[Herpetology • 2025] Diploderma bifluviale • A New Species of Diploderma Hallowell, 1861 (Squamata: Agamidae) discovered in the upper Dadu River valley of the Hengduan Mountains, Sichuan, China

 Diploderma bifluviale

F. Liu, Wu, Zhang, Yang, S. Liu, Chen, Chang, Xie &  Cai. 2025

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1251.153705

Abstract

A new species of the genus Diploderma is described from the upper Dadu River Valley in the Hengduan mountains of Sichuan Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial ND2 gene revealed that the new species, Diploderma bifluviale sp. nov., forms a distinct lineage within the Diploderma flaviceps group with an uncorrected genetic distance of ≥3.88%. Morphologically, the new species differs from its congeners by a combination of characters, including a shorter snout-vent length (SVL 62.51–72.55 mm), a shorter tail (TAL/SVL ratio 1.37–1.56), concealed tympanum, absence of a gular spot, and lemon-chiffon dorsolateral stripes with serrated edges in males. Additionally, Diploderma bifluviale sp. nov. exhibits unique coloration traits such as a wheat-colored tongue and the fourth toe with claw reaching either the tympanum or the area between shoulder and tympanum when hind limbs adpressed forward. The species inhabits semi-arid shrublands in warm-dry valleys at elevations of 2,187–2,525 m – a habitat that is distinct from those of its closest relatives. This discovery highlights the understudied biodiversity of the upper Dadu River. Diploderma bifluviale sp. nov. represents the 49th species of the genus and expands our understanding of morphological and ecological diversity within the D. flaviceps group.

Key words: Agamidae, Barkam City, dry valley, Eastern Tibetan Plateau, Jinchuan County, lizard, ND2, taxonomy

 Diploderma bifluviale sp. nov.

 Fengjing Liu, Yayong Wu, Jindong Zhang, Guang Yang, Shuo Liu, Xue Chen, Jiang Chang, Qiang Xie and Bo Cai. 2025. A New Species of Diploderma Hallowell, 1861 (Squamata, Agamidae) discovered in the upper Dadu River valley of the Hengduan Mountains, Sichuan, China. ZooKeys. 1251: 17-38.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1251.153705

[Mollusca • 2020] Imeretiopsis gen. nov., Caucasopsis gen. nov., Caucasogeyeria colchis, C. chrysomallos, Imeretiopsis prometheus, Kartvelobia sinuata, Hausdorfenia shareula, ... • The Phylogeny of stygobiotic Sadlerianinae Szarowska, 2006 (Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae) from Georgia with Descriptions of Five New Genera and Twenty-one New Species [Revealing the stygobiotic and crenobiotic Molluscan Biodiversity Hotspot in Caucasus: Part I]

 5–8 Caucasogeyeria colchis sp. nov., live specimens Pirveli Balda, spring in the village
9–12 C. chrysomallos sp. nov.  

in Grego, Mumladze, Falniowski, Osikowski, Rysiewska, Palatov et Hofman, 2020.

  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.955.51983 

Abstract

The position of the southwestern Caucasus as a stygobiotic Mollusca hotspot is confirmed. Molecular data of stygobiotic gastropods revealed the diversity of subfamily Sadlerianinae Szarowska, 2006, inhabiting the subterranean environment of Georgia. In addition to the well-known endemic genera Pontohoratia Vinarski, Palatov & Glöer, 2014 and Motsametia Vinarski, Palatov & Glöer, 2014, five more genera were identified in northwestern Georgia as new to the science: Kartvelobia gen. nov., Imeretiopsis gen. nov., Caucasopsis gen. nov., Caucasogeyeria gen. nov., and Hausdorfenia gen. nov. Additionally, 21 new species were found to inhabit the studied area (Samegrelo, Imereti, Racha regions in Georgia).

Keywords: cave, biodiversity, freshwater, interstitial, mtDNA, molecular taxonomy, spring, subterranean

Caucasogeyeria specimens used for molecular and anatomical studies
 1 Caucasogeyeria chrysomallos sp. nov. 2–4 C. ignidona sp. nov. 5–8 C. colchis sp. nov., live specimens Pirveli Balda, spring in the village 9–12 C. chrysomallos sp. nov. The numbers correspond to individuals. Photograph A. Falniowski, J. Grego, A. Rysiewska.

 Jozef Grego, Levan Mumladze, Andrzej Falniowski, Artur Osikowski, Aleksandra Rysiewska, Dimitry M. Palatov and Sebastian Hofman. 2020. Revealing the stygobiotic and crenobiotic Molluscan Biodiversity Hotspot in Caucasus: Part I. The Phylogeny of stygobiotic Sadlerianinae Szarowska, 2006 (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Hydrobiidae) from Georgia with Descriptions of Five New Genera and Twenty-one New Species. ZooKeys. 955: 1-77. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.955.51983 

  

[Crustacea • 2025] Galathea tukitukimea • A New Species of Galathea (Decapoda: Galatheidae) from the seamounts of the Easter Island Area (Southeast Pacific Ocean Ridge) associated with a sea urchin

 

Galathea tukitukimea

Ángeles Gallardo Salamanca, Asorey & Macpherson, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1248.159542

Abstract

Galathea tukitukimea sp. nov. is described from the seamounts near Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and represents the first record of the genus for this region of the Pacific Ocean and for Chilean territory. The new species belongs to the group of species having the carapace with median protogastric and cardiac spines. G. tukitukimea has always been observed associated with the sea urchin Stereocidaris nascaensis. This potential mimicry-based association is uncommon in squat lobsters, which warrants further study.

Key words: Barcoding, Crustacea, Galatheoidea, symbiosis, taxonomy

Galathea tukitukimea sp. nov. , holotype, male (MNHNC DEC-15582) and paratype, female (SCBUCN6722). Color in life, dorsal view.

Galathea tukitukimea sp. nov. on Stereocidaris nascaensis in habitat.
A. Pukao seamount, depth 348 m; B. Motu Motiro Hiva Island, depth 407 m; C. G. tukitukimea on the spine of S. nascaensis. Image credit ROV SuBastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute, FKt240224 expedition.

Superfamily Galatheoidea Samouelle, 1819

Family Galatheidae Samouelle, 1819

Genus Galathea Fabricius, 1793

 Galathea tukitukimea sp. nov. 

Etymology: The specific epithet tukitukimea derives from the Rapa Nui words tuki tuki mea, meaning “red dots”, in reference to the vivid reddish spots on the carapace and pereiopods. The name was proposed by Serafina Moulton Tepano, a Rapa Nui artist who accompanied the FKt240224 expedition. It is treated as a noun in apposition.

 María de los Ángeles Gallardo Salamanca, Cynthia Asorey, Enrique Macpherson. 2025. A New Species of Galathea (Decapoda, Galatheidae) from the seamounts of the Easter Island area (Southeast Pacific Ocean Ridge) associated with a sea urchin. ZooKeys. 1248: 111-123. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1248.159542

[Ichthyology • 2025] Ictalurus nazas • A New Species of North American Catfish (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae) from Mexico

 

Ictalurus nazas

Avila-Treviño, Cardoza-Martínez, Alonzo-Rojo & Pérez-Rodríguez, 2025

 . 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1248.151641

Abstract

Catfishes of the genus Ictalurus (Ictaluridae) range geographically from southern Canada to northern Guatemala and Belize. The systematics of this genus remain unresolved, with recent studies suggesting the presence of cryptic diversity. This is the case for a potentially undescribed catfish species distributed in the Nazas River basin, which has been recorded to date as a population of Ictalurus pricei. Recent phylogenetic studies suggest that it represents an independently evolving lineage that is distinct from I. pricei. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic characters that differentiate the Nazas River basin lineage and to describe this lineage as a new taxon. Morphological comparisons were made using meristic and morphometric characters. The study identified useful meristic and morphometric characters for diagnosing Ictalurus nazas sp. nov., which differentiate it from I. pricei.

Key words: Ictalurus pricei, identification key, morphological comparison, Nazas basin, punctatus group, Siluriformes, taxonomy

Ictalurus nazas sp. nov. holotype, UMSNH-2654, adult, SL 302 mm, Ramos River, 1.12 km north of El Olote, Santiago Papasquiaro, Durango, Mexico, endorheic drainage Ramos River.

View of the pectoral spine of Ictalurus species: 

A. Ictalurus nazas sp. nov., 33 mm. and B. I. pricei, 28 mm. 

I. nazas sp. nov. exhibits fewer posterior dentations, which are underdeveloped and can only be distinguished from the middle of the spine towards the apex.

Type locality of I. nazas sp. nov. Ramos River, 1.12 km north of El Olote, Santiago Papasquiaro, Durango, Mexico, endorheic drainage, Ramos River; ....

Ictalurus nazas sp. nov. holotype, UMSNH-2654, adult, SL 302 mm, Ramos River, 1.12 km north of El Olote, Santiago Papasquiaro, Durango, Mexico, endorheic drainage Ramos River.

 Edith Avila-Treviño, Gabriel Fernando Cardoza-Martínez, Fernando Alonzo-Rojo and Rodolfo Pérez-Rodríguez. 2025. Ictalurus nazas sp. nov., A New Species of North American Catfish (Siluriformes, Ictaluridae) from Mexico. ZooKeys. 1248: 33-51. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1248.151641

[Diplopoda • 2025] Eudigraphis huadongensis • A New Species of Eudigraphis (Polyxenida: Polyxenidae) from East China, with embryonic and post-embryonic development observations, and mitogenomic and genetic divergence analyses

 

 Eudigraphis huadongensis   Yang & Bu,

in Yang, Bu, Godeiro, Gao et Jin, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1247.155348

 

Abstract

Eudigraphis huadongensis Yang & Bu, sp. nov. from east China is described and illustrated. The new species is compared with other congeners in detail and observations about its embryonic and post-embryonic development are provided. The complete mitochondrial genome of the new species is also analyzed, which represents the first published mitogenome of Polyxenida. The genetic divergence between E. huadongensis sp. nov. and its congeners was analyzed using Neighbor-Joining inference based on COI gene sequences. Eudigraphis huadongensis sp. nov. clustered with E. nigricans and E. kinutensis, supporting the morphological identification. The newly assembled mitogenome is 15,206 bp in length and its gene order is unique, possibly representing a pattern among Polyxenida species.

Key words: Bristle millipedes, mitochondrial genome, molecular analysis, taxonomy, stadium

Class Diplopoda de Blainville in Gervais 1844

Subclass Penicillata Latreille, 1831

Order Polyxenida Verhoeff, 1934

Family Polyxenidae Lucas, 1840

Subfamily Monographinae Condé, 2008

Genus Eudigraphis Silvestri, 1948

Type species. Eudigraphis japonica Silvestri, 1948 (= Eudigraphis takakuwai); 

type locality: Ehime-ken and Kanagawa of Japan.

Diagnosis. Head with eight ommatidia on each side. Body with ten segments, nine pleural projections, a telson, and 13 pairs of legs. Antenna with eight articles, the sixth antennal article has three long bacilliform sensilla, some species also have one conical sensillum and one setiform sensillum; the seventh antennal article has two long bacilliform sensilla, some species also have one conical sensillum and one setiform sensillum; eighth antennal articles is shorter than article VII, with four finger-shaped sensory cones. Tergites with two lateral clusters of trichomes plus a single continuous row of trichomes close to posterior edge. Caudal trichomes on telson arranged as a penicil of hooked and barbate trichomes. The mandible has a comb-lobe, an intermediate plate, and a proximal plate, without a molar tuft.

Distribution. China (Jiangsu, Shanghai, Taiwan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan.

Live specimen of  Eudigraphis huadongensis sp. nov. 

Embryonic development of Eudigraphis huadongensis sp. nov.
A. Adults and eggs; B. Eggs protected by caudal trichomes; C, D. Embryo of two weeks; E. Embryos with ommatidia pigments present; F. Embryos observed in the fourth week; G. Embryos and new-hatched juvenile; H. Juveniles of stadium I after 2 days; I. Juvenile of stadium I, showing brown caudal bundle.

Eudigraphis huadongensis Yang & Bu, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Eudigraphis huadongensis sp. nov. is characterized by three long bacilliform sensilla, one conical sensillum and one setiform sensillum on the sixth antennal article, two long bacilliform sensilla, one conical sensillum and one setiform sensillum on seventh antennal article; posterior vertex trichome groups with 11–16 sockets in anterior row and 7–13 sockets in posterior row; 12 slender sensilla on lateral palp of gnathochilarium and 20 or 21 conical sensilla on the medial palp; 2+2 lamellae and 5+5 clypeo-labral setae on the labrum. The mandible has 14 branched comb teeth, ten rows of simple comb teeth, three longitudinal groups of intermediate sensilla, 14 serrate limbs, one smooth limb, 13 salivary ostioles, seven molar processes and seven molar combs. The leg setae have a coniform pleated base. The telson has 11–17 ornamental trichomes on each side dorsal to the caudal bundle; hooked caudal trichomes with a maximum of eight hooks.

Etymology. The species was named after the Chinese words “Huadong” = “East China” which is the region where all type specimens were collected.

Si-Qi Yang, Yun Bu, Nerivania Nunes Godeiro, Yan Gao and Ya-Li Jin. 2025. A New Species of Eudigraphis (Diplopoda, Polyxenida, Polyxenidae) from East China, with embryonic and post-embryonic development observations, and mitogenomic and genetic divergence analyses. ZooKeys. 1247: 63-88. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1247.155348

[Entomology • 2020] Eudicrana chingaza, E. maculata, ... • Four New Neotropical Species of Eudicrana Loew (Diptera: Mycetophilidae: Sciophilinae) from the Colombian high Andean Ecosystems, with comments on the Genus

  

[B] Eudicrana chingaza 

[C] E. maculata

[D] E. merizaldei 

Henao-Sepúlveda, Wolff & Amorim, 2020

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.988.49627

Abstract

Four new species of the sciophiline genus Eudicrana Loew are described for the Eastern and Central Andes of Colombia–Eudicrana silvaandina sp. nov., E. chingaza sp. nov., E. maculata sp. nov. and E. merizaldei. These are the first species of Eudicrana described from the extreme northern range of the Andes. The altitudinal distribution of these species in the paramos and high Andean forest ecosystems is restricted to 1750–3660 m a.s.l. and some other information on the environment is briefly discussed. A key for the Colombian species of Eudicrana is provided and a discussion is elaborated on the position of these species within the genus.

Keywords: Andean ecosystem, biology, diversity, Neotropical region, taxonomy

A Habitus of Eudicrana silvaandina sp. nov., male (holotype) B Habitus of E. chingaza sp. nov., male (holotype), terminalia detached
C Habitus of E. maculata sp. nov., male (holotype)
D Male habitus of E. merizaldei sp. nov. (holotype) E Habitus of E. merizaldei sp. nov., female.

Scale bar: 1mm

A Landscape images of the municipality of San José de la Montaña, paramo El Congo, Colombia, type locality of Eudicrana maculata sp. nov. (holotype) B Malaise trap habitat is in area covered on A
C landscape images of the municipality of Envigado, private property Nubarrones, type locality of E. merizaldei sp. nov. (holotype) D Malaise trap habitat is in area covered on C.

Carolina Henao-Sepúlveda, Marta Wolff and Dalton de Souza Amorim. 2020. Four New Neotropical Species of Eudicrana Loew (Diptera, Mycetophilidae, Sciophilinae) from the Colombian high Andean Ecosystems, with comments on the Genus. ZooKeys. 988: 129-150. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.988.49627

[Arachnida • 2020] Pholcus tongyaoi • Notes on Two closely related Spider Species of the Pholcus phungiformes species group (Araneae: Pholcidae) from Beijing, China

 

Pholcus tongyaoi  Wang & Yao,   

in Wang, Shaheen, He et Yao, 2020. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.965.56199

Abstract

The Pholcus phungiformes species group is highly diverse and currently contains 53 species. In this study, Pholcus tongyaoi Wang & Yao, sp. nov. (male, female) from Huairou District, Beijing, China is described while similar congener Pholcus lexuancanhi Yao, Pham & Li, 2012 from neighboring Haidian District (type locality) is redescribed; the female of P. lexuancanhi is described for the first time. In addition, the DNA barcode COI for the two species was obtained to estimate p-distance.

Keywords: daddy-long-leg spider, DNA barcode, morphology, Pholcinae, taxonomy

Pholcus tongyaoi sp. nov., live specimens and habitat
A, B adult and juvenile males in old house 
C, D adult male and female with egg-sac on rock walls
E, F habitat.

Photographs by T Jiang (IZCAS).

Pholcus tongyaoi Wang & Yao, sp. nov. 

 Xiang Wang, Shumaila Shaheen, Qiaoqiao He and Zhiyuan Yao. 2020. Notes on Two closely related Spider Species of the Pholcus phungiformes species group (Araneae, Pholcidae) from Beijing, China. ZooKeys. 965: 1-16. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.965.56199

[Arachnida • 2025] Phlogiellus khampheng • A New Species of Southeast Asian Dwarf Tarantula in the Genus Phlogiellus Pocock, 1897 (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Selenocosmiinae) from Lao PDR

 

Phlogiellus khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang,

in Sriranan, Songsangchote, Sihavong, Sayavongsa, Sidavong, Satakoun, Inkhavilay, Chomphuphuang et Gabriel, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1247.155398

Abstract

A new species of Southeast Asian dwarf tarantula, Phlogiellus khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov., is described from Pakse, Champasack Province, Lao PDR. The species is placed within the Yamia group of the genus Phlogiellus, which is characterized by the absence of maxillary lyra. Phlogiellus khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov. can be distinguished from other species within the Yamia group by the unique morphology of the female spermathecae and the male embolus. The habitat and natural history of P. khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov. are also discussed, with specimens found in mixed deciduous forests near Pakse, Lao PDR, inhabiting various microhabitats such as soil walls, under rocks, and within tree hollows. An updated comparison of scopula characteristics and labial cuspule counts across Phlogiellus species highlights the variability of these traits and their limitations as diagnostic features. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation methods (ABGD and ASAP) further support the recognition of P. khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov. as a distinct species.

Key words: Distribution, Mygalomorphae, Tarantula, Taxonomy, Theraphosidae, Yamia

Phlogiellus khampheng sp. nov.
 A. Holotype ♂, NUoL00058–PKP0001; B. Paratype ♀, NUoL00058–PKP0003.

Phlogiellus khampheng sp. nov.
A. Non-type NUoL00058–PKP0006 ♀ adult carrying an egg sac; B. Subterranean system of silk tube retreats under rock.

Phlogiellus khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Phlogiellus khampheng sp. nov. was included in Phlogiellus based on the presence of a strong single retrolateral keel on the male embolus and a third claw on leg IV. P. khampheng sp. nov. is classified in the Yamia group (Kishida 1920) of Phlogiellus, similar to P. aper, P. birulai, P. brevipes, P. bundokalbo, P. daweiensis, P. longipalpus, P. moniqueverdezae, P. mutus, P. quanyui, P. raveni, and P. watasei due to the absence of maxillary lyra in female specimens. The P. khampheng sp. nov. differs from P. aper, P. birulai, P. brevipes, P. daweiensis, P. longipalpus, P. mutus, and P. watasei in having all metatarsal scopulae undivided, and differs from P. raveni and female P. bundokalbo in tarsal scopula division (divided on tarsus II, III and IV). The male P. khampheng sp. nov. differs from P. brevipes, P. daweiensis, P. moniqueverdezae, P. quanyui, P. raveni, and P. watasei, except P. longipalpus, by having a longer and more slender embolus with a distinct curve (Fig. 8). It can be further distinguished from P. moniqueverdezae by the narrower width at the base of the embolus. P. khampheng sp. nov. can also be distinguished from P. moniqueverdezae by geographical distribution with P. moniqueverdezae being found nearly 1,000 km away across the Gulf of Thailand. Furthermore, the male P. khampheng sp. nov. can be distinguished by the angle between the lowest and highest point of the embolus (ALH), which is 59°, compared to 77° in P. longipalpus and 44° in P. moniqueverdezae (Fig. 8). The female of P. khampheng sp. nov. differs from all other species in the Yamia group in the shape of the female spermathecae (Except female P. aper does not have described) which are twin receptacles with sub-apical buds (Fig. 6).

Etymology. The species name “Khampheng” originates from the Lao and Thai languages, particularly in the Northeastern region, where it is used as a term of endearment to refer to someone who is cherished and precious to the speaker. The word carries a strong connotation of deep affection and high esteem, and it is often used in a loving and respectful manner when addressing or describing a person of great importance in one’s life. By choosing this name, the authors sought to convey the special and valuable relationship between Thailand and Laos, the two countries that collaborated closely in the discovery of this remarkable new tarantula species. “Khampheng” symbolizes the mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation that enabled the two nations to work together in advancing our understanding of the natural world and the incredible biodiversity it contains.

 Patipan Sriranan, Chaowalit Songsangchote, Odeth Sihavong, Phoukhanh Sayavongsa, Keolamphanh Sidavong, Lilammone Satakoun, Khamla Inkhavilay, Narin Chomphuphuang and Ray Gabriel. 2025. A New Species of Southeast Asian Dwarf Tarantula in the Genus Phlogiellus Pocock, 1897, from Lao PDR (Theraphosidae, Selenocosmiinae). ZooKeys. 1247: 19-43. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1247.155398

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Gekko fengshanensis • A New Species of Karst-adapted Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Gekko) from Guangxi, southern China

 

Gekko fengshanensis

Z. Huang, H.-T. Wang, Qi, Song, Y. Huang, Y.-Y. Wang & Mo, 2025

凤山壁虎 || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.153769

Abstract

A new species of the genus Gekko Laurenti, 1768, Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov., is described based on six specimens from Fengshan County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. It is placed into the subgenus Japonigekko based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, and distinguished from consubgeners of Japonigekko by a combination of morphological characters in body size, cephalic proportions, and pholidosis features. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial 16S and ND2 sequences reveal that G. fengshanensis sp. nov. forms a sister relationship with G. kwangsiensis, collectively forming a clade with G. liboensis and G. paucituberculatus endemic to southern China’s karst ecosystems. This discovery increases the number of recognized Gekko species in the South China Karst to five, underscoring the role that fragmented karst landscapes play in driving speciation and maintaining high levels of biodiversity in this unique ecosystem.

Key words: Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov., G. liboensis, Guangxi, integrative taxonomy, Japonigekko, South China Karst

 

Type specimens of Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov. in life.
 A. Holotype NHMG 202408004, adult male; B. Paratype NHMG 202408005, adult male; C. Paratype NHMG 202408007, adult male.

Photos by  Zhong Huang.

 Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov. is assigned to the subgenus Japonigekko and distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) moderate body size, SVL 60.0–79.9 mm in the adult male and SVL 62.2 in the adult female; (2) nares in contact with rostral, internasal absent; (3) enlarged postmentals two; (4) tubercles flattened, present from the region behind the eyes along the neck to the tail base, 8–11 rows at midbody ; (5) ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit 193–213; (6) midbody scale rows 149–161; (7) ventral scale rows 40–49; (8) subdigital lamellae on first fingers 11–13, on fourth fingers 12–16, on first toes 12–14, on fourth toes 13–15,and fingers and toes webbing weakly developed; (9) continuous precloacal pores 9–12 in males, absent in the female; (10) a single postcloacal tubercle on each side.

 

Etymology. The specific epithet fengshanensis refers to Fengshan County, the type locality in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The common name “Fengshan gecko” (English) and formal Chinese name “凤山壁虎” (fèng shān bì hǔ) are proposed.

Zhong Huang, Hao-Tian Wang, Shuo Qi, Han-Ming Song, Yong Huang, Ying-Yong Wang and Yun-Ming Mo. 2025. A New Species of Karst-adapted Gecko (Squamata, Gekkonidae, Gekko) from Guangxi, southern China. ZooKeys. 1245: 289-310. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.153769

[Crustacea • 2025] Megapleonum ferrumequinum, M. wangjiani, ... • Four New Freshwater Crab Species of the Genus Megapleonum (Decapoda: Potamidae) from Guangdong, China

Megapleonum ferrumequinum; M. wangjiani; M. yangdongense

Huang, Shih & Ahyong, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1244.148112 

Abstract

Four new species of the poorly known genus Megapleonum Huang, Shih & Ahyong, 2018, are described from Guangdong Province, China: Megapleonum falx sp. nov. from Huizhou City, M. yangdongense sp. nov. from Yangjiang City, and both M. ferrumequinum sp. nov. and M. wangjiani sp. nov. from Maoming City. These four new species are all morphologically and genetically distinct from each other and the two known congeners Megapleonum ehuangzhang Huang, Shih & Ahyong, 2018 and Megapleonum shenzhen Huang & Mao, 2021. The extremely divergent morphology of the gonopod 1 of these species alone immediately sets them apart, but there are also distinct differences in other characters, including the carapace, ambulatory leg, and maxilliped 3 exopod flagellum. A phylogeny constructed using the mitochondrial 16S rDNA reveals that all species of Megapleonum form a deep-rooted monophyletic group with significant interspecific genetic distances, supporting the generic placement and specific treatments of these new taxa. A key to the species of Megapleonum is also provided.

Key words: 16S rDNA, aquatic species, China, new taxa, systematics

Colour in life.
Megapleonum ferrumequinum sp. nov., male (A);
Megapleonum wangjiani sp. nov., male (B); M. wangjiani sp. nov., female (C);
Megapleonum yangdongense sp. nov., male (D).

 

 Chao Huang, Hsi-Te Shih and Shane T. Ahyong. 2025. Four New Freshwater Crab Species of the Genus Megapleonum Huang, Shih & Ahyong, 2018 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Potamidae) from Guangdong, China. ZooKeys. 1244: 1-27. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1244.148112 

  

[Ichthyology • 2025] Synodus autumnus • A New Species of Lizardfish (Aulopiformes: Synodontidae) from the Indo-Pacific Region

  

Synodus autumnus  

Furuhashi & Motomura, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1243.147259

Abstract

The Indo-Pacific lizardfish Synodus autumnus sp. nov. (Aulopiformes, Synodontidae) is morphologically distinct from all other nominal species of Synodus, and is described as new. It is characterized by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays 11–13; anal-fin rays 8–10; lateral-line scales 49–51; scale rows above lateral line 3.5; scale rows below lateral line 4.5; vertebrae 49–52; anterior gill rakers 22–29; peritoneal spots 0–5; anterior palatine teeth in a discrete group, longer than posterior palatine teeth; anterior nostril flap long, broad, leaf-like, extending above and behind posterior margin of posterior nostril when laid back; posterior process of pelvic girdle wide; posterior part of preopercle scaled; body with 5 reddish saddle-like blotches; and lateral surface below lateral line with a straight row of brown blotches when fresh. The new species is similar to Synodus binotatus Schultz, 1953 and Synodus rubromarmoratus Russell & Cressey, 1979, but these species differ in having 52–56 and 53–55 lateral-line scales, respectively. In addition, S. binotatus has blotches below the lateral line in a zigzag pattern, and S. rubromarmoratus has anterior and posterior palatine teeth similar in length, 14–25 teeth on the tongue, and 0–5 peritoneal spots. No color pattern differences were apparent between the new species and S. rubromarmoratus, making differentiation between the two species in underwater photographs impossible; consequently, underwater photographs and unsupported catalog records were excluded from the reassessment of each species’ distribution. Examination of specimens reported as S. rubromarmoratus revealed that the true S. rubromarmoratus has been collected only in Australian waters, whereas S. autumnus sp. nov. is widely distributed in the eastern Indian and Pacific oceans.

Key words: Description, morphology, Synodus binotatus, Synodus lobeli, taxonomy, Teleostei

Fresh holotype of Synodus autumnus sp. nov. (KAUM–I. 180000, 54.2 mm SL, Segaura, Kushi, Bonotsu, Minami-satsuma, Satsuma Peninsula, southern Kyushu, Japan).
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view.

Fresh paratypes of Synodus autumnus sp. nov.
A. KAUM–I. 82280, 58.3 mm SL, Japan; B. KPM-NI 43326, 45.8 mm SL, Japan, photo by H. Senou.

 Synodus autumnus sp. nov.

 New English name: Autumn Lizardfish; 

new standard Japanese name: Iroha-eso

Diagnosis. A new species of Synodus with the following combination of characters: Dorsal-fin rays 11–13; anal-fin rays 8–10; lateral-line scales 49–51; scale rows above lateral line 3.5; scale rows below lateral line 4.5; vertebrae 49–52; anterior gill rakers 22–29; peritoneal spots 0–5; anterior palatine teeth in a discrete group, longer than posterior palatine teeth; ANF long and broad, leaf-like, extending above and behind posterior margin of posterior nostril when laid back; posterior process of pelvic girdle wide; posterior part of preopercle scaled; body with 5 reddish saddle-like blotches; lateral surface below lateral line with a straight row of brown blotches when fresh.

Underwater photograph of holotype of Synodus autumnus sp. nov. (KAUM–I. 180000, 54.2 mm SL) just before collection at a depth of 5 meters off Segaura, Satsuma Peninsula, southern Kyushu, Japan. Photo by M. C. Sato.

Etymology. Scientific and English names of the new species are derived from its body color, which is reminiscent of shrub and tree colors that change in autumn. “Iroha” means the leaves of plants that change color in autumn.

 Ryusei Furuhashi and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2025. Synodus autumnus, A New Species of Lizardfish (Aulopiformes, Synodontidae) from the Indo-Pacific Region, and A Reassessment of Distributional Records of Synodus rubromarmoratus. ZooKeys. 1243: 191-206. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1243.147259

[Arachnida • 2025] Scorpiops doiphukha • A Newly discovered Species of the Genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) from Doi Phu Kha National Park, Thailand

 

Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha  

 Ythier, Košulič, Nawanetiwong & Lourenço, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1241.142549 

Abstract

A new scorpion species, Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha sp. nov., belonging to the family Scorpiopidae Kraepelin, 1905, is described based on 12 specimens of both sexes (three adults and nine immatures) collected in Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province, Thailand. The new species presents key features exhibited by scorpions of the subgenus Euscorpiops and can be characterized notably by a large size, a sexual dimorphism strongly marked with male pedipalps elongated, a distinct trichobothrial pattern and other morphological features. This new taxon represents the 115th species among the currently recognized species for the genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, and the 44th species described for the subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980. It is likely an endemic element of Thailand’s scorpion fauna, raising the number of known Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) species in the country to 13. Ecological and distributional aspects of the new species are discussed and compared with closely related Scorpiops species, highlighting its distinctiveness within the genus.

Key words: Description, ecology, forest, morphology, scorpion, Southeast Asia, taxonomy

Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha sp. nov. 
 A, B. Male holotype, habitus, dorsal and ventral aspects, respectively;
C, D. Female paratype, habitus, dorsal and ventral aspects, respectively. Scale bar: 2 cm.

Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha sp. nov., alive.
A. Male holotype and female paratype, in their natural habitat; B. Female, alive with pre-juveniles (instar I).

 

Natural habitat of Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha sp. nov. in Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province, Thailand.
A. Track trail near a small stream; B. Rock wall where the male holotype and female paratype were discovered. Both specimens were found hiding in small rock crevices.

 Eric Ythier, Ondřej Košulič, Wasin Nawanetiwong and Wilson R. Lourenço. 2025. A Newly discovered Species of the Genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980 from Doi Phu Kha National Park, Thailand (Scorpiones, Scorpiopidae). ZooKeys. 1241: 171-184. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1241.142549 [12-06-2025]

 

[Entomology • 2025] Mukaria sakaeratensis • A New Species of Bamboo Leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Thailand

 

Mukaria sakaeratensis Piraonapicha & Chomphuphuang, 

in Piraonapicha, Kaewtongkum, Chomphuphuang, Kimsawat, Kumtanom et Samung, 2025. 

เพลี้ยจักจั่นสะแกราช, เพลี้ยเพ็กสะแกราช  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1239.145803 

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Abstract

Mukaria sakaeratensis Piraonapicha & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov. is described based on male and female specimens recently collected in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The new species is herein described by an integrative approach combining morphological and molecular evidence. Genetic distance analyses revealed a potential barcoding gap (K2P) of 0.20–12.07% for COI in Mukaria. Species delimitation methods ABGD and ASAP demonstrated promising results for the COI gene. This species clearly differs from all its congeners in the aedeagal shaft abruptly narrowed and curved inward in the distal half, and with a pair of spines pointed anteriorly. Mukaria sakaeratensis sp. nov. has been found on the bamboo Vietnamosasa pusilla (A. Chev. & A. Camus) T.Q. Nguyen. This finding constitutes the first recorded instance of a specialized member of the tribe Mukariini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) feeding exclusively on bamboo from the genus Vietnamosasa. The holotype has been deposited in the Entomology Section, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, The Botanical Garden Organization, Thailand.

Key words: Barcoding gene, COI, deciduous dipterocarp forests, identification key, molecular identification, morphology, Mukariini, Thailand, Vietnamosasa

Mukaria sakaeratensis Piraonapicha & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov.,
 A–F (male) G–L (female):
A, C, G, I, J dorsal view B, H lateral view C, I head in dorsal view, D, J face E, K forewing in dorsal view F, L hindwing in dorsal view.

Scale bar: 0.5 mm.

Mukaria sakaeratensis Piraonapicha & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov., living female, dorsolateral view.

Mukaria sakaeratensis Piraonapicha & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov.

เพลี้ยจักจั่นสะแกราช, เพลี้ยเพ็กสะแกราช

 Kanyakorn Piraonapicha, Nithina Kaewtongkum, Narin Chomphuphuang, Panrak Kimsawat, Kittisak Kumtanom and Yudthana Samung. 2025. Mukaria sakaeratensis sp. nov. (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae), A New Species of Bamboo Leafhopper from Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Thailand. ZooKeys. 1239: 305-320.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1239.145803 

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