[Funga • 2025] Ophiocordyceps cephalotiphila, O. jaliscana, ... • Zombie-ant Fungi from western Mexico: Six New Species in the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) and A New Host Association with Cephalotes ants

Ophiocordyceps spp.
Zombie-ant Fungi from western Mexico

in Ballesteros-Aguirre, Sanjuan, Ramírez-Cruz, Villalobos-Arámbula, Vásquez-Bolaños et Guzmán-Dávalos, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.06 

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Abstract 

The myrmecophilous hirsutelloid fungi of the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex are common in tropical forests around the world. They are known as zombie-ant fungi because they manipulate the behaviour of ants, since infected ants are forced to move to specific sites in the forest, with optimal environmental conditions for the development of the fungus sporocarp or sporome and the release of the spores. Once there, the ants grab to the substrate with their mandibles, die, and their body becomes a source of nutrients for the fungus. Most of the species of the O. unilateralis complex have been described from the Neotropics and the East and Southeast Asia. However, it is likely that there are still many unknown species due to the diversity of their hosts and different specific associations. In this study, we describe six new species of the O. unilateralis complex from western Mexico: Ophiocordyceps camponoti-striati, O. cephalotiphila, O. deltoroi, O. haraveriensis, O. jaliscana, and O. pseudocamponoti-atricipis, based on morphological characters, phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences (18S, TEF1, RPB1, and RPB2), and ecological data. We found the following host associations: one fungus – one ant, two fungi – one ant, and one fungus – two ants. Furthermore, we confirmed the host species of the ant genera Camponotus and Colobopsis (Formicinae) based on morphological characters and COI sequences, but we also found two species of Cephalotes (Myrmicinae) susceptible to fungal attack, challenging the paradigm that the O. unilateralis complex is a specific parasite of Camponotini (Formicinae) ants. This study provides insights into the evolution and host range of the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex in Mexico.

Keywords: Camponotini; Myrmicinae; ant pathogens; ascospore germination; extended phenotype; funga; new taxa

 

  Ballesteros-Aguirre, C.E., Sanjuan, T., Ramírez-Cruz, V., Villalobos-Arámbula, Vásquez-Bolaños, M. and Guzmán-Dávalos. 2025. Zombie-ant Fungi from western Mexico: Six New Species in the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex (Hypocreales: Ascomycota) and A New Host Association with Cephalotes ants. Persoonia - Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Fungi. DOI: doi.org/10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.06

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[Herpetology • 2025] Lycodon duytan • Taxonomic Reassessment of the Lycodon rufozonatus species complex (Serpentes: Colubridae), with re-evaluation of Dinodon rufozonatum walli, and Description of A New Species from north-central Vietnam

Lycodon duytan

 Nguyen, Poyarkov & Vogel, 2025

   

Duy Tan Wolf Snake | Rắn khuyết Duy Tân  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1251.157817

Abstract

The Red-banded Wolf Snake, Lycodon rufozonatus Cantor, 1842 has a complex taxonomic history. In this study, an integrative taxonomic approach is applied, incorporating morphological analyses, cytochrome b mitochondrial gene sequencing, and a re-examination of available type material to clarify the longstanding taxonomic uncertainties within Lycodon rufozonatus species complex. Our findings restrict the distribution of Lycodon rufozonatus to mainland China, Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula, Russia (southern Primorsky Krai), Japan (Tsushima Islands, Nagasaki), and northeastern Vietnam. Additionally, Dinodon rufozonatum walli Stejneger, 1907, previously considered a subspecies, is elevated to full species status as Lycodon walli stat. nov., endemic to the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan. Furthermore, a new cryptic species is described from north-central Vietnam, Lycodon duytan sp. nov., which is distinguished from L. rufozonatus and L. walli stat. nov. by differences in body scalation, colouration, and the number of keeled dorsal scales. Our findings highlight the underestimated diversity within Lycodon and contribute to a more refined understanding of its taxonomy. This study increases the total number of recognised Lycodon species to 78, underscoring the importance of integrative approaches in resolving taxonomic complexities within the genus.

Key words: Asia, cryptic species, cytochrome b, morphology, taxonomy, Lycodon duytan sp. nov.

 Lycodon rufozonatus in life (all not collected) – China:
 from Hangzhou, Zhejiang (A); from Beijing, Beijing (B); from Chengdu, Sichuan (C); from Jian, Jiangxi (D); from Lu’an, Anhui (E); from Nanjing, Jiangsu (F); from Wuhan, Hubei (G); from Shenzhen, Guangdong (H); from Chuxiong, Yunnan (I); from Kunming, Yunnan (J); – South Korea: from Anyang, Gyeonggi-do (K); from Chuncheon, Gangwon (L).

Photos by J. Hong (A); M.L. Li (B, G); G. Vogel (C); A. Tianji (D); Y.Y. Zhang (E); A. Borzée (F); G.L. Wu (H); Y.X. Wu (I); C. Jin (J); K.D. Wook (K); Y. Shin (L)

Lycodon rufozonatus in life (all not collected) – South Korea:
from Ongjin, Incheon (A); from Sancheong, Gyeongsangnam (B) – Japan: from Tsushima, Nagasaki (C); – Vietnam: from Tay Yen Tu NR, Bac Giang (D); – Taiwan, China: from Taoyuan (E-G); from Hualien (H); from Taichung (I); from Nantou (J-L).

Photos by A. Borzée (A); Y. Shin (B); Chouenyu (C); B.T. Nguyen (D); C.W. You (E-L).

Lycodon walli stat. nov. in life (all not collected): – Ryukyus, Japan:
from Miyako Is (A, B); from Ishigaki Is (C); from Kohama Is (D); from Irimote Is (E); from Huroshima (F); from Taketomi Is (G); and Yonaguni Is (H).

Photos by G. Vogel (A); C.W. You (B); K. Ito (C-H); S. Kanao (D).

 Lycodon walli (Stejneger, 1907), stat. nov.

Etymology. According to Stejneger (1907), the subspecies is named for Captain Frank Wall (1868–1950), of the Indian Medical Service, author of “A prodromus of the snakes hitherto recorded from China, Japan, and the Loo Choo Islands”, as well as many papers on Indian snakes. 

We recommend the following common names for this species: Sakishima Wolf Snake (in English); Sakishima Grosszahnnatter (in German); サキシママダラ “Sakishimamadara” (in Japan); Окинавский краснопоясный волкозуб “Okinavskiy krasnpoyasnyi volkozub” (in Russian).

Lycodon duytan sp. nov. in life
– specimen DTU 541 (paratype, adult female): general dorsal view (A); general ventral view (B); lateral view of the head, right side (C); lateral view of the head, left side (D); dorsal view of the head (E)
 – specimen DTU 544 (paratype, adult female): general dorsal view (F).

Photos by T.V. Nguyen (A-E); T. Warfel (F).

 Lycodon duytan sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A larger-sized species, with a maximum snout-vent length of up to 980 mm; loreal usually contacting the eye; dorsal scale rows 17–17–15; upper four or five and vertebral dorsal scale rows keeled; 217–230 ventrals; 80–95 subcaudals, paired; cloacal plate undivided; eight supralabials with 3–5 touching the eye; 1 preocular, 2 postoculars; temporals 2+2; dorsal crossbands narrow, separating ground colour into ellipse patches, pinkish-orange colour, 54–72 crossbands on body and tail; head black, the plates conspicuously margined with pinkish-orange; venter reddish-orange.

 

Etymology. The species name is derived from the Duy Tan Modernisation Movement (Phong trào Duy Tân) of 1906–1908 in Vietnam, a significant historical reform movement for the modernisation of the country and the society. The specific epithet also acknowledges Duy Tan University, the institution affiliated with the first author, which provided support for this research. 

We recommend the following common names for this species: Duy Tan Wolf Snake (in English); Duy Tan Grosszahnnatter (in German); Rắn khuyết Duy Tân (in Vietnamese); Южный краснопоясный волкозуб “Yuzhnyi krasnopoyasnyi volkozub” (in Russian).  

 Tan Van Nguyen, Nikolay A. Poyarkov and Gernot Vogel. 2025. Taxonomic Reassessment of the Lycodon rufozonatus species complex (Serpentes, Colubridae), with re-evaluation of Dinodon rufozonatum walli, and Description of A New Species from north-central Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1251: 293-322. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1251.157817 (15/9/2025) 

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[Entomology • 2025] Chillcottomyia ovaticornis • Chillcottomyia Saigusa (Diptera: Empidoidea: Hybotidae) new to Europe

 

Chillcottomyia ovaticornis

 Sinclair, Andrade & Gonçalves, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.9.165936

Abstract

A new species of Chillcottomyia Saigusa, 1986 is described from Portugal, C. ovaticornis sp. nov. This species represents the first record of Chillcottomyia from Europe.

Key Words: Dance flies, Hybotinae, new genus record, new species

Chillcottomyia ovaticornis sp. nov.
3. Male holotype, lateral habitus (prior to genitalia dissection); 4. Female paratype, lateral habitus; 5. Female paratype, head and thorax, oblique lateral view; 6. Female paratype, head and thorax, dorsal view; 7. Male holotype (prior to genitalia dissection), abdomen and terminalia, lateral view. Scale bars: 0.75 mm (3, 4); 0.5 mm (5, 6); 0.25 mm (7).

Chillcottomyia ovaticornis sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The species name is derived from the Latin ovatus (egg-shaped) and cornu (horn), in reference to the ovate-shaped postpedicel.

Diagnosis. This small species is distinguished from all other species of the genus, except an un-named species from Morocco by the ovate-shaped postpedicel. The male terminalia is similar to the type species, characterized by left epandrial lamella with subapical dorsal row of stout, stiff setae; right epandrial lamella with outer row of long, stiff setae and inner row of shorter, stout, stiff setae. Male with single, very long anterodorsal seta on mid tibia, female with pair of anterodorsal setae.

Bradley J. Sinclair, Rui Andrade, Ana Rita Gonçalves. 2025. Chillcottomyia Saigusa new to Europe (Diptera, Empidoidea, Hybotidae). Evolutionary Systematics 9(2): 167-172. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.9.165936

[Mollusca • 2025] Caucasopsiinae subfam. nov. • Little Treasures hidden in the Darkness: Diversity and Phylogeny of stygobiotic Hydrobiidae (Gastropoda) of the Caucasus

Caucasopsiinae Chertoprud & Vinarski,

in Chertoprud, Ekimova, Palatov, Grego, Mumladze et Vinarski, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108439 

Highlights

• Hydrobiidae inhabit groundwaters on both south and north sides of the Great Caucasus.

• Caucasian hydrobiids are represented by three distinct phylogenetic lineages of subfamily taxonomical rank.

• A new subfamily of Hydrobiidae endemic to the Caucasus is described.

• A high morphological variability in the shell morphology within Caucasopsiinae subfam.nov. has been revealed.

• Female reproductive system morphology better supports high-level taxa phylogeny than other features.

Abstract

Hydrobiidae is the most diverse and species-rich freshwater gastropod family in the Palearctic. Their diversity in the Caucasus region remains largely unexplored and the phylogenetic relationships with European taxa have not been clarified yet. The primary objective of this study is to perform a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the stygobiotic Hydrobiidae of the Caucasus with an increased taxon sampling and incorporation of multiple molecular markers. We show that the Caucasian hydrobiids are represented by three distinct lineages of a subfamily rank: (1) Caucasopsiinae subfam. nov., comprises most of the stygobiotic hydrobiid genera endemic to Caucasus; (2) Belgrandiellinae includes a single stygobiotic genus Sitnikovia and a complex of crenobiotic genera; (3) Islamiinae is represented by a single monotypic genus. The Caucasian stygobiotic hydrobiids are represented by 13 genera, five of which were identified as new for science, and at least 37 species, including a significant number (20 species) of putative new taxa. Analysis of the soft-body anatomy revealed that the female reproductive system showed the best congruence with the phylogenetic relationships. Shell morphology showed high variability at both inter- and intrageneric level, questioning the generic assignment of species based on empty shells. The Caucasian stygobiotic Hydrobiidae show high endemism at all taxonomical levels from species to subfamilies, which probably reflects their long evolution in relative isolation from the hydrobiid clades inhabiting other regions.

 

Keywords: Groundwater ecosystems, Integrative taxonomy, Freshwater snails, Endemism, New Subfamily, Springsnails

Class Gastropoda Cuvier, 1795

Subclass Caenogastropoda Cox, 1960

Superfamily Truncatelloidea Gray, 1840

Family Hydrobiidae W. Stimpson, 1865

Subfamily Caucasopsiinae Chertoprud et Vinarski, n. Subf.

Type genus: Caucasopsis Grego et Mumladze, 2020

Type species: Caucasopsis letsurtsume Grego et Mumladze, 2020

Shells of Caucasian Hydrobiidae (SEM photographs):
A – Caucasopsis sp. 3; B – Caucasopsis sp. 8; C – Caucasopsis letsurtsume, conic form; D – Caucasopsis letsurtsume, robust form;
E – Pontohoratia birsteini; F – Caucasopsis vinarskii comb. nov.; G – Imeretiopsis gorgoleti;
 H – Schapsugia pulcherrima; I – Gen. 2; J – Gen. 1; K – Caucasogeyeria chrysomallos; L – Gen. 3; M – Sitnikovia megruli.

Elizaveta Chertoprud, Irina Ekimova, Dmitry Palatov, Jozef Grego, Levan Mumladze and Maxim Vinarski. 2025. Little Treasures hidden in the Darkness: Diversity and Phylogeny of stygobiotic Hydrobiidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of the Caucasus. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.  213, 108439. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108439 

[Entomology • 2024] Devadatta adii • A New Species of Devadatta (Odonata: Zygoptera: Devadattidae) from Upper Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Devadatta adii Joshi, Sawant & Kunte,

in Sawant, Joshi, Pawar, Naik, Khan, Nawge et Kunte, 2024.

Golden Grisette  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5519.4.6 

  facebook.com/indianodonata 

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 Researchgate.net/publication/384806577

 

Abstract  

We erect a new species Devadatta adii sp. nov. based on five males and five females collected from Upper Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The males of the new taxon are unique in terms of having a golden yellow lateral pterothorax, strongly curved cerci and filamentous genital ligula. We also provide illustrations of male thorax and caudal appendages of Devadatta spp.

Odonata, Species discovery, new species, taxonomy, India

Dattaprasad SAWANT, Shantanu JOSHI, Ujwala PAWAR, Pratiksha NAIK, Fahim KHAN, Viraj NAWGE and Krushnamegh KUNTE. 2024. Devadatta adii sp. nov. (Odonata: Zygoptera: Devadattidae) from Upper Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India.  Zootaxa. 5519(4); 571-589. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5519.4.6 [2024-10-10]

  facebook.com/indianodonata/posts/924755173011587

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 Researchgate.net/publication/384806577_Devadatta_adii_sp_nov_from_Upper_Siang_District_Arunachal_Pradesh_India

[Entomology • 2024] Ocellarnaca virida • A New Species of the Genus Ocellarnaca Gorochov, 2004 (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) from Yunnan, China

 

Ocellarnaca virida

 Su, Zhang & Shi, 2024

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5397.1.9  

  Researchgate.net/publication/377109699

Abstract

This paper reports one new species of the genus Ocellarnaca Gorochov, 2004 from Yunnan, China, i.e. Ocellarnaca virida sp. nov. Diagnostic illustrations are provided. The type specimen is deposited in the Museum of Hebei University.  

Orthoptera, Gryllacrididae, Ocellarnaca, new species, Yunnan, China  

Ocellarnaca virida sp. nov.

Jie SU, Tao ZHANG and Fuming SHI. 2024. One New Species of the genus Ocellarnaca Gorochov, 2004 (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) from Yunnan, China. Zootaxa. 5397(1); 141-145. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5397.1.9 [2024-01-03] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/377109699_One_new_species_of_Ocellarnaca_from_Yunnan_China

[Botany • 2025] Vanilla baosangii (Orchidaceae: Vanilloideae) • A New Species from the Central Highlands of southern Vietnam

 

Vanilla baosangii   

in Dang, Averyanov, Maisak, Tran, ... et B. V. Truong, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.718.1.6  

 facebook.com/CanhOrchid

Abstract

Vanilla baosangii discovered in the Central Highlands of southern Vietnam (Don Duong District, Lam Dong Province), is described and illustrated. In floral morphology the new species is similar to Vanilla siamensis and V. tiendatii in having hairs on the apex of the epichile and hairy column. However, it differs from V. siamensis in fewer, but densely arranged, flattened, often forked hairs on median lip lobe, a verruculose surface between the hairy epichle and bunch of scales, two warty keels forming a groove inside the claw, lip side-lobes surface with four to five distinct verruculose lines, lateral wings of clinandrium prominent, semi-circular, and anther cap ca. 4 mm long, with 2 forward curved horns. From V. tiendatii the new species differs in having larger elliptic leaves 18–26 cm long, an inflorescence bearing up to 25 flowers, lip apex with a group of fat branched hairs 4–7 mm long, and column with dense long hairs at apex, much longer than those in the basal half. According to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria V. baosangii is assessed as a Critically Endangered. An identification key to all species to Vanilla known in Vietnam is provided, based on recent taxonomic treatments.

Flora of Vietnam, Miguelia, Orchid, plant diversity, plant endemism, plant geography, plant taxonomy, Vanilloideae, Monocots

 

Vanilla baosangii sp. nov.

MINH QUAN DANG, LEONID V. AVERYANOV, TATIANA V. MAISAK, THI THUY NHAN TRAN, VAN CANH NGUYEN, VAN SON DANG, HUU DUC HUYNH, TRUONG GIANG NGUYEN, QUANG TAM TRUONG, BA VUONG TRUONG. 2025. Vanilla baosangii (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), A New Species from the Central Highlands of southern Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 718(1); 59-66. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.718.1.6 [2025-09-16]

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 facebook.com/SangLoc58/posts/31394524340192884

[Botany • 2025] Kaisupeea larsenii (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from southern Thailand

Kaisupeea larsenii Triboun, Pansomboon & Bannajit,

in Triboun, Pansomboon, Bannajit et Middleton, 2025.

มณีไกรลาส || http://qsbg.or.th 

 facebook.com/QSBGcm

Abstract 

Kaisupeea larsenii Triboun, Pansomboon & Bannajit, a new species from southern Thailand is newly described. A description and illustration are provided.

Keywords: Kaisupeea, new to science, Ranong, taxonomic treatment, Thailand

Kaisupeea larsenii Triboun, Pansomboon & Bannajit, sp. nov. 

Pramote Triboun, Tossawat Pansomboon, Worapon Bannajit and David J. Middleton. 2025. Kaisupeea larsenii (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Thailand. Thai Journal of Botany. วารสารพฤกษศาสตร์ไทย. 17: 31–34. 

 http://qsbg.or.th/journal/showarticle_en.aspx?type=article&id=380 

 facebook.com/QSBGcm/posts/1094105446175898

[Botany • 2025] Miliusa beddomei (Annonaceae: Malmeoideae: Miliuseae) • An overlooked New Species of Miliusa from Western Ghats, India

Miliusa beddomei Sukdeb Bera, Sujana and Karthig., 

in Bera, Sujana et Kaliyamurthy. 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04906 

 Researchgate.net/publication/395178791 

 facebook.com/BSImoEFCC

Abstract

Miliusa beddomei Sukdeb Bera, Sujana and Karthig. sp. nov., a previously overlooked species, is described here as a new species from the Western Ghats, India. It was first collected by Beddome in 1865 from Anamallays, Tamil Nadu, India but had been mistakenly identified as M. montana Gardner ex Hook.f. and Thomson. A comprehensive comparison of the morphological differences among M. beddomei and allied species is presented, emphasizing the unique characteristics that distinguish the species. Detailed description, illustration, photo plates, distribution map and ecological notes of the new species are provided. Miliusa beddomei is provisionally classified as ‘Endangered' (EN) under the IUCN criteria B2a, B2b(ii,iv), and C2a(i).

Keywords: Anamallays, Beddome, Kerala, Magnoliales, Nelliyampathy, Tamil Nadu

Miliusa beddomei Sukdeb Bera, Sujana and Karthig. sp. nov.

Sukdeb Bera, K. A. Sujana and Karthigeyan Kaliyamurthy. 2025. An overlooked New Species of Miliusa (Miliuseae: Malmeoideae: Annonaceae) from Western Ghats, India. Nordic Journal of Botany.  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04906 [01 September 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/395178791_new_species_of_Miliusa_from_Western_Ghats_India

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[Botany • 2025] Scutellaria cavicola (Lamiaceae) • A New Cave-dwelling Species from Northwest Guangxi, China

Scutellaria cavicola C.Xiong, Z.Y.Wei & L.F.Fu, 

in Xiong, Wei, Liu, Chen, X.-Y. Fu, Wang et L.-F. Fu, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.262.158923

Abstract

Scutellaria cavicola C.Xiong, Z.Y.Wei & L.F.Fu, a new cave-dwelling species discovered in Lingyun County, Guangxi, China, was described and illustrated. The new species morphologically resembles S. tsinyunensis in having ligneous stems, stiffly papery leaves, undulate leaf margins. However, it can be clearly distinguished from S. tsinyunensis in the height of plants, the shape of leaf blades, the length of petiole and racemes, the size of leaves and nutlets. The results of molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and external transcribed spacers (ETS) of 43 Scutellaria species, showed that S. cavicola is closely related to S. tsinyunensis. Notably, according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the new species is assigned to the Critically Endangered (CR) category.

Key words: Flora of Guangxi, Karst cave, Lingyun County, phylogeny, Scutellaria tsinyunensis, taxonomy

Scutellaria cavicola C.Xiong, Z.Y.Wei & L.F.Fu, sp. nov.
A, B. Habitat; C. Flowering plant; D. Young inflorescence; E. Mature inflorescence; F. Flower (side view); G. Flower (front view); H. Dissection of a flower; I. Fruiting calyces; J. Nutlets.

 Scutellaria cavicola C.Xiong, Z.Y.Wei & L.F.Fu, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Scutellaria cavicola belongs to Scutellaria Ser. Javanicae C. Y. Wu (Wu and Li 1977) and exhibits morphological similarities to S. tsinyunensis C.Y. Wu & S. Chow (Wu and Li 1977) (Fig. 4). Both species are characterised by certain shared traits, including ligneous stems, leathery or stiffly papery leaves, undulate leaf margins. However, S. cavicola differs from S. tsinyunensis by its shorter stems (15–30 cm tall vs. 30–60 cm), lamina ovate to triangular-ovate, 14.5–23 × 8.5–14.5 mm (vs. ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, 40–80 × 15–35 mm), petiole 3–7.5 mm long (vs. sessile or short, 0–4 mm), racemes 1–5 cm long and 3–10 flowers (vs. 8–10 cm, up to 30 flowers). A more detailed comparison of the two species is provided in Table 2.

 Chi Xiong, Zi-Yu Wei, Rui-Ning Liu, Feng Chen, Xiao-Ying Fu, Yi-Chen Wang and Long-Fei Fu. 2025. Scutellaria cavicola (Lamiaceae), A New Cave-dwelling Species from Northwest Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys 262: 293-304. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.262.158923

[Herpetology • 2025] Dibamus annae • A New Species of Dibamus from the Central Highlands of Vietnam with Redescription of Dibamus montanus Smith, 1921 (Squamata: Dibamidae)

 

Dibamus montanus Smith, 1921

 Dibamus annae

Kliukin, Nguyen, Pawangkhanant,  Pham, Le, Gorin, Bos, Krone & Poyarkov, 2025

Anna’s Blind Skink | Thằn lằn giun An-na || 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5693.1.1  

Researchgate.net/publication/395525435 

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Abstract

The Langbian Blind Skink, Dibamus montanus Smith, 1921, was described more than 100 years ago based on two specimens from Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam. Herein, we provide a revised diagnosis of D. montanus based on re-examination of the type series and two additional specimens collected during our recent field survey in Lam Dong Province, southern Vietnam. Furthermore, we describe a new species of dibamid lizard based on a single specimen collected from Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Gia Lai Province, central Vietnam, which was previously confused with D. montanus. We present an updated genealogy for the family Dibamidae based on three mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA, ND2, and COI) and demonstrate that D. montanus and the Gia Lai specimen form two deeply divergent matrilines with sequence divergence p = 18.6% in the ND2 gene and p = 6.4% in the 16S rRNA gene. The new species Dibamus annae sp. nov. can be readily distinguished from D. montanus and other congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: labial and nasal sutures present and complete; rostral suture present and incomplete; three scales posterior to interparietal; maximum SVL of 92.7 mm; tail comparatively long, TL comprising 18.9% of SVL in a single male; two scales bordering the posteromedial edge of the first infralabial; the medial sublabial scale not enlarged; 19 midbody scale rows; 21 transverse scale rows just posterior to head; 18 transverse scale rows just anterior to vent; 180 ventral scales; 45 subcaudal scales; relative size of frontal to frontonasal 136.3%; relative size of interparietal to nuchal scale 133.9%. Our study brings the total number of species in the genus Dibamus to 28; Dibamus annae sp. nov. is the ninth species of Dibamus recorded from Vietnam, which further highlights the importance of this country as a center of reptilian diversity in Southeast Asia. We also provide an identification key for the species of Dibamus that occur in Indochina.

Reptilia, Dibamus annae sp. nov., Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Langbian Plateau, Blind Skinks, conservation, Southeast Asia, systematics, morphology

Dibamus montanus Smith, 1921 in life.
(a) Male specimen ZMMu re-18136 from Di linh town, Di linh, lam Dong Province; (B) Male specimen (not collected) from Suoi lanh, gung re, ca. 12 km southwards from Di linh, lam Dong Province.

Photographs by Parinya Pawangkhanant (a) and Hieu Minh Pham (B).

Photographs of head scalation of the holotype of Dibamus annae sp. nov. ZMMU Re-15720 (A–C); and male specimen of D. montanus ZMMU Re-18136 (D–F).
Head is shown in lateral (A, D, G), dorsal (B, E, H), and ventral (C, F, I) aspects.

Scale bar equals 1 mm. Photographs by Nikita S. Kliukin.

Dibamus annae sp. nov.

Etymology. The new species epithet honors Dr. Anna B. Vassilieva, a Russian herpetologist currently working at the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dr. Vassilieva collected the holotype of the new species; furthermore, she has also spent over 10 years researching the herpetofauna of Vietnam. 

Nikita S. KLIUKIN, Tan Van NGUYEN, Parinya PAWANGKHANANT, Hieu Minh PHAM, Son Xuan LE, Vladislav A. GORIN, Collin BOS, Isaac W. KRONE and Nikolay A. POYARKOV. 2025. A New Species of Dibamus from the Central Highlands of Vietnam with Redescription of Dibamus montanus Smith, 1921 (Squamata: Dibamidae).  Zootaxa. 5693(1); 1-31. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5693.1.1 [2025-09-16]

 Researchgate.net/publication/395525435_A_new_species_of_Dibamus_from_the_Central_Highlands_of_Vietnam

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[Diplopoda • 2025] Orthomorpha tergoaurantia, O. efefai & O. battambangiensis • Review of the Millipede Genus Orthomorpha Bollman, 1893 (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae) in Cambodia, with New Records and Descriptions of Three New Species

 

Orthomorpha tergoaurantia; 
O. efefai; O. battambangiensis 

Likhitrakarn, 

in Likhitrakarn, Golovatch, Thi, Sophea, Lou, Sinovas, Jeratthitikul, Pholyotha, Siriwut, Srisonchai, Panha et Sutcharit, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1251.158776

Abstract

The Southeast Asian millipede genus Orthomorpha Bollman, 1893 currently encompasses 59 accepted species, including three newly described from Cambodia: Orthomorpha tergoaurantia Likhitrakarn, sp. nov., Orthomorpha efefai Likhitrakarn, sp. nov., and Orthomorpha battambangiensis Likhitrakarn, sp. nov. The new species are described based on distinctive morphological traits, with particular emphasis on gonopodal features. Species descriptions are accompanied by detailed illustrations and scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the gonopods. An updated identification key to the known Orthomorpha species from Cambodia is also provided.

Key words: Asiomorpha, catalogue, distribution, key, morphology, Orthomorphini, taxonomy

Orthomorpha tergoaurantia Likhitrakarn, sp. nov., habitus, live coloration.
A. ♂ Paratype from Phnom Cheal Pagoda; B. ♀ Paratype from Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple; C. ♂ holotype from Prasat Phnom Totong Temple.

Habitus, live coloration.
A, B. Orthomorpha efefai Likhitrakarn, sp. nov.; A. ♂ holotype; B. ♂ holotype (above) and ♀ paratype from Neang Romsay Sak Cave;
C, D. Orthomorpha battambangiensis Likhitrakarn, sp. nov.; C. ♂ paratype; D. ♂ (above), ♀ paratypes from Phnom Kdoang Sampov.

 Natdanai Likhitrakarn, Sergei I. Golovatch, Sothearen Thi, Chhin Sophea, Vanny Lou, Pablo Sinovas, Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Arthit Pholyotha, Warut Siriwut, Ruttapon Srisonchai, Somsak Panha and Chirasak Sutcharit. 2025. Review of the Millipede Genus Orthomorpha Bollman, 1893 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae) in Cambodia, with New Records and Descriptions of Three New Species. ZooKeys. 1251: 251-274. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1251.158776

[Paleontology • 2025] Zavacephale rinpoche • A domed pachycephalosaur from the early Cretaceous of Mongolia

Zavacephale rinpoche

Chinzorig, Takasaki, Yoshida, Tucker, Buyantegsh, Mainbayar, Tsogtbaatar & Zanno, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09213-6

Artwork by Masaya Hattori

Abstract

The dome-headed pachycephalosaurians are among the most enigmatic dinosaurs. Bearing a hypertrophied skull roof and elaborate cranial ornamentation, members of the clade are considered to have evolved complex sociosexual systems. Despite their importance in understanding behavioural ecology in Dinosauria, the absence of uncontested early diverging taxa has hindered our ability to reconstruct the origin and early evolution of the clade. Here we describe Zavacephale rinpoche gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Cretaceous Khuren Dukh Formation of Mongolia, the most skeletally complete and geologically oldest pachycephalosaurian discovered globally. Z. rinpoche exhibits a well-developed frontoparietal dome and preserves the clade’s first record of manual elements and gastroliths. Phylogenetic analysis recovered Z. rinpoche as one of the earliest diverging pachycephalosaurians, pushing back fossil evidence of the frontoparietal dome by at least 14 Myr and clarifying macroevolutionary trends in its assembly. We found that the earliest stage of dome evolution occurred by means of a frontal-first developmental pattern with retention of open supratemporal fenestra, mirroring proposed ontogenetic trajectories in some Late Cretaceous taxa. Finally, intraskeletal osteohistology of the frontoparietal dome and hindlimb demonstrate decoupling of sociosexual and somatic maturity in early pachycephalosaurians, with advanced dome development preceding terminal body size.

 Zavacephale rinpoche gen. et sp. nov.

Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig, Ryuji Takasaki, Junki Yoshida, Ryan T. Tucker, Batsaikhan Buyantegsh, Buuvei Mainbayar, Khishigjav Tsogtbaatar and Lindsay E. Zanno. 2025. A domed pachycephalosaur from the early Cretaceous of Mongolia. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09213-6 [17 September 2025]

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2025/september/new-dome-headed-dinosaur-most-complete-ever-found.html