[Ichthyology • 2025] Claea scet • A New Cave-dwelling Species of Claea (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Yangtze River Basin in Sichuan, southern China

 

Claea scet  

 Lei, L. He, Huang, Zhou & D.-K. He. 2025 

川洞山鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.146469

Abstract

The first obligatory troglobitic Claea species, Claea scet, is described from a subterranean river in a cave connected to the Yangtze River in Hulu Town, Shawan District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province, southern China. C. scet differs from all congeners by the following combination of characters: Body pale without pigmentation; eye vestigial, diameter of eye 3.8–5.9% SL; short anal fin, anal fin height 7.0–8.4% SL. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supported the validity of the new species and revealed a close relationship between Claea and hypogean Triplophysa species.

Key Words: Cavefish, Claea, morphology, Nemacheilidae, phylogeny

Claea scet sp. nov. in life, paratype IHB 202305300009. Photo from Jiajun Zhou.

Morphological characters of holotype, IHB 202305300005 of Claea scet sp. nov. in preservative (10% formalin).
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view

Family Nemacheilidae Regen, 1911

Genus Claea Sauvage, 1874

 Claea scet sp. nov.

Diagnosis. C. scet resembles all known species of Claea in possessing a processus dentiformis at the medium of the upper jaw, absence of tubercle-bearing, elevated skin on the sides of the head and a thickened tuberculated pad on the dorsal surface of the thickened and widened rays of the pectoral fin in males, absence of adipose crest between dorsal fin and caudal fin base, body scaleless, and absence of supra-pelvic flap, all of which are diagnostic features of Claea. C. scet can be distinguished from C. dabryi, C. minibarba and C. wulongensis by the combination of the following characters (see Table 2): Processus dentiformis reduced, not covering lower jaw when mouth shut; eye vestigial, diameter of eye 3.8–5.9% SL; short anal fin, anal fin height 7.0–8.4% ...

Etymology. The specific name “scet” is in reference to the abbreviation of Sichuan Cave Exploration Team, a cave exploration team who collected the type specimens, in recognition of their contributions to the understanding of cave fishes of Sichuan Province. “川洞山鳅 (Pinyin: Chuan Dong Shan Qiu)” is proposed for the Chinese common name of this new species.

Taojin Cave, the type locality of Claea scet sp. nov. and individuals of Claea scet sp. nov. found in the cave.
A. environs of the cave; B. Li He descending into the cave using SRT; C. Author collecting Claea scet sp. nov. with hand-net; D. Author filming live image of Claea scet sp. nov.; E, F. Individuals of Claea scet sp. nov. resting on gravelly bottom of the subterranean river in Taojin.

 

 Hao-Tian Lei, Li He, Jun-Hao Huang, Jia-Jun Zhou and De-Kui He. 2025. Description of A New Cave-dwelling Species of Claea (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from the Yangtze River Basin in Sichuan, southern China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(2): 681-695. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.146469

[Botany • 2025] Halophila siaochihkanensis (Hydrocharitaceae) • A New Species from Penghu County, Taiwan

Halophila siaochihkanensis P.-L. Lu & P.-J. Liu, 

in Liu, C.-W. Lin, H.-J. Lin, W.-J. Lin, Hsieh, Cai, Hong et Lu, 2025.  

小赤崁鹽草  ||  https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2106  

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

Halophila siaochihkanensis P.-L. Lu & P.-J. Liu (Hydrocharitaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from Penghu County, Taiwan. It is morphologically similar to Halophila ovalis (R. Br.) Hook. f. and Halophila decipiens Ostenf., but differs in flowering time, leaf hairs, and vegetative life history, having smaller leaves and fewer leaf veins, flowers with white to light yellowish brown tepals, shorter stamens, and fruits that are smaller, globose, and including several seeds in a fruit. This study explores the phylogenetic analysis of 11 species representing all four genera with two outgroup species using DNA Internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The dataset was analyzed using parsimony and maximum likelihood analysis. Results show that Halophila siaochihkanensis is monophyletic group. The species is morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from the remaining seagrass species in Taiwan and is recognized as a new species, Halophila siaochihkanensis P.-L. Lu & P.-J. Liu, and a new key for seagrass of Taiwan is made.

Keyword: Hydrocharitaceae, Halophila decipiens, Halophila ovalis, phylogenetics, taxonomy

Halophila siaochihkanensis P.-L. Lu & P.-J. Liu.
the habitat, seagrass bed, and their young/old leave.
A. The yellow circle indicates the flowers. B. The morphology of the individual. C. The morphology of mature leaves. D. The morphology of young leaves.E. The population. F. The nature habitat. G. The nature habitat.

Distribution of Halophila siaochihkanensis.
collection site, in Penghu County, Taiwan.

Halophila siaochihkanensis P.L. Lu & P.J. Liu, sp. nov. 

小赤崁鹽草 

 

Diagnosis: Halophila siaochihkanensis is morphologically similar to Halophila ovalis (R. Br.) Hook. f. in having oval leaf morphology. However, H. siaochihkanensis can be clearly distinguished from H. ovalis by its small leaves and fewer than 9 pairs branching veins, flowers with pinkish color, smaller flower size, after fruiting, above vegetative parts completely disappearing (Table 2, Figure 3). Halophila siaochihkanensis is also morphologically similar to Halophila decipiens Ostenf in having oval leaf morphology. However, H. siaochihkanensis can be clearly distinguished from H. decipiens by its completely smooth blade, growing elevation above 2 m, small leaves and fewer than 9 pairs branching veins, flowers with pinkish color, smaller flower size, after fruiting, above vegetative parts completely disappearing (Table 2, Figure 3).

Pi-Jen Liu, Chiao-Wen Lin, Hsing-Juh Lin, Wei-Jen Lin, Li-Te Hsieh, Cheng-Xuan Cai, Ming-Yang Hong and Pei-Luen Lu. 2025. Halophila siaochihkanensis (Hydrocharitaceae), A New Species from Penghu County, Taiwan. Taiwania. 70(2); 2106-2106. https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2106 [27 March 2025] 

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/1055154396635251

[Entomology • 2025] World checklist of the Genus Lipolexis Förster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) with Description of Lipolexis khaoyaiensis, A New Species from Thailand

 Lipolexis khaoyaiensis 

Kerkig, Quicke, Latibari & Butcher, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5613.2.7 

 facebook.com/IIERUCU

Abstract

We describe and illustrate a new species of the aphidiine braconid genus Lipolexis Förster, Lipolexis khaoyaiensis sp. nov., from Thailand, using an integrative approach. Morphologically, the new species is similar to L. peregrinus Tomanović and Kocić, 2020, but molecular analysis showed clear separation of at least 27 independent Lipolexis lineages, only eight of which correspond to previously known species, plus the one which represents the new species described here. A molecular phylogeny based on all available barcodes support that the genus comprises two well supported clades, with L. khaoyaiensis sp. nov. being recovered in the gracilis species-group with strong support (100% ultrafast bootstrap). A modified section of the identification key to species of Lipolexis is added to include the new species. Reported host associations for each of the described species as well as a distribution map of all records of species plus provenances of all barcoded specimens is provided.

Hymenoptera, taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, DNA barcodes, new species, parasitoid, Southeast asia

 Lipolexis khaoyaiensis sp. nov.

Pornthap KERKIG, Donald L. J. QUICKE, Minoo Heidari LATIBARI and Buntika A. BUTCHER. 2025. World checklist of the Genus Lipolexis Förster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) with Description of A New Species from Thailand. Zootaxa. 5613(2); 323-336. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5613.2.7 [2025-03-27]

 facebook.com/IIERUCU/posts/1208741007921529

[Entomology • 2025] Xenocona plagiata & X. queros • Two New Species of Xenocona Gilmour, 1960 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) with Biogeographical Notes

 

Xenocona plagiata 

Nascimento, Botero, Avila-Jimenez & Goycolea, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.3.7 

 bsky.app/profile/JPBotero.bsky.social

Abstract

Two new species are described for the genus Xenocona Gilmour, 1960 (Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Acanthocinini): Xenocona plagiata sp. nov. from Colombia and X. queros sp. nov. from Peru. Additionally, photographs and distribution maps are provided. The distribution pattern of species was analyzed in relation to the following environmental variables: humidity (%); average annual temperature (°F); altitude (masl); and average annual precipitation. In general, we observed that the temperature and altitude variables are intrinsically related to the distribution. We also observed that the distribution follows that of conifers trees, which are possibly the host plants of Xenocona species.

Coleoptera, Andes mountain range, longhorn beetle, morphology, taxonomy

Xenocona plagiata sp. nov. from Colombia 

X. queros sp. nov. from Peru

Francisco Eriberto De L. NASCIMENTO, Juan Pablo BOTERO, Angelo Julián ÁVILA-JIMENEZ, Carolina Cristal GOYCOLEA V. 2025. Two New Species of Xenocona Gilmour, 1960 (Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) with Biogeographical Notes. Zootaxa. 5590(3); 422-432 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.3.7  [2025-02-24] 

  bsky.app/profile/JPBotero.bsky.social/post/3ljbem5anak26

Researchgate.net/publication/389275803_Two_new_species_of_Xenocona_with_biogeographical_notes

[Entomology • 2024] Melanabropsis nightfury • Distribution of the mysterious Chevron Crickets Melanabropsis Wang & Liu, 2020 (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Anabropsini), with A remarkable New Species from Hainan, China

[A-C] Melanabropsis nightfury Yin, 2024

[E] Melanabropsis cf. tianmuica  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5474.1.8 

 x.com/YINzixu03

 

Abstract

Melanabropsis is a rare genus of Chevron Crickets from East Asia. In this study, Melanabropsis nightfury sp. nov. is described from Hainan Island in China. The new species is the first macropterous species belonging to the genus Melanabropsis, distinctly different from other species of the genus, which are all micropterous. Based on the data of the new species and records on iNaturalist, a suitability distribution map of the genus is generated using the Maxent model. The results indicate that this genus is primarily distributed in islands and mountains with small temperature differences and high precipitation. Taiwan Island in China shows high potential for distribution. Type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Biology, East China Normal University.

Orthoptera, Anostostomatidae, Melanabropsis, distribution, Maxent, new species, China

Zi-Xu YIN. 2024. Distribution of the mysterious Chevron Crickets Melanabropsis Wang & Liu, 2020, with A remarkable New Species from Hainan, China (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Anabropsini).  Zootaxa. 5474(1); 81-93. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5474.1.8 [2024-06-25]

  x.com/YINzixu03/status/1808968281069662635

[Entomology • 2024] Carriola witti, C. polyakovi, ... • Review of the Genus Carriola Swinhoe, 1922 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Lymantriinae), with Descriptions of Four New Species

21 Carriola witti sp. nov.; a, b. HT (GU 25.852; ZSM); c. PT (GU 25.853; ZSM); 
24. C. polyakovi sp. nov.; a, b. HT (GU 28.779; ZSM); c. PT (GU 28.780; ZSM);
25. C. shorokhovi sp. nov.; a, b. HT (GU 26.961; ZSM); c. PT (GU 28.784; ZSM);
27. C. zolotuhini sp. nov.; a, b. HT (GU 28.069; ZSM).

  

 Shovkoon & Trofimova, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/nl.47.114772

 all specimens to scale.

Abstract

The genus Carriola Swinhoe, 1922, which is considered a recent synonym of Arctornis Germar, 1810, is revised on the basis of the wing pattern, the absence of abdominal tymbal organs and the genitalia of both sexes. Diagnostic and faunistic data are provided for the five known species previously classified as Carriola. In addition, four new species are described: C. witti sp. nov. from Borneo, C. polyakovi sp. nov., C. shorokhovi sp. nov., and C. zolotuhini sp. nov. from the Philippines. Comparative diagnoses, illustrations of external characters, including male and female genitalia, and information on distribution are provided for all species.

Adults of Carriola species. a. Male; b. Underside wings of male; c. Female.
19. C. ecnomoda (Swinhoe, 1907); a, b. East Java, Mt. Baluran (GU 26.698; ZSM); c. East Java, Mt. Baluran, (GU 26.699; ZSM); 20. C. thyridophora (Hampson, [1893]); a, b. NE India. Assam (GU 27.442; ZSM); c. SW Kampuchea, Kirirom Nat. Park (GU 28.073; ZSM);

21 C. witti sp. nov.; a, b. HT (GU 25.852; ZSM); c. PT (GU 25.853; ZSM); 22. C. seminsula (Strand, 1914); a, b. Sud Vietnam, Bao Loc (GU 27.431; ZSM); c. Nord Vietnam, Mai Chau (GU 27.445; ZSM); 23. C. saturnioides (Snellen, 1879); a, b. N. Sulawesi, (GU 21.966; ZSM); c. Sulawesi, Namo (GU 25.850; ZSM);

24. C. polyakovi sp. nov.; a, b. HT (GU 28.779; ZSM); c. PT (GU 28.780; ZSM); 25. C. shorokhovi sp. nov.; a, b. HT (GU 26.961; ZSM); c. PT (GU 28.784; ZSM); 26. C. fenestrata (Hampson, [1893]); a, b. Vietnam, prov. Thai Nguyen (GU 27.435; ZSM); c. Vietnam, prov. Thai Nguyen, (GU 27.436; ZSM); 27. C. zolotuhini sp. nov.; a, b. HT (GU 28.069; ZSM).

 Scale bar represents 10 mm, all specimens to scale.

 

Dmitry F. Shovkoon, Tatyana A. Trofimova. 2024. Review of the Genus Carriola Swinhoe, 1922 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Lymantriinae), with Descriptions of Four New Species. Nota Lepidopterologica. 47: 57-79. DOI: 10.3897/nl.47.114772

[Herpetology • 2025] Lerista karichigara • A New fossorial Skink (Scincidae: Sphenomorphini) from Australia's underexplored Gulf Plains Bioregion

 

Lerista karichigara

Zozaya, Vanderduys, Macor, Read & Amey, 2025

 Tagalaka Slider  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5613.2.3 

 instagram.com/ScottMacor

 

Abstract

We describe a new species of fossorial skink, Lerista karichigara sp. nov., from the Gulf Plains Bioregion of northern Queensland, Australia. The new species lacks forelimbs, has hindlimbs with two toes, and is characterised by a colour-pattern of fine, dark longitudinal lines. Although field guides and keys available at the time of publication would identify this species as L. wilkinsi, it differs from that allopatric species in several respects. Notably, L. karichigara sp. nov. has only two supraciliaries that do not contact each other (versus four, with the first three in a continuous row), and a snout shape that is sharper in profile. Mitochondrial DNA sequence data indicate L. karichigara sp. nov. is deeply divergent from other known Lerista species and is possibly sister to a clade of nine species from north-eastern Australia, referred to here as the L. wilkinsi clade. Lerista karichigara sp. nov. appears to be the first vertebrate recognised as endemic to the Gulf Plains Bioregion, an expansive and poorly surveyed region of tropical northern Australia. We also report new geographic records for L. vanderduysi and L. emmotti, which extend their known distributions.

Reptilia, Queensland, Lerista wilkinsi, Lerista vanderduysi, Lerista emmotti, Tagalaka Slider, savanna

Lerista karichigara sp. nov.

Stephen M. ZOZAYA, Eric VANDERDUYS, Scott A. MACOR, Wesley J. READ and Andrew P. AMEY. 2025. Lerista karichigara sp. nov. (Scincidae; Sphenomorphini), A New fossorial Skink from Australia's underexplored Gulf Plains Bioregion. Zootaxa. 5613(2); 262-278. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5613.2.3 [2025-03-27]

  instagram.com/ScottMacor/p/DHsV8DrzI0a

[Paleontology • 2025] Garudapterus buffetauti • First gnathosaurine (Pterosauria: Ctenochasmatidae) from the Early Cretaceous of eastern Thailand

 Garudapterus buffetauti

 Manitkoon, Pêgas, Nonsrirach, Warapeang, Lauprasert, Deesri, Tumpeesuwan, Wongko & Zhou, 2025

การูแดปเทอรัส บุฟโตติ  ||  

 www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195667125000588 

 

Abstract

Pterosaur fossils in the Mesozoic formation of Southeast Asia are very scarce. A few articles reported isolated teeth and a handful of postcranial elements in northeastern Thailand. Here we report on a pterosaur upper jaw from the Early Cretaceous at Phra Prong locality of eastern Thailand, which is considered the lateral equivalent of the Sao Khua Formation of the Khorat Group. This represents the first pterosaur cranial material in Thailand. It comprises a partial rostrum, preserving eleven tooth positions, and four associated tooth crowns. The anterior tip of the rostrum is dorsoventrally flattened and laterally expanded (spoon-shaped), indicating affinities to the Gnathosaurinae (Ctenochasmatidae). Alveoli borders are conspicuously scalloped and collar-like, and the palatal surface exhibits a pair of sinusoidal grooves. These features bear a strong resemblance to the Late Jurassic gnathosaurines Gnathosaurus subulatus, Tacuadactylus luciae, and Lusognathus almadrava. Our phylogenetic analysis indicates that the Thai pterosaur is closely related to these gnathosaurines. Still, the Thai gnathosaurine is unique in exhibiting a kite-shaped rostrum expansion and is recognized as a new taxon herein named Garudapterus buffetauti gen. et sp. nov. This new specimen provides essential information regarding pterosaurs, including updated data for a better understanding of their diversity and distribution throughout Southeast Asia.

Systematic Palaeontology

Pterosauria Owen, 1842

Pterodactyloidea Plieninger, 1901

Ctenochasmatoidea Unwin, 1995

Ctenochasmatidae Nopcsa, 1928

Gnathosaurinae Nopcsa, 1928

 

Garudapterus gen. nov.

Garudapterus buffetauti gen. et sp. nov. 

Conclusions: 

The new specimen, which represents the first pterosaur skull material ever recovered from Southeast Asia, exhibits several anatomical features that allow for a confident assignment to the Gnathosaurinae (Pterodactyloidea, Ctenochasmatoidea), most importantly a spatulate rostrum containing a large number of lateralized alveoli. Being quite distinguishable from other members of this group, the new specimen is herein recognized as a new genus and species, named Garudapterus buffetauti gen. et sp. ...

Sita Manitkoon, Rodrigo V. Pêgas, Thanit Nonsrirach, Prapasiri Warapeang, Komsorn Lauprasert, Uthumporn Deesri, Sakboworn Tumpeesuwan, Kamonlak Wongko and Xuanyu Zhou. 2025. First gnathosaurine (Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea) from the Early Cretaceous of eastern Thailand. Cretaceous Research. In Press, 106135. DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106135

 www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195667125000588 

 facebook.com/DinoThaiThai/videos/642396331745015

[Botany • 2025] Aulonemia insolita (Bambusoideae: Bambuseae: Arthrostylidiinae) • A New remarkable Woody Bamboo Species with internode dimorphism endemic to Bolivia and Peru

 Aulonemia insolita   

in Jiménez-Pérez, Reátegui, Malpartida-Garayet Ruiz-Sanchez, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.694.3.2 

  x.com/ruizlalo

 

Abstract

Species belonging to the genus Aulonemia have distribution across Mexico, Central America, northern and central Andes, the Guiana shield and southern Brazil. Three Aulonemia species: Aulonemia hirtula, A. queko, and A. herzogiana are known to have dimorphic internodes. In this study, we describe a new species of Aulonemia, characterized by culms with a pattern of one long internode followed by four to five shorter internodes. Notably, this species exhibits erect culm leaf blades, an uncommon trait within the genus. This study provides a comprehensive description of this new Aulonemia species, along with a distribution map, photographs and a morphological key to the species of Aulonemia with dimorphic internodes.

Central Andes, dimorphic internodes, erect culm leaf blades, reflexed culm leaf blades, Monocots

Ivan JIMÉNEZ-PÉREZ, Natalia REÁTEGUI, Celia Fiorella MALPARTIDA-GARAY and Eduardo RUIZ-SANCHEZ. 2025. Aulonemia insolita (Bambusoideae: Bambuseae: Arthrostylidiinae) A New remarkable Woody Bamboo Species with internode dimorphism endemic to Bolivia and Peru. Phytotaxa. 694(3); 223-234. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.694.3.2  [2025-03-24] 

  x.com/ruizlalo/status/1904703094530748681

[Botany • 2025] Telipogon cruentilabrum (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) • A New Species from mid-western Ecuador, long misidentified as T. dendriticus

Telipogon cruentilabrum  

in Iturralde, Jiménez, Monteros, Mertel et Baquero, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.694.3.6 

 facebook.com: Marco Monteros

 

Abstract

Telipogon cruentilabrum, from the cloud montane forest of mid-western Ecuador, is proposed as a new species. Plants of T. cruentilabrum are characterized by the yellow flowers with dark yellow longitudinal veins and tortuous, occasionally branched transversal lines; petals and lip with heavily undulate blades and irregularly reflexed margins; petals with a dark red-brown, swollen base; lip with a conspicuous radial, red-purple basal stain; a large, dark purple-red, elevated callus; anther profusely surrounded by three tufts of red-purple setae; and the stigma wide, sub-trapezoid, dark purple. This species has long been misidentified as T. dendriticus. Although in the holotype no callus is observed on the lip, and in its description and subsequent citations a callus is never mentioned. We provide here a detailed description, figures, distributional map and comparison with its morphological most similar species, T. tamboensis, and also include arguments to discriminate it from T. dendriticus.

Endangered species, New species, Telipogon Alliance, Monocots

Telipogon cruentilabrum sp. nov. 

Gabbriel A. ITURRALDE, Marco M. JIMÉNEZ, Marco F. MONTEROS, Carlos MARTEL and Luis E. BAQUERO. 2025. Telipogon cruentilabrum (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae): A New Species from mid-western Ecuador, long misidentified as T. dendriticus.  Phytotaxa. 694(3); 271-280. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.694.3.6  [2025-03-24] 

 facebook.com/MarcoMonteros1/posts/9660245977359721

[Botany • 2025] Camellia shuangbaiensis (Theaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Camellia shuangbaiensis  G.P.Yang & B.H.Wu,   

in Z.-Y. Li, Wu, Qu, Du, H.-O. Liu, Duan, F.-F. Li et W.-H. Liu, 2025. 

 双柏山茶  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.144891

Abstract

A new species of the genus Camellia (Theaceae), Camellia shuangbaiensis G.P.Yang & B.H.Wu, sp. nov., from the central region of Yunnan Province of China is described. Camellia shuangbaiensis is morphologically similar to C. mileensis and C. hongkongensis, but it can be distinguished by its smaller leaves with an ovate, abaxially tomentose lamina, and 14–16 bracteoles and sepals.

Key words: Camellia, Flora, new taxon, Shuangbai County, taxonomy

Camellia shuangbaiensis
A flowering individual and habitat B stem C flowering branch D fruiting branches E tomentose and punctate leaf abaxial surface F pubescent midvein on the leaf abaxial surface G leaves H branchlet I flower buds J fruits K bracteoles and sepals L pistil M androecium N petals.

Photographed by Shang Qu and Bao-Huan Wu. Scale bars: 1 cm.

 Camellia shuangbaiensis G.P.Yang & B.H.Wu, sp. nov.

 双柏山茶 (Shuang Bai Shan Cha)

Diagnosis. Camellia shuangbaiensis morphologically resembles C. mileensis T.L.Ming and C. hongkongensis Seem., but it can be distinguished from the latter two species by its leaves with ovate shape, tomentose abaxial surface and rounded leaf base and bracteoles/sepals 14–16.

Etymology. The specific epithet “shuangbaiensis” refers to Shuangbai County of Yunnan Province, the type locality of the new species.

Zi-Yuan Li, Bao-Huan Wu, Shang Qu, Le-Shan Du, Hai-Ou Liu, He-Xiang Duan, Fei-Fei Li and Wen-Hui Liu. 2025. Camellia shuangbaiensis (Theaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 254: 143-149. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.144891

[Botany • 2025] Primulina nanlingensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from the Limestone Karst of Guangdong, China

 

Primulina nanlingensis J.C.Luo & H.F.Chen, 

in Luo, Y.-Q. Li, Y.-L. Li, She, Zeng, Wang et Chen, 2025. 

南岭报春苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.145138  

Abstract

Primulina nanlingensis, a new species of Gesneriaceae from the Karst of Guangdong, China, is described and illustrated. This species is morphologically similar to P. versicolor, but can be distinguished by its larger crenate-margined leaves, fewer flowers per cyme and overall cyme number, ovate-lanceolate bracts with shallow serrations, calyx lobes with 1–3 teeth per side, stamens densely glandular at base and tip and pistil densely glandular-puberulent. It also resembles P. pengii, but has significant differences in its longer corolla, pale yellow corolla colour and ovate-lanceolate bracts. Phylogenetic analyses with ITS and trnL-F sequences revealed that P. nanlingensis is sister to P. versicolor and P. pengii, but isolated from its morphological relatives. The phylogenetic and morphological relationships with similar species are discussed, including detailed descriptions, photographs and distribution information. According to the IUCN Red List Criteria, the new species is assessed as Near Threatened [NT].

Key words: Gesneriaceae, limestone flora, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Primulina nanlingensis J.C.Luo & H.F.Chen
A habit B side view of corolla C frontal view of corolla D opened corolla E stamens F pistil with calyx lobes G outside surface of calyx lobes H outside surface of bracts I capsule.

 Drawn by Mrs. Yunxiao Liu based on J.C. Luo & H.F. Chen LJC00501.

Primulina nanlingensis J.C.Luo & H.F.Chen
 A plants in natural habitat B habit in flowering C cyme and frontal view of corolla D the adaxial and abaxial surface of leaf blades E outside surface of bracts F frontal view of corolla G side view of corolla H opened corolla showing stamens, staminodes and colour I stamens J stigma K outside and inside surface of calyx lobes L pistil with calyx lobes and pistil without calyx lobes M infructescence.

 Primulina nanlingensis J.C.Luo & H.F.Chen, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is similar to Primulina versicolor F.Wen, B.Pan & B.M.Wang in terms of flower shape and corolla colour, but easily distinguished from the larger leaf blades (10–21 × 7–19 cm vs. 8–18 × 6.5–16.5 cm) with a crenate margin (vs. entire); notably lower number of flowers (3–4 cymes, 4–8 flowered vs. 4–8 cymes, 4–24 flowered or more); bracts ovate-lanceolate (vs. broadly oval or suborbicular), with shallowly serrate margins above the middle (vs. entire margins); calyx lobes densely glandular on both surfaces (vs. outside glandular-pubescent inside nearly glabrous) and with 1–3 inconspicuous teeth each side (vs. 3–5-serrate); longer pistil (3.2–3.5 cm vs. 2.5–2.8 cm) and glandular-puberulent (vs. puberulent); filaments white (vs. pale yellow) with densely glandular at base and tip, sparser mid-section (vs. only upper half sparsely glandular-puberulent). Additionally, while the leaf morphology of this new species resembles that of P. pengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung, it differs in having a longer corolla length (4.2–5.2 cm vs. 2.8–3.6 cm), pale yellow corollas (vs. white) and ovate-lanceolate bracts with slightly serrate edges above the middle (vs. cordate bracts with entire margins).

Etymology. The species epithet refers to the type locality, the Nanling Mountains.

Vernacular name. 南岭报春苣苔 (Chinese name);

 Nán Lǐng Bào Chūn Jù Tái (Chinese pronunciation).

Jin-Chu Luo, Yuan-Qiu Li, Ya-Li Li, Ming-Zhao She, Yang-Jin Zeng, Fa-Guo Wang and Hong-Feng Chen. 2025. Primulina nanlingensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from the Limestone Karst of Guangdong, China. PhytoKeys. 254: 99-111. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.145138  

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Sirenobethylus charybdis • A Cretaceous Fly Trap? Remarkable Abdominal Modification in A Fossil Wasp

Sirenobethylus charybdis Wu, Vilhelmsen & Gao, 

in Wu, Vilhelmsen, Li, Zhuo, Ren et Gao, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02190-2

Abstract

Background: Carnivorous insects have evolved a range of prey and host capture mechanisms. However, insect predation strategies in the fossil record remain poorly understood.

Results: Here, we describe †Sirenobethylus charybdis n. gen. & sp., based on sixteen adult female wasps in Kachin amber from the mid-Cretaceous, 99 Mya (million years ago), and place it in Chrysidoidea: †Sirenobethylidae n. fam. The fossils display unique morphological modifications on the tip of the abdomen consisting of three flaps from the modified abdominal sternum 6 and tergum and sternum 7; the lower flap formed from sternum 6 is preserved in different positions relative to the other flaps in different specimens, indicating that they form some sort of grasping apparatus. Nothing similar is known from any other insect; the rounded abdominal apparatus, combined with the setae along the edges, is reminiscent of a Venus flytrap. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the new family is a separate lineage close to the base of Chrysidoidea.

Conclusions: †Sirenobethylus probably was a koinobiont parasitoid wasp; the abdominal grasping apparatus may have been used to temporarily immobilize the host during oviposition. The new fossils suggest that Chrysidoidea displayed a wider range of parasitoid strategies in the mid-Cretaceous than they do today.

Keywords: Sirenobethylidae, Chrysidoidea, Morphology, Grasping apparatus, Phylogeny

†Sirenobethylus charybdis sp. nov., holotype (specimen CNU-HYM-MA2015124) female.
A Dorsal view as preserved. B The tip of abdomen and ovipositor in ventral view, showing trigger hairs (black arrows). C The tip of abdomen and ovipositor in lateral view, showing trigger hairs (black arrows), ovipositor (orange arrow) and groove on the sternum 7 (blue arrow). D Habitus reconstruction.

Scale bars: A 0.5 mm; B 0.3 mm; C 0.2 mm. 

Abbreviations: S6 sternum 6; T7 tergum 7; S7 sternum 7

Systematic paleontology

Order Hymenoptera Linnaeus, 1758.

Infraorder Aculeata Latreille, 1802.

Superfamily Chrysidoidea Latreille, 1802.

Family †Sirenobethylidae Wu, Vilhelmsen & Gao fam. nov.

 

Type genus. †Sirenobethylus Wu, Vilhelmsen & Gao gen. nov.

Diagnosis. Head hypognathous, with medial line on vertex. Antenna with nine flagellomeres, antennal sockets simple, close to posterior margin of clypeus; clypeus projecting and acute in lateral view, slightly convex; mandibles with four apical teeth along truncate apical margin; occipital carina distinct, complete. Propleuron not exposed in dorsal view; prosternum small, diamond-shaped, exposed; notauli present. Female macropterous. Second abdominal (first metasomal) segment in dorsal view with angular anterolateral corners; tergum 7 longer than wide, distinctly narrower than other terga; sternum 6 wider than other sterna, laterally expanded distally, paddle-shaped, projecting posteriorly, posterior margin concave, with a dozen very long, slender setae; many thick spines on dorsal surface of sternum 6. Sternum 7 with median part accommodating ovipositor shaft dorsally and two lateral parts curving outwards before approaching median part distally; median and lateral parts of sternum 7 separated by weakly sclerotized areas. Sting sheaths on either side of the sting, apparently shorter than sting.

Genus †Sirenobethylus Wu, Vilhelmsen & Gao gen. nov.

 

Type species. †Sirenobethylus charybdis Wu, Vilhelmsen & Gao sp. nov.

Etymology. The new generic name is a combination of the Greek ‘sireno-’ meaning ‘female humanlike beings with alluring voices in Greek mythology’, and ‘bethylus’, from the nominal genus of Bethylidae. ‘Sireno-’ is also a reference to Mammalia: Sirenia, as the ‘tail’ of the wasp in ventral view resembles that of a manatee. The gender is masculine.

†Sirenobethylus charybdis Wu, Vilhelmsen & Gao sp. nov. 

Etymology. The epithet refers to Charybdis, the sea monster in Greek mythology who alternately swallowed and disgorged copious amounts seawater three times a day.

 

Materials. Holotype. Female, CNU-HYM-MA-2015124.

Locality and horizon. The amber specimen was collected from Kachin (Hukawng Valley) of northern Myanmar, which is dated at 98.79 ± 0.62 Mya [17, 18].

Bayesian phylogenetic tree based on morphological characters. The large black dots show the age of the Kachin amber species; the branch nodes of this phylogenetic tree are not time-calibrated, the geological time scale refers only to the fossil taxa. The numbers on the branch nodes are posterior probabilities. Green branches: Chrysidoidea; blue branches: Vespoidea; orange branches: Apoidea. Families with habitus images associated indicated in purple: †Sirenobethylus charybdis (Sirenobethylidae), Chrysis ignita (Chrysididae), Pristocera depressa (Bethylidae), Embolemus ruddii (Embolemidae), Rhopalomutilla carinaticeps (Mutillidae), Polistes nimpha (Vespidae), Scolia quadripunctata (Scoliidae), Formica rufa (Formicidae)

Qiong Wu, Lars Vilhelmsen, Xiaoqin Li, De Zhuo, Dong Ren and Taiping Gao. 2025. A Cretaceous Fly Trap? Remarkable Abdominal Modification in A Fossil Wasp. BMC Biology. 23, 81. DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02190-2 [27 March 2025]