[Arachnida • 2025] Megaschizomus zhongshanensis • First Record of the Subfamily Megaschizominae Rowland, 1973 (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) from China, with Description of A New Species of Megaschizomus Lawrence, 1969

 

Megaschizomus zhongshanensis

Zheng, Wu & Zhang, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.1.3

Abstract

The subfamily Megaschizominae Rowland, 1973 is recorded from China for the first time through the description of a new species in the genus Megaschizomus Lawrence, 1969: M. zhongshanensis sp. nov. (male, female). This study presents the first illustrated description of male genital structures for a species within this subfamily. In addition to the detailed description, illustrations, diagnosis, and a distribution map are provided. Additionally, the DNA barcode of the new species is also provided.

Scorpiones, Schizomida, Asia, male genital, short-tailed whipscorpions, taxonomy

Tao ZHENG, Keliang WU and Feng ZHANG. 2025. First Record of the Subfamily Megaschizominae Rowland, 1973 from China, with Description of A New Species of Megaschizomus Lawrence, 1969 (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae).  Zootaxa. 5661(1); 80-94. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.1.3 [2025-07-14]

[Botany • 2025] Microlicia cangae (Melastomataceae) • A Critically Endangered Species from Canga of the Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil

 

Microlicia cangae  A.J.Fern. & R.Romero, 

in Fernandes, Versiane et Romero. 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10269-w  

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Summary

Here, we describe Microlicia cangae A.J.Fern. & R.Romero, a new species found in the Iron Quadrangle in the southern portion of the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The new species has nodes with glandular trichomes and glabrous internodes, petiolate leaves with glabrous adaxial surfaces and abaxial surfaces covered with glandular trichomes. The calyx and sepals also have glandular trichomes. We compare M. cangae with M. ciliatoglandulosa R.Romero, M. graveolens DC., M. hirticalyx R.Romero & Woodgyer, M. maximowicziana Cogn. and M. regeliana Cogn., as they are morphologically similar. We also provide illustrations, field images and a distribution map. Microlicia cangae is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered [CR] due to its restricted area of occupancy and the threat from iron mining in the vicinity of its occurrence.

Key Words: Campo rupestre, endemism, Espinhaço Range, Mariana, Santa Bárbara, taxonomy.

Microlicia cangae. A flowers with light pink petals, front view; B flowers with white petals, front view; C immature fruit; D flowering branches.

photos: Cristiano Vinícius Vidal.

Microlicia cangae A.J.Fern. & R.Romero, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the vegetation on ironstone outcrops (canga) of Iron Quadrangle, where the species was found.

Ana Júnia Fernandes, Ana Flávia Alves Versiane and Rosana Romero. 2025. Microlicia cangae (Melastomataceae), A Critically Endangered Species from Canga of the Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10269-w [17 July 2025] 

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[Ichthyology • 2025] Triplophysa yangi & T. wenshanensis • Two New cavefish Species of Triplophysa (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Karst Subterranean Rivers of Yunnan, China

 

Triplophysa yangi Jiang, Cao, Song, Yi & Yang,

 in Cao, Song, Yi, Xiang, Yang, Li et Jiang, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf033

 Researchgate.net/publication/392130218

Abstract

Cavefish are of considerable interest owing to the remarkable adaptations for surviving in harsh subterranean conditions. These adaptations, often described as constructive traits or regressive features, reflect trade-offs in metabolic requirements and energy utilization in response to life in darkness. In this study, we describe two new cavefish species, Triplophysa yangi sp. nov. and Triplophysa wenshanensis sp. nov., from karst subterranean rivers in Yunnan Province, China. Triplophysa yangi is distinguished from its congeners by its bilaterally expanded anterior swim bladder chambers, which protrude from the enlarged bony capsule, distending the lateral body wall and becoming externally visible. Additionally, it has highly developed pectoral and pelvic fins with filamentous extensions. Triplophysa wenshanensis can be identified by its nearly cone-shaped head, triangular head profile, and light brown to flesh pink body colour with faint brown blotches. Molecular phylogenetic analysis places both species in the hypogean group of Triplophysa, increasing the number of cavefish species in this genus from 39 to 41. The most distinctive feature of T. yangi, its expanded anterior swim bladder chambers protruding beyond the enlarged bony capsules, might represent an innovative stygomorphic trait among Chinese cavefish. This trait is hypothesized to be associated with a unique energy-saving buoyancy mechanism, crucial for the ability of the species to remain suspended and survive in perpetual darkness.

Triplophysa, cavefish, Yunnan, morphology, phylogenetic analysis

Live specimens of Triplophysa yangi.
A, downwards gesture. B, ventral view. C, lateral view. D, turning gesture.

Reconstruction of the skeleton and bony swim bladder capsules of Triplophysa yangi using X-ray microtomography.

Triplophysa yangi Jiang, Cao, Song, Yi & Yang sp. nov.

Etymology:  The specific epithet of the new species, yangi, is named after Dr Junxing Yang, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the research and conservation of cavefish diversity in China. Consequently, the Chinese name for the new species is ‘Yáng Shì Máng Gao Yuán Qiu’ (杨氏盲高原鳅).

Triplophysa wenshanensis Jiang,  Cao, Song, Yi & Yang sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species, wenshanensis, is derived from the type locality, Wenshan Prefecture, in Yunnan Province. The Chinese name for this new species is ‘Wén Shan Gao Yuán Qiu’ (文山高原鳅).

Jianhan Cao, Shuang Song, Wenjing Yi, Hongmei Xiang, Hongfu Yang, Jie Li and Wansheng Jiang. 2025. Two New cavefish Species of Triplophysa (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Karst Subterranean Rivers of Yunnan, China. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 204(1) zlaf033. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf033 [27 May 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/392130218_Two_new_cavefish_Triplophysa_from_Yunnan_China

https://naked-science.ru/article/biology/ryba-v-spasatelnom-kruge

[Herpetology • 2025] Gekko fengshanensis • A New Species of Karst-adapted Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Gekko) from Guangxi, southern China

 

Gekko fengshanensis

Z. Huang, H.-T. Wang, Qi, Song, Y. Huang, Y.-Y. Wang & Mo, 2025

凤山壁虎 || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.153769

Abstract

A new species of the genus Gekko Laurenti, 1768, Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov., is described based on six specimens from Fengshan County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. It is placed into the subgenus Japonigekko based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, and distinguished from consubgeners of Japonigekko by a combination of morphological characters in body size, cephalic proportions, and pholidosis features. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial 16S and ND2 sequences reveal that G. fengshanensis sp. nov. forms a sister relationship with G. kwangsiensis, collectively forming a clade with G. liboensis and G. paucituberculatus endemic to southern China’s karst ecosystems. This discovery increases the number of recognized Gekko species in the South China Karst to five, underscoring the role that fragmented karst landscapes play in driving speciation and maintaining high levels of biodiversity in this unique ecosystem.

Key words: Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov., G. liboensis, Guangxi, integrative taxonomy, Japonigekko, South China Karst

 

Type specimens of Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov. in life.
 A. Holotype NHMG 202408004, adult male; B. Paratype NHMG 202408005, adult male; C. Paratype NHMG 202408007, adult male.

Photos by  Zhong Huang.

 Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov. is assigned to the subgenus Japonigekko and distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) moderate body size, SVL 60.0–79.9 mm in the adult male and SVL 62.2 in the adult female; (2) nares in contact with rostral, internasal absent; (3) enlarged postmentals two; (4) tubercles flattened, present from the region behind the eyes along the neck to the tail base, 8–11 rows at midbody ; (5) ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit 193–213; (6) midbody scale rows 149–161; (7) ventral scale rows 40–49; (8) subdigital lamellae on first fingers 11–13, on fourth fingers 12–16, on first toes 12–14, on fourth toes 13–15,and fingers and toes webbing weakly developed; (9) continuous precloacal pores 9–12 in males, absent in the female; (10) a single postcloacal tubercle on each side.

 

Etymology. The specific epithet fengshanensis refers to Fengshan County, the type locality in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The common name “Fengshan gecko” (English) and formal Chinese name “凤山壁虎” (fèng shān bì hǔ) are proposed.

Zhong Huang, Hao-Tian Wang, Shuo Qi, Han-Ming Song, Yong Huang, Ying-Yong Wang and Yun-Ming Mo. 2025. A New Species of Karst-adapted Gecko (Squamata, Gekkonidae, Gekko) from Guangxi, southern China. ZooKeys. 1245: 289-310. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.153769

[PaleoMammalogy • 2025] Vulcanoscaptor ninoti • An unexpected Scalopini mole (Mammalia: Talpidae) from the Pliocene of Europe sheds light on the phylogeny of talpids

 

Vulcanoscaptor ninoti Linares-Martín, 2025,

in Linares-Martín, Furió, Gómez de Soler, Agustí, Oms, Grandi, Blain, Moreno-Ribas, Piñero et Campeny, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10396-1  

 Researchgate.net/publication/393578316

Artwork by Jesús Gamarra / IPHES-CERCA

Abstract

The Pliocene Konservat-Lagerstätten maar lake site of Camp dels Ninots (NE Iberian Peninsula) has recently delivered a partial skeleton of a mole (family Talpidae) with many elements in anatomical connection. At a first glance, molar and humerus size, geological time interval, and geographical location suggested that this specimen could correspond to Talpa minor. However, after some mechanical preparation of the clay block (matrix removal, consolidation, and cleaning) and a micro-CT scan, this excellently preserved specimen turned out to be an unknown species to science. The resulting 3D models of this new form, Vulcanoscaptor ninoti gen. et sp. nov., revealed some peculiar morphological traits in teeth, mandible, and postcranial elements, which according to the phylogenetic analysis carried out, would allocate this new species within the tribe Scalopini. This is surprising, because the closest relatives of the new species within this tribe live nowadays in North America, and only some related taxa had been previously reported in the Oligocene and Miocene fossil record from Europe. The postcranial construction of this specimen reveals a highly fossorial lifestyle supported by a complex forelimb structure. How such a specialized digging animal reached the maar lake sediments where it was finally preserved is still to be solved. Some hypotheses consider swimming abilities for this extinct species. Alternatively, this specimen could be the remaining portions of a floated or scavenged carcass whose remains fell into the lake and reached the anoxic bottom.

 

Keywords: Camp dels Ninots, Maar, Konservat-Lagerstätten, Spain, Fossorial

 

Partial skeleton of Vulcanoscaptor ninoti gen. et sp. nov. (CN10-O17-NIV11-12)

Vulcanoscaptor ninoti gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis (genus and species). [No trait alone is diagnostic, but the combination of characters is unique within the Talpidae] Small sized mole with dental formula ???3/2143. Doubled mesostyle in M1 and M2. Double rooted P4. Presence of a parastyle in P4. Lower premolar row without gaps. Enlarged i2. Absence of metastylid in m2. Robust and small postcranial remains. Pit for M. flexor digitorum profundus ligament present. Straight medial edge of humeral trochlea. Fusiform shape of the humeral capitulum. Well-developed and transverse olecranon crest. Anconal and coronoid processes present in the ulna. Presence of capitular process in the radius. Scaphoid and lunar not co-ossified.

Etymology. Name of the genus derived from the Latin word of ‘Vulcan’, the Roman god of fire, in reference to the volcanic nature of the source area, and ‘-scaptor’, from the ancient Greek word ‘scaptein’, to dig. Name of the species invoking ‘ninot’, the local word to refer the opaline nodules ‘doll-shaped’ typically found in the type-locality of the species, Camp dels Ninots.

Realistic reconstruction of Vulcanoscaptor ninoti.

Artwork by Jesús Gamarra / IPHES-CERCA

Adriana Linares-Martín, Marc Furió, Bruno Gómez de Soler, Jordi Agustí, Oriol Oms, Federica Grandi, Hugues-Alexandre Blain, Elena Moreno-Ribas, Pedro Piñero and Gerard Campeny. 2025. An unexpected Scalopini mole (Talpidae, Mammalia) from the Pliocene of Europe sheds light on the phylogeny of talpids. Scientific Reports. 15, 24928. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10396-1 [10 July 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/393578316_An_unexpected_Scalopini_mole_from_the_Pliocene_of_Europe

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Limnonectes maanyanorum & L. nusantara • Two New Species of Fanged Frog (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Southeastern Borneo, Indonesia

Limnonectes maanyanorum 

Gonggoli, Shimada, Matsui, Nishikawa, Sidik, Kadafi, Farajallah & Hamidy, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5575.3.3  

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Abstract

Two new species of dicroglossid frog of the Limnonectes kuhlii complex are described from southeastern Borneo, Indonesia. These new species were previously confused with L. kuhlii, whose type locality is Java, but recognized to represent genetically distinct lineages. Here, we describe them based on molecular and morphological characteristics. The two new species, Limnonectes maanyanorum sp. nov. and Limnonectes nusantara sp. nov., can be distinguished from named species of the Limnonectes kuhlii complex from Borneo, Java, Sumatra, and Peninsular Malaysia by significant genetic distances in partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and combinations of morphological characters. These descriptions are an initiation step in taxonomic work to encourage studies of the L. kuhlii complex in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Amphibia, Limnonectes, Meratus mountain range, morphology, partial 16s rRNA gene, taxonomy

Limnonectes maanyanorum

Ade Damara GONGGOLI, Tomohiko SHIMADA, Masafumi MATSUI, Kanto NISHIKAWA, Irvan SIDIK, Ahmad Muammar KADAFI, Achmad FARAJALLAH and Amir HAMIDY. 2025. Two New Species of Fanged Frog from Southeastern Borneo, Indonesia (Amphibia: Anura: Dicroglossidae). Zootaxa. 5575(3); 387-408. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5575.3.3  [2025-01-24]

  facebook.com/BRINindonesia/posts/1145127700990751

[Ichthyology • 2025] Porotergus sambaibensis • Molecular Phylogeny reveals A New Species of Ghost Electric Knifefish Porotergus Ellis 1912 (Gymnotiformes: Apteronotidae), from the Amazon Basin

  

Porotergus sambaibensis

Mendonça, Peixoto, Chamon, Akama & de Santana, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70085

Abstract

A new species of ghost electric knifefish, Porotergus sambaibensis sp. nov., is described from the Javaés River, a tributary of the Araguaia River in Brazil. The new species was assigned to the genus Porotergus as the closest relative to Porotergus gimbeli through maximum likelihood reconstruction of a concatenated multilocus dataset. Additionally, the origin of adductor mandibulae, pars stegalis in P. sambaibensis sp. nov. provided further evidence to support the molecular hypothesis. External and internal anatomical characters diagnosed the new species. DNA barcode data were used to test species monophyly and its genetic divergence from other species in the clade. Porotergus sambaibensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its closely related species by the colour pattern of the trunk, dark brown; the lower count of total anal-fin rays, 146–160; the higher number of teeth rows on the dentary, two; the presence of premaxilla teeth; two prominent foramina on dorsal portion of hyomandibula and its distribution pattern; and the second basibranchial, unossified. The genetic divergence between the new species and its relatives ranged from 3.7% in P. gimbeli to 10.3% in Porotergus duende. The species was categorised as deficient data (DD) based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria.

Keywords: DNA barcode, electric fish, ichthyofauna, Neotropics, taxonomy

  

Porotergus sambaibensis, holotype, MPEG 39639, 110.02 mm total length (TL).
 (a) Full body; (b) head. Scale bar = 5 mm.

  Porotergus sambaibensis, new species

Diagnosis: P. sambaibensis can be distinguished from P. duende by the colour pattern of the trunk, dark brown (vs. light brown to pale straw pigmentation). The new species can be distinguished from ‘A’. apurensis and P. gimbeli by the lower count of total anal-fin rays, 146–160 (vs. 171–198). P. sambaibensis can be further distinguished from ‘A’. bonapartii by the premaxilla dentition pattern, five teeth arranged in two irregular rows (vs. three tooth rows, each with 2–4 teeth); by the lateral ethmoid position, straight (Figure 4; vs. the lateral ethmoid obliquely positioned, extending ventrally from the frontal at an angle towards the dorsal surface of the parasphenoid; Hilton & Cox Fernandes, 2017: Figure 4; Peixoto & de Pinna, 2022: fig. 25); by the presence of two foramina on the dorsal portion of hyomandibula (Figure 6 vs. one; Hilton & Cox Fernandes, 2017: Figure 4). The new species can be distinguished from P. gimbeli by the unelaborated chin (vs. prominent swelling on the chin, e.g., de Santana & Crampton, 2010: Figure 4). It can be further differentiated from P. duende by the higher number of teeth rows on dentary, two (vs. one); by the presence of premaxilla teeth (vs. absent); and by the second basibranchial, unossified (vs. ossified). P. sambaibensis is differentiated from P. gymnotus by the number of premaxillary teeth, five (vs. two). The new species can be distinguished from ‘A’. ellisi by the anal-fin rays, 146–160 (vs. 170–190).

Etymology: The specific epithet is in reference to the type locality, Sambaíba, a rocky bank in the Javaés River.

Marina B. Mendonça, Luiz A. W. Peixoto, Carine C. Chamon, A. Akama and C. David de Santana. 2025. Molecular Phylogeny reveals A New Species of Ghost Electric Knifefish Porotergus Ellis 1912 (Gymnotiformes: Apteronotidae), from the Amazon basin. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70085 [14 July 2025]

[Herpetology • 2025] Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus • Taxonomic Reassessment of an Enigmatic Flying Frog (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae) from Sangihe Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia

 

Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus  Wolf, 1936

in Herlambang, Sabinhaliduna, Trilaksono, ..., Herr et McGuire, 2025. 

Sangir Flying-frog  |  Katak-terbang Sangir  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5636.1.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/391771146

Abstract

Sangihe is the northernmost island in a string of a volcanic islands that extend northward from Sulawesi toward the Philippines. Sangihe is known to host one species of flying-frog in the genus Rhacophorus, which is currently classified as a subspecies of the widespread species, R. pardalis (as R. p. rhyssocephalus). Based on newly collected material obtained during a recent expedition in Sangihe, we re-evaluated the taxonomic status of R. p. rhyssocephalus. Molecular sequences (12S rRNA, tRNA val, and 16S rRNA) were obtained for this species, and 66 additional Rhacophorid sequences were extracted from GenBank, including R. pardalis from Borneo. Our molecular analysis revealed that R. p. rhyssocephalus is sister to the Sulawesi Rhacophorus clade, and is not closely related to the widespread lineage of R. pardalis. Furthermore, R. pardalis and R. p. rhyssocephalus exhibit an uncorrected patristic distance of 16%. Our morphological comparisons also identified unique differences between Sangihe and Bornean populations of R. pardalis, such as a prominent U-shaped intraorbital ridge present in the Sangihe population but absent in Bornean population. Based on the available evidence, we elevated the taxonomic status of the Rhacophorus frog from Sangihe Island to Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus. This study highlights the taxonomic complexities and significant discoveries still to be made on this remote island, enhancing our understanding of insular evolutionary processes in this under-explored island archipelago.

Key words: endemic, Morphometric analysis, Phylogenetic analysis, Remote Island

 

Live specimen of Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus from Sangihe (MZB Amph 33593

Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus Wolf, 1936

 Etymology. We elevate Wolf’s (1936) proposed subspecies name to full species status.  Rhyssocephalus  is derived from Greek, with ‘Rhysso’ means ‘wrinkled’ and ‘Cephalus’ means ‘head’. We suggest the English common name “Sangir Flying-frog”. We suggest the Indonesian name “Katak-terbang Sangir.”

Alamsyah Elang Nusa HERLAMBANG, Efendi SABINHALIDUNA, Wahyu TRILAKSONO, Syahfitri ANITA, Awal RIYANTO, Amir HAMIDY, Isaac KRONE, Sina AMINI, María José Navarrete MÉNDEZ, Mark HERR, Jimmy A. MCGUIRE. 2025. Taxonomic Reassessment of an Enigmatic Flying Frog (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae) from Sangihe Island, Indonesia.  Zootaxa. 5636(1); 121-143. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5636.1.5 [2025-05-15] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391771146_Taxonomic_Reassessment_of_an_Enigmatic_Rhacophoridae_from_Sangihe_Island_Indonesia

[Arachnida • 2025] Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis, S. yamigulensis ... • Four New Species of Dragon Pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae: Spelaeochthonius) from Caves in South Korea revealed by integrative taxonomy

Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis

Jeong, Harms, Yoo & Kim, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325375

Abstract

Karst research in Korea is still in its infancy and the invertebrate fauna of subterranean systems across the country is poorly known. One of the very diverse lineages in caves across Korea, the pseudoscorpions, are almost undocumented although they represent stunning examples of cave adaptations and troglomorphism. In this study, we provide a phylogenetic hypothesis for the pseudoscorpion Spelaeochthonius Morikawa, 1954 (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) in South Korea; a genus that exclusively occurs in caves across China, Japan and the Korean Peninsula. We report seven species of which four are newly described and illustrated based on molecular, distributional and morphological data: Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis sp. nov., S. geumgulensis sp. nov., S. magwihalmigulensis sp. nov. and S. yamigulensis sp. nov. All species are strongly cave-adapted and known from a single cave or karst system only, emphasizing the need to implement conservation strategies for Korean karst systems and their fauna.

 

Habitus of Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis sp. nov.
A. Holotype male, dorsal view; B. Holotype male, ventral view;
C. Paratype female, dorsal view; D. Paratype female, ventral view.

Scale bar: 1 mm.

Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis sp. nov., 

S. geumgulensis sp. nov., 

S. magwihalmigulensis sp. nov. 

S. yamigulensis sp. nov.

Kyung–Hoon Jeong, Danilo Harms, Jung-sun Yoo and Sora Kim. 2025. Four New Species of Dragon Pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae: Spelaeochthonius) from Caves in South Korea revealed by integrative taxonomy. PLoS One. 20(7): e0325375.  DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325375 [July 9, 2025]

[Herpetology • 2025] Cnemaspis brahmaputra • A New Day Gecko of the Cnemaspis podihuna clade (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Northeast India

 

Cnemaspis brahmaputra

Sayyed, Das, Amarasinghe, Bhattacharjee & Purkayastha, 2025

TAPROBANICA. 14(2) 

 facebook.com/AmitSayyedSatara

Precloacal and femoral area of (A) C. podihuna holotype and 

(B) C. brahmaputra sp. nov. holotype

Abstract 

We describe a new species of Cnemaspis from Assam, a valley of an antecedent river, the Brahmaputra, in northeastern India that belongs to the C. podihuna species group. The new species is the second Cnemaspis reported from the mainland Indian subcontinent, representing the entire podihuna clade. It is small (SVL 30.8–35.7 mm) and diurnal. The new species is genetically and morphologically allied to C. assamensis in northeast India, and also morphologically allied to the members of the C. podihuna group in Sri Lanka, especially to C. molligodai and C. manoae, but is distinguished by its larger body size but with lower number of midbody scale rows, higher number of miventrals and ventral scale rows across the belly, no tubercles on lower flanks, three enlarged rows of thigh scales parallel to the enlarged femoral scale row, and fewer poreless scales separating precloacal and femoral pore scales in males. The new species is also genetically divergent from C. assamensis by p-distances of 6.0–7.2% and from Sri Lankan congeners by 21.2–24.8% in the mitochondrial ND2 gene. With this new species, only two species of Cnemaspis are now known from the podihuna clade in India, but additional species likely remain unrecognized. 

Keywords: phylogeny, saxicoline geckos, species complex, systematics, taxonomy

Cnemaspis brahmaputra sp. nov.
(A) the holotype (ADBU1111; an adult male) and (B) the habitat near Dirgheswari Temple, North Guwahati, Assam, India.

 Photo: A. Sayyed

Cnemaspis brahmaputra sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. A diminutive, rupicolous Cnemaspis with adult SVL 30.8–35.7 mm; dorsal scales homogeneous, small granular scales, intermixed with slightly large, randomly arranged smooth scales; enlarged tubercles absent on dorsum; scales on gular, throat, pectoral, and abdomen smooth; median subcaudals smooth, enlarged, slightly semicircular, subimbricate; 26–27 interorbital scales; 7–9 supralabials up to midorbital position, 11–13 up to the angle of jaw; 8–12 infralabials; two pairs of postmentals, inner pair larger, separated by single hexagonal intermediate scale; 83–87 scale rows at midbody, 21–25 ventral scales rows across the belly; 127–131 paravertebral granules, 130–138 midventral scales; similar scales on flanks; four or five spine-like tubercles on lateral body, but absent in lower flanks; 19 subdigital lamellae under fourth toe; males with six or seven precloacal pores and 12 femoral pores (on each thigh) separated by four enlarged poreless scales; dorsal scales on brachium and forearm smooth, granular; ventral scales of thigh with three rows of enlarged scales parallel to femoral scales; ventral scales on tail base not enlarged; a single pair of postcloacal spur on tail base.

Etymology. The specific epithet is an invariable noun in apposition and refers to the antecedent river, ‘Brahmaputra’, which flows near the type locality. Brahmaputra (in the Sanskrit language) is a singular possessive noun with Brahma (=a name of the Hindu god, referred to as "the creator") and putra (=son, referred to here as offspring), thus the offspring of the creator. Brahmaputra River (3,969 km) flows through China, northeast India, and Bangladesh, and is one of the top ten largest rivers by discharge (Sarma 2004)—English name: Brahmaputra day gecko

Amit Sayyed, Madhurima Das, A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Rupankar Bhattacharjee and Jayaditya Purkayastha. 2025. A New Day Gecko of the Cnemaspis podihuna (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) clade from Northeast India. TAPROBANICA. 14(2); 107–120.

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[Paleontology • 2025] Neonatal State and Degree of Necessity for Parental Care in Maiasaura based on inferred Neonatal Metabolic Rates

The hatching of hadrosaurid dinosaur Maiasaura peeblesorum  

in Bert, Woodward, Rinder, Amiot, ... et Cubo, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06282-5 

 www.insu.CNRS.fr

Artwork by Delphine Zigoni linkedin.com: Delphine Zigoni 

Abstract 

We infer the neonatal metabolic rate at rest (RMR) and at maximum activity levels (MMR) of the hadrosaurid dinosaur Maiasaura peeblesorum from the Two Medicine Formation of Montana (USA) using Phylogenetic Eigenvector Maps applied to the following osteohistological features: the Relative Primary Osteon Area and the size of the femoral nutrient foramen as proxies. We investigate the locomotor/motor activity of the neonates by comparing the difference between maximum and minimum rates of oxygen consumption—referred to as aerobic scope and denoted as ΔMR, as a proxy of their activity levels. Applied to Maiasaura, this novel methodology allows for a quantitative assessment of its neonatal state and to deduce its dependence on parental care. The inferred neonatal RMR values for Maiasaura are similar to those of present-day fast-growing endotherms. As for the aerobic scope, M. peeblesorum neonates have a ΔMR value similar to those observed in present-day altricial birds that need intensive parental care. This result is consistent with the previously proposed hypothesis of nidicolous M. peeblesorum requiring parental care. Finally, based on age-estimations from M. peeblesorum neonate remains found both in and outside nest sites, we estimate that this species remained in the nest for approximately 40–75 days. Maiasaura provides a useful ecological baseline from which to infer neonatal states in an other hadrosaur of similar adult size—Hypacrosaurus stebingeri, whose differing ecological traits point to a relatively more precocial condition. The diversity of post-hatching reproductive strategy partly explains the adaptation of hadrosaurs to a wide range of paleolatitudes and environments.

Keywords: Relative primary osteon area, Nutrient foramina, Phylogenetic eigenvector maps, Reproductive strategy

 

Hugo Bert, Holly Woodward, Nicolas Rinder, Romain Amiot, John R. Horner, Christophe Lécuyer, Mariana Sena and Jorge Cubo. 2025. Neonatal State and Degree of Necessity for Parental Care in Maiasaura based on inferred Neonatal Metabolic Rates. Scientific Reports. 15: 24827. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06282-5 [10 July 2025]

www.insu.CNRS.fr/fr/cnrsinfo/dinosaure-maiasaura-la-pratique-de-soins-parentaux-confirmee-par-lanalyse-micro-anatomique

https://fr.linkedin.com/posts/delphine-zigoni-b929b4163_il-y-a-quelques-semaines-jai-réalisé-cette-activity-7325252099984814080-rlj8

[Botany • 2025] Habenaria diwata (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae) • A New Species from Mount Malinao, Albay Province, Luzon Island, Philippines

 

Habenaria diwata R.Bustam., J.Collantes & M.R.B.Altamirano,

in Altamirano, Collantes et Bustamante, 2025.

Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 77(1);

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ABSTRACT

 A new species, Habenaria diwata R.Bustam., J.Collantes & M.R.B.Altamirano

(Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae), is described from Mount Malinao, Luzon Island, Philippines.

Habenaria diwata most closely resembles the Taiwanese species H. tsaiana T.P.Lin in having

bipartite petals with an entire posterior lobe and a tripartite labellum with an entire mid-lobe

and subdivided side lobes, but differs by its shorter lateral sepals (9–11 mm long vs 12.5–13.5

mm long in H. tsaiana), anterior petal lobes that are mostly entire, with the lower margin

lacerate or unequally bifid at the apex (vs subdivided into two segments), shorter labellum

base (1 mm vs 1.5–2 mm) and labellum side lobes subdivided into two filiform segments (vs

subdivided into three filiform segments). Differences of H. diwata from a similar Philippine

species, H. lingulosa Ames, are briefly discussed. This discovery raises the current number

of recognised Habenaria species in the Philippines to 22. Illustrations and information on its

distribution, habitat, phenology, and proposed conservation status are provided.

Keywords. Bicol Region, endemic, Habenaria sect. Medusaeformes, mossy forest, terrestrial

orchid

Habenaria diwata R.Bustam., J.Collantes & M.R.B.Altamirano.
A. Flowering plant, upper part. B. Basal part showing stem and roots. C. Ventral view of perianth and column. D. Lateral view of flower. E. Dissected perianth with ventral view of sepals, petals and labellum. F. Floral Bract. G. Lateral view of column and ovary. H. Lateral view of spur. I. Ventral view of column. J. Pollinaria.

From the holotype, PTI-SLP1 27. (Photos: J.P.R. Collantes)

   

Habenaria diwata R.Bustam., J.Collantes & M.R.B.Altamirano, sp. nov. 

Habenaria diwata most closely resembles the Taiwan endemic H. tsaiana T.P.Lin in its bipartite petals with an entire posterior lobe and a tripartite labellum with an entire midlobe and subdivided side lobes. Habenaria diwata differs by its shorter lateral sepals (9–11 mm long vs 12.5–13.5 mm long in H. tsaiana), anterior petal lobes that are mostly entire, lacerate or unequally bifid at the apex (vs subdivided into two segments), shorter labellum base (1 mm vs 1.5–2 mm), and labellum side lobes subdivided into two filiform segments (vs subdivided into three filiform segments). Detailed morphological differences between the species are presented in Table 1.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to Philippine mythology and folklore deities who guard the natural world (Landa, 1968). The pale, whitish green flowers are reminiscent of the ghostly white female representations of diwata in popular culture, while the dormancy in its life cycle in turn echoes the ephemeral nature of these spiritual beings. 

Altamirano, M.R.B., Collantes, J.P.R. & Bustamante, R.A.A. 2025. Habenaria diwata (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae), A New Species from Mount Malinao, Albay Province, Luzon Island, Philippines. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 77(1); 101 - 112.

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[Paleontology • 2025] Shri rapax • A New bird-like Dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of Mongolia with extremely robust hands supports niche partitioning among velociraptorines

Shri rapax

Moutrille, Cau, Chinzorig, Escuillié, Tsogtbaatar, Ganzorig, Mallet & Godefroit, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2025.2530148  

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ABSTRACT

Dromaeosauridae is a clade of bird-like theropod dinosaurs including, among others, the genera Deinonychus and Velociraptor, and characterised by a specialised second toe bearing an enlarged and falciform ungual. Here, we describe an exquisitely-preserved velociraptorine dromaeosaurid from the Upper Cretaceous Djadokhta Formation of Mongolia, and refer it to the new species Shri rapax. This dromaeosaurid is diagnosed by a peculiar combination of vertebral and pelvic features and by an exceptionally robust hand with a very stout pollex bearing the ungual proportionally larger than in any other dromaeosaurid. Combined with cranial adaptations which could support a bite more powerful than in other velociraptorines, the enlarged unguals in both Shri species suggest ecological partitioning in prey preference among the sympatric Djadokhtan dromaeosaurids.

KEYWORDS: Cretaceous, Djadokhta Formation, Dromaeosauridae, Mongolia, Theropoda

Shri rapax

 

 

Léa Moutrille, Andrea Cau, Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig, François Escuillié, Khishigjav Tsogtbaatar, Bayasgaa Ganzorig, Christophe Mallet and Pascal Godefroit. 2025. A New bird-like Dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of Mongolia with extremely robust hands supports niche partitioning among velociraptorines. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2025.2530148 [13 Jul 2025] 

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