Michael Franzen

Molecular phylogeny and systematics of the pseudoxyrhophiine snake genus Liopholidophis (Reptilia, Colubridae): evolution of its exceptional sexual dimorphism and descriptions of new taxa

The pseudoxyrhophiine snake genus Liopholidophis Mocquard, 1904 is endemic to Madagascar and consists of two distinct species groups. We performed molecular phylogenetic analyses using nucleotide sequences of c. 2200 bp from two mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA, cyt b) and one nuclear gene (c‐mos) to test the monophyly of the genus Liopholidophis and to investigate the relationships of the known species and an unidentified Liopholidophis population. Our phylogeny strongly supports the polyphyly of the genus Liopholidophis, confirms the monophyly of both species groups, and reveals that the unidentified population belongs to a new species. We therefore transfer the species of the former L. stumpffi group (L. epistibes, L. infrasignatus, L. lateralis, L. martae, and L. stumpffi) to a new genus Bibilava gen. n. and describe Liopholidophis dimorphus sp. n. from the rainforests of Montagne d’Ambre National Park in northern Madagascar. Finally, we compare our phylogeny with previous hypotheses and discuss the evolution of the extreme sexual dimorphism in tail length of Liopholidophis s. str.

Distribution of the tiger beetle Megacephala (Grammognatha) euphratica in Egypt, the Middle East and Central Asia (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)

Abstract The distribution of the tiger beetle Megacephala euphratica in Egypt, the Middle East and Central Asia is analysed and localities are listed by subspecies. New locality records are presented for M. e. euphratica from Turkey (Aegean coast in the Izmir-Selçuk area, Mediterranean coast within the deltas of Göksu, Seyhan/Ceyhan and Asi nehri), Syria (Dayr az Zawar), inland Saudi Arabia (Riyâd and Buraydah) and for M. e. armeniaca from Kazakhstan (Lake Aydarkul’).

A new black-bellied snake (Pseudoxyrhophiinae: Liophidium) from western Madagascar, with notes on the genus Pararhadinaea

We describe Liophidium maintikibo, a new species of pseudoxyrhophiine snake from the dry deciduous forest of Kirindy, western Madagascar. The new species is related to Liophidium therezieni but differs by a lower number of ventral scales and several details of colouration. Its ventral scales have a large central black patch which is missing from the subcaudals. This predominantly black ventral side is similar to that of another enigmatic Malagasy snake, Pararhadinaea melanogaster, for which we here present evidence for two new locality records, Ankarana and Daraina in northern Madagascar. The phylogenetic relationships of P. melanogaster (the sole representative of a monotypic genus) have so far not been clarified. Similarities to Liophidium maintikibo may indicate affinities to Liophidium ,b utP. melanogaster differs from this new species by a lower number of ventrals, subcaudals, number of maxillary teeth and by a different dorsal colouration.

Distribution of the tiger beetle Lophyridia aphrodisia (Baudi, 1864) on the Turkish Mediterranean coast (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae)

Abstract The tiger beetle Lophyridia aphrodisia is reported from several new localities along the Turkish Mediterranean coast. The Turkish distribution of the subspecies cypricola extends from Kalkan in the west to Boğsak near the Göksu delta in the east. The subspecies aphrodisia is known only from two localities in the eastern part of the Çukurova (Karataş and Yumurtalık). Habitats observed at the new localities correspond well with those reported in the literature.

Distress calls of Mertensiella luschani finikensis from Turkey (Amphibia: Salamandridae)

Abstract Distress calls of three specimens of Mertensiella luschani finikensis are described. The calls consist of numerous frequency-modulated harmonics. The fundamental frequency is between 0.7 and 2.9 kHz while the dominant frequency range is 0.7–7.9 kHz. Duration of the calls is 89–208 ms. It seems that distress calls in the genus Mertensiella are more frequent in, or are even restricted to, the Arif population of M. l. finikensis.

Distribution of the tiger beetle Lophyridia caucasica (Adams, 1817) in Iran (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)

Abstract The occurrence of the tiger beetle Lophyridia caucasica in western Iran is confirmed from the re-examination of old museum specimens and from newly collected material. Morphological characters, i.e. the male genital morphology, clearly demonstrates its presence in Iran together with the similar L. sturmi. L. caucasica appears to have a scattered distribution in Azerbayjan-e Gharbi, Azarbayjan-e Sharqi, Gilan, Zanjān, and Khuzestan provinces.

A record of Spalerosophis diadema (Reptilia: Colubridae) from Adıyaman province, Turkey

Abstract Spalerosophis diadema cliffordi (Schlegel, 1837) is recorded from a third Turkish locality (near Samsat, Adiyaman province; now flooded by the Ataturk Euphrates Dam). The new record extends the known distribution some 80 km to the north into the Toros Mountain chain. Morphologically the specimen agrees well with two other previously described specimens from Turkey.