[Entomology • 2025] Borysthenes delicatus, B. pantherinus, B. undulatus ... • Taxonomic Notes on the Genus Borysthenes Stål, 1866 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Borysthenidae), with Description of Six New Species from China

A: Type locality of Borysthenes pantherinus sp. nov. and B. opacus sp. nov., arrowed specific location where specimens were collected;
B: B. opacus sp. nov.; C: B. pantherinus sp. nov.;
D: B. undulatus sp. nov.; E: B. delicatus sp. nov. 

Lyu, 2025

  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.1.4  

  Researchgate.net/publication/394382862

Abstract  

Six new species of the planthopper genus Borysthenes Stål, 1866 from China are described and illustrated here: Borysthenes xuzhiae sp. nov., B. mysterius sp. nov. and B. undulatus sp. nov. from Hainan Island, B. pantherinus sp. nov. and B. opacus sp. nov. from Guangxi, and B. delicatus sp. nov. from Yunnan. Images of adult habitus and male genitalia of each species are provided. Images of female genitalia of each species except B. mysterius are provided, which is the first time that internal structures of female genitalia of Borysthenes species are described. Additionally, updated generic diagnostic characters, forewing venation diagram for the genus and key to Borysthenes species in China are provided.   

Hemiptera, Taxonomy, morphology, planthopper, identification key, female genitalia, Delphacoidea

Habitat of Borysthenes spp.
A: Type locality of Borysthenes pantherinus sp. nov. and B. opacus sp. nov., arrowed specific location where specimens were collected; B: habitus of B. opacus sp. nov.; C: habitus of B. pantherinus sp. nov.; D: habitus of B. undulatus sp. nov.; E: habitus of B. delicatus sp. nov.; F: aggregation of B. xuzhiae sp. nov. on rock surface, photographed during daylight, arrowed representatives of individuals; G: habitus of B. xuzhiae sp. nov.

 

Tianlang LYU. 2025. Taxonomic Notes on the Genus Borysthenes Stål, 1866 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Borysthenidae), with Description of Six New Species from China. Zootaxa. 5665(1); 67-84. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.1.4 [2025-07-21] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/394382862_Taxonomic_notes_on_the_genus_Borysthenes_from_China

[Ornithology • 2026] Pulsatrix perspicillata & Pulsatrix pulsatrix • Museomics resolves 200 years of Taxonomic Uncertainty: Strix pulsatrix Wied, 1820 (Strigiformes: Strigidae) is A Valid Species

in Bolívar-Leguizamón, Corrêa, Bencke et Silveira. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108488

 

Highlights

• Pulsatrix perspicillata is an owl found from Mexico to Argentina and Brazil.

• The taxonomic position of the P. p. pulsatrix subspecies is a matter of controversy.

• Historical DNA shows great divergence between the pulsatrix and perspicillata taxa.

• The pulsatrix-perspicillata clade is sister to a melanota-koeniswaldiana clade.

• Pleistocene climatic oscillations influenced the diversification of the genus.

• We proposed elevating the subspecies pulsatrix of P. perspicillata to species status.

Abstract

The identification of valid species is central to biology, and genetic data have been essential in uncovering new taxonomic units across groups. For polytypic taxa, genetics helps distinguish valid units from natural variation. Pulsatrix perspicillata (Spectacled Owl) is a widespread polytypic species with six recognized subspecies. We used genetic data and museomics techniques to: (i) test the validity of Strix pulsatrix Wied, 1820 (=Pulsatrix perspicillata pulsatrix) as a species distinct from Pulsatrix perspicillata; and (ii) estimate the phylogenetic relationships and divergence times within the genus Pulsatrix Kaup, 1848. We conducted population structure and phylogenetic analyses using SNPs matrices and alignments of Ultraconserved Elements (UCEs) from 16 individuals of Pulsatrix spp., including four historical samples of P. p. pulsatrix. Additionally, we sequenced the mtDNA-ND2 gene from 38 samples representing all known Pulsatrix species to further elucidate phylogenetic relationships and estimate divergence times. Our results indicate that Pulsatrix perspicillata pulsatrix represents an independent lineage from P. perspicillata, as supported by its reciprocal monophyly and distinct population structure. UCE analyses also grouped P. koeniswaldiana (Tawny-browed Owl) and P. melanota (Band-bellied Owl) into a distinct cluster. Phylogenetic analyses based on both UCEs and mtDNA-ND2 sequences support the monophyly of the genus Pulsatrix. Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana and P. melanota form a monophyletic group that is sister to P. perspicillata. Pulsatrix diverged in the Late Miocene and diversified in the Pliocene-Quaternary. The evolutionary history of Pulsatrix appears to have been influenced by (a) the final phase of the Andean uplift and (b) climatic oscillations during the Pleistocene. Pulsatrix p. pulsatrix shows genetic divergence consistent with a species-level split from P. perspicillata, and we henceforth recognize it as Pulsatrix pulsatrix (Wied 1820). We recommend future studies to assess its current distribution and inform the development of conservation strategies.

 

Keywords: Museomics, UCEsmt-ND2, Pulsatrix, Spectacled Owl, Neotropics, Systematics, Phylogeography 

 

Pulsatrix perspicillata 

Sergio D. Bolívar-Leguizamón, Aline Henrique Corrêa, Glayson Ariel Bencke and Luís F. Silveira. 2026. Museomics resolves 200 years of Taxonomic Uncertainty: Strix pulsatrix Wied, 1820 (Strigiformes, Strigidae) is A Valid Species. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 108488. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108488 [27 October 2025]

[Mollusca • 2022] Pseudopomatias doiangkhangensis, Pupina bilabiata, Pupina latisulci, ... • Annotated Checklist of the Operculated Land Snails from Thailand (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda): the Family Pupinidae, with Descriptions of several New Species and Subspecies, and Notes on Classification of Pupina Vignard, 1829 and Pupinella Gray, 1850 from mainland Southeast Asia

 

  [A] Pupina artata from Ratchaburi;
[D, E] Pupina bensoni Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov. from Uthai Thani; 

H Pupina siamensis, Chonburi. 

[A] Pupina siamensis from Rayong;
[B–D] Pupina bilabiata Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov. from Chumphon, Nong Bua Lam Phu and Surat Thani;

[E, F] Pupina godwinausteni Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov.  from Uthai Thani;

[G, H] Pupina aureola: from Nakhon Sri Thammarat. 

in Jirapatrasilp, Sutcharit et Panha, 2022.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1119.85400 

 facebook.com/ASRUChula

Abstract 

Thailand is located at the crossroads of several biogeographical regions, and boasts a high level of biodiversity, especially among the malacofauna. The most recent checklist of land snail species in Thailand was compiled more than twenty years ago, and so this checklist needs revision and the addition of newly discovered taxa. This study updates the taxonomy and species list of the operculated land snail family Pupinidae from Thailand. This snail family is diverse and abundant, and can be found in various natural habitats in Southeast Asia. Although the taxonomy of some Southeast Asian pupinid genera has been reviewed, studies of Pupina Vignard, 1829, which contains the highest number of species, and a lesser-known genus Pupinella Gray, 1850 are still lacking. Herein we present an annotated checklist with an up-to-date systematic framework of the Pupinidae in Thailand based on both field investigations and literature surveys, and include the taxonomic treatment of all Pupina and Pupinella species from mainland Southeast Asia.

This annotated checklist contains 30 nominal species and two subspecies from seven genera currently known to occur in Thailand. We describe two species of Pseudopomatias (Pseudopomatias doiangkhangensis Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov. and P. pallgergelyi Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov.), five species and one subspecies of Pupina (Pupina bensoni Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov., P. bilabiata Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov., P. godwinausteni Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov., P. latisulci Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov., P. stoliczkai Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov., and P. dorri isanensis Jirapatrasilp, ssp. nov.) as new to science. New records of Coptocheilus sumatranus, Pupinella mansuyi, and Rhaphaulus tonkinensis are also reported from Thailand. The mainland Southeast Asian Pupina species are classified into three species groups (Pupina artata group, Pupina arula group, and Pupina aureola group) based on the distinction of shell teeth and canals, and operculum. Three species formerly in Pupina from Vietnam are allocated to Pupinella (P. illustris comb. nov., P. sonlaensis comb. nov., and P. thaitranbaii comb. nov.) due to the presence of a funnel-like anterior canal.

Keywords: Biodiversity, malacofauna, “prosobranch”, systematics, taxonomy

 

Habitat and vegetation around A Luang Cave, Chiang Rai, northern Thailand B Wang Daeng Cave, Phitsanulok, central Thailand C Tak Fa, Nakhon Sawan, central Thailand D Klong Had, Sra Keo, eastern Thailand E Khao Wong Cave, Uthai Thani, central Thailand F Phanom, Surat Thani, southern Thailand, and G Tham Khiriwong Temple, Prachub Kirikhan, western Thailand.

 

Live specimens of A, B Pollicaria mouhoti mouhoti: specimens A CUMZ 12166 and B CUMZ 12175 from Wang Daeng Cave, Phitsanulok C Pollicaria mouhoti monochroma, paratype CUMZ 1562 from Tam Pha Bing Temple, Loei D Tortulosa tortuosa, specimen CUMZ 12155 from Tham Suea Temple, Krabi
E–H Pupina artata: specimens of E CUMZ 12006 from Pha Daeng Cave, Mae Hong Son F CUMZ 12008 from Tham Nam Pha Pha Ngam Temple, Lampang, and G, H CUMZ 12029 from Khao Tham Raet Temple, Chachoengsao showing the brown (G) and grey (H) shell morphs;

All not to scale.

 

Live specimens of A–C Pupina artata: specimens A CUMZ 12020 from Buri Ratchawanaram Temple, Ratchaburi B CUMZ 12022 from Golden Dragon Cave, Ratchaburi, and C CUMZ 12037 from Wua Ta Lap Island, Surat Thani D, E Pupina bensoni sp. nov. D paratype CUMZ 12045/2 from Khao Wong Cave, Uthai Thani and E specimen CUMZ 12047 from Tham Namthip Bureau of Monks, Uthai Thani F, G Pupina peguensis: specimens F CUMZ 12050 from Chai Thong Wararam Temple, Nakhon Sawan and G CUMZ 12051 from Tham Saeng Wiset Bureau of Monks, Nakhon Sawan H Pupina siamensis, specimen CUMZ 12069 from Khao Chi Chan Buddha Image, Chonburi. All not to scale.

Live specimens of A Pupina siamensis, specimen CUMZ 12071 from Tham Khao Loi Temple, Rayong B–D Pupina bilabiata sp. nov. B paratype CUMZ 12073/2 from Banpot Pisai Temple, Chumphon and specimens C CUMZ 12082 from Pha Jor Cave, Nong Bua Lam Phu and D CUMZ 12087 from Ban Yai, Surat Thani E, F Pupina godwinausteni sp. nov.: paratypes E CUMZ 12090/26 and F CUMZ 12091 from Khao Wong Cave, Uthai Thani G, H Pupina aureola: specimens G CUMZ 12117 from Lod Cave, Nakhon Sri Thammarat and H CUMZ 12121 from Tham Thong Panara Temple, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, showing its microhabitat in rotten log. All not to scale.

 

Parin Jirapatrasilp, Chirasak Sutcharit and Somsak Panha. 2022. Annotated Checklist of the Operculated Land Snails from Thailand (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda): the Family Pupinidae, with Descriptions of several New Species and Subspecies, and Notes on Classification of Pupina Vignard, 1829 and Pupinella Gray, 1850 from mainland Southeast Asia. ZooKeys. 1119: 1-115. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1119.85400 

 

รายชื่อของหอยทากบกในวงศ์ Pupinidae ที่พบในประเทศไทยทั้งสิ้น 30 สปีชีส์และ 2 สปีชีส์ย่อยจากทั้งหมด 7 สกุลด้วยกัน และเป็นชนิดใหม่ของโลกทั้งสิ้น 7 สปีชีส์และ 1 สปีชีส์ย่อยดังนี้

 facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/460933692615441 

1. Pseudopomatias doiangkhangensis Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยกระสวยจิ๋วขึ้นสันดอยอ่างขาง

พบได้ที่ดอยอ่างขาง อ.ฝาง จ.เชียงใหม่

2. Pseudopomatias pallgergelyi Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยกระสวยจิ๋วขึ้นสันพอลล์เกิร์จลี

ตั้งชื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ Dr. Barna Páll-Gergely นักสังขวิทยาชาวฮังการีที่ศึกษาวิจัยหอยทากบกหลายกลุ่ม รวมทั้งหอยทากบกในวงศ์ Pupinidae พบได้ที่ถ้ำผาแดง อ.เมือง จ.แม่ฮ่องสอน

3. Pupina bensoni Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันเบนสัน

ตั้งชื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ W.H. Benson นักสังขวิทยาชาวไอริชในช่วงคริสต์ศตวรรษที่ 19 ที่ศึกษาและตั้งชื่อหอยทากบกชนิดใหม่ของโลกจำนวนมากจากอินเดียและเมียนมาร์ รวมถึงชื่อของหอยเปลือกมันสกุล Pupina ที่เก่าแก่ที่สุดในภูมิภาคนี้ 2 ชนิด พบได้ที่ถ้ำเขาวง อ.บ้านไร่ จ.อุทัยธานี

4. Pupina bilabiata Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันปากซ้อน

โดยชื่อ "bilabiata" หมายถึงปากเปลือกที่มีสองชั้น พบได้ที่ภาคอีสานและภาคใต้ของไทย

5. Pupina godwinausteni Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันก็อดวินเอาสเทน

ตั้งชื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ H.H. Godwin-Austen นักสังขวิทยาชาวอังกฤษในช่วงปลายคริสต์ศตวรรษที่ 19 ที่ศึกษาและตั้งชื่อหอยทากบกชนิดใหม่ของโลกจำนวนมากจากภูมิภาคเอเชียใต้และเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ พบได้ที่ จ.อุทัยธานี

6. Pupina latisulci Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันร่องกว้าง
โดยชื่อ "latisulci" หมายถึงร่องตรงฟันเปลือกที่กว้างขึ้นทั้งสองร่อง พบได้ที่เขาอกทะลุ อ.เมือง จ.พัทลุง

7. Pupina stoliczkai Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันสโตลิกซกา 

ตั้งชื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ F. Stoliczka นักสังขวิทยาชาวเช็คในช่วงคริสต์ศตวรรษที่ 19 ที่ศึกษาและตั้งชื่อหอยทากบกชนิดใหม่ของโลกจำนวนมากจากภูมิภาคเอเชียใต้และเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ พบได้ที่วัดราชบูรณะ อ.หลังสวน จ.ชุมพร

8. Pupina dorri isanensis Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันอีสาน 

พบได้ที่เขาหินปูนทางภาคอีสาน

 

[Paleontology • 2025] ?Carcinosoma aurorae • Early Ordovician Sea Scorpions from Morocco suggest Cambrian Origins and main Diversification of Eurypterida

?Carcinosoma aurorae

Van Roy, Richards & Ortega-Hernández, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.2061 

Abstract

Eurypterida were a diverse clade of aquatic euchelicerates that occupied environments ranging from freshwater to fully marine and included several of the largest euarthropods on record. Although a Middle Ordovician megalograptid hitherto represented the oldest evidence of this clade, its phylogenetic position suggested an earlier history for the origin and main diversification within Eurypterida. Here, we report unequivocal eurypterid fragments from the Early Ordovician Fezouata Biota of Morocco, pre-dating the previously oldest record of this group by 12–15 million years. We describe ?Carcinosoma aurorae n. sp. based on several distinctively spinose isolated appendages diagnostic of the eurypterine clade Carcinosomatidae. This discovery demonstrates that the major morphological and ecological diversifications within Eurypterida between swimming Eurypterina and benthic crawling Stylonurina had taken place by the Early Ordovician. Furthermore, the derived phylogenetic position of carcinosomatids implies that most eurypterine clades had already diversified by that time. A cuticle patch with dense scales, reminiscent of pterygotids, likely belongs to a second eurypterid species. The remarkable diversity of euchelicerates in the Fezouata Biota indicates undocumented Cambrian origins and provides further evidence for an early eurypterid radiation centred off Gondwana. Significantly, the sister-group relationship between Eurypterida and Arachnida entails equally early arachnid origins.

Keywords: Arachnida, Cambrian explosion, Carcinosomatidae, Chelicerata, Eurypterida, Fezouata Biota, Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event, Konservat-Lagerstätte, Pterygotidae, Tremadocian

Euarthropoda Lankester, 1904 

Euchelicerata Weygoldt & Paulus, 1979 

Prosomapoda Lamsdell, 2013 

Planaterga Lamsdell, 2013 

Dekatriata Lamsdell, 2013 

Eurypterida Huxley, 1857  

Eurypterina Novojilov, 1962  

Diploperculata Lamsdell Hoşgör & Selden, 2013 

Carcinosomatoidea Størmer, 1934 

Carcinosomatidae Størmer, 1934 

Genus: ?Carcinosoma Claypole, 1890  

Isolated appendages of ?Carcinosoma aurorae n. sp. from the Early Ordovician (upper Tremadocian) Fezouata Biota of Morocco.
 (A–D) Holotype NM S 5974 consisting of a walking limb, gnathobase and four fragmentary tergites, part. (A) Overview, dry. (B) Overview, under a mixture of ethanol and propanol. (C) Details of the limb and gnathobase, dry. (D) Details of the limb and gnathobase, under a mixture of ethanol and propanol.
(E,F) Paratype MCZ.IP. 202866, consisting of nearly complete walking limb, part. (E) Dry. (F) Under demineralized water. All scale bars represent 10 mm.

?Carcinosoma aurorae n. sp.

 

Derivation of name. Genitive, from Latin, aurora, -ae, meaning ‘of the dawn’, referring to the early occurrence of this animal, making it the oldest eurypterid currently on record.

 

Diagnosis. Species of ?Carcinosoma with articulating spine pairs of unequal length on podomeres of limbs II–V , with positions of long and short spines alternating between podomeres. Gnathobases with long and slender teeth.

Peter Van Roy, Jared C. Richards and Javier Ortega-Hernández. 2025. Early Ordovician Sea Scorpions from Morocco suggest Cambrian Origins and main Diversification of Eurypterida. Proc. R. Soc. B. 292: 20252061. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.2061 [12 November 2025]

 

[Arachnida • 2025] Phenasurya daeng • A New Genus and Species of plexippine Jumping Spider (Salticidae: Plexippini) from Thailand

Phenasurya Marathe & Maddison,
Phenasurya daeng Marathe, Maddison & Trębicki,

in Marathe, Trębicki, Janik-Superson, Samoh, Zhang et Maddison, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1259.169914 

Abstract

We describe a new plexippine genus and new species, Phenasurya daeng gen. et sp. nov., with a striking red face, from Thailand. Its placement within Plexippina is supported by ultraconserved element (UCE)-based phylogenomic analyses, supplemented with a broader four-gene analysis. Morphological evidence further justifies its generic status. Phenasurya daeng is recovered near cf. Colopsus and Pancorius but is morphologically distinct from both. These findings reveal a new red-faced lineage and settle the identity of a perplexing jumping spider.

Key words: Araneae, biodiversity, Indochina, phylogenomics, systematics, taxonomy, UCE

Family Salticidae Blackwall, 1841

Subfamily Salticinae Blackwall, 1841

Tribe Plexippini Simon, 1901

Subtribe Plexippina Simon, 1901

Phenasurya daeng, male (9–17) and female (18–20).

 Phenasurya Marathe & Maddison, gen. nov.

 

Etymology. The genus name Phenasurya is derived from the Greek “phen-”, referring to appearance, and the Thai “Surya”, referring to the sun. This alludes to the face of this elegant spider, red like the setting sun.

 Phenasurya daeng Marathe, Maddison & Trębicki, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet daeng means “red” in Thai, alluding to the species’ distinctive red face.

 Kiran Marathe, Łukasz Trębicki, Katarzyna Janik-Superson, Abdulloh Samoh, Junxia Zhang, Wayne P. Maddison. 2025. Phenasurya daeng, A New Genus and Species of plexippine Jumping Spider (Salticidae, Plexippini, Plexippina) from Thailand. ZooKeys. 1259: 335-348. DOI:  doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1259.169914 

[Herpetology • 2025] Ptyctolaemus namdaphaensis & P. siangensis • Two New Species of Ptyctolaemus (Squamata: Agamidae) from northeast India

 

Ptyctolaemus namdaphaensis 
Ptyctolaemus siangensis  

 Balan, Das, Boruah, Tillack, Lalronunga & Deepak, 2025

Ptyctolaemus gularis (Peters, 1864)

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e162650

Abstract 

The genus Ptyctolaemus Peters, 1864 is currently represented by three species; P. gularis, P. collicristatus and P. chindwinensis. Previous molecular phylogenetic studies have highlighted additional lineages within P. gularis. Phylogenetic analysis using the ND2 mitochondrial gene recovered three distinct lineages in India. Multivariate analyses using morphological data placed the type specimen of P. gularis (ZMB 5004) with the samples collected from Meghalaya. We assign this lineage as P. gularis and describe the other two lineages as new species. Ptyctolaemus siangensis sp. nov. found west of Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh and Ptyctolaemus namdaphaensis sp. nov. found in Namdapha, Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Although phenotypically similar the two new species differ from its congeners in gular colouration and subtle morphological differences.

Keywords: Agamids, Arunachal Pradesh, DNA, molecular, morphology, multivariate analysis

Ptyctolaemus siangensis sp. nov.

Ptyctolaemus namdaphaensis sp. nov.

 Amirtha Balan, Abhijit Das, Bitupan Boruah, Frank Tillack, Samuel Lalronunga and Veerappan Deepak. 2025. Description of Two New Species of Ptyctolaemus (Squamata: Agamidae) from northeast India. Vertebrate Zoology. 75: 487-516. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e162650 [11-11-2025]

[Entomology • 2025] Araneibatrus antennatus, A. thamluang, Batrisocenus filum, Nipponobythus haozhu, Tribasodites circinatus, Zopherobatrus excavatus, ... • Illuminating the Darkness: An exceptionally Diverse Fauna of subterranean Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Asian Karsts

Araneibatrus thamluang Yin, 2025 

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixaf046 

 facebook.com: Speleological Research in Thailand

Abstract

Subterranean ecosystems, particularly the karst environments of Asia, represent a significant but underexplored frontier for biodiversity exploration. This paper focuses on the rove beetle subfamily Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from caves and related subterranean habitats throughout the continent. Drawing upon extensive material accumulated primarily from China and Thailand, supplemented by records from Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines, an exceptionally diverse subterranean fauna is herein delineated, including the description of 43 new species: Araneibatrus antennatus sp. nov., A. huangsunbini sp. nov., A. leclerci sp. nov., A. thamluang sp. nov., A. thamphamon sp. nov., A. thamphathong sp. nov., A. thamprakaiphet sp. nov.; Batrisiella longlina sp. nov.; Batrisocenus affinis sp. nov., Batrisocenus dushizi sp. nov., Batrisocenus filum sp. nov., Batrisocenus mojiachengi sp. nov., Batrisocenus shilin sp. nov., Batrisocenus trungtrang sp. nov., Tribasodites circinatus sp. nov., T. disuensis sp. nov., T. duanus sp. nov., T. guilinensis sp. nov., T. huchanghaoi sp. nov., T. miaoting sp. nov., T. pakchong sp. nov., T. shui sp. nov., T. uncinus sp. nov., T. zhouhanpingi sp. nov.; Zopherobatrus excavatus sp. nov., Z. kaiyangus sp. nov., Z. sinanus sp. nov., Z. wulongensis sp. nov.; Batraxis soparki sp. nov.; Nipponobythus haozhu sp. nov., N. jinji sp. nov., N. liyunchuni sp. nov., N. long sp. nov., N. minor sp. nov. (soil-dwelling), N. niubi sp. nov., N. platycephalus sp. nov., N. proiectus sp. nov., N. punctatus sp. nov., N. qian sp. nov., N. sanxian sp. nov., N. suxian sp. nov., N. wufengensis sp. nov., and N. zengtingkaii sp. nov. The present work nearly doubles the documented diversity of cavernicolous Pselaphinae in Asia, increasing the number of known species from 48 to 90, highlighting the profound geographical biases in previous research and the immense, cryptic diversity harbored within these habitats. Identification keys to supertribes, tribes, genera, and species are provided, along with a checklist of cavernicolous Pselaphinae recorded from Asia. Moreover, this study reports novel instances of pronounced male antennal polymorphism and identifies potential morphological correlates of sexual conflict, specifically, putative female resistance traits, within these cave-adapted lineages, thereby illuminating evolutionary dynamics operative in aphotic ecosystems. Collectively, this work establishes a crucial taxonomic framework for the Asian cavernicolous fauna and stresses the urgent need for continued biospeleological exploration to effectively catalogue and conserve the unique biodiversity endemic to these karst systems.

taxonomy, cavernicolous, biodiversity, male polymorphism, sexual conflict

Zi-Wei YIN. 2025. Illuminating the Darkness: An exceptionally Diverse Fauna of subterranean Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Asian Karsts. Insect Systematics and Diversity. 9(5); ixaf046. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixaf046 [03 November 2025] 

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[Entomology • 2025] Acrotaphus guacas • A New Andean Species of Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from the Central Cordillera, and A Taxonomic Key to Colombian Species

 

 Acrotaphus guacas Álvarez-Arellano,

in Álvarez-Arellano, Palacios-Castro et Pádua, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.2.6 

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Abstract

A new species of Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 from the Colombian Andes is described and illustrated: Acrotaphus guacas, sp. nov. In addition, an identification key to all species recorded from Colombia is provided.

Hymenoptera, Parasitoid wasps, taxonomy, Darwin wasps, biodiversity, South America

Acrotaphus guacas Álvarez-Arellano, sp. nov.

Diego ÁLVAREZ-ARELLANO, Shirley PALACIOS-CASTRO and Diego G. PÁDUA. 2025. A New Andean Species of Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from the Central Cordillera, and A Taxonomic Key to Colombian Species.  Zootaxa. 5719(2); 271-276. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.2.6 [2025-11-12] 

 x.com/alvarez_arellan/status/1988453848139104260

 

[Entomology • 2023] Agojie rupicola • A New Genus and Endangered Species of euptychiine Butterfly (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) from isolated mountains in southeastern Brazil

Agojie rupicola 

 Zacca, Cordeiro & Gonella, 2023  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5346.1.5 

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Abstract

Agojie rupicola gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and species of Euptychiina from the campos rupestres and granitic inselbergs of eastern Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, is herein described using comparative morphology and ecological data. Diagnoses, photos, and illustrations are also provided, in addition to a discussion on the putative systematic placement of the new taxa and its conservation status. Considering the collecting points, the estimated value for the extent of occurrence (EOO) is 100.263 km2 and the area of occupancy (AOO) is 20 km2, which combined with the reduced number of localities in which the species is known to occur, and the observed continuing decline of the quality of the habitat, we recommend that A. rupicola gen. et sp. nov. should be formally assessed as Endangered based on criteria B1+2(a,biii) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The results presented here add to the increasing faunistic and floristic novelties that justify the priority for the conservation of these still scientifically underexplored Brazilian mountains.

Lepidoptera, Atlantic Forest, Campo rupestre, Conservation, Endangered species, Euptychiina, Megisto clade, Moneuptychia, Morphology, Pharneuptychia, Taxonomy

Agojie rupicola gen. et sp. nov.

Thamara ZACCA, Danilo Pacheco CORDEIRO and Paulo Minatel GONELLA. 2023. A New Genus and Endangered Species of euptychiine Butterfly from isolated mountains in southeastern Brazil (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae). Zootaxa. 5346(1); 83-93. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5346.1.5 [2023-09-15] 

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 Researchgate.net/publication/387049093_Placement_of_Agojie_rupicola_Zacca_2023_in_the_Euptychiina_Nymphalidae_Satyrinae_Satyrini_Phylogenetic_Tree

[Entomology • 2021] Nisitrus crucius, N. malaya, N. rindu, ... • Revision of the Cricket Genus Nisitrus Saussure (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Eneopterinae) and Descriptions of Five New Species

 

[A, B, D] Nisitrus malaya Robillard & Tan sp. nov.

[E, F, G] N. vittatus (Haan, 1844). 

in Tan, Wahab, Japir, Chung et Robillard. 2021. 

 DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.761.1449 

facebook.com: Arthur CHUNG

Photograph: Ming Kai Tan.

ABSTRACT

Nisitrus Saussure, 1878 is a diurnal and monophyletic group of eneopterine crickets found in parts of Southeast Asia. Species often have vivid colourations which make them charismatic photograph subjects among macro photographers. However, their taxonomy has not been revised since their original descriptions, whereas there are also species awaiting to be discovered and described. A synoptic revision is therefore needed prior to studying the phylogenetic relationships of the genus, and before undertaking more precise studies on biogeography and evolution of traits. By holistically incorporating information about general morphology, male and female genitalia, and bioacoustics, we revise the taxonomy of these crickets and recognise 10 valid species of Nisitrus. Five new species are described: N. crucius Robillard & Tan sp. nov. from Borneo; N. danum Robillard & Tan sp. nov. from Borneo; N. hughtani Robillard & Tan sp. nov. from Sumatra; N. malaya Robillard & Tan sp. nov. from Malay Peninsula; and N. rindu Robillard & Tan sp. nov. from Borneo. We redescribe N. brunnerianus and N. insignis; describe the calls of N. malaya sp. nov., N. musicus and N. vittatus. We consider N. sumatrensis as a junior synonym of N. insignis; and N. marginata as a junior synonym of N. vittatus. Nisitrus hyalinus requires further revision. We also consider N. maculosus as a dubious name.

 

Keywords: Nisitrini, key, lectotype, redescription, Southeast Asia

 

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758

Order Orthoptera Latreille, 1793

Suborder Ensifera Chopard, 1920

Superfamily Grylloidea Laicharting, 1781

Family Gryllidae Laicharting, 1781

Subfamily Eneopterinae Saussure, 1874

Tribe Nisitrini Robillard, 2004

A–D. Nisitrus malaya Robillard & Tan sp. nov.
E–H. N. vittatus (Haan, 1844). 
Adult ♂♂ (A–B, E–F) and ♀♀ (C–D, G–H) in their natural environment.

Photograph: Ming Kai Tan.

Genus Nisitrus Saussure, 1878

Type species: Nisitra vittatus (Haan, 1844).

Remarks on type species: Kirby (1906) and Chopard (1968) listed N. vittata as the type species of Nisitra and treated the original type species N. marginata Walker, 1869 as a synonym of N. vittata. Subsequent authors listed N. vittatusas the type species of the replacement name Nisitrus, although Otte (1994) reinstated N. marginatus as a valid species (Braun 2013 in Cigliano et al. 2020). The present revision revalidates the synonymy of N. marginatus under N. vittatus, making N. vittatus the valid type species of the genus.

Diagnosis (emended from Robillard & Tan 2013) Among genera of Eneopterinae, Nisitrus is characterised by an elegant, wasp-like, slender and colourful body (Figs 7–9). Size average for subfamily. Colouration vivid, dominantly yellow, whitish and black, with species-specific patterns, particularly in the head (Figs 10–11), pronotum (Figs 11–12) and FWs (Figs 12–14). Characteristic head shape with narrow fastigium and large prominent eyes with thin dorso-ventral black stripes. Pronotum setose, square-shaped to slightly trapezoidal, usually bisinuated posteriorly. Metanotum with large glandular structures in males, made of a wide pit on scutum and a pair of posterior pits on scutellum, with glandular pores mostly organised by groups of 2 or 3 (Fig. 15). FWs more or less as long as abdomen. Male Nisitrus show modified FW venation and characteristic glossy transparency. Hindwings longer than FWs, bicoloured in most species, their base transparent with a wide dark posterior margin. Legs long and thin, FIII with a characteristic narrowed area before knee. Other general traits: TI with two tympana, inner one slit-like, covered by a swollen cuticular expansion; outer tympanum oval, its membrane transversally plicate in dorsal half. TI with three apical spurs; outer dorsal spur missing. TII with four apical spurs, inner longest. TIII with three inner and three outer apical spurs, median longest on each side; four pairs of subapical spurs, inner and outer spurs almost straight, their apex hook-like; TIII serrulate over whole length, slightly furrowed dorsally. Tarsomeres III-1 with one row of dorsal spines on external edge in addition to apical spines. Apical claws of legs slightly indented. Both males and females show characteristic genitalia.

Nymphs in their natural environment.
A–C. Nisitrus malaya Robillard & Tan sp. nov.
 D–F. N. vittatus (Haan, 1844).

Photograph: Ming Kai Tan.

Ming Kai Tan, Rodzay bin Haji Abdul Wahab, Razy Japir, Authur Y.C. Chung and Tony Robillard. 2021. Revision of the Cricket Genus Nisitrus Saussure (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Eneopterinae) and Descriptions of Five New Species. European Journal of Taxonomy. 761(1), 1-75. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.761.1449 

Researchgate.net/publication/353514179_Revision_of_Nisitrus

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[Herpetology • 2025] Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis • An Update on the Amphibian Assemblage of the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania, with the Description of A New giant Arthroleptis species (Amphibia: Anura)

Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis 

Lyakurwa, Liedtke, Mollel, Bittencourt-Silva, Jehle, Loader & Ngalason, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2025.2561124 

 x.com/Pius_Mollel

 

Abstract

Effective conservation measures require accurate and complete species inventories, which are however often missing for particularly biodiverse regions of concern. The montane forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) in East Africa represent fragmented relics of unique habitats that harbour remarkable levels of plant and animal diversity, including many endemic and threatened species most of which are poorly known. The present study focuses on the Ukaguru Mountains, an important mountain block in the central EAM, and expands on a recent study that summarized data from 30 years of amphibian surveys. Using systematic sampling (2022–2024) in localities that are less heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities than previously surveyed sites, we increase the number of documented amphibian species from 17 to 19, adding Xenopus cf. victorianus and a newly described species (see below). Among the three Ukaguru-endemic toads which have not been recorded since more than two decades, we re-discovered Nectophrynoides laticeps and N. paulae but failed to record the enigmatic Churamiti maridadi, which according to a dedicated extinction model has an updated probability of only 47.6% of still being extant. Based on genetic, morphological and bioacoustic evidence, we also describe a new large-bodied species of Arthroleptis (Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis sp. nov.), shedding further light into the evolution of ‘giant’ congeners which inhabit other mountain blocks in the EAM. Given the rapid deforestation of the EAM for which the Ukagurus are no exception, our findings give rise to concerns regarding current and future extinction risks within unique mountain amphibian assemblages, also affecting species which potentially still await description. 

Key words: Afromontane, biogeography, Churamiti, Eastern Arc Mountains, Nectophrynoides

 Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis sp. nov.

 

John Lyakurwa, H. Christoph Liedtke, Pius Mollel, Gabriela B. Bittencourt-Silva, Robert Jehle, Simon P. Loader and Wilirk Ngalason. 2025. An Update on the Amphibian Assemblage of the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania, with the Description of A New giant Arthroleptis species (Amphibia: Anura). Systematics and Biodiversity.  23(1); 2561124. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2025.2561124 [03 Nov 2025]

  x.com/Pius_Mollel/status/1988558790933754073