Friday, October 17, 2025

[Botany • 2025] Begonia lucivenia (Begoniaceae, sect. Coelocentrum) • A New Species from Guangxi, China


Begonia lucivenia W.G. Wang, R.K. Li & H.C. Xi, 

in Xi, Li, Hu, Shen, Liu et Wang. 2025. 
顯脈秋海棠  ||   taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2126

Abstract
Begonia lucivenia, a new species of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It resembles B. zhuoyuniae but can be distinguished by its rhizome and internodes length, stipules size, petiole length and leaf blade size and indumentum. It also resembles B. porteri but differs in leaf blade shape, color and indumentum, and flower color. Detailed description is provided.

Keyword: Begonia porteri, Begonia zhuoyuniae, China, Guangxi, new taxon, taxonomy

. Line drawing of Begonia lucivenia W.G. Wang, R.K. Li & H.C. Xi.
 A. Plant. B. Stipule. C–D. Adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces showing indumentum. E. Bracts. F–G. Staminate flowers, adaxial and side view. H. Stamens, different views. I–J. Pistillate flower, adaxial and side view. K. Styles and stigmas. L. capsule. M. Dissected ovary, showing parietal placentation.
(Drawn by Yong-Cheng Hu)


. Illustration of Begonia lucivenia W.G. Wang, R.K. Li & H.C. Xi.
 A. Habitat. B. Leaf blade, adaxial and abaxial view. C. Plant. D–E. Adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces showing indumentum. F. Rhizome, stipules and part of petioles. G. Stipule. H. Bracts. I. Staminate flower, adaxial and abaxial view. J. Androecium. K. Pistillate flower, front and side view. L. Pistil. M. Immature capsule. N. Dissected ovary, showing parietal placentation.

Begonia lucivenia W.G.Wang, R.K.Li & H.C.Xi, sp. nov. 
顯脈秋海棠  
sect. Coelocentrum 

Diagnosis: The new species differs from the most similar species Begonia zhuoyuniae (Liu et al., 2020) in rhizome and internodes not elongated, stipules larger, petioles longer, leaf blade larger and adaxially more densely villous.

Etymology: The specific epithet “lucivenia” refers to the bright and clearly visible color of the primary and secondary veins of leaf blade. Chinese name is proposed here as “顯脈秋海棠”.



Hou-Cheng Xi, Ren-Kun Li, Yong-Cheng Hu, Jian-Yong Shen, Shan-Hua Liu and Wen-Guang Wang. 2025. Begonia lucivenia, A New Species of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum (Begoniaceae) from Guangxi, China. Taiwania. 70(4); 689-693. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.689 
 taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2126 [17 October 2025] 


[Ichthyology • 2025] Oreonectes qinae • A New loach Species (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from Guangxi, China

 

Oreonectes qinae 
Chen, Mo, Du & Zhang, 2025 

覃氏岭鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1255.158447

Abstract
A new species of loach, Oreonectes qinae sp. nov., was collected in December 2024 from Guangxi Gutingshan Forest Park, Liuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The new species can be distinguished from all other congeners by a suite of morphological characters, including a dorsal-fin origin posterior to the pelvic-fin origin, a degenerated posterior chamber of the swim bladder, and an incomplete lateral line, with 11–13 lateral-line pores. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) gene sequences confirmed its separation, with uncorrected p-distances ranging from 1.4% to 8.7% compared to closely related species. The discovery of Oreonectes qinae sp. nov. reflects the hidden diversity within Oreonectes in the complex karst landscapes of Guangxi and emphasizes the need for further investigation and conservation of these cryptic freshwater species.

Key words: Cavefish, cryptic species, Cytb, karst, Liujiang River, mitochondrial gene, Oreonectes, subterranean, taxonomy

Oreonectes qinae sp. nov. 
A–C. Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of holotype KIZ20240559 (♀); D. Live photo of female, photo by Zhou Jia-Jun;
E–G. Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of paratype KIZ20240564 (♂);
H. Ventral view of head of holotype KIZ20240559 (♀) I. gill rakers.

 Oreonectes qinae Chen, Mo, Zhang & Du, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. This new species can be distinguished from all known species of Oreonectes by a combination of the following characteristics: color pattern present; swim bladder degenerated; black longitudinal stripe from posterior upper pectoral fin to caudal-fin base; dorsal-fin origin posterior to pelvic-fin origin; tip of pelvic fin not reaching anus; caudal fin with irregular black markings; caudal fin rounded; maxillary barbel not reaching posterior margin of opercula; without dark brown V-shaped marking on dorsal surface of head; 16 branched caudal-fin rays; and 12 inner-gill rakers on first gill arch.

Etymology. The species name, qinae, is in recognition of the contributions of Zi-Shan QIN to the collection of the present specimens and dedicated efforts in fieldwork. We suggest the Chinese vernacular name “覃氏岭鳅”.


 Zhuo-Ni Chen, Cai-Huan Mo, Li-Na Du and Li-Na Zhang. 2025. Oreonectes qinae (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae), A New Loach Species from Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1255: 365-377. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1255.158447


Thursday, October 16, 2025

[Entomology • 2025] Debaratania bellulaDebaratania Pinkaew (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae), A New gorgeous Genus from Thailand with Description of its type species

 

Debaratania bellula
Pinkaew, 2025
 
ผีเสื้อกลางคืนเทพรัตน  ||  Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8; 

Abstract
Debaratania gen. nov. is described from Thailand, with Debaratania bellula sp. nov. designated as the type species. The new genus is characterized by its colorful forewing pattern, sexual dimorphism in the shape of both the fore- and the hindwing, and distinctive male hindwing venation, where M3 and CuA1 are short-stalked both proximally and distally, with three distinct anal veins. The male genitalia feature a prominent leaf-like uncus and a large tubular phallus with long, narrow cornuti. In the female genitalia, a conspicuous sclerotized plate with a strongly developed thorn-like process is present at the anterior end of ductus bursae. Living and pinned specimens, wing venation, and genitalia are illustrated. Structural features support placement in the tribe Enarmoniini.

Keywords: Enarmoniini, taxonomy, national park, wildlife sanctuary

Living specimens of Debaratania bellula sp. nov. (holotype).
 A.  dorsal view. B. lateral view.

Adults of Debaratania bellula sp. nov.
 A. male adult, holotype. B. female adult, paratype (np5520).
(scale bars =2 mm)

Family Tortricidae Latreille, 1803
Subfamily Olethreutinae Walsingham, 1895

Tribe Enarmoniini Diakonoff, 1953

Genus Debaratania gen.nov. 
 
Debaratania bellula Pinkaew sp. nov.

Diagnosis.– This new genus is superficially similar to some brightly colored species of Thaumatographa (Hilarographini), and Anthozela (Enarmoniini). However, it is easily distinguished by the sexual dimorphism in the shape of the forewing and hindwing, with the male forewing slightly more subtriangular

Etymology.–The generic name “Debaratania” is a part of name for Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn [Princess Debaratana Rajasuda].


Nantasak Pinkaew. 2025. Debaratania Pinkaew (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae), A New gorgeous Genus from Thailand with Description of its type species. Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8; 140-148. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266747 [2025-10-14]

 

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] A large lamniform shark from the Aptian of Villa de Leiva (Boyacá, Colombia), based on the first Lower Cretaceous shark specimen preserving both teeth and vertebrae

 

 Protolamna ricaurtei  

in Benavides-Cabra, Páramo-Fonseca, Narváez-Rincón et Pomar, 2026. 
artwork by Renzo Garavito x.com/R_o_XIII

Highlights: 
• Protolamna ricaurtei was a gigantic lamniform shark that lived during the Early Cretaceous.
• Not all macrophagous lamniform sharks with large bodies have large teeth.
• Protolamna ricaurtei was a relatively slow but active swimmer who fed on small preys.

Abstract
We describe a new specimen of a lamniform shark from the upper Aptian of the Arcillolitas abigarradas Member of the Paja Formation of Villa de Leiva (Colombia). It represents the first lamniform shark specimen from the Lower Cretaceous with both teeth and vertebrae preserved. The specimen consists of several disarticulated but well-preserved teeth and well-preserved partially articulated vertebral centra, denticles and soft tissues. We refer the specimen to Protolamna ricaurtei, a species recently erected from a specimen found in the same formation. It is a lamniform shark characterized by proportionally small tearing-type teeth with small triangular main cusp, two pairs of small triangular lateral cusplets, and massive bilobated roots. The specimen represents a mature individual to be 6.65 m in total length, making it the oldest record of a gigantic lamniform. This specimen is the first evidence that not all macrophagous lamniforms follow the linear function relating crown height to total body length. Our taphonomic analysis indicates that the specimen must have rapidly reached an anoxic bottom, with low benthic activity, gentle currents, and with microbial mats that facilitated the rapid phosphatization of the soft tissues. Based on the preserved anatomy, we propose that Protolamna ricaurtei was a relatively slow but active swimmer feeding in tropical near-shore areas over small preys such as bony fishes, small sharks, squids, and crustaceans.

the taphonomic history of specimen CFSTA090318, from its sinking and burial to its fossilization, along with the remains of an associated turtle.
artwork by Renzo Garavito x.com/R_o_XIII

Protolamna ricaurtei 


 
Cristian D. Benavides-Cabra, María E. Páramo-Fonseca, José A. Narváez-Rincón and Daniel E. Pomar. 2026. A large lamniform shark from the Aptian of Villa de Leiva (Boyacá, Colombia), based on the first Lower Cretaceous shark specimen preserving both teeth and vertebrae. Cretaceous Research. 178, 106211. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106211 

[Paleontology • 2025] Huayracursor jaguensis • A long-necked early Dinosaur from a newly discovered Upper Triassic basin in the Andes

 

Huayracursor jaguensis
Hechenleitner, Martinelli, Rocher, Fiorelli, Juarez, Taborda & Desojo, 2025


Abstract
During the Late Triassic epoch (237–201 million years ago), the terrestrial ecosystems of Pangaea underwent drastic changes that led to the rise and diversification of mammaliaforms, crocodylomorphs and dinosaurs. Although the Carnian sedimentary rocks of South America provided much of the available evidence for understanding the early evolution of these clades, key discoveries have remained restricted to the Ischigualasto-Villa Unión and Paraná basins in Argentina and Brazil, respectively. Here we report a Carnian tetrapod assemblage from the previously unrecognized Northern Precordillera Basin in northwestern Argentina. Discoveries at this basin, in the Quebrada Santo Domingo site, include a nearly complete skeleton of the early sauropodomorph Huayracursor jaguensis gen. et sp. nov., and typical components of Late Carnian faunas, such as hyperodapedontine rhynchosaurs, gomphodontosuchine traversodontid cynodonts, and aetosaurs. Compared to its generally small and short-necked Carnian counterparts, Huayracursor is larger and exhibits an incipient elongation of its cervical vertebrae, representing an intermediate condition for size and cervical elongation between known Carnian and Norian sauropodomorphs. This discovery provides one of the oldest pieces of evidence of increased body mass and neck elongation in early Sauropodomorpha.


Huayracursor jaguensis gen. et sp. nov.


 


E. Martín Hechenleitner, Agustín G. Martinelli, Sebastián Rocher, Lucas E. Fiorelli, Malena Juarez, Jeremías R. A. Taborda and Julia B. Desojo. 2025. A long-necked early Dinosaur from a newly discovered Upper Triassic basin in the Andes. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09634-3 [15 October 2025]
 

[Mollusca • 2025] Georissa chatra & G. principalis • Phylogenetic and Morphological Evidence for Two New Species of Terrestrial Micro Snail Genus Georissa Blanford, 1864 (Neritimorpha: Hydrocenidae) from Central Thailand

 

Georissa principalis  Buathanom & Tongkerd, 
Georissa chatra  Buathanom & Pholyotha,  

in Buathanom, Tongkerd, Jirapatrasilp, Janjai, Mitchueachart, Annate, Panha, Sutcharit et Pholyotha, 2025. 
Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8 (2025): 

Abstract
This paper introduces two newly discovered endemic micro snailsGeorissa chatra Buathanom & Pholyotha, sp. nov. and G. principalis Buathanom & Tongkerd, sp. nov., from limestone hills of Uthai Thani and Nakhon Sawan Provinces in central Thailand. These findings expand the number of Georissa species recorded in Thailand to seven. The taxonomic status and species boundaries of these new species were determined through a comprehensive analysis of comparative morphology and mitochondrial genetics. Georissa chatra sp. nov. is distinguished by a conical shell with tall and prominent carinas. Georissa principalis sp. nov. is characterized by an elongate conical or turreted shell with prominent cord-like spiral ridges, and an operculum with two layers. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) phylogeny supports the monophyly of both lineages, but the relationships with other congeners remain unresolved. The analysis also revealed interspecific genetic distances among examined species ranging from 6.8% to 18.6%. Additionally, intraspecific genetic distances are surprisingly high, with 6.1% for G. chatra sp. nov. and 7.5% for G. principalis sp. nov. The observed high intraspecific genetic divergences are likely due to the significant endemism and fragmented distribution of populations within karst ecosystems. As a result, the discovery of these two new species significantly advances our understanding of micro snail diversity and represents a crucial first step in establishing a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library for micro snails in Thailand.

Keywords: COI, Endemic, Limestone, Operculated snail, Morphology, Systematics, Taxonomy, Hydrocenoidea 

Subclass Neritimorpha Koken, 1896
Order Cycloneritida Frýda, 1998
Superfamily Hydrocenoidea Troschel, 1857
Family Hydrocenidae Troschel, 1857

Genus Georissa Blanford, 1864

Living Georissa chatra sp. nov. from a limestone hill near Wat Si Uthum Phon, Nakhon Sawan.
A, B.snails in microhabitats on the limestone wall; insets showing close-up views of (A) a snail hiding in a small crevice and (B) a snail on a bare wall. C–F.four different individuals while climbing slowly on moist tissue paper.


Georissa chatra Buathanom & Pholyotha, sp. nov.

Diagnosis.− Shell minute, conical, dark orange, with tall and prominent carinas: one on upper periphery and one on below periphery.

Etymology.− The specific epithet “chatra” refers to a dome or umbrella-like structure sometimes with multiple tiers or layers, which is used in several Asian royal or state ceremonies, reflecting the distinctive shell shape of this new species.


Shells of Georissa principalis sp. nov.
A–C.paratype CUMZ 15273 from Wat Khao Mano, Nakhon Sawan.

Living Georissa principalis sp. nov.
 A.snail in a microhabitat on the limestone wall at Tham Khao Kaji, Uthai Thani; an inset showing a close-up view of a snail among lichen on a bare wall. B–E.four different individuals while climbing slowly on moist tissue paper, (B, C)from Wat Khao Ruea, Nakhon Sawan and (D, E)from Wat Khao Mano, Nakhon Sawan.

Georissa principalis Buathanom & Tongkerd, sp. nov.

Diagnosis.− Shell minute, elongate, turreted, yellow-orange to light brownish, with about six to seven prominentspiral ridges at the periphery, and operculum with 2 layers.

Etymology.− The name “principalis” is derived from the Latin word meaning “chief” or “leader” and is chosen to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for her outstanding leadership in biodiversity conservation in Thailand.


Paniwat BUATHANOM, Piyoros Tongkerd, Parin Jirapatrasilp, Teerangkul Janjai, Bowornluk Mitchueachart, Supunya Annate, Somsak Panha, Chirasak Sutcharit and Arthit Pholyotha. 2025. Phylogenetic and Morphological Evidence for Two New Species of Terrestrial Micro Snail Genus Georissa Blanford, 1864 (Neritimorpha: Hydrocenidae) from Central Thailand. Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8 (2025): 62-78. DOI: 10.58837/tnh.25.8.267040

[Botany • 2025] Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New epiphytic orchid from Jiuzhaigou World Heritage Site, China

 

Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis Jun Y.Zhang, D.L.Zhu & Y.Zhang,   

in Zhu, J.-Y. Zhang, Y. Zhang, Liao, He, Chen et Xu, 2025.

Abstract
Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis (Orchidaceae), a new orchid species epiphytic on tree branches on the bank of an alpine lake at the famous Jiuzhaigou National Park in China, is described and illustrated. It differs from its morphologically similar species, G. bernhardtianus, by its shorter stems, obliquely linear-lanceolate leaves, reniform and revolute epichile without ornamentation, and the absence of a middle ridge at central callus of the epichile. To test its species status, sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and four chloroplast DNA markers (matK, psbA-trnH, psbM-trnD, and trnL-F) were newly generated. Molecular phylogenetic analyses including 53 accessions of Gastrochilus species resolved it within the same clade as G. bernhardtianus, but with distinct boundary. Both morphological differences and phylogenetic evidence supported it a species new to science.

Key words: Gastrochilus, Jiuzhaigou, new species, Orchidaceae, phylogeny

Habitat and habit of Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis in situ.
 A, B. Habitat; C–E. Flowering plants of G. Jiuzhaigouensis growing on tree branches.
 [Images A–E. Photographed by Da-Lin Zhu].

Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis.
A. Flowering plant; B. Leaves (B1: front view, B2: abaxial view); C. Flowers, front view; D. Flowers, abaxial view; E. Dissection of a flower (E1: dorsal sepal; E2-3: lateral sepals; E4-5: petals; E6: labellum); F. Anther cap; G. Pollinarium with pollinia; H. Raceme, lateral view; I. Labellum, lateral view.
 [Images A–I. photographed by Jun-Yi Zhang].

 Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis Jun Y.Zhang, D.L.Zhu & Y.Zhang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. It is most similar to G. bernhardtianus, but it can be distinguished by its shorter stem (0.5–1.2 vs. ca. 5.0 cm), obliquely linear-lanceolate leaves (vs. oblong-lanceolate leaves), reniform and revolute epichile (vs. transversely oblong and spread) without ornamentation (vs. two conic calli near its base), and absence of middle ridge (vs. distinctly ridged) at the middle of central callus on the epichile.


 Da-Lin Zhu, Jun-Yi Zhang, Yue Zhang, Min Liao, Hai He, Ke Chen and Bo Xu. 2025. Gastrochilus jiuzhaigouensis (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae), A New epiphytic orchid from Jiuzhaigou World Heritage Site, China. PhytoKeys. 265: 25-38. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.265.159138 


[Diplopoda • 2025] Desmoxytes chaofa & D. sirindhornae • Integrative Taxonomy Reveals Two New Dragon Millipede Species in the Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923 (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae) from Thailand

 

Desmoxytes chaofa  &  D. sirindhornae  
Srisonchai, 

in Srisonchai, Srikampha, Benchapong et Panha, 2025.
Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8

Abstract
Recent field surveys in northern Thailand led to the discovery of two remarkable new species of dragon millipede in the genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923. Using an integrative approach that combined morphological and molecular data, we confirmed the validity of these species, herein described as Desmoxytes chaofa Srisonchai, sp. nov. from Mae Hong Son Province and Desmoxytes sirindhornae Srisonchai, sp. nov. from Tak Province. To assess their systematic position and relationships, we conducted morphological examinations and reconstructed the phylogeny based on three gene fragments (COI, 16S rRNA, and 28S rRNA). Phylogenetic analysis supports the validity of these two new species, with genetic divergence in the COI gene clearly distinguishing them from congeners, ranging from 10.67–18.67% for D. chaofa Srisonchai, sp. nov. and 10.05–17.91% for D. sirindhornae Srisonchai, sp. nov. (mean = 14.71%). Notably, the phylogenetic tree aligns well with morphological characters, particularly those of the gonopod. Desmoxytes chaofa Srisonchai, sp. nov. is closely related to D. octoconigera Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 2018, while D. sirindhornae Srisonchai, sp. nov. clusters together with D. des Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha, 2016, both pairs exhibiting similarities in body colouration and gonopod telopodite. Based on current data, these two species are considered as narrow endemics and are restricted to limestone rock wall habitats. Complete morphological illustrations of the two new species and a distribution map of all Desmoxytes species are provided.

Keywords: biodiversity, evolution, karst, Southeast Asia, systematics

Photographs of live specimens and habitat of Desmoxytes chaofa sp. nov. (paratypes, MZKKU-MYR0014).(A) male paratype; (B) female paratype; (C) mating couple; (D, E) limestone habitat. Scale bars in centimetres.

Class Diplopoda de Blainville in Gervais, 1844
Order Polydesmida Leach, 1815

Family Paradoxosomatidae Daday, 1889
Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923

Desmoxytes chaofa Srisonchai, sp. nov.

Etymology.–
The originally Thai term ‘chaofa’, a noun in apposition, signifies a royal princess of the Thai monarchy and is bestowed in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Renowned for her dedication to biodiversity research and environ-mental conservation, she has made significant contributions to these fields. With a profound passion for science and nature, she has actively supported research initiatives that deepen the understanding and preservation of Thailand’s rich biodiversity.

Photographs of live specimens and habitat of Desmoxytes sirindhornae sp. nov. (paratypes, MZKKU-MYR0016). (A) male paratype (B) female paratype (C) amorous couple of adults (D, E) limestone habitat. Scale bars in centimetres.

Desmoxytes sirindhornae Srisonchai, sp. nov.

Etymology.– This species is named in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, whose remarkable contributions have significantly advanced biodiversity research and the preservation of Thailand’s natural heritage for future generations. Her unwavering commitment continues to inspire scientists, conservationists, and the public in efforts to safeguard the nation’s ecosystems. She has played a pivotal role in fostering scientific collaborations, supporting re-search institutions, and encouraging young scholars to pursue ecological and environmental studies. Her dedi-cation spans a wide range of conservation initiatives, including the protection of endangered species, forest conservation, and the promotion of sustainable resource management.


Ruttapon Srisonchai, Khanet Srikampha, Theemaporn Benchapong and Somsak Panha. 2025. Integrative Taxonomy Reveals Two New Dragon Millipede Species in the Genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923 from Thailand (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae). Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8; 79-107. DOI: 10.58837/tnh.25.8.266903  [2025-10-14]

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

[Entomology • 2025] Teloganopsis sirindhornae • A New Species of Thai Mayfly (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae) revealed by the Integrative Taxonomy


Teloganopsis sirindhornae   
Buchawongpiwat, Sartori, Boonsoong & Auychinda, 2025 
  
Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8 (2025)
แมลงชีปะขาวสิรินธร  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266990  

Abstract
In the present study, a new species of the genus Teloganopsis Ulmer, 1939, T. sirindhornae sp. nov., is described based on specimens collected and reared in Thailand. The new species is distinguished from other Thai Teloganopsis species by its abdominal color pattern, which is consistent across all developmental stages. Both morphology characteristics and molecular analysis support its designation as a new species. A concatenated phylogenetic tree based on COI and 28S rDNA confirms its monophyly and clearly separates it from other Teloganopsis species. Additionally, a description of the chorionic structure of Teloganopsis sirindhornae sp. nov., a distribution map of known Teloganopsis species in Thailand and a dichotomous key for both larval and imaginal stages of known Oriental Teloganopsis species are provided.

Keywords: 28S rDNA, COI, Ephemerellinae, Systematics, Thailand



Teloganopsis sirindhornae sp. nov. Life habitus.
A.male imago. B. male subimago. C. male last instar larva.


Nitikarn Buchawongpiwat, Michel Sartori, Boonsatien Boonsoong and Chonlakran Auychinda. 2025. Teloganopsis sirindhornae sp. nov. (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae), A New Species of Thai Mayfly revealed by the Integrative Taxonomy. Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8 (2025); 238-257. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266990 [2025-10-14] 💜
 

[Entomology • 2025] Temnothorax sirindhornae • The Ant Genus Temnothorax Mayr, 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) in Thailand, with A Description of A New Species


Temnothorax sirindhornae  
Phosrithong, Ignatius & Samung, 2025 

มดเขาสูงสิรินธร  ||  Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8

Temnothorax Mayr, 1861, a large ant genus with 502 valid species, 33 valid subspecies, and one valid fossil species (inclu-ding the new species), is predominantly found in temperate regions of the Old and New Worlds. The genus is represented in Thailand by two named species: Temnothorax barrettoi Hamer & Guénard, 2023, and Temnothorax sirindhornae Phosrithong, Ignatius & Samung, sp. nov. Herein, Temnothorax sirindhornae sp. nov. is described based on worker and dealate queen castes from the highlands of western Thailand, and T. barrettoi is newly recorded from the country's lowlands. Notably, both species nest in dead twigs on trees.

Keywords: distribution, Taksin Maharat National Park, taxonomy, Western Thailand


Temnothorax sirindhornae Phosrithong, Ignatius & Samung, sp. nov. 


Netnapa Phosrithong, Kaewpawika Jitthamma Ignatius and Yudthana Samung. 2025. The Ant Genus Temnothorax Mayr, 1861 (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) in Thailand, with A Description of A New Species. Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8;  276-286. https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tnh/article/view/266614 [2025-10-14]
  facebook.com/YuththnaSamang/posts/24917864867851335

[Botany • 2025] Curcuma princeps (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Southwestern Thailand

 

Curcuma princeps Soonthornk. & Škorničk.

in Soonthornkalump, Puangpairote, Niwesrat, Ongsakul et Leong-Škorničková, 2025. 
กระเจียวชมพูสิรินธร  |  Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8

Abstract
Curcuma princeps, a new species from the Curcuma subgen. Curcuma (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae) from southwestern Thailand is described and illustrated. For the diagnostic purpose it is compared to the morphologically closest species Curcuma petiolata. Detailed description based on living flowering material, colour plates, notes on the distribution, habitat and phenology are provided. The provisional IUCN conservation status is proposed as Endangered for this species, based on the IUCN guidelines and criteria.

Keywords: Curcuma petiolata, Kanchanaburi, Sangkhla Buri, subgenus Curcuma, Zingiberoideae

Curcuma princeps Soonthornk. & Škorničk.
A.Plant habit (inset: close up of an inflorescence); B. Rhizome with slender lateral branch; C.Detail of stamen from front, back and side views; the base of filament includes4 mm of androecial tube; D.Flower dissection, from left: bracteole, flower, calyx, ovary with epigynous glands attached, floral tube (longitudinally dissected), lateral staminodes with dorsal lobe in between (upper part), lateral lobes with labellum in between (lower part) and stamen in the centre. Basal part of labellum, staminodes and filament include ca. 4 mm of androecial tube.
Scale bars: A= 10 cm, B= 2 cm, C= 3 mm, D= 1 cm. 
All from type. Photographed by Sutthinut Soonthornkalump.

Curcuma princeps Soonthornk. & Škorničk. sp. nov. 

Diagnosis.–Similar to Curcuma petiolata Roxb.in colour and shape of the flowers, but differs by the size of the main rhizome 2–3.5 × 2–3 cm and lateral branches long, slender and horizontally creeping, up to 0.5–1.1 cm in diam. (vs main rhizome 5–8 × 3–5 cm, lateral branches short, 1.5–2 cm in diam., arranged in palmate pattern and usually pointing upwards), lamina 17–31.5 × 10–16 cm, adaxially glabrous, abaxially densely puberulous (vs lamina 25–45 × 12–23 cm, glabrous on both sides or with a few hairs along secondary veins), thyrse not longer than 12 cm, composed of 12–15 fertile bracts and 4–5 comabracts (vs thyrse 13–30 × 6–8 cm, composed of 20–50 fertile bracts and 5–10 coma bracts), cincinnus 1–4 flowers (vs cincinnus of 3–6 flowers) (Table 1).
 

Sutthinut Soonthornkalump, Tidarat Puangpairote, Sira Niwesrat, Annop Ongsakul and Jana Leong-Škorničková. 2025. Curcuma princeps (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Southwestern Thailand. Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8; 182-187  [2025-10-14]

[Botany • 2025] Petrocosmea miechangensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China


Petrocosmea miechangensis Sheng H.Tang & Cong R.Li,

in Tang et Li, 2025.  
篾厂石蝴蝶  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.265.164730 
photographed by Hui-Kui Wang & Sheng-Hu Tang

Abstract
A new species in Gesneriaceae, Petrocosmea miechangensis, is described from southeastern Yunnan, China. This species bears a resemblance to P. sericea in the shape of the adaxial corolla lip and in having very densely appressed hairs on the abaxial leaf blade. However, it can be distinguished by its flowering period, the hairs on the leaf blade, calyx, and filaments, as well as the shape of the filaments. An identification key to P. miechangensis and its related species is presented.

Key words: Didymocarpoideae, Flora of China, karst, Maguan County

Petrocosmea miechangensis sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Flowering plant; C, E. Abaxial surface of leaf blade; D. Adaxial surface of leaf blade; F. Flower in front view; G. Flower in side view and a calyx lobe (inset); H. Flower in top view; I, J. Opened corollas; K. Mature stamens; L. Pistil, stigma (inset, top) and a part of style (inset, down); M. Capsule and seeds (inset).
(A was captured on camera by Hui-Kui Wang, while the others were photographed by Sheng-Hu Tang).

 Petrocosmea miechangensis Sheng H.Tang & Cong R.Li, sp. nov.
 
Diagnosis. The new species displays the following characteristics: the corolla tube is shorter than the limb, and the adaxial corolla lip is significantly shorter than the abaxial corolla lip. Consequently, it should be classified within sect. Minor Z.J.Qiu within the genus Petrocosmea. Species in sect. Minor Z.J.Qiu typically exhibit minor variations in their flowers, fruits and seeds, but they display significant differences in their leaves and hairs. P. miechangensis and P. sericea are found in Wenshan City, Yunnan Province, China and they both possess similar leaf blade hairs (the silvery-white, glossy, silk-like hairs are unique to the genus Petrocosmea). So P. miechangensis is most ...

 
 Sheng-Hu Tang and Cong-Rui Li. 2025. Petrocosmea miechangensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 265: 13-23. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.265.164730