[Mammalogy • 2026] Colobus congoensis • Likweli: A remarkable New Species of Colobus Monkey from the Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Colobus congoensis  

  J. Hart, Amboko, Arenson, Horton, Coates, Kapale, Koko, T. Hart, Gilbert, Sargis et Detwiler, 2026 

 

Likweli  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0349857

 

Abstract

We describe and name a new species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis sp. nov. (Primates, Cercopithecidae), from the interfluve region of the Lomami and Congo (Lualaba) Rivers in east-central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Colobus congoensis is a rare and cryptic monkey, poorly known even by local communities bordering its range, some of whom use the vernacular name Likweli for the species. Between 2018 and 2022, 114 field observations were made over an estimated range of 1,700 km2. Colobus congoensis is largely restricted to high, closed canopy forest on deep clay pediments and islands of terra firme forest, where it co-occurs with two other colobine species (Piliocolobus parmentieri and Colobus angolensis). Colobus congoensis was most frequently observed in small groups (mean = 6.2 individuals), often in mixed-species associations. Mitochondrial and morphological data confirm the attribution of C. congoensis to the genus Colobus and reveal that it is the sister to Colobus satanas, from which it is geographically separated by more than 1,200 km. Comparative analysis of C. congoensis vocalizations also reveals structural similarities with C. satanas to the exclusion of other Colobus species. Among other features, C. congoensis is distinguished from C. satanas and other Colobus species by its small size, a striking orange cream patch surrounding the mouth, philtrum, and portions of the inferior nasal alae on an otherwise black face, and a white perianal patch that is covered with fine white hairs in males and is glabrous in females. We propose a preliminary IUCN Red List classification of Endangered (EN) for C. congoensis based on its small range area and population size, coupled with the projected impact of increased hunting pressure and habitat conversion. Protection of Lomami National Park, within which most of the C. congoensis range occurs, and engagement of local communities in not hunting the species are the most important actions needed to ensure the conservation of C. congoensis.

An illustration of Colobus congoensis, whose common name is the local vernacular name, “likweli.”

Illustration: Kimio Honda

Systematics 

Family Cercopithecidae Gray, 1821

Subfamily Colobinae Blyth, 1863

Subtribe Colobina Blyth, 1863

Genus Colobus Illiger, 1811

Colobus congoensis and C. satanas in life.
(A & B) Colobus congoensis, Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo.
(C & D) C. satanas, Lope National Park, Gabon.

Photo credits:(A) Daniel Rosengren, (B) Bravo Bofenda, (C) Martin Royele/Royele Safaris, (D) Barna Takats. Photos used with permission.

Colobus congoensis J. Hart, Amboko, Arenson, Horton, Coates, Kapale, Koko, T. Hart, Gilbert, Sargis, and Detwiler, sp. nov.  

 

Etymology: The nominal congoensis refers to the species range limited to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Likweli, the vernacular name given to the species by communities bordering its range, is the recommended common name.

Diagnosis and Description: A small, long-tailed Colobus monkey that exhibits little sexual dimorphism in overall pelage coloration. The pelage of the limbs and torso is black. Hair length is longest on the upper shoulders and back (Color 89 in [54]), producing a sheen in some lighting and a cape-like pelt in some individuals. Body hairs are relatively short (~9–12.5 cm long in the male; ~ 6–8 cm long in females at mid-dorsum). The tail is largely black. Older individuals may show gray hairs (Glaucous Colors 79–80 in [54]) along the caudal dorsum and the tail, as seen in YPM MAM 17308, which also exhibits heavily worn dentition in the associated cranium, indicating an advanced age for this individual (Text A and Fig B in S4 File). The single male examined had a small, black terminal tail tuft in the fresh specimen, not seen on the two females. The head in both sexes is framed by long black hairs (~4–6 cm) on the forehead and sides of the face. The dark glabrous face is marked in both males and females by ...

  

John A. Hart, Junior D. Amboko, Julia L. Arenson, Emma R. Horton, Kathryn F. Coates, Jean-Pierre I. Kapale, Mardoché B. Koko, Terese B. Hart, Christopher C. Gilbert, Eric J. Sargis and Kate M. Detwiler. 2026. Likweli: A remarkable New Species of Colobus Monkey from the Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. PLoS One. 21(7): e0349857. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0349857 [July 15, 2026]

[Mollusca • 2026] Cyllena hermes • From the Dark to the Light: A New Genus and Species of stygobiont hydrobiid (Caenogastropoda: Truncatelloidea: Hydrobiidae) from southern Greece

Cyllena hermes  Radea & Protopapas,

in Radea, Protopapas, Parmakelis et Koskeridou, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.57.189090

Abstract

A new stygobiont hydrobiid genus and species is described from the Stymphalia karst basin (Peloponnese, Greece). Cyllena hermes gen. et sp. nov. is distinguished from other valvatiform or valvatiform–planorboid stygobiont hydrobiids by a unique combination of shell and anatomical characters, supporting the establishment of a new monotypic genus. It is currently known from a single karstic spring connected to the subterranean hydrological network of the Stymphalia polje, indicating a highly localized distribution. Following a precautionary approach, and in accordance with IUCN criteria, the species is here considered to qualify as Vulnerable (VU D2). The discovery of the new genus contributes to the documentation of subterranean aquatic gastropod diversity in Greece and emphasizes the need for further targeted exploration of karst ecosystems in the region.

Keywords: Endemism, Hydrobiidae, IUCN, Peloponnese, karst aquifer

Cyllena hermes gen. et sp. nov.
Shell views of collected specimens. A, G, J, M, P dorsal views B, H, K, N, Q ventral views C–E, I, L, O, R lateral views F operculum A–E holotype.

 Scale bar: 1 mm.

Cyllena hermes gen. et sp. nov.
Views from a single immature specimen. A dorsal view B ventral view C, D lateral view E–G scanning electron micrographs of shell and protoconch respectively.

Scale bars: 1 mm (A–E); 100 μm (F); 50 μm (G).

Systematic description

Class Gastropoda Cuvier, 1795

Subclass Caenogastropoda Cox in Moore, 1960

Order Littorinimorpha Golikov & Starobogatov, 1975

Superfamily Truncatelloidea J.E. Gray, 1840

Family Hydrobiidae W. Stimpson, 1865

Cyllena Radea & Protopapas, 2026, gen. nov. 

Type species. Cyllena hermes sp. nov. by original designation.

Diagnosis. Shell minute, valvatiform to planorboid; umbilicus wide, with earlier whorls visible; soft body unpigmented; eyes absent; bursa copulatrix pyriform; a single seminal receptacle [proximal, rs2 (Radoman 1973)] large and irregular in shape; penis large, dorso-ventrally flattened, distally blunt with papilla and proximally folded, bearing a single, elongate, blunt, medial lobe.

Etymology. The generic name derives from the Greek mythology: Cyllena (Κυλλήνη in Greek) was a nymph of Mt Kyllini, Korinthia, Peloponnese, and the nurturer of the god Hermes. Gender feminine.

Cyllena hermes Radea & Protopapas, 2026, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name, used in apposition, is derived from Greek mythology. Hermes (Ἑρμῆς in Greek) was one of the twelve Olympian gods, the messenger of the other Olympian deities, and was born in a cave on Mt Kyllini.

Live specimens of Cyllena hermes gen. et sp. nov.
A–F live mature specimen, shown from the moment of emergence from the shell to active locomotion while foraging 
G–I another mature specimen; White arrows indicate the direction of movement J immature specimen floating at the water surface while feeding
K caddisfly case (Insecta, Trichoptera) constructed from gastropod shells, including shells of Cyllena hermes gen. et sp. nov. Scale bars: 1 mm.

Canella Radea, Dimitrios Protopapas, Aristeidis Parmakelis and Efterpi Koskeridou. 2026. From the Dark to the Light: A New Genus and Species of stygobiont hydrobiid (Caenogastropoda, Truncatelloidea) from southern Greece. Subterranean Biology. 57: 1-21. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.57.189090  [18 Jun 2026]

 

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtopodion arachnoideum, C. cryptum, C. maritimum, C. oculiplenum, ... • Taxonomic Diversity of Iranian Thin-Toed Geckos of the Cyrtopodion agamuroides-gastropholis Species Complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) with Description of Ten New Species

 

Cyrtopodion oculiplenum 

Nazarov, Nabizadeh, Rajabizadeh, Moaddab, Nikolaev, Solovyeva, Melnikov, Ananjeva, Poyarkov & Ratsegar-Pouyani, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2026-33-2-85-168 

  Researchgate.net/publication/408559918

Photo by Roman Nazarov

Abstract 

The thin-toed geckos of the Cyrtopodion agamuroides-gastropholis species complex represent a taxonomically challenging group of geckos whose systematic and phylogenetic relationships remain poorly resolved. A dataset comprising 251 specimens belonging to the agamuroides-gastropholis complex was analyzed, based on material collected over a period of 20 years. A morphological comparison of external features revealed a high degree of species diversity within this group. We present the first preliminary data from analysis of the mitochondrial DNA barcoding (COI). The species delimitation analysis is consistent with the morphologically based species diversification, allowing an estimation of the species diversity within this group. The results of this study have led to the description of ten new species of the agamuroides-gastropholis complex, conditionally placed in the genus Cyrtopodion. The present study also discusses the biogeography, evolution, and speciation of this group. Further revision of the genus taxonomy of these geckos is needed, as well as a more detailed genetic and genomic study.

Keywords: Gekkonidae; Cyrtopodion; South Iran; distribution; taxonomy; cryptic species; barcoding; COI

Cyrtopodion oculiplenum sp. nov., Chabahar-Beris Road, Sistan-Baluchestan Province, Iran. November 6, 2019.

Photo by Roman Nazarov

C. arachnoideum, C. cryptum, C. khaborense, 

C. kuhestanense, C. layazanganense, 

C. maritimum, C. minimum, C. nasrullahi, 

C. oculiplenum, C. orlovi

 

Roman A. Nazarov, Hossein Nabizadeh, Mahdi Rajabizadeh, Marteza Moaddab, Oleg D. Nikolaev, Evgeniya N. Solovyeva, Daniel A. Melnikov, Natalia B. Ananjeva, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Eskandar Ratsegar-Pouyani. 2026. Taxonomic Diversity of Iranian Thin-Toed Geckos of the Cyrtopodion agamuroides-gastropholis Species Complex (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) with Description of Ten New Species. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 33(2); 85-168. DOI: doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2026-33-2-85-168 [July 8, 2026] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/408559918_Taxonomic_Diversity_of_Cyrtopodion_agamuroides-gastropholis_Species_Complex

 

[Botany • 2026] Mitrephora rashmiae (Annonaceae) • A New Species from Indian Himalaya, representing the first record of andromonoecy for the genus

 

Mitrephora rashmiae

in Page, Kishwan et Thackeray. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70134 

 facebook.com: Thackeray Wildlife Foundation

ABSTRACT

A new species of Mitrephora is described from Arunachal Pradesh, India. It can be distinguished from its congeners based on a combination of morphological characters such as evergreen leaf phenology, unbranched inflorescences with up to 8 flowers, inner petals being subequal or equal in length relative to the outer petals and stipitate, beaked, cylindric monocarps. This species is unique in the shape and geometry of the miter (dome) which is longer than broad (length: diameter ratio 1.25). This species is also the only andromonoecious species known in the genus to date. This discovery represents only the second record of the genus from the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Malmeoideae, Miliuseae, staminate flower

Mitrephora rashmiae

 

Navendu V. Page, Shivam Kishwan and Tejas U. Thackeray. 2026. A New Species of Mitrephora (Annonaceae) from Indian Himalaya, representing the first record of andromonoecy for the genus. Feddes Repertorium. e70134. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70134 [07 July 2026] 

facebook.com/100064866994974/posts/1551535750351977-ThackerayWildlifeFoundation

[Botany • 2026] Adenoscidium omanensis (Apiaceae) • A New Species from the northern mountains of Oman

 Adenoscidium omanensis A.Al Farsi, 

in Farsi, 2026. 

  DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.3605

Abstract

Adenosciadium omanensis, a species new to science, is described from the foothills of the northern mountains of Oman. It is closely related to Adenosciadium arabicum but differs in having a reniform leaflet with finely serrate margin, a compact inflorescence, lanceolate bracts and bracteoles with acute tip, a cylindrical fruit (schizocarp) with narrow commissure, oblong-oval terete mericarps with an exocarp covered with long forked hairs, and an emarginate endocarp on the commissural side. Adenosciadium omanensis is illustrated by photographs in its natural habitat. In addition, a comparative morphological analysis is presented that distinguishes it from Adenosciadium arabicum, the single species known in the genus, from southern Oman and Yemen. A distribution map for the two species in Oman is provided.

Keywords: Adenosciadium, Apiaceae, Arabian Peninsula, Eastern Hajar Mountains, Endemic, New species, Northern Oman, Taxonomy

Field photographs of Adenoscidium omanensis A.Al Farsi, sp. nov.
 A, Habitat; B, growth habit; C, leaf shape; D, flowers; E, inflorescence; F, mature mericarps. All photographs taken by A. Al Farsi: B–D, holotype (A. Al Farsi 885); E–F, A. Al Farsi 886.

Adenosciadium omanensis A.Al Farsi, sp. nov.

Adenosciadium omanensis is closely related to A. arabicum in having a compound umbellate inflorescence, a fruit (schizocarp) with two adjoining mericarps, exocarp with five primary ribs, and single white hairs with forked end covering the surface of the mericarps. However, Adenosciadium omanensis is distinguished from A. arabicum by its perennial polycarpic habit (vs annual), tomentose indumentum (vs pubescent), ...

A. A. Al Farsi. 2026. Adenosciadium omanensis (APIACEAE), A New Species from the northern mountains of Oman. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 83; 1-11

  DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.3605 [2026-06-10]

[Arachnida • 2026] Latrodectus lucacha • A New Andean Species of Widow Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae: Latrodectus)

Latrodectus lucacha  

 Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, 2026

DOI:  doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1281.185973 

 

Abstract

We describe a new species of widow spider (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus) from the Andean region. DNA barcode sequences are provided. The species is documented from museum specimens across Peru and identified from photographs on iNaturalist, extending its inferred distribution into Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. We integrate specimen and citizen-science occurrences to generate a species distribution model using WorldClim bioclimatic variables, predicting highest suitability along temperate to high-elevation Andean regions. We discuss the utility and limitations of citizen-science imagery for delimiting and mapping species and summarize available information on clinical aspects of envenomation in Peru associated with the local “lucacha” widow spider.

Key words: Andes, citizen-science, DNA barcode, iNaturalist, Latrodectus lucacha, new species, Peru, species distribution model, taxonomy

Observations of Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov., from iNaturalist.
A. Female, male and egg case, from Arica, Arica y Parinacota, Chile; iNaturalist.org (by ferru, CC-BY-NC); B. Female with two egg cases, note parasitoid wasps on egg case, from Nabón, Azuay, Ecuador; iNaturalist.org (by kabirbosques, CC-BY);
C. Female feeding on a beetle, from Lima, Peru; iNaturalist.org (by ruthgo, CC0); D. Female feeding on a damselfly, from Lima, Peru; iNaturalist.org (by Mathieu_fr, CC-BY-NC).

Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov.
A–C. From Pantanos de Villa Om, Lima, Peru (MUSM-ENT 051958), microphotographs of adult male; D. From Pachacayo, Junin, Peru (MUSM-ENT 0519569), schematic illustration of female reproductive structures; A, D. Dorsal; B. Lateral; C. Ventral.

Abbreviations: CD copulatory duct, FD Fertilization duct, SP Spermathecae. 

Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A–C), 0.5 mm (D).

Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Female with three loop copulatory ducts (Figs 2D, 3D–F), distinguishing it from L. geometricus C. L. Koch, 1841 and L. quartus Abalos, 1980 (Abalos 1980: figs 39, 66), which have more loops (ca 4), and from L. antheratus (Badcock, 1932) and L. variegatus Nicolet, 1849 (Abalos 1980: figs 49, 58), which have fewer (2). With dorsal longitudinal opisthosomal stripe variable in both width and length (Figs 4, 5), resembling several South American species, but not exhibiting oblique vertical stripes on the posterior quarter ...

Etymology. Lucacha is a common name for widow spiders in Peru (Pickard-Cambridge 1902; Maguiña Vargas et al. 2017).

Jeremy Miller, Chris Alice Kratzer and Charles Griswold. 2026. Description of A New Andean Species of Widow Spider (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus). ZooKeys. 1281: 49-67. DOI:  doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1281.185973 

[Entomology • 2026] Cryptocephalomorpha thom • A New Species of the myrmecophilous Genus Cryptocephalomorpha Ritsema, 1875 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Pseudomorphini), from the Indochinese Peninsula

Cryptocephalomorpha thom Choi, Nomura & Park,

in Choi, Nomura, Kwon, Choi et Park, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.73.192635

 

Abstract

Based on specimens collected in southern Cambodia and western Thailand, Cryptocephalomorpha thom sp. nov., a new species of the genus Cryptocephalomorpha Ritsema, 1875 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Pseudomorphini), is described. This study provides the first confirmed Cambodian record of the tribe and documents the occurrence of the new species in Cambodia and Thailand. A key to the Oriental genera of Pseudomorphini and an updated key to the Oriental species of the genus are provided, together with a description and illustrations of the new species.

Key Words: Cambodia, Carabidae, Cryptocephalomorpha, new species, Pseudomorphini, Thailand

Cryptocephalomorpha thom sp. nov.
Habitus of the holotype and paratype: A–C. Holotype, male; D–F. Paratype, female; A, D. Dorsal aspect; B, E. Ventral aspect; C, F. Left lateral aspect.
Elytral marginal setigerous punctures: A–B. Holotype, male; C–D. Paratype, female; A, C. Humeral series of elytral marginal setigerous punctures; B, D. Elytral subapex, without a subapical setigerous puncture.

Genus Cryptocephalomorpha Ritsema, 1875: XCII.

Type species. Cryptocephalomorpha gaverei Ritsema, 1875.

Cryptocephalomorpha thom Choi, Nomura & Park, sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis.

Large species for the genus, body length more than 6 mm from head to visible abdominal segment. Mandible normal, without lateral excision and spine. Ground color almost uniformly dark brown, with small, narrow reddish patch on each of elytral subapex. Pronotal lateral margin distinctly explanate laterally; lateral margin visible from above. Elytral longer; length/width ratio of 1.22–1.25, lateral margin incurved below; lateral margin not distinctly visible from above, narrowed toward the apex, without a lateral seta of apical series and with a small elytral light patch on each side. Male abdominal sternite VI with dense pubescent pad at middle. Female abdominal sternite VI with four setae.

This is a large species within the genus Cryptocephalomorpha, readily recognized by its distinctive form of the elytral lateral margin and coloration. Among known congeners, it is most ...

Etymology: The new species is named after the Khmer word thom, meaning “large” or “big” (Khmer: ធំ). The epithet is treated as a noun in apposition and refers to the comparatively large size of the species within the genus.

Jong Bong Choi, Shuhei Nomura, Taeyeong Kwon, Eunyoung Choi and Jong Kyun Park. 2026. A New Species of the myrmecophilous Genus Cryptocephalomorpha Ritsema, 1875, from the Indochinese Peninsula (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Pseudomorphini). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 73(2): 323-331. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.73.192635 [10 Jul 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Kwonkan elatus & K. yorkrakine • Wishbone Spiders of the Genus Kwonkan Main, 1983 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) in south-western Australia: Redescription of legacy species, Two New Species, and an assessment of agricultural zone diversity

Live spiders and burrows of Kwonkan.
A Juvenile K. eboracum. B Female K. wonganensis C Juvenile K. sp. ‘MYG978’ 
 Burrow entrance morphology of D K. eboracum (open); E K. wonganensis (closed); F K. sp. ‘MYG978’(open) 
G, H Burrow entrance morphology of K. turriger, showing both free-standing (G) and foliage-supported (H) burrow entrances. I Burrow entrance morphology (open) of an undescribed Kwonkan species from near Leinster, W.A. 

in Wilson, Urso, Rix, et Harvey, 2026. 

  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e189518 

 Photos: A, C, F, I by J. Wilson; B, E by E. Volschenk; D by V. Cruz Bedón; G, H by M. Harvey.

Abstract

The collar-door wishbone spiders of the genus Kwonkan Main, 1983 are an Australian-endemic lineage of mygalomorph spiders that often construct elaborate burrow entrances, including collars and turrets, and remain poorly documented across their range, despite museum collections indicating high local endemism and substantial undescribed diversity. Much of the existing taxonomy, including nine of the 14 currently described species, was based on limited material and lacked modern morphological or molecular approaches to species delimitation, hindering efforts to document the remaining diversity and address conservation concerns. Here, we redescribe all nine legacy species and review Kwonkan diversity within the south-western Western Australian (SWWA) agricultural region, a highly fragmented and mostly cleared landscape harbouring extensive undescribed diversity and the threatened species K. eboracum Main, 1983. In the process, we clarify species identities, present the first molecular data for several species including K. eboracum, and describe two new species (K. elatus sp. nov. and K. yorkrakine sp. nov.) that were previously attributed to legacy species. In our review of the SWWA agricultural region fauna we identify 29 putative undescribed species and a pattern of extensive sympatry, fine-scale species turnover, and extremely restricted ranges. These findings highlight the need for continued revisionary work and potential conservation listing of additional described species such as K. wonganensis (Main, 1977).

Keywords: short-range endemism, conservation systematics, mygalomorph spiders, south-western Australian biodiversity hotspot, Wheatbelt

Live spiders and burrows of Kwonkan.
A Juvenile K. eboracum from near Kellerberrin, Western Australia (W.A.). B Female K. wonganensis from near Wongan Hills, W.A. C Juvenile K. sp. ‘MYG978’ from the Avon Wheatbelt, W.A.
D Burrow entrance morphology (open) of K. eboracum from near Kellerberrin, W.A. E Burrow entrance morphology (closed) of K. wonganensis from near Wongan Hills, W.A. F Burrow entrance morphology (open) of K. sp. ‘MYG978’ from the Avon Wheatbelt, W.A.
G, H Burrow entrance morphology of K. turriger, showing both free-standing (G) and foliage-supported (H) burrow entrances. I Burrow entrance morphology (open) of an undescribed Kwonkan species from near Leinster, W.A. 

 Photos: A, C, F, I by J. Wilson; B, E by E. Volschenk; D by V. Cruz Bedón; G, H by M. Harvey.

 Jeremy D. Wilson, Arianna Urso, Michael G. Rix, Erich S. Volschenk, Valentina Cruz Bedón and Mark S. Harvey. 2026. Wishbone Spiders of the Genus Kwonkan Main, 1983 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) in south-western Australia: Redescription of legacy species, Two New Species, and an assessment of agricultural zone diversity. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 84: 510-547.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e189518 [08-07-2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Caloptilia augeas & C. ceryneia • Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880)

[4-6] Caloptilia augeas
[11-13] Caloptilia ceryneia 

Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, 

in Guiguet, van Nieukerken, Giron, Gravendeel, Lopez-Vaamonde et Ohshima, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 

Abstract

New Caledonia is a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of micro-endemism, yet its gracillariid fauna remains poorly documented. Here, two new species of Caloptilia Hübner, 1825 (Gracillariidae) are described from Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) host plants in Parc des Grandes Fougères, New Caledonia: Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., and Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov. Both species induce leaf galls on Glochidion billardierei Baill., co-occurring on the same host species, sometimes even on the same leaf. They exhibit distinct wing patterns, but very similar male and female genitalia, and DNA barcoding supports their status as separate species. These findings provide evidence for potential within-host sympatric speciation, as documented in other gall-inducing insects. The larval biology of C. augeas and C. ceryneia reveals a unique frass disposal behaviour, whereby waste is excreted through a hole and the aperture is subsequently sealed—an adaptation not previously reported in gall-inducing Lepidoptera. Our findings double the known number of gall-inducing species in Gracillariidae, highlighting that this life history strategy may be more common than currently appreciated. We also provide new information on distribution and host plants of Caloptilia xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880), a leaf roller found on the same host plant, G. billardierei. These findings mark the first records of the subfamily Gracillariinae in New Caledonia. This study underscores the underexplored diversity of New Caledonian gracillariids and emphasises the conservation value of Parc des Grandes Fougères. Further surveys in the Indo-Pacific region may reveal additional yet undescribed Caloptilia species associated with Phyllanthaceae and help clarify the evolutionary mechanisms underpinning their diversification.

Key words: Australia, DNA barcoding, endemism, frass disposal, host plant use, sympatry, taxonomy

Habitus of adult Caloptilia augeas sp. nov. 

4. Resting posture; 5. Paratype, male RMNH.INS.25563; 6. Holotype, male, RMNH.INS.25562.
 

Habitus of adult Caloptilia ceryneia sp. nov.
11. Resting posture, holotype male, RMNH.INS.25650; 12. Paratype, female, RMNH.INS.25565; 13. Paratype, male, RMNH.INS.25564.
Scale bars: 2 mm.

Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., 

Etymology. The specific name augeas refers to the fifth Labour of Hercules in the Greek mythology. The larval behaviour of frass cleaning in the gall reminds this Labour that consisted in cleaning the stables of king Augeas (Αὐγέας). This name comes from the word “αὐγή” that designates “sun shine” and “reflection of a shiny object” in Classic Greek (Bailly 1899), referring to the bright colour of the adult wings. The epithet is to be regarded as a noun in apposition.

Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name ceryneia refers to the ancient Greek city of Ceryneia or Keryneia (Κερύνεια), the location of the Ceryneian Hind from Greek mythology, which features in the third Labour of Hercules. The moth’s striking yellow and red wing pattern evokes the golden antlers and bronze hooves of the mythical deer. Its cryptic gall-inducing behaviour also recalls the elusive nature of the Ceryneian hind, which was known for its ability to remain hidden. The epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition.

 Antoine Guiguet, Erik J. van Nieukerken, David Giron, Barbara Gravendeel, Carlos Lopez-Vaamonde, Issei Ohshima. 2026. Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880). ZooKeys. 1268: 113-137. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 [04 Feb 2026]

[Crustacea • 2026] Harcledo toyoshioae • A New Species of Giant-eyed bathypelagic eusirid Amphipod (Amphipoda: Eusiridae) from the western North Pacific

 Harcledo toyoshioae 

 Kodama, Watabe, Nakaguchi & Wakabayashi, 2026

「オオメダマヨコエビ」 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2026.2659885

Abstract

Deep-sea visual environments show extreme gradients in light intensity, driving divergence in eye morphology. In the order Amphipoda, such specializations are documented in pelagic hyperiideans, whereas deep-sea Eusiridae remain poorly known. During a bathypelagic survey in Japan, we collected a eusirid amphipod with conspicuously enlarged eyes. Integrative taxonomy, using morphology and four DNA barcoding regions, shows that it represents a new species of the monotypic genus Harcledo Barnard, 1964, described here as Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov. It is characterized by markedly enlarged eyes that cover most of the lateral head and meet across the dorsal midline, and by a distinctive maxilla 1 armature. Phylogenetic analyses place H. toyoshioae sp. nov. within Eusiridae but leave its relationships to H. curvidactyla unresolved, owing to the lack of sequence data. Comparisons with historical records suggest rapid diversification of eye size within this clade and indicate that it is unlikely to be governed by depth or pelagic–benthic mode alone. We propose that the enlarged eyes are plausibly associated with a pelagic lifestyle in dim mid-water habitats, while noting that this interpretation remains tentative. Our findings highlight visual specializations in deep-sea eusirids and the value of combining new collections, historical literature, and molecular data when reassessing deep-sea taxa.

Key words: bathypelagic, deep sea, Harcledo, Kagoshima, Tanegashima Island, visual specialization

ORDER AMPHIPODA Latreille, 1816

FAMILY EUSIRIDAE Stebbing, 1888

Harcledo Barnard, 1964

 Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov., paratype female, 18.8 mm, NSMT-Cr 33350, ethanol preserved specimen, photographs for head and pereonites 1–2: A, dorsal view; B, lateral view.

 Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov., fresh specimens, lateral view:
A, holotype ovigerous female, 21.6 mm, NSMT-Cr 33349; B, paratype female, 18.8 mm, NSMT-Cr 33350.

Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov.

DISTRIBUTION: Known only from type locality, North Pacific Ocean off Tanegashima Island, Kagoshima, Japan.

HABITAT: Bathypelagic zone (about 1200 m deep).

ETYMOLOGY: The new species is named after TRV Toyoshio Maru. The specific name is a noun in the genitive case.

Masafumi Kodama, Hiroto Watabe, Kazumitsu Nakaguchi and Kaori Wakabayashi. 2026. A New Species of Giant-eyed bathypelagic eusirid Amphipod (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Eusiridae) from the western North Pacific. Systematics and Biodiversity. 24(1); 2659885. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2026.2659885 [05 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Corybas apoensis (Orchidaceae: Diurideae) • A New endemic Species from Mt. Apo, Philippines

  

Corybas apoensis Agad, Tandang, R.Bustam. & Salas, 

in Agad, Mallari, Tandang, Bustamante et Salas, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.1.6 

facebook.com: Philippine Taxonomic Initiative

Abstract

Corybas apoensis, a new species of tribe Acianthinae endemic to Mindanao, is described herein. Among the currently recognized species of the tribe, it most closely resembles C. viridisepalus in overall floral morphology, particularly in having upright flowers borne on a slender, cylindric, erect ovary and the flower possessing a dorsal sepal and labellum tinged with conspicuous carmine veins. Both species further share a pilose labellum. However, this notable new species is distinct by having white floral background and a dorsal sepal being densely papillate on the abaxial surface. We also provided a summarized key morphological characteristics that distinguishes our new species from the later.

Monocots, Helmet orchid, Rare, Diurideae, Malesia, Taxonomy

 

Corybas apoensis Agad, Tandang, R.Bustam. & Salas, sp. nov.

KIER C. AGAD, ARCHELITO L. MALLARI, DANILO N. TANDANG, RENE ALFRED ANTON BUSTAMANTE and DARYL S. SALAS. 2026. Corybas apoensis (Orchidaceae), A New endemic Species from Mt. Apo, Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 766(1); 84-90. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.1.6 [2026-07-07]

  facebook.com/phtaxa/posts/1419584753561021

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Allobates tanaru • The First Chlorotic Species of the Superfamily Dendrobatoidea: A New Nurse Frog of the Allobates albiventris Complex (Anura: Aromobatidae) with remarkably greenish hatchlings from Brazilian Amazonia

 Allobates tanaru 

Dantas, Ferrão, Cunha-Machado & Lima, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3099/0006-9698-579.1.1

 Abstract -

While many frogs around the world have blue-green tissues because of the accumulation of a pigment called biliverdin, this had never been observed in nurse or poison frogs until now. In this study, we describe a new species of nurse frog from southwestern Amazonia that breaks new ground in Neotropical amphibian taxonomy: It is the first chlorotic species—with greenish hatchlings—ever recorded in the large superfamily Dendrobatoidea. Previously lumped within Allobates albiventris, integrative taxonomy reveals it as a distinct species, supported by a set of morphological and bioacoustic traits. It differs from most of its congeners by a call consisting of a pair of notes emitted in a single exhalation; males with lateral expansions on fingers II and III, and a white vocal sac covered with melanophores; dark brown oocytes, hatchlings with greenish yolk, and tadpoles with two or three short, pyramidal papillae distributed in a single row on each lateral margin of the anterior lip. Beyond its diagnostic features, this discovery is notable because chlorotic tissues were previously unknown in Dendrobatoidea, a superfamily with more than 350 species known for its terrestrial habitat, territoriality, carrying behavior, and nonchlorotic adults. The distinctive greenish hue seen in embryos of certain species, particularly in the new Allobates, may serve as an adaptation for predator avoidance, and it also highlights the ecological plasticity and morphological diversity within the genus. This opens fresh avenues to study the ecological, evolutionary, and developmental significance of biliverdin in frogs using a lineage wherein the biology contrasts with classic model species.

KEYWORDS: biodiversity, chlorosis, Integrative taxonomy, Madeira River, new species, species delimitation

Color in life of adults of Allobates tanaru sp. nov.
(A–C) Female, INPA-H 45548, SVL 17.4 mm. (D–F) Female, MPEG 45484, SVL 17.5 mm.
(G, I) Male, INPA-H 45552, SVL 17.0 mm. (H) Female, INPA-H 45549, SVL 16.9 mm.
(J–L) Male, INPA-H 45554, SVL 15.8 mm.

Allobates tanaru sp. nov. Dantas, Ferrão & Lima

  

Etymology: The specific epithet tanaru is a noun in apposition and honors the indigenous Tanaru, known in Portuguese as Índio Tanaru and Índio do Buraco (Indigenous Tanaru and Indigenous of the Hole, respectively). Tanaru died on 23 August 2022; he was the last representative individual of a poorly known ethnic group that lived in Rondônia, Brazil. His people were exterminated by gunmen at the behest of illegal loggers in 1995. After that, Tanaru lived isolated for almost 30 years in the Tanaru Indigenous Land, located in the southeast Rondônia, approximately 700 km from Rondônia's capital. Because the Tanaru Indigenous Land does not have a consolidated land demarcation and is surrounded by agricultural farms, the land suffers continuous threats and attacks, some of which started just some days after Tanaru's death. The indigenous Txai Suruí, from the Suruí ethnic group, said: “Known for his solitude, Tanaru resisted the contact with non-indigenous people until his last days after so much trauma and violence. His territory must continue to represent resistance and must be preserved and cared for, becoming a permanent conservation area.”

Vernacular names: Tanaru's nurse frog (English),
Rana Cuidadora de Tanaru (Spanish),
Rãzinha Cuidadora do Tanaru (Portuguese).

Diagnosis: A nurse frog Allobates characterized by the following combination of characters. Small-bodied species, SVL 14.1–17.0 mm (n = 18) in males and 16.9–18.2 mm (n = 9) in females; granular dorsal skin; one subarticular tubercle on finger IV; tip of finger IV reaches the distal phalanx of finger III; cream dorsum with contrasting brown marks; dorsolateral stripe present; conspicuous ventrolateral line absent; translucent-white vocal sac; white ventral surface in males; white chest and belly in females; and dorsal surface of fingers brown. Advertisement calls characterized by the emission of two notes in a single exhalation; with a call duration of 64 ± 4 ms (57–69 ms); first note (18 ± 2 ms; 16–22 ms) shorter than the second (27 ± 2 ms; 24–32 ms); an intercall interval of 275 ± 24 ms (220–309 ms); an intercall-series interval 854 ± 123 ms (645–1,118 ms); and a dominant frequency of 5,518 ± 200 Hz (5,168–5,879 Hz). Hatchlings with greenish yolk. Exotrophic tadpoles with an oral disc; labial keratodont row formula 2(2)/3(1); 13–15 pyramidal and cylindrical papillae on posterior labium; three pyramidal papillae at each end of the posterior labium; cylindrical papillae on the central portion of posterior labium; posterior labium length formulae P-I = P-II > P-III; and light-brown melanophores on tail and fins not forming blotches or spots.

Coloration of freshly laid eggs (A), embryos (B), and hatchlings (C) of  Allobates tanaru sp. nov.

 

 

Silionamã Pereira Dantas, Miquéias Ferrão, Antônio Saulo Cunha-Machado and Albertina Pimentel Lima. 2026. The First Chlorotic Species of the Superfamily Dendrobatoidea: A New Nurse Frog of the Allobates albiventris Complex (Anura, Aromobatidae) with remarkably greenish hatchlings from Brazilian Amazonia. Breviora. 579 (1), 1-35. DOI: doi.org/10.3099/0006-9698-579.1.1 (8 July 2026)