[Entomology • 2025] Tenomaculosa hexapunctata • A New monotypic Genus of the Tribe Tenoderini (Mantodea: Mantidae: Tenoderinae) from the southern Thailand

Tenomaculosa hexapunctata  

Tarapipattanakun & Unnahachote, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.25221/fee.538.1 

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A new genus and species Tenomaculosa hexapunctata gen. et sp. n. of praying mantis (Mantodea) is described from the southern Thailand. The new genus distinguished from related genera by the presence of six distinct black spots on the internal surfaces of the profemur and, in lateral view, by widened posterior part of the pronotum. Additionally, unidentified species of the genus Mesopteryx Saussure, 1870 is found in Thailand for the first time. A key to the genera of the subtribe Tenoderina in the Oriental region is also given.

Key words: Mantodea, praying mantises, Mantidae, Tenoderinae, Tenoderini, Oriental region.

Tenomaculosa hexapunctata gen. et sp. n.:
 A – holotype male in dorsal view; B – head in frontal view; C – inner side of prothoracic leg.

Fore legs of the subtribe Tenoderina genera:
A – Mesopteryx sp.; B – Tenodera cf. fasciata; C – Tenodera aridifolia; D – Tenospilota nova;
E, F – Tenomaculosa hexapunctata gen. et sp. n.

Tenomaculosa hexapunctata gen. et sp. n., male genitalia and terminalia.
A – ventral view of left phallomere; B – ventral view of ventral phallomere; C – ventral view of right phallomere; D – supraanal plate and cerci; E – subgenital plate.

Genus Tenomaculosa Tarapipattanakun et Unnahachote, gen. n.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS. Tenomaculosa gen. n. can be distinguished from Tenospilota by the pronotum being thicker towards the end in lateral view (in Tenospilota, the thickness is equal throughout the entire pronotum). The internal surfaces of the profemur presents six distinct black spots (only one large black spot is present around the tibial spur groove). The forewings without any pattern (with dark patches present in the discoidal areas), and the hindwings are transparent (with five black horizontal stripes patterns on the discoidal area).

ETYMOLOGY. The genus name is a combination of the word “Teno” referring to the related genus Tenodera, which shares some characteristics, and the Latin word “maculosa”, meaning spotted, in reference to the black spots on the profemur. 

Tenomaculosa hexapunctata Tarapipattanakun et Unnahachote, sp. n. 

ETYMOLOGY. The specific name “hexapunctata” is a combination of the word “hexa” meaning six, and the word “punctata” which is a Latin word meaning points. The name refers to the six black points on the inner side of the profemur of a new species.     

 Tarapipattanakun P. and Unnahachote T. 2025. A New monotypic Genus of the Tribe Tenoderini (Mantodea: Mantidae: Tenoderinae) from the southern Thailand. Far Eastern Entomologist. 538: 1-11. DOI: doi.org/10.25221/fee.538.1

https://www.biosoil.ru/FEE/Issues/2025 

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[Herpetology • 2025] Odorrana sudianensis • Unveiling Hidden Diversity in Odorrana (Anura: Ranidae) with Description of A New Species from Yingjiang, China and the First national records of Odorrana heatwolei in Thailand and Vietnam

Odorrana sudianensis Kilunda, Yu, Wu & Che,

in Kilunda, Yang, L. T. Nguyen, Le, Suwannapoom, Stuart, S. N. Nguyen, Zuo, Zhang, Duan, Duan, Yu, Wu et Che, 2025. 

苏典臭蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.162366

Abstract

Species discovery within Odorrana has gradually increased over the years, establishing a remarkable diversity for the genus. During recent herpetological surveys, we collected specimens from Yingjiang County, Yunnan Province, China with additional samples from Thailand and Vietnam. Based on combined morphological and phylogenetic analyses, we describe a new species Odorrana sudianensis sp. nov. from Sudian Town, Yingjiang County, China and report new records of O. heatwolei for Thailand and Vietnam. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene fragment, confirm the new species as a distinct evolutionary lineage with a genetic divergence (p-distance) of 4.6% from its closest sister species O. dulongensis. Odorrana sudianensis sp. nov. is morphologically distinguishable from all its known congeners by having a robust medium adult body size, a head length longer than wide, a mottled grass-green dorsum with dark brown blotches on the posterior region, absence of dorsolateral folds and circum-marginal grooves for all finger discs expanded with lateroventral grooves. Additionally, the new species record sequences from Thailand and Vietnam nested within the O. heatwolei subclade with a low p-distance (0.0–0.5%) from topotypic sequences of O. heatwolei. Examined specimen shows morphological congruence with topotypic O. heatwolei in key diagnostic traits. Our new species and new species records increase the number of recognised species of Odorrana to 46 in China, seven in Thailand and 23 in Vietnam. We also address existing taxonomic disputes within Odorrana and provide comments and recommendations on the taxonomy of several species within the genus.

Key Words: Odorrana, Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, new species, new species record, Odorrana sudianensis sp. nov., taxonomy

Morphology and colour patterns of Odorrana sudianensis sp. nov. in life (holotype KIZ058904, female).
A. Lateral view; B. Ventral view; C. Ventral view of hand; D. Dorsal view; E. Dorsolateral view of head; F. Dorsal view of tarsus; photos by Shen-Pin Yang.

Odorrana sudianensis Kilunda, Yu, Wu & Che, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Odorrana sudianensis sp.nov. is assigned to the genus Odorrana and differs from its congeners based on the combination of the following morphological characters: (1) Robust medium adult body size (SVL 78.9–85.3 mm, based on two females); (2) head length longer than head width (HL/HW 1.08); (3) iris with intricate golden reticulations forming a circumpupillary ring around the periphery; (4) anterior part of dorsum mottled grass green with mottled dark brown blotches covering the posterior region; (5) dorsolateral folds absent; (6) distinct dark brown crossbands on the dorsal surface of limbs; (7) supratympanic fold obvious, weak and short; (8) dorsal and lateral skin slightly granular; (9) tongue cordiform, deeply notched posteriorly; (10) finger discs significantly expanded; (11) circummarginal grooves for all finger discs expanded with lateroventral grooves; (12) inner metacarpal tubercle, large and elongated, two outer metacarpal tubercles, with outer one larger than medial one; (13) supernumerary tubercles below the base of fingers present and rounded; (14) web on toes entirely covered; (15) inner metatarsal tubercle oval and present, outer metatarsal tubercle absent; supernumerary tubercles below the base of toes absent, subarticular tubercles of toes oval and prominent.

Etymology. The specific epithet “sudianensis” is a latinised name referring to the type locality Sudian Town, where the new species was collected. We propose “Sudian odorous frog” and “苏典臭蛙” (Pinyin: Sū Diǎn Chòu Wā) as the English and Chinese common names, respectively.

Comparison of morphological characteristics with congeners.
A. Dorsal and B. Ventral views of Odorrana sudianensis sp. nov. paratype KIZ058839 (female) in life;
C. Dorsal and D. Ventral views of Odorrana dulongensis holotype (male) in life;

photos by Shen-Pin Yang and Xiao-Long Liu.

 Felista Kasyoka Kilunda, Shen-Pin Yang, Luan Thanh Nguyen, Manh Van Le, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Bryan L. Stuart, Sang Ngoc Nguyen, An-Ru Zuo, Ding-Can Zhang, Zheng-Pan Duan, Pei-Wen Duan, Zhong-Bin Yu, Yun-He Wu and Jing Che. 2025. Unveiling Hidden Diversity in Odorrana (Anura, Ranidae) with Description of A New Species from Yingjiang, China and the First national records of Odorrana heatwolei in Thailand and Vietnam. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 2337-2356. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.162366

[Herpetology • 2025] Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis • An Update on the Amphibian Assemblage of the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania, with the Description of A New giant Arthroleptis species (Amphibia: Anura)

Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis 

Lyakurwa, Liedtke, Mollel, Bittencourt-Silva, Jehle, Loader & Ngalason, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2025.2561124 

 x.com/Pius_Mollel

 

Abstract

Effective conservation measures require accurate and complete species inventories, which are however often missing for particularly biodiverse regions of concern. The montane forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) in East Africa represent fragmented relics of unique habitats that harbour remarkable levels of plant and animal diversity, including many endemic and threatened species most of which are poorly known. The present study focuses on the Ukaguru Mountains, an important mountain block in the central EAM, and expands on a recent study that summarized data from 30 years of amphibian surveys. Using systematic sampling (2022–2024) in localities that are less heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities than previously surveyed sites, we increase the number of documented amphibian species from 17 to 19, adding Xenopus cf. victorianus and a newly described species (see below). Among the three Ukaguru-endemic toads which have not been recorded since more than two decades, we re-discovered Nectophrynoides laticeps and N. paulae but failed to record the enigmatic Churamiti maridadi, which according to a dedicated extinction model has an updated probability of only 47.6% of still being extant. Based on genetic, morphological and bioacoustic evidence, we also describe a new large-bodied species of Arthroleptis (Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis sp. nov.), shedding further light into the evolution of ‘giant’ congeners which inhabit other mountain blocks in the EAM. Given the rapid deforestation of the EAM for which the Ukagurus are no exception, our findings give rise to concerns regarding current and future extinction risks within unique mountain amphibian assemblages, also affecting species which potentially still await description. 

Key words: Afromontane, biogeography, Churamiti, Eastern Arc Mountains, Nectophrynoides

 Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis sp. nov.

 

John Lyakurwa, H. Christoph Liedtke, Pius Mollel, Gabriela B. Bittencourt-Silva, Robert Jehle, Simon P. Loader and Wilirk Ngalason. 2025. An Update on the Amphibian Assemblage of the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania, with the Description of A New giant Arthroleptis species (Amphibia: Anura). Systematics and Biodiversity.  23(1); 2561124. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2025.2561124 [03 Nov 2025]

  x.com/Pius_Mollel/status/1988558790933754073

[Herpetology • 2025] Ololygon paulofreirei • Taxonomic Assessment of Ololygon gr. argyreornata (Anura: Hylidae) from northern Atlantic Forest reveals A New Species from the Pernambuco Endemism Centre, northeastern Brazil

Ololygon paulofreirei

Roberto, Ávila, de Lima & Santos, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1163/15685381-bja10241

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest in Brazil is a highly threatened biome, recognized as a biodiversity hotspot that hosts numerous endangered species with restricted distributions and facing intense human pressures. The Pernambuco Endemism Centre (PEC), located in Northeastern Brazil, represents one of the most concerning regions within the Atlantic Forest, as it comprises small, fragmented patches of pristine forest harboring several endangered species. Additionally, many species may be threatened but remain undocumented due to a lack of taxonomic studies, particularly within cryptic species complexes. In this study, we assessed the taxonomic status of populations assigned to the genus Ololygon from the state of Pernambuco. This genus presents several cryptic species with subtle morphological differences. Based on morphological, molecular, and acoustic data, we conclude that the populations from the state of Pernambuco constitute a previously undescribed species. Furthermore, we update the geographic distribution of the Ololygon gr. argyreornata species group, providing new morphological and acoustic data for O. skuki from the northern coast of Bahia state, and redescribe the advertisement call of O. argyreornata from Linhares, Espírito Santo.

Keywords: cryptic species; integrative taxonomy; Ololygon skuki; Scinaxinae; vocalization

Ololygon paulofreirei

  Igor Joventino Roberto, Robson Waldemar Ávila, Marcelo G. de Lima and Ednilza Maranhão dos Santos. 2025. Taxonomic Assessment of Ololygon gr. argyreornata (Anura, Hylidae) from northern Atlantic Forest reveals A New Species from the Pernambuco Endemism Centre, northeastern Brazil. Amphibia-Reptilia. DOI: doi.org/10.1163/15685381-bja10241 [23 Oct 2025] 

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[Ichthyology • 2025] Baryancistrus isaaci & B. quilombola • Two New Species of the ornamental loricariid Genus Baryancistrus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Hypostominae) from rio Trombetas Basin, Pará, Brazil

 

Baryancistrus isaaci
Baryancistrus quilombola

 Oliveira & Rapp Py-Daniel, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2025-0066

 

Abstract

Two new species of Baryancistrus are described from the rio Trombetas basin. These new species were collected in the late 1980’s and were analyzed morphologically and compared to the eight currently assigned species of Baryancistrus. Both new species are distinguished from their congeners by a set of non-unique characters, such as coloration, extension of dorsal-fin membrane, abdominal covering, number of mandibular teeth and size of fins. These new species are only registered for strong-energy and clear waters, powerful cataracts, with rocky substrates, being sometimes, syntopic. The patterns of distribution and morphological features among all Baryancistrus species are discussed, and an identification key is presented. Despite of occurring in a protected area, previous studies on hydroelectric plants for the rio Trombetas, as the Hydropower Plant of Cachoeira Porteira, are being re-examined by current authorities, raising deep concerns on the future conservation of the unique biodiversity of the rio Trombetas basin.

Keywords: Amazon; Conservation; Freshwater; Hydroelectric; Identification key

   Baryancistrus isaaci, uncatalogued specimen, from Cachoeira da Enseada, 
Baryancistrus quilombola, INPA-ICT 52435, paratype, 119.4 mm SL, from rio Trombetas,
Oriximiná, Pará, Brazil. 

Photos: Douglas A. Bastos.

Baryancistrus isaaci, new species 

Etymology. The specific name, a noun (masculine, singular), honors Isaäc Isbrücker, for his contribution to the knowledge of Neotropical Ichthyology, especially loricariids. Isaäc is an excellent ichthyologist and aquarist, and an example of resilience against preconceived ideas, deserving to be honored by his extreme talent and knowledge on loricariids. He has dedicated a relevant part of his career as ichthyologist sharing his knowledge with the academia and general aquarium experts. A noun in a genitive case.

Baryancistrus quilombola, new species

Etymology. The specific name quilombola (a noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name) honors the Quilombola’s communities of the rio Trombetas, also called Quilombos. Quilombolas are Afro-Brazilian descendents that escaped from slavery, or after abolition of slavery, that organized agrarian communities according to cultural, religious and geographic backgrounds in different areas in Brazil. The presence of large quilombos in the Amazon and, particularly, in the rio Trombetas basin deserves recognition, as the first Quilombo fully recognized by the Brazilian government was in rio Trombetas (Duque, 2009). They are eximious fishermen and profound connoisseurs of the dangerous waters in the rio Trombetas, as well as important activists of the Quilombola cause in South America.

  Renildo Ribeiro de Oliveira and Lúcia H. Rapp Py-Daniel. 2025. Two New Species of the ornamental loricariid Genus Baryancistrus (Siluriformes: Hypostominae) from rio Trombetas Basin, Pará, Brazil.   Neotrop. ichthyol. 23 (03); DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2025-0066

[Entomology • 2025] Acrotaphus guacas • A New Andean Species of Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from the Central Cordillera, and A Taxonomic Key to Colombian Species

 

 Acrotaphus guacas Álvarez-Arellano,

in Álvarez-Arellano, Palacios-Castro et Pádua, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.2.6 

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Abstract

A new species of Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 from the Colombian Andes is described and illustrated: Acrotaphus guacas, sp. nov. In addition, an identification key to all species recorded from Colombia is provided.

Hymenoptera, Parasitoid wasps, taxonomy, Darwin wasps, biodiversity, South America

Acrotaphus guacas Álvarez-Arellano, sp. nov.

Diego ÁLVAREZ-ARELLANO, Shirley PALACIOS-CASTRO and Diego G. PÁDUA. 2025. A New Andean Species of Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from the Central Cordillera, and A Taxonomic Key to Colombian Species.  Zootaxa. 5719(2); 271-276. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.2.6 [2025-11-12] 

 x.com/alvarez_arellan/status/1988453848139104260

 

[Entomology • 2025] Araneibatrus antennatus, A. thamluang, Batrisocenus filum, Nipponobythus haozhu, Tribasodites circinatus, Zopherobatrus excavatus, ... • Illuminating the Darkness: An exceptionally Diverse Fauna of subterranean Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Asian Karsts

Araneibatrus thamluang Yin, 2025 

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixaf046 

 facebook.com: Speleological Research in Thailand

Abstract

Subterranean ecosystems, particularly the karst environments of Asia, represent a significant but underexplored frontier for biodiversity exploration. This paper focuses on the rove beetle subfamily Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from caves and related subterranean habitats throughout the continent. Drawing upon extensive material accumulated primarily from China and Thailand, supplemented by records from Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines, an exceptionally diverse subterranean fauna is herein delineated, including the description of 43 new species: Araneibatrus antennatus sp. nov., A. huangsunbini sp. nov., A. leclerci sp. nov., A. thamluang sp. nov., A. thamphamon sp. nov., A. thamphathong sp. nov., A. thamprakaiphet sp. nov.; Batrisiella longlina sp. nov.; Batrisocenus affinis sp. nov., Batrisocenus dushizi sp. nov., Batrisocenus filum sp. nov., Batrisocenus mojiachengi sp. nov., Batrisocenus shilin sp. nov., Batrisocenus trungtrang sp. nov., Tribasodites circinatus sp. nov., T. disuensis sp. nov., T. duanus sp. nov., T. guilinensis sp. nov., T. huchanghaoi sp. nov., T. miaoting sp. nov., T. pakchong sp. nov., T. shui sp. nov., T. uncinus sp. nov., T. zhouhanpingi sp. nov.; Zopherobatrus excavatus sp. nov., Z. kaiyangus sp. nov., Z. sinanus sp. nov., Z. wulongensis sp. nov.; Batraxis soparki sp. nov.; Nipponobythus haozhu sp. nov., N. jinji sp. nov., N. liyunchuni sp. nov., N. long sp. nov., N. minor sp. nov. (soil-dwelling), N. niubi sp. nov., N. platycephalus sp. nov., N. proiectus sp. nov., N. punctatus sp. nov., N. qian sp. nov., N. sanxian sp. nov., N. suxian sp. nov., N. wufengensis sp. nov., and N. zengtingkaii sp. nov. The present work nearly doubles the documented diversity of cavernicolous Pselaphinae in Asia, increasing the number of known species from 48 to 90, highlighting the profound geographical biases in previous research and the immense, cryptic diversity harbored within these habitats. Identification keys to supertribes, tribes, genera, and species are provided, along with a checklist of cavernicolous Pselaphinae recorded from Asia. Moreover, this study reports novel instances of pronounced male antennal polymorphism and identifies potential morphological correlates of sexual conflict, specifically, putative female resistance traits, within these cave-adapted lineages, thereby illuminating evolutionary dynamics operative in aphotic ecosystems. Collectively, this work establishes a crucial taxonomic framework for the Asian cavernicolous fauna and stresses the urgent need for continued biospeleological exploration to effectively catalogue and conserve the unique biodiversity endemic to these karst systems.

taxonomy, cavernicolous, biodiversity, male polymorphism, sexual conflict

Zi-Wei YIN. 2025. Illuminating the Darkness: An exceptionally Diverse Fauna of subterranean Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Asian Karsts. Insect Systematics and Diversity. 9(5); ixaf046. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixaf046 [03 November 2025] 

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[Entomology • 2025] Borysthenes delicatus, B. pantherinus, B. undulatus ... • Taxonomic Notes on the Genus Borysthenes Stål, 1866 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Borysthenidae), with Description of Six New Species from China

A: Type locality of Borysthenes pantherinus sp. nov. and B. opacus sp. nov., arrowed specific location where specimens were collected;
B: B. opacus sp. nov.; C: B. pantherinus sp. nov.;
D: B. undulatus sp. nov.; E: B. delicatus sp. nov. 

Lyu, 2025

  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.1.4  

  Researchgate.net/publication/394382862

Abstract  

Six new species of the planthopper genus Borysthenes Stål, 1866 from China are described and illustrated here: Borysthenes xuzhiae sp. nov., B. mysterius sp. nov. and B. undulatus sp. nov. from Hainan Island, B. pantherinus sp. nov. and B. opacus sp. nov. from Guangxi, and B. delicatus sp. nov. from Yunnan. Images of adult habitus and male genitalia of each species are provided. Images of female genitalia of each species except B. mysterius are provided, which is the first time that internal structures of female genitalia of Borysthenes species are described. Additionally, updated generic diagnostic characters, forewing venation diagram for the genus and key to Borysthenes species in China are provided.   

Hemiptera, Taxonomy, morphology, planthopper, identification key, female genitalia, Delphacoidea

Habitat of Borysthenes spp.
A: Type locality of Borysthenes pantherinus sp. nov. and B. opacus sp. nov., arrowed specific location where specimens were collected; B: habitus of B. opacus sp. nov.; C: habitus of B. pantherinus sp. nov.; D: habitus of B. undulatus sp. nov.; E: habitus of B. delicatus sp. nov.; F: aggregation of B. xuzhiae sp. nov. on rock surface, photographed during daylight, arrowed representatives of individuals; G: habitus of B. xuzhiae sp. nov.

 

Tianlang LYU. 2025. Taxonomic Notes on the Genus Borysthenes Stål, 1866 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Borysthenidae), with Description of Six New Species from China. Zootaxa. 5665(1); 67-84. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.1.4 [2025-07-21] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/394382862_Taxonomic_notes_on_the_genus_Borysthenes_from_China

[Entomology • 2025] Ectropoceros sagittalis • Discovery of Ectropoceros Diakonoff (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) in Japan, with Description of A New Species

Ectropoceros sagittalis 

 Park, Tomura, Yagi & Hirowatari, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.12976/jib/2025.72.1.2  

 x.com/HandalPark

 

Abstract

In this study, we describe Ectropoceros sagittalis sp. nov. from Japan. This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first record of the genus from the Palaearctic region. Photographs of adult female specimens, pupa, and their genitalia are presented, and their biology is described. We also provide a world checklist for the genus Ectropoceros.

DNA barcoding, Oriental region, Palaearctic region, Taxonomy, Tineoidea, World catalogue

 

Ectropoceros sagittalis sp. nov.

 

Jinhyeong PARK, Shunsuke TOMURA, Sadahisa YAGI and Toshiya HIROWATARI. 2025. Discovery of Ectropoceros Diakonoff in Japan (Lepidoptera, Tineidae), with Description of A New Species. Journal of Insect Biodiversity. 72(1); 16-27. DOI: doi.org/10.12976/jib/2025.72.1.2 [19 Nov. 2025] 

 x.com/HandalPark/status/1990981069638934950

[Paleontology • 2025] The coelurosaur theropods of the Romualdo Formation, early Cretaceous (Aptian) of Brazil: Santanaraptor placidus meets Mirischia asymmetrica

Hypothetical reconstruction of Mirischia asymmetrica (left) and Santanaraptor placidus (right) disputing a lizard in what is now northeastern Brazil ~112 million years ago (Early Cretaceous, Aptian).

Santanaraptor placidus Kellner, 1999 
Mirischia asymmetrica Naish, Martill & Frey, 2004

in Delcourt, Grillo, Hendrickx, Kellermann et Langer, 2025.

 Santanaraptor   Mirischia 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.70085 

Illustration by Guilherme Gehr. 

 

Abstract

The upper carbonate concretion levels of the Romualdo Formation (Aptian, Brazil) have yielded several theropod dinosaur remains, including spinosaurids and the coelurosaurs Santanaraptor placidus and Mirischia asymmetrica, the phylogenetic affinities of which are controversial. Here, we present a comprehensive anatomical reassessment of the holotypes of both species (MN 4802-V and SMNK 2349 PAL, respectively), integrating newly observed osteological features and a detailed comparison of the pelvic and hind limb elements. Our preferred phylogenetic hypothesis places S. placidus and M. asymmetrica in the earliest-branching maniraptoromorph clade, along with Juratyrant langhami and Tanycolagreus topwilsoni from the Late Jurassic of Laurasia, suggesting an early diversification of coelurosaurs in that area, followed by Early Cretaceous dispersal events towards Gondwana. The comparative analysis of the two Romualdo taxa refutes their synonymy, given consistent differences in ischial (position and shape of the obturator plate and foramen) and tibial (condylar configuration) morphology. The observed morphological variation in the ischial obturator plate across early coelurosaurs further highlights a significant degree of homoplasy in this structure during the early radiation of the group. This revision underscores the need for additional research to further resolve the early evolutionary history of coelurosaur theropods.

Keywords: Araripe, Coelurosauria, Dinosauria, Gondwana, Theropoda

Hypothetical reconstruction of Mirischia asymmetrica (left) and Santanaraptor placidus (right) disputing a lizard in what is now northeastern Brazil ~112 million years ago (Early Cretaceous, Aptian).

Illustration by Guilherme Gehr. 

Santanaraptor placidus Kellner, 1999

Mirischia asymmetrica Naish, Martill & Frey, 2004

CONCLUSIONS: 

The comprehensive reassessment of Santanaraptor placidus (MN 4802-V) and Mirischia asymmetrica (SMNK 2349) presented here offers new insights into the anatomy, taxonomy, and phylogenetic affinities of these two coelurosaur theropods from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) Romualdo Formation of Brazil. Despite the minor overlapping of skeletal elements, both specimens exhibit consistent anatomical differences that support their recognition as distinct species. These differences are particularly evident in the configuration of the ischial obturator plate and the structure of the proximal tibial condyles.

Some of our phylogenetic results place S. placidus and M. asymmetrica together with Juratyrant langhami and Tanycolagreus topwilsoni, from the Late Jurassic of Laurasia, in a clade of early branching maniraptoromorphs. This is the first time that these Brazilian taxa are found closely related within a lesser-inclusive clade, corroborating previous assumptions of close biogeographic relations between Laurasian and Gondwanan landmasses by the Early Cretaceous. Further biogeographic patterns are, however, harder to define, especially having in mind the still patchy record of Jurassic theropods in areas such as Africa, Australia, India, Antarctica, and South America.

 

Rafael Delcourt, Orlando Nelson Grillo, Christophe Hendrickx, Maximilian Kellermann, Max Cardoso Langer. 2025. The coelurosaur theropods of the Romualdo Formation, early Cretaceous (Aptian) of Brazil: Santanaraptor placidus meets Mirischia asymmetrica. The Anatomical Record. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.70085 [18 November 2025]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Vanderhorstia supersaiyan • A New Species of Vanderhorstia (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from the twilight zone off Ishigaki-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan

Vanderhorstia supersaiyan 

Koeda, Hirasaka & Sato, 2025 

Supersaiyan Goby  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01047-6 

www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp

Abstract

Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov. (Perciformes: Gobiidae) is described from a single specimen (77.0 mm in standard length) collected from 210 m depth off Ishigaki-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan. The new species has two distinct yellow longitudinal stripes on the second dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, which are unique features within the genus. The new species can also be clearly distinguished from congeners by other coloration features, including faint yellow spots on the head and dorsal body margin, distinct yellow blotches and yellow upper margin on the first dorsal fin, and four faint yellowish-brown diamond-shaped blotches laterally on the body. A combination of meristic and morphometric characters also set the new species apart from congeners, all of which inhabit significantly shallower depths. The study documents a new discovery in the twilight zone highlighting the value of advancing research in this little studied habitat.

Keywords: Vanderhorstia vandersteene, Vanderhorstia attenuate, Gobioidei, Twilight zone, Taxonomy, Ryukyu Archipelago

Images of the holotype of Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov., NSMT-P 151096, 77.0 mm SL, collected from off Ishigaki-jima Island, Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan; just after captured and fresh.

www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp

Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov.

(New English name: Supersaiyan Goby; 

new standard Japanese name: Ereki-haze)

Etymology. The specific name of the new species, supersaiyan, refers to "Super Saiyan", a fictional transformation from the “Dragon Ball” manga series, famous for its golden yellow hair and glowing aura. In the present context, it refers to the unique bright yellow stripes and blotches of the new species. It is treated as a noun in apposition.

 Keita Koeda, Hiroshi Hirasaka and Mao Sato. 2025. Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov. (Perciformes: Gobiidae) collected from the twilight zone off Ishigaki-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan. Ichthyological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01047-6 [27 November 2025]

新種の魚を発見！その名もスーパーサイヤン！ ～石垣島沖から採集された新種のハゼに小枝助教らが命名～

https://www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/news/72516

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Gracixalus wuliangshan • A New Species of the Genus Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Central Western Yunnan, China

 

Gracixalus wuliangshan

Liu, Yang, Wang, Li, Hou, Luo & Rao, 2025

 

Wuliangshan small tree frog | 无量山纤树蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040066 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Gracixalus from Yunnan Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve, China, is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by a combination of the following characters: body size relatively large, dorsal surface brownish yellow, dorsal skin rough with dense, small flatten tubercles, tibiotarsal projection absent, heels distinctly overlapping, tibiotarsal articulation reaching anterior corner of eye, and nuptial pad absent in adult male. The genetic distance (uncorrected p-distance) between the new species and other species of the genus ranged from 2.3% to 14.3% in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. This study brings the total number of recognized species within the genus Gracixalus to 24 with 13 of which occur in China and four in Yunnan Province.

Keywords: 16S rRNA; morphology; systematics; taxonomy; Yunnan Wuliangshan national nature reserve

  The holotype (KIZ2025067) of Gracixalus wuliangshan sp. nov. in life.

 (A) Dorsal view; (B) ventral view; (C) left view; (D) right view; (E) close-up view of the axilla, groin, and inner side of the thigh; (F) close-up view of the outer side of the thighs; (G) close-up view of the left palm; (H) close-up view of the left sole.

Gracixalus wuliangshan sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: body size relatively large, SVL 39.1 mm in male and 44.1 mm in female; dorsal surface brownish yellow with a distinct X-shaped pattern composed of wide dark brown stripes on dorsum; iris light yellowish gray; axilla and groin with light yellow spots; dorsal skin rough with dense small flatten tubercles; snout round; tibiotarsal projection absent; finger webbing rudimentary; heels distinctly overlapping when legs at right angle to body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching anterior corner of eye; internal vocal sac in male; nuptial pad absent in male.

 Etymology: The specific epithet is named for Yunnan Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve, in which the species was collected. We suggested “Wuliangshan small tree frog” for the common English name and “无量山纤树蛙 (wú liàng shān xiān shù wā)” for the common Chinese name.

 Shuo Liu, Zhongfu Yang, Chunhua Wang, Nengping Li, Mian Hou, Zengyang Luo and Dingqi Rao. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Gracixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Central Western Yunnan, China. Taxonomy. 5(4); 66; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040066 [26 November 2025]

[PaleoOrnithology • 2025] Pujatopouli soberana • Diving in the Maastrichtian of Marambio (Seymour) Island: A New Member of the Neoaves in the Cretaceous Antarctic Avifauna

  

Pujatopouli soberana 

Irazoqui, Hospitaleche, Gelfo, Carabajal, Bona & Burlaille, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106259 

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Illustration by Samanta Faiad. 

Highlights

• A new genus and species of Cretaceous Neoaves is described.

• Phylogenetic analysis suggests its relationship to Aequornithes.

• A coeval existence of Galloanseres and Neoaves in the Maastrichtian of Marambio Island is postulated.

• The López de Bertodano Formation is the only lithostratigraphic showing a high diversity of Cretaceous Neornithes.

• This avifauna is characterized by the predominance of foot-propelled diving birds.

Abstract

A new genus and species of Cretaceous bird from Antarctica with implications for the early evolution of Neornithes is described here. The type specimen of Pujatopouli soberana gen. et sp. nov. (MLP-PV 08-XI-30-44), preserving part of the skull and postcranium, was recovered from Maastrichtian deposits of the López de Bertodano Formation on Marambio (Seymour) Island, James Ross Basin, West Antarctica. The phylogenetic relationships of Pujatopouli with other avian species, including all previously described Cretaceous birds from Antarctica, were assessed using two different datasets. The first, mainly composed of Mesozoic birds, places Pujatopouli within the crown group of birds (Neornithes), whereas the second, which includes a broad sampling of modern taxa, positions it within Neoaves, and closely related to the ‘core-waterbirds’ (Aequornithes). Besides, morphological evidence suggests that Pujatopouli was a foot-propelled diver with an ichthyophagous diet, living sympatrically with other neornithine birds along the Antarctic coast during the latest Cretaceous.

Systematic palaeontology

AVES Linnaeus, 1758.

ORNITHURAE Haeckel, 1866.

NEORNITHES Gadow (1892).

NEOGNATHAE Pycraft, 1900.

NEOAVES Sibley et al., 1988.

AEQUORNITHES Mayr (2011).

 

Pujatopouli gen nov. 

 

Pujatopouli soberana sp. nov.

 

Pujatopouli soberana nov. gen. et sp., swimming in the Antarctic waters of the Maastrichtian.

Illustration by Samanta Faiad. 

 

Facundo Irazoqui, Carolina Acosta Hospitaleche, Javier N. Gelfo, Ariana Paulina Carabajal, Paula Bona and Leonel Acosta Burlaille. 2026. Diving in the Maastrichtian of Marambio (Seymour) Island: A New Member of the Neoaves in the Cretaceous Antarctic Avifauna. Cretaceous Research. 179; 106259. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106259

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