[Botany • 2025] Stigmatodon minimus (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) • A diurnal New Species of Stigmatodon from vertical rock walls of the Atlantic Forest inselbergs, Espírito Santo state, Brazil

 Stigmatodon minimus  D.R. Couto & Leme,

in Couto, Manhães et Leme, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/396042970

Abstract

The authors describe and illustrate Stigmatodon minimus, a new species with the smallest stature within the genus, and discuss its taxonomic affinities and conservation status. Furthermore, this new species is the only one, among all others with typical tubo-laciniate stigma type, to present diurnal anthesis, reddish-wine to purplish-wine bracts, and unappendaged white petals, contrasting with the morphological characteristics of other previously known species of Stigmatodon s.str. The new species is closely to S. amadoi, with which it is compared, and considered a microendemic, Vulnerable [VU: D2] species due to its restricted habitat, reduced population size, and threats from ornamental rock mining.

Bromeliaceae, Poales, rocky outcrops, tubo-laciniate stigma, Vrieseinae, Monocots

 

 Stigmatodon minimus.
A. General view of Pedra da Fortaleza, the type locality in the municipality of Nova Venécia, Espírito Santo state. B. Close up of the summit of Pedra da Fortaleza. C. The hyperepilithic habitat of S. minimus on vertical rock walls. D-E. Flowering individual of S. minimus growi ng mixed with small islands of rock vegetation

(A–B photos by V. Manhães; C–D photos by D.R. Couto).

 Stigmatodon minimus (A-Q). A. Habit. B. Side view of the inflorescence. C. Back view of the inflorescence. D. Plantlets developed at the old basal portion of the stem. E. Basal leaf. F. Floral bract. G. Lateral view of the corolla. H. Frontal view of the corolla. I. Flower. J. Sepal. K. Distal part of the petal. L. Petal. M. Pistil. N. Ovules. O. Stigma. P. Frontal view of the anther. Q. Back view of the anther.
Stigmatodon amadoi (Leme 5953, R-S). R. Frontal view of the flower. S. Habit

(A, D-S photos by E. Leme; B-C photos by D.R. Couto). 

Bars: A-I, R-S = 10 mm, J-N, P-Q = 2 mm, O = 0.5 mm.

Stigmatodon minimus D.R. Couto & Leme, sp. nov.

Etymology:— The name of this species is based on the Latin word “minimus”, meaning very small, minimum, the smallest, as a direct reference to its size, which is the smallest within the genus Stigmatodon.

Dayvid R. COUTO, Vitor Da Cunha MANHÃES and Elton M. C. LEME. 2025. A diurnal New Species of Stigmatodon (Bromeliaceae, Tillandsioideae) from vertical rock walls of the Atlantic Forest inselbergs, Espírito Santo state, Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 720(2); 149-156. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.5 [2025-09-30]

 Researchgate.net/publication/396042970_A_new_species_of_Stigmatodon_from_vertical_rock_walls_of_the_Atlantic_Forest_inselbergs_EspiritoSanto_Brazil

 

[Botany • 2025] Guzmania sanluisensis (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) • A New Species from the fragmented montane cloud forests of northern Peru

  

Guzmania sanluisensis  

in Rojas-Fernandez, Gouda et Marcelo-Peña, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.9

 facebook.com: Laboratorio de Plantas Vasculares y Herbario ISV

 

Abstract

Guzmania sanluisensis (Bromeliaceae) is described and illustrated, a new species from the severely fragmented cloud forests of the Jaén area, northern Peru. This species is recognized by its reddish to bright brown bracts and revolute white petals with purple spots at the apex. Its morphology is contrasted with related species. Additionally, information on ecological aspects, distribution, and conservation status is included.

Taxonomy, Poales, conservation, endemism, northern Peru, Monocots

Marisela Analu ROJAS-FERNANDEZ, Eric J. GOUDA and Jose Luis MARCELO-PEÑA. 2025. Guzmania sanluisensis (Bromeliaceae; Tillandsioideae), A New Species from the fragmented montane cloud forests of northern Peru.  Phytotaxa. 720(2); 179-183. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.9 [2025-09-30] 

 facebook.com/100092540314053/posts/773420005752670

[Paleontology • 2025] Recovering lost time in Syria: A gigantic latest Cretaceous azhdarchid Pterosaur from the Palmyrides Mountain Chain

 

Syrian azhdarchid (LU-GD 0001)

in Alhalabi, Pinheiro, Jaoude, Ismail, Suberbiola, Bardet et Langer, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00114-025-02032-9  

  x.com/WhWafa

Abstract

Azhdarchidae was a diverse group of toothless pterosaurs and one of the few lineages of flying reptiles to survive to the end of the Cretaceous. Despite including medium-sized forms, the group is notable for their gigantic representatives, which correspond to the largest known flying animals. Azhdarchids had a nearly global distribution during the Late Cretaceous, including the Arabian Plate, with records in Lebanon and Jordan, such as the iconic Arambourgiana philadelphiae. Here, we report the first azhdarchid, and indeed the first pterosaur, from Syria, recovered from early Maastrichtian phosphate deposits of the Palmyrides mountain chain, near Palmyra (Tadmur). It corresponds to a fragmentary left humerus, missing both its proximal and distal ends, with a preserved length of 289 mm. The Syrian pterosaur was exceptionally large, with extrapolations suggesting that, if complete, its humerus would be only about 10% smaller than the holotype humerus of Quetzalcoatlus northropi, the largest known pterosaur. The new pterosaur fossil also represents the uncommon record of a giant azhdarchid in marine deposits, confirming that these gigantic animals, though classically considered continental, could also inhabit nearshore environments. The find also underscores the widespread occurrence of gigantic azhdarchids until the latest Cretaceous, just prior to their Cretaceous/Paleogene extinction, and highlights the potential for fossil discoveries in understudied regions such as the Middle East.

 

Keywords: Azhdarchidae, Pterosaurs, Azhdarchids

Syrian azhdarchid (LU-GD 0001)

Conclusions: 

Despite the incompleteness of the Syrian azhdarchid (LU-GD 0001), it is significant given its size and geographic provenance. Firstly, it corresponds to one of the largest known pterosaurs and the first pterosaur found in Syria, adding to previously documented Middle East records from Jordan and Lebanon. It is also an additional record of an azhdarchid from marine strata, adding to the evidence that these gigantic animals were not strictly continental, but also able to live near the coastlines. The Syrian azhdarchid also reinforces the widespread distribution of those gigantic pterosaurs just prior to their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous. Finally, it is a witness that the Palmyrides phosphate mines of Syria are continuously yielding important fossil specimens, so that their exploration is likely to uncover further new finds, expanding our understanding of the Middle East ancient life.

 

Wafa A. Alhalabi, Felipe L. Pinheiro, Issam Bou Jaoude, Mohamad J. Ismail, Xabier Pereda Suberbiola, Nathalie Bardet and Max C. Langer. 2025. Recovering lost time in Syria: A gigantic latest Cretaceous azhdarchid Pterosaur from the Palmyrides Mountain Chain. The Science of Nature.  112 78. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00114-025-02032-9 [16 October 2025]

 x.com/WhWafa/status/1978824576772550697

[Botany • 2025] Sobralia aryaelizabethiana (Orchidaceae) • A small and unusual New Species from northwestern Peru

Sobralia aryaelizabethiana Ocupa,  

in Ocupa-Horna et Valencia-D., 2025. 

revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/lankesteriana

 Researchgate.net/publication/389788864  

  facebook.com/LuisOcupa05

Abstract   

A new species of Sobralia from the Andes of northern Peru is described and illustrated. Sobralia aryaelizabethiana can be easily recognized by its short stems with axillary racemose inflorescences. The species is most similar to S. rigidissima but differs in having smaller leaves (up to 8 cm vs. 15 cm), oblanceolate sepals up to 29 mm long (vs. linear-oblong, up to 13 mm), and an unlobed, ovate lip (vs. trilobed, cuneate-flabellate). Additionally, it has longer petals, widely ovate floral bracts with a triangular apex, and lavender flowers with purplish lip stains (vs. rose-colored with a white lip). Sobralia aryaelizabethiana is found only in a small area near Abra de Porcuya in the Piura department, on northwestern Peru. It thrives in semiarid soils that are partially covered with herbaceous or shrubby vegetation. This species is adapted to an environment characterized by intense sunlight and the constant air currents that bring in dense fog. The species diversity of Sobralia in Peru remains incompletely understood and a comprehensive taxonomic revision is required to clarify its richness.

Keywords: Huarmaca, new species, Piura, Porcuya, Sobralieae, taxonomy

Composite plate of Sobralia aryaelizabethiana.
A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Column, lip and ovary, lateral view (the lip longitudinally sectioned). E. Column (without anther), dorsal, ventral and, three-quarters views. F. Anther cap, ventral, three-quarters, and lateral views. G. Pollinarium, ventral view. H. Fruit. Prepared by L. Ocupa-Horna.

Sobralia aryaelizabethiana Ocupa, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Sobralia aryaelizabethiana is most similar to S. rigidissima Linden ex Rchb.f., but differs in the shorter leaves which are up to 8 cm long (vs. up to 15 cm long), widely ovate floral bracts with a triangular apex (vs. triangular-ovate and obtuse), the oblanceo-late sepals, up to 29 mm long (vs. linear-oblong, up to 13 mm long), the narrowly obovate petals, up to 29 mm long (vs. obovate-oblanceolate, up to 13 mm long), and the unlobed, ovate lip, 29–30 mm long (vs. trilobed, cuneate-flabellate, 15 mm long).

Eponymy: This species is named in honor of Arya Elizabeth, daughter of the first author. 

   

Luis Ocupa-Horna and Janice Valencia-D. 2025. Sobralia aryaelizabethiana (Orchidaceae), A small and unusual New Species from northwestern Peru. Lankesteriana. 25(1); 9–19. DOI: 10.15517/lank.v25i1.62949 [March 2025] 

https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/lankesteriana/article/view/62949

  Researchgate.net/publication/389788864_Sobralia_aryaelizabethiana_a_small_and_unusual_new_species_from_northwestern_Peru 

  facebook.com/LuisOcupa05/posts/3968582210084468

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Rhinophis siruvaniensis • A New Species of Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae) from Siruvani Hills, Western Ghats, India

  

Rhinophis siruvaniensis 

Cyriac, Umesh, Achyuthan, Vidisha Kulkarni & Ganesh, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.9.150536 

Abstract

We describe a new species of uropeltid snake of the genus Rhinophis based on a series of three specimens collected from the Siruvani Hills, which is part of the Central Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu states of Peninsular India. Rhinophis siruvaniensis sp. nov. is diagnosed from other Indian and Sri Lankan congeners by a combination of 17 dorsal scale rows at (or well beyond) mid-body, 202–205 ventral scales, 4–8 paired subcaudals, and dark brownish-black dorsal and pale whitish blotched lateral and ventral colouration. Phylogenetic reconstructions using mitochondrial markers indicate that the new species is most closely related to R. melanoleucus, but the two species can be distinguished by their unique external morphology and geographic separation. The discovery of this species from outside protected areas in the Attappadi Plateau highlights the need for improved protection of the remaining forests in the Siruvani Hills.

Key Words: Burrowing, fossorial, morphology, Palghat Gap, shieldtail snakes, scalation, Wayanad

Rhinophis siruvaniensis sp. nov. in life.
Paratype VPRS0622157 showing adult colouration (A) (Photograph by Nitin Xavier) and
referred specimen VPRS0720116 showing juvenile colouration (B) (Photograph by UPK).

Head (left) and tail (right) of the holotype (BNHS 3387) of Rhinophis siruvaniensis sp. nov.,
shown in dorsal (A, D), ventral (B, E) and lateral (C, F) views. Images are not to scale.

Photographs by Vivek P. Cyriac.

Family Uropeltidae Müller, 1832

Genus Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820

 Rhinophis siruvaniensis sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. A species of Rhinophis, characterized by the following combination of characters: 19 dorsal scale rows in the anterior region, 17 at mid-body and 15 near the vent; ventrals 202–205; subcaudals 4–8 pairs; large, dome-shaped tail shield covering the width of the tail; dorsum dark brownish black, lustrous; venter creamy white, this pattern projecting ventrolaterally as intermittent patches; venter and ventrolateral region with large, bold, brownish black blotches occupying 2–5 ventral scales, interspersed with creamy white colour.

Etymology. Toponym, latinised after its known distribution range – the Siruvani Hills.

Map of the southern portion of the Central Western Ghats showing the type localities and distribution of Rhinophis siruvaniensis sp. nov. and its sister species, R. melanoleucus. The Chaliyar River is indicated by blue lines and the Wayanad-Gudalur Plateau, the Nilgiri Massif and the Attappadi Plateau in Siruvani Hills are indicated within red dashed squares.

Vivek Philip Cyriac, P. K. Umesh, N. S. Achyuthan, Vidisha Kulkarni and S. R. Ganesh. 2025. A New Species of Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Squamata, Uropeltidae) from Siruvani Hills, Western Ghats, India. Evolutionary Systematics. 9(2): 191-201. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.9.150536 

[Botany • 2020] Stigmatodon attenuatoides (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) • A New mat-forming Species on inselbergs of southeastern Brazil

 

Stigmatodon attenuatoides D.R.Couto, Manhães & A.F.Costa, 

in Couto, Manhães et Costa, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.468.1.11  

 Researchgate.net/publication/344841259 

 

Abstract

During the taxonomic revision of the genus Stigmatodon, we found an unknown epilithic mat-forming species, morphologically close to S. belloi, on vertical granitic surfaces on inselbergs in southern Espírito Santo state, Brazil. We described and illustrated the new species, including a comparative analysis of characters that distinguish it from similar species. We also provide data on habitat, ecology, geographical distribution and evaluation about its threat of extinction according to the criteria of the IUCN.

Atlantic Forest, cliff ecosystems, conservation, granitic rocky outcrops, monocotyledonous mats, Vrieseinae, Monocots

 

Stigmatodon attenuatoides D. R. Couto, Manhães & A. F. Costa, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The epithet of this new species alludes to the resemblance between its leaves and those of Agave attenuata Salm-Dyck (1834: 303, Asparagaceae), which are green and covered by a thick layer of white epicuticular wax too. 

Dayvid Rodrigues COUTO, Vitor da CUNHA MANHÃES, Andrea Ferreira da COSTA. 2020. Stigmatodon attenuatoides (Tillandsioideae, Bromeliaceae): A New mat-forming Species on inselbergs of southeastern Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 468(1); 143–149. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.468.1.11 [2020-10-23]

 Researchgate.net/publication/344841259_Stigmatodon_attenuatoides_a_new_mat-forming_species_on_inselbergs_of_southeastern_Brazil

[Botany • 2025] Polylepis yanesha (Rosaceae) • A New Species from the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve, Perú

 

Polylepis yanesha L. Valenz. & T. Boza,

in Valenzuela Gamarra et Boza Espinoza, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.712.3.3 

  facebook.com/LuisValenzuelaGamarra

Abstract

A new species of Polylepis from the humid Puna in the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve (BIOAY), Pasco Region, Perú, is described and illustrated. This species was found between 3700–3850 m elevation, on Rocky Mountains, in small patches or relict forests of the buffer zone of Yanachaga Chemillén National Park. Polylepis yanesha is similar to P. rocio-rojasii but differs because the leaves have much smaller oblong-elliptic leaflets, the abaxial surface is densely lanuginose with scattered filiform glandular trichomes of golden yellow resin, shorter and thinner petioles, the inflorescence is short, axillary, pendulous, 4.0–8.0 cm long with 5–8 flowers, a greater number of stamens, 17–23; the fruits are much smaller, rounded-ovoid to cylindrical achenes, with short, blunt-tipped spines. We also present details on its geographic distribution, ecological notes, a key to differentiating species of the genus Polylepis sect. Sericeae, a comparative table of characteristics between similar species, and an assessment of the conservation status of the new species.

Achene, Central Amazonian Peruvian, Ecosystem, Protected areas, Rhytidome, Tropical Andes, Sericeae, Eudicots

Polylepis yanesha L. Valenz. & T. Boza sp. nov. 

Luis VALENZUELA GAMARRA and Tatiana Erika Boza ESPINOZA. 2025. A New Species of Polylepis (Rosaceae) from the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve, Perú. Phytotaxa. 712(3); 255-267. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.712.3.3 [2025-08-01]

  facebook.com/LuisValenzuelaGamarra/posts/2449455725422673

[Botany • 2025] Telipogon yanesha (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) • A New Species in the Central Peruvian Amazon

Telipogon yanesha L. Valenz & Nauray, 

in Valenzuela-Gamarra et Nauray-Huari, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.3 

facebook.com/LuisValenzuelaGamarra

 

Abstract

A new species of Telipogon from the montane forests of the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve, Pasco Region, Perú, is described and illustrated. This species was found growing on the slender branches of a Miconia tree at an elevation of between 2100 and 2300 m. similar to T. perlobatus. Telipogon yanesha sp. nov., differs by a much shorter inflorescence with a single flower at a time, a 1-veined labellum with an entire margin, the central lobe, and noticeably smaller lateral lobes. The species description is accompanied by illustrations and photographs, and information is provided on aspects of its distribution, phenology, ecology, and similarity to other species.

Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Tropical Andes, Yanachaga Chemillén National Park, Monocots

Telipogon yanesha L. Valenz & Nauray sp. nov. 

  

Luis VALENZUELA-GAMARRA and William NAURAY-HUARI. 2025. A New Species of Telipogon (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) in the Central Peruvian Amazon.  Phytotaxa. 720(2); 131-139. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.3 [2025-09-30]

 facebook.com/LuisValenzuelaGamarra/posts/2504627273238851

[Botany • 2025] Pleurothallis yanesha (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New, spectacular, long-caudate Species of Pleurothallis from central Peru related to P. sijmii

Pleurothallis yanesha Ocupa, L.Valenz. & Mark Wilson,

in Ocupa-Horna, Valenzuela, Ward et Wilson, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.3.1  

 Researchgate.net/publication/396084620

facebook.com/LuisOcupa05

Abstract

In Peru, despite being recognized for its rich diversity of orchid species, the richness of Pleurothallis species is still unknown. Here we describe and illustrate a new species of Pleurothallis found in central Peru. Pleurothallis yanesha can be easily recognized by its raceme of long caudate flowers. The new species is most similar to P. sijmii, but differs from it in the flowers with apically connivent sepals (versus partially extended), longer sepals, narrowly ovate, much longer petals, the lip smaller and without callus, with the median lobe narrowly triangular, acute, and the column strongly arched. P. yanesha is known from montane forests located within the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve (BIOAY) in the department of Pasco. In addition, we report the first confirmed wild population of P. sijmii, and include an update of this description, taxonomic comments on the allied species and the implications of floral morphology for the pollination of these species.

Elongatia, Huánuco, Pasco, Pleurothallidinae, Scabrata, taxonomy, Monocots

 Composite plate of Pleurothallis yanesha.
A. Plant. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Column, lip, and ovary, lateral view. E. Lip, ventral and three-quarter views. F. Column, three-quarter view. G. Anther cap. H. Pollinarium.

Prepared by L. Ocupa-Horna.

Pleurothallis yanesha Ocupa, L.Valenz. & Mark Wilson, sp. nov.

 Composite plate of Pleurothallis sijmii.
 A. Plant. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Column, lip, and ovary, lateral view. E. Column, ventral and three-quarter views. F. Lip, adaxial and abaxial views. G. Anther cap. H. Pollinarium.

 Prepared by L. Ocupa-Horna.

P. sijmii

Luis OCUPA-HORNA, Luis VALENZUELA, Raven WARD and Mark WILSON. 2025. A New, spectacular, long-caudate Species of Pleurothallis (Orchidaceae) from central Peru related to P. sijmii.  Phytotaxa. 720(3); 193-208. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.3.1 [2025-10-02]

 Researchgate.net/publication/396084620_A_new_species_of_Pleurothallis_from_central_Peru

 facebook.com/LuisOcupa05/posts/4170346506574703

[Diplopoda • 2025] Thyropygus sirindhornae • Integrative Taxonomy of A New Millipede Species of the Genus Thyropygus Pocock, 1894 (Spirostreptida: Harpagophoridae) from Thailand

Thyropygus sirindhornae

 Pimvichai, Prasankok & Backeljau, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266935

Abstract

A new juliformian millipede species, Thyropygus sirindhornae sp. nov., is described from Chiang Rai Province, Thailand and assigned to the Thyropygus allevatus group based on two diagnostic gonopodal characters: (1) the gonopod telopodite with both tibial and femoral spines, and (2) a notably long tibial spine recurved toward the femoral spine. Despite its affiliation with the informal T. allevatus group, T. sirindhornae sp. nov. cannot be assigned to one of the four informal subgroups of the T. allevatus group because it lacks any of the diagnostic characters of these subgroups. Similarly, while the COI DNA barcode data support the distinctiveness of T. sirindhornae sp. nov. from other Thyropygus species within the T. allevatus group (mean interspecific sequence divergence of 0.16 ± 0.02, range: 0.12–0.19), they do not provide information about the sister group relationships or subgroup assignment of the new species. As a result, T. sirindhornae sp. nov. is tentatively assigned to the T. allevatus group, but is labelled as “incertae sedis” with respect to its sister group relations and subgroup classification. In fact, as the COI phylogeny only included species of the T. allevatus group, the assignment of T. sirindhornae sp. nov. to this informal species group needs to be confirmed by including representatives of other informal Thyropygus species groups.

Keywords: COI, gonopod, phylogeny

Thyropygus sirindhornae sp. nov., holotype, (CUMZ-D00157) from Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Thyropygus sirindhornae sp. nov.

Etymology.– The species is named to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 70th birthday, acknowledging her dedication to promoting biodiversity research and conservation initiatives in Thailand.

Piyatida Pimvichai, Pongpun Prasankok and Thierry Backeljau. 2025. Integrative Taxonomy of a New Thyropygus Pocock, 1894 Species from Thailand (Diplopoda: Spirostreptida: Harpagophoridae).  Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8 (2025); 108-120. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266935 [2025-10-14]

[Entomology • 2025] Omoplax hisasuei, O. inugusu & O. hisasuei • An Illustrated Key to the Lace Bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) from “Oriental Galapagos” the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, with Descriptions of Three New Species of the endemic Genus Omoplax Horváth, 1912

A. Omoplax inugusu sp. nov., male; B. O. inugusu sp. nov., female; C. O. kobugashi sp. nov., male; D. O. kobugashi sp. nov., female; E. O. kobugashi sp. nov., fifth instar nymph; F. O. kobugashi sp. nov., fourth instar nymph; G. O. majorcarinae, male; H. O. majorcarinae, female; I. O. hisasuei sp. nov., male.
  
E. Neolitsea sericea var. aurata Hahajima Island, damaged by O. hisasuei sp. nov.; F. M. boninensis from Hahajima Island, damaged by O. inugusu sp. nov.; H. M. kobu from Chichijima Island, damaged by O. kobugashi sp. nov.

Souma, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1250.160064

Abstract

The lace bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, which are known as “Oriental Galapagos”, are taxonomically revised. The following eight species belonging to the two endemic genera, Acanthomoplax Souma & Kamitani, 2021 (Tinginae, Tingini) or Omoplax Horváth, 1912 (Tinginae, Tingini) are recognized from the islands: A. tomokunii Souma & Kamitani, 2021, O. desecta (Horváth, 1912), O. hisasuei sp. nov., O. inugusu sp. nov., O. karubei Souma, 2022, O. kobugashi sp. nov., O. majorcarinae Guilbert, 2001, and O. mukojimensis Souma, 2022. In previous studies published in the 2020s, O. inugusu sp. nov. and O. kobugashi sp. nov. were misidentified as O. majorcarinae, while O. majorcarinae, re-diagnosed in the present study, was confused with O. desecta. Host plants for seven of the eight species, excluding O. mukojimensis, were revealed based on field and captive observations. Five of these seven species—A. tomokunii, O. hisasuei sp. nov., O. inugusu sp. nov., O. kobugashi sp. nov., and O. majorcarinae—feed on evergreen lauraceous trees. An illustrated key is also provided to identify all eight lace bug species from the Ogasawara Islands. Moreover, differences in host plants and distribution ranges of the eight endemic species are also discussed. Future research directions necessary for the conservation of endemic lace bugs are proposed.

Key words: Allopatric distribution, East Asia, endemic taxa, host plant, Lauraceae, phytophagous insect, oceanic island, Oceanian Region

Living individuals of three tingid species endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan.
A. Omoplax inugusu sp. nov., male; B. O. inugusu sp. nov., female; C. O. kobugashi sp. nov., male;
D. O. kobugashi sp. nov., female; E. O. kobugashi sp. nov., fifth instar nymph; F. O. kobugashi sp. nov., fourth instar nymph;
G. O. majorcarinae, male; H. O. majorcarinae, female; I. O. majorcarinae, fifth instar nymph.

Host plants of seven tingid species endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan.
A. Machilus kobu from Ototojima Island, damaged by Acanthomoplax tomokunii; B. M. thunbergii planted in northern Honshu, damaged by A. tomokunii in captivity; C. Rhaphiolepis indica var. tashiroi from Chichijima Island, damaged by Omoplax desecta;
D. Calophyllum inophyllum from Chichijima Island, damaged by O. desecta; E. Neolitsea sericea var. aurata Hahajima Island, damaged by O. hisasuei sp. nov.; F. M. boninensis from Hahajima Island, damaged by O. inugusu sp. nov.;
 G. R. indica var. tashiroi from Mukojima Island, damaged by O. karubei (photographs taken by Jinhyeong Park); H. M. kobu from Chichijima Island, damaged by O. kobugashi sp. nov.; I. N. sericea var. aurata Ototojima Island, damaged by O. majorcarinae.

 Jun Souma. 2025. An Illustrated Key to the Lace Bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) from “Oriental Galapagos” (the Ogasawara Islands, Japan), with Descriptions of Three New Species of the endemic Genus Omoplax Horváth, 1912. ZooKeys. 1250: 243-284. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1250.160064

[Ichthyology • 2025] Rhodeus tugbae • Integrated molecular and morphological evidence reveals a new Rhodeus species (Cyprinidae: Acheilognathidae) from the Turkish Aegean Basin, with a redescription of Rhodeus meridionalis

Rhodeus tugbae

Kalaycı, Kurtul, Bayçelebi, Kaya & Turan, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70236  

 Researchgate.net/publication/396424187

 

Abstract

Rhodeus tugbae new sp. is described from some streams and rivers on the Turkish Aegean Sea coast. The new species is distinguished by a slightly sub-inferior mouth, a sharped predorsal keel, a body strongly compressed laterally and 3–4 scale rows between the anal-fin origin and the lateral series. This study contributes to understanding biodiversity and endemism in the freshwater ecosystems of the Aegean region. Rhodeus tugbae was compared to R. amarus and R. meridionalis, distributed in adjacent basin, using principal component analysis (PCA), and the results confirmed that R. tugbae differs from R. amarus and R. meridionalis. R. tugbae sp. nov. differed from its most closely related congener, R. meridionalis, by 14 diagnostic nucleotide substitution sites based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cyt b sequences. A revised description of R. meridionalis is also included due to the limited diagnostic features in the original description.

Keywords: Aegean region, Anatolian fresh water, fish morphology, phylogenetic, species description, taxonomy

 

Rhodeus tugbae:
(a) about 66 mm standard length (SL), inlet water of Tahtalı Dam Lake;
(b) about 55 mm SL, Stream Koca;
(c) about 62 mm SL; Stream Gördes, Gediz.

Gökhan Kalaycı, Irmak Kurtul, Esra Bayçelebi, Cüneyt Kaya and Davut Turan. 2025. Integrated molecular and morphological evidence reveals a new Rhodeus species (Cyprinidae: Acheilognathidae) from the Turkish Aegean basin, with a redescription of Rhodeus meridionalis. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70236 [11 October 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/396424187_a_new_Rhodeus_species_from_the_Turkish_Aegean_basin

[Arachnida • 2024] Eutichurus tendetza • On the first Subandean Species of Eutichurus Simon, 1897 (Araneae: Cheiracanthiidae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador

Eutichurus tendetza

Peñaherrera-R, Guerrero-Campoverde, Guerrero-Molina & Cisneros-Heredia, 2024

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5477.2.8  

facebook.com/PedroPenaherreRaromero

A new species of Eutichurus is described from Cordillera del Condor, Ecuador.

Araneae, Cheiracanthiidae, Ecuador

Eutichurus tendetza sp. nov.

Pedro Peñaherrera-R, Ariel Guerrero-Campoverde, Tomás Guerrero-Molina and Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia. 2024. On the first Subandean Species of Eutichurus Simon, 1897 (Araneae: Cheiracanthiidae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador. Zootaxa. 5477(2); 246-250. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5477.2.8  [July 2024] 

 facebook.com/PedroPenaherreRaromero/posts/7922573411170797

 x.com/USFQZoologia/status/1811400831855624361

  x.com/CisnerosHeredia/status/1811360741171003796

   

[Botany • 2025] Sinocrassula cuonaensis (Crassulaceae) • A New succulent Species from Southern Xizang, China

 

Sinocrassula cuonaensis  N.Wei & Q.F.Wang,

 in Qiu, Shi, Feng, Zhang, Wang, N. Wei et Q.-F. Wang. 2025.

  错那石莲  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.263.159143 

Abstract

Sinocrassula cuonaensis, a new species of Crassulaceae from southern Xizang, is described and illustrated based on molecular and morphological evidence. Phylogenetically, it is sister to S. densirosulata with robust support. Morphologically, this new species is similar to S. indica var. viridiflava, S. densirosulata, and S. jiaozishanensis in having glabrous indumentum and long inflorescences, but it can be easily distinguished by its rosulate, thick, and near-cylindrical basal leaves, greenish white flowers, and sub-rectangular nectar scales. A key for identification of the genus, including the new species, is provided.

Key words: Biodiversity hotspot, phylogeny, Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, taxonomy

Sinocrassula cuonaensis.
A. Flowers; B. Basal leaves; C. Stem leaves; D. Flower (top view); E. Flower with sepals and one petal removed (side view); F. Flower structure (with sepals and carpels removed); G. Sepals; H. Stamen; I. Petals and nectar scales; J. Carpels; K, L. Seeds under the scanning electron microscope. [N.Wei & Z.H.Xin WN43 (HIB)]. According to the description, flowering and fruiting are at different times of the year. If so, these pictures belong to two different gatherings.

Sinocrassula cuonaensis.
A. Its habitat in a deep valley; B. Its rocky habitat; C. The whole individuals; D. A flowering branch; E. The whole individuals of mature plants; F. The whole individuals of seedlings.

[Voucher specimens: X.D.Qiu et al. XZ08 (HIB!)].

 Sinocrassula cuonaensis N.Wei & Q.F.Wang, sp. nov.

Chinese name: 错那石莲

 

Diagnostic description. Sinocrassula cuonaensis is similar to S. indica var. viridiflava, S. densirosulata, S. jiaozishanensis in having glabrous plant and long inflorescence, but its rosulate, thick, and near-cylindrical basal leaves (vs. rosulate, spatulate, not rosulate, respectively) and greenish white flowers (vs. greenish yellow, purplish red, reddish purple, respectively) differ from the others. Besides, this new species has sub-rectangular nectar scales that are similar to S. indica var. viridiflava (vs. near-rectangular oblong) and S. densirosulata (vs. spatulate-quadrate) but different from S. jiaozishanensis (vs. oblong) (Table 2).

...

 Xiang-Dong Qiu, Jia-Jing Shi, Ya-Lin Feng, Feng-Di Zhang, Sheng-Wei Wang, Neng Wei and Qing-Feng Wang. 2025. Sinocrassula cuonaensis (Crassulaceae), A New succulent Species from Southern Xizang, China. PhytoKeys. 263: 115-128. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.263.159143