[Crustacea • 2025] Alpheus sarapis • A New, conspicuously coloured Snapping Shrimp (Decapoda: Alpheidae) from the north-western Indian Ocean

 

Alpheus sarapis 

Anker, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2025.65.008

Abstract

A new, brightly coloured and morphologically distinctive species of the alpheid genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 is described based on a single female specimen collected in shallow waters of Masirah Island, Oman. Alpheus sarapis sp. nov. appears to be morphologically somewhat intermediate between the A. leviusculus Dana, 1852, A. edwardsii (Audouin, 1826) and A. paracrinitus Miers, 1881 species groups, although the presence of slight sinuses on the major chela palm suggests that it may be a derived member of either of the former two groups.

Keywords: Caridea, Alpheid shrimp, New taxon, Oman, Indo-West Pacific, Marine biodiversity

Alpheus sarapis sp. nov. 

Arthur Anker. 2025. A New, conspicuously coloured Snapping Shrimp from the north-western Indian Ocean (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Alpheidae: Alpheus). Papéis Avulsos De Zoologia. 65; e202565008. DOI: doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2025.65.008

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[Herpetology • 2025] Cryptomantis subgenus nov. & Pristimantis paganus • Vast Cryptic Diversity in Direct-developing Frogs Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae): A New Subgenus and the Description of A New Species from the eastern Andes of Ecuador

 

Pristimantis paganus  

Loza-Carvajal, Yánez-Muñoz, Quilumbaquin & Ortega-Andrade, 2025

 

Amazonian pagan rainfrog| Cutín pagano Amazónico  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20512

Abstract 

Pristimantis, a genus of direct-developing frogs within the family Strabomantidae, comprises 617 recognized species, making it the most species-rich genus of vertebrates worldwide. This group include 264 described (43% of the world) species in Ecuador, being one of the countries in the region with the highest rate of species description, greatest diversity and endemism. In this study, we analyze the phylogenetic position and describe a new Pristimantis species from the Colonso Chalupas Biological Reserve and Llanganates National Park in northeastern Ecuador, using phylogenetic, genetic, morphological, and geographic evidence. Additionally, we propose a new subgenus within Pristimantis that includes the Pristimantis prolatus and Pristimantis bicantus species groups. Our results indicate that the new species and related species form a well-supported group with significant genetic divergence based on the 16S rRNA gene (average uncorrected p-distance = 2.8–7.5%), within the Pristimantis bicantus species group. Morphologically, the new species is characterized by a black to dark-gray dorsum and marbled venter (less intense or brown in males), being endemic to the Guacamayos mountain range and the Llanganates region in the northeastern Andean foothills of Ecuador. We emphasize the importance of including topotypic specimens to analyze and compare species groups to delimiting species, like Pristimantis.

 

Keywords: Integrative taxonomy, Cryptic diversity, Pristimantis paganus sp. nov., Pristimantis prolatus group, Pristimantis bicantus group, Cryptomantis gen. nov.

Pristimantis paganus sp. nov. 
Holotype in life DHMECN 16810, adult female, SVL = 27.2 mm.
(A) Dorsal view; (B) frontal view; (C) lateral view; (D) ventral view. Photographs by Mario H. Yánez Muñoz.

Pristimantis paganus sp. nov.

Suggested common English name: Amazonian pagan rainfrog

Common name in Spanish: Cutín pagano Amazónico.

Diagnosis. Pristimantis paganus sp. nov. (Figs. 2–7) is a member of the subgenus Cryptomantis and P. bicantus species group, characterized by the following combination of characters: (1) dorsal skin finely granular with dorso-laterally aligned flattened warts, areolate venter, discoidal fold present and visible posteriorly, dorsolateral folds weak and discontinuous in females, continuous in males; scapular W-shaped fold in males; (2) tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus present, round, horizontal diameter of tympanum equal to 38% of eye diameter, antero-dorsal margin with a supratympanic fold and large subconical postrictal tubercles; (3) snout short, subacuminate in dorsal view, rounded in profile with slightly flared lips; (4) upper eyelid with at least three to four large rounded tubercles surrounded by several small rounded tubercles, two subconical tubercles behind each eye; no cranial crest; (5) dentigerous processes of vomers, oblique in outline each process with 3–8 teeth; (6) vocal slits absent; no nuptial pad and no vocal sac; (7) Finger I shorter than Finger II; broad, expanded disks dilated with circummarginal grooves; (8) fingers with thin lateral cutaneous fringes; (9) subarticular tubercles, present, prominent; hyperdistal subarticular tubercle, present; ulnar tubercles absent; (10) heel with one subconical tubercle; outer edge with two flattened tubercles, tarsal fold absent; (11) inner metatarsal tubercle oval in females 3 times larger than rounded outer metatarsal tubercle; supernumerary tubercles absent; (12) toes with thin lateral fringes present, interdigital membrane absent, Toe V longer than Toe III; (13) The distinctive coloration of females, characterized by a uniformly black dorsum and black markings on a cream to pinkish-cream background on the flanks, belly, and throat, distinguishes this species from its congeners and other Pristimantis species inhabiting the eastern montane forests of Ecuador; (14) adult males, SVL = 17.20–21.5 mm (mean = 19.6, n = 13), females SVL= 24.8–29.8 mm (mean = 29.6 mm, n = 6), (Tables 2, 3, S3).

Etymology. The specific epithet is from the Latin word “paganus”, an adjective derived from “pagus”, which refers to the inhabitants of the forest or village, far from civilization and towns, referring to the remote and unexplored sites where this species inhabits, in the montane cloud forests at the Colonso Chalupas Biological Reserve and Llanganates National Park, northeastern flanks of the Andes in Ecuador.

Habitat and specimens of Pristimantis paganus sp. nov.
(A) Cloud forest with epiphytic plants, type locality, Colonso Chalupas Biological Reserve; (B) female, DHMECN 19962;
(C) paratype, male, DHMECN 15602; (D) paratype, adult female, DHMECN 17222.

Photographs: Jorge Brito (A), Keyko D. Loza-Carvajal (B), H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade (C), Zane Libke (D).

Representative species of the subgenus Cryptomantis.
Subclade A-Pristimantis prolatus species group: (A) Pristimantis ganonotus DHMECN 16961, Colonso Chalupas Reserve, Napo; (B) P. burtoniorum DHMECN 14479, Paratype, Mayordomo Reserve, Tungurahua; (C) P. prolatus DHMECN 11564, Topotype, Río El Reventador, Sucumbíos;
(D) P. c.sp. 1, DHMECN 15674, Colonso Chalupas Reserve, Napo.
Subclade B-Pristimantis bicantus species group: (E) P. c.sp. 2, QCAZ 70020, Llanganates National Park, Napo; (F) P. marcoreyesi, DHMECN 13833, Tungurahua volcano, Tungurahua; (G) P. paganus sp. nov. DHMECN 15606, Colonso Chalupas Reserve, Napo;
(H) P. tungurahua, DHMECN 14428, Vizcaya Reserve, Tungurahua; (I) P. sacharuna, QCAZ 52496, Zúñag Reserve, Tungurahua; (J) P. c.sp. 3, QCAZ 51553, San Antonio de Juval, Cañar;
(K) P. nelsongalloi, DHMECN 5223, Zúñag Reserve, Tungurahua; (L) P. bicantus, DHMECN 12359, El Reventador, Sucumbíos; (M) P. c.sp. 5, QCAZ 52489, Sangay National Park, Morona Santiago.

Photo credit: Gustavo Pazmiño, Bioweb (E); Santiago Ron, Bioweb (I), Bioweb (J, M); Keyko D. Loza, Carvajal (A); Mario H. Yánez Muñoz (B, C, F, H, K, L); H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade (D, G).

Conclusions: 

We described a new species, Pristimantis paganus, from the Colonso Chalupas Biological Reserve and Llanganates National Park, northeastern Ecuador. Furthermore, we define a new subgenus, Cryptomantis, within Pristimantis that includes the Pristimantis prolatus and Pristimantis bicantus species groups. Our results indicate at least five Candidate species within Cryptomantis. We emphasize the importance of including topotypic specimens to analyze and compare specios groups to delimiting species, like Pristimantis.

 

Keyko D. Loza-Carvajal, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Walter Quilumbaquin and H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade​. 2025. Vast Cryptic Diversity in Direct-developing Frogs Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae): A New Subgenus and the Description of A New Species from the eastern Andes of Ecuador. PeerJ. 13:e20512. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20512 [December 17, 2025]

 

[Invertebrate • 2025] Acanthotrochus verruciosseous • A New abyssal Species of Acanthotrochus (Holothuroidea: Apodida) from the Aleutian Trench, North Pacific Ocean

 

 Acanthotrochus verruciosseous

Ogawa, Chen & Sigwart, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.5343/bms.2025.0092 

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A new species of the rarely seen myriotrochid holothurian genus Acanthotrochus, Acanthotrochus verruciosseous sp. nov., is described from 5272 to 5325 m deep in the Aleutian Trench, North Pacific Ocean. The new species is morphologically clearly separated from three valid congeners based on acanthotrochid-type wheel ossicles bearing multiple low knobs on the inner and outer rims as well as the outward teeth. The outer, concave side of the acanthotrochid-type wheels also form inward-pointing protrusions at the base of spokes at the inner rim edge. These ossicle features have never been observed in the three described species. Acanthotrochus has a global distribution, in the North Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Antarctica, with a maximum depth of 3320 m. Our discovery is the first record of Acanthotrochus from the North Pacific and from the lower abyssal zone, which greatly extends the known geographic and bathymetric range of Acanthotrochus. Partial mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA sequences from the type specimens of A. verruciosseous sp. nov. are clearly separated from the type species of the genus, Acanthotrochus mirabilis Danielssen and Koren, 1881.

Acanthotrochus verruciosseous sp. nov.

 Ogawa, Akito; Chen, Chong and Sigwart, Julia D. 2025. A New abyssal Species of Acanthotrochus (Holothuroidea: Apodida) from the Aleutian Trench, North Pacific Ocean. Bulletin of Marine Science. DOI: doi.org/10.5343/bms.2025.0092 

 x.com/squamiferum/status/2001017902213079083

[Paleontology • 2025] Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis • A New, Early Cretaceous carettochelyid Turtle (Trionychia: Carettochelyidae) from South Korea provides insights into Softshell Evolution and Aquatic Ecology

 

Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis

Kim, J. Jung, Joyce, Park, H.-Y. Jung, Jo & Huh, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s13358-025-00415-z 

Abstract

Here, we present a new Cretaceous carettochelyid turtle, Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Cretaceous Hasandong Formation of Yeosu, Korea. A nearly complete shell and select elements of the girdles and limbs provide crucial insight into the evolution and aquatic adaptation of this family. Phylogenetic analyses place Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis at the most basal position within Carettochelyidae. The mid-sized plastron of Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis appears to be plesiomorphic for the group. The expansion of the plastron during carettochelyid evolution, especially during the Paleogene, may be an evolutionary response to increasing body size or the threat of mammalian predators. Although the shell of Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis lacks distinct scute sulci, traces are apparent that are reminiscent of juvenile scutes in the extant Carettochelys insculpta, suggesting that scute loss was facilitated in trionychian evolution through the thickening of the epidermis. Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis possesses a plesiomorphic humerus with a proximally located lateral process and a sigmoidal shaft lacking torsion, implying rowing locomotion rather than the underwater flapping seen in more recent carettochelyids. The repeated acquisition of a softshell in two clades of trionychians during the mid-Cretaceous may be related to an environmental shift towards humid climates at that time, perhaps reflecting a remarkable adaptation to freshwater ecosystems.

Keywords: Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis, Early Cretaceous, Hasandong formation, Korea, Carettochelyidae, Paleoecology, Micro-CT

Systematic paleontology

Testudines Batsch, 1788

Cryptodira Cope, 1868

Trionychia Hummel, 1929

Carettochelyidae Gill, 1889

Geographical and geological settings of the type locality of Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov. 
A, Geographical map of South Korea. B, Geological map of Gyeongsang Basin in South Korea. C, Geological map of Gwangyang Bay. D, Aerial photograph of Soneuk Island with adjacent islands. E, Photographs of the holotype in situ. The red asterisks indicate fossil locality

Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov.
Photographs (A, C) and micro-CT generated three-dimensional models (B, D) of the holotype [KDRC-YS-SR-001]
A, B, shell in dorsal view. C, D, shell in ventral view.

Abbreviations: co, costal; ent, entoplastron; epi, epiplastron; hyo, hyoplastron; hypo, hypoplastron; nc, nuchal; ne, neural; pe, peripheral; py, pygal; spy, suprapygal; xip, xiphiplastron

 

Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis—Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis can be diagnosed as a member of Carettochelyidae by the presence of 10 pairs of peripherals, a single, triangular suprapygal, a thickened pygal with an anterior groove, plastral kinesis, a triangular entoplastron, and the absence of plastral scutes. It differs from other carettochelyids by the unique combination of the following characters: neurals and pygal lacking midline keel, neural series broad and continuous, a reversal of neural orientation at neural II, vermiculated peripheral ornamentation, absence of distinct carapacial scute sulci, a lack of paired nuchal processes, a relatively broad cruciform plastron, long cervical vertebrae, and a humerus with sigmoidal shaft and lateral and medial processes at the level of the humeral head.

Type Locality and Horizon—Soneuk Island, Yeosu, Republic of Korea, near the Aptian/Albian boundary, Early Cretaceous.

Etymology—The genus name ‘Byeoljubuchelys’ is derived from the combination of the Korean word ‘Byeoljubu’, a turtle character in Sugungga, one of the epic tales of Pansori (a traditional Korean musical storytelling art), and the Ancient Greek word ‘chelys’ meaning turtle. The species name ‘yeosuensis’ is derived from Yeosu City, where the fossil was found.

 

The peripherals and pygal of KDRC-YS-SR-001, holotype of Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov. 
Interpretive drawing of carapace in dorsal view and micro-CT generated three-dimensional models of peripherals in dorsal and posterior view. Dotted lines express the reconstructed outline of peripherals and pygal. pe, peripheral

 

 

Minguk Kim, Jongyun Jung, Walter G. Joyce, Jae-Il Park, Hye-Yeon Jung, Hyemin Jo and Min Huh. 2025. A New, Early Cretaceous carettochelyid Turtle from South Korea provides insights into Softshell Evolution and Aquatic Ecology. Swiss Journal of Palaeontology. 144, 75. DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s13358-025-00415-z [08 December 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Clerodendrum kelli (Lamiaceae) • A New Species from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, and Lectotypification of Clerodendrum mindorense

 

Clerodendrum kelli R.Bustam., A.B.Tobias & Ples, 

in Ples, Patykowski, Udasco, Altomonte, Tobias et Bustamante, 2025. 

Gard. Bull. Singapore. 77(2) 

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ABSTRACT

Clerodendrum kelli R.Bustam., A.B.Tobias & Ples—a new species of the genus Clerodendrum L. (Lamiaceae) from the montane forests of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Luzon Island, Philippines—is described and illustrated. The species shares morphological features that are uncommon for the genus with both Clerodendrum quadriloculare (Blanco) Merr. (purple abaxial leaf surfaces) and C. mindorense Merr. (reduced fruiting calyx lobes), but differs from both in having lax (vs dense/compact) inflorescences bearing flowers with shorter corolla tubes and reddish-pink (vs green or purple) calyces with ovate (vs triangular or lanceolate) lobes. Additionally, a lectotype for C. mindorense is assigned. Preliminary assessment of its conservation status following IUCN guidelines places Clerodendrum kelli in the category of Critically Endangered (CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)).

 Keywords. Lamiales, Luzon Island, Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed Forest Reserve, understorey shrub

Clerodendrum kelli R.Bustam., A.B.Tobias & Ples.
A. Flowering twig. B. Leaf. C. Flower. D. Anther. E. Stigma. F. Developing fruit and fruiting calyx without lobes.

 Illustrated by Julieferd Torres.

Clerodendrum kelli R.Bustam., A.B.Tobias & Ples. 
A. Habit. B. Leaves, adaxial and abaxial surface. C. Flowers and immature fruits. D. Inflorescence and flowers (front view). E. Longitudinal section of flower. F. Inflorescence and flowers (side view).

(Photos: A, E, A.B. Tobias; B, D, J.P. Collantes; C, J.A. Mansibang; F, J.M. Agcaoili)

Clerodendrum kelli R.Bustam., A.B.Tobias & Ples, sp. nov.

 This species shares characters that are uncommon for the genus with both Clerodendrum quadriloculare (Blanco) Merr. (purple abaxial leaf surfaces) and Clerodendrum mindorense Merr. (reduced fruiting calyx lobes). However, it differs from both in having lax (vs dense/compact) inflorescences bearing flowers with shorter (1.2–1.5 vs 2–3 and 4.5–11 cm long) corollas and reddish-pink (vs green or purple) calyces with ovate (vs triangular or lanceolate) lobes.

Etymology and uses. The specific epithet kelli is the Bugkalot name for this species. The Bugkalot recognise Clerodendrum kelli as a species that occurs in the colder areas of the mountain; they traditionally mix extracts from the mashed leaves of this plant with food preparations for sick dogs to restore their health (Udasco, pers. comm.).

Ples, D.J.R., Patykowski, J., Udasco, L.C., Altomonte, J.C., Tobias, A.B. & Bustamante, R.A.A. 2025. Clerodendrum kelli (Lamiaceae), A New Species from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, and lectotypification of Clerodendrum mindorense. Gard. Bull. Singapore. 77(2); 225 - 224.

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https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/research/publications/gardens'-bulletin-singapore/-/media/sbg/gardens-bulletin/gbs_77_02_y2025/77_02_07_y2025_v77p2_gbs_pg225.pdf

 

[Botany • 2025] Henckelia indica (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Henckelia indica M.Khanal, Taram & D.Borah,  

in Khanal, Borah, Taram, Sarkar et Kumar, 2025.  

Researchgate.net/publication/398726557 

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Abstract

Henckelia indica M.Khanal, Taram & D.Borah sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) is described from Arunachal Pradesh, India, which is allied to H. pathakii G.Krishna & Lakshmin. and it can be distinguished by its prostrate to sub-erect (vs. sub-erect) habit, strongly anisophyllous (vs. equal to sub-equal) leaves, urceolate (vs. tubular to campanu-late) calyx, filaments lightly geniculate with no colour at the knee (vs. strongly geniculate with darker colouration at the knee), and disk entire (vs. shallowly 5-lobed). A detailed description, illustration and comparison with allied species alongside a preliminary conservation assessment are provided for easy identification and conservation of the new species.

Henckelia indica M.Khanal, Taram & D.Borah sp. nov. 

Madhusudhan Khanal, Dipankar Borah, Momang Taram, Chayanika Sarkar and Devendra Kumar. 2025. Henckelia indica (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany. 49(3); 188-194. DOI: 10.61080/JETB/V49/i3/2025/188-194

 Researchgate.net/publication/398726557_Henckelia_indica_a_new_species_from_Arunachal_Pradesh_India

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[Botany • 2025] Psidium guedesiae (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil

 

Psidium guedesiae Stadnik & Landrum, 

in Stadnik & Landrum, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.734.1.1 

 

Abstract

Psidium is one of the largest genera of Myrtaceae in Brazil. Bahia, the most species rich state, has species growing in the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest domains, and the ecotones between these. A new species, Psidium guedesiae, is described from the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil. It is compared to three similar species of Psidium that all seem to grow in the Caatinga habitat. A key to the species of this group is provided. The morphology, phenology, ecology and conservation status of P. guedesiae are discussed.

Bahia, dryland, Ecotone, Myrteae, Pernambuco, Eudicots

Psidium guedesiae.
Details. A—Fruiting branch (Stadnik 279); B—Twig. B1 –Vegetative bud, B2—Colleter (Stadnik 279);
C—Placenta with ovules (Guedes 30198); D—Seeds (Stadnik 279); E—Petal (Guedes 30198); F—young cataphyll (Guedes 30146); G— longitudinal section of an old flower, highlighting gynoecium features; H—old flower, H1—Bracteole, H2—Colleter (Guedes 30146).

Psidium guedesiae Stadnik & Landrum, sp. nov. 

Similar to Psidium brevipedunculatum but flower buds and lower surface of leaves moderately to sparsely strigose or pubescent (not densely tomentose), petioles 0–2 mm long (not 4–5 mm long) and leaf blades submembranous to chartaceous (not subcoriaceous) at maturity. 

Etymology:—Psidium guedesiae is a tribute to Maria Lenise Guedes who is a distinguished colleague of the Alexandre Leal Costa Herbarium at Salvador, Bahia. Guedes is a prolific botanist that has been contributing to the biodiversity knowledge of Brazil, mainly in the Bahia state. She was the first collector of P. guedesiae, and based on online platform of herbarium data, she is the paramount female collector of vascular plants in Brazil and has collected more specimens of Psidium in Bahia than anyone else.

 

Aline STADNIK and Leslie R. LANDRUM. 2025. Psidium guedesiae A New Species from the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil. Phytotaxa. 734(1); 1-8. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.734.1.1 [2025-12-16]

[Botany • 2025] Strobilanthes danxiaensis (Acanthaceae) • A New Species endemic to Danxia Mountain in Guangdong Province, China

 

Strobilanthes danxiaensis B.H.Wu, J.F.Zhang & J.Q.Guo, 

in Wu, Zhang, Guo, Wang, Dai, Liu et Fan, 2025. 

丹霞马蓝  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.268.172546

Abstract

Strobilanthes danxiaensis, a new species endemic to the Danxia Mountain region of Guangdong, China, is described herein. Phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ITS sequences indicates that S. danxiaensis, S. japonica, S. tetrasperma and S. austrosinensis form a well-supported clade. Morphologically, S. danxiaensis is most similar to S. tetrasperma and S. austrosinensis; however, it is readily distinguished from S. tetrasperma by its longer corolla, much broader oblong–obovate and emarginate corolla lobes, and a longer style. It further differs from S. austrosinensis in having larger oblong–obovate, emarginate corolla lobes, shorter filaments, and a longer style. The integration of morphological and molecular evidence supports the recognition of S. danxiaensis as a distinct species.

Key words: Biodiversity, Shaoguan, taxonomy

Strobilanthes danxiaensis.
 A. Wild individuals; B. Habitat; C. Flowering branch; D. Leaves; E. Inflorescence; F. Bud; G. Side view of flower; H. Front view of flower; I. Bracts; J. Bracteoles; K. Calyxs; L. Gynoecium; M. Dissected corolla showing stamens; N. Infructescence; O. Dissected capsule.

Photographed by Jian-Qiang Guo and Bao-Huan Wu.

 Strobilanthes danxiaensis B.H.Wu, J.F.Zhang & J.Q.Guo, sp. nov.

 Chinese name: “dān xiá mă lán” (丹霞马蓝)

Diagnosis. Morphologically, Strobilanthes danxiaensis is most similar to S. tetrasperma, but differs in its longer corolla (2.8–4 cm vs. 1.5–2 cm), with larger, emarginate oblong–obovate corolla lobes (ca. 1 × 1 cm vs. oblong lobes ca. 4 × 5 mm with obtuse apices), and a much longer style (3 cm vs. 1.5 cm).

 Bao-Huan Wu, Ji-Fang Zhang, Jian-Qiang Guo, Wei Wang, Se-Ping Dai, Guo-Feng Liu and Qiang Fan. 2025. Strobilanthes danxiaensis, A New Species of Acanthaceae endemic to Danxia Mountain in Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys 268: 69-79. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.268.172546

[Paleontology • 2025] Mandocaris polyphaga • A New caridean Shrimp Fossil (Caridea: Acanthephyridae) with exceptionally preserved organs from the Middle Jurassic of La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France

Mandocaris polyphaga 

Lagrange, Audo, Odin, De Grave, Fernandez, Dollman & Charbonnier, 2025

www.app.pan.pl

We used propagation phase contrast synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography (PPC-SRμCT) on an exceptionally preserved fossil caridean from the Callovian of the La Voulte-sur-Rhône Konservat-Lagerstätte. The tomographic data reveal the shape of the mandible and pereiopodal epipods allowing the description of a new genus and species of Acanthephyridae (Caridea) shrimp, Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. Most organs are exceptionally preserved in either mineral denser to X-ray than matrix, interpreted to be sulfides, or in mineral of lower density than the matrix, interpreted as carbonate/phosphate such as fluorapatite. We herein propose a taphonomic scenario for the preservation of M. polyphaga gen. et sp. nov.: it died from unknown causes not caused by an injury, as no wound is visible, falling on the sediment/water interface, it laid on its right side, and was probably covered by sediments and/or a microbial mat, thus quickly becoming entombed in the anoxic zone of the sedimentary column. Once there, many anatomic structures were replaced by phosphates. Sulfides precipitated concomitantly or quickly afterwards, probably aided by both internal and external source of metal ions. The importance of the external source of metal ions (hydrothermalism) is clear due to the prevalence of sulfides in the ventral side of the specimen, an area more permeable due to its abundance in thin membranes prone to decay. The loss of integrity thereafter led to sediment invading the body cavity, thus obliterating a few ventral anatomic details, including some pereiopodal muscles, part of the hepatopancreas, most of the gills, and possibly reproductive organs. The nodule was then formed, closing the system, and protecting the specimen from further diagenetic degradation.

Key words: Crustacea, Caridea, synchrotron, tomography, anatomy, Konservat-Lagerstätte, Callovian, Middle Jurassic.

Overview of the caridean shrimp Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. (holotype, MNHN.F.A58277) from the Callovian (Middle Jurassic) of La Voulte, France.
Specimen in right lateral (A1) and dorsal (A2) views. Cephalothorax in right lateral view (A3). 3D reconstruction of the holotype in right lateral view (A4), exposing the organs (A5). Abbreviations: a, branchiocardiac groove; a1, antennula; a2, antenna; b1, hepatic groove; e1e, cervical groove; hc, hepatic carina; hs, hepatic spine; mxp3, third maxilliped; phc, posterior hepatic carina; P1–5, pereiopods 1–5; pl1–4, pleopods 1–4; s1–6, pleonites 1–6. White arrows point to the front of the animal.

Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. 

 

Flavien Lagrange, Denis Audo, Giliane P. Odin, Sammy De Grave, Vincent Fernandez, Kathleen Dollman, and Sylvain Charbonnier. 2025. A New caridean Shrimp Fossil with exceptionally preserved organs from the Middle Jurassic of La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 70(4); 775-794. DOI: 10.4202/app.01275.2025

https://www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app012752025.html

[Botany • 2025] Middletonia tiepiana (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from southern Vietnam

 

Middletonia tiepiana  Luu, X.B.Nguyen-Le & T.Q.T.Nguyen, 

in T. Q. T. Nguyen, H. C. Nguyen, Nguyen-Le, Tran, T. T. Nguyen et Luu, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.267.169576 

Abstract

A new species of Middletonia (Gesneriaceae), M. tiepiana, is described from Nui Chua National Park in southern Vietnam. This is the third species of the genus recorded in Vietnam, and notably, the second Vietnamese species with a blue corolla – a trait previously observed in M. evrardii (Vietnam), M. changjiangensis, and M. hainanensis (both from China). Middletonia tiepiana differs from the Vietnamese species by its leaves lacking interpetiolar ridges, shorter peduncles, linear and minute bracts, free glandular anthers dehiscing by apical pores, and from the Chinese congeners by its growth form, distinct leaf morphology, length of peduncles, deep blue-violet corolla with a white base, and absence of staminodes. It grows in sandstone-based soils within coastal semi-arid forest, a habitat not previously associated with the genus. A detailed morphological description, illustration, notes on distribution, ecology, and phenology, and a provisional conservation assessment are provided. A key to all known Middletonia species is also included.

Key words: Blue-violet flowers, endemic, Nui Chua National Park, semi-arid, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Middletonia tiepiana.
A. Plant in situ; B. Leaves, adaxial and abaxial surfaces; C. Leaf, close-up of adaxial surface; D. Leaf, close-up of abaxial surface; E. Inflorescences; F. Bract; G. Flower, front view; H. Flower, dorsal view; I. Flower, side view; J. Stamens; K. Calyx & pistil; L. Close-up of stigma (dried); M. Cross-section of ovary; N. Fruit (immature); O. Cross-section of immature fruit.

 Middletonia tiepiana Luu, X.B.Nguyen-Le & T.Q.T.Nguyen, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Middletonia tiepiana is morphologically most similar to M. evrardii in its short caulescent habit, leaf shape, violet-blue corolla, floral structure, and twisted capsules, but differs by its smaller leaves (3.5–7 × 2.5–4 cm vs. 5–10 × 4–7 cm in M. evrardii), petiole densely brown tomentose and not interpetiolar ridged (vs. glabrescent, interpetiolar ridged), inflorescences with shorter peduncles (8–15 cm vs. 15–30 cm), linear bracts ca. 0.4 mm long (vs. lanceolate bracts 3–4 mm long), much shorter calyx lobes (1–1.4 mm vs. 3–4 mm), a corolla with a shorter tube (ca. 1 mm vs. 2 mm) and smaller lobes (4.6–6 × 3.7–4 mm vs. 6–7 × 5 mm), free and glandular anthers that are dehiscent by apical pores (vs. apically convergent, glabrous, dehiscent by longitudinal slits), smaller fruits (7.5–13 mm vs. 15–20 mm) and occurrence on semi-arid sandstone substrates (vs. moist granite rock).

Etymology. The species is named in honor of Mr. Tran Van Tiep, Director of Nui Chua National Park, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the conservation and stewardship of the park’s unique biodiversity.

 Tran Quoc Trung Nguyen, Hieu Cuong Nguyen, Xuan Bach Nguyen-Le, Cong Luan Tran, Thanh Trung Nguyen and Hong Truong Luu. 2025. Middletonia tiepiana (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from southern Vietnam. PhytoKeys. 267: 361-371. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.267.169576 

[Entomology • 2025] Batophila alishanensis, B. chungi, B. tsoui, B. wusheensis ... • The Genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 (Coleoptera: Chrysomeliae: Galerucinae) in Taiwan, with Descriptions of 11 New Species

 

A. Rubus taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus (Rosaceae); B. Adult of Batophila chungi sp. nov. on underside of leaf of R. taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus; 
C. Adult of B. houjayi sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Persicaria chinense (Polygonaceae); D. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Rubus wallichianus (Rosaceae); 
E. Otanthera scaberrima (Melastomataceae); F. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. feeding on underside of leaf of O. scaberrima

Lee, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.163900 

Abstract

The Taiwanese species of the genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 are revised. Batophila acutangula Heikertinger, 1921 is removed from the list of Taiwanese fauna. Batophila taiwanica Döberl, 2010 is recognized and redescribed. Additionally, eleven new species from Taiwan are described: B. alishanensis sp. nov., B. choui sp. nov., B. chungi sp. nov., B. houjayi sp. nov., B. huangi sp. nov., B. jungchani sp. nov., B. meihuai sp. nov., B. tsoui sp. nov., B. wusheensis sp. nov., B. yehi sp. nov., and B. yuae sp. nov. The species descriptions include illustrations of aedeagi, antennae, gonocoxae, abdominal ventrite VIII, and spermathecae.

Key words: Host plant, leaf beetles, Melastomataceae, Polygonaceae, Rosaceae, Rubus, taxonomy

Field photographs of Batophila species
A. Rubus taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus (Rosaceae); B. Adult of Batophila chungi sp. nov. on underside of leaf of R. taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus;
C. Adult of B. houjayi sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Persicaria chinense (Polygonaceae); D. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of R. wallichianus (Rosaceae);
E. Otanthera scaberrima (Melastomataceae); F. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. feeding on underside of leaf of O. scaberrima

 Chi-Feng LEE. 2025. The Genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 (Coleoptera, Chrysomeliae, Galerucinae, Alticitae) in Taiwan, with Descriptions of 11 New Species. ZooKeys. 1258: 73-118. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.163900 [03 Nov 2025]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Channa bhoi • A New Species of Snakehead (Teleostei: Channidae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India

 

Channa bhoi

 Praveenraj, Moulitharan, Ryndongsngi, Thackeray, Naveen & Kumar, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024079  

 facebook.com: Jayasimhan Praveenraj

 Abstract

Channa bhoi, a new species of snakehead fish, is described from the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, India. It belongs to the Gachua group and differs from all its related congeners in having a combination of the following characters: a unique color pattern consisting of a bluish-gray body with lateral scale rows possessing a single, minute black spot on each scale, visibly arranged as 8–9 horizontal rows of broken lines, more transverse scale rows from post-drop to anal fin, more pored lateral-line scales, and a grayish-yellow pectoral fin with 6–8 thin, ochre-yellow to cream bands appearing in a wavy pattern. It differs from all its related congeners by a genetic distance of 3.3–20.4% in the cox1 gene.

 

Jayasimhan Praveenraj, Nallathambi Moulitharan, Aristone M. Ryndongsngi, Tejas Thackeray, Ravi Shanthy Naveen and Annam Pavan Kumar. 2025. A New Species of Snakehead (Teleostei: Channidae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 113(4); 712-722. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024079  (11 December 2025) 

 facebook.com/PraveenRaj39750121/posts/25661895420088799

[Entomology • 2025] Ameles serpentiscauda • The Snake-tail Mantis: A New endemic Species of Dwarf Mantis (Mantodea: Amelidae) reveals A distinctive Mating Behavior and Complex Communication Patterns

 

Ameles serpentiscauda

Battiston, Maioglio, Corneti, Forni & Luchetti, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/03949370.2025.2571110

 facebook.com/RobertoScherini

Abstract

A new species of dwarf mantis, Ameles serpentiscauda sp. nov. endemic to Sardinia (Italy) is described. This taxon displays a highly elaborate courtship behavior, characterized by coordinated movements of the abdomen, cerci and terminalia, which is reported here for the first time, and compared with known behavioral traits in the genus Ameles. An integrative framework has been used, combining these ethological data with detailed morphology and molecular phylogenetics. The latter approach places A. serpentiscauda as the sister taxon to A. andreae, despite pronounced divergence in wing morphology. This finding underscores the lability of wing development within Amelini, contrary to historical taxonomic assumptions. Behavioral clustering further supported the close relationship between A. serpentiscauda and A. andreae, highlighting a potential phylogenetic signal in courtship displays. However, distance‐matrix comparisons and linear modeling reveal that neither morphology nor phylogeny alone reliably predict behavioral divergence, suggesting hints of convergent adaptation. The discovery of a complex and idiosyncratic behavior in A. serpentiscauda reveals an unexpected communicative ability within solitary Mantodea. Moreover, our results demonstrate that ethological traits possess untapped potential as taxonomic characters, but should be approached with caution, as they may reflect repeated adaptations, rather than shared ancestry.

Key words: Ameles, courtship, behavior, phylogeny, ethology, morphology

 

Roberto Battiston, Oscar Maioglio, Simona Corneti, Giobbe Forni and Andrea Luchetti. 2025. The Snake-tail Mantis: A New endemic Species of dwarf mantis, Ameles serpentiscauda sp. nov., reveals a distinctive Mating Behavior and Complex Communication Patterns. Ethology Ecology & Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/03949370.2025.2571110 [24 Nov 2025]

 facebook.com/RobertoScherini/posts/25332523279719241