[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

[Herpetology • 2025] Ololygon paulofreirei • Taxonomic Assessment of Ololygon gr. argyreornata (Anura: Hylidae) from northern Atlantic Forest reveals A New Species from the Pernambuco Endemism Centre, northeastern Brazil

Ololygon paulofreirei

Roberto, Ávila, de Lima & Santos, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1163/15685381-bja10241

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest in Brazil is a highly threatened biome, recognized as a biodiversity hotspot that hosts numerous endangered species with restricted distributions and facing intense human pressures. The Pernambuco Endemism Centre (PEC), located in Northeastern Brazil, represents one of the most concerning regions within the Atlantic Forest, as it comprises small, fragmented patches of pristine forest harboring several endangered species. Additionally, many species may be threatened but remain undocumented due to a lack of taxonomic studies, particularly within cryptic species complexes. In this study, we assessed the taxonomic status of populations assigned to the genus Ololygon from the state of Pernambuco. This genus presents several cryptic species with subtle morphological differences. Based on morphological, molecular, and acoustic data, we conclude that the populations from the state of Pernambuco constitute a previously undescribed species. Furthermore, we update the geographic distribution of the Ololygon gr. argyreornata species group, providing new morphological and acoustic data for O. skuki from the northern coast of Bahia state, and redescribe the advertisement call of O. argyreornata from Linhares, Espírito Santo.

Keywords: cryptic species; integrative taxonomy; Ololygon skuki; Scinaxinae; vocalization

Ololygon paulofreirei

  Igor Joventino Roberto, Robson Waldemar Ávila, Marcelo G. de Lima and Ednilza Maranhão dos Santos. 2025. Taxonomic Assessment of Ololygon gr. argyreornata (Anura, Hylidae) from northern Atlantic Forest reveals A New Species from the Pernambuco Endemism Centre, northeastern Brazil. Amphibia-Reptilia. DOI: doi.org/10.1163/15685381-bja10241 [23 Oct 2025] 

 facebook.com/aldeiadagente/posts/1371425611660473

[Ichthyology • 2025] Baryancistrus isaaci & B. quilombola • Two New Species of the ornamental loricariid Genus Baryancistrus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Hypostominae) from rio Trombetas Basin, Pará, Brazil

 

Baryancistrus isaaci
Baryancistrus quilombola

 Oliveira & Rapp Py-Daniel, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2025-0066

 

Abstract

Two new species of Baryancistrus are described from the rio Trombetas basin. These new species were collected in the late 1980’s and were analyzed morphologically and compared to the eight currently assigned species of Baryancistrus. Both new species are distinguished from their congeners by a set of non-unique characters, such as coloration, extension of dorsal-fin membrane, abdominal covering, number of mandibular teeth and size of fins. These new species are only registered for strong-energy and clear waters, powerful cataracts, with rocky substrates, being sometimes, syntopic. The patterns of distribution and morphological features among all Baryancistrus species are discussed, and an identification key is presented. Despite of occurring in a protected area, previous studies on hydroelectric plants for the rio Trombetas, as the Hydropower Plant of Cachoeira Porteira, are being re-examined by current authorities, raising deep concerns on the future conservation of the unique biodiversity of the rio Trombetas basin.

Keywords: Amazon; Conservation; Freshwater; Hydroelectric; Identification key

   Baryancistrus isaaci, uncatalogued specimen, from Cachoeira da Enseada, 
Baryancistrus quilombola, INPA-ICT 52435, paratype, 119.4 mm SL, from rio Trombetas,
Oriximiná, Pará, Brazil. 

Photos: Douglas A. Bastos.

Baryancistrus isaaci, new species 

Etymology. The specific name, a noun (masculine, singular), honors Isaäc Isbrücker, for his contribution to the knowledge of Neotropical Ichthyology, especially loricariids. Isaäc is an excellent ichthyologist and aquarist, and an example of resilience against preconceived ideas, deserving to be honored by his extreme talent and knowledge on loricariids. He has dedicated a relevant part of his career as ichthyologist sharing his knowledge with the academia and general aquarium experts. A noun in a genitive case.

Baryancistrus quilombola, new species

Etymology. The specific name quilombola (a noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name) honors the Quilombola’s communities of the rio Trombetas, also called Quilombos. Quilombolas are Afro-Brazilian descendents that escaped from slavery, or after abolition of slavery, that organized agrarian communities according to cultural, religious and geographic backgrounds in different areas in Brazil. The presence of large quilombos in the Amazon and, particularly, in the rio Trombetas basin deserves recognition, as the first Quilombo fully recognized by the Brazilian government was in rio Trombetas (Duque, 2009). They are eximious fishermen and profound connoisseurs of the dangerous waters in the rio Trombetas, as well as important activists of the Quilombola cause in South America.

  Renildo Ribeiro de Oliveira and Lúcia H. Rapp Py-Daniel. 2025. Two New Species of the ornamental loricariid Genus Baryancistrus (Siluriformes: Hypostominae) from rio Trombetas Basin, Pará, Brazil.   Neotrop. ichthyol. 23 (03); DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2025-0066

[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 

 x.com/alvarez_arellan

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 • 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] 

 facebook.com/100057307014355/posts/1348184350435119

[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

[Entomology • 2025] Ectropoceros sagittalis • Discovery of Ectropoceros Diakonoff (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) in Japan, with Description of A New Species

Ectropoceros sagittalis 

 Park, Tomura, Yagi & Hirowatari, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.12976/jib/2025.72.1.2  

 x.com/HandalPark

 

Abstract

In this study, we describe Ectropoceros sagittalis sp. nov. from Japan. This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first record of the genus from the Palaearctic region. Photographs of adult female specimens, pupa, and their genitalia are presented, and their biology is described. We also provide a world checklist for the genus Ectropoceros.

DNA barcoding, Oriental region, Palaearctic region, Taxonomy, Tineoidea, World catalogue

 

Ectropoceros sagittalis sp. nov.

 

Jinhyeong PARK, Shunsuke TOMURA, Sadahisa YAGI and Toshiya HIROWATARI. 2025. Discovery of Ectropoceros Diakonoff in Japan (Lepidoptera, Tineidae), with Description of A New Species. Journal of Insect Biodiversity. 72(1); 16-27. DOI: doi.org/10.12976/jib/2025.72.1.2 [19 Nov. 2025] 

 x.com/HandalPark/status/1990981069638934950

[Paleontology • 2025] The coelurosaur theropods of the Romualdo Formation, early Cretaceous (Aptian) of Brazil: Santanaraptor placidus meets Mirischia asymmetrica

Hypothetical reconstruction of Mirischia asymmetrica (left) and Santanaraptor placidus (right) disputing a lizard in what is now northeastern Brazil ~112 million years ago (Early Cretaceous, Aptian).

Santanaraptor placidus Kellner, 1999 
Mirischia asymmetrica Naish, Martill & Frey, 2004

in Delcourt, Grillo, Hendrickx, Kellermann et Langer, 2025.

 Santanaraptor   Mirischia 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.70085 

Illustration by Guilherme Gehr. 

 

Abstract

The upper carbonate concretion levels of the Romualdo Formation (Aptian, Brazil) have yielded several theropod dinosaur remains, including spinosaurids and the coelurosaurs Santanaraptor placidus and Mirischia asymmetrica, the phylogenetic affinities of which are controversial. Here, we present a comprehensive anatomical reassessment of the holotypes of both species (MN 4802-V and SMNK 2349 PAL, respectively), integrating newly observed osteological features and a detailed comparison of the pelvic and hind limb elements. Our preferred phylogenetic hypothesis places S. placidus and M. asymmetrica in the earliest-branching maniraptoromorph clade, along with Juratyrant langhami and Tanycolagreus topwilsoni from the Late Jurassic of Laurasia, suggesting an early diversification of coelurosaurs in that area, followed by Early Cretaceous dispersal events towards Gondwana. The comparative analysis of the two Romualdo taxa refutes their synonymy, given consistent differences in ischial (position and shape of the obturator plate and foramen) and tibial (condylar configuration) morphology. The observed morphological variation in the ischial obturator plate across early coelurosaurs further highlights a significant degree of homoplasy in this structure during the early radiation of the group. This revision underscores the need for additional research to further resolve the early evolutionary history of coelurosaur theropods.

Keywords: Araripe, Coelurosauria, Dinosauria, Gondwana, Theropoda

Hypothetical reconstruction of Mirischia asymmetrica (left) and Santanaraptor placidus (right) disputing a lizard in what is now northeastern Brazil ~112 million years ago (Early Cretaceous, Aptian).

Illustration by Guilherme Gehr. 

Santanaraptor placidus Kellner, 1999

Mirischia asymmetrica Naish, Martill & Frey, 2004

CONCLUSIONS: 

The comprehensive reassessment of Santanaraptor placidus (MN 4802-V) and Mirischia asymmetrica (SMNK 2349) presented here offers new insights into the anatomy, taxonomy, and phylogenetic affinities of these two coelurosaur theropods from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) Romualdo Formation of Brazil. Despite the minor overlapping of skeletal elements, both specimens exhibit consistent anatomical differences that support their recognition as distinct species. These differences are particularly evident in the configuration of the ischial obturator plate and the structure of the proximal tibial condyles.

Some of our phylogenetic results place S. placidus and M. asymmetrica together with Juratyrant langhami and Tanycolagreus topwilsoni, from the Late Jurassic of Laurasia, in a clade of early branching maniraptoromorphs. This is the first time that these Brazilian taxa are found closely related within a lesser-inclusive clade, corroborating previous assumptions of close biogeographic relations between Laurasian and Gondwanan landmasses by the Early Cretaceous. Further biogeographic patterns are, however, harder to define, especially having in mind the still patchy record of Jurassic theropods in areas such as Africa, Australia, India, Antarctica, and South America.

 

Rafael Delcourt, Orlando Nelson Grillo, Christophe Hendrickx, Maximilian Kellermann, Max Cardoso Langer. 2025. The coelurosaur theropods of the Romualdo Formation, early Cretaceous (Aptian) of Brazil: Santanaraptor placidus meets Mirischia asymmetrica. The Anatomical Record. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ar.70085 [18 November 2025]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Vanderhorstia supersaiyan • A New Species of Vanderhorstia (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from the twilight zone off Ishigaki-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan

Vanderhorstia supersaiyan 

Koeda, Hirasaka & Sato, 2025 

Supersaiyan Goby  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01047-6 

www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp

Abstract

Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov. (Perciformes: Gobiidae) is described from a single specimen (77.0 mm in standard length) collected from 210 m depth off Ishigaki-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan. The new species has two distinct yellow longitudinal stripes on the second dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, which are unique features within the genus. The new species can also be clearly distinguished from congeners by other coloration features, including faint yellow spots on the head and dorsal body margin, distinct yellow blotches and yellow upper margin on the first dorsal fin, and four faint yellowish-brown diamond-shaped blotches laterally on the body. A combination of meristic and morphometric characters also set the new species apart from congeners, all of which inhabit significantly shallower depths. The study documents a new discovery in the twilight zone highlighting the value of advancing research in this little studied habitat.

Keywords: Vanderhorstia vandersteene, Vanderhorstia attenuate, Gobioidei, Twilight zone, Taxonomy, Ryukyu Archipelago

Images of the holotype of Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov., NSMT-P 151096, 77.0 mm SL, collected from off Ishigaki-jima Island, Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan; just after captured and fresh.

www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp

Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov.

(New English name: Supersaiyan Goby; 

new standard Japanese name: Ereki-haze)

Etymology. The specific name of the new species, supersaiyan, refers to "Super Saiyan", a fictional transformation from the “Dragon Ball” manga series, famous for its golden yellow hair and glowing aura. In the present context, it refers to the unique bright yellow stripes and blotches of the new species. It is treated as a noun in apposition.

 Keita Koeda, Hiroshi Hirasaka and Mao Sato. 2025. Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov. (Perciformes: Gobiidae) collected from the twilight zone off Ishigaki-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan. Ichthyological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01047-6 [27 November 2025]

新種の魚を発見！その名もスーパーサイヤン！ ～石垣島沖から採集された新種のハゼに小枝助教らが命名～

https://www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/news/72516

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Gracixalus wuliangshan • A New Species of the Genus Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Central Western Yunnan, China

 

Gracixalus wuliangshan

Liu, Yang, Wang, Li, Hou, Luo & Rao, 2025

 

Wuliangshan small tree frog | 无量山纤树蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040066 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Gracixalus from Yunnan Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve, China, is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by a combination of the following characters: body size relatively large, dorsal surface brownish yellow, dorsal skin rough with dense, small flatten tubercles, tibiotarsal projection absent, heels distinctly overlapping, tibiotarsal articulation reaching anterior corner of eye, and nuptial pad absent in adult male. The genetic distance (uncorrected p-distance) between the new species and other species of the genus ranged from 2.3% to 14.3% in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. This study brings the total number of recognized species within the genus Gracixalus to 24 with 13 of which occur in China and four in Yunnan Province.

Keywords: 16S rRNA; morphology; systematics; taxonomy; Yunnan Wuliangshan national nature reserve

  The holotype (KIZ2025067) of Gracixalus wuliangshan sp. nov. in life.

 (A) Dorsal view; (B) ventral view; (C) left view; (D) right view; (E) close-up view of the axilla, groin, and inner side of the thigh; (F) close-up view of the outer side of the thighs; (G) close-up view of the left palm; (H) close-up view of the left sole.

Gracixalus wuliangshan sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: body size relatively large, SVL 39.1 mm in male and 44.1 mm in female; dorsal surface brownish yellow with a distinct X-shaped pattern composed of wide dark brown stripes on dorsum; iris light yellowish gray; axilla and groin with light yellow spots; dorsal skin rough with dense small flatten tubercles; snout round; tibiotarsal projection absent; finger webbing rudimentary; heels distinctly overlapping when legs at right angle to body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching anterior corner of eye; internal vocal sac in male; nuptial pad absent in male.

 Etymology: The specific epithet is named for Yunnan Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve, in which the species was collected. We suggested “Wuliangshan small tree frog” for the common English name and “无量山纤树蛙 (wú liàng shān xiān shù wā)” for the common Chinese name.

 Shuo Liu, Zhongfu Yang, Chunhua Wang, Nengping Li, Mian Hou, Zengyang Luo and Dingqi Rao. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Gracixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Central Western Yunnan, China. Taxonomy. 5(4); 66; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040066 [26 November 2025]

[PaleoOrnithology • 2025] Pujatopouli soberana • Diving in the Maastrichtian of Marambio (Seymour) Island: A New Member of the Neoaves in the Cretaceous Antarctic Avifauna

  

Pujatopouli soberana 

Irazoqui, Hospitaleche, Gelfo, Carabajal, Bona & Burlaille, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106259 

facebook.com/CarolinaAcostaHospitaleche 

 facebook.com/CONICETLaPlata

Illustration by Samanta Faiad. 

Highlights

• A new genus and species of Cretaceous Neoaves is described.

• Phylogenetic analysis suggests its relationship to Aequornithes.

• A coeval existence of Galloanseres and Neoaves in the Maastrichtian of Marambio Island is postulated.

• The López de Bertodano Formation is the only lithostratigraphic showing a high diversity of Cretaceous Neornithes.

• This avifauna is characterized by the predominance of foot-propelled diving birds.

Abstract

A new genus and species of Cretaceous bird from Antarctica with implications for the early evolution of Neornithes is described here. The type specimen of Pujatopouli soberana gen. et sp. nov. (MLP-PV 08-XI-30-44), preserving part of the skull and postcranium, was recovered from Maastrichtian deposits of the López de Bertodano Formation on Marambio (Seymour) Island, James Ross Basin, West Antarctica. The phylogenetic relationships of Pujatopouli with other avian species, including all previously described Cretaceous birds from Antarctica, were assessed using two different datasets. The first, mainly composed of Mesozoic birds, places Pujatopouli within the crown group of birds (Neornithes), whereas the second, which includes a broad sampling of modern taxa, positions it within Neoaves, and closely related to the ‘core-waterbirds’ (Aequornithes). Besides, morphological evidence suggests that Pujatopouli was a foot-propelled diver with an ichthyophagous diet, living sympatrically with other neornithine birds along the Antarctic coast during the latest Cretaceous.

Systematic palaeontology

AVES Linnaeus, 1758.

ORNITHURAE Haeckel, 1866.

NEORNITHES Gadow (1892).

NEOGNATHAE Pycraft, 1900.

NEOAVES Sibley et al., 1988.

AEQUORNITHES Mayr (2011).

 

Pujatopouli gen nov. 

 

Pujatopouli soberana sp. nov.

 

Pujatopouli soberana nov. gen. et sp., swimming in the Antarctic waters of the Maastrichtian.

Illustration by Samanta Faiad. 

 

Facundo Irazoqui, Carolina Acosta Hospitaleche, Javier N. Gelfo, Ariana Paulina Carabajal, Paula Bona and Leonel Acosta Burlaille. 2026. Diving in the Maastrichtian of Marambio (Seymour) Island: A New Member of the Neoaves in the Cretaceous Antarctic Avifauna. Cretaceous Research. 179; 106259. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106259

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https://acostacaro.wixsite.com/acostahospitaleche/publications

[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 

[Botany • 2025] Curcuma glandulosa (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Shan State, Myanmar

Curcuma glandulosa P.P. Thwe, M.M. Aung & Nob. Tanaka,

in Thwe, Aung et Tanaka, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.163271

Abstract

A new species, Curcuma glandulosa P.P. Thwe, M.M. Aung & Nob. Tanaka, is described from Taunggyi, southern Shan State, Myanmar. The new species is assignable to Curcuma subgenus Ecomatae, characterized by its epigynous glands, anther spurs, and lack of a conspicuous coma of sterile bracts. Curcuma glandulosa is distinguished by its red leafy stems, white bracts with red stripes, L-shaped anther spurs with densely short glandular hairs throughout, and a prominent anther crest. The leaves develop after blooming.

Key words: Ginger, Myanmar, new taxon, Shan State, taxonomy

Curcuma glandulosa P.P. Thwe, M.M. Aung & Nob. Tanaka.
A. Habit; B. Side view of inflorescence with flowers; C. Rhizomes with tubers; D. Flowers with prominent red lines on labellum; E. Flowers without or with weak red lines on labellum; F. Side view of a flower; G. Flower parts (from above left): bract, dorsal and lateral corolla lobes, lateral staminodes; (from lower left) labellum with red lines, labellum with very weak red lines, side view of stamen, diagonally front view of stamen, epigynous glands with ovary.

Scale bars: 5 cm (A); 3 cm (B); 2 cm (C–F); 1 cm (G).

 Curcuma glandulosa P.P.Thwe, M.M.Aung & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Curcuma glandulosa is similar to C. sahuynhensis; however, it is distinguished from it by a combination of the following characters: red leafy stems (vs. green), broadly lanceolate lamina developing after flowering (vs. ovate to elliptic and developing at the same time of flowering), white bracts with red stripes (vs. whitish to pale green at base with coral pink to red tinge), white anther (vs. yellow), and having prominent anther crest (vs. almost negligible).

Etymology. The specific epithet “glandulosa” refers to its character of densely glandular anther.

 Phyo Phyo Thwe, Mu Mu Aung and Nobuyuki Tanaka. 2025. A New Species of Zingiberaceae, Curcuma glandulosa (Subgenus Ecomatae), from Myanmar. PhytoKeys. 266: 311-316. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.163271 [19 Nov 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Begonia chunxiuensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

 

Begonia chunxiuensis W.G.Wang, D.K.Tian, R.K.Li & H.C.Xi, 

in Xi, Li, Z.-X. Wang, Lang, W.-G. Wang et Tian, 2025. 

春秀秋海棠  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04840 

Abstract

Begonia chunxiuensis, a new species from Guangxi of China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to B. sinovietnamica and B. aurora, but differs from them by its narrowly triangular stipules, leaf blade that is adaxially green, dark green to viridian, pinkish-white to white villous, but abaxially light green with red veins, red to pinkish-white villous, and convex anther apex. It also differs from B. sinovietnamica by smaller staminate flowers. The new species is currently known from only two subpopulations and is assessed as ‘Data Deficient' (DD) according to the IUCN red list categories and criteria.

Keywords: Begonia, China, Guangxi, morphology, new taxon, taxonomy

Begonia chunxiuensis sp. nov. (A)–(B) Habitat, (C) plant in flowering, (D) leaf blade, adaxial and abaxial, (E)–(F) adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces showing indumentum, (G) petiole section, (H) stipules, (I) inflorescences, (J) staminate flower, adaxial view, (K) staminate flower, abaxial view, (L) androecium, (M) pistillate flower, adaxial view, (N) pistillate flower, side view, (O) styles and stigmas, (P) dissected ovary showing axile placentation, (Q) capsules.

Photos (A), (Q) by Wen-Guang Wang, (B) by Dai-Ke Tian, (C), (D), (H)–(P) by Ren-Kun Li, (E)–(G) by Hou-Cheng Xi.

Begonia chunxiuensis W.G.Wang, D.K.Tian, R.K.Li & H.C.Xi sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A new species in Begonia sect. Platycentrum most similar to B. sinovietnamica C.Y.Wu (Wu and Ku 1997) in shape of leaf blades, shape and color of both staminate and pistillate flowers and 3-loculed ovary, but easily distinguished by its narrowly triangular stipules (versus ovate-oblong), leaf blade adaxially green, dark green to viridian (versus brownish-green), abaxially light green with red veins (versus light brownish-green), adaxially pinkish-white to white villous with hairs ca 5 mm long (versus densely hirsute), abaxially red to pinkish-white villous (versus hirsute), outer 2 tepals of staminate flower 10–15 × 8–14 mm, inner 2 tepals 8–12 × 4–5 mm (versus outer 2 tepals ca 21 × 16 mm, inner 2 tepals ca 12 × 5–6 mm) and anther apex convex (versus obtuse).

Etymology: The specific epithet chunxiuensis' refers to the name of type locality, Chunxiu Reservoir in Longzhou County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. Chinese name is 春秀秋海棠'.

 

Hou-Cheng Xi, Ren-Kun Li, Zhong-Xuan Wang, Xiao-An Lang, Wen-Guang Wang and Dai-Ke Tian. 2025. Begonia chunxiuensis, A New Species of Begonia sect. Platycentrum (Begoniaceae) from Guangxi, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04840 [23 November 2025]