[Botany • 2025] Utricularia damingshanensis (Lentibulariaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

  

Utricularia damingshanensis S. Wu & Z. Z. Li, 

in Li, Wu, Nong, G.-R. Zhou, P.-L. Zhou, Lin, Outang, Jobson et Shao, 2025.  

大明山挖耳草 — DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.733.2.7 

Abstract  

Utricularia damingshanensis (Lentibulariaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It resembles U. caerulea and U. warburgii but differs in having a corolla palate with four hooked processes on the distal margin; lower calyx lobe distinctly shorter than the upper; distinctly striped corolla with 8–15 deep violet lines on the lower lip and 6–9 radiating lines on the upper lip, as well as a helmet-like swelling at the base of the lower lip. Phylogenetic analysis based on nrITS, rps16, and trnD–trnT strongly supported its placement in sect. Nigrescentes as sister to U. warburgii. Both morphological and molecular evidence support its status as a new species.

Utricularia, sect. Nigrescentes, phylogeny, taxonomy, new species, Eudicots

Utricularia damingshanensi

ZHI-ZHONG LI, SHUANG WU, DONG-XIN NONG, GUANG-RONG ZHOU, PI-LIN ZHOU, LI LIN, XUHONG OUYANG, RICHARD W. JOBSON and JIAN-WEN SHAO. 2025. Utricularia damingshanensis (Lentibulariaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. Phytotaxa. 733(2); 245-252. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.733.2.7 [2025-12-11]

广西大明山发现植物新种——大明山挖耳草

[Crustacea • 2025] Caecognathia tubicola • Two gnathiid isopods utilizing empty tubes of the polychaete worm Spirobranchus akitsushima in the Seto Inland Sea, western Japan, with the Description of A New Species

 

 Caecognathia tubicola 

Ota & Yoshimatsu, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.3800/pbr.20.248

Abstract

Two gnathiid species were collected from around Kagawa Prefecture, Seto Inland Sea, western Japan. One species was described as Caecognathia tubicola sp. nov. with detailed morphological examinations of male and female adults and larvae. A total of 130 individuals of C. tubicola were obtained from empty tubes of the polychaetous annelid Spirobranchus akitsushima in the intertidal zone. This species probably completes its life cycle around the aggregation of empty calcareous tubes of S. akitsushima on bedrock, as larvae at all developmental stages were found. Some adult females have significantly narrow thoraxes, a morphology that may be adapted to the elongate tubes. Small numbers of Elaphognathia cornigera (Nunomura, 1992) were also found in empty S. akitsushima tubes.

Keywords: Caecognathia, ectoparasite, intertidal zone, narrow thorax

 Caecognathia tubicola sp. nov. 
Habitat of at Mitoyoshi City, Kagawa Prefecture.
A, intertidal rocky shore with mats of aggregations of tube of polychaete worm Spirobranchus akitsushima;  B, mouth of empty tubes of S. akitsushima; C, male adult of C. tubicola in a tube.
Live specimens (D-F)

Family Gnathiidae Leach, 1814 

Genus Caecognathia Dollfus, 1901 

 

Caecognathia tubicola sp. nov.  

 [Japanese name: Kanzashi-umi-kuwagata]

Diagnosis. Dorsal surface of cephalosome, pereonites 1–3, and anterior part of pereonite 4 densely covered with fine granules; frontal border rounded, slightly dentate, fringed with fine setae; paraocular ornamentation multiple projections, covering part of eyes in dorsal view; pereonite 1 not fused with cephalon and divided into 3 parts; epimera not prominent on pleonites 1–5; pleotelson covered with pectinate scales on anterior half and fine spines on posterior part.

Yuzo Ota and Sadaaki Yoshimatsu. 2025. Two gnathiid isopods utilizing empty tubes of the polychaete worm Spirobranchus akitsushima in the Seto Inland Sea, western Japan, with the description of a new species. Plankton and Benthos Research. 20(4); 248-262. DOI: doi.org/10.3800/pbr.20.248

   x.com/mofumofu_marine/status/1993956358241337851

[Botany • 2025] Dysosma xishuiensis (Berberidaceae) • A New Species from Guizhou, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence

Dysosma xishuiensis Y. B. Yang, M. T. An & C. H. Yang, 

[G-H] D. versipellis;  [I] D. majoensis

in Huang, Yao, Yang, An, Yu, Zhou et Li, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.268.152287

Abstract

Dysosma xishuiensis Y. B. Yang, M. T. An & C. H. Yang is described and illustrated as a new species from Xishui County in northern Guizhou Province, China. This species is morphologically similar to D. versipellis, but differs by its glabrous abaxial leaf surface, pedicels, and sepals; inflorescences bearing more flowers (8–20 vs. 5–8); larger obovate–oblong petals (2.8–3.4 × 1.5–2.0 cm vs. 2.5 × 0.8 cm); and an obpyriform ovary (vs. ellipsoid). The phylogenetic relationships reconstructed using ITS, matK, and rbcL sequences further confirm that it is a new species within Dysosma. This species is currently known only from the Xishui National Nature Reserve in Guizhou. According to IUCN criteria (B2, D), due to its limited distribution and low population numbers, D. xishuiensis is assessed as Endangered (EN).

Key words: Dysosma, molecular phylogeny, morphology, new taxon, taxonomy

Images of living plants of Dysosma xishuiensis Y. B. Yang, M. T. An & C. H. Yang.
A. Individual; B. Root; C. An adaxially leaf blade; D. Abaxial leaf blade; E. Inflorescence anatomy of a flower; F. Stamens and pistils;
G. Plant habit and leaf morphology (D. versipellis); H. Inflorescence (D. versipellis); I. Leaf morphology (D. majoensis).

Photos credit: A, F, G, I by C. H. Yang; C, D by L. Huang; B, E by J. G. Wang; G, H by Z. Wei.

Dysosma xishuiensis Y. B. Yang, M. T. An & C. H. Yang sp. nov. 

 Lang Huang, Wei-Hao Yao, Yan-Bing Yang, Ming-Tai An, Yuan-Lin Yu, Mei Zhou and He Li. 2025. Dysosma xishuiensis (Berberidaceae), A New Species from Guizhou, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. PhytoKeys. 268: 59-67. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.268.152287

[Paleontology • 2025] Mandocaris polyphaga • A New caridean Shrimp Fossil (Caridea: Acanthephyridae) with exceptionally preserved organs from the Middle Jurassic of La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France

Mandocaris polyphaga

Lagrange, Audo, Odin, De Grave, Fernandez, Dollman & Charbonnier, 2025

www.app.pan.pl

We used propagation phase contrast synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography (PPC-SRμCT) on an exceptionally preserved fossil caridean from the Callovian of the La Voulte-sur-Rhône Konservat-Lagerstätte. The tomographic data reveal the shape of the mandible and pereiopodal epipods allowing the description of a new genus and species of Acanthephyridae (Caridea) shrimp, Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. Most organs are exceptionally preserved in either mineral denser to X-ray than matrix, interpreted to be sulfides, or in mineral of lower density than the matrix, interpreted as carbonate/phosphate such as fluorapatite. We herein propose a taphonomic scenario for the preservation of M. polyphaga gen. et sp. nov.: it died from unknown causes not caused by an injury, as no wound is visible, falling on the sediment/water interface, it laid on its right side, and was probably covered by sediments and/or a microbial mat, thus quickly becoming entombed in the anoxic zone of the sedimentary column. Once there, many anatomic structures were replaced by phosphates. Sulfides precipitated concomitantly or quickly afterwards, probably aided by both internal and external source of metal ions. The importance of the external source of metal ions (hydrothermalism) is clear due to the prevalence of sulfides in the ventral side of the specimen, an area more permeable due to its abundance in thin membranes prone to decay. The loss of integrity thereafter led to sediment invading the body cavity, thus obliterating a few ventral anatomic details, including some pereiopodal muscles, part of the hepatopancreas, most of the gills, and possibly reproductive organs. The nodule was then formed, closing the system, and protecting the specimen from further diagenetic degradation.

Key words: Crustacea, Caridea, synchrotron, tomography, anatomy, Konservat-Lagerstätte, Callovian, Middle Jurassic.

Overview of the caridean shrimp Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. (holotype, MNHN.F.A58277) from the Callovian (Middle Jurassic) of La Voulte, France.
Specimen in right lateral (A1) and dorsal (A2) views. Cephalothorax in right lateral view (A3). 3D reconstruction of the holotype in right lateral view (A4), exposing the organs (A5). Abbreviations: a, branchiocardiac groove; a1, antennula; a2, antenna; b1, hepatic groove; e1e, cervical groove; hc, hepatic carina; hs, hepatic spine; mxp3, third maxilliped; phc, posterior hepatic carina; P1–5, pereiopods 1–5; pl1–4, pleopods 1–4; s1–6, pleonites 1–6. White arrows point to the front of the animal.

Mandocaris polyphaga gen. et sp. nov. 

 

Flavien Lagrange, Denis Audo, Giliane P. Odin, Sammy De Grave, Vincent Fernandez, Kathleen Dollman, and Sylvain Charbonnier. 2025. A New caridean Shrimp Fossil with exceptionally preserved organs from the Middle Jurassic of La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 70(4); 775-794. DOI: 10.4202/app.01275.2025

https://www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app012752025.html

[Herpetology • 2025] Leptobrachella rubromammata • A New Species of Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Chu Yang Sin National Park, Dak Lak Province, Southern Vietnam

 

 Leptobrachella rubromammata 

Poyarkov, Nguyen, Duong, Le & Orlov, 2025

Red-nippled Litter Toad | http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2196 

Cóc lá tý hon tuyêìn ngýc cam || Researchgate.net/publication/398787243

Abstract

A new species of Asian leaf litter toad of the genus Leptobrachella is described from montane evergreen forests of Chu Yang Sin National Park, Dak Lak Province, southern Vietnam, based on an integrative analysis of molecular and morphological data. The new species, Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov., is assigned to the Leptobrachella applebyi species group. Morphologically, it is most similar to L. maculosa, L. kalonensis, and L. bidoupensis but can be distinguished by its conspicuous orange supra-axillary and pectoral glands and a distinctive ventral coloration pattern. The new species is genetically divergent from all congeners, with uncorrected 16S rRNA gene distances ranging from 6.56% to 14.55%. Based on its restricted distribution and potential vulnerability to habitat disturbance, we propose that Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov. be listed as Vulnerable (VU) under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Leptolalax applebyi species group; molecular analyses; morphology; new species; taxonomy; Lang Bian Plateau

 Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov. in life:
 A, holotype ZMMU A-8300; B, paratype ZMMU A-5215.

Photographs by N. A. Poyarkov.

The maximum likelihood (ML) phylogeny of the Leptobrachella applebyi species group (left) and corresponding sampling localities used in this study (right). Icons adjacent to species clades match those shown on the map. The type locality of  Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov. in Chu Yang Sin National Park, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam, is indicated with a red star. Node values represent bootstrap support values (BS) and Bayesian posterior probabilities (BPP), respectively. Sequences of L. picta, L. pluvialis, and L. bourreti were used as outgroups.

Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet “rubromammata”is a Latin adjective in the nominative case (feminine gender), derived from Latin “ruber” meaning “red” and“mamma” meaning “breast,” “bosom.” The name isgiven in reference to the characteristic pair of bright red-dish-orange pectoral glands resembling two reddish nip-ples. We recommend “Red-nippled Litter Toad” as thecommon English name, “Cóc lá tý hon tuyêìn ngýc cam”as the Vietnamese name, and “Krasnogrudaya malayachesnochnitsa” as the common name in Russian.

Typical habitat of  Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov. in the type locality: Chu Yang Sin NP, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam.

Photographs by: N. A. Poyarkov.

Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Tan Van Nguyen, Tang Van Duong, Son Xuan Le and Nikolai L. Orlov. 2025. A New Species of Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Chu Yang Sin National Park, Dak Lak Province, Southern Vietnam. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 32(4); 293-308

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2196 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398787243_A_New_Species_of_Leptobrachella_from_ChuYangSin_NPrk_DakLak_Southern_Vietnam

  facebook.com/tansifasv/posts/122232863948144982

[Botany • 2025] Psychotria caraballoensis (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from northern Luzon, Philippines

Psychotria caraballoensis Pajarillaga, Ordas & Moran, 

in Pajarillaga, Ordas, Odulio, Venturina et Moran, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05026

Abstract

In this paper, we describe and illustrate Psychotria caraballoensis, a new endemic species from the Caraballo Mountain Range, Luzon, Philippines. It is allied to the Subalpina species group sensu Sohmer and Davis (2007), and resembles Psychotria sohotonensis. However, it is distinct by its greater number of lateral veins, leaf blades drying khaki to dark brown, inflorescences/infructescences with axes branching into verticillate or oppositely branched cymules, puberulous flowers with longer corolla lobes, smaller and globose to subglobose fruits, and ruminate endosperms. It is one of few species of Philippine Psychotria documented to have both long and short-styled flower morphs. The conservation status of this species is proposed as ‘Endangered' (EN), due to its restricted range and the presence of anthropogenic threats in the area.

Keywords: distylous, montane, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippine flora, Psychotrieae, taxonomy

Psychotria caraballoensis sp. nov. 
(A) Flowering individual, (B) stipules and leaf attachment, (C) short styled flower, (D) short styled flower front view, (E) corolla, (F) opened corolla, (G) calyx and hypanthium of short styled flower, (H) infructescence, (I) fruit, (J) fruit cross-section showing pyrenes, (K) pyrenes (left – dorsal view, right -ventral view).

Scale bars – A = 1 cm, B–K = 1 mm. Illustrated by Propa Joy S. Venturina.

Psychotria caraballoensis sp. nov.
(A) Leaf attachment and stipules, (B) leaves with abaxial side (top) and adaxial side (below), (C) inflorescence, (D) long-styled flower (pin), (E) short-styled flower (thrum), (F) infructescence, (G) fruits.

Scale bar A–C = 1 cm, D–G = 5 mm. 

Photographs A and C–F by Lyle Christian P. Santiago and B and G by Sarah Grace S. Zamudio.

Psychotria caraballoensis Pajarillaga, Ordas & Moran sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A species closely resembling Psychotria sohotonensis Sohmer and Davis, but distinct by its leaf blades with numerous lateral veins (14–19 versus 10–14) drying khaki to dark brown (versus dark brown to dark olivaceous brown), inflorescences/infructescences with axes that further branch into verticillate or oppositely branched cymules (versus axes terminating into shortly branched cymules), puberulous flowers (versus glabrous) with longer corolla lobes (2.7–3.2 mm versus 1.5 mm), smaller (4.0–5.5 mm versus 8–9 mm) globose to subglobose fruits (versus ellipsoid-globose), and ruminate endosperms (versus entire). Additionally, dimorphic flower morphs with long and short styles were observed.

Etymology: This species was named after the Caraballo Mountain Range of Nueva Vizcaya Province, where it was discovered.

 

Jenifer D. Pajarillaga, Jorge Anton D. Ordas, Eiana Joshier A. Odulio, Propa Joy S. Venturina and Cecilia B. Moran. 2025. Psychotria caraballoensis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from northern Luzon, Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05026  [14 November 2025]

[Entomology • 2025] Ephoron debaratana • A New Species of Burrowing Mayfly (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae) from Thailand

Ephoron debaratana 

 Kwanboon, Auychinda, Suttinun & Boonsoong, 2025

แมลงชีปะขาวเทพรัตน์  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266890 

Abstract

A new species of burrowing mayfly, Ephoron debaratana sp. nov., is described based on the larval stage. The morphological characteristics distinguished the new species from other known Ephoron species are the followings: 1) pigmented lateral tracheal branches on the abdominal gills, 2) number of tubercles on the tusk, and 3) triangular frontal process. The morphological evidence presented in this study is strongly supported by cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene data. This new species was found in a headwater stream in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. The habitat information and a comparison to the known species of Thai larvae are also presented.

Keywords: COI, Oriental region, headwater stream, New species

Ephoron debaratana sp. nov.

แมลงชีปะขาวเทพรัตน์ 

Sedtawut Kwanboon, Chonlakran Auychinda, Chanaporn Suttinun and Boonsatien Boonsoong. 2025. Ephoron debaratana sp. nov., A New Species of Burrowing Mayfly (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae) from Thailand. Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8; 227-237. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266890   [2025-10-14]

 facebook.com/aununkb/posts/24761681683480737

[Diplopoda • 2025] Yuennanina sirindhornae • Review of the Flat Back Millipede Genus Yuennanina Attems, 1936 (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), with the Description of a New Species from Thailand

 

Yuennanina sirindhornae 

Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2025

กิ้งกือตะเข็บเจ้าฟ้า  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266228

Abstract

The millipede genus Yuennanina Attems, 1936 has been known so far only from Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Currently, it comprises three species: Y. ceratogaster Attems, 1936, Y. aceratogaster Zhang & Li, 1977, and Y. petalolobodes Chang & Zhang, 1989. Herein, we describe Yuennanina sirindhornae sp. nov., from Huai Nam Dang, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, representing the first formal record of this genus not only from Thailand, but also from entire Southeast Asia. The new species is characterized by its unique gonopodal solenophore the shape of which resembles a young fern frond with fimbriate edges. A detailed redescription of the type species, Y. ceratogaster, is provided based on a revision of type material. An updated identification key to all four presently known Yuennanina species is also provided.

Keywords: arthropod, taxonomy, key

Yuennanina sirindhornae sp. nov., ♂ holotype.
A, B.habitus, live coloration

Yuennanina sirindhornae sp. nov.

Natdanai Likhitrakarn, Sergei Golovatch and Somsak Panha. 2025. Review of the Flat Back Millipede Genus Yuennanina Attems, 1936 (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae), with the Description of a New Species from Thailand. Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8 (2025); 13-23. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266228 [2025-10-14]

 

[Cnidaria • 2025] Endolobactis simoesii (Cnidaria: Actiniaria) • A New Species of Sea Anemone from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Endolobactis simoesii

 González-Muñoz, Rodríguez, Durán-Fuentes & Acuña, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.3.5

Abstract

A new genus and species of sea anemone belonging to the family Actiniidae, Endolobactis simoesii gen. et sp. nov., is described. A comprehensive description is provided, including information on its external and internal anatomical features, cnidome, and size ranges and distribution of cnidae, accompanied by images of live specimens and their histological characteristics. The most distinctive feature of E. simoesii gen. et sp. nov. is the frond-like marginal projections located on exclusively endocoelic lobes. This contrasts with other genera in Actiniidae that exhibit similar marginal projections, which are commonly referred to as a “marginal ruff.” In addition, E. simoesii gen. et sp. nov. has more mesenteries proximally than distally. These and other differences between E. simoesii gen. et sp. nov. and other genera within Actiniidae with similar features are discussed in detail. With the inclusion of E. simoesii gen. et sp. nov., the number of documented sea anemone species along the Mexican Atlantic coast increases to 24.

 

Coelenterata, Actiniidae, sea anemone, Endolobactis simoesii

 Endolobactis simoesii gen. et sp. nov.

Ricardo GONZÁLEZ-MUÑOZ, Estefanía RODRÍGUEZ, Jefersón DURÁN-FUENTES and Fabián H. ACUÑA. 2025. Endolobactis simoesii gen. et sp. nov. (Cnidaria: Actiniaria), A New Species of Sea Anemone from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.  Zootaxa. 5722(3); 391-407. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.3.5 [2025-11-20]

[Invertebrate • 2025] Acanthotrochus verruciosseous • A New abyssal Species of Acanthotrochus (Holothuroidea: Apodida) from the Aleutian Trench, North Pacific Ocean

 

 Acanthotrochus verruciosseous

Ogawa, Chen & Sigwart, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.5343/bms.2025.0092 

 x.com/squamiferum

 

A new species of the rarely seen myriotrochid holothurian genus Acanthotrochus, Acanthotrochus verruciosseous sp. nov., is described from 5272 to 5325 m deep in the Aleutian Trench, North Pacific Ocean. The new species is morphologically clearly separated from three valid congeners based on acanthotrochid-type wheel ossicles bearing multiple low knobs on the inner and outer rims as well as the outward teeth. The outer, concave side of the acanthotrochid-type wheels also form inward-pointing protrusions at the base of spokes at the inner rim edge. These ossicle features have never been observed in the three described species. Acanthotrochus has a global distribution, in the North Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Antarctica, with a maximum depth of 3320 m. Our discovery is the first record of Acanthotrochus from the North Pacific and from the lower abyssal zone, which greatly extends the known geographic and bathymetric range of Acanthotrochus. Partial mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA sequences from the type specimens of A. verruciosseous sp. nov. are clearly separated from the type species of the genus, Acanthotrochus mirabilis Danielssen and Koren, 1881.

Acanthotrochus verruciosseous sp. nov.

 Ogawa, Akito; Chen, Chong and Sigwart, Julia D. 2025. A New abyssal Species of Acanthotrochus (Holothuroidea: Apodida) from the Aleutian Trench, North Pacific Ocean. Bulletin of Marine Science. DOI: doi.org/10.5343/bms.2025.0092 

 x.com/squamiferum/status/2001017902213079083

[Entomology • 2025] Grypoctonus aureus, G. sagittatus, ... • Integrated Taxonomy discovers Four New Species of Grypoctonus Speiser, 1928 (Diptera: Asilidae) from China

 Grypoctonus aureus, G. sagittatus, G. solarius & G. yongshani 

Zhou & Li,  

in Zhou, Yang et Li. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/insects16070722

Abstract

The genus Grypoctonus Speiser, 1928 (Diptera: Asilidae) is a fuzzy-looking assassin fly, and adults have only been observed in autumn and winter. Currently containing four described species, this genus is readily distinguished from other Chinese asilids by the presence of two r-m crossveins. Through integrative taxonomic analysis of over 200 specimens from multiple Chinese provinces, we combined morphological assessment with DNA barcoding and four species delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, mPTP, and GMYC). Four species are newly described: G. aureus sp. nov., G. sagittatus sp. nov., G. solarius sp. nov., and G. yongshani sp. nov. (the latter described solely from morphological examination of historical specimens). Genetic analyses revealed distinct barcoding gaps, with an interspecific distance of 1.38–7.07% versus an intraspecific distance of no more than 0.92%. We revised the generic diagnosis, provided a distribution map, and a revised key to all known species of Grypoctonus.

Keywords: DNA barcoding; integrated taxonomy; new species; assassin fly

Integrative species delimitation of Grypoctonus combining molecular and morphological evidence. ...

Grypoctonus aureus Zhou & Li sp. nov.

 Grypoctonus sagittatus Zhou & Li sp. nov.

Grypoctonus solarius Zhou & Li sp. nov.

 Grypoctonus yongshani Zhou & Li sp. nov.

 Haoyue Zhou, Ding Yang and Xuankun Li. 2025. Integrated Taxonomy Discovers Four New Species of Grypoctonus Speiser, 1928 (Diptera: Asilidae) from China. Insects. 16(7); 722. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/insects16070722 [15 July 2025]

 

Simple Summary: Grypoctonus is a fuzzy-looking asilid genus currently containing four valid species distributed across the Palaearctic and high-elevation Oriental–Palaearctic transition zones. We freshly collected over 200 Grypoctonus specimens from nine sites across China between September 2023 and November 2024 and generated 164 COI barcodes using a MinION sequencing pipeline. We applied four species delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, mPTP, GMYC) alongside morphological evidence. Our results corroborated four species, which we describe here as new to science. Pairwise genetic distances of DNA barcode analyses revealed clear barcoding gaps. We revise the generic diagnosis, provide a global distribution map, include all known species, and offer an updated key.

[Arachnida • 2024] Plesiopelma arevaloae • A New Species of Plesiopelma (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae) from Uruguay

Plesiopelma arevaloae 

Arias, Hilario, Ferretti & Pérez-Miles, 2024

  https://boletimcn.museu-goeldi.br/bcnaturais 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391256408

Abstract

We describe and illustrate a new tarantula species of the genus Plesiopelma from Lavalleja and Maldonado, Uruguay. Plesiopelma arevaloae sp. nov. is distinguished from other known species by morphological characters and molecular evidence.

Keywords: Taxonomy, Morphology, Molecular, Tarantula

Plesiopelma arevaloae sp. nov.

Victoria Arias, Maite Hilario, Nelson Ferretti and Fernando Pérez-Miles. 2024. A New Species of Plesiopelma from Uruguay (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Theraphosinae).  Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. Ciências Naturais. 19(3); DOI: doi.org/10.46357/bcnaturais.v19i3.1001  

https://boletimcn.museu-goeldi.br/bcnaturais/en/article/view/1001

 Researchgate.net/publication/391256408_A_new_species_of_Plesiopelma_from_Uruguay

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Aulacigaster alabaster, A. breviradia, ... • Aulacigaster Macquart (Diptera: Schizophora: Aulacigastridae) in Amber

 

Aulacigaster alabaster 

Grimaldi, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.4289/0013-8797.127.3.458

Abstract

Four new species of the nearly worldwide genus Aulacigaster are described based on specimens preserved in Late Miocene amber (15–17 million years old) from the Dominican Republic: Aulacigaster alabaster n. sp., A. breviradia n. sp., A. mathisi n. sp., and A. rungae n. sp. Details of the male terminalia of A. neoleucopeza are provided as a comparison to three of the fossil species. Commentary is provided on morphological characters pertaining to aulacigastrid relationships. All the fossil Aulacigaster belong to the A. leucopeza group, which today predominates in the Holarctic Region, Africa and Asia, with only a few of the 42 Neotropical species in the genus belonging to the group. No leucopeza-group species are known from the Caribbean, so the fossils probably represent significant extinction in the region.

KEYWORDS: acalyptrates, biogeography, fossil resin, Hispaniola, Neogene

David A. Grimaldi. 2025. Aulacigaster Macquart in Amber (Diptera: Schizophora: Aulacigastridae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 127(3):458-473. DOI: doi.org/10.4289/0013-8797.127.3.458 [28 November 2025]

[Entomology • 2025] Onychargia hungeri • Notes on the Genus Onychargia Selys, 1865 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae) with Description A New Species from southern Vietnam

 

 Onychargia hungeri 

Tran, Huong & Phan, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5729.4.2 

  facebook.com: Minh Khang TRAN 

Abstract

This study updates the distribution and provides notes on the habitat of three species of the genus Onychargia Selys, 1865 in Vietnam, including the description of a new species, Onychargia hungeri sp. nov. (holotype ♂, 10.52238° N, 107.47591° E, altitude 41 m, Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam), which is described based on male and female specimens. The new species can be easily distinguished from two other congeners by having smaller body size, U-shaped pruinosity on male’s synthorax and differences in the male’s appendages structures.

Odonata, new species, damselfly, swamps, coastal forests, Vietnam

Onychargia hungeri sp. nov.

Minh Khang TRAN, Le Thi Thu HUONG and Quoc Toan PHAN. 2025. Notes on the Genus Onychargia Selys, 1865 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae) with Description of O. hungeri sp. nov. from southern Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5729(4); 519-534. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5729.4.2 [2025-12-17]

  facebook.com/MinhKhangTRAN351474/posts/1618430629604497

[Entomology • 2024] Dolichopoda athosensis, D. dirussoi, ... • Four New Dolichopoda Species (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae) from Greece, One Troglophilus new to Greece and new locality records

 

Dolichopoda dirussoi 

Alexiou, Bakolitsas, Di Russo & Rampini, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e121614 

Abstract

We describe four new species of the genus Dolichopoda from various areas of Greece, namely D. athosensis sp. nov., D. dirussoi sp. nov., D. karoutsosi sp. nov. and D. kotsabasi sp. nov. New locality records for Greece for the genera Dolichopoda and Troglophylus are given, in addition to the presence of Troglophilus brevicauda as a new country record. We discuss the relationship with the already known species of the area.

Key Words: Cave crickets, distribution, faunistics, new records, new species, taxonomy

Dolichopoda dirussoi sp. nov., in copula, cave Geralexis (photo Bakolitsas).

 

 Sotiris Alexiou, Kostas Bakolitsas, Claudio Di Russo and Mauro Rampini. 2024. Four New Dolichopoda Species from Greece, One Troglophilus new to Greece and new locality records (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae). Contributions to Entomology. 74(1): 103-111. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e121614 [29 Jul 2024]