[Arachnida • 2026] Pikelinia floydmuraria • Another Web in the Wall: A New Pikelinia Mello-Leitão, 1946 (Araneae: Filistatidae) from Colombia

 

Pikelinia floydmuraria  

Villarreal, Delgado-Santa, González-Gómez, Rodríguez-Castro, Román, Agudelo & García, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175423

Abstract

The new synanthropic crevice weaver spider species, from the family Filistatidae, Pikelinia floydmuraria sp. nov. (male and females) is described from the department of Tolima, Colombia. The female internal genitalia of P. fasciata from the Galapagos islands, Ecuador, is described here for the first time. Additional unidentified species of Pikelinia populations were recorded in the departments of Cauca, Quindío, and Risaralda. Dietary analysis of P. floydmuraria sp. nov. (Tolima) and Pikelinia sp. (Armenia) revealed a predominance of Hymenoptera (~35% of prey), followed by Diptera and Coleoptera. This study expands known diversity and trophic ecology of Pikelinia genus.

Key Words: Crevice weaver, food preferences, Galapagos Islands, Neotropic, taxonomy

Pikelinia floydmuraria sp. nov., male paratype (MIZA-0105938).
A. Habitus, dorsal view; B. Carapace, dorsal view; C. Sternum and coxae, ventral view; D. Left Pedipalp, retrolateral view; E. Left Pedipalp, prolateral view; F. Right leg II, metatarsus and tarsus, prolateral view; G. Right metatarsus II, detail of modified setae, prolateral view; H. Female paratype (CIUQ-026403) Habitus, dorsal view.

Photos: Osvaldo Villarreal (A–C; F–G), Leonardo Delgado-Santa (D–H). Scale bars: 1 mm (A, H); 0.5 mm (B, C); 0.25 mm (D, E); 0.1 mm (F, G).

Pikelinia floydmuraria sp. nov., from Tolima.
A. Female, habitus; B–D. Male, habitus;
E, F. Juvenile, attacking a cockroach on the web.

Photos: Julio C. González-Gómez.

Pikelinia floydmuraria sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Pikelinia floydmuraria sp. nov. is the most similar and morphologically closest species to P. fasciata, sharing a nearly identical male palpal structure and leg II chaetotaxy. Males are distinguished from P. fasciata by the concolor leg pattern (vs. annulate) and the abdominal pattern of an irregular longitudinal central blotch (vs. two anterior pale spots and five transversal bands). Females are differentiated by the spermathecae with long, slender, S-shaped receptacle necks (vs. shorter, stouter, and C-shaped in P. fasciata).

Etymology. The specific epithet “floydmuraria” is a neologism derived from “Floyd” (honoring the band Pink Floyd) and “muraria” (from Latin mūrus, wall), alluding to both the album “The Wall” and the species’ wall-dwelling habitat.

 Osvaldo Villarreal, Leonardo Delgado-Santa, Julio C. González-Gómez, Germán A. Rodríguez-Castro, Andrea C. Román, Esteban Agudelo and Luís F. García. 2026. Another Web in the Wall: A New Pikelinia Mello-Leitão, 1946 (Araneae, Filistatidae) from Colombia, with notes on its diet and description of the female genitalia of P. fasciata (Banks, 1902). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 357-366. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175423 [18 Feb 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Ditassa scholaris (Apocynaceae) • A New Species from Bahia (Brazil), in honour of a distinguished scholar of “Asclepiadaceae”

 

Ditassa scholaris Rapini & Giul. 

and D. glaziovii E.Fourn.

in Rapini, Bitencourt, Giulietti et Harley, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10276-x

Summary

As part of ongoing taxonomic studies on Brazilian Apocynaceae and floristic inventories in the state of Bahia, Brazil, we describe and illustrate a new species of Asclepiadoideae. Ditassa scholaris Rapini & Giul. sp. nov. is named in honour of Jorge Fontella Pereira, who dedicated most of his life to studying the “Asclepiadaceae” (now Apocynaceae, subfamily Asclepiadoideae), and described over 90 new species, made 95 new combinations and even more synonyms within the group. The new species is known only from the type specimen within the Caatinga dominion, collected in a northern fragment of the Espinhaço range with an Extent of Occurrence of no more than 10,000 km2. It is threatened by anthropogenic pressure and climate changes and is provisionally assessed as Vulnerable [VU B1ab(i,ii,iii) + D2]. Ditassa scholaris is vegetatively similar to Metastelma giuliettianum Fontella, mainly because of the ovate leaves and the hirsute indumentum covering branches and leaves. Its flowers resemble those of Ditassa glaziovii E.Fourn., particularly due to its double corona, with lobes fused at the base and an internally digitiform segment. However, the erect habit of D. scholaris differentiates it from these twining species. Erect growth has evolved independently in several lineages within the Metastelmatinae core group, predominantly comprising twining plants. We provide a key to distinguish D. scholaris from the other erect species of Metastelmatinae in the Caatinga dominion.

Key Words: Asclepiadoideae, Caatinga, Carrasco, Fontella, Metastelmatinae, taxonomy

Ditassa scholaris (A – D, F – L) and comparison with D. glaziovii (E).
A branches with leaves, flowers and buds; B a pair of leaves showing the hirsute indumentum; C an inflorescence with two open flowers; D, E flowers of Ditassa scholaris (D) and D. glaziovii (E) shown at the same scale for direct comparison of size and morphology; F inner portion of the flower, with calyx and corolla removed, displaying the corona with double lobes positioned in front of the anthers and the apex of the style head in the centre; G – J corona lobe, viewed abaxially (G), laterally (H) and adaxially (J); K anther, abaxial view; L pollinarium. A – D, F – L from the holotype Harley & Giulietti 57032 (HUEFS), E from Rapini et al. 1315 (HUEFS). drawn by a. rapini.

Ditassa scholaris (A – C) and comparison with D. glaziovii (D).
Ditassa scholaris: A branches with leaves, flowers and buds; B portion of a branch showing a closer view of leaves and inflorescences; C close-up of a branch, highlighting the flowers, with lobes burgundy towards the corolla base transitioning to green along the lobe margins, white corona lobes and a greenish style head in the centre.
Ditassa glaziovii: D inflorescence.

A – C from the holotype Harley & Giulietti 57032, in Umburanas, State of Bahia, Brazil, 

D from Rapini et al. 1315, in Licínio de Almeida, State of Bahia, Brazil. 

photos: A – C R. M. harley; D A. rapini.

 

 

Alessandro Rapini, Cassia Bitencourt, Ana Maria Giulietti and Raymond Mervyn Harley. 2026. Ditassa scholaris, A New Species of Apocynaceae from Bahia (Brazil), in honour of a distinguished scholar of “Asclepiadaceae”. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10276-x [05 February 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Covellana niomalan, Sosxetra mamanina & S. thutakanay • Revision of the Comose Flame Moths of the Genus Sosxetra Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Dyopsinae), with Descriptions of A New Genus and Three New Species

 [16, 17, 27] Covellana niomalan Martinez, Homziak, Plotkin & Castillo-Argaez gen. et sp. nov.; 

[5, 6, 26] Sosxetra grata Walker, 1862; 

[9, 10] Sosxetra mamanina Martinez, Homziak, & Castillo-Argaez, sp. nov. 

[11, 12] S. thutakanay Martinez, Homziak, & Castillo-Argaez, sp. nov.

in Martinez, Homziak, Pierson, Campo, Plotkin et Castillo-Argaez, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.138260

Abstract

As part of our Neotropical Dyopsinae Project, a revision of the Neotropical genus Sosxetra Walker is proposed. Morphological and molecular evidence challenge its previous monotypic classification. The genus is redescribed and a neotype is designated for Sosxetra grata Walker, previously considered the only species in the genus. Two new species are described: Sosxetra mamanina Martinez, Homziak, & Castillo-Argaez, sp. nov. and Sosxetra thutakanay Martinez, Homziak, & Castillo-Argaez, sp. nov. Finally, Covellana Martinez, Homziak, Plotkin & Castillo-Argaez, gen. nov., is established based on Covellana niomalan Martinez, Homziak, Plotkin & Castillo-Argaez, sp. nov., previously misidentified as Sosxetra grata.

Key words: Barcoding, cryptic species, Lepidoptera, morphology, neotropics, systematics, taxonomy

Adult head structure. 2. Sosxetra grata, ♂, Yucatan, Mexico, MGCL; 3. S. grata, ♀, Alajuela, Costa Rica, MGCL;
4. Covellana niomalan, Paratype, ♂, Madre de Dios, Peru, MGCL.

Adult habitus of Sosxetra and Covellana.
5. Sosxetra grata, ♂, neotype, Espirito Santo, Brazil, MPM; 6. S. grata, syntype of S. agatha, ♂, Suriname, MfN; 7. S. grata, ♂, Napo, Ecuador, MGCL; 8. S. grata, ♂, Yucatan, Mexico, MGCL;
9. S. mamanina, ♂, holotype, Madre de Dios, Peru, MGCL; 10. S. mamanina, ♂, paratype, Madre de Dios, Peru, MGCL; 11. S. thutakanay, ♂, holotype, Napo, Ecuador, MGCL; 12. S. thutakanay, ♂, paratype, French Guiana, MGCL;
13. S. grata, syntype of S. agatha, ♀, Suriname, MfN; 14. S. grata, ♀, Pichincha, Ecuador, MGCL; 15. S. grata, ♀, paratype, Alajuela, Costa Rica, MGCL;
16. Covellana niomalan, ♂, holotype, Canal Zone, Panama, MGCL; 17. C. niomalan, ♂, paratype, Madre de Dios, Peru, MGCL.

Resting position of Sosxetra and Covellana.
 26. S. grata, ♂, Cayo District, Belize photo by Thomas Shahan;
27. Covellana niomalan Barro Colorado Island, Panama photo by Maxim Larrivée.

Sosxetra mamanina Martinez, Homziak, & Castillo-Argaez, sp. nov. 

Sosxetra thutakanay Martinez, Homziak, & Castillo-Argaez, sp. nov. 

 Covellana Martinez, Homziak, Plotkin & Castillo-Argaez, gen. nov., 

Covellana niomalan Martinez, Homziak, Plotkin & Castillo-Argaez, sp. nov.

 Jose I. Martinez, Nicholas T. Homziak, Taylor L. Pierson, Rhys J. L. Campo, David M. Plotkin and Raiza J. Castillo-Argaez. 2026. Revision of the Comose Flame Moths of the Genus Sosxetra Walker (Noctuidae, Dyopsinae), with Descriptions of A New Genus and Three New Species. ZooKeys. 1268: 227-248.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.138260 [06 Feb 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Philodryas pseudomamba • Morphological and Molecular Variation reveal Cryptic Diversity in the Racer Philodryas patagoniensis (Girard, 1858) (Squamata: Colubridae)

[B, E, H] Philodryas patagoniensis (Girard, 1858); 

[C, F, I] Philodryas pseudomamba Pietro, Sánchez, Poljak & Alcalde, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e169219

Abstract

We analysed the genetic and morphological variation in Philodryas patagoniensis, a widely distributed South American racer snake. Two well-differentiated haplogroups were identified using mitochondrial gene sequences (12S and 16S) and the nuclear gene c-mos. Genetic divergence between these haplogroups correlates strongly with morphological differences, allowing the recognition of two morphotypes within P. patagoniensis. We integrated genetic and morphological data into a total evidence analysis using parsimony. Our results support the distinction between the two haplogroups/morphotypes, consistent with recognising two species within P. patagoniensis. Accordingly, we re-describe P. patagoniensis, refining its morphological variation and geographical distribution to reflect the observed genetic differentiation, and describe a new species. Morphological characteristics can distinguish the two species, including body measurements, scale patterns, and cranial osteology. The new species differs from P. patagoniensis sensu stricto in traits associated with arboreal habits, which are strongly correlated with the distribution of the two taxa across forested and open habitats in South America. Furthermore, P. patagoniensis sensu stricto has a significant Lycosa spider component in its diet, which is absent in the newly described species.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Dipsadinae, Philodryadini, Serpentes, South America, systematics, taxonomy

In-life colouration of
A a Monte of Plains and Plateaus specimen of P. patagoniensis (Rio Negro, Chipauquil, Meseta de Somuncura),
B a Pampa specimen of  P. patagoniensis (Buenos Aires, Sierra de Curamalal), and
C a Humid Chaco specimen of P. pseudomamba sp. nov. (Chaco, Tres Isletas).

Photos are not to scale. Photo credits: David Vera (A), Eduardo Schaeffer (B).

Lateral (A–C), dorsal (D–F), and ventral (G–I) views of the heads of representative specimens from both morphotypes.
The left column (A, D, G) shows a B-morphotype specimen from the Monte of Plains and Plateaus (Rio Negro province, MLP.R 5313). The middle column (B, E, H) features a B-morphotype specimen from the Pampa (Buenos Aires province, MLP.R 6039). The right column (C, F, I) presents an A-morphotype specimen from the Humid Chaco (Corrientes province, MLP.R 5449, holotype). Arrows and asterisks highlight character states (see File S2). Photographs A–F include a line-drawing diagram highlighting in grey the scales involved in each character state, as indicated by arrows and asterisks in the corresponding images. Scale bars = 5 mm.

Philodryas pseudomamba sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Philodryas pseudomamba sp. nov. differs from all other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: (1) dorsal scale rows 19–19–15, (2) HL/TTL between 2 and 3.4%, (3) SVL/TTL between 68 and 77.7%, (4) TL/TTL between 22.2 and 32%, (5) ventral scales between 166 and 199, (6) subcaudal scales between 81 and 124, (7) loreal scale rectangular, longer than tall, (8) dorsal half of the preocular markedly exceeding the posterior margin of the loreal, (9) supralabials 7 (3,4), (10) lateral border of the supraocular straight in dorsal view, (11) first temporal scale large (height being less than 40% of the length), (12) dorsal scales of the head with completely immaculate olive colouration featuring tiny black scale margins, (13) dorsal body design dotted, not maculated, and (14) ventral scales lacking lateral black spots.

Etymology. The prefix pseudo of the epithet derives from Greek, meaning “falseness” or “falsehood”. Mamba refers to the term “imamba” used in the Bantú language (spoken by various African ethnic groups) to designate snakes of the genus Dendroaspis, commonly known in English and other languages as “mambas”. The species name was explicitly inspired by D. polylepis (the black mamba), due to the general physical resemblance and notably aggressive behaviour shared by both species.

 Diego Omar Di Pietro, Julieta Sánchez, Sebastián Poljak and Leandro Alcalde. 2026. Morphological and Molecular Variation reveal Cryptic Diversity in the Racer Philodryas patagoniensis (Girard, 1858) (Squamata: Colubridae). Vertebrate Zoology. 76: 93-119. doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e169219 [10 Feb 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Columnea cumanday (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from the Central Cordillera in the Northern Andes (Colombia)

Columnea cumanday  Solano-C., Parra-Lizc. & Sierra-Ariza,

in Sierra-Ariza, Parra-Lizcano et Solano‑C., 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.14522/darwiniana.2025.132.1312

A new species of Columnea, endemic to the Colombian Andes and discovered in very humid montane forests of the Central Cordillera, is described and illustrated. Columnea cumanday Solano-C., Parra-Lizc. & Sierra-Ariza is distinguished by its lanceolate bracts and calyx lobes with a laciniate margin, each lacinia bearing a gland (green when fresh) at the apex. Both structures are covered with a dense hirsute indumentum of red-purple trichomes. The corolla is uniformly purple, with the outer surface densely covered with transparent, multicellular, glandular trichomes. The species bears four glandular nectaries: one dorsal nectary, bilobed to trilobed, and three deltoid ones. The berry is orange-red, ovate to rounded, villose, and covered with purple-red multicellular trichomes. Discuss and compare their differences with morphologically similar species, and a preliminary conservation status is proposed according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords. Andes; Central Cordillera; Colombia; Gesnerioideae; taxonomy

Columnea cumanday.
A, habit. B, leaf, adaxial and abaxial surface. C, flower, lateral view. D, flower, front view. E, calyx lobe. F, flower, open corolla. G, flower, androecium and gynoecium. H, fruits.

Photographs and LCDP by M. A. Sierra-Ariza.

Columnea cumanday Solano-C., Parra-Lizc. & Sierra-Ariza, sp.nov.

Etymology. The epithet cumanday is a noun in apposition; it refers to the name given by the Carrapa and Quimbaya pre-Hispanic peoples to the snow-capped Volcán Nevado del Ruiz, which means “White Mountain”, where the new species occurs. This name also honors the rich biodiversity of this region.

Mario Alexei Sierra-Ariza, Nicolas Parra-Lizcano and Carlos A. Solano‑C. 2025. A New Species of Columnea (Gesneriaceae) from the Central Cordillera in the Northern Andes (Colombia).  Darwiniana, nueva serie. 13(2); 383-393. DOI: doi.org/10.14522/darwiniana.2025.132.1312

Researchgate.net/publication/396887358_A_new_species_of_Columnea_from_the_Central_Cordillera_in_the_Northern_Andes_Colombia

[Botany • 2026] Peperomia accentus (Piperaceae) • A New geophytic Species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico

Peperomia accentus Reveles & Amancio,

 in Hurtado-Reveles, Amancio et Burgos-Hernández, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.740.3.2

 

Abstract

Peperomia accentus is described and illustrated as a new species of Piperaceae from the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. This new taxon belongs to the subgenus Tildenia, which includes species characterized by their geophytic habit. It can be distinguished from its congeners mainly by the combination of roots at the apex of the globose tuber, peltate leaves, numerous simple inflorescences and flowers with long and geniculated styles of a reddish color. A preliminary threat assessment is provided for the new species based on IUCN Red List guidelines. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the distribution patterns of the Mesoamerican species of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia. Finally, we include a key for species distributed north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

endemic, geophyte, Neotropics, Tildenia, Magnoliids

Peperomia accentus morphology. A. General view of a flowering specimen from a lateral perspective. B. General view from an upper perspective. C. Tuber from the bottom. D. Apex of a developing inflorescence with flowers in different anthesis stages. E. Flower with mature stamens from a front and bottom perspective. F. Close-up of a mature anther. G. Sideways perspective of a flower in anthesis. H. Closeup of a receptive stigma. I. Lateral perspective of a developing fruit.

Photographs of Peperomia accentus in habitat.
A. General view of a flowering specimen. B. Mature inflorescences. C. Closeup of a single inflorescence. D. Specimen growing in a sheltered soil pocket on a rock outcrop.

Peperomia accentus Reveles & Amancio, sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis:—Peperomia accentus can be differentiated from the rest of the geophytic species of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia by the following combination of characters: globose tubers without trunk-like outgrowths, green to wine-colored inflorescences (green to black in sicco), and flowers with geniculate styles 1.5–2.5 mm long, which remain longer than the ovaries after anthesis, persistent in fruit. 

Etymology:—The specific epithet alludes to the common shape of the pistil in developing flowers: a wavy line which resembles a tilde (~). Tildes are graphemes commonly used as diacritic (accent) in several scripts.

Leopoldo HURTADO-REVELES, Guadalupe AMANCIO and Mireya BURGOS-HERNÁNDEZ. 2026. Peperomia accentus (Piperaceae), A New geophytic Species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 740(3); 237-247. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.740.3.2 [2026-02-10]

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis mecada • A New Species of Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the western Slopes of the Serranía del Baudó, Chocó, Colombia

Pristimantis mecada

Garzón-Franco, Durango, Ospina-Sarria & Arredondo, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.4.1  

Researchgate.net/publication/400583019

Abstract

We describe a new species of Pristimantis based on morphological and acoustic evidence from the western slopes of the Serranía del Baudó, tentatively assigned to the Pristimantis ridens species group. The new species can be distinguished from congeneric species by having coppery or reddish bronze iris, with fine black reticulations and light blue sclera, upper eyelid bearing one to three subconical tubercles, posterior surfaces of thighs generally solid brown, with small cream specks present in a few cases and groin solid brown, with some individuals showing a cream or golden blotch. Moreover, this new species distribution is notably distant from the other most similar species, inhabiting the humid lowland tropical forests of the western slopes of the Serranía del Baudó. With the description of this new species, the Pristimantis ridens species group reaches 31 species, that can be found in the Andean and Pacific regions from Central America to northern Peru.

Amphibia, Bioacoustics, Biogeographical Chocó, Pristimantis ridens species group, Taxonomy

 Holotype of Pristimantis mecada in life (EAFIT-0050, SVL = 26.2 mm, adult female).
(A) Lateral view; (B) ventral view; coloration of the posterior surfaces of thigh (C) and groin (D), showing absence of conspicuous marks or spots.

Photos by Juan C. Arredondo.

Pristimantis mecada sp. nov. 

Esteban GARZÓN-FRANCO, Juan-P. DURANGO, Jhon Jairo OSPINA-SARRIA and Juan C. ARREDONDO. 2026. A New Species of Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the western Slopes of the Serranía del Baudó, Chocó, Colombia. Zootaxa. 5757(4); 301-323. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.4.1 [2026-02-09]

 Researchgate.net/publication/400583019_A_new_species_of_Pristimantis_from_the_western_slopes_of_the_Serrania_del_Baudo_Choco_Colombia

[Botany • 2026] Hechtia mixtecana (Bromeliaceae: Hechtioideae) • A New Species from Oaxaca, Mexico

Hechtia mixtecana  Hern.-Cárdenas, Espejo & López-Ferr.,  

in Hernández-Cárdenas, Espejo- Serna, López- Ferrari, Lara- Godínez et Siekkinen, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05137 

Abstract

Botanical explorations carried out in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, led to the discovery of a new Bromeliaceae: Hechtia mixtecana,which is here described and illustrated. The new taxon is compared with the morphologically similar Hechtia fragilis, Hechtia lyman-smithii, and Hechtia minuta. Hechtia mixtecana differs from these taxa by the orientation of the leaves (ascending to divaricate), by the architecture of the staminate (twice branched) and pistillate inflorescences (once to twice branched), and by the length of the primary branches of the pistillate inflorescence (15–28 cm). A complete morphological description, images, and a geographic distribution map of the new species are included, as well as a list of examined specimens.

Keywords: Balsas Basin Province, endemism, Monocots, Poales, Sierra Madre del Sur Province

Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov.
(a) Staminate and pistillate plants in bloom, (b) staminate primary branch, (c) staminate flower, (c1) floral bract, (c2) sepals, (c3) petals, (c4) stamens, (d) pistillate primary branch, (e) pistillate flower, (e1), floral bract, (e2) sepals, (e3) petals, (e4) pistil, (f) fruit, (g) seed. Illustration drawings a, b, c, d, e, f, g by M. T. Jiménez Segura; photographs c1–c4, e1–e4 by R. Hernández-Cárdenas.

Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov.
(a) Staminate flowers, (b) pistillate flowers. Photographs by R. Hernández-Cárdenas.

Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov. (a–b) Rosettes at the type locality.

Photographs by R. Hernández-Cárdenas.

Hechtia mixtecana Hern.-Cárdenas, Espejo & López-Ferr. sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Hechtia mixtecana is similar to H. fragilis but differs in the inflorescence of the staminate plants (twice branched versus once branched), in the presence of indument on its peduncle and floral bracts (glabrous versus lepidote), in the shape (elliptic versus broadly ovate to oblong) of the petals of the staminate flowers; in the length of the primary branches of the pistillate plants (15–28 versus 1–6 cm), and in the presence of indument on its floral bracts (glabrous versus lepidote).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to and honours the Mixtec culture from Mexico. One of the regions occupied by the Mixtec ethnic group is located in northwestern Oaxaca, the area in which the type locality of the new species is found.

Rodrigo Alejandro Hernández- Cárdenas, Adolfo Espejo- Serna, Ana Rosa López- Ferrari, Sofía Ana Lucrecia Lara- Godínez and Andrew Siekkinen. 2026. Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov. (Hechtioideae; Bromeliaceae), from Oaxaca, Mexico. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05137 [02 February 2026] 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Psalidodon terezinhae, P. velhochico & P. paiva • Unraveling a 150-Year-Old Enigma: Psalidodon rivularis (Characiformes: Acestrorhamphidae: Acestrorhampinae), a Species Complex or a Polymorphic Species

 (a, b) Psalidodon terezinhae 
 (c, d) h  P. velhochico 
 (e, f) P. paiva  

Rodrigues-Oliveira, Assis, Pimente, Soares, Silva, Rocha, Menegidio, Pasa & Kavalco, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/biology14121793

Abstract

Psalidodon rivularis, a fish endemic to the São Francisco River Basin and known as “piaba do córrego,” has long been regarded as a widely distributed species complex, exhibiting remarkable morphological and cytogenetic variation, even in sympatry. This study aims to determine whether P. rivularis represents a single polymorphic species or a group of cryptic species. We analyzed meristic, morphometric, and karyotypic data from 419 specimens identified as P. rivularis, as well as from the related species Astyanax turmalinensis and Hyphessobrycon santae. Additionally, we inferred the phylogeny of the group using NGS data from 25 individuals, incorporating both mitochondrial and nuclear genomic sequences. Our integrative results support the recognition of at least five distinct species within the P. rivularis complex. The true P. rivularis (called morphotype 1) has 46 chromosomes, while the others have 50 and differ in both morphology and distribution. One of these corresponds to Psalidodon santae comb. nov.—which includes A. turmalinensis as a junior synonym—and three others are newly described species. These findings clarify the diversity of fishes in the São Francisco River Basin and highlight the importance of conserving its unique freshwater ecosystems.

Keywords: cytotypes; cryptic species; phylogenomics; morphometrics

Psalidodon terezinhae (a) holotype, LaGEEvo 27-4521, 53.0 mm SL, Lage stream, Abaeté River drainage and (b) LaGEEvo 35-529, 45.0 mm SL, Funchal River, Indaiá River drainage.
  P. velhochico (c) holotype, LaGEEvo 28-5079, 77.0 mm SL, Rasga Canga Waterfall, São Francisco River drainage and (d) LaGEEvo 51-4999, 75.0 mm SL, Casca d’Anta Waterfall, São Francisco River drainage.
P. paiva (e) holotype, LaGEEvo 29-2072, 62.0 mm SL, Bonito stream, Borrachudo River drainage and (f) LaGEEvo 55, 34.5 mm SL, Usina do Abaeté dam Lagoon, Abaeté River drainage.

Psalidodon terezinhae sp. nov.

Psalidodon velhochico sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet velhochico is used as a noun in apposition and refers to the popular nickname of the São Francisco River in Brazil, affectionately called “Velho Chico” (“Old Chico”) by Brazilians.

Psalidodon paiva sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is used as a noun in apposition and honors the Paiva family, whose life, portrayed in the Brazilian Oscar-winning film “Ainda Estou Aqui” (2024), was profoundly affected by the imprisonment, disappearance, and execution of the family patriarch, Rubens Paiva, during the Brazilian military dictatorship.

Igor Henrique Rodrigues-Oliveira, Priscila Martins de Assis, Luiz Guilherme Pereira Pimente, Rafael Augusto Silva Soares, Iuri Batista da Silva, Renan Rodrigues Rocha, Fabiano Bezerra Menegidio, Rubens Pasa and Karine Frehner Kavalco. 2025. Unraveling a 150-Year-Old Enigma: Psalidodon rivularis (Acestrorhamphidae: Acestrorhampinae), a Species Complex or a Polymorphic Species. Biology. 14(12), 1793. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/biology14121793 [16 December 2025]

 

Simple Summary: This study investigates a group of closely related fish species from southeastern Brazil known as the Psalidodon rivularis complex. These fishes are very similar in appearance, which has made it difficult to know exactly how many species exist. By combining information from their body shape, body measurements, chromosome counts, and DNA, we found that what was once thought to be a single species includes at least five distinct ones. The true P. rivularis has 46 chromosomes, while the others have 50. One of them corresponds to Psalidodon santae, which was previously classified in another genus, and three are new species described here. Our results also suggest that their diversity arose through processes such as changes in chromosome numbers, hybridization between populations, and morphological divergence, potentially within broader scenarios that may involve vicariant or adaptive processes. These fishes live in small rivers and streams of the Upper São Francisco River basin, environments that are rich in unique species but threatened by human activities. Recognizing and protecting these new species is essential for conserving the biodiversity of Brazilian freshwater ecosystems.

[Entomology • 2024] Actinote pyrrhosticta • A New Species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae: Acraeini) from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru

 

Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall,

C-H, Actinote  pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp., Peru, Cuzco; 

   I) Actinote pyrrhosticta n. ssp.?, Peru, La Libertad, 

J) A. hilaris arcoiris n. ssp. female, Ecuador, Morona-Santiago,   

K, L) Actinote hilaris sourakovi n. ssp. female, Peru, Amazonas,   
   

in Willmott, Lamas, Hall, Boyer, Pyrcz et Florczyk, 2024.  

Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1) 

  journals.flvc.org/TropLep/article/view/134801

Abstract  

We describe one new species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote Hübner, [1819] (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini) from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru: Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall, n. sp., Actinote pyrrhosticta quintecocha Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta apurimac Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta alfamayo Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia albesia Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia canyaris Pyrcz & Lamas, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris arcoiris Willmott & Hall, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris sourakovi Willmott & Lamas, n. ssp., and Actinote trinacria alegria Boyer & Willmott, n. ssp. We treat Actinote binghamae Dyar, 1913 as a new synonym of Actinote eresia eresina (Hoffer, 1874) n. syn., and treat Altinote santamarta Winhard, 2017 as a subspecies, Actinote trinacria santamarta rev. stat. We illustrate adult specimens of all described taxa of A. pyrrhosticta n. sp., A. eresia (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862) and A. hilaris Jordan, 1910, and representatives of A. trinacria (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862). We also provide illustrations of male and female genitalia for select taxa, distribution maps, and a revised, annotated synonymic list for all four species.

  

Images of new Actinote taxa in nature.
A, B) Mating pair of Actinote pyrrhosticta n. sp., female in foreground (A), and male (B), resting on rocks and low vegetation near edge of stream gully at type locality;
C-H, Actinote  pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp., Peru, Cuzco, above Mollepata (photographs by David Geale). C) Last instar; D) Pupal case with freshly emerged adult adjacent; E) Cluster of pupae; F,G) Males nectaring on Asteraceae flowers; H) Female nectaring on Asteraceae flowers;
I) Actinote pyrrhosticta n. ssp.?, Peru, La Libertad, Cochorco (photograph by Jonathan Newman);
J) A. hilaris arcoiris n. ssp. female, puddling on damp gravel, Ecuador, Morona-Santiago, Cebadas-Macas road;
K, L) Actinote hilaris sourakovi n. ssp. female, dorsal (K) and ventral (L), Peru, Amazonas, Abra Patricia (photographs by David Geale).  

Habitats of new Actinote taxa. A) Ecuador, Loja, Jimbura-San Andrés road, type locality of Actinote pyrrhosticta n. sp., stream gully and road where numerous individuals were observed on the morning of 12 June 2014; B) Peru, Cajamarca, El Pargo, habitat of A. pyrrhosticta n. sp. C) Peru,Apurímac, Santuario Nacional Ampay, Laguna Angasocha, type locality of A. pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp.D) Peru,Apurímac, Santuario Nacional Ampay, Laguna Uspacocha, habitat of A. pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp.E) Peru,Lambayeque, Cañaris, type locality of A. eresia canyaris n. ssp.F) Ecuador, Zamora-Chinchipe, San Francisco, type locality of Actinote hilaris arcoiris n. ssp.  

Keith R. Willmott, Gerardo Lamas, Jason P. W. Hall, Pierre Boyer, Tomasz Pyrcz and Klaudia Florczyk. 2024. A New Species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini). Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1); 1-20.

  journals.flvc.org/TropLep/article/view/134801

 inabio.biodiversidad.gob.ec/2023/10/27/una-nueva-especie-y-ocho-nuevas-subspecies-de-mariposas-son-descritas-en-colombia-ecuador-y-peru/

En este trabajo describimos una especie nueva y ocho nuevas subspecies altoandinas de Actinote Hübner, [1819] (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini) encontradas en Colombia, Ecuador y Perú: Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall, n. sp., Actinote pyrrhosticta quintecocha Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta apurimac Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta alfamayo Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia albesia Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia canyaris Pyrcz & Lamas, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris arcoiris Willmott & Hall, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris sourakovi Willmott & Lamas, n. ssp., y Actinote trinacria alegria Boyer & Willmott, n. ssp. Consideramos a Actinote binghamae Dyar, 1913 como un nuevo sinónimo de Actinote eresia eresina (Hoffer, 1874) n. syn., y a Altinote santamarta Winhard, 2017 como una subespecie, Actinote trinacria santamarta rev. stat. Ademas, ilustramos especímenes adultos de todos los taxa descritos de A. pyrrhosticta n. sp., A. eresia (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862) y A. hilaris Jordan, 1910, y algunos representantes de A. trinacria (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862). También presentamos ilustraciones de las genitalias masculinas y femeninas de algunos taxones seleccionados, junto con mapas de distribución, y una lista de sinonimos revisada para las cuatro especies. 

Shinichi Nakahara, Albert Thurman, Gordon B. Small. 2024. A new species of Pseudodebis Forster, 1964 from Panama (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae). Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1); 21-28.  

[Botany • 2026] Costus maasiorum (Costaceae) • A New Species from western Ecuador

Costus maasiorum D.Skinner, J.L.Clark, & C.D.Specht, 

in Skinner, Valderrama, Clark, Landis, Harden et Specht, C.D. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.01.02

 Abstract 

We here describe Costus maasiorum, a new species from western Ecuador. This new species shares morphological similarities with Costus macrostrobilus, but differs in having plicate leaves, erect and triangular bract appendages, and semi-tubular elongate flowers. A phylogeny based on 5.9+ million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly supports a sister relationship between C. maasiorum and C. macrostrobilus. Additional taxonomic sampling in subsequent analyses indicates a close relationship with C. gibbosus and C. antioquiensis. A comprehensive taxonomic description, including detailed photographs and information about the habitat and ecology of the new species are provided. A preliminary conservation status is recommended as Least Concern (LC).

Keywords: COSTACEAE; Costus; Genome resequencing, Neotropics, SNP-based phylogeny, Zingiberales 

Costus maasiorum sp. nov.:
 A. Stem from D.Skinner 3071 (BH) showing red striations; B. Close-up of lower side of leaf showing pubescence; C. Red lower side of leaf from a plant observed in Buenaventura in southern Ecuador; D. Close-up of upper side of leaf showing pubescence; E. Plant in habitat, Bilsa, Ecuador; F. Inflorescence from Bilsa, Ecuador.

Photos A-F by Dave Skinner.

Costus maasiorum sp. nov. specimen D.Skinner 3202:
A. Stem and ligule with red striations. B. Flower with attached immature fruit and bracteole. C. Inflorescence close-up of same plant showing appendaged bracts. D-E. Upper (D) and lower (E) side of leaves showing variation in indument and red coloration as compared with Fig. 3. F. Plant in habitat at Siete Cataratas, Ecuador. G. Close up of young inflorescence showing sequential flowering with spiromonistichous phyllotaxy.

Photos A-G by Dave Skinner.

Costus maasiorum D.Skinner, J.L.Clark, & C.D.Specht, sp. nov.

 Costus maasiorum sp. nov. can be recognized by its plicate leaves, often dark purple underneath, the presence of appendaged bracts with the appendages being erect and triangular in shape, and the primarily yellow flower with the labellum presenting as a narrow, elongate floral tube. The overall morphology of the plant is similar to that of Costus macrostrobilus, but the species differs in having a more tubular labellum, plicate leaves (non-plicate or flat leaves in C. macrostrobilus) and in the shape of the bract appendages that are concave and somewhat pungent (ending in a stiff, sharp point in C. macrostrobilus). 

Etymology — Costus maasiorum is named in honour of the botanical couple Professor Paul J.M. Maas and Hiltje Maas-van de Kamer and the contribution of this couple to systematic and taxonomic work within the Costaceae. It was Dr. Paul Maas who visited Bilsa in 1997 and first noted this species as undescribed. Paul began working on Costaceae during his PhD in which he completed two monographs on New World Costoideae for Flora Neotropica, establishing himself as the expert on this and other families of Neotropical Zingiberales. The two Flora Neotropica volumes, which included revisions of the Costoideae, provided species level descriptions and detailed understanding of taxonomic limits, biogeographic distributions, morphological variation, and relationships among species of Costaceae that still stand today, often being confirmed by subsequent DNA-based phylogenetic studies. Paul’s observations of differences between closely related species and awareness of variation noted in living plants and in herbarium specimens enabled and inspired decades of research on this interesting and charismatic tropical family. ...

 

 Skinner, D.; Valderrama, E.; Clark, J.L.; Landis, J.B.; Harden, J.J. and Specht, C.D. 2026. Costus maasiorum: A New Species of Neotropical Costaceae from western Ecuador. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. 70(1);116-124(9).DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.01.02 [January 1, 2026]