[Botany • 2025] Pinguicula tonalaensis • A New Species and Species Richness Distribution of the Gypsophyte Butterworts (Pinguicula, Lentibulariaceae) in Mexico

 

Pinguicula tonalaensis López-Pérez & Zamudio,

in López-Pérez, Zamudio, Rodríguez et Munguía-Lino, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3657 

 Researchgate.net/publication/393079848 

  facebook.com/PlantaMexicana

Abstract

Background: Mexico harbours the highest species richness of Pinguicula, with 54 species. Plants collected on gypsum soils in Oaxaca do not coincide with any known species.

Questions: Do plants collected represent a new species? What is its conservation status? How many Pinguicula gypsophytes are there in Mexico? How are they different? Where are they distributed?

Studied species: Pinguicula gypsophytes.

Study site and dates: Santo Domingo Tonalá, Oaxaca, Mexico, 2023-2024.

Methods: A morphological analysis and description were made based on herbarium specimens and living plants. We employed Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood to analyse the regions rpl32-trnL, trnQ-rps16, and ITS to infer their phylogenetic position concerning similar species. The conservation status of the species was assessed following the IUCN Red List Criteria and Categories. Gypsophyte specimens of Pinguicula in Mexico were examined to construct a key. The species richness distribution of gypsophyte Pinguicula was analysed by state, physiographic provinces, and 1 × 1° cells.

Results: Pinguicula tonalaensis is proposed as new species distinguished by linear-lanceolate summer leaves, geniculate corolla tube, and without propagules in the apex of summer leaves. Pinguicula tonalaensis is sister of the clade P. heterophylla-P. medusina and together form a monophyletic group. Pinguicula tonalaensis is Critically Endangered. There are 10 gypsophytes of Pinguicula in Mexico. Nuevo León and the Sierra Madre Oriental are the richest. The location of the cell richest coincide with these.

 

Conclusions: The morphology and phylogenetic hypothesis support Pinguicula tonalaensis as new species. This increasing the taxonomic richness of Pinguicula in Mexico to 55.

Keywords: carnivorous plants , Mexican Transition Zone, Oaxaca, Pinguicula diversification, gypsum soils

Pinguicula tonalaensis López-Pérez & Zamudio sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. Pinguicula tonalaensis shares winter and summer leaf forms and size with P. medusina. The geniculate corolla tube and the lack of apical propagules on the summer leaves set P. tonalaensis apart.

  

Jorge David López-Pérez, Sergio Zamudio, Aarón Rodríguez and Guadalupe Munguía-Lino. 2025. A New Species and Species Richness Distribution of the Gypsophyte Butterworts (Pinguicula, Lentibulariaceae) in Mexico. Botanical Sciences 103(3). DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3657 

 Researchgate.net/publication/393079848_A_new_species_of_the_gypsophyte_Pinguicula_in_Mexico 

 facebook.com/PlantaMexicana/posts/1196248729184738

https://botanicalsciences.com.mx/index.php/botanicalSciences/article/view/3657

   

[Botany • 2025] Microchirita maxima (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

  

Microchirita maxima Triboun, Thamwanna & Kaewkarn, 

in Triboun, Kaewkarn, Thamwanna, Khorngton et Middleton, 2025. 

หยาดไวยบุตร  ||  https://journal.NSM.or.th  

  facebook.com/NHMThailand

Abstract

A new species of Microchirita from Northern Thailand, Microchirita maxima Triboun, Thamwanna & Kaewkarn, is described and illustrated. It is diagnosed against the other species in Thailand with axillary bracteate inflorescences. Their seed morphologies are also provided.

 

Keywords: new species, limestone, Microchirita, Gesneriaceae, Thailand

Microchirita maxima Triboun, Thamwanna & Kaewkarn sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Microchirita maxima is similar to M. glandulosa C.Puglisi, M. involucrata (Craib) Yin Z.Wang and M. rupestris (Ridl.) A.Weber & Rafidah in having bracteate inflorescences. It differs from M. glandulosa and M. rupestris by having a generally taller stem, the bracts are free (vs joined across the stem at the very base in M. glandulosa and fused into a tube in M. rupestris), often longer pedicels (5–35 mm long in M. maxima vs 8–12 mm long in M. glandulosa and 0.1–15 mm long in M. rupestris), and a yellow stripe on the ventral surface of the corolla (vs lacking in M. glandulosa and M. rupestris). It also differs from Microchirita involucrata in the bract margin (serrate or serrulate in M. maxima vs entire in M. involucrata), wider calyx lobes (1.4–1.5 mm wide in M. maxima vs 0.7–1.4 mm in M.

involucrata) and the paler purplish flowers. 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the large size of the plant and the rather tall stem.

Vernacular. Yad wai ya but (หยาดไวยบุตร), name given here. 

Pramote Triboun, Theerawat Kaewkarn, Supitcha Thamwanna, Sirinan Khorngton and David J. Middleton. 2025. Microchirita maxima, A New Species of Microchirita (Gesneriaceae) from Thailand. Thailand Natural History Museum Journal. 19(1): 1–7. https://journal.NSM.or.th/en/node/262 

https://journal.nsm.or.th/journalthnhm

  facebook.com/NHMThailand/posts/1309646471171107

[Botany • 2025] Derris longiracemosa (Fabaceae) • A New Species from Thailand with extraordinary limestone adaptations and the longest inflorescences ever recorded

 

Derris longiracemosa  Boonprajan & Sirich.,  

in Boonprajan, Oncham et Sirichamorn, 2025.

เปรียงประจิม  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.261.156249 

 facebook.com/groups: Fabaceae in Thailand

 facebook.com/YotsawateSirichamorn 

Abstract

A new species of Derris Lour. (Fabaceae), Derris longiracemosa Boonprajan & Sirich., sp. nov., is described as the species bearing the longest inflorescences recorded in the genus to date, reaching up to 155 cm in length. Endemic to limestone areas in southwestern Thailand, it is possibly the third known limestone-adapted Derris species. Compared with its closest morphological relative and a partially sympatric species, D. solorioides, D. longiracemosa exhibits a longer and differently structured inflorescence, lower numbers of ovules per ovary (fewer than five ovules), and flowers that turn pinker with maturity. Leaf anatomical study reveals several differences, such as the shape of epidermal cells, the presence of secretory-like cavities, an atypical stomatal type that occasionally occurs, the presence of schizogenous cavities in the midrib cortex, and the distinct absence of lysigenous cavities in the pulvini cortex, as well as a thicker mesophyll compared to D. solorioides. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using nuclear ITS and plastid trnL-F and trnK-matK sequences confirms all four sampled populations as a single, well-supported species, distinct from other Derris taxa but showing a close relationship with D. rubrocalyx only in Bayesian inference. This combination of morphological, anatomical, and molecular evidence supports the recognition of Derris longiracemosa as a distinct species. A detailed description, distribution map, line drawing, photographs, and preliminary IUCN conservation status are provided.

Key words: Endangered, IUCN, leaf anatomy, legume, Leguminosae, Millettieae, Papilionoideae, Thailand’s southwestern forest

Derris longiracemosa sp. nov.
A. Inflorescence with leaf; B. Close-up of the inflorescence; C. Close-up of the inflorescence (close bud with brachyblast); D–F. Flowers (front and side view); G. Standard petal; H. Keel petal; I. Wing petal; J. Stamens; K. Pistil; L. Adaxial; M. Abaxial leaves; N. Pods; O. Seeds.

Scale bars: 5 cm (A); 1 mm (B–K, O); 1 cm (L–N). 

Drawn by Yotsawate Sirichamorn (A, C, L–O) and Punvarit Boonprajan (B, D–K).

Derris longiracemosa.
A, B. Habit and habitat; C, D. Inflorescence; E. Close-up of inflorescence, showing flowers on brachyblasts; F. Flowers on a late blooming day, turning to a more pink hue; G. Flowers on an early blooming day, displaying white coloration; H. Pods; (I–III) flowers (front and side view); (IV) standard petal; (V) wing petals; (VI) keel petals; (VII) stamens and pistil; (VIII) pistil; (IX) stamens; (X) inflorescence with leaves. Scale bars: 1 mm (IV–IX); 2 mm (I–III); 10 cm (X).

Photos by Punvarit Boonprajan (A–C, G, X), Yotsawate Sirichamorn (D–F, H), and Saruta Oncham (I–IX).

 Derris longiracemosa Boonprajan & Sirich., sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The species exhibits several morphological traits that distinguish it from the coexisting species Derris solorioides. The texture of the leaflets is subcoriaceous to coriaceous (compared to chartaceous in D. solorioides). The leaflet apices are more emarginate. The inflorescences are clearly pseudoracemose or pseudopaniculate with brachyblasts (vs. a true panicle without brachyblasts in D. solorioides). These inflorescences can reach up to 155 cm in length, making them the longest recorded in the genus. The peduncle, rachis, and lateral branches of the inflorescence – including brachyblasts, pedicels, and calyces – are pubescent (as opposed to almost glabrous in D. solorioides). The number of flowers per brachyblast is also highest, with up to 16 flowers. Petal color changes during maturation, ranging from pure white to pink. The ovary contains fewer ovules, with 1 to 4 ovules (vs. ca. 8 in D. solorioides). Additionally, the flowering time is slightly earlier, occurring from November to December (vs. January to February in D. solorioides).

Etymology. The specific epithet highlights the species’ distinction of possessing the longest inflorescence ever documented within the genus.

Thai name: (assigned here). “Priang prachim” (เปรียงประจิม) consists of two components: Priang is an archaic and rarely used noun with an unclear etymology. It has three distinct meanings, one of which refers to a vine or climbing plant; and Prachim, a Thai term influenced by the Sanskrit word “paschimaam”, meaning “the west.” Thus, Priang Prachim translates to “vines of the west.” The name reflects the plant’s habit as a liana and its occurrence in Thailand’s western forests.

Punvarit Boonprajan, Saruta Oncham and Yotsawate Sirichamorn. 2025. Derris longiracemosa (Fabaceae), A New Species from Thailand with extraordinary limestone adaptations and the longest inflorescences ever recorded. PhytoKeys. 261: 13-32. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.261.156249

  facebook.com/groups/328098974009286/permalink/3176210905864731

  facebook.com/groups/328098974009286/permalink/3176376279181527

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Cordualadensa acorni • New Family of Fossil Dragonfly (Odonata: Cavilabiata) from the late Cretaceous (Campanian) Dinosaur Park Formation, Alberta, Canada

Cordualadensa acorni

Mueller, Demers-Potvin & Larsson, 2025 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2024-0162  

Abstract

A new dragonfly species, Cordualadensa acorni gen. et sp. nov., assigned to Cordualadensidae fam. nov. (Odonata, Cavilabiata), is described from Dinosaur Provincial Park (DPP). The taxon represents the oldest known North American fossil taxon within Cavilabiata and the only Mesozoic dragonfly for Canada. This discovery provides a missing link in the evolutionary transition from the early Cretaceous Cavilabiata to extant families and introduces one of the few dragonflies known from the late Cretaceous fossil record. The specimen described herein also confirms that insect impression fossils can be preserved in the Dinosaur Park Formation (DPF) and suggests that the diversity of the entomofauna preserved in DPP's fossil assemblage is only beginning to be fully appreciated. The presence of dragonflies in the DPF also supports the hypothesis that Campanian Alberta had a sufficiently high insect biomass to support insect predators at higher trophic levels.

Cordualadensa acorni gen. et sp. nov.

 

 André S. Mueller, Alexandre V. Demers-Potvin and Hans C.E. Larsson. 2025. New Family of Fossil Dragonfly (Odonata, Cavilabiata) from the late Cretaceous (Campanian) Dinosaur Park Formation, Alberta, Canada. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences. 62(8): 1373-1381. DOI: doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2024-0162  [1 August 2025]

https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/mcgill-team-discovers-canadas-first-dinosaur-era-dragonfly-fossil-366386

[Ichthyology • 2025] Phylogenomics of African Labeo (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) emphasizing central African species

 

Live photographs of representative specimens of African Labeo species from the Congo and Lower Guinea ichthyofaunal provinces.
 a) Labeo nasus, b) Labeo falcipinnis, c) Labeo greenii, d) Labeo parvus,
e) Labeo weeksii, f) Labeo mbimbii, g) Labeo sp. 18, f) Labeo lukulae. 

Photos d, e, and g were taken in a photarium (photo tank) and the remaining photos were taken in plain air.

in Liyandja, Smith, Alter, Sidlauskas et Stiassny, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108427

Highlights: 

• A large-scale phylogenomic analysis of the genus Labeo using 2,697 UCEs is presented.

• The monophyly of African Labeo is supported, three main clades, & nine species groups are recovered.

• Interspecific relationships are well resolved & numerous previously unrecognized taxa identified.

• A time-calibrated tree & historical biogeography of the African Labeo are presented.

• Morphological synapomorphies are presented & discussed.

Abstract

Labeo constitutes the largest genus within the cyprinid tribe Labeonini with over 110 recognized species in Africa and Asia. The clade comprises a major component of the herbivore/detritivore guild with considerable socio-economic importance to artisanal and commercial fisheries. A pan-African distribution and wide variety of habitat occupancy make the group a model to investigate diversification patterns, eco-phenotypic variation, and biogeographical events underpinning their radiation at a continental scale. However, previous attempts to elucidate Labeo systematics using either molecular or morphological data have failed to produce congruent and robust results, and much taxonomic and nomenclatural confusion remains. Here we present the first phylogenomic analysis of the genus using 2,187 ultraconserved elements from 85 taxa, including 56 recognized species, 27 cryptic (candidate) species, and outgroups from the Asian Labeonini. Both concatenated and coalescence-based phylogenetic analyses strongly support monophyly of African Labeo and recover three major clades comprising at least nine species groups. Two main clades are pan-African, while the third is restricted to four ichthyofaunal provinces. With the single exception of the L. umbratus group, none of the previously proposed morphological groupings are resolved as monophyletic, suggesting rampant morphological convergence across the radiation. In this study, interspecific relationships are well resolved and time calibration results corroborate the key role of the Miocene in the radiation of African freshwater fishes. We identify numerous previously unrecognized taxa, and our study provides a much-needed framework for the taxonomic revision of Labeo, a task critical for the development of sound management of these important food fishes.

 

Keywords: African carps, Interspecific relationships, Ultraconserved elements (UCEs), Diversity, Classification (systematics)

Live photographs of representative specimens of African Labeo species from the Congo and Lower Guinea ichthyofaunal provinces.
 a) Labeo nasus, b) Labeo falcipinnis, c) Labeo greenii, d) Labeo parvus,
e) Labeo weeksii, f) Labeo mbimbii, g) Labeo sp. 18, f) Labeo lukulae.

Photos d, e, and g were taken in a photarium (photo tank) and the remaining photos were taken in plain air.

 

Tobit L.D. Liyandja, Brian T. Smith, S. Elizabeth Alter, Brian L. Sidlauskas and Melanie L.J. Stiassny. 2025. Phylogenomics of African Labeo (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) emphasizing central African species. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 108427. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108427 [5 August 2025]

 

[Entomology • 2025] Nigrimacula laminoprotubera & N. dentiprotubera • Two New Species of the Genus Nigrimacula Shi, Bian & Zhou, 2016 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from China

 

Nigrimacula laminoprotubera, 
N. dentiprotubera 

Ren, Xu, Zhu & Chang, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5679.3.9

Abstract

This paper reports two new species of the genus Nigrimacula Shi, Bian & Zhou, 2016 from China, i.e. Nigrimacula laminoprotubera sp. nov. and Nigrimacula dentiprotubera sp. nov. In addition, we provide the morphological photographs. All type specimens are preserved in the Museum of Hebei University.

Orthoptera, Meconematini, Nigrimacula, new species, China

Nigrimacula laminoprotubera sp. nov., male:
A–B. head and pronotum: A. dorsal view; B. lateral view;
C–F.apex of abdomen: C. ventral view; D, F. dorso-lateral view; E. dorsal view.

Nigrimacula dentiprotubera sp. nov., male:
A–B. head and pronotum: A. dorsal view; B. lateral view;
C–F. apex of abdomen: C. ventro-lateral view;
D, F. dorso-lateral view; E. dorsal view.

Nigrimacula laminoprotubera sp. nov.

片突斑背螽

Etymology. The name of new species is derived from male cercus with a narrow lamellate expansion near the middle of dorsal inner margin, from Latin ‘lamino-’ (lamellate) and ‘protuber-’(process).

 Nigrimacula dentiprotubera sp. nov. 

齿突斑背螽

Etymology. The name of new species is derived from apical and subapical dentoid processes on the internal surface of the male cercus, from Latin ‘denti-’ (dentoid) and ‘protuber-’ (process).

 

Bibgyu REN, Hao XU, Qidi ZHU and Yanlin CHANG. 2025. Two New Species of the Genus Nigrimacula Shi, Bian & Zhou, 2016 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from China.  Zootaxa. 5679(3); 447-450. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5679.3.9 [2025-08-14]

[Botany • 2025] Berberis jiuzhaigouensis (Berberidaceae) • A New riparian shrub from northern Sichuan, China

 

Berberis jiuzhaigouensis  H.L.Pan, D.C.Meng & C.C.Yu,

in Pan, Zhang, Wang, Meng et Yu. 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.261.158475

Abstract

Berberis jiuzhaigouensis is herein described as a new deciduous species endemic to riparian habitats in Jiuzhaigou, northern Sichuan, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on complete plastome sequences and 322 nuclear loci consistently recover B. jiuzhaigouensis as a distinct and divergent lineage, genetically separated from all morphologically similar species and most closely related to B. gilgiana. Species delimitation analyses employing both topology-based (SODA) and substitution-based (bPTP, mPTP) frameworks further corroborate its taxonomic distinctiveness. This discovery highlights previously overlooked species diversity within Berberis in the Hengduan Mountains region.

Key words: Berberis, Jiuzhaigou, new species, phylogenomics, riparian flora

Berberis jiuzhaigouensis sp. nov.
A. Flowering branches; B. Streamlined, narrowly elliptic leaf blades with purplish-brown branches; C. Inflorescence types (clustered on the left, sub-umbellate on the right); D. Reproductive structures, with sepal numbering indicating their positional order; E. Spines on short shoots; F. Leaf morphology.

 Berberis jiuzhaigouensis H.L.Pan, D.C.Meng & C.C.Yu, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Berberis jiuzhaigouensis is morphologically similar to B. gilgiana and B. salicaria, particularly in leaf shape. However, it can be readily distinguished by its glabrous abaxial leaf surface – contrasting with the distinctly pubescent midrib of B. gilgiana (Suppl. material 1: fig. S1A) – and by its fascicled to sub-umbellate inflorescences, in contrast to the spike-like racemes characteristic of both B. gilgiana and B. salicaria.

 

 Hong-Li Pan, Yue Zhang, Jia-Hao Wang, De-Chang Meng and Chih-Chieh Yu. 2025. Berberis jiuzhaigouensis (Berberidaceae), A New riparian shrub from northern Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 261: 165-174. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.261.158475

[PaleoOrnithology • 2025] Tadorna rekohu • Ancient DNA and Morphometrics reveal A New Species of extinct insular Shelduck (Anatidae: Tadorninae) from Rēkohu Chatham Islands, Aotearoa New Zealand

  Tadorna rekohu 

Rawlence, Lubbe, Adams, Shepherd, Cole, Knapp, Llamas, Wood, Mitchell & Tennyson, 2025

 Rēkohu shelduck  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf069

 facebook.com/novataxa 

Artwork by Sasha Votyakova

 

Abstract

The Rēkohu Chatham Islands, 785 km east of mainland Aotearoa New Zealand, exhibit high levels of species endemism. Prior to human settlement, the islands supported a rich waterfowl fauna comprising at least eight anatid species. Here we describe a new extinct duck from Holocene fossil bone deposits on the Chatham Islands. Geometric morphometric analyses and phylogenetic analysis of complete mitogenomes confirm that the Rēkohu shelduck (Tadorna rekohu sp. nov.) was the sister-taxon to the pūtangitangi paradise shelduck Tadorna variegata (Gmelin, 1789) from mainland New Zealand. The ancestors of the Rēkohu shelduck colonized the Chatham Islands around 390 000 years ago during the Late Pleistocene. Comparatively short, robust wing bones and long leg bones indicate that the species was flight-reduced relative to their mainland congener. The presence of Rēkohu shelduck bones in early Moriori midden deposits suggests its extinction was due to over-hunting prior to the later European and Māori settlement of the islands in the 19th century.

dispersal, island evolution, New Zealand, palaeogenetics, Pleistocene, Tadorna

Artistic reconstruction of a female Rēkohu shelduck (Tadorna rekohu) showing the darker plumage common in birds isolated on islands.

Artwork by Sasha Votyakova, © Te Papa CC BY 4.0

Systematic palaeontology

Anseriformes Wagler, 1831

Anatidae Leach, 1819

Tadorninae Reichenbach, 1849

Tadornini Reichenbach, 1849

Tadorna Boie, 1822

Tadorna rekohu Rawlence, Lubbe, Adams, Shepherd, Cole, Knapp, Llamas, Wood, Mitchell, Tennyson sp. nov.

Common name: Rēkohu shelduck

Type locality: Maunganui, Chatham Island.

Etymology: After the Moriori name for the Chatham Islands, New Zealand, where T. rekohu formerly occurred. The name was gifted by the Hokotehi Moriori Trust, who represent the Indigenous people of Rēkohu Chatham Islands.

Diagnosis: A species of Tadorna with different proportions to T. variegata and differing from T. variegata in the following osteological features and allometries:

Cranium: The skull of T. rekohu is longer and has a smaller interorbital width.

Humerus, ulna, radius, and carpometacarpus: The humeri of T. rekohu are on average shorter, with more robust proximal and distal ends. The ulnae and carpometacarpi are on average shorter in T. rekohu, and the proximal radius width is on average larger in T. rekohu.

Humerus to femur ratio: The femur of T. rekohu is longer relative to the humerus total length. The ratio of mean humerus to femur length in T. rekohu ranges from 1.92 to 1.96 (associated skeletons) compared to 2.00–2.11 and 2.02–2.18 in female and male T. variegata, respectively.

Femur and tarsometatarsus: The femora and tarsometatarsi of T. rekohu are longer on average.

Nicolas J Rawlence, Pascale Lubbe, Amy L Adams, Lara D Shepherd, Theresa L Cole , Michael Knapp, Bastien Llamas, Jamie R Wood, Kieren J Mitchell and Alan J D Tennyson. 2025. Ancient DNA and Morphometrics reveal A New Species of extinct insular Shelduck from Rēkohu Chatham Islands. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 204(3); zlaf069. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf069 [25 July 2025]

https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/use-it-or-lose-it-how-an-island-changed-a-bird-species

https://www.facebook.com/novataxa/posts/1212144760944449

[Herpetology • 2025] Cyrtodactylus ayunpaensis • Integrative Taxonomic Approaches revealed A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus irregularis complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands of Vietnam

 

Cyrtodactylus ayunpaensis

 Nguyen, Ha, Murdoch, J. L. Grismer, L. L. Grismer & Luu, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5679.1.2  

Researchgate.net/publication/394443514

 

Abstract

Cyrtodactylus ayunpaensis sp. nov. from Ayun Pa town, Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands Vietnam is described based on an integrative taxonomic method by a combination of morphological and genetic data. It is placed into the C. irregularis group and can be distinguished from the remaining species from Vietnam by a minimum genetic distance of 12.8% in the ND2 gene and by the following characters: a maximum SVL of 91.5 mm; supralabials 11–13; infralabials 9–10; dorsal tubercles at midbody in 4–6 irregular rows; ventral scales 52–68; subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe 17–19; precloacal and femoral pores absent in both sexces; enlarged precloacal scales 22–27 in males and absent in females; 7–11 enlarged femoral scales from each thigh; subcaudals transversely enlarged; small, irregularly shaped dark brown blotches on top of head; nuchal band thin and interrupted; dorsal pattern with four irregularly shaped bands; short stripes on the neck. The morphological distinctiveness of the new species is supported by its non-overlapping position in multivariate space based on multiple factor analysis and principal component analysis.

Reptilia, Gekkota, Cyrtodactylus ayunpaensis sp. nov., molecular phylogenetics, taxonomy, Indochina

Cyrtodactylus ayunpaensis sp. nov.

Thuong Huyen NGUYEN, Hong Bich HA, Matthew L. MURDOCH, Jesse L. GRISMER, L. Lee GRISMER and Vinh Quang LUU. 2025. Integrative Taxonomic Approaches revealed A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus irregularis complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands of Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5679(1); 45-73. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5679.1.2 [2025-08-12]

 Researchgate.net/publication/394443514_Integrative_taxonomic_approaches_revealed_a_new_species_of_the_Cyrtodactylus_irregularis_complex_from_Central_Highlands_of_Vietnam

[Botany • 2020] Spathoglottis arunachalensis (Orchidaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Spathoglottis arunachalensis J.Tsering & K.Prasad, 

in Tsering et Prasad, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.432.3.6 

 

Abstract

A new species of Spathoglottis, S. arunachalensis (Orchidaceae), from Sessa Orchid Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is described and illustrated. Morphologically, the new species is allied to S. ixioides but differs in many attributes which are discussed here. An updated key for Indian Spathoglottis is also provided for easy identification.

Orchid, Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Yellow flowered, Monocots

Spathoglottis arunachalensis sp. nov.
 A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Dorsal sepal; D. Lateral sepals; E. Petals; F. Lip; G. Pedicel with ovary, floral bract and column side view; H. Column front view; I. Pollinia.

Spathoglottis arunachalensis J.Tsering & K.Prasad 

 

Jambey TSERING and Kothareddy PRASAD. 2020. Spathoglottis arunachalensis (Orchidaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Phytotaxa. 432(3); 289–295. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.432.3.6 [2020-02-12]

[Entomology • 2025] Karillantu amazonaensis, K. ecuadoriensis, ... • Out of the Darkness - A New Genus of Paederinae from the Neotropics (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) and its phylogenetic position

 

Karillantu gen. nov.

in Koszela, Farinango et Żyła, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf071 

Abstract

We describe a new genus of Paederinae rove beetles, Karillantu gen. nov., which occurs only in the Neotropics. The genus accommodates Lathrobium macrocephalum Sharp, 1876 as a type species Karillantu macrocephalus comb. nov., originally described more than 100 years ago. Intense surveys across museum collections allowed for describing eight new species: Karillantu amazonaensis sp. nov., Karillantu ecuadoriensis sp. nov., Karillantu lauretensis sp. nov., Karillantu napoensis sp. nov., Karillantu obidensis sp. nov., Karillantu paraensis sp. nov., Karillantu pastazaensis sp. nov., and Karillantu peruviensis sp. nov. We provide descriptions of the genus and species, a redescription of Karillantu macrocephalus comb. nov., an identification key, and a distribution map. To determine the sister-group relationships of Karillantu gen. nov., we conducted a phylogenetic analysis based on seven gene fragments, resulting in the largest Paederinae phylogeny up to date and a hypothesis about Karillantu gen. nov. placement. The analysis resolved the genus within the tribe Lathrobiini, nested in the informal clade of genera traditionally assigned to the subtribe Lathrobiina. We also provide information on the phylogenetic position of 17 newly sequenced taxa expanding our understanding of Paederinae relationships. The present research underscores the importance of museum collections in studying biodiversity of poorly-known groups, especially in the tropical regions.

 

molecular phylogeny, museum collections, Neotropics, Paederinae, rove beetles, South America, systematics, taxonomy

Head capsule of Karillantu macrocephalus (A–B). A, photo. B, schematic drawing.
Scanning electronic micrographs of K. ecuadoriensis head (C), K. pastazaensis wall (D), and Karillantu spp. 1 punctures (E).

Abbreviations: elev - elevation, pr - protrusions, setae: MS - mandibular, PCS - protrusion, PMS - postmarginal, POS - preocular, SAS - supraantennal.

Subfamily Paederinae Fleming, 1821

Tribe Lathrobiini Laporte de Castelnau, 1835

Subtribe incertae sedis

Karillantu gen. nov.

 

Diagnosis: The genus can be easily differentiated from other Lathrobiini by the following combination of features: head large, equal to or wider than pronotum (except for K. pastazaensis and K. obidensis), with invaginated posterior median emargination, coarsely punctured, most densely on temples, with glabrous mid-line, maxillary palpomere 3 elongate, maxillary palpomere 4 conical, thinner than 3, pronotum anterior angles well developed, almost straight, with invaginated line in the middle; dense golden setation on inner side of protarsi; aedeagus with parameres reduced to two small lateral lobes.

Type species: Lathrobium macrocephalum Sharp, 1876.

Description: Body length from 5.35 to 12.6 mm. Coloration lighter or darker brown, appendages sometimes yellowish, setation golden-brown, protibia with gold setae on inner side.

Karillantu amazonaensis holotype, ♂ (A–J). A, habitus in dorsal view, scale bar: 1 mm. B, labrum. Abdominal segments, posterior margin schemes (C–F). C, tergite VII. D, tergite VIII. E, sternite VII. F, sternite VIII. Aedeagus (G–J), scale bar: 0.5 mm. G, parameral view. H, parameral view scheme. I, lateral view. J, lateral view scheme.

Etymology: Karillantu /ˌkærɪˈd͡ʒɑːntuː/ derives from the Ecuadorian Kichwa language. It is a composite word comprising ‘Kari’, a prefix denoting strength or markedness, particularly in reference to the pronounced shape of the head, and ‘llantu’ signifying darkness, attributed to the dark coloration of individuals within the genus and the hidden generic status of K. macrocephalus. Gender: masculine.

Distribution: The genus occurs in the Amazon biome in different ecoregions of moist forests of the Amazon rainforest (Fig. 5).

Katarzyna Koszela, Karen Bonilla Farinango and Dagmara Żyła. 2025. Out of the Darkness - A New Genus of Paederinae from the Neotropics (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) and its phylogenetic position. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 204(3); zlaf071. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf071 [31 July 2025]

[Herpetology • 2025] Scincella qianica • Discovery of A New skink of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Guizhou Province, China

 Scincella qianica Xu, Weng, Poyarkov, Zhang, Deng & Peng, 

in Xu, Weng, Poyarkov, Zhang, Li, Deng et Peng, 2025. 

Guizhou Ground Skink | 黔滑蜥  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.157713

Abstract

Scincella potanini was long considered the only species of the genus Scincella recorded in Guizhou Province, China. This study describes a new species of the genus Scincella, Scincella qianica sp. nov., from Guizhou, China, based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining molecular and morphological data. The new species can be distinguished from all known congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) medium body size in adults (SVL length up to 44.8 mm); (2) tail relatively long, TAL/SVL ratio 1.76–2.14 in original tail specimens; (3) toes not in contact with fingers when limbs adpressed; (4) infralabials six to seven; (5) supraciliaries six, rarely seven; (6) tympanum deeply sunk, without lobules; (7) primary temporal one; (8) three pairs of nuchals; (9) midbody scale row counts 26; (10) paravertebral scale row counts 61–66; (11) ventral scale row counts 46–53; (12) 9–10 enlarged lamellae beneath finger IV, and 13–14 beneath toe IV; (13) dark dorsolateral stripes with relatively straight upper edge, extending from the tip of snout to the end of tail, with 1/2+4+1/2 rows of dorsal scales in the middle; (14) ventral surface covered with discontinuous black longitudinal stripes. In the phylogenetic analyses, the new species was nested within a highly supported lineage, forming a sister taxon with S. alia, and exhibits at least 15.8% genetic divergence from other congeners based on the mitochondrial CO1 gene.

Key Words: Molecular phylogeny, morphological characters, Scincella qianica sp. nov., taxonomy

Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of  Scincella qianica sp. nov. in life.
A1, B1. QHU R2025002, holotype, adult male;
A2, B2. QHU R2025001, paratype, adult male;
A3, B3. QHU R2025003, paratype, juvenile.

Photos by Yuhao Xu.

Head scalation of  Scincella qianica sp. nov. (holotype QHU R2025002, adult male).
A. Dorsal; B. Lateral; C. Ventral views.

SO: supraoculars; NU: nuchals; SCI: superciliaries; L: loreals; SL: supralabials; IL: infralabials; TEM: temporals; CH: chin shields. Photos and drawings by Yuhao Xu. Scale bars: 5 mm.

 Scincella qianica Xu, Weng, Poyarkov, Zhang, Deng & Peng, sp. nov.

  

Etymology. The specific name “qianica” is a Latinized adjective in nominative singular (feminine gender), derived from Chinese “Qián” (黔), the traditional abbreviation for Guizhou Province, China, where the new species was discovered. For the common names, we suggested “Guizhou Ground Skink” in English and “Qián Huá Xī” (黔滑蜥) in Chinese.

Diagnosis. Scincella qianica sp. nov. can be diagnosed from other Scincella species by the following unique combination of characters: (1) medium body size in adults (SVL length up to 44.8 mm); (2) tail relatively long, TAL/SVL ratio 1.76–2.14 in specimens with intact tails; (3) toes not in contact with fingers when limbs adpressed, FLL+HLL/AGD ratio 0.80–0.91; (4) infralabials six to seven; (5) supraciliaries six, rarely seven; (6) tympanum deeply sunk, without lobules; (7) primary temporal single; (8) three pairs of nuchals; (9) midbody scale row counts 26; (10) paravertebral scale row counts 61–66; (11) ventral scale row counts 46–53; (12) 9–10 enlarged lamellae beneath finger IV, and 13–14 beneath toe IV; (13) the dark dorsolateral stripes with relatively straight upper edge, extends from the tip of snout to the end of tail, with 1/2+4+1/2 rows of dorsal scales in the middle; (14) ventral surface covered with discontinuous black longitudinal stripes.

 Yuhao Xu, Shiyang Weng, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Tierui Zhang, Zeyu Li, Jundong Deng, Lifang Peng. 2025. Discovery of A New skink of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata, Scincidae) from Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 1495-1511. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.157713