[Botany • 2022] Sternbergia mishustinii (Amaryllidaceae: Amaryllidoideae) • A New Species from the Mersin Province in southern Turkey

Sternbergia mishustinii  Zubov & Trias-Blasi, 

in Zubov, Trias Blasi et Mishustin, 2022. 

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-022-10013-8  

 Researchgate.net/publication/359614613 

Summary

Sternbergia mishustinii (Amaryllidaceae, Amaryllidoideae), a new species with hysteranthous leaves and mainly cleistogamous flowers, possibly endemic to the Mersin area (Cilician Plain, southern Turkey), is described and illustrated. Morphological differences between the new species and other related species are discussed. Photographs (habitat and morphology), a distribution map and a provisional conservation assessment are provided.

Key Words: Cilician Plain, cleistogamy, hysteranthous, Mediterranean flora

 Images of Sternbergia mishustinii in situ, Feb. 2019.
A habitat within Mediterranean garrigue community at type locality; B, C plants of S. mishustinii.

photos: R. Mishustin.

 Morphological features of seed grown and cultivated in Ukraine in adult plants of Sternbergia mishustinii vs S. colchiciflora.
 A fruiting plants in pots: S. colchiciflora (left pot, origin -Berezino, Odessa region, S Ukraine), S. mishustinii (right pot, ex locus classicus); B S. mishustinii plants lifted from pots: range of ages from seedlings to mature fruiting individuals (left to right); C fruiting plants lifted from pots with adventitious roots, basal sheaths, bulbs, leaves, scapes and capsules: S. colchiciflora (left three plants, origin -Berezino, Odessa region, S Ukraine), S. mishustinii (right two plants, ex locus classicus); D S. mishustinii bulb with a chasmogamous flower; E S. mishustinii bulbs with cleistogamous flowers; F S. mishustinii chasmogamous flower; G S. mishustinii ripening capsule; H seeds with strophioles (marked by arrows): S. colchiciflora (left side: ± C-shaped, origin -Berezino, Odessa region, S Ukraine), S. mishustinii (right side: ± Ç-shaped, ex locus classicus).

 photos: R. Mishustin.

Sternbergia mishustinii Zubov & Trias Blasi sp. nov. 

Etymology. Named after Mr Ruslan Mishustin, Ukrainian nature explorer, who found and collected its seeds in 1997 during a zoological trip in southern Turkey.

Dimitri Zubov, Anna Trias Blasi and Ruslan Mishustin. 2022. Sternbergia mishustinii (Amaryllidaceae): A New Species from the Mersin Province in southern Turkey. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-022-10013-8 

  Researchgate.net/publication/359614613_Sternbergia_mishustinii_a_new_species_from_Mersin_southern_Turkey

[Botany • 2020] Allium schisticola (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species of Allium sect. Melanocrommyum from West Azarbaijan (Iran), with peculiar morphological characters and an unexpected phylogenetic position

 

 Allium schisticola R.M. Fritsch, Moazzeni & Dolatyari, 

in Dolatyari, Moazzeni, Hosseini, Blattner et Fritsch, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.450.3.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/342549771

Abstract

Allium schisticola is described from West Azarbaijan (Iran) as a new species. It is closely related to A. sabalense and A. sahandicum in having a similar flower color but differs by leaf, filament, and tepal characters. We investigated the phylogenetic relationship of the new species based on sequences of the chloroplast trnL-trnF and nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions in A. subg. Melanocrommyum compared with 109 accessions of this subgenus. Our results confirm its placement in A. subg. Melanocrommyum. However, the ITS tree showed that the new species should belong to A. sect. Melanocrommyum despite the fact that it represents many morphological characters of A. sect. Acanthoprason. Most peculiar for the new species are obtuse tepals broadest near the tip (vs. very narrowly lanceolate up to triangular tepals in A. sect. Acanthoprason), with adaxially inconspicuous median vein (vs. conspicuous median vein in sect. Acanthoprason). The new species is diploid with a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 16. Karyotype features and meiotic chromosomes behavior are presented for the new taxon. A detailed morphological description, illustrations, and a distribution map of the new species are given.

Keywords: Allium sabalense, Allium sahandicum, Iran, phylogeny, section Acanthoprason, subg. Melanocrommyum, Monocots

 Allium schisticola
  A-C: Cultivated plant at anthesis. D-F: Plants in their natural habitat; D: Plant in the fruiting stage; E: Close-up of fruits; F: Bulb; G: Seeds (Millimeter paper as background).

All photos by Hamid Moazzeni.

Allium schisticola R.M. Fritsch, Moazzeni & Dolatyari, sp. nov.

Alireza DOLATYARI, Hamid MOAZZENI, Saeide HOSSEINI, Frank R. BLATTNER and Reinhard M. FRITSCH. 2020. Allium schisticola, A New Species with peculiar morphological characters and an unexpected phylogenetic position. Phytotaxa. 450(3):246-256. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.450.3.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/342549771_Allium_schisticola_a_new_species_and_an_unexpected_phylogenetic_position

[Botany • 2023] Fritillaria ecerii (Liliaceae) • A New Species from Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey

 

 Fritillaria ecerii Balos & Eker,  

in Eker et Balo, 2023. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.060.0135  

 Researchgate.net/publication/375187572

 

Abstract

Fritillaria ecerii Balos & Eker sp. nova (Liliaceae) is described from the province of Mardin, SE Anatolia, Turkey. It is morphologically similar to F. melananthera in having a striped perigone, to F. caucasica and F. baskilensis in having a long style, and to F. assyriaca in having the same number of leaves. However, it clearly differs from F. melananthera and F. assyriaca mainly by its smooth style, longer filaments and more numerous bracts, and from F. caucasica and F. baskilensis mainly by its striped perigone and more numerous bracts. Diagnostic characteristics, a description, images, and a conservation assessment are provided.

 Fritillaria ecerii.
— A: Habitat. — B: Habit. — C, F and G: Lateral view of flowers. — D: Top view of flower. — E: Bottom view of flower. — H: Habit of fruiting plant.

 Fritillaria ecerii Balos & Eker sp. nova 

İsmail Eker and Mehmet Maruf Balo. 2023. Fritillaria ecerii (Liliaceae), A New Species from Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey. Annales Botanici Fennici. 60(1), 231-236. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.060.0135 

  Researchgate.net/publication/375187572_Fritillaria_ecerii_a_new_species_from_southeastern_Anatolia_Turkey

[Crustacea • 2024] Stenasellus stygopersicus • A Second Species of Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897 (Isopoda: Stenasellidae) from sulfidic groundwater of Iran described using morphological and molecular methods

 

[A] Stenasellus stygopersicus Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini & Issartel sp. nov. in sulfidic water of Chah Kabootari Cave, Iran.
[B, C] S. tashanicus Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Fatemi, Malek-Hosseini & Kuntner, 2018 in Tashan Cave, Iran.  

 Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini, Issartel, Konecny-Dupré, Kuntner, Fatemi, Flot, Douady et Malard, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2024.968.2733

Abstract

We report on a new species of Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897 (Isopoda, Stenasellidae) from groundwater of Iran. Stenasellus stygopersicus Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini & Issartel sp. nov. inhabits the Chah Kabootari Cave that is adjacent to the Tashan Cave, the type locality of the first recorded species of Stenasellidae from Iran, Stenasellus tashanicus Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Fatemi, Malek-Hosseini & Kuntner, 2018. Both caves are fed by sulfidic groundwater and belong to the Tashan-Chah Kabootari species-rich aquifer on the Zagros Mountains. Both species are characterized by a large body size (≥ 20 mm), a female-biased sexual size dimorphism, and a distinct black-pigmented Bellonci’s organ. Stenasellus stygopersicus differs from S. tashanicus by a short and wide protopodite of pleopod I, setae set essentially along the apical margin of pleopod I exopodite, the subequal length and width of the male pleopod II protopodite, and deeply bilobed endopodites of pleopods III–V. Molecular evidence suggests that while Stenasellus stygopersicus is sister to S. tashanicus, the species are genetically distinguishable, with divergence time estimates ranging from 23 to 39.8 Ma.

Keywords: biodiversity, phylogeny, Stenasellidae, groundwater, sulfidic cave

 A. Five specimens of Stenasellus stygopersicus Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini & Issartel sp. nov. in sulfidic water of Chah Kabootari Cave, Iran.
B. A specimen of S. tashanicus Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Fatemi, Malek-Hosseini & Kuntner, 2018 in Tashan Cave, Iran. C. Another specimen of S. tashanicus, hanging on the white biofilm floating at the surface of sulfidic water in Tashan Cave, Iran.

Order Isopoda Latreille, 1816

Superfamily Aselloidea Latreille, 1802

Family Stenasellidae Dudich, 1924

Genus Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897

Stenasellus stygopersicus Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini & Issartel sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Body dorsal smooth, pleotelson being barely longer than its width (about 1.1 its width), short antennula (in males with only up to 34 segments in flagellum), barely overreaching antennal peduncle ( Fig. 3  ). Antenna with minute squama, ultimate segment of mandible palp without setae ( Fig. 3  ). Short and wide (length <width) protopodite of pleopod I, setae only along mesiodistal margin of pleopod I exopodite ( Fig. 5  ). Pleopod II protopodite subequal in length and width, exopodite segment II with only about 10 (9–11) plumose setae; endopod of pleopods III–V in males distally deeply bifurcated (i.e. bifurcation overreaches half of endopodite III–V length). A species with strongly female-biased sexual dimorphism in body size.

Etymology: The name of the new species is formed from the prefix ‘stygo’ (from ancient Greek ‘stýx’), a common prefix used to refer to groundwater dwelling animals, and the Latin word ‘persicus’ referring to Persia.

Jure Jugovic, Mohammad Javad Malek-Hosseini, Colin Issartel, Lara Konecny-Dupré, Matjaž Kuntner, Yaser Fatemi, Jean-François Flot, Christophe J. Douady and Florian Malard. 2024. A Second Species of Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897 (Isopoda, Stenasellidae) from sulfidic groundwater of Iran described using morphological and molecular methods. European Journal of Taxonomy. 968(1); 256–274. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2024.968.2733

[Arachnida • 2024] Maimuna antalyensis, Tegenaria beyazcika, T. egrisiana, ... • New Taxonomic and Faunistic Data on the Funnel-weavers (Araneae: Agelenidae) of Turkiye and the Caucasus, with Five New Species

Habitus of Tegenaria egrisiana sp. nov. (A, B), T. dalmatica (C), T. beyazcika sp. nov. (D), and T. tekke (E), dorsal view.
 A, D males B, C, E females.

in Zamani, Kaya et Marusik, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1218.135249

  

Abstract

New taxonomic and faunistic data on the agelenid spiders of Turkiye and the Caucasus are provided. Five species are described as new to science: Maimuna antalyensis sp. nov. (♂♀; Turkiye: Antalya), Tegenaria ballarini sp. nov. (♂♀; Turkiye: Antalya), T. beyazcika sp. nov. (♂; Turkiye: Antalya), T. egrisiana sp. nov. (♂♀; Georgia: Imereti), and T. hoeferi sp. nov. (♂♀; Armenia: Kotayk). Tegenaria lazarovi Dimitrov, 2020, syn. nov. is proposed as a new junior synonym of T. averni Brignoli, 1978. Persiscape caucasica (Guseinov, Marusik & Koponen, 2005) is newly reported from Armenia, and T. chumachenkoi Kovblyuk & Ponomarev, 2008 is reported for the first time from Turkiye. New distribution records for T. dalmatica Kulczyński, 1906, T. hamid Brignoli, 1978, T. longimana Simon, 1898 and T. percuriosa Brignoli, 1972, and topotype material for T. tekke Brignoli, 1978 are reported. The record of Eratigena fuesslini (Pavesi, 1873) from Turkiye is found to be based on a misidentification, and is herein attributed to T. hamid. The presence of an embolic spine, unknown in any other species of Tegenaria, is documented in T. anhela Brignoli, 1972 for the first time. Photographs are provided for all treated species.

Key words: Anatolia, Armenia, Georgia, Maimuna, new record, new synonymy, Persiscape, Tegenaria

Habitus of Tegenaria egrisiana sp. nov. (A, B), T. dalmatica (C), T. beyazcika sp. nov. (D), and T. tekke (E), dorsal view.
 A, D males B, C, E females.

 

Alireza Zamani, Rahşen S. Kaya, Yuri M. Marusik. 2024. New Taxonomic and Faunistic Data on the Funnel-weavers (Araneae, Agelenidae) of Turkiye and the Caucasus, with Five New Species. ZooKeys. 1218: 251-286. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1218.135249

[Botany • 2024] Allium kubeysdaghense (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species of Allium sect. Codonoprasum from Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye

Allium kubeysdaghense Balos & Sonay, 

in Sonay, Gül, Balos et Bagcı, 2024.

  dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/ijnls/issue/85939/1532537 

 instagram.com/MarufBalos 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383218912

Allium kubeysdaghense Balos & Sonay, Allium sect. a new species from Codonoprasum, described from Elazığ Province, eastern Turkey. It is morphologically similar to A. turcicum and A. turcicum subsp. fusciflorum in general shape and presence of long spathe valves. But it differs in papyrus-like outer tunic; flexible, purple or green petioles on the upper part of the leaves; leaf sheaths covering up to 2/3 of the total length of the scape; crescent-shaped leaf cross-section; leaf margins with 3 to 6 scabrous teeth; verrucose leaf surface; non waxy, cream or white bell-shaped perigone; different structure and shape of inner and outer tepals; reticulate ovary surface. This study includes a detailed description of the new species, photographs of the species, habitat and ecological characteristics, conservation assessment, significant morphological differences with related species, and seed micromorphology (SEM).

 

Elazığ, Karakoçan, Kovancılar, Palu, New onion, Sultan Kubeys Mountain

Allium kubeysdaghense Balos & Sonay sp. nov.

Etymology: The new species takes its name from Sultan Kubeys, which gave its name to Sultan Kubeys Mountain and where his tomb is located. Sultan Kubeys Mountain is located between the Kovancilar, Palu and Karakoçan districts, close to the Elazığ-Bingöl border. The new scientific Turkish name suggested according to the guides of Menemen et al., (2016; 2021) is "Kubeys soğanı", named in honor of Sultan Kubeys. 

Veysel Sonay, Emel Gül, Mehmet Maruf Balos and Eyup Bagcı. 2024. Allium kubeysdaghense, A New Species of Allium sect. Codonoprasum (Amaryllidaceae) from Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye. International Journal of Nature and Life Sciences. 8(2), 111-124.

  dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/ijnls/issue/85939/1532537  

Researchgate.net/publication/383218912_Allium_kubeysdaghense_a_new_species_from_Eastern_Anatolia_Turkiye

instagram.com/p/C-08iFJCOuq

[Botany • 2024] Fritillaria yalcinii (Liliaceae) • A New Species from southeastern Turkey

Fritillaria yalcinii  

 

in Balos, Çeçen, Tekşen, Yıldırım et Sonay, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04220 

 facebook.com/biyolog.efe

Abstract

Fritillaria yalcinii (Liliaceae) is described as a new species from Diyarbakır Province, southeastern Turkey. It is superficially similar to F. carica, F. forbesii, F. minima, F. minuta, F. mughlae and F. sibthorpiana, but differs in several morphological characters, such as leaves, perigon, nectary, filament, stigma and anther. Diagnostic characteristics, a comprehensive description, photographs, geographical distribution, conservation assessment, observations and a distribution map are provided.

Keywords: Çermik, Diyarbakır, Mesopotamia, taxonomy

Mehmet Maruf Balos, Cahit Çeçen, Mehtap Tekşen, Hasan Yıldırım and Veysel Sonay. 2024. Fritillaria yalcinii (Liliaceae), A New Species from southeastern Turkey. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04220 

 facebook.com/biyolog.efe/posts/7278961068806451

[Botany • 2024] Fritillaria shahuensis (Liliaceae) • A New Species from western Iran

Fritillaria shahuensis   

in Advay et Rix. 2024. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.662.3.7

  Researchgate.net/publication/383085871

 

Abstract

A new species, Fritillaria shahuensis, from western Iran is described. It is similar in general facies to F. atrolineata and F. chlorantha in the F. caucasica-group but differs mainly in colour and size of lowest leaves and shape and colour of perigone segments. Fritillaria shahuensis is also similar in general facies to F. assyriaca and F. kordestanica but differs mainly by colour of perigone segments. Detailed taxonomic descriptions, diagnostic characters, original photographs, geographical distributions, habitat, phenology and ecology, etymology and conservation status of the new and related species are presented.

 Monocots, Fritillaria caucasica group, Hawraman, Lilioideae, Shahu, Kurdistan flora, Iranian flora

Fritillaria shahuensis, A, B. Habit. C, D. inner and outer surfaces of inner and outer tepals, pistil and stamens. E. Floral details. F. Seeds. G. Capsule. H. Bulb.

Fritillaria shahuensis A. Floral details. B-E. Habit and habitat.

 Mahfouz Advay and Martyn Rix. 2024. Fritillaria shahuensis (Liliaceae), A New Species from western Iran. Phytotaxa. 662(3); 279-286. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.662.3.7 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383085871_Fritillaria_shahuensis_a_new_species_from_western_Iran 

[Botany • 2024] Asyneuma yildizianum (Campanulaceae) • A New Species from SW Türkiye

Asyneuma yildizianum Yıldırım & Özdöl, 

in Yıldırım et Özdöl, 2024.

zeybekdeğneği  ||  DOI: 10.1007/s12225-024-10206-3 

 facebook.com: Hasan Yıldırım

Summary

Asyneuma yildizianum Yıldırım & Özdöl (Campanulaceae) is described as a new species from the Babadağ mountain range near the counties of Tavas and Babadağ in the province of Denizli in southwestern Türkiye. Diagnostic characteristics, a full description, and comprehensive photographs and micromorphology of the pollen and seeds are provided. It is morphologically related to A. virgatum subsp. cichoriiforme and A. ilgazense. The new species differs from related taxa mainly by its caespitose habit, perennial monocarpic life form, (6 –) 8 – 20-stemmed at base, 5 – 22 cm long stem and sky blue to pale violet flowers. A preliminary IUCN Red List assessment of the new species is supplied.

Key Words: Anatolia, Flora, new taxa, Turkey

A – C Asyneuma yildizianum habit when in flower.

    

Asyneuma yildizianum Yıldırım & Özdöl sp. nov. 

Etymology. The new Asyneuma species was named in honour of Turkish Botanist Prof. Dr Bayram Yıldız, an expert on the taxonomy of the genus Asyneuma.

Vernacular name. The Turkish name of this species is suggested as “zeybekdeğneği” according to the guidelines in Menemen et al. (2016).

 

Hasan Yıldırım and Tuğkan Özdöl. 2024. Asyneuma yildizianum (Campanulaceae), A New Species from SW Türkiye.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-024-10206-3

  facebook.com/640594604/posts/10161398924644605 

  x.com/KewBulletin/status/1826553170564129117

[Botany • 2024] Bufonia darvishii (Caryophyllaceae) • A Novel endemic Species from Zagros Mountains, Iran

 

Bufonia darvishii Zeraatkar,     

in Zeraatkar, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04440

Abstract

A new subalpine species of Bufonia sect. Longipedicellata from the Zagros Mountains in west Iran is described and illustrated here. It colonizes mountain slopes with gravelly, stony, and scree substrates in one locality of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, preferably with a western and north-west orientation, at elevations between 2700 and 3100 m a.s.l. The new species, B. darvishii, is diagnosed against the morphologically similar B. macrocarpa. The two species share similarities such as filiform and long pedicels, a lax panicle-cyme inflorescence, distribution pattern of trichomes, and long peduncles. However, the new species stands out with semi-shrub life form, its greater height, retention of the previous year's stems, cymes bearing more flowers, orbicular petals, larger petals, a broadly ovate ovary, larger sepals with more pronounced nervation, shorter pedicels, larger flowers, etc. Bufonia darvishii is proposed to be Critically Endangered (CR) following the guidelines of the IUCN.

Keywords: alpine flora, Bakhtiari, endangered species, Mount Kallar, steno-endemic species

Bufonia darvishii sp. nov. in the wild (Mount Kallar).

Bufonia darvishii sp. nov. in the wild (Mount Kallar).

Habitat (Mount Kallar).

Flower parts in (a) Flower, (b) iInner sepal, (c) outer sepal, (d) stamens, (e) pistil, (f) petals.

 Scales: (b–d, f): 1 mm. (e): 0.5 mm. (a): 2 mm.

Bufonia darvishii Zeraatkar sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A species related to Bufonia macrocarpa Ser. but exhibiting a significantly greater height (30–50 versus 20–35 cm), semi-shrub life form (versus erect chamaephyte), while retaining previous year's stems, longer leaves (up to 13 versus up to 10 mm), cymes bearing more flowers (10–25 versus mostly 3–10), orbicular petals (versus ovate or obovate), larger (3.0–3.5 mm in diameter, versus (1.5) 1.8–2.0 (3.0) × 1.5–2.0 mm), and broadly ovate ovary (versus elliptic or rounded) petals, different petal length/filament length ratio (shorter versus longer), larger sepals (2.5–3.0 × 1.0–1.6 versus 1.5–2.0 (3.0) × ca 0.8 mm) and with more pronounced nervature (7–9-veined versus 3–7-veined), shorter pedicels (up to 15 mm versus up to 30 mm), and possessing larger flower (ca 5–6 mm in diameter versus 3–4 mm).

 

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Mohammad Darvish, a desert researcher from the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, and an Iranian environmentalist who has made comprehensive and diverse efforts to preserve the environment in Iran. His environmental leadership includes the protection of ecosystems, plant and animal species, as well as the reduction of waste and pollution. He and like-minded associates are primarily directed towards recognizing and addressing how actions related to environmental protection can impact human health and well-being.

Amin Zeraatkar. 2024. Bufonia darvishii (Caryophyllaceae), A Novel endemic Species from Zagros Mountains, Iran. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04440

[Arachnida • 2024] Hottentotta hatamtiorum • Integrative Systematics of the widespread Middle Eastern buthid Scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Scorpiones: Buthidae), reveals A New Species in Iran

Hottentotta hatamtiorum 

Amiri, Prendini, Hussen, Aliabadian, Siahsarvie & Mirshamsi, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/asp.82.e98662

Abstract

Morphological and genetic variation among populations of the widespread buthid scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), occurring in western and southwestern Iran was explored using morphometric variables, one nuclear marker (28S rDNA) and three mitochondrial markers (12S rDNA, 16S rDNA, and Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I). Genetic and morphometric statistical analyses revealed extensive cryptic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis with Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood uncovered two divergent clades, one of which is described as a new species, Hottentotta hatamtiorum sp. nov., from Ilam and Khuzestan Provinces, southwestern Iran. The description of the new species raises the total count of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 species to 61, twelve of which are endemic or subendemic to the Iranian Plateau.

Key words: Cryptic diversity, morphology, morphometrics, taxonomy

Hottentotta hatamtiorum sp. nov., habitus, dorsal aspect (A, C), ventral aspect (B, D).
 A, B Holotype ♂ (ZMFUM 1977). C, D Paratype ♀ (ZMFUM 1981).

Scale bars = 10 mm.

Hottentotta hatamtiorum sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Hottentotta hatamtiorum sp. nov. may be distinguished from H. saulcyi by the wider metasomal segment I (MtIL/WHsau 1.01 ± 0.06; MtIL/WHhat 1.17 ± 0.11) and telson (TWHsau 3.99 ± 0.62; TWHhat 4.25 ± 0.70); from H. akbarii by the infuscate anterior part of the carapace, metasomal segment V, and telson; from H. lorestanus by the uniformly yellowish-brown base color; and from H. khoozestanus by the shorter fingers of the pedipalp chela (ChL/ML 2.35; MFL/ML 1.36) and the infuscate ventral and ventrolateral surfaces of metasomal segment V and telson.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to Hatamti, an ancient civilization centered in the far west and southwest of modern-day Iran (3200–539 BC), in the lowlands of present-day Khuzestan and Ilam provinces and a small part of southern Iraq.

Masoumeh Amiri, Lorenzo Prendini, Fenik Sherzad Hussen, Mansour Aliabadian, Roohollah Siahsarvie and Omid Mirshamsi. 2024. Integrative Systematics of the widespread Middle Eastern buthid Scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), reveals A New Species in Iran. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 82: 323-341. DOI: 10.3897/asp.82.e98662

[Entomology • 2024] Holaptilon abdullahii, H. iranicum, ... • The Six Dwarfs of the Middle East: Revision of the enigmatic Praying Mantis Genus Holaptilon (Mantodea: Gonypetidae: Gonypetinae) with the Description of Four New Species under Integrative Taxonomy

[a] Holaptilon abdullahii sp. nov.  [d-e] H. iranicum sp. nov.
[f] H. khozestani sp. nov. [h-i] H. tadovaniensis sp. nov. 
[c] H. brevipugilis [j] H. pusillulum
 

in Mirzaee, Battiston,  Ballarin, Sadeghi, Simões, Wiemers et Schmitt, 2024.

DOI: 10.3897/asp.82.e112834 

Abstract

The dwarf-mantid genus Holaptilon Beier, 1964 is composed of small-sized ground-runner species distributed in the Middle East. Due to their elusive lifestyle, little is known about their behaviour, distribution, and phylogeny. The genus Holaptilon was once established for a single species, H. pusillulum Beier, 1964, based on material collected in Jerusalem, Israel. Later, H. brevipugilis Kolnegari, 2018, and H. yagmur Yılmaz and Sevgili, 2023 were described from Iran and Turkey, respectively. In this study, integrated morphology, molecular analyses, and ecology were used to revise the genus Holaptilon and define the boundaries of its species. New data on this genus are presented, based on Holaptilon specimens collected from various provinces of Iran, Israel, Jordan, and Turkey. Extensive analyses, including examinations of male and female genitalia, morphometrical analysis, and morphological hypervolumes were conducted to distinguish its species morphologically. In addition, four molecular markers (mitochondrial and nuclear) were studied to gain a better understanding of species delimitation and phylogenetic relationships. As a result, impressive inter- and intraspecific variability was recovered. In addition to the three already known species, four new species with their distributions restricted to Iran (H. abdullahii sp. nov., H. khozestani sp. nov., H. iranicum sp. nov., and H. tadovaniensis sp. nov.) are here described, and H. yagmur Yılmaz and Sevgili, 2023 is synonymized with H. brevipugilis Kolnegari, 2018. The integrative approach was essential for an adequate classification in Holaptilon taxonomy and also helpful in the clarification of problematic and cryptic Mantodea species. Additional information concerning the life cycle, ecological aspects, spermatophore feeding, as well as geographic range and historical biogeography of Holaptilon species is also provided.

Keywords: Autecology, biogeography, morphology, species delimitation, species descriptions, systematics

Genus Holaptilon life habitus:
a Holaptilon abdullahii sp. nov., paratype male from Soroo, Busheher province (29.569N, 51.947E). b H. abdullahii sp. nov., paratype female from Kangan, Busheher province (27.843N, 52.064 E).
c H. brevipugilis male and female from Arak (34.128N, 50.07E) (photo credit: Mahmood Kolnegari).
d H. iranicum sp. nov., holotype male from Arjan, Fars province (29.569N, 51.947E). e H. iranicum sp. nov., paratype female from Arjan, Fars province (29.569N, 51.947E).
f H. khozestani sp. nov., holotype male from Malagha, Khozestan province (31.607N, 49.998E). g H. khozestani sp. nov., paratype female from Dehdez, Khozestan province (31.733N, 50.222E).
h H. tadovaniensis sp. nov., paratype female from Tadovan, Fars (28.853N, 53.326E). i H. tadovaniensis sp. nov., holotype male from Tadovan, Fars (28.853N, 53.326E).
j H. pusillulum male from Jerusalem, Israel (28.853N, 53.326E) (photo credit: More Yosef Avi). k H. pusillulum female from Jerusalem, Israel (31.737N, 35.077E) (photo credit: Chaym Turak).

 Holaptilon pusillulum Beier, 1964

Holaptilon brevipugilis Kolnegari, 2018

Holaptilon abdullahii Mirzaee and Battiston, sp. nov.

 Holaptilon iranicum Mirzaee and Sadeghi, sp. nov.

 Holaptilon khozestani Mirzaee and Battiston, sp. nov.

 Holaptilon tadovaniensis Mirzaee and Sadeghi, sp. nov.

 

 Zohreh Mirzaee, Roberto Battiston, Francesco Ballarin, Saber Sadeghi, Marianna Simões, Martin Wiemers and Thomas Schmitt. 2024. The Six Dwarfs of the Middle East: Revision of the enigmatic Praying Mantis Genus Holaptilon (Mantodea: Gonypetidae: Gonypetinae) with the Description of Four New Species under integrative taxonomy. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 82: 89-117. DOI: 10.3897/asp.82.e112834

[Botany • 2024] Hesperis sivasica (Brassicaceae: Brassiceae) • A New crucifer Species from inner Anatolia

Hesperis sivasica 

in Özüdoğr, Altınözlü et Özgişi, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.649.3.3  

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Abstract

Hesperis sivasica, from the Kangal district of Sivas Province in inner Anatolia (Türkiye), is described as a new species based on morphological and molecular evidence. Although it is not morphologically closely related to the known species of Hesperis, it resembles H. kotschyi in trichome types but differs from it in pedicel, flowers, and fruit characteristics. In molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the Nuclear-encoded ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, H. sivasica belongs to the same clade as H. bottae and H. thyrsoidea, but it is easily distinguishable from both species based on life form, trichome types, flowers, and fruit characters. Diagnostic morphological characters, full description, SEM microphotographs, and detailed field photographs are provided. Remarks on the new species' habitat, ecology, phenology, distribution, and conservation status are also given.

Brassiceae, Nuclear Ribosomal ITS, mustard, Türkiye, Sivas, Eudicots

Barış Özüdoğr, H. Altınözlü and Kurtuluş Özgişi. 2024. Hesperis sivasica (Brassicaceae), A New crucifer Species from inner Anatolia.  Phytotaxa. 649(3);  261-269. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.649.3.3

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[Botany • 2024] Muscari zagricum (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae) • A unique New Species from Iran

Muscari zagricum Eker, Alipour & Majidi, 

in Alipour, Majidi et Eker, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.652.2.5 

 x.com/SajadAlipour98

Abstract

A new species, Muscari zagricum Eker, Alipour & Majidi (Asparagaceae) from Iran, is described and illustrated. It has no closely related species, and is partly similar to M. pseudopallens and M. pallens, but differs from them mainly in morphological characters such as outer tunic color, raceme shape and density, pedicels no extending when in fruit, shape of fertile flowers with shouldered and grooved, color when dry, color of lobes, strongly compressed capsule valves, as well as flowering time and habitat characteristics. In this study, a comprehensive description, diagnostic characters, original photographs, geographical distribution, conservation assessment, and taxonomic comments on the new species are presented.

Darreh Shahr, Ilam province, Iran, Muscari pallens, Muscari pseudopallens, New taxon, taxonomy, Zagros Mountains, Monocots

Muscari zagricum Eker, Alipour & Majidi 

Sajad Alipour, Ramiar Majidi and İsmail Eker. 2024. Muscari zagricum (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), A unique New Species from Iran.  Phytotaxa. 652(2); 133-141. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.652.2.5

  x.com/SajadAlipour98/status/1798230351942439100