Dorsal Coloration Research Articles

Odara, a new genus to Edessinae (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) with Eleven New Species

Abstract The genus Odara gen. n. is here described and composed exclusively of new species: Odara ori sp. n., Odara amazonica sp. n., Odara caribensis sp. n., Odara dracula sp. n., Odara maculatus sp. n., Odara osaensis sp. n., Odara peruensis sp. n., Odara rondoniensis sp. n., Odara tambopatensis sp. n., Odara umbabarauma sp. n. and Odara variegata sp. n. The new genus is characterized by the dorsal coloration green, humeral angles tooth-like generally with black apices, corium dark brown to black with yellow veins, parameres spearhead-shaped, and the sclerotized swelling of the ductus receptaculi in the female internal genitalia. The species are distributed from Central America to the Atlantic coast of South America, from Costa Rica to Rio de Janeiro [Brazil]. Diagnosis, keys to the species, and distributional maps are provided. Photographs of dorsal and ventral view, pygophore, female genital plates, male and female internal genitalia are also provided.

A new Chiasmocleis (Anura: Microhylidae) from the eastern Guiana Shield with an amended definition of C. haddadi Peloso, Sturaro, Forlani, Gaucher, Motta, & Wheeler, 2014

The existence of an unnamed (candidate) species from French Guiana and the state of Amapá (Brazil) closely related to Chiasmocleis haddadi has been hypothesized in previous DNA-based studies. With an integrative use of genetic, morphological and acoustic data we confirm that these populations are indeed distinct from C. haddadi and all other known congeners. We herein describe and name this new species, and amend the definition of C. haddadi since the type-series and its original diagnosis included specimens of the new species. Geographically, the new species occurs eastward of its sister species C. haddadi from which it can be distinguished by having a larger body, a proportionally smaller eye and a distinct dorsal colouration. We suspect that the new species breeds in the leaf litter and that tadpoles undergo endotrophic development whereas co-occurring C. haddadi and C. hudsoni lay clutches in the leaf litter nearby standing water of temporary ponds where exotrophic tadpoles complete their development. This new species is a new addition to the already long list of animals being endemic to the easternmost part of the Guiana Shield, a region identified as a singular bioregion within Amazonia by previous research.

Factors determining the dorsal coloration pattern of aposematic salamanders

Aposematic bright colors have a key role for animal defense and can be expressed through metabolic production or by acquiring pigments from diet. Aposematic coloration can be related to both local adaptations and availability of trophic resources. The European fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) shows significant color variability and occurs across a broad range of habitats. Here we combined field observations with common rearing experiments to disentangle the role of environmental conditions and local adaptations in determining aposematic coloration of salamander populations. We assessed color variation and measured habitat features and food availability in adults from 25 populations. Furthermore, we reared newborn larvae from 10 populations under different food availability and analyzed color of metamorphs. To assess color pattern, we measured the percentage of yellow covering the body, and the Hue, Saturation and Value of yellow coloration. Adult showed strong variation of color pattern; variation was strongly related to the individual's size, to habitat productivity and to food availability. Under common garden conditions, differences between populations were not anymore evident, and coloration was only affected by resource availability during larval development. Our results suggest that environmental conditions and food availability are more important than local adaptations in determining differences in aposematic color pattern.

<i>Corrigendum to</i>: Integrative taxonomy increases biodiversity knowledge of <i>Gusana</i> (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Geoplanidae) with the description of four new Chilean species

The Chilean land planarian genus <i>Gusana</i> (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Geoplaninae) currently comprises three species that were described in the 19th century. Four new species of the genus are described herein, namely <i>G. hualpensis</i> Carbayo, sp. nov., <i>G. lujanae</i> Almeida & Carbayo, sp. nov., <i>G. melipeucensis</i> Almeida & Carbayo, sp. nov. and <i>G. purensis</i> Bolonhezi, Almeida & Carbayo, sp. nov. An integrative taxonomy approach was adopted by combining morphological (anatomy, histology) and molecular (<i>COI</i> and <i>28S</i> genes) information. Additionally, the monophyletic status of <i>Gusana</i> is investigated and the species are delimited by a recently introduced molecular delimitation method based on pairwise genetic distances. All <i>Gusana</i> species are very similar in attributes such as body shape, dorsal colour pattern and internal organs, namely the pharynx and copulatory apparatus and only differ in the details. <i>Gusana</i> is retrieved as monophyletic and the molecular delimitation method recovered the same species recognised morphologically. A re-diagnosis of the genus and replacement of <i>G. lata</i> into <i>Pseudogeoplana</i> are also proposed. A new role of the penis papilla is also suggested based on the spermatophore found in <i>Gusana lujanae</i>.

Goniurosaurus wangshu sp. nov., a new species of Tiger Gecko from Guangdong, China (Squamata: Eublepharidae)

A new species of Tiger Gecko in the genus Goniurosaurus is described from Guangdong, China. This new species, Goniurosaurus wangshu sp. nov. is the fifth species of Goniurosaurus found in karst topography of Guangdong. It is distinguished morphologically from congeners in this region by the combination of thirteen precloacal pores in male; dorsal ground color of head, body, and limbs in adults yellow; and iris orange. To validate our morphological inferences and support the description of Goniurosaurus wangshu sp. nov. as a new species, we sequenced 16S, CMOS, cytb, and RAG1 gene regions and performed molecular phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic analysis places the new species within the G. yingdeensis group and highlights the evolutionary distinction between this new species and other described congeners.

Taxonomical review of Prosymnaangolensis Boulenger, 1915 (Elapoidea, Prosymnidae) with the description of two new species.

African Shovel-snout snakes (Prosymna Gray, 1849) are small, semi-fossorial snakes with a unique compressed and beak-like snout. Prosymna occur mainly in the savanna of sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 16 currently recognised species, four occur in Angola: Prosymnaambigua Bocage, 1873, P.angolensis Boulenger, 1915, P.frontalis (Peters, 1867), and P.visseri FitzSimons, 1959. The taxonomical status and evolutionary relationships of P.angolensis have never been assessed due to the lack of genetic material. This species is known to occur from western Angola southwards to Namibia, and eastwards to Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The species shows considerable variation in dorsal colouration across its range, and with the lower ventral scales count, an 'eastern race' was suggested. In recent years, Prosymna material from different parts of Angola has been collected, and with phylogenetic analysis and High Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography, the taxonomic status of these populations can be reviewed. Strong phylogenetic evidence was found to include the angolensis subgroup as part of the larger sundevalli group, and the existence of three phylogenetic lineages within the angolensis subgroup were identified, which each exhibit clear morphological and colouration differences. One of these lineages is assigned to the nominotypical P.angolensis and the other two described as new species, one of which corroborates the distinct eastern population previously detected. These results reinforce that a considerable part of Angolan herpetological diversity is still to be described and the need for further studies.

Ionizing radiation and melanism in Chornobyl tree frogs.

Human actions are altering ecosystems worldwide. Among human‐released pollutants, ionizing radiation arises as a rare but potentially devastating threat to natural systems. The Chornobyl accident (1986) represents the largest release of radioactive material to the environment. Our aim was to examine how exposure to radiation from the Chornobyl accident influences dorsal skin coloration of Eastern tree frog (Hyla orientalis) males sampled across a wide gradient of radioactive contamination in northern Ukraine. We assessed the relationship between skin frog coloration (which can act as a protective mechanism against ionizing radiation), radiation conditions and oxidative stress levels. Skin coloration was darker in localities closest to areas with high radiation levels at the time of the accident, whereas current radiation levels seemed not to influence skin coloration in Chornobyl tree frogs. Tree frogs living within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone had a remarkably darker dorsal skin coloration than frogs from outside the Zone. The maintenance of dark skin coloration was not linked to physiological costs in terms of frog body condition or oxidative status, and we did not detect short‐term changes in frog coloration. Dark coloration is known to protect against different sources of radiation by neutralizing free radicals and reducing DNA damage, and, particularly melanin pigmentation has been proposed as a buffering mechanism against ionizing radiation. Our results suggest that exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, likely at the time of the accident, may have been selected for darker coloration in Chornobyl tree frogs. Further studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary consequences of the patterns found here.

Diversity and Sexual Dichromatism in Treefrog Throat Coloration: Potential Signal Function?

Sexual dichromatism, where males and females of the same species differ in coloration, is best studied in diurnal animals. Nocturnal animals such as frogs do not seem good candidates for widespread sexual dichromatism, or for the use of visual signals in social communication in general. Yet, up to 25% of treefrog species (Anura: Hylidae) show some degree of sexual difference in their dorsal coloration. The ventral side of frogs is hidden during rest, but the throat region becomes visible in active individuals, especially in calling males. We compiled a database of 249 treefrog species that include members of all seven subfamilies of the Family Hylidae. We document that the throat region of male frogs is frequently colorful and of a different color than the abdomen (ventral dichromatism), that there is interspecific variation in throat coloration, and that males and females differ in throat coloration (sexual dichromatism). We also examined intraspecific variation in throat coloration, using Eastern Gray Treefrogs, Dryophytes versicolor (Hyla versicolor) as the focal species. Here, we document throat color is sexually dimorphic, that it varies among males, is associated with better body condition, and on average is darker in mated compared to unmated males. Our study finds that throat color dichromatism is the most prevalent type of sexual dichromatism in treefrogs, and that throat coloration may have sexual signal function.

Contributions to the taxonomy of Neotropical Cyparium Erichson (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scaphidiinae), with the description of five new species

The genus Cyparium Erichson, 1845 (Staphylinidae, Scaphidiinae, Cypariini) comprises 55 species, distributed mainly in the Neotropical and Oriental regions. Twenty-four species are known from the Neotropical region, but only eight species are reported from Brazil. In this paper we describe five new species and redescribe two species of Brazilian Cyparium, as follows: Cyparium achardi sp. nov., C. lescheni sp. nov., C. loebli sp. nov., C. newtoni sp. nov., C. pici sp. nov.; Cyparium collare Pic, 1920; and Cyparium oberthueri Pic, 1956. We provide images of adult males and females and their dissected parts, and information on host fungi whenever available. We also provide a comparative plate of dorsal colour patterns of Neotropical Cyparium.

Appearances often deceive in racerunners: integrative approach reveals two new species of Eremias (Squamata: Lacertidae) from Pakistan.

Based on newly provided morphological and previously published genetic data, we describe two new distinctive sympatric lacertid lizards of the genus Eremias (subgenus Aspidorhinus) from the arid mountains of northwestern Balochistan Province, Pakistan. The new species, Eremias killasaifullahi sp. nov. and Eremias rafiqi sp. nov. are distinguished from all other species of the subgenus Aspidorhinus (E. afghanistanica, E. fahimii, E. isfahanica, E. kopetdaghica, E. lalezharica, E. montana, E. nikolskii, E. papenfussi, E. persica, E. regeli, E. roborowskii, E. strauchi, E. suphani, and E. velox) by unique morphological characters and genetic differentiation. In the molecular phylogeny of Aspidorhinus, both new taxa are well-supported lineages differentiated from other species of this subgenus by uncorrected p distances from 8.5% to 21.6%, respectively. Both new species belong to E. persica complex where E. rafiqi sp. nov. is partly similar in dorsal color pattern to E. persica but can be distinguished from this species by unique meristic and morphometric characters. Eremias rafiqi sp. nov. is found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and eastern Iran. Eremias killasaifullahi sp. nov. can be differentiated from E. persica by its distant distribution, dorsal color and pattern, smaller size, and less number of gulars and ventral scales. Eremias killasaifullahi sp. nov. is only known from the type locality and represents the local microendemism, along with other endemic species of reptiles reported from this part of Pakistan. We, however, expect that E. killasaifullahi sp. nov. could have a broader range in northwestern Pakistan and southeastern Afghanistan, which should be an object of following investigations. Our data show that remote areas between Hindu Kush Mountains and Indus River need attention as they most probably represent possible sources of genetic and species diversity in the region.

First record of <i>Eptesicus furinalis</i> (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) from the state of Maranhão, Brazil

A specimen of Eptesicus furinalis was collected in the municipality of Cândido Mendes, in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. It was a non-lactating adult female, with dark chestnut dorsal coloration, yellow venter, hairless membranes, short and rounded ears, and a pointed tragus. The analysis of the DNA barcode of the COI mitochondrial gene revealed a 99.80 % similarity with the sequence of E. furinalis deposited in the BOLDSystems platform. The combined analysis of the morphological and molecular data confirmed the occurrence of E. furinalis in the state of Maranhão. This extends the known distribution of the species 676.1 km from the nearest recorded locality in the Ceará State.

A new, narrowly endemic species of swamp-dwelling dusky salamander (Plethodontidae: Desmognathus) from the Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi and Alabama.

We describe a new, narrowly endemic species of swamp-dwelling dusky salamander (Plethodontidae: Desmognathus pascagoula sp. nov.) from the Gulf Coastal Plain of southeastern Mississippi and southwestern Alabama based on linear morphometrics, mitochondrial DNA, and single nucleotide polymorphisms from 881 loci produced using genotype-by-sequencing. Some populations of the new species were historically referred to as D. auriculatus, a polyphyletic assemblage of at least three species in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain from Texas to North Carolina. Populations of D. auriculatus from the Gulf Coastal Plain in Louisiana and Mississippi were recently described as D. valentinei. The new species includes populations that were tentatively referred to D. valentinei, but we find it is morphologically, genetically, and geographically distinct. It is smaller, has a more defined dorsal color pattern, more irregular whitish portholes in up to three rows on the lateral surfaces of the body and tail, and a brighter orange or yellowish orange postocular stripe. At present, the new species is known from only six extant populations in the lower Pascagoula, Escatawpa, and Mobile drainages. The latter represents a distinct phylogeographic lineage. We also refer a historical collection from the northeastern side of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta to this species, suggesting a much broader range in the past. We suspect that more populations remain to be discovered in the area, and their potential species-level distinctiveness should be tested further. This discovery increases knowledge of the biodiversity in the southeastern United States Coastal Plain, a candidate region meeting the global criteria for a biodiversity hotspot, and underscores the amount of cryptic diversity likely remaining to be discovered and described in Nearctic salamanders.

A new salamander of the genus Bolitoglossa (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from the highlands of western Panama

We describe a new species of salamander of the genus Bolitoglossa from the Cordillera de Talamanca in western Panama. The new species is distinct from its congeners by its dorsal and ventral coloration, finger and toe webbing, and a comparatively high maxillary teeth count in relation to SVL. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed an isolated phylogenetic position of the new species which is related to the B. robinsoni, B. subpalmata and B. epimela species groups, all four of which form a subclade within the subgenus Eladinea.

A new genus and two new species of land planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Geoplanidae) from Southern Chile

ABSTRACT The paper describes the new land planarian genus Mapuplana gen. nov. from Chile, on the basis of the two new species Mapuplana guttulata sp. nov. and M. fjordica sp. nov. The genus Mapuplana is mainly characterised by two putative apomorphies: a subneural parenchymal musculature consisting of diagonal decussate muscle fibres; and a blind duct opening sideways into the female atrium. The new species are very similar to each other in their general anatomy and differ only in details in the pattern of dorsal colouration, the relative distance between mouth and gonopore, the relative thickness of the ventral cutaneous musculature, the orientation of the gonoduct, and the shape of the female atrium. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:120AC180-D4AC-433F-B3A0-BB96C6962DB4

Two new glassfrogs (Centrolenidae: Hyalinobatrachium) from Ecuador, with comments on the endangered biodiversity of the Andes.

BackgroundThe Tropical Andes is the world’s most biodiverse hotspot. This region contains >1,000 amphibian species, more than half of which are endemic. Herein we describe two new glassfrog species (Centrolenidae: Hyalinobatrachium) that we discovered within relatively unexplored and isolated localities of the Ecuadorian Andes.MethodsWe employed morphological, acoustic, and molecular methods to test the hypothesis that Hyalinobatrachium mashpi sp. nov and H. nouns sp. nov. are species new to science. Following standard methods, we generated mitochondrial sequences (16S) of 37 individuals in the genus Hyalinobatrachium. We inferred the phylogenetic relationships of the two new species in comparison to all other glassfrogs using Maximum Likelihood. In addition to describing the call of H. mashpi sp. nov., we performed a discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) with the advertisement call characteristics of several congeners.ResultsBased on an integrative taxonomy approach, we describe two new species. Morphological traits and the inferred phylogeny unambiguously place the new taxa in the genus Hyalinobatrachium. Both species are distinguished from other glassfrogs mainly by their dorsal coloration (i.e., dorsum lime green with small light yellow spots, head usually with interorbital bar) and transparent pericardium (i.e., the heart is visible through the ventral skin). The new species exhibit a high morphological similarity (i.e., cryptic) and occur within relatively close geographical proximity (closest aerial distance = 18.9 km); however, their uncorrected p distance for the mitochondrial gene 16S is 4.6–4.7%, a value that greatly exceeds the genetic distance between closely related species of centrolenid frogs. The DAPC revealed that the advertisement call of H. mashpi sp. nov. is acoustically distinct.DiscussionOur findings are congruent with several previous studies that report a high degree of endemism in the Toisán mountain range, which appears to be isolated from the main Andean cordillera for some amphibian groups. We recommend that both H. mashpi sp. nov. and H. nouns sp. nov. be listed as Endangered, following IUCN criteria. These new species provide another example of cryptic diversity in the Andes—further evidence that the region fosters much more biodiversity than we have the resources to catalog. Threatened by mining and other exploitative industries, these glassfrogs and many other yet-to-be-discovered Andean species highlight the dire need for effective conservation measures—especially in northwestern Ecuador.

Phenotypic selection on an ornamental trait is not modulated by breeding density in a pied flycatcher population

Most studies of phenotypic selection in the wild have focussed on morphological and life‐history traits and looked at abiotic (climatic) variation as the main driver of selection. Consequently, our knowledge of the effects of biotic environmental variation on phenotypic selection on sexual traits is scarce. Population density can be considered a proxy for the intensity of intrasexual and intersexual competition and could therefore be a key factor influencing the covariation between individual fitness and the expression of sexual traits. Here, we used an individual‐based data set from a population of pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) monitored over 24 years to analyze the effect of breeding density on phenotypic selection on dorsal plumage colouration, a heritable and sexually selected ornament in males of this species. Using the number of recruits as a fitness proxy, our results showed overall stabilizing selection on male dorsal colouration, with intermediate phenotypes being favoured over extremely dark and dull individuals. However, our results did not support the hypothesis that breeding density mediates phenotypic selection on this sexual trait. We discuss the possible role of other biotic factors influencing selection on ornamental plumage.

A new Four-clawed Gecko from limestone hills in Lopburi Province, central Thailand (Squamata, Gekkonidae: Gehyra).

We describe Gehyra wongchan sp. nov. from Tham Khao Chan (Khao Chan Cave), Tha Luang District, and Wat Khao Wong, Kok Samrong District, in Lopburi Province, central Thailand. The new species differs from all currently recognized Gehyra by the following combination of morphological characters and dorsal color pattern: maximal known snoutvent length of 52.4 mm, 810 supralabials, 7680 dorsal and 4850 ventral scale rows around midbody, absence of skin folds on limbs, 17 or 18 preanofemoral pores in males in a continuous series extending to mid-length of femur (pores absent in females), tail not- to moderately widened behind vent in adults, a single row of widened subcaudals, digits and toes unwebbed, 7 or 8 divided subdigital lamellae on 4th toe, and a dorsal pattern with white spots as large or larger than adjacent crescentic black markings on a beige to light-brown background.

Populational Differentiation in Boana bischoffi (Anura, Hylidae): Revisiting the Issue Using Molecular, Morphological, and Acoustic Data

Boana bischoffi was originally described from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul and has Boana multilineata from São Paulo as a junior synonym. The history of its nomenclature reflects the varying interpretation of the dorsal color pattern of the two different populations. We reevaluate the problem of taxonomic recognition of Boana multilineata based on molecular, morphometric, and acoustic data. The molecular data revealed two major clades that are partially concordant with the morphological and acoustic differentiation. Morphometric analyses revealed elements of differentiation between populations in snout–vent length (SVL) and head shape, which were patterns not detected previously. Discrimination considering call features was substantial, even complete in a discriminant analysis. Despite these differences, we refrain from resurrecting the name B. multilineata due to the existence of putative introgression zones, the effect of SVL in call dominant frequency, and lack of taxonomically relevant differences. Boana bischoffi might represent a case of incipient speciation.

A lot of convergence, a bit of divergence: Environment and interspecific interactions shape body colour patterns in Lissotriton newts.

Coexistence with related species poses evolutionary challenges to which populations may react in diverse ways. When exposed to similar environments, sympatric populations of two species may adopt similar phenotypic trait values. However, selection may also favour trait divergence as a way to reduce competition for resources or mates. The characteristics of external body parts, such as coloration and external morphology, are involved to varying degrees in intraspecific signalling as well as in the adaptation to the environment and consequently may be diversely affected by interspecific interactions in sympatry. Here, we studied the effect of sympatry on various colour and morphological traits in males and females of two related newt species Lissotriton helveticus and L.vulgaris. Importantly, we did not only estimate how raw trait differences between species respond to sympatry, but also the marginal responses after controlling for environmental variation. We found that dorsal and caudal coloration converged in sympatry, likely reflecting their role in adaptation to local environments, especially concealment from predators. In contrast, aspects of male and female ventral coloration, which harbours sexual signals in both species, diverged in sympatry. This divergence may reduce opportunities for interspecific sexual interactions and the associated loss of energy, suggesting reproductive character displacement (RCD). Our study emphasizes the contrasting patterns of traits involved in different functions and calls for the need to consider this diversity in evolutionary studies.

Transcriptomic Analysis Suggests Auxin Regulation in Dorsal-Ventral Petal Asymmetry of Wild Progenitor Sinningia speciosa.

The establishment of dorsal–ventral (DV) petal asymmetry is accompanied by differential growth of DV petal size, shape, and color differences, which enhance ornamental values. Genes involved in flower symmetry in Sinningia speciosa have been identified as CYCLOIDEA (SsCYC), but which gene regulatory network (GRN) is associated with SsCYC to establish DV petal asymmetry is still unknown. To uncover the GRN of DV petal asymmetry, we identified 630 DV differentially expressed genes (DV-DEGs) from the RNA-Seq of dorsal and ventral petals in the wild progenitor, S. speciosa ‘ES’. Validated by qRT-PCR, genes in the auxin signaling transduction pathway, SsCYC, and a major regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis were upregulated in dorsal petals. These genes correlated with a higher endogenous auxin level in dorsal petals, with longer tube length growth through cell expansion and a purple dorsal color. Over-expression of SsCYC in Nicotiana reduced petal size by regulating cell growth, suggesting that SsCYC also controls cell expansion. This suggests that auxin and SsCYC both regulate DV petal asymmetry. Transiently over-expressed SsCYC, however, could not activate most major auxin signaling genes, suggesting that SsCYC may not trigger auxin regulation. Whether auxin can activate SsCYC or whether they act independently to regulate DV petal asymmetry remains to be explored in the future.