[Entomology • 2026] Pseudodelta melas • A New Wasp-mimicking Clearwing Moth (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Sesiini) from Uganda

Pseudodelta melas

Bartsch & Sáfián, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.9 

Abstract

In this study a new genus of Sesiini, Pseudodelta gen. nov., and its type species Pseudodelta melas sp. nov., are described from the Ziika (Zika) Forest, Uganda. This highly mimetic species bears a striking resemblance to Delta emarginatum (Linnaeus, 1758), the black mud wasp widespread in Africa, which is probably its model.

Lepidoptera, Cossoidea, new species, Afrotropical region, taxonomy

Pseudodelta melas holotype, male (1) upperside, (2) underside.

Pseudodelta melas holotype, genitalia structure.

Pseudodelta gen. nov. 

Etymology. The name refers to ancient Greek ψευδο [pseudo] = false, pretended, not real, and the genus Delta Fabricius, 1804 (Vespidae); gender is neuter.

Pseudodelta melas sp. nov. 

Etymology. Ancient Greek μέλας [mélas] = black, dark.

DANIEL BARTSCH and SZABOLCS SÁFIÁN. 2026. A New Wasp-mimicking Clearwing Moth from Uganda (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Sesiini).  Zootaxa. 5807(1); 184-188. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.9  [2026-05-08]

[Arachnida • 2026] “The Cordyceps Spider”: Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. (Araneae: Araneidae), A New spider Species and A Novel Case of Mimicry of an Araneopathogenic Fungus (Cordycipitaceae: Gibellula)

Taczanowskia waska

Díaz-Guevara, Bentley & Dupérré, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.5.4 

Researchgate.net/publication/401254813

Abstract 

Herein, we describe a new species of the rare spider genus Taczanowskia Keyserling, 1879 (Araneae: Araneidae), Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. (♀) from the Ecuadorian Amazon. Additionally, we discuss its unique fungal mimicry, comment on Taczanowskia ecology, and provide an updated taxonomic key for females of the genus. The importance of this discovery extends well beyond the description of a novel taxon, representing the first reported case of Arachnid mimicry of an araneopathogenic fungus. Finally, we discuss the application of citizen science to collecting ecological and biogeographical data on arachnids and its potential use for describing new taxa. 

Araneae, fungal-mimicry, arachnids, mycelium, Amazon, llanganates-Sangay Connectivity Corridor

Taczanowskia waska sp. nov., female holotype, alive.
 a, dorsal view. B, second dorsal view. C, posterior dorsalview. D, frontal view. e, posterior dorsal view with an ovisac. 

 Records of spiders with apparent fungal mimicry.
a, Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. from Pastaza, ecuador (© David R.Díaz-Guevara). B, unknown araneidae species from Huong National Park, vietnam, 2013 (© Paul Bertner).
C, D, an undescribed species of Acantharachne from uganda, 0.390, 33.113 (© Frank Deschandol).
E, Exechocentrus lancearius from Madagascar, -18.966, 48.592 (© Artur Tomaszek). F, Mastophora leucacantha from coastal Brazil, -23.959, -46.190 (© Thiago Gonçalves Coronado Antunes).

David R. DÍAZ-GUEVARA, Alexander Griffin BENTLEY and Nadine DUPÉRRÉ. 2026. “The Cordyceps Spider”: Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. (Araneae: Araneidae), A New spider Species and A Novel Case of Mimicry of an Araneopathogenic Fungus (Cordycipitaceae: Gibellula).  Zootaxa. 5760(5); 563-576. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.5.4 [2026-02-26]

 Researchgate.net/publication/401254813_Taczanowskia_waska_sp_nov_a_new_spider_species_and_a_novel_case_of_mimicry_of_an_araneopathogenic_fungus

 instagram.com/waska.amazonia

 instagram.com/bentley7_7 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Titanolebias calvinoi • The Rise of a Titan: A New Species of the giant Titanolebias Killifishes (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae), and its phylogeny

 

Titanolebias calvinoi 

Alonso, Terán, Alanís, Waldbillig, Montes, Bugeau, Barneche, Shimabukuro, Táboas, Maroli & Almeida, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2025.04.009 

facebook.com/FelipeAlonsoIctio

 

ABSTRACT

The genus Titanolebias comprises the largest-bodied seasonal killifishes, inhabiting temporary wetlands of the La Plata Basin and adjacent areas in South America. Here, we describe a new species from the Eastern Chacoan region, representing the first record of the genus in this area, providing important biogeographic and evolutionary insights. Phylogenetic analyses confirm the monophyly of Titanolebias, placing T. monstrosus as the sister species to the remaining species of the genus and recovering the new species as sister to a clade composed of T. prognathus, T. elongatus, and T. cheradophilus. Titanolebias species, exhibits reduced sexual dimorphism, potentially associated with a trophic shift toward larger prey in the origin of this genus and presents several potential cases of aggressive mimicry. Megalebias genus represents a case of convergent evolution towards ichthyophagy with Titanolebias. Morphological analyses reveal that the new species present the diagnostic characters of the genus Titanolebias and can be distinguished by its unique coloration and other morphological traits. Behavioral and ecological data are also provided. Despite its restricted distribution and the vulnerability of ephemeral wetlands to habitat loss, the species is found within a National Park. This discovery provides valuable insights into convergent evolution linked to trophic shifts and contributes to the understanding of the evolution, phylogeny, ecology, and biogeography of Neotropical fishes, offering new avenues for future research and conservation policies for this threatened group of fishes.

Key words: sexual dimorphism, aggressive mimicry, biogeography, endemisms, temporary wetlands, annual fishes, conservation, Aplocheiloidei

 Live color pattern variability and ontogenetic changes in Titanolebias calvinoi n. sp. males.

 Titanolebias calvinoi, new species

Etymology: The specific epithet is dedicated to Pablo Andrés Calviño, in recognition of his notable contributions to Neotropical ichthyology and his pioneering efforts in the study and promotion of knowledge about killifish. Calviño has not only actively participated in scientific research on this group of fish but has also distinguished himself as one of the most notable aquarists and breeders in the region. Additionally, he has significantly contributed to the training of human resources in this field, enhancing public awareness and understanding through the organization of activities, creation of dissemination materials, and his dedicated teaching efforts, being one of the founders of the Killi Club Argentino (KCA). The term calvinoi is a patronymic in the genitive case.

 

Felipe Alonso, Guillermo Enrique Terán, Wilson Sebastián Serra Alanís, Marcos Martin Waldbillig, Martin Miguel Montes, Baltazar Bugeau, Jorge Adrian Barneche, Marina Ibañez Shimabukuro, Francisco González Táboas, Malena Maroli and Matías Jesús Almeida. 2025. The Rise of a Titan: A New Species of the giant Titanolebias Killifishes, and its phylogeny (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae). Zoologischer Anzeiger. In Press DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2025.04.009 [3 May 2025]

  facebook.com/FelipeAlonsoIctio/posts/4092129374397701

  x.com/FelipeAlonsoBio/status/1918744426244899293

[Entomology • 2024] Doliops comvalensis • A New Species of Doliops Waterhouse, 1841 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Apomecynini) from Davao de Oro with notes on other endemic species and mimicry complex in greater Mindanao Philippines

Doliops comvalensis Medina, 

in Medina, Agbas, Obrial et Cabras, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.25221/fee.507.3  

Doliops comvalensis Medina, sp. n. is described from Candalaga Range in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines. High-definition images of other known species of Doliops which are considered as the close congeners of the new species are also provided. The mimicry complex between the new species and the members of the tribe Pachyrhynchini known from Candalaga Range is discussed.

Key words: long-horned beetles, Lamiinae, Apomecynini, Pachyrhynchini, taxonomy, new species, mimicry, Mindanao, Oriental Region.

Habitat of Doliops comvalensis Medina sp. nov. in Mt. Candalaga.
 A-B – the montane forest in Mt. Candalaga showing the newly opened road and soil erosion,
C – fallen Shorea contorta, the host plant of D. comvalensis, D – D. comvalensis (in situ).

Doliops comvalensis Medina, sp. n.  

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS. The new species is similar to its Mindanao endemic congeners, Doliops cuellari Vives, 2012, D. edithae Vives 2009, and D. halconensis Vives, 2012 (Fig. 2), in the size and elytral maculation. However, the new species can be easily distinguished from these species in its unique maculation in pronotum. Pronotal maculation is similar to D. cuellari except that it does not have a thin band of whitish pubescence at the pronotal disc. Elytral maculation is similar to one of variations of D. halconensis but can be easily distinguished based on pronotal differences.

HABITAT. New species was found in the forest near the road and soil erosion (Fig. 3). The host plant is fallen Shorea contorta. 

DISTRIBUTION. Philippines: Mindanao (Davao de Oro: Mt. Candalaga, Maragusan, Davao de Oro). 

ETYMOLOGY. The new species is named after Compostela Valley, the former name of the province of Davao de Oro.

Medina M.N., Agbas D., Grayden Obrial G., Analyn Cabras A. 2024. Description of A New Species of Doliops Waterhouse, 1841 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Apomecynini) from Davao de Oro with notes on other endemic species and mimicry complex in greater Mindanao Philippines. Far Eastern Entomologist. 507: 15-24. DOI: doi.org/10.25221/fee.507.3  

  facebook.com/dorsurie/posts/488266477516050

[Entomology • 2024] Metapocyrtus inangsabong, M. lumad & M. uphagpula • Three New Mimetic Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from Mt. Candalaga, Davao de Oro, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Metapocyrtus inangsabong Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov., 
Metapocyrtus lumad Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov., and 
Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) uphagpula Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov.

in Obrial, Agbas, Medina et Cabras, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5541.4.2 

 facebook.com: Graden Obrial 

Abstract

Three new species of Metapocyrtus: Metapocyrtus inangsabong Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov., Metapocyrtus lumad Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov., and Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) uphagpula Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Short ecological notes on the species’ habitat, mimicry with other weevils and beetles, and the association between Nepenthes candalaga and Pachyrhynchini in the Philippines are also presented.

Coleoptera, Biodiversity, endemic, new species, mimicry, Pachyrhynchini, weevils, Nepenthes

  

Metapocyrtus inangsabong Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov., 

Metapocyrtus lumad Cabras, Obrial & Agbas sp. nov.,

Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) uphagpula Cabras, Obrial & Agbas 

Graden G. OBRIAL, Daven JAYSON D. AGBAS, Milton Norman D. MEDINA and Analyn A. CABRAS. 2024. Three New Mimetic Weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae) from Mt. Candalaga, Davao de Oro, Mindanao Island, Philippines.  Zootaxa. 5543(4); 438-454. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5541.4.2

  facebook.com/GradenObrial9/posts/3809491716045524

[Entomology • 2024] Euclimacia radioquaesentis • A New Species of the Mantidfly Genus Euclimacia (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) from Vietnam

 

Euclimacia radioquaesentis 

Ehlers, Li, Kirschey & Ohl, 2024

 

DOI: 10.3897/dez.71.123553 

Abstract

A new species of the family Mantispidae (Neuroptera) from Vietnam is described. Euclimacia radioquaesentis sp. nov. shows a unique colour pattern, which is distinctive within the genus. The colouration and morphology of both sexes of the new species are described in detail and illustrated. The naming of the new species is linked to a popular citizen-science event in choosing the name for this species (and three other species from different undescribed species by taxonomists of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin).

Key Words: Adaption, lacewings, mimicry, new species, parasitoid, polymorphism, sexual dimorphism, Southeast Asia, wasp mimic

 

Euclimacia radioquaesentis sp. nov. male holotype and female paratype with distribution map.
A. Habitus dorsal holotype male. Insert shows asymmetrical bifurcation between left and right costal area of fore-wings. Antecostal sutures (acs) and glabrous marks (gm) visible. The two black lines on the margin of the wing apex of the right fore-wing indicate the width of the oblique apical dark band;
B. Localities (red rhombus) in Vietnam of the radioquaesentis type series. The number in the rhombus symbol indicates the count of specimens in this locality;
C. Female paratype radioquaesentis dorsal view. The two black lines on the margin of the wing apex of the right fore-wing indicate the width of the oblique apical dark band. Scale bars: 5 mm (A, B).

Euclimacia radioquaesentis male.
A. Head frontal view. The subantennal suture (sas) is curved outwards; B. Head and thorax in dorsal view. The epicranial sutures are comprised by the frontal sutures (fs) and the coronal suture (cs). A black transversal band runs along the pronatal groove over the maculae (mc) and the pronatal humps (ph). The horizontal dashed lines indicate the three areas of the prothorax, the prozona (p1), the metazona (p2) and the pronatal base (p3);
C. Lateral view on head, thorax and forelegs.

Scale bars: 1 mm (A); 2 mm (B, C).

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758

Order Neuroptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family Mantispidae Leach, 1815

Subfamily Mantispinae Leach, 1815

Genus Euclimacia Enderlein, 1910

Type species: Euclimacia partita Enderlein, 1910: 366, by original designation.

 Euclimacia radioquaesentis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: The combination of colour characters in the new species is unique within Euclimacia. The contrast between the head and prothorax and the rest of the thorax and abdomen is striking. The prothorax and head have a distinct yellow colour, the remaining thorax is almost uniformly black. The abdomen of the male is also almost completely black with only a few brown markings. The female has a brownish abdomen with a black base. The wing colour is also unique in combination with the body colouration. The wings of E. radioquaesentis have the prominent feature of differently-coloured pterostigmata in fore and hind wing. Whereas the fore-wing pterostigma is yellow, the hind-wing pterostigma is brown. There are currently six species in Euclimacia with this diagnostic character, but these species differ distinctly in body colouration. Whereas in E. radioquaesentis sp. nov., the head and the prothorax are markedly yellow, in the other six species both parts are either ferruginous (E. rhombica Navás, 1914), reddish-brown (E. morosa (Gerstäcker, 1893); E. zonalis Navás, 1914; E. regina Esben-Petersen, 1917; E. rufocincta Handschin, 1961) or completely black (E. gerstaeckeri Banks, 1920).

Etymology: The species epithet is made up of two words ‘radio’ and ‘quaesentis’. The latter derives from Latin and means ‘searched for’. The name was chosen as part of a radio show. Citizens were invited to submit name suggestions. The most suitable was radioquaesentis – searched for on the radio.

 Sarah Ehlers, Hongyu Li, Lukas Kirschey and Michael Ohl. 2024.  A New Species of the Mantidfly Genus Euclimacia from Vietnam (Neuroptera, Mantispidae). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 71(2): 255-264. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.71.123553 

Researchgate.net/publication/385126981_A_new_species_of_Euclimacia_from_Vietnam

[Entomology • 2024] Integrative Taxonomy of A New Species of A Bumble Bee-mimicking Brood parasitic Bee, Tetralonioidella mimetica (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae), investigated through phylogenomics

 Tetralonioidella mimetica Orr & Zhu,

in Orr, Chesters, Williams, Wood, Zhou, Bossert, Sless, Warrit, Rasmont, Ghisbain, Boustani, Luo, Feng, Niu et Zhu, 2024.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jhr.97.129470

Abstract

A new species of bumble bee-mimicking brood parasitic bee, Tetralonioidella mimetica Orr & Zhu, sp. nov., is described from China. The systematic placement of this species was initially challenging but was resolved using a combination of phylogenomic and COI barcode analyses, which strongly support the new species as a member of the genus Tetralonioidella Strand. Interestingly, the new species mimics the color pattern of both a bumble bee (Bombus Latreille), and its host Habropoda Smith species, a mimicry format previously unknown for bees. A review of the other Tetralonioidella species revealed three additional bee mimics, including two further likely model-host-brood parasite mimicry complexes. To our knowledge, these represent the first documented three-tiered mimetic systems in bees. Several additional taxonomic actions recently became necessary in these and related taxa: Tetralonioidella meghalayensis Dohling & Dey, 2024 is synonymized syn. nov. with Habropoda radoszkowskii (Dalla Torre, 1896) and Varthemapistra Engel, stat. rev. is again synonymized with Habrophorula Lieftinck. Our results also highlight issues with the generic classification of the tribe Melectini as currently used, as Melecta Latreille was found paraphyletic in relation to the remaining melectine genera. As a first step toward resolving this issue, we return the Melecta subgenus Eupavlovskia Popov, stat. rev. to genus level and discuss the ongoing systematic uncertainties regarding melectine taxonomy.

Keywords: Anthophila, brood parasite, Melectini, mimicry, Nomadinae, taxonomy

Male external morphology of Tetralonioidella mimetica sp. nov. Imaged from the holotype (IOZ(E)2148141)
A face B dorsal C habitus D labels excluding identification label.

Lines represent mm. Images by Pierre Rasmont.

Female external morphology of Tetralonioidella mimetica sp. nov. Imaged from IOZ(E)2148071
A face B dorsal C habitus D labels excluding ID label.

Lines represent mm. Images by Pierre Rasmont.

 Tetralonioidella mimetica Orr & Zhu, sp. nov.

Hypothesized examples of three-tiered mimicry systems in bees. Given are the model (top), likely host (middle), and brood parasite (bottom).
System 1: likely model A Bombus lepidus worker (IOZ(E)1429818); likely host B Habropoda xizangensis male (IOZ(E)2051720); and brood parasite C Tetralonioidella himalayana male (IOZ(E)2148111).
System 2: likely model D Bombus friseanus worker (IOZ(E)1429817); likely host E Habropoda mimetica female (IOZ(E)2148091); and brood parasites F Tetralonioidella tricolor male (IOZ(E)2148051) G Tetralonioidella mimetica female (IOZ(E)2148071). Note that multiple species may act as models or hosts.

 Michael C. Orr, Douglas Chesters, Paul H. Williams, Thomas J. Wood, Qingsong Zhou, Silas Bossert, Trevor Sless, Natapot Warrit, Pierre Rasmont, Guillaume Ghisbain, Mira Boustani, A’rong Luo, Yuan Feng, Ze-Qing Niu and Chao-Dong Zhu. 2024. Integrative Taxonomy of A New Species of A Bumble Bee-mimicking Brood parasitic Bee, Tetralonioidella mimetica (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Apidae), investigated through phylogenomics. Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 97: 755-780. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jhr.97.129470

[Entomology • 2019] Metapocyrtus kitangladensis • A New Pachyrhynchus cumingii Mimic (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Pachyrhynchini) from Mindanao Island, Philippines

 

Metapocyrtus kitangladensis Cabras, Medina & Zhang, 2019
Pachyrhynchus cumingii Waterhouse, 1841

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.853.30595

Abstract
A description of a new species from the genus Metapocyrtus Heller, 1912 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Pachyrhynchini) from Mt Kitanglad Range Natural Park, an ASEAN Heritage Site in northern Mindanao is presented and illustrated. The recent discovery is also the first mimic record of Pachyrhynchus cumingii GR Waterhouse, 1841 which are both found in the same locality. A Coptorhynchus sp. showing similar elytral patterns was also documented to be part of the mimicry complex. The new species differs from the other two species in having a distinct transverse groove between forehead and rostrum and the antennal scape reaching beyond the hind margin of the eye.

Keywords: Bukidnon, endemism, Mt Kitanglad Range Natural Park, weevil

Figures 15–17. 15 Metapocyrtus kitangladensis sp. n. 16 Coptorhynchus sp. 17 Pachyrhynchus cumingii GR Waterhouse, 1841.

Metapocyrtus kitangladensis sp. n.

Analyn A. Cabras, Milton Norman D. Medina and Guanyang Zhang. 2019. Metapocyrtus kitangladensis sp. n., A New Pachyrhynchus cumingii GR Waterhouse, 1841 Mimic from Mindanao Island, Philippines. ZooKeys. 853: 119-129. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.853.30595
  twitter.com/ZooKeys_Journal/status/1138473462484389888

[Paleontology • 2024] Myrmarachne colombiana • A New Species of Ant-mimic Spider (Araneae: Salticidae) in Copal from Colombia, South America

 Myrmarachne colombiana

Poinar, 2024

 DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2320190

ABSTRACT 

Ant-mimicking spiders (Araneae: Salticide) are fascinating creatures that have evolved modified morphology and behaviours to resemble those of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Ant-mimicking spiders are cosmopolitan but currently, there are no records of such spiders in fossilised resin, nor any records of extant ant- mimicking spiders in Colombia, S.A. The present study describes Myrmarachne colombiana sp. n. (Araneae: Salticidae) as the first species of ant-mimicking spider in fossilised resin (copal) from Colombia, discusses possible ages of copal inclusions around the world, and examines various scenarios showing why spiders have become ant mimics.

 

 

George Poinar. 2024. Myrmarachne colombiana sp. n. (Araneae: Salticidae), A New Species of Ant-mimic Spider in Copal from Colombia, South America. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2320190

  phys.org/news/2024-03-uncovers-rare-resin-fossil-spider.html

[Entomology • 2021] Resolving A Century-old Case of generic mistaken Identity: Polyphyly of Chitoniscus sensu lato resolved with the Description of the endemic New Caledonia Trolicaphyllium gen. nov. (Phasmatodea: Phylliidae)

  Trolicaphyllium gen. nov. 

in Cumming, Le Tirant & Büscher, 2021. 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1055.66796

Abstract

With every molecular review involving Chitoniscus Stål, 1875 sensu lato samples from Fiji and New Caledonia revealing polyphyly, the morphology from these two distinct clades was extensively reviewed. Morphological results agree with all previously published molecular studies and therefore Trolicaphyllium gen. nov. is erected to accommodate the former Chitoniscus sensu lato species restricted to New Caledonia, leaving the type species Chitoniscus lobiventris (Blanchard, 1853) and all other Fijian species within Chitoniscus sensu stricto. Erection of this new genus for the New Caledonian species warrants the following new combinations: Trolicaphyllium brachysoma (Sharp, 1898), comb. nov., Trolicaphyllium erosus (Redtenbachher, 1906), comb. nov., and Trolicaphyllium sarrameaense (Größer, 2008a), comb. nov. Morphological details of the female, male, freshly hatched nymph, and egg are illustrated and discussed alongside the Chitoniscus sensu stricto in order to differentiate these two clades which have been mistaken as one for decades.

Keywords: Camouflage, Drehu, Grande Terre, Ile de Bélep, L’Île-des-Pins, Lifou, Lifu, Maré, mimicry, new combination, Phasmida, Tiga, walking leaf

Figure 31. Unidentifiable Trolicaphyllium gen. nov. male nymph photographed on Tiga Island in August 2020 by Damien Brouste (New Caledonia) (iNaturalist user: damienbr)
A dorso-anterior view B same nymph, dorsal habitus C unidentified host plant on which the nymph was recorded.

Figure 30. Live nymphs of Trolicaphyllium gen. nov. which could not be identified to species. Images from endemia.nc (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
A Frédéric Desmoulins, Plaine des Lacs, April 2014 B Hendrik Oesterlin, Koé (Dumbéa) elevation 185 meters, June 2006 C Julien Barrault, Hienghène, November 2010
D Daniel and Irène Létocart, Tchamba, October 2009 E Bernard Suprin, Dumbéa, April 2004 F Gildas Gâteblé, Ouenghi, October 2012.

Royce T. Cumming, Stephane Le Tirant and Thies H. Büscher. 2021. Resolving A Century-old Case of generic mistaken Identity: Polyphyly of Chitoniscus sensu lato resolved with the Description of the endemic New Caledonia Trolicaphyllium gen. nov. (Phasmatodea, Phylliidae). ZooKeys. 1055: 1-41. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1055.66796

[Arachnida • 2023] Castianeira swiftay • A New Species of Ant-mimicking Spider (Araneae: Corinnidae) from Costa Rica, and further new records of castianeirines from Central America

 

Castianeira swiftay

Pett. 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5389.3.8 

 twitter.com/BroganConBio

Castianeirinae (Araneae, Corinnidae) are often ant-like or ant-mimicking spiders, generally regarded as good Batesian or Müllerian mimics. Reiskind (1969) proposed the subfamily with his pioneering work on the fauna of North and Central America, describing 17 new species in the process. Eight genera of Castianeirinae are currently known from the New World (WSC 2023), with five endemic genera and three intercontinental. Between August and September 1983, John and Frances Murphy visited numerous localities in Costa Rica and Panama collecting spiders (Logunov, 2022), among their collections were numerous castianeirines. I examined this collection (housed at the Manchester Museum, UK: Dmitri Logunov) and identified several species as new records and a new species from Costa Rica.

...

 

Araneae, Ant-mimicking spider, Castianeira swiftay, Central America, new species

Brogan L. Pett. 2023. Castianeira swiftay sp. nov., A New Species of Ant-mimicking Spider from Costa Rica, and further new records of castianeirines from Central America.  Zootaxa. 5389(3); 396-400. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5389.3.8

  twitter.com/BroganConBio/status/1737395215571296727

[Entomology • 2023] Austrospirachtha carrijoi • A New Species and Morphological Notes on the remarkable termitophilous Genus Austrospirachtha Watson (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) from Australia

Austrospirachtha carrijoi

Zilberman & Pires-Silva, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5336.3.8

Abstract

Termitophilous rove beetles in Australia encompass diverse genera and species from several tribes in Aleocharinae. While some taxa have been well-documented, others remain poorly known due to the scarcity of available material. The existing knowledge of Austrospirachtha Watson for instance, is based solely on Austrospirachtha mimetes, described from two specimens collected in an old termite mound. The genus is known for its highly developed physogastry and potential mimicry adaptations. Herein, we present the description of a new species, Austrospirachtha carrijoi sp. nov., representing the second known species for the genus.

Keywords: Coleoptera, physogastry, rove beetles, Corotocina, Termitophily

 

Bruno Zilberman and Carlos M. Pires-Silva. 2023. A New Species and Morphological Notes on the remarkable termitophilous Genus Austrospirachtha Watson from Australia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae). Zootaxa. 5336(3); 424-432. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5336.3.8

  Researchgate.net/publication/373295972_A_new_species_and_morphological_notes_on_Austrospirachtha_from_Australia

www.science.org/content/article/beetle-grows-termite-back-steal-food

[Herpetology • 2023] Litoria gracilis, L. haematogaster, L. naispela, etc. • Five New Species of the Genus Litoria Tschudi (Anura: Pelodryadidae) from the southern versant of Papua New Guinea’s Central Cordillera, with Observations on the Diversification of Reproductive Strategies in Melanesian Treefrogs

Litoria haematogaster,

Litoria naispela & 

Litoria gracilis

Richards, Donnellan & Oliver, 2023

 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5263.2.1

 

Abstract

New Guinea has the most diverse insular frog fauna in the world, and rates of species discovery and description have increased rapidly in the last two decades. Pelodryadid treefrogs are the second most diverse family of anurans on the island but their taxonomy, relationships, and especially ecology remain poorly documented. Based on differences in morphology, advertisement calls (where available) and phylogenetic analyses of a 787 base pair alignment from the mitochondrial ND4 gene and flanking tRNA, we describe five new species of small treefrogs from hill and lower montane forests in the high rainfall belt that straddles the southern versant of Papua New Guinea’s Central Cordillera. Three of these species are known only from forest growing on karst substrates, adding to the growing number of herpetofauna species currently known only from the extensive karst habitats of Papua New Guinea’s South-fold Mountains. We also describe the arboreal breeding strategies of two of the new species, and report obligate treehole (phytotelm) breeding in New Guinean frogs for the first time. The new phytotelm–breeding species has juveniles with colour and patterning that closely resemble bird droppings, suggesting defensive mimicry or masquerade. A preliminary phylogeny suggests that arboreal-breeding frogs do not form a monophyletic group and that arboreal breeding has evolved multiple times within the New Guinean pelodryadid radiation. A further striking feature of the phylogeny is poor support for most basal nodes in the most diverse radiation of Melanesian Pelodryadidae, suggesting rapid ecological diversification and speciation, potentially following colonisation from Australia and/or mountain uplift. These new taxa and observations highlight previously unrecognised ecological and reproductive diversity in the Melanesian Pelodryadidae.

 

Keywords: Amphibia, arboreal breeding, bird-dropping mimicry, Central Cordillera, frogs, karst, phylogeny, phytotelm-breeding, taxonomy  

slender spotted treefrog Litoria gracilis.

Photo: Steve Richards

Darai Plateau treefrog Litoria daraiensis.

Photo: Steve Richards

Lisa’s treefrog Litoria lisae.

Photo: Steve Richards

 red-bellied treefrog Litoria haematogaster.

Photo: Steve Richards

 crater mountain treehole frog Litoria naispela.

Photo: Steve Richards

A young crater mountain treehole frog with coloring like bird droppings.

Photo: Steve Richards 

Stephen J. Richards, Stephen C. Donnellan and Paul M. Oliver. 2023. Five New Species of the pelodryadid Genus Litoria Tschudi from the southern versant of Papua New Guinea’s Central Cordillera, with Observations on the Diversification of Reproductive Strategies in Melanesian Treefrogs. Zootaxa. 5263(2); 151-190. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5263.2.1

https://www.aol.com/news/five-treefrog-species-including-poo-162249418.html