[Funga • 2025] Gibellula attenboroughii (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) •The araneopathogenic genus Gibellula in the British Isles, including A New Zombie Species on Orb-weaving Cave Spiders (Tetragnathidae: Metainae)

 

Gibellula attenboroughii, habitat and paratype, on Meta menardi.
 

Evans, Fogg, Buddie, Yeap, & Araújo, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.07 

 

Abstract  

The genus Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) comprises species pathogenic on and specific to spider hosts. Here, we report on the occurrence of a novel species infecting cave-dwelling, orb-weaving spiders of the sub-family Metainae (Tetragnathidae) in the British Isles. The new species, Gibellula attenboroughii is described and illustrated and its ecology is discussed; leading to the conclusion that infected spiders exhibit behavioural changes similar to those reported for zombie ants. The hidden diversity of the genus Gibellula in the British Isles is further highlighted based on fungarium records and literature searches. Two spider pathogens, previously assigned to the genus Torrubiella, are now transferred to the genus Gibellula, based on their Granulomanus synasexual morphs, in accordance with the one fungus-one name initiative: Gibellula albolanata comb. nov. and G. aranicida comb. nov.

Keywords: Gibellula attenboroughii; entomopathogenic fungi; host manipulation; new taxa; systematics

 

Gibellula attenboroughii, habitat and paratype IMI 507598, on Meta menardi.
A. Whitefathers’ Caves, showing the dark zone above the River Barran, County Cavan, Republic of Ireland. B. Entrance and twilight zone. C. Infected spider in situ, on cave ceiling, showing early infection with immature synnemata on compact, white subiculum, the specimen was found immediately above the figure in the centre. D. Dried specimen, showing creamish-yellow subiculum covering ventral abdomen.

 Scale bars: C = 0.5 mm; D = 0.25 mm.

  Evans, H.C.; Fogg, T.; Buddie, A.G.; Yeap, Y.T. and Araújo, J.P.M. 2025. The araneopathogenic genus Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) in the British Isles, including A New Zombie Species on Orb-weaving Cave Spiders (Metainae: Tetragnathidae).  Fungal Systematics and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.07 

  x.com/joaofungo/status/1884185595884487080

[Entomology • 2025] Merogomphus aryanadensis & M. flavoreductus • Two New Species of Merogomphus Martin, 1904 (Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidae) from the Western Ghats, India

Merogomphus aryanadensis sp. nov. from Kerala
and M. flavoreductus sp. nov. from Maharashtra, India. 

A. V. Chandran,  Sawant, R. Chandran, Koparde, Jose & Kunte, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5588.2.1 

  facebook.com/VivekChandranA

Abstract

We describe two new species of dragonflies from the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot, Merogomphus aryanadensis sp. nov. from Kerala and M. flavoreductus sp. nov. from Maharashtra, India. Morphologically, these species are closely aligned with M. tamaracherriensis Fraser, 1931, an endemic species of the Western Ghats; however, they are distinguished by unique features in their caudal appendages, accessory genitalia, and body markings. Additionally, both species are considerably smaller than other known Merogomphus spp. found in India. The differential diagnosis presented includes a comprehensive morphological photographic assessment of the two new species described and their two endemic congeners, also from the Western Ghats. We also establish a significant genetic distance between these newly described Merogomphus species and M. tamaracherriensis.

Odonata, Aryanad, biodiversity hotspot, Kerala, Maharashtra, phylogeny, Sindhudurg, species discovery, taxonomy

Merogomphus aryanadensis sp. nov.

 Merogomphus flavoreductus sp. nov. 

Ayikkara Vivek CHANDRAN, Dattaprasad SAWANT, Reji CHANDRAN, Pankaj KOPARDE, Subin Kaniyamattathil JOSE and Krushnamegh KUNTE. 2025. Two New Species of Merogomphus Martin, 1904 (Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidae) from the Western Ghats, India.  Zootaxa. 5588(2); 201-226. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5588.2.1 [2025-02-14] 

 facebook.com/VivekChandranA/posts/9561821153852607

[Paleontology • 2025] Evolutionary and Paleobiogeographic Implications of New carcharodontosaurian, megaraptorid, and unenlagiine Theropod Remains from the upper Lower Cretaceous of Victoria, southeast Australia

 

Cretaceous Australia Landscape
 

in Kotevski, Duncan, Ziegler, Bevitt, Vickers-Rich, Rich, Evans & Poropat, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2441903  

artwork by Jonathan Metzger

ABSTRACT

The Early Cretaceous non-avian theropod body fossil record of Victoria, Australia dominantly comprises isolated dental and postcranial remains. Numerous specimens have been collected from both the upper Strzelecki Group (upper Barremian–lower Aptian) and Eumeralla Formation (upper Aptian–lower Albian), yet theropod diversity in each unit remains poorly resolved. In both deposits, specimens pertaining to Megaraptoridae—a clade seemingly endemic to South America and Australia in the Cretaceous—are most frequently encountered. However, evidence of other typically common Gondwanan theropod groups, including Abelisauridae and Carcharodontosauria, has remained unknown. Herein, we describe five new theropod specimens: three tibiae, and two articulated caudal vertebrae with haemal arches, from the upper Strzelecki Group; and a single tibia from the Eumeralla Formation. Two of these tibiae—one each from the upper Strzelecki Group and the Eumeralla Formation—provide the first evidence for Carcharodontosauria in Australia. Two megaraptorid specimens from the upper Strzelecki Group—a tibia, and two caudal vertebrae with haemal arches—demonstrate that this clade had achieved large body size at the time of its first appearance in the fossil record. A tibia from the upper Strzelecki Group is interpreted to represent the Gondwanan dromaeosaur clade Unenlagiinae. Collectively, the new theropod remains described herein strengthen the evidence for mid-Cretaceous faunal interchange between Australia and South America across Antarctica, and highlight the presence of carcharodontosaurians and unenlagiines at high latitudes in the late Early Cretaceous.

Carcharodontosauria indet. right tibia (NMV P221042)
from the Eumeralla Formation of Victoria, Australia.  

Cretaceous Australia Landscape.

artwork by Jonathan Metzger, Museums Victoria

Jake Kotevski, Ruairidh J. Duncan, Tim Ziegler, Joseph J. Bevitt, Patricia Vickers-Rich, Thomas H. Rich, Alistair R. Evans and Stephen F. Poropat. 2025. Evolutionary and Paleobiogeographic Implications of New carcharodontosaurian, megaraptorid, and unenlagiine Theropod Remains from the upper Lower Cretaceous of Victoria, southeast Australia. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2441903. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2441903  

[Mammalogy • 2025] Coendou vossi • A Review of the Quichua Porcupine Coendou quichua complex (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) with the Description of A New Species from Colombia

 

Coendou vossi 

Ramírez-Chaves, Mazepa, Morales-Martínez, Suárez-Castro, Colmenares-Pinzón, Pulido-Santacruz & Noguera-Urbano, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae140

x.com/DMMoralesMar

 

Abstract

Coendou quichua is a widely distributed trans-Andean species in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. However, analysis of the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene suggests the presence of cryptic diversity. Recent reviews found that morphological variation within this taxon is mainly associated with elevation. Still, mitochondrial divergence values between some populations are similar to those reported between well-diagnosable sister species in the genus. Here, we provide new Cytb sequences from Colombian and Ecuadorian specimens and morphological observations from specimens collected in different natural regions to show that C. quichua is indeed a species complex. Coendou quichua complex contains 3 separate lineages: (i) the typical C. quichua from the Andes of Ecuador; (ii) a sister lineage from the Chocó-Darién ecoregion; and (iii) an undescribed new species from wet and dry forests of the Magdalena inter-Andean valley and the Caribbean regions of Colombia. Based on morphological, ecological niche modeling, and geographical analyses, the lineage from Chocó-Darién in Colombia and Ecuador is here treated as a different species for which the name C. rothschildi is available. The lineage involving samples from the wet and dry forests of the Magdalena inter-Andean Valley and the Caribbean regions represents an unnamed taxon described herein as Coendou vossi sp. nov., endemic to Colombia.

cytochrome b, endemism, geographic variation, inter-Andean valleys, morphometry, South America

Coendou vossi sp. nov.

Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves, Glib O. Mazepa, Darwin M. Morales-Martínez, Andrés Felipe Suárez-Castro, Javier E. Colmenares-Pinzón, Paola Pulido-Santacruz and Elkin A. Noguera-Urbano. 2025. A Review of the Quichua Porcupine Coendou quichua complex (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) with the Description of A New Species from Colombia. Journal of Mammalogy. gyae140. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae140

 x.com/DMMoralesMar/status/1876357558664872253

Resumen: Coendou quichua se considera una especie trasandina de amplia distribución que se encuentra en Colombia, Ecuador y Panamá. Sin embargo, análisis del gen citocromo b (Cytb) sugieren la presencia de diversidad críptica. Revisiones recientes encontraron una variación morfológica dentro de este taxón asociada principalmente a la elevación, mientras que los valores de divergencia mitocondrial entre algunas poblaciones son similares a los reportados entre especies hermanas del género. Proporcionamos nuevas secuencias de Cytb de especímenes colombianos y ecuatorianos, así como observaciones morfológicas de especímenes recolectados en diferentes regiones naturales para mostrar que C. quichua es de hecho un complejo de especies. El complejo C. quichua posee tres linajes: (i) el típico C. quichua de los Andes de Ecuador; (ii) un linaje hermano de la ecorregión de Chocó-Darién; y (iii) una nueva especie no descrita de bosques húmedos y secos del valle interandino del Magdalena y la región Caribe de Colombia. Con base en análisis morfológicos, y geográficos, junto a modelos de nicho ecológico, el linaje del Chocó-Darién es tratado como una especie diferente para la cual el nombre C. rothschildi está disponible. De manera similar, el linaje que involucra muestras de los bosques húmedos y secos del Valle interandino del Magdalena y del Caribe representa un taxón sin nombre disponible el cual describimos aquí como Coendou vossi sp. nov., endémico de Colombia.

citocromo b, endemismo, morfometría, valles interandinos, variación geográfica, Sudamérica

[Entomology • 2024] Zimmiodes australis & Z. papuanus • An Integrative Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Approach reveals A New Genus of Australasian Cycas-pollinating Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cossoninae)

Zimmiodes australis

 Hsiao & Oberprieler, 2024 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad190

 

Abstract

Cycas is the second-largest genus of cycads in Australia and the sole cycad genus in Papua New Guinea. In contrast to the other Australian cycads, which are mainly pollinated by weevils of the Tranes group of Molytinae, the Australian Cycas species are pollinated by tiny weevils belonging to the subfamily Cossoninae but representing an unnamed genus. This study evaluates the taxonomic status of these weevils by combining morphological examination with molecular phylogenetic analyses and species delineation based on mitochondrial DNA. The results reveal that the Cycas-pollinating weevils in Australia comprise only one species, here described as Zimmiodes australis gen. et sp. nov., with another species in Papua New Guinea, described as Zimmiodes papuanus sp. nov. The phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparison reveal that Zimmiodes belongs in the tribe Pentarthrini of Cossoninae and that the related Tychiodes group includes not only Tychiodes Wollaston, Tychiosoma Wollaston and Nanoplaxes Heller but also Tyrpetes Heller and is also assignable to Pentarthrini. The conspecificity of Zimmiodes weevils from all Australian Cycas species sampled suggests the likely taxonomic oversplitting of the Australian Cycas species and thus provides new insights into the taxonomy of the Australian cycads.

Australasia, cycad pollinators, cycad weevils, new taxa, species delimitation, taxonomy

Superfamily Curculionoidea Latreille, 1802

Family Curculionidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Cossoninae Schoenherr, 1825

Zimmiodes gen. nov.

Derivation of name: The genus name is dedicated to the late Dr Elwood Curtin Zimmerman (1912–2004), former weevil taxonomist at the ANIC, who is renowned for his invaluable works on Australian weevils; the gender of the name is masculine.

 Habitus of Zimmiodes, dorsal view. 

A, Zimmiodes australis, male, holotype. B, Z. australis, female, paratype. 

C, Zimmiodes papuanus, male, holotype. D, Z. papuanus, female, paratype. 

Scale bars: 1.00 mm.

 Habitus of Zimmiodes, lateral view. 

A, Zimmiodes australis, male, holotype. B, Z. australis, female, paratype. 

C, Zimmiodes papuanus, male, holotype. D, Z. papuanus, female, paratype. 

Scale bars: 1.00 mm.

  

Zimmiodes australis and host plants in the field.
 A, Cycas media banksii in northern Queensland. B, weevils aggregating among sporophylls of male cone of Cycas media banksii. C, ditto, male cone of Cycas maconochiei. D, weevil, enlarged. E, weevil preparing to fly, showing well-developed hindwings. F, larva tunnelling and feeding in microsporophyll of Cycas maconochiei. G, pupa in pupation chamber in microsporophyll of Cycas maconochiei.

 Zimmiodes australis gen. et sp. nov. 

 Zimmiodes papuanus sp. nov.

 

Yun Hsiao and Rolf G. Oberprieler. 2024. An Integrative Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Approach reveals A New Genus of Australasian Cycas-pollinating Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cossoninae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 202(2); zlad190. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad190

[Herpetology • 2025] Gekko shiva • A New limestone-dwelling Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Sa Kaeo Province, eastern Thailand

 

Gekko (Gekko) shiva 

Pauwels, Meesook, Donbundit, Jindamad, Topai & Sumontha, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5588.2.6  

 facebook.com/MontriSumontha

Abstract

We describe Gekko shiva sp. nov. from limestone cave and hills in Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo Province, eastern Thailand, near the border with Cambodia. The new species, a member of the subgenus Gekko, differs from all currently recognized Gekko species by the following combination of morphological characters and pattern: maximal known snout-vent length of 131.9 mm, lack of contact between nostrils and rostral, 28 or 29 interorbital scales between supraciliaries, 80–86 scale rows around midbody, 18 dorsal tubercle rows at midbody, 35–37 ventral scale rows at midbody, 9–12 precloacal pores in males, one or two postcloacal tubercles on each side of the base of the tail, 13–15 subdigital lamellae on 1st toe and 18 or 19 on 4th toe, no Y-shaped mark on head, white spots on head, brown dorsal background with irregular bands of white spots on dorsum, yellow venter, and greenish golden iris.

Reptilia, Gekko shiva sp. nov., taxonomy, karst, limestone, cave, Cardamom Mountains

Gekko shiva sp. nov. 

ตุ๊กแกศิวะ

Olivier S. G. PAUWELS, Worawitoo MEESOOK, Nattasuda DONBUNDIT, Tanasak JINDAMAD, Nittaya TOPAI and Montri SUMONTHA. 2025. Gekko (Gekko) shiva, A New limestone-dwelling Gecko from Sa Kaeo Province, eastern Thailand (Squamata, Gekkonidae).  Zootaxa. 5588(2);  305-322. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5588.2.6 

  facebook.com/MontriSumontha/posts/24036329649300869

  facebook.com/100088301342746/posts/600599646226742

 facebook.com/NamwanWorawitoo7/posts/2333613853674144

[Entomology • 2025] Xestotrogus sagrmaticus • A Revision of the Taxonomic Status of Xestotrogus Reitter, 1902 and related taxa (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae), with the Description of A New Species from Iraqi Kurdistan

Xestotrogus sagrmaticus 

Uliana & Khudhur, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5575.3.8  

 

Abstract

An undescribed species of Rhizotrogini recently collected in Iraqi Kurdistan evidenced the unclear diagnosis of the genus-level taxa to which it could be attributed, prompting their revision. As a result, the currently monotypic subgenus Xestotrogus Reitter, 1902 is removed from subgeneric rank under the genus Xanthotrogus Reitter, 1902, treated as a valid genus and re-diagnosed. Cyprotrogus Nikolajev, 2004, also monotypic, is recognized as its junior subjective synonym. The new species, the third known of the genus, is then described as Xestotrogus sagrmaticus Uliana & Khudhur, new species. External morphology, aedeagus and endophallus of each species are illustrated.

Coleoptera, rhizotrogini, Middle East, Kurdistan, endophallus, new species, revision

Xestotrogus sagrmaticus Uliana & Khudhur, sp. nov.

Marco ULIANA and Farhad A. KHUDHUR. 2025. A Revision of the Taxonomic Status of Xestotrogus Reitter, 1902 and related taxa, with the Description of A New Species from Iraqi Kurdistan (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae).  Zootaxa. 5575(3); 477-490. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5575.3.8  [2025-01-24] 

 facebook.com/MSNve/posts/1363500857946840

[Botany • 2025] Liparis maguanensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

Liparis maguanensis

in Xiao, E. Zhao, Z. Zhang, Xu, Jia, Y. Zhang, Long et D. Zhao. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04625 

 

Abstract

Liparis maguanensis, a new orchid species from Yunnan province of China, is described and illustrated here based on morphological and molecular analyses. Morphologically, this species closely resembles L. viridiflora, but it can be distinguished by having only a single leaf (versus two leaves in L. viridiflora), a 15–25 cm long loosely 40–45-flowered inflorescence (versus 14–40 cm, densely 80–90-flowered), and a 2–4 cm obovate-elliptic pseudobulb (versus 7–18 cm, cylindric). Phylogenetic analysis using nrITS and plastid matK DNA sequences further supports the distinctiveness of Liparis maguanensis as a separate species.

Keywords: Liparis maguanensis, morphology, Orchidaceae, phylogeny

 

Liparis maguanensis sp. nov.

Fan Xiao, Erqiang Zhao, Ze Zhang, Ruhua Xu, Min Jia, Yu Zhang, Bo Long and Dake Zhao. 2025. Liparis maguanensis (Orchidaceae), A New Species from China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04625 

[Paleontology • 2025] Thilastikosuchus scutorectangularis • A New notosuchian (Crocodyliformes: Mesoeucrocodylia) from the Quiricó Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Sanfranciscana Basin, Brazil

Thilastikosuchus scutorectangularis

 de Carvalho, Santos, Pinto & Santucci, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2025.2452947 

   x.com/palaeodaniel

ABSTRACT

Notosuchians comprise a clade of mostly terrestrial crocodyliforms generally found in Cretaceous Gondwanan deposits. They evolved into many forms and some species show convergences with mammalian features such as the development of a high degree of heterodonty and multicuspid teeth. South American deposits concentrate the highest number of described notosuchian species, which is more than twice the number of taxa known from strata elsewhere. Here, a novel candidodontid notosuchian, Thilastikosuchus scutorectangularis, gen. et sp. nov., is presented and described, comprising a new monospecific genus and the oldest notosuchian record found in Brazil, and likely from South America. This new taxon lacks the sharp hypertrophied caniniform teeth of closely related forms, such as Malawisuchus and Pakasuchus, but shares the posterior molariform teeth with increasingly wider crowns and denticulated cingula. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis with the inclusion of the new Brazilian material places Candidodontidae as the earliest notosuchian radiation, shedding new light into its origins.

Thilastikosuchus scutorectangularis, gen. et sp. nov.

Thilastikosuchus scutorectangularis gen. et sp. nov.

reconstruction by Felipe Elias

Joyce Celerino de Carvalho, Daniel Martins dos Santos, Ricardo Lourenço Pinto and Rodrigo Miloni Santucci. 2025. Anatomical Description and Systematics of A New notosuchian (Mesoeucrocodylia; Crocodyliformes) from the Quiricó Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Sanfranciscana Basin, Brazil. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2452947. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2025.2452947  

  x.com/palaeodaniel/status/1891840889435115539

[Botany • 2025] Pitcairnia zapoteca (Bromeliaceae: Pitcairnioideae) • A New Species with nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca, Mexico

 

Pitcairnia zapoteca I. Ramírez, G. Carnevali & K. Romero,   

in Ramírez-Morillo, Carnevali, Romero-Soler, Pinzón, Tamayo-Cen, Flores et Martínez, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3550 

  Researchgate.net/publication/384986549

Abstract

Background: Pitcairnia is the third largest bromeliad genus in Mexico with 57 species and ca. 82.5 % endemism, and is characterized mostly by zygomorphic, ornithophilous flowers of diurnal anthesis in several hues of red, orange, or yellow, whereas white or green flowers are uncommon. Moreover, there are just a few species with nocturnal anthesis in Megamexico. One of them is documented and discussed here.

Questions: Is the Pitcairnia with campanulate, fragrant flowers of nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca different from other species with similar characters native to Mexico and the Neotropics and what is its conservation status?

Studied species: Pitcairnia abundans, P. lokischmidtiae, P. zapoteca.

Study site and dates: Oaxaca, Mexico, 2016-2024.

Methods: Live plants, herbarium material, protologues, and high-resolution images of herbarium specimens, both of the new taxon and of morphologically similar taxa, were studied and compared against each other. The conservation status of the new species was assessed using the IUCN criteria.

Results: Pitcairnia zapoteca is similar but different at the species level from P. lokischmidtiae from Jalisco; both share campanulate flowers of nocturnal anthesis and a musky or frutal fragances. The conservation status of the new taxon is assessed as DD.

Conclusions: Pitcairnia zapoteca is a new species, only known from the type locality in the state of Oaxaca and only one of three Mexican species with campanulate, white, yellowish or greenish flowers of nocturnal anthesis. The assessment the true conservation status of the new taxon requires detailed exploration of the SE portion of Oaxaca.

Keywords: actinomorphic flowers, endemic species, nocturnal anthesis

Pitcairnia zapoteca (A-J).
A. Inflorescence. B. Flowers with floral bract and sepals. C. Flowers with floral bract and sepals removed. D. Petals, note the appendage at the base of each one. E. Apical view of the corolla, note the stigma and stamens resting on one petal. F. Floral bract. G. Sepals. H. Ovary with style, stigma and stamens. I. Ovary with stigma. J. Apical portion of filaments and anthers.

(Based on I. Ramírez & G. Carnevali 2459 (Holotype: CICY)).

Pitcairnia zapoteca I. Ramírez, G. Carnevali & K. Romero, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. This new species resembles Pitcairnia lokischmidtiae. However, P. zapoteca differs by the fewer leaves per rosette (10-15 vs. (16-)18-25 in P. lokischmidtiae), shorter leaves (40-60 vs. 80-100 cm), which are also narrower (1.3-1.5 vs.  ca.  4.5  cm  wide),  and  deciduous  (vs. persistent); it also features shorter inflorescences (70-80 vs.  120  cm), larger floral bracts (1.5-2 vs. ca. 1 cm), sepals tinged dull brown-red (vs. totally green), pale-yellowish petals with distal, dull red brown tinges (vs. greenish white), the stigma surpassing the petals when the flower withers (vs.included), and ovary superior (vs. almost completely superior).

Etymology. The name zapoteca honors the Zapotecan people, an ethnic group that have traditionally inhabited the type locality area.

Ivón Ramírez-Morillo, Germán Carnevali, Katya J. Romero-Soler, Juan Pablo Pinzón, Iván Tamayo-Cen, Néstor Raigoza Flores and Ricardo Rivera Martínez. 2025. A New Species of Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) with nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca, Mexico.  Botanical Sciences. 103(1); 207-217. DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3550 

  Researchgate.net/publication/384986549_A_new_species_of_Pitcairnia_from_Oaxaca_Mexico

[Botany • 2025] Ovicula biradiata • A New Genus of Compositae from Big Bend National Park in Trans-Pecos Texas

 

Ovicula biradiata Manley,
  

in Manley, Marck, Peralta, Castro, Wogan, Whiting et Powell, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.137624

Abstract

Here, we describe and illustrate a new monospecific genus of Compositae, Ovicula biradiata gen. et sp. nov., from the Chihuahuan Desert in Big Bend National Park, Texas. Ovicula biradiata is a very locally abundant, yet range-limited, spring annual herb found in coarse calcareous alluvium. Based on its pistillate ray florets, pappus of hyaline, aristate scales, tomentose foliage and slightly saucer-shaped to flat, epaleate receptacle, we determine that the new species has affinities with the Helenioid subtribe Tetraneurinae in the Heliantheae alliance. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of nrDNA (ITS) sequence data supports the phylogenetic position of Ovicula biradiata within the subtribe Tetranuerinae, where it is resolved as the sister lineage to the genus Psilostrophe. We also present detailed habitat information, high-resolution images captured using a dissecting microscope and scanning electron micrographs of vegetative and reproductive characters of Ovicula biradiata and related taxa, as well as provide an updated key to the genera of Tetraneurinae. Finally, we discuss the significance of this remarkable discovery for community science, biodiversity exploration and plant conservation in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Key words: Asteraceae, biodiversity, calciphile, Chihuahuan Desert, Helenieae, taxonomy, Tetraneurinae 

First photograph of Ovicula biradiata taken by Deb Manley on 2 March 2024.

 

Researchers examining individuals in habitat.
A Patty Manning scanning the ground in appropriate habitat for individuals of Ovicula biradiata
B NPS botanist Carolyn Whiting photographing O. biradiata (circled in red).

photos by Cathy Hoyt on 20 April 2024.

Examples of moderately sized individuals found occasionally throughout the known locations. Photographs by Cathy Hoyt (A) & Deb Manley (B) on 2 March 2024 and James Bailey in April 2024 (C).

 Ovicula biradiata Manley, gen. et, sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic name from Latin Ovis “sheep” and -cula (diminutive ending) references the dense woolly indumentum of this new plant. The name honours the desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsonii), an iconic, but threatened desert animal that is currently rebounding in this part of the Chihuahuan Desert, providing hope for other rare species like O. biradiata. The specific epithet biradiata references the typically two conspicuous ray florets, occasionally three per head, positioned on opposing margins of the capitulum (Figs 1, 4). A recommended common name for O. biradiata is “woolly devil”, in reference to the woolly indumentum, the proximity of populations to the locality known as Devil’s Den and the tendency for the ray florets to resemble horns.

 Debra L. Manley, Isaac H. Lichter Marck, Keily Peralta, Arturo Castro Castro, Kelsey A. Wogan, Carolyn V. Whiting and A. Michael Powell. 2025. Ovicula biradiata, A New Genus of Compositae from Big Bend National Park in Trans-Pecos Texas. PhytoKeys. 252: 141-162. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.137624

Resumen: Se ilustra y describe un nuevo género monoespecífico de Compositae, Ovicula biradiata gen. et sp. nov., del Desierto Chihuahuense en el Parque Nacional Big Bend, Texas. Ovicula biradiata es una hierba annual muy localmente abundante, pero con un rango limitado, florece en la primavera y se encuentra en aluviones calcáreos gruesos. Con base en sus flores pistiladas con corola radiada, vilano de escamas aristadas y hialinas, follaje tomentoso y receptáculo ligeramente en forma de platillo a plano y epaleado, determinamos que la nueva especie tiene afinidades con Helenieae subtribu Tetraneurinae, en la alianza Heliantheae. Análisis cladísticos moleculares de secuencias del ADN ribosomal nuclear (ITS) apoyan la posición filogenética de O. biradiata dentro de la subtribu Tetraneurinae, donde resulta el lineage hermano del género Psilostrophe. También presentamos información detallada sobre el hábitat, imágenes de alta resolución usando un microscopio de disección y micrografías electrónicas de barrido de caracteres vegetativos y reproductivos de O. biradiata y taxa relacionados, así como una clave actualizada para los géneros de Tetranuerinae. Finalmente, discutimos la significancia del descubrimiento en relación a la ciencia ciudadana, exploración de biodiversidad, y la conservación de plantas en el Desierto Chihuahuense.

Palabras clave: Asteraceae, biodiversidad, calcifilo, Desierto Chihuahuense, Helenieae, taxonomía, Tetraneurinae