described and illustrated: V. teresae, the type species, V. guenevera, V. nasario, V. paulyi, and V. toliara. These species differ from other oonopids in several unusual characters, especially the variously modified setae: abdominal scutes having thick recumbent setae with large bases and conspicuous pits; the pedicel region with mats of plumose setae and associated cuticular projections; and anterior metatarsi with prolateral combs. The male palp of Volborattella appears to be unique in having a terminal projection (embolar superior prong, ESP) that forms an abrupt spiral and the female a receptaculum with an accessory duct (curved tube). Volborattella resemble members of the Gamasomorpha complex in lacking leg spines and having a flattened abdomen with complete scutes, but differ genitalically. The Volborattella female has a receptaculum that is wider than long (as opposed to longer than wide in the Gamasomorpha complex) and the male has the embolar region sharply bent (as opposed to evenly curved), which places the genus in the Pelicinus complex. The relationship of Volborattella to other pelicinoids is not resolved. Although the genus most closely resembles some Silhouettella Benoit, Noideattella Álvarez-Padilla et al. and Lionneta Benoit in various genitalic features, somatically it shares with Tolegnaro Álvarez-Padilla et al. and two undescribed Malagasy genera the gamasomorphoid body form and plumose setae. Volborattella females are unusual in having antisymmetrical internal genitalia, with the CTs occurring in either a left or right position, and that these differences in handedness (antisymmetry) are evenly distributed. The shape and size of the CT, as examined through light and scanning microscopy, suggest that it is a coupling pocket for the ESP; if so, Volborattella females are either righties or lefties in their palpal preference.

Nopyllus, a new South American Drassodinae spider genus (Araneae, Gnaphosidae)

Nopyllus gen. nov. is proposed to include Apopyllus isabelae Brescovit & Lise, 1993 and Nopyllus vicente sp. nov. from southern Brazil. Nopyllus gen. nov. is close to Apodrassodes Vellard, 1924 and Apopyllus Platnick & Shadab, 1984, can be distinguished from both genera by the absence of a dorsal abdominal scutum in males, the absence of a median apophysis on bulb, the curved, narrow and reniform cymbium, and by the presence of a very conspicuous cymbial basal projection.

The Neotropical Goblin Spiders of the New GeneraPonsoonopsandBipoonops(Araneae, Oonopidae)

ABSTRACT Two new genera, Ponsoonops and Bipoonops, are established for groups of species characterized by sexually dimorphic dorsal abdominal scutum expression (with a scutum present in males but not females), male palps with a separate cymbium and bulb, and a patterned abdomen. Both genera belong therefore to the Varioonops complex, represented now by three described Neotropical genera. Members of Ponsoonops are united by three putative synapomorphies in males: a “pierlike” dorsal scutum completely fused to the epigastric scutum, a patch of short setae ventrodistally on metatarsi I and II, and a short anteromedian protrusion on the endites. Female Ponsoonops specimens differ from other members of the Varioonops complex in having small lateral sclerites at the epigynal area and a smooth sternum. Members of Bipoonops share a large, irregularly shaped, rather indistinct dark spot posteriorly on the carapace, a putative synapomorphy, and a moderately rugose sternum surface; males are characterized by a disti...

Simlops, a New Genus of Goblin Spiders (Araneae: Oonopidae) from Northern South America

ABSTRACT A new genus of goblin spiders, Simlops, is proposed for 15 species found in Brazilian and Colombian Amazonia and southern Caribbean (Venezuela and Guyana). The new genus belongs to the Scaphiella complex, a group of Neotropical genera that share a sexually dimorphic condition in which the abdominal dorsal scutum is present in males but absent in females. Simlops is hypothesized to be a monophyletic group united by a unique conformation of the male endites, which present three apical portions, a prolateral, curved process, with laminar apices, a retrolateral process and a median, more dorsal, unsclerotized portion. The species Triaeris bodanus Chickering, 1968, is transferred to Simlops and the female of this species is described for the first time. The remaining 14 species are newly described: S. bandeirante Ott, S. cristinae Santos, S. campinarana Brescovit, S. jamesbondi Bonaldo, S. juruti Bonaldo, S. machadoi Ott, S. miudo Ruiz, S. nadinae Ruiz, S. pennai Bonaldo (type species), S. platnicki B...