[Paleontology • 2025] New Information on Bonapartenykus (Theropoda: Alvarezsauridae) from the Allen Formation (middle Campanian-lower Maastrichtian) of Río Negro Province, Patagonia, Argentina clarifies the Patagonykinae body plan

MPCN-PV 738, cf. Bonapartenykus ultimus Agnolín, Powell, Novas & Kundrát, 2012

in Meso, Choiniere,  Baiano, Brusatte, ... et Pittman, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308366  

Artwork by Abel G. Montes.

Abstract

Alvarezsauria is a group of morphologically distinctive, medium- to small-sized later-diverging coelurosaurian theropod dinosaurs, whose record ranges from the Late Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous. This clade had a widespread distribution in Laurasia in what is now Europe, Asia, and North America, although there are also several Cretaceous taxa from Gondwana in what is now Argentina that all belong to the family Alvarezsauridae. Although alvarezsaurid taxonomic diversity and anatomical knowledge has expanded over the last decade, alvarezsaurid internal phylogenetic relationships remain highly debated. In this contribution, we describe new alvarezsaurid material and review previously reported alvarezsaurid specimens from the middle Campanian—lower Maastrichtian Allen Formation discovered at the Salitral Ojo de Agua locality in Río Negro province, Patagonia, Argentina. Although these specimens were collected at different times without precise original provenance information, here we gathered X-ray diffraction data of the associated sediments that now suggests that all of these specimens come from the same site and stratigraphic level as the holotype of the alvarezsaurid Bonapartenykus ultimus. Based on this new provenance information and the morphological similarity of the considered specimens, here we tentatively refer them to the genus Bonapartenykus. These newly referred specimens add to the record of this genus and shed light on the body plan of the alvarezsaurid clade Patagonykinae by permitting a more complete reconstruction of the neck, pectoral girdle, hindlimb, and tail.

Systematic paleontology

Theropoda Marsh, 1881.

Coelurosauria Huene, 1920.

Alvarezsauria Bonaparte, 1991.

Alvarezsauridae Bonaparte, 1991.

Patagonykinae Agnolín, Powell, Novas, Kundrát, 2012.

cf. Bonapartenykus ultimus Agnolín, Powell, Novas, Kundrát, 2012.

Location of the MPCN-PV 738 locality.
A, South America showing the extent of the Cuenca Neuquina (Neuquén Basin) in Argentina. B, Cuenca Neuquina showing the location of the MPCN-PV 738 locality in Río Negro province. C, generalised stratigraphic section outcrop of the Allen and others formations in the area of discovery. D, skeletal reconstruction of MPCN-PV 738.

Life reconstruction of an individual of MPCN-PV 738.

Artwork by Abel G. Montes.

Jorge Gustavo Meso, Jonah Nathaniel Choiniere, Mattia Antonio Baiano, Stephen Louis Brusatte, Juan Ignacio Canale, Leonardo Salgado, Diego Pol and Michael Pittman. 2025.  New Information on Bonapartenykus (Alvarezsauridae: Theropoda) from the Allen Formation (middle Campanian-lower Maastrichtian) of Río Negro Province, Patagonia, Argentina clarifies the Patagonykinae body plan. PLoS ONE. 20(1): e0308366. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308366  

[Botany • 2025] Memecylon longipedunculatum (Melastomataceae: Olisbeoideae) • A New Species from Coastal Areas of south central Vietnam

Memecylon longipedunculatum  

in Tagane, Dang, Truong, Q. B. Nguyen, Pham, T. V. Nguyen, Yamamoto, Kongxaisavath, Yamazaki, Nuraliev, Fomichev et Souladeth, 2025. 

Sầm cuống dài  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.1  

facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH   

 

Abstract

Memecylon longipedunculatum, a new species of Melastomataceae, is described and illustrated. The species is known to occur in Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces in South Central Coast Vietnam, where it is restricted to low dry coastal forests and scrubby vegetation. The description is based on the authors’ original gatherings as well as on the historical collections made a century ago. The new species is distinguishable from most of its congeners by small leaves (1.2–5.7 × 0.7–2.4 cm) with obtuse or sometimes emarginate apices, long peduncles (1–2.7 cm long), and crescent-shaped anther connective with distinct centrally placed gland.

Indochina, Myrtales, taxonomy, Olisbeoideae, Eudicots

Memecylon longipedunculatum.
A, B. Flowering branches. C, D. Leaf, adaxial and abaxial side. E. Inflorescence. F. Flower, top view. G. Stamen, side view. H. Anther, side view. I. Post-anthetic flower (after abscission of petals and stamens). J. Mature flower bud.

Nuraliev & Fomichev NUR 4192 (A, E–J) and Nuraliev NUR 3340 (B–D). 

Photos by M.S. Nuraliev.

Memecylon longipedunculatum.
 A. Flowering branch. B. Abaxial leaf surface. C. Bark. D. Inflorescence. E. Top view of flower bud (up-left), anthetic flower (bottom), and post-anthetic flower (up-right). F. Inflorescence branch with anthetic and post-anthetic flowers. G. Fruiting stage of inflorescence.

Tagane et al. N465 (A, D–F) and Tagane et al. N216 (B, C, G). 

Photos by S. Tagane.

Memecylon longipedunculatum Tagane, V.S.Dang & Nuraliev, sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis:—Memecylon longipedunculatum is similar to M. chevalieri Guillaumin (1921a: 7, see also Guillaumin 1921b: 936) distributed in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam by having axillary and terminal inflorescences with relatively long peduncles 1–2.7 cm long (vs. almost 1.5 cm long in M. chevalieri), but distinguished from the latter species by its smaller leaf blades (1.2–5.7 × 0.7–2.4 cm vs. 4–7 × 2–4 cm), longer pedicels (3.3–5.5 mm vs. 2–3 mm long), longer petals (ca. 4 mm vs. 2–3 mm long) with acute (vs. acuminate) apex, and subglobose (vs. ovoid-globose) fruits

Etymology:—The species epithet refers to its long peduncles (up to 2.7 cm long in flower and to 5.1 cm long in fruit), one of the remarkable features distinguishing it from most of its congeners in the Indochinese Peninsula.  

 Vernacular name:—Sầm cuống dài (Vietnamese).

Shuichiro TAGANE, Van-Son DANG, Ba Vuong TRUONG, Quoc Bao NGUYEN, Quoc Trong PHAM, Tran Vy NGUYEN, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Kaito YAMAZAKI, Maxim S. NURALIEV, Constantin I. FOMICHEV and Phetlasy SOULADETH. 2025. Memecylon longipedunculatum (Melastomataceae), A New Species from Coastal Areas of south central Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 683(1); 1-8. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.1 [2025-01-29]

 facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH/posts/8979961888724918

[Botany • 2024] Peliosanthes orthocoronata (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Southeastern Yunnan, China

Peliosanthes orthocoronata H.Z. Feng, 

in Wang, Bi, Chu, Zhang et Feng, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.678.3.2

 Researchgate.net/publication/387571577

 

Abstract

Peliosanthes orthocoronata is described and illustrated as a new species from southern China. The new species is similar to P. griffithii, they can be easily distinguished by horizontal stolons, the perianth lobes, and the staminal corona morphology. Notes on the habitat, conservation status, phenology, and taxonomic relationships with congeners are also provided.

androecium, corona, Liliaceae, limestone, taxonomy, Monocots

Peliosanthes orthocoronata.
 A: Plant. B & C: Inflorescence. D & E: Flower, front view. F & G: Flower, views from side. H: Basal portion of flower, with corona cross-sectioned. I. Flower, rear view. J: Basal portion of flower, with corona and style cross-sectioned. K: Basal portion of inflorescence. L: Flower, views from side and with corona cross-sectioned. M: Bract, with part of one pedicel. N: Flower, views from side. O: Flower, longitudinally sectioned with ovary has been removed. P & Q: Flower, longitudinally sectioned.

Peliosanthes orthocoronata H.Z. Feng, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the shape of corona; orthocorona is composed of “ortho+corona”,“ortho-” means upright.

Li Hong WANG, Ming Hui BI, Hong Bo CHU, Gao Cheng ZHANG and Hui Zhe FENG. 2024. Peliosanthes orthocoronata (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Southeastern Yunnan, China. Phytotaxa. 678(3); 167-175. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.678.3.2

 Researchgate.net/publication/387571577_Peliosanthes_orthocoronata_a_new_species_from_Yunnan_China

[Botany • 2021] Petrocosmea villosa (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Shan State, Myanmar

Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton, 

in Middleton, Shin et Baba, 2021. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.26492/gbs73(2).2021-14 

Researchgate.net/publication/357020889

ABSTRACT 

The new species Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton from Shan State, Myanmar is described. It is most similar to Petrocosmea kerrii Craib, P. crinita (W.T.Wang) Z.J.Qiu and P. heterophylla B.L.Burtt in Petrocosmea sect. Deinanthera but differs particularly in inflorescence structure, inflorescence indumentum and in the long calyx lobes. 

Keywords. Petrocosmea crinita, Petrocosmea heterophylla, Petrocosmea kerrii, Petrocosmea sect. Deinanthera, Shan State

Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton.
 A. Flower front view. B. Flower side view.

(Photo: S. Ruchisansakun)

Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton, sp. nov. 

Similar to Petrocosmea kerrii and P. crinita (W.T.Wang) Z.J.Qiu in the shape and colour of the corolla but differs from both in having both sessile and petiolate leaves (petiolate only in P. kerrii and P. crinita), longer calyx lobes (11–12 mm long in P. villosa, 1.5–4 mm long in P. kerrii and P. crinita) and more flowers ...

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the dense hair covering on the inflorescence.

David John Middleton, Thant Shin and Y. Baba. 2021. A New Species of Petrocosmea (Gesneriaceae) from Myanmar. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 73(2); 457-460. DOI: doi.org/10.26492/gbs73(2).2021-14 

Researchgate.net/publication/357020889_A_new_species_of_Petrocosmea_from_Myanmar

[Botany • 2023] Cylindrolobus gaoligongensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Podochileae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 Cylindrolobus gaoligongensis J.D.Ya and H.Jiang, 

in Ya, Jiang, He, Liao, Zhao, Cai, Wang et Xiong, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04075

 Researchgate.net/publication/375480288

Abstract

A new species of Cylindrolobus (Orchidaceae), C. gaoligongensis from the Gaoligong Mountain, northwestern Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. arunachalensis and C. gloensis, but can be distinguished from them by having orange to pink and triangular-ovate lip mid-lobe with mucronate apex, front margin of lateral lobes yellow to white and with short glandular hairs gradually transitioning to dense long hairs, two central calli connected to a keel toward mid-lobe in the disk, and three rows of white long hairs at the base of the disk. Additionally, an improved description and illustration of the closely related species C. arunachalensis, is also provided.

Keywords: Cylindrolobus, new species, Orchidaceae, southwest China, taxonomy

 Cylindrolobus gaoligongensis J.D.Ya and H.Jiang sp. nov.
 (A) Habitat, (B) plant, (C) flowering plant, (D&F) inflorescence, (E, G-J) flower, (K) adaxial sepals, petals and lip, (L-N) column and lip, (O-S) labellum (three rows of white long hairs in the base of the disk (O); two central calli and connected to a keel toward mid-lobe in the disk (O and R); the front margin of lateral lobes with yellow to white and little glandular hairs gradually transition to densely long hairs(S), (Q-T) pollinarium, (U) anther cap.

 Photographs by H. Jiang. Scales indicate: A-E = 2 cm; F-K = 1 cm; L-R = 5 mm; S-U = 1 mm.

 

Ji-Dong Ya, Hong Jiang, Zheng-Jun He, Qin-Chang Liao, Yan-Hui Zhao, Jie Cai, Hong Wang and Zhi Xiong. 2023. Cylindrolobus gaoligongensis sp. nov. (Orchidaceae, Podochileae) from Yunnan, China, and improved description of C. arunachalensis. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04075

 Researchgate.net/publication/375480288_Cylindrolobus_gaoligongensis_sp_nov_Orchidaceae_Podochileae_from_Yunnan_China

  twitter.com/NordicJBotany/status/1727311810234044448

[Botany • 2025] Sinocrassula holotricha (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China

 

Sinocrassula holotricha  J. Guan Wang, Jing Zhao & Chao Chen,

in Xu, Zhao, Li, Jiang, Wang et Chen, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.251.134633  

Abstract

A new species of crassulacean acid metabolism, Sinocrassula holotricha, is described based on specimen collected from Sichuan Province, Southwest China. The new species can be distinguished from its morphologically and phylogenetically related species by the hairy plants and lack of rosette. In the present study, a molecular phylogeny, taxonomic description, distribution information, and photographs of this new species are presented.

Key words: Crassulaceae, Phylogeny, Rosette, Sempervivoideae

Sinocrassula holotricha
A habit B inflorescence C, D basal leaves E, F stem leaves G, H bracts I flower J carpels K sepal L petals M stamen N nectar scale.

Sinocrassula holotricha
A–D habitats E, F immature plants G, H flowering plants.

 Sinocrassula holotricha J. Guan Wang, Jing Zhao & Chao Chen, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Morphologically, Sinocrassula holotricha is similar to S. ambigua and S. jiaozishanensis, but clearly differs from the latter two by its hairy plants (vs. glabrous), and similar to S. yunnanensis (Franch) A. Berger in having hairy plant, but differs from the latter in basal leaves opposite (vs. rosette), orangish-red (vs. yellowish green) petals, and ligulate (vs. quadrate) nectar scales (Table 2). The new species with the combined morphological characters of hairy plants and lack of basal rosette is obviously different from these known species.

Etymology: The specific epithet holotricha is derived from the Latin holo, meaning whole, and “trichome,” meaning hair, in reference to the plants covered by pubescence throughout.

 Zhi-Bai Xu, Jing Zhao, Rong-Juan Li, Hong Jiang, Jia-Guan Wang and Chao Chen. 2025. Sinocrassula holotricha (Crassulaceae), A New Species from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 251: 241-250. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.251.134633  

[Entomology • 2024] Doliops comvalensis • A New Species of Doliops Waterhouse, 1841 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Apomecynini) from Davao de Oro with notes on other endemic species and mimicry complex in greater Mindanao Philippines

Doliops comvalensis Medina, 

in Medina, Agbas, Obrial et Cabras, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.25221/fee.507.3  

Doliops comvalensis Medina, sp. n. is described from Candalaga Range in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines. High-definition images of other known species of Doliops which are considered as the close congeners of the new species are also provided. The mimicry complex between the new species and the members of the tribe Pachyrhynchini known from Candalaga Range is discussed.

Key words: long-horned beetles, Lamiinae, Apomecynini, Pachyrhynchini, taxonomy, new species, mimicry, Mindanao, Oriental Region.

Habitat of Doliops comvalensis Medina sp. nov. in Mt. Candalaga.
 A-B – the montane forest in Mt. Candalaga showing the newly opened road and soil erosion,
C – fallen Shorea contorta, the host plant of D. comvalensis, D – D. comvalensis (in situ).

Doliops comvalensis Medina, sp. n.  

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS. The new species is similar to its Mindanao endemic congeners, Doliops cuellari Vives, 2012, D. edithae Vives 2009, and D. halconensis Vives, 2012 (Fig. 2), in the size and elytral maculation. However, the new species can be easily distinguished from these species in its unique maculation in pronotum. Pronotal maculation is similar to D. cuellari except that it does not have a thin band of whitish pubescence at the pronotal disc. Elytral maculation is similar to one of variations of D. halconensis but can be easily distinguished based on pronotal differences.

HABITAT. New species was found in the forest near the road and soil erosion (Fig. 3). The host plant is fallen Shorea contorta. 

DISTRIBUTION. Philippines: Mindanao (Davao de Oro: Mt. Candalaga, Maragusan, Davao de Oro). 

ETYMOLOGY. The new species is named after Compostela Valley, the former name of the province of Davao de Oro.

Medina M.N., Agbas D., Grayden Obrial G., Analyn Cabras A. 2024. Description of A New Species of Doliops Waterhouse, 1841 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Apomecynini) from Davao de Oro with notes on other endemic species and mimicry complex in greater Mindanao Philippines. Far Eastern Entomologist. 507: 15-24. DOI: doi.org/10.25221/fee.507.3  

  facebook.com/dorsurie/posts/488266477516050

[Ichthyology • 2025] Lost for more than 85 years—Rediscovery of Channa amphibeus (McClelland, 1845) (Labyrinthici: Channidae), the World’s Most elusive Snakehead Species

 

Channa amphibeus (McClelland, 1845)

in Praveenraj, Thackeray, Moulitharan, Vijayakrishnan et Nanda, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.4 

 facebook.com: Praveenraj Jayasimhan  

 

Abstract

The Chel Snakehead or Bora Chung, Channa amphibeus, is a large snakehead species endemic to the Himalayan region of India. Channa amphibeus was last recorded from specimens collected in the years between 1918 and 1933 (Shaw & Shebbeare 1938), leading to speculations that it may have gone extinct. Here, we report the re-discovery of the species after more than 85 years, based on three specimens collected in the year 2024, and additional photographic records. We also provide the first live image of C. amphibeus, along with biometric, and genetic data.

Pisces, Chel Snakehead, Bora Chung, Channa barca, potentially extinct, rare

 

Jayasimhan PRAVEENRAJ, Tejas THACKERAY, Nallathambi MOULITHARAN, Balaji VIJAYAKRISHNAN and Gourab Kumar NANDA. 2025.  Lost for more than 85 years—Rediscovery of Channa amphibeus (McClelland, 1845), the World’s Most elusive Snakehead Species (Teleostei, Labyrinthici, Channidae).  Zootaxa. 5583(1); 87-100. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.4 

  facebook.com/praveenraj.39750121/posts/9382506075120992

[Botany • 2025] Typhonium morangense (Araceae) • A New Species from the tropical forest of Eastern Nepal

Typhonium morangense   R.Ojha & S.Rai,

in Ojha, Rai et Schneider, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.134081 

Abstract

A new species of the aroid genus Typhonium Schott has been discovered in Eastern Nepal. This species, named Typhonium morangense R.Ojha & S.Rai, is described based on comparative morphological examinations with closely related species from the Indian subcontinent. The new species is currently known only from Pathari Shanishchare Municipality in the Morang district of Eastern Nepal. It is the second species of Typhonium observed in Nepal, and the only one endemic to the country. A detailed description, color plate, geographic distribution, phenology, and morphological comparison of the new species with morphologically close species are provided. Given its restricted range and the low number of individuals observed in the wild, this species requires special attention from conservation biologists working in Eastern Nepal.

Key words: Bulbils, Koshi Province, Morang, Typhonium inopinatum

Typhonium morangense sp. nov.
A whole plant B different forms of leaf blade C bulbils D inflorescence E male zone F female zone and staminodes G longitudinal section of appendix H fruits.

 Typhonium morangense R.Ojha & S.Rai, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Typhonium morangense is morphologically closely related to T. inopinatum but it differs significantly from the latter species in having (1) smaller habit, 10–24 cm height (vs. 10–45 cm in T. inopinatum); (2) globose bulbils on top of petiole and leaves (vs. bulbils absent); (3) a sessile appendix (vs. subsessile); (4) thick, sickle-shaped staminodes (vs. filiform); (5) staminodes half curved downwards (vs. horizontally spread or, slightly curved); (6) ovary white (vs. yellowish) and (7) stigma pink (vs. yellow).

Etymology: The specific epithet is based on the locality of its discovery, the Morang district of Eastern Nepal.

 Rijan Ojha, Sudeep Rai and Harald Schneider. 2025. Typhonium morangense (Araceae), A New Species from the tropical forest of Eastern Nepal. PhytoKeys. 252: 1-7. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.134081 

[PaleoMammalogy • 2025] The Lost Jackals from the Brazilian Caves: Insights on the Taxonomy and Paleoecology of Pleistocene Bush Dog Speothos pacivorus (Carnivora: Canidae)

Pleistocene bush dog Speothos pacivorus  

in Ruiz, Ferreira, Machado, Kyriakouli, Godoy, Gundlach, Castro et Montefeltro. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2438827 

 x.com/PedroLGodoy

ABSTRACT

Speothos pacivorus from the Pleistocene of Brazilian Intertropical Region (BIR) is distinguished from the extant bush dog S. venaticus by its larger size and key characters of the skeleton and teeth. Nonetheless, its taxonomic status is volatile, with some authors still considering both species as synonymous. Here, we aimed to summarize morphofunctional differences between S. pacivorus and S. venaticus through a comparative description of their skull and dentition, geometric morphometric analysis (GMM), and finite element analysis (FEA). Our GMM revealed S. pacivorus significantly separated from the sampled specimens of S. venaticus, and a regression analysis showed that the morphological differences of its cranium are not size-related, reinforcing its status as a separate species. Both exhibited very akin von Mises’ stress average and distribution on FEA’s results, suggesting similar prey-capturing strategies. Our results bolster the hypothesis that the coexistence of these hypercarnivorous canids in the BIR could be explained by a diverse megaherbivore community, allowing resource partitioning between different canid species. Following the demise of these megaherbivores in the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary, other large hypercarnivorous canids also became extinct, leaving the small S. venaticus, able to subsist on smaller prey, as the sole surviving species of this specialized lineage.

 

Juan V. Ruiz, Gabriel S. Ferreira, Fabio A. Machado, Christina Kyriakouli, Pedro L. Godoy, Carsten Gundlach, Mariela C. Castro and Felipe C. Montefeltro. 2025. The Lost Jackals from the Brazilian Caves: Insights on the Taxonomy and Paleoecology of Pleistocene Bush Dog Speothos pacivorus (Carnivora, Canidae). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2438827. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2438827 

  x.com/PedroLGodoy/status/1884640101503729879

[Arachnida • 2025] Amblyomma kappa • A New Species of reptile tick (Acari: Ixodidae) from subtropical East Asia closely related to the Oriental turtle tick (Amblyomma geoemydae) from tropical Southeast Asia

 

Amblyomma kappa Kwak, 

in Kwak, Qiu, Heath, Takano, Takahashi, Kelava, Tamura, Taya & Nakao, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107499 

x.com/MLKWAK

Abstract

The correct delineation of tick species is critical for efforts aimed at safeguarding One Health. Historically, the Asian turtle tick (Amblyomma geoemydae sensu lato) has been regarded as a geographically widespread species across much of Asia. However, based on morphological and phylogenomic data, the subtropical lineage (from Japan, Taiwan, and parts of China) of A. geoemydae is recognised as a new species: Amblyomma kappa sp. n., and all life stages are described. The tropical lineage of A. geoemydae sensu stricto is recharacterized and a differential diagnosis is provided to distinguish the two species. The ecology, host associations, and medical importance of A. kappa are also discussed.

East Asian turtle tick (Amblyomma kappa n. sp.)

Family: Ixodidae Murray, 1877

Genus: Amblyomma Koch, 1844

Amblyomma kappa n. sp. Kwak, 2025

Amblyomma malayanum Keegan and Toshioka, 1957

Amblyomma geoemydae Yamaguti et al., 1971

Amblyomma geoemydae Fujita and Takada, 2007

Type host: Geoemyda japonica Fan 1931 (Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle)

Other hosts: Cuora flavomarginata Gray, 1863, Mauremys japonica Temminck and Schlegel 1832, Mauremys mutica Cantor, 1842, Lycodon semicarinatus Cope, 1860, ...

Differential diagnosis: Although A. kappa and A. geoemydae are closely related, they can be distinguished fairly easily based on a range of key morphological differences. Female: (i) when unengorged, A. kappa (∼4000 μm in length) is approximately half the size of A. geoemydae (∼7500 μm in length) (Fig. 12A); (ii) In A. kappa the scutum is almost as long as wide (width-length ration of ∼1:0.95), while in A. geoemydae the scutum is distinctly wider than long (width-length ration of ∼1:0.75) (Fig. 12B); (iii) a pair of ...

 

Mackenzie L. Kwak, Yongjin Qiu, Allen C.G. Heath, Ai Takano, Mamoru Takahashi, Samuel Kelava, Hisao Tamura, Yurie Taya and Ryo Nakao. 2025. Amblyomma kappa sp. n. (Acari: Ixodidae), A New Species of reptile tick from subtropical East Asia closely related to the Oriental turtle tick (Amblyomma geoemydae) from tropical Southeast Asia. Acta Tropica. 261, 107499. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107499

 x.com/MLKWAK/status/1877278011604480328

[Mollusca • 2022] Songkhlanaia gen. nov.; Songkhlanaia tamodienica, Sundadontina plugpomenica, Trapezoideus thachiadensis, ... • Diversity and Phylogenetics of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) from Southern Thailand with the Description of One New Genus and Five New Species-Group Taxa

 Songkhlanaia gen. nov.; S. tamodienica gen. et sp. nov.; 
Sundadontina plugpomenica sp. nov.;
 Monodontina vondembuschiana tapienica ssp. nov.; M. v. thasaenica ssp. nov.; and 
Trapezoideus thachiadensis sp. nov. 

in Konopleva, Lheknim, Sriwoon, Kondakov, Tomilova, Gofarov, Vikhrev et Bolotov, 2022. 

DOI: 10.3390/d15010010   

 Researchgate.net/publication/366466367

Abstract 

Southern Thailand represents a region of unique freshwater biodiversity with many endemic taxa, including a number of freshwater mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionidae). In this study, we recognize 13 taxa in the tribes Contradentini, Rectidentini, Pseudodontini (subfamily Gonideinae), and Indochinellini (subfamily Parreysiinae) that inhabit different localities in the Songkhla Lake, Tapi River, and Tha Taphao River basins. Based on the results of morphological and phylogenetic analyses, we discovered among these mussels six taxa new to science, including one genus, three species, and two subspecies. New taxonomic names are introduced here as follows: Songkhlanaia gen. nov.; S. tamodienica gen. & sp. nov.; Sundadontina plugpomenica sp. nov.; Monodontina vondembuschiana tapienica ssp. nov.; M. vondembuschiana thasaenica ssp. nov. (Pseudodontini); and Trapezoideus thachiadensis sp. nov. (Contradentini). These new taxa confirm the high conservation priority of the Southern Thai freshwater mussel fauna.

Keywords: freshwater mussel fauna; new taxa; phylogenetics; Southern Thailand; Unionidae

  

 Songkhlanaia gen. nov.; S. tamodienica gen. & sp. nov.; 

Sundadontina plugpomenica sp. nov.; 

Monodontina vondembuschiana tapienica ssp. nov.; M. vondembuschiana thasaenica ssp. nov.; 

 Trapezoideus thachiadensis sp. nov.  

 

Ekaterina S. Konopleva, Vachira Lheknim, Rujinard Sriwoon, Alexander V. Kondakov, Alena A. Tomilova, Mikhail Y. Gofarov, Ilya V. Vikhrev and Ivan N. Bolotov. 2022. Diversity and Phylogenetics of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) from Southern Thailand with the Description of One New Genus and Five New Species-Group Taxa. Diversity. 2023, 15(1), 10. DOI: 10.3390/d15010010   

 Researchgate.net/publication/366466367_Diversity_and_Phylogenetics_of_Unionidae_from_Southern_Thailand

[Botany • 2025] Nymphanthus adenophorus (Phyllanthaceae: Phyllantheae) • A New Species from central Vietnam

  

Nymphanthus adenophorus Tk.Yamam., Tagane & V.S.Dang

in Yamamoto, Dang, Souladeth et Tagane, 2025.  

Diệp hạ châu núi chúa  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.3 

 facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH

Abstract

A new species of Nymphanthus (Phyllanthaceae), N. adenophorus from Ninh Thuan Province, central Vietnam, is described and illustrated, along with its vernacular name and preliminary conservation status. The new species is similar to N. pireyi and N. nanellus, but distinguished by its terete and shorter floriferous branchlets with fewer leaves, larger leaf blades, faintly visible lateral veins, longer pedicels of male flowers, and accordion-folded discs of pistillate flowers.

flora, Indochina, Malpighiales, Phyllantheae, taxonomy, Eudicots

Nymphanthus adenophorus Tk.Yamam., Tagane & V.S.Dang (from Tagane et al. N226).
A. Habit; B, C. Floriferous branchlets showing adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces respectively; D. Enlarged view of a part of a floriferous branchlet showing stipules; E. Lateral view of a staminate flower. One of four sepals was detached to show the internal morphology; F, G. Overhead view of a staminate flower. Sepals were detached in G to show four foveolate discs; H. Diagonally overhead view of a pistillate flower; I. Lateral view of a pistillate flower; J. Enlarged view of a young ovary with one of three bifid stigmas (the rest of two were destroyed during dissection); K. Young fruit.

 Abbreviations: an, theca of anther; dc, floral disc; ov, ovary; sp, stipule. 

All scale bars = 0.5 mm. All photos taken by T. Yamamoto.

Nymphanthus adenophorus Tk.Yamam., Tagane & V.S.Dang, sp. nov.  

 Among Nymphanthus species distributed in Vietnam and adjoining countries, N. adenophorus is similar to N. pireyi (endemic to Central Vietnam) and N. nanellus (endemic to South China) in having small leaf blades (≤ 1 × 1 cm) of ovate, suborbicular to obovate shapes, sepals of both staminate and pistillate flowers with non-fimbriate margins, and pistillate flowers bearing connate (not free) discs surrounding the lower portion of the ovary. However, the new species can be clearly ...

Etymology:—The specific epithet adenophorus is derived from the presence of many distinct glands on floral discs. 

Vernacular name:—Diệp hạ châu núi chúa.

 

Takenori YAMAMOTO, Van-Son DANG, Phetlasy SOULADETH and Shuichiro TAGANE. 2025. Nymphanthus adenophorus, A New Species of Phyllanthaceae from Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 683(1); 18-24. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.3 

 facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH/posts/8979961888724918

  

[Mollusca • 2025] Shinkailepas tiarasimia & S. cornuthauma • Integrative Taxonomy of New neritimorph Limpets (Gastropoda: Neritimorpha: Phenacolepadidae) from Indian Ocean Deep-sea Hot Vents shed light on their Biogeographic History

 

Shinkailepas cornuthauma

Gu, Chen, Gao, Zhou & Sun, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae167   

  Researchgate.net/publication/387689752

  x.com/squamiferum

Abstract

Red-blooded neritimorph gastropods in the subfamily Shinkailepadinae are specialists of chemosynthesis-based ecosystems, with the most diverse genus Shinkailepas endemic to deep-sea hydrothermal vents. All described Shinkailepas species have so far been from the western Pacific, despite reports of unidentified Shinkailepas from the Indian Ocean in the literature for decades. Here, we use an integrative approach to characterize and describe these Indian Ocean vent neritimorphs for the first time, based on material collected from the Carlsberg Ridge (CR) and the Central Indian Ridge (CIR). We name two new species: Shinkailepas tiarasimia sp. nov. from both the CR and the CIR, and Shinkailepas cornuthauma sp. nov. from the CR. A combination of shell and epipodial lobe characters reliably separate these new species from their described congeners. A phylogenetic reconstruction of all known Shinkailepas species using 658 bp of the mitochondrial COI gene reveal two separate major clades within the genus, each with an Indian Ocean species—implying two independent colonizations of Indian Ocean vents by separate lineages. Our finding of two new species on the CR, including one not known anywhere else, underscores the unique biodiversity at these vents and strengthens the case for protecting them from potential deep-sea mining activities.

biodiversity, biogeography, COI mtDNA, Gastropoda, Indian Ocean, new species, phylogenetics, taxonomy

 

 

Xinyu Gu, Chong Chen, Kexin Gao, Yadong Zhou and Jin Sun. 2025. Integrative Taxonomy of New neritimorph Limpets from Indian Ocean Deep-sea Hot Vents shed light on their Biogeographic History. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 203(1); zlae167. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae167  

   Researchgate.net/publication/387689752_Integrative_taxonomy_of_new_neritimorph_limpets_from_Indian_Ocean_deep-sea_hot_vents 

  x.com/squamiferum/status/1875152436861747473