Author Archives: Alang

Australdonta sp. ‘Rimatara 1’

Undescribed Australdonta Snail (Australdonta sp.)

This form is known only on the basis of subfossil material that was found on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The taxon is apparently not identical with any of the already described taxa from the island but apparently the remains are too scanty for a proper description yet. [1]

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References:

[1] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 18.02.2024

Gallirallus astolfoi Salvador, Anderson & Tennyson

Rapa Rail (Gallirallus astolfoi)

This species is known from subfossil remains that were recovered from deposits on the island of Rapa, Austral Islands; it was described in 2021.

The form apparently was similar yet smaller than the Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis (L.)), like all now extinct Polynesian rails, also this form was completely flightless. [1]

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References:

[1] J. D. Tennyson; Atholl Anderson: Bird, reptile and mammal remains from archaeological sites on Rapa Island. In: Atholl Anderson; Douglas J. Kennett: Taking the High Ground; The archaeology of Rapa, a fortified island in remote East Polynesia. In: Terra Australis 37. 105-114. Canberra, ANU E Press 2012
[2] Rodrigo B. Salvador; Atholl Anderson; Alan J. D. Tennyson: An Extinct New Rail (Gallirallus, Aves: Rallidae) Species from Rapa Island, French Polynesia. Taxonomy 1(4): 448-457. 2021

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edited: 08.02.2020

Anixa pfeifferi (Semper)

Pfeiffer’s Anixa Snail (Anixa pfeifferi)  

Pfeiffer’s Anixa Snail was described in 1889 (?), it originates from a locality near of what today is the city of Dalaguete at the eastern coast of the island of Cebu in the Philippines.:

“Auch die Verbreitung dieser Art ist sehr beschränkt: weiter nach Südost tritt schon bei Boljoon eine Form der C. carbonaria an ihre Stelle, auf der Westseite jenseits der Centralkette haben wir C. zebuensis bereits erwähnt.” 

translation:

“The distribution of this species is also very limited. further to the southeast, a form of the C. carbonaria takes its place, on the western side beyond the central ridge we already have mentioned C. zebuensis.” [1]

The shells of this species reach sizes of 2 cm in heigth and nearly 4 cm in diameter.

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References:

[1] C. Semper: Reisen im Archipel der Philippinen: Wissenschaftliche Resultate, zehnter Band: Landmollusken. Ergänzungen und Berichtigungen zum III. Bande: Die Landmollusken von Dr. O. F. von Möllendorff. Nach dessen Tode auf Grund seinen Nachlasses fortgeführt von Dr. Wilhelm Kobelt und Frau Gertrud Winter, geb. von Möllendorff. Achtes Heft. Wiesbaden; C. W. Kreidel’s Verlag 1910

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Depiction from: ‘C. Semper: Reisen im Archipel der Philippinen: Wissenschaftliche Resultate, zehnter Band: Landmollusken. Ergänzungen und Berichtigungen zum III. Bande: Die Landmollusken von Dr. O. F. von Möllendorff. Nach dessen Tode auf Grund seinen Nachlasses fortgeführt von Dr. Wilhelm Kobelt und Frau Gertrud Winter, geb. von Möllendorff. Achtes Heft. Wiesbaden; C. W. Kreidel’s Verlag 1910’ 

(not in copyright)

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edited: 17.06.2020

Hemignathus sp. ‘Maui’

Maui Hoopoe-billed Akialoa (Hemignathus sp.)  

This species, so far undescribed, is known exclusively from subfossil bones, which were excavated on the island of Maui.  

The beak morphology of the Maui Hoopoe-billed Akialoa is similar to that of the Hoopoe-billed Akialoa (Hemignathus upupirostris James & Olson), but it was smaller. [1][2]  

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References:  

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991 
[2] H. D. Pratt: The Hawaiian Honeycreepers: Drepanidinae. Oxford University Press 2005  

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edited: 08.04.2018

Amastra viriosa Cooke

Robust Amastra Snail (Amastra viriosa)

The Robust Amastra Snail was described in 1917; it was found in the forests on the mountain slopes along the western coast of Hawai’i Island.

“A. viriosa is unlike any species so far reported from Hawaii. Its nearest relative is probably the extinct A. senilis from Waimea. The latter is a larger species, much more roughly sculptured and has a larger perforation, besides being much broader in proportion to its length.” [1]

The shells reached average sizes of about 2 cm in height.

The species was found alive but was apparently already on the brink of extinction at that time.

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References:

[1] C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917

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Photo from: ‘C. Montague Cooke: Some new species of Amastra. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(3): 1-34. 1917’

(public domain)

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edited: 04.05.2022

Perognathus alticolus ssp. alticolus Rhoads

White-eared Pocket Mouse (Perognathus alticolus ssp. alticolus)

The White-eared Pocket Mouse was described in 1894; the species, which is split into two subspecies, is apparently restricted to the San Bernardino- and Tehachapi Mountains in California, USA.

The species, together with two additional closely related ones, is considered a Pleistocene relict.

The nominate race was restricted to a small area of around 4 km²  at Strawberry Peak and Squirrel Inn in the San Bernardino Mountains, where it was recorded between 1920 and 1933; it was not found since and is thus believed to be extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] Philip V. Brylski: White-eared Pocket Mouse, Perognathus alticola alticola. Terrestrial Mammal Species of Special Concern in California, Bolster, B. C., Ed., 1998. 102-104

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edited: 09.11.2021

Amastra caputadamantis Hyatt & Pilsbry

Leahi Amastra Snail (Amastra caputadamantis)

This species is known from a Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene deposit at the Le’ahi (Diamond Head) at the southern coast of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells reached sizes of 1,38 to 1,45 cm in heigth. [1]

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References:

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′    

(public domain)

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edited: 15.06.2020

Salmo schiefermuelleri Bloch

May Trout (Salmo schiefermuelleri)

This is a quite enigmatic species, described in 1784, whose taxonomic status isn’t clear.

The May Trout is rather known from anecdotes about trouts that inhabited the deep parts of the lakes within the Danube basin in Austria, and which only in the month of May appeared in shallow waters to breed.

***

The status of this species, as said above, is far from being clarified, if it indeed was a distinct species it appears to be extinct now.

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Depiction from: ‘Marcus Élieser Bloch: Ichthyologie; ou, Histoire naturelle des poissons: En six parties avec 216 planches dessinées et enluminées d’après nature. Berlin, chez l’auteur 1796

(public domain)

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edited: 11.06.2020

Leiolopisma ceciliae Arnold & Bour

Arnold’s Skink (Leiolopisma ceciliae)

 

Arnold’s Skink was described in 2008 based on subfossil remains that had been recovered from deposits of the Grotte au Sable in Saint-Paul, the second-largest commune of Réunion.

The species was closely related to Telfair-Skink (Leiolopisma telfairii (Desjardins)) (see photo below) from Mauritius, but was even larger; in life, this species must have had a size of over 40 cm (including the tail).

In contrast to many other animals that formerly inhabited the Mascarene islands, no written accounts exist that could be assigned to this species. [1]

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References:

[1] E. Nicholas Arnold; Roger Bour: A new Nactus gecko (Gekkonidae) and a new Leiolopisma skin (Scincidae) from La Réunion, Indian Ocean, based on recent fossil remains and ancient DNA sequence. Zootaxa 1705: 40-50. 2008
[2] Anthony Cheke; Julian P. Hume: Lost Land of the Dodo: The ecological history of Mauritius, Réunion, and Redrigues. Yale University Press 2008

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Telfair Skink (Leiolopisma telfairii); Photo: Wouter Van Landuyt (public domain)

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edited: 04.05.2022

Valenfriesia congener (Wollaston)

Congeneric Fungus Beetle (Valenfriesia congener)

This species was described in 1877; it is, or rather was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species appears to have been quite common when it was discovered, however, it was apparently already restricted to the small areas of forest remains in the higher parts of the island.:

“My examples (about a dozen in number) of this Notioxenus were taken, in company with the N. rufopictus, on the high central ridge, – in the vicinity of Actaeon and Diana’s Peak.” [1]

***

The species was last recorded in the 1970s when six specimens were collected, it was not found during any of the subsequent field searches and is now feared to be extinct. [2] 

***

The depiction below shows the closely related Red-spotted Fungus Beetle (Valenfriesia rufopicta (Wollaston)).

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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Red-spotted Fungus Beetle (Valenfriesia rufopicta)

Depiction from: ‘T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877’

(public domain)

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edited: 26.05.2021

Mautodontha virginiae Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Virginie’s Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha virginae)

Virginie’s Mautodontha Snail was described in 2014; it is a now extinct species that was endemic to the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells of this species are less than 0,4 cm in diameter; they are depressed, white to fawn in color and bear irregularly spaced, amber-colored flammulations which persist on the shell base or are fading out in the vicinity of the umbilical margin.

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014  

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edited: 13.03.2021

Corvus moriorum (Forbes)

Chatham Islands Crow (Corvus moriorum)

The Chatham Islands Crow was described in 1892; it is known from subfossil remains.

The species was very large, almost the size of an European Raven (Corvus corax L.).

It seems that this species was mainly living along the shores, inhabiting the colonies of sea birds, penguins and the now extinct Chatham Islands Fur Seals (Arctocephalus sp.), since most of the remains were found just there.

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References:

[1] Trevor H. Worthy, Richard N. Holdaway: The Lost World of the Moa, Prehistoric Life of New Zealand. Indiana University Press, Bloomington 2002

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edited: 10.01.2024

Amastra violacea (Newcomb)

Violet Amastra Snail (Amastra violacea)

The Violet Amastra Snail was described in 1853, it was found in the Halawa-, the Mapulehu-, and the Pelekunu Valleys in the eastern part of Moloka’i, Hawaiian Islands.

It was one of the larger species of its genus, some shells reach sizes of 2,8 to 3 cm in lenght and 1,3 to 1,5 cm in diameter.

… from the original description.:

“Shell dextral, ovate-oblong, solid; whorls 7, convex, strongly striate longitudinally; suture plain and deeply impressed. Aperture ovate; columella short, terminating in a twisted plait; lip simple, color violaceous with light colored striae.” [1]

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References:

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′ 

(public domain) 

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edited: 07.10.2020

Rallus nanus Alcover, Pieper, Pereira & Rando

Sao Jorge Rail (Rallus nanus)

 

The Sao Jorge Rail was described in 2015 based on subfossil bones that had been recovered from the deposits of the Gruta do Pasto do Engenheiro on the island of São Jorge, one of the Azores Islands, Portugal.

The species was smaller than any other member of its genus, it was completely flightless and had a somewhat enlarged beak, compared to its body size, which was also somewhat curved downward. [1]

***

The scientific name under which the species was described, Rallus minutus Alcover, Pieper, Pereira & Rando, was later found to be preoccopied, making it a primary homonym, so the species was re-named in 2016. [2]

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References:

[1] Josep Antoni Alcover; Harald Pieper; Fernando Pereira; Juan Carlos Rando: Five new extinct species of rails (Aves: Gruiformes: Rallidae) from the Macaronesian Islands (North Atlantic Ocean). Zootaxa 4057(2): 151-190. 2015
[2] Josep Antoni Alcover; Harald Pieper; Fernando Pereira; Juan Carlos Rando: Rallus nanus nomen novum: a replacement name for Rallus minutus Alcover et al. 2015. Zootaxa 4085(1): 141-142. 2016

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edited: 10.09.2019

Peperomia pichinchae C. DC.

Pichincha Peperomia (Peperomia pichinchae)

The Pichincha Peperomia was found growing along the streams on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano in the Pichincha Province, Ecuador.

The species was apparently not found in recent decades and is considered possibly extinct, yet it could also exist in nearby areas, however, I unfortunately could not find out anything about it so far.

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edited: 20.09.2020

Anoma integra (C. B. Adams)

Integer Anoma Snail (Anoma integra)  

The Integer Anoma Snail was described in 1851 by Charles Baker Adams; it is obviously constantly getting misidentified with a form from the island of Cuba, which apparently was described under exactly the same name by Carl Georg Ludwig Pfeiffer in 1856.

It is possible that these two are in fact one and the same and that it indeed originates from the island of Cuba – I was not able so far to find any further information about this case.

***

The depiction below apparently shows the form from Cuba.

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References:  

[1] Gary Rosenberg; Igor Muratov: Status Report on the Terrestrial Mollusca of Jamaica. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 155: 117-161. 2006

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Depiction from: ‘Louis Pfeiffer: Die Gattung Cylindrella Pfr.: in Abbildungen nach der Natur. Nürnberg: Verlag von Bauer und Raspe, Julius Merz 1862’

(not in copyright)

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edited: 24.10.2020

Xerotricha garachicoensis (Wollaston)

Garachico Snail (Xerotricha garachicoensis)

The Garachico Snail was described in 1878; it is only known only from some specimens that were collected in 1861 from around Garachico, a city in northern Tenerife, Canary Islands.

“In its general size and hue, as well as in the proportion of its umbilicus, the P. garachicoensis has also, at first sight, a little in common with the P. Bertholdiana, Pfeiff., from the Cape Verdes. It is, however, more flattened and discoidal than that species (or less lenticular), its surface is more strongly and roughly sculptured, and, although the spire is much depressed, its volutions are nevertheless more tumid, – the basal one moreover being quite free from the slightest trace of a keel.” [1]

The habitat in the original locality has drastically changed since the 19th century and the species has not been recorded since its description and might well be extinct.

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Testacea Atlantica: or the Land and Freshwater Shells of the Azores, Madeiras, Salvages, Canaries, Cape Verdes, and Saint Helena. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1878
[2] David T. Holyoak; Geraldine A. Holyoak; Yurena Yanes; Maria R. Alonso; Miguel Ibáñez: Taxonomic revision, habitats and biogeography of the land snail family Discidae (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) in the Canary Islands. Journal of Conchology 40(6): 583-603. 2011

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edited: 12.05.2022

Stigmella maoriella (Walker)

Maori Pigmy Moth (Stigmella maoriella)

This species is known from three male specimens that were collected sometimes prior to 1854 at or near the city of Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand.

The species has not been recorded since and is considered possibly extinct by some authors, however, it might in fact be still existing since all members of its family are extremely small and understudied. [1]

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References:

[1] Hans Donner; Christopher Wikinson: Nepticulidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera). Fauna of New Zealand 16: 1-92. 1989

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edited: 25.05.2021

Perdicella thwingi Pislbry & Cooke

Thwing’s Perdicella Snail (Perdicella thwingi)  

Thwing’s Perdicella Snail was endemic to the dry Auwahi forest in eastern Maui, Hawaiian Islands.

This was one of the largets species in its genus, the shells are up to 1,6 to 1,7 cm heigh. [1]

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References:

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol. 22: Achatinellidae. 1912-1914

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Depiction from: George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol. 22: Achatinellidae. 1912-1914’  

(public domain)

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edited: 16.06.2020

Nesiota elliptica (Roxb.) Hook. f.

Saint Helena Olive (Nesiota elliptica)

This was the sole member of its genus, endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Saint Helena Oliva was a small tree, growing up to 4 m tall; its leaves were 5 to 8 cm long and 2 to 3,5 cm wide, it had pinkish red flowers. 

The species was already almost extinct by the beginning of the 19th century, only about 15 trees survived at that time, and the species was finally considered extinct sometimes later. In 1977 a last surviving individual was discovered at Diana’s Peak, the island’s highest mountain. This last survivor, however, was afflicted by a fungal disease and it died in 1994.

There were also some attempts to safe the species by taking cuttings, respectively a cutting which died in 1997, and by producing seedlings, which was quite problematic because its flowers were nearly completely self-incompatible, so only four seedlings could be produced of which the last one – the last member of its species – died in December 2003.

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Depiction from: ‘John Charles Meliss: St. Helena: A Physical, Historical, and Topographical Description of the Island, including its Geology, Fauna, Flora, and Meteorology. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1875’   

(public domain)

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edited: 29.05.2021

Strobilanthes hypericoides J. R. I. Wood

St John’s-Wort-leaved Strobilanthes (Strobilanthes hypericoides)  

This species was described in 1995 based on material that had been collected in 1926 in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka, it is still only known from the type material and may well be extinct.  

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References:  

[1] M. D. Dassanayake; W. D. Clayton: A Revised Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon 12. CRC Press 1998 [2] MOE 2012. The National Red List 2012 of Sri Lanka; Conservation Status of the Fauna and Flora. Ministry of Environment, Colombo, Sri Lanka. VIII + 476 pp  

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edited: 23.03.2018

Homoeodera nodulipennis Wollaston

Knobbly-winged Fungus Weevil (Homoeodera nodulipennis)  

The genus Homoeodera, which is endemic to the island of Saint Helena, currently comprises 14 described and at least one undescribed species.  

***

The Knobbly-winged Fungus Weevil is known only from the two specimens, from which the species had been described in 1877.  The species appears to have been closely associated to a single host plant, the Saint Helena Gumwood (Commidendrum robustum ssp. gummiferum (Roxb.) Cronk), which today is likewise extinct. [2]  

See also Thomas Vernon Wollaston in 1877 (Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae).:  

“The only two examples of this marvellous little insect which I have yet seen were captured by myself, early in February, at the extreme edge of the tremendous precipice, or crater-wall (constituting the south-western portion of the great central ridge), immediately above West Lodge, – in one of the most exposed and windy spots it is possible to imagine. So difficult indeed was it, on account of the violence of the gale, to examine, even in the most imperfect manner, any thing that presented itself, that I feel almost satisfied that I inadvertently threw several specimens away, mistaking them for the seeds of plants. Nor, indeed, is their prima facie resemblance to seeds, when the limbs are contracted, altogether fanciful; for they at least have as much the appearance, at first sight, of a vegetable substance as of an animal one; and it was more by accident than any thing else that the symmetry of their outline induced me to put a couple of them into my collecting-bottle. They were obtained amongst small and broken-up sticks, I think of the common Gorse; though their close proximity to the shrubs of the Aster gummiferus [Commidendrum robustum ssp. gummiferum (Roxb.) Cronk] (or “Little Bastard Gumwood”), which stud the inaccessible rocks and ledges below, incline me to suspect that the species may in reality belong to the fauna of that interesting but now rapidly disappearing arborescent Composite.”

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References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St Helena. 2008  

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edited: 23.03.2018

Desmodus draculae Morgan et al.

Giant Vampire Bat (Desmodus draculae)  

The Giant Vampire Bat was described in 1988 based on bones that were recovered from deposits of a cave in the state of Monagas, northern Venezuela. Further remains were found in Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico.  

The exact age of these bones cannot be determined, they may be of late Pleistocene or early Holocene age, some scientists even think that this species may still exist. [1]  

***

The Giant Vampire Bat wasn’t a real giant, in fact it was only 30% larger than its next living relative, the Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus Geoffroy) (see photo).  

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References:  

[1] G. S. Morgan; O. J. Linares; C. E. Ray: New species of fossil vampire bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera, Desmodontidae) from Florida and Venezuela”. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington. 101(4): 912–928. 1988  

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Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus Geoffroy)  

Photo: Uwe Schmidt 

(under creative commons license (4.0)) 
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

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edited: 23.03.2018

Dysticheus rotundicollis Van Dyke

Antioch Weevil (Dysticheus rotundicollis)  

The Antioch Weevil, which was described in 1953, is an endemic species of the Antioch dunes near the city of Antioch in Contra-Costa County, California, USA.  The species is considered lost, perhaps extinct.  

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edited: 23.03.2018

Leptachatina brevicula Pease

Shortish Leptachtina Snail (Leptachatina brevicula)  

The Shortish Leptachtina Snail was described in 1869, the species is known from a place named Kaholuamano at an elevation of about 1219 m on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.  

The shells reached heights of about 0,8 cm. [1]  

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References:  

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911  

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’  

(public domain)  

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edited: 31.03.2018

Hipposideros sp. ‘New Caledonia’

New Caledonian Roundleaf Bat (Hipposideros sp.)

The New Caledonian Roundleaf Bat is known from subfossil remains that were recovered from Holocene deposits in the Mé Auré Cave near the southern shore of Grande Terre, New Caledonia.

The remains were compared to the bones of several other congeneric species from the nearest regions but did not match to any of them, thus it most likely was a distinct species that might well have been endemic to New Caledonia. [1]

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References:

[1] Suzanne J. Hand; Jack A. Grant-Mackie: Late-Holocene bats of Mé Auré Cave, New Caledonia: Evidence of human consumption and a new species record from the recent past. The Holocene 22(1): 79-90. 2011

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edited: 17.05.2022

Dreissena caspia ssp. caspia Eichwald

Caspian Triangular Mussel (Dreissena caspia ssp. caspia)

The Caspian Triangular Mussel was described in 1855; it was restricted to the Caspian Sea.

Between 1917 and 1919, the Dwarf Mussel was introduced to the Caspian Sea; this invasive species replaced the native mussel banks, resulting in the extinction of the Caspian Triangular Mussel and the closely related Triangular Mussel (Dreissena elata Andrusov). [1]

***

A closely related species, the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas)) (photo below) has been introduced to several lakes in North America, where it has become invasive itself.

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Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)

Photo: amandammvt
https://www.inaturalist.org/people/amandammvt
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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References:

[1] Frank P. Wesselingh; Thomas A. Neubauer; Vitaliy V. Anistratenko; Maxim V. Vinarski; Tamara Yanina; Jan Johan ter Poorten; Pavel Kijashko; Christian Albrecht; Olga Yu. Anistratenko; Anouk D’Hont; Pavel Frolov; Alberto Martínez Gándara; Arjan Gittenberger; Aleksandre Gogaladze; Mikhail Karpinsky; Matteo Lattuada; Luis Popa; Arthur F. Sands; Sabrina van de Velde; Justine Vandendorpe; Thomas Wilke: Mollusc species from the Pontocaspian region – an expert opinion list. ZooKeys 827: 31-124. 2019

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edited: 18.11.2021

Eragrostis rottleri Stapf

Rottler’s Lovegrass (Eragrostis rottleri)

Rottler’s Lovegrass is known exclusively by the type material which was collected already in 1779 somewhere in the vicinity of the city of Tharangambadi (formerly Tranquebar) at the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India.

This species is certainly extinct.

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edited: 20.08.2022

Agrotis panoplias Meyrick

Kona Cutworm (Agrotis panoplias)  

The Kona Cutworm was endemic to the island of Hawai’i, where it obviously was restricted to the Kona district.  

The species reached a wingspan of ca. 3,8 cm.  The biology of this species is not known.  

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References:  [1] E. C. Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii 7, Macrolepidoptera. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu 1958  

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Depiction from: ‘George F. Hampson: Catalogue of the Lepidoptera Phalaenae in the British Museum. London: Printed by Order of the Trustees 1898-1919’  

(public domain)

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edited: 07.04.2018

Phalcoboenus napieri Adams & Woods

Napier’s Caracara (Phalcoboenus napieri)  

This small genus of birds of prey contains four or five recent species and another recently extinct one.  

***

This species was described in 2016 based on subfossil bones which were recovered from a peat bog on West Point Island, Falkland Islands, and which were dated to 5480 to 5200 BP..  

Napier’s Caracara was larger and more robust than the (Phalcoboenus australis (Gmelin)) [see photo], which today is the only bird of prey on these islands.  

The two species obviously lived sympatrically, feeding in the large seabird colonies. [1]  

***

However, in my opinion, there is a slight chance, that the extinct form is nothing but a larger version of the surviving one. It is well known that some species were larger in former times, yet anthropogenic influences apparently adversely affect larger individuals within a population and thus lead the a decrease in individual size within this population.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Mark P. Adams; Robin W. Woods: Mid-Holocene Falkland Islands bird bones from a peat deposit, including a new species of caracara. Emu 116(4): 370-378. 2016  

*********************    

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis)  

Photo: JoJan

(under creative commons license (3.0)) 
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0

*********************  

edited: 23.03.2018

Minidonta haplaenopla Solem

Simply-armed Minidonta Snail (Minidonta haplaenopla)  

This species was described in 1976 from empty shells that were collected at the Matonaa Plateau on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.  

The shells are rather large for the genus, about 0,23 to 0,3 cm in diameter. [1]  

***

The species was not recorded during recent searches and is now best considered extinct. [2]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976 
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014  

*********************  

edited: 04.10.2017

Vini sp. ‚Guam‘

Guam Lorikeet (Vini sp.)  

This form is known from subfossil bones that were excavated from the deposits of the Ritidian Cave on the island of Guam, Mariana Islands. [1]  

***

The assignment of these bones to the genus Vini is debatable, they may well belong to a distinct genus.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Gregory K. Pregill; David W. Steadman: The prehistory and biogeography of terrestrial vertebrates on Guam, Mariana Islands. Diversity and Distributions 15(6): 983–996. 2009  

*********************  

edited: 23.03.2018

Chalcotrogus oblongior Wollaston

Longish Chalcotrogus Weevil (Chalcotrogus oblongior)  

This species was described in 1877, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the southern Atlantic Ocean.  

Thomas Vernon Wollaston, the author of the species writes.:  

“Of this species I have seen hitherto but two examples, which were taken by myself on the high central ridge. Unfortunately they are both of them females; so that I am not able to decide whether the rostrum is at all apically-dilated (at the insertion of the antennae) in the males. ” [1]

***

The Longish Chalcotrogus Weevil was already very scarce when it was discovered and described, it was not found again during searches in 2005/06 and thus is believed to be extinct. [2]

*********************  

References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

*********************

edited: 02.12.2018

Plectostoma charasense (Tomlin)

Charas Karst Snail (Plectostoma charasense)

This species was described in 1948; it was known from only two localities: Bukit Panching and Gua Charas, two neighboring limestone hills near Sungai Lembing in Pahang, central Peninsular Malaysia.

The shells reach sizes of only about 0.19 to 0.2 cm in height; the apical spire is oblong conical, the basal spire is conical and the whorl periphery is distinctly convex, the umbilicus is open.

Bukit Panching has been destroyed by limestone quarrying and Gua Charas is now surrounded by oil palm plantations, leaving only traces of the former forest cover; the species has not been found during exhaustive searches in 2010 and 2011 and is very likely extinct.

***

Many congeneric species are strictly restricted to single localities and very likely many of them are now likewise extinct due to the complete destruction of their habitats.

*********************

Photo from: ‘Thor-Seng Liew; Jaap Jan Vermeulen; Mohammad Effendi bin Marzuki; Menno Schilthuizen: A cybertaxonomic revision of the micro-landsnail genus Plectostoma Adam (Mollusca, Caenogastropoda, Diplommatinidae), from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Indochina. ZooKeys 393: 1-107. 2014’

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

*********************

References:

[1] Thor-Seng Liew; Jaap Jan Vermeulen; Mohammad Effendi bin Marzuki; Menno Schilthuizen: A cybertaxonomic revision of the micro-landsnail genus Plectostoma Adam (Mollusca, Caenogastropoda, Diplommatinidae), from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Indochina. ZooKeys 393: 1-107. 2014

*********************

edited: 01.03.2024

Nesoenas cicur Hume

Mauritius Turtle Dove (Nesoenas cicur)

The Mauritius Turtle Dove was described based on subfossil bones that were recovered from deposits on the island of Mauritius, where it lived sympatrically with the Mauritius Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri (Prevost)).

This species had rather robust legs and small wings and had a rather terrestrial lifestyle. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Julian P. Hume: Extinct Birds: Bloomsbury Natural History; 2nd edition 2017

*********************

edited: 07.05.2022

Cyathula ceylanica Hook. f.

Ceylon Cyathula (Cyathula ceylanica)

The genus Cyathula contains 28 species which are distributed in Africa, Asia, as well as North- and South America.  

***

The Ceylon Cyathula is now considered most probably extinct.  

The species is also known by the synonym of Cyathula capitata Thwaites, but should not be mistaken for the still extant and quite widespread Round-headed Cyathula (Cyathula capitata Moq.).  

*********************  

References:  

[1] MOE 2012. The National Red List 2012 of Sri Lanka; Conservation Status of the Fauna and Flora. Ministry of Environment, Colombo, Sri Lanka. VIII + 476 pp  

*********************  

edited: 22.03.2018

Astragalus kentrophyta var. douglasii Barneby

Douglas’ Thistle Milkvetch (Astragalus kentrophyta var. douglasii)  

The Thistle Milkvetch is a very thistle-like member of the legume family, the species includes around seven varieties which are distributed over a wide range of the southern USA. 

The variety discussed here was described in 1964, it was restricted to a small area on the Colombia River at the boundery of Umatilla County in Oregon and Walla Walla County in Washington, USA.

Douglas’ Thistle Milkvetch hasn’t been collected since 1883, its habitat having been destroyed by dam projects and the plant is now considered extinct.

***

The photo below shows another variety, probably the nominate form.

*********************

References: 
[1] Astragalus kentrophyta Gray var. douglasii Barneby. Field Guide to Selected Rare Vascular Plants of Washington. Washington Natural Heritage Program and U.S.D.I. Bureau of Land Management 2005

*********************

Thistle Milkvetch (Astragalus kentrophyta); nominate form

Photo: Matt Lavin
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0

*********************

edited: 19.09.2019

Paronychia maccartii Correll

Mccart’s Whitlow-Wort (Paronychia maccartii)  

Mccart’s Whitlow-Wort, a member of the Pink family, was endemic to Texas, USA, where it was restricted to a single locality in Webb County.  

The species appears to be known exclusively from the type material, that had been collected in 1962, it was never found again since and is thus considered very likely extinct.  

*********************  

edited: 22.03.2018

Aidemedia chascax James & Olson

Straight-billed Gaper (Aidemedia chascax)  

The Straight-billed Gaper, described in 1991 based on subfossil remains, is known only from the island of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands, where it lived sympatrically with another species of its genus, the Sickle-billed Gaper (Aidemedia zanclops James & Olson).  

These two species differed mainly in the shape and size of their beaks, and it is assumed that they may represent males and females of a single, sexually dimorphic species. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991  

*********************  

edited: 22.03.2018

Amastra morticina Hyatt & Pilsbry

Dead Amastra Snail (Amastra morticina)  

This species was described in 1911, apparently based on subfossil specimens that had been collected from sandy deposits at the Kahului Bay at the northern coast of Maui, Hawaiian Islands.  

The species was already extinct at that date, it very likely disappeared shortly after the occupation of the island by the first Hawaiian settlers.  

***

The shells reach sizes of about 1 to 1,5 cm, those of the type specimens are dull reddish colored while others are whitish colored (see picture)  

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′  

(public domain)  

********************* 

edited: 22.03.2018

Laminella kuhnsi (Cooke)

Kuhns’ Laminella Snail (Laminella kuhnsi)

Kuhns’ Laminella Snail was described in 1908, it was originally identified as another species, Amastra erecta (Pease), but was subsequently recognized as being a distinct species (and genus).

The species was found in the vicinity of the Kahakuloa Bay at the northern north-east of western Maui, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells reached sizes of about 1,34 cm in length, they were completely brown and had some zigzag markings in their epidermis, there appears to have also been a straw-colored variety. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: Amastra (Laminella) kuhnsi. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(2): 217-218. 1908

*********************

Depiction from: ‘C. Montague Cooke Jr.: Amastra (Laminella) kuhnsi. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 3(2): 217-218. 1908’

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 12.06.2020

Australdonta radiella ssp. rurutuensis (Garrett)

Rurutuan Round Australdonta Snail (Australdonta radiella ssp. rurutuensis)

This somewhat enigmatic form was described in 1879, apparently based on a single specimen from the island of Rurutu that differs only slightly from the ‘normal’ Australdonta radiella (Pfeiffer) from the neighboring island of Tubuai. 

“The only significant difference from Australdonta radiella radiella lies in having 17 distinguishable parietals. Shape and sculpture fall within the limits of variation observed for the nominate race. The diameter (3.52 mm.) is less than that of nearly all adult A. radiella radiella, but the shell is clearly subadult and this difference has no significance.” [1]

***

syn. Endodonta rurutuensis (Garrett), Helix rurutuensis (Garrett), Patula rurutuensis Garrett

*********************  

References: 

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976  

*********************  

edited: 18.02.2024

Banksula californica Banks

Alabaster Cave Harvestman (Banksula californica)

The Alabaster Cave Harvestman was described in 1900; it is known only from a cave named Alabaster Cave in the El Dorado County of California, USA.

The species reached a body length of only about 0,2 cm, it also had quite short legs for a harvestman.

The only known locality has been destroyed by mining and has furthermore be sealed by concrete, thus making surveying impossible; the species might still be around but is, however, considered likely extinct.

*********************

edited: 16.05.2022

Phaseolus rimbachii Standl.

Rimbach’s Bean (Phaseolus rimbachii)  

Rimbach’s Bean is a somewhat enigmatic species, that is known from the type collection which was collected at an elevation of about 2800 m near the city of Riobamba in the Chimborazo Province, Ecuador at an unknown date. [?]  

The species was described in 1940, it was a up to 5 m tall climbing liana with the leaves having a conspicuously glaucous under surface.  

Rimbach’s Bean was never found again since, the type locality is now more or less destructed, so the species is most probably extinct.  

*********************  

edited: 22.03.2018

Psittacidae gen. & sp. ‘Rapa Nui’

Rapa Nui Parrot (Psittacidae gen. & sp.)

“Parrots are represented by a partial quadrate of a very large species (larger than in Nestor, Prosopeia, Eclectus, or any lorikeet; dissimilar from that in neotropical parrots) and digit I, phalanx 2 of the wing (larger than in Vini or Cyanoramphus, smaller than in Nestor or Eclectus; ca. the size in Prosopeia).” [1]

It is usually thought that the island formerly was inhabited by two species of parrots, however, I personally think that this might well have been a single one, a large parrot with very reduced wings.

*********************

References:

[1] David W. Steadman: Extinction and Biogeography of Tropical Pacific Birds. University of Chicago Press 2006

*********************

Depiction by Alexander Lang

*********************

edited: 22.06.2020

Hoffmannia modesta Diels

Rio Pastaza Hoffmannia (Hoffmannia modesta)  

This species is known only from the type, that had been collected in 1933 in the Río Pastaza valley, near the town of Río Negro in the Tungurahua Province, Ecuador.  

The status of this species is unknown, the type was destroyed during World War II, it may be extinct or may turn out to be identical with another species.  

*********************  

edited: 22.03.2018

Microcystis kondoi Baker

Kondo‘s Microcystis-Schnecke (Microcystis kondoi)  

This species, described in 1938, is endemic to the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands in French Polynesia. [1]  

The species was not found during recent searches and is thought to be extinct. [2]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] H. Burrington Baker: Zonitid snails from Pacific Islands: Southern genera of Microcystinae. Bishop Museum Bulletins 158: 1-101. 1938 
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014  

*********************  

edited: 22.03.2018

Trechus subtilis Barr

Fine Ground Beetle (Trechus subtilis)  

The Fine Ground Beetle was described in 1962, it is known only from its type locality, Mt. Sterling in Haywood County, North Carolina, USA; apparently only nine specimens have ever been collected. [1]

The species is considered possibly extinct now.
 
*********************

References:

[1] Thomas C. Barr Jr.: Revision of Appalachian Trechus (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Brimleyana 2: 29-75. 1979

*********************

edited: 07.09.2020

Microcystis andersoni H. B. Baker

Anderson’s Microcystis Snail (Microcystis andersoni)

Anderson’s Microcystis Snail was described in 1938, it is known from specimens that had been collected in 1934 under logs and stones at a hillside of Mt. Tavaetu on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands.

The author gives a description of the life animal.:

“Animal similar to M. ornatella but with row of black dots between pedal grooves, similar squarish ones above this and vaguer, smaller ones below; mantle-lobes and shell-laps edged with dark spots.” [1]

***

The species could not be found during recent searches and is considered most likely extinct. [2]

*********************

References:

[1] H. Burrington Baker: Zonitid snails from Pacific Islands: Southern genera of Microcystinae. Bishop Museum Bulletins 158: 1-101. 1938 
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

*********************

edited: 16.05.2019

Vangulifer mirandus Olson & James

Kiwi Shovel-billed Finch (Vangulifer mirandus)

The Kiwi Shovel-billed Finch is one of the many bird species that were extirpated by the first humans arriving on the Hawaiian Islands and which are known only by subfossil remains.

***

The Kiwi Shovel-billed Finch had a very strange beak, it appeared to have been to long and to weak for seed cracking, to deep and to broad for probing, and too short for nectar feeding; it had a very bluntly rounded tip; the ventral surface and the lateral edges of the upper beak were richly supplied with blood vessels and apparently also with nerve endings, a characteristic which is otherwise only known in the Apterygiformes (Kiwis).

The bird obviously used its beak to detect its food, likely living creatures like insects and other invertebrates, in some kind of substrate.

*********************

References:

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991

*********************

edited: 04.10.2020

Cryptommata cucullata Wollaston

False Gumwood Weevil (Cryptommata cucullata)

This species was described in 1877, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

Thomas Vernon Wollaston, the author of the species writes about it.:

“My three examples of the C. cucullata were captured by myself, after the early summer rains, about the beginning of february, amongst dead and broken-up sticks (I believe of the Aster gummiferus, Hk. f. [Commidendrum robustum ssp. gummiferum (Roxb.) Cronk; however, probably rather False Gumwood (Commidendrum spurium (G. Forst.) DC.)], at the extreme edge of the great precipice, or craterwall, immediately above West Lodge. It is not unlikely, therefore, that they may represent one of the nearly extinct members of the now rapidly disappearing Aster fauna.)” [1]

***

The species was associated with the False Gumwood (Commidendrum spurium) a tree of which in the 1990s only 10 individuals survived in the wild, the False Gumwood Weevil has never been recorded since the 19th century and is clearly already extinct. [2]

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

*********************

edited: 02.12.2018

Carelia dolei ssp. isenbergi Cooke

Isenberg’s Carelia Snail (Carelia dolei ssp. isenbergi)

This taxon, described in 1931, inhabited the so-called Ha’ena plain, a lowland region in north-western Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands; it occupies a kind of intermediate position between Cuming’s Carelia Snail (Carelia cumingiana (Pfeiffer)) and the nominate form of Dole’s Carelia Snail and may in fact well be a hybrid form.

*********************  

References:  

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

*********************

edited: 25.01.2024

Australdonta magnasulcata Solem

Large-furrowed Australdonta Snail (Australdonta magnasulcata)

The Large-furrowed Australdonta Snail was described in 1976; it is known from subfossil specimens that had been collected from the Matonaa plateau on the island of Rurutu, Australian Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0.37 cm in diameter; they are light yellow horn-colored with faint, irregular, rather widely spaced, reddish flammulations that fade out on the shell’s base.

*********************

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

*********************

edited: 18.02.2024

Pyrrhulagra grandis (Lawrence)

St. Kitts Bullfinch (Pyrrhulagra grandis)

The St. Kitts Bullfinch was described in 1882, originally as a subspecies of the Puerto Rican Bullfinch (Pyrrhulagra portoricensis (Daudin)) (see photo).

… a short description: 

“Similar to P. portoricensis but much larger and with the rufous markings darker (intermediate between ferruginous and vinaceous-rufous); that of the throat more restricted, scarcely extending to the chest, and that of the under tail-coverts mixed with black.” [1]

The species was endemic to the island of St. Kitts, where it was restricted to the higher slopes of Mt. Misery, the highest part of the island, it may very likely once have been found all over the island and very likely also on the neighboring islands of Nevis and St. Eustatius, which were connected with St. Kitts during the last glacial period. 

***

The St. Kitts Bullfinch was originally known from nine specimens all of which had been collected in 1880 by Frederick A. Ober, an American naturalist, and the species was considered extinct since that date, however, a specimen that previously had been overlooked, was found in the collection of the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., USA; this specimen was collected in 1929 or 1937. [2][3]

*********************

References:

[1] Robert Ridgeway: The birds of North and Middle America: A descriptive catalogue of the higher groups, genera, species, and subspecies of birds known to occur in North America, from the arctic lands to the isthmus of Panama, the West Indies and other islands of the Caribbean sea, and the Galapagos Archipelago: Part I. family Fringillidae – the finches. Bulletin of the United States National Museum 1901
[2] Storrs L. Olson: The last St. Kitts Bullfinch Loxigilla portoricensis grandis (Emberizinae) and the extinction of its race. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club 104(4): 121-123. 1984
[3] Orlando H. Garrido; James W. Wiley: The taxonomic status of the Puerto Rican Bullfinch (Loxigilla portoricensis) (Emberizidae) in Puerto Rico and St. Kitts. Ornithologia Neotropical 14: 91-98. 2003

*********************

Puerto Rican Bullfinch (Loxigilla portoricensis)
Photo: Carlos Davi Hernández

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

*********************

edited: 10.11.2020

Leptachatina deceptor Cockerell

Deceiving Leptachatina Snail (Leptachatina deceptor)  

The Deceiving Leptachatina Snail was described in 1927.  

The species is known from subfossil specimens that were recovered from the sandy deposits at Ha’ena on the north coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Theodore D. A. Cockerell: Two species of Leptachatina from the island of Kauai. Journal of Conchology 18(4): 117. 1927  

*********************  

edited: 31.03.2018

Colaptes auratus ssp. rufipileus (Ridgeway)

Guadalupe Flicker (Colaptes auratus ssp. rufipileus)  

The Guadalupe Flicker was a subspecies of the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus (L.)) that was endemic to the Isla Guadalupe off the west coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.

The bird reached a size of about 30 cm; it differed from most other subspecies by having a rather brown – instead of greyish crown.

***

The Guadalupe Flicker was last seen in 1906 when also the last 12 specimens were collected; its extinction was mainly caused by the complete destruction of the island’s native vegetation by introduced feral goats. 

*********************

Photo: Arthur Chapman

(under creative commons license (2.0))
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0

********************* 

edited: 02.11.2020

Trechus carolinae Schaeffer

Carolina Ground Beetle (Trechus carolinae)

The Carolina Ground Beetle was described in 1901, it apparently is known only from its type locality, Mt. Mitchell in Yancey County, North Carolina, USA.

The species reaches a size of up to 0,5 cm. [1]

The Carolina Ground Beetle is considered likely extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] Thomas C. Barr Jr.: Revision of Appalachian Trechus (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Brimleyana 2: 29-75. 1979

*********************

edited: 07.09.2020

Acacia kingiana Maiden & Blakely

King’s Wattle (Acacia kingiana)

The King’s Wattle was described in 1928, it was endemic to Western Australia.

The species was a shrub of about 2 to 3 m height, like most of its kin it did not have leafes as a fuklly-grown plant but so-called phyllodes, leaf-shaped twigs, which in this species were about 0,1 cm long and 0,2 cm wide [which is a odd size in my opinion], and furthermore had yellow flowers.

The King’s Wattle is now most likely extinct.

***

Two additional wattle species, Acacia mathuataensis A. C. Sm. from Vanua Levu, Fiji and Acacia prismifolia E. Pritz. from Western Australia were formerly thought to be extinct as well, but were both rediscovered in 2015 and 2018 respectively.

************************

edited: 06.02.2020

Uromys siebersi Thomas

Great Kai Island Giant Rat (Uromys siebersi)

The Great Kai Island Giant Rat was described in 1923, it is known from three specimens that had been collected on the island of Kai Besar in the New Guinean part of Indonesia.

The species reached a total length of about 36 cm including the relatively short tail.

***

The Great Kai Island Giant Rat is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the White-tailed Giant Rat (Uromys caudimaculatus (Krefft)) or is considered synonymous to the Aru White-tailed Giant Rat (Uromys caudimaculatus ssp. aruensis (Laurie & Hill)).

The species, if accepted, is probably extinct.

*********************

edited: 06.05.2019

Peristylus cryptostylus (Rchb. f.) Ormerod

Hidden-Column Peristylus (Peristylus cryptostylus)

The Hidden-Column Peristylus was described in 1878, it was a terrestrial orchid growing in the rain forests of Tahiti in the Society Islands.

The species is now considered extinct.

*********************

edited: 09.11.2021

Peperomia subpetiolata Yunck.

Waikamoi Peperomia (Peperomia subpetiolata)

The Waikamoi Peperomia, named ‘ala ‘ala wai nui in the Hawaiian language, is known from a single population near the Kula Pipeline between the Puohokamoa- and the Waikamoi Streams in eastern Maui, Hawaiian Islands.

The species itself is apparently extinct, however, there apparently still exists a hybrid of this species and the Forest Peperomia (Peperomia hirtipetiola C. DC.) that is kept in cultivation.

*********************  

edited: 20.09.2020

Heliotropium pannifolium Burch. ex. Hemsl.

Saint Helena Heliotrope (Heliotropium pannifolium)

The Saint Helena Heliotrope is known only from the type specimen, that was collected by the British botanist William John Burchell in 1808 near Sandy Bay on the island of Saint Helena.

The species was a shrub growing up to 1 m height.

The type, now kept in the Kew Herbarium ijn Great Britain, bears badly signs of insect caused damage. 

*********************

edited: 14.06.2020

Arenaria oligosperma Naudin

Many-seeded Sanwort (Arenaria oligosperma)

The Many-seeded Sanwort was probably described in 1846 (the author is sometimes given as C. Gay).

The species was apparently endemic to a small area in the IV Coquimbo Region of northern Chile and appears to be lost or even extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] Clodomiro Marticorena; Francisco A Squeo; Gina Arancio; Mélica Muñoz: Catálogo de la Flora Vascular de la IV Región de Coquimbo. Libro Rojo de la Flora Nativa y de los Sitios Prioritarios para su Conservación: Región de Coquimbo (F. A. Squeo, G. Arancio y J. R. Gutiérrez, Eds.) Ediciones Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile 7: 105-142. 2001

*********************

edited: 14.04.2019

Mautodontha unilamellata (Garrett)

Rarotongan Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha unilamellata)

This species was described in 1874; it was restricted to the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands. 

The shells reach sizes of 0,36 to about 0,43 cm in diameter; they are light yellowish horn-colored with numerous, crowded zigzag-shaped, reddish flammulations. [1] 

*********************

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

*********************

edited: 13.03.2021

Aimophila ruficeps ssp. sanctorum van Rossem

Todos Santos Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps ssp. sanctorum)

The Todos Santos Rufous-crowned Sparrow was described in 1947, it was endemic to the Isla Todos Santos offshore Baja California Norte, Mexico.

This form is said to have been the dakerst of the coastal races of this species. 

*********************

Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps (Cassin)); another subspecies

Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

(under creative commons license (2.0))
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

*********************

edited: 03.11.2020

Fainalges gracilitarsus Mironov, Dabert & Ehrnsberger

Feather Mite (Fainalges gracilitarsus)

This feather mite was described in 2005; it is known from an immature skin of a Carolina Parakeet (Conuropsis carolinensis (L.)) without further data that had been collected sometimes before 1869 and was subsequently found on other Carolina Parakeet skins as well.

The species was adapted to its single host, the Carolina Parakeet, and died out together with its host. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Serge V. Mironov; Jacek Dabert; Rainer Ehrnsberger: Six new feather mite species (Acari: Astigmata) from the carolina parakeet Conuropsis carolinensis (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae), an extinct parrot of North America. Journal of Natural History 39: 2257-2278. 2005

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edited: 24.08.2022

Acanthobrama hulensis (Goren, Fishelson & Trewavas)

Hula Bream (Acanthobrama hulensis)  

The Hula Bream was described in 1973; it was endemic to the swampy- and freshwater areas of Lake Hula in northern Israel.

The species reached a length of 23 cm; it was a bottom feeder which fed on mollusks and zooplankton.

When the lake was drained in the 1950s to obtain land for agriculture, this fish species died out; the last specimens were found in 1975.

*********************

edited: 30.04.2021

Bidens simplicifolia C.H. Wright

Simple-leaved Beggartick (Bidens simplicifolia)

The Simple-leaved Beggartick was a terrestrial herb that was found only once, in 1897, near the Hacienda El Recreo in the Manabí Province of Ecuador.

The region has now lost almost all of its original forest cover and this species might well be extinct.

*********************

Depiction from: ‘Earl Edward Sherff: The genus Bidens. Botanical Series. Field Museum of Natural History 16(1): 1-346. 1937’

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

*********************

edited: 16.05.2022

Wikstroemia skottsbergiana Sparre

Skottsberg’s Wikstroemia (Wikstroemia skottsbergiana)

Skottsberg’s Wikstroemia was described in 1964, it is endemic to the upper wet forests of the Lumaha’i Valley on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species was apparently last seen in 2015 and its population was estimated at around 30 plants. [1]

***

Its name appears now in the IUCN Red List in the category “Possibly Extinct”, so it will be briefly mentioned here as well.

*********************

References:

[1] Kenneth R. Wood: Wikstroemia skottsbergiana (Thymelaeaceae): with notes on its habitat in upper Lumaha’i, Kaua’i, Hawai’i

*********************

edited: 26.04.2021

Pseudamnicola oudrefica (Letourneux & Bourguignat)

Oudhref Pseudamnicola Snail (Pseudamnicola oudrefica)

The Oudhref Pseudamnicola Snail was described in 1887, it was apparently restricted to a place somewhere near the village of Oudhref in the Gabès Governorate, Tunisia.

This species has not been found since the 19th century and is now extinct.

***

I could not find any other information about this species so far, it appears that no one really cares for molluscs, let alone small to tiny ones.

********************

edited: 05.05.2019

Pseudolibera parva Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Small Pseudolibera Snail (Pseudolibera parva)

The Small Pseudolibera Snail was described in 2014, it is known from 44 specimens that were collected from the base of a limestone cliff on the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

This is the smallest of the species within its genus, the shells reach sizes of less than 0,5 cm, they are depressed, white and are decorated with regularely spaced amber- to maroon-colored flammulations that quickly fade out on the shell base, the first two to three whorls, in addition to the flammulations, often show a fawn background coloration. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] A. F. Sartori; O. Gargominy; B. Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3772(1): 1–68. 2014

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edited: 13.06.2020

Tachybaptus novaehollandiae ssp. ‘Fiji’

Undetermined Fijian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae ssp.)

This form is known only from subfossil bones that were recovered from deposits on the island of Viti Levu, Fiji. [1]

***

This might be identical with the Solomon Islands Tricolored Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis ssp. collaris (Mayr)), which is the form closest geographically, or it might have been an endemic subspecies or species.

*********************

References: 

[1] David W. Steadman: Extinction and Biogeography of Tropical Pacific Birds. University of Chicago Press 2006

*********************

edited: 07.05.2021

Oxyethira kingi Holzenthal & Kelley

King’s Cream and Brown Mottled Microcaddisfly (Oxyethira kingi)

 

King’s Cream and Brown Mottled Microcaddisfly was described in 1983 based on a single specimen, a male that had been collected in 1964 at a plant inspection station in the city of Miami, Florida, USA.

The species has never been found since and is thought to be extinct; however, it may well turn out to be identical with another species of its genus.

*********************

edited: 02.05.2022

Amastra conica Baldwin

Conical Amastra Snail (Amastra conica)

The Conical Amastra Snail was described 1906, it was endemic to the Hamakua Distict in the northern part of Hawai’i, Hawaiian Islands.

***

“Shell fossil, dextral, minutely perforated, thin, elongately conical, apex acute; surface sculptured with fine growth-lines, apical whorls raidiately sulcated. Color of living shell unknown.” [1]

This species apparently disappeared already at the beginning of the Holocene era.

*********************

References:

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911′    

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 15.06.2020

Benoitodes caheni (Benoit)

Cahen’s Ground Spider (Benoitodes caheni)

This species was described in 1977, it is or was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it appears to have been restricted to the Prosperous Bay Plain at the eastern coast of the island.

The species is/was 1,2 cm long, it has/had a reddish brown carapace and a grey abdomen.

The habitat of Cahen’s Ground Spider is now inhabited by the Brown Widow Spider (Latrodectus geometricus C. L. Koch), that was introduced in 1967, and which probably outcompited the endemic spider. 

The species was not found during recent field studies in 2003 and 2005/06 and may indeed be extinct. [1][2]

*********************

References:

[1] Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Guide to Invertebrates of Prosperous Bay Plain, St Helena and illustrated account of species found on the Eastern Arid Area (EAA), including Prosperous Bay Plain, Holdfast Tom and Horse Point Plain. Report for St Helena Government 2004
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

*********************

edited: 02.12.2018

Electrina succinea ssp. orites Cooke & Clench

Smaller Electrina Snail (Electrina succinea ssp. orites)  

This subspecies was described in the year 1943 on the basis of specimens, which were collected at the Mt. Perahu at elevations of about 365 to 548 m, and which differ from the nominate race.  

The shells are smaller, thinner, and obviously distinctly colored.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.; William J. Clench: Land Shells (Synceridae) from the Southern and Western Pacific. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 17(20): 249-262. 1943 
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

*********************

edited: 10.09.2020

Plagiobothrys mollis var. vestitus (Greene) I. M. Johnston

Petaluma Allocarya (Plagiobothrys mollis var. vestitus)

The Petaluma Allocarya, also known as Petaluma Popcornflower, was described in 1923; it is only known from the type material that was collected in or near the city of Petaluma in Sonoma County of California, USA.

The taxon has never been recorded since its description and is presumed extint.

*********************

nominate form

Depiction from: ‘Le Roy Abrams: An illustrated flora of the Pacific States: Washington, Oregon, and California. Stanford University, Stanford University Press 1923-60’   

(no known copyright restrictions)

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edited: 27.02.2024

Hirasea profundispira Pilsbry

Deep-coiled Hirasea Snail (Hirasea profundispira)  

The strange-looking Deep-coiled Hirasea Snail was described in 1902.  

The species comes from the island of Chichijima in the Ogasawara island group, Japan and is considered most likely extinct.  

*********************

Depiction from: ‚Henry August Pilsbry: Papers on Mollusca of Japan. Philadelphia 1901-12 ‘  

(not in copyright)  

*********************

edited: 20.03.2018

Hyperbaena obovata Urb.

Egg-leaved Hyperbaena (Hyperbaena obovata)  

The genus Hyperbaena contains about 70 species of trees that are distributed over the Caribbean, as well as over Central- and South America.  

***

The Egg-leaved Hyperbaena, described in 1925, was restricted to the Provinces of Guantánamo and Holguín in the east of Cuba.  The species is now considered extinct. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] R. Berazaín: The extinct Flora of Cuba. Bissea 3(2). 2009  

*********************  

edited: 20.03.2018

Bembidion megalops (Wollaston)

Large-eyed Bembidion Ground Beetle (Bembidion megalops)  

The Large-eyed Bembidion Ground Beetle was described in the year 1877, at a time when it was obviously already very rare.  

See Thomas Vernon Wollaston in the year 1877 (Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae).:  

“It is only within the damp and rotten stems of the old tree ferns that I have observed the B. megalops; and as I merely obtained three examples, it may be presumed to be of the greatest rarity. They were all found on the lofty, densely-wooded central ridge, in the neighbourhood of Actaeon and Diana’s Peak.”  

***

The most recent searches in the years of 2005 to 2006 were unsuccessful, and the species must be considered most likely extinct.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] T. V. Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877
[2] H. Mendel; P. Ashmole; M. Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St Helena. 2008  

*********************

Photo: David Maddison 

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

********************* 

edited: 30.05.2021

Clermontia multiflora Hillebr.

Many-flowered Clermontia (Clermontia multiflora)  

The Many-flowered Clermontia occurred in the Waihe’e Valley in western Maui and in the Ko’olau Mauntains on O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands.

The species was a multi-branched shrub and reached sizes of 2 to 4 m.  

The Many-flowered Clermontia is apparently known exclusively from specimens that had been collected in 1870 and, as it was never found since, is considered extinct.  

*********************    

Photo from: ‘Joseph F. Rock: A monographic study of the Hawaiian species of the tribe Lobelioideae, Family Campanulaceae. Memoirs of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum of Polynesian Ethnology and Natural History 7: 1-394. 1918’  

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 20.03.2018

Carelia hyattiana Pilsbry

Hyatt’s Carelia Snail (Carelia hyattiana)

This form is apparently known from only 11 specimens that all seem to be in a subfossil stage.

“This species is based upon a fossil shell which was associated with C. dolei in the collection, and which evidently came from the same formation. It differs from C. dolei in wanting an angle or carina at the shoulder at all stages of growth. On the last whorl there is an obtuse but quite appreciable basal angle, which, with its shorter aperture, serves to differentiate this species from C. pilsbry Sykes.” [1]

*********************

Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911’  

(public domain)  

*********************  

References:  

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911
[2] C. Montague Cooke Jr.: The land snail genus Carelia. Bishop Museum Bulletin 85: 1-97. 1931

*********************

edited: 25.01.2024

Leptachatina irregularis (Pfeiffer)

Irregular Leptachatina Snail (Leptachatina irregularis)  

The Irregular Leptachatina Snail was described in 1855. [or 1856, according to which source]  

This species, if it is accepted as one, is apparently only known from one collection [or even from only one specimen?], that was collected somewhere on the “Sandwich Islands”, the exact origin is not known.  

***

The The Irregular Leptachatina Snail, however, has not been accepted by all authors, and if it has been, it was sometimes placed into the genus Amastra, it is now thought to most certainly be identical with Leptachatina fusca Newcomb. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911  

*********************  

edited: 31.03.2018

Phyllostegia rockii Sherff

Rock’s Phyllostegia (Phyllostegia rockii)

Rock’s Phyllostegia was described in 1934, it was restricted to the slopes of the Haleakala volcano on eastern Maui, Hawai’i Islands.

The species is known from only three collections, the most recent of which was made in 1912, it is now considered extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] Warren L. Wagner: Nomenclator and review of Phyllostegia (Lamiaceae). Novon 9(2): 265-279. 1999

*********************

edited: 24.09.2019

Vitirallus watlingi T. H. Worthy

Viti Levu Rail (Vitirallus watlingi)

The Viti Levu Rail was described in 2004 based on subfossil remains collected from cave deposits on the island of Viti Levu, Fiji.

The species was flightless, it reached about the same size as the likewise extinct Bar-winged Rail (Gallirallus poecilopterus (Hartlaub)) but had a distinctly elongated beak. [1]

The Viti Levu Rail probably disappeared sometimes after the Fijian Islands were settled by humans some 3000 to 4000 years before present, it is, however, quite possible that this species might have survived into the time of the first appearance of Europeans even when there is yet no evidence for that.

*********************

References:

[1] Trevor H. Worthy: The fossil rails (Aves: Rallidae) of Fiji with descriptions of a new genus species. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 34 (3): 295–314. 2004

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edited: 16.09.2020

Sophora zeylanica Trimen

Ceylon Sophora (Sophora zeylanica)  

This species from the island of Sri Lanka appears in lists that deal with extinct plant species and is thus mentioned here. [1]  

***

Unfortunately, I cannot say anything further about this species, it may indeed be extinct.  

*********************  

References:  

[1] The 2007 Red List of Threatened Fauna and Flora of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka. XIII+ 148 pp. IUCN Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources 2007  

*********************

Depiction from: ‘Henry Trimen: A Hand-Book to the Flora of Ceylon. London: Dulau & Co. 1893-1931’    

(public domain)  

*********************  

edited: 20.03.2018

Allocotocerus mixtus (Orchymont)

Table Mountain Water Scavenger Beetle (Allocotocerus mixtus)

The Table Mountain Water Scavenger Beetle was described in 1939; the species was endemic to the Table Mountain next to Cape Town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

The species has never been found since and is likely extinct now. [1]

***

The species is often found under the name of Allocotocerus mistus (Orchymont) containing a typo.

*********************

References:

[1] A. G. Rebelo; P. M. Holmes; C. Dorse; J. Wood: Impacts of urbanization in a biodiversity hotspot: Conservation challenges in Metropolitan Cape Town. South African Journal of Botany 77: 20-35. 2011

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edited: 16.02.2024

Omiodes musicola Swezey

Maui Banana Moth (Omiodes musicola)

The Maui Banana Moth was described in 1909, the species was originally found somewhere in the forests of the ‘Iao Valley on western Maui, but was later also recorded from the neigboring island of Moloka’i.

The moth reached a wingspan of about 2,4.

The caterpillars are known to have fed on banana leaves, their native larval food plant appears to be unknown but may have been some grass species. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Elwood C. Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii 8; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu 1958

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edited: 23.09.2019

Zapornia sp. ‘Hawai’i’ 1

Small Hawaii Crake (Zapornia sp.)  

This form is known from several subfossil remains that had been recovered from a site at Mauna Kea on the island of Hawai’i, Hawaiian Islands, at an elevation of 1450.  

The Small Hawaii Crake falls within the size range of the Hawaiian Crake (Zapornia sandwichensis (Gmelin)) and may in fact turn out to be identical with that species. [1]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] Storrs L. Olson & Helen F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part I. Non-Passeriformes. In: Ornithological Monographs 45. 1991  

*********************  

edited: 20.03.2018

Zonites embolium ssp. elevatus Riedel & Mylonas

Elevated Glass Snail (Zonites embolium ssp. elevatus)

The subspecies discussed here, was described in 1997 based on subfossil remains, it inhabited at least the two islands of Dyo Adelfoi and Sirna in the Dodecanese Islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea of Greece.

The ‘nominate’ form of this species appears to be nearly extinct as well, it seems to survive only on the island of Megali Zafrano. These island forms, however, most likely represent(ed) distinct subspecies as well. 

***

Unfortunately, it is apparently impossible to find a good map of Greece’s islands or a actual source for binding official island names ….


*********************

edited: 01.10.2020

Ecnomiohyla rabborum Mendelson, Savage, Griffith, Ross, Kubicki & Gagliardo

Rabb’s Fringe-limbed Treefrog (Ecnomiohyla rabborum)  

Rabb’s Fringe-limbed Treefrog, described in 2008, was only ever known from a single locality in Panama.

The species reached sizes of up to 10 cm.

***

The wild population of this species collapsed shortly after its discovery in 2005 due to chytridiomycosis, which killed countless amphibian populations across Central America.  

The species was considered functionally extinct since the 2010s because at that time there was apparently only one single specimen left, a male that was kept in the Botanical Garden of the city of Atlanta in Georgia, USA. 

This last known member of its species (see photo), however, died today, September 26, 2016, thus this species is now indeed fully extinct.

*********************  

Photo: Brian Gratwicke  

(under creative commons license (2.0)) 
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0


********************* 

edited: 18.09.2020

Psittacara maugei (Souancé)

Puerto Rico Conure (Psittacara maugei)

The Puerto Rico Conure was described in 1856, originally as a distinct species but was later merged with the Hispaniolan Parakeet (Psittacara chloropterus Souancé) and is still treated as a subspecies by some authorities.

The species was historically only ever recorded from Mona Island, but apparently also inhabited the island of Vieques, at least occasionally.:

“A paroquet was said to occur on the island occasionally during the rainy season in the months of June, July, and August, but I was unable to substantiate these reports. It is barely possible that Eupsitula pertinax from St. Thomas might cross with the trade winds as the islands lie within sight of each other. Gundlach heard of a paroquet on Vieques Island.” [1]

The Puerto Rico Conure  was last recorded in 1892.

*********************

References:

[1] Alexander Wetmore: The birds of Vieques Island, Porto Rico. The Auk 33: 403-419. 1916

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Depiction from: ‘M. Charlse de Souancé avec la cooperation de S. A. le Prince Bonaparte et de M. Émile Blanchard: Iconographie des perroquets: non figurés dans les publications de Levaillant et de M. Bourjot Saint-Hilaire. Paris: P. Bertrand 1857’  

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 16.02.2020